, , , , . Dr. Cynthia Elliott, owner of Skinspirations, announces the company's upcoming Oscar Party. Our goal is to make every person who walks through our door feel great about themselves and partnering with Dress for Success only helps to further that ambition. We all have at least one thing in common: everyone wants to look their best, and for one night this month, February 25, everyone attending Skinspirations 4th annual Oscar party can dress up in their finest and contribute to a good cause that helps others look their best too. Once again, Dr. Cynthia Elliott is throwing open the doors of her nationally recognized cosmetic medical facility between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and hosting a gala Oscars party where attendees can arrive in A-List evening attire (though it is not mandatory) and enter a series of raffles for dazzling prizes that range from professional skin care and makeup to the same non-surgical cosmetic treatments the stars use. The glamorous party is a benefit for Tampa Bays Dress for Success organization, a non-profit organization with a mission to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Our goal is to make every person who walks through our door feel great about themselves and partnering with Dress for Success only helps to further that ambition, said Dr. Elliott. Skinspirations has a reputation for achieving excellent results through effective nonsurgical procedures utilizing state of the art technology with minimal to no downtime. Dr. Elliott and her team at Skinspirations are well-known for working to help the community in which they live and operate. Being beauty and aesthetics professionals, they are keenly aware of the need for programs such as Dress for Success and are doing what they can to make a contribution. It goes without saying that feeling good about your appearance builds confidence, Dr. Elliott said. When someone feels good about his or her appearance, it helps boost their initiative and communication skills. It can spark a real change. For each donation item attendees bring from the wish list for Dress for Success, theyll receive a ticket (up to 5) to be entered into raffles for prizes that include Botox treatments, a Coolsculpting Cycle, gloMinerals makeup, SkinMedica treatments, products, Latisse & more! Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase $5 each (up to 5). For every friend attendees bring who is new to Skinspirations, theyll be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $250 Skinspirations gift card. Space is limited to the first 50 guests to sign up. Exciting live demonstrations will include: Coolsculpting treatment with the Coolmini applicator; Injectable Lip Enhancement with Juvederm by Kate Dellangelo, ARNP-C; a Botox treatment by Dr. Chase; a Liquid Facelift with Voluma by Dr. Elliott and a SkinMedica Vitalize Chemical Peel by aesthetician Gale Pingleton. There will also be makeup applications by Glo makeup artist, Kara Hively, refreshments by Catering by the Family, Oscar party trivia for prizes including featured treatments and products and party-only specials for those in attendance. Event info: Night at the Oscars Event Date: Thursday, February 25th 2016 Time: 5:00 p.m.- 7:30p.m. Where: Skinspirations 13577 Feather Sound Dr. Suite 350 Clearwater, FL 33762 R.S.V.P. Only (Oscar worthy attire encouraged but not required.) RSVP: call 727.571.1923 or email customerservice(at)skinspirations(dot)info About Dr. Cynthia Elliott and Skinspirations: Cynthia Elliott, M.D., is the owner of Skinspirations, located in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Elliott obtained her M.D. from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, and then completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Denver General Hospital and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She has been on staff at Bayfront Medical Center, St. Josephs Hospital, University Community Hospital and Mease Countryside Hospital, and has served on the faculty of the USF School of Medicine. Dr. Elliott currently serves as an expert witness in Cosmetic Medicine for the Florida Board of Medicine. Her company, ExpertEsthetics, provides online video training in advanced injection techniques, as well as hands-on technique training for other practitioners. Dr. Elliott is also a national and international trainer for Cutera Lasers, training other physicians in the use of aesthetic lasers with skin of all colors. Skinspirations specializes exclusively in rejuvenation, enhancement and anti-aging treatments for the face and body. With her staff of aesthetic experts, you know youll get the best results obtainable. Dr. Elliott has been in practice for over 20 years, and has the experience and reputation to have been chosen by the makers of Botox Cosmetic and Juvederm to train other physicians and practitioners in her techniques. For more information, visit http://www.skinspirations.com/. RETA Authorized Instructor at SCS Engineers SCS Engineers, an environmental consulting and contracting company, proudly announces that Eric Girven, CARO, CIRO, and Project Manager in Pennsylvania has earned the Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Associations (RETA) Authorized Instructor certification (RAI). The RAI certification means that Eric meets RETAs rigorous standards for his knowledge of refrigeration systems and his skill as a trainer. According to the RETA website, there are currently only eleven RAIs in the United States. SCS Engineers hopes to add two more RAIs soon. Eric Girven serves clients in the Eastern United States. He works out of the Wyalusing office just outside of Scranton, PA, providing expertise in Process Safety Management and Energy Management supporting SCSs public and private clients with a focus on industrial refrigeration facilities. Industrial refrigeration facilities must be operated in conformance with regulations administered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) Process Safety Management (PSM) and the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) Risk Management Program (RMP). Eric assists clients in complying with these requirements, including mechanical integrity inspections for the ammonia refrigeration system, as well as assistance with energy efficiency measures. Eric has helped our clients with industrial facilities comply with regulations and implement energy saving strategies that streamline their operations and energy programs, said Lee Pyle, an SCS Engineers Vice President and Project Director of the PSM and RMP programs. Erics multiple certifications and his deep experience put him in an exclusive and talented minority of industrial safety professionals. About SCS Engineers SCS Engineers environmental solutions are a direct result of our experience and dedication to waste management and other industries responsible for safeguarding the environment. For more information about SCS, please visit our website at http://www.scsengineers.com/services/risk-management-plans-and-process-safety-management. Savings on a 2014 Ford Escape can be $5,325 or more When the Canadian dollar was near par with the US dollar in 2008 2010, Automall Network founder and President Viraf Baliwalla, added importing vehicles to his company's car buying services to help Canadian customers save money. Automall Network, an auto broker with a dealer's license, developed a just-in-time turnkey solution which included sourcing a vehicle in the US, either at dealerships or wholesale auctions, having the vehicle independently inspected by a licensed mechanic, reviewing the vehicle history, checking for recalls, transporting the vehicle to Canada and managing all the regulatory requirements. Clients simply picked up their car in Toronto or it was shipped to the client's home anywhere in the country. "The large disparity in vehicle prices between Canada and the US combined with the strong Canadian currency made it dramatically less expensive for Canadians to buy cars from the US, especially higher end vehicles like Porsche, BMW and Mercedes" says Baliwalla. "Savings on the higher end vehicles often ranged between $10,000 and $15,000. However, at the height, we were also bringing across Toyota Corollas which were typically $15,000 vehicles and still saving clients $2,000 after all was said and done". Now that the tides have turned and the US dollar is so much stronger, Automall Network has reverse engineered their service to offer Americans similar benefits. Sources estimate that American dealers and wholesalers are importing approximately 200,000 used vehicles per year due to the exchange rate. "Now American consumers will be able to buy direct using Automall Network's services" says Baliwalla. Take, for example, a 2014 Ford Escape AWD Titanium with approximately 30,000 miles. In the US, the average price of this vehicle is currently $25,400 US while in Canada, the same vehicle with approximately 45,000 km has an average price of approximately $27,500 CDN, even less if properly negotiated. At the current exchange rate of 73 cents, this works out to $20,075 US, a savings of $5,325 US. The savings would be even higher after negotiation. As well, the newer the car, the bigger the savings. Also consider a 2014 Toyota Camry LE Sedan with similar mileage. The average price is $17,530 US while in Canada, the same vehicle is selling for $21,800 CDN. After conversion, that works out to $13,432 US, a savings of $4,098 US. "Not every car will make sense for Americans to import" says Baliwalla "Each request has to be researched separately to ensure it is worthwhile, both financially and from a regulatory standpoint. But that is all included in the service we provide". For used cars, Automall Network offers two tiers of service. If the customer does the legwork to find the vehicle they want, then Automall Network can do the negotiation only for $195. If they cannot save at least $400, they do not charge. For those that would prefer to have Automall Network source the vehicle, the charge is $799 if the vehicle is already in the US or $1500 if it ends up being imported. There is a $150 deposit with the balance upon completion. The customer pays separately for Automall Network's fee, and reimburses Automall Network at cost for the vehicle itself. "Step 1 is to research both sides of the border to determine whether it makes sense financially. A market snapshot report is generated which helps determine a realistic budget. The customer also gets our 'what-if' calculator to provide a reasonably accurate ballpark of what the total overall cost would be". If the client approves and wants to proceed, then Automall Network will conduct a daily search and forward vehicles worth considering to the client for approval. Once approved, they will then negotiate a price subject to an independent inspection and a review of the VIN history. So what if it turns out that importing doesn't make sense? Has the $150 deposit gone to waste? "Not at all" says Baliwalla. "We apply it towards finding a vehicle already in the US. The customer still saves money as we would negotiate a trade price with the selling dealer plus we make sure the vehicle is properly inspected and the history is checked. It prevents consumers from making purchase decisions that result in buyer's remorse later". Automall Network also handles new car purchases and leases. For $75, they provide a "Best Price Report" which identifies the best prices their mystery shoppers have found in the client's market for any vehicle. Now that the client knows the target price, they can then negotiate their best deal with any dealer they wish. For the convenience of those that don't have the time or patience for negotiating, Automall Network offers a new car Full Concierge Service for $295 where they will negotiate the value of the new car, extra dealer fees and the value of the trade-in, if there is one. "Unfortunately, new cars cannot be imported across borders so this is a local service only" says Baliwalla. In 2016, experts say the US dollar will get even stronger, making it a very smart financial move to consider Canadian for your next vehicle. Automall Network is a Canadian licensed dealer, serving clients in both Canada and the United States, however they don't operate like a dealer; they work for the buyer to help clients save money and time on their next new or used car purchase or lease. They help clients save money on their next car as well get more for their trade-ins. For media inquiries, contact Viraf Baliwalla at (416) 249-5474 x303 or viraf(at)automallnetwork(dot)com. Cubic Logo - 2014 We are pleased to be able to provide ongoing support to the U.S. Armys PEO STRI to help ensure readiness now and for the unknown next mission. Cubic Global Defense (CGD), a business unit of Cubic Corporation (NYSE: CUB), today announced it was awarded contracts valued at $44 million for its Instrumentable-Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System Individual Weapon Systems (I-MILES IWS) from the U.S. Armys Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI). I-MILES IWS is critical to the quality of home-station training as it offers heightened realism during exercise scenarios. I-MILES IWS uses laser transmitters attached to military weapons and body sensors to detect hits and perform real-time casualty assessments to replicate combat and record data for later review. The user-friendly system features small, lightweight components for individual soldiers and requires less time to attach the Small Arms Transmitters and align to the weapon than previous versions. It also maintains alignment during an entire exercise. We are pleased to be able to provide ongoing support to the U.S. Armys PEO STRI to help ensure readiness now and for the unknown next mission, said Bill Toti, president of Cubic Global Defense. Cubics I-MILES IWS enables increased confidence in the tactics practiced during training as it allows soldiers to train as they fight and do so more efficiently and effectively. Cubics I-MILES IWS advanced technology is flexible, upgradeable and interoperable. Its delivered with the option to add range instrumentation solutions to support recording and playback of exercise results and maneuvers. # # # About Cubic Corporation Cubic Corporation designs, integrates and operates systems, products and services focused in the transportation, defense training and secure communications markets. As the parent company of two major business units, Cubics mission is to increase situational awareness and understanding for customers worldwide. Cubic Transportation Systems is a leading integrator of payment and information technology and services to create intelligent travel solutions for transportation authorities and operators. Cubic Global Defense is a leading provider of realistic combat training systems, secure communications and networking and highly specialized support services for military and security forces of the U.S. and allied nations. For more information about Cubic, please visit the company's website at http://www.cubic.com or on Twitter @CubicCorp. Media Contact Laura Chon Corporate Communications Cubic Corporation 858-505-2181 laura.chon(at)cubic(dot)com AspireHR Labs today announced the release of AspireHR Cloud Benefits Release 2.1, a North American benefits solution for customers using SAP SuccessFactors solutions. Cloud Benefits has SAP-certified integration with the SAP ERP application and is designed for organizations using the SAP ERP Human Capital Management (SAP ERP HCM) solution that prefer to self-administer employee benefits. We heard from many SAP customers that they needed a modern, mobile benefits communications and enrollment solution, and so we created Cloud Benefits, said Brian Collett, managing partner at AspireHR Labs. We anticipate two groups of customers that will achieve immediate benefits from implementing Cloud Benefits. According to Mr. Collett, the first are customers of SAP ERP HCM who are looking to move their HR processes to SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central while continuing to process payroll and benefits within their systems running the SAP ERP application. For these hybrid customers, retaining benefits on-premise reduces the cost to administer benefit programs through tight integration with the payroll component of SAP ERP, and avoids the disruption of migrating to another platform. However, the current benefits enrollment technology of employee self-service in SAP ERP has a different user experience and, for many customers, can only be accessed within the companys IT network. For these customers, Cloud Benefits deployed on SAP HANA Cloud Platform as an extension of SAP SuccessFactors solutions is the answer to their challenges. It allows customers to continue to utilize their SAP ERP HCM solution while providing an employee enrollment experience that is consistent with SAP SuccessFactors software and fully integrated via single sign-on. It provides optimal data security using SAP HANA Cloud Platform to securely connect to the customers SAP system, eliminating the need for file transfers and data duplication. This real-time integration between the SAP ERP HCM and SAP SuccessFactors solutions minimizes data-security vulnerabilities. The second group includes SAP ERP HCM customers who are looking to modernize their paper benefits enrollment process or to serve a workforce without access to their corporate IT network. For these customers, the deployment of Cloud Benefits using SAP Gateway technology supports access via employees own mobile phone, tablet and PC outside the corporate IT network. By using SAPUI5 design principles, Cloud Benefits provides a platform for comprehensive employer benefit program communications that increases employee understanding of enrollment options, thereby reducing inquiries and enrollment errors. Regardless of the deployment model, customers can now benefit from an SAP certified integration that has passed certification scenarios covering the SAP Fiori user experience, SAP Gateway deployment, and ABAP development tools for add-ons, notes Mr. Collett. As one of a handful of organizations to achieve this certification globally, it confirms AspireHR as a leader in using SAP Fiori and extension technologies for SAP SuccessFactors solutions. To learn more, please visit http://www.aspirehrlabs.com or call 214-880-0099. About AspireHR AspireHR is a U.S.-based SAP partner focused exclusively on the unique needs of the HR marketplace. AspireHR provides experienced and knowledgeable consultants delivering services for SAP and SAP SuccessFactors solutions, and world-class packaged software solutions tailored for clients specific needs. AspireHRs services for SAP solutions include implementations, upgrades and support of the SAP ERP HCM solution, including payroll, benefits, time management, HR renewal, development and data conversions. AspireHR also offers services for solutions including SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central, SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll, SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting, SAP SuccessFactors Onboarding, SAP SuccessFactors Learning, SAP SuccessFactors Compensation, the SAP Jam social software platform, SAP SuccessFactors Succession & Development, and support and integration with SAP ERP HCM. ### SAP, SuccessFactors, SAP HANA, SAP Fiori, ABAP, Jam and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE (or an SAP affiliate company) in Germany and other countries. See http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. ### Chris Moloney These customers are key to the banks future and they want to communicate with us differently. Banking Leaders including CEOs and other industry leaders converged at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort for the ABA National Conference for Community Bankers this week. GREMLN Social Media CEO Chris Moloney, and Mike Cruz, Digital Marketing Manager at TheBANK of Edwardsville, led a panel discussion on How Community Banks Can Win With Millennials. David Stillman, generations expert, founder of GenZGuru, and best-selling author, moderated the panel. Right now, Millennials are looking for a partner they can trust as they travel the road of financial success, said Cruz. Its a perfect opportunity for community banks like TheBANK to begin building fruitful, long term relationships with them today. Banks are realizing incredible growth by leveraging social media effectively and by educating their teams on how to expand their business networks, said Moloney. Being able to actively manage that activity and reduce compliance risks is essential for banks today. These customers are key to the banks future and they want to communicate with us differently. The panel also highlighted that social media is a key tool for banks to use to communicate with customers and for banks to show how they are supporting their communities. Over the next few years, banks must master social media in order to retain customers and gather new ones, Moloney added. The American Bankers Association through its subsidiary the Corporation for American Banking has endorsed the social media marketing, monitoring, and compliance platforms of GREMLN, a leading provider of digital marketing tools for financial services organizations. This endorsement establishes the GREMLN Social Guardian platform as the recommended social media marketing and compliance solution of choice for ABA members. For more information about the American Bankers Association endorsement of GREMLN Social Media visit: http://brev.is/HDpB About American Bankers Association The American Bankers Association is the voice of the nations $16 trillion banking industry, which is composed of small, regional and large banks that together employ more than 2 million people, safeguard $12 trillion in deposits and extend more than $8 trillion in loans. Learn more at http://www.aba.com. About GREMLN Social Media Founded in 2009, GREMLN is a digital and social media marketing company that provides tools for users to manage their social media needs. GREMLN offers organizational tools to streamline all of the social media marketing campaigns for individuals and groups. In 2015, the American Bankers Association endorsed GREMLN for all U.S. member banks and employees. GREMLN Social helps users save time and money with Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn content management and analytics all in one central dashboard. GREMLN helps companies and employees engage with customers, monitor social mentions, and schedule content marketing campaigns at the optimal time and frequency in one platform. GREMLNs Social Guardian tool allows for regulated users, such as financial services employees and companies, to manage safe, secure and compliant social media campaigns. With built-in tracking tools and results analysis, GREMLN is the best-in-class solution for managing social media campaigns. For more information, visit GREMLN.com. About The Bank of Edwardsville Established in 1868, TheBANK of Edwardsville is a leading, locally owned community bank in the metro St. Louis area with 20 locations in Illinois and Missouri. TheBANK has a tradition of providing personal service, offering the most innovative products and giving back to the communities in which it serves. For more information, please visit us online at http://www.4thebank.com, on Facebook at http://www.facebook/thebankofedwardsville or on Twitter at @4thebank. # # # GeoMesa allows you to store Big Spatial Data in the cloud. Obtaining LocationTechs backing as a mature open-source project represents a major achievement and we are proud to be a part of this community. Commonwealth Computer Research, Inc. (CCRI), a research, development, and analytics company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, today announced commercial support for the recently released version 1.2 of GeoMesa, the open source suite of geospatial analytics tools designed to run with Hadoop-scale volumes of data. Along with several new features that add to GeoMesa's capabilities, this is the first version of GeoMesa to be released after a thorough review by the Eclipse Foundation's LocationTech Working Group. CCRi worked closely with LocationTech to ensure that GeoMesas source code and all of its dependencies conform to business-friendly software licenses and were compatible with GeoMesas Apache v2 License. Such a thorough review of the intellectual property gives businesses using the software assurance that they can confidently use it and build solutions based on GeoMesa. According to CCRi Director of Business Development and Strategy, Jamie Conklin, "GeoMesa is a key part of a spatially-aware big data platform. It enables organizations to take full advantage of their spatio-temporal data with a completely open-source technology stack. Obtaining LocationTechs backing as a mature open-source project represents a major achievement and we are proud to be a part of this community." The GeoMesa suite of tools enables large-scale geospatial analytics on cloud and distributed computing systems, letting you manage and analyze the huge spatio-temporal datasets that IoT, social media, tracking, and mobile phone applications seek to take advantage of today. It does this by providing spatio-temporal data persistence on top of the Accumulo, HBase, Google Cloud Bigtable and Cassandra distributed column-oriented databases for massive storage of point, line, and polygon data. GeoMesa also provides support for near real time processing of spatio-temporal data streams by layering spatial semantics on top of the Apache Kafka messaging system. Through a geographical information server such as the OpenGeo Suites GeoServer, GeoMesa facilitates integration with a wide range of existing mapping clients by enabling access to its databases and streaming capabilities over standard OGC (Open Geospatial Consortium) APIs and protocols such as WFS and WMS. These interfaces also let GeoMesa drive map user interfaces and serve up data for analytics such as queries, histograms, heat maps, and time series analyses. Highlights of Release 1.2 of GeoMesa include: Robust support for geospatial persistence and querying in Accumulo Streaming geospatial filtering using Apache Kafka and other open-source streaming systems Prototype support for HBase and Google Bigtable Prototype Cassandra support Geospatial BLOB store to index binary artifacts such as georeferenced photographs A flexible and extensible library for rapidly integrating with many data formats in GeoMesa For more information about GeoMesa, visit http://www.geomesa.org. For over 20 years, CCRi has provided government and commercial customers with scalable, production-grade solutions to data-centric problems. They bring to bear the latest research in algorithms and data science, and render solutions in intuitive end-user software that their clients can apply immediately. CCRis team of systems engineers, data scientists, and software engineers applies decades of experience to each stage of data driven solution developmentfrom basic research in data science to system implementation and support. Born from the need to store and process vast quantities of spatial data on a cloud, CCRi developed GeoMesa to back its latest cloud-based analytics. CCRi has long leveraged the excellent tools provided by the open-source geospatial community and is excited to be contributing back with GeoMesa. CCRi is partnered with Boundless (http://boundlessgeo.com) to offer support, training, and professional services around GeoMesa and the OpenGeo Suite. For more information about GeoMesa support and professional services, visit http://www.ccri.com or via email. This is another example of Hartmans continuing efforts to put the needs of investors first. We look forward to a long and beneficial partnership with AIP, said Al Hartman, CEO. Hartman Short Term Income Properties XX, Inc. (Hartman XX) announced today that it will be partnering with the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporations (DTCC) Alternative Investment Product Services (AIP) platform in its continual efforts to provide superior customer service to its advisor partners in the broker/dealer community and their clients. AIP links broker/dealers, fund managers, fund administrators, and custodians to provide a standardized end-to-end reporting process for alternative investments, including non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs). The real benefit of the AIP Platform is that all of a clients investment positions can be reflected on a singular account statement, which enhances investment transparency and the investors overall understanding of portfolio composition and performance, said Rick Vitale, CFA, President of Hartman Advisors. This is another example of Hartmans continuing efforts to put the needs of investors first. We look forward to a long and beneficial partnership with AIP, said Al Hartman, CEO. About Hartman Hartman is a Texas-centric value-oriented REIT sponsor which intends to purchase properties primarily in Texas that provide opportunities the potential for meaningful growth in value. For additional information about Hartmans public non-traded REIT investment offerings, please visit http://www.HartmanREITs.com or call 800-880-2212. For more information, please contact Rick Vitale, CFA, at 651-491-3693. THIS PRESS RELEASE SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SECURITIES. Securities offered through D. H. Hill Securities, LLLP, Member FINRA/SIPC, 1543 Green Oak Place, Ste. 100, Kingwood, TX 77339. (832) 644-1852. TU-Automotive has also added two new sessions to the Active Safety Europe: ADAS to Autonomous event, analysing extreme weather conditions and how ADAS will interact with autonomous technology in the near future. The message for this years conference is clear: before we can talk with real, technical meaning about full vehicle autonomy, ADAS is the hot point for the likes of Volkswagen, Tata Motors, Peugeot Citroen and many more. The updated agenda can be viewed here: http://www.tu-auto.com/activesafety-europe/ Conference organiser, Jack Fowler says: Active Safety Europe is the most comprehensive and relevant look at what is happening in the here and now of ADAS and active safety. The updated agenda details the expert speakers from Europes auto elite as they showcase the software, sensors and mapping developments happening in their R&D labs, as we push the technology to reach the goal of more vehicle autonomy. This event is Europes leading ADAS tech forum with the most relevant and in-depth agenda assessing the path from ADAS to autonomous. Topics include sensor redundancy and the software stack, the 360 view of the vehicle, new legislation, the challenges around liability, cyber security for increasing complexity, the HMI of level 3 vehicles, plus much more. The full agenda and speaker line-up can be found on the website here: http://www.tu-auto.com/activesafety-europe/ The Only Event In Europe Focussing On The Here And Now Of ADAS The event has already attracted significant attention from the leading ADAS experts across Europe and is the best place to learn and network in 2016 with over 150 attendees and 30 speakers. Speakers include: Mark Basten, Group Chief Engineer - Electrical/Electronic at Tata Motors European Technical Centre Lennart Bendewald, Head of HMI for driving and assistance, Volkswagen Group Research Thierry Le Hay, Director of Innovation, PSA Peugeot Citroen Francois Guichard, Manager UN Secretary Active Safety, UNECE Iain Forbes, Head of Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, Department of Transport Tim Leinmuller, Info and Safety Engineering, DENSO Nicolas Dulac, CEO, Intempora Jennifer Dungs, Institute Director, Fraunhofer IAO Matthew Avery, Director of Insurance Research, Thatcham Research Dr. Christoph Lauterwasser, Managing Director, Allianz Center for Technology Dr. Alain Dunoyer, Head of Safe Car, SBD Wim van Thillo, R&D, IMEC Dr. Wolfgang Bosch, Institute of Microwave and Photonic Engineering, Graz University of Technology Register before Friday, March 18th via the secure link below to take advantage of a 300 saving on all conference passes: http://www.tu-auto.com/activesafety-europe/register.php About TU-Automotive: TU-Automotive is the reference point and communications hub for the evolving automotive technology segment as it converges with consumer electronics, mobile and IoT to re-define connectivity, mobility and autonomous use-cases. Contact: Jack Fowler Project Director | TU-Automotive 7-9 Fashion Street, London, E1 6PX, UK Office: +44 (0)20 7422 4380 Email: jfowler(at)tu-auto(dot)com The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For competition identifies and honors companies that deliver exceptional human resource practices and an impressive commitment to their employees. Organizations are assessed based on categories such as communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, retention and more, according to their website. Once nominated, companies are evaluated by an independent research firm. Winners will participate in an awards gala on April 18, 2016. Summer Energy is honored to be selected as one of the best and brightest organizations in Houston and especially pleased to be the only retail electric provider to make this years list, said Neil Leibman, CEO of Summer Energy. This was our first time to be nominated and this selection is an incredible achievement for Summer Energy. One of the core principles when we founded Summer Energy was to form a company made up of the most innovative individuals in our industry, while creating a dynamic, enjoyable work environment. We are proud our employees recognize this continued Mr. Leibman. About Best and Brightest Companies to Work For: The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, a program of the National Association for Business Resources is presented annually in several markets: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Houston, Milwaukee, San Diego, San Francisco and Nationally. Nominations are now being accepted. Visit http://www.101bestandbrightest.com to obtain an application. About Summer Energy Holdings, Inc.: Summer Energy Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of Summer Energy, LLC, a Texas-based retail electric provider which entered the market in February 2012. Summer Energy offers residential and all size commercial customers in the Texas restructured retail energy market competitive prices, pricing choices, and improved customer friendly service. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including information about managements view of the Companys future expectations, plans and prospects, within the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Act). In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words believes, expects, intends, plans, anticipates, or may, and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act, and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Act. Any statements made in this news release other than those of historical fact, about an action, event or development, are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the results of the Company, its divisions and concepts to be materially different than those expressed or implied in such statements. These risk factors and others are included from time to time in documents the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to, its Form 10-Ks, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on the Companys future results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. The Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Finally, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements after the date of this release, except as required by law, and also takes no obligation to update or correct information prepared by third parties that are not paid for by the Company. Factor Equipment was established to offer quality outdoor and tactical products with matchless customer service. We have plans to create more high-quality products. We are not just a flashlight company. Announcing the launch of Factor Equipment, an authentic brand of outdoor gear, and its new website: http://www.factorequipment.com. Founded by successful entrepreneur Bryan Griggs, the business has a promising future. Griggs has built and founded some flourishing companies and previously, he has served in top leadership positions at a few major tactical supply companies. He knows the business and that is why he has founded a company with the soul purpose of offering only first-class products. So far, a number of exemplary flashlights are available for purchase on the company's website. Soon, consumers may shop for outdoor, hunting, fishing, sporting goods, industrial products and more from Factor Equipment. Factor Equipment was established to offer quality outdoor and tactical products with matchless customer service, said Bryan Griggs, founder of Factor Equipment. We have plans to create more high-quality products. We are not just a flashlight company. Made up of a team of athletes, veterans and hunters, Factor Equipment is on a mission to create and deliver the highest quality brand. The new flashlights offer a great value since the ratio of lumens output to cost is better than any light on the market. Batteries are included and they are USB rechargeable. While the American based company is headquartered in Arkansas, its products are able to be purchased from anywhere in the nation at the online store. Customers are guaranteed the best price since the products are sold only through limited distribution. While Factor Equipment stands by their products and believes they are the best, they are offering a risk-free way for individuals to try them. As a new company, Factor Equipment is offering customers a 30-day Buy and Try. This allows customers to return products and receive a full credit toward the Factor Equipment store. Customer support is available through the website or by calling (479)756-1336. Representatives are ready to answer questions about any of the company's products or policies every day from 8:00 a.m.5:00 p.m. CST. About Factor Equipment: Founded in 2016 by Bryan Griggs with a yearning for creating trustworthy tactical and outdoor products, Factor Equipment is headquartered in Springdale, Ark. The company was founded on the Factor 6, a list of six ethos, which the company takes very seriously: people, products, promises, service, innovation and authenticity. To read more about the Factor team, visit https://www.factorequipment.com/about-factor-equipment/. 7th Annual Florida Brain Cancer 5k Run/Walk South Floridas Largest Brain Tumor Research Fundraiser Walkers, runners, volunteers, activists and survivors will gather at John Prince Park in Lake Worth on Sunday, March 6th for South Floridas largest brain tumor research fundraiser: the 7th Annual Florida Brain Cancer 5K Run/Walk, presented by Rybovich. Since its inception in 2010, the annual race has united thousands of attendees and raised more than $1 million for brain tumor research in the state of Florida. The Race is hosted by ABC (Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure), a venture philanthropy nonprofit with a mission to invest in research aimed at finding the fastest possible route to a cure. The Race is open to participants of all fitness levels and runners will have the option to be timed. Highlights include: a Survivors Tent, a Kids Fun Run, and a Wall of Hope and Remembrance. Awards will be given to the top runners, as well as to the top three fundraising individuals and teams. The Family Fun Zone will contain many activities for the whole family including: crafts, moon-bounces, and rock climbing. Top sponsors include: Rybovich, The Case Foundation, Genentech, Delray Medical Center and Good Samaritan. Each year, the Race helps to bring hope and attention to the underserved brain tumor community. The need to increase research funding is more urgent than ever today, nearly 700,000 Americans are living with a primary brain tumor diagnosis, and within the next 12 months, more than 210,000 more will be diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor. The Race begins at John Prince Park at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 6th. Online registration for the race concludes Monday, February 29th at 5pm. To register as a participant or volunteer, visit http://www.fbc5k.org. About ABC (Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure) ABC is a venture philanthropy nonprofit organization that drives cutting-edge research and treatments for brain tumors. Through strategic partnerships with medical research centers, early-stage biotechnology companies and large multi-national pharmaceutical companies ABC has awarded more than 100 grants totaling over $20 million in brain tumor research funding to highly qualified investigators and physician-scientists from 54 institutions. For more information, please visit: http://www.abc2.org Don Erickson Clearly, the need exists for specialists who understand both physical security and logical security. The Security Industry Association and Mercer County Community College (N.J.) are proud to announce the launch of the Systems Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree in Security Systems and Technologies, officially beginning its inaugural course on Thursday, Feb. 25. (Visit the program's webpage at http://www.mccc.edu/catalog/programs/SECURITY_SYS_AAS.pdf.) The inaugural course, Systems Integration: A Business Blueprint, offers students the ability to create a security solution by assessing customer needs and aligning organizational strategy to solve a client problem. The course is taught by Doug Haines of the Haines Security Group. Developed in cooperation with Mercer County Community College, the degree prepares students for jobs that support the sales, installation and management of physical security systems technologies. The associates degree program is aimed at inadequate supply of highly skilled workers in the security industry, combining computer networking classes, lab work and industry-specific coursework in several disciplines, including and physical security product technologies, sales and security project management. As SIA CEO Don Erickson explains, this degree program is offered to attract and train a new generation of professionals. Today, physical security solutions are delivered and managed on traditional IP-based computer networks and end devices. Clearly, the need exists for specialists who understand both physical security and logical security, Erickson said. Mercer County Community College has been the perfect partner to help the Security Industry Association begin to address that need. SIA views the degree program as a model for community colleges across the nation. Students who excel in the curriculum may be eligible to participate in internship opportunities with security product manufacturers, security system integrators, and distributors. Mercer County Community College has received unprecedented support from the City of Trenton, which will allow the college to use the area around its campus in downtown Trenton into a real-life learning lab. We are excited about the participation from the security industry with the hands-on lab, and it is our intention that students implement their learning by actively working on actual security projects for the campus. The mayor has connected with the college on this initiative and supports this concept, said Winston Maddox, Dean, Business and Technology, Mercer County Community College. The Security Industry Association has been a vital partner in helping this urban learning lab come to life with the generous support of its members. SIA is asking industry stakeholders to support the program by providing product donations for lab work, funding student scholarships, developing course curriculum, and teaching coursework at the college. Interested parties can learn more about supporting the degree program by contacting SIA Director of Education and Training Kimberly Roberts at 301-804-4708 or kroberts(at)securityindustry(dot)org. About the Security Industry Association The Security Industry Association (SIA) (http://www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for electronic and physical security solution providers, with more than 600 innovative member companies representing more than 400,000 security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members' interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities; and collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, and owner of the Securing New Ground conference, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. LinkNow Media's new design for limousine service companies The new responsive design will look great and be easy to use on any mobile device, so our clients customers will be able to book rides from wherever they are. Montreal-based web design company LinkNow Media has launched a new website design for limousine and chauffeur companies. As specialists in online marketing for small businesses, this is not LinkNow Medias first foray into website design for the limousine services industry. However, this new design features several improvements over the previous iteration. After listening extensively to the feedback of our clients in the limousine services industry, weve made a number of upgrades to our limousine site design, said Adina Costa, Head of Development at LinkNow Media. Most importantly, the user experience has been vastly improved. The new responsive design will look great and be easy to use on any mobile device, so our clients customers will be able to book rides from wherever they are. According to LinkNow Media, these are features that are critically important to potential customers who are looking to hire a limousine, and this new design streamlines the entire experience, from discovery to booking a ride. But just as important, they anticipate that their limousine service clients will be equally happy with the new design. This new design is classy and rich in content, said LinkNow Media designer Gauderic Perignon. Its also highly customizable so that our clients will be able to make sure that their sites reflect their business. I think people are going to be very happy with it. The new design is available immediately and any interested business owners or existing clients can contact LinkNow Media at 1-888-667-7186 or through their website at http://linknow.com in order to purchase the new design. Autonomous Solutions, Inc. We have seen more demand in the last 18 months than weve seen in the previous 15 years and were fortunate to have assembled the needed productization team to complement our research capability Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI) has been elected to Robotics Business Review (RBR) fifth annual RBR50 list for the second straight year. ASI has been recognized as one of the most noteworthy companies in the global robotics industry for 2016 alongside robotic giants like Google, FANUC, and Foxconn. RBR50 companies are recognized based on their innovation, groundbreaking applications, commercial success and potential, and represent many different levels and facets of the robotics ecosystem. We are thrilled to be elected to the RBR50 for a second year in a row. After 15 years in business the technology readiness and customer demand are finally converging for what looks to be an exponential adoption curve, says Mel Torrie, ASI founder and CEO. We have seen more demand in the last 18 months than weve seen in the previous 15 years and were fortunate to have assembled the needed productization team to complement our research capability. We could not have accomplished this organic growth without patient and forward looking early adopter partners and we are thankful for their support. ASIs hardware and software robotic building blocks are used in productizing driverless ground vehicle systems for applications like mining, agriculture, cleaning, security, and automotive. Customers are starting to realize the benefits of this technology including higher safety, dramatically lower maintenance costs, and maximum productivity. Thanks to the downward trend of sensor and processor costs the return on investment is getting higher and faster. ASI has a very busy 2016 ahead of it according to Jared Pratt, Vice President of Business Development. Pratt says the interest for this kind of technology is only growing. There is so much work right in front of us in some of our larger industries that we could see the need for doubling our staff of 100 plus just to keep up. With the robotics industry becoming more competitive than ever, new innovations, technologies, and companies are emerging faster than ever. The RBR50 list outlines those companies who should be kept on your business radar. This international compilation spans 11 countries and in addition to the large conglomerates, 23% of the list is comprised of lesser-known startups. The RBR50 list is dynamic, with robotics companies entering and leaving on an annual basis and thus creating a list that is indicative of where the global robotics industry as a whole is headed. The World Economic Forum cites 2016 as the launch of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and has tabbed robotics as the lead player in that transformation. Each of the RBR50 for 2016 should be duly proud that the robotics community has selected them to lead this charge, said Tom Green, RBR Editor in Chief. About Autonomous Solutions, Inc. For more than 15 years, ASI has been a world leader in unmanned ground vehicle solutions. From our northern Utah headquarters, ASI serves clients around the world in the mining, agriculture, automotive, military, and manufacturing industries with remote control, teleoperated, and fully automated, coordinated multi-vehicle solutions. ASI's universal, OEM-independent technology allows organizations to improve productivity, enhance safety, reduce costs, and increase accuracy. For more information visit http://www.ASIRobots.com. About Robotics Business Review Robotics Business Review provides business intelligence for the global robotics industry. Members enjoy excusive insights into global news, tracking of financial transactions, analysis of new technologies and companies, annual and quarterly research reports, access to the RBR50 Top 50 Companies list and much more. Visit http://www.roboticsbusinessreview.com. ### Media Contact: Matt Nielsen Director of Media Relations 435.755.2980 x 7420 matt.nielsen(at)asirobots(dot)com I DJ Now is proud to be a two-year recipient of Dealer of the Year and Best Multi-Store Retailer of DJ Equipment from Chauvet DJ. New York DJ supply powerhouse I DJ Now is honored with major industry awards for the second year in a row. I DJ Now was recently named Dealer of the Year as well as Best Multi-Store Retailer of DJ Equipment from Chauvet DJ. The awards were presented at the 2016 National Association of Music Merchants, or NAMM, show held in Anaheim, California, in January of 2016. These awards highlight and praise excellence in business practices. I DJ Now is proud to be a two-year recipient of these prestigious awards. In 2015, I DJ now was awarded Independent Dealer of the Year by Chauvet, Dealer of the Year award by Pioneer DJ brand, and Best DJ Equipment by audio magazine The Music and Sound Retailer. I DJ Now invites future clients to see what the hype is all about by attending the upcoming Mobile Beat event. Scheduled for March 1417, 2016, the annual Mobile Beat conference will be held at Tropicana Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2016. The event focuses on innovation and education, areas that I DJ Now is known for pioneering. To secure a spot at the 2016 Mobile Beat event, please visit http://www.mobilebeatlasvegas.com/register/ About I DJ Now I DJ Now offers customers a full range of professional-grade DJ equipment, including lighting equipment, live sound equipment, recording devices, speakers, and stage equipment; customers can purchase all of these products online or view them firsthand at interactive showrooms in New York. Since I DJ Now was founded in 1990, the company has won over customers with quality equipment, extensive selection, reasonable pricing, and an emphasis on service; I DJ Now has earned top ratings from the BBB and Biz-Rate, and the company is an Official Authorized Dealer of each brand that it offers. To learn more about I DJ Now or browse the available products, please visit http://www.idjnow.com. Stratford was one of the first schools in the Bay Area to integrate visual/performing arts and liberal arts into STEM Where would the world be without engineers? How do you prepare the next generation of engineers for 21st century jobs? How do you prepare American preschool, elementary and middle school students to compete in the global economy? These and other questions will be addressed the last week of February at Stratford Schools 18 locations in the San Francisco Bay Area during 2016 Engineers Week with its 5,000 students. During Engineers Week, the Stratford student body will spend more than 20,000 hours completing engineering curriculums and projects. Although weve seen some improvement in recent years, math and science test scores of American students still lag behind other countries of the world, says Barbara Timm-Brock, COO of Stratford School. This has a big impact on our nations ability to produce a diverse pool of future engineers, scientists and leaders. Our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) curriculum integrates science, technology, engineering, math and arts earlier and more often. We start teaching STEAM fundamentals to our preschool students at age 3 and continue through middle school. This method enables our students to develop the critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills that will be required for the jobs of the future. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, only 29% of Americans rated Americas K-12 education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics as above average or the best in the world. In a companion study, scientists were even more critical. Only 16% of respondents rate U.S. K-12 STEM education as the best or above average. PewResearchCenter. Stratford was one of the first schools in the Bay Area to integrate visual/performing arts and liberal arts into STEM, says Timm-Brock. We did this because it enables students to think more holistically when it comes to issues facing engineers and scientists in the 21st century. Our experience shows they score better and that theyre more creative in their solutions. This is evident in Stratfords recent top performance in the Future City competition. According to the U.S. Department of Education, drawing students to these fields is crucial to the U.S. and global economy. Documents from the Department say it is also vital to U.S. global leadership. http://www.ed.gov/stem. To help head off the problem, several government programs geared toward increasing the number of students and teachers proficient in STEM fields are being put into action. Recent debate has experts wondering if engineering programs in kindergarten and at the elementary school levels may be too early. A New York Times article found that starting early can have positive outcomes. We believe its never too early to introduce these skills so students can see how they apply in real life, adds Timm-Brock. Our STEAM curriculum always includes the following structure: 1) problem identification, 2) team collaboration to create design solutions, 3) solutions testing, 4) refinement of promising solutions, and 5) continuous evaluation and improvement of the solutions. The last component helps students see the concepts in real life through collaboration with leading Silicon Valley engineers and scientists. We use Engineers Week to punctuate the real life applications and to introduce students early-on to careers in engineering and science. According to Timm-Brock, Stratford Schools focus areas for the 2016 Engineers Week include: celebrating how engineers make a difference, increasing student knowledge and understanding of the need for engineers, and spotlighting possible careers. Specific 2016 Engineers Week activities include: in-school presentations by leading Silicon Valley engineers, field trips to Silicon Valleys leading technology companies, and innovative classroom projects like Future City in which students construct the city of the future. Engineers Week runs from February 21-27, 2016. Founded by the National Society of Professional engineers, the event was created to celebrate how engineers make a difference in our world, increase public dialogue about the need for engineers, and to bring engineering to life for kids, educators, and parents. More information can be found at http://www.discovere.org. About Stratford School Established in 1999, Stratford School is a leading independent private school founded on the belief that education is a significant influence in the life of a child. Stratford offers an accelerated curriculum from preschool through eighth grade with an emphasis in the areas of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) that incorporates music, physical education, foreign language, and social skills development. Stratfords goal is to prepare and mentor students for admission to competitive high schools and colleges. All students are provided the necessary tools to excel, and are encouraged to participate actively in leadership, community service, and extracurricular activities. Visit http://www.stratfordschools.com for more information. Infovisa today announced the completion of its rebranding campaign. The new look and content of Infovisa encompassed a new logo, new marketing material, and social media campaigns. Infovisa also announced the new look of its website, http://www.Infovisa.com. To assist with the rebrand, Infovisa contacted Swanson Russell out of Lincoln, Nebraska. The Nebraska marketing firm guided Infovisa through the project from picking new corporate colors to trade show banners. The Swanson Russell team helped us to create an entirely new image around one of our internal slogans Trusted Focus, stated Michael Dinges, President and CEO of Infovisa. As Michael continued, This new image helps confirm the value that Infovisa places on relationships; relationships to our clients and how our software solutions allow clients to build relationships with their customers. Dinges went on to say, Infovisa has always been 100% committed to our clients with the focus on how we can build software to enable trust professionals to concentrate on their customers. Thats Trusted Focus. About Infovisa Infovisa is an independent provider of data processing systems and related services for bank trust departments, independent trust companies, not-for-profit foundations, colleges, and universities. Infovisa was founded in 1992 and has long been a pioneer in the wealth management arena. Infovisa was the first Windows based, real-time trust accounting system - MAUI. Through a combination of proprietary software coupled with Application Service Provider (ASP) services, clients of Infovisa are provided with a robust and comprehensive technology solution. Never before has the wealth management industry had such a leading edge technology at their fingertips. For more information, please contact Infovisa at (704) 892-3270 or visit us on the web at http://www.Infovisa.com. "The Digital Industry Night Road Show brings together some of the best and brightest in digital goods and subscription commerce to network and discuss opportunities in the global market. ~ Doug Caviness, VP of Global Sales, cleverbridge cleverbridge, a global ecommerce and subscription billing provider, announces its Digital Industry Night Road Show 2016. The events in San Francisco on March 1; Prague on April 13; Austin on May 11; and Tel Aviv on June 8 bring together leaders from digital goods and subscription companies for a unique opportunity to network and discuss experiences in the global market. The future of ecommerce is bright with growth opportunities coming from cloud delivery models, mobile technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), omnichannel service and subscription business models. According to eMarketer, total annual global ecommerce sales will reach $3.5 trillion by 2019. However, along with the opportunities, comes a growing number of customer touchpoints and options in the market, producing savvier customers who demand more of the companies they do business with. The Digital Industry Night Road Show will tackle the new complexities and considerations surrounding monetization strategies in this age of digital transformation. We know the business impact of meeting the right people at the right time its invaluable. The Digital Industry Night Road Show brings together some of the best and brightest in digital goods and subscription commerce to network and discuss opportunities in the global market, said Doug Caviness, VP of Global Sales, cleverbridge. Events like this consistently provide invaluable networking and knowledge sharing. Dates and locations for the Digital Industry Night Road Show 2016 include: San Francisco March 1, 5:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Prague April 13, 5:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Austin May 11, 5:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Tel Aviv June 8, 5:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. For more information or to register for the San Francisco, Prague, Austin and Tel Aviv Digital Industry Nights, please contact events(at)cleverbridge(dot)com. To learn more about cleverbridge, please contact inquiry(at)cleverbridge(dot)com or visit http://www.cleverbridge.com. About cleverbridge cleverbridge is a proven leader in ecommerce technology, services and expertise for global software and subscription companies that serve consumers and businesses. For more than 300 clients including Avira, Corel, Dell, Malwarebytes and Parallels cleverbridge is a true extension of their teams, understanding each clients billing models, markets, channels and specific ecommerce requirements. cleverbridge provides an unsurpassed customer experience so that clients can strategically leverage ecommerce to effectively build customer relationships and generate more revenue. Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, cleverbridge has offices in Chicago, San Francisco and Tokyo. For more information, visit http://www.cleverbridge.com. I would like to welcome our new clients to the Endeavour family. Our team is committed to helping you and your company grow, and achieve even more value out of your investment in Microsoft Dynamics GP. Terry Sunderland, President-Endeavour Solutions Endeavour Solutions Inc. is pleased to announce that it has acquired the Microsoft Dynamics GP consulting practice of ACCEO Solutions Inc. of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Endeavour Solutions has been serving the Microsoft Dynamics GP community for over 25 years through its Canadian offices in Toronto, Halifax, London, Edmonton and Montreal. As part of the deal, clients will be transitioned from ACCEO to Endeavour for software assurance, helpdesk, technical support, consulting services and future upgrades. I would like to welcome our new clients to the Endeavour family. Our team is committed to helping you and your company grow, and achieve even more value out of your investment in Microsoft Dynamics GP. Terry Sunderland, President, Endeavour Solutions Inc. Endeavour Solutions has been providing services to clients in Quebec for many years and further expands its Quebec presence with this acquisition. These additional Microsoft Dynamics GP users will now be able to enjoy the depth and breadth of Microsoft Dynamics services offered by the talented team of over 40 consultants at Endeavour Solutions. We take our customer satisfaction ratings very seriously, we pledge to ensure that we work with each of these Quebec companies with integrity, trust and accountability Steve Ewing, Director of Business Development, Endeavour Solutions Inc. About Endeavour Solutions Inc. With over 400 active clients, Endeavour Solutions is a Microsoft Gold ERP and Microsoft Silver CRM Partner focusing on consulting, development, implementation, upgrades, support and training for Dynamics GP, Dynamics CRM, Azure, Power BI and Office 365. Endeavour is one of the top Microsoft Dynamics partners in Canada with consultants working from regional offices in: Toronto, Halifax, London, Edmonton and Montreal. Visit Endeavour online at http://www.endeavoursolutions.ca About ACCEO Solutions Inc. Leading Canadian IT company ACCEO Solutions specializes in the design, implementation and integration of, and support for, management software; e-business development; and payment, professional, and technical services. http://www.acceo.com. # # # If you would like more information about this announcement, please contact Scott Jorgens, Sr. Marketing Manager at 1-905-542-2139 x 232 or email at sjorgens(at)endeavoursolutions(dot)ca. Founding Sponsor Jenoptik representative Jay Kumler, center, congratulates Double Helix on their first-place win in the 2016 SPIE Startup Challenge. First-place winner Double Helix won with its 3D system that can image at the single-molecule level inside individual cells. A 3D nanoscale imaging system, a marijuana breathalyzer, and a disease diagnostic tool made with refrigerator magnets and a laser pointer were selected as the top projects in the 2016 SPIE Startup Challenge. Hosted by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, the pitch competition was held 17 February in San Francisco during SPIE Photonics West, the premier annual event for the international optics and photonics community. First-place winner Double Helix of Colorado won the grand prize with its 3D system that can image at the single-molecule level inside individual cells. The company was co-founded by Leslie Kimerling who accepted the $10,000 cash award funded by Founding Partner Jenoptik plus $5,000 in products from sponsor Edmund Optics. Kimerling won over a group of expert judges with a system that can provide unprecedented imaging detail at the nanoscale level to speed the drug development process. The Double Helix system has the potential to reduce the time involved in bringing targeted therapies to market. It provides early verification and validation of the efficacy of drug therapy mechanisms in action. Taking second place was Diagnostic anSERS with its marijuana breathalyzer. The Maryland-based company uses surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for its tool for law enforcement who need a road-side drug test for suspected impaired drivers. Sean Virgile, co-founder of Diagnostic anSERS, made the pitch. In third place was Disease Diagnostic Group, founded by John Lewandowski, who hopes his diagnostic tool made from refrigerator magnets and a laser pointer can be used to help diagnose diseases like malaria before people show symptoms, thus saving lives and treatment costs. Cash prizes, including the $10,000 top award, $5,000 for second place, and $2,500 for third are funded by Founding Partner Jenoptik. Additional support comes from lead sponsors Axsun Technologies and the National Science Foundation (NSF), and supporting sponsors Edmund Optics, Trumpf, Open Photonics, and Knobbe Martens. Winners were chosen from among six finalists in a public final competition at the Moscone Center. Finalists had three minutes in which to deliver their pitches showcasing optics or photonics technologies or applications presented as the basis for viable new businesses. Along with the winners, other finalists were: Bold Biometrix with its blood-pressure monitoring patches; Bodle Technologies, for its reflective displays for wearables; and Stream Technologies spectral camera lens. Judging the final round were Marc Himel of Jenoptik Optical Systems, Sam Sadoulet of Edmund Optics, Bruce Itchkawitz of Knobbe Martens, Mike Mielke of Trumpf, Jason Eichenholz of Open Photonics, Jenny Rooke of 5 Prime Ventures, Peter Whitney of Axsun Technologies, and Mark Wippich of LightWave Advisors. SPIE will provide support for winners to attend a multi-day entrepreneur training camp and investor networking session for further help in refining their ideas. About SPIE SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics, an educational not-for-profit organization founded in 1955 to advance light-based science, engineering, and technology. The Society serves nearly 264,000 constituents from approximately 166 countries, offering conferences and their published proceedings, continuing education, books, journals, and the SPIE Digital Library. In 2015, SPIE provided more than $5.2 million in support of education and outreach programs. http://www.spie.org Becoming an Oracle PartnerNetwork Cloud Registered Partner aligns with our overall approach to offer clients a broad array of integrated cloud applications and platforms, said Michael Brookey, president and CEO of Brookey & Company. Brookey & Company, a management and technology consultancy, announced that it has joined Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN) as a Cloud Registered Partner. As a new member of OPN, Brookey & Company can expand its technology service offerings to include Oracle Cloud technologies, including Oracle Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Oracle Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions. Becoming an Oracle PartnerNetwork Cloud Registered Partner aligns with our overall approach to offer clients a broad array of integrated cloud applications and platforms, said Michael Brookey, president and CEO of Brookey & Company. Combined with our cloud total cost of ownership and cloud adoption framework services, the resources offered by Oracle PartnerNetwork helps us provide a wider variety of options to our clients as they plan and execute cloud adoption activities. The Cloud Registered level is an entry point into the new OPN Cloud Program, which provides immediate opportunities for new cloud partners to begin their journey and grow their business with Oracle Cloud. Cloud Registered level members will be eligible for benefits including the ability to resell Oracle Cloud Platform solutions, including Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) solutions, access to the OPN Cloud Business Builder for sales, marketing and technical training and resources, as well as OPN branding. About Brookey & Company Founded in 2014 Brookey & Company, Inc. is a Management and Technology Consulting firm that advises executives on Strategy, Operations, Organization and Information Technology across multiple industries and geographies. We work closely with our clients to solve their complex business challenges while consistently delivering exceptional results. Learn more about us at http://www.brookeyco.com About Oracle PartnerNetwork Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN) is Oracle's partner program that provides partners with a differentiated advantage to develop, sell and implement Oracle solutions. OPN offers resources to train and support specialized knowledge of Oracles products and solutions and has evolved to recognize Oracles growing product portfolio, partner base and business opportunity. Key to the latest enhancements to OPN is the ability for partners to be recognized and rewarded for their investment in Oracle Cloud. Partners engaging with Oracle will be able to differentiate their Oracle Cloud expertise and success with customers through the OPN Cloud program an innovative program that complements existing OPN program levels with tiers of recognition and progressive benefits for partners working with Oracle Cloud. To find out more visit: http://www.oracle.com/partners. Trademarks Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates. PR Contact Information: Chris Brookey Chris.brookey(at)brookeyco.com M: (760) 815-7294 CSG has been a Collaborating Partner with NMEH for many years, and we are proud that Michael is able to serve as a MITA Co-chair to this important organization. CSG Government Solutions, a national leader in government program modernization, today announced that Michael Collisi is serving as the National Medicaid Exchange Hub (NMEHub) Medicaid Information Technology Architecture (MITA) Community Co-Chair. Mr. Collisi is a Principal in CSGs Healthcare and Human Services practice. He has over 20 years of health IT experience in the public and private sectors, including serving as the Director of Policy for the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning for the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. CSG has been a Collaborating Partner with NMEH for many years, and we are proud that Michael is able to serve as a MITA Co-chair to this important organization, says Robin Chacon Director of CSGs Healthcare practice. Michaels expertise and dedication to the organization will serve the members well as we work together to advance state Medicaid systems. CSG Government Solutions continues to increase its presence across the United States. The company deploys highly experienced teams and innovative methods, knowledge, and tools to help governments modernize complex program enterprises. CSG clients include 43 state governments, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Labor, and large municipal governments. CONTACT: Robin Chacon Director, Healthcare Practice CSG Government Solutions 180 N. Stetson Ave Suite 3200 Chicago, IL 60601 312.444.2760 Fax: 312.938.2191 rchacon(at)csgdelivers.com About CSG Government Solutions: CSG Government Solutions is a leading government operations consulting firm focused on helping states modernize critical program enterprises. Our highly experienced teams and industry-leading Centers of Excellence help governments leverage innovative technology and processes to meet the challenges of administering complex programs. Founded in 1997, CSG has established itself as a trusted adviser to government agencies across the U.S. At the new Temecula facility, we are looking forward to providing our patients with the same exceptional care in a larger, more comfortable setting. Healthpointe, one of Southern Californias leading multidisciplinary healthcare organizations, is proud to announce the relocation of their Temecula Medical Clinic. The Temecula clinic has moved from 28991 Old Town Front St., to the new address at 27455 Tierra Alta Way, Suite A. The clinic will be located in the same city of Temecula and open on Feb 12, 2016. To better accommodate patients, the new Healthpointe clinic will be moving to a larger space with new state-of-the-art equipment. The new location will include 28 treatment rooms, 1 casting room, and a minor procedure room. To make the transition seamless for all patients and employers, all medical files and information will be moved to the new facility as well. The new Temecula clinic will also offer the same medical services and expert treatments that patients receive at the current location. Healthpointe offers services such as orthopedic care, occupational medicine, physical therapy, spine surgery, general surgery, internal medicine, psychology, pain management, bariatric surgery, and chiropractic care. In most cases, same day appointments are available. Healthpointes relocation of the Temecula clinic and enhanced operational efficiencies will help us evolve to keep pace with our clients needs, says Executive Director of Physician Services and Case Management, Ernest Medina. At the new Temecula facility, we are looking forward to providing our patients with the same exceptional care in a larger, more comfortable setting. The Healthpointe Temecula center will be open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Insured as well as non-insured patients are also welcome. For additional information regarding Healthpointes Temecula center, please call (888) 755-4850. About Healthpointe: Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Temecula, which is conveniently located near Murrieta, Fallbrook, Wildomar, Canyon Lake and Sun City. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit http://www.Healthpointe.net DCs Ignite Opportunity Gala will be an outstanding way to showcase the talents of our students as well as a great way to recognize prestigious local leaders," said Shawn Osborne, CEO and President of NFTE. The Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) 2016 Ignite Opportunity Gala will honor Jim Bankoff, Chairman and CEO of Vox Media Inc., and Andre McCain, Founder of HalfSmoke, on March 3, 2016 at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. The annual event celebrates the power of activating the entrepreneurial mindset in young people and will honor the DC Regions top entrepreneurs as well as feature alumni of the NFTE entrepreneurship program. Since its opening in 1994, NFTE in the DC region has provided more than 27,000 students with the skills and tools needed for a successful future in school and the workforce by igniting the entrepreneurial mindset. NFTE teachers engage students from under-resourced communities, by using an innovative, applied curriculum and providing them with opportunities to pursue their passions. At the Gala, NFTE will recognize and honor Jim Bankoff, a veteran of the online industry. Jim is the Chairman and CEO of Vox Media, a modern media company that empowers some of the smartest digital voices today with the technology to create and distribute premium content, and connect with an audience of 170 million affluent and educated young adults worldwide. Vox Media owns and operates eight media brands including Vox.com, The Verge, SB Nation, Eater, Polygon, Curbed, Racked, and Re/code. Before founding Vox Media, Jim developed and led several pioneering media brands including AOL Music, Mapquest and Engadget. He also co-founded TMZ.com, won an Emmy award for his production of the Live8 Concerts, and oversaw AOLs industry-leading instant AIM and ICQ, as well as social networking and community applications including Blogsmith and Netscape. I am honored to be recognized by NFTE, an organization that has empowered kids with real, relevant tools and hands-on learning, said Bankoff. In 2006, I judged a NFTE business plan competition, and the memory of the students confidence, and understanding of financials and complex topics resonated with me. A Washington, D.C. native and NFTE alumnus, Andre McCain will also be honored at the event. McCain is the founder and CEO of HalfSmoke, a gourmet sausage quick-service restaurant that will launch in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC. At 16, McCain founded his first company, Urbanfly.com with the help of NFTE at Wilson High School and in 2003, McCain was honored by NFTE as a Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Following his graduation from Morehouse College, McCain worked for some of the nations top real estate and investment firms and was inspired to apply his NFTE skills to start HalfSmoke. I am thrilled to be recognized by NFTE once again because the organization has been so influential in helping me achieve my dreams, said McCain. Its just as important for me to now give back and inspire students to think like entrepreneurs and give them advice on what they need to get a jumpstart on their lives. In addition to the two pioneering honorees, 20 of NFTE DC Regions top young entrepreneurs will also be recognized as they showcase their products and share their stories in the Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase. We are very proud of our successes and our students in DC and they are a great model for our programs around the world, said Shawn Osborne, President and CEO of NFTE. DCs Ignite Opportunity Gala will be an outstanding way to showcase the talents of our students as well as a great way to recognize prestigious local leaders. About Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) is an international nonprofit that activates the entrepreneurial mindset in young people and builds their knowledge about business startup. Students acquire the entrepreneurial mindset (e.g., innovation, self-reliance, comfort with smart risk), alongside business, STEM, and presentation skillsequipping them to drive their best futures in the 21st Century. NFTE focuses its work on under-resourced communities with programs in 23 locations in 10 countries. To learn more, visit http://www.nfte.com, like NFTE on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/NFTE, or follow us on Twitter at @NFTE. More information about the Gala: https://www.facebook.com/NFTEBaltWash/posts/1067028796681560:0 Furless Cosmetics is proud to launch their deluxe cruelty-free eye shadows featuring high-performance loose shimmer pigments. Each color contains glowing metallic flecks that create a camera-ready effect, while the formula is made with natural non-toxic ingredients. The high-end luxury packaging is made from recyclable materials that also offer premium quality. By empowering women to embrace eco-friendly approaches to beauty, women can enjoy the most fashionable looks in a holistically healthy way. The Furless eye shadows are vibrant, long-lasting and entirely cruelty-free. Their fun range of colors is packed with intense bits of sparkle to light-up the eyes to the maximum level. Tested by industry professionals, these shadows have proven to blend seamlessly. The pigments are also highly pigmented for a striking and vibrant result. The makeup jar is made from PETG, a recyclable material, which offers an environmentally friendly way to enjoy eyeshadow. The shape of the jar is square-shaped, which serves well on set as they are harder to knock over. Additionally, the packaging is high-end, while remaining affordable for a down to earth decadence. The jar also features a sifter, allowing the artist to mix pigments with a blending brush. The artist simply places the sifter in the lid and begins mixing and customizing the desired shade. To browse through these premium eye shadows, people can visit the companys online store at http://furlesscosmetics.com/. People can also read the Furless Blog: http://blog.furlesscosmetics.com/makeup-blog/ which features articles about outstanding Instagram makeup artists who promote self-expression. Furless Cosmetics is an Australian company accredited with PETA that provides cruelty free makeup and accessories that are both professional and non-toxic. Through the companys commitment to promoting women's confidence and challenging stereotypes on beauty, the company prioritizes the value of self-love among females. The company also practices philanthropy, making frequent contributions to Wildlife ARC, a charity organization that rescues and rehabilitates injured or orphaned native animals. As a whole, the companys active role in wildlife protection and social justice marks a humane agenda that is firmly set on inner beauty. For the first time, Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) honored alumni from each college/school on campus. The event, which recognized five Outstanding Alumni Award recipients, took place Friday, Feb. 19 in the Assembly Hall of the Wheatley Administration Building. Though in its inaugural year, the Outstanding Alumni Award is one of the highest honors Georgia Southwestern State University presents to its graduates, said GSW Interim President Charles Patterson. From the battlefield to the boardroom and the classroom, the level of accomplishment for this first group of award recipients is unparalleled. The Outstanding Alumni Award was developed to recognize the distinguished personal accomplishments and professional achievements of Georgia Southwestern Alumni. The event was attended by 150 alumni, faculty, staff and friends of GSW. Jimmy Melvin (59) was the events featured speaker. Deans from each of the five colleges/schools gave the alumni introductions. The program also featured GSW Alumni Association President Lemond Hall (98), GSW Foundation Executive Director Reda Rowell and GSW Interim President Charles Patterson. The 2016 GSW Outstanding Alumni Award recipients are: Shelley Spires, 98, School of Business Administration Royce Hackett, 01, School of Computing and Mathematics Alf Tuggle, 76, School of Education Brigadier Gen. Thomas Carden, Jr., 92, College of Arts and Sciences Patricia Starck, 59, School of Nursing More about the Outstanding Alumni: Shelley Spires Shelley Spires is the CEO of Albany Area Primary Healthcare (AAPH), a position she earned in September 2015. Spires has been on staff with AAPH since 2001 serving in progressively responsible roles, most recently serving as Deputy Director. Spires background is in human resource management (HR). After graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in HR from GSW in 1998, Spires served as HR director at Dooly County Medical Center in Vienna. She holds a masters degree in healthcare management from Troy State University. Spires has been named one of Small Town Americas 100 Most Influential People, and she was listed as one of Southwest Georgias Top 40 under 40 by the Albany Herald. Royce Hackett Having established himself in a 20-year career in electronics and broadcast engineering, Royce Hackett brought his skillset to Georgia Southwestern State University in 1997 as an instructional technology coordinator and to complete his bachelors degree in computer science. Hackett graduated in 2001 and earned a masters degree in computer science in 2004. After being promoted to manager of instructional technology in 2002, Hackett was named GSWs chief information officer (CIO) in 2007. Under Hacketts leadership, GSW has created a foundation for the school to leverage technology to meet the 21st century needs of the faculty, staff and students. Hackett has established himself as a leader among his peers in the University System of Georgia (USG), having served as the chair of the USG Security Advisory group from 2011-2013. He currently serves as secretary of the USG CIO Advisory Council. Alf Tuggle Outstanding Alumni Award recipient Alf Tuggle held a successful 37-year career as a professional scout, retiring last year as the assistant chief scout executive and chief financial officer for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). After joining the BSA in 1976 as a professional scout, Tuggle went on to serve as scout executive for the Chattahoochee Council in Columbus, Ga., the Heart of Virginia Council in Richmond and the Greater Pittsburgh Council in Pennsylvania. He was later promoted to director of the Southern Region in Atlanta in 2007 as a member of the national staff, prior to his final position in 2009. Tuggle was given the Virginia Governors Award for Volunteering Excellence in 1993. In 2011, he was given the World Scout Foundations Baden-Powell Fellowship Award, and he received the Bronze Pelican Award by the Catholic Church and the Torch Award by the United Methodist Church for service to youth. Brigadier Gen. Thomas Carden, Jr. Brigadier Gen. Thomas Carden, Jr., was installed as commander of the Georgia Army National Guard in January 2015. He joined the Guard full time in 1996 after serving as a probation officer in Sumter County for four years. He enlisted with the Guard in 1986 as a senior in high school. In his 30 years with the Georgia Army National Guard, Carden has served as chief of staff, deputy chief of operations, commander of the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, and he led the Guards Recruiting and Retention Battalion. Some of Cardens military decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal. In addition to his bachelors degree in history from GSW, Carden holds a masters in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa. and a masters in human resource management from Webster University in St. Louis, Mo. Patricia Starck, Ph.D. Since 2013, Patricia Starck has been the senior vice president for interprofessional collaboration at the University of Texas Health and Science Center at Houston (UT Health). Her career nursing education has been one of continuous progression. From 1984 to 2015, she served as the dean of nursing at UT Health. Prior to that, she served as professor and dean of nursing at Troy State University. Additionally, Starck has served on the nursing faculty at Georgia Southwestern, St. Petersburg Junior College in Florida and Albany State College. In 2015, Starck was given the Presidents Award from the Viktor Frankel Institute of Logotherapy (VFI) in Dallas, Texas. She was inducted into the University of Texas Academy of Health Science Education in 2012, and she was given the VFI Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. In 2003, Starck was featured as Georgia Southwesterns Griffin Bell Distinguished Lecturer. GSW - ABOUT GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN Georgia Southwestern State University, located in Americus, Ga., is a public, four-year unit of the University System of Georgia with nearly 3,000 students. Georgia Southwestern offers professional programs of study and degrees in the arts, education, humanities, nursing, sciences, and graduate programs in business, computer science, education, English, and nursing. Founded in 1906, Georgia Southwestern is recognized as one of the best value small colleges in the nation. Visit http://www.gsw.edu for more information. Alamo plate message Remember the Alamo Remember the Alamo! 22 February 2016 (Austin, TX) Words that stir the heart of Texans, and people around the world. On February 23, 1836 the siege and battle famous for its heroism and sacrifice began, culminating with the mission falling early on the morning of March 6th, just days after the Republic of Texas declared its independence. Thirteen days of glory. The ideals fought for at the Alamo resonate loudly still today in the Lone Star State. To celebrate Texas Independence Day and in honor of the 180th anniversary of the battle, My Plates is releasing for auction the one, and only, plate message ALAMO. The auction for ALAMO will open February 23, 2016 at 8am and close on March 6th at 8pm. Proceeds from the auction sale will benefit both the Alamo Endowment Fund and the state General Revenue Fund, therefore benefitting this cherished shrine of Texas liberty, and all the citizens of the State of Texas. Unlike other Texas license plates, plates sold by My Plates at auction are legally transferable. The plate owner then has the right to sell the plate message to another person with the same ongoing rights, or gift it to a family member or friend. Transferability also means these plates could make great investments. This may be your only chance to own the ALAMO plate message. Will you remember the ALAMO? To find out more information about the Alamo plate auction, simply visit My Plates home page or visit http://www.myplates.com/auction. About the Alamo: Reference: http://www.thealamo.org/history/the-1836-battle/index.html On February 23, 1836, the arrival of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's army outside San Antonio nearly caught them by surprise. Undaunted, the Texians and Tejanos prepared to defend the Alamo together. The defenders held out for 13 days against Santa Anna's army. William B. Travis, the commander of the Alamo sent forth couriers carrying pleas for help to communities in Texas. On the eighth day of the siege, a band of 32 volunteers from Gonzales arrived, bringing the number of defenders to nearly two hundred. Legend holds that with the possibility of additional help fading, Colonel Travis drew a line on the ground and asked any man willing to stay and fight to step over all except one did. As the defenders saw it, the Alamo was the key to the defense of Texas, and they were ready to give their lives rather than surrender their position to General Santa Anna. Among the Alamo's garrison were Jim Bowie, renowned knife fighter, and David Crockett, famed frontiersman and former congressman from Tennessee. The final assault came before daybreak on the morning of March 6, 1836, as columns of Mexican soldiers emerged from the predawn darkness and headed for the Alamo's walls. Cannon and small arms fire from inside the Alamo beat back several attacks. Regrouping, the Mexicans scaled the walls and rushed into the compound. Once inside, they turned a captured cannon on the Long Barrack and church, blasting open the barricaded doors. The desperate struggle continued until the defenders were overwhelmed. By sunrise, the battle had ended and Santa Anna entered the Alamo compound to survey the scene of his victory. While the facts surrounding the siege of the Alamo continue to be debated, there is no doubt about what the battle has come to symbolize. People worldwide continue to remember the Alamo as a heroic struggle against impossible odds a place where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. For this reason, the Alamo remains hallowed ground and the Shrine of Texas Liberty. Alamo Endowment: Alamo Endowment, a private, nonprofit Texas corporation organized for charitable and educational purposes. It assists the General Land Office in the preservation, management, education, maintenance, operation and restoration of the Alamo Mission Complex. My Plates designs and markets new specialty license plates as a vendor for the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Texans have bought more than 260,000 My Plates since November 2009, putting more than $37M in the state general revenue fund. My Plates goal is to create a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship designed to maximize revenues for the state through the sale of My Plates specialty plates. http://www.myplates.com. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) serves protects and advances the citizens and industries in the state with quality motor vehicle related services. For every $1 it spends, the TxDMV returns $11 to the state. Each year the agency registers nearly 24 million vehicles; issues more than 7 million vehicle titles; licenses more than 38,000 motor vehicle dealers and distributors; credentials nearly 60,000 motor carriers; issues more than 800,000 oversize/overweight permits; investigates more than 15,000 complaints against dealers and motor carriers; and awards grants to law enforcement agencies to reduce vehicle burglaries and thefts. Learn more at http://www.TxDMV.gov. Adam Equipment, a global manufacturer of professional weighing equipment, will present its new Astro compact portioning scale during Gulfood 2016, 21-25 February, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE. Visit Adam at stand Z6-E16 in Za' Abeel Hall 6 to learn about our selection of balances, scales and moisture analysers, including the Astro and our newest stainless steel scales. Adam balances and scales are valuable tools in every aspect of the food cycleduring research, testing, product development, harvest, processing, packaging, service and sales. In testing, research and development, weighing equipment is critical for maintaining sample integrity. When food products enter the processing phase, scales, balances and moisture analysers facilitate quality control. They can help to ensure freshness and quality of the product during packaging, and aid in determining proper expiration dates. Weighing equipment is invaluable for food service and sales, as it can measure produce at farm stands, weigh lunch meat at a delicatessen, or verify quantities of ingredients mixed into a batch of cookie dough at a bakery. Ideal for food processing, Adam Equipments new Astro compact portioning scale offers user-friendly features for food service, preparation and catering tasks. The Astro offers durable, easy-to-clean stainless steel housing and a grade 304 stainless steel pan, which can be wiped down quickly and frequently to prevent the accumulation of food particles or residue. Compact in size, the Astro can be used anywhere, as it can be operated with batteries or the included AC adapter. The WBW washdown scale has an IP66 rating, making it ideal for quality control in wet environments. WBW is well-suited for portion control during frozen food production, as it is easily wiped down to comply with sanitation requirements. The scales capacity tracker monitors weight when making batches or adding ingredients. WBW M models feature approvals for many regions, making them suitable for trade use. The LBK is ideal for measuring portions and ingredients, or weighing samples during food preparation. The sealed keypad, ABS plastic housing and large stainless steel pan are easy to clean, making the LBK an excellent choice for bakeries, hotel kitchens or pizza restaurants. The rugged durability of the Warrior washdown scale makes it a winning choice for batching or measuring large quantities in processing facilities. Checkweighing repetitive samples is simplified on the easy-to-read LED indicator. With an IP66 rating, grade 304 stainless steel base and dynamic weighing, the Warrior is ideal for measuring liquids, meat processing or other messy applications. With simple operation and rapid response time, the PMB moisture analyser offers an easy way to help production workers assess contents of mixtures and batches, ensuring quality control. The automatic test-setting function enables easy recall for frequent testing of the same items without additional user programming. To see where Adam's scales and balances are useful in the food industry, click here. For information about Adam at Gulfood 2016, email sales@adamequipment.co.uk. Learn more about Adam Equipments selection of weighing products at http://www.adamequipment.co.uk. About Adam Equipment For more than 40 years, Adam Equipment has designed and manufactured precision balances and scales for professionals worldwide in the laboratory, medical, education, industrial, food, animal/veterinary and jewellery markets. Adam is committed to offering an extensive selection of weighing equipment with best-in-class value. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, the company has strategically established offices in the United States, South Africa, Australia, China and Germany to provide product support and speedy delivery to distributors. For more information about the company and its products, go to http://www.adamequipment.com. Condemnation attorney and OCA Georgia representative, Charles Ruffin, has been named an Atlanta-area eminent domain "Lawyer of the Year" for 2016. Best Lawyers rankings are widely recognized in the legal industry. The Lawyer of the Year accolade highlights the exceptional skill and commitment attorneys, like Charles Ruffin, exhibit in their professional practice. Past News Releases RSS Maryland Eminent Domain Lawyer... New York Eminent Domain Lawyer... Mobile Attorney, Casey Pipes,... Eminent domain attorney Charles L. Ruffin, the Georgia representative of Owners Counsel of America and shareholder in the Atlanta and Macon offices of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, has been named an Atlanta-area Lawyer of the Year for eminent domain and condemnation law in The Best Lawyers in America 2016. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. The Lawyer of the Year accolade is particularly significant - only one lawyer in each practice area within a designated metropolitan community is recognized. Attorneys honored as Lawyer of the Year received the highest ratings among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity. An explanation of the Best Lawyers methodology is available online at http://www.bestlawyers.com. Throughout his extensive career spanning more than three decades, Charles L. Ruffin has amassed a variety of litigation experience, particularly in his chosen concentration of eminent domain law. He has tried numerous contested condemnation matters and has secured several multimillion dollar awards of just compensation for his landowner clients. Mr. Ruffin holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for eminent domain and condemnation law annually since 2007. In addition, his firms Atlanta eminent domain and condemnation law practice group, which Mr. Ruffin leads, has received a First Tier ranking in the U.S. News-Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" publication. Mr. Ruffin is a past President (2013-2014), former Treasurer (2010-2011) and Founding Chairman of the Eminent Domain Section of the State Bar of Georgia. He is the Georgia member of Owners Counsel of America, a nationwide network of leading eminent domain attorneys dedicated to defending private property owners in condemnation and property rights litigation, and served on it's Board of Directors from 2013-2016. He has also served as a Fellow to the American Bar Foundation and the Georgia Bar Foundation. In addition to his professional practice and leadership positions, Mr. Ruffin speaks and writes regularly on issues facing landowners in eminent domain and inverse condemnation litigation. Best Lawyers rankings are widely recognized in the legal industry. The Lawyer of the Year accolade highlights the exceptional skill and commitment attorneys, like Charles Ruffin, exhibit in their professional practice, said Cathy Newman, Executive Director of the Owners Counsel of America. Charles is truly deserving of this honor and we congratulate him for achieving this professional distinction. The Owners Counsel of America (OCA) is a nationwide network of eminent domain attorneys dedicated to protecting the rights of private property owners large and small, locally and nationally, and to advancing the cause of property rights. The lawyers affiliated with OCA are in private practice in nearly every state and represent individual owners against federal, state, and local governments, utilities, redevelopment authorities and other entities armed with eminent domain power. For more information or to locate an eminent domain lawyer in your state, please visit http://www.ownerscounsel.com. Sworkit Founders Ben Young and Greg Coleman Pitch to the Sharks Our mission is to become the leading global standard for all instructional exercise Sworkit, the leading provider of personalized video workouts for iOS and Android devices made Shark Tank history last week by striking a 1.5 million dollar deal with Shark Tank Investor, Mark Cuban, making it the largest tech deal and third overall largest deal ever to be made on the show. Sworkit, which stands for simply work it, is an interactive free fitness app offering users both customizable and randomized workouts that can be performed anywhere, without any equipment required. Pitching to the sharks for the the D.C. based technology company, was Sworkits CEO Ben Young, a product innovator who was named 2015s Techpreneur of the Year by Black Enterprise Magazine and COO Gregory Coleman, an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and prior U.S. Air Force pilot. The two met their first year at The Wharton Business School. Young and Coleman, approached the Sharks with an aggressive pitch, asking for 1.5 million dollars for 8 percent equity. In the seven seasons of the shows running, only a few contestants have ever attempted to make a pitch comparable in size. Young and Coleman emerged victorious and negotiated a deal with Cuban at 1.5 million for 10 percent of their company. Both were thrilled to appear on the popular show and make a deal with Cuban. Our mission is to become the leading global standard for all instructional exercise, said Sworkit CEO Ben Young. The exposure from the Shark tank with allow us to reach even more users. Prior to last Fridays airing, Sworkit already had more than 10 million downloads and was one of the top ten health and fitness apps. Young said Cubans investment will help give Sworkit the resources to double their team and migrate from a leading app, to a leading platform. We believe the world would be a better place if everyone had 24/7 access to an affordable personal trainer, whether its virtual or real, or a combination said Young. Overseeing, Sworkits upcoming project developments will be COO Greg Coleman. Coleman said the investment with Cuban will allow us to take Sworkits vision to the next level. Now we will be able to grow both our interactive content to further improve the personalized digital workout experience and to reach more screens, said Coleman. Sworkit has upcoming plans to launch of a web version of the app as well as offer it on Apple TV, Google TV and Roku. This past year, Sworkit released their Sworkit Kids app, featuring fun exercises and videos demonstrated by kids for kids; and Sworkit Premium, a subscription service loaded with extras including ad-free workouts and the Ask a Trainer feature. We knew we were going in with an aggressive pitch but believed that we had the business to back it up, said Coleman. We are looking forward to working with him and learning from him while together helping Sworkit become the leading platform people turn to first for fitness. Nexercise launched Sworkit in 2014 to deliver on-demand, video exercise programs that can be done anywhere, anytime. Sworkit has been featured in Lifehacker, Womens Running, Gizmodo, Mashable, Army Times, Brit+Co, Elle Magazine, Shape and more, and received the DC TechDay Techie Award for Best in Health Tech in 2014. About Veteran PR: Rooted in the belief that hard work coupled with honesty and integrity is the key to any success, Veteran PR strives to help companies build their brand awareness through strategic and effective Public Relations Campaigns and Social Media Marketing Efforts. Veteran PR launched in 2015 after military veteran, Staff Sergeant Jason Thomas, teamed up with his wife and seasoned PR professional, Nicki Thomas. Together their vision is to help small businesses, especially veteran owned businesses, build their brand awareness with a PR Company business owners can trust. World Culture Festival 2016 : Celebrating Life On February 23, 2016, at 6:30 pm, Washingtons local and national thought leaders will join the Art of Living Foundation in hosting the first Curtain Raiser for the upcoming World Culture Festival. Held at the Art of Living Foundations Sri Sri Center for Peace and Meditation, across from the Meridian Park on 15th Street NW, the Curtain Raiser will be a prelude to the World Culture Festival (WCF) - the Foundations historic 3.5 million person gathering for peace in Delhi, India, from March 11-13, 2016. Reflecting the tenor of the WCF, the Curtain Raiser celebrates global cultural and religious diversity, and emphasizes the Foundations commitment to peace and harmony. The World Culture Festival is history in the making says Bhushan Deodhar, Director of the Sri Sri Center. As the world reels from the effects of cultural and religious discord, it seemed only right that we in the nations capital show our support for this massive undertaking. And that is how this Curtain Raiser was born. The support from the community has been nothing short of overwhelming. The Curtain Raiser on February 23rd will be open to local residents. It will commence with a ceremonial lamp lighting ceremony by local representatives of major faiths, and cultural performances from various countries. Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, DCM, Embassy of India, will deliver special remarks to commemorate this special occasion. Congressman Ami Bera and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky are likely to remain present. Additionally, the evening will feature a panel discussion on the Dynamics of Enriching and Sustaining a Connected World with Filiz Odabas-Geldiay, Executive Director, International Association for Human Values; Rodney North, Director of Marketing & External Relations, Fairtrade America; John H. Reed, President of the World Institute for Scientific Exploration; and Sanjay Pradhan, Vice President for Change, Leadership & Innovation, The World Bank. About the World Culture Festival 2016 The Curtain Raiser is a precursor to the World Culture Festival 2016. This three day cultural extravaganza to be held in New Delhi, India during March 11-13 will feature performances by 25,000 artistes, 30 global art forms on a massive seven acre stage and is expected to set multiple records. The brainchild of global thought leader and Art of Living Founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the World Culture Festival is also a celebration of the Foundations 35 years of service toward humanity, spirituality and human values. Sri Sri says about the event, Divisive forces and people who are spreading violence and hatred will have to wake up, and see that the world is coming together. More than 3.5 million attendees, including international thought and social leaders, from 155 countries are expected to attend the event. For more information about the WCF, please visit http://www.artofliving.org/us-en/world-culture-festival. Romeo Dallaire is a humanitarian hero, said Aaron Hahn Tapper, director of USFs Swig Program in Jewish Studies and Social Justice, which is sponsoring the talk. Romeo Dallaire, a United Nations Force Commander who disobeyed orders in an attempt to help stop the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, will speak on Mon., March 7, at 7 p.m. at the University of San Franciscos Presentation Theatre, located at 2350 Turk Street in San Francisco. Dallaires talk, The Courage to Do What is Right: From the Hell of Rwanda to the Plight of Syrian Refugees, is free and open to the public. While leading a 1993 United Nations peacekeeping mission in Rwanda, Dellaire became convinced that large-scale ethnic violence was imminent. He warned his superiors and pleaded for additional troops and ammunition, but instead, the U.N. ordered him to withdraw. Dellaire believed that leaving would be immoral, and he stayed in Rwanda with around 500 troops (from the original 2,600) to protect as many people as they could. That decision is credited with saving more than 30,000 lives. Romeo Dallaire is a humanitarian hero, said Aaron Hahn Tapper, director of USFs Swig Program in Jewish Studies and Social Justice, which is sponsoring the talk. His courage and leadership have earned him admiration from around the globe. In a world where the challenges sometimes seem insurmountable, Dallaire reminds us that each of us has the capacity to help create a more just and humane world, and that one person can make a genuine difference. As feared, Hutu extremists did escalate their war against Tutsis and Hutu moderates. In 1994, some 800,000 Rwandans were slaughtered in little more than three months. A third of those killed were children, and many of the killers were child soldiers. Dallaire describes his experience in two best-selling books: Shake Hands with the Devil the Failure of Humanity in Rwanda, which laments the international communitys failure to stop the genocide, and They Fight Like Soldiers; They Die Like Children the Global Quest to Eradicate the Use of Child Soldiers. The former United Nations peacekeeper continues to suffer from severe post-traumatic stress disorder, and in 2000, he attempted suicide. Dallaire now spends part of his time raising awareness about the mental health issues faced by many veterans. He also devotes himself to two organizations he founded: The Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative, which works to end the use of child soldiers worldwide, and The Romeo Dallaire Foundation, which helps young people from underprivileged backgrounds develop leadership skills. After Rwanda, Dallaire served as a Senator in Canadas national government, representing the province of Quebec from 2005-2014. For his humanitarian work and public service, Dallaire will be presented with an honorary doctoral degree at the event by USF President Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J. The Framebench Team Freshdesk is committed to helping companies provide great customer experiences, and collaboration plays a critical role in enabling businesses stay on top of delivering customer happiness. Freshdesk, the global leader in cloud-based customer support software, announced today its acquisition of Framebench, an online collaboration platform that enables teams to share, review, and comment on videos, images, presentations, and documents. With the acquisition of Framebench, support agents can interact with their customers and internal product teams by collaborating on the same file. For example, when the customer sends a screenshot, the agent can now make quick annotations and interact with the product team and even the customer without ever leaving the ticket. Agents can use this visual communication platform in real-time while working on knowledge base articles, images or even tutorial videos. Launched in 2013, Framebench eliminates the hassle of enabling multiple parties to review and edit creative files. The online collaboration platform allows multiple people to seamlessly edit, annotate, and even version creative files. The acquisition of Framebench presents an opportunity to integrate collaborative capabilities not only into Freshdesk, but also other products like Freshservice, said Girish Mathrubootham, Freshdesk CEO. Freshdesk is committed to helping companies provide great customer experiences, and collaboration plays a critical role in enabling businesses stay on top of delivering customer happiness." "Framebench saved us a lot of time in coordinating 260+ campaigns in the state elections and the team totally loves using it." said Vasyl Rabosyuk, former Director of Technology at the Ohio House Republican Organizational Committee. This announcement comes on the heels of a year of incredible growth for Freshdesk, with a fourth office opened in Sydney, Australia and three recent acquisitions. Each acquisition not only brings new capabilities to Freshdesk, but intelligent and creative talent. The acquisition of Framebench will help Freshdesk continue its mission to deliver exceptional experiences across all customer touchpoints. About Freshdesk Freshdesk is the leading provider of cloud-based customer support software. The company is headquartered in San Bruno, California, with offices in London, Sydney, and Chennai. Launched in 2010, Freshdesk has 50,000 customers around the world, including 3M, Honda, Hugo Boss, University of Pennsylvania, The Atlantic, and Petronas. The flagship product allows organizations to support customers through email, phone, websites, mobile apps, forums and social media. With powerful features, an easy to use interface and a freemium pricing model, Freshdesk is widely used by companies ranging from startups to enterprises. For more information, visit http://www.freshdesk.com, http://blog.freshdesk.com or find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/freshdesk or Twitter: @freshdesk. Tronics' manufacturing facilities This contract demonstrates our ability to diversify our activities and makes Tronics the ideal partner for the industrialization of products with high added value Tronics, a designer and manufacturer of innovative nano and microsystems, has signed an industrialization contract with a leading supplier of gas sensors for industrial applications. This partnership amounts to approximately 700K and will lead in 2017 to pilot production of MEMS-based optical gas detectors, with potential manufacturing revenue between 500K and 1M per year. Interest in gas sensors for industrial applications is growing, mainly driven by more stringent safety requirements. This momentum paves the way for new opportunities in the field of optical MEMS, which enable further miniaturization and cost reduction compared to existing technologies. Through this partnership, Tronics will bring its customers high accuracy gas sensors to the industrial phase, by ramping up the production from small scale to large volumes. The innovative technologies issued from Tronics portfolio have proven to be in line with the needs of the sector, which will allow its customer to reach the required production levels and fulfil its growing needs for high-end industrial applications. This contract demonstrates our ability to diversify our activities in the industrial market and makes Tronics the ideal partner for the industrialization of products with high added value, said Pascal Langlois, Chief Executive Officer of Tronics. We remain fully committed to our development strategy and will keep supplying our pipeline with new business opportunities to provide demanding markets with state-of-the-art technological and manufacturing expertise. "We are happy to continue our partnership with Microsoft, which enables us to continue providing our clients with high-quality service." - James Bowman, President and CEO of SBS Group SBS Group has achieved Gold Competencies in enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) from Microsoft. SBS Group has maintained gold competencies in ERP and CRM since Microsoft started the program over ten years ago. To earn a Microsoft competency, partners must successfully complete exams (resulting in Microsoft Certified Professionals) to prove their level of technology expertise. Partners must also submit customer references that demonstrate successful projects. For gold competencies, partners must also implement a yearly customer satisfaction study and, for many competencies, meet a performance commitment. Gold competency is the highest level of competency a partner can attain under the Microsoft Partner Network. Continuing our Microsoft Gold Partnership with gold competencies in ERP and CRM was an essential requirement for our business, explained James Bowman, President and CEO of SBS Group. We are happy to continue our partnership with Microsoft, which enables us to continue providing our clients with high-quality service. SBS Group is a Microsoft Master VAR and Microsoft Gold Partner providing consulting and IT services to organizations across the United States and Canada. SBS Group works with a variety of business solutions, on-premise and in the cloud, and works with clients in various industries. Maintaining its Microsoft Gold competencies in ERP and CRM, SBS Group will be able to continue to leverage its partner status to better serve its clients. The Microsoft Partner Network helps partners strengthen their capabilities to showcase leadership in the marketplace on the latest technology, to better serve customers and to easily connect with one of the most active, diverse networks in the world. About SBS Group SBS Group is a national Microsoft master VAR (Value Added Reseller) with Gold level competency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM). Over the past 25 years, they have been recognized as Microsoft Partner of the Year, Inner Circle Member and Microsoft President's Club member multiple times. The company is headquartered in Edison, New Jersey and operates offices across North America. For more information, please visit SBS Group's website at http://www.sbsgroupusa.com. Follow us on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/company/sbs-group, on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/sbsgroup and find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SBSGroupUSA. Altium Designer 16 The PDN Analyzer allows PCB engineers to easily apply a sophisticated simulation engine to their design, getting in design feedback without having to rely on, or wait for, simulation specialists. Altium is scheduled to show a pre-release BETA of a new PDN analysis solution at Embedded World 2016 for their flagship PCB design platform, Altium Designer. The PDN Analyzer extension will allow engineers to easily resolve Power Distribution Network (PDN) issues as they arise in a board layout process without having to rely on physical prototypes to identify voltage and current issues. Altium will be in attendance at Embedded World 2016 at booth 4-260 to showcase this upcoming PDN analysis technology along with several other offerings including a new circuit testing solution and the intelligent parts management platform from Ciiva. Engineers interested in trying out the PDN Analyzer powered by CST can register now for BETA access. While design complexity continues to increase every year, most engineers are still forced to rely solely on conservative design guidelines. said Jeff Loyer, Signal and Power Integrity Product Manager, Altium. The PDN Analyzer instead allows PCB engineers to easily apply a sophisticated simulation engine to their design, getting in design feedback without having to rely on, or wait for, simulation specialists. PDN Analysis for the PCB Specialist Rather than treating PDN issues as a post-design afterthought in a physical prototype, the PDN Analyzer will allow engineers to accurately identify and resolve voltage and current issues in a PCB as part of a board layout process. This extension includes: In Design PDN analysis designed specifically for the PCB specialist. Engineers will easily analyze voltage on their board layouts in Native 3D and see results in their design without ever interrupting their existing workflow. A unified design and simulation workflow. Engineers will quickly switch between a board layout process and PDN analysis in the same interface with the Altium Designer Unified workflow. Powerful analysis technology from the CST simulation experts. Engineers will leverage over 30 years of simulation technology from the experts at CST to quickly resolve PDN issues without relying on physical prototypes. All of the powerful analysis technology that will be in the PDN Analyzer will be easily accessible to PCB designers of any experience level with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. With analysis results displayed visually, electronic designers can easily understand what changes need to be made to a board layout without having to decipher complex waveforms and spreadsheet data. New Circuit Testing Solution from XJTAG Altium will also be showcasing a new circuit testing solution from XJTAG at Embedded World 2016. This extension will be free for all existing Altium Subscription customers, and will allow an engineer to easily set up and run tests on circuitry to identify short-circuit and open-circuit faults on a PCB at design time. Availability details for this free extension will be announced in the coming months. Intelligent Parts Management from Ciiva Ciiva, an Altium brand, will also be in attendance at Embedded World 2016 to show off their intelligent parts management platform, including: Smart Parts Search that allows an engineer to make the most informed part selections with access to historical lifecycle data, real-time pricing and availability data, and verified alternatives for millions of components in the Ciiva parts database. Smart Parts Analysis that allows an engineer to streamline their supply chain sourcing with advanced BOM validation technology that analyses every part in a design to confirm correct part numbers, availability, and pricing. Smart Parts Management that allows an engineer to automate daily parts management tasks with advanced technology that automatically completes parametric data on components and keeps libraries organized and updated. Engineers interested in trying out the intelligent parts management platform from Ciiva can register now for a free trial. As engineers we go to enormous lengths to ensure a successful PCB fabrication process, but we often dont apply the same rigorous standards to our parts, said Jason Hingston, CTO. Ciiva SmartParts brings a new level of visibility to part selection, validation, and management that naturally lends itself to accurate part libraries, efficient part reuse, and ultimately a manufacturable BOM. Availability Details and Embedded World 2016 Details Those in attendance at Embedded World 2016 can see all of the new PDN analysis and circuit testing technology available from Altium at booth 4-260. Ciiva will also be in attendance to show off their intelligent parts management platform at booth 4-507. Engineers interested in testing the BETA of the new PDN Analyzer powered by CST, an Altium Designer extension, can register now for BETA access. We are very proud of Lena and Stacy for earning such a prestigious designation. This certification doesnt come lightly and we look forward to their expanded understanding of ACHs..." stated Michael Ligon, CFO. Belvoir Federal Credit Unions Accounting Manager, Yelena Gureyeva, and Senior Financial Specialist, Stacy Coates, earned their Accredited ACH Professionals (AAP) designation from the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA). NACHA, formed in 1974 within the American Bankers Association, is an organization that establishes the standards and rules followed by financial institutions for transferring payments. Through NACHAs expertise and guidance, the ACH Network is now one of the largest, safest, and most reliable payment systems, creating value and enabling innovation for all participants. The AAPs are an elite group of highly-skilled payment professionals nationally recognized for their electronic payments expertise. Before being accredited, candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the NACHA Operating Rules, the ACH Network and other payment systems, technical and operational ACH requirements, risk management, and payments-related regulations across channels. We are very proud of Lena and Stacy for earning such a prestigious designation. This certification doesnt come lightly and we look forward to their expanded understanding of ACHs to help further Belvoir Federal and assist member transactions on the backend, stated Michael Ligon, CFO of Belvoir Federal. I am excited about the opportunity this designation affords me in the financial sector, stated Yelena. The classes gave me a deeper insight into the technical side of ACHs, which I hope to continually use throughout my career. Along with the latest accreditation, Yelena holds a Master of Science in Accounting and Finance from the All-Russian Finance & Economics Institute along with 22 years of professional industry experience. Stacy stated, Earning this certification has given me a deeper appreciation for operational requirements and risk management that is entailed within the ACH Network and payments industry. I look forward to applying my extensive understanding as I continue with my career. In addition to her recent accreditation, Stacy is also a graduate of The Payments Institute and has been in the financial industry for 22 years, concentrating mainly in Accounting, ACH operations, and Member Service. About NACHA NACHA administers and facilitates private-sector operating rules for ACH payments, which define the roles and responsibilities of financial institutions and other ACH Network participants. As a not-for-profit association, NACHA represents more than 10,000 financial institutions via 13 Regional Payments Associations and Direct Membership. To learn more about NACHA, please visit http://www.nacha.org. About Belvoir Federal Credit Union Belvoir Federal is a member-owned, full-service financial institution that provides the foundation for the financial success of our Members. Belvoir Federal, a not-for-profit organization, has served the Fort Belvoir and U.S. Armed Forces community since 1946 and named 2014, 2015, and 2016 Best Places to Work in Virginia. For more information about Belvoir Federal, please visit http://www.BelvoirCreditUnion.org. ### After author Adele Anggard saw the Stone Age (Neolithic) art as sophisticated and abstract, saying those artifacts represent a very different value system from today, she began to trace its significance to todays human culture. A Humanitarian Past (published by AuthorHouse UK) raises new questions about how humans connect with material and social conditions, unearthing how the material world impacts behavioral responses. A Humanitarian Past" takes readers on an eye-opening series of journeys seen through time in Europe, with three major periods of investigation. Old Europe is identified as the Stone Age period; antiquity is largely seen through the last thousand years BCE; and, finally, modernity and how the present views the past. With the discovery that the Greeks negated both the earlier art and history in their myths, dramas and epic poems, Anggard lets readers discover that antiquity has turned a blind eye over earlier and more humanitarian cultures, writing off their artistic and egalitarian practices. Her narrative further unveils facts about Old Europes past, evaluates the truth of ideas passed on to people and opens their eyes to the staggering and distorted policies conveyed in ancient Greek myths, dramas and epic poems. Through her studies revealed within, Anggard concludes that, People are not aggressive in themselves. They have to be constantly trained or indoctrinated to become violent, which suggests antagonistic characteristics are foreign to humans inherited biological make-up. A Humanitarian Past By Adele Anggard Softcover | 8.25 x 11in | 310 pages | ISBN 9781496993328 E-Book | 310 pages | ISBN 9781496993342 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Adele Anggard grew up in a family that moved to different countries in Europe, where foreign policies and social questions were continually under debate. With several artists in the family, travel naturally extended her interest in art, which eventually found an outlet in theatre design. Four decades of costume and set design brought her into contact with ancient Greek dramas and the cultures social relationships, which revealed close connections between peoples art and their mentality. AuthorHouse UK Ltd., an Author Solutions, LLC self-publishing imprint, is a leading provider of self-publishing, marketing, and bookselling services dedicated to serving authors throughout the United Kingdom. AuthorHouse UK is committed to providing authors the best self-publishing experience through a wide array of products and services designed to help individual authors realise their unique creative vision. AuthorHouse UK assigns each author a personal publishing, marketing, and book consultant to provide professional guidance throughout the self-publishing process. To date, AuthorHouse UK has released more than 6,500 titles. For more information or to begin publishing a book today, visit authorhouse.co.uk or call 0800 1974150 or follow @AuthorHouseUK on Twitter for our latest news and updates AvePoint, the Microsoft Cloud expert, today announced a reseller partnership with Fritz & Macziol (F&M), a Germany-based software and system solutions provider for public clients, as well as medium-sized and large companies. The agreement will enable both companies to integrate best-in-class solutions with comprehensive services for businesses seeking to enhance on-premises, cloud, and hybrid SharePoint deployments. AvePoints solutions for SharePoint and Office 365 in tandem with F&M premier services provides German organizations with a set of robust products and services to help implement and manage their SharePoint and SharePoint Online environments. F&M is one of the first partners admitted to AvePoints Platinum Partnership Program in Europe. The Platinum Partnership Program is designed to drive innovation and customer satisfaction, providing select partners with resources and insights across all areas of their business to better align with AvePoint solutions and services. With exemplary commitment to its customers, F&M has earned its position in our Platinum Partner Program, said Florian Huber, Country Manager Germany/Austria, AvePoint. We are look forward to helping businesses better migrate, manage, and protect their SharePoint and SharePoint Online assets by pairing AvePoints best-in-class software solutions with F&Ms local services expertise. More than 15,000 organizations and more than 3 million cloud users worldwide trust AvePoint to migrate, manage, and protect their Office 365 and SharePoint data since its founding in 2001. With integrated cloud, hybrid, and on-premises software solutions are enhanced by 24/7 support, AvePoint is the Microsoft Cloud expert. F&M operates independently from manufacturers and offers an integrated portfolio of consulting, services, software, hardware, and IT operations in selected fields for public clients, medium-sized and large companies. Alongside traditional IT services, cloud, mobility, business analytics, and Industry 4.0 are the groups core competencies. In 2015, F&M was selected as one of the top two German systems houses in a customer satisfaction survey conducted by IDG. We are proud to be one of the partners chosen for AvePoints Platinum Program, emphasizing our mutual commitment to investing in customer-oriented, innovative solutions, said Nils Graf, Head of Collaboration Infrastructure, Fritz & Macziol. AvePoints award-winning solutions blend perfectly into our own cloud strategy and complement our offerings to help organizations navigate the SharePoint market. For more information on how AvePoint helps organizations migrate, manage, and protect, please visit our website. For additional information on how Fritz & Macziol can help make processes more efficient when it comes to technology, organization, and administration, please visit the company website. About AvePoint AvePoint is the Microsoft Cloud expert. Over 15,000 companies and 3 million cloud users worldwide trust AvePoint to migrate, manage, and protect their Office 365 and SharePoint data. AvePoints integrated cloud, hybrid, and on-premises software solutions are enhanced by 24/7 support. AvePoint is a Microsoft Global ISV Partner and two-time Microsoft Partner of the Year Award winner. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Jersey City, NJ, AvePoint is privately held and backed by Goldman Sachs. About FRITZ & MACZIOL Software und Computervertrieb GmbH Fritz & Macziol GmbH (F&M) with its headquarters in Ulm is a manufacturer-independent IT house with a full-service portfolio consisting of consulting, services, software, hardware and IT operation. Among its top partners are companies like Cisco, EMC, IBM, Microsoft, SAP as well as other leading manufacturers. Apart from traditional IT, the strategic value drivers such as Cloud, Mobility, Business Analytics and Industry 4.0 are some of the core competences of the company. According to an integrative approach, F&M specialists support customers to use technologies and applications exactly as needed, to optimize their processes and to successfully implement their digital corporate strategies. Based on an IDG survey on customer satisfaction, F&M has advanced to the second rank among the Best system houses in Germany in 2015" in the category "Large system houses." Since October 2014, F&M has been a part of the French construction and industry group Vinci. Apart from F&M, the German Vinci management unit (Vinci Energies Deutschland ICT) encompasses F&M Asia Inc., Info-ma Software Consulting GmbH, IT&T AG as well as Axians Networks & Solutions GmbH, Crocodial GmbH, IKVS GmbH and Petersen + Co GmbH. In April 2015, Vinci Energies bundled all global ICT activities under the umbrella brand of Axians. About Vinci Energies Vinci Energies, a branch of the Vinci Group, is operating in 51 countries, of them 30 outside Europe. In 2014, this segment of the Group generated a turnover of 9.3 billion Euros with 63,000 staff members. With its close-knit network of 1,500 business units in the fields of energy and telecommunication infrastructure, industrial and building technology as well as information technology, VINCI Energies is now a leading provider of energy and information technology services in Europe and throughout the world. In Germany, Vinci Energies employs about 11,000 staff members and generated a turnover of 2 billion Euros in 2014. All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners. Dorothy Love Retirement Community is holding a hiring event on Wednesday, Feb. 24 and Thursday, Feb. 25. We are looking for caring and compassionate people who are looking to work in a compassionate and caring environment where employees are valued and recognized. Dorothy Love, a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community, is hosting a hiring event on Wednesday, Feb. 24 and Thursday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dorothy Love located at 3003 Cisco Rd., Sidney, OH 45365. Current openings include State Tested Nursing Assistants (STNA), Registered Nurses (RN), and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). Other departments will also be available to interview candidates. Applicants that attend this event will learn how they could win a ticket to the 2016 Country Concert at Hickory Hill Lakes in Fort Laramie, OH being held July 7-9, 2016. "We are looking for caring and compassionate people who are looking to work in a compassionate and caring environment where employees are valued and recognized," said Cathy Koverman, human resources director for Dorothy Love. "We welcome you to join a strong team of professionals and make a difference in someone's life." Dorothy Love employees have the opportunity to touch lives within an innovative faith-based work culture, while working with the latest technology for medical records, payroll, benefits, training and scheduling. Employees enjoy competitive wages, great benefits, education assistance, free meals or meal allowance, and a number of on-campus. Along with all of this, employees have access to a number of on-campus features, such as the wellness center, indoor track, library, video nook, and walking trails throughout its 294 acres of beautiful countryside. Interested candidates may apply in person at the hiring event, or online at http://www.dorothylove.org/careers. About Dorothy Love Dorothy Love Retirement Community is one of 12 retirement communities owned and operated by OPRS Communities, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services (OPRS), headquartered in Columbus. Since 1922, OPRS has defined the highest standards of quality of life for older adults. Each year, OPRS serves more than 73,000 people annually through its wholly owned subsidiaries OPRS Communities and Senior Independence. Its crucial that all the children in our community have every opportunity to learn about the world and to experience local history, which is why funding this field trip is so important Shield Insurance Services, a North Carolina-based insurance firm with offices serving Pasquotank County and the surrounding regions, is launching a charity drive to provide underprivileged students attending Pasquotank Elementary School with a once in a lifetime adventure. Ms. Bartlett is a teacher at Pasquotank Elementary School, and wants to take her students on a field trip to Jockeys Ridge and the Wright Brothers memorial. Unfortunately, many students attending Pasquotank Elementary are from low income families. Most of my students have never seen the ocean or sand. They dont know what a memorial is, says Ms. Bartlett. I want to help them have a priceless experience. Its crucial that all the children in our community have every opportunity to learn about the world and to experience local history, which is why funding this field trip is so important, says Scott Dashiell, owner and manager of Shield Insurance Services. With the help of his team, Dashiell is establishing an online social media presence and sending out a community email bulletin to notify families of the charity effort. Further publicity efforts will include a full page feature of the Pasquotank Elementary charity drive in the upcoming issue of Our Hometown, a monthly Internet magazine published by Shield Insurance: http://www.shieldinsuranceservice.com/Our-Hometown-Magazine_41. Moreover, Dashiell and the Shield Insurance team have committed to a permanent charity involvement program that will see the firm working with at least one new North Carolina non-profit every 60 days for the foreseeable future. Those who want to join Dashiell and the Shield Insurance team in their support of the Pasquotank Elementary outing are encouraged to stop by the firms website and make a contribution to the effort from this page: http://www.shieldinsuranceservice.com/Sending-Elementary-Students-On-A-Wonderful-Adventure-_19_community_cause. Those who want more details concerning the other North Carolina charities supported by the Shield team can review their Community Cause listing here: http://www.shieldinsuranceservice.com/community-cause. About Shield Insurance Services As a family owned company, Shield Insurance Services specializes in taking the mystery out of insurance and providing no-nonsense, real-world financial solutions to families and business owners in and around Elizabeth City, NC. Whether you need assistance managing long term financial goals, understanding investments or annuities, or mapping out your insurance needs in a rapidly changing economy, the experts at Shield Insurance Services are ready and waiting to give you the information you need to make the right choice. To speak to a helpful and knowledgeable representative from Shield Insurance Services, browse to http://www.shieldinsuranceservice.com/ or call (252) 338-5821. We are very pleased to announce that Mr. Simmons has officially joined our team as General Counsel for GlobalTranz. He brings with him decades of experience as a leading legal mind when it comes to freight logistics Today GlobalTranz announces that former Attorney with the national law firm Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP, Jeffrey R. Simmons has been hired as general counsel for GlobalTranz. This comes as exciting news for GlobalTranz considering Simmons long and distinguished legal career in the freight transportation industry. We are very pleased to announce that Mr. Simmons has officially joined our team as General Counsel for GlobalTranz. He brings with him decades of experience as a leading legal mind when it comes to freight logistics, Andrew Leto, CEO and Founder of GlobalTranz. Though most widely known for his association with one of the most well-known national firms in the U.S., Jeffrey Simmons has the top of expertise that is invaluable to freight brokerages. He is currently Secretary and Treasurer for the Transportation Lawyers Association. He has been listed among the Best Lawyers in America every year since 2011 for his excellence in Transportation Law and was named a Southwest Super Lawyer for 2015 and 2016 in Transportation and Maritime Law among many other distinctions. Working in all modes of freight logistics including air, ocean, rail, and motor carriers, GlobalTranz expects Simmons history is going to be a real asset. He [Jeffrey R. Simmons] not only has a broad knowledge of the freight industry, he has served as legal counsel on behalf of brokers, carriers, in the courtroom, before regulatory agencies, and in private contract negotiations. He has seen it all. Renee Krug, CFO of GlobalTranz Jeff Simmons attended undergraduate school at the elite Georgetown University before graduating from the College of Law at the University of Arizona in 1986. Over his extremely successful career, Simmons has worked to make the trucking industry safer and fairer, previously serving as Chairman of the Conference of Freight Counsel and earning the Transportation Lawyers Associations Distinguished Service Award in 2014. Today, GlobalTranz proudly welcomes Jeffrey R. Simmons as their new general counsel. Mr. Simmons will continue to serve in his capacity as Secretary and Treasurer of the Transportation Lawyers Association and will continue his active membership with the Trucking Industry Defense Association. About GlobalTranz Founded in 2003, GlobalTranz is a privately held, Phoenix-based logistics company specializing in freight management services including LTL, Full Truckload, Supply Chain Management, and Domestic Air/Expedited shipping. Their team focuses on innovative technology and partnering with sales professionals that possess energy, insight and a fervent customer service mentality. GlobalTranz has created a one-stop-shop for its customer base of over 25,000 shippers through providing Less-Than-Truckload, Full Truckload, Supply Chain and Expedited Services. In 2015, Transport Topics Announced GlobalTranz as the 14th Largest Freight Brokerage Firm in the US. GlobalTranz is a leading company in the $157 Billion Dollar third-party logistics industry, with annual revenue of $484M and growing every year. Led by Founder, Andrew Leto, GlobalTranz currently has 500+ employees and is growing rapidly. ### For additional information please contact: Todd S. Bookout Marketing Director Phone: 480.339.5722 E-Mail: tbookout(at)globaltranz(dot)com Respiratory Motion's ExSpiron 1Xi Minute Ventilation Monitor Repeated studies show the ExSpiron Patient Monitor is more effective than current technologies for identifying subtle changes in breathing that rapidly indicate life-threatening respiratory depression." Respiratory Motions ExSpiron 1Xi was launched by IMI Co., Ltd. at the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine at the February 11th 14th conference. The Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine (JSICM) was founded in 1974. Physicians joining the JSICM have specialized in intensive care with past experiences as anesthesiologists, emergency physicians, cardiologists, and pediatricians. The ExSpiron patient monitor provides non-invasive monitoring for Minute Ventilation, Tidal Volume and Respiratory Rate. Knowing a patients minute ventilation, how much air they breath in one-minute, is essential to knowing their respiratory status. ExSpiron is the ONLY respiratory device to provide this comprehensive information for non-intubated patients enabling a more complete and quantifiable patient assessment throughout the care continuum. ExSpiron technology was first introduced to the Japanese market in 2015 in lectures given at several conferences by prominent physicians. Clinical research presented at JSICM overwhelmingly confirms that current respiratory monitoring using Respiratory Rate or EtCO2 is insufficient with potentially over 80% of Respiratory Depression events going undetected. Highlights of some of these six significant presentation include: Risk Stratification Using a Respiratory Volume Monitor Late detection of respiratory depression (RD) in non-intubated patients compromises patients safety. Respiratory Volume Monitoring (RVM) can detect patients at risk for opioid-induced RD and/or experiencing post-operative apnea. Ventilation is a Better Assessment of Respiratory Status than EtCO2 EtCO2 measurements in non-intubated patients are unreliable so clinicians resort to using the respiratory rate (RR) measurements from the capnograph. Normal EtCO2 coincided with adequate RR just 24.9% of the time. Data demonstrated that relying on capnography to capture the respiratory status in non-intubated patients is lacking. Respiratory Rate is a Poor Assessment of Respiratory Status During and After Upper Endoscopy Procedures Despite the use of capnography monitoring, incidence of low MV during routine endoscopic procedures was significant. Over 80% of all low MV episodes would not have triggered a low RR alarm. Conventional RR monitoring alone would fail to capture more than 80% of all low MV episodes. Assessing Ventilation in Patients Receiving Opioids Monitoring respiratory rates as low as 6 breadths/min would still miss nearly 90% of Low MV episodes. Identifying Patients at Risk for Respiratory Depression RVM can identify and quantify respiratory compromise in the PACU, ICU, or GHF. Respiratory Volume Monitoring Reduces False Alarms Respiratory depression poses a significant threat to the safety of patients in Japan, where aging population and economic pressures have pushed hospital systems to embrace novel technology to eliminate preventable adverse events and contain cost. As in the United States, health care providers in Japan seek ways to identify patient risk before it becomes life-threatening. Repeated studies show the ExSpiron Patient Monitor is more effective than other technologies for identifying subtle changes in respiration that foreshadow life-threatening respiratory depression. Dr. Jenny E. Freeman, Respiratory Motions president and chief executive officer, states Repeated studies show the ExSpiron Patient Monitor is more effective than current technologies for identifying subtle changes in breathing that rapidly indicate life-threatening respiratory depression. We are excited to work with IMI Co. to offer this safety benefit to the people of Japan. According to Hideki Yokoyama, chief executive officer of IMI Co., Over the last year we have worked to satisfy the requirements necessary to secure regulatory approval, and are excited to provide this critical technology to the clinical community in their efforts to protect patients at-risk for respiratory depression. Our customers will be the first in Japan to experience the future of respiratory monitoring. The footprint and scope of IMI, our distribution partner in Japan, provides us the platform to rapidly reach physicians and patients, says Diana Gelston, Chief Commercial Officer for Respiratory Motion. Our strategy is to collaborate with the best companies with exceptional relationships, talent, and knowledge in their respective markets, and IMI certainly achieves that for us. IMI is among the first in a series of international partnerships to launch the ExSpiron, Non-Invasive Minute Ventilation monitor. We see many of the same issues in patient care abroad as we do in the U.S., which the ExSpiron uniquely solves. We look forward to helping clinicians save lives through quicker respiratory intervention in many markets. says Gelston. The U.S. Department of Health Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality finds the annual costs of respiratory insufficiency, arrest and failure was $7.8 billion in 2007. This makes respiratory issues the third most rapidly increasing hospital inpatient cost in the United States. Further, Healthgrades 2014 Patient Safety Report lists post operative respiratory failure is the largest single source of avoidable in-patient days. Respiratory minute ventilation is used to monitor the amount of air actually breathed by a patient in one-minute, which is fundamental to knowing a patients respiratory status. In 2012, Respiratory Motion won U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance for its revolutionary ExSpiron monitoring system. About IMI The mission of IMI Co., Ltd. is to deliver the worlds most advanced medical devices to improve Japans medical technology base. For medical institutions, IMI has delivered a reliable platform for delivering device sales and services that provide patients with safe, efficient, and valuable acute-care services at reasonable costs. For business partners, the company strives to maximize long-term mutual benefit by developing markets for partners products through aggressive sales activities and appropriate pricing while increasing customer satisfaction by delivering high value-added support services to ensure their proper use. To learn more, visit http://www.imimed.co.jp/en/ About Respiratory Motion, Inc. Respiratory Motion, Inc. is a medical device company based in Waltham, MA, that develops innovative technology to monitor respiration and help clinicians and hospitals improve patient safety and outcomes. The companys monitoring systems can identify patients who are at risk for life-threatening respiratory depression. This allows physicians to prevent the dangerous condition before it harms a patient. To learn more, visit http://www.respiratorymotion.com Pain Therapeutics 2016 "Capturing the latest developments and innovations to accelerate market access" SMi Group Ltd SMis long running Pain Therapeutics conference returns to Central London this May for its 16th annual instalment. With a focus on showcasing the latest clinical advancements in drug therapy, the agenda for 2016 will feature a special address from University College London following on from their recent study, which revealed that blocking the stress protein in mice reduced chronic pain. These medical findings will offer new targets for future pain treatments.* The presentation will be delivered by the Chair of Clinical Neurophysiology at UCL, Martin Koltzenberg. Spotlighting on translational biomarkers, Dr Koltzenberg will provide updates into nerve excitability profiling (NEP) and its use in studying ion, potassium and different subtypes of sodium channels in rodents and primates, including humans in vivo and in vitro. Highlights will include insight into the controlling of the excitability of peripheral nerves; potential propagation in different subtypes of sensory neurons; the firing pattern of exons; and sodium channel blockers. The show will aim to hone in on the latest innovations and novel approaches to pain therapy and analgesic drugs as well as look at the practicalities of using animal models and translational biomarkers in pain research. Targeting an audience of senior specialists in neurology, CNS, clinical sciences and pharmacology, Pain Therapeutics 2016 will keep attendees at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs to adapt to the growing need towards minimising opioid dependency and new drug discovery. Other featured speakers at Pain Therapeutics 2016 will include: Andrea Houghton, Executive Director, MSD (Merck & Co Within The Usa) Catherine Stehman-Breen, VP Clinical Sciences, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc Stephen Doberstein, Senior Vice President & Chief Scientific Officer, Nektar Therapeutics Thomas Christoph, Senior Director, Head Of Pain Pharmacology, Grunenthal GmbH Richard Butt, Senior Director, Research Project Leader, Clinical Research, Pfizer Shaloo Pandhi, Global Program Medical Director, Novartis Neelima Khairatkar Joshi, Senior Vice President, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Chao Chen, Therapy Area Head, GlaxoSmithKline Steven Kamerling, Therapeutic Area Head for Pain, Inflammation and Oncology, Zoetis Dr Ozgur Sancak, Global Medical Science Lead - Pain, Reckitt Benckiser A full speaker line-up and detailed conference agenda is available online at http://www.pain-therapeutics.com With recent team bookings from GSK, Ethypharmrt, RB and Mundipharma, the event is already attracting big names in the pharmaceutical industry and early indications predict it will be SMis most successful Pain conference to date. For those who are looking to attend, there is currently a 400 earlybird saving online that expires on 29th February. 16th Annual Pain Therapeutics Conference 23 - 24 May 2016 Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, London UK Sponsored by Cellectricon AB, CHDR (Centre for Human Drug Research) and MD Biosciences http://www.pain-therapeutics.co.uk ---end--- About SMi Group: Established since 1993, the SMi Group is a global event-production company that specializes in Business-to-Business Conferences, Workshops, Masterclasses and online Communities. We create and deliver events in the Defence, Security, Energy, Utilities, Finance and Pharmaceutical industries. We pride ourselves on having access to the world's most forward thinking opinion leaders and visionaries, allowing us to bring our communities together to Learn, Engage, Share and Network. More information can be found at http://www.smi-online.co.uk PetPace smart IoT pet health monitor to integrate the newest Intel wireless connectivity chip. Together with Intel, we will continue to pursue our commitment to technological innovation in the service of animal health and wellbeing. PetPace, the provider of an innovative IoT collar for remote real-time monitoring and analysis of pet vital signs and activity, today announced that it was chosen for Intels prestigious Ingenuity Partner Program. As part of Intels renowned, exclusive technology accelerator, the company will produce a new version of the PetPace collar integrating Intels newest wireless connectivity chip. The collaboration between Intel and PetPace has already produced a demo collar unit with Intels chip, which will be showcased at Intels booth in the 4YFN (Four Years From Now) convention at the upcoming 2016 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona - the worlds largest conference dedicated to mobile technology. The new PetPace collar leverages innovative Intel technology to more effectively stream pet health data, reports and alerts to pet owners and medical staff. This enables PetPace to offer even better real-time detection of pet medical problems, helping caregivers take early preventive actions. We are pleased and honored to have been chosen from among hundreds of companies by Intel, and see this as further confirmation of our global leadership in the pet wearable tech arena, said Avi Menkes, CEO of PetPace. Together with Intel, we will continue to pursue our commitment to technological innovation in the service of animal health and wellbeing, he concluded. Roy Ramon, Managing Director for Intels Ingenuity Partner Program added, We happily welcome PetPaces innovative technology. We look forward to continue the joint work that will advance pet health and bring peace of mind to pet owners. We were extremely impressed with the professional capabilities of the PetPace R&D team throughout the integration. Their professionalism and expertise facilitated a smooth and fruitful joint development process, noted Avi Yashar, Integration Group Manager & IPP Tech PMO, Intel Corporation. The PetPace collar will also be honorably presented in the Israel Export Institutes booth at the 2016 Mobile World Congress, after winning the Most Promising Israeli Start-Up competition in October 2015. About PetPace PetPace was founded in 2012 to bring peace of mind to pet owners and prevent unnecessary pain and suffering for dogs and cats through improved pet health and quality of life. PetPace specializes in the remote monitoring of pet vital signs by utilizing advanced analytical methods and alerting models. The companys low power, wireless collar is fitted with an array of sensors that report abnormal vital signs within established physiological and behavioral parameters. Once an abnormal sign or behavior is detected, a sophisticated cloud-based analytical engine evaluates the signs and if needed, sends an immediate alert regarding any suspected condition. This allows the owner or the vet to take preemptive action to protect the pets health. For more information about PetPace real-time pet health monitoring, visit http://PetPace.com. Sarah Moore Community is holding a hiring event Saturday, Feb. 27 for STNAs and Resident Assistants. Hiring events are a great way for us to reach out into the community and recruit caring individuals that embrace our mission. Sarah Moore Community, a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community, will host a hiring event on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. at 26 N. Union St., Delaware, Ohio 43015. Sarah Moore is currently offering a $500 sign-on bonus for full- and part-time State Tested Nursing Assistants (STNA) and Resident Assistants. Positions are also available for Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). "Hiring events are a great way for us to reach out into the community and recruit caring individuals that embrace our mission, said Aric Arnett, executive director at Sarah Moore. The staff at Sarah Moore provide outstanding service to our residents each and every day so we have made significant investments in our workforce. We offer competitive wages, affordable health insurance, an employer-matched retirement savings plan, free meals, shift incentives, education assistance, advancement opportunities, and free training programs designed to enhance work skills." Interested candidates may apply in person at the hiring event, or online at http://www.sarahmoorehome.com/careers. About Sarah Moore Community Sarah Moore Community is one of 12 retirement communities owned and operated by OPRS Communities, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services (OPRS), headquartered in Columbus. Since 1922, OPRS has defined the highest standards of quality of life for older adults. Each year, OPRS serves more than 73,000 people annually through its wholly owned subsidiaries OPRS Communities and Senior Independence. In order to beat a hacker, you have to think like one. These are the words St. Louis-based, ethical hacking firm, Parameter Security, lives by and is the foundation on which ShowMeCon is built. By bringing the only hacking and cyber security conference to St. Louis, ShowMeCon will amaze, frighten and educate event-goers as they get an up-close look into the minds of hackers. This fascinating two day conference will run from June 13th through June 14th. Each year, ShowMeCon continues to grow larger than the year before. We plan on exceeding last years 600+ attendees to approximately 900 attendees this year, said Renee Chronister, co-founder and CEO of Parameter Security. ShowMeCon is geared toward IT and security professionals who fight the war against hackers daily. Through presentations, demonstrations and pre-conference training, attendees will better understand the minds and motives of hackers so they can effectively defend against attacks. In addition to witnessing real-world hacks, attendees will discover the latest vulnerabilities, most powerful exploits and current security threats. Plus, event-goers can participate in ShowMeCons capture the flag contest and take their best shot at hacking into various environments. This two day con will feature a variety of speakers including professional hacker and co-founder of Parameter Security, Dave Chronister, recently featured on CNBC discussing Apple versus the FBI. Keynote speakers include: Kevin Johnson, CEO of Secure Ideas, who will explore the ramifications of modern bug bounties and security research including the impact on businesses and the Internet; Chris Truncer, Creator of Veil-Framework, Red Teamer and prior Black Hat instructor, will address bypassing anti-virus, the ease of which it can be done and how to beat multi-million dollar companies products. Preceding the conference, Hacker University will offer technical training including its very own Hands-On Hacking, Social Engineering & Penetration Testing as well as Secure Routing and Switching. ShowMeCon will be held at Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, Missouri. For more information on the conference, training, sponsorship or registration, please visit http://www.ShowMeCon.com. About ShowMeCon This highly technical forum showcases eye-opening presentations from world-renown ethical hackers and security experts that will leave you amazed and frightened at the same time. By giving you access into the mind of a hacker, you will better understand how to protect your networks and critical data. ShowMeCon pulls back the curtain and exposes how hackers are winning the war on physical and cyber security. Whether youre a large corporation or a small business, you should attend this mind-blowing event as you witness the cream of the crop unveil the latest attacks, techniques, tactics and practices of todays hackers. Plus, gain insight and understanding into ways to effectively protect yourself and your business. About Parameter Security & Hacker University Hosting and sponsoring ShowMeCon is St. Louis-based, ethical hacking firm Parameter Security and its training counterpart Hacker University. Parameter Security is comprised of Certified Ethical Hackers who emulate the minds and behaviors of malicious hackers to test the security of your systems and employees. Parameter Security offers IT compliance audits, penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, social engineering, wireless security audits, secure code reviews, computer forensics and more. Parameter Securitys subsidiary, Hacker University, offers a variety of courses from end-user security awareness training to IT security professional certifications such as Hands-On Hacking, Security+, C|EH, C|HFI, CISSP and more. For more information about Parameter Security and/or Hacker University visit http://www.parametersecurity.com. Sourcing for Services SFS closes the skills gap for our strategic MSP partners by providing experienced procurement professionals to deliver best practice sourcing, contract negotiation and category management expertise Sourcing For Services, LLC announces the launch of its Spend Management Platform approach to managing third party services spend for mid- to large-size companies. The Greenville, South Carolina based managed services and sourcing advisory firm supports both the contingent labor and the services/indirect procurement industries. Sourcing For Services (SFS) has successfully deployed the Spend Management Platform, a proprietary solution that helps clients control and manage the acquisition and governance of third party professional services. Marketed primarily through strategic partnerships with managed staffing providers (MSP), this technology-driven service is also offered directly to clients along with SFS consulting services. Demand for a product like the Spend Management Platform emerged from the contingent labor industry that, until recent years, had been solely focused on managing temporary labor. Our industry is undergoing a program-driven expansion up the services procurement hierarchy into more complex, less standardizable professional services says Michael Matherly, CEO and Founder of SFS. The desire to manage these new types of external services spend through the existing contingent labor program revealed a skills gap in the traditional staffing MSP model. SFS closes that skills gap for our strategic MSP partners by providing experienced procurement professionals to deliver best practice sourcing, contract negotiation and category management expertise, he says. Matherly, who heads sales and strategic partnerships for the company, says that with SFS support, their strategic MSP partners can differentiate themselves from competitors by offering governance and management across the entire source-to-pay lifecycle, not only for temporary staffing but now for statement of work based professional services as well. The technology component to the Spend Management Platform solution enables our team to scale sourcing best practices and efficiently source high volumes of client requirements, says Ken Hernandez, SFS Chief Operating Officer. At the same time, it is capturing valuable pre-award performance data that influences both current and future vendor negotiations, as well as category strategies. Our technology can be integrated into client environments, but is mostly used as a back-end system to create and maintain a common data architecture and workflow across multiple accounts and multiple partners, he says. Hernandez heads the SFS implementation and service delivery. We have to be flexible enough to work with any vendor management system (VMS) or e-sourcing tool that our clients may use to support statement of work (SOW) in their programs. That inconsistency of data and workflow on the front end of multiple accounts is what drove the need to develop the Spend Management Platform system on the SFS back end. Its primary function is to support high value analytics and reporting, he says. SFS markets its Spend Management Platform primarily as a private label offering through its strategic MSP partners. As such, it is branded in the marketplace as part of the MSP partners bundled solution to clients and prospects. SFS, through its partnerships, is leveraging its Spend Management Platform to support Fortune 500 companies. Our MSP partners have begun actively converting their account base over to their new SOW management capabilities fueled by SFS, Matherly says. By doing so, they are raising the industry bar on SOW management expectations. To learn more about SFS products and services, visit the Sourcing for Services website, email michael(at)sourcingforservices(dot)com, or call +1 (864) 321-0729. About Sourcing For Services, LLC: Sourcing For Services, LLC (SFS) is a strategic sourcing advisory firm and an outsource provider of procurement services established in 2014. SFS developed the Spend Management Platform approach to statement of work or SOW-based spend management for mid to large size companies seeking to establish, scale or mature their procurement program capabilities. The Spend Management Platform product, along with SFSs unique brand of procurement consultancy, is also marketed directly to clients. SFS is currently serving multiple Fortune 500 companies, directly and through its strategic MSP partnerships. ### Suiteness You may not live like a movie star, but you can travel like one. Suiteness (https://www.suiteness.com), the first travel site to offer exclusive online booking of the hotel industrys most luxurious suites, has expanded into Los Angeles. Consumers can choose from over 2,000 luxury properties at 34 four and five-star hotels. Over half of these suites can be booked online for the first time. The Los Angeles suites complement the 17,000 luxury suites at top Las Vegas, Miami and New York hotels to which Suiteness also enables direct online booking. The company is growing its inventory of suites rapidly, with plans to expand into other markets in the coming months. Until now, guests could only book top hotel properties by phone, limiting access to sought-after suites. With Suiteness, travelers can easily shop for the ultimate setting for their bachelor/bachelorette party, family reunion, corporate retreat or dream vacation. Suiteness is also partnering with Los Angeles-based charities as part of a larger program where a donation is made to a local charity at the time of booking in any Suiteness city. In Los Angeles, Suiteness has already partnered with A Place Called Home and will be adding additional charity partners in the coming months. You may not live like a movie star, but you can travel like one, said Suiteness CEO Robbie Bhathal. Weve partnered with some of the top hotels to give travelers online access to some amazing luxury suites. Depending on the size of your group, it often costs about the same as booking separate rooms. And you can enjoy your experience knowing that you are giving back to the local community. For more information, visit http://www.suiteness.com About Suiteness Suiteness (http://www.suiteness.com) is the first and only booking engine dedicated to helping travelers gain access to the hotel industrys most luxurious suites. The company was founded in 2014, with funding and support from investors who have helped launch some of travels most successful and disruptive businesses. The platform currently provides access to 19,000 luxury suites in Las Vegas, Miami, New York and Los Angeles. The company is expanding its suite inventory rapidly in key markets across the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.suiteness.com. In recent tests, the new Voxox codec has dramatically outperformed popular competitive technologies in poor connectivity environments with significant packet loss. Voxox, the most comprehensive unified communications Platform as a Service company, today announced at Mobile World Congress, being held at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain on February 22-25, 2016, that the company's new patent-pending VoIP codec is now available to Voxox partners (e.g., mobile and cable operators, OEMs, and other service providers) as part of the Voxox Platform as a Service offering. As the core of VoIP calling, a codec is used to encode and compress voice signals into digital form for transmission and can vary in aspects such as sound quality, bandwidth, computational requirements, and more. In recent tests, the new Voxox codec has dramatically outperformed popular competitive technologies in poor connectivity environments with significant packet loss. Voxox is demonstrating these test results and showcasing its new codec at Mobile World Congress 2016 in Hall 1 (Booth 1H31). "We believe in handcrafting communication technology that integrates naturally into the lives and habits of our customers and improves the quality and effectiveness of their interactions," said Bryan Hertz, CEO and co-founder of Voxox. "Our new innovative codec is just one element of our Platform as a Service infrastructure, which is designed to help partners build best of breed unified communication experiences." In poor bandwidth situations, where voice packets can frequently get lost, VoIP calls are known to get choppy, and ultimately drop off. In multiple MOS (Mean Opinion Score) tests, Voxox compared the call quality of its newly developed codec against that of Skype, We Chat, and Line. Skype, We Chat and Line experienced significant voice call quality degradation around 20 percent packet loss and became unusable at roughly 40 percent packet loss. Voxox's new codec, on the other hand, consistently sustained higher quality calls and remained usable at 40 percent packet loss, significantly outperforming others with regards to voice quality. This innovation can be of particularly high value to service providers in countries that have poor bandwidth or in poor bandwidth situations in hotels, convention centers, airports or rural areas. For more information on the benefits of this new technology to operators and OEMs or to request a demo, please visit the Voxox Booth (#1H31) at Mobile World Congress or contact Voxox at http://www.voxox.com/contact. About Voxox Voxox is an innovator in unified cloud communication solutions for consumers and businesses. The foundation of the company's offerings is its award-winning unified communications Platform as a Service, which enables the company and its customers to build powerful, scalable applications and services. For consumers and service provider partners, Voxox delivers cutting-edge mobile and desktop applications that integrate voice, video, messaging, fax, media sharing and more. For businesses, Voxox provides an extensive suite of carrier-grade business phone solutions, including hosted IP-PBX, SIP Trunking, a wide array of wholesale services, such as high volume SMS, and the company's new virtual PBX service, Cloud Phone. Voxox is headquartered in San Diego. For more information, please visit http://www.voxox.com. If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity. PSFK iQ - Where Innovators Turn for Research. Our professional-grade research platform is designed specifically for Retail and CX leaders who want to know whats next. Whether youre staying current on trends or need a real-time research partner to help you get ahead, count on PSFK iQ to deliver the info you need to make your next move. Cookies What are cookies ? How do we use cookies? 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"March 1 will be a decisive day in the Democratic and Republican presidential primaries, and we'll have it covered," says Josh Scacco, an assistant professor in the Brian Lamb School of Communication. "Viewers can watch broadcasts of the results with fellow Boilermakers and hear live commentary from an expert panel. Students are key to this event, and producing this party will give them first-hand experience through following and reporting news on deadline, as well as supporting a live production that lasts nearly three hours." Scacco, who specializes in political communication, will interview Heffner at 6:45 p.m., and then Daniels will join Heffner for a panel discussion at 7 p.m. Prior to "The Open Mind," Heffner was a special correspondent for PBS's "Need to Know," which chronicled the millennial vote in 2012. Daniels was elected Indiana governor in 2004 and served two terms. Heffner interviewed Daniels on the Sept. 15 The Open Mind about the link between college affordability and economic growth. The "Growing the Next Generation" interview is available online. A faculty panel is at 7:30 p.m., and will feature Rosalee Clawson, professor and head of the Department of Political Science; Robert Browning, associate professor of political science and communication, and director of the C-SPAN Archives at Purdue; and James McCann, professor of political science. Questions for the panelists can be tweeted @LambSchool or @PurdueHonors. The event is sponsored by the Brian Lamb School of Communication, Department of Political Science, Pi Sigma Alpha and the Honors College. Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu Source: Josh Scacco, 765-496-0095, jscacco@purdue.edu Related website: College of Liberal Arts NEW WINDSOR -- Like a certain businessman who may get the Republican Party's presidential nomination, Patrick Harlan has never run for elected office before, and wants to shake things up in Washington. The 36-year-old native of Abingdon and married father of four, is seeking the chance to unseat two-term Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline). He held an open house Sunday for supporters, at the home of Dr. Brian Anseeuw. Mr. Harlan is running in part because he didn't want Rep. Bustos (who has twice beaten former U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling) to run unopposed. "I think people have the right to choose, what candidate do you want." "I think we need a candidate who's going to stand up for his values," Dr. Anseeuw said of the truck driver and head of the Knox County Tea Party. Summarizing that party's principles, he said: "Leave me alone. I don't need the government telling me what to do." Rather than government, support for others should come from the people and charitable organizations. the neurologist said. "When the Tea Party makes a value, they actually stand by it," said Mr. Harlan, who lives in Galesburg, contrasting it to the GOP overall. Republicans should stand for fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and a free market, he said. "Those are things that's gonna make America great again," Mr. Harlan said. "That's what Republicans are all about, limited government." He complained the party has given in too much with Democratic spending plans. Mr. Harlan supports a flat tax, and abolishing the IRS, the EPA and federal Department of Education.. "When people are gonna give you everything for free, or bail you out all the time, the federal government's job is not to bail out states or companies," Mr. Harlan said. "The federal government's job is to keep you and I safe." Compared to Rep. Bustos, the Catholic candidate said he's pro-life, adding: "I don't agree with her when she says she cares about the veterans. I think it's all photo-ops," Mr. Harlan said. "I don't believe she cares about veterans." His older brother Jack is a retired 23-year Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. "I want to make sure every veteran gets the proper health care, actually gets the right to say which doctor they go to," he said. Mr. Harlan supports going to war with ISIS. "We pulled out too soon, number one," he said of troops in the Middle East. "You gotta have a mission, and we're gonna get the mission done. We let (ISIS) grow. We pulled out and we did nothing to make sure the place was secure before we left." Mr. Harlan wants to repeal Obamacare, saying it hurts businesses and reduces full-time jobs. "It's a plain tax, period. And it infringes on your rights," he said, noting requiring employers to offer contraceptive coverage is "immoral and unethical." He does like the fact that people now can't be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions, but that shouldn't be mandated by the government. "They're involved in too many things," Mr. Harlan said. Growing up with four siblings, Mr. Harlan had a child of his own at 15, dropped out of high school and got a full-time job. "I've done everything I possibly can to make sure my daughter had a decent life," he said, noting she's 21 and married now. "I never had time to go to college. My parents weren't rich," Mr. Harlan said. He and his wife have a 17-year-old son, and two daughters, 14 and 13. "I've been at the very bottom," he said. "We work our way up. I know what it's like." Mr. Harlan was not baptized before he decided in 2001 to get baptized as a Catholic, his wife's religion, which he said has been a profound influence. A former Maytag worker, he is now a gas-delivery truck driver for Casey's General Stores throughout western Illinois and eastern Iowa. Based out of Davenport, Mr. Harlan starts work at 4 a.m., and typically puts in 10- to 12-hour days. He appreciates Donald Trump's candidacy, running against the establishment. "Folks like me, we'd be laughed at, coming from the ground up," Mr. Harlan said. "What he has done, he's brought the questions up." When people ask what qualifies him for Congress, he said: "What doesn't? I'm an American," he said. "It's my responsibility to run for office." He wants to close borders to all immigrants, because "we don't know who's comin' in. Not just Muslims, everybody." Mr. Harlan thinks the current vetting system is terrible and lets "everyone in." He wants to create safe zones in places where refugees are fleeing. He was critical of Mr. Trump for his recent responses to the Pope suggesting the billionaire is not a Christian, saying he was disrespectful. An Illinois delegate for Ted Cruz, Mr. Harlan supports lower business taxes and incentives to keep jobs from going overseas. "The best thing the federal government can do is let the market take care of itself, because the government is not going to stimulate the economy," he said. "They can't." In the March 15 GOP primary, Mr. Harlan will face Jack Boccarossa of Milan for the 17th Congressional District nomination. Mr. Boccarossa is a Rock Island Arsenal retiree who owns a tree farm in Milan. Rep. Bustos is unopposed in the Democratic primary. For more information on Mr. Harlan, visit harlanforcongress.com. The (Waukegan) News-Sun reports that 37-year-old Sarah Gumm entered the plea Monday as part of a deal approved by a Lake County judge. Gumm was sentenced to 23 years in prison for the July 2012 death of Rylan Aislee Koopmeiners of Kenosha, Wisconsin. The Koopmeiners said they are grateful to God that "some form of earthly justice has been served for Rylan." Gumm was charged with first-degree murder and accused of causing a head injury that resulted in the baby's death at her home in Waukegan, Illinois. Gumm didn't make a statement during the hearing. Gumm's defense attorney, Greg Nikitas, said she was grateful for the Koopmeiners' compassion and prosecutors' patience. Press release submitted by River Valley District Library Teen Movie NightCome watch The Goonies at the River Valley District Library on Friday, February 26th at 5:30pm. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. This activity is geared for Middle and High School students. For more information or to sign up, please call the library at 309-523-3440. River Valley District Library, 214 S. Main Street, Port Byron, IL. #### Lego Club- Lego Club will meet at the River Valley District Library on Saturday, February 27th at 11am. For more information or to sign up, please call the library at 309-523-3440. River Valley District Library, 214 S. Main Street, Port Byron, IL #### Bishop Hill- Utopia on the Prairie- River Valley District Library is pleased to host Bishop Hill Association Administrator Todd DeDecker on Monday, February 29th at 6:30PM as he presents a program about the founding of the Bishop Hill Colony. Created in 1846 as a place for Swedish immigrants searching for religious freedom and economic opportunity, today it is a National Historic Landmark and a State Historic Site. Learn more about this historic colony. For more information or to sign up, please call the library at 309-523-3440. River Valley District Library, 214 S. Main St., Port Byron, IL. #### Knitting for Teens and Tweens- Join us at River Valley District Library on Tuesday, March 1st at 5:30pm for Knitting for Teens and Tweens. Learn to make your own knitting needles and learn the basics of casting on and the knit stitch. Please bring a skein of Red Heart Yarn with you to class. All other materials will be supplied. Registration is required to ensure enough supplies are on hand. This activity is geared for Middle and High School students. For more information or to sign up, please call the library at 309-523-3440. River Valley District Library, 214 S. Main Street, Port Byron, IL. #### Brown Bag Lunch and Movie- Bring your lunch and enjoy a movie at River Valley District Library on Thursday, March 3rd at 1pm. Popcorn will be provided. The movie being shown is Ricki and the Flash starring Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline and Rick Springfield. For more information or to sign up, please call the library at 309-523-3440. River Valley District Library, 214 S. Main Street, Port Byron, IL. #### Winter Reading Program Ending Party- River Valley District Library will host the Winter Reading Program Ending Party on Thursday, March 3rd at 5:30pm. Prizes for the reading program will be awarded at the party. Be sure to bring your camera, as there will be Star Wars characters attending the party for you to meet and have your photo taken with. For more information or to sign up, please call the library at 309-523-3440. River Valley District Library, 214 S. Main Street, Port Byron, IL. #### Adult Coloring Club- Love to color? Its not just for kids anymore! Join us at River Valley District Library on Friday, March 4th at 2pm for the Adult Coloring Club. Coloring pages, gel pens, colored pencils and crayons will be provided. Feel free to bring your own materials if you like. Come color with us and bring your friends! For more information or to sign up, please call the library at 309-523-3440. River Valley District Library, 214 S. Main Street, Port Byron, IL. BEIRUT (AP) Bombings claimed by the Islamic State group in the Syrian cities of Damascus and Homs killed nearly 130 people on Sunday, highlighting the threat posed by the extremists as the country's warring factions fight for the northern city of Aleppo and world powers chase an elusive cease-fire. The blasts came as Secretary of State John Kerry said that a "provisional agreement" has been reached on a cessation of hostilities that could begin in the next few days. But he acknowledged that it's not finalized and all parties might not automatically comply. A series of blasts ripped through the Sayyida Zeinab suburb of Damascus, killing at least 83 people and wounding more than 170, the official SANA news agency said. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on local Syrian activists, said the blasts killed 62. SANA said the bombs went off near schools during the afternoon rush hour. The neighborhood is home to one of Shiite Islam's holiest shrines, which his heavily guarded by Lebanon's Hezbollah movement and other Shiite militiamen from Iraq and elsewhere. Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV said the blasts were caused by a car bomb and two suicide bombers. The bombings in the central city of Homs killed at least 46 people and wounded dozens, according to Syria's Foreign Ministry. The Observatory said 57 people, including 11 women, were killed by two car bombs set off in a mostly Alawite neighborhood. Syrian President Bashar Assad hails from the Alawite minority, an offshoot of Shiite Islam. Syrian TV footage from Homs showed streets filled with debris and mangled cars, and the charred body of a man being taken away on a stretcher. Footage from Sayyida Zeinab showing people running in narrow streets as others carried the wounded, including several children. "He's alive, he's alive," a man shouted as he tried to administer CPR to an unconscious man. The TV later called on citizens to donate blood. The Islamic State group claimed both attacks. The extremists are dug in on the outskirts of the two cities and have repeatedly targeted Shiites, who they view as apostates deserving of death. The deadly blasts may strengthen the government's argument that it should press ahead with a major offensive in the north of the country, where troops backed by Russian airstrikes are close to sealing off Aleppo, once Syria's largest city and commercial hub. Syrian insurgents, including Western-backed rebels, seized several neighborhoods in 2012. The heavy fighting near Aleppo led to collapse of peace talks earlier this month. World powers later agreed on a "cessation of hostilities" to begin within a week, but the deadline passed with no letup in the fighting. Kerry has since reached out to his Russian counterpart, and during a visit to Jordan on Sunday, said they had struck a "provisional agreement" and must now reach out to the opposing sides on the ground. Russia is a key ally of Assad's government, while the U.S. backs some of the rebels fighting to overthrow him. Kerry declined to go into the details of the agreement, saying it "is not yet done." "The modalities for a cessation of hostilities are now being completed," Kerry said, adding that it was "possible over the course of these next hours." Assad meanwhile said his government was ready to take part in a truce as long as it is not used by militants to reinforce their positions. "We announced that we're ready," Assad told Spain's El Pais newspaper in remarks published Sunday. "It's about preventing other countries, especially Turkey, from sending more recruits, more terrorists, more armaments, or any kind of logistical support to those terrorists," Assad said in English in the interview, which was also carried by state news agency SANA. Assad's government refers to all the armed groups battling to overthrow him as terrorists. Turkey and Saudi Arabia are among the leading supporters of the insurgents. Assad said the Aleppo operation is not about "recapturing the city," but "closing the roads between Turkey and between the terrorist groups." The United States, Russia and other world powers agreed Feb. 12 on a deal calling for the ceasing of hostilities within a week, the delivery of urgently needed aid to besieged areas of Syria and a return to peace talks in Geneva. Aid shipments were allowed into several besieged areas last week. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he welcomed the latest provisional agreement and called on all regional powers to use the "window of opportunity" to exert their influence on the warring parties. In northern Syria, meanwhile, the Syrian army captured 31 villages on Sunday that were controlled by IS, according to the pro-Syrian Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen TV and Hezbollah's Al-Manar station. Both outlets often have reporters embedded with Syrian troops. Here I go again. I do so to exhort readers to contact your legislators to demand that action be taken to begin to right the ship of state. Once-proud Illinois is badly wounded. The state is more distressed than at any time since the Great Depression, when teachers were paid in scrip, as they may again be in Chicago in the near future. Much of the blame lies at the feet of two proud, bull-headed men in Gov. Bruce Rauner and Speaker of the House Mike Madigan. Like Neros fiddling while Illinois crashes, they are too obdurate to be the first to pick up the phone and say simply, Lets sit down and address the big problems we face in Illinois and Chicago. That would show weakness, they think. The saddest part of this is that only the little people are suffering. Those in need of mental health services; seniors who need help with household chores, and college students who have been denied tuition grants awarded a year ago. Lutheran Social Services, a major deliverer of social services (most such state services are delivered not by the state but by groups such as LSS) has laid off 750 employees because of non-payment by the state for services provided. Penalties piling up All the while the state is paying 12 percent penalties to vendors for its late payments. What a way to run a railroad. I should correct myself. Not only little people are hurt but also any of us affected by the long-term economic development of the state. I return to an illustration I have used before, because I know a bit about it and because it is so pertinent to our states long-term economic growth. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign college of engineering and computer sciences has long been one of the nations biggest producers of engineers and among the best in the world, always ranked among the top three to five in the U.S., first in some sub-disciplines. The college has begun collaborating with the towering University of Chicago, which lacks an engineering program, and has been setting up shop elsewhere in Chicago, which has belatedly been developing as a technology hub. The city covets the engineers Urbana produces and the research it leads. Yet this year the state has abandoned the Urbana campus and all the public universities, most of which are located downstate. I doubt that private school-educated, Chicago-based Rauner (Dartmouth and Harvard business) and Madigan (Notre Dame and Loyola law) have much feel for our public universities and their contributions, such as the worldwide Web browser, largely created at the U. of I. in Urbana-Champaign. Higher ed dwindles Indeed, as state support for higher ed has dwindled, tuitions have jumped, too much, prompting enrollment-needy neighboring public flagships in Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin to cherry-pick Illinois students. In 1978, the slice of the state budget going to higher education was 10 percent; last year it 3.3 percent (this does not include pension payments for higher ed, then or now, which are hefty). Meanwhile, just returned from a sojourn in Austin, Texas, I report that UTs main campus looks like a construction zone, with massive laboratories going up right behind the Bill and Melinda Gates Computer Science Center and the Michael Dell Center and elsewhere. UT should change its mascot from the longhorn to the sky crane. When it comes to supporting tech development, Texas gets it; Illinois doesnt. Of course, Texas has a $27 billion endowment (mostly oil money) while the University of Illinois has but $2 billion and change. Illinois was, unfortunately, decades late to the serious fund-raising game, thinking state support would carry it along. We just cannot abandon gems such as those in Urbana-Champaign, and others elsewhere at our public universities. Oh, but this is just a one-year blip, some might say. But if you were a rising-star technology research professor, looking around to settle in, which state would appear more promising to you? One that has its act together, or one that doesnt? And Im afraid we have three more years of fruitless acrimony ahead of us. Disheartening, to say the least. Southern Cross Austereo has seen a nice turn of fortune, posting 25% profit growth. The financial results were released to the market this morning with Southern Cross Austereo CEO Grant Blackley saying: We have been heavily investing in our strong radio business, particularly on talent and marketing. We expect to derive increasing benefit from those investments in future periods. We have focussed on monetising all of the groups assets, improving our commercial market share and yield, while improving efficiency as part of an ongoing review of business functions and non-core assets. SCAs joint radio and regional television assets posted profits after tax of $43.379m. Revenue is now sitting at $322 Million, up from $307 Million last year or an increase of 4.7% overall. Its SCAs first results under the leadership of CEO Grant Blackley and with the news of revenues up, the companys debt has also been steadily paid down. SCA report a Net Debt drop of 17.5% to $472.5 million and it was cut a further $100 million with the recent contact with the Australian Traffic Network. SCA also confirmed that their balance sheet has been repaired with the leverage ratio now sitting at the lower end of their targeted range of 2.0 to 2.5x EBITDA. These results demonstrate material progress in the operational turnaround of Southern Cross Austereo,said Grant Blackley. SCAs guidance released to thhe ASX (SXL) includes: Boston to Washington, D.C. Its a megalopolis of technology innovators, prestigious universities, corporate headquarters, a global financial hub, a score of professional sports teams, tourist attractions, Congress and a maze of executive branch and independent regulatory agenciesa region of 56 million whose productivity and quality of life depend significantly on efficient intercity transportation. Within this megalopolis are eight of the nations 26 busiest airports; I-95, whose auto traffic grows persistently; and Amtraks 457-mile Northeast Corridor (NEC), carrying some 12 million passengers annually. While Amtrak dominates the air/rail market, a dozen intercity bus operators are poaching significant numbers of Amtrak passengers with lower fares, more frequent departures, competitive trip times and more convenient service. Almost 70% of NEC bus riders are between the ages of 18 and 34, whereas Amtraks NEC riders are predominantly older. Improving Amtraks NEC appeal to a broader demographic is constrained by budget limitations, choke points and timid initiative. A $52 billion price to lift NEC rail infrastructure to a state of good repairnew tunnels, bridge replacement, renewal of catenary, smoothing the washboard ridedepends on a reluctant congressional majority. It doesnt help that recent legislation requires cash-strapped Northeast states shoulder more of the NEC rail infrastructure cost burden. Their 7,500 daily commuter trainsvs. some 1,200 for Amtrakmay make them the predominant NEC user, but squeezing from them significantly more money is a long-run fools errand. All is not despair. Some 19 years ago, a congressionally created study group suggested a public-private partnership separating NEC rail infrastructure from Amtrak passenger train operations, returning Amtrak to as it was when created in 1971. Not until 1976 was ownership and the financial burden of the NEC transferred to Amtrak. After Congress failed to implement the study groups proposal, a participating Wall Street banker enlisted leadership from Robert SerlinWharton School MBA, background in regional development and experience in railroad financewhose American Intercity Rail Network for the 21st Century (AIRNet-21) proposes that Amtrak-owned infrastructure be spun off into a separate federally owned National Railroad Infrastructure Corp. (NRIC). The NRIC would be funded and managed by a private-sector infrastructure management organization (IMO) that would acquire a 50-year revocable lease to improve and maintain NEC infrastructure and dispatch its intercity, commuter and freight trains. Amtrak would be freed of its infrastructure burden, which Serlin says accounts for the majority of Amtraks financial losses and poses a major threat to the sustainability of a national rail passenger network. A $30 billion private-sector-guaranteed loan from the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) fundwith no impact on the federal budgetwould partially fund NEC infrastructure renewal and track expansion to serve five airports directly. An additional $30 billionnone through congressional appropriationswould be invested in the NEC over 50 years, allowing faster and more frequent passenger trains, many operating non-stop, point-to-point, with shorter trip times and competitive ticket prices. Amtrak would receive from the NRIC a one-time $1 billion for equipment and service enhancement. The IMO would charge for use of NEC operating slots and stimulate growth through a host of new rail services on top of the current center-city to center-city model, Serlin says. Commuter access fees would not exceed avoidable costs. The for-profit IMO will earn its return by doubling NEC train miles within 15 years and creating new transportation opportunities. Greater entrepreneurial inventiveness would be encouraged, Serlin says, stimulating Amtrak to respond creatively to competition from other rail passenger operators. Legally binding safeguards will preserve Amtraks existing labor arrangements. This is not a Republican ploy to demolish Amtrak. Democrat Jim Florio, a former House Transportation Subcommittee chairman and New Jersey governor, advises AIRNet-21. Frank Mulvey, a former economics adviser to House Rail Subcommittee Democrats, most recently an STB member, a frequent NEC bus rider and unaffiliated with AIRNet 21, calls the plan transformational. As Congress renews debate on the size of the public purse, the AIRNet-21 proposal may gain traction. Amtraks survival as Americas Railroad may depend on it. Australian multimedia business Seven West Media has reported revenue of A$895.7 million in its first half-yearly report of the current financial year, marking a 4.1% decline year-on-year. The group, which includes a free-to-air (FTA) TV network, saw its profit after tax grew 2.1% to $140.3 million, excluding of significant items, listed as $5.1 million in one-off redundancy costs as part of an on-going restructure.Seven continued to generate the largest market share and revenue in FTA TV, with 11 of Australias top 20 most popular programmes. However, a general decline in advertising has impacted upon the commercial broadcaster s business.TV advertising revenue decreased by 5.8% to $562.3 million, but income from fees, programme sales and other television-related items was up 25.1% to $100.6 million, earning $662.9 million. The company said 7Productions, 7Wonder and 7Beyond now produce 670 hours of programming per annum.We continue to invest in producing our own content locally and internationally ... This focus is paying off with our third-party production and programme sales doubling this half, off the back of commissions from Foxtel, The Travel Channel, various UK broadcasters and continued demand for our formats and finished programs overseas, said Tim Worner, CEO, Seven West Media.Plus7 video streams are up 34% to 30.1 million year-on-year, and subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) subscriber growth for the Seven West Media/Foxtel joint venture Presto is reportedly up 210% in the first half in 2016.Digital revenue across the group delivered strong growth driven by new initiatives including that launch of live streaming, Worner added.The companys newspaper and magazine business remained under pressure, the company said.For many years we have been reliant on the advertising market for the majority of our revenue and this will continue to be the cornerstone in the medium term. However we also need to diversify our business model to tap into new revenue pools in e-commerce, transactions and subscriptions, said Worner. U.S. President Barack Obama announced that he is travelling to Cuba on March 21. Much of the debate about his trip -- the first trip by a U.S. president to Cuba in 88 years -- will center on whether the Cuban government will announce concessions on political freedoms. But the importance of economic reforms, and their benefits for the Cuban people, must also play a central role in bilateral discussions. Cuba desperately needs access to capital. It needs resources to finance growth and to reduce the size of a state that can no longer bear the burden of economic near-monopoly. However, little of economic significance can happen in Cuba until the country adopts a working financial system. Obama should encourage Cuba to take a first step by joining the Inter-American Development Bank. The International Financial Institutions, or IFIs, have a solid history of coaxing many previously economically isolated nations -- Vietnam, Albania, and Myanmar, to name a few -- back into the global financial system. As the IFI with majority Latin ownership, the Inter-American Development Bank is the natural first stop on Cuba's path of return. The Bank's technical toolkit holds the key to reversing economic decline and helping the Cuban government recognize once and for all that development cannot happen without a functioning financial sector. In a visit to Washington this past week, Cuba's minister of foreign trade and investment, Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz, participated in the U.S.-Cuba Regulatory Dialogue with senior administration officials. His two-fold message -- Cuba needs capital, and it is open for business -- was warmly received. Notwithstanding Minister Malmierca's reassuring words, his government needs to face the reality that without profound changes, investment will only trickle in by the few millions, rather than the tens of billions of dollars needed to create private-sector jobs and raise income levels for millions of Cuban families. This endeavor may not be as exciting as striking down the trade embargo and travel ban, but it is of central importance to Cuba's economic success, and it has a direct bearing on the wellbeing and autonomy of the Cuban people. As pointed out in a forthcoming Atlantic Council report, "Five Steps To Grow the Cuban Economy: What The US and Cuba can do in Obama's Final Year," an improved and expanded financial sector will enable new enterprises to access start-up capital; provide the resources for existing businesses to grow; and allow Cuban citizens to borrow for home purchases and needed durable consumer goods. A more modern and efficient payments system will increase the efficiency of Cuban businesses and ease strains on Cuban households. Small private businesses are on the rise in a number of areas, with new flows of remittances and capital coming in. Supporting these entrepreneurs is a central goal of U.S. policy. The IDB can help fix structural obstacles: It can help unify Cuba's dual-currency system, address the severe lack of banks and microfinancing options, increase access through mobile banking, and rebuild weak infrastructure through international public-private partnerships. Until these things happen, access to serious international investment remains a dream. Obama has taken huge steps to move U.S.-Cuba relations forward. As he now considers a presidential visit to Havana, and how to use the few remaining arrows in his quiver to best support the Cuban people, few issues rival allowing Cuba access to technical and financial assistance in order to update its economy. After the grand restoration of diplomatic relations, the administration's recent modification of financial and investment regulations have seemed like small, incremental adjustments - leaving the impression that the president's ability to maneuver on Cuba is coming to a close. It isn't. Allowing Cuba access to the IDB may be the last big, irreversible move the administration can take to empower the Cuban people and enhance prosperity on the island. The United States continues to be constrained by the Helms-Burton legislation, which makes it impossible to vote for Cuba's membership to the IDB. But given that the United States does not hold veto power over the matter, a U.S. vote is not needed to approve membership. And as long as Helms-Burton stands, technical and advisory services must be paid for by third-party trust funds that would ring-fence the IDB's regular budget from being used in Cuba. This will both satisfy U.S. law and advance Cuba's economic reform. The idea of allowing Cuba to join the Inter-American Development Bank will unleash groans of discomfort from Washington insiders. The Treasury Department may resist, saying that Cubans should not be allowed membership in the IDB without also meeting the minimum requirements to enter the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Congressional hardliners will protest that the administration is again giving away too much. The State Department may argue that Cuba needs to do more on human rights before receiving further international privileges. All valid arguments, yet all beside the point. Over the past decade, the Cuban government has made incremental but important changes to its economic policies. It has created a space for self-employed entrepreneurs, or cuentapropistas, and has created a free-trade zone to attract foreign investment to the port of Mariel. But the long-awaited acceleration of reforms has not come. The ultimate goal must be to create a more vibrant private sector that shrinks state dominance, advances economic liberties, and provides better living standards for all Cubans. It is an objective we can all agree on -- Republican or Democrat, Cuban-American or not. That begins with IDB membership. The three parties necessary to complete a deal - the Israelis, the Palestinians and the international community - have all moved on. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Tuesday, declared that now is not the time for major progress toward a Palestinian state. She called instead for small steps to safeguard a future two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Merkel's statements reflect the recent movement of the international community from pushing for an immediate two-state solution. Makor Rishon's Ariel Kahana reported Friday that senior Western diplomats representing powers on two different continents recently visited Israel and said in closed informal meetings held with Israeli colleagues that they believe that the establishment of a Palestinian state is not feasible for the foreseeable future. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is in his eleventh year of a four-year term. Israel cannot be expected to sign a deal with a president who is no longer the true representative of the Palestinian people and, more importantly, would not have the ability to implement it. On an official visit in Japan with Abbas, PA Foreign Minister Riyad Malki said Monday that "we will never go back and sit again in direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations." He went on to warn that without international involvement, a vacuum will be left that may end up filled by Islamic State. Presumably no one is pushing for elections because they agree with Malki's assessment that whoever comes next will be worse. Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said earlier this month that the Palestinians cannot survive a day without security coordination with Israel and that Israel does 80 percent of the work when it comes to preventing a Hamas and Islamic Jihad takeover of the West Bank. When Malki justified the recent terrorist attacks against Israel, saying "they decide to sacrifice their lives even at the age of 15... for the better lives of the rest of the Palestinians," it reinforced the point that the PA is more interested in pandering to extremist elements than fighting them. So if the two-state solution is over, what comes next? For the Israelis the idea of a unilateral solution has replaced attempts at final-status direct negotiations with the Palestinians. This is a position shared by party leaders on the Right, Center and now Left. On the right, Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennett, who publicly opposes a Palestinian state, has been pushing his non-final-status unilateral Stability Initiative since his first campaign for office in 2012. In an interview this week he said, "We have de facto separated from the Palestinians. They rule themselves. We should do two things. One is to create autonomy on steroids for the Palestinians in areas A and B; and in area C to begin, in stages, the application of Israeli sovereignty. Let's start with Gush Etzion. We need to start advancing this." Yisrael Beytenu's Avigdor Liberman has a plan that would unilaterally move Israeli-Arab territory to a Palestinian state in exchange for settlement blocs, with Arabs potentially losing their Israeli citizenship. In the Center-Left bloc the idea is for Israel to implement a unilateral final-status solution with the backing of the international community. The idea, which was promoted in the previous Knesset by Amos Yadlin from the INSS think tank, is to separate from the Palestinians and determine official borders without the Palestinians present at the table. The support for a shift from peace to separation in Center-Left circles has grown as politicians gradually adopted it. Kulanu's Moshe Kahlon said during his election campaign that there is "no point to negotiations at the moment because there is no partner." Kahlon placed Michael Oren, who has suggested the unilateral separation route in the past as a final-status solution, as the foreign policy expert of his Knesset list. After the formation of the current government Yesh Atid's Yair Lapid found himself in the opposition and shortly after started called for a unilateral separation plan. Zionist Union leader Isaac Herzog went as far as convincing the Labor Party to vote for freezing the two-state solution and adopting his unilateral separation plan. Herzog is now shopping his plan around the international community and informed US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power on Sunday that "the United States needs to adopt a change in direction for solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." So which parties are still supporting a two-state solution? The Joint List, Meretz and, ironically, Likud. The Prime Minister's Office responded to Malki's statement against direct negotiations, saying "Israel knows peace will be achieved by direct negotiations. It seems the Palestinians know that as well, and that is why they do not want direct negotiations." The Palestinian leadership is no longer interested in talking to the Israelis, and most Israeli leaders have given up on talking to the Palestinians. Israelis are now looking for a unilateral solution to either annex land in the interim or determine their borders in a final status agreement, and the international community has decided "that now is not the time for major progress" on the issue. Of course there are those who have not given up on pushing for an immediate two-state solution, such as the French, the Swedes and Netanyahu. On all three sides there are enough people who share a genuine desire to one day revisit the two-state solution. However, after so many years of trying, the Palestinians are once again choosing violence, the Israelis have had enough and the international community is frustrated and tired of trying. Albert Einstein defined insanity as "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." The idea of the two-state solution is finished. (AP photo) In May 1950, at the height of the Cold War, Robert Schuman, one of the founding fathers of the European Union, offered his vision for the future. Following the devastation of the World War II, he said the future of Europe cannot be safeguarded without creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it. However, he also famously warned: Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. What happened to those aspirations? Today, the EU lacks leadership. Frustration is growing within the union and the group is failing to make a positive impact beyond its own borders. Brexit, Grexit, economic stagnation, youth unemployment and uncontrolled migration all are threatening this partnership. At the core of this problem is the fundamentally dangerous belief that the EU can become some kind of a promised land. In fact, too few people are actually questioning the EU integration project as an end in itself its aims, its intentions and, above all, the impact on those creative efforts that Schuman argued had to be at the heart of European integration. Instead, the EU has become a victim of its own agenda. The people who spent decades arguing that the enlightened European project will solve problems beyond the reach of sovereign states now see no other future but the ever closer union enshrined in the EU treaties. In this logic, alternatives have no place in Europe. It must now be built all at once and according to a single plan. When the Irish rejected the Lisbon Treaty in 2008, they were merely asked to vote again. When the Greeks overwhelmingly rejected the terms of the bailout in 2015, prime minister Alexis Tsipras was merely summoned to Brussels and forced to sign the terms anyway, and when the Visegrad countries (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia) complained that the Schengen rules on border protection were being ignored by other member states, they were portrayed as xenophobic wall-builders. The Brexit debate is another good example. It is not that I believe the UK should leave the EU its that the arguments for staying in (including my own) do need to be questioned. But instead of having a real debate, exit is perceived as a lunacy, or even British bullying of the good Europeans. How could anyone possibly want to willingly live outside this great project? No state could possibly want to be, like Norway, on the outskirts of Europe. EPA/Orestis Panagiotou The consequences could indeed be dire if the British people do vote to leave but what concerns me more is the belief that more integration is the only rational remedy to the crises threatening the world. More EU on the external borders, more EU in monetary affairs, more EU in defence. I do not believe that the UKs leave campaign has the right answers, but at least it is raising questions. It makes perfect sense that members of the European Union should submit to certain conditions, such as democratic governance. If you wish to join any club, whether it involves your weekly game of squash or a monetary union, you have to abide by the rules. But clubs generally provide different membership options, and those options generally depend more on members willingness than the clubs expectations. Crushing dissent Unfortunately, a union set on simply promoting a singular vision of the future (however bright) merely breeds intolerance to alternative visions, despite the fact that the EUs very motto stresses unity in diversity. A UK membership re-negotiation is a symbol of this intolerance. It is all too easy to accuse London of being the awkward partner, but there are plenty of those in Brussels who appreciate the constructive role British representatives play in day-to-day decision-making. On issues of security and defence, for example, Britain never shies away from responsibility, including the EUs successful anti-piracy operation off the Somali coast. However, it is true that the UK has been historically uneasy about the ever-closer union. In fact, it has resisted it on a number of occasions (the euro being a particular case). EPA Resisting does not mean striking down the Brussels leviathan. It just means imagining different visions of Europe, playing closer attention to the needs, interests and, indeed, different understandings of how Europe ought to be achieved. Economists these days seem to be in consensus that fitting German or Greek economies under the same monetary policy was a historically symbolic move, but an economic catastrophe. Similarly, that the UK is more interested in deepening the single market instead of promoting the vague European citizenship does not make it an awkward partner, but rather one with a different vision of where a more effective Europe can be built. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate , We're sorry, this article is not currently available By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/22/2016 ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. couple Kaitlyn Bristowe and Shawn Booth will apparently be getting engaged AGAIN.At a recent Dunkin' Donuts event, Booth revealed he plans to pop the question to Bristowe a second time so it's a more intimate moment off-camera, Us Weekly reported "We used the show to meet each other and find each other, but we really started dating after the show," Booth, 28, noted, explaining why "a separate proposal" would be appropriate.After all, Booth got down on one knee at the end of 's eleventh season, which aired in July of last year, and he had only known Bristowe for about two months at that point."When I pictured a guy proposing to me, I don't picture knowing it's coming and cameras," Bristowe, 30, told Us. "I want to be surprised -- I'm not going to say how I want it because I don't know. But just being surprised and having that emotion, like, 'Oh, my God!'"Although the couple has yet to establish a permanent residence in Nashville, TN, Bristowe and Booth have been renting a place there together. They also intend to travel to Bristowe's hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia, for the summer.Bristowe and Booth are clearly just enjoying their engagement and being together on a daily basis. They even told the magazine they make grocery shopping together fun."I already know that we will [get married], so it's like, I can't imagine planning a wedding right now," Bristowe confessed. "We just don't have the time or the energy right now."However, the couple's Monday night routine does not involve watching Ben Higgins ' season of The Bachelor. Both individuals campaigned for Higgins to be the star -- and Booth reportedly talks to Higgins every day -- but neither of them are ready to relive the memories of when Bristowe dated over a dozen other guys at once.The Bachelor airs every Monday night from 8-10PM ET/PT on ABC. Youre going to remember this evening and youre going to say it was the beginning. Were going to start winning," Donald Trump Donald Trump FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2016 file photo, a fumigation brigade sprays an area of Chacabuco Park in a Aedes mosquito control effort, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Zika virus is suspected of causing a rare but potentially devastating birth defect, an abnormally small head, which can indicate underlying brain damage. Concerns are keeping some workers from attending meetings and company retreats in affected locations but business travel experts say it does not yet appear to be having a broad impact.(AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File) SHARE By BETH J. HARPAZ, AP Travel Editor NEW YORK (AP) It seemed like such a great idea: A company planned a business trip this winter to a warm place that would bring the entire staff together. But now, concerns about Zika are keeping 10 of the company's 50 employees home. The company, Parse.ly, an analytics company that helps digital media sites understand their content trends, has employees working from different locations across the U.S., Canada and Europe. A trip to a resort in the Dominican Republic was intended "to get everybody in the same location" for team-building, R&R and casual facetime, said Parse.ly CEO Sachin Kamdar. In the past, Parse.ly had held retreats in Montreal, upstate New York, Savannah, Georgia, and Florida. For this year, they offered a sales incentive to upgrade to the trip to a Caribbean destination if the company hit a certain target. "We did end up hitting that target," Kamdar said, and the Dominican Republic was chosen as the destination. "The trip was supposed to be celebratory," Kamdar added. "But we found out a couple of weeks after booking that the Zika virus was spreading very aggressively in South America, Mexico and the Caribbean, and the Dominican Republic was one of the places that was hit." Parse.ly is going ahead with the trip, but "we have a variety of people at the company choosing to opt out because of health reasons." The Zika virus is suspected of causing a rare but potentially devastating birth defect, an abnormally small head, which can indicate underlying brain damage. Brazil has reported an apparent increase in cases of that defect, called microcephaly, as Zika exploded in that country, although scientists haven't definitively proven the link. Another company, netpure, which creates in-home Wi-Fi networks that are safe for children to use, had planned a cruise with a stop in Cozumel, Mexico. But now the CEO, Jere Simpson, and his wife, who also works for netpure, are staying home because she's pregnant. Simpson also decided not to go without his wife because they have an 18-month-old son and he didn't want to her to handle household and childcare burdens alone. But Simpson says they'll both regret missing the cruise, which is an annual trip for employees that is also attended by 25 people from one of netpure's biggest clients. "We have their ear on the boat for a whole week," said Simpson. "We really dual-purpose it. Our employees love it. We give them the time off and pay for the trip. We get to both team-build and client-bond. I really believe in who our people are, and when our client sees them in a more casual setting, it builds trust." While Zika concerns are keeping some workers from attending meetings and company retreats in affected locations, business travel experts say it does not yet appear to be having a broad impact. "Planners are becoming concerned about it, but not to the point where there have been any major cancellations from our members," said Matthew Marcial, senior director of events for Meeting Professionals International. Jo Kling, president of Landry & Kling, which specializes in managing events on cruise ships, also said Zika concerns have "not come up and we're talking to clients every day." Orly Benaroch Light, president of MCE Conferences, which organizes conferences that provide continuing medical education, has conferences scheduled for later in February in the Dominican Republic and one in March in Mexico, but says "the only people that opted out are attendees that are pregnant or want to become pregnant." For those Parse.ly employees who do make it to the Dominican Republic, Parse.ly is supplying them with an essential item, says Kamdar: "We're going to buy DEET for everybody." ___ This story corrects the name of the organization Meeting Professionals International. SHARE By Nathan Solis of the Redding Record Searchlight County Supervisors will meet Tuesday after a two-week break to consider an agenda that includes a proposal to regulate butane and a letter to the governor asking him to support a bill that would exempt Shasta County from the California Endangered Species Act. Introduced by Assemblyman Brian Dahle, AB1845 would exempt the Shasta County Department of Public Works from the Endangered Species Act for a onetime project to replace the Spring Creek Bridge in Fall River. The species in question is the rough sculpin fish, which is restricted to the cool waters of the Pit River. The International Union for Conservation of Nature identifies the rough sculpin, a bottom dwelling fish, as near threatened. Public Works has been working to replace the bridge since 2009, according to the letter of support. Under the Endangered Species Act the fish cannot be taken, possessed, or disturbed in any way, and due to the designation the State Department of Fish and Wildlife cannot issue a permit for the project. The bill is scheduled to appear before a committee March 11 and the letter of support is addressed to Gov. Jerry Brown. Another item on the agenda is adoption of a butane regulation ordinance, which would make the possession or sale of a certain amount of ultra-refined butane, up to five-time refinement, a misdemeanor in unincorporated areas of the county. Refined butane is used to manufacture honey oil, a concentrated substance extracted from marijuana plants. Botched extraction operations have lead to a number of explosions in Shasta County. The Record Searchlight has reported on the rise of honey oil fires in the last several months, with the Redding Fire Department responding to more than 30 fires in the past two years related to honey oil labs. Anderson has adopted a similar ordinance regulating the sale and possession of butane canisters, which are used in the extraction process. Shasta County's ordinance would also require the tracking of sales in the county, where a customer would have to provide identification for the seller's records. County officials are also scheduled to meet with representatives on behalf of in-home supportive service workers, over a possible wage increase and other demands from labor negotiators. The meeting will be the third closed-door session county officials have held with union representatives. Greg Barnette/Record Searchlight Members of Redding Boy Scout Troop 125, Zayne Loucks, from left, Josh Cipparrone, James Alspach, and Jesse Whipple clean up the grounds of the historic gravesite of Pierson B. Reading, and two of his children on Saturday in Cottonwood. Loucks did the work as part of an Eagle Scout project. SHARE Greg Barnette/Record Searchlight Members of Redding Boy Scout Troop 125, Brandon Oliphant, Josh Cipparrone, Jesse Whipple, and Zayne Loucks, install a new fence at the historic gravesite of Pierson B. Reading and two of his children on Saturday in Cottonwood. By Damon Arthur of the Redding Record Searchlight Zayne Loucks and about a dozen family and friends gathered Saturday at the gravesite of one of Shasta County's most important pioneers. Most of the Boy Scouts that Loucks had recruited for the work party at the grave of Pierson B. Reading were busy with some chore: arranging rocks, raking dirt, drilling holes, repairing fence, etc. They were putting the final touches on work that began in July when Loucks and the other scouts began cleaning, clearing and rehabilitating the site, which had become run down and overgrown with weeds. The 16-year-old looked over the new rocks placed at the grave of Reading and his two children, the new fence and the fresh decomposed granite pathways and gave it a nod of approval. "It feels great. It feels really good. It feels like I accomplished something," he said. While work on the ground started about seven months ago, the planning and proposal writing for the project began more than a year ago. And as often happens in community service projects such as these, the seeds are planted by family members. In this case it was Loucks' grandma, Marilyn Loucks, a member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West Hiawatha Parlor No. 140 in Redding, who pitched the project to her grandson. As fellow Native Daughters member Laura Drumm tells it, she and Marilyn Loucks talked it over and agreed fixing up the gravesite would be a good Eagle Scout project for the teen. "She (grandma) said I have a project it for you, if you want it," Zayne Loucks said. "It was pretty cool." Zayne spent months drawing up plans and writing up a proposal that had to be signed off by the Boy Scouts before he could turn a single shovel full of dirt. Eagle Scout projects must be for the benefit of nonprofit organizations and they have to provide some public benefit, Zayne said. Once he received the go-ahead he had to get to work calling various community organizations raising money and asking businesses for donations. Along the way he had to keep meticulous records all his dealings and financial transactions, said his father, Tad Loucks, who estimated Zayne and his fellow scouts spent 650 hours alone just working at the gravesite on Adobe Road in Cottonwood. Zayne spent many more hours on the phone and writing up plans for the project, his dad said. He estimated there is also about $11,300 in materials and work donated to the project from businesses and community organizations. The project has taught Zayne about responsibility and organization at a time in life when those things sometimes aren't easy to learn, Tad Loucks said. "He's learned so much," Tad Loucks said. And the results are impressive, Drumm said. "The way it's turned out, he's done a fantastic job," Drumm said. "If you had seen it originally, it's night and day." It just so happens that this year marks 200 years since Reading was born Nov. 26, 1816. He died May 29, 1868, accomplishing much in his lifetime. Known as "Maj. Reading" by many, he was the first permanent European settler in Shasta County, once owning land covering all of what eventually became Redding, including land from Cottonwood to near the town of Shasta northwest of Redding, said Dottie Smith, who has written books about Shasta County history. "At one time he was the major land-holder in Shasta County," Drumm said. Among his other major accomplishments, he also discovered gold on Clear Creek southwest of Redding and ran for governor of California, losing by only 270 votes, according to Smith's Dictionary of Shasta County History. Govt assurances fail to cut ice with Jat leaders as agitation intensifies, Maruti halts production at two plants; highways, railway lines blocked Chaos reigned in Haryana on Saturday with escalated violence in several areas as thousands of Jat protesters ran amok, setting afire government and private property and vehicles, blocking roads and highways, disrupting trains and uprooting tracks and indulging in looting. In an emergency meeting, the Centre instructed Haryana government to control law and order situation. This was conveyed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha to Haryana chief secretary D S Dhesi and DGP Yashpal Singhal at a meeting held through video conferencing. The Cabinet Secretary reviewed the prevailing situation in Haryana and took inputs from the Chief Secretary and DGP, a senior government official said. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and others senior officers were present in the meeting. Four people were killed on Saturday as the stir intensified with protesters torching a railway station in Jind. Army conducted a flag march in curfew-bound districts of Rohtak, Bhiwani and Jhajjar. Earlier in the day, around 200 paramilitary personnel were airlifted to Rohtak from Delhi after protesters blocked all roads connecting Delhi with the riot-hit region. On political front, Bharatiya Janata Party leaders from Haryana met party president Amit Shah in New Delhi and apprised him about the situation. Shah asked Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to speak to Jat leaders and find a solution to the problem. Union Rural Development Minister Birender Singh, a senior Jat leader from Haryana, said I appeal to the people leading the agitation to hold talks with our leadership Youths who are at the forefront should also join talks. However, Jat leaders refused to call off the agitation unless the government promulgated an ordinance to include the community in the OBC category. All India Jat Aarakshan Sangarsh Samitis president Yashapal Malik said, We will not withdraw our agitation unless the state government brings an ordinance for giving reservation to Jats. Western Railway announced cancellation of eight trains that were scheduled to pass through the affected region. Also, fifteen mail services were short-terminated and five other trains diverted. Production halts at Maruti Suzuki plants The protests have crippled supply of components to auto makers in Gurgaon-Manesar region, forcing players like Maruti Suzuki to temporarily suspend production. A prolonged agitation could impact more players. Other leading companies based here are Hero MotoCorp, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, and component makers like Sona Koyo and Minda. Maruti Suzuki has suspended production at Gurgaon and Manesar plants beginning Saturday afternoon. The company is learnt to have declared holiday for its 5,500 permanent and 8,000 temporary workers. Owing to the agitation in Rohtak and nearby areas, supplies of certain components have been disrupted. As a consequence, the company has had to temporarily suspend manufacturing of cars, the company stated. The combined output from Manesar and Gurgaon plants is about 5,000 vehicles per day. Maruti Suzuki had seen low sales growth of 0.8 per cent in January. The company had attributed it to lower number of working days last month. If situation doesnt improve soon, the companys February sales may be impacted. Hero MotoCorp has two of its four manufacturing facilities in Gurgaon and Dharuhera. Normal production is going on at our plants in Haryana. Our despatches from the plants have, however, been affected due to the blockade of the National Highway and other roads. We dont expect this to have any impact on our customers for now, as there is adequate stock with our dealers, said a Hero MotoCorp spokesperson. Other automobile companies also said that dispatches from all manufacturing units to markets were hit due to the stir. Manesar industrial belt is home to about 1,000 small and big plants. The agitation impacts about 150,000 workers in the region. MNCs in Gurgaon nervous On the outskirts of Delhi, Gurgaon is home to offices of 300 of Fortune 500 companies. It is also IT and ITeS hub of North India, serving clients across the world 24x7. Saturdays violent protests have forced these companies to take emergency measures. We are based out of Udyog Vihar (in Gurgaon) and for the last few days we have been monitoring the situation. While till now we are running on full strength, if the agitation continues, we will have to ask our employees to work from home. It will cut down our operations by 30-40 per cent, said Rajesh Kaul, co-founder and CEO of Tirotech Solutions, an application development and m-commerce service company. A host of e-commerce companies are based out of Gurgaon including Snapdeal, Shopclues and Zomato. On Saturday, many companies decided to end shifts earlier than usual to ensure safety of their employees. We had a couple of employees working on Saturday, but after reports of problems in nearby areas, we asked them to immediately go home, said a senior official at Shopclues. Most companies said they were monitoring the situation and the decision on Mondays operation will be taken on Sunday. We are finding out more about the ground situation from authorities and will issue an advisory to employees by Sunday as the picture would be clearer then, said a source at Snapdeal. Market experts said if the stir continues, Monday might see many empty offices. Till now, there has not been much impact on businesses in Gurgaon. We have to wait till Monday to see how deep the impact of this agitation is. Such stirs have a negative effect on multinational giants and send out bad signal. If the stir continues, then not only Gurgaon, offices in Faridabad would also be affected, said Rohit Bhatiani, director, Deloitte in India. Socio-economic profile of Jats Jats demand for reservation in Haryana was rejected in 1997 by the National Commission for Backward Classes, but the political lobbying has kept the issue alive: 25% of Haryana population 21% share in class I & II services of state govt 87% community members engaged in agriculture 12% children of the community (aged 6-14) never attended school 6.5% enrolment at graduation level, lesser than state average of 8.3% 1.71% enrolment at PG level, a Against state average of 2.26% According to estimates, there are 85 mn Jats in India Jats are a key caste in 30 Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Western Uttar Pradesh In Haryana and Rajasthan, Jats are a land owning community Jats are included in the Central List of OBCs in Gujarat (only Jat Muslims) and Rajasthan. They are included in 9 state OBC lists Comparable figure for castes in the OBC list not available Source: NCBC website Some people walk to office, some take a bus or train, others take an auto or taxi, while some drive their own cars. Shobha Warrier/Rediff.com spoke to the Maths teacher who swims to school. Abdul Malik, a Maths teacher at the Muslim Lower Primary School in Malappuram, Kerala, hit the headlines when photographs of him swimming to school every day appeared in the newspapers, even the BBC. Malik finds it easier to swim across the river in half an hour than travel for almost three hours in two buses every morning and evening. Though he was born, brought up and studied in the Koodalangadi panchayat in Malappuram, he didn't have to cross the Kadalundi river till he got a job to teach Maths in Padinajattumuri in the same panchayat. Malik has always been interested in Maths. "I am from a poor family. My father passed away when I was quite young. We are eight siblings. We were helped by our uncle, who was an Imam. I had to start working early. My uncle advised me to train as a teacher after my 10th standard. He felt it would improve my chances of getting a job." By the time Malik finished his teacher's training course, his elder brother had started working in the Middle East. Malik's heart was in teaching, not working in the 'Gulf.' In Kerala, he says, one has to pay a huge amount of money to get a job in a school. Malik paid Rs 50,000 for his job as a primary school teacher. Putting such a large amount together would have been impossible without his elder brother and well-wishers who lent him the money. In 1993, Malik secured a job as a teacher at a salary of Rs 1,350 per month. Then, he was faced with a new problem. To reach the school that is surrounded on three sides by the Kadalundi river, he had to travel almost three hours by bus to cover a distance of just 12 kilometres. The school started at 10.30 am, but Malik had to begin his day with a kilometre-long walk to the bus stop at 8 am. To reach the school, he needed to change buses. Both buses, he says, are always crowded. After the school closed at 4.30 pm, Malik had to repeat the same tiresome journey to reach home. This ordeal continued for a year. "By the time I reached home, I was exhausted. This route had very few buses. If you miss one, you have to wait 30, 45 minutes for the next one." One evening, as he was walking towards the bus stop, he was stopped by a teacher who taught Arabic at the same school. "Why do you waste so much time travelling by bus? I have a farm on the other side of the river next to your house. Whenever I come to collect things from my farm, I swim across." The distance between the river's banks, says Malik, is only one kilometre. The Arabic teacher was carrying a huge bunch of bananas as he swam. He used a tube around his torso which let him float so that he needed to use only one hand to swim; with the other, he kept the bananas above water. One evening, Malik decided to return home with the Arabic teacher by swimming across the river. Like the Arabic teacher, he too used a tube. It was the perfect solution. Since then, Malik has been swimming to school. At the river bank, he changes into a towel that he carries in a plastic bag. He then gets into the water with the tube around his chest. His lunch box, sandals, plastic bag and an umbrella are all clutched in one hand that he keeps raised above the water. "Initially, I was a bit hesitant as the river is generally very rough. Swimming across is a bit tough as you are going against the tide. During the monsoon, there are snakes in the river. But it takes just 15, 20 minutes to reach the other bank. I am home in half an hour after school closes." On the other bank, he has identified a rock behind which he dresses to go to school. He keeps the tube tied to a small rock. In the evening, the same process is repeated. On this side of the river, he keeps the tube at a house nearby and walks back home. Since he has started swimming to work, he leaves home at 9.30 am and reaches the other side of the river at 10 am. He is so punctual that people look at the clock and say, 'Master has reached the bank. That means it is 10 am now.' Students began to call him 'Tube Master!' "In the beginning, many people, including my students, would stand on the bank and watch me swim. They were more excited than I was," he laughs. "People would stop me on the way and ask, 'Master, is it time to change the tube? Please buy it from my shop.'" Slowly, the curiosity waned. Today, it does not seem unusual that the Maths teacher swims across the river to come to school. Other than teaching Maths, Malik tries to do away with the fear some children have of the water by teaching them swimming in the summer, when the river is less turbulent. "Some masters also join me in teaching the children to swim. I want children to love nature. I tell them not to destroy or pollute our natural resources. Ever since I started swimming, my love for nature increased several fold." In 2001, during a routine inspection by the state education department, the inspector learnt about this unusual teacher. He was so amused that he called a friend at the Malayala Manorama newspaper. A photograph in the Malayala Manorama of Malik, swimming with his lunch box, umbrella and sandals raised above the water made him a celebrity of sorts across the state. Soon, he was being filmed by television channels and came to be known as the 'swimming Maths master' from Kerala. After reading about him in a newspaper, an Indian doctor from the United Kingdom telephoned him. "When he started talking to me in English, I couldn't reply. He didn't know Malayalam so I had to give the phone to the English master," chuckles Malik. The doctor visited Malik and gifted him a plastic boat that he is yet to use. "It is not that using a boat was not an option. But I can't leave the boat on the shore unattended and go to school, someone could misuse it." "Moreover, the current is so strong during the monsoon that it's too dangerous to use a boat, that's why boats don't ply here. Those who want to cross the river always take the bus." These days, many dissuade the 43 year old from swimming, saying, 'You are not young any more. Why do you want to swim everyday even now?' Malik has only one answer, "I feel fresh, young, energetic and happy swimming everyday. I plan to continue till I retire." Photographs: Courtesy Sajeesh Chembratte When an accused gets attacked on the way to court, and again within the court premises, with no intervention by a judicial officer, which space is safe, asks Jyoti Punwani. IMAGE: Lawyers attack individuals on the Patiala House court premises in New Delhi last week. Disorderly scenes inside courtrooms are not new in India. Some of those men in black coats are rowdier than one would think, not hesitating to beat up colleagues for fighting for unpopular clients, or go on the rampage at perceived affronts to them. Just 10 days ago, lawyers in Lucknow damaged 300 vehicles after the police lathi-charged them. The lawyers were protesting against the murder of one of their colleagues. Some magistrates have asserted their authority over lumpen, not just rowdy, lawyers. And often, courts have taken suo motu notice of incidents that threaten Fundamental Rights. Alas! Neither of these two things happened last week, when courts in Delhi were turned into arenas for street-style bullying, and the judicial process had to be conducted in police premises. The police remand of JNU student Kanhaiya Kumar was extended for two days by Metropolitan Magistrate Lovleen in a deputy commissioner of police's office after Kumar's professors, fellow students and journalists were assaulted inside the magistrate's court. In Mumbai, Shiv Sainiks have been allowed by the police to impose mob rule for decades. They rarely had to show their muscle inside court because in his entire political career over 40 years, with many cases filed against him, their supremo Bal Thackeray appeared in court just thrice. One occasion was in 1997. Magistrate K H Holambe Patil had not only rejected a plea by the then Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party government to withdraw a case against Thackeray, but also ordered that he appear in court. Thackeray was, at that time, the 'remote control' of the government. Given the trouble expected, Magistrate Holambe Patil had ordered that apart from Thackeray, only his lawyer, the public prosecutor, and registered journalists be present in court. He had also ordered that the court compound be cleared of all outsiders. Yet, as the slogans being shouted by hundreds of Shiv Sainiks outside the court premises overwhelmed the court, the magistrate expressed his displeasure to Thackeray's lawyer, and asked his lawyer to ensure that the slogan shouting be stopped. It was done. Almost a decade later, similar scenes took place when Thackeray's nephew Raj Thackeray was arrested for instigating violence against North Indians. But at that time, it was a brave officer, Additional Commissioner of Police Ashok Kamte, who ordered a lathi-charge on members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena as they blocked the highway near the court. Delhi's police seem afraid of disciplining lawyers, citing the 90-day lawyers' strike that took place in 1988, after then deputy commissioner of police Kiran Bedi ordered a lathi-charge on lawyers protesting outside her office against the handcuffing of a lawyer. She was later indicted by a committee headed by a judge. So can no one prevent lawyers from going berserk inside courts? The person who presides over a court is king. From a magistrate to a Supreme Court judge, s/he can order everyone to clear the court, including lawyers and petitioners waiting for their cases to be heard. Court reporters have often been told to leave, at the behest of either the defence or the prosecution. A magistrate is dependent on the police personnel deployed in court, says Holambe Patil, now a lawyer. S/he can, however, call up the head of the local police station and ask for reinforcements. But they may take time to arrive. From all accounts, about a dozen police personnel did nothing as 40 lawyers assaulted JNU professors and students inside a courtroom in the Patiala House courts on February 15. In fact, over a dozen policewomen pushed the female victims out of the room. As for calling for reinforcements, it was advocate Vikram Singh Chouhan, who reportedly led the lawyers' assault, who called the local police that morning itself to alert them about JNU students being present in court! The hooliganism of the Patiala House court lawyers took place not just inside one courtroom, but outside too. The entire court complex was witness to the way lawyers beat up students and the media. The principal judge of the court could not have been unaware of what was happening. But, writes Times of India reporter Sana Shakil, she and three other lady reporters ran to the district judge's court for help (external link), only to be told 'he was sitting with a very senior cop.' And, while waiting inside the district judge's court, they were again surrounded and threatened by lawyers. What happened in Patiala House then, was, as senior lawyer Niloufer Bhagwat told Rediff.com, a 'complete breakdown of the justice system.' This breakdown, in the capital's courts, got full media coverage. Surely the higher courts could have taken suo motu notice of it? It is not as if this has not happened before. Last year, the Gujarat high court sent notices (external link) to 22 sitting and ex-high court judges, their own colleagues, in a case involving the granting of plots of land to them by the government at lower than market rates. In 2012, the Delhi high court took suo motu cognisance of the December 16 gang-rape, and asked the city police to explain why the Supreme Court order banning tinted glasses on vehicles had not been implemented. And what of the final hope in our dysfunctional democracy -- the Supreme Court? In 2011, the Supreme Court took suo motu notice of the police crackdown on Baba Ramdev and his followers at the Ram Lila Maidan. It asked the Centre and the city police to explain why tear gas and lathis had been used on sleeping protesters. The apex court has even taken notice on its own of events outside the capital. In 2014, on the basis of news reports, it issued suo motu notice to the West Bengal government on a gang rape in Birbhum and asked the district judge for a report. Last year, a seven-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud of the Allahabad high court issued suo motu notice to the secretaries of bar associations in all 75 districts of UP for going on strike (external link), an action far less serious than what lawyers did last week in the Supreme Courts own neighbourhood. It was only after a petition was filed asking the Supreme Court to intervene and direct the Delhi police to ensure the safety of people inside the court's premises during the hearings of Kanhaiya Kumar's case, that the Supreme Court took charge of the matter. The violence in Patiala House had taken place on Monday, February 15. The petition was filed on Tuesday, February 16, and taken up for urgent hearing on Wednesday morning. After hearing it, the Supreme Court ordered the police to ensure the safe passage of Kanhaiya Kumar to Patiala House, where he was to be produced later. The court also ordered that only those connected with the case be permitted inside the courtroom. But the police didn't obey the Supreme Court. Kanhaiya was assaulted both on his way to the court and inside a room adjacent to the court, despite the police surrounding him. The assailants, again, were lawyers, including those who had assaulted him two days earlier. The latter knew that whatever they did, it was the police who would be held responsible. Had the Supreme Court taken suo motu notice of Monday's violence by the lawyers, would they have dared to repeat it two days later? In fact, they even mocked the apex court as they assaulted journalists, asking them: 'Kahan gaya Supreme Court is waqt? Bula lo ab Supreme Court ko (where is the Supreme Court now, call them!).' Chairman of the Law Commission and former chief justice of the Delhi high court, A P Shah, put it well: 'It is terrible if the judges failed to protect the media or litigants. It is (their) duty to ensure the police are called in immediately if decorum of court is disturbed. Here the judges failed in their duty...' Only two organisations took suo motu action: The National Human Rights Commission, and the Bar Council of India. The NHRC met Kanhaiya in jail; the latter announced the appointment of a committee headed by an ex-high court judge to probe the conduct of its own members. The incident has left one wondering: Can an accused who is being hunted by the highest powers, feel confident that s/he will be safe in court? Police lock-ups are notorious. As for jails, accused have been killed inside them. The court becomes the only refuge then. But when an accused gets attacked on the way to court, and again within the court premises, with no intervention by a judicial officer, which space is safe? In this case, it is important to keep in mind that Kanhaiya Kumar is just a student, charged with sedition, but not of having indulged in any violence. And those attacked by lawyers include his teachers. 'It is possible elements within the Pakistani establishment felt bad about eating humble pie and wanted to avenge the humiliation through a terror attack.' 'After all, lodging an FIR in Pakistan about the Pathankot attack amounted to an admission of Pakistani involvement,' says Rajeev Sharma. IMAGE: Soldiers involved in the Pampore operation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pampore encounter between heavily armed terrorists and security forces in an educational institute building on the outskirts of Srinagar since Saturday afternoon is yet another event that shapes the episodic nature of India-Pakistan relations. This incident was much lower on the impact scale of Indo-Pak ties than the January 2 terror attack on the Pathankot airbase, but we can make this determination only with the advantage of hindsight because the security forces averted a huge hostage crisis in the nick of time in Pampore. About one hundred students, teachers and others were trapped in the Entrepreneurs Development Institute at Pampore on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway where the terrorists had taken refuge after attacking a security convoy. Unfortunately, not much has been written about how the trapped civilians were evacuated from the building before the terrorists could hold them hostage and significantly increase their bargaining power. Had this happened, Pampore would have become a national crisis and a second major flashpoint in India-Pakistan relations after Pathankot in just about fifty days after the terror attack on the Indian Air Force base. This may have happened because the terrorists were perhaps not aware of the potential of the Pampore building they were sneaking into after taking on the security forces. Perhaps the terrorists had not done enough reconnoissance of the buildings in the targeted area. But this does not mean that the terrorists will repeat their mistake in future operations. On the contrary, the terrorists' masters will conduct a thorough recce before subsequent operations. This is the most chilling message from the Pampore incident. After all, the Indian security forces have to be lucky every time while the terrorists have to be lucky just once and they can embarrass the Indian State for a long time. Perhaps the Pampore terrorists were in a hurry and weren't given ample time by their masters to prepare. But why this great hurry? Answers to these questions will surface after many days, if at all they do. But this takes us to the big picture in the India-Pakistan context. The episodic nature of India-Pakistan relations is characterised by a repetitive trend of terror strikes in India or against Indian interests abroad (particularly Afghanistan) whenever the two nuclear armed neighbours are about to start a bilateral engagement or even talk about the talks. One such major development had just happened. The Pakistani authorities had lodged an FIR against unknown persons in the Pathankot terror attack case at the Counter Terrorism Department in Gujranwala in Punjab province a day before the Pampore attack. It is quite possible that certain elements within the Pakistani establishment felt bad about eating humble pie and wanted to avenge this humiliation through yet another terror attack. After all, lodging an FIR in Pakistan about the Pathankot attack amounted to an admission of Pakistani involvement. This may explain why the Pampore terror operation was a rather rushed job. The Indian security establishment is well aware of the fact that Pakistani State actors keep their non State actors on a tight leash and learn fast lessons from their operations. The moral of the story is clear. The India-Pakistan bilateral equation is this: Talks=new terror attacks. More rapprochement events are round the corner, the most immediate being a Pakistani Special Investigation Team visiting Pathankot to conduct a joint probe into the terror attack at the airbase. The corollary to this need not be specified in black and white terms. Both sides are aware of what is happening and what to expect next. It is a game of chess. India has to be on its guard. Rajeev Sharma is a New Delhi based independent journalist and strategic analyst who tweets @Kishkindha It maybe time for the Centre to take a closer look at Chief Minister Jayalalitha's innovative solution to a long-pending problem, says N Sathiya Moorthy. Despite perceptions to the contrary, across the country and also across the Palk Strait in Sri Lanka, the Tamil Nadu government has been doing a lot for resolving the fishermens issue, though only in the medium and long terms. Yet, its not known why the state government in general and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in particular continue to give the impression that they are talking only about traditional rights in historic waters, and also about the periodic arrest of Indian fishermen and their boats by the Sri Lanka navy. The local media has also seldom given adequate coverage/publicity to the state governments schemes in this regard. Instead, they confine themselves invariably to Jayas repeated missives to the prime minister of the day on the fishermens arrests and demanding their immediate release by Sri Lanka. Occasionally, the chief ministers letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi now, and Manmohan Singh earlier, have also been talking about Indian fishermens rights, and also about Jayas demand for India to retrieve Kachchativu (an uninhabited barren islet in the Palk Strait) from the island neighbour. The recent TN initiative, confined mostly to the inside pages of sub-regional editions of select newspapers, relates to the state governments proposals to try out the mother ship concept to encourage deep-sea fishing (particularly by the affected fishermen from across the Sri Lankan seas). According a report in The Hindu, the concept of mid-sea carrier mother vessels scheme is to be launched in the southern Kanyakumari district, first. Though not in the eye of the fishermens issues, Kanyakumari district may have qualified for what could be called trials, owing to its long history of deep-sea fishing. It is possible that the state government might then extend the scheme to other coastal areas, where deep-sea fishing is yet to be popularised. In a way, its a very thoughtful effort, as by the time deep-sea fishing had become popular with fishermen in other regions, particularly in the Rameswaram/Nagapattinam areas, mother vessels could be introduced there almost alongside. The combination, if popularised, could help distract TN and Puducherry fishermen away from the troubled Sri Lankan waters. It is not unlikely that such a course, leading to fewer arrests of Indian fishermen by Sri Lanka, could also take the sting out of Jayas pending Supreme Court case over Kachchativu -- but that should not be a problem. It is not going to happen overnight. Just as the conversion to deep-sea fishing outside of Kanyakumari district and the implementation of the mother ship concept across the TN coast would also take time to mature. As per the current plans, the mother vessel would collect fish from baby vessels in high seas and help in their preservation and storage until their delivery at shore,' The Hindu report said. Given the mood and methods of fishermen across most of the Indian coasts, the mother vessels would deliver the stored fish on board, to the representatives of baby vessels on the shores. On the return journey to the seas, the mother vessel would carry food, water and possibly fuel, for the baby vessels. Possibly to cut short resources crunch and learn from experience before going at it in a big way, the state government has called for private operators with a minimum of two mother vessel(s) of 50-tonne capacity each, to be operated on an experimental basis, initially for two years. Much thought seems to have gone into the planning, with the result the state fisheries department has notified that the mother vessels would also have to supply subsidised diesel from an authorised bunk on the shores, to the baby vessels in the sea. The mother vessel programme is only the more recent of the Jaya governments initiative in helping the states fishermen to make a better living. Neither this one, nor the earlier initiative of introducing deep-sea vessels in the non-traditional seas along the states coast, is seemingly aimed at diverting TN fishermen away from the troubled seas of neighbouring Sri Lanka. But it might just happen, if only over a period, as an additional/actual benefit at the end. As may be recalled, after returning to power in 2011, the maiden budget of the third Jaya government proposed and provided for deep-sea vessels, and a 20-strong cold storage chain along the TN coast and marketing education and facilities for fishermen to obtain better prices for what essentially is a perishable commodity in every sense of the term. Budget-2011 provided 25 per cent grant for conversion of traditional trawlers into deep-sea vessels. These trawlers are at the centre of all fishermens issues and problems with Sri Lanka navy and Tamil fishermen in the countrys northern and eastern Provinces. The state government promptly increased the conversion subsidy to 50 per cent in Budget 2015, after studying the ground situation and expectations. Also read: Is Sri Lanka arm-twisting India into talks on fishermen's row? For all this, however, funds crunch is said to be the reason for the state government not being able to go all out on the conversion issue earlier, and possibly the mother vessel programme in the none-too-distant future. In their first meeting after Modi took over as PM, Jaya submitted a long list of demands from the state. Funds for deep-sea vessels were a part of her memorandum, and also of some of her frequent letters to the PM on a variety of issues concerning Tamil Nadu. However, neither did the media highlight the new programme, or the funds demanded from the Centre. Nor do the state authorities seem to have taken to education campaign among fishermen, particularly in the affected areas. It is anybodys guess why Jaya, who is given to walk the extra mile to convince/force the officialdom down to the last man to popularise her pet schemes, has not taken such personal interest on a live-saving scheme like this one. Nor is it known if the CM has taken up the funds issue with regard to the mother vessels with the Centre -- or, would like to wait until after the results of the current experiment/experience are known. Conversely, with assembly elections due in May, the fishermens issue could become a campaign point, particularly if the Lankan navy was to arrest a large number of TN/Puducherry fishermen or there is any mid-sea clashes with their Tamil brethren from Sri Lanka. It could well kick off yet another round of blame-game, in which the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party at the Centre cannot escape its share of criticism. Ahead of the 2014 Parliamentary polls, the state BJP launched massive campaigns, as if to claim that the Congress rulers at the Centre were alone to blame for the plight of the TN fishers. As the partys prime ministerial candidate, Modi promised relief from the fishermens woes. The state BJP even launched the Kadal Thamarai (sea lotus) in Rameswaram, which is invariably at the eye of lankan fishermens issues and problems. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was the key BJP campaigner on the occasion. Yet, two years after the BJP came to power at the Centre, and Modi became the PM and Swaraj assumed her post, no solution seems to be in sight. All India Dravida Munetra Kazhagam parliamentarians, agitating over every other issue in the two houses of Parliament, including those pertaining to the fishermens arrest, are not known to have protested delays, if any, over the Centre not taking suitable follow-up action on the TNs funds demand for providing conversion subsidy. With the result, it could become a political free-for-all among parties and candidates in the state, during the run-up to the assembly polls, particularly if there are more arrests and more issues and problems, mid-sea. In Sri Lanka recently, for a meeting of the bilateral joint commission, Swaraj called for innovative ways to resolve the fishermens issue, which has been threatening to spoil bilateral relations more than anything else -- including the ethnic issue. Talks at the fishermen level have excited governmental stake-holders on either side of the Palk Straits having not produced any substantive results or even next step(s), it may be time the Centre took a closer look for that innovative solution. Tamil Nadus two-stage approach of deep-sea fishing and mother vessels scheme may be just that. The Centre need to take a even closer and faster look at it all -- and deliver, in ways that the affected fishers are helped and also educated, even more. Image: Fishermen at the Chennai harbour with their load. Photograph: Babu/Reuters N Sathiya Moorthy is director, Chennai Chapter of the Observer Research Foundation. 'Think about how he would have handled Hyderabad, and JNU. He would have been very cross if he found two of his Cabinet ministers weighing in on the side of the ABVP.' 'And if Rohith Vemula still killed himself, he would have been the first to speak out in anguish and empathy rather than deny he was a Dalit.' 'And JNU, he would have simply said something like, 'let the boys speak, then they will grow up and join the IAS.' 'A good idea, when in crisis, is to apply the 'Vajpayee test' to your actions,' says Shekhar Gupta. IMAGE: How would Atal Bihari Vajpayee have handled the JNU affair? 'You will find options very different from what his legatees in this NDA government have pursued,' says Shekhar Gupta. The Jawaharlal Nehru University-Kanhaiya Kumar-Delhi Police story takes me back exactly 35 years, to that fraught 1981 when I covered the Northeast as five insurgencies raged. Any number of insurgents, merely described as ANEs (anti-national elements) or UGs ('undergrounds') in official briefings, were caught, interrogated and often killed. It was easier to do all of the above than file a sedition case against anybody. It also led to situations of incredible stupidity. Soldiers, spies and reporters in such situations have an unusual relationship: Sometimes friendly, often hostile, but with a bond of sharing and co-existence. Among the finest intelligence people in the region (besides Ajit Doval in Mizoram and Gangtok), was my friend Koshy Koshy, an IPS officer of the Haryana cadre (now living in retirement in Faridabad) who was then the IB's man in Guwahati. We often exchanged notes and shared harmless gossip. Often on a bandh day I would walk to his office in narrow Chenikuthi a couple of miles away, or land up together in the evenings, at K P S Gill's home for our daily tribute to 'Buddha Sant,' as we preferred to call Old Monk rum, the brew of hacks and spooks. He called me one afternoon asking me over right away. He said there was a big story: That Colonel X (his counterpart in army intelligence) was sitting with him, had a prize catch, but needed to pick my brains to figure out the 'ranking ANE's' affiliation. I reached in no time and the colonel said his boys had 'nabbed' a Naga -- a self-styled lieutenant colonel of an unheard-of group -- and that the he was persisting with the claim that he belonged to something called the Salvation Army. Now you know how wicked we could be on a beat under fire. Mr Koshy, a devout Syrian Christian, had been waiting with a straight face. He now broke into a helpful smile and explained to our colonel how harmless the Salvation Army was and how the poor soldier of God should be immediately let off with an apology. This was done in the next hour -- and it is a story to share for our lifetimes. This reached a decent and logical conclusion because we lived in better times, even in the then troubled region. What has happened in the case of Kanhaiya Kumar's arrest is something exactly similar, and comical, although we will have to wait till the government or the courts take a call on him and is freed. The highest in the land, and in the Delhi Police, were fooled by a tweet from a parody handle in Hafiz Saeed's name and a doctored video into charging the elected president of the students union of our foremost central university with sedition. Now, they don't know what to do with him. With all the claims made on social and conventional media by high-ups including the police chief, it isn't as easy as for the army colonel in Guwahati to say sorry and let the poor guy go. Those were also more gracious times. Now, we are dealing with the Sunny Deol-isation of the Indian mind. The culture now is to brazen it out. So when under pressure after Rohith Vemula's suicide, first fudge by claiming he isn't a Dalit -- and then shift the entire discourse from caste and deprivation to nationalism by striking at JNU, the very home of Left thought and, for the past several years, conflict between the unions of the Left and the Right as the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad has grown. But that is whereit has remained, not leading to violence. The campus produces some of our best scholarship. The rise of the BJP to national power has made ABVP impatient. And now it wants to use state power to wrest control of the 'Lefty' campuses. What we'd describe in the heartland as 'saiyyan bhaye kotwal, ab dar kahe ka? (my lover is now the sheriff, so who do I fear?).' Unfortunately, the government has decided to play the partisan 'kotwal' at Hyderabad and JNU. The result is the corpse of one Dalit student and the jailing of another poor one they now do not know what to do with. If they say sorry, we screwed up, or blame a scapegoat and let Mr Kumar go, they will concede a second defeat after Hyderabad. If they prosecute him, it will be a liberal cause celebre, and odds are that sooner or later some court will set him free, certainly of the sedition charge. Either way, he will become a star. The choice for the BJP therefore, is simple. Whether to cut its losses now and eat crow -- or to brazen out and end up eating an entire aviary of crows. When those of O P Sharma's vintage beat up students and retiring police chiefs refuse to protect them, it does look like the tyrant uncles have declared war on unruly children. Veterans versus the youth -- you know how that will end in a young nation. A good idea, when in crisis, is to apply the 'Vajpayee test' to your actions: How would he have handled this? You will find options very different from what his legatees in this NDA government have pursued. In early 1997, just after the BJP-Akali Dal alliance (which looked as unlikely then as the BJP-PDP now) had won power in Punjab, a rash of pro-Bhindranwale and Khalistani events broke out. The paper I then edited, The Indian Express, began to attack this aggressively, asking the BJP (still in Opposition at the Centre) to review the alliance. One afternoon I was summoned by Mr Vajpayee to his house. L K Advani and Madan Lal Khurana were present. Over tea and pineapple pastries, Mr Vajpayee gave me a lecture: Hindus and Sikhs were at each others' throats in Punjab. Sikh militants were killing BJP leaders. Now, if the BJP and the Akalis join hands, is it good for Punjab and India or not? We should ignore these irritants and see the big picture. 'Thode paripakv baniye sampadakji (grow a little mature, Mr Editor).' I asked him what will happen if this goes out of control? He said, all that 'Khuranaji will take care of. Wo kis marz ki dawa hain (he has to resolve these issues).' Think about how he would have handled Hyderabad, and JNU. He would have been very cross if he found two of his Cabinet ministers weighing in on the side of the ABVP. And if Rohith Vemula still killed himself, he would have been the first to speak out in anguish and empathy rather than deny he was a Dalit. And JNU, he would have simply said something like, 'chhokre hain, bolne dijiye, phir IAS mein jayenge (let the boys speak, then they will grow up and join the IAS).' Remember also how he handled separatists in Kashmir when they asked him how they could negotiate with a government as it insisted of talking only within the parameters ('dayra') of the Constitution. Mr Vajpayee said: 'Why the Constitution, I will talk with you within the parameters of humanity.' That was an approach to conflict resolution. What we have seen lately is more like a strategy of seeking out conflict. It isn't working. Within the SAARC framework, says Rajeev Sharma, Nepal's strategic importance cannot be overestimated as Nepal is a key member of the sub-SAARC group India has created to bypass Pakistan. IMAGE: Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli told reporters November 6, 2015 that the blockade of key border points with India is 'more inhuman than a war.' Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli is currently in India on a State visit (February 19 to 24). A State visit is the highest level of diplomatic engagement between two sovereign nations and Oli's state visit to India, his first foreign visit since taking over as prime minister, is thus imbued with a lot of diplomatic significance. In keeping with Nepal's penchant for playing the China card with India and the India card with China, Oli's India visit hasn't come about without its due share of hiccups. Oli, for years a known India-baiter, wasn't very keen on making India the destination of his maiden foreign visit after he took over as prime minister last year. The Nepalese prime minister wanted to travel to China first. But then he had to bow to geographical and realpolitik imperatives and eventually decided to make India his first port of call. It is an open secret that India-Nepal bilateral relations have been tense and frigid since the latter half of 2015, mainly because of the internal logjam between the Oli government and the Madhesis, residents of the Terai region which accounts for 51 percent of the Nepalese population. This, despite the fact that Nepal is the only contiguous neighbour of India that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has twice visited so far. The Madhesis ended their nearly five month-long agitation and lifted their blockade on February 8. It was the first time in the history of India-Nepal ties that India came out openly in support of the long-suppressed Madhesis. The Modi government brought about this major shift in India's Nepal policy. The Modi government's open support to the Madhesis annoyed the Oli government no end and widened the chasm between Kathmandu and New Delhi, particularly given the fact that the Nepalese polity has traditionally been dominated by the people living in the hills. Oli's visit must be seen from this perspective. IMAGE: 'Let's protest against the Indian blockade' grafitti in Kathmandu. Photograph: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters The Oli visit should go a long way in repairing relations between the two South Asian neighbours who share a 1,751-km-long open border. During the delegation level talks, the two sides inked nine agreements, some of which are quite important. One such agreement was an MoU on the utilisation of $250 million grant assistance, part of India's assistance package for the post-earthquake reconstruction in Nepal. This amount is part of the $1 billion package India announced at last year's donor conference for reconstruction of quake-hit Nepal. Another agreement signed on February 20 is an MoU on strengthening road infrastructure in the Terai region of Nepal, which lays out a new modality for the construction of 518 kilometres of roads in five packages in that region. This is in keeping with India's deep focus with the Terai region of Nepal which borders India. Then there were letters of exchange on both road transit routes and rail transport. The road transit was transit between Nepal and Bangladesh through the Kakarbhitta-Banglabandh corridor, and the operationalisation of Visakhapatnam port; the rail transport was also to and from Visakhapatnam, as well as a rail transit facility through Singabad for Nepal's trade with and through Bangladesh. The agreement notifying Vizag as a point for enabling Nepalese imports and exports is important as Nepal is a landlocked country. India has acted as a good and responsible neighbour by formally allowing Nepal access to the Vizag port for its exports and imports with third countries. Oli's India visit has been helpful in erasing bitter memories of the recent past and prepares a solid foundation for more substantive cooperation between the two countries. This is laden with a lot of strategic significance given the China and Pakistan factors. Within the SAARC framework, Nepal's strategic importance cannot be overestimated as Nepal is a key member of the sub-SAARC grouping of BBIN (Bhutan, Bangladesh, India and Nepal), a sub-group India has created and is promoting to bypass Pakistan. Rajeev Sharma is an independent journalist and strategic analyst who tweets @Kishkindha Image: Policemen at the site of the encounter. Photograph: PTI 'The Tamil Nadu government should ask Andhra Pradesh to speed up the investigation.' Twenty men from Tamil Nadu were gunned down on April 7, 2015 in the forests of Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district by the state police who accused them of being red sanders smugglers. Human rights activists said these men were wood cutters and not involved in smuggling. The People's Union for Civil Liberties has been supporting the families of the slain men. PUCL's Tamil Nadu General Secretary S Balamurugan tells A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com about the progress in the case. What has happened in the case so far? There has been no progress. The NHRC (National Human Rights Commission) had come to inquire into the case. They gave directions to the Andhra Pradesh police to give interim compensation to the victims and also directed them to go in for a CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) inquiry. The Andhra Pradesh government moved the high court and got a stay order against the NHRC directions. They complained to the high court that the NHRC was interfering in their investigation. The victims did not get any compensation from Andhra Pradesh, but the Tamil Nadu government gave Rs 5 lakh (Rs 500,000) to each victim's family. They (the Tamil Nadu government) also gave a cook's post to the women in the victims' families under the noon meal scheme. The Andhra Pradesh government set up an inquiry into the encounter. The investigation team set up by the Andhra Pradesh government met the victims' families in Tamil Nadu. They also met a witness who was on the bus on which some of these victims were arrested. The Indian Express reported that cell phone records of the victims prove that they were arrested from a bus. There was a labourer who was traveling on that bus. He is a prime witness. What happened to him? The witness is safe in Thiruvannamalai district. Was his testimony taken? They have taken his testimony. Is he being protected? He is not being provided any protection. But there is no immediate threat to him. Have labourers from Tamil Nadu stopped going to Andhra Pradesh to cut wood after this incident? We hear that some labourers have been arrested after that incident. They are still going there. The Tamil Nadu government has to protect its tribal people. It is not taking any steps to stop this. They should take steps to help them. Do you think the victims will get justice? The way the investigation is going on, I don't think so. They are diluting the case. They are protecting the police. They are blaming the victims. The victims will not get justice. More than 2,000 tribals from Tamil Nadu are languishing in jails in Andhra Pradesh. The Tamil Nadu government is not monitoring this case. They are not helping. We appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to give legal aid. They have a moral obligation to help the tribals. What are the legal options available to the families of the victims? When an investigation is pending, the courts cannot take a stand. The investigation has to get over and a chargesheet has to be filed. When the case comes up in court, then the victims' families can ask the court what they want. The Tamil Nadu government should ask them (Andhra Pradesh)to speed up the investigation. No policemen has been arrested in this case in Andhra Pradesh till now. 'Pressing sedition charges against students for activism within the campus shows the failure of the administration.' IMAGE: Jawaharlal Nehru Union Students Union President Kanhaiya Kumar being escorted from the Patiala House court on Wednesday, February 17, after he was roughed up by lawyers on the court premises. Photograph: PTI Shatrughan Sinha is angry and upset that fellow Bihari Kanhaiya Kumar -- president, Jawaharlal Nehru Union Students Union -- is being branded anti-national and has been charged with sedition without unimpeachable evidence. On February 17, the MP from Patna Sahib tweeted in support of 'our Bihari boy', creating an expected flutter in Bharatiya Janata Party circles. Shatrughan Sinha, the BJP MP from Patna Sahib, tells Subhash K Jha why he is angry that Kanhaiya Kumar has been branded anti-national. Your tweet on Kanhaiya Kumar raised quite a furore. You tell me, didn't I do the right thing? Why are we labelling the boy seditious without proof? In The Telegraph, dated February 16, the full text (external link) of what he said has appeared. There is nothing seditious or anti-national in what he said. A section of people, including lawyers have pounced on him. This is really disturbing. We as a country should thrive on the principle of diversity in unity. Ekta mein anekta. In a democracy, everyone has the right to an opinion and to freedom of expression. That doesn't give anyone the right to say anything anti-Constitutional. But I repeat Kanahaiya Kumar, from what I know, said nothing anti-Constitutional. If I am wrong, he should be punished according to the laws of our country. What do you define as anti-national? This is the problem. If he is talking about burning down the nation or destroying our Constitution, he is anti-national. If he has made careless utterances, gusse mein (in anger), josh mein (without thinking twice), nadaani mein (in his naivety) or bachpana mein (being childish), then we must understand that we are dealing with young minds who often speak without thinking. IMAGE: Shatrughan Sinha tweeted his support for JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar. Do you think the administration handled the issue properly? It should have been tackled within the campus. Yeh andar ka maamla hai (This is an internal matter). The vice-chancellor should have been more prompt and judicious. He should have taken stern action and rusticated the students found to be indulging in anti-national activities. Why were cops called on the campus, and that too so casually with the VC's permission? The entire matter seems to have been unnecessarily politicised. I agree. It should have been handled on the campus. Are you sympathetic towards Kanhaiya Kumar because he is from Bihar? Bihar is most definitely my weakness and strength. But this is a matter of justice, not regionalism. I would have spoken up for Kanhaiya Kumar even if he was from some other state. So far, from what I've seen read and heard, he has said nothing seditious. And please let me make it very clear: I am not speaking about the other students, I am only speaking about Kanhaiya Kumar. I have no idea about what the other students did or said. That's a law and order situation. Under no circumstance must we allow anyone to incite violence against our nation. That is not acceptable. And please don't for a second think I am condoning anti-national activities. Aren't you afraid of upsetting your party? Life is not an ongoing party (laughs). There are times when one needs to stand by the truth. My strength is my honesty. I've lived by my principles. To me, politics is not my profession. I've come into politics as a mission. I'll always practise healthy politics. Even in this matter, some vested interests are hell-bent on criticising me for standing up for the boy. Kanhaiya Kumar was roughed up in the court premises. What's your take on it? It's wrong. We belong to a nation that preaches non-violence. And we have violence being perpetrated against journalists and students on the premises of the court right under the watchful eyes of our legal custodians. Kanhaiya is a son of an Indian family. He is an Indian. And he says he is proud to be one. Why should we not believe him? A lot of people have stopped listening. If they stop screaming they will hear the boy's protests. I will repeat what the boy said: 'Please maintain peace and do not get carried by hearsay. I don't believe in any kind of violence. And violence against the nation? Never! Not in this life.' It should have been handled on the campus. It is so sad that this is happening at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University, which has given this country such great leaders and statesmen. Pressing sedition charges against students for activism within the campus shows the failure of the administration, not to mention the over zealousness of the police. Key 26/11 plotter Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal's lawyer on Monday informed a Mumbai court that he wanted to cross-examine Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley for four days. Also, Judge G A Sanap has directed special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to contact the US authorities and check the availability of Headley fopr a second round of deposition and inform the court by February 25. Once the availability is checked, the court will fix dates for Headley's deposition. Meanwhile, Jundal's lawyer Abdul Wahab Khan also moved applications objecting to Headley being made an approver in the 2008 terror attacks case besides making pleas seeking copies of certain documents and CDs. Earlier on February 13, the day on which Headley's week-long deposition ended, the court had adjourned the case for cross-examination by Jundal's lawyer for a future date. Headley, who is serving a 35-year jail term in the US had made some damning disclosures about Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Al-Qaeda's plans to target India, during his testimony which began on February 8. He spilled the beans on how Pakistan's intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence provides "financial, military and moral support" to terror outfits LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen and how LeT had planned and executed the 26/11 attacks and the role played by the ISI officials, involving him too. Headley also revealed that LeT had planned an attack at a conference of Indian defence scientists at Taj Mahal Hotel a year before the 26/11 strikes and had even prepared its dummy. Deposing via a video-link from the US, the 55-year-old terrorist had told the court that --Ishrat Jahan--who was killed in an alleged fake encounter in 2004 in Gujarat--was an operative of LeT. Headley had also revealed that Al-Qaeda was in touch with him to attack Delhi's National Defence College and unravelled the plot by LeT and ISI to target Mumbai airport, BARC and the Naval air station in Mumbai. He also visited the Indian Army's Southern Command headquarters at Pune in 2009 on the instructions of ISI's Major Iqbal, who wanted him to recruit some military personnel to get "classified" information, the court was told. Army and paramilitary personnel on Monday took control of a key canal in Haryana's Sonepat, the key source of Delhi's water supply, after evicting Jat protesters. Around 600 Central Reserve Police Force personnel and two columns of Army took over control of the Munak canal at around 4 am and started repair work to ensure uninterrupted water supply to Delhi, official sources said. All protesters who were squatting at the site were evicted. The action came after the Jat protests in Haryana demanding reservation disrupted water supply to Delhi, leading to water crisis in the national capital. The Delhi government on Monday said operations of the Munak Canal, which has been badly damaged by Jat agitators, would resume after a week to ten days. "The news that is coming in from Haryana is that the army has taken control of the Munak canal. The doors of the canal, however, have still not been opened. It is reported that the protestors have damaged it badly. So, it will take some time to repair," Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra told reporters after attending the meeting at Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residencee. "Secondly there is a sub-branch from which water supply has started and it would take around five-six hours to reach Delhi. Around 400 cusec water has been released, but only 300 cusec would reach Delhi through this branch. If this water comes to us without any delay and interruption, we would be able to partially restore water supply by this evening. The Haidurpur plant would be the first to be started," he added. The minister also said that the Delhi Jal Board team has already been sent to the Munak Canal in Haryana to assess and repair it, and it would provide all resources to the Haryana Government whether it is machinery, man power, etc. "The damaged Munak Canal can take around 7-10 days to be repaired and become fully operational. I, therefore, appeal to all the Delhi citizens to use water in an efficient manner and conserve it. Meanhwhile, Delhi Jal Board CEO Keshav Chandra appealed to the people to use water conservatively. "The next 10 days will be crucial. I appeal to people to use water conservatively," Chandra said. Yielding to pressure from agitating Jats, the BJP on Sunday night announced setting up of a five-member committee under a senior Central minister to examine the quota demand for the community in government jobs. The areas affected due to the closure of plants are West Delhi, North-West, Central, South and part of North Delhi. "Against the total production of 820 million gallons per day of potable water, only 240 MGD is being produced, because of the disruption of the supply source from Haryana. DJB's tanker fleet has been fully redirected to the water deficient areas. The situation at Wazirabad is being constantly monitored. In this emergent situation, the people of Delhi are requested to use water with the utmost care," a statement by the Delhi Jal Board said. A tearful adieu was given to 23-year-old Captain Pawan Kumar on Monday. The brave soldier died fighting militants in Kashmirs Pulwama district on Sunday, with his last rites performed at his native village with full military honours. Army officers and soldiers pay tributes to Captain Pawan Kumar and Captain Tushar Mahajan, who were killed in the encounter with terrorists at Pampore. Photograph: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com On the army and the state governments appeal, Jat protesters had cleared up the roads leading to the martyrs village. The army had appealed to the people of Haryana to extend support in giving a befitting farewell to the brave son of the soil. Earlier the martyrs body draped in the Tricolour was flown from Pathankot, where a wreath laying ceremony was held. In a statement, a defence spokesman said, After cautiously evacuating all civilians from the premises to safety, Captain Pawan Kumar led his team to deliberately clear the building in which the terrorists had been holed up. This initial operation was fraught with danger as the only way to ascertain the location of the terrorists was to close in and draw their fire. Capt Pawan Kumar led his men from the front and drew a fatal volley of fire, which the daring commando and his team quickly retaliated. He later succumbed to his grievous injuries but not before fixing the location of these terrorists thereby facilitating the progress of further operations. Born on Army Day on January 15, 1993, this 23-year-old was destined to be a part of it and in the exemplary display of raw courage, leadership par excellence and esprit-de-corps, he has become a part of military folklore, the statement said. A wreath laying ceremony was held for the martyred soldiers at Srinagar before their bodies were airlifted to their villages. Photograph: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com Earlier, the young commando was given a befitting farewell by his colleagues in a solemn ceremony at BB Cantonment in Srinagar which was also attended by officials from police, Border Security Force and the Central Reserve Police Force. Paying tributes to the martyrs, Lt Gen Satish Dua GOC Chinar Corps saluted the courage and selflessness of both the soldiers and said that their cause will be taken to its logical conclusion. Speaking about Capt Pawan Kumar, he said, He had voluntarily taken upon himself to lead his men into this most difficult phase of the operation. His commitment to his men, duty and the uniform he so proudly donned, can be gauged from the fact that despite having been wounded in an earlier encounter with terrorists only last month, he had refused to proceed on sick leave to be with his team for this operation. They have done the nation proud and the nation salutes them. A gun salute was given to the martyr by the army at Badhana village, even as his pyre was lit by his father Rajbir Singh, a school teacher. Rajbir had earlier said that he had one child which he gave to the army and to the nation. No father can be prouder, Singh had said about the supreme sacrifice made by his son. The army paid their respects to their fallen. Photograph: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com Despite Haryana, including Jind district being hit by the Jat stir, a large number of people turned up to pay tributes to the son-of-the-soil. Senior officials from the army and senior ministers of the Haryana government -- Captain Abhimanyu and Om Prakash Dhankar, besides state Bharatiya Janata Party president Subhash Barala and opposition party leader Indian National Lok Dal leader Ramphal Majra paid their last respect to the officer. Capt Abhimanyu, who was seen wiping off his tears while paying tributes to the officer, said that his sacrifice had taught a lesson to the youth of the state that if one has to lay down his life, it should be for the sake of ones country. I salute the great son-of-the-soil. Future generations will forever remain indebted to him, Abhimanyu said. Kumar, an officer of the elite Para unit, was among the three army personnel from the unit who lost their lives in the fierce encounter with militants holed up inside a government building in Pampore town. The mother of Captain Tushar Mahajan weeps as she touches the coffin of her son Tushar during his wreath laying ceremony in Udhampur. Photograph: Mukesh Gupta/Reuters Captain Tushar Mahajan, 26, who hailed from Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir, was leading his team in the Pampore operation when he was martyred. Lance Naik Om Prakash, 32, whose team had closed in on the hiding terrorists, was also injured during the gunbattle and succumbed to his injuries later. He had been earlier awarded with the Asadharan Suraksha Seva Praman Patra by the prime minister on August 15, 2013 for gallantry in counter-terrorist operations. Lance Naik Om Prakash hailed from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh and is survived by his parents, wife and two daughters aged 7 and 3 years. The young captain of the Special Forces was an inspiring leader who in spite of being injured earlier in an anti-terrorist operation went on to volunteer for more operations. The corps commander also paid his tributes to the martyred CRPF personnel and one EDI employee Abdul Gani Mir, who lost their lives in the terror attack. -- With inputs from Mukhtar Ahmad Pakistani-American Lashkar-e-Tayiba operative David Headley wanted to fight actively in Kashmir against the Indian Army but LeT commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi stopped him, saying something more adventurous was in store for him. Giving details about the deposition of Headley which began at 7 am in Mumbai, Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam told reporters here that the terrorist said he wanted to fight against the army deployed in Kashmir. However, Lakhvi told Headley that they have something more adventurous for him. He revealed a lot about Major Iqbal and Major Ali, both of them were there in Inter-Services Intelligence. It was Major Iqbal who trained him and he also unravelled names of few LeT trainers before the court, Nikam said. He said more important questions will be asked on Tuesday and prosecution will try to reveal the truth. I am absolutely satisfied with what Headley had revealed in todays deposition. Headley has given certain sensational revelations during his deposition. He confirmed that he met Hafiz Saeed and he identified his picture as well, he said. Nikam said Headley told the court that he joined LeT in 2002 and completed training course where learned to operate AK47, bomb explosion and execute reccee. He also joined a leadership course where both Sayeed and Lakhvi used to come and give speeches against India. He completed his education from HasanAbdalCadetCollege in Pakistan but left for America at the age of 17, he said. Headleys lawyers Mahesh Jethmalini said he has confessed that he had joined LeT after being influenced by Hafiz Saeed. He also told the court that there were two unsuccessful attempts to carry out terror attacks before the 26/11 attacks. But he has not explained the role of LeT in the attack. As a prosecutor, I am here to cooperate with the prosecution and help advance the case further and whatever be the findings of this deposition will be significant, he said. Leading lawyer Majeed Memon said Headleys deposition will help India unravel a lot of hidden facts behind the 26/11 attack and will make Pakistan talk about a lot of things which they have been denying so far. The Islamic State has claimed the gruesome killing of a Hindu head priest in Bangladesh using guns and cleavers at a temple in an area bordering India, the first attack by the dreaded group against a Hindu in a series of similar assaults on religious minorities. US-based private SITE Intelligence Group published the report after the execution-style killing of 50-year-old Jagneshwar Roy at Sonapota village on Sunday in a pre-dawn attack in northern Panchagarh district's Debiganj Upazila, some 494 km from Dhaka, that also injured two devotees. The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors online jihadi activity, said the ISIS claimed responsibility for killing Roy in a communique posted by the IS-linked Amaq News Agency on Twitter. The claim could not be independently verified. Motorbike-borne assailants, said to be over three in number, pelted stones at the house of Roy in the premises of the SantagourhiyoTemple which prompted him to come out following which the killers pounced on him and slit his throat, according to a devotee in the neighbourhood said. Roy founded the temple in 1998 and served as its principal and chief priest since then. His murder is the first attack on a Hindu priest and the fifth attack on minority religious communities including Shia Muslims and liberal Sufi preachers in the past six months by suspected Islamists. However, a senior police officer overseeing the investigation questioned the authenticity of the ISIS claim and said the initial investigation found that the banned Jamaatul Mujahideeen Bangladesh and fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami could be linked to the murder. "In the past several cases of such clandestine murders, we heard about the IS involvement, but our investigations found those claims to be unfounded... rather locally brewed militant or Islamist groups were found to be directly involved in the killings," the officer told PTI requesting anonymity. Panchagargh's police chief Giasuddin Ahmed also questioned the ISIS claim, saying "the statement issued in the name of Islamic State is entirely bogus". Officer-in-charge of Debiganj police station in Panchagargh Babul Akhtar told reporters that in an overnight raid, police arrested two suspected JMB operatives and an activist of Jamaat's student wing suspecting their links to the murder. The SITE had earlier reported that ISIS claimed responsibility for the murder of Japanese national Kunio Hoshi at Rangpur, the attack on a Shia mosque in Bogra and another on a Shia procession in Dhaka. But law-enforcing agencies and the government had dismissed the claim, saying the Middle-East-based radical group had no presence in Bangladesh. The Supreme Court on Monday made it clear that it is not going to broaden the scope of its hearing and will confine itself to the violent incident in which journalists and Jawaharlal Nehru University students and teachers were attacked at the Patiala House court complex on February 15. We are not concerned with other incidents. We are only concerned with the episode that had happened on February 15, a bench comprising Justices J Chelameswar and A M Sapre said when a lawyer on behalf of Karkardooma Bar Association sought to intervene in the matter. During the hearing, the bench perused various reports filed by Delhi Police, Bar Council of India, Delhi high court registry and a six-member lawyers panel. There are allegations and counter-allegations and the reports be exchanged and objections be filed before the matter is heard on March 10, the bench said. The apex bar body, Bar Council of India, sought the courts response as to whether it should proceed with the proposed inquiry against lawyers who had allegedly participated in the violent incidents in the Patiala House court complex on February 15 and 17 when jailed JNU students union leader Kanhaiya Kumar was being produced in connection with the sedition case. Let all the concerned receive reports. Today we are not saying anything on it, the bench said. Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre and Delhi police, asked the court that contents of reports be not made available to the public for the time being as it may influence the hearing of the bail application of the accused which will come up before the Delhi high court on Monday. Senior Advocate Ajit Kumar Sinha, representing the Delhi Police, also endorsed the view of the law officers on the issue. The Karkardooma Bar Association also moved for impleading itself as a party in the matter on the ground that lawyers are being victimised and are being termed as goons and criminals. However, the apex court rejected their plea saying that we are not concerned with the subsequent incidents. Sorry. The bench, in its order, referred to names of the lawyers who would be getting various reports in the matter and they will be entitled to file their objections, if any. The apex court had on February 19 transferred Kanhaiyas bail plea to the Delhi high court while declining to entertain the petition, saying its direct intervention will be a dangerous proposition. Kanhaiyas lawyers then immediately moved the high court with the bail petition. The apex court had asked the high court to expeditiously deal with the matter. While transferring the bail plea, the bench had taken an assurance from the Solicitor General that in the prevailing extraordinary situation pertaining to this matter, the Government of India and the Delhi police commissioner would provide adequate safety and security to the accused and a stream of lawyers who will be appearing in the high court. It had said the counsel for all the parties would be given preference for entering the court room at the high court and the Registrar General would be responsible for limiting the number of people to be allowed to go in. It was not in agreement with the arguments advanced by a battery of senior advocates, including Soli Sorabjee, Raju Ramachandran and Rajeev Dhawan that extra-ordinary law and order situation, threat to life of the accused and his counsel, hostile environment at the lower court and the simmering situation compelled them to rush directly to it. Kanhaiya had on February 18 directly moved the apex court seeking bail while claiming threat to his life in Tihar jail. In the petition, filed through advocate Anindita Pujari, Kanhaiya, who was also attacked in Patiala House court complex by a group of lawyers, has claimed innocence. Kanhaiya was arrested on February 12 on sedition charges following a controversial event at JNU campus where anti-India slogans were allegedly raised. The student leader was produced in the court on February 17 after the expiry of his police custody, where a group of men dressed in lawyers robes unleashed a brazen attack on him and others, which included journalists, who were present there. Kanhaiya had sought the apex courts intervention, saying no purpose would be served by keeping him in the jail and the police was finding it difficult to even produce him in the court. Image: On Monday, February 15, JNU students and journalists were roughed up inside the Patiala House court complex. Photograph: PTI The over-40 hour stand-off between terrorists and security forces at Pampore in south Kashmir entered its third day on Monday, even as the sounds of gunfire and explosions rent the air. The army said it was in no hurry to flush out the terrorists holed up in a government building in Pampore area on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway as the main aim is to avoid further casualty to security forces. As the operation against the terrorists entered the third day, General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, Lt Gen Satish Dua, told reporters in Srinagar, "There is no time limit. There is no hurry. Our main purpose is to make sure that we do not have anymore casualty. We will take as long as it takes to clear the building." The army commander said the EDI is a vast campus and it requires specialised forces to clear the holed-up terrorists. "Two main buildings have been cleared and now the terrorists have taken position in the (third) building. It is a huge campus of 15 acres. It has three main buildings apart from a couple of other ancillary buildings. "This main building is four floors and a cafeteria or a canteen on top. It has 40-50 rooms, not counting the smaller rooms and toilets, and an area of 10,000 square feet. So, each of the floors has to be cleared room by room. So, specialised units are required to clear it," Dua said. "As the operation is in progress, I will not be able to say anything more on it except that our specialised units are having complete synergy with the CAPFs (Central Armed Paramilitary Forces)," he said. So far, the paramilitary has suffered two fatal casualties and nine other personnel have been wounded, Dua said, adding that the army lost three bravehearts, all of whom were from special forces. He said all civilians have been evacuated. The Corps Commander said the army does not have any identification of the holed-up terrorists. "As of now, we do not have any identification. It is still a work in progress," he said. Meanwhile, the last rites of Captain Pawan Kumar will be conducted with full military honours on Monday at his village in Jind, Haryana. Note: Delayed visuals used in the story Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, named by India as the mastermind of the Pathankot attack, has been under protective custody since January 14, Pakistan Prime Ministers Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz has said. He also said it was for India to decide on dates for Foreign Secretary-level talks, postponed in the wake of the terror strike. Aziz said a Special Investigation Team from Pakistan may visit Pathankot in the first few days of March to probe the attack and that his country was pursuing the investigation seriously. He said one of the mobile phone numbers linked to the attackers was traced to the terror groups headquarters in Pakistans Bahawalpur and called the lodging of the FIR in connection with the Pathankot assault as a logical and positive step in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Aziz told Karan Thapar of Headlines Today that Azhar, along with a few other operatives of the JeM, has been kept under protective custody and that some of the terror outfits premises have also been sealed. He said action will follow against Azhar and others the moment evidence becomes available. This is for the first time a top functionary of the Pakistan government has confirmed that Azhar is in custody in that country though there were earlier reports to that effect. Aziz said the FIR filed four days back in the Pathankot attack case has created legal basis for a Special Investigation Team of Pakistan to visit India to collect evidence. He said India has agreed to the SIT visit. Asked about Defence Minister Manohar Parrikars comment that the SIT will not be allowed to go inside the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot, Aziz said access to crime scene always helps the investigators. On holding of the Foreign Secretary-level talks between the two countries, Aziz said the ball is in Indias court. The answer to it lies entirely with India, he said, adding he hoped prime ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif would meet on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington next month. Pakistani authorities had lodged an FIR in connection with the Pathankot attack on February 18, without naming Azhar. The FIR was filed against unknown persons after weeks of probe into the terror assault that had led to the postponement of Foreign Secretary-level talks. It was registered at the Counter-Terrorism Department centre in Gujranwala, Punjab province. Asked about Pakistani-American Lashkar-e-Tayiba operative David Headleys revelations about the Mumbai attack during his deposition through video conference to an Indian court, Aziz said he was a double agent who cannot be trustworthy. He rejected suggestions of taking Headleys version on record in the ongoing trial in the Mumbai attack case in Pakistan. Aziz said talks between the two countries and the probe into the attack may go on parallel, noting both Modi and Sharif share very good chemistry. Modis attempts to improve ties with India have been visible, he said but insisted that more was required to be done to wipe out his earlier image of having a strong position on Pakistan. The two prime ministers should not allow derailment of the talks by non-state actors, he said, adding Modis visit to Lahore on December 25 last year was very well received. Favouring resumption of comprehensive bilateral talks as soon as possible, he said India has been held hostage to the narrative of terrorism which was unfortunate. He noted that the importance of dialogue is growing by the day. On Pakistans SITs visit to India, Aziz said the team will go as soon as possible, maybe during the first few days of March. He said Pakistan was examining all the evidences including the phone numbers given by India in Pathankot attack case and that the NSAs of the two countries are in regular touch. Aziz said the investigators are also trying to establish links of the perpetrators and weapons used in the attack. On Siachen, Aziz said Pakistan was for withdrawal of forces by the two sides and has put forth its proposal before India again and claimed both sides were close to an agreement for many years. The fierce gun battle on the outskirts of Srinagar ended on Monday with armys elite Special Forces killing all the three terrorists, suspected to be Pakistanis belonging to Lashkar-e-Tayiba, in a 48-hour operation that also left six security men and a civilian dead. The heavily-armed terrorists, apparently a suicide squad, were holed up in a multi-storey government building of Entrepreneurship Development Institute in Pampore, along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, since Saturday afternoon. The encounter has ended and three militants who had taken refuge inside the building have been killed, a police official said. We have killed three militants of whom we had the information, Major General Arvind Dutta, General Officer Commanding of Victor Force, told reporters. He said the identity of the slain terrorists is being ascertained but added they appeared to be foreigners. To a question, he said by saying foreigners, he meant they had come from across the border, hinting at Pakistan. In Delhi, Central Reserve Police Force Director General Prakash Mishra said the attack appears to be the handiwork of LeT terror outfit. Maj Gen Dutta said war-like stores, including large quantity of arms and ammunition were recovered from the site. Army soldiers take their positions near the site of a gun battle on the outskirts of Srinagar. Photograph: Danish Ismail/Reuters A combing operation was underway to sanitise the building which has 44 rooms plus lobbies, washrooms and a restaurant on the top floor, he said. The operation, which began on Saturday evening, saw five security force personnel including two captains of the elite commando units laying down their lives while battling the terrorists, suspected to be of foreign origin. A civilian was killed in the crossfire between the two sides while 120 civilians were evacuated safely. As the operation entered the third day on Monday, the Special Forces of the army maximised the force, using mortar shells to flush out the terrorists, the officials said. Maj Gen Dutta said the building appeared to be a pre-determined target where they rushed into after attacking a CRPF convoy on the highway. They were carrying a large quantity of arms and ammunition... They were seen running into the building with big bag packs, the army officer said. Inputs as of now suggest they were foreign terrorists, Maj Gen Dutta said, adding it needs to be verified. The way the attack happened, it seems that they belonged to a suicide squad, he said. Army soldiers take their positions. Photograph: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com He said it was possible that the militants may have conducted a recce of the campus before the attack. It cannot be said as yet, but it is possible that they might have conducted a recce. Mostly, the foreign terrorists do not conduct such type of recces. But we cannot rule out the possibility, he said. The army officer, however, admitted that there was no specific intelligence about the attack. Responding to questions over the operation taking so long, he said the security forces took time to neutralize the terrorists as there were many challenges because of many hiding places in the campus. We have to conduct every operation after keeping in kind various challenges. This building had many rooms and many corners and it had many hiding places. We did not have the paucity of time. We wanted to clear the building stage-wise and neutralise the terrorists in the end, he said. As the security forces mounted an assault on the building on Saturday, they met with stiff resistance from the ultras who are holding vantage points inside the building. The terrorists had a huge opportunity to hide inside the big complex....They had an advantage. They could see our movements, the GOC said. He said the CRPF initially made an attempt to enter the building immediately after their convoy was targeted but the terrorists threw grenades and fired at them, forcing them to withdraw. It is then that the army stepped in, Gen Dutta said. Smoke billowing out of the EDI building where militants were holed up during the encounter. Photograph: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com Two CRPF jawans and a civilian were killed and nine other jawans injured when militants opened fire on CRPF convoy on Saturday afternoon. During the intense gunfight, the top floor of the building caught fire which forced the ultras to shift towards one side of the complex where they were nuetralised, the police official said. It was a successful operation as three hardcore terrorists have been killed, Maj Gen Dutta said. Their identity is being checked with the help of the police, he said, adding Rest, no further information is available as of now... it was not immediately known whether they had infiltrated recently or not. The GOC said after the terrorists attacked the CRPF convoy and went inside the EDI building, they wanted to provoke security forces to fire upon them in an area where civilians were present in large numbers. If the forces had not exercised restraint, then there was a possibility of collateral damage. Everyone carried the operation meticulously... I salute the martyrs. The bravery they exhibited, I salute that. They gave a sacrifice for the army, nation and for peace and prosperity of the state, he said. Even as the gunbattle was underway, hundreds of residents from nearby Pampore town and adjoining areas tried to march towards the encounter site but were asked by security forces to disperse. However, they started raising slogans and indulged in stone-pelting, a police official said, adding police fired teargas shells and pellets to disperse the protestors. At least three persons sustained minor injuries in the clashes, the official added. Army lost three elite commandos -- two captains and a lance naik -- in the gunfight. Captain Pawan Kumar was killed in a pre-dawn exchange of fire with terrorists yesterday while he was leading a team of special forces in clearing the third floor of the building after sanitising first and second floor, Maj Gen Dutta said. Captain Tushar Mahajan and Lance Naik Om Prakash also sustained fatal injuries in the afternoon on Sunday. The army paid a befitting tribute with full military honours to its martyrs -- Captain Tushar Mahajan and Lance Naik Om Parkash -- who attained martyrdom on Sunday during an operation in Pampore, a defence spokesman said. Homage was paid to the valour and sacrifice of the martyrs in a solemn ceremony held at Badami Bagh Cantonment. Late Captain Tushar Mahajan and Lance Naik Om Prakash were members of the team that had launched an operation on February 21 against the terrorists who ambushed CRPF personnel and took refuge in the EDIBuilding and were instrumental in clearing major portion of the multi-storeyed building where the terrorists had hidden. In this process, they engaged the terrorists at close quarters and in the ensuing firefight, suffered grievous injuries to which they later succumbed, the spokesman added. At the Benaras Hindu University convocation, a youth on Monday raised the demand for restoration of students union at the university and wanted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to listen to him but was detained by police. The youth, who identified himself as BHUs BA second year student Ashutosh Singh, started shouting Modi ji, please listen to the voice of the students community as soon as the PM finished his speech and was getting off the stage. He was immediately whisked away by the police personnel present there. In a video tweeted by ANI, the student was quoted saying that the voices of the students are being curbed in the institute. A man from behind slaps him, while he was making the statement. Police officials eventually escorted him out of the event. The commotion apparently did not catch sight of the prime minister or other dignitaries accompanying him as the visitors gallery was a few hundred metres away from the stage. While being taken out of the Amphitheatre Ground, where the convocation ceremony was held, the youth told reporters my name is Ashutosh Singh and I am a student of B.A II year. I wanted to apprise the PM of the fact that the students union at BHU was banned long ago and varsity authorities have been reluctant to restore the same. The policemen who whisked away the youth said he would be released soon without being booked for any serious crime. The students union in BHU was banned about a decade ago after the varsity campus was rocked by violence. The union has thereafter been replaced by a students council, which has office-bearers elected by representatives from each class. A section of students has been, however, demanding restoration of the students union wherein the president and other office-bearers are elected directly. Ashutosh, who was sitting in the Visitors Gallery, said he had wished to submit a memorandum to the PM with the demand that the BHU students union be restored but permission for the same was not granted by the varsity authorities. Outside, a number of Bahujan Samajwadi Party supporters were chased away by police from the Lanka Chauraha, a few hundred metres from the BHU premises, where they were shouting slogans in protest against the visit of the PM. Modis visit came at a time when political temperatures are running high over the issues of Rohiths suicide and JawaharlalNehruUniversity student leader Kanhaiya Kumar being sent to jail on charges of sedition. However, the PM, who donned a white kurta-pyjama and an orange turban - the attire that students and dignitaries wore on the occasion -- steered clear of making any reference to the contentious issues. Image: The student demanded that students' union elections be held just as Modi ended his speech at Banaras Hindu University. Photograph: Sandeep Pal Five Jawaharlal Nehru University students, including Umar Khalid, who the police have been looking for in connection with a sedition case, surfaced on campus on Sunday, saying they did not do anything wrong but were "framed" using "doctored video". While police rushed a team to the campus on receiving information about them, the students maintained that "they will not surrender, but police can come and arrest them". The five students Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya, Rama Naga, Ashutosh Kumar and Anant Prakash had gone missing from the campus since February 12 after JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested in a sedition case lodged in connection with an event held on the campus against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru where anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. According to Ashutosh, former president of JNU students union and a PhD scholar at varsity's School of International studies, they "have come back with a view of supporting the enquiry. The massive support we got from students and others from across the globe gave us the strength to return. I, Rama, Anirban and Anant were around but did not come in public due to atmosphere of mob lynching." He, however, maintained that the four of them were not in touch with Umar Khalid and had spoken to him last on February 9, the day of the event. Ashutosh said the students were in Delhi itself and that the decision to return on Sunday evening had been taken individually and not collectively. "We didn't do anything wrong but were being framed using doctored video. We will not go anywhere now and will be part of the movement against the branding of university as anti-national," he said. The five students also participated in a march, shouting slogans and demanding release of Kanhiaya and addressed a gathering of students at varsity's administrative block where the protests have been going on ever since the controversy erupted. Khalid denied that he had any terrorist links, while Anirban maintained that it was the look-out notice issued by police which made him decide to come back. "I am disturbed at the way I have been attacked and I am also angry at the comments posted against my sister on social media," Khalid said. Police said the students have not surrendered and a team has been rushed to the varsity. "We had received some information about their reported presence on campus. A police team was rushed to the varsity to enquire out after we received information that they were spotted on the campus. The team has right now been positioned outside JNU," a senior police official said. "So far nobody has surrendered. The officials at Vasant Kunj North police station have been asked to wait for them to present themselves before the police and surrender. If they don't come till morning, police team will be sent on Monday to arrest them. No crackdown can be conducted at this hour," he added. When contacted the university officials, maintained that they had no information about their presence in the varsity's premises. The varsity Vice Chancellor Jagdesh Kumar later said that the entry for police as well as media persons has been barred for now and a call in this regard will be taken on Monday morning. Meanwhile, an emergent meeting of the left-backed All India Students Association (AISA) was held at the campus on Sunday night to decide futre strategy. Shehla Rashid, vice president of the JNU students union, also spoke to the crowd saying that those accused are innocent. "They are ready for whatever is going to happen. We know there are policemen inside in plain clothes here," Rashid said. "We want everything to happen in the glare of the cameras." Sources in the university said that few other students which the police had sought information about from the authorities, including Riyaz and Rubina, were also spotted on the campus. Image: Umar Khalid (wearing a striped pullover), who allegedly raised anti-national slogans, addressing students in JNU on Sunday. Sporadic incidents of arson were on Monday reported as life in violence-torn Haryana limped back to normal with curfew being lifted gradually and Jat protesters starting to lift blockades after the Bharatiya Janata Party announced setting up of a committee to examine the quota demand of the community. All India Jat Aarakshan Sanghursh Samiti spokesman Ram Bhagat Malik said in Chandigarh that they would hold a meeting later in the day to decide on the future course of action, including lifting of blockades at various places. Normal supply of water to Delhi from Haryana, which had been disrupted due to the Jat stir, is likely to be restored by Monday evening as security forces have taken control of the Munak Canal after evicting Jat protesters, officials said. Curfew, which had been clamped in in towns in view of the volatile situation, was being lifted gradually. Curfew was lifted on Sunday evening from Kaithal and Kalayat while on Monday morning restrictions were withdrawn from Hisar and Hansi and one-hour relaxation was given in worst-affected Rohtak town. Sporadic incidents of violence were reported on Monday that included setting on fire of a government vehicle in Meham in Rohtak district. The protesters continued to block some roads, including the arterial Delhi-Ambala Highway, demanding a written assurance that the community will be given reservation in the state. The Jats also continued to block some roads including in Rohtak, Hisar and Bhiwani districts. Road traffic on various national and state highways from Hisar to various destinations, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Sirsa, Siwani and Bhiwani remained suspended. Railway traffic from Hissar to various destinations including Delhi, Ludhiana, Bhiwani and Sadulpur also remained suspended. Traffic on Ambala-Pipli route had been restored and State Roadways was also plying buses on the route, but beyond that movement on the Pipli-Karnal-Sonipat-Delhi National Highway was yet to be restored, officials said. After remaining on the edge for several days, normalcy was returning to some cities like Kaithal and officials expect the situation to improve considerably in other affected areas today. However, road blockades were still in place at few places in Rohtak, but the situation is likely to improve during the day, an official said. "But at Maharishi Dayanand University the protesters are still sitting and we hope they will also soon go back to their homes," the official said. Rohtak and other areas had witnessed major damage to public and private property after the Jat protest turned violent. Following the incidents of violence and arson, curfew was imposed in Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, Jind, Hissar, Hansi, Sonipat, Kaithal, and Gohana town of Sonipat. Blockades from some national and state highways including Saharanpur-Ambala at Yamunanagar, Paonta Sahib-Yamunanagar, Ambala-Kaithal, Saharanpur-Pipli-Kurukshetra, Zirakpur-Parwanoo and Ladwa-Shahbad were lifted late Sunday evening. Reports pouring from other areas said the road blockades from the Delhi-Panipat National Highway are being cleared for restoration of traffic. According to reports blockades were also lifted in Kurukshetra and Jhajjar areas. To clear the rush of passengers, the Railways would be running a special train from Chandigarh to Delhi at 4pm on Monday. The train would run from Chandigarh to Anand Vihar station in Delhi and it would be diverted from Ambala on to Saharanpur route to reach the national capital since the other route has still not been cleared for rail traffic, a Northern Railways spokesman said. Yielding to pressure from agitating Jats, BJP on Sunday night announced setting up of a five-member committee under a senior central minister to examine the quota demand for the community in government jobs. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said that a committee headed by Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu has been formed to look into the demand for reservation in central government jobs for Jats. Image: A security personnel stands guard on account of the ongoing Jat protests demanding reservation, in Rohtak. In a sting operation conducted by a news channel on two of the three lawyers wanted for alleged assault on journalists, students and teachers of Jawaharlal Nehru University at a court here last week, the perpetrators purportedly claimed that they planned to thrash JNU Students' Union president Kanhaiya Kumar in prison too. In the video broadcast on the English news channel on Monday evening, the lawyers can be seen claiming that they also thrashed Kanhaiya for around three hours while he was in the police custody and said he wet his pants during the beating. They can be seen claiming to have spared Kanhaiya only after they made him raise a specific slogan praising India. One of them can even be seen claiming that he would not sign a bail bond only to land in jail so that he could beat up Kanhaiya again inside the jail premises. He went on to say that they had full support of police during the scuffle at the court premises. Senior police officials have so far refused to comment on the video without verification. The police had issued notices to lawyers Vikram Singh Chauhan, Yashpal Singh and Om Sharma to join investigation, following which Om Sharma presented himself before the police and was arrested. But the two others are yet to appear. Image: Lawyer Vikram Singh Chauhan Indications of a stormy start to the Budget session emerged at an all-party meeting on Monday with opposition accusing the government of "setting the agenda for disruption" despite the latter reaching out to it expressing readiness to discuss all issues including the JNU row. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu chairing an all-party meeting ahead of the budget session at Parliament House in New Delhi on Monday. Photograph: Subhav Shukla/ PTI Dismissing the all-party meeting called by Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu as a mere "formality", opposition leaders lamented that the prime minister and the Bharatiya Janata Party have not taken action against a single leader making "provocative" statements and put the ball in the government's court for running the House. The first showdown between the ruling and the opposition benches is expected in Rajya Sabha on February 24, the first working day of the session when the JNU issue could come up for discussion. While the opposition has closed ranks to corner the government on it, BJP feels it stands to gain by turning the debate into one between "patriots and anti-nationals," as a party leader said. Making it clear that Opposition will not allow passage of any key bill in the first half of the session, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said opposition will "on merit" allow the passage of only those bills on which there is general consensus. "Contentious bills should not be brought. Bring only those bills on which there is a general agreement. Bills like GST will not come in the first half of the session," Kharge said. When asked whether GST Bill can be passed in the second half of the session, he evaded a direct reply, saying a view will be taken then. The meeting saw a number of opposition as also BJP leaders demanding an early debate on the JNU row with Communuist Party of India-Marxist general secretary Sitaram Yechury speaking of a "chilling parallel" to the current situation in the country with the one that led to rise of Fascism in Germany. "The government is setting the agenda for Parliament's disruption even before its session has begun. We have seen this agenda of BJP for last three-four sessions. The government creates a situation in the country that is responsible for disruption," he said. Naidu said the meeting was very positive and parties were in favour of running Parliament. At a time when the government is reaching out separately to non-Congress and non-Left parties, Naidu said a number of regional parties feel that they were not getting adequate time to raise their issues due to disruptions in Parliament. "Smaller parties had a complaint that they are not being able to raise their issues due to disruption. Government is ready to discuss all issues including the JNU and the dalit scholar suicide in HyderabadUniversity." Dismissing the meeting as a mere formality, Yechury, however, said the government should earmark time to discuss all the issues. "If the government does not earmark time for these, there will be disruptions." Presidents bodyguards during their rehearsal for the forthcoming budget session at Parliament House in New Delhi on Monday. Photograph: Subhav Shukla/ PTI Assuring opposition leaders that they will not find the government wanting in enabling discussion on any issue of concern to them, Naidu said the government was aware of the issues and events that the parties are concerned about and would like those to be discussed in the Parliament. "These include demand for reservation of Jats, incidents in the JNU and related developments in a Delhi Court, suicide of Rohit Vemula, political events in Arunachal Pradesh. The government is as much concerned about these issues as any other party and we are more than keen for a detailed discussion on all of them," he said. Naidu also said the government was firmly committed to upholding the principles of Constitution in letter and spirit. While it was clear that the opposition was not keen on taking up any major legislative business, Naidu chose to flag the government's keenness to pass bills like GST. "GST Bill passed by Lok Sabha and as reported by the Select Committee of Rajya Sabha and the Real Estate (Development & Regulation) as reported by the Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha are pending in the Upper House. There is widespread interest and enthusiasm over the passage of these two important Bills. The government believes that it is time now to take forward these two legislations," he said. Holding the government squarely responsible for non-functioning of Parliament in the last two sessions, Azad said the government and the ruling party have failed to take any action on the issues raised by the opposition over controversial statements made by BJP leaders. "If the government feels helpless to take action, it should authorise a committee of opposition parties to take action against them," he said, adding that the fact is Parliament is "vertically divided". No opposition party is responsible for that and the "blame squarely lies with the ruling party, which has failed to rein in its people", Azad said. Rejecting the government's charge against the opposition, he wondered how can the latter be held responsible for incidents like Pathankot terror strike, imposition of President's Rule in Arunachal, raids on non-BJP Chief Ministers, the JNU row and bashing up of journalists in court. Upping the ante on the JNU row, Yechury said, "There was manufactured evidence (in Germany, which led to) burning of Reichstag building, which all ended with the end of World War II. Similarly, there is manufactured row in JNU. Manufactured evidences were given. "Those, who are responsible for this are moving free. There is lot of talk about nationalism over the JNU row. It is very similar to the nationalism that Hitler used to come to power," Yechury said. Besides, the CPI-M leader accused the government of "complete lack of governance" and said as an instance some leaders had to attend today's all-party meeting without taking bath as there was no water in Lutyens Delhi. He was referring to the governments' handling of the Jat agitation in Haryana which led to disruption of water supply to Delhi. Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandopadhyaye said the ruling party has an important role in running Parliament. The Supreme Court on Monday sought a status report from Haryana government on the plea of Delhi government seeking resumption of water supply to the national capital, disrupted due to the ongoing Jat quota stir. A bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur, which sought the status report in two days, issued notice to the Centre and Uttar Pradesh government on the plea of the Aam Aadmi Party government which has also sought a direction for ensuring security on the barrages on Munak Canal in Haryana. The bench also comprising Justice U U Lalit was initially reluctant to take up the plea of Delhi government and rapped it for approaching the apex court instead of resolving the issue at government-to-government level. "You people instead of solving the problem at government- to-government level are moving to Supreme Court. You want order from the Supreme Court. You want everything on the platter. You ministers are sitting in the court instead of going to the field. You rest in AC chambers and you want order from the court," the bench said while referring to the presence of Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra inside the court. However, after repeated persistence from senior advocate Rajeev Dhawan, appearing for Delhi government, the bench asked the Haryana government to make the necessary arrangement for resumption of water supply in the capital. The counsel appearing for Haryana submitted that things are being taken into control and they were trying to ensure that water supply is resumed by Monday itself. The AAP government had on Sunday moved the apex court for urgent hearing on its plea seeking Centre's intervention for uninterrupted supply of water from MunakCanal in Haryana, which is allegedly under siege of the Jat agitators demanding reservation. The petition also sought that the Centre deployed the army to ensure supply of water from MunakCanal. "Water should be supplied immediately to Delhi as it is the lifeline of the people," Delhi government standing counsel Rahul Mehra had on Sunday said, adding all water plants in Delhi are shut as the protesters have "taken over" the canal. Mehra had said the Lutyen's zone and several other areas are not getting water. "The army should ensure that Delhi gets water immediately," he had said. Delhi has been facing water crisis following cut in its supply from Haryana due to the Jat stir. 'This fight is not a fight for us, but for Jawaharlal Nehru University and for every university in India.' 'A university which does not allow dissent becomes a prison.' In dramatic scenes, Umar Khalid, the Jawaharlal Nehru University student who had been untraceable after being accused of sedition, returned to the campus late on Sunday evening. Khalid turned up at JNU's administration block, where hundreds of students began to gather, and gave a rousing speech just shy of 14 minutes, insisting that he would stand his ground and asked that all students unite against the attacks on our country. This is what he had to say: "Firstly, I would like to thank all the students and those faculty members who have been a part of this fight. I say this is not a fight for the five or six of us, but a fight for everyone. This fight that we are in is not a fight for us, but for Jawaharlal Nehru University and for every university in India. This is also a fight for how our society will be in the future. Friends in the last 10 days, I have come to know things about me which I never knew. For instance, I have been to Pakistan twice. I don't have a passport, but I came to know that I had been to Pakistan twice. I came to know that I am a mastermind. JNU students have a wonderful mind, but I was the one who is the mastermind of this programme. It was also revealed that I was planning a pro-Afzal Guru programme in 17, 18 universities. I seriously did not know my influence was so huge. Then they said I was planning this meeting for last two, three months. Then they (the media) alleged that I had made 800 calls to the Gulf, Kashmir. They don't have any proof. They just said I did it. They have no shame and if we expect them to feel ashamed about the reports they come up with, then we will be fooling ourselves. The media has carried out a virtual trial against us. The way they have tried to frame us, the way they have profiled us. We don't have any link with Jaish-e-Mohammed and still there is no apology from the media or a disclaimer. They don't feel the need to do that. I laughed when because I thought the Jaish-e-Mohammad would feel ashamed that their name would be associated with us, because we are protesting at Jhandewalan (the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in Delhi). If the media thinks they will be spared, then it will not happen. They have worked against the country. If there is some Adivasi, then they call him Maowadi (Maoist) and if there is a Muslim, then they call him a terrorist. This is the way the media carries out a trial against us and the State supports them. Perhaps, many people are helpless and nobody is there to talk for them, but bhaisaab, you have taken on the wrong guys. JNU students will teach them a lesson (mazaa chakhaenge). Every media channel will have to answer questions. I was not concerned about myself because I know you all would be there for me. I was concerned when I saw the statements of my sisters and my father. The way my sisters were abused on social media -- some threatened them with rape, some with murder. I recall the time when Bajrang Dal men raped Christian nuns in Kandhamal they were saying 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai.' Then I remember Comrade Kanhaiya's statement where he said if this is their Bharat Mata, then this is not our Bharat Mata. And we do not feel ashamed of it. My father was interrogated and they wanted to frame me somehow. There are some journalists in Zee News and one bhaisaab in Times Now. I don't want to take his name. And there are some other reporters too. I don't know how they live with so much hate against JNU students. How do they live with so much hate? I have said this before and I say this today too. For the last six years, I have been involved in politics on campus and I have never spoken of being a Muslim. I never projected myself as a Muslim too. But in the past 10 days, I felt that I was a Muslim and being oppressed because of it. To quote Rohith Vemula, 'I was reduced to my immediate identity.' And this is very shameful. There is a need for us, for those who come from oppressed communities and oppressed identities, to come out of our immediacy and look at all these things in a holistic manner. They call me a Pakistan agent and I would like to quote a Pakistani poet, 'Arrey Bhai, Hindustan bhi mera hai, Pakistan bhi mera hai par inn dono mulkon par America ka dera hai, aur tum America ke dalal ho (India too is mine and so is Pakistan, but America is sitting on the resources of these two countries and you all are their agents).' The resources of this country and the labour of this country are being exploited by big multinational companies. They are selling our education and we saw how they went to the World Trade Organisation on bent knees. They bowed before them and these people are teaching what is desh bhakti (patriotism).' I am here to ask all the anti-nationals of the world to unite. Our love for the people, our struggles know no boundaries, they know no borders. Across the world, all of us will be united, be it any government in any part of the world. With such dirty tactics, they cannot shut our mouths. These people can have a majority, the media, the police and the State apparatus, but are cowards. They are scared of our thoughts. They are scared of our struggle. My friend Anirban said recently that it is very easy to be anti-national. You start thinking in your mind and soon you will be called anti-national. And these people if they think they can scare us, then they are living a big illusion. They have already taken a fight with a lot of universities. Whatever happened in Hyderabad University with Rohith Vemula or the FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) in Pune or for that matter what happened to Sandeep Pandey at Benaras Hindu University. In every fight we have fought together. We feel it is our responsibility. If they feel that they can finish JNU, then they are wrong. There were others who had come before you. Perhaps, you have forgotten Indira Gandhi. When she wanted to come to JNU after the Emergency she was not allowed to come in. Perhaps you have forgotten when Dr Manmohan Singh had come to inaugurate Nehru's statue, this campus' students protested against his visit because the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government wanted to sell this country and therefore black flags were waved against him. When P Chidambaram came here, he thought he would be welcomed, but he too was not welcomed because the students of this university are with the exploited and weak people of this country. We will not be intimidated with these dirty tricks. These are just mind games. They are testing whether we will get scared. Let us accept this challenge and we will not get scared and we will fight back. We will fight back on any issue. Any student in this campus has right to put his view without fear of intimidation. Friends, these are frightened people. They have a student wing called Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. They are the vanar sena of this campus. They have got the authority now whatever happens where their agenda has been criticised, go and disrupt the programmes. We will ensure that the university vice- chancellor, registrar, police, MPs, all will come with them. You replace Appa Rao (the Hyderabad Central University vice-chancellor), Jagdish Kumar (JNU's new vice-chancellor). You replace (Union Labour Minister Bandaru) Dattareya with (BJP MP) Mahesh Giri. The script is the same, but there will not be any more Rohiths. We will fight back. We know what we are made of. We know this campus, we cherish this campus. We have built this space. We will fight for every inch. Why does ABVP create trouble and use State machinery? They know they cannot win people's confidence and mobilise them. In the last 10 days, there has been so much media trial and desh bhakti, but they are very few of them. And here there are 15,000 people assembled. I saw in the media some days ago the day Rahul Gandhi came we showed him black flags. The same Zee News showed that students are divided. Fifty per cent are this side and the other fifty per cent on the other side and when the truth came out we found out that 12 people were there and on our side there were 3,000 students. In short, lie and lie shamelessly. They know it very well. Students, a university which does not allow dissent becomes a prison. And it is their agenda to make our universities into prison houses. But, we will defeat that agenda. Yes, we have differences and we know how to debate those differences. Today, Comrade Ashotush or Comrade Anand if they are carrying out some programme we do not go and vandalise the programme even if we are talking against each other because we know how to go to the people. And all these tactics will not get us to cow down. Today, let us not fool ourselves, saying this is an attack on a university. To conclude my speech, there has been several attacks across the country, be it on Honda workers or Jagdalpur legal aid or Soni Sori. We have to connect all these struggles, all these fights, we have to stand with the oppressed everywhere and anywhere and we have to keep the tradition of the JNU student movement alive. Shukriya, Inqulab, Zindabad." Transcribed by Syed Firdaus Ashraf Pride is all ours and of those who made a beeline to Halls 3 and 5 that showcased indigenous defence technologies at the Make In India Week event. Humility came from the scientists and technicians who explained India's prowess to all who cared to ask about the products on display. Uday Kuckian/Rediff.com captures how the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Defence Research and Development Organsiation and the Indian Space Research Organisation are making brilliant efforts to make India self-sufficient in its defence requirements. Every day, since the Make In India Week began February 13, at least 10,000 visitors thronged these two stalls, a young naval officer said. Text: Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com The ISRO stall showcased the space organisation's strengths: Satellite launches loaded on indigenously developed rocket technology. Small arms and INSAS rifles, manufactured at various ordinance factories across India. (We are not identifying the defence establishments where most of these indigenous arms, ammunition and armoured vehicles are developed.) A mine detector and disposer that operates completely on auto pilot using sensors. Once the vehicle is programmed, it locates mines, digs them out, safely loads them inside storage spaces provided inside this vehicle. It will be ready for commercial deployment in the next six months. "The main purpose of this vehicle is to reduce human losses," says an engineer explaining its unique capabilities. Yet another mine detector. The difference between this machine and the one above is that the former is operated by remote control while the latter is completely on auto pilot. We learned to identify mortars and shells thanks to the scientist from an ordnance factory who explained the concepts to us. A shell is fully loaded and is usually a high explosive device. Mortars have their noses filled with explosives. The white mortars above are used to enter target areas and illuminate the area through a parachute that opens up once the mortar reaches the target area. The yellow shells are high explosive devices and as the name suggests are destructive for the reason that they are filled with explosives. The green mortars are used to smoke out enemy targets. A manned aircraft used for surveillance. Equipped with modern snooping devices, this aircraft can peep 200 km inside enemy territory by staying 50km within the Indian side and pinpoint the exact location of the enemy's human targets or defence targets, which can then be relayed to ground units or fighter aircraft for precision targetting. Converted using a Brazilian Embraer, this aircraft can seat more than 10 personnel on board. Unmanned drones Rustam I and Rustam II respectively. The drones can fly for more than 200 km inside enemy territory and return with high resolution images. Electronic devices that help networks communicate with each other and improve combat management. A combat system integration device. A prototype of an indigenously built Indian satellite that orbits around the earth and send data that is useful for farmers, fishermen... A prototype of the Vikas engines that power Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles. Bhuvan is India's answer to Google maps. The scientists who built this geo-mapping tool say Bhuvan offers satellite images with accuracy closer to one metre. An indigenously made communication device that helps find a person's location. It can be used during natural disasters. A young enthusiast checks out the prototype of India's aircraft carrier. The French designed Scorpene class diesel electric submarine, which is now made in Mumbai. Indian naval prowess on display at the Make In India Week. Some history of home-made ships. More about Indian naval prowess and its indigenisation. Lakshya, the DRDO-created high-speed target drone used for reconnaisance and target acquisition. The Akash Missile System. These parachutes help fighter planes drop their speeds by 100km/hr as soon as it touches land at a speed of 277km/hr. Made of nylon, these parachutes are manufactured in India and are used on MiGs, Jaguars and other other fighter jets. Space technology is ISRO's forte and it has successfully launched satellites of even developed nations. A chart showcasing ISRO's capabilities. Indigenously manufactured ammunition pieces, all Made In India. The mortars are used by Dhanush. 'Migrant-bashing has dangerously become the norm' in Europe UN rights expert Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 18 February 2016 Related Document(s) Report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants : Banking on mobility over a generation: follow-up to the regional study on the management of the external borders of the European Union and its impact on the human rights of migrants Cite as UN News Service, 'Migrant-bashing has dangerously become the norm' in Europe UN rights expert, 18 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56cac8a4411.html [accessed 21 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 18 February 2016 - As the European Union summit starts in Brussels, a United Nations expert on the human rights of migrants warned today that it has become impossible in Europe to have a meaningful discussion about migrant's rights, diversity, and integration. Europe has always been a strong advocate of human rights in Europe and elsewhere, said Francois Crepeau, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, in a statement. In its struggle to maintain control of its borders however, it is being tested on its adherence to human rights. Through slowly stripping away the rightsThrough slowly stripping away the rights of asylum-seekers and migrants, Europe is creating a scary new 'normal'. of asylum-seekers and migrants, Europe is creating a scary new 'normal,' he added. Mr. Crepeau called on the leaders of the 28-nation bloc gathering on 18 and 19 February to halt the continuous regression of the human rights of migrants as Europe struggles to deal with its migrant crisis. In his appeal, the Special Rapporteur reiterated the key messages of his 2015 report on the management of the external borders of the EU and its impact on the human rights of migrants. European countries must offer safe and regular channels for mobility. It is the only way that European countries will regain full control of their borders, he stressed, noting that the operationalisation of the NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] military operation recently announced by European leaders raises many questions. What will NATO do that Frontex [European Union border coordination agency] didn't do? When intercepting a migrant boat, what will the procedure be? Will they embark migrants on their navy ships as the Italians did in Mare Nostrum? If they do, where will they disembark them? To what authority will they transfer them? How will simple pushbacks be prevented? How will they treat the migrants on board? How will they identify protection needs? And how will we know what NATO forces are doing? What civilian oversight mechanisms will be in place to ensure the protection of the rights of the migrants during the operation? he asked. Mr. Crepeau said fighting the smugglers is a red herring: as long as persons in need of mobility are not provided with official mobility solutions, unofficial channels will be provided by opportunistic smuggling rings. He underlined that he has repeatedly insisted that overreliance on securitisation of borders will not work, as people will continue to come because they need to survive, and smugglers will continue to adapt, prosper and exploit the migrants as long as their business model is not effectively destroyed. The only way to actually eliminate smuggling is to take over their market by offering regular, safe and cheap mobility solutions, with all the identity and security checks that efficient visa procedures can provide, he said. It is appalling to see how the discussion concerning migrants has been lowered to the smallest common dominator, feeding off fear and xenophobia and making migrants fair game for all types of verbal or physical abuse. Migrant-bashing has dangerously become the norm and the standard is so low now that to have a meaningful and serene discussion about rights, diversity and integration is often impossible, Mr. Crepeau warned. Concluding his statement, the Special Rapporteur said Europe must reclaim its role as a moral and political leader of human rights in this debate of fear, stereotyping, racism and xenophobia. I continue to urge European political leaders to show moral and political leadership in fighting much more vigorously racism, xenophobia and hate crime, by consolidating our common human rights culture and strengthening its institutions at all levels, and in celebrating the diversity of cultures and religions as an enrichment for everyone, citizens and foreigners alike. Ban welcomes progress made by Comorian people in preparations for upcoming elections Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 20 February 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Ban welcomes progress made by Comorian people in preparations for upcoming elections, 20 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56cac92140b.html [accessed 21 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 20 February 2016 - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the progress made by the people of the Comoros in preparations for presidential elections and polls for island governors on Sunday. In a statement attributable to his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said that as the nation prepares for primary presidential elections and the first round of elections of the governors of the islands of Grand Comoros, Anjouan and Moheli on Sunday, the people of the Comoros have the collective responsibility to ensure that the elections are peaceful, credible and transparent. The United Nations, in collaboration with other international partners of the Comoros, will continue to support the Comorian people in their efforts to consolidate democracy and peace, and promote socio-economic development, the UN chief said. Syria: humanitarian air drops 'still in the planning stage' UN agency Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 19 February 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Syria: humanitarian air drops 'still in the planning stage' UN agency, 19 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56cac94a40d.html [accessed 21 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 19 February 2016 - Following a humanitarian breakthrough in delivering aid to a Syrian town inaccessible for more than 18 months, the United Nations food relief agency is now planning possible air-drops for 200,000 people in the Deir ez-Zor area besieged by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL/Da'esh. "It would be a high altitude operation, dropping food with parachutes," World Food Programme (WFP) spokesperson Bettina Luescher said today in a briefing to the press. WFP is considering using an experienced, registered company for the complex operation, but no details could be provided as it is "still in the planning stage," she said. WFP would work with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent on this project, as part of a larger international effort. The situation in Deir ez-Zor is devastating for families living under siege, where food is sometimes sold at prohibitively high prices, she said. Air drops are always the last resort because land routes are easier and more cost-effective, Ms. Luescher emphasized. She also said that life-saving aid had reached more than 21,000 people in Moadamiyeh, an area inaccessible to WFP aid for over a year and a half. Families there received two bags of wheat flower and other food items, including rice, lentils, canned food and cooking oil. WFP had also sent date bars that were fortified with vitamins and minerals. More than 20,000 people in Foah and Kefraya, 39,000 in Madaya, and 1,000 in Zabadani have also been reached, she said. Intra-Syrian Talks Meanwhile, Staffan de Mistura, UN Special Envoy for Syria, was headed to Geneva earlier today to attend a meeting of the international coordinating group tasked with implementing a ceasefire in Syria, according to Michele Zaccheo, Chief of the Radio and TV Section at the UN Information Service in Geneva. The Ceasefire Task Force meeting was planned for the afternoon, and would be attended by the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), comprising the Arab League, the European Union, the United Nations, and 17 countries including the United States and Russia. Mr. Zaccheo said that there was no information that the meeting was cancelled as reported by some media. Regarding the resumption of the intra-Syrian talks, there has been no confirmed date, he said, noting that the Special Envoy would address the media on 22 February, probably in the morning, at a time to be specified. Aid Reaches 37,000 Children Christophe Boulierac, spokesperson for the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), informed that 37,000 of the 82,000 people in five besieged towns reached earlier this week by the UN and its partners were children. The aid had reached the towns of Madaya, Foah and Kfreya, Moademiyeh, and Zabadani, he said. Over two million people continue to face critical drinking water shortages in the Aleppo Governorate, he added. Khafsa water treatment facility in Aleppo was shut down on 16 January. In response, UNICEF scaled up its water tracking operations to provide eight million litres a day, enough to meet drinking needs of over 530,000 people and fuel to operate ground water wells, he said. In cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross, UNICEF was rehabilitating the Ein Al Beida water pumping station. In the south of the country, in De'ra, UNICEF had provided emergency health kits for 35,000 people to six local clinics. UNICEF and partners have sent education supplies for 8,800 children and distributed family hygiene kits for 45,000 people and baby kits for 3,000 children, and 3,500 testers for water quality. Water quality assurance and surveillance services were ongoing, he said. South Sudan on 'verge of fragmenting,' UN officials warn Security Council Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 19 February 2016 Cite as UN News Service, South Sudan on 'verge of fragmenting,' UN officials warn Security Council, 19 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56cac97f40b.html [accessed 21 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 19 February 2016 - With senior United Nations officials warning of escalating inter-communal violence and rampant human rights violations in South Sudan, the Security Council today strongly condemned all attacks and provocations against civilians and the UN by armed actors, and called for calm on all sides. In a statement to the press, the Council condemned "in the strongest terms" violence committed by elements of the Shilluk and Dinka communities, which erupted in the protection of civilians site in Malakal managed by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), on February 17 and which continued into yesterday, resulting in more than 18 deaths and 50 injuries. The members of the Council said they were particularly alarmed by credible reports of armed men in Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) un uniforms entering the UNMISS camp and firing on civilians, and the looting and burning of tents. Strongly condemning "all attacks and provocations against civilians and the United Nations by armed actors, including SPLA soldiers," the Council reminded all parties, including Government security forces, of the civilian character of the protection of civilian sites in South Sudan. In its statement, the Council went to call for calm by all sides and to refrain from additional fighting, acts of violence, and further provocations. The 15-member body also called on the Government "to swiftly investigate this attack, with the assistance of UNMISS, and bring the perpetrators to justice. "It is the responsibility of the Government [] to hold those responsible for the attack accountable," emphasized the Council. The Security Council stressed that attacks against civilians and UN premises may constitute war crimes, and those involved could be potentially subject to sanctions as authorized under its resolution 2206 (2015) for actions that threaten the peace, security or stability of South Sudan. In a scheduled briefing that preceded the Council's statement, two senior UN officials urged the body and regional leaders to continue engaging all parties involved in the longstanding conflict to attain a sustainable peace. Situation on the Ground Moustapha Soumare, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and deputy UNMISS chief reiterated the Mission's grave concern over the outbreak of violence at the Malakal site and noted that UNMISS uniformed personnel are undertaking robust measures to strengthen physical security within and around the site, while humanitarian partners are working to resume delivery of essential services. "Meanwhile, we are engaged at all levels in the Government, the opposition and the national security forces, as well as within the communities themselves, to address the underlying factors and avoid a resumption of violence," Mr. Soumare said. Violence continues in many regions of the country, including in areas that had previously been relatively calm, he said. Of particular concern is the deteriorating security situation in Western Bahr E1 Ghazal, particularly around Wau, which has also escalated over the past 48 hours. Civilians flee the violence that erupted in the Protection of Civilians site in Malakal, South Sudan. Photo: UNMISS/Nyang Touch In response to shifting conflict dynamics, Mr. Soumare said the Mission has adopted a "more agile force posture" to protect civilians affected by violence. UNMISS is focusing on projecting physical presence away from its bases in Bentiu, Bor, Juba, Malakal and Wau through long-duration patrols and temporary operating bases in areas where insecurity is high. This includes the establishment of temporary operating bases in Leer as well as in Mundri, which, along with the deployment of an additional company to Yambio, has strengthened the Mission's presence in western Equatoria. Humanitarian Challenges As violence continues, humanitarian needs are also increasing, the Special Representative said. An estimated 6.1 million people across South Sudan are in urgent need of assistance as a result of interlocking threats, including armed conflict and inter-communal violence, economic decline, disease and climactic shocks. Insecurity and poor road conditions are also negatively impacting the UN's capability to preposition humanitarian supplies before roads are made impassable by the coming rainy season. Despite these urgent needs, the Mission and humanitarian partners continue to face significant constraints on their operations, including regular instances in which personnel are denied freedom of movement, as well as other violations of the Mission's Status of Forces Agreement with the Government. These incidents are regularly reported to the Council and to Government counterparts, he noted. "It is of critical importance that the parties move ahead with the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity," Mr. Soumare emphasized. "Nonetheless, we must remember that its formation is but the first of many inter-locking steps forward towards fully implementing the peace agreement." Once the transitional government is formed, it will need to be empowered to operationalize the institutions of transition, the Special Representative also said. "Only the full implementation of the peace agreement, with clear peace dividends for the people of South Sudan, will help bring stability to the country," he concluded. Human Rights Also briefing the Council, Ivan Simonovic, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, noted that the initial signing of the peace agreement in August had been met with optimism that the parties to the conflict would abide by their declaration of a permanent ceasefire and halt their attacks on the civilian population. "However, the reconciliatory rhetoric propagated by Government and opposition actors has deflected from the fact that the parties to the conflict continue to attack, kill, abduct, rape, arbitrarily detain, and forcefully displace civilians, and pillage and destroy their property," Mr. Simonovic stressed. Providing details of attacks on civilians since the signing of the peace agreement, the UN official lamented that new theatres of violence are emerging in areas such as the Equatorias, which had previously been little affected by direct hostilities. He also underscored that an increasing number of armed defence groups had emerged in response to the Government's "highly militarized approach" to addressing insecurity. "With the diffusion of armed conflict in all parts of the country, and the creation of local armed groups fighting against Government troops, South Sudan faces the risk of fragmentation and related human rights violations," he said. While conflict-related violence remains a serious concern, Mr. Simonovic emphasized that human rights are under attack throughout the country. As UNMISS recently documented in a report, the space for freedom of expression and dissent has narrowed considerably, with various accounts of deliberately silencing dissenting voices including those of human rights defenders and journalists. However, Mr. Simonovic stressed, no action has been taken as of yet. "Perpetrators of these violations have not been held accountable," he said. "South Sudan has a long history of forgiveness and amnesties, even for the most serious crimes. To break this longstanding cycle of impunity, and to prevent future violations of international human rights law, we must ensure that the transitional justice mechanisms outlined in the peace agreement are implemented." Among his recommendations, Mr. Simonovic urged the parties to the conflict to immediately cease all violations of international and humanitarian law and human rights abuses, and implement the peace agreement "in letter and spirit in a timely manner." He also urged the Security Council and regional leaders to continue engaging the parties to conflict in this regard. "It cannot be tolerated that leaders make declarations in Juba, while the hostilities and attacks on the civilian population continue and intensify across the country. Not only is South Sudan on the verge of fragmenting, but the conflict seriously threatens stability in the entire region," he said. "The United Nations need to extend all necessary support to the African Union and the Transitional Government of National Unity, once established, to ensure that the cycle of impunity is broken and justice is served," he concluded. Afghanistan recommits to ending recruitment of children in security forces UN envoy Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 19 February 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Afghanistan recommits to ending recruitment of children in security forces UN envoy, 19 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56cac99d40c.html [accessed 21 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 19 February 2016 - Following a mission to Afghanistan, the United Nations envoy dealing with children and armed conflict issues, has welcomed the Government's recommitment to fully implementing its plan to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children in the national security forces. "The political will and progress I have seen on the ground are encouraging. The Government's commitment will be instrumental to turn the page on the recruitment and use of children in the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF)," stated Leila Zerrougui, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, in a press release. Ms. Zerrougui travelled to Afghanistan from 13 to 17 February to assess the situation of children affected by the armed conflict and to engage with authorities and partners on the protection of boys and girls. She met with President Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah, Vice President Danish, and key ministers, as well as with the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the diplomatic community and UN and non-governmental organization partners. The Special Representative commended the launch of national age assessment guidelines as well as the Presidential decree criminalizing the recruitment and use of children in the ANSF, and stressed that effective implementation and enforcement of these tools are critical to prevent recruitment and use. Ms. Zerrougui recognized progress made to end underage recruitment in the Afghan National Police (ANP) and Afghan National Army (ANA), but raised concern regarding the lack of oversight of recruitment processes for the Afghan Local Police (ALP). Further, noting the large increase in the number of UN verified cases of child recruitment in 2015 - mostly by the Taliban and other armed groups - she called for a general prohibition of underage recruitment and use. In Herat, the UN official visited a child protection unit located in the ANP recruitment centre and heard about its positive impact to prevent underage recruitment. Welcoming the recent establishment of two new child protection units in Mazar-e-Sharif and Jalalabad, the Special Representative called for support to set up such units within ANP recruitment centres across the country's 34 provinces. Ahead of key donor conferences this year, she also urged the Government and its international partners to dedicate resources to support the full implementation of the Action Plan, including reintegration programmes, and to address root causes such as lack of opportunities for young people. Rising child casualties The United Nations estimates that in 2015, an average of 53 children were killed or injured every week, the highest number since 2009, when the Organization began systematically documenting casualties. The majority of child casualties was attributed to ground engagement between parties to conflict. There was also an increase in deaths and injuries attributed to airstrikes by Afghan and international forces. "The current security situation is creating great challenges to protect children," said the Special Representative. "I call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to take all precautions to reduce the impact of conflict on children." Health and education During her meetings with the authorities, the Special Representative highlighted the importance of protecting schools and hospitals. She noted that schools, particularly girl schools, continue to close their doors due to insecurity and direct threats by non-state armed groups. "I commend the Government for signing the Safe Schools Declaration. In the context of the challenges for access to education in Afghanistan, we must work together to ensure that schools are protected from attack and military use. The next generation could be compromised if we cannot protect children's rights to health and education," she said. Protection of children While in Herat, Ms. Zerrougui visited a juvenile rehabilitation centre, where she met boys and girls held in detention. She reminded authorities that children who have been associated with non-state armed groups should be treated primarily as victims and in accordance with juvenile justice standards. She raised concerns regarding the detention of children on national security-related charges in Parwan, a high security facility for adults. "This is not a place for children. I raised this issue with the authorities. There should be no debate about the fact that juvenile justice standards should apply to these children," said Leila Zerrougui. She also discussed with authorities the practice of bacha bazi, or dancing boys, and is looking forward to the criminalization of this practice in forthcoming legislation. The Special Representative concluded that strengthening the rule of law and addressing impunity are not only key elements to the success of the Action Plan to end and prevent the recruitment of children, they are also essential to improve the protection of children in Afghanistan. With rising numbers of child deaths at sea, UN urges safety measures for those fleeing conflict Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 19 February 2016 Cite as UN News Service, With rising numbers of child deaths at sea, UN urges safety measures for those fleeing conflict, 19 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56cac9cb1b7.html [accessed 21 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 19 February 2016 - Two children have drowned every day on average since September 2015 as their families try to cross the eastern Mediterranean, and the number is growing, three United Nations humanitarian agencies said today, calling for enhancing the safety of those escaping conflict and despair. In a joint statement, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned that since this past September, when the tragic death of toddler Aylan Kurdi captured the world's attention, more than 340 children many of them babies and toddlers have drowned in the eastern Mediterranean. The total number may be even greater become some bodies have been lost at sea. We cannot turn our faces away from the tragedy of so many innocent young lives and futures lost or fail to address the dangers so many more children are facing, said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. We may not have the ability now to end the desperation that causes so many people to try to cross the sea, but countries can and must cooperate to make such dangerous journeys safer. No one puts a child in a boat if a safer option is available. The stretch of the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece is among the deadliest routes in the world for refugees and migrants, the agencies noted. The winter's rough seas, overloading, and the poor quality of boats and lifesaving equipment increase the risk of capsizing, making the journey significantly more dangerous. These tragic deaths in the Mediterranean are unbearable and must stop, said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. Clearly, more efforts are needed to combat smuggling and trafficking. Also, as many of the children and adults who have died were trying to join relatives in Europe, organizing ways for people to travel legally and safely, through resettlement and family reunion programmes for example, should be an absolute priority if we want to reduce the death toll, he added. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for a high-level meeting on global responsibility-sharing through legal pathways for admission of Syrian refugees, to take place in Geneva on 30 March. With children now accounting for 36 per cent of those on the move, the chance of them drowning on the Aegean Sea crossing from Turkey to Greece has grown proportionately. During the first six weeks of 2016, 410 people drowned out of the 80,000 crossing the eastern Mediterranean. This amounts to a 35-fold increase year-on-year from 2015, the agencies said. Counting lives is not enough. We must act, said William Lacy Swing, IOM's Director General. This is not only a Mediterranean problem, or even a European one. It is a humanitarian catastrophe in the making that demands the entire world's engagement. Security Council calls on all parties to Yemen conflict to take urgent steps towards resuming ceasefire Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 18 February 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Security Council calls on all parties to Yemen conflict to take urgent steps towards resuming ceasefire, 18 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56caca3c419.html [accessed 21 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 18 February 2016 - Seriously concerned at the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the dire humanitarian conflict it has produced, the United Nations Security Council today urged all parties to the conflict in Yemen to take urgent steps towards resuming a ceasefire. In a statement to the press, the Council underlined its full support to relief workers delivering aid "in very difficult conditions across Yemen." Council members expressed concern at all reports of obstruction of the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Yemen. They welcomed the establishment of the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM), and called upon all States to adhere to its provisions. Urging all parties to fulfil their commitments to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, including measures to further ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, the Council further underlined the importance of the delivery of commercial goods and fuel for civilian purposes to all parts of Yemen. Further to the statement, the Security Council called upon all sides to comply with international humanitarian law, including to take all feasible precautions to minimize harm to civilians and civilian objects, to end the recruitment and use of children in violation of applicable international law, and to work urgently with the UN and humanitarian aid organizations to bring assistance to those in need throughout the country. "The members of the Security Council urged all parties to the conflict in Yemen to take urgent steps towards resuming a ceasefire," said the statement, emphasizing that cessation of hostilities and compliance with related Council resolutions should lead to a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. The members of the Security Council further emphasized the importance of establishing fully the "De-escalation and Coordination Committee." The members of the Security Council also urged the Yemeni parties to fulfil their commitments made during the last round of talks between 15-20 December 2015 and further urged the parties to participate in a new round of talks, building on the progress that has been achieved so far on ending the conflict. Calling on all Yemeni parties to engage in political talks "without preconditions and in good faith, including by resolving their differences through dialogue and consultations in accordance with the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism," the Council underlined its strong support for the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed in facilitating these talks. In a briefing to the Council yesterday, Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed said a "deep divide" between the warring parties in Yemen, following the collapse of a truce, is forestalling the next round of peace talks. As such, he called on Council members to support efforts towards a cessation of hostilities. "The parties are divided over whether a new round of talks should be convened with or without a new cessation of hostilities," he explained, adding that: "I have not, unfortunately, received sufficient assurances that a new cessation of hostilities, should I call for one, would be respected." Breaking out of Israeli-Palestinian political morass requires 'courageous work of many' UN envoy Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 18 February 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Breaking out of Israeli-Palestinian political morass requires 'courageous work of many' UN envoy, 18 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56caca6840c.html [accessed 21 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 18 February 2016 - While violence erupting in Israel and Palestine is regrettably showing "no sign of relenting," the United Nations and its Quartet partners are actively seeking the way forward, the UN envoy for the Middle East peace process told the Security Council today, urging both sides to end the long-standing conflict. Painting a troubling picture of the situation during a quarterly briefing to the 15-nation body, Nickolay Mladenov, Secretary-General's Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said that the conflict has now arrived at "a pivotal point." Israelis and Palestinians must now actively shape their future - with the dedicated support of the international community - "before the opponents of peace decide their fate for them," he said. The recent spiral of violence, which has to date taken at least 137 Palestinian and 19 Israeli lives, cannot be reversed by security means alone, he said, adding that leaders on both sides must show a political will to their people and stand up to incitement and the radicals among their own constituents. Only genuine progress towards just peace that allows the people of Israel and the people of Palestine to live side by side in safe and secure borders will end the bloodshed and counter the rise of extremism, he said. Over the last year, the United Nations, the United States, Russian Federation and the European Union, which comprise the diplomatic Quartet on the Middle East peace process, have engaged actively in seeking a way forward out of the deadlock, noted Mr. Mladenov. The Quartet has sought how to preserve the two-state solution, and create the conditions that would allow the parties to return to meaningful negotiations on resolving the final status issues and ending the occupation that began in 1967. Meeting at the Principles level last week in Munich, the Quartet decided to prepare a report on the status quo, including recommendations on the way forward. The report should help build international consensus for the way ahead, he said. Israel's settlement enterprise continues to be an impediment to peace, and some Palestinian factions continue to glorify violence and terror, he said, urging both sides to stop activities that undermine the peace process. Appealing to the leaders of both peoples and all international stakeholders, Mr. Mladenov said there are clear avenues out of the current political morass but they require unity of effort and bold, creative and courageous work of many. "The cold reality for the Israeli and Palestinian people is that all have failed them," he said urging the two sides to work together to reach a solution. South Sudan: UN condemns violence in Malakal civilian protection site Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 18 February 2016 Cite as UN News Service, South Sudan: UN condemns violence in Malakal civilian protection site, 18 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56cacaaa40c.html [accessed 21 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 18 February 2016 - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the violence that broke out overnight and continued today in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) civilian protection site in Malakal, in the northeast region of the country, claiming the lives of at least seven internally displaced persons and injuring approximately 40 others so far. Noting with concern the rising inter-communal tensions between the Dinka and Shilluk that precipitated the incident, the Secretary-General warned all parties against stoking ethnic disputes and called on them to refrain from any actions or statements that could further escalate the situation, according to a statement attributable to his spokesperson. "The Secretary-General also reminds all concerned, including Government security forces, of the inviolability of the United Nations compounds," according to the statement. "He underscores in no uncertain terms that any attack directed against civilians, UN premises and peacekeepers may constitute a war crime." In the statement, the Secretary-General also urged the leaders of South Sudan to implement without delay the peace agreement reached six months ago, so that the people of South Sudan can begin a process of reconciliation and healing. Civilians flee the violence that erupted in the Protection of Civilians site in Malakal, South Sudan. Photo: UNMISS/Nyang Touch Earlier today, UNMISS strongly condemned the violence that erupted last night. In a press release, UNMISS said that violence involving the use of small arms, machetes and other weapons broke out yesterday in the late evening between youths from both communities, and that violence also continued this morning. "The Mission calls on all communities to refrain from violence, restore calm and resolve differences through dialogue," UNMISS said. The Mission said that UNMISS police in charge of maintaining order within the protection sites immediately intervened with tear gas to disperse the crowd. Casualties were brought to the international non-governmental clinic at the site. UN troops have increased perimeter patrolling while physically securing areas in the vicinity of site, UNMISS said. The Mission is also engaging with local authorities in Malakal to de-escalate the situation. Stressing that such an attack against civilians and UN premises may constitute a war crime, UNMISS also reminded all concerned, including security forces, of the "civilian character of the compound, and the sanctity of UN assets and personnel, as well as that of the civilians protected inside the UN compound." UNMISS protects 47,791 civilians in Malakal, while 198,440 civilians are currently protected at six UNMISS bases throughout South Sudan. Oman: Prison for Online Critics Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 21 February 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Oman: Prison for Online Critics, 21 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56cacbf94.html [accessed 21 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Omani courts have sentenced online activists to prison in two separate cases in February 2016 for their social media posts. Omani activists said that they are seeing a decline in freedom of expression in Oman. On February 8, a court of first instance in Sohar, in northern Oman, sentenced Hassan al-Basham, a former diplomat, to three years in prison for insulting God and the country's leader, Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, in a series of Facebook and Twitter posts in which he discussed religious, political, economic, and social topics. On February 17, the Court of Appeal in the southwestern city of Salalah sentenced Sayyid Abdullah al-Daruri, an artist and researcher, to three months in prison for a post he shared on Facebook that emphasized his regional Dhofari affiliation. Dhofar, Oman's largest governorate, has a strong cultural and linguistic heritage, and was the site of a rebellion in the 1960s and 1970s. "Al-Basham's and al-Daruri's sentences are just the latest examples of the ramped-up pressure on activists in Oman," said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director. "Omani authorities should stop prosecuting people for peacefully expressing their beliefs and make sure that there's space for peaceful dissent." Monitor for Human Rights in Oman, an independent news website monitoring human rights violation in Oman, reported that Omani authorities arrested al-Basham on September 17, 2015, and detained him for six days. The authorities re-arrested al-Basham on September 25, and transferred him to a detention center in Sohar under the Royal Omani Police's Special Branch. The activists said that the prosecution is based solely on al-Basham's peaceful social media activity. The verdict, which Human Rights Watch has reviewed, indicates that the court of first instance sentenced al-Basham on charges of "public blasphemy of God's holiness," "Insulting the Sultan," and "using information networks in prejudice against religious values." The first two charges carry penalties of three years in prison and a fine of 500 Omani Rials (US$1,300), while the third carries a penalty of one year in prison and a fine of 1,000 Omani Rials (US$2,600). The court convicted him on all three charges, imposing the longest of the three sentences and released him on a 50 Omani Rial (US$130) bail, pending appeal. Omani authorities had detained al-Basham, who played an active role during the popular protests in 2011, twice before. On March 29, 2011, authorities arrested him and detained him for 16 days. The court ultimately acquitted him of charges of "closing the Sohar Roundabout" and "insulting senior state officials," and ordered his release. In 2013, Omani authorities detained al-Basham again when he attended a celebration marking the release of one of those arrested during the Sohar protests. Al-Basham was released after a few days. Monitor for Human Rights in Oman's website reported that Omani authorities earlier arrested al-Daruri, a secretary at the court of first instance in Salalah, on October 9, 2014, after he published a post defending the need for "unity between Oman and Dhofar as one nation that would be called the 'United Sultanate'" on his personal Facebook account and transferred him to Internal Security Agency detention in Salalah. On November 5, Omani authorities released al-Daruri and referred his case to the court of first instance in Salalah. On March 18, 2015, the court sentenced al-Daruri to one year in prison on charges of disturbing public order, to six months in prison on charges of sedition, and a fine of 1,000 Omani Rials (US$2,600). On February 17, 2016, the Court of Appeal reduce al-Daruri's sentence to six months in prison. Since the 2011 popular uprising, Human Rights Watch has documented a pattern in which Omani security forces harass activists and prosecute activists and critics on vague charges such as "insulting the Sultan" and "undermining the prestige of the state." Authorities restrict online criticism and other digital content using article 61 of the 2002 Telecommunications Act, which penalizes "any person who sends, by means of telecommunications system, a message that violates public order or public morals." In another case, on November 25, Omani authorities arrested Said Jaddad, a prominent human rights activist in Dhofar and transferred him to Arzat Prison, west of Salalah to serve a one-year prison sentence. Earlier in November, the Court of Appeal in Salalah upheld a one-year prison sentence and a fine of 1,000 Omani Rials (US$2,600) against Jaddad for "inciting to break national unity and spreading discord within society" in relation to a blog post he wrote in October 2014, in which he compared the 2011 protests in Dhofar to the 2014 protests in Hong Kong. In March 2015, in a separate case, a Muscat court sentenced Jaddad to three years in prison on charges of "undermining the prestige of the state," incitement to "illegal gathering," and "using information networks to disseminate news that would prejudice public order" based on his online activities, including a public letter he wrote to United States President Barack Obama asking him to press for human rights improvements in Oman. On September 9, the Appeal Court in Muscat his three years' prison sentence, suspended for three years, and payment of a 2000 Omani Rials fine (US$5,200). "Courts are basically criminalizing peaceful dissent in Oman," Stork said. "The Oman authorities should immediately release Jaddad and other activists who are imprisoned solely for exercising their basic rights." Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch Afghanistan: Investigate Army Killings of Hospital Patients Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 19 February 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Afghanistan: Investigate Army Killings of Hospital Patients, 19 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56caccfe4.html [accessed 21 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. The Afghan government should promptly and thoroughly investigate reports that on February 17, 2016, Afghan Special Forces raided a medical clinic in Wardak province and executed two patients and an 11-year-old caregiver, Human Rights Watch said today. Deliberate attacks on medical facilities and the summary killing of civilians and captured or incapacitated fighters are war crimes, and those responsible should be appropriately prosecuted. "President Ashraf Ghani needs to send a clear message to the Afghan army that killing hospital patients deserves severe punishment," said Patricia Gossman, senior Afghanistan researcher. "That means prosecuting any officer who ordered the killings as well as the soldiers who pulled the trigger." A Kabul-based spokesman for the Swedish Committee of Afghanistan (SCA), a humanitarian organization that runs the clinic in Day Mirdad district, told Human Rights Watch that at about 11 p.m. on February 17, uniformed Afghan military personnel forced their way into the hospital and dragged away two patients and an 11-year-old child who was in the clinic as a caregiver. The soldiers, identified in the media as Afghan Special Forces, took the three outside the hospital premises and shot them. The hospital treats all people regardless of their political affiliation and so the SCA spokesman would not say if any of the three men were Taliban insurgents. Under international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, hospitals and other medical facilities are protected from attack unless they are being used for acts harmful to the enemy. Such acts do not include treating wounded and sick combatants. Even if a medical facility is being used to carry out harmful acts, such as to store weapons or as a headquarters, a warning with a reasonable time limit must be given before the hospital can be attacked. The laws of war also protect medical workers and patients from attack. Article 3 common to the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, which is applicable to the armed conflict in Afghanistan, states that: [P]ersons taking no active part in the hostilities, including members of armed forces who have laid down their arms and those placed "hors de combat" by sickness, wounds, detention, or any other cause, shall in all circumstances be treated humanely.... [P]rohibited at any time and in any place whatsoever with respect to the above-mentioned persons [is] violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds. Summary killings of individuals in custody are war crimes. Commanders who order or otherwise assist, facilitate, aid, or abet the commission of a war crime can also be criminally liable. Governments have an obligation to investigate and appropriately prosecute alleged war crimes by members of their forces. These allegations come just days after the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) released its latest biannual report on civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict between government forces and the Taliban insurgency. The report charts a record-setting rise in civilian deaths and injuries, and an increase in the number of conflict-related incidents deliberately targeting hospitals, clinics, and health personnel, including armed raids by Afghan Special Forces on medical facilities in conflict areas. UNAMA also documented increased intimidation and threats against healthcare staff and institutions by the Taliban and other non-state armed groups in 2015. An investigation into the Wardak incident should examine whether foreign armed forces accompanied Afghan forces during the operation. Foreign donors, including the United States, Germany, and Turkey, currently provide "train, advise and assist" support to Afghan troops. These countries, some of which have spent more than a decade training Afghan security forces, should urge the government to impartially investigate the incident and report its findings. "Foreign donors to the Afghan military should inform President Ghani that they will not underwrite the operations of forces that target protected medical facilities or execute patients," Gossman said. "No government should want to be paying for such atrocities." Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch India: Outspoken Activists Charged with Sedition Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 19 February 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, India: Outspoken Activists Charged with Sedition, 19 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56cacd494.html [accessed 21 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Indian authorities should stop charging peaceful activists with sedition for alleged anti-national speech, Human Rights Watch said today. In mid-February 2016, police arrested a student union leader, Kanhaiya Kumar, and a former teacher, S.A.R. Geelani, in apparently politically motivated cases. On February 15, a member of Delhi state legislature from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and others were filmed physically assaulting Kumar's supporters in a New Delhi court while police stood by. "The BJP government seems eager to punish peaceful speech - but less willing to investigate supporters who commit violence in the name of nationalism," said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "The authorities not only need to find out why BJP supporters were apparently involved in an assault inside a court, but also why the police did nothing." The Indian authorities should immediately drop all charges that violate the right to free expression, and fully investigate the attack inside the court and fairly prosecute those responsible, including any ruling party supporters, Human Rights Watch said. On February 12, police in Delhi arrested Kumar, the student union leader, at Jawaharlal Nehru University, after the BJP student-wing accused him of making anti-national speeches on the anniversary of the February 2013 hanging of Mohammad Afzal Guru, who was convicted for his role in the December 2001 attack on parliament that killed nine people. Geelani, a former Delhi University teacher, was arrested on February 16, after participants at a separate Afzal anniversary event at the Press Club of India made anti-India slogans. Police said Geelani was charged with sedition because he had organized the event. The police reportedly began conducting search operations in several Indian cities for other students they say were "ring leaders" after the minister for home affairs warned that those who shouted anti-India slogans and challenged India's sovereignty and integrity during these meetings "will not be tolerated and spared." On February 15, when Kumar was produced in a Delhi court, a group of about 40 men wearing lawyers' black jackets attacked students and university faculty members who had come to support Kumar. Among those caught on camera apparently assaulting Kumar's supporters was a BJP leader, Om Prakash Sharma. Sonal Mehrotra, a television reporter at the scene, reported that the assailants confronted her and several senior professors sitting nearby and threatened to harm them if they did not leave the courtroom. Five police officers were in the courtroom but did nothing. Mehrotra said that when she started recording violence outside, she was threatened again: "Around 10 lawyers cornered us and said give us your phones or we will break your bones." Several journalists said they were threatened and attacked. Sharma was arrested, briefly detained, and released on bail on February 18. He told India Today television that he had retaliated in self-defense. "If someone hits you, if they abuse your motherland, you have to react." At the same time, Sharma also stood by an earlier statement he made after the incident: "If I had a gun I would have opened fire. If someone abuses our mother, won't I hit him?" Acting on a petition that alleged that the police were a "mute spectator to the brazen display of brute force," the Supreme Court restricted the number of people inside the courtroom for Kumar's hearing on February 17 and asked the police chief to ensure his safety. However, as Kumar was being escorted inside the courtroom, men in lawyers' black jackets slapped, kicked, and punched Kumar, according to media reports. The Supreme Court then rushed a delegation of senior lawyers to assess the situation, which confirmed that Kumar was assaulted and that the police had failed to ensure his safety. The Supreme Court has sought an explanation from the Delhi police commissioner by February 19. The Bar Council said it would revoke the licenses of any lawyers involved in violent attacks. The government should undertake an independent investigation into the police response to the violence, Human Rights Watch said. Strong disciplinary measures should be taken against police personnel found negligent. Kumar's arrest has led to protests by students and academics in universities across India and has prompted condemnation from scholars around the world. The case has highlighted the urgent need for India's parliament to repeal the country's sedition law, Human Rights Watch said. Section 124A of the Indian penal code prohibits any words, spoken or written, or any signs or visible representation that can cause "hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection," toward the government. India's Supreme Court has imposed limits on the use of the sedition law, making incitement to violence a necessary element, but police continue to file sedition charges even in cases where this requirement is not met. Repeated use of the law to silence peaceful speech is a violation of India's international human rights obligations. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which India ratified in 1979, prohibits restrictions on freedom of expression on national security grounds unless they are provided by law, strictly construed, and necessary and proportionate to address a legitimate threat. Such laws cannot put the right itself in jeopardy. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is promoting Indian democracy around the world as an attractive market, and yet back home, his administration is cracking down on peaceful dissent," Ganguly said. "Failing to uphold basic human rights is not a good global message." Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch Apothecary Salon & Spa ready to pamper locals at Burton Lane location More than two years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic upended the lives and careers of millions of Americans. Some folks took the opportunity to learn more about themselves. What has Gov. Abbott done about the six mass shootings on his watch? As some urge Abbott to finally take action on guns, he says the issue is mental health. Texas lags in that area, too. Will there be accountability? SHARE Third-graders Paula Whitehead (left) and Maria Sbiral hug during Recreation Day at Dyess Elementary School in May 1979. The Abilene ISD school in 1963 was the first to integrate. Reporter-News file photo Reporter-News file photo Leslie Moody, left, Lenny Wheeler and Tommy Hulverson, lower right team on one side of a game of tug-o-war at Dyess Elementary School. All three were kindergartners in 1979, 16 years after their school was integrated. By Loretta Fulton Thirty-eight black children walked into Dyess Elementary School on Jan. 21, 1963, looked around at the white kids they were used to playing with but not going to school with and then sat down beside them. They were the first children to integrate the Abilene Independent School District. Their school was chosen for several reasons, but one was that the assimilation would be easier there than in some other schools. After all, the children played together and, with their parents, had been in each other's homes. They didn't realize they were making history. They were just going to school with their friends. The scene that January morning wasn't anything like what had happened in Southern states after the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that outlawed segregated public schools. There were no riots, no police, no protests. "There were no issues whatsoever," said Tremayne Hubbard, an airman at Dyess Air Force Base who did research for a Texas Historical Commission marker about the milestone day. The milestone came almost five years after the school opened. According to Reporter-News archives, more than 270 students were expected to attend school Feb. 10, 1958. None, however, were black. The marker will be dedicated in an invitation-only ceremony Monday afternoon at Dyess Elementary School. A replica of the historical marker, which has been approved by the historical commission but not yet cast, will be unveiled. When the actual marker is completed, it will be erected on a pole in a flower bed in front of the school. Hubbard, 41, came to Dyess seven years ago and since 2012 has been president of the African-American Heritage Committee on the base. In January 2015, he invited Andrew Penns, a local black pastor and founder of Interested Citizens of Abilene North (ICAN), to speak at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day dinner on base. Hubbard couldn't believe what he was hearing from Penns. Before Penns' presentation, Hubbard, a Virginia native, knew nothing of the history of Dyess Elementary School or integration in Abilene. "I was a little bit in shock," Hubbard said. But he didn't let the shock paralyze him. Instead, he got busy researching the history of integration in the Abilene school system, and before he knew it, he was making application for a Texas Historical Commission marker. Among the speakers for Monday's program will be Anita Lane-McBride, chairwoman of the Taylor County Historical Commission, which initiated the marker process. Since beginning his marker project, Hubbard has joined the local historical commission. In an email, Lane-McBride said it always is a pleasure to work with people who are dedicated to preserving history but that Hubbard took it a step further. "The work that Tre Hubbard has done on the marker for Dyess Elementary was over the top," Lane-McBride wrote. "He took a subject, researched and worked to get it done." DISSERTATION provides INSIGHT With the help of Penns, who graduated in 1967 from Woodson High School for black students, Hubbard set about digging up information for the application to be sent to the Texas Historical Commission. Much of the information came from minutes of the Abilene Independent School District board meetings related to integrating Dyess Elementary and from a doctoral dissertation written in 1994 by Steven Kent Gallaway, an Abilenian who was earning a doctor of education administration degree from Texas Tech University. The dissertation covers the history of integration in the Abilene schools from 1954 to 1970. After a career in education in Tennessee, Gallaway returned to Abilene in 2011 and in 2012 became a supervisor in charge of training officers in the Taylor County Juvenile Justice Center. He and Penns worked together at the center until Penns retired last year. Gallaway, a 1973 graduate of Abilene High School who holds two degrees from Abilene Christian University, was surprised at the sudden interest in the dissertation he wrote in 1994. Normally, he said, no one reads those lengthy, academic works outside the graduate school committee overseeing the process. "I'm just so thrilled," Gallaway said. "I'm just tickled to death that somebody read it." Some portions pulled from the dissertation for the marker narrative are poignant, some disheartening. The narrative notes that two letters written to A.E. Wells, who was AISD superintendent at the time, were instrumental in integrating Dyess Elementary School, which is located close to the air base but not on it. One letter was written by five women who were mothers of children whose fathers were stationed at Dyess AFB but who were bused across town to Woodson Elementary School. The second was written by an Air Force captain stationed at Dyess, a Harvard College graduate who was appalled that the older of his two children would not be allowed to attend the nearby elementary school when he was old enough but would be bused to the other side of town. The underlying issue was that all the children of Dyess families, no matter their race or ethnicity, played together, attended worship services on base together and had never known segregation at their previous base locations. The women noted in their letter that their husbands trained, and served, alongside men of various races. "Therefore, we feel that our children should be able to sit in classrooms with the children of all our neighbors," they wrote, "and be taught the American way of life in keeping with democratic principles." In the second letter, Capt. John Rice acknowledged that he was aware of the "extremely touchy race issue" in many parts of the South. However, he said he felt compelled to write. "I also realize that it is sad but true," Rice wrote, "that many of the enemies of American democracy use these segregation policies to discredit or embarrass our country abroad." Rice wrote that his son could look across his yard and see "whites, Latin-Americans, part Japanese and so on" attending Dyess Elementary School but that he would be forced to ride a bus to a "colored" school. An issue facing public schools in Texas was that the state Legislature had passed a bill prohibiting the desegregation of public schools in Texas without a local referendum. In December 1962, the state's attorney general, Will Wilson, ruled the bill unconstitutional, creating an easier path to integration. One factor pushing the AISD board of trustees toward integrating Dyess Elementary was the threat from the Department of Defense to pull $250,000 in funding if the school remained segregated. According to public records, the school board met Jan. 14, 1963, and voted unanimously to start the integration process. It didn't take long once the vote was cast. Just a week later, 38 black children walked into Dyess Elementary School and sat down beside their white friends. All other schools would start integrating in kindergarten through sixth grades in the fall of 1963, and one higher grade would be added each year until all grades were integrated. Breaking the RACIAL barrier Hubbard wasn't the only one "a little bit in shock" over the discovery that Dyess Elementary was the first school integrated in Abilene and that it took nine years after the Supreme Court ruling for it to happen. Michael Newton has been principal at Dyess Elementary since 2005. Before that, he was at Cooper High School and Madison and Clack middle schools. When Hubbard approached him in January 2015 about the historical marker proposal, he couldn't believe what he was hearing. He assumed that the school had been integrated from the day it opened. "It was a shock to me," Newton said, "to know that a school that serves the military wasn't integrated." Newton grew up in an Air Force family an always had attended integrated schools. Since the marker project got started, Newton has spoken to the older children at Dyess Elementary about how schools at one time were segregated and how their school was the first in Abilene to end that practice. "They find that hard to grasp," Newton said, "which is a blessing." Newton said that even though segregation was an "embarrassment to our country," it was an honor to be principal of a school that was the first to break those barriers. Hubbard understands the sentiment. He is pained by the history of segregation in the United States but proud that Dyess Elementary School, just a stone's throw from his home base, played a role in the quest for civil rights. "It makes you proud to put on the uniform," he said. Features The character dates all the way back to A New Hope. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below This just in... A Hong Kong "localist" group blamed by China for inciting the Mong Kok riots earlier this month vowed on Monday to go ahead with all of its planned activities, including plans to fight a forthcoming by-election for the city's legislature, despite the arrest of its founder. Hong Kong Indigenous founder and convenor Ray Wong, 22, was arrested on Sunday by police, who also searched his home in Tin Shui Wai, the group confirmed on Monday. Provisional spokeswoman Amber Wai said the group would continue its activities in spite of the seizure of more than H.K. $500,000 (U.S. $64,300) in funds at Wong's apartment. "We won't be stopping any of our activities," Wai told RFA. "Everything will go ahead." Wong was arrested on suspicion of incitement to violence, after chemicals that could be used to make explosives were found inside a flat, local media reported. Wong had previously gone incommunicado after posting an online message on Feb. 11 which said it was "better to die with honor than survive in disgrace." Police seized H.K.$530,000 (U.S. $68,200) in case, medications, an extendable baton and an electromagnetic gun, as well as protective gear for war games like paintballing, and a Guy Fawkes mask resembling those used by supporters of the hacker group Anonymous. Bomb disposal experts were also called to take part in the raid, the South China Morning Post reported. Chinese and Hong Kong officials have described the Feb. 8 "fishball revolution," which was sparked by confrontations between unlicensed food vendors and police over Chinese New Year, as the work of "radical separatists." Force in resistance Wong took part in, but later rejected the 2014 pro-democracy Occupy movement, which waged a peaceful 79-day civil disobedience campaign for fully democratic elections. He founded Hong Kong Indigenous to campaign for "separation" between Hong Kong and mainland China, and hasn't ruled out the use of "force in resistance," according to local media reports. As Wong was arrested, student leaders said Hong Kong's grassroots localist movement is inevitable in a city where many feel Beijing has reneged on its promise of "a high degree of autonomy" after the 1997 handover. Althea Suen, newly elected leader of the University of Hong Kong Student Union, told government broadcaster RTHK that the younger generation in the city doesn't trust Beijing and feels that their traditional freedoms are under threat. "The localism ... is inevitable, because this generation has experienced many protests, and also many [forms of] suppression from our government, and the infringement of the one country, two systems [principle]," Suen said. "The younger generation ... don't [trust] the Chinese Communist Party, and we want keep our traditions, culture and our core values." Suen said that even independence should be on the table as an option for the future of Hong Kong, and warned that further unrest is likely as students begin protests over a perceived pro-Beijing bias in the running of the city's universities. "Just be prepared, because we can see that there is more and more suppression from the university, from the university council, or even from the government," Suen said. "Actually, it's reasonable for students to ... react to those suppressions." Ernie Chow, head of the student union at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said the point of localism is to emphasize Hong Kong's unique identity as distinct from mainland China. "The main point of localism is I think that Hong Kong is not China," Chow said. "The core of localism is to protect Hong Kong, to protect Hongkongers' values, and to protect our culture. I think that's very crucial in the [minds] of youngsters." Chow also said he wouldn't rule out the use of violent resistance. "Our stance is with the students, so if the students think that this way of protest is necessary and effective, we don't think we should be against it," he said. Scuffles and protests Meanwhile, a meeting of the Lingnan University's governing council was canceled on Monday amid scuffles and angry protests from students, who blocked access to some council members. The students were calling on the council to change a regulation stipulating that Hong Kong's chief executive, currently Leung Chun-ying, automatically holds the post of university chancellor, something the council has already refused to do. Hong Kong political commentator Camoes Tam said Wong's arrest is likely directly connected to his advocacy of "violent resistance." "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government is still a region under the People's Republic of China, and under the control of the Chinese Communist Party," Tam said. "So, of course, they are going to blame him for escalating [the Mong Kok riots], inciting violence and separatism," he said. "I think he is reaping what he sowed ... It's natural that the police will go after him." "If he's prepared for violent resistance, then he should also be prepared to do time in jail," he said. Meanwhile, pro-Beijing author and Lingnan University Chinese lecturer Chen Yun said all eyes are now on a forthcoming by-election in New Territories East. "It all depends on public opinion," Chen said. "We will have to see if Edward Leung, who is a pan-democrat and a member of Hong Kong Indigenous ... does well in the New Terrorities by-election." "If he gets a very big share of the vote, then that will show us that people don't care about these [acts of violence] when it comes to fighting for local interests," he said. The by-election will be held on Feb. 28 following the resignation of incumbent Legislative Council (LegCo) member Ronny Tong last year. Reported by Dai Weisen and Wen Yuqing for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Yang Fan for the Mandarin Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. Aung San Su Kyi (R), chairwoman of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party, meets with members of the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) at her home in Yangon, Nov. 25, 2013. Myanmars chief peace negotiator led a government peace-making delegation on Monday in meeting with an alliance of armed ethnic groups that did not sign last years nationwide cease-fire agreement to try to persuade them to join the accord. Aung Min, minister of the presidents office, and members of the Union Peacemaking Working Committee (UPWC) met with leaders of the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), an alliance of armed ethnic groups, at the end of the UNFCs meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand, which began on Feb. 18. The UPWC is trying to get UNFC members to sign the governments nationwide cease-fire agreement (NCA), which it inked last October with eight other armed ethnic groups, before a new government led by the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) takes power on April 1. The UNFC, which now includes nine non-signatories to the peace pact, maintains that a peace agreement with the government to end decades of civil wars within the country should include all armed ethnic groups. But the current government under the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has sought to meet individually with certain armed ethnic groups rather than negotiate with the UNFC. UNFC leaders told Aung Min that they are firmly sticking to their all-inclusive policy for any future peace negotiations, Kho Oo Reh, UNFC general secretary and vice chairman of the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), told RFAs Myanmar Service. In our country, there are many ethnic groups, and thus many armed ethnic groups, and the sources of the armed conflicts are so diverse and different, Kho Oo Reh said. You cant build peace with a single order or command without understanding the root causes of each group, he said. It will take time to solve those problems and to seek peace from it. The UNFC did not sign the (NCA) last October because it objected to the governments exclusion of certain armed ethnic groups and disagreed with the political dialogue framework drafted by the signatories. When asked whether he anticipated the signing of a peace deal with any UNFC members before the end of the current term of the Union Solidarity and Development Party-led (USDP) government, Aung Min said, We are still trying, and the door is not closed for that. The incoming NLD-led government has made national reconciliation and lasting peace one of its main goals. Hostilities in Shan state During the meeting, the UNFC also discussed the recent military clashes between the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army-South (RCSS/SSA-S) and ethnic Palaung/Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in northern Myanmars Shan state. The TNLA is a member of the UNFC. Aung Min and the UPWC also met with (RCSS/SSA) leaders on Monday to discuss the fighting, which began in late November but flared up again earlier this month. It has forced thousands of residents of Kyaukme and Namhkam townships to flee their homes and seek shelter in other villages. During its meeting in Thailand, the UNFC created two groups dedicated to working on resolving the ongoing hostilities in Shan state and negotiating peace with the incoming NLD government, the online journal The Irrawaddy reported. The nine UNFC members include the Arakan National Council (ANC), Kachin Independence Organization/ Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA), Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), Lahu Democratic Union (LDU), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance (MNDAA), New Mon State Party (NMSP), Palaung State Liberation Front/Taang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA), Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) and Wa National Organization (WNO). Reported by Aung Moe Myint and Thiha Tun for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Kyaw Min Htun. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Tibets exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama offered assurances over his health over the weekend, telling thousands of Tibetans living in the U.S. that his treatment in a Minnesota clinic for a prostate condition is going well and that he is getting plenty of rest. Speaking on Sunday to a crowd of almost 3,000 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the Dalai Lama, 80, said that he had entered the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, last month for what he called prolonged treatment for his prostate. Now, it has been about a month since my treatment began here at Mayo Clinic, and the treatment is very easy, the Dalai Lama said. Most of the time, I just eat, sleep, and rest. I do my regular prayers for four hours in the morning and one hour in the evening, and in between I read my Buddhist texts and have a good time, he said. Noting that Tibetans in many places around the world had conducted prayers for his speedy recovery, the Dalai Lama said that Tibetans living in Tibet had sometimes faced problems at the hands of authorities when they gathered to pray after learning of his condition. I want to thank everyone, he said. 'Tibetan spirit is strong' Recognized around the world as the face of Tibets struggle for greater freedom under Chinese rule, the Dalai Lama is deeply revered by Tibetans both in exile and living in Tibetan regions of China, where public prayers on his behalf or the display of his photograph frequently draw harsh punishment. Speaking in both English and Tibetan, the Dalai Lama thanked those present at his talk for their efforts to preserve Tibetan values and traditions over the almost 60 years since China invaded and occupied the self-governing Himalayan region. The Tibetan spirit is strong, and weve kept our culture and religious traditions alive, the Dalai Lama said, according to a Feb. 21 report by the India-based Tibetan exile government, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). [This] is important because they have a contribution to make to the world at large, he said. Thats something to be proud of. After cancelling several U.S. events in October on the advice of his doctors, the Dalai Lama now appears to be in good health, Tsewang Chokden, the media coordinator for the Tibetan-American Foundation of Minnesota said, quoted by CTA. Its an extremely joyous situation, Chokden said, adding, After having been through this treatment, everyone was interested in his health and well-being. After seeing him here looking vibrant and healthy, we are all very excited today. Reported by Dolkar for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Karma Dorjee. Written in English by Richard Finney. A court in northwestern Chinas Qinghai province has handed a two-year jail term to a Tibetan monk accused of passing a photo of exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to friends via social media, sources in the region and in exile said. Gomar Choephel, 47, was sentenced on Feb. 17 by the Peoples Intermediate Court in the Malho (in Chinese, Huangnan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, a local source told RFAs Tibetan Service. He had already been detained for several months, and has now been sentenced for circulating a photo of the Dalai Lama through social media, and also for having the photo in his personal possession, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. He was convicted of undermining social stability and of taking actions aimed at splitting the country, the source said. Choephel, a monk of the Rongwo monastery in Malhos Rebgong (Tongren) county, is currently being held in the countys Drakmar detention center, the source added. Initially detained on July 10, 2015, Choephel had been held without trial for about seven months and was only recently sentenced, the source said. Speaking separately, a Tibetan living in exile in India confirmed that Choephel had first been taken into custody last year, citing contacts of his own in Rebgong. Gomar Choephel was detained last year for sending the Dalai Lamas photo through his phone onto social media and for keeping the photo in his possession, the source, named Tenzin, told RFA. If the seven months already spent in detention are counted toward his sentence, Choephel will have to serve a year and four months before he is released, sources told RFAs Tibetan and Mandarin Services. The 80-year-old Dalai Lama, whose photos are banned by Chinese authorities in Tibetan areas, fled Tibet into exile in India in 1959 and is reviled by Chinese leaders as a dangerous separatist who seeks to split the formerly self-governing region from Beijings rule. In what he calls a Middle Way Approach, though, the Dalai Lama himself says that he seeks only a meaningful autonomy for Tibet as a part of China, with protections for the regions language, religion, and culture. Reported by Kunsang Tenzin for RFAs Tibetan Service and by Dan Zhen for the Mandarin Service. Translated by Karma Dorjee and by Feng Xiaoming. Written in English by Richard Finney. Afghan government forces have pulled out of two districts in the southern province of Helmand. Provincial Governor Khan Rahimi said the army had "retreated" from two army bases in Musa Qala and one base in Nawzad district, leaving no troops in those districts. Rahimi added that the soldiers moved to other parts of Helmand. "Currently for us Sangin, Marjah, Nad Ali, and surrounding areas of Lashkar Gah and Kabul-Herat highway are a priority," military spokesman Mohammad Rasoul Zazai said. According to a spokesman for NATO's Resolute Support mission in Kabul, U.S. Army Colonel Michael Lawhorn, the Afghan military was making "a tactical decision to reposition forces to fight the Taliban more effectively." Helmand, a major center of opium production, has been slipping out of government control for months as militants overrun much of the countryside. Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP An Afghan official says a suicide bomber targeting a police commander has killed at least 13 people in the province of Parwan. Provincial police chief General Zaman Mamozai said the attack occurred on February 22 near a clinic and a bazaar some 60 kilometers northwest of the capital, Kabul. He said the dead included nine civilians and four police officers. Another 19 people were wounded, including the police commander who was targeted in the attack. Taliban militants, who have stepped up attacks on Afghan security forces over the past year, claimed responsibility for the bombing. The UN's mission in Afghanistan reported earlier this month that most of the 11,000 civilians killed and wounded across the country in 2015 were the victims of militant attacks. Based on reporting by AP and AFP KULOB, Tajikistan -- A military court in Tajikistan's southern Kulob region has sentenced a member of the army's border guard service to 17 years in jail on charges of desertion and extremism. The Kulob regional military court said on February 22 that Fathullo Faizullozoda was found guilty of deserting his border guard post, illegally crossing the border into Afghanistan, and trying to join Taliban militants in northern Afghanistan. The trial was held behind closed doors. It was not immediately clear when the verdict and the sentence were pronounced. Faizullozoda confessed to the court that he left his military unit and crossed the Afghan border on November 19. He was detained by Afghan border guards and later extradited to Tajikistan. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will make an official visit to Iran on February 23. Iranian Communication and Information Technology Minister Mahmud Vaezi made the announcement on February 21 after meeting with Azerbaijani Economy and Industry Minister Shahin Mustafayev in Tehran. Aliyev is expected to meet with top Iranian officials and sign 11 cooperation agreements aimed at boosting bilateral relations, IRNA news agency reported. Aliyev last visited Iran in 2014 when he met with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Azeris make up between 16 and 25 percent of Iran's 80 million population. Based on reporting by TASS and the Tehran Times U.S. and European Union diplomats say Macedonia has thus far not done enough to hold "credible" parliamentary elections scheduled for April. In a joint letter to interim Prime Minister Emil Dimitriev, EU Ambassador Aivo Orav and U.S. Ambassador Jess Baily agreed on February 21 with an opposition party's assessment of the situation. The main opposition Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) party has threatened to boycott the elections because they don't believe conditions exist for the polls to be free and fair. The early parliamentary elections, which are scheduled for April 24, are part of an EU-backed deal reached last year between the government and the opposition to end several months of political standoff caused by a wire-tapping scandal implicating the government. The ambassadors said they were particularly concerned at "reports of pressure and intimidation of voters and others" and the lack of an agreement "on media reforms to ensure a more level playing field." The ambassadors said some party leaders had suggested June 5 as an alternative date for elections. Macedonia has been an EU candidate nation since 2005. Based on reporting by AP and AFP Ukrainian authorities say they have launched a criminal investigation into multiple attacks on Russian banks during this week's commemorations of the deadly 2014 antigovernment Euromaidan protests. The attacks in Kyiv, Lviv, and Mariupol came amid rallies marking the second anniversary of the ouster of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. Late on February 21, a Sberbank branch office was torched in the western city of Lviv shortly after would-be arsonists failed to set ablaze another Sberbank branch in the city. Lviv's local ZIK television channel reported that unidentified individuals threw makeshift firebombs made from metal canisters at the two bank branches. One central Sberbank branch was engulfed in flames, while the fire at the second Lviv branch was quickly extinguished by firefighters. There were also reports of attacks on the night of February 21-22 against two branches of another Russian bank in Lviv, VTB, and one Sberbank branch in the southern city of Mariupol. WATCH: Right-wing Ukrainian nationalists attack a branch of privately held Alfa-Bank in Kyiv on February 20. The fresh attacks came after nationalist protesters on February 20 ransacked the Kyiv offices of two Russian banks -- Sberbank and Alfa-Bank. Participants smashed windows and equipment and hurled rocks into the Kyiv office of billionaire businessman Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine's richest man. Ukrainian nationalists are angered by the authorities' failure to address Ukraine's endemic corruption, and Akhmetov, whose wealth originates from from mining and steel, is a target of their anger. The nationalists blame Akhmetov of supporting corruption and pro-Russia separatists. The violence came as Ukrainians commemorated the Day of the Heavenly Hundred on February 20 -- the bloodiest day of months-long antigovernment protests that ended with Yanukovych fleeing Kyiv on February 21, 2014. Stalled Reforms An Interior Ministry spokesperson said on February 22 that Kyiv police -- who did not intervene to stop the bank attacks in the capital despite having deployed some 4,000 security forces to maintain order during the day of protests -- were investigating the incidents "under Article 296, Part 2 (hooliganism), of the Ukrainian Criminal Code." The spokesperson added that "the culprits face up to five years of restricted freedom, or up to four years' imprisonment." Scores of people were killed by sniper fire or in fighting with the security forces on February 20, 2014, before Yanukovych fled the capital for Russia. Yanukovychs ouster was followed by Russia seizing Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and Russian-speaking separatists in eastern regions launching actions that escalated into a war that has killed more than 9,100 people. A cease-fire deal was reached a year ago, but reports of violations are frequent. Ukraine and Western countries say Russia has sent troops and equipment to back the insurgents. Moscow in turn blames Ukraine for keeping tensions high by failing to push through measures that would increase autonomy for the eastern regions and allow local elections. Political tensions have also risen in recent weeks amid growing public disenchantment with the pro-Western government over a lack of progress on reforms. Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk survived a no-confidence vote in parliament on February 16, after President Petro Poroshenko called on him to resign "in order to restore trust" in the government. On February 21, a day after the Day of the Heavenly Hundred, up to 1,000 Ukrainian nationalists rallied in central Kyiv to demand the ouster of the government. The demonstrators set up six tents on Independence Square on February 21, saying they planned to stay there overnight On the morning of February 22 no more than a dozen protesters remained on the square. With reporting by AP, Reuters, AFP, TASS, and Interfax The German and French foreign ministers have praised Ukraine for its reforms thus far but are urging Kyiv to push for greater progress in battling corruption. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault wrote in the February 22 edition of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that reforms are so important that "all political and economic forces in the country" should take part. Steinmeier and Ayrault begin a two-day visit to Kyiv on February 22. The two foreign ministers will meet with top Ukrainian officials and discuss the cease-fire in eastern Ukraine during their trip. The two stressed in their article the need for Ukrainian officials to "remain faithful to the spirit of Maidan," a reference to the uprising that ousted Russian-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014. The foreign ministers also noted the importance of enacting the peace agreement signed in Minsk one year ago. The accords brought major hostilities in Ukraine to an end and installed a fragile cease-fire. More than 9,100 people have been killed in eastern Ukraine in the past two years of fighting. Based on reporting by AFP and faz.net An Iranian filmmaker says an appeals court had sentenced him to a year in prison, reducing his initial sentence of six years for "insulting sanctities" and "spreading propaganda." Keywan Karimi, 30, said on February 22 that he would still receive 223 lashes as stipulated in last year's original sentence. He added that the appeals court decision was final and could not be appealed. Karimi has said the sentence stems from an unspecified "video clip" and a documentary he directed about political graffiti in Tehran, titled Writing On The City. Karimi's sentencing comes amid an apparent crackdown on artists, writers, and journalists in the Islamic republic ahead of elections on February 26. Based on reporting by Reuters and AP Iran's semiofficial Fars news agency says 40 Iranian media outlets have added $600,000 to a bounty for the killing of Indian-born author Salman Rushdie. Fars, which itself earmarked $30,000, published the list of the news outlets on February 22. The move comes 27 years after the leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, issued a fatwa, or religious edict, calling on Muslims to kill Rushdie after his book The Satanic Verses was declared blasphemous against Islam. An Iranian religious organization offered a $2.7 million reward to anyone carrying out the fatwa and in 2012 it increased the amount to $3.3 million. After the fatwa was issued, Rushdie lived in Britain under police protection and went into hiding for several years. Other people involved in the book's publication were attacked. The religious edict provoked an international outcry and caused Britain to sever diplomatic relations with Iran. Based on reporting by Reuters and The Guardian ALMATY -- The chairman of Kazakhstan's Journalists Union and head of the National Press Club in Almaty has been detained for questioning, together with his son, the director of a local news agency, in a probe of alleged embezzlement and tax evasion. The February 22 detention of Seitqazy Mataev and his son Aset Mataev, director of the KazTAG news agency, was decried as political pressure by media watchdogs, who in turn were accused by state authorities of attempting to hamper their investigation. Aset Mataev was released after several hours of interrogation, while his father remains in custody. During a February 22 press conference, during which the detentions were announced, the Almaty-based media rights organization Adil Soz (A Just Word) said the two men rejected the accusations against them as politically motivated. Adil Soz Chairwoman Tamara Kaleeva and independent journalist Ermurat Bapi cited the elder Mataev as saying that he and his son were prepared to prove their innocence. Kaleeva and Bapi also said the Mataevs had planned to hold the press conference themselves to address accusations made against them, but could not because National Anti-Corruption Agency officials detained them 1 1/2 hours before the briefing. Adil Soz alleged that Kazakh authorities were trying "to curb operations of the National Press Club, known as a place for political dialogue and discussion," and that they also sought to tighten state control over KazTAG news agency content. Kaleeva and Bapi also said that the major goal of the case against Mataevs is "an attempt to impose more pressure on journalists and mass media in Kazakhstan." Anti-Corruption Service spokesman Aqzhan Rsaldinov told RFE/RL on February 22 that Mataev and his son were suspected of tax evasion and of embezzling 300 million tenges ($850,000), adding that Seitqazy Mataev's property has been impounded. He dismissed the allegations made against the authorities as a smokescreen. "Statements pronounced at today's press conference aim to mislead society in order to avoid punishment and to impede investigations," Rsaldinov said. Seitqazy Mataev faces up to 12 years in jail if found guilty. The detentions come less than a month before early parliamentary elections scheduled for March 20. In 1991-93, Mataev worked as spokesman for authoritarian President Nursultan Nazarbaev, who has ruled the country since 1989. Mataev has run the National Press Club for a number of years. The club, based in a small Almaty downtown building, is often used by businessmen, politicians, and activists to hold press conferences. The club housed Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Almaty bureau from 2002-12. Rights activists and government critics in recent years have accused Kazakh authorities of tightening already limited press freedoms. ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Jailed Kazakh civil-rights activist Ermek Narymbaev has been transferred to house arrest. His wife, Zoya Narymbaeva, told RFE/RL that a court in Almaty ruled on February 22 that her husband could serve his term under house arrest. On January 22, Narymbaev and his colleague, Serikzhan Mambetalin, were sentenced to three and two years in prison, respectively, for inciting social hatred. Both pleaded not guilty, saying the charges against them were politically motivated. Mambetalin was released on January 30 after he publicly "repented" of "his mistakes" and asked the authorities to release him. Narymbaev refused to "repent" and had been on hunger strike since January 18, demanding his immediate release. Mambetalin and Narymbaev, who are known for their criticism of the government, were arrested in mid-October. BISHKEK -- A Kyrgyz journalist who was attacked on February 20 by a group of men wielding metal bars has blamed the Interior Ministry for the violence and says he thinks the ministry plans to kill him. Turat Akimov, editor in chief of the weekly newspaper Money and Power made the allegations on February 22, saying he was attacked after interviewing Interior Minister Melis Turganbaev and an aide. Akimov said he survived what he called "the assassination attempt" outside of his Bishkek home only because he fought back, but he fears authorities in the ministry are still planning to kill him. Akimov called on the head of Kyrgyzstans presidential office, Farid Niyazov, to establish video surveillance at his home, provide him bodyguards, and allow him to carry a handgun. He did not provide details about his interview with Turganbaev. But he said if he is killed or any harm comes to his relatives, a recording of is interview with Turganbaev and his aide will be made public. There was no immediate comment from Turganbaev or the Interior Ministry about Akimov's allegations. Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev said earlier on February 22 that he has taken personal control of an investigation into the attack on Akimov. MOSCOW -- A leaked excerpt from a soon-to-be-released report by the Russian opposition on Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov accuses him of amassing a 30,000-strong "private army" that constitutes a threat to national security. The report, titled Kadyrov: National Security Threat and set for release by the Republican Party of Russia-People's Freedom Party's (Parnas) Ilya Yashin on February 23, is the latest barrage in an escalating war of words between the Chechen strongman and the beleaguered Russian opposition, whom Kadyrov has labeled "enemies of the people" and "traitors." The opposition-minded New Times investigative magazine published a chapter of the document in which Yashin describes Kadyrov's forces as "possibly the most battle-capable military group in modern Russia." The report comes almost one year after opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, a close friend and mentor of Yashin, was shot dead late on February 27 in an attack that many opposition figures suspect was carried out with the involvement of the Kremlin-backed Chechen leadership. Five men from the North Caucasus region have been arrested and charged with Nemtsov's killing. Yashin cites largely open-source information, alleging that Kadyrov sent Chechen forces to eastern Ukraine in 2014 to fight alongside other Kremlin-backed troops against Kyiv. The report also alleges that Kadyrov's men are involved in criminal activities across Russia, pointing to interviews with police disgruntled by the perceived impunity of his forces. "In recent years, Kadyrov's fighters have become active in Moscow," Yashin writes. "But while they see their main task as defending their boss's regime in Chechnya, they are beginning to see the rest of Russia as potential loot." Yashin writes that Kadyrov's 30,000 troops are fiercely loyal to the Kremlin-backed Chechen leader, as he pardoned many of them in return for laying down their weapons and abandoning their separatist fight against Moscow. He also suggests that Kadyrov is investing heavily in training for future generations of loyal fighters. Threatening The Opposition The Parnas offices where Yashin is due to present the report on February 23 were briefly cordoned off by police on February 22 after officers apparently received a phone call warning of a possible explosive. "They found no bomb," Yashin wrote later on Twitter. "We're trying to agree with the police on intercepting similar provocations tomorrow." Yashin, who is a Parnas deputy chairman, told RFE/RL that the organizers of the presentation are concerned about security. In December, a speech via videolink to supporters in St. Petersburg by exiled former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky was interrupted after electricity went off in the conference room and police cited a bomb threat. Kadyrov has repeatedly denounced and threatened the Russian opposition. He published a photograph on his Instagram account of opposition leader and former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov in crosshairs, days before a group of men hit Kasyanov with a cake while he was dining in a Moscow restaurant. Kadyrov: National Security Threat follows in a tradition of opposition "expert reports" begun by Nemtsov, a former Russian deputy prime minister who authored pamphlets on alleged corruption linked to President Vladimir Putin, former Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov, and the 2014 Sochi Olympics, among other things. Nemtsov had been drafting a report on Putin's alleged involved in the conflict in eastern Ukraine when he was assassinated. Yashin completed the report and published it in May. Russia is planning to ask permission on February 22 to start flying surveillance planes equipped with high-powered digital cameras over the United States, the Associated Press reports. The report comes amid warnings from U.S. intelligence and military officials that such overflights help Moscow collect intelligence on the United States. The AP report quotes an unnamed U.S. congressional staffer as saying Russia plans to make the request to the Vienna-based Open Skies Consultative Commission. Russia and the United States are both signatories to the Open Skies Treaty, which allows unarmed observation flights over the entire territory of all 34 member states. The treaty is aimed at fostering transparency about military activity and helping to monitor arms-control agreements. The U.S. State Department said in its latest compliance report that Russia was failing to meet all of its obligations under the treaty. On February 19, Russia complained that Turkey had failed to meet its obligations under the Open Skies Treaty since it closed its air space to Russian military flights in a dispute over what Ankara says have been Russian warplane incursions over its territory. Russia said Turkey's move, which came at the request of the Foreign Ministry in Ankara, caused "alarm for the integrity and viability of the treaty as an effective means to strengthen trust and security." With reporting by AP and TASS Russia has been sending in thousands of recently mobilized troops to reinforce the defense of the southern region of Kherson, where Kyiv's forces have been making major advances in their offensive to retake territory occupied by Moscow, the Ukrainian military said, as fresh Russian strikes on civilian targets were reported on October 21. "Up to 2,000 mobilized Russians arrived in the temporarily captured Kherson region to replenish losses and strengthen units on the contact line," the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a statement on October 21. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, Russian protests, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. "At the same time, the occupation authorities issued an order to prepare for the evacuation of the so-called banking institutions and Russian medical workers and teachers," the statement said. Ukraine is trying to drive Russian forces in Kherson back east across the Dnieper River that bisects the country. Russian soldiers on the western bank, where the city of Kherson is located, are reportedly close to being cut off from supply lines and reinforcements. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's office said on October 20 that Ukrainian forces mounted 15 attacks on Russian military strongholds in the Kherson region in what appears to be the start of a major push to liberate the region and the strategic city of Kherson. Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said the Kremlin's forces repelled Ukrainian attempts to advance with tanks on the Kherson villages of Sukhanove, Nova Kamyanka, and Chervoniy Yar. Neither claim could be independently confirmed. The city of Kherson, with a prewar population of about 284,000, was one of the first urban areas captured by Russia when it invaded Ukraine, and it remains the largest city it holds. The city is an important objective for both sides because of its key industries and a major port on the Dnieper River. Moscow-installed officials have urged residents to evacuate and allow the military to build fortifications. Officials said 15,000 residents of an expected 60,000 had been relocated from the city and surrounding areas as of October 20. Kherson is one of the four partially occupied Ukrainian regions that Russian President Vladimir Putin illegally seized following Kremlin-orchestrated referendums denounced as sham by Ukraine and the West. Putin declared martial law in the Kherson, Luhansk, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions on October 19 in an attempt to assert Russian authority in the annexed areas as Moscow faced battlefield setbacks, a troubled troop mobilization, increasing criticism at home and abroad, and international sanctions. In a video address to EU leaders gathered for a summit in Brussels on October 20, Zelenskiy warned that Ukraine suspects Russia has mined the dam and units of the Nova Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant on the Dnieper River in southern Ukraine, and if it were blown up, more than 80 settlements, including Kherson, would be in danger of flooding. Zelenskiy said Ukrainian workers have been thrown out of the facility, leaving Russians in control. He asserted that Russia "has already prepared everything to carry out this terrorist attack." He called for an international observation mission and the return of Ukrainian personnel to ensure the mines are removed from the dam and its units. Zelenskiy's comment came two days after Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-appointed head of the Kherson region of Ukraine, announced an "organized, gradual displacement" of civilians from four towns on the right bank of the Dnieper River to the left side. Saldo accused Ukrainian forces of planning to destroy the dam and also warned of "an immediate danger of flooding." The Moscow-appointed deputy head of the Kherson region, Kirill Stremousov, encouraged people to cross over to the left bank of the Dnieper River and posted a video of a column of buses on Telegram. Kyiv has denounced Moscow's move, calling it a "deportation" of Ukrainian civilians to Russia. Over the past 10 days, Russia has also unleashed a wave of deadly attacks on Ukrainian civilian and energy infrastructure using artillery, air strikes, and Iranian-made suicide drones that destroyed 40 percent of the country's energy grid and prompted Kyiv to introduce rolling electricity restrictions for the first time since the start of the Russian invasion eight months ago. WATCH: Ukrainian forces first got their hands on FH70 155-millimeter howitzers courtesy of Italy in May and received training in Estonia. RFE/RL journalists met with a frontline FH70 crew and watched them in action against Russian forces. Early on October 21, a series of blasts rocked the Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhya, authorities said. Missiles hit an industrial facility in Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said. Separately, Kharkiv regional Governor Oleh Sinegubov said five people had been wounded. No further details were immediately available about the Zaporizhzhua blasts. Zelenskiy told EU leaders that the Russian attacks against civilians and infrastructure are aimed in part at provoking a new wave of migration of Ukrainians to EU countries. "Russian terror against our energy facilities is aimed at creating as many problems as possible with electricity and heat for Ukraine this fall and winter and for as many Ukrainians as possible to go to your countries," he said. This should be "answered immediately," primarily by more air-defense systems sent to Ukraine, the president said, speaking by video conference from Kyiv. "We must do everything possible to make it completely impossible for Russia to destroy our energy system with missiles and drones," Zelenskiy said in the virtual speech, calling on Ukraine's partners to provide systems "to create a truly reliable air shield." With reporting by Reuters, AFP, dpa, and BBC Thousands of migrants remain stranded on Greece's northern border and near Athens as non-EU Macedonia refuses to allow passage to Afghans. Reports say about 5,000 people were stuck at Idomeni or on buses near the Macedonian border on February 22, while another 4,000 arrived at Piraeus port. Macedonia says only Syrians and Iraqis will be let in, claiming Afghans were not being allowed passage by Serbia. Belgrade has not provided a clear answer to whether Afghans were banned from entering. Until now, Afghans have been allowed to pass through alongside Syrians and Iraqis. Austria last week introduced a daily limit of 80 asylum claims, triggering fears of a domino effect along the Balkan route. Nearly 100,000 migrants and refugees have traveled to Greek islands from nearby Turkey so far this year. Based on reporting by AFP and AP The foreign ministers of Germany and France have arrived in Kyiv for a visit aimed at reaffirming EU support for Ukraines leadership. The visit by Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Jean-Marc Ayrault comes after Ukraine's pro-Western coalition lost its majority in parliament last week, triggering fears of political instability. In a joint editorial published on February 22, Steinmeier and Ayrault praised Ukraine for its reforms thus far, but also urged Kyiv to push for greater progress in battling corruption. The two wrote that reforms are so important that "all political and economic forces in the country" should take part. They also noted the importance of enacting the peace agreement signed in Minsk one year ago. The accords brought major hostilities in Ukraine to an end and installed a fragile cease-fire. More than 9,100 people have been killed in eastern Ukraine in the past two years of fighting. Based on reporting by AFP and FAZ.net 5 Abu Bashir from Aleppo. The 38-year old says he was distributing bread outside a bakery when Russian bombs hit. "After five years of war, I can tell whose plane it is. When the Russians fly, there is only the sound. You don't see them, and there are several jets at once... If they are men, let them come and fight us. Why are they dropping bombs?" Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Bright colors, unexpected combinations of fabrics and asymmetrical patterns are attracting new attention to African-American quilts in an exhibit that opened Saturday at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum in Colonial Williamsburg. A Century of African-American Quilts features 12 quilts, six never before exhibited, from the 1870s to approximately 1990. It opened in time for this years Black History Month and will remain on view through Jan. 2, 2018. Many of the quilters worked with a freedom from convention that sets their work apart, said Linda Baumgarten, curator of textiles and costumes at Colonial Williamsburg. The colors are bold. Its a very visually exciting exhibit. African-American traditions and preferences can be seen in the quilts if youre knowledgeable, but, Baumgarten said, its a misconception that you can look at a quilt and say, thats African-American. Quilts made by African-Americans were as varied as those made by other cultural groups. The most fanciful quilt has cotton and rayon appliques of blooming trees and animals from birds and butterflies to a giraffe and ele-phants. Its thought to have been made in Baltimore around 1936, although the makers name is unknown. A log-cabin quilt-top was probably made between 1875 and 1900 by Anna Jane Parker, who was born a slave in North Carolina in 1841 and worked as a seamstress. Her colorful array of textiles included patterned dress silks, upholstery fabrics and ribbons to create dark and light diamonds in the design. Dramatic design is the eye-catching feature of a lone-star quilt made around 1970 by Indiana Bendolph Pettway, who was raised in poverty in Gees Bend, Ala. She chose predominantly black and white for her materials, with shading from gray to blue. Based on its faded, stained and mended condition, it was well-used. Three utilitarian quilts on display were made by Susana Allen Hunter in the 1960s and 1970s in South Central Alabama using whatever fabrics were available to recycle, from worn-out denim work clothes to synthetic curtains and dresses. In one of them, a bright, asymmetrical arrangement of squares and rectangles includes the remnants of a gray-blue diamond-pattern polyester dress tied to the backing with brilliant red yarn knots dangling long tails on the front. The backing is made of cut-apart sugar and flour sacks. People who have studied art history and the history of American paintings might see echoes of abstract paintings from the 1960s and 70s, Baumgarten said. I dont think the quilters were influenced by them. Its an interesting comparison of asymmetric designs. WILLIAMSBURG - A Williamsburg church founded by slaves is celebrating its 240th anniversary with the ringing of a long-silent bell. The Rev. Jesse Jackson is among the activists and actors scheduled to attend the celebration Monday at First Baptist Church. Colonial Williamsburg conservators restored the church bell, which had been silent since the days of segregation. Jackson is scheduled to attend the bell ringing along with other civil rights activists and dignitaries. They include the actor and social activist Danny Glover and entertainer Dionne Warwick, among others. A national campaign promoting racial healing will include Yoko Ono and actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Rick Chung is an arts editor and digital storyteller obsessed with all things lifestyle and pop culture relatedboth high and low It looks like nothing was found at this location. Maybe try a search? Search for: Search COVID-19 drove a dramatic increase in the number of women who died from pregnancy or childbirth complications in the U.S. last year, a crisis that has disproportionately claimed Black and Hispanic women as victims. A government report released Wednesday lays out grim trends across the country for expectant mothers and their newborn babies. It finds that pregnancy-related deaths have spiked nearly 80 percent since 2018, with COVID-19 being a factor in a quarter of the 1,178 deaths reported last year. The percentage of preterm and low birthweight babies also went up last year, after holding steady for years. And more pregnant or postpartum women are reporting symptoms of depression. Botetourt County Board of Supervisors and Botetourt County Economic Development Authority Special joint meeting When: 11 a.m. Monday Where: Greenfield Education and Training Center, 57 S. Center Drive, Daleville On the agenda: check www.co.botetourt.va.us for details Franklin County School Board Budget workshop When: 5:30 p.m. Monday Where: Franklin County School Board Office, 25 Bernard Road, Rocky Mount On the agenda: The board will discuss a new salary structure for teachers and capital projects. Botetourt County Board of Supervisors Regular meeting When: 2 p.m. Tuesday Where: Rooms 226-228, Greenfield Education and Training Center, 57 S. Center Drive, Daleville On the agenda: Check www.botetourtva.gov for details. Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Regular meeting When: 3 p.m. Tuesday Where: Roanoke County Administration Center, 5204 Bernard Drive S.W. On the agenda: Supervisors will hear a briefing on the branding of the Roanoke Valley region and will direct the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau on promotional and marketing materials. For more information, visit www.roanokecountyva.gov Roanoke School Board Workshop meeting When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday Where: School administration office, 40 Douglass Ave. On the agenda: The board will discuss the 2016-17 budget. For more information, visit www.rcps.info. Roanoke County School Board Regular meeting When: 7 p.m. Thursday Where: School administration office, 5937 Cove Road On the agenda: For more information, visit www.rcs.k12.va.us. By Tauseef Akbar Last year in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, President Barack Obama announced that he would convene a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Late in December the White House set the date for the summit, Feb.15-16 2016 at the Camp David of the West Coast, Sunnylands, California. President Thein Sein of Burma was among the leaders who were confirmed for the summit. However, just four days before the summit began Thein Sein surprisingly canceled his trip and sent Vice President Nyan Htun in his place. Originally, the reason given for the cancellation was that Thein Sein had other business to attend to. Since then the Burmese government has stated that President Thein Sein wouldnt attend the two-day summit because he is committed to presiding over the transition of political power from his governments military-backed rule to Aung San Suu Kyis elected National League for Democracy (NLD). International media reports have parroted the government line, some, such as the Economic Times that a surprisingly smooth initial phase of the political transition has since been clouded by rumours and speculation especially over who will be tipped to succeed Thein Sein as president. Most reports omitted the fact that the Burma Task Force filed a lawsuit against Thein Sein and other officials alleging crimes against the Rohingya minority that..amount to genocide. Burma Task Force intended to serve Thein Sein and his associates with the lawsuit at the ASEAN summit. There are indications that Thein Sein was informed beforehand of the highly embarrassing possibility that he could be served with the lawsuit and therefore wanted to avoid just such a scenario. There were then clearly additional reasons why Thein Sein decided to cancel his trip to Sunnylands. The specter of him and other top Burmese officials being served with a lawsuit for crimes against humanity is the type of attention no leader, especially one implicated in war crimes wants. The stand-in for Thein Sein, Vice President Nyan Htun is not much better when it comes to human rights. Htun, is directly implicated in crimes against the Rohingya, as Prof. Maung Zarni notes: Nyan Htun is ex-Admiral and under his watch, the Burma Navy was directly involved in Rohingya persecution, according to the trafficked Rohingya refugees who left Burma by boat whom my wife and I interviewed. Navy ships have towed traffickers boats out of Burmas territorial waters while confiscating the boat fuel and leaving the boats in high seas to drift away. It must be reiterated that the leadership of Burma has presided over a modern-day genocide. Seven Nobel Prize laureates, Queen Mary University and the Yale Law School have all stated that the types of crimes that are being committed against the Rohingya fit the stages and legal definition of genocide. Journalists and the media should pay closer attention to these facts when reporting on why the leader of a nation that is committing genocide would cancel his trip just a short time before it was set to begin. Perhaps it isnt simply for the official reasons given, but also reasons that they would not like to share? A version of this article also appeared on the Burma Task Force USA website. Tauseef Akbar is a Chicago-based writer and activist and has worked with a number of national civil rights organizations. He holds a BA in English with a concentration on Creative Writing and is pursuing his graduate degree in Islamic studies. February 17, 2016 Seymour, who spent 37 years working for the federal government, told her colleagues in an email Monday that her decision to resign as chief information officer was made with a heavy heart. Leaving OPM at this time was a very tough decision for me, but I feel it is in the agencys best interest that my presence does not distract from the great work this team does every single day, she wrote. Oversight Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, who had repeatedly called for Seymour to be removed following the breach, said in a statement that her retirement is an important turning point. BARRISTERS in the Mushin Ahmed murder trial at Sheffield Crown Court will make their closing arguments this afternoon. Lawyers in the trial of Dale Jones (30) and Damien Hunt (30), both of whom are accused of murdering 81-year-old Mr Ahmed, will make their final speeches to the jury. Mr Justice Stephen Males will the summarise two weeks of evidence before sending jurors out to consider their verdicts on Jones, of East Bawtry Road, Whiston, and Hunt, of Doncaster Road, Clifton. Each man claims the other was solely responsible for the attack on Mr Ahmed, at around 3am last August 10. Forensic experts say the pensioner, who was on his way to pray at a mosque, was punched, kicked and stamped on. He died 11 days later in hospital, of pneumonia brought on by his injuries. Hunt claims Jones launched the attack alone, while he tried to talk him down and then physically restrain him. Jones made no comment to police investigating the attack and declined to testify at court. Both men deny murder. The trial continues. The CIA chief has warned that the Islamic State or IS is planning to carry out an attack in the United States. The Paris terror attacks in November last year that killed 130 people happened due to an intelligence failure, CIA Director John Brennan told CBS News in an interview Sunday. Brennan said that the dreaded terror outfit made it possible using very sophisticated technologies and taking advantage of the newly available means of communication. In a rare interview, the head of the CIA outlined the threat to America posed by IS and discussed other security concerns such as cyber and biological terror. "I'm expecting them to try to put in place the operatives, the material or whatever else that they need to do or to incite people to carry out these attacks, clearly. So I believe that their attempts are inevitable," Brennan said on the '60 minutes' program, adding that he doesn't think their attempt will be successful. Brennan claimed that US intelligence security services have stopped numerous IS attacks and operatives that have been moved from Iraq to Syria and into Europe. But there's more in their arsenal, Brennan told CBS. The CIA believes that IS has the ability to manufacture small quantities of chlorine and mustard gas, and export those chemicals to the West. Brennan admitted that the cyber environment "can pose a very, very serious and significant attack vector for our adversaries if they want to take down our infrastructure, if they want to create havoc in transportation systems, if they want to do great damage to our financial networks." To a question, if other countries have the capability in turning the lights off in the United States, the CIA veteran of 36 years replied: "Fortunately right now those who may have the capability do not have the intent. Those who may have the intent right now I believe do not have the capability." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Customers of Lumber Liquidators holders were shocked by the latest report that the risk of cancer was 6 to 30 cases per 100 thousand people. The shares gapped open on Monday and are currently tumbling, down 19.07 percent on the NYSE. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention revealed its revised report on February 18, lifting its earlier forecast of 2-9 cases. The company has been facing allegations that the laminates imported from China contained excessive levels of formaldehyde, a carcinogen that can induce myeloid cancers. Even at low levels, formaldehyde may cause nose, throat and eye irritation. The company has stopped selling Chinese flooring products after the Consumer Product Safety Commission started an investigation. CBS "60 Minutes" has telecast a report on Lumber Liquidators' failure to comply with safety standards of California. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News With the Nevada Republican caucuses looming, Republican presidential candidate Senator Marco Rubio, R-Fla., picked up a key endorsement from Senator Dean Heller, R-Nev., on Sunday. Heller announced his endorsement in a post on Facebook after Rubio's narrow second place finish in the South Carolina primary. "Marco Rubio is the next generation of conservative leadership in this country," Heller said. "I've become convinced that he's the candidate capable of uniting conservatives, growing our party, and beating the Democrats in November." "He understands what it takes to get our back on track and he understands how to keep us safe," he added. "And Marco understands Nevada, he grew up here. I am proud to offer my full support and look forward to campaigning with him in Nevada today." A statement from the Rubio campaign said Heller will be joining the Florida Senator on the campaign trail ahead of Tuesday's caucuses. Heller's endorsement could provide a boost for Rubio in what increasingly seems like a three-way race for the Republican nomination with real estate tycoon Donald Trump and Senator Ted Cruz, R-Tex. A recent CNN/ORC poll showed Trump leading in Nevada at 45 percent, followed by Rubio at 19 percent and Cruz at 17 percent. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News Germany led the major European averages higher on Monday. Strong cues from overseas and higher oil prices helped lift stocks across the board. The DAX of Germany climbed 186 points, or nearly 2 percent, to close near 9,574. Shares rose early in the day and held steady through the afternoon. The advance reversed weakness seen on Friday, resuming strength that marked much of the middle of last week. Among individual stocks, E.ON had a strong day, rising 5.37 percent. The utility warned last week that the downturn in the energy industry is a "reality check" and its dividend policy many not be sustainable. Peer RWE also increased 5.78 percent. ThyssenKrupp and Salzgitter were strong performers as well, climbing by 4.78 percent and 4.36 percent, respectively. There was strength among car makers and financial shares. Volkswagen gained 4.12 percent. Deutsche Bank was up 3.82 percent. Elsewhere in the region, the CAC 40 of France rose 1.79 percent. The FTSE 100 of the U.K. gained 1.47 percent and the SMI of Switzerland finished higher by 1.25 percent. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis I absolutely love it! And the color just makes me so happy. We picked up the kids from school, and they were really surprised (and excited) to see the new Jeep. I finally remembered to buy a new battery for my Fitbit, so I will start wearing it again tomorrow. It's been a week without it, so I have no idea how many steps I was getting in! I feel like it's been such a long time since I wrote, but maybe that's just because I've had a lot of random things going on over the last week or so.As I mentioned, I hurt my knee on last week's long run. It was REALLY painful on Monday, and I was pretty upset that it would totally derail my training. I decided not to panic, and it's early enough in my training that taking some time off isn't going to be the end of the world. I decided not to run at all from Monday through Thursday. Then, on Friday, I went for a very short test run to see how it felt. It was good!On Saturday, I ran three miles, and again--no problems. Relief! Today was my long run, and since I ran 10 miles last week, I decided to cut back today to just 5 miles. I didn't want to risk aggravating my knee, just in case it wasn't 100% yet.We've had some amazing weather this weekend. Yesterday, it was 64 degrees and sunny! A week ago, it was just 9 degrees--shows you how much Michigan weather can change at the drop of a hat. This morning, it was a little cooler (about 40), but great weather for a run. My friend Bonnie was interviewed on a podcast recently, so I listened to that on my phone while I ran today. Bonnie is adorable--she has the sweetest Virginian accent, and she made me laugh out loud several times while I was running. (Here is a link to the podcast --Bonnie is on S2E6, from 2/19. You can read Bonnie's weight loss story here on my blog .)My run went great! I was wondering if my heart rate monitor stopped working, because it rarely beeped to signal that I was using too much effort. It was so nice to just run, listening to Bonnie chat in my ear, and not worry about my pace. At around mile four, I spotted something on the side of the road that caught my eye--a $20 bill! That's the most money I've ever found on a run before, so I was pretty excited.When I got home, I was happy to see that my pace was 10:42/mile and my average heart rate was 143 bpm. That's good for an easy run! (I keep my heart rate below 146).We had a couple of exciting things happen on Wednesday. Jerry was off work, so we decided we'd better go get our taxes done--I'd been dreading it, because we've had to pay for the last couple of years instead of getting a refund (the downside of blogging). We went to a new tax preparation guy, and he was extremely helpful! We ended up getting a nice refund this year, which is awesome.Whilewould love to use the money for a new treadmill, that would be rather selfish of me; so instead, we decided to plan a vacation. The From Fat to Finish Line group on Facebook is planning an event in Virginia Beach over Labor Day weekend (the Rock n Roll races and a showing of the documentary). Jerry and I decided to plan a trip there and take the kids, so we'll make a vacation out of it. I don't plan to do the race, but I would like to meet up with anyone from the group that would like to. (It's open to the public, so if you're not already a member of the group, you're welcome to join! And please let me know if you'll be in Virginia Beach, so we can meet up.)After we did our taxes, we went to the car dealership to turn in Jerry's lease (a Dodge Dart). He's had it for three years, and we planned to buy another Patriot when we turned it in (we love our Jeep Patriot that we bought in 2010). When we got there, we checked out our options. I'm not a big "car person", meaning that I basically just choose whatever is cheapest and I don't need any of the bells and whistles. Our Patriot doesn't even have automatic locks or windows!We saw a very cute bright yellow Jeep Renegade in the showroom. I'd never heard of the Renegade, and the salesman told us it was new. After using my brother-in-law's employee discount, and using the rebates from the lease, it ended up being cheaper to buy the Jeep Renegade than it would have been to buy a used Patriot. And even though I'm not a big car person, I fell in love with the yellow Jeep! So, we left the dealership in my new wheels ;) A first-of-its-kind journey along India and Pakistan border What binds the two most talked about nations - India and Pakistan together? What makes the I give my consent to Sakshi Post to be in touch with me via email for the purpose of event marketing and corporate communications. Privacy Policy Another car wash company is coming to Salina The growth of car wash services have been increasing in Salina the past few years, with another coming after approval by the city. Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/22/2016 -- The report "Agricultural Dyes & Pigments Market by Type (Dyes and Pigments), Application (Seed Treatment, Fertilizers, Crop Protection Products, Turf & Ornamental, Pond/Lake Color & Others), and by Region - Global Forecasts to 2020", The agricultural dyes & pigments market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2015 to reach a projected value of USD 1.86 Billion by 2020. Browse 97 market data Tables and 53 Figures spread through 175 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Agricultural Dyes & Pigments Market - Global Forecasts to 2020" Make an Inquiry Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. The agricultural dyes & pigments market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2015 to 2020. It offers several advantages such as reduced labor costs, simple application process, easy identification, and avoiding wrong usage of fertilizers. Hence, agricultural dyes & pigments will be viewed as a business opportunity in the next five years. Significant growth in pigments observed in the Asia-Pacific region The pigments segment is driven by the increasing requirement from the end-user industries such as seed treatment and crop protection chemicals. Adoption of agriculture dyes & pigments in emerging markets within countries such as India, China, and Japan is increasing, promoted by agronomic benefits in terms of yield and protection. Majority of the agriculture dyes & pigments market in developing nations is still untapped and has huge market potential to grow. Thus, there will be a significant growth in the Asia-Pacific region. For Custom Report Strong product platform provided by turf & ornamental application The demand for dyes & pigments is increasing in the turf & ornamental application as it saves time and money on lawn maintenance and lawn repair. It is preferably being used by most of the people as it gives a natural look to the lawn, particularly in the winters, water shortages, and water restrictions. Innovative, natural, and cost-effective solutions key to success in the Asia-Pacific region China and India constituted the largest country markets in the Asia-Pacific region in 2014. Strong adoption of modern agricultural practices in Asian countries has led to wide-scale usage of agricultural dyes & pigments. The increasing agricultural practices and requirement of high quality agricultural produce is expected to drive the agricultural dyes & pigments market in this region. North America dominated the market and accounted for the largest market share globally. This report includes the profiles of leading agricultural manufacturing companies such as Bayer CropScience AG (Germany), BASF SE (Germany), Clariant International AG (Switzerland), Chromatech Incorporated (U.S.), INCOTEC Group BV (The Netherlands), and Organic Dyes and Pigments (U.S.). In terms of insights, this research report has focused on various levels of analyses industry analysis, market share analysis of top players, and company profiles, which together comprise and discuss the basic views on the competitive landscape, emerging & high-growth segments of the global agricultural dyes & pigments market, high-growth regions, countries, and their respective regulatory policies, government initiatives, drivers, restraints, and opportunities. About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets is world's No. 2 firm in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers. We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository. Contact: Mr. Rohan Markets and Markets UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune, Maharashtra 411013, India 1-888-600-6441 Email:sales@marketsandmarkets.com Blog: http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/agriculture-industry Indianapolis, IN -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/22/2016 -- Bastian Solutions will exhibit at the RILA's Retail Supply Chain Conference (Booth #539) from February 28 March 2 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Dallas, TX. Bastian Solutions will be focusing on order fulfillment solutions and showcase a small AutoStore demo unit. Bastian Solutions will have software, consulting and applications engineers on hand to meet with attendees. Gregg Durham, Vice President Western U.S. and Mike Clemens, Senior Consultant will be on hand to speak with attendees. To learn more, go to: http://ow.ly/Y5xiS RILA's Supply Chain Steering Committee oversees the structure and programming of the annual conference, and is comprised of top logistics/supply chain executives in the retail industry. Each breakout session is designed by a Session Architect from the Steering Committee, who is in charge of developing the content and selecting speakers for their sessionensuring that it reflects the top issues and insights in the industry today. Following Retail Supply Chain Conference, Bastian Solutions will be exhibiting at the 2016 MODEX show April 4-7, 2016 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Bastian Solutions will be located at booth #3779. About Bastian Solutions Bastian Solutions (http://ow.ly/LaOTe), a global material handling systems integrator and expert in e-commerce fulfillment automation is an innovator in the fields of material handling automation, goods-to-person systems, wearable AR technology, supply chain software, and robotics. Bastian Solutions recently announced the acquisition of Forte Engineering. The merge creates a turnkey software suite for beverage distributors and strengthens the companies' overall product offerings and customer support. Bastian Solutions is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, with an additional 16 domestic offices and 7 international offices in Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Mexico, and Qatar. Uniquely positioned, Bastian Solutions offers customers complete and innovative turnkey material handling systems, from design and simulation, all the way through installation and operations. Modern Materials Handling named Bastian Solutions 2015 Top 20 Systems Suppliers Worldwide. Bastian Solutions provides integrated material handling systems reducing the total cost of order fulfillment and delivery cycle times for its customers; tremendous productivity gains and a quick return on investment are ensured. Automating supply chain logistics with harmony between material flow, information flow, and operational processes, yields a unique and important competitive advantage. Follow Bastian Solutions on Twitter @BastianSolution. Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/22/2016 -- The report "Electronic Shelf Labels Market by Product (LCD, Segmented, & Full Graphic E-Paper), Communication Technology (RF, IR, & Others), Components (Display, Battery, & Others), Store Type (Hypermarkets, Supermarkets, & Others), and Region - Global Forecast to 2020", The electronic shelf label (ESL) market is estimated to grow from USD 186.5 Million in 2014 to USD 399.6 Million by 2020, at an estimated CAGR of 14.1% between 2015 and 2020. Browse 69 market data Tables and 59 Figures spread through 123 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Electronic Shelf Labels Market - Global Forecast to 2020" Download Sample Pages of Report @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsample.asp?id=40815676 Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports. Electronic shelf labels (ESL) are small wireless display systems which can be replaced with traditional paper pricing systems used in almost all the retail stores. ESL links the shelf price to the store's scanning database directly and has a provision for changing the price of the items remotely. The growing requirement of retailers to automate their product pricing, using a centralized control system which increases accuracy and efficiency of store operation, creating ample growth opportunities for the market in coming years. The full-graphic ESL would play a key role in developing ESL market Currently, full-graphic ESLs are the most demanded ESL product. These labels are mostly used by Tier I and Tier II retailers. These labels use e-paper as its display a component; it is an advanced version of segmented e-paper displays. The major benefit of these labels is energy efficiency and its ability to project graphical objects such as logos and callouts that help in real-time product positioning. Therefore, the benefits of full-graphic ESLs would attract more retailers and is likely to play a key role in developing the overall market. Radio frequency (RF) expected to hold the largest share of the market based on wireless communication systems during the forecast period Wireless communication technologies play a critical role in the overall electronic shelf label system architecture. The network formed by communication technologies allows retailers to update the price and other information whenever required. Radio frequency is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period; RF technology is considered as a stable communication technology which can be integrated easily with electronic devices, such as ESLs, for fully automated data transfer. It also possesses an electronic memory which is beneficial for information storage with respect to assets which strengthen the ESL network. ESL systems expected to witness a high demand from non-food retail stores The non-food retail sector showing promising growth in terms of ESL adoption. In non-food, especially for electrical products and mobile phones, the need to compete with online stores, such as Amazon, has generated new growth avenues for vendors since price and model descriptions can change frequently. In this industry, competition is the key factor that triggered retailers to invest in ESLs. Further, these retailers want to compete with online stores where customers get hourly discounts and special offers on the purchase. Therefore, these electronic labels help non-food retailers to deploy their in-store strategy of influencing customers' decision by price fluctuations. Europe dominated the ESL market; APAC to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period Currently, Europe dominated the market because of the presence of major ESL manufacturers. North America would be market leader by 2020. The ongoing pilot projects and growing awareness of associated benefits are the key reasons for this growth. In APAC, Japan is the only country which contributed to this market in the past, but with the growing demand for retail automation products, the ESL market in other countries, such as China, South Korea, and others, have also started growing. Hence, because of ample scope of expansion, the APAC market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. More Information of Report : http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/electronic-shelf-label-market-40815676.html The major players in this market are Pricer AB (Sweden), Store Electronic Systems, S.A. (France), Displaydata (U.K.), Imagotag GmbH (Austria), M2Communication, Inc. (Taiwan), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (South Korea), Altierre Corporation (U.S.), Advantech U.S., Inc. (U.S.), Wincor Nixdorf (Germany), E-ink Holdings, Inc.(Taiwan). This research report categorizes the global ESL market based on product type, communication platform, component, store type, and region. The report describes the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges with respect to the market. The porter's five forces analysis has been included in the report with a description of each of its forces and their respective impact on the market. About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets is world's No. 2 firm in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers. We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository. Contact: Mr. Rohan Markets and Markets UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune, Maharashtra 411013, India 1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Shenzhen, Guangdong -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/21/2016 -- ORAN sea cucumber has been traditionally in use for many years by the people all over the world for health benefits. Some prefer having it fresh while some prefer dried cucumber. Greece sea cucumber is rich in all the essential vitamins and minerals that a human being requires. ORAN provides the best sea cucumbers to the Chinese customers. The RANWild sea cucumber is very famous here for its medicinal value. This is widely used as food and folk medicine in the Middle East and Asia. Consuming Oran Greece sea cucumber prevents the growth and spread of cancer cells. The high amounts of compounds called triterpene glycosides present in the cucumber have antitumor activity. ORAN sea cucumber also contains chondroitin sulfate has anticoagulant activity which helps in preventing internal blood clot, especially in lungs. The anti-inflammatory activities of certain compounds in sea cucumber help in relieving the patients who are suffering with arthritis from pain. Eating sea cucumber also helps in healing the wounds quickly. The consumption of sea cucumber facilitates the formation of new tissues within a very short period of time. The taste may be bland, but the benefits of consumption of sea cucumber are many. It is a natural way of keeping the body fit and healthy. About ORAN ORAN trading company is a leading foreign trade corporation of sea cucumber in China. ORAN wild sea cucumber is from the Greece Island Thasos which is located in north Aegean sea. The area is famous for "the blue flag Beach", which is authorized by Foundation for Environmental Education Europe. Sea cucumber is a kind of delicious food. And it is known as an anti-cancer food. Sea cucumber also helps strengthening body resistance. China is the largest consuming market of sea cucumber. ORAN is one of the most famous brands of wild sea cucumber. ORAN has branch offices all over the country. And the company keeps providing best sea cucumber to Chinese customers. Media Contact: URL: http://www.oranhaishen.com/index-greece.html Company Name: ORAN Trading Co., Ltd. City, State, Country: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China Address: B03, Room 1111, Unit B, the first phase of Creative Science Plaza, TianAn Digital City, Futian, Shenzhen, China Contact Person: Miss Lee E-mail: 2951750600@qq.com Phone: +86 4000-234-790 Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/22/2016 -- Foreclosure is still a very real problem for many families in California. Many people rely on their lenders to offer loan modifications in order to resolve their foreclosure issues. Relying on the lender for help tends to be arbitrary, and most lenders will put their clients in a weak bargaining position. Fortunately, loan modifications are not the only option to protect a house from foreclosure. An experienced real estate lawyer for foreclosure is typically a more reliable solution for the foreclosure issues that homeowners face in Los Angeles, and throughout California. Californian homeowners have a variety of options when it comes to saving their house and stopping the foreclosure process. Consumer Action Law Group is California's premiere foreclosure attorney Los Angeles - based, with active lawsuits in the entire state of California. Partner Lauren Rode advises: "when a person's home is at stake, filing a lawsuit seems like a much better solution than relying on a loan modification from a lender." The foreclosure attorneys at Consumer Action Law Group are very familiar with mortgage issues and they advise their clients about legal options and any alternatives to foreclosure before recommending legal action. "Hiring real estate lawyers for foreclosure matters is usually the best option for homeowners faced with losing their home." According to Lauren Rode, who handles foreclosure matters at Consumer Action Law Group, "our lawyers are committed to clients fighting to save their homes. Our foreclosure lawyers stop the foreclosure process, and we are more likely to survive the fight against the lender than a homeowner going it alone." A real estate lawyer for foreclosure issues can be very effective in stopping a sale by filing bankruptcy or through litigation. When seeking a foreclosure lawyer Los Angeles is home to Consumer Action Law Group. Their attorneys offer options to fight back foreclosure. In addition to litigation, bankruptcy is often a very effective solution for stopping foreclosure. Bankruptcy stops the foreclosure process immediately, and protects the homeowner's assets. Taking action is the key to stopping foreclosure. Talking to the best foreclosure attorney Los Angeles is strongly suggested to stop foreclosure. Anyone who lives in California can call 818-254-8413 or visit http://ConsumerActionLawGroup.com for free advice to stop foreclosure and save a home today. About Consumer Action Law Group Consumer Action Law Group is a law firm dedicated to help consumers in consumer-related matters or consumers that experienced fraud and scam. Attorneys in the team are knowledgeable and experienced in the areas of eliminating debt, mortgages fraud, auto fraud, and foreclosures. They have direct experience in consumer fraud matters and helping consumers who are facing financial crisis, foreclosure, issues with employers, and problems with auto dealers. For Media Inquiries: Contact Person: Lauren Rode, Esq. Telephone: 818-254-8413 Email: Lauren@consumeractionlawgroup.com Website: http://consumeractionlawgroup.com Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/22/2016 -- Rooftop solar PV is a photovoltaic system, which comprises photovoltaic panels, transformers, electricity systems, and monitoring and mounting equipment along with mounting and installation modules. Photovoltaic panel mounts on the rooftops of commercial or residential structures used to capture the solar radiation for generating emission-free electricity. These panels are made up of silicon wafer and possess a capability of generating both off-grid and on-grid electricity. Solar panels are classified mainly into two types: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Installation of rooftop solar PV systems mainly depends on insolation value in a particular area. These insolation values are impacted by time of the year, latitude, weather conditions, roof slope, roof aspect, shading from adjacent buildings, and vegetation. Complete Report Rooftop Solar PV Market with TOC : http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/rooftop-solar-pv-market.html The average life expectancy of a traditional rooftop solar PV system is 30 years. Flexibility with the off-grid and on-grid has increased the popularity of rooftop solar PV systems across the globe. Rooftop solar PV systems on account of their flexible nature and availability through leasing schemes are experiencing a surge in popularity. These systems have a very high market potential in countries which lack grid infrastructure. Many solar resource-rich nations in Africa and South and Latin America provide vast potential for rooftop solar PVs. Currently, many countries such as India, China, and the U.S. are exploring various clean energy techniques for generation of electricity which spurs the demand for rooftop solar PV systems. These countries also offer several subsidies coupled with tax credits schemes to encourage the demand for such systems. As a result, the rooftop solar PV market is attracting huge investments from equity investors and public investors through funding and IPOs. The market for rooftop solar PV systems has been further boosted with the reduction of energy payback time in the last few years. The segmentation of the rooftop solar PV market is done on the basis of volume capacity (MW) and revenue (US$ Mn). The market has been further segmented on the basis of end-use and geography. End-use segmentation comprises residential and commercial buildings. The residential segment held the largest share of 61.2% of the rooftop solar PV market in 2014. Residential market for rooftop solar PVs is primarily driven by financial leasing, third-party model, tax incentives, and net metering. Moreover, commercial rooftop solar projects for government buildings are also propelling rooftop solar PV installations. To Get More Details : http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=3160 In terms of geography, the rooftop solar PV market has been segmented into four regions: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. North America held the largest market for rooftop solar PV, accounting for 39% of the global market in 2014. In the U.S., California is leading in rooftop solar PV installations. The Government of U.S. is offering several tax credits and incentives in order to promote the installation of rooftop solar PV systems. Europe was the second-largest market for rooftop solar PV installations in 2014. Germany with its well-structured solar policies and large funding for market development was the leading player in Europe in 2014. Asia Pacific with its countries such as China and Japan was the third-largest market for rooftop solar PV, in terms of market share, in 2014. The market in Rest of the World is expected to witness significant growth in the near future, with increase in commercial projects across South Africa, Chile, and Brazil. Key players in the global rooftop solar PV Market include Trina Solar Limited, Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited, Canadian Solar Inc, Jinko Solar Holding Co., Ltd., SolarWorld AG, SunPower Corporation, Shunfeng International Clean Energy Limited (SFCE), Hanwha Q CELLS Co Ltd, JA Solar Holdings, Co., Ltd., Vivint Solar, Inc., SolarCity Corporation and Sungevity. About Transparency Market Research (TMR) Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The company's exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. TMR's data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports. Africa is making strides in fighting poor quality medicines, but more is action is needed, says Ronald Piervincenzi. The global counterfeit drug trade, a multi-billion dollar industry, is thriving across Africa. For mothers trying to buy life-saving medicines for their children, a trip to the pharmacy or drug shop can sometimes be like a dangerous game of Russian roulette. Theres also a chance the mother leaves the pharmacy or other medicine outlets such as dispensaries with a medicine thats not fake, but substandard in quality. When medicines are mishandled, mislabelled or improperly stored, they often end up ineffective, or worse, directly being harmful to the sick person who needs them. The costs associated with the use of both counterfeit and substandard medicines to individuals, families and health systems are staggering. Every year, more than 122,000 African children under the age of five lose their lives as a result of counterfeit antimalarials alone. [1] Poor quality medicines are also fuelling the spread of antibiotic resistance, a growing issue of global concern. [2] The costs associated with the use of both counterfeit and substandard medicines to individuals, families and health systems are staggering. Ronald Piervincenzi, USP Many substandard medicines contain the correct active ingredient, but at a lower amount, which fails to properly kill bacteria, viruses or parasites. The most resistant of the bugs survive and multiply. Unfortunately, were watching this process unfold for some of the worlds biggest killers, such as tuberculosis and malaria, posing a serious public health threat within and beyond the African continent. Counterfeit and poor quality medicines also place an enormous economic strain on families, who must dole out additional money to buy quality medicines or pay medical bills for hospitalisations caused by ineffective or harmful drugs. Countries, too, face economic losses. Need for right tools A major part of this problem is that substandard medicines, whether they contain the wrong levels of active ingredients or are contaminated, are difficult to detect without the right tools and know-how, especially in low-resource settings. The US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), where I work, has been trying to address this issue around the world, including in Africa. Three years ago, the USP opened the Center for Pharmaceutical Advancement and Training (CePAT) in Accra, Ghana, to improve pharmaceutical quality in Ghana and across Africa. The centre serves as a platform to train African professionals and build capacity for domestic and sustainable drug quality systems. Since 2013, CePAT has helped train 190 professionals from 32 African countries. In addition to training, CePAT has also assisted with drug screening. In 2013, USP through its Promoting the Quality of Medicines Program and in collaboration with Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (GFDA) discovered serious issues with the quality of oxytocin, a drug used to treat excessive blood loss within 24 hours of birth. In fact, data showed that 90 per cent of the oxytocin tested in Ghana was substandard. [3] Based on these findings, the Ghana FDA met with the ministry of health procurement unit to impress upon them the need to have all government-procured products vetted and registered by the FDA before they are imported into the country. The FDA also issued nation-wide press release informing the public about the poor quality batches and recalled them from the market. Impacts of CePAT This month (10 February), the USP and CePAT opened a brand new lab to train pharmaceutical and regulatory professionals in microbiology testing. Hopefully, thanks to this new lab, more pharmaceutical professionals across Africa will be able to learn to detect medicines that have been contaminated by microorganisms, and will be able to keep more people in their community safe from poor quality medicines arising from contaminated products. Whats more, this lab was designed specifically for use in low-resource settings, meaning it could serve as a model for other countries and national laboratories to replicate. Despite our efforts, millions of people across Africa can still be at risk every time they walk into a pharmacy or drug shop. Given the sheer number of fake and poor quality medicines on the market, were going to need quite a bit more help building the capacity to detect them. And, no matter how many fake and poor quality medicines we detect, our work is fruitless without the partnership of those who can enforce higher standards. Ronald Piervincenzi, USP CePAT already offers scholarships to pharmaceutical professionals from across the continent. With additional resources, we could help bring more people from across Africa to Ghana to learn the skills they need to assess the quality of medicines in their home countries. Importance of partnerships And, no matter how many fake and poor quality medicines we detect, our work is fruitless without the partnership of those who can enforce higher standards. National governments must commit to ensuring safe medicines for their citizens. And then, they must make sure regulatory agencies are adequately staffed and equipped and that their staff is properly trained. Communities, too, should get involved and hold their governments accountable for ensuring that only quality-assured medicines reach the shelves of local pharmacies, dispensaries or other medicine outlets. Governments across the continent are already making great strides to improve health outcomes in their countries. Increased focus on stronger health systems and universal health coverage is pointing us in the right direction, toward a future where all Africans can access the health care and the medicine they need. Fake and poor quality medicines threaten this progress. As we work to increase access to medicines across the continent, we need to ensure that were increasing access to medicines that work. Millions of lives are depending on it.Ronald Piervincenzi is the chief executive officer of the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), which helps to set drug quality standards and improve drug quality assurance around the world. Follow Ronald on Twitter: @RonPiervincenzi This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets Sub-Saharan Africa English desk. An asteroid is expected to make a close approach to Earth in just two weeks. Don't worry, though; scientists have found that there's no chance that it will impact Earth. Two years ago, the same asteroid flew past Earth at 1.3 million miles away. This new pass, which will take place on March 5, will be much closer. Knowing as asteroid 2013 TX68, the object could fly anywhere between 9 million miles to 11,000 miles away from Earth. The variation in possible closest distances is due to the wide range of possible trajectories for this object, since it was tracked for only a short time after its discovery. With that said, there's no chance that it will collide with Earth. "The possibilities of collision on any of the three future flyby dates are far too small to be of any real concern," said Paul Chodas, manager of CNEOS, in a news release. "I fully expect any future observations to reduce the probability even more." The asteroid is estimated to be about 100 feet in diameter. By comparison, the asteroid that broke up in the atmosphere over Chelyabinsk, Russia three years ago was about 65 feet wide. If an asteroid the size of 2013 TX68 were to enter Earth's atmosphere, it would probably produce an air burst with about twice the energy of the Chelyabinsk event. "This asteroid's orbit is quite uncertain, and it will be hard to predict where to look for it," said Chodas. "There is a chance that the asteroid will be picked up by our asteroid search telescopes when it safely flies past us next month, providing us with data to more precisely define its orbit around the sun." Related Articles Near-Earth Asteroids are Spectacularly Destroyed Before Reaching the Sun Mystery of the Chelyabinsk Meteor is Still Ongoing Three Years After Historic Crash For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN). I can say we are leading the market. I would say we have around 30% market share in Jebel Ali, if not more, Simatech md CF George, told Seatrade Maritime News in an exclusive interview. George estimates fleet capacity utilisation at between 80-90%. We always have a policy to keep extra tonnage available, so that we dont need to say no to customers. He fears that volumes and rates will go down this year as low oil prices hit the market. Major projects could be delayed or suspended. Nobody whom I have met recently has made any positive remarks on what is going to happen in 2016, [but] everybody is hoping Iran opens up. During 2015, George said Simatech handled 1.63m teu at Jebel Ali, growth of 11% compared to 2014. We operate 54 ships along with our partners in various services. Of those, 15 are owned. We are looking to acquire more ships to replace chartered tonnage, he said. Recently two 4,350 teu newbuilds, the Sima Genesis and Sima Giselle, were added to the fleet. Now 27 years old, Simatech is headquartered in Dubais Business Bay and has two main regional offices in Mumbai and Singapore. Now the ideal feeder vessel is the maximum possible. We are operating vessels sizes ranging from 200 teu to 5,000-plus teu. The business has changed. Unit cost and service efficiencies are the key. Simatech operates long-haul feeder services from China and Korea to India and Southeast Asia to the Gulf. It calls all the ports in the Gulf region, although those in Kuwait and Iraq pose severe draught restrictions. It also operates three services from the Indian subcontinent to the Gulf. It recently started a service connecting Jebel Ali to west- and east-coast India. The latest vehicle is Simatechs Indian company, Sima Marine India Pvt Ltd, a coastal service with Indian-flagged vessels. Simatech is operating into eastern Saudi Arabia. They have a second terminal at Dammam now. The reason for Dammams better performance compared to Bahrain is the domestic cargo, he said. We are using the Hutchison terminal, IPS, in Dammam. The PSA terminal is just settling down, with software and customs. There is no doubt about the performance they can achieve with PSAs backing. We are all hoping that terminal competition will bring benefits in Dammam. George said Somalia was a growing market, with political stability improving. The piracy issue [has gone away] though we still maintain security guards on-board our ships, he said. We recently signed an agreement with the Somali government to develop an off-dock yard outside the terminal for cold storage and general cargo storage. There is an increase in volume and we expect these to increase further once the highway to Ethiopia is open. Somali ports can become the gateway for East Africa. Geographical positioning and port infrastructure were key. He does not see Jebel Alis primacy being challenged in the next two decades. They have a unique combination of local and transhipment cargo. Nobody can beat this combination. Cayetano visits Davao fishing village, Pushes for fixed wages for small fishermen Sunday (Feb.21) - Vice presidential bet Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano spoke with fishermen in Davao City to explain his vision of restoring order in the country by granting better benefits to ordinary Filipino workers. In his second "Ronda-Serye" listening tour in the city, Cayetano visited the fishing village of Dumalag and had a dialogue with the local fisherfolk, who voiced out their daily concerns. "Isa sa problema nila ang 'di sapat na kita. Sa pangingisda lang kumukuha ng pang-araw-araw na gastusin ang maraming pamilya, ngunit maliit lang ang kita nila mula rito," Cayetano noted. To address this, the senator said that under his and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's term, handline fishermen will be granted fixed wages twice the daily minimum wage in the region and will receive hazard pay. "This is on top of the commissions that they will get from their catch. It will ensure that our hardworking fishermen, who provide food on our tables, will also be able to provide for their families' needs," Cayetano said. Cayetano had just been to Davao last week where he conducted a similar dialogue with residents of Barangay Bucana, some of whom are also in the fishing industry. He assured them that if elected, he and Duterte will push for strategic reforms to crackdown illegal fishing and ensure safe working conditions for small fishermen. "Ang hinahanap ng mga kababayan natin ay tunay na pagbabago. Through our bold solutions and swift action, we will make sure that each Filipino, rich or poor, will taste the benefits of economic growth," Cayetano said. Press Release February 21, 2016 Sen. Marcos backs review of impact of new fisheries code on small fisher folks Vice Presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. today backed calls for a review of the alleged adverse impact of the amended Philippines Fisheries Code (RA 10654) on small fisher folks as well as small and medium commercial fishermen. "While the avowed purpose of the new law--to curb illegal fishing practices and ensure a healthy and thriving marine ecosystems for our generation and the future---we have been hearing complaints that its implementation would put small fishermen at a disadvantage," Marcos noted. Among others, Marcos said a provision in the law that allows large commercial fishing operation to operate within the 15-kilometer municipal waters as long as the water is at least 7-fathom deep will hurt small fisher folks. "The municipal water is supposedly reserved for small fisher folks. If we allow big commercial fishing operation in this area it would hurt further our small fishermen," Marcos said. Marcos likewise said the heavy emphasis the law puts on hacienda-like aquaculture production reduce the area of communal fishing grounds of small fishermen, contribute to the destruction of mangrove forests and could contribute to water pollution. He noted that based on the data of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) prior to the implementation of the original Fisheries Code in 1998, the aquaculture sector only composed 35% of the country's total fishery products. But Marcos said that in 2012, it soared to 52% or more than half while municipal fishing dropped from 33% to 26%, and commercial fishing from 31% to 21%. "Aquaculture can help us achieve food security but it must be properly regulated to protect the welfare of small fishermen and protect the environment," said Marcos. Fishermen have also protested against the imposition of fees for fishing permits, boats, and equipment and the requirement to install tracking gadget in their vessel that would enable monitoring of their compliance to restrictions under their permits. Instead of merely imposing restrictions on fishing, Marcos said the government should expand programs to assist them, particularly the small fishermen. Marcos said that similar to his platform for agriculture, expanded credit facilities should be made available to allow small fishermen to upgrade their boats and equipment or start a small business of their own. Likewise, he said the government must focus infrastructure programs in support of the fishing industry such as concrete wharves, cold storage facilities, roads to market, as well as improved weather advisory support to ensure the safety of small fishermen. "We must take care of our fishermen, particularly the small ones, because they provide a significant contribution to our country's food security," Marcos said. Press Release February 21, 2016 POE SHOWS PROFESSIONALISM, COMPOSURE IN CDO DEBATES CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Leading presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe tonight showed professionalism, composure and calmness during the presidential debates here, opting to offer sound solutions and not resorting to "blame game" on the country's problems. In the "Pilipinas 2016: The Cagayan de Oro Presidential Debate" organized by TV Network GMA-7 and the Commission on Elections held at the Capitol University here, the Rappler.com online news network picked Poe as winner in round two of the debate which tackled issues related to poverty and development and round three which discussed issues on defense. Rappler said Poe, particularly on the issues affecting farmers and fishermen, showed familiarity with the problems facing said two sectors and was able to discuss specific solutions to them such as the setting-up of agro-industrial zones. Despite the rebuttal made by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago that Poe's proposal are easier said than done, the latter countered: "That is why it's about time a new President with fresh perspective is elected." The Rappler editors also judged her winner of Round 3 of the debates based on the following criteria: Truthfulness, Overall Impact and Knowledge/Facts on file. During the debates, observers said Poe showed calmness, and was hardly seen being agitated, excited or disturbed despite being hurled with hard questions and rebuttals by her political adversaries. When impliedly hit by former DILG Secretary Roxas about her government inexperience, Poe politely responded that the country's current problems remain the same for decades but no administration was able to fully resolve them. "Kaya po sa ating mga kababayan, pare-pareho lang naman ang problema ng Pilipinas e, pare-pareho nandyan. Wala pong proof na kapag matagal ka na sa pwesto mas magaling ka," the neophyte Senator said. According to Poe, Roxas has been in office, appointed in various Cabinet posts during the Estrada, Arroyo and Aquino administrations, and yet a lot still needs to be done. "Alam ko naman kung binobola ako o hindi. Kahit maikli ang aking panunungkulan sa gobyerno. Unang-una, tama si Secretary Mar, nakatatlong administrasyon na siya dyan, nabigyan na ng ilang mga responsibilidad sa gobyerno. Pasensiya narin po pero marami rin akong inimbestigahan katulad ng DILG at doon sa DOTC sa MRT, at sa tingin ko naman hindi mo kailangan ng napakahabang karanasan para malaman na kulang ang tulong gobyerno sa transportasyon sa ating bayan at kulang ang tulong ng gobyerno para magkaroon tayo ng katatagan," Poe said. POE: FREE LUNCH FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL KIDS, SUBSIDIES TO AGRI SECTOR TO FIGHT HUNGER, POVERTY CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--Independent presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe said she would push for free lunch to public school children to fight hunger and poverty, and increase subsidies to farmers who comprise more than 60 percent report of the country's poor. "Ang una talaga para sa akin ay dapat na magkaroon ng libreng pananghalian sa ating mga public schools dahil 'yan ay diretso sa tiyan ng mga bata. Hindi po matututo ang ating mga bata at hindi po tatalino kung sila po ay nagugutom. Iyan po ang pinakauna," Poe said during the first round of presidential debates held in Cagayan de Oro City when asked how she will address hunger and poverty. Poe is the author of the proposed Free Lunch Program, which seeks to provide free lunch to malnourished children in all public schools. The program aims to pave the way for the institutionalization of a national feeding program that will allow impoverished children to attain full development. Poe said her administration will also infuse substantial amount of the national budget to uplift the agriculture industry, one of the most neglected sectors and host to the poorest members of the society. "Ang pinakamahihirap na ating mga kababayan ay nasa sektor ng agrikultura, at alam naman po natin na mismong nagtatanim ng palay at bigas ay sila pa po ay bumibili pa ng bigas sa palengke," Poe pointed out. The presidential frontrunner said farmers should be provided with agricultural subsidies, such as fertilizers and irrigation, given the important role they play in achieving food security. "Huwag nating pababayaan ang sektor ng agrikultura Importante po 'yan sapagkat habang may nagugutom sa ating bansa, hindi natin pwedeng sabihin na nagiging matagumpay ang ating ekonomiya," Poe said. Among others, Poe is pushing for inclusive, rapid and sustainable growth in which no one is left behind under the "Gobyernong may Puso." Press Release February 22, 2016 French Ambassador to Legarda: You're an Inspiration, Always in Action "I prefer to use two simple words to describe your achievements and to explain why we decided to give you this honor--inspiration and action." These were the words of French Ambassador Thierry Mathou as he bestowed upon Senator Loren Legarda the title of Chevalier (Knight) in the Ordre national de la legion d'Honneur (National Order of the French Legion of Honor). The Legion of Honor is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and is one of the most prestigious French distinctions. Legarda was given the award for her invaluable contribution in strengthening bilateral ties between the Philippines and France, especially her commitment to the fight against climate change and to the promotion of culture and heritage. "All your life you have been inspired by noble causes, by the necessity to promote democracy in this country, by the necessity to fight for the rights of women, of children, of indigenous peoples, by the importance of culture, and by the necessity to promote our planet, our nature, and to fight against climate change, which has become the major challenge of this century and your major advocacy," said Mathou during the conferment ceremony held at his residence in Makati City on February 18. "Many say that in all those moments, you became an inspiration for all your colleagues, all your friends, in the Philippines, in Asia and globally as you have been named a champion by the United Nations in the fight against climate change," he added. The French Ambassador also said that Legarda is "constantly in the action and action is the second best word to describe your achievements," enumerating the Senator's accomplishments in her three terms as a legislator, including the laws she authored; the programs she spearheaded, particularly on environmental protection, heritage preservation, and climate change adaptation; and the beliefs she upholds such as the need to redefine development. "You have been with us all the way. A couple of years ago, you helped us organize an exhibition in Paris about the culture in this country. You have been with us in the long journey that led to the Climate Change conference in Paris last December," he said. Legarda supported the showcase of ancient Filipino artifacts during the Philippines: Archipelago of Exchanges exhibit at the Musee de Quai Branly in Paris in 2013. The Senator also helped in crafting the 2015 Manila Call to Action for Climate Change, which was signed by President Francois Hollande and President Benigno Aquino III and which Legarda read side by side with French actress Marion Cotillard in Malacanang. "Because of all that, because you share our values, France shares the same values with you, because you are an inspiration, because you are always in the action, it is a privilege of France to bestow on you the title of Knight of the Legion of Honor," said Mathou. In response, Legarda said, "The distinguished history of the award, and its long list of illustrious awardees leave me grateful and humbled; but more importantly, tremendously inspired to live up to the noble principles this award represents." "My journey as a 'legionnaire' has begun. I recognize that as in any award, there are responsibilities. I intend to fulfill these by serving as a vanguard of our countries' great alliance," Legarda concluded. Myanmar's pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, whom Legarda met following the former's release from house arrest in 2011, is also a legionnaire with the rank of Commander. Filipinos who have previously been given the Legion of Honor award include the late President Corazon Aquino, General Carlos P. Romulo, journalists Teodoro Benigno and Max Soliven, former Speaker of the House Jose de Venecia, former Bank of the Philippine Islands President Aurelio "Gigi" Montinola III, and Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairman Briccio Santos. Press Release February 22, 2016 Sen. Marcos says Santiago outshone rivals in presidential debates Vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. believes his presidential running mate Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago outshone her rivals in the presidential debates held in Cagayan De Oro on Sunday. Apart from Senator Santiago, all other presidential candidates took part in the Commission on Election-sponsored debates, including Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, former Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas III, Senator Grace Poe, and Vice President Jejomar Binay. "I think she did very well, kagaya ng inaasahan nating lahat. Alam naman nating lahat na pag debate ang pinag-uusapan ay si Senator Santiago ang talagang hasang-hasa dyan at sanay na sanay dyan," Marcos said in an ambush interview during a break on his sortie yesterday in Muntinlupa City. Marcos said it was obvious in the presidential debates that compared to other candidates, Santiago had a deeper appreciation and analysis of the problems affecting the country today as well as the applicable practical solutions. "Ganyan talaga ang ugali ni Sen. Santiago, hindi shallow, hindi peripheral, hindi tangential ang kanyang pag-iisip kundi pinupuntahan na talaga kung ano yung puno't dulo ng problema at yun kagabi ang nakita natin," Marcos said. However, Marcos thinks it would help the voters make a better assessment and comparison of the capabilities of the candidates if in the next round of debates they would be made to answer common questions on specific issues. After consolidating his support in the "Solid North", on the first two weeks of the campaign, Marcos has begun his foray yesterday into the CALABARZON (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon) area, which the Commission on Election tagged as having the most number of voters in the country at 7.6 million. Marcos is thankful for the warm reception he got from the people of Muntinlupa. Meanwhile, Marcos believes the issue of Santiago's health will not affect their campaign at all. There were earlier calls for presidential candidates to bare their health record, particularly directed at Santiago who had admitted having Stage 4 lung cancer but eventually said she has beaten it. "She's fine. Of course she has a condition that she has to take care of. But other than that, she is handling the campaign very well," said Marcos. "If she says she's okay, I believe that," he added. Marcos also said it's not health but strategic reason why he and Santiago are not oftentimes seen together in campaign sorties, particularly to enable them to reach as many people as possible that they wouldn't be able to do if they would always go together. "Umiikot sya sa mga college. Ganyan naman talaga ang ginagawa ng mga kandidato sa campaign para mas maraming mapuntahan," he said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The year Marie Hatch moved into the wood-shingled cottage in tony Burlingame that she calls home, Harry Truman was president and Goodnight Irene was a radio hit. Her landlord and friend, Vivian Kruse, told her she could live in the cottage until she died. Fast-forward 66 years. Kruse is dead, her daughter is dead, and her granddaughter is dead. They each passed down the lifetime guarantee of tenancy for Hatch but when the final woman died, so did the verbal agreement, the current landlord says. Thats why he is evicting Hatch, who is now 97, fighting cancer and long both single and retired from her bakery job. She says she will probably wind up in the street if she has to leave. On Feb. 11, she was served with a 60-day notice to vacate the house or be tossed out by sheriffs deputies. Tenant advocates say her plight is emblematic of a growing eviction and rent-hike horror overtaking non-homeowners in San Mateo County. Theyre trying to take away everything from me here, Hatch said as she sat in her tidy living room, where fading photos of family gaze down on her collections of tiny ceramic bunnies and kitties. Gee whiz, I dont know what Ill do if I have to leave. I have a lot of tears, a lot of happiness, a lot of memories in this house. It is my home. Where can I go? Roommates uncertainty Her misery has very close company her sublet roommate and friend of 32 years, Georgia Rothrock. At 85, Rothrock also has few options. Between the two of them, they pay about $900 monthly rent, which chews up much of their Social Security checks. Neither of the women can afford a new, more expensive place to live or have relatives they can move in with. Landlord David Kantz tells his own version of the turn of events. He says he feels terrible that he is evicting Hatch, but the trust left behind by his wife the third of the previous landlord women who are now deceased expires in July, and he is duty-bound to sell the property on behalf of his two sons. Previous landlord slain He became the current landlord, he pointed out, when his wife was slain in 2006. The Kantzes were getting divorced when Pamela Kantz, 55, was killed by her boyfriend, Tony McClung, who is serving an 11-year prison term for voluntary manslaughter. We have come to this unexpected confluence of events, and I am responsible to do the best I can for the beneficiaries my sons, said Kantz, who lives in the Sierra foothills town of Coloma (El Dorado County). I just kind of inherited this property and the assumptions that werent really written down, and now I have to unwind it. He said family lore does indeed contend that his wifes grandmother, Vivian Kruse, told Hatch she could stay for life, but theres no contract. Theres nothing in my wifes will that directs me to do anything other than what is best for the beneficiaries. And best, he said, is not hard to determine, at least monetarily. The little century-old house that was bought for a few thousand dollars by his wifes ancestors is currently listed on the Zillow real estate website at $1.2 million. I didnt want to say, Were going to just throw you out, but I thought I would give her plenty of notice, said Kantz, who sent his first letter of eviction intention in early December. There is no one part of this whole thing I dont feel bad about. I feel bad for the elderly lady, I feel bad for my sons, I feel bad for me. Rents have skyrocketed across the Bay Area in the past couple of years, but the problem is particularly acute in wealthy San Mateo County, which has the second-highest rate of income inequality after Marin County, according to the Silicon Valley Institute for Regional Studies. A recent study by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors shows that rent in the county for a two-bedroom unit has increased by a wallet-busting 51 percent over the past four years. No protections for anybody Federal guidelines indicate rent is unaffordable when it exceeds 30 percent of a households income which means that in San Mateo County, a household must earn at least $106,000 to afford the average current monthly rent of $2,648 for a two-bedroom unit, according to the county study. U.S. census data show that about 35 percent of renter families in San Mateo County are paying more than 30 percent of their income for housing. Maries case is one of the most egregious examples of whats going on in this county with renters, said Cindy Cornell, 66, who founded the Burlingame Advocates for Renter Protections community group two years ago when her own rent was raised $850 a month at a seniors complex. There is no rent control here at all. No protections for anybody. She is leading an effort to place a measure on the November ballot that would institute rental and eviction safeguards in Burlingame, replacing a 1988 law that prohibits rent control in the city. The severity of the recent rent increases in all of San Mateo County, not just Burlingame, is compelling Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Hillsborough, to hold a town hall meeting on the subject Monday night. Seats for the 7 p.m. event at St. Bartholomew Auditorium in the city of San Mateo have been booked solid in advance, but the meeting will be broadcast live on Peninsula Television and streamed at PenTV. Meanwhile, Hatchs neighbor also being evicted by Kantz, since he owns her home and wants to sell it has joined with Cornells group to help the woman and her roommate fight the eviction. Legal help Cheryl Graczewski, a 43-year-old education policy researcher, connected Hatch and Rothrock with a Legal Aid attorney on Friday. She said she and her tech-worker husband are fortunate enough to be able to pay higher rent at the place they are moving to in March. But for Marie, its different, she said. Marie has no money, really, and no real choices, Graczewski said. I dont see her moving out of the house and surviving. It would break her heart. Kevin Fagan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kfagan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KevinChron This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Corrosion in the Bay Bridges Yerba Buena Island tunnel that caused a concrete chunk to break loose last month, narrowly missing a motorist, is more widespread than Caltrans first believed, The Chronicle has learned. Caltrans has found 12 spots in the tunnel where concrete was in danger of breaking away from the wall since a Jan. 30 incident in which a tire-size piece fell into traffic on the lower deck, causing more than $3,000 in damage to a car that ran over it, officials said. A Caltrans official initially described that incident as isolated, but subsequent tests found more locations with corrosion-caused damage, all in the eastbound lower tunnel. They ranged in size from roughly 3 by 3 inches to 2 by 3 feet, and were found on both sides of the tunnel, said Ken Brown, a Caltrans engineer who oversees Bay Bridge maintenance. Its possible the problem is still more extensive. Brown said Caltrans found the latest problem spots by using a basic test workers tapped the concrete with a hammer to see if it sounded hollow. But that method cant detect less-severe cracks and corrosion on the large portions of the 1,800-foot-long tunnel that are covered with paint, and Caltrans will have to use more sophisticated inspections there. Nothing urgent Despite the potential for additional damage, Caltrans officials downplayed the danger to motorists. Dan McElhinney, deputy district chief for the agency, said the immediate issue of falling concrete has been resolved by removing loose material from the tunnel walls. He called the corrosion minor, but important. We have checked all the walls there is no risk of spalling in the near term, McElhinney said, using the term for concrete falling away from a surface due to corrosion. We dont see anything urgent at this point. Brown added, We dont think we have a big issue right now. But until we finish our investigation, we dont know anything for certain. Leaking rainwater The corrosion culprit, Brown said, is rainwater, which is apparently leaking through some of the more than 250 drain openings on the upper deck to the tunnel below. The upper and lower tunnels are separated by a deck that was installed in 1964, after rail service was eliminated on the lower deck. Reinforced-concrete sections that make up the deck sit atop 12-inch-wide concrete ledges on either side of the tunnel, cushioned at contact points by half-inch-thick Masonite pads. Over the years, rainwater leaking through the drain openings has apparently soaked some of those 512 pads, causing them to expand downward and create cracks in the lower tunnels concrete walls, Brown said. Water can then flow into those cracks and corrode steel rebar, which expands and pushes the concrete away from the wall a phenomenon known as pop-out. Thats what happened in the Jan. 30 incident, which Caltrans officials said was unprecedented in the lower tunnel. On the Masonite pad where the concrete failed last month, Brown said, it looked like it had swelled, and that it had frayed. Caltrans said at the time that the tunnel had been visually checked for corrosion damage in July and that crews had found no problems. But the hammer test, Brown said, apparently had not been done since 2004. Brown said that besides replacing compromised concrete in the lower tunnel, Caltrans may have to remove hundreds of Masonite pads and replace them with rubberized pads. That should make it less likely that new cracks will form to allow rainwater to infiltrate the lower-tunnel walls, Brown said. We would clean it off, prep and put the concrete back in, he said. Brown said the work would probably require at least nighttime lane closures, but that the extent of the job is still unknown. Well look at the big picture and try to figure out what to do then, Brown said. The Masonite may contain asbestos, experts say, which would require that the work area be sealed off, complicating the job for crews and motorists. Mystery system Adding to Caltrans challenge is that the 1960s drawings for the tunnel deck do not spell out exactly how the drainage system works, Brown said. Without that information, Caltrans faces a challenge in figuring out how to keep water from flowing into the Masonite pads that arent replaced. We are looking at both keeping the water out and dealing with any issues we have with the bearing pads, Brown said. The long-term goal is to prevent any kind of continued deterioration so we dont have any major issues. In the meantime, Caltrans has to test the rest of the lower tunnel for damage. Because much of the walls are covered with paint and road dust, workers will have to use X-rays or other advanced equipment to look for hidden cracks, Brown said. We would have to bring in specialists, he said. Federal Highway Administration officials will help guide the process, Brown said. We brought (the agency) in to advise us, to get a feel from what they are seeing in other tunnels, he said. Brown said that although the wall is not considered at danger of catastrophic failure, the incident last month is a reminder that even isolated corrosion can be a threat to motorists. I would say any time a piece of concrete falls from a structure, its a concern, Brown said. Weve seen some minor cracking in the past, but nothing to indicate something would be popping off. Aging infrastructure Brown said the cost of repairs will come from a fund of about $70 million a year for rehabilitation projects on the Bay Areas seven state-owned toll bridges. We dont have exact costs, he said. McElhinney said such problems are bound to become apparent as the states roads and bridges age. We have to do some more work, both in this tunnel and elsewhere, to improve our aging infrastructure, he said. Jaxon Van Derbeken is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jvanderbeken@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jvanderbeken The heated rhetoric between Apple and the FBI got a few degrees hotter over the weekend with both sides digging in their heels over whether the government can force the tech giant to create a tool to help bypass security functions on an iPhone used by one of the terrorists responsible for the San Bernardino attacks in December. In a company-wide internal memo from CEO Tim Cookobtained by BuzzFeedthe company called on the government to rescind its court order, based on the All Writs Act of 1789, and instead let the issue be decided by a commission of experts. We feel the best way forward would be for the government to withdraw its demands under the All Writs Act and, as some in Congress have proposed, form a commission or other panel of experts on intelligence, technology and civil liberties to discuss the implications for law enforcement, national security, privacy and personal freedoms, Cook wrote. Apple would gladly participate in such an effort. Cooks memo went out just hours after FBI Director James Comey issued his own statement on the matter, calling for discussion on finding a balance between two core American values. I hope folks will take a deep breath and stop saying the world is ending, but instead use that breath to talk to each other, Comey wrote. Although this case is about the innocents attacked in San Bernardino, it does highlight that we have awesome new technology that creates a serious tension between two values we all treasureprivacy and safety. The tug-of-war between the government and one of the countrys most popular companies comes as investigators continue to try and piece together background information on the two assailants in the Dec. 2 attack, which killed 14 people. The phone in question, which belonged to Syed Farook, is password protected and, if the wrong password is entered too many times, all data on the phone could be erased. Comey insisted that all the government wants is access to this one device, adding the San Bernardino litigation isnt about trying to set a precedent or send any kind of message. We dont want to break anyones encryption or set a master key loose on the land. I hope thoughtful people will take the time to understand that, Comey wrote. Maybe the phone holds the clue to finding more terrorists. Maybe it doesnt. But we cant look the survivors in the eye, or ourselves in the mirror, if we dont follow this lead. But Cook has repeatedly countered that even if the company were to create a backdoor for the government in this one instance, the mere existence of such technology would effectively put every other iPhone user at risk. It is certainly possible to create an entirely new operating system to undermine our security features as the government wants, Cook wrote. But its something we believe is too dangerous to do. The only way to guarantee that such a powerful tool isnt abused and doesnt fall into the wrong hands is to never create it. The back and forth between Apple and the FBI kicked off last week after a ruling by federal Magistrate Judge Sheri Pym, in which she told the company it would be required to produce specialized software for the feds so they could bypass the auto-erase feature on Farooks work phone. Since then, protesters have taken to the sidewalks in front of Apple stores to voice their support for the companys stand against the government and Cook said hes received thousands of emails from customers who were overwhelmingly supportive. More protests are planned this week. Meanwhile, the government has gained the support of the families of the victims from the deadly shooting, with many of them filing legal papers in support of the government, according to a report from the Daily Mail. Despite the groundswell of public support that Cook noted, a poll conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 51 percent of more than 1,000 people surveyed said Apple should unlock the phone. Another 38 percent said they should not and 11 percent said they did not know. Cook sounded dismayed that the public rift had grown so rancorous. Apple is a uniquely American company. It does not feel right to be on the opposite side of the government in a case centering on the freedoms and liberties that government is meant to protect. he wrote. But, he continued, we feel strongly that if we were to do what the government has asked of us to create a backdoor to our products not only is it unlawful, but it puts the vast majority of good and law abiding citizens, who rely on iPhone to protect their most personal and important data, at risk. Kale Williams is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kwilliams@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfkale Source: Alphabet Comcast subscribers could soon enjoy dramatically faster downloads. In December, Comcast installed the world's first consumer-grade DOCIS 3.1 cable modem. Capable of handling download speeds on par with Google Fiber, DOCIS 3.1 represents a dramatic step forward for Comcast's Internet offerings, and the cable giant plans to roll the technology out to several key territories later this year, including Chicago, Detroit, and Miami. Alphabet's fledgling fiber service, which is now separate from its core search business, could be rendered superfluous. A huge step forward for existing cable wires The average U.S. internet connection was about 12Mbps per second last year, according to Akamai. That's more than fast enough to stream high-definition video, download entire albums in mere minutes, and play video games online. But next-generation technologies, such as 4K video, virtual reality, and increasingly complex cloud computing applications demand more. The growing Internet-of-Things, with its emphasis on connected appliances, sensors, and wearables, will also strain existing connections. Google Fiber currently offers its customers 1Gbps connections, which is around 80-times faster than the U.S. average, and considerably faster than what most Comcast subscribers are getting. This has led to widespread support for the service, and pleas and petitions from desperate consumers eager to take advantage of the speed Google is offering. Last year, Comcast launched a fiber service of its own: Gigabit Pro. With download speeds of up to 2 Gbps, Comcast's fiber offering is actually better than Alphabet's, running twice as fast. But it's expensive -- around $300 per month plus installation costs -- and limited to select markets. Like Google Fiber, Gigabit Pro relies on fiber connections. That often means installing entirely new infrastructure, a costly and sluggish process. It varies regionally, but existing Comcast subscribers can often get connections of up to 100 Mbps using Comcast's DOCIS 3.0 modems over existing cable lines. The DOCIS 3.0 standard is theoretically capable of supporting 1Gbps connections, but most DOCIS 3.0 modems top out at around 300 Mbps. Comcast's new DOCIS 3.1 modems, however, can easily handle 1Gbps download speeds, and max out at a blazing fast 10 Gbps. That means that Comcast will soon be able to provide its customers fiber-like speeds without having to go through the trouble of laying new wires. Comcast hasn't announced pricing for the service just yet, but it should be cheaper than Gigabit Pro, and available to virtually every Comcast subscriber -- not just the select few who live within its fiber footprint. Comcast had more than 23 million broadband subscribers at the end of last quarter. In markets where it faces competition, DOCIS 3.1 should help it take share from rivals. It could also help generate additional revenue as existing customers upgrade to faster connections. A benefit to Alphabet shareholders Even if Comcast were to take customers directly from Google Fiber, this development should be applauded by Alphabet shareholders. Last quarter, for the first time, Alphabet broke out the results of its ventures unrelated to its core Internet services. Alphabet's Other Bets category -- which includes Google Fiber -- generated less than 1% of the company's revenue. Nearly all of Google's products, including search, gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Play, depend on ubiquitous broadband connections to function. Alphabet consistently cites broadband connection quality as a major risk factor for its business in its annual report, as malfunctioning or sluggish connections could limit its customers' ability to use its products. But the opposite is also true. Given that Google owns many of the web's most popular properties, Comcast customers with 1 Gbps connections are more likely to spend time with Google's products -- generating more advertising revenue for the company in the process. The widespread adoption of these superfast connections should also make it possible for Google to introduce entirely new products, ones currently unfeasible given the relative state of the Internet. Of course, this was likely Google's plan all along. Google Fiber has made its way to a handful of cities, and plans to expand to several more, but it's unlikely Google would ever have become a major Internet provider. Simply by threatening competition, Google was able to successfully coax Internet service providers in the U.S. to dramatically improve their products. The next billion-dollar iSecret The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something at its recent event, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here. The article Comcast's New Modem Could Crush Google Fiber originally appeared on Fool.com. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Sam Mattera has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares) and Alphabet (C shares). Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days . We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Two women were killed Sunday afternoon when a car they were in plowed into a cement wall across the street from Vallejo City Hall, officials said. When police and paramedics arrived at the wreck, they found a driver and passenger, both unconscious, inside a 1998 Toyota Camry. The passenger, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene, and the 72-year-old driver, a Vallejo woman, was airlifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, where she died from her injuries, police said. The body of a 22-year-old San Jose woman missing since she left a party in Hayward last weekend has been found, Hayward police said Sunday. Stacey Aguilars body was discovered Saturday and the Alameda County Coroners Bureau is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death, Hayward police Sgt. Ryan Cantrell said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A man was fatally shot in a brazen attack Sunday afternoon across the street from a San Francisco police station in the Western Addition. The gunman opened fire at 2:48 p.m., hitting the victim, who was in the passenger seat of a white Dodge sedan that was leaving a McDonalds parking lot on Fillmore Street and Golden Gate Avenue, said police Sgt. Anthony Manfreda. The victim scrambled out the drivers side and ran a few steps, but collapsed on the sidewalk near a bus stop, Manfreda said. Paramedics took him to San Francisco General Hospital, where he later died. Police were interviewing the driver, who was not injured, and other witnesses. Detectives were also looking at video surveillance recordings. The attacker, who witnesses described as a young man wearing dark clothing, then ran through the parking lot and got into another car, which sped east on Golden Gate toward Webster Street, Manfreda said. Police didnt immediately know if the attack was a random or targeted shooting, Manfreda said. The gunman had approached the passenger side and looked inside before firing, he said. The car could not move because of traffic and was a sitting duck, he said. The shooting happened across the street from Northern District Police Station. The gunfire could be heard around the block at a nearby church, and the sounds sent bystanders running for cover. One woman said she and her child had just ordered food, but they ran out of the restaurant in fear when shots rang out. Sam Lin, who works at another restaurant across the street, didnt see the shooting, but ducked behind his front counter when he heard five or six shots. He said officers ran to the scene almost immediately, but said having the police station on the same block doesnt deter crime in the neighborhood. They dont fear the cops, Lin said. As investigators examined multiple bullet holes punched through the cars door and window, Manfreda said the police station alone is not a deterrent. Manfreda called the homicide brazen because it happened in the middle of the afternoon, and there was a lot of pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic. Unfortunately, its not the first time its happened. Angelica Casas, Benny Evangelista and Evan Sernoffsky are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: bevangelista@sfchronicle.com, esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChronicleBenny, @EvanSernoffsky Voters in 20 U.S. states could potentially legalize some form of cannabis use in the November 2016 election part of a historic backlash to the century-old war on marijuana. According to Ballotpedia, the encyclopedia of American politics, activists have submitted ballot measures for public vote in: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate KALAMAZOO, Mich. A gunman who seemed to choose his victims at random opened fire outside an apartment complex, a car dealership and a restaurant in Michigan, killing at least six people during a rampage that lasted almost seven hours, officials said. Authorities identified the shooter as Jason Dalton, a 45-year-old Uber driver who police said had no criminal record. They could not say what motivated him in the Saturday night shootings to shoot victims with no apparent connection to him or to each other. How do you go and tell the families of these victims that they werent targeted for any reason other than they were there to be a target? Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting said Sunday at a news conference. Dalton, who was arrested in Kalamazoo after a huge manhunt, is expected to be arraigned Monday on murder charges. Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas described a terrifying series of attacks that began about 6 p.m. Saturday outside the Meadows apartment complex on the eastern edge of Kalamazoo County, where a woman was shot multiple times. She is expected to survive. A little more than four hours later and 15 miles away, Richard Smith, 53, and his 17-year-old son, Tyler, were fatally shot while looking at cars at the dealership. Fifteen minutes after that, five people were gunned down in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel restaurant, Matyas said. Four of them died. These are random murders, Matyas said. The four were identified as Mary Lou Nye, 62, of Baroda, and Mary Jo Nye, 60, Barbara Hawthorne, 68, and Dorothy Brown, 74, all of Battle Creek. Dalton was arrested without incident about 12:40 a.m. Sunday when a deputy spotted his vehicle in downtown Kalamazoo after leaving a bar parking lot, authorities said. Matyas declined to disclose anything found in the vehicle except for a semiautomatic handgun. Authorities investigated a Facebook post that indicated the suspect was driving for Uber during the manhunt and had taken at least one fare, Getting said. A spokeswoman for Uber confirmed that Dalton had driven for the company in the past, but she declined to say whether he was driving Saturday night. Uber prohibits both passengers and drivers from possessing guns of any kind in a vehicle. Anyone found to be in violation of the policy may be prohibited from using or driving for the service. A man who knows Dalton said he was a married father of two who never showed any signs of violence. Daltons wife and children were unhurt, authorities said. Connor Radnovich/The Chronicle A man who ventured to one of San Franciscos most scenic view spots to take pictures of the sunrise over the weekend was forcibly robbed of his camera, authorities said, the latest in a string of violent incidents at the popular sightseeing spot. On Saturday around 6:30 a.m., the victim, identified only as a 26-year-old man, went to Twin Peaks to snap some pictures of the sun coming up over the East Bay, said Officer Albie Esparza, a police spokesman. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Australian brand Rip Curl, known for their surf wear and snow gear, is under fire after admitting one of their clothing collections was manufactured in a North Korean clothing factory even though the labels read, Made in China." Their Winter 2015 Mountain-wear collection was manufactured in the Taedonggang Clothing Factory in North Korea, which is known for their slave-like work conditions. Rip Curl explained that they were aware of the issue regarding their 2015 winter collection, but said they only found out after production. They also stated their disapproval of having their clothes manufactured in the North Korean facility. Human Rights Watch wrote that forced and uncompensated labor is a common practice in Taedonggang Clothing Factory, where university students and even children work. Employees are punished if they dont report for work at assigned workplaces. Punishments include being forced into labor camps, physical abuse from guards and being treated inhumanely. Rip Curl blamed their supplier, explaining they shifted manufacturing to the North Korean facility without Rip Curl's acknowledgment, Mashable reported. "This was a case of a supplier diverting part of their production order to an unauthorized subcontractor, with the production done from an unauthorized factory, in an unauthorized country, without our knowledge or consent, in clear breach of our supplier terms and policies, Rip Curl said in a released statement, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald. But Dr. Helen Szoke, chief executive of Oxfam Australia, a charity focused on fighting poverty, thought the company needed to own up to the incident and not blame their supplier. "Rip Curl has no excuse for being unaware of what is happening, Szoke told The Sydney Morning Herald. Companies are responsible for human rights abuses within their businesses not only morally but also within international human rights frameworks." An investigation by Fairfax Media revealed that workers at the North Korean clothing factory were indeed contracted to make some of Rip Curl's 2015 winter range clothing, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. Its unclear if the company made an effort to inform their customers about the issue before Fairfax Medias investigation. Oil covering at least nine birds that have been rescued in the Monterey Bay area since late last year has been traced to a leaking cargo ship that sunk off the California coast more than 60 years ago, according to a local bird rescue center. Since December, International Bird Rescue's wildlife center in Fairfield has cared for the oiled birds, which were rescued along beaches in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. Feather samples sent to a lab have confirmed that the oil came from the S.S. Jacob Luckenbach, a vessel that sank in 180 feet of water on July 14, 1953, about 17 miles west-southwest of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. The cargo vessel was loaded with 457,000 gallons of bunker fuel and has been leaking sporadically over the years. The leaks are more common in the winter months because of strong currents, which bring the oil to the ocean's surface, bird rescue officials said. "International Bird Rescue exists to help mitigate human impacts on birds, and the Luckenbach unfortunately is a huge human mistake that continues to taint these beautiful seabirds," International Bird Rescue executive director J.D. Bergeron said in a statement. Of the nine birds recently rescued, three have been released back into the wild, two remain in care and four have died. Oil can harm a bird because it sticks to their feathers, causing them to mat and separate, which can impair the feathers' waterproofing effect. That in turn, can expose the animal's sensitive skin to extreme temperatures, causing the bird to either freeze or overheat. Birds will instinctively try to get the oil off by using their mouth, resulting in the animal ingesting the oil and damaging its internal organs, according to bird rescue officials. Over the years, International Bird Rescue estimates that it has treated thousands of birds covered in oil from mystery spills. In early 2002, oil from the S.S. Jacob Luckenbach was first linked to several mystery spills, including an incident in Point Reyes in 1997 and another in San Mateo in 2001. By September 2002, the U.S. Coast Guard helped remove more than 100,000 gallons of fuel oil from the sunken vessel and sealed the remaining oil inside, including about 29,000 gallons that could not be reached and pumped out of the ship's tank. Last year, nearly 500 birds were affected by a mysterious substance described as goo. The goo-covered birds first started showing up in the waters around the East Bay and the Peninsula on Jan. 16, 2015. In February 2015, state and federal labs determined that the mysterious substance included fats or oils that were not petroleum-based. Despite finding it on the birds, however, none of the goo was ever found in the water or on the beaches. "The oceans are becoming less and less hospitable for birds and other marine wildlife, even without these toxins. We step up to help because we believe every bird matters, and we're grateful for the incredible community support we get," Bergeron said. Bird rescue officials recommend that anyone who spots an oiled animal should not approach or touch it, but instead should call the Oil Wildlife Care Network at (877) 823-6926. Emma Coronel Aispuro, the ex-beauty queen wife of the worlds most notorious drug trafficker, spoke for the first time about her relationship with Joaquin El Chapo Guzman over the weekend. In the wide-ranging interview, Coronel, 26, disputed seemingly everything about her husbands fantastical and horrific profession. Authorities arrested Guzman on January 8 in Los Mochis, in the accused drug lords home state of Sinaloa. Hes since remained in solitary confinement in the maximum security prison El Altiplano the same institute he escaped from in early 2014 (he also escaped from a different prison in 2001). THE ESCAPE: Fast and Furious gun recovered at drug lord El Chapo's hideout Another escape appears unlikely, Coronel told the Los Angeles Times and Telemundo on Sunday. She said Mexican officials have ramped up security at the facility, and are retaliating for his previous getaway, which used a tunnel carved out below a prison shower. "They want to make him pay for his escape," Coronel, 26, said. "They say that they are not punishing him. Of course they are. They are there with him, watching him in his cell. They don't let him sleep. He has no privacy, not even to go to the restroom." BUSTED: 24 members of El Chapo's Sinaloa Cartel arrested, says ICE Coronel went on an all-out defense of the 58-year-old alleged drug traffickers lifestyle. She denied reports that hes violent towards women. She said hes never done drugs in front of her and plays down his opulence. She refers to the Mexican government as trying to get even with him for the embarrassment hes caused him. The couple met after Guzman saw the teenage Coronel win a beauty pageant at the Coffee and Guava Fair in the city of Canelas. They married the day she turned 18, on July 2, 2007. She is Guzmans third wife and, in 2011, she gave birth to twin girls in Los Angeles. Coronel was born in San Francisco and has dual citizenship in the U.S. and Mexico. Pope to Mexican youth: Jesus doesn't want you to be hit men The former pageant winner said she fears for Guzmans life. Coronel added shell follow him to the U.S. where hes expected to be extradited to face a number of federal charges. I will follow to wherever he is, she said. I am in love with him. He is the father of my children. The Clinton political dynasty is still alive. The Bush dynasty has been routed. Their contrasting fates, to this point at least, tell us much about our two parties, the nature of this years presidential election, and the dueling legacies themselves. The Republican and Democratic contests are very different, beginning with the fact that Hillary Clinton did not have to deal with Donald Trump, who targeted Jeb Bush with a viciousness rarely seen in contemporary politics. For months, the self-contained former Florida governor responded ineffectually to an opponent who flouted all the norms. This only made it easier for Trump to mock him as low energy and weak. Bush was also entitled to a certain bitterness as he watched Marco Rubio, his ambitious and impatient protege, seize his natural base in the party: voters who loathe both Trump and Ted Cruz. Rubios definition of loyalty did not include yielding to his one-time mentor. Bush finally found his voice toward the end of his campaign, and he often stood alone in denouncing Trumps brutal Islamophobia. He thereby bravely upheld the most estimable parts of his familys public service tradition. But his efforts came too late, and were, in any event, out of tune with so many in a party eager to respond to angry and exclusionary rhetoric. Clinton now faces only one opponent, and Bernie Sanders, especially in contrast to the often thuggish behavior of Republican candidates toward each other, has been positively courtly. Building a durable progressive wing of the Democratic Party clearly matters more to him than scoring points off Clinton. Still, Sanders has exposed real weaknesses in Clintons long-term position. The issues he has used against her particularly her ties to Wall Street and her acceptance of large speaking fees from financial firms are matters Republicans will surely bring up again should she secure the Democratic nomination. In a party whose election victories are increasingly dependent on heavy turnout among younger voters (when they dont show up, the Democrats lose, as they did in 2010 and 2014), Sanders has overwhelmed Clinton among those under 45. He did it again in Nevadas caucuses on Saturday. Clintons trust deficit is a cliche. But, like her weakness among the young, it remains part of her own ongoing legacy problem. According to the entrance poll reported by CNN, a quarter of Nevada caucus-goers listed honesty and trustworthiness as the most important qualities they were seeking in a candidate; they backed Sanders by about 6-to-1. Clinton prevailed anyway and her Nevada victory dealt Sanders a serious blow. The states caucus system gave Sanders energetic followers a real chance at victory. He fell short. Endurance under trial is a defining characteristic of a Clinton brand that also has the benefit of being less established than the Bush trademark. The Clintons have been in the public consciousness since 1992. Bushes have been in presidential politics since 1980 and on the national stage since 1952, when Prescott Bush, Jebs grandfather, entered the U.S. Senate. If the Clintons arent exactly Facebook, neither are they General Motors or Studebaker. And while frustration on the Democratic left with Bill Clintons pro-business policies has fed support for Sanders, the antipathy to both Bush presidencies on the Republican right runs far deeper. As Laura Ingraham, the conservative talk radio host, told the Washington Post in 2015: The Bushes have always underestimated the depth of the bases dissatisfaction with their policies. Moreover, even some of Bushs natural allies among Republican professionals worried that public memories of the peaceful and prosperous Bill Clinton years were much fonder than those of a George W. Bush presidency characterized by an unpopular war and a financial meltdown. These problems fed an ambivalence in the Bush circle about the legacy issue itself. Both the Bush and Clinton logos highlighted their first rather than last names. But the exclamation point in Jeb! paradoxically underscored his awareness of the lack of enthusiasm for another Bush presidency. Jeb can console himself that his son George P., a Texas politician, is already in the family business, and that being scorned by fellow Republicans is part of the familys tradition. When Prescott Bush successfully sought re-election to the Senate in 1956, his biographer Mickey Herskowitz recounts, some in the party hoped hed lose because of his stands in favor of immigration and higher taxes. I was amazed, Prescott Bush said, that they would take so small a view as that of a man who was trying to do his damnedest for the Republican Party. Jeb can relate. 2016, Washington Post Writers Group Email: ejdionne@washpost.com. Twitter: @EJDionne. Re: Painting of Texas hero Milam making its return to Alamo, Metro, Thursday: I cant wait to have the painting returned to the Alamo. This is a great event! Patricia Jackson Streets, not Sculley Re: Sculley in line for pay raise, extension; Manager now earns $400,000 in salary, front page, Feb. 13: I believe 95 percent of the people who live in San Antonio would agree with me on cutting City Manager Sheryl Sculleys salary in half and using the other half to fix our streets. Jerry Rossman Past haunts Demos Re: Double standard, Your Turn, Wednesday: The letter writer should ask: If the current president were a Republican and Democrats controlled the Senate, would Democrats demand finding a replacement for Judge Antonin Scalia this year? You dont have to wonder. Just look at what Sen. Chuck Schumer stated in 2007. Of course, Sen. Schumer is now saying they would have looked at any nomination from President George W. Bush before voting no. No matter how you slice it, its the same thing. Dennis Tyll If society did this Re: Class warfare camouflaging what our nation needs, Kathleen Parker, Other Views, Feb. 10: The commentary ended on a thoughtful note about class warfare: that it may inspire angry masses but is no way to run a county. As I prepared to vote in the primary, I reflected on rhetoric from both sides of the campaigns. I hear how one candidate will destroy a certain institution, another promises not to work with a certain governmental entity, and yet another condemns those who do not agree with them. It made me wonder what we would think if this argument were extended to other parts of our society. What if teachers ignored a child who doesnt look like them; a retailer turned away people who dont agree with her religious view; a CEO decided that employees from different backgrounds arent important to the companys success; or a law enforcement officer neglected to protect a citizen because of how he or she is dressed? Im not naive; I know some of these things are happening today, but I hope all our leaders work with and for all Americans instead of promising an autocratic rule representing only the candidates preferred class. Betsy Pasley Stop Trump? Why? My goodness, what is all this about trying to stop Donald Trump? He has as much right to step into the presidential ring as anyone. Is it because he is an outsider? That does not disqualify him, nor does his not being a governor. He is a successful businessman. Give the man a chance. We gave Barack Obama a chance, and he had no experience. This is why the president has a Cabinet that can feed him information on everything he needs to know. In reality, its a kind of learn-as-you-go process. If we find we dont like him, we fire him after four years. Who knows what Trump could bring to the table? J. W. Raines Jeb was out of touch Re: Bush is the best pick for GOP nomination, Editorial, Feb. 14: This is the year the electorate is finally and irretrievably fed up with establishment politicians and the media that promote the status quo. Some media have gotten the message but not the Express-News. The Editorial Board endorsed Jeb Bush, who already has suspended his campaign, in the Republican primary just to prove how out of touch it is. Americans are looking for excitement, authenticity and judgment all factors lacking in Bush, who laid out his plan to pursue his brothers footsteps. In the New Hampshire debate, he defended his family, which became an issue only because he dragged them out due to his low ratings. A grown man campaigning with his mother is a sorry enough sight, but he repeated his opinion that his father is the greatest man who has ever lived, in my mind. So the Express-News recommended we elect a man whose mind is so childlike and undeveloped that he thinks his daddy is greater than George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagannot to mention Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Shakespeare and Galileo. Lesley Wenger Wheres the magic? Im hoping that both the Trumpster and the Bernmeister will soon show us their magic wands. You know the ones that mysteriously transform wishful thinking into facts. Both their campaign slogans seem to be, I said it, therefore it will happen. And because some of us also believe it, we buy into it. Never mind that theres that sticky branch of government called Congress thats not about to commit any of its money to either cause. As for Bernie Sanders call for a bottoms-up revolution? Already happened. Thats the one that totally immunizes congressional incumbents from being bumped from their jobs. Lets hear it for gerrymandering. Hugh Barr Check the facts Fe: Fleeing Flint, Your Turn, Feb. 14: The water situation in Flint is obviously terrible, as noted by the letter writer. Sadly, his ignorance of the facts and his obvious liberal leanings seem to have driven him to twist the facts, ridiculously conflate the Syrian refugee crisis with the Flint crisis, and attempt to assign clear blame for the water issues on a first-term Republican governor who clearly inherited decades of mismanagement by Democrats in virtually all positions of power in Michigan. The author should check the facts and reassess the situation. Should the governor be concerned, and should he be out front in terms efforts to resolve Flints water issues? Absolutely. Is he already doing so? Yes. Give the guy a chance to do his job and quit looking for ways to point political fingers. To do otherwise would simply reveal the authors real motives. Bill Allen The weather in 2015 had a lot happening over 12 months, with El Nino and other weather systems that caused some oddball temperatures and weather phenomenon. A recently released video takes all of those weather stories from the year and puts it into perspective with a time-lapse visualization of the year in snow, storms and seasons. When Ken and Caretha Coleman went looking to buy a house in Los Altos Hills in 1982, they were already Silicon Valley success stories, with impressive resumes dating to the early days of personal computing at Hewlett-Packard. Yet, when they put a bid in on a nice home on a hill, the listing agent tried to block the sale. The real estate agent didnt think the neighborhood was ready for a black family, Ken Coleman said. The Colemans bought the place anyway. They then set out to prove the Realtor wrong, befriending neighbors and raising six children at the home where, 34 years later, Coleman is still stamped on the mailbox. The couple didnt see a neighborhood that might not want them. They saw a place that didnt know them. They felt the same way in Silicon Valleys largest companies, where African Americans and other minorities, along with women, were all but absent. And so they paved the way there as well, pushing against the conscious and largely unconscious bias in the hiring process. Peter DaSilva/Special to The Chronicle Nudging the status quo The couple perhaps arent visionaries in the traditional Silicon Valley way. They never invented a world-changing piece of technology. They didnt create a corporate empire or start a world-changing nonprofit. But they had a vision of a better world, and so they nudged it. They lived it. Year after year in executive board meetings, they asked questions about hiring practices. They sat in corporate conference rooms and prodded for answers, nudging the status quo, pushing for more opportunities for women and minorities in business. They never set out to fight for diversity, to be black role models or African American trailblazers or Silicon Valley visionaries, but they are among those nominated for the 2016 Visionary of the Year award sponsored by The Chronicle and the School of Economics and Business Administration at St. Marys College. My definition of a visionary is someone who is an innovator, who has had measurable impact in changing the environment in which they operate, said Pamela Joyner, founder of Avid Partners, who nominated the Colemans for the award. I think Ken and Caretha do that, and they do that all day long. Their coattails are long, she added. They frankly are key mentors to a successor generation of women and people of color in Silicon Valley and others, Joyner said. Decades of experience Four decades ago, Ken Coleman was among the first African Americans in the tech world, landing a job at Hewlett-Packard in 1972 after a tour of duty in Vietnam as an Air Force captain. He later worked in various firms, including Silicon Graphics, where he was a top executive, and then in his early 60s, rather than retire, he launched a software startup. Caretha Coleman, who had an African American father and Japanese mother, was the second black female tech executive in the region in the early 1980s, and later, among other positions in various companies, she was the chairwoman of the board for Dignity Health, one of the largest health care providers in the country. She also served as a director of the nonprofit Silicon Valley Community Foundation. She now runs a venture strategy consulting firm. In their spare time, they each have sat on several corporate and nonprofit boards through the years. Changing from within As they rose through the ranks, they leveraged their success and reputations in the boardrooms and corporate headquarters to support candidates of color for job openings or push venture capital for a new company created by women. When theyre sitting on those boardrooms and they raise a set of questions that other people havent raised, they have to have the credibility, Joyner said. I really believe corporate America changes from the inside like that. Ken Colemans mother was a maid and his father a factory worker; neither of them graduated high school. Coleman graduated from Ohio State with a bachelors degree and an MBA. Caretha Coleman grew up with her Baptist father and Buddhist mother but was raised in Massachusetts as a Catholic, in part to attend local parochial schools, later earning her associate arts degree. The couple are a little uncomfortable with the accolades. Sure, they have questioned the unconscious bias in boardrooms and personnel offices. Its just what you do, Ken Coleman said. Were trying to make the world a better place. Social systems like to re-create themselves; the natural order of things is sameness, he added. Ive just fought that and tried to help organizations confront that issue, he said. Were just creating opportunity for people. They have found themselves in positions to question the way things are done. If its not right, Im going to speak up, Caretha Coleman said. Its who you are and whats important to you. That said, were not one-issue people, Ken Coleman said. I would hope my legacy is because I lived this way, I had a positive impact on the people I touched. The couple, for example, count the construction of a YMCA in East Palo Alto as among their most significant accomplishments, leading efforts to raise the $15 million to build it. But advocating for diversity was more ingrained into everyday life. The Colemans didnt differentiate between qualified candidates based on race or any other factors. They simply pointed out that many people, including African Americans and women, were also qualified for jobs. Continuing struggle While Silicon Valley is certainly more diverse than when the Colemans arrived, its facing increasing criticism for an ongoing lack of women and people of color. At top tech firms, the vast majority of workers are men and most are white, according to reports out of Google and Yahoo. About 1 to 3 percent are black or Latino. If anyplace can fix this problem, its Silicon Valley, Ken Coleman said. Weve solved some of the worlds hardest problems here, he said. We just have to do it. THE LEAST DIVERSE JOBS IN THE COUNTRY: Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker Visionary of the Year award This is one of eight profiles of nominees for The Chronicles second annual Visionary of the Year award, which is presented in collaboration with St. Marys Colleges School of Economics and Business Administration. The honor salutes leaders who strive to make the world a better place and drive social and economic change by employing new, innovative business models and practices. The eight finalists were nominated by a distinguished committee that included Evan Marwell, CEO and co-founder of the nonprofit group Education SuperHighway; Pam Baer, founder and CEO of For Goodness Sake, a nonprofit foundation that created an e-commerce site to connect consumers with curated brands and nonprofits; Ron Conway, an angel investor and philanthropist; Ben Fong-Torres, a noted rock journalist, author and broadcaster; Pamela Joyner, founder of the strategic marketing consulting company Avid Partners LLC; Zhan Li, dean of St. Marys School of Economics and Business Administration; and John Diaz, The Chronicles editorial page editor. Chronicle Publisher Jeff Johnson, Editor in Chief Audrey Cooper and Diaz will select the winner, which will be announced during a March 29 ceremony. To read more, go to www.sfgate.com/visionsf. American wine industry trailblazer Peter Mondavi Sr. died Saturday, Feb. 20, at his home in St. Helena, on the property of his Charles Krug Winery. He was 101. A representative of the Mondavi family confirmed the news. Mr. Mondavi enjoyed a long career in the Napa Valley: His parents purchased the historic Charles Krug Winery in 1943, at a time when the handful of wineries that existed in Napa all specialized in cheap jug wine. In 1976, Mr. Mondavi succeeded his mother as Charles Krugs CEO; by the time he officially retired, in 2015, at the age of 100, he had firmly established Charles Krug as a producer of high-quality wines a reputation that helped advance the rest of Napa Valley. While Mr. Mondavis older brother Robert, who died in 2008, often gets the majority of the credit for putting Napa Valley on the map of global wine regions, it was Peter Mondavi who was responsible for the familys greatest scientific innovations in winemaking. He was the first in Napa to introduce French oak barrels for wine aging, in 1963, and the first to employ cold sterile filtration to prevent wine spoilage. His work with cold fermentation made it possible for Napa vintners to produce crisp white wines that wouldnt oxidize. His acquisition of 800 acres of vineyard land in the 1960s and 1970s helped to usher in a new standard for estate-grown wines in Napa. He was among the first to recognize Napas Carneros region formerly dominated by dairy cows as a prime spot for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It was Prohibition that prompted the Mondavi family to enter the California wine industry. Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, Italian immigrants who had settled in Minnesota, moved with their children to Lodi (San Joaquin County) in 1922 to start a grape-shipping business, sending California wine grapes back to home winemakers in Minnesota. The family subsequently purchased Sunny St. Helena winery (now Merryvale), and in 1943 bought Charles Krug, first established in 1861, for $75,000. Charles Krug Winery Mr. Mondavi studied economics at Stanford and then, with an eye toward a career in wine, did graduate work in chemistry at UC Berkeley. After serving in the Army during World War II, he came back to St. Helena to devote himself to the family business. He and his brother Robert brought complementary skills: Mr. Mondavi was the winemaker, Robert the businessman. Together with their parents, throughout the 1950s and 1960s, they built Charles Krug into one of Napas Big Four, a group that included Inglenook, Beaulieu Vineyards and Louis Martini. But a family feud caused Robert to leave Charles Krug in 1966 to found his eponymous winery. In the decades that followed, Robert Mondavi Winery gained international fame, but was plagued by further internal discord, which led to the winerys sale to Constellation Brands in 2004. Meanwhile, Mr. Mondavi maintained Charles Krug as a family-owned company. A statement released by the family reported that when asked late in life about his proudest accomplishment, Mr. Mondavi said: Never losing control of our family winery. If I could, I would tell my father: I did the best I could during the difficult years. I was determined and we held on. In 2011, Gov. Jerry Brown honored Mr. Mondavi; Congress noted his 97th birthday in the Congressional Record. He was inducted into the Culinary Institute of Americas Vintners Hall of Fame in 2012. He never lost his drive for innovation and improvement. During the final years of his tenure at Charles Krug, he made significant renovations to the winery, investing in state-of-the-art equipment, and dedicating over $25 million to replanting vineyards. His sons, Peter Jr. and Marc, are at the helm of the company today. His death is preceded by that of his wife, Blanche Hurtzig, who died in 2010, and his siblings Robert, Mary and Helen. He is survived by his children, Peter Jr., Marc and Siena, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The St. Helena Catholic Church will host a private ceremony for family members. Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicles wine, beer and spirits writer. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley The Mondavi family requests donations to the following foundations in lieu of flowers: UCSF Foundation Attn: Sarah Krumholz Lockbox 45339 San Francisco, CA 94145-0339 In the memo line or on an accompanying note, please indicate Maurice Galante Research Fund St. Helena Hospital Foundation 10 Woodland Road St. Helena, CA 94574 In Memory of Mr. Peter Mondavi Surgical Unit Queen of the Valley Foundation 1000 Trancas St. Napa, CA 94558 In Memory of Mr. Peter Mondavi Cardiac Care KAMPALA, Uganda Tensions after Ugandas elections, criticized by international observers as being undemocratic, intensified Monday when police arrested President Yoweri Musevenis main challenger. Kizza Besigye was detained as he tried to leave his home, where he had been confined under house arrest. Associated Press journalists saw police push him into the back of a blacked-out van and taken away to a police station in an area outside the capital of Kampala. BAGHDAD The U.N. mission in Iraq said on Monday that bombs planted by the Islamic State group are hindering the return of displaced families to the countrys western city of Ramadi, nearly two months since Iraqi forces, aided by U.S.-led coalition air strikes and Sunni fighters, took it back from the extremists. U.N. development official Lise Grande said such unexploded bombs have killed eight people in the past two weeks. The eight died either while surveying their homes or attempting to disable devices inside the city, she said. LONDON A vote to leave the European Union would be a great leap into the unknown at a perilous time for Britain and the West, Prime Minister David Cameron said Monday, as uncertainty over the United Kingdoms future in the bloc sent the pound plunging on currency markets. As the political battle for Britains future entered high gear ahead of a June 23 referendum, Cameron told lawmakers that membership in the 28-nation EU boosted the countrys economy and security. He told the House of Commons that in the face of threats including Russias muscle-flexing President Vladimir Putin and Islamic State group attackers in the Middle East, this is no time to divide the West. Leaving the EU may briefly make us feel more sovereign, he said, but argued the United Kingdom would be stronger, safer and better off within the EU. Cameron said a deal he struck Friday with 27 other EU leaders gives Britain special status, exempting the United Kingdom from ever-closer political bonds within the bloc and protecting the rights of the pound against the euro currency used by 19 EU countries. But Camerons Conservative Party is deeply split on the issue, with as many as half its 330 legislators and at least six of the 23 Cabinet ministers in favor of leaving the EU. In a sign of the uncertainty, the pound dropped to a seven-year low of $1.4058 before rebounding slightly, and also sagged 0.5 percent against the euro. Bookmakers shortened the odds on a vote to leave though betting markets still favor a remain victory. UBS Wealth Management said Monday it put the probability of a British EU exit known as Brexit at 30 percent. Many big businesses have warned that leaving the EU would hammer the British economy. WELLINGTON, New Zealand The death toll from a ferocious cyclone that tore through Fiji over the weekend has risen to 18 as authorities on Monday began to grasp the scale of the disaster and deploy aid to hard-hit outer islands. Authorities were still having trouble communicating with some islands, including places like Koro Island, which suffered some of the worst damage. And more than 6,000 residents across Fiji were staying in emergency shelters after their homes were damaged or swamped. Winds from Cyclone Winston, which struck Fiji on Saturday, reached 177 mph, making it the strongest storm in the Southern Hemisphere since record-keeping began, according to the Weather Underground website. Getting emergency supplies to the groups far-flung islands and remote communities was the governments top priority said Ewan Perrin, Fijis permanent secretary for communications. Home to 900,000 people, Fiji has more than 100 inhabited islands. The logistics of getting supplies and equipment to remote communities is difficult, he said. Some have lost their jetties, and its uncertain if airstrips are able to be landed on. Perrin said authorities were sending a vessel to Koro Island on Monday filled with medical supplies, food and water. He said crews on the boat would build temporary shelters for those people on the island whose homes had been destroyed. Perrin said the electricity network across Fiji remained patchy, and in some cases power had been deliberately cut to prevent further damage. He said clean water was also a challenge, and people were being asked to boil their water, treat it with chemicals or drink bottled water. Phone communications had been rapidly restored in many areas, but in other areas the damage was severe and would take longer to fix, he said. Perrin said most of the people who died in the cyclone were hit by flying debris or were in buildings that collapsed. A handful of people had also been hospitalized with severe injuries, he said. Fijians were finally able to venture outside Monday after authorities lifted a curfew that had been imposed on Saturday evening. A 30-day declaration of a state of natural disaster remains in effect, giving police extraordinary powers. Tourism Minister Faiyaz Siddiq Koya said that all tourists in Fiji were safe and that there was no significant damage to the majority of hotels on the main island. BEIRUT The Islamic State group has collected millions of dollars in ransom for a group of Assyrian Christians it kidnapped in Syria a year ago, Christian officials and an opposition group said Monday, as the last of the 230 hostages were freed. The release ended a yearlong saga for the Christians many of them women and children. IDOMENI, Greece Greeces government said Monday that it expects a growing number of stranded refugees and other migrants because the European Union is failing to deal with unilateral actions and an outburst of scare-mongering by individual member states. Macedonia further restricted crossings at the border with Greece over the weekend, sparking protests by Afghan nationals. Macedonia imposed the restrictions after Austria put a cap on transit and asylum applications. The action blocking Afghans from crossing the border and generally restricting access left thousands of migrants stranded in Greece, at the border and at the port of Piraeus, near Athens, where regular private services to the border were suspended. Once again the European Union voted for something, it reached an agreement, and a number of countries who are lacking the culture of the European Union including Austria, unfortunately violated this deal 10 hours after it was reached, Ioannis Mouzalas, a deputy minister for migration, told state-run ERT television. The European Union cannot act in a united way to this outburst of scare-mongering from various countries, Mouzalas said. And that is creating problems, and these problems also involve our country. Macedonian officials said Monday they restricted the entrance of Afghan migrants from Greece following similar action from Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia, who in recent days have returned to Macedonia more than 600 Afghans deemed to be economic migrants. Macedonias ombudsman Ixhet Memeti told private TV Telma that about 1,500 more are expected to be deported to Macedonia soon from countries farther north on the Balkan corridor, which migrants follow to reach wealthier European countries. Nearly 100,000 migrants and refugees have traveled to the Greek islands from nearby Turkey so far this year. The coast guard said 4,427 migrants and refugees arrived in Piraeus from the eastern Aegean islands Monday. The large number of arrivals on the mainland was due to better weather after several stormy days forced the suspension of ferry services from the islands. Police said about 2,000 people were stranded in camps near the Greek border town of Idomeni, including 600 Afghans who staged a peaceful protest, holding up Afghan flags and hand-written banners. Later, hundreds broke through a Greek police cordon and crowded at the border fence, trying to climb it or cut through the wire netting. At least four men made it over, and were promptly arrested by police on the Macedonian side. Among the protesting Afghans was 25-year-old Shafiulahh Qaberi who traveled to Greece from the northern Afghan city of Kunduz. Weve been here for three days, and no one knows why they have closed the border, he said. Why are they stopping us? Annual Economic Forecasts Economists in New Mexico are still concerned about the state's gloomy economy but say its not completely doomed, despite the lack of economic development and employment numbers trending in the wrong direction. Jason Gibbs from the annual economic outlook conference last week. Citizen Legislature After years of reporting from the Roundhouse, veteran newsman Milan Simonich thinks it is time to start . New Mexico is the only state that doesnt pay its legislators a base salary. Its been that way for 104 years, since New Mexico entered the union as a frontier outpost with 330,000 people. Now, with a population of more than 2 million, New Mexico is still operating under an Old West tradition that may not have been a good idea then and certainly isnt now. Sign of the Times The dean of New Mexico State Universitys College of Arts and Sciences is being reassigned. Its caused outrage among the faculty and could be the first signal of how will impact higher education programs around the state. Shameful Motion Convicted felon Dianna Duran, the states disgraced former secretary of state, doesnt want to talk about her gambling addiction after all. Her attorney wants a judge to , claiming it is meant to shame her. Duran also wants to be cleared to travel around the state at will and spend more time caring for her own grandchildren rather working 2,000 hours of community service. Some people suggest if she doesnt like the plea deal she agreed to just a few months ago that she could also just spend more time behind bars. Gang Accused of Targeting Corrections Officials Federal prosecutors have indicted a few dozen New Mexico prison gang members and say several of them were Inmate Complaint Meanwhile, a state prison inmate is asking a judge to against putting two inmates to a cell. Cruz Tops New Mexico Poll An Albuquerque Journal poll published on Sunday shows Texas Sen. Ted Cruz with Anpoll published on Sunday shows Texas Sen. Ted Cruz with a one-point lead over New York billionaire Donald Trump among New Mexico Republicans who are likely to vote in the states June 7 primary election. Cruz had 25 percent of support among New Mexico Republicans while Trump had 24 percent. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio finished third in the Journal Poll of likely Republican voters in New Mexico with 19 percent of support. Bosque Fires Extinguished Firefighters spent Sunday night dousing All three fires are suspicious in nature, says AFD Deputy Chief Vic Padilla. We do believe that they are most likely human caused, but whether or not they are accidental or unintentional still to be determined." Lobos Lose JR Oppenheim at the Daily Lobo reports, Whatever late-game magic UNM found in its come-from-behind win last Tuesday against the Broncos apparently ran out at the Air Force Academy. Firefighters spent Sunday night dousing three more bosque fires in Albuquerque near Tingley Beach.JR Oppenheim at thereports, Whatever late-game magic UNM found in its come-from-behind win last Tuesday against the Broncos apparently ran out at the Air Force Academy. The Lobos lost , 76-72, on Saturday. Magazine Touts Southern New Mexico Lonely Planet, an international travel guide publisher, has named Lonely Planet, an international travel guide publisher, has named southern New Mexico as one of their Top 10 "must visit" locations this year. The editors say the areas unique geography, storied history, attractions and the recent designation of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument played heavily in the selection. Santa Fe Reporter Virginia McLaurin, a 106-year-old black woman, who is very short, using a cane, and dressed in a blue suit, is escorted into the Oval Office to meet President Barack Obama, wearing a dark suit, and First Lady Michelle Obama, wearing a white dress. A man introduces her: "Virginia McLaurin.""Hi!" she exclaims. She reaches out her arms toward President Obama and quivers excitedly. He takes her hands. "How are you?" he asks her. "I'm fine!" she says. "Oh, it's so nice to see you," he tells her. "It's an honor; it's an honor," she says. "You want to say hi to Michelle?" he asks. "YES!" she exclaims.He escorts her toward the center of the room, and as she races toward Michelle, he says, "Slow down now! Don't go too quick!" Laughter. She walks up to Michelle, who leans way down to embrace her. "She's a hundred and six!" the President says. "No you are not!" says Michelle. "You are not!"As Virginia confirms she is indeed 106, President Obama laughs, "Well, you gotta slow down!" Michelle says, "Oh my goodness!" Virginia says, "Thank you!" Michelle, holding her hand, says, "I wanna be like you when I grow up.""You can!" says Virginia, and wiggles. Michelle wiggles with her. "She's dancing!" says the President. He takes her other hand. "Come on!" he says, and they all dance. "What's the secret to still dancing at one-oh-six?" he asks. Virginia laughs. "Just keep moving!" says Michelle.Virginia is all smiles. "We're so happy to have you here," says Michelle. The President gently turns her, so she's facing the cameras. "And look at those nails!" says Michelle. "Nails are all done," says the President. "Wooooo! Those nails!" Virginia laughs and shimmies."Yes, sir!" says Virginia. "I thought I would never live to get in the White House.""Well, you are RIGHT HERE!" says the President. "And I tell you," says Virginia, "I am so happy." Michelle says, "And we are happy to have you."Virginia looks up at the President. "A black president," she says. "Look at him! Right there!" says Michelle, gesturing at her husband. "A black wife," says Virginia. "That's me," says Michelle, pointing at herself. "Yes!" exclaims Virginia. "And I'm here to celebrate Black History.""That's exactly right," says the President. "Yeah, that's what I'm here for," says Virginia. "Well, we're glad to have ya here!" says the President. Virginia laughs."You have just made our day, you know that? That energy, man!" says Michelle. "Well, you made my day," says Virginia.* * *1. I love Virginia McLaurin.2. At 106, Virginia McLaurin would have been born in 1910 (or 1909), fully a decade before women even got the right to vote in this country. (And being a black woman, it might have been many years after that before she was able to vote, depending on where she lived.)3. This is what I mean when I say this President is more than a mere symbol 4. I am going to miss President Obama.5. Blub. Both the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter and the remaining two gas and coal-fired units at Genesis Energy's ageing Huntly power station will remain in operation past 2018, Mighty River Power's chief executive Fraser Whineray says, based on electricity futures market pricing. At a media briefing for the Auckland-based electricity generator and retailer's half-year profit, Whineray stressed the judgement was not MRP's but that of the market, as indicated by the current trend in the price of electricity quoted in futures contracts traded on the ASX. Genesis announced last year that it would close its two remaining 250 megawatt units at the old Huntly coal and gas-fired power station unless there was a substantial change in market conditions. Hailed at the time by environmental groups as the death-knell for coal-fired power generation in New Zealand, it has since become apparent that the announcement was code for Genesis only being willing to keep the units operational if market participants were willing to pay a high enough price. The two so-called "Rankine" units, named for their manufacturer, may still play a role in providing back-up supply in the event of low inflows into lakes serving as hydro-electricity reservoirs, especially in the South Island and particularly if the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter continues in operation. The fate of both plants was "intimately linked," said MRP slides for its first-half earnings presentation. Tiwai Point uses around one-seventh of the electricity generated in New Zealand, but its long term future is unclear as its majority owner, Rio Tinto, battles with a portfolio of Australasian smelters that struggle for profitability but which, for the moment, appear to be cashflow positive and likely to remain open. Tiwai was "likely cashflow positive in 2016 and ASX futures suggest it remains post-2018", MRP's slides say. "If the Rankine units close, there may be some pinch points" in times of high electricity demand and low hydrology, although Whineray said he expected the electricity market could find ways to solve those that didn't necessarily require the construction of new generation capacity. While MRP had a "swaption" contract with Genesis for access to Huntly output, that was due to expire this year and there were potentially other ways to achieve the same back-up. "We will look to engage with them (Genesis) if there's value in it, but those discussions are not necessarily linked to whether Huntly stays or goes," said Whineray. Genesis might provide back-up through other means, such as its Tekapo hydro scheme in the South Island, or North Island hydro assets such as Waikaremoana and Tongariro. Genesis has been burning coal in recent months to reduce its stockpile ahead of the planned closure and has cancelled coal supply contracts. MRP announced a recovery in net profit for the six months to Dec. 31 to $74 million from $8 million in the same period last year when it took a hit from impairments created by withdrawal from international operations. Operating earnings were flat, falling just $1 million to $257 million on the basis of earnings before interest, tax depreciation, amortisation and changes in the value of financial instruments. An increased interim dividend of 5.7 cents per share, up 2 percent, was declared, payable on March 31, although ebitdaf earnings guidance for the year was lowered and total dividend guidance remains unchanged for the full financial year at 14.3 cents. Earnings guidance is affected by lower than average water levels in the company's main hydro catchment, the Waikato River, and chair Joan Withers warned that "hydrology could shift ebitdaf 10 percent, so based on many years of experience, the company expects guidance to move during the year, possibly several times, as part of business as usual." Full year ebitdaf guidance is now placed at between $480 million and $500 million, down from a previous range of $490 million to $515 million, assuming average hydro inflows through to June 30. While impairments on exits from international interests were the main cause of last year's much reduced net profit for the first half, there were still impairments of $18 million in the latest result, reflecting the permanent capping of exploratory geothermal wells in Chile, offset by a $1 million writeback on the impairments associated with the closure of MRP's gas-fired power station at Southdown, in Auckland. "Pricing and competitive pressure remained intense during the period, in a market that is among the most competitive in the world," Whineray said. "National electricity demand has continued to lift, up 1 percent, and the broader industry dynamic is positive with an improvement in ASX electricity futures prices." BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. 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Related News: Mainfreight Investor Day / Market Update GFI - Greenfern - Offer closes 27th Oct MCY - Quarterly Operational Update VCT - Operational performance for the 3 months ended 30 Sept 2022 NZL - Forestry Estate Acquisition October 21st Morning Report Air New Zealand Limited Retail Bond Offer Books Close Spark welcomes C-band spectrum allocation AIA - 2022 Annual Meeting Chair & Chief Executive Addresses MOVE Completes Purchase of Vessel for Trans-Tasman Service NEW DELHI: After going slow on expansion of Starbucks outlets owing to a host of reasons, including issues with FSSAI, Tata GlobalBSE 2.44 % Beverages plans to enhance the pace of increasing the network of the coffee chain going forward. "This year the number of stores (of Starbucks) has not been as fast as we have had in the past, but I think we were retooling ourselves. "We were retooling the brand and the strategy and you know that for a while we had these FSSAI related issues...," Tata Global Beverages Managing Director and CEO Ajoy K Mishra told analysts. In June last year, Tata Starbucks Pvt Ltd, a joint venture of Tata Global Beverages Ltd and Starbucks Coffee Co, had suspended use of ingredients not approved by the food regulator FSSAI in certain products served at its Indian outlets. Central food safety regulator, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), had rejected applications submitted by Tata Starbucks for a total of 32 products in April. Mishra further said: "We have taken a pause to retool, re-engineer our product portfolio looking at indigenising a lot more whatever was possible." Stating that the company is now ready to resume expansion of Starbucks network, he said: "We have now reached a stage where there is going to be renewed focus on rollout and execution, so you will find that we are not consciously slowing down..." He further said the "pace that incidentally happened in the last three to six months" is not going to be how it is going forward. Mishra said, "Seven more (Starbucks) stores have been added during the year. Total number of stores stands at 79. We believe we are poised for good growth going forward having laid a very strong base." In 2013, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz had stated that his company planned to open "thousands of stores" in India in the "not-too-distant" future, making the country one of its two largest markets outside North America along with China. Read Also: Cipla Acquires Two US drug Firms For $550 Mn Monsanto India Shares Down 4pct, Hit 52-Week Low NEW DELHI: India may impose anti-dumping duty ranging between $15.55 and $127.82 per tonne on import of a chemical from the European Union (EU), the US and other regions to protect domestic industry from below-cost shipments. After conducting a probe following a complaint by Andhra Petrochemicals Ltd, the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) has recommended imposition of the levy on imports of 2-ethyl hexanol (2-EH) from Malaysia, Korea, the EU, Indonesia, the US and Taiwan. After the probe initiated through a November 2014 notice, the DGAD found the product entered the Indian market at prices less than their normal values and the dumping margins of the dumped imports from these countries are substantial and above de minimis. The domestic industry has suffered material injury. The material injury has been caused by the volume and price effects of dumped imports... coupled with disruption in raw material supply during a significant part of the period of investigation, the DGAD said while recommending definitive anti-dumping duties on the imports. Based on the recommendations, the revenue department may impose the levy. Andhra Petrochemicals, the sole domestic producer of 2-EH, had alleged dumping of the organic chemical and demanded levy of anti-dumping duties. The chemical is produced on a massive scale for use in numerous applications such as solvents, flavours and fragrances and especially as a precursor for production of other chemicals such as emollients and plasticizers. Main application of 2-EH is as a feedstock in the manufacture of low-volatility esters. Anti-dumping measures are taken to ensure fair trade and provide a level-playing field to the domestic industry. They are not a measure to restrict imports or cause an unjustified increase in cost of products. Read Also: Minimum Temperature Rises In Kashmir Intervene, Solve Delhi's Water Woes: Kejriwal Urges Centre BANGALORE: The Transport Ministry is hopeful of receiving the Cabinet approval soon on the proposal to sell over 100 operational toll road projects to sovereign and pension funds that will garner at least USD 7.7 billion. The Road Transport and Highways Ministry has lined up as many as 104 toll road projects to be sold to pension and sovereign funds for operations and maintenance for a fixed long-term period against an upfront value. "We are hopeful of the Cabinet approval soon on the proposal to sell these 104 operational toll road projects to pension and sovereign funds," a top Road Transport and Highways official told PTI. These projects with a total length of about 6,000-km have a total potential of USD 7.70 billion (Rs 50,000 crore). According to the official, these projects include Kishangarh-Bhilwara, Visakhapatnam-Champawati, Jalandhar-Pathankot, Ghaziabad-Hapur, Bhadrak-Balasore, Gorkakhpur-Kasia, among others. The official said the scope of concessionaire includes toll collection, regular and periodic maintenance of project highway. For investors, many of these projects are more attractive such as Chittorgarh Bypass due to ongoing development of India's second nuclear fuel complex at Rawatbhata town in Chhittorgarh, he said. He further said Bhadrak-Balasore will prove another attractive stretch with about Rs 7,000 crore capacity expansion planned at Dhamra Port by Adani Group. AP Karnatka border-Devanhalli stretch would hold immense scope for investors in view of a Tech Park under development there which will be completed by 2020. Twenty of the 104 projects will fetch an annual total collection of Rs 50 crore or more each while 33 are such which will fetch an annual revenue in the range of Rs 25-50 crore each. Forty per cent of the total 104 toll projects are generating more than 10 per cent of the project completion cost annually through toll. Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently said the government plans to sell highways projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore to foreign pension funds and insurance funds to attract overseas investments into the sector. "We are trying to attract foreign investors. We have projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore. They are interested in buying out projects," he had said. The government also plans to double the length of the National Highways to 2 lakh km from the existing 1 lakh km. India has the second largest road network of 5.23 million km in the world and consists of 200 km of expressways, about 1 lakh km of national highways, 1.31 lakh km of state highways and other roads. About 65 per cent of freight and 80 per cent of passenger traffic is carried by the roads. National Highways constitute only about 2 percent of the road network but carry about 40 per cent of the total road traffic. Read Also: Anti-Dumping Duty May Be Imposed On Chemical From The US, EU Minimum Temperature Rises In Kashmir DHARAMSALA: Expressing concern over several cases of jaundice reported from Shimla, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda today urged the state government to take necessary steps and assured full support from the Centre. According to a statement from the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, an amount of Rs 70 lakh has been sanctioned for Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct a study to avoid outbreak of the disease in future. "We're monitoring the situation closely and have offered all assistance to the state government. I urge the state government to take all necessary steps by improving sanitation and checking supply of contaminated water," Nadda said. The Health Minister said a team of National Centre for Disease Control had already visited the affected areas in January to assess the situation and gave expert advice to the state government. The team had advised that sanitation in affected areas need to be improved and contamination of water checked. So far over 1,500 jaundice cases have been reported in Shimla with the disease spreading to Solan and Sirmaur as well. Read Also: Modi, Oli Vow to Boost Relations Between India, Nepal (Roundup) Justice Saran to Take Oath as New CJ BENGALURU: The countdown has started for Railway Budget 2016. So, it is indeed a right time to introspect the prevailing conditions and set a renewed vision for improved Rail services. In this regard, there are some long-standing issues that passengers yearn to see addressed in the coming budget. We bring you five major focus areas that Indian passengers want Railway minister Suresh Prabhu to look into, reports India TV. Read Also: Modi, Oli Vow to Boost Relations Between India, Nepal Budget 2016 Stimulates High Hopes from Common Man BENGALURU: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that "Nepal's stability is linked to India's security", his Nepalese counterpart K. P. Sharma Oli expressed the desire to take relations between the two countries to the "same level of enthusiasm" as earlier by clearing up all "misunderstandings". "The whole of India and I are in favour of economic development of Nepal... I am confident that under your able leadership, India-Nepal relations will further strengthen and attain new heights," Modi told Oli while addressing a joint press conference with him here. "It is clear that the stability of Nepal is linked to India's security. Prime Minister Oli and I agree that we need to face together the rising extremism and terrorism in the two countries," Modi said. The two leaders also vowed not to allow the open border between the two nations to be misused by terrorists and criminals. "We will not allow terrorists and criminals to misuse the open borders between the two countries. "Security agencies of both countries will collaborate closely in this context," Modi said. Oli, while thanking India for its vital support, said he had come to India to clear "misunderstandings" that surfaced in the recent past. "The main mission of my visit is to clear misunderstandings that surfaced in the last few months and to take back our relations to the same level of enthusiasm when Modiji visited Nepal in August 2014," said Oli. He also thanked India for all the support it provided to Nepal over the years for its developmental work in various fields, and specially for spontaneous support after the earthquake in April last year that killed 8,800 people and destroyed property worth crores of rupees. "The support and solidarity shown by our friends from India turns the heads of Nepalese people," he said, adding that "we equally appreciate the support of India in our reconstruction drive". Oli, who is making his first foreign visit after the Himalayan nation adopted a new constitution in September last year, said that India and Nepal shared a lot in common and their relations were beyond formalities. The two prime ministers tele-inaugurated a power transmission line between Muzaffarpur in Bihar and Dhalkebar in Nepal. "We are working on hydro projects with combined capacity of 7,000 MW and their quick and successful completion can be a gateway to Nepal's economic prosperity," Modi said, adding that the just inaugurated power line would initially provide 80 MW electricity to Nepal but in the next two years it would provide up to 600 MW of power. India and Nepal also signed nine agreements following delegation-level talks led by Modi and Oli. The agreements signed on Saturday between the two sides included those on utilisation of an Indian grant of $250 million for post-earthquake reconstruction, improving road infrastructure in Nepal's Terai area, cultural cooperation, transit between Nepal and Bangladesh through the Kakarbitta-Banglabandh corridor, and use of Visakapatnam port by Nepal. Speaking to the media later in the day, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said that Oli briefed Modi on the developments in Nepal after the adoption of the new constitution. "Our prime minister appreciated the progress made towards the consolidation of constitutional democracy in Nepal, acknowledging the two amendments which were passed by the Nepalese parliament as positive steps," he said. Nearly 60 people lost their lives in violent protests after the adoption of the new constitution last year with agitating Madhesi political parties and ethnic groups of the Nepal Terai demanding amendments in the statute that they deem discriminatory and ignoring their rights. Crucial entry points from India to Nepal were blocked by the agitators leading to shortage of essential supplies and medicines in the northern neighbour. Nepal blamed the Indian establishment for instigating the trouble, a charge New Delhi has firmly and constantly denied. On January 23, the Nepal parliament approved the first ever amendment to the country's new constitution to address the agitating Madhesis' demands for proportionate representation and allocation of seats in parliament on the basis of population. In Saturday's talks, Oli said of the constitutional issues that were being discussed and debated, some of them have been addressed and some are still being addressed, Jaishankar said. The six-day visit of Oli, who arrived here on Friday, is the first state visit by a prime minister from the Himalayan nation since 2011. Earlier on Saturday, Oli was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he inspected a guard of honour. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley called on the visiting dignitary during the day. Oli later called on Vice President Hamid Ansari and President Pranab Mukherjee. READ ALSO: Women Still Caged When it Comes to Job Selection: Report Protests, Processions Disrupt Traffic In Delhi BENGALURU: Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on Saturday briefed his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the developments in Nepal after the adoption of a new constitution last year as the two sides signed nine agreements ranging from power to transport. Briefing the media here following delegation-level talks and the exchange of agreements, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said the two prime ministers reviewed the entire gamut of the close, broad and deep relationship between the two countries. The six-day visit of Oli, who arrived here on Friday, is the first state visit by a prime minister from the Himalayan nation since 2011 when Baburam Bhattarai visited India. The visit assumes significance as ties between the two South Asian neighbours in the last few months soured after the adoption of a new constitution in the Himalayan nation in September last year sparked violent protests in the country's southern plains. "They (Modi and Oli) discussed political, economic, socio-cultural ties between us and both the inter-governmental ties as well as the people-to-people relationship," Jaishankar said. The two leaders discussed promotion of sub-regional cooperation, including trade, connectivity, water and power, and "noted with satisfaction the excellent cooperation on security-related matters". "The prime minister of Nepal briefed our prime minister on developments in Nepal after the adoption of a new constitution," Jaishankar said. "Our prime minister appreciated the progress made towards the consolidation of constitutional democracy in Nepal, acknowledging the two amendments which were passed by the Nepalese parliament as positive steps," he said, adding that Modi expressed the hope that all political parties in Nepal would similarly come together and successfully resolve the remaining constitutional issues. Nearly 60 people lost their lives in violent protests after the adoption of the new constitution last year with agitating Madhesi political parties and ethnic groups of the Nepal Terai demanding amendments in the statute that they deem discriminatory and ignoring their rights. Crucial entry points from India to Nepal were blocked by the agitators leading to shortage of essential supplies and medicines in the northern neighbour. Nepal blamed the Indian establishment for instigating the trouble, a charge New Delhi has firmly and constantly denied. On January 23, the Nepal parliament approved the first ever amendment to the country's new constitution to address the agitating Madhesis' demands for proportionate representation and allocation of seats in parliament on the basis of population. In Thursday's talks, Oli said of the constitutional issues that were being discussed and debated, some of them have been addressed and some still being addressed, Jaishankar said. Oli also appreciated India's aid after the devastating earthquake in April 2015 and said his visit showed the importance Nepal attached to good neighbourly relations with India. "On his part, Prime Minister Oli mentioned that the primary purpose of his coming to India at this moment was to clear some of the misunderstandings that were there in the relationship and he felt that he has been successful in doing so," Jaishankar said. According to the foreign secretary, Modi said that as a well-wishing neighbour, India really hoped that Nepal would reach new heights in its stability, in its inclusiveness, in fairness and in prosperity. Modi and Oli also discussed housing development and tourism for Nepal's economic development. Oli asked Modi to inspire Indian investors to go to Nepal, saying he himself would talk to Indian corporates and assure them of stability in his country. Among the nine agreements signed on Thursday between two sides included those on utilisation of Indian grant of $250 million for post-earthquake reconstruction, improving of road infrasxtructure in Nepal's Terai area, cultural cooperation, transit between Nepal and Bagladesh through Kakarbitta-Banglabandh corridor, use of Vishakapatnam port by Nepal, and inauguration of the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar power transmission line. READ ALSO: Protests, Processions Disrupt Traffic In Delhi Minimum Temperature Rises In Kashmir NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister's Office has nudged the Law Ministry to finalise the new Memorandum of Procedure, a document which guides the appointment of judges to the higher judiciary, so it can be handed over to the Chief Justice of India for a final decision. In a letter to the Law Ministry on Wednesday, the PMO asked it to give final shape to the document after consulting the Attorney General. The Supreme Court had late last year asked the government to draft a fresh MoP in consultation with states and high courts. Chief Justice of India and members of the collegium will take a final call on the draft memorandum of procedure which the government will hand over to the CJI in the coming days. The earlier drafts were also prepared after consulting Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi. The MoP is a roadmap on how a judge will be appointed. As of now, there are two MoPs -- one dealing with appointment of Chief Justice of India and other judges of the Supreme Court and the other dealing with appointment of chief justices and other judges of high courts. The draft MoP for appointment of members to the higher judiciary is being prepared after the Supreme Court struck down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act on appointment of judges to the apex court and high courts. While deciding on ways to improve the collegium system, the Supreme Court had left it to the Law Ministry to draft the MoP in consultation with CMs and chief justices of the 24 high courts. However, despite reminders, only eight states, including Gujarat, Nagaland and Meghalaya have responded with their suggestions. The government is unlikely to suggest bringing under the ambit of RTI the process of appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and the high courts as it feels it would not be a practical idea. Read Also: Himachal To Get Centre's Help In Fighting Jaundice Protests, Processions Disrupt Traffic In Delhi WASHINGTON: Hoping to build on President Barack Obamas visit earlier this year, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter will visit India in May seeking further strengthening of bilateral defence ties. Secretary Carter will visit India, where he is looking forward to building on President Obamas visit earlier this year by further strengthening US-India defence cooperation -including the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative that Secretary Carter started when he served as Deputy Secretary of Defense and by engaging India further on other Asia-Pacific issues, the Pentagon said in a statement yesterday. In the next two months, Carter would be making two trips to Asia, to affirm defence relationships with allies and build upon key initiatives of the rebalance to the region. India, US signed documents to renew defence pactUS Defence Secretary Ashton B. Carter arrives in India, defence pact to be signed between two countriesThe Great Game Folio: Manohar Parrikar and Ashton B. CarterAshton Carter to be Obama's likely pick for new US Defence SecyPentagon's No 2 official Ashton Carter to step down in DecemberUS keen on increasing defence trade with India: OfficialIndia, US signed documents to renew defence pactUS Defence Secretary Ashton B. Carter arrives in India, defence pact to be signed between two countriesThe Great Game Folio: Manohar Parrikar and Ashton B. CarterAshton Carter to be Obama's likely pick for new US Defence SecyPentagon's No 2 official Ashton Carter to step down in DecemberUS keen on increasing defence trade with India: OfficialIndia, US signed documents to renew defence pactUS Defence Secretary Ashton B. Carter arrives in India, defence pact to be signed between two countriesThe Great Game Folio: Manohar Parrikar and Ashton B. CarterAshton Carter to be Obama's likely pick for new US Defence SecyPentagon's No 2 official Ashton Carter to step down in DecemberUS keen on increasing defence trade with India: Official On April 6, Carter will launch his first trip, focussed on strengthening and modernising Americas alliances in Northeast Asia with stops in Japan and the Republic of Korea. On the way to Japan, he will address students and faculty at the McCain Institute of Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona about the strong link between national security and economic security and the full-court press the administration will continue to take on the rebalance. Carter will then travel to Japan arriving late in the evening of April 7. On April 8 and 9 he will meet with senior Japanese officials to discuss the defence strategic guidelines review and a number of other matters of mutual interest ahead of Prime Minister Shinzo Abes visit to Washington at the end of April. Carter will arrive in Seoul on April 9 and on later meet with senior government officials to reiterate the United States strong commitment to Republic of Koreas security and discuss regional issues. In both the countries, Secretary Cater will also meet with US service members and their families. On Saturday, April 11, Secretary Carter will visit US Pacific Command in Honolulu, Hawaii. He will return to Washington on Sunday, April 12. In May, Carter will make his second trip to Asia focused on building and strengthening the United States growing partnerships in South and Southeast Asia. Carter will address the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, which he views as an important opportunity to engage with Singapore and other key partners in Southeast Asia, the Pentagon said. Read Also: India Third In World in Issuing Passports after China And U.S.: MEA Official India Visit Very Successful, Says Nepal PM COIMBATORE: Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today expressed the hope that Budget 2016-17, to be present next week, will allocate required funds for Start-up India programme. She said her ministry, Commerce and Industry, will do its best to solve the financial difficulties being faced by start-ups. Speaking on the "role of Centre through Start-up India initiative" at a programme here, the minister said "the government, I am sure, will be a lot more flexible in dealing with issues raised by start-ups and we are not just looking at tech-based or application-based start-ups". She added: "With the kind of start-ups and the kind of activity generated, India was ranked third globally and this cannot happen unless there was ground swell for it and youth are already at it. Stating that she would rather put a lot of energy in pure science related matters, health, space and defense, Sitharaman said she saw everything going in favour of Coimbatore to be the start-up capital. "You have everything, with a bit more energy and push from several quarters you can create and sustain an ecosystem which can support a lot of youngsters, who are talented and skilled," she said. Tamil Nadu will benefit from it and we are with you in whatever you want to do, she assured. Expressing concern over paucity of women entrepreneurs in Start-ups, just 8 per cent, she said women have uncanny ability to notice where the problems existed and urged them to start new ventures, as was done by Padmashree awardee Arunachalam Muruganantham, who came out with napkin machines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought in a change in the mindset, trusted the people and the first decision that we took was self-certification. The government launched the start-up initiative only to motivate the people and give it a greater push. Read Also: 10 Indian Sportspersons and Their Tryst with Startup Business Indonesian Startup GO-JEK Acquires Bengaluru-based Firm COLUMBIA: Controversial Republican presidential aspirant Donald Trump today lived up to his front-runner billing by winning big at the South Carolina primary while Democrat Hillary Clinton eked out a crucial victory in Nevada to boost her lacklustre campaign. Trumps win, following his victory in New Hampshire earlier this month and a second-place finish in the Iowa caucuses, gives the 69-year-old real estate tycoon a critical burst of momentum heading into Nevadas Republican caucuses on Tuesday and the slate of 13 states voting on Super Tuesday, March 1. In another significant development, the Republican presidential pack shrank to five as Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush said he is suspending his campaign after a poor showing in South Carolina. Trumps performance could unnerve the Republican establishment, since South Carolina has sided with the eventual nominee in every GOP presidential race since 1980, apart from 2012. I want to begin by thanking the people of South Carolina. This is a special night, Trump said in a victory speech. There is nothing easy about running for president, I can tell you. Its tough, its nasty. Its mean. Its vicious. Its beautiful. When you win, its beautiful, he told his cheering supporters. His wife, Melania, also made rare public remarks. I want to say congratulations to my husband, she said, noting that hes been working very hard. A battle for second place was on between Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Florida Senator Marco Rubio. With 99 per cent of precincts reporting, Rubio is narrowly leading Cruz with just over 22 per cent. Trump leads with 33 per cent. Narrow win for Clinton Meanwhile, at the Democratic primary in Nevada, 68-year-old Clinton and her supporters breathed a sigh of relief following a narrow win over Bernie Sanders. With about 88 percent of precincts reporting, Clinton was at 52.6 per cent to 47.4 per cent for Sanders. I am so, so thrilled and so grateful to all of my supporters out there, Clinton told a crowd of cheering supporters in Las Vegas. Some may have doubted us but we never doubted each other. Clintons Nevada win comes just a week-and-a-half after she lost to Bernie Sanders by double-digits in New Hampshire. Her campaign is hoping the win will serve to undercut Sanders momentum as they head next into several delegate-heavy contest. Sanders told his supporters he called Clinton to congratulate her. Despite his defeat, he vowed to take his campaign nationwide, notably looking past South Carolina, where Clinton is leading the polls, to a clutch of primaries on March 1. Conservative movement Bush who so far raised maximum amount of money and spent millions of dollars as compared to his other GOP primary rivals announced to suspend his presidential campaign following the dismal showing. He received less than eight per cent of the total Republican primary voters in South Carolina. The Democratic presidential campaign now moves to South Carolina, where the primary is scheduled February 27, while for the GOP the race to White House enters Nevada on Tuesday night where Trump, with back to back victories, will be the favourite Republican presidential candidate. The momentum since the beginning of this campaign has been unbelievable. I think were going to do terrific there and the SEC is going to be very exciting. We expect to do very well there, said Trump. An energetic Rubio also appeared to be confident to win the partys nomination as the election cycle enters a crucial phase. This country is now ready for a new generation of conservatives to guide us into the 21st century, said Rubio. The 21st century conservative movement is the daughter of immigrants from India who wanted desperately for their children to have all the opportunities they never did. Who faced a string of prejudice and yet because of the greatness of our country today, Nikki Haley is the governor of a state where its always a great day, he said. And the 21st century conservative movement is the son of a bartender and a maid from Cuba who tonight stands one step closer to being the 45th president of the United States of America, Rubio said. Cruz, Rubio eye Bush supporters Announcing to suspend his campaign, Bush said he firmly believes the American people must entrust this office to someone who understands that whoever holds it is the servant, not the master. Someone who will commit to that service with honour and decency, he said. The people of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina have spoken. I respect their decision. So, tonight, I am suspending my campaign, Bush said. With Bush dropping out, both Cruz and Rubio were eyeing his supporters. Cruz, in his speech, appeared to be claiming victory to rally behind his supporters nationwide. He said that now there is only one strong conservative in a position to win this race. That is why Donald Trump relentlessly attacks us and ignores the other candidates, he said. In Nevada, it was a hard fought victory for Clinton. We won the Nevada caucuses, said the former Secretary of State in her victory speech wherein she laid out her vision of a new country, where the US is the new super power in clean energy, womens and minority rights are respected, and big companies play by the rule book. Read Also: Feel Special: Indian-American Director on Oscar Nomination 6 Indian-Americans Among Early-Career Scientists Honoured By Obama Source: PTI Travel Trip Florida Spring Training This 2010 file photo shows Cinderella's Castle at Disney World. To celebrate Disney and Make-a-Wish's anniversary, Disney is donating $5 -- up to $1 million -- for every photo shared on social media of people sporting their "ears" with the hashtag #ShareYourEars. (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay, FILE) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- #ShareYourEars, Staten Island -- it's for a good cause! To celebrate Disney and Make-a-Wish's anniversary, Disney is donating $5 -- up to $1 million -- for every photo shared on social media of people sporting their "ears" with the hashtag #ShareYourEars through March 1. Don't have ears? Disney says get creative and use your imagination! Hold up two CDs, balloons, donuts, or anything you could use as ears and snap a photo with the hashtag! Facebook also has a built-in feature that will add ears to your profile picture. The Make-a-Wish foundation granted its first wish at Dsineyland almost 35 years ago, and since then Disney and Make-a-Wish have granted over 100,000 wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Check out these Staten Islanders (and a celebrity or two) who shared their ears on social media: Svante Myrick FILE - In this Jan. 21, 2016 file photo, Ithaca, N.Y. Mayor Svante Myrick speaks during at the U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting in Washington. Myrick wants his city to become the first in the U.S. to offer heroin users a safe, controlled place to shoot up. Supervised injection sites, in which a trained medical professional is on hand to deal with overdoses, are already in operation in Europe and Canada, but the idea never gained acceptance in America's law-and-order approach to the war on drugs.(AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File) (Cliff Owen) ALBANY, N.Y. -- The mayor of Ithaca in upstate New York wants his city to host the nation's first supervised injection facility, where heroin users would be able to shoot illegal drugs into their bodies under the care of a nurse without getting arrested by police. Canada, Europe and Australia are working to reduce overdose deaths with these facilities, but in the United States, even the idea of creating supervised injection sites faces significant legal and political challenges. That has to change and quickly, said Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick. "My father was a drug addict. He split from the family when I was 5, 6 years old," the mayor, now 28, explained in an Associated Press interview. "I have watched for 20 years this system that just doesn't work. We can't wait anymore for the federal government. We have people shooting up in alleys. In bathroom stalls. And too many of them are dying." Myrick said he will ask New York's Health Department to declare the heroin epidemic a state health crisis, which he said would enable his city to proceed without involving the state legislature. Myrick told the AP about his proposal ahead of a wider announcement planned for Wednesday. Once dismissed as a radical idea, injection sites are increasingly being discussed as a possible response to huge increases in overdose deaths nationwide. In New York state, overdose deaths involving heroin and other opiates shot from 186 in 2003 to 914 in 2012. Ithaca alone had three fatal overdoses and 13 non-fatal overdoses in a three-week span in 2014, prompting city officials to begin looking at alternatives to simply jailing addicts. The city of 30,000, which hosts Cornell University and Ithaca College, is considered one of New York's most liberal communities and is a prime candidate for new approaches, Myrick said. The mayor said this facility would be staffed by nurses or physicians who could quickly administer an antidote if and when a user overdoses. But addicts also could get clean syringes and be directed to treatment and recovery programs -- part of a more holistic approach that deals with addiction more like a public health issue than a criminal justice problem. Myrick crafted his plan in collaboration with police and prosecutors, overcoming initially strong opposition from District Attorney Gwen Wilkinson. "What brought me around was the realization that this wouldn't make it more likely that people will use drugs," Wilkinson said. "What it would do is make it less likely that people will die in restaurant bathrooms." Spokesmen for the Department of Health and Gov. Andrew Cuomo didn't respond Monday to the AP's request for comment. Canada's first injection facility opened in Vancouver in 2003. Every day, 800 users visit, and between 10 and 20 of them overdose each week, but no one has ever died there, according to Dr. Patricia Daly, chief medical health officer at Vancouver Coastal Health, which operates the "Insite" facility. "These overdoses are completely reversible," Daly said. "People die because they inject alone." Insite receives the bulk of its funding from government now, but faced significant initial opposition from officials in Ottawa. A 2011 Canadian Supreme Court decision ordered federal officials to stop fighting the facility, noting that it has saved lives "with no discernable negative impact." STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Nearly two years ago, repeat felon Tyrell Brown was indicted for allegedly slaying Kuwan Collins on July 6, 2014, during a violent two-day spree after the victim had just left a birthday party in Concord. Authorities had also eyed Brown, 27, in the killing of Devin Powell, 23, who was gunned down in Mariners Harbor about 15 minutes before Collins' death. The Clifton resident was not formally indicted in connection with Powell's death - until Monday. Prosecutors filed a superseding indictment in state Supreme Court, St. George, accusing Brown of murdering Powell and Collins. There is no statute of limitations to file a murder indictment. Brown pleaded not guilty through his lawyer, Mark J. Fonte, to a crush of charges levied in a 38-count indictment, including first- and second-degree murder, robbery, criminal weapon possession, criminal use of a firearm, grand larceny and reckless driving. "I'm waiting on discovery to determine what allegedly links my client to this new charge and why there was a delay in charging him," said Fonte said outside court. Justice William E. Garnett adjourned the case to Feb. 29. The defendant, who was garbed in a tan sweater and orange Correction Department-issued pants, said nothing during the brief proceeding. In a statement afterward, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon's office said Brown was linked to the "heinous murders" through "the gun used in each of the fatal shootings." "The superseding indictment, which was unsealed in Supreme Court, means that this defendant has been charged with the death of a second man during his violent two-day crime spree," said the statement. "It is the intention of this office to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law for this double homicide and the associated criminal actions." The two killings occurred shortly after a prior fatal shooting in Stapleton. Nathaniel Calhoun, 32, a friend of Brown's, was shot around 4:01 a.m., authorities said. Calhoun and Brown may have been attending a "coming back" party on Dock Street as they were both recently released from state prison, said a law enforcement source with knowledge of the case. The two were standing outside, at the nearby intersection of Broad and Bay streets, when someone wielding a .32-caliber gun opened fire from a car, hitting Calhoun in the head, the source said. It's not clear if he or Brown was the intended target, the source said. Less than an hour later, at 4:53 a.m., Powell was shot and killed on Arlington Place and South Avenue, Mariners Harbor, said authorities. Besides killing Powell, the indictment alleges Brown stole Powell's New York state benefits card, an insurance card and cash. Just 15 minutes later, Brown slayed Collins, 40, of Voorhees Township, N.J., at 5:08 a.m. after the victim had just left a birthday party in Concord, said a law enforcement source. Collins was gunned down outside 367 Britton Ave., as the defendant tried to steal cash from him, according to the indictment and a criminal complaint. Authorities believe Brown drove back to Mariners Harbor after killing Collins. At about 6 a.m., behind 55 Holland Ave. -- just a few blocks away from where Powell was shot -- Brown, at gunpoint, stole a 2006 Hummer, along with a bracelet, learners' permit and other personal documents from a 29 year-old victim, police allege. The victim said Brown was wearing a red hoodie, said the complaint. About 45 minutes later, Brown was observed on videotape surveillance carrying a white trash bag at his apartment building on the 200 block of Park Hill Avenue, the complaint said. The bag was later recovered with a victim's personal items inside, said authorities. Brown ultimately drove into Brooklyn, then returned to Staten Island around 1:15 a.m. July 7 when he crossed the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, with his girlfriend as a passenger, police allege. She either bailed out of the vehicle or was thrown out. Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority Police officers tried to stop him, at one point firing at the Hummer, but he plowed through a closed toll lane, crashing through a barrier, and sped off, according to police. He made it as far as Narrows Road North and Hylan Boulevard, where he crashed into a Hyundai Santa Fe, sending it and its two occupants spinning into a utility pole, according to police. Brown then escaped on foot, and at 2:20 a.m., he allegedly committed yet another robbery, at Osgood Avenue and Fairway Avenue, in Clifton. There, he stuck up a livery driver working for the Newport Car Service, authorities allege. He flashed a gun, demanded cash, got $320, and fled on foot authorities allege. Brown resurfaced in Elm Park at 8:40 p.m. July 8, wearing a woman's wig as he attempted yet another robbery. He tried to take a 2013 Honda Civic that was parked and running on the 300 block of Walker Street, police allege. The car's owner tussled with Brown, who backed down, a law enforcement source said. His rampage ended less than two hours later at 10:25 p.m. when cops arrested him on Mosel and Osgood avenues in Clifton after a passerby flagged down a patrol car, police said. Brown had been out of prison for just two months before embarking on his rampage. He was released on May 8, 2014, after serving all five years of his prison sentence stemming from the 2009 mugging of a cab driver on Staten Island, while he was already on parole. Brown previously served a two-year sentence for an attempted-robbery conviction in an unrelated case and was paroled in September 2008, according to online records of the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- George W. Fehling, 80, of Great Kills, an award-winning business owner who also had a diverse career in many industries, was a U.S. Army veteran, committed community activist and family man, died Tuesday in Calvary Hospital, the Bronx. Born in Queens, he lived in Astoria before moving to Grant City in the early 1960s. He settled in Great Kills in 1964. Mr. Fehling went to high school in Queens and attended Queens College. He first worked for TWA in Manhattan, then was drafted into the U.S. Army, stationed stateside. He returned to TWA after his honorable discharge, then worked for Northeast and Argentine Airlines and Alitalia, and was a regional manager for Cathay Pacific Airlines for 10 years. He started his first business, GWF Travel Marketing, in 1977, followed by careers in home security, ATM services, the auto industry, and Snap-On Tools in Totowa, N.J. In 2000, he founded Ramps/Lifts for Better Living in Great Kills, providing increased mobility for people who had difficulty walking or used wheelchairs. In 2010, he was honored with the Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award. Mr. Fehling was a member of Community Board 3, where he was instrumental in transforming the Eltingville park and ride into a transit center. He also belonged to the Richmond County Yacht Club and Bucks Business Network. He loved to travel, and with his many years with different airlines had journeyed to many countries in Europe, Asia and South America. He also was fond of music and singing, and was a former member of the Big Apple Chorus. He enjoyed working on cars, and loved sailing. Dynamic, energetic and enterprising, he was always on the go and rarely sat down, his family said. "He was one of the good guys," said his son, Paul Fehling. "He always tried to help people, and to help the community." Mr. Fehling was a parishioner of St. Clare's R.C. Church, Great Kills. His wife of 47 years, the former Sally McCreesh, died in 2006. Surviving, along with his son, Paul, are his son, George R.; his daughter, Joan Webster; his brother, Joseph; three grandchildren, and his companion, Maxine Posner. The funeral will be Tuesday from the John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Eltingville, with a Mass at 9:45 a.m. in St. Clare's Church. Arrangements include cremation. Staten Island Ferry Mr. DeRubbio has presented a plan to CB1 to create a task force to consider how to stop phony or aggressive vendors who gather outside the ferry terminal in Manhattan and prey on unsuspecting tourists. (jillian jorgensen) Nearly at hand for Staten Island is the $1 billion tourist-driven renaissance of the North Shore. It's based on luring millions of visitors. Due to open in 2016 close to the Ferry Terminal in St. George are a pair of glitzy modern attractions whose debut has been highly anticipated for years. Both construction projects are well underway. The New York Wheel is to be a 630-foot high revolving observation platform, a super-sized Ferris wheel expected to become a world-class landmark. Next to that is to be Empire Outlets, a collection of 100 stores in the city's first ever brand-name discount shopping mall. A 200-room boutique hotel overlooking the harbor is also being built at the complex. The stakes for Staten Island are high, indeed. These projects and others on the North Shore are predicted to boost the economy of the borough substantially and create hundreds of jobs. Most of the new visitors are due to arrive on the Staten Island Ferry, which already carries about 2.5 million tourists annually. The total could nearly double. 4 million riders its first year The latest projections are for the New York Wheel to draw more than 4 million riders in its first year of business. By comparison, the Statue of Liberty annually draws about 3.5 million visitors. So the quality-of-life problems that have emerged near the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in Lower Manhattan ought to serve as a warning to us. Plans have to be made now to ensure a safe and fun experience for the millions of newcomers who will visit St. George. We can't afford to ignore this need. Harassment of tourists The brutal beating of a tourist recently outside the Whitehall Ferry Terminal is said to have been just the latest incident in the harassment of visitors. "It's more or less a public scandal in the Whitehall terminal," said Nicholas Zvegintzov, chairman of the Staten Island Ferry Riders Committee and Community Board 1's Transportation Committee. Speaking about bogus ticket sellers and other street hustlers, he said: "They are harassing people, they're crowding around tourists. In our view, they're giving a bad impression of New York." Dominick DeRubbio, president of the Staten Island Young Democrats, takes the Staten Island Ferry to Manhattan four or five days a week to his job as managing director of a Manhattan risk management company and he often sees the harassment. Plan to create a task force Mr. DeRubbio has presented a plan to CB1 to create a task force to consider how to stop phony or aggressive vendors who gather outside the ferry terminal in Manhattan and prey on unsuspecting tourists. Such a task force is called for, of course. A Brooklyn man was arrested last week and charged with assault for allegedly sucker-punching a tourist in the most recent Whitehall incident. The 33-year-old victim was reportedly hit in the face for refusing an apparently fake sales pitch for Statue of Liberty tickets that was made by a female accomplice in Battery Park. "They're hustling, trying to get people to buy tickets" for things like, helicopter rides and the ferry to Ellis Island/Liberty Island, Mr. DeRubbio said. Unsuspecting tourists have even been tricked into paying for tickets for the ferry, which is free. Easy to distinguish from New York City commuters, the visitors are targeted. Harassment and occasional violence directed at tourists have prompted members of the Staten Island community -- like Mr. DeRubbio -- to call for ways to be found to deal with the situation. He said his proposed task force has the support of CB1, Borough President James Oddo and the Staten Island Ferry Riders Committee. Other community members and organizations have also pledged support to ease Whitehall worries. Mr. DeRubbio says he's waiting for hear from CB1 in Manhattan about the disruptions. Mr. Oddo and Manhattan Borough President Gail Brewer wrote some time ago to Police Commissioner William Bratton, Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver and DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, asking them to dedicate more resources toward addressing unruliness and criminality at the Whitehall terminal. Mr. Bratton responded, saying additional uniformed police officers had been assigned to locations around the Whitehall ferry terminal and Battery Park. "Members of the precinct's Conditions/Quality of Life Teams will take enforcement actions against violators of quality of life offenses, as well as aggressive ticket sellers and vendors who harass tourists," wrote the police commissioner. Which is all well and good, but it is high time for a fresh look at the current problems. New York City thrives on tourism, which is about to become much more essential on our North Shore. Let's make certain that visitors here are properly welcomed. Page Content Prime Minister William Marlin departs from PJIA en route to Brussels for the Association of the Overseas Countries and Territories of the European Union (OCTA) Forum. This year, St. Maarten will be represented in the OCTA Ministerial Conference and the OCT-EU Forum from February 23rd to the 26th in Brussels, at the Renaissance Brussels Hotel. The delegation will consist of Prime Minister William V. Marlin, Khalilah Peters (DBB), Olivia Lake (BAK), Marc Arnold (BAK) and Carol Voges (Cabinet GebMin). Held on a yearly basis, the OCT-EU Ministerial Conference, the forum and trilateral meetings set the yearly agenda, which manages the relationship between the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT's) and the European Commission. As of February 2015, St. Maarten has been the official Regional Authorizing Officer (RAO), for the OCTs. In this role, the RAO is end responsible for the successful programming and implementation of the Caribbean OCT's Caribbean Regional Program 2014-2020. In order to achieve a successful programming, the RAO, must ensure inclusion from all OCTs and the EU. To ensure a successful programming process, regional workshops, conferences and meeting will be planned throughout 2016. The first meeting, the Caribbean Regional Workshop and Steering Committee Meeting, will be held on the morning of February 23rd. While all OCTs are seated at the table, the aim of this meeting will be to advance the programming process and provide a platform for consultation regarding the regional program for the Caribbean OCT's. Some of the expected outcomes of this meeting are: the finalization of the action plans for the Caribbean OCT regional program and the agreement on governance structure for the program including the size and number of projects to be executed In the Caribbean Regional Program Trilateral Session, which will be held on the 24th, the selected topics of the 11th EDF Caribbean Regional Program will be further discussed. The Caribbean OCT's selected the topics Sustainable Energy (SE) and Marine Biodiversity (MBD) as the focal sectors for the regional program, during the regional conference which was held Regional British Virgin Islands BVI last year. Although SE and MBD are usually seen as separate sectors, together they form the single sector for the Caribbean OCT regional program with the joint objective to build resilience to the effects of climate change and strive towards a low carbon economy. The Caribbean OCT's recognize the critical role that SE plays in the development process, and the level of energy consumption is widely used as an indicator of economic activity. Recently, the environmental damage and climate impacts caused by the continued use of fossil fuels has come to the forefront. Developing SE and MBD policies, and mainstreaming them into other sectorial development plans and strategies (e.g., tourism, drinking water and wastewater management) is the way forward and it could make a regionally harmonized approach more effective. The Ministerial Conference will be held on the 25th and the event closes with the OCTA-EU forum, which will be held on the 26th. During this forum, the new global agreement on climate change and the enhancing growth and investment opportunities in the OCTs will be discussed. By clicking Agree, you consent to Slates Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and the use of technologies such as cookies by Slate and our partners to deliver relevant advertising on our iOS app to personalize content and perform site analytics. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information about our use of data, your rights, and how to withdraw consent. Agree Best Canadian Blog 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 About Kate Why this blog? Until this moment I have been forced to listen while media and politicians alike have told me "what Canadians think". In all that time they never once asked. This is just the voice of an ordinary Canadian yelling back at the radio - "You don't speak for me." (goes to a private mailserver in Europe) I can't answer or use every tip, but all are appreciated! Katewerk Art Support SDA I am not a registered charity. 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Juan Giner - INNOVATION International Media Consulting Group I got links from the Weekly Standard, Hot Air and Instapundit yesterday - but SDA was running at least equal to those in visitors clicking through to my blog. Jeff Dobbs "You may be a nasty right winger, but you're not nasty all the time!" Warren Kinsella "Go back to collecting your welfare livelihood."Michael E. Zilkowsky Intelliweather Seismic Map Comments Policy Read this Best Of SDA Hide The Decline The Bottle Genie (ClimateGate links) You Might Be A Liberal Uncrossing The Line Bob Fife: Knuckledragger A Modest Proposal (NP) Settled Science Series Y2Kyoto Series SDA: Reader Occupation Survey Brett Lamb Sheltered Workshop Flakes On A Plane All Your Weather Are Belong To Us Song Of The Sled The Raise A Flag Debacle (Now on Youtube!) 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The two companies, both of which listed towards the end of 2014, presented full-year profit results on Monday that well exceeded forecasts the companies made in their prospectuses. The outdoor advertising market grew 8 per cent in January. Credit:Craig Sillitoe While other media have struggled in the face of digital disruption and audience fragmentation, out-of-home advertising has outperformed. Last month's SMI figures, which measure agency ad bookings, showed an 8 per cent rise in outdoor ad revenue in January. "I think that we're genuinely surprised on the upside of the market conditions," APN Outdoor chief executive Richard Herring told Fairfax Media. The director of the Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation (TKYF), Ralph Kelly, has rubbished claims his salary accounted for more than half the funds raised by the charity. Mr Kelly was paid $125,574 last financial year, roughly 51 per cent of the $243,373 in revenue raised by the foundation, according to its latest annual report. But the figures did not reflect more than half a million dollars paid to the Salvation Army by charity sponsors to run the charity's cornerstone program, Mr Kelly said. A 36-hour curfew was lifted early on Monday, allowing the Fijian military to ramp up efforts to reach the more remote parts of the archipelago of about 300 islands. Fiji remained without electricity in the wake of a ferocious cyclone that left at least 17 people dead and destroyed hundreds of homes. Credit:NZ Defence/AP "The Fijians are desperately trying to repair severed lines of communication, but they hold grave fears that the news waiting for them will be dire," said Raijeli Nicole, Pacific regional director of aid group Oxfam. "Given the intensity of the storm and the images we have seen so far, there are strong concerns that the death toll won't stop climbing today and that hundreds of people will have seen their homes and livelihoods completely destroyed." Damaged buildings at Nakama settlement in Fiji, after Cyclone Winston's landfall. Credit:NZ Defence/AP Aerial footage of outlying islands taken by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and posted on the Fiji government's official website, showed whole villages flattened and flooded. Aid agencies were told at a meeting of Fiji's National Emergency Operations Centre on Monday of potential "catastrophic" damage to Koro Island, Fiji's seventh-largest island. Trees blow in the heavy wind ahead of Cyclone Winston's landfall. Credit:Getty Iamges "The aerial survey suggested the runway looks OK so they are going to land on this later this afternoon with emergency personal and some supplies," said Anna Cowley of CARE Australia. Fiji also reopened its main airport at Nadi. Debris left by Cyclone Winston lies on the roads in Tamavua, Suva, Fiji. Credit:UNICEF Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has declared a 30-day state of emergency, with schools ordered to shut. "When we are able, we will provide timelines for the return of water and power," he said, adding that electricity supply to some areas had been deliberately cut to avert further damage. Tropical Cyclone Winston has been described as the worse storm to ever hit Fiji. Credit:Joli Businessman Jay Dayal, who lives near Rakiraki, on the north coast of Fiji's main island where the cyclone hit land, said the storm damage was extensive. "I wouldn't be surprised if people are now starting to go without food," he said. "It looks like a different country; it doesn't look like Fiji." People queue in a supermarket in Suva ahead of Cyclone Winston's landfall. Credit:Alice Clements/UNICEF Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who offered to send a P-3 Orion aircraft to help in the relief effort, said about 1200 Australians were registered as being in Fiji, although there could be many more. The Australian and New Zealand government authorised the release of emergency aid supplies held in the Fijian capital of Suva, which escaped the brunt of the Category 5 storm. "These stores will ensure communities have access to safe drinking water and basic hygiene for those who have lost their houses or are displaced," Ms Bishop said in a statement. She added that the high level of preparation by the Fijian government had helped keep the death toll low. Virgin Australia said it would resume flights on Monday, while Jetstar said it was still assessing the situation. Food and water supplies were a growing concern, even for areas such as Suva that did not suffer as much damage as the more remote regions. The Consumer Council of Fiji has urged traders not to sell food and other perishable items that have gone bad due to the effects of the cyclone. The Council's chief executive Premila Kumar said supermarkets and other food stores should destroy such items. Survivors spoke of the horror of the cyclone, while aid workers scrambled to help victims. Paris: Actors, artists and academics have condemned the planned eviction of migrants from a camp in Calais, but the French government has justified the move on "humanitarian" grounds. In an open letter published in Le Monde newspaper, 175 French public figures and 85 non-government organisations said: "Bulldozers cannot take the place of politics." Thousands of people fleeing poverty and war in Africa and the Middle East have taken shelter in the makeshift camp known as "the Jungle", after attempts to force their way into Britain via the Channel Tunnel were repelled by French police. Campina Grande, Brazil: US and Brazilian researchers are recruiting Brazilian mothers and babies for one of the biggest government-led studies investigating if the Zika virus is linked to microcephaly, a rare birth defect. Brazilian scientists last week announced they had deciphered the virus' genome sequence, which they said would allow authorities to understand why it chose to attack baby, rather than adult, brains. A soldier shows Aedes aegypti larvae found in the Brasilia school where Brazil's Minister of Health, Marcelo Castro, has launched a national day of awareness to eradicate the mosquito amid growing concerns over the Zika virus. Credit:AP The scientists from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro analysed the amniotic fluid of pregnant women infected with the virus and isolated the virus in the brains of fetuses with microcephaly who died in the state of Paraiba, right after birth, and found more evidence that the disease was related to the incidence of microcephaly, Brazilian news agency EBC said. The 21st Canberra Area Theatre Awards. Llewellyn Hall, Saturday, February 20, 2016. catawards.com.au. The Canberra Area Theatre Awards keep on growing. Organiser Coralie Wood said the judges saw a record 116 productions by 69 companies for the 2015 season 57 plays and musicals in the ACT and 59 in the NSW region, produced by both adult companies and school/college groups. Free-Rain's "Mary Poppins" with Shaun Rennie as Bert and Alinta Chidzey as Mary Poppins won three CAT Awards including Best Production of a Musical. Credit:Jamila Toderas At the awards ceremony on Saturday night, hosted by actor John Wood and musician Ian McLean, ACT companies won 29 awards and NSW regional companies won 22. Canberra Repertory Society won six awards. Its production of the comedy-drama Casanova won for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Turner as Old Casanova, shared with Simon Lovatt as David Selznick in Spectrum Theatre Group's Moonlight and Magnolias), Best Costume Designer for a Play (Anne Kay) and Best Director of a Play (Jarrad West). Its production of the historical drama The Crucible won for Best Set Designer for a Play (Michael Sparks), shared with Bay Theatre Players' The Wind in the Willows (Sam Lloyd) and Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Yanina Clifton as Mary Warren). Its production of William Shakespeare's comedy Much Ado About Nothing won Best Original Work for Cate Clelland and Fraser Findlay's original settings of songs. The organisers of an inflatable obstacle course, which left a woman with a broken leg, has defended the event's safety record, saying only two ambulances were needed at the Bungendore event over the weekend, despite thousands of participants. Belconnen woman Bec Osborne broke her leg in three places at the ObstaSplash event at the Bungendore Showground on Saturday while other people complained of broken ankles, a dislocated shoulder and friction burns on the Facebook page and called for refunds. Bec Osborne broke her left leg in three places at the ObstaSplash event in Bungendore. Credit:Melissa Adams But ObstaSplash director Dan Palmer said there were very "few incidents" at the company's first event and he was seeking legal action over the untrue social media comments. "Compared to industry averages there were very few injuries," he said. When dealing is in your blood, it is hard to know when to stop. Take UBS boss Matthew Grounds, who was obviously getting a little bored after selling off the NSW electricity network last year for a few billion bucks. The master trader listed one of his two Mosman mansions for sale on Saturday, as you do. For those who are getting confused, it is the old Fairfax Road fixer-upper that he bought in 2007 for a rather toppy $11 million, not the place around the corner he acquired in 2012 for $14 million, or the Palm Beach retreat Grounds uses when he can't remember which Mosman property he lives in. After years of advocating for smaller, more efficient, government the Productivity Commission itself appears to have been outsourced. Government officials have testified at a public hearing in Canberra that there was no need for the Productivity Commission to scrutinise Australia's biggest ever trade deal - despite it being the kind of job the commission was created to do. Elizabeth Ward, a first assistant secretary for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, told members of Parliament on Monday that there was no point asking the Commission to model the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The TPP is a huge trade deal involving 12 countries in the Pacific region, including Australia. It's the same thing every morning. Top up the kettle. Boil the kettle. Grind the beans. Fill the plunger. I have somewhere between three and four cups every day before I leave the house. The plunger. It's a gift I give to lots of people who are beginning their own houses, that and a grinder. Instantly save so much money on bought coffee. Leftovers make a brilliant cold drink, even without icecream. Coffee pods are a menace. Even the bloke who invented them, John Sylvan, is sorry. Credit:Jeffrey Chan Our particular plunger has been with us 33 years, given to us as a gift from Martin, the best of the men who walked with us as we decided to marry. The glass has been replaced a few times but the rest of it is still works as well as it did in January 1983. But I fear that the era of the plunger that most resilient of coffee makers may be about to end. We need to make sure it doesn't. The Australian prime ministership has seldom seemed more confounding. Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott confidently entered office only to be swiftly broken by it. Indeed, the past decade's tumult has highlighted paradoxes of the contemporary prime ministership: never has it loomed so omnipotent in the nation's life and yet been so brittle in the experience of incumbents. Equally, while its vanquished holders embodied public disenchantment with politics, a resilient faith in the office's redemptive powers persists, as evinced by the buoyant reaction to Malcolm Turnbull's ascension. What do we know about the development of the prime ministership? And what lesson does the story of its evolution into a position of national leadership offer for current leaders? The architects of the constitution assumed that the prime ministership would be the preeminent office in the nation they were founding one predicted it would be "the blue ribbon of the highest possible ambition". Yet fulfilling that promise was not a given in the first half-century after Federation. Prime-ministerial authority was hemmed in by constitutional constraints. Another fetter was the dearth of administrative support: the Commonwealth bureaucracy was modest in size and weak in policy generation. A prime minister's department was created in 1911 but for many years remained a small secretariat. Though incumbents were served by loyal private secretaries, ministerial offices were a distant innovation. Fractious political parties further frustrated prime-ministerial power. "A court is only as sound as its jury, and a jury is only as sound as the men who make it up," Atticus Finch, the lawyer in To Kill a Mockingbird, tells the jury in his closing arguments. Finch has just convincingly argued to acquit a black man, Tom Robinson, who was falsely accused of raping a white woman in a small Alabama town. Finch demonstrates for the jury that Robinson could not have committed the crime. But the jury of 12 white men vote to convict him, anyway. The book's author, Harper Lee, died on February 19, aged 89, leaving behind a massive legacy. To Kill a Mockingbird has sold more than 40 million copies since it was published in 1960. But after more than 50 years and millions of classroom lessons, some of its central lessons still, at least at times, go unheard. Harper Lee won the 1961 Pulitzer Prize for To Kill a Mockingbird. Credit:New York Times Research suggests the same racial prejudices that led to Robinson's conviction are thriving, if in more subtle ways, in courtrooms today. Numerous studies show that black defendants are more likely to be convicted of crimes than white defendants, and that people found guilty of murdering white victims are significantly more likely to be sentenced to death than those who murder blacks. In one study at Cornell, researchers found that defendants with more stereotypically black features a broad nose, thick lips and darker skin were more likely to receive a death sentence in crimes against a white victim. These differential results have a lot to do with a lack of diversity on judicial benches and juries, which tend to be disproportionately white, male and older, as the jury in To Kill a Mockingbird was. Although racial discrimination in jury selection is illegal, it has a long history in the US. Research has long suggested the selection process is biased against minorities, women, the young, the poor, and those with particularly high or low education levels. The Proposition EDGE OF THE DANCEFLOOR (Half a Cow Records) The collection of songs on Luke Russell's first non-solo album create a similar upbeat feeling to that of a feel-good pub band, though a well-heeled one from the Sydney streets and suburbs which they frequently name check. Their songs are delivered in the sort of light-hearted and fun filled manner sure to make ex red Wiggle Murray Cook feel right at home whilst he takes this opportunity to finally fully flex his guitar muscles. Somewhat reminiscent of Weddings Parties Anything these are storytelling songs, each re-creating a scene or the absurdity of a situation, often to do with chasing hearts and the dilemmas faced in relationships. It's a chipper sound as the tracks bop along, which perfectly matches the underlying comedic tone. A change from Russell's vocal to a female lead on some tracks still keeps the tongue in cheek, with the mischievous highlight featuring Nicole Smede on The Women Who'll Love You sounding like something the Beautiful South might have done in their prime. It's a lot of fun and so refreshing to hear an album that doesn't take itself too seriously while still showing off some quality musicianship. This is a pop record with a whole lot of character. PAUL SMITH Panic! at the Disco DEATH OF A BACHELOR (Warner) Did you see Lady Gaga's Grammy's tribute to David Bowie? If you didn't it's not hard to guess that while heartfelt and visually striking, the medley was at least as much about Gaga's florid side (like Bowie's theatricality or so we were supposed to think) as Bowie's creativity. It was big, in-your-face and somewhat off-putting with its demands. There's a fair bit of this attitude in this new album from Panic!, aka Brendon Urie. It's as if he's ingested Gaga's catalogue and Taylor Swift's 1989 with a good dose of Muse as the dessert, creating a pop album of such force and energy that by halfway through you're already looking for respite. Drums kick you in the cods, a pushed-to-the-limits voice smacks you in the face, the synths sounds flick your earlobes like an annoying friend and styles leap from jump jive to nearly-hard rock, from high end pop (LA Devotee could have been on 1989) to a frantic soul pop. Even the nominally mid-tempo title track, where Urie unleashes his inner Vegas cabaret crooner, is busy busy busy. There are good ideas here but they're undermined by trying so hard at every turn. BERNARD ZUEL As many as 30 climate science positions at CSIRO have been spared the axe in large part because of external pressure on management, Fairfax Media has learnt. Two key units within the Ocean and Atmosphere division had been told to expect to bear about 90 or more of the 100 full-time positions to be chopped as part of 350 jobs in total to go as part of a CSIRO reorganisation announced on February 4. CSIRO boss Larry Marshall has said his organisation can divert money and talent away from climate monitoring and modelling. Credit:Daniel Munoz Scrambling by managers, though, may spare as many as 30 jobs in the Ocean and Climate Dynamics and Earth System Assessment units, mostly based in Aspendale in Melbourne's south-east and Hobart, insiders tell Fairfax Media. Jobs in the Yarralumla teams in the ACT, though, remain very much at risk. "We know that there would be nothing more damaging to confidence and growth than smashing housing prices. Every single Australian recognises that the bulk of most families' assets is in their home. It is well over 65 per cent across the board, so you knock that price down; you knock that value down." The opposition plans to restrict the tax deductibility of losses made on investment properties to new houses only from July 2017. It also plans to halve the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount when investment properties are sold. The surrender of future capital gains tax revenue, which follows the government's recent retreat on a bigger GST to help fund income tax cuts and aid budget repair, has set up the 2016 election as a bare-knuckle political fight replete with a powerful scare campaign over the potential collapse of the property market. By warning Australians that their own house prices will tumble and that their personal wealth will therefore be eroded by Labor's policies, Mr Turnbull has revived memories of the doom-saying approach of his predecessor, Tony Abbott, to lay out the stark choice for home-owners: support Labor and see a third of the housing market wiped out, or retain a government committed to protecting the growth of real estate values. The decisive move came as tensions within the government edged higher on Monday on the news that Labor had drawn level at 50/50 in a major online opinion survey, Newspoll. The question has been at the heart of the disputes that have been raging across the 152,000-strong Australian Public Service since 2013, with Mr Lloyd and Coalition ministers insisting that large parts of enterprise agreements were being moved into policy in an effort to cut back on useless workplace red tape. As big enterprise agreement votes loom in the Defence and Immigration Departments, unions have seized on comments from Commissioner John Lloyd that public servants will not be able to legally enforce conditions which have been shifted into "policy". Public service workplace rights "streamlined" out of the new generation of enterprise agreements are not legally enforceable, the Public Service Commissioner has conceded. But unions have repeatedly told their members that the move was about stripping them of their workplace rights because policies could be changed without consulting the workforce and even if left in place, did not carry the same legal weight as provisions in a enterprise agreement. Mr Lloyd was asked about the breastfeeding policies in the departments at Senate Estimates earlier this month and responded: "You might say that it is not strictly enforceable, like the Fair Work Ombudsman might not be able to get involved and ensure that it is adhered to," the commissioner told the Senate committee. "But the departments and agencies that have taken it out will replicate it in their policies and guidelines and they will respect the rights of breastfeeding mothers to be able to breastfeed in the workplace, as is appropriate, and in accordance with government policies." Deputy Commissioner Stephanie Foster followed up by expanding on her boss' statement. A terrorist attack in Australia is inevitable and government agencies cannot guarantee the public's protection, a counter-insurgency expert says. On Monday night's Q&A, military strategist David Kilcullen reaffirmed his prediction that terrorists would successfully strike a target on Australian soil. "Yes, it is inevitable that we are going to see at least some kind of terrorist attack here in Australia," said Dr Kilcullen, former special advisor to the US secretary of state and chief strategist for the US state department's counter-terrorism bureau. Envelopes of cash allegedly marked "Dad" or "Passy" the name of the Obeid family's Hunters Hill home have sparked a row at the trial of former NSW Labor minister Eddie Obeid. Mr Obeid, 72, is on trial for misconduct in public office for failing to reveal his family had a financial interest in two Circular Quay cafes when he lobbied a senior bureaucrat about the plight of retailers who wanted their waterfront leases renewed. Eddie Obeid arrives at Darlinghurst Courthouse on the first day of his criminal trial. Credit:Kate Geraghty The former upper house MP has pleaded not guilty to the charge. A man accused of the brutal weekend bashing and robbery of a grandfather in Sydney's south-west has been arrested while on the way to attend his own grandfather's funeral, police say. The 22-year-old man was taken into custody near Rookwood Cemetery about 3pm on Monday and charged over the attack on 76-year-old Ernie Haynes at Bass Hill early on Sunday morning. Mr Haynes, who is a pensioner, had been walking along the footpath on Chester Hill Road to get his morning newspaper at 5.45am on Sunday when a younger man approached him, pushed him into a fence and punched him in the face. Mr Haynes fell to the ground and, as he lay there injured, the younger man allegedly punched him again in the face repeatedly. The last chimney stack at the former Shell oil refinery in Clyde has finally fallen - five explosions and more than 30 hours later than expected. The remaining tower - which came to be personified as the "stubborn stack" - submitted to its fate about 6.30pm on Monday. After nearly five decades of towering over the Parramatta skyline, the defunct stack was due to fall with four others in half a minute on Sunday morning. But when the explosives were detonated and the four other stacks crashed down in a cloud of dust, the fifth stack remained intact and upright. Queensland's Director of Public Prosecutions should not be granted special leave to appeal the downgrading of Gerard Baden-Clay's murder conviction, his lawyers have argued, as the decision "raises no question of law of public importance". The state's highest criminal court, the Court of Appeal, downgraded Baden-Clay's 2014 murder conviction to manslaughter late last year, finding there was insufficient evidence to prove he intended to kill his wife Allison on April 19, 2012. Gerard Baden-Clay at the funeral of his wife Allison, before he was charged with her murder. A massive public outcry followed the judgement, culminating in a public rally in Brisbane's CBD to put pressure on the Director of Public Prosecutions to seek leave to appeal the decision in the High Court of Australia and have the murder conviction reinstated. In documents filed earlier this month, DPP Michael Byrne, QC, argued the Court of Appeal erred in downgrading the conviction, as Baden-Clay's lawyers changed their argument on appeal, conceding there was sufficient evidence to prove he killed his wife, but not enough to prove he did so intentionally. Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate proposes to spend a "modest $70 million" to build a cruise ship terminal on the ocean side of the Southport Spit in his key bid to retain the mayoralty. But community group Save Our Spit described the bid as a "distraction" without enough information to truly judge and questioned its impact on ocean sand drift. Passengers would catch large "theme-park buggies" from the ocean-side terminal along an 800-metre jetty to arrive at the arrival facilities on the Spit, Cr Tate said. "If you've been to Universal Studios you get off the ship and you get on to those long buggies," he said. A Supreme Court jury has failed to reach a verdict in the trial of a man accused of murdering Melbourne University arts student Joshua Hardy outside a McDonald's during a violent six-second attack. The Crown case against Kyle Zandipour, 29, was that he had deliberately thrown the drunk Mr Hardy like a rag doll head first into the ground, kicked him in the head three times and stomped on him. Kyle Zandipour, who was charged with murdering Joshua Hardy. Credit:Facebook Mr Zandipour claimed he was worried Mr Hardy, 20, had been on drugs and was going to attack his friend, Matthew Bell. But Mr Bell told the jury Mr Hardy had only been asking to use his mobile phone just after 1am on Saturday, October 18, 2014, outside the McDonald's on St Kilda Road and he never felt threatened by him. Niamey: Niger has closed its land borders and ramped up security for an election in which President Mahamadou Issoufou is running for a second term promising to crush Islamist militants and reduce the country's deep poverty. Security forces patrolled cities and villages on Sunday in case of unrest or militant attacks. Some voters said they had never experienced such a tense election. Casting a ballot in Niamey on Sunday. Credit:AP Unidentified armed men attacked two electoral commission vehicles in a rural area about 100 km north-west of the capital, according to security sources, but there were few other reports of trouble. His spending on valets, pizza and clubbing in addition to the usual consultants and advertising might go down as one of the least successful campaign binges in history. Here is Mr Bush's story, as told by his ledger: When he suspended his campaign in South Carolina at the weekend, Mr Bush had burnt through the vast majority of that cash without winning a single state. New York: When Jeb Bush formally entered the presidential campaign in June, there was already more money behind him than every other Republican candidate combined. Donors' cars don't park themselves. With an aggressive fundraising schedule and several major donor gatherings, Mr Bush and the super PAC, Right to Rise, incurred a proportional parking tab. Clubbing: $US94,100 Instead of spending last winter on the hustings of Iowa and New Hampshire, Mr Bush held off, instead using the first half of 2015 to raise money in places such as New York, Chicago, Texas and Florida. His goal: to raise enough money for a super PAC to scare other candidates especially those with a similar political profile out of the race. Over the entire campaign, his team racked up tens of thousands of dollars in dinner and event tabs at the Yale Club, the Union League Club of Chicago, Nantucket's Westmore Club, and more than two dozen other haunts of the well-heeled and racquetball-inclined. Positive Advertising: $US84 million When Mr Bush finally did get in the race, he needed to reintroduce himself to the Republican electorate. After all, it had been eight years since the end of his final term as Florida's governor, and he had spent the intervening period as a philanthropist, consultant and investment banker. His campaign and a super PAC supporting him spent heavily on sunny advertising spots in the hopes of announcing Mr Bush to the post-Tea Party Republican Party as a credentialed conservative. PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Emil Lee and by extension the entire Ministry would like to congratulate Devlin Alexander and Angeli Balani on being sworn in as Health Care Practitioners on Sint Maarten. Mr. Alexander took the oath as a Pharmacists Assistant and will be working at Simpson Bay Pharmacy. Ms. Balani took her oath as a Physical Therapist. With this first step these two health care professionals are moving forward to ensuring that the Sint Maarten population is provided with quality service and appropriate health care. All health care professionals practicing on Sint Maarten must be sworn in by the Governor and this has been mandated to the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour for certain instances. Happy Power Hour seeks to be SXMs largest networking event for entrepreneurs and professionals! Great Bay:--- Happy Power Hour is the new and improved Power Hour, which is a premier networking event for entrepreneurs and professionals. Since its launch in 2013, Power Hour has reached close to 1000 persons during this time. Under the leadership of Ife Badejo, a serial entrepreneur and connector, the Power Hour has become an experience where entrepreneurial people are equipped by some of the best local and international business leaders while connecting with like-minded individuals. Information shared and connections made have allowed many attendees to transform their business and lives. To better serve entrepreneurs and professionals alike, the organizers and team have made some significant improvements based on feedback from the community. One of the key changes is that there will be a stronger emphasis on networking. Regarded by business leaders as the most important marketing tactic, networking is crucial to build and sustain both business and individual success. Happy Power Hour, the improved networking experience for entrepreneurs and professionals, will launch on March 30, 2016 at the Walter Plantz Square from 5:30 8:30 pm. The new Happy Power Hour seeks to be the largest networking event for entrepreneurs and professionals on St. Maarten. Through a variety of activities, spotlights where businesses and individuals will be highlighted, and a beautiful relaxed environment, the organizers expect to better meet the needs of entrepreneurial person. In addition to increased networking, interested persons will still gain insights from business leaders and experts. This will be provided in a concise and interactive manner. As a way of giving back to the community and to assist increase business connections to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, the Happy Power Hour is free to attend. The first of three (3) Happy Power Hours for the year, the inaugural Happy Power Hour will take place on March 30, 2016 at the Walter Plantz Square from 5:30 pm 8:30 pm. A simple registration is required to benefit from the variety of specials that will be offered that night. For more information or to register please call +1-721-523-1842 or email iN4SUCCESS at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . PHILIPSBURG:--- The Democratic Party faction in parliament has requested the Finance Committee of Parliament to examine and discuss the execution of the FATCA by the local banks on St. Maarten. To this end, the DP has proposed that the Bankers Association be invited to apprise parliament of their experiences with this Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), which is a United States law, that introduces a "reporting regime for financial institutions with respect to certain accounts". Under this law, Foreign Financial Institutions (FFIs), such as banks are required to report about certain foreign financial accounts and offshore assets of US taxpayers. Another way to ensure compliance with the FATCA in foreign jurisdictions, has been with the so-called Intergovernmental Agreements. "If a jurisdiction enters into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) to implement FATCA, the reporting and other compliance burdens on the financial institutions in the jurisdiction may be simplified. Such financial institutions will not be subject to withholding under FATCA." (FATCA website) The Kingdom Government, on behalf of Curacao and the U.S. signed such an IGA. The former Minister of Finance of St. Maarten had opted not to enter into an IGA, due to the supposed pressure it puts on the foreign government, in this case St. Maarten. The banking sectors on St. Maarten and Curacao are closely affiliated and it would be interesting to learn how this situation plays out in practice and the experiences of our local banks in complying with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. Another potential catastrophe for the banking industry region-wide is the socalled "de-risking" by US and European banks. Some in the regional banking world have described this threat as the "Armageddon". Caricom is engaging an all-out lobbying effort and St. Maarten must keep its ears to the ground and where possible join these efforts to protect the regional and local banking industry. It is in areas such as these that the Kingdom/Dutch government should come to the assistance of its Caribbean partners and our local Government should start its own lobbying thrust to this end soonest. Democratic Party of St. Maarten. VeloCloud and MetTel Deploy VMware for Cloud-Delivered SD-WAN BARCELONA, SPAIN (Marketwired) 02/22/16 VeloCloud Networks Inc., the and a VMware Technology Alliance Partner (TAP), today announced that MetTel, a leading communications solutions provider for enterprises and a VeloCloud business partner, deploys VeloCloud Cloud-Delivered SD-WAN running on the VMware vCloud NFV platform, featuring the production-proven VMware vSphere platform. VeloCloud enables enterprise-grade performance, security and reliability to both enterprise and cloud applications as part of the MetTel managed SD-WAN and bonded Internet solution. VeloCloud Cloud-Delivered SD-WAN runs as an overlay over Internet and Hybrid links while simplifying deployments and reducing costs. MetTel deploys vSphere as network functions virtualization infrastructure (NFVI) to run VeloCloud Gateways, which it integrates seamlessly with the MetTel private MPLS network. The resulting enhanced Hybrid WAN solution is particularly effective for MetTel customers. VeloCloud is exhibiting its Cloud-Delivered SD-WAN in Hall 3, Stand 3K10 in the VMware Pavilion at Mobile World Congress this week in Barcelona. VeloCloud CEO and Co-Founder Sanjay Uppal will also participate in a panel discussion titled Understanding the Business Imperatives for NFV on Feb. 22 at Noon CET in the VMware Pavilion. Using VMware vSphere to support our adoption of network functions virtualization is a perfect complement to VeloCloud SD-WAN and is a key to our technology choice, said Ed Fox, VP Network Solutions at MetTel. VMware helps us deliver new revenue-generating services, and transforms our infrastructure and operations through the adoption of NFV. VMwares carrier-grade solution for NFVI combines production-proven virtualized compute, networking and storage. Our future mobility strategy and vision are also well aligned with VMware AirWatch and Identity Manager as well. MetTel is a great example of the synergy that VeloCloud and VMware bring to a future of increased virtualization and software-definition in wide area networks, said Mr. Uppal of VeloCloud. All of us share a common vision of flexibility, simplicity and automation for enterprise WANs of the future. Using VMware allows us to abstract away from specific hardware to deliver on-demand services for both on-premise and cloud based SD-WAN. Service providers require technology partners that bring together best-in-class NFV solutions in order to accelerate their business and operational transformation, said David Wright, vice president of operations, Telco NFV Business Group at VMware. Together VMware and VeloCloud are helping MetTel leverage a unique cloud model built on a proven VMware vSphere virtualization foundation to deliver differentiated services to enterprise customers. In addition to his panel session, VeloCloud CEO Mr. Uppal, as well as MetTels Ed Fox, will be interviewed by Telecom TV on the topic Customer Experiences and Business Benefits from a Joint Partner/VMware Deployment. VeloCloud, the Cloud-Delivered SD-WAN company and winner of Best Startup of Interop, simplifies branch WAN networking by automating deployment and improving performance over private, broadband Internet and LTE links for todays increasingly distributed enterprises. VeloCloud SD-WAN includes: a choice of public, private or hybrid cloud network for enterprise-grade connection to cloud and enterprise applications; branch office enterprise appliances and optional data center appliances; software-defined control and automation; and virtual services delivery. VeloCloud has received financing from investors including NEA, Venrock, March Capital Partners, Cisco Investments and The Fabric, and is headquartered in Mountain View, Calif. For more information, visit and follow the company on Twitter . MetTel is a leading global provider of customized, integrated and managed communications solutions for enterprise customers. By converging all communications over a proprietary network, MetTel enables enterprise companies to easily deploy and manage technology-driven voice, data, wireless and cloud solutions globally. With one of the most comprehensive offerings, award winning customer care and project management and the ability to help manage, maintain and secure your communications needs, our portfolio of customer-centric solutions boosts enterprise productivity, reduces costs and simplifies operations. Combining customized and managed communication solutions with a powerful cloud-based communications management platform, MetTel enables customers to manage their inventory, usage, spend and repairs from one simple, user friendly interface. MetTel is a PCI DSS V3.0 Level 1 compliant solution provider. MetTel was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in New York City. For more information visit or contact us at 877.963.8663. MetTel. Smart Communications Solutions. VeloCloud is a registered trademark of VeloCloud, Inc., in the United States and other countries. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. VMware, vCloud, vCloud NFV vSphere, and AirWatch are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies. The use of the word partner or partnership does not imply a legal partnership relationship between VMware and any other company. Dan Spalding (408) 960-9297 Parks Associates: Over 30% of U.S. Broadband Households Are Not Interested in Wi-Fi Services With Their Mobile Services Posted by Publisher Internet DALLAS, TX (Marketwired) 02/22/16 Parks Associates released at today showing that almost 70% of U.S. broadband households express interest in Wi-Fi-based mobile service plans if such plans can save them money. Among those having no interest, 38% perceive that Wi-Fi connections are unsafe and their data would be vulnerable to hacking. Nearly 40% arent interested because they are satisfied with their current mobile phone plan. Mobile consumers are always looking for reliable service coverage, faster data speeds, and a service plan with the best value, said , Director, Health & Mobile Product Research, Parks Associates. Wi-Fi-based mobile service plans provide consumers with alternatives to 3G/4G services, and mobile operators need to look out for disruptors. Wang will attend Mobile World Congress this week in Barcelona, Spain, and Parks Associates is supporting the event. Despite substantial consumer interest, Wi-Fi-based mobile phone services need to overcome significant hurdles, specifically the fears of data insecurity. Consumers are also worried about the inconvenience of searching for Wi-Fi hotspots and experiencing gaps in public Wi-Fi coverage, Wang said. At MWC, we expect to see roadmaps from leading mobile operators to build better next-generation networks with mixed use of Wi-Fi, small-cell, and 4G/Pre-5G cellular technologies to launch both consumer and enterprise mobility services. also shows: Smartphone penetration has reached 86% of U.S. broadband households. 39% of smartphone owners use some sort of voice recognition software such as Siri or Google Now. 36% of smartphone users use Wi-Fi calling. Parks Associates is hosting , May 24-26, in San Francisco. For information on Parks Associates research, visit . To schedule an interview with Harry Wang or to request specific data, contact Holly Sprague at , 720.987.6614. Parks Associates is an internationally recognized market research and consulting company specializing in emerging consumer technology products and services. Founded in 1986, Parks Associates creates research capital for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to small start-ups through market reports, primary studies, consumer research, custom research, workshops, executive conferences, and annual service subscriptions. Image Available: Holly Sprague Parks Associates 720.987.6614 Primero Systems Wins Software & Technology Award for Best Custom Software Provider SAN DIEGO, CA (Marketwired) 02/22/16 has been named Best Custom Software Provider at the recent sponsored by Corporate America. These awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and firms who shape the American business landscape, rewarding excellence across all areas of the technology and software industries. For more than two decades, Primero has helped businesses achieve their goals and potential through the infinite capabilities of software. No matter what unique challenges a business faces, Primero creates custom software tailored to suit a variety of needs. With a specialty in mission-critical software solutions, Primero helps companies achieve a higher level of competitiveness, efficiency and compliance. In fact, many Primero customers have grown to become leaders in their respective industries. A common characteristic in Primeros customer base is an appreciation for technology and the desire for a true partner that shares a similar business philosophy. We have worked hard to earn and retain the trust and respect of our customers, said German Porta, CTO of Primero. In fact, we believe that our reputation is our greatest asset. From providing multi-million dollar enterprise solutions to working on smaller custom projects, we do what it takes to make things right. The end goal is to help our customers streamline their processes and give them the tools they need to make informed decisions. When our customers succeed, we succeed. Receiving this award from Corporate America further validates our customer-centric approach. Added Hannah Stevenson, managing group editor, Corporate America, Primero has a strong background in custom software development and services combining flexibility, scalability and reliability for small and large business entities. The firm has become a trusted technology partner to its numerous clients. We are pleased to recognize them for their contributions to custom software development. To learn more about Primero Systems, please visit . Corporate America is the definitive magazine for CEOs, top tier management and key decision makers across the U.S. Created to inform, entertain, influence, and shape the corporate conversation across the nation through high-quality editorial, in-depth research and an experienced and dedicated network of advisers, Corporate America provides its readership with the most authoritative and current analysis of the major changes effecting the corporate landscape, and the latest deals and topical issues dominating the corporate universe. Primero Systems Inc. brings people, processes, content and ideas together to produce better business experiences. For more than 20 years, Primero has been helping businesses achieve their goals and their potential through the infinite capabilities of software. From their award-winning Webtreepro content management system to their mission-critical, enterprise-grade custom software, Primero solutions improve efficiency, accuracy and contribute to the bottom line. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Primero serves a broad array of markets from healthcare to franchise, travel and countless others. Follow Primero on and , like them on or connect with them on . Image Available: Stephanie Olsen Lages & Associates (949) 453-8080 RFS In-Tunnel and In-Building Wireless Communications Solutions Enable Network Deployments in Challenging Environments Worldwide in 2015 tates), 22.02.2016 Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), the global wireless and broadcast infrastructure specialist, today announced that it experienced worldwide growth in deployments of its RADIAFLEX and CELLFLEX cables and related products for distributed antenna systems (DAS) in 2015. 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Norway: Mission critical radio network for numerous road tunnels ? Portugal: Telecommunications network for the Marao road tunnel ? Saudi Arabia: In-tunnel network for Metro Riyadh, and commercial radio network for holy mosque?s building complex and connecting hallway in Makkah ? Singapore: Metro network (commercial radio, mission critical radio / signaling) for Down Town Line 3 ? Thailand: In-tunnel network for Bangkok Metro?s Purple Line ? United Arab Emirates: In-building network for Midfield Airport and numerous buildings ? United Kingdom: CrossRail London network ? U.S.A.: Metro networks in New York and California RFS? successes in providing in-tunnel and in-building wireless networking solutions and distributed antenna systems for some of the most challenging environments in the world are a testament to the quality of our cables, jumpers, splitters, connectors and accessories, said Peter Raabe, RFS Global Product Line Director, Transmission Lines and Wireless Indoor Solutions. RFS solutions enable the anytime, anywhere connectivity that people are coming to expect, wherever they happen to be. Operators around the world can now provide wireless service in areas where only recently they were unable to do so. RFS? flexible infrastructure solutions help make it all possible and the expansion of service facilitated by RFS is a benefit to everyone. The RFS RADIAFLEX suite of radiating cables is designed to provide wireless broadband coverage for confined areas. The unique design allows RFS to offer cables that support current and future indoor commercial and essential radio services from 30 MHz to 2700 MHz and above for valuable cost savings. The broadband feature enables cables to work on different bands in one single coverage system, thereby supporting multiple carriers and multiple standards sharing the same infrastructure. RFS CELLFLEX foam dielectric feeder cables provide a reliable and technically superior solution when used as backbone feeders in cellular radio systems, including GSM, UMTS and LTE networks. They are also used for DAS radio equipment interconnections and jumper assemblies. Once installed, these cables ensure uninterrupted communications with low attenuation and complete shielding. Superior voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) performance and low Passive Intermodulation (PIM) of RFS cables and components help maintain system integrity at all times. And a full range of flame- and fire-retardant feeder and radiating cables is available, which meet the most stringent requirements and safety standards for indoor applications. RFS will highlight its global network solutions at Middle East Rail 2016 in Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), Sheikh Saeed Hall 2, booth E11. Trademarks: RFS is a registered trademark of Radio Frequency Systems. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems, plus active and passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for outdoor and indoor wireless infrastructure. RFS serves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers in the broadcast, wireless communications, land-mobile and microwave market sectors. As an ISO compliant organization with manufacturing and customer service facilities that span the globe, RFS offers cutting-edge engineering capabilities, superior field support and innovative product design. RFS is a leader in wireless infrastructure. Follow us on Twitter (www.twitter/RFSworld.com) International Relations February 22, 2016 Mario Candeias One year after Syrizas victory and six months after the coup One year after the victory and six months after the coup, we shouldnt fool ourselves: This was a defeat, of the Greek government. But its not only Syriza that has failed (for now). The whole left has failed in Greece and in the rest of Europe, indeed. Europe is no longer what it was. Its impossible to defend this project of European unification from the left without falling into pure illusions. Ever since the last European Parliament elections, the minimal demand is: No further transfer of powers from the national to this EU. This is certainly right, but then what? Some hope that now they can score points with alternatives to the current EU. But already before the crisis there was the question: Whats the concrete strategy we could use to carry out these alternatives? The social union was our model for 20 years and its turned into an illusion. The greater the defeat the submission of the Greek government the more radical the lefts defiance becomes, whether this means that we support a LExit (left exit), a radical democratization of the EU or for instance an unemployment insurance for all. None of this is realistic if it is disconnected from a strategy of how to get there. Its all a politics that amounts to nothing more than proclamations and intellectual games far from the seats of power. Theres no subject for carrying it out. As a world view for organizing and a political orientation, these desperate attempts at self-assertion are good for nothing. I, for one, am uncertain about how we can go forward with a view to social transformation. Shifting the Balance of Power? The left in Europe, hasnt been able to do anything to shift the balance of power. Our solidarity with Greece was symbolically important, but demonstrations for healthy food, for example, reach many more participants than demonstrations for solidarity and protests against the German governments austerity policies. And now a divisive debate has broken out thats felt not just in Greece. It is, so to speak, Wolfgang Schaubles second victory: the left has been split. In Germany its not so dramatic, but its serious enough to distract from our own problems and mistakes. But in France, for instance, there is a real danger of a split of the Front de Gauche about anti- or pro-European position, a possible split in times of an increasing radical right becoming the major force. Lesson 1: Become More What would a strategic position be not only a programmatic one that would actually change the relation of forces? This puts the question of organization back on the agenda. And here there is a lot to learn from the post-2011 experiences in Greece and Spain. With our solidarity we havent managed to make a difference because we are too small, have nowhere near enough anchoring among subaltern groups, and have not developed anywhere near enough connective praxis. This of course also goes for the left in Portugal, Ireland, France, Italy and elsewhere. Heres where we could begin: a strategy that is more strongly oriented toward intervention in concrete everyday social relations through civil-society organizing. And with this a combination of building some kind of connective practices between different movements, parties and/or new platforms that link this to the changed practices within a left mosaic (see Candeias/Volpel 2014). Lets call it a change from the discursive (arguments transmitted by programs and by media) to the material (interventions in concrete social relations). This is how, in Spain and Greece, the base could be broadened far beyond the usual milieus of the left and the already active. Their constituent parts are local units in which members do not just talk about politics but also take part in everyday practice by preventing forced evictions, organizing tenants, supporting labour struggles, doing refugee work, etc. These are solidarity networks that draw more people into political organizing. In this way it was possible to also reach the precariat, often of immigrant background, that no longer expect anything from elections and democracy. What could be promising in the long term are pilot projects for Transformative Organizing in so-called social flash points. Solidarity practices in the middle and bottom of society laid the bases for successes of Syriza, the Spanish municipal movements in Barcelona, Madrid (and we have figures on this), and many other cities (Podemos still has its litmus test ahead of it). To be able to fail like Syriza, we might have to be as successful as it was, we would have to come as far as it did. This is perhaps the first lesson to learn from the failure. Lesson 2: Successful failure has to be organized This also applies to those who see their politics as confirmed by Syrizas defeat. Stathis Kouvelakis, a proponent of a left Grexit and former member of Syrizas party executive and leading member of the Left Platform, which has split off under the name Unity, says: Our position is the typical I always said it from the beginning strategy. But if no motivating force can be developed out of this position it means political failure for if we are powerless and have proven incapable of translating our position into a course of action for the masses, then our position obviously has not been validated (in: Marx21 , 21 July 2015). The discourse of none of it meant anything in the end was already dominant after the dying down of Occupy and the indignad@s and turned out to be of little use, premature, and above all wrong. Admittedly, the defeat this time is especially heavy (at least for the short history of the left since the beginning of the recent major crisis). But defeats were always also important moments of reappraisal, learning, and reorganization. Viewed in this way, failure has always been the lefts most important form of motion. Such learning effects are of course not automatic. In order for lost struggles not to lead to disorganization and splits, there also has to be a connective practice in evaluating and reorganizing especially if the struggle has not even ended, as in the case of Greece and the European austerity regime. Reducing everything to the question of Grexit or not is detrimental to such a strategic reorientation. A moment of catharsis if it is used. The decisive strategic questions are organized around the perspectives and the praxis of the left in Europe and especially Germany. But even then, we cannot duck down to formulate a solidary critique of the first Tsipras government as a point of crystallization of left aspirations. Such a balance must start from the real and concrete situation, not from left projections and exaggerated hopes (a problematic with every inspiring project like the movements and left governments in Latin America or Rifondazione Comunista in Italy). Greece was about finding a way out of crisis and austerity. It was about reinventing reformism after the neoliberalization of the European social democracy and opening up space for new opportunities for movements, which could not be represented by the government (Mezzadra 2016). In any case, accusations of betrayal or anything else of the kind are out of the question. In what follows there will, therefore, be no good advice to the Greeks. I will only formulate three more general problematics and conclusions for future left projects. We should keep in mind that civil-society solidarity structures and unifying practices (see Candeias/Volpel 2014) were what made it possible for Syriza to come to power and for us to even argue about it now. Whatever our differences about the first Tsipras government, none of us should ever fall back below the level of this experience of practice. Lesson 3: Use the historical moment We have repeatedly seen how important it is not to pause at the moment of an (electoral) victory. The enemy is weakened, and the momentum of mobilization is still at a high point. The carrying out of decisive projects is more probable at this point, as long as the political enemy has not yet recovered his strength, coordinated with others, and been able to develop a new strategy. Obama, who, whatever his faults, as still the first African-American president of the U.S., provides an example. After enormous mobilization, he was able to win amidst the most serious economic crisis since 1929. But instead of using the moment and curbing the power of Wall Street, taxing the rich, and carrying out a kind of public New Deal, he pursued the false idea of a balanced policy and negotiated for a long time with the Republicans until the Democratic Party lost its majority in the mid-term elections. The rest is history. But Syriza, too, was unable to use the historical movement. Although before the election a clear immediate-action program and a strategy for the first steps definitely had been drawn up, some of the people closest to Tsipras feared it would lead to failure. The decision was made against the ratified program, and without any further consultation with the party, to negotiate with the creditors without preconditions. Confrontation with the creditors (which perhaps would have created a better starting point) was to be avoided. The original plan was to declare insolvency right after taking office in order to make a new attempt at debt cancellation within the Eurozone. The insolvency was indeed real and not caused by Syriza. Declaring it unilaterally would have been a calculated breaking of the rules, including the introduction of capital controls. Greece could have credibly said to the European public that the preceding corrupt governments and the Troikas policy had for years covered up, exacerbated, and protracted the countrys insolvency. Everyone who cared to know it knew that Greece had long been bankrupt. The Troika and the European caste still had not agreed on a strategy for dealing with the newly elected left government. There were many within the power bloc not just the IMF who had long thought that Greece was bankrupt and that debts would have to be written off. Insolvency would have put the creditors under strong pressure to offer an immediate solution. Success would by no means have been certain. But the moment fizzled out without being used. After months of the Greek governments desperate negotiations, defeat was palpable. In this moment of hardship, the referendum was a good chess move for a possible exit from the messy situation. The party rank and file and civil society organizations mobilized in a showing of remarkable strength for the OXI vote against submission to a third Memorandum. The referendum was supposed to improve the negotiating position. Whether the moment was consciously unused is unknown. On the other hand, what was successful to an extent was the notably rapid implementation of the measures to deal with the humanitarian crisis in Greece. Despite the lack of experience with administrative apparatuses, important measures were carried out in the areas of refugee policy, the reintroduction of the minimum wage, food stamps for the poorest, reconnection and free basic electricity provision, easements for over-indebtedness, reintroduction of basic pensions, reintroduction of unemployment and health insurance for low income earners, recruiting of doctors and free access to healthcare also for the non-insured, the recognition of same-sex partnerships, etc. (see Bussemer 2015). Except for smaller reforms in the taxation of businesses and the slow-moving detection of tax evasion and money laundering, a direct attack on the Greek oligarchy and its corrupt connections within the state, the economy, and the media was avoided. Outrageous is the fact, that is was not possible to pass our tax legislation through the parliament, providing us the exit to the resources necessary for survival in this struggle. Outrageous that we were not able to reintroduce collective bargaining laws, providing working people with the means for their struggle for democracy and dignity at their workplace (Iliopoulos 2015). Schauble is not to blame for not passing an institutional reform, able to contain police violence, to reform education to shut down the gold mine at Skouries, to bring forward a solidarity economy to tax the wealth of the church This was what Syriza announced and what was not in the focus of the Troika. The government did not implement these reforms, said Yannis Albanis (2015), member of the Syrizas central committee. A twofold strategy seemed too dangerous to the government. Still, perhaps it was exactly what would have been necessary. The propaganda in the creditor states said that the corrupt classes of the super-rich in Greece should not be called on to help service the debt because it was the fault of the Greeks themselves, which is hypocritical, but effective. We did not fight the struggles, able to strengthen and encourage us, but those weakening us Our biggest error was not committed in the negotiations with an over-powerful combatant, but not to push forward the social processes and struggles in the country, sums up Tasos Koronakis (2015b), the former General Secretary of Syriza. But even less confrontative democratic changes were not resolutely advanced: with regard to transparency, corruption, revaluation of municipal and regional governments, democratization of public administration (Spourdalakis 2015). Another reflection: Our opponents took us seriously. They thought we were dangerous for the system, not economically, but in terms of politics. They took us as a threat for the hegemony of the neoliberal paradigm We didnt take ourselves so seriously. We never prepared for an actual battle (Iliopoulos 2015). Could have, should have, would have What can we learn from all this? To never engage the struggle below the level of the current relations of force (Luxemburg, GW 1.2, 433) and never let the brief moments of historical possibilities go unused. Lesson 4: Hegemony in civil-society before taking office is not enough From Gramsci we learn that there has to be political hegemony already before taking office, and in exercising political leadership or hegemony one ought not to count solely on the power and material strength it confers. This advice was heeded. Syriza was a point of condensation that translates civil-society self-organization and protest into the perspectives of taking governmental power. But it is not enough to have won hegemony in civil society before taking office. Government and civil society have to be rethought: It was clear that the room for manoeuvre inside the given institutions was going to be more than narrow: Neither the clutch of the Troika nor that of the international financial markets would be loosened on the contrary. A left government would be wedged between authoritarian European constitutionalism and a bureaucratic apparatus occupied clientelistically by PASOK and ND. It would also have to expect an economic crisis aggravated by measures taken on the capitalist side. Rejection and renegotiation of the Memorandums will not be enough (Candeias 2013). At any rate, it was equally clear that Syriza had no choice. After the electoral victory it would have been impossible to not take office and leave it to a grand coalition of the corrupt system parties that shared responsibility with the Troika for the countrys catastrophic condition. There was a kind of mobilization from the lower classes, expecting Syriza to take government (Spourdalakis 2015). Nevertheless, one should have been able to know and many did know it that the governments expectation of being able to govern in the usual way was not viable. The initially swiftly implemented humanitarian emergency program needed to be accompanied by a rupture that would involve large parts of the population in a process of collective reorganization and refounding of democracy (Candeias 2013). Syriza originally started with a different approach. The party wanted to put society back into the center. She promised to realize this practically, to approach to and learn from the movements, without behaving like a paternalistic Avantgarde or typical representative Her practice and program were designed to realize an active social participation in the institutions From this practice she formulated a right to govern and execute power (Spourdalakis 2015). A true transformation cannot be a transformation via the state. As Nicos Poulantzas said: A transformation of the state apparatus in the sense of a withering away of the state can only rest on an increased intervention of the masses in the state certainly with the help of the trade-union and political representatives of the masses but also through the unfolding of their own initiatives within the state. (it will) not be able to limit itself to a mere democratization of the state. This transformation must be accompanied by the development of new forms of direct grassroots democracy and the spread of networks and centers of self-governance, (1978, 289f). Andreas Karitzis puts it like this: Escalation by the elites requires a counter strategy, empowering people to take over fundamental socio-economic functions in an alternative way We cannot free ourselves from our oppressors as long as we do not develop the power to provide the necessary goods and practices independently (Karitzis 2015). And Hilary Wainwright observes: Solidarity initiatives can be important points of departure for struggles around/for the welfare state. In these struggles, as organizational nodes, peoples self-conception of what they can achieve can change, Together with [these struggles] the sense of their own capacity for power can develop (2012, 122). These initiatives are therefore potentially not only an effective remedy against (right-wing) populism but can also reduce dependency on (left) governments and prevent clientelism. They do not limit themselves to civic engagement that compensates for the thinning out of the welfare state but aim, through civil disobedience and direct appropriation, at its reconstruction and its democratic remodelling. From this perspective, the expansion and democratization of the welfare state should redirect funds and decision-making power toward civil society. In and against the state, to recall an old slogan. No one can be mobilized by asking five people to cross their fingers in negotiating with the Troika, just as no one can be mobilized to exit the euro. In both cases there is no role for movements or for individuals, no perspective for taking action. To concretely reclaim the state at the point where people experience it in their daily lives in healthcare, education, media, in workplaces, and organizing the necessary financial means that is what could have mobilized and connected with an existing praxis. This requires rethinking governmental and administrative practices as well as movements which have to overcome their narrow corporatist mentality, insofar as state recourse and decision making is transferred to these new actors (Karitzis 2015). An example: The movement of solidarity clinics with their knowledge and engagement of doctors, healthcare workers, patients, relatives, and activists could have been a basis for a reform of the public healthcare system that aims at participation and transparency and opens up the administrations to the masses, uses their knowledge, and anchors their power there. Some steps in this direction were made, but extremely carefully. Councils could have been formed everywhere. This could push forward the reconstruction of the state more powerfully than a single left minister at the head of an apparatus shot through with clientelism and corruption (especially in the tax administration). This twofold strategy of negotiations and rupture was not taken up. The wish was to avoid a war on two fronts and so not risk a conflict with the Greek bourgeoisie within the country. And so there was no turning to the very mobilization that could have bolstered the government not only at the European level but also in the struggle against corruption and tax evasion, for cutting the horrendous arms expenditures, and the introduction of a wealth tax. These were precisely the points used by the anti-Greek propaganda in the creditor countries to continually accuse the government incredible hypocrisy as we know since the Troika itself prevented these measures from being taken. Moreover, a mobilization of civil society could have also been an important corrective for the government (every trade-unionist knows how helpful such pressure can be for negotiations). Forgoing it tended to render civil society passive. Syriza as a whole despite the mass presence of single members in the movements evoked mass participation more than really developing it. Contrary to their communiques the government did not open institutional procedures and did not even think about broader negotiations and participatory democracy (Albanis 2015). Incidentally, the Left Platform also had no such strategy and with its program focused on a Grexit pursued a purely parliamentary and etatist tactic. They seemed uninterested in mobilization. Panagiotis Sotiris, ex-Antarsya member and now member of Popular Unity sums up self-critically: The forces building the new Unity, they acted like a variation of Syriza, that credibly upheld its principles but not as a new front that organically grew out of the movements and social conflicts Our party did not succeed in opening itself to the experiences of the movement (Sotiris 2015). Unity as well as the government obviously did not share principles and experiences of the radical left: neither to be broadly anchored in class, nor thick ties to solidarity networks and social movements were considered as particularly important. They refused to actively take part in the latter (Spourdalakis 2015). That the movements had already waned by the time Syriza came to power, as we so often hear, is an erroneous analysis (Sablowski, JW 18 July 2015; Strohschneider ND 5 August 2015). What does one mean by movement? The relatively ineffective general strikes and other spectacular demonstrations? Or the spread of organizing through the solidary structures in the whole country and the development of a connective party (socially as well as through parliament)? The former had indeed long since died down. After the occupation of Syntagma Square there was the laborious everyday work of organizing in the neighborhoods and of a multi-faceted solidary economy (Candeias/Volpel 2014). The latter is less visible and involves enormous wear and tear but also continual engagement and effect. In fact, with the refugee crisis that has been coming to a head already for a long time, the solidary structures have lost nothing of their dynamic but have grown in terms of activists, engagement, and dynamic, as Eleni Chatzmichali of the Network of Solidarity Clinics reports. And after the big defeat in July, it became clear for everyone, in this situation solidarity structures will not become dispensable, because even a left government is not able to reestablish and expand the welfare state. You cant rely on the government for your everyday survival. So, for instance in cooperatives or markets without middlemen numbers and engagement of activist are growing. We have to do it ourselves. In doing so, we have to care about not eroding the political kernel of solidarity structures, to reduce them to mere structures of help. Antagonistic movements like anti-privatization or anti-eviction initiatives however were demobilized much more, but not the solidarity structures (ibid.). The notion of the demobilization of civil society is also refuted by the OXI. The mobilization surprised the participants (especially the government) perhaps even more than the outcome of the referendum. Although months had been thrown away, the OXI could have been used. But there was no careful consideration how to mobilize the social forces, which demonstrated their willingness with 61 per cent at the referendum, and there was no careful consideration either how to strengthen the solidarity and parallel structures, that emerged out of the crisis (Panagiotakis 2015). Taking office should be understood as the moment of strengthening mobilization and self-organization of the subaltern classes in all fields of society. Although the indispensable role of movements is recognized widely in the left, there is a dominant understanding of a linear ascending process of political organization: in the beginning there are protests and movements, then follows the building up of new or rebuilding of old left party structures, then there is the electoral process and campaigning to win the majority and assume (governmental) power to implement the right policies. Movements have their more or less important role, but the understanding of taking power remains the same old stylish, office-seeking, and etatist one, centered around parliamentary and administrative procedures We do it for you. But this traditional relation toward government is not sound anymore. The state is not able to provide what people need (Karitzis 2015). Instead, it should be clear, that the moment of seizing governmental power is not the moment of replacing the moment of movements and social mobilization. Taking office should be understood as the moment of strengthening mobilization and self-organization of the subaltern classes in all fields of society. New connective practices between the different functions government, party, movement, social self-organization in the neighborhoods and on the shop floor must be developed instead of acting in the name of movements and voters or the invocation of movements as the cases arise to mobilize people for the government. Repeated mobilization in individual cases like for the referendum without giving people a real voice, a real possibility to decide, however, leads to disillusion. Not only has the Left Platform split off; still more serious is the loss of the base, which is leaving the party in droves, with many of the most active liaison people in civil society and the movements among them. The connective party failed. There is still no open break between movements and Syriza; people are still discussing what the right consistent approach should be. Movement-oriented people left the party, so it will become difficult to negotiate politics to strengthen solidarity structures only with people orientated toward parliamentary procedures, reassess Chatzimichali (2015). There is ongoing discussion of founding a new civil-society platform that would not exhaust itself working within the government but pursue its own agenda of social organizing and transformation a platform able to either pressure on, or support of, Syriza, depending on the specific conditions. The relation between party and movements now has to be directed toward a relation of cooperation and conflict, consolidating the autonomy of movements, comparable less to a connective party then to the model of the Brazilian landless movement MST in the time of the Lula government. Tsipras and Syriza won a second mandate. Learning from our own failures is the duty. Because it will not be enough to socially cushion the Memorandum measures. It became immediately obvious that the European institutions will not tolerate such a tactic. When the Greek government tried to cushion the hardship of the memorandum measures with a parallel program of social measures (health insurance for all, municipal centers of help for the poor, an end to the foreclosure sale of the land of the cooperative Vio.Me etc.), the vote in the parliament had to be suspended because of the pressure from the Eurogroup. Therefore the creditors shift from fiscal blackmail to direct political control They not only set the legal frame for Greek politics, but they are binding the next payments to political compliance of the government, permanently supervised. They will prevent Greece from wining any room for manoeuvre for a new offensive (Blockupy goes Athens, 12.7.15). So, the strategy to cushion the measures of the Memorandum has failed too. Indefensible is any strategy that privileges the representation of voters over the organization of the society, with the goal, to struggle against the measures of the Memorandum today, and to bear a new economic war tomorrow (Albanis 2015). Lesson 5: Autonomy of the party from the government and parliament Syriza has undertaken far-reaching changes in the political structure of its own organization and developed close institutional, indeed organic, ties with the movements. Together with the movements if founded the Solidarity4all network in order to network and strengthen the structures of solidarity countrywide; every deputy gives a significant part of his or her salary to Solidarity4alls solidarity fund; at least one of each deputys staff is made available for work in the movement, etc. And so there were very good connections from the party to the movements. The party provides an infrastructure for the construction of the solidarity movements, that was enormously important. However, there was little ability to guarantee an opposite path of impulses from the movements to the party, as it was still possible in the period of the Syntagma Square occupation. We did not build an active relation to the society, in this sense of lacking openness there was no real difference to ND and PASOK (Koronakis 2015b). Furthermore, from the very start Syriza was threatened by the danger of being completely absorbed by government duties, as Elena Papadopoulou put it (2015). Situations are repeatedly arising in which party cadre are absorbed into the state apparatus and a left party only still exists as a government party, or as a parliamentary party, which describes Syriza with some exceptions. Against this, Papadopoulou recommends, it is necessary to hold on to our own presence in the social field and even to expand it. This did not succeed. The party was marginalized in relation to the government and parliament. It no longer played an independent role. And the members were never consulted about any question, not at any time (Panagiotakis 2015). A classic mistake. Since 2012, action of the party was too strongly oriented toward governing. Syriza privileged the parliamentary game, social practices degenerated into compulsory exercise. They stopped making initiatives in society and lost ingenuity, they still had in 2010 and 2011. This became clear at the founding party convention of Syriza. The questions debated there were mostly of procedural nature, nearly exclusively on inner-organizational structures with it the party seemed disconnected from the societal field. Without creativity, the organization was not able to correspond to its own strategy (Spourdalakis 2015). In contrast inner-party conflicts between the different political currents dominated the debate, without representing or organizing a majority in the party. No entity within the party was dedicated to connective practices, bridging the differences. The federal character of the currents, functioning as networks or even parties within the party, was not useful. It prevented a real connection between the currents Connecting the pieces is hard work. And a working and lively party debate is a precondition, supporting the Syriza strategy in all its organs, representing the new. It hasnt worked. Division is due to these deficits, and it costs strength, effectiveness and votes. Along with this, those who had been important in organizing the close connection between the party and the movements, who had built vital relationships in civil society and were, precisely, for the twofold strategy of negotiation with the creditors and rupture in the sense of mobilization within the country, were ground down or made invisible within the clash of the government and its negotiating strategy, on the one hand, and the Left Platform, with its never developed exit option, on the other. Among other groups, I am thinking here of the Group of 53, a group within Syriza that advocated Syrizas cohesion, its democratic functioning, and its radical left, movement-oriented direction. Central figures, such as the partys General Secretary, Tasos Koronakis, or Christos Giovanopoulos, the coordinator of Solidarity4all, have since left the party. For the sake of future left projects we would have to ask: How can the relation of those in government, of the parliamentary group and the party be shaped so that the necessarily emerging contradictions can be cooperatively worked through? How can one guarantee that the party is neither subordinated to the government nor pitted against it? What concrete conflicts can be foreseen? How are conflicts to be managed and democratic inner-party decisions made? To develop a connective praxis that cross the fault lines within the party and the social left should be a task of all parts of the left but, at a minimum, of its leadership groups. What Does Defeat Mean Now for Us in Europe? It was more than clear and repeatedly said, also by Tsipras, that one country alone actually cannot carry it off. They tried the impossible, bought time, and politicized the question of democracy in Europe. But what does this mean for us? As I said: we havent made a difference. The Left parties and movements, intellectuals and trade unions which altogether is not all that little have at no point managed to create a common initiative in order, beyond all trench warfare, to come nearer to the shared goal of the end to austerity and of Europes authoritarian-neoliberal regime. As in a burning glass, Greece and the politics of all of the left in Germany for instance shows that the forms of politics that have been pursued, whether movement, trade-union, or party politics, are not good enough. Therefore we need a different strategy of organizing and becoming more, as I said, based on organizing in the everyday struggles, in the neighborhoods, etc., bringing more people to take their interest into their own hands. Even if we in Germany do not have a dynamic like that of Greece or Spain, what needs to be done now is to develop capacities, prepare things, reinforce organizing processes in order both to be effective (despite the lack of a dynamic) and to be prepared for the coming dynamic. To be active within a fundamental temporal discontinuity means, on the one hand, to gather forces and develop and, on the other, to be open for the unforeseen, for the untimely. In the language of the politics of the event this means an attitude that is ready to grasp the opportunity, to intervene in those temporary openings that allow a leap forward and the creation of more favorable relations of forces (Caccia/Mezzadra 2015). Of course, alongside this priority of popular anchoring in solidarity praxis, there also needs to be a programmatic position and discursive strategies that can convey the connection of these everyday hardships to the European crisis a left populism, so to say, that clearly names the perpetrator and addresses the anxiety anxiety in the face of a feeling of external threat (Greece and the euro crisis, Ukraine/Putin, refugees, surveillance/NSA, terrorism) that is predominantly related to the situation here and couples it to solidarity praxis. Lesson 6: A common Oxi camp Europe no longer represents hope. In fact, we should consider whether certain powers ought to be transferred back from the European to other levels. This would involve a new connection of decentralization but with transnational mediations. In terms of municipal concerns, it is at this level that decisions should be made. On what has effects beyond one municipality and region should be decided on higher levels: on a supra-regional or national basis with the participation of those effected and of course there are questions that can only be approached on a European level. Which matters these should be would be clarified within a constitutive process aimed at a fundamental refoundation of the European project. The means and end of a refounding of Europe would have to be the strengthening of the sovereign, that is, of the population. In this way, the impulse toward re-nationalization could be remodelled into an impulse toward decentralization and Europeanization. For a broad political debate on the prospects, Europe-wide assemblies should be called a constituent process of consultation and organizing of a European civil society. It should not involve an abstract Europe discourse but would be close to the everyday worries and desires of people. This is the perspective. How to get there is the issue. With this aim, Varoufakis is proposing the founding of a new European platform. The initiatives around the so-called Plan B (Melanchon, Lafontaine, et al.) are also pursuing a discussion of the new orientation of the process of European integration and not just a debate about Lexit (Owen Jones). Instead, movements are focusing on diverse processes of intervention in concrete everyday organizing in connection with transnational assemblies and civil disobedience, but they are still going through a process of strategy clarification. Those forces that can be called movements of a new municipalism have a somewhat different strategic focus. They assume that far-reaching attempts at European organizing are hopeless if not based on the organizing within the everyday life of individuals, in the neighborhoods, at the workplace, and in the municipalities. Within the Spanish state, connective platforms were able to win majorities in most of the countrys large cities. Not only in Barcelona and Madrid can the new left municipal governments name the mayor; in the USA, too, the various successes after the defeat of the Occupy movement can mostly be seen at the local and municipal level (for instance, around the minimum wage). In Italy, there is a long left tradition of social centers as places of organizing. The municipality needs to be won back as a locus of politics, of (self-)organizing, and participation. With Syriza we have seen the limits left governments come up against in an authoritarian Europe. This of course, is also true, in another way, for a new municipalism. This also involves jumping scale to translate and connect such politics and organizing with the European level for a network of cities and regions or, more emphatically, the perspective of a European Commune as the constitutive process for another Europe from below? We have also seen that European campaigns can serve to establish a new political space from below in Europe. By now there have been several such campaigns: on water, ACTA, seaports, TTIP, and others. The start of a mutual European understanding from below could be an organizing campaign for a European citizens initiative that would name maybe three still to be defined central goals: perhaps an end of social cuts and privatization, a European debt conference, taxing the rich with a European property levy, investments in a Europe-wide social infrastructure (healthcare, education, housing, energy), and a solidary refugee policy. It can be formulated better and more concretely, not more than three points. That European campaigns can be successful has recently been shown by the anti-TTIP campaign. But this new campaign should be more sophisticated. Anti-democratic hegemonism of the German government and the subjection and impoverishment of Greece also finds its critics even in Germany among a relevant minority of 20 to 30 per cent, up to now within the left-liberal, Green, and bourgeois centre spectrum represented by Jurgen Habermas, Gesine Schwan, Reinhard Butikofer, and many others. The refugee drama is considerably aggravating this anxiety. More than ever, we need to go beyond the current limits of protest and create a social bloc that says OXI to the social cuts and destruction of democracy in Europe, that goes beyond the classic left milieus (Riexinger, ND 11 August 2015). In the rest of Europe, resentment, especially of the German government, has grown enormously. It would not hurt if left parties, social movements, and critical trade-unionists could unite Europe-wide around a few minimal demands in order to get such a campaign started. The European institutions would certainly reject such a European Citizens Initiative (ECI). However, as was the case with TTIP, this could have a mobilizing effect, if you will, for a bold referendum for a Europe from below, as the beginning of self-empowerment for a constituent process. These and other strategies are going to be discussed at a European Strategy Conference organized by the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS) in June 2016 together with the most diverse social initiatives, groups, tendencies, and organizations. Along with the political content, the conference will also deal with what the right political forms could be and their linkages, as well as a strategy for connecting the most diverse levels local/municipal, national, European in view of the lefts scarce resources: in each case, where is the right level of political intervention and organizing? The aim despite current differing positions and goals is to find connective perspectives and praxis that make possible not a unified modus operandi but at least a synchronization of politics of resistance for another Europe. This time together! We have to be aware that we are experiencing a great crisis things can change rapidly. And when they do, it will be rapid in every direction. Maybe in ours, if we learn from our defeats. Solar Novus Today Has Been Integrated With Novus Light Technologies Today Visit Novus Light Technologies Today to see all the cutting-edge stories and products that you have come to enjoy on Solar Novus Today. In addition, you will find more information on related light-based technologies. Get the latest solar and renewable energy news delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for the Green Technologies newsletter CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR GREEN TECHNOLOGIES NEWSLETTER How an adventurous priest's bike ride claimed him on Western Ave. Jan Klimczyk was pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Neighbors where he was hit on a bike say speeding traffic on Western Avenue is dangerous. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Oak Creek to host outdoor 2022 World Cup watch party A partnership between Morans Pub in South Milwaukee and the city of Oak Creek will offer residents food, drinks, music and games on Nov. 25. Welcome to SwanseaOnline - your home for the best news, sports and what's on coverage of the city. Never miss a Swansea story with our daily newsletter Sign up to comment on our stories here Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Swansea City news | Ospreys news | InYourArea NASA is ready to move forward on a new telescope that will have 100 times the field of view of the Hubble Space Telescope and will use old spy-telescope hardware. The new mission, called the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), is expected to launch in the mid-2020s. It will aim to help scientists better understand dark energy, dark matter, planets around other stars and the universe's evolution. NASA announced the WFIRST telescope with a new video to unveil the mission. The WFIRST mission has been in preparatory studies for years. It received increased public attention when the National Reconnaissance Office (a U.S. intelligence agency) made the surprise decision to give NASA two Hubble-class spy telescopes in 2012, which fit the mission's parameters. On Wednesday, (Feb. 17), NASA's Agency Program Management Council made the ultimate decision to pursue the WFIRST program, according to a statement. "WFIRST has the potential to open our eyes to the wonders of the universe, much the same way Hubble has," said John Grunsfeld, veteran Hubble repair astronaut and the associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, in the statement. Artist's impression of NASA's Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST). (Image credit: NASA/GSFC/Conceptual Image Lab) "This mission uniquely combines the ability to discover and characterize planets beyond our own solar system with the sensitivity and optics to look wide and deep into the universe in a quest to unravel the mysteries of dark energy and dark matter," Grunsfeld said. WFIRST will be NASA's next major observatory after the James Webb Space Telescope, which is expected to launch in 2018 a few years before Hubble's expected retirement. WFIRST's mission will be to look at large swaths of the sky in near-infrared light. The space-based observatory will probe the nature of dark energy (the force believed to be speeding up the expansion of the universe) and dark matter (an invisible substance that is responsible for most of the mass in the universe). Additionally, by using certain kinds of supernovas to measure distance, WFIRST will track how fast the universe is expanding. The instrument's observations of galaxies will give scientists a picture of how the universe evolved, according to the statement from NASA. WFIRST's instruments include a wide-field instrument, which will do these surveys, as well as a coronagraph, which will help search for exoplanets. The coronagraph can block the light of a star, letting astronomers search for the star's dimmer, planetary companions. WFIRST will also probe the atmospheres of these planets, which is an emerging subfield of exoplanet studies. NASA said it hopes the telescope will be able to better characterize large planets and super-Earths, the latter of which are between the sizes of Earth and Uranus. Some scientists believe super-Earths could be habitable. After the telescope launches, it is expected to operate in L2, which is located far from the interference of Earth's atmosphere. That spot is 1 million miles (1.6 million kilometers) from the Earth, opposite the direction of the sun, and is a relatively stable gravitational location for WFIRST to do observations. Follow Elizabeth Howell @howellspace. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Thirty years ago, the Soviet Union launched the core module for the space station Mir. Mir was the first modular space station assembled in orbit, finally completed in 1996. The spacecraft tripled its expected five-year lifespan, operating for more than 15 years, and even outlived the U.S.S.R. During its time in orbit, Mir had a checkered history, both a pioneer for its many breakthroughs but also a problem child, with a history of power failures, trash buildup, hygiene concerns, a fire and an in-orbit collision. Even with its achievements now eclipsed by the International Space Station (ISS), the Mir still set an important precedent for international cooperation and made invaluable contributions to the science of space travel. International Space Station: 15 Years Living Off Earth The name "Mir" translates to "world" or "peace" in English. In its original use, the word "Mir" represents a village, a traditional community "with common goals and values in a place where they had a better chance of surviving, living a productive life, and succeeding as a group," former director of the Shuttle-Mir program Frank L. Culbertson, Jr. recounted in 1996. That sense of cooperation appropriately characterized life on the space station. Although Mir was a Russian space station, it hosted more than 100 space travelers from a dozen countries around the world, including France, Germany, Japan and even Afghanistan. American astronauts first arrived on Mir nearly a decade into its life. The post-Soviet collapse had left both the American and Russian space programs in jeopardy, as the Americans lost their main competitor in the space race and the Russians suffered economic collapse. In order for NASA and Roscosmos, the successor to the Soviet space program, to salvage their own separate plans for next-generation space stations, the two had to work together to focus their efforts on a collaborative project. Video: Explainer: Ownership of the International Space Station "Phase One" of the cooperation between the United States and Russia was the Shuttle-Mir program, which brought both astronauts and cosmonauts on board the space shuttle for several missions to Mir and back. "Phase Two" was the construction of the ISS itself. Mir brought together in space what were rival nations on Earth. It also provided an invaluable window into the potential for long-duration spaceflight. The space station set a number of records for time spent in space. Cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov in 1995 achieved a record 437 days, 17 hours and 38 minutes for a continuous-orbit stay aboard Mir. A year later, astronaut Sharon Lucid set the endurance record for women with 188 days and 4 hours in orbit. Their experiences provided a window into the physiological and psychological effects of extended space missions. Mir also hosted experiments aimed at sustaining life in space. The station raised wheat, the first crop to be grown from seed to seed in outer space. So if humans ever do find a need to grow, say, potatoes on another planet, space travelers will have Mir to thank. PHOTO: Space Station Crosses Face of the Sun On March 23, 2001, Mir met its end when Russia's space agency allowed the station to deorbit, leading the 134-ton structure to break up and crash over the Pacific Ocean. The space station may be in pieces at the bottom of the sea, but its legacy, which lives on in the ISS and future space stations yet to come, remains intact. Originally published on Discovery News. Optimization Are you frustrated with a slow pc or a hard disk not performing as it should? Try SLOW-PCfighter to speed up boot time on a slow PC, or try a free scan of FULL-DISKfighter to recover space on a full disk. The latest offering is DRIVERfighter to update your driver updater. Get complete PC optimization and extend the life of your PC with these must-have software tools. Just take Syria. Two years ago, the US refrained from establishing a no-fly zone in the northern part of the country or providing massive support to those moderate rebels who were fighting against both Syrian President Bashar Assad and Islamic State. Doing so would have been perhaps the most effective measure in preventing the mass flight we are seeing now. Russia, on the other hand, has a very clear aim: It wants to keep the mass-murderer Assad in office and strengthen his regime. It's a goal that Moscow is pursuing with few scruples. The West, for its part, is now out of cards to play to apply pressure on Putin, and we will instead have to resign ourselves to the fact that Syria will remain a failed state, under Assad's leadership. Ukraine, which enthusiastically turned to the West two years ago, is also on the verge of being lost, with the corrupt elite and the war in the east making life difficult for reformers. There, too, Russia has a clear goal -- that of destabilizing the country -- and it is deploying weapons and soldiers to realize that aim. The West, on the other hand, lacks the resolve needed to back Ukraine. Sneak Peek 2 All Eyez On Me Meredith, Bailey, Jackson, Callie and Jo travel to a military hospital to perform an extraordinary and extremely risky surgery on a veteran with an advanced tumor. Meanwhile back at Grey Sloan, Andrew is tired of being Maggies worst kept secret; Ben makes an impulsive surgical decision; and a team of cheerleaders wreak havoc in the ER, on Greys Anatomy, THURSDAY, MARCH 10 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EST) on the ABC Television Network.Greys Anatomy stars Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey, Justin Chambers as Alex Karev, Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, James Pickens, Jr. as Richard Webber, Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres, Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt, Jessica Capshaw as Arizona Robbins, Jesse Williams as Jackson Avery, Sarah Drew as April Kepner, Caterina Scorsone as Amelia Shepherd, Camilla Luddington as Jo Wilson, Jerrika Hinton as Stephanie Edwards, Kelly McCreary as Maggie Pierce, Jason George as Ben Warren, Martin Henderson as Nathan Riggs and Giacomo Gianniotti as Andrew DeLuca.Guest starring are Samantha Sloyan as Penny Blake, Scott Elrod (The Young and the Restless) as Eric Thorpe, Sarah Jane Morris (Brothers & Sisters) as Emily Vaughn, Joe Dinicol as Mitchell, Cathryn Dylan as Maxine, Juliette Angelo as Danielle and Ashless Fuss as Lisa.Greys Anatomy was created and is executive-produced by Shonda Rhimes (Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder). Betsy Beers (Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder), Mark Gordon (Saving Private Ryan), Rob Corn (Chicago Hope), William Harper, Stacy McKee, Zoanne Clack and Debbie Allen are executive producers. Greys Anatomy is produced by ABC Studios.All Eyez on Me was written by Austin Guzman and directed by Charlotte Brandstrom. After a lengthy search, Emily Tremaine (Vinyl) has been set for a co-lead role in Freeforms recently picked up series Guilt. She will play the role of Natalie, which has been recast.Guilt, reminiscent of the Amanda Knox story, is an hourlong drama about a young American woman in London who becomes the prime suspect in the savage murder of her roommate. As the investigation unfolds, viewers will question whether shes a naive young girl whose poor decisions are being magnified under the ruthless glare of the British tabloids or whether shes a sociopath who brutally murdered her friend.Tremaines Natalie Atwood is a Boston prosecutor who heads to London after her sister Grace is accused of murder. Natalie will be forced to question her sisters innocenceand discover exactly how far she is willing to go to keep Grace out of jail. The role was played by Katrina Law in the pilot. The Candidate picks up from where the last episode left off with us this time around getting a look at the different alliances that are forming as each work in preparation for a shot at the throne. Power, its acquisition and its preservation continues as a central theme, and while a large part of this is presented in relation to the presidency, much of it revolved around self-worth and overcoming personal fears. I have broken down this recap/review into four main subsections that will give a clear picture of the emerging alliances, the dynamics at play within each and how personal motivations are leading characters down interesting paths. Olivia and Mellie We first see Olivia in OPAs conference room where she is reviewing Mellies book. Mellie meanwhile is stuffing her face with food when Olivia calls her into the room by telling her that shes now ready to discuss the book. An eager Mellie rushes in for feedback and is told by Olivia that shes going to have to eliminate chapter 2. The nation doesnt give a damn about Mellies talking points, Olivia tells her. They want to know who Mellie is. Olivia says to her that the current chapter 2 has to be replaced with one that explains why it is that she remained in her marriage after she discovered that Fitz had taken up with another woman. Everyone wants to know, Olivia says, including herself. (I get the feeling that Olivia was not asking this solely for purposes of the book, but I digress.) Olivia continues to press the point with Mellie who is clearly taken aback by the suggestion that she should have to share her feelings about a dark period in her life. Olivia is like a dog with a bone, shooting questions at Mellie as to possible reasons that she had remained in the union. Was it because of ambition? Love? Did she have a side piece of her own? What was it about Fitz or the White House or Mellie herself that made Mellie turn a blind eye for years to the affair? As Olivia is firing off, Mellie is giving her the kind of stare that says youve crossed the line and I want to shut you up with the daggers I wish were shooting out of my eyes. She doesnt have an immediate comeback to the verbal assault she is experiencing. To top it off, shes being pelleted with these questions by Olivia of all people! The audacity!! Overwhelmed, Mellie has to take a breath as she says to Olivia that the latter sure knows how to compartmentalize with the way she is speaking as if she isnt the mistress in question. Olivias response? You asked for Olivia Pope. You got Olivia Pope. And then she walks away. Oop. Cold world. When we return to these two, Mellie is arguing that why she stayed has no bearing on her ability to be president, and Olivia counters by saying that Mellie needs to have this addressed in the book or it will leave the door open for speculation. People should be given her side of the story, which in turn will help shape the narrative. Refusing to address this head on will result in it being the only question that she is asked when shes on her book tour. It is all anyone would want to know. Olivia is firm about this, but Mellie continues to resist. From her point of view, no one gets to know why she stayed because it is none of their business. Olivia tells her that she understands that the questions are difficult, but she wouldnt be helping Mellie if she allowed her to avoid them. But avoid them Mellie will! She diverts from the topic at hand to ask about food other than cereal that she can eat. This tactic of hers causes Olivia to sit straighter in her seat and verbalize her suspicion that Mellie doesnt actually know why she stayed. Olivia appears surprised at this. In typical Mellie fashion, she fires back at Olivia with a question of her own, asking Olivia why it is that she left. Olivias answer could spark something, Mellie tells her. Maybe she could steal the answer for herself, but Olivia looks to have been caught unawares. The spotlight was now on her. Olivia finally says to Mellie that she doesnt have to answer that question because she isnt the one writing a book or looking to run for president. Olivias deflection leads Mellie to conclude that like herself not having an answer as to why she stayed, Olivia doesnt know why she left. Two sides of the same coin, these two. Mellie is likely as curious to know why Olivia left as Olivia is to know why Mellie stayed. It was because of Olivia that Fitz finally filed for divorce. It was Olivia who was involved in negotiating the terms of said divorce, yet here she is no longer with the man. Everyone would like to know the answer to that, Olivia. We later meet up with these two where they are now in Olivias office. They both appear to be deep in thought with Mellie lying down on the sofa and Olivia in a chair with her feet propped up on a glass table. After some silence, Mellie suddenly pipes up in an attempt to answer the questions posed to her earlier. She says that she had been devastated when she found out that Fitz was having an affair and that its discovery sent her into a deep depression. She goes on to say that the only thing that got her through it was believing that Olivia was just a phase that she and Fitz had to overcome, and so she stayed. (By the bye, where is Mellies Secret Service? Does she no longer get one now that shes the ex-wife of the President?) While I suspect that a small portion of that may have been true for Mellie (the part about Olivia merely being a phase), it isnt the whole truth and Olivia calls her on it. Even Mellie knows that shes spinning her wheels with that and calls the narrative a trite one. Mellie may have concocted this story for herself as a way to justify turning a blind eye to the affair. Itll be over soon, she would tell herself. The only problem was that soon never came. At least, not in the manner that she expected that it would. She could have left whenever she wanted to and given Fitz the divorce that he had asked her for on many an occasion, but she refused. Why was that? Olivia tells Mellie that she has to dig deep to find the reason, and Mellie responds by saying that Olivia is acting as if she isnt even trying, which Olivia does not deny. Feeling herself backed against the wall once again, Mellie turns the tables on Olivia, asking her if the nonsense shes spewing is some reverse psychology that she learned from a therapist. When Olivia says that she doesnt have a therapist, Mellie tells her that maybe she should get one. Mellie, girl, Im with you on this one. Haha! Olivia reiterates that she is trying to help Mellie and doesnt understand the antagonism, but Mellie is like, Girl please. You aint tryna help me. Olivia continues to press, which then leads to Mellie blowing up. She doesnt have to tell Olivia a damn thing, she says. She doesnt have to answer to Olivia or explain herself at all! In response, Olivia tells her that the questions she is asking isnt for her own knowledge (lies, lies and more lies) but she is cut off when Mellie exclaims that Olivia never had what Mellie had with Fitz. Mellie had 23 years of marriage, an actual relationship! Olivia may have had her secret hotel rooms and White House closets and your secret houses in Vermont that [she] thought no one else knew about, but all of that was nothing in comparison to what Mellie had!! Eek. And pause a whole damn minute. Mellies known about Vermont this whole time?! And did she says houses as in plural? She must have been exaggerating. And she knew about the closet?? What doesnt Mellie know about? And why did she never bring any of it up before? Anyway, Mellie basically just told Olivia that her relationship with Fitz wasnt a real one. What Mellie had with him was what was real. What Olivia was, Mellie tells her, was a plaything that Fitz used to pass the time until it was time to box her up and haul her out on trash day. Yep. The old Mellie is still up in there. All this venom because Olivia (of all people, I know) dared press her to self-examine why she remained with her cheating husband. Instead of performing that service for herself, Mellie lashes out as she is wont to do by stabbing her opponent in their soft spots. Olivia is characterized as trash, an insignificant blip on Fitzs radar. Olivia wasnt relevant to Fitz, not in the way that she was. Justified or not, stomping on the other person to elevate herself has always been Mellies motto. It may be a new day but its the same old Mellie. Later that evening, we see Olivia drinking alone in her apartment. There is minimal lighting in the space and Olivia seems to have a lot on her mind. It could be that her earlier interaction with Mellie placed her in her current mood. A knock at her door draws her away from her wine, and she opens it to find Jake standing on the other side. She doesnt look at pleased to see him. Frankly, she appears to be numb and withdrawn from the present. As she turns away from the door in silence, she unties her robe and lets it to fall to the floor as she proceeds towards her bedroom naked. Jake enters the apartment and follows her lead, dropping his jacket as she had her robe and unbuttoning his shirt. We see him enter the bedroom but then all we hear is the sound of his belt unbuckling. Coupled with the darkness of the apartment and the soundtrack that overlaid the scene, the moment felt creepy. The whole sequence was disturbing. Olivia does not seem to be deriving any joy from this, so why is she subjecting herself to it? Is she punishing herself? Does Jake have something on her that we have yet to be privy to? I just dont understand why Im being made to watch this. Its akin to watching a person bash their head against a brick wall until they knock themselves unconscious. Olivia looked more like a woman about to have sex with her 80-year-old sugar daddy than she was with a man with whom she had once run away. What is really going on here? I need some context. Matter of fact, I am willing to forgo context if it means that we wont have to watch Olivia continue to go through this. We have seen Olivia with Jake in the past, but this right here is something dark and extremely troubling. This isnt sexy nor is it appealing. What is going on with our twisty anti-heroine? Talk to me, Shonda! When we return to them, Jake is redressing as he says to Olivia that hes glad that she could get past her issues with him. Olivia meanwhile is staring at him like a rat she allowed to frolic all up and through her specialty cheesecake. There is real hate there, but I cant figure out its origin. She tells him that their incestcapades wont be happening again, but Jake says to her that it will. He is confident in that statement and I want to know why. Shonda, why?! While Olivia is engaging in the dirty with her shag puppet, Mellie is at a bar having herself a drink and contemplating life. Cyrus shows up and takes a seat opposite her as he remarks about how he used to come to that bar to feel better. Mellie in response tells him that she came there to be alone. Cyrus takes the hint and promptly gets up from the table, but before he can leave, Mellie starts talking. You can divorce them, but you cant get rid of them, she says. Shes referring to Olivia and Fitzgerald. She says to Cyrus that they are both married to those two for the rest of their lives. Olivia and Fitz are like cinder blocks that hold them down, and that no matter how hard they try, she nor Cyrus can fight free of them. Mellie wonders why it is that they even bother to fight since they are going to go down regardless of what they do. Cyrus is quiet for a moment before he says that he doesnt feel sorry for Mellie. After all, she is the most recognizable name in politics and she also happens to be a woman during a time when the country is finally ready for a woman president. He mentions the filibuster and how Susan in comparison is an unknown quantity that Mellie can easily beat. Its at this point that Mellie cuts him off to tell him that she already has someone in mind to run her campaign. Eek! After a brief pause, Mellie leans in to say to Cyrus that they made Fitz, that they made a president together. Cyrus looks at Mellie like she had lost her mind. We? Cyrus has never once considered Mellie to be someone who was an active contributor to Fitzgeralds rise, so his reaction to her statement is consistent with his belief. Much like how Mellie sees herself as being a level above Olivia in the personal relationship with Fitz department, Cyrus sees himself as many levels above Mellie in the kingmaking section of this business. There is no we. Tsk. Following her departure from the bar, Mellie arrives at Olivias apartment. When Olivia opens the door, Mellie refers to her home as the love shack, where all the magic happened. Olivia remarks that the day is late, but Mellie pushes her way into the apartment and shes come along with her infamous hooch. Mellie has finally figured out the answer to the questions that Olivia had posed to her earlier. The affair was working for her, she says. The three of them, how the situation was set up, it was working. She says that Fitz didnt have fight in him and was unable to stand on his own two feet, but she saw the potential in him. All of them did, but she had to hold his hand through it all. In return, she says that she got nothing.except Olivia. Mellie admits that she wasnt truly devastated when Olivia showed up. She refers to Olivia as somebody that she deserved because prior to Olivias introduction into their lives, Mellie was nothing but a 37-year-old governors wife and mother of two. Thats it. She wasnt her own anything. The affair was humiliating, but she couldnt pretend to hate Olivia for it. She hated herself, but then she turned a corner and considered Olivia to be her freedom! The mistress became the beautiful kept thing that Fitz lusted after, which gave Mellie much needed breathing space. She now had time to think and plan for herself. Olivias presence essentially allowed Mellie to start liking herself again because now she was alone and unburdened. Mellie continues by saying that Olivia kept Fitz occupied and happy; she lit a fire in him and got them all the way to the White House (with a bit of election rigging, but well disregard that little detail). She turned a blind eye to the affair because one day it was going to be her turn to take a shot at the White House and Fitz was going to make her POTUS. He owed her that much. While Mellie is saying all of this, Olivia looks confused. My face mirrored Olivias as Mellie spoke her truth because it wouldnt have occurred to me that this kind of justification was possible. Sacrificing her happiness was a small price to pay for her ultimate goal. Thats what she basically just said. I dont even know if I can be mad at her about that, but its a really sad way to live. Having received all of this information, Olivia tells Mellie that she cannot under any circumstances include what she just said in her book if she wants to be president. Who would look favorably upon a woman who condoned her husbands affair because she had aspirations to make it to the White House herself? Not a damn body. Mellie acknowledges the truth of Olivias statement and then offers her some of her hooch. Olivia is initially hesitant to accept it but eventually does. Was that a peace offering? An Ive just bore my soul to the one person I never thought I ever would have bore it to type moment? When we next see these two, Olivia is sitting on the floor with her back against the wall and Mellie is some distance away also on the floor with her back against the sofa. The two women are sliding the hooch back and forth between one another as if it is the alcoholic equivalent to Fitzgerald. (I presume that this imaginary was intentional.) Olivia is describing to Mellie how mean she had been to her and Mellie is like, Of course, I was mean. Was I supposed to be nice? In response, Olivia further stresses how awful Mellie was and how she just took the abuse and didnt fight back. Mellie didnt understand why Olivia wouldnt fight back because a fight was exactly what she had been looking for, but Olivia says that she was in the wrong, so there was no fight to be had. Well then. Now we know. Many had wondered as to why it was that Olivia never responded whenever Mellie hurled whore in her direction, but some astute gladiators figured that Olivia kept silent and clapped not at all back because she knew that her actions were stanker than a homeless man. What would she had said in defense of herself? That Fitz was in love with her? What moral high ground did she really have to stand on there? Mellie tells Olivia that she was glad that Olivia was around and commends her on being a great mistress as she slides the hooch back over to her. Olivia offers that shes an overachiever, and as such, she commits whenever she puts her mind to something. (Hahahahahahaha!!) Mellie looks over at Olivia in uncertainty and then laughs along with her when it is clear that Olivia was cracking on herself. These two are really buzzed. Mellie soon gets up to dig out another jar of hooch from her bag when Olivia asks if she has more, and it is then that the latter starts to make a confession of her own. Olivia admits that she too was glad that Mellie was around because with Mellie there, Olivia didnt have to be everything to Fitz (as she stated to him in episode 509). Mellie was Olivias out. Mellie kept Fitz unavailable, which made it easy for Olivia to slide of out the relationship whenever she pleased. We viewers have seen Olivia use Fitzs marital status as an excuse whenever to push him away whenever he tried to pull her close. Olivia tells Mellie that she left for the same reason that Mellie stayed: she was scared. (And a commitment phobe, but you aint hear that from me.) Olivia is visibly emotional is she shares this with Mellie. It is the most that she has ever shared with anybody about whats going on inside that head of hers. This small act on her part was a LOT considering the fact that Olivia doesnt share much of anything with anyone. Even though much of what she said we had already heard during the fight she had with Fitz (509), her admitting that she left because she was scared is new. Mellie doesnt know how to respond to this revelation is just says, Okay. It is in this moment that inspiration strikes Olivia as to what it is that Mellie can write in her book. Mellie is to write that she was scared to leave. She is to say that she never thought that shed be able to stand up in front of the Senate for as long as she did to filibuster on behalf of womens rights. Mellie is to write that she realized in that moment that she didnt need Fitz or any man to give her power, that she had power all along. It just took her longer to realize this fact. Olivia is quite passionate as she speaks these words, and I am left to wonder if some of it relates to herself. Could she be referring to her father? Jake? Fitz? Here, ladies and gentlemen, is where Mellie (by way of Olivia) learns that the power to do whatever and be whomever she wanted has always rested in her hands. What Im interested in now is how this moment resonates with Olivia, especially since she has largely walked through life as if nobody is more powerful than she is. The moments where Olivia has appeared to shrink has been with her parents. Conceding her position as top dog has never a coat that Olivia wears well, so when we see it happening, it is usually a sign that something is off with her. Check her behavior in 509 and this business happening right now with Jake. In any case, this shift in Olivia and Mellies relationship will certainly be interesting to observe as it evolves. They seem to be on neutral ground right now, but I cant say that I trust it just yet. Mellie isnt particularly known for playing well with anyone, especially other women. And that book that she wrote? That one chapter seems to have turned out to be something of a labor of self-reflection and revelation for both women. It opened doors that otherwise would have remained closed if one hadnt challenged the other to face their respective truths. I wonder if (and hope that) Mellies mention of a therapist will lead Olivia to seeking one. I predict that we may see more moments where these two push and challenge each other in ways that will hopefully be beneficial to them both. If anybody is qualified to hold up a mirror to anybody, it is the two of them to each other. The White House The episode actually kicks off with Cyrus standing by the foot of Fitzs bed as he sleeps. It is a flash forward in which we are flashed back to pivotal moments of the Grant presidency that Cyrus had been a part of. We see the highs and lows of his tenure as Chief of Staff, his friendship with the President, things Cyrus has done to protect Fitzs position, and the things Cyrus has lost along the way. This opening becomes something of a forewarning of an impending storm on the horizon. In present time, Abby is trying to convince Fitz that having an interview with journalist Lillian Forrester will be a worthwhile opportunity, but Cyrus is in opposition to the idea, referring to her as a hack. Every time Abby says something positive about Lillian, Cyrus is quick with a counterpoint. Needless to say, Cyrus is no fan of the woman. He believes that she is a loaded gun that they shouldnt be talking to at all. Cyruss use of we prompts Fitz to speak for the first time since entering they all entered Oval to state in no uncertain terms that the Administration that Cyrus is hellbent on protecting is his . There is no we. Fitz is apparently on #TeamMe these days. Duly chastened, Cyrus concedes the point to his boss. Without missing a beat, Abby continues with selling the interview by citing the benefits to him doing it. She tells him that it would be the perfect opportunity for him to set the table for his successor. Iowa is 6 months away after all. (So they're still in 2015. Well, Ill be. Okay then.) Cyrus again counters by stating that this kind of profile is fine when Fitz is out of office, not while he is in it. Cyrus is convinced that the only thing that Lillian is after is hurting Fitz, but Fitz isnt open to hearing any of Cyruss opposing words. Cyrus needs to recognize that his time in the White House is coming to a close and so it is okay for them to loosen up a bit, Fitz tells him. Then he instructs Abby to set up the interview, leaving Cyrus dumbfounded. The deterioration of the relationship between Cyrus and Fitz doesnt look like itll be on the mend anytime soon. Despite bringing the Chief of Staff back and proclaiming to him that he couldnt handle the presidency without his assistance, Fitz is still shutting him out. My guess is that what transpired with Olivia exacerbated the distrust that Fitz has with anybody outside of himself. And Abby. She has yet to betray him and she seems to be the only person he is willing to listen to. Following through on his directive, Lillian is brought in for a bit of vetting. The meeting takes place in Abbys office where Cyrus came prepared with some ground rules that Lillian is to follow. Cyrus explains to her that should they officially agree to move forward with the interview, Lillian is to stick to the previously agreed upon topics. Abby chimes in to state that Lillian should consider these more like discussion points, such as the Presidents past policies, his future plans and everything in between. At this point, Cyrus swoops in to relay to Lillian that what the President is working on at present is what is being termed his Year of Achievement. Abby meanwhile is looking at him like WTF are you doing?! None of this Year of Achievement business came from Fitz, so Abby already knows that Cyrus is overstepping his bounds here. Lillian is set to write down this tidbit but is stopped by Cyrus who tells her that their conversation is off the record, so that means that she cannot write any of it down. It is at this point that Fitz pops in to see how things are going. Everyone stands upon his entrance and Lillian offers her hand to him and says how honored she is to meet him. The Fitzgerald Grant charm automatically turns on and Lillian doesnt know what shes going to do with herself. She looks to be affected by his presence. I mean, who the hell wouldnt be?! (Squee!) Cyrus explains to Fitz that they were just going over some ground rules with Lillian should they decide to go ahead with the interview, but Fitz says that Lillian has spent time with Putin so she should already know the drill as far as ground rules are concerned. At this point, Lillian goes all flirty with Fitz in the manner that says Im fangirling like crazy on the inside, but I cant help but to inject how hot I find you into my voice type of way.Shes got this little smile on her face that garners her a dorky presidential grin in return. Im sure she was having some kind of party in her underpants when that happened. Recalling herself to the task at hand, Lillian informs her audience that she understands the rules and knows that the ball in in their court; however, she isnt interested in conducted a heavily regulated, closely guarded interview of the President. She says that she wants to have a meaningful conversation with the man, and discover what he plans to do during the final days of his presidency. Shes looking Fitz straight in the eyes as she is saying this, clearly pushing on all the right buttons. She even tosses in a man I voted for line, which is a definite hook. Man I voted for? Who is the only other person who has ever said that to Fitzgerald? Umm hmm. Ive got my eye on you, Forrester. You say you have no ulterior motive other than wanting to write a damn good article, but I am suspicious. Man I voted for. Puh! Lillian told him that so that she could be seen as a friendly. She appealed to his ego and got him to lower his guard. Im just waiting for the shank shes going to pull out when Fitzgerald least expects it. Lillian asks them if they want her to write a damn good article and no one gives her an answer. Its as if they are all too stunned to speak. Fitz is most definitely intrigued and says that it was nice meeting her and as he departs, her eyes follow him out the door and she licks her lips like shes in dire need of a drink. Shall I fetch you some water, maam? Later that evening, Fitz is reading in the Oval when Cyrus comes through. Fitz asks him if this is Cyrus trying to offer another warning about Lillian and Cyrus says that it is about Reagan. Fitz is skeptical as Cyrus begins his tale about Reagans last 6 months in the White House. Cyrus saying that Reagan could have lounged about and did nothing with his remaining time, but he used his time wisely and was able to take down the Berlin Wall. He adds that Clinton also reformed welfare in his final year. The point of what Cyrus was saying is that when it is all said and done, Fitz is going to miss everything that came along with the responsibilities of being the Commander in Chief. Fitz is going to miss the fights, crafting and seeing an agenda through, going toe to toe with Senate Democrats, rallying Tea Party support for a judicial nominee, pushing through something as consequential as the Brandon Bill because he knows it was to the benefit of the American people. Cyrus goes on to say that it isnt yet January 20, 2017, so between now and then, they as an administration can still do something that is game changing. They could set the world on fire or die trying. Poor Cyrus. Hes trying to appeal to the Fitzgerald who ran for office 7 years before, the one who was green with optimism and hope and big dreams. That Fitzgerald hasnt yet experienced what the 7 years older Fitzgerald had. This present guy is jaded and was no longer enamored with shiny objects. Fitz is uninterested in this proposal from Cyrus and concludes that the purpose for Cyruss visit did indeed have something to do with Lillian Forrester. Cyrus tells Fitz that he cant be that guy who stands by and allows Fitz to squander the remaining year of his presidency. Fitz is dismissive of this and asks Cyrus if the conversation is done. He clearly doesnt give two damns about whatever Cyrus believes that he should be doing. Another reminder that Fitz is on that #TeamMe trip and rude as hell about it. This is the moment when Cyrus realizes that his relationship with Fitz has eroded to the point of no return. Fitzs behavior towards him is definitely worse than how it was when he found out about Defiance in the back half of S2. This is a cold indifference that cuts to the core. Fitz just dont care. Im willing to bet that Cyruss warnings about the path Fitz is choosing to go down are going to turn out to be warnings that Fitz should have heeded. Watch Lillian end up being a problem that will need fixing when it is already too late. Am I projecting? Maybe, but we shall see. Later Cyrus (after he has left the bar mentioned above where he bumped into Mellie) is in Fitzs bedroom. Hes standing there watching him for a bit before he finally calls out to Fitz in a whisper. Fitz wakes up with a start and assumes that something is wrong, but nothing is wrong. At least not something that requires a red folder. Cyrus tells his boss that his cousin died about an hour ago and that he has to go. Fitz offers his condolences and Cyrus leaves. Fitz has no idea that Cyrus means actual departure from his side. Its a moment thats sad when you recall the moments that Cyrus thought about while he stood there watching his child, but it is also something that was a long time coming. There was no way that Cyrus would be satisfied merely serving as an empty suit to the President. He may as well be dead. Today is the day Ivy Moxam escapes from the cellar, her prison for the last 13 years. After she makes a desperate 999 call from a phone box, Ivy is picked up by the police and taken to be interviewed.With no precedent to follow, DI Elliott Carne and DS Lisa Merchant question Ivy to see if she is who she claims to be while they wait for official DNA confirmation. But before they can confirm her identity, news of her escape is leaked and the police rush to contact the Moxam family before they hear it from the press.When the family is reunited, younger sister Emma is the only person with doubts; mother Christina and estranged father Angus need no proof that Ivy is their daughter.The police finally locate the house in which Ivy was held captive, but find her kidnapper long gone. Combing the house for clues, Merchant and Carne discover evidence that contradicts Ivy's story - and Merchant starts to question whether or not she's telling the truth.Recent events put more pressure on Ivy to relive her ordeal and Carne and Merchant find themselves surrounded by a new team from Scotland Yard.Ivy is soon summoned back to the police station as Merchant comes up with a bold suggestion for jogging Ivy's memory, while Whites car is discovered abandoned.However, Ivy's behaviour makes Merchant suspicious, and when evidence is produced which suggests that Ivy has lied to the police, she comes under fierce scrutiny. She reaches out to Tim for support, but suffers a shattering betrayal. BBC Three introduces its first online drama, Thirteen, written by rising star Marnie Dickens and directed by Vanessa Caswill and China Moo-Young.After 13 years held captive by her kidnapper, today is the day Ivy Moxam escapes.Her family have stopped waiting by the phone, stopped flyering, one of them has even given up hope altogether. Suddenly heres Ivy, flesh and blood, returned to them. But piecing back together the version of family life that existed before is no easy taskIvy is the only one who knows her kidnapper, who understands him, who can help DI Carne and DS Merchant snare him. Leads run cold and the kidnapper evades capture, the police begin to suspect Ivy is not telling them the whole truth. As she fights to retain her sanity, she begins to hear the whispers that surround her. The doubts beginning to form. The anomalies of her statement. The errors. The outright lies. What happened in that cellar? Where is her kidnapper? Can Ivy really be trusted?Written by young rising star Marnie Dickens, Thirteen explores how to pick up the threads of a life half-lived and how to survive as a family under the greatest pressure. How to feel again, chance love again. A psychological drama about who to trust when you can't even trust yourself. Ivy Moxam is a young girl. Ivy Moxam is a woman. Ivy Moxam is whoever you want her to be.Thirteen was commissioned by Ben Stephenson, former Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning, and Damian Kavanagh, Controller of BBC Three. The 5x60 original drama series was produced by BBC In-House Drama Production, executive produced by Elizabeth Kilgarriff and produced by Hugh Warren for BBC Three.CastIvy Moxam Jodie ComerTim Hobson Aneurin BarnardDI Elliott Carne Richard RankinDS Lisa Merchant Valene KaneChristina Moxam Natasha LittleAngus Moxam Stuart GrahamEmma Moxam Katherine Rose MorleyCraig Watts Joe LaytonEloise Wye Eleanor WyldFlo Alia Symes Chipo ChungHenry Stone Nicholas FarrellYazz Hobson Kemi-Bo JacobsChief Supt Burridge- Ariyon Bakare As per reports Army Captain & Local J&K Boy Tushar Mahajan Killed in Pampore gunfight in JKEDI; Death toll rises 6. Captain Tushar was shifted to 92 Base hospital for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries, said an official.He belonged to Udhampur.town of J&K. Three army men including two Captains were killed on Sunday as militants holed up in a building in Kashmirs Pampore exchanged fire with forces for the second straight day, raising the total number of dead to five soldiers and one civilian. Captain Pawan Kumar (22) was killed when his team tried to enter the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute, a government building where militants have been holed up since Saturday. Download: The Indian Army asked the people of Haryana to extend their support in giving a befitting farewell to late Captain Kumar, who belonged to the Jind district. The mortal remains of the officer will be flown to Jind on Monday as road transportation has been disrupted by the ongoing Jat quota protest in Haryana, the army said. Captain Tushar Mahajan from the elite Para unit also lost his life in the encounter. One militant has been killed. Three army and two 2 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the operation, CRPF spokesperson Bhavesh Kumar said on Sunday evening. Heavy exchange of fire is continuing and security forces are trying to neutralise the militants, he added. An officer of 10 Paras, Pawan Kumar attained martyrdom, leading his men from the front in a tricky operation as terrorists are hiding in a government building, with the possibility of some more civilians being trapped not ruled out, a Srinagar-based spokesperson said. Thirteen CRPF men were injured in the attack and the subsequent gunfight. The militants, numbering two to four, fired guns and lobbed grenades early on Sunday as security forces tried to storm the government building. As an intense gunbattle raged between security forces and the militants, a portion of the five-story government building caught fire. The standoff started on Saturday when the militants fired automatic rifles as they ambushed a convoy of paramilitary soldiers before taking refuge in the nearby government building. Those evacuated said the militants allowed more than 100 civilian government employees to leave the building without any harm. Anti-India protests and clashes broke out on Sunday in several neighbourhoods in Pampore, where the militants are holed up. Witnesses and officials said hundreds of youth, chanting Go India, go back and We want freedom, ignored the appeals from police to stay away from the site of the gun battle and hurled rocks at police and paramilitary soldiers. Government troops fired tear gas and pellet guns to disperse the protesters. At least three protesters were hospitalised with wounds from pellet guns, police said. Part of the Carlisle-based H&H Group, which operates a major live auction mart business across Northern England and Southern Scotland, H&H Land and Property is increasing its coverage after acquiring the Michael CL Hodgson Estate and Land Agency. The land agency offices of Michael CL Hodgson in Kendal will now be known as H&H Land and Property incorporating Michael CL Hodgson, and will continue to offer the same wide range of land-based agricultural services to clients, bolstered with additional specialisms provided by experts from H&H Land and Property. Colin Tomlinson, who owned the Michael CL Hodgson brand, will remain as head of the Kendal office. He has been appointed as a director of H&H Land and Property as part of the merger. Mr Tomlinson said: We have a thriving land agency which has grown significantly in recent years and our aim is to continue to build on this growth. Becoming part of H&H Land and Property allows us to both expand the business and the services and expertise we can offer to our clients in the National Park and across Northern Lancashire and the North Yorkshire Dales. Katie Hunter, assistant rural surveyor, will continue to work alongside Colin, and H&H Land and Property chartered surveyor Mark Barrow will join the team at Kendal. Mr Barrow, a farmers son from Cumbrias Eden Valley, has worked out of the Carlisle office for a number of years. He specialises in advising clients on environmental issues and is an accredited Farm Environment Plan agent. He is also experienced in solving Single Farm Payment conflicts, working with GIS mapping and preparing drawings for farm building planning applications. This is the twentieth consecutive year that the breed has led the rankings and since the figures first became available through BCMS in 1996. Positively for the industry the BCMS figures show that 1,755,357 beef sired calves were registered in the year which is up 24,580 on 2014. Of the three leading beef breeds Limousin was the only one to increase its numbers on the year. Aberdeen Angus remains the leading native beef breed, and second overall with 292,326 registrations representing a slight drop of 2329 on the year for a 17% total market share. The Charolais breed remains in third place having registered 213,793, down marginally by 923 and representing a 12% market share. British Blue registrations enjoyed a lift of 6401 to 202,266 representing an 11% market share and consolidating their fourth place position. Simmental registrations came in at 160,256, slightly down by 2681 and giving them a 9% market share. Breaking the figures down Wales is again the home country where Limousin enjoys the largest market share with 34% of the 82,290 (+411) calves registered being sired by Limousin bulls. Limousin also has the largest market share in both England and Scotland with 28% & 26% respectively. Commenting on the figures, British Limousin Cattle Society (BLCS) Chief Executive Iain Kerr said: To increase numbers on the year I think shows the confidence beef producers have in the performance of Limousin cattle to produce beef as efficiently as possible and to the consistent carcase weights and specification required by retailers and processors. The forward industry is looking for store cattle that will ultimately leave a 350-380kg carcase, which have been produced through top food conversion and give a high meat yield and killing out percentage. These are attributes of the Limousin that will continue to drive breed demand and deliver profitability in the commercial sector. Sensing increased opportunities because of the shorter cutting season and warm wet winter, Ross has purchased a new Twose TF500S reach arm and sees the machine as key to winning new business. Ross chose the TF500S because of the winning combination of value, robust build quality, reach and cutting power it offers. Twose director of sales and marketing Tim Coleridge said Ross was delighted with the performance of the TF500S and had already won significant new business with local farmers. The machine was sold through Twose dealers Henderson Grass Machinery, Haddington, Mid-Lothian. About the TF500S Reach Arm With a productive 5.00m reach, a high-powered 50hp motor, and an advanced hydraulic slew, the TF500S offers a strong combination of performance and manoeuvrability. Created for farmers and contractors, the TF500S features precise parallel arm geometry for outstanding control; hydraulic breakback functionality; and a 100-degree slew. Compatible with tractors of 60hp and upwards, the machine is equipped with a double-skin heavy duty 1.20m flailhead and a choice of cable or proportional controls. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate On Wednesday U.S. sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and a group of U.S. reps. including Jim Himes, D-4, sent a letter to Federal Railroad Administrator Sarah Feinberg requesting that the Federal Railroad Administration heed public input as it develops long-term plans to invest in the Northeast rail network. We are vigorous supporters of increased investments in our transportation system and the many jobs that these investments create, and we urge you to be forward-thinking in finalizing the NEC Future framework to ensure it is a robust blueprint for enhancing economic prospects for our constituents, the letter states. NEC Future is a comprehensive planning effort to define, evaluate, and prioritize future investments in the Northeast Corridor, from Washington, D.C. to Boston. Murphy addresses Senate Republicans On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., addressed a letter to Senate Republicans following the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and ahead of the expected appointment of Scalias replacement by President Obama. More Information How to reach them U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal 203-330-0598. Email: blumenthal.senate.gov/contact- U.S. Sen Chris Murphy 860-549-8463. Email: murphy.senate.gov/contact U.S. Rep. Jim Himes 866-453-0028. Email: himes.house.gov/contact-me/email-me- State Sen. L.Scott Frantz 800-842-1421. Email: ctsenaterepublicans.com/contact-frantz State Rep. Livvy Floren 800-842-1423. Email: livvy.floren@housegop.ct.gov- State Rep. William Tong 800-842-8267. Email: william.tong@cga.ct.gov State Sen. Carlo Leone 800-842-1420. Email: carlo.leone@cga.ct.gov- State Rep. Patricia Billie Miller 800-842-8267. Email: patricia.miller@cga.ct.gov State Rep. Caroline Simmons 800-842-8267. Email: caroline.simmons@cga.ct.gov - State Rep. Terry Adams Tel: none given. Email: terry.adams@cga.ct.gov State Rep. Daniel Fox 800-842-8267. Email: dan.fox@cga.ct.gov - Find your district: cga.ct.gov See More Collapse When theres a vacancy on the Supreme Court, the president nominates a new justice to be confirmed by the United States Senate. This is the process laid out in our Constitution, which we all swore to uphold, said Murphy. People in Connecticut expect us to do our jobs without regard for politics or campaigns. So I urge my Republican colleagues to put the grandstanding on hold and proceed with the normal confirmation process once a nominee is named. CT housing authorities cash in Jim Himes released a statement on Tuesday after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $23.4 million in funding to housing authorities across the state. Housing authorities in Stamford, Norwalk, New Canaan and Bridgeport will receive $1,094,857, $1,272,166, $25,523 and $3,876,098, respectively. We have a potential housing crisis on our hands in Southwest Connecticut, said Himes. There is not enough affordable housing for low-income individuals, and the housing that we do have is too often dated, inefficient, and in need of repair. The Capital Fund Program is absolutely invaluable in helping us deal with the most pressing of these issues, but only scratches the surface of addressing the underlying needs. In addition to the money allocated, Himes proposed a continued strong partnership between federal, state and local officials in finding innovative ways to provide affordable housing. The grants are provided through HUDs Capital Fund Program, which is aimed at supporting renovation and modernization for housing authorities throughout the country. Projects supported by these funds include roof replacement, electrical and plumbing repair or updating electrical systems. -On Thursday, Himes joined Mayor David Martin on a visit to a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program site, at DOMUS, to stress the importance of the program to middle- and lower-income individuals as tax season approaches. Leone applauds grant In a statement last Tuesday, state Sen. Carlo Leone, D-27, applauded the announcement of a $217,928 state grant for Shelter for the Homeless as part of Connecticuts Nonprofit Grant Program. Shelter for the Homeless will use the funds for energy improvements to the facility, which houses between 60 and 82 men regularly and as many as 110 people during weather emergencies. Anytime we can help the homeless it is a good day in Connecticut. For 30 years The Shelter for the Homeless in Stamford has provided services for the most vulnerable in our city. Many thanks to the Connecticuts Nonprofit Grant Program and to Governor Malloy for the support of this important community program, said Leone. The states Nonprofit Grant Program has recently allocated $15 to 34 nonprofits across the state. STAMFORD Four Board of Representatives committees will meet this week. On Monday, the Legislative and Rules Committee will continue its review of the public safety and animal welfare ordinance. A public hearing was held on the new proposed rules, which include a new requirement for breeding permits, last month. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the Democratic Caucus Room in the fourth floor of the Government Center, 888 Washington Blvd. The next day, the Operations Committee will discuss a number of issues, including the problem of illegal dumping citywide. That meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the Republican Caucus Room in the fourth floor of the Government Center. The Personnel Committee will then meet on Wednesday to talk about a contract for Fire Chief Trevor Roach and to address grievances between the city and its unions. The latter item may be reviewed in executive session. The committee will meet at 7 p.m. in the Democratic Caucus Room in the fourth floor of the Government Center. And finally, the Housing/Community Development/Social Services Committee will meet on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., also in the Democratic Caucus Room. The committee will review the use of affordable housing funds for Charter Oak Communities Park 215 project, which calls for 78 residential units and 24,000 feet of medical office space on Stillwater Avenue. Keila Torres Ocasio STAMFORD The Planning Board will meet Tuesday. Among the items it plans to review is a request by the Zoning Board for an opinion on proposed changes to the zoning regulations to add a dormitory definition and standards. The new rules would apply to the University of Connecticuts planned dorm, although the university has not yet chosen a site. The boards meeting will kick off at 6:30 p.m. in the fourth floor cafeteria of the Government Center. Keila Torres Ocasio Stamfords Avon Theatre Film Center had barely opened its doors in February 2004 when two legendary directors Sidney Lumet and Robert Altman showed up to share inside stories of the making of their classics Network and Nashville. Since then, an impressive array of Hollywood greats, from Arthur Penn and Eli Wallach to Stamfords own Gene Wilder, have turned the historic theater into Fairfield Countys ongoing film salon. The two-screen complex shows independent and foreign films 365 days a year, but its the regular personal appearances by filmmakers and performers that have made the venue our equivalent of New York Citys Film Forum or the IFC Center. (The 1939 movie palace had been closed for many years when it was restored and reopened 12 years ago.) Over the years, the theater has invited yours truly to lead more events than I can count, with the highlights including two great audience schmooze-fests with Frank Langella, an up-close-and-personal look at Hedwig and the Angry Inch creator John Cameron Mitchell and a stirring evening in which a packed house shared Ken Burns outrage over the unfair arrest and conviction of The Central Park Five. It has been fun to learn new things, along with the audience, like writer-director Paul Schraders rarely discussed introduction of Giorgio Armani to the U.S. market when he tapped the Italian designer to dress Richard Gere for the title role in American Gigolo. Months before the Ron Howard film Frost/Nixon was released in 2008, Langella admitted to an SRO crowd his concern that the screen adaptation might not repeat the success of the London and Broadway stage hit. The actor was also honest enough to confide that he was only approached to repeat his Tony Award-winning performance after a number of bankable Hollywood stars turned down the movie role. (A few years later, at an another Avon evening, Langella basked in congratulations for the Oscar nomination he earned as President Richard Nixon.) The Avon celebrated its 12th anniversary a few weeks ago with a Bollywood benefit gala where Indian film dancers entertained the partygoers and the venue will end the month with a Sunday, Feb. 28, red-carpet Oscar evening, where moviegoers are asked to dress up like they are going to the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles to watch a live feed of the Academy Awards ceremony. Adam Birnbaum, of Stamford, has been the director of programming and business development since the Avon opened and Louisa Greene, of Greenwich, came on board as director of development and marketing a few months later. Altman was full of piss and vinegar and told it like it was about trying to operate within the studio system, Birnbaum says of that memorable early celebrity evening at the Avon. He talked a lot about how much movies had changed since (his peak years in the) 1970s. He knew he would not have had the same career if he had come along now. Wilder has been a member and supporter of the Avon since it opened. It was a thrill for me to do an onstage interview with the star in conjunction with the release of a restored print of The Producers in 2005. He adopted us in a way, Birnbaum says of the many events Wilder has done over the years, from screenings of virtually all of his major films as an actor and director, to mini-festivals of his favorite classic movies. Its amazing watching him interact with other people and the extent to which he has made himself available, the programmer adds, citing Wilders conversations with child fans of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory as being especially memorable. He believes in keeping a thing in its time and place, Birnbaum says of Wilders resistance to nostalgia. But he has been so understanding of how that movie resonates with children and families. Greene says the Avon is stronger than ever, with a record 3,200 movie buffs as supporting members of the nonprofit theater. Members get discounted tickets and invitations to free private screenings. Running a movie theater is one of the toughest businesses you can be in, Greene stresses, and were in a very competitive market, with 12 or 13 screens between the Majestic and Landmark theaters (in downtown Stamford). But our members are all about keeping independent cinema alive. Like Birnbaum, Greene treasures many evenings during which celebrated performers have come to Stamford to talk after their films. A high point for her was the late Eli Wallachs arrival just as a sold-out showing of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly was ending. He must have been 89 or 90 at the time, but my God, he was so excited to be at the Avon with a full house of people who loved him and his movie, Greene says. And Steve Guttenberg was so down to earth when he came to talk about his memoir and Diner. That night really wasnt about a star, but about the affection between an audience and a star. jmeyers@hearstmediact.com; I n March 2011, ten of us were sitting around the Cabinet table in Downing Street. It was a meeting of the Quad the core decision-making group of the Coalition, made up of David Cameron, George Osborne, Nick Clegg and Danny Alexander. I was part of the PMs team, and the session was to finalise that years Budget, when the Government sets out its plans for the 12 months ahead. Id developed three new policies that the PM and Chancellor were backing, and which we were trying to secure Coalition agreement for. It wasnt straightforward as money was tight, and the Lib-Dems had (perfectly reasonably) other ideas for how to spend any spare cash. Wed managed to get two of the three proposals signed off by the Quad tax breaks for angel investment in start-ups and changes to share option rules to make it easier for young companies to recruit talented people. All that was left was the final one. At the time, if entrepreneurs made more than 5 million selling their business, they paid the full rate of capital gains tax, which was creating a powerful incentive for people to flog their company early rather than grow it and get hit with a big tax bill. Our proposal was to abolish the 5 million limit, which we were pretty passionate about. Nick Clegg didnt agree and suggested that doubling it to 10 million would suffice. I was sitting next to the PM and started to argue back, but he jabbed me with a painful elbow in my side. That was his not so subtle way of saying lets bank this and move on. I was annoyed for a second after all, Id worked hard on this. Also, my rib really hurt. But of course, David Cameron knew just how far to push things, and like any good negotiator he understood that both sides had to feel like they were gaining something. Its this pragmatism that ensured that the Coalition against almost all predictions stayed together for five years and managed to get so much done. There are other Prime Ministers who operated differently, such as Margaret Thatcher and Gordon Brown. They were obsessed with being in control and had a fixed view of what they wanted. Unless they got it, all hell broke loose. David Cameron isnt like that. Hes no headbanger hes supremely practical. 'Few are obsessed with leaving Europe. Most will consider options in a hard-headed and reasonable way' That will have been his approach when it comes to reforming Britains relationship with the European Union. Having worked with him, I can tell you that hes no fan of the sclerosis, wastefulness and bureaucracy of the EU. But as a pragmatist, Cameron will weigh this against what he perceives to be the risk of leaving. This commonsense approach is in step with the British public very few are obsessed with leaving Europe, and most will consider the options in a hard-headed and reasonable way. The EU referendum is sure to stir up some heady emotions, with zealots ranged up on both sides, for whom no amount of evidence could change their mind. But at the heart of the debate is the man who started it all: a pragmatic Prime Minister whos always prepared to be businesslike, not dogmatic. I can say this for sure because I once got a painful elbow in the ribs to prove it. B ritains renegotiation of its relationship with the European Union, which comes to a head at a summit on Thursday, will run right to the wire, the Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, said on Sunday. But even as David Cameron battles with other leaders to nail down things such as the exact terms under which we will be able to deny in-work benefits to migrants, the Prime Minister is turning his attention to the strategic case for our membership of the club. He made this clear in a speech in Hamburg on Friday, attended by Germanys Angela Merkel. Camerons conclusion was that, in a world where Islamist extremism is a threat, Russia has invaded Ukraine and some countries say they can be economic successes while bypassing democracy, we must stand together with our European allies to promote our values, security and prosperity. Our values, prosperity and security will, indeed, be three of the big themes that will feature in the coming referendum. There will be a furious debate over whether staying in or leaving the EU best advances these. The mission of InFacts.org, a journalistic enterprise I have just helped found, is to try to straighten out the facts. My colleagues include former editors of the Guardian, Le Monde, the Observer, Reuters and the Sun. We dont, of course, think that everybody would have the same view about what was best for Britain if they agreed on the facts. But that would be a start. InFacts doesnt pretend to be neutral in this campaign. We are making the fact-based case to stay in. Our main tool is rebuttal. When we come across errors, we pop the perpetrators in our sin bin. Though we concentrate our fire on the Leave camp, we also criticise the Remain side when it strays. In the few weeks since we soft-launched our website, there has been lots to get our teeth into. Migration has been the top story. The New Years Eve sex attacks in Cologne were a gift for Eurosceptics. Nigel Farage, the Ukip boss, promptly declared that the attackers could get a German passport in three to four years and then come to Britain. We discovered that newly arrived asylum-seekers actually have to wait roughly a decade to get German passports. They also need clean criminal records. Liam Fox, the Tory Eurosceptic, went one step further, suggesting that terrorist sleeper agents could get naturalised in continental Europe and then come to Britain to carry out an attack. Theoretically, yes. But would a jihadist really wait a decade to wreak havoc in the UK when he or she could do so immediately somewhere on the Continent? If Islamic State is so keen to hit Britain, surely the better option is to recruit home-grown terrorists? On the other hand, Downing Streets claim last week that quitting the EU could lead to the Jungle camp shifting from Calais to South-East England seemed exaggerated. Not only is it far from certain that the French would rip up the treaty that allows us to enforce British border controls in Calais; what is actually keeping the migrants out of the UK are the high fences and razor wire, to which we contributed 7 million last summer. Would Paris really tear all that down? The economy has also been a rich seam for InFacts. We took Daniel Hannan, the Tory MEP, to task for saying that Britain sends 350 million a week to Brussels. The actual figure last year was 250 million. Whats more, our farmers, scientists, regional development projects and the like get millions back. When you net all that off as well as our share of what Brussels spends on international aid and which we count towards our own target of helping poorer countries the EU costs us 120 million a week. Thats less than 2 per person. Incidentally, that is almost exactly what Norwegians pay for their access to the EUs single market while not being a member of the bloc. The difference is that we get to vote on the clubs rules, while Norway doesnt. Hannan went into our sin bin a second time for tweeting that the EU had cut free trade deals with just two Commonwealth countries. The MEP often waxes lyrical about how we should revive trading relationships with our former empire. The snag is that he is not on top of his pet subject. The EU has made, or is ratifying, pacts with 32 Commonwealth countries. On the other hand, we had a debate with the Confederation of British Industry about its totemic figure that the average UK household is 3,000 better off each year from being in the EU. While we think thats a reasonable ball-park figure, we were worried it was being used in a spuriously precise way. Some Remain campaigners were also suggesting that 3,000 would be the cost of quitting the club. In fact, the economic pain would depend on what sort of trade deal we cut with the EU post-Brexit and how acrimonious the divorce was. The CBI was updating its research when we conveyed our concerns. We were happy to see it made clear that the 3,000 estimate was just the midpoint of a wide range and not an estimate of the cost of Brexit. Claims about how Britain gets bossed around in the EU have also been grist to our mill. Michael Caine landed in the sin bin for saying that faceless bureaucrats make the EUs rules. In fact, laws have to be approved by both the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, which is made up of ministers sent by national governments including Britain. VoteLeave, one of the main Leave groups, at least realises that we have votes at the Council of Ministers. But it says we can only rely on eight per cent of the total. That used to be so until 2014, but then our vote went up to 13 per cent. Funny how the Leave camp didnt trumpet this as an example of our increased influence. Hugo Dixon is chairman and editor-in-chief of InFacts At a fashion show staged just weeks before she is due to give birth, designer Sarah Burton unveiled her latest collection for Alexander McQueen last night. Back in the capital for one season only, Burton - who usually unveils her womenswear collections in Paris - brought comfort to London Fashion Week attendees with a show which took the sanctity of the nighttime as its inspiration. Clearly in the mood to nest, the North London based designer cited femininity and a world that comes alive after dark as a starting point for a showcase which saw delicate beaded gowns worn layered beneath pastel duvet jackets laden with painstaking emboridery. She also suggested that nocturnal creatures and artefacts had been on her mind with moths, clock faces and delicate night blooming flowers such as jasmine and magnolia embroidered onto jet black coats or fashioned from lace and used as trimmings on gowns. Jeff Moore Burton promised a "a magical spirit beneath a skylit sky". Accordingly, her night creatures sleep walked along the catwalk with tiaras and unravelling braids positioned upon their heads. Haunting, but never sinisterly so, this show was a far cry from the forbidding disquieting dramatics that defined Lee Alexander McQueen's heyday. Fragile asymmetric lace dresses and bralets worn layered under jackets emphasised the initial idea that beauty can be found within blackness while embroidered sandals lined with sugary pink fur served as proof that this was a collection created with comfort in mind. But there were hard edges to be found here here too. Notably, among the tailoring within this collection which was among the finest unveiled at a McQueen show in recent seasons. Double layered tuxedo jackets with peaked shoulders served as a nod to McQueen's early years as a Savile Row tailor while flared trousers with cutaway panels served to remind those present that this is a fashion house that will always veer towards the unconventional. Jeff Moore Marabou feather skirts and painstakingly embroidered sheer gowns are just a few examples of the ways in which Burton - who took over from her predecessor following his death in 2011 - continue to serve as a vessel for Lee McQueens vision. Speaking backstage after the show Burton, already mother to twins, cited eiderdowns and "the idea of being wrapped up in a duvet" among her inspirations and confirmed that her intention had always been to show this collection in London, revealing that her chosen venue in Victoria venue was also the site of her very first show at the brand, staged twenty years ago. Burton added: Of course no matter where we are, theres always a Britishness and a strong sense of englishness to what we do. its where we all live. Its where were based. Its where our hearts are What a delight it is to have her home. S melling like a brewery is no longer a bad thing, it seems, as London restaurateurs and foodie start-ups are gravitating towards breweries to house their latest and greatest ideas. It can be cheaper than setting up permanent premises and is free from the ties of a stand-alone restaurant, therefore making ever-more business sense for the citys most exciting entrepreneurs. Case in point is new BBQ concept Billy Smokes, the permanent food resident at Howling Hops Brewery in Hackney Wick, launched by Will Griffith last year after his growing passion for cooking with smoke and fire became too big to ignore. Having set up shop in the brewerys Tank Bar, Will serves his signature BBQ fare using sustainable, British ingredients and authentic, Americana cooking techniques. Must-tries include the likes of kid goat kebab marinated, skewered and grilled over charcoal and wood then served with lemon slaw with yoghurt in a flatbread; the smoked beef brisket sandwich seasoned and smoked over oak for at least 10 hours then served with house pickles and BBQ sauce; and hot-smoked sausage sandwich homemade, spiced and hot-smoked then served with winter slaw and more of that beautiful BBQ sauce. Billy Smokes: Will Griffith serves up meat that's made to go with beer Ahead of starting up, the former scientist took a road trip across Texas and South Carolina where he learnt an important lesson: Americans placed just as much emphasis on their beer as they did their BBQ. Will says: It seems obvious to say that BBQ and beer go well together, but when both are on-song as they are in the US, it really is a thing of beauty. Breweries make great spaces, too. I love a cosy pub, but the inner geek in me loves to be surrounded by the real kit that makes the beer. The same goes for BBQ, too, in that the best places are those where you can see and smell the cooking taking place. Thats why Howling Hops Brewery is a great place for Billy Smokes. They have great beer that is made right in the place the customer drinks it. Mick's Garage: Middle Eastern dishes at Crate Brewery Another place doing something similar is Crate Brewery, also in Hackney Wick, which launched a drinking and dining complex a stones throw from where the beer is made late last year. Called Micks Garage, Crate looked to outsource its foodie offering by bringing on board Josh Katz and Mattia Bianchi, the talented team behind Middle Eastern restaurant Berber & Q in Haggerston. The best craft beer pubs in London 1 /26 The best craft beer pubs in London The Old Red Cow Smithfield A hefty range of interesting beers spans two bars at this Long Lane pub, with significantly more keg than cask on offer. Should the 10-15 on tap not suffice, there are countless more available in bottle. Decent pub grub also features, while the wine list is notably excellent by craft beer pub standards. theoldredcow.com The Queens Head Kings Cross Tucked away around the corner from the station, just off Grays Inn Road, this charming old pub does more than just good beer. On top of three rotating, interestingly stocked hand pumps and more taps it also offers more than 12 whiskies, several ciders, serves platters of cheeses and cured meats, and has board games galore. queensheadlondon.com The Earl of Essex Islington Around 18 beers feature at this pub near the Regents Canal, including many from local London breweries such as Beavertown and Redemption. The pub food menu, which comes with recommended beer pairings, is also decent. Theres a small but sweet beer garden to boot. earlofessex.net Crown and Anchor Brixton Set almost equal distance between Stockwell, Brixton and Oval, this pub offers 20-odd beers on keg and cask. The beers are eclectic, but south London brews feature particularly prominently. Its fairly bustling of an evening, and youll also find a decent roast dinner. crownandanchorbrixton.co.uk The Understudy South Bank This relative newcomer from the National Theatre is the South Banks best pub bar none. Its package includes in excess of 10 beers on tap, a tank of brewery fresh Meantime lager, a decent spirit, wine and cocktail offering, and some pretty sweet views over the Thames to boot. nationaltheatre.org.uk Cock Tavern Hackney Central Originally the home of Howling Hops brewery (before they outgrew the space and launched their own tank bar), this Hackney Central boozer is now home to Maregade Brew Co.. As well as serving their brews, it also specialises in great beer generally. More than 20 lines of it in fact, including a fair bit of Howling Hops stuff. Be aware that its cash only. thecocktavern.co.uk Old Fountain Old Street Theres usually upwards of 15 craft beers on the taps at this comfy (unless its rammed) Old Street boozer, and it has the added bonus of a rather nice terrace. A decent number of the beers available tend to be London brews, with Five Points, Hammerton and Kernel among the regulars. Looking for another point of difference? It has a fish tank. oldfountain.co.uk The Southampton Arms Kentish Town This pub set about equal distance between Gospel Oak, Tufnell Park and Kentish Town stations has resisted going too craft despite stocking around 20 varieties just that it still feels like a local boozer. Theres a particular prevalence of brews from Londons smaller breweries as well as those from around the UK, while fans of craft cider are also well catered for with five or six on tap at all times. thesouthamptonarms.co.uk The Harp Covent Garden This characterful but cramped old pub a stones throw from Charing Cross station offers a rotating selection of 20 or so brews, main focusing on real ales. And as a regular CAMRA award winner, you can rest assured theyre in good condition. Only problem? It gets absolutely rammed. harpcoventgarden.com Mother Kellys Bethnal Green This Paradise Row beer bar from the team behind The Queens Head in Kings Cross has over 23 numbered taps which correspond to a changing selection of brews like a Chinese restaurant for beer. Its inspired by a New York taproom, so dont expect a cosy pub but if the weathers nice, you can count on an outdoor barbecue and plenty of atmosphere on the terrace. motherkellys.co.uk The Lyric Soho The best thing about this characterful pub near Piccadilly Circus is the way it merges the music, fun and frivolity youd expect from a Soho boozer with a surprisingly stunning selection of beers theres never far off 20 on tap. Oh, and there are open fires. lyricsoho.co.uk Hack and Hop City The latest pub from the team behind The Dean Swift and The Old Red Cow (also in this list), this decent-sized venue just off Fleet Street has more than a decent beer list more than 20 split between cask and keg. Theres also a gastropub-style food menu, though thats not what brings most people in. thehackandhop.com The White Horse Parsons Green This west London institution affectionately(ish) known as The Sloaney Pony due to its location and clientele serves a lot of great British beer, but really comes into its own when it comes to foreign imports particularly from Belgium, Germany and the USA. Options include Pilsner Urquell tank beer alongside eight hand pumps and around 10 taps, plus more than 130 bottles. The gastropub food is good quality and it boasts a particularly sizeable beer garden along with a calendar packed with beer festivals. whitehorsesw6.com Euston Tap Euston Housed in a teeny stone building just in front of Euston station which was built in 1870 as a form of passenger information kiosk, the Euston Tap is not blessed when it comes to space. Neither is it in any way comfy. However, it does stock an impressive range of beers 20 keg, 8 cask and 150 by bottle, to be exact. Those with an affection for apples should also check out sister site Cider Tap across the road. eustontap.com Dean Swift Bermondsey A rotating selection of more than 15 cask and keg beers are almost always available at The Dean Swift. What makes the place particularly great is that despite this great beer selection, and some very good Sunday roasts served upstairs, it maintains a real local boozer vibe. thedeanswift.com The Fox Haggerston This east London longtimer offers a regularly-changing selection of between 15 and 20 beers on tap at all times, plus some very decent booze-absorbing pizzas. Brews from London makers such as Kernel, Beavertown and Pressure Drop tend to get top billing alongside plenty of international offers. Theres a beer garden out back, too. Cask Pub & Kitchen Pimlico Theres a constantly changing selection of 25 beers on tap at this tucked-away Pimlico pub, not to mention multiple fridges full of interesting bottles. Its the original from the group behind the Craft Beer Co chain, and we reckon its still the best. caskpubandkitchen.com Craft Beer Co Various locations The original Clerkenwell branch of this mini-chain was one of the first proponents of craft beer in London. Its still going strong, while there are now also sites in Brixton, Islington, Clapham, Covent Garden and the City. The Islington branch, which comes with a large beer garden and comfier seating, is a favourite. thecraftbeerco.com BrewDog Various locations Youll no these guys. They do beer for punks, apparently. Whatever you make of BrewDogs marketing gimmicks, they make some bloody good beer. Find it at their bars in Camden, Clapham Junction, Clerkenwell, Angel, Shepherds Bush, Shoreditch and Soho, along with plenty of guest beers from other brewers. The Shepherds Bush branch usually has the biggest selection of beers, totalling more than 30. brewdog.com Draft House Various locations The Draft House group is far removed from the kind of minimalist, vaguely uncomfortable craft beer pub where its all about beer. Expect quirky design, good music and burgers, hot dogs and pub staples served throughout the day. Find sites in Battersea, Fitzrovia, Hammersmith, Tower Bridge, the City and Bethnal Green. drafthouse.co.uk The weekend-only concept, Shukshuk, is delivered via a neat takeaway hatch with signatures such as Middle Eastern slaw with tahini, saffron potato salad, braised lentils, Swiss chard and burnt ends. Accompanied by hunks of pitta bread, cumin salt and harissa, the food concept is proving popular pre-party fodder for east Londons coolest kids ahead of late-night DJs and dancing. Its not only third parties looking to take up residencies at Londons best independent breweries, either. Brewer bosses themselves are realising that theres another revenue stream to be enjoyed if they extend their business to food as well as drink. Take Camdens Daughter, a stand-alone offshoot of nearby Camden Town Brewery, which opened in October last year as a beer and snack bar on Kentish Town Road serving wraps, mezze, sandwiches and fried chicken alongside its usual raft of Camden beer (Hells Lager, Gentlemans Wit, Ink Stout et al). Similarly, others such as Alan Yaus Duck + Rice in Soho and Galvin HOP in Spitalfields both make a thing of beer dispensed via gleaming in-house tanks thus replicate the look and feel of a brewery restaurant. In a city saturated with venues serving craft beer, Londoners now want to get even more up-close and personal with the source of their brews. And preferably, to have a bite to eat while theyre doing so. Follow Nicky Clarke on Twitter @fri_child Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout A merican barbecue will come to Brixton this March as the southernmost outpost of The Blues Kitchen turns its forecourt in a rib festival for four days. The team is bringing in a 108-inch smoker and inviting top barbecue chefs and pitmasters from both London and the US down for one-day residencies accompanied by alfresco live music and a festival atmosphere. It follows previous but much smaller celebrations of the rib at other Blues Kitchen branches in past years, as well as the popularity of east Londons #Ribstock event. On Monday March 28, YouTuber and entertainer DJ BBQ will be king of the grill, serving high-welfare British pork ribs. Smoking hot: The Rib Man Daniel Hambury/Stella Pictures Ltd / Daniel Hambury/Stella Pictures Ltd Hell be followed by London street food legend The Rib Man on Tuesday 29, offering his signature baby-back ribs doused in his Holy Fuck or Christ on a Bike sauces. On Wednesday 30 its the turn of Mississippi-born Brad McDonald of restaurants Shotgun BBQ in Soho and The Lockhart in Marylebone. He will smoke beef ribs over oak for 16 hours, as is traditional in Memphis, and serve them with dill pickle slices and onions. Finally, on Thursday, the team behind Home Team BBQ in South Carolina will be taking the reins, having travelled to the UK especially. Theyll be serving Carolina-style St. Louis pork ribs which have been smoked over hardwood for 12 hours, along with mac n cheese, collard greens, pickles and their Alabama white barbecue sauce. Its definitely worth trying what they have to offer while theyre here back in the States they have been named the most life-changing ribs in America. Rib rundown: A poster for the event, kicking off on March 28 Live music throughout the week will include blues from Dave James on Monday, bluegrass from Ben Sommers Band on Tuesday and swing from Old Hat Jazz Band on Wednesday, while at Thursdays finale there will be a live butchery session from Blues Kitchen chef Niall Davidson. Follow Ben Norum on Twitter @BenNorum Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout L isbon is the perfect port city. Set at Europes watery western fringes, its briny, a little brash and entirely sure of its own often determinedly bohemian identity. Portugals 17th-century ocean-ruling days may be long gone but, with its back to the continent, Atlantic-facing Lisbon has always appeared to steer its own course, traditionally felt nowhere more keenly than among the sprawling docks and ramshackle industrial warehouses of its blustery Tagus riverfront. But with a vast new cruise ship terminal taking shape (shakily slated for completion at the end of this year), new museums and a seemingly endless wave of hipster bars coming in like Atlantic rollers from the waterfront nightlife barrio of Cais do Sodre, the city really is starting to smarten up. It may be getting its posh hat on but thankfully so far Lisbon hasnt become pricey. It still tops polls as Europes cheapest city for dining and drinking, so take a break here before the big cruise ships dock and the inevitable overpriced souvenir stands sail in. In April, get a taste of Lisbons sea-faring traditions at the Fish and Flavours Festival (peixemlisboa.com; April 7-17), when Portuguese chefs gather in the lovely Pombaline arcaded courtyard of the waterfront Tourism Information Office to offer cooking demos, tastings and food-and-wine paired menus. Bed down: In and out Combine a hotel stay with exploring the city. The Inspira Santa Marta Hotel (00 351 210 440 900; inspirahotels.com) in central Lisbon recently launched expert-guided tours, including sight running, which takes joggers/runners around the sights of Lisbons waterfront (and numerous hills, so be warned). It also hosts a walking tour of the citys independent shops and boutiques, and a walk-and-eat tour exploring the tradition of Portuguese petiscos (small plates). Inside, the modern 89-room boutique hotel has a subtle Sixties retro feel, feng shui-inspired design and a sizeable spa. Double rooms from 88 B&B; activities extra. Bairro Alto / Getty Images/Peter Adams Fed and watered: Chourico and petiscos Newly opened The Station (station-club.com) is a great place for a sunny lunch or brunch on a decked terrace overlooking the ferry pier at Cais do Sodre. Theres a pan-Asian slant to the menu but the tuna steak, straight up, is exemplary Lisbon fare. Main courses 12/19. For a light bite, lunch or dinner, nearby Mercado da Ribeira (Av 24 de Julho 50; open to midnight or until 2am Thurs-Sat), has been transformed from a 19th-century covered market into a buzzing food hall, complete with food trucks and stands where you can try everything from cured presunto ham to pungent wheels of sheeps cheese and fine Alentejo wines, plus the requisite array of on-trend cold-brew coffee and hand-churned gelato to round things off. Watch this space for this years opening of a new mezzanine floor, home to outposts of some of Lisbons top restaurants. Mercado da Ribeira / Alamy A friendly, local dinner retreat, Dona Quiteria (00 351 21 395 1521; Travessa de Sao Jose 1) is a teeny eight-table bistro in a quirkily converted grocery store in a residential hilltop hood just above the market. Its small but perfectly formed menu of modern Portuguese food includes such standouts as a flaming chourico (chorizo), a light, fresh bacalhau (salt cod) and superb garlicky shrimp. Dishes from 5-12. Back in Cais do Sodre, push through the crowds along Rua Nova do Carvalho, the pink street where bar patrons spill onto the rose-painted cobbles of this former dockside red-light district, creating a defacto pedestrian precinct. Pensao Amor, a former brothel now club/art space, is the main draw here, but good luck getting in; long queues of camera-toting tourists and overdressed out-of-towners keen to see the outlandish graffiti that adorns the clubs crumbling walls can make this fun house a bit of a chore. Instead, head west towards the roads slightly quieter end to Taberna Tosca (tabernatosca.com), a new bistro and annexe bar serving small plates of traditional petiscos, excellent Portuguese wines and lively cocktails. Walk this way: Rua Augusta and its arch / Getty Images/LOOK In the bag: One-off shops Lisbon leads Europe for unique boutiques. In Cais do Sodre the Conserveira de Lisboa (00 351 218 864 009; conserveiradelisboa.pt) sells kitsch-designed cans of premium fish, while nearby Lx Factory (00 351 213 143 399; lxfactory.com) offers labels from local designers. The Lisbon Walker (00 351 211 307 600; thelisbonwalker.com) makes handcrafted mens shoes; a bottle of fine Portuguese wine is gifted with every pair. Inland, the Chiado districts elegant boulevards are lined with gilded 19th- century shops, including the landmark Luvaria Ulisses (00 351 213 420 295; luvariaulisses.com), whose leather gloves have adorned royalty; while A Vida Portuguesa (00 351 213 465 073; avidaportuguesa.com), in an old fabric merchants warehouse, sells such heritage brands as Claus Porto bath salts, and papa blankets from Macainhas, a village where Marques de Pombal initiated textile production in the 1700s. Cultural agenda: a day at the museums The most westerly waterfront barrio of Belem is home to the lions share of Lisbons cultural spaces, including the wonderful olde worlde Maritime Museum (00 351 210 977 388; museu.marinha.pt) with its eclectic collection of naval furniture, navigational charts and instruments. A new-look Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT), designed by British architect Amanda Levete, is scheduled to open here at the end of this year. In the meantime, dont miss the final few weeks of A Luz de Lisboa (to March 27). This arts and science exhibition at the Museum of Lisbon (00 351 217 513 200; museudelisboa.pt), on the grand, Tagus-fronted Praca do Comercio, celebrates the citys unique setting, which makes sunsets here so immense and golden. Details: Lisbon TAP Portugal (0345 601 0932; flytap.com) flies direct to Lisbon from Heathrow and Gatwick, from 121 return. More information: visitlisboa.com A n attempted million-pound heist in an upmarket London square was foiled by armed police, a court heard. Metropolitan Police officers stunned a low-level career criminal when they intercepted the attempted heist in Belgravia, Southwark Crown Court was told. Mark Harding pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary along with three accomplices, looked embarrassed in court as the moment their plan was foiled was recounted by defence counsel Simon Pentol. Speaking at the sentencing hearing Mr Pentol, who described 45-year-old Harding as "an unsuccessful, low-level perennial criminal with a drink and drugs problem", said: "On arrest, he looked utterly stunned. "His reaction when arrested gives an indication of the type of man he is. He soiled himself when an officer put a gun in his face." Harding, in the dock, put his head in his hands and rocked forward and backward as details of the incident were heard in court. Harding and fellow defendants Rashid Alleyne, Gavin James and Peter Costello arrived at Eaton Place on September 22 last year attempting to steal at least 1 million jewellery. They all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary at a previous court appearance. Mr Pentol said his client, who had 28 convictions for 64 offences, had racked up a debt to a drugs lord when a courier job went wrong some months earlier. Describing his normal pattern of burgling non-dwelling properties, he said: "He is not the sort of man who would spend an afternoon sipping tea in Belgravia." Harding, a crack cocaine addict, also pleaded guilty to two counts of handling stolen goods - a van connected to the failed raid, and 100,000 worth of luxury hair extensions. Mr Pentol said: "He knows he has to change his life now." Prosecutor Oliver Doherty said the supposed target - Melleney Samsudin, the ex-wife of Malaysian businessman Dato Samsudin Abu Hassan - had been trying to sell her diamond jewellery online, which alerted a criminal gang. Alleyne, Harding and James made reconnaissance visits to the area in the days before the heist attempt, with Alleyne, 24, using his Yodel delivery vest to gain access to the communal area of the property in Eaton Place, the court heard. Mr Doherty said the quartet arrived at the address at 3.13pm on the day of the attempted raid. James, 36, the getaway driver, waited in the Audi outside while the other three went inside. The court heard there was a sledgehammer in the Audi's boot, although the defendants did not use it. The prosecutor said Alleyne rang the flat's buzzer, and an occupant - not Ms Samsudin - let them into the communal area. Unbeknown to them, the police were lying in wait. Mr Doherty said: "Once in the communal area ... armed police intervened. They used stun grenades to disorientate the three defendants. "Outside the property, armed officers go to the Audi where James, the getaway driver, was waiting." Sebastian Gardiner, defending 34-year-old Costello, said his client was a long-standing cocaine addict. He said: "He was not involved in any of the planning. He was approached at a late stage. "He is angry that he allowed himself to get involved in this offence. He was not strong enough to resist the temptation when it came his way." Sentencing the four Londoners, Judge Nicholas Loraine-Smith accepted they were all recruited by an unnamed party to complete the raid. He said: "You all succumbed to the temptation to make what was no doubt an appreciable amount of money, knowing the risk." The judge praised detectives for "a very impressive bit of police work" in foiling the raid following the defendants' reconnaissance missions in the days beforehand. Harding, of Worcesters Avenue in Enfield, was jailed for four years and four months after admitting burglary, two handling offences, and having a suspended sentence invoked. Alleyne, of Crusoe Road in Mitcham, was jailed for three years and four months, and Costello, of Maldon Road in Wallington, got two years and eight months. James, of Glastonbury Road in Morden, received a two-year jail term. James, Costello and Harding will have the five months they served in custody deducted from their sentence. All four were told they would probably serve half their sentences before being released on licence. A n Italian woman has admitted killing her baby daughter during a trip to London. Federica Boscolo-Gnolo pleaded guilty to the manslaughter by diminished responsibility of two-month-old Farah between January 23 and 30 last year. But the 32-year-old, from Chioggia, denied murder during a short hearing at the Old Bailey. The childs body has never been found but is believed to have been disposed of in the Russell Square area of central London. Prosecutor Jonathan Higgs QC told the court that her plea to the lesser charge was accepted in light of three psychiatric reports. The Recorder of London Nicholas Hilliard QC adjourned sentencing until Friday April 8. The defendant, who spoke only to enter her plea in accented English, was remanded into a secure hospital. A man has been jailed for life after he strangled his brother to death in a row over broken plant pots. Juhel Ahmed, 30, was found guilty on Friday at the Old Bailey of the murder of his 36-year-old brother Ruhel Ahmed at the family home in Timor House, Duckett Street, Stepney. The pair had been involved in many disputes over the years but just before the murder they had argued over some damaged pot plants that had belonged to Juhel. The brothers struggled and Juhel strangled his elder brother, before going to hospital for treatment to injuries he suffered to his hand during the incident. Murder victim: Ruhel Ahmed / Metropolitan Police Police believe Ruhel's body had lain inside a bedroom for at least week before it was discovered when officers and paramedics visited the flat on September 3 last year. A post-mortem examination took place at Poplar Mortuary on September 5 and gave cause of death as compression to the neck, and it is thought Ruhel was killed sometime around August 28. After the body was found, officers were told by the victim's family that Ruhel's younger brother Juhel was responsible for the murder, and he was arrested and later charged. Today at the same court Juhel Ahmed was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum of 12 years in prison. P olice have issued an urgent appeal tonight after a man they want to speak to about a serious sex attack on a child could have travelled to London. West Yorkshire Police said they want to trace Somalian national Mubarak Mohammed, 30, after an incident in Leeds. Officers believe he left Leeds on Friday and may now be in the capital. The man is reported to have links with the Manor Park, Canning Town, Ilford, Brixton and Woolwich areas. He is described as black, 6ft tall, slim to medium build, with short hair. His accent is said to be a mix of southern English, Somali and Dubai. He was last seen wearing a red cap with a black "NY" logo, grey jogging bottoms and a grey jacket. Acting Detective Inspector Tanya Wilkins, of Leeds District Safeguarding Unit, said: "We urgently need to establish Mr Mohammed's whereabouts and speak to him as part of this investigation. We would ask that anyone who knows his whereabouts or who has any information that could assist in tracing him contact us immediately." Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District Safeguarding Unit or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 D etectives have launched a murder probe tonight after an elderly woman was found dead at her home in south-east London. Police were called to Kirkham Street, Plumstead, on Sunday and found a 78-year-old woman who was lifeless. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination held today at Greenwich Mortuary gave the cause of death as injuries to the neck. Police did not release the victim's name but said formal identification had taken place and the womans next of kin have been informed. A 52-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody at a south London police station. Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Reeves, of the homicide and major crime command, is leading the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 8721 4868 T wo men have been charged with assaulting police after violence broke out during Millwalls home game against Peterborough. Video has emerged of clashes between fans and officers during the south London clubs 3-0 win on Saturday at The New Den. Police tonight said Joshua Cope, 22, of Orpington and Mark Cope, 26, of Dartford, had been charged with assault offences. Joshua Cope was charged with three counts of assault on police and Mark Cope was charged with assault on police and obstructing an officer in the execution of his duty. Both men have been bailed to appear at Bromley Magistrates Court on Monday, March 21 Millwall have been approached to comment about the violence. A junior doctor who raised concerns about staff shortages says his career has been wrecked by an alleged lack of protection for whistleblowers. Dr Chris Day is awaiting an employment appeal tribunal ruling that could have a massive impact on whether the NHSs 54,000 junior doctors dare risk their jobs by raising safety concerns. In January 2014 he was working overnight in the intensive care unit at Queen Elizabeth hospital in Woolwich when two locum doctors failed to show. He had to cover other wards and A&E and reported his concerns to managers. Since the married father of twos one-year placement ended in August 2014 he has only found work as a locum doctor, picking up occasional A&E shifts. I have had my career wrecked, he said. Dr Day, 31, brought a claim for unfair dismissal and whistleblowing detriment against Health Education England and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, helped by 22,000 raised via the Crowdjustice website. A second hearing took place this month and judgment is expected in the next few weeks on whether to allow the case to proceed. At the first hearing last August, Mr Recorder Jan Luba QC said there was a need to clarify for all junior doctors whether HEE, which took responsibility for trainee doctors from the London Deanery, was technically an employer and owed them employment rights. Doctors in training typically move from hospital to hospital each year and are given one-year contracts at a time. Mr Recorder Luba said in his judgment: There is what would appear to be a lacuna [gap] in respect of the ability of a junior doctor to complain of detrimental treatment on account of a protected disclosure at the hands of the body responsible for his or her training and, ultimately, career progress. Dr Day, from Woolwich, today told the Standard HEE operated as an employment agency for junior doctors. He said: What my litigation has uncovered is that these quite powerful functions are not governed by any kind of employment legislation. Theyve tried to prevent a whistleblowing court case happening by trying to say junior doctors dont have whistleblowing protection. If we lose this appeal it will mean the organisation that employs junior doctors long-term can act with impunity. Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust denied failing whistleblowers. It said: We investigated Dr Days concerns in detail. We have robust procedures to support staff who raise concerns and we encourage our staff to speak out when concerns arise. We identified the need to increase medical staffing numbers for the intensive care unit at Queen Elizabeth hospital. The unit is now fully compliant with quality standards. Both the hearings were held at the Employment Appeal Tribunal in central London. HEE said: It is not appropriate for us to comment while there is an active legal case. T he government is facing pressure to give the meningitis B vaccine to all children under 11 after almost 700,000 people signed a petition backing the move. Ministers are being asked to extend vaccinations on the NHS after several high profile cases last week. Tragic images of two-year-old Faye Burdett, from Maidstone, Kent, who succumbed to the virus on Valentine's Day, prompted a surge in support for the cause. The petition then received a further boost when England rugby hero Matt Dawson revealed his two-year-old son, Sam, was recovering after contracting meningitis C. The virus can kill its victims or leave them in need of life-changing amputations in a matter of days. The parliamentary petition backing more vaccinations has now become the most popular since they were introduced after 667,000 people signed it. Any petition that receives over 100,000 signatures will be considered for debate in Parliament. So far it has eclipsed the petition to ban US presidential hopeful Donald Trump from the UK that attracted around 580,000 and was discussed in the Commons. Faye's parents, Jenny and Neil, have said the response to the petition since their toddler contracted meningitis B and died has been "overwhelming". Although his son is now well and back home with his family, Dawson said he felt "absolutely helpless" as Sam lay hooked up to machines in hospital. Lee Booth, who lives in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, launched the petition last September after one of his two young daughters was deemed too old to have the vaccine on the NHS. He said previously he was "speechless and overwhelmed" by the "phenomenal" response. A vaccine to protect against meningitis B is available on the NHS for babies aged two months, followed by a second dose at four months and a booster at 12 months. Parents who wish to have older children vaccinated must pay privately, although a worldwide shortage of the vaccine Bexsero means stocks are very low. Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) hopes to have increased stocks in the UK by the summer. The NHS programme is unaffected. A n American Oxford University graduate was allegedly detained over tuition fees by Border Force at Stansted Airport - despite not being enrolled on a course in the UK. Sabine Parrish, 25, had flown to London last month to see friends and meet with university tutors to discuss joining a doctorate course. But Border Force officers allegedly stopped her at the airport for not carrying official letters from the universities, although she explained she had only informal meetings scheduled. Ms Parrish, who graduated from Oxford University last year, said she was then held for eight hours after border guards discovered she did not have 19,000 in her bank account to pay for a full year of higher education study. Yes, I was detained on account of having insufficient personal funds to pay for a course that I hadnt even been accepted into, she wrote in a Times Higher Education blog post. Allow me to explain what eight hours in airport detention are like. Ms Parrish, associate editor at coffee culture magazine Standart, alleges that she was forced to spend four hours alone in a small room after her phone was confiscated. Just before midnight, you go to a new room where you get your fingerprints and an absolutely charming mugshot taken, she added. Your fingerprints are now on file for a decade. You try to point out that the UK already has your fingerprints you willingly surrendered them two years ago as part of the conditions of your student visa. The next hours are spent in a communal holding cell. There arent gender-separated cells, so you decide that the best course of action is to stay awake despite the watchful eyes of the staff through the window, youre not entirely trustful of the male detainee in here making kissing faces at you. After seven hours of detention, at 7.45am, she was interviewed by border officials, who queried her academic and travel history. When Ms Parrish explained she hoped to become a professor, she said one immigration official told her: You are 25. You are an adult, not a child. School is where we put children. Ms Parrish said she was finally released when officials realised she could not be detained for not having the finances for a course she was not enrolled on. A Home Office spokesperson said: Anyone wishing to enter the UK is subjected to full passport checks and can be questioned to ascertain the reasons for their visit to ensure they are genuinely seeking entry as a visitor to the UK. T his is the first picture of six 1.5billion skyscrapers set to transform the skyline when they replace the Mets world-famous headquarters. The striking towers of between 14 and 20 storeys planned for New Scotland Yard will be visible from Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. But critics have criticised the plan because only ten affordable properties are included in the 268 apartment complex. The developers have instead offered a 10million contribution to the council for social housing elsewhere in the borough. Peter Murray and Barbara Weiss discuss the growing number of London skyscrapers - London Live A CGI view of the buildings from Victoria Street The site was bought by Middle Eastern investment company Abu Dhabi Financial Group (ADFG) for 370million in 2014. The plans include four bedroom penthouse suites expected to be among Londons most expensive flats. The 1.7-acre Ten Broadway scheme, set to be approved by Westminster Council tomorrow, will include a retail pavilion of shops on the ground floor, three levels of offices with the flats above. The development also features a site-wide four-storey basement housing luxury health spas, a swimming pool, and car and cycle parks. Critics and neighbours have condemned the proposal as over-development of the site, with one architectural expert calling its mesh of giant bronze hexagons a mediocre rehash of 1960s design. Adam Hug, leader of the Labour opposition on the Conservative-led council, said: If this scheme is passed without a radical improvement the developers would be getting away with daylight robbery. The towers, including this one pictured in a view towards Dacre St, would have retail space beneath them A complaint on behalf of the Self-Employed & Freelancer Association, based nearby, said: The provision [of affordable housing] is derisory and in contravention of Westminster City Council Policy. This has been done to maximise profits again at the cost of the community. Resident Kay Chapman said the proposed towers were too high, adding: This is not Manhattan. Ten affordable units is disgusting. Westminster Council members Should be ashamed. This is social exclusion. Jolyon Leslie, an architect who works in conservation, said: The proposed towers strike me as a mediocre re-hash of a 1960s aesthetic. Surely the architects could come up with something more appropriate for a site in close proximity of World Heritage site the Palace of Westminster? Another neighbour, called Carmen, said: Paris would never approve such a building near the Louvre. Another resident said: The area is becoming a high-rise jungle already, the old beautiful buildings in Westminster will be completely submerged and future generations will be left with characterless architecture that can be found in any city in the world. The honorary secretary of the Artillery Mansions residents association said: This is sheer over-development on a par with some of the worse examples in in the world. The new luxury apartments are expected to generate up to 100m in stamp duty when they are sold. More than a third have been sold since sales opened last summer to a mix of investors from Russia, Africa, the Middle East, Britain and India with prices ranging from 3million to 30 million. ADFGs chief executive, Jassim Alseddiqi, said the firm hopes to create a new London landmark with Ten Broadway. Another CGI of the tower on Victoria St and Broadway He said: The New Scotland Yard site will be one of the most important redevelopment projects undertaken in central London this decade, replacing a world-famous headquarters with a world-class development. In his report recommending approval, the councils director of planning, said: The scheme is supported in land use and design terms. The architecture is considered to have a distinctive quality but also to sit comfortably within the context of neighbouring buildings. It has been demonstrated that the provision of 10 on-site affordable housing units, together with a payment of 10million towards the provision of affordable housing elsewhere in the City is the maximum amount of affordable housing that the scheme can support. The Met, which moved into New Scotland Yard in 1967, is in the process of relocating to the Curtis Green building on Victoria Embankment in a 58m move expected to save more than 6m a year in running costs. The force has already moved several times from Whitehall Place to Great Scotland Yard in 1875, to the Norman Shaw building in 1890. If approved, the Mayor of London would still have the power to intervene. T his is the first picture of a father killed when a Mercedes smashed into a wall in a horror crash which also seriously injured two of his family members. Paddy Rooney, 30, was a passenger in a blue Mercedes C180 which hit a roundabout before ending up in the wall in Harrow, north west London at about 8.45pm on Monday. Mr Rooney, who was from Rickmansworth, was taken to hospital but died at about 11pm. The driver, 33, and a 13-year-old boy were also taken to hospital with serious injuries. They are believed to be his brother and nephew. Floral tributes and cards have been left for Mr Rooney at the crash scene, and family members paid tribute to him on social media. A cousin wrote: Uncle Paddy you were the best uncle and best friend to me there was nothing you couldnt do. You werent just an uncle you were one of the boys that I could have a laugh with. You were nothing but nice to everyone, a great respectful man. You are always with me. RIP a great man, a father, uncle, and son, you were the greatest. Another wrote: Rest in peace Paddy. God only takes the best. God do whats good for his family. Another loved-one wrote: He was a lovely lad. He will be missed. The crash happened on a busy stretch of main road Harrow View by the Kodak factory. One witness told the Standard: He hit the roundabout and lost control and ended up in the wall. There were suddenly police everywhere. You couldnt get near because a large stretch of the road was cordoned off. Detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating and have appealed for witnesses who saw the crash or the Mercedes in the moments beforehand to to come forward. A post mortem examination took place on Wednesday, 17 February. Collision investigators await the result. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit based in Alperton on 020 8991 9555. T V star Jonathan Ross had taxpayer funded police officers patrolling the streets outside his Halloween party. According to a Freedom of Information request, police organised for two officers to be on duty outside the chat show hosts Hampstead home, at a cost of 531.80, to prevent crowding on the pavement. An unnamed neighbour sent the FOI request after being disturbed by the fancy-dress party, where Ross, 55, wore a bloodied cowboy costume, last October, reports the Daily Mirror. A police source told the newspaper: Most officers would rather spend time on proper jobs, rather than shepherding rubberneckers gawping at celebs in silly outfits. Jonathan Ross's Hampstead home Neil P. Mockford/Getty Images / Neil P. Mockford/Getty Images Ross, whose guests included Jimmy Carr, Claudia Schiffer and Paloma Faith, also hired private security for the event. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: Local officers will continue to attend and interact at events of all kinds on their areas as part of their normal patrols. This is an integral way to foster support and trust in the police and to promote engagement and communication as we do for school fetes and the like. The Standard has contacted Rosss rep for comment. T he family of a London NHS doctor critically injured in a road accident on holiday in Las Vegas has launched a 250,000 appeal for treatment and to bring him back home to the UK. Dr Sebastian Kola-Bankole, from Camden, is fighting for life after he was knocked down by a lorry as he crossed a road off the Las Vegas Strip on February 15. The 35-year-old doctor, from the Royal London Hospital, had flown out to Los Angeles before the accident for a friends wedding. But his family, who have travelled out to be at his bedside, cannot find a record of him taking out travel insurance so they are faced with paying for his mounting medical bills. Dr Kola-Bankole, who specialises in infectious diseases, has three broken vertebrae in his neck and has already had emergency operations to his spine, ears and arteries. He is in an induced coma in intensive care at the Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas and it will be at least two weeks before he is stable enough to be repatriated. The cost of the treatment and of bringing him back to the UK on a specialist medical flight is estimated to be 250,000. An online fund for him had today reached 65,000 just 24 hours after it was launched. So caring: Dr Sebastian Kola-Bankole from the Royal London Hospital, A close friend, Dr Pawandeep Sarai, told the Standard: He is still in a critical condition. We are all doing everything we can for Seb to get him the treatment he needs and back to the UK. His family are obviously devastated by what has happened. Seb is just the most selfless, giving person, everyone who has met him will know what a huge personality he has. He volunteers for charities, he is always giving to others. Hes a very dear friend and a very caring doctor and he needs our help to get home. Dr Kola-Bankole is believed to have been hit outside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The collision is currently being investigated by Las Vegas police. His friends, many of whom are doctors, are now looking for a suitable hospital in London that will agree to take him. It is thought St Marys in Paddington could provide treatment. Nigerian-born Dr Kola-Bankole graduated from University College London in 2008 and was based until recently in the infectious diseases department at the Royal London, but had taken time off for the US trip. Dr Sarai said: Seb is usually incredibly organised, but we cant find any insurance for this trip... weve been on his email and looked in his flat. We are working on the assumption there is no insurance. To donate, click here. P olice investigating an alleged wine theft in a House of Commons bar today arrested a man for trespassing and burglary. A 29-year-old man was detained at 7.30am on the Parliamentary estate for trespassing on a protected site, a Scotland Yard spokesman said. The man was taken to a central London police station where he was further arrested on suspicion of burglary of the Moncrieffs bar at the House of Commons. He was detained under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act, which protects the Palace of Westminster. The cafe bar, near to the Parliamentary press gallery, was closed when the arrest was made. Police said the incident was not believed to be terror related. The man is being held in custody and investigations are on-going. A spokesperson for the House of Commons said: We do not comment on matters of security. A construction worker was seriously injured after being trapped underneath a lorry in an accident at the former BBC Television Centre building site this morning. Paramedics were called to the site at Wood Lane, White City, near the junction with South Africa Road, just before 8.30am. London's Air Ambulance landed nearby and the London Fire Brigade were also called to the scene, where they worked to free the man. The man, believed to be in his 30s, was taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Mary's Hospital suffering from serious injuries. Television Centre is currently being developed into homes, offices and new TV studios. A spokesman for developers Stanhope said: An incident occurred this morning at the Television Centre development site involving a vehicle and a member of the site team. "Emergency services attended and the casualty has been taken to hospital. The Health and Safety Executive will be undertaking an investigation into the incident. This article is being updated. A senior woman officer at Scotland Yard is under investigation over allegations she blocked a male colleagues promotion. Commander Christine Jones, who is in charge of policing north London, is being investigated by the police watchdog over allegations involving her honesty and integrity. The officer, who was responsible for security at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011, is said to have written misleading references. She is said to have discriminated against the male officer by misrepresenting others views on his application. The claims are not believed to involve issues of race. Ms Jones, who is the national lead for mental health and policing, is the second senior Yard officer to be embroiled in an internal investigation in recent weeks. Assistant Commissioner Pat Gallan, the countrys most senior ethnic minority woman officer, is facing a bullying complaint by a male commander. The Independent Police Complaints Commission has launched an investigation into the latest allegations involving Ms Jones. The watchdog will also examine whether the Mets Directorate of Professional Standards failed to act properly over an initial complaint relating to the alleged incident. A young woman has been rushed to hospital with serious injuries after she was hit by a lorry on a busy road in south-east London. Police and paramedics were called to Blackfriars Road in Southwark at 3.23pm after reports of a collision. A Met spokesman confirmed a pedestrian had been struck by a lorry. The woman was taken to hospital as a priority but police said the injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. A London Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: We were called at 3.23pm to reports of a road traffic incident to Blackfriars Road Our crew were on scene within three minutes. We took a young female to a nearby trauma centre as priority. We sent multiple resources to the scene including an incident response officer and a single responder in a car. Police said the driver stopped at the scene and no arrests have been made. Transport for London said Blackfriars Road was closed in both directions between The Cut and Stamford Street because of a collision. However, the road has since reopened. D avid Cameron vowed to fight passionately to stay in the European Union today as fears of a Brexit triggered a plunge in the pound. The Prime Minister also took a swipe at the Mayor in a punchy Commons performance. The Prime Minister used a statement to MPs to dismiss the idea - reportedly floated by Mr Johnson - that a Leave vote could be a prelude to securing a better deal in a second referendum. He mocked Mr Johnsons claim that a second referendum could be staged if a better deal was offered, saying: I don't know any [couples] who have begun divorce proceedings in order to renew their marriage vows." In a jibe at the Mayor's ambition to succeed him as PM, Mr Cameron told the Commons he had "no agenda" other than the national interest, implying Mr Johnson was using the referendum for cynical advancement up the greasy pole. "I am not standing for re-election, he said. I have no other agenda than what is best for our country. I am standing here today telling you what I think. Mr Johnson hit back by demanding in exactly what way this deal returns sovereignty over any field of law-making to these Houses of Parliament". Mr Cameron that his deal restored some power over welfare, immigration and bail-outs. Meanwhile, Sterling suffered its biggest one-day fall in over a year as in-vestors showed their nerves that the Boris Effect had dra-matically increased the chances of Britain leaving the EU. More ominously, ratings agency Moodys said the UK would be put on negative outlook if the Leave campaign wins the referendum on June 23 potentially raising the cost of borrowing for businesses and homeowners. An exclusive poll reveals the first evidence that Mayor Boris Johnsons electrifying intervention on the side of the Out campaign has already thrown the result into doubt. Early findings from the BMG Research survey, for the Evening Standard, suggest that up to nine per cent of the electorate are willing to change their minds on the strength of what he says. It leaves the referendum on a knife edge. Mayor Boris Johnson said little to a media scrum at his home this morning / PA In a Commons statement this afternoon, a defiant Prime Minister was fighting back. I believe Britain will be stronger, safer and better off by remaining in a reformed EU, he was expected to say, pledging: I will make this case passionately over the next four months. Stronger because we can play a leading role in one of the worlds largest organisations from within, helping to make the big decisions on trade and security that determine our future. "Safer because we can work with our European partners to fight cross-border crime and terrorism. And better off because British business will have full access to the free-trade single market, bringing jobs, investment and lower prices. TODO: define component type apester Responding to the market jitters, a Downing Street spokesman said: The Prime Minister has been very clear, particularly over the last few days, of the risks of uncertainty of a vote to leave and that a vote to remain is what is in the interest of our economic and national security. This morning the Mayor said little to a media circus camped outside his north London home. Therell be plenty of time to talk about Europe and the great future Britain can have outside the European Union in the next few weeks, he said before speeding off to City Hall. But even as he spoke, the City was reacting with alarm to the changing odds on a Brexit. In trading in London, the pound suffered its biggest drop in a single day since January 2 last year. It was down 0.298 cents (1.6 per cent) to $1.4106. Sterling fell against all 16 major currencies, including the euro, reversing a gain seen on Friday when the Prime Minister secured a deal with other European leaders on reformed EU membership terms. Boris Johnson said on Monday Britain can have a great future outside the European Union. Goldman Sachs Group said recently that a Brexit would drive the pound down to $1.15-$1.20, which are levels last seen in 1985. London Stock Exchange Group chief executive Xavier Rolet said Brexit would be the great unknown, telling CNBC: We just simply do not know what Brexit means. FxPro chief economist Simon Smith said: I dont think investors are saying Brexit is good or bad, but its the uncertainty. Dr Michael Turner of BMG Research said the poll, conducted over the weekend, had increased the uncertainty of the referendum. What you need to know about Britain's EU referendum When a random sample was asked how a Boris recommendation to leave would affect their vote, the Stay share plunged by nine per cent and the proportion of undecideds shot up by 10 per cent. The effect was highest among young voters, those not normally interested in politics, and those who did not vote in last years election indicating Mr Johnson reaches people who are beyond regular politicians. Dr Turner said: This is a direct effect of Boris. The Mayor is eating directly into the Remain campaign. It is not dir-ect switching ... but a significant group that had planned to vote Remain but becomes undecided. It suggests these people are suspending their verdicts until they hear what he has to say. Tuck your shirt in Boris - EU Commons debate Speculation was swirling about Mr Camerons future if he were to lose the referendum. Culture Secretary John Whittingdale bet TV host Piers Morgan 1,000 that he would remain Prime Minister even after a damaging defeat. But on BBC radio last night ex-minister Owen Paterson refused four times to say if Mr Cameron should keep his job after a Leave vote. Six Cabinet ministers are backing an Out decision, including Michael Gove, and at least 140 Tory MPs. Later, Mr Johnson dismissed as cobblers claims that he was undermining jobs and growth in London by backing Leave. L awyers for Julian Assange have asked a Swedish court to overturn an arrest warrant for the WikiLeaks founder. The move follows a ruling by a United Nations panel that his stay in the Ecuadorian embassy in London amounted to "arbitrary detention". His lawyer, Thomas Olsson, said a number of "new circumstances" had arisen which meant there was reason to review an earlier decision. Mr Assange is wanted for questioning in Sweden over a sex allegation, which he denies, but believes that if he goes to Sweden he will be taken to the United States for questioning over the activities of WikiLeaks. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said earlier this month that Mr Assange should be free to leave the embassy in London. Authorities in Britain and Sweden have rejected the finding, saying Mr Assange has detained himself by seeking refuge in the embassy. Mr Assange has been living in the embassy in central London for more than three years after being granted political asylum by the Ecuador government. A controversial article by Katie Hopkins in which she criticises the parents of Madeleine McCann has sparked a frenzied reaction online. The outspoken columnist said it was time to speak out after Kate and Gerry McCann fronted a campaign to raise awareness of the Child Rescue Alerts scheme, which sends out text messages and emails if a child goes missing. Ms Hopkins, a mother of three, wrote in her Daily Mail column that the couple were too self-assured to hire a babysitter and too self-centred to care before the three-year-old disappeared in Portugal in 2007. She also said Kate and Gerry McCann "didn't deserve 11million of our cash to look for Maddie." Katie Hopkins' top five most controversial comments Vanished: Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007 If you really must blame someone, then Kate and Gerry are right there in front of you, she wrote. Show me a family from a council estate who left their child alone to go out eating and drinking who have been lauded with such support and the protection of the state. TODO: define component type apester She added: The McCanns put their own children in harms way. Those kids were in danger. Because of their parents ... "Now the faces I associate with neglect are being used to promote the Child Rescue Alert campaign ... Kate and Gerry McCann "Maddie wasnt lost because someone took her. She was lost because she was left to be found." The article has provoked a massive reaction online and sharply divided opinion among readers. Many backed Ms Hopkins on social media while others criticised her for victim blaming the McCanns and rubbing salt into their wounds. One Twitter user said: "Agree with absolutely everything @KTHopkins has said about Maddie's disappearance, she's only saying what the rest of you think anyway." Anna (@HalfBloodAnna) tweeted: Katie Hopkins victim blaming the McCanns suggests people have no self control, the blame lies with whoever wrongly took what wasn't theirs. Another user said: Theres lots about this story that many people have felt uncomfortable with but no one has dared say it before, well done. Yes they made a terrible mistake, wrote another commenter. Thousands do the same thing every day and get away with it. Cruel for Hopkins to rub salt in it surely. How did she become our moral guide? MissBee (@MissBee73 ) tweeted: Someone posted an article by Katie Hopkins about the McCanns which led me to an internet frenzy on stuff about them. I feel disturbed now." S tephen Daldry today warned of a life and death situation for hundreds of lone children facing eviction from Calaiss Jungle migrant camp. The film and theatre director said it was inexcusable for makeshift community spaces which children consider a lifeline to be bulldozed and called for those with relatives in the UK to be fast-tracked here. French authorities plan to flatten the southern part of the camp where charities say 300 unaccompanied children are living on Wednesday. Daldry, 55, was among British performers and artists, including Jude Law and Sir Tom Stoppard, who read out literary and historic letters at the camps Good Chance Theatre, alongside migrants performing songs and readings. Worried: Sir Tom and Lady Stoppard at the Calais camps Good Chance Theatre. He said people in Britain had no idea how poor the living conditions were for migrants / Lucy Young Daldry said: This is a very desperate situation and a very desperate camp. Its one of the worst refugee camps Ive been to and Ive been to quite a few. Sir Tom said: The whole situation is deplorable, very upsetting, very worrying. Most people at home dont know what the conditions are like. Donate at mydonate.bt.com/charities/helprefugees I slamic State has claimed responsibility for a wave of bomb attacks that killed at least 140 people in strongholds of Syrian president Bashar Assad. At least 83 people were reported to have died in four blasts in the southern Damascus suburb of Sayyida Zeinab. A suicide car bomber and two other suicide bombers were behind yesterdays attacks, which also left 178 people wounded, according to London-based monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The bombs went off near Syrias holiest Shia Muslim shrine, which is said to contain the grave of the Prophet Mohammeds granddaughter. A local resident, Muhannad, told Reuters that he was sleeping in his home when he heard an explosion. A man detonated the bomb on his body, he said. Another five to seven minutes later, a second man detonated his body bomb there. I was right here looking at him. Earlier yesterday, 57 people mostly civilians were killed in a double car bombing in the city of Homs. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks via the Telegram messaging app. The bombings were condemned by UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, who said that some of the victims were children. The attacks targeted areas dominated by Muslim minorities reviled by the Sunni radicals of the terrorist group. The latest violence is a setback to efforts to end the five-year war, which has claimed more than 250,000 lives. US Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday announced that a provisional agreement had been reached with Russia on a partial truce, but admitted he did not expect any immediate change on the ground. A self-proclaimed pick-up artist today warned he will take legal action against the EU if it tries to ban him from coming to Europe. Daryush Valizadeh, who gives men advice on getting sex but is accused by critics of being pro-rape, made the threat after a London Labour MEP demanded Brussels ban him. Mary Honeyball wrote to the European Commission, claiming the US blogger, known as Roosh V, should be barred for allegedly spreading deplorable and violent messages about women. Valizadeh, 36, cancelled London events this month after protesters vowed to demonstrate. He caused outrage in a blog post in which he suggested rape should be legalised, although he claimed it was an obviously satirical anti-rape article. He said: I absolutely deny her bogus allegations that Im pro-rape, or that the February 6 meet-ups were about harming women. I intend to vigorously appeal any action against me that results from Honeyballs complaints by using all available legal avenues in the European Union. Ms Honeyball said: Ive written to ask it to take action to prevent events like the one Roosh V sought to organise. The Commission has six weeks to respond or the womens rights and gender equality committee, on which Ms Honeyball sits, can summon a commissioner to give a response at a hearing. A n Uber passenger has spoken of his terrifying journey in a speeding taxi before the driver allegedly went on to shoot six people dead in a random killing spree. Jason Dalton, 45, was expected to appear in court today accused of going on a four-hour rampage in the US state of Michigan. Passenger Matt Mellen described how he dived out of Daltons taxi just hours before the shootings yesterday as the driver raced at high speed and ploughed into central reservations. When the passenger begged him to slow down Dalton replied: Dont you want to get to your friends house? Mr Mellen told news channel WWMT: We were driving through medians (central reservations), driving through the lawn, speeding along and when we came to a stop, I jumped out the car and ran away. 'Shooter': Jason Dalton, 45, was arrested on Sunday / Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office He wouldnt stop. He just kind of kept looking at me, like Dont you want to get to your friends house, and Im like, I want to get there alive. Mr Mellen called police before telling his fiancee what had happened and she posted Daltons picture on Facebook as a warning to others. Dalton was due in court today with prosecutors saying he is likely to face multiple counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder. A 14-year-old girl was left fighting for her life in hospital after the killing spree. The rampage began at around 5.30pm local time on Saturday and detectives are looking into a report that the suspect picked up at least one fare between the shootings, dropping them at a hotel. In the first incident a woman was shot a number of times reportedly in front of her children outside a Kalamazoo residential building. She was in hospital in a serious condition. Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas said: What it looks like is we have somebody driving around, finding people and shooting them dead in their tracks. This is your worst nightmare, when you have somebody just driving around randomly killing people. Tributes have been paid to a father and son killed together. Tyler Smith, 17, and his father Richard, 53, were allegedly shot and killed by Dalton at a car dealership in Kalamazoo. A woman was also shot and left critically injured at the dealership before the suspect allegedly drove away to find more victims. Friends and family have paid tribute to the father and son, killed as they were looking to buy the teenagers first car at around 10pm local time. Mattawan school district superintendent Robin Buchler said Mawattan High School was reeling from the news of the teenagers death. Four other victims were gunned down in the car park of a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Cracker Barrel Boulevard just a quarter of an hour later. Mary Jo Nye, 60, a former English teacher at Calhoun Community High School, was sitting in the driving seat of a Chevrolet in the restaurants car park when she was shot dead. Her passengers 68-year-old Barbara Hawthorne and 74-year-old Dorothy Brown were also killed. The front-seat passenger of the car, a 14-year-old girl, was in a critical condition. Dalton, who was arrested coming out of a bar, also allegedly shot dead 62-year-old Mary Lou Nye. Uber confirmed in a statement Dalton worked for the firm and had passed background checks. Its chief security officer Joe Sullivan said: We are horrified and heartbroken. Our hearts and prayers are with the victims families. C harlize Theron has entered the debate over the lack of female-driven films in Hollywood by claiming audiences are to blame. The actress said fans simply do not go to see enough movies starring women, so production studios are reluctant to make them. The industrys sexism debate began in earnest at last years Oscars when Patricia Arquette used her best supporting actress acceptance speech to call for equal pay in Hollywood. It followed the release of hacked Sony Pictures emails which revealed that Jennifer Lawrence was paid less than her male co-stars in American Hustle. New role: Charlize Theron stars in Dark Places, out now on DVD Sienna Miller and Rooney Mara have spoken out about the issue, while Carey Mulligan and Emma Watson have declared there are not enough decent female roles. Asked what audiences could do to help promote female-driven films, Theron, 40, said: Go see them! She added: You know, people say, Whats wrong with Hollywood? I want to make female-driven movies Thats not where the problem lies; it lies with us in society. Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy in Made Max: Fury Road / Warner Bros "When we make these movies, nobody goes to see them; so its a social issue, really, more than its a Hollywood issue. It is a business at the end of the day, and they make movies they find theres an audience for. Theron took the lead in last years Dark Places and played an action hero opposite Tom Hardy in Max Max: Fury Road. In 2004 she won the best actress Oscar for her portrayal of a serial killer in Monster. While the number of female leading roles is rising, a study this month found that only 2 per cent of protagonists in last years top 100 grossing films were women. Theron said: I think there is an element when you make a film thats like holding up a mirror to society and I think good film-making is when you do hold a mirror up truthfully, and you dont angle it. "I think women are starting to be represented that way, and I think people are responding to it. Its fun to watch women do that stuff. "I remember when I started out, I wanted to be Jack Nicholson in The Shining, and Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver I was like, where are those roles for women, you know! Dark Places is out now on DVD and Blu-ray. E ver since her days at drama school, Cush Jumbo has been a self-confessed geek to the max about The Good Wife. I knew all the characters, all the backstories, all the recurring judges, all the lamps, all the offices, laughs the 30-year-old actress. I never thought I was actually ever going to be on it. Even when she was offered a role, in person by Michelle and Patrick King, the creators of the slick, sexy US legal drama, the details and demands of her would-be character were unclear. They just said they were looking for a new lawyer, she recalls. I assumed that Id run around the office a bit with some files. And I was down for that. As Whoopi Goldberg said about being in The Color Purple: Ill be the dust on the floor. Rising star: Cush Jumbo poses on the red carpet / Getty Images But as anyone who has tuned into the current season of the hit show knows, Jumbos wholly non-dusty role, in fact, gives her rather more action than that. The London-born actress is the latest British import to The Good Wife, following in the impeccably shod footsteps of Archie Panjabi (who played steely lawyer Kalinda Sharma) and her co-star Alan Cumming (wily political campaign manager Eli Gold). Jumbo plays the smart-mouthed bond lawyer Lucca Quinn, frenemy and colleague of the shows titular character, Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies). As the Oscars diversity debate rages on, Jumbo is refreshingly positive about her current experience on The Good Wife. Ive never worked with so many women on set, she gasps. A third of our set must be women, from the producers down. And it is easily the most people of colour Ive ever worked with. Although she brings it up almost apologetically. Its not even the kind of thing I usually like to mention, she adds, sipping on a margarita in the Brooklyn restaurant where weve met. But every other set Ive ever worked on in the UK, Ive been the only person of colour. Both Idris Elba and David Harewood have recently spoken out about the lack of opportunities for black actors in Britain, necessitating a move to the US simply in order to find work. Is the situation much better Stateside? On set: Cush Jumbo on hit US show The Good Wife / CBS I could get sent six lead scripts in a week here and they will all be completely non-colour-specific, she explains. And Ill go in to read for a role and there will be a Chinese girl, and a white girl and a black girl I dont know if its a case of casting directors here thinking more outside the box, about the character rather than what we look like, she shrugs. All I know is, I dont get in those rooms in England, and I do here. Its one of the reasons shes staying put in New York, renting an apartment in Brooklyn with her husband Sean Griffin, who works in digital media. The couple married on a Broadway stage in 2014 after she had performed in a matinee performance of Jez Butterworths The River with co-star Hugh Jackman acting as their witness. The Kings have confirmed that this, the seventh season of The Good Wife, will be its last. And, as is becoming a trend in US drama (see Homeland, Scandal and The Newsroom), art is not only imitating but borrowing from real life, with formerly disgraced politician Peter Florrick (Chris Noth) campaigning in the caucuses to become US vice-president, on Hillary Clintons ticket. But as Jumbo puts down her case files in April and retires one feisty, sharp-tongued character, shell immediately be inhabiting another, rehearsing for her role as Katherine in The Taming of the Shrew, in Central Parks Delacorte Theatre. It will be another strong female working environment, with a women-only line-up, including Janet McTeer, and directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Best TV dramas 2016 1 /38 Best TV dramas 2016 The Missing The addictive and twisty second series of the BBC's crime anthology series BBC/New Pictures/Robert Viglasky Dark Angel Joanne Froggatt stared as Victorian mass murderer Mary Ann Cotton in this ITV drama ITV Close to the Enemy Stephen Poliakoff's post-war drama thriller BBC/Little Island Pictures Ordinary Lies The BBC anthology drama returns with more twisted tales BBC/Red Productions/Adrian Rogers The Night Of Riz Ahmed stars in HBO's critically acclaimed crime mini-series HBO Cold Feet The classic ITV comedy-drama returns - and it's just as good as it ever was ITV Victoria ITV have given Poldark some stiff competition with this period drama about a young Queen Victoria ITV Poldark The BBC's hit drama returns with more brooding, and less naked scything BBC/Robert Viglasky One of Us The BBC kept everyone guessing with this claustrophobic four-part whodunit Ripper Street The fan-favourite Victorian police drama returned for Series 4 BBC/Tiger Aspect 2016/Bernard Walsh The Secret Agent Toby Jones led the cast in the BBC's Joseph Conrad adaptation BBC/World Productions/Mark Mainz/Matt Burlem The Living and the Dead The BBC's gothic romance debuted in full on iPlayer BBC Preacher AMC's adaptation of Garth Ennis' cult comic book is available week-by-week on Amazon Prime Amazon / AMC Versailles A raunchy royal romp around the court of King Louis XIV, spicing up Wednesdays on BBC Two Canal +/ BBC Locked Up The Spanish prison drama came to the UK thanks to Channel 4's Walter Presents series Channel 4 / Global Series Peaky Blinders The Birmingham-set gangster thriller was more popular than ever in its third series BBC/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/Robert Viglasky The A Word The BBC gave us a nuanced and emotional take on autism BBC/Fifty Fathoms Marcella Anna Friel stars in ITV's British take on the Scandi-noir thriller ITV Grantchester James Norton is back as the crime-solving vicar ITV / Lovely Day Stag The comedy-thriller from the team behind The Wrong Mans is both hilarious and chilling BBC/Des Willie/Hal Shinnie/Matt Burlem Vinyl Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger present a glossy drama about the Seventies music industry HBO American Crime Story: The People vs OJ Simpson Cuba Gooding Jr leads an all-star cast in a dramatic re-telling of the 'trial of century' BBC/Fox Happy Valley Sarah Lancashire returned as Sgt Catherine Cawood for a second series of the gritty crime thriller BBC/Red Productions/Ben Blackall The X Files Mulder and Scully return for a brand new set of mysteries War and Peace The BBC's epic adaptation of the Russian literary classic BBC/Mitch Jenkins Call the Midwife The BBC period drama moved into the Sixties for Series 5 BBC/Neal Street Productions/Sophie Mutevelian Dickensian Charles Dickens' most famous characters collide in this historical soap BBC Jericho ITV's British western set in the wilds of Yorkshire Silent Witness The hugely popular detective drama returns for a 19th series Its a very different professional picture to three years ago. When Jumbo penned Josephine and I, her semi-autobiographical, one-woman play, which she first performed at the Bush Theatre in Shepherds Bush in the summer of 2013, she was on the verge of abandoning acting. Shed even enrolled on a PGCE course, beginning that September, to train as a teacher. I wanted to play a lead character in a London theatre but no one would give one to me, she recalls. I couldnt land a lead in London for love nor money. This was in spite of an Olivier Award nomination for her role as Mark Antony in the all-female production of Julius Caesar at the Donmar Warehouse, and winning the Ian Charleson Award for her acclaimed performance as Rosalind in Shakespeares As You Like It at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. So Jumbo took matters into her own hands. I wrote the show because I was selfish, really, she laughs. A lack of effort on the part of her previous agents to challenge that status quo was, she believes, the reason she could not land those leading roles in London. It just takes one person not picking up the phone and fighting for you, she says. Someone going: Oh, its for the lead in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Theyre never going to want to see Cush; shes mixed race. Born in Lambeth to a British mother and a Nigerian father both were psychiatric nurses Jumbo, the second-eldest of seven, grew up in various locations across south London. The family couldnt afford to visit the theatre but Cush would spend hours in front of old musicals on television. Channel 4 used to show four of them in a row on a Sunday afternoon, she recalls. Thats where she first spotted Josephine Baker, in Zouzou. She wasnt like the maid or the nanny she was the star, and she looked like me. At 14 she won a place at the Brit School of Performing Arts in Croydon (in the same year as Katie Melua, and a year above Adele), where there were regular excursions to the Barbican and the National Theatre. And suddenly this whole world opens up to you, and it [theatre] seems like a realistic, viable option. She is, understandably, deeply concerned about the future of the fee-free Brit School, which has been hit by arts funding cuts. I wouldnt be where I am at all without that school and those teachers, she says. These days, Jumbo is not only performing but also creating for the National Theatre; shes been commissioned to write a play about a real-life gang of female mixed-race thieves in 17th-century London. She also has a screenplay in the pipeline, which is still under wraps. Peoples attitude to you being what they call a multi-hyphenator is so positive here, she says, with a flawless New York accent and a wry expression. I sometimes felt like a weirdo in London, that I should stop trying to be everything. Thats the biggest way in which I identify with Josephine Baker, she continues. She was someone who said: I dont have to walk down the path you tell me to walk down; I am going to walk my own path, and I dont care if no one has done it before me. K atie Hopkins told fans that she will see [them] on the other side as she prepared for brain surgery to treat the epilepsy which has plagued her life. Hopkins, 41, will today have her head shaved for the procedure which will see her spend four to eight hours in theatre followed by 24 hours in intensive care. Writing in her Mail Online column, she said that despite the risk of weakness in her left arm and leg and the odds not being great, she is undergoing the procedure because one day my epilepsy will get the better of me. And I am not prepared to sit around and wait for that day to come. The controversial columnist explained how surgeons will remove a part of her brain that she has always seen as a weakness. She wrote: The thing which saw me slung out of the army after completing the Commissioning Course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and the reason why my arms have dislocated 42 times in three years. I always wanted to be the first female General. But I understand an epileptic with a rifle was never my finest idea. Hopkins said her three children are scared, but that she had waited until they are old enough to be brave and smart enough to remember the things I want them to know like why girls are weird, how you cant fool a dentist into thinking youve brushed your teeth and the importance of spelling. She continued: My children don't want me to have an operation because they are scared for me. But I have said to them all: Don't be scared for me. I am not scared. I have lived a happy life, made complete by the three of you. I am lucky. I wake up every day feeling glad to be alive. And that is a gift not everyone has been given. Last year the former Apprentice star penned an open letter to her children in which she revealed that epilepsy will most likley end her life early and revealed the disorder had seen her hospitalised 26 times in just nine months. In November she announced that she would need two teeth removed after an epileptic fit caused her to collapse in the street. Katie Hopkins' top five most controversial comments Follow @StandardShowbiz. N atalie Dormer has said actresses have the power to say 'no' if they fear being typecast or want to move away from stereotypical roles. Dormer, 34, has praised her latest film for giving her a role to sink [her] teeth into something she described as rare for an actress. Dormer who has played scheming Queen Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones and the devious Anne Boleyn in The Tudors takes the lead in psychological thriller, The Forest, as Sara whose twin sister Jess goes missing in Japans Aokigahara forest at the foot of Mount Fuji a site notorious for suicide. Once inside, Sara descends into madness. Speaking to Standard Online about her first starring role, she said: Id never really thought of doing a horror, but when I read the script I was intrigued by [the] original premise of a forest where you get your own unfinished business reflected back at you. We all have s**t that is unprocessed and we like to keep repressed. Dormer continued: Ive helmed TV and stage projects so its a natural evolution that I was looking for a good character or characters plural in this case. I was looking for something to sink my teeth into. As an actress you do not give a f**k what you look like. To look rough, to look tired, to have an emotional breakdown is kind of catnip to an actor, [but] those kind of roles are few and far between. Dormer who turned her hand to writing the forthcoming revenge thriller, In Darkness, because she was frustrated by the lack of strong female roles said the only way for actresses to step away from the stereotypical characters is to say no. Frances McDormand very famously once said the only power you have as an actor is to say no, she said. If you play femme fatales very well and you get nothing but femme fatales for a while the only power I have is to say no. If I get loads of costume drama roles I can say no I loved it but I need to do something else now. I try and keep what medium I work in and what genre as diverse as I physically can. Speaking about the recent #OscarsSoWhite debate which has seen several celebrities voice plans to boycott this years ceremony Dormer said progress is slow, but praised those who are pushing Hollywood in the right direction. There is now a dialogue and the fact that there is a dialogue about race, and a dialogue about gender, and a dialogue about sexuality and authenticity the fact that were even having this conversation means that were moving forward, she said. Lets cease on the positive and keep pushing Hollywood in the right direction. Yes the wheels are turning slower than they should have but at least theyre turning. The Forest - Trailer The Forest is set for UK cinema release on 26 February. CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) The U.S. Forest Service is making new efforts to resolve prairie dog issues on the Thunder Basin National Grassland in northeast Wyoming, where ranchers say the rodents are damaging rangeland, a regional Forest Service official said. Jacqueline Buchanan, deputy forester in the Rocky Mountain Region, told lawmakers Friday that the agency has ramped up its commitment to the issue. She said she recently met with local government officials. But some lawmakers expressed frustration with what they see as too much talk and no action on controlling prairie dog numbers. Sen. Gerald Geis, R-Worland, said prairie dogs on federal land have been encroaching on private land for several years, causing problems for ranchers who have grazing livestock. "You get a bunch of prairie dog towns and there isn't much left there for anything else to eat," Geis, who is chairman of the Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee, said. Prairie dogs can damage rangeland used for grazing livestock, but the rodents also are part of the habitat and "we don't want to lose the population completely," Buchanan said. "I think everyone's in agreement we need to get to a better place, and I don't know what the outcome is going to be," Buchanan said. Prairie dogs are important prey for black-footed ferrets, which wildlife managers and conservation groups are trying to encourage after the animal came close to becoming extinct in the 1980s. Prairie dogs also benefit grassland species, including mountain plovers, burrowing owls and ferruginous hawks. "For the Forest Service, we're always trying to find the balance between interests and uses and multiple use came up and we support sustained multiple use," Buchanan said. "But we also have the responsibility for the wildlife and maintaining all those other pieces and parts." Regarding other forest issues in Wyoming, Buchanan noted that the Forest Service is working more closely with the state and other agencies to improve forest health and resiliency. Those efforts include increasing timber sales, continuing to battle beetle infestations and battling invasive plants, she said. Wyoming State Forester Bill Crapser said the mountain pine beetle infestation that killed many trees in the state has slowed but an outbreak of spruce beetles has yet to abate. "We're still seeing issues in the Black Hills with an increase in beetle activity and in high elevation five-needle pine," Crapser said. In addition, aspen and cottonwood trees around the state are having problems with diseases, he said. And the Emerald Ash Borer bug that devastates ash trees is creeping closer to Wyoming, Crapser said. "There is an outbreak in Boulder, Colorado, so it's fairly close," he said. "Emerald Ash Borer doesn't impact our backcountry forests ... but our city trees, town street trees. About 15 percent of our city canopy coverage in the state is ash." 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One of those is Jere Wamsley, who served 24 years as a Billings Police officer. Wamsley, a troop member during the 1950s, said Troop 2 leaders helped fill his scout sash with merit badges. My dad (Ed) was the scoutmaster then, and obviously it had its benefits, said Wamsley, 75. If you got stuck on something, there was always somebody to point you in the right direction. Wamsley said scouting led him into a lifetime of volunteerism, delivering Meals on Wheels, helping to run the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and keeping financial records for people with low vision. Whoever called first, he said with a laugh, thats where we went. Boys need scouting more than ever, because its hard to find one place to learn things like character development and leadership skills, said Matt Specht, district director for the Black Otter District of the Boy Scouts of Americas Montana Council. Scouting itself is 106 years old, Specht said, so the fact that Troop 2 has been around for all but six of those years and at the same church, First Congregational United Church of Christ is pretty rare. Scouting started on the East Coast, so 100 years in Montana is quite an accomplishment, Specht said. Troop 2s current scoutmaster, Dennie Stephenson, whos been on the job for three years, praised the 14-member troop's longevity and the downtown church that has offered the scouts a dedicated meeting and storage space. In return, the scouts put on an annual brunch for church members, and every now and then we do a service project clean, paint and maintain stuff around church," Stephenson said. "We do what scouts do. The Rev. Mike Mulberry, senior pastor at the church, said the church and the scouts have staying power. There is a real sense in which we might differ with the scouts, but there are other points where we feel the scouts represent the best of who we are, he said. Well be celebrating along with them, recognizing them as an important part of the work being done with young men in the community. Robert Stone, whos living in Arizona and earned his Eagle Scout rank through Troop 2 in 1956, said he owed much of his success and life lessons learned to longtime scoutmaster Dewey Hansen, who challenged Stone and his friends in June 1955 to complete their Eagle Scout requirements within a year. If we did, Stone recalled in an email, he would lead us on a trip to Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C., in the summer of 1956. Hansen insisted Stone and his friends raise their own trip expenses, and six of them rose to the challenge. We had the trip of a lifetime at age 16, he said. Over the century, 75 members of Troop 2 have attained scouting's highest rank. Stone said he visited Hansen in Billings through the decades almost up to Hansens June 2009 death. His interest in his scouts and later his high school students was lifelong, Stone said. In my experience Dewey also deserved much of the credit for guiding so many teenage boys along the difficult road to becoming a responsible young man, regardless of the rank each one reached. "He made scouting a real-life adventure," Stone said of Hansen, who made room in Troop 2 for Stone when Hansen learned that Stone's father died when Stone was 14. "At age 76, I am pleased to see that scouting still does for today's youth what it did for me in the 1950s." Specht, the district coordinator, said that scouting serves 1,800 youth in Billings through 93 units, including Venture Crews, a co-educational program for people ages 14 to 20. Asked if he plans to join past and present members for their centennial celebration, Specht answered in the affirmative. You dont get birthdays that big every year, he said. This page may have been moved, deleted, or is otherwise unavailable. To help you find what you are looking for: Enter Search Term(s): Still cant find what youre looking for? Send us a message using our contact us form. To report a broken link or other problems with the website, please include the URL. Thank you for visiting state.gov. Some 200 barricaded themselves Monday morning in a coal mine of Jiu Valley in western Romania, in a protest against the possible bankruptcy of the Hunedoara Energy Complex (CEH). They request the presence of energy minister Victor Grigorescu. "Until the minister comes to the Jiu Valley to tell us about CEH's fate, the miners say they won't come out from underground," union leader Vasile Paduraru of the Lonea mine told AGERPRES. According to him, work has stopped in the mine and the miners protesting in the pit are very upset about the perspective of losing their jobs."We see bankruptcy at the mine's entrance," he said.Paduraru vowed to join the protesters in the mine, and come out just to talk to the next shifts.CEH has approximately 6,300 employees in four coal mines and two thermal power plants. The company is currently insolvent. AGERPRES Sam Rankin served as a medic in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970. Rankin was born and raised in Billings and graduated from Eastern Montana College. This is part of his Vietnam story. For the complete story, please go to billingsgazette.com/Vietnam. Rankin: "I applied to the Peace Corps in 1965, before Vietnam. I had never even heard the word. I applied to the Peace Corps and got accepted in 1966. I ended up going to training to be a health educator in India at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the summer of 1966, and then they trained us over into 1967. "I actually went to India in 1967 as a health educator. I was the lowest-level foreign service diplomat. ... So I was actually in India before I was ever in Vietnam. I got an infection, was put in a hospital ... I was there probably six to eight weeks and went out to my village and I was still sick and emotionally and physically drained. I asked to come back because it's a voluntary role. "They actually let me come back. I finished college because I hadn't finished my degree. "Two weeks after I graduated in 1968, I got my draft notice. A lot of people asked why I didn't stay in the Peace Corps and not been subject to the draft. But, the Peace Corps was just a deferment for two years. I thought, 'That's not me.' At that point, I was young and foolish and thought you can do anything you know, young, bullet-proof, invisible and all that other stuff. So, it didn't worry me. "I had hopes of going to medical school. My grades weren't stellar. That's one of the reasons that I was in the Peace Corps health training program. We basically cross-trained with Marquette medical school which was in Milwaukee. I thought if I go into the service, I hopefully can get in the medical corps. "They didn't have too many slots for the medical corps people, but they needed officers, and I had just graduated from college and I had been in the state department prior so I had a whole bunch of pressure to go to Officers Candidate School. And I said, 'Well, what do I do?' And they said, 'Well, you'll be in infantry or armor one of the combat units, that's where we need you.' I said, 'What about the medical corps?' They said, 'We got all the spots filled. And all lieutenants. You can do it, but you're going to be pushing pills and counting bed sheets and all this other stuff.' I said, 'I'm going to pass, and I'll have to go for an extra year (to be an officer). "They sent me to training at Fort Sam Houston, and I ended up going to Vietnam as a combat medic. I was assigned to the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, which is designed as an urban warfare small skirmishes. "In Saigon and after getting in-country 10-day or two-week acclimation, my first assignment was my unit was guarding a bridge. This was six or eight months after Tet. There was still a lot of upheaval over there. We were guarding a bridge and for the first couple of days, I just slept in the ditch, and I didn't have a weapon. There was garbage and everything. I remember a rat. It was big and its fat belly coming across my face when I was sleeping one night. I thought, 'Oh, this is not good.' I didn't have a weapon and here's this rat running across me, and I didn't know where I was." Gazette: There was pressure to send you OCS, but you said no. You let them draft you, and you did get into the medical corps. Rankin: "They wanted me because of my education, but I would have never gotten any medical training and my grades weren't stellar, but I still had hopes that would work out. I thought that with the training in the Peace Corps that I wouldn't be a brain surgeon, probably, but I still had hopes. I thought, 'Where am I going to get the experience?' They said, 'You'll be in combat.' I think they thought that would scare me. But I thought, 'That's alright.' Because if it was medical, that's kind of where I'm headed. That's the experience I want.' They said, 'Yeah, we can accommodate that.' They had a high turnover." Gazette: In 1965, you didn't know where Vietnam was, but 1968 you did? Was that scary? Rankin: "I'm the typical western, country mentality that the Army or any company loves. I thought, 'Well, that's part of the deal.' This is my country. I wasn't gung-ho for the war, but as a medic, I am under the Geneva convention, the lieutenant can't tell me to do an offensive act. I am strictly there to take care of the enemy alive or the troops, our troops first. So I thought, 'Isn't everyone else my friends over there with me?' "I hadn't been indoctrinated with the anti-war stuff because I was from this part of the country. You read about it and kept up on current events, but I thought, as a medic it's an OK thing. It's not really pushing the war and morally, I could live with that. It was going to be a good experience for medical school. It was kind of an adventure." Rankin was stationed just North of Saigon. Rankin: "I never had any big battles. Skirmishes. In the jungles and sometimes south in the Delta, in the rice-growing regions. That was all inhabited by the Viet Cong I don't think we ever saw North Vietnamese Army. Pretty much after the Tet they were kind of decimated and disappointed. Anytime we had any skirmishes, they'd pretty much fire some rounds and retreat and then be gone. "Of course, that would slow us down all day or a couple of hours at least, trying to figure out what would happen. We'd call in the gunships or the loaches, the small observation helicopters. But, they pretty much faded with us. ... A lot of booby traps, IEDs now. "I never put a dead soldier in a body bag or on a chopper. But, I put plenty guys that were wounded from the land mines. We never had any long-term battles. Doc Pickard is an old friend of mine and he was in the Marines up north. My God, he was in a six-hour battle. I never had any of that. I know what bullets sound like flying overhead and artillery." Gazette: What was getting to Vietnam like? Rankin: "All these articles that I've read, everyone talks about the heat and the smell. Well, I had had that happen in India, same thing." Gazette: Did you think you'd know what was going to happen? Rankin: "Well, the shock of heat and humidity and the smell. So, it was not much of a shock to me." Gazette: Did the training in the Peace Corps help in the Army? Rankin: "For the culture shock, once I got out in the field. The younger 18-year-old or 19-year-old guys would say, 'Look at these people doing something this way. Look at how they live,' kind of dismissive and in a semi-negative way. I accepted it. It was just the way they live. It was easy for me to be comfortable in the country, maybe more so than anyone else who had never been to, trained or was taught about other cultures." Gazette: When you saw the conditions in Vietnam, what did you think? You probably were a better observer than most. Rankin: "Up until a few years ago, I truly didn't know what the word 'refugee' meant. I thought it was poor homeless people who were wandering. They're just average people who don't care one way or another, basic middle-class people who like us, were just doing their thing and all of sudden, their town or home is blown apart. What do you do? "That's kind of what happened in many cases in Vietnam. The old 'We had to destroy the village to save it,' whatever the phrase was to burn a village down. I witnessed a couple overreactions by the military against a village for really no casualties on our side pretty rough stuff. Most of it was in IV Corps, down south. I don't know who was commanding, but they were extremely brutal with the Vietnamese people. I saw that and had some sympathy. Of course then, I put a guy on a chopper." Gazette: When you get out and look around at Vietnam, what's it like? What do you recall thinking? Rankin: "When I got there it was dry season and the rice paddies were the little dikes that you see people walking on, and you see the water in them... The tanks would roar around on it. I got some good pictures, lush and green." Gazette: You got there at an interesting time, right after Tet right on the heels of that. Public sentiment at home after that was changed, yet militarily, it was a huge victory, killing the enemy at a 10-to-1 ratio. Rankin: "My unit was around Saigon anyway. We took the brunt of the attacks. We were the ones who were attacked and we got a presidential citation for protection of Saigon. ... We lost a lot of guys. There were people in the unit who were short and had been in some pretty heavy battles. ... So, it flavored everything. Any of the skirmishes we ever got into, we were ready. We were ready for a long battle, but it never materialized. We'd have snipers shoot at us or someone from a village, and you could hear the AKs. They never hit anybody. I don't know if they were kids, or if they were just trying to slow us down, but it sure did slow us down. "Then we'd either call in helicopters to come in and look, and we'd retreat as best we could because the American military didn't want any more casualties because of the American sentiment at that time. Anytime we got close to anything, we had to pull back and call in the artillery or air support. I remember one time we found ... a huge bunker complex in triple canopy jungle, couldn't see a thing. All of a sudden, and it's funny how all of sudden you're walking and it's quiet and you're spread out, and all of a sudden you close back. What's up front? 'I don't know.' So we sat down just kind of waited. "It turns out there's this huge bunker complex. The point man eventually spotted and so he pulls back. For the complex he described, we're not a match for them. We're a platoon, and we have two platoons on either side of us, so company strength. We thought, 'We're in big trouble if they're on the sides of us, setting us up for an ambush.' "Anyway, we pulled back and the lieutenant calls in a Navy airplane. We always had somebody on station, either helicopters or Navy Air Force jets, heavy ordnance jets with big bombs. We popped smoke, and I forget which color was our position. He flew over a couple of times. He was southern guy, but he was talking. I was close to the lieutenant because I was the medic and close to the radio. He said, 'If I get hit and I don't make it, you boys will all take care of me, if I come down there. You'll find me right? You'll find me and take care of me?' The former chief executive of a Florida-based resort company was sentenced on Monday to 40 years in prison after being convicted for participating in what authorities said was a $300 million real estate Ponzi scheme. Fred Clark, the ex-chief executive of the now-defunct Cay Clubs Resorts and Marinas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jose Martinez in Key West, Fla. Clark, 57, was convicted in December of bank fraud, making false statements, and obstructing the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer said the prison term would hold Clark accountable "for his extensive deceit and the long-standing harm he caused to others." Clark's lawyer did not respond to a request for comment. Prosecutors said Cay Clubs operated from 2004 to 2008, attracting nearly 1,400 U.S. investors for 17 locations in Florida, Las Vegas and the Caribbean before it collapsed. The company raised more than $300 million from investors with promises to refurbish aging properties into luxury hotels, guaranteeing a 15 percent to 20 percent return as well as future income via a rental program, prosecutors said. In reality, prosecutors said Cay Clubs never developed the properties as promised, and used proceeds of sales to new investors to make payments to earlier investors. Prosecutors also said Clark conducted more than $20 million in fraudulent mortgage transactions, while living a lavish lifestyle. Clark's conviction in December came in his second trial, after jurors deadlocked in an earlier one in August and acquitted his wife, Cristal Clark, who was also an executive in the company. Two other former Cay Clubs executives, Barry Graham and Ricky Stokes, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and were each sentenced in March 2015 to five years in prison. The case is U.S. v. Clark, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, No. 13-cr-10034. Montana Sen. Steve Daines is so worried about the federal court system's backlog and Americans' access to justice that he really must insist that no new Supreme Court justice be confirmed until after the election of the next president. Sometime next year. Confused? So are we. The hot air from Daines about the backlog of federal court cases had hardly cooled before he had hopped on a political bandwagon insisting that we go for almost a year without replacing Justice Antonin Scalia, who died Feb. 13. Days earlier, Daines fretted on the floor of the U.S. Senate about the terrible backlog in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the federal circuit of appeals which includes the Montana District. In fact, he's so concerned that's he's supporting a bill to make a brand new federal circuit court of appeals. He worries, maybe rightfully so, that the backlog is robbing Americans of timely justice. Daines correctly points out that the backlog is three times more than that of the next busiest federal court of appeals. His solution is to create another circuit to split up the workload so that courts can make rulings in a more timely fashion. But this week Daines apparently changed his mind, advocating that the Senate not consider Scalia's replacement until after a new president is sworn in. Apparently, timely justice stops somewhere near the U.S. Supreme Court. As Daines jumps on the predictably polarizing Senate Republican bandwagon, he not only stands to be derelict in his duties, but his grasp of history seems suspect as well. Advise and consent His obligation his oath to uphold the Constitution says that he will advise and consent on judicial nominations. Nowhere does it say delay and deny. If Daines is so worried about equal access and so concerned about the backlog, then wouldn't he want to ensure the highest, most powerful court in the land be ready and able to handle the caseload? If Daines and fellow Republicans get their way, it could set up a loggerheaded court with split decisions. This could set the court back years, on top of already backlogged courts. It seems almost unbelievable to us that Daines could sponsor legislation to speed up the courts while simultaneously wanting to stall and delay. It's typical, though. The Republican-led Senate has more than 140 confirmation hearings to conduct, many of them for openings on the federal bench. Maybe instead of sponsoring new legislation, Daines should be urging Senate leadership and his own party to uphold their Constitutional duty to give these nominees an up-or-down vote. Daines' contrary and confusing statements shouldn't surprise anyone. It's the kind of doublespeak that Americans have come to expect from federal leaders. Daines is just joining the group. The gridlock and partisan discord brought about by Scalia's death epitomize the kind of frustration and lack of trust the public has for its elected leaders. The talk of making government work is just that, talk. Reagan's appointment Daines also disregards President Ronald Reagan's appointment of Justice Anthony Kennedy to the high court in an election year, confirmed by a Democratic Senate. It's amazing how Reagan has become the standard-bearer of modern Republican politics and yet even the party is unwilling to follow his example when it doesn't fit its political wishes. It's also a sad day when Senate Republicans are vowing to stop a nomination before there is a nominee. That close-minded approach without considering the judical bona fides is a poor example of leadership and a terrible way to run the country. Sen. Daines, if you can't at least uphold your constitutional duty, will you at least manage some political consistency: Do the courts need quicker justice or slower justice? Updated at 3:30 p.m. Lumber Liquidators' stock plunged Monday as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now says people exposed to certain types of the company's laminate flooring were three times more likely to get cancer than the agency previously predicted. The CDC said that in its original report it had used an incorrect value for ceiling height. It said that resulted in health risks calculated using airborne concentration elements about three times lower than they should have been. It now estimates the risk of cancer at six to 30 cases per 100,000 people. It previously estimated two to nine cases per 100,000 people. The agency said that its recommendations will likely stay the same -- that people take steps to reduce exposure. Lumber Liquidators said in a statement Monday that it has strengthened its "quality assurance procedures," such as testing sample products. The company stopped selling Chinese-made laminate floors in May, a few months after CBS news show "60 Minutes" reported that those floors contain high levels of the carcinogen formaldehyde. Lumber Liquidators, based in Toano, Virginia, also began providing customers with free air quality tests. Earlier this month, it was announced in a separate case that Lumber Liquidators would pay more than $13 million for illegally importing hardwood flooring, after the company pleaded guilty to environmental crimes last year. The company pleaded guilty to environmental crimes in October. Shares of Lumber Liquidators Holdings Inc. slid $2.81, or 19.8 percent, to close at $11.40 on Monday. Its shares have fallen more than 83 percent over the past year. ____ Our earlier story, from Reuters, posted at 6:48 a.m. Lumber Liquidators Holdings Inc.'s shares were set to tumble on Monday after a revised federal agency report showed people exposed to some types of the company's laminate flooring were three times more likely to get cancer than previously estimated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Feb. 18 it estimated the risk of cancer was 6-30 cases per 100,000 people, compared with the 2-9 cases it had estimated in a Feb. 10 report. The CDC said the revised results were preliminary. Lumber Liquidators' shares were set to open more than 15 percent lower on Monday, which would be the stock's biggest intraday percentage drop in six months. The CDC said it had used an incorrect value to calculate ceiling height, which meant its estimates of the airborne concentration of cancer-causing formaldehyde were about three times lower than they should have been. CBS "60 Minutes" reported on Sunday it was alerted to the possibility that scientists had not converted feet to meters in some calculations. Lumber Liquidators was not available for comment outside regular business hours. It had supported the recommendations of the CDC's previous report on the safety of flooring made in China between 2012 and 2014. The company's' shares and sales have been in a tailspin since March last year when CBS "60 Minutes" reported the retailer's laminates from China contained excessive levels of formaldehyde. Up to Friday's close of $14.21, Lumber Liquidators' shares had risen 17.5 percent since the CDC's initial report. But they are still down 79 percent since the company had in late February last year warned of the CBS report. WASHINGTON The 2016 Economic Report of the President says that the economy will continue modest, steady growth this year but that inequality remains higher in the United States than in other countries and has been growing faster. The annual report, released Monday and written by the Council of Economic Advisers, said that President Obama's proposals to raise the minimum wage, put money into early childhood education and help low-income families with children would ease inequality. While the report concluded that some of the inequality was the result of competition and higher productivity stemming from technological advances, it also said that some was the result of undeserved income paid to individuals and companies. Political analysts say that inequality may be one reason Obama's approval ratings have not been higher, given that economic disaster was averted in 2009 and jobs have been added for a record consecutive number of months. The annual economic report touted the president's achievements. "The U.S. economy has just completed the best two years of job growth since the 1990s and the fastest two-year decline in the unemployment rate since the 1980s while extending the longest streak of job growth on record," it said. "Consumers are more confident about the economy than they have been in over a decade, and wages are rising at the fastest pace since the financial crisis." At the same time, it pointed to challenges for the economy, including lackluster growth abroad hurting U.S. exports, slow productivity growth, and smaller than expected benefits from low oil prices. The report said that slow foreign demand hurt GDP growth, which slowed to 1.8 percent in 2015, down from 2.5 percent in 2013 and 2014. The sharp drop in oil prices boosted the economy by 0.2 percent, less than expected. While low oil prices boosted consumption by 0.5 percent, it hurt drilling and other activity related to the oil and gas sector, dragging down the economy 0.3 percent in that area. The report also said getting productivity growth back to its long-term trend was "a critical challenge." The report said that the drop in participation in the labor force had hurt GDP growth, but Jason Furman, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, said that was largely a result of demographic changes the retirement of the Baby Boom generation and a leveling off of the number of women working. Furman said that immigration reform could offset that if it led to an orderly influx of legal immigrants. "The one aspect of demographics that's not destiny is immigration reform," he said in a briefing on the report. The report also made a strong argument in favor of government assistance to help low-income young children who were at greater risk of disease and poor school performance: "These early-life disadvantages contribute to later-in-life disparities in education, income, employment, health, and exposure to the criminal justice system," the report said. CHRISTOPHER, Ill. Southern Illinois farming communities produce a lot of corn and soybeans, but not many priests these days. The Belleville Diocese, the organization that oversees Roman Catholic churches in the region, depends on the churchs international ties to recruit missionary priests from across the globe. In Latin, they are called fidei donum, or gift of faith. The Rev. Peter Balili, of the Philippines, was one such gift, with a tough assignment. He was called to replace the Rev. Steven F. Poole, who was arrested in 2010 for theft. By many accounts, Balili was a good-hearted priest who was well-liked at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Christopher and St. Marys in Sesser, both small towns near Rend Lake. And not just because he kept the parishes alive amid pressures to close churches in remote areas. Balili seemed to have the spirit to lead his flock out of an embarrassing time. Hed sing You are my sunshine and interact with parishioners of all ages. Then, without fanfare, he left in 2014. Another international priest replaced him. Its been a tough time, said Rodney Fourez, 51, a parishioner here. Weve gone through a few of them Id just like to see Christopher have a church that it used to have. Rural parishes like St. Andrews will likely never have a church like it was is the past, when large Catholic farm families filled the pews. Those are realities parishioners know well. But the quiet departure of Balili and the lack of answers from the Belleville Diocese is somewhat of a mystery here. There was nothing mysterious about the Rev. Pooles exit. Newspapers wrote about how hed been caught stealing an old tavern sign in 2000 from a Ladue antique store. Then, a decade later, he was arrested trying to steal butter and a sofa cover and swapping price tags on a foam mattress at Walmart in West City, Ill. After treatment, he has since returned to ministry elsewhere. Churchgoers never knew why Balili left, according to several interviews with parishioners over the past few months. When asked Thursday, a receptionist at St. Andrew said: That I have no comment on, goodbye. None of the congregants contacted for this story said they were aware that the Belleville Diocese had, in fact, kicked out Balili and requested that he be sent back to the Diocese of Tagbilaran in the Philippines. That apparent lack of information raises questions as to whether well more than a decade after the clergy sex abuse crisis broke open in Boston the push for disclosure and transparency has reached all corners of the church. Balilis case highlights how some organizations within the church are supplying key information about problem priests to the public, even as others remain tight-lipped. For example the U.S. Conference of Bishops supplies warnings of misbehavior about certain clergy to dioceses. It did so with Balilis case, disclosing that the Belleville Diocese dismissed him because of instances of what it viewed as inappropriate conduct regarding certain of his parishioners. The notice did not specify the nature of that conduct or the age of the parishioners. The Diocese of Belleville also indicates that it has learned of similar inappropriate conduct in Fr. Balilis previous assignments, a warning reads. In it, those needing further information were urged to contact the Rev. Von C. Deeke, liaison for international priests for the Belleville Diocese. But Deeke didnt return requests by the Post-Dispatch for comment made over a period of several weeks. Nor did his boss, Belleville Diocese Bishop Edward Braxton. The Belleville Diocese doesnt appear to have released the warning issued by the Conference of Bishops to its own flock. A spokesman for the Conference of Bishops said individual bishops act as they see fit with the information. The Rev. John Myler, who often serves a spokesman for the Belleville Diocese, said late last year that he wasnt aware of the warning or the details of the matter. If there were anything that would have involved minors, it would have been referred to our review board, he said. A parishioner at St. Andrew the past 25 years, and others, said she wasnt aware the warning existed. She said it was concerning but didnt want to get involved. In contrast, a diocese more than 500 miles from Belleville passed along the warning on Balili, even though the priest had no apparent connection there other than being Catholic. The Diocese of Cleveland made a short mention of Balili in a 2014 public memorandum. In it, members of the diocese were alerted to past misconduct by Balili and two other priests. A spokesman for the Cleveland Diocese said it has been publishing that kind of information on priests across the country for years. Prior problems Balili served in California and other locations before coming to Southern Illinois. Told about the warning, the Archdiocese of San Francisco responded to questions about his record there. Mike Brown, director of communication for the archdiocese, said Balili passed typical safe environment screening tests there in 2008, then served seven months at Mission Dolores parish, then eight months at St. Timothy parish. Brown provided this response to why Balili was dismissed from St. Timothy for inappropriate use of Facebook and communication with students: His pastor was the prime mover of this dismissal after the pastor apparently had some concern and had an IT guy examine Balilis computer and discovered inappropriate images of students. There were no pornographic images on his computer but there were Facebook images of students, which is against parish social media usage policy. This was enough for the pastor to dismiss him from his position. The following day, Feb. 3, 2010, Balilis faculties were withdrawn within the Archdiocese and shortly thereafter his home bishop was notified of this fact. Important to note that there were no reports of inappropriate contact with children and no victims of any sort came forward. A follow-up internal report referenced the social media problem but also that Balili didnt work out well at either assignment. I would read this to mean that he was not pastorally effective in his two brief jobs. Not long after California, Balili was assigned to the Belleville Diocese. Shedding light Its unclear if Balili is still working as a priest, though a posting on Facebook by an acquaintance still refers to him this month as Father Balili. He did not respond to requests for comment through social media. A doctor from the Philippines who lives in Southern Illinois and was said to help bring him to the area didnt return calls for comment. The Rev. Urban Osuji, of Nigeria, replaced Balili at the Southern Illinois parishes. Approached in December, he didnt comment about Balili other than to refer a reporter to Mike Roland, a local public defender who is a deacon at St. Andrew. Reached last week by telephone, he said he had no comment. Jason Berry, author of the book Render Unto Rome: The Secret Life of Money in the Catholic Church, said the church needs to make additional progress when it comes to disclosure. The bottom line, where there is darkness there needs to be light, he said. Catholics are mature enough to accept the truth, but when people conceal the information, that is when people begin to lose faith in a given bishop or church. Or they shake their head and wonder why the institution has so much trouble doing what they tell us to do and that is to be truthful. ST. LOUIS A judge has extended a temporary order banning guns at the St. Louis Zoo. St. Louis Circuit Judge Joan Moriarty filed an order Friday barring a Cincinnati man, anyone acting with him or with knowledge of her court order from concealing or openly carrying guns inside the zoo until further order of the court. Her order continues a temporary ban issued in June after gun rights activist Jeffry Smith said he planned to lead a group of armed people into the zoo to challenge its policy prohibiting guns. The day after the temporary order, Smith entered the zoo wearing an empty holster. Smiths lawyer, Jane Hogan, said the legal fight is not over and that Moriartys order applies only to the temporary injunction. Hogan said a final hearing on the case is pending. I think (Moriarty is) erring on the side of caution and wants to maintain the status quo until we can get our legal arguments together, Hogan said. The zoo will have to show irreparable harm. I dont think they can do that when there are many zoos in the United States that allow gun carry and there has never been an incident. A statement Monday from the zoo said it was pleased with the judges order and will continue its current policy of prohibiting weapons from being carried by visitors onto its premises. A zoo official testified in December that it operates a preschool on site, runs other education programs for children and meets the state definition of an amusement park, noting that Missouri law allows banning weapons in such places. The zoo said its preschool uses the entire 90-acre campus of the St. Louis Zoo as a classroom. Smiths lawyer argued before the judge in December that the zoo had failed to show any reason to prohibit weapons and criticized the zoos contention that it meets the state definition of an amusement park. Smith has said he believes Missouris gun laws and a 2014 state constitutional amendment guaranteeing gun rights mean people can carry firearms in publicly funded institutions such as the zoo. ST. LOUIS St. Louis County prosecutors promised secrecy to witnesses who testified in front of the grand jury that investigated the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by Ferguson police. But now lawyers on both sides of his familys wrongful-death lawsuit want those names. The killing of Brown on Aug. 9, 2014, set off weeks of protests and sometimes riots, which flared again that Nov. 24, when the grand jury did not indict Officer Darren Wilson. Prosecutor Kathi Alizadeh, who was primarily responsible for providing evidence to that grand jury, said in a court affidavit that she had promised to protect the names of witnesses, who were brought in to testify via secret routes. Even federal prosecutors and FBI agents requested anonymity, she wrote. Most witnesses and grand jurors expressed fears of retribution and/or retaliation because of the public furor and virulent public sentiment surrounding ... the investigation, Alizadeh wrote. But lawyers for Browns parents, aligned with lawyers for Wilson, the city of Ferguson and its former police chief, Thomas Jackson, went to federal court last week in support of a request opposed by an attorney for Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch. Details of testimony of those witnesses, without their names, and other evidence were released by McCullochs office immediately after the grand jury decision. Lawyers for Browns family and the Ferguson defendants want unredacted copies for the federal civil lawsuit filed April 23 by the teens mother, Lezley McSpadden, and father, Michael Brown Sr. We already know what was said but we dont know who said it, summarized Anthony Gray, a lawyer for the plaintiffs. Linda Wasserman, an assistant St. Louis County counselor representing McCullochs office, said that laws protect grand jury proceedings. Most witnesses agreed to talk only in exchange for confidentiality, she added, and no court order could protect their identities if theyre released. She referenced Alizadehs affidavit, in which the prosecutor wrote that one witness had moved due to fear of retaliation. Alizadeh had received threatening and intimidating calls and written communications, and wrote that at least two law enforcement officials received texts from people posing as colleagues. Wasserman also said that the county has borne an enormous financial cost related to the police response to the shooting and associated lawsuits, including claims against McCulloch and related to the grand jury process. Gray disputed the secrecy fears, saying that no acts of violence have been made or attempted. He also pointed out that lawyers for the family had stood aside and allowed the criminal and civil rights investigations to proceed. We could have got on this when it was red hot, he said. It would be unfair to be told now that they would not get access to that information, he said. Robert Plunkert, one of the defense lawyers, said that while the law bars the release of information about the proceedings of the grand jury, it does not bar the release of other information, including details about the witnesses. He said they could just as easily subpoena the names from police investigators, although Wasserman later said that much of the interviewing was done by federal investigators. At the end of the hearing, U.S. District Judge E. Richard Webber said that he had not yet made up his mind. But he seemed to lean toward reviewing the witnesses testimony by himself, and allowing the release of the names of relevant witnesses subject to an order that would bar revealing their identities to the public. He did not say when he would make a final decision, but did ask the lawyers to start crafting such a protective order. ST. LOUIS A Washington University medical student is facing multiple criminal charges accusing him of the possession of child pornography. St. Louis prosecutors on Thursday charged Eric Hanson, 23, of the 5800 block of Westminster Place in St. Louis, with six counts of possession of child pornography. Charging documents claim that investigators detected a computer at Hanson's address offering to share child porn online. When police searched Hanson's home, they found a computer with what they estimated to be more than 1,000 videos containing child porn, documents say. They narrowed their investigation down to six, and Hanson admitted that he had downloaded each video, the criminal complaint says. Hanson's bail is currently $150,000 cash, but his lawyers will be in court Tuesday seeking a reduction. On Friday, the Post-Dispatch obtained a copy of an email from medical school officials alerting students that an unnamed student had been suspended after being charged by law enforcement authorities with crimes related to child pornography. The university has no reason to believe that any of the alleged criminal activity took place at the university or its affiliated institutions, the email says. A medical school spokeswoman declined to comment on the case and referred a reporter's questions to police Monday. The charges are terribly upsetting for the entire family, said Hanson's lawyer, Scott Rosenblum, adding, We haven't had the chance to review the evidence at this point. Earlier this month, a former surgical resident at Barnes-Jewish Hospital was sentenced to time served for possession of child pornography. Dr. Shoichi Okada, of Richmond Heights, will remain in custody pending deportation to his native Japan, according to court testimony. Three of the four candidates for Missouri's Republican nomination for governor will debate tonight in Jefferson City. The event will feature businessman John Brunner, former Missouri House Speaker Catherine Hanaway, and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder. The fourth candidate in the field, author Eric Greitens, won't attend because of a scheduling conflict, according to his campaign. The debate will take place at 7 p.m. at Revel events venue in Jefferson City. It will be live streamed at: http://themissouritimes.com/27152/stream-mogovdebate/ The event is co-sponsored by Missouri Right to Life, johncombest.com, and Missouri Alliance for Freedom. It will be hosted by Scott Faughn, publisher of the Missouri Times. Though the four candidates have appeared together at forums in the past, organizers are billing tonight's event as the first debate because it will be in "true debate debate form, asking the same set of questions of each candidate and allowing candidates rebuttal time to defend any attacks against themselves." Most of the attacks so far in the campaign have been between Brunner and Greitens, over Brunner's assertion that Greitens, a former Democrat, is insufficiently conservative, and Greitens' claim that Brunner is engaging in underhanded campaign tactics. The personal acrimony between the two men has been on public display since November, with the airing of a heated phone conversation that Brunner secretly recorded. More recently, Greitens strongly implied that he believes Brunner is behind an anonymous internet ad that presents misinformation about Greitens' military record as a former Navy SEAL. Brunner's campaign has denied involvement. The winner of the GOP nomination in the Aug. 2 primaries will face Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, the sole Democratic gubernatorial candidate, in the Nov. 8 general election. Tuesday is the first day for candidates to file to be on the ballot in the primary. The filing period runs through March 29. FARGO, N.D. Twelve days after he was fatally shot in the line of duty, thousands gathered Monday at Scheels Arena to say goodbye to Officer Jason Moszer. We have a hole in our hearts that we dont know how to fill, Fargo Police Chief David Todd said at the funeral, which was packed with an audience dominated by law enforcement officers from across the region. The Rev. Kevin Kloster, the former Fargo police chaplain who married Jason and his wife Rachel urged mourners to let the tears flow, to let them form a collective pool at our feet that becomes a monument that honors Jasons life. I can tell you from experience, the only thing that comes easy today is tears, Kolster said. They release the ache. They release the hurt. They release the emptiness. They release the anger that is within us. Friends of Moszer recalled the 33-year-old as a man dedicated to his family and to helping others, a straight shooter with a sarcastic streak. Drew Schwan said Moszer, his best friend since elementary school, would understand why so many people came to his funeral, the first in more than 130 years for a Fargo officer killed in the line of duty. But hed probably prefer everyone just go out and have a beer, Schwan said. If you were expecting Jason to sugarcoat anything, you were talking to the wrong guy, Schwan said. Todd called Moszer a quiet hero and a cops cop, connecting his service as a National Guard combat medic in Iraq and Bosnia with his sacrifice as a police officer and, posthumously, his decision to donate his organs. The chief thanked officers and others for coming to honor the fallen officer whose call sign, Edward 143, has been retired by the department. If Jason could say it, hed say thanks for the backup, Todd said. Moszer, a Fargo officer for six years, was shot Feb. 10 while on the perimeter of a north Fargo home where police had responded to a report of domestic violence. He died the next day. The man suspected of shooting him was found dead inside the home. Police believe the suspected gunman was targeting officers in the shootout. As it turned out, Officer Jacob Rued, who counted Moszer as a friend and mentor, said goodbye to Moszer the day before he was shot, he said in his eulogy. Rued and Moszer had both been on a night shift together since Rued had joined the force. But Moszer was moving to a day shift. The day before Moszer was shot was the last time they would both work the night shift. As they parted ways at the end of the night, Moszer joked with his friend: Well, Rued, I wish I could say its been fun. But he assured Rued he wasnt going anywhere. He was just moving to days. I know. But Im still going to miss you. And Im still sad, Rued recalled replying. Twenty-four hours later, he was holding Moszers hand at Sanford Medical Center, where his friend was about to die. Life is fragile. Appreciate your life, and the life of people you love, Rued said. Its not free. And its sure not easy. The shot that killed Moszer was a senseless act of violence, Kloster said, but he noted it was not his eternal end. That shot did not end Jasons life. It moved Jason from Earth to heaven, the pastor said. After the ceremonial rites afforded a military veteran and a police officer, the service ended with what Kloster said was Moszers sole request for his funeral: the playing of Bon Jovis Wanted Dead or Alive. Following the funeral, a long procession of law enforcement officers and other first responders planned to escort Moszer along a 21-mile route winding through West Fargo, Moorhead and Fargo, past the armory where Moszers National Guard unit was based, the police headquarters where he worked and the hospital where he died. His burial will be private. A new poll by a respected Illinois think-tank shows Donald Trump with a big lead over his Republican challengers heading into that state's March 15 primaries. It's a startling finding for a state that tends to embrace mainstream Republicans over radical ones and which has correctly called the winner of every GOP primary race of the past 60 years. The poll, by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, shows Trump leading among six candidates, with 28 percent support, well ahead of Ted Cruz (15 percent), Marco Rubio (14 percent) and John Kasich (13 percent). The poll was conducted in the week before Saturdays South Carolina GOP primary and Nevadas Democratic caucuses, and before Jeb Bush withdrew from the race. Bush and Ben Carson both finished in single digits in the poll. "A part of me is surprised that Donald Trump leads significantly in a state known for its moderate Republicans, from Everett Dirksen to Jim Edgar to Mark Kirk," Charlie Leonard, a political scientist who helped supervise the poll, said in a prepared statement. "On the other hand, the not-Trump vote, combined together, swamps the pro-Trump vote, with somewhere around one in seven voters still up for grabs." Most ominous for the GOP establishment is that, when it comes to Republican presidential primaries, Illinois has a long history of accurate prognostication. In fact, the last time Illinois Republican primary voters picked a candidate who didn't go on to win the GOP presidential nomination was 1952, when they picked Robert Taft instead of Dwight Eisenhower a time well before Missouri and most other states even had primaries. The same poll found that Hillary Clinton (an Illinois native) held a commanding lead among Illinois Democrats over Bernie Sanders, 51 percent to 32 percent, with 16 percent undecided. The telephone poll sampled 1,000 Illinoisans 422 Democrats and 306 Republicans and had margins of error of between 4.7 percent and 5.6 percent. Missouri's presidential primaries also are on March 15, though candidates for other offices in that state will run in a separate primary Aug. 2. This post has been corrected to reflect that it was one poll that encompassed both Democrats and Republicans, not two polls. Conservative members of the Missouri Legislature are reluctant to embrace the idea of a statewide prescription-drug database to prevent opioid addicts from doctor-shopping to feed their habit. Opponents say the overriding concern is protecting patient privacy. Law-abiding patients with legitimate needs for prescription opioid painkillers could get wrongly identified in the database, they say. As important as privacy is, that argument misses one important point: Americas growing addiction to opioid pain medications is feeding unprecedented demand for heroin on our streets. Missouri is the only state in the country without a database to track opioid abusers. Theres also this: Opioids are a threat to national security. America is in the midst of an opioid and heroin-addiction epidemic, and the longer we allow it to grow, the more Americas biggest enemies are strengthened. The last time the United States faced an addiction crisis of these proportions was the 1980s crack cocaine problem. A U.S.-led drug war in the 1990s led to the collapse of the two major Colombian cartels that virtually controlled the international cocaine trade. Rival right-wing and leftist guerrilla groups scrambled to fill the vacuum, and a bloodbath followed. Mexico drug gangs seized control of the former Colombian business. In the past 10 years, more than 50,000 people have died as those gangs vied for control of key smuggling routes into the United States. Todays abuse of prescription opioids is creating a similar, but bigger, problem. Because heroin can be five times cheaper than opioids, this highly addictive drug is seeing an unprecedented resurgence. From 2002 to 2013, deaths from heroin overdoses quadrupled in the United States. Once hooked, people will stop at nothing to buy another fix, which is why Mexican cartels are moving so quickly to feed the heroin market. In Afghanistan, 15 years of U.S. military efforts to destroy the Taliban have failed, in large part because of the billion-dollar opium trade that the Taliban heavily taxes to support itself. The trade is helping corrupt the government, which further undermines U.S. stabilization efforts. The U.S. government directly attributes the Talibans resurgence to its participation in the opium trade. Since Afghan heroin transits Iran on its route westward, the income has helped fuel Irans economy and keep that nation afloat in spite of economic sanctions aimed at curtailing the Islamic Republics nuclear program. Voters should check the national security credentials of those who think a prescription-drug database is bad for Missouri. This nations exploding opioid and heroin problem is helping fuel drug-cartel murder sprees, weaken border security and arm Americas foremost enemies abroad. Of course, privacy is an important concern. But is that really the priority? CASPER, Wyo. The Cheyenne Police Department, via a recent post on its Facebook page, worked to quell any suspicions that the agency polices based on race. The post compares the racial makeup of the city to the racial demographics recorded on citations last year. The numbers match up closely. It just validates that there isnt a problem here, spokesman for the department Dan Long said. There isnt a concern. It shows that our police officers are doing the right thing. Long said the analysis was prompted by national concerns that law enforcement officers are targeting citizens based on their race, rather than their behavior. Police officers across the country have come under fire recently for reportedly racially discriminating against civilians. Police departments in return have provided data to show their officers do not profile based on race. Weve been seeing the talk all around the nation about bias-based police behavior, Long said. Its been the talk nationwide, so we thought, Lets look at the department and see how were doing. He said the comparison was not motivated by complaints. With several high profile allegations of racial profiling in other cities, the Cheyenne Police Department has looked inward to analyze policing behavior and to identify the key to improving the perceptions about bias-based policing, the Facebook post read. According to 2010 U.S. Census data for the City of Cheyenne, the population is 79 percent white, 15 percent Hispanic or Latino, 3 percent black or African American, 2 percent Asian and 1 percent American Indian. The Facebook post shows the racial demographics recorded on the 9,000 citations issued in 2015 were 78 percent white, 15 percent Hispanic, 5 percent black, 1 percent Asian and 1 percent American Indian. The post also provided racial demographics recorded on the 200 incidents last year of police force with resisting suspects. Those demographics were 71 percent white, 17 percent Hispanic, 7 percent Black, 4 percent American Indian and 1 percent Asian. All members of the Cheyenne Police Department last year attended mandatory training on cultural diversity, racial profiling and bias-based policing. We talked about racial profiling and how to take into account other cultures, Long said. He said the department has done similar training in the past, but last year was the first time the agency added in bias-based policing, per the request of Chief Brian Kozak. Long said the key to improving perceptions about bias-based policing is community engagement. The department is accepting applicants for its Citizens Advisory Committee, which meets regularly to discuss issues of concern and learn about police practices. The police department also hosts Neighborhood Night Out, a multiple block party event, and a Citizens Police Academy, which helps civilians understand the role of law enforcement. The key is that good relationship, Long said. In addition, the Facebook post states the department is seeking applicants with diverse backgrounds to become police officers. LONDON MARKET MIDDAY: UK sees falling confidence, growing public debt Friday, October 21, 2022 - 12:38 Retailers were leading stock market losses in London on Friday, after weak UK retail sales and consumer confidence reports and a warning from German sportswear maker Adidas. The FTSE 100 index was down 61.54 points, 0.9%, at 6,882.37 at midday. The FTSE 250 was down 302.52 points, 1.7%, at 17,086.41, and the AIM All-Share was down 4.05 points, 0.5%, at 782.39. The Cboe UK 100 was down 0.9% at 687.60, the Cboe UK 250 was down 1.8% at 14,579.92, and the Cboe Small Companies was down 0.4% at 12,228.02. Following the resignation of Liz Truss, the Conservative Party now begins the process to select a new leader, with the result to be announced no later than next Friday. Amongst those believed to be in the running are former chancellor Rishi Sunak, leader of the house Penny Mourdaunt, and even former PM Boris Johnson. "With recession now inevitable there are huge problems for the government to overcome once it deals with the little issue of who will walk through, what's become of late, the revolving door at Number 10," said AJ Bell's Danni Hewson. Meanwhile, UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has vowed to do "whatever necessary" to drag government debt lower after official figures revealed that borrowing swelled to 20 billion in September. The Office for National Statistics reported that a jump in debt interest grew borrowing beyond the expectations of economists, laying bare the challenge facing the chancellor and new prime minister ahead of the fiscal event at the end of this month. The ongoing economic uncertainty piled pressure on sterling. The pound was quoted at $1.1102 at midday on Friday, compared to $1.1294 at the London equities close on Thursday. In the FTSE 100, athleisure retailer JD Sports and Sports Direct owner Frasers Group were down 7.1% and 5.6% respectively. Late Thursday, sports apparel maker Adidas lowered annual guidance as it struggles with "deteriorating traffic" in China and high inventory levels. Adidas said it has needed to turn to "higher clearance activity" to try to shift stock. In Frankfurt, Adidas was down 10% in early afternoon trade. In the New York pre-market, peer Nike was down 1.0%. Compounding the downside risk for clothing makers and retailers was lacklustre UK consumer confidence, with the last GfK indicator showing levels remained near historic lows. The indicator languished at minus 47 in October, but clawed back two points. In addition, UK retail sales deteriorated at a faster pace than expected in September, according to the latest figures from ONS. Retail sales fell 6.9% annually in September, with the decline accelerating from a 5.6% fall in August. It also was worse than FXStreet-cited market consensus, which had expected a fall of just 5%. Asos lost 6.9%, as HSBC cut the stock to 'reduce'. Fellow fast fashion online retailer boohoo fell 5.9%. "Clothing seller Asos continued its descent as investors worry about its position in a cost-of-living crisis. The feedback from its latest analyst presentation was negative, with concerns about the company going from a net cash to net debt position and a lack of confidence in its strategy to survive an economic slowdown. The shares are now down 78% year-to-date," said AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould. InterContinental Hotels Group shed 4.2%. This followed news that Chief Financial Officer & Head of Strategy Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson will leave the company in six months' time to become CFO at sports betting firm Flutter Entertainment. Flutter added 0.6%. IHG said in the third quarter revenue per available room, or RevPAR, rose 28% year-on-year and now exceeds its pre-pandemic level, being up 2.7% on the third quarter of 2019. Looking ahead, IHG said demand remained "robust", and it managed to open 51 hotels during the quarter, despite an industry-wide slowdown in hotel opening activity. "The thorn in its side is China where tough restrictions around Covid have disrupted trading once again, enough to spook investors and send the share price down," AJ Bell's Mould said. On AIM, Hummingbird resources plunged 19%. The miner said gold production at the Yanfolila mine in Mali fell to 16,827 ounces in the third quarter from 20,013 ounces in the second quarter of 2022. The average realised gold price fell to $1,713 per ounce compared to $1,851 in the quarter immediately before. In addition, all-in sustaining costs rose to $2,161 per ounce from $1,859 per ounce. As a result of various issues which have hit production, Hummingbird lowered annual production guidance, and revised all-in sustaining cost guidance upwards. In European equities on Friday, the CAC 40 in Paris was down 1.7%, while the DAX 40 in Frankfurt was down 1.5%. "The US dollar continues extending its rally across the board, and there is nothing the other currencies can do," said Swissquote Bank's Ipek Ozkardeskaya. The euro stood at $0.9743 at midday Friday, down against $0.9822 at the close on Thursday. Against the yen, the dollar was trading at JP150.98, up sharply compared to JP149.77 late Thursday. The continuing weakening of the yen increases the likelihood of another intervention from the Japanese government to bolster the currency. Japan's core consumer prices rose 3.0% in September on-year, the government said on Friday, the highest level since 2014 as the falling yen and rising energy costs hit households hard. The data, which excludes volatile fresh food prices, brings inflation well above the Bank of Japan's long-term 2.0% goal. But excluding energy prices, the figure stood at only 1.8%, bolstering the central bank's argument that current increases do not yet meet its standard for sustained price growth. "The Japanese inflation rate remained unchanged near 3% in September. The import prices due to the weakening yen is one of the reasons for the rising consumer prices in Japan, but the Bank of Japan is not willing to hike the interest rates just yet. Any FX intervention sill likely offer interesting dip-buying opportunities," Ozkardeskaya continued. Stocks in New York were called lower, with the DJIA expected to open down 0.4%, the S&P 500 index down 0.6%, and the Nasdaq Composite down 0.9%. Brent oil was quoted at $92.30 a barrel at midday on Friday, down from $93.29 late Thursday. Gold was quoted at $1,624.90 an ounce Friday, down sharply against $1,641.90. Still to come on Friday's economic calendar is EU consumer confidence at 1500 BST. Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. South Africa is evaluating the operations of the UNs Intervention Brigade (IBDE) in terms of accomplishing the UN goal of peace enforcement. Over 1,000 South African soldiers serve in the special unit that is tasked with conducting offensive operations against rogue militias. South Africa also supplies the attack helicopter detachment and artillery support. Observers believe that because of the IBDE the operation against the M23 guerrilla group was largely successful. M23 tried to hold enclaves and the IBDE and Congolese Army forces attacked them. Despite the IBDE the However, the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), a radical Hutu militia, continues to exist and the Ugandan ADF rebels manage to keep fighters in the field. Peacekeepers and Congolese security forces have battered the FDLR and ADF, but these two militias have demonstrated the ability to filter away, hide for a while and then attack again. Is there something the IBDE can do to deliver the coup de grace? Diplomats and UN peacekeeping officials are wondering if these groups be destroyed before the November 2016 Congo elections. In November 2015 the UN Security Council made neutralizing (destroying) the FDLR and ADF priority goals. The Security Council also said FRPI (Front for Patriotic Resistance of Ituri) must be eliminated. The Ugandan Lords Resistance Army still has bands operating in Congo and the Central African Republic (CAR). If South Africa withdrew its forces IBDE would be crippled but even with South African troops IBDE still has a lot of work to do. (Austin Bay) February 20, 2016: Ugandas political opposition is disputing the national election held on February 18. Current president Yoweri Museveni claimed victory with around 65 percent of the vote. The opposition is crying foul and fraud. Chief opposition leader and presidential candidate Kizza Besigye has been in and out of jail. International observers report that votes were bought -- and they point to Museveni supporters as the buyers. The U.S. government agreed that there were numerous irregularities in the vote. That can mean mismanagement, and many polling places did not receive timely delivery of ballots. But it is really diplo-speak for fraud and cheating. The United States scolded the Ugandan government for excessive use of force by police, blocking internet sites, blocking social media and undermining the election. February 19, 2016: As Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni claimed victory in the presidential election, Ugandan security forces in the capital, Kampala, surrounded the political headquarters of the main opposition party, the Forum for Democratic Change. They then arrested Kizza Besigye, the main opposition presidential candidate in the recent national election. Elsewhere in Kampala, police confronted protestors. In the central business and government district, police fired tear gas and stun grenades at protesting crowds. In one instance police with automatic rifles fired warning shots to disperse demonstrators. February 17, 2016: The UN has documented 411 incidents of human rights violations in the Congo that occurred in January 2016. This is up from 347 in December 2015. North Kivu province (eastern Congo) has the most human rights violations. The Congolese government is a major human rights violator. The UN report said that the Congolese Army, police and government authorities were responsible for two-thirds of the incidents. February 16, 2016: Congo opposition parties continue to seek international help in forcing the government to conduct the national election in November 2016. The opposition characterized the election schedule released in January by the government (CENI, National Independent Electoral Commission) as being designed to fail. CENI claimed it will take more than 13 months to revise and confirm voter registrations lists. One opposition leader said that failure to conduct a fair and honest election on time will produce a national political crisis. The opposition also says the bureaucratic mismanagement of the election (pointing a finger at CENI) is just one part of president Kabilas glissement (sliding or slipping) strategy to delay elections. They contend that Kabila intends to seek a third term, which is unconstitutional. The constitution which limits a president to two terms. February 13, 2016: A rebel militia in North Kivu province attacked a village near the town of Eringeti, killing six people and kidnaping 14. The attackers apparently belonged to the ADF and the rebel operation was planned and coordinated. For example a small rebel contingent attacked a nearby army camp while the larger force attacked the village. February 8, 2016: In Burundi opposition group FRODEBU (Front for Democracy in Burundi) accused the African Union (AU) of abandoning the people of Burundi by failing to deploy a peacekeeping force. In response, senior AU officials said that was not the case and that the AU remains deeply involved in trying to resolve the turmoil in the country. That said, there will be no AU peacekeeping force in Burundi, at least for the immediate future. The AU wants to give dialogue and diplomacy another chance. The political trouble began when President Pierre Nkurunzizas April 2015 decision to seek a third term. He then changed the constitution and won an election. February 6, 2016: Five people were killed in violent incidents in Burundis capital, Bujumbura. One of the attacks involved a grenade. Citizen Front 2016, a Congo opposition political alliance said it will hold more public protests to demand President Joseph Kabila respect the constitution and not seek a third presidential term. February 5, 2016: The UN apparently has a confidential report that concluded Rwanda has trained Burundian refugees for the purpose of deposing Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza. The report included information provided by Burundian rebel fighters who said they were trained at a camp in Rawanda. One of the leaked details includes where and when some of the rebels were recruited. Eighteen rebels said they were in the Mahama Refugee Center (eastern Rwandan). In May and June 2015 they were recruited to fight Nkuruniziza. They then received two months of military training by the Rwandan Army. Most of this involved the use of light infantry weapons. Rebels claimed that the Rwandans have trained four companies of rebels, each with about 100 fighters. In December 2015 the Burundi government accused Rwanda of supporting a rebel guerrilla group but Rwanda denied the allegation. February 4, 2016: During January 2016 the Ugandan Lords Resistance Army (LRA) conducted 16 attacks in the Central African Republic (CAR). LRA fighters killed one civilian and kidnapped around 70 people. Most of the attacks occurred in the CARs jungle-covered south-eastern region. February 2, 2016: The Burundi government claimed that the country is 99 percent safe and said that the country does not need an African Union peacekeeping force. February 1, 2016: The Congo government confirmed that the Congolese Army offensive in South Kivus Masisi targeted the Mai Mai Nyatura. That operation began January 11. Angola reported that in January the families of 40 former FLEC (Cabinda Enclave Liberation Front) rebel fighters are receiving national identification papers as part of Angolas social reintegration process. Altogether 236 people will receive their papers. The 40 former rebels had been in exile in the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville). The Angolan government relocated them in Cabindas Cacongo municipality. January 31, 2016: Rwanda announced that it had arrested several people it suspects are operatives working on behalf of ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant). The arrests came after police attempted to arrest a Muslim cleric, Muhammad Mugemangango, who was allegedly trying to recruit Rwandans to fight with ISIL. Police shot Mugemangango when he tried to escape. Diplomacy often operates in mysterious ways. Take, for example, the recent visit of the senior Iranian official (president Hassan Rouhani) to Italy. Rouhani trained as a cleric (like so many other Iranian leaders) but spent most of his time studying and teaching law. He earned a doctorate in law and a British university (in Scotland) between 1995 and 1999. He became quite familiar with Western culture. Since going into politics he has been working to develop better relations with the West while also trying to reduce the influence of Islamic conservatives over Iran politics and daily life. Many of the more radical of the Islamic radicals in the Iranian government consider it blasphemy for Rouhani to even visit the West. Some of these critics believed the visit makes Rouhani unfit to be president of Iran. This sort of accusation still carries some weight in Iran. One thing Rouhani, and many Western diplomatic officials have learned from past visits by Iranian officials to the West is that if these visitors are photographed doing anything that could be interpreted (by Islamic conservatives back home) as blasphemous or un-Islamic the visiting official would face much criticism and loss of power and influence back home. Those who are many familiar about how this works, it was not surprising that when Rouhani visited (at his request) some museums full of centuries old statues and paintings the ones that showed any nudity had the naughty bits covered. While this seems absurd and demeaning to the average Westerners (and some Iranians) it is seen as a defeat by Islamic radicals in Iran waiting to pounce on Rouhani for viewing such decadent and un-Islamic art. Covering up the nakedness deprives Iranian Islamic radicals neutralizing or bringing down another Iranian reformer. Sometimes what looks like a retreat is actually a victory. This applies in military as well as diplomatic affairs. The UN condemned escalating ethnic and political violence in South Sudan, especially in Upper Nile state where fighting between the Dinka and Shilluk tribes has spiked in the last three weeks. An attack on a refugee compound in Malakal killed 18 people and wounded an estimated 90 more. The UN operates this site where the February 17 attack by Dinka soldiers loyal to the government took place. UN facilities burned and looted. Two of the people killed in the attack worked for a medical NGO. February 20, 2016: South Sudans government it was not involved in combat throughout the Upper Nile region. The government refrains from calling it Upper Nile state since the government divided it into three states. The government condemned the fighting the city of Malakal and said it was not involved in the fighting in Bahr el Ghazal. The government reiterated that they and the rebels have committed themselves to the peace agreement. February 18, 2016: The South Sudan government ordered its soldiers to move out of the capital, Juba. Removing the army from the capital was part of the August 2015 peace agreement. Observers confirmed some troops left. There is a new army barrack area is 25 kilometers from Juba, as specified in the agreement. However, a number of troops live in the capital, so just how many have permanently left is not yet certain. A guard force remains. The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), which oversees the operational implementation of the agreement, said that both the government and the rebels have six weeks to complete the deployments. The rebels will deploy its own guard force of 3,000 fighters when rebel leader enters Juba and becomes, once again, South Sudans first vice-president. The new Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) cannot be formed until the deployments are completed and the rebel leader has moved into Juba. In Sudan the SPLM-N (Peoples Liberation Movement-North) rebels claimed that the government launched three aerial bombing attacks on villages in the Nuba Mountains (South Kordofan state). The UN condemned a bitter fight between the Shilluk and Dinka in Malakal, capital of South Sudans Upper Nile state. Some of the fighting occurred inside a UN run camp for refugees. Initial reports said that the fighting was between Dinka and Shilluk youth. However, many of the young men were armed with automatic weapons. The fighting started late on the evening of February 17 and continued through February 18. Some ethnic Nuer refugees in the camp were killed during the fighting. Witnesses said Dinka fighters killed the Nuer. February 13, 2016: The rebels accused the South Sudan government of violating the ceasefire agreement by continuing to attack rebel bases and cantonment areas. This includes government forces attacking a base in Eastern Equatoria state on February 13 and a base in Western Equatoria state on February 12. The rebels also accused government forces of attacking Shilluk tribespeople in Upper Nile state and shelling a rebel garrison area south of Malakal (in Upper Nile state). February 12, 2016: South Sudan rebels pointed out that government troops must be out of Juba before the rebel leader will return to the nations capital. Demilitarizing Juba is an essential step in fulfilling the August 2015 peace agreement. The rebel leader said he will not return to Juba until the government withdrawal is completed. February 11, 2016: South Sudan announced that the rebel leader was officially reappointed to the post of first vice-president. This is required by the peace agreement. The warring parties were supposed to have formed a transitional government by January 22 but failed to do so. The rebels indicated that they believe they will succeed in forming a transitional government. However, the rebels remain bitterly opposed to the recent government decision to create 28 states in South Sudan. The rebels only recognize ten (the original states). February 10, 2016: In Sudan the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) is no longer an effective umbrella organization for uniting all rebel groups with the goal of forcing major changes in the Sudan government. All the rebels despise Sudanese dictator Omar al Bashir. However, several of the SRFs original members have factionalized. Some have lost clout. An example of a much diminished organization is the Sudan Liberation Army-Abdulwahid Muhammad Al Nur (SLA-Abdulwahid, or SLA/A-N). Tribal divisions have weakened what was the main Darfur rebel group, the Justice and Eqwuality Movement (JEM). February 9, 2016: UN peacekeepers report that over 23,000 people (60 percent of them children) have sought refuge from air raids and attacks in the Jebel Marra Massif region (North Darfur state). Air attacks could have only one source: the Sudan government. February 8, 2016: In South Sudan the SSNLM (South Sudan National Liberation Movement) denied that the group has defected to the rebels. The SSNLM has around 8,000 fighters and its home base is Western Equatoria state. The SSNLM is sometimes called the Arrow Boys. The rumor that the group defected began after an armed dispute between the army and the SSNLM in January. The dispute was resolved. February 2, 2016: In Sudan SPLM-N rebels claim it defeated Sudanese Army forces in a battle in the Kilgo Hills (Blue Nile state) suffering five wounded compared to 32 dead and 13 wounded government soldiers. If the numbers are accurate, it indicates the SPLM-N has a very thorough regional intelligence operation. February 1, 2016: The South Sudan government and the rebels accused each other of numerous peace treaty violations throughout the country. The army said it believed the rebels were planning new attacks on the town of Lanyi (Mundri East region). January 29, 2016: UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said that ending South Sudans civil war requires maintaining sustained political pressure on the South Sudan government and the rebels. He called on international donor nations and nations in the East African region to remain engaged. January 28, 2016: The SPLM-N accused the Sudanese Air Force of bombing a rebel-controlled area in Blue Nile state. A Sudanese Antonov transport dropped ten barrel bombs on three villages, Malken, Ullu and Alrom. In South Sudans newly created Sobat state armed men wearing uniforms similar to South Sudanese National Security police uniforms attacked security forces killing 24 and wounding another 25. January 27, 2016: Rumors reported earlier this month in Sudanese media appear to be true. The South Sudan Army has acquired some shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles. South Sudan wants the missiles to defend against air attacks by Sudan. Wellesbourne Airfield " I am uncomfortable with a situation in which our laws are sometimes made by those the British people cannot throw out, while British Ministers must accept them. "I am uncomfortable when European law takes precedence over British law, and European judges are more important than our own. I am uncomfortable when we are tied to a project determined to create a new currency that has struggled to stay afloat and has taken away yet more sovereignty and choice from its citizens to keep it on life support. "There are some extremely unattractive figures campaigning to leave the EU, from George Galloway to Nigel Farage and it pains me to be dragged towards them on any issue. "However the blame lies with the EU, which has fought as hard to remain blind to the chance for change, as the Prime Minister has fought to help them see." The in-out referendum will take place in June. See more the EU debate in Thursday's Herald. Wellesbourne Airfield However with the constant uncertainty about the airfields future hanging in the air, such plans have been forced to take a back seat. Nicky said: Relocating would not be an option for us, our customers are all here. I have been to many airfields in the UK and Wellesbourne is one of the nicest in the country. It has a lovely cafe and theres no comparison really. What I like best about the airfield is the atmosphere. Ideally we would like to expand what we do here, there is huge potential at the airfield for this. We are asked if we can provide other services but at the moment we just cant do it, for example we would like to be able to re-spray aircraft when they need it, but with the facilities weve got things like that are very difficult for us. To receive the letter was a bit of a blow because we have worked so hard to build something up, its a tough situation to be in. It would be very difficult for us to relocate because we would have to reapply for all the necessary approvals again with all the costs that come with that. The issue is its not just this airfield that is under threat, it is all general aviation in this country. We need to make a stand because if developers think they can easily just get hold of these airfields, the general aviation industry in this country will all be gone. That would be a huge loss not just for Wellesbourne but for the whole country. Im so pleased that all the businesses here are all together in fighting this, it would be hard for us if we were not united. Wellesbourne Airfield When they arrived firefighters used hydraulic cutting equipment to free the van driver from his vehicle. A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: Crews arrived to find a car and small van that had been in a serious collision. Both vehicles had suffered substantial front end damage. The man driving the small van, believed to be in his early 20s, was treated at the scene by medics for suspected pelvic and leg injuries. He received pain relief whilst still in the van and was subsequently safely removed with the assistance of the fire service. Following treatment the man was airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further treatment. The man driving the car involved in the crash, a man in his 50s, was checked over at the scene by medics for minor injuries and was then discharged. The dog travelling in the boot of the car was also uninjured in the crash. Considering the damage to the vehicles, all occupants were fortunate not to have suffered more serious injuries. Credit Suisse analyst S. Roth Katzke reiterated an Outperform rating and $75 price target on JPMorgan (NYSE: JPM) ahead of tomorrow's annual Investor Day. Katzke commented, "We're quite sure that the meetings will highlight the bank's superior positioning and potential; less sure that management can allay the macro concerns overhanging the market and bank stocks. What management can/will do is highlight balance sheet strength, risk management acumen and its determination/the bank's positioning to sustain above-average returns through the cycle." For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on JPMorgan click here. For more ratings news on JPMorgan click here. Shares of JPMorgan closed at $57.82 yesterday. XO Communications (XO) announced today that Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) has signed an agreement to purchase XOs fiber-optic network business for approximately $1.8 billion. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval from various governmental agencies and is expected to close in the first half of 2017. The transaction would provide Verizon access to XOs fiber-based IP and Ethernet networks, helping to better serve enterprise and wholesale customers. In addition, the acquired fiber facilities will help Verizon continue to densify its cell network. Separately, Verizon will also simultaneously lease available XO wireless spectrum, with an option to buy that spectrum by year-end 2018. This transaction will create a stronger provider of business broadband services for the customers of XO Communications, said Chris Ancell, chief executive officer of XO Communications. Carl C. Icahn, the Chairman and Sole Shareholder of XO Holdings, said: In 2001, I began purchasing the senior debt of XO, and the following year the company filed for bankruptcy. I then worked diligently with other stakeholders to keep XO alive, and in 2003 the company emerged from bankruptcy. The following thirteen years were a bumpy road for XO, as well as other telecoms, as we reckoned with major network overcapacity and other issues caused by overly optimistic projections and capital expenditures made by previous owners. In fact, we had to inject additional capital into the company several times over those years to keep it operating. Although this sale to Verizon does not represent a significant annualized return on our investment, we believe that in todays environment it does represent the best achievable outcome for the companys customers, employees and owner. While Verizon and XO pursue requisite regulatory approvals from governmental agencies, XO will continue to operate independently. Evercore is serving as XOs financial advisor in connection with the transaction. Thompson Hine LLP is serving as XOs legal advisor in connection with the transaction. HAMILTON, Bermuda, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hamilton Re, the reinsurance operations of Hamilton Insurance Group, today announced that Gavin Davis has joined the Bermuda-based company as Senior Vice President, Head of Property Insurance, Bermuda. Mr. Davis will be instrumental in leading the ongoing diversification of Hamilton Re's portfolio to include property direct and facultative insurance. He reports to Tim Duffin, Chief Underwriting Officer, Property, at Hamilton Re. "We're delighted to welcome Gavin to our team in Bermuda," said Hamilton Re CEO Kathleen Reardon. "His arrival is timely, as our recent marketing initiatives have confirmed that there's interest amongst our business partners in the lines of business that Gavin will add to our portfolio. His expertise, and the high regard with which he's held by our clients, will facilitate our acceptance as a preferred Property D&F underwriter." Mr. Davis joins Hamilton Re with over 20 years' combined experience (15 years in re/insurance and five years in the capital markets and private equity industry) in both New York and Bermuda. From November 2012 until August 2015, Mr. Davis was Vice President and Underwriter and, most recently, promoted to head up the Direct & Facultative platform at Montpelier Reinsurance Ltd. Before joining Montpelier Re, he managed the US Direct Insurance Property portfolio at AXIS Specialty Ltd. for three years. From 2005 until 2009, Mr. Davis was a senior Property & Energy broker with Guy Carpenter in Bermuda. He also held positions as a Senior Financial Advisor and Equity Arbitrage Trader with two Bermuda companies from 2001 to 2005 and obtained his NASD Securities License during that time. Mr. Davis began his career with General Reinsurance Corp. and was based in their Manhattan offices from 1995 until 1998 before relocating to Bermuda in 1999. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Colby College, Waterville, Maine. About Hamilton Insurance GroupHamilton Insurance Group is the Bermuda-based holding company for insurance and reinsurance operations that underwrite property and casualty risks in Bermuda, the U.S. and at Lloyd's. The company leverages analytics and research to create underwriting and investment value for its clients and shareholders. For more information, please visit www.hamiltongroup.com. Media contact:Wendy Davis Johnson+1 (441) 707-5240 or[email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160222/335615 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gavin-davis-joins-hamilton-re-to-lead-entry-to-property-direct-and-facultative-market-300223598.html SOURCE Hamilton Insurance Group TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- KT, NTT DOCOMO, SK Telecom and Verizon have agreed to form a new global initiative, called the 5G Open Trial Specification Alliance. This alliance plans to develop an aligned 5G trial specification that would serve as a common, extendable platform for different 5G trial activity around the world, focused on technical fundamentals and promoting a more inclusive, open, and collaborative approach to the development of 5G trial networks. The 5G Open Trial Specification Alliance will focus on 5G radio interface trial activities and aims to provide the wireless industry with the ability to test and validate key technical components. Coordination is already underway, with technical trials occurring in the 2016-2018 timeframe. The development of the trial specification will allow a variety of different industry partners (network vendors, chipset/device vendors, operators, test equipment vendors, etc.) to join and contribute. The trial specification will be neutral and is not intended to limit on-going standardization discussions and decisions that will be happening in 3GPP. Rather its objective is to provide a common trial platform where different technology components can be trialed and evaluated in order to provide a better understanding of the value and performance of different 5G technologies. This can provide valuable input in the upcoming 3GPP discussions, by complementing simulation studies with real data from different trial deployments. The trial specification will cover multiple spectrum bands, including bands above and below 6 GHz. The interest for 5G is very high, and many players are engaging in activities to support the early commercialization and deployment of this next generation technology. The 5G Open Trial Specification Alliance is positive that this initiative will provide a platform to maximize the value of different trial activities around the world, and will provide valuable input from these trials to 3GPP. So far KT, NTT DOCOMO, SK Telecom, Verizon, as well as some of their key suppliers have committed to this initiative, and other key industry participants are expected to join the alliance in the future. Our trial specification is intended to be in public to accelerate the ecosystem to bring 5G to market. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160221005322/en/ For further information, please contact: NTT DOCOMO Public Relations Department Tel: +81-3-5156-1366 Website: www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english Source: NTT DOCOMO, INC. BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MFS Investment Management (MFS) released today the distribution income sources for six of its closed-end funds for February 2016: MFS Charter Income Trust (NYSE: MCR), MFS Government Markets Income Trust (NYSE: MGF), MFS Intermediate High Income Fund (NYSE: CIF), MFS Intermediate Income Trust (NYSE: MIN), MFS Multimarket Income Trust (NYSE: MMT) and MFS Special Value Trust (NYSE: MFV). This information also can be obtained by visiting MFS.com by clicking on Products & Performance > Closed End Funds > Dividend Source Information. MFS Charter Income TrustDistribution period: February 2016Distribution amount per share: $ 0.05894 The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the current distribution and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains, net realized long-term capital gains and return of capital or other capital source. The funds fiscal year begins each December 1st. All amounts are expressed per common share. Total cumulativedistributions for thefiscal year to date % Breakdown ofthe totalcumulativedistributions forthe fiscal year todate Currentdistribution % Breakdown ofcurrent distribution Net Investment Income $ 0.04049 69% $ 0.12033 66% Net Realized ST Cap Gains 0.01165 20% 0.01165 6% Net Realized LT Cap Gains 0.00000 0% 0.00000 0% Return of Capital or Other Capital Source 0.00680 11% 0.04899 28% Total (per common share) $ 0.05894 100% $ 0.18097 100% Average annual total return (in relation to NAV) for the five years ended 1-31-2016 4.81% Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of month end NAV as of 1-31-2016 8.02% Cumulative total return (in relation to NAV) for the fiscal year through 1-31-2016 -2.71% Cumulative fiscal year distributions as a percentage of NAV as of 1-31-2016 2.05% MFS Government Markets Income TrustDistribution period: February 2016Distribution amount per share: $ 0.03411 The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the current distribution and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains, net realized long-term capital gains and return of capital or other capital source. The funds fiscal year begins each December 1st. All amounts are expressed per common share. Total cumulativedistributions for thefiscal year to date % Breakdown ofthe totalcumulativedistributions forthe fiscal year todate Currentdistribution % Breakdown ofcurrent distribution Net Investment Income $ 0.01337 39% $ 0.03965 39% Net Realized ST Cap Gains 0.00000 0% 0.00000 0% Net Realized LT Cap Gains 0.00000 0% 0.00000 0% Return of Capital or Other Capital Source 0.02074 61% 0.06285 61% Total (per common share) $ 0.03411 100% $ 0.10250 100% Average annual total return (in relation to NAV) for the five years ended 1-31-2016 3.26% Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of month end NAV as of 1-31-2016 7.24% Cumulative total return (in relation to NAV) for the fiscal year through 1-31-2016 0.92% Cumulative fiscal year distributions as a percentage of NAV as of 1-31-2016 1.81% MFS Intermediate High Income FundDistribution period: February 2016Distribution amount per share: $ 0.02002 The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the current distribution and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains, net realized long-term capital gains and return of capital or other capital source. The funds fiscal year begins each December 1st. All amounts are expressed per common share. Total cumulativedistributions for thefiscal year to date % Breakdown ofthe totalcumulativedistributions forthe fiscal year todate Currentdistribution % Breakdown ofcurrent distribution Net Investment Income $ 0.01643 82% $ 0.04899 78% Net Realized ST Cap Gains 0.00000 0% 0.00000 0% Net Realized LT Cap Gains 0.00000 0% 0.00000 0% Return of Capital or Other Capital Source 0.00359 18% 0.01352 22% Total (per common share) $ 0.02002 100% $ 0.06251 100% Average annual total return (in relation to NAV) for the five years ended 1-31-2016 4.84% Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of month end NAV as of 1-31-2016 9.57% Cumulative total return (in relation to NAV) for the fiscal year through 1-31-2016 -5.26% Cumulative fiscal year distributions as a percentage of NAV as of 1-31-2016 2.49% MFS Intermediate Income TrustDistribution period: February 2016Distribution amount per share: $ 0.03509 The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the current distribution and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains, net realized long-term capital gains and return of capital or other capital source. The funds fiscal year begins each November 1st. All amounts are expressed per common share. Total cumulativedistributions for thefiscal year to date % Breakdown ofthe totalcumulativedistributions forthe fiscal year todate Currentdistribution % Breakdown ofcurrent distribution Net Investment Income $ 0.00894 25% $ 0.03600 25% Net Realized ST Cap Gains 0.00000 0% 0.00000 0% Net Realized LT Cap Gains 0.00000 0% 0.00000 0% Return of Capital or Other Capital Source 0.02615 75% 0.10578 75% Total (per common share) $ 0.03509 100% $ 0.14178 100% Average annual total return (in relation to NAV) for the five years ended 1-31-2016 3.34% Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of month end NAV as of 1-31-2016 8.51% Cumulative total return (in relation to NAV) for the fiscal year through 1-31-2016 0.33% Cumulative fiscal year distributions as a percentage of NAV as of 1-31-2016 2.86% MFS Multimarket Income TrustDistribution period: February 2016Distribution amount per share: $ 0.04245 The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the current distribution and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains, net realized long-term capital gains and return of capital or other capital source. The funds fiscal year begins each November 1st. All amounts are expressed per common share. Total cumulativedistributions for thefiscal year to date % Breakdown ofthe totalcumulativedistributions forthe fiscal year todate Currentdistribution % Breakdown ofcurrent distribution Net Investment Income $ 0.02969 70% $ 0.11636 66% Net Realized ST Cap Gains 0.00000 0% 0.00000 0% Net Realized LT Cap Gains 0.00000 0% 0.00000 0% Return of Capital or Other Capital Source 0.01276 30% 0.05872 34% Total (per common share) $ 0.04245 100% $ 0.17508 100% Average annual total return (in relation to NAV) for the five years ended 1-31-2016 5.05% Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of month end NAV as of 1-31-2016 8.03% Cumulative total return (in relation to NAV) for the fiscal year through 1-31-2016 -3.96% Cumulative fiscal year distributions as a percentage of NAV as of 1-31-2016 2.76% MFS Special Value TrustDistribution period: February 2016Distribution amount per share: $ 0.04638 The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the current distribution and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains, net realized long-term capital gains and return of capital or other capital source. The funds fiscal year begins each November 1st. All amounts are expressed per common share. Total cumulativedistributions for thefiscal year to date % Breakdown ofthe totalcumulativedistributions forthe fiscal year todate Currentdistribution % Breakdown ofcurrent distribution Net Investment Income $ 0.01982 43% $ 0.07933 41% Net Realized ST Cap Gains 0.00000 0% 0.00000 0% Net Realized LT Cap Gains 0.00000 0% 0.00000 0% Return of Capital or Other Capital Source 0.02656 57% 0.11536 59% Total (per common share) $ 0.04638 100% $ 0.19469 100% Average annual total return (in relation to NAV) for the five years ended 1-31-2016 4.47% Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of month end NAV as of 1-31-2016 9.99% Cumulative total return (in relation to NAV) for the fiscal year through 1-31-2016 -5.91% Cumulative fiscal year distributions as a percentage of NAV as of 1-31-2016 3.50% The above funds have adopted a managed distribution plan. Under a managed distribution plan, to the extent that sufficient investment income is not available on a monthly basis, the fund will distribute long-term capital gains and/or return of capital in order to maintain its managed distribution level. Investors should not draw any conclusions about the funds investment performance from the amount of the funds distributions or from the terms of the funds managed distribution plan. The Board of the fund may amend the terms of the plan or terminate the plan at any time without prior notice to the fund's shareholders. The amendment or termination of a plan could have an adverse effect on the market price of the funds common shares. The plan will be subject to periodic review by the Board. With each distribution that does not consist solely of net investment income, the fund will issue a notice to shareholders and an accompanying press release which will provide detailed information regarding the amount and estimated composition of the distribution and other related information. The amounts and sources of distributions reported above are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the funds investment experience during its full fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The fund will send shareholders a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell them how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. The fund may at times distribute more than its net investment income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of the distribution may result in a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that shareholders invested in the fund is paid back to them. A return of capital does not necessarily reflect a funds investment performance and should not be confused with yield or income. Any such returns of capital will decrease the fund's total assets and, therefore, could have the effect of increasing the fund's expense ratio. In addition, in order to make the level of distributions called for under its plan, the fund may have to sell portfolio securities at a less than opportune time. About MFS Investment Management Established in 1924, MFS is an active, global asset manager with investment offices in Boston, Hong Kong, London, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto. We employ a uniquely collaborative approach to build better insights for our clients. Our investment approach has three core elements: integrated research, global collaboration and active risk management. As of January 31, 2016, MFS manages US$397.6 billion in assets on behalf of individual and institutional investors worldwide. Please visit mfs.com for more information. The Funds are closed-end Funds. Common shares of the Funds are only available for purchase/sale on the NYSE at the current market price (NYSE-MKT for MFS California Municipal Fund). Shares may trade at a discount to NAV. MFS Investment Management111 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02199 15668.89 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160222006191/en/ Computershare Shareholders Services: Shareholders (account information, quotes): 800-637-2304 or MFS Investment Management: Shareholders or Advisors (investment product information): Jeffrey Schwarz, 800-343-2829, ext. 55872 or Media Only: James Aber, 617-954-6154 or Dan Flaherty, 617-954-4256 Source: MFS Investment Management MCLEAN, Va. and DUBLIN, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- WidePoint Corporation (NYSE Mkt: WYY), a leading provider of Managed Mobility Services (MMS) specializing in Cybersecurity and Telecommunications Lifecycle Management (TLM) solutions, announced today that its subsidiary Soft-ex Communications has won the contract to supply eir Business customers with an Online Bill Presentment and Analytics solution. Soft-ex secured this contract following an intensive selection process, based on their innovative solution, user experience and flexible supplier relationship. eir Business will shortly begin the roll-out of 'eir Bill Analyser powered by Soft-ex' to large corporate and public sector clients. Customers will then be in a position to view all their consolidated fixed voice bills in one place online 24/7. With access to this centralized cloud portal, customers will reduce time searching and analysing costs, leaving them more time to make key business decisions to significantly reduce telecom costs, improve inventory control and introduce business efficiencies. Ian Sparling, chief executive officer at Soft-ex, commented, "We are delighted to have been selected by eir Business following a rigorous selection process and this contract further validates the strength of our proposition and our engagement with CSPs across Europe. By providing our TDI platform to eir Business, we have enabled the integration of data from multiple billing systems." Commenting for eir Business, Lorraine Bracken, Head of Voice & Mobile Product said, "Our key objectives are to enhance the customer experience and to ensure our customers receive accurate and easy-to-follow bills. With eir Business Bill Analyser we will deliver online access with the ability to analyse bills and run reports across usage, costs and performance. Soft-ex is a world-leader in this space and we are delighted to be working with them." Steve L. Komar, chief executive officer & chairman of WidePoint Corporation, stated, "We are delighted to sign yet another strategic agreement in the CSP space. Billing communication is now viewed as a key opportunity to improve customer loyalty and attract new business. We look forward to assisting eir achieve this strategic objective." About eireir is the principal provider of fixed-line and mobile telecommunications services in Ireland with approximately 2.3 million customers. The company has the most extensive fixed and mobile network in Ireland and provides a comprehensive range of advanced voice, data, broadband, TV and ICT services to the residential, small business, enterprise and public sector markets. The wholesale division, Open eir, is the largest wholesale provider in Ireland with more than 40 operators using our network. In 2013, eir was the first operator to launch 4G services in Ireland. The company has 3,300 full time equivalent employees. The cornerstone of the company's current 2.5 billion strategic investment programme is the construction of Ireland's largest fibre broadband network that will reach 1.9 million homes and businesses by the end of 2020 using FTTC and FTTH technologies. About Soft-ex Soft-ex is a leading supplier of Online Bill Presentment and Analytics SaaS solutions that provide unique online data intelligence for Communication Service Providers (CSPs) and their Enterprise customers for fixed, mobile and PABX communications. Headquartered in Ireland with offices in the UK, and the Netherlands, we have customers and partners in over 90 countries globally. Customers include Telefonica, BT, Three, KPN, Telia, Microsoft, Nationwide, Lloyds, Shire and Prudential, to name but a few. For more information, visit www.soft-ex.net. About WidePoint WidePoint (NYSE Mkt: WYY) is a leading provider of secure, cloud-delivered, enterprise-wide information technology-based solutions that can enable enterprises and agencies to deploy fully compliant IT services in accordance with government-mandated regulations and advanced system requirements. WidePoint has several major government and commercial contracts. For more information, visit www.widepoint.com. For More Information: Jim McCubbin, EVP & CFO Brett Maas or David Fore WidePoint Corporation Hayden IR 7926 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 520 (646) 536-7331 McLean, VA 22102 [email protected] (703) 349-2577 [email protected] For eir: Dearbhaill Rossiter Head of Communications [email protected] 00 353 1 600 5284 Media Contact: Grainne Magfhloinn +1 353 1 241-6712 [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/soft-ex-wins-eir-business-contract-for-online-bill-presentment-and-analytics-solution-300223427.html SOURCE WidePoint Corporation By Ayman al-Warfalli BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - Military forces loyal to Libya's eastern government said on Sunday they had pushed back Islamist fighters in several areas of Benghazi, seizing the strategic port of Marisa. The Libyan National Army said it had also taken control of the town of Ajdabiya, about 150 km (90 miles) south of Benghazi, another city where it has been battling Islamist groups. Libya has been riven by conflict since the 2011 uprising against Muammar Gaddafi, as armed factions supporting rival governments in Tripoli and the east have fought for power and a share of the country's oil wealth. Islamist fighters have used the resulting security vacuum to expand their presence, and militants loyal to Islamic State have gained control of the city of Sirte, to the west of Ajdabiya. Benghazi, Libya's second-largest city, has seen some of the worst fighting, with violence escalating when military commander Khalifa Haftar launched a campaign in 2014 against Islamists and other armed groups. Munthir al-Khartoush, a spokesman for the army's Battalion 309, said that besides Marisa port, the army had taken control of the nearby neighborhood of Al-Halis and had advanced in the district of Boatni, which also saw heavy fighting on Saturday. At least three soldiers and 15 Islamist fighters were killed in Sunday's clashes, the military said. Marisa would be a significant gain for the army. The groups it has been fighting have been receiving deliveries of weapons through the port. "We have completely cut off the supplies coming to the front line for the Islamist groups in the west of Benghazi by capturing Marisa Port," Khartoush said. Later, military sources said the army had also captured Al-Hawari hospital in northern Benghazi. Health care has been badly affected by the violence, and a medical source said that if the hospital could be protected from further fighting it would make a major difference to medical services in the city. In Ajdabiya, military spokesman Akram Bouhaliqa said the army had forced Islamist fighters from the area around Galouz Street and the industrial zone, the last positions they held. A resident also confirmed to Reuters that the army was in control of the city. Three soldiers were killed in Sunday's clashes, Bouhaliqa said. A hospital source in Ajdabiya said 65 people had been killed and 140 wounded in fighting there over the past two months. The violence comes as a unity government nominated under a United Nations-backed plan is trying to win approval from Libya's internationally recognized parliament in the east. It also comes two days after a U.S. air strike targeting a suspected Islamic State training camp in the western city of Sabratha killed nearly 50 people, including two Serbian embassy staff abducted in Libya in November. (Writing by Aidan Lewis; editing by Andrew Roche, Larry King) Demonstrators from the Jat community sit on top of a school bus as they block the Delhi-Haryana national highway during a protest at Sampla village in Haryana, February 21, 2016. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi By Rupam Jain and Douglas Busvine BAHADURGARH, India/NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Leaders of a rural Indian caste reached a deal late on Monday to end protests that paralysed a northern state and cut water supplies to Delhi's 20 million residents, after winning a pledge of more government jobs. Days of rioting and looting across Haryana by the Jat community had challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise of better days for Indians who elected him in 2014 with the largest majority in three decades. A Jat leader said protesters had reached a deal with state and federal leaders to end their mobilisation, in which 16 people have been killed and more than 150 injured. "The government has promised to meet our demands and we have promised our full cooperation," Ramesh Dalal, convener of the Jat Arakshan Andolan (Jat Reservation Movement), told Reuters. Thousands of troops were deployed to quell the protests, which had flared again on Monday near Sonipat when a freight train was torched. In neighboring Rajasthan, Jats attacked and burned buses. Disruption has been huge, with 850 trains canceled, 500 factories closed and business losses estimated at as much as $5 billion by one regional lobby group. Dalal said he had appealed to the entire Jat community, which makes up a quarter of the population of Haryana, to return home. A senior officer said state police still faced a challenge to maintain law and order. The army earlier on Monday retook control of a canal that supplies three-fifths of the capital's water. Delhi's chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, said the army had reopened the sluice gates of the Munak canal to the north of the city. Water was expected to reach the metropolis by early Tuesday. ORDER SLOWLY RETURNS The Haryana government put the death toll at 16 while police said earlier that there were tensions in some towns as Jats tried to prevent other communities from reopening their shops. In Bahadurgarh, to the west of Delhi, Jat protesters turned out in force during the day to express their anger against Modi and demand written assurances of more jobs for their community. Many Jats, who number more than 80 million across north India, are farmers whose livelihoods have suffered as families divide farms among their children. Two years of drought have harmed crops, and they are also missing out on urban jobs. Their demands for government jobs and student places are based on affirmative action policies that are typically reserved for deprived groups. Ramcharan Dekhara, a 52-year-old father of four, has sold his land to pay for his daughter's marriage and now runs a tea shop near National Highway 10. "I am fighting for my sons' future. The boys are sitting at home and there is nothing they can do at the tea shop," Dekhara told Reuters. "They studied hard to make a new life but now they are wasting time and watching TV all day." The Supreme Court has previously struck down an attempt to classify the Jats as an Other Backward Caste, or OBC, which would formally entitle them to a quota of jobs and student places. "There is a constitutional barrier in giving Jats OBC status but we will find a way to fulfill their demands," junior agriculture minister Sanjeev Balyan told Reuters. The Jats predominantly voted for Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2014 general election, when he won the biggest parliamentary majority in three decades. Months later the BJP won an outright majority in Haryana for the first time. Although many of the state's chief ministers have been Jats, the current minister is not. Commentators have faulted him and other BJP leaders for failing to read the social mood and devoting too much attention to issues like cow protection that are a core part of the party's pro-Hindu agenda. In a familiar pattern, Modi completely ignored the protests, instead launching a broadside on Sunday against unnamed conspirators he accused of trying to undermine his government. "They are now hatching conspiracies every day to finish and defame me," he told farmers in a speech in Odisha. (Additional reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh; Editing by Nick Macfie and Dominic Evans) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un salutes during a visit to the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces on the occasion of the new year, in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on January 10, 2016. REUTERS/KCNA WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States rejected a North Korean proposal to discuss a peace treaty to formally end the Korean War because it did not address denuclearization on the peninsula, the State Department said on Sunday. State Department spokesman John Kirby made the comment in response to a Wall Street Journal report that the White House secretly agreed to peace talks just before Pyongyang's latest nuclear bomb test. The newspaper, citing U.S. officials familiar with the events, said the Obama administration dropped its condition that Pyongyang take steps to curtail its nuclear arsenal before any peace talks take place, instead calling for North Korea's atomic weapons program to be just one part of the discussion. Pyongyang declined the proposal, and its Jan. 6 nuclear test ended the diplomatic plans, the newspaper reported. "To be clear, it was the North Koreans who proposed discussing a peace treaty," Kirby said in an emailed statement. "We carefully considered their proposal, and made clear that denuclearization had to be part of any such discussion. The North rejected our response," he said. "Our response to the NK proposal was consistent with our longstanding focus on denuclearization." The isolated state has long sought a peace treaty with the United States and other parties in the 1950-53 Korean War, as well as an end to military exercises by South Korea and the United States, which has about 28,500 troops based in South Korea. North Korea said on Jan. 6 it had tested a nuclear device it claimed was a hydrogen bomb, provoking condemnation from its neighbors and the United States. Weeks later, it launched a long-range rocket carrying what it called a satellite, prompting renewed criticism. On Jan. 16, Pyongyang had demanded the conclusion of a peace treaty with the United States and a halt to U.S. military exercises with South Korea to end its nuclear tests. But U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said then that Pyongyang needed to demonstrate by its actions that it was serious about denuclearization before any dialogues could start. The Korean War ended in 1953 in an armistice, not a peace treaty, signed by the United States, representing United Nations forces; the North Korean military and the Chinese army. Now North Korea wants those three sides and South Korea to sign a treaty. (Reporting by Megan Cassella and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) A state audit says the North Dakota Health Department stored thousands of COVID-19 vaccine doses at incorrect temperatures or without temperature data over the past two years and that some of the vaccine was administered to patients. The health department disputed the audit released Tuesday. Tim Wiedrich, who heads the agencys virus response, says no non-viable vaccines were given to patients. The state analysis said nearly 2,000 Moderna doses were stored at incorrect temperatures and were administered to patients. The audit also found nearly 13,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccines were issued from storage with missing temperature data. Neither the Health Department nor the auditor's office is recommending revaccination. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DATE OF REPORT February 22, 2016 (Date of earliest event reported) HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter) DELAWARE 1-8974 22-2640650 (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer of incorporation) Identification Number) 115 TABOR ROAD, MORRIS PLAINS, NEW JERSEY 07950 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrants telephone number, including area code: (973) 455-2000 Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation Under an Off-balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant. On February 22, 2016, Honeywell International Inc. (the Company or Honeywell) completed a public offering of 1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2018, 1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 0.650% Senior Notes due 2020, 1,250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 1.300% Senior Notes due 2023 and 750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 2.250% Senior Notes due 2028 (collectively, the Notes). The offering of the Notes was made pursuant to the Companys shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-208501) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 11, 2015. The Notes were issued under an indenture, dated as of March 1, 2007 (the Indenture), between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee. The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the Indenture and the respective forms of global note for the offering, which are filed as exhibits to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference. Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits (d) Exhibits Exhibit No. Description 4.1 Indenture dated as of March 1, 2007, relating to debt securities between Honeywell and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Honeywells Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-141013), filed March 1, 2007) 4.2 Form of Floating Rate Senior Note due 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Honeywells Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on February 19, 2016) 4.3 Form of 0.650% Senior Note due 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of Honeywells Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on February 19, 2016) 4.4 Form of 1.300% Senior Note due 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of Honeywells Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on February 19, 2016) 4.5 Form of 2.250% Senior Note due 2028 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of Honeywells Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on February 19, 2016) 5.1 Opinion of Assistant General Counsel, Securities and Corporate Finance, of Honeywell International Inc. 23.1 Consent of Assistant General Counsel, Securities and Corporate Finance, of Honeywell International Inc. (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto) SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. Date: February 22, 2016 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. By: /s/ Jeffrey N. Neuman Jeffrey N. Neuman Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Deputy General Counsel EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. Description 4.1 Indenture dated as of March 1, 2007, relating to debt securities between Honeywell and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Honeywells Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-141013), filed March 1, 2007) 4.2 Form of Floating Rate Senior Note due 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Honeywells Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on February 19, 2016) 4.3 Form of 0.650% Senior Note due 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of Honeywells Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on February 19, 2016) 4.4 Form of 1.300% Senior Note due 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of Honeywells Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on February 19, 2016) 4.5 Form of 2.250% Senior Note due 2028 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of Honeywells Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on February 19, 2016) 5.1 Opinion of Assistant General Counsel, Securities and Corporate Finance, of Honeywell International Inc. 23.1 Consent of Assistant General Counsel, Securities and Corporate Finance, of Honeywell International Inc. (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto) Alison Zoellner Assistant General Counsel Securities and Corporate Finance Honeywell International Inc. 115 Tabor Road Morris Plains, New Jersey 07950 phone 973-455-2090 [email protected] www.honeywell.com Exhibit 5.1 February 22, 2016 Securities and Exchange Commission 100 F Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20549 Re: Honeywell International Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-3 Ladies and Gentlemen: I am Assistant General Counsel, Securities and Corporate Finance, of Honeywell International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company). This opinion is being rendered in connection with the issuance and sale of the Companys 750,000,000 2.250% Senior Notes Due 2028 (the 2028 Notes), 1,250,000,000 1.300% Senior Notes Due 2023 (the 2023 Notes), 1,000,000,000 0.650% Senior Notes Due 2020 (the 2020 Notes) and 1,000,000,000 Floating Rate Senior Notes Due 2018 (the 2018 Notes and, collectively, with the 2028 Notes, the 2023 Notes and the 2020 Notes, the Notes) in accordance with Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), pursuant to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-208501) (the Registration Statement) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) under the Securities Act. The Registration Statement contains a prospectus (the Shelf Prospectus) relating to the issuance and sale by the Company from time to time, as shall be set forth in one or more supplements to the Shelf Prospectus, of the Companys debt. As counsel for the Company, I have examined such documents, including the Registration Statement, the Indenture between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, as may be supplemented from time to time (the Indenture), the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws, as amended, of the Company and certain resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) relating to issuance of the Securities (the Resolutions). I have also reviewed such questions of law as I have considered necessary and appropriate for the purposes of the opinions set forth below. In rendering the opinions set forth below, I have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to me as originals, the genuineness of all signatures and the conformity to authentic originals of all documents submitted to me as copies. I have also assumed the legal capacity for all purposes relevant hereto of all natural persons and, with respect to all parties to agreements or instruments relevant hereto other than the Company, that such parties had the requisite power and authority (corporate or otherwise) to execute, deliver and perform such agreements or instruments, that such agreements or instruments have been duly authorized by all requisite action (corporate or otherwise), executed and delivered by such parties and that such agreements or instruments are the valid, binding, and enforceable obligations of such parties. As to questions of fact material to this opinion, I have relied upon certificates of officers of the Company and of public officials. I have also assumed that, at the time of the authentication and delivery of the Securities, the Resolutions will not have been modified or rescinded, there will not have occurred any change in the law affecting the authorization, execution, delivery, validity or enforceability of such Securities, the Registration Statement will be effective and will continue to be effective, none of the particular terms of such Securities will violate any applicable law and neither the issuance and sale thereof nor the compliance by the Company with the terms thereof will result in a violation of any agreement or instrument then binding upon the Company or any order of any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company. Based on the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications and limitations stated herein, I am of the opinion that: 1. The Company has been duly incorporated and is a validly existing corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware. 2. The Notes have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action and constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with the terms thereof. This opinion is subject to the following qualifications and exceptions: (a) The opinion is subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar law of general application affecting creditors rights. (b) The opinion is subject to the effect of general principles of equity, including (without limitation) concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing, and other similar doctrines affecting the enforceability of agreements generally (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law). (c) As of the date of this opinion, a judgment for money in an action based on a Debt Security denominated in a foreign currency or currency unit in a federal or state court in the United States ordinarily would be enforced in the United States only in United States dollars. The date used to determine the rate of conversion into United States dollars of the foreign currency or currency unit in which a particular Debt Security is denominated will depend on various factors, including which court renders the judgment. Under Section 27 of the New York Judiciary Law, a state court in the State of New York rendering a judgment on a Debt Security would be required to render such judgment in the foreign currency or currency unit in which such Debt Security is denominated, and such judgment would be converted into United States dollars at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of entry of the judgment. My opinion expressed above is limited to the laws of the State of New York, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (including the applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and reported judicial decisions interpreting the Law) and the federal laws of the United States of America, and I express no opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction. I hereby consent to the inclusion of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and the reference to me under the caption Legal Opinions. In giving such consent, I do not thereby admit that I am in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933. [Signature Page Follows] UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13G/A UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 EXIT FILING ARCH COAL, INC. (NAME OF ISSUER) COMMON STOCK (TITLE OF CLASS OF SECURITIES) 039380308 (CUSIP NUMBER) 12/31/2015 (DATE OF EVENT WHICH REQUIRES FILING OF THIS STATEMENT) CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX TO DESIGNATE THE RULE PURSUANT TO WHICH THIS SCHEDULE IS FILED: (X) RULE 13D-1 (B) ( ) RULE 13D-1 (C) ( ) RULE 13D-1 (D) *THE REMAINDER OF THIS COVER PAGE SHALL BE FILLED OUT FOR A REPORTING PERSON`S INITIAL FILING ON THIS FORM WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT CLASS OF SECURITIES, AND FOR ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENT CONTAINING INFORMATION WHICH WOULD ALTER THE DISCLOSURES PROVIDED IN A PRIOR COVER PAGE. THE INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REMAINDER OF THIS COVER PAGE SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO BE "FILED" FOR THE PURPOSE OF SECTION 18 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 ("ACT") OR OTHERWISE SUBJECT TO THE LIABILITIES OF THAT SECTION OF THE ACT BUT SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ALL OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE ACT (HOWEVER, SEE THE NOTES). CUSIP NO: 039380308 13G Page 2 of 5 Pages 1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSON: STATE STREET CORPORATION I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF THE ABOVE PERSON: 04-2456637 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP NOT APPLICABLE 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 5. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 SHARES 6. SHARED VOTING POWER 57,391 7. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 8. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 57,391 9. AGGREGATED AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 57,391 10. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES NOT APPLICABLE 11. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 9 0.3% 12. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON HC CUSIP NO: 039380308 13G Page 3 of 5 Pages ITEM 1. (A) NAME OF ISSUER ARCH COAL, INC. (B) ADDRESS OF ISSUER`S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES ONE CITY PLACE DRIVE, STE 300 ST LOUIS, MO 63141 ITEM 2. (A) NAME OF PERSON FILING STATE STREET CORPORATION AND ANY OTHER REPORTING PERSON IDENTIFIED ON THE SECOND PART OF THE COVER PAGES HERETO (B) ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OFFICE OR, IN NONE, RESIDENCE STATE STREET FINANCIAL CENTER ONE LINCOLN STREET BOSTON, MA 02111 (FOR ALL REPORTING PERSONS) (C) CITIZENSHIP: SEE ITEM 4 (CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION) OF COVER PAGES (D) TITLE OF CLASS OF SECURITIES COMMON STOCK (E) CUSIP NUMBER: 039380308 ITEM 3. IF THIS STATEMENT IS FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 13D-1(B), OR 13D-2(B) OR (C), CHECK WHETHER THE PERSON FILING IS A: SEE ITEM 12 (TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON) OF THE COVER PAGE FOR EACH REPORTING PERSON AND THE TABLE BELOW, WHICH EXPLAINS THE MEANING OF THE TWO LETTER SYMBOLS APPEARING IN ITEM 12 OF THE COVER PAGES. SYMBOL CATEGORY BK BANK AS DEFINED IN SECTION 3(A) (6) OF THE ACT. IC INSURANCE COMPANY AS DEFINED IN SECTION 3 (A) (19) OF THE ACT IC INVESTMENT COMPANY REGISTERED UNDER SECTION 8 OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940. IA AN INVESTMENT ADVISOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 13D-1(B) (1) (II) (E). EP AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN OR ENDOWMENT FUND IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 13D-1(B) (1) (II) (F) . HC A PARENT HOLDING COMPANY OR CONTROL PERSON IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 13D-1(B)(1)(II) (G). SA A SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS AS DEFINED IN SECTION 3(B) OF THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE ACT (12 U.S.C. 1813). CP A CHURCH PLAN THAT IS EXCLUDED FROM THE DEFINITION OF AN INVESTMENT COMPANY UNDER SECTION 3(C)(14) OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940. CUSIP NO: 039380308 13G Page 4 of 5 Pages ITEM 4. OWNERSHIP THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN ROWS 5 THROUGH 11 OF THE COVER PAGE HERETO FOR EACH OF THE REPORTING PERSONS IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. ITEM 5. OWNERSHIP OF FIVE PERCENT OR LESS OF CLASS NOT APPLICABLE ITEM 6. OWNERSHIP OF MORE THAN FIVE PERCENT ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER PERSON NOT APPLICABLE ITEM 7. IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE SUBSIDIARY WHICH ACQUIRED THE SECURITY BEING REPORTED ON BY THE PARENT HOLDING COMPANY OR CONTROL PERSON SEE EXHIBIT 1 ATTACHED HERETO ITEM 8. IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF MEMBERS OF THE GROUP NOT APPLICABLE ITEM 9. NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF GROUP NOT APPLICABLE ITEM 10. CERTIFICATION BY SIGNING BELOW I CERTIFY THAT, TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF, THE SECURITIES REFERRED TO ABOVE WERE ACQUIRED AND ARE HELD IN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF BUSINESS AND WERE NOT ACQUIRED AND ARE NOT HELD FOR THE PURPOSE OR WITH THE EFFECT OF CHANGING OR INFLUENCING THE CONTROL OF THE ISSUER OF THE SECURITIES AND WERE NOT ACQUIRED AND ARE NOT HELD IN CONNECTION WITH OR AS A PARTICIPANT IN ANY TRANSACTION HAVING THAT PURPOSE OR EFFECT. SIGNATURES AFTER REASONABLE INQUIRY AND TO THE BEST OF HIS KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF, EACH OF THE UNDERSIGNED CERTIFIES THAT THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND CORRECT. 22 February 2016 STATE STREET CORPORATION /s/ SEAN P. NEWTH SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER AND CONTROLLER CUSIP NO: 039380308 13G Page 5 of 5 Pages EXHIBIT 1 THE FOLLOWING TABLE LISTS THE IDENTITY AND ITEM 3 CLASSIFICATION OF EACH SUBSIDIARY OF STATE STREET CORPORATION, THE PARENT HOLDING COMPANY, THAT BENEFICIALLY OWNS THE ISSUER`S COMMON STOCK. PLEASE REFER TO ITEM 3 OF THE ATTACHED SCHEDULE 13G FOR A DESCRIPTION OF EACH OF THE TWO-LETTER SYMBOLS REPRESENTING THE ITEM 3 CLASSIFICATION BELOW. SUBSIDIARY ITEM 3 CLASSIFICATION STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY BK SSGA FUNDS MANAGEMENT, INC IA STATE STREET GLOBAL ADVISORS LIMITED IA NOTE: ALL OF THE LEGAL ENTITIES ABOVE ARE DIRECT OR INDIRECT SUBSIDIARIES OF STATE STREET CORPORATION. A man was taken to hospital with a serious leg injury shortly after arriving at the Papakura police station. An address in south Auckland has been cordoned off by armed police after a man walked into a police station with a serious gunshot wound. Inspector Shawn Rutene said a man, 30, sought help at the Papakura police station at about 3.45pm on Monday. He was taken to Middlemore Hospital with a leg injury. Armed police have cordoned off what they have called an "address of interest" at Laurie Ave in Papakura, with police helicopter Eagle called out. More to come. This year's Auckland Lantern Festival drew record crowds, organisers believe. The 2016 festival, which celebrates the Chinese new year, drew tens of thousands of punters to its new and enlarged location at Auckland Domain. Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Chief Executive Brett O'Riley said organisers would not have verified attendance numbers for four weeks, but the festival's project team and sponsors thought it was the biggest Lantern Festival yet. BEVAN READ / FAIRFAX NZ This year's Auckland lantern festival drew record crowds to celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Monkey. O'Riley acknowledged the huge crowd and new venue had brought "challenges". READ MORE: * 'Chaos' at Auckland Lantern Festival * A time and a place: Auckland Lantern Festival * Auckland Lantern Festival lights up Domain for first time On the busy Saturday, the festival's busiest night, traffic was gridlocked around the domain. That night a festival-goer said the traffic was "literally beyond anything I've ever seen before." She said her car did not move for over an hour while she tried to leave. Another spectator who attended on Saturday night labelled the event a "disaster". Many Aucklanders chose to skip the traffic by taking public transport. More than 15,000 journeys to and from Grafton Station were recorded on Saturday evening - a large increase from normal traffic of a few hundred journeys. O'Riley said next year ATEED would work with operational partners like Auckland Transport to address challenges like the congestion. "We'll be looking closely at travel to and from the Domain, as well as entry into the Domain and how people find their way around the space easily," he said. Organisers ATEED and the Asia New Zealand Foundation felt the large crowds had justified the move to the Domain. "Being spread over a larger area definitely made a difference to the festival experience. As always, the food stalls did a roaring trade and an obvious upside of being in the Domain was plenty of room for groups of people and families to take their festival food and picnic on the grass," O'Riley said. Asia New Zealand Foundation executive director Simon Draper said he was already looking forward to talking to ATEED about changes for the 2017 festival. "We look forward to talking to ATEED about changes for an even more exciting 2017 festival," he said. Clothing and household goods pour in for the arrival of Syrian refugees to Wellington Soft cot mattresses will await some of Syria's refugee children who arrive in Wellington this week for a fresh chance at life. The donated cots are in stark contrast to the rocky shores that some of their young compatriots have washed up on in Europe, with such horror images having helped to prompt New Zealand to up its refugee quota. "They get to have a future here," said Bishop Justin Duckworth of the Anglican Church. David White/Fairfax NZ Volunteer Rosie Williams sorts clothing and household goods that have been donated to Wellington's arriving Syrian refugees. On Friday, 82 Syrian refugees are due to land in the capital, the first of 750 which Prime Minister John Key agreed last September to welcome over the next two and a half years. The intake is part of a $50 million emergency response to wartorn Syria's refugee crisis. READ MORE: * New Zealand is to take 600 more refugees * Syrian refugees welcomed to Auckland David White/Fairfax NZ Volunteer Steph Turngoose sorts through clothing and household goods donated to Syrian refugees due in Wellington on Friday. The refugees arrived in Auckland last month and had to spend their first six weeks at Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre, completing a reception programme before settling into their new homes in Wellington. While the Government provided furnished homes for the new arrivals, the Anglican and Catholic churches plus the Islamic Centre collaborated to gather thousands of soft furnishings for each of the 24 homes. Items include televisions, kitchenware and bedroom linen, plus non-perishable pantry items. On Monday, about 40 volunteers sorted through the mountain of donated goods at the Anglican Church's Loaves and Fishes Hall in central Wellington, dividing them into household lots. "This room is just full of the generosity of Wellington," Duckworth said. By mid-2018, New Zealand would settle 600 Syrian refugees in an emergency intake, plus a further 150 Syrians as part of this year's annual refugee quota of 750 people. The next group of Syrians were due to arrive in March and would settle in Dunedin. A large contingent of about 180 volunteers had been trained to help support the new Syrian arrivals settling in the capital, Red Cross central region humanitarian services manager Shane La'ulu said. Volunteers would set up the houses this week, even making beds and ensuring basic food supplies were already in the cupboards and fridge. "This week is going to be a real busy week getting the houses ready so that when the families arrive on Friday, they will be ready for them to go into straight away. "It gives much more of a homely feel when they arrive." The existing Syrian community in New Zealand had only about 80 people, who were mostly based in Wellington. Sink holes opened up in an east Christchurch street as it was smacked by Sunday's 5.7-magnitude earthquake. Bower Ave, in Parklands, was due to be resealed on Monday. Residents now face several more months waiting for repairs after the ground opened up. Authorities fenced and coned off the the largest of the sinkholes, which was about three metres long and a metre deep. IAIN MCGREGOR Liquefaction spewed out of the ground outside Danny Morris' property on Broadhaven Ave, Parklands, after the earthquake. Engineers were assessing the scene and taking photos of lateral spreading and liquefaction damage. Senior geotechnical engineer Pierre Malan said the holes were an "erosion feature". "They are a modification of the liquefaction volcanos that people have seen in the past . . . material in the ground has been eroded away by moving fluid which is from liquefaction or a service [pipe]." JOSEPH JOHNSON/FAIRFAXNZ Parklands resident Jill Hurley assesses a sink hole that opened up on Bower Ave in Sunday's 5.7 magnitude earthquake. Malan said residents should not worry about more holes appearing in the road. "Because there has been erosion there is unlikely to be voids in the ground which we haven't seen yet." Bower Averesident Tosh Prodanov said he had to drive through sand and water from liquefaction to get to his home. JOSEPH JOHNSON/FAIRFAXNZ Geotechnical engineers from Tonkin + Taylor assess new earthquake damage down Bower Ave in Parklands, Christchurch. "There was a mixture of sewage and liquefaction, just a whole messy liquid. "We have been waiting for a long time to get this fixed so I hope it doesn't delay things too much more." Another resident, who only wanted to be known as Melanie, said: "The hole was bubbling when I left for work . . . A digger arrived about 40 minutes after the earthquake to clear the road. 1 of 13 Nick Smith/ Volo Jetski Adventures Cliffs collapsing at Sumner. 2 of 13 HAMISH PRINGLE/SUPPLIED Hamish Pringle and his family were no more than 200m from a cliff that collapsed during Sunday's quake. 3 of 13 BRYN HILL Richmond Hill cliff collapse and dust over Sumner just after shaking stops (as seen from Scarborough Hill). 4 of 13 Supplied People watch on as huge dust clouds rise have Talyor's Mistake, where a cliff collapsed in Sunday's earthquake. 5 of 13 PETER COOK Dust coming off slips at gun emplacements at Godley Head during earthquake. 6 of 13 Iain McGregor Liquefaction on Linkwater Way in Parklands. 7 of 13 DAVID WALKER/FAIRFAX NZ The Valentines day 5.7 quake caused more of the already damaged front of Christ Church Cathedral to fall away. 8 of 13 Iain McGregor/FAIRFAX NZ Danny Morris checks out the liquefaction outside his Broadhaven Ave house in Parklands. 9 of 13 FACEBOOK Stock fell from shelves during the quake. 10 of 13 GEOFF COLLETT Briscoes is a complete mess following Sunday's earthquake. 11 of 13 JOHN WALKER/FACEBOOK Once again, liquefaction is a problem. 12 of 13 TOM BURGESS Dust rises over the beach following the 5.7 earthquake near Christchurch on Sunday. 13 of 13 JEFF TOLLAN Items were thrown from the shelf in this store during Sunday's earthquake in Christchurch. "Once the water went down, the holes became a lot clearer." Her husband helped to direct traffic away from the liquefaction and holes. "We've been waiting five years for it to be fixed so what's another couple of months? "I just feel sorry for the guys who had fixed up most of the road around here and now they have to come back again because it's all stuffed up." On Linkwater Way a white smudge ran along the side of the road where liquefaction occurred on Sunday. What GNS can tell us about the severe earthquake that hit Christchurch on Valentines Day. Resident Rebekah Wawatai was driving when the earthquake hit and said the car felt like it was on jelly. "There was water and mud coming up our drive. Our road had just been sealed on Friday." "It was a crazy day yesterday." How safe do you feel in Christchurch? Share your stories, photos and videos. Contribute READ MORE: * 5.7 earthquake hits Christchurch * Christchurch earthquake: what you need to know * Photos: Christchurch hit by 5.7 magnitude earthquake * Christchurch quake: At Sumner and Taylor's Mistake * Cliff-jumping life guards hit by falling rocks in quake * Chat recap: GNS seismologist on Christchurch's quakes * Couple on collapsing Christchurch cliff sprint for safety * Insurers not expecting big claims * Chances high of another strong quake BUILDING DAMAGE SUPERFICIAL Engineers inspecting hundreds of Christchurch buildings have so far found mostly superficial damage from the Valentines Day earthquake. Port Hills tracks and three city schools are closed after a magnitude 5.7 earthquake violently shook the region at 1.13pm Sunday. While cliffs fell in Sumner and at Godley Head, no-one was seriously injured. Engineering firms are assessing Christchurch schools and workplaces for structural that may pose a risk. Beca Canterbury rebuild business director Keith Paterson said the firm had inspected nearly 100 buildings and fit-outs since Sunday's earthquake. Many more inspections were booked for the coming week. "The most common damage is non-structural and cosmetic," Paterson said. "As expected, the work done over the last few years appears to have been effective to reduce risk to the community." Powell Fenwick Consultants structural engineer Phil Paterson said he had only come across cracks in plasterboard, damaged ceiling tiles and minor mortar cracks. Tonkin + Taylor Christchurch manager Peter Cochrane said about 12 staff were assessing areas where there were landslides and liquefaction. The firm had inspected at least 11 suburbs around the city, mainly in the east and Port Hills. It advised the Earthquake Commission (EQC) about its findings. SCHOOLS, WALKING TRACKS CLOSED Christchurch Girls' High School, Aranui High School and St Thomas of Canterbury College were closed on Monday as structural engineers checked buildings. Authorities kept some Port Hills tracks closed because of rockfall risk and urged people to take "extreme care" near cliffs that collapsed in the earthquake. Summit Rd, between Rapaki gate and Mt Cavendish, is closed to cyclists and pedestrians. Port Hills tracks closed include: Bridle Path, Rapaki tracks, Eastenders track (from Barnett Park to Summit Rd), Captain Thomas Track and Scarborough Bluffs Track. Rangers and geotechnical experts would assess the track areas. The Christchurch Transport Operations Centre reported all major roads and bridges were open and operational after checks on Sunday. Scarborough Rd in Sumner reopened on Sunday, but people were advised to delay non urgent travel to Sumner and to take extreme care around Whitewash Head Rd. Silt may still be on roads in North New Brighton and Parklands because of liquefaction. AFTERSHOCKS AND THE COMING WEEK According to Geonet, there have been more than 50 aftershocks since the magnitude 5.7 shake. There were 25 aftershocks above magnitude 2.0 in the 12 hours to 6am Monday. The biggest was a "strong" magnitude 4.2 at 6.27pm. Two "moderate" aftershocks were recorded overnight a magnitude 3.9 at 8.34pm and a magnitude 3.5 at 4.33am. Geonet said strong aftershocks were possible in the next seven days. There was a 19 per cent probability of one or more 5.0 and 5.9 magnitude earthquakes in the next week. An earthquake measuring 6.0 to 6.9 had a 2 per cent probability, while an aftershock magnitude 7 or more had less than a 1 per cent probability. The last time Christchurch experienced an earthquake as large as Sunday's magnitude 5.7 was nearly four years ago on May 25, 2012 when a magnitude 5.2 struck 20km east of the city. CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL UPDATE The Christchurch City Council is continuing to checking Council-owned facilities for damage. New Brighton Library is scheduled to open at 1pm and Linwood Library, at Eastgate Shopping Centre, is closed for light-fitting repairs. Council contractors continue to check council-owned infrastructure with no major damage reported. ANZAC Bridge, Fitzgerald Twin Bridge and Gladstone Quay have been inspected and are all open. The Lyttelton Road Tunnel remains open. A geotechnical report on Sunday night said the amount of rockfall and liquefaction was as expected for an earthquake of that acceleration near New Brighton, a council spokeswoman said. "Yesterday's events confirmed that red zoning, land planning and other measures had improved Christchurch's resilience. The council has discovered no issues of the stopbanks. Council staff will be double-checking during high tide at around midday. Council staff have made contact with all 104 Council-owned social housing complexes. Tenant co-ordinators report no major damage, however Council staff would visit the complexes on Monday morning. Some areas of the city have experienced some localised liquefaction. Residents with liquefaction can place small quantities of liquefaction material in their red rubbish bin, but no more than one third of the bin. Residents needing help clearing liquefaction from their properties can contact the Student Volunteer Army by emailing info@sva.org.nz or messaging them via Facebook. Horncastle Arena is operating as usual. An engineer will be on site this morning to check the building. Preparation for Cirque du Soleil continues as planned. Hadlee Pavilion at Hagley Oval is operational, but will be fully inspected by an engineer this morning. Preparations continue for the New Zealand and Australia test match this weekend. In conjunction with the Christchurch Stadium Trust, AMI Stadium is closed until an engineer has completed an inspection in the next day or so. Lancaster Park is not operational and is not accessible to the public, but we will be carrying out an inspection later this week. The February 22 earthquake anniversary memorial service will still go ahead next Monday. Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT) is continuing checks of its more than 140 work sites, including a number of substantial projects in Parklands, New Brighton and other eastern suburbs. Preliminary checks have not identified any issues, and SCIRT expects to have completed its full assessments by the end of the day on Tuesday. CITY HOLDS UP WELL Prime Minister John Key said it was a "powerful and painful blow" to residents, but the city had held up well. "On the other side of the coin, they can take great comfort from the fact that the buildings, from what we can see, came through well. The reconstruction has been done at a high level. They arguable are in the safest city in New Zealand from that regard," he told Radio New Zealand. The Christchurch City Council said the city's infrastructure came through unscathed. No issues were found with the city's water supply and drinking water was safe to drink. Hurst Pl, Courtfield Cl and Bower Ave have experienced some localised liquefaction. Key said the quake was not expected to affect Government-involved rebuild projects in the city. "Effectively, all the new planning and new blueprint has worked. So where there was liquefaction, as I understand it, was in the retired red zoned land, a little bit on the Port Hills. "Looking at the schools, three are closed today ... for a final check, but generally speaking, the buildings which have been rebuilt have come through very well, so it isn't just that there wasn't any casualties or any injuries, it was that the infrastructure itself did very well, it performed well, and that's what gives people confidence." Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) announced it suspended the demolition of all Crown-owned properties in the Port Hills. Demolitions will not resume until all sites were inspected and approved for work to continue. Arts Centre chief executive Andre Lovatt said two parts of the centre's Engineering Block had fresh damage from the aftershock. He did not believe the quake would push back the goal of having nearly half of the centre reopened by the end of 2016. "I'm hopeful it will be business as usual." Lovatt said no workers were on site when the quake struck. Parents call for an investigation into a former King Country teacher. Parents of children who attended a King Country primary school when a child sex offender taught there, want an investigation into his time at the school. Robert Selwyn Burrett, 64, pleaded guilty at the Christchurch High Court on Friday, to sexual abuse against girls aged five to 12. It related to 12 Christchurch primary school girls who were victims. Three of them had physical and mental disabilities. Before moving to Christchurch in 2006, Burrett lived with his wife in the King Country and worked at a Te Kuiti primary school. A father of two daughters who attended the King Country school when Burrett was teaching there over a decade ago, said he was not aware of the offending until details were recently posted on a Facebook page. "My thoughts immediately went to my girls," he said. "I [telephoned] one of my daughter's up at 11pm. I needed to check whether he had done anything to them. They said he hadn't, but my mind cannot rest. We have a connection to nearly everyone here. Given what he's done, there needs to be an investigation into his time here." His daughters are now aged in their 20s. "If there are more victims out there, then there should be things put in place to make sure they get the justice they deserve. Just thinking about what he did makes me sick." Another mum of a former student, said she also wants an investigation. "We know everyone in the town so if any of them were hurt during his time, it would affect the entire town. I just want someone to really look at his time here." A former student who was in Burrett's class for two years described him as a "good teacher", but when he would get angry it was best to stay out of his way. "He would throw black board dusters and chalk at us kids when he was mad. He'd chuck whatever he could grab. He didn't do it all the time though, but when he did it was scary." She said the teacher's two children were at the school as well. His wife was also involved with the school. "I remember she was a quiet woman and at the school all the time." A police spokesperson said police would address the issue on Tuesday. Before living in Te Kuiti, Burrett had been a long-time resident of Auckland. The details of the abuse inflicted on the girls were outlined during Burrett's hearing in Christchurch on Friday. The court heard the abuse of the girls included rape, sodomy, forced oral sex, indecent assaults, video-taping of the offending and watching pornography. It continued for years. One girl aged 10 to 12 the victim of repeated rapes said it happened "most days, at morning tea and lunch time during school". The Education Council struck Burrett off the teachers' register on Friday following his guilty plea. READ MORE: Christchurch caretaker raped, violated schoolgirls in underground shed Tourists defecating and leaving rubbish near a historic Tekapo church has angered a community board member, who says the government needs to "take the free out of freedom camping". Freedom camping has become a major bone of contention in the Mackenzie District, with residents and district councillors expressing concern over potential health hazards caused by public defecation and rubbish dumping. It appears the Church of the Good Shepherd, a popular tourist spot and landmark, has become the latest site to become embroiled in the controversy. How to fix freedom camping? Share your stories, photos and videos. Contribute Tekapo Community Board member Stella Sweney urged the government to take action when she addressed cabinet ministers and MPs at the BlueGreens Forum in Tekapo on Saturday. Sweney said booming tourism in the Mackenzie District had led to the town becoming "literally booked out". As a small town with a small ratepayer-base, Tekapo's infrastructure was struggling to cope, she said. One of town's tourist hotspots, the Church of the Good Shepherd, was having major issues as a result. John Bisset Tekapo Community Board member Stella Sweney has raised concerns about visitors leaving rubbish and human waste at the Church of the Good Shepherd. "We're having issues with human defecation and rubbish around the church," Sweney said. "There are no toilets near the church." As a functioning parish, tourists wanting to take photos were also increasingly intruding on the privacy of parishioners, wedding parties, and funeral-goers, she said. Supplied/Prue Blake The Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. The government used images of both the church and Tekapo to promote New Zealand internationally, and it needed to step up and help the town cope with the resulting tourist influx, she said. Sweney said revenue gathered from international visitors as part of their departure tax when leaving the country could be put towards infrastructure in popular tourist towns. "It would be fantastic if the government recognised the pressure the marketing campaign is putting us under." Speaking after the forum, Sweney said the community board was considering making a recommendation to reduce the amount of parking near the church, and to move parking for buses to the other side of the Tekapo footbridge. Toilets could be installed near that parking space, she said. Rubbish bins near the church had also been trialled twice, but were removed because they were used as a dumping site. The increase in tourists heading to Tekapo had also impacted rubbish collection, with the town's bins having to be emptied up to three times per day, she said. Mackenzie District Council community facilities manager Garth Nixon said that was an issue over the Christmas period, but contractors were on a fixed contract so increased collection would not increase costs. Sweney told the forum the government also needed to amend the Freedom Camping Act. "We'd love you to take the free out of freedom camping." She spoke at the BlueGreens Forum as part of a 'pitch a policy' time slot. The forum is the annual conference for the National Party's advisory group on environmental issues. In attendance were Environment Minister Nick Smith, Conservation Minister Maggie Barry, Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner, Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean, and Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew. Many of the politicians who attended had approached Sweney afterwards, to say how much they enjoyed hearing from a local about the issues facing the town, she said. An independent investigation of the North Dakota Department of Transportations Motor Vehicle Division office recently concluded that a hostile work environment exists one generated by stressful conditions and an "overbearing director." The external investigation has resulted in a review of policies and a search for a new director of the Motor Vehicle Division. Prior to the conclusion of the investigation, Linda Sitz, former director of the Motor Vehicle Division, accepted a position in DOT's planning department. As a result of interviews with 51 current and past motor vehicle division and motor carrier staff as well as management and human resources staff, the investigation, which began in late September, revealed low morale throughout the department caused by rigid policies that were inconsistently applied. Darcy Rosendahl, deputy director of the DOT, said the morale issue caught him off guard. The only really surprising thing was the extent of the morale. We didnt know that, Rosendahl said. The external investigation, conducted by the North Dakota Human Resource Management Service, not only characterized the agency's work environment as hostile but stressful with high volumes of precise information to process, daily customer interaction and pressure to increase efficiencies. There are many state agencies that are experiencing some of these issues due to increased public service demands brought about by the sustained boom in the oilfield, the HRMS investigation report said. However, the intense work environment coupled with what appears to be a demanding and overbearing director led to the frustrations, perceptions and problems reported. The external investigation stems from a dispute between an employee in the DOTs Motor Vehicle Division and her supervisor, Tammy St. Vincent, the manager of the Motor Carrier Section. Weve done internal investigations before, this is the first time its gone external, Rosendahl said. In June 2015, the employee, who was at the time a licensing specialist in the Motor Vehicle Division, was fired following a month-long dispute with St. Vincent over work performance. Following an internal investigation and subsequent additional evidence provided, the employee was offered and accepted a new position within the DOT in September. At that time, an external investigation was begun to determine whether the Motor Vehicle Division has a hostile work environment as well as what role Sitz had in the employees firing. The HRMS report recommended that Sitz not remain as Motor Vehicle Division director and St. Vincent could return to her role, if given additional training. St. Vincent returned to her position after working on another assignment for the past few months. Neither have returned multiple calls for comment. Recommendations on policy changes including overtime, breaks and visitors to the work area have been reviewed and addressed by Mark Nelson, the deputy director for Driver Vehicle Services, Rosendahl said. Mark Nelson has been providing leadership to the Motor Vehicle Division during this investigation period. He has changed or modified all of the policies mentioned, Rosendahl said. Rosendahl said a large DOT software upgrade is being completed and work on distributing new license plates to motorists will be completed within the next several months. Nelson will continue providing oversight of the Motor Vehicle Division director until these projects are done, said Rosendahl, adding that he expects a new division director to be hired in the coming months as these projects are nearing completion. Policies on employment practices are regularly reviewed, but Rosendahl agreed with the recommendation that they should be looked at to see if improvements can be made. Recommended policy changes for human resources and disciplinary processes also can be improved, according to Rosendahl, who added that more can be done to utilize the information from exit interviews of staff to detect possible problem trends. We will work with HRMS in this area and look at what other agencies have in place to see where we can strengthen and improve, Rosendahl said. The first challenger in this years U.S. Senate race, North Dakota Libertarian Party candidate Robert Marquette, launched his campaign Monday. Marquette, a Fargo resident, is running against Republican Sen. John Hoeven, who is running for a second term. No Democratic-NPL Party candidate has announced as of Monday. If elected, I will fight for sound monetary policy, I will shed light on the corruption and cronyism of the entrenched political parties, and I will always work to drastically reduce governments influence in our lives, Marquette said in a release. Marquette received the North Dakota Libertarian Party endorsement at its convention in November in Mandan. Issues listed on Marquettes website include auditing the Federal Reserve, strengthening gun rights and opposing legislation that would negatively impact the nations lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The last libertarian to run for U.S. Senate in North Dakota, Keith Hanson, received 1.63 percent of the vote in 2010. Hoeven won election to his first term that year, cruising to victory over Democrat Tracy Potter by a 76 percent to 22 percent margin. For more information on Marquette, visit www.robertforsenate.org. A lifelong journey of culinary delights By Chandani Kirinde Lilanie Kadirgamar Geiger presents her mothers delicious recipes in Ammas Cuisine View(s): View(s): Lilanie Kadirgamar Geiger set out to compile a book of her mothers recipes nearly two decades ago and along the way, not only did she discover the key to many of Ammas culinary delights, it also took Lilanie on a journey filled with memories of good food and good times. The end result is Ammas Cuisine, which introduces the reader to many recipes along with a story of why each one of them is so memorable to the writer. Titled Traditional to Fusion Sri Lankan Recipes and An Island Wedding Story, a book begins with the wedding of her parents Vasanthica and Selvanathan (Bhai)Kadirgamar that took place on the island of Kayts , Lilanies mothers home town. It was a luxurious wedding, my relatives who attend it say. My father had to take a ferry from the mainland to Kayts for the wedding and they wed at the church, the land for which was donated by mothers family. Lilanies mothers expertise in the culinary field may have not developed to the levels which they did save for a twist of fate. Vasanthicas father had decided against sending her off to Medical College for which she had been selected in an era when women were groomed to be good wives and mothers rather than pursue a career outside the home. So instead of Medical College, she was enrolled for cookery and sewing classes and thus the foundation was laid for a lifetime of cooking delicious and innovative meals. Every birthday of my sisters and mine, she would make us these fantastic cakes based on nursery rhymes, with cockle shells, penguins out of marshmallows or ducks out of peaches. She loved to decorate. While their mother was turning out delicious meals for them, Lilanie and her sisters early lives in Colombo were far removed from the kitchen and revolved around their studies. We were not allowed into the kitchen or taught to cook.My father used to say, Your dowry is the income you bring into your family and hence we were encouraged to concentrate on our studies. After I graduated and moved out of the house, I had to call Amma and ask her how to cook, said Lilanie who went onto become an electrical engineer specialising in mobile satellite communication. The family had moved to Boston, USA when Lilanie was of 17 and it was here that her mothers cookery began to evolve from the traditional Sri Lankan food she had been cooking in Colombo to include western food as well as innovative ways of making Lankan food in a foreign land. When she moved to Boston in the 1970s there were hardly any Asians and there were no shops selling ingredients needed for Sri Lankan food including coconut milk. Mother experimented and found that using cows milk with a bit of evaporated milk mixed together was a perfect substitute and hence we continued to enjoy Sri Lankan style curries thousands of miles away from home, she recalled. Later an Indian shop opened in the neighbourhood but though it stocked mainly ingredients for Indian cooking Lilanies mother convinced the shop owner to start importing Sri Lankan spices. She was persuasive enough that the shop owner started getting down Lankan spices and other locals who had moved into the area over the years always thanked mother for her role in getting the shop stocked with Lankan spices. Away from home, Lilanie who first began by getting recipes over the phone from her mother also began to sharpen her cooking skills and expand the variety of food she made. It was after her mother died in 1996 that Lilanie decided to gather all the recipes and get them printed along with a bit of the family history to go with it. It was initially meant to be circulated only among family and friends so that my mothers recipes would not be forgotten. However once I put together a rough copy, a cousin told me it was too good and I should go public with it. The process took many years with Lilanie busy with her job, deciding how best she could put together a publication that would be an apt tribute to her mother. Things began to fall into place and corresponding with Lilanies retirement last year, the finishing touches on the book too were done. Late last year she launched the book in the USA and Singapore, while it was launched in Sri Lanka earlier this month. So does Lilanie think she has mastered her mothers cooking skills? My mothers signature dish was the sticky toffee pudding which I have now perfected. Its true I expanded and experimented with all kinds of different cuisine. I think I overtook her in expanding the range of dishes I cook but she was truly a very versatile cook with an uncanny knack for cooking. A Mandan High School senior set foot in one of the nation's most well-known concert halls earlier this month with her clarinet in hand. "It left me speechless," Sara Zachmeier said of the moment she entered New York's Carnegie Hall. "I didn't even know what to think of it. It was crazy beautiful." She stood still for a minute and looked around before stepping on stage for sound check. As one of 110 members in the Honors Band of the High School Honors Performance Series, she performed four songs in Carnegie Hall on Feb. 7. Someone she's not sure who heard her perform at last spring's North Dakota All-State Music Festival and nominated her to audition for the four-day performance series in New York. Zachmeier and 18,000 other student musicians received nomination letters last summer. "I had never heard of it before," she said of the performance series for high school students. Nevertheless, she realized it was an opportunity she couldn't pass up. Zachmeier recorded herself playing two pieces and sent it off for further consideration. She checked her email religiously until she received word in early November that she had been selected. The performance series chose 750 students to perform in its band, string orchestra, symphony orchestra, concert choir and women's choir. Zachmeier flew to New York on Feb. 4 already well-rehearsed in the four songs she would perform. University of Alabama conductor Kenneth Ozzello led the band members through two days of practice together before the performance. The girls rooming with her came from other states and chatted about their musical aspirations. She learned they endured extensive, intimidating auditions to perform at their states' high school musical festivals, and they were in the process of applying for prestigious college music programs. "It just made me feel like a misfit when they were talking," she said, laughing. Though Zachmeier plans to continue playing clarinet with her college's band, she does not want to study music. She intends to pursue psychology at the University of North Dakota, then attend medical school to become a fetal surgeon. Her passion for clarinet may have started as early as kindergarten, though she didn't begin playing until she took band in sixth grade. Her parents enrolled her in a Kindermusik class. The teacher one day played the clarinet with a grape-flavored reed. "Maybe that had some influence on me playing," she said, adding that she has tried a few flavored reeds herself in the years since, but they're quality's a bit lacking for Carnegie Hall. The man accused of running down and killing Ilya Olegorich Kojevnikov in Welcome Bay has pleaded guilty. Raymond Green, 34, was originally facing a charge of murder and had been on trial in the Tauranga High Court for the last two weeks. A meeting deciding whether Tauranga City Council will proceed with selling land at the Historic Village has been cancelled. The decision was due to be made today, but has been scrapped to allow the council to obtain more information, says a statement released from TCC. One caped crusader will be among the more than 100 mountain bikers expected to start the Kiwi Crusade in Tauranga next week, from February 28, when the seven-day mountain biking stage race starts from The Strand. The crusades 580km over gravel roads, dirt tracks and tarmac will be tough enough, but caped crusader Ian Viljoen is doing the crusade as a challenge to raise money for the childrens charity The Variety Club. Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says his party welcomes the Governments Consultation Document on fresh water but says the opening line on Iwi rights and interests is playing into the hands of the ignorant. The chapter begins with the statement No one owns the water. It looks more and more likely there will be at least one ballot measure this fall regarding the legalizing of marijuana use in North Dakota. There are two groups looking to have initiated measures related to marijuana use on the November ballot. One group is gathering signatures to allow medical marijuana use only and a second group gathering signatures wishes to allow legal use of marijuana by anyone over the age of 21. If signatures are gathered and it is passed by voters into law it also would allow adults 21 and older to grow marijuana and possess paraphernalia and would cap the sales tax. As most people know, this is not unique to North Dakota as Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and the District of Columbia have all legalized marijuana use. While the committee for full legalization ran into a little roadblock last week when their petition was submitted to the secretary of states office without reflecting last years changes to the Schedule 1 list of cannabinoids, the committee has stated they will resubmit the petition with the updated law. The Legislature has made it pretty clear how its members stand on the issue of legalization, having rejected a medical marijuana bill soundly in the 2015 legislative session and even soundly rejecting a resolution to just do an interim study on the topic of legalizing medical marijuana use. The topic of marijuana use is one that comes with strong emotions on both sides of the fence. Those on the side of changing the current law where all use is illegal fall into three different groups: those who want to legalize use; those who want to decriminalize use; and those who wish only to legalize use in specific medical situations. Current declared candidates for governor recently made comments regarding marijuana use in North Dakota. Wayne Stenehjem stated he is against legalizing marijuana. Both Rick Becker and Doug Burgum have said they support decriminalization. A high-level look at this topic does not suggest the people of North Dakota consider this a high priority topic and even the legalize marijuana in North Dakota Facebook community has only 678 likes. That said, we are not saying the public would overwhelming vote down either issue if offered them on the ballot. Marijuana use in North Dakota is still illegal and there are undoubtedly tens of thousands of users in the state, many of whom may be reluctant to openly support an illegal activity in a forum as open as Facebook. We expect both groups will easily get the required number of signatures to get the petitions on the ballot this fall. The Tribune editorial board continues to hold the opinion legalizing marijuana use is a bad idea and that medical use has not passed enough studies to be considered for legalization yet. We do, however, note decriminalization of marijuana usage is a topic worthy of discussion during the 2017 legislative session. Police are investigating a firearms incident after a 30-year-old male presented at Papakura Police Station yesterday afternoon at around 3.45pm with a gunshot wound. He has been transferred to Middlemore Hospital with a serious leg injury. Police have cordoned off an address of interest in Papakura and have AOS and Eagle staff assisting with our enquiries. Police, with the assistance of AOS and Eagle conducted enquiries at an address in Papakura. Source: New Zealand Police. FARGO -- Among the thousands expected to turn out for today's funeral of slain Fargo police Officer Jason Moszer, there will be a handful of mourners who've done this before. They are the families of officers killed in the line of the duty; the spouses, brothers, sisters, children. They travel hundreds of miles to attend as many of these funerals as possible. They call themselves survivors. It's painful for them to be here, watching another family bury another officer. "You know what that family is going through, and it really hurts," said Christine Crittenden, the wife of North St. Paul police Officer Rick Crittenden, who was fatally shot in 2009. "You know every step they're going through, and the heartache you feel for them going through that at that moment brings you back somewhat to your own." But after her husband's death, Crittenden, now 63, made a choice: She would attend the funeral of every fallen officer in the state of Minnesota, and then some. As of last week, she was hoping to come to Moszer's. "Because I know when I turned around to leave the auditorium and I looked up, and there were thousands and thousands of people there, it was like, wow. All these people cared about my husband," Crittenden said. "I know how it felt that they cared, so that's why I feel I will attend every one." A dozen or more survivors from around Minnesota are expected to attend today's funeral for Moszer, a six-year veteran of the Fargo department who was fatally shot during a standoff Feb. 10 and died the next day. Visitation is at 11 a.m.; the funeral is at 1 p.m. at Scheels Arena. Despite their pain, they come because they remember the thousands who came to the funerals of their loved ones. That, and they don't want the new survivors, such as Moszer's wife and two children, to feel alone. A meaningful day When Mike Brue heard about Moszer's death, he thought of his brother, Mendota Heights, Minn., police Officer Scott Patrick, who was shot and killed less than two years ago while making a traffic stop. On July 25, 2014, Brue took Patrick, a gregarious 47-year-old father of two, to his first Twins game. Five days later, Patrick was shot three times. Brue found out from his sister-in-law. "Sometimes I come into this office still and think about that moment and just how completely agonizing and heartbreaking that realization was," Brue, 59, of Alvarado, Minn., said from his workplace in Grand Forks. At the funeral for Patrick, 5,000 people, including 4,000 law enforcement officers, packed a West St. Paul church, spilling into overflow tents. Bearing flags and holding their hands over their hearts, mourners lined the streets for eight miles between the church and cemetery. "They were children, they were elderly, they were people of various religions and faces. Not all of them Minnesotans, not all of them from the neighborhood," Brue said. "I can't describe with any justice just how meaningful it was." The sight was overwhelming for Brue, and reminded him how much his brother's sacrifice meant to those he served. This is how many survivors feel about the funerals of their loved ones, said Susan Mayerle, president of the Minnesota chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors. "It's part of the grieving process," said Mayerle, 48, whose father died in the line of duty when she was 9. "It helps, it eases. It's not going to take away all the pain, but I think it assures the family that their loved one was loved and respected for who he was as a human." Jackie Bergeron, 51, felt that way when thousands turned out to honor her brother-in-law, Maplewood, Minn., police Sgt. Joseph Bergeron, a kind jokester with a passion for deer-hunting. He was shot and killed while attempting to question two men in connection with a carjacking. "It was just an amazing scene of support," Jackie said of his May 2010 funeral. "That really makes you see that your loved one was appreciated, even from those that never knew him." One image that has stayed with her: the rows and rows of officers in uniform, saluting her family as the hearse arrived at the cathedral. "When an officer falls, it's like one of their family members," she said. "This is what they do for their fallen, to make sure that they're never forgotten." A network of support Survivors also find comfort in coming together. When Jackie Bergeron lost her brother-in-law, she felt as if theirs was the first family to experience this. But through groups such as Concerns of Police Survivors, she's found others. "It's really a support network for survivors, to find that connection, that someone (who) truly understands the emotions, the challenges that a loved one might go through," Mayerle said. That's one reason Bergeron and Brue will be at Moszer's funeral today. Afterward, they hope to tell his family about those programs. "It feels important to be there to show the family that life does go on. It gets better. It still hurts, but it gets better," Bergeron said. "They call it a new normal, you know. You have to live your life a little bit differently." Crittenden, who's met with about 10 police widows, echoed that. "You kind of get your strength from each other, and it's not through any words or any great expression of anything," she said. "You see how many have gone on. Some are six months. Some are a couple years. Some are 30 years." That doesn't mean she has made peace with what happened to her husband, who was shot in the head with his own gun during an intense battle that lasted less than a minute. "It's been six and a half years and it's still, why did this person feel they needed to kill my husband?" said Crittenden, who continues to live in their home in White Bear Lake, Minn. "It's always going to be there because there's never really any good answer." "The grieving continues, the mourning process. I don't think that really ever ends," Brue said. But, "you can try to make the grief work in ways that help people." A Fort Pierce woman was charged with child neglect after the Florida Division of Children and Families summoned authorities to a home filled with clutter and roaches. Betty Rae Perkins, 49, 5700 block of Shannon Drive, was released from the St. Lucie County Jail Saturday after posting a $3,750 bond, records show. Three adults and a child lived in the home, which had a bathroom that was torn apart and not fit for use, but was being used anyway, according to a St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office arrest affidavit. The home was filthy and the kitchen was packed with car parts and other items, the affidavit said. "The living conditions were extremely unsanitary and unfit for anyone," it said. Jaclyn Baker, 27, 11000 block of Hawkview Circle, Stuart; warrants for criminal use of personal I.D. information, uttering a forged instrument. Phillip Harper, 53, 6000 block of U.S. 1, Fort Pierce; aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability. Karissa Blackney, 23, 1900 block of 26th Street, Fort Pierce; warrant for giving false statement for public aid. Antonie Rice, 19, Painesville, Ohio; warrants for burglary of a conveyance, grand theft. Paul Pastorelli, 28, 100 block of Palm Drive, Port St. Lucie; warrant for violation of probation, grand theft. Earl Hall, 900 block of Tarpon Avenue, Stuart; obstruction of justice injure/retaliate against an informant/victim/witness (domestic). Louiker Louisjeuen, 45, 400 block of 20th Street, Fort Pierce; driving while license suspended, habitual offender. Marquita Williams, 28, 800 block of 21st Street, Fort Pierce; warrant for fugitive from justice, Virginia Beach, Va., larceny obtaining money by false pretense. ( Miguel Rivas, 41, 1800 block of Morningside Boulevard, Port St. Lucie; driving while license suspended, habitual offender. Betty Perkins, 49, 5700 block of Shannon Drive, Fort Pierce; child neglect without great bodily harm. Rondha Paul, 21, 1500 block of Dycus Avenue, Port St. Lucie; warrant for violation of probation, felony charge. ( Ladravious Williams, 23, 500 block of 17th Street, Fort Pierce; possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver; possession of marijuana over 20 grams. Glenwood Parker, 21, 500 block of Beach Court, Fort Pierce; carrying a concealed weapon firearm. Nicholas Ciocco, 26, 2600 block of Westmoreland Boulevard, Port St. Lucie; warrant for possession of testosterone. Timothy Bradshaw, 36, 600 block of 23rd Place, Vero Beach; possession of cocaine. Barbara Fennell, 60, 3000 block of Avenue M, Fort Pierce; aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability. Joshua Fortini, 34, 8200 block of Penny Lane, Fort Pierce; warrant for child abuse intentional act. Hoffman Gonzalez, 42, 2300 block of Tamarind Drive, Fort Pierce; commit domestic battery by strangulation; commit aggravated battery; aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill; out-of-county warrant, Orange County, scheme to defraud, grand theft. Mary Jacobsen, 58, 1200 block of Heather Street, Port St. Lucie; larceny/grand theft. Darnell King, 50, 3000 block of Anderson Drive, Fort Pierce; destroying, tampering with or fabricating evidence; possession of cocaine. Sean Burke, 28, Loxahatchee; battery causing bodily harm. David Brown, 18, 2500 block of University Terrace, Port St. Lucie; possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon. Shawn Smith, 33, 1200 block of Malaga Avenue, Port St. Lucie; possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted federal felon. Demery Carter, 24, 2800 block of Avenue L, Fort Pierce; warrant for grand theft of a motor vehicle. Kyle Kelly, 20, 300 block of Greenway Terrace, Port St. Lucie; warrant for sale, manufacture or delivery or marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver marijuana. Michael Ballard, 36, 400 block of Grand Club Place, Fort Pierce; warrant for violation of probation, fleeing and eluding. Roderick Lampkin, 21, 100 block of 13th Street, Fort Pierce; destroying, tampering with or fabricating evidence; possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon. Lamont Owens, 33, 200 block of Twig Avenue, Port St. Lucie; warrants for possession of marijuana over 20 grams, trafficking in cocaine, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver, possession of a synthetic narcotic with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver, possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance (lidocaine) without a prescription, possession of a harmful new legend drug (methylone) without a prescription. Willie Filmore, 36, 1900 block of Grand Club Boulevard, Fort Pierce; possession of heroin with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver. Britiny Wright, 28, Okeechobee; warrant for failure to appear, grand theft, organized fraud, possession of forged notes or bills. Ivan Rodriguez, 46, 2600 block of Cadet Circle, Port St. Lucie; warrants for aggravated battery, first-degree murder. Benix Fleuricin, 54, Lakeland; hold, Polk County, failure to appear, knowingly driving with license suspended/revoked, aggravated battery using a deadly weapon. Antwane Harriel, 28, 500 block of 14th Street, Fort Pierce; warrant for violation of probation, dealing in stolen property, burglary of a dwelling. Nicholas Lodge, 100 block of Letha Circle, Stuart; warrant for violation of probation, burglary of an unoccupied structure or conveyance. Joshua Conn, 27, 500 block of Palmoar Road, Fort Pierce; re-admit, giving false information to a pawnbroker, dealing in stolen property. Shannon Smith, 36, 2400 block of Skylock Court, Indiantown; re-admit, blood alcohol level of .15 or more damage to property or person. Michael Plescia 19, 2600 block of Ace Road, Port St. Lucie; warrant for court order, possession of marijuana over 20 grams. At MD Haroun Or Rashid, 44, 4400 block of Areca Palm Drive, Fort Pierce; warrants for operation of an unlicensed pharmacy, unlawfully filling a prescription, fraudulent practice regarding urine testing. Arrested in Indian River County. Fernando Mendoza, 33, 5100 block of Eagle Drive, Fort Pierce; warrant for violation of community control, sale of cocaine. Arrested in Indian River County. John Calandrillo, 35, 1400 block of Dow Lane, Port St. Lucie; grand theft auto. Arrested in Indian River County. FILE PHOTO David Alan Gore (right) sits flanked by his attorneys during the proceedings in April of 1992 where an argument was made for a stay of execution for Gore. The request was granted by the Florida Supreme Court on April 29, 1988. SHARE By Melissa E. Holsman of TCPalm VERO BEACH ? On the eve of his death penalty trial for the 1983 abduction, rape and murder of a Vero Beach High School senior, David Alan Gore told authorities what they had long suspected: Lynn Elliott, 17, wasn't his first killing. She was his sixth, Gore, then 29, confessed to prosecutors in November 1983. Gore, 58, admitted killing six women in Indian River County between 1981 and 1983. Most were sexually assaulted, some were tortured and others were dismembered and buried in hidden graves in citrus groves west of Vero Beach. Through police investigations, interviews with Gore and his cousin and co-defendant Fred Waterfield, 59, authorities uncovered evidence the one-time Indian River County sheriff's auxiliary deputy targeted at least a dozen women for kidnap and rape beginning in 1976, often with Waterfield's participation. In his initial sworn statements, Gore fingered Waterfield as the killer, but after a jailhouse religious "awakening," Gore renounced his lies, changed his confession and in October 1984 took responsibility for the six murders. Waterfield, he said, was his accomplice. The first site Gore led authorities in December 1983 was a citrus grove west of Vero Beach where he'd worked. Searchers unearthed the bodies of a Taiwanese woman and her teenage daughter, found inside two metal drums. The headless skeleton and skull of an Orlando runaway were buried nearby. The Orlando girl's companion, also killed by Gore, was never found. At another remote area Gore identified, near a canal 10 miles west of Vero Beach, police discovered more remains of the Taiwanese women and the partial remains of a missing California woman. The grisly discoveries resulted in Gore pleading guilty to murdering Orlando teenagers Barbara Ann Byer and Angelica LaVallee, both 14; California resident Judy Kay Daley, 35, and Hsiang Huang Ling, 48, and her daughter, Ying Hua Ling, 17, both of Vero Beach. Five consecutive life prison terms were tacked on to Gore's death sentence as part of a negotiated punishment. Waterfield, 59, was convicted separately of two counts of kidnapping and the first-degree murders of Byer and LaVallee. He was sentenced to four life prison terms, added to the 15-year term imposed for being found guilty of manslaughter in Elliott's death. LYNN ELLIOTT, 17 Lynn Elliott, a 17-year-old senior at Vero Beach High School was hitchhiking with her friend Regan Martin, 14, on July 26, 1983 when David Alan Gore and his cousin Fred Waterfield picked them up and took the girls to the home of Gore's vacationing parents. The two abducted the girls at gunpoint and Gore repeatedly raped both Elliott and Martin after Waterfield left the home. Elliott was shot to death by Gore as she fell after running down a driveway with her hands tied. The incident was witnessed by a neighbor boy who alerted police. Elliott's nude body was found in the trunk of a car. After a 90-minute standoff with police, Gore surrendered and Martin was rescued from an attic, naked, handcuffed, with her legs tied with electrical cord. Gore was convicted of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping, and three counts of sexual battery. He was sentenced to death in March 1984. Waterfield was convicted of manslaughter for his role in Elliott's death and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. ANGELICA LaVALLEE, 14, and BARBARA ANN BYER, 14 David Alan Gore confessed to authorities in 1984 that he and his cousin Fred Waterfield picked up Orlando runaways Barbara Ann Byer, and Angelica LaVallee, both 14, when they found the girls hitchhiking May 20, 1983 along Interstate 95 in Brevard County. Soon after the girls got into a van Waterfield was driving, Gore pulled out a gun and tied up both teenagers. Gore said Waterfield made him drive so he could have access to the abducted girls while they headed south toward Vero Beach. Gore later killed both girls by shooting them in the head, he told police. In December 1983, days before going on trial for killing Lynn Elliott, 17, Gore led authorities to a citrus grove west of Vero Beach where searchers found a partial skeleton and skull belonging to Byer. LaVallee's body, which Gore said he disposed of in a canal off I-95 west of Vero Beach, was never recovered. HSIANG HUANG LING, 48, and YING HUA LING, 17 Taiwanese natives Hsiang Huang Ling, 48, and her daughter Ying Hua Ling, 17, an award-winning math student at Vero Beach High School, vanished from their rural Vero Beach home Feb. 19, 1981. Hsiang Huang Ling's husband, Pu Ling, was an inspector at a fruit packing plant who had immigrated his family, including a son, from Taiwan to Florida. The day David Alan Gore lured Ying Ling into his truck when she stepped off a school bus hear her home, he was armed with a weapon and his auxiliary sheriff's badge, he confessed in an October 1984 sworn statement. He took the girl home where he pulled a gun, abducted Ying Ling and her mother and forced both women into his truck. He raped both women in an orange grove, Gore said. He gunned down Hsiang Huang Ling, Gore said, before he summoned his cousin, Fred Waterfield, who raped Ying Ling, then ordered her death, telling Gore to "get rid of her." On Dec. 7, 1983, Gore led police to a citrus grove where searchers unearthed two 30-gallon white metal pesticide drums containing the remains of both women. Additional remains were located the following year in a different citrus grove. JUDY KAY DALEY, 35 Judy Kay Daley was a 35-year-old former Fort Pierce resident visiting from California when she vanished July 15, 1981 from Round Island Park in Indian River County. In October 1984, David Alan Gore confessed to stalking, kidnapping and murdering Daley while he was an auxiliary deputy with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. He disabled her car, he told police, so he could pretend to come to her aid at an isolated beach parking lot. After luring her into his truck, Gore brandished a gun and handcuffed Daley before taking her to an old trailer at the citrus groves where he worked as a foreman. Gore admitted raping Daley before he strangled her to death. On June 3, 1984, body parts stashed in a garbage bag unearthed in a citrus grove near Vero Beach found on a tip from Gore were identified as Daley's remains. Her abduction and murder happened two weeks before Gore's July 1981 arrest for armed trespass after he was caught in the backseat of a woman's car armed with a gun, handcuffs and police scanner. DANA STURGIS, 18 When David Alan Gore feigned a traffic stop to pull over Palm Bay resident Dana Sturgis, he approached her car dressed as an auxiliary deputy with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, asking about a make-believe neighborhood burglary. The sex predator's intent was her abduction and rape, something the 18-year-old narrowly avoided, Gore later confessed in a 1984 sworn statement. After Gore tricked her into following him to a desolate road, they were spotted by fishermen, which forced Gore to abandon his kidnapping plot. The startled teenager reported the strange incident to her parents and sheriff's officials. Confronted with his improper and suspicious behavior, Gore resigned as an auxiliary deputy July 17 1981, amid an internal affairs investigation. MARILYN HOLLAND OWENS On July 31, 1981, less than two weeks after David Alan Gore cut the tires of Lynn Autrey's car as part of an attempted kidnapping plan, he was arrested in the backseat of a car belonging to Marilyn Holland Owens. He was later convicted of armed trespassing. Packing a .357 handgun, a police scanner and a glass jar of vodka, Gore targeted Owens, then 23, upon seeing her in the parking lot of the former Doctor's Clinic in Vero Beach, he confessed in October 1984. Gore was sentenced to five years in prison. He was incarcerated from July 1981 until March 15, 1983 when he was released on parole. "It dawned on me that I could probably kidnap her and I was going to call Freddie (Waterfield) on that one," Gore told authorities in 1984. "But when I got in the back seat ? that's when the deputy arrested me after I had done sat up in the back seat." DIANE SULLIVAN SMALLEY After Diane Sullivan Smalley on June 22, 1976 drove out of a gas station on State Road 60 at Yeehaw Junction, two of the tires on her Datson 240Z were shot out by David Alan Gore and Fred Waterfield, according to court records. The Miami secretary, then 27, was traveling to Lake Wales when she heard "pops" and realized her tires were flat. She pulled off the road when the cousins drove alongside offering to help. As Smalley got out of her car, Waterfield shoved a gun in her ribs and forced her into the back seat of their 1967 Chevrolet. Smalley testified in 1985 that when she saw a car's headlights coming toward them, she decided to escape. "I thought to myself if they are going to kill me," she said in court, "then they are going to kill me as I am trying to get away." A couple stopped their car and put her in the back seat. Smalley reported the incident to police, but it wasn't until 1983 when she learned of their arrests for murdering Lynn Elliott that she realized Gore and Waterfield were her would-be abductors. LYNN AUTREY David Alan Gore told authorities in October 1984 that when he spied Lynn Autrey in June 1981 at the Sebastian Inlet beach, he was armed with a handgun and had targeted her for kidnap, rape and possibly murder. But the plan changed, he stated, when he recognized Autrey after he'd cut her car tire then pretended to come to her aid by changing it for her. She had recognized him too, he said, as an auxiliary deputy she'd seen on patrol with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. Still, Gore said he fabricated a story about her boss, a police official in Fellsmere, needed to see her at a nearby Stuckey's restaurant so she would follow him. The two met at the restaurant, he said, near Interstate 95 and County Road 512. Gore said they talked for about an hour when he decided not to rape or kill her. "It's probably harder to do to somebody you know," Gore stated, when asked why he left Autrey unharmed. ANGELA HOMMELL AUSTIN, 20 Angela Hommell Austin, 56, a resident of Colorado, believes she might be the last women raped by David Alan Gore and Fred Waterfield who wasn't murdered. According to Hommell and court records, she was sexually assaulted by the men July 21, 1976 when the German native, then age 20, reached out to Waterfield to help repair two flat tires she discovered on her car outside her mobile home. Waterfield was friends with her ex-husband, she said. In an interview last month, Hommell said what she thought was a friendly ride to work turned into an armed encounter with Waterfield and Gore, who took turns raping her inside Waterfield's Lincoln Continental parked at a remote citrus grove. In a sworn deposition, Gore admitted he and Waterfield raped Hommell at gunpoint. They agreed to release her, he said, after she promised not to tell anyone. But that night at a hospital, she reported the incident and both men were briefly jailed and questioned by police. The cousins insisted the sex was consensual and they were never charged in her case. Reporters Melissa Holsman and Zaimarie De Guzman spent the last six weeks digging through old court files, requesting multiple public records and interviewing several people who have been involved with David Alan Gore's case in some way throughout the last three decades. The result is a series of stories that detail Gore's tenure in Indian River County and the death row process he faces this week.

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

SHARE By Elliott Jones of TCPalm ST. LUCIE COUNTY A 105-mph car chase on Interstate 95 and on some side roads led to the arrest of three South Florida men on gun and marijuana possession charges, according to arrest affidavits released Monday. The three were speeding away from a traffic stop on State Road 60 in Indian River County early Friday morning, according to Indian River County sheriffs reports. Heres what happened, according to sheriffs reports: An Indian River County deputy stopped a truck driver and was questioning him outside the truck when a front-seat passenger moved into the drivers seat and sped off. St. Lucie County sheriffs deputies joined in the pursuit, following the F-150 rental truck as it swerved in and out of traffic on I-95 and at times turned off into Okeechobee Road and Kings Highway. Deputies converged on the vehicle when it turned off I-95 onto Midway Road and into a gas station. Driver George Alexandre, 20, of West Palm Beach and passengers Jean Cajuste, 22, of Lake Worth, and Anderson Fleurine, 21, of Lantana, were charged with carrying a concealed firearm a handgun that was loaded, the reports state. Investigators also found 3.2 grams of marijuana in the truck. The trucks original driver, Mackinson Phileus, 26, of Lake Worth, also was arrested on drug and gun possession charges. You may have read recent, attention-getting communication from union leadership of Martin County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association, IAFF Local 2959. They are taking to social media and paying for advertisements in this local paper to announce alleged low staffing levels, "alarming" overtime expenditures and questioning the level of service being provided to the citizens of Martin County by the dedicated firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians at Martin County Fire Rescue. These claims are dishonest and wholly inappropriate. Although posturing is a natural part of the negotiation process, the union's misrepresentations with regard to these issues have strayed into the territory of base fear-mongering. After 18 months of negotiations, an impasse was declared in December. The county has requested an analysis of pay plan proposals and costs, and to date this full financial assessment has not been provided to us by union representatives. This information is critical to working toward a simplified pay structure and approach to the contract. We plan to continue negotiations as long as they are productive. Clearly, union leaders feel they don't have to present the facts. However, as your county administrator, I am compelled to set the record straight and provide our citizens with the truth. First, union representatives inaccurately claim that response times have been impacted by "budget cuts." However, a review of the 2015 budget shows that the Martin County Board of County Commissioners has not made budget cuts that would impact fire rescue response times. On the contrary, the commission has made a concerted effort to maintain the department's funding in order to ensure adequate staffing levels and continue excellent service to our community. There is always a full complement of personnel for every shift at every station. Second, there is no "mass exodus" of Martin County Fire Rescue personnel. The turnover rate for the department averages 6 percent. There are currently seven vacancies in the department. Many of these individuals have retired, some are on workers' compensation, and some have left for other endeavors. There has been no shortage of applicants for these openings. In fact, the county has received 175 applications for these positions and anticipates filling them within 60 days. Third, union representatives falsely claim there is a significant overtime issue. This is primarily because many long-service employees have earned many hours of personal time that they take regularly. Fire Rescue employees enjoy very generous vacation leave benefits. During the economic downturn, other county employees were forced to take furlough (unpaid) days and reductions in paid time off benefits. These cutbacks did not affect firefighters. As the economy improves, we can anticipate the county will lose some personnel across the organization. Despite that, we are committed to making sure our pay and benefits are sustainable and competitive. In the meantime, the department is taking action to reduce overtime. Placing restrictions on leave time, the elimination of off-duty nonessential activities, and the restructuring of new-hire training is taking place. The county is working hard to resolve our differences with the union and to negotiate a comprehensive compensation package based upon accurate financial and statistical data. We will continue to act in good faith toward our union counterparts and hope they will take the opportunity to reciprocate. Taryn Kryzda is county administrator for Martin County. Apple, the cleverest company on the planet, claims it can't unlock one dead terrorist's iPhone without exposing all of our phones to malevolent hackers. That's very hard to believe no, impossible to believe. Yet it is the core of Apple's argument in fighting a federal judge's order to help the FBI crack the brain of the iPhone 5C used by Syed Rizwan Farook, one of the San Bernardino mass shooters. Morally, this is an awful case on which to crusade as corporate guardians of citizen privacy. A radicalized American-born Muslim, Farook, and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, shot down 36 people during a holiday party at a social services center on Dec. 2. Fourteen of the victims died. Police killed Farook and Malik in a wild street shootout, after which thousands of rounds of ammo and bomb-making materials were found. Since then, the FBI has been searching for clues to possible co-conspirators, or to any communications with jihadist groups such as ISIS. A critical piece of evidence is the encrypted iPhone used by Farook. Ironically, he didn't even own the device; it was provided to him by his employer, San Bernardino County. At the request of the Justice Department, a judge last week ordered Apple to bypass the software that restricts attempts at trying different passcodes on the phone. Normally the device would erase all personal data after 10 password tries. The FBI says that Farook could have used any of two billion-plus passcode combinations to lock his iPhone, and that a computer might need five years to run through all the possibilities. But before the search can begin, the agency says it needs Apple to electronically open a "back door" into Farook's phone. Apple says no way. Think about this. The man who used the iPhone is extremely dead and also a mass murderer, which even in a free society tends to mute the privacy issue. There also exists the possibility that other individuals were involved in Farook's act of slaughter, or encouraged it from afar. That information would be highly useful to law enforcement not just for prosecution purposes, but also for stopping future attacks. If it led authorities to other terrorists, Farook's private data could actually save innocent lives. Apple says that's not a good enough reason to unlock the man's phone. To which many Apple customers like myself would reply: Are you people serious? Much of the important information on Farook's phone was also stored by Internet servers and wireless carriers, and has been accessible to the FBI. This includes records of phone calls, emails, SMS texts and interactions on social networks. Data stored by Farook on the popular iCloud service was turned over by Apple to authorities. However, Farook did an iCloud backup for the last time on Oct. 19. That means some data from the 44 days preceding the San Bernardino shooting remains only on the iPhone. These files would be found under Photos, Contacts, Videos, Notes and Messages. Apple CEO Tim Cook insists that unlocking Farook's iPhone would set a dangerous precedent, creating a pathway for crooks and hostile governments to penetrate personal devices. It's actually more a battle about principle than practicality, because Apple is very good at keeping programs secret. The Farook litigation is part of a running conflict with the Obama administration, which has pressured Apple, Google and other tech titans to be more cooperative in national security investigations. We all value our private lives, and dislike the idea of anyone including government agents snooping inside our PCs, laptops or smartphones. But we also dearly want to live in a place that's safe from violent monsters, homegrown or otherwise. Striking that balance isn't easy, but some circumstances are clear as a bell. Every day, judges issue search warrants in serious criminal cases. If Farook had kept a written notebook of ISIS associates, who would complain if the FBI confiscated it as evidence from his apartment? Suppose such crucial information exists deep inside Farook's iPhone. It's inconceivable that Apple with its unmatched genius can't come up with a secure way to crack that device and only that device to give investigators a 1-in-2 billion chance at access. Surely this can be done without compromising the privacy of every iPhone in the world. This should be a no-brainer at a company so famous for its brains. Carl Hiaasen is a columnist for the Miami Herald. Readers may write to him at: The Miami Herald, 3511 N.W. 91 Avenue, Doral, Fla. 33172; email: chiaasen@miamiherald.com. The old diesel power plant on State Road 60 may soon have developer Michael Rechter as its new owner. His plans for a new craft beer pub called American Icon Brewery could it make a Vero Beach destination for residents and visitors alike. Three prospective purchasers were in the running with ideas to transform the property into a brewery, a distillery or an art village and cafe. "We had a review committee made up of four people who interviewed all three prospective buyers and ranked them," said Vero Beach City Manager Jim O'Connor. "It was unanimous that the number one recommendation to the City Council was Michael Rechter's company, Integra." "I can't tell you how thrilled I am," said Rechter from his Fort Lauderdale home. "It is an opportunity to take the whole downtown area and revitalize it making a major impact not just for us, but for all of Vero Beach for many generations to come. American Icon Brewery will be here for a long, long time." Rechter had planned to open the brewery on 14th Avenue downtown in a building he purchased last year, but when he heard the city had settled its dispute with former lessee's Croom and Barth and was accepting bids to purchase the property, he quickly changed plans. The city initiated a proposal bidding process but, after much speculation many would come forward, only three submitted bid packages in January. Guy D'Amico of Treasure Coast Distilling Co., Coral Springs, proposed a boutique liquor distillery, retail stores and upscale restaurant. Ross Power, an artist who turned a 1925 Miami warehouse into a film studio, submitted a conceptual village to showcase all art forms including film festivals, cafe and a culinary school. Thorough presentation But it was Rechter's history as a real estate developer, his financial wherewithal, and exceptionally thorough presentation that sealed the deal for American Icon Brewery. The 15-page business plan ranged from start-up costs to 10-year projections including everything right down to the last growler served every year. His 54-slide power point executive summary included precise and detailed timelines from acquisition to opening. Interior and exterior designs, functional ability, brewery analysis, restaurant details, and company objectives, expertise and qualifications enabled the city to visualize every concept. "I wanted the city to see my vision and know me as a developer," said Rechter. "I would have been really disappointed if I lost because I put a lot of time into it and I felt I was the best candidate, not to mention that I really wanted this building. It is unbelievable, a true unique piece of art." An evaluation committee consisting of O'Connor, city planner Tim McGarry, public works director Monte Falls, and electric operations director Ted Fletcher evaluated the three proposals. "We were very impressed with Rechter's proposal and that he had already contacted his own environmental engineer to review all the documents," said O'Connor. "He had done the most in-depth review of this property which was most encouraging to us." 'Great confidence' On February 15, the committee met with each candidate for a one-hour private and personal interview. "Rechter has shown us his success in other real estate activities, his success in business and his success in redevelopment," said O'Connor. "We have great confidence in what he can do." Rechter purchased and rehabilitated the Majestic Theatre Plaza, Vero Bowl and adjoining Indian River Plaza on U.S. Highway 1 in Vero Beach, along with many other properties throughout South Florida. "There was a criteria for the three proposals," said John O'Brien, manager of purchasing and warehouse operations for the city whose office did the administrative work for the evaluation committee. "We had three categories, the proposers and their qualifications, the development plan and their price,' he added. Impressive to the committee was that Rechter did not need financing to purchase and rehab the property. Two options He anticipates spending $2 million, above and beyond the acquisition cost, which has not been agreed upon only because Rechter gave the city two purchase options. "Since environmental issues have plagued the property for a long time, I gave the city a dual bid," said Rechter. "A purchase price of $650,000 and the city takes care of the environmental issues or I will happily do the environment remediation and pay $500,000, thus allocating $150,000 for environmental clean-up." The next step in the process is for Vero Beach City council to approve the committee's recommendation to move forward with Integra. The sale of the diesel plant has been placed on the March 1 city council agenda. "I am hopeful we can conclude this long drawn out process over the diesel plant," said O'Connor. "If the council goes with the committee recommendation, we anticipate a due diligence period of about 60 days, and a short closing period beyond that." Fast and furious Rechter is revving up his engines and moving forward at a fast and furious pace, expecting to have American Icon Brewery open and fully functional within a year. He has initiated discussions with specialty architects in Denver who have designed some of the most famous breweries in the country. He has also met with local architects, engineers, design teams, and nationally renowned executive chefs. Rechter has already hired A.J. Stoll as brew master and Director of Brewing Operations for American Icon Brewery. Stoll served as brew master for Funky Buddah Brewery and played a significant role in building and growing the Oakland Park brewery to become one of Florida's most successful craft brew establishments. "First and foremost we want to make sure that everything we do is in keeping the 1999 historic designation of the building," said Rechter. "We want to keep and celebrate the huge diesel engine inside as a piece of historic industrial art which fits perfectly with what American Icon Brewery is a celebration of all things iconic in America." Apple pie From Babe Ruth, apple pie, 1950 Chevys and the Fourth of July, American Icon Brewery will feature a variety of craft beers and foods deeply rooted in American history. "Because we are in the art district we want to support our local artists by displaying their works at the brewery, designing our beer labels and involving them in all aspects of our operations," said Rechter. "What we were looking for is a place that would bring people to downtown Vero Beach that ties in with the improvements that are being made on 14th Avenue," said O'Connor. "I believe that American Icon Brewery will become a great point of destination for all to enjoy." Like a teenager's excitement driving his first car, Rechter said, "I can't wait for the March 1 city council meeting. That's confirmation the next steps are the keys to the 1926 diesel power plant and the beginning of American Icon Brewery," said Rechter. "It's electrifying!" As a member of the Education Committee of the NAACP, I have become aware of what I hope all citizens will understand as an educational crisis here in Indian River County. The committee meets periodically with the Indian River County Superintendent of Schools Mark Rendell to stay in touch with local educational trends and challenges. Last year only 75.7 percent of our county's students and this figure includes students of all races successfully graduated from high school. Sadly, the Florida's graduation rate averaged across all 67 counties isn't much better, at only 76.7 percent. This ranks us an embarrassing 40th among the 50 states. The combined national graduation rate is 82 percent. These low graduation numbers threaten the health of our state's economy, increase crime rates and endanger the social stability of our local communities. These statistics troubling as they are become even worse when you look at the rates for African American and Latino students here in Indian River County. This is where the true crisis lies. Last year in our county, only 56.7 percent of African American students graduated only slightly more than half. That's down 3 percent from the previous year, and more than 11 percent below the state average of 67.9 percent. The national average for African American students is almost 15 percent higher. The picture for our Latino students while better isn't anything for us to be satisfied with. Only 71.6 percent of Indian River County's Latino students graduate, down 4 percent from the previous year, and 5.1 percent below the statewide average. So three out of every 10 Latino students fail to start life with a high school diploma. The high school drop-out rate is too high for all Florida students, but the crisis is clearly at its worst for African-American and Latino youth. There are many reasons why so many students of all ethnic and racial groups drop out and fail to finish high school. These including learning disabilities, difficult family situations, drug and alcohol abuse, behavioral problems, mental illnesses and gangs to name just a few. And all across the nation, many concerned communities are addressing what educators are calling a 'drop-out crisis.' They are providing supplemental services for at-risk students, including increased counseling and emotional support, innovative restructuring of schools and educational models, and the creation of alternative programs for students not well suited to the traditional academic approach. It is my hope that the citizens of Indian River County and all our elected officials including those in the state legislature who help fund each county's schools will adequately support Supt. Rendell and his staff as they strive to improve both the quality and success of our entire school system. Getting our graduation numbers up to an acceptable level will undoubtedly require not only broad citizen participation, but additional state and local funding. And of particular concern must be the tragically low high school graduation rates found in the African American and Latino communities here on the Treasure Coast. Our Indian River County school system must immediately develop initiatives and programs that specifically target student populations with higher drop-out rates. There is no doubt that for us, as a community, to succeed in getting more students to finish high school, we will have to ask for more personal responsibility and effort on the parts of both students and parents. But we must also ask more of ourselves. First, we must support the superintendent and all the teachers as they develop new and improved programs to address this crisis. Secondly we must insure that, through our tax dollars, the funding that will be required to provide educational support and resources for all at-risk students is there no matter the color of their skin. Rev. Scott Alexander is the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach and has been a minister, author and educator for over 40 years. He is an avid cyclist and outdoor enthusiast who loves living in Vero Beach. In 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,' Tony Award-winning playwright, Christopher Durang takes characters and themes from Chekhov, pours them in a crazy blender and serves up a hilarious and touching play. Set in present day Bucks County, Penn., the play focuses on three oddball siblings, two of whom live together in the family's farmhouse their lifelong home. Who can resist a play in which a movie star (Masha) goes to a costume party dressed like Disney's Snow White and her dated costume makes guests mistake her for a Hummel figurine? 'They've never seen the Disney version of 'Snow White.' They're too young!' moans Masha (the razor-sharp Stacey Logan). Masha has even brought the costumes for dwarves Dopey and Grumpy for her sister and brother to wear. So thoughtful. That's just one tiny bit of the action in 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.' Currently playing on Riverside Theatre's Waxlax Stage, the show is funny, absurd and packed with truth. Perfect production Director James Brennan and this very fine cast and crew offer a perfect production of Durang's 'take' on the plays of Anton Chekhov, whose tragic comedies examined the foibles of human nature especially the neurotic bits. At the top of the play, Vanya (deliciously acted by the morose Warren Kelley) and Sonia (the determinedly frumpy Susan Cella) sit on the couch watching out the picture window for the blue heron to appear on the pond. Only they're facing the audience and their strained expressions are our first clue of how trapped they are. They've lived their entire lives in this house. But while they took care of their Alzheimer-addled parents (now deceased) their prima-donna sister, Masha, was traipsing through Hollywood making the multi-million dollar 'Sexy Killer' series and raking in the bucks. In fairness, Masha's also been paying the mortgage and everything else. By now, Sonia and Vanya who along with Masha were named by their theater-loving parents after Chekhov's creations have forgotten how to live. In fact, they're too scared to stick their noses out the door. Force of nature But that's changing now. Their cleaning woman, Cassandra, arrives spouting prophecies of doom. Cassandra (the unstoppably comical Kathel Carlson) swoops in, warning them to 'Beware of the Hootie Pie,' and 'You will lose this house and you will be homeless!' Visions hit Cassandra over the head with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. She grasps her head, keening out her Greek mythology-tinged warnings. 'I'm tired of telling the future. I want to change the future,' she exclaims. Carson has the perfect rubbery mug and gravelly voice. She's a force of nature: chunks of hair piled on top, a Hawaiian print dress and black rubber soles. When Masha suddenly descends upon the homestead unexpectedly, she is beautiful and has the cultured voice of Sigourney Weaver. She poses about, making proclamations about her great talent and spritzing her face with Evian water. But she hasn't come alone. Eager The 'aging beauty,' has brought her boy-toy, Spike, (blond and beautiful Brian Ogilvie). Spike spots the pond out the window and immediately strips to his skivvies, revealing a startlingly well-developed body. He's an aspiring actor, naturally, who almost had a shot at 'Entourage II.' He zips out for a swim, only to return with Masha's worst nightmare, the extremely young and golden Nina (played with otherworldly innocence by Morgan MacInnes.) Spike appears on the surface to the obsessed with sex. But throughout the play, he wears the eager facial expression of a young Golden Retriever who hopes you'll throw the ball. Now the cast is complete. How they jibe and joust to reveal their inner hearts, a little at a time until the breathtaking ending, is what theater is all about. When 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike' opened on Broadway in March 2013, critics praised it as a humorous adaptation of Chekhov's themes. They noted that a familiarity with Chekhov isn't required but it helps. A working knowledge of Nina in 'The Seagull' and the sisters Masha and Sonia in 'The Cherry Orchard' will increase the enjoyment of the inside-jokes. But even more crucial is an appreciation of Durang's absurdist humor that hits home. Great ensemble The six actors make a great ensemble and all have their stellar moments to command the stage. Among the highlights: when Sonia chooses to go to the party as the Wicked Witch instead of the dwarf Dopey, she does a wicked imitation of a well-known English actress. When Masha tells Spike to get dressed, he does a remarkable striptease-in-reverse and when Vanya goes off his head over Spike's texting and rants about the importance of postage stamps it's a thing of beauty. Every brittle movement made by Masha as dim revelations dawn on her and she bats her eyes is beautiful too. Richard Crowell's set and Kurt Alger's costumes are so well done that they take on a life of their own. Don't miss Spike's plaid Calvin Klein briefs and Vanya's pointy dwarf shoes, made by Riverside's own wardrobe crew. 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike' runs on Riverside Theatre's Waxlax stage through Feb. 28. To purchase tickets call 772-231-6990 or visit www.riversidetheatre.com. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Barcelona, MWC, February 22, 2016: Obi Worldphone today launched its latest model Obi Worldphone MV1, Obis latest device embodies the companys deep-rooted philosophy that sophisticated design is just as vital to a modern phone as its internal components. The phones sculptural look was created by Ammunition, a San Francisco-based design firm that shares Obis ethos of fashion, form, and function. With the companys signature elevated screen and palm-fitting body, the MV1 represents a refreshing wave of design packed into a practical 4G LTE enabled device. This is an industry with 200 different brands vying for consumers attention. There will be 1.4 billion Android phones produced in 2016 alone, so there needs to be a way to stand apart from the pack, says Obi Worldphone Co-founder John Sculley. The components for all these different phones are mass produced, in the same countries, and often in the same exact factories. What weve done with the Obi Worldphone from the very beginning is show that its possible to have a beautifully designed phone that fits into your lifestyle at an accessible price without sacrificing form and technology. You dont have to give up style in exchange for substance. With the MV1, you can have both. For our markets, the design of the MV1 is a fresh, modern breath of air in a sea of sameness. Its combination of simple form, iconic outline and resolved details make it an object to be desired, says Ammunition founder and Obi lead designer, Robert Brunner. MV1 comes equipped with both Android Lollipop 5.1 and Cyanogen OS 12.1.1, the latest operating system from Cyanogen. In addition to improved security and privacy options the OS provides enhanced features like Truecaller, which allows users to block incoming spam calls, and LiveDisplay, which intelligently adjusts the users screen based on ambient light. Technuter.com News Service Owners of the Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx and Droid Mini are in for some bad news. Motorola will not be offering any Android Lollipop updates for these three smartphones. The owners of the devices in question will undoubtedly feel disappointed as the Android 5.0 Lollipop update is pretty old and was originally expected to make its way to the Droid Ultra, Droid Mini and Droid Maxx. On Friday, Motorola made the disappointing announcement that these phone models will be staying stuck on Android 4.4. KitKat. David Schuster, the company's senior director for Software Product Management, posted the news on his Google+ account. "For our Droid Ultra/Maxx/Mini users on Verizon: We apologize that we will not be upgrading Droid Ultra/Mini/Maxx to Android Lollipop, as we had hoped. We know how important software upgrades are to our customers, and we're very sorry that we are unable to provide the upgrade," writes Schuster. To win back some love from its Droid loyalists, Motorola has come up with special offers for Ultra, Maxx and Mini owners: discounts on the newer Droid Maxx 2 and Droid Turbo 2 smartphones. "We hope that this helps to make amends," says Schuster. Owners of the Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx or Droid Mini smartphones are eligible to purchase the Droid Turbo 2 at a $100 discount. Normally, the smartphone retails for $624 but thanks to the Motorola offer, "valued" owners of the three smartphones can have it for $524. Alternately, the owners of any of the three mentioned smartphones can purchase the Droid Maxx 2 for $334 instead of $384. To take advantage of the offer one can check this link and fill the form. "Eligible consumers will receive a coupon code that entitles the consumer to receive special pricing ... Droid Turbo 2 upgrades are available at an extra cost as stated in Moto Maker," notes Motorola's terms. To be eligible for the promotion, Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx or Droid Mini smartphones on the Verizon network need to have an active phone number. Owners will also need to provide the IMEI number of the handset, as well as the serial number of their smartphone. The promotional Motorola offer will expire on May 19. Users need to redeem the promo code by June 2 at the latest. The coupons can only be redeemed online on Motorola.com. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The BlackBerry Priv got a price reduction on a number of carriers in Canada. BlackBerry announced the Priv in October 2015 and released the handset in November. The device is the first Android-powered smartphone ever launched by the Canadian company. The mobile phone has top-notch features and it also has a premium price tag attached to it. However, customers who want to snag the BlackBerry offering can get a discount if they purchase it from Canadian carriers Bell and Sasktel. The device is on offer from Bell at $299.99 on a two-year contract. The mobile phone is also available on Bell without a contract for $799.99. Sasktel customers can also get the Priv for $299.99 on a two-year contract. However, the carrier's website suggests that the Priv is currently out of stock online. BlackBerry has listed the price of the unlocked Priv as $899. Other carriers have not slashed the price of the Priv. Rogers is still offering the handset for $399.99 and TELUS for $410 on a two-year contract. The Priv has a 5.4-inch AMOLED display with 1,440 x 2,560 pixel resolution and 541 ppi. The slider handset is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor and 3 GB of RAM. The BlackBerry device includes 32 GB of on-board storage but customers can expand the memory up to 200 GB. A 3,410 mAh battery provides juice to the Priv. The smartphone is equipped with an 18-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 2-megapixel selfie camera. The mobile phone comes running on Android 5.1 Lollipop preinstalled. Google has already released its latest mobile operating system - Android 6.0 Marshmallow - and it has made its way to Nexus and non-Nexus devices. Customers will hope that BlackBerry releases a software update for the Priv as soon as possible. Priv owners have access to all the apps that are available on the Google Play Store. "With BlackBerry's patented keyboard and the full complement of applications found in Google Play, this device expands our cross-platform strategy and gives end users the best in security, privacy and productivity, with no compromises on applications," said John Chen, the CEO of BlackBerry. The Priv has attracted many smartphone enthusiasts who had waited long to use an Android-powered BlackBerry device. The Canadian company had lost a major chunk of its mobile phone market share to rivals such as Apple, Samsung, LG and more. With Priv, BlackBerry will want to capture some of its market share. A previous report pointed out that the BlackBerry Priv was sold out on Amazon soon after it was released, which suggests that smartphone lovers have been waiting for the device. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Nearly 16 months after the tragic crash of Virgin Galactic's Enterprise during a test flight, the spaceflight company on Friday unveiled the spaceship's newest successor, the Spaceship Unity. The announcement is a testament to Virgin Galactic's determination to launch commercial space flights and set off its space tourism dream. Spaceship Unity, the company's second SpaceShipTwo after Enterprise, will not be blasted off into space right away, but it will be tested on the ground for full-vehicle examination. If these tests prove to be successful, Virgin Galactic will carry out captive carry flights and glide testing. With the latest announcement comes apprehension: how is the new spacecraft much safer than its predecessor? Same Design, Additional Safety Measures Days after the tragic crash, Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides had promised that a new spacecraft was in the works. "We have a new spaceship that's going to be ready in a few months. So we're going to make sure we get that one as safe as we can and keep going," said Whitesides in November 2014. Months after, the company has followed through its word with Spaceship Unity. Unity shares a nearly identical design and model as the Enterprise. The new spaceship's manufacturing had started in 2012, before the tragic crash or any redesigns occurred. However, despite little difference between the two ships' appearance, there is one thing that sets them apart: Virgin Galactic has added small safety features inside Unity. Whitesides said engineers have added a crucial pin to avoid the accidental unlocking of a feathering mechanism on the spaceship's tail. This was what caused the tragic crash in the first place. The feather-locking system helps in the descent of spaceships. In Oct. 31, 2014, Enterprise's former co-pilot Michael Alsbury prematurely deployed the feathering mechanism while still reeling from a powerful ascent. Alsbury was killed in the tragic crash. Pilot Peter Siebold survived the incident after being thrown from the aircraft 10 miles above the Mojave Desert. Now, Unity's new mechanical pin prevents the feather lever from moving when the spaceship is flying in an unsafe flight procedure. Safety Is A Priority While the crash was acknowledged as a piloting error, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also puts the blame on Scaled Composites, the aerospace company that built SpaceShipTwo and hired the pilots. Additionally, the NTSB cited the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for lax regulations. The FAA's guidelines do not want to hamper innovations in spaceflight manufacturing with restrictions. There are regulations around national security, the safety of the environment, and the safety of people on the ground, but the companies have freedom when it comes to test flights. University of Southern California's Director Thomas Anthony said they expect more spaceflight regulations on the industry. "Safety is always a balancing act, even with commercial aviation," said Anthony. Enthusiasts Still Want Commercial Spaceflight Before the tragic accident in October 2014, about 700 customers had signed up for commercial spaceflight. Each ticket costs about $200,000 to $250,000 (140,000 to 170,000). Only a few dozen people asked for a refund. Whitesides said most people remained with their decision to buy the ticket and stick with the company. Additional sales have also made up for the refunds. "Obviously it was a tragedy for the program and especially for the pilot that was killed," said Bob Kulick, the co-owner of a pizza chain in Texas called Cici's Pizza. Kulick, however, said the future space trip is an ultimate goal. "This is the culmination of a lifelong dream," added Kulick. "I think there's a lot of people who are the same way." As Virgin Galactic billionaire owner Richard Branson revealed Spaceship Unity on Friday, prominent names in the field of science also voiced out supports for space tourism. "The Theory of Everything" author Stephen Hawking said he would want to experience flying on Unity. "If I am able to go, and if Richard will still take me, I would be very proud to fly on this spaceship," said Hawking. Lastly, Branson is confident that spaceflight will be within reach. "Together, we can make space accessible in a way that has only been dreamt of before now," said Branson. "By doing so, [it] can bring positive change to life on Earth." 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. As the FBI follows up on every tip and stand of evidence in the case of the holiday party massacre in San Bernardino, one lead has led the U.S. Department of Justice back a long-standing dispute with Apple over encryption and consumer protections. Only able to confirm that there were two individuals involved with the San Bernardino shooting, which left 14 dead and 22 injured, the FBI continued investigating the possibility of a third shooter when it executed a search warrant at the residence in Corona, California on Thursday afternoon. The subject residence had been occupied by Syed Raheel Farook, the older brother of Syed Rizwan Farook. The younger Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, have been confirmed to be the shooters behind the Dec. 2 attack. "What we have confirmed is evidence indicating that two weapons were fired at the Inland Regional Center," Laura Eimiller, a spokesperson for the FBI Los Angeles said to ABC News. "But in the absence of video it's something you can't entirely rule out until every question is answered. There's still unanswered questions." Plan B To answer those unanswered questions, the FBI is again twisting Apple's arm to convince the tech firm into breaking the encryption that has been protecting the contents of one of the shooters' iPhone. The bureau has been unable to locate a hard drive taken from the couple's desktop computer. One of the main reasons the FBI is targeting Farook's iPhone is because they believe he stopped backing up the phone's data to iCloud a month or so before he and his wife carried out the attack against his co-workers. The FBI asked Apple to break the phone's encryption to find out what Farook apparently didn't want to be stored on iCloud. But instead of giving into yet another Justice Department demand to compromise the integrity of arguably its most valuable asset, Apple offered another solution. That solution entailed connecting the iPhone to Farook's home network or another known Wi-Fi hotspot, thus, creating another iCloud backup of the phone's data. That idea might have worked if the government of San Bernardino County, Farook's employer, had not reset the password on the iPhone. Some initially accused the FBI of resetting the password in order to further compel Apple to breaking in, but it was later revealed that the County, which had custody of the iPhone, had one of its IT tech reset it. Although the county, in a tweet, has asserted that it was only following orders. The County was working cooperatively with the FBI when it reset the iCloud password at the FBI's request. CountyWire (@CountyWire) February 20, 2016 The Fight For Liberty With no way into the front or side doors of the iPhone, authorities looked to Apple for a backdoor. But not only did a federal magistrate judge order Apple to break in, it mandated that the company build a backdoor into iOS and provide a master key for law enforcement agencies. In an open letter, Apple CEO Tim Cook explained why building a master key for iOS was a bad idea - and security expert John MacAfee backed him up. Such a key, which doesn't exist, would give anyone the ability to unlock any iPhone they can get their hands on, he stated. "The FBI may use different words to describe this tool, but make no mistake: Building a version of iOS that bypasses security in this way would undeniably create a backdoor," Cook said. "And while the government may argue that its use would be limited to this case, there is no way to guarantee such control." While Apple says it has done everything within its power to assist the FBI so far, it says it intends to fight the judge's latest order. The order, which invokes the All Writs Act of 1789, could set a dangerous precedent that would give the government the power to pry into virtually any consumer electronics device, Cook asserted. "Opposing this order is not something we take lightly," said Cook. "We feel we must speak up in the face of what we see as an overreach by the U.S. government." "We are challenging the FBI's demands with the deepest respect for American democracy and a love of our country. We believe it would be in the best interest of everyone to step back and consider the implications," Cook added. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. If you're used to pulling all-nighters before the day of an important exam, you may want to re-think your habits. A new study in the United Kingdom revealed that getting decent shut-eye is truly imperative because during sleep, the brain is hardwired to sort through the huge chunks of experiences, filling the memory with important information. The findings, which were discovered by researchers from University of Bristol's Center for Synaptic Plasticity, offer further evidence of the positive effects of a good night's sleep. Scientists said the findings are important because sleep deprivation among the healthy population and people with schizophrenia or Alzheimer's disease lead to impaired cognitive functions. According to the study featured in the journal Cell Reports, the patterns of brain activity that occur during daytime are replayed at fast-forward during sleep. This replay happens in the region of the brain called the hippocampus, the central filing system for our memories. Bristol researchers found that the replay during sleep strengthens the microscopic connections between active nerve cells. This process is critical for fortifying memories. Thus, by choosing which daytime activity patterns are replayed, the brain during sleep can sort and retain vital information. "It also seems that the successful replay of brain activity during sleep is dependent on the emotional state of the person when they are learning," said Jack Mellor, lead researcher of the study. "This has major implications for how we teach and enable people to learn effectively." Mellor and his team of researchers are from the university's School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience. The study was supported by Wellcome Trust, the MRC, EPSRC and Eli Lilly & Co. Meanwhile, previous studies have found the link between improved memory and a good night's sleep. A study published in January 2015 revealed that it is the memory consolidation activity of the brain's neurons that actually put us to sleep. Researchers from Brandeis University examined fruit flies and found that when the insect's dorsal paired medial (DPM) neurons - a well-known memory consolidator - were activated, the insects slept more. When they were deactivated, the insects were more awake. The activation and deactivation occurs in the fruit fly's brain known as the mushroom body, which is similar to the hippocampus. Another research issued in the journal Neurobiology of Learning and Memory in November 2015 found that people were able to remember new information better if they were able to sleep at least eight hours following the encounter. The takeaway is this: sleep more and you'll remember better. Photo: Pedro Ribeiro Simoes | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An Australian scientist has reminded that homeopathy is a placebo at best and proved its effectiveness in zero out of 68 illnesses, as a health panel's evaluation of 57 scientific reviews encompassing 176 studies showed back in March last year. Homeopathy is a kind of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) commonly used around the world and with such popularity that endured into the 21st century. "[T]here was no reliable evidence from research in humans that homeopathy was effective for treating the range of health conditions considered," a report from Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) concluded. Bond University medicine professor Paul Glasziou, who led a team tasked by the NHMRC to produce the report, dubbed the practice a "therapeutic dead-end" in a blog post published Feb. 16 in the British Medical Journal. "Though that body [of evidence] was mixed in size and quality, no clear signal of effectiveness emerged from the higher quality studies," Glasziou wrote. The report is not a latest produced one, but instead was worked on by the panel in 2014 and published in March 2015. Based on the panel's analysis, homeopathy had been evaluated across a range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, stomatitis or mouth inflammation due to chemotherapy and HIV infection. Glasziou said he was particularly "shocked" at recommendations of using the therapy for infections such as AIDS or malaria. Reports also state that some homeopaths promote the treatment for the Ebola virus, which spurred one of the worst and deadliest epidemics in West Africa. Glasziou considered the activity "very dubious," and it may endanger people's health if they "reject or delay" treatments without accepted proof of safety and effectiveness. Homeopathy was founded in Germany more than 200 years ago by Samuel Hahnemann. Its supporters point to two theories: "like cures like" or the belief that a disease can be addressed by a substance producing similar symptoms in healthy individuals; and "law of minimum dose," the notion that the lower the drug dose, the greater its effectiveness. Its remedies are obtained from substances derived from plants, animals, and minerals, and are typically formulated as sugar pellets to be positioned under the tongue. It also promotes an individualized approach to treatment. In the United States, a 2012 National Health Interview Survey estimated that 5 million adults and 1 million children used homeopathic treatments the previous year. Its 2007 survey calculated about $2.9 billion out-of-pocket costs for related medicines and $170 million for visits to practitioners. Photo: Jeff Wilcox | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. What is really happening at the quantum level? The new version of a classic experiment lately found that particles at this level can be seen behaving something like billiard balls that roll about a table, but in a rather "surrealistic" fashion. The results kind of challenge the standard interpretation of quantum mechanics. The team of Aephraim Steinberg, a physicist from the University of Toronto and a senior fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), conducted a new version of quantum mechanics' most famous experiment. This is where photons or particles of light are fired at two slits prior to being detected on a screen. For decades, physicists believed it would never be known which slit a specific photon went through, as any measurement stops it and disturbs the system. In 2011, Steinberg's team successfully tracked the photons' trajectories through "weak" measurements that barely disturb the particles - a method that demonstrated trajectories looking similar to classical ones or those of balls that fly through the air. The results appeared to be aligned with the De Broglie-Bohm theory, which some physicists criticized for its failure to explain entanglement, where two photons are so closely connected that measurement on one instantly affects the other no matter their distance. "I'm less interested in focusing on the philosophical question of what's 'really' out there," says Steinberg of the varying interpretations of quantum mechanics. "Rather than thinking about different metaphysical interpretations, I would phrase it in terms of having different pictures, [which] can help shape better intuitions." According to critics, measuring one particle would sometimes lead to an inaccurate prediction of the entangled particle's trajectory, or what they dubbed as "surreal trajectories." The team experiment now showed that the surreal action is a mere consequence of non-locality, or the particles' ability to influence each other instantly even at a distance. The "incorrect" predictions of entangled photon's trajectories, the team stated, actually resulted from where in their track the entangled particles were measured. Both particles considered, the measurements added up and remained consistent with real trajectories. The authors pointed out that this validates both standard and non-standard interpretation - the De Broglie-Bohm theory - and makes them "mathematically equivalent." The De Broglie-Bohm theory was first proposed by Louis de Broglie in 1927, an interpretation that treats quantum objects as classical particles but considers the riding on top of what is called as a pilot wave. While probabilistic, the particle indeed takes a real trajectory from source to target - not simply collapsing into a specific location once measured. Physicist Howard Wiseman of Griffith University, who proposed the experiment, echoed that the results bolstered the pilot-wave interpretation. "[It's] something that's not recognised by a large part of the physics community." The findings were published in the journal Science Advances. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Health officials in Iowa confirmed on Friday the state's first case of Zika virus with the infection of an adult female who recently traveled to Central America. Since May this year, the Zika outbreak has struck many countries in the Caribbean, South and Central Americas. Officials, however, said that there is no risk for the general public to contract the mosquito-borne virus because the Aedes aegypti mosquito is not established in Iowa. No locally transmitted cases have yet been identified in the continental U.S. but there have been cases among returning travelers. "The mosquitoes that are transmitting Zika virus in other areas of the world are not established in Iowa, so the risk to Iowans occurs when they travel to Zika-affected areas," the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) said in a statement [pdf]. IDPH Medical Director Patricia Quinlisk nonetheless urged Iowans who plan to travel to areas where there is ongoing Zika virus transmission to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Travelers who visit areas with Zika transmissions are urged to wear protective clothes such as long pants and long sleeved shirts; use EPA- registered mosquito repellents and stay in screened air-conditioned room during peak mosquito times. With possible link between Zika and birth defects, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised women to postpone their travel to foreign countries where the virus is currently being transmitted. The agency also recommends that if a male sexual partner has gone to areas where there is active Zika virus transmission; couples should abstain from sexual contact or use condoms to avoid pregnancy. While the link has yet to be fully established, Zika virus has been blamed for the surge in a serious birth defect known as microcephaly in babies whose mothers were infected with Zika while pregnant. Microcephaly is marked by abnormal smallness of the head associated with incomplete brain development. Health experts also investigate a possible link between Zika and Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a neurological condition that causes paralysis. To date, no vaccine is available to help prevent infection from Zika virus and the best means to avoid contracting the virus is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. People who were exposed to the virus do not often exhibit symptoms. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Massachusetts is planning to establish a Timber Rattlesnake colony on an island that is off-limits to the public. While the plan seems like a reptile invasion in the making, officials say it is all for the benefit of the said endangered species. Timber rattlesnakes are said to experience the greatest population decline among all other native reptiles in the modern times. At present, there are only five populations of rattlesnakes scattered from the boundaries of New York, near Boston. For the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), saving the species of Timber rattlesnakes is of highest priority. This why the agency has decided to create a small discrete location for the snakes. Rearing Rattlesnakes MassWildlife plans to build the habitat at Mount Zion, which is a big island restricted to public access. Specifically, the small group of snakes will stay at the Quabbin Reservoir, situated at the heart of Massachusetts. This is also where the successful American Bald Eagle restoration program of MassWildlife took place. Authorities plan to follow what they did with the endangered Northern Red-Bellied Cooters restoration project. Under the program, experts will catch juvenile snakes and will be held captive by the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island. Looking for numerous newborn snakes will be quite a challenge because its populations in Massachusetts are very small. Each snake will stay for two winters under the care of zoo personnel. This is to ensure that the snakes will grow in a size big enough to avert predators. Once the snakes grow to a size of about 4 or 5-year-old wild snake, it will be released to Mount Zion. Experts estimate that this will translate to one to 10 snakes in any given year. Creating Habitats, Monitoring Movements Mount Zion is about 1,350 acres big and 3.64 miles long. Such measurements correspond to other locations across the state where Timber rattlesnakes stay. The island has a quiet but varied hardwood forest that is said to be better than other Massachusetts sites. Snakes would not experience major problems in food because the place is a conducive environment for preys such as Eastern Chipmunk and White-footed Mouse. While there is no particular data pertaining to past settlement of Timber rattlesnakes in Mount Zion, experts are almost certain that the species may have lived there in the past. Human Fear Humans naturally fear snakes. They have persecuted, injured and disturbed its populations throughout history. With Timber rattlesnakes being venomous, members of the public have expressed their doubts and fears about the proposed habitat. The concerns of the people were not just limited to human safety, it also entail possible damages to livestock and harm to pets. Although Timber rattlesnakes are potentially hazardous, experts say there have been no alarming record of human harm that resulted from the reptile. This is because the species have a generally mild nature. In fact, the snakes rattle its tail every time it is about to approach a human or animal to signal its presence. While there have been reports of Timber rattlesnake bites, it is only because the animals were provoked through illegal handling and harassment by humans. "Humans are the greatest threat to Timber Rattlesnake," writes MassWildlife. In Massachusetts, the species have lived long before the Europeans arrived. The species continued to thrive amid persecution, but during the past three decades, its numbers just had nowhere else to go but down. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. There's no place like home. Scientists found that planet Earth is unique. No other planet among the 700 quintillion terrestrial bodies in our universe comes close. A team of scientists from the Uppsala University in Sweden headed by astronomer Erik Zackrisson created a census of all the terrestrial exoplanets that are likely to exist across the observable universe. The team added all the known data collected by NASA's Kepler space telescope and other space probes. There are about 700 quintillion exoplanets. Scientists have long held that there are planets out there that are similar to Earth that can potentially support life as we know it. This theory is known as the Copernican principle, a basic physics statement that states there shouldn't be any "special" observers. This means that our Earth doesn't hold a "privileged position" in the vastness of universe. Zackrisson and his colleagues created models of what would happen if these exoplanets possess the existing laws of physics. The team fast-forwarded the model to 13.8 billion years. They found that planet Earth is unique in the observable universe and no other planet among the 700 quintillion stellar bodies is like our home. "It's certainly the case that there are a lot of uncertainties in a calculation like this. Our knowledge of all of these pieces is imperfect," said co-author Andrew Benson who expressed that their findings are preliminary but can offer a scientific guess on what the universe might hold. Benson is from the California-based Carnegie Observatories. Prior to the launch of the Spitzer and Kepler space telescopes, the scientific community knows nothing about these exoplanets. Technically, the study of exoplanets is relatively new in astronomy. The exoplanet census gives researchers a massive collection of probable statistics that can help further analyze exoplanets and Earth's place in the universe. The research was published in The Astrophysical Journal. The study is available online on arXiv. An earlier research found 29 exoplanets that are considered livable. The Habitable Exoplanets Catalog from the Planetary Habitability Laboratory continues to be updated with Earth-like exoplanets with any life-supporting potentials. Photo: Kevin Gill | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Consumers in the UK have an edge over their counterparts in the U.S. - aside from being able to preorder the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge smartphones a day earlier, they will also receive the smartphone three days before the actual release! Those eyeing the Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 Edge in the UK can preorder the Samsung smartphone starting last Sunday, 7 p.m. UK time. The handset is set to release on March 11, but Samsung has promised that those who preordered, the smartphones will be delivered by March 8. Not only will there be an early delivery to those preordering the smartphones prior to March 5, but Samsung is also throwing in a Gear VR headset for free for consumers in the UK. The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are priced at 569 and 639 (about $806 and $905), respectively. The early delivery offer is valid for consumers in the UK who preorder the handset from either Three, Vodafone, O2 or EE. Here is a look at the pricing and preorder details for the UK carriers and retailers. Vodafone The carrier is offering the 32 GB Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge from as little as 44 ($62) per month and 50 ($70) per month for two years, respectively, with an upfront cost of 29 ($41). The Vodafone offer for a free Gear VR is valid till March 10. Three Three is offering the 32 GB Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge for preorder from 35 ($50) and 41 ($58) per month for two years, respectively, with an upfront cost of 99. EE EE is offering the 32 GB Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge for preorder from 44.99 ($64) and 49.99 ($71) per month for two years, respectively, with an upfront cost of 49.99 ($71). One needs to preorder before March 6 for early delivery before general release. O2 The carrier will charge 51 ($72) per month for the Galaxy S7 Edge and 54 ($77) per month for the Galaxy S7 - 32 GB model. The upfront cost starts at 9.99 ($14). Carphone Warehouse The retailer is offering the 32 GB Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge from as little as 36 ($51) per month with an upfront cost of 79.99 ($113) and 129.99 ($184), respectively. The unlocked Galaxy S7 Edge will cost 639.99 ($907) and Galaxy S7 is priced at 569.99 ($808). Customers who preorder also qualify for the Gear VR headset for free. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) among teenage girls in the United States has been reduced by nearly two-thirds due to a vaccine introduced 10 years ago, a new report revealed. Even among women in their early 20s, a group which has lower vaccination rates, the most fatal strains of HPV have been lowered by more than a third. The report examined the prevalence of HPV among women and girls of different age groups during 2003 to 2006. Researchers also looked at the prevalence in the same age groups in 2009 to 2012. By then, cases of HPV covered by the vaccine decreased by 64 percent in girls who are 14 to 19 years old. In women aged 20 to 24, the prevalence declined by 34 percent. "The vaccine is more effective than we thought," said public health expert Debbie Saslow. The statistics are considered as a "welcome energizer" in the struggle to encourage HPV vaccination in the country, experts said. Despite the vaccine's proven efficacy, however, immunization rates remain low. Only about 40 percent of girls and 20 percent of boys between 13 to 17 years old are immunized against the virus. The New York Times pointed out that this may be because of the implicit association of the HPV vaccine with adolescent sexual activity rather than its real purpose -- cancer prevention. Additionally, only the District of Columbia and Virginia, Rhode Island requires the vaccine. The vaccine, which is called Gardasil, works against four strains of HPV. The strains cause almost all cases of cervical cancer. HPV also causes cancers of the mouth, throat, and anus, as well as genital warts. About 14 million Americans are infected with HPV every year. The majority of these patients will clear the virus. Unfortunately, some strains still persist. What's more, the American Cancer Society estimates that about 4,120 women will die of cervical cancer this year. However, many still oppose the HPV vaccination. Some hold anti-vaccine sentiments, while some say it could encourage teenagers to have unprotected sexual activity. "Showing the effectiveness of a vaccination program may help to convince doubters," said Johannes Bogaards of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands, who was not involved in the new study. Simon Barton of Imperial College London meanwhile believes the new study may assuage worries that the vaccine will encourage risky sexual behavior. The study will be featured in the journal Pediatrics. Photo: Pan American Health Organization | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NASA has revealed that an asteroid measuring about 100 feet in diameter and moving at a speed of more than 34,000 mph is set to whiz by Earth in two weeks. Although asteroids are known to pose threats to Earth, scientists assured that no collision would take place as the object will flyby at a safe distance from our planet. It would not be the first time that Asteroid 2013 TX68 would zoom past Earth. Two years, ago, it flew at 1.3 million miles away from our planet. Scientists, however, expect that the asteroid would fly closer this time whizzing from as far as 9 million miles to as close as 11,000 miles from Earth during its upcoming flyby on March 7 at 7:06 p.m. ET. The variation in the object's proximity from Earth is due to a range of potential trajectories for the asteroid, given that scientists were only able to track it for a short period of time since its discovery. "It's gonna be close. But it's going to miss us. There is nothing to worry about," said astronomer Gerald McKeegan, from Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland, California. Although scientists said that there is no possibility that the asteroid would impact Earth next month, they have identified a possibility that the object may collide with Earth on Sept. 28, 2017. The chances, however, are very remote with odds of no more than 1-in-250-million. The asteroid's flybys in 2046 and 2097 have even lower possibilities of impact. "The possibilities of collision on any of the three future flyby dates are far too small to be of any real concern," said NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies Manager Paul Chodas. "I fully expect any future observations to reduce the probability even more." The asteroid is larger than an 18-wheel tractor trailer truck. With a diameter of 100 feet, the object is bigger than the 65-foot asteroid that broke up in Russia's Chelyabinsk atmosphere three years ago. If an asteroid with the same size as 2013 TX68 would enter our planet's atmosphere, it would likely generate an air burst that is about twice the energy that was produced during the Chelyabinsk event. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Facebook announced the new Telecom Infra Project that would involve a collaboration between operators, system integrators, infrastructure providers and other technology-focused companies in the creation of new technologies and to freely share the work with the telecoms in the world. Some of the project's early partners include telcos such as Germany's Deutsche Telekom, South Korea's SK Telecom, United Kingdom's EE and Philippines' Globe Telecom. "To kick-start this work, TIP members such as Facebook, Intel, and Nokia have pledged to contribute an initial suite of reference designs, while other members such as operators Deutsche Telekom and SK Telecom will help define and deploy the technology as it fits their needs," wrote Jay Parikh, Global Head of Engineering and Infrastructure at Facebook. Parikh adds that members of the TIP will collaborate and contribute designs that focus on three key areas. These include backhaul, access and core and management. The project also involves the creation of new hardware which would definitely bring a number of advantages to the telcos. First, it would allow them to connect more consumers with increased efficiency. Next, it promises to bring enhanced connections to consumers who are already connected. With more people getting connected and gaining more content access, Facebook will add millions more to its user base on top of the existing ones. Parikh adds that as the project moves forward, members will collaborate on accelerating the development of certain technologies such as 5G. With this effort, enhanced connectivity and more meaningful services are assured. Nokia, along with Facebook and Intel, are all contributing on the project's initial reference designs. The company will also publish an open specification meant for the operability interface of a radio access run time environment. SK Telecom, the largest wireless carrier in South Korea, plans to share network technology and 5G according to the principles of virtualization. Facebook had spearheaded the initiative with the launch of its Open Compute Project which aimed to promote standard, commodity designs of hardware and data center specifications to make them affordable. Facebook's Telecom Infra Project is all about expanding connectivity. It wants operators to confidently adopt new models and make them sustainable. In short, the project wants operators and the telecom industry to become more efficient, innovative and flexible. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. We already use our smartphones to make purchases using Apple Pay or Samsung Pay, so it would only make sense that we should be able to withdraw cash using our devices. And this is exactly what some bank cash machines are allowing customers to do. Dozen of banks throughout the U.S. are updating or installing new ATMs that feature a system that lets customers order the amount of cash they wish to withdraw from an app and then scan a code at the machine to get their money. This new system means that customers will not have to insert a card or even put in a PIN. The new cardless ATMs would provide faster and more secure transactions by reducing the time it takes to withdraw money and preventing skimming, the technique used to steal money and data from previous machine users using illegal devices that are attached to the slot where a card is inserted. Bank of America, Chase and Wells Fargo are among the banks that are deploying the new cash machines, which would either require a software update or replacing old machines with new ones that support the system. A spokesperson from Bank of America revealed that the bank is "currently developing a new cardless ATM solution" that uses near field communication (NFC) technology that would allow customers to get their cash, and has plans to roll out the machines in late February in New York, Boston, Charlotte, Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Chase is taking smaller steps toward going PIN-free by first giving customers an access code in the bank's mobile app that must be entered at the ATM to complete the transaction. However, the bank will allow customers to use their mobile wallet to make transactions in the near future. Wells Fargo customers will similarly receive an eight-digit pin to authorize their transaction, but its system will also support Android Pay, with the possibility of supporting other mobile wallets in the future. There are currently about 2,000 ATMs using the smartphone-enabled system that are operated by at least 28 U.S. banks. And this number will only continue to expand, with 80,000 cardless machines expected to roll out in the next 18 months. Further combining technology and banking, the ATM manufacturer Diebold is testing a "headless" machine that contains no screen or keypad, and would instead allow users to dispense cash from their smartphones after the machine scans their fingerprint or retina. Source: Agence France-Presse Photo: Dan DeLuca | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Volkswagen still hasn't reached an agreement over a proposal to fix nearly 600,000 faulty diesel vehicles in the United States, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) rejecting its proposal just last month. While the EPA isn't letting the embattled automaker off the hook over its emissions scandal, it is asking the company to manufacture electric vehicles as part of its mending process in the country, German newspaper Welt am Sonntag is reporting, as confirmed by Reuters. Although the paper didn't cite any specific sources, it claims the EPA has requested VW to manufacture electric vehicles at its Chattanooga, Tenn. plant in addition to helping to construct a network of charging stations. If the alleged request pans out to be true, it shouldn't be received as sour news to VW, considering this past September the same day that the news broke about its emissions scandal the automaker vowed to introduce 20 electric cars and plug-in hybrids by 2020. While VW looks to a cleaner future, it still must get itself out of the trudge of this emissions crisis, getting the EPA and CARB to agree on a recall proposal and soon. "Talks with the EPA are ongoing and we are not commenting on the contents and state of the negotiations," a VW spokesman told Reuters. Earlier this month, VW announced that it was postponing both its annual earnings report and annual shareholders meeting scheduled for March 10 and April 21, respectively over the uncertainty of its emissions scandal. Still, Reuters claims that the automaker's origins of its crisis will be presented by the Jones Day law firm in April. At least VW can take some solace in knowing that its recall of 8.5 million compromised vehicles in Europe has been underway, as of earlier this month. That being said, VW still has long ways to go in cleaning up its reputation, which has been badly bruised on a worldwide scale, even causing the automaker to lose shares in Europe to the competition just recently. How long do you think it will take before VW is fully in the clear over its emissions scandal? 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In May 2012, consulting firm Celent foreshadowed autonomous cars impacting roads by publishing the article "A Scenario: The End of Auto Insurance: What Happens When There Are (Almost) No Accidents?" That writing on the wall of a drop-off in business due to less collisions has one car insurance company Allstate extremely concerned. According to the Chicago Tribune, Allstate isn't only concerned about losing business due to less accidents, but also due to the fact that the growth of self-driving cars and connected cars overall will make more vehicles susceptible to hacking. Why would Allstate be particularly concerned with the latter? Well, the insurance company invests in driver-monitoring technologies called telematics, and its investment could take a big hit if connected vehicles are regularly hacked. "Telematics devices used have been identified as a potential means for an unauthorized person to connect with a vehicle's computer system resulting in theft or damage, which could affect our ability to successfully use these technologies," Allstate said as part of its 2015 annual report released Friday, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. "Other potential technological changes, such as driverless cars or technologies that facilitate ride or home sharing, could disrupt the demand for our products from current customers, create coverage issues or impact the frequency or severity of losses, and we may not be able to respond effectively." This concern marks an opposite reaction to autonomous vehicle development in comparison to Allstate's letter to shareholders in 2014, when the company said self-driving cars and connected vehicles will spark a "tremendous opportunity" for the insurer. On Monday, company spokesman Brian Faith told the Tribune that "protecting the privacy of our customers' information is our top priority, and Allstate is confident in the security of our telematics devices," before adding, "We utilize multiple layers of protection to maintain the confidentiality of the data collected and prevent unauthorized access." While officials working on self-driving vehicles from both Toyota and Mercedes-Benz told Tech Times that they don't think fully autonomous cars will be ready to hit the road in 2020 as targeted by automakers their rapid development is enough to seemingly send shivers down Allstate's spine. It will be intriguing to see how insurance companies remain relevant in their worst-scenario case of a dramatic free-fall of accidents due to a rampant number of proven self-driving cars. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Anonymous declare war on Cincinnati police department over shooting of a black man with BB-gun The online hacktivist organisation has declared a war on the Cincinnati police department over the fatal shooting of a unarmed black man reportedly carrying a BB-gun. In retaliation for the unprovoked killing of Paul Gaston by three Cincinnati police officers, the Anonymous have leaked details of 52 police officers ranging from the Chief of Cincinnati, Isaac to rank-and-file officers. The death of 37 year old Paul Gaston, who was shot and killed by Cincinnati police officers on Wednesday, has sparked controversy, as he was unarmed at the time. According to sources, Gaston was driving a truck and hit a telegraph pole, when a 911 caller said he stumbled out of the vehicle, dropped a gun, and then picked up the gun and took off. Based on the details given 911 caller, police reached the spot within an hour. They shot and killed Gaston on his knees with his hands behind his head, claiming he was reaching for a gun in his waistband. Later it was proved that Gaston was carrying a BB-gun which looked like a real gun. The group said it released the info Sunday night in response to Wednesdays shooting death of Paul Gaston, a black man, by three white Cincinnati cops. Thin Blue Line, your game is over, an Anonymous figure said in the video, according to a transcript. You lost. While we release your officers information, we will hold no responsibility of the actions of those that see the information. That leaked information included names, ages, street addresses, email addresses and social media accounts, as well as the names and addresses of officers family members. Its unclear if the information was obtained via a data breach or through publicly available sources, Cincinnati Police Lt. Steve Saunders told Cincinnati.com. Transcript of the video : Greetings world, we are Anonymous Anon Verdict. The following clip you are about to see are three separate cell phone clips of Cincinnati Police Department murdering a black man named Paul Gaston while he held his hands up on February 17th. With the evidence provided it is quite obvious that he was complying and had his hands in the air. Just a day before this shooting in the Cincinnati Metropolitan area this man was accused of pointing this replica at police. He lived But John Crawford, Tamir Rice, and now Paul Gaston didnt. How does one man point a fake pistol at a cop and live while another man doesnt, but is killed execution style? For far too long we have sat idly by letting the gang known as the Thin Blue Line murder citizens of United States without allowing them due process. Well we have a message to not only the Cincinnati Police Department but to every law enforcement officer. When you murder a human being when you have other choices of containing your suspect available we will make your officers information public record. We will data dump as many officers as we see fit for each situation. We will not only release the officer who murdered the citizens information but we will release those that have stood by in the department that did not speak up. We have lost more lives to the Thin Blue Line than we have lost in the Afghanistan War. Thin Blue Line, your game is over. You lost. While we release your officers information, we will hold no responsibility of the actions of those that see the information. 5 reasons that would make one believe that $4 Freedom 251 Android smartphone is a big scam The social media was abuzz last week when a recently formed smartphone company, Ringing Bells Pvt Ltd. launched the cheapest 3G smartphone in India, Freedom 251 at an astonishing price of Rs. 251 ($less than $4). The Union Minister of Defence of India, Shri Manohar Parrikar launched the worlds cheapest smartphone Freedom 251 under Make-In-India initiative at an event in New Delhi. Since Make-In-India is a program by Government of India, it lead to many people believe in this company and book this phone. However, this cheap smartphone and its makers have come under scanner and are being looked at as a big scam. The reasons provided below state about possibility of a big scam. However, the truth will come to light only after Ringing Bells will start delivering this smartphones to the users by June 30. Until then, lets have a look at the reasons: 1. Pricing of the product When the initial announcement regarding Freedom 251 was made, the phone was said to cost Rs. 500. However, subsequent clarifications revealed that it would instead be priced at Rs. 251. Sounds fishy, right? Also, the Mobile Industry Body and Indian Cellular Association (ICA) have raised questions on the pricing of this budget smartphone. ICA maintained that this device cannot be sold below $51 (Rs. 3,500) even after a subsidized sale. 2. Freedom 251 is using Adcoms casing Freedom 251 has been spotted with Chinese company, Adcoms casing. While Adcom said that it is not manufacturing Freedom 251, it is still unclear whether Ringing Bells will make Freedom 251 in its own manufacturing plant or other. Also, Adcoms logo has been hidden using a Whitener. Adcoms Marketing Manager said that, We have no idea that our branding is being used on the Freedom 251. We will look into this. 3. Unapproved by the Government Ringing Bells is not registered and certified under Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Therefore, the company is not licensed to sell its products in India. BJPs MP Mr Kirti Somaiya has labelled this company as ponzi bogus company scam. There is no subsidy provided to the manufacturer from Government for this scheme. Also, the company has used the words of Startup India & Make-In-India but they do not have any collaboration with these two schemes. 4. Piracy Issue The company may find itself in a legal soup, as it looks similar to an Apple iPhone. All the icons of the built-in app are a pixel-to-pixel copy of Apples iOS icons. A genuine company will not steal the work of other company. Apples icons like Calculator, Camera, Web Browser and Email have been used in Freedom 251. 5. Poorly Designed Website and Data Insecurity Many people found vulnerability in the site after some inspection. The primary security protocol for any Shopping site is HTTPS, and it is very easy to setup HTTPS. However, the site freedom251.com does not use this protocol. SSL (HTTPS) encrypts data between the user and the server, which helps to secure your important details from hackers. In other words, it hints to us that our data is not at all safe with them, as you can book the device only through net banking, debit or credit card, since no Cash-On-Delivery (COD) option is available. The company has made some tall claims stating they want to capture nearly 30 percent of the smartphone market by the end of the year. However, the companys site crashed even before it started taking its first booking order for the Freedom 251. A 40 anos de Malvinas "Revisar el pasado es pensar el futuro". La frase de la presidenta de Telam, Bernarda Llorente, resume el espiritu del documental coproducido entre la agencia de noticias y el canal publico de TV sobre la cobertura que los medios de comunicacion hicieron del conflicto, plagada de censura y mentiras. Una autocritica necesaria para mirar hacia adelante en un (ya viejo) contexto de fake news y negocio informativo. Nesta, the innovation charity, claims that 6pc of high-growth firms account for 54pc of all net new employment. This years study, which uses revenue, profit, and job creation data from DueDil, identified several trends more high-growth companies are now found outside London, with Scotland leading the way in terms of revenue growth, with its top firms driving up revenues by 80pc. Last year, the report showed that a quarter of the UKs most successful firms were in the manufacturing, construction or engineering industries, and this is also true of 2016s list. IT, telecommunications and the creative industries are also top performers this year. The 1,000 companies featured in the research are growing turnover by an average of 44pc each year and creating well-paid jobs for skilled workers. We've noticed you're adblocking. We rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism. We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future. Thank you for your support. Petra Diamonds has slumped into a pre-tax loss after being pumelled by price drops in the global diamond market. The London-listed diamond producer sold 7pc fewer diamonds in the first half of its financial year, as falling demand and a glut of supply pushed prices down by 9pc. That resulted in a $2.2m loss after tax in the six months to the end of December, compared with a $39.1m profit a year earlier. Sales in the period tumbled 28pc to 154m. Net debt almost doubled from $172m in June 2015 to $324m at the end of the year, as Petra stepped up investment in its Cullinan mine, the pit that produced two of the biggest diamonds in the Crown Jewels. But the Southern African company has shrugged off the disappointing trading and concerns over its cashflow, saying it expects a better performance in the second half, as diamond prices firm up. The depreciation of the South African rand, in which the company pays its operating costs, against the US dollar, in which it reports, will provide a helpful tailwind, while tight cost control will also support growth, the company said. Finance director David Abery said: "Yes, its been one of our more challenging periods for cashflow but we always knew that this was going to be in this period. Thousands of British manufacturers risk slipping into stagnation unless the Government and industry does more to help them adapt to the "fourth industrial revolution", a new report warns. NatWest said many mid-sized manufacturers, already "cautious of innovation and risk", were in danger of becoming "isolated" as automation increases and working practices alter. While the UK's biggest businesses had the diversity and international reach to adopt new technologies and smaller companies were "nimble" enough to avoid being "stifled by process", it said medium-sized manufacturers often lacked direction and support. A survey by the bank showed many business leaders were not even aware of the government support available to help them innovate or expand overseas. Most British businesses say the concessions the Government has extracted from Brussels in recent days have done little to change attitudes towards the European Union, with a clear majority wanting Britain to remain a member. Two polls from the Institute of Directors (IoD) and manufacturers trade body EEF each found that six out of 10 of their members support Britain remaining in the European Union. The news came as it was reported an open letter about the impact of Britain leaving the EU signed by FTSE 100 bosses will warn a so-called Brexit would put the UK economy at risk. Members of the IoD said the agreement hammered out over the weekend by the Prime Minister, David Cameron, was a reasonable deal for their businesses, focusing on cutting red tape and unnecessary legislation, a move away from ever closer union, and protection for the City. InterContinental Hotels 24.54+8p Questor says BUY All eyes will be on InterContinental Hotels Group [LON: IHG] tomorrow, when the FTSE 100 giant behind the Holiday Inn chain is expected to announce a $1bn return to investors following the sale of sites in Paris and Hong Kong. With further returns likely and the hotels industry in the throes of consolidation, Questor believes IHG shares should have a place in investors portfolios. A business transformed Under Richard Solomons, IHGs chief executive, the hotels giant has undergone a transformation in the past decade, from an asset-heavy company that owns many of its hotels, to an asset-light business. It is a switch that has seen the firm sell many of its properties but continue to operate the sites under management contracts. As a consequence, IHG has been able to return the proceeds from its various disposals over the years to investors, a trend that is expected to continue when the company announces 2015 results tomorrw. IHG generated about $1.3bn from the sale of flagship hotels in Paris and Hong Kong last year, and following those deals, it is widely expected to say it will return about $1bn to shareholders. HSBC has cut staff bonuses after reporting a fall in annual profit and warning of a "bumpier" global financial outlook, thanks to China's slowing economy. Europe's biggest bank said adjusted pre-tax profit, which is an industry measure of underlying growth, slumped 7pc to $20.4bn (14.4bn) in the year to the end of December, driven lower by higher losses on loans and rising wage costs. Reported profits, which include exceptional charges and other one-off costs, inched up 1pc to $18.9bn, compared with a year earlier. HSBC, which last week revealed it will keep its headquarters in London, unexpectedly announced a $1.3bn loss for the final quarter of 2015, compared with a $511m profit in the same period the previous year. The bank also said that chief executive Stuart Gulliver would take a pay cut, "reflecting the weaker financial performance of the group and the progress towards implementation of global standards during the year". Mr Gulliver's bonus fell from 1.3m in 2014 to 1.1m for 2015, and his group performance share plan paid out 2m rather than 2.1m. Overall, his pay packet for 2015 came in at 7.3m, down 3.7pc from the 7.6m he received in 2014. The overall bonus pool was also cut by 5pc to $3.5bn. Britains mobile companies could be prevented from offering next-generation data speeds because Europe lacks common standards on new 5G technologies, according to operators. Vodafones chief executive has called on politicians to agree policies for the future of Europes wireless data networks to close the gap on bigger global economies. At Mobile World Congress, an industry gathering in Barcelona, Vittorio Colao said: China and the US will lead, simply because we dont yet have rules around spectrum and access that are uniform across Europe. British Airways has once again beaten the likes of Apple, John Lewis and Google to the top spot of Britain's most loved brands. The UK's flagship airline took first place in the annual "consumer superbrands" list by The Centre for Brand Analysis for the third year in a row, following a year of growth for the airline. BA's parent company International Airlines Group (IAG) posted soaring profits in its third quarter following strong demand across Europe. BA also recently announced a number of new long-haul routes, including direct flights between tech favourite Silicon Valley and London. Dyson came in at number 4 on the list, the engineering group's highest ever position in the survey's 21-year history. The company's high ranking came after a series of successful high profile advertising campaigns fronted by its eponymous founder, James Dyson. UK's best consumer brands - the top 20: British Airways Rolex Lego Dyson Gillette Mercedes-Benz Apple Jaguar Kellogg's Andrex Nike Heinz Coca-Cola John Lewis Haagen-Dazs Google Virgin Atlantic Marks & Spencer Amazon.co.uk Microsoft British stalwarts John Lewis and Marks & Spencer were the remaining British-owned brands to make the top 20, along with Virgin Atlantic. The report considers 1,600 brands before shortlisting a number to be put forward to 2,500 adults in the UK. British expats in Europe have stepped up their campaign to stay in the EU amid fears that a Brexit would see them lose key rights and benefits overnight. There are thought to be more than two million UK nationals living across the EU. As long as Britain remains in the union, they have their pension and health care rights protected. They also have the right to live, work and own property in Europe, and claim social security benefits. However, in the event of a Brexit, these advantages would be up for renegotiation possibly on a country by country basis leading to months of uncertainty. NHS treatment is free for those with a European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) and UK state pensioners living in the European Economic Area. But if Britain exits the EU, these expats would have to buy private health insurance or pay for treatment. Spain is known for offering a good quality of life with a low cost of living which is why it is the third most popular country in the world for Britons to live. However, new research shows that those in some of the countrys regional capitals are spending far more than their compatriots in other parts of the country. Research by Kelisto.es found that Barcelona residents are paying as much as 30.17pc more than the national average cost of living in Spain. This is higher than San Sebastian, which is 27.85pc above the national average, and Madrid at 22.72pc. The cost of living in cities, percentage above or below the national average As longtime partners in design Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley launch their own labels second collection, the duo reveal their vision for the Hillier Bartley woman A couple of years ago, I found myself queuing at the till of an American retailer, carrying a huge pile of Marc by Marc Jacobs clothes. Let me be clear, these were not clothes I would usually buy. But in a sort of fashion #squadgoals moment, I had succumbed in the hope of acquiring, by osmosis, even a little of the attitude and spirit that they represented. The design duo behind the label, Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley, had debuted their vision for Marc Jacobs second line at their first electrifying catwalk show for the brand some months earlier, and the industry was abuzz. I realised right there that I was under a Hillier Bartley enchantment, powerless in the spell of their peculiar magnetism. An established name in the ready-to-wear business and the 2008 Designer of the Year winner at the British Fashion Awards, Bartleys eponymous label was one of London Fashion Weeks hottest tickets right up until its shock closure in 2009 when its Italian production arm went out of business. Bartley stepped out of the fashion limelight for a while, releasing a book, Luellas Guide to English Style, the following year, and bringing up three children in Cornwall with her fashion-photographer husband, David Sims. An idiosyncratic designer with a quirkily feminine British aesthetic, you can recognise a Luella outfit a mile away. I have a sweater from her little shop on Brook Street that feels as relevant today as it did when I bought it eight years ago. I like to think it was modelled on something Queen Elizabeth II once wore. It's open Tory warfare in the Commons. David Cameron is throwing a string of barbs undermining Boris Johnson's apparent suggestion there could be a second referendum after a No vote. Every line is being met by a shake of the head by the London Mayor. Arms are firmly folded. Labour MPs - for once - are the ones hollering "more!" Extraordinary stuff in the Commons. Labour MPs cheer on Cameron and shout 'more, more' as he demolishes Boris Johnson. Strange times #Brexit Steven Swinford (@Steven_Swinford) February 22, 2016 As for Michael Gove, the Justice Secretary who also backed Brexit over the weekend, he is nowhere to be seen on the front bench. Mr Cameron finishes his statement with a clear barb at Boris: "I'm not standing for re-election. I have no other agenda..." Ben Riley-Smith, Political Correspondent Conservative former minister Liam Fox said he would be surprised if Mr Johnson did not join the Leave campaign. Asked if it would be a big surprise if the London mayor did not support Brexit, Mr Fox told Murnaghan on Sky News: "Yes I'd be surprised, because I think it is all about this point of sovereignty and the Prime Minister says Britain is now free from ever-closer union." Eurosceptic Mr Fox said he does not believe Mr Cameron's claim "stands up to legal scrutiny" as there has been no treaty change. Mr Fox added: "People say: 'Oh, how could you be in the same campaign as George Galloway and others', but the Prime Minister is going to have to link arms with Nicola Sturgeon and Jeremy Corbyn on that side of the argument - not a pretty picture, I have to say." O.S.B, the abbreviation for the Order of St. Benedict, has taken on nuanced meaning: Oh Sacred Business. This is definitely true of a profitable Benedictine company located in Norcia, the medieval birthplace of St. Benedict in central Italy. In just four years, a talented and enterprising team has found the right mix of tradition, vocation and good business sense to take their Birra Nursia brewery to scale. From what was once a micro-production focusing on gift shop and local sales, the production line at this centuries-old monastery is now able to meet quotas of around 120,000 bottles per annum. Under the leadership brewmonk Br. Francis Davoren and manager Fr. Martin Bernhard, 17 Benedictines have expanded their brewing business with the help of sophisticated equipment while maintaining the fine craft brew taste and strict standards of ancient monastic recipes in their blonde (6%) and strong dark (10%) ales. Via a January 22 press release, the Norcia Benedictines announced they would began expanding their export markets to service orders from America. Sales and delivery are processed via a U.S. On-line store and distributor. The ambitious project includes customer incentives for monthly purchases by joining a premium brewmonks club membership. The beer club awards faithful customers with signature glass beer goblets and bottle openers, shipping priority, a newsletter with business updates and spiritual insights related to brewing, and without doubt daily prayers from the monks themselves. According to a recent Business Insider video produced about Birra Nursia, the Benedictines have no ambitions of overthrowing Anheuser-Busch. They prefer to keep the business small to mid-sized, so that their rigorous prayer and spiritual lives are not compromised, while still doing all the work themselves to keep overhead low and margins as high as possible. This makes good sense and respects the balance of efficient hard work and disciplined prayer life (ora et labora) set out in the Rule of St. Benedict . Business Insider reports that proceeds from the Birra Nursia sales go to make improvements to the historic Monastery of St. Benedict and contribute to sustaining the monks livelihood. Accrording to a Birra Nursia representative, the profits also help them finance their charitable works when serving the many poor people who come to the monastery looking for a meal or a place to stay. Over 1 in 4 French Gas Stations Out of at Least One Fuel: CNN Bhuma Nagi Reddy Resigns As PAC Chairman Speculations are rife in political circles that Nandyal YSRCP MLA Bhuma Nagi Reddy and his daughter are toying the idea of switching over to the ruling Telugu Desam Party. Now giving strength to the rumors Bhooma has resigned for the PAC post that was offered to him by opposition leader YS Jagan. Bhuma has resigned from his post as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee and handed over all the key files. The MLA has resigned prior to his term which is expiring on this month ending. Today in the afternoon, Bhooma Nagireddy is reportedly going to meet AP CM Chandrababu Naidu. There is a clear indication that Bhooma Nagireddy will be joining into TDP. Meanwhile Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asked party leaders from Kurnool, including Deputy Chief Minister K.E. Krishnamurthy, to be present in Vijayawada on Saturday. The development assumes significance in the light of reports that Nagi Reddy is likely to join the ruling party anytime. As per reports Nagi Reddy along with three other YSRC MLAs -- his daughter Akhila, S.V. Mohan Reddy and Kodumuru MLA Mani Gandhi -- had in principle agreed to join the TDP.As per reports TDP has offered minister berth to Akhila if the Bhuma family joined TDP. News Posted: 22 February, 2016 Minister Kisses Second Wife; Lost Cabinet Post Tamil Nadu Minister BV Ramana loses his ministry after a picture of him kissing a woman went viral in whatsapp. Chief minister Amma Jayalalithaa on Saturday sacked Dairy Development Minister BV Ramana from her cabinet. Ramanaa was also being relieved as party's Tiruvallur west secretary. However, the reason for dropping him from the cabinet is not known. But some reports had that the decision was taken by Amma after a photo of Minister kissing a woman went viral on the messenger. Although it was said that woman in the picture is none other than his second wife, he faced the consequence. The action came on the last day of the last session of the 14th assembly.Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah issued a statement announcing Ramana's removal from the council of ministers. News Posted: 22 February, 2016 Pawan Forgot; But fans Reviving Power star Pawan Kalyan formally launched Jana Sena party at HICC Madhapur on 14 March 2014 and the party is going to celebrate its second anniversary. Though the party is yet to build its cadre and evolve as a full-fledged party, Pawan's supporters are planning to celebrate its second anniversary in a big way. The fans have planned to kick start what is called as celebration of Jana Sena party foundation day. As per reports a group of nearly 300 Janasena party members discussed about the plans of celebrating 2nd anniversary in a grand way across both telugu states. It is being planned to bolster party strength to grass roots level and fans planned to conduct Jana Sena rallies starting in Visakhapatnam on March 14th. One wonders if the party founder is even bothered about Janasena while some of his hard-core fans continue to revive the party. News Posted: 22 February, 2016 Ranking European tractors manufacturers Who registered the most new tractors in Europe in 2015 ? Who is the leader in tractor registration in Germany, in Italy ? Who is the best-selling tractor brand in Europe ? Which group got the largest market share in Europe ? Discover, in a new way, the market shares of the leading tractor manufacturers in Europe in 2015. Graph Europe sales volumes by brand If the first place for John Deere (18.6 %) and the second for New Holland ( 15.8 %) are fairly predictable, Fendt on the third place at 8.7 % was enough to disconcert our vision. However apart from the first 2 tractors leading manufacturer in Europe, other brands like Fendt, Massey Ferguson, Case IH, Claas and Deutz-Fahr follow in a handkerchief. Graphic Europe by group registrations. If we compile the results of different brands by groups, ranking is changing. CNH is the group, with its New Holland, Case IH and Steyr brands, who headed the European ranking of tractor registration. In fact, one quarter of the tractors sold in Europe and CNH tractors. The Agco group with its brands Fendt, Massey Ferguson and Valtra follow with 21 % market share. John Deere is just behind with 19 % of European tractor sales. These two last groups represent 1/5 of each new tractor registrations in 2015. Working methods : Press groups partners of Terre-net.fr and Press groups from Machine of the Year, worked together to conduct the first study in the press of tractor sales volumes in Europe. Some sources refused to be quoted, the others are : http://www.agrarheute.com/agrartechnik , http://www.maskinbladet.dk/ , http://bauernzeitung.at/ , http://www.sillonbelge.be/ , http://www.nekanecom.com/ , http://www.agromechanika.net.pl/ , http://www.abolsamia.pt/ , http://ja.se/ , www.traktori.hr Other sources were also used as, Agrievolution, Unacma, FTMTA, AEA. Limits of the analysis : The data collected are representing 141,682 tractors in 22 European countries. But the latest figures totaling the European market are of 169,500 tractors in 2014 (source : CEMA / Agrievolution / VDMA). The study represents about 84 % of the European market. However, the main countries in terms of volume are present in the analysis : France, Germany, Italy, Poland, UK, Spain, ... Data processing from the tractor market in 2015 are calculated over 16 countries. The whole of Europe is not available. However a majority of the volume is taken into account and allows us to understand the positioning of the brands in Europe. More than 37 brands of tractors sold in Europe were listed in this survey. For ease of reading and understanding we have grouped all brands that do not registered more than 1,000 tractors in the category others. This still represents 16 tractor brands for over 92 % of the market studied. Functions in countries the source of information may vary. In fact the interpretation of the decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Communities and in particular its judgments, John Deere Ltd 27 October 1994 (C-7/95) and John Deere Ltd on 28 May 1998 (C-7/95) is not the same in different countries. The result is that in some countries registration is formally given by the unions of manufacturers or distributors, while in other countries it is necessary that journalists conduct a enquiry to estimate the market share. In other countries such as Ireland or the UK, we use the figure of previous years, (2013 in this case when writing these lines) before the lack of transparency on figures in those countries. In some states the notion of power greater than 50 hp is not taken into account in the calculation of registrations. This data is important in the North Countrys but not necessarily in the southern countries where specialized low-power tractors represent a significant share of sales. Therefore registrations between countries are not comparable. Tous droits de reproduction reserves - Contactez Terre-net JACKSON, Mississippi -- Police are investigating a fatal shooting at a Jackson strip club. The Jackson Police Department said in a news release that officers responded to the Black Diamond Club on Saturday regarding reports of gunfire. Police say several people were involved in an altercation and at least one person produced a gun and fired several shots inside the building and at the parking lot. Thirty-six-year-old Dennis Evans and 36-year-old Sylvester Williams were shot and transported to a hospital. Williams later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Police say it was the second time in less than two weeks that a shooting occurred at the strip club. The investigation is ongoing and officials are asking anyone with information to contact authorities. Phil Chronican, a former senior executive at ANZ Banking Group and Westpac Banking Corp, is joining National Australia Bank's board as a non-executive director. Mr Chronican will provide the board with domestic banking expertise after the retirement of Paul Rizzo, who had worked as an executive at Commonwealth Bank of Australia and ANZ and retired at NAB's annual meeting in December. Phil Chronican will join the NAB board from May 2, subject to regulatory approval. Credit:Louie Douvis In a statement to the ASX, NAB chairman Ken Henry described Mr Chronican as "one of Australia's most respected bankers" and said he would "contribute his deep banking experience, commercial skills and market knowledge to National Australia Bank". Mr Chronican, a 30-year veteran of the industry, has held some of the most senior positions in Australian banking. He was head of ANZ in Australia from 2009 until February 2015, and had responsibility for ANZ's retail and commercial bank. Before that, at Westpac, he worked as chief financial officer and was group executive of the institutional bank. He had been seen as a potential future leader of Westpac before the appointment of Gail Kelly as chief executive in 2008. Supporters of asylum seeker baby Asha have released hospital records stating the baby accidentally poured a bowl of hot water over herself, after media reports suggested the mother may have deliberately injured her child to get to Australia. The advocates have accused the Turnbull government of playing "dirty politics" by leaking details of an investigation by Queensland Police and other sensitive information to the media to damage the reputation of the child's mother, as the government faces huge public pressure to let the family stay in Australia permanently. The office of Immigration Minister Peter Dutton rejected the claims. Doctors at Brisbane's Lady Cilento Hospital had refused to discharge the one-year-old girl, who goes by the pseudonym Asha and was facing return to Nauru. The hospital said she would not be released until a suitable home environment was found. Clerical abuse survivors from Ballarat will fly to Rome this weekend to hear Cardinal George Pell give evidence to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Around 15 survivors and support staff will fly on either Friday or Saturday ahead of Cardinal Pell's video evidence on Monday. The survivors will be in the same room as Cardinal Pell while he gives evidence - at this stage it looks likely to be at a Rome hotel. "It will have the same conditions and gravitas as if he were here," said Anthony Foster, whose two daughters were repeatedly abused as primary school students by a Catholic priest in Melbourne. One later took her own life. "But we will not be satisfied until we see true justice for the victims." On the question of whether Cardinal Pell was directly involved in abuse and is being investigated by police, Mr Foster said: "We will leave that to Victoria police." A Dandenong Hospital psychiatric patient has been accused of killing a woman he knew in Melbourne's south-east. Luke Sydney McLennan, 33, appeared in a brief out-of-sessions court hearing on Sunday night on one count of murder. Mr McLennan was due to appear before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday, but chose not to be brought before a magistrate and was remanded in custody. Homicide Detective Senior Constable Julio Salerno told the out-of-sessions hearing that Mr McLennan had been a patient at Dandenong Hospital when police were notified of the woman's death. Mr McLennan had called his stepfather from the hospital and told him there was a woman's body in a home on Kays Avenue in Hallam, the detective told the court. Baghdad: Radioactive material that went missing in Iraq has been found dumped near a petrol station in the southern town of Zubair, officials say, ending speculation it could be acquired by Islamic State and used as a weapon. The officials said on Sunday the material, stored in a protective case the size of a laptop computer, was undamaged and there were no concerns about radiation. A passer-by apparently found the radioactive material and reported it to authorities. Credit:Glenn Campbell Reuters reported last week that Iraq had been searching for the material since it was stolen in November from a storage facility belonging to US oilfield services company Weatherford near the southern city of Basra. It was not immediately clear how the device, owned by Swiss inspections group SGS, ended up in Zubair, around 15km southwest of Basra. Canberra's Michelle Jenkins was on top of the world, or at least Australia, when she spoke to Gang Gang just after sunrise on Monday morning. Having covered more than 450km kilometres of the Australian Alps Walking Track since the start of the month, she was about to head up to the 2228-metre-high summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Michelle Jenkins, who is mountain walking to raise funds for and awareness of PTSD. Credit:Melissa Adams MLA Pawel Strzelecki's most famous discovery is literally the high point on the Canberra volunteer firefighter and post-traumatic stress sufferer's 660km trek along the track to raise awareness of post traumatic stress disorder. Jenkins is working with local support organisation Picking Up The Peaces, which assists emergency service workers, peacekeepers and soldiers who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Brambles is leading the push to modernise distribution chains in China and India as the $17 billion logistics giant upgraded its full year profit forecasts. The company has just completed a study with China's Ministry of Commerce and state-owned think-tank, CAITEC, to work out ways to streamline the transport of goods around the country. Brambles CEO Tom Gorman Credit:Louie Douvis "By all accounts, as a percentage of GDP [gross domestic product], the Chinese spend twice what we spend in the western world on logistics costs," Brambles chief executive Tom Gorman said. "As the working population declines and the cost of labour goes up, the only way you can get production increase in that environment is you have to get productivity improvement. And they need to focus on improved logistics productivity. Vodafone Hutchison Australia's rebound strategy is paying off with the number of mobile customers growing significantly in 2015 and ramping up the pressure on rivals Telstra and Singtel-Optus. Vodafone Australia, which is jointly-owned by London-based Vodafone Group and Hong Kong's Hutchison Whampoa, reported its financial results for the year ending December 2015. These showed that the mobile carrier's total pool of customers grew to 5.44 million as of December 2015, up from 5.302 million a year earlier. Revenue also rose by 4.5 per cent to $3.65 billion over the same period. The improving results put pressure on Telstra, which lost ground last week in the crucial post-paid mobile market. This refers to lucrative customers who are on contracts and generally spend more money. Telstra is heavily reliant on its mobile service division, which generated 41 per cent of its revenue during the half-year ending December 2015. Where Telstra has added 80,000 post-paid mobile customers in the past six months, Optus has added 145,000 once one-off events are excluded. Vodafone Australia grew its post-paid subscriber base by 74,000 during the same period. But Telstra continues to dominate the market with 16.9 million subscribers followed by Optus, which has 9.37 million, and Vodafone Australia's 5.44 million mobile customers. All three of Australia's biggest mobile carriers are launching mobile plans with more generous download allowances and smartphone subsidies in an effort to grow their subscriber bases. But this has resulted in both Telstra and Optus reporting falling average revenues per user (ARPU) because customers are not exceeding their download allowances or global roaming caps as much as they used to. Read more. Southern Cross Austereo chief executive Grant Blackley is "quietly confident" that radio advertising can continue to drive profit growth for the radio and television broadcaster. Mr Blackley also flagged that the proceeds of any further sell-down of non-core assets, such as land, buildings or transmission towers, would be invested in the company rather than used to pay down debt. "These results demonstrate material progress in the operational turnaround of Southern Cross Austereo," chief executive Grant Blackley says. Credit:Louise Kennerley Southern Cross' debt has been one of the key issues flagged by analysts and fund managers. After the first-half, pro-forma debt was reduced 35 per cent to $372 million. Southern Cross forecast its full-year profit would rise up to 20 per cent to $78 million, compared with adjusted profit from the previous year, which the company said reflected lower financing costs. Scentre Group, the owner and manager of Westfield shopping centres across Australia and New Zealand, has reported funds from operations (FFO) of $1.199 billion, or 22.58 per security. It will pay a final distribution of 10.45 per security, taking the full-year distribution to 20.9 per security. Scentre, run by Peter Allen, was spun out of the Westfield empire in 2014, and now runs the local malls. Credit:Louie Douvis Scentre's bottom line net profit, $2.7 billion is presented as a 58 per cent fall from $6.5 billion in 2014. But the two numbers are not comparable because of the restructure in the middle of 2014. The $6.5 billion number does not include Westfield Retail for first six month of 2014 but does include Westfield Group for the first six months. The Australian Taxation Office will have greater "leverage" during tax disputes thanks to proposed changes to foreign investment applications, tax experts say. Treasurer Scott Morrison on Monday announced that it wants to impose new requirements that would force foreign companies that don't pay their fair share of tax to sell their Australian assets. The ATO will now have greater power to hold assets or put locks on foreign bank accounts if it thinks the investor is trying to avoid tax. BDO tax partner Chris Ball said he was concerned that the tax office would be able to use the proposed changes as extra leverage during tax disputes. Today, as we fret over Islamic State in Iraq, the Australian ground mission in Afghanistan continues. After nearly 15 years, the security situation there has not much improved. Al-Qaeda remains, the Taliban are resurgent, IS has a growing presence, the Afghan government is divided and corruption and poverty are commonplace throughout the country. We are still struggling to find an exit strategy. Afghanistan might have slipped from our attention, but the mission goes on. Over time, our politicians did not tell us much of our strategy. There is a good excuse we didn't have one. Australia's soldiers finally have a chance to tell us, in their own words, about their service in Afghanistan. The mission might have been clear at the start: vengeance against al Qaeda and get rid of the Taliban, who were supporting it. But beyond tightly constrained successive missions of reconstruction, mentoring and training, the coalition struggled for a strategy and then, after 13 years, we decided to leave the country, "ready or not". Even that didn't work and due to a worsening security situation, the withdrawal has been put aside and about 270 Australian troops remain in Afghanistan today seemingly tied to an American presence in the country. The one constant over all these years has been the presence of our ground forces in the country. Apart from occasional glimpses of their work, centred around big battles and visiting politicians, we didn't see much of what the Diggers were doing. Along with Iraq, Afghanistan must be one of the most little reported wars in Australia's military history. RayLen Vineyard One of my favorite labels, the Category 5 red blend from RayLen Vineyard in Mocksville, N.C. (Paul Vigna/The Wine Classroom) RayLen Vineyards and Winery has found itself mentioned on this blog a number of times over the almost eight years that I've been writing on wine. A part of the Yadkin Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), the winery is located off Route 40, a few miles west of Winston-Salem and about an hour northeast of Charlotte, N.C. Outside the area, it's one of my favorites whenever we head south to visit old friends. It found a spot recently on Yahoo Travel's list of the best winery in every state, lauded for its award-winning wines and a beautiful setting. Here's the full list of states and wineries. The primary attraction for any visit is to sample and then purchase a bottle or two of Category 5, a full-bodied red comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petite Verdot. RayLen calls Category 5, named after the most powerful hurricane, one of its biggest and boldest wines that offers potential for aging but is drinkable today. Winemaker and general manager Steve Shepard sent up these notes with a bottle of the newest vintage, a 2014: "Notes of crushed violet petals and dill are followed by intense dark cherry and blueberry. The velvety tannins are ample and linger on the palate with balanced acidity, dark fruit and tobacco." It's one of North Carolina's best-known reds and one that stays consistent in quality from vintage to vintage. Obviously, it will pair quite well with grilled red meats and a tender filet with roasted mushrooms. But it's fine, too, with a plate of cheeses or chocolates if you can't wait long enough for that steak dinner. There was something cheering the other night about the relaxed, facetious aspect of the BAFTA awards given the controversy that hit the Oscars a few weeks ago about the lack of diversity among nominees. Director Spike Lee and actress Jada Pinkett Smith declared they wouldn't be attending the 2016 Oscars ceremony because it was all too white "lily white," Lee said. Well, on Valentine's Day, Sacha Baron Cohen did start to announce the award for "best white actress" but was then intercepted by host Stephen Fry. And then there was Australia's Rebel Wilson who was outrageous on the subject. Actor/comedian Rebel Wilson is part of the Australian contingent in Grimsby. Credit:Getty Images Wilson declared that she wasn't going to be attending the Oscars because she hadn't been invited and they were racist (against her). She also spoke in her deadly version of an all-Australian girl voice with ogling lust about Idris Elba (who laughed his head off) and made shocking remarks about how Valentine's Day gave her taste for chocolate. It was a magnificent example of Australian piss-taking. And the Brits cackled merrily. There was also the kiss cam which compelled Leonardo DiCaprio and Dame Maggie Smith to kiss. She was a good sport about it all. As a child in the 1960s I used to walk around our dairy farm with my dad. Sometimes he'd lean on the fence, smoking his pipe while looking out towards the coast, and say, "things are crook in Tallarook." As kids we got the gist of it: the world was in a pretty bad way. If he were alive today, he would be saying the same thing about the state of politics in Australia. Bob Brown introduced legislation on the subject in 2004, 2008, and 2010. In fact, a commitment to Senate voting reform was a condition of Greens support for the minority Labor government in 2010 a condition they agreed to, but failed to deliver on. In 2013 we witnessed the emergence of micro-party preference whisperers who've really figured out how to game the system.When I raised the need for reform with Prime Minister Abbott before the new senators arrived in 2014, he rejected it not on any democratic grounds, but arguing that the Coalition needed to keep the incoming crossbenchers on side to pass his legislation. Therein lies the problem. At last Australia is to take one step towards strengthening our democracy with changes to Senate voting laws. The Greens have been pushing for this reform for 12 years, to better reflect the will of the people. There is a crisis of confidence in our democracy. It's apparent in everything from mining approvals to ministerial indiscretions. It's embedded in the Turnbull-Abbott-Rudd-Gillard-Rudd-Abbott-Turnbull merry-go-round of the past six years. It's a product of the plutocracy we have become with big corporates running governments via political donations, revolving doors between boardrooms and cabinet, and back room preference dealers. Former senator and Greens leader Christine Milne believes there is a crisis of confidence in our democracy. Credit:Andrew Meares Leaving things the way they are now, without the proposed reforms, means voting 1 above the line on your Senate ballot paper is like putting a ping pong ball in the mouth of a fibreglass clown at the Easter Show. You never know where your vote is going to end up. It could be used to elect a Senator who'll support policies you abhor. It could bounce around before landing with a candidate you've never heard of and who you don't want anywhere near the decisions that affect the nation. You wouldn't tolerate a system like that for your university applications, or even your coffee order. So why accept it for voting the most fundamental process in our democracy? If your first choice doesn't work out, shouldn't you be able to specify your second preference? Or your third, fourth, fifth and sixth? Voters should be allowed to number parties 1 to 6 above the line in whatever order they choose, not the pre-determined order negotiated behind closed doors. The outcome the Greens want would allow voters to direct preferences to both major and minor parties, without having to pull out the magnifying glass and number every single box below the line. It also protects small and emerging parties by not making it harder for them to obtain registration. Once registered, they will be listed above the line and you can choose to vote for them or not, rather than ending up voting for them by accident. As a parent of teenagers and a supporter of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), I am well aware of the complexities of being a young person navigating their way through today's 24/7 social media networked world. Mrs Katsambanis may reconsider her stance as her children reach puberty and these issues become more tangible for her and her family. Not everyone can rely on their parents to teach them about LGBTI issues. Personally I think that the article was written from a particular point of view mainly to generate a stir among the 'frequently outraged' section of readers. Fortunately some children have parents that can deal with their identity concerns, can help them figure out who they are and can explain how society likes to tidily place people into categories. But many don't live in such an ideal world and for such parents the 'head in the sand' is the easiest option, hoping they and their child survive the angst of the teenage years and puberty churns out a 'normal' heterosexual young person in the end. And many people, through no fault of their own, don't find the way society is organised particularly applicable to them, such as boys should be attracted to girls and vice versa, and body parts determine gender. These feelings of being outside the standards of society start in childhood and yes, at eleven years of age, many have begun to realise they are different. It is how we deal with these feelings of difference with either compassion and understanding or restriction and constraint that determine the type of society we are. Graeme Finn St Peters Maslow identified air, water and food as the first essentials for human needs. Our state and federal governments needs to be reminded of this as they slash scientists working on climate change at the CSIRO. They need to be aware of it as they slash scientists monitoring the quality of Sydney's drinking water. As for food, perhaps we could learn to enjoy a medium-rare coal burger? Shona Kirchen Kiama The Sydney Catchment Authority was charged with monitoring the quality of water for 4.5million people and the impacts of mining in the catchments. Now it has merged with the State Water Corporation the focus on protecting water catchments has gone. This is a concern for me coming from a dairy farm in the '50s where we had to monitor and boil our own rain/tank water the only water we could drink. I want to know that a reputable authority is overseeing our catchments. The impacts of coal/coal seam gas mining are well documented and I don't want similar impacts in NSW. Michael Green Ryde Sydney's water is already at risk from long-wall mining activities at the Springvale Colliery and at Russel Vale, where the companies' assessment of the risks conflict with the Sydney Catchment Authority's findings. The cutting of key roles at the authority is paving the way for disasters in our catchment with reduced resources to accurately assess the risks. Or could it be that the authority staff are too outspoken about mining risks? What can be more important than our drinking water? It's high time that the coalition reconsiders its priorities. Winnie Fu Killara Incentive for haste So it seems the government can move quickly and decisively when the issue suits it ("Turnbull government to introduce Senate voting reforms", smh.com.au, February 22) There is endless talk of needing to consult the electorate via a costly plebiscite on the apparently difficult issue of same-sex marriage, but when it comes to major revisions to long-standing Senate voting legislation the government miraculously discovers the concept of urgency. Rushing through this legislation and then calling a double dissolution election would be a risky and cynical exercise for a government floundering in its ham-fisted attempts to connect with the electorate. It is just another example confirming that self interest is the true motivating force for our elected representatives. Sadly they never fail to disappoint. Jeff Keen Thornleigh Justice must be done in this most horrifying of cases The most chilling three sentences in Paul Sheehan's shocking account of a most serious crime were these: "When the police came to visit Louise in hospital, she couldn't speak. They said they would come back. They never did." Why on earth not ("The horrifying untold story of Louise", February 22)? Barbara McDonald Woollahra Sometimes, you read an article in the Herald you are sorry you read. If there was ever a crime that needs new investigation by the NSW Police Force, it is that revealed by Paul Sheehan. Over to you, Commissioner. Stewart Copper Maroubra Paul Sheehan truly a horrifying story. Such bastards deserve to be locked away forever. Why weren't DNA samples taken? Patrick Bradley Wollongong Paul Sheehan's article was so disturbing I wish I had not read it. Louise's ordeal was and remains truly sickening. But equally unbelievable and sickening was the lack of police response. Have the police since pursued the matter? Moral justice can never be served on the perpetrators, our system does not allow it. However, I sincerely hope legal justice has been. Marie Del Monte Ashfield I could only stomach the first few paragraphs. What are we becoming? Animals don't behave like this. Frank Tweedie Morpeth Balance of love and reason on Baby Asha Steve Stankevicius thinks we should use rational decision-making to curb the impulses of irrational empathy ("Baby Asha decision sets a risky precedent", February 22). He must have a lot more faith in his rationality than I have in mine. Rational can easily become rationalising. By the time our reason analyses all the possible outcomes of a helping gesture, nobody will ever be helped. Reason tells me that there will never be love if love has to be filtered through reason. Reason also tells me that it is never right to do evil that good may come of it. Mark Porter New Lambton Tony Abbott went to the polls with the promise he would stop the boats, and he did. Despite many protests to the contrary, Abbott's government remained steadfast in that endeavour. Malcolm Turnbull's government, at its first real test, has buckled at the knees due to a tiny baby named Asha. Heaven help us when Turnbull has a seriously unpopular decision to make instead of a storm in a bassinet. David Sayers Gwandalan Can the new human rights envoy Philip Ruddock investigate the situation of why the government is still keeping children in detention centres? Apparently he has some knowledge and experience with asylum seekers. Con Vaitsas Ashbury Andrew Stark (Letters, February 22), Malcolm Turnbull did say detention in these hell-holes was intended to be a deterrent, which is why he rejected New Zealand's resettlement offer. Sorry about your suffering, Andrew, but refugee advocates are just stating the bleating obvious. Don Smith Ashfield Look beyond the AAA Patricia Forsythe (Letters, February 22), there is more to life than a AAA credit rating and it certainly should not alone determine government policy. The state government's obsession with flogging off assets instead of borrowing money cheaply will be rued in future. Peter Wilson Quorrobolong Patricia Forsythe, I am already a benefactor to the Powerhouse Museum, as are many others NSW taxpayers. I am probably also a benefactor to at least some of the Sydney Business Chamber members via the same means. Perhaps we can have two Powerhouse venues and keep our AAA rating by reducing government largesse to private businesses? Brenton McGeachie Queanbeyan West The Mordor Highway Every time I travel the so-called Golden Highway through the Hunter Valley I am gobsmacked at man's ability to destroy (Letters, February 22). This once gorgeous landscape of farms and rolling hills is now more reminiscent of the track through Mordor and as dangerous, with giant coal trucks making for a hazardous journey. Even more galling is our inability to restore the destruction to anywhere near its original beauty. This alone should mean we limit any activity that is labelled "extractive". The "Sooty Highway" perhaps? Helen Lewin Tumbi Umbi Sixty dollars a week won't buy a house There are a few problems with Barnaby Joyce's support of those earning under $35,000 a year taking their super as a pay increase to save to buy a house ("Super opt-out for low-wage earners floated", February 22). At $60 a week how long will it take the purchaser to save for a decent deposit and if you are earning $35,000 a year or less will any lending institution lend you the money, anyway? Once again Joyce hasn't really thought this through before mouthing off. It's frightening; he's Deputy Prime Minister but he hasn't changed. Robert Pallister Punchbowl The Abbott/Turnbull government has spent two years highlighting the budget deficit and scaring us about leaving government debt for future generations. Now the Deputy Prime Minister wants to allow low income earners to access their compulsory superannuation to pay off their mortgage. The inevitable result will be less retirement savings, more people dependent on the age pension and more intergenerational debt. Does this government have any coherent economic strategy? Tony Judge Woolgoolga Subsidised investment I accept and understand Jennifer Nichols (Letters, February 22) that you are a working class individual who has made sacrifices to service your investment property. I'm sure there are many investors in your position just as there are many wealthy investors with multiple property investments. But the key question is equity: not the equity wrapped up in the value of property, but equity as in fairness. Is it fair for the government to subsidise your private property investment through negative gearing at taxpayers' expense? Leo Sorbello Leichhardt Neutrality impossible George Williams argues that before the plebiscite on gay marriage, there should be public funding only for "independent neutral information" on the topic ("Teens aged 16 and 17 should vote in marriage", February 22). Given that any statement which upholds the current definition of marriage is branded as discriminatory or hateful, how can there ever be any so-called "neutral" information on this topic? Polly Seidler Darlinghurst Trial by social media The judgmental attitude shown towards Cardinal George Pell reminds me of the trial by the media and public of Lindy Chamberlain in the 1980s. As with Pell, the case involved religion and a central character with a not very appealing personality. What chance did she, or would he, have of a fair trial? And he has an added adversary: social media. Trisha Brookes Bronte Catholic Church no shining beacon Peter Fleming (Letters, February 22), the more I read the anguished testimonies of former victims of child sexual abuse from the royal commission in Ballarat, the more phrases descriptive of the Catholic Church occur to me. But I'm sorry, "beacon of supreme mental health" isn't one of them. Steve Cornelius Brookvale I won't take sides on the issue between Georg Pedersen (Letters, February 20) and Peter Fleming (Letters, February 22) about whether organised religion is a "serious psychological disorder". What I do wonder is whether organised religion is the greatest manifestation of social engineering in the history of mankind. John Lees Castlecrag Nightlife rules while trees get the chop So an estimated 15,000 people turned out to protest Sydney's lockout laws while only a handful turned out to save a line of 130-year-old Moreton Bay figs, which were no doubt home to birds, possums and insects ("Thousands in peaceful march to unlock Sydney's nightlife", February 22). Hedonism rules. Anne Carpenter Frenchs Forest The photo of the anti-lockout protesters shows a large sign that appears to be expensive and professionally made. Paid for by the alcohol lobby? Paul Duncan Leura Justice must be done in this most horrifying of cases The most chilling three sentences in Paul Sheehan's shocking account of a most serious crime were these: "When the police came to visit Louise in hospital, she couldn't speak. They said they would come back. They never did." Why on earth not ("The horrifying untold story of Louise", February 22)? Barbara McDonald Woollahra Sometimes, you read an article in the Herald you are sorry you read. If there was ever a crime that needs new investigation by the NSW Police Force, it is that revealed by Paul Sheehan. Over to you, Commissioner. Stewart Copper Maroubra Paul Sheehan truly a horrifying story. Such bastards deserve to be locked away forever. Why weren't DNA samples taken? Patrick Bradley Wollongong Paul Sheehan's article was so disturbing I wish I had not read it. Louise's ordeal was and remains truly sickening. But equally unbelievable and sickening was the lack of police response. Have the police since pursued the matter? Moral justice can never be served on the perpetrators, our system does not allow it. However, I sincerely hope legal justice has been. Marie Del Monte Ashfield I could only stomach the first few paragraphs. What are we becoming? Animals don't behave like this. Frank Tweedie Morpeth Balance of love and reason on Baby Asha Steve Stankevicius thinks we should use rational decision-making to curb the impulses of irrational empathy ("Baby Asha decision sets a risky precedent", February 22). He must have a lot more faith in his rationality than I have in mine. Rational can easily become rationalising. By the time our reason analyses all the possible outcomes of a helping gesture, nobody will ever be helped. Reason tells me that there will never be love if love has to be filtered through reason. Reason also tells me that it is never right to do evil that good may come of it. Mark Porter New Lambton Tony Abbott went to the polls with the promise he would stop the boats, and he did. Despite many protests to the contrary, Abbott's government remained steadfast in that endeavour. Malcolm Turnbull's government, at its first real test, has buckled at the knees due to a tiny baby named Asha. Heaven help us when Turnbull has a seriously unpopular decision to make instead of a storm in a bassinet. David Sayers Gwandalan Can the new human rights envoy Philip Ruddock investigate the situation of why the government is still keeping children in detention centres? Apparently he has some knowledge and experience with asylum seekers. Con Vaitsas Ashbury Andrew Stark (Letters, February 22), Malcolm Turnbull did say detention in these hell-holes was intended to be a deterrent, which is why he rejected New Zealand's resettlement offer. Sorry about your suffering, Andrew, but refugee advocates are just stating the bleating obvious. Don Smith Ashfield Look beyond the AAA Patricia Forsythe (Letters, February 22), there is more to life than a AAA credit rating and it certainly should not alone determine government policy. The state government's obsession with flogging off assets instead of borrowing money cheaply will be rued in future. Peter Wilson Quorrobolong Patricia Forsythe, I am already a benefactor to the Powerhouse Museum, as are many others NSW taxpayers. I am probably also a benefactor to at least some of the Sydney Business Chamber members via the same means. Perhaps we can have two Powerhouse venues and keep our AAA rating by reducing government largesse to private businesses? Brenton McGeachie Queanbeyan West The Mordor Highway Every time I travel the so-called Golden Highway through the Hunter Valley I am gobsmacked at man's ability to destroy (Letters, February 22). This once gorgeous landscape of farms and rolling hills is now more reminiscent of the track through Mordor and as dangerous, with giant coal trucks making for a hazardous journey. Even more galling is our inability to restore the destruction to anywhere near its original beauty. This alone should mean we limit any activity that is labelled "extractive". The "Sooty Highway" perhaps? Helen Lewin Tumbi Umbi Sixty dollars a week won't buy a house There are a few problems with Barnaby Joyce's support of those earning under $35,000 a year taking their super as a pay increase to save to buy a house ("Super opt-out for low-wage earners floated", February 22). At $60 a week how long will it take the purchaser to save for a decent deposit and if you are earning $35,000 a year or less will any lending institution lend you the money, anyway? Once again Joyce hasn't really thought this through before mouthing off. It's frightening; he's Deputy Prime Minister but he hasn't changed. Robert Pallister Punchbowl The Abbott/Turnbull government has spent two years highlighting the budget deficit and scaring us about leaving government debt for future generations. Now the Deputy Prime Minister wants to allow low income earners to access their compulsory superannuation to pay off their mortgage. The inevitable result will be less retirement savings, more people dependent on the age pension and more intergenerational debt. Does this government have any coherent economic strategy? Tony Judge Woolgoolga Subsidised investment I accept and understand Jennifer Nichols (Letters, February 22) that you are a working class individual who has made sacrifices to service your investment property. I'm sure there are many investors in your position just as there are many wealthy investors with multiple property investments. But the key question is equity: not the equity wrapped up in the value of property, but equity as in fairness. Is it fair for the government to subsidise your private property investment through negative gearing at taxpayers' expense? Leo Sorbello Leichhardt Neutrality impossible George Williams argues that before the plebiscite on gay marriage, there should be public funding only for "independent neutral information" on the topic ("Teens aged 16 and 17 should vote in marriage", February 22). Given that any statement which upholds the current definition of marriage is branded as discriminatory or hateful, how can there ever be any so-called "neutral" information on this topic? Polly Seidler Darlinghurst Trial by social media The judgmental attitude shown towards Cardinal George Pell reminds me of the trial by the media and public of Lindy Chamberlain in the 1980s. As with Pell, the case involved religion and a central character with a not very appealing personality. What chance did she, or would he, have of a fair trial? And he has an added adversary: social media. Trisha Brookes Bronte Mental disorder over role of religion Peter Fleming (Letters, February 22), the more I read the anguished testimonies of former victims of child sexual abuse from the royal commission in Ballarat, the more phrases descriptive of the Catholic Church occur to me. But I'm sorry, "beacon of supreme mental health" isn't one of them. Steve Cornelius Brookvale I won't take sides on the issue between Georg Pedersen (Letters, February 20) and Peter Fleming (Letters, February 22) about whether organised religion is a "serious psychological disorder". What I do wonder is whether organised religion is the greatest manifestation of social engineering in the history of mankind. John Lees Castlecrag Lock, stock and smoking beer barrel So an estimated 15,000 people turned out to protest Sydney's lockout laws while only a handful turned out to save a line of 130-year-old Moreton Bay figs, which were no doubt home to birds, possums and insects ("Thousands in peaceful march to unlock Sydney's nightlife", February 22). Hedonism rules. Anne Carpenter Frenchs Forest The Turnbull government has approved sweeping changes to Australia's media ownership laws, a move that could trigger a major round of mergers and acquisitions. Cabinet on Monday agreed to a package of reforms presented by Communications Minister Mitch Fifield that includes scrapping the population "reach rule" and the "two out of three" ownership rule. But Senator Fifield, who is still preparing legislation, has yet to publicly announce the government's policy. Cabinet's decision has been applauded by regional broadcasters and Fairfax Media (publisher of this website), but News Corp Australia accused the government of backing away from "genuine media reform". One of the United States' most senior navy commanders has said he would like Australia to carry out naval patrols close to territory claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea - a move that would provoke significant anger within the Chinese government. Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin, Commander of the massive, Japan-based 7th Fleet, stressed the call was Australia's, but went further than any senior US defence figure has gone previously in bluntly saying it would be valuable for other countries including Australia to challenge Beijing's assertiveness rather than leave it to the US. Admiral Aucoin's remarks in Sydney come just a week after it emerged that China has placed missiles on islands in the contested waters of the South China Sea. They also come ahead of the anticipated release of the Turnbull government's Defence white paper, which will focus heavily on building Australia's maritime power in response to the growing uncertainty in Asia provoked by China's rise. Admiral Aucoin said he wished the challenge to Beijing's island-building and unilateral territorial claims in the strategically vital waters were not "portrayed as the US versus China" but rather that "all countries, no matter what the size or strength can pursue their interests based on the law of the sea". Tasmanian mum Laura Edwards* recently made a video about her wishes for her 12-year-old daughter, Myra*. It begins with the hope that "when you're 16, you'll be focussed on learning (and having fun) at school ... not worrying about attending court to get the treatment you need". Georgie, 15, is visiting politicians in Canberra hoping to get laws changed that will help other families with transgender children. Credit:Penny Stephens Myra, who is a trans girl, is due to start puberty blockers this year, so she will not go through the male puberty she does not want. To continue treatment, she will need to begin cross-hormone therapy by the time she is about 16. But according to the law, Myra will also need to go to court to access this second stage of treatment - regardless of what she and her mother want or doctors recommend. Mr Shorten has accused Mr Turnbull of giving in to Cory Bernardi on the matter of the Safe Schools program. "It is disgraceful that an Australian child may fall victim to Malcolm Turnbull's failure to stand up to the right wing of his party," he says. "Every child has the right to go to school in a safe environment. Life is already difficult enough for young people - they shouldn't have to put up with the added stress of bullying and intimidation in the schoolyard." The father of The Bachelorette winner, Sasha Mielczarek, has lost the right to work in his own tattoo parlours because he is an "influential member" of the Rebel bikie club. Aleksander Gustav Mielczarek, or Sasha Snr, had been refused his tattooist licence after NSW Police deemed he was not a "fit and proper person" and against the public interest to grant him one due to links to the outlaw motorcycle gang. The 53-year-old, whose son Sasha Jnr was chosen ahead of 14 other contestants by Sam Frost on last year's season of the hit Channel 10 reality series, established two successful parlours with his ex-wife at Picton, on Sydney's south-western fringe, and at Bowral in the Southern Highlands. But the future of both is now uncertain after the Civil and Administrative Tribunal on Monday ruled in favour of police and with his ex-wife wanting to walk away from the businesses. Moments after this photo was taken, Mason Timmins died in his parents' arms. The seven-year-old succumbed to meningitis just over 24 hours after showing the first signs of illness. Photographs of the formerly fit and healthy boy from Walsall, England, are the latest in a harrowing series of images intended to educate the public of the dangers of meningococcal disease. "He was always smiling and always had something to say," his mother, Claire Timmins, 37, told British media after making the photo public. "One Monday morning, I heard him coughing and then he started to be sick. I thought it was just a sickness bug as to be honest I had seen him a lot worse and it was nothing out of the ordinary," she recalled of the day in December 2013 that her elder child suddenly grew ill. How you can help Jaime's Lilac Foundation Dr. Brian McMahon, head of pediatrics at Richmond University Medical Center, West Brighton, John Cucuzza and his daughter at the Jaime's Lilac Foundation Package Giveaway in memory of Jaime Moltisanti Cucuzza who succumbed to lung cancer. (Third-Party-Submitted) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- John Cucuzza is spreading the word about Jaime's LILAC Foundation, an organization founded in memory of his wife, Jaime Moltisanti Cucuzza, who two years ago succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 38. Jaime was a non-smoker and fought courageously for 3 1/2 years. Obit photo for Jaime M. Cucuzza. The goal of the Jaime's LILAC Foundation is to continue Jaime's dedication to charitable causes especially those who are ill. The Jaime's (Laughter, Insight, and Love Against Cancer) Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization committed to honoring Jaime's memory by giving something back to the growing community of cancer patients, their loved ones, and anyone involved in their treatment. Their primary goal is to raise funds to provide care packages to patients who are fighting cancer. In addition, they also provide funding to hospitals leading the way in cancer research. Jaime was a strong, passionate individual who always strived to positively impact anyone who was lucky enough to know her. Her sickness did nothing to change this. While she battled stage 4 lung cancer, she continued to be a loving wife, daughter, sister, friend, and mother to her 5 year old little girl, Sophia. Jaime always thought of others first and poured every ounce of her being into her friends, family and community. At the Jaime's Lilac Foundation package giveaway Feb. 11th are participants from left, Lauren Stazzone-Marrone R.N., Kathleen DiMauro, vice president of Women's, children services & nursing education, Dr. Brian McMahon, chairman of Pediatrics at RUMC, Joann Stuart Nurse manager of NICU/Pediatrics, John Cucuzza , Sophia Cucuzza, Dr. Thomas J. Forlenza director of oncology, Vincent Moltisanti, Amy Moltisanti, and Christine Bottiglia. During her illness, she took her compassion one step further. Even while she underwent difficult treatments, she took the time to inspire others by blogging about her experiences or to lend her personal support to someone else fighting cancer. Jaime always took it upon herself to poke fun at her illness, which made other people brave enough to laugh at their adversity too. "We came up with the idea of cancer care packages that we can give to newly diagnosed patients to help alleviate the symptoms and provide some comfort during treatment.," said John. He explains the group conducted their first giveaway Feb. 11th at Richmond University Medical Center and an upcoming Awards Dinner and Gala is set for March 5, on what would have been Jaime's 40th birthday. Dr. Brian McMahon, head of the Pediatrics Department at RUMC will be honored for his efforts in helping their plight. Proceeds from a night of dinner and dancing, an awards ceremony, auction and raffles, will be directed to help support patients who are fighting cancer. For more information about LILAC, visit jaimeslilac.org, call 347-201-9845 or email contact@jaimeslilac.org. Indigenous journalist Stan Grant has called on government departments and Indigenous leaders to reverse a generational lack of representation within the bureaucracy. Mr Grant, who addressed the National Press Club on Monday, said the lack of Indigenous voices within the bureaucracy was hurting public policy. "This is why we have a sorry legacy of government failure to this day," he said. "How many prime ministers are going to leave office and say that their biggest regret would be that they didn't do enough for Indigenous affairs? The Queensland LNP is focused on "discipline and Queenslanders", Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said, having faced down jumpy members of his own shadow Cabinet last week. Members of the LNP right had attempted to shore up support for Tim Mander to succeed Mr Springborg as leader as early as Wednesday last week but fell "well short" of the numbers needed, according to one party source. LNP leader Lawrence Springborg said the party was focussed on discipline and Queenslanders, not leadership speculation Credit:Renee Milides "They tried, they've been trying for a long time, everyone must know that," the source said. "But there was no support for it, because we can't see a reason for it. With the polls showing us leading 52 to 48, we've kept pace with the government....one bad week in Parliament is no reason for a leadership change." A fourth person charged over the murder of a missing father on the Gold Coast has faced court. Clinton Stockman, 28, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday charged with being an accessory after the fact in the murder of Greg Dufty. Police have charged four men over the death of Greg Dufty. Police allege Mr Dufty, last seen in July last year, was murdered over a drug debt. The father of two's body has never been found. On Monday evening Mr Seeney, who confirmed he was looking at making a switch from Callide to Canberra last week, told Fairfax Media he'd made up his mind to go for it. Former deputy premier Jeff Seeney has formally thrown his hat in the ring for the federal seat of Wide Bay. "In keeping with the LNP constitution as a candidate seeking endorsement, I will be unable to make any further comment about my candidacy until after the pre-selection process is completed," he said. Nominations close on March 7. The former Nationals leader has served as the member for Callide, one of Queensland's most regional seats, since 1998. It overlaps with Mr Truss's federal electorate, giving Mr Seeney a local name recognition advantage in the traditional Nationals seat. Mr Seeney returned from the Christmas break rejuvenated after a somewhat subdued first year back on the Opposition benches, which had been compounded by his exclusion from the shadow front bench. Last week Mr Seeney admitted he believed his talents and abilities were not "being used to their fullest extent on behalf of the people of regional Queensland" saying he was "disappointed" not to have a "more active role" in the Opposition. At 19 years old Allen had found himself homeless. After a range of bad decisions and an inability to go home, Allen split his time between sleeping rough and crashing on friend's couches. He knows how easily his life could have gone in another direction. "All it would have taken was a run in with the wrong police officer at the wrong time and I would have wound up with a criminal record... or worse," he says. Eventually he successfully applied to join the Queensland Police and worked his way up the ranks until he was officer in charge in the City, one of Queensland's busiest stations and one with a large homelessness population. While he never used his own experience to encourage his officers to behave differently towards the homeless ("I was a bit embarrassed about my personal situation to be honest," he said) he could help them to see the situation differently. "What I did do was personalise the situation," he said. "Instead of just asking police to go out and put them in the watch house for four hours so they could have a bed and a meal, we asked officers to go and talk to people, find out about them, sit down and ask them questions." The results were astonishing. Not only did it keep vulnerable people out of the watch house, it gave officers an opportunity to get to know the people they were dealing with and that provided some very happy outcomes. "One young copper got to know one of the homeless guys in the city and found out he had family in New South Wales, so he was able to contact the family and they were reunited, the man now lives near his nephew down there, so that worked out really well," Inspector Allen explained. "Personalising the vulnerable people in our city by having the face to face contact made it hard to just go and arrest them." The benefits for the homeless were obvious. Less time was being spent in the watch house, their relationship with the police was changing and police were helping them access the services they needed rather than just dealing with the immediate problem. But even Inspector Allen was surprised by the impact it had on his officers. "If you can talk to a really difficult disengaged homeless guy you become a pretty good communicator and problem solver," he said. "They actually started to do that with other cases and were using those solutions for everything else they were doing." Inspector Allen said being able to help vulnerable people find pathways to a better life was at the very core of what police work is. "Most people become police because they want to help people," he said. "A few years ago police had nothing to offer vulnerable people but now there really is something they can do to help." After more than eight years as officer in charge at the city police station he took a promotion to inspector and now helps guide the next group of young police into their career at the academy. It is the perfect place for him to shape the young minds of a new generation of officers. "I am lucky I (am working in) a really good area with the first year constables," he said. "They are out they start learning the culture and it is good to be looking at shaping people's behaviour and values and implement some of the ideas where we got police to participate in something that had really good values that align with the Queensland Police Service values as well as their own personal values." Inspector Allen will discuss his involvement with vulnerable people through the Queensland Police at the TEDx South Bank on February 27. He will be joined by a host of local speakers including Dr Scott Boland, who is an expert in using artificial intelligence in education, Lee Crockford, who works in men's mental health and suicide prevention and J.M. Donellan, who fended off a pack of rabid dogs with a guitar in India. Telstra will launch a 1Gbps network and compatible portable hotspot device this year, as well as a Voice over Wi-Fi product for continuous coverage in those hard-to-reach places at home or work. Telstra executives at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona also outlined plans for building a 5G network into the future. Telstra's new network will deliver superfast speeds, and you'll be able to take advantage with your existing phone via a new hotspot device. Credit:Craig Sillitoe The super-fast 1Gbps network will begin rolling out in late 2016 initially in central Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with further expansion as Telstra builds out the network. It will have maximum upload speeds of 150Mbps on compatible devices, which will include a Netgear/Telstra 1Gbps hotspot device, coming sometime this year. Melbourne fashion legend Elvie Hill was coaxed out of retirement this week for two catwalk shows honouring the four decades, from the 1950s, she dressed some of Australia's classiest women. More than 70 original modes were traced for the tribute shows, Elvie Hill The Retrospective, with many to be offered for sale afterwards to Hill fans willing to be part of a "living Australian fashion museum". Elvie Hill, centre, with models Holly Burnham (left) and Reni Le wearing some of her designs. Credit:Simon Schluter At 98, Hill is as chic and sharp as she ever was when a constant stream of clients, including Lady Sonia McMahon and Dame Pattie Menzies, chose modes in her lush atelier on the "Paris end" of Collins Street. "My clothes were about elegance and femininity," she says. "And I never, never used synthetic materials." The number of people affected by a measles outbreak in Melbourne's inner north has more than doubled, and authorities are bracing for more cases to emerge in the coming weeks. Five new cases have been reported to Victoria's Department of Health and Human Services, which brings the tally of those affected by the outbreak to nine. They include three women and two men all aged in their 20s and 30s, two of whom have been hospitalised, a health spokesman said. These patients are also from Melbourne's inner north - three from Brunswick, one from Brunswick West and one from Preston. A man has been charged with murder over the shooting death of an Iraqi businessman who was gunned down outside his panel-beating shop in Melbourne's north six years ago. Saleh Dheibech, 51, was killed with a single bullet in a drive-by shooting on January 27, 2010, while he was out the front of his business in Campbellfield. He was found in a pool of blood and later died at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. On Monday, north-west metropolitan detectives announced that a man, in custody in relation to separate matters, had been charged with the murder. "The charges are the result of a joint investigation with crime command detectives," a police spokeswoman said. The Victorian Department of Education was repeatedly warned that the successful company behind the botched Ultranet project wasn't fit for the job, an inquiry has heard. An independent consultant to the department described the tender process as "the closest thing to corrupt", the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) heard. Former deputy secretary of the Department of Education Darrell Fraser. Credit:Michael Rayner Lexton Gebert, the managing director of consulting firm Landell, told the department's project manager, Mark Bladon, that the Ultranet tender bid was "the closest thing he had seen to corrupt in 20 years of working in the Victorian government". Mr Bladon testified that he raised concern with the department back in February 2009 that a little-known company in Darwin, CSG Limited, was not equipped to deliver the state-wide Ultranet project. The development came as Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas hosed down a request from Cardinal Pell to launch a separate state government probe into the leak. "Victoria Police is concerned about media reporting alleging that police have leaked details of a sensitive Taskforce Sano investigation. Victoria Police takes this allegation seriously and accordingly we have referred the matter to IBAC," a Victoria Police spokesman said this afternoon. Mr Pallas said today Cardinal Pell should be "afforded at least a presumption of innocence in the context of these matters." Cardinal George Pell. Credit:Joe Armao But he said he did not believe there was a need for an inquiry, warning it could potentially detract from existing abuse investigations. "It's a bit like a dog chasing its tail. It's important that the substance of the issues are determined and the matters are properly before the Royal Commission and Victoria Police investigations." "We believe that it is important that allegations that are as serious as this are able to be investigated by Victoria Police in the way that they would normally do, and that means without the need for it to be public unless and until a course of action has been determined through the courts," Mr Pallas said. Cardinal Pell today wrote from Rome to the acting minister for police, Robin Scott, demanding an inquiry into the "maliciously timed" leak to the Herald-Sun, which reported Victoria Police's Taskforce Sano was investigating direct allegations against him. The latter fire was estimated to have had a significant financial impact on community and emergency services. He was charged with deliberately lighting two fires on December 22 and a third on December 28. Stephen Kenneth Johnson, a volunteer firefighter with the Argyle Bushfire Brigade and a member of the Donnybrook SES, was arrested after a joint operation conducted with South West Detectives into deliberately lit fires within the Donnybrook area in December 2015. A 23-year-old Donnybrook volunteer firefighter faced court on Monday over three deliberately-lit fires in the state's South West. Mr Johnson appeared before a Northbridge court via video link on February 21, and then at Bunbury Magistrates Court on Monday February 22, where he was taken into custody. He had surety and bail was extended. Charges were not read and he did not enter pleas. He will appear again in Bunbury on April 4. Donnybrook Police Officer in Charge Sergeant Ryan van der Heide said 12 fires had been deliberately lit around the Donnybrook and Kirup town sites between December 1 and January 10. "Our investigations identified the person of interest, and after assisting us with our enquiries, he was charged with three of the fires," he said. Sergeant van der Heide said the observations of local police when attending the fires, in addition to information received from the general public, had led to the arrest. The Sunday Times has confirmed it is investigating the 'Deli-gate' fiasco that has raised serious concerns about the practices and legitimacy of its two high-profile food reviewers. Former My Kitchen Rules contestants and STM food reviewers Chloe James and Kelly Ramsay left it to their manager to break the silence on the food fight that has gripped Perth. Chloe and Kelly during their time on My Kitchen Rules in 2014. The furore began after WAtoday broke the story on Sunday about Ms James and Ms Ramsay penning an unflattering review about West Perth restaurant West End Deli in the Sunday paper's lifestyle magazine. But Deborah Munson, director of The Options Group, which manages the pair, said the "personal attacks" on the TV cooks were unfair due to "incorrect factual information" the restaurant said on social media about their food review. "I tell you, I am so happy," she said, looking up at Barack Obama before turning to the first lady. "A black president, yay, and his black wife." Credit:White House Twitter account But her amazement went beyond merely making it inside the hallowed building. She was particularly bowled over to be meeting America's first African American president. "I tell you, I am so happy," she said, looking up at Obama before turning to the first lady. "A black president, yay, and his black wife." McLaurin said she was there to celebrate Black History Month. A video of the moving encounter was uploaded to the White House's Facebook page on Sunday evening and immediately went viral with nearly nine million views, roughly 282,000 likes and roughly 223,000 shares in less than five hours. Commenters marvelled at all that McLaurin had seen in her 106 years, and all that she and her country had endured during that time. "She lived to see two World Wars, the height of racial segregation and finally an elected black president," wrote Alexandre Meister, before adding a parenthetical "hugs from Brazil". And when one commenter said those praising the video were "sick," she was quickly overwhelmed by supporters. "That woman saw children hanging from trees because of their colour, so to see President Obama is a thrill," replied one woman. "If you don't get it, it's ok, but still your tongue until you do." The Oval Office dance party was the culmination of more than a year of social media campaigns. In December 2014, McLaurin submitted a petition to the White House asking to meet with the president. "I've never met a President," she wrote. "I didn't think I would live to see a Coloured President because I was born in the South and didn't think it would happen. I am so happy and I would love to meet you and your family if I could. "I remember the times before President Hoover. I remember when we didn't have any electricity. I had a kerosene lamp. I remember the first car model Ford," she said. "My husband was in the Army. I lost my husband in 1941. I've been in DC ever since. I was living here when Martin Luther King was killed. "I know you are a busy man, but I wish I could meet you," she concluded, offering to "come to your house to make things easier". And that's just what she did one day last week after the Obamas apparently responded to her letter. McLaurin cackled with glee as soon as she caught sight of the president. "Hi," she said. "It's an honour. It's an honour." "Slow down now, don't go too quick," Obama joked as McLaurin shuffled across the room to meet Michelle Obama. "She's dancing," Obama said with a laugh. "So what's the secret to still dancing at 106?" Instead of answering, McLaurin simply showed off her moves, earning laughter and squeals of delight from the Obama. The memorable moment was not out of character for McLaurin. "She has a flirtatious spirit and is a pure joy to be around," said Savetria Francis, the principal of a DC school where McLaurin volunteers, in a 2012 interview with the Afro-American newspaper. "For those of us who complain about commuting to work, neither rain, sleet, snow nor heat keeps Grandma Virginia from reporting to work." "One of my secrets for longevity is reading the Bible and praying daily, loving Jesus Christ, and my fellow man," McLaurin said in 2014. "There's no one that I don't like; I love everybody." A video on Facebook shows McLaurin playing with children, touching a tarantula and blowing out birthday candles with a boy nearly a century younger than she. The last time McLaurin was in the news, however, it was a less joyous occasion. She was featured in a December 2014 report on bedbugs in her apartment building. "They was in my couch, they was in my bedroom, so, that's why I don't have no furniture," she told ABC7. Last week, however, McLaurin strolled across the Oval Office's plush carpet and posed in front of priceless presidential portraits. Then she danced like she had been waiting a century to do it. "You have just made our day, you know that?" Michelle Obama said. "That energy, man." "You made my day," McLaurin answered. Bahdurgarh, India/New Delhi: Leaders of a rural Indian caste reached a deal late on Monday to end protests that paralysed a northern state and cut water supplies to Delhi's 20 million residents, after winning a pledge of more government jobs. Days of rioting and looting across Haryana by the Jat community had challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise of better days for Indians who elected him in 2014 with the largest majority in three decades. Indian soldiers guard the Munak canal, near the village of Bindroli, in the northern state of Haryana on Monday. Credit:AP A Jat leader said protesters had reached a deal with state and federal leaders to end their mobilisation, in which 16 people have been killed and more than 150 injured. Maryinka, Ukraine: Though overshadowed by the war in Syria, fighting in eastern Ukraine has picked up sharply in recent weeks, residents along the front line, commanders and European monitors say. The resumption of hostilities in Ukraine, with exchanges of machine gun and mortar fire across the front line now up to levels not seen since summer, suggests a willingness by Russia, which supports the rebels in eastern Ukraine, to sustain two active conflicts at once. In late September, Russia began airstrikes in Syria on behalf of the government of President Bashar Assad. A cease-fire took hold here in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatists and the government on September 1, which was apparentlyco-ordinated with Russia's military deployment in Syria. Feinstein's/54 Below is easy to miss if you're not looking for it: A come-hither speakeasy door (the kind featured on the poster for the revival of Cabaret, which played at the neighboring Studio 54) guards the entrance to the club. Once one gets beyond the entrance (secret password not required), one descends a long staircase into the foyer and dining room. That's where I found the Jennifer Ashley Tepper holding court. We last spoke with Tepper in 2013, just after she took her position as the club's director of programming. She's made herself indispensable since then, as evidenced by the number of people approaching her with questions in the hour before the show: Tony nominee Leigh Silverman (who directed the evening's performance) and head chef Lynn Bound were going over the evening's game plan with Tepper when an emissary from the tenth floor arrived with a request for coffee. As she whipped up the java, Tepper discussed the layout of the club and its relationship to its famous upstairs neighbor. "There's an area in the sub-basement that has been cemented off, but if it was opened, I'm ninety percent sure that it would lead directly to Studio 54," she speculated, adding, "It's just a long hallway that ends at nothing." Abandoned hallways and hasty cement jobs conjure images of a bygone era of bootleggers and brassy broads. As decorated by veteran Broadway set designer John Lee Beatty, the dining room also captures this speakeasy mystique. It's not far off from the actual history of the room. Diners enjoy the oversize smorgasbord at The Wivel, the previous occupant of 254 West 54th Street, the current location of Feinstein's/54 Below. Long before it became 54 Below (and crooner Michael Feinstein affixed his name with a forward slash), the basement of 254 West 54th Street was a Scandinavian Smorgasbord with live music and dancing called "The Wivel." It closed in 1958, and the room seems to have remained shuttered until 2012, when it magically sprang back to life, like Brigadoon. "They did three shows a night and Evelyn Nesbit played here in the summer of 1937," Tepper remarked as we rode the elevator to the tenth floor. Because of the limited space in the basement, the tenth floor holds the club offices and dressing rooms. As we stepped off the elevator, we saw Tony nominee Jarrod Spector going over cues with sound operator Amanda Raymond. Spector is a regular performer at the club and was there that evening to perform the leading role in a concert presentation of Amanda Green and Richard Thomas' new musical, An Americain Boy as part of the "New Musicals at 54" series. "Jarrod just flew in this afternoon to be in the show," Tepper mentioned. Suddenly, we heard a clinking sound from a storage room across the hall. This was El Dorado: the club's legendary vault of booze. Assistant general manager Tim Seib was rooting around in there, preparing for the evening's dinner. "We have a small liquor cage downstairs, but we keep larger stock things up here," he said as he moved a bottle of Prosecco to one side. Jennifer Ashley Tepper is the director of programming at Feinstein's/54 Below. ( Matthew Murphy) Feinstein's/54 Below patrons have a great affection for the bubbly, but Seib prefers something redder: He insists that the best wine in stock is the Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon. "It's an excellent bottle. Michael Feinstein's crowd ordered several. It really depends on the type of show and the type of audience." Because of the nature of the programming young performers and reunion concerts often share a night with major headliners Seib is careful to maintain a diverse ecosystem of wine and spirits. "We keep a wide variety of things so that everyone feels like this is their place. No one feels excluded." Chef Bound employs the same strategy when planning the menu, which offers lighter, more affordable fare for the late shows. She also takes the weather into consideration: "Right now, people are going for warmer and richer foods, like steaks." During sold-out shows, Bound and her crew will regularly churn out over 300 plates, an impressive feat for such a surprisingly small kitchen. "We have a lot of people coming tonight, so we're going to get slammed," she said as she coolly eyed the clock and the still-sparse dining room, like a general preparing for battle. Eventually, it did fill up with a diverse crowd of Broadway watchers and industry insiders. Tepper is able to spot an agent from a mile away, pointing out a few at the "Royal Table," her affectionate nickname for the large booth at the center back of the club. (I'm more partial to the "Brangelina table," a two-top on a raised platform near the bar.) They were all there to see what Green and Thomas were cooking up. Tony Award nominee Jarrod Spector is a regular performer at Feinstein's/54 Below. ( David Gordon) The performance did not disappoint. An Americain Boy is about Frederic Bourdin, a real French con artist who posed as the missing teenage son of an American family, living with them for several months before he was discovered as an imposter. Even in the nightclub setting, Spector seemed to naturally embody the wily Frenchman with a Peter Pan complex. We even got the pleasure of hearing Green perform a brand-new song they had just written (and didn't have time to teach Spector). Green warned the audience that the song was simultaneously too high and too low for her range, but she nonetheless sold it to the Royal Table and beyond. "She's got great cabaret genes/jeans," Tepper said, gesturing to Green's fashionably skinny pants. Beyond seeing such memorable performances, Tepper has an ulterior motive for hosting these concert readings: "Sometimes you want to get industry people to see your show, but not on a folding chair at Ripley-Grier Studios or by flying three hours to see an out-of-town tryout in Kansas City." By offering a venue for everything from cabaret residencies to presentations works in progress, Feinstein's/54 Below is able to spotlight individual performers as well as creative teams. This has the potential to take investors out of the rehearsal room and put them where they belong: a finely decorated restaurant in midtown Manhattan with gourmet food and a fully stocked bar. Performers and directors get more room to experiment and super-fans get to take it all in. Everybody wins. And that really seems to be the driving ethos behind Feinstein's/54 Below: Out of the forty-some performances the club hosts every month, there is a something there for everyone. It's the Greek diner of cabaret: You can order filet mignon or a hamburger (the latter only on the late night menu), but you'll always walk away satisfied. January 2016 China Auto Sales Up 8% SHANGHAI February 22, 2016; Japan Today Reported that Chinas auto sales rose nearly 8% year-on-year in January ahead of national holidays, an industry group said Friday, picking up pace in a traditionally strong period for car purchases. China is the worlds largest car market, but its vehicle sales increased at their slowest rate in three years in 2015 as the countrys economy encountered headwinds. Auto makers sold 2.5 million vehicles in China last month, up 7.7% year-on-year, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) said in a statement. Vehicle sales traditionally peak in January, ahead of the Lunar New Year, the most important annual holiday in the country. China slashed the purchase tax on passenger cars with small engines in October, which continues to boost the auto market. Chinas gross domestic product increased at its the lowest rate since 1990 last year, when vehicle sales rose nearly five percent to 24.6 million. But industry group CAAM last month forecast auto sales would rise 6 percent year-on-year in 2016, improving from last year, Bloomberg News reported. Sales of major foreign brands were among those which increased in January. U.S. auto giant General Motors sold more than 420,000 vehicles, up 7.3% year-on-year, according to the company. U.S. auto maker Ford said sales surged 36% to a record 130,832 last month, helped by purchases of SUVs (sport utility vehicles). Leeds Station may be sold off in privatisation deal OPERATOR Network Rail is reportedly looking to sell off 18 UK rail hubs, including Leeds Station. According to The Independent, Citigroup bankers have been appointed to advise on the privatisation of 18 stations, including Reading, London Waterloo and Edinburgh Waverley. Sales would contribute to the alleviation of Network Rails debt, which is predicted to be at 50bn by 2020. The state-backed organisation became part of the Government in 2014, when officials discovered the state of its financial position. It was forced to stop the electrification of the TransPennine route following fears over costs. A Network Rail spokesman said: We are looking to generate some 1.8bn of funds from our property assets by 2019, enabling us to invest in building a bigger, better railway. Were taking a long hard look at our assets, ensuring we keep what we need to grow and expand the railway but then looking at ways we can realise best value from the rest to reinvest. Read next: Developers will create 3,000 jobs with logistics hub Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 22/02/2016 (2433 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Eight churches in Steinbach are waiting to accommodate government-assisted refugees that may never arrive. In addition to the handful of refugee families sheltered in southeastern Manitoba in recent months due to private sponsorship initiatives led by various churches, a few more families were expected to settle each month into early 2016 but the province appears to have put those arrivals on hold. The funding for government-assisted refugees is covered by the federal government. It was the provincial government that asked Eastman Immigrant Services (EIS) last month if they could lessen the load on Winnipeg, which is accepting an influx of Syrian refugee families. In recent weeks the province has told EIS to hold up, and now program director Richard Harder is not confident any families will show up. The churches are asking me when they are coming and Im saying I have no clue, recalled Harder. At one point, it sounded like it might not happen. I said to the Manitoba government, just so you know, we might not have passed an assessment test of our community because we dont have a transportation system but in communities like ours, well accommodate that. Our community is ready, said Harder, who mentioned each of the church groups would host one family. Harder understands Winnipeg, which was being overloaded by too many families arriving too fast, pushed back on the influx because they couldnt accommodate it. Harder believes this may be why last months urgency for EIS help has dampened. The province told Harder in a recent discussion that EIS would hear back in a couple weeks on whether the citys assistance is necessary. Though other southeastern Manitoba centres could become homes for refugees, EIS said last month they are leaning on Steinbach as the community to house government-assisted refugees in this region of the province because of the various services and accommodations nearby, which includes the settlement agency. The body of a young girl permanently occupies a hospital bed in a rental apartment in New Jersey. The letters of her name, pink and surrounded by paper butterflies, hang above her head; inspirational quotes and Bible verses are mounted on pastel-colored paper and stuck to the wall. A striped blanket hides the medical technologies that keep her in this world: There is a feeding tube surgically inserted through a hole in her stomach. There is a ventilator tube inserted through a tracheotomy in her throat. Her mother and a 24-hour nursing staff change her diapers and turn her body from side to side to prevent her skin from developing dangerous bed sores. She cannot eat, open her eyes, speak, or leave her bed. New Jersey is the only state in the country in which this girl is not dead. Her name is Jahi McMath and just over two years ago, after an extensive tonsillectomy, she began to hemorrhage blood and became unconscious. Doctors in her home state of California ultimately issued her a death certificate. Jahi is in New Jersey because her family refuses to accept the doctors assessment that she is dead. Or to be specific, because it is the specifics that are now at issue in multiple court cases at the state and federal level: Jahi McMath is, according to every doctor (not employed by her parents or lawyer) who has examined her, brain dead. Jahis mother, Nailah Winkfield, says she is waiting for God to intervene. She has told the press that Jahi is improving. On Jahis birthday last October, the family posted on their Facebook page: Thank you Heavenly Father for the Gift of Life, the Life You granted Jahi, a Life she so much deserves and desires to live faithfully for You through the next year and many many more years to come. Happy Birthday Beautiful Jahi, You Are 15 today, your friends love you, your family love you, many many people worldwide love you, but most importantly God loves you. May you, Jahi McMath receive the gift of continued healing and full recovery. May God protect and keep you safe, showering you and your loved ones with strength, love, health of mind, body, soul and more blessings in abundance. Keep Winning, Love you always, #TeamJahi. In all 50 states, brain dead is dead. Brain cells have never been shown to come back to life once dead. But in New Jersey, state law permits those who do not agreethose very few who have religious convictions that the heart is still the sole indicator of death, even if that heart is artificially supportedto keep their loved ones on physiological support. Some family members are willing to huddle in daily prayer for as long as a miracle takes. In this new formulation of natural death, the sustenance of machines becomes natural. The difference between alive and dead may seem quite clear, yet the definition of death has changed over the past several decades because of medical advances. Death once meant the almost simultaneous cessation of heart rate, breathing, and brain function. The advent in the late 1960s and early 70s of defibrillators and respirators, able to keep the heart and lungs functioning indefinitely, shifted the definition of death to the brain and its mysterious, complicated activities. To address those resulting ethical questions and establish a public policy consensus, a presidential commission in 1981 concluded that humans shall be pronounced dead when all brain functions are lost irreversibly, even if the heart and respiratory function continue. But problems with the commissions statement persist. Many find that the requirement that every part of the brain be irreversibly dead for death to be pronounced ignores the fact that ancillary parts of the brain are still active after a person has ceased to exist. Other parts of the brain may survive and be detected by scans, hormonal regulations may continue despite the death of other parts of the brain. Are these residual functions really signs of life? And what then, is the difference between biological life and sentient life? Where in your brain do you exist? And what makes you alive? Are you alive if you grow? If you menstruate? If you recognize your mother? If you can open your eyes? Or yawn? Others have contested the very term brain death because it creates confusion, as though brain death is a stage and not the end. Call it what it is, they say: death. Controversiesand all too sadly, multimedia extravaganzashave surrounded other types of brain damage, like the medical and court cases of Karen Ann Quinlan (New Jersey, 1976), Nancy Cruzan (Missouri, 1990), and Terri Schiavo (Florida, 2005). But these women were all diagnosed with persistent vegetative state, meaning their brain stem, at least, still exhibited activity. Yet their cases all concerned removal of physiological support. In every instance, the primary opponents of removal were Catholic leaders, whose position was later articulated by Pope John Paul II, and their pro-life allies, who had built at least part of their political platform on opposition to womens medical privacy. Terri Schiavos legacy can still be felt. She had been kept on a feeding tube for more than 15 years as her husband, Michael, and her family, the Schindlers, contested her status and health in the courts. Finally, a Florida judge ruled that her feeding tube could be removed and she died on March 31, 2005, but not before a media spectacle that involved the governor of Florida, state senators, and the sitting president. After her death, the Schindlers, devout Catholics who considered Terri to be severely disabled, looked for a way to help others in their situation. As Bobby Schindler, Terris brother, wrote last year: After Terri died, my family s experience, contesting this powerful right-to-die movement, led us to establish the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network, which seeks to raise public awareness of the looming culture of death, and to educate the public about care potentialities. Most importantly, however, is to help families in situations similar to what we experiencedloved ones in danger of being killed, like Terri. Bobby Schindler is now president of the organization and a full-time advocate for pro-life ideals. His work has been endorsed by Catholic archbishops and evangelical leaders alike. And it is because of Bobby Schindler and the Life & Hope Network that Jahi McMath is in a hospital bed in an apartment in New Jersey. After the news broke that McMaths parents refused to remove her ventilator, they got in touch with Schindler, who helped the parents find a suitable facility for their daughter. New Jersey, because of the states religious exemption for brain death, was the ideal choice. Cases like Jahis are incredibly rare. But they are often fueled by political and religious ideologies that conflict with standard medical practice. State laws, which govern how those ideologies are applied to individual cases, are now at the heart of a series of lawsuits; if her parents can prove she is alive, if they can invalidate the California death certificate, they can return to their home state and receive funding for their daughters continued treatment. Jahi was only 13 years old at the time of her fatal operation. Now, two years later, doctors are concerned that public perception will be muddled or swayed regarding the general medical definition of brain death. Already Bobby Schindler has conflated his deceased sisters illness with Jahis in an article for Time magazine. Doctors and bioethicists have been busy with brain-death conferences the past two years, asking their colleagues what Jahis case bodes for their ethical standards. But religious actors have found a compelling issue in a young child, her desperate and grief-torn parents rightly skeptical of the hospital and doctors whose treatment has harmed their daughter. If the Jahi case results in California rescinding the girls death certificate, we may see a broader political push for religious exemptions from certain kinds of deaths. The ramifications are hard to predict. In January, a California judge issued a tentative ruling that allows Jahis family the chance to prove that she is alive. Either they will have to present medical information that contests Jahis brain-death diagnosis, meaning her brain death was a diagnostic error, or they will have to show that brain death is not death. Either would will be, for the family of Jahi McMath, some kind of miracle. Ann Neumann is the author of the new book The Good Death: An Exploration of Dying in America published by Beacon Press. Change is inevitable. Change is constant. The world is changing, and so is India. But ever since The Donald Trump of India, aka Narendra Modi, and his militant right-wing Hindutva Party came to power, India is fast becoming a nightmare for its women and minorities, its Dalits and Harijans, its LGBT community, and yes, all lovers of good medium-rare steaks and juicy burgers. There are scholars who will argue that the self-proclaimed benign land of gentle chants and a thousand Namaste has always been excessively hostile and extremely violent to the non-conforming. History shows that Indias ruling elite more or less eradicated its Buddhist population (Indian folk lore often claims that they merely tricked the Buddhists into converting). Nonetheless, the division of the former Indus Valley Civilization, the formation of modern India, was on a pledge of plurality and on secular values. The Indian National Flag is tricolored, emphasizing its inclusiveness of all peoples and faiths. Therefore the accelerated return to the unbearable intolerance of alternative views and liberal values is disturbing. For Kanhaiya Kumar, the student body president at Jawaharlal Nehru University, February 9, 2016 started perhaps like any other. But later that day he made a fatal mistake, in a speech at a protest rally at JNUIndias Berkeleywherein he criticized Modi and the Hindutva party, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Three days after his speech, Kanhaiya was arrested on charges of sedition. While being escorted by the police to the court, he was attacked and beaten up twice, according to Indian mediainitially by a mob of lawyers, and then again a second time by a man in dark glasses when he was being kept in a room at the court before the hearing. Later, Kumar was refused bail. I understand that some might wonder how a person, under the watchful eye of the media and heavy police escort, can get beaten up on court premises. Well, please keep in mind that this is India; strange things always occur at Indian courts. On Dec 6, 1992, the Hindutva thugs demolished the Babri Mosque in the town of Ayodhya, on grounds that it stood on the exact spot where an Indian God, Ram, was born. The Supreme Court, while acknowledging the lack of evidence that the mosque stood on the spot where Ram was bornand while also acknowledging that there were multiple other locations in the town of Ayodhya with superior claims, let alone multiple other towns in India that had better claims as Rams birthplace than Ayodhyastill ruled in favor of the Hindutva position. Given the state of Indian courts, the two back-to-back beatings that Kanhaiya received is just par for the course. To an outsider this might appear bizarre, but to people in India, this is simply expected. For the Indian people, everything relating to the JNU crackdown against free speech has proceeded according to a known and predictable script. No one in India was surprised when it became known that the police apparently had zero evidence against Kanhaiya. Saner minds, media personalities, and scholars have all made attempts to remind the Modi government that universities are a safe space to debate and discuss. The student should be free to debate anything. Needless to say, all the efforts to make sense fell on deaf ears. Then suddenly, as if on cue, during police interrogation, Kanhaiya Kumar offers up a Muslim name: he points to Umar Khalid, a PhD student at JNU, as the main organizer of the protest rally. So now Kanhaiya is expected to be let go and the spotlight has shifted to Umar Khalid. In India, no matter where things start, no matter how things may appear at the beginning, in the end, it is a minority who is sacrificed. Because nothing else pleases or pacifies the Hindutva movement. Mysterious sources are now claiming that Umar Khalid is a fanatical fundamentalist Muslim, a terrorism sympathizer, a Kashmiri, and a visitor to Pakistan. Every effort is now being made to rob Umar Khalid of public sympathy and to try and condemn him in the media. They say that in a fascist country that oppresses its women & minorities, and suppresses freedom of speech, the first casualty is the truth. In India today, truth does not matter hence it does not matter that Umar Khalid is not from Kashmir, he is from Amravati (Maharashtra) and settled in Delhi. Umar Khalid is not an Islamist, he is a communist and a self-proclaimed Bill Maher-type atheist. Umar Khalid has not travelled to Pakistan, he does not even have a passport. The truth is Umar Khalid is just another scapegoat. Whereas in the days of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indias first Prime Minister, free speech and liberal values were the rage, today to be Indian or Hindu means adhering to a very narrow and bigoted interpretation of identity. The Hindutva movement of Prime Minister Modi has obliterated the nuanced differences that co-existed in Indian society and has imposed its own racist, fascist agenda. Apologists for Modi are saying that the ruling party is forced to dance to the Hindutva Ideologys tune because five Indian states are up for grabs in 2016. Given that the Indian rupee and economy are sinking, and Indian banks have a higher bad debt ratio than Chinese banks, Modis only chance of winning in these five states is by playing the race card. As if Modis political convenience is reason enough to put lives in danger, suppress freedom, and burn down the Indian democracy. But then again, Modi has done this beforehe was once banned from entering the United States for his role in the 2002 Gujarat pogrom against Muslims. For the present, the bigoted fascists in India march on, and they will ride Umar Khalid to electoral victory. A journalist friend of Umar Khalid has even been arrested. Why? Because in India freedom is dispensable, and minorities are born to be crushed. On Sunday nights Last Week Tonight, in addition to pouring one out for poor ol Jeb Please Clap Bushaka the side of plain white rice nobody orderedhost John Oliver aired a brilliant four-minute How Is This Still a Thing? segment on Hollywood whitewashing. Its pegged, of course, to this coming Sundays 88th annual Academy Awards, a ceremony mired in #OscarsSoWhite controversy for acknowledging the accomplishments of only white actors for the second straight year. After calling this years nominees whiter than a Yeti in a snowstorm fighting Tilda Swinton, Oliver and Co. took aim at the counterclaim that Hollywood just doesnt provide enough good roles for non-white actors. Well, thats because when there are roles for people of color, theyre usually still played by white actors. Thats rightJake Gyllenhaal, a white American with a Swedish last name, was cast to play the Prince of Persia from, you know, Persia, uttered the voiceover. And hes far from alone. Just last year, Emma Stone played the half-Asian Allison Ng in Aloha. Apparently, aloha means hello, goodbye, and youve got to be fucking kidding me. This disturbing practice is nothing new, of course. White actors have taken roles designed for every ethnicity throughout Hollywood history, from John Wayne as Genghis Khan in The Conqueror, to the non-Puerto Rican Natalie Wood as Maria in West Side Story, to the multiple instances of white actors playing Asian characters, from Marlon Brando to, of course, [Mickey Rooney in Breakfast at Tiffanys]. Its a performance The New York Times in 1961 actually praised as broadly exotic. Seriously. And maybe all of this would be less egregious if every time an actor of color took on a traditionally white role, half the country didnt go apeshit, said the segment, before referencing the recent racist backlash against the casting of black stars in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Hunger Games films, and even the mere speculation that Idris Elba would play James Bond. Watch it here: The Mormon Church would rather let hate crimes go unprosecuted against its own flock than let gays, lesbians, bisexual, and transgender people get extra protection under the law. Just a year after approving an LGBT nondiscrimination law, the church has come out against a hate-crime bill, authored by a Mormon Republican, no less. The law would protect Mormons more than LBGT people, though. The bill, SB 107, would define a hate crime in Utah as a criminal offense committed because of an individuals ancestry, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation.Of these categories, far more anti-religious crimes are reported in Utah than anti-LGBT ones. Nineteen of the 62 hate crimes reported by the Utah Department of Public Safety in 2014 were anti-religious in nature: three anti-Protestant, two anti-Muslim, one anti-Catholic, one anti-Jewish, and 12 anti-other religion. This presumably includes Mormonism, which is not considered to be a Protestant form of Christianity. Only two of the 62 reported hate crimes were anti-LGBT. The FBIs hate crime data for the state is similar. In 2014, the agency recorded 17 incidents motivated by anti-religious bias as compared to just three motivated by an individuals sexual orientation. Utahs limited hate-crime legislation contains no list of protected classes, which means that SB 107 would do more to protect religious expression in the state than it would to protect sexual orientation or gender identity. Nevertheless, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints suggested the bill would upset the "balance church leaders called for in 2015. "The Utah Legislature achieved something extraordinary last year in arriving at legislation that protected both religious liberty rights and LGBT rights," a spokesman said in a statement. Interests from both ends of the political spectrum are attempting to alter that balance. We believe that the careful balance achieved through being fair to all should be maintained. Its only balanced in the sense that everyone loses. Last January, the Mormon Church pledged provisional support for a fairness for all approach that balances religious freedom protections with reasonable safeguards for LGBT people. With the weight of the church behind it, a statewide nondiscrimination ordinance, SB 296, sailed through the Utah House of Representatives last March and became law. Because it specifically exempted religious organizations and corporations from protections for LGBT employees, church spokesman Eric Hawkins called it the very best of collaboration and statesmanship from groups and individuals who may not always agree on all things. The churchs hypocrisy in now opposing a bill that would enhance punishments for anti-religious crime is not lost on its author, Republican state Sen. Stephen Urquhart, who is Mormon. Were here [in Utah] because Mormons were lynched, Mormons were persecuted, Mormons were driven out of states, the state senator said in support of his bill. Thats worthy of protection. The bill easily cleared committee two weeks ago, but Urquhart said the church has effectively snuffed out discussion with its public comments about balance. I invite the Mormon Church to actually talk with me about my legislation, he said at a press conference, joined by religious and LGBT leaders. (Urquhart did not immediately respond to The Daily Beasts request for comment.) Urquhart is surprised by the churchs about-face because before he sponsored the hate-crimes bill the church opposes, he co-sponsored the LGBT bill it supported. The new hate-crimes bill would be a pretty easy follow-up, he recalls thinking. Just like it made sense to do it in the nondiscrimination law, it makes sense to do it in the hate crimes law, he told the Mormon-owned Deseret News in January. But opponents on the religious right accused Urquhart of creating categories, even though those same categories were already included in legislation the church has supported. Gov. Gary Herbert, a practicing Mormon, was cautious in his approach to the hate-crimes bill, telling the press, If I kill you, youre just as dead whether I hated you or I love you and killed you. I dont understand how that works. Certainly, I think its worth a discussion, but we keep creating categories. Between SB 296 and SB 107, too, the Mormon Church adopted a controversial policy change prohibiting any child who primarily resides with same-sex parents from being baptized until they are 18 and only then if that child specifically disavows the practice of same-gender cohabitation and marriage. That move sparked a wave of resignations and was widely seen as retaliation for the recent legalization of same-sex marriage. The Mormon Churchs opposition to SB 107, even though the bill would protect its own members, only underscores that perception. For Urquhart, its enough to begin apparently questioning his faith. When I was a child in a dark situation, the Mormon Church shined a light in my life, Urquhart said at his press conference last Thursday. But since then, that light has flickered. Almost every day brings a different European leader calling for military intervention to save Libya from the so-called Islamic Statebut only once there is a single government in Libya with legitimate claims to control the entire country; one government, that is, to invite those foreign troops. And while the Europeans wait, the White House steps back even further, as The Daily Beast reported Thursday, telling the Pentagon to put its plans for a major intervention on hold. Hence the urgency behind efforts to seat the painstakingly brokered Government of National Accord in Tripoli as soon as possible. But politically and militarily, thats no simple matter, and the question of foreign intervention, seen from the ground in Libya, is even more problematic. The Italians who occupied Italy from 1911 to '43 are believed to have killed or imprisoned a third of the population by 1934, when they declared the country "pacified." Today, the killing goes on, with supposedly surgical airstrikes by American forces. On Friday, American planes hit the coastal town of Sabratha, reportedly targeting a specific ISIS cell and, in the process, killing some 43 people. Yet there are no plans to move against the ISIS stronghold in the city of Sirte, because, once again, there is no fixed regime with which to coordinate such actions. Who can trigger the chain of events that just might bring a unified government, foreign stabilization assistance, an end to ISIS and the many, many other things that need doing to resurrect this country? One important player is Colonel Idris Madi of the Libyan National Army, the commander of the Tripoli manteqah or region, responsible for seating the new national accord government in the old national capital, even though, at the moment, the city is still under the tenuous control of dozens of extremist militia collectively known as Fajr Libya or Libya Dawn. Like the rest of the national army, the colonel is under the command of the Ministry of Defense in Bayda, in eastern Libya, and this in turn is under the internationally recognized House of Representatives in Tobruk, which governs most of eastern Libya, some of southern Libya, and Zintan, a mountain town that is effectively an island separated from the coast by Libya Dawn territory. Zintan is just a two-hour drive away from the capital, but since August 2014 its been cut off by road. Madi, with silver hair and mustache, glasses, and wearing a uniform with his colonels insignia, looks very different from the thuggish Tripoli militia leaders in their rumpled mercenary chic. He is very close to General Khalifa Haftar, the principle commander of the national army, and he holds the first rank in the Western region. Madi was with Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi until the dictators fall at the hands of the European-backed revolution in 2011. As a Zintani, Madi has a big dog in the fight for Tripoli. The militias that had held the Tripoli airport until August 2014 were from Zintan, and there is no worse blood in Libya than between Zintanis and the Tripoli and Misrata militias that defeated them, destroying the airport in the process. But Madi commands regular army troops, not militias, and was at pains to emphasize that militias cannot be involved in the process of seating the national accord government, or, We will be back to square one. We spoke over Skype five years to the day after the Libyan revolution began in Benghazia very different time, when hopes were high and a manic idealism pervasive. But in recent times, after a year and a half of slow-boil civil war and economic collapse, Libyas mood is decidedly grim. Libyas two contesting power centers, the one in Tobruk and the General National Congress in Tripoli, which is under the control of the Islamist Libya Dawn militias, are now under pressure from the international community to accept the Government of National Accord so that the country can face ISIS with a united front. So, if all those ducks can be lined up, and the Libyan National Army has the backing of the Government of National Accord, what will it take to defeat the so-called Islamic State in their midst? Can the job be done without a lot of international help? Most Libyans dont accept ISIS, the colonel said. But ISIS was a part of the Fajr government or collaborating with them. The regular Libyan army is able to defeat ISIS, not through airstrikes but on the ground, he said. We just need international help for monitoring, Madi continued, meaning intelligence on the wherabouts of militias and combatants. We cannot talk about specific numbers. We need support of the international community. We need informationmonitoring of borders and the movement of fighters inside the country. The new Government of National Accord is a motley undistinguished group that few Libyans have greeted with enthusiasm, but most probably regard it as better than continued chaos. It was propped up by the United Nations on Dec. 17, 2015. The ministers-designate have spent the last two months in Tunisia and then Morocco trying to name a cabinet that will get the backing of the hitherto legitimate government in Tobruk, the legislature known as the House of Representatives or HoR. (Everything has an acronym in Libya.) On Tuesday the 23rd, the HoR is to vote on the latest iteration, a group of merely 18 ministers, down from 30-something, that has to please all the city-states and tribal groupings in the East. This is in itself a tall order, and its rumored that some of the names are so controversial that the vote will be name by name rather than for the whole slate. Meanwhile, it was announced that the GNA has asked for international protection even to go to Tobruk for the vote, given the still very fragile security in the eastern stronghold of the legitimate government. Madi said nothing of this embarrassment, nor would he corroborate rumors that U.S. special operations forces already are in Western Libya cooperating with the national army. We dont have any dealings with any U.S. forces, he said, but we will in the future. Assuming the HoR approves the new government, the real hurdle is seating it in Tripoli, controlled by the Islamist militias that seized the capital in August 2014. Madi seemed confident as he spoke (in Arabic, using a U.S.-educated translator). Two weeks after the House of Representatives approves the cabinet, we can bring them to Tripoli, he said. The commanders have lists of the soldiers and we are communicating daily.We will have about 6,000 soldiers and 2,500 policeman. The Libyan National Army has 10 regions. Each has to give 500 soldiers to this operation. In western Libya, there are 500 soldiers from the coast, 500 from the mountains and 200 inside Tripoli. The LNAs plans for Tripoli revolve around the thousands of soldiers who are believed to be still loyal to the LNA but have to keep their allegiances secret because they live in Fajr-controlled towns. (A Libyan friend in that situation introduced me to Col. Madi online.) If you were rash enough to support the Tobruk government, youd likely get your house burned down for your pains, and thats the only asset most Libyans possess. As these numbers suggest, everything military in Libya, a nation of roughly 6 million people, happens on a Lilliputian scale by American standards. Many former combatants estimate that fewer than 10,000 Libyans actually fought in the revolution against Gaddafi and that may be generous. The problem is that tens of thousands of unemployed young men have joined the government-funded militias that have sprung up since then. One teenager I know has his own truck-mounted KPV 14.5mm heavy machine gun. Luckily hes a good kid. Spending on these militias and their weapons has crowded out just about everything else, to the extent that Libyan hospitals now lack basic supplies. The country has committed suicide by militia. Where will these well-paid, well-armed, mainly youthful Islamist militias that currently run rampant in Tripoli go if they are ousted? Madi says they must go to the borders. Libyas frontiers have been largely unpoliced for years now, allowing not only the headline-grabbing trafficking in subSaharan Africans en route to Europe, but the smuggling of drugs, alcohol, weapons and terrorists. The problem is that no one in Libya is very keen on being posted to a desolate desert border crossing. The militia members in Tripoli will almost surely say, Why should I leave to go to the borders? Why cant the LNA go there? And perhaps more importantly, what will make the militia commanderswho have been looting the national wealth for yearsleave the big money institutions of Libya in Tripoli like the National Oil Company and Central Bank to the new government? What will make strongman Nuri Abu Sahmein, the president of the current regime in Tripoli, leave? Here Col. Idris Madi allowed himself a small smile. This is a battle, he said. A three-part battle. Part is about dialogue, part is about new choices, and part is fighting. I think he will go peacefully. The Libyan people do not accept political Islam. Hes right, if election results are any guide. But Libyas Islamists have not respected electoral results. How about Abdulhakim Belhaj, the ex-Libyan Islamic Fighting Group fighter whose political party failed to secure even one seat in the 2014 parliamentary elections, but whose fighters were among those who seized Tripoli in August 2014? Is there a role for him in the future? His reputation is very bad, said Madi. If it was good, he would have been elected. I asked about demands that Belhaj, Abu Sahmein and others be tried for war crimes in the Hague, or in Libya. Madi said Libyans, Dont want to go for accountability at this stage. We need to get the country stable. He went on to say, It was a big mistake to disband the Libyan National Army similar to what happened in Iraq. This was because the Muslim Brotherhood wanted to build an army of its own. Like most Libyans, even military professionals, Madi emphasizes dialogue. Libyans settle most matters by talking, even in war. One commander I know was on his mobile phone to his opposite number during a small war between the Amazigh town of Zwara and its Arab neighbors in the spring of 2012. Will there be a battle for Tripoli? No, I dont think so. Except small fights in certain areas. There is another threat, which is ISIS. But its a barely concealed secret that many of the Islamists are willing to tolerate ISIS when it suits them. The colonel is quick to say, The Fajr government is very weak and has other agendas. The Fajr Libya government includes ISIS, especially in Sabratha. Sometimes they fight ISIS, when it affects their interest, and other times they include ISIS or the LIFG or Ansar al Shariah. I asked Col. Madi about a basic logistical issue: the road between Tripoli and Tunisia has been blocked for months by fighting between rival Fajr militias. The condition has come to seem so permanent that an air taxi service now brings people from the furthest west town, Zwara, to Tripoli, and ancient Fajr helicopters ferry people back and forth to Sabratha, just east of Zwara and the reputed home to a sizeable ISIS contingent. Madi seemed to think that the rival militias would stop fighting in the face of the LNA, andagainthat the real fight would be with ISIS. The colonel denied that any Zintan militias will be allowed to operate as such in the effort to seat the GNA in Tripoli. But another Zintan source said that he has no doubt that some of the Zintan militia will participate in any operation in Tripoli, and that while Col. Madi has the highest formal military rank in the LNA in the West, he is not the strongest anti-Fajr commander in the West. That title belongs to Osama Al Juwaili, leader of the military council of Zintan, a former defense minister of Libya circa 2012, who has connections with Misratas powerful Halbous and al Mahjoub brigades, currently occupying Tripoli. Supposedly Juwaili supports the Government of National Accord. Another Zintan heavyweight is Emad Trabelsi, commander of the As-Sawaiq brigade of Zintan, which has between 300 and 1200 men. As-Sawaiq is rumored to be among the Zintan militias that will enter Tripoli. Some of the Misrata brigades in Tripoli have forged agreements with the Zintan brigades to allow a peaceful entry into Tripoli since the Misrata-Tripoli Islamist alliance has itself fractured, like everything else. I asked Colonel Madis translator, another native Zintani, if there were big celebrations for the anniversary of the February 17 Revolution. (The first demonstrations began with a timid lawyers protest in Benghazi on Feb. 15, 2011, and picked up steam nationwide from there.) But this being Libya, it turned out that Zintan had celebrated the anniversary of the revolution on February 16, when the rebellion was said to have begun there. This is an excellent example of both the beauty and the tragedy of Libya. Its a country of free, proud and by-and-large reasonably well-governed city states, where individuals also consider themselves free and equal, paying no deference to birth, rank, or position. (Wealth is another matter). Yet these city states cannot agree on when to celebrate their revolution, much less on a national government, and somehow all this theoretical freedom results in chaos, which doesnt allow anyone real freedom, like the freedom to drive the coast road from Tripoli to Tunisia, or from Zintan to Tripoli, without dire consequences, or the freedom to not be kidnapped, or assassinated. Zintan is a stark, bordering-on-grim place, though it has its own beauty, and while the Zintanis criticize the Tripoli militias for embracing political Islam or worse, the town is extremely. Women do not drive there, and indeed are almost never seen in the streets. The translator ended our talk by remarking wistfully that since he left his graduate program in electrical engineering in the U.S., his life has stagnated. I cant even go to Tripoli. Ive been stuck in Zintan for two years. When you mentioned going to the gym, I remembered so much about the United States. There is nothing to do here. Its a common sentiment. Libya is not Afghanistan; its a wealthy oil state on the Mediterranean. Most Libyans have some experience of the world outside, and want to be part of it. The first step back to being a normal country would be the seating of the GNA in Tripoli. But at the moment, no one can predict when that day will come. President Barack Obama has faced many trials during his turbulent presidency, but few as consequential as the raging debate over the appointment of the successor to the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Delay, delay, delay, Donald Trump advised as a tactic to derail an Obama nomination, as Ted Cruz threatened a filibuster in the Senate, claiming the next president should decide who takes Scalias seat. As Obama braces for the battle ahead, he can look to a similar trial faced by Lyndon Johnsonthe last president to be presented with a Supreme Court vacancy in his final year in officeas a warning. When it came to getting things done in Washington, few, if any, were the equal of LBJ. Part of it was Johnsons savvy. Heres an example: When he wanted to further the cause of civil rights by appointing the first African-American to the Supreme Court, he created a vacancy by naming Ramsey Clark, the son of Supreme Court Justice Tom Clark, as his attorney general in 1967, thereby creating a conflict of interest for Justice Clark. Clark resigned his post so that his son could become the nations top lawyer, paving the way for Thurgood Marshall to make history as the nations first black Justice. But another Supreme Court vacancy during the waning days of Johnsons presidency shows a rare example of LBJ on the losing side of a crucial battle with Congress. In 1968, Earl Warren, the courts liberal-minded chief justice, resigned, putting the choice of his successor in LBJs hands. The president quickly nominated his longtime friend and adviser, Abe Fortas. From the start, the prospects of Fortas, a Johnson appointee as an associate justice in 1965, were tenuous. Fortass liberal voting record, including his majority vote in the landmark Miranda v. Arizona case, was at issue with an increasingly conservative Senate. Still, Johnson went forward with the nomination after securing the support of Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen, who would bring crucial GOP support with him. But Johnson knew he would have to move the nomination through quickly at the risk of losing Dirksens backing. Just take my word for it, he told an aide presciently, If they get this thing drug out very long, were going to get beat." The nomination quickly hit a snag when Robert Griffin, a Republican freshman senator from Michigan with big ambitions, announced his refusal to entertain nominees put forth by a lame duck president. After enlisting 18 Senate colleagues, Griffin threatened a filibuster, successfully dragging out the process as LBJ had feared. As it did, opposition to Fortas grew. Senators held that Fortas, as an adviser to Johnson, had in principle violated the separation of powers inherent in the Constitution. Never mind that members of the high court had been consulted by presidents and even called on to establish policy, as the first president, George Washington, did in 1794, when he tapped John Jay, the first chief justice, to negotiate a treaty with England to avert the threat of war. A second charge was more damaging: assertions that Fortas had accepted $15,000 to teach a nine-week course at American University Law School, which had come indirectly through a former law partner who, it was argued, could have business before the court. The speed bumps were sufficient enough that Johnsons prediction came true: He lost Dirksens support. After the Senate Judiciary Committee approved Fortas nomination by an 11-4 vote, Sen. Griffin began his filibuster. When Johnson called for its end, a vote in the Senate for Fortass appointment came up 14 votes short. The writing clearly on the wall, Fortas withdrew his name from consideration. As the clock ran out on his administration, Johnson lost his chance to further make his mark on the court and extend his presidential legacy. Richard Nixon, elected president later in 1968, would go on to successfully nominate conservative judge Warren Burger as chief justice. Burger presided over the court for 17 years. Lady Bird Johnson chalked up her husbands uncharacteristic loss to the rising anger against Lyndon and mostly the rising anger against liberalism. The past, clearly, offers a feasible prologue, as the din of rising anger clamors around the 2016 presidential race. If Obama is to avoid the lame-duck fate of LBJ, savvy and speed will be the orders of the day. Mark K. Updegrove is a presidential historian and author of Indomitable Will: LBJ in the Presidency Pope Francis recently made international headlines for two reasons: getting into a verbal dustup with presidential candidate and professional dustup-starter Donald Trump and for his comments on birth control. When asked directly whether the use of artificial contraception might be permissible due to the spread of the pregnancy-complicating Zika virus, he signaled a more progressive stance than the one publicly held by the church, saying that avoiding pregnancy is not an absolute evil. While some are reporting the pontiffs remarks as a major surprise, anyone who has followed the Catholic Churchs history on the issue of contraception, and this Pope in particular, would know that it was really only a matter of time before the guided the church back to a more moderate position. In an email to The Daily Beast, Jonathan Eig, author of The Birth of the Pill, wrote, The Catholic Church considered allowing the birth control pill, and a committee of bishops did recommend its acceptance, only to have the pope overrule the committee. The Committee Eig was referring to was the 1963 Papal Commission on Population and Birth Control, which was established by Pope John XXIII to address the growing role of the contraceptive pill in society and its impact on the church. Following his death, the next papal leader, Pope Paul VI, expanded the size and scope of the commission to include cardinals, bishops and lay experts. Though the majority expressed support for the church supporting contraception use, the Pope sided with the minority opinion articulated in a report by Karol Wojtyla, who would later become Pope John Paul II. This would result in the 1968 Humana Vitae, which would become the definitive document outlining the churchs positions on family planning. It is worth noting that one of the creators of the birth control pill, Dr. John Rock, was a devout Catholic who spent much of his later career trying to win the churchs support for contraception. He even authored a book on the struggle, The Time Has Come: A Catholic Doctors Proposals to End the Battle over Birth Control. Though Rock did not live to see his goal of the Catholic Church embracing contraception wholesale become a reality, it has made concessions and exceptions over the years that have signaled that such an embrace is possible. For instance, artificial contraception is permitted for those Catholics who take it to address other health woes, such as women who suffer from severe premenstrual symptoms, so long as its not used to prevent pregnancy. As explained by Melissa Moschella, an assistant professor at the Catholic University of America, ultimately the church believes that the primary goal of marriage and the bonds of physical intimacy are to produce children. But she also explained that the same document that guides Catholics on this issue, the Humana Vitae, is also clear about the importance of responsible parenthood. I think there is a popular misconception because the church is against artificial contraception, a lot of people assume the church thinks that you ought to constantly be trying to have a new child and have as many children as physically possible. And thats not true, Moschella said in a phone interview. Though Moschella reiterated during our discussion (which took place before the Popes remarks) that she does not anticipate Zika impacting the churchs official position on contraception, she noted that the virus does speak to the issue of responsible parenthood. The church understands and emphasizes that it is the job of the parentthe husband and the wife to decide prayerfully and conscientiously whether or not and when to have another child and so thats what they mean by responsible parenthood. Do we have sufficient resources? Is it going to be too much of a strain perhaps on the mothers health or many other factors that may be at play? That includes whether a child may be in physical danger upon conception due to a virus like Zika, which has been linked to microcephaly in babies. She added, Its not that the heightened possibility that a child may have a serious illness means they must absolutely avoid pregnancy, but it means it is a serious factor to consider, particularly if they think they lack the time, the energy or resources to give an ill child the care they need. This would be a reason they should try to avoid pregnancy in the means the church allows for. Those means include what is commonly referred to as the rhythm method, or calendar-based family planning in which a woman tracks her menstrual cycle to determine her most fertile days to avoid sex during that time. Moschella pointed to the benefits some proponents of this method celebrate, such as not filling your bodies with the hormones that are the norm with the pill. But of course reliance on such a method also means a woman must be empowered enough in her culture, society and home to regularly say no to sex with her husband. That may be more a viable strategy for women in countries like America. But in countries with widespread poverty and inequality, such as the Latin American countries in which the Zika crisis began, the likelihood of a woman being able to always dictate when she wants to have sex is not necessarily realistic, and Pope Franciss remarks seemed to reference the role such inequity can play in a womans efforts to prevent pregnancy. He noted that Pope Paul VI authorized access to contraception for nuns who faced the possibility of rape in war-torn countriessomething not widely known until his comments. Though Pope Francis is widely considered one of the most progressive popes in history, the actions of both his immediate predecessor Pope Benedict and Pope Paul VI prove that the church has been attempting to balance theology, humanity, and reality for years. Pope Benedict is widely viewed as more conservative, yet he was said to discuss condoms as a legitimate moral consideration in the fight against AIDS in Africa. While those discussions centered primarily on adult-to-adult transmission, he never could have anticipated a crisis like Zika that primarily harms children. But now that were here, Pope Francis is finally forcing the church to confront its complicated, somewhat confusing history on an issue that has been politically volatile in recent years, but is now quickly becoming viewed as an international health and human-rights issue. Last year when Pope Francis said Catholics have a responsibility not to breed like bunny rabbits, many saw the remarks as opening the door for him to lead the church to join the majority of Catholics who have already made up their minds to wholeheartedly embrace contraception. After all, a Gallup poll found 82 percent of Catholics consider birth control morally acceptable, and 98 percent of Catholic women have used birth control. Perhaps not yet, but as the church tries to figure out a way to confront the Zika virus, that door just opened a little more. With the South Carolina primary and a disappointing third-place finish behind him, Ted Cruz's campaign is turning west, providing a brief respite from the increasingly high-stakes South and an opportunity to test out a libertarian-tinged message for a new part of the country. Cruz is going all in on Nevada in the home stretch before its caucuses Tuesday, holding 10 events there over the next three days. The swing began with a rally Sunday afternoon in Pahrump an unincorporated town an hour west of Las Vegas known for its anti-government zeal. Victory for Cruz is hard to define in Nevada, a state that has commanded far less of his attention than the sites of the first three early voting contests. One thing is for sure, though, according to the state's Republicans: If Cruz is looking to slow billionaire Donald Trump's momentum, he may want to look elsewhere. "Like in South Carolina, the same is true in Nevada: It's a race for second place, not for first," said Greg Ferraro, a GOP consultant from the Silver State who is not affiliated with any presidential campaign. Cruz is nonetheless giving it a shot, taking the fight to Trump over land rights an issue that resonates across the West, where the federal government owns large amounts of land. In aninterview last month with Field and Stream magazine, Trump expressed some opposition to transferring control of the land to the states, suggesting the federal government may be a more trustworthy guardian. "Eighty-five percent of Nevada is owned and regulated by the federal government, and Donald Trump wants to keep big government in charge," Cruz said in a direct-to-camera TV ad released Thursday. "That's ridiculous." "You, the people of Nevada, not Washington bureaucrats, should be in charge of your own land," Cruz added in the 30-second spot. "If you trust me with your vote, I will fight day and night to return full control of Nevada's lands to its rightful owners, its citizens." Cruz pressed the contrast while speaking with reporters before his rally in Pahrump, saying it "makes no sense" for the federal government to own so much land in Nevada. Flagging it as a disagreement with Trump, Cruz reiterated he wants to keep the land out of the hands of a federal government that "doesn't share and doesn't understand Nevada values." Despite Cruz's unambiguous offensive against Trump, there is a sense of uncertainty surrounding the contest in Nevada, where reliable polling has been hard to find. What few surveys have been taken have found Trump leading the field by anywhere from 13 to 26 percentage points. Adding to the mystery is the fact that this is the first year in which Nevada has a contested caucus since it was given early voting status in 2008. Then and in 2012, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney faced little competition in the state and easily prevailed. This time around, "anything can happen," said Robert Uithoven, Cruz's Nevada state director. "I think anybody who tells you they know how it's going to turn out doesn't understand it." At Cruz's Election Night party Saturday in South Carolina, Cruz campaign manager Jeff Roe briefly spoke with reporters about the next contest, predicting Nevada would see record turnout like the first three early voting states did. Roe said the electorate in Nevada is not as quirky as some may think, suggesting its transient population produces a "national blend" of primary voters that mirrors the rest of the country. Cruz and Rubio are regarded as having the best ground games in the state, though Uithoven said Cruz's two field offices, in Las Vegas and in Reno, and five paid staff shy in comparison to the infrastructure Rubio has. Cruz's boosters in Nevada are still expressing confidence they can come out on top with a get-out-the-vote operation that will be criticial in a caucus setting that has a modern reputation for low turnout. "It rivals Hillary Clinton's it's that good," said Nevada Assembly Majority Whip Jim Wheeler, who has endorsed Cruz. Like he did in New Hampshire, Cruz is hoping to build a libertarian-leaning coalition, a task that continues to be easier with U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky out of the race. On Thursday, Cruz won the endorsement of Carl Bunce, who was serving as Paul's Nevada senior adviser and was a top staffer in the Silver State on the presidential campaigns of Paul's father Ron, a libertarian icon. Cruz is additionally seeking to woo Mormons, who make up a sliver of the state's population but have disproportionately participated in its caucuses. To reach members of the religion, Cruz has on his side U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador of Idaho, whom Uithoven joked was a kind of "trifecta": He not only belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but has roots in Las Vegas and membership in the House Liberty Caucus. Perhaps Cruz's most notable endorsement in the state is that of Attorney General Adam Laxalt, a rising star of the anti-establishment right with a famous pedigree his grandfather is Paul Laxalt, the former U.S. senator from Nevada. While Cruz has not held a campaign event in the state for more than two months, Laxalt has been stumping for Cruz across the state for the past three weeks. He also stars in an ad released Saturday that calls Cruz "what conservatives in Nevada right now are hungry for." In addition to Laxalt's backing, Cruz's supporters in Nevada take pride in the fact that many of the state lawmakers backing him were leading opponents of a tax increase Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval pushed through the Legislature last year. The increase, the largest in state history, was meant to help fund education. "The state legislators that are supporting ... Rubio were also supporters of that tax increase," Uithoven said. "That gets noticed by the base of our party." Cruz alluded to the tax battle shortly after taking the stage in Pahrump, bringing it up during his usual remarks on politicians "saying one thing and doing another." The people of Nevada, Cruz said, "know something about politicians who campaign promising a tax cut and then get into office and pass a massive tax increase." Much like in South Carolina, the candidate who could be Cruz's closest competition Tuesday is Rubio, who grew up in Las Vegas and attended an LDS church there. With an eye on notching his first victory in a nominating contest, Rubio moved quickly Sunday to show strength in the state, rolling out the endorsements of U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei and U.S. Sen. Dean Heller, both of whom backed former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush until he dropped out of the presidential race a day earlier. The Florida senator is claiming momentum after edging out Cruz for second place Saturday in the South Carolina primary. But Cruz's supporters in Nevada say the state's independent-minded voters tend not to put too much stock in the horse race or at least they hope so after a Palmetto State contest in which Cruz fell short of expectations, raising the stakes for the round of southern primaries that come a week after Nevada's caucuses. "Momentum is Nevada really doesnt seem to resonate all that much," Wheeler said. "Were a very, very independent state. Were true westerners out here. We do what we want." The Brazos County Commissioners Court is about to get one and possibly two new members March 1. The races for Precincts 1 and 3 will be decided on Super Tuesday because only Republicans are vying for the offices with no Democrats in the race. Two members of the College Station City Council are running, one against the incumbent commissioner and the other against an opponent for the seat sadly being vacated by longtime Commissioner Kenny Mallard. The job is considered full time, although over the years many commissioners have treated it as part time, continuing to operate their outside businesses. Commissioners oversee all county business, but most of that business is conducted by departments that are headed not by appointed officials responsible to the commissioners but by elected officials responsible only to voters. The primary tool commissioners have is control of the budget that funds the various departments. Of the five government bodies in Brazos County, commissioners control the smallest budget by far, yet make more than $75,000 annually. School trustees and city council members who oversee much larger operations, make nothing or next to nothing. Here is a look at the two commissioners' races on the March 1 Republican ballot. Brazos County Commissioner, Precinct 1 Steve Aldrich vs. Commissioner Lloyd Wassermann -- Aldrich is a familiar face with a lifetime of outstanding service to the people of Brazos County. He spent 12 years as a College Station school trustee and is in his third year as a College Station City Council member. He also has been active in numerous volunteer organizations. Aldrich said he would be an effective coordinator between Precinct 1 and the rest of the county and would take a cohesive leadership role. Aldrich said his main goal would be maintaining the quality of life in the county. Wassermann was elected to the commissioners court in 2005 after more than 40 years as a teacher and administrator, much of that in College Station schools. Since then, he has given steady service to his constituents. Precinct 1 has seen unprecedented growth in recent years. Last year, some residents of the precinct were upset by decision by Union Pacific to close rail crossings along Wellborn Road at Wade Road and Straub Road. After public protest a compromise was reached to construct a better crossing at Greens Prairie Trail. Under federal law, Union Pacific had the right to close the crossings to build a detour track to allow trains to pass each other safely. There was nothing the county could do to stop that. Thanks to Wassermann's leadership, though, the Greens Prairie Trail crossing was obtained. Wassermann is a full-time commissioner, either at his desk or out in the precinct every work day, meeting with constituents, touring areas of concern or carrying out county business. If Aldrich does not win on March 1, he still could run for a second three-year term on the College Station City Council in November. Aldrich has served the people of this county extremely well for many years. He does not, however, make a compelling case that he would do a better job than Wassermann. Wassermann is a solid, dedicated public servant and deserves to be re-elected. The Eagle recommends a vote for Lloyd Wassermann for re-election as Brazos County commissioner for Precinct 1. Brazos County Commissioner, Precinct 3 Gabriel Garcia vs. Nancy Berry -- Garcia is a lifelong resident of Brazos County, a graduate of Bryan High School and Texas A&M University with a bachelor of agriculture economics. He owns two oil and lube centers in Bryan. He serves as chairman of the city of Bryan's Zoning Board of Adjustment and is a volunteer English as a Second Language teacher for the Bryan Housing Authority. He also volunteers with the excellent Read by Third program. He said commissioners shouldn't be content with continuing operating losses at the Brazos County Expo. He opposes moving the Brazos County Appraisal District offices to a new building and worries that many streets in the precinct aren't patrolled. He said he wouldn't be opposed to increasing taxes if absolutely necessary, "but the increases should be kept to a minimum." Berry serves as College Station mayor, but is term-limited from running again in November. She points to unprecedented cooperation with Bryan under her watch. She works hard in her current unpaid position and has been an active volunteer for years in many, many service organizations. She chairs the Metropolitan Planning Organization where she says her goal is "to make sure we don't turn into another Austin." Throughout her years of service, Berry has shown a remarkable ability to get along with people and to bring consensus on often contentious issues. She calls for an outer loop from Peach Creek south of College Station to Woodville Road in Bryan. To the west, the loop should connect Texas 40 and Texas 47. Her vision would serve the people of Precinct 3 and, indeed, all of Brazos County and the entire area well. Garcia is an engaging young man and we urge him to continue his volunteer efforts and make another run for office down the road. His interests seem more attuned to a city council or, perhaps, a school board position and he might consider a run for one of those. As for the race in Precinct 3, Berry's Service, her vision and her commitment is unmatched. The Eagle recommends a vote for Nancy Berry for Brazos County commissioner for Precinct 3. Brazos County Republicans are being asked whether they want to give the popular and innovative five-term Sheriff Chris Kirk another four years as the county's top lawman or instead select a political newcomer with some interesting ideas. When he ran for sheriff in 1996, Kirk said his goal was to bring the department into the 21st century. That he has done, bringing new ideas and new technologies to make his deputies safer and more efficient. And, much of it has been done at little to no cost to the community. Kirk is being challenged in the March 1 Republican Primary by Miguel C. Vasquez, a deputy for Precinct 2 Constable Donald Lampo. Vasquez started as a reserve officer with the Hearne Police Department before serving five years as a regular officer with the Hearne department. In 2001, he joined the College Station Police Department, leaving five years later to help train international law enforcement officers in Iraq. He joined Lampo's department in 2008. He said his lifelong goal has been to be sheriff. If elected, he said he wants to see more deputies patrolling county roads with quicker response times. "We need more deputies, especially at night," Vasquez said. Kirk said three deputies patrol the county at night and studies indicate the best times and areas to deploy them. "I would love more patrol deputies," Kirk said. "We have 22 now and I have requested more before." The deputies work 12-hour shifts. Kirk has been able to acquire mobile tablets for each patrol car to allow deputies to complete investigations and make reports more quickly. Also, he pioneered body cameras for the deputies five years ago and, as of two years ago all of Kirk's deputies wear them. Kirk has coordinated Brazos County Crime Stoppers since 1988 and was an early backer of Scotty's House, serving as president of the board for 15 years. He also has been active in the Boy Scouts and the Sexual Assault Resource Center. He also has served as president of the statewide Texas Sheriffs' Association. Vasquez said the constable deputies have a good relationship with the sheriff's deputies, but that the sheriff's administrators are reluctant to call on the constables for help, even though the deputies all must be certified peace officers. He said the sheriff's deputies need to be more proactive, out on the streets interacting with people. He also said that the sheriff ought to returned serving civil warrants to the constables in order to free up more deputies to patrol the streets. Kirk originally agreed to take over delivering the warrants because constables were not doing so, Vasquez said the sheriff ought to create substations in the four volunteer fire departments at little cost to the county. Doing so, Vasquez said, would shorten response times throughout the county. He said deputies ought to investigate traffic accidents in the county, saying the wait for the Department of Public Safety to arrive is too long. Kirk opposes that idea, saying there is no reason to duplicate investigation responsibilities and take deputies away from their other duties. Vasquez said Kirk has done a good lob, but law enforcement styles have changed and it will take a new sheriff to change with them. Vasquez is bright, experienced and has some ideas worth looking into. Kirk, however, has served the residents of Brazos County well for three decades, two of them as sheriff. He is innovative, informed of the latest issues in law enforcement and deeply committed to the people of Brazos County he serves. He helped the county build a first-class jail and his innovative management style has reduced recidivism and increased safety for jailers and inmates. When Kirk took over as sheriff, the department was in turmoil, in some ways a laughingstock of law enforcement. Kirk brought pride and professionalism to the office. For the sake of the residents of Brazos County, Kirk should be re-elected. The Eagle recommends a vote Chris Kirk in the Republican Primary. We need him as our sheriff for another four years. Wouldn't help a candidate who isn't honorable I am a supporter of Jess Fields and I have worked as a volunteer in several areas of Jess's campaign, including block walking and phone calling. I am responding to the bitter accusations leveled at the way Jess is campaigning in recent letters to the editor. As volunteers, Jess tells us repeatedly never to say anything negative about John Raney, Jess knows him and tells us that Rep. Raney is a fine man and that the only reason Jess is opposing him is because they have different political opinions on the best way to represent the people of Bryan-College Station. Raney's ranking as the fifth most liberal member in the Texas House illustrates the difference. There is no way that Jess would ever do anything in this campaign that isn't totally principled and proper. I hope that those of you who know me realize that I wouldn't spend a minute working for any candidate who wasn't honorable. BOB MARCOTTE Bryan Candidate stayed here to work with residents I've had the privilege of serving as a College Station City Councilman since 2012. I've been fortunate to serve alongside numerous public servants who place community before self, show integrity in their words and actions, and who operate with a humble heart. Working with so many people of enormous character is a tremendous blessing, but it also paints a stark contrast when others don't operate under such gleaming standards. One such individual who stands out is Jess Fields. In fact, it is because of my experience of serving with Fields that I wholeheartedly support John Raney for state representative. John Raney has been a consistent voice for lower taxes, for the right to life and has represented the Brazos Valley's interests well, even confronting Blinn College over its funding of the Bryan campus. In contrast, Fields, after serving only one term on the College Station City Council, sold his local business and home and moved to Austin. He turned his back on the Brazos Valley and put all of us in his rear view mirror. Now he's back, lying about John Raney. Meanwhile, John Raney stayed here, runs a business here and successfully served our residents because he cares for our area, not just his political career. John Raney consistently has led by example. He has delivered in the Texas House of Representatives for our community by co-authoring the border security bill, supporting law enforcement, defending life, cutting taxes by nearly $4 billion, and passing numerous local bills to support this community. We lose this leadership if we lose John Raney. I wholeheartedly will stand by John. He is a man who values and honors his word, and consistently backs it up with action. Please stand alongside me and vote John Raney for Texas state representative. JAMES BENHAM College Station Look at how the candidate spends hius donated campaign funds It has been disappointing to listen to the personal rhetoric lobbed at Jess Fields in recent editions of The Eagle. A former city councilman who started and ran a successful small business here for seven years, Jess has been labeled by his opponent as nothing less than a scoundrel and a miscreant. In fact, it is John Raney who has almost completely severed his ties with District 14 through his actions in Austin. More than half of Raney's contributions come from PACs. You wouldn't believe how he spends some of it! For instance, he spends $2,350 dollars a month from campaign contributions for a downtown Austin apartment. Last summer, he attended a conference for state legislators in Seattle where lobbyists wine and dine lawmakers. He also voted to increase his own taxpayer-funded legislative pension. The biggest problem Raney faces is his voting record. He was ranked as the fifth most liberal Republican by Rice University's Mark Jones and the fourth most liberal Republican by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility. It should be no surprise that he held a joint fundraiser last October with a Democratic state representative in Dallas. Those TV ads don't come cheap. RYAN CAMPBELL College Station Faster loading time (lower bounce rates from) A faster loading ensures that your site visitors don't leave your site when it starts to load for too long. Guaranteed dedicated resources Bandwidth, memory, CPU power, storage of up to 200 GB SSD Storage, NVMe. Privacy and control (server admin) You will get total control over digital assets, databases, customer information, and files with no ovhcloud control panel. Easier scalability You will able to increase your resources as often as you want easily. Dedicated IP address Our VPS services will ensure that you get IPv4 and IPv6 for a reasonable fee. 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To the Editor: As one of the last schools in Fairfield County to make the move to artificial turf, Greens Farms Academy (GFA) felt some pressure to "keep up with the Joneses" and install a turf field, mostly to ensure our athletes would have comparable playing conditions and a safe, consistent surface. Several of our parents, however, voiced concerns about the potential health risks of the typical crumb rubber used in artificial turf. Listening to our parents, and not feeling completely confident about the current "industry standard" of crumb rubber, we began to research other options for artificial turf. Our trustees, always keeping both the health of our students and our surrounding ecosystem a top priority, looked into other options In the end, GFA elected to use a greener alternative known as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a relatively new product in the United States. There was an initial hiccup, however. The TPE began to clump, so we needed to look for alternatives. In conversations with the manufacturer, FieldTurf, we decided that a cork composite would be the best option for replacement. However, although covered under warranty, the cork composite has to be manufactured overseas and took several weeks to arrive. We had a few weeks that fall of rescheduling games, and playing mostly away matches. But it was worth the wait and inconvenience. Once installed, the cork infill was tested for safety, and the results showed our field exceeded requirements within all parameters. Our turf field has been up and running for four years now, and is used on a daily basis with positive feedback. It was and still is the most environmentally responsible and healthy option available, in addition to being cutting-edge in its design and in the use of cork as an infill. TPE is used extensively throughout Europe, and we are the first school in Connecticut to use this type of infill, and we encourage other schools to follow suit. With the current health concerns, including possible links to cancer, and with the state legislature discussing crumb rubber, we feel huge relief that we are not exposing our athletes and visiting teams to these serious risks. We invite school representatives in neighboring towns to come and look at our field as a part of their search for alternatives to crumb rubber. We are happy to help in any way. Janet Hartwell Head of School, Greens Farms Academy Looking for the big games to watch in Week 9? We have them right here. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo arrived in Jakarta on Friday morning, expressing satisfaction that Indonesia's message had been conveyed and welcomed during his US visit. Jokowi and the Indonesian delegation arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport at 9:23 a.m. on Friday after a 22-hour flight from the US to attend the US-ASEAN Summit and visit Silicon Valley, home of start-ups and technology companies. Vice President Jusuf Kalla and several top officials welcomed Jokowi at the airport. Speaking in a press conference after arriving, Jokowi pointed to two important messages he had delivered during his visit. "From the beginning, we wanted to stress that the outcome of the summit should be beneficial for peace and prosperity, for Indonesia, ASEAN and for the world," he told journalists at the VVIP Lounge of the airport. He also pointed out that he had expressed the importance of small and medium enterprise development for economic openness in the digital technology era. Besides attending the summit along with US President Barack Obama and ASEAN leaders, Jokowi and his delegation also visited Silicon Valley. In his visits to the headquarters of Facebook, Google, Plug and Play and Twitter, Jokowi invited the technology giants to spread a peaceful message against radicalism through their social media platforms. "I invited the social media industry to join me in spreading the values ''of tolerance, moderation and peace," he said, adding that the companies were excited to help the initiative, dubbed 'Empowering Leaders of Peace'. The chief executive officers of the aforementioned companies also showed their support for the development of Indonesia's digital economy. Indonesia has a vision of digital economy that will have 1,000 technopreneurs and potential value of $130 billion by 2020. (rin)(+) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Mon, February 22, 2016 The Grand Imam of Al Azhar University in Cairo, Muhammad Ahmad Al Thayyib, is visiting Indonesia to bolster relationships with local Muslim communities. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo greeted the Grand Imam along with his delegation at the State Palace, saying the visit was an important opportunity to spread Islamic understanding. "Al-Azhar contributes to the education and provision of knowledge to Indonesian students, and we appreciate the moderation of Al-Azhar University, just like Indonesia, which has [a tradition of] tolerance and moderation," Deputy Foreign Minister AM Fachir said after the meeting. Currently, about 3,500 Indonesian students study in Al-Azhar. The campus produced several talented alumni who contributed to the struggle for the independence of Indonesia. Jokowi said Indonesia had provided endowments to Al-Azhar with four dormitories that could be used by students from Indonesia, Egypt or other countries. Earlier Alumni Association of Al Azhar Indonesia (IAAI) head Muchlis M Hanafi said the visit was very important in order to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, especially in the fields of education, culture and religion. "Egypt was the first country to recognize the independence of Indonesia," said Muchlis in a statement on Monday. According to Muchlis, in the constitution of Egypt, Al-Azhar is an Islamic institution which is independent and has the authority to carry out all the activities of Islam. Al-Azhar, he continued, was the main reference for religious sciences and Islamic affairs and was responsible for carrying out proselytizing activities. (dan)(+) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Imanuddin Razak (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 The crash of a Brazilian-made Super Tucano aircraft in Malang, East Java, on Feb. 10, killing three people, including the pilot, shocked not only the Indonesian Air Force that owned and operated the training plane, but also the general public, coming in the wake of a series of accidents involving military aircraft over the past year. Less than two months earlier, on Dec. 10, a South Korean-made T50i Golden Eagle fighter jet crashed during an acrobatic air show in Yogyakarta, killing the two pilots on board. On March 15 last year, two training aircraft belonging to the Air Force's acrobatic Jupiter Team crashed during rehearsal practice ahead of the Langkawi Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia. The two South Korean-made Wong Bee KT-1Bs were completely destroyed, but all four pilots and copilots managed to eject to safety. A month later, an ageing F-16 jet fighter burned out after a failed takeoff attempt at Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase in East Jakarta. The pilot survived the accident. Later, on June 30, an aging Hercules military transport aircraft crashed on its way from Medan to Riau Islands, killing 141 people on board, including pilots and crew. These five accidents inflicted huge material and non-material losses on the Air Force and a developing country like Indonesia, where defense spending is limited. In three of the accidents, not only passengers, but most importantly the pilots were killed. The death of the pilots dealt a big blow to the Air Force and consequently the country because they were among the best military pilots ' the main component of a country's air force. It will take the Air Force time to train new pilots to replace them. Such training must be paid for by the state. A complete training program to produce a reliable Indonesian military pilot costs the country about Rp 10 billion (US$ 740,300). The price of the aircraft that crashed, particularly the relatively brand new Super Tucano, T50i Golden Eagle and Wong Bee KT-1B planes, itself speaks about the material losses resulted from the accidents. Take the Super Tucano, for example. The Defense Ministry signed two contracts worth a total of $284 million with the Brazilian aerospace conglomerate Embraer SA in 2010 and 2012 to build a squadron of 16 Super Tucanos to replace the OV-10 Bronco aircraft, which were no longer operational. Twelve of the Brazilian-made aircraft, including the one that crashed, have reinforced the Air Force fleet, while the remaining four are still waiting to be delivered. The big loss is also valid for the Wong Bee KT-1B and the T50 Golden Eagle, the unit cost of which at time of purchase could reach $9.09 million and $25 million, respectively. Apart from the huge investment needed to produce military pilots and procure military aircraft, particularly fighter jets, the accidents significantly lower the country's military strength and posture. While procurement of military equipment in the last few years has been solely in order to meet minimum essential force (MEF) to safeguard the country's territory and simultaneously maintain its integrity, rather than to boost Indonesia's strength against potential rivals, the accidents have plunged the country's military strength to a level below minimum capacity once again. Earlier, a decade-long embargo by the West, coupled with the country's debilitated economy following the 1997/1998 Asian financial crisis, reduced the country's military's posture and consequently weakened its bargaining power among the international community. It was during the second term of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's presidency in 2009-2014, along with the country's recovering economy, that initiatives for procurement of new military equipment were taken. The series of accidents, unfortunately, will once again hamper the country's bid to modernize its armed forces. Worse, the global economic woes have adversely affected Indonesia's purchasing power and, hence, its military modernization program. For the general public, five accidents involving military aircraft within a year should be a cause for concern. One major reason is the fact that the procurement of the military equipment was covered by the state budget, which mostly, or about 80 percent, comes from taxpayer contributions. The public's concern is understandable because information related to investigations and analysis into nearly all accidents involving military aircraft has never been disclosed to the public. The Indonesian Military (TNI) has kept the results of its internal investigations into those accidents to itself for the purpose of evaluation. The public ' as taxpayers ' has no right to know in this case. The military headquarters must have its own reasons for not publishing the investigation results. One of the reasons is confidentiality as an accident may involve technology issues that producers do not want to disclose. Other reasons include sensitivity especially when, for example, human error was the cause of an accident. But because any procurement of military equipment is paid by taxpayers through the state budget, the general public deserves to know what causes military plane crashes or other accidents involving our defense equipment. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Maram Mazen (The Jakarta Post) Cairo Mon, February 22, 2016 The Egyptian government's plan to shut down a center that aids the survivors of torture and abuse, including sexual violence, will not stop its activists from documenting cases of torture committed by security forces, the center's founders said Sunday. Dr. Aida Seif el-Dawla, a psychiatrist and co-founder of the El Nadeem Center for Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence, told a news conference on Sunday that authorities have told them the center will be officially closed on Monday. Suzan Fayyad, a psychiatrist at El Nadeem, said officials had initially tried to close the center last Wednesday, but agreed to delay enforcing the order until Monday morning to give the center time to contest it. Rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have criticized the threatened closure, saying it is part of a sweeping crackdown on human rights activists. "The Egyptian authorities are smothering the country's leading human rights defenders one by one," Sarah Leah Whitson, HRW's Middle East director, said last Wednesday. "Closing the Nadeem Center would be a devastating blow to Egypt's human rights movement as well as victims of abuse." Fayyad said the center's workers were told the closure order came "from the highest level." In 2003, Human Rights Watch awarded Seif el-Dawla its highest honor for her work to combat torture and promote women's rights and freedom of association in Egypt. "The only way for there to be no torture reports is for the state to stop torturing people," said Seif el-Dawla, who was unable to control her tears in emotional remarks at the news conference. Rights groups have accused Egyptian police of regularly torturing detainees, and in the past year, of detaining suspected activists or Islamists without ever reporting their arrests. In December, more than a dozen Egyptian rights group issued a statement saying police appear to have "free rein to abuse citizens using ... torture, forced disappearances." The government and Interior Ministry deny that torture is systematic, saying there have only been isolated cases. (rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Farida Susanty (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) is standing by its opposition to the public housing savings (Tapera) scheme, even after the government eased its stance by allowing flexibility in the percentage set aside for the funds. 'It's not just about the reduced percentage. It's about a duplication of the BPJS program that is going to create a new burden,' Apindo chairman Hariyadi Sukamdani said on Sunday, referring to the government's existing housing scheme as covered in the Workers Social Security Agency (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan). The agency is estimated to control old-age benefit (JHT) funds of around Rp 180 trillion (US$13 billion), with Rp 36 trillion allocated to subsidize the interest on housing loans (KPR) for workers. Apindo has said the existing employment costs shouldered by business players reaches up to 19.74 percent of employee earnings, including for the worker's social welfare scheme. In addition, Hariyadi argued the savings plan had no strong grounds, as it would take time to raise the funds from the limited number of people eligible for the scheme. Tapera is intended to tackle the national housing backlog by providing long-term savings for low-income people. Currently, the country's housing backlog reaches around 13.5 million houses. The government expects to collect up to Rp 23.5 trillion per year from formal workers as part of this mandatory program. Half of the funds collected will be used for housing financing, while only 5 percent will be allocated to land procurement, according to a copy of the draft bill. Workers will be handed their savings either upon reaching retirement age, or reaching the age of 58, or failing to meet the requirements for the program for five consecutive years. A previous draft bill reportedly stipulated the required 3 percent for the savings would comprise 2.5 percent in deductions from workers' monthly salaries and 0.5 percent paid by the employer. Amid mounting protests from employers, the government has softened its stance, saying the percentage cut would be stipulated in a separate government regulation. Public Works and Public Housing Ministry director general of housing finance Maurin Sitorus said the government would look at factors including the country's economy and labor situation before determining an appropriate percentage. 'The percentage will of course not be revised every year; we have to analyze the situation,' he said. However, he asserted that the percentage would not exceed the current figure, and was only susceptible to decrease. The House of Representatives is set to hold a plenary session next week to deliberate the Tapera bill, before handing it to the President for final deliberation. Once passed into law, a Tapera committee will be established consisting of five members, including representatives from the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry and the Finance Ministry. The committee will then select five members to form a body to manage the funds; the members are expected to be business professionals. New touch: A new edition of Harry Potter and The Philosopheras Stone, beautifully illustrated by British artist Jim Kay.(Courtesy of hypable.com)" height="336" border="0" width="511"> The boy who lived casts his spell again, 19 years after the release of the first book in the Harry Potter saga by British author JK Rowling. Dozens of witches and wizards in long robes or school uniforms decorated with Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry emblems took out their wands and grouped together according to their house dorms, selected by the Sorting Hat. The reenactment of the first day of school at Hogwarts marked the start of Book Night, an annual gathering for Harry Potter fans held for the first time this year in Indonesia. Established by the UK-based publishing company Bloomsbury Childrenas Books, the event is held worldwide on the first Thursday of February, with this year carrying the theme aA Night of Spellsa. Hosted by Gramedia publishing, the event brought together various fan groups from Greater Jakarta. aIave been looking forward to this event for a long time,a said Sukma, who rushed from work to join the event in the evening. The 19-year-old, who came dressed with the official Gryffindor robe and wand, became a fan of the books after reading Harry Potter and the Philosopheras Stone during his last year in elementary school. Sukma, bearing the name Seamus Flamel on his robe, eventually joined the fan group Indo Harry Potter two years ago. The group organizes its own version of Book Night, which they call Buck Beak Book. aAt our gatherings, we usually have readings and games, similar with what we have tonight. But the new book makes it a lot different.a He was talking about the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopheras Stone, the Indonesian version of which was launched at the event. The original was released last October. Fans took turns reading their favorite parts from the book, beautifully illustrated by British artist Jim Kay. Limited buyers could also get the Indonesian edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander, also authored by JK Rowling. aWe organized Harry Potter Book Night to provide a forum for fans to refresh the euphoria of reading the magical story, while also introducing it to younger readers,a said Gramedia spokesperson Dionisius Wisnu. The companyas fiction editorial manager Anastasia Mustika Widjaja said that Rowlingas publicist at last yearas Bologna Childrenas Book Fair in Italy had encouraged all countries to take part in the event. aWeare testing the waters tonight. Seeing the high enthusiasm of fans, the next event will be even more spectacular and widespread,a she said. Gramedia published the first Harry Potter book in 2001, translated by the late Listiana Srisanti. aShe was diagnosed with cancer in 2004 but continued working on the Harry Potter books. She was always in high spirits whenever a new book came out,a Anastasia recalled of her former superior. The spellbinding story is also the one that has tied four friends together. Rury, 30, is one of the administrators of the Indo Harry Potter website since its establishment on Oct. 1, 2001. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan said on Monday that the government would focus on four amendments to the 2002 Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Law. "The President wants the introduction of the 2002 KPK Law draft revision to be focused on four amendments because we believe that those four points are crucial in our efforts to strengthen the KPK,' he said on Monday. The minister was referring to the decision of the government and the House of Representatives, which agreed to postpone the discussion of the KPK Law draft revision to give both parties more time to introduce the draft revision to the public. The decision was taken after a consultation meeting between President Jokowi and House leaders at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday. The current draft revision to the KPK Law consists of four amendments that have been strongly criticized by the public. The four amendments would mandate the establishment of an oversight council to monitor the antigraft body's performance, give the KPK the authority to issue investigation termination warrants in corruption cases, require the KPK to obtain permits to conduct wiretaps and remove the KPK's ability to recruit its own investigators. Luhut asserted that the government did not want to cripple the KPK's power in the fight against corruption by revising the law. "This [the KPK Law revision] is clearly aimed at strengthening the role and authority of the commission," he said. However, Luhut said, President Jokowi understood the public's concerns about the plan to revise the KPK Law. Therefore, the government would conduct a string of activities to introduce the draft revision to the public, together with the House. "The President has asked me to talk with the law and human rights minister [Yasonna Laoly] and discuss the activities," Luhut told reporters. "We will invite prominent figures who have opposed the KPK Law revision, such as university rectors. We will invite them and explain about the revision. We will ask for their input for the revision," he added. Yasonna said it was crucial for the government to introduce the KPK Law draft revision to the public to avoid any misunderstandings related to the functions and roles of the anti-graft body in the revision. "Currently, there are various strands of public opinion, including one that suspects that the House-proposed revision is aimed at weakening the KPK. So, we decided to postpone the discussion of the draft revision to give the government and its related parties more time to introduce and explain the draft revision to the public," he said, adding that there was no exact deadline for the socialization. On Monday morning, KPK commissioners met Jokowi to persuade him to reject the revision of the KPK Law, following a joint statement issued by a forum of professors from various universities in Indonesia opposing the revision of the KPK Law. The forum consists of prominent figures such as Sulistyowati Irianto and Hamdi Muluk, Rhenald Kasali from the University of Indonesia, Hariadi Kartodihardjo and Didik Suharjito from the Bogor Institute of Agriculture, Maria SW Sumardjono from the University of Gadjah Mada, Saldi Isra from the Andalas University, Firmanzah from Paramadina University, Todung Mulya Lubis from the University of Melbourne in Australia and Ahmad Syafii Maarif from Yogyakarta State University. The professors said that the KPK Law revision was a wrong and unwise step, which contradicted the much-needed anticorruption spirit. The forum also urged Jokowi to remind all political parties in the government coalition to oppose the planned revision. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nani Afrida (The Jakarta Post) Mon, February 22, 2016 The government is scheduled to sink 30 local and foreign fishing boats on Feb. 22, as a court has found them guilty of illegal, exploitative poaching. Of the boats, seven are from the Philippines, four from Indonesia, 11 from Vietnam and eight from Malaysia. Six of the 30 were caught by the Indonesian Navy during routine patrols, while the other 24 were caught by the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry. 'These boats have committed marine crimes by fishing in our territory without proper documentation and also committed several violations in relation to the gear they use for fishing,' Navy spokesperson Commodore Muhammad Zainuddin said on Sunday. The documents required to be held by fishing boats include a fishing license (SIPI), a fisheries business license (SIUP), a fish-transportation vessel license (SIKPI) and a sailing permit. Fishing-boat operators are also not allowed to use certain tools such as trawling equipment. Zainuddin said that the Navy would carry out the sinking process in several different spots: 10 ships in Batam, Riau; eight ships in Pontianak, West Kalimantan; 10 ships in Bitung, North Sulawesi; one in Belawan, North Sumatera; and one in Tahuna, North Sulawesi. He believed that the number of ships being sunk might increase, because there were still several illegal boats in the Belawan Main Naval Base, the fates of which were undecided. Since the government began its war on illegal fishing last year, Indonesia has sunk 117 foreign fishing boats. Article 69 of Law No. 45/2009 on fisheries stipulates that the coast guard can sink foreign vessels caught operating illegally in the country's territorial waters based on sufficient preliminary evidence. Indonesia has 5.8 million square kilometers of marine territory, that is rich with ocean resources. The government has acknowledged that it is difficult to monitor the area for criminal activity due to a lack of patrol boats. President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo is leading the campaign against illegal fishing and says it costs the country billions of dollars in lost revenue every year. On Friday last week, the Navy's Western Fleet (Armabar) arrested another foreign fishing boat flying the flag of Seychelles, a country in East Africa. The boat was found near Sabang. The navy seized 183,400 kilograms of tuna from the boat with a gross tonnage of 450 and interrogated its 27 crew. According to Armabar's spokesperson Let. Col Ariris, the fi shing boat had been fi shing in the Indian Ocean, however due to a gas shortage it had entered Sabang Bay. 'They can't provide any original document on their activities; only copies,' Ariris said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) operator PT MRT Jakarta is closing a section of Jl. Fatmawati in South Jakarta from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. as the company installs box girders for the construction of an elevated lane. MRT Jakarta corporate secretary Tubagus Hikmatullah said in a press release on Saturday that the street needed to be closed, as many trucks would enter and leave the construction area. 'We call on commuters who pass Jl. Fatmawati to be careful and follow directions from our officials for alternative routes,' he said. Tubagus said 16 box girders would be installed on a section of Jl. Fatmawati, most of them in front of Jl. Madrasah. Tubagus explained that the company would also put in place two launching gantry devices to install the box girders. The first phase of the MRT project will see seven elevated stations built between Lebak Bulus and Sisingamangaraja, both in South Jakarta, and six underground stations from Sisingamangaraja to the Hotel Indonesia Traffic Circle in Central Jakarta. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 The helmeted hornbill, known locally as rangkong gading, is on the brink of extinction due to excessive hunting, a conservationist has said. Rangkong Indonesia director Yokyok 'Yoki' Hadiprakarsa said that hunters continue to hunt the endangered species, targeting its casque, the large decorative growth of solid keratin on the upper mandible of the bird's bill which sells at a higher price than elephant ivory on the international market. 'Up till now, we have been unable to stop people hunting hornbill for its casque. It is an increasingly organized business, making it difficult for law enforcers to catch the perpetrators. The hunting of the bird continues in forest areas in Central, East and North Kalimantan, which are difficult to reach and close to the Malaysian border,' Yokyok told thejakartapost.com on Monday. The helmeted hornbill is one of 13 hornbill species in the country. The bird, found in low-land forests in Sumatra and Kalimantan, is 1.7 meters in length with a 90-centimeter wing span. According to Birdlife International data, the helmeted hornbill also lives in Brunei, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand. During the 2nd Indonesia Bird Researchers and Observers Conference in Yogyakarta at the beginning of February, the helmeted hornbill was a popular topic. Yokyok said that the hunting of helmeted hornbill had sharply increased since 2012 and added that Rangkong Indonesia had recorded at least 6,000 helmeted hornbills killed in West Kalimantan due to poaching. Hornbill casques are primarily smuggled via land and sea routes as authorities often foiled attempts to smuggle casques abroad by air. 'The smuggling attempts are conducted using hidden routes that are also used to smuggle drugs,' said Yokyok. The activist said that most hornbill casques confiscated by security authorities in China and the US were from Indonesia, reasoning that this may be because, in addition to weak law enforcement, the world's helmeted hornbill population was predominantly based in Indonesia. 'Of the total 2,343 hornbill casques confiscated, around 1,200, or 80 percent, were from West Kalimantan. It's really ironic because the bird is the symbol of the province,' he said. In 2015, Switzerland-based environmental organization International Union for Conservation Nature (IUCN) Red List listed the helmeted hornbill as critically endangered due to the sharp decline in its populations over recent years. In 2012, IUCN dad listed the species under near-threatened status. Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) West Kalimantan chapter conservation and natural resources data analysis staff member, Subyantoro Tri Pradopo, said that the agency had conducted several operations to stop hornbill poaching. During its last operation in 2015, BKSDA arrested two suspects. Both were sentenced to serve one-year in jail. Indonesia Ornitology Association chairman Ign.Pramana Yudha said that Indonesia had been blessed to have had such a variety of birds, emphasizing, however, that many were now on the verge of extinction. Around 17 percent of the 2,000 bird species found in Indonesia will soon be extinct. 'It seems that our society is not really aware of the impact of excessive bird hunting and poaching,' he said. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, March 21, 2016 Human rights activists have warned that recent statements made by public officials and religious leaders who want to limit the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are ill-informed and may trigger discrimination. . Human rights advocacy group Setara Institute said the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI)s statement calling for legal measures against LGBT community-related activities was an act of discrimination that threatened civil liberties. "Setara urges the government not to comply with MUI's request, as it could potentially create discriminatory policies," the groups deputy chairman, Bonar Tigor Naipospos, told thejakartapost.com on Friday. He said the government must stand above all society groups and treat every citizen equally. The MUI has long been criticized as representing only strict conservatives with narrow theology. Bonar went on to say that LGBT activities did not, as some have suggested, constitute "promotion", or encouraging others to change sexuality, but merely strove to express their identity, with the aim of gaining wider acceptance and understanding from society. Bonar said the existence of LGBT was a part of many long-standing Indonesian cultures, such as those of the Javanese and Bugis , with LGBT people playing a unique function, especially in rituals and the arts. The activist also cautioned against the statements recently made by Indonesian public officials, who claimed such sexual orientations were not in accordance with national values and morals. Bonar stressed that the concept of the Indonesian identity was dynamic, not static, in nature; thus, it would continue to develop and adapt with the changing of times. He said the rising global awareness of LGBT showed respect for the pursuit of equality and fairness, as well as empathy for a group of people who in the past had been subject to frequent persecution. Meanwhile Hartoyo, the director of Suara Kita, an NGO focusing on the promotion and protection of LGBT rights, said government officials should be more careful of the comments they made, and refrain from speaking on issues on which they knew little. Hartoyo said conservative organizations such as the MUI tended to stir up controversy, and were therefore a problem for the whole nation. "They create a bad image for Indonesia. However, we can't eliminate them since they are also part of our society. This is the responsibility of President Joko Jokowi Widodos administration," Hartoyo said. As reported earlier, discrimination against LGBT people in Indonesia has been growing stronger recently, with government officials and religious leaders publicly stating their stance against sexual orientations they regard as deviating from Indonesias moral values and religious norms. The MUI and several other Muslim organizations recently declared that LGBT activities were haram and urged the government to take tougher measures against the community. MUI's chief of religious tolerance, Yusnar Yusuf, said that the council wanted the government to ban activities promoting the LGBT community and viewed the sexual tendency as an illness that could be healed. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chairman Agus Rahardjo said on Sunday that he was ready to resign from his post should the government and the legislature press ahead with attempts to weaken the commission through legal amendments. Driven by the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), seven political parties at the House of Representatives have backed a draft revision to the 2002 KPK Law, with controversial proposals regarding wiretapping and investigation terminations. 'I am personally willing to resign if the amendment process continues. I will be the first person to step down,' Agus said during a meeting with religious leaders held to show support for the commission. Agus' statement was an expression of his vexation at the potential damage done to the antigraft body, with the government indicating support for at least some parts of the lawmakers' planned revision. While the government has rejected a proposal to scrap the commission's wiretapping authority, it has given the nod to a provision that would allow KPK investigations to be terminated. Taking a more decisive stance, the government said on Friday it would support the plan to authorize the commission to issue investigation termination warrants (SP3). Adopting a human rights argument, Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan said the termination authority was necessary to address problematic eventualities involving terminally ill suspects, or suspects dying during investigation processes. He added that the KPK leadership had no right to oppose the planned revision. The absence of case termination authority is seen as one of the KPK's strengths as a law enforcement institution, forcing its investigators to act carefully in naming suspects and proceeding with graft cases, and ensuring high conviction rates. Other law enforcement agencies such as the National Police and the Attorney General's Office (AGO) face frequent accusations of abusing the right to end investigations with back-room deals. Anticorruption activists have voiced concern over the House's insistence on sticking to the controversial proposal. 'It will provide space for unscrupulous KPK leaders to horse-trade terminations, especially if the leaders have business or political links to the case in question,' said former KPK chairman Busyro Muqoddas. Former commission advisor Abdullah Hehamahua said the right to halt investigations could also be used as a tool of extortion. 'What makes the KPK different from the police and the AGO is the inexistence of such a right at the KPK,' Abdullah said. The PDI-P revision initiative has drawn public resistance, especially a provision that would see wiretapping authority surrendered to a supervisory body, the members of which would be appointed by the President. The Democratic Party, Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) and Gerindra Party have opposed the removal of the wiretapping authority, causing delays to the legislative process. The government, which also opposes eliminating wiretapping authority, said it may withdraw from the process if the lawmakers insisted on retaining the provision. In 2003, with convictions for corruption offenses rare, the government under then president Megawati Soekarnoputri established the KPK as a special law enforcement agency, arming it with the authority to wiretap. The KPK has adroitly wielded the authority in its 12 years of existence, imprisoning high-profile officials and political party bigwigs in successive administrations. Many critics have pointed to the irony of the PDI-P, currently led by Megawati, leading the charge to, as they see it, weaken the commission. _______________________________________ To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. For print subscription, please contact our call center at (+6221) 5360014 or subscription@thejakartapost.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nani Afrida (The Jakarta Post) Makassar Mon, February 22, 2016 Indonesia has started to commercially grow and export chrysanthemum flowers to a variety of foreign markets, particularly Japan. The word chrysanthemum is derived from the Greek chrysos, meaning gold, and anthemon, meaning flower. Originally, the flower came from East Asia, and China is the center of chrysanthemum diversity. The modern cultivation program in Indonesia started in Malino, Makassar, South Sulawesi. PT Bunga Indah Malino has managed to grow export-quality chrysanthemums and Japanese company D-Market has agreed to buy the flowers from Malino for the next two years. At the beginning, PT Bunga Indah Malino will export 6,000 chrysanthemum stalks per week to Osaka. 'More flowers are needed for export purposes. Japan demands 25,000 stalks per week. But we are only able to provide 6,000 stalks,' Imelda Jusuf Kalla, the president director of PT Bunga Indah Malino said. The company aims eventually to export 300,000 stalks to Japan per-month. D-Market president director Murakami Masaki said his company had traveled around the world to find good quality chrysanthemums and the flowers in Malino met Japan's requirements and were suitable for the country's market. 'We need more chrysanthemums, so if the company can produce more, we will take them all,' Masaki said, adding that D-market ordered three type of chrysanthemums from Bunga Indah Malino, namely yellow spray, white spray and pink fiji. He did not reveal the prices, saying only they would be competitive just like in other areas. Today people in Indonesia can buy domestic chrysanthemums for Rp 2,500 (19 US cents) per stalk. According to Masaki, the chrysanthemum is a very important flower in Japan and is used for many events, including funerals, birthdays and Japanese holidays. Japan uses 600 to 700 million stalks of chrysanthemums every year. Currently, D-Market imports chrysanthemums mostly from Malaysia and China. Imelda, who is a daughter of Vice President Jusuf Kalla, said the company would prepare more greenhouses for the order. 'We will also involve local people in growing chrysanthemums. This will generate income,' Imelda said, adding that the company would provide seeds and teach people how to cultivate chrysanthemums. Imelda said the involvement of local people was very important because the orders could not be fulfilled by her company alone. 'They can sell the production to us, if it can not be exported, we still need chrysanthemums for the domestic market,' Imelda said. To meet export criteria, a stalk should be 75 centimeters in length, with at least eight buds and a stalk diameter of 5 millimeters. Bunga Indah Malino head of production Abdul Kadir said the flower needed 100 days to grow. 'The quality is better if we grow chrysanthemums in cooler uplands,' Abdul said. Imelda said several foreign countries, such as Australia had shown an interest in buying chrysanthemums from Malino as well. 'As we have penetrated Japan's market with its strict requirements, our chrysanthemums will be attractive to other countries,' she said. Agriculture Ministry expert Ani Andayani said Indonesia cultivated chrysanthemums in several upland areas in Indonesia, such as Bogor, West Java, and Malang, East Java. The ministry has also developed 20 varieties of chrysanthemums in various colors. Based on Ministry data, Indonesia has 964 hectares of chrysanthemums plantation in 10 provinces producing 427 million stalks in total. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 Following the government's announcement of a new investment list that includes the opening up of the cold-storage industry to foreign investors, sector players have welcomed the policy, predicting that the ruling will help woo related investors to develop the cold-storage business. The Indonesia Cold Storage Association (ARPI) said as most cold-storage components were imported, the government should follow up on the regulation up by obliging investors to open component manufacturing plants in the country. 'I agree with the policy, but suggest the government require investors to use more local components and workers,' Indonesia Cold Storage Association (ARPI) chairman Hasanuddin Yasni said over the weekend. According to ARPI data, cold-storage capacity in Indonesia currently stands at 7.2 tons of fisheries products, 1.9 million tons of chickens and 400,000 tons of beef, far below the country's production, which reaches 14 million tons in fisheries, 3.7 million tons of chickens and 580,000 tons of beef. 'Currently, there are only five manufacturers operating, with low-capacity machines. The government needs to grant tax incentives to attract others,' Hasanuddin said. Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti was reported by local media as saying that 12 investors from several countries in Europe, including Denmark and Norway, had expressed interest in entering the cold-storage business. The presence of private investors, especially foreigners, is considered crucial, since the government last year allocated only Rp 235 billion to build 58 cold storage facilities and 38 ice factories countrywide last year. Hasanuddin added that cold storage required investment of between US$500 and $600 per million cubic meters, with a minimum average retail storage capacity of 1.1 billion cubic meters CBM and wholesale storage of 3 billion cubic meters. 'Foreign investors need to build their own electricity sources using alternative energy to support the cold storage industry,' he said, adding that the government also needed to direct investors to develop plants in remote areas where cold storage facilities remained rare. Remote areas of the archipelago nation face numerous difficulties, ranging from lack of electricity and fuel supply to poor transportation infrastructure and connectivity. Under the administration of President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo, remote areas, especially in the eastern part of Indonesia, are seeing a renewed chance for coastal and maritime development thanks to the reinstatement of the 'maritime axis' doctrine. The development of mega infrastructure, such as seaports, power plants and maritime highways, is the government's priority program to address problems in the long-neglected and underdeveloped regions. Voicing similar support for the new policy, the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) noted that the government needed to ensure sufficient supply of fish for exports to benefit from the newly expanded cold storage facilities. Apindo head of fisheries Thomas Darmawan said the latest ban by the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry on the operation of large vessels to catch fish in Indonesian waters could threaten the supply of fish for export. Thomas estimated that fish exports fell to $4 million in 2015 from $4.64 million in 2014. In a tenth economic stimulus package announced on Feb. 11, the government revised the country's negative investment list (DNI), covering sectors in which restrictions on foreign investment apply. Under the revision, cold storage is among the 35 business sectors opened up completely for foreign investors. In the previous DNI regulation, foreign ownership of cold storages was limited to 33 percent in Sumatra, Java and Bali and 67 percent outside those regions. (rbk) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Raras Cahyafitri and Rendi A. Witular (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 The Muslim world's arch rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia are taking their battle for economic clout into Indonesia as they gear up to secure contracts and cooperation in the energy sector of the world's biggest Sunni-Muslim majority nation. While Saudi Arabia, the worldwide patron of the Sunni sect, has thus far eyed refinery and crude supply businesses in Indonesia, Iran has expanded its reach aiming not only at refineries but also electricity generation. Iran's increased engagement with Indonesia follows President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo's instruction to Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said in October to solidify all planned cooperation with Iran forged by previous administrations. Since then, talks between Indonesia and Iran have intensified. This week, Iranian delegations will arrive in Jakarta to have concrete talks on oil and refinery infrastructure, and next month another meeting is scheduled in Jakarta to talk about the power-generation business. Around two weeks ago, a government-to-government deal was signed in Bali to be immediately followed up by state firms in both countries. Oil refining and power generation are the particular coverage of the Bali deal with Iran, the bulwark of the Shia sect, which has recently seen escalating tension with Saudi Arabia after the latter executed a Shia religious leader and the Saudi embassy in Tehran was razed. 'The Bali deal will be followed up by other meetings for each sector. Aside from refineries, Iran is now very interested in electricity projects,' Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry secretary-general Teguh Pamudji said recently. As a follow-up to the deal, Iranian companies are scheduled to meet their counterparts in Jakarta next month to talk about cooperation in the power sector. The ministry's director general for electricity, Jarman, said that Iran was keen to develop hydropower plants. 'That's because Iran has expertise in such plants. Hydro accounts for around 40 percent of Iran's total power capacity,' said Jarman, who served as the head of a team to establish the cooperation with Iran. State-owned defense manufacturer PT Pindad and power plant constructor PT Indonesia Power will be among the companies scheduled to meet representatives of 10 Iranian firms. In the oil and gas sector, Iran is also keen to take part in Indonesia's bid to upgrade its refinery infrastructure so that Southeast Asia's biggest economy will be able to process more crude, have greater storage capacity and eventually improve its energy security and independence. The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry's director general for oil and gas, IGN Wiratmaja Puja, said the Iranian delegation and Indonesian representatives would hold a meeting in Jakarta this week to follow up on the cooperation. 'The planned cooperation [in the oil and gas sector] includes the development of new refineries,' Wiratmaja said recently. 'Iran can join the bids for refinery development under government-private partnership schemes either in Bontang in Kalimantan or in Arun in Aceh,' he said. Indonesia will need four refineries in the next 10 years. One will be developed under a direct assignment scheme by state oil and gas firm Pertamina and another under a government-private scheme. In 2008, Pertamina reached a deal with an Iranian firm on a plan to develop a US$6 billion oil refinery plant in Banten. However, because such developments had been overlooked in the past, the partnership fell through. The international sanctions on Iran that were lifted earlier this year may have also paved the way for more aggressive cooperation by Iran. The country has sought new markets in which to sell its oil, including Indonesia, which has seen growing imports of crude and petroleum products to meet domestic demand. Iran's expansion into the country may stymie Saudi Arabia's attempt at tightening its grip in Indonesia. Saudi oil giant Aramco is currently bidding for the development of a Pertamina refinery worth $6 billion in Tuban, East Java, alongside the company's existing partnership with Pertamina in the upgrading of a refinery in Cilacap, Central Java. Pertamina and Aramco are also planning to work on the upgrading of Dumai and Balongan refineries. Minister Sudirman, who was assigned by Jokowi to be 'liaison officer' between Indonesia and the Middle East, said in December that Indonesia would not limit the participation of any country in the development of the energy sector, saying that 'Indonesia is open to anyone who brings the greatest benefit.' __________________________________ To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. For print subscription, please contact our call center at (+6221) 5360014 or subscription@thejakartapost.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Bassem Mrou & Deb Riechmann (The Jakarta Post) Beirut Mon, February 22, 2016 Bombings claimed by the Islamic State group in the Syrian cities of Damascus and Homs killed nearly 130 people on Sunday, highlighting the threat posed by the extremists as the country's warring factions fight for the northern city of Aleppo and world powers chase an elusive cease-fire. The blasts came as Secretary of State John Kerry said that a "provisional agreement" has been reached on a cessation of hostilities that could begin in the next few days. But he acknowledged that it's not finalized and all parties might not automatically comply. A series of blasts ripped through the Sayyida Zeinab suburb of Damascus, killing at least 83 people and wounding more than 170, the official SANA news agency said. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on local Syrian activists, said the blasts killed 62. SANA said the bombs went off near schools during the afternoon rush hour. The neighborhood is home to one of Shiite Islam's holiest shrines, which his heavily guarded by Lebanon's Hezbollah movement and other Shiite militiamen from Iraq and elsewhere. Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV said the blasts were caused by a car bomb and two suicide bombers. The bombings in the central city of Homs killed at least 46 people and wounded dozens, according to Syria's Foreign Ministry. The Observatory said 57 people, including 11 women, were killed by two car bombs set off in a mostly Alawite neighborhood. Syrian President Bashar Assad hails from the Alawite minority, an offshoot of Shiite Islam. Syrian TV footage from Homs showed streets filled with debris and mangled cars, and the charred body of a man being taken away on a stretcher. Footage from Sayyida Zeinab showing people running in narrow streets as others carried the wounded, including several children. "He's alive, he's alive," a man shouted as he tried to administer CPR to an unconscious man. The TV later called on citizens to donate blood. The Islamic State group claimed both attacks. The extremists are dug in on the outskirts of the two cities and have repeatedly targeted Shiites, who they view as apostates deserving of death. The deadly blasts may strengthen the government's argument that it should press ahead with a major offensive in the north of the country, where troops backed by Russian airstrikes are close to sealing off Aleppo, once Syria's largest city and commercial hub. Syrian insurgents, including Western-backed rebels, seized several neighborhoods in 2012. The heavy fighting near Aleppo led to collapse of peace talks earlier this month. World powers later agreed on a "cessation of hostilities" to begin within a week, but the deadline passed with no letup in the fighting. Kerry has since reached out to his Russian counterpart, and during a visit to Jordan on Sunday, said they had struck a "provisional agreement" and must now reach out to the opposing sides on the ground. Russia is a key ally of Assad's government, while the U.S. backs some of the rebels fighting to overthrow him. Kerry declined to go into the details of the agreement, saying it "is not yet done." "The modalities for a cessation of hostilities are now being completed," Kerry said, adding that it was "possible over the course of these next hours." Assad meanwhile said his government was ready to take part in a truce as long as it is not used by militants to reinforce their positions. "We announced that we're ready," Assad told Spain's El Pais newspaper in remarks published Sunday. "It's about preventing other countries, especially Turkey, from sending more recruits, more terrorists, more armaments, or any kind of logistical support to those terrorists," Assad said in English in the interview, which was also carried by state news agency SANA. Assad's government refers to all the armed groups battling to overthrow him as terrorists. Turkey and Saudi Arabia are among the leading supporters of the insurgents. Assad said the Aleppo operation is not about "recapturing the city," but "closing the roads between Turkey and between the terrorist groups." The United States, Russia and other world powers agreed Feb. 12 on a deal calling for the ceasing of hostilities within a week, the delivery of urgently needed aid to besieged areas of Syria and a return to peace talks in Geneva. Aid shipments were allowed into several besieged areas last week. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he welcomed the latest provisional agreement and called on all regional powers to use the "window of opportunity" to exert their influence on the warring parties. In northern Syria, meanwhile, the Syrian army captured 31 villages on Sunday that were controlled by IS, according to the pro-Syrian Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen TV and Hezbollah's Al-Manar station. Both outlets often have reporters embedded with Syrian troops. (rin) Associated Press writers Geir Moulson in Berlin and Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria contributed to this report. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Mon, February 22, 2016 Feb. 17, 2016 The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has called for legislation to ban lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activities in Indonesia. 'We want a stern prohibition of LGBT activities and other deviant sexual activities and legislation that categorizes them as crimes,' MUI chairman Ma'ruf Amin said on Wednesday as quoted by the Antara news agency. The council called for criminal punishment of any people who engaged in sexual activities related to, or encouraged, promoted or financed activities connected with the LGBT community. Your comments: Most people want to be free and have got their freedom. What does freedom itself mean? Is it freedom to do all the things they want? If people agree with LGBT, you can imagine how terrible they are. Freedom is not all about a free condition, nor all about the things they want. What will happen if people freely kill each other? Do you agree with the freedom of killing one another? Riyadisujatmiko66 It is not really a matter of freedom to kill and destroy society. The freedom of LGBT just gives them the right to love each other and since sex is a private matter and LGBT people do not harm anybody, they should be accepted. So this kind of freedom is good since it does not destroy society. It does the opposite: It improves society by increasing happiness and stability. Muhammad Bakim Don't confuse state and religion. Unfortunately in Indonesia they are a married couple. Angela007 It's interesting that you claim yourself to be a Muslim but at the same time you promote secular freedom (including freedom to do things against Islamic values). John Tralala It is very sad to see this degeneration in Indonesia. Asia generally has always exhibited a fine acceptance of people from the LGBT community, even shown a great fondness for these people. To see this absorption of a foreign, harsh, punitive culture toward these people in Indonesia is terribly sad. Alba2000 Yes, it sounds good, but don't disturb them. Their lives must change to having a better way. They are human. They must go to rehabilitation to forget being LGBT and give them good compensation for forgetting LGBT and have good lives. I hope the Indonesian Ulema Association (MUI) can save their bad habits and teach them to have a good way of life. Tutkukap This is the era when good is bad and bad is good. Give me proof that any abnormal sexual behavior gives us betterment, not harm. There is none! In all aspects of life this is a disease. That's why every single religion condemns this action. Freedom is not absolute. Soleh Setiaji Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and House of Representatives leaders have agreed to postpone the discussion of proposed revisions of the 2002 Law on Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and to focus instead on promoting the points of the amendments amid an adverse public outcry. The decision came after Jokowi met with House' speakers and chairs of political factions and commissions at the State Palace on Monday afternoon. "I appreciate the dynamic process of the political dynamics at the House. On the revision of the KPK Law, we agree that the revision shoud not be discussed now," he said in a joint press conference at the State Palace after the meeting. The plan to revise the 2002 law must have be thoroughly studied and promoted to the public, he added. House Speaker Ade Komarudin said the House would not remove it from the 2016 National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) or from the list of priority bills to be discussed by the House, despite the postponement. The KPK Law revision had been listed as a priority law along with 40 other bills the House aimed to complete this year. In the consultation meeting with the President, the House and the government had also agreed to proceed with a tax amnesty bill and the revision of the 2003 counterterrorism law, he said. Numerous elements of the public had strongly criticized the plan for the revision, accusing the House of aiming to weaken and cripple the KPK's power to fight corruption. Seven out of 10 factions at the House, lead by Jokowi's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), had pushed for the revisions. The other government-supporting parties include the National Awakening Party (PKB), the Golkar Party, the NasDem Party, the United Development Party (PPP), the National Mandate Party (PAN) and the People's Conscience Party (Hanura). The political factions opposing the revisions are the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), the Democratic Party and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS). Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhur Binsar Pandjaitan said Jokowi agreed to postpone the discussion following public protests. The President agreed on the revisions, but was waiting for the right time, he said. The postponement will be used to promote the four key points of the revisions. They include the establishment of an oversight council to monitor the antigraft body's performance, giving the KPK the authority to issue investigation termination warrants in corruption cases, requiring the KPK to obtain permits to conduct wiretaps and removing the KPK's ability to recruit its own investigators. "The President wants the publicity to focus on the four points because we believe they are needed to strengthen the KPK," Luhut told journalists. "Government wants to strengthen the role and the authority of the KPK." The government planned to invite prominent figures opposing the revisions of the KPK Law, such as the professors who openly protested to Jokowi, Luhut added. Justice and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly said that the promotion of the revisions was required amid contradictory public opinion to avoid any possible misunderstanding. (rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 North Sulawesi's Kezia Roslin Cikita Warouw is the new champion of the country's most prestigious beauty pageant, Puteri Indonesia. Kezia is the second winner from the region famous for its beaches and beautiful women after Angelina Sondakh, former lawmaker and graft convict, in 2001. Last year's Puteri Indonesia, Anindya Kusuma Putri, on Friday evening handed over the crown to Kezia, as well as the privilege to represent the country at the Miss Universe contest to be held in Hungary at the end of the year. 'It's a blessing from God,' Kezia said, adding that she would use her title to popularize Bunaken Island, her ancestral home, as a tourist destination. 'There are at least five beautiful islands, other than Bali, that Indonesia can proudly promote to the world.' Kezia, who actively updated her social media accounts from the media seclusion she shared with her fellow finalists, said that appearing in the pageant had been her childhood dream. 'I worked hard to be here, leaving work and beating the competition.' At the coronation at the Jakarta Convention Center in Central Jakarta, Kezia outscored two competing finalists; Lampung's Felicia Hwang was named runner-up, West Sumatra's Intan Aletrino second runner-up. Felicia was also given the title as Puteri Indonesia for the Environment and the right to compete at Miss International later this year. Intan, who was also named Puteri Indonesia for Tourism, will compete at Miss Supranational 2016. The pageant organizer since 1992, the Puteri Indonesia Foundation, granted the winners a year's salary and accommodation and an official car in Jakarta, as well as full scholarships for Master's degree programs. The crowned winner also received jewelry worth Rp 15 million (US$1,111), while the runner-up and second runner-up were given jewelry worth Rp 10 million and Rp 5 million, respectively, tribunnews.com reported over the weekend. Born in Jakarta on April 18, 1991, Kezia started her career on the catwalk at an early age. The 24-year-old says modeling was her passion, while her preferred leisure activities included reading, watching movies and traveling. With a height of 183 centimeters and an educational background in computer science, having graduated from the IT department of the Jakarta-based Esa Unggul University, Kezia quickly turned heads at the pageant. She was named North Sulawesi's ambassador for a cultural exchange event in Poland in 2006, was a finalist at the World Education Expo in 2014, second runner-up in the Gading Model Search 2015 and runner-up in the Miss North Sulawesi pageant in 2015, before making her way to represent the region on the national stage. ______________________________ To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. For print subscription, please contact our call center at (+6221) 5360014 or subscription@thejakartapost.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Tama Salim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 Stepping in to address the wave of negative comment sweeping the country, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has urged the government to make good on its recent statement supporting the protection of the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LBGT) community. The human rights commission believes that the onus is on the government to strengthen existing regulations to guarantee equal access to education and work opportunities for LGBT people and protect them from discrimination and violence. 'We have to build an inclusive nation that respects the plurality of its citizens, including minority groups,' Komnas HAM commissioner Natalius Pigai said during a discussion in Jakarta, on Saturday. Earlier in the week, Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan asserted that the state must guarantee the rights of the LGBT community just as it would those of any Indonesian citizen. Luhut said that LGBT people deserved to receive equal treatment before the law, as well as equal employment opportunities. Natalius said the government needed to show its commitment to the group by introducing regulations that offered protection from intimidation and bullying. He cited a recent study by rights group Arus Pelangi that concluded 89.3 percent of LGBT people in Indonesia had been subjected to violence. 'The state cannot avoid the responsibility to protect the LGBT community because they are vulnerable to persecution,' the human rights commissioner said. Support also came from a group of lawmakers calling themselves the Pancasila Caucus. Promoted by Rahayu Saraswati of the Gerindra Party, Maman Imanulhaq of the National Awakening Party (PKB) and Eva Kusuma Sundari of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). the group called on the government to protect LGBT people against all forms of discrimination and violence. 'Regardless of the religious and medical debates, it is a fact that [LGBT people] are citizens that have the right to feel safe and protected,' Rahayu said in a statement. They also condemned a recent attack on Al Fatah, a trans-woman boarding school in Yogyakarta, by a radical group. LGBT rights activists concurred with the call for non-discriminatory policies, urging the public to gain a better understanding of the LGBT community's place in society. Rio Damar, the founder of the LGBT support website melela.org, said that relevant policies should never be formulated based solely on the perceived anxiety, fear or stigma that is prevalent in the public's conscience. Devising regulations to address the issue requires the government to promote dialogue with the relevant parties, especially when trying to regulate something as fleeting as sexual orientation, the Chevening scholar said. '[The LGBT community] is not a group that is completely devoid of faults, just like heterosexuals. But no one should ever be judged as wrong for being homosexual,' Rio told The Jakarta Post. Homosexuality is not illegal under Indonesian law, but the LGBT community continues to face marginalization in a Muslim-majority nation of 250 million people. The recent strong reaction to the discovery of an LGBT study group at a university campus prompted various public officials and religious leaders to make hostile statements about the LGBT community and its goals. 'How are we supposed to fight for same-sex marriage privileges when we can't even live in peace?' said Hartoyo, a gay rights activist speaking on behalf of the minority group during Saturday's discussion. Hartoyo also dispelled a common misconception that the LGBT 'condition' was a mental health problem, a belief that many government officials still promoted as a result of conflicting laws and provisions. He cited the WHO's 1973 decision to remove homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses, a move that was reflected in Indonesia in 1993 when the Health Ministry concluded that tolerance of sexuality would be part of the country's pluralist agenda. ____________________________________ To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. For print subscription, please contact our call center at (+6221) 5360014 or subscription@thejakartapost.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) commissioners met President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on Monday to try to persuade him to reject a revision of the KPK Law, on the back of fears that the revision will cripple the KPK's power in the fight against corruption. KPK chairman Agus Rahardjo and commissioners Basaria Panjaitan and Laode Muhammad met with Jokowi on Monday morning at the State Palace before the President's meeting with House speakers and the legislative council in the afternoon. The commissioners met with the President to discuss the revision of the 2002 Law on the KPK included in the House National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) and discussed at the legislative council earlier this month. KPK commissioners strongly oppose the plan to revise the Law, which is widely expected to weaken the antigraft commission. Agus said over the weekend that he would resign his position if the government and the House proceeded with the amendment to the law. "We will convince the President to delay and reject the revision," Agus told kompas.com last week. Jokowi will meet with House speakers and legislative council members at the State Palace at 1:30 p.m. on Monday. The House will hold a plenary meeting on Tuesday to decide whether to proceed with the revision discussion . Jokowi agreed to delay the revision in October last year; however, in a subsequent working meeting with the legislative council, Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly approved the inclusion of the revision in the list of priority laws. Separately, a forum of professors from various universities in Indonesia issued a joint statement opposing the revision of the KPK Law. The professors said that the revision was a wrong and unwise step, and contravened the much-needed anticorruption spirit. "Mr. President, we believe that the KPK is still needed by this country to clean up corruption and help President Joko Widodo to realize good governance and clean government," the forum said in a statement. The forum consists of prominent figures such as Sulistyowati Irianto and Hamdi Muluk, Rhenald Kasali from the University of Indonesia, Hariadi Kartodihardjo and Didik Suharjito from the Bogor Institute of Agriculture, Maria SW Sumardjono from Gadjah Mada University, Saldi Isra from Andalas University, Firmanzah from Paramadina University, Todung Mulya Lubis from the University of Melbourne in Australia and Ahmad Syafii Maarif from Yogyakarta State University. "To save corruption eradication in Indonesia, we ask the President to reject the revision of the the KPK Law being discussed at the House," the statement said, adding that the rejection could be in the form of not issuing a Presidential Decree or not sending a government representative to the discussion at the House. The forum also urged Jokowi to remind all political parties in the government coalition to oppose the planned revision. With Jokowi's party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), as the main driver, seven out of 10 factions at the House currently back the revision. (rin)(+) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 Have you ever, while driving on the streets of the capital, had to slam on the brakes or swerve to avoid a motorist who failed to signal? If so, you are not alone. People have been venting their frustration at such motorists ' often women on motorcycles ' by deriding their reckless driving through online memes. One viral meme, for example, shared thousands of times by social media users on various platforms, shows a woman on an automatic motorcycle; the accompanying message reads, 'Dear God, please keep me away from moms on motorcycles who signal left but veer right'. Another meme features a frustrated-looking man and the caption: 'It's them who are wrong, yet they're the ones who are angry: Moms on motorbikes.' Another meme shows a convoy of women on motorcycles and reads: 'There are two rulers of the road: First, touring groups; second, moms. Moms on tour? Better watch out.' Muhammad Fajar is among those who have created such memes to express frustration at reckless road users. 'Once, when driving my motorbike, I almost crashed into a woman who signalled right but turned left,' said Fajar. 'Luckily, I managed to avoid an accident.' Fajar doubted that the woman had a driving license, or, if she had one, believed she had obtained it through illegitimate methods, as is common. Yulianus Febriarko, 26, suffered minor injuries to his left arm and foot in an attempt to avoid a middle-aged woman who similarly gave a false signal on a street in East Jakarta. 'From afar, I could see she was indicating right. I thought she was about to head to the right, so I picked up speed,' Yulianus said. 'As I passed her, she turned left instead, so I swerved my motorcycle to the left. Thank God, there was no one else around,' he said, adding that though the two vehicles had collided lightly, the woman had suffered no injuries; indeed, she scolded Yulianus for driving, as she saw it, too quickly. 'I was annoyed at her reprimand but I held my tongue. She was older than me so I felt I had to show respect,' Yulianus added. A similar story happened to Enjelina Manurung, 24, who collided with a middle-aged woman who confused her with a contradictory turn signal. However, Enjelina was luckier than Yulianus, escaping the resultant collision unscathed. 'What the memes say is true. You should be extra careful dealing with middle-aged women riding automatic motorcycles,' she said. Despite these anecdotes, however, road safety expert Jusri Pulubuhu said that such mistakes were just as likely to be made by male drivers as by female. 'However, as they're a minority, women drivers stand out more than male drivers, and their mistakes therefore receive more attention. People are quick to stereotype,' Jusri said. 'You can see for yourself at any junction ' many male drivers also indicate incorrectly.' Jusri acknowledged that certain habits particular to women tended to contribute to road accidents, such as driving too slowly or multitasking by talking on the phone or applying lipstick as they drive. Nonetheless, Jusri emphasized that many female motorists were fully aware of road safety and drove as well as their male counterparts. Police records show that last year, the police ticketed more male than female motorists. Of ticketed motorists, 922,946 were men and 114,882 were women. Jusri noted that the phenomenon of reckless driving could be mitigated by promoting legitimate and regulated driving tests, as from the procedures needed to pass the tests, motorists would learn how to be responsible road users who never lose sight of their safety and that of others. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Sylvia Hui (The Jakarta Post) London Mon, February 22, 2016 Dozens of designers showcased their latest creations Sunday at London Fashion Week, from retail giant Topshop and leather goods brand Mulberry to British design's grand dame Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, which made a highly-anticipated return from Paris to the hometown of its late designer. Some highlights from Day 3 of London Fashion Week: McQueen returns to London The Alexander McQueen brand is back on the runways of London, the birthplace and hometown beloved of its late designer. For the first time in more than a decade, the label, now headed by designer Sarah Burton, moved its womenswear display from its usual home in Paris to London Fashion Week. Sunday evening's showcase opened with a series of tough black leather ensembles embroidered with large shimmering butterflies, lip motifs and stopwatches ' as if Alice in Wonderland was playing dress up. Then came sharply tailored cream-and-black tuxedo jackets, and black feather skirts layered over flared trousers. That was followed by a flurry of barely-there lingerie and boudoir-inspired dresses: Frilly numbers with daring cutouts at the chest, slips with sheer-tiered skirts, corsets worn over delicate pieces. Burton dialled up the decadence for the show's last section, sending models out in the sheerest evening gowns and capes dripping with sparkly crystals and dazzling embroidery. Luxurious fur-trimmed capes completed the look, and the last outfit ' a feather concoction of a gown ' was pure glamor. Elegance, whimsy on display at Vivienne Westwood Only the much-celebrated Vivienne Westwood, it seems, could pack a large fashion venue with a wildly appreciative crowd even though the invitation warns that humans face mass extinction if they don't move to a green-based economy. It's politics and fashion as usual for Westwood, who has been sounding the alarm about climate change for many years, using her fashion shows as a springboard for her political concerns. Westwood's politics may be apocalyptic but her clothes are pure fun, and her makeup artists, hair stylists and accessories gurus add a warm, playful touch, including a number of burgundy porkpie hats. The show Sunday had no single theme, leaning more toward a greatest hits collection. There were slouchy dresses and loose fitting jackets that gave their models an androgynous, Charlie Chaplin look. Other jackets looked like comfortable duvets. To top it off there were magnificent evening gowns, including one showstopper with a silver metallic glint at the top and a flouncy billowing look at the bottom. It was another triumph for Westwood, who emerged with her models to loud applause. Heavy metal makeover at Mulberry British fashion house Mulberry has given its famous handbags a heavy metal makeover, adding rivets and chains as part of a Shakespearean-themed collection at London Fashion Week. Structure was the byword at Sunday's show, with buttons, exposed stitching, shoulder-to-ankle slits and strong lines dominating the collection. Tudor-style frills and ruffs - as well as a dark, sparkly coat that shone like a moonless night - added a much-needed element of mystery. This being Mulberry, all eyes were on the company's trademark handbags, accessories whose appeal has faded a bit of late. New designer Johnny Coca appeared to be banking on his customers having some powerful biceps. Although some Mulberry bags were small and minimal, with an unfinished look unlikely to get much attention beyond the fashion set, others were rectangular or severe-looking, with large chunky chains that might have seen better use as bicycle locks. The metal wasn't too much for Canadian designer Amber Hickson, who watched the show from a stand set up in London's medieval Guildhall. These bags "are for women who want to make a statement," she said. "They can hear you coming." Ahoy me lass! Temperley do pirates Pirates and sailors' tattoos aren't the most natural places to look for inspiration for elegant fashion. But Temperley London managed to pull it off, with a new collection of supremely feminine, delicate outfits recalling everything from a wench's tiered skirt to a captain's frilly blouse and embroidered cape. Designer Alice Temperley set the stage with a dark venue dominated by dramatic wooden ship masts draped with twinkly lights. Models wore clothes that perfectly matched the marine theme, though sometimes a tad too literally ' some of the ensembles featured pussy bows, pantaloons and military jackets. But sheer dresses embroidered densely with tattoo motifs' roses, hearts and birds' worked well and looked refined despite the source material, while cool studded rocker boots kept things modern. Funky boots at Topshop Unique Fur-trimmed biker jackets, super miniskirts, slinky little party dresses: Topshop Unique delivered all the hallmarks of its youthful, cool girl look. But the main lesson for shoppers may be this: It's time to invest in a pair of funky '70s disco boots. Unlike the ubiquitous ankle boot, these are pointy, go up to the calves and come in eye-catching materials and colors like yellow velvet, bronze or white leather. Combined with grungy big hair and bright pink lipstick, the models look ready for a hell-raising night out on the town. As for the clothes, it's all about being chic in a nonchalant, seemingly thrown-together way. So a mustard outfit in fluid fabrics is worn layered with an oversized granny jumper, and a leopard print top and sheer fuchsia lace skirt get covered up by a slouchy big coat. The evening wear looked particularly flattering and included a black velvet wide-leg trouser ensemble and floaty, slip-like black gowns with a thigh-high slit and matching velvet collar. Models Lara Stone and Karlie Kloss were among those squeezed into the front row along with Topshop boss Philip Green and Vogue editor Anna Wintour. (rin) Associated Press writers Raphael Satter and Gregory Katz contributed. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Eunice Au and Trinna Leong (The Jakarta Post) Kuala Lumpur Mon, February 22, 2016 Australia has warned that terror attacks may happen in and around Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, in a travel advisory to its citizens published on the government's foreign affairs website. The advisory, which appeared Sunday, cautions Australians to be vigilant, saying attacks could occur in locations frequented by Westerners or target Western interests. In response to Australia's warning, a spokesman for Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said there was "nothing to be alarmed of". "We also acknowledge the fact that foreign missions are at liberty to provide their own assessment of the security situation in their host countries," said the spokesman, adding "it may not be accurate or give a true reflection of the situation". Australia's announcement follows the British government's advisory last week that changed its terrorism threat level for Malaysia from general to high. Australia, Britain, Canada and New Zealand earlier warned their citizens against travelling to the coastal islands of east Sabah over risks of kidnapping. Kidnapping for ransom of Malaysians and foreigners in Sabah by militant groups from the southern Philippines has occurred since 2000. New Zealand has a "high risk" alert for travel to the area. Australia's new advisory also has a note asking citizens to avoid going to resorts, dive sites and tourist facilities in the coastal area of east Sabah. The note says the risk of kidnapping increases on the water and on waterfronts after nightfall. Singaporean Sean Yang, 37, who works in the finance sector and travels to Kuala Lumpur often, said big cities run the risk of terrorist attacks. "As an individual, if you stay clear of touristy and crowded areas, you can minimize some of that risk." Malaysian police have arrested over 100 people suspected to have links with Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants since 2014. The most recent arrests took place last month. Malaysian police have been on the highest alert since last month's terror attack in Jakarta. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan Mon, February 22, 2016 Medan Zoo in North Sumatra has earned plaudits for its good management of an endangered species after a healthy Sumatran tiger cub was born at the zoo. Zoo operational director Sunardi Ali said the cub was born on Friday to a tiger pair named Manis and Anhar. Sunardi said the management was limiting the number of visitors allowed to see the newborn, giving Manis more time to nurse her cub. 'We've left the baby and its mother in the cage. The mother is clearly very protective of the baby,' Sunardi told The Jakarta Post on Sunday. As a result of the mother's fierce protectiveness, the zoo management, he said, was as yet unable to determine the sex of the cub, which had an estimated weight of 2.3 kilograms and length of 30 centimeters. Eighteen-year-old Manis has previously given birth to three other cubs fathered by her mate Anhar, Sunardi said. 'This is the fourth baby. All the Sumatran tigers born here have grown up healthy,' he said. He added that the management planned to name the baby tiger Benar, a contraction of Bang Eldin and Akhyar, the names of the newly elected Medan mayor and deputy mayor. With the birth of the cub, Sunardi said there were now 10 Sumatran tigers at the zoo. 'Hopefully that number will continue to grow, and we can increase our collection of Sumatran tigers.' In November last year, four male Bengal tigers were born at the zoo, taking the total to six. The Switzerland-based International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Sumatran tiger as a critically endangered species since 1996. The organization reported that the species had been struggling with habitat loss amid the expansion of oil palm and acacia plantations, as well as illegal trading, primarily for the domestic market. Separately, Indonesian Zoos Association chairman Rahmat Shah welcomed the news, describing it as proof of the zoo's ability to treat animals properly. 'It shows endangered animals are well treated by the zoo. We are very pleased,' Rahmat said, adding that Sumatran tigers could, if treated properly, give birth every year. Rahmat's comments appeared to refer to a string of animal deaths, including tigers, at Surabaya Zoo in East Java, reportedly as a result of mismanagement. At the time, Rahmat said that the deaths had tarnished the image of the nation. Six animals died at Surabaya Zoo in January and February 2014. A Komodo dragon and a Bawean deer both died on Feb. 1. Earlier, a 4-year-old male gnu, or wildebeest, was found dead on Jan. 4. Based on necropsy results, the African animal died of stomach disease. The following week, on Jan. 7, a lion named Michael was found dead hanging from a steel cable in his cage. A 6-month-old mountain goat was then killed in a fight with a larger mountain goat. On Feb. 5, a Bengal white tiger named Chandrika died while undergoing treatment. Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini subsequently filed a report with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) accusing the former management of Surabaya Zoo of graft and gross mismanagement resulting in the deaths of the animals. Risma alleged there were groups within the management that had traded animals in return for financial gain, sparking internal conflicts. Rahmat, who also manages Pematang Siantar Animal Park in North Sumatra, underlined the important role of government in preserving the Sumatran tiger. 'The government, for example, could provide a special place in one of the country's outer islands to breed the species,' he said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Kristen Gelineau (The Jakarta Post) Sydney Mon, February 22, 2016 The commander of the US Navy's 7th Fleet said Monday that he is wary of the situation in the South China Sea being painted as a battle between the United States and China, but added the presence of a Chinese missile system on a disputed island will not stop the US military from flying over the region. US Navy Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin's comments come a week after it was revealed that Beijing had deployed surface-to-air missiles on an island in the fiercely contested region. The US said the presence of missiles provided increasing evidence of militarization of the area by China. China subsequently accused the US of militarizing the region, saying patrols by US Navy vessels and military aircraft had escalated tensions and raised concerns about stability in the area. Last month, a US warship deliberately sailed near one of the Beijing-controlled islands in the Paracel chain in a so-called freedom of navigation exercise. China, Taiwan and Vietnam have overlapping claims in the Paracels. Aucoin, whose Japan-based fleet covers a region from India to the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean, said the US is not making such maneuvers to single out any country, and wants all nations that are reclaiming land to stop. "I wish it wasn't portrayed as US versus China," Aucoin told reporters in Sydney, one of his stops on a visit to Australia to meet with defense officials. "This shouldn't seem provocative. What we're trying to ensure is that all countries, no matter size or strength, can pursue their interests based on the law of the sea and not have that endangered by some of these actions." Last week, US and Taiwanese officials confirmed commercial satellite images showed anti-aircraft missiles had been placed on Woody Island in the Paracel chain. China has not denied the appearance of the missiles, but says it is entitled to defend its territory. Aucoin said the missiles had provided a "destabilizing effect" across the region, and urged China to be transparent about its intentions. Asked whether the presence of the missile system would affect US preparedness to fly over the area, Aucoin said no. "We will fly, sail, operate wherever international law allows, including those areas," he said. Aucoin also expressed concerns about North Korea's recent nuclear test and rocket launch. "They should immediately abandon their nuclear weapons," Aucoin said. "We want them to do this in a comprehensive, verifiable, irreversible way, to stop their nuclear programs and abide by their commitments, their obligations, to stabilize that area of the world."(+) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 Investors can now build their plants in industrial zones directly after receiving the principle permit issued by the investment-license facility in the industrial estates, as stipulated in the second economic policy package. All investors could enjoy this facility as no specific requirement was needed, such as minimum investment value or labor-force size, as long as their projects were located in 14 industrial estates, said the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) chairman Franky Sibarani. "The IMB [construction permits], environmental permits and another technical licenses can be completed by the beginning of the company's commercial production," Franky said at the Consolidation Planning and Implementation of National Investment (KP3MN) meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday. The 14 industrial zones that have been set to implement this facility include three industrial parks in Central Java, namely Kendal, Bukit Baru Semarang and Wijayakusuma industrial parks. The largest industrial park in Indonesia, the Java Integrated Industrial and Port Estate/ JIIPE in East Java is also ready to implement the facility. In West Java, there are five industrial estates eligible for the facility namely Bekasi Fajar Industrial Estate; Delta Silicon 8, also in Bekasi; Karawang International Industrial City/ KIIC; and GT Tech Park in Karawang. Medan Industrial park in North Sumatra is also ready for the new facility, along with Bantaeng industrial park, South Sulawesi, and Modern Cikande Industrial Estate, Wilmar Integrated Industrial Park and Krakatau Industrial Estate Cilegon/ KIEC, all in Banten. (ags) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Indra Harsaputra and Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Surabaya/Bandung Mon, February 22, 2016 For a garbage collector like Solichin, moving wet household garbage can be a messy job, especially when residents fail to use proper garbage bags. The 40-year-old, who is in charge of garbage collection at a high-end residential complex in Surabaya, East Java, is therefore fretting over news that shoppers in the country's second-largest city now have to pay for plastic bags at modern retail outlets. 'Many people are already reluctant to put their wet waste in plastic bags even though they can get them for free,' Solichin told The Jakarta Post on Sunday. 'If they are asked to pay for plastic bags, I believe that more people will just throw their garbage anywhere they like, making it much more difficult for us to collect and sort it.' With the city's garbage collectors' task about to get harder, Solichin is holding out hope that the local administration will allocate some of the money raised by charging for plastic bags to improving he and his colleagues' welfare. 'Given the extra work, I reckon we deserve more money,' he said. In the wake of the introduction on Sunday of the policy, which requires malls, department stores, supermarkets and other modern retailers to charge customers for plastic bags in seven Indonesian major cities, many have questioned the programs' sustainability, as most regions have no legal basis on which to lay the implementation of the policy. Without official guidance, retailers, for example, will have no obligation to report how they spend the money they collect from plastic bag tax, making it difficult for the government to measure the impact of the policy and direct at least some of the proceeds to related or worthwhile ends. In Surabaya, where local retailers charge their customers Rp 200 (1.5 US cents) for each plastic bag as of Sunday, Mayor Tri Rismaharini said that the municipal administration had been unable to prepare a bylaw on the implementation of the plastic bag tax, as there was no guidance from the central government regarding the issue. This, Risma said, made her administration unable to determine whether the money collected by retailers from plastic bag fees was supposed to be returned for the public good, such as by improving the welfare of local garbage collectors. 'We don't know how to calculate it, but ideally, the money should keep circulating [for public purposes],' she said on Sunday. The plastic bag reduction program, expected eventually to be implemented in a total of 23 major cities, is aimed at reducing plastic waste in Indonesia, a country that consumes up to 9.8 billion plastic bags every year. The first cities set to implement the policy are Jakarta, Bandung, Bogor, Banda Aceh, Surabaya, Tangerang and Balikpapan. Makassar and Denpasar were initially to join the first batch, but confirmed last week that they would postpone. With the sole exception of Bandung, none of the cities, however, has a bylaw regarding plastic bag reduction. Bandung's 2012 bylaw on plastic bag reduction, meanwhile, only stipulates retailers' obligation to provide their customers with environmentally friendly plastic bags; it mentions nothing about charging customers extra for plastic bags. Contacted separately, Indonesian Retailers Association (Aprindo) CSR and environment division head D. Yuvlinda Susanta said that the association's proposal to charge customers Rp 200 per plastic bag was based on the average production cost of the product. The association has also suggested local administrations refer to the program as a 'paid plastic bag' policy in circulars to emphasize that the program is voluntary. 'We don't sell plastic bags,' Yuvlinda stressed. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 The National Police's counterterrorism unit Densus 88 arrested a man with suspected links to last month's Thamrin terrorist attack, in South Tangerang, Banten, on Sunday. The arrest was part of a series of raids following the arrest of six terrorist suspects in East Java over the weekend. Densus 88 officers and Jakarta Police's bomb squad Gegana arrested the alleged terrorist, DAP, 38, in Cisauk, South Tangerang, on Sunday afternoon. The officers raided DAP's house following the arrest of six terrorists in Malang, East Java, on Friday evening. Officers raided the house while the suspect's family and his neighbors at the Suradita housing complex watched on, South Tangerang police chief Adj.Sr.Cmr. Ayi Supardan said on Sunday as reported by Antara. The raid was based on information that DAP had returned to his house three months before the terrorist attack in Jl. MH Thamrin in January, which left four of the terrorists and four civilians dead, and more than 25 were injured. DAP is also suspected of having links with those responsible for another terror attack at Jakarta's JW Marriot Hotel in 2009 that killed nine people and injured at least 50. As part of the raid, police confiscated a mobile phone, laptop, a bow, 20 arrows, two compact discs containing a military training documentary and an air rifle. Meanwhile, Densus 88 officers securely transfered the six suspected terrorists arrested in Malang along with evidence confiscated in the raid to the Mobile Brigade Headquarters in Kelapa Dua on Sunday and Monday. The six alleged terrorists are Abu Gar aka Badrodin, Ridho, Romli, Rudi aka Cimot, Handoko and Aidin Suryana aka Aji aka Abu Zilan. The suspected terrorists were arrested in various areas such as the Griya Permata Alam housing complex and Green Hills Residence in Ngijo village in Dau subdistrict, Malang. They were suspected of each having a different role in the group, Malang Police chief Adj.Sr. Cmr. Yudo Nugroho said as reported by Antara news agency. For example Aidn was suspected to have acted as the fundraiser for the terrorist group by stealing vehicles and then selling them, he added. From the raids, conducted from Friday evening to Saturday, officers confiscated several motorcycles, explosive material and books on Jihad and radicalism, which were also taken to Jakarta. Deported Indonesians Meanwhile, National Police chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti said on Monday that the four Indonesians deported by Singapore were the students of convicted terrorist Aman Abdurrahman. "These four men are from the Batam orphans foundation. They are followers of Aman Abdurrahman," he said as quoted by kompas.com. Aman is serving time in the high-security Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java, after being sentenced to nine years imprisonement for being involved in military training in Aceh. Aman's name came into the spotlight after he was suspected of being the mastermind behind the Thamrin attack. Bahrun Naim is believed to be one of Aman's followers. The four from Bekasi, West Java, and Purbalingga, Central Java, one of whom is a 15 year old boy, were deported by Singaporean authorities on Sunday after they admitted they were trying to reach Syria via Singapore during an interogation. National Police spokesman Insp.Gen Anton Charliyan said there were strong indications that they were supporters of the Islamic State terrorist group. Police are now investigating what the purpose of their attempt to go to Syria was. (rin)(+) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 Vice President Jusuf Kalla has reminded antigraft commission chairman Agus Rahardjo to observe his oath of office, replying to the latter's threat to resign if the the government and the House of Representatives proceed with plans to revise the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) law. Kalla's statement comes after Agus said that he would resign from the KPK on Sunday. "The oath of a government official, including the President, a governor and a minister, is to obey the constitution and the law. That is the oath," Kalla said on Monday as quoted by kompas.com. The Vice President proceeded to further discuss the oath but did not address whether the threat made by Agus was inappropriate or unlawful. The Forum of KPK Employees commended the approach taken by the KPK chairman, regarding it as a brave move. "It is indeed a gallant act. The House is already blind, deaf and mute to the actions of national leaders, professors, artists, and students who have tirelessly voiced their rejection of the KPK Law revision," Forum of KPK Employees chairman Faisal said. The decision made by the House to continue to discuss the revision must be faced sternly, he added. Agus' firm stance reflects that the antigraft body is unified in its rejection of the revision, Faisal continued. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo inaugurated Agus and four other KPK commissioners on Dec. 21. Agus said on Sunday that he would be the first one to quit if the revision plans went ahead. The announcement followed a public outcry that voiced strong opposition to the proposed amendments, widely considered to weaken the KPK by limiting its capabilities. He suggested that a religious approach was needed to support the KPK, citing the example of the fatwa, or edict, issued by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) that has declared bribery and gifts for officials as haram (unlawful). The House will hold a plenary meeting to determine whether or not they will proceed with discussions on the KPK Law revision on Tuesday. There are four amendments to be discussed: the formation of a supervisory council to monitor the antigraft body's performance, removing the KPK's ability to recruit its own investigators, granting KPK the authority to issue investigation termination warrants in corruption cases, and a requirement stipulating that the KPK obtain a permit to conduct a wiretap. (liz/rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Syofiardi Bachyul Jb and Nurni Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) Padang/Binjai Mon, February 22, 2016 Lusi Andriyani, a resident of Koto Baru subdistrict in South Solok regency, West Sumatra, could not hide her sadness as she recounted how a recent flash flood had destroyed her rice crop in two separate locations. On one side of the village, floods left a meter of mud covering a hectare of her fields, and destroyed two-month-old rice plants on the other side. 'We had expected to harvest the rice in May to pay the expenses for our haj pilgrimage this year,' Lusi said on Sunday. 'But it seems that God has another plan for us.' A series of floods and landslides triggered by heavy downpours hit 11 regions in West Sumatra on Feb. 7 and 8, killing nine people and damaging over 1,700 houses. The floods also inundated 3,000 houses, 265 kiosks and dozens of school and government buildings, paralyzing activities in the affected regions. Other regions were cut off after the disasters caused damage to roads in 56 places, as well as 45 bridges. Other affected property included 4,888 hectares of rice fields, 599 hectares of plantations, 110 fish ponds and 42 irrigation facilities. Given the scale of the damage, the provincial administration said last week that it would not be able to redress the impact without support from the central government. Acting West Sumatra Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) head Zulfiatno said that according to provisional data, the losses caused by the disasters reached up to Rp 224.4 billion (US$16.6 million). The figure, however, could change at anytime as assessment was ongoing, he added. 'It is impossible for our regional or provincial budgets to cover such losses,' Zulfiatno said on Friday, adding that aid from the central government was urgently needed to help restore the affected regions. Of the affected regions, South Solok is the worst-hit regency, with losses estimated to reach Rp 109 billion, followed by Limapuluh Kota regency with Rp 79.6 billion in losses and Pasaman regency with Rp 32.5 billion. Emergency response activities are still ongoing in a number of badly hit regions, while aid is pouring into the province and heavy machinery is still working to restore riverbanks and clear sand from public facilities and people's houses. After a prolonged dry season, the rainy season finally arrived in many parts of the country in December and has since intensified. A series of heavy downpours has subsequently triggered floods in several provinces, including Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Riau and Central Java. In Riau, floods hit three regencies ' Kampar, Rokan Hulu and Kuantan Singingi ' earlier this month, forcing authorities in the three regencies to declare an emergency status. In East Java, floods from the overflowing Kalikemuning River in Sampang submerged thousands of houses across the regency on Feb. 11, leaving at least one person dead. The Sampang BPBD has described the floods as the regency's most disastrous to date. Meanwhile in North Sumatra, victims of a recent flood in Binjai municipality are appealing for aid. The Binjai flood inundated five districts, namely Binjai Kota, East Binjai, West Binjai, North Binjai and South Binjai. Apart from inundating hundreds of houses, the flood also submerged a number of public facilities including schools and places of worship. One local man, Idris, 72, has been sheltering in a mosque with his wife since floods swept away his house three months ago. 'No aid has been forthcoming so far, not even from the local administration,' he said. 'I don't know what to do. I want to rebuild my house and live a normal life like before, but I don't know how.' Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Indah Setiawati (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 Documentary photographer Romi Perbawa captures breathtaking images of children employed as jockeys in traditional horse racing in West Nusa Tenggara ' though some verge on the gory. In the eyes of Sumbawa regency officials in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), horse racing with child jockeys is a fixed schedule in the annual Moyo Festival. In the eyes of a travel blogger, the long-standing tradition is an exciting story to write. In the eyes of the horses' owners, it's a business opportunity. Documentary photographer Romi Perbawa, meanwhile, delves under the surface, following the life stories of a number of child jockeys from 2010 to 2014. He looked at the event from the children's perspective, capturing images showing the reality of their everyday lives, at school and at the races. The native of Surabaya in East Java went to NTB six years ago as an amateur photographer, aiming to take pictures of the event during a weekend getaway with his wife. He was in the right place at the right time to shoot a child who had fallen from his mount; the boy's cries of pain are almost audible in the photo. 'He fell just in front of me. When I went back to Surabaya, my mind lingered on the children's fate,' he said during a discussion of his photo book earlier this month. Romi looked into the event, finding that it ran up to 100 days a year, forcing the young jockeys to skip school. At the time he was making the documentary, the youngsters raced without proper safety gear, medical response teams or health insurance, in return for a minimal fee paid to their families. Determined to tell the underage jockeys' stories, the amateur photographer took a number of photojournalism courses to improve his skills, including at Galeri Foto Jurnalistik Antara in Central Jakarta. He also joined a class held by independent photo editor and mentor Deny Salman, with whom he has kept in touch. 'My pictorial technique skills were a helpful start, but this project needed a different presentation,' he said. Romi, an employee of a fertilizer logistics company, used his leave to travel to NTB to work on the fledgling project. The softly spoken and serious man did his homework before pushing the shutter. He also strove to acquire the freedom necessary to get the most intimate shots, from sleeping at locals' houses to joining in the gambling on the races, an illegal activity but nonetheless a major part of the event. 'The more I got involved with their lives, the more I felt the calling [to document them],' he said. He recalled one moment when he picked up a child jockey from his school, located some 3 kilometers from the boy's house. After they arrived at the boy's traditional house-on-stilts, the second-grader changed out of his school uniform and boiled water in the kitchen to make a cup of coffee for Romi, a heartwarming gesture from such a young boy. His efforts to build a relationship with the child jockeys are reflected in his pictures. The black and white photos speak a thousand words, capture strong expressions that touch one's heart and freeze moments that bear being looked at over and over. The photo book is narrated simply, uninterrupted by captions, beginning with introductory pictures of Sumbawa horses and the iconic dry landscape of the island, a picturesque land of hills and inlets. It doesn't take long for the documentary's main characters ' the children ' to appear. We are brought to their homes and playgrounds to see how they live and play alongside the horses. The emotion intensifies with a picture of a small schoolboy adjacent to one of the same boy decked out in his jockey outfit. Then come pictures of the event itself, preparation followed by race. The viewer's heart accelerates at the sight of the horses flying under the command of their young jockeys, then stops dead at a shot of one fallen youngster. Accidents are common in races, Romi said, and do not deter families from preparing the next young boy in the household to race. He demonstrates the longevity of the tradition with a picture of a grandfather, father and two boys. Also included are portraits of the jockeys with their dates of birth listed, a piece of information Romi got from school records ' the boys themselves could not remember. The book undoubtedly leads us to reflect on the injustice of forcing schoolboys to become jockeys. It would benefit from an insider analysis of the situation and conditions faced by child jockeys, the province's poverty and the values of the traditional race. It would, moreover, have been interesting to hear the comments ' or at least see the faces ' of the horse owners or officials, those who are at least nominally responsible for the boys' safety and for ensuring they do not miss out on an education. ' Photos courtesy of Romi Perbawa Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Corry Elyda, Indra Harsaputra, Hotli Simanjuntak and N. Adri (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta/Surabaya/Banda Aceh/Balikpapan Mon, February 22, 2016 After a year of preparation, Indonesia kicked off on Sunday the implementation of a new policy that requires modern retailers to charge customers for plastic bags in the country's biggest concerted effort to reduce plastic waste. The policy, launched to coincide with National Waste Awareness Day, has been implemented in seven major cities ' Jakarta, Bandung, Bogor, Banda Aceh, Surabaya, Tangerang and Balikpapan ' which together are home to almost 10 percent of the country's 250 million people. The plastic bag tax is expected to eventually be implemented in a total of 23 major cities. In Jakarta, consumers have given the policy a warm welcome. Christin, a 36-year-old housewife, was not surprised when a cashier at a convenience store in Palmerah, West Jakarta, said that she had to pay Rp 200 (1.5 US cent) to get a plastic bag for the bottle of mineral water she had just bought. 'Oh, let me just put it in my bag,' she said, while zipping open her handbag and putting the mineral water in. Christin said she had learned about the new policy from WhatsApp groups and the news. 'I think the policy is good for our environment,' she said. In Surabaya, the country's second largest city, 30-year-old Rita Sugiharto also expressed her support. 'I hope the program remains sustainable as it will prevent people from throwing away plastic bags carelessly,' she said. Data from the Environment and Forestry Ministry shows that people consume up to 9.8 billion plastic bags every year in Indonesia, with 95 percent of those being made with plastics that take a considerable length of time to break down naturally. In February last year, the ministry issued a circular stating that retailers should start charging for plastic bags. The call was prompted by petitions both online and offline, which attracted 70,000 signatures. In Banda Aceh, Mayor Illiza Sa'aduddin said her administration would implement the policy in stages in a number of supermarkets and traditional markets. Separately, the Balikpapan municipal administration in East Kalimantan expected the program to reduce the amount of garbage in the city by 50 tons daily. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 Prominent Indonesian rock band Slank will visit the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) headquarters on Monday morning in a show of support for the public's rejection of the KPK law revision currently being discussed at the House of Representatives. The band, whose lyrics often address social issues and are critical of the government, will meet with KPK commissioners, KPK spokeswoman Yuyuk Andriati said on Monday as reported by tempo.co. After the meeting, the band will hold a mini concert in the KPK's lobby, she added. Despite the public outcry, the House started discussions on the law revision bill this month. Many fear that the move will weaken the KPK, an antigraft institution that has largely won the trust of the public. On a separate occasion President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo will also meet with House members and the Legislative Council to discuss the law revision. Lawmakers, many of them from Jokowi's party the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the main driver of the revision, have denied that they intend to weaken KPK. The current KPK law draft revision consists of four amendment points that have been strongly criticized by public. The four amendments would mandate the establishment of an oversight council to monitor the antigraft body's performance, give the KPK the authority to issue investigation termination warrants in corruption cases, require the KPK to obtain permits to conduct wiretaps and remove the KPK's ability to recruit its own investigators. (rin)(+) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Mon, February 22, 2016 A quarter of children under the age of 14 in Indonesia have experienced corporal punishment, according to UNICEF, while one in six girls below 18 are forced into marriage. The visiting UN special representative of the secretary-general on violence against children, Marta Santos Pais, discussed the situation with The Jakarta Post's Anggi M. Lubis. Below are excerpts: Question: What strategies are important to address the violence against children? Answer: I am very happy to learn that the government has developed a new strategy to eliminate violence against children that will be implemented between 2016 and 2020. The first is strong legislation to give the message that it is not acceptable to use violence as a way of disciplining, educating or punishing children. Second, the importance of supporting the work and intervention of parents and the family, because it is very often that children might misbehave and it is important to guide parents on how to correct [such behavior] in a non-violent manner. Third is recognizing that we need to give children the right skills for them to be supportive to this process. This means, for instance, in the school system, to have a good education system that allows all children to be in schools ' boys, girls, children with disabilities ' to learn these skills to help them to find solutions when they have disagreements without hitting each other. The other dimension that the strategy emphasizes is the importance of good data and studies. By knowing how many children are victims of violence, in which contexts, for what reasons, will help to support efforts to address the children that may be more at risk. Access to services is also important. One of the participants in our meeting said that if the family takes a child victim to a hospital, the bureaucracy of getting the registration of the child and to get people listen to the case can be so complicated. The child has to tell the stories many times, spend many hours [there] and that is an additional trauma for the victim. The final part of this strategy is that we have to be ready to pay attention to early signals that violence may occur and [we have to] intervene early enough. Many may perceive mild physical punishment at home and school as normal and female genital mutilation (FGM) harmless and part of religion and tradition. What do you think? When we don't see that there is a problem, of course we don't try to change because we think it's a part of life so why should we change it? This shift in the mindset, this mental revolution, as I hear Ibu [Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister] Yohana Yembise uses very often, is possible. We want people to understand what can be better with doing things in different ways. When our job doesn't work like we want it to and we have too much traffic when going home, it's very often that it is the child who suffers the impact of our frustration. If you are really losing your temper and you see that something violent is coming, take time out, go to your room, let things calm down and then come and talk to your child when you are not at the high level of unhappiness and frustration. What he have seen is that there is this investment and joining hands with community leaders, religious leaders who can on Friday payers ' for instance ' convey to the families the importance of nurturing the dignity of the child. When the legislation gives this strong message, we have seen in many countries that supporting parents with services available and the legislation, then we should see a change. As for FGM and child marriage, we have seen in countries that community leaders, women's organizations, religious leaders, together with the government and media, launch big campaigns to make people realize the health impacts that it might have, especially on girls. Most girls leave school when they are forced to get married, or when they get pregnant. This means they will not have the skills. They have five times of more risk of dying when giving birth than a woman who gives birth when she is 20 or older. There are so many negative implications when these practices are not addressed. What do you think is Indonesia's toughest challenge in eliminating violence against children? Probably it is not in Indonesia only. I think the biggest challenge is how to transform something that seems to be perceived as a part of life to becoming more a concern that everybody is feeling mobilized. It is very costly for society. Why? Because if we have many cases of violence, they will come to hospitals. More doctors will be needed to take care of patients for post-traumatic intervention to ensure that the child goes back to life normally. Sometimes violence is followed by health and mental problems. Sometimes the child, as a reaction to being abused, becomes a perpetrator of violence himself later in life. There's huge potential in the human capital that it's very costly. For instance in East Asia, every year, the cost of violence against children amounts to 2 percent of regional gross domestic product, which is US$209 billion per year. How we can spend so much money, when we can invest in prevention, saving money and creating a better society. With cyberbullying becoming a rising concern and violence against children expanding digitally, how do you see this and how can we prevent such bullying and violence? This is a priority for me and most countries don't have legislation to address this issue. People identify where they live, their schools, forcing them to meet or threatening to put their images on the site and so on. There are combinations of risks. The technology is developing so fast, countries are trying to get at the same level. So it is absolutely an area where there a gap has opened and we need to move fast. It is too, as you said, anonymous, makes things more difficult and it is also true that many criminal networks and individuals are taking advantage of that situation, using encrypted information, which is very difficult to follow. While the younger generation engages with tablets and smartphones and computers and social media like having a glass of water, their parents have probably never seen a computer. The technological gap makes it very difficult for parents to understand the risks and be empowered enough to support the children. But we also feel that the new technology can in fact be a wonderful ally to empower children, to learn about the risks and the institutions that can help them. By learning about the use of technology, the children can be the first line of prevention, the first line of their own protection. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Eric Talmadge (The Jakarta Post) Panmunjom, South Korea Mon, February 22, 2016 Tensions have increased significantly along the Demilitarized Zone since North Korea's recent nuclear test and rocket launch, a North Korean military official told The Associated Press on Monday, adding that while he could not comment on operational details, "the reality is that it is touch and go." Though parts of the world's most fortified border can seem like a tourist trap, drawing throngs of camera-happy visitors on both sides every year, to the military-trained eye the Cold War-style standoff along the 257-kilometer DMZ ' established when the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty ' is an incident waiting to happen. That's now truer than ever, the North Korean officer said, as tensions are escalating between Pyongyang, Seoul and Washington. Thousands of US troops are deployed in South Korea and units based around the DMZ have the motto "Be Ready to Fight Tonight." "People come here and they think it's like a resort. But if you know it better, you know how dangerous it is," Lt. Col. Nam Dong Ho of the North Korean People's Army said in Panmunjom, the truce village where the armistice was signed. Nam said tensions have increased significantly since the nuclear test in January and rocket launch earlier this month. "Something could happen at any time," he said. To stand on the North Korean side of the Demilitarized Zone is almost otherworldly. After crossing through military checkpoints and passing roadside concrete structures rigged to detonate and keep any vehicles from passing ' defenses that are also common in the South ' the air is peaceful and fresh, and birds can be heard chirping as they fly over a carefully manicured landscape dotted with rock monuments and meticulously maintained historical buildings. But closer to the Demarcation Line that marks the actual border, soldiers stand rigidly on guard, armed and intimidating, often just a few steps away from their South Korean counterparts. On Monday, the surreal feeling at the Demarcation Line was heightened by the absence of anyone ' soldiers or civilians ' visible on the South's side. South Korea halted tours to its side of the DMZ the day after the Jan. 6 nuclear test, when it also announced it would resume cross-border propaganda broadcasts, which have in the past brought strong recriminations from North Korea. The tours have gradually resumed. A popular observatory where people can catch a glimpse into the North via binoculars was set to reopen Tuesday. Along with restarting the broadcasts, South Korean President Park Geun-hye responded to the North's nuclear test and launch by shutting down a joint industrial park in Kaesong, a city just north of the DMZ, and telling the South Korean National Assembly that if North Korean leader Kim Jong Un doesn't change his ways his regime will surely collapse ' predictably outraging the North. North Korea reacted by putting the industrial park under military control, cutting off emergency hotlines with Seoul and ' through its state-run media ' accusing Park of being a traitor and a "senile granny." "I don't even want to utter her name," Nam said. "I'm just a soldier so I don't know how the situation has changed. But as the Kaesong industrial zone has been totally closed by South Korea, our people and army are getting more enraged." Nam said the broadcasts cannot be heard in Panmunjom during the day, which he suggested was because the South doesn't want them to be heard by South Korean tourists. "But when it's quiet, late at night, you can hear them here," he said. North Korea says it is developing nuclear weapons for self-defense and has the sovereign right to launch satellites as part of a peaceful space program. But both are generally seen as violating longstanding United Nations resolutions. The UN Security Council is still discussing its response, but the United States, Japan and South Korea have already announced new sanctions on the already-heavily sanctioned North. The standoff is likely to get worse before it gets better. Keeping its own military profile high, the United States flew four stealth F-22 fighter jets over South Korea and reaffirmed it maintains an "ironclad commitment" to the defense of its ally after the rocket launch. Last month, it sent a nuclear-capable B-52 bomber over South Korea following the North's nuclear test. South Korea and the United States are expected to hold large-scale war games next month. South Korea's defense minister has said about 15,000 US troops will take part in the annual exercises, double the number Washington normally sends. The two countries have also begun preparatory talks to deploy a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system in South Korea. That is strongly opposed by neighboring powers China and Russia, since the radar would allow Washington to reach well into their territory as well. Nam, the North Korean officer, said he remains focused on his duties. But he added that, now that North Korea says it has an H-bomb ' a claim disputed by some outside experts ' the US might be better advised to focus on negotiating a peace treaty to formally end the Korean War. "On the international stage, the US talks about peace," he said. "But it should not interfere in the affairs of other countries." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Mon, February 22, 2016 Your comments on President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo's US visit and Indonesia's role in the US-ASEAN Summit in California: I suspect that China will eventually suffer the same problems that Indonesia suffered when it depegged its currency from the US dollar. History repeats itself. Indonesia has good policies in place that I wish we had in the US, such as requiring a 30 percent down-payment on a home and forbidding foreigners from purchasing homes to prevent a bubble. The biggest challenge in my mind for Indonesia is that it needs to realize that it can't go it alone. There is nothing wrong with partnering with successful countries and carving out a place of its own in the world. Indonesia has a lot of potential if Jokowi can move it closer to US and Western standards in property rights and anticorruption. I'd love to see more venture capital investment in the country. My Indonesian wife would like to see the same. Seacgk Indonesia has no allies because you have pretty much alienated all of your neighbors with your nationalistic chest-thumping and unpredictability. Even Malaysia, a brother of sorts, is sick of your forest fires and periodic tantrums over cultural theft. Devanagari President Jokowi, look for better offers from China. That's where power is now, not with the has-been Americans. Azizur Rachman ________________________________________ Topic of the day Terrorists isolated on Nusakambangan The government has confined a number of the country's top terrorists in isolation, including radical clerics Aman Abdurrahman and Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, to prevent them from spreading firebrand propaganda to fellow inmates and to cut them off from terrorist networks. What do you think? Send your thoughts by email, SMS, Twitter or Facebook. Include your name and city. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Khoirul Amin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 'If there's one thing that we need to watch out when we join the Trans-Pacific Partnership [TPP], that's the yarn-forward clause,' said Benny Soetrisno. Speaking in a recent press conference, the Indonesian Textile Association's (API) advisory board chairman said that while the US-led TPP would likely bring more benefits than harm to the local textile industry, the country had to boost the industry's readiness at all stages of the manufacturing process. 'There's a provision in the TPP that will cut tariffs only for garment products made using materials sourced from the member countries,' he said. The US-led economic partnership, once implemented, is set to apply a 'yarn-forward' rule of origin that requires textile and apparel products made using TPP members' yarns and fabrics to qualify for zero-tariff in trades among the member countries. The clause will also certainly apply to Indonesia if it eventually joins the so-called 21st century economic partnership. The TPP currently has 12 signatory countries, namely Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam and the US. All the 12 signatories are now in the process of ratifying the TPP in their respective countries, expected to take about two years. President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo said last October during his state visit to the US that Indonesia intended to join the TPP and in his recent visit to the US-ASEAN Summit, he said that Indonesia was now calculating both the benefits and drawbacks of the partnership. Indonesia's textile industry is considered to be the sector that will gain most should the country join the TPP in the coming years. The Industry Ministry's director for textiles, leather, footwear and various industries, Muhdori, said that the textile industry was ready for the partnership as it was already structured from its upstream to downstream. Meanwhile, the Industry Ministry's data show that in 2014, Indonesia still imported a total of US$8.6 billion textiles in the form of fiber, yarn, fabric, garments, tapestry and other textile products, with a big chunk estimated to come from China, which is not a TPP member. Vietnam, which is one of the TPP signatories, has previously raised concerns about the yarn-forward rule of origin as it still imports some types of fabric from China. API chairman Ade Sudrajat argued that he was still upbeat that joining the TPP would benefit the country's textile industry, but support from the government to develop the whole process of garment manufacturing was needed. In terms of workers, Ade said the government could, for example, help textile companies build workers' dormitories next to production plants. 'We want the government to subsidize housing for workers at garment factories so that we can recruit workers from other districts outside where the production plants are based,' he said. While a number of business sectors have been reportedly making lay-offs to improve business efficiency, many garment manufacturers have experienced workforce shortages to support expansion. Garment manufacturers in Surakarta, Boyolali and Wonogiri, are now still looking for more workers although they have already recruited around 1,000 new workers. Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) head Franky Sibarani said previously that his office would request companies to report any layoff plans so that it could channel affected workers to other business sectors that needed more workers. The API has estimated that textile exports will surge significantly, particularly if the country joins the TPP. Indonesia's textile exports increased from $8.6 billion in 2005 to $12.7 billion in 2014, well behind the performance of Vietnam, which booked $26.2 billion from textile exports in 2014 from only $5.3 billion in 2011. Ade said that his association estimated that the TPP could more than double Indonesia's textile exports in a decade as the US is one of its major markets. How do we get students to worry more about conserving and less about consuming? In technology circles, we often hear experts and teachers talking about curating content rather than consuming it, and we know thats important. After all, consuming often means passively sitting by and watching information come at us. We need students to take a more active role in their learning. But I often wonder who will be the next student who wants to contribute to saving the planet. We need to inspire kids to curate and learn how to conserve our resources, because we seem to have an issue with collecting more things we do not need, and wasting a lot of what we do need. Nude Food really got met thinking about it. Recently, when I spent time in Australia I noticed a sign for Nude Food in every school I worked in. According to this Nutrition Australia website , Nude Food Day is a nationwide initiative developed to encourage kids and parents to eat well and live well, and eliminate all unnecessary packaging and wrapping that goes into schools. How does it work? Its totally up to the discretion of the school. The website offers the following suggestions, Some schools run waste audits for each classroom and award prizes for the least amount of litter generated, whilst some schools run healthy cooking demonstrations or healthiest lunch competitions. There are no hard and fast rules; it is all just about teaching kids how their actions can directly impact their health and the environment." As a principal, we had some engaging health and PE teachers who led small efforts around this idea. But Nude Food enters into a realm that some school leaders and teachers may not be thinking about. Its about encouraging students to bring their school lunches in Tupperware or some sort of recycled plastic container to cut down on the waste that we have in schools. Lets face it, as a school principal I saw my custodians carry out many garbage bags per day, and it would be helpful if we could cut that number of garbage in half each day. Perhaps Nude School Mondays or Fridays? After all, we all have dozens of plastic containers stacked in our cabinets and pantries at home. The reason why this has been an important effort in Australia is that many schools do not offer a cafeteria lunch like we do in the US so they found that there was a lot of waste based on the sheer number of students who bring their lunch to school. Conservation Continues With Nude Food in mind still on my mind, I walked around the Healesville Sanctuary with my friend Australian friend Annie, who is very proactive in conservation. I couldnt help but notice Wipe for Wildlife . Nude Food and Wipe for Wildlife? How could you not have those names stick with you! It was a promotion from the sanctuary. According to the wildlife experts at the sanctuary, 6 Million trees are flushed down Australian toilets each year. The pamphlet published by the Healesville Sanctuary says, Regular toilet paper is made from virgin fibers, whereas recycled toilet paper is from 100% post consumer waste (textbooks and office paper). Recycled toilet paper keeps trees in the ground to absorb emissions created from other daily human activities. The site goes on toe say, All trees have an ecological value, some provide habitat for wildlife, they protect soil from erosion and they keep our air clean. Our environment is healthier with trees in the ground rather than down the toilet. Recycled toilet paper is as silky as regular toilet paper, make the switch today and see if your family notices the difference." There were so many children at the sanctuary learning about conservation and getting to see animals indigenous to Australia, as well as some of those animals that were in the animal hospital for one reason or another. Yes, the name Wipe for Wildlife was funny to some of them, and it was clearly clever marketing, but it teaches students about conservation at a young age, and perhaps they will do a little more at home to conserve rather than consume. In the End We need to teach students, and some of their parents, how to conserve. Quite frankly, we can all learn to conserve a little more. The issue is that we often look for programs that cost a great deal of money and we hang huge posters around the school, which is just as wasteful as anything we were doing leading up to the new program. Using an idea like Nude Food Mondays or Fridays costs nothing because it gets parents and students to use containers they already have. It creates an opportunity to make a collaborative effort among all stakeholders, and it teaches students something that they can continue every day at home and in school. As for Wipe for Wildlife...well, thats about replacing one thing for another. Im sure that many schools are focusing on conservation. Feel free to add your awesome ideas below. Connect with Peter DeWitt on Twitter. Creative Commons photo courtesy of Wokandapix . Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, February 22, 2016 Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo's visit to the headquarters of US social networking service giants in Silicon Valley, California, was aimed at building stronger cooperation in disseminating messages of peace and tolerance. 'The President went to Silicon Valley because we want to partner with social media providers in building peace and tolerance,' the minister said as quoted by Antara during her flight from the US to Jakarta on Friday. Citing reports, Retno said several organizations known to have frequently launched terror attacks had communicated with each other and recruited members via social media. However, she further said that social media could also be an effective tool to tackle the actions and propaganda of radical organizations. 'We have talked with Facebook and Twitter, saying to them that 'social media has been used to spread extremism and recruit FTF [Foreign Terrorist Fighters], thus, we must balance the information [available online]',' said the minister. She said social media must begin to be used to spread the message of tolerance. 'Peace and tolerance can be promoted through social media,' she added. In his visit, President Jokowi conveyed a message of peace, writing 'Together in Peace and Harmony' on the wall of the Facebook Headquarters at Menlo Park. Separately, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) political researcher Hamdan Basyar said that social media was a powerful tool to promote messages against religious violence. He used the example of social-media trends following the terrorist attack in Jakarta on Jan. 14, where Indonesian citizens posted tweets and posts with the hashtag #KamiTidakTakut [We are not Afraid], declaring peaceful solidarity in opposition to the terrorist threats facing the country. "Social media such as Facebook and Twitter can be utilized to promote peace and anti-violence, to fight terrorism," Hamdan said on Thursday. Currently, he said, social media and hard-news media tended to excessively focus on radical movements, adding that the media had contributed more to the spreading of terrorism than campaigning to curb the incitement of violence. Hamdan said social media should be used effectively to counter extremist groups' propaganda, including preventing the recruitment of foreign terrorist fighters. (ebf) Washington In a spine-stiffening rallying cry, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., chairman of the Senate education committee, told dozens of governors gathered here Sunday to push back against any attempt by the federal government to shape education policy in the coming years. The recently-passed Every Student Succeeds Act, which he helped author, gives governors and state legislators wide latitude to design their own teacher and school accountability systems, among other things, he said during the annual National Governors Association winter meeting. The federal government has defined power under this law, he said. States have numerous and infinite power. We should adhere to the principles of federalism here. The speech at the JW Marriott came just days before the Senate education committee is to hold a confirmation hearing for acting U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr., who President Barack Obama has nominated to be secretary. I urged him to appoint somebody and I told him Id make sure he was confirmed, Alexander said. Assisted by a bare-bones, black-and-white Power Point presentation, Alexander said governors and their education secretaries should be on alert for anything that hints of a federal mandate, statutory waiver, regulatory peer review, or plan approval. Just say no if you dont like it, he said. And if the federal government tries to stand its ground, he said, sue. Shortly before the session, the governors association announced that it has formed an ESSA implementation task force with several national education groups, including the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, and the National PTA. Alexander said that coalition should use its weight to push back should the Education Department step outside of the defined role ESSA has given it. The federal government should consult frequently and meaningfully with state governments only where guidance is needed, he said. Alexander said state politicians were on the right track to building better learning standards and ushering in accountability systems before the Obama administration offered incentives to implement its education policy priorities, including through waivers from the No Child Left Behind Act. This whole incentive process amounted to what Alexander referred to as a federal board of education. Governors shouldnt be clumsy with their new powers, Alexander said. ESSA isnt worth the paper its printed on unless its implemented right, he said. The federal government will take these powers right back. The dozens of governors in attendance, sitting in a U-shape around Alexander, mostly praised his work to push the ESSA legislation through Congress, while also plugging their own initiatives and hinting at coming challenges. Washingtons Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee said the new authority given to states under ESSA will help his legislators deal with a teacher gap. Kentuckys recently elected Republican Gov. Matt Bevin said he regretted that the state was the first in the country to adopt the Common Core State Standards, a move his education department is currently working to change. And Iowas Republican Gov. Terry Branstad hinted at a brewing battle between state and local officials over standards, accountability systems, and school turnaround. After regretting Iowa being one of the last states in the country to adopt statewide standards, he said, There needs to a partnership between state and local officials. After the meeting, the governors were rushed off to the White House where they were to have a black-tie dinner with President Barack Obama and his wife. While Extell Development honcho Gary Barnett is not calling it a price cut, the luxury apartments in his 80-story Lower East Side tower are taking a dip. The Real Deal reports on the shift at One Manhattan Square, the massive project on the former South Street Pathmark site: Extell dropped the sellout price at One Manhattan Square by $207.3 million to a total of $1.87 billion, according to a Jan. 22 amendment to the buildings offering plan. Were going to be very conservative here, Extell chief Gary Barnett told The Real Deal. He disputed the notion of having cut prices per se, instead describing the markdown as a change to early placeholder prices to better match the current market, which is showing signs of a slowdown at the top. We priced it where we want to start and we think well raise prices from where were starting now, he said. Apartments will still start at about $1 million. There are two $13 million penthouse units. According to the Real Deal, one of them is in contract. Buyers in Asia are getting the first crack at the 815 apartments at One Manhattan Square. Happening Today: Advocacy organizations and tenants of 173 Henry St. are staging a protest at 10 a.m. outside Federal Court in Lower Manhattan. A lawsuit was filed late last year against the property owner, who has shut down the buildings elevator during renovations. Activists say the move has stranded a terminally ill low-income tenant on the 7th floor. The Daily News reports that Governor Cuomos Womens Equality Party will not back Alice Cancel, Democratic Party nominee for Sheldon Silvers former Assembly seat. WNYC looks at a proposal to change enrollment rules in District 1 schools, setting aside seats for low-income students. EV Grieve sums up coverage of a fight that broke out at Webster Hall Saturday night at a show featuring rappers Nate Skate Maloley and Derek Luh. The Times offers a glimpse inside Patricia Fields apartment in the Seward Park Co-op. Design features include a pair of tufted cobra-skin ottomans that were a gift from the designer Roberto Cavalli, (a) leopard-print silk fabric edging a Parsons table, pleated lame curtains that call to mind a fabulous Fortuny gown and (a) custom-designed makeup bar. DC Is the 20th Jurisdiction to Adopt the UBE A recent order from the D.C. Court of Appeals confirms that D.C. will be the twentieth jurisdiction to adopt the Uniform Bar Examination -- better known as the UBE. It will begin administering the exam this July. It seems like only yesterday that a mere scant sixteen jurisdiction had adopted the UBE with the most notorious convert being New York. And Then It Begins The UBE has made some impressive inroad since it was first adopted by North Dakota five years ago in 2011. As of the time of this writing, twenty jurisdictions have adopted it and already two more jurisdictions have announced that they will. What's even more striking is the fact that five jurisdictions have adopted the UBE within a space of as few months. When NY made the switch over in June, we never dreamed that the number would have ballooned to twenty. This was largely because people dangerously thought of the UBE as something of a phase trend. Campaign to Push for Universal Adoption For some, the UBE's increased acceptance is all good news. There has been a movement to push for the universal adoption of the UBE by advocates who claim that multiple state bar exams hinders the transferability of licensed attorneys to other states and generally hinders the profession. Only recently, the ABA considered a resolution that would call for all American states and territories to adopt the UBE. Above the Law's Kyle McEntee is a staunch supporter. For one thing, as McEntee points out, the UBE is by definition not only uniform, but universal. Thus, licensed attorneys needn't worry about tranferrability issues like reciprocity in order to practice. Couples and families will suffer less because they will not be subjected to the largely needless process of having to sit through another bar exam. For students, he says, it's even more ridiculous. Half of graduates don't find work until after they graduate, meaning that they will have to follow the job and sit through a bar exam that they might not pass -- making them unemployable as an attorney for another half year at least. Keep 'Em Out Opponents of the UBE must base their resistance to the test based on a bid to keep the legal market exclusive, because common law issues that are tested on most bar exams are, well ... common to pretty much all bar exams. And it's getting harder and harder to resist what almost seems like an inevitability. Additionally, those who would bid to make the exam more difficult have their calls somewhat attenuated by the fact that California has cut-off its third day and now will begin administering only a two day exam in 2017. Maybe the changes are already here? Related Resources: Hailing from Glasgow, Tuff Love provide a fresh take on the sound of the city whose vibrant music scene boasts the likes of Primal Scream, Franz Ferdinand and Chvrches. The band have certainly felt the citys influence. Glasgow is amazing for creative people. Also, its lovely being surrounded by people that inspire you. The talented trios punchy album Resort, a compilation record made up of three EPs released by the band between 2014 and 2015 was self-engineered and self- produced in bass player Suse Bear's flat. If we were somewhere that wasn't Glasgow, like London maybe we wouldn't have been able to afford for me to have enough room in my flat to record in, to rehearse weekly, to get together often because we might all have to work more if rent prices were way expensive etc. Tuff Love consist of Julie Eisenstein on guitar and vocals, Suse on bass and vocals, and live drummer Iain Stewart. Even in 2016, a "female bassist" is still a talking point, but the band insist are not a new thing, with Suse following in the footsteps of frikking loads of legendary musicians including the Pixies Kim Deal, Holes Melissa Auf Der Mar and Sonic Youths Kim Gordon. Suse describes her own progression to bass: I started playing piano when I was very young, then guitar and ended up playing bass because no-one else wanted to when I started my band before Tuff Love." Then for Tuff Love I was kind of playing keyboard, extra guitar, drums and bass on the recordings but Julie was the guitar master so after deciding to be a three-piece band I thought might as well just do bass as my last band was a three piece too. I like the limitations/restrictions of being in a three piece with a minimal set up. In 2015, Tuff Love were personally invited to join shoegaze innovators Ride on their first UK tour in 20 years! It was really cool, we really like them so it was lovely of them to ask. We were really shocked when we got told it was happening, like reaaallly shocked. Playing the Barrowlands with Ride is probably our most exciting gig to date. In an industry where females clearly struggle to make it onto festival bills and headline slots, do Tuff Love feel like they are taken less seriously? Thats a big and complicated issue. I feel like if we ever felt we were taken less seriously anywhere because of our gender then we would cut ties with that person or promoter. Its hard to tell if were taken less seriously though because you cant see promoters/music business people talking about you/making decisions. We only get to see what people think of us through reviews, live bookings, social media, live audience and that all seems ok so far. So I guess I would say no. Theres this horribly outdated idea of the rockstar boy model that I feel like some people still go by, like all bands/rock bands have to be testosterone filled kinda stuff. I wonder if certain festivals thought that women didnt fit into that image or something. Then young girls etc see festival line ups made of solely boy bands and see no role models in it for themselves and then it perpetuates the rock star boy model. Lots of festivals have great balanced line ups though, things are getting better. Last summer the band made a name for themselves playing at Glastonbury, Latitude and T in The Park to name just a few festivals and are soon to embark on a European tour to promote Resort. I prefer smaller venues. [They are] less terrifying and more fun for the people watching/listening As far as weird gig experiences go, the band are tame. Were kind of boring on tour. I (Suse) get ill every time we go on tour, its like this weird thing that happens every time. I wonder if it's stress related, but it's like on the first date of the tour I start to get the sniffles then I end up getting fully ill by the end. It's not very exciting. But I think that is weird...! Tuff Love will be playing at The Great Escape festival in May which has often been likened to South by Southwest, alongside Mystery Jets, Band of Skulls and Blossoms and many others. It's good for exposure, it's good that you get one ticket and get to go to a bunch of different venues with it. That way you can wander about trying to discover stuff. It's like you can try different bands out with this one ticket. It's cool. The festival has hosted artists such as Courtney Barnett, Bombay Bicycle Club and Foals in the past who have all gone on to massive success. Where exactly do Tuff Love see themselves in five years? Ideally still in music still making albums and songs etc. I can't even imagine what I'm going to be doing next month, let alone next year so five years down the line is a hard one! Hopefully I'll have a dog by then. I see myself throwing a ball for my dog in the park. Catch Tuff Love on their UK tour: 22nd February - Edinburgh 24th February - Hebden Bridge 25th February - London 12th March - Glasgow On the 28th January 1953 19-year-old Derek Bentley was executed by the State. Despite desperate appeals for clemency from his barrister, politicians, and members of the public, he was hanged at 9am at Wandsworth Prison, London. Bentley had struggled throughout his life with developmental problems, and various tests revealed that he had a very low IQ and was judged to be mentally substandard and unfit for military service by the the Medical Officers of the British Armed Services. Despite being young and clearly suffering from various developmental problems, the State still saw fit to execute him. Bentley had struggled throughout his life with developmental problems, and various tests revealed that he had a very low IQ and was judged to be mentally substandard and unfit for military service by the the Medical Officers of the British Armed Services. Despite being young and clearly suffering from various developmental problems, the State still saw fit to execute him. However, the most egregious part of this whole sorry affair was not the fact that the State executed a young man who was severely mentally deficient: rather, it was the law itself. Bentley was convicted for the murder of a policeman during a bungled burglary. Although it was Bentleys accomplice, Christopher Craig, who fired the fatal shot, Bentley was found guilty of murder under the legal principle of joint enterprise. In English law, the evidence rules in joint enterprise cases have resulted in people who may only have played a minor role being convicted of murder. For decades this has given the State a huge advantage in criminal trials and enabled them to successfully convict its citizens of the most heinous of crimes. The law on joint enterprise has gained further notoriety in recent years as the English courts have seen a rise in the number of gang related homicide cases. As a result of the law relating to joint enterprise, there has been a disproportionately high number of young black men and teenagers being convicted of serious crimes such as murder. This has been highlighted by a recent report by the Justice Select Committee of the House of Commons, which found that 37.2% of those serving long terms for joint enterprise offences were black 11 times the proportion in the general population and almost three times as many as in the overall prison population. The report found that, The low threshold of culpability for secondary participants is behind the sense of injustice harboured by many of those convicted of murder under the doctrine. Furthermore, the joint enterprise rules have assisted the State in gaining convictions in high profile cases where the was huge public interest. For example, the State obtained convictions in the Stephen Lawrence and Ben Kinsella cases. In addition - as the required levels of culpability have been so low - the State has obtained convictions of very tenuous grounds. For example, the partially blind Jordan Cunliffe was convicted of murder under the joint enterprise rules. According to his legal team he was convicted on the sole ground that his testimony contradicted the claims of the prosecution. This is hardly surprising given the fact that he is partially blind meaning that he could not see where he was and, as a result, was speaking truthfully in court. Over the past decade, the UK has also witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of children being charged and convicted of the most heinous of offences, including murder, under the principle of joint enterprise - which means that they did not even have to intend an offence to happen to be found guilty of it. This has resulted in numerous miscarriages of justice with vulnerable and learning-disabled children being incarcerated for crimes that they did not intend to happen nor were they directly involved in. As a result of the joint enterprise rules, secondary parties have found themselves overly-criminalised and so a high proportion of children and ethnic minorities have found themselves facing lengthy prison sentences. The law on joint enterprise is an affront to justice. It has resulted in hundreds of people being wrongly convicted of the most serious of crimes. It has drastically increased the prison population and exacerbated racial inequality. It has posed a serious threat to liberty in British society and the freedoms of individual liberties. Thankfully, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom - the highest court in the land - ruled on Thursday 18 February that the joint enterprise law has been wrongly interpreted for the past 30 years. In a unanimous decision in the appeal of R v. Jogee, the Justices declared that a key test imposed by judges in relation to joint enterprise cases - where the defendant acts in conjunction with the actual murderer but does not strike the fatal blow - had been incorrectly applied. The Supreme Court held that the justice system had erred in treating the fact that a secondary, co-defendant had foresight that the principal might carry out a killing as sufficient proof of guilt in assisting or encouraging them. In his judgment the President of the Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger, stated that, The correct position is that foresight of what the principal might do is evidence from which the jury may infer that he intended to assist or encourage to do so but it is for the jury to decide on the whole evidence of whether he had the necessary intent. As a result of the Supreme Courts judgment, a member of a group can no longer be found guilty of an offence unless there is proof that he positively intended that it should be committed. Mere foresight of what someone else might do is not enough. The Supreme Courts decision corrects a ghastly mistake in the law of joint enterprise, which until now has resulted in people being convicted of murder on a feeble legal ground. The decision of the Supreme Court should be seen as a victory for justice, fairness and equality. It will impact not just the United Kingdom, but also many other countries around the world. The Justices of the Supreme Court also comprise the Judicial Committee of The Privy Council, which is the court of final appeal for the UK overseas territories and Crown dependencies, and for certain Commonwealth countries. The Supreme Courts ruling brings hope to hundreds of people currently languishing in prisons throughout the UK and the world, and who are facing lengthy custodial sentences as a result of being convicted of murder. It is now highly likely that there will be many applications for appeal for prisoners who have been convicted for murder under the joint enterprise rules. Furthermore, it should result in fewer murder convictions involving gang violence. The Supreme Court stated that, In cases where there is a more or less spontaneous outbreak of multi-hand violence, the evidence may be too nebulous for the jury to find that there was some form of agreement, express or tacit. This should be welcomed. Although those accused or convicted of murder under the joint enterprise rules may have committed heinous crimes, it is not fair for them to face the lifelong stigma of a murder conviction. Murder is the most evil of crimes and so rightly carries the most serious of punishments. That is why the level of culpability is set at a very high threshold. Under normal circumstances, the mens rea requirement for murder is an intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. This has not been the case under the joint enterprise rules. Thankfully, Thursdays judgment, as the Supreme Court rightly observed, brings the mental element required of a secondary party back into line with that which is required of the principal and to bring the law back to the principals which had been established before the law took a wrong turn. The decision of the Supreme Court is a great victory for justice, fairness, freedom, and equality. It has curtailed the power of the State and will bolster individual freedom and liberty. It will also lead to greater racial equality and reduce the over-criminalisation of children and ethnic minorities. Unfortunately, The Content Is Not Here You have arrived at this page because the page or post you were looking for no longer exists. 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Police have confirmed that at least 17 tourists* have been rushed to hospital for treatment of injuries, though no description of how serious the injuries were was given. The bus stopped after slamming into a power pole in the sidestreet beside Patong temple. The concrete power pole was broken into two by the force of the impact. All the streetlights along the northern side of Phra Baramee Rd were in darkness all the way to the Caltex petrol station in Kathu. Bus driver 40-year-old Jeerasak Kimbuathong from Krabi** has been taken to hospital, rescue workers at the scene confirmed. He was later confirmed dead on arrival. Police reported that the bus, operated by Phuket Smile Travel, was returning the tourists to their hotel in Patong when the accident happened. The tourists were returning from a tour of the Similan Islands and had boarded the bus in Phang Nga. * UPDATE: Initial reports noted only 10 rushed to hospital ** CORRECTION: Not Somphon Plotchaikwang, 41, as given by the police. Drum joke grounds Phuket flight as bomb scare PHUKET: A hapless remark over an old musical drum used in Brahmic rituals forced a pilot to abort a Phuket-bound flight yesterday afternoon (Feb 21), and could result in a man being sent to jail for five years. tourismtransportdisasters By Bangkok Post Monday 22 February 2016, 09:56AM The pilot of the Bangkok Airways Airbus A-320 taxied to a remote part of Suvarnabhumi airport, where the aeroplane was evacuated and the bomb squad was called in. Photo: M Radzi Desa Bangkok Airways flight PG 92, was scheduled to leave Suvarnabhumi Airport for Phuket at 12:30pm, but it was abruptly moved to an empty area after security officials were told by the pilot that a reference to a bomb had been made by a passenger. The airports Security Control Centre (SCC) made two thorough searches of the Airbus A-320 before allowing it to leave five and a half hours after its scheduled departure time. After the incident, four Thai men were taken to Suvarnabhumi airport police station for questioning. The captain of the plane aborted the take-off at 12:54pm after reports of a conversation among passengers that made a reference to an explosion. The conversation was overheard as passengers were placing their luggage in overhead compartments. Sirote Duangratana, general manager of Suvarnabhumi airport, said the pilot reported the suspicious bomb threat to the SCC which then triggered emergency response procedures. The pilot then steered the plane with 156 passengers and eight crew members on board to an isolated parking area to allow for an emergency evacuation. When the passengers and their luggage were taken off the plane the SCC launched a search for suspicious objects. Explosive ordnance disposal officers, fire fighters, rescue workers and paramedics were sent to the aircraft as part of bomb threat protocol. When nothing was found, the plane was allowed to leave, and four sheepish Thai men were hauled into Suvarnabhumi Airport police station for questioning. Senior officer Pol Lt Phurit Sawatrat said the four men were part of a group hired to perform a Brahma ritual and set up a shrine in Phuket on Monday morning. The unfortunate bomb reference came when Sakda Tangthai, 50, from Bangkok, was about to put a two-ended drum to be used in the ceremony in an overhead compartment after being told to do so by a flight attendant. One drum skin was in a worn condition, and Mr Sakdas friend Wichalit Namuangrak, 43, was worried it would get torn inside the compartment. He warned his friend to place it gently in the compartment by saying Watch out or it will ra-berd. Ra-berd in Thai means to explode or burst. 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Some topic areas are naturally dry, and it falls to you to form the article more interesting through your written style and by trying to seek out fascinating snippets of knowledge to incorporate, which will liven it up a small amount and make the data easier to relate to. A way of doing this with a dry subject is to create what youre talking about that seems relevant to the critical world, as this is often easier for the reader to relate to. Emulate the fashion of writers you discover interesting When you read lots, you subconsciously start emulating the fashion of the writers you have read. Reading benefits you a lot, as this exposes you to a spread of designs, and youll start to require the characteristics of these you discover interesting to read. Borrow some creative writing techniques Theres a limit to the quantity of actual story-telling youll do when youre writing an essay; in the end, essays should be objective, factual and balanced, which doesnt, initially glance, feel considerably like story-telling. However, youll apply a number of the principles of story-telling to create your writing more interesting. consider your own opinion Take the time to figure out what its that you think instead of regurgitating the opinions of others. Cut the waffle Rambling on and on is dull and almost bound to lose the interest of your reader. Youre in danger of waffling if youre not completely clear about what you wish to mention or havent thought carefully about how youre visiting structure your argument. Doing all your research correctly and writing an essay plan before you begin will help prevent this problem. Editing is a vital part of the essay-writing process, so edit the waffle once youve done a primary draft. Read through your essay objectively and eliminate the bits that arent relevant to the argument or labor the purpose. employing a thesaurus isnt always a decent thing Avoid using unfamiliar words in an essay; theres too great a likelihood that youre misusing them. You may think that employing a thesaurus to seek out more complicated words will make your writing more exciting or sound more academic, but using overly high-brow language can have the incorrect effect. Avoid repetitive phrasing Please avoid using the identical phrase structure again and again: its a recipe for dullness! Instead, use a variety of syntax that demonstrates your writing capabilities and makes your writing more interesting. Mix simple, compound, and complicated sentences to avoid your paper becoming predictable. Use some figurative language Using analogies with nature can often make concepts more accessible for readers to know. As weve already seen, its easy to finish up rambling when youre explaining complex concepts mainly after you dont know it yourself. One way of forcing yourself to think about a couple of pictures, present it more simply and engagingly is to form figurative language. This implies explaining something by comparing it with something else, as in an analogy. Employ rhetorical questions Anticipate the questions your reader might ask. One of the ways ancient orators held the eye of their audiences and increased the dramatic effect of their speeches was by using the statement. A decent place to use a statement is at the top of a paragraph, to steer into the following one, or at the start of a replacement section to introduce a brand new area for exploration. Proofread Finally, you may write the top interesting essay an instructor has ever read. Still, youll undermine your good work if its plagued by errors, which distract the reader from the particular content and can probably annoy them. Did Jamie Smith say he wanted to raise taxes as governor? In a new ad buy, the Noem campaign is alleging Smith said he wanted to raise taxes at a Sioux Falls Rotary meeting. It's not that simple. San Jose has just scored a major infrastructure win that should provide a nice economic boost next decade. California High Speed Rail officials have decided to build the first segment of its 220 mph rail line between the Central Valley and San Jose.The original plan going back to 2012 was to initiate high-speed service between the Central Valley and Burbank. However, that southern segment requires expensive tunneling through mountains and drew major opposition from a small number of NIMBY cattle farmers. LA's loss is our gain, as the plan is now to bring High Speed Rail to Downtown San Jose by 2025.The new service will put some serious pressure on increasing jobs in Downtown San Jose as it will dramatically open up our job market. Madera will now only be 40 minutes away by train from Downtown, previously a two to three hour drive. That is a feasible commute to the tech job capital of the world, while not clogging up our freeways. A home in Madera costs about $250k, which also opens up new affordable housing options for those that want to work in San Jose but can't afford to live here. This is a big win for local companies that are hungry for talent and contribute more to the local economy (financially) than most residents. Considering it is much more likely that people will be commuting in for jobs than the other way around, this will help correct the jobs and housing imbalance that San Jose currently faces and negatively impacts the city's financial position.BART is also scheduled to come Downtown around 2025, making Diridon in Downtown San Jose the most connected transit station on the West Coast. Over 600 trains could be stopping at the station each day after all of these projects are completed.Construction has already started on California High Speed Rail last summer in Fresno. Ridership is expected to be between 2.2 million and 4.1 million riders when the San Jose service begins in 2025.Source: SVBJ MCLEAN, VA.Retired four-star general Michael Hayden, who as director of the NSA installed and still defends the controversial surveillance program to collect telephone metadata on millions of Americans, says he opposes proposals to force Apple and other tech companies to install back doors in digital devices to help law enforcement. In an emerging court battle over access to information on the iPhone owned by one of the San Bernardino attackers, Hayden says the burden of proof is on Apple to show that limited co-operation with investigators would open the door to broader privacy invasions. Apple is being asked not to decrypt information on the smartphone but rather to override the operating system so investigators could try an endless series of passwords to unlock it. In this specific case, Im trending toward the government, but Ive got to tell you in general I oppose the governments effort, personified by FBI Director Jim Comey, Hayden told Capital Download in an interview about his memoir, Playing to the Edge: American Intelligence in the Age of Terror. Jim would like a back door available to American law enforcement in all devices globally. And, frankly, I think on balance that actually harms American safety and security, even though it might make Jims job a bit easier in some specific circumstances. In a statement released late Sunday, Comey said the San Bernardino litigation isnt about trying to set a precedent or send any kind of message. It is about the victims and justice. Fourteen people were slaughtered and many more had their lives and bodies ruined. We owe them a thorough and professional investigation under law. Thats what this is. The American people should expect nothing less from the FBI. Hayden, 70, brings unparalleled credentials to the roiling debate. The retired Air Force general is the only person ever to head both the super-secret National Security Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency. In his 448-page memoir, published Tuesday by Penguin Press, he recalls being at the NSA on Sept. 11, 2001, when Al Qaeda attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. He led the CIA during firestorms over its detention and interrogation of terror suspects, and while targeted killings by drones grew. The title of the book on the jacket, even the words bleed to the edge refers to his conclusion that intelligence officials should play so close to the line that they get chalk dust on their cleats. Its unapologetic, he says of his account of the decision-making behind drone attacks, the use of waterboarding and other interrogation techniques, the intelligence failures in the lead-up to the invasion of Iraq, and the culture of Americas espionage agencies. All that makes his conclusion that privacy concerns should trump security demands on this issue putting him on the side of libertarian Sen. Rand Paul and fugitive NSA contractor Edward Snowden especially powerful. A federal District Court judge in California last week ordered Apple to bypass security barriers on the iPhone5c that had been used by Syed Rizwan Farook, who with his wife killed 14 people at an office holiday party in December. In a defiant public letter, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the company wouldnt comply. Apple argues the tool inevitably would be used not just in one isolated case but repeatedly. The showdown has reinvigorated proposals for Congress to pass a law that would require tech companies including Apple, Facebook and Google to provide a back door in digital devices so law-enforcement officials could access encrypted information during investigations. The debate has become an issue in the presidential campaign. Republican front-runner Donald Trump has called for a boycott of Apple products unless the company co-operates with the San Bernardino investigators. Look, I used to run the NSA, OK? Hayden told USA TODAYs weekly video newsmaker series. Back doors are good. Please, please, Lord, put back doors in, because I and a whole bunch of other talented security services around the world even though that back door was not intended for me that back door will make it easier for me to do what I want to do, which is to penetrate. ... But when you step back and look at the whole question of American security and safety writ large, we are a safer, more secure nation without back doors, he says. With them, a lot of other people would take advantage of it. Hayden was interviewed in the living room of his home in the Northern Virginia suburbs, not far from the CIA, decorated with furniture, artwork and mementos from his foreign postings and long career: Carved chests from Korea, religious icons from Bulgaria, a small oil painting of an outdoor scene presented as a gift by the Romanian intelligence service. A trim man with a crisp military bearing, Hayden is watching with some concern the debate over national security in the 2016 campaign. Democratic President Bill Clinton appointed him to head the NSA; Republican President George W. Bush appointed him to head the CIA. (Hayden was an adviser to and supporter of former Florida governor Jeb Bush, who suspended his candidacy Saturday.) It takes a complex process and tries to capture it in something about the length of a bumper sticker, he says. Some candidates say we should use waterboarding and a lot more because they deserve it, a reference to Trump. Well, we never used any technique against anyone because they deserved it ... The things we did were forward-looking, to learn things to protect America. The same thing with regard to carpet-bombing, a tactic endorsed by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz against the self-proclaimed Islamic State. Carpet-bombing is inherently immoral and unworthy of a nation like ourselves. And he calls Trumps proposal to ban temporarily all Muslims from entering the United States absolutely not helpful, incredibly harmful in a battle against terrorism in which the biggest threat comes from self-radicalized individuals living in the United States. It goes to the character of us as a nation, he says. We are a welcoming society. We assimilate immigrants far better than our European friends. And it shows up, it shows up in the fact that most of these horrific events dont happen here. They happen there. Why would you put at risk a war-winning advantage i.e. you are a welcoming society? Why would you put that at risk by that kind of pronouncement? That actually is incredibly harmful to American safety just saying that that would be your policy. Hayden also is caustic when asked about potential security breaches from the decision by Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton to exclusively use of a private email server when she was secretary of State. Once youve set it up this way, nobody has to be stupid, lazy, unintelligent its gone bad, he says. Youve going to end up with information on this private server that just shouldnt be there, let alone all the questions about preserving government records. Those concerns arent allayed even if no classified material was sent or received at her private address, he says. How much energy would I expend if I were still director of the National Security Agency and someone told me I could get access to the unclassified email server of Russian Foreign MinisterSergei Lavrov? Id move heaven and Earth to do that. And here youve got these private, intimate conversations by a senior official of the U.S. government sitting out there in what I would call an unprotected environment. The disclosure that Clinton had used the private server was a surprise last year to reporters and others. Does he assume that foreign intelligence agencies long had known about it and targeted it? I would lose all respect for a whole bunch of foreign intelligence agencies if they werent sitting back, paging through the emails, he replied. SHARE: Bullying is not a bully problem so much as a relationship problem. Focusing too much on the bully is missing the point. Reading, writing, arithmetic and relationships We used to think that bullying wasnt such a big deal, but just a normal part of growing up kids will be kids! Over the past years weve come to pay it more attention, largely due to tragic cases of bullied teens who have died by suicide. Also, the advent of cyberbullying has made it much more pervasive. Its no longer something that can be escaped once a child leaves the school and enters their home. Adding to the alarm is that researchers have found that bullying is not something we necessarily grow out of. Instead, it can transition into more severe behaviours, such as violence and domestic abuse. Bullying is a relationship problem. Its a method of trying to control a relationship, to move oneself up the ladder by pushing someone else down. And its not limited to school-age kids. You might have had experience with a bully boss or a bully partner, or know someone who has. Most kids who are bullies do not continue down that path, but overwhelmingly those who are violent or abusive as adults have shown that behaviour earlier in life as well. If we dont learn key relationship skills as we develop into adulthood, it can have enormous repercussions throughout our lives. Learning about healthy relationships should be a central part of our education system right up there with reading, writing and arithmetic. As a senior scientist at CAMH, I led the development of an evidence-based school program called the Fourth R, which uses engaging approaches like role play and problem-solving to teach about relationship skills. The program is now taught to students in grades six, seven, eight and nine in close to 5,000 schools across Canada. It takes three We tend to think of bullying as a problem of the bully alone. But its a lot more complex than that. Its a relationship problem that involves three major players: the bully, the victim and the bystander(s). They all play crucial roles bullies wont typically bully others unless theres an audience and whats more, these roles are often quite fluid. A kid whos the victim one day might be the bully the next. This complexity is important to keep in mind as it shows that simply blaming or punishing the bully usually misses the mark (bullies are tough to change!). Instead, we need to teach all kids relationship skills that can bring about a more positive and supportive culture, one that does not tolerate bullying. In working with students through the Fourth R, its notable that pretty much all kids know how to play the bully in role plays. But the roles of victim and bystander are much less intuitive. As a bystander, for example, pulling out your phone to start filming a schoolyard brawl is likely just fanning the flames. Its much more effective to speak up and try to de-escalate the situation, or to go get help from an adult. A victim can learn strategies to stop bullying as well. For example, if a teenager is picked on by a bully every time she walks into the school cafeteria, maybe she could find a friend to walk in with her and to either speak up for her, or stand with her as she speaks up for herself. Theres no easy solution to bullying, but there are skills and strategies we can use to help protect ourselves and others. And these are skills that can help us throughout our lives. Patrolling the borders Why is it that bullying is a perennial problem in adolescence? I think of it as an attempt to patrol the borders when life starts to feel confusing. When were very young kids, its as though we see the world in black and white. Theres not a lot of nuance, as we try to neatly plop things into simple categories. This is an important developmental phase, as it helps us in trying to interpret the perplexing world around us. But then we hit early adolescence and were thrown into a more colourful and diverse reality. It can be disorienting, and it often triggers the desire to get things back into order again to patrol those borders of normalcy. This is why a bully will often target peers who appear, to them, as different who dont quite fit in with the bullys immature beliefs of male or female behaviour, for example. This is why Pink Shirt Day is a great movement (Feb. 24 this year) it was started by kids, and kids are keeping it going. Instead of being passive bystanders, they are standing up to say its perfectly all right to stray from the norm and be different. This is a stance we need to take on a daily basis so that bullying loses its appeal. Getting help If youre the parent of a child whos being bullied, its extremely important to listen, not to preach or be too quick to lay blame. Opening up the channels of communication with both your child and educators at the school is important. There are several good online resources to help. Remember, even though bullying is a complex problem, there are good solutions in your school and community. Resources: PREVNet: A network of researchers and organizations working to stop bullying in Canada. Youll find great resources for dealing with bullying. Bullying.org: A collaborative project to help people affected by bullying. Resources and access to support groups. The Fourth R: An evidence-based school program focused on teaching kids how to develop healthy relationships. Dr. David Wolfe is a professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, former senior scientist and current collaborator scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). He is also a professor in the Faculty of Education at Western University. Doctors Notes is a weekly column by members of the U of T Faculty of Medicine. Email doctorsnotes@thestar.ca . SHARE: British historian Giles Milton has an eye for the absurd. He finds true stories that have changed the world, including his book Nathaniels Nutmeg, a look at the 17th-century race between the English and Dutch for control of the spice trade. Now Milton has turned his eye to more modern historical tidbits. His latest book is called When Hitler Took Cocaine and Lenin Lost His Brain: Historys Unknown Chapters. Our conversation has been edited for length. Your book has dozens of unbelievable true-life stories but lets try to stick with the subjects of your title, Hitler and Lenin. Tell me about Adolf Hitlers drug dependency. Does this mean he wasnt as crazy as he seemed? It was only discovered a few years ago in the American archives, the diaries of Dr. Theodor Morell. Morell was a disreputable person who thought he could do something for the Fuehrers stomach disorders, partly caused by Hitlers diet, which was mostly a puree of vegetables that he ate at every meal. Morrell began prescribing various tablets, one of which we later learned was strychnine. They began to work on the Fuehrer and Hitler began to trust Morell more and more to produce medications that would give him release and help with his moods. Morell gave the Fuehrer an extraordinary range of drugs: opiates, barbiturates, sedatives and cocaine. Sounds like Michael Jacksons doctor. Members of Hitlers inner circle deeply distrusted Morell. They thought he was a quack. At one point they examined one of the pills Morell was giving Hitler which was giving him bursts of energy in the morning. Hitler always woke up groggy and then Morell gave him certain tablets and Hitler suddenly woke up. They found out what Morell was giving him was speed. Was Morell doing this for his own ends? I dont think so. He adored Hitler and wanted to bring him to full health. There is an irony that he really did more than anyone else to destroy his health. It is certainly the case that by the war years, Hitler was taking up to 80 tablets a day prescribed by Morell. Maybe the course of the war would have changed if he hadnt been on so many of these drugs. Its possible. Certainly his erratic behaviour was aggravated by the drugs he was taking, and there was this one account of a meeting he had with Mussolini and (he) was ranting uncontrollably. One historian suggests that certainly he had been given a large amount of amphetamines before he met Mussolini. Hitler had an American nephew who, understandably, had to change his name. Beyond the name change, how did he deal with the notoriety? This is an extraordinary story. Hitlers nephew had been born in England and when he was an adolescent he went to Germany to meet his uncle in the hopes Hitler could help his career. Hitler did for a few years, but things went terribly wrong and the nephew turned against Hitler and went to America and began to give a series of public lectures about how terrible his uncle was. He mentioned his tyrannical moods, his wanton extravagance. He portrayed him as a lunatic who was leading the world to destruction. Eventually the nephew joined the U.S. army. Did he change his name before he began giving the lectures? No. He thrived off the publicity. It wasnt until the end of the war that he wanted to cut all ties with the Hitler family, and it was then he changed his name. For me, the saddest story in your book was about the Japanese bomb that floated over to the United States and demolished a family on a picnic in 1945. I dont think many of us realize the Japanese had weapons of mass destruction that could reach North America. Second, I dont think weve heard of this story. A lot of these stories I picked up in the archives; some were from short passages I read in books and then Id follow up. The story of the Japanese balloon bomb was an extraordinary one. Perhaps it wasnt well known in America because it was completely hushed up at the time. There was a fear of a mass wave of panic overtaking the U.S. The Japanese had developed these hydrogen balloons, equipped with explosives, which wind currents would take over to North America. They were planning to send tens of thousands of these and they did send many across but they werent effective because they couldnt control where they actually landed. Generally they came down in the countryside. There is this one, dreadful, tragic story of Archie Mitchell and his wife, Elsie, who were taking five children on a picnic in the woods. They stumble across this bizarre balloon that has come down in the forest. They go to investigate and it blows up and kills them all, except Archie himself. The American media was told not to publish the story; there was very little reporting about it during the war. After Vladimir Lenin died, they embalmed his body and put it on display, where it still sits. But, like an Egyptian mummy, his brain is missing. Doctors took it out to investigate it. The Communist authorities at the time wanted to find out where the genius of Lenin lay. They extracted his brain in its entirety and developed a new branch of neuroscience which was just beginning at that time. They did endless studies for years and they found Lenins brain did indeed contain a secret. The secret was that it was absolutely normal it was no different from anyone elses. His brain is still preserved and is in Moscow somewhere. You have many bizarre stories in your book, including many about human cannibalism. Aside from those yucky ones, which story struck you? It is difficult to pin down one story. My idea is to offer little footnotes to history that can open windows on other worlds. There is the story of Sun Yaoting, the Chinese man who wanted to become a eunuch to serve in the Chinese imperial court. He was made a eunuch in an incredibly painful operation, but just at that moment the whole imperial dynasty was collapsing. His becoming a eunuch was all in vain. What interests me about this is that it is a personal story related to a much larger episode. The one story a lot of people liked is the story of Agatha Christies disappearance. She disappeared for 11 days without trace. I thought it was interesting because it reads like one of her own mysteries. She ended up in a hotel in Harrogate but we dont know why. The police tried to find her and they even called in (fellow detective novelists) Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Dorothy L. Sayers, but neither was able to solve it. When Christie checked in to this hotel, she checked in under the name of her husbands mistress. We dont know why she did that. Perhaps she was depressed. The man she loved was having an affair. Psychologists have suggested that may have been the case. But we will never know. SHARE: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to invest in growth and jobs during last years election campaign, and he seems determined to honour that pledge despite some rough economic weather in the run-up to the federal budget on March 22. Finance Minister Bill Morneau has just confirmed the gloomy news that the Liberal government faces a bigger revenue shortfall than anyone had predicted totalling $36.2 billion for the three years from 2015 to 2018, or $26.9 billion more than expected. Thats due chiefly to far slower than expected growth, partly the result of the global slump in the price of oil. But, to its credit, the government shows no sign of being thrown off-course by a temporary surge in red ink. Interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose may rail against reckless, irresponsible spending, but no less an authority than the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has urged policy-makers to adopt stimulative measures. The OECD warns that global trade, investment and wage growth remain too weak, and has called for more investment in infrastructure. The Bank of Canada and Bay St. economists have echoed that call. Given that consensus, Morneau can credibly argue that now is the time to invest in Canada insofar as government can borrow on the cheap. We need to make smart, necessary investments that will stimulate growth, support our middle class and care for the most vulnerable, he said Monday, hinting at what the budget will contain. Its good to see the government rolling up its sleeves to tackle the challenge rather than wringing its hands impotently. While theres a limit to how much Ottawa can goose a $2-trillion economy by spending an extra $20 billion or $30 billion, prudent investments at a time when hundreds of thousands of Canadians are without work can help both families and the economy. Thats what the Liberals ran on, while both the Conservatives and New Democrats promised only to balance the books. Had either opposition party won, we would face deep and damaging program cuts by now. As the Stars Bruce Campion-Smith reports, officials expect real Gross Domestic Product growth to be just 1.4 per cent this year, down from an expected 2 per cent. The deficit will be $2.3 billion this year, $18.4 billion in 2016-17 before any major new spending, and $15.5 billion in 2017-18. Thats up sharply from the forecast just months ago (of deficits of $3 billion, $3.9 billion and $2.4 billion), through no fault of the government. Since the Liberals campaigned on a pledge to run modest deficits in the $10-billion range to fund new infrastructure and other spending, keeping that commitment could now push Ottawas annual deficits for the coming years into the $25-billion range. On the plus side, that could goose the sluggish GDP by half a percentage point, by some estimates, without materially increasing the debt-to-GDP ratio. But balancing the books will have to wait. While the Liberals hope to keep the federal debt measured against GDP on a downward curve at $635 billion its now 31.8 per cent that will not be easy. Still, Canadas central government is one of the least indebted of the OECDs 34 countries. Theres room to spend. For the coming budget Morneau seems likely to focus on shovel-ready projects and other measures that offer a quick stimulative hit. The government will seize the opportunity to make targeted investments that accelerate growth in the short run, create jobs and raise Canadas long-term growth potential, he says. Looking down the road, Morneau is setting up an Advisory Council on Economic Growth headed by the global head of the McKinsey consulting firm, Dominic Barton, to help chart a longer-term growth strategy with a focus on the middle class. That strategy will be rolled out by the end of the year, and stimulus flowing from it would begin to flow in the 2017 budget year. Canadians wont know exactly how the government plans to balance short-term spending against longer-term investment until then. The March 22 budget is bound to be an interim document. But the Liberals come to the task with plenty of public goodwill behind them, the support of serious economists and room to manoeuvre. Politically, thats not a bad place to be. SHARE: NEW YORK (Real Money) -- Jim Cramer shares his views every day on RealMoney.Click here for a real-time look at his insights and musings. The First Thing to Do Is Listen Posted at 3:36 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 Sometimes you just can't out-think things. Sometimes you just need to watch the interviews on the show and you will get a real good feel about what will happen. Take today's miserable selloff in agricultural equipment maker Deere (DE) . Here's a stock that was just hammered on a weak quarter, down more than three bucks, and I have to think: Did anyone hear anything that AGCO's (AGCO) CEO Martin Richenhagen had to say the other day when he was on Mad Money? Do people think the weakness he described in his sales would not carry over to Deere? I mean, these are farm equipment companies, not medical equipment companies, and they have the same strapped customers. There was no reason in hell that you should have thought things were going any better for Deere than AGCO. You just needed to listen. At the same time, we have been bemoaning the sorry state of the mall department stores for some time and how incredibly difficult it is to compete with Amazon (AMZN) . Sure enough, Nordstrom (JWN) , which had started to act better of late, came out and said it still has to spend too much money vs. what it can make in its online division. At the same time, VF Corp. (VFC) had to guide down on sales today when it reported. Hmmm, I see a pattern here. Clothing's just not selling like it used to, and if it is selling, it seems like people are buying it on Amazon. No wonder the online giant went up five today. You just can't compete against the darned thing unless you have very specialized merchandise, which few seem to do. (Amazon is part of TheStreet's Growth Seeker portfolio.) Or how about semiconductor equipment maker Applied Materials (AMAT) , with a stock that rallied almost 7% today. It was hard not to be bullish about this stock when Lam Research (LRCX) CEO Martin Anstice came on recently and told you this is one of the most robust times he could ever recall in the space. If the customers are buying from Lam, there's a pretty decent chance they are also going to be buying from Applied Materials. Finally, let's discuss Yahoo! (YHOO) . Exactly two weeks ago today, we heard from Lowell McAdam, the CEO of Verizon (VZ) , who told us his company wants to make a bid for Yahoo!'s assets. He didn't hem, he didn't haw, he just came out and said it. We also interviewed Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer recently and she said what to do with the company's assets is up to the board. So, you have the largest telco company, Verizon, which bought AOL, telling you it basically wants to buy Yahoo!, and you have a CEO who doesn't deny that assets are for sale. Should we be shocked that the company has formed a committee to consider Verizon's overtures and that of others? How revelatory is that to those who saw the McAdam interview. I think Yahoo! goes higher. I know this market can be incredibly difficult to divine and 2016 has been a nightmare year. But can we just stipulate one thing? When trends are very pronounced, so pronounced that execs come on the show and tell you what they are about to do or what's happening in their industry, should we really just ignore their comments? No, we should profit from them, or at least avoid the losses, and in every one of these cases I think the possibilities and the opportunities were there to be had. At the time of publication, Action Alerts PLUS, which Cramer co-manages as a charitable trust, had no positions in the stocks mentioned. Lots of Heroes Appear, Like After Every Selloff Posted at 6:37 a.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 It's incredible. You break the win streak and suddenly you hear about how China is really, this time, going to fall apart. You hear about all of the people who are just in cash. You listen to tales of those who can't believe oil isn't at $5. It's always the same. It never changes. It's why, sometime, I am in total disbelief about what I read and what I hear after a selloff occurs after a couple of good days. Obviously, all we really want to hear from right now were people who went 200% long on Thursday last. They were the right ones. Those are people who can tell us something. They can admonish us. They can straighten us out. They can tell us what they see. I am happy to learn from them. Instead, we get those who talk their books who were wrong 48 hours ago, but now that we had a down day are going to be right as rain. Here's where I come out. I think that things are better than we think, but that for every Panera (PNRA) there is a Jack In The Box (JACK) (they are both part of the Action Alerts PLUS charity portfolio) and for every Google (GOOGL) there is a Yahoo! (YHOO) and for every Tableau Software (DATA) there is a Red Hat (RHT), and that Growth Seeker portfolio name Amazon.com (AMZN) is really wiping out most of retail except a couple of big boxes, of which Nordstrom (JWN) is not a big box, at least after last evening. Of course, there are some fence-sitters. I didn't care for Wal-Mart (WMT) , but it wasn't the disaster it looked, except when it comes to online. But the most important concern I have is that we not go back to talking about the "macro" when it comes to individual stocks, because this whole period has been about winners and losers within ETFs, not in ETFs. If oil's down, all stocks go down, but then some come back very hard ,much harder than others, even if they are in the same segment. So, please, if you are going to join the discourse, don't say how right you are going to be if you just bet against or sat out the three-day monster move. That's of no help. Even as I am sure, if the market's down again today, you will no doubt be on the cover of a magazine or be giving a big interview about the collapse of what you hate, never mentioning that had you just bought what you hated four days ago, you could be done for the year with all of the profits you just made. At the time of publication, Action Alerts PLUS, which Cramer co-manages as a charitable trust, was long PNRA, JACK and GOOGL. George Soros didn't become a billionaire by making bad investment decisions, so it should capture your attention to learn that Soros Fund Management in the last quarter dumped all of its shares in Chevron (CVX) , Chesapeake Energy (CHK) and NRG Energy (NRG) . The best way to invest like a billionaire is to, well, start with a billion dollars. For the rest of us non-billionaires, the next best way is to observe their buying and selling decisions. Should you sell energy stocks, in favor of more promising growth opportunities in other sectors? The week ahead will provide major clues as to whether Soros is acting prematurely or seeing the writing on the wall. Energy prices this year have been wildly swinging on even the flimsiest of news, in turn driving intra-day volatility in the equity markets. Oil prices surged last week, after Saudi Arabia and Russia reached a surprise accord to freeze oil production in an effort to boost oil prices. However, prices quickly tumbled again after Iran rejected the freeze. Sitting on one fifth of the world's proven reserves, Iran vows to seek revenge for sanctions by dumping more oil onto the already severe global glut. Investors are continually left guessing as to which way the troubled and unpredictable energy sector will drive stocks. U.S. crude closed Friday at $29.64 a barrel, a decline of more than 73% from midsummer highs in 2014 of $110. The broader markets have been caught in oil's downdraft, with the S&P 500 down 5.82% year to date. To be sure, low energy prices are putting more disposable income into the pockets of consumers, which partly explains the resilience of consumer confidence so far this year. But keep in mind, the U.S. spends $1.4 trillion annually on energy, accounting for 8.2% of gross domestic product. In the U.S., the energy industry supports more than nine million jobs directly and indirectly, which is over 5% of the country's total employment. According to recent statistics from Goldman Sachs (GS) , the energy sector accounts for roughly one-third of S&P 500 capital expenditures and roughly 25% of combined capex and research and development spending. When oil prices are this low for this long, the pain spreads beyond just energy companies. A slew of earnings reports are due this week from major energy companies, including Chesapeake (which is continually compelled to deny bankruptcy rumors), McDermott International (MDR) , Holly Energy Partners (HEP) , HollyFrontierundefined , Carrizo Oil & Gas (CRZO) , Linn Energy (LINE) , SandRidge Energy (SDOC) , Sunoco (SUN) , Transocean (RIG) , and others. Some of these companies (notably Chesapeake, McDermott, Linn, and Transocean) are deeply distressed and they're expected to report dismal earnings results and guidance this week. In addition to petroleum and natural gas reports due this week from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the Baker-Hughes Rig Count (set for release on Friday) will be of special interest. The latest rig count also is expected to deliver grim news. Baker-Hughes data from last Friday showed that the rig count plummeted for the ninth week in a row, down to 514 from 541 the previous week. Making matters worse, the World Bank recently slashed its forecast for the average price of a barrel of oil in 2016 to $37 from the $51 it had projected just last October. Getting back to George Soros: This uncannily prescient billionaire is known as "The Man Who Broke The Bank of England" because of his short sale of $10 billion worth of British pounds, generating him a profit of $1 billion during the 1992 "Black Wednesday" currency crisis in the U.K. His net worth currently stands at $24.4 billion. When it comes to energy, maybe he knows something we don't. Energy sector operating reports and data this week will provide more evidence as to whether investors should stick with this beleaguered industry, or follow Soros' lead and look to other sectors (notably biotech) for stocks with demonstrable growth momentum. Earnings Reports Monday, February 22: Alliant Energy (LNT) , Allergan (AGN) , C&J Energyundefined , Carrizo Oil & Gas, McDermott International, Stone Energy (SGY) , Tenet Healthcare (THC) . Tuesday: Holly Energy Partners, Macy's (M) , Pacific Drilling (PACD) , Rex Energyundefined , SM Energy (SM) , Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI) , Westlake Chemical (WLK) . Wednesday: Advantage Oil and Gasundefined , Alon USA Energy (ALJ) , Alon USA Partners (ALDW) , Chesapeake Energy, Energy Transfer (ETP) , Energy Transfer Equity (ETE) , HollyFrontier, Lowe's (LOW) , Shell Midstream Partners (SHLX) , SunEdison (SUNE) , Sunoco, Target (TGT) , Transocean, Vermilion Energy (VET) . Thursday: Apache (APA) , Best Buy (BBY) , Dollar Tree (DLTR) , Linn Energy, SandRidge Energy, W.P. Carey (WPC) , Windstream (WIN) , Zoe's Kitchen (ZOES) . Friday: Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) , Broadwind Energy (BWEN) , J.C. Penney (JCP) , Hilton Hotels (HLT) , Sempra Energy (SRE) . Economic Data Monday: PMI Manufacturing Index Flash Tuesday: S&P Case-Shiller HPI; Consumer Confidence; Existing Home Sales Wednesday: MBA Mortgage Applications; New Home Sales; EIA Petroleum Status Report Thursday: Durable Goods Orders; Jobless Claims; Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index; EIA Natural Gas Report Friday: Gross Domestic Product; Consumer Sentiment; Baker-Hughes Rig Count Best biotechnology stock under $10: We've found a small-cap biotech "rocket stock" that's about to take off. UCLA researchers are stunned by a Nobel Prize-winning cancer breakthrough that's proven in clinical trials to eliminate lethal forms of cancer with a single dose. One small company owns the patent to this life-saving treatment. Now trading at about $5 a share, the stock of this innovative company is projected to surge 2,700% on an imminent FDA announcement. To download the full report, click here. John Persinos is editorial manager and investment analyst at Investing Daily. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned. Chico's FAS (CHS) may soon find itself in the cross-hairs of an activist campaign. Insurgent investor Barington Capital Group reported Tuesday it now owns about 230,000 shares as of the women's clothing chain as of Dec. 31. Barington Capital is no stranger to activism and has launched at least 44 campaigns at 37 different companies including 22 proxy fights since 1997, according to FactSet. Barington's founder, Jim Mitarotonda, has an expertise in the fashion/shoe industry after launching his career working at department store Bloomingdale's in New York before taking a job at the retail consumer banking group at Citibank and later starting Barington in 1992. The fund also has launched a number of activist campaigns at retailers, including some campaigns seeking to drive M&A. People familiar with the activist note that he is looking at a few retailers as potential activist targets in 2016. That's why it is very possible that Barington could seek to nominate directors to the board of the Fort Myers, Fla.-based retailer to push it into a sale. The stake -- along with 14 other investments -- was reported as part of a quarterly securities filing Barington is required to file because the fund manages over $100 million in investments. It is also the first time Barington was required to make the filing since November 2009, suggesting the fund dropped below $100 million in assets in the wake of the financial crisis and has returned above the threshold more recently. The potential for an activist campaign comes in the wake of recent reports private equity firm Sycamore Partners came close to acquiring Chico's but later cancelled its effort over financing and valuation concerns. Chico's stock price has dropped from roughly $18 a share a year ago to Friday's close of $10.35. Mitarotonda has close ties to the private equity world, often connecting executives of operating companies with buyout shops as part of an effort to make corporate operators more comfortable with take-out valuations. Shortly after Mitarotonda joined the board of Jones Group in 2013, the New York-based apparel conglomerate agreed to be acquired by Sycamore Partners LLC for $2.2 billion including debt. Children's Place (PLCE) settled in May with Barington and added a dissident director to the specialty retailer's board. Chico's 2016 annual meeting is scheduled for June 23 and its dissident director nomination deadline is coming up in mid-April. With Mitarotonda hovering at Chico's, a buyout or proxy fight could be next. NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- General Motors (GM) stock is advancing by 0.94% to $29.05 in pre-market trading on Monday, as the company might cancel its Brazil investment given the country's current economic and political turmoil. Last year, the automaker announced its intention to invest $1.62 billion in new products and technology in the country through 2019. However, Brazil currently faces a recession that has negatively impacted the auto sector. Cars and trucks production declined by 29.3% in January from the previous year, while sales dropped by 38.8%, according to Reuters. GM remains optimistic about the Brazilian market's potential, but a "big change" will be needed first, GM president Dan Ammann told the Estado de S.Paulo newspaper, according to Reuters. "The important question is to know when we will see the stability that allows us to continue investing. We are worried because the environment is unstable and the outlook is uncertain for the next few years," he continued. Separately, TheStreet Ratings team rates the stock as a "buy" with a ratings score of B-. General Motors' strengths such as its compelling growth in net income, revenue growth, notable return on equity, attractive valuation levels and impressive record of earnings per share growth outweigh the fact that the company has had generally high debt management risk by most measures that we evaluated. You can view the full analysis from the report here: GM TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this article's author. GM data by YCharts NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- SouthwestAirlines (LUV) stock is up by 3.15% to $40.55 in mid-morning trading on Monday, after Credit Suisse issued a positive report on the company. The Dallas-based airline, which is "the most compelling multi-year story in the sector," would be well positioned in a recession or in an environment with higher fuel costs, Credit Suisse said in a report titled "There's Still a Lot to LUV." Southwest is the firm's top pick among airline stocks. Southwest is improving its operational capabilities for staffing and its scheduling technology, the firm said. Additionally, the airline's new reservation system is a $1 billion to $1.5 billion revenue opportunity, the firm added. "The market has been myopically focused on the risk that LUV misses its Q1 unit revenue guidance along with a number of other concerns," the firm added. Separately, recently, TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this articles's author. TheStreet Ratings rates this stock as a "buy" with a ratings score of B+. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, impressive record of earnings per share growth, expanding profit margins, good cash flow from operations and largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had lackluster performance in the stock itself. You can view the full analysis from the report here: LUV LUV data by YCharts NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of Weight Watchers International (WTW) are slipping by 6.37% to $13.97 on Monday morning, as a new medical study last week, which found that its diabetes prevention program is very effective, was funded by the company. The promising results about the Weight Watchers Diabetes Prevention Program pushed the stock higher by more than 18%, to close at $14.89 on Friday, the New York Post reports. However, at the bottom of the press release, Weight Watchers said it had funded the study, which was conducted by the Indiana University School of Medicine. Although it is not uncommon for private industry to fund research that yields affirming results, "it doesn't mean that it's good scientific practice," David Ludwig, Harvard Medical School professor and director of the New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center, told the Post. "We found that if a food company sponsored a research study, the outcomes were four to eight times more likely to be more favorable to that company's interests than if the study was independently funded," Ludwig added. The study found that Weight Watchers participants lost about 5.5% of their body weight after six months and maintained the weight loss at 12 months. The control group lost about 0.8% of their body weight after six months and regained some weight for a total loss of about 0.2% at 12 months. Separately, TheStreet Ratings Team has a "Sell" rating with a score of D+ on the stock. This is driven by a few notable weaknesses, which should have a greater impact than any strengths, and could make it more difficult for investors to achieve positive results compared to most of the stocks covered. The company's weaknesses can be seen in multiple areas, such as its feeble growth in its earnings per share, weak operating cash flow and generally disappointing historical performance in the stock itself. Recently, TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this articles's author. You can view the full analysis from the report here: WTW WTW data by YCharts Shares of Zoe's Kitchen (ZOES) are down almost 40% since the stock hit a two-year high last summer. Nevertheless, the restaurant chain's expansion plans will help it regain momentum, said Scott Rothbort, Seton Hall finance professor and president of Lakeview Asset Management. "It's a lot like Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) without some of the problems Chipotle has had, and also it's much earlier on in terms of its growth trajectory," said Rothbort. Rothbort added that the fresh Mediterranean food purveyor is making serious inroads into metropolitan areas around the Northeast, and despite the recent volatility, it's the type of stock to "lock up" for the long term. For the much shorter term, Rothbort said El Pollo Loco (LOCO) , which is down 4.3% year to date, is worth a trade. In Rothbort's view, the chicken restaurant has been "left for dead" in terms of valuation, with the company's shares trading around 17 times this year's earnings. Furthermore, he said the company was unfairly sold off with all the other IPOs that came public in the past two years. "We think it does have some bounce potential," said Rothbort, adding that investors should be quick to take profits if indeed the shares rebound. Rothbort is also bullish on Whitewave Foods (WWAV) , which is down 1.5% so far in 2016, seeing it as a take-out play much in the way General Mills (GIS) swallowed Annie's two years ago. The stock is also a member of Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Exclusive Look Inside: You see Jim Cramer on TV. Now, see where he invests his money and why WhiteWave Foods is a core holding of his multi-million dollar portfolio. Want to be alerted before Jim Cramer buys or sells WWAV?Learn more now. Finally, Rothbort is recommending a pair trade of going long Papa John's (PZZA) , which is down 6.3% so far this year, while shorting shares of Domino's Pizza (DPZ) , which is up 1.5% year to date. In his view, the stocks of both companies are due for a role reversal in what is an "overbought pizza space." "The relative valuation of Domino's is too high compared to Papa John's," said Rothbort. "Hence I want to be on the other side of the trade when it contracts." NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Barrick Gold Corp. (ABX) stock is gaining 2.23% to $12.84 in early afternoon trading Monday after the company announced more than $2 billion in investments at mines in Nevada and Peru. The Canadian-based gold mining company will invest $1 billion to develop an underground mine at the Goldrush deposit in Nevada. Production, which is expected to begin in 2021, will average 440,000 ounces a year with all-in sustaining costs of $665 per ounce. The company will also invest $640 million in Peru's Lagunas Norte mine to expand the life of the mine by nine years with the installation of a refractory ore processing circuit. Other plans include increasing production in the Deep South zone, below Nevada's Cortez Hills mine, and the expansion of the Turquoise Ridge underground mine in Nevada. The company allocated $153 million and up to $325 million in capital costs, respectively, for the projects. Additionally, Barrick Gold announced a debt tender offer for certain outstanding notes. The company will purchase up to $750 million in notes in an attempt to lower its debt by about $2 billion in 2016, according to Reuters. Separately, Barrick Gold has a "sell" rating and a letter grade of D at TheStreet Ratings because of the company's generally high debt management risk and disappointing return on equity. You can view the full analysis from the report here: ABX TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this articles's author. ABX data by YCharts With all the fuss over Facebook's (FB) virtual reality plans, investors are -- believe it or not -- overlooking the potential of its social media assets, said Real Money contributor Cody Willard. "Instagram has hardly been monetized at all yet," said Willard. "Facebook itself is still just in the initial stages of being monetized and they've got WhatsApp on top of that. So there are a billion people a day that they can be marketing to on the social networking side with virtual reality being a good kicker." Facebook's stock is flat year-to-date, clearly faring much better than Amazon (AMZN) , which is down 21% so far in 2016 after doubling in 2015. Willard said he has faith that Amazon's founder and CEO Jeff Bezos will crank out profits at the e-commerce giant in the coming year. And even if he doesn't, he will eventually. "Jeff Bezos is a genius and one of the things I like to do when I invest is invest in great leadership and great visionaries," said Willard. Like Amazon, Netflix (NFLX) has seen its stock fall slightly over 20% thus far in 2016. Nevertheless, Willard is still a buyer of the online streaming and production company, saying it is not overpriced with a multiple of more than 80 times next year's earnings. "It's a growth company that is still in the early stages of going international and spending a lot of money to do so," said Willard. "So earnings are probably not going to look as strong as the probably will two, three or four years from now." Finally, Willard is a fan of Alphabet (GOOGL) , down 7% this year, saying it will be propelled by its Android operating system and YouTube video channel in coming years. "Android is well positioned to benefit from every major tech trend out there," said Willard. "And Google is just now starting to monetize YouTube." Editors' Pick: Originally published Feb. 22. Shareholders of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCAU) might very much welcome a buyout or merger offer from another global automaker as FCA's shares have fallen to less than half the $16 they traded at in mid-October. With FCA's market capitalization at only $8 billion, the company could make a meal for another global automaker. But how easily could that meal be digested? Scale matters in the capital intensive business of automaking. Bigger almost always is better, as FCA has argued, with costs per vehicle plummeting once a certain number of vehicles has been produced, the enormous one-time costs of engineering redesign and new technology spread over a greater number. But what type of vehicles being built matters as well. Hyundai is one up-and-coming global automaker that needs more truck and crossover models, as opposed to sedans, especially a highly profitable full-size pickup that could compete with Ford's (F) F Series and General Motors' (GM) Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra models. With a $30 billion market capitalization, Hyundai has the financial strength to undertake an acquisition of FCA's size. Another automaking giant that could derive benefit from Fiat Chrysler's Ram, which holds about 18% of the North American market, and its popular Jeep assets is the global alliance of Nissan (NSANY) and Renault. Nissan and Hyundai each explored a tie-up with Ram, unsuccessfully, years ago during the global financial crisis. About a year ago, Sergio Marchionne, FCA's CEO, sought a merger or alliance with GM, only to be rebuffed by GM CEO Mary Barra. The clock is ticking on the North American automotive market, with many analysts believing that incentives will have to rise, profits are going to be weaker and, eventually, production will have to slowed. Since his abortive attempt to join with GM, Marchionne has had to alter FCA's five-year operating plan and extend some goals further into the future. He recently decided to juggle production, sending all North American car production to Mexico, where costs are lower. The move has antagonized the United Auto Workers union. Marchionne also has said he won't be investing more into two car models, Dodge Dart and Chrysler 300. FCA's tense relationship with the UAW is one prominent reason why Hyundai or Nissan/Renault would be wary of merging with FCA, regardless of the attractiveness of Jeep or the potential to increase the share of the North American truck market. No foreign automaker wants to find itself paying above-premium manufacturing wages in the U.S., as GM, Ford and Chrysler must, under their union contracts. Nissan, in particular, has beaten back UAW efforts to organise its plant in Smyrna, Tenn. Another reason for caution is the weakness of the Chrysler and Fiat brands, which can endure during a robust economic expansion but likely will suffer losses otherwise. Closing Chrysler plants in the U.S. and Fiat plants in Italy would likely cause a political firestorm in the respective countries, require huge one-time costs and possibly could be blocked altogether. A third is the billions FCA hasn't invested -- and must -- to enable new technology. While most automakers have extensive offerings of battery-powered vehicles, gas-electric hybrids and even hydrogen-powered fuel cell electrics, Chrysler has very little, having been forced to spend its limited capital on redesigning models. Presumably, some merger candidates would bring technology innovations with them into a merger. Marchionne has proven himself to be one of the ablest, most imaginative leaders in the auto industry. He surely is considering ways to mothball and streamline FCA's unproductive brands, factories and relationships to make it more attractive. If so, he could attract the right merger partner, or in the best case hit on a way for FCA to stay independent. Doron Levin is the host of "In the Driver Seat," broadcast on SiriusXM Insight 121, Saturday at noon, encore Sunday at 9 a.m. This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned. NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Facebook (FB) stock is increasing by 2.55% to $107.24 in afternoon trading on Monday, as the social network has created a team dedicated entirely to exploring the future of social interaction in virtual reality. Facebook acquired virtual reality headset maker Oculus in 2014 and British virtual reality startup Surreal Vision in 2015. Oculus and Samsung (SSNLF) have partnered to create Gear VR consumer headsets compatible with the Samsung GALAXY flagship smartphones. Facebook's new virtual reality team will work on creating social apps in virtual reality, with games such as Minecraft arriving at the Oculus store later this year, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said at Samsung's Mobile World Congress, USA Today reports. Facebook also will bring its technology for 360 video streaming to Samsung Gear VR in the next few weeks, according to a statement. Investors probably won't have to wait too long for virtual reality to positively contribute to earnings, TheStreet's Jim Cramer said on CNBC's Squawk on the Street this morning. "Zuckerberg doesn't do anything that's not about making money now or as soon as possible," he noted. (Facebook is held in Jim Cramer's charitable trust Action Alerts PLUS. See all of his holding with a free trial.) Separately, TheStreet Ratings team rates the stock as a "buy" with a ratings score of C-. Facebook's strengths such as its robust revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, impressive record of earnings per share growth, compelling growth in net income and expanding profit margins outweigh the fact that the company is trading at a premium valuation based on our review of its current price compared to such things as earnings and book value. You can view the full analysis from the report here: FB TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this article's author. FB data by YCharts NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Western Digital (WDC) stock is increasing by 4.22% to $45.98 in afternoon trading on Friday, as a top shareholder urges the company to drop its proposed acquisition of SanDisk (SNDK). The investor Alken Asset Management, a London-based hedge fund, believes that the $19 billion merger is too pricey, the Wall Street Journal reports. The hedge fund owns about 2.2% of Western Digital. Analysts have questioned demand for SanDisk products, and the average estimate for SanDisk's 2016 earnings has declined to $2.95 per share from $6.18 per share during the past year. Western Digital shares have tumbled about 40% since the companies first announced the deal in October, underscoring investors' concerns about the deal, the Journal adds. "Because of changes in SanDisk's markets and business, as well as capital market factors, the price has proven to be simply too high," Alken wrote to the Western Digital board, the Journal notes. Western Digital would have to pay a $185 million breakup fee if it terminates the deal, which Alken deemed "relatively small." Separately, TheStreet Ratings team rates the stock as a "hold" with a ratings score of C. Western Digital's strengths such as its largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, attractive valuation levels and good cash flow from operations are countered by weaknesses including a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself, feeble growth in the company's earnings per share and deteriorating net income. You can view the full analysis from the report here: WDC TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this article's author. WDC data by YCharts Is paying an additional few thousand dollars a year to be an active member of a sorority or fraternity in college truly worth it in the long run? With tuition costs soaring and college debt at its highest level in history, does shelling out the extra cash to be part of Greek life make sense, or are you ultimately just paying for costly party expenses? For some students, being part of Greek life has not amounted to what was expected, primarily on an emotional level. Syracuse University senior Alex Purdy recently launched a powerful three minute video entitled #sororityrevamp after making the hard decision to walk away from Greek life due to some of the negative social experiences she witnessed and encountered. While Purdy couldnt address the financial burden, she told TheStreet if she could make changes to the Greek system she would hope for greater oversight on the recruitment process and activities by alumnae members. She also thought providing anonymous surveying to all members would allow members to give feedback without repercussions. Purdy never bashed the Greek system and did not single out her former sorority, but instead called for change. Despite Purdys experience, plenty of students have found satisfaction and post-grad success through Greek life. Michigan State University Lambda Chi Alpha alumnus Peter Noto says his time in a fraternity was extremely positive and contributed to the success he has experienced as an entrepreneur. What kind of return did I receive on my investment from being in a fraternity? Noto questions. As a student, you dont really consider what you are getting from investing in being in a fraternity or a sorority. When I was at Michigan State, my parents paid my tuition and house dues, but I worked to pay for everything else, so I was able to cover other expenses including charity and social events, housing and meals. Noto recalls his time as a Lambda Chi in the late 1980s broadened his awareness of social responsibility and tuned his acumen on how to get along with a vast number of individuals. You learn what is acceptable behavior and how to get along with a variety of personalities, which ultimately carries you through to your professional life," he says. "The financial investment made in a fraternity provided me with opportunities to work with nonprofit organizations, learn how to launch and manage events and negotiate with vendors--skills that helped me with future business endeavors. What Does it Really Cost? Fees at individual fraternities and sororities located within the various colleges and universities throughout the country can range from as little as $400 to over $4,000 a semester depending upon the students level of involvement. For example, the University of Central Florida, one of the largest public universities in the country, posts Greek fees on its website. Active sorority members, who live in house can expect to pay anywhere from$1,035 to $3,900 per semester. Fraternity semester expenses were similar -- ranging from $600 to $3,887. Some houses did not list fees. UCF also posts 2015 to 2016 fall/spring individual residential fees per semester, which can range from $2,470 to $4,440, depending upon the type of living arrangements the student chooses. Christine DiGangi detailed her sorority expenses and feelings about paying for a sorority in an article for Credit.com. In 2008, the new member fee for my chapter was $656 (one of the lower-cost sororities that year), she wrote. In the fall of 2008, I moved into the chapter house, and a semester of that cost $4,120.50. DiGangi estimates she ultimately paid $14,395.24 for her time in a sorority, which amounted to required dues and fees. She adds that although Greeks are often confronted with optional fees, they didnt feel optional at the time. These options included purchasing gifts for new pledges, T-shirts and fees for charity events, costumes for parties, as well as securing the right fashions and styles for everyday wear. She writes that the options padded that $14,397.24 price tag and believes she ended up paying more like $16,000 for the entire experience. Was it worth it? she writes. Some of it certainly was, but some of it definitely wasnt so if you figure I wouldnt have had the good experiences at all if I hadnt joined, I guess it was worth it. But $16,000 (plus interest, since some of that was student loan money) is hell of a lot of money for a social life and, um, sisterhood. Or something. Is There Life Beyond the Greek Bubble? Not all colleges and universities have Greek life, which seems to suit them just fine. College Board cites thousands of schools without Greek life, such as Amherst College, Brandeis University, Middlebury College and New College of Florida, a public, liberal arts honors college in Sarasota, Fla. Mark Johnson, interim dean at New College, says he isnt sure whether or not integrating Greek life on campus was a conscious decision, because the school, referred to as Brilliantly Unique. Uniquely Brilliant, has a full-campus inclusive vibe. Greek organizations offer many positive experiences and opportunities for students, Johnson says. At New College, the entire campus is small enough for everyone to get involved and our social environment facilitates participation. We also have between 60 to 80 clubs, most that dont require a fee, that speaks to just about every interest, so all students can be part of something they want to explore. New College has approximately 800 students and Johnson says students are offered the same post-graduate connections as someone from a fraternity or sorority. The positive aspects associated with Greek life, such as community outreach and volunteerism can be found through the clubs and organization at New College, Johnson adds. Plus just about any New College graduate is a wonderful post-graduate connection. By moving beyond the crippling fees imposed by Greek life, undergrads can develop the social savvy and network by immersing themselves in other campus communities. Greek life may indeed deliver professionally through a wide-scale association with a community, but the dividends yielded are not appreciably more in earning power than those offered by other communities with free access. The positive momentum that pushed Wall Street to its best week of the year propelled stocks higher again on Monday. The S&P 500 was up 1.4%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.4%, and the Nasdaq added 1.5%. The S&P 500 and Dow moved out of correction territory, now down less than 10% from their 52-week highs. Stocks are still on shaky ground, though, with many analysts pointing to a pervasive undercurrent of pessimism on Wall Street that keeps the outlook blurry. "Many investors remain skeptical about the sustainability of last week's rally since it came without much of a fundamental shift in the negative feedback-loop narrative that has driven financial markets for much of this year," said Bob Doll, chief equity strategist at Nuveen Asset Management. "There is still considerable uncertainty about the near-term, especially since investor sentiment is so depressed and out of line with economic fundamentals." The outlook for earnings needs to improve before equities can climb with more certainty, argue some analysts. "The problem for investors is that the basic fundamentals have not changed much," said Russ Koesterich, BlackRock's global chief investment strategist."Even if the global economy manages to skirt an economic recession, it is clear we're in the midst of a deepening profits recession." The fourth-quarter earnings season is reaching its end with only 10% of S&P 500 companies remaining. So far, 68% of those reporting have exceeded analysts' estimates. Average earnings are down 3.8% from a year earlier, with the energy sector proving the biggest drag. Crude oil drove markets higher on Monday, largely due to more support from a number of countries for an output cap to stabilize commodities trading. Negotiations over a preliminary deal should conclude by March 1, according to Russia's energy minister, Alexander Novak. Russia and members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries led by Saudi Arabia negotiated a deal last week. West Texas Intermediate crude oil also got a boost when the International Energy Agency said it expects U.S. shale oil production to fall by 600,000 barrels per day over 2016. WTI crude added 6.2% to $31.48 a barrel. Oil prices recently fell to 13-year lows on record production levels, a global supply glut, and signs of weaker demand. Prices are down nearly 20% for the year. The energy sector was one of the best performers on Monday. Major oilers Chevron (CVX) , BP (BP) , Schlumberger (SLB) , Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A) , Phillips 66 (PSX) and PetroChina (PTR) were higher, while the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) climbed 2.6%. In company news Monday, United Technologies (UTX) spiked on reports Honeywell (HON) had met with the aerospace company regarding a potential deal. Any acquisition would be made largely in stock, sources told CNBC. Honeywell fell nearly 2%, wiping out earlier gains. Weight Watchers (WTW) shares pulled back from Friday's rally on news a favorable academic study had been funded by the company. The study released on Friday suggested adults with prediabetes benefited from weight-loss programs such as Weight Watchers. Shares had spiked nearly 20% on the release. Lumber Liquidators (LL) slumped nearly 20% after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention backtracked on its own findings and warned of a far higher risk of cancer from some of the company's laminate flooring than originally believed. A miscalculation had created results on testing of the product that were three times lower than they should have been. The CDC estimated the risk of tumors as six to 30 cases for every 100,000 people exposed to the flooring. Dean Foods (DF) fell 7.8% despite better-than-expected quarterly guidance. The company expects adjusted earnings of 32 cents to 42 cents a share in its first quarter as milk costs decline further. Fourth-quarter earnings of 20 cents a share were more than triple a year earlier as milk costs dropped 31%. Sysco (SYY) shares dropped 4.9% after the company agreed to buy U.K. food services distributor Brakes Group for roughly $3.1 billion (2.2 billion British pounds). The acquisition includes around $2.3 billion in Brakes' debt. The deal is expected to close before July 2016, the end of its fiscal year. HSBC (HSBC) , Europe's biggest bank, said profit in 2015 fell 1.2% from a year earlier and warned of a "bumpier" global financial outlook because of China's slowing economy. HSBC also reported a fourth-quarter loss of $1.3 billion, a reversal from year-earlier profit of $511 million. Shares were down almost 2%. Consumers who frequent Amazon (AMZN) and don't have a Prime membership have probably gotten used to the company's free shipping with an order of $35 or more. Well, that's about to change. Amazon is doing its best to persuade customers to sign up for Amazon Prime, its $99 per year service that includes free two-day shipping on millions of items, streaming music and video, free photo storage in the cloud and other perks. But as the company raises its minimum order from $35 to $49 to quality for free shipping, it's perhaps giving customers one more subtle reminder that it wants them to buy in. Or maybe it's not so subtle. Amazon has tried to lure in customers with its perks, which for a little over $8 a month isn't too shabby. And it's mostly worked, as Prime memberships in the U.S. grew 47% in 2015. The company's latest move is doing just the opposite: Instead of showing customers what they're gaining by being Prime, its showing them exactly what they're missing by being non-Prime. The play makes sense when you consider that Amazon hasn't raised its free shipping threshold since 2013, and that shipping costs are one its largest expenses, accounting for $1.8 billion last year, up 37% year-over-year. Shares of Amazon closed at $559.50 on Monday, up 4.6%. Wish your smartphone was more adaptable? Need a bigger battery or a better camera, but just some of the time? Or how about a better sound system, maybe just on the weekends when you go to the beach? Well, LG's got you covered. In April the company plans to launch the G5, which will allow customers to swap out certain modules. The phone will also power the LG 360 VR headset, which allows customers to view VR content with compatible apps. So far, major smartphone manufacturers haven't been able to execute on this swappable concept. The unit will roll out later this spring, but pricing is not yet available. LG wasn't the only smartphone maker showing off new devices at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Samsung introduced its latest lineup, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. The phones boasts improved cameras, faster processors and an improved battery. Aside from these more common annual improvements though, the phones aren't all that much different, which could be somewhat of a problem for Samsung. Samsung is stuck in the position where they're still too expensive vs. low-end models, yet get passed over for Apple's (AAPL) iPhone by many premium-end customers. With that being said, Samsung is rolling out other products, hoping to capitalize on the ecosystem of its devices. The company is launching the Gear VR virtual reality headset and the Gear 360 360-degree camera. Earlier, TheStreet's Chris Ciaccia took a closer look at pricing, writing: "The phones will be available for pre-order starting tomorrow, Feb. 23, and pricing varies differently depending upon the carrier. According to the tech website BGR, pricing for the S7 will be $28 a month on Verizon, $23.17 on AT&T, $27.91 on T-Mobile and $27.09 from Sprint. On the S7 Edge, pricing will be $33 (Verizon), $26.50 (AT&T), $32.50 (T-Mobile) and $31.25 (Spring) on the four carriers. All the contracts are for 24 months, except for AT&T's, which are for 30 months." Only time will tell on whether the smartphone maker is able to take back market share and use its ecosystem to boost sales. And it will surely make Apple's likely iPhone launch in September that much more interesting. In a recent survey, 51% of voters say Apple should unlock the iPhone of San Bernardino terrorist Syed Farook, compared to just 38% who disagreed, (11% didn't know). For those of you unaware, the U.S. government has a court order demanding the company to unlock the phone for the FBI. Apple has already refused, with CEO Tim Cook siding with his customers' privacy and worry about the type of precedent this could set going forward. You can read Cook's letter, here. So far, this isn't your typical company-in-the-headlines event, where after a day or two, things simmer down and eventually dissipate. Apple's tough stance has drawn the support of other tech titans, like Facebook (FB) , Twitter (TWTR) and Google (GOOGL) , along with several big-name players in the space as well, like Mark Cuban and Mark Zuckerberg. Indeed, there is a concern for precedent going forward, as it's unlikely that Apple would have to unlock just this one iPhone and go back about its business as if nothing had ever happened. In a new customer letter, Apple stated that the government had requested them to build a new operating system, that would allow them to hack the iPhone in question. While Apple acknowledged that this tactic is indeed possible, "the only way to guarantee that such a powerful tool isn't abused and doesn't fall into the wrong hands is to never create it." The company went on to explain: "the digital world is very different from the physical world. In the physical world you can destroy something and it's gone. But in the digital world, the technique, once created, could be used over and over again, on any number of devices." And even with the company doing its best to protect this asset, it's susceptible to constant bombardment from hackers. As the company said, in the wrong hands, it could be quite dangerous. Cook's concerns for what precedents would be set going forward seems justified, as Apple stated, "Law enforcement agents around the country have already said they have hundreds of iPhones they want Apple to unlock if the FBI wins this case." The drama in this one seems far from over. Shares of Apple closed at $96.88 on Monday, up 0.87%. This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned. Like most of this winter, it looks like mild air will be pushed north with this next storm. This will result in a messy wintry mix changing to rain here in Montreal by late Wednesday. Winds will be very strong with this storm. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. In this July 30, 1991 file photo, smoke rises from the Syrian city of Kobani, following an airstrike by the US led coalition, seen from a hilltop outside Suruc, on the Turkey-Syria border. Twenty five years after the first U.S. Marines swept across the border into Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War, American forces find themselves battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of al-Qaida, in the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File) The flag flies at half-staff at the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, in honor of Justice Antonin Scalia, who died over the weekend at age 79. Despite widespread insistence from the GOP-controlled Congress that President Barack Obama leave the decision to replace Scalia to the next president, Obama said Tuesday he had no intention of abdicating his responsibilities before leaving office early next year. He chidingly told the Senate he expects "them to do their job as well." (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Refugees sit under a map of Europe at a refugee camp at the Greek-Macedonian border in the northern Greek village of Idomeni, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Macedonia closed its border to Afghan migrants early Sunday, Greek police said, slowing the admission of refugees to a trickle and leaving a growing bottleneck of people stuck at their shared border. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, doctors treat a girl injured in the triple blast in Sayyida Zeinab, a predominantly Shiite Muslim suburb of the Syrian capital Damascus arrives to a hospital to receives treatment, Syria, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a triple blast in the Shiite suburb, saying two IS fighters set off a car bomb before detonating their explosive belts and killing dozens. (SANA via AP) Recover your password. A password will be e-mailed to you. In our endeavour to understand reality, we are somewhat like a man trying to understand the mechanism of a closed watch. He sees the face and the moving hands, even hears its ticking, but he has no way of opening the case. If he is ingenious, he may form some picture of a mechanism which could be responsible for all the things he observes, but he may never be quite sure his picture is the only one which could explain his observations. He will never be able to compare his picture with the real mechanism and he cannot even imagine the possibility of the meaning of such a comparison. Albert Einstein A cataclysmic event happened 1.3 billion years ago in a far off corner of the universe. Two black holes collided and merged, creating another black hole of such immense density that it radiated its gravitational pull across the cosmos. This wave travelled at the speed of light in time and space all this while, even as stars and galaxies formed and the solar system settled down into its present state. On earth, man evolved to the stage where he asked: Why the universe is the way it is, and what are the laws, if any, that make it so? One theory on the laws that make the universe the way it is was propounded a century ago by Albert Einstein, a scientist with a brain that was found to be different from that of most mortals. His general theory of relativity laid down the principles and equations to explain and verify the universe and its varied phenomena. The equation essentially had the distribution of matter and energy in space on one side of the equal sign, with the geometry of space-time on the other side. It could not have been an easy time for Einstein. Germany had launched a global war, which seemed to have the support of some of his eminent colleagues. The competition to be the first to get the maths right was fierce. His wife had left him, moving to Switzerland with their sons. Yet, a confident smile played on his lips as he neared a solution to the big mystery. Perhaps, words he would say much later swirled in a jumble in his mind: "The most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible." And incomprehensible it was for most people. Waiting for the waves: Aerial view of the LIGO lab at Livingston, Louisiana | Reuters When told that there were only two people in the world who understood Einsteins general theory of relativity, eminent American thinker Bertrand Russell reportedly said, "I am trying to think who that second person is." Such was the complexity of Einstein's revolutionary formulations. Yet, he was always willing to explain his theory to the less gifted. For instance, this was how he explained relativity to a young student: "If you are with a pretty girl, time seems to pass quickly. But if you are sitting on a hot stove, even a short time will seem too long." THE MOST CRITICAL element of Einstein's relativity theory was gravity, that supposed force of attraction between two objects, theorised 300 years ago by Sir Isaac Newton. The surface of the universe, Einstein wrote, was like a fabric, comprising space and time, and gravity was the depression in that fabric, caused by an object distorting the geometry of space-time. He said gravity was transmitted through that fabric as waves, much like ripples in water, caused by a disturbance on its surface. The higher the mass or density of the object, the deeper the depression it creates. Gravitational waves are ripples of this stretching and compression in space-time. Many other kinds of waves, like light and electromagnetism, had been theorised and discovered in the last 100 years. But gravitation waves eluded detection. Till now that is. That tiny ripple through space caused by the collapsing black holes arrived on earth last September, and was recorded in the incredibly sophisticated measuring device called LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) in Louisiana and Washington in the United States. Banibrata Mukhopadhyay These waves are extremely weak; the effect they have on the detector is extremely small, at the level of 10-21, Sanjeev Dhurandhar, emeritus professor at Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune, who has been closely associated with this study since 1987, told THE WEEK. A few months were required to separate that particular wave from all the other noise that space abounds in. Even with all the high technology, the signal is buried deep inside; you have to dig it out of the noise and that is what we do here, he said. The complicated and advanced algorithms required to do this were developed at IUCAA. There is a certain irony to this discovery. It took a few decades to confirm that Einstein's equations predicted the existence of black holes, a discovery that would probably have had Einstein shaking his head in disbelief. He liked his universe to be steady and stable, for which he formulated what he called his greatest mistake, a cosmological constant. He discarded it soon after, but physicists today are taking a new look at it to explain what they call dark energy, which they theorise is causing the expansion of the universe, which again is predicted by the general theory. The black hole, the centrepiece of the gravitational wave detection, is a strange creature. (Black holes are formed when a massive star exhausts its nuclear fuel and collapses under its own gravity.) Like everything theorised by Einstein and other quantum physicists, it cannot be seen, but only inferred from observing what is happening around it. The bending of light, distortions in the movement of visible objects in its vicinity and the behaviour of electromagnetic particles around it can be explained using the general theory. This discovery completely proves Einstein's general theory, said Banibrata Mukhopadhyay, professor of physics at Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. We can now try and apply it to other natural phenomena. Certainly, Newton's apocryphal apple has travelled a long, long way from the tree. What is now established is that gravity is dependent on density, not mass. And, the next phase in the study of gravity could come from studying scale or distance dependence and perhaps even time dependence, he said. Aninda Sinha THE ELEGANCE OF Einsteins general theory lies in its simplicity. Its uniqueness is that the steps are clear, and derivations equally so, said Aninda Sinha, professor at the Centre for High Energy Physics, IISc. And, it is in a sense, self-predictive. Relativity can at best be described as the theory that shows how gravity works. The important elements are the frames of reference and time. It describes the geometry of space in an abstract manner. It cannot be seen, he said. In other words, Einstein's theory (and quantum mechanics) had no objective reality in the sense that we understand the term, and could never be seen. It sought to create an overarching conceptual framework, represented in a mathematical model and equations, to explain the physical observations of the happenings in the cosmos. The only way to assess the theory's validity was to measure from actual observations what the theory predicted once its equations were solved. And solved they were, setting in motion more than 80 years of experimentation to verify the findings. GRAVITY HAS ALWAYS been a kind of joker in the pack, defying stereotyping or refusing to drop into neat slots that physicists are always looking to do with what they observe and theorise. Gravity as the geometry of space needed cosmic dimensions to observe, which is why all of the general theory's predictions have come from astronomy and astrophysics, a field of study spawned by the general theory. Gravity would bend light, Einstein said, and it did. Time would slow down in a strong gravitation field, he said. It does. The peculiar orbit of Mercury defied Newtonian equations, but Einstein's relativity theory explained it perfectly. As technology grew more sophisticated, other measurements proved other predictions of Einstein, like the expanding universe, a reality that Einstein found great difficulty accepting. His misgivings arose from the fact that he could not reconcile the two. Gravity and the other three fundamental quantum forces all act across both the very, very small subatomic level and the eternal cosmic regions. Yet, as Aninda Sinha said, They have never been able to talk to each other despite their combined use in so many areas like GPS systems and space exploration. This chirpy gravitational wave is unlikely to create any fresh basis for that talk. Yet, it holds promise in that it raises the possibility of a whole new way of listening to the universe. We have opened a new window to the universe. Overnight, we have become gravitational wave astronomers. Current astronomy is all in the electromagnetic spectrum. This is completely different. We have changed the interaction here with gravitation, said Sanjeev Dhurandhar. It is like giving a more complete picture (or even a new one) of the universe, said Aninda Sinha. Agreeing Tarun Sauradeep of the IUCAA said, especially if one could localise more accurately where the gravitational wave is coming from. Then we will be better able to say what it is associated with and derive more information from it, he said. FOR INSTANCE, WE could possibly detect gravitational ripples in the cosmic background radiation that emanated during the first moments after the big bang. Yes, there is a higher probability of such huge, cataclysmic events as we go further back in time than this one, which does increase the chances of detecting waves from earlier events, said Tarun Sauradeep. Graphics: N.V. Jose; Research: Navin J. Antony He elaborated: I cannot see light beyond 43 billion light years. Beyond that is a plasma screen that shrouds anything that has happened earlier in the universe. The gravitational waves can change all that as that time of the universe is opaque to light, but not, in principle, to gravitational waves. But the biggest thing really would be detecting a gravity wave from that first, explosive primordial expansion predicted by the big bang theory, said Banibrata Mukhopadhyay. Einstein was no fan of singularities like the big bang. But this could strengthen the big bang as we now know definitely that gravity is a wave. And, the discovery of such a primordial gravity wave could also bring about the grand unified theory, he said. Einstein himself spent much of his later life trying to reconcile his general theory with quantum mechanics, but in vain. Yet, the vindication of the laws of the universe he created would probably make him smile, even as he mutters under his breath once again, God does not play dice with the universe. So, what next? Is a radical change forthcoming in the manner in which we view the universe? After all, Einstein had done exactly that. But no one is willing to stick his neck out that far. But at a more practical level, the possibility has now arisen that we can quantise [apply quantum theory to] gravity, said Aninda Sinha. What causes these waves? Like light waves comprise photons, this does raise the theoretical possibility of a gravity particle, the graviton. However, I can't think of any experiment that is geared to search for this now. Sanjeev Dhurandhar Can it happen at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research? It could. But as yet there is no smoking gun, so to speak, to even indicate such a possibility, said Aninda Sinha. Tarun Sauradeep is more optimistic. Now that we know experimentally that an Einsteinian gravity wave solution exists, it could be a new way to unify general relativity to other forces. It is a radically different step, though attempts to unify gravity, which do not tamper with general relativity, are likely to be favoured over attempts that do tamper with it. ANINDA SINHA BELIEVE that gravity will be useful as it does act across subatomic distances. To be able to think of localised gravity particles and create quantum wave equations for it, that is the holy grail. What would it require to verify such equations and its solutions? Even more sensitive detectors than what we have at present, said Aninda Sinha. So, sometime in future, subatomic quantum waves may be found to have some relation to gravity waves. What kind of universe would ours be then? Probably still Einsteinian in essence, but using a different framework, which Aninda Sinha calls emergent gravity. That gravity can have a beginning, not in the sense of time, but more from a different construct of the universe that deviates from Einstein's general theory. The concept is not easy to grasp. It requires another description of the universe, where there is no gravity to begin with, but which arises from the laws derived from that alternate description, like a hologram, for instance. The point is to go beyond Einstein, he said. Another theoretical possibility is anti-gravity. Since it is now known that matter, or particles, do have their anti-matter, could gravity, or rather its particle, have its opposite, too? The possibility cannot be ruled out entirely, said Banibrata Mukhopadhyay. WITH RACHNA TYAGI Catching a red-eye flight back to JFK after a business meeting in L.A.? Landing in Newark at 5:50 a.m., after a 12-1/2 hour flight from visiting the grandkids in Israel? Leaving for LaGuardia too early to eat breakfast before going on that long-awaited Saint Martin Island vacation? Have no fear, Fresko Green Label is here! Now the estimated 1.5 million kosher travelers who fly domestically and internationally from JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports, annually, can avail themselves of a large variety of kosher prepared food options packaged under the Fresko and Yummy Sandwich labels, under STAR-K Kosher supervision. No longer do you have to subsist on pretzels and candy that, thankfully, are marked with a reliable kosher symbol! The STAR-K certified Fresko/Yummy Sandwich menu includes items such as: grilled chicken salad, southern honey BBQ chicken wrap, fresh roasted turkey sandwich, Cajun turkey sandwich, grilled chicken shawarma wrap, herb grilled chicken sandwich, tuna salad on greens, tuna salad wrap, tuna fish sandwich, grilled tofu wrap, organic quinoa salad, layered Capelli DAngelo salad, Greek feta wrap, shaved fresh mozzarella sandwich, classic egg salad sandwich, and yogurt parfaits. All breads are Pas Yisroel; all dairy items are Cholov Yisroel. These menu items can be found, Sunday through Friday at these locations: NEWARK LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL Terminal C1 Six locations: 1. The entrance before Gate C70, CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol 2. Gate C-71- Mercato Abruzzo bearing the Fresko Label and STAR-K symbol 3. Gate C73 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol 4. Gate C75 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol 5. Gate C92 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol 6. Gate C93 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol Terminal C2 Two locations: 1. Gate C101 115 Vanguard Market bearing the Fresko Label and STAR-K symbol 2. Gate C112- CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol Terminal C3 Three locations: 1. Gate C123 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol 2. Gate C132 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol 3. Near Gate 139 Complete Kosher Market CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol LAGUARDIA AIRPORT Central Terminal B CIBO Express CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol Terminal C Five locations: 1. Gate C-15 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol 2. Across from CRUST near Gate C-24 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol 3. Between Gate C-28 and C-29 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol 4. Gate C31 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol 5. Inside CIBO Express Food Hall CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol Terminal D Two locations: 1. Gate 11 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol 2. CIBO Express Food Hall CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol JFK AIRPORT Terminal 2 Three locations: 1. Gate C61 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol 2. Between C65 and C66 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol 3. Gate C70 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol Terminal 4 Eight locations: 1. Jetbox B20 BoxChef Label bearing the STAR-K 2. Peets Coffee B23 BoxChef Label bearing the STAR-K 3. Jetbox 28- BoxChef Label bearing the STAR-K 4. Panopolis A BoxChef Label bearing the STAR-K 5. Jetbox Arrivals BoxChef Label bearing the STAR-K 6. Dunkin Food Court BoxChef Label bearing the STAR-K 7. Panopolis B BoxChef Label bearing the STAR-K 8. Jetbox Arrivals BoxChef Label bearing the STAR-K Terminal 5 Four locations: 1. Opposite Gate 5 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol 2. CIBO Express Food Hall between Gates 7 & 8 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol 3. Gate 9 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol 4. Gate 21 CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol Terminal 8 CIBO Express CIBO Express bearing the Fresko Green Label and STAR-K symbol Bon voyage and bon appetite! To easily access these locations, visit the STAR-K website: (Margie Pensak YWN) A Hamas plot to assassinate Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has been cleared for release. Terrorists planned to bring a bomb into the Jerusalem Arena or Jerusalem Great Synagogue to be detonated during an address by the nations leader. The information was obtained during the interrogation of the terrorists involved, residents of the eastern capital. The indictment against the suspects was handed down a month ago against two suspects. Simultaneously, the military prosecutor handed down an indictment against the ring leader, 25-year-old Ahmad Azzam, a resident of Kfar Yousef in the Shomron who has been living in Abu Dis. Azzam was in the advanced stages of his diabolical plot, establishing a Hamas infrastructure and obtaining the necessary financing from Hamas in Gaza. Chemicals were already purchased and an apartment was rented in Abu Dis, serving as the safe house/bomb lab. The terrorists responsible for placing the bombs were already selected. Hizzam Sanduka, aka The Mechanic because of his understanding of vehicles. The 22-year-old student already selected PM Netanyahu as his target. Sanduka is a respond of Jerualems Old City and an Arab language student at Abu Dis University. He was enlisted in November 2015 by Azzam. Sanduka found an assistant to work with him in preparing the attack and both moved ahead on their respective fronts, gathering components and preparing for the assassination attempt. Sanduka bought the necessary items in large quantities, including potassium, hydrogen peroxide, and fertilizer, acquiring the items in pharmacies and nurseries in Jerusalem and Abu Gosh. The fact that his vehicle bears yellow Israeli license plates made it significantly easier for him to pass through checkpoints. Azzam asked him to buy a larger vehicle however, which he planned to use to transport the explosives as well as suicide bombers to the Jerusalem apartment. They discussed their options, a kidnapping, suicide bombing or terror attack involving bombs, and they then had to select a venue. Since one of them worked for a Jerusalem security company, the targets considered included Malcha Mall, Jerusalem Arena and the Jerusalem Great Synagogue amid an awareness they are locales that attract large numbers of people, including PM Netanyahu. Sanduka had already worked in the Arena and Great Synagogue. He told interrogators that after buying the chemicals in Abu Gosh, he traveled to Yaffo to determine if he was being followed and to see if there might be another suitable venue for attacks. he saw such a place along the Port of Yaffo. The investigation took a significant turn when Sanduka mentioned the possibility of assassinating the Prime Minister. While stating this was only a consideration, in fact, his team was well organized and had already purchased large quantities of chemicals. They also recruited Bedouin from southern Israel, a supporter of ISIS. Saduka was a guard for the company in the Jerusalem Arena and was a part of the team that built the stage, admitting he thought to himself it is a wonderful opportunity to the placement of his bomb which would be detonated when the Prime Minister was on it along with those close to him. Last August Azzam began writing to a one Abu Omer from Gaza, using a Gmail account and an app to remain in touch. He revealed his plans to him and received assisting in bomb building from him. Abu Omer was Hamas Gazas representative to the cell, making sure they were well supplied with anything they needed, Azzam told interrogators. The cell expanded and they continued building explosives and acquiring necessary materials towards this end. At one point he drove to Yaffo to be certain he was not being followed. It was then he decided the Port of Yaffo would also be a viable target. Bchasdei Hashem the cell was discovered and stopped before being able to perpetrate any of the heinous attacks. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) The Shas party held a kinos last week during which party officials boasted the partys successes, including 163 local government representatives nationwide, 57,000 students in the Mayan Chinuch education network, 190 schools, 500 kindergartens, 96 daycare centers, 74 midroshot for the young and 1,700 HaMayan network shiurim daily from Dan to Eilat. Party leader Aryeh Deri detailed the accomplishment and successes, including additional national government funding for projects. Regarding the egalitarian prayer area near the Kosel, Deri added this was designated a number of years ago before his return. He was referring to the actions of Jewish Agency Director Natan Sharansky who supported such a move two years earlier. The head of the Shas party Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael Rabbi Shalom HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen Shlita addressed the kinos/rally too, giving his backing to Deri and the other party Members of Knesset, who Rav Cohen stated are the shluchim of the rabbonim working on behalf of the tzibur. Rabbi Cohen addressed reports that there is a division in the camp and that some have gone to the radio, accusing the chareidi MKs of acting prior to and without consulting with Gedolei Yisrael Shlita. Among the critics who stated this was HaGaon HaRav Tzion Baron Shlita who is viewed as an adversary by Shas today. Rabbi Cohen stated that anyone that has a problem should come and speak with him and the other rabbonim rather than taking their case to the media. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Attorney General Dr. Avichai Mandelblit has ordered the closure of the case against a policeman who fired at the young Arab terrorist armed with scissors in the terror attack at Machane Yehuda in Yerushalayim a number of months ago. Mandelblit accepted the recommendation of the International Investigations Unit despite the fact his predecessor, AG Yehuda Weinstein, called to investigate the policeman for acting inappropriately for firing at the teenage terrorist after the threat subsided. When questioned, the policeman explained at the time, in the few milliseconds during which he had to act, one could not know if the girls were carrying bomb belts as some terrorists in recent months have done. Based on the recommendation of the internal police units probe which included reviewing surveillance cameras, the case against the policeman is closed. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) MK (Yesh Atid) Dr. Aliza Lavie is backing a bill that would permit a non-religious employee refuse to work on Shabbos. She feels that a non-frum person should have the same right to refuse to work on a Shabbos as a religious employee. The bill was discussed by the Knesset Law Committee on Sunday, 12 Adar I. Lavie explains that Saturday is the nations day of rest and therefore, no one should be compelled to work against ones will. According to the current law, if one is requested to work on Shabbos, one may submit an affidavit that one conducts a religious lifestyle and therefore, the employee may not be fired. The same is not true for non-religious workers Lavie explains. While it appears the bill will enjoy widespread support some feel it is nothing more than Yesh Atid party leader Yair Lapid to find favor in the eyes of religious voters. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) In a clear showing of no-confidence for Education Minister Naftali Bennett, six members of Israels Council of Higher Education have submitted their resignations. The move is prompted by Bennetts decision to remove the head of the council from his post, Professor Hagit Messer-Yoron, appointing Dr. Rivka Vadmani-Shauman in her place. The six demand disbanding the council and appointing a new one in its place, without political interference. The decision by Bennett was met with an outcry as Vadmani-Shauman is viewed as an unknown and a junior academic as compared to Messer-Yoron, who has been serving in the post for three years. Following Bennetts decision a number of weeks ago, council members stated his move represents unwanted blatant political interference into the nations higher education, explaining Bennetts candidate is an unknown lecturer and has never taught or undertaken significant research in any of Israels major universities and has not even been credited as an associate professor. The council members warn the appointment delivers a severe blow to the level of Israels higher education. It is pointed out the law requires the council to have a minimum of 19 members so the resignations of the six compel action on Bennetts part. Bennetts Office released the following statement. We thank those council members who have resigned for their service and gift to higher education. The council will continue to operate and new persons will be appointed from the senior candidates in the nations universities to fill the voids created. Following is the biography appearing on the Tel Aviv University website for Prof. Messer-Yaron: HAGIT MESSER-YARON received the Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Tel Aviv University (TAU), ISRAEL, and after a post-doctoral fellowship at Yale University, she joined the faculty of Engineering at Tel Aviv University in 1986, where she is a Professor of Electrical Engineering. On 2000 2003 she has served as the Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Science, ISRAEL. After returning to TAU she was the head of the Porter school of environmental studies (2004-6), and the Vice President for Research and Development 2006-8. She has served as the President of the Open University in Israel (2008-2013). Since October 2013 she is the Vice-Chair of the Council of Higher Education, Israel. Hagit Messer is an active researcher in the field of Statistical Signal Processing. She is also interested in various aspects of higher-education and science policy, including: ethics, science-society interplay, and commercialization of academic research. Prof. Messer-Yaron is committed to the advancement of women in science and technology. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Bar-Ilan University announces it has dismissed Dr. Oded Gaz, a member of the universitys physics department after the Supreme Chief Rabbinate Beis Din placed him in nidui for not giving his wife a get. The universitys social media was abuzz against Dr. Gaz, decrying reports he has been withholding a get from his wife for some four years. The Supreme Beis Din released his name along with a photo, calling on the tzibur to distance him from anything to do with Yiddishkheit. The university explains Gaz was also ousted from the Higher Torah Studies department and in a statement university officials explain they have cut all connection with him, not in business and not personally. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photo: Facebook) According to a Channel 2 News report, Israel Income Tax Authority officials have given Rabbi Moshe Yosef, a son of HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZTL a bill instructing him to pay NIS 19 million in back taxes. According to the Kol Chai Radio report, tax officials premise the sum on Rabbi Moshe Yosefs bank account, which is used for a large gemach for avreichim that was started during the lifetime of his father, Maran ZTL, run by Rebitzen Margalit AH. It is reported that tax officials view the money coming in, which is the return of loans as income. It is added that while Rabbi Yosef can document activities going back seven years, the statute of limitations for taxes is ten years and he now has to document the principal sum that was used to start the gemach back then, to explain where this sum came from. An attorney for Rabbi Moshe Yosef explains Maran dedicated NIS 2 million for this gemach, which continues to roll the money for loans and payments, and not tens of millions as the report indicates. A former income tax commissioner, Attorney Tali Yaron-Eldar told Kol Chai based on her experience, the issue is the principal sum that launched the gemach. She explains tax in this amount is usually 50% so the principal today would be about twice the amount owed, citing she is not referring to this specific case and that the sum has increased due to fine and the currency index, linkage and other factors. She explains that often loan gemachs are run out of ones home and tax officials view pay back of loans as income, recommending to people running such gemachs to register them as an official amuta (non-profit). She also advises those who do not to be extremely diligent in maintaining a paper trail, documenting all relevant details. Tel Aviv University finance expert Dr. Alex Korman adds that while some would like to believe this is the case, tax officials do not just sit around and decide a person has money so they send him a bill and the onus of proof then falls on him. He said there have been such instances but in this case the Yosef family is very powerful and wealthy, connected to Shas and the Badatz Beit Yosef, so tax officials are basing their actions on these realities, not just shooting in the dark. Dr. Korman concludes that at the end, it is likely far less will be paid for this is how it works but one must realize if one is instructed to pay, there is a basis for request. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Secular activists have been angered by Jerusalem City Hall, which sent warning letters to owners of convenience stores operating in the center of the city on Shabbos, instructing them to close. The city explains there will be strict enforcement of the law, which prohibits them from operating on Shabbos. According to the Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) report, the city informed stores they will begin enforcing the law on Shabbos, 23 Adar II (April 2nd). The citys move is the result of mounting pressure from chareidi coalition partners, who threatened to topple the city government if the so-called religious status quo is not enforced. Some of the store owners are now represented by attorney Yossi Habilio, who accuses City Hall of caving into chareidi pressure and changing the religious status quo in the city. In Hailios letter to city officials he accuses them of negatively impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of city residents in the shady transaction made with the chareidi parties in the city council. The store owners are petitioning the Jerusalem District Court against City Halls policy. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) reports that the Petach Tikvah Rabbinate refuses to register an Ethiopian couple for marriage. The kallah arrived to register as she plans to get married in two months. She was told that she must bring a certificate from a recognized giyur and a letter from a rav attesting to her leading a Shomer Shabbos lifestyle. The report adds that a rav in the marriage unit did a preliminary background check on the girl and according to the findings, her lifestyle is far from a religious one, recommending to her to go and register in Rishon LTzion, where her chosson resides. The report adds Galei Tzahal interviewed over 30 couples and believes based on its findings, this is a trend and not an isolated incident, stating the citys Sephardi Chief Rav, Rabbi Binyamin Atias, is responsible for marriage registry and he refuses to marry people from Ethiopian descent. A spokesman for the Chief Rabbinate of Israel explains the Ethiopian community can be broken into two, those from the Beita Yisrael that arrived in the 1990s and the Falash Mura. The former is subjected to a probe to validate ones Jewishness and the latter must present an accept certificate of conversion. He points out that one presenting a conversion certificate must be accepted and a rav registering marriage does not have the right to reject the conversion of a person who today is not Shomer Torah and Mitzvos, but must conform with the ruling of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. He adds the doubts are eliminated once a certificate of conversion is issued and from that point, the person must be accepted based on that certificate regardless of his/her lifestyle. Hence, in the eyes of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, there is no place to ask a person if s/he is Shomer Torah and Mitzvos, for such a question is not relevant to the process. The Tzohar Rabbinical Organization expressed deep outrage following the report on Monday, 13 Adar I, that Ethiopian couples are being denied the right to marry at the local branch of the Rabbinate in Petach Tikva. The organization released the following statement. We are truly shocked at this report. There is no way to excuse this disgraceful action aimed against dozens of couples who wanted nothing other than to register for marriage in their hometown. This is by no means the first time that this Rabbinate has acted in such a dismissive manner against couples who came to marry according to the local and halachic laws and we have already seen numerous cases where the Petach Tikva Rabbinate has rejected conversions performed by the Chief Rabbinate. Based on these continued developments, Tzohar will now seriously consider opening an office in Petach Tikva for registering marriages with the specific purpose of ensuring the interests of all residents of the city are being responded to. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) A train station entrance in Ozone Park is now a little easier to navigate for area commuters, thanks to efforts by Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D Ozone Park). After an inquiry by Goldfeder, NYC Transit has installed new signage at the Cohancy Street entrance to the Aqueduct-North Conduit Av A Train Station to help direct commuters to Manhattan-bound trains. Not every commuter has a smartphone or a map in hand when they board the train, especially our many seniors in the community. Thats why its so important that our transit system signage is accessible and informative for everyone, said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder. I applaud NYC Transit for agreeing to install new signage and I will continue to work with them as we bring lasting transit improvements to all our families. In response to a letter by Assemblyman Goldfeder, NYC Transit (NYCT) announced last week that it has installed new signage at the Cohancy Street entrance to Far Rockaway-bound trains at the Aqueduct-North Conduit Av A Train Station. According to NYCT officials, the new enhanced signage reads Use crossover for Manhattan-bound trains at the other end of the platform and Enter here for Manhattan A via Far Rockaway platform or enter at N Conduit Av. Transit officials assert that the new signs clearly direct passengers on how to access the Manhattan-bound platform from the Cohancy entrance. Goldfeders request comes after receiving complaints from area commuters about the lack of proper signage at the Cohancy Street entrance to the busy station. The Assemblyman noted in his letter to NYCT that the entrance stairs only lead to the Far Rockaway-bound platform, causing confusion among commuters heading to Manhattan. With the signs installed, Goldfeder pledged to continue advocating for improvements to the station, as well as increased transit options throughout southern Queens and Rockaway. Our families live in a transit desert. We have some of the worst commutes in the entire city, concluded Goldfeder. Even as I advocate for new transit options for our families, I will continue to fight for improvements to the infrastructure we already have in place. (YWN Desk NYC) World renowned philanthropist R Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz is taking Chesed to new heights on Sunday night. A few days ago, a SCHI student, mentioned to his teachers,family and friends his dream of flying to Eretz Yisroel. Making that dream a reality was no simple matter as there were numerous logistical obstacles in the way. However, a teacher at SCHI RChaim Birnhack- was determined to make it happen. Chaim began working on a budget and the logistics of such a complicated trip. Despite all the obstacles, Chaim knew he had to give his student the trip of a lifetime. One of the biggest challenges was funding the trip. To raise the necessary funds, Chaim launched a donation website. R Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz heard about the effort to raise money for this trip. He immediately recognized the importance of helping make this students dream a reality. R Shlomo Yehuda approached a Lakewood Askan with an extremely generous offer He would fly the SCHI student to Eretz Yisroel for a ten day trip of a lifetime! On Sunday night, R Shlomo Yehuda, the student, his teacher, Askonim and medical support staff are heading off to Eretz Yisroel, making what was almost an impossible dream into a fabulous reality!! Chief Rabbi of the Old City of Jerusalem HaGaon HaRav Avigdor Nebenzahl is quoted by Kol Chai Radio stating the decision to allocate an egalitarian prayer area near the Kosel is the lesser of the evils available to the frum community. According to the report, the rabbi was responding the fact he too was consulted on the matter and feels this was the best available option. There is also growing criticism against religious parties in Knesset that permitted the decision to pass in the cabinet due to their passive position. The rav accepts the explanation given by chareidi Members of Knesset, that if they worked to prevent this from occurring, the matter would have been adjudicated in the Supreme Court and the outcome would have been worse RL. Rav Nebenzahl is quoted adding he is concerned that this is only the beginning and he fears what else may occur in the holy city chas vsholom. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) By David Perl Jerusalem, Israel Have you ever watched a family of children enter their new home? This past Tuesday was a sight to behold as over 200 orphans poured into their new home-away-from-home, Project Boneinus Orphan Center. The orphans went from room to room, smiling from ear to ear, inspecting the new lobby, study, session rooms, balcony, kitchen and the other 5-star amenities inside the Center. The orphans celebrated the opening of their house with a beautiful meal and lively music. Project Boneinu, is a division of Tov Vchesed founded by Rabbi Yaakov Eliezer Shisha. Project Boneinu, under the hanhalah of R Meir Aker, was established to care for orphaned boys by giving them the support they need to face their difficult reality. The Boneinu House is a safe haven for orphans to speak to their mentor, eat a warm meal, unwind and spend time among peers who understand their pain. During a recent Charidy.com campaign, thanks to the tremendous outpour of support from the community, Tov Vchesed succeeded in fundraising a staggering 1.2 million dollars in 24 hours. Parts of those funds were used to complete the construction of the Boneinu House, allowing another two hundred orphans to benefit from Boneinus services. Rabbi Shimon Galai, Rosh Beis Din of R Nissim Karelitzs beis din, addressed the orphans saying, I thought Im coming to be mechazek brokenhearted children. But here as I stand before you, 200 children of the Eibishter, who are happy despite your situation, you are mechazek me! You are giving me and all the askanim involved in Boneinu, the strength we need to continue! He then held on to the childrens hands and began to dance with them like a young man! R Dovid Levy, the advisory rav of Boneinu, promised the children, that anything they may need, they shouldnt be ashamed to ask for because everyone in Boneinu will do whatever it takes to keep the smiles on their faces! Then R Yaakov Eliezer Shisha thanked all the generous donors who have contributed to this project and all the devoted staff members who put so much heart into every child, every day. He finished by promising that every orphan will have a sheva brachos made for him in the Boneinu House when he gets married. R Meir Aker, the menahel of Project Boneinu then made a shecheyanu with unbridled emotion and the crowd, once again, erupted in song and dance. At midnight, the event drew to a close. Staff members ensured that the children get home safely and quickly so that they dont show up late to cheder the next morning. One 14-year-old bochur told Rabbi Shisha, The old Boneinu house was right next to my Yeshiva, but I didnt come that often. This House is quite far from my yeshiva, but I will be here every day! In the zechus of the donors and volunteers who built a House for orphaned children, may Hashem rebuild his House for all his children. Victoria Oil & Gas has become used to conquering challenges, but with an opportunistic new acquisition it now faces its biggest to date. In a few short years it has successfully traversed from being an exploration driller to become a gas producer and more recently a fully-fledged regional utility. But, now thanks to a new deal, announced last week, AIM quoted VOG is taking on a 75 per cent stake in the Matanda block in Cameroon from Glencore. The new project could be about 60 times larger than the companys Logbaba gas field. New horizons:The new project could be about 60 times larger than VOG's Logbaba gas field Matanda comprises both onshore and offshore areas, spanning a total of 1,235 square kilometres and has prospective resources estimated at 1.8 trillion cubic feet. Logbaba, meanwhile, is host to some 208billion cubic feet of gas. The discoverys commercialisation to date has seen VOG service Douala - Cameroons second city and industrial hub - with thermal gas, industrial customers and increasingly gas-to-power electricity generation. Discovering, unearthing and finding a market for Matandas potentially huge gas resources, represents a mammoth challenge over the coming years. But, it is also an equally big opportunity. The company takes the asset without paying an upfront acquisition fee. Instead it has committed to a work programme that will be steered by the Cameroonian authorities. The Matanda programme starts by explore onshore licence areas within a few kilometres of Logbaba, and the idea would be to send the new gas into the pipeline infrastructure already established by VOGs Cameroon subsidiary. Victoria Oil & Gas at a glance Ticker: VOG Value: 56.4million Share price: 51.5p Year high: 84p Low: 24.38p At present, it estimates demand for gas in Cameroon (for thermal and power generation) to be in excess of 150million cubic feet per day. One of companys stated ambitions is to grow production to meet this demand. Matanda will certainly do that. The company is currently the only supplier of natural gas to rapidly growing Douala. And, in its own words, it manages the whole value chain from the wellhead to customer connection. Long-term supply contracts have been established with customers at prices from $9 per British thermal unit (mmbtu) to $16/mmbtu. It is worth noting too, that the demand for gas locally means the business is protected from the broader machinations of the oil industry. Just from Logbaba, where it has 60 per cent stake, production is currently running at 15mmscf/d and a 'primary objective' in 2016 is to exceed 3.7 Bcf of annual production, a 30 per cent increase over 2015. Two new wells will be added this year, while infrastructure is also being expanded by GDC. The plans include designs for the gas treatment plant capacity to rise to 40million cubis feet per day, by adding 13km to the pipeline network and to develop new product areas such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). VOG services Douala - Cameroons second city and industrial hub (pictured) - with thermal gas, industrial customers and increasingly gas-to-power electricity generation Kevin Foo, VOG chairman, in a statement accompanying the acquisition news told investors that the company had come of age in 2015 and that Matanda was a very exciting and fulfilling acquisition. We believe the assignment and operatorship of the Matanda block is a major step towards allowing the group to meet the growing energy needs of the Cameroonian economy, he said. Foo highlighted that the North Matanda Field is an extension of the Logbaba structure, with past drill results and seismic data pointing to a strong geological continuation between the two. Experts say the addition of Matanda adds scale and longevity to VOG, which in the last financial year (to May 2015) doubled revenues to $28million and banked a $5.4million profit. Importantly, it has the potential to give the company the sort of security of supply that utility companies strive for. House broker Numis has called it a sensible deal, and a nice fit into the companys ongoing strategy at a very reasonable entry cost. Numis also highlighted that any new discoveries in the substantially enlarged acreage position could now be brought to market quickly. Caprice Bourret has proved her longevity as an entrepreneur. After kicking off her modelling career at 17, in the 1990s she became one of the world's most photographed women. She has appeared on more than 300 magazine covers, including one for Vogue. A career in acting, singing, TV presenting and reality TV followed, before she lost more than 1.6million in the 2008 global financial crisis. In 2000, the supermodel sold her name on license to Debenhams for a lingerie range, and in 2006, bought the rights back, founding By Caprice. A swimwear, sleepwear and bedding range followed and her products are now sold in House of Fraser, Littlewoods, New Look, Figleaves, Tesco and Debenhams. Second career: Caprice turned her hand to selling lingerie after losing 1.6million in 2008 Caprice also gives business talks, hosting the Mumpreneur of the Year and the Great British Entrepreneur awards in 2015. She has been in a relationship with financier Ty Comfort since 2011, and they have two sons, Jett and Jax. In the latest edition of our Start-Up Secrets series, she reveals how being taken seriously has been an uphill struggle. Who or what has most inspired you? There have been two different stages in my life. First of all it was my mom. My parents divorced and my mom was quite the entrepreneur and I grew up with this strong presence in my life. At home she was so loving and nurturing, but at work she was a bulldog and she has been a fundamental influence on my life. But now what pushes me is my children. I didn't realise how expensive it is to have children and I want to give them the best. What is the one piece of advice you would go back and tell your younger self? When you are young you are a little bit frivolous and you don't think of the future. Looking back now I realise how important academia is, so I think I would have pushed myself more at school - I went to one of the better private schools and I cheated my way through. I wish I had used the situation I had in high school and had gone to uni. At 17 I was already modelling but I could have gone to uni simultaneously. I'm 44 and I have got two kids and a business, so I won't do it now, but I love to learn and I will instil this in my children. High-street favourite: By Caprice bedding and lingerie is sold in the likes of Debenhams and House of Fraser How did you manage to secure funding? I was lucky. I'm from a humble background, however through my modelling days I was able to do quite well and save a lot of money. However, when the market crashed I lost about 1.6million overnight - I had a portfolio of houses and that did not work out so I lost quite a lot of money. I accessed government funding to help me out at a crucial time. I pay my taxes every year and so I accessed that - I filled out all the forms - because there are great programmes out there for SMEs, and thank God for that. CV: Caprice Bourret 1971: Born in California to an American mother and French Canadian father 1996: Moved to the UK 1998: Hosted TV series Caprice's travels 2000: Lent her name to a Debenhams Lingerie range 2005: Appeared on Celebrity Big Brother 2006: Bought back the license from Debenhams and founded By Caprice Products 2007: Was a judge on Britain's Next Top Model 2010: Launched Bedding By Caprice 2013: Had two sons, one by a surrogate I had some savings to fall back on and between that and the government I got myself out of that rut. What advice would you give to someone pitching for investment? Start with the fundamentals - a business plan and an interesting, original idea. They need to see the PnLs (profit and loss) and understand the cash flow. Be realistic and conservative. If you say you will make a return within one year they want to know that is the truth. You need to find that gap in a sector and go for it. Did your background mean it was harder to be taken seriously in business? It was awful. One, I'm a women, its not like it is in America - here it is still a man's world. I was a woman and a well-known model, an exceptionally horrible stereotype. But I had to put my ego in my back pocket because as a famous model you do get an ego. I was mid-30s trying to start all over again and people were just like 'next!' I started with a license deal. Back in 2000 [model] Elle McPherson had hers but only in Australia. But then I knew they would just go and find the next hot thing so I bought it back and did it myself. It was Debenhams went for it [my products] but I could not get Next, House of Fraser or anyone else on board until I had proved myself. It was a real struggle, but I did it. There are pros and cons [of being famous]. Some people, when I give my business speech, say: 'You had all this money, you were famous, it was easy for you'. And I say 'Excuse me?!' You go out blind to people with no credibility, and if you lose their money they don't care who you are. New leaf: These days the model is more likely to be seen giving a business talk or presenting an award What is the most important quality you look for in an employee? I would say a passion and a real interest in the business. We work really hard and you have got to love what you do to be working at By Caprice, and the girls have as much passion as I do and I appreciate that. With a small company you have to multi-task straight away, so they also have to be knowledgeable about the business. What one change to legislation or policy would help your business the most? Drop my corporation tax. Not for everybody, just the SMEs. I talk a lot about how SMEs are what improve our economy, and while the government are involved, they could come in and cut this corporation tax, which is a bother, especially in the first year. MBABANE Art fanatics got the opportunity of seeing the work of agro-economist Dr Shaheel Rafique at the Alliance Francaise on Friday. This was during the opening of his exhibition which has been themed Life of Colours. The wonderful art pieces that were displayed showed his dedication, energy, determination and talent in telling the stories of daily experiences that mankind go through. The artist was introduced to the audience by Swazi artist and businessman Archie Magwaza, who explained that the idea of the art exhibition arose last year in their minds and they decided to turn it into a reality. The artist mixes together the living web of his experiences and emotions. In the depth of his vocation it has become clear that Shaheel is a perpetual wanderer searching for new colours and adventures. It is in the abundance of colour that the canvas become alive and the artist discovered serenity, including moments of euphoria, Magwaza said. He mentioned that the artist was inspired and invigorated by the beauty, the peacefulness of Swaziland and finally his willingness to express on his canvas, the mould of his emotions. The light of his paintings is radiant like fireworks. The extensive research of technique creates the emergence of his unique style that grows the canvas, he said. According to his biography, from his Ottoman origin, from the North East of India, Assam, Nagoan of his birth through England and more than twenty different countries, his missions as an agro-economist in rural development let Rafique to Swaziland. During an interview after the opening, Rafique explained that in the more than two years that he has been in Swaziland, he has fallen in love with not just the people but the uniqueness of the country. I love a lot of things about Swaziland including the weather. In fact I can safely say that Swaziland is an island of peace and that inspires me a lot, he said. KAKHOZA A man who had been wanted by the police for repeatedly raping his stepdaughter (13) for the past six years and further infecting her with HIV has been arrested by the police. The man (32), who will not be named as he has not yet appeared in court, was apprehended on Friday morning by KaKhoza community police members and community caregivers. The child poured her heart out to a female caregiver from the area, Sonto Dlamini on February 3, 2016 and informed her of the many rape incidents, dating back from 2011, when she was only eight years old. The child revealed that most of the rape incidents occurred when her mother was away from home, attending to her siblings, who would be admitted to hospital. She came to us and narrated her story, it was heartbreaking. When we asked her why she had kept quiet about the rape incidents, she said her stepfather had threatened to kill her if she reported the incidents to residents or neighbours and even the police. The girl also told us that when she informed her mother, whom she stayed with together with her siblings and the stepfather, she would tell her she was lying and assault her severely, community police member, Samkeliso Simelane said. He said after the child had reported the matter to them, together with caregivers, they proceeded to the police stations Domestic Violence Department and formally reported the incident and the child was taken to the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital, where she was examined. When she was examined, her HIV results came out positive and it was further discovered that her hip joints had suffered severe injuries, the child is unable to walk properly and is reportedly contemplating ending her life. She mentioned suicide many times during questioning and said she saw no reason to live. Her main worry was the fact that her mother, who had always been aware of the rape incidents, was on her stepfathers side and always warned her not to tell people about the incidents as her husband would get arrested and no one would support the family financially, Dlamini said. The police recorded statements and went to the girls homestead on the same day, however, the suspect was nowhere to be found. The police left the homestead and in the evening the girl was allegedly threatened by her mother for allegedly involving the police in the matter. In the evening she came back and informed us that she had been threatened with assault by her mother for reporting the rape incidents. The stepfather escaped and did not return to the homestead after learning that the police were looking for him. Last Sunday, the girl was reportedly assaulted with an iron rod by her mother, we were informed by neighbours, another caregiver said. MBABANE An accident in Manzini near Moneni involving three vehicles left one person dead. A driver of a BMW which was from Manzini headed towards Hhelehhele lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a black double cab Isuzu and a white Toyota Hilux van. The driver of the BMW was alone in the vehicle when the accident happened and there was no form of identification found on him when the police pulled him out of the vehicle. Members of the Fire and Emergency Service with the police and the 977 emergency response unit were found at the scene where the driver of the BMW was rushed to hospital and confirmed dead on arrival. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Khulani Mamba confirmed the accident. We were not able to find out who the driver of the BMW was as when he was searched there was no identification on him or in the car. We would like members of the public who have a missing relative who drives this sort of vehicle to come forward. The driver was alone in the vehicle and the other people who were involved in the accident were also rushed to hospital, Mamba said. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Gabriel Rom State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) has introduced a bill that would establish Saint Patricks Day as a school holiday in districts with a significant Irish population. The move comes on the heels of the recognition of Ramadan and the Lunar New Year as school holidays. After the Department of Education announced that parent-teacher conferences would be held once again on the Irish holiday, as DOE did in 2011 during the 250th annual St. Patricks Day Parade parade, members of the Irish community petitioned Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina to change the date. Using the language of the Lunar New Year school holiday bill that unanimously passed the State Senate, Avella introduced a bill that would establish Saint Patricks Day as a school holiday in city school districts of one million or more with an Irish population of 7.5 percent or greater. New York state has the largest concentrated Irish population in the United States at 12.9 percent, and New York City itself was the first to host a Saint Patricks Day Parade in 1762, which continues to be one of the most widely attended traditions in the city. It is really quite astounding that Saint Patricks Day is yet to be recognized as a school holiday in New York, where so many Irish immigrants originally settled and where so many of their descendants still live, Avella said. It isnt just time we do this, it is time past due. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Ron Hellman The current controversy about the lack of diversity in acting nominations for the Oscars prompts me to revisit the subject of non-traditional casting in theater. A persons skin color or minority status should be irrelevant as a factor for an award, but having the opportunity to be cast is most definitely a consideration. Most plays in the English-speaking world have been written by white playwrights for white actors. To cast a person of color or with some obvious ethnicity in one of those roles is deemed non-traditional. In recent years, on stage, on screen and most notably on television, changes are taking place. Musicals seem to lend themselves to more mixed casting. A revival some years ago of Carousel at Lincoln Center had the roles of Carrie and Mr. Snow played by an interracial couple, and when their children appeared at the end of the show, some were black and some were white. The play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was revived with an all black cast. Shakespeare revivals take many liberties with non-traditional casting, including gender bending. The Taming of the Shrew production this summer at Shakespeare in the Park will have an all female cast only fair I guess, since in Shakespeares time all roles were played by men. The Broadway sensation Hamilton can you get me a ticket? features the Founding Fathers as racially diverse, but thats the way its written. Contemporary playwrights tend to rebel when the text of their work is altered, as did the author of The Mountaintop in a college production with a white actor playing Martin Luther King, Jr. Long gone are white actors performing in blackface, as well as whites playing Asians Mickey Rooney as a Japanese character in Breakfast at Tiffanys stands out as a cringe-worthy example. David Henry Hwangs play Yellow Face, produced by The Outrageous Fortune Company a few years ago, deals with racial identity when a white man is mistakenly cast as an Asian. Hwang had protested the original production of Miss Saigon soon returning to Broadway because of the casting of the white Jonathan Pryce in the lead role of the Engineer, a Eurasian. Traditionally an actors appearance has been a factor in the casting process, including age and gender. However, our modern theater is more sensitive to our cultural diversity. And more plays are being written by women and minorities. Perhaps the late black playwright August Wilson had it right. He was a strong advocate against non-traditional casting. What he urged was plays to be written for black characters and other non-whites. If more of these roles existed, to give non-white actors an opportunity to show what they can do, then the Academy Awards would be handed out more equally. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Gabriel Rom The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade Association is hitting the ground early this year. Organizers released this week a list of honorees from Queens and beyond for what historically has been the largest Memorial Day parade in the country. The group has named Three-Star General Richard P. Mills named grand marshal of the 89th annual Memorial Day Parade. Mills, who is from Long Island, led the First Marine Division, one of the most storied units in American history, and has served in Afghanistan. Also being honored are Queens Borough President Melinda Katz as Woman of the Year, FDNY Deputy Commissioner Robert Sweeny as Man of the Year and Little Neck businessman and patriot Mohsen Zandieh with the Community Service Award. The festival will start at around 2 p.m. on Memorial Day. The approximately two-hour parade down Northern Boulevard from Great Neck to Douglaston not only incorporates national participants and a large military presence, but manages to include all the local community, cultural and youth organizations that want to march. More than 150 groups, including active military, U.S. and Korean veterans, horseback and motorcycle riders, antique and military vehicles, service organizations, emergency services, schools, churches and other organizations, march. Groups from all over the United States regularly attend. This years parade will also mark the 100th anniversary of the Reserve Officers Training Corps, the high school and college-based program that inspires and commissions 30 percent of the officers who serve in the Armed Forces. A bevy of city and state lawmakers are expected to make an appearance. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Bill di Blasio, city Public Advocate Letitia James, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito (D-Manhattan) and U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), are all expected. A beloved tradition in northern Queens and Long Island, the parade has faced funding struggles in past years. In 2014 The Little Neck and Douglaston communities came together each week after the middle of March and took on the challenge of starting the parade committees completely from scratch, relying heavily on the helping hands of the Manhattan-based United War Veterans Council, which agreed to lend its expertise to the people of northeast Queens for this years event. With the help of a pair of successful fund-raisers, the parade committee, headed by elected Chairmen Douglas Montgomery and Charlie McBride, was able to raise the nearly $30,000 needed to put on the show in just a few short months. This years event will include a full day of ceremonies that honor American soldiers, past and present. Refreshments will be offered after the parades closing ceremony. The LND Parade, organized and conducted entirely by local volunteers, is well over one mile longer than similar parades in Chicago or Washington, DC. 'Joe Biden can have them': Mastriano vows to bus migrants to Delaware 220216 W.H.O. or World Health Organization Chief Executive Manager visits Bougainville By Joe. Elijah Port Moresby Based World Health Organization Country Executive Manager Dr. Pieter Vanmaaren touched down at 1.15 ABG time, to a low key reception the Buka airport. Dr. Vanmaaren delegation of three was met at the Buka Air port by the Health Secretary Mr. Clement Totavun, United Nations Representative Mr. Lawrence Basse and the Health Department senior staff; the W.H.O. delegation are here in the Region for a three day fact finding mission. The purpose of the W.H.O. or World Health Organization according to the Health Department Secretary Mr. Clement Totavun is to renew its working relationship with the ABG and the people of Bougainville through the Health Department. In a media press conference, Dr. Vanmaaren said, the specific issues W.H.O. wants to address include the illumination of TB and other diseases in Bougainville. But, he stressed that the ABG Health Department will have to advise WHO of what Bougainville really needs in term of addressing Health issues in Bougainville. The W.H.O delegation paid a courtesy call on the Acting chief Secretary Mr. Hubert Kimai and on tomorow and Wednesday; they will pay courtesy calls to the ABG President, Dr Chief Hon John Momis, His vice Hon Patrick Nisira and later meet with the Health Department staff before returning to Port Moresby on Thursday this week. Ends If you can't buy it in a convenience store, you might not need it. I'm thinking of women's stockings. Seriously. Unless, of course, you intend to rob the store. Then you should probably rob your grandmother first. Except she probably doesn't have any stockings either. What once was de rigueur, isn't. Settle for a ski mask. American women made a great collective stride forward when they somehow decided they didn't have to wear hose. My opinion. Of course some women do still wear hose just nobody I know. The fact you no longer can buy pantyhose the same places you find AA batteries means they're no longer a necessity. It's easier to find a charger for your phone. Of course, we women didn't just wake up one day and make the no-hose decision. Fashion did. Thank you, fashion. Maybe increasing prices for oil had something to do with the stocking demise. I'm only speculating, but we all know it's not about silkworms in Japan. Stockings are basically nylon. When I was in school, they told us nylon came from coal. Doubtless the price of coal is affected by the price of heating oil. And there you have it. It's all about oil. Disclaimer: I don't know what I'm talking about. So how about a story? One of my favorite anecdotes from the World War II stocking-shortage era is from a woman who ended up owning a dress shop, which is where I heard it. One evening circa 1945 she and her husband had just arrived to visit friends. She tripped at the curb as she got out of the car. The baby in her arms went flying across the lawn when she went down. All she could scream was, "My nylons! My nylons!" I knew that baby. He grew up just fine. And she ended up with that store probably partly to be sure never be out of nylons again. Speaking of the postwar years, nylons back then were more than faceless pantyhose. They had seams! Not only did you have to wear hose to look good, but you also had to keep your seams straight. Getting rid of those seams was a significant step forward. Incidentally, back during that 1940s nylon shortage some stocking-less women resorted to painting seams on their legs, which today would be taken for odd tattoos. TATTOO SEARCH. I couldn't help it. I did a Google search for "stocking seam tattoo." Let's just say I wish I hadn't. In that vein, another story: I once went to a costume party (back in my newspaper reporter days) as Lois Lane. For that occasion, I used a narrow-pointed black felt marker to give myself stocking seams. Then I donned a seamless pair of hose and stepped back in time. It worked, except I got one seam crooked and couldn't straighten it. Hmm. If I were a tattoo artist doing a stocking seam, I'd want to add one little crook. Voila. That's why I've never made it past face painter. Hanaba Munn Welch, a correspondent for the Times Record News who divides her time between Abilene and a farm north of Vernon, appears on Mondays. Her columns, as a tribute to the Childress Engine 501, always contain, amazingly, 501 words. Lauren Roberts/Times Record News Robert Bryce speaks at the 34th Annual Streich Family Lecture Series on Free Enterprise Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, at the Dillard College of Business at Midwestern State University. SHARE Lauren Roberts/Times Record News Robert Bryce speaks at the 34th Annual Streich Family Lecture Series on Free Enterprise Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, at the Dillard College of Business at Midwestern State University. Lauren Roberts/Times Record News Robert Bryce speaks at the 34th Annual Streich Family Lecture Series on Free Enterprise Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, at the Dillard College of Business at Midwestern State University. Lauren Roberts/Times Record News Robert Bryce speaks at the 34th Annual Streich Family Lecture Series on Free Enterprise Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, at the Dillard College of Business at Midwestern State University. Lauren Roberts/Times Record News Robert Bryce speaks at the 34th Annual Streich Family Lecture Series on Free Enterprise Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, at the Dillard College of Business at Midwestern State University. By Christopher Collins of the Times Record News Journalist Robert Bryce loves oil. He also hates wind energy, loves the idea of nuclear power and currently is having solar panels installed on his home. Bryce, who was invited to speak at Midwestern State University on Thursday in the Dillard College of Business Administration, has written for The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and the The Washington Post. His recent work focuses on the global energy industry. "Global energy consumption is rising and rising dramatically," Bryce said at the talk. "The magnitude of the challenge has to be made clear." Energy was not in short supply Thursday night as Bryce bounced from topic to topic, rattling off statistics and units of measurements: kilowatt hour, therm, joule, BTU. Though the mile-a-minute presentation did at times appear to be erratic, the speaker was clear about two things oil cannot be replaced as easily as some alternative energy advocates would like it to be, and global economies should be investing in nuclear energy. Bryce brought up a plan posited by U.S. presidential candidate Bernie Sanders in which Sanders said he would like to replace the use of hydrocarbons including gasoline with wind and solar energy in the not-so-distant future. The idea is "absurd," Bryce said. "We hear over and over that we shouldn't be using any hydrocarbons at all," he said. "But it's an absurd proposal. (Sanders) is one of the leading candidates for president of the United States." Bryce said he's doubtful that the U.S. would be capable of completely replacing hydrocarbon use with energy drawn from the wind and sun. He's even more doubtful that the switch could be met while keeping pace with anticipated global growth in energy use. That growth is estimated at 450 terawatt hours a year globally, which roughly Brazil's annual energy usage. "These are hard numbers, my friends," Bryce said. "Oil is irreplaceable. It's a miracle substance. If oil didn't exist, we'd have to invent it." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Troy St. Augustine School in Lansingburgh will close at the end of the school year. The Albany Roman Catholic Diocese announced Monday that Bishop Edward Scharfenberger accepted parish officials' recommendation. According to a news release from the diocese, "The Diocesan School Board reviewed enrollment and financial data provided by St. Augustine's pastoral council, parish finance committee, and school board, supporting the difficult decision to close." Scharfenberger blamed, in part, the state's refusal to help with Education Tax Credits. "It is no secret that Catholic schools are in crisis across New York state, with more than 75 schools closing in the last five years and more than 300 in the last 20 years," he said. "The problem is not lack of demand, nor is it a lack of academic excellence, which remains as strong as ever. Very simply, the inability of parents in low- and middle-income families to afford increasing tuition needed to meet rising costs has impacted enrollment in every diocese." In June, the bishop challenged the Lansingburgh community to increase enrollment and breathe new life into the neighborhood school. The enrollment of 100 students is "far below what would be necessary to make the school viable," the diocese said. In 2010-11, enrollment was 220. Last year, the school had a $170,000 deficit, which has grown to $330,000. Even with a $100,000 loan from the Diocesan School Board, the deficit is $230,000. On Feb. 8, a letter alerted parents that the Diocesan School Board would review the parish's recommendation at its February meeting. The letter was signed by the pastor, the Rev. David J. Kelley, and Principal Patricia Balmer. St. Augustine Parish was established in 1842. The parish school was established in 1869. Albany New York hopes to test students on revised learning standards starting in the 2018-19 school year, following a multiyear review and revision of its controversial Common Core program, according to a timeline the state Board of Regents discussed Monday. But state education officials, including Commissioner MaryEllen Elia, were adamant that the timeline be flexible enough so that if districts need more time to implement the changes, they get it. The goal, they said, is to avoid the backlash that resulted the first time around from "rushing" through new standards and curriculum. "This has to be a fluid schedule because it would not pay for us to push something through if in fact we felt we were putting people in positions where they could not possibly handle it," Elia said. "We don't want this to be so fast that we lose people and leave them behind." Her department is seeking interested educators, school leaders, parents, students and business and community officials from all regions of the state to serve on two separate standards review committees one for English language arts and one for math. The committees would meet from March through July of this year to develop guidance and recommend changes to the standards. Once they have a draft set of standards in place for all grade levels, a public comment period will be held from July through October. Feedback will be collected through an online survey and outreach to groups like the New York State Parent Teacher Association, business councils, and ELA and math professional organizations, among others. The state Education Department will also create a mailbox for ongoing feedback and comments throughout the revision process. Once feedback is in, the standards review committees will make final tweaks to the standards and submit a final set to the Board of Regents for consideration at its November 2016 meeting and adoption as early as its December 2016 meeting. Starting in 2017, local districts will begin adjusting curriculum to reflect the changes. This phase will rely on each district's teachers to develop curriculum materials, but also will include guidance and help from the state Education Department. By summer 2017, teachers should start receiving training and professional development around the new standards and curriculum so they can be ready to start teaching the new standards in the fall of 2017. This would allow students to have a full year of instruction based on the new standards and curriculum by the time assessments are given in the 2018-19 school year. "What kills reform is both the pace and the scale doing too much too fast in too many places," Regent Lester Young said at Monday's meeting. New York faced a momentous backlash during its last transition to new learning standards when it scrapped a set of locally developed standards it had been working on to implement the Common Core State Standards. The transition to the new, more stringent learning standards was a messy one with many up in arms about developmentally inappropriate standards for students in kindergarten through third grade, tests based on curricula of which teachers weren't familiar and the inflexibility for students with learning disabilities and for whom English is a second language. Outcry reached a fever pitch last spring when about 240,000 students opted out of taking state tests. The state Education Department was already reviewing the standards when the governor's Common Core Task Force recommended in December that New York develop its own set of learning standards. Common Core would still be used as a foundation for the new standards, but any questionable standards would be scrapped or revised to better reflect the will of New York educators and stakeholders. New York State United Teachers, an outspoken critic of the lack of teacher input that went into the standards the first time around, said it's encouraged by the department's proposed timeline for revisions, if only because it gives the public an idea of what the process will entail and how and when to become involved. "We welcome the creation of a timeline because now everyone knows the process by which New York state will fix its standards," NYSUT spokesman Carl Korn said. "Whether or not the timeline is too ambitious or not ambitious enough is not known. What's most important is that New York gets it right. Getting it done right is far more important than getting it done based on an artificial timeline. New York needs standards created by New York teachers for New York students." Regents expressed concern Monday that the governor's task force included no funding for the state Education Department to actually implement any of its 21 recommendations on Common Core. Revising the standards, training staff and developing new curricula take resources, Elia said. The department requested a $2.4 billion state aid boost in the coming school year, including $45 million for professional development and teacher training. bbump@timesunion.com 518-454-5387 @bethanybump Although they still remain the minority in many of their fields, these 10 Women to Watch in the Capital Region are making a difference in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. Of course, we could have built an entire magazine of portraits to honor these women and the advances they've made. But we know that these 10 stories will inspire. MARION TRIESTE, Co-founder and president at Redfeather Green Energy Development in Saratoga Springs Redfeather, a woman-owned startup, launched in 2014, but Trieste was no amateur. She worked in grassroots environmental campaigns in the Clinton era, where she learned "citizens need to be educated and understand the issues that impact their lives." Redfeather works in Caribbean and U.S. territories, where power costs more than anywhere else, to convert communities to greener and cheaper sources. They're also working on a charity to show citizens how to sustain their own systems. More Information Not a member of Women@Work? Sign up at TUWomenatwork.com -- and tell a friend. See More Collapse HEIDI JO NEWBERG, Professor, Department of Physics, Applied Physics and Astronomy at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute If you saw Discover magazine last year, you might've noticed Newberg's name in the list of 100 greatest discoveries of 2015 (She's No. 59). Newberg discovered the plate of the Milky Way isn't flat; it's wavy. One of the tipoffs, she says, was the way dwarf galaxies fall into the Milky Way. Those falling galaxies may actually be the reason the plate is wavy. They also create more stars. But Newberg is modest about her discovery: "I like problem solving. I like to be creative." KATHLEEN PINGELSKI, Co-owner of MicroKnowledge in Latham Though she studied education in school, "I always gravitated toward technology and electronics," Pingelski says. Where those two meet is at Microknowledge, the software-training company she purchased in 2005. She's trained tens of thousands of people on everything from Excel to private systems built specifically for a company. "It gets us excited," she says. "You can have a small training budget and make a significant impact on an organization. That's my job." REBECCA CORTEZ, Associate professor of mechanical engineering and director of undergraduate research at Union College Cortez may be in mechanical engineering, but as director of undergraduate research at Union, she inspires all young people to learn how to problem-solve. She also brings real-world experience as a mechanical engineer to her students to show them the path they can take, while preparing them for the rigors of the program and letting them know that it's OK to decide other STEM fields may be for them. DEB LEACH, Senior director, Global Supply Management, GlobalFoundries Leach spent 25 years, her whole career, at IBM before coming to GlobalFoundries in August. As a member of the leadership team, she has the opportunity to influence how it is managed as it grows. She is also a mentor to young women as the leader of the company's Global Women Network, designed to develop the skills and careers of GlobalFoundries' female employees. SHADI SHAHEDIPOUR-SANDVIK, Associate professor of Nanoengineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering Shahedipour-Sandvik has a high-profile role as the head of the Nanoengineering Constellation, a signal to both men and women that a woman can lead and succeed in a field dominated by men. She brought in more than $3 million to SUNY over the last nine years to fund research at the colleges. SALLY TEMPLE, Scientific director, principal investigator and co-founder, Neural Stem Cell Institute in Rensselaer "Just about every family has experienced their loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's, macular degeneration or Parkinson's," Temple says. "There's very little we can do, so we decided this was our major push." Temple has pioneered a new treatment still being tested that uses the eye tissue to help regrow new retinas in macular degeneration patients, restoring functionality to the eye. In 2008, she was awarded the MacArthur Fellowship for her work in the neural stem cell field. JULIE PILITSIS, Neurosurgeon at Albany Medical Center, professor of neurosurgery at Albany Medical College Recently, Dr. Pilitsis was named director of the Center for Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience at Albany Medical College, a rarity for a still-practicing physician. Since 2008, she has performed more than 500 deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgeries, generally used to treat Parkinson's. She trains Chinese surgeons in DBS, and has worked to encourage more women to pursue neurosurgery. COURTNEY KANOPKA, Technology Specialist II, New York State Office of Information Technology Services Enterprise Information Security Office Kanopka is a single mom who wanted to better provide for her family. So she went to Bryant & Stratton College for her associate's degree in information technology while still working. Then an internship with the state led to her current full-time job. She works full-time and is getting her bachelor's degree in digital forensics and computer science at the University at Albany, where she just made dean's list. ANNMARIE LANESEY, President and co-founder, Greane Tree Technology in Troy Lanesey grew interested in computers in high school. "The part that was interesting to me was how people use computers," she says. "That evolved perfectly to help me design software systems." Greane Tree is celebrating its eighth year in business, and now Lanesey is at the forefront of a program, Albany Can Code, which teaches programming in order to provide well-paying employment options. Manchester, N.H. Speaking via Skype from Russia, Edward Snowden told an audience of supporters in New Hampshire on Saturday that he is willing to be extradited to the United States if the federal government would guarantee he would get a fair trial. The former National Security Agency contractor in 2013 leaked details of a secret government eavesdropping program and left the country. He faces U.S. charges that could land him in prison for up to 30 years. Snowden spoke Saturday at the New Hampshire Liberty Forum, heavily attended by libertarians. WMUR reported that forum organizers did not allow the media to video record his remarks. "I've told the government I would return if they would guarantee a fair trial where I can make a public interest defense of why this was done and allow a jury to decide," Snowden told his audience. Snowden has previously spoken of making offers to the government to return. Jermaine Wright, a 25-year-old Albany resident who teaches hip-hop dance and works in communications for a nonprofit for at-risk youth, is among the eight competitors on "All-Star Academy," a Food Network series that began Sunday night and says it features "the best home cooks in America." The first episode may be viewed at www.foodnetwork.com/shows/all-star-academy.html New episodes of the second season air at 9 p.m. Sundays. "The experience was amazing," Wright said Wednesday. He shot the series last fall in New York City. A self-taught cook with a catering company on the side and a Web series of cooking videos, Wright's first challenge on the show was to make a gourmet meal from lunchbox ingredients: ham, cheese, apple, milk. He created a three-cheese mac-n-cheese with jalapeno and bacon and a warm apple-grape salad. "As a classic American home-cook idea, I think Jermaine might be on to something," Alex Guarneschelli, one of the four Food Network stars who serve as mentors on "All-Star Academy," said during the episode. Added Andrew Zimmern, another mentor, "The flavors are really good." Wright chose to be on chef and former military man Robert Irvine's team, citing Irvine's tough-love approach. "I knew that Robert Irvine would be the proper mentor to take me to the next level," Wright said. Before Wright chose to be on Irvine's team, Irvine told the camera, "Jermaine has great taste buds, but I don't know if he's going to be an asset or a hindrance." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. The winner of "All-Star Academy" will receive $50,000. On the first episode, Wright said, "My mom is not in the best of health, so the $50,000 would not only put a smile on her face but would make her life so much better, and I would really love to bring this home for her." Wright manages communications and marketing for SEAT Center in Schenectady, a nonprofit that provides training in construction work for at-risk youth and offers construction services to residential and commercial property owners. Wright will be providing the food for SEAT Center's gala, scheduled for 5 p.m. Feb. 26 at College Suites at Washington Square in Schenectady. Tickets start at $75. Information and a link for ticket purchase are at www.seatcenter.org sbarnes@timesunion.com 518-454-5489 @Tablehopping http://facebook.com/SteveBarnesFoodCritic 220216ITS VOLUNTARY SAYS PUNGHAU By Tom Kathoa A workshop on tax related issues which got under way at the Kuri Lodge today was told that the ABG Government will not force business companies to pay taxes to the government. ABG Minister for Finance and Treasury, Albert Punghau told the opening session of the workshop that the ABG Government has created a Voluntary Taxpayer Compliance system that would see owners of business houses and companies pay their company taxes at their own will. Speaking at the Opening ceremony, MR, PUNGHAU said that Bougainville companies will eventually have to contribute to the economic recovery of Bougainville and as such much pay their taxes to the ABG. The workshop will end tomorrow. Ends THE ISSUE: A civil suit casts doubt on DNA test results from the State Police laboratory. THE STAKES: Are people in prison based on flawed evidence? More Information To comment: tuletters@timesunion.com or at http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion See More Collapse --- The plot thickens, and the cause for public concern grows, in the increasingly disturbing case of alleged cheating at the State Police crime laboratory. The latest twist is the assertion that scandal stems, at least in part, from concern among State Police brass that a new DNA testing method could cast doubt on evidence used in the past to send people to prison. This allegation comes in a federal lawsuit brought by three forensic scientists who were accused of cheating on training exams for new software called TrueAllele. The scientists contend that they simply collaborated with colleagues, as they were encouraged to do throughout the training process, and that the real reason they were targeted for termination was because they raised concerns that older methods used at the lab may have given false results. The lawsuit could bring more to light, but New York state shouldn't let a civil suit be a substitute for a serious investigation. The Legislature should look into this independently and determine whether a DNA testing program so essential to the integrity of its criminal justice system is sound. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. The lawsuit, filed last week in U.S. District Court in Albany, raises a troubling allegation: that an unknown number of criminal convictions may have relied on inaccurate DNA results. This is not the first time the lab's work has been questioned. The cheating scandal itself sparked concern about the reliability of past test results, and some district attorneys, including Albany County's David Soares and Schenectady County's Robert Carney, last year announced that they planned to have DNA evidence retested in pending cases involving the accused scientists. But the potential mess here is bigger. Whether scientists cheated or simply misunderstood the tests as training exercises, and whether old tests may have been flawed, is far from the most important question here. Either scenario suggests that people may have gone to prison based on questionable DNA tests. That would be an indictment of a form of evidence that has long been regarded as virtually unassailable, and a crisis of confidence for a criminal justice system that has relied on it. It isn't a stretch to imagine that the state would be reluctant to probe deeper into this. The potential fallout is vast: Untold numbers of convicts challenging evidence and appealing their cases. Courts and district attorneys overwhelmed. And the state's premier law enforcement agency tainted. This is a concern for the Legislature, not only for Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration, on whose watch all this has been roiling for two years. The suit raises the disturbing question of whether the state's own investigation into cheating was cover for an even deeper scandal to silence people who were raising questions about whether defendants have been wrongly convicted. A Senate that's all about law and order, and an Assembly that's all about defendants' rights, should both be all over this. One of the late Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye's major achievements was her creation of the Commission on the Future of Indigent Defense, whose 2006 report highlighted the urgent need for New York state to address its long-standing failure to provide a competent level of representation to those persons who are entitled under our Constitution to the effective assistance of counsel, but who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. But pending legislation can make her dream a reality. John R. Dunne is senior counsel at the Albany law firm of Whiteman Osterman & Hanna. He was a member of Chief Judge Kaye's Commission on the Future of Indigent Defense and is a board member of the Office of Indigent Legal Services. The Kaye Commission's report described in stark detail the failure of New York state's public defense structure to protect the rights of clients. It called for a complete overhaul of the county-based and largely county-funded system for providing public defense services. The indictment issued by the Kaye Commission report is as powerful today as it was on the day it was issued, and its critical recommendations just as sound: "There must be established a statewide defender system ... that is truly independent and which is structured to enforce standards of performance and demand true accountability from all who have the responsibility for defending those accused of a crime or other offenses. It must be a system for which the state of New York, not the counties, assumes full responsibility for funding. Only through such a system can constitutional mandates for quality indigent defense representation be realized on an equal basis throughout the state." The commission's recommendations were widely endorsed by many criminal justice reform advocates and others beyond the public defense community. A year after the commission's final report, the New York Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the state for failure to meet its constitutional duty to provide effective public defense services. Five counties, cited as examples of the state's failure, were added by the court as defendants. The success of the lawsuit a settlement was approved by the state in 2015 vindicated the commission's work in those five upstate counties, yet did nothing to enforce the right to effective counsel in the rest of the state. The commission's report, along with the lawsuit and the efforts of the Campaign for an Independent Public Defense Commission, brought about creation by the Legislature in 2010 of the Office of Indigent Legal Services, which is charged not only with implementing the goals of the settlement but also to work with every county in the state to improve public defense services as much as possible within existing structural and fiscal restraints. One of the key recommendations of the Kaye Commission can now be achieved by passage of a bill to require the state to reimburse all counties for public defense expenditures and thereby alleviate the current disparities in representation among counties. The bill, introduced by Assembly Member Patricia Fahy, D-Albany, and Sen. John DeFrancisco, R-Syracuse, would require the state to incrementally, over four years, take over funding for public defense services. The bill empowers the Office of Indigent Legal Services to promulgate rules and regulations that would ensure the presence of counsel at arraignment of all eligible clients, the establishment of attorney caseload/workload standards that allow for meaningful and effective assistance of counsel, and improvements in the quality of representation throughout the state. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. The office would also be vested with the authority to review the public defense operations of any county for compliance with applicable professional standards. Together, these two legislators and their 56 co-sponsors have started the ball rolling on genuine reform. All that remains is for their colleagues to join with them and for the governor to sign this bill into law this year. Now, as we approach the 10th anniversary of the Kaye Commission Report in June, is the ideal time for our elected officials to act in order to bring the state into compliance with the Constitution and to honor the prescience and leadership of Chief Judge Kaye. [February 22, 2016] DeVry Education Group Appoints Two University Leaders to its Board DeVry Education Group (NYSE: DV), a global provider of educational services, today announced that it has appointed Ann Weaver Hart, Ph.D., president of the University of Arizona and Linda Katehi, Ph.D., chancellor of the University of California, Davis, to serve on its board of directors. These appointments bring the size of DeVry Education Group's board to eleven members. "We are very pleased to welcome such accomplished educators to our board," said Christopher Begley, DeVry Education Group board chair. "Dr. Hart and Dr. Katehi have a history of driving strong student outcomes and a personal interest in maintaining access to quality educational programs for nontraditional students." Both directors have extensive experience leading large, diverse university systems that parallel the programmatic diversity of DeVry Group institutions. Their knowledge of nursing, healthcare and hospital systems is especially critical given DeVry Group's leadership in these areas. "I'm honored to be invited to join the board," stated Dr. Hart. "DeVry Group represents an important, accessible path for many students seeking advanced medical and technical degrees. I believe my experience and insight into academic excellence and helping a wide diversity of university students achieve their goals will be helpful for their students' career outcomes." "I look forward to participating on DeVry Education Group's board of directors and thank them for inviting me to join," said Dr. Katehi. "DeVry Group's goal to enable a quality learning experience that inspires and educates students to be our next generation of leaders is essential to our nation's progress." About Dr. Ann Weaver Hart Dr. Hart is currently the president of the University of Arizona and also holds an appointment as professor of educational policy studies and practice in the College of Education. In her role as president, she has created and implemented an integrated strategic academic and business plan to guide the University's future. Dr. Hart recently led the University of Arizona to a historic agreement with Banner Health, creating a foundation for statewide excellence in clinical healthcare. Prior to the University of Arizona, Dr. Hart served as president of Temple University from July 206 to July 2012. She also served as president of the University of New Hampshire and provost and vice president for academic affairs at Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California. At the University of Utah, she served as professor of educational leadership, dean of the Graduate School and special assistant to the president. Dr. Hart is a member of the Association of American Universities, the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, the Association of College and University Educators Board of Advisors, and an advisor for the Lincoln Project: Excellence and Access in Public Higher Education at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She has a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in history, and a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Utah. Dr. Hart has received various professional and community service awards for her work, including the Michael P. Malone International Leadership Award from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities; the Girl Scouts of the USA Take the Lead Award; the Jack Culbertson Award in Educational Administration from the University Council for Educational Administration; and the PoWer Award from the Professional Women's Roundtable. About Dr. Linda Katehi Dr. Linda Katehi is chancellor of the University of California, Davis. In her role as chancellor, Dr. Katehi oversees all aspects of the university's teaching, research and public service mission, including the UC Davis Health System and its acute-care teaching hospital in Sacramento, one of the nation's leading medical schools, a school of nursing, and a multi-specialty physician group that serves 33 counties and six million residents. Dr. Katehi also holds UC Davis faculty appointments in electrical and computer engineering, and in gender, sexuality, and women's studies. Previously, Dr. Katehi served as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; the John A. Edwardson Dean of Engineering and professor of electrical and computer engineering at Purdue University (News - Alert); and associate dean for academic affairs and graduate education in the College of Engineering and professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Michigan. Since her early years as a faculty member, Dr. Katehi has focused on expanding research opportunities for undergraduates and improving the education and professional experience of graduate students, with an emphasis on underrepresented groups. Dr. Katehi is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is a member of many other national boards, and committees and local nonprofits. In 2015, she was awarded the National Academy of Engineering Simon Ramo Founders Award. Katehi was the first woman to be honored with this award. Dr. Katehi earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the National Technical University of Athens, Greece, and master's and doctoral degrees in electrical engineering from UCLA. About DeVry Education Group The purpose of DeVry Education Group is to empower its students to achieve their educational and career goals. DeVry Education Group Inc. (NYSE: DV; member S&P MidCap 400 Index) is a global provider of educational services and the parent organization of American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Becker Professional Education, Carrington College, Chamberlain College of Nursing, DeVry Brasil, DeVry University and its Keller Graduate School of Management, Ross University School of Medicine and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. These institutions offer a wide array of programs in healthcare, business, technology, accounting, finance, and law. For more information, please visit www.devryeducationgroup.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160222005175/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2016] Sunrise Senior Living Opens New Community in LA Beginning early March, Sunrise Senior Living will welcome residents to its newest community, Sunrise at Palos Verdes, joining 41 existing Sunrise communities throughout California. It will offer assisted living as well as evidence-based memory care programming and services for those with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, including support for residents in the early stages of memory loss. According to the California Department of Aging, by the year 2050, an estimated 2.49 million people in the state will be 85 years old and over - a 310 percent increase from today. In that same timeframe, the department also estimates that more than 25 percent of Californians will be 60 or older. The Alzheimer's Association projects dementia diagnoses in California will increase by more than 42 percent in the next 10 years. "Increasingly, local seniors and their families are looking for high-quality care. We are excited about offering another option to Greater Los Angeles with the opening of Sunrise at Palos Verdes - helping to meet demand of today's and tomorrow's aging population," said Jeff Slichta, senior vice president of Operations for Sunrise. "Ask me about the biggest difference in Sunrise, and I'll tell you it's our team members, who are dedicated, compassionate and trained to provide the best personalized care." Marguerite Crockem has been appointed executive director to help lead the community and its experienced team members. She has served as a Sunrise leader for more than 10 years and was previously executive director at Sunrise of Fullerton. "This beautiful, convenient location for South Bay families, combined with our more than 30 years of knowing and serving seniors, makes Sunrise at Palos Verdes a premium choice to call home," said Chris Winkle, chief executive officer for Sunrise. "Our sights are set on continued growth in California, so we may bring our Sunrise Signature Experience to more families." The new four-story, 67,000 square-foot community on Hawthorne Boulevard in Torrance will provide individualized care and services for up to 95 residents, with easy access to several nearby health care facilities. The approximately 80-unit building allows for flexible spaces to support Sunrise's range of meaningful programming and activities that enrich the lifestyles of each resident and foster new friendships. Specifically, there will be space for a Sunrise Terrace Club Neighborhood, with tailored programming to assist residents in the early stages of memory loss. Sunrise at Palos Verdes is specially designed to complement the peninsula's visual style and regionally specific landscaping. Residents can take in scenic views and enjoy outdoor areas, such as circular walkways and patios. Inside the building are design elements to support seniors' mobility needs and promote continued independence. For example, "way finding" wallpaper on memory care floors helps residents better distinguish different corridors and find their suites. Colors were carefully selected based on what's known about the aging eye and low vision issues that often affect seniors. Additional features include Wi-Fi throughout the community for residents and families to stay connected; an electronic health records system; dining program, with nutritious and tasty meals prepared by the Sunrise team of culinary professionals using fresh, seasonal ingredients; community pets and more. Sunrise at Palos Verdes will host a public open house on Saturday, February 27, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. LA residents are invited to meet the team, take a tour of the community and learn more about life at Sunrise. The company is expected to continue expanding its presence in California, with plans to open next year Sunrise of Pleasanton in San Francisco's Bay Area. For ongoing information about Sunrise communities and senior-related topics, read The Sunrise Blog and follow us on Facebook. About Sunrise Senior Living Sunrise Senior Living, a McLean, Va.-based company, employs approximately 30,500 people. As of February 1, 2016, Sunrise operated 307 communities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, including 15 Gracewell Healthcare communities, with a total unit capacity of approximately 27,400. Sunrise offers a full range of personalized senior living services, including independent living, assisted living, care for individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss, as well as nursing and rehabilitative services. Sunrise's senior living services are delivered by team members who are trained to encourage independence, preserve dignity, enable freedom of choice and protect the privacy of residents. To learn more about Sunrise, please visit SunriseSeniorLiving.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160222005039/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2016] Establishment of IngDan Lab Completes INGDAN.com Ecosystem HONG KONG, Feb. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cogobuy Group ("Cogobuy" or the "Company,") (stock code: 400.HK), the largest e-commerce platform serving the electronics manufacturing industry in China, is pleased to announce it has officially launched IngDan Lab that will provide technical services and global experiences to startups and innovators. Dr. Shipeng Li, Chief Technology Officer of Cogobuy Group, spearheaded the launch. The lab will further drive INGDAN.com's evolution into the world's leading electronics manufacturing ecosystem, providing innovators with a robust suite of services including hardware prototyping, supply chain resources, software patents, and a dedicated cloud platform. Entering 2016, Dr. Li and his team are now focused on three key initiatives at INGDAN.com. First, the Company is increasing the level of service to overseas markets. INGDAN.com currently operates subsidiaries in tech hubs such as the US, Hong Kong, Italy, and Israel, and will continue to help startups around the world connect with the best Chinese manufacturers. Secondly, INGDAN.com is increasing its technology push activity to drive the development of new products and applications. IngDan Lab has been working with tech giants like Microsoft, Baidu, and iFLYTEK, and applying new ideas resulting from these engagements to further optimize its R&D. INGDAN.com's third initiative is recruiting top talent. The team has begun working with China's top 20 universities with the goal of establishing around ten IngDan technology clubs in the coming year. Theclubs will encourage innovation among students and create a pipeline of talent and new technologies. In technological areas, the IngDan Lab will be conducting R&D in virtual reality ("VR"), with the goal of solving the industry's technical bottlenecks such as data collection, content creation, and improving VR hardware. The team will also focus on technical problems in robotics and artificial intelligence. In the field of intelligent auto industry, INGDAN.com team will maintain close ties with its partner in Israel to promote technical cooperation. Mr. Jeffrey Kang, CEO of Cogobuy Group, said, "We are very excited about the launch of the IngDan Lab, and are pleased with Dr. Li's enhancements to Cogobuy's and INGDAN.com's business operations and technology platform. As a result, we are increasingly well positioned to capture market share and growth from the rising volume of software applications for intelligent hardware. For example, one area we're excited about is intelligent auto industry. With new government incentives and more big companies entering the market, the intelligent auto industry will only continue to grow in importance. By leveraging its platform, INGDAN.com is already helping traditional car manufacturers match automotive frontrunners and aftermarket companies, removing traditional barriers in the auto industry. And we believe IngDan Lab is going to make significant contributions to the intelligent auto ecosystem." About Cogobuy Group Cogobuy Group is the largest e-commerce service platform serving the electronics manufacturing industry in China. Through the e-commerce platform, which includes a direct sales platform, an online marketplace, and a dedicated team of technical consultants and professional sales representatives, the Company provides customers with comprehensive online and offline services across pre-sale, sale and post-sale stages. The Company serves mainly SME electronics manufacturers. For further information, please refer to the Company's website at http://www.cogobuy.com/ About INGDAN.com INGDAN.com is a platform dedicated to connecting global intelligent hardware entrepreneurs and China-based supply chain resources. The platform provides information on hardware innovation, supply chain data and supply chain demand docking for global IoT innovators and entrepreneurs. It is a one-stop hardware innovation business platform with its core being the "supply chain." For further information, please refer to the Company's website at http://www.ingdan.com/ This press release is issued by Financial PR (HK) Limited on behalf of Cogobuy Group. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/establishment-of-ingdan-lab-completes-ingdancom-ecosystem-300223519.html SOURCE Cogobuy Group [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2016] FREETEL Introduces REI At MWC 2016 - A Japanese Designed Smartphone With Aluminum Metal Body BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- FREETEL, a Japanese mobile handset manufacturer established in 2012, today announced its latest portfolio addition REI a metal Android 6.0 smartphone. Sporting an aluminum back cover with a diamond cut aluminum edge and packing a powerful punch with the latest mobile features including dual cameras and expandable memory, REI is the latest addition to the Samurai series, which currently consists of the Kiwami and Miyabi devices. Translated from Japanese, the word "rei" means beautiful (?), elegant (?) and wise (?) and the new REI truly brings each of these attributes to life. REI fits perfectly into FREETEL's portfolio of smartphones with high quality features at affordable price points. Like the other Android devices FREETEL offers, REI will be unlocked for use with multiple carriers. "Consumer demand for well-designed and high-functioning smartphones that also embrace affordability and flexibility is a growing trend all over the world," said Ian Chapman-Banks, Global resident for FREETEL. "With the addition of REI, we are excited to be one of the brands shaking up the mobile landscape with lower-priced products that deliver exceptional craftsmanship and features, as well as giving consumers the freedom of carrier choice with unlocked devices." THE REI The use of metal gives REI a sleek look and feel while also offering a protective shell to the strong feature set inside. REI is designed with a unique aluminum back cover which will be available in four color choices (colors will vary by market) and a diamond cut aluminum edge. Additional notable features include: Android 6.0 operating system 5.2 inch screen with 1080 x 1920 Full HD 13 megapixel PDAF rear camera / 8 megapixel front camera 2GB RAM / 32 GB ROM Octa core CPU 2,800mAh battery REI is expected to be available in Japan and the U.S. in Q2 of 2016. The phone will be unlocked and will work with many GSM carriers. Future distribution plans include online partners, retailers, MVNOs and carriers. FREETEL AT MWC Attendees of Mobile World Congress can find FREETEL at Hall Congress Square Stand CS150. FREETEL is showcasing 10 smartphones, including its flagship Kiwami, flip-phone Musashi and the sub-$100 Priori3. Many of the devices are currently best sellers in Japan, have already launched in Mexico and Cambodia, and will soon be available in the U.S., Canada, and other parts of the world. About FREETEL Created by Japanese engineers with 40+ years of experience, FREETEL handsets are designed to give consumers world-class products at affordable price points. The brand is focused on quality, innovation, design and affordability. We ensure that the highest quality products are created by carefully managing the design, manufacturing, and even the packaging, every step of the way. This attention to detail is how we make sure that you will benefit and receive feature rich phones. Visit FreetelWireless.com for more information. All features and specifications are subject to change. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160221/335575 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/freetel-introduces-rei-at-mwc-2016--a-japanese-designed-smartphone-with-aluminum-metal-body-300223522.html SOURCE FREETEL [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2016] NTT DOCOMO and MediaTek Forge Partnership for 5G Technology Development and Trials BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- NTT DOCOMO, INC. and MediaTek today announced a joint effort to drive 5G technology development. The two companies will collaborate on developing new 5G air interface and chipsets required for 5G devices, raising spectrum efficiency and increasing data capacity. MediaTek is one of the major technology companies selected by DOCOMO to contribute expertise and technology innovations needed for supporting the launch of new 5G networks by 2020. "DOCOMO is excited to work with MediaTek, an innovator with expertise in the technical requirements of 5G," said Seizo Onoe, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at DOCOMO. "The potential opportunities for 5G to enable people to connect with devices are endless. We're eager to see our 5G network inspire innovative inventions to benefit technology, life and business." MediaTek, a leading cellular baseband solution provider, has a complete modem technology portfolio covering all 2G, 3G and 4G standards. Its WorldMode chipsets allow device makers to serve operators worldwide using a single platform. "We are pleased to collaborate with DOCOMO on developing the best possible standard as well as user terminals for G cellular systems," said Kevin Jou, Senior Corporate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of MediaTek. "We plan to use our advanced signal processing and circuit technologies to design solutions that will meet the diverse and stringent requirements posed by 5G in order to ensure a successful service launch in the 2020 time frame." NTT DOCOMO and MediaTek plan to implement the transmission experiment in both indoor and outdoor environments in 2017, and carry out new wireless interface and chipsets development from 2018 onwards. About MediaTek Since 1997, MediaTek has been a pioneering fabless semiconductor company and a market leader in cutting-edge systems-on-chip (SoC) for mobile devices, wireless networking, HDTV, DVD and Blu-ray. Our tightly-integrated, innovative chip designs help manufacturers optimize supply chains, reduce the development time of new products, and extend a competitive edge in crowded markets. Through MediaTek Labs, the company is also building a developer hub that will support device creation, application development, and services for the Internet of Things era. By building technologies that help connect individuals to the world around them, MediaTek is enabling people to expand their horizons and more easily achieve their goals. We believe anyone can achieve something amazing. And we believe they can do it every single day. We call this idea Everyday Genius and it drives everything we do. Visit mediatek.com for more information. MediaTek Press Office: [email protected] Kevin Keating, MediaTek +1- 206-321-7295 10188 Telesis Ct #500, San Diego, CA 92121, USA Joey Lee, MediaTek +886 3-567-0766 # 31602 No. 1, Dusing 1st Rd., Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu City 30078, Taiwan To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ntt-docomo-and-mediatek-forge-partnership-for-5g-technology-development-and-trials-300223460.html SOURCE MediaTek Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2016] Launch an Enterprise IoT Application Stack on AWS Marketplace in a Matter of Minutes SEATTLE, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sirqul, Inc., an enterprise class platform for rapid Internet of Things (IoT) application development, announced today, the immediate availability of Sirqul's Platform as a Service (PaaS) stack on Amazon Web Services Marketplace (AWS Marketplace). Sirqul's PaaS offering takes advantage of the recently announced AWS Marketplace Support for Clusters and AWS Resources, allowing AWS Marketplace users to easily launch AWS CloudFormation templates, defined by Sirqul, to optimally run their IoT platform. Sirqul's approach to providing platform solutions is novel. The company distilled common application features found in the most popular apps into services and ensured they work seamlessly with each other. This approach enables developers to combine these "ingredients" into custom IoT "recipes" faster and more cost effectively to generate more engagement and revenue. Sirqul's APIs and services focus on driving engagement, efficiency, and enable transactions, both in the Cloud and at the Edge. "The fact that people developing entrepreneurial ideas at startups or within large organizations can leverage our platform after filling out a simple form and clicking a submit button is truly awesome," says Sirqul CEO and Founder, Robert Frederick. "Our goal is to speed up the process that decision makers currently go through when choosing our enterpriseplatform solution. Leveraging AWS Marketplace Support for Clusters and AWS Resources with AWS CloudFormation functionality helps us achieve this goal, as enterprise decision makers tend to already have internal buy-in and authorization to run on the AWS Cloud. This means they can now choose and deploy our solution with minimal friction and approval." Developers select AWS CloudFormation templates pre-defined by Sirqul and in most cases are able to have an application prototype running within days or weeks, depending upon the complexity involved. Sirqul also offers 30 skinnable, pre-made recipes that each utilize subsets of its 60+ services, along with documentation, tutorials, and guides. "Using or building on top of proven recipes for Smart Home/Communities, Smart Vehicle, Connected Healthcare and Connected Retail allows companies to focus on innovating," said Luis Cifuentes, Chief Operating Officer at Sirqul. "The recipes can be easily branded and customized to serve different needs, across multiple verticals. We are excited to be in Barcelona for Mobile World Congress and look forward to seeing all those interested in IoT and Edge computing at our booth." Visit Sirqul's booth at MWC, located at pavilion 8.1B58 in Hall 8.1, to learn more about Sirqul and the AWS Marketplace offerings. About Sirqul Headquartered in Seattle, WA, Sirqul is led by Robert Frederick, one of the original technical founders of Amazon's first forays into Secure Mobile Commerce (Amazon Anywhere) and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Sirqul enables the rapid conceptualization, development, deployment, and monetization of branded, connected IoT applications. Their approach builds upon decades of thought for what connected networks of devices with different capabilities can accomplish and supports multiple verticals, as well as the emergence of solutions and applications companies have yet to think of. Visit Sirqul's developer website (dev.sirqul.com) or contact [email protected]com to learn more about the Sirqul platform. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/launch-an-enterprise-iot-application-stack-on-aws-marketplace-in-a-matter-of-minutes-300223492.html SOURCE Sirqul, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2016] Casa Systems to Launch Virtualized Ultra-Broadband Edge Platform and Small Cell Solutions at Mobile World Congress to Help Service Providers Prepare for Ultra-Broadband Era ANDOVER, Mass., Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Casa Systems, a worldwide leader in next-generation cable edge technology, today announced the launch of its virtualized ultra-broadband edge platform, Axyom, and Apex, a multi-standard, low-power small cell solution. The solutions are designed to help service providers optimize network performance and monetize network investments today while providing key capabilities for the 5G future. Casa is showcasing these new solutions at Mobile World Congress, February 22-25, in Barcelona. As service providers plan for the continued growth of ultra-broadband services, they're looking for ways to enable higher network capacities in a cost-effective way. Casa uniquely addresses the challenges of this new era, bringing its proven, decade-long expertise delivering tier one cable access technologies to its new ultra-broadband edge platform and small cell solutions. Casa Systems' Axyom ultra-broadband edge platform is a virtualized multi-access solution for 3G/4G and trusted/untrusted Wi-Fi access. All of the access and core network functions service providers need to enable a variety of ultra-broadband mobile and Wi-Fi services are available in the Axyom software platform. Deployable on-premise, at the network edge or at a centralized location, Axyom features a suite of virtual network functions designed to help providers simplify their access networks with a single software platform that provides security, management tools and the ability to provide end users with the highest quality experience. Based on open source technology, the Axyom platform is engineered for multi-dimensional optimization and leverages the Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK) and Intel QuickAssist Technology resulting in dramatic performance gains. Casa's new small cell solution integrates 3G and LTE access with virtualized security and HNB/HeNB gateways, SON, HMS/HeMS and backhaul to deliver a high performance, highly secure heterogeneous network. Easily integrated with existing small cell and macro networks, this new approach to mobile edge computing creates multi-dimensional scaling with superior throughput, delivering the coverage and capacity service providers need today while providing a number of monetization opportunities. "Service providers are confronted with a complex set of challenges as they strive to build wireless networks that will stand up to subscriber demands, both today and in the future, while protecting their investments and enabling new revenue streams," said Jerry Guo, CEO at Casa Systems. "We're leveraging our expertise in carrier-grade cable access technologies to deliver agile, flexible wireless solutions that are unencumbered by legacy technology to help providers flourish in the ultra-broadband world." Casa's Axyom virtualized ultra-broadband edge platform and its small cell solution will be available in Q1 2016. At Mobile World Congress, Casa will demonstrate its new end-to-end small cell solution, including the multi-dimensional performance that Axyom can deliver for a variety of mobile edge computing applications. Visit Casa Systems to view these demos in Hall 5, Stand 5C51 at Mobile World Congress. About Casa Systems, Inc. Casa Systems has defined a new category of software-centric Ultra Broadband network edge devices that allow cable and mobile service providers to intelligently and cost-effectively scale their networks to meet gigabit demands today. Based on disruptive technologies to target the growing market opportunity in interactive digital video and broadband IP services, Casa Systems provides market-leading, DOCSIS 3.1-enabled CCAP and CMTS products, universal EdgeQAM and intelligent video processing solutions for broadcast and unicast services, as well as MobileEdge small cell and managed Wi-Fi solutions. #UltraBroadband #GigabitSpeeds #DOCSIS3.1 For more information, please visit us at http://www.casa-systems.com. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries. CONTACT INFORMATION: Alicia Thomas Eric Stephens Casa Systems, Inc. LEWIS 100 Old River Road 200 Wheeler Road Andover, Mass. 01810 Burlington, Mass. 01803 +1.817.909.8921 +1.781.418.2439 [email protected] [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150826/261206LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/casa-systems-to-launch-virtualized-ultra-broadband-edge-platform-and-small-cell-solutions-at-mobile-world-congress-to-help-service-providers-prepare-for-ultra-broadband-era-300223494.html SOURCE Casa Systems, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2016] SK Telecom Joins Facebook in the Telecom Infra Project BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM) announced today that, together with Facebook, it will join the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) as a founding operator to drive innovations in telecommunications infrastructure and mobile services. TIP is an engineer-focused initiative driven by operators, infrastructure providers, system integrators, and other technology companies that aims to reimagine the traditional approach to building and deploying telecom network infrastructure. TIP will explore new approaches and technologies across three initial focus areas: access, backhaul, and core and management. The project groups within these areas will leverage the unique engineering and operational expertise of each member, focusing on developing new technologies and exploring new approaches to deployment in both developed and emerging markets. In the near term, TIP's work will focus primarily on disaggregating the hardware and software layers in the traditional network stack and recombining those elements in ways that enable significant efficiency gains in urban and rural deployments. TIP will also collaborate on the acceleration of technologies like 5G and the development of new technologies that will pave the way for better connectivity and richer services. In this work, TIP will build on technology and knowledge contributions from its founding members and operators. TIP is joined by representative telecommunications companies of countries across the world, like Deutsche Telekom (Germany), and global leading technology companies and telecom infrastructure providers like Facebook, Nokia, and Intel. TIP members will collaborate to accelerate the development of new telecommunications infrastructure technologies and bring the best innovative approaches to production network deployment. SK Telecom plans to contribute to TIP by sharing its industry-leading 5G enabling technologies/services, outstanding network solutions basedon virtualization technologies like Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV). Meanwhile, in January 2016, SK Telecom joined the Open Compute Project (OCP), an initiative for open source hardware and data center design. The company plans to present its progress at the OCP Summit to be held on March 9, 2016 in San Jose, U.S. "Facebook is excited to work through TIP with some of the industry's best engineering and operational talent to improve connectivity worldwide. The challenge of meeting exponentially growing network demand while increasing access and lowering costs has never been greater. We will all need to work together to make existing and next-generation building blocks more flexible and to accelerate the development and adoption of more efficient technologies. No one company has all the answers but we believe that this open and collaborative approach will transform how networks are built and operated worldwide," said Jason Taylor, Vice President of Infrastructure, Facebook. "The telecommunication industry needs a new pace of change. Korea has the world's highest LTE penetration rate, rapidly moving towards 5G. To meet constantly changing customer demands in the upcoming 5G era and pursue the software-centric open architecture, we need a new way to revolutionize how the networks are built. It is our belief that TIP cooperation will open up a new possibility in this aspect and SK Telecom is keen on contributing to this project," said Park Jin-hyo, SVP and Head of Network Technology R&D Center at SK Telecom. About SK Telecom SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM, KSE: 017670), established in 1984, is Korea's largest telecommunications company with more than 26 million mobile subscribers, accounting for around 50% of the market. The company reached KRW 17.137 trillion in revenue in 2015. As the world's first company to commercialize CDMA, CDMA 2000 1x, CDMA EV-DO and HSDPA networks, SK Telecom launched the nation's first LTE service in July 2011. SK Telecom also became the world's first mobile carrier to commercialize 150Mbps LTE-Advanced in June 2013 and 225Mbps LTE-Advanced in June 2014 through Carrier Aggregation(CA). In line with its efforts to swiftly move towards the next-generation mobile network system, or 5G, it successfully commercialized 300Mbps tri-band LTE-A CA. As of the end of December 2015, the company has over 18.98 million LTE and LTE-Advanced subscribers. Based on its strength in network operations business, SK Telecom is seeking new growth engines through three innovative platforms namely Lifestyle Enhancement Platform, Advanced Media Platform and IoT Service Platform. For more information, please visit www.sktelecom.com or email to [email protected]. Media Contact Cindy Kang SK Telecom Co. Ltd. (822) 6100-3836 (8210) 9113-2344 [email protected] Raphael Rashid Edelman Korea (822) 2022 8228 [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sk-telecom-joins-facebook-in-the-telecom-infra-project-300223470.html SOURCE SK Telecom [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 220216MP PIRIKA OBITS By Tom Kathoa The people of South Bougainville and Bougainville as a whole are mourning the death of their member, the last Steven Pirika Kama who passed away at the weekend. The late Pirika passed away while in hospital in the Philippines at the weekend. He was the Minister for Bougainville Affairs and was relieved from his ministerial duties by the Prime Minister towards the end of last year to allow him to concentrate on his health condition. He entered national politics in the last government and this was his second term to represent his people of South Bougainville at the national level. His passing leaves a big gap in Bougainville politics and a big loss to Bougainville in general. Meanwhile, the prime minister in his condolence message described the late Pirika Kama as a great leader and a successful businessman with a lot to give to give to Papua New Guinea and Bougainville. Both the national and ABG Governments are now finalizing plans for his funeral arrangement. Ends [February 22, 2016] Peraso Begins Production Shipments of X610 Wireless Infrastructure Chipset TORONTO and BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- MWC 2016 At the Mobile World Congress 2016 event, Peraso Technologies, Inc. (www.perasotech.com) announced today it has commenced volume production shipments of its X610 chipset, targeted for 60 GHz outdoor wireless infrastructure applications. The chipset is the world's first WiGig solution in production for the infrastructure market, and ideally suited for end-use applications such as wireless broadband for internet service providers (WISP), small cell backhaul, video surveillance, private networks and new hybrid fiber-wireless. The Peraso X610 chipset includes the PRS1126 direct conversion 60 GHz RFIC and the PRS4601 baseband IC to implement complete RF to baseband functionality compliant with the IEEE 802.11ad (WiGig) standard. The X610 chipset provides multi-gigabit per second throughput and operates across the industrial -40C to 85C temperature range. It incorporates a high-speed USB 3.0 system interface to integrate with common low-cost network processor ICs. "We are excited to see strong adoption and unit shipment growth of the Peraso X610 chipst into the infrastructure market," says Ron Glibbery, President and CEO of Peraso Technologies. "Its rich feature set combined with a highly flexible software architecture has allowed customers to customize their own value-add networking based functionality, while leveraging a WiGig software stack. The result has enabled these new products to be launched at unprecedented price points." The X610 chipset is WiGig compliant and operates in the 60 GHz V-band spectrum to enable rapid, license-free deployment in most major geographic markets. The 60 GHz band offers a large contiguous operating band to deliver multi gigabit per second throughput, and is particularly well suited to avoid the increasing interference problems suffered by traditional 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi bands. Peraso will be demonstrating the X610 chipset as well as infrastructure and WiGig 802.11ad applications at its booth (Hall #7 7K50) and private meeting suite at MWC 2016 in Barcelona. To arrange a private appointment at MWC 2016 please contact [email protected]. Further information on the Peraso X610 chipset may be found at: www.perasotech.com About Peraso Technologies, Inc. Peraso is a fabless semiconductor company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. The company is focused on the development of 60 GHz chip sets and solutions compliant with the IEEE 802.11ad specification. 60 GHz has been adopted for interoperability certification by the Wi-Fi Alliance under the WiGig brand, and WiGig has strong industry endorsement by tech giants such as Samsung, Qualcomm and Intel. For more information, visit www.perasotech.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/peraso-begins-production-shipments-of-x610-wireless-infrastructure-chipset-300223493.html SOURCE Peraso Technologies, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2016] Mobile-Disruptor Simgo Launches World's First eSIM BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobile-disruptor startup, Simgo today announced the availability of an SDK for it's award winning virtual eSIM cloud-platform (vSIM) for cellular devices. Simgo's v-SIM SDK, simgoinside is the world's first fully functioning e-SIM for smartphones, tablets, wearables, connected cars and the exponentially expanding universe of IoT. The simgoinside SDK is available for implementation by manufacturers and OEMs today at no cost to partners. A v-SIM implementation enables remote provisioning and automated, dynamic instant connectivity to any available mobile network based on user-defined rules such as QoS and cost, among others. "We're glad the GSMA recognized the need for an e-SIM and implicitly validated Simgo's work in the space. Unfortunately, however, the specification does not go nearly far enough," said Eyal Shmueli, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Simgo. "The e-SIM does much for subscription management, but nothing for device manufacturers or subscribers, who need connectivity management. e-SIM simply gets rid of the need to swap out a physical card, but it doesn't help any user, enterprise or otherwise, manage their connectivity based on real requirements like signal strength, or managing roaming, which are two major issues for connected cars for example." "Ou decision to make the v-SIM SDK available for integration for free reflects constant discussion within the industry to address the palpable frustration among enterprise IoT players that the industry is not keeping up with the momentous technological changes occurring in economy and culture," said Avi Ben Shlush, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Simgo. "We know an open source, cloud-based solution is aggressive but we want to help catalyze evolution for businesses and consumers alike." In other news at Mobile World Congress, Simgo announced that industry veteran Masahiro Inoue is joining the Simgo board of directors. Founding CEO of Yahoo! Japan, Inoue was formerly the Director of Softbank who was instrumental Softbank's Vodaphone acquisition, taking it to the number 2 position behind NTT DoCoMo. Simgo will be demonstrating its award-winning vSIM product range at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona February 22-25, in Hall 5, Stand 5D81 and in the Intel Booth at 4YFN To schedule a meeting, click here or go to https://simgo.typeform.com/to/mqDHuD About Simgo Simgo provides the world's leading cloud-based virtual SIM (vSIM) platform for cellular devices, developed from its patented and award-winning technology. By moving SIM management to the cloud, Simgo is shifting the paradigms of the mobile world and opening doors to new and exciting opportunities for users, operators, service providers and device manufacturers. Simgo is a 2016 partner in the Intel Ingenuity Partner Program, "a carefully selected group of startups, chosen for their vision, innovative technology, and potential to create transformative solutions and products." Simgo was awarded the first place in the Mobile Enterprise Innovation category of the 2015 CTIA MobITs awards. For more information, visit www.simgo-mobile.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mobile-disruptor-simgo-launches-worlds-first-esim-300223608.html SOURCE Simgo [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2016] Kalorama: Between Flint and Ransomware, Good and Bad News for EMR NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Depending on the news one reads, this was either an unfavorable month for the 25 billion-dollar electronic medical records (EMR) industry, or it was its finest hour. This according to Kalorama Information, a market research firm that publishes an annual assessment of the industry. The industry demonstrated its prowess in dealing with a community medical issue that would have been failed by paper records, but also had some negative publicity on IT security. Kalorama Information's most recent report , EMR 2015: The Market for Electronic Medical Records, can be found at: http://www.kaloramainformation.com/redirect.asp?progid=88375&productid=8917410. First, this month brought news that the lead poisoning water crisis in Flint, Michigan was discovered as the result of searches conducted using data from an Epic EMR system (story: http://www.fierceemr.com/story/flint-michigan-kudos-ehr/2016-02-03.) The key physician involved in the case, pediatrician Mona Hanna-Attisha, quickly reviewed the EHRs of the children whose blood had been tested at the hospital. According to news accounts and the statement of the physician that discovered a problem in Flint, paper records would not have leant themselves to the kind of research needed to detect patterns if only paper was available. "The side benefit of EMR conversion, aside from cost savings, is tht practice would improve and providers, academics and governments could obtain better epidemiological information," said Bruce Carlson, Publisher of Kalorama Information. "The visibility of the Flint Michigan story provides a real-world example of the benefits oft-stated during the conversion and incentive campaign." At the same time, recent incidents of medical information being held hostage by hackers, with the most notable being an incident at the Hollywood Presbyterian, have spotlighted fears of record conversion. In the most recent incident the California hospital paid $17,000 to rescue its information from hackers, have spotlighted information security. Hollywood Presbyterian was using a major vendor EMR system. Because the initial ransom demand was in billions, the story went national. This incident at a time when many physicians and hospitals are converting to electronic records and the Federal government has driven conversion was obviously not a postiive development. "Still, 3 out of 4 US hospitals have a basic EMR system and most EMRs are being used without incident," Carlson said. "ransomware attacks are not limited by any means to EMR or healthcare facilities as corporations and even police departments have suffered attacks. " Kalorama notes that there are questions about the role of the actual EMR software in the Hollywood Presbyterian case, as to whether the hospital properly encrypted information, whether staff was properly trained in anti-phishing techniques, whether EMR use audits were conducted, and if anyone was designated as chief security officer there. Such services and consulting offer opportunities for the industry, which has always been as much of a service industry as a software one. As indicated the actual damages of ransomware attacks have so far been minimal. Kalorama sees continued growth in the EMR market. A big focus is going to be in conversion and upgrading of EMR systems. Kalorama Information's EMR 2015: The Market for Electronic Medical Records contains detailed market estimates and forecasts for different segments of the industry. The report can be found at: http://www.kaloramainformation.com/redirect.asp?progid=88375&productid=8917410. About Kalorama Information Kalorama Information, a division of MarketResearch.com, supplies the latest in independent medical market research in diagnostics, biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare; as well as a full range of custom research services. Reports can be purchased through Kalorama's website and are also available on www.marketresearch.com and www.profound.com. We routinely assist the media with healthcare topics. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and our blog at www.kaloramainformation.com. Contact: Bruce Carlson (212) 807-2622 [email protected] www.KaloramaInformation.com Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140801/132634 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kalorama-between-flint-and-ransomware-good-and-bad-news-for-emr-300222967.html SOURCE Kalorama Information [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2016] Leader in Indian IT to make the sector's case in DC WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. investments, customer support, and other economic contributions by India's information technology (IT) sector are expanding jobs for Americans, says NASSCOM's Mr. R. Chandrashekhar, president of the 1,500-member IT industry association in India. He will make his first 2016 visit to Washington this week, Feb. 23-26, for related discussions with key members of Congress and staff leaders, senior Administration officials, and media representatives. Chandrashekhar will address the growing investments and operations of India-based IT companies in the U.S. and the value of services they provide to thousands of American businesses and other customers. He will also discuss the continuing need for high-skilled temporary visas in order to support U.S. customers and offset the chronic shortage of computer engineers, programmers, and other IT specialists in the U.S. especially in large cities and technology hubs such as the San Francisco Bay area, Seattle, New York, and Boston. A 2015 Harris survey sponsored by CareerBuilder found that, across industries and company sizes, more than 39% of 2,321 U.S. employers surveyed either hired or tried to hire foreign-born workers for specialized occupations in the past year. Extended job vacancies caused loss of revenue (34%), lower quality of work due to employees being overworked (36%), declines in customer servie (35%) and work simply not getting done (48%), according to the survey. Prior to becoming president of NASSCOM in January 2014, Chandrashekhar held a senior leadership position in India's Department of Communications and Information Technology. He also was the principal architect behind a triad of policies approved by the Government in 2012 to leverage Information and communication technologies for innovative solutions in education, health care, financial inclusion, e-governance, skill development, employment generation, and other applications. On several occasions, he led Indian delegations to Washington, DC, to discuss telecom reform, spectrum allocation, broadband policy, and other topics of mutual interest. Chandrashekhar has a M.S. degree in Computer Science from Penn State University as well as a M.Sc. degree in Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. For many years and now as NASSCOM's president, Chandrashekhar has been a strong advocate for facilitating greater investment in India by U.S. technology companies, intellectual property protection, strengthened cyber security, and a level playing field for India-U.S. commercial relations. Testifying to the U.S. International Trade Commission, he described how NASSCOM "has served as an influential agent of change, helping to open more doors for American companies to invest and do business in India." As a result, U.S. and other foreign businesses captured 84% of India's domestic market for IT hardware; 84% for software, and 63% in overall IT and business process outsourcing in recent years. NASSCOM and its member companies also are actively contributing to STEM education initiatives both in India and the U.S. to meet growing needs. According to Change the Equation, a Washington-based nonprofit led by American technology industry leaders, U.S. jobs in computing will grow 19 per cent compared to 11 per cent for all jobs between 2014 and 2024. The difference is even higher in some states such as Alabama, where computing-related jobs are expected to grow by 25 per cent compared to 12% for all other types of jobs. With more than 1,500 members, NASSCOM is one of the largest technology-focused trade associations in the world. In the 25 years since formation, NASSCOM has grown to represent many U.S. and other foreign-based companies who want to do business in India. The association also has launched three affiliated organizations: the National Institute for Smart Governance, the NASSCOM Foundation, and the Data Security Council of India. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leader-in-indian-it-to-make-the-sectors-case-in-dc-300223622.html SOURCE NASSCOM [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2016] Raytheon team to deliver next-generation jet trainer WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is offering an integrated, next-generation training solution for the U.S. Air Force's Advanced Pilot Training competition. Raytheon, one of the world's preeminent training and avionics companies, is the prime contractor, with principal partners Finmeccanica, CAE USA and Honeywell Aerospace. "The success of our nation's future pilots depends on a comprehensive trainer to prepare them to take full advantage of the capabilities unique to advanced 4th and 5th generation fighters," said Rick Yuse, president of Raytheon's Space and Airborne Systems. "Our affordable, low risk, open systems solution combines a proven aircraft with a suite of fully integrated training technologies. Our team is best positioned to bring the essential experience, capabilities and core competencies together to meet the United States Air Force's mission requirements." Nearly 45,000 pilots and crew have earned their wings on the training systems designed, developed and fielded by this Raytheon led-team. This solution combines the T-100, an advanced variant of the Aermacchi M-346, with a leading-edge Ground Based Training System. "The T-100 offers dynamic kinetic performance, while also delivering an embedded, tactical training system that immerses pilots in realistic mission scenarios," said Filippo Bagnato, managing director of Finmeccanica Aircraft Division. "The M-346, the basis for the T-100, is already operational and preparing pilots around the world for the challenges of today's complex fighter platforms." CAE USA designs and develops some of the world's most sophisticated, simulation-based training systems for lead-in fighter trainer aircraft. "Our system will prepare Air Force pilots to safely and efficiently fly the most advanced fighter aircraft," said Gene Colabatistto, group president Defense & Security, CAE. "Our integrated simulation technologies will play an inceasingly critical role in ensuring sophisticated, safe, cost-effective training for the United States Air Force." Honeywell Aerospace will provide twin, F124 turbofan engines to power the T-100 via the International Turbine Engine Company (ITEC) joint venture. With more than 800,000 operating hours across the entire F124/F125 turbofan engine family to date, the F124 delivers best-in-class thrust-to-weight ratio, proven reliability and enhanced efficiency. "Honeywell's F124 turbofan engine ensures training and light combat aircraft have the best power, easiest maintenance, flexibility and low life-cycle cost to support all types and roles of missions," said Carey Smith, president, Defense and Space, Honeywell Aerospace. "The F124 engine reduces pilot workload with new automation features that allow a pilot to focus on flying the aircraft for its mission." About Finmeccanica Finmeccanica is among the top ten global players in Aerospace, Defence and Security and Italy's main industrial company. As a single entity from January 2016, organized into business Divisions (Helicopters; Aircraft; Aero-structures; Airborne & Space Systems; Land & Naval Defence Electronics; Defence Systems; Security & Information Systems), Finmeccanica operates in the most competitive international markets by leveraging its areas of technology and product leadership. Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (FNC IM; SIFI.MI) at 31 December 2014, Finmeccanica recorded restated consolidated revenues of 12.8 billion Euros and has a significant industrial presence in Italy, the UK and the U.S. About CAE CAE is a global leader in the delivery of training for the defense and security, civil aviation, and health care markets. CAE designs and integrates the industry's most comprehensive training solutions, anchored by the knowledge and expertise of its 8,000 employees, with world-leading simulation technologies and a track record of service and technology innovation spanning seven decades. CAE's global presence is the broadest in the industry, with 160 sites and training locations in 35 countries, including joint venture operations, and the world's largest installed base of flight simulators. Each year, CAE trains more than 120,000 defense and civil crewmembers, as well as thousands of health care professionals. www.cae.com About Honeywell Aerospace Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft, and its turbochargers are used by nearly every automaker and truck manufacturer around the world. The Aerospace business unit develops innovative solutions for more fuel-efficient automobiles and airplanes, more direct and on-time flights, safer flying and runway traffic, along with aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity services, logistics and more. The business delivers safer, faster, and more efficient and comfortable transportation-related experiences worldwide. For more information, visit www.honeywell.com or @Honeywell_Aero and @Honeywell_Turbo. About Raytheon Raytheon Company, with 2015 sales of $23 billion and 61,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 94 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5ITM products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. Visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @Raytheon. Media Contact B.J. Boling +1.972.952.4761 [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160222/335672 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/raytheon-team-to-deliver-next-generation-jet-trainer-300223678.html SOURCE Raytheon Company [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2016] CB Technologies, Inc. Welcomes Gary Levins as Senior Enterprise Architect KIRKLAND, Wash., Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- CB Technologies, Inc. (cbtechinc.com), a woman-owned Solution Provider and Systems Integrator, proudly announced that Gary Levins has joined the company as Senior Enterprise Architect, High Performance Computing (HPC). Previously the Chief HPC Design Systems Integrator at The Boeing Company, Levins brings decades of experience and specialization in the High Performance Computing and Hyperscale arena. In this role, Levins will focus on delivering superior results for existing customers while developing innovative new solutions to expand CBT's impact in the HPC market. Kelly Ireland, CEO of CB Technologies, has been continually building their HPC practice for over 7 years. "The addition of someone of Gary's experience, knowledge and capability only adds to the already stellar team at CBT. Gary's knowledge will help to ensure that CBT maintains its leadership in the market, providing not only HPC cluster proficiency but also continued innovation in Software-Defined Storage for HPC as well as HPCaaS." "I am extremey excited to be a new member of the CBT team," says Levins. "After many years of watching CBT provide amazing customer support to myself and others at Boeing, CBT was my top choice as a growth opportunity beyond my retirement from Boeing. Kelly is definitely a forward-thinking leader in an innovative company. She is an outstanding person and member of the technology community. So, when it came time to leave Boeing, after 28 years, I knew there was no place for me other than CBT." Gary joined Boeing in 1988. He spent his first 15 years in the defense and space research labs doing physical model and analytical based data acquisition and analysis. He then moved to the Maui observatory as the appointed Information System Security Manager (ISSM), and finally came back to the main land to help build a centralized shared HPC service. Levins is also a veteran of both the Navy and the Airforce, serving as nuclear submarine Sonar Technician and a C-141 Loadmaster. His father was also at Boeing from 1950-1987, inspiring Levin's interest in technology from an early age at the Kennedy space center. About CB Technologies, Inc. CBT is an award-winning Solution Provider and Systems Integrator with team members in Southern California, Seattle, St. Louis, Detroit, Washington D.C. and Albuquerque. Founded in 2001, this woman-owned company's impressive resume includes over 15 years supporting, planning and integrating technology in support of the Department of Defense, State/Local/Education, Fortune 500 and smaller enterprise businesses. CBT is an HPE Platinum Partner that is perennially named to the CRN Solution Provider 500, Inc. magazine's 5000 Fastest Growing Companies and OCBJ's list of top companies. In addition, CBT was awarded the HP PartnerOne Award for Cloud Partner of the Year in 2015. Media Contact: Rhondi Lenaker Marketing & Events Manager CB Technologies, Inc. 714-573-7733 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160222/335907 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140609/116107 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cb-technologies-inc-welcomes-gary-levins-as-senior-enterprise-architect-300223939.html SOURCE CB Technologies, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 220216WISEMANS ADVICE By Tom KATHOA Alcohol consumption, drugs, smoking and other activities that destroy life should not be entertained by the young people. This is the advice from a young Would be priest, Floyd Gatana to the youths of Bougainville. Mr. Gatana is now preparing for his three years Theological studies in Rome, Europe after completing his other studies at Bomana Major Seminary College and in Suva, Fiji. He is strongly urging young Bougainvilleans to refrain from illegal activities and be positive with their lives. As the region marches towards the conduct of referendum, every young man and woman of Bougainville must be serious by contributing valuable ideas and tangible things to the region. He also asked the youths respect their Godly given talents, expose them and use them for their own good and that of the region as a whole. Gatana leaves for his three years study in Rome towards the end of this month. Ends You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Best VPN deals in October 2022 VPN Don't want to pay full price for a VPN? These VPN deals offer huge savings on all the very best providers all you need to do is pick which one! New PlayStation Plus release dates revealed here's when it's due While the new three-tier PS Plus is due to arrive in Asian markets in May, US users will have to wait until mid June, with Europeans the last to get the upgrade. BARCELONA Sony wants to forever banish blurry photos from your smartphone. The electronics giant's Xperia X, due out this summer for an undisclosed price, features intelligent autofocus tech that tries to predict where the subjects of your photo will move next. (Image credit: Sam Rutherford) Specifically, the camera on the Xperia X offers what Sony calls predictive hybrid autofocus. Train the camera on a body in motion say, your kids frolicking in the park and the Xperia X anticipates where they'll head next, keeping that object in focus for when you take the shot. To demonstrate the predictive autofocus feature at its Mobile World Congress Booth, Sony set up a table with motorized balls rolling around a table in unpredictable patterns. If I tapped on one of the balls on the Xperia X's screen, it would remain in focus as I followed its movements around the table. It's a canned demo, sure, but in the wild, it should translate to fewer shots you have to trash because your subject moved suddenly. (Image credit: Philip Michaels) That's not the only intelligent feature Sony is building into its Xperia X lineup. The phone will also feature Qnovo's adaptive charging technology, which continuously monitors battery health. Sony says that can double the lifespan of a battery, which means your phone will be able to retain its ability to hold a charge longer. Out of the box, Sony says the Xperia X will feature up to two days of battery life, thanks to the smart battery management features built into the phone.The Xperia X features a 5-inch 1080p display with a 23-megapixel camera on the back and a 13-MP camera up front. The X runs on a 64-bit Qualcomm 650 processor with 3GB of RAM and will either offer 32GB or 64GB of storage, depending on whether you opt for the model with a dual-SIM card slot. The phone runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow. (Image credit: Sam Rutherford) The Xperia X felt solid in my hand, if a little boxy when compared to the tapered, curved phones currently in fashion. I did like the X's assortment of colors black, silver, rose gold and especially rose lime which are accented with a striking metallic finish. The Xperia X isn't the only phone in this new lineup that Sony will roll out later this year. A high-spec version, the Xperia X Performance, and a mid-range model, the Xperia XA, will also offer feature autofocus and adaptive charging technologies. (Image credit: Sam Rutherford) The X Performance packs a beefier Snapdragon 820 processor. A Sony rep told me the phone will also be water- and dust-resistant. Its battery will be comparable to the 2,620 mAh pack powering the Xperia X, and camera specs will be the same between the two models. (Image credit: Sam Rutherford) The Xperia XA offers more modest specs (and presumably, a price tag to match once Sony unveils pricing later this year). The 5-inch phone offers a 720p display, though it spans from edge to edge. You'll find a 13-MP camera on the back and an 8-MP camera up front. Inside, a MediaTek Mt6755 Pro and 2GB of RAM power the XA, which will offer up to 16GB of storage. (Image credit: Sam Rutherford) When the phones do ship later this summer, you'll be able to use them with the Xperia Ear, an earpiece that Sony's also planning for a summer release. Dismiss this a Bluetooth headset at your own peril, Sony says, as the Ear features a proximity sensor that can detect when you put the device in your ear and greet you with weather information, upcoming appointments, and missed calls. Put the device in your ear as a call is coming in, and the Xperia Ear is smart enough to know you want to take that call over the earpiece. The Xperia Ear responds to voice commands, so you can tell it to send messages and make calls as you walk. (A sony rep told me the Xperia Ear interacts with seven different messaging apps, including Line and WhatsApp.) There's also a button on the side of the device that lets you toggle between functions with long and short presses. Pricing hasn't been set on the Ear. Sony was showing off different versions of the earpiece in the same colors as the Xperia X phones. At first glance, Qom appears to be the Vatican City of Shiites to the first-time visitor. There are countless mosques, and various sermons simultaneously echo from different pulpits. In the main street, leading to Lady Fatima Masuma Shrine -- one of the largest Shiite shrines in Iran -- it seemed as if clerics were holding a massive protest. Hundreds of clerics wearing black and white turbans paced the streets and sidewalks while carrying their laptops, books and files. When asked about the crowd, Al-Monitor's guide and translator explained that we were approaching the Shiite seminary -- the most prominent in the world, besides that in Najaf in Iraq. The guide, a seminary student himself, told Al-Monitor that this seminary hosts around 45,000 clerics, including students, teachers and senior clerics. At an office near the seminary, Al-Monitor met with a group of university lecturers who agreed to be interviewed on the condition that their full names, and the names of their universities, not be disclosed. Mohammad, a political science and international relations professor, was not really interested in Al-Monitor's questions about Shiism, religious authorities and traditions. Instead, as soon as the subject of Iran after the nuclear deal arose, he immediately said that his country "took too long to sign that deal. It could have done so 10 years ago at least. But former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad prevented this, which cost the country and pushed it to pay a useless price." His colleague, Mostafa, a professor of Islamic studies, told Al-Monitor, "Iran gained nothing from those strict policies. Instead, it suffered an economic blockade that made it regress for long years." He added, "When Iranians visit Turkey, they realize the vast difference in prosperity and development. Iran is currently trying to recover from the losses it suffered." Indeed, the burden appears heavy. Hassan, an economics professor, told Al-Monitor, "There are around 8 million unemployed people in Iran ... which means that 10% of the population has no source of income. This is not a negligible figure, especially as 65,000 of the unemployed hold doctorates in various disciplines." Hassan further explained, "People paid the price for an ideological stance and wrong political priorities. For years, we have been asking our officials to reach an understanding with Washington to solve the local and regional problems. We would tell them how unreasonable it is to support parties outside Iran with money and supplies, while some Iranian regions have not been reconstructed following the damage caused by the Iranian-Iraqi war in the 1980s." Hailing from the sweaty clubs of Sydney GG Magree has become a name synonymous with the citys music and nightlife scene, and with an onslaught of new music planned for 2016 its a name youll be hearing a lot more of in the coming months. Her undeniable love for hip hop, trap and house party genres combined with her talent as a DJ has already landed GG Magree industry notoriety and continual global gigs in Hong Kong, Bali, Jakarta, India, Thailand, Philippines, Australia. Shes also shared stages with Pharrell Williams, T-Pain, Azaelia Banks, Rudimental, Rita Ora, Wu Tang Clan and Naughty by Nature just to name a few. Today the talented DJ and producer is unveiling her fresh take of Vic Mensas Kanye featuring single U Mad and its nothing short of an absolute banger. Check it out below and get your week started properly. For more info on upcoming shows and releases visit GG Magrees Facebook page. Hiatus Kaiyote are one of Australias finest musical exports, flying the flag for our bustling (and very talented) neo-soul and R&B scene. Industry folk overseas have certainly taken notice, because the band recently attended their second Grammys ceremony. Hiatus Kaiyote nabbed their second Grammy nomination for their single Breathing Underwater, which scored a nod in the Best R&B Performance category, eventually losing out to The Weeknds soundtrack cut Earned It (Fifty Shades Of Grey). Despite not coming home with the gold, the band are still bent on world domination and have now shared a video, courtesy of Billboard, which takes fans behind the scenes of their latest exciting Grammys experience. We just got home from an hectic #grammyweek in LA, and we had the good fortune to spend several nights at the new #hollywoodpatch, a candy mansion in the sky, the band wrote on Facebook whilst sharing the video, which you can check out below. Melbournes beloved Public Bar has had a bit of a facelift or maybe a face down? Its hard to say. According to new owner Shane Hilton, the newly renamed Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar is probably the worst rock & roll bar in the world. However, he admits, considering that rock & roll is what we do its probably a good thing. And its a good thing The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar has opened in Melbourne, because Hiltons vision for the bar has everything to do with serving the local scene. I was running a little publication called Rock & Roll Magazine and I realised that I was going to make fuck all money doing that so I started thinking about what could fund my suicidal mission of actually printing a real magazine about local bands without going broke in a couple of months, he tells Tone Deaf. Then the Public Bar came on the market. I thought to myself, Self, maybe you could make a bit of cash for all those out of control printing costs by slinging piss in a live music venue? It just seemed a natural fit. So hopefully the people will start getting in here and we can get Rock & Roll Magazine going again to support all the awesome bands we have kicking around the sticky carpets of Australia. Hilton said his venue will be inspired by the small-town pubs he grew up in. But Im also a filthy punk rocker thats obsessed with all sorts of local music so its going to be a real fucking clash of cultures in here. For example weve started a fishing club called the Rock & Roll Anglers Club that will hold a meat and veg raffle every Friday and Saturday night. All the money we make from the raffles will go towards getting records pressed and released for local bands. Its just a part of giving back to the bands that keep venues like ours running. Fucked if I know if we will do any real fishing but we will fish for records. We just want to have a whole heap of very different and very good bands up on our stage and to give the kids just getting started a shot as well. But its just other little changes like making sure that we play a lot more local bands albums on a daily basis through the PA so the people coming here can listen to it and think, Fuck, I should pick that up from the record store or go to one of these guys gigs.' Theres a lot of good shit right here in our backyard. If the radio stations, that arent community radio, are going to ignore them then we should pull up our own socks and start playing them instead of just bitching about it. Best of all, Hiltons venue has a very late liquor license, which means you can turn your great night into an awesome morning. That makes us the Last Chance to have a good time without resorting to some yuppie meat market masquerading as a place to enjoy yourself, Hilton tells us. Were open until 7am on Friday and Saturday nights and the kitchen is serving souvlakis, golden syrup dumplings, and a whole heap of fried goodies until 3.30am in the morning so its probably your Last Chance to get a decent feed after midnight as well. [include_post id=464335] Then we open again at 9am for a breakfast that will be a little bit more satisfying than the one you get over at the Queen Vic Markets. Its just good hangover cure food with a whole of rock & roll music blasting through the speakers. We were going to run right through but we thought wed better clean the toilets before people came in to consume their breakfast. So theres that and all the fucking awesome bands that will be playing here earlier on in the evening. Asked about his ambitions for whats probably the worst rock & roll bar in the world in 2016, he told us, If we can help out local bands and the Australian independent music scene by being a supportive spoke on the wheel and not going broke while doing it I will be very happy. We just want to have a whole heap of very different and very good bands up on our stage and to give the kids just getting started a shot as well. If we can keep Rock & Roll Magazine going and growing I will be even more pleased. Thats pretty much what were all about. With any luck we will be able to pull it all off and have a good time doing it. For more information about The Last Chance and news on upcoming gigs and events, head on over to the venues official Facebook page. Photo by Daniel Oh Here's the word about scripture and self-defense according to this Johnson County preacher and themostly worshiped in the suburbs. Checkit: God and Guns: Leawood pastor takes on two dicey issues Earnings Tax Exemptions (Abatements) The push to renew the Kansas City earnings tax is kicking into high gear, and public presentations in favor of the tax abound.Here are some questions posed to supporters of the tax that have been heretofore unanswered. A reader recently reminded us that. Sadly, in KC, local media seems to support the company line.And so, here's a bit of insight into the costly local topic currently under consideration.Checkit:Our Group (Citizens for Responsible Government) has bee trying to justify the huge discrepancy between the amount of dollars individual working taxpayers pay into the Earnings Tax; $185,000,000 or 81% versus Businesses paying $43,000,000 or 19%.At the NAACP presentation on the Earnings Tax last week, the Mayor mentioned some business were allowed exemptions / abatements from paying the Earnings tax as an incentive for moving to Kansas City, MO. We believe the huge discrepancy in dollars paid, individuals vs. businesses, is due to the exemptions / abatements.To prove or dispel our theory, we would like to request a list of;1.) All businesses that have been given an exemption / abatement and whether the exemption / abatement extends to their employees, so neither the business nor employees pay the earnings tax.2.) All businesses that have been given exemptions / abatements but the employees are required to pay the earnings tax.3.) All business that pay the Earnings Tax only to have the tax refunded to them or the developer of the property, so these taxes never get to the general fund.4.) All business that pay the Earnings Tax along within their employees only to have the taxes refunded to them or a developer of the property, so these taxes never get to the general fund.Also, there is some confusion on whether the Earnings tax is paid on the Gross Revenue of a business or the Net Revenue. At the presentation the other night at the Southern Communities Coalition, the Councilman said Earnings taxes are paid on the Net Revenue of businesses. Several people in the audience stated they paid Earnings tax on the Gross Revenue of their business. Obviously confusion here that needs to be cleared up. If certain businesses pay on the net while others pay on the gross, how is that fair??############# "Ralph Ortiz (13 year Air Force Vet) had gone to the Kansas Department of Motor Vehicles to renew his license, and he registered to vote at the same time. Ortiz did not have documents that prove his citizenship, and no one asked him for any. Last fall, he received a letter saying his voter registration was in suspense because he had not shown proof of citizenship documents, a state requirement to register in Kansas. His name is off the rolls . . . On Thursday, the American Civil Liberties Union sued Kansas, saying that thousands of Kansas residents such as Ortiz are trapped in limbo because of the requirement that Kansas residents who register to vote have to show documents, such as a birth certificate or a passport, proving they are citizens." Smarter coverage over a local Kansas democracy debate now on its way to court in order to challenge the recent actions of SecState Krazy Kris Kobach who talks a great game but always has a way of losing these legal battles . . .Deets . . .Developing . . . KANSAS CITY HOMICIDE #17 PUTS THE LOCAL MURDER COUNT BACK AT FIVE-YEAR-HIGH LEVELS FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR!!! LIKE IT OR NOT, KANSAS CITY HOMICIDE SPIKE 2016 CONTINUES AFTER A 36% MURDER SPIKE LAST YEAR!!! The latest Kansas City urban core killing reminds us that murder numbers in this town continue upon a tragic rising trend.To wit . . .At this time in both 2015 & 2014, Kansas City counted only 9 homicides. 2013 marked only 15 murders at this point and 2012 hosted only 14.Accordingly . . .Police perspective contends that murder counts of around 150 in 1993 were much worse. Many believe those numbers were caused by a national drug and gang epidemic which authorities eventually contained.as the root cause for increased homicide in large municipalities as the root cause of a homicide uptick across the nation.No matter what the cause, bodies continue to drop on Kansas City streets with increasing frequency . . .Developing . . . TOP ECHELON KANSAS CITY INSIDERS TELL US THAT PENSION FEARS DOMINATE ECONOMIC TALK BEHIND THE SCENES!!! "Current labor negotiations are critical to meeting the five-year financial plan for wages and benefits. Any wage or benefit increases above the five-year financial plan assumptions will impact the Citys fund balance and financial flexibility in subsequent years. Escalating pressures on personnel services especially in public safety departments and long-term obligations ultimately affect virtually all services in the City not just those traditionally considered General Fund-supported." National Memo: Feds Ponder Shafting Retirees In Pension Crisis A recent, local gathering of Teamsters lamenting their pensions cut in half is just the beginning of the financial crisis confronting Kansas City.To wit . . .Locals attending public meetings might not have noticed it butcoming soon. Here's a hint of the financial disaster which awaits:Translation . . .Kansas City keeps stalling the new contract for fire fighters and the public isn't privy to talk about impending raises or the crushing pension debt that's breaking City Hall coffers.Think this doesn't matter to the average pleb on the streets?In even more bad news for public safety, the recent discussion about "local control" of the police revealed a deep desire from politicos to get their hands of law enforcement pensions in order to leverage City Hall's worsening financial situation.Meanwhile, the current Administration is still more focused on development and tourist attractions rather than guarding Kansas City benefits which are confronting greater risk.While anti-union critics might not feel sorry for the Teamsters or their pensions . . . Insiders tell us that the problems faced by these union workers are the "canary in the coal mine" which could signal greater economic threats to public safety than most locals realize.Developing . . . Trade between Greece and Russia fell by 33.7 pct to 2.8 billion US dollars in 2015, with Greek exports falling by 54 pct to 229.4 million dollars and Russian exports totaling 2.5 billion dollars, a decline of 31 pct The volume of trade between Greece and Russia fell by 33.7 pct to 2.8 billion US dollars in 2015, with Greek exports falling by 54 pct to 229.4 million dollars and Russian exports totaling 2.5 billion dollars, a decline of 31 pct, according to data released by the customs authority of the Russian Federation. Based on these figures, the Greek-Russian trade balance recorded a significant shortfall for the country and reflect the negative impact from the imposition of trade sanctions against Russia by the European Union and other countries and a dramatic devaluation of the Russian currency. Different methodology The Russian data on trade transactions are very different from Greek statistics because of the use of different methodology followed by the two authorities. The trade data showed that passenger vessels accounted for 14.3 pct of total Greek exports to Russia, followed by aluminium leaves and tapes (5.9 pct), sweets, jams (5.7 pct), unprocessed tobacco (5.6 pct), pharmaceuticals (5.3 pct) and lifts (5.0 pct). On the other hand, oils accounted for 65 pct of Russian exports to Greece, followed by confidential products (19 pct), aluminium (8.5 pct), wheat (1.4 pct). RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report The number of Greek citizens starting a business have risen significantly, while business closure rates are falling and export activity is growing stronger, the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE) said in its Entrepreneurship in Greece 2014-15 report released on Thursday. The report noted, however, that this increased need for business activity was more the result of necessity and lacked innovation, while small and family businesses dominated, evidence that entrepreneurship in Greece remained shallow. IOBE said an improvement recorded in certain business activity indexes could be fragile, as conditions deteriorated in 2015 because of uncertainty, protracted negotiations, the imposition of capital controls and an economic contraction. The survey showed that the percentage of population aged 18-64 currently at the early stages of business activity was 7.8 pct in 2014 from 5.2 pct in 2013, although it fell to 6.9 pct in 2015. Mobilized by opportunity Greek entrepreneurship mobilized by opportunity (30.5 pct), still very low compared with a 54.9 pct average innovative country rate, while the percentage of Greeks entering the business world because of necessity was 43.6 pct, sharply up from an innovative country average rate of 23.9 pct. Thus, Greece ranks at the bottom of an innovation list in the EU. The percentage of population that suspended its business activity in 2014 was 2.8 pct in 2014, down from 4.8 pct in 2013, while the percentage of businessmen focusing exclusively in domestic customers was 41.8 pct in 2014, from 43.1 pct in 2013. The percentage of businessmen saying that their customers believed their product/services were innovative was 37.4 pct, down from a long-term average rate of 49 pct. Greek records one of the highest rates in established entrepreneurship among innovative countries (12.8 pct in 2014, reflecting the dominance of small and family businesses. On employment, the survey said that the majority of established businessmen did not expect an increase in employment. A vast majority of established businessmen (94.6 pct) had an annual income less than 40,000 euros, only 4.1 pct had an income of around 40-60,000 euros. Up to 2009, a 80 pct of established businessmen reported an annual income of more than 60,000 euros. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras put an end to scenarios over Greece's exit from the Schengen zone. Addressing the Greek Parliament, he said that any provocation or attack against the country will not remain unanswered, and criticised the main opposition on the refugee issue and the economic policy. He also accused New Democracy of protecting fraudsters and underlined that all cases under investigation, such as the Siemens case, will reach to the end. EU human side On the refugee issue, he underlined that Greece reflects the EU human side, adding that the country is at the forefront, despite the difficulties and against the existing xenophobic and extreme ideas. Tsipras ascertained that scenarios over Greece's exit from the Schengen zone were dismissed in the recent EU summit. On the closure of borders, he said that unilateral actions will not be made acceptable. As far as the role of NATO is concerned, he explained that the Greece's sovereign rights are protected while ruling out the possibility of early elections. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Crete and Corfu are among the 10 best islands for vacation in Europe, according to Telegraph. The British newspaper describes them as follows: Crete "Megalonisos", the "Great Island", is the Greek moniker for Crete and indeed it is almost a country unto itself. The island is home to one of the longest beach-lounging seasons as well; north-coast beaches tend to be long and sandy if a bit exposed, while others are apt to be shorter but more secluded. For those of a non-beachy disposition, there's plenty of interest inland: exquisitely frescoed country chapels of the 14th and 15th centuries, ruined Minoan palaces and towns, plus top-drawer hiking and botanising opportunities. Corfu One of the greenest of the Greek islands - thanks to intermittent but torrential rains from September to May, and the thousands of olive trees that carpet the landscape. It is also, perhaps surprisingly, one of the more rural, sleepy islands away from the main touristy honeypots. The main holiday developments are quarantined on certain coastal patches, and once inland you really seem to be on another island, even another era. In remote glades, Corfiot villagers still celebrate summer-and-autumn panegyria (religious festivals-cum-fairs) with music and merchandise stalls - watch for posters (usually Greek only) plastered onto olive trees, and don't expect much action until after 8pm as a rule. The top-10 summer holiday islands in Europe list includes: 1. Sardenia 2. Sicily 3. Mallorca 4. Crete 5. Ibiza 6. Lanzarote 7. Corfu 8. Tenerife 9. Minorca 10. Malta Leading international real estate consultancy Cluttons has been appointed by Cebarco Bahrain as the property management and facilities manager for two of its residential towers in the kingdom. As per the deal, Cluttons will be handling all aspects of property and facilities management across both the developments - Cebarco Tower and Segaya Views. The two residential towers, which include 140 apartments, offer tenants modern spaces and high-end facilities in the Mahooz area of Bahrain, said a statement from Cluttons. Cebarco Tower is a luxury development with 110 apartments where occupiers can choose from one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with a selection enjoying sea views, while Segaya Views offers 30 spacious two-bedroom apartments. Both towers are fully furnished to a high standard and come with a number of facilities including allocated parking, 24-hour security, pool and deck area, gym, steam room and sauna. Cebarco Tower also has a jacuzzi and childrens play area. The rents at Cebarco Tower stand between BD650 to BD1,500 ($1,712 to $3951), while rents at Segaya Views start from BD675 ($1778). Harry Goodson-Wickes, the head of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, said: "At Cluttons, we continue to grow our capabilities in the property management sector and are excited to take on this role at Cebarco and Segaya Views towers." "We understand the needs of tenants and will bring a high level of knowledge and expertise to both developments," he stated. Deborah Sellers, the head of residential property management at Cluttons Bahrain, said: "We work closely with our clients, to ensure that their developments are being operated and maintained to the highest standards." "We look forward to working closely with the Cebarco Bahrain team and have already recorded strong interest for both schemes," she stated. Khalid A Rahim, the chairman of Cebarco Bahrain, said: "We strive to provide our tenants with an exceptional property management service, which is in line with their expectations at our luxury residential towers." "Cluttons is an obvious choice when it comes to property management and we are confident that our tenants will experience an excellent service" he added.-TradeArabia News Service While 65 per cent of businesses in the Gulf are forecasting revenue growth of five per cent or higher in 2016, a third of those are particularly bullish with forecasts of 15 per cent growth despite the drop in oil prices and global economic uncertainty, a report said. A further 30 per cent of businesses are expecting 2016 to look much like 2015 in terms of revenue with just five per cent of businesses forecasting a reduction of more than five per cent, according to the report released today (February 22) by Korn Ferry, the preeminent global people and organizational advisory firm. Harish Bhatia, Korn Ferry Hay Groups regional manager for productized services said: The GCC economies are experiencing some common global and regional forces impacting individual businesses across industries. However overall, we are still a growth focused region where all six countries are forecasting growth, albeit at a slower rate than in previous years due primarily to the price of oil. The current climate is prompting business leaders to focus on different priorities in 2016 with managing costs and improving profitability at the top of the list, said Bhatia. The report is based upon data gathered during Korn Ferry Hay Groups seventh annual Business Outlook Study which surveys the performance and sentiment of over 700 organizations across a variety of sectors in the GCC countries of UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. The year that was performance in 2015 Over 50 per cent of businesses surveyed achieved their targets in 2015 with a further 16 per cent exceeding their expectations for the year. Its impressive to see that two-thirds of businesses achieved, or exceeded their targets last year. The data demonstrates that although the oil price has severely impacted a few oil-related industries, the private sector economy in the Gulf region has had a relatively successful year, said Bhatia. Approximately 75 per cent of those surveyed, although only 66 per cent of those in oil and gas, paid annual bonuses to employees for 2015. However many organizations are now utilizing their variable limited bonus pool for the high performers selectively. The year ahead forecasts for 2016 Two-thirds of businesses are forecasting revenue growth in 2016 and a further 30 per cent are expecting to stay within five per cent (either above or below) their current revenue into 2016. Bhatia explained: Oil prices have been hit hard in 2015 and we arent expecting much recovery in the short- to medium-term. Economic growth rates have slowed down in response, however growth hasnt stopped altogether and aside from some specific oil related industries and the financial services sector, there are still fantastic growth opportunities in the GCC. Coupled with an increased focus on managing costs (28 per cent in 2016, nine per cent in 2015) and on improving profitability (22 per cent in 2016, 17 per cent in 2015), it is reasonable to expect that businesses forecasting growth will be able to achieve it - although perhaps more slowly than originally planned. Cost reduction initiatives can help businesses become more efficient, particularly after several years of constant growth so its good to see so many businesses focusing in this area, Bhatia added. The report indicates that one-third of businesses are planning to increase their total workforce in 2016. Contrary to recent market sentiment, 71 per cent are planning to increase salaries or allowances in the range of four to six per cent primarily for high performing staff. In some industries, such as FMCG, this as high as 90 per cent of the organisations. For the 15 per cent of businesses that are reducing their workforce, the support services will be the primary focus due primarily to the overriding focus on cost management and efficiency. A national perspective Governments in the GCC are also focused on managing costs with some reduction in spending and cancellation of subsidises. However, they are also maintaining active plans for economic growth and GDP growth forecasts range from 2.5 to 4.5 per cent a good sign for those in the private sector, said Bhatia. United Arab Emirates Almost one-third of UAE businesses did not achieve their targets in 2015; however, the outlook for 2016 is positive with just five per cent of businesses in the Emirates predicting a decrease. Despite some downsizing in 2015 especially in banking and financial services, just 14 per cent of businesses have indicated that they intend to decrease the size of their workforce in 2016. As the GCCs most diversified economy, and the least reliant on oil, the UAE is well placed to grow in 2016. Saudi Arabia Businesses in Saudi Arabia struggled the most in 2015 with 43 per cent failing to meet their revenue targets. Rising political tensions and security fears alongside falling oil prices and unstable local markets. However, the report shows that businesses are confident the worst is behind them 77 per cent of businesses are predicting revenue growth above five per cent. Qatar Qatar achieved good results in 2015 with 84 per cent of businesses either achieving, or exceeding their targets. Korn Ferry Hay Group expects a continuation of this success into 2016 as major infrastructure, health and education initiatives continue in the country. Kuwait Almost one-third of businesses in Kuwait failed to meet their targeted budget in 2015 with none reporting that they had exceeded their annual targets. However, the report indicates some return of confidence as 86 per cent of participating businesses expecting to grow by more than five per cent this year. Bahrain Bahrain performed in line with regional averages in 2015 and the data indicates that they will do the same in 2016 69 per cent of businesses expect to grow by more than five per cent. However, a higher proportion of businesses than the regional average expect to reduce their workforce in 2016. Oman Similarly to in Bahrain, businesses in Oman have performed in line with regional averages and are expected to do so again in 2016. In good news for employees in the Sultanate, fewer than average businesses are expecting to reduce their overall workforce (13 per cent) and many more are looking to hire new staff (33 per cent) in 2016, according to the Korn Ferry Hay Group report. TradeArabia News Service Iran negotiated with Russia at the weekend over buying an upgraded version of the S-300 surface-to-air missile defence system, which it requires to meet its military needs, a foreign ministry spokesman in Tehran was quoted as saying. Iran was blocked from obtaining the S-300 before it reached a deal with world powers last July on curbing its nuclear programme, with Russia having cancelled a contract to deliver an older version of the system in 2010 under pressure from the West. Russia now hopes to reap economic and trade benefits from the nuclear deal and the lifting of sanctions on Iran last month. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Tehran on Sunday. Commenting on the visit, ministry spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari told state news agency IRNA: "Iran is negotiating with Russia for providing its military needs... One of the main issues is buying the next-generation S-300 missile system." Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan was quoted as saying by the Fars agency on Feb. 10 that Iran would start taking delivery of the S-300 within two months. Iran has also shown interest in buying the more advanced S-400 system, though no negotiations were being conducted at the moment, Russia's RIA news agency reported last week. It was not clear if by "next generation" Ansari was referring to the S-400, which Russia says can hit missiles and aircraft up to 400 km (250 miles) away. Israel has expressed "dismay" at Russia's decision to lift the ban on supplying S-300 missiles to Iran, which does not recognise Israel as a nation and has said it will use all its power to destroy it. Ansari also said Shoigu met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday to convey "President (Vladimir) Putin's special message ...regarding bilateral relations and some regional issues." Reuters Al Bustan Rotana, Dubai has signed an agreement with the Dubai Municipality to be an active part of Heafz Al Naamah, a food donation initiative. The signing ceremony took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Chairman of Dubai Municipality, who lso attended the event. Also present were Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality and Hussein Hachem, cluster general manager of Al Bustan Rotana Dubai and Al Murooj Rotana Dubai amongst other esteemed guests. Heafz Al Naamah aims to collect excess food from hotels and distribute them in labour camps and other less fortunate residents of the city. Al Bustan Rotana Dubai has been an active part of this noble initiative for many years now, with excess food from weddings hosted in the hotel being donated for this cause. As part of the programme, the hotel adheres to strict quality standard procedures, from preparation to storage and logistics set by the Dubai Municipality to ensure the highest quality of the food being donated. The hotel has donated more than 30,000 individual servings of food in 2015. Commenting on this cause, Hussein Hachem, cluster general manage, said: Heafz Al Naamah is a highly significant Dubai Muncipality initiative we strongly support. Giving back to the community and contributing to society in every possible way we can is of great importance, and we look forward to increasing the food contribution of Al Bustan Rotana Dubai more than we have done last year. We are honoured to be part of this programme and we are proud to support again this year and the years to come. TradeArabia News Service Set to widen leadership position in China after recording expansive growth of 14 properties and over 2,500 units in 2015 Singapore, 22 February 2016 CapitaLands wholly owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), continues its aggressive expansion by forging a strategic alliance with Dongfu Investment Development Corporation a real estate subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Company (CSCEC), Chinas largest state-owned construction and infrastructure builder. Through this partnership, Ascott will have the first right to manage apartments currently under development as well as future projects to be built by Dongfu Investment. Both parties will draw on each others capabilities, resources, brands and sales network to expand in China. Dongfu Investments parent company, CSCEC, is ranked 37 amongst Fortunes global 500 companies with massive projects internationally from Singapore to United Arab Emirates and South America. Ascotts partnership with Dongfu Investment follows its recent alliances with fast-growing companies such as Alibabas online travel site Alitrip and Tujia.com International, Chinas largest online apartment sharing platform equivalent to Airbnb, as well as leading developers such as Vanke and Yuexiu. Mr Lee Chee Koon, Ascotts Chief Executive Officer, said: Ascott is delighted to be the first international serviced residence company to form a strategic alliance with Dongfu Investment. Ascott has forged strong alliances with industry leaders from land owners to property developers, construction firms, online platforms and tech companies. Our partners have chosen to collaborate with us due to Ascotts strong capabilities in managing award-winning serviced residences globally for the past over 30 years. These partnerships will allow Ascott to deepen our presence and build scale in key cities; expand our network to new gateway cities; broaden our reach to even more travellers as well as create new seamless O2O (Offline-to-Online and Online-to-Offline) experiences for our guests. Ascott and Dongfu Investment kicked off this alliance with a management contract for the 148-unit Citadines Guoxitai Xian which is slated to open in 2018. The addition of Citadines Guoxitai Xian has further reinforced Ascotts leadership position as the largest international serviced residence owner-operator in China, with more than 14,000 units in 24 cities. Mr Kevin Goh, Ascotts Managing Director for North Asia, said: China is Ascotts largest market with the most number of properties. We have recorded three consecutive years of expansive growth in the country with more than 2,000 units added year on year. In 2015, we secured over 2,500 units across 14 new properties in China. We are positive that demand for quality serviced residences will continue to grow in China, riding on the increasing domestic travel especially in the first and second tier cities. Mr Goh added: Through our alliance with Dongfu Investment, we will be looking at expanding in cities such as Shanghai and Jinan, tapping on our partners major commercial building projects across these cities. Our latest partnership with Dongfu Investment will widen Ascotts lead as we advance towards our target of 20,000 units in China by 2020. Citadines Guoxitai Xian is close to Xians Hi-Tech Industries Development Zone where 1,000 multinational corporations including 40 Fortune 500 companies such as Samsung, Micron, Infineon and NEC are based. The serviced residence is a 10-minute drive to the city centre. Part of a mixed-used development that also includes an office tower as well as retail outlets, Citadines Guoxitai Xian will offer guests a choice of studios to two-bedroom apartments as well as gymnasium, breakfast area, childrens playroom, launderette and yoga room. Following the recent opening of Ascott Central Wuxi, at least 10 properties are slated to be opened this year in various Chinese cities including Beijing, Chongqing, Shenyang, Tianjin and Xiamen. About The Ascott Limited The Ascott Limited is a Singapore company that has grown to be the world's largest international serviced residence owner-operator. It has over 26,000 operating serviced residence units in key cities of the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Gulf region, as well as over 17,000 units which are under development, making a total of more than 44,000 units in over 280 properties. The company operates three award-winning brands Ascott, Citadines and Somerset. Its portfolio spans 99 cities across 27 countries, 31 of which are new cities in Ascott's portfolio where its serviced residences are being developed. Ascott, a wholly owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Limited, pioneered Asia Pacific's first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984. In 2006, it established the world's first Pan-Asian serviced residence real estate investment trust, Ascott Residence Trust. Today, the company boasts over 30 years of industry track record and award-winning serviced residence brands that enjoy recognition worldwide. Ascotts achievements have been recognised internationally. Recent awards include World Travel Awards 2015 for Leading Serviced Apartment Brand and Leading Serviced Apartments in Belgium, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Thailand and Vietnam, Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards 2015 for Best Serviced Residence Brand, Business Traveller UK Awards 2015 for Best Serviced Apartment Company, Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2015 for 'Best Serviced Apartment Company', Business Traveller China Awards 2015 for Best Serviced Residence Brand and 'Best Serviced Residence', TTG China Travel Awards 2015 for Best Serviced Residence Operator in China and DestinAsian Readers Choice Awards 2016 for Best Serviced Residence Brand. About CapitaLand Limited CapitaLand is one of Asias largest real estate companies headquartered and listed in Singapore. The company leverages its significant asset base, design and development capabilities, active capital management strategies, extensive market network and operational capabilities to develop high-quality real estate products and services. Its diversified global real estate portfolio includes integrated developments, shopping malls, serviced residences, offices and homes. Its two core markets are Singapore and China, while Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam have been identified as new growth markets. The company also has one of the largest real estate fund management businesses with assets located in Asia. CapitaLands listed real estate investment trusts are CapitaLand Mall Trust, CapitaLand Commercial Trust, Ascott Residence Trust, CapitaLand Retail China Trust and CapitaLand Malaysia Mall Trust. ### Sukhmeet Bhasin Tribune News Service Bathinda, February 22 The police once again foiled a plan of AIE-EGS teachers to take out a protest march in the city in support of their long-pending demands. The police locked the gates of the Teachers Home where the teachers had gathered for a meeting. The protesting teachers were pacified only after senior government officials assured them that their meeting with the Deputy Commissioner was fixed for tomorrow. Veerpal Kaur, a protester, lashing out at the government, said teachers were getting meagre salaries, and that too were not released on time. She said they had not got their salaries for the last seven months. Earlier also, they had met officials of the district administration but to no avail as the issue had not been resolved till date. Activist Swarna Devi said over the demand of regularisation of jobs in the Education Department, they had held many meetings with Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal but the state government was shying away from taking any decision. She warned to intensify their protest if the state government did not regularise their jobs. State general secretary of the union, Jaskaran Singh Buttar, said ETT teachers who had completed their course from 2012-14 should also be included in the policy and should be made to join the school at the earliest. Union leaders also said that teachers recruited under various state and Central government schemes were being neglected by the government, were not being paid salaries as per the pay scales, made to work on contractual basis for many years, not being assigned proper duties and not being given them credit for the work they were doing in the schools. Tribune News Service New Delhi, February 21 Waving flags and banners, a large number of people, including ex-servicemen, BJP and RSS activists, today participated in a unity march taken out from Rajghat to Jantar Mantar against what they termed 'anti-national' activities at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Participants in the 'March for Unity' demonstrated against students of JNU who were allegedly involved in raising "anti-national" slogans and organising an event to commemorate 2002 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru who was hanged in 2013. They alleged that those who raised slogans had received foreign funding to "Balkanise the nation". "A handful of students were not responsible for what happened at JNU. There was foreign funding for the event," Major General Dhruv C. Katoch (Ret), one of the leaders of the event, said. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday evening, Major General Katoch said the rally has been organised by an "apolitical" group 'People for Nation'. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of RSS, has been actively promoting the event and has sent out invites to the media, which Major General Katoch played down claiming that the political parties "across the spectrum" have been invited to the event. "We are completely for unfettered freedom of speech but there should not be debate on a few things. We will match against anti-national slogans raised during the event at the JNU campus. We simply want to initiate a counter-narrative through this," he said. Air Marshal P. K. Roy (Ret) said "anti-national" slogans "demoralise" the soldiers guarding the country's frontiers. "A few unguided people resort to such activities. As elders, it is our responsibility to guide them," he said. 6,500 paramilitary staff, besides Army columns, deployed to assist the state govt to restore peace Tribune News Service Sonepat, February 22 Three persons were killed and nine others injured as the Army opened fire to control stone-pelting protesters who had blocked the National Highway-1 at Larsoli village between Murthal and Gannaur today. Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Rattan neither confirmed nor denied the number of deaths. The injured have been admitted to BPS Women Medical College Hospital at Khanpur Kalan. The mob is learnt to have attacked personnel of Army and paramilitary forces, leading to a clash in which there were some casualties, said an official. The protesters torched around 70 vehicles, including the vehicle of Gannaur SDM, 12 trucks and three private buses. The NH-1 was opened for traffic around 6.15 pm, giving relief to thousands of commuters who were stranded at various places. Sources said the security personnel had to again use force to remove the protesters who had blocked the GT Road near Hasanpur, Kumaspur and Beeswan Meel villages. One youth was reportedly injured in the incident. There was tension in the entire area, but efforts were being made to bring the situation under control, he said. The latest incident came within hours after two columns of the Army comprising around 150 personnel, besides CRPF and Haryana Police contingents took control of the Munak canal at around 4 AM today from protesters had cut off the water supply to Delhi, from Akbarpur-Barota in Sonepat. Sonepat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Bhiwani and Hisar have been the worst-hit districts of the ongoing Jat stir. The protesters continued to block some roads including the arterial Delhi-Ambala highway, demanding a written assurance that the community will be given reservation in the state. Meanwhile, one more casualty was reported at Safidon in Jind district late on Sunday. The deceased has been identified as Naveen Kumar, a resident of Safidon town. He had received major injuries in the clashes with security forces in the evening. Chandigarh/Delhi, February 21 With prices for the one-hour Chandigarh-Delhi flight going beyond Rs 20,000, the civil aviation ministry on Sunday asked different airlines to operate more flights to Chandigarh, Amritsar and other destinations in northern states as thousands of people were stranded at various places with roads and railway tracks being blocked by violent Jat protesters. The fare for Chandigarh-Delhi, which normally varies between Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000, was being quoted between Rs 20,000-Rs 60,000 by various airlines for direct and one-stop flights via other cities. The additional flights are: 1. Air India (21.2.16): Delhi-Chandigarh-Amritsar-Delhi flight Departure timings: Delhi (1730 hrs) Chandigarh (1910 hrs) Amritsar (2035 hrs) 2. SpiceJet (21.2.16): (A) Delhi-Jaipur-Delhi flight Departure timings: Delhi (1755) Jaipur (1915) (B) Delhi-Amritsar-Delhi flight Departure timings: Delhi (1740) Amritsar (1910) (C) Delhi-Chandigarh-Delhi flight Departure timings: Delhi (2035) Chandigarh (2200) 3. Jet (21.2.16): Delhi-Amritsar-Delhi flight Departure timings: Delhi (1325) Amritsar (1525) 4. Indigo (22.2.16): (A) Delhi-Chandigarh flight Departure time: Delhi (2125) (B) Delhi-Jaipur-Delhi flight Departure time: Delhi (2140) The above-said Air India, Spice Jet and Jet flights are for today (February 21), while the Indigo flights are for tomorrow (February 22). Meanwhile, a defence spokesperson said the Indian Air Force has opened the Satwari Airport in Jammu for civil aircraft at night to provide connectivity to people stranded due to violence and tension in Haryana. Railway tracks, roads blocked The Jat community's agitation in Haryana has led to obstruction of railway tracks and arterial roads. The agitators have blocked the national highway between Delhi and Chandigarh at Jhajjar, Panipat and Sonipat. They also blocked Panchkula -Shimla highway. Trains and buses to and from Delhi and other places have been cancelled. Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal urged Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajjapathi Raju to start additional flights from Delhi to Chandigarh and Amritsar. During a telephonic conversation with the Union Civil Aviation Minister, the Chief Minister urged him to immediately start flights from national capital to Amritsar and Chandigarh to provide connectivity to the people of the state who were completely cut off from other parts of the country especially Delhi due to widespread violence and disturbances in Haryana following the issue of Jat reservation. Badal said a huge section of the society, especially the students, had been adversely affected, who have to appear in several entrance tests for either seeking jobs or admissions in various educational institutions across the country. Most of such examination centres were only located in Delhi, the CM added. North-Western Raliway cancels 103 trains The North Western Railway announced cancellation of 103 trains and diverted 22 others on February 22 and 23 in view of the Jat agitation. The passengers are advised to check their train schedule, its CPRO Tarun Jain said. The trains between Ajmer-Kishanganj, Ajmer-Jammu, Ajmer-New Delhi, Ajmer-Hardwar, Udaipur-Delhi, Jaipur-Delhi double decker, Jaipur-Chandigarh, Jodhpur-Delhi Mandore Express, Jaislamer-Delhi, Sriganganagar-Delhi, Bhiwani-Panipat, Delhi-Bhatinda, Bikaner-Delhi, Lalgarh-Tinsukhiya, Howarah-Jaisalmer, Hisar Gorakhpur, Srigangangar-Ferozepur and Rohtak-Bhiwani trains were among cancelled (to and fro) on February 22 and 23, he said. Twenty-two other trains will be diverted due to the agitation. TNS/Agencies Chandigarh, February 22 Violence continued unabated in Haryana today with stone-pelting mobs attacking security personnel trying to clear a road blockade in Sonepat, triggering a clash in which three civilians were killed, raising the death toll to 19 in the nine-day Jat reservation stir. Besides the clash in Sonepat which also left nine people injured, fresh incidents of arson and violence erupted in several districts, including Rohtak, Kaithal and Hisar. In the evening, Home Minister Rajnath Singh briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation arising out of the Jat agitation and violence in Haryana. Sonepat Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Rattan said personnel of Army, paramilitary forces and the police who were trying to clear a road blockade in the district were attacked by the mob which pelted stones on them and also used lathis. Some security personnel were also injured. A police spokesman in Sonepat said the three killed in the clash were identified as Sunny (of Gandhi Nagar), Rajesh (Samli), both of the Ganaur area and Sandeep (Phansi, Sonepat). Following fresh incidents of arson and violence, curfew was re-imposed in five villages of Hansi sub-division, Hisar city limits and Kaithal. As protesters continued to block some roads including the Delhi-Ambala Highway, the Centre directed security forces to use force to clear blockades. Delhi road in Rohtak remained blocked with the protesters refusing to move, insisting on a copy of the government notification regarding reservation of the Jat community. Protesters, however, lifted a road blockade from National Highway No 10 at Sampla village in Rohtak. The All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti decided to lift protest dharnas on various national and state highways in the state. A meeting of the samiti was held this afternoon, its spokesperson Ram Bhagat Malik said. The dharna at Mayyar village near here on the Delhi-Hisar railway track would continue. The meeting presided over by Samiti chief Yashpal Malik also demanded registration of a case against BJP MP from Kurukshetra Raj Kumar Saini "as he is responsible for the incidents of arson and violence". READ: Haryana Cabinet to bring Jat quota Bill in coming session The Haryana Cabinet has decided to introduce a bill on the Jat reservation in the coming session of the state Assembly. "A bill will be brought in the coming session of Haryana assembly," state's Education and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ram Bilas Sharma told reporters after a cabinet meet. The meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar took stock of the prevailing situation in the state due to the ongoing Jat stir. Sharma said the date of the Assembly session was yet to be decided. He made a reference to the recent all-party meeting, which had been called by Khattar in the wake of the Jat stir. "In the all-party meeting, the chief minister had told Congress and INLD members that the two parties should sit together and come out with a draft (on the reservation issue)," said Sharma. Asked that the financial loss due to the ongoing agitation that had been pegged at Rs 20,000 crore, Sharma said the state government has sounded the Centre about it. "Exact figure can be arrived only once different departments will make full assessment about the damage, which will take some time," he said. Water supply to Delhi likely to be restored by tomorrow Water supply to Delhi from Haryana is expected to be fully restored tomorrow after security forces took over control of the Munak canal and evicted all the Jat protesters from that place. Top government sources said 35 per cent of the canal, located at 100 km from Delhi in Sonepat of Haryana, has been operationalised today as protesters had damaged the supply line thereby disrupting normal flow of water. "Repairing work is going on and we hope that by tomorrow it will fully be operationalised with its maximum capacity," a source said. Agriculture Minister OP Dhankar tweeted that families of innocent deceased of the Jat agitation will get Rs 10 lakh compensation and government jobs. Yielding to pressure from agitating Jats, the BJP last night announced setting up of a five-member committee under a senior Central minister to examine the quota demand for the community in government jobs. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said that a committee headed by Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu has been formed to look into the demand for reservation in Central government jobs for Jats. TNS/Agencies London: Swedish communication technology giant Ericsson, French telecommunications company Orange and US technology giant Intel have successfully conducted the world's first extended coverage trial for Internet of Things (IoT) using EC-GSM-IoT (Extended Coverage-GSM-IoT) technology in Paris. IoT is a futuristic system where one can control almost everything - from TV to refrigerator, from air-cooling to coffee machine - with smartphone. Cellular networks optimised for IoT will be operational in 2017. IANS Amar Singh is Kuala Lumpur police chief Kuala Lumpur: A Sikh officer has been appointed Kuala Lumpur's commissioner of police the highest police rank achieved by a Sikh in Malaysia. Amar Singh held the position of deputy director of CID when his new appointment was announced last week. His father Ishar Singh joined the Federated Malay States Police in 1939, a year after coming to Malaya from Punjab. IANS India set to seal major Bdesh power deal New Delhi: A state-run Indian firm is poised to seal a contract to build a $1.6 billion power plant in Bangladesh, beating out a Chinese competitor. India believes Bangladesh is a part of a "String of Pearls" China is building across the Indian Ocean that stretches from Gwadar port in Pakistan to Djibouti on the African coast, where it is building a naval base. After years of negotiations, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) will sign a contract to build a 1,320-MW thermal power station in Khulna in southern Bangladesh on February 28. Reuters One in 5 British girls sexually harassed London: At least one in five British women experienced unwanted sexual contact while they were in school, a children's charity reported on Monday, and of that number, nearly half said the abuse was frequent. After surveying more than 2,000 women in Britain, Plan UK found that 22 per cent had experienced sexual touching, groping, flashing or rape during their school years. Around 60 per cent who said they were sexually harassed as a child have never reported the incident. Reuters New Delhi, February 22 Signs that Budget Session will make for as stormy a session as the previous two times that Parliament met emerged on Monday when Opposition accused the Central Government of setting an agenda for disruption at an all-party meeting. The Opposition called the meeting called by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu a formality, accusing the Modi government of not acting against leaders making provocative statements. The first showdown between the ruling and the opposition benches is expected in Rajya Sabha on February 24, the first working day of the session when the JNU issue could come up for discussion. The opposition looks set to corner the government, but the BJP feels it stands to gain by turning the debate into one between "patriots and anti-nationals," as a party leader said. The principal Opposition the Congress has already indicated that it would not make the governments job easy: Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge have said opposition will allow "on merit" the passage of only those Bills on which there is general consensus in the first half of the session. "Contentious bills should not be brought. Bring only those Bills on which there is a general agreement. Bills like GST will not come in the first half of the session," Kharge said. He however evaded a direct reply when asked the party was willing to allow the Bills to be passed in the second half, saying only: A view will be taken. The meeting saw a number of Opposition and BJP leaders demand an early debate simmering JNU row. CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury called the meeting a formality and said the central Government should earmark time to discuss all their issues. "If the government does not earmark time for these, there will be disruptions." He even said he saw similarities between current situation in the country and one that led to rise of Fascism in Germany. "The government is setting the agenda for Parliament's disruption even before its session has begun. We have seen this agenda of BJP for last three-four sessions. The government creates a situation in the country that is responsible for disruption," he said. However Naidu called the meeting very positive and said parties had all agreed tat Parliament should function. Naidu also said several regional parties felt they could not their issues due to repeated disruptions in Parliament. "Smaller parties had a complaint that they are not being able to raise their issues due to disruption. Government is ready to discuss all issues including the JNU and the Dalit scholar suicide in Hyderabad University." The Budget Session begins on Tuesday. Issues such the ongoing row at Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in which a student leader has been arrested, a Dalit students suicide in Hyderabad on January 17 in which two Union Ministers have been accused of being involved, and a predawn terror strike on an Air Force base in Pathankot on January 2 are likely to make the session stormy. The Budget Session will be crucial if the Central Government wants to stick to its original deadline of rolling out goods and services tax on April 1, 2016. However, the Central Government will Oppositions support to push through the legislation in the Rajya Sabha, where it lacks numbers. The Bill touted to be a major tax reform has so far eluded passage: principal opposition Congress opposes the Bill unless the government made a key concession putting a constitutional cap on the tax on 18 per cent. The Central Government has so far refused to budge. The government also intends to push through its labour reforms in the session. Agencies GS Paul Tribune News Service Attari, February 22 Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore today crossed the Wagah border into India, a day after the Pakistan immigration authorities stopped her for not having a police report of her stay in Lahore. The Indian celebrity had gone there to attend the Lahore Literary Festival and was expected to return home last evening. When she reached Wagah, immigration officials told her that she could not go back to India as a police report was missing from her travel documents. Although the Pakistan Punjab government had extended her protocol after her meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the Pakistan Federal Investigation Agency did not allow her to return to her home country in the absence of a police report. A protocol official accompanying Sharmila contacted the police station concerned and arranged the report in two hours through fax. However, by the time the matter was resolved, she changed her mind and decided to leave for India on Monday. Dhaka, February 21 In the latest attack on religious minorities in Bangladesh, a Hindu head priest was today hacked to death by suspected armed Islamists at a temple in an area bordering India. Two devotees were also injured. In a predawn attack, motorbike-borne unidentified assailants hurled stones at the house of 50-year-old Jajneswar Roy on the premises of the Santagourhiyo Temple in northern Panchagarh districts Debiganj Upazila. They (assailants) first hurled stones at the temple prompting him (Roy) to step out. The assailants then attacked him and slit his throat, a devotee said. Panchagarh police chief Giasuddin Ahmed, citing local people, said the head priest was preparing for the morning prayers when the attack took place. The assailants injured two devotees as they fled the scene firing gunshots and hurling crude bombs to avoid being chased. The injured included a neighbour who rushed to the spot to save the priest but was shot at, Ahmed said. At least nine persons, including two foreigners, have been killed in the past five months in systematic attacks on minorities and foreigners in the country. PTI PM David Cameron has said a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU will be held on June 23. Lets understand the key details of how the vote will work: Who can vote? Like with a parliamentary election, British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens aged over 18 who live in Britain, and British nationals who have lived overseas for less than 15 years will be allowed to vote in the EU referendum. In addition, members of parliament's upper house and citizens of Gibraltar who are eligible to vote in European Parliamentary elections will also be able to vote. Citizens of EU countries living in Britain, other than those from Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, will not get a say. What is the question? The question on the ballot paper will be: "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?" Voters will then choose one of two answers: "Remain a member of the European Union" or "Leave the European Union". How long will the campaign last? The EU referendum law requires a campaign period of at least 10 weeks before the vote takes place. Before that official campaign period can begin, legislation will need to pass through parliament setting out the details of the vote, including the date. The government expects that process to take about 6 weeks. How will the government campaign? Cameron has said he would campaign with all his heart and soul to persuade Britons to vote to remain in the EU. While the official government position is to back staying in, six of Cameron's team of top ministers have said they will rebel and campaign to leave the bloc. The government will be subject to a period of 'purdah', barring it from publishing anything in the 28 days before the referendum that could influence the outcome of the vote. What happens on the day? Polls will be open from 0700 GMT to 2200 GMT. Counting will begin as soon as polls close and will carry on overnight. There will be 12 centres across Britain where counts are collated, and the final result will be declared in Manchester . Reuters Dhaka, February 22 The Islamic State today claimed the brutal killing of a head priest in Bangladesh at a Hindu temple in an area bordering India, the first attack by the dreaded terror group targeting the community amid a series of similar assaults on religious minorities. US-based private SITE Intelligence Group published the IS statement in Arabic after the execution-style killing of 50-year-old Jagneshwar Roy at Sonapota village yesterday in a pre-dawn attack in northern Panchagarh district's Debiganj Upazila, some 494 km from here, that also injured two Hindu devotees. In a security operation, soldiers of the Caliphate liquidated the priest, the founder and head of the Deviganj temple that belongs to the Hindus, read the English translation of the IS statement. It added: "One of his companions was hurt after being targeted with light weapons in the area of Panchagar in Northern Bangladesh, and the Mujahideen returned to their positions unharmed." The SITE Intelligence Group said the ISIS claimed responsibility for killing Roy in a communique posted by the IS-linked Amaq News Agency on Twitter. Motorbike-borne assailants, said to be over three in number, pelted stones at the house of Roy in the premises of the Santagourhiyo Temple which prompted him to come out following which the killers pounced on him and slit his throat, according to a devotee in the neighbourhood. Roy, who founded the temple in 1998 and served as its principal and chief priest since then, was preparing for the morning prayers, when stones were hurled at the temple. A blood-stained cleaver was recovered from the spot, authorities said, adding that the motive for the killing was not clear. His murder is the first attack on a Hindu priest and the fifth assault on minority religious communities including Shia Muslims and liberal Sufi preachers in the past six months by suspected Islamists. PTI Dhaka, February 22 The Islamic State has claimed the gruesome killing of a Hindu head priest in Bangladesh using guns and cleavers at a temple in an area bordering India, the first attack by the dreaded group against a Hindu in a series of similar assaults on religious minorities. US-based private SITE Intelligence Group published the report after the execution-style killing of 50-year-old Jagneshwar Roy at Sonapota village on Monday in a predawn attack in northern Panchagarh district's Debiganj Upazila that also injured two devotees. The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors online jihad activity, said the Islamic Sate claimed responsibility for killing Roy in a communique posted by the IS-linked Amaq News Agency on Twitter. The claim could not be independently verified. Some people riding motorcycles pelted stones at the house of Roy in the premises of the Santagourhiyo Temple, prompting him to come out. They jumped on him and slit his throat, a devotee in the neighbourhood said. Roy founded the temple in 1998 and served as its principal and chief priest since then. His murder is the first attack on a Hindu priest and the fifth attack on minority religious communities including Shia Muslims and liberal Sufi preachers in the past six months by suspected Islamists. However, a senior police officer overseeing the investigation questioned the authenticity of the ISIS claim and said the initial investigation found that the banned Jamaatul Mujahideeen Bangladesh (JMB) and fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami could be linked to the murder. "In the past several cases of such clandestine murders, we heard about the IS involvement, but our investigations found those claims to be unfounded... rather locally brewed militant or Islamist groups were found to be directly involved in the killings," the officer told PTI requesting anonymity. Panchagargh's police chief Giasuddin Ahmed also said Islamic States claim appeared fake. Officer-in-charge of Debiganj police station in Panchagargh Babul Akhtar told reporters that in an overnight raid, police arrested two suspected JMB operatives and an activist of Jamaat's student wing suspecting their links to the murder. The SITE had earlier reported that Islamic State claimed responsibility for the murder of Japanese national Kunio Hoshi at Rangpur, the attack on a Shia mosque in Bogra and another on a Shia procession in Dhaka. But law-enforcing agencies and the government had dismissed the claim, saying the radical group had no presence in Bangladesh. PTI Islamabad, February 20 Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was told to brief the Parliament about investigations into the attack on an Air Force base in Pathankot on Saturday. "India is leveling baseless allegations on Pakistan over Pathankot terror attack and the Prime Minister must bring real facts before the nation," Pakistan People's Party lawmaker Syed Khursheed Shah, who is also the leader of opposition in National Assembly, told reporters. This is the first time that the opposition has sought briefing over the January 2 attack on an Indian air force base in Pathankot and the probe by Pakistani authorities. Shah said the prime minister should take Parliament into confidence about progress made in the investigations. PTI Pape Kenworth was awarded the 2015 Kenworth Dealer of the Year Award at the awards banquet. Photo: Kenworth Pape Kenworth received the 2015 Kenworth Dealer of the Year Award for the U.S. and Canada at the Kenworth Dealer Meeting held recently in San, Diego, Calif. Pape Kenworth has been a well-recognized dealer for the past nine years, receiving four Kenworth Gold awards and five Silver Awards in that period. The Eugene, Ore.-based dealer operates several locations in Central California, Oregon, and Washington. Pape also won the award for Kenworth Paccar MX Engine Dealer of the Year selling more than 800 trucks in last year that were equipped with the Paccar MX-13 engine. The dealership was also recognized for its customer service and knowledgeable Paccar MX Technician staff. Pape Kenworth had truly outstanding performance in 2015 with strong market share in heavy and medium duty trucks; excellent Kenworth T680, T880 and Paccar MX-13 engine sales; and the highest dealer excellence score in the strong Kenworth dealer network, said Preston Feight, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice president. At the Dealer Meeting, Kenworth also handed out other dealer awards for Medium Duty Dealer of the Year, Parts and Service Dealer of the Year, TRP Dealer of the Year and various Gold and Silver Awards winners. MHC Kenworth-Kansas City was named the Kenworth Medium-Duty Dealer of the Year for third time in a decade. The dealer expanded its medium-duty retail sales by nearly 80% and surpassed its 2015 sales goal by more than double. Inland Kenworth was the Kenworths Parts and Service Dealer of the Year. The dealer ranked near the top of all three key categories including facilities and parts operations, high assistance level to customers referred by the Kenworth Customer Center, parts sales and customer satisfaction scores. Truckworx Kenworth was named the TRP Dealer of the Year for growing it sales of TRP all-makes parts by 20% in 2015. The TRP dealer award recognizes the dealer that provides the best support for TRP parts and service among all Kenworth dealers. Kenworth has more than 360 dealer locations in the United States and Canada. FRANKLIN, Tenn. Republicans Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz battled to emerge as the true anti-Trump on Sunday as the billionaire businessman took an ever-so-brief break from his trademark braggadocio to say his drive for the GOP nomination isn't unstoppable yet. Fresh off a commanding victory in South Carolina, Donald Trump declined to say the nomination was his to lose. But he quickly went on to declare, "I'm really on my way." Soon enough, in a television interview, he was toting up electoral math all the way through Election Day and concluding, "I'm going to win." The candidates' diverging flight plans demonstrated how the campaign spreads out and speeds up now. Nevada's GOP caucuses are Tuesday, and then a dozen states vote in the March 1 Super Tuesday bonanza. Trump was in Georgia exulting over his latest victory, Cruz headed for Nevada, and Rubio embarked on a Tennessee-Arkansas-Nevada trifecta. On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton savored her weekend win in the Nevada caucuses as Bernie Sanders acknowledged that while his insurgent campaign has made strides, "at the end of the day ... you need delegates." He looked past Saturday's Democratic primary in South Carolina to list Colorado, Minnesota, Massachusetts and Oklahoma as places where he has a "good shot" to do well. Rubio and Cruz used the Sunday morning news shows to spin rosy-road-forward scenarios after complete but unofficial returns in South Carolina put Trump way up top, with Rubio squeaking past Cruz for second. But with roughly 70 percent of Republicans in national polls declining to back Trump, Cruz and Rubio tried to cast themselves as the one candidate around whom what Rubio calls the "alternative-to-Donald-Trump vote" can coalesce. Rubio also took an aggressive run at Trump, faulting him for a lack of specifics on policy. "If you're running for president of the United States, you can't just tell people you're going to make America great again," he said on CBS' "Face the Nation." At a later rally in Franklin, Tennessee, a Nashville suburb, Rubio took note of the smaller GOP field after Jeb Bush's departure from the race, and celebrated his biggest crowd of the campaign, estimated at more than 3,000 people. Rubio avoided criticizing his GOP rivals, instead highlighting his efforts to help middle-class families. Cruz, for his part, stressed his conservative bona fides and said he was the lone "strong conservative in this race who can win. We see conservatives continuing to unite behind our campaign," he told NBC's "Meet the Press." With Bush gone from the race, Rubio was hoping to pick off past donors to the Bush campaign and looking to benefit as well from a cessation in the millions of dollars in negative ads run by the Bush campaign and its allies. Rubio also suggested it was only a matter of time before John Kasich and Ben Carson folded as well. He hinted it would be better to get that winnowing over with, saying, "the sooner we can coalesce, the better we're going to be as a party in general." Not so fast, Kasich countered. "We're getting big crowds everywhere we go," the Ohio governor insisted, listing Vermont, Massachusetts and Virginia as places he can shine. Cruz tried to brush right past his apparent third-place finish in South Carolina and instead hark back to his victory over Trump in leadoff Iowa. "It is becoming clearer and clearer that we are the one campaign who can beat Donald Trump," Cruz told reporters before a campaign stop in rural Nevada. The Texas senator said his path to victory calls for a strong showing on Super Tuesday, and that Texas was "clearly the crown jewel" of that day. Rubio, a Florida senator, highlighted the big delegate take available in the five-state round of voting on March 15, which includes his home state. He noted that round offers victors a "winner-take-all" share of delegates rather a proportional share. Cruz scoffed at Rubio's strategy, saying: "They're trying to wait until March 15 to win a state." Trump suddenly had nice things to say about Bush, the candidate he had hammered so relentlessly when they were rivals. As for Rubio, Trump told "Fox News Sunday" that "I start off liking everybody. Then, all of a sudden, they become mortal enemies." At a rowdy Atlanta rally, Trump crowed over his big South Carolina win, saying "we're just doing one after another." Spitting out the superlatives, he called his sweep of all 50 delegates there "amazing," ''beautiful," ''conclusive" and "very, very decisive." Clinton was happy with her Nevada win but acknowledged she has work to do in persuading voters that she has their best interests at heart. "I think there's an underlying question that maybe is really in the back of people's minds and that is, you know, is she in it for us or is she in it for herself?" Clinton said on CNN. "I think that is a question that people are trying to sort through." Working to increase his support among black voters, Sanders visited a Baptist church luncheon following services in West Columbia, South Carolina, and talked up the country's economic recovery under President Barack Obama. With school districts being hit with one budget cut after another, many are going to be on the lookout for alternate funding sources for various projects. Tulsa Public Schools recently approved three consulting contracts worth about $1.2 million during a year where the district already had to cut $2.1 million from its budget. But the money for those contracts is coming from donors and will be filtered through the Foundation for Tulsa Schools. School foundation officials say their role becomes even more critical during tough economic times. Lucky Lamons, whose last day as president and CEO of the foundation was Friday, said the foundation has been transitioning to a different model over the past few years. For years, weve been raising funds for things we thought were important, Lamons said. Lamons said now, rather than throwing a big net out asking for funding, the foundation works closely with the superintendents office and uses a more targeted approach to raise funds for what district officials feel are the highest priorities. And we are even going to go more in that direction starting in July, Lamons said. A new Grantmakers initiative will allow the foundation to work with the district and with other nonprofits in towns that support education to come up with certain priorities for which they can make targeted requests together. Lamons said the initiative is a way to try to minimize the competition for dollars between the organizations. We also feel this is a better model when there is a time of economic downturn, he said. The foundations goal for this year is $3.2 million, and Lamons said the foundation has reached about 73 percent of the goal so far. In addition to grant requests, the foundation also sometimes receives money from donors who want the funds to go toward a certain project such as the money that will come from the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation to fund the Boston Consulting Group contract this year. Among the priorities for the foundation this year was supporting the new Student and Family Supports office, as well as supporting STEM programming. Lamons said the foundations board is constantly looking for better ways to support the district. Elizabeth Inbody, executive director of the Jenks Public Schools Foundation, said her foundation is also looking at ways to expand its role with the district. We bridge the gap between state resources and district need, Inbody said. Unfortunately, that gap is getting bigger every single day. Inbody said they, too, work closely with the administration to identify areas that need funding. Historically, its been programming, she said. The foundation is also in the middle of a large, $1.5 million multi-year campaign to fund the installation of a STEM lab at every site. But this year, the foundation is about to launch a new campaign called the Bridge the Gap campaign to try to also help the district with instructional costs. Inbody said the new campaign was not part of their initial plan for the year, but the budget cuts have made them feel the necessity. And Inbody said the climate seems right for Jenks parents. Last week, the foundation held its annual auction, raising more than it did the previous year. I really think the Jenks parents and community understand that we cant rely on state resources, she said. In Bixby, most of the money from the Bixby Educational Endowment Foundation goes toward teacher grants and student scholarships, said foundation board member and former president Jayne Bowen. The foundation gave more than $150,000 in grants and scholarships last year, she said. We fund things that the school system cannot do for the teachers, Bowen said. She said that is even more important in the current climate. What we have seen in the last couple of years is increased requests, she said. Among the projects they fund are bringing technology and other supplies into the classroom. They try to touch each school site every year through the grants they provide. Bowen said the foundation is open to helping out in other ways. In recent years, they provided money for the implementation of the Great Expectations program. Anytime the school has a need, we look to see if we can help out, she said. Bowen said each districts foundation works a little differently, but all support their schools in the ways they can. The annual UD Confucius Institute New Year Celebration will bring together members of the larger community for a night of dancing, music, and traditional Chinese culture. Students at Downes Elementary School celebrated the Chinese New Year on Friday with the help of UD's Confucius Institute. 1:44 p.m., Feb. 22, 2016--Since its inception in 2010, the University of Delawares Confucius Institute (CI) has become the home and hub of Chinese culture, art, and language on campus and around the state of Delaware. The Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, the longest and most important of Chinese holidays, began on Feb. 8 in accordance with the Chinese zodiac. During the 15 days of celebration that follow, the institute has collaborated with local businesses and schools throughout the state for more than a dozen events aimed at educating and engaging the community on Chinese culture and history. On Friday, with the help of CI, students in Downes Elementary Schools Chinese language immersion program celebrated the Year of the Monkey with dancing, songs and a skit narrating the story of the Chinese zodiac animals. The program at the Newark school currently serves more than 130 students in kindergarten through second grade, and will grow by grade each year. In addition to helping organize events like this, Confucius Institute staff members provide more than 150 hours of language immersion instruction assistance to students at Downes on a weekly basis, said Carrie Fang, CIs program manager. Besides the language ability, the program introduces students to a culture that is quite foreign to most of them. So it's really an extensive social studies exploration as well, said Eve Buckley, UD assistant professor of history whose son participates in Downes immersion program. My son is certain that he will move to China as an adult, which I figure is a sign of how much he has enjoyed his exposure to Chinese language, people and culture. CI has also partnered with major banking institutions, the King of Prussia Mall, Wilmington Friends School, Caesar Rodney High School, Archmere Academy, Unionville Elementary School, the Conrad Schools of Science, Delaware Christian Academy, New Castle Elementary School, Delaware State University, and the Delaware Chinese American Association, among others, to host Chinese New Year events. On Thursday, Feb. 25, the first installment of this years Fulbright Lecture Series will feature Xiaoyan Xiao, co-director of the Confucius Institute. In her lecture, Xiao, a professor of foreign languages and literatures at Xiamen University, will discuss how her passion for language led her to research the status of the Chinese deaf community, the largest of its kind in the world. The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in the Gore Recital Hall of UDs Roselle Center for the Arts, with a reception to follow. Registration is encouraged and all are welcome to attend. As a grand culmination of the months festivities, CI will present its annual Chinese New Year Gala on Saturday, Feb. 27. The event, open to everyone, will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Mitchell Hall. Performers from the University community, local schools and the greater Delaware area will come together to highlight traditional Chinese singing, folk and pop dances, musical instruments, Chinese crosstalk (Xiangsheng), martial arts, a magic show, and more. Public engagement and community outreach constitutes one of the most important missions of the Confucius Institute, said Jianguo Chen, CI director. Through initiating a wide array of Chinese language and cultural activities, the institute helps promote international educational opportunities on campus and beyond. We look forward to more opportunities to serve campus and local communities and strive to contribute our share to Delaware Will Shine. Tickets are being sold online and may be available at the door depending on availability. For full details on pricing and to reserve tickets in advance, visit the event site. Those with interest can follow @UDConfucius on Twitter for the latest updates. To learn more about the Confucius Institute, its on-campus events or community outreach activities, visit the CI website, call 302-831-7188/7190 or email confucius@udel.edu. About the Confucius Institute The Confucius Institute at the University of Delaware, a partner with Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters and Xiamen University, strives to promote Chinese language and culture throughout the University community and general public. In order to facilitate cross-cultural understanding, promote international educational opportunities, and improve academic collaboration in the Delmarva region, CI initiates and organizes a wide array of language and cultural activities, sponsors academic and scholarly exchange programs, and provides information and consultative services in Chinas education, culture and business. Article by Nikki Laws Photos by Jamie Powell and Elizabeth Adams 2:04 p.m., Feb. 22, 2016--Citing her international teaching and conservation work, training of future leaders in the field, scholarship and tireless advocacy and public outreach, two major organizations have jointly honored the University of Delawares Debra Hess Norris with their 2016 award for distinction in scholarship and conservation. Norris, who is Unidel Henry Francis du Pont Chair in Fine Arts and chair of the Department of Art Conservation at UD, is an internationally recognized photograph conservator. She was selected to receive the 2016 award from the College Art Association (CAA) and the American Institute for Conservation (AIC). Debra Hess Norris has perhaps done more than any single individual in the 21st century to further the cause of preservation of cultural heritage both nationally and internationally, the CAA wrote in presenting the award at its annual conference earlier this month. A second presentation will be made at the AICs annual meeting in May. The CAA announcement of the award cited many of Norris accomplishments, including the more than 135 workshops she has organized and taught on photograph preservation, emergency preparedness and/or disaster recovery, in such locations as Lebanon, New Zealand, India and across the United States. It also noted that, through her teaching in the graduate Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation, she has taught more than half of all the photograph conservators in the U.S. Norris joined the University faculty in 1982, after earning her bachelors degree in 1977 and her masters in 1980, both from UD. Her former students now head conservation departments in many major museums, libraries and historical societies, the CAA said. The award announcement also cited her many published articles and an important textbook she co-edited in 2010, Issues in the Conservation of Photographs, as well as her work in establishing international partnerships such as the training of cultural heritage professionals to care for photographic collections across the Middle East. In accepting the award, Norris spoke briefly about her love of photography its complexity, beauty and its connection to memory and the human spirit. When she received her graduate degree, she said, there were fewer than five conservators worldwide in the emerging field of photography conservation. Over the years at UD, she said, she has worked with many talented colleagues. She thanked teachers and mentors Joyce Hill Stoner, who is the Edward F. and Elizabeth Goodman Rosenberg Professor in Material Culture, and the late Jose Orraca, in addition to faculty members Larry Nees, Perry Chapman, Lauren Petersen and Virginia Bradley, among others. Norris also thanked my many students, past and present, who teach and inspire me daily with their dedication, passion, exceptional promise, achievement and generosity of spirit. Article by Ann Manser 1:43 p.m., Feb. 22, 2016--The University of Delawares Department of English will present a talk by Carole Levin, author and University of Nebraska professor, from 5-6:30 p.m., on Monday, Feb. 29, in 127 Memorial Hall. The talk, I would not have given it for a wilderness of monkeys: The Value of Turquoise in Shakespeare and English Renaissance Culture," is free and open to the public. The quotation in the title of the lecture is from Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice. Using that play as a primary basis, Levin will show the overarching symbolism of turquoise during the Renaissance. Turquoise was considered to have powerful protection and magical properties by the queens and other royalty who wore it. Levin is Willa Cather Professor of History and director of the Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program at the University of Nebraska. She was the co-founder of the Queen Elizabeth I Society and is the author or editor of 16 books, including The Heart and Stomach of a King: Elizabeth I and the Politics of Sex and Power and Dreaming the Renaissance: Politics and Desire in Court and Culture. Levin has held long-term fellowships at both the Newberry Library in Chicago and the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. In 2015, she was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of York in England. At the same time as the talk, a single-case exhibition featuring books on alchemy and mineralogy will be on display in the Information Room of Morris Library. The exhibit by Alex Johnston, senior assistant librarian, will be on view from Feb. 26 to March 31 and feature highlights from Morris Librarys collection of early books on alchemy and mineralogy. The Unidel History of Chemistry Collection holds nearly 3,000 primary sources on the history of chemistry and alchemy. Article by Chris Razzano 8:02 a.m., Feb. 22, 2016--More than 100 University of Delaware students, faculty and staff are expected to take part in the inaugural UD Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Delaware (SODE) from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Harrington Turf. The idea came about when several UD students expressed their interest in doing a fundraising event for us, said Kylie Frazer, SODE director of youth and school initiatives. Most of the students are home for Winter Session when our big plunge takes place in early February at Rehoboth Beach, so we decided to bring a plunge to UD. And the committee of UD students we put together to organize the event has really embraced the idea. Instead of running into a body of water like happens at most plunges, a temporary outdoor pool will be constructed on the Harrington Turf on East Campus courtesy of Swift Pools and SCP Distributors. Participants pay $30 each to jump in the cold water with air temperatures expected to be in the low 40s on Sunday. "Most students know what a polar plunge is, said Elyse Andrews, UD Student Athlete Advisory Council representative and member of the UD Polar Plunge committee. However, they are often not able to participate because of distance, timing and other reasons. It makes me excited to see how overjoyed they get when we tell them that they can do it right here on campus now. The UD Polar Plunge will take in ideas from other plunges held on college campuses around the country but also will include its own signature touches including a live disc jockey, refreshments and food, and a costume contest. The committee hopes to create a festive atmosphere for those participating and others who come out just to watch. They hope this inaugural event is a springboard for an annual UD Polar Plunge to benefit the 3,700 children and adults who participate in Special Olympics across the state. The Special Olympics athletes are some of the most positive and resilient people you will ever meet, Andrews added. Knowing that all our hard work and being out in the cold will result in them getting some added support and benefits makes it all worth it." Russian aggression has killed 6,800 Ukrainian civilians and injured another 17,000. Vadym Skybytsky, the representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine, said this at the meeting of the Committee on National Security and Defense, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "The war of the Russian imperialism against Ukraine has led to numerous victims among the civilian population. About 6,800 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and more than 17,000 people have been injured. There are over 2 million internally displaced persons in Ukraine," he said. ol The official opening ceremony of the new academic building for missile and artillery department took place at the Odesa Military Academy. The event was attended by head of the Military Academy Oleh Hulyak, faculty staff, veterans and cadets of the military education institution, military school representatives told Ukrinform. "The opening of a new academic building will further facilitate the training of future officers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The cadets and students will study in spacious and comfortable auditoriums, specialized classrooms, lecture halls, conference rooms. In addition, training simulation equipment has been installed," said Major General Hulyak in his address at the official ceremony. Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has said that the European-oriented course of Ukraine is irreversible and the Ukrainian state will never return to the Soviet past. The course [of European integration] is irreversible = nobody ever will return Ukraine to the Soviet pro-Russian past. This is an independent sovereign state, and this is the achievement of each of us, Yatsenyuk said during the 10 minutes with the prime minister TV program, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. He also called on Ukrainians to move only forward to the European society. We, Ukrainians, will never give up. We fought and will fight, we won and will win. Let God save Ukraine! May the peace of God be with those killed during Maidan [protests]! Let God protect the Ukrainian army, our state and every our family! the prime minister added. iy The 17th International Vilnius Book Fair will take place on February 25-25 in the Lithuanian LITEXPO Exhibition Center, special attention will be devoted to Ukraine. The theme of the Vilnius Book Fair will be "Character in Search of an Author." Around 330 participants from eight countries are expected to attend, with over 30 participants coming from abroad. According to the fair's organizers, the largest stand will be devoted to Ukraine. It will represent 15 publishing houses and 11 Ukrainian writers and illustrators. This year we will have a very extensive and interesting Ukrainian program, which will include discussions, master classes, film demonstration, and the presentation of books, Ruta Neline, an organizer in charge of the Ukrainian part of the program said, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Another fair organizer, as well as a LITEXPO representative, Milda Gembickiene said: "It's not the first fair when we speak about Ukraine. After the great changes that have begun in your country, we are paying much attention to it. Besides, we just have friendly relations and we've long been friends with the Lviv Book Forum and other Ukrainian publishers. iy Haseebullah and Hassan are like brothers, sharing the unusual fate of having found sanctuary in Hungary. UNHCR/H.Womack FOT, Hungary, Feb 22 (UNHCR) - With its government calling for a "defensive line" against refugees, Hungary may seem heartless. But Haseebullah Sarwari-Said from Afghanistan and Hassan Shabna from Western Sahara have had a positive, if atypical experience here, having finally restarted their lives thanks to an orphanage near Budapest. Both young men fled mortal danger at home, making arduous journeys through the Middle East and the Balkans before finally being taken into care in Hungary as unaccompanied children. "It's too dangerous, we can't go home," they both say. At the age of 15, Haseebullah, the son of a rich landowner from Kunduz, saw the Taliban kill his uncle and brother. Hassan, a Berber who grew up herding goats, was picked out to be killed in a blood vendetta between his relatives and another local family. Now 23, the young men are like brothers, sharing the unusual fate of having found sanctuary in Hungary. Their story shows that although Hungary has harsh and restrictive policies for refugees, there are some that stay there and build new lives. It also challenges the perception that young Muslim men without families always mean trouble for European society. The Hungarian government, which last year ordered the construction of fences on the borders with Serbia and Croatia, has played on popular fears. A press campaign that suggested refugees raised the risk of terrorism prompted a rebuke from the UNHCR. However, the criticism fell on deaf ears in Budapest and policies that began in Hungary now look likely to be adopted by Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia as well. At a joint press conference with visiting Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo earlier this month, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban called for a "defensive line" through the Balkans and Central Europe to hold back refugees and migrants trying to reach the EU. Nearly half a million people crossed through Hungarian territory at the height of the refugee crisis last summer but although 177,000 were registered here, just 500 have been granted asylum. Over 1,000 are in detention for illegal border crossing and likely to be deported. Peter Vamosi, director of an aftercare service for graduates of the orphanage. UNHCR/H.Womack Haseebullah and Hassan are lucky, having arrived ahead of the wave of refugees and migrants that sought sanctuary in Europe last year. Both of them have had time to complete their schooling, enter higher education and integrate into Hungarian society. In the town of Fot outside Budapest, the Karolyi Istvan Children's Centre sits in the grounds of an old noble estate. During Hungary's Communist days, it housed hundreds of Hungarian orphans. Now it takes young offenders, handicapped kids and unaccompanied migrant children. "We give them maximum independence," says Peter Vamosi, director of an aftercare service for graduates of the orphanage. "I am at the boys' service if they need me but I don't interfere in their private lives." Over the course of four years, 4,000 underage migrants have passed through this centre, with 2,460 in the last year alone. Most move on to Austria or Germany, but about 100 have chosen to stay in Hungary, including Haseebullah and Hassan. "At first, we lived in tents in a camp at a place called Bicske," says Hassan. "We got back into school there and two local teachers, they really helped us with our Hungarian. I stayed because of the kindness of these people, encouraging us to learn and everything." Thanks to their support, he is now studying to be a physiotherapist. Haseebullah, who hopes to be an electrician, has integrated even further into Hungarian society by marrying a Hungarian girl. Sadly, he has lost touch with his parents back in Afghanistan, who paid people smugglers to get him out to safety. "They would be glad if they could see me now," he says. "They wanted me to have a life." By Helen Womack in Hungary Though the University of Texas system begrudgingly adopted a mandatory concealed carry policy, private schools in the state are under no such obligation, nor are they going to do so anyway. Texas passed a law requiring its public colleges to implement a policy allowing students to carry concealed firearms on campus. UT had no choice in the matter, and Gregory Fenves, president of the Austin campus, made that abundantly clear in a statement issued last week. But the state's private schools do have a choice, and three of Texas' premiere private universities have done what UT wanted to do. According to The Associated Press, Baylor, Texas Christian, and Southern Methodist all declined to implement a concealed carry policy for their campuses. Texas' GOP faced opposition on Senate Bill 11 not only from students, faculty, but from other lawmakers, law enforcement, and several public education officials. The only outlier appeared to be Texas A&M, as The AP reported its leadership has expressed not having concerns about concealed firearms on its campus. Sen. Brian Birdwell, an author of SB 11, stated he was protecting students' rights granted them by the Second Amendment. "Now it's up to the marketplace of free enterprise... to make a market decision," he told the AP. "My duty was to preserve their ability to make that choice." Students for Concealed Carry, an advocacy group that supported SB 11, believes the mandate will show private institutions such policies can be enacted "safely and successfully." UT hopes to do so by setting boundaries for where concealed firearms can and cannot be carried. "I do not believe handguns belong on a university campus, so this decision has been the greatest challenge of my presidency to date," Fenves wrote in a letter to the UT community. "I empathize with the many faculty, staff, students and parents of students who signed petitions, sent emails and letters, and organized to ban guns from campus and especially classrooms. As a professor, I understand the deep concerns raised by so many. However, as president, I have an obligation to uphold the law." Exhibition - "The Force of Nature in Mexico, as seen from space" An exhibition hosted by the Mexican Space Agency in the Vienna International Centre, 22 to 26 February In order to raise awareness of the benefits of space for humankind during the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs is hosting an exhibition by the Mexican Space Agency in the Rotunda of the Vienna International Centre entitled "The Force of Nature in Mexico, as seen from space". The Mexican Space Agency, in cooperation with governmental entities specialized in disaster management, developed a series of 20 panels featuring how Earth observation is used in disaster management. Some panels illustrate some of the main disasters in Mexico, i.e. floods, hurricanes, and forest fires, along with their case studies. This exhibition also shows the Mexican government initiatives through international collaboration which have enhanced the uses of satellite technology for the benefit of society. The exhibition is based on scientific research on the most relevant study cases of natural disasters in Mexico in the last five years. This research covers mainly the post disaster cycle and analysis of radar and optic satellite images or all disaster management. The exhibit presents the satellite imagery value chain, showing the role of the satellite provider and the impact on the end user to address efficiently disasters. UW Podcast Examines Climate Change, Historic Wool Laboratory John Hill, left, who brought the University of Wyoming to international prominence in the wool industry, will be the topic of a segment on this weeks podcast, The University of Wyoming Today. (American Heritage Center Photo) Two distinguished professors will discuss legal and international developments involving climate change on this weeks UW podcast, The University of Wyoming Today. In other segments, an agricultural historian will explain Wyomings legacy as a world leader in the wool industry, and youll hear about a conference that will bring the regions outstanding engineering students to UW. To listen to the podcasts, go to www.uwyo.edu/uw/news/podcast/index.html or click on the link provided in the left-column navigation on the UW News home page. You can listen to the podcasts by clicking the link on the page, or subscribe to the RSS feed, which will deliver the podcast link to you via email each week. You also can click on the iTunes link and listen to or subscribe to the podcast there. New podcasts are scheduled weekly and will be updated with new episodes every Thursday. London Mayor, Boris Johnson made a suprising decision on Saturday morning. He sent an email to Prime Minister David Cameron, announcing his support to United Kingdom's withdrawal from European Union. On the next day, he sent text message to prime minister Cameron, that he would campaign "leave" in the next referendum regarding whether United Kingdom should stay of leave in European Union. Shortly after, mayor Johnson spoke to the press outside of his home in London to formally announce his decision to support and campaign for "Leave EU." In his text message, as reported by The Mirror, mayor Johnson told prime minister Cameron, "I've made up my mind. It's not about whether you love Europe or not. I love Brussels. I used to live in Brussels - fantastic city, wonderful place, and I love European culture and civilisation. But there should be no confusion between the wonders of Europe and holidays in Europe and fantastic food and friendships with a political project that has basically been going on now for decades." Previously on Wednesday, according to The Daily Telegraph, one close political ally of mayor Johnson said he believed speculation over Mr Johnson backing "Leave" was a "choreographed game" managed by Downing Street. However, during a press conference held outside his London home, as Washington Post reported, the former journalist said, "I don't think there is anything else I can do. I will be advocating Vote Leave or whatever the team is called; I understand there are many of them because I want a better deal for the people of this country, to save them money and take back control." During his childhood, Boris Johnson lived in Brussel from 1973 to 1975, and went to school in European School of Brussels before he moved back to England. In 1989, he was appointed as Brussels bureau for Daily Telegraph. His assignment was to report events surrounding the European Commission. During his tenure as a journalist in Brussel, Boris Johnson was known with his view that supported Euroscepticism. Many people who held such view were based on various reasons; some were fear about weakening of nation state with the integration, while other is the perception of undemocratic or too bureaucratic. While mayor Johnson said that his option to take side of leaving the EU was, "I now think [it] is in real danger of getting out of proper democratic control." Known for his view of Euroscepticism, Boris Johnson finally made his decision to support Brexit. He has notified prime minister Cameron regarding his stance, and made an official announcement on Sunday. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced on Friday that Rosneft has invested another $500 million in the state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) to acquire a greater stake in the crude-processing joint venture. The leading oil producer of Russia made this proposition with a purpose of increasing its stake to 40%, which, according to Reuters, is the ceiling for foreign investors when it comes to holding stake in the Petromonagas joint venture in Venezuela's Orinoco Belt region. "Today we are going to sign (for) an additional investment of $500 million in the Orinoco belt from Rosneft which is going to raise its participation up to 40 percent," Maduro announced in a live broadcast. Rosneft initially had only 16.7% stake in PDVSA. However, "the $500 million in new investment for production in the Venezuelan oil industry comes amid a crisis," Maduro added at the event where Rosneft and PDVSA officially signed the deal in Caracas, according to Bloomberg. In January, Maduro declared an economic emergency in Venezuela, two days after the nation's oil prices hit its all-time low of $24 a barrel. To protect the oil-dependent nation from collapsing altogether, the president increased their petrol prices and announced a currency devaluation for the first time in two decades. The 60% increase in oil prices, from just under 0.1 bolivars per liter to six bolivars, apparently "is a necessary action" for which Madurao claims to take all responsibilities. "The time has come to establish a system that guarantees access to hydrocarbons at a fair price but that also guarantees the funding of investment in producing that gasoline," he addressed his citizens, according to Naiji. The president is certain that official exchange rates for essentials like medicine and food, which are usually the strongest, would weaken to 10 bolivars per US dollar. In the face of such trying times, the Petromonagas project reportedly produces 133,600 barrels of synthetic crude a day, on an average, as indicated by the latest data from PDVSA. The company usually uses traditional refineries to process oil. The state-owned entity and Rosneft have further collaborated for the development of the Mejillones and Patao offshore natural gas fields, which is a part of the Mariscal Sucre project. The country has been requesting its partners to raise their investments in joint ventures for many years now, probably anticipating a slowing economy. In 2013, the then oil minister Rafael Ramirez had provided greater autonomy to the companies operating in the Orinoco Belt in an attempt to coax them into bringing their own rigs, services and basically financing for the joint ventures. Latin America experienced a spectacular growth in the last decade. However, World Bank reported that some people have not enjoyed the economic growth, while the economy slowdown will continue. From all the people in Latin America, indigenous peoples are the ones who received the least benefit from economic boom in the last decade. Researches at the World Bank reported, although there are more than 70 million indigenous people escaped poverty, but the indigenous people are still lack behind. With 14% of the poorest are the indigenous people, while indigenous people are only 8% of total population in the region. World Bank vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean Jorge Familiar told Reuters during the launch of the report, "If we want to achieve our goals of reducing poverty and boosting shared prosperity, we need to fight discrimination and exclusion for all Latin Americans and ensure that all have the same opportunities to live a better life." Based on the report, indigenous people group continue to lag behind others in the economic. From all the Latin American nations, only Chile was able to reduce the gap between poverty rates for indigenous and non-indigenous people from 13% in the early 2000's to 3% in the 2010's. While other countries experience the same or even wider gap. Brazil and Bolivia are two countries which larger gap, as the gap in Brazil increased from 10% to 22% in a decade. While in Bolivia 23% gap in the early 2000's is increasing to 24% in the early 2010's. World Bank found another striking data, as it dug deeper into its analysis for education, age, gender, family size, location, and occupation. In those factors, there are more than 40% difference between group. Indicating that if an indigenous people and non-indigenous people are living in virtually identical situation, the indigenous people will less likely to escape poverty than non-indigenous people. In order to improve the situation, World Bank researchers suggested to look at indigenous people poverty issues through their views and culture. Nearly half of the population of indigenous people live in cities, which 36% of them living in insecure, unsanitary and polluted environments. World Bank's poverty expert, Oscar Calvo-Gonzalez said as reported by Quartz, "These results suggest that Indigenous Peoples face specific challenges in benefiting from growth and getting out of poverty." Meanwhile in terms of economic growth, Latin America has faced a slowdown for three consecutive years. In an interview with Forbes, Senior Latin America Economist at FocusEconomics Ricardo Aceves said, "Following three years of slowing growth, Latin America's economy actually contracted in 2015. It's the first instance of negative growth since the global financial crisis hit it in 2009." After the region experienced a economic growth in the last decade, Latin America is experiencing slowdown. Meanwhile, the last decade's economic growth has not reached most of indigenous people living in the region. Juan Carlo / Star staff Desteny Segura, left, and brother Charlie Segura watch their mother, Pamela Segura, right, try to comfort their grandmother Albertina Segura, who lost her son Jaime Segura in a fatal shooting in El Rio on Sunday. SHARE Investigators say someone shot the teen By Adam Foxman A 13-year-old boy was shot to death in El Rio over the weekend, but authorities said Monday they were not sure if it was intentional or an accident. Jaime Segura was shot in the head inside a residence in the 1100 block of Collins Street about 4:20 p.m. Sunday, Ventura County Sheriff's Capt. Ross Bonfiglio said. Deputies found the boy after someone on the property, which includes two other homes, called to report the gunshots. Friends and relatives said Jaime was at a friend's home when he was shot. "Of what happened, I don't know anything," said his mother, Albertina Segura. 'Exactly what happened' The boy was pronounced dead at St. John's Regional Medical Center in Oxnard about 6 p.m., said Armando Chavez, a senior deputy medical examiner. An autopsy determined Jaime died from a gunshot wound to the head, Chavez said. The manner of death was listed as homicide. Investigators determined Monday that another person shot Jaime, but they were not sure if it was deliberate, accidental or criminally negligent, Bonfiglio said. "What makes it a crime is, of course, intent, and we are looking at all those aspects," he said. "We're trying to figure out now exactly what happened, and that's what's taking us awhile." Bonfiglio declined to release any information about the shooter, citing the continuing investigation. He also declined to say whether anyone was in custody for the shooting. He did say, however, that authorities do not believe there is any threat to the public. Detectives on Monday morning began searching the residence where the shooting occurred after search warrants were approved by a judge. Deputies remained on Collins Street through the day as forensic scientists sifted through evidence. Jaime, who would have turned 14 in May, was an eighth-grader at Rio Del Valle School, located near his home in Nyeland Acres. Jaime was a good son, and in the neighborhood, where he loved to walk around with his friends, he was known as respectful, Segura said. He kept his small room tidy, collected toy cars and enjoyed telling jokes. Sometimes he would spend up to an hour ironing his clothes. "I loved him very much," she said, starting to cry. "It's very hard." At school, Jaime sometimes showed his temper and got into fights, his mother said. "If he was treated well, he was a love," but if someone spoke badly about him, he would react, she said. Since he began middle school, Jaime seemed to be getting involved with gangs, his mother said. She said she could tell from the kind of clothes he wore. Bonfiglio, however, said Jaime's death did not appear to be gang-related. Raising funds for funeral At a carwash Monday on Vineyard Avenue in El Rio, a young woman held up a sign that said, "Donation Carwash, R.I.P Jaime, AKA lil Vago," a nickname his mother didn't recognize. Those at the carwash said they plan to continue washing cars for several days to raise money for Jaime's funeral. JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Dr. M. Asif Taqi and Norair Jemjemian, chief operating officer at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, listen to Jeff Nelson of Stryker Neurovascular explain features of a mobile stroke unit. SHARE JUAN CARLO/THE STAR A mobile stroke unit with a $1.2 million price tag is evaluated at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center. JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Officials and doctors at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center check out a mobile stroke unit on Friday. JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Jeff Nelson of Stryker Neurovascular talks about a mobile stroke unit to Dr. M. Asif Taqi and Norair Jemjemian, chief operating officer at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks. By Tom Kisken of the Ventura County Star The $1.2 million stroke ambulance parked in front of a Thousand Oaks hospital on Friday was made to save time and brain cells. It's for sale. Dr. M. Asif Taqi wants it in Ventura County. "It's cutting edge technology that will change the management of the stroke patients ... People can get back on their feet and survive a stroke," said Taqi. He's a neurointerventional surgeon at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center, meaning he snakes clots out of people's bodies. The mobile unit was made in Houston by an emergency medical services company, Frazer, and developed with partners including Stryker Neurovascular and Samsung NeuroLogica. Four of the units are stationed in communities across the nation, from Toledo, Ohio, to Denver. The vehicles respond with ambulances to calls involving symptoms that suggest blood may not be flowing to the brain. Cameras in the unit allow doctors to evaluate patients from afar. If clues suggest a stroke, the unit carries a donut-shaped scanner. The computerized tomography, or CT device, can show doctors almost instantly if a stroke can be immediately treated with the clot-busting drug, tPA. Others clots need to be removed surgically. That's where Los Robles comes into play. The hospital is the only one in Ventura County with a neuroendovascular program that provides minimally invasive stroke surgery. "We pull clots out of the brain," said Dr. Samuel Ho, a surgeon in the program. In a procedure known as mechanical thrombectomy, doctors place wires into the groin, snaking them through blood vessels up the body to the brain clot. Using a special device, they capture the clot and fish it out of the body. Officials at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura and St. John's Regional Medical Center in Oxnard said they're considering adding their own neuroendovascular programs at some point. The CT scanner in the mobile stroke unit cannot only help doctors figure out if a clot can be snaked out, it can allow ambulance teams to rush stroke patients to the right hospital. The mobile unit's stop in Friday was to allow doctors and others from Los Robles to check out the technology. The unit's $1.2 million price includes all the equipment needed. "We're not necessarily buying it, we're evaluating it," said Adam Blackstone, Los Robles spokesman. Los Robles is run by the huge for-profit company, Hospital Corporation for America. Taqi doesn't expect Los Robles or HCA to purchase the unit. He said such investments are typically driven by foundations or other community groups so the equipment is used across a region, rather than being tied to one hospital. He and the others said the goal is simple: Save time. "Time is brain," said Ho. "The more time that passes, the more brain cells die." STAR FILE PHOTO Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates spoke at the 2014 Reagan National Defense Forum at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley. SHARE By Bartholomew Sullivan WASHINGTON The fourth annual National Defense Forum at the Reagan Presidential Library & Museum will convene in Simi Valley on Dec. 2-3 this year, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation announced Monday. The forum, which brings together senior military officials and top military contractor personnel to discuss cutting edge trends, has hosted a series of defense secretaries and elected officials since its inception in 2012. "In the past three year, the Reagan National Defense Forum has become the premier high-level global convocation for discussion of the security of the United States and its allies, ultimately becoming the true Davos of Defense," said foundation chairman Frederick J. Ryan. He was referring to the Swiss town at which global leaders meet to discuss economic issues each year. SHARE STAR FILE PHOTO By Arlene Martinez The neighborhood group representing the area around Ventura College will hold its monthly meeting Wednesday. The College Area Community Council will begin developing guidelines or bylaws for itself, and a Ventura police officer will be there to discuss crime in the community. The council represents residents living in the areas bordered by Mills and Foothill roads, Victoria Avenue and Highway 126. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Wright Event Center at 57 Day Road on the college's campus. For more information call 658-7225. Ventura's Veterans Affairs clinic named for trailblazing Navy pilot A pilot who soared over equity barriers in a 24-year Navy career has cleared one more obstacle, bringing her name and trail-blazing legacy to Ventura. SHARE One has to wonder whether the current way we pick our president has devolved to the point that it no longer serves our republic or preserves our future. We've dumbed down our debates and news coverage, keeping citizens uninformed. As a result, we may get the president such deterioration warrants. When Lincoln debated Douglas at a pivotal point in American history, they weren't given 3 minutes to explain their position and 45 seconds to respond. They did a series of debates on a different issue in each city. The candidates alternated who would present his position first. Each was given an hour to make his case, and the first candidate was given 30 minutes to rebut the second candidate's response. Then it was off to the next city for a new issue. The newspapers fully covered their responses. What's the mainstream media's response to today's debates? Certainly, the entire transcripts of debates are available online. But the majority of Americans are lucky to catch the evening news campaign coverage. They get 15-second clips of the candidates' most provocative and divisive statements or their most glaring mistakes. If all you see of "establishment" candidates are their worst moments and mistakes, it's no wonder our collective approval rating of politicians is in the single digits. If you want reasons to "throw the bums out," the media provides all the evidence you need. The constituents who've been helped, the laws they've passed that made a difference, and their informative speeches don't make the headlines or the nightly news. A study by George Washington University once monitored the evening news for 100 nights. The study found 8,600 negative news items and only 370 positive ones. One conclusion is that we are overinformed about catastrophes. Before ending his campaign, Gov. Chris Christie complained about the "robotic" statements by Sen. Marco Rubio in a GOP debate. But how many times did you hear Christie remind voters that he was "the only candidate who had actually prosecuted ...?" You can fill in the rest. Every candidate repeats core messages at every speech or interview. Candidates want voters to remember the anchor statements that differentiate their campaigns. They want phrases that are remembered and repeated by their faithful. Even more comical were the reporters' robotic questions to Rubio about his "robotic messages." The news anchors repeated the same talking points in their leads Rubio's performance could derail his march to the White House. Talk about robotic. Once they've gotcha, the media won't let go. After all, it's not their job to inform, but to attract viewers. Advertisers want eyeballs to see their products and services. Disasters, car chases and politicians who fall short get those eyeballs every time. Neil Postman, author of "Amusing Ourselves to Death," observed that Americans have a short attention span, a constant need to be entertained and an inability to look at anything in depth. Obviously, enough said. The only places that perfect candidates exist are in campaign promos. We all make misstatements. We all forget key words and can't remember names. Our mothers, spouses and children could easily add chapters to our book of sins. Candidates are no different. We just don't have to see our shortfalls on the 6 p.m. news. Can't find a candidate you can enthusiastically endorse? Maybe it's because all our candidates are so negatively slanted by the media that we never get to see what they really have to offer. What's the answer? Dig deeper. Go to candidates' websites to find their positions that matter to you. Listen to some of their longer speeches to see what they emphasize. Look for endorsements from people you respect. Even then, you won't find the perfect candidate. A preacher once warned, "if you find a church where you like everything about it, you'll have a church of one." The same could be said about political parties and their candidates. We are blessed to have people who care enough about this country to run the long campaign gauntlet. Let's bring some realistic expectations to our party and do our homework on finding candidates who have the skills, values and positions that most match our views and who will serve our country and preserve our future. Terry Paulson, of Agoura Hills, is a speaker and author of "The Optimism Advantage." Email him at terry@terrypaulson.com. Socialite, reality star and TV personality, Jonathan Cheban celebrated his birthday Las Vegas-style last night at Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop at Paris Las Vegas (Photo credit: Gabe Ginsberg / WireImage). Photo credit: Gabe Ginsberg / WireImage. The Hollywood socialite arrived at the club with a small group of friends around midnight, sporting a navy and black bomber jacket over a black shirt and dark jeans complemented with gold bangle bracelets and a large faced watch. The celebrity was greeted by a crowd of fans wishing him a happy birthday before he made his way to a VIP booth with girlfriend Anat Popovsky, where he partied the night away while the Chateau girls held up Cheban signs over his table. Photo credit: Gabe Ginsberg / WireImage. Partying in the booth next to Cheban were representatives from Monster Cable Products Inc., a company best known for its high quality speakers and headphones. They presented Cheban with a pair of 24-karat gold headphones in honor of his birthday. Cheban is widely known for his popularity amongst Hollywoods top stars. Founder of TheDishh.com, the socialite is a prominent figure among Hollywoods elite, which has led to his rise to stardom on multiple reality shows. Dinner for two: A set of nem dishes. Binh Dinh, a central coastal province with a stunning stretch of beaches and mountain ranges as well as beautiful islands, is a seriously underrated tourist destination. Like many other Vietnamese regions, the province has its own special cuisine and traditions that should be better known. Dishes that deserve to be included on the tourist culinary trail include banh xeo tom nhay (fresh savoury pancakes with shrimp), banh hoi chao long (thin rice vermicelli with rice porridge), banh it la gai (glutinous rice cake covered with pinnate leaves) and bun song than (dual-thread vermicelli). But it is nem (pork roll) that is the real standout dish. A snack that can be eaten as finger food or as an appetiser to a larger meal, nem appears everywhere in Binh Dinh, from vendors' baskets to luxury banquets. There are two kinds of nem: nem tuoi (grilled fresh pork roll) and nem chua (fermented pork roll). The latter can be grilled or eaten fresh after removing the leaf covering. Traditional nem contains either grilled or fermented pork in addition to crispy greens, peanut sauce, garlic, chili and aromatic herbs. It usually comes wrapped and rolled in rice paper. The mixture of sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours make your mouth salivate with each bite. The province's speciality, Nem Cho Huyen, can be found in Tuy Phuoc's District's Phuoc Loc Commune. The nem is named after Huyen market, which is located near a row of restaurants lining the 2km-long Highway 19 section that traverses the commune. The restaurants' barbecue fill the street air with the aroma of grilled pork, whetting your appetite even hours before dinner time. In the cool weather of the final days of winter, the warmth from the grills is especially welcoming. Finding the restaurants, Vo Thi Thanh Hoa, deputy chief of the commune, however, told me that Bon Lai restaurant might be the oldest nem maker and showed me how to get there. Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Bon Lai was small but airy. Welcoming me was Nguyen thi An, 76, the owner. "My father-in-law was the one who created nem Cho Huyen," she said. " I've been making nem since I was 17 when I married his son. Now my daughter-in-law is managing the restaurant." Grilled to perfection: Nem tuoi (fresh pork nem) is grilled over charcoal. The grilled nem tuoi and nem chua I ordered were served with a special sauce of peanuts, chilli, fish sauce, sugar and other spices. I also had a side dish with fresh cucumber, dill, basil, lettuce, garlic and green mango, accompanied by rice paper for rolling the vegetables. Some people like to eat nem tuoi fresh off the grill, but I prefer to add vegetables and roll it in rice paper as it helps to reduce the fatty taste. A bit of fiery chilli paste from the condiment basket also adds a nice bite to the nem. The fermented nem was covered with a guava leaf, which I like to eat. But some people take it off as it has a slightly acrid taste. Bau Da wine, another famous speciality of the province, is often served with nem. Handmade delicacy Producing nem is a complicated process requiring patient, skilled workers. Cook Le Thi Bay of Bon Lai restaurant told me that she and her workers visit the slaughterhouse each day as early as 4am to buy the best quality pork. Only pork from the thighs of six- to eight-month-old pigs can meet the quality requirement. To make nem, the pork is first sliced and ground with sliced pigskin, sugar, salt and garlic. For nem tuoi, the mix will be grilled over charcoal. Fermented nem is wrapped with a guava leaf to absorb the moisture, and then covered with a banana leaf to make it look more attractive. After three or four days, when it has a slightly sour taste, it is ready to eat. As it keeps well, it can be offered as a gift to family, friends or co-workers. Nem is also made in other regions, especially during the Tet (Lunar New Year) season, as it is considered one of the must-have foods during the holiday. Although nem Cho Huyen has been famous for nearly 100 years, it has yet to have a trade name. The commune authority in Binh Dinh Province, however, has registered a copyright for nem Cho Huyen as part of its master plan to meet criteria for the national government's new rural area programme, according to Hoa, the head of the commune's people's committee. Though each region in the country has developed its own kind of nem, using most of the same ingredients, each version is a little different - crispier there, sweeter here and sour elsewhere. But all are indeed delicious. Vietnamese shares increase on both bourses on Monday morning. - Photo cafe.vn The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange added 4.61 points or 0.83 per cent to reach 558.1, while the HNX-Index also added 0.36 points or 0.47 per cent to stay at 78.17 points. Oil and gas stocks such as PetroVietnam Gas Corporation (GAS), PetroVietnam Drilling and Well Service Corporation (PVD) and PetroVietnam Technical Service Corporation (PVS), as well as GAS, PVC, PVD and PVS, besides PVT continued to rise this morning. PVI sold more than six million shares to a foreigner investor, possibly HDI Global SE, a local newspaper said. The stocks of brokerage firm Sai Gon Securities Incorporate (SSI), Bao Viet Securities (BVS), Ho Chi Minh City Securities Corporation (HOSE: HCM) and VNDirect Securities Corporation (VND) saw strong growth, while the information that Daiwa Securities had sought a 15 per cent stake in SSI made the market more exciting. At the same time, money poured into real estate and construction stocks, making the stocks of CEO Group Joint Stock Company (CEO), Development Investment Construction JSC (DIG), FECON Foundation Engineering and Underground Construction JSC(FCN) and Long Hau Corporation (LHG) rise. Other blue chips such as Bao Viet Holdings (BVH), DHG Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company (DHG), FPT Corporation (FPT) and Masan Group (MSN) also increased sharply in the morning, The market liquidity reached 120 million shares, worth VND1.99 trillion (US$88.7 million) this morning. Meanwhile, HAGL Joint Stock Company (HAG) and Hoang Anh Gia Lai Agricultural Joint Stock Company (HNG) saw strong buying this morning. Notably, foreigners bought more than 876,000 shares. Meanwhile, as expected from its addition to the basket of FTSE Vietnam ETF during the first quarter of this year, the shares of Hoang Huy Investment Services (HHS) were traded fairly actively to help it reach its highest sell. International economic integration has been considered a centre in Vietnams international integration globally over the years. In boosting the countrys bilateral relationship with its partners, particularly the worlds economic hubs, economic development in Vietnam has always been a prime concern. Visit exchanges between top leaders from Vietnam and other nations are mostly focused on co-operative ties in investment, trade, labour and tourism. Although the worlds economy is still reeling somewhat from the financial turbulence of recent years, Vietnams trade turnover with major partners like China, the US, Japan, South Korea, and the EU continues to rise year after year. Notably, Vietnam has become the US biggest ASEAN importer. We have actively and effectively participated in economic and trade organisations and forums at the sub-regional, regional, inter-regional and global levels. Vietnams contributions at these organisations and forums in terms of sustainable development, water resources security, food security, natural disaster resilience, and green growth have not only benefitted the country, but also the whole world. In collaboration with ministries and sectors in charge of external economic relations, the diplomatic sector has provided consultancy for the government in negotiating and signing regional and inter-regional free trade agreements (FTAs). In 2015 alone, Vietnam concluded negotiations of two new-generation FTAs, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and an FTA with the EU. Vietnam also signed two FTAs with South Korea and the Eurasian Economic Union. This has turned Vietnam into a regional economic link between 58 partners, including 15 from the G20 Group and holding almost 90 per cent of global GDP as well as over 80 per cent of the worlds total trade. Vietnams early participation in the TPP, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, as well as its leading role in building up the ASEAN Economic Community, has been strategically important to the countrys socio-economic development. This has also helped to construct a stable regional structure which protects the legitimate benefits of Vietnam and small- and medium-sized nations. Over the past five years, we have succeeded in gaining recognition of Vietnams market status by another 38 nations, raising the total nations that have recognised such a status for Vietnam to 59. Vietnams international integration in the political, defense/security, cultural, and social sectors has also seen great strides forward, thus raising the countrys status to new heights globally. For the first time in its history, Vietnam has joined the United Nations peacekeeping operations. Vietnams high-ranking leaders are frequently invited to make opening speeches at high-profile forums throughout the world, such as at the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Asia Future Conference, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, and at the World Economic Forum. This is not something we could have expected a few years ago. Vietnam has also led by example in Southeast Asia through its participation in the United Nations Millenium Development Goals, adopting seven out of nine key conventions on human rights. Vietnams strong moves in this regard have demonstrated the proactive approach of its diplomatic sector, which have done sterling work for the sake of the country and her people in the context of comprehensive international integration. As Vietnam has pursued its diplomatic expansion policy, its economic integration has advanced commensurately- Photo: Le Toan Effective integration with visible benefits Tireless efforts by the diplomatic sector in the global integration process have greatly benefitted the countrys security and development, enhancing the countrys international prestige. Economically, Vietnams achievements in international economic integration have positively changed its external economic relations. In 1986, goods made in Vietnam were found in 33 markets. Today, the number has risen to more than 220. Last year, Vietnams economy grew 6.68 per cent, representing the highest rise in five years, and exceeding the National Assemblys target of 6.2 per cent. Reports by reputable international organisations show that since 2014, Vietnam has climbed three positions in the business climate rankings, 12 places in global competitiveness, and up 19 in the global renovation leaderboard. Currently, Vietnam has attracted about 18,000 foreign invested projects, registered at almost $270 billion, generating nearly three million stable jobs with income higher than the countrys average. Also, local firms have invested about $20 billion into nearly 1,000 projects overseas. Vietnam has also received about $90 billion worth of official development assistance (ODA) from international donors and partners, of which the disbursed sum has reached almost $54 billion, equal to 73.2 per cent of total committed ODA. Furthermore, Vietnam has forged a strategic partnership with 15 nations, and a comprehensive partnership with 10 nations. These nations include the five permanent member states of the United Nations Security Council. Notably, over the past five years, Vietnam has been deploying a comprehensive international integration strategy, establishing strategic partnerships with eight nations. This has helped elevate the countrys strategic value in the external policies of Vietnams important partners and major economies throughout the world. Vietnam has also been elected to important bodies of the United Nations, such as the Security Council (tenure 2008-2009), the Human Rights Council (2014-2016), the Economic and Social Council (2016-2018), and the UNESCO Executive Council (2015-2019). This indicates the international communitys acknowledgement and commendation of Vietnams role and status within the international arena. Preparations for the road ahead The 12th National Party Congress has outlined important policies and strategies for national development. In tandem with the party and states external policy of independence, self-reliance, and the multilateralisation and diversification of external relations, taking the initiative in international integration is also a keystone strategy. Based on important achievements attained over the past five years, Vietnams comprehensive international integration will continue to be boosted, with the following focuses. Firstly, we will continue to step up international integration by attaching greater importance to the culture of enforcement. To this end, preparations must be made to take advantage of opportunities as well as weather challenges. From now until 2018, it is crucial for Vietnam to realise its commitments to the World Trade Organization and new-generation FTAs, whose negotiations have recently been concluded, especially the TPP. Secondly, we will take the initiative in staying united with member states to implement the ASEAN Community and its vision towards 2025. Vietnam will attach great importance to advancing concrete initiatives and proposals in the sectors that it has strong interests in or benefits directly from. The country will also closely co-operate with member states to outline and deploy the communitys post-2015 strategy, and maintain ASEANs central role in the regions evolving structure. Thirdly, we will continue to enhance our multilateral diplomatic policy, which will be considered one of the key tools to further the countrys comprehensive international integration. We have shifted our strategy from participate in to take the initiative in the construction and shaping of the common rules, not only by changing our mindset, but also by taking effective action. We will maintain a diplomatic priority on ASEAN, and through organisations and forums in the Asia-Pacific region. Also, Vietnams diplomatic sector will make greater contributions towards the settlement of the worlds issues at the United Nations forums, the Non-Alignment Movement, the Asia-Europe Meeting, and sub-regional co-operation mechanisms. Based on the countrys new advantages and strength spurred by 30 years of Doi moi, and fuelled by the countrys international integration achievements, I believe that the local diplomatic sector will continue to make significant contributions to the partys international integration policy for the road ahead. The meeting was convened in the wake of Vietnam Apparel Associations (Vitas) denouncing a number of foreign shipping firms which had collected allegedly unreasonable container imbalance charge (CIC) sums from Vitas members. The shipping firms are required to send representatives to the meeting to seek a remedy for current unsolved problems related to the unreasonable surcharges and transportation fares, said Nguyen Xuan Sang, head of Vietnam Maritime Administration, in the invitation letter. Seven foreign shipping firms have received an invitation, including Evergreen, Huyndai, KMTC, STIC, Dongjin Shipping, Continental, and Heung A. Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Cong called the meeting after receiving written complaints from Hanoi Industrial Textile JSC (Haicatex) and Vitas. Particularly, Haicatex, which imports 90 per cent of its production materials and exports 80 per cent of its non-woven cloth products, said that all of their export containers transported by the above-mentioned foreign shipping firms incurred CICs ranging from VND3.2 VND3.6 million ($146-$165) per 40-foot container. On the grounds that not every shipping firm charges container imbalance, Haicatex argues that CIC collection by the firms is spontaneous and unreasonable. CIC is a kind of sea freight charge carriers collect to offset costs arising from the transferring (re-positioning) of large amounts of empty containers from one place to another. This surcharge is usually collected as a fixed amount for each container, and can only be applied to each stage, for each route of travel. In other words, carrier surcharges are collected only when the transferring of empty containers incurs unusually large costs. Vitas members, however, reported that the shipping firms have been collecting CIC all year-round, whereas it is only applicable during peak times when the volume of Vietnamese imports increases sharply, resulting in a lack of capacity to cover carrier customers. Truong Van Cam, Vitas secretary general commented that local business associations have many a time asked foreign carriers to abrogate unjust surcharge collection, including CIC. Foreign carriers apply a lengthened list of charges and surcharges, many of which are deemed to be unreasonable and put increased burdens on local businesses by boosting logistics costs to up to 60 per cent of total import-export expenditure, Cam added. A view of Vinh City in Nghe An Province.-File Photo In his speech at the annual event, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung spoke highly of Nghe An's investment attraction results in recent years. He said the province has met investors' expectations in term of policies, infrastructure facilities and services and many of them have been operating effectively in the locality. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc suggested the province take full advantage of its potential while perfecting its investment climate to attract more investors. Local authorities said the investment attraction would be a driving force for the province's socio-economic development. They committed to bettering the province's investment environment, with a focus on speeding up the administrative reforms, improving infrastructure and services, and solving investor difficulties. During the meeting, the Nghe An People's Committee granted investment licences to 10 projects worth a combined VND3.56 trillion (US$158.5 million). The event also saw five other Memorandums of Understanding worth more than VND61.53 trillion (over $2.73 billion) signed between the committee and investors. Positive investment The central province attracted investment of VND150 trillion (more than $6.6 billion) from 2010 to 2015, according to Provincial Department of Planning and Investment Director Nguyen Van Do. From 2010 to 2015, levels of investment capital registered in the province more than doubled figures seen in the previous two years, Do said. He attributed this encouraging performance to greater efforts by local authorities and other sectors to accelerate administrative reforms. They reduced the time and expenses required to complete investment procedures, which has helped investors. The province will focus on attracting projects that can use advanced technology and create more local jobs. It will seek investors with sufficient financial capacities and a commitment to corporate social responsibility, he added. The central province has set a target of attracting some VND100 trillion (more than $4.44 billion) in investment from now until 2020, including VND50 trillion in foreign direct investment. People carry the debris out of a house in Khanh Hoa Province, located in south-central Vietnam, on February 21, 2016. On February 11, Le Tan Binh spotted a floating object when he was fishing off the provinces Dai Lanh Beach. The fisherman showed local authorities and the media that piece of metal before revealing on Sunday that he also found three metal bars along with the debris. The bars measure 55cm, 88cm and 95cm in length, respectively. The two bigger pieces both bear the text CCBIII-251ZTA 2 whereas the other has small round holes on the surface. A close-up view of the metal bars. Photo: Tuoi Tre Shortly after I pulled the debris onto my boat, these bars fell to the deck, Binh told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. The piece of debris and those bars were not covered with mosses at the time of discovery, according to the fisherman. There are however signs of burning on the surface, he added. Binh said four people, presenting papers showing they are officers from an air force, visited him on Saturday to examine the piece of debris and three metal bars. They took photos and shot videos but did not tell me anything, he said. The Khanh Hoas military unit has been tasked with identifying the debris since last week but there were no official examination results as of Sunday. Le Van Chin, political commissar of the Khanh Hoa Military Command, told Tuoi Tre the High Command of Military Zone 5, in charge of south-central Vietnam, and the Ministry of National Defense have been notified of the discovery. We are waiting for their guidance and order to identify the objects, he said. Tran Dinh Thu, chairman of Dai Lanh Commune in Van Ninh District, where Binh resides, has asked to have the objects kept by local agencies for investigation, but the fisherman refused, saying it was him who found the debris. The Dai Lanh administration therefore requested that Binh keep a close watch on the debris, and not lose it. The object is made of aluminum and weighs approximately 100kg. The widest part of the metal object measures 2.1 meters and the narrowest section is 1.1 meters. The beach where Binh found the debris is part of the East Vietnam Sea. There have been no significant air crashes in nearby areas in recent times, except for the following two. The mysterious Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which disappeared on March 8, 2014, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The flight last made voice contact with air traffic control when it was over the East Vietnam Sea, less than an hour after takeoff. On April 16, 2015, two Russian-made Sukhoi Su-22 fighter jets of Vietnams Air Regiment 937 crashed in an apparent head-on collision during a training exercise off the south-central province of Binh Thuan. The warplanes fell to the seabed off the provinces Phu Quy Island. The two pilots were only retrieved 12 and 13 days into the search mission, whereas only parts of the two jets have so far been found. Binh Thuan and Khanh Hoa are both coastal provinces that front the East Vietnam Sea. Below are the latest photos of the debris taken by Tuoi Tre: Photo by BALTIMORE SUN Vanna Belton, 29, has regained much of her vision after participating in a stem cell study through the National Institute of Health. The Cambodian-born US Naval Commander Michael Vannak Khem Misiewicz, who is at the center of a major corruption scandal in the US, was once the pride of many Cambodian communities. Five years ago, Misiewicz, who was adopted by American parents as a boy, in 1973, docked in the coastal town of Sihanoukville to great fanfare. In January, he confessed to a raft of charges, for allegedly trading military secrets to a Singaporean contractor in exchange for gifts, including luxury travel and prostitutes. Misiewicz, a 48-year-old graduate of the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Maryland, has been a main feature in what has turned into a major scandal for the Navy, one that could embroil more than 100 people through the ranks. Up until late January, he had maintained his innocence. For many Cambodians, including those living in the US, his 2013 arrest and subsequent investigation were a shock. Heng Thal Savuth, a security officer at a public school in Maine, said he was disappointed in the scandal. However, he said, Misiewiczs confession demonstrates that legal systems in the US actually work. His confession shows that the US legal system is effective and that no one can joke with it, he said. In the US, when you work for the government you have to understand the code of ethics at the workplace, said Hean Yuth, himself a former naval officer, who now serves at the Department of Homeland Security. This means you should stay away from corruption and abide by the law, especially when youre doing procurement. Kuch Schanley, a school counselor in Maryland, who was also adopted by Americans, said the case was a major disappointment, because Misiewicz had represented a success story. We were all proud of him for moving that high, he said. His own adoption added an extra level of caution, Kuch Schanley said. Im always mindful to protect my family honor. I always protect the honor of the people who adopted me and brought me up like their own kid. I always think twice before doing anything not to disgrace them. The acting leader of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, Kem Sokha, met with Interior Minister Sar Kheng last week, to discuss a number of issues, including expenditures in the upcoming budget, a draft law to regulate unions, and more. Following the closed-door, one-hour meeting, spokesmen for the Rescue Party and the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party told reporters that the two sides had agreed to establish a working group to receive public comments on the union law, including from human rights and development organizations and labor leaders. CPP lawmaker and spokesman Chheang Vun said the draft law was being discussed from the standpoint of the culture of dialogue, a term used by both sides to signal cordial relations and talks, following a bitter political division in the wake of 2013s elections. Critics say similar workshops were already held for input on the law, much of which was ignored. Unions fear the law, as drafted, will make it hard to collectivize workers and puts labor leaders at higher risk of arrest if demonstrations turn violent outside their control. Rescue Party spokesman Yem Ponhearith told reporters that some sensitive topics, such as the exile of party president Sam Rainsy and the continued incarceration of aged party senator Hong Sokhour, were not discussed. Such issues could be discussed by party leadership at some point for the sake of national unification and reconciliation, he said. Last weeks meeting came on the heels of Prime Minister Hun Sens meetings with US President Barack Obama and other ASEAN leaders in California. The US has made clear that warmer ties will require improved human rights and democracy efforts from Cambodia, even as it presses for improved diplomatic ties across the region. Afghanistans military has downplayed the recent withdrawal of troops from bases in a restive southern province, saying logistics and tactical reasons prompted the move. This comes as Afghan, Pakistani, Chinese and U.S. officials prepare to meet in Kabul for a new round of four-way discussions to promote Afghan peace talks. The military retreat over the past few days from Musa Qala and nearby Nawzad districts is said to have enabled the resurgent Taliban to further expand its influence in the largest Afghan province of Helmand. Deputy Army Chief General Murad Ali Murad, while addressing a news conference in Kabul Monday, dismissed criticism Afghan forces have retreated from the area under pressure from the insurgents. He asserted the troops had been engaged in combat operations for many months and they remained busy throughout the winter because the military was unable to send reinforcements to allow them to rest and see their families. General Murad said that in view of the area commanders recommendations, some Afghan forces were ordered to vacate their posts and relocate to a place where they could be retrained to improve their skills and get in touch with their families. He went on to add that the move would allow the forces to better prepare for the coming spring fighting. U.S. Army spokesman Col. Michael Lawhorn, when contacted by VOA, confirmed the decision by the Afghan armys 215th Corps. Helmand continues to be a contentious area. The 215th Corps commander is making a tactical decision to reposition forces to fight the Taliban more effectively and to protect the Afghan people. The 215th is also reducing the number of checkpoints, which will result in more mobile forces, he said. Fighting has been raging for months in the poppy-growing province of Helmand and Taliban advances have allowed the insurgent group to control or influence most of its districts. The worsening security situation and ongoing Taliban offensives have inflicted heavy casualties on civilians. The Afghan Human Rights office in Helmand says 20 civilians have been killed and 250 others, including 159 children and 73 women, were wounded in the past two months. The withdrawal of government forces, some critics say, could embolden the Taliban to stage an offensive in the nearby Kajaki district, where the United States has spent millions of dollars to construct a huge hydroelectric dam to enable local authorities provide power to Helmand and neighboring Kandahar provinces, both of them traditional Taliban heartlands. The controversial move has fueled skepticism over the capacity of Afghan security forces to hold back the Taliban on their own after the withdrawal of international forces in 2014. The Islamist insurgency already controls or threatens around a third of Afghanistan in the wake of its territorial advances over the past year. The Taliban, however, has failed to capture major provincial centers other than briefly overrunning the northern city of Kunduz in September. American military advisers are already in Helmand to advise, train and assist Afghan security forces and more U.S. troops were deployed to the troubled region in recent weeks to enhance the support mission. Claims for recent blast Meanwhile, a Taliban suicide bomber struck a police convoy in the northern Parwan province on Monday. The powerful explosion killed at least 13 people, including four officers. In a statement sent to reporters, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed it was behind the blast and senior police commanders were among those killed. The violence comes as the diplomats from Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States and China are expected to announce a date and venue for possible direct peace talks between Taliban and Afghan government negotiators. Officials from the four countries meet in Kabul Tuesday for a fourth round of their so-called Quadrilateral Coordination Group seeking a negotiated settlement to the conflict. The acting leader of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, Kem Sokha, recently met with Interior Minister Sar Kheng to discuss a number of issues, including expenditures in the upcoming budget and a draft law to regulate unions. Following the closed-door, one-hour meeting, a spokesman for the Rescue Party and the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) told reporters the two sides had agreed to establish a working group to receive public comments on the union law, including from human rights and development organizations and labor leaders. CPP lawmaker and spokesman Chheang Vun said the draft law was being discussed "from the standpoint of the "culture of dialogue," a term used by both sides to signal cordial relations and talks, following a bitter political division in the wake of 2013s elections. Critics say similar workshops were already held for input on the law, much of which was ignored. Unions fear the law, as drafted, will make it hard to collectivize workers and puts labor leaders at higher risk of arrest if demonstrations turn violent outside their control. Rescue Party spokesman Yem Ponhearith told reporters that some sensitive topics, such as the exile of party president Sam Rainsy and the continued incarceration of aged party senator Hong Sokhour, were not discussed. Such issues could be discussed by party leadership at some point for the sake of "national unification and reconciliation," he said. Last weeks meeting came on the heels of Prime Minister Hun Sens meetings with U.S. President Barack Obama and other ASEAN leaders in California. The United States has made clear that warmer ties will require improved human rights and democracy efforts from Cambodia, even as it presses for improved diplomatic ties across the region. This report was produced in collaboration with VOA's Khmer Service. Cameroon is home to more than 300,000 Central African Republic refugees who have been following with keen interest the presidential elections in their country. With Faustin Archange Touadera declared the winner, C.A.R. refugees in Cameroon have expectations for their new leader and the peace process in their troubled country. Belmont Vieux Osee, former lecturer at the University of Bangui, now a refugee in Garoua Boulaye, eastern Cameroon, campaigned for Anicet Dologuele to become C.A.R. president. The 52-year-old says although his candidate did not win, he is urging president-elect Faustin Archange Touadera to immediately work for peace. He says the president-elect should first of all assemble all the republic's citizens because the country has so many problems. He says it is imperative for Touadera to make sure that schools reopen fully and civil servants start working. He says in other to achieve this, the new president should invite all religious, political and community leaders to a negotiating table. He says since the elections were peaceful, his wish is that peace should return to the country. Djodiar Kato, follower of former C.A.R. president Bozize who was represented at the election by Anicet Dologuele says former prime minister Touadera's victory indicates C.A.R. is not ready for reconciliation and he is not sure any one who supports his views will have peace should they return to C.A.R. He says those who fought wars in C.A.R. alongside former president Bozize have been declared wanted everywhere in the world and as such they are not sure of their security adding that is better for them to remain hiding in Cameroon. He says they can not find peace if they go back to their country. Toudera Bienvenue says even though his candidate, Faustin Archange Touadera, was declared successful many of his supporters are still reluctant to return to C.A.R. He says the first thing they need is peace and if there is no peace in C.A.R., they will not return. He says even if there is peace, the decision to return should be individual because some of them who escaped had lost every thing in the war and should not be forced to return. He says it will be unwise to ask a family head who has lost all of his belongings to return because he will not be able to feed his children and send them to school. C.A.R. has had a history of unrest since it gained independence from France in 1960. The crisis that the presidential election is expected to solve began after Muslim Seleka rebels overthrew President Bozize in March 2013. Abuses by the rebels triggered the rise of the Anti Balaka Christian defense groups and began a cycle of killings and violence. After former rebel leader Michel Djotodia who took over from Bozize resigned, the mayor of Bangui, Catherine Samba-Panza, was elected interim president untill presidential elections were organized. Cameroon and C.A.R. created a joint commission to encourage refugees to return. Cameroonian born Ekodo Roland Yannick who works for the joint commission says many of them are reluctant to go back because they have lost every thing in the war. He says he does not think that they will be willing to return to C.A.R. this early. He says they want to remain in Cameroon or go elsewhere and some of them have been applying to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to take them to countries like Canada and the United States of America where they think they will find peace and jobs which they say is better than going back to their country where they have lost their relatives and loved ones. C.A.R. suffered more than two years of sectarian fighting that left thousands dead and forced nearly 500,000 people to flee to neighboring countries with about 300,000 in Cameroon. After C.A.R.'s national elections body announced that former prime minister Faustin Archange Touadera had won the country's presidential election with 63 percent of the ballots cast, main rival Anicet Dologuele, another former prime minister, accepted the results, sparking hope that peace might at last return to the troubled country. In the bitter cold winter months between November 2013 and February 2014, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians sometimes up to a million gathered in Kyiv's Independence Square, or Maidan, and other central locations in the city demanding a break from Moscow's orbit and a European future for themselves. Those moments in time are captured expertly in the Oscar-nominated documentary Winter on Fire, by filmmaker Evgeny Afineevsky. Afineevsky chronicles the massive mobilization of Ukrainians against a regime they saw as authoritarian and corrupt, capturing the protesters' bloody clashes with the government's elite riot police force known as the Berkut. The protests began on Nov. 21, 2013, when President Viktor Yanukovych reversed himself and refused to sign a long-anticipated association agreement with the European Union that would have put the country on a path of reform and, Ukrainians hoped, a more prosperous future. Instead, he opted for continued economic and political ties with Russia. Men, women, and even children rebelled against the move and called for Yanukovych to step down. What followed were weeks of protests that culminated in late February 2014, when Yanukovych fled the country for safe haven in Russia. Some one hundred protesters were killed and countless others wounded in violent clashes with the Berkut. "I'm against Yanukovych." said 12-year-old Romka in the documentary. "He's not good for us as a president. His Berkut beat a woman in front of my eyes. They beat girls, they beat boys. They even beat me." Calls for change As the protests turned violent, filmmaker Afineevsky captured a grim scene of the Berkut descending on unarmed civilians, beating them and shooting at them indiscriminately. "At that particular moment," he recalled, "no one was thinking about danger. All of us were thinking how to document every second and how to preserve this history." Despite the violence, the bitter cold and the casualties, the protesters endured. What kept them going, they said, was unity. At a local monastery, priests offered sanctuary to the wounded, and medical personnel contributed supplies and services. Afineevsky said he would not have been able to document the unraveling of Ukraine's government without the help of social media and multimedia. Eyewitnesses in Kyiv were in touch with him and his crew throughout the 93-day ordeal, he said. "I started talking to the filmmakers, professionals and non-professionals who'd been there, Afineevsky said. Because every person who had some vision or who had some piece of equipment and I had usage of DSLRs [digital single-lens reflex cameras], camcorders, cellphones, GoPros, Tablets, every possible technology was helpful for us." Afineevsky's Winter on Fire is a living testimony of a people's will, and presents yet another example of how civic unity and sacrifice can force momentous change. Bolivia's President Evo Morales is asking the country to wait patiently for the final election result of a referendum to allow him to run for a fourth term, despite indications he has lost. "I have asked all social groups, those that took part in both the yes and no campaigns, to show great serenity and responsibility in waiting for the final result from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal," Morales said Monday. He added that he will respect the outcome either way. Partial official results from Sunday's referendum show the "no" vote at about 60 percent. Vote tallies are still coming in from rural areas where Morales has strong support. Exit polls published by private media indicate a close vote, but also show the "no" vote winning. Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous leader, wants to run for a fourth consecutive term in 2019, and asked voters to amend the constitution to allow him to do so. Voters were evenly split on the issue until recently. Now, however, a growing number of Bolivians are apparently starting to doubt the integrity of their president, following recent revelations that a former girlfriend of Morales works for a company that has won lucrative government contracts. It was also revealed that in 2007, the girlfriend and Morales had a baby who died under unexplained circumstances. Morales says the charges are dirty tactics designed to divert attention from his achievements in cutting Bolivia's extreme poverty and empowering the country's indigenous majority during a decade in office. Supporters of the president say his socialist policies have brought social spending to the poor and his leadership has brought stability to the country. Last week, supporters of the president were accused of setting fire to a local opposition government office in which six people died. John Crabtree, a Latin American political analyst, told Reuters Sunday's vote was "a much closer-run contest than anything Evo Morales has had to fight since he became president in 2006." Europes latest effort to counter the growing threat from foreign fighters is being hailed as a hopeful first step but there are deep concerns that the new measures will not prevent another Paris-style attack. Officials late last month launched the European Counter Terrorism Center, described by the European Unions law enforcement agency, Europol, as a unique European information hub. The focus, Europol Director Rob Wainwright has said, is improving the level and effectiveness of information exchange between the national authorities in the European Union. The timing of the centers launch is critical as reasons to fear another attack increase. Europol estimates between 3,000 and 5,000 foreign fighters have returned to Europe from Iraq and Syria. We have the problem of foreign fighters coming back to Europe either from Syria or Libya, a Western diplomat told VOA, adding that despite increased security measures, Its very easy. The head of Germanys domestic intelligence agency, Hans-Georg Massen, told ZDF television earlier this month that terrorists disguised as refugees have slipped into the country repeatedly. Massens comment came a day after German forces arrested two men with possible links to the Islamic State terror group for plotting an attack on Berlin. EU officials are hopeful the new counterterror center will soon leverage arrests like those into additional successes. The ECTC is building on already some existing capabilities within Europol, spokesperson Tine Hollevoet. By adding new capabilities and putting all of this together in a new center, we believe that this will significantly increase our response to terrorists. Will member states share information? For now, the center is employing a staff of about 45 counterterror experts. The key is on the information sharing by the member states, Hollevoet added. Still, some doubt the new counterterror center has the wherewithal to make it happen. The creation of the center has not come attached with any new major powers for Europol, said Javier Argomaniz, with the Handa Center for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at St. Andrews University. The key obstacle remains security agencies' organizational culture and their traditional reluctance to exchange valuable operational data, especially if this could result in leaks, he added. Former CIA counterterrorism analyst Aki Peritz is equally skeptical. There are 28 member states of the EU, he said. The big boys are not going to share with everybody. And that is just one of the many obstacles the new EU Counter Terrorism Center will face, according to Peritz, now vice president of the Center for Intelligence Policy. What you really need to do here is collect on individuals going to and from Syria and Iraq and elsewhere, and youre going to run into a lot of civil liberties laws and problems because each member state has different laws when it comes to that, he said. Im not quite sure how theyre going to overcome that issue. Peritz also questions whether the Paris terror attacks, which killed 130 people, will galvanize the EU in much the same way the September 11, 2001 attacks galvanized the United State, spurring change across the law enforcement and intelligence communities. Others are more hopeful The extent to which it will be up and running as really an effective entity is a question, but I think its a great step, said William Braniff, executive director at the University of Maryland's National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Response to Terrorism. Specifically, Braniff thinks the new center may be able to seize on some low-hanging fruit when it comes to information sharing, especially when it comes to foreign fighters. Theres been a lot of finger-pointing in Europe between the countries of origin of the foreign fighters, he said. What Im hoping is that this will create a parallel environment where practitioners can actually address these in a much more productive way, maybe outside of that political microscope. Another potential reason for optimism is that European officials have been talking to U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, which have already grappled with similar issues. Were trying to benefit from each others experiences, said Kshemendra Paul, Program Manager of the Information-Sharing Environment at the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Weve been in conversation over the last year-and-a-half, two years to line up the frameworks, to make sure where we have pursuit of the same ideas, he said. Were not putting in gratuitous or unnecessary barriers to interoperability. May not head off next attack Officials and analysts hope the new European Counter Terror Center will prove valuable both in the short and long term, though they admit it alone will likely not be enough to deter Europes next major terror attack. Its part of a menu of things that need to be done both at the government level and cross governments to deal with the extremism threat, said Mark Wallace, CEO of the U.S.-based Counter Extremism Project. I wouldnt call it a panacea but, certainly, a positive step, he said. The European Chamber of Commerce in Beijing said the European Union is unlikely to lift trade barriers later this year because of growing fears Chinese exports are leading to untold losses of jobs on the continent. Regardless of whether it is on the campaign trail in the U.S. presidential elections or city streets in Europe, concern that China is stealing jobs is spreading. Earlier this month, workers representing trade unions in 17 countries demonstrated in Brussels carrying banners that read: Stop China Dumping and Say No to MES (Market Economy Status) for China. The unions blame both China and Russia for creating joblessness, which has dogged Europe for 19 straight months up to last December. Such unrest is making it extremely difficult for European politicians to support Chinas demand for being granted the status of a market economy, said Joerg Wuttke, president of the European Chamber of Commerce in China. Dumping of goods The European Parliament recently began discussing Chinas demand for market economy status, which, if granted, would reduce trade barriers and make it even easier for Chinese exports to flow to Europe. Critics warn that could lead to even more dumping of goods at unfairly low prices and potential job losses of as much as 10 million. My personal observation of the parliament is that it is pretty much unified that China is challenging jobs in Europe and it doesnt matter whether you are a north or south (of Europe) parliamentarian, you are pretty much against it, Wuttke said. Chinese companies are plagued with machine overcapacity and low demand. The firms have tried to export their surplus steel, plunging global prices, which has triggered the closure of plants in Europe. It has also resulted in a growing number of anti-dumping investigations into Chinese products, the European business lobby noted. Job losses On Monday, the European Chamber of Commerce released a report entitled Overcapacity in China. Wuttke said that estimates about the extent of job losses by researchers ranges from 100,000 to 10 million. For its part, China is facing a dilemma. China needs to export more to save jobs at home, but is facing stiff resistance in Europe, its biggest customer, which has slapped a lot of anti-dumping cases that can potentially block the flow of Chinese goods. Beijing has been candid about the problem as it has rolled out a plan to close down zombie corporations that continue to make more than they sell, and keep workers on wage rolls though their machines are idle. The governments plans include shutting down 100 million to 150 million tons of low-end steel capacity and 500 million tons of coal production. But the government is reluctant to follow through on its own plans because of the massive job losses that would follow. Last year, in one fell swoop, a state-owned coal company laid off 100,000 workers over a three-month period, and hundreds of thousands in the coal and steel sector are expected to lose their jobs in the coming months. Government wants growth In fact, Wuttke said some government agencies are encouraging certain businesses to grow even as they struggle with overcapacity. According to the chamber, only one of the eight industry sectors it studied was not affected by overcapacity while all others were suffering from extremely low demand relative to the amount of goods they can produce. Regional governments and local banks are encouraging such companies because they continue to chase economic growth. They are also obstructing mergers and acquisitions because they are worried about the tax losses that could bring. "China is always enticing industries to grow. The system breeds overcapacity," Wuttke said. "You should actually make your assets sweat and utilize them to 100 percent, but that is not the case here, and the industrial landscape is becoming more and more inefficient." Former Ugandan Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, who was an independent presidential candidate for the Go Forward team, said his home has been under siege by Ugandan military police and regular police in the days following last Thursdays election in which incumbent President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner with 61 percent of the vote. He said police arrested people coming to his house, including his cook who he said disappeared for two days. Mbabazi said the government has yet to inform him directly, but the prime minister of Uganda has told the local media that Mbabazis movement has been restricted. Mbabazi would be the second unsuccessful candidate in last week's Ugandan election to be restricted to his house by the government of Uganda. Dr. Kizza Besigye of the Forum for Democratic Change party said he is also under house arrest. Mbabazi condemned the governments use of the state machinery to deprive candidates in the election of their freedom of movement. Mbabazi said the election was fundamentally flawed and the announced results not a reflection of the will of the Ugandan people. I did publish a statement to the effect that all along, from the time I entered the campaign the ground has not been leveled because of course, as you know, the state used all possible state organs to harass me personally. They arrested me; they arrested my paper; they denied me the opportunity to use the airwaves belonging to the state, he said. Mbabazi accused the electoral commission of being one-sided and partisan, clearly working in favor of the incumbent and he said the declaration of results was in many ways fraudulent. He said his team will determine its course of action once it has completed gathering more information about what exactly happened on Election Day. Mbabazi said among the options his team is considering is going to court to challenge the results, as well as applying political pressure. Besigye, of the Forum for Democratic Change party, says he thinks he is under house arrest to prevent him from announcing his vote tally in the election. The government of Uganda announced that Besigye won 35 percent of the vote last Thursday to Museveni's 61 percent. Nobody is allowed to access my home. I am also under some kind of electronic blockade. I am unable to access any form of Internet service in my house. Generally, the regime is baring its bloodied fangs and claws for all to see. This has not been an electoral process. This is a creeping military coup," Besigye told the Daily Monitor of Uganda on Monday. Police in Uganda say Besigye is under preventive arrest to stop him from leading protests against Museveni's win that could turn violent. The European Union's observer mission has criticized the domination of the political landscape in Uganda by the ruling NRM party and, in a statement, accused the government of "creating an intimidating atmosphere." The U.S. Embassy in Uganda has also weighed in on Besigye's situation. We are concerned by the continued house arrest of opposition presidential candidate Kizza Besigye. We call for his immediate release and the restoration of access to all social media sites, said spokesperson Christopher J. Brown in a statement. Indian forces killed the last three militants who had holed up for three days in a government building, following a convoy attack in Indian Kashmir. Soldiers and police fired mortars while militants responded with small arms fire during the three day standoff. Three members of the special forces were killed in the standoff along with a civilian caught in the crossfire. Thirteen troops were also wounded. The militants, believed to be rebels opposed to Indian rule, had taken refuge in the building after assaulting a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy Saturday on the outskirts of Srinagar. The rebels allowed more than 100 people working in the building to leave without harm. As the standoff continued, hundreds of residents demonstrated on the streets in support of them. Anti-India sentiment runs deep in Kashmir, where rebel groups have been fighting since 1989 for either independence or a merger with neighboring Pakistan. India and Pakistan each administer a portion of Kashmir, but both claim the region in its entirety. More than 68,000 people have been killed in the armed uprising and ensuing Indian military crackdown. India and Pakistan have fought three wars, two of them over control of Kashmir, since they won independence from British colonialists in 1947. Kenyan police have received 30 armored personnel carriers to be used in areas of the country worst hit by terrorism. Security analysts say that is a good step, but Kenya needs to do more to win the war against al-Shabab. In an effort to protect and equip police officers, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta authorized 30 armored personnel carriers to be deployed to the northeastern and coastal regions to fight militants crossing into the country. The president has said he expects police to be able to work without the help of the military and other security sectors. Analyst Yan St. Pierre, who runs the Berlin-based security firm MOSECON, said Kenya has realized it is fighting a war inside its territory and all security sectors needed to be involved and equipped to counter the threat. It is a very good sign, I think, President Kenyatta and Kenyan government finally understanding that fighting a terrorist group like al-Shabab requires all parties be involved and not just any troops or military. It is a good sign the government is willing to invest more resources into other security outlets, he said. Security analyst Andrew Franklin questioned the training for officers using such vehicles. If they are police in one of these armored personnel carriers and run over landmine or landmine detonated under it or improvised explosives devices are set off, perhaps by people waiting to ambush these particular vehicles, that officers inside will initially survive the explosions, how will they react after the explosion? That is, trying to get out of a damaged vehicle in an ambush. I do not think the police will make it, he said. Kenya's Interior Ministry spokesman, Mwenda Njoka, disagreed. He said some officers were trained before the APC's were delivered. These are new challenges we have not had before, but the more you get a new challenge the more you deal with it. When a new challenge comes, at first you do not react the way you should, you learn from it and ensure that next time you face similar problems you are ready and prepared, he said. Mwenda said paramilitary police units would use the carriers, not regular police. Al-Shabab has targeted security officers and civilians in Kenya. Kenyan security forces have been criticized for a slow response in rescuing hostages during the Garissa University College attack last year and during the Westgate shopping mall siege in 2013. Some officers said they did not know which agency was in charge during those operations. St. Pierre said with the increased threat from al-Shabab, Kenya needed to strengthen its command structure. How is the chain of command set up? Now that needs to be defined very clearly and once that is defined, then the training needs to take place. It cannot be just on paper. Security forces need to understand that as soon as something happens this is how it works and how they can work together, he said. Kenya sent troops to Somalia in 2011 to fight al-Shabab, the al-Qaida-linked group that has vowed to attack Kenya as long as its forces are still based in Somalia. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the unabating violence in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Six months of Palestinian attacks on Israeli civilians, police, and soldiers have left nearly 30 Israelis dead, along with two Americans and an Eritrean. But police and solders have killed more than 160 Palestinians while attacking Jews or attempting to stab them with knives, or run them down with cars. "The Secretary continued to urge for calm and a decrease in violence, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric," State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement after the meeting during a visit to Jordan by the top U.S. diplomat. Kerry also stressed the U.S. commitment to seeking a sustainable two-state solution and reiterated the U.S. policy on the illegitimacy of Israeli settlements. Israel accuses Palestinian leaders of inciting young Palestinians to violence. But Palestinians say they are fed up with little job and economic opportunities, weak leadership, and a dim outlook for peace and the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Kerry was in Jordan where he also met King Abdullah II, a key U.S. ally in the fight against the Islamic State group. Lesothos national general elections will be held at the end of February, two years earlier than planned. The announcement Thursday came after government coalition leaders signed an agreement meant to hold them to decisions made at talks to secure lasting peace in the mountainous kingdom. South Africa's Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was named the regional facilitator to Lesotho last month, as the Southern African Development Community [SADC] strove to resolve the countrys political challenges following an attempted military coup on August 30. Prime Minister Tom Thabane looked forlorn as Ramaphosa announced that the countrys parliament will reconvene on October 17. The sitting of the parliament will be limited to passing of a budget and to do all other related matters regarding the holding of early elections," said Ramaphosa. "National general elections will be held toward the end of February 2015 and on a date that would be determined by His Majesty the King parliament, having been reconvened, will be dissolved at the beginning of December 2014 to prepare the country for the holding of general elections. Thabane presides over a coalition government -- the first of its kind in the countrys history, but one that was a product of political expediency in 2012 when elections failed to produce a clear winner. Discord within the countrys tripartite coalition has been building rapidly since Mr. Thabane declared a 10-month suspension of parliament in June. The declaration came after the opposition tried to pass a motion of no-confidence that would see the prime minister ejected from power. The attempt to seize power in August was spearheaded by the Lesotho Defense Force commander Tlali Kamoli, who has refused to step down despite being discharged by the president, and has been accused of coordinating attacks on police and political rivals. Kamoli - who is reportedly surrounded by a group of armed loyalists - faces accusations of mutiny and treason, but remains at large. Ramaphosa on Thursday carefully dodged questions about who is the current leader of the armed forces. South Africas deputy premier said that SADC will investigate a shootout between the police and army on Tuesday night, and appealed to the security forces to stop fighting. We want peace, amicable dealings between the army and the police. More importantly we would like to see the army and the police be de-politicized," said Ramaphosa. "We want armies in the region and in the continent to be de-politicized to serve the interests of the people and not to serve party political interests. The kingdom in the sky, with a population of 2 million, has suffered a series of coups since independence from Britain in 1966. Long-term structural issues will have to be addressed in order to break the cycle of political volatility that continues to see power disputes during and after elections. When NASA announced it was accepting applications for future astronauts last December, the space agency likely did not expect to receive over 18,000 applications. One-third of that number applied in 2012 and 8,000 in 1978, the previous record. Its not at all surprising to me that so many Americans from diverse backgrounds want to personally contribute to blazing the trail on our journey to Mars, said NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, a former astronaut. A few exceptionally talented men and women will become the astronauts chosen in this group who will once again launch to space from U.S. soil on American-made spacecraft. Now, the space agency will begin the process of selecting eight to 14 of those applicants to become astronauts. NASA said it would make the announcement in 2017. We have our work cut out for us with this many applications, said Brian Kelly, director of Flight Operations at Johnson Space Center in Texas. But its heartening to know so many people recognize what a great opportunity this is to be part of NASAs exciting mission. I look forward to meeting the men and women talented enough to rise to the top of what is always a pool of incredible applicants. Those selected will report to Johnson for two years of training on spacecraft systems, spacewalking skills and teamwork, Russian language and other requisite skills. Those who complete the training will be assigned to one of four different spacecraft, including the International Space Station, NASAs Orion spacecraft or one of two commercial spacecraft being developed. The many parties involved in Syria's five-year war are weighing whether to sign on to a cease-fire proposed by the United States and Russia that would begin Saturday. The cessation of hostilities would not apply to terrorist groups such as Islamic State and al-Qaida affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra. Any other groups have until Friday to confirm their participation. A halt in fighting could pave the way for an expansion of humanitarian aid to Syria's many besieged cities and set the stage for a resumption of talks on a political transition. In a joint statement Monday, the U.S. and Russia said that under the plan parties involved in the conflict would limit any use of force to situations such as responding in self defense. The parties would also agree to provide unhindered access to humanitarian groups delivering aid to besieged areas. The U.S. and Russia are co-chairs of a cease-fire task force that is part of the 17-nation International Syria Support Group. The group met in Munich earlier this month and had hoped to implement an initial cease-fire plan by last Friday. Some of the issues linked to the cessation still appear to be unresolved. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said that over the next few days, the task force will work out standard operating procedures. He also said the group may rely in part on non-government organizations and journalists in Syria for reports on possible cease-fire violations. "No one is denying that this is going to be a challenging environment to monitor," Toner said. Assurances needed The group is also seeking assurances from the Syrian government, the opposition and other parties involved in the conflict. "Over the coming days, we will be working to secure commitments from key parties that they will abide by the terms of this cessation," said Secretary of State John Kerry. In an interview with Al Arabiya, Syrian opposition leader Khaled Khoja expressed concern that the Syrian government could use the presence of al-Nusra terrorists as a pretext to continue hitting rebel targets in areas near the terrorist group. Earlier, the White House said President Barack Obama and Russian Leader Vladimir Putin spoke by phone Monday to discuss the plan. The White House said Obama emphasized that the priority was to ensure "positive responses" by the Syrian regime and the armed opposition. Under the plan, the parties involved in the conflict are to confirm their commitment to the cease-fire by Feb. 26. "Russian and American military will jointly define the territories on the map where such groups are active," Putin said. Word of the potential truce comes a day after Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for a series of attacks in Damascus and Homs left over 100 people dead. Toner condemned the attacks and said it would take a "united and global effort to destroy this terrorist organization." Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement the terror attacks need an adequate reaction from the international community. UN urges all parties to comply A U.N. spokesman said Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon welcomed the agreement announced by Russia and the U.S. and strongly urges all parties to abide by terms of the agreement. Earlier this month, U.N.-facilitated talks between the Syrian government and opposition broke off, partly due to opposition concerns about the Russian-backed Syrian governments continued bombings around Aleppo. U.N. envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura initially planned to resume talks by Feb. 25 but, last week, the U.N. announced the talks would be further delayed. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said his government is ready for a cease-fire, but not if "terrorists" use it to bolster their positions. He has regularly referred to any opposition fighters as terrorists throughout the conflict that began in March 2011. Russian airstrikes Russia's airstrikes have been blamed for increasing the war's toll on Syrian civilians, prompting more of them to leave their homes as refugees and try to flee across the border into Turkey. UNICEF welcomed word of a cease-fire plan Monday, which could allow relief organizations to expand deliveries of aid. "If implemented, a cessation of hostilities represents an opportunity to begin the work of repairing a country that has suffered far too much for far too long," said the agency's executive director, Anthony Lake. Russia will ask permission on Monday to start flying surveillance planes equipped with high-powered digital cameras amid warnings from U.S. intelligence and military officials that such overflights help Moscow collect intelligence on the United States. Russia and the United States are signatories to the Open Skies Treaty, which allows unarmed observation flights over the entire territory of all 34 member nations to foster transparency about military activity and help monitor arms control and other agreements. Senior intelligence and military officials, however, worry that Russia is taking advantage of technological advances to violate the spirit of the treaty. Russia will formally ask the Open Skies Consultative Commission, based in Vienna, to be allowed to fly an aircraft equipped with high-tech sensors over the United States, according to a senior congressional staffer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the staff member wasn't authorized to discuss the issue publicly. The request will put the Obama administration in the position of having to decide whether to let Russia use the high-powered equipment on its surveillance planes at a time when Moscow, according to the latest State Department compliance report, is failing to meet all its obligations under the treaty. And it comes at one of the most tension-filled times in U.S.-Russia relations since the end of the Cold War, with the two countries at odds over Russian activity in Ukraine and Syria. "The treaty has become a critical component of Russia's intelligence collection capability directed at the United States,'' Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander of the U.S. Strategic Command, wrote in a letter earlier this year to Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of a House subcommittee on strategic forces. "In addition to overflying military installations, Russian Open Skies flights can overfly and collect on Department of Defense and national security or national critical infrastructure,'' Haney said. "The vulnerability exposed by exploitation of this data and costs of mitigation are increasingly difficult to characterize.'' A State Department official said Sunday that treaty nations had not yet received notice of the Russian request, but that certification of the Russian plane with a "digital electro-optical sensor'' could not occur until this summer because the treaty requires a 120-day advance notification. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to discuss the issue publicly. The official also said that the treaty, which was entered into force in 2002, establishes procedures for certifying digital sensors to confirm that they are compliant with treaty requirements. The official said all signatories to the treaty agree that "transition from film cameras to digital sensors is required for the long-term viability of the treaty.'' In December, Rose Gottemoeller, undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, sought to temper concerns about Russian overflights, saying that what Moscow gains from the observation flights is "incremental'' to what they collect through other means. "One of the advantages of the Open Skies Treaty is that information, imagery, that is taken is shared openly among all the treaty parties,'' she said at a joint hearing of the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services committees in December. "So one of the advantages with the Open Skies Treaty is that we know exactly what the Russians are imaging, because they must share the imagery with us.'' Still, military and intelligence officials have expressed serious concern. "The open skies construct was designed for a different era,'' Lt. Gen. Vincent Stewart, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, told lawmakers when asked about the Russian overflights during a congressional hearing. "I'm very concerned about how it's applied today.'' Robert Work, deputy secretary of defense, told Congress: ``We think that they're going beyond the original intent of the treaty and we continue to look at this very, very closely.'' Steve Rademaker, former assistant secretary of state for the bureau of arms control and the bureau of international security and nonproliferation, told Congress at a hearing on security cooperation in Europe in October that Russia complies with the Open Skies Treaty, but has "adopted a number of measures that are inconsistent with the spirt'' of the accord. The treaty, for instance, obligates each member to make all of its territory available for aerial observation, yet Russia has imposed restrictions on surveillance over Moscow and Chechnya and near Abkhazia and South Ossetia, he said. Russian restrictions also make it hard to conduct observation in the Kaliningrad enclave, said Rademaker, who believes Russia is "selectively implementing'' the treaty ``in a way that suits its interests.'' U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is due in the South Sudan capital, Juba, Thursday, his second visit since the country gained its independence in 2011. Ban's visit comes as implementation of the peace agreement signed last August between President Salva Kiir and his former vice president, Riek Machar, is proceeding only slowly. Machar has reportedly said he will only travel to Juba to form a national unity government when nearly 3,000 of his troops and police are in the capital, with a further 1,200 police deployed to Bor, Malakal and Bentiu. South Sudan's information minister, Michael Makuei, said We will inform the secretary-general on the effort being exerted by the government of the Republic of South Sudan in the implementation of the agreement up to this moment. Number two, we will inform him about the role of the UNMISS (United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan) and what they are doing, he said. Former Botswana president Festus Mogae, who is chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission - the head of an international group monitoring South Sudan's peace process - told the U.N. Security Council last Friday he will propose security arrangements to spur the return of rebel leader Machar as vice president. Mogae said the return of Machar is a critical step to launching a national unity government that would eventually deal with South Sudans rising violence and "humanitarian catastrophe." Information Minister Makuei said The government of the Republic of South Sudan highly welcomes the visit of the Secretary General because this is where he will get the real facts on the ground. It seems very clear he is expressing his disappointment but it seems its not clear to him who is responsible for the delay in the implementation of the agreement." Makuei said another condition being made by Machar is there must be conducive atmosphere in Juba before his return to the capital. But Makuei said Machar is not the one to determine when conditions are conducive there. Botswana's Mogae told the U.N. Security Council a deadly attack last week on a U.N. peacekeeping compound where civilians had taken refuge in Malakal, the capital of oil-producing Upper Nile state, demonstrated the continuing violence in South Sudan. He also pointed to a worrying escalation of fighting in Western Bahr El Ghazal and Western Equatoria. Mogae said the large deployment being requested by Machar does not comply with a prior agreement on security arrangements. "I plan to offer a compromise proposal on security arrangements for Juba sufficient to ensure security for Dr. Machar to return, and which would consequently allow for the formation of the transitional government," Mogae said. U.S. prosecutors say the suspect in a deadly shooting spree in the northern U.S. state of Michigan admitted to carrying out the attacks that killed six people. Prosecutors say Jason Dalton, a 45-year-old Uber driver who had no previous criminal record, made the confession during police questioning. Dalton was charged Monday with six counts of murder along with 10 other assault and firearms offenses. A judge denied bail to Dalton on Monday when he appeared briefly in court. Dalton has not yet entered a formal plea and will get a court-appointed attorney. Investigators are searching for a motive for the attack. Prosecutors say the victims were apparently chosen at random, with none of them seemingly having a connection to the shooter or each other. As details of the latest U.S. mass shooting emerged, President Barack Obama told U.S. governors visiting the White House, that "clearly we've got to do more" to prevent gun violence. Authorities arrested Dalton Sunday in connection with the shootings on Saturday around the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Two others were wounded in the incident. Getting said that someone randomly killing people for no reason is "every community's nightmare." Dalton worked for the ride hailing service Uber. The company's chief security officer, Joe Sullivan, issued a statement saying Uber is "horrified and heartbroken at the senseless violence," and has offered to help investigators in any way possible. One of Dalton's passengers, Matt Mellen, told a local television station that he hailed a ride with Dalton Saturday afternoon and that less than a kilometer into the trip Dalton got a phone call. Mellen said that after Dalton hung up, he began driving erratically, driving through stop signs and sideswiping other cars. When Dalton finally stopped, Mellen said he jumped out of the car and called police. Authorities say the shootings began at an apartment complex where a woman was seriously wounded when shot multiple times. Hours later, the gunman killed a father and son looking at vehicles at a car dealership. Minutes after that, five people were shot in a parking lot at a restaurant. Four of them died. A 14-year-old girl, originally reported as dead, was hospitalized with serious injuries. Police say they have not identified a motive for the shootings. Turkey's main pro-Kurdish party is calling for an investigation into what it says was a massacre of dozens of people by Turkish forces during recent security operations against the Kurdish rebel group, the PKK, in the densely populated town of Cizre. The government has dismissed such allegations and pledged to continue its operations against the PKK in Turkey's predominantly Kurdish southeast. The pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party, or HDP, blames the security forces for the deaths of more than 150 people who were trapped in basements in Cizre at the end of a two-month-long operation against the youth wing of the PKK. Parliamentary deputy Ertugrul Kurkcu, the HDP's honorary president, acknowledged that PKK members were among the casualties, but said they had posed no threat. "From those basements, people were waiting for medical aid, in groups as big as 30, 40, 70, but instead they were summarily executed, Kurkcu said. And there is evidence [from] people who've seen the bodies that these people were generally burned to death, or they were shot one by one." Turkey's government dismisses the claims, saying security forces are battling a terrorist organization. During the operation in Cizre, tanks were used to destroy several neighborhoods. The army claims to have killed more than 600 rebels, but has not given figures for civilian casualties. Cizre remains under a curfew and access is severely restricted. But Emma Sinclair Webb, senior Turkey researcher for U.S.-based Human Rights Watch, said there is an urgent need for clarity over what happened. "It's very important that, basically, full autopsies are conducted and the circumstances of these deaths are established, Sinclair Webb said. In order to answer the questions that are being raised at the moment among the Kurdish community, it will be essential that there is a full and independent investigation into the deaths." The government has rejected calls for an independent inquiry, while human rights lawyers say their legal right to attend the autopsies is being denied. The HDP is voicing concerns for the plight of civilians trapped in the predominantly Kurdish city of Diyarbakir, where security forces are intensifying a crackdown. The HDP's Kurkcu warns that the ongoing crackdown could ultimately threaten the future of the country. "The belief in living together is very severely damaged, Kurkcu said, Therefore this creates a big difficulty in working out a political plan for a common future for the Kurds and Turks, particularly in the war-torn areas." The government insists the PKK threat is as potent as that of Islamic State. Last week, a Kurdish rebel group linked to the PKK bombed a military bus in the capital, Ankara, killing 28 people. Observers warn that the conflict looks likely to escalate. Police in Uganda arrested opposition leader Kizza Besigye again Monday, days after he lost a presidential election he says was fraudulent. Besigye had planned to go Monday to the headquarters of the electoral commission in the capital, Kampala, to collect evidence as he weighs whether to file a legal challenge. Authorities also raided his party's headquarters and seized data that party officials used for their own tally of the votes. Besigye was arrested multiple times in the past week, and throughout the lead-up to Thursday's election that gave President Yoweri Museveni another term in office. Police put Besigye under house arrest Friday and said the move was meant to stop him from leading protests against Museveni's win that could turn violent. The opposition leader responded by urging his supporters to protest his detention and the election results. Election results, fraud allegations Official results gave Museveni about 61 percent of the vote compared to 35 percent for Besigye. The president has ruled Uganda since taking power in a 1986 coup. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo said in a statement Monday that authorities should remove any restrictions on political leaders' movements. He did not mention Besigye by name, but also urged the government and opposition parties to engage in dialogue and exercise restraint. Obasanjo led the Commonwealth Observer Group, which said the election lacked a level playing field, featured allegations of misuses of state resources and raised questions about ballot secrecy. The European Union's election observer mission released a statement saying the ruling NRM party's domination of the political landscape "distorted the fairness of the campaign and state actors created an intimidating atmosphere for both voters and candidates" on election day and the days following. In a statement Saturday, U.S. State Department Spokesman Mark Toner said that while the elections had been peaceful, their conduct was "deeply inconsistent with international standards and expectations for any democratic process." Kizza Besigye was arrested again Monday, the latest in a series of arrests for Ugandas main opposition candidate who lost Thursdays elections to incumbent President Yoweri Museveni. Besigye had intended to lead a protest march from his home to the electoral commission, where he would gather evidence that he said would help him decide whether to contest his loss at the Supreme Court. Police arrested him the moment he went outside his gate, and took him to Naggalama police station, about 38 kilometers northeast of Kampala, Besigye's attorney said. Challenge allowed Peter Magelah, an attorney and project manager at Chapter Four, a civil rights organization based in Kampala, said if a candidate doesnt agree with the outcome of the election, he or she can file a challenge with the Supreme Court within 10 days of the announcement of the results. The candidate must supply evidence to support the case. If the ruling government believes it won the vote genuinely, let him challenge, Magelah said. Because if there is no evidence, he will still lose in court, so it defeats justice, it defeats reason to try and block him from accessing that evidence to go to court. Instead, Magelah said security forces should have helped Besigye. To me, my advice would have been, let police and the security agencies give him a way to look for the evidence, the evidence hes looking for, and make sure hes safe, and the other people are safe, he said. Kampala attorney Robert Kirunda offered a different solution to how security forces should have dealt with Besigyes planned march to the electoral commission. 'Drive the evidence to him' It is fair for the police to say that he cannot disturb the peace while doing that, Kirunda said. What they should have done is drive the evidence to him. ... I think an easy way out would have been ... get all the documents he is asking for, take them to his house, he has a lavish home on a 40-acre piece of land, he has enough space to accommodate any evidence. Kirunda pointed out that police arrested Besigye before he committed an offense, a practice known in Uganda as preventive arrest. If you say its preventive arrest, then allow him access to counsel," he said. "But there is a clear mischief here that he [Besigye] is trying to address and the mischief is that for you to put together a good presidential petition, you need credible evidence, Kirunda said. The credible evidence can only be obtained either from the electoral commission or from his agents, especially here if the issue is the tallying of results. "If he [Besigye] can do neither, he cant meet with agents, he cant meet with counsel, he cant go to the electoral commission for forms, then theres a fundamentally big problem here," Kirunda added. Reason to detain Kampala police spokesman Patrick Onyango said Besigye was detained for mobilizing a group of youth to storm the electoral commission, who Onyango said planned to cause violence in Kampala. The Ugandan electoral commission said President Museveni won Thursdays elections with about 60.8 percent of the vote, compared to Besigyes 35.4 percent. The opposition has accused Museveni operatives of vote-rigging, while Museveni has said that a European Union observer mission was wrong and not serious after they reported that the elections had been conducted in an intimidating atmosphere, undermined by a lack of transparency and independence at the electoral commission. Museveni has been in power since 1986, when his National Resistance Army took control of Uganda by force, pulling the country out of chaos following a guerrilla war. U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts on Monday remembered Justice Antonin Scalia as a friend and colleague of "irrepressible spirit" as the Supreme Court returned to the bench for the first time since Scalia's death. "He was our man for all seasons and we shall miss him beyond measure," Roberts said in brief remarks. Roberts described Scalia's humble upbringing in New Jersey, along with his top performance at Georgetown University and then at Harvard Law School, where he met his wife, Maureen. As a top attorney at the Justice Department, Roberts said Scalia argued his first and only case before the Supreme Court in 1976. "He prevailed, establishing a perfect record before the court,'' Roberts said to laughter. Confirmed in 1986 Scalia became the 103rd justice confirmed to the high court in 1986, Roberts said, and wrote 292 majority opinions. "He was also known on occasion to dissent,'' Roberts said to more laughter. The staunchly conservative Scalia was widely known for his colorful and witty dissents, often finding himself representing the minority opinion among the court's nine justices. On Saturday, thousands of dignitaries, friends and family mourned Scalia at a funeral Mass in Washington. Scalia died February 13 at a Texas hunting resort. Scalia's death leaves the court with four liberals and four conservatives and sets up a fight between President Barack Obama and Senate Republicans. The Democratic president has said he intends to nominate a candidate, but the Senate Republicans have said they will block anyone the president nominates, saying the choice should be left to the next president, who takes office in January 2017. A February 1 visit by a top U.S diplomat to Syria's border town of Kobani for meetings with Syrian Kurdish leaders is at the center of a widening rift between Ankara and Washington. Turkish officials and Western-backed Syrian rebels are once again highlighting the trip by President Obamas special envoy Brett McGurk to try to explain subsequent clashes between U.S.-backed Free Syrian Army factions and U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in northern Syria. The daylong visit to the battered town of Kobani, which withstood a months-long siege by Islamic State militants partly thanks to American airstrikes, was controversial the moment news of the trip broke and prompted protests from Turkish officials. They were infuriated with McGurks meetings with leaders of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), an offshoot of Turkeys own outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which Ankara sees as a terrorist organization. In characteristic bombastic style, Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan thundered: "How can we trust [you]? Is it me who is your partner or the terrorists in Kobani? Washingtons support of the PYD, has proven to be one of the most contentious issues dividing the U.S. and Turkey along with Washingtons insistence that defeat of the Islamic State should take priority over the removal of Syrian President Basar al-Assad from power. Washington views the PYDs armed wing, the Peoples Protection Units (YPG) as its most effective ground partner in the fight against the Islamic State. But Ankara fears Syrian Kurds are determined to carve out their own independent state along the border with Turkey. According to the U.S. State Department, McGurks visit, which came a week late for the first-year anniversary of the lifting of the IS siege on the town, was to review the U.S.-led international coalitions fight against IS. McGurk tweeted during his visit: Spent two days in northern #Syria this past weekend to review ongoing fight against #ISIL. #ISIS #Daesh. He tweeted also: Paid respects to over 1,000 Kurdish martyrs from #Kobani battle. #ISIL's siege was broken 1-year ago last week. The explanations did little to mollify Ankara or Syrian rebels then or now. Accusations PYD told US of plans With the YPG fighting Western-backed FSA factions in the northern Aleppo countryside, McGurk's visit is being seized on again with anti-Assad rebels and Turkish officials questioning whether PYD leaders divulged their plans to McGurk for a Kurdish land-grab in northern Syria. U.S. officials say YPG commanders didnt, telling VOA that the Kurd-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) near Aleppo are a different group that has not been coordinating with the U.S. in the fight against the Islamic State in northeast Syria. "The State Department has seen no indication that the elements of the SDF that the U.S. is working with have moved west of the Euphrates into the northern Aleppo countryside, an official said. If McGurks visit was controversial at the time of the trip, it has become even more so since the Assad regime unleashed a war-changing offensive on February 4 across the northern Aleppo countryside with Russian air support. Syrian rebels claim the Kurds have been assisting the regime by grabbing from them a series of towns, including Tell Rifaat, and an airbase anti-Assad insurgents have controlled since August 2013. And they claim the Kurdish-dominated SDF has been coordinating their attacks with the Russians and President Bashar al-Assads regime. The YPG denies the claim. Daily Sabah columnist Klc Bugra Kanat is one among several Turkish commentators re-examining McGurks visit and arguing it prompts increasing questions regarding U.S. policy in Syria. And for days social media sites have been full of postings by FSA supporters, Turkish nationalists and members of Turkeys ruling AKP party questioning the purpose of the trip. Is it a coincidence attacks on FSA by YPG have risen since @brett_mcgurk's visit to Kobani, tweeted one FSA supporter. No document has passed my table suggesting the U.S. knew beforehand what the PYD/YPG was planning to do even so, the timing of the visit is in hindsight deeply unfortunate, a European diplomat told VOA. US calls for restraint Last week, Turkey joined the fray in the battles raging in northern Syria, firing off salvo after salvo of artillery and tank shells at YPG positions. In the wake of the Feb 17 car bombing in Ankara that left 28 dead, which the Turks blame on the PYD, the threat by Turkish authorities to launch some kind of anti-Kurdish ground offensive inside Syria to help anti-Assad rebels has taken on an even more ominous character. The U.S. is urging both Turkey and the YPG/PYD to show restraint an appeal that is infuriating Ankara, which sees Washington placing the Turkish government on the same par as the PYD, an organization it considers a terrorist group. In turn, the Turkish shelling is frustrating for Washington. U.S. officials fear unless it stops, Moscow will persist with airstrikes in northern Syria, dooming any chance that a cessation of hostilities agreed in Munich by foreign powers on Feb. 12. On Friday, in a phone conversation lasting one hour and 20 minutes, Ankara said President Obama had told Erdogan that Turkey had a right to self-defense, and expressed worries also over advances by Syrian Kurdish militias near Turkey's border in the northern Aleppo countryside. Obama stressed to Erdogan that YPG forces should not seek to exploit recent gains by the Syrian regime in northern Syria to seize additional territory themselves, the White House said in a statement. Turkish officials say Erdogan did bring up McGurks February 1 visit to Kobani. Amberin Zaman, the long-serving Turkey correspondent for The Economist, argued this weekend on the American news-site Foreign Policy that McGurks Kobani trip was prompted by U.S. fears about the Syrian Kurds defecting to the Russian camp. The Kurds are skillfully playing the Russians and Americans off of each other to extract as much influence as possible, she maintains. With U.S.-backed groups now clashing with each other in northern Syria, Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, an analyst with the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank, said the only way people can make sense of it all is to search for some hidden conspiracy. U.S. Republican presidential candidates are campaigning in Nevada, with billionaire real estate mogul Donald Trump looking to win his third straight nominating contest in Tuesday's party caucuses over his main rivals, Florida Senator Marco Rubio and Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Recent political surveys show Trump, the brash New York developer and one-time casino magnate, with a significant lead in Nevada, the Western state that is the U.S. gambling hub. A CNN/ORC poll conducted earlier this month showed him winning 45 percent support from Republican voters, with Rubio at 19 percent and Cruz at 17 percent. Trump is coming off last weekend's convincing win in the South Carolina party primary, as Rubio edged Cruz for second place in the Atlantic coastal state. U.S. political analysts are calling Trump, who has never been elected to public office, the confirmed leader for the Republican presidential nomination. But surveys show a sizable group of Republican voters remain opposed to his candidacy, either because they do not think he can win the White House in November's national election against the leading Democratic contender, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, or because they do not believe his proclaimed support for a variety of conservative positions that most U.S. Republicans adhere to. No vote for Trump One prominent conservative pundit, Erick Erickson, said Monday he would never vote for Trump if he is the Republican nominee. Years ago, Trump said he strongly supported abortion rights in the United States, but now tells voters he is pro-life, favoring a curb on the right of American women to the medical procedure. But Erickson said he has become convinced that Trump's transformation on the issue "is a conversion of convenience." A one-time local Republican official, Erickson said the party "will not deserve my support and will not get it if it chooses to nominate a pro-abortion liberal masquerading as a conservative." Trump is set for a night-time rally Monday in Las Vegas after telling an interviewer on Sunday he expects to face Clinton in the November national election to pick the successor to President Barack Obama, who leaves office in January. 'Consistent conservative' Cruz, a conservative agitator against both Republican and Democratic leaders in Washington, told a Nevada rally Sunday that he is the one "consistent conservative" in the race for the Republican nomination. He attacked Trump for recently saying that he would be "neutral" in trying to broker Israel's relations with its Arab neighbors. Cruz, a staunch supporter of the Jewish state, said, "I have no intention ... of being neutral." Rubio told supporters he is the best Republican contender to unify the party's disparate religious, business and social conservative factions. "I will unite this party. I will grow this party," Rubio said. "The Democrats do not want to run against me. I can't wait to run against them." Democratic race The next Democratic presidential nominating contest is in South Carolina on Saturday. It is a party primary election that Clinton, the country's top diplomat from 2009 to 2013, is heavily favored to win over her remaining rival, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, a democratic socialist who has focused his campaign against the growing income inequality in the United States and the power of Wall Street financial titans. Masvingo youths plan to stage protests in an attempt to block President Robert Mugabes lavish 92nd birthday party set for this weekend. The situation is tense in Zanu PF following President Robert Mugabes call for all warring factions in the ruling party to unite as the internal strife over his succession reaches alarming proportions. Zimbabwe orders all mining companies to cease operations following claims that they did not want to be part of a state-driven entity designed to mine and monitor diamond sales in the country. Zimbabwean opposition leader Professor Lovemore Madhuku of the National Constitutional Assembly party says the escalation tensions in the ruling Zanu-PF and fears of a potential split is a blessing for Zimbabweans as a united and strong Zanu-PF stifles political and economic reforms in the country. And we will also give you the latest on sporting activities in Zimbabwe. Stay tuned for these stories and more coming up on Studio 7 at 7:30 pm on 9-0-9 Medium Wave and on the 4-9-3-0, 5-9-4-0 and 1-5-4-6-0 shortwave frequencies. We also broadcast on www.channelzim.net. Please check us out on Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter. Today on LiveTalk our hosts Gibbs Dube and Blessing Zulu will be talking with listeners and experts about moves by the government to stop all diamond mining activities. Send us your numbers on our WhatsApp number 001 202 465 0318. The number again 001 202 465 0318. Stay tuned!!!!!! A High Court judge has nullified the suspension of Gweru councilors, paving the way for their return to work following their suspension in August last year. Justice Francis said after having weighed the argument presented by the councillors lawyers and that presented by the lawyers representing Local Government Minister Savior Kasukuwere, who was first respondent in the matter, he had come to the conclusion that the minister had acted unlawfully. Bere said it is clear that the provisions of the removal of mayors or councillors from office under Section 114 of the Urban Councils Act were different from those spelt out in Section 278 of the new constitution and hence the ministers action had been in contradiction with the new constitution. Kasukuwere suspended all of Gwerus 18 councillors last August on allegations of abuse of office and corruption. Three of the councillors were subsequently fired and replaced through a by-election. The minister had then appointed a three-member tribunal to look into the allegations against the councillors and later appointed a commission, which has been running council affairs up to date. Mayor Hamutendi Kombayi and 10 other councillors, had initially been granted a provisional order setting aside their suspension and halting the disciplinary proceedings of the tribunal pending their application for the final order which was granted Monday. In the application, Kombayi and his colleagues sought that Kasukuweres appointment of the tribunal be declared as being contrary to the constitution and that the charges laid against them be declared null and void. One of the lawyers representing the councilors, Reginald Chidawanyika, said he was pleased with the judgment, adding that it meant that the councillors could immediately go back to work. Another lawyer also representing the councilors, Esau Madipa, said he did not see the local government ministry appealing against the judgment as it was a well-reasoned one. Kasukuwere was not available for comment as he was not responding to calls on his mobile phone. The local government ministry has over the years suspended or fired many councillors in Zimbabwe in a move many have viewed as political interference in the running of local authorities. Harare magistrate, Vakai Chikwekwe, on Monday dismissed prosecutor general Johannes Tomanas application to be removed from remand ruling that he has a case to answer. Chikwekwe said Tomana should remain on remand as there are reasonable grounds to believe that he has a case to answer. Tomana is facing criminal abuse of office charges, or alternatively defeating the course of justice after he authorized the release of Solomon Makumbe and Silas Pfupa, who are accused of plotting to bomb President Robert Mugabes family business concern, Alpha and Omega Dairy. Tomana had filed papers claiming his arrest was unconstitutional, but Chikwekwe said he released the accused without even reading their dockets. Chikwekwe also said members of the police acted within the law as only the president is immune from prosecution. The prosecutor general had also argued that his juniors cannot prosecute him but the magistrate said they had the right qualifications to do the job at hand. Tomanas lawyer, Thabani Mpofu, was cagey about the way forward, noting that they will inform the press about the steps they are likely to take. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form The volcano continues to produce intermittent explosions, but there might be something new in the making: weak, but continuous glow from the crater has appeared during the last night - something that hasn't been observed since the latest effusive eruptive phase in July last year. Itindicate that a new lava dome is about to appear. The next days or weeks will probably give a better answer. ... Background: Colima volcano is one of the most active in North America and one of the potentially most dangerous ones. It has had more than 30 periods of eruptions since 1585, including several significant eruptions in the late 1990s. Scientific monitoring of the volcano began 20 years ago.The Colima volcanic complex is the most prominent volcanic center of the western Mexican Volcanic Belt. It consists of two southward-younging volcanoes, Nevado de Colima (the 4320 m high point of the complex) on the north and the 3850-m-high historically active Volcan de Colima at the south.A group of cinder cones of probable late-Pleistocene age is located on the floor of the Colima graben west and east of the Colima complex. Volcan de Colima (also known as Volcan Fuego) is a youthful stratovolcano constructed within a 5-km-wide caldera, breached to the south, that has been the source of large debris avalanches. Major slope failures have occurred repeatedly from both the Nevado and Colima cones, and have produced a thick apron of debris-avalanche deposits on three sides of the complex. Frequent historical eruptions date back to the 16th century. Occasional major explosive eruptions (most recently in 1913) have destroyed the summit and left a deep, steep-sided crater that was slowly refilled and then overtopped by lava dome growth.--- Activity at the volcano has been increasing. During the past days, explosions have become frequent, with intervals of only few hours. The largest on Wednesday evening at 20:50 local time showered almost the cone with incandescent ejecta and produced ash plumes up to 1 km tall. Unconfirmed reports suggest that some of the eruptions also have produced small pyroclastic flows. ... Russia delivered to the members of the UN Security Council an intelligence report concerning the activities of Turkey which support the jihadists operating in Syria [1]. The document lists about ten facts, each one of which violates one or several Council Resolutions. By doing so, Russia puts the Council, and, by extension, several other inter-governmental organisations, face to face with their responsibilities. By law, the Council should ask for corresponding proof of these assertions and pressure Turkey for explanations. In the event that Turkey should be found guilty, the Council would have to decide which sanctions should be adopted under chapter VII of the Charter, in other words, by resorting to force. From their side, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation would have to exclude this gangster-state from their ranks, while the European Union would have to halt Turkeys negotiations for membership. However, a close examination of the Russian intelligence report reveals that the alleged infringements are susceptible to open a number of other case files implicating other powers. Consequently it is unlikely that this report will be discussed publicly, but that the future of Turkey will be negotiated behind closed doors. The case of Mahdi Al-Harati Born in Libya in 1973, Mahdi al-Harati emigrated to Ireland and founded a family there. In May 2010, he was aboard the Mavi Marmara, the flagship for the Freedom Flotilla , organised by the Turkish non-governmental organisation IHH to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The ships were attacked on the high seas by the Israeli army, provoking an international scandal. The passengers were kidnapped by Tsahal, imprisoned in Israel, and then finally liberated [2]. Then Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, paid a visit to a hospital to comfort the wounded militants. His cabinet issued a photograph showing one of the militants kissing him as if Erdogan was his father. He was described as being Turko-Irish, and named El Mehdi El Hamid El Hamdi but in reality, he was the Libyo-Irish Mahdi al-Harati. In July 2011, al-Haratis house in Rathkeale (Ireland) was burgled. His companion, Eftaima al-Najar, alerted the police and told them that the thieves had taken costly Egyptian and Libyan jewellery and 200,000 Euros in 500-Euro notes. Contacted by telephone, Mahdi al-Harati confirmed to the police that he had recently met with authorities from Qatar, France and the USA, and claimed that he had received this sum from the CIA to help in the overthrow of Mouamar el-Kadhafi [3]. However, he recanted these original declarations when the Libyan Resistance took control of the affair [4]. In July and August 2011, he commanded the Tripoli Brigade of which his brother-in-law, Hosam al-Najjair, was also a member. The Tripoli Brigade was a unit of Al-Qaida supervised by French legionnaires and tasked by NATO with taking the Hotel Rixos [5]. Officially, the hotel was the international Press centre, but NATO had been informed by the hotels Turkish builder that it included a furnished basement accessible to the exterior, where several members of the Kadhafi family and the leaders of the Jamahiriya were hiding. For several days, al-Harati fought with the French against the soldiers of Khamis Kadhafi [6] In September 2011, NATO named him as the assistant to Abdelhakim Belhaj, the historical chief of Al-Qaida, who had become the military governor of Tripoli . He resigned this post on the 11th October, allegedly due to a difference with Belhaj [7] Nonetheless, in November 2011, at Abdelhakim Belhajs side, he commanded a group of between 600 and 1,500 Al-Qaida jihadists in Libya formerly known as the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) who were registered as refugees and transported by sea to Turkey under the responsibiliy of Ian Martin, the ex-General Secretary of the Fabian Society and Amnesty International, who had become Ban Ki-moons special representative. Once arrived in Turkey, the jihadists were transferred by bus into Syria, under MIT escort (Turkish secret services). They settled in Jabal al-Zouia where, on behalf of France, they created the Free Syrian Army (FSA). For almost two months, Abdelhakim Belhaj and Mahdi al-Harati received all the Western journalists who passed through Turkey in order to cover the event, in what they transformed into a Potemkin village [8]. The cabinet of Prime Minister Erdogan put them in contact with passers who transported them by motor-bike to Jabal al-Zouia. There they saw with their own eyes thousands of people demonstrating against the dictatorship of Bachar el-Assad and for democracy . Bedazzled, the Western Press concluded that a revolution was under way, at least until a journalist from the Spanish daily ABC, Daniel Iriarte, noticed that the majority of the demonstrators were not Syrian, and only obeyed their Libyan commanders, Abdelhakim Belhaj and Mahdi al-Harati [9]. However, the spectacle of the Falcons of the Levant Brigade (Suqour al-Sham Brigade) had its effect. The myth of a Free Syrian Army composed of deserters from the Syrian Arab Army was born, and the journalists who fed the fire will never admit that they had been tricked. In September 2012, Mahdi al-Harati returned to Libya for medical reasons, after having formed, with his brother-in-law, a new jihadist group - Liwa al-Umma (the Ummah Brigade) [10]. In March 2014, Mahdi al-Harati escorted a new group of Libyan jihadists who travelled to Turkey by sea. According to the Russian intelligence report, the group was taken over by the regimes number 2, Hakan Fidan, the head of the MIT (secret services), who had just re-assimilated his functions. The group joined Daesh via the frontier post at Barsai. This decision was consecutive to the meeting organised in Washington by the US National Security Advisor, Susan Rice, with the heads of the secret services from the Gulf states and Turkey, with a view to handing over the continuation of the war against Syria, in order to maintain the pretence of not using Al-Qaida and Daesh [11]. In August 2014, Mahdi al-Harati was elected Mayor of Tripoli with the support of Qatar, Sudan and Turkey. He is dependent on the government of Tripoli, which is dominated by the Muslim Brotherhood, and rejects the government of Tobruk, which is supported by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Mahdi al-Haratis career path attests to the links between Al-Qaida in Libya, the Free Syrian Army, Daesh and the Muslim Brotherhood, which destroys the theory of a democratic revolution in Syria. It also reveals the support offered to this network by the United States, France and Turkey. The transfer of Daesh combatants from Syria to Yemen The intelligence report reveals that the Turkish secret services organised the transfer of Daesh combatants from Syria to Yemen. Some were transported by plane, and others by boat to Aden. This accusation had already been made, on the 27th October 2015, by the spokesman for the Syrian Arab Army, General Ali Mayhub. According to him, at least 500 Daesh jihadists had been assisted by the Turkish MIT for their journey to Yemen. They had been transported by two planes from Turkish Airlines, one from Qatar Airways and one from the Emirates. Once arrived in Aden, the jihadists were divided into three groups- the first group travelled to the Bab el-Mandeb straits, the second to Marib, and the third group was sent to Saudi Arabia. This information, which had been widely developed by the pro-Syrian Arab media, was ignored by the Western Press. Yemeni General Sharaf Luqman, spokesman for the military faithful to ex-President Saleh, confirmed the Syrian accusation and added that the jihadists had been welcomed by mercenaries from Blackwater-Academi. The transfer of Daesh combatants from one theatre to another attests to the coordination of operations in Syria and Yemen. It implicates Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Blackwater-Academi. The Tatar village The Russian intelligence report also evokes the case of the Tatar village , a Tatar ethnic group initially based in Antalya, then moved further north by the MIT to Eskisehir. Although the report specifies that it includes Al-Qaida combatants and that it helps Islamist combatants in Syria, it does not explain why this group was moved farther away from Syria, nor what its activities were. The Tatars are the second Russian minority, and very few of them adhere to the jihadist ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood or Hizb-ut-Tahrir. However, in March 2012, Arab islamists from Tatarstan attacked an exhibition concerning Syria - The Cradle of Civilisation - at the museum in Kazan. A little later, on the 5th August 2012, a group of jihadists, both Arabs and Tatars, met secretly in Kazan also present were representatives from Al-Qaida. In December 2013, a group of pan-Turkish Tatar jihadists from the Azatlyk (Freedom) movement, left the Syrian theatre to travel back to Ukraine and assume the organisation of security on Maidan Square while waiting for the coup dEtat ; meanwhile other militants from the same organisation demonstrated in Kazan. On the 1st August 2015, a Tatar World Congress was organised in Ankara, with the support and participation of the Ukrainian and Turkish governments. Its President was the famous Cold War CIA agent Moustafa Djemilev. Its members decided to create an International Muslim Brigade to free Crimea. Djemilev was immediately received officially by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan [12]. The Brigade disposes of an installation in Kherson (Ukraine). It organised several sabotage operations in Crimea, including a huge electricity blackout (triggered from Ukraine), and then, unable to enter Russia en masse, moved to reinforce Ukranian troops in Donbass. If the UN Security Council were to look into the question of the Tatar village , they could not fail to notice that the United States, Turkey and Ukraine were sponsoring Tatar jihadists in Syria, Crimea and Tatarstan, including members of Al-Qaida and Daesh. The Turkmen of the Sultan Abdulhamid Brigade Although Turkey never lifted a finger to help the Iraqi Turkmen massacred by Daesh, it relied on the support of Syrian Turkmen against the Syrian Arab Republic. They were organised by the Grey Wolves , a paramilitary political party, historically linked to NATO secret services in their fight against communism (the Gladio network). They were, for example, the group that organised the attempted assassination of Pope Jean-Paul II, in 1981 [13]. The Grey Wolves are present in Europe, and are particularly involved with the Belgian social-democrats and the Dutch socialists. They have set up European coordination, working from Frankfurt. In reality, they are not a party in themselves, but form the paramilitary branch of the Nationalist Movement Party, MHP (Milliyetci Hareket Partisi). The Turkmen Brigades and the MIT organised the pillage of the factories in Aleppo. Turkish experts came to dismantle the machine-tools which were shipped to Turkey,where they were re-assembled. Simultaneously, they occupied the frontier with Turkey, where the MIT set up and supervised the jihadist training camps. In November 2015, it was the star of the Syrian Turkmen, Turkish citizen Alparslan Celik - member of the Grey Wolves and one of the commanders of the Sultan Abdoulhamid Brigade who gave the order to kill the two Sukoi-24 pilots who had just been shot down by the Turkish aviation, assisted by a Saudi AWACS. One of the pilots was in fact executed. In 1995, the Grey Wolves had organised, with the Turko-US real estate company Celebiler Isaat (who finance Hillary Clintons electoral campaigns), a vast recruitment drive for 10,000 jihadists to go and fight in Chechnya. A training base was installed in the university city of Top Kopa in Istanbul. One of the sons of General Djokhar Doudaiev directed the transfer from Turkey via Azerbaidjan with the MIT. The Russian intelligence report reveals that the MIT created the Sultan Abdoulhamid Brigade which unites the main Turkmen militia and that it trained its members on the base at Bayr-Bucak, under the direction of instructors from the special intervention forces of the Turkish Army and agents from the MIT. It specifies that the Turkmen Brigade collaborates with Al-Qaida. Any more serious research would lead the Security Council to re-open old criminal files and note the links between the Sultan Abdoulhamid Brigade, the Grey Wolves, Turkey, the United States and Al-Qaida. The IHH and Imkander The Russian intelligence report reveals the role of three Turkish humanitarian NGOs in the delivery of weapons to the jihadists - IHH, Imkander and Oncu Nesil. The final declaration of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), which met in Munich on the 11th and 12th February, seems to validate this accusation since it stipulates that from now on, the United States and Russia will verify that humanitarian convoys only transport humanitarian materials. Until now, the government and the Press in Damascus have continued to accuse these NGOs of supporting the jihadists, but no-one listened. In September 2012, a cargo chartered by the IHH transported weapons to Syria on behalf of the Muslim Brotherhood [14]. I am only aware of the first two organisations mentioned. The IHH is an association founded and led by the Turkish Prosperity Party (Refah) of Necmettin Erbakan, but without statutary or organic links with him. It was first of all registered in Germany, at Fribourg-en-Brisgau in 1992, under the name Internationale Humanitare Hilfe (IHH), then in Istanbul in 1995, under the name Insani Yardm Vakf. As its new acronym was IYV and not IHH, it preceded its name with Insan Hak ve Hurriyetleri, which in Turkish means Human Rights and Freedoms . Under the cover of humanitarian aid to the Muslims of Bosnia and Afghanistan, it supplied them with weapons, in accord with NATO strategy. After that, it lent military support to the Islamic Emirate of Ichkeria (Chechnya) [15]. In 2006, it organised a monumental funeral, without the body but with the presence of tens of thousands of militants, at the Fatih mosque in Istanbul, for the Chechen jihadist Chamil Bassaiev, who had just been killed by the Russian Forces after the massacre he had commanded at the school in Beslan [16]. The IHH acquired world renown by organising, with the AKP, (successor to Refah) the Freedom Flottilla , which was intended to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza by breaking the Israeli embargo, once again with White House approval, in a US attempt to humiliate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Amongst the passengers was Mahdi al-Harati, mentioned above. The UN Commission presided by Geoffrey Palmer attests to the fact that, contrary to the allegations, the flotilla was not transporting any humanitarian cargo. This leads to the conclusion that the IHH knew that it would never arrive in Gaza, and thus begs the question of what the true aims of the expedition may have been. On the 2nd January 2014, the Turkish police who had just questioned the sons of three Ministers and the director of a major bank concerning money laundering - intercepted a truck-load of arms from the IHH destined for Syrian jihadists [17]. Following that, the police searched the head office of the IHH. In his offices, it interrogated Halis B., suspected of being the leader of Al-Qaida in Turkey, and Ibrahim S., second in command of that organisation for the Near East [18]. The government managed to remove the police officers and free the suspects. Imkander (in Turkish Fraternity, by reference to the Muslim Brotherhood) is another humanitarian association, created in 2009 in Istanbul. It specialised in aid to the Chechens and the defence of the jihadists in the Caucasus. It organised a media campaign in Turkey when the representative of Dokou Oumarov (the self-proclaimed Emir of the Caucasus ), Berg-Khazh Musaev (known as Emir Khamzat), was assassinated in Istanbul. At the time, the FSB considered that it was at war with any states which gave military support to the jihadists, and did not hesitate to kill them in those countries (like Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev in Qatar, and Umar Israilov in Austria). Imkander organised vast funeral services at the Fatih mosque in Istanbul. On the 12th and 13th May 2012, with the support of the Istanbul city hall, Imkander organised an international congress in the tradition of the CIA congresses during the Cold War in order to support the independentists in the Caucasus. At the end of the meeting, the Congress of the Caucasian People was created as a permanent body, recognising the unique authority of the Emir of the Caucasus, Dokou Oumarov. The delgates accused the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation of having carried out the genocide of the Caucasian people. In a video, Emir Dokou Oumarov called for all the People of the Caucasus to join the jihad. Russia reacted strongly [19]. In 2013, Russie asked the Security Council 1267/1989 Committee to place Imkander on the list of organisations linked with al-Qaida. The United Kingdom, France and Luxembourg opposed this. [20]. Indeed, while Imkander claims to lend political support to Al-Qaida in the Caucasus, according to the Western powers, Russia has not supplied sufficient proof of its participation in military operations. Thes two NGOs are directly implicated - in arms trafficking for IHH, and in political support for Imkander. They dispose of the support of the AKP, the party created by President Erdogan to replace Refah which was outlawed by the Constitutional Court. What can be done with the Russian intelligence report ? It is unlikely that the Security Council will study the Russian intelligence report. Questions concerning the role of the secret services are generally treated in secret. In any case, the United States will have to make clear what they intend to do with their ally Turkey, which has been caught violating Council Resolutions. This information adds to that already available concerning the personal ties between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Yasin al-Qadi, the banker for Al-Qaida [21], and the role of Erdogans son, Bilal, concerning the commerce of oil stolen by Daesh [22]. There is no doubt that the Turkish ranting about a possible military invasion of Syria is simply intended as a diversion. In any event, if war were to break out between Turkey and Russia, this report would deprive Ankara of the support of NATO (article 5 of the United Nations Charter). DECISION OF THE HEADS OF STATE OR GOVERNMENT, MEETING WITHIN THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL, CONCERNING A NEW SETTLEMENT FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION The Heads of State or Government of the 28 Member States of the European Union, meeting within the European Council, whose Governments are signatories of the Treaties on which the Union is founded, Desiring to settle, in conformity with the Treaties, certain issues raised by the United Kingdom in its letter of 10 November 2015, Intending to clarify in this Decision certain questions of particular importance to the Member States so that such clarification will have to be taken into consideration as being an instrument for the interpretation of the Treaties; intending as well to agree arrangements for matters including the role of national Parliaments in the Union, as well as the effective management of the banking union and of the consequences of further integration of the euro area, Recalling the Unions objective of establishing, in accordance with the Treaties, an economic and monetary union whose currency is the euro and the importance which a properly functioning euro area has for the European Union as a whole. While nineteen Member States have already adopted the single currency, other Member States are under a derogation which applies until the Council decides that the conditions are met for its abrogation and two Member States have, pursuant to Protocols No 15 and No 16 annexed to the Treaties, respectively no obligation to adopt the euro or an exemption from doing so. Accordingly, for as long as the said derogations are not abrogated or the said protocols have not ceased to apply following notification or request from the relevant Member State, not all Member States have the euro as their currency. Recalling that the process towards the establishment of the banking union and a more integrated governance of the euro area is open to Member States that do not have the euro as their currency, Recalling that the Treaties, together with references to the process of European integration and to the process of creating an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe, contain also specific provisions whereby some Member States are entitled not to take part in or are exempted from the application of certain provisions or chapters of the Treaties and Union law as concerns matters such as the adoption of the euro, decisions having defence implications, the exercise of border controls on persons, as well as measures in the area of freedom, security and justice. Treaty provisions also allow for the non-participation of one or more Member States in actions intended to further the objectives of the Union, notably through the establishment of enhanced cooperations. Therefore, such processes make possible different paths of integration for different Member States, allowing those that want to deepen integration to move ahead, whilst respecting the rights of those which do not want to take such a course, Recalling in particular that the United Kingdom is entitled under the Treaties: not to adopt the euro and therefore to keep the British pound sterling as its currency (Protocol No 15), not to participate in the Schengen acquis (Protocol No 19), to exercise border controls on persons, and therefore not to participate in the Schengen area as regards internal and external borders (Protocol No 20), to choose whether or not to participate in measures in the area of freedom, security and justice (Protocol No 21), to cease to apply as from 1 December 2014 a large majority of Union acts and provisions in the field of police cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters adopted before the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty while choosing to continue to participate in 35 of them (Article 10(4) and (5) of Protocol No 36), Recalling also that the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union has not extended the ability of the Court of Justice of the European Union or any court or tribunal of the United Kingdom to rule on the consistency of the laws and practices of the United Kingdom with the fundamental rights that it reaffirms (Protocol No 30), Determined to exploit fully the potential of the internal market in all its dimensions, to reinforce the global attractiveness of the Union as a place of production and investment, and to promote international trade and market access through, inter alia, the negotiation and conclusion of trade agreements, in a spirit of mutual and reciprocal benefit and transparency, Determined also to facilitate and support the proper functioning of the euro area and its long-term future, for the benefit of all Member States, Respecting the powers of the institutions of the Union, including throughout the legislative and budgetary procedures, and not affecting the relations of the Union institutions and bodies with the national competent authorities, Respecting the powers of the central banks in the performance of their tasks, including the provision of central bank liquidity within their respective jurisdictions, Having regard to the Statement containing the draft Decision of the Council on specific provisions relating to the effective management of the banking union and of the consequences of further integration of the euro area, Having regard to the Conclusions of the European Council of 26 and 27 June 2014 and of 18 and 19 February 2016, Noting the Declaration of the European Council on competitiveness, Noting the Declaration of the Commission on a subsidiarity implementation mechanism and a burden reduction implementation mechanism, Noting the Declaration of the Commission on the safeguard mechanism referred to in paragraph 2(b) of Section D of the Decision, Noting the Declaration of the Commission on issues related to the abuse of the right of free movement of persons, Having taken into account the views expressed by the President and members of the European Parliament, Have agreed on the following Decision: SECTION A ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE In order to fulfil the Treaties objective to establish an economic and monetary union whose currency is the euro, further deepening is needed. Measures, the purpose of which is to further deepen economic and monetary union, will be voluntary for Member States whose currency is not the euro and will be open to their participation wherever feasible. This is without prejudice to the fact that Member States whose currency is not the euro, other than those without an obligation to adopt the euro or exempted from it, are committed under the Treaties to make progress towards fulfilling the conditions necessary for the adoption of the single currency. It is acknowledged that Member States not participating in the further deepening of the economic and monetary union will not create obstacles to but facilitate such further deepening while this process will, conversely, respect the rights and competences of the non-participating Member States. The Union institutions, together with the Member States, will facilitate the coexistence between different perspectives within the single institutional framework ensuring consistency, the effective operability of Union mechanisms and the equality of Member States before the Treaties, as well as the level-playing field and the integrity of the internal market. Mutual respect and sincere cooperation between Member States participating or not in the operation of the euro area will be ensured by the principles recalled in this Section, which are safeguarded notably through the Council Decision [1] referring to it. 1. Discrimination between natural or legal persons based on the official currency of the Member State, or, as the case may be, the currency that has legal tender in the Member State, where they are established is prohibited. Any difference of treatment must be based on objective reasons. Legal acts, including intergovernmental agreements between Member States, directly linked to the functioning of the euro area shall respect the internal market, as well as economic and social and territorial cohesion, and shall not constitute a barrier to or discrimination in trade between Member States. These acts shall respect the competences, rights and obligations of Member States whose currency is not the euro. Member States whose currency is not the euro shall not impede the implementation of legal acts directly linked to the functioning of the euro area and shall refrain from measures which could jeopardise the attainment of the objectives of economic and monetary union. 2. Union law on the banking union conferring upon the European Central Bank, the Single Resolution Board or Union bodies exercising similar functions, authority over credit institutions is applicable only to credit institutions located in Member States whose currency is the euro or in Member States that have concluded with the European Central Bank a close cooperation agreement on prudential supervision, in accordance with relevant EU rules and subject to the requirements of group and consolidated supervision and resolution. The single rulebook is to be applied by all credit institutions and other financial institutions in order to ensure the level-playing field within the internal market. Substantive Union law to be applied by the European Central Bank in the exercise of its functions of single supervisor, or by the Single Resolution Board or Union bodies exercising similar functions, including the single rulebook as regards prudential requirements for credit institutions or other legislative measures to be adopted for the purpose of safeguarding financial stability, may need to be conceived in a more uniform manner than corresponding rules to be applied by national authorities of Member States that do not take part in the banking union. To this end, specific provisions within the single rulebook and other relevant instruments may be necessary, while preserving the level-playing field and contributing to financial stability. 3. Emergency and crisis measures designed to safeguard the financial stability of the euro area will not entail budgetary responsibility for Member States whose currency is not the euro, or, as the case may be, for those not participating in the banking union. Appropriate mechanisms to ensure full reimbursement will be established where the general budget of the Union supports costs, other than administrative costs, that derive from the emergency and crisis measures referred to in the first subparagraph. 4. The implementation of measures, including the supervision or resolution of financial institutions and markets, and macro-prudential responsibilities, to be taken in view of preserving the financial stability of Member States whose currency is not the euro is, subject to the requirements of group and consolidated supervision and resolution, a matter for their own authorities and own budgetary responsibility, unless such Member States wish to join common mechanisms open to their participation. This is without prejudice to the development of the single rulebook and to Union mechanisms of macro-prudential oversight for the prevention and mitigation of systemic financial risks in the Union and to the existing powers of the Union to take action that is necessary to respond to threats to financial stability. 5. The informal meetings of the ministers of the Member States whose currency is the euro, as referred to in Protocol (No 14) on the Euro Group, shall respect the powers of the Council as an institution upon which the Treaties confer legislative functions and within which Member States coordinate their economic policies. In accordance with the Treaties, all members of the Council participate in its deliberations, even where not all members have the right to vote. Informal discussions by a group of Member States shall respect the powers of the Council, as well as the prerogatives of the other EU institutions. 6. Where an issue relating to the application of this Section is to be discussed in the European Council as provided in paragraph 1 of Section E, due account will be taken of the possible urgency of the matter. 7. The substance of this Section will be incorporated into the Treaties at the time of their next revision in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Treaties and the respective constitutional requirements of the Member States. SECTION B COMPETITIVENESS The establishment of an internal market in which the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital is ensured is an essential objective of the Union. To secure this objective and to generate growth and jobs, the EU must enhance competitiveness, along the lines set out in the Declaration of the European Council on competitiveness. To this end, the relevant EU institutions and the Member States will make all efforts to fully implement and strengthen the internal market, as well as to adapt it to keep pace with the changing environment. At the same time, the relevant EU institutions and the Member States will take concrete steps towards better regulation, which is a key driver to deliver the above-mentioned objectives. This means lowering administrative burdens and compliance costs on economic operators, especially small and medium enterprises, and repealing unnecessary legislation as foreseen in the Declaration of the Commission on a subsidiarity implementation mechanism and a burden reduction implementation mechanism, while continuing to ensure high standards of consumer, employee, health and environmental protection. The European Union will also pursue an active and ambitious trade policy. Progress on all these elements of a coherent policy for competitiveness will be closely monitored and reviewed as appropriate. SECTION C SOVEREIGNTY 1. It is recognised that the United Kingdom, in the light of the specific situation it has under the Treaties, is not committed to further political integration into the European Union. The substance of this will be incorporated into the Treaties at the time of their next revision in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Treaties and the respective constitutional requirements of the Member States, so as to make it clear that the references to ever closer union do not apply to the United Kingdom. The references in the Treaties and their preambles to the process of creating an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe do not offer a legal basis for extending the scope of any provision of the Treaties or of EU secondary legislation. They should not be used either to support an extensive interpretation of the competences of the Union or of the powers of its institutions as set out in the Treaties. These references do not alter the limits of Union competence governed by the principle of conferral, or the use of Union competence governed by the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. They do not require that further competences be conferred upon the European Union or that the European Union must exercise its existing competences, or that competences conferred on the Union could not be reduced and thereby returned to the Member States. The competences conferred by the Member States on the Union can be modified, whether to increase or reduce them, only through a revision of the Treaties with the agreement of all Member States. The Treaties already contain specific provisions whereby some Member States are entitled not to take part in or are exempted from the application of certain provisions of Union law. The references to an ever closer union among the peoples are therefore compatible with different paths of integration being available for different Member States and do not compel all Member States to aim for a common destination. The Treaties allow an evolution towards a deeper degree of integration among the Member States that share such a vision of their common future, without this applying to other Member States. 2. The purpose of the principle of subsidiarity is to ensure that decisions are taken as closely as possible to the citizen. The choice of the right level of action therefore depends, inter alia, on whether the issue under consideration has transnational aspects which cannot be satisfactorily regulated by action by Member States and on whether action at Union level would produce clear benefits by reason of its scale or effects compared with actions at the level of Member States. Reasoned opinions issued by national Parliaments in accordance with Article 7(1) of Protocol No 2 on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality are to be duly taken into account by all institutions involved in the decision-making process of the Union. Appropriate arrangements will be made to ensure this. 3. Where reasoned opinions on the non-compliance of a draft Union legislative act with the principle of subsidiarity, sent within 12 weeks from the transmission of that draft, represent more than 55 % of the votes allocated to the national Parliaments, the Council Presidency will include the item on the agenda of the Council for a comprehensive discussion on these opinions and on the consequences to be drawn therefrom. Following such discussion, and while respecting the procedural requirements of the Treaties, the representatives of the Member States acting in their capacity as members of the Council will discontinue the consideration of the draft legislative act in question unless the draft is amended to accommodate the concerns expressed in the reasoned opinions. For the purposes of this paragraph, the votes allocated to the national Parliaments are calculated in accordance with Article 7(1) of Protocol No 2. Votes from national Parliaments of Member States not participating in the adoption of the legislative act in question are not counted. 4. The rights and obligations of Member States provided for under the Protocols annexed to the Treaties must be fully recognised and given no lesser status than the other provisions of the Treaties of which such Protocols form an integral part. In particular, a measure adopted pursuant to Title V of Part Three of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) on the area of freedom, security and justice does not bind the Member States covered by Protocols No 21 and No 22, unless the Member State concerned, where the relevant Protocol so allows, has notified its wish to be bound by the measure. The representatives of the Member States acting in their capacity as members of the Council will ensure that, where a Union measure, in the light of its aim and content, falls within the scope of Title V of Part Three of the TFEU, Protocols No 21 and No 22 will apply to it, including when this entails the splitting of the measure into two acts. 5. Article 4(2) of the Treaty on European Union confirms that national security remains the sole responsibility of each Member State. This does not constitute a derogation from Union law and should therefore not be interpreted restrictively. In exercising their powers, the Union institutions will fully respect the national security responsibility of the Member States. The benefits of collective action on issues that affect the security of Member States are recognised. SECTION D SOCIAL BENEFITS AND FREE MOVEMENT Free movement of workers within the Union is an integral part of the internal market which entails, among others, the right for workers of the Member States to accept offers of employment anywhere within the Union. Different levels of remuneration among the Member States make some offers of employment more attractive than others, with consequential movements that are a direct result of the freedom of the market. However, the social security systems of the Member States, which Union law coordinates but does not harmonise, are diversely structured and this may in itself attract workers to certain Member States. It is legitimate to take this situation into account and to provide, both at Union and at national level, and without creating unjustified direct or indirect discrimination, for measures limiting flows of workers of such a scale that they have negative effects both for the Member States of origin and for the Member States of destination. The concerns expressed by the United Kingdom in this regard are duly noted, in view of further developments of Union legislation and of relevant national law. Interpretation of current EU rules 1. The measures referred to in the introductory paragraph should take into account that Member States have the right to define the fundamental principles of their social security systems and enjoy a broad margin of discretion to define and implement their social and employment policy, including setting the conditions for access to welfare benefits. (a) Whereas the free movement of workers under Article 45 TFEU entails the abolition of any discrimination based on nationality as regards employment, remuneration and other conditions of work and employment, this right may be subject to limitations on grounds of public policy, public security or public health. In addition, if overriding reasons of public interest make it necessary, free movement of workers may be restricted by measures proportionate to the legitimate aim pursued. Encouraging recruitment, reducing unemployment, protecting vulnerable workers and averting the risk of seriously undermining the sustainability of social security systems are reasons of public interest recognised in the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union for this purpose, based on a case by case analysis. Based on objective considerations independent of the nationality of the persons concerned and proportionate to the legitimate aim pursued, conditions may be imposed in relation to certain benefits to ensure that there is a real and effective degree of connection between the person concerned and the labour market of the host Member State. (b) Free movement of EU citizens under Article 21 TFEU is to be exercised subject to the limitations and conditions laid down in the Treaties and the measures adopted to give them effect. The right of economically non active persons to reside in the host Member State depends under EU law on such persons having sufficient resources for themselves and their family members not to become a burden on the social assistance system of the host Member State, and on those persons having comprehensive sickness insurance. Member States have the possibility of refusing to grant social benefits to persons who exercise their right to freedom of movement solely in order to obtain Member States social assistance although they do not have sufficient resources to claim a right of residence. Member States may reject claims for social assistance by EU citizens from other Member States who do not enjoy a right of residence or are entitled to reside on their territory solely because of their job-search. This includes claims by EU citizens from other Member States for benefits whose predominant function is to cover the minimum subsistence costs, even if such benefits are also intended to facilitate access to the labour market of the host Member States. (c) Those enjoying the right to free movement shall abide by the laws of the host Member State. In accordance with Union law, Member States are able to take action to prevent abuse of rights or fraud, such as the presentation of forged documents, and address cases of contracting or maintaining marriages of convenience with third country nationals for the purpose of making use of free movement as a route for regularising unlawful stay in a Member State or address cases of making use of free movement as a route for bypassing national immigration rules applying to third country nationals. Host Member States may also take the necessary restrictive measures to protect themselves against individuals whose personal conduct is likely to represent a genuine and serious threat to public policy or security. In determining whether the conduct of an individual poses a present threat to public policy or security, Member States may take into account past conduct of the individual concerned and the threat may not always need to be imminent. Even in the absence of a previous criminal conviction, Member States may act on preventative grounds, so long as they are specific to the individual concerned. Further exchange of information and administrative cooperation between Member States will be developed together with the Commission in order to more effectively fight against such abuse of rights and fraud. Changes to EU secondary legislation 2. It is noted that, following the taking effect of this Decision, the Commission will submit proposals for amending existing EU secondary legislation as follows: (a) a proposal to amend Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council [2] on the coordination of social security systems in order to give Member States, with regard to the exportation of child benefits to a Member State other than that where the worker resides, an option to index such benefits to the conditions of the Member State where the child resides. This should apply only to new claims made by EU workers in the host Member State. However, as from 1 January 2020, all Member States may extend indexation to existing claims to child benefits already exported by EU workers. The Commission does not intend to propose that the future system of optional indexation of child benefits be extended to other types of exportable benefits, such as old-age pensions; (b) in order to take account of a pull factor arising from a Member States in-work benefits regime, a proposal to amend Regulation (EU) No 492/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council [3] on freedom of movement for workers within the Union which will provide for an alert and safeguard mechanism that responds to situations of inflow of workers from other Member States of an exceptional magnitude over an extended period of time, including as a result of past policies following previous EU enlargements. A Member State wishing to avail itself of the mechanism would notify the Commission and the Council that such an exceptional situation exists on a scale that affects essential aspects of its social security system, including the primary purpose of its in-work benefits system, or which leads to difficulties which are serious and liable to persist in its employment market or are putting an excessive pressure on the proper functioning of its public services. On a proposal from the Commission after having examined the notification and the reasons stated therein, the Council could authorise the Member State concerned to restrict access to non-contributory in-work benefits to the extent necessary. The Council would authorise that Member State to limit the access of newly arriving EU workers to non-contributory in-work benefits for a total period of up to four years from the commencement of employment. The limitation should be graduated, from an initial complete exclusion but gradually increasing access to such benefits to take account of the growing connection of the worker with the labour market of the host Member State. The authorisation would have a limited duration and apply to EU workers newly arriving during a period of 7 years. The representatives of the Member States, acting in their capacity as members of the Council, will proceed with work on these legislative proposals as a matter of priority and do all within their power to ensure their rapid adoption. The future measures referred to in this paragraph should not result in EU workers enjoying less favourable treatment than third country nationals in a comparable situation. Changes to EU primary law 3. With regard to future enlargements of the European Union, it is noted that appropriate transitional measures concerning free movement of persons will be provided for in the relevant Acts of Accession to be agreed by all Member States, in accordance with the Treaties. In this context, the position expressed by the United Kingdom in favour of such transitional measures is noted. SECTION E APPLICATION AND FINAL PROVISIONS 1. Any Member State may ask the President of the European Council that an issue relating to the application of this Decision be discussed in the European Council. 2. This Decision shall take effect on the same date as the Government of the United Kingdom informs the Secretary-General of the Council that the United Kingdom has decided to remain a member of the European Union. STATEMENT ON SECTION A OF THE DECISION OF THE HEADS OF STATE OR GOVERNMENT, MEETING WITHIN THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL, CONCERNING A NEW SETTLEMENT FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION The Heads of State or Government declare that the Council Decision on specific provisions relating to the effective management of the banking union and of the consequences of further integration of the euro area will be adopted by the Council on the date of the taking effect of the Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council, concerning a new settlement for the United Kingdom within the European Union, and will enter into force on that same day. The draft Decision is set out below: Draft Council Decision on specific provisions relating to the effective management of the banking union and of the consequences of further integration of the euro area THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Whereas: (1) Supplementing Decision 2009/857/EC of 13 December 2007 [4], provisions should be adopted in order to allow for the effective management of the banking union and of the consequences of further integration of the euro area. (2) The mechanism in this Decision contributes to the respect of the principles laid down in Section A of the Decision of the Heads of State or Government as regards legislative acts relating to the effective management of the banking union and of the consequences of further integration of the euro area, the adoption of which is subject to the vote of all members of the Council. (3) In accordance with paragraph 1 of Section E of the Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council, concerning a new settlement for the United Kingdom within the European Union [5], any Member State may ask the President of the European Council that an issue relating to the application of that Decision be discussed in the European Council. (4) This Decision is without prejudice to the specific voting arrangements agreed by the representatives of the 28 Member States meeting within the Council on 18 December 2013 [6], concerning the adoption of Decisions by the Council on the basis of Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No 806/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council [7]. (5) In the application of this Decision, and in particular with reference to the reasonable time for the Council to discuss the issue concerned, due account should be taken of the possible urgency of the situation, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 1. If, in relation to the legislative acts to which Section A of the Decision of the Heads of State or Government applies, the adoption of which is subject to the vote of all members of the Council, at least one member of the Council that does not participate in the banking union indicates its reasoned opposition to the Council adopting such an act by qualified majority, the Council shall discuss the issue. The Member State concerned shall justify its opposition by indicating how the draft act does not respect the principles laid down in Section A of that Decision. 2. The Council shall, in the course of these discussions, do all in its power to reach, within a reasonable time and without prejudicing obligatory time limits laid down by Union law, a satisfactory solution to address concerns raised by the member or members of the Council referred to in paragraph 1. 3. To that end, the President of the Council, with the assistance of the Commission and in compliance with the Rules of Procedure of the Council [8], shall undertake any initiative necessary to facilitate a wider basis of agreement in the Council. The members of the Council shall lend him or her their assistance. While taking due account of the possible urgency of the matter and based on the reasons for opposing as indicated under paragraph 1, a request for a discussion in the European Council on the issue, before it returns to the Council for decision, may constitute such an initiative. Any such referral is without prejudice to the normal operation of the legislative procedure of the Union and cannot result in a situation which would amount to allowing a Member State a veto. Article 2 This Decision, which supplements Decision 2009/857/EC, shall enter into force on the date of the taking effect of the Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council, concerning a new settlement for the United Kingdom within the European Union. It shall cease to apply if the latter ceases to apply. Done at , [date] For the Council The President Compared to the premiere episode, The Kill Floor moves at an almost leisurely pace, bypassing flashier operatics to suggest several unsettling ideas about time. There is definitely violence some of it particularly gruesome but that is not the main interest. Instead, we focus on the weight of history, the ripple effects of domestic violence, and the hollowness of heroics when death hangs in the balance. This hard shift is illustrated by one particular absence. We dont see the Yellow Card Man, who seemed to haunt Jake at every corner in The Rabbit Hole. No one quietly whispers to Jake that he doesnt belong. If it wasnt for the ending and a few stray moments, youd almost forget that 11.22.63 had much to do with time travel. The Kill Floor simply feels more interested in human tragedy than the shows weird premise. The episode opens with a cruel group of children bullying a young Harry Dunning. When we see he doesnt even fight back, even when hes held down, we can tell this harassment happens a lot. Sans pants and pride, Harry makes his way through town to a small shop. (Jake happens to be sitting at the counter.) The shop owner keeps a pair of shorts stashed for him so he can make his way to school. Its October 29, 1960. Mere days from now, Harrys family will be killed by his abusive father, Frank. Jake has decided to stay in Harrys hometown of Holden, Kentucky, to rewrite this bit of history, but the longer he stays, the more I question his mission. There is something uneasy about Holden. Perhaps all small towns have their oddities, but Holden seems weighted by sadness. After a suggestion from the shopkeeper, Jake rents a room in the home of Edna and Arliss Price. Edna veers close to caricature. Edna (Annette OToole) is an uppity, self-righteous Christian with strict rules and stricter composure. Arliss (Michael ONeill) proves to be fascinating; in a later conversation with Jake, he delivers an impeccable monologue that hits the episodes true target: the cost of heroism. In World War II, Arliss garnered a Bronze Star for his bravery. Edna doesnt understand why he wont have it framed and put on display in their home. When shes out of earshot, Arliss explains to Jake the circumstances that led him to getting the medal. While he was carrying an injured comrade, he found a teenaged German soldier sleeping idly by a riverbank. In excruciating detail, Arliss explains how he kills the soldier by holding his head underwater: the look in his eyes, the color of his skin after death, and how the boy said something in German that Arliss never translated. Last thing you can say about killing a man is that its brave, he tells Jake. Jake doesnt understand the weight of this statement until the very end of the episode, when he is able to kill Frank. I expected time to push back harder. Sure, Jake gets sick before hes able to complete this mission, but that pales in comparison to the twisted humor displayed by time in the first episode. Im honestly surprised Jake pulled this off, especially considering how things first play out between him and Frank. Throughout the episode, Jake repeats the story that a grown-up Harry read to the class in 2016. It gives him crucial details about the fateful night, and enough information to point him in the right direction. So Jake winds up at a Holden bar as the nearby plant lets out. He asks the bartender, Bill Turcotte, a few vague questions about Frank, and then a group of men stream inside. Frank is among them, with his pals Calvin and Dickie. Calvin and Dickie are mean, but Frank is another matter. There is something slickly charismatic about him beneath that practiced smile is something dark and awful. Hes also the kind of man with whom you should never be alone. So Jakes attempts to just wing this plan seem disastrous. After drunkenly quoting James Agee, Jake finds himself in the car with Frank and his friends. Frank quickly but casually asks Jake how he knows about him. Jake lists off vague details, seemingly enough that Frank can fill in the blanks, but I wasnt quite sure he bought it. Why would Frank trust Jakes word? He doesnt just stand out because hes a writer and an outsider. He carries himself differently than everyone else. James Franco feels a bit more listless in this episode, pinging between somber determination and naive courage. I dont think hes the strongest or most compelling actor here. His most interesting moments come when he is a mirror for another character, like Arliss. Eventually, Frank drives Jake to the slaughterhouse where he and his father once worked. The deeper they go inside, the worse I imagined Jakes fate. When they get to the titular kill floor, one of Franks buddies brings in a calf. Franks goal then becomes comes clear: Hes testing Jake. He wants to see what kind of man he is. Maybe it would help to think of that bitch ex-wife of yours, Frank says to Jake, after noticing his reticence to kill the animal. Is it any surprise that ex-wives can only be bitches to Frank? He probably feels that way about all women. Unsurprisingly, Jake isnt the kind of man Frank admires. He doesnt kill the animal, then winces at Franks ease in doing so. Hand in hand with heroism, The Kill Floor asks questions around masculinity. How do we calculate the measure of a man? Does Jakes single-minded pursuit to save Harrys family make him good, even though he kills Frank? How do you weigh the value of heroism against the deaths of others? Jake goes to Doris Dunnings doorstep under the guise of saying she won an all-expense trip that would take her and her kids out of town. When Jake says to Doris, Sometimes just fate steps in and deals you a good hand, I figured he hadnt still learned much. Fate, of all things, doesnt usually care about women like Doris Dunning. How many other women like Doris has Jake known without realizing their plight? Narrative-wise, this is a big turn away from the X-Filesesque weirdness we saw in the first episode. If youre looking for more of that, youll be disappointed with The Kill Floor. Theres really none of it here. But this episode poses difficult questions of heroism, history, and masculinity and offers uneasy answers. Its a great piece of TV because of its humanity, and its sincere interest in the characters who orbit Jake. Jakes all-expense paid trip ploy doesnt work. Frank takes him to his butcher shop, yammering on about rules and setting things right, so its not much of a surprise when Doris comes out with a black eye. Frank, of course, interprets Jakes trip ploy as a way to seduce Doris. After hes beat by Frank, Jake buys a gun; hes committed to save the Dunning family. Though his initial failure was predictable enough, I certainly didnt expect Bill to watch things go down from afar. Why is Bill so keen to see what happens? Apparently, Franks violence is more established than even Jake knew. When Halloween finally arrives, Jake waits outside the Dunning home. Hes confronted by knife-wielding Bill, who reveals that Frank was married to his older sister and killed her. Bill was a young boy, though, so no one believed him. Jake tries to get out from under Bills knife by revealing hes from the future good luck with that explanation and then by whipping out his gun. Now free, Jake tentatively goes inside when he realizes Frank slipped inside through the back door. Weve seen a lot of violence enacted upon or around Jake, but in this scene, he is a contributor. As he goes inside, Frank is already beating Doris. Shooting him to death would have been easy, but Jakes only able to hit him in the shoulder. Ultimately, Jake kills Frank with a stray cord before he crawls down the stairs. The camera doesnt leave the violence of this act; instead, it sticks on Franks face, blood dripping down his lips as Jake puts every ounce of strength into strangling him. This is a far more intimate way to kill someone than a gun, which explains Jakes shell-shocked reaction when the deed is done. Jake stumbles from the home in a bloody daze. Neighbors crowd around him; they all came outside hearing the gunshot. As he heads out of town, presumably to go back to his own time, he reminds himself again and again that the Dunnings are alive because of what he did. He stands in the rain, blood washing off his brow, and it isnt an uplifting moment. Jake is trying to convince himself that his violence was worth it, and I dont think he believes it. In an earlier flashback, Al discusses how time pushes back. He explains how time gave him cancer, not long after a doctors check-up showed no signs of illness. Time is sick and cruel and protects what should come to pass. And thats why Jakes comment to Doris feels so empty: Fate doesnt deal anyone a good hand. Thats a lie people tell themselves to feel better. Jake was able to change the hand dealt to Doris, but what will her new lease on life lead to? Before Jake gets back in his car, he finds himself on the wrong end of the gun. Its Bill, and hes holding a newspaper story about John F. Kennedys assassination. How will he get out of this? Billions is about people who play long games. In a sense, the first six episodes of the series reflect a similar patience. The creators withheld the full strength of Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis by generally keeping them out of the same room until the climax of The Deal, a long game that pays off brilliantly. Add in the increasingly excellent Maggie Siffs best work to date and James Foleys razor-sharp direction, and this is really the episode that Billions has been building toward all season. Its one of the most purely entertaining hours of TV so far this year. Wendy Rhoades (Siff) is being ushered through a dark hallway by Hall (Terry Kinney), the Winston Wolfe of Axe Capital. She is next seen in a robe near a pool. Bobby Axe Axelrod (Damian Lewis) appears on the other side, not unlike a Bond villain, and takes off his robe to enter the pool the way God made him. She hesitates, but also disrobes and enters the water. No risk for wires, I suppose. Axe says, Its been a weird couple of days, and then we flash back 72 hours earlier. Picking up at the end of episode five, Wendy emerges from her theater break to see Dollar Bill Stern (Kelly AuCoin) being arrested on TV. She strides into U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades Jr.s (Paul Giamatti) office with a slow clap. Shes rightfully pissed that Chuck made sure she wasnt there when the arrest went down. Its like a mob informant not being in the building when a raid happens. It doesnt look good. Chuck is being a dick, claiming he was protecting her, but thats utter nonsense. She couldnt be there because it would increase pressure on him to recuse himself. If his wife was in the background when Stern got arrested on national TV, it wouldnt look good for him. Meanwhile, Axe is furious. He calls it an attack, and compares it to Pearl Harbor. Remember what happened on U.S. soil after Pearl Harbor? Nothing. The invasion never came. Pearl Harbor was the best they had. Axe adds, What came next was a war that unleashed the might of America. Axe sees himself as a general, ready to lead his followers into war. Wendy doesnt look too comfortable. She later confronts Axe about this aggressive mentality, suggesting that he cant accept actions outside of his control. Is she doing this for him, for her, or for Chuck? Siff is such a great actress that she can play all of those motivations at once. Its easy to argue that Wendy is the smartest character on the show. She accuses Chuck and Axe of using her like a shuttlecock in a later scene, but shes always in control. If anything, she bats them back and forth, able to see the big picture way more than either man. At the same time, Chuck and Bryan (Toby Leonard Moore) are interrogating Stern, who has clearly heard something like Axes Pearl Harbor speech before; hes treating them like hes been taken a prisoner of war, literally saying that he doesnt recognize their authority as if theyre an invading army. Theyre going to need some dirt to make Bill flip. Chuck is talking just like Axe, saying that he wants to beat the 14-year sentence Jeffrey Skilling got for Enron, but he knows they dont have quite enough to make that happen. Lara Axelrod (Malin Akerman), playing healer and insurer, goes to the Sterns house to deliver a gift basket with enough cash hidden inside to help them cover their mortgage, property tax, tuition, and more. Everything will be taken care of, which is both very charitable and a way to buy the Sterns allegiance. Theres a nice shot of Laras face as shes hugged, reflecting a bit of concern. Chuck tries to apologize to Wendy with whiskey, and then she confronts him: Why are you going after him so hard? Why Axe? She knows that he should recuse himself and that it would be easy to do so. He bends the truth, saying that he owes it to his team the same team that has been asking him to recuse himself. She warns him that Axe is digging trenches and laying wire and he will scorch the Earth under our feet. To stop that, they need dirt on Stern. As the team is talking through the details of his life, they joke about the fact that he has two minivans. Who has two minivans? It turns out that a man with two families does, thats who. He has a mistress and two kids in Jersey. They rush into the meeting room like conquering heroes, only to be shocked when they realize Bill knew it was coming. Right in the meeting, he sends his wife a pre-written letter detailing his second family from his phone. He blows up his family for Bobby Axelrod, saying, in one of the shows more memorable alpha-male movie references, Im Keyser Soze, motherfucker. While Stern plays his role, Wags (David Costabile) is starting to panic. Clients are jumping ship. Theyll lose capital at this rate. Wags suggests downsizing, but Axe is digging in his heels. They need an endorsement from another power player. Its time for PR and spin, something Axe Capital has always mastered. After a brief moment in which we see the tension getting to Axe he works out in the company gym like a maniac he bursts into Wendys office. She took $250,000 out of the company fund. Why? And why didnt she take it all out? She refuses to answer his questions. She sees through both Axe and Chuck. Shes the only one who does. Orrin Bach (Glenn Fleshler), the lead attorney for Axe Capital who has been handling the Stern case and is subtly trying to woo Bryan to his side (which feels like a narrative seed thats being planted for much later), meets with Axe in a locker room. He warns him that this could go bad. Axe says that hell never settle, despite his legal counsels advice that a settlement could be a win. They get busted down to a family office, take a fine, and no one does any time. Axe is giving up no ground. Chuck meets with Adam DeGiulio (Rob Morrow), who pressures him on behalf of the attorney generals office to settle. Theyve read the stories; they know about the conflict of interest and what that could do to the case. If Chuck doesnt recuse himself, it could get kicked on appeal. Adam leaves with a passive-aggressive warning: Do what youre going to do Chuck just be right. Wags calls Axe with some good news about the PR move theyre going to attempt, then Lara pours a couple of glasses of red wine. Axe tells her about the lawyers advice to settle. She agrees, noting that theyre already pariahs the kids just got uninvited to a party. Axe uses I; Lara uses we. Hes blind to what his actions could do to the people around him. Perhaps luckily for everyone, the PR move backfires. Wags was invited to a luxury box on mail-room night, so hes only surrounded by 20-year-old dipshits. Back to the Rhoades house, where Chucks parents are over for dinner. Dad (Jeffrey DeMunn) is gloating, even with Wendy at the table. Hes lucky she doesnt slap him when he says obnoxious remarks like, Axe must take three sessions just to make it through the day. Its brilliant how the writers have made both Chuck Sr. and Chuck Jr. so incredibly unlikable, pushing us to the more engaging and charismatic Axe Capital side of the battle royale. Typically, the Rhoades would be the heroes. Even Chuck Sr. thinks his son should settle and play the long game including, possibly, a run for higher office. After realizing that Wendy and his dad have been talking, Chuck confronts his wife again in a fantastically written scene. She opens the book by saying, Ask me anything. She tells him that Axe needs a small win in every endeavor and every exchange. Axe came from nothing and expects to go back to nothing, so hes willing to lose it all to make sure his enemies do too. Chuck admits that in any other case, hed pursue a plea at this stage. The next day, he tells an angry Bryan that hes willing to accept a deal, then acts like a jerk because Bryan is stunned at his about-face: Wait by the phone for his people to reach out. Before we get back to the mystery skinny dip, Hall tells Axe that they could make the whole case go away by smearing Wendy. Fraud, embezzlement, infidelity Chuck would have no choice but to settle. Is that why shes in the pool? He asks why shes still there with Axe. She found meaning in putting Axe back together and shes good at what she does. Siff is fantastic here, as Wendy once again convinces Axe that shes got his back without explicitly saying so. He surrenders. Hell cough up the biggest fine ever paid: $1.9 billion. And Axe Capital will be slashed down to a family office. But hell do no time and there will be no trial. Chuck calls Adam to gloat a bit. Chuck Sr. calls to congratulate him. Axe is warned that they may want an admission of guilt at the plea meeting. If that comes up, Axe says he may not sign. Of course, Chucks ego demands that it does. Axe pauses, then agrees. And then, Chuck has to one-up him: Didnt he say that he would never settle? Bryan calls him a crook. Wags and Axe play right along, noting how theyll make back the fine in six to eight months, and comparing the whole thing to the sting of an ant. Big mistake. Nobody calls Chuck Rhoades Jr. an ant. He takes the family-office deal off the table. Now, its a lifetime ban: You never trade securities again. Axe crumples up the check and throws it at him. Before he drives away, Axe kicks his driver out of the car so he can get behind the wheel, and he cranks Master of Puppets. In the episodes epilogue, Chuck bends the truth again. He tells Wendy that Axe blew a gasket and that for the good of the marriage, hes not going to be a part of the case. Im a little surprised she believes him, although I love how she talks to him with exactly the same shrink-speak she uses with Axe. Of course, we learn that Chuck now wants information from Bryan behind closed doors. We do whatever it takes, he promises. Other Notes Awwww. Photo: Archive Photos/2012 Getty Images Like Ferris Bueller running back the wheels of a Ferrari, we may attempt to turn back the gears of time, but our attempts will inevitably fail. And so, instead, we slump forward, celebrating each anniversary as it comes, entranced by whiffs of the past. Anyway, Chicago is holding a Ferris Fest in honor of the 30th anniversary of Ferris Buellers Day Off. The film was released on June 11, 1986, while the festival will take place from May 20 to 22 this summer. Events include a tour of the filming locations used for Ferris and his friends trip through the city, a screening of Ferris Buellers Day Off, appearances from cast members such as Cindy Pickett and Lyman Ward (who played Ferriss parents) and Jonathan Schmock (the restaurant maitre d at the French restaurant), and a reenactment of the films Twist and Shout scene. There will also be a recreation of Ferriss bedroom, a Proustian movie set if ever there were one. Give her a break! Photo: Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited Its hard out there for Lady Edith Crawley. Over six seasons of Downton Abbey, she has faced an unusually high number of heartbreaks and obstacles for a woman of aristocratic means, despite her genuinely good heart and amiable personality. A well-worn pattern drove the series: Just as she seemed to be approaching some level of happiness see her relationship with boo Bertie Pelham Poor Edith would be knocked back down and forced to start from square one. In Downtons big-screen debut [light spoilers ahead], we finally see Edith get her happy ending, albeit one that falls short of the absolute satisfaction some true Edith stans might be craving. Shes now married to Herbert Pelham (a.k.a. Bertie), making her a marchioness and the most titled member of her family. Theyre expecting their first child together. (At this point, everybody in the family knows about Marigold, Ediths daughter from her relationship with the late Michael Gregson.) Sure, Bertie almost heads out of town for a multi-month stretch, which would mean missing his childs birth. (Julian Fellowes was not going to let an opportunity to toy with Ediths emotions pass him by entirely.) But eventually the, uh, queen of England sorts it all out! Ahead of Downtons big-screen debut, heres every awful thing that has happened to our favorite overlooked middle child during the course of the show. Edith loves Patrick Crawley, the heir presumptive of the estate, but he gets engaged to Mary. He then dies on the Titanic, and its revealed that Mary didnt really love Patrick and was only engaged to him to keep the Crawley money in the family. She shows romantic interest in Matthew Crawley, which is not reciprocated. During their date to explore local churches, he only has eyes on the churches. He and Mary later become engaged and married before he dies in a car crash. Sir Anthony Strallan leaves her after its revealed hes going to propose. After Mary discovers it was Edith who alerted the Turkish ambassador of what really happened on the fateful night of Mr. Pamuks death (sexy times!), Mary manipulates Strallan into thinking Edith doesnt actually love him and was leading him on for the fun of it. She and Mr. Drake, a local farmer, kiss and express interest in each other, but his wife finds out. And then Mrs. Drake hires an additional farmhand for their farm, so they dont need Ediths help anymore, just when she was beginning to find purpose in farming. Patrick Crawley returns to Downton and declares his love for Edith, but nobody believes his identity except for her. A Canadian World War I officer claiming to be Patrick requests to stay at Downtons convalescent home to recover from severe burn injuries. After some investigating by Lord Grantham that casts doubt on his story, Patrick leaves, but not before he and Edith grow a strong attachment to each other. His true identity is never revealed. She gets back together with Strallan and they get engaged, but he leaves her at the altar on their wedding day. Because he believes hes too old for Edith and doesnt want her to waste her life caring for him. The Crawleys dont disagree. Her family initially doesnt support her writing a newspaper column. Despite Edith finally finding a career that she enjoys and is good at. Michael Gregson, Ediths new lover, travels to Munich to get a divorce from his current asylum-confined wife to marry her. He never returns, under very mysterious circumstances. It is later revealed he was killed during the Beer Hall Putsch. But Edith gives birth to her and Gregsons daughter, Marigold, rendering the child a bastard and subject to scandal. Although she originally intended the girl to be adopted in Switzerland (with the help of her Aunt Rosamund), Edith decides to keep Marigold as close in proximity to her as possible, and arranges for the Drewe family, local tenant farmers, to take her in at Yew Tree Farm. She accidentally sets fire to her bedroom after throwing one of Gregsons books into her fireplace. Which nearly spreads to the entire upstairs wing of the estate. Although no severe damage is done, Edith was almost seriously injured. Mrs. Drewe, initially unaware of who Marigolds birth mother is, strongly dislikes Edith and her frequent visits. It escalates when Mr. Drewe tells Edith to stay away from the child temporarily, which prompts Edith to remove Marigold from their care and flee to London. So Out of spite, Mrs. Drewe tells Cora about Marigolds true identity. Cora is surprisingly level-headed and accepting of the whole situation when the dust settles, and hatches a plan for Downton to take in Marigold under the guise of her being Ediths ward. But not all the family members are happy about this new arrangement. Mrs. Drewe kidnaps Marigold during a local fair. Shes retrieved shortly thereafter, but not before Lord Grantham politely demands that the Drewes move away to prevent future disturbance. Edith becomes engaged to Bertie Pelham, setting her up to become a marchioness, until Mary maliciously reveals the truth about Marigold to him. Which causes Bertie to end the engagement, saying he can never trust her again. I expected The Good Wife to take big risks in its final episodes; after all, this is a show thats known for tackling ambitious story lines. (And frankly, some excessively ambitious ones.) I did not expect The Good Wife to tackle a story line about ISIS. But right at the beginning of the episode, theres Alicia, waiting at the curb for a military escort, which takes her to a secret room where a cadre of high-level military officers and legal counsel are waiting for her. Alicia (and the conservative civilian lawyer whos been recruited as her counterpoint) are told theyve been brought in to consult on the matter of Massoud Tahan. Hes a social-media recruiter for ISIS, and although hes never personally killed or explicitly espoused violence, his recruits have committed massive atrocities in Iraq and Syria. The question, then, is whether a recruiter counts as an enemy combatant, and that question has to be examined quickly, because the government knows Massouds whereabouts for the next 48 hours. Alicia and the rest of the team have been selected to give the government legal justification to kill him. (There are some direct but delicate references to the Paris attacks during this back-and-forth.) Alicia points out that he does have a material tie to all of the atrocities in recruiting, he provides the bodies that suicide bombs are strapped to. Everyone agrees that this is reason enough to order his assassination but then the officer leading the proceeding drops the bomb that Massoud is a pseudonym, and the man in question is an American. They get a night to think things over, and an accusation soon emerges about one of the committee members leaking details of the proceedings, but ultimately, the military sends a drone to take out Massoud. Lets take a step back to praise the writing in this sequence, which airs almost entirely before the opening credits. Its really indicative of what Ill miss about The Good Wife. ISIS is an inordinately complex subject to even discuss theres no way to point that out that doesnt seem like a total understatement but this story line tackles that complexity in a way thats easy to understand and drives a narrative of its own creation. Its an impressive feat. And now that Im done praising the writing, allow me to express my disappointment that, somehow, this story takes us back to the NSA offices, and thus back to a story line that I consider to be my personal Good Wife nemesis but it seems well learn more about that in the weeks to come. Meanwhile, back at Lockhart, Agos, and Lee, paranoia runs rampant after a magazine reporter comes to the offices and seems more interested in photographing the women of the firm than the men. David, afraid that Diane is planning to make a move toward making the firm 100 percent female-partnered, asks Jason to investigate. (Im not sure how Diane could even pull off such a thing, but on the other hand, PLEASE DO IT, DIANE.) Cary gets just as paranoid, and tries to pump Lucca for information in a scene that makes me nervous that shes doomed to be underutilized for the rest of the series. Ultimately, its true that Diane floated the idea of a female-partnered firm to Alicia a while back, but the lack of trust between the two of them makes this all seem pretty impossible. I certainly enjoy watching David Lee sweat, though. And this little story line does give us the best exchange of the episode, when David tells Jason, Youve got kind of a cowboy thing going, huh? and Jason responds, Not intentionally. When Jasons not busy doing David Lees dirty work, he and Alicia are getting busy with some of their own. They finally have sex, and while I think the scene that preceded it was supposed to be sexy, I found it a little off-putting. Alicia asks Jason for help getting the cork out of her tequila bottle surprisingly enough, this is not a euphemism but Jason tells her not to drink and coaxes her into a guided meditation instead, which ultimately leads to office sex. It all feels just the slightest bit mansplain-y. Why did it have to be on his terms, not hers? Alicia, it would seem, liked it a whole lot more than I did. By the end of the episode, shes all but demanding round two. Finally: I should have known that Elsbeth Tascioni would get one last ride in The Good Wifes final season. Has any other guest star been as widely embraced and, more important, as delightfully weird? Eli hires Elsbeth to find out why the FBI is investigating Peter. In essence, shes a lawyer there to find out why they need a lawyer in the first place. Everyone drags their feet about how much to disclose to Elsbeth and Eli remains convinced that there has to be something Peters never told him about but finally, they tell her about trying to fix the election for Alicia. Okay, she says, Lets crack open the green notebook. Thats for serious notes. When Elsbeth starts interviewing Marissa about what she knows (since Marissa was approached by the undercover FBI agent last week), Elsbeth bolts out of the room at a seemingly innocuous statement, telling Eli she cant stay on the case. Eli begs her to come back, but the best shell do is refer him to a new lawyer: her ex-husband. Im so glad that if this is our last time seeing Elsbeth, were getting this version of her, the smart and capable and quirky character, not the cartoon caricature who dropped by last season. Elsbeth wouldnt have left the case unless thered been a conflict of interest, so her ex tells Eli and Peter that theyll need to track down her client list. If they can figure out which client caused the conflict, theyll know more about the nature of the FBI investigation. (In other words, the investigation is not about the vote rigging or, at the very least, its not just about the vote rigging.) Theres a delightfully kooky string of events of course Elsbeth would be married to/divorced from someone as unique as she is but ultimately, Peter and Eli deploy Jason to follow Elsbeth, whos on her way to warn her client. The client is a wealthy dairy farmer who both donated to Peters campaign and once gave Marissa a job. Marissas offhand mention of him in her interview with Elsbeth tipped her off. But how does that tie back to a federal investigation? Well find out soon enough. There are only seven episodes of The Good Wife left and yes, that feels almost too surreal to write. But whats even more surreal is I have absolutely no idea whats going to happen next. What a wonderful place to be. c.f. Martin Freemans outfit in any other movie. Photo: Marvel via Empire Martin Freeman is in the ever-expanding cast of Captain America: Civil War, but his role, other than the standard Martin Freeman outline of nice guy in a suit, has been secret until now. Empire has new photos from the fim, which reveal that Freeman will be playing Everett Ross, who, in the comic books, is the U.S. governments agent in the Black Panthers home of Wakanda. In Civil War, Freemans Ross will be part of the Joint Counter Terrorist Centre, which is trying to tamp down on superhero shenanigans in the wake of the collapse of S.H.I.E.L.D. The casting news means Freeman will probably spend a lot of time with Chadwick Bosemans TChalla (a.k.a. Black Panther) and likely pop up in Ryan Cooglers 2018 stand-alone Black Panther film. Here is a look Freeman next to Emily VanCamp, who plays Sharon Carter, Steve Rodgerss former neighbor, surrounded by a German SWAT team: Photo: Marvel via Empire In addition to photos of Freeman, Empire also has a glimpse at new villain Crossbones, who is played by Frank Grillo (Kingdom) and appears to be going for a Hannibal Lecter by way of Mad Max sort of look. Photo: Marvel via Empire And here is an intimate moment between Captain America and Iron Man, which hints that Civil War could be the love story we all want it to be. Photo: Marvel via Empire Captain America: Civil War comes to theaters May 6. Corsicana police Sunday alerted authorities and the public in Waco, Dallas and Fort Worth to watch for a suspect in a Saturday night shooting as possibly armed and dangerous. A news release issued by Police Chief Randy Bratton identified the suspect as Wylum Charles Bivins, 26, and said he is thought to be armed and dangerous. Bratton said Bivins is a Corsicana resident. Bratton said a man entered a residence on South 20th Street about 11:30 p.m. Saturday and shot another man without provocation. He said occupants of the house knew the shooter but said witnesses said the shooting was not preceded by a dispute or argument at the scene. Comments the suspect had made about police and others led us to believe he may still be dangerous, Bratton said. The victim was taken to a hospital with injuries thought to be serious but not life-threatening, he said. The release said, The subject may be a potential threat to the general public as well as law enforcement personnel. If he is located, do not approach or engage him. Contact law enforcement personnel immediately at 911. Those with information can call Corsicana police at 903-654-4902. The release said the suspect was last seen driving a black 2014 Chevrolet Impala four-door sedan with Texas license plate GXB0788 but said he may be in a 2005 tan Audi four-door with Texas plate DG3Z303. He was described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighing about 205 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. PRESS RELEASE The 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbors Day of Infamy will be commemorated at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016, with flying activities and other highlights recalling the events and heroism of that fateful day, which initiated Americas involvement in World War II and changed our nation forever. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016, the 64th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, will be held July 2531 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Flying activities will include historic World War II-era aircraft of both American and Japanese origin, including the popular Commemorative Air Force Tora! Tora! Tora! air show performances. An unprecedented part of the commemoration will be the flying appearance of a restored Interstate Cadet aircraft that was in the air for flight training over Oahu when the attack began on December 7, 1941. An evening program on Wednesday, July 27, will highlight the events of December 1941, with participants expected to include Pearl Harbor veterans and historians who have deeply researched the events before, during and after that day. Although 75 years have passed since the events at Pearl Harbor changed America forever, its important to commemorate the heroism shown that day and the aftermath of the attack, said Rick Larsen, EAAs vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates features and attractions at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Aviation played an extraordinary part on December 7, 1941, so its natural that it would be a part of the activities at Oshkosh this year. We also want to help our attendees have a better appreciation of what happened before and after that historic day. EAA AirVenture attendees are invited to participate in re-creating the scene of the days just prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor with activities on Boeing Plaza after the afternoon air show on July 27, up until the start of the night air show that evening. The goal is to re-imagine the atmosphere and mindset in the then-U.S. territory of Hawaii with food, music and settings that were present in early December 1941, until things abruptly changed just hours later. Specific details on all Pearl Harbor 75th anniversary events at Oshkosh will be announced as they are finalized. Those details will be available at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh website (www.eaa.org/airventure). About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the Worlds Greatest Aviation Celebration and EAAs yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA. There will be a collective sigh of relief among several of the big investment banking houses on Monday as one of the most controversial corporate disclosure class actions was settled and can be relegated to a footnote in history that of gold miner Newcrest. Newcrest's lack of broader market disclosure but alleged selective disclosure to a few analysts kicked off a new round of regulatory fervour about the winks, nods and steering that some companies give to investment bank analysts. Former Newcrest chief executive Greg Robinson resigned on the back of the scandal. Credit:Josh Robenstone Class actions on disclosure are no longer a rarity. But this was large, public and embarrassing and it sent shivers down the spines of the corporate and analyst communities. The class action claim alleged that Newcrest had no reasonable grounds for the gold production guidance it released on 13 August, 2012 and further misled and deceived investors leading up to a June 2013 downgrade announcement. A few months ago, I caught up for lunch with lawyer Judy Courtin, one of the staunchest advocates for the victims of the rape and sexual abuse of children and vulnerable others by, in particular, Catholic priests, and one of the people instrumental in the successful campaign to establish the royal commission into the response of churches and other institutions to these crimes. She did her PhD on the issue, was a guest of mine in 2012 in the advocacy column I have written for the past six years, The Zone, and is now representing victims at the commission. In an eerie coincidence, when I returned from lunch to my desk, there was a joint email from the headmaster and chairman of the board of Ballarat and Queen's Anglican Grammar School, which I attended for the final five years of my secondary education. The email read in part: "Ballarat Grammar is seeking to ascertain whether members of its community have experienced abuse at the school. Anyone who has suffered such abuse is encouraged to come forward, with the assurance that disclosures will be treated with confidentiality, and with the utmost sensitivityThis letter has not been prompted by any revelation at the royal commission, but by a desire to assist anyone who might be helped by the affirmation and support of the school." It hit me like a physical blow. The image of the priest's genitals flooded my mind. I could also visualise the hideous, massive flakes of dandruff. I had suppressed the memory for more than 35 years. This is common. Safe Schools hasn't been going long enough for a study which examines the impact of policies, strategies and actions on any group of people. The Safe Schools Coalition Australia has partnered with the WA Aids Council to deliver the program to schools in our state. The program is known as 'All Of Us' and is presented as an anti-bullying program to promote transgender awareness. Critics claim it is a gay lifestyle promotion program and a form of social engineering to further promote the LGBTI cause. Supporters argue homophobia and transphobia are rife in schools and this program is needed now. The Victorian State Labor government has mandated that it will be compulsory for all schools to join the Safe Schools Coalition program by 2019. A Victorian mother-of-four recently withdrew her son after he took part in a lesson and came home thoroughly confused. Unlike Victoria, the program is new to WA and at this stage remains optional for schools to sign up to. However, some WA parents have already withdrawn children from traditional schools in WA and are home schooling instead, unhappy and concerned with what their children have experienced taking part in the lessons. Bullying has no place in schools, but there are already rigorous anti-bullying programs in place that are delivering effective outcomes. The Department of Education's Executive Director Statewide Services, Lindsay Hale, says that schools strive to provide safe learning environments for all students regardless of gender identity, race, religion or sexual orientation. "Principals, in consultation with their school communities, are best placed to decide which programs will address the needs of their students, "said Mr Hale. But by the same token, a classroom of sniggering 11-year olds is not the place to start the journey of discussing LGBTI issues. While those students who identify as LGBTI should not be unfairly discriminated against or victimised, critics such as education expert Dr Kevin Donnelly suggest that "Safe Schools Coalition is more about advocacy than simply making schools safer places. Students are being subjected to a concerted and well-resourced campaign enforcing an LGBTI sexuality and gender agenda." The Safe Schools Coalition program may indeed be well intentioned by LGBTI supporters but it could have life-long ramifications on a child not emotionally mature enough to deal with this content. Gender identity issues in early adolescence do occur and this program may be useful for those children whose parents are too judgemental and not emotionally equipped to want to bring the topic up at home. BUT, for the overwhelming majority of 11 year olds it will not apply and does not apply. 'All Of Us' claims to want to increase respect and inclusion of LGBTI and to achieve its goal will teach children that there is no such thing as 'normal' sexuality, and that there are many genders beyond 'male or female'. The program claims instead that gender is fluid or limitless. The phrase 'boys and girls' is not to be used because, according to the Safe Schools Coalition, using 'boys and girls' assumes that everyone is, or should be, heterosexual. Instead, the guide tells children to ask people if they prefer to be known as 'he', 'she', 'ze' or 'they'. 'Ze'? 'Ze'? That is completely ridiculous. What the hell is a 'ze?' Even my gay friends expressed dismay and surprise! Heterosexuality is NOT taught in schools. The guide presents current LGBTI ideology as the only acceptable view of sexuality and gender, which at 11 years old simply leads to confusion. Even adults struggle at times with these concepts. Schools are always striving to create more inclusive school communities and parents trust their child's school to do this each and every day. Life is tough enough for principals and teachers, so they don't need yet another issue to deal with that they themselves may deem not necessary for their school. One of the 'All of Us' lessons encourages students to evaluate their school environment and advocate for change such as changing the curriculum, gender-neutral toilets and establishing groups such as Queer-Straight Alliance, LGBTI representative library books and using promotional material across the school such as banners, posters and stickers. That is all well and good. But, in another lesson illustrating the importance of having a safe learning environment the program states that 'we respect other people's opinions even if they are different to our own.' However, the 'All of Us' material, along with other Safe Schools Coalition materials is ironically intolerant of WA's cultural and religious diversity. It fails to provide guidance as to how students are to respect those people who for cultural or religious reasons consider the LGBTI sexual activity unacceptable. Has anyone thought of the negative impact on children and their families if these discussions or topics are introduced to children in a group environment where a child may not be ready to receive this information? These topics should instead be addressed with children as and when a parent feels that they are ready to understand and process the information. Sadly, if a parent does not ever feel comfortable discussing these issues with their child, then that is just one of those things. The fact is you will never get everyone on the same page when it comes to such delicate issues like these and that is just a part of life - always has been, always will be. Some critics have even claimed that the whole program fits the definition of bigotry because it does not tolerate any view that differs from the LGBTI ideology of sexuality and gender. The LGBTI lobby is an incredibly powerful minority, but do not for one moment think it is a homogenous one. There are many with the LGBTI community that are wary about the Safe Schools Coalition but are too nervous to voice their concerns for fear of reprisals. Apparently, at WA state schools which choose to sign up, the lessons will be delivered by teachers. In my view, this can also open up a can of worms. A gay teacher may deliver the information in a completely different way to someone who is deeply religious. And some teachers simply feel that they should not be delivering these lessons in the first place. We all hear about how people want the family unit in our society strengthened and that parents know their children best - so let families decide how and when to do it. As a columnist, sticking one's head above the parapet is par for the course. However, what sticks in my mind this week is the complete fear expressed by many that I was so 'brave' to write a column on this because I would be attacked by the LGBTI lobbyists no matter what I wrote. So, to make sure there is no confusion. I want to see the current and future generations of Australians continue to embrace their fellow Australians and respect them for who they are. But as a parent in Australia, I will decide when it is the right time to talk to my children about LGBTI issues, NOT a school and NOT at age 11. Dementia is a serious and progressive disease and second only to coronary heart disease as the leading cause of death in Australia. The projections for diagnosis rates are startling: 900,000 Australians and 131 million people globally will be living with the disease by 2050. As a clinician who has worked in the residential aged care sector for three decades, I can attest to the challenges of caring for someone with dementia, and the impacts on quality of life for the individual, their family and the community. Advocates have worked hard to educate the community about the disease. Disappointingly, mainstream commentary continues to characterise the disease in misleading, even alarmist, language and to use terminology that disempowers the person living with the condition. This reinforces the fears and stigmas that exist in the broader community. The onus is on all of us from informal caregivers to health professionals to adopt respectful language and support people with dementia. Invoking Grim Reaper-style imagery and describing people in advanced stages of dementia as lacking "any semblance of humanity", David Campbell's reflections, while personal and heartfelt, are the most recent in a litany of unhelpful depictions of the disease (Comment, 30/1). Christopher Jay's article in the Australian Financial Review (June, /15) on "feral geriatrics" and "dementia troublemakers" is particularly egregious. As eminent neuropsychologist Steven Sabat has argued, using dehumanising language to describe the symptoms and consequences of dementia reveals a profound failure to understand and respect the identity of the person living with the disease. As decades of research by Tom Kitwood, Sabat and others have established, regardless of the degree of cognitive decline, the "humanity" of the person is incontrovertibly still present. These people are not "ghosts", "empty shells" or "no longer there", to cite a few disrespectful euphemisms that still circulate even in the healthcare sector. Research has shown that for many people, while cognitive function and verbal fluency declines, emotional acuity is heightened. When engaging with someone who may no longer be able to speak, tone of voice, body language and facial expression become increasingly important cues, and relationships with family, friends and carers even more crucial. The onus is on all of us from informal caregivers to health professionals to adopt respectful language and support people with dementia in that most fundamental of human imperatives, the desire to communicate. Whether this is facilitated through music, touch or simply being present depends on the circumstances. In people with advanced dementia, communication and a sense of wellbeing can be achieved, even if only for short periods. Type Gladys Wilson and Naomi Feil into your search engine and I guarantee you will feel differently after watching this powerful and moving vignette. In recent years, advocacy for dementia has been transformed. People living with dementia are increasingly contributing to public health debates, policy formation and service provision. As Kate Swaffer and Christine Bryden two compelling and outspoken Australian women living well with dementia tirelessly point out being branded "sufferers" and "victims", "demented" or "afflicted" imposes demeaning labels and connotes passivity. Such terminology implies, even if unwittingly, a lack of autonomy and identity that compounds the complexities of their lived experience of dementia. Language matters. Having cared for many people living with dementia from a vital woman in her 40s with early-onset Alzheimer's disease to an elderly Holocaust survivor with advanced dementia who could still find (and provide) joy playing the piano I don't wish to minimise the serious consequences of the condition. Equally, I can point to the extraordinary rewards in working to ensure the wellbeing of people living with the disease. It is difficult to convey in words the pleasure that comes from an unexpected word or smile, the trusting reach for your hand or the warm hug from a resident whose dementia means that while they may not remember what day it is, they can recognise the faces of loved family members and respond affectionately to those who care for them on a daily basis. The government will need to start from first principles. The law for the plebiscite should be based upon the normal rules that govern elections and referendums. This should entail a system of compulsory voting based upon the current electoral roll. Voting should occur at the ballot box, rather than solely by post. Without these, the plebiscite, especially in the event of a close result, may be undermined by criticism that it did not properly express the will of the people. Special government funding should not be provided to organisations agitating for or against change. Instead, public money should support a credible, independent set of neutral information. This should inform Australians of the current state of the law and what changes would be made if the vote succeeds. I can see merit in only one departure from existing practices. In like ballots held overseas, such as the recent plebiscite on Scottish independence, the vote has been extended to 16 and 17-year-olds. This should also occur for a plebiscite on same-sex marriage. The federal marriage act permits 16 and 17-year-olds to marry where they have the permission of a judge or magistrate. This age group thereby has a stake in the debate, and will be affected by any change. They should accordingly be given a say. The federal government should also draft the bill to overcome the greatest defect in holding a plebiscite, namely, that it is not binding and can be ignored by parliamentarians. The law cannot compel parliamentarians to vote one way or the other. However, clever drafting can ensure, to use the Turnbull's words, that "when the Australian people make their decision, that decision will stick". The plebiscite bill should contain sections setting out how same-sex marriage could be recognised. The law should state that these sections commence operation if a plebiscite is supported by a majority of voters. Or, if the plebiscite fails, the law should state that the provisions are of no effect. Either way, the plebiscite would trigger automatically an outcome consistent with popular will. What's inside that counts Hardware on both models is marginally better than previous iterations, with improved internal smarts including a 64-bit octacore (2.3GHz Quad + 1.6GHz Quad) or quadcore (2.15GHz Dual + 1.6GHz Dual) processor, depending on country of release, plus 4GB of RAM. The Samsung Galaxy S7 at its unveiling in Barcelona. Credit:Hannah Francis With the camera, it's a case of win some, lose some. Samsung has trimmed pixel density from 16 megapixels to 12, but added a dual-pixel rear camera, which makes auto-focus miles faster. Speed tests between the S6 Edge Plus and the S7 using photographs in a light-controlled box showed the dual camera focused on an image almost instantly, while the older model took about a second to focus. Samsung also took a swipe at main rival Apple showing a similar difference in focus times compared to the iPhone 6 Plus. Samsung's Galaxy S7 Edge. Credit:Hannah Francis iPhone cameras are of a very high standard but they do struggle with focusing close up and with low light shots. The new Samsung Galaxy cameras also have a higher aperture of f1.7 to let more light in. Other features Samsung has reintroduced to the range will be we welcome news to many Galaxy fans. The camera on the S7 Edge, left, has a higher aperture than last year's Note 5. Credit:Hannah Francis The SIM card tray includes two spaces for either an SD card or a second SIM, depending on the market of release. The omission of a memory slot in the S6 range was a bugbear for many users. The S7 range will come with 32GB internal storage, with the storage slot supporting up to 200GB. Another reintroduced feature which will give the new Samsungs an edge over the iPhone is waterproofing. Last seen on the Galaxy S5, Samsung has managed an improved IP rating of 68, which is top of the range and means it's immersible in water up to 1.5 metres deep for up to 30 minutes. The cameras have seen a bit of a downagrade in terms of raw megapixels, but performance is much faster. Credit:Hannah Francis A couple of years ago my Samsung Galaxy S5 had a harrowing encounter with a (clean!) toilet bowl, which demonstrated just how valuable water resistance can be when it comes to protecting an expensive phone. Battery life is also improved at 3000mAh in the Galaxy S7 and 3600mAh in the S7 Edge, up from 2550mAh and 2600mAh, respectively. Again this is a big advantage over the iPhone 6s which has just 1715mAh battery, which has continued to bug many Apple users. Even the iPhone 6s Plus has less at 2750mAh despite its larger size. Special software lets apps take advantage of the S7 Edge's curved sides. Credit:Hannah Francis An edge on Android Software-wise there are a few nice new features on both new Galaxy phones. Samsung has added extra functionality to the new Edge to give it some more, well, edge over the plain S7. As with last year's model, the extra appeal (apart from the look that high-definition screen pops like a jewel with the curved edges) is extra features accessible by swiping left from the right edge of the screen. With the S7 Edge Samsung has opened up the edge panel to third-party developers so we can expect to see all sorts of customisable shortcuts and tools. Within the native apps, some have expanded to show two columns of icons rather than one, while there are new inbuilt tools including a ruler, a compass and a torch. A cute addition is the "always-on" lockscreen which displays the time or other visuals when the phone is locked, but uses a tiny fraction of battery power. LG unveiled a similar feature with its new G5 smartphone at MWC. Of interest to fans of mobile gaming is the S7 and S7 Edge's new "gaming mode", designed to optimise the phones for game playing. A Game Launcher serves as a hub for game settings which include turning off notifications for uninterrupted play, and changing the screen resolution to optimise battery power. An improved cooling system is designed to keep the phone from overheating during extensive use. Both new models have wireless charging and NFC mobile payment capabilities, and Samsung announced it is bringing Samsung Pay to Australia this year, with American Express the only announced partner thus far. The new phones will be available in Black Onyx, Gold Platinum, Silver Titanium and White Pearl no sign of trendy Rose Gold anywhere and will be available March 11, with preorders from February 26. Huawei surprised attendees at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona by announcing an ultra-portable laptop and tablet hybrid device, at the trade show more traditionally focused on mobile phones. The Matebook is Huawei's first foray into the world of two-in-ones, and the Chinese company's first consumer product to run Windows 10. In an interview following the announcement Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei, was upfront about the choice to partner with Microsoft on the Matebook. While Huawei loves working with Google for it smartphones, he believes Windows 10 is the best platform for hybrid tablets and laptops.But he also wanted to create a device that matched the beauty of Apple products. "Apple PCs look beautiful, and not many others look as good. But the problem is Apple only run Apple software. We believe there's a market for beautiful Windows tablets", Mr Yu said. From all accounts Prince has never been much for stage patter, but up close you realise he doesn't need it. It's all in the raising of one of those storied eyebrows, an impish tilt of the head, beckoning you to sing along louder, or play along as he acts out one side of a lovers' late night phone call. One gripe is that the pacing of the show was all over the place. For instance a gorgeous, synth-assisted The Most Beautiful Girl In The World, third song in, was followed by two more ballads at exactly the same tempo. But we were always told this show would be a reflection of whatever Prince was feeling at the time. After the elegiac Melbourne concerts following the death of his muse, Vanity, tonight we got a mostly joyous, life-affirming affair. How else to describe the mood after what must have been six encores, when Prince left 3000 of us singing the chorus of Free Yourself well after any hope that he'd come back on had passed. As the man sang himself: "Nobody do it like Prince can do." New Zealand, you are in for a treat. Dr Michelle LaRue, a research ecologist at the University of Minnesota, was part of the team that conducted the first global census of Adelie penguins, using remote sensing methods and analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery. She said the Cape Denison penguins could have skipped breeding, died or moved, either permanently or temporarily. While scientists from the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) assess the state of the colony, one expert says there are three possible explanations. Mystery surrounds the precise fate of thousands of Adelie penguins which apparently disappeared from Cape Denison, Antarctica, after a 2900-square-kilometre iceberg grounded near their home in Commonwealth Bay. "While I don't know what happened ... my best guess is that their fate was a combination of the three," she said. A count during the Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 2013-14 found 5520 pairs at Cape Denison, down from an estimated 94,254 pairs at Cape Denison and the nearby MacKellar Islets censused by Dr LaRue's team in 2011, several months before the iceberg grounded. Research published in the journal Antarctic Science linked the decline to the expansion of fast ice sea ice attached to the shore which formed after the iceberg's arrival, forcing the penguins to walk 60 kilometres to forage in open water. It concluded that the colony could be gone within 20 years unless the sea ice broke out or the iceberg, known as B09B, shifted. It showed the "devastating impact of a mega-iceberg stranding event," said Chris Turney, professor of climate change and earth sciences at the University of NSW, who led the expedition. "Of the adult birds reaching the colony, few were successfully breeding in 2013, with the death of many young all too evident," he said. "As for the missing adult birds, we don't know how many are missing or where they are. We suspect they have stayed at sea and missed breeding in the meantime." Siamese snake twins Katana and Wakizashi have cleared an important health hurdle after a trip to the vet. Their owner, Wodonga snake breeder John McNamara, said an exploratory tube was used to see if there were any restrictions in their throats. Breeder John McNamara with his rare snake. Credit:Mark Jesser "They both went down to the stomach so they're completely separate sharing one stomach; they should be sharing all the same organs but just have two heads and two throats," he said. "[Their] brothers and sisters have shed now and five have eaten so they're going good. Pathology companies should be forced to deliver government-funded services that are free for patients, in an overhaul that would save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year, a former top health bureaucrat says. The Turnbull government has been at war with pathology and diagnostic imaging companies since its surprise announcement last year that it would cut an incentive payment designed to encourage bulk billing (a practice meaning patients face no out-of-pocket cost). Pathology companies are ripe for reform, the Grattan Institute says. Credit:James Davies Health Minister Sussan Ley said cutting the incentive payment would save the government about $650 million over four years and that the companies could absorb the small loss. She does not believe it will change bulk-billing rates, which are currently sitting at about 85 per cent. But pathologists say they will be forced to pass on the loss to patients through co-payments (further payments charged by the company), and that this will discourage patients from undergoing tests such as those for cervical cancer and hepatitis C. Mark Scott will use his last major speech as ABC managing director to propose an overhaul of the way the ABC and SBS transmit their television channels, a move that could save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars a year. The change, if implemented, could see the broadcasters reduce their number of television channels and eventually move some channels online. At Senate estimates hearings earlier this month, Mr Scott revived debate about whether the two public broadcasters should merge by questioning the relevance and distinctiveness of SBS in the digital age. Mr Scott will address the National Press Club on Wednesday, his final major speech before he steps down in May. It comes as a new report by the Australia Institute think tank calls for the ABC and SBS to combine their online operations as a way to avoid waste and overlap, but cautions against a broader merger. The memo and its annotations were found in the National Archives by two researchers from Monash University, Sara Niner and Kim McGrath. The memo, said Dr Niner, was "vivid evidence of the lack of empathy and concern for human rights abuses in East Timor" in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). "The archives in Canberra reveal that this culture of cover up is closely tied to DFA's need to recognise Indonesian sovereignty over East Timor so as to commence negotiations over the petroleum in the Timor Sea." The boundary negotiated in the early 1970s with Indonesia was highly favourable to Australia but left a gap in the border the so-called Timor Gap as East Timor was then a Portuguese colony. Before Indonesia's invasion in 1975, Australia's ambassador in Indonesia Richard Woolcott cabled Canberra to observe the gap in the sea border "could be much more readily negotiated with Indonesia". Australia has declined to negotiate a permanent boundary since East Timor's independence, with the fledgling state waiting to hear if Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will begin talks. Fairfax Media contacted members of the Jakarta embassy staff at the time who received the document. Cavan Hogue who later rose to become an ambassador in the Soviet Union and Thailand said he had just arrived at the embassy but could have penned at least one of the annotations, notably the joke about Fretilin being "internally inconsistent". "It does look like my handwriting," he said. "If I made a comment like that, being the cynical bugger that I am, it would certainly have been in the spirit or irony and sarcasm. It's about the press release, not the Timorese. That's how I'd interpret it." Peter Rodgers, who is named on the memo as a recipient, declined to clarify if he authored any annotations but did offer his views in two brief emails.. "Those in the embassy in 1976 had no more reason to believe Fretilin propaganda than they did to believe Indonesian, UDT [Fretilin's local conservative rivals], Apodeti [a party favouring Indonesian integration] propaganda over the situation in East Timor," he said. "The commentary was blunt but this was on claims made by one of the protagonists in a messy, propaganda-rich, conflict." However, the Fretilin "propaganda" was broadly accurate. The United Nations-sponsored 2500 page report into violence in East Timor during the occupation found thousands of instances of sexual violence, forced starvation, summary executions and torture. "Rape, sexual slavery and sexual violence were tools used as part of the campaign designed to inflict a deep experience of terror, powerlessness and hopelessness upon pro-independence supporters," the report said. "It was common practice for members of the Indonesian security forces to keep East Timorese women in detention in military bases. "These women, who were sometimes detained for many months and sometimes years, were often raped on a daily basis or on demand by the officer who controlled them, and often also by other soldiers." As many as 180,000 people died between 1975 and 1999, about one-third of East TImor's pre-invasion population.The peak for death, torture and starvation was between 1975 and 1979. In 1979, Mr Rodgers who left the embassy to become a Fairfax correspondent in Jakarta defied Indonesia's military to publish photos of starving Timorese in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Mr Rodgers received the Australian journalist of the year award. But, while the photos galvanised outrage around the world, Mr Rodgers' reportage later received criticism for downplaying Indonesia's role. The Turnbull government is facing a war with the majority of the Senate crossbench after it unveiled its plans for voting reforms that could wipe out the minor parties and independents by making it much more difficult to engineer preferences deals and game the system to get elected. The "optional preferential" voting reforms could pave the way for a double dissolution election in July that would radically reshape the Senate, and come after a deal was negotiated with the Greens and independent Nick Xenophon over the reforms. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the changes would ensure that Australian voters would determine where their Senate votes go, rather than having those preferences allocated by complicated back room deals. A couple of things that have been going on while we were looking elsewhere. One of the United States' most senior navy commanders has said he would like Australia to carry out naval patrols close to territory claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea - a move that would provoke significant anger within the Chinese government. And Treasurer Scott Morrison cancelled his usual Sydney radio program spot this morning - and the program's host is none too happy about it. It's always surprising how many of my clients have acquired sexual problems because of their religious beliefs or cultural backgrounds. Often they are completely unaware of it which is not surprising when people are taught confusing values from an early age. It's difficult to grow into a healthy sexual being when you are told by religious parents, and/or church leaders that "God created sex to be something beautiful, and pure but should only be enjoyed in marriage" and only between a man and a woman. And that you have to be a virgin, preferably having no sexual activity before marriage, no masturbation and definitely no homosexuality. One of the most destructive emotions a person can experience is guilt. Credit:Getty Almost all religious groups, over the ages, have condemned masturbation, claiming it inhibits self-control and promotes sexual promiscuity. The many myths and outdated beliefs surrounding masturbation remain hard to shake. For instance "do not masturbate because it leads to blindness, grows hair on the palms of your hand, it causes impotence later in life and premature ejaculation". The latest false claim is it leads to sex addiction. One of the most destructive emotions a person can experience is guilt. It's not as if this guilt makes people abstain from forbidden sexual activity. No, it just makes them feel bad and depressed. Given these negative messages, it's not surprising that there are still feelings of shame and embarrassment about this very natural and healthy activity. What distinguishes those who break from those who overcome adversity? There have been three times in my life when I have gone head to head with my darkest self and didn't think I would come out on top. We can learn the skills to keep going and overcome challenge. Credit:Getty Images The first time was as a 12-year-old who couldn't cope with, nor control, certain external circumstances. I withdrew and controlled what I could. I stopped eating, stopped talking and went from running nationals to not walking. There was a period when I lay in a hospital bed waiting, hoping to fade into oblivion so I didn't have to feel any more. It was impossible to imagine surviving, let alone finishing school, going to university, falling in love, having a life beyond that ever-shrinking world. Slowly, I relearned to walk with a Zimmer frame and, after a two year absence, returned to school. A group of scientists, researchers and traditional owners is on the cusp of reshaping Australian history, with experts hoping that Aboriginal rock art in Western Australia may prove to be up to 50,000 years old, putting it among the oldest cultural expressions in the world. Initial results of pioneering Australian research have the potential to drastically alter the perceived flow of global artistic development after University of Melbourne scientists achieved a world first in dating methods on cave and rock paintings in the remote Kimberley region, which has one of the largest surviving bodies of rock art on the planet. Researchers Nick Sundblom, Helen Green and Jordy Grinpukel remove tiny mineral accretions from a rock art panel motif in the Kimberley. Courtesy of Kimberley Foundation Australia. Credit:Sven Ouzman Co-funded by the Australian Research Council and the Kimberley Foundation Australia, which initiates research centred on some of area's tens of thousands of rock art sites, the rock art dating project has worked in step with traditional owners, on whose land the extensive galleries of ochre, deep brown, rusted orange and white-hued pictures of human figures, marsupials, shells and fish are found. "The scientific question, of course, is how old is it?" said geologist Andrew Gleadow, whose team at the University of Melbourne and from the Australian Nuclear and Science Technology Organisation spearheaded a new method for uranium-series dating of rock art. A 24-year-old man has taken his own life after surviving a car crash that claimed the lives of his two best mates at Lake King on Saturday morning. It is understood all three men, who hailed from nearby towns in Southland on New Zealand's southernmost tip, were not wearing seat belts. Police said a passerby found the rolled ute on a straight stretch of the unsealed Lake King-Norseman Road in the Great Southern district, 470 kilometres south east of Perth, and called police at around 7.15am. Three men's bodies were found in the wreckage of the car, but police said only two of them had died as result of the injuries received in the crash. A man is in Royal Perth Hospital after he was stabbed in the back in Armadale on Sunday night. Police said a 29-year-old man was involved in a brawl in the Jull Street Mall just after 6pm. Man taken to Royal Perth Hospital after he was stabbed in Armadale. Credit:Allen Newton He was taken to hospital with stab wounds to his back and is in a stable condition. Just before 2am, police arrested a 24-year-old man from Brookdale after he was spotted on Albany Highway, Mount Nasura. A fire that earlier threatened homes in Dardanup on Monday afternoon has stalled and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services has now said it is contained and under control. Lives were considered under threat as firefighters battled to contain the blaze that quickly flared to threaten homes in the South West town, 177 kilometres south of Perth, earlier on Monday. A bushfire emergency has been issued for the town of Dardanup. Credit:Nine News Perth. A bushfire emergency warning was issued just before 2pm on Monday for people in and area bounded by Kentucky Drive, Padbury Road and Garvey Road in Dardanup West in the Shire of Dardanup. Visit the DFES website for the latest information Cairo: More than 140 people have been killed in a series of bomb blasts in government-held areas of Homs and near the Syrian capital Damascus. The blasts came as the US and Russia announced they were on the brink of a ceasefire in areas where Russia is defending Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's interests and the US and its allies are fighting Islamic State. At least 83 people were killed and more than 180 wounded in several blasts in Sayeda Zeinab, a largely Shiite southern suburb of Damascus, according to state news agency SANA. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a pro-opposition monitoring group, said two near-simultaneous attacks with explosive-rigged cars killed 59 people in the central city of Homs on Sunday. Statements in the name of Islamic State, posted on social media, claimed responsibility for both attacks. Stockholm: Lawyers for Julian Assange have asked a Swedish court to overturn an arrest warrant for the Wikileaks founder following a ruling by a UN panel that his stay in Ecuador's London embassy amounts to arbitrary detention. The panel called for Sweden and Britain to compensate the Wikileaks founder. Julian Assange looks out from the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he took refuge in June 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden. Credit:Getty Images Mr Assange, 44, took refuge at the embassy in June 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning over allegations, which he denies, that he committed rape in 2010. He says the accusation is a ploy that would eventually lead to his extradition to the United States, where a criminal investigation into the activities of WikiLeaks is still open. "NASA is on a journey to Mars and we're on the look-out for a new generation of space pioneers," NASA administrator and retired astronaut Charles Bolden said in a promotional video. Why are so many Americans suddenly set on seeing the stars up close? NASA has embraced social media in recent years, and the agency delighted in feeding bite-sized bits of space exploration inspiration to the public in 2015. It was an amazing year for space: NASA's New Horizons mission completed a historic flyby of the Pluto system, and the worldwide excitement over the event couldn't have made for better PR. Not long afterward, NASA rolled out a carefully orchestrated, almost irritatingly earnest marketing campaign around the blockbuster film The Martian, in which Matt Damon plays a NASA astronaut stranded on Mars. Until now, the record for astronaut applications was a relatively puny 8000 - and hadn't been challenged since 1978. Only 6300 applied in 2012, and that was the second biggest application pool of all time. In 2014, Harvard's acceptance rate was 5.9 per cent. NASA's latest round of astronaut candidate applications is going to be just a little tougher: With a record-breaking 18,300-plus applications and just 14 spots, applicants have less than a .08 per cent chance of getting picked for training. British astronaut Tim Peake gestures prior to the launch of Soyuz TMA-19M space ship at the Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on December 15, 2015. Credit:AP "Do you think you've got what it takes to join NASA's next astronaut class? Then I want you to apply for NASA's astronaut program." The truth is that we can't be sure when NASA will actually get a crewed mission to Mars - and for now, the agency's number of active astronauts is historically low thanks to the retirement of the Space Shuttle program in 2011. But over the course of the past year, the agency got us all thinking about the places humanity might get to go. Since the application process takes 18 months and selected candidates have to undergo a couple of years of intensive training before they can even be put in the running for mission assignments, talk of a Mars mission in the early 2030s made this call for applicants particularly exciting. These potential astronauts won't even be ready to train for specific missions until 2020 or so - and there's no telling when NASA will have room for more trainees. So if you wait until next time, you could very well miss your shot at being one of the first people to go hiking on Mars. Plenty of us normal humans have the basic qualifications for astronaut training. But chances are that many of these 18,300 or so applications will be from people who lack the necessary degrees in science and experience in either flight, lab work, or teaching. Those will get thrown right out based on keyword searches, and then only around 500 applications deemed "most qualified" will have their references checked. Just 120 are usually brought to the Johnson Space Centre in Houston for interviews. Advertisement By Chris Skates Feb. 22, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY By Chris Skates Feb. 22, 2016 | 11:14 AM | PADUCAH, KY When I was first chosen as one of one hundred bloggers to get a preview of the book You Will Be Made To Care by Erick Erickson and Bill Blankshaen. Im afraid my first thought was, What have I gotten myself into? I mean lets face it, who has the time these days. And besides, I have a stack of books Ive been meaning to read already piled on my nightstand. But, Id made a commitment and I was going to see it through. Im immensely glad I did. I hesitate to use phrases like, an important book or an essential part of your library, because they may come across as reviewer hyperbole. They shouldnt. You Will Be Made To Care is both important and essential. Buy this book. And as soon as you do, start reading it. This book is both a wake-up call and a call to action for everyone that believes in our first amendment freedom of religion. As an author myself, I have written often about the war on faith that is taking place in our country. Despite my familiarity with the topic, I found myself stunned to see so many stark examples of that war chronicled in one book. I shook my head as I read of one innocent person of faith after another that simply wanted to live out that faith but that were denied this fundamental right. Readers will find it breathtaking just how often this is occurring in our nation. The authors do an outstanding job of introducing you to victims of religious persecution and their stories yet what theyve created is much more than a laundry list of grievances. They present each instance in a way that bonds the reader with the principal players involved and gives the essential facts of their cases while never overwhelming with needless detail. More importantly, the real world situations they cite are not chronicled so as to depress or discourage, far from it. Instead they provide a backdrop for a book that at its core is a clarion call. The authors make excellent use of powerful scriptures throughout. The book is effectively populated by quotes from great Christian thinkers of history as well as some of our most prolific modern day scholars. Ultimately, You Will Be Made To Care lays out real world strategies and tactics for the person of faith who is tired of just shaking their head in disgust and disbelief at the darkness of the culture and who instead has determined that the time has come for us all to do something. I have no doubt that if the tactics presented in this book are followed by believers across this nation, the tide of anti-Christian cultural bias will turn. couldnt help but be struck by the fact that I finished the book over this past weekend after having heard about the passing of Justice Scalia, that conservative giant. He is deeply mourned and will be sorely missed. Yet I cant help but wonder if perhaps we as believers have leaned too often and too heavily on leaders like Scalia. With him on the court, writing his brilliant opinions, I think we assumed that sooner or later that brilliance would prevail. I think we felt that sooner or later a Scalia, or a Zachrias, or a Mohler would finally win the argument. Scalias passing reinforced what Scripture has already taught us. Namely, that the call to defend the faith is a call upon each of us who are members of the faith community. This book is a valuable and worthwhile tool for any who would answer that call. Chris Skates is Supervisor of Lab Services at a Midwest utility; he has 27 years of experience in both fossil fueled and nuclear power generation. He is an Adjunct Scholar with The Cornwall Alliance for The Stewardship of Creation. Chris is also the author of dozens of nationally published articles in a diverse collection of publications including magazines like, Turkey Call, Electric Light and Power, American Coal, and Southern Writers. He has extensive public speaking experience on energy, political, and social issues and has presented multiple lectures around the country and has published three novels. Musk may lay off 75% of Twitter staff after purchase By West Kentucky Star Staff Feb. 22, 2016 | 09:54 AM | HARDIN, KY A Benton man faces multiple charges, after his vehicle struck a church building in Hardin. According to the Marshall County Sheriff's office, 34-year-old Bobby Knight ran into Hardin Baptist Church on Commerce Street Saturday. A caller to 911 reportedly described the vehicle to police as it was leaving the scene. Deputies located a vehicle matching that description with front end damage parked at the Blood River Baptist Association parking lot in Hardin. The vehicle was still running, with Knight still in the vehicle. Deputies allege there were visible open containers located in the vehicle, and Knight had trouble responding to questions. A field sobriety test was offered to Knight but he declined, allegedly stating that he was going to jail anyway. Knight was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence, leaving scene of an accident, and possession of open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle. After arriving at the Marshall County Detention Center, Knight was advised that if he had anything on him that he would have more charges. During the search, Knight allegedly tried to dispose of a bag of marijuana that he got out of his chest pocket, by flushing it down the toilet. Deputies say Knight was then charged with promoting contraband and tampering with physical evidence. Rita Redmond was a true lady who felt that every pupil had something to gift to the world Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 22/02/2016 (2433 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. BARCELONA, Spain Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg vowed Monday to press on with his 3-year-old effort to bring the developing world online, even after Indian regulators banned one of the pillars of the campaign. He said the banned service, Free Basics, was only one program in his Internet.org campaign, so he could proceed with other initiatives. Indian regulators banned Free Basics this month because it provided access only to certain pre-approved services including Facebook rather than the full Internet. Facebook isnt a company that hits a roadblock and gives up, Zuckerberg said at the Mobile World Congress wireless show in Barcelona, Spain. We take the hits and try to get better. FILE - In this March 2, 2015 file photo, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks during a conference at the Mobile World Congress, the world's largest mobile phone trade show in Barcelona, Spain. Zuckerberg likes to boast that his 3-year-old effort to connect the developing world to the Internet has reached millions of people in some of the worlds poorest nations. But a central element of his Internet.org campaign was controversial even before it was shut down in a key market this month. Indian regulators banned one of the pillars of the campaign, a service known as Free Basics, because it provided access only to certain pre-approved services - including Facebook - rather than the full Internet. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File) Though Zuckerberg termed the regulatory defeat disappointing for the mission and a major setback, he said every country was different, and the model that has worked in one country may not work in another. This was his third appearance at the Barcelona show to promote Internet access to everyone in the world. He has argued that online connections can improve lives and fuel economic development. To achieve that goal, Zuckerberg has high-flying dreams for someday providing Internet connections through a network of drones, satellites and lasers. Zuckerberg said Monday that Internet.org would launch its first satellite over Africa this year and we are about to test flying Internet drone solar planes that can fly three months a year. While the drones may someday connect people in areas too remote for cables or cell towers, Free Basics is intended for people who live in areas with Internet service but still cant afford it. Facebook works with wireless carriers in poorer nations to let people use streamlined versions of Facebook and certain other online services, without paying data charges. A low-income resident of urban Manila, for example, can use Free Basics to view the Philippines GMA News site. He can be informed. He can research. He can read the news, Ederic Eder of GMA News said. The program varies by country, in offerings and effectiveness. In South Africa, for instance, Facebook partnered with the third-largest wireless carrier, Cell C. But Johannesburg resident Priscilla de Klerk said she couldnt get Free Basics to work on her phone. Cell C is much cheaper as far as everything else is concerned, but their free Facebook is not a reality, she said. Last fall, Facebook announced a major expansion in Africa, where another regional carrier, Bharti Airtel, said it will offer Free Basics in 17 countries. Theyre getting a lot of traction in Africa, said Danson Njue, a Kenya-based telecom analyst with the Ovum research firm. Tech rivals Google and Microsoft also have programs to expand Internet access, he noted, but their approaches are content neutral and involve extending networks to underserved areas. Facebook doesnt pay wireless companies for the cost of Free Basics. Carriers make money if new users eventually move to a paid data plan. Facebook also says it makes no money, as it doesnt show ads, though Zuckerberg has conceded it benefits from gaining users in the long run. While the company hasnt released detailed usage figures, Facebook says Free Basics has brought more than 19 million people online for the first time. That counts any user who didnt have Internet access before, regardless of whether theyre currently active. On the Internet.org website, mixed in with videos about impoverished students using Free Basics to study and labourers starting small businesses, Facebook boasts more than 1 billion people have access to the service. Thats the combined population of regions where its available, not the number of users. Free Basics is now in 36 countries. It was suspended last year in Egypt, on the anniversary of anti-government protests that were organized partly on Facebook. An earlier version of Free Basics, known as Facebook Zero, was shuttered three years ago in Chile, after authorities said Internet providers couldnt offer discounts for accessing some content but not others. Similar concerns turned India into the programs biggest battleground. Free Basics enrolled more than 1 million Indians in its first year, according to Facebooks wireless partner, Reliance Communications. But critics, including many in the countrys growing tech community, complained it was a predatory scheme: If low-income users couldnt afford anything besides Free Basics, opponents said, that meant Facebook was deciding which online services the nations poor could use. The government should not allow big players to monopolize the Internet, said Manu Sharma, who runs a software development company in New Delhi. Facebook responded last fall by announcing it would open Free Basics to any app that met its technical requirements for systems with limited capacity. Zuckerberg also changed the programs name to Free Basics, after critics complained Internet.org sounded like a non-profit, when its part of a for-profit company (the overall campaign is still called Internet.org). But opponents still worry that Facebook could change requirements at any time, force competitors to pay higher rates to get into the program, or even block services that run afoul of powerful politicians. The fact that it could decide what apps could be hosted was a huge problem for me, said Basit Zaidi, a New Delhi attorney. As Indian regulators began studying the issue, Facebook drew more resentment with a public-relations blitz that critics called heavy-handed and patronizing. The regulators effectively banned Free Basics after concluding Internet providers shouldnt be allowed to charge different rates for certain services, because that discriminates against other content. U.S. regulators have endorsed the concept of net neutrality, which says all websites and apps should be treated equally by Internet providers. Theyre now studying whether zero rating programs, which offer some content for free, should be allowed. Net neutrality supporters are hoping Indias decision will influence other nations. Facebook has also launched a program that helps Internet providers offer reliable Wi-Fi service in underserved areas at affordable rates and without limits on content. The programs been limited to tests in a few countries. The giant tech company could use its resources and clout with carriers to offer a similar wireless service, perhaps at limited speeds or volume, but without any restrictions on content, said Josh Levy of Access Now, a non-profit that supports net neutrality. Zuckerberg has suggested in the past that such a service would be too expensive and difficult to offer. Some Indians, meanwhile, say their country could have benefited from Free Basics. Ultimately, something is better than nothing, even if that something is flawed, said Uday Singh Tomar, a software engineer in New Delhi. If a person is hungry and getting nothing, a free meal is good enough. ___ AP writers Ashok Sharma in New Delhi, Teresa Cerojano in Manila and Lynsey Chutel in Johannesburg contributed to this report. AP Technology Writer Brandon Bailey reported from San Francisco. ___ You can follow Brandon Bailey at http://twitter.com/BrandonBailey or find his reporting at http://bigstory.ap.org/journalist/brandon-bailey Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 22/02/2016 (2433 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. HOUSTON Oil prices will more than double by 2020 as current low prices lead drillers to cut investment in new production and gradually reduce the glut of crude, the head of a group of oil-importing countries said Monday. Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, said oil would rise gradually to about $80 a barrel. Oil prices shot to more than $100 a barrel in mid-2014 before a long slide sent them crashing below $30 last month. FILE -- In this Sept. 30, 2015, file photo, oil pumps work in the desert oil fields of Sakhir, Bahrain. Global oil supply growth is plunging as drillers slash capital expenditures severely, Europe's energy policy group said Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, which could eventually result in an energy shock. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali, File) There was a rise, there will be a fall, and soon there will be a rise again, Birol said on the opening day of a huge energy-industry conference that will feature addresses by the oil minister of Saudi Arabia, the secretary-general of OPEC, the president of Mexico, and U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. Birols group issued a fresh outlook on energy markets. It forecast that 4.1 million barrels a day will be added to the global oil supply between 2015 and 2021, down sharply from growth of 11 million barrels a day between 2009 and 2015. A year ago, the Paris-based IEA, an organization of 29 major oil-importing nations including the United States, had forecast a relatively swift recovery in oil prices, but the decline continued, with the price for a barrel of crude hitting levels last seen in 2003. Experts underestimated the ability of shale-oil producers in the United States to withstand falling prices for a time which, combined with OPEC refusing to cut production, led to a glut. The same experts now think that U.S. production, along with new supplies from Iran, which has been freed from international sanctions, will blunt what otherwise might be a sharper run-up in prices. Nobody saw the shale-oil boom coming, and it has changed the market, said Neil Atkinson, who edited the IEA report released Monday. Producers everywhere around the world are having to accept that $100 a barrel is not something that is likely to return soon, Atkinson said. He and Birol declined to blame low oil prices on OPECs decision to keep pumping away to preserve market share in the face of rising competition from the U.S. and elsewhere. Now, IEA says, investment in future oil exploration and production is declining for a second straight year the first back-to-back downturn in 30 years. U.S. shale oil production will fall in 2016 and 2017 before recovering with higher prices, the group predicted. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Venezuela and Qatar have discussed freezing production if other oil countries go along with a strategy to boost prices. On Monday at IHS CERAWeek, an annual energy-industry conference in Houston, OPEC Secretary General Abdalla Salem El-Badri called a potential freeze a first step that, if it sticks, could be followed by other measures, which he did not specify. The price of U.S. crude soared more than 6 per cent Monday. A barrel of benchmark U.S. oil rose $1.84 to $31.48 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, the international benchmark, climbed $1.68, or 5.1 per cent, to $34.69 a barrel in London. The price of wholesale gasoline jumped 4 per cent. Oil prices have tumbled 70 per cent since mid-2014, and gasoline prices have followed. The U.S. Energy Information Agency expects an average price of $1.98 per gallon nationwide this year. The last time gasoline averaged less than $2 for a full year was 2004. Low oil prices have had devastating effects on communities that rely on the energy industry. Home sales have fallen sharply in North Dakota and the West Texas cities of Midland and Odesa, and more recently in Houston. ___ This story has been corrected to read that the last time gasoline, not oil, averaged less than $2 for a full year was 2004. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 22/02/2016 (2433 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. QUEBEC Premier Philippe Couillard tweaked his cabinet on Monday after Education Minister Pierre Moreau relinquished his major responsibilities because of health issues. Moreaus office issued a statement saying his symptoms, clinical tests and medical imaging point to a neoplasia a new, uncontrolled growth of cells that suggests a tumour. The nature of the growth is unclear. Quebec Education Minister Pierre Moreau responds to Opposition questions, Thursday, February 18, 2016 at the legislature in Quebec City. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot The statement said biopsies are underway and Moreaus doctor has told him to substantially reduce his professional activities in the coming months in order to undergo treatment. Moreau, 58, was named education minister at the end of January but did not attend the swearing-in ceremony because of illness. He returned to work less than a week ago. Its sad news today, Couillard said. Sad news that hits a brilliant man, a strong man, a man who is committed, committed in everything he does, as he will be in his fight against his illness. Couillard announced that Moreaus portfolios will be split among three people. Helene David will take over as higher education minister, while Family Minister Sebastien Proulx will also become education minister. Lucie Charlebois will take over from Moreau as minister representing the Montreal-area Monteregie region, in addition to her current tasks in public health and youth protection. Luc Fortin will replace David as culture minister. Moreau has previously held several high-profile portfolios in the Couillard government, including municipal affairs and public security. His office says he intends to begin treatment right away so he can resume his work. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 22/02/2016 (2433 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Mariedenze Rabasto remembers immigrating to Winnipeg from the Philippines five years ago. Besides the extremely cold weather, the biggest challenge she faced was adjusting to university life the course loads and amount of work needed to keep up with reading and assignments. Because she knows what its like to make that adjustment, Rabasto volunteers at the Global Welcome Centre. The centre offers free academic services that help newcomers to Manitoba who are permanent residents gain access to, and succeed in, higher education. I, myself, started where they started, and nobody was really guiding me, says Rabasto, who is studying criminal justice and psychology at the University of Winnipeg. I had to start from scratch. In a way, I know how they feel. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Mariedeze Rabasto is a volunteer at Global Welcome Centre. The Global Welcome Centre is a non-profit organization under the umbrella of the University of Winnipegs English language program. Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the centre offers a variety of services, including academic planning, tutoring, computer classes, a typing program and workshops that cover topics such as student aid and settlement skills. Frances Biela enjoys volunteering at the centre because of its quiet, calm atmosphere. She has great admiration for the student she works one-on-one with, a young grandmother who emigrated from Sudan about a decade ago. Shes been really working hard to catch up since shes been in Canada, Biela says. She has a lot of demands on her personal time but is hardworking and determined. For Biela, seeing the woman she tutors make breakthroughs in her work, no matter how small, is a highlight of volunteering at the centre. That makes me feel really good, and usually were able to laugh a little, too, Biela says. Each year, the Global Welcome Centre serves more than 400 clients, says Miranda Santolini, the centres program co-ordinator. The centre has served people from more than 75 different countries since it was established in 2007. Clients are typically facing a variety of barriers, including adjusting to life in Canada, financial concerns and lack of family support. Volunteers can play a big part in helping them succeed. To continue on with higher education is very meaningful to people who think they may never get there, Santolini says. To go through that process with someone is extremely rewarding. You see their successes, and you know youve helped them build the foundation to a good life. Santolini is looking for more volunteers to assist with the centres tutoring and mentorship program, as well as to facilitate computer classes and help spread the word about the Global Welcome Centres services. Anyone interested is encouraged to apply in person at the centre, located at 511 Ellice Ave. For Rabasto, getting to know new people has been a highlight of her involvement over the past 31/2 years. She has even developed ongoing friendships with some of the people shes worked with. She recalls bonding with a student while helping her understand a specific academic writing style. Now, were still friends, Rabasto says. If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/02/2016 (2434 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. MIAMI U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died just a week ago, but already conspiracy theories about his death abound. Radio talk-show host Alex Jones suggested a pillow found near Scalias head might indicate hed been suffocated. Some retired detectives said the lack of an autopsy was evidence of a coverup. The website TruNews wondered whether the CIA used drugs to induce a heart attack and kill the justice. Even Donald Trump joined the fray, calling the death pretty unusual. For those who dont believe the justice was murdered Scalia, at 79, had passed average life expectancy it can be disconcerting to watch a large swath of the public fall prey to hysteria and paranoia. After all, the United States is a democracy. If a substantial portion of Americans operate in a conspiracy-fuelled delirium, how can we make sound decisions, choose thoughtful leaders and support rational policies? CHARLES REX ARBOGAST / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES The death of U.S. Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia has Republicans thinking they have lost control of a branch of government. Those concerns motivated psychologists and social scientists such as me to try to better understand why people believe conspiracy theories and what the consequences are. In the past decade, scientists have conducted hundreds of opinion polls and laboratory experiments on the subject, leading to the publication of dozens of books and scholarly articles. Based on this emerging body of research, the explosion of Scalia assassination theories is probably two-fold. First, some people are, by their nature, inclined toward conspiratorial logic. Second, partisans tend to view their side as virtuous and the opposition as ignorant, wrong-headed, corrupt and perhaps evil. Increasingly partisan times, like these, stir the pot even more. Recently, psychologists began measuring peoples predisposition to believe conspiracy theories. Using polling and questionnaires, scientists developed a list of questions about political control and secrecy. The surveys were designed to tap respondents underlying views of how the world works, rather than their thoughts about specific conspiracy theories. Through these experiments, researchers found conspiratorial thinking falls on a spectrum. Some people are very inclined toward conspiracy theories, seeing them lurking around every corner, no matter the facts. People on the opposite end of the spectrum are unlikely to accept conspiratorial beliefs, even when mounting evidence suggests something is afoot. The folks on this extreme might be thought of as naive; conspiracy theorists often refer to them as sheeple. Most people are somewhere in the middle they believe in some conspiracy theories but reject most. For example, in one national poll, respondents were given a list of nine groups from which to choose that included corporations and the rich, communists and socialists, the government and foreign countries. Participants were asked to select any groups they believed were working in secret against the rest of us. The respondents who scored lowest on the spectrum of conspiracy thinking chose an average of about 11/2 groups. Respondents with stronger predispositions toward such thinking picked more. Those at the highest levels of conspiratorial thinking chose about 41/2 groups. Given this, its not surprising some people thought of conspiratorial explanations corruption! assassination! intrigue! as soon as they heard of Scalias passing. Its also unsurprising most national news coverage of these conspiracy theories has been to debunk them. Partisanship also drives conspiracy theories. Partisans often view politics as a Manichean struggle, with their party as good and the other as evil. This leads them to believe that if something bad happens, the other side caused it. This plays out over and over again. For example, after the shooting in San Bernardino, Calif., last year, Republicans criticized what they called U.S. President Barack Obamas weak stance on terrorism; Democrats blamed the GOP for what they consider lax gun laws. For the conspiratorially minded, its a hop, skip and a jump to accusations of scheming: some on the right suggested the Obama administration orchestrated the San Bernardino attack so afterward it could take away gun rights. Some on the left continue to suggest the George W. Bush administration was either complicit or directly involved in the 9/11 attacks. Social scientists such as Brendan Nyhan have used polls to show members of both parties harbour conspiratorial thinking, and in equal amounts. But at any given time, the balance of domestic power makes it look like only one side belongs to the paranoid fringe. Thats because the theories that gain traction tend to come from those accusing the people in power of wrongdoing. Since Obamas election, most of the prominent conspiracy theories have originated with Republicans. They have accused the president of faking his birth certificate, blowing up the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, killing moviegoers in Aurora, Colo., and slaughtering children at Sandy Hook Elementary. But go back a few years and we observe the opposite: Democrats sounding the alarms with 9/11 truther theories and obsessions with the Iraq war, Halliburton, Dick Cheney and Blackwater. In fact, when one party wins a presidential election, a significant portion of the other party believes the election was rigged. For example, a Fairleigh Dickinson poll shows about 37 per cent of Democrats believe Republicans committed fraud to keep the presidency in 2004; 36 per cent of Republicans believe Democrats committed fraud to stay in the White House in 2012. The most prominent conspiracy theories accuse the biggest and most powerful actors. In other words, conspiracy theories are for losers. Looking back in history, we see the same thing: when President Franklin Roosevelt attempted to pack the Supreme Court with like-minded justices, some Republicans declared Roosevelt was conspiring to become a dictator. It therefore follows that when a conservative Supreme Court justice dies in office, some Republican conspiracy theorists will immediately conclude the Democratic president and those under his control murdered him. The urge to blame Obama is made even more potent by the fact Scalias death will change the ideological balance of the court in a way that favours liberals. Republicans think they just lost control of a branch of government. Its hard to know how the U.S. ranks alongside other countries in terms of its penchant for conspiracy theories, since there are no systematic comparisons. But my research has led me to believe western Europeans and Americans are, for the most part, anti-conspiratorial. Conspiracy theories certainly exist, but people mostly believe in and trust the American system and its institutions. One study that tracked levels of conspiricism using letters to the editor in prominent newspapers shows conspiratorial talk has decreased in the past several decades. In other regions, such as post-communist eastern Europe, conspiracy theories abound. This may be because institutions in those countries are less transparent. There have been millions of conspiracy theories. Very few convince many people; most come and go with little notice. The Scalia theories will probably make headlines for a few weeks then disappear from our discourse. That doesnt mean we shouldnt pay attention. Conspiracy theories broadcast peoples deepest fears and values. By doing this, they offer leaders a signal. In this case, Obama should see Americans on the right are uneasy about a shift of power on the highest court. In naming a replacement, he could show empathy for those who are afraid by directly engaging with those worries and choosing a compromise nominee. Its worth remembering that, very occasionally, conspiracy theories turn out to be true. Just ask the two cheeky journalists at the Washington Post who followed a crazy conspiracy theory and brought down a sitting U.S. president. Uscinski is an associate professor of political science at the University of Miami. He is co-author, along with Joseph M. Parent, of American Conspiracy Theories. Washington Post Winona Friday 1:32 p.m.Damage was reported to the driver's side mirror on a vehicle parked at Walmart. 3:05 p.m.William Johan Lundberg, 24, Winona, was cited for no proof of insurance and no Minnesota driver's license following a collision at Fourth and Liberty streets. There were no injuries. 8:55 p.m.A 21-speed Trek bicycle was reported missing from a bike rack on the 100 block of East Fourth Street. 11:50 p.m.Bradley Micheal Anschutz, 18, Cottage Grove, Minn., was cited for underage drinking and fleeing an officer on foot by police responding to a reported fight near Wabasha and Main streets. Saturday 12:09 a.m.A wooden object was thrown through a window on a residence on the 450 block of Grand Street. 12:25 a.m.Michael William Virnig, 19, Cottage Grove, Minn., was cited for underage drinking and transported to detox by officers responding to reports of an individual ringing doorbells and flagging down traffic near Sarnia and Johnson streets. 12:53 a.m.A battery charger, vacuum cleaner, and socket wrench set with a total value of $130, were reported missing from a garage on the 450 block of East Howard Street. 6:42 a.m.Construction tools and a kerosene heater, with a total value of about $2,000, were reported missing from a truck parked on the 500 block of Kerry Drive. Sunday 12:05 p.m.Cameron Richard Hanson, 24, Minnesota City, was cited for shoplifting at Fleet Farm. 5:12 p.m.A set of car keys was reported missing from a residence on the 450 block of Center Street. 9:30 p.m.$300 in cash was reported missing from a residence on the 550 block of East Fourth Street. 11:22 p.m.Charges of driving after cancellation (inimical to public safety) were referred against Jeremy Paul Stoltz, 36, Winona, following a traffic stop on the 14500 block of Service Drive. Monday 2:35 a.m.Devon Carlton Zenk, 25, Winona, was cited for fleeing an officer on foot after he ran from police attempting to arrest him on an outstanding warrant following a traffic stop near Howard and Hamilton streets. 7:51 a.m.Charges of driving after cancellation (inimical) to public safety were referred against Ry Phour, 46, Rochester, Minn., following a traffic stop near Belleview and Harriet streets. A passenger in the vehicle, Ra Phour, 40, Winona, was arrested on an outstanding Ramsey County warrant. Winona County Sunday 1:53 p.m.A female yellow lab mix wearing a pink collar, but with no tags, was found at large in Dakota. The dog is being held at the Winona County Humane Society. I have never been a fan of chalky-tasting conversation hearts, or character-themed cards where a cartooned bird exclaims I am so tweet. But I do think some holidays should be celebrated in schools, especially elementary schools, where the classroom parties are a rite of passage in childhood. A few weeks ago the principal of Bruce Vento Elementary School, right here in the state of Minnesota, decided Valentines Day was to be banned, as well as potentially any Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations, as they were considered culturally specific. The holidays students could celebrate were to be legally sanctioned, such as Labor Day nothing is as exciting to a group of first-graders as the labor movement. This administrators reasoning was because a large majority of his school population spoke English as a second language, he didnt want to offend or have children feel excluded because their traditions werent the same. Valentines Day for most classrooms is just a downsized Halloween celebration less candy, more cards, but still a day filled with more sugar than actual meaning of what the holiday is. If it was canceled in our school, I wouldnt be sad, for purely selfish reasons no more last-minute trips to the store to figure out how many treats we need to send the next day and how to spell the names, only to feel like a failure as a parent when my children come home with Pinterest projects that other families took hours to make. Thanksgiving, however, is a different story. Yes, it has controversy as well, but there is a bit of historical significance for our country, so let the children dress up like Pilgrims and Indians and learn about the Mayflower. Aside from scrambling for a pilgrim costume the night before, this holiday is a breeze for parents. Lets face it: This is the United States, the proverbial melting pot, and for decades we have all been celebrating a variety of holidays and traditions and enjoying them. My children have attended Winona Area Catholic Schools. That being said, they have participated with Jewish classmates in Chanukah celebrations and vice versa. Their holiday program includes Kwanza songs; while they have different beliefs and faiths, they have been inclusive to all. Even my child in the public school system has non-legally sanctioned holiday celebrations; his band concert had Christmas songs, and there was no protesting or backlash, just parents enjoying the sounds of sixth-graders and their squeaky musical instruments. The elimination of holiday celebrations has been a hot-button topic for about the past 20 years. Is it up to the administrator or the parent? While administrators and educators need to be sensitive, it is ultimately the parents decision what our children celebrate. If we dont want them to participate, we can make that call and explain to the children what our beliefs are. I dont think any educator deliberately plans a holiday event to exclude a child or their family, and if they do, they are in the wrong profession. With St. Patricks Day around the corner, everybody becomes Irish, and while the Polish holiday of Dingus Day isnt as popular, you dont see of Polish descent asking that the Irish celebrations end. As adults, we need to stop overthinking and micromanaging our kids world and let them be kids. If we dont point out the differences as grown-ups, maybe our children would never even notice them. Linda Wallerich spent a third of her waking life volunteering for the Wabasha Volunteer Ambulance Service last year. Not bad especially considering shes a grandmother, at the age where many folks are out playing cards or enjoying other retirement-age activities. Wallerich has been volunteering for the service for 20 years and was recently recognized with an award from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, an honor few registered volunteer EMTs receive. She gets a stipend of $2.50 an hour for on-call work, and shes not alone. John Fox, the director of the service, said 80 percent of Minnesotas EMT work is covered by volunteer service. The service has an annual budget of $250,000, and one basic life-support ambulance costs $500,000 to support annually. That means volunteers are crucial to the services work. Linda didnt always, or initially, want to be an EMT. More than 20 years ago, one of Lindas best friends, the director of the service, asked Linda to join the team. Linda said she didnt feel smart enough and didnt have what it takes, she recalled. Youre dealing with peoples lives in this service, Wallerich said. Thats something you cant take lightly, and it scared me. But Wallerich didnt let the fear deter her. She spent quite a bit of time studying and preparing before she decided to join the team, so she could feel more comfortable. It was second nature: She had gone to college and got a degree in education, and spent time as a teacher. After she had children, she quit teaching to take on full-time work as a mom. Her youngest son was a junior in high school when she started her volunteer service, which enabled her to devote time to remain a certified EMT. Wallerich has dedicated at least 24 hours of service every year on top of her calls, to retake classes and stay up to date with changes, such as studying trauma and stress and training on new medicines and emergency techniques. Over the years, Wallerich said, shes learned through her service. Like how to be compassionate for others, especially when they are hurt, injured or sick. She tends, by virtue of her work, to meet people when theyre suffering and at their worst. When someone is hurt or injured, they tend to be less rational and say or do things they wouldnt do in a normal state of mind, Wallerich said. Wallerich has learned to be understanding of the people she helps, while maintaining a firm hand to ensure they get the services they need. She said she cant let things a patient does or says affect how she and her team take care of them. When dealing with an injured or sick patient, Wallerich emphasized the importance of working together to assist the patient at hand, she said. If the volunteer EMTs arent able to communicate effectively with each other or get along, it puts a patients life at risk. Thats part of the reason Wallerich has continued her service she loves the team she works with. Theyre wonderful to work for; we have an amazing team here, she said. Fox speaks highly of the team he supervises. We have a great team of dedicated volunteers here, Fox said, Lindas service over the years has been great for us. Youre dealing with peoples lives in this service. Thats something you cant take lightly, and it scared me. Linda Wallerich, EMT volunteer WASHINGTON Most in the national news media are talking about how Donald Trump is now the clear Republican front-runner and will be nearly impossible to stop. They are only partially right. Trump, who won South Carolina (and all of its delegates) with a little under one-third of the vote, certainly is the front-runner. He has won two of the first three contests and has a clear lead in delegates. He should do well on March 1, when many Southern states hold their primaries and more than 600 delegates are at stake. By definition, that makes him the front-runner. But the Palmetto State primary results, combined with recent national polls, suggest that Trump remains a tentative front-runner, not some kind of unstoppable favorite. Trump drew about 32.5 percent in South Carolina, a little less than the 35.3 percent he attracted in New Hampshire and about eight points more than the 24.3 percent he attracted in the Iowa caucuses. In other words, he did not do as well as the primary winners did in New Hampshire or South Carolina in 2008 or 2012. Thats understandable considering the size of this years field, but it raises questions about the eventual breadth of his appeal. Winning is good and losing is bad, but Trumps problem is that while he has a high floor of support (many of his supporters will continue to back him no matter what he says or does), he may also have a low ceiling. We will find out if that is true over the next month, now that the GOP field has winnowed further. Foxs Feb. 15-17 national survey found Trump at 36 percent on the ballot in the GOPs national race and almost with a 2-1 lead over Ted Cruz, who was in second place. But when respondents were asked for a second choice, Marco Rubio and Cruz showed strong second-choice appeal. Trump did not. That should not be surprising, given the controversy that Trump generates and his personal style. Its possible to win a primary with one-third of the vote, but its difficult to win a two-way or three-way race getting one in three voters. And that is a problem for Trump. His ceiling may prevent him from being the second choice of many Republicans. The folks at CNN kept repeating on primary night that if another candidate had performed like Trump has so far, everyone would be saying that he is unstoppable. Thats true, of course. But the point is that Donald Trump definitely is not like any other candidate. His language is not like a politicians, and many of his positions are not classic Republican. That certainly enhances his appeal to some, but it disgusts and repels others, limiting his ability to attract significant additional support. Most candidates who win multiple early contests have demonstrated broad appeal. In contrast, Trump remains a deeply polarizing candidate whose message obviously touches a certain kind of voter one who is angry, wants a political revolution and is looking for a political strongman to mount a campaign against perceived enemies. That describes many, but not necessarily most, Republican voters. The South Carolina exit poll found Trump doing very well among those voters who want a candidate who tells it like it is and well among those who want a candidate who can bring needed change. But he does very poorly among those respondents who want a candidate who shares my values and runs a weak second to Rubio among those who want a candidate who can win in November. Even as he presses his argument that he is the only candidate who can stop Trump, Cruzs showing in South Carolina has to be disappointing for him and his supporters. More than seven out of 10 South Carolina GOP primary voters said that they were evangelicals, but Cruz carried only 26 percent of them. If Cruz cant do well among those voters, he is in trouble. Cruz did carry very conservative voters, another group at which he aims his message, but he must do better among evangelicals on Super Tuesday if he is going to remain a top tier hopeful for his partys nomination. Once the primary process moves north and west, Cruzs appeal wanes. Jeb Bushs exit from the race is a significant plus for Rubio, who after his South Carolina showing is now in a much better position to coalesce establishment support. That development is partially offset, of course, because John Kasich shows no sign of exiting the contest, thereby limiting Rubios ability to unite pragmatists. As others have noted, the longer the establishment is divided, the more difficult it is to stop Trump from winning primaries and accumulating delegates. Those who believe that Trump is unstoppable frequently note that no Republican who has won both New Hampshire and South Carolina has been denied the GOPs nomination. Thats true, but I believe that we have already established that the old rules do not apply, so I am not sure why anyone should regard two primary victories this year as an iron law of Republican politics. None of this means that Trump cant now win the nomination. But to do so, he will need to broaden his appeal something that he has shown no inclination or ability to do, at least to this point. But South Carolinas results didnt change Trumps prospects in the Republican race very much. The outcome was more of the same, not an indication of his growing support in the party. Until that happens and it could happen or never happen the GOP nomination is very much up for grabs. Ironically, Trumps victory in the Palmetto State wasnt the most significant development on Saturday. It wasnt as important as Cruzs disappointing showing or Bushs exit from the race. Those two developments could alter the dynamics of a very unpredictable race. We will see whether they do. A pair of controversial bills targeting illegal immigrants just cleared the state Assembly with lots of drama but little practical effect. Senate Bill 533 would limit the ability of local governments to issue identification cards in Wisconsin. Republicans fear such cards could be used to illegally vote or get public benefits. But thats theoretical, not reality. Milwaukee has considered issuing such IDs to help the homeless and illegal immigrants open bank accounts and get prescription drugs. But not many, if any, cities, towns, villages or counties provide the type of identification the bill refers to, according to the Department of Children and Families. So despite all the debate and division the proposal has caused, it wont change much if Gov. Scott Walker signs it. Republicans will try to use the issue to motivate anti-immigrant voters, and Democrats will cite the bills in courting Wisconsins growing Latino population, thousands of whom rallied at the state Capitol Thursday. The other bill, Assembly Bill 450, would withhold state funding from sanctuary cities that prohibit police from asking people charged with crimes about their citizenship status. Madison is one of the few cities targeted by the proposal. But police here say they already cooperate with federal immigration officials when serious crimes occur. So AB 450 wouldnt have much impact, either. Its a wedge issue to divide people. Neither GOP proposal will help Wisconsins economy, which relies heavily on immigrants to keep farms and other businesses running. The bills are needless political distractions. Thomas Edison received a patent in 1897 for the projecting kinetoscope, the forerunner of todays motion-picture film projector. Edison and his assistant W.K.L. Dickson had begun work on the project in hopes of boosting sales of the phonograph, which Edison had invented in1877, by combining sound recordings with moving pictures. In 1888, Edison announced plans to create a device that would do for the eye what the phonograph did for the ear. His intention was to perfect a system that would allow audiences to see and hear a whole opera as perfectly as if actually present. Edison coined the word kinetoscope derived from the Greek kineto (movement) and scopos (to view). When Edison invented this projecting moving picture machine, he was offered a chance to patent the motion picture process in Great Britain. But he turned it down, because he said no one would sit in a dark room to watch pictures move on a screen. He thought the ultimate use of his kinetoscope would be in penny arcades, where men could deposit a penny, and watch Little Egypt doing her dance or some such thing. A patron would deposit a coin in the machine, look into a viewing port, turn a crank and view a short movie. Edison then decided to take the insides of a kinetoscope, and mount it on an oak board. And at the back of the board he placed a lanternslide projector, previously used to show slides in theaters. It provided a light source for the projecting kinetoscope. This was the first movie projector manufactured in the United States to show professional moviesthere had been some toys before which failed to excite the public. A projector identical to this was used at the Koser and Bial Music Hall in New York City to project the first motion pictures ever seen in the U.S. by a theater audience. Edison finally introduced the kinetophone in 1913, which used a cylinder phonograph in conjunction with his projecting kinetoscope to enliven the audiences viewing experience. The phonograph was connected to the projector with a fishing line-type belt and pulleys which ran from the projector, under the floor to the phonograph at the front of the room where a screen was set up. Unable to synchronize the two media, which also produced poor sound quality, the novelty soon faded. Through the early 190W0s, movie patrons continued to watch silent films, accompanied by a piano player, who tailored the music to the action on the screen. Movie palaces, such as the Al. Ringling Theatre, installed large pipe organs to accompany the films. Talkies were not introduced to audiences until the late 1920s. A restored version of an Edison 1903 kinetoscope donated by the Ringling family can be seen at the Sauk County Historical Society Museum, 531 4th Ave. in Baraboo, this summer. The West Baraboo Village Board wants more input into how room tax funds collected from its hotels and motels are spent. The board has requested a seat on the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce board and is working to form a tourism commission that would discuss how the revenue is used. The board has considered various ways to distribute its room tax dollars in response to a new law limiting how much of the funding municipalities can keep. Chamber Interim Director Keri Olson said she expects the Chamber and village will reach an arrangement to use the room tax funds on Chamber programs. West Baraboo Village President Dave Dahlke did not respond to multiple requests for comment made by the News Republic over several days, but West Baraboo Clerk/Treasurer Kathy Goerks confirmed a new agreement between the village and the Chamber is being created by the villages attorney, Mark Steichen. The previous agreement expired in January 2013. He is working on it, Goerks said. West Baraboo wants to have a vote. A seat on the 15-member Chamber board likely would be a first for the village. Im open to that, Olson said. It allows for more inclusivity and transparency. Olson said neither the village nor the city of Baraboo have had a voting member on the Chamber board in recent history. They come on as advisers, she said. Its been like that for years. The changes follow the Wisconsin Legislatures passage of Act 55 in July. The law will take effect Jan. 1, 2017 and states at least 70 percent of room taxes to be turned over to a local tourism commission or a tourism entity. Further, that organization must spend at least 51 percent of its budget on tourism-related activities to qualify as a tourism entity. Olsen said she met with Dahlke ahead of the villages February board meeting, where she presented figures showing 56 percent of the chambers 2015 budget went toward tourism. I feel the chamber is being called upon to be bold, to be relevant, she said in her presentation, which she also made to the city of Baraboo at its recent meeting. This chamber needs to be marketing Baraboo as a tourism destination. Olson said the chamber has been doing a good job of targeting tourism activities, especially promotion of the Big Top Circus Parade, but it needs to do more. She said room tax dollars for 2016 are projected at $6,200 from the city of Baraboo and $93,000 from the village, due to the amount of lodging businesses located in West Baraboo. Seventy percent of those funds will be an increase for the chamber because, for the past several years, the village has distributed about 53 percent of its room tax collections to the them. In 2015, the village collected $146,000 during the first three-quarters of the year, and paid out $78,000 to the Chamber, while retaining $68,000. The Chambers portion of 2014 room tax funds from West Baraboo was $84,000, and the village kept $73,000. SAUK CITY A Sauk County community made national television last week when it was used to highlight flaws in Wisconsins new voter ID law. On the HBO political comedy show Last Week Tonight, host John Oliver joked about the limited access village of Sauk City residents have to a state office that can provide voter identification cards. In some parts of the country, the offices that issue IDs are hardly ever open, Oliver said. He cited a 2012 Brennan Center for Justice study that found fewer than half of the ID issuing offices in Wisconsin, Alabama and Mississippi are open five days a week. And in Sauk City, Wisconsin the ID office is only open on the fifth Wednesday of every month, and only four months in 2016 even have five Wednesdays, Oliver said. The claim was rated Mostly true by the political fact checking website Politifact.com. Only March, June, August and November have five Wednesdays in 2016. That means the office that issues voter IDs in Sauk City will only be open four days this year. But, as Politifact pointed out, the villages Department of Motor Vehicles office is not the only place Sauk City residents can go to get a state-issued ID. A DMV office in Baraboo is located 17 miles away. Its open Mondays and Wednesdays. Another office, located 23 miles away on Odana Road in Madison, is open Tuesday through Saturday. Although Oliver may be upset over the Sauk City DMV offices scant hours of operation, it seems village residents may not be as concerned. Janet Kraemer, a clerk with the village, said she hasnt heard from any voters who are frustrated about the limited office hours. So does the restricted DMV access make voting more difficult for ID-less people with few transportation options? I would say probably, Kraemer said. But it wasnt our decision for the Division of Motor Vehicles to only come on every fifth Wednesday. Republican legislators passed Wisconsins voter ID law in 2011 and it was signed into law by Gov. Scott Walker. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a legal challenge to the law in March 2015. And Wisconsin voters were required to show IDs for the first time during this months spring primary election. Supporters of the ID requirement say it is necessary to prevent voter fraud. Critics say virtually no voter impersonation happens in Wisconsin, and adding an identification barrier unduly burdens certain voters, such a minorities. Democratic Party of Sauk County Chair Bob Johnson, who live in Sauk City, said he believes the law was enacted to make it harder to vote. Taking time off work to drive 20 or 30 miles might not be a hardship for someone who has a license and their own vehicle, Johnson said. If you are handicapped or elderly, you may need someone else to get you there, he said. What if your license expired? Take a chance you wont get stopped? A spokeswoman for Gov. Scott Walkers office did not respond to a message left Friday afternoon by deadline Sunday. Virginia Conway Virginia Eva Conway, 92, of Baraboo, passed away on Sunday, Feb, 21, 2016. She was born on June 12, 1923, the daughter of Chris and Eva Schara. She attended St. Johns Lutheran School and graduated from Baraboo High School in 1940. In the early 1940s she worked in a defense plant in Milwaukee. She was engaged to George Sprecher who was serving his country in WWII but died in a plane crash in North Africa in 1943. In July 1945 she married Capt. William Hemshrot, a pilot in the United States Air Force. He served in the Korean War and after returning to the U.S. was stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Valdosta, Georgia. In Sept. 1954, Capt. Hemshrot died in a B-52 plane accident on that base. They had one daughter, Denise. In July 1961 she was married to Richard Conway. They had one daughter, Kelly and lived in Baraboo. He preceded her in death in November 1987. Virginia valued her career as a professional secretary, having worked at Industrial Coils, Badger Army Ammunition Plant and 28 years with Wisconsin Power and Light Company, retiring in 1991. She loved and prided her family with high regards. She was always concerned and helpful to others. She enjoyed participating in senior exercise class for the past 15 years, music, cooking and crafting. She created paper angels for several years for craft fairs and many friends. Her favorite word was persevere and always did just that. She was a lifelong member of St. Johns Lutheran Church where she served as Secretary-Treasurer for the Media Ministry Program and volunteered her talents in other areas of church work and St. Clare Meadows. She is survived by two daughters, Denise (Michael) Bryan of Baraboo and Kelly Conway Miller (Jean Daute) of Stoughton; five grandchildren, Lori (Conor) Smyth, of Madison, Wendy (Jeff) McNabb of Baraboo, Lucas (Megan) Miller of Merrimac and Nicholas and Chelsea Miller of Stoughton; six great-grandchildren, Lydia and Max McNabb, triplets, Garrett, Eamon and Sophia Smyth, Coraline Miller; and other relatives and friends. Also, her cat, Poky, who would go on walks with her in a woodsy area where they would sit and listen to Brewers games on her transistor radio; this was also meditation time for her. She was preceded in death by husbands, Capt. Bill Hemsrhot and Richard Conway; her parents, Chris and Eva Schara; two brothers; and five sisters. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016, at St. Johns Lutherans Church with Pastor Carl Schroeder officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the church. Burial will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Johns Media Ministry. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family. Four years ago, Caterpillar CEO Doug Oberhelman warned that if Illinois did not change its approach to business, the state would suffer. Unfortunately, Oberhelman was exactly right. In an opinion piece that ran in several newspapers, in appearances and in a letter to then Gov. Pat Quinn, Oberhelman pleaded with state officials to put their financial house in order and to make major reductions in workers compensation costs. Oberhelman is a supporter of Illinois; hes a native and graduated from Decaturs Millikin University. He has said multiple times he wants the state to succeed. Caterpillar employs thousands of the people in Illinois, and he has stated several times that he does not want to pull jobs out of the state. But the fact is that Caterpillar hasnt opened a new factory in the state for years, and a lot of that has to do with the states business climate. At the time, Oberhelman said the temporary increase in corporate and personal income tax rates needed to remain temporary and that the state needed to stabilize its finances. He emphasized that workers compensation reforms passed by the General Assembly were helpful, but not nearly enough. The states politicians, for the most part, ignored Oberhelmans pleas. The states budget is in even worse shape, despite years of temporary tax increases that were spent rather than applied to the states debt. The pension problem has not gone away and workers compensation rates are better, but still among the highest in the nation. The last four years have not been good ones on the job scene for Illinois. In fact, since Oberhelman made his comments, the state has lost 12,500 manufacturing jobs, according to an analysis by Michael Lucci, vice president of policy for the Illinois Policy Institute. That compares to a net gain of 234,000 manufacturing jobs in surrounding states: Michigan added 73,000 manufacturing jobs; Indiana, 40,000; Kentucky, 29,000; and Wisconsin, 21,000, among them. Democrats, including House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton, talk a lot about protecting the middle class from Gov. Bruce Rauners reforms. But its the middle class that has borne the brunt of the failed policies that Madigan and Cullerton cling to so desperately. Companies like Caterpillar, and many that are much smaller but as significant when it comes to job growth, want to create jobs in Illinois. The state has a workforce and is naturally located in an advantageous position. But that wont happen until our political leaders wake up, stabilize our financial situation and become more aware of what business needs to grow jobs. Weve seen the results of failed policies. Its time to try something different. USDA announces $1 billion debt relief for 36,000 farmers The USDA announced a program to provide $1.3B in debt relief for about 36,000 farmers who have fallen behind on loan payments or face foreclosure. Six projects receive IDEA grants IDEA grants: One of the IDEA grants helped fund a campus visit by Ntozake Shange in November. The poet, playwright, performer and activist participated in a number of discussions with students and faculty, visited classes and attended a staged reading of her work. Photo by Stephen Salpukas Photo - of - Hide Caption The Office of Diversity & Equal Opportunity recently granted Innovative Diversity Efforts Awards (IDEA) to six projects that aim to further diversity and inclusion at William & Mary. Project proposals were submitted in the fall by faculty and students across the university. This years projects include guest speakers and special events on topics ranging from Middle Eastern culture to cultural competence for teachers. "The implementation of the IDEA grant program has provided opportunities to increase diversity initiatives on campus and provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to use creative ways to talk about difficult subjects," said Chief Diversity Officer Chon Glover. "I'm especially excited by this year's programs that are focused on training and education." The first set of IDEA grants were awarded in 2011, and a minimum of three grants per year have been awarded since. Each approved project receives between about $500 and $1,500, depending on its scope. The most recently funded projects include: "Lost in Language and Sound: or, How I found My Way to the Arts": Conversations and a Reading with Ntozake Shange Submitted by Artisia Green, Associate Professor of Theatre and Africana Studies Award-winning poet, novelist, playwright, performer and political activist Ntozake Shange participated in a series of events at William & Mary in November 2015, including a staged reading of her work presented by students and Green. "Systemic Suppression": Annual Symposium on Race and the Law Submitted by Brittany McGill, law student A panel discussion will be held on mass incarceration and voter suppression during the annual symposium on race and the law, hosted by the Black Law Students Association. The symposium is scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Sadler Center. Cultural Competence Training for Teacher Candidates Submitted by Melanie Lichtenstein, graduate student in education Doctoral students in the School of Education will lead a professional development symposium for pre-service teachers on working in diverse schools and communities. The symposium is scheduled to be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 26 in the Professional Development Center at the School of Education. The event is limited to 80 participants, and registration is available at http://forms.wm.edu/24084. W&M Mattachine Research Project: Documenting the LGBTIQ Past in Virginia Submitted by Cindy Hahamovitch, Chair and Class of '38 Professor of History Members of the campus community involved in the William & Mary Mattachine Project, which launched in the fall, will present their research on Virginias LGBTIQ history with an exhibit and reception in Swem Library. The exhibit, which will be located to the left of the front lobby, will be installed March 31 and will remain in place through April. It will include wall-hangings of panels that the researchers will be creating from the textual and photographic evidence they have collected. In the Absence of Unreliable Ghosts by Dr. Anjali Arondekar Submitted by R. Benedito Ferrao, Mellon Faculty Fellow in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Anjali Arondekar, an associate professor at the University of California Santa Cruz, will give a talk April 26 in Tucker Hall room 127A on the colonial archive of Portuguese India and the Gomantak Maratha Samaj, a community of artists. The talk will be part of the Capstone Seminar Conference, which will begin at 3:30 p.m. and conclude with Arondekar's keynote address at appoximately 6 p.m. Middle Eastern Cultural Day Submitted by Driss Cherkaoui, Associate Professor of Arabic Studies; May George, Visiting Assistant Professor of Arabic Studies; and Mona Zaki, Visiting Assistant Professor of Arabic Studies The public event is expected to include Arabic music, poetry reading, student presentations, a clothing exhibit, documentaries and food. Details on the date, time and location are forthcoming. With 13 scholars, William & Mary remains a top Fulbright producer Fulbright Cohort: Several of William & Marys 2015-16 Fulbright grant recipients pose at the Sunken Garden steps. Front row, left to right: Noah Baker, Elena van den Berg, Elisabeth Bloxam; middle row: Rebecca Fulp-Eickstaedt, Lisa Laird, Francine Cilke, Alexandra Hartley; back row: Kelsey Renoll, Danielle Tassara, Bradley Spence Jones. Photo by Eliot Dudik Photo - of - Hide Caption William & Mary has once again been named a top producer of Fulbright U.S. student grant recipients, the Chronicle of Higher Education announced today in its annual list of leading Fulbright-producing institutions. Thirteen recent graduates of William & Mary accepted Fulbright grants to go abroad during the 2015-16 academic year. That total earned the university the 23rd spot on the Chronicles list of top-producing research universities, tied with the University of Wisconsin at Madison and Cornell University. We are thrilled to be have another cohort of exceptional Fulbright Scholars, said Lisa Grimes, Fulbright program adviser and associate director of the Roy R. Charles Center. It is always a pleasure to work with these talented and dedicated students. The size of William & Marys latest group of Fulbright scholars is similar to recent years, in which the university produced between nine and 14 Fulbright recipients. According to the Chronicle, 49 William & Mary alumni applied for Fulbrights last year. The recipients will use the grants to travel to countries around the world, teaching, studying and conducting research in a variety of fields. Among the grantees is Elizabeth Pelletier 14, who has received an academic grant to Canada. She is spending the year in Ontario at the University of Torontos political science department conducting research on school funding and equity in Canada and the United States. I'm excited to have the chance to research and learn for a year with more freedom and flexibility than I was able to have with a full schedule of classes at William & Mary, Pelletier said. Im also really enjoying exploring Toronto its a wonderful city with a lot to offer, and Im living right in the middle of the downtown, which is very exciting since Ive never lived in a major metropolis before! Among her most exciting experiences has been discovering the opinions our neighbors to the north have about American politics. I was here in Toronto for the Canadian federal elections in October, and Im currently hearing a lot of Canadian perspectives on the U.S. presidential primaries, which has been really interesting, she said. Across the world in India, Spence Jones 15 is researching LGBT jurisprudence by identifying various lacunae in the law that prevent LGBT individuals from receiving legal protections. Collaborating with the Human Rights Law Network on his Fulbright-Nehru U.S. Student Research Scholarship to India, Joness goal is to precipitate litigation using rights-based frameworks with the hope of sensitizing courts to the legitimacy of issues sexual and gender minorities face. Beyond involving myself in a fascinating body of work, coming to India I was most excited to tackle the multiplicity of challenges albeit somewhat ungracefully at points that arise when assimilating to a culture so different from my own, Jones said. What I have come to learn, however, is that our shared human experience creates amazing opportunities to connect across cultural boundaries in ways unbeknownst to me before the start of my Fulbright grant. Even as the 2015-16 grantees have settled into their year as Fulbright scholars, the scholarship experts at the Charles Center are hard at work helping potential future grantees prepare their applications. The Peer Scholarship Advisors and I are already working with candidates for the fall 2016 deadline, Grimes said. Students interested in applying should stop by the PSA office in the Charles Center to talk over their ideas and watch for announcements of special Fulbright events throughout this semester, she added. According to the Fulbright website, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, sponsored by the State Departments Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is the largest U.S. exchange program for students and young professionals seeking international graduate study, advanced research and teaching opportunities worldwide. Around 1,900 grants are annually awarded by the program, which operates in more than 140 countries worldwide. China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page Graphite research to support AGR life extensions 22 February 2016 Share A new graphite irradiation research program has been launched in support of ageing management of Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactors (AGRs) in the UK. Last week, EDF Energy announced new scheduled closure dates for four of its UK AGR nuclear power plants. AGR reactors feature a graphite moderator and are cooled using carbon dioxide. The graphite blocks cannot be replaced or repaired during the operating life of the reactors. However, radiation damage changes the shape and size of the crystallites that comprise graphite, a process known as dimensional change, which in turn degrades the mechanical properties of the graphite. For continued operation, it is therefore necessary to demonstrate that the graphite can still perform its intended role irrespective of the degradation. EDF Energy - together with Atkins, Frazer Nash and NRG - launched the Blackstone project in 2006. The project aims to simulate accelerated aging of reactor graphite. This involves neutron irradiation at the right temperature combined with simultaneous radiolytic oxidation. Phase 1 aimed to show that graphite samples could be irradiated in the Materials Test Reactor - operated by NRG at Petten, the Netherlands - and then subjected to non-destructive and destructive post-irradiation examination. A database of the results was compiled. Phase 2, started in August 2011, further developed and expanded that database by obtaining end of lifetime data for graphite cores. The research partners have now announced the start of Phase 3 of Project Blackstone, which will run for five years and will focus on the graphite from the Heysham B and Torness AGR reactors. During Phases 1 and 2 of the project, graphite from other AGRs was successfully characterized to support life-time extension. Phase 1 looked at graphite samples from Hinkley Point B and Hunterston B, while Phase 2 studied specimens from Hartlepool and Heysham 1. NRG said on 18 February, as part of the project, graphite material extracted from AGRs will be irradiated in the High Flux Reactor operated by NRG at Petten. During the irradiation, both the in-core neutron and oxidation damage mechanisms that take place in an AGR are simulated and accelerated under representative conditions. Following irradiation, the graphite samples are characterized in the NRG hot cell laboratories to provide material behaviour data, providing input to graphite property models which are used to assess the future structural integrity of AGR cores. On 16 February, EDF Energy announced that the scheduled closure dates for its Heysham 1 and Hartlepool plants had been extended by five years to 2024, while those of Heysham 2 and Torness had been extended by seven years to 2030. The announcement followed life extensions at EDF Energy's other AGR power plants. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Hungary further develops nuclear cooperation with Iran 22 February 2016 Share Hungary has agreed to further cooperation with Iran on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, its minister of foreign affairs and trade, Peter Szijjarto, announced last week. Speaking to reporters in Budapest, following talks between Hungarian ministers and Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Szijjarto said the two countries would "continue and expand" the training of Iranian nuclear experts as well as establish research and scientific cooperation in the use of nuclear energy. Szijjarto and Salehi in Budapest last week (Image: Kovacs Tamas/MTI news agency) According to Reuters, Salehi has proposed a project with Hungary to design and develop a 25 MWe reactor and another reactor of up to 100 MWe, which could be sold across Asia and Africa while being built in the Islamic republic. Salehi told reporters that small reactors would be more affordable to poorer countries and need less cooling water. "It requires a lot of scientific work to come up with such a design, certainly a number of years of hard work. We want to see if we can do this," Salehi said. Iran plans to build two more Russian-designed large reactors in addition to its current single reactor at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. On completion of this project, which Salehi said could take ten years, Iran would look into building small reactors. According to a Hungarian government statement, some 1100 Iranian students are studying at the country's universities and more would be welcome. Szijjarto noted that relations between Iran and the international community on global security had "improved significantly", adding that the the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was "of great importance". The JCPOA, the international agreement limiting Iran's nuclear program in return for the lifting of economic sanctions was signed in July by Iran and the E3/EU+3 (China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK and the USA - also referred to as the P5+1 - plus the European Union). Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Violation notices issued for WIPP incidents 22 February 2016 Share The US Department of Energy has issued notices against Nuclear Waste Partnership (NWP) and Los Alamos National Security (LANS) for violations of its nuclear safety requirements regarding two 2014 incidents at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico, marking the completion of its investigations and enforcement processes. NWP is the department's management and operating contractor for the plant, while LANS is the National Nuclear Security Administration's management and operating contractor for the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The department announced on 19 February that it had issued a Preliminary Notice of Violation (PNOV) to NWP for violations of worker safety and health and nuclear safety requirements. At the same time, its National Nuclear Security Administration issued a PNOV to LANS for violations of nuclear safety requirements at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The violations by NWP relate to two unrelated incidents that occurred at the plant in February 2014 - an underground truck fire, then an unrelated radiological release following the rupture of a waste barrel. The violations by LANS are associated with processes used at the Los Alamos National Laboratory to package and remediate transuranic waste drums, one of which was linked to the radiological release at the plant. The department said it has already taken "significant adverse contract and fee actions" against NWP and LANS and therefore is proposing that no civil penalties are awarded against them for the violations. Actions taken by the DOE coupled with an inability to earn fees while the plant remains out of service resulted in NWP failing to receive 93% of its available fee, equivalent to about $7.6 million, in fiscal 2014. The National Nuclear Security Administration reduced the total contract fee awarded to LANS by over 90% - about $57 million - and also reduced the potential length of the company's contract by two years. The DOE recently finalized agreements worth $74 million with the New Mexico Environment Department in settlement of claims related to the incidents. The New Mexico facility, where military-origin transuranic wastes in sealed drums are disposed of underground in rooms mined out of an ancient salt formation, has been out of action since the radiological release. A program of recovery actions including improvements to underground fire safety, radiological risk mitigation, underground stability, ventilation and emergency response capabilities is nearing completion and the facility is expected to resume operations by the end of 2016. When all the recovery actions have been completed the facility will undergo an eight-week integrated cold operations program using empty containers, a series of formal readiness activities, and internal reviews and evaluations as well as independent assessments from regulators before it can receive authorization to resume waste emplacement. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Lovers (illustration) By: Wayne Morin Police in Nigeria, are looking for a married woman who is accused of nearly killing her lover by plying him with large amount of sex enhancement drugs. Benin police said that the married mother of three children had sex with her lover for nearly six hours. The woman kept her lover going by feeding him sex enhancement pills. According to the police investigation, the woman, who was not identified, checked into the hotel around 8:00 a.m., after dropping off her kids at school. The woman brought along milk and sex enhancement drugs for her lover, but around 2:00 p.m., the man collapsed and she fled from the scene. When the man regained consciousness, he screamed for help. Employees at the hotel called an ambulance, and he was taken to a nearby hospital. Patience Ekukpe By: Feng Qian Police are looking for a pastor who was accused of killing his wife in front of their child, police in Nigeria said. Edo State police that Henry Ekupke, hacked his wife to death in front of their 7-month-old daughter. After inflicting deep cuts to the body of Patience Ekukpe, Henry Ekupke fled from his home located at 19 Uloko Street. Police officers who arrived at the scene, found the woman on the floor of the living room, suffering from deep cut wounds to the face, arms and chest. The husband left behind a note with 10 complaints against this wife. Police have urged anyone with information in the whereabouts of the pastor to come forward. The child was handed over to family members. Shannon Sampson By: Mahesh Sarin (Scroll down for video) A stripper was arrested on a charge of robbery after allegedly holding up a bank and escaping with cash, police in Rhode Island said. Cranston police said that they have arrested 27-year-old Shannon Sampson, after being accused of robbing the bank twice in one month because she hadnat earned enough money in tips. She was charged with two counts of robbery. According to the police investigation, Sampson entered the bank around 12:00 p.m. She gave the teller a note, demanding cash. She fled from the scene and checked into a hotel room. Police located her in the hotel room and found the stolen cash. When police broke down the door, they found Sampson lying in bed surrounded with the stolen $100 notes. She used some of the stolen cash to pay for the hotel room. A young man wanted to make a point about racism in the United States, but his plan backfired when he was exposed for a liar by police. 20-year-old Khalil Cavil of Texas was working at the Saltgrass Steak House in Odessa when he claimed he was discriminated against because of his Muslim name. Cavil took On Tuesday evening, several hundred people, including many young people and refugees, demonstrated in Berlin in front of the State Office for Health and Social Affairs against the recent tightening up of the asylum procedures. No borders, no nations, no deportations, was one of the chants in several languages. To flee is not a crime! No person is illegal, We are not numbers, we are human beings, could be read on posters and banners. Several organizations and refugee groups had called for the demonstration on Facebook. With the new asylum package II debated this Friday in the Bundestag (parliament), the government is setting out a policy of isolation and division directed aggressively against people who had fled. Among the main points in the asylum package is the adding of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia to the list of safe countries of origin; the establishment of special registration centres and mass camps for people from these countries; a residency requirement; asylum procedures shortened to three weeks; the elimination or drastic reduction of family reunification possibilities for Syrian refugees and the rapid expulsion of all those who have no prospect of being granted asylum, even the sick. Many demonstrators expressed their outrage to the WSWS over this policy. Every few weeks, the asylum laws are tightened up, said Christine, a lawyer for Migration Rights and member of the Republican Lawyers Association (RAV). In particular, the short deadlines and faster asylum procedures mean it is simply impossible to ensure effective legal representation. Thats one of the reasons why Im here. The RAV participated in the demonstration with its own banner: No person is illegal! Christine is also concerned about the border closures in Europe and the loss of solidarity within Europe. She used to be quite a convinced European, she said, but the European Union is obviously no longer a community of [shared] values worth fighting for. This had begun with Greece and was sad, even frightening, she added. Erol came to Germany from Turkey 30 years ago. His plan to study at that time had failed for financial reasons, and now he has to work as a cleaner in three different jobs to support his family. Solidarity with the refugees is a matter of course for him, despite his long workday. This is about poor people, said Erol, who grumbled, The EU countries and the USA are thieves. First they stole the riches of other countries and continentsraw materials, gold and even art treasuresand drove them into misery with bombs and military operations, and then they refuse to allow the people from these countries to escape to a better life. Regarding the agreements of Merkel and Erdogan against refugees, Erol said Germany had bought the Turkish government. The closure of the border with Turkey was simply inhuman. Yesterday, when I saw the situation at the border in Southeastern Anatolia on television, I had to turn it off. It was unbearable. The current policy, according to Erol, was generally directed against the poor. In Germany too, the gap between rich and poor is becoming greater. A large group of students came from Mendelssohn-Bartholdy High School. Vincent, 14, and Felix, 13, are pupil representatives and proudly report that their school was just commended as a School against Racism, School with Courage. The government want to impose the new asylum package over the heads of the people, Vincent said. The stopping of family reunifications will lead to entire families with children climbing into inflatable dinghies and even more people will drown in the Mediterranean. Vincent and Felix spoke decisively against military operations by Germany and arms exports. We are against war. Bombs cannot end the Syrian civil war. It will only get worse. Regarding the scheduled NATO mission against the smugglers boats, Felix added, these boats are the only means of escape, an attack on them is a direct attack on those fleeing. Both spoke out against the planned mass camps. Vincent pointed to Tempelhof Airport, where 7,000 refugees are to be accommodated. They cannot do that! People have no privacy. You wouldnt house 7,000 homeless people in a single facility. If there are clashes in the camps, according to Vincent, the finger gets pointed at the people there. In this way they ultimately help the extreme right. Vivien and Marika are studying at a college for design, wood and glass technology in Berlin-Weissensee, Viviens friend Michael comes from Austria. The situation of refugees at the border and in Berlin worries us, said Vivien and Marika. They are also concerned about the growth of right-wing parties and military rearmament. However, Vivien believes it is hopeless to expect a change of official policy. The rich are interested in wars, she said. They sell weapons and earn from it. She was not particularly well informed politically, she said, but was of the opinion that everyone in politics was bought and paid for. Thats quite obvious! Michael is particularly outraged by the situation in Austria, where the minimum support for asylum seekers has been halved. The official programme of the governing parties is now the same as the positions of the far-right Austrian Freedom Party of 20 years ago. In contrast, the majority of the Austrian population, as in Germany, stand in solidarity with refugees, he said. A referendum on the UKs membership in the European Union (EU) is now set for June 23. Prime Minister David Cameron made the announcement outside 10 Downing Street on Saturday, following his return from two days of negotiations with EU leaders at a summit in Brussels. What is on offer in the referendum is a choice between two reactionary camps that articulate opposed strategies for the British bourgeoisie. An independent standpoint for the working class is entirely excluded. The question put before the British electorate will be: Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union? The choice of answers is: Remain a member of the European Union or Leave the European Union. What is not stated on the ballot paper is that the framework for the referendum is the deal negotiated by Cameron with the 28 EU heads of state. The conflict between the camps boils down to whether this deal does enough to satisfy the interests of the City of London and to limit the rights of EU migrants. The EU has agreed to: * An emergency brake on EU migrants claiming in-work benefits that will last for seven years and prevent new migrants from claiming full benefits for four years. * Restrictions on child benefits for EU migrants that will now be indexed to the rate of a migrants home country, with existing EU migrants paid at the lower rate from 2020. * A specific opt-out for the UK from the EUs commitment to forge an ever closer union. * The right of one country to impose a temporary break on the imposition of contentious financial regulations, to be discussed at a meeting of EU leaders in the European Council. Cameron speaks for dominant sections of the financial elite who see UK membership in the EU as essential to their ability to project their interests internationally. He has the backing of the United States and the major European powers, who fear that a British exit (Brexit) could provide the catalyst for the EUs unravelling under conditions of a deepening economic slump and rising social anger. They are also concerned that a Brexit would jeopardise the NATO alliance and its agenda of militarism and war, especially directed against Russia. In supporting the Remain campaign, Cameron is arguing that he has done enough to ensure that the competitive edge of the City of London has been safeguarded so that it can beat off any challenge from Frankfurt and Paris. He is stressing that the principle of discrimination against EU migrants has now been accepted and will in effect operate for 11 years. This will allow the ruling elite to continue scapegoating immigrants as a whole for the social cost to working people of the austerity policies of the government. The Leave camp is dominated by the right wing of the Tory Party and the anti-immigrant UK Independence Partythe forces Cameron sought to placate by promising an in-out referendum in the Tory Partys general election manifesto last year. It is headed by London Mayor Boris Johnson, Justice Secretary Michael Gove and five other cabinet members. They represent that section of the Tories who believe greater deregulation and independence will benefit Britains banks and businesses, and free them from the influence of the UKs rivals, Germany and France. This is what they mean by their constant references to sovereignty. This constituency is dominant within the Tory Party membership, which largely shares the prejudices and nationalism espoused by UKIP. There are reports that between 70 to 144 Tory MPs, out of a total of 330, also support the Leave camp. Both camps stand for greater austerity, the further destruction of workers rights and vicious anti-immigrant measures. That is why Cameron sought to defend membership in the EU, an institution that functions as the main mechanism for enforcing such policies across the European continent, on the BBCs Andrew Marr Show Sunday with a direct appeal to his opponents. He urged them to recognise that EU membership brought with it the power to help businesses not be discriminated against in Europe. No dissent can be expressed in the June 23 referendum from the standpoint of these opposed right-wing camps. In addition, to reinforce the political monopoly of the right, the officially designated Leave and Remain campaigns, already assured of major financial backing from their supporters in ruling circles, will each be able to spend up to 7 million churning out their propaganda. Any other registered campaign will be entitled to just 70,000. A few hand-picked political figures will therefore be called on by the media as the designated voices of the people for their respective positions. Neither the Labour Party nor the trade unions advance an independent perspective from that of Cameron and Johnson. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has pledged the partys support for EU membership, claiming that this offers prosperity, jobs and workers security. He does so even as he claims to favour a different set of reforms from those negotiated by Cameron and agreed by the entire EU, claiming that his own proposals will supposedly ensure a future social Europe. He knows he is lying, hence his absolute refusal to mention Greece or any of the countries condemned to endless rounds of savage austerity by Brussels. Corbyn has joined the xenophobes on both sides of the referendum debate by blaming migration for falling wages in the UK, rather than the employers and governments that have carried out an onslaught against the working class. Writing in the Guardian Saturday, he complained, Camerons much-heralded emergency brake on in-work migrants benefits will do nothing to cut inward migration to Britain. Nor will it put a penny in the pockets of British workers, adding that it could drive down pay rates still further as migrant workers take second jobs to make up for lower incomes The Trades Union Congress and the larger trade unions support Corbyns position. This leaves just two significant trade unions supporting the Leave campaign: the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT)which is under the influence of various Stalinists and members of pseudo-left groupsand the Aslef train drivers union. Their support and the participation of some Labour MPs in the Leave campaign is being used to conceal its right-wing pedigree and intent. Speaking at a Grassroots Out meeting in London on Friday, UKIP leader Nigel Farage insisted, Sometimes in life things come along that are bigger, more fundamental and more important than normal Left/Right divides in politics. He was joined on the platform by former Labour Party and Respect MP George Galloway, who concluded his speech by declaring, Left, Right, Left Right, forward march to victory on the 23rd of June. For this, he received rapturous applause and a standing ovation from the mainly right-wing audience. On Twitter, he said of Farage, We are not pals. We are allies in one cause Like Churchill and Stalin... The central task placed before the British working class is to adopt a socialist and internationalist perspective on which to oppose all factions of the ruling elite. This means workers and young people must reject the nationalist poison of jingoist patriotism and anti-migrant xenophobia that dominates both the Remain and Leave campaigns and reach out to their class brothers and sisters across the continent with the aim of forging a United Socialist States of Europe. The bill reforming French labor law, revealed last week in the media before its official presentation by the Socialist Party (PS) government of President Francois Hollande on March 9, is a fundamental attack on the social rights of the working class. With France already under a state of emergency, the bill gives the French ruling class the tools for an economic dictatorship without precedent since World War II. Prepared under the oversight of PS Labour Minister Myriam El Khomri, the bill will be debated in parliament in April. The reform, whose stated objective is to safeguard and promote the competitiveness of businesses operating in France, marks the preparation by the PS of all-out social counterrevolution in France. The protections granted by the Labour Code are to be replaced by negotiations between the unions and bosses at each individual firm, which will become the common law principle. These will trump workers individual rights under the Labour Code and industry-level agreements. Another key measure is the lengthening and flexibilisation of the work week. The 35-hour work week law passed by the PS government of Lionel Jospin is being cast aside. The maximum number of hours worked at one job is passing from 44 hours weekly and 10 per day to 48, or 60 per week and 12 per day in some cases. This new maximum can be imposed for long periods. Thanks to short-term contracts, employers could keep workers on the job 48 hours for months on end, and then fire them to avoid breaching the remaining restrictions. Firms are also getting the right to cut into rest times according to its needs. This applies not only to firms that are making losses, but also to those that want to improve their competitiveness. Overtime is to be paid 10 percent extra, instead of 25 percent, for the first eight hours. Employers will also have the right to organise referendums to unblock difficult situations. Trade unions representing a minority of the workforce will be able to organise such referendums whose outcome will be imposed on the entire workforce. This will allow bosses to constantly hold a gun to workers heads, threatening to shut down sites that refuse conditions they propose in referendums. Another key provision is that mass sackings, which are currently subject to substantial legal controls, will be facilitated and even encouraged. Firms will be able to carry out mass sackings based on any evidence that tends to substantiate [that they are in] difficulty. The conditions under which they can resort to mass sackings without legal opposition from workers, or any legal oversight whatsoever, include vague reasons like technological change, or the reorganisation of the firm as necessary to preserve competitiveness. Mass sackings would thus be justified if a firm started making lower, but still substantial, profits. Under the bill, a transnational corporation would no longer have to prove that it needs to carry out a mass sacking based on its global situation, but on the national one. A transnational could thus easily use accounting to organise a hard situation in its French subsidiary and slash jobs on this basis. A labor lawyer, Judith Krivine, told L Express: This is a disaster for workers, it is a way to increase considerably the number of mass sackings carried out for economic reasons. If a labor court somehow still ruled that a firm had to pay indemnities to a worker, the bill specifies these fines in advance and does not allow the judges to specify their size. According to Europe1, Some are now saying that less scrupulous corporations will be able to calculate whether it is profitable to engage in illegal activity while organising sackings. Even more sinister are the accords, cynically called for job development, that allow firms to cut wages and increase working time, supposedly in order to obtain new contracts. A worker who under these conditions refused to accept a change to his contract could be fired not for economic reasons but for real and serious cause, that is, without receiving any indemnity. The preparation of such a bill is a sign that the French ruling class is preparing unprecedented social attacks on the workers. As financial markets collapse and a new global economic crisis appears on the horizon, the employers federations, the state, and the union bureaucracies are prepare to slash wages and carry out mass sackings. It is this socio-economic crisis that underlies the law-and-order hysteria and the state of emergency with which the ruling class responded to the November 13 terror attacks in Paris. Undermined by debts and its lack of competitiveness, French capitalism is preparing to impose measures in the face of mass opposition and without a shred of democratic legitimacyeven of the fraudulent type conferred by the current social dialogue between the bosses and bought-and-paid for unions. Hollande is thus preparing on the one hand a state of emergency to strangle popular opposition, and on the other the sabotage of the Labour Code to short-circuit what protections currently exist. As this reform was being prepared last autumn, the press compared it to the Hartz IV laws in Germany, which boosted German competitiveness with deep austerity, or to the Reagan administrations crushing of the PATCO air traffic controllers union in the United States in 1981. The isolation of the strike by the American unions and the crushing of PATCO was a key step in the transformation of US unions into corporatist bureaucracies that help impose the ruling class attacks on the workers. The advancing of such a reform by the PS, which took power with the support of the unions and their allies, such as the Stalinist French Communist Party and the pseudo-left New Anticapitalist Party, points to the vacuum that exists on the left. Parties that are referred to as left purely by routine are in fact violently hostile to the workers and conscious that they have moved far to the right. They speak for bourgeois and petty-bourgeois constituencies that want to impose measures outlawed by the Labour Code, which they aim to replace with the diktat of the financial markets. Welcome to the right, Myriam El Khomri, wrote Pierre-Yves Bournazel, an official of the right-wing The Republicans (LR) party. Pierre Gattaz, the head of the Medef business federation, praised the bill for going in the right direction and called on the PS to go all the way to unlock the labour market. While the French trade unions are now raising a hue and cry as to the measures, their sudden indignation is not credible. The government obviously did not lay out these measures without consulting them. The French Democratic Labour Confederation (CFDT), which is now complaining of the reforms somewhat dogmatic vision of flexibility, previously praised it for guaranteeing better transparency on labour law for workers and reinforcing social dialogue. The labour law reform calls for the trade unions participation in all the new types of firm-level agreements. The bosses and the government are manifestly confident that they will be able to work out a deal with the unions to jointly impose these attacks. The author also recommends: France prepares drastic overhaul of Labour Code [9 November 2015] The German military has spent at least 17.2 billion on 55 operations abroad since 1992, according to a new paper from the German defence ministry seen by Spiegel Online . By far the costliest was the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, which devoured nearly 9 billion between 2001 and 2014. This is followed by combat missions in Yugoslavia, where the Bundeswehr had participated for the first time in an illegal war. The document lists the cost of the KFOR mission in Kosovo, ongoing since 1999, at 3.4 billion, and the SFOR I and II missions in Bosnia-Herzegovina and in Croatia (1996-1998) at 1.2 billion. The Enduring Freedom mission in Kuwait and the Horn of Africa (2001-2010) cost 1.1 billion and the ongoing Atalanta mission cost 0.45bn. The officially stated figure of 17 billion is already huge. By comparison: This is more money than the Federal Ministries of Education and Research have to spend in any one year (16.4 bn) or health (14.5bn). In reality, this is only a fraction of the actual amount that has been spent on military operations. According to the defence ministry, the costs of seven missions can no longer be ascertained. In two operations in the former Yugoslavia it is no longer even possible to reconstruct the number of soldiers deployed. There were also gaps in large-scale operations, such as the mission Allied Harbour in 1999 in Kosovo and Macedonia, in which up to 1,000 soldiers were deployed, or an OSCE mission in Georgia between 2008 and 2009. The figures that the defence ministry produced at the request of the chair of the Parliamentary Budget Committee, Gesine Lotzsch (Left Party), could not always be clearly identified for various reasons, a spokesman for the ministry told Spiegel Online. For example, it has allegedly not been considered necessary to record all the respective expenditures separately. Moreover, the electronic budgetary procedures used at the time are today almost completely no longer used, and older data was often unavailable. It is completely implausible that the very ministry that for months has listed each missing screw allegedly needed to equip the troops has no detailed overview of the enormous expenditure on worldwide Bundeswehr military adventures. Rather, the ministry is concealing the actual expenditure because it fears popular resistance against the unpopular war and austerity policies of the federal government. A recent publication by the former commander of the Armed Forces Support Command, Retired Lieutenant General Ulf Krause, comments on the growing use of the military as a means of foreign policy. He states, And here ends the willingness of the German population to follow the political elites, who previously tended to dress up missions as humanitarian, to avoid the accusation of a militarization of foreign policy. How true! Eighteen years ago, the Social Democratic Party-Green Party coalition government of Gerhard Schroder and Joschka Fischer initiated the first combat operations by German troops since World War II. Then in 2003, the Agenda 2010 welfare and labour reforms initiated the deepest social cuts in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. The established parties and media sought to present these measures as a struggle for human rights and democracy, and the securing of the future of Germany. In his infamous government statement of March 14, 2003, Schroder cynically justified the harshness of Agenda 2010 saying, people are being given new opportunities, opportunities to develop their skills and to perform at their best. In relation to the Iraq war, he stressed that we have insisted on the logic of peace, rather than entering into a logic of war. Now there is nothing left of these propaganda lies, which even then incited the anger of workers and youth, and triggered large protests. If Schroder had been honest, he would have declared at the time: We are cutting your benefits, wages and pensions and are making savings in education and health above all, so that we can upgrade the German army, and so the German people finally get the chance to enter into the logic of war and develop their skills and perform at their best in global military deployments. This is exactly what happened in the following years and is now to be continued. Thirteen years after Schroders Agenda 2010 speech, and two years after President Gauck, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD) and Defence Minister von der Leyen (CDU) announced the end of military restraint in Germany at the 2014 Munich Security Conference, German soldiers are not only in Iraq (110 soldiers), but also in Syria (445), Mali (310), Somalia (9), Afghanistan (855), Western Sahara (4), Liberia (3), Darfur (8), Sudan (16), Kosovo (648), in the Aegean Sea (175), in the Mediterranean off the Libyan coast (280) and off the Somali coast (109). This is clear from the current situation reports from the areas of deployment of the Bundeswehr of February 17. In January, the defence ministry announced raising the expenditure on equipping the armed forces to a total of around 130 billion in the next 15 years to ensure a flexible function fulfilment. From the standpoint of the elites, it is already clear who is to bear the cost: working peopleas cannon fodder in war, through a new round of social cuts, and the dismantling of democratic rights. The above-cited study gives an idea of what is again being discussed behind the closed doors by the generals and defence politicians more than 75 years after the end of World War II. Without mincing his words, General Krause is demanding that the political elites influence society so that it develops a war waging culture. In order for that to prevail as a basic mental attitude society would have to provide the necessary resources to make its army one of several instruments of foreign policy, according to Krause. As 2016 begins, young people in Australia and around the world confront the mounting threat of war, an increasingly desperate social crisis, another financial collapse with even greater repercussions than that of 20078, and the erosion of fundamental democratic rights. Governments around the world are responding to the deepest crisis of the world capitalist system since the 1930s with criminal military interventions that have created flashpoints for a global conflict in every part of the globe. The Middle East, having been decimated by 15 years of US-led invasions and occupations is the scene of a new predatory military operation in Syria and Iraq involving virtually all of the major powers. Millions of refugees fleeing the carnage are being met by barbed-wire fences and police-state violence, reminiscent of the horrors of World War Two. In Eastern Europe, the US is spearheading a confrontation with the Russian regime of Vladimir Putin, which has already led to a bloody civil war in Ukraine and poses the threat of nuclear war. In the Asia-Pacific region, the Obama administration is carrying out a massive military build-up directed against China. Behind the backs of the population, the entire political establishmentLabor, the Liberals, the Greens and their pseudo-left adjuncts in groups such as Socialist Alternative and Socialist Alliancehas signed-up to Washingtons preparations for war against China, in defiance of the anti-war sentiment among the vast majority of workers and young people. In 2011, Julia Gillards Labor government struck a military deal with the Obama administration, aligning Australia with the so-called pivot to Asia, boosting ties between the two countrys military forces and establishing a new US marine base in Darwin. Every government since thenunder Rudd, Abbott and Turnbullhas placed military expansion at the very centre of its agenda. Washington now insists that Canberra participate in its provocative challenges to Chinese territorial claims in the South China Seaprovocations that could trigger armed conflict. In preparation for war, the Australian establishment is devoting ever greater resources to acquiring new submarines, warships and aircraft. A report published last month by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank, commissioned by the US Department of Defense, declared that the US and its allies in Asia, particularly Australia, needed to be ready to fight tonight. It stated: As Australias own influence expands and Australias geopolitical position becomes more central to US strategy, Washingtons expectations of Canberra are growing. Young people must be clear: our generation confronts the stark alternative outlined by the great revolutionary Rosa Luxemburg following the outbreak of World War Oneeither socialism or barbarism. The same inherent contradictions of the capitalist systemabove all, between a globally integrated economy and the division of the world into antagonistic nation-statesthat led to two world wars last century, have created the conditions for a Third World War, which would inevitably involve nuclear weapons. The International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), and its youth movement, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), are fighting to build a socialist anti-war movement of the international working class aimed at averting such a catastrophe. As students and youth, we are being placed on the frontlines of a new global conflict and have definite historic responsibilities in this struggle. To halt the relapse into imperialist barbarism we must be at the forefront of the fight to politically educate and mobilise the great social power of the working class to overthrow the source of war, the capitalist profit system itself. The ruling elites are well aware that masses of workers and young people are deeply opposed to war. That is why the entire political establishment has been whipping-up an atmosphere of nationalist patriotism, promoting militarism, the demonisation of refugees and the vilification of Muslims. At the same time, state and federal governments are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to celebrate the centenary of World War I. Everything is being done to obscure the predatory character of these wars, which were aimed at securing resources, markets and profits for the imperialist powers, including Australia. Instead, in a flagrant campaign of historical falsification that extends into primary and secondary schools, Australian participation in the two world wars of the last century, and a host of other military adventures, is being whitewashed as the defence of democracy, and the celebration of mateship and the Australian spirit. Nationalist myths are being promoted through the publication of pro-war history books and biographies and the regular staging of public commemorations. That the ICFI, the Socialist Equality Party and IYSSE alone oppose this militarist campaign was underscored by the extraordinary attempts of the Burwood Labor council and the University of Sydney (USYD) last year to prevent us from holding a meeting on the Anzac Day weekend, exposing the glorification of militarism and the preparations for new wars. This political censorshipreplicated in attacks on the IYSSE at a number of other campuses since thenis the sharpest expression of broader attempts to suppress opposition to war and prevent young people from understanding the situation they confront. It is no accident that USYD banned our meeting. As one of the most prestigious universities in the country, it is being transformed into a key ideological centre for the promotion of militarism. Its United States Studies Centre, a think-tank founded in 2006 to churn out propaganda aimed at overcoming hostility to US-led wars, devotes considerable resources to promoting the US-Australia military alliance. Global war preparations go hand in hand with an escalating assault on the social rights of the working class. While almost $2 trillion is dedicated to military spending world-wide every year, the financial elites are carrying out the destruction of public education and healthcare and the decimation of living conditions. In Australia, the $50 billion being squandered on the construction of new submarines would pay for at least 25 new, state-of-the-art public hospitals. The $39 billion earmarked for frigates and destroyers could finance a desperately needed five-and-a-half million dollar upgrade to every public school in the country. The militarisation of society is incompatible with universities as centres of genuine higher learning, cultural advance and freedom of speech. The tertiary education sector has faced decades of unrelenting funding cuts, with students confronting endless restructurings involving the abolition of entire courses and faculties, while graduates face the prospect of being unable to find work in their field of study. Many will never find a decent job. TAFEs are being dismantled through the rapid hiking of fees to the tune of thousands of dollars a year, forcing many students to abandon their studies altogether. Last year, in New South Wales alone, enrolments dropped by 80,000. In working class suburbs around the country, official youth unemployment often surpasses 30 percent. Here, young workers confront a life without a future, constantly targeted by parasitic private colleges peddling sham-degrees along with military recruiters promising a lucrative army gap year. This social crisis will inevitably create major upheavals. A new mood of social opposition is developing around the world, reflected in emerging strike and protest movements throughout Europe and the US, and seething hostility to the official political establishment in every country. The decisive question, however, is political leadership. Pseudo-left organisations, including Socialist Alternative and Socialist Alliance, play a central role in seeking to channel mass disaffection back behind the existing political set-upabove all, behind Labor, the Greens and the thoroughly corporatised trade unions. The pseudo-left, which speaks for an affluent layer of the middle-class seeking to advance its own careers in academia, the unions and the public sector, promotes identity politics associated with race, gender, ethnicity and sexuality to suppress the fundamental class issues, including the fight against imperialist war. We urge students and young people to oppose all forms of nationalism and militarism and turn to the internationalist perspective of the IYSSE. As the youth movement of the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world party of socialist revolution founded by Leon Trotsky, we will be holding regular meetings throughout the year, clarifying the fundamental theoretical and historical questions associated with the fight to develop a genuine revolutionary movement of the international working class. We encourage you to begin your political education in Marxist politics by reading the World Socialist Web Site, the most widely-read socialist publication on the internet, and contributing articles on the political, economic, cultural and social issues facing the working class and youth. Above all, we call on you to join the IYSSE and participate in the fight to build it as the new mass, socialist, anti-war movement among students and young people in Australia, throughout Asia, including in China, and the world. The United States woke up Sunday morning to news of yet another mass shooting, the 42nd of 2016, according to Mass Shooting Tracker. On Saturday night in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jason Dalton, 45, shot eight people, killing six. The shootings occurred at three different sites. The victims, who range in age from 14 to 74, were apparently chosen at random. Dalton, a husband and father of two, had no criminal record or history of mental illness. He worked as an insurance adjuster, but also earned money driving for the ride-sharing company Uber. Investigators believe Dalton picked up and dropped off passengers in between the shooting rampage and was even looking for additional fares after killing the final victim of his nearly seven-hour shooting spree. CNN affiliate WWMT interviewed a man who said he was a passenger in Dalton's car before the shootings started. We got about a mile from my house, and he got a telephone call. After that call, he started driving erratically, running stop signs, Matt Mellen told the affiliate. We were kind of driving through medians, driving through the lawn, speeding along and then finally, once he came to a stop, I jumped out of the car and ran away. Mellen said he called the police, telling them, He was surprisingly calm, I was freaking out. The victim of the first shooting, according to Michigan State Police, was a woman shot several times at 5:42 p.m. in an apartment complex parking lot. The woman, who was with her three children, is in serious condition but is expected to survive, according to CNN. More than four hours later, a 53-year-old man and his 17-year-old son were killed at a Kia car dealership as they were looking at a car. Shortly afterward, Dalton pulled into the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel restaurant and opened fire on two vehicles, killing four others, ages 60 to 78, including a retired English teacher at Calhoun Community High School. A fifth victim, a 14-year-old in the passenger seat of one of the cars, is alive but in critical condition. After two more hours, at approximately 12:40 a.m., police took Dalton into custody in downtown Kalamazoo without a conflict. Police described Dalton, who was carrying a semiautomatic handgun, as even-tempered at the time of the arrest. Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting later told CNN, These were very deliberate killings. This wasn't hurried in any way, shape or form. They're on video. We've watched the video with law enforcement. They were intentional, deliberate andI don't want to say casually donecoldly done is what I want to say. The ride-sharing company confirmed Dalton was an Uber driver and said he had passed a background check. We are horrified and heartbroken at the senseless violence in Kalamazoo, Uber's chief security officer Joe Sullivan said to CNN in a statement. We have reached out to the police to help with their investigation in any way that we can. Officials have provided no motive for the killings, which they describe as senseless and shocking. Local media referred to Dalton as an average Joe. Politicians at the local, state and national level have commenced the hand-wringing that inevitably follows a mass shooting and have already made ritualistic calls for stricter gun control and better mental health care. No one in the media or political establishment dares or is even capable of conducting an examination of American society that would shed light on the reason why the US leads the world in such mass killings. While it is often the most psychologically fragile who snap, the regularity of these shootings points to the diseased character and dysfunction of American society as whole. The political establishment, absorbed entirely with the enrichment of the financial and corporate elite, is impervious to the levels of social distress, which have worsened since the 2008 crash. The US has also been engaged in nearly two decades of endless wars that have coincided with the nonstop promotion of violence and the dehumanizing of the countless victims of American militarism. It is no surprise that such a poisoned atmosphere contributes to the outbreak of such violence in America. Kalamazoo and the surrounding cities in southwestern Michigan have been hard hit by deindustrialization and deteriorating social conditions. Kalamazoo, which has a metro population of more than 300,000, had a poverty rate of 38.8 percent in 2011, putting it just below Flint (41.2 percent) and above Detroit (37.6 percent). Between 1995 and 2010, the Kalamazoo area saw about half of its manufacturing jobs disappear, from more than 32,000 jobs to less than 18,000. A significant portion of these lost jobs were tied to the auto industry, which saw a brutal restructuring in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2008. The General Motors Stamping plant in Kalamazoo, which once employed 4,000 workers, closed in 1999 and the 2.2 million-square-foot space is now occupied with largely low-paying light industrial, warehouse and retail jobs. Three of the shooting victims lived in neighboring Battle Creek. In the home of Kelloggs and other cereal makers, 47 percent of the population, or 15,000 households, lack the means to pay for housing, child care, food and other basic necessities, according to a 2014 study on the working poor in Michigan. West of Kalamazoo in Benton Harbor, the official poverty rate in the town of 10,000 residents is 48.8 percent and the median household income is only $18,208, compared to $48,411 for the state of Michigan as a whole. Appliance maker Whirlpool, which still has its headquarters in the town, has shut down virtually all of its manufacturing facilities. Many of the boarded up storefronts and ruined neighborhoods in the city, which was under the control of a state-appointed emergency manager from 2010 to 2013, look the same as they did in 2003 when two days of riots erupted over poverty and police violence. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Sri Lanka will hold a public meeting in Colombo on March 15 to launch the Sinhala edition of The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished Twentieth Century by David North. Published by Kamkaru Mawatha (Workers Path), the SEPs publication house, the Sinhala translation will be available for purchase at the meeting venue and from the SEP. David North is the chairman of the International Editorial Board of the World Socialist Web Site and the Socialist Equality Party (US). His book is a collection of lectures and essays developed in opposition to the bourgeois triumphalism that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union and in defense of historical truth against the outpouring of distortions and falsifications. Against those who proclaimed the end of socialism, or in the case of Francis Fukuyama, the end of history, North argues that the dissolution of the Soviet Union, while certainly an event of great importance, did not mark the traumatic end of socialism. History would continue. And, to the extent that the twentieth century is defined as an epoch of intense capitalist crisis, giving rise to wars and revolutions, it is most appropriately characterized as unfinished. Under conditions of a worsening global crisis of capitalism and intensifying danger of imperialist world war, North makes clear that the essential preparation of the revolutionary struggles ahead in an understanding of the key strategic experiences of the 20th century, particularly the Russian Revolution of 1917. The defense of historical truth is essential for a renaissance of socialist consciousness in the working class. The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished Twentieth Century contains a wealth of material, written in polemical form, on the Russian Revolution, the Stalinist degeneration of the Soviet Union, Leon Trotskys struggle against Stalinism, the Theory of Permanent Revolution, the rise of fascism, the origins of World War II and historical evolution of trade unions. The Colombo event will be the first of a series of meetings on the book to be held by the SEP/IYSSE throughout the country. We urge workers, youth, intellectuals and WSWS readers to attend the meeting and participate in this important discussion. Date and time: Tuesday, March 15, 4.00 p.m. Venue: Public Library Auditorium, Colombo. The New Democratic Marxist-Leninist Party (NDMLP), a Maoist group in Sri Lanka, has attempted to breathe new life into the fetid politics of Tamil communalism by declaring its support for progressive Tamil nationalism as against reactionary Tamil nationalism. The NDMLP is based in northern Sri Lanka, where the majority of the population are Tamils, and also in the central hill districts where a large number of Tamil-speaking tea plantation workers live. NDMLP general secretary S.K. Senthivel was asked in an interview in the December 29 issue of Tamil language newspaper Uthayan about the newly-formed Tamil Peoples Forum (TPF), organised by a section of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) with the Tamil National People Front (TNPF) and several civil organisations. Senthivel declared: People need a change. They must come to the alternative policy from the basic policy. There exists reactionary Tamil nationalism. People must accept progressive Tamil nationalism. The TNA and TNPF, he claimed, were following reactionary Tamil nationalist policies while the NDMLP was pursuing progressive nationalism. The distinction is a false one. There is nothing progressive about Tamil nationalism, or indeed about nationalism in any form. In the 1980s, all of the bourgeois nationalist movements, such as the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) and in Sri Lanka, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), moved sharply to the right, dropping any anti-imperialist posturing and seeking an accommodation with the major powers. This political transformation reflected the impact of the globalisation of production, which completely undermined the program of national economic regulation on which all of these organisations had been based. The LTTEs military defeat in 2009 was a product of the bankruptcy of its nationalist perspective of carving out a Tamil capitalist state in the North and East of Sri Lanka. Even as its ruthless anti-democratic methods alienated Tamil workers, peasants and youth, the LTTEs denunciations of the entire Sinhala population for the crimes of the Colombo government ensured it was incapable of making any appeal to the working class in Sri Lanka or more broadly in South Asia and internationally. With the Sri Lankan army closing in on its last strongholds, the LTTE issued futile appeals to the very major powers that were backing Colombo. NDMLPs attempt to distance itself from the TNA and its reactionary Tamil nationalism is another indication of the crisis in the ranks of these organisations, all of which supported the LTTE. Their continued promotion of Tamil separatism, in one form or another, serves to divide the working class and block a unified struggle for democratic rights as part of the fight for socialism. The TNA, which now controls the Northern Provincial Council, is increasingly discredited among Tamil workers, rural poor and youth. While the majority of the population lacks jobs and basic amenities, the TNA is wheeling and dealing with the Colombo government, and intriguing with the US, India and other powers, for the devolution of greater powers to the North and East for the benefit of the venal Tamil bourgeoisie. The NDMLP is seeking to steer the opposition to the TNA into the blind alley of progressive Tamil nationalism. In its 2015 congress document, the Maoist party accuses the reactionary Tamil nationalist leadership of an elitist hegemonic ideology, high-caste domination, loyalty to imperialism and being opposed to uniting with other nationalities. By contrast, the NDMLP declares that progressive Tamil nationalism should give primacy to all working people upholding democracy, emphasis on economic self-reliance and developing productive industry, refuse to bow to the hegemonic forces of India, US and Europe, and unify with other communities. In line with the Stalinist/Maoist two-stage theory, the NDMLPs program is not for socialism, but for a new democratic revolution which means the subordination of the working class to the so-called progressive bourgeoisie. In reality, the Maoists are seeking the establishment of a bourgeois state, in which they would play the role of policing the exploitation of the working class on behalf of foreign investors and international finance capital. The communal character of the NDMLPs perspective is epitomised by its proposal for a further fracturing of the working class along ethnic and religious lines. Its congress document calls for autonomy for traditional homelands for the Tamils and Muslims and based on the right to self-determination within a united Sri Lanka. It should recognise the Hill Country Tamils as a nationality and assure them of autonomy. The NDMLPs communalism is underscored by its designation of Tamil plantation workers in the islands central hill districts as Hill Country Tamilsobliterating the class divisions. The plantation trade unions, like the Colombo ruling elite, also emphasise the separate character of Hill Country Tamils to keep these workers divided from other workers and continue their ruthless exploitation. The proposal for autonomous regions has nothing to do with defending the democratic rights of workers or the oppressed masses but is a prescription for deepening communal tensions. It is an appeal to the bourgeois and petty bourgeois layers that dominate the various Tamil and Muslim communities and yearn for autonomy as a means of boosting their share in the exploitation of the working class. Under the guise of allying with a so-called progressive wing of the Sri Lankan bourgeoisie, the NDMLP has a long and sordid history of manoeuvring with the major parties of the Colombo political establishmentthe United National Party (UNP) and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). The NDMLP was founded in 1978 by a breakaway faction of Maoist Ceylon Communist Party (CCP-Beijing wing), formed in 1964 in a split from the Communist Party of Sri Lanka (CPSL). From its inception, the NDMLP gravitated towards the SLFP. In 1988, it supported the SLFPs chauvinist anti-Indian campaign against the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord which was signed the previous year by the New Delhi and Colombo governments to send Indian army peacekeepers into the North and East to disarm the LTTE. The SLFP was in turn aligned with the Sinhala chauvinist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) whose death squads killed those who opposed its fascistic campaign. In 1994, along with the pseudo-left Nava Sama Samaja Party (NSSP), the NDMLP openly campaigned for the SLFP presidential candidate Chandrika Kumaratunga in the name of defeating the right-wing UNP government. After coming to power promising peace and improved living standards, Kumaratunga intensified the war and extended her predecessors pro-market policies and attacks on working people. Despite its anti-imperialist posturing, the NDMLP has invariably lined up behind the machinations of the major powers. In 2002, it supported the bogus peace process between the UNP government and the LTTE that was backed by the US, the EU and Japan as a means of ending the destabilising conflict and enlisting the LTTE as a junior partner in the Colombo governments austerity program. During the civil war, the NDMLP politically supported the LTTE right up until its military defeat in May 2009. Its occasional criticisms of LTTEs repressive methods, which also threatened the lives of party leaders and members, only served as a safety valve for the mounting opposition among Tamils towards the LTTE. After the LTTEs collapse, the NDMLP increasingly lined up with the UNP, this time in the name of defeating the right-wing SLFP-led government of President Mahinda Rajapakse. In the presidential election in January 2015, NDMLP gave tacit support for Maithripala Sirisena, in what was a US-backed regime-change operation. While declaring that there was no difference between Rajapakse and Sirisena, Senthivel nevertheless concentrated his fire on Rajapakses fascistic rule and warned that abstaining or boycotting this election would not be political wise in todays situation. By indirectly backing Sirisena, the NDMLP gave its stamp of approval for a US-backed regime-change operation to oust Rajapakse, not because of his anti-democratic methods, but because he was too closely aligned with China. In the aftermath of last years presidential and parliamentary elections, it sought to cover up their significance by declaring that the results were merely changes of personalities. Its support for the election of Sirisena has only helped ensure that Sri Lanka is being integrated into the US preparations throughout the region for war against China. The NDMLP is now seeking to form another opportunist alliance, calling in a recent statement for a broad united front of left, progressive and democratic forces to address the immediate issues facing the country and the people. This is nothing but an appeal for a Syriza-style formation comprising various pseudo-left organisations such as the NSSP, United Socialist Party and Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), to corral the mounting opposition of workers and rural poor to the UNP-led government and divert it into the dead-end of parliamentary maneouvring. There is no solution to the issues facing the working classwar, austerity and continuing attacks on democratic rightsother than through the building of a unified movement in Sri Lanka, South Asia and globally based on socialist internationalism. The crucial issue facing workers and youth in Sri LankaSinhala, Tamil and Muslim alikeis a fundamental break from all forms of communal politics and the turn to a perspective based on class. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and its forerunner Revolutionary Communist League (RCL) has a record of unrelenting struggle against anti-Tamil discrimination and against the war waged by successive Colombo governments. We have consistently fought to unify workers to put an end to the capitalist system which is the root cause of national oppression and discrimination. Our program calls for the fight for a Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Eelam as part of the Union of Socialist Republics of South Asia and around the world. We urge workers and youth to study our perspective and join the SEP as the revolutionary leadership needed for the struggles ahead. A class action lawsuit filed by hundreds of prisoners from four Southern Illinois state prisons against guards, wardens and other officials is going ahead after district court judges recent decision giving the go-ahead to the questioning of state officials under oath. The lawsuit, filed in March 2014, is seeking damages for injuries stemming from cruel and unusual punishment by prison officials and an injunction prohibiting further such practices. The lawsuit, Ross v. Gossett, was filed by an Illinois prisoner on behalf of hundreds of prisoners who faced similar abuse at other Southern Illinois prisons. Ross charges that in April 2014 an Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) tactical unit known as Orange Crush beat, abused, and sexually humiliated the plaintiff, destroyed his property, and otherwise inflicted punishment for the sole purpose of causing humiliation and needless pain. Ross and other prisoners were also subjected to strip searches that they argue violated several provisions of the Prison Rape Elimination Act National Standards. The lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. The hundreds of prisoners were located at four state prisons during the time of the incidents: Menard, Illinois River, Big Muddy and Lawrence. Two hundred thirty-six prison system guards and officials have been named as defendants, including the wardens of each prison. Chicago-based firms Loevy & Loevy and Uptown Peoples Law Center are representing the prisoners. Speaking to the Illinois based Belleville News-Democrat, Alan Mills, civil rights attorney for the Uptown Peoples Law Center, stated, We get lots of complaints where two or three people say they were abused by this sort of thing, but not where its four different prisons right in a row doing the same exact things in each of these prisons by the same group of officers. ... The purpose of this was humiliation. There was no question that the whole point of this was to belittle, dehumanize and intimidate prisoners. The lawsuit claims the Orange Crush unit traveled from prison to prison, inflicting terror and abuse as they went. Within the lawsuit are passages littered with harrowing images. In one passage, it states: For example, Mr. Ross and other prisoners at Illinois River were subject to: a humiliating strip search in front of female officers and orders to prisoners to touch their genitals and then use the same hand to open their mouths; painfully tight handcuffing with their palms outward; orders to march from their housing units to the gym at the facility with their heads on the backs of the prisoners ahead of them in line so that one mans genitals were in direct contact with the next mans buttocks (referred to by the Orange Crush team as Nuts to Butts); violent attacks by Defendant Orange Crush Officers when prisoners broke that formation; and orders to stand in a stress position for several hours. Throughout the entire shakedown, Defendant Orange Crush Officers hurled epithets at the prisoners, chanted punish the inmate, and told them that this was punishment for their sins. If one were to read such a passage without knowing where it took place, one could easily assume this was a recounting of the sadistic, sexual humiliation meted out by US soldiers to prisoners at Abu Ghraib or Guantanamo Bay. These abuses are torture, plain and simple. This is above and beyond what Ive seen ever in the 35 years Ive been doing this kind of work, said attorney Alan Mills. This is part of some official policy. Higher-ups in IDOC will have to explain what in the world they were thinking when they gave these people this kind of direction and leeway. Mills further stated, What sets this case apart is that a supposedly elite unit of specially trained officers brutalized over a thousand prisoners in four different prisons, in what appears to have been an officially sanctioned campaign of verbal intimidation, sexual harassment and blatant physical abuse. The state-sanctioned torture of these prisoners corresponds to an ever-growing prison population. According to the ACLU, from 1978 to 2014, the American prison population rose by 408 percent, with 80,000 to 100,000 of prisoners currently being held in some form of isolated confinement. Inside and outside the prison walls, there is the ever-growing militarization and brutality of the police who, according to killedbypolice.net, killed 1,205 people last year. In addition, police forces and prisons are increasing recruiting soldiers returning from the Iraq, Afghanistan and other battlefields where US armed forces suppressed local populations hostile to the neocolonial occupation of their countries. As the economic and social crisis in America worsens and class tensions reach a breaking point, American imperialism is increasingly bringing its brutal and sadistic methods home. Mehring Books is proud to feature the classic biography of Marxist revolutionary leader Rosa Luxemburg by Paul Frohlich. A comrade of Rosa Luxemburg in the German Social Democracy and a founding member of the German Communist Party, Frohlich brings to life the struggles of this remarkable woman. Out of the experience of the horrors of the First World War, Rosa Luxemburg posed the alternative to the working class in her famous aphorism socialism or barbarism. She, along with her comrade Karl Liebknecht, was among the few leaders of the socialist movement in Germany who stood fast in their internationalist principles at the outbreak of World War I and opposed support for the imperialist bloodbath. While not a Trotskyist, Frohlich is able to develop a compelling picture of Luxemburg, from her early days in the Polish socialist movement to her emergence as one of the great Marxist leaders and theoreticians of international socialism. He discusses not just her political accomplishments, but also her personal conflicts and struggles, including her complex relationship with Polish socialist Leo Jogiches. She was among the first to take up the struggle against the revisionist theories of Eduard Bernstein inside the German Social Democracy. Her polemic Reform or Revolution remains a classic of Marxism. Her revolutionary views put her in direct conflict with the right-wing trade union functionaries within the German Social Democracy, who banned her from their congresses. Luxemburg later entered into struggle against Karl Kautskys increasing adaptation to the rightward-moving German social democratic leadership, which anticipated Kautskys later betrayal of Marxism. In the period prior to the outbreak of World War I, her clashes with Kautsky had convinced Luxemburg of his political backsliding and his rejection of a revolutionary and internationalist approach. Among the most compelling sections of the biography is its account of the fateful days leading up to the outbreak of World War I and the historic betrayal by the German Social Democratic Party leadership, which voted for war credits in violation of all Marxist principles. The book conveys the sense of deep foreboding Luxemburg experienced on the eve of the political catastrophe. Frolichs account of the great anti-war rally in Brussels just prior to the outbreak of war is unforgettable. He ably recounts the tumultuous events following the German Revolution of November 1918, leading up to Luxemburgs assassination at the hands of the German Social Democratic leaders in January 1919. The murder of Liebknecht as well as Luxemburg was the conscious response of the bourgeoisie to the mortal danger it faced. After the 1917 October Revolution in Russia, the bourgeoisie determined that it had to prevent the development of revolutionary leadership in the working class or exterminate that leadership where it came forward. In her theoretical work, Luxemburg evinced great foresight and a profound understanding of the problems of the development of the international workers movement. A study of her writings is critical to revolutionaries and students of Marxism today. Frohlichs biography illuminates one of the critical periods and one of the greatest figures in the history of the Marxist movement. Click here to order. On Friday, Saudi Arabia announced that it would scrap a $3 billion grant to buy French weapons for the Lebanese Army and suspend $1 billion in aid for Lebanons internal security service. The decision comes in response to growing Saudi concerns over ties between Lebanon and Iran, Saudi Arabias main regional rival. The decision to abandon military funding was the result of hostile Lebanese positions resulting from the stranglehold of Hezbollah on the State, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) stated. The SPA quoted an official source as saying that the increased influence of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah party in Lebanese affairs had undermined Saudi-Lebanese ties. The Saudi-funded Donas military aid program was announced in December 2013 by the late King Abdullah to finance the purchase of French weapons and equipment by the Lebanese armed forces. The deal was signed between France and Saudi Arabia at the end of 2014. The Saudi grant was three times more than the annual Lebanese defense budget of $1.2 billion. The program includes shipment of vehicles, helicopters, drones, cannons and other equipment. After an initial delivery of 48 Milan anti-tank missiles in April last year, the program was delayed as Saudi authorities sought a review of certain aspects of the deal, a French source said. But Frances Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian later said the execution of Donas resumed normally at the end of 2015, as reflected in the signing of contracts with the companies concerned. This included a deal for about 200 armored vehicles. Riyadh reportedly abandoned its military aid to Lebanon in retaliation for Lebanons refusal to back a Saudi resolution against Iran, after angry mobs attacked the Saudi embassy in Tehran early this year in response to Saudi Arabias execution of Shia cleric Nimr Al-Nimr. Since then, Riyadh and Tehran have cut diplomatic ties. The SPA said Riyadh scrapped the deal because of non-condemnation of the blatant attacks against the Saudi Embassy in Tehran and its Consulate-General in Mashhad, which are contrary to international law and diplomatic norms. Saudi Arabia considers these positions as regrettable and unjustified, the SPA said. It considers the Lebanese decision inconsistent with the fraternal relations between the two countries and they are not taking into account their interests. Bound up with Saudi anger over Lebanons attitude to Iran, however, are far larger stakes involved in the war crisis in Syria and the ever-wilder zig-zags of imperialist policy. Initially, led by Washington and the European powers, Saudi Arabia pushed for regime change in Syria to oust President Bashar al-Assad, stoking up civil war by arming and financing various reactionary Sunni Islamist militias, including Al Qaeda and its affiliates. In 2013-2014, Riyadh saw military aid to Lebanon as essential in order to buy regional influence and counter Syria and Iran with an aggressive policy. At the time, France was taking a bellicose stance against Tehran and the Syrian government. Iran and Hezbollah, on the other hand, were playing a pivotal role alongside Russia in backing the Assad regime against the NATO powers, providing military support to Assad against the Saudi-backed Islamists. The political conditions that underlay the Franco-Saudi-Lebanese deal have exploded, however, in the face of the rapid escalation of the Syrian war and related regional developments. These include the US signing of the Iran nuclear deal and the increasingly bitter rivalries inside Europe provoked by Germanys remilitarisation of its foreign policy and the rise of German hegemony inside the European Union. After the signing of a deal on Tehrans nuclear programme last July, the US and the European powers lifted economic sanctions on Iran, renewing diplomatic and economic ties. Paris saw the nuclear deal with Tehran as an opportunity to boost French corporate interests by regaining its influence in a $400 billion economy with the worlds fourth biggest oil reserves and a consumer market of nearly 80 million people. French firms recently signed tens of billions of dollars in contracts with Iran during a tour by President Hassan Rouhani to Paris and to Rome. Since Russia intervened militarily in Syria last year to back Assad, moreover, French and Saudi policy towards Russia have increasingly diverged, despite Frances continuing hostility to Assad. While Saudi Arabia has for decades backed Islamist groups hostile to Russia across the Middle East and Eurasia, going all the way back to the 1979-1987 Soviet-Afghan war, French relations with Russia are warming noticeably. Only days before Saudi Arabia cancelled the deal, signs of a Franco-Russian rapprochement aimed at Germany emerged openly into view. At the Munich Security Conference, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls publicly attacked German policy in the Syrian refugee crisis as unacceptable to France and embraced Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev. Medvedev had denounced the German policy as stupid only the day before. This provoked a broad reaction in foreign policy and media circles, including in pro-American elements of the French media. Former Le Monde editor Natalie Nougayrede wrote a contributed column in the Guardian declaring: Paris would do well to rebuild bridges with Berlinand fast. [German Chancellor Angela] Merkel has kept silent over this pitiful episode, but dont think the damage isnt real. Faced with a contrary shift in policy from Paris, as well as an intensifying fiscal and political crisis at home as its revenues collapse due to the global slump in oil prices, the Saudi monarchy manifestly saw no reason to continue funding Franco-Lebanese military ties. As it prepares its own military intervention in Syria, Riyadh reportedly fears that military aid to Lebanon could even fall into the hands of Hezbollah and of Iran. Riad Kahwaji, CEO of the Institute for Gulf and Near East Military Analysis, a Dubai-based think tank, said, This shows that there is a consideration from the kingdom that the Lebanese government has very little control over the countrys affairs, with Hezbollah and Iran having the majority control over affairs in Lebanon. Sami Nader, head of the Beirut-based Levant Institute for Strategic Affairs, told Bloomberg that Saudi Arabia is unable to ensure the French weapons wont fall into the hands of Hezbollah, whose fighters are supporting President Bashar al-Assads government in Syrias war. Since Hezbollah, their staunch enemy, has the upper hand in Lebanons decision-making system, the Saudis are not sure where the money is going and who will be controlling it. In Lebanon, Sunni political circles urged Saudi Arabia to reconsider its decision to stop the aid. Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam said, We were very sad to hear the Saudi kingdoms surprising decision to halt aid to the army and the internal security forces, calling for the review of the decision. Over the past week, the American population has been subjected to a media barrage glorifying the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia as an extraordinary legal figure. Played over and over on all the major news channels was a video clip showing President Barack Obama and his wife ceremonially contemplating Scalias casket as it reposed in the Great Hall of the Supreme Court on Friday. Scalias funeral on Saturday was presented as a major national event, with political figures from both parties jostling each other in front of the television cameras to be seen making their obeisances. Vice President Joseph Biden, former Vice President Dick Cheney and other war criminals were in attendance. The funeral was held with full religious pageantry at the Catholic Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Scalia's son, a Catholic priest, used the occasion to attack the separation of church and state. God blessed Dad, as is well known, with a love for his country, Father Paul Scalia said, in remarks featured prominently by the media. The elder Scalia, he said, saw in the country's founding, as did the founders themselves, a blessinga blessing quickly lost when faith is banned from the public square or when we refuse to bring it there. Former law clerks and other figures in the political establishment lined up to make their obsequious tributes to Nino (Scalia's nickname) on talk shows and in newspaper columns. The viewing public was inundated with fond remembrances of Nino's love of wine, sense of humor, large personality, sharp wit, rigorous work ethic, sincere religious devotion and so forth. By any objective standard, Scalia was a corrupt political thug and sadist whose contribution to Supreme Court jurisprudence is best summed up by the phrase, borrowing from Lenin, reaction all down the line. He advocated dictatorial powers for the president, abrogation of basic democratic rights, chauvinist backwardness on every social question and the general prostitution of the law to the major corporate and financial interests. What was extraordinary about Scalia as a jurist was only the provocative arrogance with which he crudely distorted facts, history, law, logic and the English language to suit his predeterminedinvariably reactionarypolitical ends. While the American political establishment and media have united behind efforts to canonize Scalia, internal divisions have emerged over the appointment of his successor. Thus far in the 21st century, the nine-justice US Supreme Court has been divided between two main ideological camps. At the time of Scalia's death, these camps consisted on the one hand of the more traditional right-wing justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Stephen Breyer (together, the supposedly liberal faction), and on the other hand the ultra-right bloc of Scalia, John Roberts, Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas (the so-called conservative faction). The ninth Justice Anthony Kennedy is described as a swing justice, but he more often than not sided with the latter bloc. The death of Scalia has been met with efforts to shift this framework in one direction or the other. Within hours of the discovery of his body, bitter squabbles had broken out over whether his successor should be appointed before or after the upcoming election. Leading Republicans have closed ranks around the position that Scalia's successor should not be confirmed until after the November 2016 election, in hopes that a Republican president will have the right to appoint the successor, instead of Obama. The Republican position is that this represents tradition, although six Supreme Court justices have been confirmed in an election year since 1900. The Democrats' position, no less motivated by pragmatic electoral and political considerations, is that a successor should be appointed immediately. Scalia's death is likely to affect the outcomes of some of the significant cases pending in the Supreme Court's present term, which covers the period from October of last year until June 2016. While the Supreme Court does not report the individual justices' positions before a formal opinion is issued, circumstantial evidence from oral arguments and past decisions suggest that several decisions that would have been 5-4 with Scalia in the majority will now take the form of a 4-4 tie vote. A tie vote, in general, means that the decision of the lower court is not disturbed. Two pending cases in particular reflect ongoing divisions in the American capitalist class over the best policies with which to advance its interests and contain social discontent. One case, Fisher v. University of Texas, concerns the fate of controversial affirmative action policies (racial preferences) at American universities. During oral arguments in that case, Scalia delivered a racist diatribe in which he contended that black students should attend lesser schools. The ostensibly liberal justices favored retaining affirmative action as a necessary measure to foster a diverse elite, which the population will regard as legitimate. Based on the positions of the justices during oral arguments and their prior decisions, the Supreme Court's decision in the Fisher case was expected to be against affirmative action. (Justice Kagan recused herself because she worked on the case while a solicitor general.) Scalia's death leaves seven justices to vote on the outcome, which makes the swing vote of Justice Kennedy the likely deciding factor. Another important case, Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, concerns the legality of so-called agency shop agreements for public employees. The legality of these agreements is a major issue for the Democratic Party and the political establishment as a whole. These agreements force public employees to pay a portion of their salary to the unions, which then provide substantial campaign contributions to Democratic Party politicians. In return, the unions work hand-in-glove with management and the politicians to police the workers and block their struggles. The liberal faction of the Supreme Court would have retained agency shop agreements, on the grounds that they help to promote labor peace, i.e., the suppression of working class struggles. The conservative faction, including Kennedy, was expected to deem the agreements illegal. Before the case arrived in the Supreme Court, the union position was endorsed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, so Scalia's death would seem to make a 4-4 tie (and thus a union victory) the likely outcome. Obama has not yet nominated a successor, but several likely names have been circulated in the media. One is federal appeals court Judge Merrick Garland, who was twice previously considered for appointment by Obama. However, as one Associated Press article cynically noted on February 15, as a 63-year-old, white male, Garland doesn't check the diversity or youth boxes. While Garland, a Clinton appointee, is generally considered one of the most conservative choices, he wrote a scathing opinion in 2013 denouncing the Central Intelligence Agency's refusal to confirm or deny it had any records regarding its assassination program. Appeals court Judge Sri Srinivasan, 48, is another apparent candidate. He was confirmed unanimously to his current post in 2013, and the Obama administration contends that the Republican-controlled legislature can have no objection to his credentials. Srinivasan represented former Enron executive Jeffrey Skilling before the Supreme Court in 2010, and he has also defended corporations accused of human rights abuses abroad. In 2005, he was awarded the Office of the Secretary of Defense Award for Excellence by the Department of Defense. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who replaced Eric Holder in 2015, has also been named as a possible replacement for Scalia. Lynch is a thoroughly establishment figure with a reactionary record, including helping BP escape the consequences of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, imposing martial law in Baltimore after the killing of Freddie Gray in 2015, promoting reforms following the revelations by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden that actually entrenched domestic spying, and facilitating scandalously light settlements in connection with Wall Street criminality. Despite this record, she has the support of sections of the political establishment on the grounds that she is a black woman. The New York Times' Jonathan Martin and Patrick Healy wrote Tuesday: The combination of her gender and race, her ample qualifications and her previous support among Republicans would put immense pressure on them to at least vote on her nomination. 25 Years Ago | 50 Years Ago | 75 Years Ago | 100 Years Ago 25 years ago: Blitzkrieg by US forces against fleeing Iraqi troops On February 26-27, 1991, US-led forces carried out an all-out air and ground attack against retreating Iraqi military personnel fleeing Kuwait along the highway to Basra. Even though Iraqi forces were leaving Kuwait in accordance with the US ultimatum issued a week earlier, the US attack was relentless. Through the night and into the day tomorrow, we will continue to press the battle, Lt. Gen. Thomas W. Kelly, chief of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Stafff, told a Pentagon briefing the day the attack began. We are still engaged in combat, and we will not let up. The actual death toll may have been as high as half a million. One report said that of 620,000 Iraqi soldiers in Kuwait and southern Iraq, only 20,000 remained in organized units by the time of the US ceasefire early on February 28. All 42 divisions of the Iraqi army south of Basra were destroyed, including the last units of the Republican Guard, which according to press accounts, offered fierce resistance despite overwhelming odds. The US commander, General Norman Schwarzkopf, said at the time that it would never be known how many Iraqi soldiers were slaughtered. Their corpses were burned, buried in mass graves or simply plowed over with desert sand in their bombed-out bunkers. When Schwarzkopf was asked to account for the difference between the number of Iraqi soldiers in Kuwait and the number of prisoners held by the US-led forces, he replied, There were a very, very large number of dead in these units, a very, very large number of dead. Soldiers seeking to flee north away from the fighting were attacked without mercy. Pilots flying missions against the highway between Kuwait City and Basra, the main evacuation route for Iraqi troops, described the systematic bombing and strafing as shooting in a sheep pen. The road, which became known as the highway of death, clogged by four lanes of one-way, bumper-to-bumper traffic, was carpet bombed by B-52s dropping 1,000-pound bombs, and repeatedly hit with laser-guided missiles and smart bombs. The saturation bombing of Iraqi military positions in Kuwait and southern Iraq culminated in a weeklong holocaust in which napalm, fuel-air explosives and 15,000-pound bombslast used in Vietnamwere rained down on Iraqi defenses. Iraqs border troops, numbering about 200,000 before the air war began, had been reduced by 50 percent when US ground troops launched their invasion. The ground war itself was the bloodiest four days mankind had seen since August 6-9 1945, when US imperialism incinerated hundreds of thousands of Japanese in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In his announcement of the temporary cessation of military action on February 27, President George H.W. Bush declared, We have no quarrel with the people of Iraq. The real attitude of US imperialism toward the Iraqi masses was expressed by Schwarzkopf, who told the press conference, Theyre not part of the same human race. [top] 50 years ago: Nkrumah ousted by military coup in Ghana On February 24, 1966, Kwame Nkrumah, president of the western African republic of Ghana, was deposed in a CIA-backed military coup and replaced by a seven-man council made up of police and army officers. The bourgeois-nationalist leader was overthrown while on a stopover in China on his way to North Vietnam. The military government announced the dissolution of Parliament and the abolition of Nkrumahs Convention Peoples Party. Several ministers were reported killed. The military council cited as the reason for the coup, along with alleged corruption, its opposition to Nkrumahs announcement of the formation of a peoples militia separate from the armed forces, which he had claimed would be used to fight the racist government of Ian Smith in Rhodesia. The US State Department quickly stated that it expected to have good and favorable relations with the new military rulers. The leader of the coup was exiled former Ghana intelligence chief Khow Amihyia, who boasted openly of his CIA training. The coup was plotted by Amihyia in London, with European businessmen in Ghana serving as liaisons with the military conspirators. The downfall of Nkrumah came only a month after the inauguration of the Volta river hydroelectric complex, forming the worlds largest manmade lake and irrigating 6,000 square miles of new farmland. Ghanas economic position in recent years had been undermined by the drastic fall in the price of cocoa, the nations chief export. Nkrumah was visiting Hanoi in an attempt to serve as a mediator between the Stalinist bureaucracy and US imperialism in the Vietnam War. While claiming to be socialist, Nkrumah was a nationalist who upheld capitalist property relations and sought to balance between the United States and the Soviet bureaucracy. [top] 75 years ago: Dutch workers strike against persecution of Jews On February 25, 1941 an event occurred in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam that would become known as the February Strike. Upon hearing of the deportation of some 425 Dutch Jews from the Jewish Quarter of Amsterdam, hundreds of thousands of Dutch workers downed tools, walked off the job, and went on an unofficial strike. Local tram drivers were the first to join the strike organized by the banned Dutch Communist Party, and shortly afterwards, as the strike spread throughout the city, dockworkers from the local Amsterdam-Noord shipyard joined the protest and walked out en masse. The strike spread to other nearby Dutch towns, including Utrecht and Zaanstad. The workers protest against the persecution of the local Jewish population by the occupying German military forces was violently crushed by the occupying Nazi forces the following day. Three local Communists were shot to death immediately after the strike was suppressed and a further 12 were sent to German jails. The Dutch February Strike remained the only such protest of its kind organized by non-Jews during the course of the Second World War. The days leading up to the strike had witnessed pitched street battles between the local Nazi goons in the WA (Weerbaarheidsafdeling) and Jewish self-defense groups, in which a WA member was fatally injured. On February 12, German commanders placed armed guards at the entrances to the Jewish Quarter and entry to non-Jews was forbidden. Further violent clashes ensued until a large-scale pogrom was organized by the German authorities on February 22, when 425 Jewish young men were first taken hostage and then later deported. Before the outbreak of war in 1940 Amsterdam was home to approximately 80,000 Jews, most of whom lived in the citys Jewish Quarter (Jodenbuurt). By early February 1941 however, the Nazi occupiers had surrounded the Jewish section of the city with barbed wire and transformed the district into a ghetto. After one Dutch resistance group burned down the registry of births in Amsterdam to hinder the search by German troops, Jews were subsequently taken from their homes in alphabetical order, then collected and registered in the Hollandsche Schouwberg theater. Almost every adult who entered the theatre was later murdered in the Nazi concentration camps in German-occupied Poland. Almost all of the Netherlands pre-war 140,000-strong Jewish community were transported to Nazi death camps, including the young Anne Frank, whose parents lived outside the Jewish Quarter. Only Poland lost a larger proportion of its Jewish citizens during the Holocaust than the Netherlands. Today the February Strike is still remembered with an annual march past the De Dokwerker statue erected to commemorate the strike. The statue of the stevedore is located on the pavement outside the old Portuguese Synagogue from which the philosopher Baruch Spinoza was expelled by his orthodox Jewish co-religionists. [top] 100 years ago: Heavy fighting in the Battle of Verdun This week in February 1916 witnessed heavy fighting between German and French forces in the Battle of Verdun. On February 21, Germany launched a major offensive in the northeast region of France intending to rapidly capture Cotes de Meuse overlooking Verdun, from which they could ward off any counterattack. The Germans carried out an unprecedented shelling and artillery bombardment of French lines. According to one witness, the bombing campaign produced craters that gave to all the countryside an appearance like the surface of the moon. The advancing German troops also used flamethrowers and grenades. The German offensive won initial gains, with their troops advancing some 3 kilometers on a 10-kilometer front by February 26. By then, French losses stood at around 24,000 men, while Germany had suffered 25,000 casualties. Verdun was at the head of an awkward and useless bump in the French line of defense. The French high command had initially stripped the fortress of its guns in preparation for a surrender. However, French Prime Minister Aristide Briand was fearful that the fall of Verdun would result in the collapse of his government. On February 24, he visited the offices of the high command and demanded the defense of Verdun. The Germans were seeking to bleed the French army and drive France out of the war. Between February 21 and the end of June, 78 divisions of the French army were sent to Verdun. The French only had one road into and out of the town, which was under continuous German fire. Some 3,000 trucks passed along the road every day. The successful defense of Verdun shattered the French army and brought it to the verge of mutiny. At times during the battle, as many as 115 French and German divisions were crammed onto a front that was rarely more than five kilometers wide. By the end of the battle there were more than a half million casualties: French losses stood at 315,000 and German losses at 281,000. [top] Arrium announced last Wednesday that it was considering mothballing its Whyalla steelworks in South Australia, after reporting a first half year net loss of $235.8 million. The international mining company made clear that the steelworks will only remain open if the Australian Workers Union (AWU) enforces sweeping cuts to jobs and conditions, on top of 250 sackings announced last year. There is also speculation that Arriums South Australian-based mining division may be wound-down. The closure of Arriums South Australian operations would result in the destruction of an estimated 2,500 jobs, including some 1,400 at the steel works. The shutdown would deepen the social crisis in South Australia, which, after decades of layoffs and closures in manufacturing and industry, has the countrys highest official unemployment rate, at 7.2 percent, and would devastate Whyalla, a town of just 22,000. Arriums announcement came amid a mounting round of sackings spurred by the collapse in commodity prices, including iron ore and steel, and demands from major shareholders for a stepped-up offensive against workers conditions in line with international benchmarks. The companys share price has fallen to just five cents, down from 48 cents when it raised $754 million from investors in late 2014. It is carrying over $2 billion in debt and has posted successive losses. This years underlying loss was reportedly 7.6 percent worse than last years figures with the Whyalla steelworks losing $43 million. Media commentators have noted that the company may be considering shifting operations to its smaller steel plants in Sydney and Melbourne, which have a combined maximum capacity equivalent to that of the Whyalla steel works. Arrium is demanding that the AWU impose further cost-cutting measures. The company wants an additional $60 million in savings on top of $100 million dollars outlined in October. It says it must slash its iron ore mining expenses by a third if it is to continue operations in South Australia. Whyalla steel works general manager Theuns Victor foreshadowed further redundancies on Wednesday, stating, Theres no doubt that labour is still a very significant part of our costs and therefore its one of the components that we need to look at Last October, the AWU committed to assisting the destruction of 200 permanent jobs and 50 casual positions as part of the companys initial savings package. In total, almost 900 jobs have been axed across the companys Australian-based operations. The AWU responded to Arriums latest announcement by signalling its willingness to work with the company and state and federal governments to implement even deeper attacks. On Thursday AWU national secretary Scott McDine called for government subsidies to the company, declaring, What we need is a clear plan. Arrium needs to be very precise about what it is that it needs to keep its operations afloat and thousands of Australians employed. As the unions have done in the car industry, which is slated for complete closure after the government provided millions of dollars to the major auto companies, these subsidies will be used to demand a shared sacrifice. The South Australian Labor government and the federal Liberal-National government have both made clear that any subsidies would be conditional on further attacks on Whyallas steel workers. Federal Minister for Industry Christopher Pyne declared: Any financial support would need to be a long-term structural reform. South Australian Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said that subsidies would not be a sugar hit, but would be to structurally readjust Arrium ... to give them a long-term path to prosperity. The AWU established the new model for pro-business structural reform last year in its deal with BlueScope to destroy 500 jobs at the Port Kembla steelworks in New South Wales, enforce a three-year wage freeze and overhaul dispute procedures to create the basis for a continuous erosion of working conditions. (See: BlueScope praises Australian unions for pushing through job destruction at Port Kembla) The Australian Financial Review hailed the agreement as groundbreaking, while leading financial commentator Alan Kohler devoted an entire column to AWU assistant-secretary Daniel Walton. Kohler declared that Walton was the man who saved the steelworks and hailed his role in suppressing the widespread opposition to the agreement among workers and delegates. As at BlueScope, the AWU is promoting nationalism and anti-Chinese xenophobia by claiming that the threat to workers jobs stems exclusively from cheap steel from China on the world market. The union is calling for the implementation of protectionist procurement policies mandating government use of Australian produced steel. Its campaign is aimed at dividing workers along national lines, and covering-up the unions own role as the industrial enforcer responsible for the destruction of jobs in steel and throughout industry. In reality, steelworkers around the world are confronting a restructuring of the global industry, stemming from the deepest crisis of the global capitalist system since the 1930s. In January, the Chinese government announced that some 400,000 steelworkers were likely to lose their jobs. In Britain, thousands of steel jobs have been destroyed over the past 12 months, while major sackings have taken place elsewhere in Europe and in the United States. In Australia, decades of job cuts imposed by the unions, working hand-in-hand with the major steel companies and successive governments, have created the conditions for the closure of the entire industry. The Port Kembla steel works, which employed more than 20,000 workers in the 1970s, now has a permanent workforce of less than 2,000. The Newcastle plant, which previously employed 12,000 was shut down in 1999, while Whyalla, which employed some 3,000 workers, faces the same prospect. The only way to prevent closure of the steel industry is through a rebellion against the unions and their nationalist program and a fight to unify all steelworkers in a common struggle in defence of jobs, and for decent wages and improved working conditions. Steelworkers should establish factory committees in opposition to the thoroughly corporatised unions in preparation to mobilise against Arriums inevitable demands for further job destruction or the moth-balling of the plant. Such committees would be the vehicle to establish ties with workers at the BlueScope steelworks in Port Kembla and New Zealand, and around the world, and with other sections of the working class. Above all, this struggle must be based on a new political perspective aimed at establishing a workers government and socialist policies which place the steel industry under public ownership and workers control. The author also recommends: Unions push protectionism while pledging to impose steel job cuts at Wollongong rally [22 September 2015] Unions push sweeping cuts to Australian steel workers jobs and conditions [9 October 2015] Education Minister Naftali Bennett (Bayit Yehudi) has decided to declare the next school year as The Year of Jerusalem Unity, he told Ynet on Monday. Everyone who tried to uproot us from the city only made us advance this program faster and there is none more educational, said Minister Bennett. The Education Ministry plans to launch an expanded curriculum on Jerusalem aimed at all ages. Schools are to integrate this content throughout the school year and ahead of special dates, including Jerusalem Day. The ministers goal, he said, is to strengthen students attachment to the story of Jerusalem, including from a secular perspective. The next school year will be The Year of Jerusalem Unity", involving an expanded curriculum for all ages, Education Minister Naftali Bennett (Bayit Yehudi) declared on Monday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Everyone who tried to uproot us from the city only made us advance this program faster and there is none more educational, said Minister Bennett. The Education Ministry plans to launch an expanded curriculum on Jerusalem aimed at all ages. Schools are to integrate this content throughout the school year and ahead of special dates, including Jerusalem Day, which marks the reuinification of the city in 1967. The Western Wall (Photo: AFP) The program, which marks 50 years since east and west Jerusalem were united, is to deal with the citys history, heritage, and sites. Our history begins in Jerusalem, said Bennett, and from it we will draw our fortitude precisely in difficult times. The ministrys program is to integrate topics taken from existing curricula in the subjects of history, language, geography, civics, literature, bible studies, and Israel studies. It will also suggest new lesson plans. Furthermore, the Education Ministry is to offer that schools develop a model for teaching Jerusalem that suit the schools worldview. Damascus Gate in Jerusalem (Photo: Daniel Elior) The program is to launch officially on the next Jerusalem Day. The ministry noted that the program will increase the number of students visiting the different sites in Israels capital, including the Old City, the Knesset, the High Court of Justice, and memorial sites. In addition, the ministry plans to nearly double the number of students participating in the Israeli Routes Odyssey project from 12,000 students to 21,000. The project is a six-day journey that begins at sunrise at Ben-Gurions grave in the Negev and ends with a weekend in Jerusalem. Eleventh-graders volunteer at development towns, sleep in the open, and tour sites seen as milestones in the creation of Jewish and Zionist identity. MK Esawi Frej (Meretz) slammed Bennetts plan, saying the minister had gone from education to nationalism to science fiction. Fifty year s of occupation did not unite Jerusalem, but fragmented it and turned it into a powder keg that explodes anew every day. If Bennett wants to teach about Jerusalem, said the MK, he should start by teaching the institutional discrimination against 40 percent of its residents, teaching about revocations of residency, and about the lack of infrastructure in the eastern part of the city. Jerusalem is not a unified city, but rather two completely different worlds, which the government is doing all it can to separate and discriminate against. Saudi Arabia has put 32 people on trial, including 30 members of its own Shi'ite Muslim minority, accused of spying for Iran, several local newspapers and television reported on Monday. The 32, including an Iranian and an Afghan, were detained in 2013 sparking expressions of concern among Saudi Shi'ites who said that several were well known figures in their community and not involved in politics. Riyadh's Bureau of Public Prosecution presented the charges against the 32 on Sunday at the Specialised Criminal Court, which tries security offences, the Saudi-owned al-Arabiya channel reported. The charges included establishing a spy ring with members of Iranian intelligence and passing them sensitive military information, seeking to sabotage Saudi economic interests, undermining community cohesion and inciting sectarian strife. An Israeli military court filed an indictment Monday against the 16-year-old terrorist from the Hebron area who killed Dafna Meir in the settlement of Otniel last month. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter According to the indictment, the terrorist ran towards Dafna who was in front of her house her house and stabbed her several times while she was fighting with him in front of her small children. Dafna Meir and her murderer He was arrested two days later in the the town of Yatta, south of Hebron, and he confessed to the crime during the Shin Bet's interrogation. He said that on the afternoon of the murder, shortly before leaving to perpetrate the attack, he watched the Palestinian news channels Falastin and Ma'an and videos portraying soldiers as murderers who humiliate Palestinian women. According to the indictment, after watching these videos, the youth decided to kill Jews with a knife, "until he would die the holy death of a martyr". About an hour later, the boy took a kitchen knife with a 14 centimeter blade used to cut meat from his home. He hid it in his pants, next to his body. He walked across the valley that separates his town from Otniel, crossed an area that is difficult for the IDF observation point to see due to the topography, and reached the nearest line of Otniel's houses where there is no fence. There he hid near Dafna Meir's home and waited for several minutes until the right moment to attack presented itself. Dafna Meir's funeral The terrorist noticed that she was Jewish by her appearance while she was talking on her cell phone beside her two small children in the house. After a few minutes, when she handed the phone to one of her children and went to the front of the house, the terrorist came out from his hiding place and started running in the direction of Meir while wielding a knife and when he reached her he plunged the knife into her stomach. The children and Meir began shouting. He pulled the knife out and while fighting him with her remaining strength, trying to take the knife from him, he pushed her into her home and continued to stab her several times in her upper body. He continued to stab her after she had collapsed, plunging the knife in her face and leaving her to drown in her blood. The indictment describes the indifference of the young terrorist: "After the accused arrived home he noticed blood on his left hand, washed it, and then sat down to watch a movie with his family." The terrorist was also charged with possessing a knife in addition to the charge of murder. Until last week the terrorist held the dubious title of the youngest killer in the current wave of terror that has lasted nearly six months, but following the attack at the Rami Levy supermarket in Sha'ar Binyamin last Thursday, the title now belongs to the two 14-year-olds who killed Sgt. Tuvia Yanai Weissman. Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said Monday Israel was preparing for the possibility of another war against Hamas in Gaza. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "We've been enjoying unprecedented quiet, Hamas hasn't fired one bullet," Ya'alon said aboard the USS Carney, an American destroyer, which is currently docking in Haifa while taking part in the joint American-Israeli military exercise Juniper Cobra "It's growing in power, we didn't think otherwise," he added. "Hamas is trying to arm itself with rockets but it's having difficulties importing (rockets) as it did before and it has to manufacture them. That is why they're conducting all of the tests of firing rockets into the sea. There is also a shortage of materials to manufacture rockets with and they're trying to improvise - and of course digging defensive and offensive tunnels, we are not fooling ourselves to think that they aren't." Ya'alon aboard the USS Carney (Photo: Defense Ministry) "We've been preparing for the possibility that at some point a front will be opened in the south, and we'll have to deal with it," the defense minister continued. "Were not stagnate and we operate both with defensive and offensive measures." US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro, who hosted Ya'alon aboard the USS Carney, noted that Israel and the US have been "working together to develop technological measures to discover and destroy tunnels, and Congress has approved a special budget which led to progress in the development work." "The USS Carney's participation in the drill is just another example for the very deep and very important ties between the United States and Israel. This is a drill dealing with defending the State of Israel from rockets and missiles," Shapiro continued. Ya'alon also talked about Israel's freedom to act outside its borders, particularly in relation to the civil war raging in Syria. He stated Israel was only interested in defending itself. "We do not get involved in the conflicts in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen or other places, we just protect our interests. Both the US and Russia - who are both operating in Syria right now - know this, and our freedom of activity to protect our interests is being kept." A defense official said Monday that "when we find a tunnel that crosses into Israel, everyone will know, the Palestinians as well." He noted that the "level of preparedness of their tunnels is not like what it was before Protective Edge. They can't smuggle (weapons), and the Iranian axis - which used to be their main source for contraband - has dried out. Since Klos C, there hasn't been an attempt to smuggle arms from Iran." BEIRUT - A Syrian truce being coordinated by the United States and Russia would be for an initial two weeks, with the possibility to extend it, a Syrian opposition member said on Monday in an interview with Al Arabiya television. "The length of the proposed truce is two weeks, but it could be extended indefinitely if the parties commit to it," said Syrian National Coalition president Khaled Khoja, a member of the opposition High Negotiations Committee which is backed by Saudi Arabia. ANKARA - Iranian state-run media outlets have added $600,000 to a bounty for the killing of British author Salman Rushdie imposed in 1989 over the publishing of his book "The Satanic Verses". The leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution, the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, issued a fatwa, or religious edict, that called on Muslims to the kill the author after his book was condemned as blasphemous, forcing him into years of hiding. Iranian hardliners say Khomeini's decree is irrevocable and eternal after his death. A wealthy Iranian religious organization offered $2.7 million reward to anyone carrying out the fatwa and in 2012 it increased the amount to $3.3 million. The semi-official Fars news agency published a list of 40 news outlets adding to the pot. Fars itself earmarked $30,000. WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama called Russian President Vladimir Putin at his request to discuss a cessation of hostilities in Syria, the White House said on Monday. In a daily press briefing with reporters, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said though it will be difficult to implement, the move presents a "moment of opportunity" and the United States will try to capitalize on it. Russian news agencies reported that Putin said the agreements were a real step towards halting the bloodshed and may become an example of action against terrorism. The remarks came after an announcement earlier Monday that the United States and Russia have planned a cessation of hostilities in Syria, excluding Islamic State and Nusra Front militants, that would take effect on Saturday. Israeli business owners in the West Bank face increasing pressure to move their factories out of the disputed territories, a move that would leave tens of thousands of Palestinian workers without a job. Meanwhile, with 27 percent unemployment, and the fact Israeli companies pay them three times what they'd make at Palestinian places of employment - the Palestinian workers have no choice but to work in the settlements, despite their political views. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter When engineer Rami Boneh goes to work each day at his company in the settlement of Ma'ale Adumim in the West Bank, he doesn't see himself as violating international law. A resident of Tel Aviv, Boneh started his company over 25 years ago, before Israel and the Palestinians signed the Oslo Accord in 1993. He said he was drawn to the settlement because he believed Israelis and Palestinians working together could help support peace. More than two decades later, Aluminum Construction has $65 million in annual revenue from two plants in Ma'ale Adumim, near Jerusalem, that employ 150 Jews and 400 Palestinians. Palestinian workers at Aluminum Construction (Photo: Reuters) Israeli companies argue that they are helping Palestinians in the West Bank - employing about 36,000 - by giving them a far better salary than in Arab-owned businesses. Meanwhile, a report last month, titled "Occupation, Inc.", Human Rights Watch said the 1,000 Israeli businesses, mainly manufacturing plants, in the West Bank operate in violation of international law because they were built on occupied land, and it called on them to cease settlement activities. "Settlement businesses depend on and benefit from Israel's unlawful confiscation of Palestinian land and other resources, and facilitate the functioning and growth of settlements," HRW said. The zones, the report said, contribute to a two-tiered system that "provides preferential treatment to Jewish Israeli settlers while imposing harsh conditions on Palestinians." In many cases they also use Palestinian resources, especially quarries in the West Bank. Palestinian workers at Aluminum Construction (Photo: Reuters) West Bank businesses deny exploiting Palestinian workers and say they offer much-needed employment. Most of the Israeli businesses in the West Bank are located in 16 industrial zones. They produce about $600 million of goods annually - a small amount in Israel's $300 billion economy. Such industrial parks go back to the 1970s and 1980s and were aimed at bolstering Israel's West Bank presence, while providing cheap labor and giving jobs to a wave of Russian immigrants. Pressure Most of the world does not recognize the Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and the European Union now requires origin labels on many goods produced in Jewish settlements - a measure Israel decries as discriminatory. With pressure growing on settlement firms to uproot, Boneh said he does not know how much longer he will be able to maintain his two plants in Ma'ale Adumim. "If there's a boycott against us and we can't export then we won't be able to work in this area and we'll have to move to the center of the country," he said. Aluminum Construction owner Rami Boneh (Photo: Reuters) Aluminum Construction also has two plants inside Israel, with exports the main growth engine. But Boneh's last project in Europe ended three years ago, and while he blames a recession there, he said calls to boycott settlement products could also be a factor. Many Israeli businesses in the West Bank receive Israeli government incentives if they meet certain criteria. This is true for companies located in all "national priority regions" - which include Israel's northern and southern periphery and the West Bank. They pay a corporate tax rate of 9 percent compared with the standard 25 percent if they meet criteria that include exporting 25 percent of annual turnover. Approved enterprises also pay below-value prices for land and the government subsidises 20 percent of investments in fixed assets, said financial consultant Raffi Shlezinger. Another reason Israeli businesses choose to operate in the West Bank is the availability of Palestinians more willing than Israelis to do labor-intensive jobs. Palestinian workers at Aluminum Construction (Photo: Reuters) And while Palestinians often earn twice or three times the salary Palestinian companies would pay, they do not always receive health insurance or compensation for work accidents from their Israeli employers because of work permit issues. Near the settlement of Ariel, 5,000 Palestinians work in the Barkan industrial park, where international pressure forced companies such as Assa Abloy unit Mul-T-Lock, pretzel maker Beigel & Beigel and Barkan Winery to relocate to within Israel's pre-1967 lines. After a high-profile battle, carbonated drinks maker SodaStream moved from Ma'ale Adumim , while Dead Sea cosmetics producer Ahava has said it may pull out from the West Bank. At the Heart of the Conflict SodaStream, alone in the fight against BDS Ariela Ringel Hoffman The Israeli company, which had to move its factory from the West Bank to the Negev, has been on the frontlines of boycott battles for over 8 years now. CEO Daniel Birnbaum talks about handling public relations abroad, his Palestinian employees, and bubbly water. SodaStream, alone in the fight against BDS "Once we stop selling or move from here like other companies did, the Palestinian workers have nowhere to go," said Moshe Lev-Ran, head of exports at Barkan's TwitoPlast, which makes air conditioner parts and whose plant is managed by a Palestinian. Lev-Ran said his firm looked into moving from the West Bank but it was expensive and his clients aren't interested in where he is located. Nonetheless, Lev-Ran, said he wouldn't recommend opening an Israeli business in the West Bank now. "Who needs the headache?" he said. Working for Israelis is the only option Mohammad Arbassi, a 56-year-old father of five sons from the West Bank village of Qira, has a diploma in finance and big plans for his children, two of whom are at university. Yet despite his education and personal drive, for the past 12 years he has worked as a builder on construction sites in the Israeli settlement of Ariel, not far from his village, earning NIS 150 a day ($38). It's the best job he can get. "You ask why I would accept such a poor job," he says, pursing his lips. "I will say I didn't have a better offer." Arbassi and others like him feel there is little choice but to do the work, even if it makes them uncomfortable. The Palestinian economy is struggling, with unemployment at 27 percent. While settlement jobs may offer no overtime, pension or work insurance, the higher wages offset the shortfall. Palestinian workers heading home after work in the settlements (Photo: Reuters) "Palestinians pay only NIS 70-80 a day for work in Palestinian areas," said Arbassi, pointing out that a kilo of meat, the amount needed to feed his sons, costs 70 shekels. Ouda Daqdouq, 26, has worked various settlement jobs since he was 16, earning up to NIS 250 a day. Now married with two children, he can't afford to stop, even if it frustrates him. "I had an accident while at work in the settlement of Borkan and I could not work for a week, but there was no insurance and they didn't compensate me," he says. "There is no choice. We work in settlements so we can feed our children." Shaher Saed, the general secretary of the Palestinian Workers Union, is quick to acknowledge the dilemma. Palestinian workers at Aluminum Construction (Photo: Reuters) "In principle, we would prefer to stop people working in settlements," he told Reuters, saying around half the 36,000 Palestinians doing the work don't have proper permits. "What reinforces the situation is the trade between settlements and the private sector," he said. "Even in some settlement industrial zones, there are partnerships with Palestinian (businessmen)." Israelis frequently point out that settlement businesses benefit Palestinians by paying them more. But Saed calls it a false argument, one that excuses the occupation and undermines the ability of Palestinians to develop their own economy. "It does not help a worker build a decent job," he said. "It is not an organized working environment and at the end of the day, Palestinian workers are being exploited." The Foreign Ministry hosted a delegation of Arab journalists who live in Europe in an effort to change negative coverage of Israel. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "The visit to Israel was exciting and unique. It is a shame that most people in the Arab world are still filled with blind hatred and prejudice toward Israel," said G.M., an Iraqi journalist living in exile in Germany. The four journalists, of Iraqi, Syrian, and Egyptian descent, write from Europe for a variety of Arabic-language news outlets, including Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, Sky News, the BBC Arabic, Deutsche Welle Arabic, and Kitatbat. Two of the journalists visit the Haifa University. They asked that their identities not be revealed because if it became known that they visited Israel, they would not only be risking their job, but also their lives. The Foreign Ministry's hasbara (public relations) department has significantly increased its work in the Arabic-speaking world, launching an Arabic-language Facebook page that has garnered more than 750,000 followers, where they've been posting short videos that have surpassed 1 million views. Dore Gold, the director general of the Foreign Ministry, has also given interviews to Arab media. During their stay in Israel, the journalists visited the Holocaust Museum Yad VaShem, the Kneesset, the Supreme Court. They also toured Jerusalem, met with members of Knesset, the Foreign Ministry, and Israeli journalists. "The visit presented them with the complex reality of the region from the Israeli perspective, providing concrete and direct examples," said Hassan Kaabiah, deputy spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, who accompanied the delegation. "Our exposure to Israel is welcomed," said one journalist. "We can argue about things, including the Palestinian issue, but we must not fall into the trap of hatred and incitement. This visit to Israel changed the way we think about all of you." "The visit afforded us with a deep understanding of the State of Israel," another journalist said. "We saw official representatives, spoke with ordinary Israelis on the street and learned things we did not know before. We also learned about the social, cultural, ethnic, and religious structure of Israel and how it is a pluralistic state. This trip undoubtedly will allow us to convey a different image of Israel to our readers. Would that this could lead to reconciliation between the nations." Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Emmanuel Nahshon concluded, "Of all the delegations the Foreign Ministy has hosted, the Arab journalist delegation is the most important. From our point of view, dialogue with the Arab world is a top priority. We hope that more delegations will arrive soon." IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot instructed the military on Monday evening to change the orders that require soldiers to leave their weapons at base before leaving for vacation in the wake of the death of an off-duty unarmed soldier in a terror attack in Sha'ar Binyamin last week. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Until now, the IDF policy was for soldiers going on vacation that is longer than three days to leave their weapons in the base's armory. This is done to prevent the weapons from being stolen. From now on, however, soldiers will carry their weapons home with them, and the IDF said they will be instructed on how to secure their weapons while they're off base. IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot (Photo: IDF Spokesman) 1st-Sgt. Tuvia Yanai Weissman Earlier Monday, Nahal Brigade Commander Col. Amos HaCohen ordered the opening of an examination of the issue following complaints from soldiers who claim fighters living in the conflict areas, like the West Bank, should be allowed to go home with their personal weapons. Weissman was murdered while wearing civilian clothes, but many commanders have been urging their soldiers to carry their weapons with them even if they're not in uniform - because of the escalation in violence. "There's no way to tell whether the decision to let them go home with their weapons would've changed what happened," an IDF official said. "But it's definitely appropriate to examine the issue in a time when civilians are urged to carry weapons." Eisenkot's orders to allow soldiers to carry their weapons home on vacation comes several days after comments he made about the rules of engagement led to criticism from some right wing politicians. The IDF chief told high school students in Bat Yam last week that he did not want "a soldier to empty a magazine into a girl with scissors." A Jerusalem District Court-appointed psychiatrist has determined that Yosef Haim Ben-David , the main suspect in the murder of Palestinian teenager Mohammed Abu Khdeir , is responsible for his actions and fit to stand trial, Channel 2 reported on Monday evening. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The psychiatrist also determined that Ben-David, 30, was not credible and was only pretending to be insane. The psychiatric opinion was completed on Thursday - almost three months after the Jerusalem District Court ruled that Ben-David committed the murder , but did not convict him because of a previous psychiatric opinion presented by his attorneys which questioned his sanity. The new psychiatric opinion will be presented to the judges, who are supposed to determine whether to convict Ben-David of the murder and to then sentence him accordingly. Yosef Haim Ben-David, the main suspect (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg) In November, after the judges determined Ben-David was guilty of the crime, Hussein Abu Khdeir, the victim's father, said that it did not make sense that "this criminal waited a year and a half before presenting an opinion that he's insane. Where was that a year ago? I'm afraid the court acquits him. As Ecclesiastes said, 'Everything is meaningless.' I'm afraid more like him would pop up if the court does not create deterrence." Earlier this month, the two minors who were involved in the murder were convicted and sentenced - one, 18 years old, to life in prison and another, 17, believed to have had a lesser role in the crime, to 21 years imprisonment. The two minors, 14 at the time, and Ben-Yosef snatched Palestinian teen Mohammed Abu Khdeir from an East Jerusalem neighborhood in July 2014, driving him to a Jerusalem forest where he was burned to death. The murder was carried out in revenge for the abduction and killing earlier that summer of three Israeli teens by Hamas terrorists. In response to the abduction, Israel rounded up Hamas members in the West Bank, sparking a barrage of rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. Days after the Abu Khdeir murder, Israel began airstrikes in Gaza in an attempt to quell the rockets, resulting in a 50-day war. One of the teenagers is also accused with the attempted kidnapping of Moussa Zalum, seven years old at the time, from Beit Hanina, and the State Attorney has asked that an additional imprisonment sentence on top of the life sentence. Syrian President Bashar Assad has called for parliamentary elections to be held in April. A UN Security Council resolution adopted in December calls for parliamentary and presidential elections to be held during an 18-month transition period that would end the five-year-old conflict in Syria. But the country was due for parliament elections anyway, as the current parliament's term expires in May. Assad announced in a decree issued Monday that new parliament elections would be April 13. Such elections are held once every four years. YORK Amy Springer, 43, formerly of Omaha and now residing in Texas, has been sentenced to jail for her role in the theft of cattle in York County. She had already pleaded no contest to aiding and abetting the theft and was sentenced on Monday morning in York County District Court by Judge James Stecker. According to court documents, investigators alleged that she and her co-defendant, Ervin John Jacob, 57, also of Omaha, stole two steers from a feedlot in York County. Investigators also suspected that they had stolen four more steers from that location earlier as well. The case began when the York County Sheriffs Department was contacted by the manager of the feedlot after it was discovered someone cut a padlock to a pen and two steers were missing. Surveillance video showed a light-colored pickup pulling a horse trailer drive onto the lot at 1:45 a.m. and leave at 2:09 a.m., on Dec. 5, 2014. The lot manager provided the steers brands, descriptions and ear tag information. A local vehicle dealership helped investigators determine the type, make and year of the pickup seen in the video. York County deputies contacted the Nebraska Brand Committee Division to report the theft and they were put in contact with the sheriff from Cuming County. That sheriff said he and authorities in Cass County, Iowa, had been working together to investigate a series of cattle thefts in their jurisdictions. During that investigation, they said Jacob emerged as the suspect. It was also noted that the descriptions of the pickup and trailer being used in the thefts matched what had been seen in the local video. Investigators then spoke with the manager of a sale barn in Messena, Iowa, who said a man from Omaha brought in two steers. He said it was odd because the (seller) said he wanted to sell two bulls, but they were steers. The sale barn provided the license plate number of the man who sold the steers and information about the check they wrote to John Jacob of Omaha. They noted that the check was cashed the same day as the sale, at a bank in Griswold, Iowa. Investigators said surveillance video at the Iowa bank showed the same pickup and trailer as had been suspected in the thefts. A search warrant, with the assistance of the Omaha Police Department, was served at Jacobs residence. Officers seized the suspect pickup as well as a pair of bolt cutters found inside the vehicle. According to court documents filed by the York County Sheriffs Department, Jacob admitted to being involved in the reported cattle thefts and that the horse trailer being used was stolen. The trailer was recovered as well. Jacob said he started stealing cattle in April or May of 2014 and prior to that, associates had been borrowing his truck to steal cattle. He said he also stole cattle in Palmyra and had stolen cattle in what he thought was either Seward or York County. Investigators said they also spoke with Springer at Jacobs residence who said she had been with him twice when he stole cattle. Investigators say they confirmed that the steers stolen in York County were the same sold in Iowa by Jacob. During factual basis proceedings held earlier, York County Attorney Candace Dick told the court, Both of them indicated they were together in the thefts and the sales. Springers attorney, Kevin Schlender, told the court that despite her unemployed status, his client agreed to pay $1,789 in restitution to the feedlot owner. Dick said that while the case against Springers co-defendant had not yet been resolved, the state would be seeking the same amount of restitution from him. The state recommends a straight sentence in this case, Dick told Judge Stecker. Shes asking for consideration for probation, Schlender told the court. This theft was connected to another cattle theft in Iowa for which she got probation. Her involvement was minimal, the co-defendant was more the perpetrator. If the court doesnt want her to return to Texas, she is willing to stay in Nebraska to serve her probation. Im sorry, I didnt meant to do anything wrong, Springer said. Im too old to be doing this stuff, I know. This is not your first theft, Judge Stecker said, reading off a criminal history that included three prior thefts, and a number of various other offenses, ranging from traffic to attempts of felonies. The court believes you have a drug problem and you did not get an evaluation. I didnt know I could have one done in Texas, Springer said. You were advised to get a drug and alcohol evaluation and you didnt follow through, Judge Stecker continued. The court also believes your minimalized your involvement (in this crime). You are not fit for probation and yes, this is your fourth theft offense. Springer was ordered to pay $1,781 in restitution and serve six months in jail. Be serious about making changes, Judge Stecker said, because the consequences will just keep going up. Air Force senior leaders share lessons learned from Desert Storm During recent visits to Howard University and the University of Maryland, two Air Force senior leaders shared memories and lessons learned from Operation Desert Storm with more than 160 Washington, D.C., area Air Force ROTC cadets as part of the Air Forces focus on the 25th anniversary of the conflict. Brig. Gen. Craig La Fave, the special assistant to the chief of the Air Force Reserve and military deputy to the total force continuum, deputy chief of staff strategic plans and programs, visited AFROTC Detachment 130 cadets at Howard University Feb. 10. La Fave flew C-141 Starlifters during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, taking part in the massive airlift effort that made the successful buildup and execution of the war effort possible. During his time with the cadets, La Fave shared personal stories and discussed how the Gulf War shaped the way airpower is used today, as well as how it changed the tactics used by our enemies. Operation Desert Storm was a great example of what an overwhelming Air Force can do, La Fave said. Today, our enemies have learned from that and they know they cannot challenge us out in the open. We may never see that type of warfare again. Our enemies now try to fight us from within cities and through cyber warfare. And we have to be capable in both types of warfare. Maj. Gen. Vincent Mancuso, the mobilization assistant to the Air Force chief of staff, spoke to AFROTC Detachment 330 cadets at the University of Maryland Feb. 18. Mancuso flew F-4 Phantom Wild Weasel aircraft throughout Desert Storm. He spoke to the cadets about personal leadership lessons he learned as a young pilot during the conflict and how those lessons are applicable to the cadets as they begin their Air Force careers as officers. This was a fantastic opportunity to help shape our next generation of Airmen, Mancuso said. They are hungry to understand what they will face when they get into the active Air Force. Its wonderful to have the opportunity to share with them, to give them that understanding and share some wisdom that might make their own journey a little better. I find that to be particularly valuable. Cadets said the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from Desert Storm veterans was an invaluable experience. We read about these wars in the history books, but to hear from someone who has that firsthand experience and can tell us what they did and why things happened really helps us to apply the lessons learned, said Cadet Maj. Daniela Carchedi, who is assigned to AFROTC Detachment 130. We are able to draw from that to prepare us for what we will be facing in the future. The lessons we learn from these leaders who came before us are extremely valuable. Lt. Col. Gardner Joyner, the AFROTC Detachment 130 commander, said the importance of the interactions between Air Force senior leaders and the cadets cannot be measured. To have someone from the Pentagon here, it really reinforces the lessons we are trying to impart on them, Joyner said. To have the general here to discuss the lessons learned from Desert Storm helps the cadets to understand why we do what we do. Imparting knowledge gleaned from Desert Storm was rewarding for the Air Force senior leaders as well. This is really full circle for me, La Fave said. I started as an AFROTC cadet and now I have the opportunity to come back 30 years later and speak to a detachment and tell my story and the Air Force story and discuss how effective we were and what we learned through Desert Shield and Desert Storm. It was special to see these sharp, young cadets ready to go at the front end of their careers. I hope my story can help to shape their future. They have a great future in the Air Force. This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company. As of 2020, Minuteman Review is now the proud owner and operator of Your Defence News, a website with a long history of breaking huge news stories and investigative journalism. We hope you are equally as excited as us. This means that now the teams of Minuteman can combine with the firepower of Your Defence News to stay at the absolute forefront for our readers. Keep an eye. Big things are coming soon. We couldn't be more excited. In the meanwhile, here are some of our most popular posts and categories to keep you busy. Happy shootin' my friends! Buying Guides: Firearms Firearm Accessories Ammunition Gun Safes Scopes & Optics Hunting Air Rifles Best AR-15 Best AR 15 Scope Best Hunting Rifle Best Gun Safe Best AK 47 Best AR 10 Best Glock Triggers Best Glock Best Home Defense Shotgun As a homeowner, you probably already know that you should be working to maintain your home. But, chances are, you Read More Sign up to get the latest news delivered to your inbox every week! The Hubble Space Telescope or HST is arguably one of the most important advances in modern astronomy to date. While it is not the first space telescope, scientists agree that the Hubble is the largest and the most versatile tool for space research. Unsurprisingly, the development of the telescope was long and arduous. The first mention of a space telescope dates back to 1923. Hermann Oberth, a physicist and engineer from Germany, proposed the idea of a telescope that could be launched in space. It was not until the 1970s however when NASA begun searching for funding for the Hubble Space telescope project. After three decades, the telescope was launched in April 25, 1990. The Hubble Space Telescope has since been instrumental in a significant number of academic research on astronomy. According to statistics, over 9000 papers are based in the data retrieved from the Hubble. With almost thirty years of service under its belt, scientists are definitely grateful for the advances brought upon by the Hubble Space Telescope. However, NASA has since announced its plans to develop a telescope that would have a scope 100 times wider than the Hubble. Advertisement In an official statement released last Thursday, NASA unveiled their latest project - the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope or WFIRST. According to the press release, the WFIRST aims to shed light on planets beyond Earth's own solar system. It also would be used to conduct research on dark energy and dark matter. "The Wide-Field Instrument will give the telescope the ability to capture a single image with the depth and quality of Hubble, but covering 100 times the area. The coronagraph will provide revolutionary science, capturing the faint, but direct images of distant gaseous worlds and super-Earths" explained Paul Hertz, NASA's Astrophysics Division director. The WFIRST is scheduled to launch by mid-2020. There is no denying the severity of the spread of the Zika Virus in the past year. To date, 1.5 million Zika cases have been recorded in Brazil. The mosquito-borne disease has since spread to thirty different countries including Venezuela and the United States. While the Zika Virus in itself is as life threatening as the common cold, the concern over the spread seems to be more focused on the possible link between Zika and birth defects. Before the outbreak, the area in Brazil most afflicted by the Zika Virus only charted 40 cases of microcephaly and other birth defects. However by November last year, 400 babies born with the birth defect have been recorded. At present, several other countries have confirmed cases of the Zika Virus. Last Friday, health officials from the Ministry of Health in Ontario have announced the positive test results of a resident who recently travelled to Colombia. The official statement did not specify if the patient is a man or a woman however they did confirm that the afflicted party is not pregnant. Advertisement "The ministry will continue to update Ontarians and health care providers on the status of Zika virus as updates are received from the Public Health Agency of Canada, World Health Organization, Pan American Health Organization and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" read a part of the statement. More recently, the South African Ministry of Health has charted the first case of Zika Virus in the country. The man is said to be Colombian who visited Johannesberg, South Africa for business. The department has since confirmed that the man has since recovered from the virus. "The businessman presented with fever and a rash approximately four days after arrival in South Africa but is now fully recovered," explained Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa's Health Minister. Following the news that a Starbucks hot drink may have 25 spoons of sugar in it, more experts are now warning against the effects of hot sugary drinks. According to the health experts, hot sugary drinks are linked to negative short, medium and long term effects. Dr. Tony Goldstone from Imperial College London, an endocrinologist and obesity expert told CNN that immediately after drinking hot sugary drinks, the body can suffer from a spike in sugar levels. This makes the pancreas release more insulin than usual. This can result in a sugar crash, which can stimulate your craving for other foods. In the medium-run, or after a year of having hot sugary drinks daily, fats can take form under the skin, guts, liver, and even the pancreas, he said. This can lead to many complications. "Fat is a very active organ, it releases lots of chemicals and hormones that are damaging to health and cause inflammation," Goldstone said. Over time, both the liver and pancreas can be stressed, which can lead to severe diseases. Advertisement In the long run, or after a decade of having these drinks, a person may more or less have increased risk of diabetes, especially those who have genetic history of diabetes in the family. While people who consumed these drinks may not look overweight, the doctor said it is worrying that there is a lot of fat around their organs. "Having a sedentary lifestyle, drinking too much alcohol, consuming a lot of sugar, and genetics" can all affect the way the body stores fat,"said Goldstone. "You don't necessarily know it -- just like you can have high blood pressure and not know it -- you can have fat in the your liver and abdomen and not know it," he added. It is best to avoid these drinks, experts say. A Starbucks drink alone could already have three times the amount of sugar in one can of Coke, and more than three times the maximum adult daily intake as pushed forward by the American Heart Association. College students are already at risk of having high blood pressure. A new study shows the positive link between binge drinking and higher BP among young adults. A new study asserts that compared to college students who only drink occasionally, those who practice binge drinking can end up with high blood pressure. High BP is linked to a host of other scary, dangerous and fatal diseases. The findings of the study specifically revealed that among binge-drinking young adults, systolic blood pressure is at least 2.6 points higher than those who do not binge. For the worst cases, it can even be 4 points higher. Senior researcher Jennifer O'Loughlin claimed that this high level of systolic blood pressure can already put someone in the early stage of high blood pressure. "This is worrisome because this condition can progress to hypertension, which in turn can cause heart disease and premature death," detailed O'Loughlin. Advertisement Even though prehypertension is not yet full-fledged high blood pressure, it is still worrying and dangerous. Dr. Stephen Daniels, the chair of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, asserted that the harm from the elevated blood pressure is serious and long-term. He said patterns would also show that college students who engage in binge drinking are unlikely to stop if no one tells them to. This is why the findings of the new study is significant. "I think one shouldn't assume that adolescents and young adults who do binge drinking can stop. When a doctor is seeing a young adult with higher blood pressure, I think asking about drinking when taking their medical history is important," Daniels said. Sign up to get the latest news delivered to your inbox every week! "Kong: Skull Island" held a movie press conference on Feb. 21, Sunday, in Hanoi, Vietnam and guess who surprised the crowd with his appearance - Tom Hiddleston. The gorgeous actor showed up at the press conference despite the news that he will not be joining the crew in the Vietnam filming, according to Thanhnien News. He purportedly went straight to Hanoi after the 66th Berlin International Film Festival in Germany. Also joining the press conference, are fellow actors Samuel L. Jackson and Brie Larson. Meanwhile, Vietnam Ambassador Ted Osius talked about the filming that will take place in their country. Advertisement "The crew of 'Kong: Skull Island' has already picked their desired sets for the film in Vietnam," Ambassador Osius said at the conference, according to Tuoitrenews. "They will surely be amazed by not only the scenery but also the friendly and hospitable people of this country." Shooting in Vietnam starts Feb. 22, and director Jordan Vogt-Roberts shared how they found some "magical" locations in Vietnam that were really perfect for the story, according to a report by The Malay Mail Online. "We came to Vietnam during the process and were immediately stunned by the surreal beauty of your country, from the mountains to the vistas of everywhere we set foot on," director Roberts said during the press conference, as per Tuoitrenews. "We believe movie fans in the U.S. would wonder in awe as to where this beautiful place is." "Kong: Skull Island" movie will have a five-week filming in Vietnam and director Roberts apparently remarked that the scenes that will be filmed in this South East Asian country will become the most vital scenes of the film, according to Thanhnien News. The crew has reportedly been in Vietnam since January for the pre-production and almost 320 tons of equipment have been sent there by sea and air prior to February. The epic film is expected to premiere in March of 2017. The Resonanz Music Studio, Pimpinan Avip Priatna. Menyediakan pendidikan kelas vokal, instrumen & choir. AVIP PRIATNA ADALAH KONDUCTOR MUDA.. BERBAKAT.. BERDISIPLIN .. PROFESIONAL.. DAN SANGAT PRODUKTIF MEMIMPIN DAN DIREKTUR JAKARTA CONCERT ORCHESTRA (JCO).. DAN BATAVIA MADRIGAL SINGERS (BMS) DAN THE RESONANZ CHILDREN CHOIRS (TRCC) DENGAN KARYA-KARYA MUSIK DUNIA DAN NASIONAL BERMUTU.. DAN MENERIMA PENGHARGARGAAN DAN KEJUARAN INTERNASUIONAL DIBERBAGAI NEGARA .. BALI INDONESIA .. RRC .. JEPANG.. EROPA.. DAN AMERIKA SERIKAT.. JADWAL KONSER MUSIK TAHUNAN DI JAKARTA DIAWAL TAHUN DENGAN TEMA-KARYA2 KOMPONIS BESAR DUNIA .. KONSER SIMFOMFONI UNTUK BANGSA DENGAN KARYA MUSISI NASIONAL .. DAN DI AKHIR TAHUN DENGAN KONSER KARYA2 MUSIK INDAH DAN PILIHAN.. DAN KONSER2 BESAR LAINNYA BERSAMA JCO-BMS-TRCC DAN SOLIS2 BERBAKAT N BERKWALITAS TINGGI Alamat: Jl. Kertanegara no. 28 Kebayoran Baru - Jak Sel Hubungi telp: 021-7201918 New Delhi: Parts in Delhi including areas along the Yamuna River bank, the Lutyens Zone and North Campus of Delhi University fall in "high" and "very high" seismic risk hazard index and would face greater impact in the event of an earthquake, says a report prepared by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. However, most of Delhi face "least" and "moderate" risk, according to the Report on Seismic Hazard Microzonation of NCT of Delhi. JNU faces "least" threat if any earthquake strikes the national capital. The Ministry of Earth Sciences has prepared the report for Delhi and Kolkata under which it describes threat levels in different parts of the cities. The report is based on study of various aspects like the kind of rock which is there in a particular area, groundwater level, soil quality and how can it affect the structures in case of an earthquake. "Study is being conducted for 30 more cities. We will bring out a similar report for other cities as well," Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Earth Science, said during the launch of the report. The high risk zone in the national capital, mostly in patches, are concentrated in East, Central and Northern parts. Areas like Gita Colony, Sarita Vihar, Shikarpur, Pachim Vihar, Wazirabad, North Campus, Rithala, Rohini, Jahangirpuri, Bawana, Karol Bagh and Janakpuri fall under the "very high risk" index. Most of these areas are along the bank of Yamuna. Places like Hauz Khas, Burari, Najafgarh and IGI Airport fall under "high risk" zone, while AIIMS, Vasant Kunj, Naraina, JNU campus and Ashok Vihar are among the safest places and fall under the "least" seismic risk index. Delhi falls in Zone 4 in terms of the threat perception from earthquakes. "Delhi is not a major source of earthquake but it is definitely prone to earthquakes occurring in the Hindukush mountain range and the Himalayas. The Himalayas are as close as 180 kms from Delhi," said Vineet Kumar Gahalaut, Director of National Centre for Seismology. This was observed when major earthquakes hit the Hindukush in Afghanistan and Nepal. B K Bansal, an advisor looking after projects related to seismology in the ministry, said the national capital does not face major risk but precautions must be taken by retrofitting the houses. "We will be giving the report to all concerned agencies so that they can take necessary steps to avoid any major catastrophe," Vardhan added. New Delhi: The Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi lot its sheen and has now become a place for the anti-nationals'', where students dance nude after 8 pm in the name of cultural programme, a Rajasthan BJP MLA has alleged. BJP MLA Gyandev Ahuja also alleged that some 3,000 condoms and anti-pregnancy injections are used daily in the campus and do bad things with our daughters and sisters. This is a place (JNU) where Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru is praised. These people are traitors. Also, you will be surprised to know everyday some 3,000 beer cans and bottles are used in the campus, who drinks it? Guess yourself, asked Ahuja. More than 10,000 cigarette buds and over 4,000 bidi parts are found everyday in the campus. And not only that, more than 50,000 bone, small and big, are found everyday. They gorge on meat.....these anti-nationals. The BJP legislator's allegations were recorded on camera by the reporters as he went on to fire his salvo against the students. Obviously, he didn't disclose the source of this information and his remarks remain a suspect. Panaji: Being on guard was the best preparation for a terror threat, Goa's top naval official said on Monday. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a trilateral naval exercise being conducted off Goa's coastline, Indian Navy's flag officer for Goa area Commander Puneet Bahal also said strategies to deal with the threat from terror outfit Islamic State were being worked out at the national level. "Terrorism is something (which) knows no boundaries. A terrorist has no face, he can merge anywhere and therefore it is important for us to be always on our guard and be prepared for any kind of contingency," Bahal said. Three navies -- India, South Africa and Brazil -- conducted joint naval exercises off the Goa coast on Monday as part of the 11-day IBSAMAR (India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime). Asked about the IS threat and what efforts were underway to overcome it, Bahal said: "You specifically said about the IS threat, which is there, as you are aware... and India too, there is a lot of discussion on these things and whatever action has to be taken in terms of being prepared for this threat... one is being taken at the national level." Chandigarh: A day after the Haryana government promised to provide reservation to Jats, blockades began to be removed from key points in the state on Monday morning. However, stray incidents of violence are still being reported. Live Updates - BJP committee calls Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar tomorrow for talks on Jat stir - "The time has come that the economically weak and underprivileged from the general categories irrespective of the caste or community they belong to are also provided the reservation benefits," says Singh. - Senior Congress leader Amarinder Singh strongly favoures extending the benefits of reservation to economically weaker sections among the general category. - Two persons killed as Jat protesters clash with security forces at Sonipat; Death toll rises to 18, reports PIT. Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh leaves 7 RCR after meeting PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/20KzkpHPAH ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 - Home Minister Rajnath Singh meets Narendra Modi to apprise him of Jat row. - Non-political committee should be formed to decide eligibility for reservation, says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. - Former CM Hooda's aide Birendra Singh heard in a sting audio, saying 'Sirsa me kyu kuch nhi ho raha', ABP news reported. - As protesters continued to block some roads including the arterial Delhi-Ambala Highway, the Centre directs security forces to use force to clear blockades. - Fresh violence breaks out in Haryana, death toll reaches 16, as per PTI. - 'Appeal everyone to end this agitation,' says Union Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh. Properties damaged due to #Jat agitation in Rohtak (Haryana) pic.twitter.com/xiU3y2gwdI ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 - Special committee meeting underway in Venkaiah Naidus residence. Delhi: Special committee meeting on #JatReservation agitation at Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu's residence pic.twitter.com/BNWY48c1r4 ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 - "Sabhi logon se ye appeal hai ki ab apne ghar jayen," says Malik. - Yashpal Malik of Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti asks the agitators to end the stir. - Jat reservation stir worsens, three casualties in Army firing in Haryana's Sonipat district, ANI reports. - In Faridabad, five persons have been booked for blocking the national highway, pelting stones at police personnel and damaging government property to demand quota for Jats - A large number of stick-welding protesters vandalised a mall and several shops in the violence-hit Kaithal district today. Agitators also set afire a two-wheeler in the district - PTI - As per our information, 16 people have lost their lives so far, adds Ram Bilas Sharma - Situation normalising, Delhi-Jaipur highway, Delhi-Mathura road are now open. Many Railway tracks also cleared, says Haryana minister Ram Bilas Sharma - Delhi Police stops former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda's convoy in Mundka at Delhi-Haryana border - Committee constituted under the chairmanship of Venkaiah Naidu on Jat reservation will meet later today - Haryana Cabinet is currently meeting in Chandigarh to discuss Jat reservation - Jat quota fire spreads to Rajasthan, protesters set bus on fire in Bharatpur - Situation is peaceful, roads are open,other minor blockades will be opned soon - KK Rao, Haryana Police - SC declines to entertain the plea, says such issues should not be brought to court - SC says matters like these should be left for the government to handle and the leaders should take stock of the situation - PIL filed in SC seeking court to step into law and order breakdown pertaining to Jat agitation - ANI is reporting that the Rohtak bypass at Delhi-Bahadurgarh border chowk has been blocked by protesters again - Freight train set on fire by protesters in Ganaur, Sonepat - Meanwhile, Rohtak Bypass at Delhi-Bahadurgarh border chowk has been reopened - Everybody has opportunity to raise issues but they should be discussed according to rules. Our appeal is - debate, discuss, decide, don't disrupt, says Venkaiah Naidu - Northern Railways is running a special train between Chandigarh and Delhi's Anand Vihar terminal to clear backlog of passengers - CNN-IBN is reporting that some Jat protesters have set some vehicles on fire in Meham. - Protesters continue to block highway in Jhajjar, reports ANI. - Haryana government informs Supreme Court that water from Munak canal will reach Delhi by this evening - Meanwhile, hearing a Delhi government plea seeking Centre's intervention for uninterrupted supply of water from Munak canal in Haryana, the Supreme Court today issued notices to Haryana government, UP government and Central government - Singhu border is also now open for traffic, announces Delhi Police - Army has taken control of Munak Canal. Our team is going there, repair work will be done, says Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra - Next 10 days will be crucial. We appeal to people to use water conservatively, says Delhi Jal Board CEO Keshav Chandra - A committee has been constituted but first normalcy should return in Haryana, says Union minister Venkaiah Naidu. Only after normalcy returns that we can debate and analyse what has happened till now. It will take time, he adds - Samjhauta Express cancelled today due to Jat reservation agitation. Delhi-Lahore bus service also cancelled for today - Haryana Cabinet to meet at 1:30 pm today on Jat reservation issue - NH-8 is open but NH-1 and NH-10 are still not open for traffic, says Delhi Police - As per the latest inputs received, most borders connecting Delhi are now open except Singhu border, says Delhi Police - Six CRPF companies and two Army columns reached Munak Canal in Sonepat at 4 am today and started repair work - No road blockade in Gurgaon this morning. Expected to remain normal today. Gurgaon Police in control of situation. RAF deployed, says Gurgaon police chief Morning story Crucially, the Army along with the Rapid Action Force managed to take control of the Munak Canal that supplies water to Delhi. As per ANI, the site has now been cleared of protesters raising hopes of partial water supply by evening in the capital. The Delhi-Chandigarh Highway, which was blocked by protesters, has also been cleared. The developments came as security forces moved in to get blockades by Jat protesters removed along highways and railway tracks. As per IANS, no untoward incident, except for the blockades, was reported in the state in the past 12 hours. Some protesters started going back to their places early on Monday, police sources said. After the BJP government promised to give reservation to Jats and assured that a Bill will be brought in the next session of the Haryana Assembly, Jat leaders had appealed to the protesters to end the agitation. The Centre also decided to set up a committee to look into the Jat reservation demand. The Jat agitation, which is into its ninth day on Monday, has left 11 people dead and over 150 injured. Hundreds of shops were vandalised and set on fire in Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jhajjar and other places. A number of government and private buildings and vehicles were also set on fire in the past four days as mob of youth went on the rampage in over 10 districts in Haryana. The state government had to requisition the Army and paramilitary forces to contain the situation. However, the violent protests continued and even spread to other areas of the state. (With agency inputs) Jhajjar (Haryana): Jhajjar Deputy Commissioner Anita Yadav on Monday said the law and order situation in the district is under control but added that curfew would continue for a few more days as a precautionary measure. "The situation is under control. We have assured people that we will not let the law and order situation deteriorate, and thus, they need not panic or fear," said Yadav. She, however, said the curfew and night patrolling would go on to make the people feel safe and secure.Divulging details of the causalities and injuries, Yadav said, "Eight civilians have been reported killed in the agitation so far. As many as 20 police and army personnel were injured, while eight to ten civilians also received injuries." "Apart from this, a lot of public and private properties have been damaged. Houses and shops were set ablaze, though we have not made an assessment of the property loss," she added. When asked as to why the banks and ATMs were set on fire by the agitators and why the police acted as mute spectators, Yadav said, "Initially, we had limited resources and police personnel, and our priority was to protect people. A number of police personnel from the prescribed number of police force for the district have been deployed in Rohtak following which we have repeatedly been demanding army deployment to contain the situation. And, as soon as the army arrived here, the situation was brought under control." However, she admitted that the loss to banks and ATMs could have been prevented.Curfew was today lifted from Hissar and Hansi towns in Jat stir-hit Haryana. An official spokesman said that curfew has been lifted in view of the improvement in the situation.Security personnel will keep a vigil till restoration of normalcy, he said. Road traffic on national and state highways from Hissar to various destinations, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Sirsa, Siwani and Bhiwani, however, remained suspended. The Deputy Commissioner, however, downplayed media posers that policemen fled from the police stations and joined the agitation in civilian clothes, saying she was unaware about any such reports."As far as my knowledge is concerned, the policemen fully assisted us in bringing the law and order situation under control," she said Zee Media Bureau London: Almost every woman experiences menstrual cramps from time to time. Men don't get it, yet, doctors have ignore it thinking that pain is something to tolerate as normal. But, now a new research has suggested that period pain can be as bad as having a heart attack. A recent article by Olivia Goldhill at Quartz reveals that the mechanisms behind menstrual cramps are poorly understood and for some unknown reasons, the topic remains under-researched, the Independent reported. John Guillebaud, professor of reproductive health at University College London, said menstrual cramping can be as bad as having a heart attack. Guillebaud believes that the dismissive attitude toward menstrual cramps exists in both male and female physicians. He said that on the one hand, men don't suffer the pain and underestimate how much it is or can be in some women and on the other hand, some women doctors can be a bit unsympathetic because either they don't get it themselves or if they do get it they think, "Well I can live with it, so can my patient." Dysmenorrhea, the scientific term for painful periods, has no definitive medical origin, with one of its causes being endometriosis, wherein tissue normally lining the uterus is found on the pelvis, fallopian tubes or ovaries. Untreated endometriosis can cause infertility. Richard Legro from Penn State College of Medicine said that the "million dollar question" is why some women suffer more from period pain than others. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, period pain affects the lives of around one in five women. (With ANI inputs) Islamabad: Pakistan government on Monday challenged in the Islamabad High Court the rejection of the 2008 Mumbai attack case prosecution's plea by the trial court to form a commission to examine the boat used by LeT terrorists to reach the Indian coast. "We have challenged the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Islamabad's decision to reject our plea regarding formation of a commission to examine the boat - Al-Fauz - used by alleged terrorists of Mumbai attacks in the Islamabad High Court," Prosecution Chief Chaudhry Azhar told PTI. He said the court office would fix the date of hearing. According to the petition, the boat should be made "case property". "A government commission should be formed to examine the boat which is in custody of the authorities in port city of Karachi is an essential part of evidence against the seven accused" against whom the trial is underway, it says. The ATC on January 13 had dismissed the plea of the prosecution to form a commission to examine the boat. Al-Fauz is in the custody of the Pakistani authorities in the port city of Karachi, from where the 10 militants, armed with AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades, had left for India to carry out the Mumbai attack in 2008. According to the Federal Investigation Agency, the 10 militants - armed with AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades - used three boats including Al Fauz to reach Mumbai from the port city of Karachi to carry out the attack in 2008. It said the security agencies had also traced the shop and its owner from where the culprits bought the engine and the boat while a bank, and a money exchange company were also traced which were used for the transaction of money. The 10 LeT militants had left Karachi on the boat on November 23, 2008. En route, they hijacked another boat, killing four of its crew. They allegedly forced the vessel's captain to take them close to the India shores. The captain was killed when the vessel reached Mumbai's coast. On November 26 that year, the gunmen left their vessel, moored off the coast of Mumbai in inflatable boats and docked in an area of fishing shanties. They broke up into smaller groups to carry out the attack that killed 166 people. Nine of the gunmen were killed during the attacks, while the lone survivor identified as Ajmal Kasab was executed in India in November, 2012. Pakistani authorities have arrested seven LeT members involved with the planning of the attack including the terrorist group's operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, said to be the mastermind of the Mumbai attack. The other arrested LeT men are Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Sadiq, Shahid Jamil, Jamil Ahmed and Younas Anjum. Lakhvi, 55, has been on bail since last April and is enjoying his freedom at an undisclosed location. Jammu: When children of his age were engrossed in games and toys, Captain Tushar Mahajan was already dreaming about dedicating his life to the nation by joining the army and killing terrorists. As his mortal remains wrapped in tricolor reached his hometown today, his friends recalled an essay that the braveheart had written in school expressing his desire to join the army. "He was such a boy that when he was asked to write an essay in the class he wrote that his aim was to join the Army and kill terrorists. That was the time when his other classmates did not even know what terrorists or the army was," his classmate and childhood friend Sushant said. Mahajan of 9 Para was one of the two army captains who were killed while fighting terrorists in the EDI building in the Pampore area of the Pulwama district in Kashmir Valley. As the officer's body reached the headquarters of army's Northern Command at Udhampur, his mother broke down and almost fainted while hugging the coffin. Recalling Mahajan's passion for the army, his inconsolable father, Dev Raj said, "He always wanted to join the army and at the age of 16 he got selected for NDA. We never objected to it as it was his childhood dream to serve the nation." Describing Mahajan as a naughty child who was loved by all, the retired principal said even though he has lost his son, Mahajan has made the entire nation, especially his hometown proud. "Though I have lost my son I am proud that he laid down his life for the nation, an honour which only a few can get," he said. "He always wanted to join the army and filled all the forms by himself. He had this passion to be in the army and we never objected to it. His passion was to serve the country", Dev Raj said. Dev Raj said his son's death should not go waste and the politicians of the country should work to make "things right". He said he was not aware that his son was also a part of the ongoing operations in Pampore. "I had no knowledge that Tushar was part of the ongoing operation in Pampore, but when I came to know about the martyrdom of Captain Pawan Kumar I was sad for the whole day. How many children will attain martyrdom? When will our politicians realise this," he said. Several senior army officers including the General Officer Commanding-in Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command, Lt Gen D S Hooda and others laid wreath on the mortal remains of the captain. Officials from the civil administration, including the Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Shahid Iqbal Choudhary also laid wreath. Many of his close relatives and friends were also present. Expressing anguish over the incident in JNU where Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was hailed as martyr, Sushant said, "It is very disheartning to see how terrorists were being eulogized by the people at JNU and Jadavpur University. The real heroes of the nation are not the ones who kill but people like Captain Tushar who lay down their lives while fighting the enemies of the nation." As a pall of gloom descended on Udhampur people said Tushar's martyrdom had set a benchmark for others to follow. "We are sad that we have lost a brave son of the soil but the martyrdom of Tushar, whom I know since childhood, has set a benchmark in nationalism for others to follow. This is the distinction which makes him stand apart from others," Parveen Kumar, a local resident said. In a message of condolence, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said, "Even though there can be no befitting words of reverence for the martyrdom of Udhampur braveheart Captain Tushar Mahajan, the people of India and particularly of Udhampur will cherish the memory of his supreme sacrifice for generations to come and take pride in narrating the story of his bravery and valour." Defence Spokesman Col S D Goswami said, "He was a brave soldier who led his men from the front. The army joins the nation in paying tributes to the brave son of mother India who attained martyrdom while serving the nation in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Our heart also goes to the bereaved family." An army official said, "We were told by his close relatives that they will hold the cremation this evening itself as per their cultural traditions and belief and will not wait for the arrival of his brother who is working abroad." New Delhi: A key meeting of the Congress Working Committee is underway at party president Sonia Gandhi's residence to take a final call on the proposal to forge an alliance with the Left in West Bengal. Chaired by Sonia, the meeting at 10 Janpath is being attended by all top Congress leaders, including party vice president Rahul Gandhi and former PM Manmohan Singh. Over the past few days, Congress leaders have been giving broad hints that the party may go ahead and join hands with Left parties in the poll-bound state. If and when any alliance of the kind you are imagining happens in Bengal, that has absolutely no contradiction because alliances are state specific. This is true of every political party in this country", party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said. On the other hand, the CPI(M) appears keento have an understanding with Congress to "oust" TMC and "isolate" BJP in the state. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury had said the Left party will seek support and co-operation from "all democratic forces" to dethrone the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC in the state. "In order to restore democracy and foil communal polarisation by BJP ... that is the main task we think can be achieved only by ousting TMC from Government in West Bengal. The CWC is also expected to chalk out strategy to corner the Modi government during the Budget Session of Parliament, scheduled to begin from tomorrow. The JNU row, Rohit Vemula's suicide, Pathankot terror attack are among the issues that the Congress is expected to raise in the Parliament. The last CWC meet was held in September 2015. New Delhi: The Pak PM Nawaz Sharif's advisor on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz revealed on Monday that Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar who is also the mastermind of the Pathankot airbase terror attack has been under detention since January 14. The big revelation by Aziz comes a day after India allowed Pakistani investigators to inspect the site of January 2 attack on the key Air Force base in Pathankot. In a exclusive interview to India Today, Aziz said, One of the mobile numbers provided by India was active and has been located to JeM's headquarters in Bahawalpur.' "Whenever a crime happens across the border, it is much more difficult to pursue the legal requirements because we don't have the locations or evidence. The special investigation team had to investigate the mobile numbers or whatever links were available and find out who could be behind the attack," he added, as per the interview. India had earlier given some phone numbers, which were included in the FIR, lodged by Pakistan, and probe was going on based on the information. The FIR lodged by Pakistan into the Pathankot attack has paved the way for the prosecution of anyone who was found guilty of involvement in the attack. The FIR by the Counter-Terrorism Department of Punjab police, however, did not name Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, whom India has accused of having masterminded the deadly assault. Further rubbishing the American-Pakistani Lashkar agent David Coleman Headley's deposition before a Mumbai court, Aziz termed him as a drug peddler whose statements cannot be taken seriosuly. "Pakisatn is not worried by Headley's deposition. He has no credibility. He is a double agent and a drug peddler," Aziz said. Notably, while praising the 'humanitarian' work being carried out by Saeed's Jamaat-ud-Dawaa, the front face of Lashkar-e-Toiba, Aziz said that Pakistan does not have enough proof against the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed and LeT commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. New Delhi: To strengthen and promote the IIT brand outside India, the Indian Institutes of Technology are mulling to hold their entrance tests in foreign countries for the first time. The aim behind holding the entrance test in eight countries is also to attract more international talent for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The eight countries include Singapore, UAE, Ethiopia and SAARC nations Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The decision to this effect was taken at recent a meeting between officials of HRD and External Affairs ministries. "The entrance tests to the IITs abroad have been held till now only to admit Indian nationals. This is for the first time that it has been planned to admit foreign students through tests held abroad. It is aimed that the plan would be operationalised from the JEE/GATE exams to be conducted in 2017," a senior HRD Ministry official told PTI. The students will be selected through a common entrance exam which would be administered by the IIT with the help of Indian missions in these countries. Officials, however, added that seats to be offered to foreign nationals would be supernumerary or additional in nature and would not reduce those available to Indian nationals at the 18 IITs. The fee applicable in the case of foreign students will also be more as the subsidised fee which Indians pay would not be applicable to them. To facilitate these foreign students, MEA will consider giving them research visa for the duration of the programme rather than one year at a time, officials added. While the test is to be held in 2017, the outreach programme for the exercise would begin from August this year and will be conducted in all these eight countries. IIT Mumbai has been asked to prepare the necessary information material for this outreach. It would include details of the tests, the courses and FAQs. A web portal may be created for this purpose, sources said. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) will be the nodal agency on behalf of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for these tests. (With agency inputs) New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University student union general secretary Rama Naga, one of the 5 students accused of raising anti-India slogans at the college campus, on Monday blamed outsiders behind such anti-Indian activities. "On the night of February 9, some people, mostly outsiders came and raised anti-India slogans after which we asked them to leave the venue immediately. We even complaint to the security department of JNU. We were not involved in anti-India sloganeering," Rama Naga said while speaking to reporters. "We urged the security department of Jawaharlal Nehru University to lock up those behind raising anti-India slogans at the campus," Naga added. Naga, who along with 5 other absconding JNU students surface at the campus today, said that he will not resist if Delhi Police arrests them. "Delhi Police can come and take any action. We won't resist but will cooperate if we are arrested. We were blamed because we organised the event. It's upto the university vice-chancellor to decide on the issue of our arrest. We will abide by every decision of the vice-chancellor," he said. All five students, who were accused of sedition and were absconding, surfaced on the campus of the Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi today. Rama Naga, along with four other accused - Umar Khalid, Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar and Anirban Bhattacharya - returned to the university campus late on Sunday night. Delhi: Family members of the jailed Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union president Kanhaiya Kumar have said that he is fine in Tihar jail. His family members said the above after meeting him, as per a report in CNN IBN. The report also said that Kanhaiya is reading books obtained from the jail library to spend his time and follows newspapers regularly. At the same time he is writing a jail diary. The website quoted Manikant Singh, his brother as saying - "He asked us not to be tense. He told me to convey to our parents that he is fine. Our mother was worried after the Patiala house court attack on him. She had asked me to convey that everything will be alright. We all are with him. Kanhaiya is more safe inside Tihar than outside. He said that south district police saved him from attack at the court." And Kanhaiya's uncle Rajendra Singh said - "Kanhaiya is satisfied. He said that he has not said anything which will raise question on him or the family. His life is under threat. I want to ask the PM, if he is so concerned about the poor, why is he not asking or saying anything for him." Meanwhile, Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi today met Lt Governor Najeeb Jung and briefed him about the JNU row. "It was a routine meeting between the Commissioner and the Lt Governor, in which the latter was briefed about the ongoing JNU row," a senior officer said, as per PTI. He said the subject of discussion revolved around the five JNU students, including Umar Khalid, who are facing sedition charges and resurfaced on the varsity campus last night. The police have been looking for all the five since February 12, the day Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested in the sedition case registered over a controversial event on the campus. Bassi is learnt to have told Jung that the final call about the matter is to be taken by the investigating officer. Earlier in the day, Bassi said if the students were innocent, they should produce evidence. "Police are looking for them, they should join the investigation. If they are innocent, they should produce evidence of their innocence. Delhi Police is a law abiding body and we do not indulge in any injustice against anybody. One should also remember that the police comes first in the ladder of justice," he told reporters. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Praising Indian Prime Minister's gesture towards his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif at Paris climate summit and Narendra Modi's surprise stop-over at Lahore, Pakistan's National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz said 'Modi-Nawaz have real affection for each other.' Aziz said, ''PM Modi's willingness to improve relations with Pakistan is visible.'' ''Modi-Nawaz have real affection for each other. PM Modi's Lahore stopover was highly appreciated in Pakistan,'' he added. The two Prime Ministers should not allow derailment of the talks by non-state actors, he said, adding Modi's visit to Lahore on December 25 last year was "very well received". Favouring resumption of comprehensive bilateral talks as soon as possible, he said India has been held hostage to the "narrative of terrorism" which was unfortunate. He noted that the importance of dialogue is growing by the day. Further talking about Siachen, Aziz, the adviser on foreign affairs to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan was for withdrawal of forces by the two sides and has put forth its proposal before India again and claimed both sides were close to an agreement for many years. ''India and Pak can vacate Siachen on mutual understanding, we can revise the proposal. India-Pak NSAs are in regular touch,'' he said. On Pakistan's SIT's visit to India, Aziz said the team will go "as soon as possible", maybe during the first few days of March. He said Pakistan was examining all the evidences including the phone numbers given by India in Pathankot attack case and that the NSAs of the two countries are in regular touch. Aziz further said during an interview with IndiaToday that Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar was taken into protective custody after the assault on Pathankot airbase and one of the mobile phone numbers linked to the attackers was traced to the terror groups headquarters. Azhar was placed in custody a few days after the attack, said Aziz and rejected Indias charge that Pakistan had taken no action over the January 2 attack that killed seven people. On Friday, Pakistani authorities registered a First Information Report in connection with the Pathankot attack, which India has blamed on the JeM and its chief. The FIR, however, made no mention of the JeM or Azhar, who allegedly masterminded the strike. The FIR mentions five Pakistani mobile phone numbers that were called by the attackers from the Indian side. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Centre and the governments of Delhi and Haryana with regard to what steps all three were taking to restore operations of the strategically-located Munak Canal, which supplies water to the national capital. During the hearing of a petition related to the damage of the canal during the ongoing Jat community reservation row, the apex court expressed its displeasure over the presence of Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra in the court room. The counsel representing the Haryana Government reportedly informed the Supreme Court that water from the Munak Canal would reach Delhi by 5 p.m. this evening. The apex court stricture came even as the army announced that it has taken control of the Munak canal in Haryana's Sonepat district, and restored movement of traffic along the busy National Highway 1 between Delhi and Ambala. The role of the army was lauded and appreciated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.Traffic is also being restored on other highways in the violence-hit districts of Rohtak, Sonipat, Panipat, Jhajjar, Bhiwani, Jind, Kaithal and Hisar.Meanwhile, police sources said that Jat protestors continued to block roads and railway tracks at some places on Monday. Efforts were being made to remove them and restore traffic. The eight-day old Jat agitation has left 11 people dead and over 150 injured, said Haryana Additional Chief Secretary (Home) P K Dass. Security forces were able to secure the Munak canal, which supplies water to Delhi, in Haryana's Sonepat district on Monday morning. Water supply to Delhi was disrupted at Akbarpur-Barota by Jat protesters since Friday night. Karachi: A judicial magistrate on Monday sent 88 Indian fishermen to jail here, two days after they were arrested by Pakistani authorities for allegedly fishing in the country's territorial waters. A police official at the Karachi Docks police station said the arrested fishermen were handed over to the police and presented before a magistrate as per procedure. "The magistrate has sent them to judicial remand in Malir jail," the official Hamid Khan said. Hundreds of Indian fishermen are languishing in the Malir and Landhi jails in Karachi after being arrested for allegedly transgressing into Pakistani territorial waters. An official of Pakistan's Maritime Security Agency (MSA) said the fishermen were arrested and 16 fishing boats seized early on Saturday from the Arabian Sea near the Karachi coast. "The Indian fishermen were arrested by the MSA while they were fishing in Pakistani waters of the Arabian Sea," he said. He dismissed Indian media reports that the Indian fishermen were taken into custody from near the Gujarat coast. Although in December, India and Pakistan had agreed to revive the dialogue process when external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj visited Islamabad for a summit, but the same month 66 Indian fishermen were arrested by the MSA while last month another 45 were arrested. Pakistan and India regularly arrest fishermen who venture into their waters due to a poorly-marked maritime boundary. Some of them spend years in jail before being repatriated. In the past the two nations have released each other's fishermen as goodwill gestures. New Delhi: India is yet to receive a formal communication from Pakistan about a proposed visit by a team of investigators from that country to inspect the site of the Pathankot terror attack, a senior government official said on Monday. "No formal communication has come yet from Pakistan about the visit of the Pakistani investigators," the official said. Asked whether India will allow the Pakistani investigators to visit the Pathankot airbase, the official said no decision has been taken on that yet. "We have to look into various aspects. As and when the Pakistani team comes, we will take a decision," he said. According to the official, there has been little information about the findings of the Pakistani investigators in that country. "We don't know what action they have taken to the inputs we have provided about the perpetrators and conspirators of the terror attack," the official said. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had ruled out allowing Pakistani investigators access the Pathankot airbase. "None is coming. Nobody can come without any information to us. Rather, India should be allowed access to places in Pakistan from where perpetrators had come to our land," he had said. Yesterday, Pakistan's Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan said that India has asked Pakistan to inform it at least five days prior to a visit by Pakistani investigators to inspect the site of the Pathankot terror attack. Seven security personnel were killed when suspected terrorists of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad stormed the Pathankot airbase on January 2. Delhi: Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy is hopeful that the construction of Ram Mandir would begin in Ayodhya by year-end. In an interview to Firstpost, he also expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would deliver a positive verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi case. "Im confident that the apex court will give a favourable judgment. And if it happens, by the end of the year, construction of a Ram Temple will begin with mutual consent. Ive filed a writ petition seeking day-to-day hearing of petitions in the Supreme Court. Our case is very strong and even the Allahabad High Court had supported our stand based on the evidence presented by us..." he was quoted by the website as saying. On being asked if the Muslim leaders would agree to it, he said, "The Muslim leaders have said that they would accept the Supreme Courts verdict... During Narsimha Raos government in 1994, the Supreme Court had asked the government to take a stand on Ram Janmabhoomi issue. The government gave an affidavit in the court, which stated that if a pre-existing temple was found beneath the mosque, the Hindus would keep this land for temple construction. And, across Saryu river Muslims would built a mosque. No mosque will be allowed to be built in Ram Janmabhoomi..." He added, "During the 800 years of Muslim rule, some 40,000-odd temples were demolished in the country. Weve asked for three Sri Ram temple in Ayodhya, Krishna temple in Mathura and Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi. If Muslims agree to give us these three temples, they can keep the rest 39,997 mosques." When queried whether it was practically possible to shift/construct mosque across the Saryu river, Swamy had to say this - "Even in Islamic countries like in Saudi Arabia, an important heritage mosque was demolished to give way for the construction of a project. An alternative plot was given and it was built at some other site. According to Islam, a mosque is a facilitating centre for offering Namaz, where people gather and read. Its a kind of prayer hall, unlike the way a temple is. If Muslims agree to it, Hindus will join in the construction of the mosque." Jammu/New Delhi: A fierce encounter in Jammu and Kashmirs Pampore is still underway to eliminate a group of heavily armed militants beloved to be associated with Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) holed up inside the Entrepreneurs Development Institute (EDI) building. So far one militant and five security persons have lost their lives in the ongoing encounter on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. "One militant has been killed so far in the encounter. Today, three security personnel lost their lives which include two army officers and one jawan. In total, there have been five causalities, which include three army persons and two CRPF persons," CRPF PRO Bhavesh Kumar told the reporters. "As the building consists of four-five floors, we have to sanitize and search. Only then we can call the operation to be over," he added. Late on Sunday, an Army officer - Captain Tushar Mahajan from Udhampur belonging to the elite Para unit- was killed after he succumbed to his injuries sustained during the ongoing operation that started on Saturday. Earlier on Sunday, a captain from the elite Para unit who was injured in the encounter lost his life. Captain Pawan Kumar, a young officer from Haryana's Jind area, sustained grievous injuries in militant firing as security forces tried to make their way into the building in the wee hours of Sunday, an Army official said. Kumar succumbed to injuries later. As the security forces exchanged heavy gunfire with the holed up militants, another soldier from the Para unit, Om Prakash, was injured and taken to 92 Base Hospital of the Army at Badamibagh Cantonment where he succumbed. Two CRPF jawans and a civilian were killed and nine other jawans injured when militants opened fire on a CRPF convoy yesterday afternoon. The ultras then took shelter inside the EDI building, triggering a stand-off. Nearly 100 civilians - staff and students of Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) -- were evacuated to safety by the security forces from the building, a police official said. He said the operation might be prolonged as militants seem to be heavily armed. The open structure of the building where the militants are hiding also poses a difficulty to the security forces in advancing towards it, he added. With IANS inputs Lashkar Gah: Afghan government forces have pulled out of a second district in Helmand, officials said on Monday, leaving the Taliban in control of most of the northern part of the province after troops withdrew from Musa Qala district last week. The withdrawals raise questions over the capacity of the Afghan security forces to take on the Taliban since the withdrawal of international forces in 2014 from most combat operations left them fighting largely alone. Army and government officials said security forces had left Nawzad district, which borders Musa Qala, and would concentrate their strength on defending the area around the provincial capital Lashkar Gah and the main highway between Kabul and the western city of Herat. According to U.S. officials, the Islamist Taliban already control or threaten around a third of Afghanistan although they have so far failed to take over any major provincial centres apart from their brief capture of the northern city of Kunduz last year. The Taliban are seeking to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul and reimpose harsh Islamic rule 15 years after they were ousted from power. Helmand, a major centre of opium production where thousands of British and American soldiers and marines struggled to subdue the Taliban, has been slipping out of government control for months as the insurgents overrun much of the countryside outside a few district centres. The latest move leaves security forces hanging on in the town of Sangin, north of the main Highway One as well as a number of other towns and district centres including Gereshk, which lies on the highway and Marjah, close to Lashkar Gah. "We have withdrawn our forces from Nawzad and Musa Qala based on military plans," said Mohammad Rasoul Zazai, a spokesman for the 215th army Corps. "Currently for us Sangin, Marjah, Nad Ali and surrounding areas of Lashkar Gah and Kabul-Herat highway are a priority. And we put all our efforts in these places," he said. Helmand governor Merza Khan Rahimi also downplayed the decision to withdraw from the two districts, which he said could be retaken at any time. "It is normal during fighting to move forward or retreat," he said. "We are not concerned about this." The surprise withdrawals nonetheless leave the Taliban poised to move on the nearby Kajaki district, the site of a huge hydroelectric dam built with millions of dollars of U.S. aid as part of a drive to provide power to Helmand and neighbouring Kandahar provinces. U.S. Special Forces units have been in the region to help train the Afghan army and hundreds more American troops were recently sent to reinforce security for the training mission. NATO`s Resolute Support mission in Kabul has not commented on the decision to pull the troops out of the two Helmand districts, referring questions to the Afghan defence ministry. Kathmandu: The European Union (EU) today gave about 480 million Nepali Rupees to Nepal to help its education sector which was badly hit by devastating earthquakes and Madhesi protests. "The education sector suffered very badly due to the earthquakes and also the agitation later in 2015 and needs specific attention during the reconstruction phase," a statement said. The EU is already providing 650 Transitional Learning Centres and this budget support can further help to bring the sector back on track, EU Ambassador Rensje Teerink said. The 4.1 million Euro payment by the EU is the third fixed tranche of its current budget support to the Education sector totalling 31,200,000 Euros (equivalent to approximately 3.7 billion Nepali Rupees) for the School Sector Reform Programme (SSRP), according to the statement. "The EU's support contributes to poverty reduction and the socio-economic development in Nepal by raising educational access and achievements of the young generation on an equitable basis." The SSRP focuses on improving access to quality education at early childhood, basic and secondary levels, particularly for children from marginalised groups, according to the EU. Dhaka: In yet another shocking incident, a Hindu priest was stabbed to dead by suspected ISIS militants at a temple in Bangladesh on Sunday, police said. The incident took place at the Deviganj temple near Panchagar, 308 miles north of the capital, Dhaka, where the priest, Jogeshwar Roy, 55, was organising prayers. Five or six militant launched an attack and slit the throat of the priest, that led to his death. Terror group Islamic States has claimed responsibility for the incident in a statement issued via social media. The militant group also shot and wounded a devotee who went to the aid of the priest. The devotee who tried to stop the priests attackers was shot in the leg before the group fled, a police official said. Bangladesh has experienced a wave of militant violence in recent months, including a series of bomb attacks on mosques and Hindu temples. Police have arrested four people who are members of the Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh, the official said, rejecting the claim by ISIS which was issued through the Telegram messaging app and Twitter. Gorakhpur: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that it was matter of concern that educated youths are joining terrorist organisations. "Youths are contributing for development of better techniques world wide. However, it was matter of concern that the educated youths are joining terrorist organisations," he said while delivering convocation address at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University here. Emphasising on "character building", Rajnath said that only through a good character social stability can be attained. "As compared to Lord Ram, Ravana was rich and powerful but it was due to his character that people pay obeisance to Ram. We should take a pledge to make India 'vishwa guru' once again by progressing in our respective fields," he said. On the occasion, Chancellor of state universities Governor Ram Naik was also present. During the convocation, 118 students including 79 girls were given gold medals. Beijing: China`s foreign minister Wang Yi will visit the US from Tuesday, his ministry said, as the two powers grapple over weapons systems on the Korean peninsula and in the South China Sea. The three-day trip comes with Beijing and Washington at loggerheads over militarisation in the South China Sea, while at the same time trying to find common ground on how to deal with North Korea`s nuclear and missile programmes in the wake of Pyongyang`s latest tests. Last week China confirmed that it has "weapons" on Woody Island in the disputed Paracels chain. A US official told AFP that Beijing has deployed surface-to-air missiles on the island, apparently HQ-9s, which have a range of about 200 kilometres (125 miles). The US is also beginning talks with South Korea on the possible deployment of an advanced missile defence system on the Korean peninsula. China opposes the proposed Terminal High Altitude Area Defence System (THAAD), with foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying warning Monday that it should not be used as a front to "undermine China`s own legitimate [security] interests". The move comes in response to Pyongyang`s launch of the Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite, which most in the international community viewed as a disguised ballistic missile test, violating multiple UN resolutions banning it from the use of ballistic technology. The rocket came just a month after the North`s fourth nuclear test. Hua anticipated an "in-depth exchange of views" on the issue when Wang goes to Washington for talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry, referencing previous "close communication and coordination" on the matter between the US and China. "After the DPRK`s nuclear test and satellite launch, we support the UN Security Council in passing new and effective resolutions against the DPRK," she told a regular briefing, referring to North Korea. Tensions in the South China Sea -- through which a third of the world`s oil passes -- have mounted in recent months after China transformed contested reefs in the Spratly islands further south than the Paracels into artificial islands capable of supporting military facilities. Seoul: Chinese banks including a branch of China`s biggest bank Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) have frozen accounts belonging to North Koreans, a South Korean newspaper reported on Monday. Citing phone conversations with an unnamed employee of ICBC`s office in the northeastern Chinese border city of Dandong, the Dong-A Ilbo reported that since late December it had suspended all deposits and transfers of foreign currencies in and out of accounts with North Korean names. "(The bank) had never told me why it was taking such measures, but it seems that they are related with the strained relations between North Korea and China," the ICBC employee told the Dong-A Ilbo. ICBC did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, when asked at a daily news briefing in Beijing, said she did "not understand" the matter. Washington and Seoul are seeking support from Beijing, Pyongyang`s main ally, for tougher sanctions against North Korea for its Feb. 7 rocket launch and January nuclear test. After the rocket launch, another bank in northeast China, had also blocked transactions to North Koreans` accounts, according to the Dong-A Ilbo report, which cited a Chinese businessman who has invested in North Korean mines. Dandong is home to many ethnic Korean Chinese traders who deal with both North and South Korean businessmen. It is also home to South Korean and western Christian missionaries trying to operate in North Korea. President Barack Obama last week signed into law legislation broadening U.S. sanctions to punish North Korea for its nuclear programme, human rights record and cyber crimes. New Delhi: Reacting to the brutal murder of a Hindu priest in Bangladesh, celebrated author Taslima Nasreen said on Monday that the hardcore Islamists do not want Hindu population in the country. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the brutal beheading of a senior Hindu priest and wounding two worshippers in northern Bangladesh. In a statement, the terrorist group said that "caliphate soldiers" carried out the attack using "light weapons". The 45-year-old priest, identified as Jogeswar Roy, was attacked with cleavers at his home on Sunday. "The priest was preparing for morning prayers when they pounced on him and decapitated him on the veranda of his home inside the temple," BBC quoted a government official as saying. The Hindus comprise about 10% of the Muslim-majority country's 160 million population. Paris: The European Commission has no plan 'B' in place if Britain votes to leave the European Union, and the executive body will stay on the sidelines of the referendum campaign, European Union Finance Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said on Sunday. Britons will vote June 23 on whether to remain a member of the EU. Asked in an interview on France 5 television whether the EU was planning what to do if they vote to leave, Moscovici said, "No, no and no, there is no plan 'B'. It doesn't help us in any way to envisage disaster scenarios." "The day we start talking about a plan `B` is the day we no longer believe in our plan `A`. I have just one plan. The United Kingdom in a united Europe," Moscovici said. Moscovici said the EU's executive will not take part in the referendum campaign, saying any involvement could backfire. "For me, it is prudent not to go campaign and try to impose a choice on a sovereign people. Referendums are dangerous, especially for Europe," he said. Asked about the campaign that has kicked off with London Mayor Boris Johnson joining the call for Britain to quit the EU, Moscovici said the move could hurt Johnson`s image. "It will not be easy for Mr. Johnson to end up next to Nigel Farage and some other clowns and populists," Moscovici said. He said Europe was facing existential challenges, such as the Greek debt crisis and the current refugee crisis, but that the solutions should be at the European level. "It is a lot of crises, but these are European problems, but they are also international. The idea that you could find national solutions to these problems which are international is a lie," he said. "If there was a vote for Great Britain to leave the EU, it will be an inversion of the historic dynamic of the past years which has seen more countries join the bloc." Moscovici said. Myrtle Beach: Elhamy Ibrahim, 62, is a Muslim who does not like very many other Muslims these days, but loves Donald Trump. The Egyptian-born businessman who came to the United States in 1981 and became a citizen two decades later said in an interview on Friday that he was alarmed by changes in Egypt, where, in his view, high unemployment and poverty have driven many young Egyptians to religious extremism. He strongly backs Trump's proposal to ban Muslims from entering the US until authorities can determine if they pose a threat, even though such a ban could bring hassles for him if he traveled abroad. That is one reason why Ibrahim, who says he does not attend a mosque regularly, approached the real estate mogul after a rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and called out "I'm a Muslim and I love you!" NBC News published a video of the exchange, which took place the evening before Saturday's Republican primary in South Carolina. Ibrahim proudly posted the video to his Facebook page. Trump has stirred outrage not just in the US but around the world for comments that his critics say are anti-Muslim. But Trump's fans, including Ibrahim, say Trump's rhetoric, rather than being insensitive and exclusionary, addresses their fears of the violence they see occurring halfway across the globe. "If he stopped me coming into the U.S., I'd say 'fine'," Ibrahim said. "If he said he wanted a loyalty test, I'd be the first to sign it." As a university student, Ibrahim was jailed twice by the security services of the late President Anwar Sadat, then drafted to fight in Egypt's 1973 war against Israel, where he was wounded by an explosion that left him blind in one eye. He said Egyptian security officials ripped his toenails out with pliers because he had protested over Sadat not going to war with Israel. After finishing his degree, he went to Yemen and became friends with the US Consul General in Sana'a, who persuaded him to come to the United States. He lived first in New York, then Baltimore, where he began buying real estate, and eventually moved to Myrtle Beach. Despite the torture he suffered, Ibrahim is comfortable with Trump's call to "bring back waterboarding and much worse" when interrogating terror suspects. "Torture is being used all over the world, today, tomorrow and yesterday," Ibrahim said. "At least he's saying it in public." Sydney: The significant sympathy generated by the detention and likely deportation of a baby girl born in Australia to Nepalese parents could be a watershed in public opinion about the country`s harsh asylum seeker policies. The infant, known only by the pseudonym Asha, Nepalese for "hope", has humanised hundreds of anonymous asylum seekers who are faced with deportation from Australia to a detention camp on the South Pacific island of Nauru. The outpouring of public support, including an overnight blockade at a Brisbane hospital where she was treated for severe burns, has been likened by some to the shocking images last year of a young Syrian asylum seeker dead on a Greek beach. Supporters credited the week-long protest at the hospital with forcing the hand of Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, who on Monday had Baby Asha and her family moved to a local community detention facility, which allows some freedom of movement. "What is resonating is that a lot of people are looking at that baby and thinking that could be my baby," said Kon Karapanagiotidis, chief executive officer of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. People at the blockade carried posters with the pixellated face of the baby girl and the hashtag #BabyAsha was Twitter`s fourth highest trending topic worldwide over the weekend when the hospital stand-off reached its climax. The number of asylum seekers trying to reach Australia is small compared with those arriving in Europe, but border security has long been a hot-button political issue. The coalition government led by the conservative Liberal Party came to power in 2013 on a campaign to "Stop the Boats", adopting tough measures as a deterrent. Everyone who arrives by boat is detained and sent to Nauru or Papua New Guinea`s Manus Island. The government also conducts tow-backs, or turning a boat back to its origin. The policies have been widely criticised by international human rights groups and the United Nations. Medical groups have been particularly critical of detaining children in the offshore camps, where abuse has been frequently reported. Doctors at the Brisbane hospital had refused to release Asha. LEGAL CHALLENGE REJECTED Still, Australia`s High Court this month rejected a legal challenge to the country`s right to deport 267 refugee children and their families brought to Australia from Nauru for medical treatment. Asha, the first baby born in immigration detention in Australia to be transferred to Nauru, was flown back to Australia last month for medical treatment after she scalded herself with boiling water while learning to walk in a tent at the detention centre. "In terms of a dramatic shift in community attitudes, there is no going back from this one," Ian Rintoul, coordinator of the Refugee Action Coalition, said of the public support for Asha. "I think for a large number of people this has been a turning point." However, others said any public shift in attitude was unlikely to impact government policy. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton strongly hinted at that when he said on Monday that Asha and her family would be returned to Nauru at a later date. "We are not going to allow people smugglers to get out a message that if you seek assistance in an Australian hospital, that somehow that is your formula to becoming an Australian citizen," Dutton told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. "I couldn`t be any clearer - once the medical assistance has been provided and the legal issues resolved, people will go back to Nauru." Sayyida Zeinab: A string of suicide bombings near a Shiite shrine outside Syria`s capital and in Homs claimed by jihadists killed more than 150 people Sunday, as Washington and Moscow worked to secure a ceasefire. The Islamic State group said it was behind the carnage. US Secretary of State John Kerry said a provisional deal had been reached on the terms of a truce in Syria`s brutal five-year conflict, only for the bloodshed to intensify on the ground. Near Damascus, a car bombing followed by two consecutive suicide attacks ripped through the area of the Shiite shrine of Sayyida Zeinab and killed 96 people according to The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Syria`s official news agency SANA, quoting a police source, said 178 people, including children, were among the wounded. An AFP reporter said the blasts struck about 400 metres (yards) from the revered Shiite shrine containing the grave of a granddaughter of the Prophet Mohammed. A January attack in the same area -- also claimed by IS -- killed 70 people. The Observatory also reported that two car bombs killed at least 59 people and wounded dozens in the pro-regime district of Al-Zahraa in the central city of Homs. IS said online that two suicide bombers struck in Sayyida Zeinab and two others drove explosive-packed cars into crowds in Homs. UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura "strongly condemns" the attacks, his spokesperson said in a statement. State television footage from Homs showed emergency workers carrying a charred body on a stretcher past devastated shops and mangled cars and minibuses. Al-Zahraa -- whose residents are mostly from the same Alawite sect of Shia Islam as Syria`s ruling clan -- has been regularly targeted.World powers, which have been pushing for a halt in Syria`s nearly five-year war, had hoped to see a truce take effect on Friday but have struggled to agree on the terms. On Sunday, Kerry spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at least three times to try to nail down a truce. "We have reached a provisional agreement, in principle, on the terms of the cessation of hostilities that could begin in the coming days," Kerry said in Amman after one round of talks. The Russian foreign ministry later said Lavrov and Kerry held two more telephone conversations and finalised the ceasefire terms to be submitted to their respective presidents. World powers proposed the truce just over a week ago as part of a plan that also included expanded humanitarian access, in a bid to pave the way for peace talks to resume. The talks, which collapsed earlier this month in Geneva, had been scheduled to resume on February 25, but the UN`s Syria envoy has already acknowledged that date is no longer realistic. Key opposition umbrella group the High Negotiations Committee said at the weekend it would agree a temporary truce only if regime backers halted fire. HNC chief Riad Hijab said any ceasefire must be reached "with international mediation and with guarantees obliging Russia, Iran and their sectarian militias and mercenaries to stop fighting". Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, meanwhile, told Spain`s El Pais newspaper he was "ready" for a ceasefire, but that it should not be exploited by "terrorists".Moscow is a key architect of the proposed ceasefire, but has shown little sign so far that it plans to rein in the air campaign it began in September in support of Assad`s government. Regime forces backed by Russian strikes were advancing on Sunday east of Aleppo city against IS, consolidating their control over a stretch of highway from the city to the Kweyris military base. The Observatory said at least 50 IS fighters had been killed in clashes and Russian strikes since Saturday morning. Tensions have been rising between Moscow and opposition-backer Ankara, alarmed by both the regime`s Russian-backed advances and a major operation by Kurdish-led forces in Aleppo province. The Kurdish People`s Protection Units (YPG) and their Arab partners have seized key territory from rebel forces in Aleppo province, prompting Turkey to shell their positions. Ankara considers the YPG to be an affiliate of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers` Party, which has waged a decades-long insurgency against Turkey. It fears the Kurdish advances are intended to link areas in north and northeast Syria to create a contiguous semi-autonomous Kurdish zone along the Syrian-Turkish border. On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan defended his country`s fight against the YPG as "legitimate defence" after international calls for Ankara to halt its military action in Syria. Rome: Italy has agreed to let drones take off from its soil to defend U.S.-led forces against Islamic State in North Africa, an Italian defence ministry official said on Monday. The agreement covers only defensive missions and not offensive action, such as the attack on a suspected militant training camp in Sabratha, Libya, that killed dozens last week. Italy will decide whether to authorise drone departures from the Sigonella air base in Sicily case by case, and only if each mission`s aim is to protect personnel on the ground. No request has been made yet to use the drones and they have not been armed, said the official, who asked not to be named. U.S. officials have been trying to persuade Italy to let them conduct such operations from the Sigonella air base for more than a year, the Wall Street Journal reported. Islamic State is exploiting the chaos in Libya, where two rival governments have been contending for power since Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011, to establish bases and conduct raids both in Libya and in neighbouring Tunisia. The U.S. attack last week on one such base, in Sabratha, near the Tunisian border, targeted Noureddine Chouchane, a Tunisian militant linked to two raids in Tunisia that killed dozens, mostly tourists. The aircraft that carried out that attack took off from a base in Britain. Neither Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi`s office nor U.S. defence officials immediately responded to requests for comment. Italy has repeatedly said it would not take part in military strikes in Libya without the express request of a recognised government. U.S. officials are pushing for drones destined for offensive operations like the Sabratha strike to take off from Sicily, but Italian officials have balked at that step, fearing domestic opposition, the Wall Street Journal reported. Toronto: One of Canada's most infamous serial killers, Robert Pickton, who was convicted in 2007 of killing drug addicts and prostitutes and butchering their remains at his pig farm, has released a book proclaiming his innocence. The book, published on January 29 and available through the online retailer Amazon.com Inc, is listed as a personal memoir by Pickton, 66, who is serving a life sentence at a prison in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Calling himself "the fall guy" on the book's jacket, Pickton notes he is accused of murdering "between 6 and 49 women" and is finally telling his story. News of the book's existence immediately sparked outrage across Canada, and negative reviews of the book piled up on Amazon's website, with many urging publisher Outskirts Press and Amazon to withdraw the book. "We are taking this very seriously and investigating every means available to ensure that the families involved are protected from further harm and that Robert Pickton will not profit in any way from this book," B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris said in a statement emailed on Monday. Morris said the government was also appealing to Amazon to stop selling the book. Amazon could not be immediately reached for comment. Pickton was convicted of killing six women whose partial remains were found on his ramshackle property near Vancouver. Government prosecutors dropped charges for an additional 20 murders after he was sentenced to life in prison. The victims were among more than 60 women who disappeared from Vancouver`s poor, drug-infested Downtown Eastside neighborhood over more than a decade until Pickton`s arrest in early 2002. Lisbon: Traditionally a country of emigration, Portugal has offered to take up to 10,000 migrants from countries struggling to cope with the influx, to help maintain its own population. Portugal`s socialist premier Antonio Costa last week sent letters to Austria, Greece, Italy and Sweden -- countries that have seen refugees arrive in large numbers -- offering to welcome up to 5,800 more refugees in addition to the 4,500 they already agreed to take as part of the European Union `s refugee quota system. Costa recently told Brussels that Portugal should "set an example", adding that he was against "a Europe that closes its borders to block access to refugees". His comments echo those he made during a visit to Berlin earlier this month, when he said that it was "unfair" to burden Berlin with a duty which is for "all European leaders". Germany has taken over one million asylum-seekers this past year alone, an influx weighing heavily on the European power. But refugees haven`t exactly been knocking on Portugal`s door, with most opting to go to northern European countries such as Sweden and Denmark -- which have begun tightening their borders in an effort to stem the flow of migrants. Portugal has taken just 32 migrants, and the country`s ambassador to Greece, Rui Alberto Tereno, even visited a Greek refugee camp recently in an effort to promote the sunny coastal nation to the migrants making their way across Europe.Portugal is little known and "needs to make its voice heard to migrants arriving in Europe," head of the Portuguese Refugee Council (CPR) Teresa Tito Morais, said. "The arrival of refugees will benefit the regions in the country that have become deserted," Tito Morais said. "A large number of Portuguese have emigrated and certain regions need to regain some life." The country was hard hit by the global financial crisis and, as elsewhere, unemployment took a toll among the country`s young people, forcing many to leave in search of jobs. Unemployment remains high at 12 percent. Nearly half a million Portuguese have left the country either permanently or temporarily in the last four years. Portugal`s birth rate is also the weakest in the European Union. If the current decline continues, the country could lose 20 percent of its population by 2060, dropping from 10.5 to 8.6 million residents, according to the National Institute of Statistics in Portugal. The idea to welcome refugees was launched in September by Braganca, a small town in northeast Portugal that counts some 35,000 residents, with hopes of reviving its declining population.But the country will be picky in the migrants it welcomes, as it attempts to boost its workforce with students and skilled labourers. It plans to receive 2,000 university students, 800 vocational students, and 2,500 to 3,000 refugees qualified in the agriculture and forestry fields. "These are the sectors that lack manpower and are being forced to recruit workers in Vietnam and Thailand," the government said. "They are the jobs that the Portuguese do not take," said Tito Morais, adding that it is a myth that refugees come to Portugal to steal jobs. The anti-refugee movement has remained small and marginal in Portugal, with anti-refugee rallies attracting only small crowds. "The Portuguese are used to emigrating and know what it`s like to look for a better life elsewhere," a refugee council official said. Kalamazoo, Michigan: A Michigan man who worked as an Uber driver was under arrest on Sunday in the fatal shooting of six people in Kalamazoo, as police investigated reports he may have driven customers of the car-hailing service the night of the rampage. Prosecutors alleged that Jason Dalton, 45, opened fire, apparently at random, in parking lots outside an apartment building, a car dealership and at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Kalamazoo, about 150 miles (240 km) west of Detroit. Two other people were wounded, including a teenage girl who was initially thought to have died. Authorities could not confirm Dalton was working for Uber during the nearly five-hour shooting spree on Saturday evening. He was arrested without incident on Sunday while driving away from the parking lot of an area bar. An Uber representative confirmed that Dalton was a company driver and had passed background checks. The representative referred questions about whether Dalton was working at the time of the shootings to police. The victims "appear to be chosen at random, because they were available," Kalamazoo County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Getting said. "They were shot multiple times, multiple - nine, 10, 11 shell casings at each of these scenes." The carnage in Kalamazoo, a city of about 75,000 people, was the latest in a series of mass shootings that have elevated gun control as a campaign issue in the November U.S. presidential election. The attack also prompted renewed interest in how Uber vets drivers, who use their personal vehicles to ferry customers at prices that are generally below those of established taxi companies. Critics say the company`s vetting process is flawed because it never meets with potential drivers in person. Uber says on its website that it has an "extensive" driver screening process that includes collecting detailed information from potential drivers and using the investigation service Checkr to vet them. Other websites and databases such at the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website are used as well. WOOD-TV, a Grand Rapids station, quoted police as saying they were investigating reports Dalton dropped off Uber fares at a hotel and then killed four women and wounded a 14-year-old girl at the nearby Cracker Barrel. The teenager was in critical condition, Michigan State Police said. In an emailed statement, Uber`s chief security officer, Joe Sullivan, said the company was in contact with police to help with the investigation. An Uber passenger, Matt Mellen, told CBS TV affiliate WWMT that he had tried to alert the company after a wild ride with Dalton about an hour before the first shooting was reported. He said Dalton introduced himself using a different name from the one listed as a driver. He then sped through medians and across a lawn, and Mellen jumped out at a stop at about 4:30 p.m. (2130 GMT) "He just kind of kept looking at me like, `Don`t you want to get to your friend`s house?` and I`m like, `I want to get there alive,`" said Mellen, a brewery worker. His fiancee posted a Facebook account of the ride that said Dalton had sideswiped a car and run a stop sign. Mellen said he unsuccessfully tried to contact Uber about Dalton after talking to police. Kalamazoo Police Chief Jeff Hadley told Reuters that investigators were still looking into reports of Dalton picking up Uber fares around the time of the shootings. He confirmed that a man did call police with a report of an erratic Uber driver and the report was relayed to patrol officers. Hadley said it was not unusual for police to receive such reports and that he was not sure whether investigators had contacted the passenger who made the report. An Uber spokesman could not be immediately reached for comment on Mellen`s account. Michigan State Police said the carnage began at about 5:30 p.m. ET (2230 GMT) with the report of a woman wounded outside an apartment building. At about 10 p.m., a father and son were killed at the car dealership. Dalton allegedly opened fire outside the restaurant about 15 minutes later. The four slain women were identified as Mary Lou Nye, 62, of Baroda, Michigan; and Dorothy Brown, 74; Barbara Hawthorne, 68; and Mary Jo Nye, 60, all of Battle Creek, Michigan, state police said. Earlier, authorities reported seven deaths. Hadley said he understood that the wounded teenage girl was initially believed to have died and was being prepped for organ harvesting when she grasped the hand of one of her parents. Getting said Dalton was thought to have been in contact with more than one person via cellphone during the shooting spree. Hadley said authorities have contacted Dalton`s wife, who is safe and cooperating with investigators. Dalton is expected to be arraigned on Monday on charges of murder, assault and firearms violations, the prosecutor said. Getting said a semiautomatic pistol was found in Dalton`s car. Police said he had no known criminal record. The Detroit Free Press newspaper said neighbors described Dalton as a father of two who "loved guns" and who worked on cars and had a day job as an insurance salesman. The Kalamazoo shootings come as Uber is facing a range of regulatory and safety issues. The company agreed last month to pay $28.5 million to settle federal litigation brought by customers who alleged the service misrepresented the quality of its safety practices and fees. Jerusalem: Israel and the US started a joint exercise on Sunday focusing on defence against the threat of ballistic missiles, the Israeli army said. The US European Command and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) commenced the exercise known as Juniper Cobra 16 in an eighth of a series of biennial exercises between the two countries since 2001, an IDF spokesperson said. Overall 1,700 military men and civil contractors are expected to take part in the exercise, which is set to end on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported. "This exercise is part of a planned training schedule that seeks to enhance interoperability between the militaries in the context of exercising defensive capabilities," an IDF statement said. Commander of the Aerial Defence Division, Brigadier General Zvika Haimovich, said the drill is a "significant milestone" in Israeli-US defence cooperation. Although military officials say the drill is not related to any current developments, the US has recently implemented sanctions against Iran over its ballistic missile program, shortly after lifting sanctions over Tehran`s nuclear program upon a deal reached in July 2015. Israel is currently at the process of finalising a ten-year memorandum of understanding with the US regarding defence assistance. As one of the largest US aid recipient, Israel receives around $3 billion annually in defence aid from Washington. Whereas both Israel and the US officials stress the strong security-related cooperation, diplomatic relations have been strained in recent years. Most of the tensions have surrounded the different approaches towards Iran`s nuclear deal which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vocally objected, calling it a "historic mistake". The US government has also recently deplored Israel for its policies towards the Palestinians in the occupied territories in the West Bank, and for a wave of right-wing legislation against left-wing organisations. Beirut: The United States and Russia on Monday announced plans for a landmark "cessation of hostilities" to take effect in war-torn Syria on February 27, excluding the main jihadist factions. The announcement drew a conditional acceptance from the main opposition grouping and came just one day after the deadliest jihadist attack in the nearly five-year war, with 134 people -- mostly civilians -- killed in a series of blasts near Damascus. In a joint statement, Washington and Moscow said the partial truce would begin at midnight Damascus time (2200 GMT Friday) and apply to parties to the conflict that have committed to the deal -- but not to the Islamic State (IS) group or Al-Nusra Front, an Al-Qaeda affiliate. Parties wishing to be included in the agreement have until noon Damascus time on Friday to inform Moscow or Washington of their intention to honour the ceasefire. "If implemented and adhered to, this cessation will not only lead to a decline in violence, but also continue to expand the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian supplies to besieged areas and support a political transition to a government that is responsive to the desires of the Syrian people," US Secretary of State John Kerry said. US President Barack Obama and Russia`s President Vladimir Putin discussed the deal in a phone call, the White House said. "This is a moment of opportunity and we are hopeful that all the parties will capitalize on it," White House press secretary Josh Earnest said. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called the ceasefire a "long-awaited signal of hope", and urged all sides to abide by it. Putin said Moscow will do "whatever is necessary" to ensure that Damascus respects the agreement. "We are counting on the United States to do the same with its allies and the groups that it supports," he said in a televised address. There was no immediate reaction to the ceasefire from Damascus, but the main grouping of opposition factions said it "agreed to respond positively to international efforts to reach a truce deal". President Bashar al-Assad reacted by announcing parliamentary elections for April 13. The opposition High Negotiations Committee said its "commitment to the truce is conditional" on the lifting of sieges, release of prisoners, a halt to bombardment of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid. Once the cessation of hostilities takes hold, the United Nations will work to secure "access to as many places as possible in order to deliver humanitarian aid," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The 17-nation group backing Syria`s peace process agreed at a meeting in Munich to implement a ceasefire within a week, but the truce never materialised. Ban said the truce announced Monday "contributes to creating an environment conducive for the resumption of political negotiations", which had been scheduled to resume this week. Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon said Monday he was sceptical a syria ceasefire would hold "while Daesh (IS) and Al-Nusra Front (the Syrian Al-Qaeda affiliate) are not part of the process and the Russians say they will strike both organisations". A halt in hostilities in Syria would come after five years of brutal civil war that has killed more than 260,000 people and seen half the population displaced, including over four million overseas. In return, the groups would be assured of protection from Russian and US-led coalition planes. The two powers are pursuing separate air wars in Syria, with Russia pounding rebel targets and the coalition focused on IS jihadists. IS on Sunday claimed responsibility for two deadly attacks in regime-held areas, which a monitor said killed 134 people near the Sayyida Zeinab shrine south of Damascus and at least 64 in the Al-Zahraa district of Homs. The bombings near the shrine marked the deadliest jihadist attack since Syria`s conflict erupted in March 2011, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitoring group. Russia began air strikes in Syria last September against what it said were "terrorists", but has been accused of bombing non-jihadist rebel forces in support of Assad, a longtime ally. Iran has sent military advisers to Syria and the Tehran-backed Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah has deployed at least 6,000 militants to fight alongside Assad`s forces. Tehran would have to be on board for any ceasefire to work, and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu made a surprise visit to Tehran on Sunday, saying he was delivering a "special message" from Putin to President Hassan Rouhani. The rise of IS, which has seized large parts of Syria and neighbouring Iraq and become the preeminent global jihadist group, has focused attention on the need for a solution. The group has used its ultra-radical view of Islam to justify kidnapping minorities, including Assyrian Christians in northeast Syria. Stockholm: Lawyers for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said on Monday they had asked a Stockholm court to lift a pan-European warrant for his arrest over a 2010 rape allegation. His lawyers were basing their request on a February 5 non-binding legal opinion of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which said Assange's confinement amounted to an arbitrary detention by Sweden and Britain. "I think (the opinion of the UN working group) is an important fact and should be taken into account," Tomas Olsson, a lawyer for Assange, told AFP. "We want them to retry the decision and overrule it," he said. The 44-year-old Australian sought refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London in June 2012 after exhausting all his legal options in Britain against extradition to Sweden over his alleged sex crimes, which he has denied. Appeals to have the warrant dropped were also denied. Swedish authorities want to speak to Assange about the rape allegation dating back to 2010 and whose statute of limitations does not expire until 2020. Assange has lived at the embassy since 2012, in a small office room with a bed, computer, sun lamp, treadmill and access to a small balcony decorated with Ecuador's flag. Assange fears that if he were sent to Sweden, he could be extradited to the United States to be tried over the publication of hundreds of thousands of classified documents. WikiLeaks filed a complaint against Sweden and Britain to the UN working group in September 2014, claiming his confinement in the embassy was unlawful. Both Britain and Sweden have angrily disputed the group's findings. Founded by Assange in 2006, WikiLeaks has infuriated the United States by releasing some 500,000 secret military files on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and 250,000 diplomatic cables. BRUSSELS - European Union antitrust regulators have halted their scrutiny of U.S. oilfield services provider Halliburton Co's proposed takeover of Baker Hughes because the companies failed to provide some details of the $35 billion deal. The European Commission took the decision last Thursday, according to a filing on its website. "This is a standard procedure on merger investigations which is activated if the notifying parties do not provide an important piece of information that the Commission has requested from them," Commission spokesman Ricardo Cardoso said in an email. The EU competition authority will set a new deadline for its decision when it has the required information from the companies. The previous deadline was June 23. Halliburton is prepared to sell businesses with combined 2013 revenue of $5.2 billion to appease regulators worried about higher prices and less innovation following the merger. It has yet to make a formal offer to the Commission. U.S. antitrust regulators are also examining the bid which has received the green light in Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Kazakhstan, South Africa and Turkey. The deal comes amid falling oil prices and reduced drilling activity as oil producers mothball rigs and scale back spending. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Mark Potter) By Barani Krishnan NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices fell 4 percent on Friday, with Brent down a third straight week, as record high U.S. crude stockpiles intensified worries that a plan to freeze world output will do little or nothing to reduce massive oil supplies already in the market. A slide in the U.S. equity markets, which have for weeks been trading in tandem with oil, also weighed on crude, traders said. [.N] Brent crude settled $1.27, or 3.7 percent, lower at $33.01 a barrel. U.S. crude lost $1.13, also finishing 3.7 percent lower at $29.64. Even data from industry firm Baker Hughes showing the U.S. oil rig count at its lowest since December 2009 after nine straight weeks of declines failed to lift crude prices. [RIG/U] Brent finished the week down 1 percent while U.S. crude ended flat after a particularly volatile week for oil, where prices fell and rose as much as 5 percent in a day. Oil has shed 70 percent from highs above $100 a barrel in a selloff that has seen little pause over the past 20 months. Since last Friday though, some traders believed the market had seen a bottom on talk that OPEC was on a plan to reign in production. This week, Saudi Arabia, the lynchpin of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, along with Qatar and Venezuela, and non-OPEC member Russia, proposed to freeze output at January's highs. Iran, the main stumbling block to any production control due to its zeal to recapture market share lost to sanctions, welcomed the plan without commitment. Iraq was also non-committal. U.S. government data on Thursday meanwhile showed crude inventories rose 2.1 million barrels to a new peak of 504.1 million last week, overshadowing the output freeze proposed by the producers.[EIA/S] "There's a stark contrast between a freeze and a cut and the continued U.S. inventory builds will show the ineffectiveness of any production caps," said Pete Donovan, crude broker at New York's Liquidity Energy. Analysts are generally of the view that U.S. stockpiles will rise amid seasonal spring refinery maintenance works. Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al-Naimi will deliver a keynote on Tuesday at the annual IHS CERAWeek conference in Houston, his first public appearance in the U.S. since the kingdom OPEC's shock decision in November 2014 to keep heavily pumping oil even though mounting oversupply was already sending prices into free-fall. On the positive side, U.S. shale producers, for the first time in months, were placing new hedges to lock in 2017 prices at around $45 a barrel, prompting price recovery at the back end of the U.S. crude futures curve. Bank of America Merrill Lynch said in a note that if the output freeze worked and gasoline fuel prices remained affordable, oil should rise to $47 a barrel by June. (Additional reporting by Ahmad Ghaddar in London; Editing by Marguerita Choy) British actress Emma Thompson waded into the debate about British membership in the European Union, saying at the Berlin International Film Festival that she intended to vote to stay in the EU in the referendum Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to hold. "I feel European, even though I live in Great Britain, and in Scotland as well, you know. So of course I'm going to vote to stay in Europe, are you kidding?," Thompson said at a news conference on Monday. "Oh my God, of course. It would be madness not to, that's a crazy idea not to. We should be taking down borders, not putting them up." Thompson was attending the festival as part of the cast of the film "Genius", based on the life of the fabled American book editor Max Perkins. By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau on Tuesday effectively conceded the government could not balance the budget as quickly as promised, saying the return to surplus would be achieved over the long term. The Liberals won power last October on a pledge to run three consecutive budget deficits of no more than C$10 billion ($7.2 billion) a year to help fund spending on infrastructure before balancing the books in 2019/20. Morneau - who says weak commodity prices mean the economic outlook is worse than projected - told reporters the government aimed "to maintain a goal of getting to a balanced budget over the long term. We recognize that's challenging." Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last week said it would be hard to balance the books on time and confirmed that the first deficit would be more than C$10 billion. Morneau said the tough economic times meant it was doubly important to stick to the plan to invest in infrastructure. The opposition Conservatives said Morneau's spending would cause a damaging structural deficit. "He's giving himself permission to fail ... who knows what's going to happen at the end of four years?" Conservative finance critic Lisa Raitt told reporters. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Sandra Maler) Canadian-made weapons may have fallen into the hands of Houthi fighters in Yemens civil war, raising new concerns about Canadas arms exports to Saudi Arabia. The rifles were most likely seized from Saudi forces, and it appears to have happened more than once, according to Armament Research Services, an international intelligence consultancy that traces arms. The weapons first appeared in photos and video featured on a Houthi-linked TV channel and social media, showcased as modern weapons captured in battle with Saudi border guards. It seemed a coup for a group thats been under a UN arms embargo for the past year. Experts at ARES investigated the photos and concluded they almost certainly show an LRT-3 sniper rifle made by Winnipeg-based PGW Defence Technologies. Several other Canadian and international experts consulted by CBC News agree. Theyre so distinctive visually that there arent many rifles that look like them, ARES director Nic Jenzen-Jones said of the LRT-3, a .50 calibre sniper rifle with a potential range of nearly two kilometres. Asked by the CBC to comment, the manufacturer declined to confirm that, saying only that all its exports follow Canadian export rules. Another photo and a brief video also show the suspected LRT-3 next to what is believed to be a PGW Timberwolf sniper rifle, among other weapons, lying at the feet of three Houthi fighters with fists in the air. There are a couple of paths the weapon could have followed, but for us the most likely is that it was captured, from Saudi land forces, says Jenzen-Jones. The weapons in question were most likely exported legally to Saudi Arabia. One of a few indications: on a media tour last year, Saudi soldiers were photographed on Yemens border carrying a rifle that weapons experts believe is a PGW Timberwolf. The apparent presence of such rifles in Yemens battlefields, and how they got there, raises difficult questions for the Canadian government. For one, the weapons may be pressed into service in a civil war that has killed some 3,000 civilians, destroyed infrastructure, displaced 2.5 million people and left an already acutely poor nation on the verge of widespread famine. Story continues To have evidence of even one or two [weapons] is an indicator. Its like an iceberg: theres a visible part but theres far more below the surface, said Kenneth Epps, a policy advisor at Project Ploughshares, an anti-conflict organization which tracks weapons sales and exports. Canadians should be worried about [it], Epps says. Even if its just one case, it suggests that there possibly could be many more. According to a CBC News analysis, over the past decade Canada has shipped more than $28 million worth of Canadian-made guns and rifles to Saudi Arabia this countrys second largest weapons customer after the U.S. Company wont confirm what products they sell to Saudis PGW Defence Technologies lists the Royal Saudi Land Forces as a client on its website but would not confirm precisely what products they buy. Manuals on the site are available in English and Arabic. Company owner Ross Spagrud declined an interview, saying only, All our exports are undertaken via the authority of export permits which are issued by the Government of Canada. The PGW story - The PGW sniper rifle is manufactured in a nondescript strip mall in Winnipeg. Along with the Royal Saudi Land Force, the company lists UAE Armed Forces, the U.S. Marines and the Canadian Armed Forces among its clients. - PGW signed a $4.5-million dollar contract with Canadas Department of Defence for sniper rifles, training, ammunition, spare parts and maintenance support in 2005. From 2007 to 2014, DND paid PGW nearly $1 million, according to contract data compiled by SRCs investigative journalism program Enquete. - A 2003 business name change hinted at the direction the company was taking. Prairie Gun Works, established in 1992, became PGW Defence Technology Inc .and soon after that came the major military sale of rifles to arm Canadian snipers. According to federal government guidelines, Ottawa closely controls weapons exports to countries that pose a threat to Canada, are involved in hostilities, are under UN sanctions or have governments that violate the human rights of their citizens, unless it can be shown the weapons wont be used against civilians. Human rights groups believe sales to Saudi should be banned because of a questionable human rights record, and due to its increasing willingness to flex its military muscle in the region. Saudi is playing a significant role in Yemens war, leading a coalition to back its internationally recognized president. The Iran-backed Houthi fighters are allied with former president Ali Abdullah Saleh. The Saudi-led airstrikes against the Houthi in Yemen, bolstered by U.S. and U.K. armament, have been called into question by a UN report and several human rights organizations. They accuse Saudi of indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas and infrastructure, in violation of international law. Amnesty International says while both sides have likely committed war crimes, half of the civilian casualties were by the Saudi-led coalition strikes. Saudi Arabia is also losing track of weapons which it drops to its allies on the ground, only to have them captured by Houthi fighters. The risks in a battlefield that could also see those weapons fall into the hands of al-Qaeda or the black market should concern to Canadians, says Amnesty. What that tells us is Canadian arms, like potentially other arms, because proper controls arent being put on them, because proper risk assessments arent happening by certain players in the chain, these are potentially being used to commit really significant violations and really lead to real human suffering, says James Lynch, Amnestys Middle East and North Africa deputy director. It is why he says Canada and other countries accustomed to exporting weapons to Saudi should suspend such sales until the risks have subsided. For many Western governments, selling weapons to the Gulf states was very convenient because they would place large orders but [the weapons] actually wouldnt be used in conflict or repression. "That picture has changed. The Canadian government says it has no information on Canadian weapons being used in Yemen. Export permits are only approved if they are consistent with Canadas foreign and defence policies including human rights, Alex Lawrence, press secretary for the International Trade Minister, wrote in an email. A receiving government, she added, must confirm it accepts responsibility to ensure that the items will not be diverted to uses other than those stated in the application. Epps, of Project Ploughshares, says thats not enough. I think there is an obligation on the part of the Canadian government, once they authorize arms transfers, to make sure that they dont get diverted into the wrong hands. Diana Khaddaj, a spokeswoman for Global Affairs Canada, later said that if Ottawa becomes aware of exports being used by someone other than the authorized end-user, we do work with exporters to ensure that appropriate measures are immediately taken to prevent a recurrence. Global Affairs Canada issued a statement Monday saying Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion would not be available for an interview on the subject. Attempts to reach the Saudi Ministry of Defence, or to get comment from Saudi officials at the embassy in Ottawa or Washington were unsuccessful. Combat camera The photos initially appeared on Twitter and in a local Houthi-linked newspaper that suggested the weapons were captured in a border battle on or around June 11, 2015. What appear to be portions of the operation have been captured by a Houthi combat camera that provides footage to their TV channel, al-Maseera. Hussain Al-Bukhaiti, a Houthi-linked local journalist who received the photos from a source and tweeted them shortly after the battle, said it occurred in the hills south of the Jizan region in Saudi Arabia. Al-Bukhaiti identified the man holding the LRT-3 in one of the photos as a Houthi fighter who operates in the region. Most of the effective weapons against the Saudi is the sniper rifle, more than any weapon that the Houthi used, he said in an interview from Sana'a. If you want to go inside the border, then the most effective weapons are the light weapons. Such modern weapons, he says, normally we dont have it in Yemen; we might have a similar type of Russian-made snipers or like those, like AK-47, but of course those, they are not as effective as Western weapons. By Paul Sandle BARCELONA (Reuters) - China's Huawei [HWT.UL] said it backed Apple's chief executive Tim Cook in his stand-off with the United States government over breaking into an iPhone, but stopped short of saying explicitly it would adopt the same stance. "It is very important, we agree with that," Richard Yu, chief executive of Huawei's consumer business group, told reporters in Barcelona gathered for the Mobile World Congress. "Privacy protection is very important for Huawei, we put a lot of investment into privacy, and security protection is key, it is very important for the consumer." Apple is resisting U.S. government demands that it unlock an iPhone used by Rizwan Farook, who along with his wife, Tashfeen Malik, shot and killed 14 people and wounded 22 others at a holiday party in San Bernardino in December. "Tim Cook spoke up for that (privacy) ... for us it is really very important," Yu said. "I think it's good letting the government understand why we cannot do some things. There are some things we can do, but there are some things we cannot do." Asked directly if Huawei would take the same approach in similar circumstances, Yu said Huawei would "insist on the important things for consumers". "Some things the government requires from vendors we cannot do," he said, citing an example of unlocking an encrypted Android device. "These are important things for the consumer, for privacy protection." Yu was speaking after Huawei unveiled its Huawei Matebook, a two-in-one tablet and detachable keyboard aimed at the business market, and pitting the company against rivals Apple, Samsung and Lenovo. The new product featured an Intel Core m-series processor and runs Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system, he said. Huawei, the leader in the Chinese market and third ranking worldwide according to Gartner, uses Google's Android operating system on the more than 100 million phones it shipped last year. Yu said the company was confident growth would continue. In January, traditionally a quiet month for sales of electronic goods, the company shipped more than 12 million devices, he said. (Reporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Andrew Bolton) Climate change: Majority of Canadians don't believe it's caused by humans EDITOR'S NOTE: CBC has made changes to this story following clarification by the researchers. An earlier version said that a majority of Canadians surveyed didn't believe that climate change was caused by humans. In fact, the study found that 61 per cent of respondents believed the earth is getting warmer partly or mostly because of human activities. A study co-authored by University of Montreal researchers suggests that while 79 per cent of Canadians do not doubt the reality of climate change, 39 per cent don't believe it is caused by human activity. The researchers, also from four other universities, including Yale, surveyed a total of more than 5,000 Canadians over the last five years. "We asked participants if they believed the Earth was getting warmer partly or mostly due to human activities as an indication of climate change," said lead researcher Matto Mildenberger. "This is a complex issue," said Erick Lachapelle, the co-author of the study, which is being submitted to a scientific journal for publication and has not yet been peer reviewed. "It's kind of normal that people would have more nuanced opinions." The study did not ask what people felt was causing climate change, if they did not believe it was caused by humans. Researchers did not note whether the proportion of Canadians who thought climate change was caused by humans had changed over the five years of the study. The results - 44% of Canadians surveyed believe Earth is getting warmer mostly because of human activities. - 61% believe Earth is getting warmer partly or mostly because of human activities. - 66% support a cap and trade system. - 49% believe taxes should be increased on carbon-based fuels. Deep divides in belief Survey respondents seemed to be deeply divided on what is causing climate change, the study suggests. For example, only 33 per cent of people living in the Fort-McMurrayCold-Lake riding in Alberta believe climate change is partly or mostly caused by humans. Story continues That compares to 78 per cent in the Quebec riding of Laurier-Sainte-Marie, where the rate is the highest in the country. The results found opinions vary depending on whether the study subjects were living in a city or a small town. Lachapelle points to the differences in Edmonton and Calgary, compared to smaller Alberta communities. "Urban dwellers are more progressive in general," he said. "They are younger, better educated, and have better access to solutions like active transport or public transit, than people in small towns." The survey asked four questions: - From what you've read and heard, is there solid evidence that the average temperature on Earth has been getting warmer over the past four decades? - Is the Earth getting warmer mostly because of human activity such as burning fossil fuels or mostly because of natural patterns in the Earth's environment? - Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose [a cap and trade] type of system for your province? - Another way to lower greenhouse gas emissions is to increase taxes on carbon based fuels such as coal, oil, gasoline and natural gas. Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose this type of system? Methodology behind study For the study, four telephone surveys over five years were conducted by firms Leger Marketing (2011, 2013 and 2014) and Elemental Data Collection (2015). For each survey, there were between 1,014 and 1,502 respondents. The answers to four questions in the study were compiled and integrated into a statistical model that took into account the socio-demographic and geographical characteristics of the interview subjects. The answers were then divided geographically by federal riding. The study has a margin of error of six percentage points for provincial findings and seven percentage points for local findings, 19 times out of 20. Clarification : An earlier version of this article said that a majority of Canadians surveyed didn't believe that climate change was caused by humans. In fact, the study found that 44 per cent of respondents believed the earth is getting warmer because of human activities. The study found that 61 per cent felt it was partly or mostly caused by human activities.(Feb 22, 2016 1:08 PM) Rumble This video shows the incredible behaviour of a caring mother elephant on high alert, quickly stopping her adorable baby which was curiously straying away from her towards a vehicle full of safari tourists. Going on safari in the Kruger National Park is a life changing experience. Driving around multiple tarred roads, slowly scanning a massive area of wilderness is all part of the thrill. You never know what will be around the next corner or what animal will suddenly appear from the bush onto the road. Its an exciting experience and one of the must-see animals for most tourists are elephants. Not only are they the largest land mammals on our planet and fairly intimidating, elephants are also one of the most intelligent and emotionally intelligent animals that roam this planet. Seeing these giants in the wild is always a sight to remember. The video shows an incredible moment filmed in the Kruger National Park when a safari vehicle full of tourists found a large elephant cow and her adorable calf next to the road. The safari vehicle stopped and it looked like the mother elephant and her baby wanted to cross the road. The baby elephant was the cutest thing alive in the wild right at that moment. While the elephant cow remained focussed on crossing the road, her baby took notice of the safari vehicle and curiously started straying away from its mother towards the vehicle. The caring mother elephant immediately went into high alert and quickly took her trunk and stopped her baby from going any closer to the safari vehicle. The mother elephant gently used her trunk to guide her baby back and into the right direction. It was incredible to see how quickly the elephant cow became protective over her baby. The elephant calf listened to its mother and in a well-behaved manner, walking on the opposite side of its mother, continued to focus and follow its mother as it should. This is crucial for the survival of the calf in the wild. The gestation period of an elephant is twenty-two months, so it is very understandable that an elephant calf is seen as a huge investment and there will always be a mother around, ready to protect her calf from any potential danger. Even though the tourists were not a direct threat, the mother elephant knows all to well that there are humans that still pose a danger for them in the wild. The mother of such a small calf is definitely not something to mess with at all and its best never to get too close to a mother and her calf. By Paul Taylor BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Forget Brexit. The real obstacle to deeper European integration is not the awkward British, whether they choose to stay in the European Union with a "special status" or leave. It is a long-running Franco-German impasse on how to make the euro zone stronger and more sustainable, reconciling two radically different economic and political cultures. Now that David Cameron has won a deal to enshrine formally Britain's semi-detached status in the 28-nation bloc - if his skeptical voters don't detach it completely - the onus will return to Europe's founding nations to work out a way forward. European federalists such as Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel are fretting that the terms granted to Britain's embattled leader may whet others' appetite for opting out of EU policies and ultimately lead to a disintegration of the union. "We must not give the impression that Europe is a self-service," French President Francois Hollande said. "There can be differences but there cannot be a Europe where each country picks out what it wants." The risk of a wider unraveling was highlighted by Austria's unilateral decision last week to impose migrant quotas at its borders, and the refusal of four central European states to take any share of the million migrants who entered the EU last year. But it is the breakdown of Franco-German leadership in the euro zone - the economic core of the 60-year-old European project - that worries the architects of European integration. Paris and Berlin have long slept in the same bed with very different dreams. In the heat of the euro zone debt crisis in 2010-12, they found just enough common ground: The euro zone tightened fiscal rules and created its own rescue fund, a partial banking union with a common supervisor and a mechanism for winding up failed banks with an embryonic common resolution fund. But since the European Central Bank averted a meltdown of the 19-nation currency zone by pledging in 2012 to do "whatever it takes" to preserve the euro, reforms to reinforce economic governance and mutualism risk have stalled. FRUSTRATED AND CHEATED A 2012 blueprint entitled "Towards a Genuine Economic and Monetary Union" signed by the four presidents of the European Commission, the European Council, the ECB and euro zone finance ministers, led to the first steps in banking union but got stuck after that. The French refused to contemplate the principle of making binding contracts with Brussels to reform their rigid labor market or generous welfare system - issues that could trigger strikes and topple governments. The Germans and their allies balked at providing financial incentives for countries to sign up to such reforms. Berlin brushed aside ideas for a central euro zone budget, common bank deposit insurance or any joint debt issuance. A second report last year outlining a more modest three-stage plan for euro zone reform, adding the signature of the president of the European Parliament, got no more traction. Both main European powers are frustrated and feel cheated. The Germans think fiscal discipline is still not being properly enforced, notably on the French, while the French feel Berlin is still failing to show solidarity with weaker southern economies. And both have other pressing domestic concerns - a massive influx of refugees to Germany, in which Berlin feels abandoned by most EU partners, and a deadly security challenge from Islamist militants in France. The moment of truth has been postponed, at least until after national elections in France and Germany in 2017. Fear of splitting the left and losing another referendum on Europe after the 2005 defeat of the EU constitutional treaty has driven Hollande's timid European policy, insiders say. Whether a center-right successor - or a second-term Hollande if the Socialist were re-elected against the odds - would be open to sharing more sovereignty remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the challenge of integrating a million refugees - a project on the scale of reunification with ex-Communist eastern Germany in the 1990s - is likely to cramp the political attention span of Chancellor Angela Merkel or her successor. IMBALANCE A growing power imbalance between an economically successful Germany and a stagnant, reform-shy France has compounded underlying differences of national tradition. Germans dream of a rules-based Europe in which governments transfer sovereignty over national budget balances to a central authority with the power to fine or expel them, and economic reform commitments are made enforceable by EU courts. In such a union, Berlin might be willing to accept a limited common euro zone budget and common bank deposit insurance but probably never common debt issuance. A "transfer union" - redistributing wealth from industrious northerners to easy-going southerners - remains many Germans' nightmare. They see it as an open door to "moral hazard", a permanent reward for bad behavior. Many in France still dream of a smaller core euro zone with harmonized taxes at or close to their own high levels, a common minimum wage and unemployment insurance, and a sizeable common budget backed by joint public borrowing. But with rare exceptions, the French remain allergic to outside control or supervision of their public finances or economic policies. These divisions will not be dissolved magically whether Britain stays in or leaves the EU, although the shock of a British vote to depart would create political pressure for a bold euro zone initiative. To be sure, Britain has now given a formal commitment not to obstruct further euro zone integration in return for concessions on migrant workers, exemption from EU political integration and safeguards for the City of London financial sector. But euro zone countries would first have to agree on how to deepen their monetary union. The efforts of a pioneer group of 11 euro zone states without Britain to introduce a financial transaction tax, the subject of inconclusive wrangling among finance ministers since 2012, shows just how hard that is likely to prove. (Writing by Paul Taylor; editing by Philippa Fletcher) A former Miss America contestant has died a week after her car spun off a highway and crashed into trees. Cara McCollum died at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, according to her family. In a post on Facebook, they said the 24-year-old from Margate died with her family by her side in an operating room and that her organs were donated. The post said: "We've prayed constantly for a miracle, and we believe God has answered our prayers. "Although it's not the miracle that we first envisioned, it's a miracle nonetheless. "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years ... we all will miss now that she's gone." Ms McCollum's family posted a video of her performing a version of Cups by Anna Kendrick from the film Pitch Perfect. The song, which includes the lyrics "you're gonna miss me when I'm gone", was performed by Miss New York Kira Kazantsev when she won the Miss America pageant in September 2014. Ms McCollum competed in the previous year's contest after winning the 2013 Miss New Jersey title. A native of Arkansas, she graduated from Princeton University and was an anchor on SNJ Today, covering the southern New Jersey area. Her boyfriend, Philadelphia NBC affiliate TV anchor Keith Jones, wrote on Facebook: "Please accept our sincerest thanks for your heartfelt prayers. "Words fall short of describing the pain, but I'm eternally grateful and blessed for the time I spent with Cara. "Her enormous heart enriched my life and changed me forever." Ms McCollum was alone in her Mustang and was not wearing a seatbelt when she veered off Route 55 in Pittsgrove Township and struck a tree. The impact caused the vehicle to spin again and collider with two more trees, before ending up in an embankment, police said. State police said she appeared to have been driving too fast in wet conditions. By Alastair Macdonald BRUSSELS (Reuters) - These are key sections of the deal struck by European Union leaders with David Cameron, on which the prime minister announced he will campaign to maintain British membership of the bloc in a referendum on June 23. INTERNATIONAL TREATY "The Heads of State or Government of the 28 Member States ... whose Governments are signatories of the Treaties on which the Union is founded, desiring to settle, in conformity with the Treaties, certain issues raised by the United Kingdom ... Have agreed on the following Decision:..." This preamble to the four parts of the agreement sets out that it is a binding international treaty among the 28 states, not requiring ratification by referendums and not needing immediate amendments to EU treaties -- something that would also in some states require lengthy and uncertain plebiscites. It also asserts the power of the states that signed the EU treaties to lay down interpretations for constitutional courts to follow. "ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE" First section of the deal reaffirms that Britain does not have to adopt the euro but also reasserts that all but one other EU state (Denmark) does have to. It also says the euro zone requires "further deepening" and that Britain will "facilitate" that, while having its own rights respected by the euro zone. After hard bargaining with France, the text sets out how to maintain a "level playing field" in regulation between those institutions and markets in the euro zone and those in London. "Supervision or resolution of financial institutions and markets ... in view of preserving the financial stability of (non-euro states)... is ... a matter for their own authorities and own budgetary responsibility ... "This is without prejudice to the development of the single rulebook and to Union mechanisms of macro-prudential oversight for the prevention and mitigation of systemic financial risks in the Union and to the existing powers of the Union to take action that is necessary to respond to threats to financial stability." These passages try to balance British and euro zone regulators. British officials believe they ensure London's leeway despite French efforts to limit how far Britain can give its banks a competitive advantage through lighter regulation. Britain has no need to contribute to euro zone bailouts. Britain alone is entitled to hold up euro zone measures it fears could hurt it by raising the matter at the level of national leaders. But it has no power of veto or filibuster. "The substance of this Section will be incorporated into the Treaties at the time of their next revision." This is one of two parts of the deal where governments have agreed they will amend the EU treaties as part of a broader reworking in years to come. "COMPETITIVENESS" The least controversial element of the deal commits the EU to foster market competitiveness and cut red tape for business. "SOVEREIGNTY" "The United Kingdom ... is not committed to further political integration into the European Union. The substance of this will be incorporated into the Treaties at the time of their next revision ... so as to make it clear that the references to ever closer union do not apply to the United Kingdom." In fact, most EU states do not see themselves bound to deeper political integration by the phrase "ever closer union" in the founding treaty. But it has become a political issue in Britain so this clarification is offered, hedged about with other wording to appease Belgium. It also argues that "ever closer union" is legally binding and, unlike Britain, wants it. Britain won a new right for national parliaments, working in concert, to block EU legislative proposals they argue mean an unnecessary centralization of lawmaking on an issue. The text also restates that national governments control their security. MIGRATION The text reasserts rights to deny welfare benefits to non-working foreign EU citizens, to deport European criminals and those seen as a threat and to outlaw marriages of convenience. "If overriding reasons of public interest make it necessary, free movement of workers may be restricted by measures proportionate to the legitimate aim pursued." Asserting it is an established piece of EU jurisprudence, the EU proposes a "safeguard mechanism" by which a state may deny a new worker arriving from another EU country "non-contributory in-work" benefits for up to the first four years of employment. The definitions of the kind of benefit essentially mean only Britain can ever use it -- a key factor to win agreement from the east Europeans. It also limits this emergency situation to seven years. In a separate text, the EU executive Commission said Britain already satisfied the conditions for asking to apply the mechanism. It will put the legislation to the European Parliament if Britain votes to stay in the EU. Parliamentary leaders back the measure. A second piece of promised legislation will let states cut the amount of benefit paid to foreign EU workers for children living in another EU country according to an index reflecting the cost of living and local child benefits in that country. They will be able to index benefits for new claimants right away but for existing claimants only from 2020, appeasing easterners. THIS PACKAGE WILL SELF-DESTRUCT IF ... "Should the result of the referendum in the United Kingdom be for it to leave the European Union, the set of arrangements referred to ... above will cease to exist." At the insistence of federalist states led by Belgium, the leaders underlined that Britain will not get another chance to renegotiate on the basis of the offer and the offer will not form a legal precedent for other states to seek a new deal. (Editing by Richard Balmforth) SRINAGAR (Reuters) - A three-day gunbattle in the disputed region of Kashmir ended on Monday when Indian security forces killed two more militants who stormed a government building, a senior police official said. The militants captured the five-storey training institute on Saturday, killing six people in the gunbattle that followed. "The encounter is over. All three militants have been killed," Deputy Inspector General of Police Ghulam Hassan Bhat said. One militant was killed on Sunday. Muslim separatists have been fighting Indian forces in the Indian portion of Kashmir since 1989. India accuses Pakistan of training and arming the rebels in the portion it controls and sending them to the Indian side, a claim its neighbour denies. "This is one of the longest encounters in Kashmir in recent memory," said an army officer, who asked not to be named. "This is because the building is very big and we have suffered casualties." The attack began on Saturday when militants shot at a bus carrying police before breaking into the training institute. More than 100 people were inside at the time. Three Indian army commandos, two policemen and a civilian died in the fighting.The latest attack bore similarities to other militant attacks in India where heavily armed, well-trained men have captured buildings and used them to fight security forces. A similar recent attack on an Indian air base that lasted for four days stalled efforts to revive bilateral talks between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan.India and Pakistan fought two of their three wars since independence in 1947 over Muslim-majority Kashmir, which they both claim in full but rule in part. The third was fought over the founding of Bangladesh. (Reporting by Fayaz Bukhari; Writing by Malini Menon; Editing by Douglas Busvine) By Jane Wardell and Peter Gosnell SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia said on Sunday a baby girl facing repatriation to an offshore immigration detention camp would go to an onshore facility instead, easing tension that peaked in a blockade outside a hospital where she is a patient. Doctors at the Lady Cilento Children's Hospital in Brisbane had refused to release the one-year-old girl after completion of her treatment for serious burns, adding to pressure on the government over its tough asylum seeker policy. The number of asylum seekers trying to reach Australia is small in comparison with those arriving in Europe, but border security is a hot-button political issue in Australia, which is scheduled to hold a national election later in the year. Federal Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said the infant, known only as Baby Asha, would shortly be released into community detention, which allows free movement, in Brisbane. However, Dutton stressed that the family could still be returned to a camp on the tiny South Pacific island of Nauru, about 3,000 km (1,800 miles) northeast of Australia, if they were not deemed to be genuine refugees. Asha was flown last month from the Nauru center, which houses more than 500 people, to Brisbane for hospital treatment. The facility has been widely criticized for harsh conditions and reports of systemic child abuse. "The advice I've received is that the doctors from the hospital have said they would be happy for the baby to go out into community detention," Dutton told reporters. "But at some point, if people have (asylum claim) matters finalised in Australia, then they will be returning to Nauru - that's exactly the same treatment that we've applied equally." The High Court this month rejected a legal test case that challenged Australia's right to deport 267 refugee children and their families who had been brought to Australia from Nauru for medical treatment. Hundreds of Australians held an overnight vigil at the hospital, blocking exits and stopping cars in a bid to halt Asha's removal. The protest drew wide attention and support in Australia, with the Twitter hashtag #BabyAsha trending worldwide. "Together we did it!" tweeted Kon Karapanagiotidis, chief executive of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, after Dutton's announcement. Australia maintains a policy of sending asylum seekers who attempt to reach the country by boat to camps on Nauru or on Manus island in Papua New Guinea. They are not offered resettlement in Australia. The government says the policies are necessary to stop the drowning of asylum seekers as people smugglers use unseaworthy vessels to ship them from Indonesia to Australia. (Reporting by Jane Wardell; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Italy's prime minister has made clear he is backing Hillary Clinton to be the next American president. Matteo Renzi was asked during a news conference whether he could work with the Republican contender, reality television star and brash billionaire Donald Trump. He replied that, as a citizen and leader of Italy's Democratic party "in all respect for the great American democracy, I'm rooting for Hillary Clinton". He also spoke of his admiration for Mrs Clinton's husband, former president Bill Clinton, and the current US president Barack Obama. However, he added that his country is a staunch ally of the US and his government would work with whoever wins the upcoming US presidential election. :: Why Hillary Clinton Could Become Unstoppable His words come after Mrs Clinton's weekend win in the Nevada caucuses, making a comeback after being beaten into second place by rival Bernie Sanders in New Hampshire. The next contest for the 68-year-old former Secretary of State is the South Carolina primary on 27 February, where she is favourite to win. The last survivor of the Treblinka concentration camp has died in Israel at the age of 93. Samuel Willenberg, whose two sisters were killed at the camp in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War Two, was one of a small group of survivors who fled in 1943 shortly before it was destroyed. Prisoners arriving at Treblinka were immediately gassed to death, apart from a handful of fit, young men who were assigned to maintenance work, including Mr Willenberg. After stealing weapons and setting the camp on fire, hundreds of them fled into nearby woods, though most were shot and killed by Nazi troops, or captured by Polish villagers. Some 67 of them managed to escape, including Mr Willenberg, aged 20 at the time, who was shot in the leg as he fled past the corpses of his fellow prisoners in the camp. :: Auschwitz Survivor Tells Of Death Selections He later described his escape and survival as "chance, sheer chance". His blue eyes and distinctly "non-Jewish" looks helped him remain unnoticed in the countryside before he arrived in Warsaw and joined the Polish underground. Mr Willenberg moved to Israel after the war where he worked as a surveyor. "I live two lives, one is here and now and the other is what happened there," he said. "It never leaves me. It stays in my head. It goes with me always." The death toll at Treblinka is said to have been 875,000, a figure second only to Auschwitz another Nazi prison camp in southern Poland. "The world cannot forget Treblinka," he said in 2010. Mr Willenberg is survived by a daughter and grandchildren. BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanese Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi resigned on Sunday, blaming political rivals Hezbollah for the country's political deadlock and protesting over the release on bail of a former minister sentenced for smuggling explosives from Syria. Lebanon's political crisis has left it without a president for 21 months with rival factions unable to agree on a candidate, and has paralyzed state institutions, preventing the government from taking even basic decisions. The release on bail of ex-information minister Michel Samaha last month after serving eight months of a 4 1/2 year jail sentence for smuggling explosives from neighboring Syria and planning attacks drew anger and condemnation from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's opponents in Lebanon. In a new sign of regional tension spilling over into Lebanon, Saudi Arabia on Thursday suspended a military aid package to the Lebanese security forces in what an official said was a response to Beirut's failure to condemn attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. Rifi said Hezbollah was to blame for the political paralysis, the Samaha case and the Saudi episode. "Continuing (to be part of) this government has become an agreement to this deviation, or at least is a failure to confront it," Rifi said in a statement. "So I present to you and to Prime Minister Tammam Salam my resignation," he said. The cabinet was to hold an emergency session on Monday, the National News Agency said. Rifi described the Samaha case as a "national crime which Hezbollah is responsible for," calling for the case to be referred to international courts. The case captivated a Lebanese public accustomed to seeing political violence go unpunished. It was another example of how turmoil in Syria is rippling through a country where Damascus has played a major role for decades and whose future will be shaped by the outcome of the civil war next door. Hezbollah is an ally of Assad and of Iran, and its fighters have provided crucial support for Damascus's efforts to turn battles in western Syria in its favor. Saudi Arabia backs insurgents fighting against Assad. (Reporting by John Davison and Laila Bassam; Editing by Richard Balmforth) LONDON (Reuters) - Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch congratulated a close ally of Prime Minister David Cameron on Saturday for wanting to campaign to leave the European Union in an upcoming referendum. Cameron hailed a landmark deal he said gave Britain "special status" in the European Union and pledged to campaign heart and soul to stay in the EU at a referendum expected in June. But he acknowledged that one of his closest political allies, Justice Secretary Michael Gove, would campaign to leave the EU, saying he was disappointed but not surprised. He suggested other Conservatives may also join the "out" camp. "Congratulations Michael Gove," Murdoch said on Twitter. "Friends always knew his principles would overcome his personal friendships." The message from the 84-year-old executive chairman of News Corp and 21st Century Fox Inc raises the possibility that some of the media tycoon's British newspapers could campaign for an EU exit. Previous editors of Murdoch's Sun tabloid, the country's biggest selling newspaper, have said they sometimes reflected Murdoch's opinions in the paper on major issues such as which political party to back at elections. Murdoch had previously used the social media network to call Cameron's renegotiation with the EU a "non-deal", adding "Now he's rumored to be begging cabinet colleagues to put aside beliefs." Murdochs News Corp newspapers include the Wall Street Journal, the New York Post and the Sun and the Times in Britain. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Kate Holton) BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union member states threw their weight behind a joint EU-Turkey plan to limit the flow of refugees to Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said early on Friday after several hours of talks with EU leaders. "The important statement for me today is that we have not only reaffirmed the EU-Turkey action plan, but we have said it is our priority," she told reporters of the plan to protect the EU's external borders, stem the migrant influx and combat illegal migration. Merkel noted that Austria backed the EU-Turkey plan, despite its unilateral decision to introduce daily caps on migrants. "In Europe we are all always partners," she said. (Writing by Paul Carrel; Editing by Paul Taylor) By Babak Dehghanpisheh BEIRUT (Reuters) - Iran's Assembly of Experts, made up mostly of elderly clerics, has not mattered much for years. The body's main task is choosing Iran's supreme leader, but that job has not come vacant since 1989. This time its different. Given the ailing health of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 76, the Assembly to be elected on Feb 26 for an eight-year term is likely to pick his successor, charting the course of the country for many years to come. The Supreme Leader is the highest military and judicial authority in the country and has broad powers overseeing other branches of government. Even the president, who is directly elected, has less authority. Khamenei, hardline successor to the Islamic Republic's founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, has ensured for decades that Tehran remains hostile to the United States abroad, and slow to embrace cultural reforms at home. Elections for parliament are scheduled for the same day, but it is the outcome of the Assembly election that is likely to have a much greater long-term impact. In terms of numbers, hardliners are almost certain to have the upper hand. The Guardian Council, a hardliner-dominated government body which reviews the eligibility of candidates, has already disqualified 475 candidates, many thought to be moderates, leaving just 161 people vying for 88 places. Among those disqualified was Khomeini's grandson Hassan Khomeini, a charismatic reformer blessed with his grandfather's potent name. The Council questioned his religious qualifications. But the list of those permitted to stand includes other prominent moderates, first and foremost President Hassan Rouhani himself, who is riding a wave of domestic popularity after helping seal a nuclear deal with world powers last year. He is joined by one of his most influential predecessors, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who already holds an Assembly seat and will be campaigning to keep it. Earlier this week, Rouhani released the names of 16 candidates, including Rafsanjani, in a bloc calling themselves the Friends of Moderation. Their campaign slogan: Moderation is Islam. Within the assembly, a conservative majority bloc is likely to be led by hardline clerics like Mohammad Taghi Mesbah-Yazdi, Ahmad Jannati and Mohammad Yazdi. Nevertheless, the moderate minority could still play an important role in choosing the next Supreme Leader. When Khamenei was chosen in 1989 after Khomeini's death, the decision was taken only after elaborate backroom dealing that went far beyond a simple tally of votes in the Assembly. There was discussion of putting together a leadership council, before a handful of top clerics in the Assembly, including Rafsanjani, pushed for the nomination of Khamenei. Khamenei did not have the appropriate religious rank to hold the position at the time, so the constitution was amended to allow him to take his post. Similar dealing may take place in order to choose Khameneis successor. Shi'ite clerics are really masters of the art of the deal, said Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, a US-based organization which has criticized the widespread disqualification of candidates. So while it is important how big your faction is in the Assembly of Experts it does depend on who the charismatic dealmaker is at that time. In December, Rafsanjani broke a taboo by noting that a group had been formed within the Assembly to review possible candidates who could replace Khamenei. COMPLAINTS OVER DISQUALIFICATIONS Moderate politicians and others have complained about the disqualifications by the Guardian Council, arguing that they skew the electoral field in favor of hardliners. Rafsanjani publicly criticized the disqualification of Hassan Khomeini. And 296 university professors from around the country signed a letter of protest to Rouhani over widespread disqualifications for both the parliament and Assembly election. Hardliners say the complaints are unfounded and stem from a realization among moderates that they will not win a majority of seats in the Assembly. The reformists are more focused on eliminating Mesbah-Yazdi, Jannati and Yazdi from the election than gaining a majority, Amir Mohebian, a conservative Tehran-based political strategist and analyst who has advised top Iranian politicians, wrote in an e-mail, referring to the top conservative candidates. Still, there is an acknowledgement of the high stakes. The hardliners are very anxious about succession and the future direction of the country, said Sanam Vakil, an associate fellow at Chatham House who focuses on Iranian affairs. The hardline objective is to prevent any social or political liberalization within the state. Behind the Assembly's decision there will be other groups looking to influence the choice, none more so than the Revolutionary Guard, who have gained military, political and economic power under Khamenei and will want to ensure that is not threatened by his successor. There are powers that are bigger and more important that are outside the Assembly, said Saeed Leylaz, a Tehran-based political analyst who worked as an advisor to former president Mohammad Khatami, referring to the Revolutionary Guard. These powers will have a bigger say in who becomes the next Supreme Leader than the Assembly itself. What remains to be seen is whether the moderates can negotiate with a hardline majority within the Assembly, or whether the conservatives can consolidate their support for a candidate. There will either be a majority leaning toward one person or a very strong dealmaker who can even sway his opponents, said Ghaemi. (Reporting by Babak Dehghanpisheh; editing by Peter Graff) CBC The City of Charlottetown is still in the midst of heavy cleanup operations after post-tropical storm Fiona swept away hundreds of trees, but is already making plans to keep at least some of them out of the landfill. "It's slow going. There's lots of debris, lots of downed trees that we've been cleaning up, there's a lot of roadside trees, residents have been cleaning up their private yards," said city public works manager Scott Adams. "We are still trucking away every day more and more tree deb By Abdoulaye Massalaki NIAMEY (Reuters) - Voting in Niger's presidential and legislative elections stretched into a second day on Monday in areas where logistical problems prevented polling the previous day, delaying the preliminary election results. President Mahamadou Issoufou, who has vowed to crush Islamist militants and reduce the country's deep poverty, is running against 14 other candidates, including Seyni Oumaru, leader of an opposition coalition. Critics say Issoufou is repressive and arrested opposition supporters in the run-up to the vote. The government says such criticism is politically motivated. [nL8N15W5ER] Polls will be open in four of the eight regions in the landlocked Saharan country: the northeastern Tahoua region, and Zinder, Diffa and Tillaberi, in the east, southeast and west respectively, observers said. "The vote restarted on Monday in areas where the polling stations didn't work yesterday," said Kadi Moustapha, a spokesman for the West African Network for Edification and Peace observer group. Diffa is under a state of emergency after Islamist militant group Boko Haram, based in neighbouring Nigeria, staged a series of attacks there in recent months. [nL8N13X424] Niger produces uranium and oil but is desperately poor and has one of the world's highest fertility rates. (Writing by Makini Brice and Matthew Mpoke Bigg; editing by Katharine Houreld) JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South African retailer Truworths has pulled out of its Nigerian business citing import restrictions, its chief executive said on Thursday, a sign President Muhammadu Buhari's attempts to boost local industry are hurting foreign investment. As well as being unable to fill its shelves, the clothing retailer said it was struggling to pay its rent and get access to foreign exchange which has dried up due to a collapse in oil prices. Nigeria is Africa's biggest crude exporter. "We were unable to operate the stores properly any longer because we were unable to send merchandise to the stores because there's regulation preventing that," Michael Mark told Reuters in telephone interview. In an attempt to boost local manufacturing and prop up the ailing naira, Buhari has effectively banned the import of almost 700 goods, ranging from rice to toothpicks, bread and soap. Even non-banned items are difficult to import due to dollar shortages. Buhari won an election a year ago on promises to end a brutal Islamist insurgency in the northeast and wean Africa's biggest economy off oil. However, Boko Haram militants continue to launch regular attacks and economists have questioned the logic of Buhari's shock therapy reform tactics, particularly because of the knock-on effects of the slump in oil prices. (Reporting by Tiisetso Motsoeneng; Writing by Joe Brock; Editing by Ed Cropley) The one-year-old child of Nepalese asylum seekers will not be given a "ticket into Australian society" after she was brought to the country for medical treatment, the immigration minister has said. Baby Asha had been held with her parents on the island of Nauru, about 1,800 miles northeast of Australia, before she was taken to a Brisbane hospital last month. The hospital looking after Asha refused to discharge her until a "suitable home environment is identified" after Australia's High Court rejected a test case that challenged the deportation of 267 refugee children and their families who had been brought from Nauru for treatment. She was then moved to community detention on the Australian mainland while their application for asylum was assessed. This allows them to move freely but they must stay at a designated address every night. But speaking to Australia's Nine Network, Australia's immigration minister Peter Dutton warned the government still intends to send the family back to Nauru, which has been criticised for housing hundreds of people in harsh conditions, after a court has heard their case. "I've been very clear, the government's been very clear from day one, that we have a responsibility not only to this baby, but to the babies who drowned at sea before and also potentially to babies that will drown again if the people smugglers got back into business. "We are not going to allow the message to get out that people can come to Nauru, come to Australia for medical assistance, and that will be their ticket out into Australian society - that is not going to happen." Australia's policy on asylum seekers means that everyone who arrives by boat is detained and processed in Nauru and Papua New Guinea and, even if they are granted asylum, they are resettled in either of these two countries or in Cambodia. The policy has been widely criticised but the Australian government says it deters people smugglers and, therefore, saves lives: at least 1,200 people died trying to reach Australia by boat between 2008 and 2013. Offers from Australia's church leaders, state governments and even neighbouring New Zealand to accept the asylum seekers have been refused on the grounds this would also encourage people smugglers. Russia is expected to ask for permission to fly new high-tech surveillance planes over the United States. The planes are equipped with high-powered digital cameras which US officials fear could be used to help Moscow gather sensitive intelligence. Moscow is already allowed to send surveillance jets over the US under the Open Skies Treaty, which allows all 34 signatories, including Russia and the US to conduct unarmed observation flights. The aim of the 2002 treaty is to boost transparency about military activity and help monitor arms control and other agreements. But, US military and intelligence officials say they fear Russia is taking advantage. "The treaty has become a critical component of Russia's intelligence collection capability directed at the United States," Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander of the US Strategic Command, warned earlier this year. "In addition to overflying military installations, Russian Open Skies flights can overfly and collect on Department of Defence and national security or national critical infrastructure," Haney said. "The vulnerability exposed by exploitation of this data and costs of mitigation are increasingly difficult to characterise." Meanwhile, Steve Rademaker, former assistant secretary of state for the bureau of arms control and the bureau of international security and nonproliferation, told Congress in October that Russia has adopted a number of measures that are inconsistent with the spirt" of the accord. Russia, for example, has imposed restrictions on surveillance over Moscow. But other officials have played down concerns, saying the correct precautions are in place to ensure all nations signed up to the treaty are protected. They include the requirement for signatories to share all the information gathered with the 33 other nations. "... one of the advantages with the Open Skies Treaty is that we know exactly what the Russians are imaging, because they must share the imagery with us," Rose Gottemoeller, undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, told a hearing in December. Story continues According to a State Department official, the treaty nations have not yet received notice of the Russian request. It comes at a time of heightened tensions the US and Russia, chiefly over Moscow's actions in Syria and Ukraine. US jets have also had to intercept Russian bombers on numerous occasions over the last few years after they flew too close to US territory or US military equipment. Russia And US Agree New Ceasefire For Syria Russia and the US have announced new plans for a ceasefire in Syria, days after a previous truce failed to take hold. The countries said the ceasefire, which does not include Islamic State or al Nusra Front, would begin on Saturday 27 February. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has spoken to his US counterpart Barack Obama by phone, said it is a real chance to end the bloodshed. Speaking on television, he also said it would prove an example to the world in the fight against "the danger of terrorism". The White House insisted the cessation could help speed up talks on political change in Syria. The new truce is subject to agreement from all the other warring parties, who will be required to sign up to it by midday on Friday. The joint statement said: "The United States of America and the Russian Federation, as co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG)... are fully determined to provide their strongest support to end the Syrian conflict and establish conditions for a successful Syrian-led political transition process. "In this regard... the United States and Russia announce the adoption... of the Terms for a Cessation of Hostilities in Syria." US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone afterwards before hailing the agreement. A previous agreement to cease hostilities had been due to take effect last Friday, but appeared not to have been observed by some fighting groups and, on Sunday, 140 people were said to have been killed in car bombings. Sky's Middle East Correspondent Alex Rossi reported on Friday that Turkey fired shells over its border into Syria to prevent the Syrian Kurds (The YPG) from advancing further west. As Russia and the US made their announcement, Syrian officials said the government was ready to take part in a truce as long as it was not used by militants to strengthen their positions. Syrian opposition member Khaled Khoja told TV station Al Arabiya he understood the ceasefire would be for an initial two weeks, with the possibility to extend it. Story continues UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond welcomed the announcement, but said that it will only succeed if Russia changes its behaviour. Turkey also welcomed it and also called on Russia to stop bombing civilians. In the meantime, Syria's President Bashar al Assad has called parliamentary elections for April 13, according to the country's state news agency. Multiple animals were seized by the New Brunswick SPCA on Sunday from the Fredericton Pets Unlimited store, according to the animal protection agency. The SPCA says the animals have received veterinary care but did not say what kind of animals or the exact number involved. "The animals seized yesterday in Fredericton were removed from Pets Unlimited due to health concerns," the New Brunswick SPCA posted on its website Monday afternoon. "They have received care and we are dealing with management and head office of Pets Unlimited at this time to rectify issues found. We are not in need of any donations or foster care at this time, and no animals are available for adoption. Thank you all for your concern!" Brett Crozsman, the district manager for Pets Unlimited in New Brunswick, said the store does not sell cats or dogs, and confirmed the animals were birds and lizards, a few of each. Crozsman downplayed the seizure. "The specifics I'm keeping within my conversation with the SPCA, but we're working closely with them, they were just here," he said. "The animals, some are being returned immediately, and some are just getting some health issues corrected, and going from there." He said because the SPCA had come on the weekend, junior staff were unable to address the questions they had, which led to the seizure. "The SPCA were in the store, had a couple of concerns, facilities, some health issues, and they've been in, we've had a discussion, all issues have been dealt with, and going forward, we're all set," said Crozsman. The Pets Unlimited store remains open. By Doina Chiacu and Alana Wise WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio received boosts Monday in his drive to become the mainstream Republican alternative to front-runner Donald Trump, with a string of high-profile endorsements and missteps by rival Ted Cruz's campaign. Rubio, who eked out a second-place finish in South Carolina's primary by fewer than 1,000 votes over Cruz on Saturday, racked up endorsements from prominent Republicans including U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and former presidential candidate Bob Dole. Rubio and Cruz came out of South Carolina with sharper criticism of Trump, who swept the Southern state with a comfortable margin of victory. At the same time, the two senators' rivalry intensified - and soured. Cruz fired his main spokesman, Rick Tyler, on Monday afternoon over a video that falsely showed Rubio dismissing the Bible. Tyler had apologized late on Sunday for posting "an inaccurate story" involving a video purporting to show Rubio referring to the Bible and saying, "Not many answers in it." Tyler had retweeted a link to the misleading video and posted it on Facebook. Cruz fired Tyler the next day, saying his campaign did not question the faith of other candidates. "That's why I'm asking for Rick Tyler's resignation," Cruz said. The first-term senators from Texas and Florida are locked in a battle to become their party's alternative to political outsider Trump in Nevada's caucus on Tuesday, the last Republican presidential contest before the busy voting month of March. Tyler's dismissal came amid intense criticism of the Cruz campaign as dishonest from both Rubio and Trump. Rubio spokesman Alex Conant called Cruz a "candidate willing to do or say anything to get elected" and urged him to apologize. "There is a culture in the Cruz campaign, from top to bottom, that no lie is too big and no trick too dirty," he said. Trump seized the opportunity to pile on Cruz, whom he has repeatedly characterized as a liar. "Wow, Ted Cruz falsely suggested Marco Rubio mocked the Bible and was just forced to fire his Communications Director. More dirty tricks!" the billionaire businessman from New York said on Twitter. "Ted Cruz has now apologized to Marco Rubio and Ben Carson for fraud and dirty tricks. No wonder he has lost Evangelical support!," continued Trump, who has derided Cruz for failing to live up to expectations he would get solid support from evangelical Christians in South Carolina. Trump was the big winner in that state on Saturday, finishing ahead of Rubio by 10 percentage points. Opinion polls show Rubio and Cruz running close in Nevada, and both candidates hope to get a boost going into the contests in a dozen states on March 1. Super Tuesday is the crown jewel in the state-by-state nominating contests to pick the Republican and Democratic candidates for the Nov. 8 presidential election. Rubio on Monday also secured the backing of three Republican leaders from Nevada: U.S. Senator Dean Heller and U.S. Representatives Cresent Hardy and Mark Amodei. Senator Hatch said that, unlike many in the Republican establishment, he did not dislike Trump. "I just feel that Rubio is the more serious candidate. And I feel he has the background to be able to really help turn this mess around, Hatch told Reuters. (Additional reporting by Emily Stephenson, Megan Cassella, Susan Cornwell, Eric Beech; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Frances Kerry and Jonathan Oatis) By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd has offered concessions to allay antitrust concerns over its $40.5 billion bid for Allergan's generics unit, European Union regulators said on Friday. "Commitments have been submitted and the new legal deadline is set on 10 March," European Commission spokesman Ricardo Cardoso said in an email, without providing details. Acquiring the Actavis generic business would strengthen Teva's position as the world's largest generics drugmaker. The company was not immediately available for comment. Teva plans to sell about $1 billion worth of assets in the United States, Europe and the Middle East to resolve antitrust concerns, people familiar with the matter have told Reuters. The deal also needs U.S. regulatory approval. Earlier this month, the American Antitrust Institute flagged competitive concerns about the deal to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Dublin-based Botox-maker Allergan in turn is to be acquired by Pfizer Inc which would slash the latter's tax rate once it moves its headquarters to Dublin. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee, additional reporting by Tova Cohen in Jerusalem; editing by Julia Fioretti and Adrian Croft) By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - When U.N. Security Council envoys flew to Burundi in January to try to end months of violence, the central African country's leader flatly rejected their offer of help and hundreds protested against what they saw as meddling. A month later, with fears of a new ethnic conflict growing a decade after a civil war ended, diplomats say Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will step up peace efforts by visiting Burundi for talks on Tuesday with President Pierre Nkurunziza. The U.N. is under growing pressure to show it can halt the bloodshed in Burundi, two decades after the 1994 genocide of ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus by the Hutu majority in neighbouring Rwanda, which has a similar ethnic make-up. But Nkurunziza has rejected a proposal for the 54-nation African Union to send in peacekeepers and shows no sign of changing the message he gave the U.N. Security Council envoys in January -- that Burundi is "up to 99 percent secure". "He's in total denial about what is going on," Amr Aboulatta, Egypt's ambassador to the U.N., said of the Jan. 22 talks at a hilltop residence outside the capital Bujumbura. Aboulatta suggested the Security Council, whose purpose is to maintain international security, must now be "more sensitive, more cautious and take things step by step". But Samantha Power, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has made clear the need for action is pressing in the landlocked country of 10 million. "What Burundi needs urgently is an inclusive broadened mediation, and an expanded international presence ... we have a responsibility to try again and again to convince the president to stop rejecting offers of international support," she said. DEATH TOLL RISING The U.N. says at least 439 people have been killed in the violence, which began after Nkurunziza's decision last April to seek a third term, and that the number could be "considerably higher." About 240,000 have fled the country. Since a failed coup last May, Bujumbura has been hit by frequent shootings and grenade attacks aimed at civilians and police, who have frequently mounted raids at night on districts in the capital which the government says are hotbeds of anti-Nkurunziza sentiment. The United Nations is investigating reports of mass graves, the crisis has triggered foreign aid cuts and Burundi, one of the world's poorest countries, is facing an economic disaster. This has prompted calls from human rights groups for the U.N. to be more assertive in Burundi, where 300,000 people were killed in the 1993-2005 civil war. Like Rwanda, Burundi's population is about 85 percent Hutu and about 15 percent Tutsi. "The Security Council needs to quickly shift from early warning to preventive action. It should convince the Burundian government to accept a strong U.N. political mission with an international police component," said Philippe Bolopion, Deputy Director for Global Advocacy at New-York-based Human Rights Watch. Diplomats say Ban will push Nkurunziza for political talks and a greater international presence, but it is not clear what the United Nations can do if the president continues to refuse outside help. A U.N. political mission in Burundi stopped operating in 2014 at the government's request and Ban's lead official on Burundi, Jamal Benomar, has only a small team on the ground. Nkurunziza has also rejected the African Union's proposal to send in 5,000 peacekeepers because he says it would amount to an invasion. "At some point the world has to wonder what you're hiding if you're adamant about preventing any independent eyes and ears on the ground," Tom Perriello, U.S. Special Envoy to Africa's Great Lakes Region, told Reuters. U.N. POLICE MISSION? After asking the U.N. peacekeeping department to prepare contingency plans in case Burundi spirals out of control, the Security Council is now likely to request options for sending U.N. police, seizing on a proposal by Russia, diplomats say. "The idea of U.N. police -- and the format, the conditions, the modalities of course must be discussed -- is potentially a productive idea. That is one of the ideas we must work on," French U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters. Russia initially opposed action over Nkurunziza's decision to run for a third term because it saw it as a constitutional matter of a sovereign state. But after violence worsened following his victory in a disputed election last July, Russia and China - both veto-holding permanent members of the Security Council - backed a resolution in November aimed at boosting a U.N. presence and threatening "additional measures" against those fuelling the crisis. Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador, Petr Iliichev, said his understanding was that Nkurunziza had expressed interest in the possibility of international assistance for Burundi's police. "We should not lose the momentum because there is some kind of openness from the Burundi government," he told Reuters. But he added: "If we move very attentively, very cautiously, it will be better for everyone." But Burundi's U.N. ambassador, Albert Shingiro, made clear any potential U.N. help would be limited to assisting in the development, or "capacity-building", of the police and monitoring the border with Rwanda. "We don't need an armed mission, it would be a civilian mission for capacity-building ... it would be a small, limited number," he told Reuters. The United States and the European Union have imposed targeted sanctions on several Burundians over the crisis, but the African Union and the Security Council have not followed suit. Iliichev said there was no need for U.N. sanctions. The crisis in Burundi has raised fears of violence spreading beyond its borders, heightening tension with Rwanda over accusations that it is meddling. Kigali has denied reports of Burundian refugees being recruited and trained in Rwanda, with the aim of ousting Nkurunziza, though the United States says the reports are credible. Some diplomats say the reports could be a way to convince Nkurunziza to accept a greater international presence by suggesting it could help monitor the border with Rwanda. (Additional reporting by Aaron Masho in Addis Ababa and Edmund Blair in Nairobi, Editing by Timothy Heritage) By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The World Bank said on Thursday it is making $150 million in financing immediately available to help combat the Zika virus outbreak in affected Latin American and Caribbean countries. The multilateral lender said in a statement that it stands ready to increase its support if needed, and the initial amount is based on current demands from the affected countries and assessments from teams of experts sent there. The World Bank also released initial projections for the economic impact of the largely mosquito-borne virus, saying it expects it to reduce the region's 2016 economic output by $3.5 billion, or 0.06 percent of gross domestic product. The bank estimates that governments in the region would lose a combined $420 million in fiscal revenues this year due to the virus. Mexico and Cuba would take the worst hits by dollar value this year, it said, reducing their GDP by $744 million and $664 million, respectively, as it expects the virus to cause a drop-off in Caribbean tourism. Belize would lose the biggest percentage of GDP, a drop of 1.22 percent, while several Caribbean island nations would see drops of similar size. Brazil, which has had the most Zika virus cases reported, is projected to lose $310 million, or just 0.01 percent of its GDP - less than the Dominican Republic, the World Bank said. The bank's economic forecasts, however, assume that the international response to the Zika outbreak will be swift and well-coordinated and that the most significant health risks are for pregnant women. The World Health Organization has cited a "strongly suspected" relationship between Zika infection in pregnancy and microcephaly, a condition in newborns marked by abnormally small heads and brains that have not developed properly. The WHO declared the outbreak a global public health emergency on Feb. 1. Brazil has confirmed more than 500 cases of microcephaly, and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating more than 3,900 additional suspected cases of microcephaly. "Our analysis underscores the importance of urgent action to halt the spread of the Zika virus and to protect the health and well being of people in the affected countries," World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said in a statement. In 2014, Kim criticized the world's "disastrously inadequate response" to West Africa's Ebola virus outbreak, saying that it caused many needless deaths. The World Bank said its Zika financing will support a wide range of activities related to the Zika response, including surveillance of the virus's spread, identifying at-risk people, access to family planning and public awareness. (Reporting by David Lawder; editing by Chizu Nomiyama, G Crosse) BEIJING (Reuters) - China attaches high importance to a case involving the Madrid arrest of five directors of its largest bank by assets, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) <601398.SS> <1398.HK>, a Chinese foreign ministry official said on Friday. The arrests followed a police raid on the lender's office in the Spanish capital as part of a probe into alleged money laundering, Europol has said. Liu Haixing, assistant foreign minister, met Jose Luis Garcia Galan of the Spanish embassy on Friday, the Foreign Ministry said in a brief statement on its website. Liu asked that Spain protect the rights and interests of Chinese firms and citizens there and handle the case in accordance with the law, the ministry said. A Beijing-based spokesman for ICBC has said its Madrid branch was cooperating with the investigation. The Spanish embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to telephone calls from Reuters to seek comment on the details of the meeting. China's large state-owned lenders have been dogged by allegations of improper conduct as they expand abroad. The probe into ICBC by police, the Spanish tax agency and Europol involves funds handled by a criminal group that the Interior Ministry says passed through the bank and were transferred to China. (Reporting by Megha Rajagopalan; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) CAPE TOWN, (Reuters) - Chris Morris again proved the scourge of England's bowlers after smashing 14 off the final over to power South Africa to a thrilling three-wicket victory in the first Twenty20 at Newlands on Friday. The visitors, though, had a chance to tie the scores and send the match to a 'super over' when paceman Reece Topley fluffed a straightforward opportunity to run out Kyle Abbott off the last delivery. Having earlier compiled a modest total of 134 for eight, England strangled the run-rate on a wicket that both sides found difficult to score on and looked set to win after leaving South Africa needing 15 runs from Topley's last over. Number eight batsman Morris, however, clubbed a six and a four to lead the home team over the line. The all-rounder also hit a swashbuckling half-century in the fourth game of the one-day series last Friday to help his side scramble a one-wicket triumph. England were put in to bat in the opening match of a series of two Twenty20s and blazed their way to 50 in six overs for the loss of opener Jason Roy (15). The in-form Alex Hales (27) was then caught by JP Duminy at deep square-leg, despite a sickening collision with a charging Kagiso Rabada that thankfully left both fielders unhurt, and his dismissal sparked a slump to 81 for six. Leg-spinner Imran Tahir was the chief destroyer for South Africa as he equalled career-best figures of four for 21. Jos Buttler top-scored with an unbeaten 32 from 30 balls. Captain Faf du Plessis (25) led South Africa's reply from the front but excellent bowling spells from Chris Jordan (3-23) and Moeen Ali (2-22) appeared to swing the contest England's way until Morris produced his late cameo. The second game in the series, which is serving as a warm-up for the World Twenty20 in India next month, is in Johannesburg on Sunday. (Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Tony Jimenez; nick.said@thomsonreuters.com; +27832722948; Reuters Messaging: Reuters Messaging: nick.said.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net) SWNS

Americans are still waiting for their Goldilocks moment four in five say theyve never found their perfect fit for certain items.

According to a new poll of 1,000 people 250 lbs and over and 1,000 people under 250 lbs, 52% struggle to find clothing, mattresses (40%) and bathtubs or shower enclosures (38%) that fit their body types.

In fact, about two-thirds (67%) find themselves struggling frequently with finding items that fit their body size needs.

This was especially true for those 350 lbs and over, as 41% admit they always struggle, compared to only 23% of those under 250 lbs.

Despite frequency, almost three-quarters (74%) of all respondents find themselves feeling frustrated when they are searching for an item that accommodates their needs.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Big Fig Mattress, the survey asked respondents how they go about their everyday lives despite challenges they may face because of their body type.

Results found that seven in 10 respondents feel less confident when they struggle with finding items that fit their size needs.

When asked about other emotions respondents experience, those 250 lbs and over are more likely to feel set apart from others, citing embarrassed (59%) and isolated (53%).

While those who are under 250 lbs tend to lean towards disappointed (51%).

Even so, those 250 lbs and up were more optimistic than those under (35% vs 23%).

The average respondent has crossed off about five brands or retailers because they dont carry products that meet their physical needs.

However, for those who are 250 lbs and over, 72% have eliminated between three and eight stores.

Almost one in five (18%) of those under 250 lbs cited that all stores carry their size, compared to only 2% of those who are 250 lbs and up.

"This survey makes it clear that the 'all' part of 'one size fits all' couldn't be further from the truth," said Jeff Brown, president, Big Fig Mattress. "Almost two in five respondents haven't found something that they felt was made for them. Everybody and every body deserves a long-lasting and comfortable mattress to support a good night's sleep, regardless of your size."

Products made for all body types are an issue no matter what the product, with respondents needing to stand on furniture to reach something (46%) or finding that clothing is either way too long or too short (46%).

And ill-fitting items arent just an inconvenience, 61% of respondents say that clothing, vehicles (59%) and mattresses (50%) that arent made for their body type have a big impact on their quality of life.

More than half of those 250 lbs and over (53%) believe their life is more difficult than for someone who is considered normal sized.

But that doesnt mean respondents are only dwelling on the negative almost half (44%) frequently make light of their struggles.

When asked how they do so, respondents outlined things like, I speak to myself. I'm beautiful and special. I'm impeccable," and Remind myself that if this is the biggest problem I have, then I am doing just fine in life."

The survey also asked about relationship status and how respondents are navigating integrating their lifestyles with another uniquely sized person.

Seventy-four percent of all respondents are in a relationship and living with their significant other.

Almost half (45%) are mixed-size couples, meaning they have a noticeable difference in body size or type.

Because of this, couples face challenges like finding a place to live that accommodates both people (40%), struggling to share a mattress comfortably (40%) and having items that one person uses but the other never would such as step stools (34%).

In the end, more than two-thirds (68%) of all respondents agree that its difficult to navigate a one size fits all world when people have varying body types.

We believe and support being body positive, in body acceptance, and in making positive life choices, noted Brown. Bigger figured people deserve the same level of quality products and choices as everyone else. Its important to accept that all bodies are different and require more from product manufacturers, and I think the data makes that clear.

MOST DIFFICULT ITEMS TO FIND FOR A SPECIFIC BODY TYPE

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 1,000 Americans under 250 lbs and 1,000 Americans 250 lbs and up was commissioned by Big Big Mattress between September 8 and September 21. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

By Mark Kauzlarich KALAMAZOO, Mich. (Reuters) - A man working as an Uber driver admitted to the fatal weekend shootings of six people in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a police detective testified on Monday in a case raising questions about how the car service vets its drivers. Jason Dalton, 45, was denied bail as he made his first court appearance on 16 charges including six of murder that can bring life in prison. Dalton told detectives "he took people's lives," Kalamazoo Public Safety Detective Cory Ghiringhelli testified in a county district court ahead of the suspect's arraignment. Dalton appeared via a video link and was seen on a monitor at the Kalamazoo County court wearing glasses and dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit. When asked if he had anything to say, Dalton, who appeared emotionless through the proceedings, said he preferred to "remain silent." The judge denied bail and set March 3 for the next hearing. After the hearing Kalamazoo County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey Getting told reporters Dalton had been cooperative with authorities but possible motives for the shootings were still unclear. "No one understands why it happened, and that adds to the fear and the sorrow," Getting said. Prosecutors alleged Dalton randomly shot multiple times at people during a five-hour period on Saturday at an apartment complex, a car dealership and a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Kalamazoo, about 150 miles (240 km) west of Detroit. Police were investigating reports Dalton drove customers of the Uber car-hailing service the night of the rampage. Two people were wounded in the shootings, including a teenage girl who was initially thought to have died. Initial checks with a key federal agency indicate Dalton was unknown to both law enforcement and counterterrorism agencies for having any known connection to extremist groups. President Barack Obama said on Monday he had spoken to the mayor and top law enforcement in Kalamazoo about the shootings and pledged whatever federal support they need. "Earlier this year, I took some steps that will make it harder for dangerous people like this individual to buy a gun. But clearly, we're going to need to do more if we're going to keep innocent Americans safe," Obama said in remarks before the National Governors Association at the White House. Uber [UBER.UL] said on Monday it would not be changing the way it screened its drivers following the weekend shooting spree. It also said Dalton had received "very favourable" feedback from riders. "There were no red flags, if you will, that we could anticipate something like this," said Uber's chief security officer, Joe Sullivan. Uber drivers use their personal vehicles to ferry customers at prices generally below those of established taxi companies. Critics contend vetting is inadequate and the company never meets potential drivers in person. "A background check is just that - a background check. It does not foresee the future," Ed Davis, of the Uber Safety Advisory Board, told a teleconference with reporters. The Dalton family said in a statement: "There are no words which can express our shock and disbelief, and we are devastated and saddened for the victims and the families of the victims," Michigan State Police said the shooting began at about 5:30 p.m. (2230 GMT) on Saturday with a woman wounded outside an apartment building. At about 10 p.m., Richard Smith and his son Tyler were killed at the car dealership. About 15 minutes later four women identified as Mary Lou Nye, 62, of Baroda, Michigan; and Dorothy Brown, 74; Barbara Hawthorne, 68; and Mary Jo Nye, 60, were fatally shot outside the restaurant. (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee, Mark Hosenball and Ayesha Rascoe in Washington, D.C. Curtis Skinner in San Francisco, Barbara Goldberg in New York, Mary Wisniewski in Chicago and Jon Herskovitz in Austin, Texas; Writing by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Bill Trott and Tom Brown) BOSTON, Feb. 22, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A survey of 54 hospitals in six metropolitan areas across the United States reveals that consumers seeking a price estimate for a routine medical procedure face a difficult and frustrating task, despite price transparency provisions in the Affordable Care Act and five of the six states, according to a new Pioneer Institute Policy Brief. http://bit.ly/1UhQzJ4 For "Healthcare Prices for Common Procedures Are Hard for Customers to Obtain: Survey finds hospitals not prepared to give price information to consumers," researchers called hospitals in and around Des Moines, IA, Raleigh-Durham, NC, Orlando, FL, Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX, New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA asking for the price of an MRI of the left knee without contrast. For 57 percent of the hospitals it took more than 15 minutes to get a complete price that included the radiologist's fee for reading the MRI. Two-thirds of the time, researchers had to call a separate number or organization to obtain an estimate for the reading fee. "With the rise of high-deductible health plans, the wide variations in price, and the fact that in the areas surveyed there are 15 million uninsured people, it's more important than ever for consumers to have access to accurate price information," said Pioneer Institute Senior Fellow in Healthcare Barbara Anthony, who wrote the report with assistance from Scott Haller. "We must create a culture of consumer-friendly price transparency in healthcare." Complete price estimates could not be obtained from 14 of the 54 hospitals despite as many as 11 calls. Of the 40 hospitals that provided complete information, MRI price estimates ranged from $400 at Huntington Hospital in Los Angeles to $4,544 at New York City's Montefiore Medical Center. It was clear to the researchers that front-line employees at most of the hospitals had no idea what to do with price requests. They experienced long waits on hold, had to call multiple times and leave messages, endured multiple transfers and ultimately a number of dropped calls. Almost none of the hospital websites provided easy access to price information. "The fact that there are people with high-deductible health plans who are foregoing care rather than value shopping has led some to conclude that consumers aren't interested in price data," said Pioneer Institute Executive Director Jim Stergios. "But the real issue is that price information isn't readily available in the healthcare marketplace." The following nine of the hospitals did very well and appeared to have systems in place to provide price information in a relatively organized, consumer-friendly way: The Iowa Clinic, Des Moines Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, Orlando Dallas Regional Medical Center Cedars Sinai, Los Angeles NYU Langone, New York Mount Sinai, New York Wake Med Cary Hospital, Raleigh/Durham Duke University Hospital, Raleigh/Durham Anthony and Haller recommend that governments, providers and insurance carriers educate consumers on the importance of price transparency. They also call on hospitals to train their staff on how to handle price estimate requests. With guidance from the federal government, hospitals should also make price information more accessible on their websites. Barbara Anthony, a lawyer, is a senior fellow in healthcare at Pioneer Institute focusing on healthcare price and quality transparency. She is also a senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Center for Business and Government. She served as Massachusetts undersecretary for Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation from 2009 to 2015. Scott Haller is a senior at Northeastern University pursuing a degree in political science. He began working at Pioneer through Northeastern's Co-op Program and has continued as a research assistant. Pioneer Institute is an independent, non-partisan, privately funded research organization that seeks to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts through civic discourse and intellectually rigorous, data-driven public policy solutions based on free market principles, individual liberty and responsibility, and the ideal of effective, limited and accountable government. As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ Damascus (AFP) - The United States and Russia have announced plans for a partial truce in Syria but there were serious doubts it could take effect on Saturday as planned. The agreement does not apply to jihadists like the Islamic State group and the Al-Nusra Front, putting up major hurdles to how it can be implemented on Syria's complex battlefield. It calls for President Bashar al-Assad and opposition forces to agree by noon on Friday to comply with a "cessation of hostilities" that would then take effect at midnight. The leading opposition group gave its conditional acceptance to the deal but there was no word yet from the regime, after the agreement was announced late on Monday. Moscow and Washington have been leading the latest diplomatic push to try to resolve Syria's nearly five-year civil war, a brutal conflict that has left more than 260,000 dead and forced millions from their homes. The two countries are on opposing sides of the conflict -- with Russia backing Assad and the United States supporting the opposition -- but in recent weeks have joined forces to press for the ceasefire. "This is a moment of opportunity and we are hopeful that all the parties will capitalise on it," White House press secretary Josh Earnest said after US President Barack Obama and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed the deal by phone. Putin said Moscow would do "whatever is necessary" to ensure Damascus respects the agreement. "We are counting on the United States to do the same with its allies and the groups that it supports," he said. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called the deal a "long-awaited signal of hope" and urged all sides to abide by it. - Truce deal 'likely doomed' - Moscow and Washington are both pursuing air wars in Syria. A US-led coalition launched air strikes against IS positions in both Syria and Iraq in 2014 while Russia began its own aerial raids in Syria in September. Story continues Russia says it is targeting "terrorists" in its strikes but has been accused of hitting non-jihadist groups in support of Assad, a longtime ally. Iran has also sent military advisers to Syria and the Tehran-backed Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah has deployed at least 6,000 militants to fight alongside Assad's forces. Analysts say that given the facts on the ground -- in particular the complicated make-up of Syria's opposition forces and frequently shifting frontlines -- the ceasefire may already be doomed to fail. While IS control over territory is relatively clear and stable, its jihadist rival Al-Nusra Front, the local affiliate of Al-Qaeda, works closely with many other rebels groups. "'Cessation of Hostilities' allows attacks on Nusra. That likely dooms it, since Russia/regime tend to hit others & call em Nusra (or IS)," Noah Bonsey, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, said on Twitter. "To have any chance of addressing this, US/Russia must delineate Nusra areas BEFORE implementation." The ceasefire plan was announced by top diplomats in Munich earlier this month, but failed to take hold last week as initially planned. As well as reducing violence and expanding humanitarian access, it aims to pave the way for a resumption of peace talks that collapsed earlier this month in Geneva. The talks had been scheduled to resume on February 25, but the UN Syria envoy has already acknowledged that date is no longer realistic. The opposition High Negotiations Committee said its commitment to the truce was conditional on the lifting of sieges, the release of prisoners, a halt to bombardment of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid. "We agreed to respond positively to international efforts to reach a truce deal" if the conditions are met, the Riyadh-based HNC said in a statement. It quoted HNC head Riad Hijab as saying he did not have high expectations that the regime and its allies "would be able to commit to stopping their hostile acts". - Elections set for April - A convoy of 44 trucks carrying humanitarian aid overseen by the Red Crescent and the United Nations had entered Moadamiyet al-Sham, near Damascus, on Monday, state news agency SANA reported. Once the cessation of hostilities takes hold, the UN would work to secure "access to as many places as possible in order to deliver humanitarian aid", UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The ceasefire announcement came just a day after IS claimed responsibility for two deadly attacks in regime-held areas, which a monitor said killed 134 people near a shrine south of Damascus and at least 64 in central Homs. The shrine bombings marked the deadliest jihadist attack since Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011, said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Shortly after the truce was announced, Assad issued a decree for parliamentary elections to be held on April 13, as the four-year term of the current legislature comes to a close. The last such elections were held in May 2012 and although multiple parties were allowed to stand, most of the 250 lawmakers who were elected were from the ruling Baath party. Athens (AFP) - Manchester City midfielder Bruno Zuculini's loan spell to AEK Athens has been cut short by injury, the Greek Super League team said on Monday. The 22-year-old Argentine fractured his left foot in training on Monday and AEK doctors said Zuculini must undergo surgery and will then need at least two months recuperation. AEK said they had informed City of the injury and that the English Premier League side wants to bring Zuculini back to England for his treatment. Zuculini, who only joined AEK at the start of February on a six-month loan, played two matches for the club, who sit second behind Olympiakos in their domestic league. Zuculini, an Argentina under-20 international, joined City from Racing Club in 2014 but has made only one appearance for the Citizens, in the Community Shield last season. He has spent the rest of his time in Manchester being loaned out, joining Valencia, Cordoba and Middlesbrough before AEK. DOT Inspector General Auditing FAA's Work on ERAM Outages FAA declared ERAM fully operational at all 20 en route air traffic control facilities in March 2015, but since then, the $2.7 billion system has experienced a number of outages, most recently at the Washington Center in August 2015, that resulted in delays and cancellations of hundreds of flights, affecting thousands of passengers. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Inspector General's office is beginning an audit of the Federal Aviation Administration's actions to address recent outages of the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system. FAA declared ERAM fully operational at all 20 en route air traffic control facilities in March 2015, but since then, the $2.7 billion system has experienced a number of outages, most recently at the Washington Center in August 2015, that resulted in delays and cancellations of hundreds of flights, affecting thousands of passengers, according to the office's announcement, which said the audit will begin within a few weeks. ERAM is a program that replaced aging air traffic control hardware and software at facilities that manage high-altitude aviation traffic. ERAM is expected to provide the infrastructure for a range of new capabilities associated with the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), such as enabling the use of satellite-based systems for navigation and surveillance, as well as data link communications for controllers and pilots. The audit is commencing at the request of the chairmen and ranking members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Aviation Subcommittee and the chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the IG letter announcing the audit states. Its objectives will be to determine the causes of the outages, assess FAA's actions to address problems it has discovered, determine whether trade-offs were made to ERAM's original design requirements to meet revised implementation schedules, and assess the delivery of new NextGen capabilities. The letter to FAA came from Charles A. Ward, assistant inspector general for aviation audits. The foreign ministers of Germany and France urged Ukraine on Monday to quickly resolve its political crisis and recommitted themselves to efforts to resolve the separatist war in the east of the ex-Soviet state. Germany's Frank-Walter Steinmeier and France's Jean-Marc Ayrault met Ukraine's embattled Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and were later to hold separate talks with pro-Western President Petro Poroshenko. Berlin and Paris have been spearheading international efforts to finally end a 22-month pro-Russian revolt that has claimed more than 9,000 lives in the European Union's backyard. But a peace plan signed one year ago that was meant to find a solution to the conflict by the end of 2015 has expired with few of its commitments met. And Kiev itself has been hit by a political crisis in which Yatsenyuk survived a no-confidence vote last Tuesday that came hours after Poroshenko himself urged his government leader to step down. Opinion polls show Ukrainians increasingly unhappy with the two men's perceived inability to fulfil the anti-corruption and reformist agenda that propelled them to power after the February 2014 ouster of Kiev's Moscow-backed leadership. Both Steinmeier and Ayrault -- on his first trip to Ukraine since being named France's top diplomat on February 11 -- told Yatsenyuk to stay committed to an economic streamlining agenda and to end the political bickering sweeping Kiev. "I am sure that you are aware that we were following -- especially the last week -- with great interest and some concern," Steinmeier told Yatsenyuk. He also warned that the International Monetary Fund would only keep alive its $17.5-billion (15.9-billion-euro) rescue package "if there is stability in Ukraine". France's Ayrault praised Yatsenyuk for pushing through parliament a number of socially unpopular belt-tightening measures that are meant to revive sustainable Ukrainian growth. "But we are also assessing all the work that remains to be done and it is considerable," Ayrault added. "I would even say that time is running out." Ukraine's economy shrank by about 10 percent last year and is unlikely to return to growth in 2016 without the urgent release of delayed Western aid. - 'No reason to be satisfied' - The diplomats' visit is also meant to help pave the way for a March 3 meeting with their Russian and Ukrainian counterparts in Paris devoted to finding a lasting solution to one of Europe's deadliest conflicts since the 1990s Balkans wars. The four nations agreed the so-called Minsk II deal in February 2015 and their foreign ministers have been holding periodic talks aimed at resolving issues preventing peace from returning to Ukraine's industrial east. But the last round of talks in Munich on February 13 failed to deliver a breakthrough and occasionally deadly clashes along the front have continued to erupt. Steinmeier bluntly admitted that "there is no reason to be satisfied with the progress we have made in the last months". "But so far, we do not see any alternative but to work on the process of (the Minsk deal's) implementation," the German foreign minister said. Australia said Monday an asylum-seeker baby brought from a Pacific detention camp for hospital treatment is expected to be returned to the camp as a deterrent to people-smugglers, despite protests from doctors and others. Under Canberra's tough immigration policy, asylum-seekers attempting to arrive in Australia by boat are sent to camps in Papua New Guinea and Nauru, where they are held while their refugee applications are processed. They are blocked from resettlement in Australia even if found to be refugees. The case of one-year-old Asha, the daughter of Nepalese asylum-seekers who was brought to Brisbane suffering burns last month, prompted a stand-off with doctors and a week of rallies outside the Lady Cilento Children's Hospital. Medical staff had refused to release her until a suitable home environment had been identified. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said she had now been moved to community detention, where asylum-seekers waiting for their refugee applications to be processed live within the community. They are usually allowed to move around freely. "She's in community detention and obviously support will be provided to the family," Dutton told the Nine Network. But he added that the government would not back down on its policy of returning her to offshore detention once medical and legal issues had been settled. Refugee advocates claimed she was secretly moved from the hospital at 4am to an undisclosed location and the family's lawyer Daniel Webb, from the Human Rights Law Centre, said they were initially unable to speak to the family. "It's been an emotional few days for the family. They are relieved and thankful that they aren't languishing on Nauru or locked up in a detention centre," Webb said in a statement. "It's not OK that the government has prevented us from speaking with our client for the last three days," he said after speaking to the child's mother by telephone late Monday. "It's a matter of basic fairness and due process that vulnerable people are able to speak with their lawyers." Churches, state governments and even New Zealand have offered sanctuary to Asha and the 266 other asylum-seekers also in Australia for medical care. But Dutton said this would only encourage people-smugglers. "I've been very clear, the government's been very clear from day one, that we have a responsibility not only to this baby, but to the babies who drowned at sea before and also potentially to babies that will drown again if the people-smugglers got back into business," he said. "So there is a much bigger issue at play here and, as I say, as a country we should be proud because we bring in record numbers of refugees through the UN and through the Special Humanitarian Programme. "But we are not going to allow a message to get out that people can come to Nauru, come to Australia for medical assistance and then that will be their ticket out into Australian society. That is not going to happen." Canberra has long defended its hardline policy, which also includes turning boats back, saying it has prevented deaths at sea and secured its borders. Under the previous Labor government, at least 1,200 people died trying to reach Australia by boat between 2008 and 2013. Reuters Indian private lender Axis Bank reported a better-than-expected 70% jump in second-quarter profit on Thursday, as bad loan provisions slid and asset quality improved. Net profit rose to 53.3 billion rupees ($644.72 million) in the three months to Sept. 30 from 31.33 billion rupees a year ago, Mumbai-based Axis Bank said in an exchange filing. Provisions for bad loans dropped 68% year-on-year to 5.5 billion rupees, while the gross bad loan ratio, a measure of asset quality, improved to 2.50% at the end of September from 2.76% at end-June. CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt's prosecutor sent a police officer to trial for murder, state news agency MENA said on Sunday, after he confessed to shooting dead a driver, in the latest incident of alleged police brutality that has stirred public anger. Slow handling of a string of alleged abuses by police and a move to convict an author over his sexually-explicit writings has prompted rare criticism of Egypt's authorities by prominent journalists and broadcasters. Sergeant Mustafa Abdel Karim, who was said to have confessed to shooting the driver after an argument about a fare, was forced to flee an angry mob of locals on Thursday night after the incident. They then protested outside Cairo security directorate. Last week, thousands of doctors held a rare protest against police who they say beat two doctors at a Cairo hospital for refusing to falsify medical records. Earlier this month, the body of a missing Italian graduate student was found on the outskirts of Cairo showing signs of torture, including electrocution. Activists said the injuries bore the hallmarks of Egyptian security services. The Interior Ministry denies allegations of involvement in the Italian's death. Then, on Saturday, a court sentenced author Ahmed Naji to two years in jail over the sexual content of his novel, prompting criticism over an apparent imbalance in justice. In an unusually strongly-worded comment in Al Maqal newspaper, prominent journalist Ibrahim Eissa compared the rule of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to his predecessor -- the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Mursi, whom he overthrew in 2013 following mass protests. "Your state imprisons people for their thoughts and their novels ... what happened exactly to make our nation turn around with you to the era of searching consciences and trying minds and imprisoning writers and authors?" he wrote. "Your state and your agencies are like the state and agencies of your predecessor, which hate intellectuals, hate thought and hate creativity.." Anger over perceived police excesses helped fuel the 2011 revolt that ended Hosni Mubarak 30-year rule and began on a Police Day holiday. Sisi, who has banned the Brotherhood and restricted the right to protest, told the interior minister on Friday to crack down on police abuses. In her talk show on Saturday night, presenter Lamees al-Hadidi criticised the interior minister's handling of recent allegations, saying a perceived lack of accountability was pushing Egyptians to take the law into their own hands. Hadidi also condemned the conviction of the author, Naji, saying the world now saw Egypt as a country that jailed intellectuals and let abuses go unpunished. "The citizen should feel that everyone is under the law as the feeling of a lack of equality makes voices grow loud and citizens take the law into their own hands," she said. "The interior ministry must take a tough stand with its members." The criticism is rare not only for its tone but for its source. Hadidi has been know for their support of Sisi and the pair jointly interviewed him when he was running for president in 2014. Sisi went on to win the elections on a platform of crushing the Brotherhood and restoring stability. (Reporting by Omar Fahmy and Ali Abdelatty; Writing by Lin Noueihed and Ahmed Aboulenein; Editing by Richard Balmforth) Former political detainee and assistant secretary-general of the Barisan Sosialis, Dr Poh Soo Kai. Photo: Nicholas Yong He spent a total of 17 years in detention under the Internal Security Act, together with many of his political comrades. He almost died while in prison, due to an emergency operation that went wrong. And his long detention was to ultimately cost him his marriage. But former political detainee Dr Poh Soo Kai, 84, said he has no regrets. And his story seems to be resonating with Singaporeans. His political memoir Living In A Time Of Deception, launched more than a week ago with a print run of more than 1,000, is almost sold out, said publishers Function 8. The book, which covers much of Singapores history in the turbulent 1950s and 1960s, seeks to explain and debunk the official Singapore historical narrative. Poh played a significant role in the modern history of Singapore as former assistant secretary-general of the Barisan Sosialis, the breakaway faction of the Peoples Action Party. On 2 Feb, 1963, Poh was among 113 left-wing politicians and union leaders detained under Operation Coldstore. Authorities have maintained that those arrested were communist subversives who posed a threat to Singapore. Poh, a founding member of the PAP, insists that Coldstore was a political exercise aimed at opponents of the late Lee Kuan Yew. Feisty, articulate and with a sharp mind for details, Poh was lively throughout his conversation with Yahoo Singapore. In your book, you write that you are still defiant. Why is that? Im defiant because you feel you have been done wrong. There was no reason for your arrest. They claimed that we were communistswhich is not. We were arrested not for security, but as a political opponent. And this (book) Ive written from the archives proves our case. It is a way of putting my case out, for people to understand. The Director of Special Branch and his assistant told me: Dr Poh, we will release you if you make this security statement. Everybody coming out has to confess, say they are wrong. And the problem is, when you do say that, when you come outsome part of you is broken. You cant hold your head straight up. You have to falsely implicate friends, so that you cant talk to them later. And therefore you feel that you have to draw a distinction between what is right and what is wrong. And therefore you are defiant. Story continues Was it very difficult for your family? Did they ever ask you to sign the security statement? For my family, economically, the burden is not heavy. But the psychological pressure is there. My father says, You are old enough to decide, but I just want you to graduate and become a doctor. As for my wife, she knows that I will never accept the condition. [Poh writes in his book that his wife was also arrested and interrogated. Their divorce was finalised in 1992: Grace and I were both too badly hurt for our marriage to survive.] Dr Poh autographs copies of his book. Photo: Nicholas Yong Do you think that young people will be interested in events that took place half a century ago? When they launched the book, it was a very responsive crowd. Surprisingly, I would say more than half were younger people. When I launched The Fajar Generation in December 2009, I think most were grey haired (laughs). Encouraging, very encouraging to see the younger people getting interested in their history. I think people will be interested in their history. To quote Sukarno: History is important, if not, we will be like monkeys running around in the dark. What about Singaporeans in general? With more pressing concerns like the economy and terrorism, will they care about things that happened so long ago? I think they do care, but whether they will take action is a different matter. They would like to know what happened, but whether they will take any actionthat is a different matter. It is a big step from caring to taking action. Do you wish that Lee Kuan Yew was still around, so that he could respond to your book? My book was planned quite early. Some of the things Ive said have been said earlier (in my previous books) So I think Kuan Yew knows very well what Im going to say. And it so happened he passed away. We didnt know he was going to pass away. Photo: Nicholas Yong What was your detention like? They didnt even ask me questions, believe it or not. When I was put into Whitley, I was just locked up in an air-conditioned, very cold room. Youre in a singlet, and you sit there from morning till midnight 12 oclock. And the inspector will say: Dr Poh, you see this here, 12 oclock, you go back. No questions asked. So I ask him, why dont you ask me questions? Inspector Lim, he says: Dr Poh, we cant ask you questions. If we ask you, you will know what we know. Its quite fantastic, you know (laughs). This went on every day, until they transferred me from Whitley Road to Changi. You spent 17 years in detention. Do you think it was worth it? I dont regret it, because Im determined not to sign. Whether its two years, 20 years, or like Chia Thye Poh, 32 years. You just cant sign, thats all. Its signing your whole future away. How do you hope to be remembered in Singapores history? I dont think that enters my mind. I dont think I am thinking of being remembered. When I die, just cremate and stop. A man goes, he goes. (There will be) no wake. I will continue to speak to young people. I find it difficult to keep up to date, here. But I am much firmer, stronger in my history my views of what it was before. With the present, I feel like a fish out of water. Stay updated. Follow us on Facebook RIYADH (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia has put 32 people on trial, including 30 members of its own Shi'ite Muslim minority, accused of spying for Iran, several local newspapers and television reported on Monday. The 32, including an Iranian and an Afghan, were detained in 2013 sparking expressions of concern among Saudi Shi'ites who said that several were well known figures in their community and not involved in politics. The trial is the first in recent memory for Saudis accused of spying and may stoke tensions between local Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims and with Iran, which strongly denied the accusations at the time. The bitter rivalry between the Sunni-ruled kingdom and Iran, a Shi'ite theocracy, has aggravated wars and political struggles in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and Bahrain and is regarded by many analysts as a cause of regional instability. Tensions escalated further in January when Riyadh broke off diplomatic ties following the storming of its Tehran embassy by protesters angered at Saudi Arabia's execution of a Shi'ite cleric convicted of involvement in the killing of policemen. Riyadh's Bureau of Public Prosecution presented the charges against the 32 on Sunday at the Specialised Criminal Court, which tries security offences, the Saudi-owned al-Arabiya channel reported. The charges included establishing a spy ring with members of Iranian intelligence and passing them sensitive military information, seeking to sabotage Saudi economic interests, undermining community cohesion and inciting sectarian strife. They also included supporting protests in the Shi'ite-majority region of Qatif in Eastern Province, recruiting others for espionage, sending encrypted reports to Iranian intelligence via email and committing high treason against the king. The 32 were also charged with owning banned books and other publications, al-Arabiya and other Saudi-owned media reported. Among those arrested in 2013 were an elderly university professor, a paediatrician, a banker and two clerics. Most were from al-Ahsa, a mixed Shi'ite and Sunni region that is home to around half the members of the kingdom's minority sect. Saudi Arabia has blamed sporadic unrest among Shi'ites in Qatif on Iran, but has never publicly presented evidence of a direct link between those who took part in protests from 2011-2013 and Tehran, which denies any involvement. In 2012, it said the hacking that August of the computer network of state energy producer Saudi Arabian Oil Co (Saudi Aramco) had originated from servers in other countries and some analysts pointed the finger at Iran, which also denied that. Relations between Saudi Arabia and non-Arab Iran soured after the latter's 1979 revolution that brought Shi'ite clerics to power. Saudi Arabia follows the rigid Wahhabi school of Sunni Islam in which Shi'ism is seen as heretical. Shi'ites in Eastern Province say they face persistent discrimination affecting their ability to work, study and worship freely, charges Riyadh denies. (Reporting by Angus McDowall; Editing by Sami Aboudi and Nick Macfie) By Luciana Lopez and Steve Holland LAS VEGAS/COLUMBIA, S.C. (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump rolled to victory on Saturday in South Carolina in a contest that saw former Florida Governor Jeb Bush drop out, while Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton beat back a strong challenge from Bernie Sanders in Nevada. The victories by Trump, who is running as an anti-establishment outsider, and Clinton, a preeminent political insider, solidified their positions as the front-runners to win their parties' respective nominations ahead of the Nov. 8 presidential election. The night's most prominent casualty, Bush suffered a distant fourth place finish in the Republican contest and announced he had suspended his campaign, ending his dream of becoming a third Bush president after his father and brother. "The people of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina have spoken, and I really respect their decision," an emotional Bush said in Columbia. He finished far out of the running in each of the first three states. By winning both South Carolina and New Hampshire and holding leads in 13 states that hold Republican contests on March 1, Trump was arguably on track to win the nomination, an outcome that seemed astounding to contemplate when he entered the race last summer. "It's going to be very difficult for him to be derailed at this point," said Hogan Gidley, who was a senior adviser to former Republican candidate Mike Huckabee. The 69-year-old real estate billionaire and reality TV star was declared the winner in South Carolina about an hour after polls closed, and launched into a feisty victory speech. "Let's put this thing away," Trump told cheering supporters in Spartanburg. He denounced TV pundits for saying there could be enough anti-Trump votes to beat him when the race thins further. "These geniuses," he said. "They don't understand that as people drop out, I'm going to get a lot of those votes also. You dont just add them together." Trump easily defeated Florida Senator Marco Rubio and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who were in a close fight for second place and the right to declare themselves the anti-Trump alternative. With 99 percent of South Carolina precincts reporting, Trump had 32.5 percent, followed by Rubio with 22.5 percent and Cruz with 22.3 percent. Cruz's inability to distinguish himself from Rubio in the state was a blow to his campaign, which had invested heavily there to rally support among South Carolina's large population of evangelical voters. Trump's victory won him at least 44 of the state's 50 delegates, bringing his delegate count to 61, compared to 11 for Cruz and 10 for Rubio, according to a tally by Real Clear Politics. Republicans need 1,237 delegates to win the party nomination. SANDERS SETBACK It was Trump's second victory in a row, an outcome that frightens establishment Republicans but thrills the "throw-the-bums-out" conservative base of the party that has long been fed up with Washington. The bellicose New York billionaire had created some last-minute drama in South Carolina after Pope Francis said on Thursday his views on U.S. immigration were "not Christian." Trump, who has also advocated a ban on Muslim immigrants to counter domestic terror threats, stirred fresh controversy on Friday when he told a crowd about a U.S. general who was said to have dipped bullets in pigs' blood to kill Muslim prisoners a century ago. Former Secretary of State Clinton's victory in the Nevada Democratic caucuses, meanwhile, could help calm worries among the Democratic establishment about the strength of her campaign. Her result denied Sanders the breakthrough win he had sought in a state with a heavy minority population, but his ability to close a one-time double-digit polling lead for Clinton suggests the Democratic nominating race will be long and hard fought. With 90 percent of precincts reporting, the former first lady was leading with 52.6 percent of the vote to Sanders' 47.4 percent. Clinton's victory gave her fresh momentum as she heads into the next contest in South Carolina on Feb. 27, where polls show her with a double-digit lead largely as a result of heavy support from black voters. "Some may have doubted us, but we never doubted each other," she told cheering supporters at a victory rally in Las Vegas. "This is your campaign." Sanders vowed to fight on and set his sights on the 11 states that vote on "Super Tuesday," March 1. He predicted that when Democrats gather for their nominating convention in Philadelphia in July, "We are going to see the results of one of the great political upsets in the history of the United States." "The wind is at our backs," the Vermont senator said. "We have the momentum." After routing Clinton in New Hampshire and finishing a strong second in Iowa, states with nearly all-white populations, Sanders had hoped to prove in Nevada that he could win over black and Hispanic voters and compete nationally as the race moves to states with more diverse populations. But entrance polling in Nevada showed he badly lost among black voters, by 76 percent to 22 percent, a bad omen for South Carolina and other southern states with big black populations. He did win among Hispanics by 53 percent to 45 percent. Clinton's campaign has argued she would assert control of the Democratic race once it moved to more diverse states with black and Hispanic populations who have traditionally backed Clinton and have been slow to warm to Sanders. (Reporting by Luciana Lopez and Steve Holland; Writing by John Whitesides, Steve Holland and Richard Valdmanis; Editing by Andrew Hay and Mary Milliken) By Ece Toksabay ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey's presidency said U.S. President Barack Obama had shared his concerns over the Syrian conflict and promised his support on Friday, hours after a tense exchange between the two NATO allies over the role of Kurdish militants. In a phone conversation that lasted one hour and twenty minutes, Ankara said Obama had told his counterpart President Tayyip Erdogan that Turkey had a right to self defence, and expressed worries over advances by Syrian Kurdish militias near Turkey's border. Washington did not immediately comment on the call, beyond saying Obama has given his condolences over Wednesday's bombing in the Turkish capital.. Earlier on Friday, Erdogan had said U.S.-supplied weapons had been used against civilians by a Syrian Kurdish militia group that Ankara blames for the deadly suicide bombing this week. The State Department, which sees the Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters as useful allies against Islamic State, said the United States had "not provided any weapons of any kind" to the group. The issue risks driving a wedge between the NATO allies at a critical point in Syria's civil war, as the United States pursues intensive talks with Syria's ally Russia to bring about a 'cessation of hostilities'. Turkey has blamed the YPG for the suicide car bomb attack two days ago that killed 28 people, most of them soldiers. But a Turkey-based Kurdish splinter group has claimed responsibility for the bombing and threatened more attacks. Before the call with Obama, Erdogan said he was saddened by the West's refusal to call the Syrian Kurdish militia terrorists, and would explain to the U.S. president how weapons provided by the United States had aided them. "I will tell him, 'Look at how and where those weapons you provided were fired'," Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul. "Months ago in my meeting with him I told him the U.S. was supplying weapons. Three plane loads arrived, half of them ended up in the hands of Daesh (Islamic State), and half of them in the hands of the PYD," he said. "Against whom were these weapons used? They were used against civilians there and caused their deaths." He appeared to be referring to a U.S. air drop of 28 bundles of military supplies in late 2014 meant for Iraqi Kurdish fighters near the Syrian city of Kobani. Pentagon officials said at the time one had fallen into the hands of Islamic State. The Pentagon later said it had targeted the missing bundle in an air strike and destroyed it. The United States has said it does not consider the YPG a terrorist group. A spokesman for the State Department said on Thursday that Washington was not in a position to confirm or deny Turkey's charge that the YPG was behind the Ankara bombing. The spokesman also called on Turkey to stop its recent shelling of the YPG. The YPG's political arm has denied the group was behind the Ankara attack and said Turkey was using it to justify an escalation in fighting in northern Syria. "CONFLICTING AND CONFUSED" The Turkish government has said the Ankara attack, in which a car laden with explosives was detonated next to military buses as they waited at traffic lights, was carried out by a YPG member from northern Syria working with Kurdish militants inside Turkey. But the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK), a group that once had links to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), claimed responsibility for the bombing in a statement on its website. It said the bomber was a 26-year old Turkish national. The claim of responsibility by TAK is unlikely to make a difference to Turkey's demand that Washington stop its support of the Syrian Kurdish fighters. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu earlier accused the United States of making conflicting statements about the Syrian Kurdish militia. He said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry had told him the Kurdish insurgents could not be trusted, in what Cavusoglu said was a departure from Washington's official position. "My friend Kerry said the YPG cannot be trusted," Cavusoglu said at a news conference during a visit to Tbilisi. "When you look at some statements coming from America, conflicting and confused statements are still coming.... We were glad to hear from John Kerry yesterday that his views on the YPG have partly changed." Within hours of the Ankara attack, Turkish warplanes bombed bases in northern Iraq of the PKK, which has waged a three-decade insurgency against Turkey and which Davutoglu accused of collaborating in the car bombing. Violence between Turkish security forces and the PKK has been at its worst since the 1990s after a 2-1/2-year ceasefire collapsed last July. Two soldiers and a police officer were killed on Friday in a PKK attack in the Sur district of the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, parts of which have been under round-the-clock curfew since December, the armed forces said. Three other soldiers were killed as a building collapsed in the same district. (Additional reporting by Daren Butler, Asli Kandemir, Lesley Wroughton, Roberta Rampton and Doina Chiacu in Washington; Writing by Nick Tattersall, David Dolan and Dasha Afanasieva; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Andrew Heavens) Mobile Computing Alabama District Nears Complete Rollout of 1-to-1 Program Alexander City Schools is nearing the end of a two-year rollout of a 1-to-1 program that will eventually see a computer in the hands of each of its 3,400 students. After the Alexander City Education Foundation agreed in 2013 to help fund the project, students in grades 10-12 received iPads in January 2014. The following fall, students in grade 9 were added. This year, the program was expanded to give students in grades 3-8 Chromebooks and the program will wrap up next fall when preK through grade 2 students will receive their devices. In most cases, they will be devices that students can take home with them. District Superintendent Darrell Cooper said that, even in the cases where some families may not have Internet access, students will be able to download the materials they need from school to do their homework at home using their Chromebooks and iPads. Cooper said the 1-to-1 program was one of the pledges he made to the community when he was hired a few years ago. "There was not much technology when I was in school," Cooper said in a report in the Alex City Outlook. "These kids will see changes before they leave school they have already seen big changes in technology. We hope we are giving students more options through technology." He also reiterated that technology will only enhance students' absorption in their core academic subjects such as math, science, language and social studies. "They are still going to learn the same things their parents did," Cooper said. "Technology is a tool that allows them to learn in a different way than their parents did." By Dustin Volz and Abhirup Roy (Reuters) - Apple Inc on Monday urged the creation of a government panel on encryption to help resolve a standoff over national security and data privacy that began last week after the technology company refused a U.S. government demand to unlock an iPhone used in a mass shooting in California in December. It was the latest move in a public and symbolic showdown between the U.S. government and technology companies, both of which are keen to set a precedent over how far U.S. investigators can dictate how tech firms handle their customers' data. "Apple would gladly participate in such an effort," the company wrote in a post on its website entitled "Answers to your questions about Apple and security". (http://apple.co/1QthT10) The idea of setting up a commission - which may be a prelude to a broader legislative solution - is not new, although a political resolution of the data privacy and encryption debate has proven elusive for many years. A digital security commission comprising technology, business and law enforcement experts has been proposed by Democratic Senator Mark Warner and Republican Representative Michael McCaul, who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee, to help break the impasse over encryption. The bipartisan pair is scheduled to unveil details of legislation that would create a panel at a Washington event on Wednesday. Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook also sent a letter to employees Monday morning, making clear the company's hardline stance addresses broader issues, not just the phone in question. "This case is about much more than a single phone or a single investigation, so when we received the governments order we knew we had to speak out," Cook said in the email to employees, seen by Reuters. "At stake is the data security of hundreds of millions of law-abiding people, and setting a dangerous precedent that threatens everyones civil liberties." The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation is seeking the company's help to access Syed Rizwan Farook's phone by disabling some of its passcode protections, which the government says are "non-encryption barriers." Farook and Tashfeen Malik attacked a holiday party in San Bernardino, California on Dec. 2, killing 14 people and injuring 22. The pair were killed later in a shootout with police. Apple has argued that while it is technically possible to bypass the security features of the iPhone by building a new operating system, such a move would set a dangerous precedent. FBI Director James Comey published an article on the national security legal blog Lawfare late on Sunday, arguing the case was not about setting a new legal precedent but "victims and justice." "Fourteen people were slaughtered and many more had their lives and bodies ruined," Comey wrote. "We owe them a thorough and professional investigation under law. That's what this is." Apple said it has not unlocked iPhones for law enforcement in the past but has extracted data from an iPhone running older operating systems under a "lawful court order." The U.S. Department of Justice filed a motion on Friday seeking to compel Apple to comply with a judge's order to unlock Farook's iPhone, though it admitted the move was "not legally necessary" since Apple had not yet responded to the initial order. "We've handed over all the data we have, including a backup of the iPhone in question," Apple said in its post. "But now they have asked us for information we simply do not have." In its post, Apple added that "the best way forward would be for the government to withdraw its demands" to unlock the phone. The company could not be immediately reached for further comment. The case has revived interest on Capitol Hill over how to deal legislatively with what law enforcement calls "going dark" - where tight digital security locks them out of accessing the data of criminal suspects. But legislating how a tech company should safeguard its customer data has long proven politically unviable. The White House backed down from a push for legislation last year amid stiff opposition from tech firms and privacy advocates. Bipartisan leaders of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee late Friday invited Apple's Cook and FBI Director James Comey to testify at an upcoming hearing on encryption, though no date was set. Senators Richard Burr and Dianne Feinstein, the top Republican and Democrat of the Senate Intelligence Committee respectively, have long said they intend to introduce legislation that would force a company to be able to grant authorities access to a suspect's data, though a bill has not yet materialized. Some victims of the attack will file a legal brief in support of the U.S. government's attempt to force open to unlock the phone, a lawyer representing the victims told Reuters on Sunday. (Reporting by Dustin Volz in Washington and Abhirup Roy and Supantha Mukherjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Bill Rigby and Bernadette Baum) By Siva Govindasamy SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The market for spy planes and surveillance platforms is buoyant in Southeast Asia, where countries are facing off against China and each other - in the resource-rich South China Sea, industry insiders at the Singapore Airshow said. Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam have all been seeking information from suppliers, trade sources said, as maritime patrol aircraft and intelligence gathering platforms become more of a priority. Some of the kit is needed for traditional activities such as counter-piracy, fisheries protection or disaster response, but China's growing assertiveness in the region's seas is looming increasingly large in the thinking of defense planners. "They did not know that China was building artificial islands," said one industry source who regularly talks to the region's navies. "They did not know that it had built a runway or put in missile launchers. They want to fix this." China has been building runways and other infrastructure on islands it controls in the South China Sea, where it has a series of overlapping territorial claims with its neighbors. The rising tensions in the region are fuelling demand for advanced radars, sensors and other equipment known in defense jargon as "ISR" - intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. "People don't trust their neighbors, resource and territory claims require a keen knowledge of what the other guy is going, and military operations other than war demand strong situational awareness," said Richard Aboulafia, vice-president of analysis at Teal Group, a U.S.-based aerospace consultancy. "And of course, societies, militaries, and non-state armed groups are electronically more noisy than ever, meaning countries need ISR to keep tabs on them." LEAN BUDGETS Manufacturers displaying their wares in Singapore included traditional players such as Airbus and Boeing, alongside newcomers from Indonesia and Japan. Sweden's Saab unveiled its "Swordfish" maritime patrol and anti-submarine system, which can be based on a Bombardier business jet or a turboprop aircraft, at the show. Lean defense budgets, however mean that many countries are after a lower-cost option. Boeing offers a stripped-down version of its P-8 Poseidon - the most advanced marine spy plane on the market - called the Maritime Surveillance Aircraft, which is based on a Bombardier business jet. PT Dirgantara Indonesia, the country's state-owned aerospace firm, offers a maritime patrol version of the Casa CN235 military aircraft that is produces under license from Airbus. Several are in service with the Indonesian navy, which is expected to acquire more, and talks have been held with Malaysia and other countries in the region. The company is working with French firm Thales to provide maritime surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities, but it is open to countries customizing their requirements. "We are not selling any of the equipment," said Ade Yuyu Wahuna, vice-president of business development and marketing at the company. "We are the integrators and if anyone wants to choose their own kit, we can integrate that onto the aircraft." (Reporting By Siva Govindasamy; Editing by Alex Richardson) By Gabriela Baczynska and Robin Emmott BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Austria infuriated European Union peers on Thursday by insisting on capping the number of migrants it takes in, undermining Germany's push to seek a joint EU solution to the bloc's refugee crisis in tandem with Turkey. EU leaders reaffirmed at a Brussels summit there was no alternative to a common European approach to the migration wave that exposed deep differences in the EU. They also resolved to hold a special summit with Turkey in early March to make a joint plan to stem the influx work better. In a clear show of exasperation at the Austrian move, announced unilaterally on the eve of the summit, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said: "National solos are not to be recommended." What had been expected to be a relatively calm discussion on implementing the bloc's tentative strategy to curb the number of refugees entering Europe turned into what one diplomat called a blazing row with Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann. Other EU officials said Vienna's action was tantamount to "giving the finger to the rest of Europe", and "for the benefit of Austrian tabloids". Faymann insisted he did not only hear criticism during the summit dinner: "There was a lot of understanding," he said. "We cannot provide all the asylum in Europe." Austria, the last stop on the way to Germany for hundreds of thousands of migrants who have flocked to Europe, announced on Wednesday it would reimpose barriers on its southern borders. Despite a warning from the EU's migration chief that the cap would break EU and international humanitarian law and pressure at the table to suspend the measure, Faymann vowed to press ahead with the plan and said his own lawyers had other views. Austria's dispute with its peers is symptomatic of the rifts the massive flow of migrants into Europe has opened within the EU, with member states often ignoring calls from the European Commission to share the burden more evenly, and unilaterally reimposing barriers to movement over their borders. The leaders issued a statement saying: "The comprehensive strategy agreed in December will only bring results if all its elements are pursued jointly and if the institutions and the Member States act together and in full coordination." Austria had been due to host a pre-summit meeting between Turkey and 11 EU states on Thursday, but that was called off due to a bombing in Ankara - a setback to German Chancellor Angela Merkel's hopes of pressing ahead with the EU-Turkey pact. EU leaders issued a statement condemning the Ankara attack. "PLAN B" Germany, which took in over one million migrants last year, has led efforts to offer money and promise to revive Turkey's long-stalled EU accession talks to get Ankara to prevent more people from embarking from its shores for Europe. "The important statement for me today is that we have not only reaffirmed the EU-Turkey action plan, but we have said it is our priority," Merkel told reporters. But many doubt it would work and have pushed towards beefing up border controls along the migration routes, which could eventually lead to tens of thousands of people being stuck in Greece, giving rise to major humanitarian problems in a country already struggling with its own deep financial crisis. "Merkel is completely isolated on this, she is losing political capital. All the others get increasingly impatient every week. So it's going to happen this way or another, even though it would mean leaving Greece in the cold," said one diplomat. The EU would then need to provide humanitarian assistance to Greece, a possibility already mentioned in the draft conclusions of the 28 leaders' meetings. An EU official also warned that countries would tighten borders further by the time leaders meet for their next summit in mid-March. Four sceptical eastern European members have floated a fallback policy of ring fencing Greece to keep the migrants they expect to land there from proceeding through Macedonia and Bulgaria to other EU countries to the north and west. The "Plan B" suggested by Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic did not go down well in Brussels and Berlin. European Council President Donald Tusk, who chaired the summit, told a news conference: "We must first avoid a battle among plans A, B and C. It makes no sense at all, as it creates divisions within the European Union." The four eastern states, which strongly oppose a German proposal for distributing refugees around the EU, have sought to portray their proposal as another leg of EU strategy, rather than an alternative to seeking an effective deal with Turkey. Merkel, on arriving at the summit, pledged to press ahead with the EU-Turkey pact despite the cancellation of the planned meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. "I would like the EU-Turkey immigration agenda to be granted priority so that we do everything to implement what has been agreed to protect our outer borders, and also to divide roles with regard to the many refugees coming from Syria," she said. One EU diplomat said the influx of migrants must be stemmed by a mid-March EU summit on migration. "Without stemming the flows, there is no hope. By March time will be running out ... relying simply on Turkey to deliver is not enough." (Additional reporting by Francesco Guarascio, Tom Koerkemeier, Jan Strupczewski, Philip Blenkinsop, Robert-Jan Bartunek and Alastair Macdonald; Writing by Paul Carrel and Paul Taylor; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Alastair Macdonald) SAO PAULO (Reuters) - General Motors Co will reconsider plans for new investment in Brazil if the economic and political situation does not improve, the company's president Dan Ammann said in an interview published on Sunday. Brazil was until recently one of the world's five biggest auto markets, but it has sunk into the worst recession in 25 years and business confidence has been undermined by political uncertainty and a bid to impeach President Dilma Rousseff. "I hope to see political and economic advances in the next six to 12 months, which would allow us to stick to our investment plan," Ammann told the Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper. Otherwise, GM would "re-evaluate," he said. GM announced last year that it plans to invest 6.5 billion reais ($1.62 billion) in new products and technology in Brazil through to 2019. But recession has hit the auto sector badly. Production of cars and trucks dropped 29.3 percent in January from a year earlier, the lowest for the month since 2003, and sales fell 38.8 percent, the lowest monthly total in almost nine years, according to the national automakers association Anfavea. Despite the severe downturn, Brazil remains a major base of operations for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV , Volkswagen AG , Ford Motor Co and GM. Barry Engle, GM president for South America, said in the same interview that Brazil needs changes in fiscal policy and reforms to its tax, labour and regulatory laws because it is "terribly uncompetitive." A third of the Brazilian auto industry's nearly 130,000 workers are on some kind of furlough, as automakers struggle to cut capacity without resorting to more costly layoffs. Ammann said it was too early to say whether GM will close any of its five plants in Brazil, two of which make components for vehicles produced at the other three. GM continues to view Brazil as a market with great potential in the long run, but "a big change" is needed to reach that potential, Ammann said. "The important question is to know when we will see the stability that allows us to continue investing. We are worried because the environment is unstable and the outlook is uncertain for the next few years," he said. Ammann suggested Brazil follow the example of Argentina, where the election of President Mauricio Macri brought a shift to business-friendly policies that are restoring investor confidence in a country beset by heavy-handed trade and currency controls. "Argentina showed how the situation can quickly change with the right leadership of the economy," he said. ($1 = 4.0199 Brazilian reais) (Writing by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Andrew Bolton) By Valentina Za MILAN (Reuters) - Italy's government must seek an accord within the ruling coalition over legislation offering same-sex couples legal recognition and be ready to stand a confidence vote on it, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said on Sunday. Renzi, who had promised to enact the law last year, has faced strong opposition both within parliament and from the Roman Catholic Church, which wields great influence in Italy. In the latest setback, the government last week postponed voting on the bill after it lost the support of the populist Five Star Movement on a key amendment. The most contentious aspect of the legislation is a clause allowing same-sex couples to adopt the biological child of the other partner - a compromise deal may require ditching it. Critics say the stepchild adoption would encourage surrogacy parenting, which is illegal in Italy and fiercely opposed by Renzi's main coalition ally the New Centre Right party headed by Interior Minister Angelino Alfano. Italy is the only major Western country that has not yet recognised civil unions for same-sex or heterosexual couples, continuing to withhold from them legal protections such as inheritance rights. Italy's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex movement said in a note it looked with great concern at the prospect of an accord because of the views some governing parties held on homosexual families. "The stepchild adoption is ... the heart of the law, any solution that excludes it cannot be acceptable," it said. Renzi told the assembly of his centre-left Democratic Party (PD) party that relying further on the Five Star Movement remained one possibility but there was a risk that approval of the bill were delayed for another year. "The issue of civil rights is the biggest challenge currently for us ... we have two alternatives," Renzi said. "My proposal ... is for governing parties to try to reach an accord and put forward an amendment on which I believe we must be ready to call a confidence vote." In his speech, Renzi also reiterated a call for Egypt to help uncover the truth over the death of Giulio Regeni, a 28-year-old Italian student found tortured by a roadside in Cairo. "Italy is friends with Egypt and we demand the truth from our friends," Renzi said. "The truth is not optional despite what business, diplomacy or realpolitik reasons may suggest. We owe it to Giulio's mother and father." (Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky) SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea fired several artillery rounds into the sea near a disputed maritime border with South Korea on Saturday, causing alarm among residents on a nearby island in the South, but the shells did not fly across the border, the South's military said. The two Koreas are in a tense political standoff after the North's nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch on Feb. 7. South Korea and the United States say they were grave violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The allies are expected to begin large-scale annual military drills in early March, which the North calls preparations for war and routinely vows retaliation over. Saturday's firing, heard from the island of Baengnyeong, was probably aimed in a northwestern direction from the North's shore as part of an exercise, a South Korean defence ministry official said by telephone, asking not to be named. The South's office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff later said there were several rounds of artillery fire, revising a comment by the ministry official that there had been a single shot, and there were no other unusual movements by the North's military. South Korea suspended the operation of a jointly run factory park in the North, closing what had been the last window of regular interaction born out of a summit meeting in 2000, when leaders pledged to work for peace and reconciliation. The area is near the scene of the sinking of a South Korean navy ship in 2010 that the South blames on the North, although Pyongyang denies any role. The island of Baengnyeong sits just a few kilometres (miles) from the disputed Northern Limit Line (NLL) border and less than 20 km (12 miles) at its closest point to the North's shore. (Reporting by Ju-min Park and Jack Kim; Editing by Sandra Maler and Clarence Fernandez) SYDNEY (Reuters) - Hundreds of Australians held an overnight vigil outside a hospital treating a baby girl facing repatriation to an offshore immigration detention camp, blocking exits amid reports she would be removed imminently. Doctors at the Lady Cilento Children's Hospital in Brisbane have refused to release the girl following treatment for serious burns, adding to pressure on the government over its tough asylum seekers policy. The one-year-old girl, known only as Asha, and her parents face being returned to a camp on the tiny South Pacific island of Nauru, about 3,000 km (1,800 miles) northeast of Australia. The detention centre, which houses more than 500 people, has been widely criticised for harsh conditions and reports of systemic child abuse. Earlier this month, the High Court rejected a legal test case that challenged Australia's right to deport 267 refugee children and their families who had been brought to Australia from Nauru for medical treatment. Doctors have refused to release her until a "suitable home environment is identified." However, refugee advocates said British security firm Serco, which runs detention centres in Australia had a heightened presence at the hospital and called for people to join the peaceful blockade. Daniel Webb, Director of Legal Advocacy at the Human Rights Law Centre, said he had been denied access to Asha's family. "At this time we can't contact our client - Asha's mother - and she can't contact us," Webb said in a statement. Kon Karapanagiotidis, chief executive of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre said the family had been told by immigration officials on Saturday they would be moved "not to Nauru but would not say where." Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said deportation of the 267 children will be decided "on a case by case basis." The immigration office could not immediately be reached on Sunday for comment on Asha's situation. Asha was flown from Nauru to Brisbane for treatment for serious burns last month. The Australian government and its policy of sending asylum seekers who attempt to reach the country by boat to camps on Nauru or on Manus island in Papua New Guinea. They are not offered resettlement in Australia. The government says the policies are necessary to stop asylum seekers drowning aboard the unseaworthy vessels used by people smugglers to ship them from Indonesia to Australia. (Reporting By Jane Wardell; Editing by Marguerita Choy) By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Russia asked the United Nations Security Council on Friday to call for Syria's sovereignty to be respected, for cross-border shelling and incursions to be halted and for "attempts or plans for foreign ground intervention" to be abandoned. Russia circulated a short draft resolution to the 15-member council over concerns about an escalation in hostilities after Turkey this week said it and other countries could commit ground troops to Syria. The Security Council met on Friday afternoon to discuss the draft, but veto-powers the United States, France and Britain all said it had no future. "Rather than trying to distract the world with the resolution they just laid down, it would be really great if Russia implemented the resolution that's already agreed to," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, told reporters after the meeting. She was referring to a resolution unanimously agreed by the Security Council in December that endorsed an international road map for a Syria peace process. The Russian draft, seen by Reuters, would have the council express "its grave alarm at the reports of military buildup and preparatory activities aimed at launching foreign ground intervention into the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic." It also demands that states "refrain from provocative rhetoric and inflammatory statements inciting further violence and interference into internal affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic." Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told Reuters this week that his country, Saudi Arabia and some European powers wanted ground troops in Syria, though no serious plan had been debated. Russian air strikes have helped to bring the Syrian army to within 25 km (15 miles) of Turkey's borders, while Kurdish militia fighters, regarded by Ankara as hostile insurgents, have also gained ground, heightening the sense of urgency. Turkey has been shelling positions of the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia in response to what it says is hostile fire coming across the border into Turkey. Russia's relations with Turkey hit a low in November when Turkish warplanes downed a Russian bomber near the Syrian-Turkish border, a move described by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "dastardly stab in the back." Syria's civil war was sparked by a Syrian government crackdown on a pro-democracy movement in early 2011. Islamic State militants have used the chaos to seize territory in Syria and Iraq, and some 4.3 million Syrians have fled the country. The U.N. says at least 250,000 people have been killed. A U.S.-led coalition has been bombing Islamic State targets since September 2014. Russia began air strikes in Syria in September 2015. (Additional reporting by Dmitry Solovyov; Editing by Leslie Adler, Sandra Maler and Andrew Hay) NAIROBI (Reuters) - Somalia on Monday demanded that Kenya explain why it detained Somali lawmakers at an airport when they were travelling as part of a government delegation, in the latest diplomatic row between the East African neighbours. Kenya, along with several other African states, has sent troops to Somalia to help the Mogadishu-based government fight al Shabab, Islamist rebels with ties to al Qaeda. But relations between the two countries have been testy in recent years. Somalia and Kenya dispute the location of their maritime boundary line in the Indian Ocean, and Kenya has sold oil and gas-drilling rights to foreign companies in the disputed zone. Somalia has also protested Kenya's plan to build a 700-km wall along their border. The latest row comes after Somali lawmakers travelling to Turkey with Somali Prime Minister Omar Sharmarke arrived in Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in the capital of Nairobi on Saturday. The lawmakers were not given visas on arrival and were detained several hours, said Somali government spokesman Abdisalam Aato. All flights from Somalia to Kenya stop for extra security checks at the town of Wajir, near the Somali border, but the flight the lawmakers were on did not do this. The Somali government said the country's leadership is exempt from rule. "The Federal Government of Somalia protests this unwarranted incident at JKIA and expects full justification and explanation from Kenya," Somalia's government said in a statement. The Kenyan presidency was not immediately available for comment. Kenyans say extra security checks on are needed because security at the Mogadishu International Airport is poor. Earlier this month a bomb was smuggled on to a plane at Mogadishu airport. It exploded in mid-air but only killed the suspected suicide bomber. (Reporting by Drazen Jorgic; editing by Katharine Houreld) U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles taxi the runway after landing at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, November 12, 2015. Six F-15Es are deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and counter-ISIL missions in Iraq and Syria. Picture taken November 12, 2015. REUTERS/USAF/Tech. Sgt. Taylor Worley/Handout via Reuters (Reuters) WASHINGTON(Reuters) - The United States and its allies conducted 38 strikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria on Saturday, the coalition leading the operations said in a statement on Sunday. In Syria, there were 18 strikes conducted using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Nine strikes near Al Hasakah hit eight separate Islamic State tactical units and destroyed fighting positions, buildings, and a vehicle used by the group. Other strikes hit targets near Al Hawl, Ar Raqqah, Dayr Az Zawr, and Manbij. In Iraq, 20 strikes were conducted, with 10 strikes near Mosul destroying nine assembly areas, a fighting position, two command and control nodes, and hitting other targets. Other targets were hit near Al Baghdadi, Ramadi, Sinjar and other cities. KKR has agreed to buy into seeds provider Advanta Enterprises in a deal which values the business at about $2.25bn. Forex Brokers Forex Brokers Read our comprehensive Forex brokers articles where we publish all the info needed to help you select the right one according to your trading strategy. CUNAs Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) kicked off on Sunday, with nearly 5,000 attendees coming together to hear keynote speakers Ted Koppel, Lisa Bodell, Paul Begala and Mike Murphy. Key legislators, CFPB Director Richard Cordray and the NCUA board will also take the stage at the Washington Convention Center during #CUNAGAC. Lisa Bodell, best-selling author and CEO of futurethink will kick off Mondays Opening General Session, discussing how complacency and the relentless pursuit of efficiency prevent organizations from finding and employing innovative solutions that get results. As a futurist and expert on the topic of change, Bodell is a frequent contributor to Forbes and Harvard Business Review. Ted Koppel, one of the most recognized journalists in American history, will speak at Tuesdays General Session. His presentation will explore the possibility of a cyberattack on Americas power grid and discuss the potential devastating consequences. Koppel has won 42 Emmy Awards, 11 duPont-Columbia Awards and eight George Peabody Awards. The final General Session on Wednesday will feature strategists Paul Begala and Mike Murphy hosting a point-counterpoint on the 2016 elections and examining key issues that will affect the financial industry. Of the many breakout sessions topics, some will include the NCUAs field-of-membership proposal, compliance challenges and the results of CUNAs study on the cost of regulatory burden. The exhibit hall has a thousand people representing more than 200 organizations, here to meet and talk with credit union volunteers and staff. Attendees this week will have the chance to descend on Capitol Hill to advocate for credit unions and make the case for regulatory relief, increased consumer access to credit union services, new public policy, and preserving the not-for-profit tax status of credit unions. Sundays opening day schedule included an ED (Filene) Talk from Daniel Pink. The author of 5 provocative books about the changing world of the workplace, Pink shared some insight from his latest book, To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others. Pink stated that sales has long been associated with sleezy and dishonest salespeople and that those feelings arose from a situation of information asymmetry where one party (the seller) has more information than the other (the buyer) which would allow the seller to take advantage of the buyer. Pink discussed how we now live in a world not just of buyer beware but also of seller beware and how that change took place because of information parity buyers now have ample information, lots of choices, and the means to talk back. The old sales motto of Always Be Closing has changed, according to Pink, with the new ABCs of sales being Attonement, Bouyancy, and Clarity. Getting out of your head and into your customers head, staying afloat in an ocean of rejection, and problem finding over problem solving are some of Pinks tips for succeeding at sales. During #CUNAGAC, in addition to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, CUNA communications will be using Periscope, a live-streaming app to broadcast behind-the-scenes updates. Look for: The #CUNAGAC and #CUdifference hashtag on all social media platforms; @CUInsight, @AmandaCUInsight, @John_CUInsight on Twitter; @cuinsight on Instagram; CUInsight.com on Facebook; and @CUNA on Periscope. Check back for updates on the latest from the 2016 #CUNAGAC! CUNA News Now: CU Times: In addition to the woodland caribou, the bighorn sheep, and the masked bobwhite, you can add this to Americas list of endangered species: the small credit union. Chalk up that threat to the same culprit: Humans. In this case, its death by a thousand paper cuts from Washington legislators and regulators who have been carving up small financial institutions with compliance costs since the Great Recession. Worse, the prognosis in the Capitol is for more of the same bad medicine. Americas credit unions were not the cause of the financial crisis. On the contrary, our not-for-profit, member-owned, cooperative business model guides us to serve our members with attractive rates on savings, loans and credit cards rather than piling on risk to please shareholders with a higher dividend or rising stock price on Wall Street. Yet, since passage of Dodd-Frank in 2010, which led to the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), regulatory costs for credit unions have risen by 39 percent. While this hits all of Americas credit unions regardless of size and impacts the financial benefits they extend to members, it hammers small credit unions and the communities they serve particularly hard. Thats because smaller financial institutions lack the scale to spread their regulatory costs across a larger base. Typically, theyre forced to dig out from the regulatory blizzard by adding costly staff or reducing services that benefit their members. And by comparison, even the largest credit unions are small when compared to the trillion-dollar mega banks that destroyed the American economy in the financial crisis. Farmers are demanding more information about how their businesses would be affected if the UK stays in or leaves the EU. In the event of the UK leaving the EU, the impact on the future of British agriculture remains unknown. Defra secretary Liz Truss has admitted her department has No Plan B for the farming industry if the UK votes to leave the EU. Farmers and landowners say they are still being kept in the dark about what an EU exit would mean for their livelihoods. They are calling on the government to provide some much-needed clarity ahead of the crucial EU referendum vote, which is widely expected to take place on 23 June this year. Prime minister David Cameron headed to Brussels this week to meet European partners to secure a renegotiation ahead of an in-out vote on the UKs membership of the EU. See also: Brexit campaign must make case for farming, says Eustice The NFU, which has yet to announce whether it is in favour or against a Brexit, has called for clear and accurate answers from Mr Cameron about what a Brexit would mean for UK agriculture. Three key Brexit questions farmers need answering Farm support The single farm payment accounts for roughly 56% of total income of farm businesses. Would these subsidies be replaced by funding from the UK Treasury? The single farm payment accounts for roughly 56% of total income of farm businesses. Would these subsidies be replaced by funding from the UK Treasury? Farming regulations and trade What effect would this have on the bureaucratic burden for farmers as well as tariff and trade policy on agricultural products? What effect would this have on the bureaucratic burden for farmers as well as tariff and trade policy on agricultural products? Employment law What effect would a Brexit have on the thousands of EU and foreign farmworkers employed in the UK? NFU president Meurig Raymond said: If Britain is to stay in the EU then David Cameron must be clear. How will the UKs position within the EUs single market be made stronger? Will this weeks European Council lead to a commitment to create a globally competitive market with less red tape and compliance costs and better regulation for the benefit of British agriculture? British farmers must not go into an EU referendum without all the information. If Britain stays in the EU, we need to know what steps will be taken to make European agriculture more competitive. Will we be able to remove some of the blocks to progress such as barriers to biotechnology? If we leave the EU, what will a British agriculture policy look like and what is the future of support payments? How will British farmers access the European market and will the UK be more open to imports from outside Europe? A number of reports have raised key issues about the effect a Brexit would have on UK agriculture. These include: the NFUs UK Farmings relationship with the EU, a report for the Yorkshire Agricultural Society on the Implications of Brexit for UK Agriculture and Agricultural Implications of Brexit, prepared for the Worshipful Company of Farmers by Allan Buckwell. Professor emeritus Alan Matthews, of Trinity College, Dublin, became the latest agricultural economist to highlight the great unknowns that farmers needed answering on the potential implications of a Brexit for UK food and agriculture when he addressed the AHDB Outlook Conference on 9 February. Writing in his latest post on his CAPReform EU blog this week, Prof Matthews said: In recent weeks there has been a steady flow of reports evaluating the possible consequences for UK farming of withdrawal from the EU. It is impossible to make any sensible evaluation, because no one knows the agricultural, trade, budgetary and regulatory policies that would be put in place if the UK did vote to leave in its referendum. Prof Matthews highlighted the many flaws of the EU as an institution, including a wasteful and ineffective agricultural policy, which despite the worthwhile reforms in recent years, was still not fit for purpose. Pleased to be speaking at AHDB Outlook conference in London today on implications of Brexit for UK farming https://t.co/27SIFBZpmH Alan Matthews (@xAlan_Matthews) February 9, 2016 But he said the EU remains a powerful force with its collective action to achieve common goals more effectively than any one nation can do on its own. Farmers Weekly asked three farmers how they were likely to vote if the EU referendum was held tomorrow: IN: Simon Rinder, farm owner, Stroud Farm, Holyport, near Maidenhead, Berkshire I think its better the devil you know and we should stick with it. But I am concerned about what the EU has turned into. Brussels is making decisions and rules on all manner of subjects that really should be decided by our own government. If Britain had known what we know now when we entered the common market in 1973, we would never have entered it in the first place. But now we are in, we probably need to stick with it. But we must lay down a few rules and regulations if we are to remain in the union. OUT: Terry Moore, tenant farmer, Otmoor Farm, Horton-cum-Studley, Oxfordshire Definitely out. I think we would be better off outside of the EU. To my mind, they are not helping us at all. When we trade with other countries we have got to pay a levy on all our animals. I think thats all wrong. Why should we? The problem is a lot of these countries are not interested in our beef cattle and sheep at the moment because the pound is too high for them. I dont see why we should lose out on subsidies either. If we stopped paying these billions of pounds to the EU, the UK government would surely be able to give us a subsidy. Even if we were to lose our subsidies, food prices would likely go up a bit, which would be a good thing for farmers. UNDECIDED: Peter Lundgren, White Home Farm, Branston Fen, Bardney, Lincolnshire I am not sure. But what I do know is that the issue is far bigger than a bit of subsidy or acreage payments for agri-environment schemes. The NFU will host an open debate on Brexit on 24 February, day two of its annual conference in Birmingham. George Lyon, former MEP for Scotland, will be speaking for the Britain Stronger In Europe group, and Daniel Hannan, Conservative MEP for south-east England, will make the case for a Brexit. The government has defended its record on agriculture almost a year to the day since Defra secretary Liz Truss unveiled a four-point plan for farming at last years NFU conference. Despite concern that ministers should do more to champion agriculture, Defra insists good progress has been made across all four priorities highlighted by Ms Truss in her speech to conference delegates a year ago. Those four priorities were: Improving farming resilience in the face of volatility Opening up new markets at home and abroad Simplifying EU rules and regulations Protecting the country from plant and animal disease. See also: Patience wears thin over Defra plan for farming On volatility, Defra says it secured a 26.2m EU farm aid package last autumn the third biggest for member states. And it highlights new rules introducing five-year tax averaging from April. On exports, Defra says more than 600 new markets have opened to British food since 2010. It says dairy exports have hit 1.4bn, with Ms Truss pushing for the US to reopen its market to Scottish beef. On CAP simplification, Defra is committed to doing everything it can when pushing Brussels to reduce red tape. It says it is already easier for farmers to comply with greening by allowing more hedgerows to be used in claims. But Defras record on disease is less clear cut. The government insists it is absolutely committed to eradicating bovine TB. But many farmers remained concerned at the slow rollout of badger culling to combat the disease. Defra might be on course for half of England to be bTB-free by 2020. But that half is unlikely to include all those hardest hit by the disease. What farmers want from government strategy Defras plan must enable arable farmers to reach our production potential, which is a staggering two to three times what we are producing at the moment. Mike Hambly, combinable crops Profitability has been missing in the beef and sheep sectors for too long. We want a plan that will reverse this trend and will allow a fair margin for all in the supply chain. Charles Sercombe, livestock The government should facilitate discussion on a fair and functioning supply chain specifically looking at the voluntary code on contracts and labelling. Rob Harrison, dairy The plan must focus on increasing self-sufficiency. It should look at how British growers can have a stronger footing in the food service, food manufacturing and public procurement markets. Guy Poskitt, horticulture Ceremony, rally and march at Opening of Alex Nieto trial Date: Tuesday, March 01, 2016 Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Event Type: Protest Organizer/Author: Allan Fisher Email: Phone: 415-954-2763 Location Details: Federal Court: 450 Golden Gate Ave. (one block from Civic Center) THE TRIAL: ALEX NIETO VERSUS THE SFPD, MARCH 1, 2016 The Alex Nieto Coalition says: For the past two years we have been community building for this rare event: The Trial: Alex Nieto versus The SFPD. The time for history is now. We invite you to an unprecedented action of love: join us for a massive community rally on TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016 AT 8:00 A.M., the morning that the federal trial for Alex Nieto begins. We will rally, share love, sing songs, make speeches, and show unbreakable unity at the United States federal courthouse in San Franciscos Civic Center at 450 Golden Gate Avenue. Shot at 48 times and killed by the San Francisco Police Department, Alex Nieto was a family provider, college student, security guard, and a positive, peaceful community activist. Implementing Mahatma Gandhis TRUTH FORCE, we will use our limitless creativity and the court system to action for our integrity, humanity, and rights, the most basic of rightsour lives! We will no longer accept fear, degradation, and murder. Together we hold honor, action courageously, live consciously, believe in faith, and prove love. On TUESDAY, MARCH 1, we will chant in unity to enforce the United States Constitutiondue process, equal protection, no unlawful takings. Years from now, you will be able to proclaim to your children and grandchildren that you were a positive part of the 21st century civil rights movement against police brutality and killings! So be there early, call in sick, walk outSACRIFICEbecause throughout the trial, we will make certain that justice prevails. We rally in power to enforce that which is beyond any constitution: AMOR FOR ALEX! Speeches, poetry, and performances by Roberto Hernandez, Thea Matthews, SF Board of Supervisor John Avalos, Adriana Camarena, SF Poet Laureate Alejandro Murguia, Ben Bac Sierra, SF Board of Supervisors District Nine Candidate Edwin Lindo, Favi Estrella, Francisco Herrera, Equipto, Dregs One, Tony Robles, Father Richard Leslie Smith, AFT 2121 representatives, HOMEY, United Playaz, y mas! Invite all your friends and relations to this historic event! For more information visit justiceforalexnieto.org Alex Nieto and Amilcar Perez-Lopez were City College students when they were murdered by the SFPD, and Mario Woods went to Balboa High School: it could have been you! They are from the same communities being marginalized and evicted from San Francisco by gentrification, and from City College through downsizing and push-out policies. March 1st, WALK OUT, shout out for the opening of Alexs trial 8AM:Ceremony at court, 450 Golden Gate Ave, SF 9AM: Assemble at City College Ocean Campus Ram Plaza, and City College Mission Campus, 21st and Valencia. 10AM: Rally at Court, 450 Golden Gate Ave. 11AM:March. Then attend trial throughout. In loving memory AIPAC may delude itself into believing that Congress has taken a major step to defeat the BDS movement. In truth, despite its ability to commandeer votes in Congress, it is fighting a rearguard action against a movement that it is powerless to stop. The Israel lobby is fighting a rearguard action against a movement that it is powerless to stop. (Stephen Melkisethian/Flickr) 2 July 2015 As the Palestinian civil society-led movement for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) continues to snowball, as evidenced by the United Church of Christs overwhelming affirmative vote earlier this week, Israels supporters have embarked on a desperate top-down strategy to legislate against this burgeoning grassroots initiative. After several blatantly unconstitutional anti-BDS bills failed to generate support in the last US Congress, the Israel lobby giant AIPAC believed it scored a significant victory when President Barack Obama signed into law on Monday the first federal anti-BDS provision. This provision, tucked into the Trade Promotion Authority bill more commonly known as fast track authority makes it a principal negotiating objective of the United States to discourage politically motivated actions to boycott, divest from, or sanction Israel in current negotiations with the European Union over the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. The law also specifically extends this US discouragement of BDS to include Israeli-controlled territories, a transparent ploy to put pressure on the EU to reverse nascent steps to label products from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. More bark than bite In a media release issued last month, AIPAC crowed that this provision is a major step to defend Israel from pernicious economic efforts by foreign governments to unfairly target our democratic ally. But is this really a major step that will actually impact US policy? Hardly. Here are three reasons why this provision is so much less important than its protagonists portray it to be. First, this provision is far from an anti-BDS clarion call by the US Congress. It originated as a stand-alone bill introduced by Senator Ben Cardin, a Maryland Democrat, in March. His bill picked up a whopping total of six co-sponsors. When Cardin saw that his bill was not gaining traction, he snuck it through committee as an amendment to fast track. Once his initiative was tacked onto this larger trade bill, it became an irrelevant sideshow barely mentioned in the ensuing tumultuous debate. Second, after the president signed the bill into law, the Obama administration immediately disabused the Israel lobby of any notion that the anti-BDS provision would affect its policies. On Tuesday, State Department spokesperson John Kirby argued that by conflating Israel and Israeli-controlled territories, the anti-BDS provision runs counter to longstanding US policy. He emphatically added that the US government has never defended or supported Israeli settlements and does not pursue policies or activities that would legitimize them. Although Kirby reaffirmed US opposition to BDS campaigns against Israel (Obama referred to them as bigoted in a speech to AIPAC in 2008), the clear intent of this statement is to signify that the US will put up at best a perfunctory effort to discourage the EU from penalizing Israeli settlement products. This does mark something of a shift. In January 2014, when settlement-based SodaStream was in the news, the State Department was adamant that the administration unequivocally opposed any and all boycotts, even of goods from Israeli settlements. Failed ambition Third, this short anti-BDS provision is the only portion of a much larger congressional anti-BDS push that has found its way into law to date. A much more ambitious anti-BDS bill being pushed by Illinois Republican Representative Peter Roskam, like the Cardin bill, has similarly failed to move on its own. This bill would require the president to submit an annual report to Congress on BDS and force foreign companies operating in the US to disclose BDS pressures to which they have been subjected by civil society. Roskam snuck his legislation into another trade-related bill as an amendment that was passed by the House. The Senate, however, has refused to accept this language and instead favors a more anodyne, largely symbolic anti-BDS statement. The House and Senate versions of this bill HR644 are now being reconciled by a conference committee with Roskams more drastic anti-BDS language unlikely to emerge victorious. Even in the worst-case scenario of Roskams anti-BDS language being enacted into law and establishing reporting requirements, nothing in any congressional anti-BDS initiative does or could restrict our First Amendment-protected right to engage in BDS speech and advocacy. And anyone who is subjected to intimidation or interference in exercising this right should report the incident to the legal defense group Palestine Legal to beat back ongoing and intensifying efforts to muzzle BDS campaigning in particular and advocacy for Palestinian rights more broadly. AIPAC may delude itself into believing that Congress has taken a major step to defeat the BDS movement. In truth, despite its ability to commandeer votes in Congress, it is fighting a rearguard action against a movement that it is powerless to stop. Josh Ruebner is Policy Director of the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation and author of Shattered Hopes: Obamas Failure to Broker Israeli-Palestinian Peace. Gun Runner Comes Out of Risen Star as Kentucky Derby Points Leader: The Risen Star boasts so much history in the race itself. Horses coming into the Risen Star have a lot to answer as three-year-olds and usually give glimpses into their talent and potential as they move through their careers. Previous winners of the Risen Star have gone on to win other graded stakes races and even the Breeders Cup Classic. Mucho Macho Man won the Risen Star in 2011 and then went on win the Classic in 2013 after a second-place finish in 2012. This year, the Risen Star was won by a son of Candy Ride who has shown a lot of potential in his previous races. Gun Runner made his three-year-old debut in the Risen Star, defeating horses such as Mo Tom and Airoforce, who are viewed as top prospects for the 2016 Kentucky Derby. Gun Runner went off at odds of 5-1 and had to fight hard to hold off a charging Forevamo and Mo Tom. Gun Runner runs in the Steve Winchell name, who owns horses like Untapable and ran Tapiture in the 2014 Kentucky Derby. Gun Runner is trained by Steve Asmussen, who has horses in his barn like Untapable and Nickname. Besilu Stables, who owns the colts dam, Quiet Giant, bred the colt. Quiet Giant is a half-sister to Horse of the Year and ill-fated Saint Liam. The female family of Gun Runner has been highly influential. Quiet Giant only has one horse on the track, which is Gun Runner, but she also has a newly turned two-year-old filly by Malibu Moon. As a racehorse, Quiet Giant won three straight listed stakes in New York at Aqueduct and then went on to win two straight stakes at Monmouth, ending her career in the Grade II Molly Pitcher Stakes. She was put into the 2011 Keeneland sale and was retired following that. Quiet Giants sire Giants Causeway has been a top stallion, broodmare stallion, and everything in between since he was born. He was even a top racehorse, never finishing worse than second in any of his thirteen starts. He ran primarily on turf, but in his first try on dirt, he ran second to Tiznow in the 2000 Breeders Cup Classic. He then retired to Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky, where he currently stands for a fee of $85,000. Giants Causeway, since entering stud in 2001, has sired millionaires Take Charge Brandi, Carpe Diem, Giant Oak, and Shamardal. Giants Causeway is represented worldwide with his sons and daughters. He even has a colt potentially headed to Louisville named Destin. Gun Runner is sired by Candy Ride, a top stallion standing at Lanes End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky. Candy Ride, an Argentinian-bred, won all three of his starts at age three in Argentina before coming to the United States for his four-year-old season. In his four-year-old season, Candy Ride only made three starts, winning them all. He won the American Handicap at Hollywood Park going 1-1/8 miles on the turf before making his final start on dirt. Candy Ride took home the 1-mile Pacific Class over top horse Medaglia dOro. Candy Ride retired undefeated in six starts. He entered stud in 2005 for a fee of $10,000. He now stands for a fee of $60,000. His top offspring include Shared Belief, Clubhouse Ride, Sidneys Candy, and Twirling Candy. Gun Runner jumped to the top of the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with his 50-point score in the Risen Star (GII). Gun Runner is likely to start next in the Louisiana Derby on March 26, held at the Fair Grounds. Until then, he will get fit and ready to run another top race before heading to Louisville, Kentucky, for the historic Kentucky Derby. Risen Star Stakes Replay Edwardsville, IL Its not just the banks who are under fire for Its not just the banks who are under fire for excessive overdraft fees ; credit unions also face allegations that they used illegal means to increase profits from overdraft charges. Although credit union overdraft lawsuits are moving ahead, they will not do so as a consolidated motion, after a judicial panel ruled the lawsuits would have to move forward separately. The number of lawsuits filed against credit unions is growing, according to the(2/9/16). In the past six months, at least 15 credit unions have been hit with class-action lawsuits related to the practice of charging overdraft fees. The plaintiffs moved to consolidate 11 of those class-action lawsuits, but the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation declined to consolidate the lawsuits, finding that they did not have enough in common to move forward together.Part of the problem is that the defendant credit unions are run in at least nine different states, meaning each is governed by different breach of contract laws. Furthermore, because there are around 6,000 credit unions in the United States, the panel ruled that the number of lawsuits could grow dramatically, moving the complexity of the proposed multidistrict litigation beyond anything manageable.Consolidation of lawsuits into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) is done to prevent overlap in discovery. A rejection of an MDL is not a comment on the merits of the lawsuit, rather a comment on whether the various lawsuits share similar questions of fact. Although the common question involves excessive overdraft fees, different credit unions may have different policies and procedures on charging such fees, making it difficult to consider all lawsuits at once.Each action is brought against a different credit union on behalf of a different class, the panel ruled . There is no overlap among the plaintiffs, the defendants, or the putative classes. Discovery in each action will be chiefly, and perhaps even entirely, unique to that action."Lawsuits filed against credit unions allege the financial institutions used illegal practices to increase profits from excessive overdraft fees, including charging overdraft fees when customers had enough money in their account to cover the transaction. One such lawsuit was filed against MidFlorida Credit Union , and alleges the credit union used an artificial internal calculation based on anticipated debits and deposits that have not yet occurred - rather than the actual balance in the account - to determine if there are enough funds to cover a debit transaction.The plaintiff in the MidFlorida lawsuit alleges she was charged a $30 overdraft fee, even though she had enough money in her account to cover a debit transaction.Other lawsuits accuse financial institutions of reordering transactions from highest to lowest to push consumers into debt more quickly, also increasing the amount made from overdraft fees.The MidFlorida lawsuit is, case no. 8:15-cv-02743, in US District Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. The denied multidistrict litigation was In Re: Credit Union Checking Account Overdraft Litigation, MDL No. 2684. Santa Clara, CA People exposed to certain types of toxic People exposed to certain types of toxic Lumber Liquidators' laminate flooring are potentially three times more likely to develop cancer than previously predicted, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry was notified February 13 of an error in its report released February 10, 2016, about the possible health effects from exposure to formaldehyde emitted from select laminate flooring samples.Health risks for people who have the laminate flooring are being revised to reflect greater exposure to formaldehyde, which could cause eye, nose, and throat irritation for anyone. The estimated risk of cancer associated with exposure to the flooring increased. Reportedly, the original calculations used an incorrect value for estimating the upper limit of cancer risk from exposure to formaldehyde present in Lumber Liquidators Chinese-made laminate floors. The agency stated that the value was about three times lower than it should have been.Consequently, the estimates suggest that the risk of cancer is six to 30 cases per 100,000 people. The CDC previously estimated two to nine cases per 100,000 people.While the company stopped selling the Chinese-made laminate floors in May, the CDC continues to recommend that people take steps to reduce their exposure.In California, the flooring company is facing a probe over possible charges claiming its China-sourced laminates have excessive levels of carcinogens. Gimek Zrt., an air conditioning and air treatment - ventilation equipments manufacturer company, moves into Rozalia Park. The last industrial unit within the park was a standalone building. The total size of the industrial space is 9,380 sq m. During the negotiations the landlord handled all tenant requirements flexibly [] In Finland, last years transaction volume was 5.2 billion, which is the third highest volume ever, and not far from the 2007 record of 6 billion. Major transactions by foreign investors and Finnish housing investors had a significant impact on the transaction volume. Catella predicts that the real estate transaction [] India is under pressure. Whether it be the right to dissent, paid media interference, caste reservations, water problems, nationalist and anti-nationalist agenda, insurgency or riots, February has witnessed it all. While media coverage is limited to what gets the nations attention, media prosecution, or media blackout, an important matter thats been sidelined is the protest at Honda Two Wheelers Tapukara plant in Rajasthan. To begin with, four Tapukara plant workers contract was terminated by Honda Two Wheelers in the first week of February 16 following a two-month disciplinary inquiry on their suspension after it was found the charges on them were true. The workers were accused of creating an atmosphere of unrest within factory premises, while also attempting to incite other workers to stall production. Honda Two Wheelers says on 16th February, 2016, the terminated four with help from 50 external supporters with vested interests from neighboring states resorted to an illegal strike inside Hondas 2nd plant premises. The group blocked the exit gates of the plant, and in doing so, effectively held about 1,000 A-Shift workers hostage inside the plant. Separately, a group of 40 strong blocked entry of B- Shift employees to the plant. Those within plant premises then began damaging plant machinery and posed a threat to workers trapped inside. Those outside started pelting stones at the police force and security to in an attempt to forcefully enter the plant. Police intervention and use of mild force was deemed necessary to disperse disruptive elements outside and free workers within after clearing the factory gate. Production resumed on 17th February, 2016 once the damage to machinery the previous day was fixed. Honda Two Wheelers appealed to its second factory workers not to fear the situation, and report back on duty. The message was well received, and since the past five days, more and more associates have started resuming duties in the shifts. Today, 22nd February, 2016 production has returned to normalcy in Hondas second factory operations, and about 80 percent of workers are back at the plant, and have resumed their duties. A YouthkiAwaaz feature titled The Real Reason Why Over 4000 Workers From Honda Are Protesting For The Past 5 Days sees Honda two wheelers categorically deny the report by saying It is incorrect that 4,000 workers are on strike. That is not true. The report elaborates that on 16th February 2016, a supervisor physically assaulted a contract worker at the HMSI Paint Shop. The worker refused to work overtime and upon protesting, the supervisor grabbed his throat, and attacked him. The worker pleaded ill health having worked overtime for the past few days but his reasoning wasnt considered, and the assault continued. In a show of solidarity, other workers chose to resort to a strike. In an alternate account of events, 2,000 workers of Shift A sat in protest inside the factory, and 1,000 workers of Shift B and C on the outside in an attempt to make management see reason into their long-standing demands. Honda then dismissed 4 workers and suspended 8 others. The company summoned 5 workers along with Naresh Kumar and Rajpal for negotiations, and bouncers and Rajasthan Police attacked workers. Workers were severely injured in the attack while Joint Police forces of BJP ruled Haryana and Rajasthan tracked workers to their rented homes to hound them further. Tapukara area is currently under police control under a state of emergency. The report further elaborates that workers cant be traced. 44 workers have been sent to jail as no counsel on behalf of them could be present in the court. Apart from missing workers, 350 workers have been injured, 50 of them grievously. The initial unrest stemmed from overworking. Chaos around Union formation led to termination of 500 contract workers along with Union President Naresh Kumar. Its reported that Honda management called in 500 bouncers and equipped them with company uniforms so they could keep protesting workers mum. Workers from other industrial units in Gurgaon-Manesar region including Maruti Suzuki, Hero and Rico protested on February 19. In a statement, a copy of which has been shared with Rushlane, the company reiterates, a majority, about 80 percent workers have already resumed work at the plant. They do confirm that remaining few workers havent yet returned to duty, and are continuing the illegal strike. Honda Two Wheelers terms it a speculation that a contract worker was slapped, saying the statement is absolutely false, and completely misleading. The company has said no such incident has happened, and these baseless allegations and rumours are being used to incite plant workers. Honda Two Wheelers has no role to play with the process Labour Union formation. Such a claim is untrue. Workers are pressuring management for reinstatement of the four terminated workers. Management has explained the matter in detail, having clarified that the termination is a result of indiscipline, and cannot be overlooked. A group of workers has approached the Court against an alleged manipulation in the proposed Union formation process. The Court has put a stay on the matter, and has directed Rajasthan labour department to not register the Union till the court case is pending. Honda Two Wheelers opines The issue of proposed Union is being politicised, and has declined to comment any further as the matter is subjudice. The Union is already registered and recognized for Hondas first plant at Manesar. Japanese automakers Suzuki and Toyota announced a partnership last year on a global level to exchange products and technologies. The first fruit of this joint exercise will be seen in the Indian market where Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) will rebadge and sell four of Maruti Suzukis segment leading products. The products in question are the Maruti Baleno, Ertiga, Ciaz and Vitara Brezza. A few days ago, we reported that the Toyotas version of Baleno is ready to hit the showrooms towards the end of this month, and now we have learnt that the car in question will be called as Glanza. According to our sources, production of the Toyota Glanza hatchback has commenced at Suzuki Motors new Gujarat plant. The plant which is set up by Suzuki Motor Corporation to manufacture and sell cars to its Indian subsidiary Maruti Suzuki will also sell Toyota badged Baleno to TKM initially. We have also learnt that production of Toyota Blanza would be shifted to one of TKMs two plants in Bidadi, near Bangalore, once the automaker sorts out component sourcing. Such a move would not only improve Toyotas capacity utilization but also would free up production capacity at Suzuki Motors Gujarat plant so that it can cater to Marutis high demand. Coming back to the Toyota Glanza, it will be available in Zeta and Alpha trim levels (names of the variants could be different) with the 1.2-liter K12B as the sole engine option. Like in the Baleno, the petrol motor will be mated to either to a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. The engine produces 83 PS and 115 Nm of torque. The engine will be BS6 compliant. It is to be noted that the Maruti Baleno has just received the 1.2-liter DualJet (K12C) engine update along with Smart Hybrid (SHVS) system. It remains to be seen when will this update seen on the Toyota Glanza. As far as features are concerned, both Toyota and Maruti versions will be identical. Visually, the Toyota Glanza will feature revised front grille and bumper to have a Toyota brand identity. The sheet metal parts and interior will be carried forward without any change. The premium hatchback will be pitted against its donor car, Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz. The rebadging exercise would allow Toyota to establish its presence in volume rich segments in India. Price of Toyota Glanza will be higher than respective variants of Maruti Baleno. In collaboration with an international team, scientists of the Senckenberg Natural History Collections in Dresden have identified a new species of snake in Europe. In an integrative study, published in the Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, the researchers were able to demonstrate that the "Iberian Grass Snake" does not constitute a subspecies of the wide-spread common Grass Snake as previously thought, but rather a distinct species. The Grass Snake is widely distributed across Europe and Asia; in many countries, this harmless reptile with the characteristic, pale crescent around the neck is among the most commonly encountered snakes. "It may well be due to this abundance that there are so many different views regarding their taxonomy," says Professor Dr. Uwe Fritz, Director of the Senckenberg Natural History Collections in Dresden, and he continues, "Depending on the author, the number of recognized subspecies ranges from 4 to 14." In cooperation with the PhD student Carolin Kindler, colleagues from the Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig in Bonn and additional international partners, Fritz now discovered that the "Iberian Grass Snake" -- previously considered a subspecies of the common Grass Snake -- is in fact a distinct species. "Europe's vertebrates are generally well-studied -- the discovery of an additional species is therefore quite remarkable," underlines a delighted Kindler. The team of scientists used various methods to study more than 300 snakes from different museum collections and combined this data set with genetic data of 85 Grass Snakes. "We connected external morphology, such as scale numbers, with characteristics of the skeleton and genetic features, and based on these results, we found out that the Iberian Grass Snake -- Natrix astreptophora -- constitutes a full species," explains Fritz. The genetic studies also show that the newly discovered species does not share its habitat with the common Grass Snake Natrix natrix, whose subspecies are widely distributed throughout Europe and Asia. Natrix astreptophora occurs in the North African Maghreb region, on the Iberian Peninsula and in Southern France. Kindler explains, "The two species only meet in the south of France, near the Pyrenees." But there is virtually no hybridization between the two species in this region -- "strong evidence that Natrix astreptophora constitutes a separate species," adds Fritz. As a hunter of amphibians and other small animals, the common Grass Snake, which can reach a length up to 150 centimeters, is tied to wet habitats -- and these are increasingly threatened by the draining of wetlands, the regulation of river courses and the intensification of fish farming. The Iberian Grass Snake, however, is much less dependent on the presence of water than its wide-spread relative. Many grass snakes fall victim to automobile traffic; around some of the larger lakes, tourism poses yet another threat to the grass snakes. "The knowledge about which species we are dealing with helps us to better assess the threat level and to implement timely protection measures. This is of particular importance, since the Iberian Grass Snake prefers different types of habitat," adds Kindler in summary. While the current Russian government appears to be maintaining its popularity by calling for the rebuilding of the pre-1991 Russian Empire, opinion surveys and migration patterns indicate a mixed attitude towards the old Russian Empire. The big problem is that half the people in the old empire were not Slavs although ethnic Russians were the majority among the half that was Slavic. The problem is that despite centuries of living in the same country (czarist Russia or the Soviet Union) all these different ethnic groups never developed much affection or tolerance for each other. Most ethnic Russians living in non-Slav parts of the Empire (especially Central Asia and the Caucasus) have returned to Russia since 1991. Most of those who stayed in non-Russian areas did so for economic reasons. That was also why non-Russians stayed in Russia, because what is now Russia is where the most economic opportunities always were. That wealthier and better educated population was a major reason Russia conquered all those other countries. But in the end (1991) the conquered, as is usually the case, never got used to the conquest and do not want the conquerors back. Theres also the racism factor. For example about 40 percent of ethnic Russians thought other Slavs (like Ukrainians or Byelorussians) were capable of becoming Russians if they lived in Russia for a few years and switched their loyalty to Russia. But less than ten percent thought peoples from the Caucasus or Central Asia were capable of that. This xenophobia (fear of outsiders) is nothing new for Russia. For 70 years the communists sought to eliminate this trait but only managed to suppress it and delude themselves into thinking it was gone. This is a common pattern in communist countries and throughout East Europe. Xenophobia returned in the 1990s because of the collapse of the communist governments in 1989. It was worst in the Balkans, where civil war erupted as the communist police state collapsed and optimists hoped for a democratic Yugoslavia. While that that had long been a cherished goal in the region, it was not to be. Several years of vicious fighting between Serbs, Croats, Slovenes, and Albanians followed and was not halted until 1999. The Caucasus also erupted and unlike Yugoslavia, a NATO peacekeeping force was not available to fix things there. In the Caucasus the usual Russian application of carrot (bribes) and stick (violent suppression) did not work either. Eventually (1999) Russia had to reinvade parts of the Caucasus (especially Chechnya) to restore order. Meanwhile, there has been a major ethnic shift in the Caucasus. Russians, and other people not native to the Caucasus, are still being driven out of the region by terrorism, corruption, and a bad attitude towards outsiders. Its been worst in Chechnya, where Russians comprised 25 percent of the population in 1989, but only 2 percent today. The decline has not been as great in the rest of the Caucasus but it has been massive, with more than half the Russians who were living in the Caucasus having left by 2011. Actually, this trend began in the 1950s, right after tyrant Josef Stalin died in 1953 and Russia began to trim the power of the secret police. The departure of ethnic Russians from the Caucasus simply accelerated after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. In Central Asia about half the nearly ten million ethnic Russians living there in 1991 have left. The recent Russian operation to take the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine had a bracing effect on the other countries that, until 1991, were part of the ancient Russian Empire. The Crimean operation was the second such land grab Russia had undertaken since 2008. The first was against tiny Georgia. Many of these former Russian subjects feel that the Russians are trying to get their empire back. Ask many Russians that question and most agree that it would be a nice thing. Some Russians are more outspoken and bluntly call for the empire to be reassembled no matter what. In reaction to this the forlorn fourteen nations that were part of the Soviet Union until 1991, as well as many East European states that were subject to Russian control from the end of World War II to 1989 have become very nervous. Poland is particularly agitated because large parts of Poland were part of the Russian Empire for most of the 18th and 19th centuries. Same deal with Finland, which broke away after World War I and had to fight off a Russian invasion in 1940 and many threats since then to stay independent. That makes the forlorn fourteen the scared sixteen. All of these nations have noted what happened to Georgia and Ukraine with great trepidation and are responding in expected, and unexpected ways. The fourteen former Russian imperial possessions that regained their independence are the three Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the five stans of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan). Poland, the Baltic States and Finland escaped from the empire after World War I but only Finland managed to stay free through World War II. The Baltic States were retaken during World War II and Poland remained nominally independent but was occupied by Russian troops (and took orders from Russia) until 1989. Poland and the Baltic States managed to join NATO after the Cold War ended and are hoping that the mutual defense terms of the NATO alliance will dissuade Russia. Nevertheless all four, plus Finland, have increased their military readiness this year and are seeking assurances from the West that they will have help against Russia. Many Finns have called for Finland to join NATO, but a large minority has opposed this because of the fear it would anger the Russians. There was a similar division in Ukraine but now more Finns are thinking that NATO membership is preferable to trusting Russia to always behave. Even Sweden, never part of the Russian empire and successfully neutral since the early 19th century is thinking about joining NATO for protection from an increasingly aggressive Russia. The stans of Central Asia have another option; China. The stans have been very receptive to Chinese diplomatic and economic cooperation. This bothers Russia, but not to the extent that threats are being made, as was the case with the former imperial provinces to the west. The stans also have a problem with never having been democracies. When the Russians conquered them in the 19th century, the local governments were monarchies or tribes. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, former Soviet officials held elections and manipulated the vote to get themselves elected "president for life." But many people in the Stans want clean government and democracy, as well as continued independence from Russia. China is no help with that because the Chinese prefer dictators. In the Caucasus Georgia still seeks closer ties with the West. Armenia, because of disputes with Azerbaijan and long-term fear of Turkey remains a close ally of Russia. Azerbaijan maintains good relations with Russia mainly because Iran claims Azerbaijan as a lost province (stolen by Russia in the 19th century). Russia is quite open about wanting to rebuild the old Tsarist Empire that the communists managed to lose in 1991 when the Soviet Union came apart and half the population of that empire went off and formed 14 new countries (or reconstituted old ones the Russians had conquered). Russia is proposing things like customs unions, military cooperation and rebuilding the old Soviet air defense system that used to defend everyone in the empire. Theres been some progress, but most of the 14 nations want nothing to do with Russia. Meanwhile Russia has to face that fact that when the Soviet Union broke up half the population enthusiastically went to the 14 new countries and most of those people were quite pleased with the demise of the Soviet Union. Thus if you asked all citizens of the former Soviet Union what they thought of the breakup you would find about 70 percent with no regrets. Thats because the Soviet Union was basically the Russian Empire cobbled together by the old czarist monarchy over more than two centuries of conquest and expansion. Thus in the Soviet Union more than half the population felt like conquered people, not part of any union. The Soviet Union dissolved quickly in 1990-91 because over half the population really wanted it to happen and had wanted it for a long time. Moreover many ethnic Russians were tired of supporting a lot of the less affluent conquered people and were fed up with the economic failures of communism. The former Soviet Union citizens who regret the breakup tend to be older people who were disillusioned at how corruption and bad leadership made post-Soviet life less wonderful than was expected. The younger people are more realistic, never having lived as adults in the Soviet Union and intimately familiar with the fact that freedom isnt free and democracy is difficult. For younger Russians there are more economic opportunities than under communism. While Russia lost half its population when the Soviet Union broke up, it hung on to most of the valuable natural resources (like oil and natural gas). While the post-Soviet government was initially reluctant to increase state supplied pensions (which were low during the Soviet period because there was little to spend it on and the state supplied housing and some health care), the pensions did eventually go up. But not as much as the economy grew and the working Russians were obviously doing better than the pensioners who had grown up under communism. In Soviet times that meant there was little economic opportunity and most everyone was equally poor. The old-timers never got used to the post 1991 changes and most would prefer the communists to come back. That wont happen and as the generations that grew up under communism die off so will any desire to return to the bad (but familiar) old days. Nevertheless enough Russians favor rebuilding the empire to make the idea a popular talking point among major politicians and that may continue for decades. This horse will probably never forget this special moment - or the rescuer who gave it to him. In Romania, it's common practice to bind a horse's front feet with chains to prevent them from running away, Four Paws International, an animal rescue group, explains in a recent video. The bindings force a horse to move in an unnatural hopping motion, as shown below. YouTube/Four Paws The troubling trend of mistreating animals for the sake of photos has claimed another victim. A peacock held captive at a zoo in China was killed by a group of tourists who insisted on picking up the bird so they could have their picture taken with him. The peacock, frightened of being handled, is said to have died from shock shortly after. Dodo Shows Little But Fierce Pocket-Sized Kitten Grows Up To Be A Wild Woman Chinese news outlet Yunan.cn reports that staff at the Yunnan Wild Animals Park were alerted to the impromptu photo shoot, though by then the damage had been done. "There are obvious signs in the zoo to ban people from catching peacocks," one zoo employee told Yunan.cn. "But there were too many tourists gathering at the time which made it too busy for us to ease the flow. When our working staff noticed the misbehavior, it's been late." Although it's been reported elsewhere that two peacocks were killed, China Central Television reported that was not the case. The 2016 Economic Report of the President says that the economy will continue modest, steady growth this year but that inequality remains higher in the United States than in other countries and has been growing faster. The annual report, released Monday and written by the Council of Economic Advisers, said that President Obamas proposals to raise the minimum wage, put money into early childhood education and help low-income families with children would ease inequality. While the report concluded that some of the inequality was the result of competition and higher productivity stemming from technological advances, it also said that some was the result of undeserved income paid to individuals and companies. Political analysts say that inequality may be one reason Obamas approval ratings have not been higher, given that economic disaster was averted in 2009 and jobs have been added for a record consecutive number of months. [Workers wages up, but slower job growth worries financial markets] The annual economic report touted the presidents achievements. The U.S. economy has just completed the best two years of job growth since the 1990s and the fastest two-year decline in the unemployment rate since the 1980s while extending the longest streak of job growth on record, it said. Consumers are more confident about the economy than they have been in over a decade, and wages are rising at the fastest pace since the financial crisis. At the same time, it pointed to challenges for the economy, including lackluster growth abroad hurting U.S. exports, slow productivity growth, and smaller than expected benefits from low oil prices. The report said that slow foreign demand hurt GDP growth, which slowed to 1.8 percent in 2015, down from 2.5 percent in 2013 and 2014. The sharp drop in oil prices boosted the economy by 0.2 percent, less than expected. While low oil prices boosted consumption by 0.5 percent, it hurt drilling and other activity related to the oil and gas sector, dragging down the economy 0.3 percent in that area. The report also said getting productivity growth back to its long-term trend was a critical challenge. The report said that the drop in participation in the labor force had hurt GDP growth, but Jason Furman, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, said that was largely a result of demographic changes the retirement of the Baby Boom generation and a leveling off of the number of women working. Furman said that immigration reform could offset that if it led to an orderly influx of legal immigrants. The one aspect of demographics thats not destiny is immigration reform, he said in a briefing on the report. The report also made a strong argument in favor of government assistance to help low-income young children who were at greater risk of disease and poor school performance: These early-life disadvantages contribute to later-in-life disparities in education, income, employment, health, and exposure to the criminal justice system, the report said. Shirley MacLaine has been throttled many, many times. She learned this while getting hydrotherapy for her aching neck. I was hung by a rope in a pool of water, in a position similar to that of people who are hanged to death. . . . The feeling, when I first dropped into the water by my head, made me remember all the times I had been hanged in past lives! Plunging through her memory terror, she discovered that she had once co-created a gigantic flying dragon who could move and travel anywhere. She then glimpsed a vast island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The star people told me that it was the center of all energy for the Earth and was connected to each land mass, which would one day become countries. When the island began to sink, I found myself crying, desperate to understand what had happened and why. The star people said, Every feeling has its season. I asked out loud, Does God have both positive and negative polarity? Is all this destruction part of a plan? They said nothing. Well, theres no use burying the lede any longer: Shirley MacLaine saw Atlantis go down. And lived and lived and lived to tell the tale. Now, from the deepest wells of her unsilent spring, comes Above the Line, which is take your pick the latest field report from her boundless metaphysics or a barkingly mad exercise in woo-woo. To be fair, it is also the diary of the making of Wild Oats, a film that, after five years, many lawyers, countless conference calls, two directors, ten scripts and at least seven proposed locations, miraculously began shooting in the Canary Islands, with MacLaine and Jessica Lange in the leads. (Release is expected sometime later this year.) Like so many independent productions, Wild Oats was held together at any given moment by gum, string and prayer. Shooting was continually delayed, the sun blazed down, the face-lift tape itched and the money kept running dry. Nothing, though, can dampen MacLaines fondness for this business we call show. A film set is the kind of family you cant find anywhere else, she declares, and if by that she means the kind of family where Granny wanders off and experiences visions of gentle reddish-blond giants from another time, she may be on to something. On somewhat scant evidence, MacLaine has decided that the Canary Islands are the remnants of Atlantis (which, for the record, was invented by Plato). With that, she is off and running, and the result is everything one would expect from a MacLaine excursus. Humble-bragging: I have difficulty being called words like iconic and legendary. Inanity: Killing and war are profoundly sad to me. Opacity: There were no emotions, only feelings that guided the activities of everyone. Non sequiturs: Meanwhile, the Japanese had voted against child pornography. Unintentional humor: When I sat, I could feel that the tree was happy that I appreciated sitting on it. Prose that kind of hurts: The prehistory of the past affected me every day. And, above all, open-ended questions: Is any of what we call real actually real anyway? . . . Had money actually become our common God? . . . Was this the sort of thing that caused Atlantis to sink? At moments like this, its worth recalling that MacLaine is a trouper and a gifted on-screen entertainer who, over four-plus decades of relentless self-chronicling, has produced two fine memoirs: My Lucky Stars (1995), a loving warts-and-all portrait of her Rat Pack pals, and Dont Fall Off the Mountain (1970), her maiden autobiography and a model of candor and emotional clarity. [Joel Grey takes center stage in Master of Ceremonies] That MacLaine funny, shrewd, self-deprecating hasnt entirely left the building. Over the course of Above the Line, the octogenarian author cops to getting drunk on caipirinhas, making a play for the sound guy and showing up for a news conference in a crooked wig. Nor is she immune from material concerns as she tracks every nickel that whizzes past her with the zeal of Scrooge McDuck. Whos investing what? How many seats are available in first class? Is it worth it for an actress to defer compensation if all she gets is a third or fourth position of recoupment? But MacLaine, finally, isnt selling earthiness but cosmology, and if her previous sales record is any guide, readers will come flocking. What draws them to a book as indigestible as this? I have to think that the very things that render MacLaine incoherent render her accessible. She lets in everything and excludes nothing. She can speak of Madame Blavatsky and Edgar Cayce and Charles Berlitz in the same breath as Malthus and Einstein and Stephen Hawking, and her magpies nest of Buddhism, Platonism, non-denominational Christianity, sci-fi fantasy and crackpot history leaves no worshiper behind. In her world(s), its virtually impossible to be wrong or, for that matter, right. One need only be. Or be somewhere else. Louis Bayards most recent novel is Roosevelts Beast. From the opening song that declares whats at stake to the closing number that wraps it all up, most successful Broadway musicals share a sturdy structure.That basic design, hammered out by Rodgers and Hammerstein in the 1940s, still frames the characters antics in such were-not-in-Oklahoma-anymore shows as Wicked and Kinky Boots. Veteran producer Jack Viertel offers a savvy tour of this architecture in The Secret Life of the American Musical. Expanded from Viertels classes for aspiring theater professionals at New York University, his book delves deeply and seriously into a handful of shows Gypsy, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray and The Book of Mormon most prominently that best serve his analysis of what makes a musical work. But this is showbiz, so he also lards his text with plenty of jokes and asides. (Acknowledging the stormy collaborations of such composer-lyricist teams as Rodgers and Hart, he comments, The history of the Broadway musicals is the history of short Jewish men yelling at each other.) [Joel Grey takes center stage in Master of Ceremonies] Viertel favors backstage anecdotes, many of them often retold, but employed here to good effect. Take his chapter on beginnings. The primary job of the opening number, Viertel avers, is to answer the question, What kind of show is it? If the first song is a delicate ballad, the audience will be confused and unhappy when a knockabout farce ensues. For just that reason, Stephen Sondheim had to replace Love Is in the Air with Comedy Tonight in order to save A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. This well-known bit of theatre lore illustrates how an opening number must perform its traditional function of orienting the audience and telling them what to expect. In A Chorus Line, by contrast, the curtain rises on dancers scrambling to learn an audition step. Director Michael Bennett wanted the audience to be as confused and disoriented as the characters. On that opening night in 1975, the Golden Age of classic Broadway had vanished into the mist, like Brigadoon, Viertel writes. Nonetheless, the song that accompanies the frenzied audition, I Hope I Get It, maps the shows emotional territory as surely as Rodgers and Hammerstein did three decades earlier with Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin. Jack Viertel (Joan Marcus) Viertel offers such examples throughout, making related but different points. His close analysis of craft doubles nicely as an account of the American musicals evolution over the past century. From Carousel to Hello, Dolly! to Hamilton, we see style and content changing dramatically, even as the tools for conveying new ideas and new musical idioms remain generally the same. Classics continue to mingle with contemporaries as Viertel explains how various kinds of songs advance the story. The so-called I Want song can be belted by Ethel Merman (Some People in Gypsy) or rapped by Lin-Manuel Miranda (My Shot in Hamilton), but it must tell us who the protagonist is and what she or he wants. The conditional love song establishes an inappropriate couple with more in common than they realize (Ill Know from Guys and Dolls). The noise gives the audience a jolt of energy after a lot of plot (The Bitch of Living from Spring Awakening). The first-act curtain may leave the characters flailing amid smashed dreams (Everythings Coming Up Roses from Gypsy) or quivering with anticipation (A Weekend in the Country from A Little Night Music), but in either case, it must dangle enough loose ends to ensure that the audience returns from intermission eager to see what happens next. Things get a little more complicated after that. Viertel acknowledges that in Act II any really good musical must develop a distinctive path, and the signposts along the way are not securely fixed. Perhaps thats why he takes a personal intermission to sketch his own path from theater critic to producer for Jujamcyn Theaters. Now in his late 60s, he makes no secret of his affection for the gritty theater district that catered mainly to native New Yorkers before Times Square became a Disneyfied tourist playground. Now that Broadway is an international brand name, he sighs, some of its product is, inevitably, more generic and less eccentric, less unusual, less New York. But recent hits like Hairspray, featuring a male star in flamboyant drag, and The Book of Mormon, sporting the most scatological language ever heard in a musical, still have plenty of New York edge. More to the point, the 21st-century attitudes of these productions hang comfortably on a framework that has supported every kind of musical across eight decades. Viertels knowledgeable, engaging blueprint of that framework is instructive fun for cognoscenti and general readers alike. Wendy Smith is the author of Real Life Drama: The Group Theatre and America. Brendas Bar-B-Que Pit in Montgomery, Ala., opened in 1942 and later became a focal point for civil rights movement activities in that city. (Jim Shahin) When Larry Bethune, 64, looks out at the neighborhood from Brendas Bar-B-Que Pit in Montgomery, Ala., he sees what isnt there. Used to be a gas station over there, he says, pointing to a weedy lot. Another gas station, there. There, a grocery store. Another grocery store, there. A candy store. He pauses. Used to be a little town around here. That was back when Bethune was growing up. His parents, Larry James and Jereline Bethune, opened Brendas in 1942. Jereline, who ran Brendas for decades after her husband died in 1956, named it after her second daughter. A lot has happened since then: World War II, with its segregated army. Jim Crow, a system that enforced racial separation and all but kept blacks from voting. Here in Montgomery, there was the famous bus boycott, begun 60 years ago last December when Rosa Parks was arrested and fined for not surrendering her seat to a white person on a Montgomery bus. Helping to organize the boycott that ensued culminating in the Supreme Courts decision ordering Montgomery to integrate its bus system was a young preacher named Martin Luther King Jr. Brendas, which started out as a nightclub that sold food, became a focal point for civil rights movement activity. My mother and my sister and my auntie would help the NAACP, Bethune recalls, standing on a patch of concrete in front of the tiny take-out joint. We had a printing machine, and we could put out fliers about when different meetings were going to be. At the time, there was a fence back there, so you couldnt see in the back. Almost Paynes Chopped Pork Sandwich. (Goran Kosanovic/For The Washington Post) [Make the recipe: Almost Paynes Chopped Pork Sandwich] There could be trouble if their activities, though perfectly legal, were discovered. Ku Klux Klan was still around in those days, Bethune says. Brendas, with smoke from its all-wood indoor pit wafting skyward, has survived all of that: the active suppression of voting rights, the open hostility by some whites, the neighborhood disintegration. These many years later, the resilience of Brendas, which employs Jerelines grandchildren, exemplifies the depth of tradition that barbecue represents. It carries on a culinary heritage that goes back centuries and helps define the indelible contribution to American cuisine made by African Americans. Rebellion food is what Michael Twitty calls barbecue. Twittys first book, The Cooking Gene, based on his project to discover his own roots and the roots of African American cooking, will be published this year. And barbecue has been the subject of a sizeable piece of his research. The golden age of the plantation culture coincided with the Enlightenment, the birth of the industrial revolution and scientific racism, he says. Every way of doing this digging a hole, putting sticks over it, putting an animal over it, butchering a cow or a pig every way of doing this ran contrary to this beautiful, organized, almost mathematical type of culture. [His Paula Deen takedown went viral. But this food scholar isnt done yet.] Larry Bethunes parents opened Brendas Bar-B-Que Pit in 1942 in Montgomery, Ala. Hes the owner now. (Jim Shahin) At the recommendation of locals, I visited Brendas, where I ate a spectacular pulled pork sandwich on the hood of my car, while traveling through the South last year to check out the state of black-owned barbecue restaurants. Why take such a trip? First, to assess the claim bandied about in barbecue circles that such joints are dying. Second, because 50 years after such landmark civil rights events as the passage of the Voting Rights Act, and in the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement, barbecue offers a lens onto race. To be sure, others besides blacks have played a significant role in the development of what we have come to see as a peculiarly American version of smoked meat: low-and-slow cooking of animal parts, such as pork shoulder and beef brisket. Many credit American Indians with establishing the template for what would be known as American barbecue. A Spanish explorer in the early 1500s named Gonzalo Fernandez de Oviedo y Valdes described the Indians of Hispaniola (today, Haiti and Dominican Republic) cooking food above a slow, smoky fire on a platform of green sticks. He called the device barbacoa, an approximation of the pronunciation of the indigenous Taino people, and the word was later anglicized. Germans helped define barbecue in Texas and South Carolina. Mexicans in South Texas contributed barbacoa, a linguistic reverberation of the earliest days, which now refers to a cows head wrapped in magay leaves and buried in the ground to cook along with fire embers for hours and hours (although these days, Mexican barbacoa typically is steamed). Barbecue is a quintessential American cuisine, says Lolis Eric Elie, author of Smokestack Lightning: Adventures in the Heart of Barbecue Country. When we talk about a melting pot, barbecue embraces traditions many other cuisines dont. African ingredients. Caribbean ingredients. It has a democratic impulse, because it is informal, and often we eat it with our hands, and it cuts across class lines. But from the early days of the country, blacks have been associated with barbecue more than any other group. Arriving as slaves, they brought their knowledge of smoking meats from West Africa and mated it with the methods and foods of the New World. In the 1700s, blacks dug the trenches, prepared the meat and tended the fires of barbecues for political and social events. In the 1800s, politicians threw large barbecues to court votes. Again, slaves cooked the barbecue. Later, in the early 1900s, barbecue provided blacks a vehicle to gain a commercial foothold. In Kansas City, Mo., an African American man, Henry Perry, became the father of Kansas City barbecue when he began selling smoked beef and wild game in a peppery sauce. Two landmark places with ties to Perry were both founded by African Americans: The famed Arthur Bryants started in the 1920s, and the local six-outlet chain Gates and Sons Bar-B-Q was established in 1946. Alabama-Style Hot Slaw. (Goran Kosanovic/For The Washington Post) [Make the recipe: Alabama-Style Hot Slaw] More common, though, are white-owned barbecue restaurants with blacks doing the cooking and rarely getting the credit. A few black pitmasters have achieved acclaim, including, most notably, Rodney Scott of Scotts Bar-B-Que in Hemingway, S.C., and Ed Mitchell, formerly of the Pit in Raleigh. Largely, though, they are invisible. The same can be said of black-owned barbecue restaurants, which the media often overlook in the current barbecue boom, spotlighting instead what food writer and barbecue expert Robb Walsh called white hipster males in a First We Feast article last year. In 1965, protesters marched from Selma, Ala., to the state capital of Montgomery, demanding voter registration rights for African Americans. Among them was Jereline Bethune, one of the founders of Brendas Bar-B-Que Pit in Montgomery; of three women pictured in the foreground, shes the one on the left. (From Brenda Bethune) [North Carolinas barbecue scene is still smouldering] Few, for example, have heard of Lannies Bar-B-Q Spot in Selma. As the day turned to night, I sat with Deborah Hatcher, 61, in a booth at the black-owned restaurant. Lannies is a meticulously maintained, high-ceilinged, white-walled neighborhood restaurant around 75 years old. No one knows the age for sure. Hatcher is the granddaughter of founder Lannie Travis and the daughter of current owner Lula Hatcher. Lannies is as much community center as barbecue joint. Locals constantly stream in and out. Deborah, who worked there before she needed surgery on both her knees, functions as a kind of den mother now. As she scolds this one and kisses that one, she remembers being a young girl when marchers gathered throughout the neighborhood. The woman that Oprah played in Selma, she lived with us, Deborah says, referring to Annie Lee Cooper, the civil rights activist known for punching Selma Sheriff Jim Clark. She was the oldest member of our church, an independent old lady, and my brother would take breakfast to her every morning. One day, he found her on the floor. After she got out of the hospital, she moved in with us. Stayed with us about four years. She died six or seven years ago. Lannies draws a mixed clientele. Always had white people come here, she says, But we couldnt go to a white place. I can remember we had a doctor, and we had to go in the back door. I never did forget that. She recalls the Ku Klux Klan riding through their neighborhood when she was a little girl. Lights flashing. Horns blasting, she says. We would go in the house and turn the lights out. This was a mean, cruel place back in those days. Pig Tail Collard Greens. (Goran Kosanovic/For The Washington Post) [Make the recipe: Pig Tail Collard Greens] At the time of the Selma march, Lannies was a tiny place with dirt floors. Freedom Riders stayed around the corner in what was known as the Freedom House. My grandmother would fix sandwiches and take them to them, Deborah says. Barbecue has long functioned as a vehicle for black entrepreneurism. In Mobile, Ala., I visited a tiny little black-owned place called McMillan Bar-B-Que that was established after Hurricane Frederick destroyed the gas lines to their service station in 1979. Now it is run by a second generation. Co-owners Carolyn Jackson, 63, the late founders daughter, and her husband Angelo Jackson, 75, cook toothsome pork ribs over oak wood in a brick-and-plaster pit that the family built themselves. Small, black-owned, family-run barbecue restaurants have a tough time lasting beyond two generations. Children seek a less demanding career. The economics of ever-increasing wood and meat costs in a fiercely competitive business environment create challenges for getting loans to make necessary upgrades. But one of the Jacksons two sons and a granddaughter work at McMillan, providing Carolyn a sense of security. Will there be a third generation? she says, repeating my question. Yes. Definitely. In northern Alabama in a town called Florence, I pulled into the the teeny Bunyans Bar-B-Q, known for its sensational mustard-based hot slaw. While marveling at its flavor, I chewed on the improvisational nature of barbecue. Indeed, Twitty calls barbecue edible jazz. Nowhere is improvisation more on display than in Memphis. Barbecue spaghetti, one of the citys signature dishes, got its start at the black-owned Bar-B-Q Shop. Black pitmaster Desiree Robinson at the humble Cozy Corner is famous for her barbecue bologna and Cornish hen. Meanwhile, the funky third-generation black-owned Paynes Bar-B-Qs take on the pork sandwich gigantic, lightly sauced, crunch-happy and crowned with a landslide of mustard-based coleslaw sets the standard. I started my trip in Atlanta, Kings birthplace. King discussed strategy with his lieutenants over ribs at the hole-in-the-wall Alecks Barbecue Heaven. Alecks had a few seats at the counter and three, maybe four, booths. One of them had a huge wreath resting on it, memorializing King. Martin Luther King Jr., third from right, and his wife, Coretta Scott King, lead off the final lap to the state capitol at Montgomery, Ala., in a March 1965 file photo. (Associated Press) Alecks closed years ago. So have many other neighborhood black-owned barbecue joints in Atlanta, including Wyolenes and the venerable Auburn Rib Shack. But you can still get pulled pork smoked in an all-wood-fueled pit at Hodges, where King also is said to have eaten. And you can still enjoy one heck of a slab of ribs and rib tips at JJs Rib Shack, where the delicious meat is cooked over charcoal and wood in a long, homemade metal pit. At Tony Morrows Real Pit BBQ, tradition and modernity blend. Booths are sheathed in horsehide, and the sound system plays old R&B. Morrow pays homage to his late grandfather, an Alabama pitmaster. To the traditional offerings, Morrow adds delicious lemon-pepper ribs and moist red velvet cupcakes. Morrows old-and-new approach hints at the future as it embraces the past. The route to that future winds backward through time, from even before the earliest days of slavery through the civil rights movement to the modern day. My journey took me to scores of places, including several white-owned ones: Hancocks in Selma, which fed blacks and whites alike during the Montgomery march. The now-closed Ollies in Birmingham, which inadvertently upheld the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when the Supreme Court found against its anti-integration argument. The Rendezvous, a place that stayed in downtown Memphis when other businesses fled to the suburbs after the riots that wrenched the city after Kings death. Everywhere I went, the sweet, rich smell in my car wafting up from clamshells of half-finished ribs, pork sandwiches, collards and banana pudding was redolent of heritage. Are black-owned barbecue restaurants going extinct? Its hard to say. Numbers for them dont exist and never did. But my travels have persuaded me that there are more second- and third-generation black-owned barbecue restaurants than the world probably realizes. Just as the world doesnt fully realize the breadth of a largely invisible legacy. Shahin is an associate professor of journalism at Syracuse University. He will join todays Free Range chat at noon: live.washingtonpost.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jimshahin. In this photo taken Nov. 6, 2014, Camille Cosby watches her husband, Bill Cosby, pause during a news conference about their exhibit at the National Museum of African Art. (Evan Vucci/AP) Camille Cosby has faithfully stood by her husband, Bill, for more than half a century, through the glory days of Fat Albert and Dr. Huxtable and the more recent years of lawsuits and a criminal charge of aggravated indecent assault. On Sunday, despite a flurry of late emergency motions filed by Bill Cosbys attorneys to halt the proceedings, U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni ordered the comic legends wife to give testimony on Monday about her embattled husband. She was deposed in a suit filed by seven women claiming that Cosby and his representatives defamed them, labeling them liars after they came forward with their assault allegations. Mondays deposition, conducted at a Marriott hotel, is believed to be the first testimony Camille Cosby has given since more than 50 women went public with allegations that Cosby sexually assaulted and, in several cases, drugged them. The behavior, the women say, spanned decades. Although Camille Cosby sat for seven hours with eight lawyers, four for each side, she gave only 2 1/2 hours of testimony, according to lead plaintiffs attorney Joseph Cammarata. The magistrate judge had to be contacted twice, Cammarata said. I got the sense that she didnt want to be there today, Cammarata said. [Camille Cosby: A life spent juggling her role as public figure with desire to be private] Tamara Green, a former model and lawyer, filed the initial suit against the performer in December 2014 in federal court here. The Cosbys primary residence is an estate in Shelburne Falls, an hours drive north of Springfield. Cosbys attorneys argued that Camille Cosby has had no involvement with the facts of allegations underlying this case and that her participation will create an unnecessary media circus and personal security threat that serves no purpose other than to harass and embarrass her. Cosby filed a countersuit against the women in December. She is someone close to him for 50 years, countered Cammarata, the plaintiffs Washington-based attorney, while he was on the federal courthouse steps before the deposition commenced. The testimony of Camille Cosby, who has served as her husbands business manager, is crucial, Cammarata argued, to learning about the comedians relationship to her and his relationship to other women. Cammarata added: Finally, we can move forward and vindicate our clients. After the deposition, Cammarata added that for every 15 minutes of testimony, we spent 45 minutes of the day. The defense attorneys declined to comment. [Can Camille Cosby be forced to testify against her husband? Its murky.] Camille Cosby, the mother of four daughters and a son, Ennis, who was murdered in 1997, has stayed largely silent while the allegations against her husband have mounted. In a 2014 statement, she noted: None of us will ever want to be in the position of attacking a victim. But the question should be asked who is the victim? Plaintiffs attorney Joseph Cammarata, center, speaks as attorneys Ira Sherman, left, and Michael Bressler, right, listen during a news conference Monday in Massachusetts after a deposition of Bill Cosbys wife. Camille Cosby has publicly stood by her husband in the face of sexual-assault allegations against him. (Elise Amendola/AP) While Cosbys attorneys defend him against the defamation action in Springfield, his massive legal team is trying to fend off the felony charge in Pennsylvania, where he is accused of sexually assaulting Andrea Constand, a former Temple University athletics employee, in 2004 at his suburban Philadelphia estate. Cosby was arraigned in December but has yet to enter a plea. In Springfield, Monique Pressley, a Washington defense attorney for Cosby, argued against having the Marriott serve as a venue. In the morning, a crush of television cameras lined the driveway outside the hotel lobby. The news media would intimidate or emotionally aggravate this witness, she said. Mastroianni, the judge, responded that it was not the first time a deposition of some notoriety has taken place at the hotel. The defenses solution was to erect a row of black curtains to block reporters view of the proceedings in a hotel meeting room, much like a professional orchestra audition. Occasionally, the media could hear chatter and laughter from behind the drapes. The other event in the meeting area was the Professional Salon Services Brazilian Blowout Roadshow. Camille Cosby mostly eluded cameras but was photographed entering the hotel through the parking garage wearing an olive loose-form coat and sunglasses, carrying an oversize multi-plaid satchel. The judge ruled that she may refuse to answer deposition questions which call for testimony prohibited by the marital disqualification rule. She is scheduled to resume her deposition March 14, in a location to be determined, with a remaining 4 1/2 hours of testimony allowed. For this civil suit, Bill Cosbys deposition has yet to be scheduled. Standing at the very back of the James S. Brady Room, videographer Patrick Gavin is filming himself at the daily White House press briefing. His shots have a certain repeat quality to them: He raises his hand to ask a question, then lowers it. Raises it again and lowers it. Raises it, lowers it. And again. Press secretary Josh Earnest never calls on him. Finally the session winds down. Thank you everybody, Earnest says, closing his briefing book and slipping out of the room. Another day, another rebuff: Its routine for Gavin, a former Politico reporter who now is an independent filmmaker chronicling his so-far-unsuccessful bid to score an interview with President Obama. His YouTube videos he has vowed to make 500 repeatedly refer to the questions he might ask if the White House ever stops ignoring him. But maybe the more pertinent question is: How does a guy with no official media affiliation get into the White Houses press room in the first place? Say White House press corps to most Americans, and theyll think: the major television networks and national newspapers such as The Washington Post and the New York Times. Maybe the Associated Press and Reuters wire services. You know, the major media. President Obama holds a news conference in 2014 in the James S. Brady Room at the White House. Though packed on this occasion, the 49-seat facility can be half-empty on some days. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP) But every day, on the fringes of the 49-seat White House briefing room, another class of reporters shares elbow room and equal access with the big guns of journalism. On any given day, Gavins colleagues in this group may include a retired college professor, a courtly Indian gentleman whose newspaper doesnt actually exist at the moment, a 71-year-old freelancer, an Uber driver, a woman in an ever-present down vest who files reports on Twitter and Facebook, and a man who likes to tweet out photos of himself posing in the briefing room. One day in January, there was also a woman who slowly leafed through a book of poetry. Meet the other White House press corps. **** Reporting from the White House is a prestigious assignment, the pinnacle of many a mainstream journalists career. But access to the heart of the presidential news operation isnt just for the famous of face or the prominent of publication. This is America, remember. We take seriously our responsibility to work with journalists and outlets of all stripes, says White House spokesman Eric Schultz. And some of those stripes are decidedly, well, unusual. After all, in this day and age, everyone who has a Twitter site can call himself a journalist, says CBS News correspondent Mark Knoller, who has been on the White House beat since 1992. Everyone can have a blog. Which qualifies a whole lot of citizen journalists to apply for and gain entree to the White House. People such as Gavin, who says that all he needs to do to get a day pass into the briefings is submit his date of birth and Social Security number and say that he makes videos for YouTube. (Access to the executive mansion is via either a coveted hard pass a renewable two-year permit or a day pass, which must be applied for each time you want in.) Theres a part of me thats surprised that Im let in, says Gavin. [Three YouTube stars interviewed Obama. This guy didnt.] Ditto for Randy Foreman, 39, an unpaid reporter for the Australian website News Blaze who works as an Uber driver at night. He was blocked from getting a Senate pass, but the White House was entirely welcoming. No matter how small you are, he says, youre treated like the New York Times. This openness to the offbeat and the questionably self-employed actually predates the advent of Twitter or even the Internet. The White House press corps boasts a long history of colorful characters and hangers-on. Les Kinsolving, a reporter for the far-right World Net Daily, was a familiar White House gadfly from the days of the Nixon administration on. He went down in press corps history in 2011 by posing a question that somehow linked bestiality to homosexuality. (Dont ask.) But Kinsolving, who left the White House beat in 2013 (in his late 80s), was a gentle lamb compared with Naomi Nover, who inherited her journalist husbands access based on his self-founded Nover News Service after his death in 1973, even though many considered her a pretend reporter who never wrote a word. Nover was apparently in the habit of assaulting other journalists with her large purse or her umbrella whenever they did something to annoy her. But not one press secretary in five administrations had the heart to revoke her hard pass. She died in 1995 at 84 after collapsing while trying to renew her Senate pass. These days, arguably the most colorful member of the other White House press corps is Jon-Christopher Bua, a heavyset man with an air of confidence who possesses a sought-after hard pass thats registered through Euronews, a pan-European television news channel. His association with that network, however, appears to be peripheral at best. Euronewss editor in chief, Peter Barabas, said via email that Bua is an occasional contributor and analyst for Euronews, by request. He is not an employee. Most of Buas work seems to consist of unpaid commentaries for Huffington Post Europe and a site called News2Share.com. Both also say that he is a contributor, not an employee. Nonetheless, Bua, who didnt respond to requests for an interview, is at the White House many times a month, tweeting numerous selfies from the scene. Before one January briefing, he posted a photo of himself in the room with the message, At @PressSec 12:30 Briefing Today. At Capitol Statuary Hall for SOTU Reax Tomorrow. Much of his activity seems to focus more on placing himself at the center of history running through New Hampshire to cover the primary, hobnobbing with minor movie stars at the White House Correspondents Association dinner than on writing articles. Having no assigned seat seating, or lack thereof, is the great divide between the other press corps and the mainstream reporters he hovers in the aisles and grabs an empty spot once the briefing begins. Often, its the third-row seat reserved for American Urban Radio Networks. This can sometimes be annoying to that groups correspondent, April Ryan, but she still welcomes the unconventional reporters. Its called freedom of the press, she says. **** In this era of live-streaming, why bother going to the briefing at all? Because this is the cathedral of American journalism, says Randy Foreman, the Uber driver, still awestruck after more than a year of attending the sessions. Filmmaker Gavin likewise considers the briefing a pretty prestigious thing, and shows up at least once a week. Still, on slow news days, the last three rows of the seven rows of seats can often be sparsely populated. Thats why the White Houses open-door policy is so vital, says Gavin. If the motley crew of reporters, such as myself, who get day passes and go to the White House once in a while werent there, that room would be even more empty, he opines in one of his videos, cutting to a shot of a half-empty room. And what an awful image that would be for this country. So it turns out we really need those intrepid others who fill the rest of the room. That would be people like freelancer Connie Lawn, who has been covering the beat for 48 years. Most recently, she writes a column for the Huffington Post, a mix of personal essays and stories about world events. Author of a book about White House radio broadcasts, the 71-year-old, who is much-loved in the briefing room, is fighting an advanced form of Parkinsons disease and finds it harder to attend, showing up about once a week. When she cant make it, she feels cut off. The White House press corps, she says, is my family. Another indefatigable member is Raghubir Goyal of the India Globe, which he says will reappear in a new website any day. Goyal has been slipping into (someone elses) third-row seats since the Carter administration and is famous for asking questions about India, Pakistan and terrorism. People tell him that when he gets a chance to ask a question, he should go with the flow, but I cant go with the flow! he says. During the George W. Bush administration, his name became a verb: the press secretary would Goyal a press conference by calling on the Indian to divert attention from more uncomfortable issues. Kristina Anderson, founder of the website AWPS News, tweets and posts on Facebook about everything from defense to climate change to politics and infrastructure. During one briefing, sitting in the last row, she alternately scribbled down detailed notes and tweeted out photos of Earnest. And theres Martha Kumar, a retired Towson University historian who has chronicled the White House press from the inside since 1975, in books shes the author of Managing the Presidents Message: The White House Communications Operation and on her nonprofit website, the White House Transition Project. How is it that she qualifies for a hard pass? I dont want to get into that, she says. Ah. So some mysteries remain. We may never know exactly how some people get in to cover the White House. But we know exactly why they want to. People want to get close to history, says American Urban Radio Networks Ryan. Who are we to begrudge them? Bruno is a freelance writer. Staff writer Paul Farhi contributed to this article. Shave ice from Original Big Island Shave Ice Co. in Kawaihae, Hawaii. (Alicia Greenwell/Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.) People rush back and forth behind the window, calling out orders as they move in seemingly synchronized motion. Flavors are poured, and ice-filled cups change hands. A line of customers stretches from the bright-turquoise food truck, braving the heat as they wait, mostly patiently, for their chilly treats. The familiar whir of machinery and splash of colorful syrups could cause a casual observer to leap to conclusions. But dont be fooled these are no snow cones. Shave ice (shave, not shaved) is a coveted Hawaiian dessert. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, the icy delicacy is renowned for its exotic flavors and tropical feel. With so many poor imitations out there, the question naturally arises: What makes a perfect shave ice? Sub-par shave ice is often crunchy, and overly sweet syrup can create a cough-syrupy taste. Shave ice quality is often based on the fineness of the ice, which should resemble snow more than actual crushed ice. Any successful shave ice incorporates tropical flavors as well. Mouthwatering ones such as coconut, mango, lilikoi (passion fruit) and lychee are among the most popular. Li hing mui powder, a sweet-and-sour combination originally from China, as well as sweetened condensed milk, traditionally garnish a well-crafted shave ice. [From bon voyage to bon appetit: When travel is all about food] In the islands, this optimum degree of deliciousness is known as broke da mouth a taste so exceptional, it figuratively breaks your mouth. Hawaiis myriad shave ice vendors and flavor combinations have its residents and visitors engaged in an ongoing quest for the perfect shave ice, one that is truly broke da mouth. One shave ice truck, however, is the talk of the islands. Original Big Island Shave Ice Co., run by Reggie and Kim Ignacio, is a new Kawaihae business that is steeped in local tradition. Reggie Ignacio has 40 years of shave ice experience, dating to his childhood. His mother, Lorraine Berdon Kaono, started the family business in 1957, using a mobile shave ice shop to travel between all of the plantation camps from North Hilo to Kohala. After about 15 years, she shifted her business to Spencer and Kahaluu beach parks, located on the west side of the island. After her retirement in 1997, no one in the family wanted to take over the business. Actually, all of her techniques and recipes kind of went on the shelf, explains Ignacio, who restarted the family business in 2014. Because of this interruption, an entire generation of shave ice enthusiasts had never tasted what the Ignacio family has to offer. We knew what we had in our family, but no one else was really doing it as a business, he said. Thats why its making such a buzz. Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.s food truck. (Alicia Greenwell/Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.) With current pop favorites playing in the background, Ignacio demonstrates the creation of the perfect shave ice. It starts with the ice itself. Then, the machine. His is calibrated to produce ice with an incredibly fine texture. Ignacio places a block of ice inside the machine, which has adjustable gears that simultaneously spin and put pressure on the ice to create the ideal shave. Shave ice is built in levels, sometimes featuring an ice cream foundation. He watches closely as snowy ice falls into an iconic flower-shaped shave ice cup, where he compresses and sculpts it by hand. Because its handcrafted, we cannot produce it really fast like some other places. . . . Thats what separates us. They can probably put it out faster than us, but were more about quality. Achieving the correct compaction of the ice is a skill that he says takes about a year to refine. Ignacio rotates the cup as he systematically pats down the ice, creating the ideal spherical shape and degree of compression. He then aerates the ice by poking small holes in it with a metal rod, which later allows the syrup to filter through the ice. [The London guide for chocolate lovers] Next he adds naturally flavored syrups to the frozen concoction, with the amount of syrup adjusted to account for the outdoor temperature. Each syrup is homemade, with natural fruit and less sugar than most. I can make my syrup just as sweet with a quarter of a cup of sugar as other places make with a full cup of sugar, Ignacio promises. This combination allows for brighter flavors that are also healthier, he says. Theres really a science behind it. Traditional flavoring is just the ones that you can find anywhere else. The natural flavor line is a whole different ballgame. An array of flavors at Original Big Island Shave Ice Co. (Alicia Greenwell/Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.) Science may create the ultimate shave ice, but its the artistic components that truly elevate it. The Halo Halo flavor is a prime example. Anthony Bourdain once described the classic Philippine dessert Halo Halo as oddly beautiful. The shave ice version is even more so, with layer after layer of surprises. Initially developed for the Philippine community, the gourmet shave ice is gaining popularity with tourists as well. Halo Halo translates to mix mix, and the shave ice iteration starts with adzuki beans, which form a nutty and earthy foundation below a special milk-based blend of shave ice topped with purple sweet potato ice cream, mochi, boba and lychee gels and fresh cantaloupe shavings. The boba and lychee gels burst open when you bite into them, melting into the shave ice and creating a fusion of flavors. [From Georgia to Maine: What I learned on a 6-month hike along the Appalachian Trail] Its a kicked-up shave ice, Ignacio said. Even locals get blown away. Original Big Island Shave Ice Co. does not shy away from a challenge and routinely turns to customer suggestions to drive experimentation. Other popular flavors include a cooling green tea, an energizing coffee, a chocolaty Almond Joy and a root beer float shave ice. A Chantilly cake version of shave ice, composed of chocolate and a rich, creamy frosting, is incredibly popular with locals. The icy delicacy is renowned for its exotic flavors and tropical feel. (Alicia Greenwell/Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.) Its willingness to test the boundaries of shave ice separates Original Big Island Shave Ice Co. from its competitors. Customers are prepared to wait in long lines in the baking sun for the chance to cool off with their favorite flavors. Theyll know what they want, and then theyll see other people with their orders and will get really confused, Ignacio says. This kind of confusion is what Big Island is striving for the satisfaction that comes from seeing its customers old favorites continually superseded by new ones. So, what truly makes a broke da mouth shave ice? For Ignacio, it all comes back to family. The techniques, he replies with conviction. Its recipes and techniques, passed down to me from my mom. The Ignacios love of family is infectious and reaches far beyond the confines of their truck. Customers families are drawn closer as well, bonding as they shovel Technicolor shave ice into their mouths before it melts in Hawaiis sweltering heat. Virtue is a Hawaii-based freelance writer and student at Hawaii Preparatory Academy. More from Travel: Going Our Way: Off to Hawaii, with baby in tow Exploring Kauais Na Pali Coast by air, land and sea Lost on Maui Workers with Miller Environmental Group collect absorbent material used to soak up oil from a spill on the surface of the water near Ronald Reagan National Airport on Feb. 8 in Arlington. (Kate Patterson/for The Washington Post) About 20 Canada geese were released Monday after a rescue group helped clean them following an oil spill last month in the Potomac River. The Delaware-based Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research group retrieved about 60 waterfowl that were taken out of the Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary, which feeds into the Potomac, three weeks ago. The Coast Guard reported that 29 of those birds have died. Dominion Virginia Power acknowledged that about 13,500 gallons of oil spilled Jan. 25 from its Crystal City substation. The utility said it cleaned up 95 percent of the spill and said the other 5 percent remained in the substations machinery. But a Coast Guard analysis found that the oil that leaked into Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary and the Potomac River a week later matched the Dominion oil. Dominion accepted responsibility for the leak once the tests were completed. [Coast Guard identifies oil in refuge and river as fuel oil; source still unknown] Last week, the Coast Guard said that no additional sheening had been observed in the refuge or on the river and that no additional harm to wildlife had been reported. On Monday, a batch of geese about 21 birds that were saved from the water were returned, according to Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research. And on Friday, a duck was put back in the river, officials said. Ten more geese are still being cared for by the bird rescue group. [Potomac oil spill came from Dominion, utility admits] Over the past few weeks, rescuers said the birds have gone through a washing and cleaning process and have been fed by caretakers. Some had skin irritation and feather loss, according to Lisa Smith, executive director of the bird rescue group. Officials said the birds are now in good shape and ready to be released. The ones that are still being cared for are being watched to make sure their feathers are coming in properly, Smith said. When Julie and Chris Massie adopted two young children more than two years ago, they thought they would soon be dealing with the challenges of parenting two more toddlers. They didnt expect to spend years embroiled in an international legal dispute. The Massies children live in Congo, which cut off exit permits for international adoptees in September 2013. The Massies, along with the parents of thousands more children, have been fighting ever since to bring home the children, who are legally theirs. On Friday, the Massies finally got the news that they have been waiting for: Their children Esther and Ephraim, now 6 and 3, are among 159 children who will be allowed to go home. We are just thrilled. I cried. I was shaking for two hours as we called family members, Julie Massie said. The Boyers Jason, top left, and Jennefer of Sammamish, Wash. another family who adopted children from Congo, arrive at Dulles International Airport with their newly adopted sons Andre, 6, left, and Luke, 4, on Nov. 11, 2015. (J. Lawler Duggan for The Washington Post) Soon, her two children should depart Congo for the United States. They will be welcomed to a home in Richmond that they have never seen but have been promised for as long as they can remember. I think the process will be so difficult and scary for our kids, getting on this flying machine, Massie said. Well huddle up on the couch as a family and just love them. She has been planning for this moment for years while advocating as well for the other 1,200 families, about a third of them American, who have adopted children from Congo but have not been allowed to take them home. In a statement announcing the exit letters for 159 children Monday, Congos ambassador to the United States said that the government is working on the remaining cases. Officials are reviewing every case to make sure the adoptive parents are qualified, the Congolese government has said. A spokeswoman from Congos embassy said that no one there was available to answer further questions Monday. An earlier group 69 children from eight countries was allowed to leave Congo in November. The Massies children were not on the list that time, but she drove from her home in Richmond to meet three of the newly arrived kids at Dulles International Airport. [November: Three adoptees arrive at Dulles, into waiting families embraces] And then, Friday morning, the Massies learned that more children were getting exit permits. Again, they hoped their children were on the list. I think every single family, 400 people, were refreshing their email every 30 seconds all day long, Julie Massie said. This time, Julie and Chris got to tell their biological son, Spencer, that his little brother and sister are on their way at last. Julie Massie said she expects that it will take up to three weeks for her to get a visa to travel to Congo. Then she will fly there to accompany her children on their trip to the United States. She went to Congo in November 2014 to find a foster family for her children so they could move out of the orphanage where they were living. Just 15 minutes after she met her children for the first time, her daughter Esther climbed into her lap and said something in her native language, Lingala. Massie said she asked a native speaker what Esther was saying. The translation? This is my mama. She has white skin and pretty hair. And she loves me. Maguire Ballard, 13, takes part in a trial run of PARCC in Maryland in 2015. A new study found that states are scoring annual Common Core math and reading tests differently. (Patrick Semansky/AP) The vast majority of states have adopted Common Core academic standards, but individual states are still setting different definitions of proficient on annual math and reading tests, according to a new study. And in many states, the study says, annual tests set a significantly lower bar for proficient than the National Assessment for Educational Progress, or NAEP, a national exam that is administered every two years to a sample of students in the fourth and eighth grades. The analysis by Gary Phillips of the American Institutes for Research shows that it continues to be difficult to directly compare student performance across state lines one of the key problems that common standards and tests were meant to address. This is something Im hoping will just help policymakers put in perspective what the states are claiming and what theyre doing, Phillips said. The states still are setting wildly different standards. [What happens when the Common Core becomes less common?] The 50 states gave 50 different tests until last year. Although some were scored rigorously, others were not, making it difficult to compare how students in Alabama were faring compared with students in Arizona and Alaska. In 2015, more than half the states administered one of two Common Core tests developed with multimillion-dollar grants from the Obama administration. The analysis shows that students in the 11 states (plus D.C.) that administered the PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) exam faced a scoring regime that was significantly tougher than students in the 18 states that administered the Smarter Balanced exam. In math, for example, students who scored proficient a level 4 out of 5 on PARCC would also have scored proficient on NAEP, the national test. But scoring proficient on Smarter Balanceds math test was akin to scoring basic on NAEP. In language arts, PARCC and Smarter Balanced had lower expectations for proficiency than NAEP, but PARCCs bar was still significantly higher than Smarter Balanceds. Phillips also examined ACT Aspire, which was administered to students in South Carolina and Alabama last year. It was easier to score proficient on ACT Aspire at most grade levels and subject areas than on PARCC. Among states that administered other tests, only a few such as Florida, New York and Kansas had expectations for proficiency that were as high as NAEPs, Phillips said. Michael Petrilli, president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, a right-leaning think tank that supports the Common Core, said he was surprised by the findings. Two earlier analyses, by the nonprofit group Achieve and the journal Education Next, found that states raised their expectations on annual tests between 2013 and 2015, setting higher bars for their students to be judged proficient. Phillips said that his work does not attempt to capture trends over time, but is instead a snapshot of the variability among states in 2015. His study also did not attempt to gauge or compare the quality of the new tests. But Fordham recently did just that. Its researchers studied the questions on each major Common Core test to determine how deeply they asked students to think and how well they matched the academic content that students are supposed to learn. Fordham judged the tests to be generally of high quality, asking students to think more deeply than old multiple-choice tests. Petrilli, one of the most vocal boosters of the Common Core on the political right, said that the various analyses out in public can be synthesized this way: PARCC is a very high-quality assessment, well matched to the Common Core standards, and extremely challenging to boot. Smarter Balanced is also a high-quality assessment and well matched to the Common Core, though somewhat easier to pass at the college and career-ready level, he said. On the whole, he said, states have made huge strides in making their tests harder to pass and more honest for parents. Kayla Oakes, a sophomore at Moravian College, received an emergency grant to help her stay in school after her mother died last summer. An increasing number of colleges are offering hardship or emergency grants to help keep students in school when they face sudden financial problems. (Sean Simmers/For The Washington Post) A month from the start of her sophomore year, Kayla Oakes had no idea whether shed be able to return to college. Her mother had recently succumbed to cirrhosis of the liver, and the future was suddenly uncertain for the 19-year-old and her siblings. While trying to cope with the pain and the loss of my mom, we had to figure out so many things her service, bills to pay, her finances and most importantly, who was going to take care of us five kids, Oakes said. Not wanting to withdraw from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pa., Oakes reached out to a school adviser who encouraged her to apply for an emergency grant program. With a one-time award of $1,300 from Moravian, Oakes was able to buy books and cover some of her tuition. It was a big help, said Oakes, who is studying to be a science teacher. One unforeseen hardship can derail a college students dream of getting a degree, so an increasing number of U.S. schools are providing emergency grants to pull such students back from the edge. Kayla Oakes, right, hangs out in her dorm room with friends Julianne Shino and Kristin Bertholf. The emergency grant was a big help, said Oakes, who is studying to be a science teacher. (Sean Simmers/For The Washington Post) [Obama proposes expansion of Pell grants to spur college completion] The Obama administration is paying closer attention to barriers to college completion amid efforts to increase the number of U.S. college graduates. A recent proposal to expand the Pell grant program for needy students includes an increase in awards to those taking a full course load, with the goal of accelerating degree completion and minimizing debt afterward. College graduates enjoy higher wages and lower unemployment rates than people who complete their education with a high school diploma. Dropping out of college, however, could ruin those economic prospects, placing those with student loans at greater risk of falling behind on payments. Studies show that nearly two-thirds of students who quit school leave because of trouble with money, often small financial setbacks. But education experts say the federal financial aid system might not be nimble enough to respond to sudden economic threats to college completion, such as a death in the family, a job loss or even something as mundane as a car repair. We just had a huge financial crisis, and schools recognize that there are families that have this sort of acute need that wouldnt be reflected when they filled out the financial aid application, said Justin Draeger, president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Schools are also experimenting with emergency aid to increase retention and completion rates. While students at Moravian can appeal for more aid if their financial circumstances change, officials at the small, private, liberal arts college still recognized a need for a faster way to help students, said Dennis P. Levy, the schools director of financial aid services. [How to negotiate a better financial aid package] The economy of the last eight years has been unforgiving to families, he said. Were very sensitive to the needs of our students. Its always heartbreaking when somebodys educational goals are interrupted by unforeseen circumstances, so we work hard not to let that happen. Moravian established Mos Fund, named after the college presidents dog, in 2014 because, as its website says, students sometimes need to be rescued, just like the greyhound. (The schools mascot also is a greyhound.) Students must be enrolled full time to qualify for the assistance, and they must submit documentation a death certificate or foreclosure notice, for example to support claims of financial hardship. The college defines hardship as any event that affects a students ability to meet basic living expenses; those events can include medical costs not covered by insurance. The fund is supported by charitable donations, with a maximum award of $1,500 per student each year. So far this year, the school of about 1,700 undergraduates has granted 15 awards, Levy said. From the outset, Moravian made a concerted effort to advertise Mos Fund, making sure students were aware of the lifeline and encouraging alumni to contribute. Education experts say one of the biggest problems with emergency aid programs is that students are unaware of their existence. A study by the Wisconsin HOPE Lab, a higher-education research unit at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, found that colleges primarily rely on faculty members or advisers to spread the word. But that approach might shut out students who are too embarrassed to seek help. Evan Rusca said he learned about the emergency aid program at Furman University in Greenville, S.C., only when he petitioned the school for more money during his sophomore year. I didnt know it was a thing no one I talk to knows it exists, said Rusca, a senior majoring in economics and Japanese. Im grateful, but thats my one complaint. After submitting letters of recommendation from his professors to bolster his case, Rusca received $10,000 from the Furman United fund. The program, backed by charitable contributions, has given more than $876,000 to 181 students in the past eight years. We want to be open but have to be careful of students thinking theres this institutional aid and anybody can apply for it, said Forrest Stuart, director of financial aid at Furman. We dont always get it right . . . its just a fine line because its not an unlimited source of funds. Stuart said there is no formal application process for the one-time grant, though students must provide documentation to support their claims. Decisions often hinge on one-on-one conversations with students, he said. There is a lot of variation in the way colleges structure and run emergency aid programs. Researchers at the HOPE Lab found that some cover rent, utilities and child care, but not tuition or books. They also noticed that schools rarely track the recurrence or types of requests, information that could determine whether longer-term solutions are needed. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recently gave NASPA, an association of student affairs administrators, funding to research existing emergency aid programs, encouraging the development of best practices for schools to emulate. Were trying to build awareness and a framework that allows institutions to know their own data so they can gauge the return on investment, said Sarah Bauder, senior program officer at the Gates Foundation. Amelia Parnell, vice president for research and policy at NASPA, said her team is wrapping up a survey of 5,000 schools to determine the prevalence of emergency aid programs and how they are run. She said that many campuses have had programs in place for years but that they could streamline their processes through some form of automation. Campuses can start to mine their own data to figure out which students, based on a number of factors, might be most helped with this type of aid, Parnell said. A new report from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities encourages schools to use predictive analytics to identify at-risk students and to track their progress after theyve received grants. The suggestions are part of guidelines for schools interested in using small grants to improve retention and completion. The report highlights several schools with successful programs, including Virginia Commonwealth University. The Richmond school has a program that uses big data to flag students nearing graduation who have not registered for their final semester. If they owe $5,000 or less and are in good academic standing, VCU kicks in the cash. [Colleges are using big data to identify when students are likely to flame out] As Oakes winds down her sophomore year at Moravian, there is still a nagging question of whether shell be able to cover tuition, books and housing next year. She has a $10,000 academic scholarship, federal grants and loans, and is working to pay for living expenses. Her grandparents try to help the best they can, but Oakes says shes not sure she can continue to rely on them. Im going to schedule an appointment with my counselor to see if there is anything else I can do, she said. Getting this degree is very important. I want to do it for the better of my family, for my brothers and sister to have something to look up to. Get updates on your area delivered via e-mail. Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Lillian Lowery announced her resignation December, setting off a dispute over how her successor should be chosen. ( Photo by Jeffrey MacMillan ) (Jeffrey MacMillan/JEFFREY MACMILLAN) Marylands 90-day legislative session hits the halfway mark this week with many contentious issues still unresolved. A few things to watch: Vote on school superintendent The state Senate is scheduled to vote Tuesday on a bill giving the legislative body power to confirm Marylands school superintendent, one of several attempts by Democrats to limit the executive branchs powers. Lawmakers last week delayed a vote on the issue to ask the attorney generals office if such a move would violate separation of powers. Right-to-die hearing in Senate An uphill battle awaits advocates for allowing terminally ill patients to legally end their lives, with a hearing on the proposed legislation before a Senate committee on Thursday. As Ovetta Wiggins reported this weekend, the four undecided Democrats on the panel are the subject of an intensive lobbying effort by both sides of the emotional issue. Police reform Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake, whose city was roiled by riots following the death of Freddie Gray in police custody, is scheduled to testify Tuesday on legislation that would make changes to the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights. Lawmakers are also examining recommendations by a policing work group formed after the riots that recommended major changes in how officers are recruited and allegations of abuse are investigated. What you may have missed last week: HOGANS POLITICAL PROWESS: Over the weekend, statehouse reporters Josh Hicks and Ovetta Wiggins took an in-depth look at how Hogan has stymied Democrats efforts to paint him as an out-of-step conservative. BLACK LAWMAKERS vs. HOGAN: African-American Maryland lawmakers tore into Hogan for policies they called assaults on black communities the first such explicit racial condemnation of the governor. TRANSPORTATION TUSSLE: Maryland Democrats announced plans to constrict the governors ability to make unilateral transportation funding decisions. PREVENTING ABUSE: A bill to teach students personal body safety is getting greater attention following the child pornography investigation at a Prince Georges county school. BLIZZARD COSTS: Maryland officials have preliminarily pegged the cost of last months winter storm damage at $34.2 million. MARYLAND Salisbury man is killed in crash A truck driver was killed early Sunday when a tractor-trailer overturned atop the guardrail on Route 50 in Annapolis, authorities said. Maryland State Police said George Marvel Fooks, 73, of Salisbury, Md., was traveling east on Route 50 near Cape St. Claire Road when his Freightliner tractor-trailer rolled over at about 2:20 a.m. Sunday. Police said the tractor-trailer, which was carrying Cloverland Dairy products, skidded about 300 feet before coming to a stop. Police said it is not known what caused Fooks to lose control, but they think speed may have been a factor. The crash resulted in a diesel fuel spill that had to be contained by personnel from the Maryland Department of the Environment, authorities said. All lanes of eastbound Route 50 were closed after the crash in addition to one lane of westbound Route 50 until about noon Sunday, authorities said. Faiz Siddiqui Six treated after gas leak at church Six people were taken for medical treatment Sunday from a church in Prince Georges County where a carbon monoxide leak occurred, authorities said. All were in good condition, said Mark E. Brady, spokesman for the countys fire and rescue service. The incident was reported about 11 a.m. at the Refreshing Spring Church of God in Christ in the 6200 block of Riverdale Road, Brady said. He said high levels of potentially toxic carbon monoxide were found. An HVAC system fueled by natural gas appeared to be the source of the leak and was shut down, Brady said. The church is between Kenilworth Avenue and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. In addition to those found at the church, at least one person who had been at the church was taken for treatment after going home, Brady said. Martin Weil Peter Mondavi, who steered his familys Charles Krug Winery for more than half a century in Californias Napa Valley and used cold fermentation to produce crisper, fruitier white wines, died Feb. 20 at his home in St. Helena, Calif., on the Charles Krug estate. He was 101. The wine company announced the death but did not disclose a cause. Mr. Mondavi began his career in Napa in 1943 when his parents paid $75,000 to buy the winery, which was founded in 1861 by Prussian emigrant Charles Krug, making it the oldest operating winery in the region today. Peter Mondavi assumed the role of chief executive after his mothers death in 1976 and retired last year, turning over the operations to his two sons, Marc and Peter Jr. When the Mondavi family got into the winemaking business, Napa had a lackluster reputation for quality. It was mostly jug wine, sold on the cheap. Vin ordinaire, Peter Mondavi later quipped. Peter and his older brother Robert operated the winery for 22 years, and they made notable advancements in quality. Charles Krug became the first winery in Napa to import French oak barrels for aging and was among the pioneering vintners who planted pinot noir and chardonnay grape plants where dairy cows had previously dominated the Carneros region of the valley. Moreover, Peter Mondavi had studied the effects of cold fermentation on white and rose wines, which were then being fermented at higher temperatures and losing their distinct characteristics through oxidation. His revolutionary research and practical methods resulted in the production of exceptionally crisp, fruity white wines. The brothers had markedly different personalities that eventually caused a breach in family relations for years. Im conservative, Peter Mondavi told Time magazine. Bob is an extravert, a promoter. Their feuds about the businesss future reached a low point in November 1965, when they got into a fistfight. When it was all over, there were no apologies and no handshake, Robert Mondavi wrote in his 1998 memoir, Harvests of Joy. He soon left Krug to start Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, Calif., but legal entanglements between the two family branches persisted until the case was settled in 1978. Robert Mondavi Winery was acquired by Constellation Brands in 2004. Peter Mondavi was born in the northern Minnesota town of Virginia, a once-thriving home to iron-ore mining, on Nov. 8, 1914. He was the youngest of four children. His mother, Rosa, ran a boardinghouse for Italian iron miners while his father, Cesare, opened a saloon. Prodded by other Italians, Cesare began making and selling wine. He would travel to California to buy grapes and, in 1922, the family moved to Lodi in San Joaquin County. Peter Mondavi, who got his start as a boy nailing boxes for his fathers business, received an economics degree from Stanford University in the late 1930s. He conducted wine-making research at the University of California at Berkeley before serving in the Army Air Forces in Europe during World War II. After his discharge, he was named production manager at his familys winery. His wife, the former Blanche Hurtzig, died in 2010. Survivors include three children; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Robert Mondavi died in 2008. Asked late in life to note his proudest accomplishment, Peter Mondavi replied: Never losing control of our family winery. If I could, I would tell my father: I did the best I could during the difficult years. I was determined and we held on. A veteran D.C. police captain was arrested Sunday night and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after a traffic accident in Southeast Washington, according to a department spokesman. Capt. Paul Shelton, who has worked in the department for nearly 30 years and is assigned to the 7th District station, has had his police powers revoked, the spokesman said. Authorities said Shelton was off-duty and in his personal vehicle when he was arrested. The incident occurred about 9:40 p.m. in the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE, at the intersection of Interstate 295. Lt. Sean Conboy, a police spokesman, said Sheltons vehicle struck another car from behind, which in turn struck a third vehicle. He said that one of those vehicles belonged to the U.S. government. No injuries were reported, and Shelton was issued a citation, meaning he was processed from a police station and did not have to make an initial court appearance on Monday. Citations are routine for DUI cases unless the incident involves an accident with serious injuries or other extenuating circumstances. Shelton did not respond to an attempt to reach him for comment. A pedestrian was struck by a car and killed Sunday night on Interstate 270 in Montgomery County, authorities reported. The man was apparently trying to cross the highway, authorities said. He was identified by Maryland state police as Nicolas A. Rodriguez-Sibrian, of Montgomery Village. No age was given for him. He was hit about 7 p.m. in the southbound lanes of the Interstate, near Germantown Road, according to the police.. In a statement, the police said the man was wearing all dark clothing, and appeared to brace for the impact after running across the roadway and realizing he could not make it. Part of the highway was blocked as authorities responded to the incident. The man was taken to a hospital where he died. According to one law enforcement source, the man may have been on his way to his home when he was struck. This story has been updated. Two male students at a Fairfax County middle school have been charged with sexual battery on a female student on a school bus parked at their school, county police said. The 11- and 12-year-old students at Glasgow Middle School in Lincolnia, Va., are facing misdemeanor sexual battery charges in the Nov. 16 incident, which took place on a late bus after school, police said. The victim told investigators that she boarded the bus on the GMLR10 route and walked to the back, according to a search warrant filed in Fairfax County Circuit Court. A short time later, she told investigators, a student slapped her on the buttocks. After she asked the student what he did, the student replied, I touched your butt, the girl told investigators. The girl said the student grabbed her buttocks and breasts over a period of 10 to 12 minutes, according to the search warrant. The girl told investigators that the student also held her down and straddled her as a second student held her feet down. The girl yelled at them to stop. At some point, the second student tried to force the girls face into the first students crotch. Police said it did not appear that a driver was on the bus at the time of the incident, although they could not say for sure. Investigators wrote that the alleged sexual assault was reported to authorities by Glasgows assistant principal, Stefan Mascoll, after he was alerted to it by a parent of a student. A county police officer who reviewed video from the bus wrote in the search warrant that it showed the two students grabbing the girl several times. The Washington Post does not generally name the victims of sexual assault or juveniles accused of crimes. Fairfax County schools said in a statement that appropriate disciplinary action was taken against the students involved. Romechia Simms, 24, and her son, Ji'Aire Lee, 3, are seen in a photo taken in March after his first haircut at St. Charles Mall. (Courtesy of family) Romechia Simms, the Maryland mother found pushing her dead child on a swing in La Plata last year, will remain free and continue receiving mental-health treatment instead of going to prison. Simms, 25, was hearing voices as she pushed her son, JiAire Lee, in a bucket swing for more than 40 hours, including in the rain, in May. The 3-year-old died of hypothermia and dehydration. Under a plea agreement accepted in Charles County Circuit Court on Monday, a judge found Simms not criminally responsible, Marylands version of an insanity defense. In court, Simms, who has schizophrenia, wiped tears from her face as a prosecutor detailed the evidence against her, describing how the boy was taken to the medical examiners office still sitting in the swing because his body was too stiff to remove. A sheriffs deputy appeared emotional, and people sitting in the back row of the courthouse for unrelated cases gasped. Did I mean for any of this to happen? No. Its just an unfortunate situation, Simms said. Simms entered an Alford plea to involuntary manslaughter, meaning that she didnt admit fault but acknowledged that the state had enough evidence to prove its case. The judge then found her not criminally responsible and entered an order allowing her to remain free under a long list of conditions, including monitoring by state psychologists, avoiding unsupervised contact with children and submitting to blood tests to verify she is on medication. A judge found Romechia Simms not criminally responsible after her son died of hypothermia and dehydration after being pushed on a swing by the mother for more than 40 hours. Simms will continue to receive mental health treatment. (WUSA 9) Public defender Elizabeth Connell said the agreement to keep Simms in the community represented a progressive way of thinking and was a testament to the progress of science and society. Charles County States Attorney Tony Covington interjected to make clear that he was not happy with the outcome of the case but did not have enough evidence to overcome the conclusions of three psychologists who found Simms not criminally responsible. He said the boy didnt have to die. As a direct result of her not taking her medicine two days leading up to this episode, JiAire is dead, the prosecutor told Judge Hayward West, essentially, and I cant think of any other word to use for it, your honor, tortured to death. [Psychologist: Mother not criminally responsible in death of son on swing] Simms had been hospitalized and diagnosed with schizophrenia a month before her sons death. After her arrest, she told officers that she had been off her medication for a couple of days when she went to Wills Memorial Park in La Plata with her son, a chubby boy nicknamed Sumo. At the time, the mother and son were living at a La Plata motel. Connell said Simms had stopped taking medication because she believed it wasnt working and didnt understand the gravity of her illness. While Simms was at the park, she found herself incapable of lifting her son out of the swing and heard voices telling her that help was on the way and to stay put, according to Connell. She was just trapped, Connell said. What was happening was a mental breakdown, mental illness taking over her. A stuffed animal and flowers sit near a swing on March 26, 2015, in Wills Memorial Park in La Plata, Md. (Matthew Barakat /AP) Teresa Grant, a state psychologist who examined Simms, wrote in a 14-page report that because of her mental disorder, Simms lacked substantial capacity to appreciate the criminality of her conduct or to conform her behavior to meet the requirements of the law. Simms was briefly hospitalized after her sons death and started attending therapy and working part time at a Starbucks before she was arrested in September on charges of manslaughter and first-degree child abuse. She has been living with her mother in Waldorf, Md., since her family posted bail in December. Romechia Simms declined to comment after the court hearing. Her mother, Vontasha Simms, said her daughter has an agonizing road to recovery ahead of her. The right decision was made; its still a long journey, and JiAire is not here. Hopefully, this never happens to anyone again, said Vontasha Simms, who wore a shirt with a photo of her smiling grandson. [Vontasha Simms fights for mental health reform after her grandsons death] Vontasha Simms has been pushing for mental-health reform in Maryland, saying authorities failed to intervene when she raised concerns about her daughters mental health and erratic behavior. After the hearing, Covington, the prosecutor, told reporters that Simmss relatives and officials could have done more to prevent JiAires death. He blamed Vontasha Simms for not keeping better watch over her daughter. He asked why social service agencies didnt follow up to ensure JiAires safety after Romechia was hospitalized because of an episode in February. And he asked why a D.C. judge agreed to allow Romechia Simms to have partial custody of the child just 11 days before his death when there was a history of mental-health issues. JiAires father, James Donnell Lee, had raised concerns about his former partners mental stability, but later told the judge that Simms was not an unfit parent and offered to share custody. If Romechia Simms fails to follow the conditions of her release, she faces institutionalization at a mental-health facility. This bald eagle was one of 13 found dead on a farm on Maryland's Eastern Shore. (Maryland Natural Resources Police) Thirteen bald eagles found dead near a farm on Marylands Eastern Shore may have been poisoned, authorities say, in the largest single die-off of bald eagles in the state in 30 years. Officials with the Maryland Natural Resources Police said they received a call around 2:30 p.m. Saturday from a man who said he was out looking for antlers that deer might have shed. The man came across what he initially thought was a dead turkey in a field on a farm in Caroline County. He discovered it was four dead bald eagles. When officers arrived, they found nine additional dead bald eagles in the field on Laurel Grove Road in Federalsburg. It was not immediately clear what had caused the birds to die, but there were no obvious signs of trauma with these birds, according to Candy Thomson, a natural resources police spokeswoman. A working theory is poisoning, Thomson said Monday night. She added that someone may have sprayed a new chemical on a field that adversely affected the birds. Or someone may have used poison to kill rodents; if the rodents died outdoors and the eagles consumed their carcasses, the birds could get sick too. Thirteen bald eagles were found dead on Marylands Eastern Shore, and officials say the eagles may have been poisoned. (WUSA 9) We just dont know right now, which is why were asking the public if they heard anything, if they saw anything, we want to know about it, Thomson said. A reward of $2,500 is being offered for information in the case. The discovery of 13 dead bald eagles was the largest single incident in decades for the state, officials said. At least three of the birds were mature, with the signature white heads and brown bodies. Two of the birds were close to being mature birds, officials said, and the rest were considered immature birds with no white feathers. Its been 30 years since weve seen anything like this involving this many dead bald eagles, Thomson said. Three mature eagles, the ones we all love that look like the national bird, are gone. Its sad that we have three eagles of mating ability that have been eliminated from our population. [Watch live: Mr. President and The First Lady nest at National Arboretum] Thomson said the birds were tagged and the scene was photographed. The natural resources police and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are investigating the incident. Thomson said half a dozen investigators were at work on the case. They combed the field to look for other dead animals none were found and sent the dead eagles for examination to a lab in Oregon, which Thomson called the best lab in the world. This is significant, said Catherine Hibbard, an agency spokeswoman. She said one investigator on the case said hes never seen that many dead at one time in his eight years of work on the Eastern Shore. Thirty years ago, officials said, eight bald eagles were found dead in Maryland. Officials said they believe those birds may have been poisoned. And two years ago, two bald eagles were shot and killed in a week in Montgomery County. It is illegal to shoot eagles without a permit from the U.S. Department of the Interior. [Bald eagles shot and killed in Montgomery County] In that case in Montgomery County, one eagle was found shot Christmas Day in a field in Brookeville. The bird was feeding on a deer carcass when it was shot, officials said. Officials had said they thought the Brookville case was one of mistaken identity where someone might have seen a bird sitting on a carcass of a deer and thought they were shooting a vulture. A few days later, another eagle was found near a residence in Darnestown. That bird was found alive, but it died of its injuries. Police said an X-ray showed the eagle had been hit by bird shot. In the Darnestown case, officials said they were worried because someone came into a residential area and was possibly shooting where they should not have been. Bald eagles are no longer on the endangered species list, but they are considered a protected species, according to the natural resources police. Anyone with information is asked to call 410-228-2476. Abortion rights advocates shout during a 2013 rally in Richmond, Va., marking the 40th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court ruling of Roe v. Wade. Republican lawmakers are laying the ground work to restrict the procedure in Virginia. (Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP) This session, Virginia House Republicans failed to pass a ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, a top priority. But they are surprisingly upbeat, encouraged by signs in Virginia and across the country that their long-term strategy for restricting access to the procedure is picking up steam. About a quarter of the legislature signed on to this years bill, including 10 from the Senate historically the more moderate chamber. National public opinion appears to favor a 20-week ban. And Republicans are looking at 2018, when they hope to trade Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) a self-professed brick wall against limits on abortion for an antiabortion Republican. But they still have an uphill climb in Virginia, where Republicans running on social issues have consistently lost statewide races. The most recent example was Ken Cuccinelli II, an ardent abortion foe who lost the governors race to McAuliffe in 2013. That hasnt stopped Del. David A. LaRock (R-Loudoun) from trying to persuade the General Assembly to ban certain late-term abortions for the second year in a row. I really believe when people on either side of the aisle realize what this bill is about, well come together and just say this cant be done in a society that has regard for human life, said LaRock, who teared up during an interview as he spoke of his 15 children and grandchildren. So thats why Im passionate about it. He ultimately agreed to put the bill on hold for a year, but the effort proves that Republicans commitment to the issue has not waned since their failed 2012 attempt to require vaginal ultrasounds made Virginia a national punch line. [Daily Show mocks Virginias ultrasound bill] This is straight from their playbook, Del. Charniele L. Herring (D-Alexandria) said of the 20-week ban. This is something they have tried in the past. Unfortunately, this is something they are serious about. Virginia is already among the 15 states with the most-restrictive laws governing abortion, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive-health research organization. The state prohibits abortions at the third trimester with exceptions, mandates an ultrasound, restricts abortion coverage in health plans through the federal Affordable Care Act exchange, limits Medicaid coverage of abortion and requires parental consent for minors, according to Guttmacher. Abortion opponents want the 20-week ban because they say thats the point when a fetus can feel pain a claim that is a matter of dispute. Antiabortion activists also see the 20-week abortion ban as a vehicle to challenge Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court ruling which stated that the government cannot interfere with a womans right to an abortion before the fetus is viable outside the womb, between 20 and 24 weeks. The 20-week ban would move the cutoff several weeks earlier. Nebraska passed the first 20-week ban in 2010, and 11 other states have enacted similar laws. The Virginia effort began with Del. Richard L. Anderson (R-Prince William) in 2012 and resurfaced in 2015 when LaRock filed a bill identical to one passed that year by the GOP-controlled U.S. House. The U.S. Senate blocked action on the bill. Public opinion shows support for a 20-week ban. A national Quinnipiac Poll in November 2014 found that 60 percent of respondents support a 20-week abortion ban, including 76 percent of Republicans, 46 percent of Democrats and 56 percent of independents. In Virginia, LaRocks proposal got help from two top House lawyers not known for vocal views on abortion. Del. David B. Albo (R-Fairfax) and Gregory D. Habeeb (R-Salem), who serve on the committee that considered the bill, crafted new language intended to help it pass legal muster without unintended consequences. But after two hearings and hours of testimony, antiabortion advocates couldnt get past two sticking points: They objected to language that they say would have allowed abortions in cases of fetal abnormalities, and, although they allowed an exception for when the life of the mother is in peril, they drew the line at mental health. I can jokingly say, who wouldnt say that a pregnancy makes them a little bit crazy at times? LaRock said. It certainly did my wife. Although LaRock agreed to let it go this year, activists had reason to celebrate. Not only did two dozen delegates agree to be sponsors, 10 senators took the rare step of signing on to House legislation before it crossed over to their chamber. That troubles Tarina Keene, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia, who said the bill failed because it apparently did not go far enough for extremists who are determined to ban all abortion outright in Virginia. Last year, the state health board, dominated by McAuliffe appointees, partially rolled back rules adopted under former governor Robert F. McDonnell and Cuccinelli, both Republicans, that imposed strict hospital-style building codes on abortion clinics. Any other changes would require approval from the General Assembly, controlled by Republicans. Virginia women should be very concerned it seems as though the only thing that stands in front of new restrictions on womens access to health care is Terry McAuliffe, said Anna Scholl, executive director of the left-leaning Progress Virginia. Advocates note that McAuliffes term is half over and say they are playing a long game. Olivia Gans, president of the Virginia Society for Human Life, a state affiliate of the National Right to Life campaign, said it took advocates 20 years to pass a parental-consent law in Virginia. Hopefully, when theres a pro-life governor in office, well be able to see not only the passage but also the signature of this bill into law, she said of the 20-week ban. The Republican front-runner for the 2017 nomination is strategist Ed Gillespie, who nearly unseated U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) in 2014 on a purely economic message. He opposes abortion. House and Senate finance committees on Sunday unveiled dueling two-year budget proposals that reject Gov. Terry McAuliffes vision for Medicaid expansion but pour big money into his top priorities: education and economic development. The spending plans take different approaches to giving schools greater flexibility in how they spend tax dollars and give lawmakers and businesspeople more authority to shape the states approach to diversifying and growing the economy. McAuliffe (D) and the legislature both propose 2 percent pay raises for public school teachers. The House also wants to give state employees a 3 percent pay raise in the year starting July 1 and a 1 percent raise the following year as long as revenue meets projections, while the Senate plan calls for a 2 percent raise in the first year. Both chambers eliminated the expansion of Medicaid and what the administration said would be the resulting savings as well as a 3 percent tax on hospital revenue that McAuliffe had proposed to fund the states share of the federal health-care program. It is the governors third attempt to extend Medicaid to an additional 400,000 uninsured Virginians. I am pleased that these proposals include historic funding for Virginias education system and build on the well-deserved pay raise for our hard working state employees that I included in my introduced budget, McAuliffe said in a statement. My staff and I will review these proposals in detail over the coming days, but I am optimistic that we will reach a bipartisan consensus that will expand on the great success we are having growing and diversifying Virginias economy. In December, McAuliffe trumpeted his $109 billion budget, but on Sunday the House and Senate offered plans that shave the total spending somewhat while still prioritizing K-12 education and incentives to grow and diversify a state economy damaged by cuts in federal defense spending. The steps we call for this biennium will eliminate future liabilities, provide local education leaders with much-needed flexibility, hold down the cost of higher education and strengthen our healthcare safety net, Del. S. Chris Jones (R-Suffolk), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said in a statement. Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment Jr. (R-James City) and Sen. Emmett W. Hanger Jr. (R-Augusta) jointly lead the Senate Finance Committee, whose budget varies significantly from the House spending plan. Ultimately I dont think it will be a big deal to come together because were dealing with the same pot of money, Hanger said. The proposals come at about the halfway point of 60-day legislative session marked by surprising compromise on gun laws but partisan bickering over gay rights and climate change as well as an ongoing battle over a state Supreme Court vacancy. In back-to-back meetings Sunday, lawmakers advanced their budgets to the full chambers, which are scheduled to vote on the plans Thursday. Theyll spend the next few weeks reconciling the spending plans into one budget that they will submit to McAuliffe for review. Education The House and Senate each would increase K-12 funding by about $900 million more than the current budget. Under the Senate plan, teachers would get a 2 percent pay raise effective in December; under the budgets advanced by McAuliffe and the House, that pay raise would start in July 2017. Like McAuliffe, the legislature would increase across-the-board funding for schools by about $400 million to keep up with statewide enrollment growth. The state distributes education dollars based on each local districts ability to pay, sending smaller payments to more affluent counties. Northern Virginia schools would receive an additional $40.6 million under the House plan, and $32 million in the Senate proposal. McAuliffes plan would increase funds for struggling schools and hire 2,500 teachers one additional teacher for every public school in Virginia. The House budget would send $270 million in lottery revenue to schools with fewer strings attached, lawmakers said. In higher education, the House would limit tuition increases at state universities to 3 percent, which matches a proposal from the University of Virginia on Friday. The Senate calls for a 2 percent faculty pay raise. Bond package McAuliffe wants the state to borrow $2.4 billion to fund higher-education research and development, operations at the port, state parks and local wastewater treatment systems. The House would slash that figure by about 40 percent to $1.5 billion and replace what they called the governors handpicked projects with dozens that have completed the planning process. The governor set aside $90 million from the bond package to remake the states juvenile justice system, as part of a national move away from housing young offenders in prison-style facilities. He would replace two large Richmond-area lockups with smaller facilities in Richmond and Hampton Roads. Although House lawmakers support that concept, they budgeted money for planning only. The Senate goes a step further with funding to close one facility and plan for the construction of a new one in Chesapeake. [We built a miniature penitentiary system] Economic development The General Assembly also took aim at a central theme of McAuliffes term economic development with plans to shift decision-making away from the administration and toward boards led by businesspeople and lawmakers. The House and Senate plans include more money for economic development than in the current budget but less than the amount sought by the governor. This session, the House and Senate easily passed bills that would devote about $39 million to Go Virginia, a regional grant program. The Senate budget would fully fund the program, but the House plan trims it to $32 million and creates a new program devised by Jones to promote research, development and commercialization. One beneficiary of that program would be the Inova Center for Personalized Health, the newest campus of Northern Virginias largest hospital system, as long as there is a local match. I truly believe that this will be a game changer in the way that Virginia invests in research and development, Jones said. California Mass-shooting victims to file amicus brief Some victims of the mass shooting in San Bernardino, Calif., will file a legal brief in support of the governments attempt to force Apple to unlock the encrypted iPhone belonging to one of the shooters, a lawyer representing the victims said Sunday. Stephen Larson, a former federal judge who is now in private practice, said the victims he represents have an interest in the information that goes beyond the Justice Departments criminal investigation. They were targeted by terrorists, and they need to know why, how this could happen, he said. Larson said he was contacted a week ago by the Justice Department and local prosecutors about representing the victims, prior to the dispute becoming public. He said he will file an amicus brief in court by early March. A Justice Department spokesman declined to comment Sunday. Larson declined to say how many victims he represents. Fourteen people were killed and 22 others were wounded in the shooting attack in December by a married couple who were inspired by Islamic State militants and died in a gun battle with police. Reuters Massachusetts State plans to create snake colony on island A plan by the state to establish a colony of venomous timber rattlesnakes on an off-limits island in Massachusetts largest body of water has some rattled by visions of dangerous serpents slithering through the surrounding woods, attacking hikers, fishermen and hunters. Those are completely irrational fears based on the publics aversion to snakes, said Tom French of the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. He is directing the project at the 39-square-mile Quabbin Reservoir and will represent the state at a public meeting Tuesday to address the concerns. French said he has received several emails and phone calls from residents who fear the snakes will escape the island. There are only about 200 of the endangered snakes indigenous to the state left in five scattered pockets from greater Boston to the Berkshires, French said. Loss of habitat and human-caused deaths could cause them to disappear altogether. The plan to establish the snakes on Mount Zion at more than 1,400 acres, the largest island in the reservoir has been in the works for several years. Associated Press Minnesota Dalai Lama says he is in good health The Dalai Lama is assuring his followers that he is in good health, despite receiving treatment in the United States for a prostate condition. The 80-year-old Tibetan Buddhist leader spoke to about 3,000 people Sunday at the Minneapolis Convention Center. He arrived last month at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The Star Tribune reported that he told the crowd that he had been receiving treatment for prostate problems. Instead of making the faithful travel to Rochester, the Dalai Lama went to Minneapolis to give a short talk and celebrate the Tibetan new year. Speaking in both English and Tibetan, the Dalai Lama discussed values, compassion, humility, and the duty of elders and adult Tibetans to pass on the culture and religion of his homeland to a new generation. Associated Press Tex. 17-year-old kills himself in sheriffs office parking lot: A 17-year-old killed himself in a Houston area sheriffs office parking lot early Sunday after his mother drove him there to surrender in the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old man, authorities said Sunday. Harris County sheriffs Sgt. Cedrick Collier of the said the shooting happened in front of the teenagers mother and a sheriffs sergeant. Collier said the woman told the sergeant that she was there to turn her son in for the shooting that happened earlier in the morning in Katy, Tex. He said the sergeant drew his weapon and asked the teenager if it was true. Collier said the teenager responded yes, stepped behind the vehicle and shot himself in the head. He died at a hospital. The teenager and the 25-year-old were dating or seeing the same person, Collier said. 3 rescued, 1 missing in New York plane crash: Fighting frigid water temperatures and racing against the clock, officers grabbed anything they could to try to rescue three men who were aboard a small plane that crashed in Long Island Sound, less than a mile off the New York shoreline. The search continued Sunday for one person. It was around 11 p.m. Saturday when the Piper PA-28 aircraft landed in Port Jefferson Harbor, about 60 miles east of New York City, authorities said. Four people were aboard the plane. Three made it to shore. The student pilot, Austricio Ramirez, 25, of the Bronx, was flying when the plane had engine trouble and he turned controls over to the instructor pilot, Nelson Gomez, 36, of Queens. All four men exited the plane into the water. Ramirez, Gomez, and a third person, Wady Perez, 25, of Queens, were rescued by Suffolk County police. The fourth, Gerson Salmon-Negron, 23, of Queens, remained missing Sunday. Family died of carbon monoxide poisoning, officials say: Six members of a family have died of what police say may have been carbon monoxide poisoning at a Michigan home. WJRT-TV and the Flint Journal reported that the victims were found Sunday in Fenton Township, near Flint. Sheriff Robert Pickell told the television station that a generator was being run in the basement of the house, probably because of a power failure Friday night. A relative found four children and two adults Sunday afternoon in their bedrooms. From news services Every year about 610,000 American men and women die from heart disease; thats 1 in every 4 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its a leading cause of death for both genders. Where men and women differ is how they respond to heart disease and how they manifest symptoms. Roughly two-thirds of women who suddenly die of coronary heart disease never show any advance signs. And that grab-your-chest, crushing, fall-over kind of pain is not what most feel when they have a heart attack. Women will describe a discomfort, or they will have pain in their jaws or necks, said Annabelle Santos Volgman, a professor of medicine at Chicagos Rush College of Medicine and medical director of the Rush Heart Center for Women. Theyll have nausea or just not feel well. They have more vague symptoms than men. [We all know exercising is good for you. But this will actually get you off the couch.] As a result, doctors often misdiagnose women, Volgman said. Volgman is a co-author of a recently released study done for the American Heart Association about sex-specific differences in heart disease. She recently talked with The Post about this issue. How are mens and womens hearts different? Anatomically, men and women have similar hearts. But physiologically, men and women have different hormones, and blood vessels respond to those hormones. Women have cyclical hormones because of menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. As women get older, especially after menopause, they have more incidents of high blood pressure. They tend to not want to get treated. They tend to want to try lifestyle changes. If, after three months, lifestyle changes dont lower cholesterol and blood pressure, women should not be in denial. They need medication. They need to understand they are at risk of having a heart attack and dying. [Why this young boy could have dropped dead on the playing field] Men describe an elephant sitting on their chest during a heart attack. What about women? For women, its very subtle. They usually have some sensation in their chests. They describe it as heaviness or discomfort. Ill say, We need to do some testing because of the chest pain. Women get upset, saying they dont have chest pain. They have different perception of pain. They dont like to use the word pain. What can be done about that? We havent educated women, especially African American and Hispanic women, well enough. So many women are unaware heart disease is the number-one killer. They worry about breast cancer because they hear a lot about that. Thats why we want to put it out there that heart disease is their number-one threat. If you are worried or have any symptoms in your chest, shortness of breath, pressure in chest, nausea, unexplained fatigue, go to your doctor and get tested for heart disease. We have a simple blood test now that is sex-specific that is really helpful for women. Its called the Corus CAD test and incorporates age, sex and gene-expression measurements into a single score that indicates any likelihood of obstructive coronary artery disease. Should women start asking for this test during their yearly checkup? When you go to the doctor, he or she should assess your symptoms and check risk factors. If you are complaining of symptoms that could trigger thoughts of heart disease, the doctor will get an EKG [electrocardiogram]. Also, specifically ask for the Corus CAD test if you are worried or have symptoms in your chest. What lifestyle changes should women with high blood pressure follow? Try to get 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day, five or six days a week. Get a Fitbit or use your phone to see how many steps you are getting in a day. If you are getting 10,000 steps in a day, thats pretty good. Eating healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, is so important. Vitamins, which are so healthy and important, come from fruits and vegetables, not from supplements. A lot of the supplements are processed, so a lot of the vitamins are changed once they are put in supplements. Decrease your saturated fat intake. Decrease sugar and refined carbs. When you talk about family risk factors, what should women look for? Learn about your family history. Learn how your father or mother died, or your grandparents. Officially, when we talk about family history, we are talking about men who had heart attacks at less than 55 years of age and women at less than 65 years of age. If the heart attack occurred after that, we dont consider that a family-history risk factor. We can get risk factors from genetic testing, and the cost of genetic testing has markedly decreased so that its not that expensive to know what your risk factors are. I do this especially with patients with a family history. A patient will say, My father had a heart attack in his 50s, but he smoked. He was heavy and didnt exercise. These tests help me distinguish patients with family history [who] truly have the risk. Any patients with a family history should have advanced lipid testing [to measure the bad cholesterol lipoproteins associated with an increased occurrence of heart attacks and strokes.] Women, especially those of South Asian and African American heritage, have a higher risk for lipoprotein (a). Should everyone get genetic testing to find out any hidden risk factors? Every woman should have her risks assessed. There are free screenings. The national organization WomenHeart [is] pairing with Burlington Coat Factory to do free screenings. They check blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose to make sure someone isnt diabetic. These are the basic tests when we do heart-healthy screenings. And those specific symptoms for heart disease for women? There is a great website, gospreadtheword.com. If people go to that website, it talks about symptoms of heart disease. Go to know your testing options or know your symptoms. It actually asks you what your symptoms are and will give you an idea of what you should do after you answer a few questions. In the cardiac operating room of the future, a surgeon may repair your damaged heart with personalized parts made to fit your precise anatomy bypassing donor lists and immune-suppressing drugs. It sounds far-fetched, but in some ways this future is already here. Doctors use 3-D-printed models of organs and tumors regularly to educate patients and plan surgeries. Some printed body parts have even made their way into human bodies as dental implants, prosthetics, skull and facial reconstructions, and more. Researchers are also working to print out cells, blood vessels and other living tissues, and experimental studies have created, among other parts, knee cartilage, bones and an artificial ear. As costs decrease and discoveries accelerate, experts predict that 3-D printers will become routine tools for heart care, too. Optimistic scientists envision customized patches or even full-fledged beating hearts, ready to be implanted, an exact fit for the patients body. [We all know exercise can help you live longer. This explains why.] I really think the 3-D jet printer is transformative, says Daniel Jones, chief of minimally invasive surgical services at Harvard Medical School in Boston. Its going to change the way doctors talk to patients, how they plan surgeries and how they do surgeries. The sky is the limit in terms of applications. (Courtesy of Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering) Around since the 1980s and now available in basic versions for just hundreds of dollars at office supply stores, 3-D printers work by creating layers of material in skinny slices that stack up to create a three-dimensional shape. The technology has been used to manufacture eyeglasses, car parts, jewelry and more. Medical applications are also wide-ranging. All it takes is an MRI or CT scan or other image to create a three-dimensional blueprint for creating objects of any shape. Colors can be altered to make visualizing easier. Depending on the design and complexity of the machine, objects can be made with a variety of materials, including plastics, metal and rubber. In cardiology, 3-D models are, for now, proving most useful as educational tools. Like fingerprints, every persons heart is unique, and every heart problem plays out in its own way, says Paul Iaizzo, associate director of the Institute for Engineering in Medicine at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. With help from detailed replicas, surgeons can plan more accurately and reduce procedure times. [Study finds 3-D mammography effective] In the last year, Iaizzo says, his team has printed models of 17 childrens hearts with congenital deformations that required surgical repair. A young childs heart can be as small as a walnut, so the team prints each heart four or five times larger than normal. The surgeons can then study the models, show parents what needs to be done and discuss risks. They usually print out an extra heart for patients to take home. One of the most critical parts is discussing the whole thing with the family, Iaizzo says. Its powerful and comforting for parents to really understand what the problem is. The medical device industry makes frequent use of 3-D models to design and test new products, Iaizzo adds. His team has also printed hearts for medical students, surgical residents and physicians to study and even to use in artistic exercises. Taking time to put a paintbrush in every crevice is really valuable, he says. It puts that anatomy in the brain in a three-dimensional way that never could have been done another way. The technology of 3-D printing is so new that rigorous studies have not yet assessed how using it affects outcomes. But anecdotal evidence is powerful. When Harvard Medical School cardiac anesthesiologist and echocardiographer Feroze Mahmood began printing full-size replicas of patients damaged mitral valves, he gained a new appreciation for the complexity of the structure, particularly a Pringles-shaped region called the annulus that was impossible to visualize with two-dimensional images. Insights gained from handling printed valves have helped him and colleagues understand why a common treatment works for some patients but not others. He has now used the technology hundreds of times. Adam W. Feinberg. (Courtesy of Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering) For most people, it is an aha moment, says Mahmood, who is researching the possibility of printing patient-specific valve parts that would be safe to use in surgeries. What I foresee is that . . . we will be 3-D printing everything we operate on before surgery. Instruments, grafts and materials will all be customized and will be printed on-site. [Can exercise actually kill you?] Someday, surgeons may even be able to print customized patches for repairing hearts damaged by heart attacks, says Adam Feinberg, a biomedical engineer at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. His team is working both to grow heart tissue in petri dishes and to use 3-D printers to create soft, living structures by embedding cells inside gels that can be laid down in precise layers. Feinbergs team uses consumer-level printers, which cost about $1,000 each, far less than commercial versions, priced at $100,000 or more. To encourage other researchers to accelerate advances, the Carnegie Mellon group is also using open-source hardware and software. The challenge is to print something high-quality that re-creates the function of real human heart muscle, he says. Its easy to make something that doesnt work well. Multiple teams of researchers are working on this kind of bioprinting task, which Feinberg says could help as many as 100,000 people a year who need heart transplants but face long waiting lists. He imagines 3-D-printed living heart tissue becoming available in as little as 10 years, although he admits that he could be a decade off. Its definitely science-fiction now, he says. But at least were getting to the point where its conceivable that it could happen. Veterans such as Cliff Drake receive biofeedback for mental problems such as PTSD. Care for active-duty service members is spotty, according to a report. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post) The militarys health program falls significantly short in providing mental-health care to service members, according to a Rand study published last week. The study focuses on depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, the two most common mental-health conditions experienced in the armed services. It finds some good news: The Military Health System, which is operated by the Defense Department, is effective at contacting active-duty personnel diagnosed with one of the conditions. In addition, a vast majority of those diagnosed with PTSD or depression receive at least one session of talk therapy, the study finds. In that regard, the military system outperforms civilian health services. But the system faces difficulties ensuring that patients continue with treatment, either by continuing to see a psychotherapist or following up with a doctor after being prescribed medication. Its essential to provide excellent care for these service members because of how much we ask of them, said Kimberly Hepner, the studys lead author and a senior behavioral scientist at Rand. The study examined medical records for service members diagnosed with one of the two conditions between January and June 2012. About 15,000 had PTSD, and about 30,000 had depression. About 6,000 had both. About 1 in 3 patients newly diagnosed with PTSD got the appropriate follow-up care typically, thats at least four visits to a psychotherapist within two months. For those with depression, less than a quarter completed those four visits. Only about 40 percent of patients who were prescribed medication followed up with a doctor afterward. Those visits are essential, Hepner said, because the physician can make sure patients take their medication and help them manage side effects. A physicians involvement also ensures that medication doesnt counteract other drugs being taken. Service members received a tremendous amount of medical treatment, she said. Thats why its even more critical to make sure that its a successful experience. Combat can contribute to mental health problems, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Meanwhile, research has found that suicide attempts seem to be more common in service members than in civilians, though it can be difficult to make such comparisons. The study is the first part of an overarching project to assess mental-health care in the military. The research, which was commissioned by Defense, hasnt yet delved into such questions as why patients stop their therapy and medication. Potential explanations could include insufficient access to mental-health professionals, said Joe Davis, a spokesman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Many service members might also fear judgment from their peers for asking for help. Its very easy for senior leaders to say there is no stigma, but far different on the ground at the small-unit level, where everyone relies on their buddy . . . and vice versa, he said in an email. Service members might also have been unhappy with the care they got, he added, and therefore chose not to return. The shortage of providers is one of the biggest barriers to continuous mental-health care, said Elspeth Cameron Ritchie, a former military psychiatrist. As the number of service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan has increased, she added, the need for doctors has grown. It may also be true that appointments are not available at convenient times, Hepner said. We ask a lot of service members, and they have a lot of demands on their jobs. Because they travel a lot, it can be difficult for them to keep up good, continuous access to care, Ritchie said. That difficulty can compound reluctance to keep up with mental-health care. Many, she added, worry about others perception if they are seen regularly visiting a psychiatrist. If you need to go to the doctor all the time, people will think, Oh, whats wrong with that person? Ritchie said. Theres a lot of talk about how we should treat this as a broken leg, and there shouldnt be a stigma. But there is a stigma. The Defense Departments commissioning of the study is encouraging, Hepner said, because it suggests an interest in trying to improve mental-health care and access to it. DOD could build on efforts to publicly measure how good its providers are, she said. The department has begun doing that, but Hepner said the public needs more information about quality of care. The Rand findings may have understated the difficulty of obtaining mental-health care, Hepner added. The study focused on patients who had been diagnosed, but it probably missed some who either hadnt seen a doctor at all or who had but hadnt been diagnosed. Even when they go to the best doctors, service members must ask for help, which can be difficult, Davis noted. For instance, everyone in the Rand study had been identified as needing help. That makes it easier to connect them with care, which may have influenced the high proportion who had an initial visit, Hepner said. The real risk here is the people we are not addressing, she added. Kaiser Health News Chances are good that youve seen people smoking e-cigarettes: inhaling from cigarette-shaped devices, then puffing out clouds of odorless fog. E-cigarettes, also known as e-cigs or electronic nicotine delivery systems, have been on the market for about a decade and are surging in popularity. But theres widespread disagreement about their safety or any benefits they may have. Proponents say that e-cigs, a $2.8 billion market in the United States, are potentially less harmful than conventional cigarettes and can help smokers quit. Critics say that their safety hasnt been proved and that its too soon to know what the long-term effects of vaping (inhaling the vapor) may be. Consumer Reports spoke with medical experts and reviewed more than 50 scientific studies to find out whats known. How they work A typical battery-operated e-cigarette contains a cartridge of e-cig liquid, or juice, which usually contains nicotine and the chemical propylene glycol. The juices come in an array of flavors including cola and watermelon, which some say are meant to attract younger users. When used, the battery powers an atomizer that vaporizes the liquid in the cartridge for the user to inhale. Aside from those basics, e-cigarettes vary widely in terms of ingredients, construction and factors such as battery voltage. The Food and Drug Administration, which regulates regular cigarettes, has proposed regulating e-cigarettes more tightly, but some politicians and many in the industry oppose the FDAs plan. The nicotine issue Juice from e-cigarettes has different amounts of the addictive stimulant nicotine, from zero to about 72 milligrams per milliliter of liquid. (A traditional cigarette has 10 to 15 milligrams.) Nicotine has short-term negative health effects, like increasing your heart rate and blood pressure, so it can aggravate heart conditions, says Marvin M. Lipman, Consumer Reports chief medical adviser. It also interferes with fetal development, making it unsafe in pregnancy regardless of its source. Larger doses of nicotine can be more harmful, especially to children, who may be attracted by the sweet flavors and brightly colored packages. And in 2014, poison-control centers responded to 3,783 e-cigarette and liquid nicotine exposure cases. More than half of those involved children younger than 6 who might have ingested or inhaled liquid nicotine or gotten it on their skin or in their eyes. In 2015, those centers received 3,067 nicotine-exposure reports across all age groups. Chemical concerns When propylene glycol is heated, it can degrade into formaldehyde, a chemical linked to nose and eye irritation, and an increased risk of asthma and cancer. The Center for Environmental Health recently tested 97 e-cig products and found formaldehyde and the chemical acetaldehyde in more than half of them. E-cig vapor can also contain lead, cadmium, nickel, tin and other metals, which can cause nervous-system or respiratory problems. And some flavoring chemicals, such as those used to create cinnamon flavor, can be toxic. But unlike conventional cigarettes, e-cigs dont burn tobacco. So they dont produce the tar that clogs the lungs, or carbon monoxide, which is linked to heart disease. Overall, experts say more research is needed. But given what we know now, vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco. If a patient switches from smoking two packs a day to only using e-cigs, its not as good as quitting, but its undeniably better, says Douglas Kamerow, a former assistant surgeon general and a professor of family medicine at Georgetown University. But if a nonsmoker starts vaping and gets hooked on nicotine, especially if it leads to tobacco smoking, thats a problem. Can they help smokers quit? A recent clinical trial found no real difference between e-cigs and nicotine patches in helping people stop smoking: Neither were very effective. Another study found that teenagers who smoke and vape tend to smoke more conventional cigarettes than those who smoke but dont use e-cigs. Last fall, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force said the evidence was insufficient to recommend e-cigs as a smoking-cessation device. For more information about e-cigs, go to consumerreports.org/cro/health/e-cigarette-guide/index.htm. Copyright 2015. Consumers Union of United States Inc. On Thursday, Donald Trump called Pope Francis a pawn of the Mexican government and accused the leader of the worlds Catholics of disgraceful rhetoric. On Friday, he approvingly retold an apocryphal story about a U.S. general ordering Muslims shot with bullets dipped in pigs blood. On Saturday morning, he wondered on Twitter whether President Obama would have attended Justice Antonin Scalias funeral if it were held in a mosque. And yet, on Saturday night, Trump won the South Carolina primary, affirming him as the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination. Are Republican voters really choosing as their standard-bearer a man who preaches such hatred and spews such vitriol? No, they arent at least not yet. But they may get Trump anyway. The good news is only 32.5 percent of South Carolina Republicans voted for Trump. The bad news: Trump may not need the support of a majority of Republican voters to secure the nomination. Five months ago, I wrote that I was so sure Trump wouldnt win the nomination that I would eat a column 18 inches of newsprint if he did. I argued that he wont prevail in the Republican primary because voters, in the end, tend to get it right. Trumps inability to rise above about 35 percent of the vote vindicates so far my faith in the voters. But even if that holds, I may be soliciting recipes for wood pulp anyway, because, given the three-way race emerging between Trump, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, Trump could clinch the nomination with minority support. The Cook Political Report, handicappers par excellence, observed over the weekend that Trumps 35 percent ceiling of support could be enough to win a five-person race (including John Kasich and Ben Carson) and even enough to squeak out a victory in a three-way race. Cooks Dave Wasserman explained that 38 percent of the 2,472 Republican convention delegates are from winner-take-all contests, which means Trump can get them with a slim plurality of the vote. And in a number of the other states that award delegates proportionately, Cruz and Rubio are in danger of slipping below the 20 percent threshold required to get a share of the delegates. This increases the odds that nobody will get the 1,237 needed, or that somebody will without winning a majority of votes. The long-awaited consolidation behind a consensus alternative to Trump has finally begun. Jeb Bush, after gaining a second wind in New Hampshire, has joined Chris Christie on the sidelines, and Rubio, after his sound-bite disaster in New Hampshire, appears to have returned as the consensus anti-Trump. But Kasich remains, potentially denying Rubio a huge haul of delegates from Ohio on March 15. And while the primary map gives Cruz no plausible path (none of his strongest states is winner-take-all), Cruz can remain in the race and deny Rubio a clean shot at Trump. Hence Republicans could get Trump even if most dont want him. On Sunday, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus told ABCs George Stephanopoulos that it would be a no-brainer to support the nominee, even if its Trump. Winning is the antidote to a lot of things, he reasoned. An antidote to having a nominee who, echoing one of his supporters at a rally, called Cruz a p---- this month? To having a nominee who said in front of thousands that he would bomb the s--- out of ISIS? Perhaps the most disturbing of Trumps latest outrages beyond lashing out at the pope or again implying that Obama is Muslim was his decision to validate a hateful Internet hoax. In South Carolina on Friday, Trump was defending torture (he said the United States should go much further than waterboarding) when he told a story of Gen. John Pershing, who allegedly dipped bullets in pigs blood before executing Muslim prisoners in the Philippines. He lined up the 50 people, and they shot 49 of those 50 people, and he said to the 50th, you go back to your people and you tell them what happened, Trump proclaimed. And in 25 years there wasnt a problem. Historians and others have found no substantiation for this allegation and plenty of evidence that Pershing wasnt that sort of man. When a Massachusetts state senator floated a version of the Pershing claim in 2003 in a flier, the Anti-Defamation League called it incendiary and bigoted and an offensive caricature of Muslim beliefs. And now, in 2016, the front-runner for the Republican nomination floats the same vile libel and the chairman of the RNC says it would be a no-brainer to support him? The voters may yet get it right, but that doesnt mean the Republican Party will. Twitter: @Milbank Read more from Dana Milbanks archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. Amal Eldarat, a 28-year-old U.S.-born, London-educated woman who until recently worked for Deloitte consulting in Dubai, visited me last week to recount the horrific story of her father and brother, both also U.S. citizens, who were abducted by United Arab Emirates security forces 18 months ago and then tortured into false confessions of supporting terrorism. It was a sadly familiar tale. Kamal Eldarat and his son Momed were, according to U.N. human rights authorities, unjustly detained in August 2014, held incommunicado for three months at an undisclosed location and subjected to extensive torture, including waterboarding, electric shocks, beatings and hangings. They were denied access to a lawyer and regular family visits and were not informed of the allegations against them until they were abruptly brought before a court last month. Charged under a law that went into effect only after their arrests, they could be sentenced to life in prison or death, with no possibility of appeal, when their trial resumes on Feb. 29. As Amal Eldarat plausibly described it, her father and brother, both successful businessmen, were targeted because of the familys Libyan roots and their participation in aid efforts during and after the 2011 Arab Spring. The elder Eldarat had sought political asylum in the United States from the dictatorship of Moammar Gaddafi; when the country rebelled against Gaddafi, the family pitched in to help their ancestral city, Misrata, which was at the center of the fighting. Years later, the Misrata forces were on one side of Libyas civil war, while the Emirati government backed the other. Days after UAE warplanes intervened in the fighting, security forces at home rounded up 10 men of Libyan ancestry, whom they accused of supporting terrorist groups. The American Eldarats, with no connections to radical Islamists, were nevertheless swept up. They were tortured nonstop, Amal told me. When she was finally allowed a visit, six months after the arrests, she found her father stooped with back pains, while her brother had lost hearing in one ear. I could see the torture marks on my dads neck, she said. My father, my brother they werent the same people that I knew. As I listened to this, I couldnt help thinking of similar stories Ive listened to in the past several years like that of Mohamed Soltan, an Egyptian American graduate of Ohio State University who was arrested in Cairo following the 2013 coup and held for 21 months, during which he was badly tortured. Or that of Maryam al-Khawaja, a former Fulbright scholar at Brown University who has traveled the world advocating for her father and sister, human rights activists who were imprisoned in Bahrain after its 2011 uprising. What these cases have in common are Western-educated and, in several cases, literally Americanized Arabs who were inspired by the dream of democratic change in their homelands and then deliberately targeted by the reactionary Sunni regimes that have reimposed and reinforced the old autocratic order. These rulers claim to be fighting Islamist terrorism, which they conflate with nonviolent Islamist movements such as the Muslim Brotherhood. But they consider their worst enemies to be the pro-democracy activists who aspire to reform their stale, reactionary and ultimately untenable regimes. Amid a maelstrom of sectarianism and extremism, the Arab democrats represent the Middle Easts best hope. But they are often ignored these days in Washington, where both the Obama administration and most of its Republican opponents have reembraced brutal Sunni strongmen such as Egypts Abdel Fattah al-Sissi. The administration does its best to ignore their cruel repression, even when it involves U.S. citizens. Thats probably why the State Department said not one word in public about the Eldarat case until I inquired about it last week. The response I received was a carefully neutral statement that said State had raised the Eldarats allegations of mistreatment with the UAE government, but contained no word of protest or even concern. Yousef al Otaiba, the UAEs energetic ambassador, portrays his country as a staunch U.S. ally against the Islamic State. When I asked him about the Eldarat case, he emailed me a Foreign Ministry statement that claimed that the men were receiving due process . . . in accordance with international fair trial standards. That would be news to Amal Eldarat, who last month finally was able to see the case file. The only evidence in it was 200 pages of typed confessions that Kamal, a real estate developer, and Momed, a Subway franchise owner, had been forced to sign. Fortunately for the Eldarats, the U.N. findings may have embarrassed the regime. At the last court session last week, the judge agreed to allow an investigation of the torture charges. The family hopes that more international attention will prompt the regime to drop the case. If so, they will be lucky exceptions to a dismal trend. Read more from Jackson Diehls archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. In their Feb. 19 op-ed, The American people should not be robbed of their say, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) stated that the Senate has not confirmed a vacancy arising in the final year of a presidential term for the better part of a century. The more salient question is when was the last time the Senate refused to consider a nomination because of that time constraint. I believe the answer is never. The American people had their say in 2012. The Constitution assigns responsibilities based on elections. And it assigns to the duly elected Senate the responsibility to consider the nominations of the duly elected president. Robert McDermott, Washington Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Charles E. Grassley showed that congressional Republicans live in a bubble. They argued for a delay in appointing a Supreme Court justice, justifying their stance by referencing the 2014 election: It is today the American people, rather than a lame-duck president whose priorities and policies they just rejected in the most-recent national election, who should be afforded the opportunity to replace Justice Scalia. I dont recall any candidate running for a national office in 2014. The most consequential elections in 2014 were for senators, representatives and governors. The most recent election in which someone was running for a national office was in 2012, an election in which President Obama trounced his competition. The people spoke, and they spoke loudly. While people can make national statements with their votes in statewide elections, Mr. McConnell and Mr. Grassley neglected to mention that voter turnout in 2014 was the lowest in 70 years, at 36 percent, whereas turnout in the 2012 election was 58 percent. Which election gets closer to a national endorsement or rejection of Mr. Obamas policies? The question of whether Americans should get a chance to weigh in on a Supreme Court nominee was already answered, and overwhelmingly so, in 2012. Doug Parsons, Takoma Park VIRGINIA HAS come a long way since advocates called attention to the states appalling practice of routinely condemning prisoners to the hell of solitary confinement, particularly in the Red Onion supermax prison. But there is still a ways to go. Isolation can have debilitating effects on human beings: Death-row inmates have reported that their impending execution does not upset them nearly as much as the prospect of continued, prolonged isolation, which often amounts to mental torture. According to Virginia legislators who have been fighting solitary confinement, step-down programs have cut the number of prisoners who are nearly totally isolated. Instead of keeping difficult prisoners in small cells, alone, almost all the time, problem inmates can earn their way out, with restrictions gradually loosened to ensure safety. Following a high-profile lawsuit on behalf of Alfredo R. Prieto, a death-row inmate who was executed in October, the state has also reportedly set about improving conditions for those in solitary, as everyone on death row is in Virginia. They are getting more out-of-cell time with other people and some basic facilities that will allow them more contact with the outside world. These are both successful strategies that states across the country, increasingly aware that solitary is an expensive, barbaric practice, are taking toward common sense. Another is ending the practice of isolating juveniles, who are particularly at risk of mental damage when pulled out of the general prison population. This is a reform that state Sen. Barbara A. Favola (D-Arlington) wants Virginia to pursue. She has pushed a modest bill that commands state corrections officials to rethink how and when they deny juveniles contact with others. Rather than tell prison officials precisely how to cut back on juvenile isolation, it would merely require them to write regulations that allow the use of room segregation only when other less restrictive options have been exhausted, with an emphasis on using isolation to ensure safety rather than as a routine punishment. The rules would require that juveniles be isolated for the minimum amount of time necessary, that they be regularly checked up on, that they have direct access to staff, and that corrections officials develop a plan to improve the behavior of each isolated juvenile prisoner rather than just locking them away. If young prisoners exhibit mental-health issues as state statistics indicate many do corrections officials would have to take special care. The bill is eminently reasonable. As with other reforms Virginia has pursued, it is puzzling that corrections officials ever devised a system that worked differently. They should take as an example President Obamas recent actions to curb solitary in federal prisons. States lock up many more people than does the federal government, making efforts like Ms. Favolas the front line in improving the way the country treats its young prisoners. A member of the Territorial Authority of Guyana collects mosquito larvae during an operation against the Zika virus on Feb. 19. (Jody Amiet/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images) Regarding the Feb. 16 front-page article Venezuela lacks tools to battle Zika virus: After being declared an international public health emergency, the Zika virus is not receiving essential attention from Venezuelas government. Instead of joining and supporting multinational efforts to prevent spreading the virus, the government seems to be denying that the problem exists and even worse, facilitating the virus expansion. The World Health Organization recommends people in Zika-affected areas protect themselves from mosquitoes and practice safe sex, but if the population has no access to birth control, including condoms; abortion is illegal; and essential supplies such as pain relievers, gauze and lab tubes are limited, then a crime against humanity is in progress. Furthermore, as scientific research groups , journals and funding institutions pledged to share information to help fight the Zika virus, Venezuelas refusal to report all cases and its denial of information about the virus to its citizens should prompt world organizations to intervene. It is alarming that the Zika virus is quickly spreading throughout the Americas, affecting so many countries. Global commitments are fundamental in order to win this battle. Tina Nunez, Charlottesville The chair of late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia is seen draped with black wool crepe inside the Supreme Court in Washington on Feb. 16. (Carlos Barria/Reuters) The Supreme Court resumed its work Monday without Justice Antonin Scalia our man for all seasons, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. called him and then quickly discovered how difficult it might be to decide cases with what is now an ideologically balanced bench of eight. With four consistent conservatives and four liberals, the factions appeared to take opposite views of a case that would loosen the rules for police to question and search suspects in high-crime neighborhoods, and drew the court into a discussion of Ferguson, Mo. Tie votes after Scalias death Feb. 13 will uphold the ruling of the lower court, which in this case favored the defendant. The court opened two weeks of oral arguments with Scalias high-backed leather chair at the right hand of Roberts draped in black. We remember his incisive intellect, his agile wit and his captivating prose, Roberts said. But we cannot forget his irrepressible spirit. He was our man for all seasons, and we will miss him beyond all measure. Whether the Republican-led Senate will confirm whoever President Obama nominates to fill the seat is shaping up as a monumental Washington political battle, with great implications for the presidential contest. Roberts did not touch on the controversy. Instead, he read a brief summary of Scalias life, recalling his birth in New Jersey to parents of Italian descent, his graduation at the top of his class at Georgetown University and his honors at Harvard Law School. As a lawyer in the Justice Department, Scalia argued one case before the Supreme Court in 1976 and won establishing a perfect record before the court, Roberts said, to laughter. Scalia was the Supreme Courts 103rd justice when confirmed in 1986, and wrote 282 majority opinions. He was also known on occasion to dissent, Roberts said to more laughter. Scalias fiery opinions objecting to the majority were so legendary that some were collected in a book. He has said they were meant to influence law students, and he hoped they would lead to future outcomes more to his liking. At the appropriate time, Roberts said, the court will hold its own memorial service, along with the bar. And now we turn to the business of the court. The first case was what Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg described as a dense examination of the contracting laws involving the Department of Veterans Affairs. But the second showed that finding the necessary five votes to decide a case may be difficult on the court of eight. It involves Edward Streiff, who was arrested by Detective Douglas Fackrell in South Salt Lake City in December 2006. Fackrell was checking out an anonymous tip that a house there was being used for drug sales, and he observed the house for about three hours over the course of a week. At some point, Fackrell decided he would question the next person he saw leave the house, and that was Streiff. Fackrell explained his purposes and asked Streiff for identification. He called in the information and found there was a warrant for Streiffs arrest on a minor traffic violation. He arrested Streiff, searched him and found drugs. But the Utah Supreme Court threw out the conviction, because Fackrell had no reasonable suspicion of Streiff that justified stopping him in the first place. The ideologically divided justices took opposite views of the case. Justice Sonia Sotomayor said upholding the police action would give officers too much power. What stops us from becoming a police state and just having the police stand on the corner down here and stop every person, ask them for identification, put it through, and if a warrant comes up, searching them? she asked Utah Solicitor General Tyler R. Green. She and Justice Elena Kagan brought up a Justice Department report on Ferguson, Mo., where federal officials found that an overwhelming number of residents had warrants for the arrests issued because of minor traffic violations. I was surprised beyond measure by how many people have arrest warrants outstanding, and particularly in the kind of areas in which these stops typically tend to take place, said Kagan. Green acknowledged that Fackrell lacked reasonable suspicion to stop Streiff. But he said the defense has acknowledged that the arrest warrant was valid, and thus the arrest allowed. Under the Supreme Courts precedents, he said, once the arrest is lawful, the search incident to it is lawful, and all the evidence gathered . . in any search is lawfully seized. If Sotomayor and Kagan were surprised by the number of outstanding warrants, Roberts was the opposite. I was surprised how low they were 323,000 is a big number, but thats the entire state of Florida. When Joan C. Watt, representing Streiff, told the court that upholding the police action would send law enforcement on a fishing expedition to hope someone had a warrant, Roberts said an officers safety was a good reason for him to find out more about the person he was about to question. Doesnt it happen, Roberts asked Watt, that an officer walks up to the car and theyre shot? It does, she answered. It seems to me not wanting to get shots a pretty good reason to check for a warrant, Roberts said. Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. said Watt was asking for a big change. Can you give me one other example of a situation in which this court has held that the fruit of a lawful search must be suppressed? he asked. If the justices comments ultimately reflect a tie, the decision of the Utah Supreme Court would be upheld. But there would be no opinion and it would set no precedent for the rest of the country. The case is Utah v. Streiff. For Jeb Bushs campaign, August was a cruel month. Donald Trumps attacks on the former Florida governor as a low-energy politician were beginning to stick, and the two were bickering over immigration. The issue before the Bush team was what to do about it. Some advisers argued for an aggressive response, even to the point of challenging Trump to some kind of one-on-one confrontation. Others resisted, believing Trumps candidacy was unsustainable, while some cautioned against getting into a pigpen with a pig, as one adviser recalled. Others described it as trying to wrestle with a stump. Those summer days crystallized the plight of a campaign that had begun with enormous expectations and extraordinary resources, as the scion of one of Americas dynastic political families sought to follow his father and brother to the presidency. At what would become a crucial moment, Bushs team had no clear strategy for a rival who was beginning to hijack the Republican Party that the Bush family had helped to build, other than to stay the course set months earlier of telling Bushs story to voters. There was no consensus, senior strategist David Kochel said of the discussions about how to combat the threat of Trumps candidacy. Other campaigns were wrestling with the same problems, but as the front-runner in the polls at the time, Bush would suffer more than the others. Jeb Bush suspended his campaign for president on Feb. 20. The Fix's Chris Cillizza breaks down why he was never going to be president. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post) On Saturday night, the candidacy that had begun with such promise ended quietly after a disappointingly weak fourth-place finish in South Carolina. Ever the gracious realist, Bush announced in his concession speech that he would end his campaign as Trump continued to soar as the GOP front-runner. I have stood my ground, refusing to bend to the political winds, he said. Whether Jeb Bush ever had a chance to win the Republican nomination in a campaign year that proved so ill fitting for a rusty politician who preferred policy papers to political combat is a question that will be debated long after the 2016 race has ended. Donald Trump channeled the worst fears, frustrations and anxiety of voters, but he also magnified those same feelings, Sally Bradshaw, Bushs chief strategist and confidant, said Sunday in an email. It would be difficult for any solutions-oriented conservative to tackle Trump in this environment, much less one who was seen as having been so much a part of the establishment. He was never going to be an angry guy and voters wanted angry. Mike Murphy, the chief strategist for Bushs super PAC, Right to Rise, explained what had happened this way on Sunday. Our theory was to dominate the establishment lane into the actual voting primaries, he said. That was the strategy, and it did not work. I think it was the right strategy for Jeb. The problem was there was a huge anti-establishment wave. The establishment lane was smaller than we thought it would be. The marketplace was looking for something different, and well find out how that ends when we have a nominee. The result is one of the most startling failures in the modern history of American politics: the fall of the House of Bush. It is a human story about the struggles of one of the most successful former governors in America in his bid to become president, like his father and brother, set against the backdrop of one of the strangest political cycles the country has seen in years. Beyond underestimating the anger in the electorate, three other problems led to Bushs downfall. First, the candidate and his team misjudged the degree of Bush fatigue among Republicans. 1 of 19 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Candidates who have dropped out of the 2016 race so far, and why View Photos With the primary season in full swing, several have dropped out in recent days. Caption With the primary season in full swing, several have dropped out in recent days. John Kasich Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R), who ran as a sunny, center-right prince of light and hope but won only his home-state primary, bowed out of the presidential race on Wednesday with a reflective speech in Columbus. Read the story Kyle Grillot/For the Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. Aides said an internal poll conducted last fall showed discouraging news: Roughly two-thirds of voters had issues with Bushs family ties. Bush stuff was holding him back, said one aide who saw the polling data. We obviously knew it was an issue, but even still, the gap between it and other issues I dont think we thought it would be that big. [For Jeb Bush, the challenge remains making it about Jeb, not Bush] Second, Bush and his team miscalculated the role and power of money and traditional television commercials in the 2016 race. During the first six months of 2015, Bush raised more than $100 million, most of it stockpiled in Right to Rise, a strategy that seemed right at the time but came at the cost of not dealing with other pressing needs. We didnt use that time to introduce him as a unique brand, said Vin Weber, an outside adviser. We used it to raise money. I dont want to say they made an obvious and clear mistake, but in retrospect, it was a mistake. The aggressive fundraising came to be known as shock and awe, an echo of the initial bombing of Iraq by U.S.-led forces before the 2003 invasion. In the campaign context, it could be read as code to other potential candidates to get out of the way. But the prodigious fundraising of Bushs broad network scared off no one. As the Bush campaign would learn, every credible candidate today has a few billionaire friends who can enrich a super PAC. In the end, all that money came to symbolize frustration rather than power. Third, Bush ran a campaign that, whether deliberate or not, was rooted in the past, managed by loyalists who admired Bush and enjoyed his confidence but who, like the candidate, found themselves in unfamiliar political terrain. His advisers were convinced from the start that the more voters learned about what Bush had done as governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007, they would flock to him as their presidential candidate. Bush stubbornly held to that approach even as evidence mounted that it was out of step with voters. Doug Gross, a prominent Iowa Republican, recalled meeting with Bush in July 2014 in Kennebunkport, Maine, to talk about the impending campaign. He definitely wanted to run. Hes always had it in him and knew this was his last chance, Gross said. He was trying to figure out how to do it his own way. I was struck by his obstinate avoidance of any political discussion. . . . He wanted to do it his way or no way. Skirmish, then turning away In contrast to the doldrums of August 2015, July seemed a glorious time for the Bush team. Early that month, Team Jeb gathered in Kennebunkport to celebrate that the campaign and two allied political committees had together raised nearly an unprecedented $120 million. The numbers were made public as nearly 300 major Bush fundraisers assembled to mingle with the Bush family and campaign advisers. Guests were transported in black-and-red trolleys to Walkers Point, the Bush family compound. The group gathered for a photo with former president George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush. That evening, Bush touted the teams record fundraising as guests dined on lobster rolls and hamburgers at a luxury resort tucked among a forest of birch groves and balsam fir. It was incredibly memorable to be there with several generations, said Jay Zeidman, a Houston-based investor who helped raise money from young professionals. The next day, the donors got briefings from senior Bush aides including Bradshaw, campaign manager Danny Diaz and finance director Heather Larrison. They laid out how the campaign planned to take on contenders such as Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Throughout, there was little mention of Donald Trump. [That time Jeb Bush invited 300 top donors to his parents house] None of us thought he would last the summer, said one person who was in attendance. At that moment, however, Trump was already in the process of undermining Bushs candidacy. If Bush had ever gone up against someone like Trump, it didnt show. Trump was a new and different kind of rival, one given to personal insults rather than policy debates, who monopolized media coverage and got away with provocative statements that would have sunk normal politicians. After marching in two July 4 parades on a rainy Saturday in New Hampshire, reporters asked Bush about Trumps claim that Mexico was allowing immigrants to illegally cross into the United States. It was one of the hundreds of times he would face such questions. Bush said absolutely he was offended by Trumps rhetoric. Were going to win when were hopeful and optimistic and big and broad rather than grrrrrr he said literally, growling just angry all the time. That very night, Trump attacked Bush as soft on immigration and took aim as well at Bushs wife, Columba, who was born in Mexico and entered the country legally retweeting and then deleting a disparaging comment about her. Nothing, however, cut as close to the bone as Trumps claim that Bush was too low-energy to serve as president. The accusation was laughable until it began to stick. Trumps charge was in fact a proxy for a different and more difficult argument to combat: that Bush was neither strong nor edgy enough for a party seething with anger at the grass roots. [Inside the Bush-Trump melodrama: Decades of tension and discomfort] Nobody tapped into it, for all the polling, all the focus groups, said Theresa Kostrzewa, a North Carolina lobbyist who raised money for the campaign. The biggest thing they did was miss was just how angry the American electorate was and that Trump would be their Captain Ahab. Bushs advisers would contest that claim. They could see the anger, they said. The issue was what to do about it. Donors, political operatives and big thinkers from around the country urged us to ignore Trump for months, Bradshaw said. There was no one in the news media or the operative class at the time who felt Trump would ultimately be a serious contender for the nomination. At the same time, others feared that engaging Trump was almost beneath Bush and would thrust the candidate into a never-ending game of charge-countercharge. Jeb should be bigger than this, another aide recalled thinking. Over at Right to Rise, Murphy sent a clear signal: Trump is not our fight right now. If other campaigns wish that were going to uncork money on Donald Trump, theyll be disappointed, Murphy told The Washington Post in late August. Trump is, frankly, other peoples problem. At that moment, the Bush teams analysis showed that no Trump voters were likely to shift their support to Bush. On Sunday, Murphy said that attacking Trump would only have benefited other candidates. Bushs campaign needed to consolidate the establishment lane while hoping that Trump and Cruz would sort out the competition among the anti-establishment candidates. Bradshaw also dismissed complaints from some donors that she cut the candidate off from advice. Noting that Bush long has been active on email, Bradshaw responded in a message by saying: Donors constantly gave conflicting advice attack Trump, dont attack Trump; smile more; smile less you look like you are smirking. I didnt tell people they were wrong not my style I did a lot of listening, and Im sure there were things we could have done better but withholding info from the Governor simply did not happen in our campaign. For much of the autumn, Bushs engagement with Trump was on-again, off-again skirmish, then turning away. Not until late last year did he truly start a concerted and sustained series of attacks. Aides said Bush was particularly affected by the terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif., and felt, as one adviser put it, that it was time to stand up to the bully. Jeb was the only candidate with the political courage at the time and frankly throughout the last six months to take on Trump directly for doing something that the governor felt was very harmful to the Party and to the country, Bradshaw wrote. There was no hesitation at that point given his comments about women, about Hispanics, his lack of knowledge on issues of national security and on and on. A flat-footed image Bushs failure to come to terms with one of the downsides of his family name came to a head over a four-day period in May, when he stumbled over the decision by his brother, former president George W. Bush, to go to war in Iraq. [Jeb Bush faces hostile questions about Iraq war] Changing his answer on a daily basis, Bush came across as a flat-footed campaigner clearly uncomfortable articulating his views on the most critical moment of his brothers presidency. But it also highlighted the double-edged nature of being a candidate named Bush. In a January Washington Post-ABC News poll, nearly 6 in 10 Americans held an unfavorable view of Bush. He was the only Republican with a negative favorability rating: 44 percent said they had a favorable impression of the former governor while 50 percent rated him negatively. His rankings grew worse as the campaign progressed. A fundamental weakness, supporters said, was the lack of a coherent rationale for Bushs candidacy and the failure to make inroads with activists on the right. At the end of the day, it wasnt clear the name was ever surmountable, said a Bush donor. If the name was going to be surmounted, it would have to be because there was a fresh set of ideas. Bush offered ideas, but in a campaign dominated by Trump, they were ignored or lost to most voters. The timing was not right One of the biggest tactical advantages Bush appeared to have early on a richly endowed super PAC was not the invincible weapon his team thought it would be. It cut off his access to a key adviser, Murphy, whom he installed at the groups helm. It also meant that during the first six months of last year, nearly all of the coverage about Bush focused on how he was socking away millions into the super PAC, all while maintaining that he had not decided whether to run. In an election brimming with anger toward the wealthy elite, Bush seemed almost flippant about his pursuit of big dollars. Murphy was convinced that much of what was taking place was noise and that when the voters began to check in, the super PACs financial might would be overpowering. First, the committee would use it to lay out Bushs biography. Then, as necessary, the group would turn its arsenal on his rivals. Our job is just to amplify his story and what hes saying and we banked enough cash that nobodys turning our speaker off, Murphy told Bloomberg Politics in October. Back at campaign headquarters, the team hewed to that timetable and sensibility. Once the Bush record was burned into voters minds, attitudes would shift, Bradshaw said at the time. A Bush donor complained, Murphy had a timetable, and nothing mattered until December and January. By the end of January, Right to Rise had raced through at least $95.7 million out of the $118.6 million it had collected, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Almost $87 million went into a barrage of television ads, online videos, slick mailers and voter phone callsto no avail. Mel Sembler, a former Bush ambassador who helped raise money for the super PAC and served on its governance board, said he believes the groups strategy was sound. We had confidence in Mike, and I think we did the best we could in deploying of resources, Sembler said. Thats not where the problem is. . . . The timing was not right for Jeb. Our candidate was just not connecting with the electorate. Retaining his good humor The final months were difficult for Bush. After a particularly weak performance during a debate in Boulder, Colo., in October in which Rubio appeared to get the better of him, there were suggestions that he might quit the campaign right then. Reporters who made inquiries about the possibility were brushed off. In the middle of it all, Bush spotted a reporter who was a regular on the trail with him. Hey I didnt drop out, did I? he shouted. You know, that kind of stuff really gets my juices going. Im going to win this thing, and when I do youre going to give me a big hug. Through it all, Bush attempted to keep both good humor and determination in the face of the inevitable. I was stunned by how well he handled the last month of this campaign when the writing was on the wall, said Tim Miller, Bushs communications director. It is hard to go out there every day and put on a fake smiley face. He was in really high spirits and didnt lash out at people in private throughout the last two months. The final indignity in a campaign that had suffered through many came three days before Saturdays primary, when South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley endorsed Rubio rather than a man she described as a friend and mentor. When it ended Saturday night, Bush told saddened supporters: We put forward details, innovative, conservative plans to address the mounting challenges that we face. Because despite what you might have heard, ideas matter, policy matters. His final remarks as a presidential candidate were a reflection of the campaign he had constructed from the start, one he had built to his unique specifications, which nonetheless proved to be a mismatch for a political environment that caught him by surprise and for which he paid a hefty price. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump holds a campaign rally Jan. 10 in Reno, Nev., where he has found support for his anti-immigration message. (Charles Ommanney/The Washington Post) The Republican presidential caucuses here Tuesday night are Donald Trumps to lose. He has led every recent public poll by double digits. Enormous crowds pack his rallies. And his nationalist call to deport illegal immigrants and wall them off has resonated with Nevadas working-class whites resentful of the booming Latino population. Marveling over his polling lead here, Trump joked a few weeks ago, Maybe I dont even have to go there and campaign. But a Trump win is no done deal. The states caucuses are peculiar and unpredictable and rivals Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio are laboring to spring a surprise on the billionaire mogul. Unlike in New Hampshire and South Carolina, which had big primaries, voters in Nevada only have a four-hour window to caucus at select locations. And unlike in Iowa, which held the first caucuses on Feb. 1, there is no time-honored tradition of caucusing here. In 2012, when Mitt Romney won Nevada with 50 percent, just 32,894 Republicans caucused, roughly eight percent of the overall GOP electorate. Sen. Marco Rubio gives the thumbs up as he addresses supporters at a rally at Texas Station hotel and casino Sunday night in North Las Vegas, Nev. (Mike Nelson/European Pressphoto Agency) Both Cruz and Rubio are eager to claim momentum heading into next weeks delegate bonanza known as Super Tuesday. If the two senators can mobilize their supporters just 20,000 voters could be enough for a landslide, operatives here say then a win is within reach. Both campaigns have carefully tailored strategies to exploit what they think is a weak ground game that makes Trump vulnerable. Rubio is targeting Nevadas well-organized Mormon community, which propelled Romney to victory, as well as seniors who populate the many retirement communities around Las Vegas. Rubio also is playing up his local roots. He lived briefly as a child in Las Vegas, where his father tended bar at a casino and his mother cleaned rooms at a hotel. During that time, his family also temporarily converted to Mormonism. Dozens of extended family members still live here. He has more family members in Nevada than in Florida, Lt. Gov. Mark Hutchison, Rubios state campaign chairman, said Sunday night at a rally in North Las Vegas. Cruz, meanwhile, is trying to unite evangelical Christians as well as the self-described liberty voters and constitutional conservatives who made up then-Texas congressman Ron Pauls coalition in 2012. Of the top three candidates, Cruz has the most intense travel schedule in the closing days especially in rural areas, where he is seizing on a land-use controversy that has been boiling here since rancher Cliven Bundy engaged federal officials in a 2014 armed stand-off. Sen. Ted Cruz speaks to supporters at an outdoor rally in Pahrump, Nev., on Sunday afternoon. (John Gurzinski/AFP/Getty Images) The federal government controls roughly 85 percent of land in the state, but Cruz vows to turn that power over to the state and private ranchers. He works the Bureau of Land Management into his litany of federal agencies that need to be clipped or abolished. In a just-for-Nevada TV ad, he promises to return Nevada land claimed by Washington. Eighty-five percent of Nevada is owned by the federal government, Cruz said before his first post-South Carolina campaign stop, in the libertarian-friendly city of Pahrump. That makes no sense. Thats ridiculous. Thats an issue on which Donald Trump and I disagree. He says the federal government should continue to own all that land. I think we should send it back to the people. Trump has focused on big rallies in Las Vegas and the Reno area the two main population centers but he has a ground organization as well. His state director, Charles Munoz, cut his teeth with Americans for Prosperity, the political activist group funded by the industrial billionaire Koch brothers. Just 26 years old when he was hired in August, Munoz has never run a campaign before and rarely speaks to the press. Trumps campaign has bought limited television advertising time in Las Vegas. In its main spot, which also ran in South Carolina, a man whose son was murdered by an undocumented immigrant says that Trump is the only one he trusts to secure the border. Running Cruzs campaign is Robert Uithoven, who has assigned chairs in all 17 counties and secured the endorsement of Attorney General Adam Laxalt, Uithovens latest successful client. On Sunday night, Cruz held his biggest rally of the Nevada campaign so far, hosted by the super PAC Keep the Promise and co-headlined by Glenn Beck. More than 1,400 people were ticketed for the event in Henderson. Some wore T-shirts theyd made for their local Cruz organizations, like the Las Vegas Cruz-aders that Diane Burnett, 62, had been walking precincts with. I held my nose and caucused for Romney last time, said Burnett. Ill never hold my nose again. Before the big event, the crowd heard Mormon entertainer David Osmond of the famous Osmond family sing patriotic songs. When Beck mentioned that he was Mormon, too, a roar of approval seemed to knock him back. Wow! laughed Beck. Thats not what happens when I say that down South. When Cruz took the stage for a 30-minute version of his stump speech, his backdrop was a poster portraying Nevada mountains and some scrubby trees under the slogan, RETURN OUR LAND. Rubio is campaigning across Nevada with a broader message, trying to appeal to a more diverse cross-section of the electorate. Many of the states top elected officials are backing him; Sen. Dean Heller joined the Rubio team on Sunday, though Gov. Brian Sandoval has decided to stay on the sidelines. Rubio also is attracting some star power. Donnie Wahlberg, a founding member of New Kids on the Block, a boy band popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s, endorsed him at his Sunday night rally. I have never, ever voted for a Republican presidential candidate that is, until this year, thanks to Marco Rubio, Wahlberg said. Rubio also has the support of Rick Harrison, a celebrated Las Vegas pawn shop owner and host of the Pawn Stars reality television show. I really think hes got a shot at winning on Tuesday, Harrison told the Sunday night crowd. Hutchison agreed, saying an upset was possible if the Rubio team can get its supporters to the caucuses. Weve got one of the best ground games, that has put Brian Sandoval in the governors mansion, Dean Heller in the U.S. Senate, me in the lieutenant governors office, Hutchison said. We know how to win statewide. And if we get our people out, were going to do great. If we dont get our people out, were not going to do so great. Mainstream Republican donors and elected officials flocked to Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.) on Monday amid a growing sense that he is the last best chance to prevent Donald Trump from running away with the Republican presidential nomination. But Rubios path remains narrow and perilous. He has yet to win a state, and a raft of major March 1 contests known as Super Tuesday offers few obvious chances for him to do so. And if Trump keeps racking up wins, it will become more difficult to blunt his progress. Increasingly, there is a recognition among Republican elites that if Trump is not slowed by the middle of March, it may be too late to prevent him from winning the nomination. The window is closing, and we need to move now, said Bobbie Kilberg, a major Republican donor who lined up behind Rubio after former Florida governor Jeb Bush ended his campaign Saturday. Fielding questions from reporters here Monday morning, Rubio didnt predict any imminent victories. Many mainstream Republicans see Rubio as the strongest alternative to Donald Trump, above. (Alice Li/The Washington Post) We look forward to continuing to add delegates to our count, and as we get into the winner-take-all states, I think were going to be in a very strong position, he said, referring to primary contests that begin March 15. Bushs departure from the race has provided Rubio with a much-needed injection of establishment money and structural support. Those who sided with Bush or were reluctant to cross him now feel free to back Rubio. [GOP candidates chart different paths ahead of Super Tuesday] Throughout Monday, a string of former Bush backers from across the country gravitated to the senator from Florida, including former Republican presidential nominee Robert J. Dole and Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah). In South Florida, Republican Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Mario Diaz-Balart and Carlos Curbelo and former congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart all of whom had backed Bush announced their support. Rubio also picked up backers who previously stood on the sidelines, such as former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty and Sens. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). On the donor side, in addition to Kilberg, former ambassador Francis Rooney, who gave more than $2 million to a pro-Bush super PAC through his holding company, is now with Rubio. So is financial industry executive Muneer Satter, who also made big donations to support Bush. Phil Rosen, a New York lawyer who is a major Republican fundraiser, said he has spent the past two days on the phone with former Bush donors who are eager to join the Rubio effort. 1 of 61 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Marco Rubios rise to prominence View Photos The U.S. senator from Florida is among the candidates vying for the Republican presidential nomination. Caption The U.S. senator from Florida is vying for the Republican presidential nomination. March 5, 2016 Sen. Marco Rubio speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. They have a lot of disappointment about Jeb, but they are ready to put full steam ahead for Marco, said Rosen, who said he has gotten commitments from 15 top Bush bundlers. I am going to continue to reach out to literally every person that was on the Bush campaign, he said. Rosen said he has not encountered any residual bitterness from the campaign clashes between the two men. In a new ad released Monday that will run in Super Tuesday states, a super PAC supporting Rubio casts Trump as erratic and unreliable. It says Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), another top rival, is calculated and underhanded. Rubio campaigned in Nevada on Monday in advance of the states Tuesday caucuses, which seem to favor Trump but are small and unpredictable. At his campaign stops, Rubio talked up his personal ties to the state, where he lived as a child. On March 1, Rubios most pressing goal will be to eclipse the threshold required as high as 20 percent of the vote in some states to qualify for delegates in the states holding contests that day, most of which are seen as friendlier to Trump or Cruz. Beyond that, Rubio is looking to the delegate-rich states of Florida and Ohio on March 15, which will award delegates on a winner-take-all basis. Rubios backers concede that a loss in his home state to Trump would likely be a fatal blow. [Fall of the House of Bush: How his name and Donald Trump doomed Jeb] As the pace picks up, Rubio has adopted a broader message, sounding general-election notes in recent days as he has tried to bolster his central argument: that he is the most electable candidate left in the GOP field. Americans are the descendants of people that came here, whether it was two centuries ago or two years ago, because they refused to live in a society that told them that they could not be who they wanted to be, Rubio said in Franklin, Tenn., on Sunday before his largest crowd of the campaign. America is the descendants of slaves who overcame that horrifying institution to claim their stake to the American Dream. In a North Las Vegas hotel ballroom Sunday night, Rubio recalled recently being asked about the GOPs minority outreach issues and responding with a story about the ethnically diverse group of South Carolina leaders who backed him. I said, Well, just this afternoon, I was onstage receiving the endorsement of an Indian American governor from South Carolina, who has endorsed a Cuban American from Florida. And I was standing next to the African American Republican senator from South Carolina. That sounds pretty minority to me, he said. Rubio was introduced Sunday and Monday by Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.), a former Bush backer. Heller told the crowd in North Las Vegas that the race is a two-man show between Rubio and Trump and repeated himself in Reno on Monday. He pointedly left out Cruz, who won the Iowa caucuses and who finished close behind Rubio in South Carolina. At a rally in Minden, which was held outside on a sunny and temperate afternoon, Heller joked, I heard that Trump kicked El Nino out of the country. [Fix: The idea that Trump will derail himself seems like wishful thinking] Rubio will campaign Tuesday in Minnesota and Michigan, which vote on March 1 and March 8, respectively. There, he will continue his strategy of focusing on major metropolitan areas and suburbs. A threat to Rubio, particularly in the Midwest, is Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a centrist who finished second in New Hampshire and is signaling that he has no intention of leaving the race. Kasich will campaign in Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi and Louisiana this week. In the South, Cruz who was bruised by his third-place showing in South Carolina remains a major obstacle to Rubio. The Texan has staked his campaign heavily on a collection of Southern states voting on March 1. And then there is Trump, who is ahead in polling and seemingly poised to compete everywhere. Rubio aides are confident that Trump has a lower ceiling of support than their candidate. But the front-runner is fresh off decisive wins in New Hampshire and South Carolina and campaigning hard in Nevada. At a Sunday rally for Rubio in Little Rock, Seth Flynt, 28 of Sherwood, Ark., held up an Anyone but Trump sign. Flynt embodied the challenge Rubio faces in trimming down the field to a one-on-one showdown with Trump. He explained that Rubio was not his first or even second choice. His pick: retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, who is still in the race despite poor showings in the early states. Matea Gold in Washington contributed to this report. The government agency tasked with placing thousands of Central American children into communities while they await immigration court decisions has no system for tracking the children, does not keep complete case files and has allowed contractors to operate with little oversight, according to a report released Monday by the Government Accountability Office. Based on the findings in this report, its no wonder that we are hearing of children being mistreated or simply falling off the grid once they are turned over to sponsors, said Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa). The Obama administration isnt adequately monitoring the grantees or sponsors whom we are entrusting to provide basic care for unaccompanied children. Three senators Grassley, Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) asked the GAO in October to review policies of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement. The agency provides shelter for unaccompanied minors fleeing violence in Central America and identifies sponsors to care for them while they await hearings in immigration courts. More than 125,000 unaccompanied minors from Central America have been caught at the U.S.-Mexico border since 2011. The 64-page report is being released one day before the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear testimony from Obama administration officials about their handling of the children. Their records are incomplete, they are not appropriately checking in on the facilities that house the children, and they dont even have a dedicated system to follow up on the children once theyve been placed with sponsors, Grassley said. The Office of Refugee Resettlement, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, has come under criticism in recent weeks for its handling of a number of cases involving unaccompanied minors. Advocates for unaccompanied minors say that the refugee office was overwhelmed by the surge of children crossing the border in 2014 but that the system is a much better alternative than longer detention for vulnerable children. On Jan. 28, the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations issued a report focusing on cases in which Central American children were victims of abuse by their sponsors, including one case where the agency released several Guatemalan teenagers to labor traffickers who forced them to work long hours at an Ohio egg farm for as little as $2 a day. We agree with the GAOs recommendations, which is why weve already implemented some of them and are in the process of implementing the rest, said Andrea Helling, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Human Services. This is part of the process of improving the program to care for the children who come into our custody. The GAO found that childrens case files were often incomplete, making it difficult for investigators to determine whether they had received proper care such as group counseling and clinical services. Investigators reviewed 27 randomly selected childrens case files. None of them contained all of the required documents. The report also criticized the agencys oversight of nonprofit groups that it pays to operate shelters for the children and locate sponsors. In 2014, the agency implemented a new monitoring process, requiring site visits every two years. However, investigators found that the agency didnt complete the site visits in 2014 and 2015. In 2014, agency staff members visited 12 of 133 sites. By August 2015, they visited 22 of 140 sites. These monitoring visits revealed several problems at the nonprofit-run shelters. At one site, agency workers discovered that the facility didnt give children the proper amount of medication, leading them to accidentally overdose. Helling said the Office of Refugee Resettlement is aware of the issues and has hired additional staff and implemented new policies to ensure that all site visits are completed in fiscal 2016. Once children are released to sponsors, the agency has no system for tracking their whereabouts, according to the report. Some children, including those who have been identified as trafficking victims, are supposed to receive services such as mental- health care. In fiscal 2014, only 9.5 percent of children released by the agency received these services. The agency has established a call center for children who want to report problems with their sponsors and requires its caseworkers to call all children and sponsors after the children are placed. Grassley sharply criticized the lack of follow-up for released children. Beyond the risks to the children created by these shortcomings, our communities are left to cope with the crime and violence from gang members and other delinquents who are not identified or tracked because of HHSs haphazard and porous practices, he said. Helling said the agency is looking at ways to expand post-release services for children, adding that the overwhelming majority of these children are fleeing violence and chaos, not looking to create it. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), who co-chaired the Jan. 28 Senate hearing about problems within the agency, said he will testify at Tuesdays hearing. Im pleased the Judiciary Committee is following up on the subcommittees bipartisan investigation, he said. The administration must be held accountable for turning young children over to traffickers and criminals. Jennifer Podkul, a migrant rights expert at the Womens Refugee Commission, said: Overall, were incredibly happy that ORR is the agency thats been designated to release the kids. What happened when there were incredible numbers was that it showed the strain and the weaknesses in the system. It was like a magnifying glass on the system. VanSickle is a reporter for the Investigative Reporting Program, a nonprofit news organization at the University of California at Berkeley. European steel workers gathered last week for a rally at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels to call for action against subsidized Chinese imports. (Francois Lenoir/Reuters) Chinas industrial overcapacity is sucking the oxygen out of its economy, fueling a dangerous buildup in bad loans and now exacerbating trade tensions with the West. Yet although the Communist Party has been aware of the problem for years, it has failed to tackle it. Those are the findings of a new report by the European Chamber of Commerce in China that blames complacency, a lack of leadership and protectionism by local governments for Chinas failure to address the problem. We have heard the same soundtrack for years We are aware of the problem, we are going to deal with this, said Chamber president Jorg Wuttke. But the problem is getting worse. Now we are asking: Do you have the audacity to implement your policies? Chinas state-owned heavy industry expanded too far and too fast during the boom years, in a borrowing and investment splurge. Now, as the economy slows, there is too much industrial capacity chasing too little demand. Many plants have been forced to cut back output and are struggling to pay back loans, but, instead of closing down, these zombie factories are being kept alive, at a huge cost to the economy and the banking system. The government has made numerous attempts to limit industrial expansion and close down inefficient plants, but the effort has made very little headway, and the problem has intensified in recent years. The Chamber report is a follow-up to a similar report it issued in 2009, which identified the problem and laid out a series of recommendations to address it. Most went unfulfilled. After the global financial crisis, China unleashed the mother of all credit avalanches, Wuttke said. But double-digit growth turned decision-makers more complacent. They thought they could outgrow their previous overcapacity problems. [In China, a ghost town points to shifting fortunes] As the economy took off like a rocket, Chinas Communist Party put on rosy glasses, while the worlds political and business elite lined up to tell them you are wonderful, Wuttke said. You might lose touch with reality, hence it is more difficult to see this coming. You might underestimate the problems you are facing, he said. Managers at state-owned companies were complacent, too, he said, expecting that high growth rates were here to stay. Very few have ever seen the cyclical developments with recession that we know in Europe and the United States. Today, Wuttke said, Chinas pockets are no longer so deep that the country can buy its way out of the problem. Capital is flowing out of the country, debt is rising fast and an economic restructuring is overdue. The head winds are now there, and if they dont act it will aggravate the financial crisis, he said. Wuttkes comments are unusually forthright for a Western business leader in China. But he said there are many people within the Communist Party leadership who share a very strong frustration with the slow pace of reform. One senior figure, he said, had almost pleaded with him to issue the second report on overcapacity, to help draw attention to the problem. Sometimes they need outside voices to translate opinions inside, he said. Indeed, last week a senior economist within the system made another unusually frank call to arms. Zhu Baoliang, director of the economic forecasting division at the State Information Center, a think tank affiliated with Chinas economic planning agency, told the South China Morning Post that the reform process was almost in paralysis, with little progress in key areas. Economic growth is slowing, fiscal revenues are shrinking, overcapacity is worsening and financial risks are on the rise. Its really urgent now; reforms must proceed, he was quoted as saying. Wuttke said the senior leadership seemed more preoccupied with army and Communist Party reform, and with an anti-corruption drive, than with the economy. Some business leaders hope that President Xi Jinping will turn his attention in this direction during his second term in office from 2017, but Wuttke worries that the problem may have intensified by then and become harder to solve. We believe they have to act now and not wait, he said. [China's economic woes expose drawbacks of president's power play] At the center of a web of vested interests lie Chinas powerful state-owned enterprises and the cozy relationships they enjoy with provincial governments and banks. One of the biggest problems is local protectionism, Wuttke said: Provincial governments depend so much on major industries for their tax revenue that they cant afford to see them cut back especially in areas where one or two industries dominate, such as the steel city of Tangshan, near Beijing. Local governments also tend to resist cross-province mergers and acquisitions that might lead to industrial streamlining. A company headquarters moving to another province would take all its tax revenue with it. Career incentives continue to reward local officials for high economic growth, while fear of unemployment and social unrest explains why many areas cling to old industries and lean on banks to roll over loans. Environmental rules are often poorly enforced for fear of adding more costs to already ailing industries. Production as a percentage of capacity in refining, steel and cement is running at between 65 and 75 percent, the report estimates. In developed economies, anything below 85 to 90 percent would imply the industry was bleeding cash, Wuttke said. Meanwhile, a surge in cheap Chinese exports of steel has stoked trade tensions with Europe. Just last week, thousands of steel workers marched in Brussels to protest the imports and to demand that the European Commission not grant China market economy status this year, a move that critics say would allow it to dump more cheap imports on Europe. The protests followed announcement of thousands of job losses at Tata Steel in Britain. Wuttke said Chinas overcapacity problem is spilling over to the rest of the world and could lead to more job losses and protectionist pressures in Europe. The answer, he said, was for the Chinese government to relinquish control of the economy to market forces, as it has promised to do. If the government is part of the problem, how can it be part of the solution? he asked. China confronts the pain of kicking its coal addiction A nationalist China unsettles foreign companies Macedonia closed its border to Afghan migrants early Sunday, police in Greece said, slowing the admission of refugees to a trickle and leaving a growing bottleneck of people stuck at their shared border. A Macedonian police spokeswoman denied there was a prohibition regarding Afghans, blaming the problem on Serbia, the next nation along the Balkans migration route into Western Europe. By early afternoon, about 1,000 migrants were waiting at the Greek border camp in Idomeni and at a gas station 11 miles away, 80 buses with 4,000 more migrants were waiting to take their passengers to the border. Greek police said Macedonia refused to let Afghans through because Serbia had made the same decision, and officials feared the migrants would get stuck in Macedonia. The authorities of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia informed us that, beginning at dawn Sunday, they no longer accept Afghan refugees because the same problem exists at their border with Serbia, Petros Tanos, spokesman for Greek polices Central Macedonia division, said. Despite the reports, about 500 migrants of all nationalities made the trek on foot from the gas station to the border Sunday. I can no longer wait, said 17-year-old Ali Nowroz, one of the trekkers from the Afghan city of Jaghori Zeba. We have spent three nights in the cold. We are hungry. They told me that the borders have been closed to us. However, when I started from Afghanistan I knew borders were open for us. I am going to the Idomeni border crossing to find out and ask why they have closed it. After dawn Sunday, only 150 refugees from Iraq and Syria were allowed into Macedonia, in addition to 310 allowed Saturday. At the border, two Macedonian and two Czech police officers were inspecting the documents of Iraqi and Syrian migrants and would let them pass only if they had passports or ID cards. Previously, Macedonian authorities had accepted Greek police documents attesting that an individual had been processed. Me and my brother have been waiting for three days here, but we cannot cross because we have no passports, said Hadi Dakhil, a 25-year-old from the Iraqi city of Shingal. The Turks confiscated them and, without them, the Macedonian authorities will not accept us. E.U. countries have sought to cap the influx of refugees after more than a million people entered last year. Nations along the entry route have agreed to control the flow of migrants through their territories. A handout photograph released by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) shows troops from Egypt arriving for multi-national military exercise at the King Khalid Military City in Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia, February 16, 2016. (Saudi Press Agency / Handout/EPA) Saudi Arabia is flexing its muscles as pro-government forces in Syrias civil war make sweeping advances, but concerns have mounted about its expanding military involvement in the conflict. Syrian President Bashar al-Assads military, backed by Iranian-led militiamen and Russian airstrikes, has pressed a major offensive in the northern city of Aleppo, even as talks to broker a cease-fire have made some progress. The move threatens rebel groups that have received cash and weapons from Saudi Arabia, a Sunni powerhouse and U.S. ally that opposes Assad because of his alliance with Shiite rival Iran. Saudi officials have responded by dispatching warplanes to Turkey, another opponent of the Syrian leader. They have said they could commit ground forces to Syria that would technically fight the Islamic State militant group but could also seemingly challenge pro-Assad forces. Saudi leaders also have announced large-scale military exercises involving 20 mostly Arab and African nations. Bashar al-Assad will leave have no doubt about it, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir recently told CNN. He will either leave by a political process or he will be removed by force. [Yemen is turning into Saudi Arabias Vietnam] Saudi Arabia is fighting a war in Yemen, and the prospect of the kingdom becoming entangled in another costly conflict at a time when it is facing economic troubles has unsettled many Saudis. Our economy is really struggling, and yet some leaders come out and say things that could get us caught up in a war in Syria against Russia, said a prominent Saudi political observer who is close to senior officials. He was referring to Russias intervention late last year in the Syrian conflict to boost Assad, its ally, a move that has changed the tide of a civil war that has killed more than 250,000 people and displaced millions. The Saudi armed forces appear bogged down in Yemen against Iranian-aligned rebels in a drawn-out war that seems to be spilling over into the kingdom. Increasingly the rebels, known as Houthis, have been mounting assaults into southern Saudi Arabia, forcing the kingdom to deploy tens of thousands of troops to defend its border. On the domestic front, finances are in rough shape. Slumping oil prices have forced Saudi authorities to slash public spending, freeze hiring at state-run entities and lift subsidies on energy and water. At all levels in Saudi society, including the royal family itself, there is serious concern about our involvement in all these foreign conflicts, said the prominent Saudi, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of concerns about retribution. I think theres a sense that weve lost an ability to look at things realistically. His concern reflects broader questions in some Saudi circles over the countrys 30-year-old defense minister and deputy crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, the son of King Salman and second in line to the throne. Prince Mohammed has steered the historically cautious country toward a far more aggressive and expensive foreign policy that aims to blunt what many in the kingdom see as unchecked Iranian expansionism in the region. The changes include forming the mostly Sunni Arab military coalition that launched an air and ground attack last year in Yemen, as well as enhanced backing for Syrias opposition. In December, Saudi Arabia hosted a conference to unite Syrian opposition groups ahead of peace talks that ultimately collapsed this month because of the pro-government attacks around Aleppo. [A mini world war rages in the fields of Aleppo] The stakes have risen because of the fighting in Aleppo, where government forces threaten to cut supply lines from Turkey that feed a variety of rebel groups in the city and elsewhere in Syria. That could hinder Saudi Arabias ability to send support to fighters opposed to Assad, whom the kingdom officially insists must give up power. This Iranian expansionism cant be tolerated, said Salman al-Ansari, a Saudi analyst who lives in both the capital, Riyadh, and Washington. He described the fall of Aleppo to Syrian government forces as a possible threat to Saudi Arabias national security but noted that the kingdom would nevertheless refrain from any unilateral action. Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist, described the war games and offers of deploying troops to Syria as more of a test of U.S. support for the kingdoms policies. The Saudi leadership fears that the Obama administration may no longer be nearly as willing to back the kingdom, especially in Syria, where the U.S. president has ruled out large-scale military involvement. Of particular concern is the U.S.-backed deal lifting sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear program, which Saudi officials worry will embolden Iran. The bottom line is that Saudi Arabia is very concerned with not allowing the Iranians and Russians to win in Syria because this is a threat to Saudi national security, Khashoggi said. But our options are very limited, so what youre seeing coming from here is mostly an attempt to get our principal allies engaged again, he said, referring to the United States. U.S. officials have called for more Saudi involvement in the fight against the Islamic State. Although Saudi forces have participated in the U.S.-led coalition that is targeting the militant group with airstrikes in Syria, they have turned their attention to the Yemen war over the past year. By making these silly announcements, the Saudis have made themselves look even weaker, said Labib Kamhawi, a Jordanian analyst. Theres no way they can send over ground forces to Syria when theyre stuck in Yemen. Read more: Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Jason Brian Dalton had been driving for mobile ride company Uber for only a short time, according to his own account, but he was already alarming passengers. Late Saturday afternoon, he picked up a customer for a short ride; passenger Matthew Mellen said that Daltons reckless driving so terrified him that he practically leaped out of the car. Six hours later, six people were dead after police said Dalton opened fire at three sites across Kalamazoo in a series of attacks that left authorities scrambling to discern a motive. Even after the bloody spree came to an end, authorities and Uber riders said Dalton appeared to continue looking for passengers around Kalamazoo. The latest mass shooting to strike a U.S. city unfolded with no apparent connection between the alleged shooter and his victims, who included a high school senior and his father looking at cars and a mother of three standing in front of her apartment. Authorities in Kalamazoo, a city of 75,000 two hours west of Detroit, plan on Monday to charge Dalton, 45, who was arrested hours after the final assault, with six counts of murder, two counts of assault with intent to commit murder, and six counts of felony with a firearm. Flowers rest in the parking lot of a car dealership in Kalamazoo, Mich., where two of the six people killed in a mass shooting died Saturday. (Detroit Free Press via AP) (Andraya Croft/AP) They are also investigating reports that Dalton looked for passengers between and after the shootings, a possibility that is sure to intensify debate about the safety of ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft. The shooting may also thrust gun control back into the forefront of the presidential race as candidates stake out positions on President Obamas recent moves to restrict access to weapons and end the string of shootings that has marked his time in office. These werent sudden explosions, Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeffrey Getting said of the attacks. Speaking to reporters, Getting said the victims appear to have been chosen at random because they were available. [What the Kalamazoo shooting reveals about Ubers background checks] It was the 42nd mass shooting of the year, according to Mass Shooting Tracker, which compiles public reports of violence. On Sunday, police identified those killed as Mary Lou Nye, 63, of Baroda, Mich., near South Bend, Ind.; Mary Jo Nye, 60, of Battle Creek; Dorothy Brown, 74, of Battle Creek; Barbara Hawthorne, 68, of Battle Creek; and father and son Richard Smith, 53, and Tyler Smith, 17, both of Kalamazoo. At least two other people were wounded. The victims appeared to have been caught during ordinary moments: visiting a restaurant or a car dealership, keeping an eye on children outside. According to Getting, the spree began about 6 p.m. when a woman was fired upon multiple times outside the Meadow Townhomes complex in Kalamazoo. The woman was severely injured, Getting said, but is expected to survive. Tammy George, 45, thought the sound was fireworks. But when she opened her door, she found her neighbor lying on the ground, shot and bleeding. Find my kids! the woman beseeched George, fearing for her children, who had been playing at an adjacent playground. The woman, who had moved in recently and whose name George did not know, told George that the gunman had asked from his car if she knew so-and-so. When she said no, he opened fire. George said the man also asked children in the playground if they knew a certain person. He moved on when they told him no, she said. About 10 p.m., about eight miles to the southwest, the gunman appeared outside the Seelye Automotive Group, a car dealership in Kalamazoo. There, police said, he killed the Smiths as they sat in their car. They were at the car lot, just looking at cars as fathers and sons do, said Robin Buchler, superintendent of Mattawan Consolidated Schools. Tyler, a senior at Mattawan High School, was about to turn 18, Buchler said. He was attending a vocational school for marketing in the mornings and regular classes in the afternoons. He was just a really nice guy, very involved student, Buchler said. He had an easy smile. Fifteen minutes after that attack, the gunman opened fire at a nearby Cracker Barrel restaurant, killing four. A 14-year-old girl was wounded; Getting said that she was seriously, gravely injured and that it was not clear whether she would survive. At least some of the victims appear to have been in a vehicle when they were shot, according to local reports. Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley said the attacks appeared to be completely and totally random. This is your worst nightmare, where you have somebody just driving around randomly killing people, Paul Matyas, undersheriff of Kalamazoo County, told a local television station. Authorities identified Dalton, who has no criminal record, with help from video from the car dealership and restaurant. They spotted his car pulling out of the parking lot of a downtown bar and arrested him at 12:30 a.m. without a struggle. It was not immediately clear whether he had been inside the bar. Getting said a semiautomatic handgun was recovered from the car. The shooting is not being investigated as an act of terrorism. Officials said that a search of Daltons home outside Kalamazoo, where he lived with his wife and two children, produced evidence that suggested he acted alone. Neighbors described Dalton as a normal guy. James Bloch, who lived next door to the family for 17 years, was friendly with Dalton, who he said enjoyed working on cars in his spare time. The guy must have flipped, Bloch said. He never was in that state of mind, ever. There was no sign of depression. Gary Pardo Jr., the son of another neighbor, said Dalton was a nice guy but was occasionally a hothead. Bloch said Dalton had once taught auto body repair at a local community college. He later worked for Progressive insurance company. Jeff Sibel, a spokesman for Progressive, said Dalton left the company in August 2011. An account from an Uber customer may provide clues to Daltons mental state on the day of the shootings. In a phone interview, Mackenzie Waite said that Mellen, her fiance, was picked up by an Uber car a silver Chevrolet Equinox driven by Dalton about 4:30 p.m. for what was supposed to be a short ride. Halfway through the trip, the driver picked up a phone call on his Bluetooth. Mellen couldnt hear what was said, but the driver began acting strangely. He blew through a stop sign, sideswiped a car, starting driving in [and] out of the other lane of traffic, Waite said. My fiance was just pleading with him to stop. Mellen, in a separate interview, said that Dalton acted normally even while he drove erratically, refusing to stop. He was like asking me, Dont you want to get to your friends house? he said. When the car slowed down, Mellen jumped out and called 911. He sent authorities the picture of Dalton he had received after hailing the ride on Ubers mobile app. Waite said Uber did not immediately respond to her fiances message. Police didnt call back until 6:30 p.m. to ask Mellen for a description of the driver and the car, she said. An Uber spokesman confirmed Dalton had been working with the company and said he had passed a background check. The person declined to say how long Dalton had been driving for Uber. We are horrified and heartbroken at the senseless violence in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Joe Sullivan, Ubers chief security officer, said in a statement. We have reached out to the police to help with their investigation in any way that we can. Sara Reynolds, 25, of Kalamazoo said Dalton gave her and a friend a ride on Valentines Day. She described him as shy and awkward and said he didnt seem threatening. He said he had just started driving just a couple days prior to our ride, and he already had some bad reviews, Reynolds said. I asked him why and he said it was because his car was acting up while he was doing bar runs. But he mumbled it like he didnt want to talk about it. Dalton apparently was looking for riders after the last shooting. Carmen Morren, 21, was at a bar with her boyfriend when she summoned an Uber at 11:13 p.m. about an hour after the last shooting. A driver whose profile matched Daltons responded. The app said he was 10 minutes away and was heading to pick her up. She canceled the reservation shortly after that when she realized the driver would arrive before she was ready to leave. I said, Hang on a second. Let me finish my drink, Morren said. A few minutes later, she hailed another Uber ride and got a different driver. It was by the grace of God we canceled, she said. Wan and Ryan reported from Washington. Alice Crites contributed to this report. Syrian volunteers take part in paramilitary training conducted by the Syrian army north of the capital of Damascus on Monday. (Louai Beshara/AFP/Getty Images) The United States and Russia announced Monday that they have agreed to the terms of a partial cease-fire in Syria, a deal that will depend on their ability to cooperate amid deep mutual suspicion and test their willingness and ability to dictate terms to their allies on the ground. Under the agreement, Washington and Moscow are to establish a hotline between them to monitor compliance and resolve potential problems, a joint statement said. The two are also prepared to work together to exchange pertinent information delineating territory currently held by various Syrian combatants and ensuring that neither country, nor any of their allies, bombs groups or areas covered by the accord. Opposition groups, and the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, have until noon Friday to inform the United States or Russia that they agree to the terms, or risk coming under renewed attack. The agreement excludes the Islamic State, al- Qaedas affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra, and any other terrorist group that in the future may be designated by the United Nations. The opposition High Negotiations Committee, after an emergency meeting Monday in Riyadh, said it accepted the agreement. Syrias official news agency, SANA, reported the U.S. and Russian announcements, with no government response. President Obama spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier Monday, at Putins request, about the understanding that had been reached, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said. Earnest offered tempered optimism about an agreement that he said provided a moment of opportunity. Its success, he said, depended on all parties following through on the commitments they have made. While the United States is depending on Russia to bring the Syrian government and Iran to heel, rebel backers including Turkey and Saudi Arabia are under pressure to rein in groups thought to be under their control. The deal does not address the resupply of combatants by their outside backers. [Turkeys increasingly desperate predicament poses real dangers] Putin moved quickly to paint the agreement as a watershed moment in the history of the five-year Syrian conflict, saying in a triumphant statement to Russian television networks that it could finally put an end to the violence. I am convinced that the joint actions agreed upon with the United States can radically turn around the critical situation in Syria, he said. The U.S.-Russia hotline and establishment of a joint task force with military components are likely to be seen by Putin as something of a victory. The United States and NATO cut all military coordination with Russia after its intervention in Ukraine. Since September, when Russian airstrikes in support of Assad began, deconfliction talks have been held to ensure that U.S. and Russian aircraft operating over Syria do not engage. But the United States, until now, has refused any coordination or sharing of other information in Syria and has charged that Russian airstrikes have targeted primarily non-terrorist groups opposed to Assads rule. [The Middle Easts alphabet soup of Kurds, explained] Both Putin and Assad have labeled all rebel groups in Syria as terrorists, and Putins statement couched the new agreement as joint cooperation in the counterterrorism fight. The deal can be an example of a responsible response to the threat of terrorism, based on international law and U.N. principles of action of the international community, he said. We hope that the Syrian leadership and all our partners in the region and beyond will support the course of action of the chosen representatives of Russia and the United States. U.S.-Russian agreement in principle on a cessation of hostilities was reached Feb. 12 at a meeting in Munich also attended by 15 other outside stakeholders in the Syrian conflict. Since then, as heavy Russian bombardment has continued, Secretary of State John F. Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, have engaged in extensive telephone diplomacy while teams from both governments including senior military officials met in Geneva to hammer out details. Critics of the deal and the length of time it has taken to reach it have charged that Russia dragged out the negotiations in order to expand territory held by the Syrian government with air bombardment and ground forces composed of Iranian-led Shiite militias from Iraq and Lebanon. The agreement calls on all parties on the ground to refrain from acquiring or seeking to acquire territory from other parties to the ceasefire. While the Islamic State is edging from its eastern Syria strongholds into western areas where the civil war is raging, its forces are still largely separate, and the cease-fire is likely to have little impact on U.S. air operations against the militants. In southern Syria, where both Jabhat al-Nusra and opposition groups backed by the United States and its partners are largely fighting separately against government forces, Russian strikes against Jabhat al-Nusra are likely to continue. Problems will doubtless occur in the northwest, where fighting is currently most fierce and where Jabhat al-Nusra fighters are intermingled with the opposition rebels supported in varying degrees by the United States and its European and regional allies. Russia and the regime will target the areas of the revolutionaries on the pretext of the Nusra Fronts presence . . . and if this happens, the truce will collapse, Bashar al-Zoubi, head of the political office of the Yarmouk Army, part of the rebel force, told the Turkish newspaper Todays Zaman. The United States and Russia hope to deal with the overlap by exchanging what the agreement calls aggregated data that delineates territory where groups that have indicated their commitment to and acceptance of the cessation of hostilities are active, and a focal point for each side, in order to ensure effective communication. We are all aware of the significant challenges ahead, Kerry said in a statement. Over the coming days, we will be working to secure commitments from key parties that they will abide by the terms of the agreement. [Concerns in Saudi Arabia over signs of more military involvement in Syria] In addition to the cease-fire, parties to the deal must also agree to participate in U.N.-facilitated political negotiations to forge an end to the civil war. An initial round of talks foundered early this month, when opposition negotiators refused to participate until Russian bombing stopped and humanitarian access was allowed to cities and towns besieged, in most cases, by government forces. Initial convoys of aid reached some of those areas last week. The cease-fire calls for all parties to ensure rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained access through territories they control. Opposition forces must cease attacks with any weapons, including rockets, mortars, and anti-tank guided missiles, against Armed Forces of the Syrian Arab Republic, and any associated forces. The Syrian government and all forces supporting or associated with it must cease attacks with any weapons, including aerial bombardments by the Air Force of the Syrian Arab Republic and the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation, against the armed opposition groups participating in the deal. Rather than responding in kind to perceived violations, all parties are instructed to funnel their charges to the attention of the Task Force. The cessation of hostilities, the agreement said without details, will be monitored in an impartial and transparent manner and with broad media coverage. Michael Birnbaum in Moscow and Brian Murphy in Washington contributed to this report. BANGLADESH Killing of Hindu priest is claimed by ISIS A Hindu priest in Muslim-majority Bangladesh was hacked to death and two devotees were injured in an attack Sunday on a temple in the countrys north. Police said Jogeshwar Roy, 50, was attacked as he came out of the temple, in Panchagarh district on the border with India, after people threw stones at it. Quoting local people and witnesses, police officer Kafil Uddin said the assailants, who were on a motorbike, attacked the priest with a sharp weapon, fired guns and exploded crude bombs, injuring two worshipers who tried to help the priest. The attackers fled. The Islamic State group asserted responsibility for the killing in a communique posted by the Amaq News Agency on Twitter, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors online jihadist activity. Local Islamist radicals and the Islamic State group have claimed in the past to have killed foreigners and members of minorities in Bangladesh. The government denies that the Islamic State has a presence in the country. Last year, seven people, including four atheist bloggers and two foreigners, were killed in separate attacks. Investigators blamed local Islamist groups, including Jumatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh and Ansarullah Bangla Team, for those killings. Associated Press BOLIVIA Voters weigh in on a 4th term for Morales President Evo Moraless bid to run for another term by amending the constitution appeared headed toward a slim electoral defeat Sunday, according to unofficial partial vote counts and early results. Morales has governed for a decade and, although he is still popular, many Bolivians have tired of corruption in the ruling elite and have shown, especially in recent municipal elections, an eagerness for fresh faces. A yes vote in Sundays referendum would have let Bolivias first indigenous president seek a fourth term in 2019. The vote couldnt have come at a worse time for Morales. In the past two weeks, he has been stung by an influence-peddling scandal involving a former lover and a deadly incident of political violence. Two unofficial quick counts of sample voting stations by polling firms put the no vote slightly ahead. The Ipsos-Apoyo firm had it leading 52 percent to 48 percent, based on counted ballots at one of every 15 polling stations. With just 14 percent counted late Sunday, the ballot question was being rejected by 68 percent. Associated Press MEXICO Experts: Missing students case blocked International experts for the Inter-American Human Rights Commission said Sunday that they have run into serious obstacles in their investigation into the case of 43 college students who disappeared after being detained by police in southern Mexico in 2014. Members of the panel said at a news conference that they were concerned about being given limited access to new information uncovered by government investigators, and they criticized leaks of statements from some of those arrested in the case that dont correspond to the truth. They also said authorities had not allowed them to be present for statements by military personnel who were witnesses to the disappearance or had been given access to videos that could clarify what happened that night. The federal attorney generals office issued a statement reaffirming its willingness to work with the panel. In its first report in September, the panel rejected the governments official version, which said that after the students were killed, their bodies were incinerated at a dump. Associated Press Nigers president vies for second term: Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou touted his record of defending the country against Islamist extremists as he vied against 14 other candidates for a second five-year term. But Boko Haram has hit Nigers southeast region for more than a year, and recent high-profile attacks by al-Qaedas North Africa branch in the capitals of Mali and Burkina Faso have raised fears that Nigers capital, Niamey, could soon be targeted. If no candidate earns more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two will head to a runoff. Australia warns of attacks in Malaysia: The Australian government warned that terrorists may be planning attacks in and around the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, and recommended avoiding travel to eastern beaches and islands. Malaysia has been on high alert since a bomb and gun attack in Indonesia last month that was claimed by the Islamic State. Egyptian anti-torture center vows to defy closure: The Egyptian governments plan to shut down a center that aids survivors of torture and abuse, including sexual violence, will not stop its activists from documenting cases of torture committed by security forces, the centers founders said. Aida Seif el-Dawla, a psychiatrist and co-founder of the El Nadim Center for Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence, said authorities have told staff members that the center will be closed Monday. From news services On February 9, four US families who lost loved ones to Mexican drug cartel violence in 2010 and 2011 filed an unprecedented lawsuit against HSBC Holdings, HSBC Bank USA, and HSBC Mexico S.A. The suit charges that the banking giant knowingly supplied terrorist organizations, namely four major drug cartels, with material support by laundering billions of dollars in the years leading up to the murders. Among the victims cited in the case is US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agent Jaime J. Zapata who was ambushed and murdered by the infamous drug cartel, Los Zetas, while on temporary assignment in central Mexico in 2011. The case received national attention after confirmed reports that at least one of the weapons used to kill him was linked back to the US government. The AK-47 was one of the many weapons essentially funneled to the drug cartels as part of the federal operation known as Fast and Furious, in which the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms deliberately allowed firearms dealers to sell weapons to illegal straw buyers in hopes of tracing them back to the cartels. Other victims included in the lawsuit are Rafael Morales Jr., who was abducted just outside a church on his wedding day, along with his brother and uncle, by members of the Sinaloa cartel with the collaboration of the local police force. All three were later found dead of asphyxiation, their heads wrapped in plastic and duct tape. Also included in the lawsuit are Lesley and Arthur Redelfs, who were both shot to death in Ciudad Juarez on their way home from a children's birthday party hosted by the US Consulate where Lesley was employed. Lesley Redelfs was four months pregnant. The basis of the case rests on the US Anti-Terrorism Act, which was modified in the aftermath of 9/11 to allow victims to seek compensation from any organization that supplies terrorist groups with material support or resources. While the US government has not officially labeled them as terrorist organizations, the suit cites the more than 100,000 murders and tens of thousands of disappearances since 2006 in arguing for the right to victims compensation. HSBCs guilt in laundering billions of dollars for drug cartels is irrefutable. The details of the many, well documented occurrences of the banks sidestepping, and in most instances outright disregard for banking laws exposed in the legal proceedings of this case and a related 2012 case are overwhelming. The complaint filed by the plaintiffs in Brownsville, Texas on February 9, reveals that HSBCs Mexican branches routinely accepted and processed exorbitant amounts, hundreds of thousands and sometimes millions of US dollars from clients with no identifiable source of income. The complaint reads, HSBC intentionally implemented criminally deficient anti-money laundering programs, processes, and controls, which were designed to guarantee that billions of dollars of illicit proceeds would go through its banks undetected or unreported. It goes on to explain that in many cases these funds were even delivered in custom designed boxes made to fit the dimensions of the teller windows. In spite of the deliberately lax, and during certain periods nonexistent, regulatory system, the compliance function at HSBC Mexico was still able to catch suspicious activity. In December 2008, there were 675 accounts pending closure based on suspicion of money laundering activity. Closures were ordered on 16 of those accounts in 2005, 130 in 2006, 172 in 2007, and 309 in 2008, yet all 675 of these accounts remained open well into 2009, continuing to allow money launderers to make bulk cash deposits. HSBC Mexicos former director of money laundering deterrence, in an exit interview following his resignation, was quoted as saying that he believed senior management had absolutely no respect for AML [Anti-money laundering] controls and the risks to which the Group was exposed and had no intention of applying sensible or appropriate approaches. The report goes on to explain that the former director attributed the behavior to what he characterized as a culture [of] pursuing profit and targets at all costs. HSBC executives received repeated and explicit warnings about the large scale money laundering schemes from outside sources such as the US State Department as early as 2006, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Networka bureau of the US Treasury Departmentas well as several internal warnings throughout 2007 and 2008. Despite this, HSBC Mexico still accepted over $4.1 billion in US dollar cash deposits in 2008, a record amount for the branch. It is widely believed that many banks, including HSBC, only managed to stay afloat through the 2008 financial crisis by catering to these international drug cartels. The money laundering that is the basis of this new lawsuit was proven in a 2012 prosecution by the US Justice Department. The case ended in a preferred prosecution agreement in which the court gave the multinational bank what amounted to a free pass for the largest drug money laundering case in history. Under the conditions of this agreement the bank agreed not to contest the charges of failing to maintain an effective anti-money-laundering program, and violating the Trading With the Enemy Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. What made this case unique, aside from the huge amount of funds proven to have been laundered (at least $881 million), was the Justice Department's brazen acknowledgement of the motives behind its failure to pursue a more aggressive prosecution, namely, the protection of the global capitalist financial markets. Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer at a press conference justifying why criminal charges were not brought against the bank explained, HSBC would almost certainly have lost its banking license in the US, the future of the institution would have been under threat and the entire banking system would have been destabilized. Meaning, the big banks and other multibillion-dollar corporations are exempt from the law so long as they continue lining the pockets of the ruling aristocracy. This decision exposed decisively, once again, the inextricable and corrupt relationship between the various branches of the government and the global financial oligarchs. The 2012 decision brought down by a Brooklyn federal judge was admittedly not based on any principled fulfillment of the law. Rather, it served to establish a more tangible basis for the legal shielding that had been regularly taking place for this type of giant corporation deemed too big to jail. In lieu of any criminal charge against the responsible parties, the bank was instead fined $1.9 billion, an amount equal to barely five weeks worth of profits for HSBC and far less than it accrued through its laundering of drug money. It constituted a fairly minor cost of doing business. Not a single day of jail time was demanded for the bank executives, who had essentially functioned as the financial arm of the drug cartels. The relationship between massive international banks such as HSBC and the Mexican drug cartels like Los Zetas and Sinaloa has been one of mutual benefit. Both organizations are driven by an insatiable need for profit demanded by the capitalist system and both are indifferent to the criminal methods by which it is gained. However, as this case so clearly shows, it is not simply the banks who are complicit in the massive growth and influence of these drug cartels. The banks play an important role in providing a financial system to manage their money, but it is the US Justice Department that has sanctioned such criminal behavior, and the US government as a whole that has created and perpetuated the conditions under which such corrupt and violent drug cartels could thrive. The US governments support for Mexicos drug war begun in 2006 has done nothing to curb the growth of the drug cartels and instead has arguably served to intensify it. The Merida Initiative implemented by the US government in 2008, supplied Mexico with over $2 billion in arms aid, provided military training of security forces and sent advisers across the border. With large sections of Mexicos officials and law enforcement officers working in collaboration with the drug cartels, much of these funds and resources have aided the very groups they were meant to combat. One report estimates that the cartels spend more than a billion dollars each year just bribing the Mexican municipal police. In the case of Rafael Morales, it was in fact the local police force who accompanied the Sinaloa cartel and barricaded the road to the church and it was arms provided by the US government that were used against Zapata in 2011. On closer examination, the origins of these drug cartels themselves lie in the relations between the US and Mexican governments. Before becoming Los Zetas, the original members of the violent drug cartel were a special forces unit of the Mexican Army trained in the United States at the School of the Americas at Fort Benning, Georgia. If HSBC is found guilty of providing material means and resources to these terrorist organizations then it seems there should be ample evidence and grounds to also indict the US government as well. Whatever the outcome of the recent lawsuit, the case has exposed once more the fraudulent character of the war on drugs, as well as the staggering levels of criminality of the highest reaches of the financial aristocracy and of the political institutions that represent it. Amidst the endless media commentary, debates and stump speeches by the major candidates for US president, there is virtually no discussion of the active preparations of the ruling class for an immense escalation of war following the elections in November. The elections themselves are being held under conditions of expanding militarist violence all over the world. In the Middle East and North Africa, the Obama administration launches air strikes in Libya even as NATO-member Turkey and US-ally Saudi Arabia consider a ground invasion of Syria. A leading German newspaper recently commented that a Turkish invasion, resulting in a conflict with Russian forces backing the Syrian government, could quickly mean ending a cold war [between the US and Russia] and starting a hot one. US denunciations of Russias role in Syria come amidst a relentless militarization of Eastern Europe in the two years since the Western-backed coup in Ukraine. The right-wing nationalist Baltic states and Poland are being armed and given a virtual blank check to stage actions against Russia with the knowledge that they will be backed by the US and NATO. In East Asia, under the framework of the pivot to Asia, the Obama administration is developing a network of military bases and alliances to encircle China, while denouncing Beijing for militarizing the region. The New York Times last week called on the US and its allies to continue to ensure the free flow of navigation and to continue sending ships and planes across the sea, a reference to the Obama administrations provocative policy of sailing military vessels within territorial waters claimed by China. The US escalations point inexorably in the direction of war with Russia or China, whether as the outcome of deliberate actions by American imperialism or the unplanned result of Washingtons ceaseless bullying and saber-rattling. Behind the scenes, the strategists of American imperialism are concerned that the gargantuan US military is insufficiently massive for the tasks set before it. Vast resources are to be poured into expanding the apparatus of destruction, and the reintroduction of the draft is being actively considered. Concrete war plans are being worked out at ruling-class think tanks and in Pentagon offices. To prevent alerting the public to the catastrophic implications of these operations and block any public debate, the Obama administration is seeking to delay a full-scale military escalation until after Election Day. The American ruling class has a long tradition of initiating major military operations shortly after an election. Woodrow Wilson was reelected in 1916 on the slogan He kept us out of the war. Only a few months after his second inauguration, the United States declared war against Germany. Franklin Roosevelt campaigned in 1940 on the promise that he would not send American soldiers into World War II, but by December 1941, the US was at war with both Germany and Japan. Lyndon Johnson campaigned in 1964 as the peace candidate before vastly escalating US military operations in Southeast Asia soon after he was inaugurated. Richard Nixon claimed in 1968 to have a plan to end the Vietnam War. He followed his election with the bombing of Cambodia. The 2000 elections were held just before the launching of the war on terror. In the 2002 mid-term elections, both the Democrats and Republicans agreed to exclude the impending war with Iraq from their campaigns. Four months after the elections, in March of 2003, Bush launched the invasion. In the current election, the political establishment and the media are collaborating even more intensely to keep the ongoing military operations and those that are to come entirely off the agenda. On the Sunday talk shows this past weekend, which featured Republican candidates Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio and Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, there was hardly any reference to US foreign policy. Aside from a brief reference by Trump to the possibility of World War III in Syria, none of the candidates spoke of the situation in the Middle East or the risk of a conflict with Russia or China. In the Democratic town hall event prior to last weeks Nevada caucuses, not a single question on war was asked of Sanders or Clinton. The campaign has, of course, seen many statements from the candidates proclaiming their devotion to American imperialism. On the Republican side, Trumpthe personification of all the filth and reaction built up during 15 years of the war on terrorhas issued a series of fascistic calls for murder and aggression all over the world, and his rivals have followed suit. In his victory speech following the South Carolina primary Saturday, Trump proclaimed that under his presidency were going to build our military so big, so good, so strong, so powerful that nobody is ever going to mess with us. On the Democratic side, to the extent that she has differentiated herself from Obama, Clinton has done so from the right, calling for a no fly zone in Syria that would quickly bring the US into a conflict with Russia. As for the supposed socialist Bernie Sanders, he has proclaimed his support for the Obama administrations war policy in the Middle East as well as other aggressive actions. In a Democratic Party debate earlier this month, Sanders denounced Russias aggressive actions in the Crimea and in Ukraine and declared his support for a policy of beef[ing] up our troop level in that part of the world to tell Putin that his aggressiveness is not going to go unmatched. To emphasize the point, he added, We have to work with NATO to protect Eastern Europe against any kind of Russian aggression. In recent campaign events, Sanders has denounced authoritarian Communist China. Besides backing the administrations policy in Syria and Obamas extension of the US occupation of Afghanistan, he has endorsed the use of drones and Special Operations forces, at one point affirming that as president he would do all of that and more. He has insisted that the United States maintain the largest military in the world. But on the detailed plans being worked out by the Pentagon and the CIA to massively escalate the wars in the Middle East and intensify the provocations and war preparations against Russia in Eastern Europe and against China in the South China Sea, nothing is said by any of the candidates of either party. There is a conspiracy of silence. It includes not only the politicians of the two big business parties, but also the middle class organizations that were involved in the antiwar protests in the run-up to the 2003 Iraq war. These groups have long since integrated themselves into the Obama administration and lent their support to the operations of American imperialism. They are doing everything they can to oppose the development of a movement against war. The working class and youth, overwhelmingly opposed to war, must not be caught unawares. The work of developing a political movement against war must proceed with extreme urgency. Last week, the International Committee of the Fourth International published a crucial statement, Socialism and the Fight Against War, which reviews in detail the expanding maelstrom of imperialist violence and elaborates the political foundations for the building of a new anti-war movement based on the following principles: The struggle against war must be based on the working class, the great revolutionary force in society, uniting behind it all progressive elements in the population. The new anti-war movement must be anti-capitalist and socialist, since there can be no serious struggle against war except in the fight to end the dictatorship of finance capital and put an end to the economic system that is the fundamental cause of militarism and war. The new anti-war movement must therefore, of necessity, be completely and unequivocally independent of, and hostile to, all political parties and organizations of the capitalist class. The new anti-war movement must, above all, be international, mobilizing the vast power of the working class in a unified global struggle against imperialism. The WSWS urges all of our readers, in the United States and internationally, to carefully study this statement, discuss it with your coworkers, and contact the Socialist Equality Party today to help build a socialist, internationalist and revolutionary movement of the working class against war. The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) claimed responsibility for multiple bomb blasts which ripped through residential neighborhoods in the Syrian cities of Homs and Damascus on Sunday, leaving more than 100 people dead and wounding hundreds of others. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, twin car bombs ripped through an Alawite-majority district loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, killing at least 67 people and wounded at least 100 others. As many as four explosions were reported in southern Damascus near the Shiite Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque. At least 50 people were killed and 200 injured when ISIS militants detonated a car bomb and then set off explosive belts. The devastating attacks came just hours after US Secretary of State John Kerry announced that an agreement had been reached with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for the cessation of hostilities in Syria, for the second time in less than two weeks. We have reached a provisional agreement, in principle, on the terms of the cessation of hostilities that could begin in the coming days, Kerry told reporters in Amman, Jordan after speaking to Lavrov via telephone. He stated that US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin would speak in the coming days to discuss a way of implementing the deal. Ominously, Kerry warned that the only alternative to a ceasefire agreement would be the complete destruction of Syria itself. He reiterated that the conflict would only end once Assad was removed from power, stating, With Assad there, this war cannot and will not end. Earlier this month, the secretary of state had warned in an interview with the Washington Post of a Plan B, i.e., a dramatic escalation of US military operations, if Russia and Iran did not adhere to US dictates for a ceasefire. The deadline for the implementation of a ceasefire, worked out more than a week ago between the American-led coalition and Russia in Munich, passed last Friday with no respite in fighting. The five-year-old conflict has been fueled by the United States and its allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, with the aim of overthrowing Syrian President Assad, a key ally of Russia and Iran in the Middle East. The CIA and intelligence agencies in Saudi Arabia and Turkey have funneled fighters, weaponry and money to support forces the Obama administration has defined as moderate, including the Al Qaeda-affiliated al-Nusra Front and the Islamist militia Ahrar al-Sham. ISIS is itself a direct outgrowth of the bloody US regime-change operations in both Syria and Iraq, and has been used to justify daily bombing raids throughout Syria along with the deployment of US Special Forces. As Kerry made clear in his statements on Sunday, ongoing US military operations in Syria, couched in terms of the so-called War on Terror and the fight against ISIS, are aimed ultimately at the ouster of Assad and the establishment of a pliant pro-Western puppet government. The US and its allies have sought some sort of ceasefire agreement with Moscow to allow for its proxy forces to regroup, because Russian airstrikes in support of Assads military forces have been increasingly effective in driving back the rebel groups backed by the US and Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. These developments increasingly threaten to bring the US and Russia, the two largest nuclear powers in the world, into direct conflict with one another on the ground and in the air in Syria. In the last month, the Syrian army with Russian support, has been able to seize control of strategic portions of the northern city of Aleppo from rebel militias, including the al-Nusra Front, and cut off a key military supply route from Turkey. In November, NATO member Turkey shot down a Russian fighter jet along the Turkish-Syrian border in a deliberately provocative action. In recent days, Turkish officials have been warning of plans to invade northern Syria, motivated by a desire to halt the advance of Syrian Kurdish forces, which have been consolidating their control over portions of northern Syria with US and Russian support. On Saturday, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan insisted that Turkey had the right to intervene militarily in Syria and elsewhere to defend itself from terror organizations. Turkey has blamed the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) for a bombing attack last week in Ankara which killed 28 people, including 20 high-ranking soldiers. According to Hurriyet, Erdogan made the remarks at a UNESCO meeting in the southern city of Gaziantep, just 60 miles north of Aleppo, stating, Turkey has every right to conduct operations in Syria and the places where terror organizations are nested with regards to the struggle against the threats that Turkey faces. No one can restrict Turkeys right to self-defense in the face of terror acts that have targeted Turkey, Erdogan warned. Syrian society has been devastated by the imperialist stoked civil war over the last five years. The UN estimates that nearly 5 million Syrians have registered as refugees in neighboring countries, with millions more internally displaced. According to a recent report released by the Syrian Center for Policy Research, since 2011 at least 470,000 people have been killed in Syria as a direct or indirect result of the fighting. The report found that 11.5 percent of the pre-war Syrian population has either been killed or wounded. Overall life expectancy has dropped from 70.5 years in 2010 to 55.4 years in 2015. Eurostat estimates that more than 250,000 Syrians applied for asylum in Europe between 2014 and 2015. Over the last year thousands of asylum seekers, many of them Syrian, have drowned seeking to reach Europe by crossing either the Mediterranean Sea or the Aegean Sea, as part of the greatest refugee crisis since World War II. Over a week after sharing a first look at the newborn royal baby, King Jigme and Queen Jetsun of Bhutan posted even more images of their adorable newborn son. At just two weeks old, the Crown Prince was bundled tight in a gold, embroidered blanket, and resting with his tiny eyes closed in the new photos. As is the custom in the mountainous kingdom, the baby's name has not yet been revealed. His Royal Highness The Gyalsey, as photographed by His Majesty The King. Posted by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck onA Saturday, February 20, 2016 "To commemorate His Majesty's 36th birth anniversary on [Feb.] 21st, we are delighted to share a collection of wonderful photographs of His Royal Highness The Gyalsey, with His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen," the post on the king's official Facebook said. "In these kupars, taken on Friday, 19th February, His Royal Highness is two-weeks old!" Taken at Lingkana Palace, the king, 35, and queen, 25, each posed separately in traditional Bhutanese costume with the baby and then all together as a family. Want to keep up with the latest royals coverage? Click here to subscribe to the Royals Newsletter. Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen with His Royal Highness The Gyalsey at Lingkana Palace. Posted by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck onA Saturday, February 20, 2016 His Majesty The King with His Royal Highness The Gyalsey at Lingkana Palace. Posted by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck onA Saturday, February 20, 2016 "As we offer our humble love and wishes, we also rejoice, knowing that on this special year, His Majesty has the exceptional, personal happiness of being a parent," the post concluded. His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen with His Royal Highness The Gyalsey at Lingkana Palace. Posted by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck onA Saturday, February 20, 2016 His Royal Highness The Gyalsey was born on Feb. 5 much to the excitement of the tiny landlocked nation. King Jigme took the throne in 2008 after his father's abdication. He and Queen Jetsun were married in 2011 and have been called the "Will and Kate of Bhutan." VIDEO: A Look Back at Princess Kate's Past Year With Her Children The king spent his birthda, with a group of Royal Courtiers, or retired senior government officials, senior monks and armed force personnel, according to his Facebook. The veterans also offered their congratulations to the majesty on his new addition. Prince William and Princess Kate will travel to the ancient kingdom this spring to visit with the proud parents and likely meet the new baby. The trip is intended to increase the links between the two countries. (Photo-Illustration: Jessica Peterson/Corbis) By Tanya Basu Paternity leave still hasnt made it as a platform issue this election season, but, in recent months, some major companies and personalities have at least brought the issue into the spotlight. Last summer, for example, Netflix announced it would offer moms and dads up to a year of parental leave; more recently, Mark Zuckerberg took two months off from his Facebook duties after the birth of his daughter, Max. Related: How Taking Paternity Leave Can Strengthen Your Marriage And yet, for most American men, the reality is that a babys grand entrance usually just means a few days off the job before hes back at work. As Daily Intelligencers Annie Lowrey wrote last August, the answer isnt as simple as implementing more generous paternity-leave policies, as Netflix has done. They need to use them, Lowrey wrote. It needs to become normal for men to take weeks or months off, and to require more flexible schedules to accommodate their new family members needs when they return. The question then becomes: Just how do you do that? According to Gordon Dahl, an economist at the University of California, San Diego, the solution may at least partially be a simple case of copycat. Dahls research, recently summarized by NPR, looked to Norway for inspiration, which has a generous leave policy enacted in 1993, when the country offered new papas an additional four weeks of leave. Before the law, Norwegian dads were taking the same amount of time off as their American counterparts, about 3 percent. But after 1993, things flipped, and suddenly about 35 percent of Norwegian dads were taking leave. Thats remarkable, but Dahl saw something else that was perhaps surprising: Over the next couple of decades, more and more fathers were taking paid leave, with about 70 percent of new fathers declaring leave the last year of Dahls study, 2011. Something else was nudging these dads to take leave, and Dahl finally figured out what: other dads. Story continues Related: Dads Who Do Dishes Raise Ambitious Daughters Its a classic case of monkey see, monkey do, particularly for private-sector dads who saw other fathers coming back to the workplace with nary a problem. If you had a co-worker take leave, then youre 11 percentage points more likely to take leave yourself when you have your child, Dahl said. If you have a brother who took leave, youre 15 percentage points more likely to take leave. These are not small effects. These are big increases in how many people are willing to take leave. Of course, parental-leave laws in America might be to blame for that nervous anxiety dads might have about taking paternity leave. Nationally, federal law requires that companies with at least 50 employees offer 12 weeks of unpaid leave. According to National Conference of State Legislatures data used by NPR, only three states California, New Jersey, and Rhode Island offer paid family leave, funded through payroll taxes. Unless youre at a larger company or in one of these three states, dads have reason to be leery of taking time off to take care of a new baby. Still, there is reason to believe the U.S. might be in the midst of a mental mind-set change among new fathers willing and, importantly, able to take paternity leave. A 2014 study suggested millennial dads strongly consider paid leave an important issue. California, where paid leave has been available since 2004, is ground zero for the American version of this test, and things seem to be slowly going the Norwegian route. In 2004, 17 percent of new fathers in California took advantage of paid leave; within five years, that number had climbed to 26 percent. With those kinds of numbers in just one state, who knows what would happen if paid leave were implemented nationwide? [NPR] More from Science of Us: The Case for Taking Parental Leave When Your Kids Are Teenagers Why Kids Need Spirituality Parents Talk Differently to Boys and Girls After Accidents Why Some New Dads Feel Isolated COLUMBIA, S.C. Throughout Donald Trumps improbable rise to becoming the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, he has faced doubters. Political observers and pundits questioned his chances. Media outlets dismissed him as an entertainer. There was speculation about whether Trump, a real estate mogul and reality television star, actually expected to get this far. Even some of his competitors refused to consider his campaign something real and to be taken seriously. But according to top aides, Trump always believed he had the potential to reach the White House and has wanted to win the race. As evidence of Trumps confidence and commitment, one source close to the campaign told Yahoo News that at the beginning of the year, Trump signed some members of his political staff to yearlong contracts that extended through Election Day. And now, after his decisive win in South Carolina, one of the architects of Trumps Palmetto State victory says the brash New Yorker is positioned to handily win the Republican nomination. Ed McMullen, one of Trumps campaign co-chairs in South Carolina, told Yahoo News he believes the primary has now become a single-man race, with Trump too far beyond his top rivals Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas for them to catch up. Trump didnt just win the primary in South Carolina on Saturday. He crushed the competition, coming in over 10 points ahead of second place and carrying 44 of the states 46 counties. Its now starting to coalesce. Republicans are starting to realize from every demographic group that this guy is Reagan-esque. Hes a serious leader and he is something different that this country needs now, McMullen said. It is a single-man race. They have to beat him because he has got a message that people are starting to join together for and support. And I think he will win handily as we go forward. It wasnt supposed to be this way. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush was the choice of many in the Republican leadership and the donor class. Bush, whose father and brother both served as president, dismissed Trump as an entertainer. In the early days of the campaign, Bushs massive fundraising haul was supposed to scare away potential rivals. Instead, as Trump relished his victory on Saturday, Bush announced the suspension of his campaign. The Bush family dynasty fell. Story continues Trump, with his socially liberal streak, political inexperience and divisive stance on immigration, is essentially a nightmare for the old Republican guard. With Bushs departure, there are only two candidates left who are seen as palatable for the GOPs establishment: Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Rubio. Yet Kasich is essentially running on fumes after landing in single digits in two of the first three voting states. And Rubio is battling with Cruz who, like him, has roots in the partys conservative tea party wing but, unlike him, has run as a hard-right religious conservative in 2016 to emerge as Trumps sole rival. With this landscape, McMullen sees an easy Trump victory. He predicted that Trump will pick up support due to the fact hes already out in front while Cruz and Rubio duke it out. McMullen also suggested Trumps and Cruzs performances so far show the majority of Republicans dont want a more establishment leader. Look, anyone who looks at elections knows its all about math, right? When you have seven or eight people in a race, you have a ceiling. People drop out, your ceiling goes up, McMullen said. Hell continue to show growth. What we do know is at least two-thirds of Republican primary voters are tired of the nonsense, tired of the status quo, and they want serious reform. Those two-thirds are not going to find reform or change in Marco Rubio. So where does this leave the Republican Partys old guard? McMullen argued that the GOP establishment is on its last legs. I mean, I am the establishment. What is the establishment now? I think the establishment is tired of Washington as usual and the money changers the political hacks, and the consultants, and the people making money off of the party are the ones trying to keep their last vestiges of strength and power, McMullen said. The fact of the matter is Mr. Trump has slapped them in the face and told them its time to change. And they are struggling and scampering in every little hole to figure out how to keep their control and their money flow. David Ramos/Getty Images(BARCELONA, Spain) -- Mobile World Congress, an annual event where some of the world's most innovative companies unveil new gadgets and discuss the future of connectivity, officially kicked off Monday in Barcelona. While the festivities are just getting underway, a number of companies including Samsung and LG hoped to set the tone for the show by unveiling their new products one day early on Sunday, showing off powerful flagship phones and mobile-friendly virtual reality cameras. There was even a surprise appearance by Mark Zuckerberg. Here's a look at some of the most buzz-worthy products and moments from the Mobile World Congress so far. Mark Zuckerberg Drops By Samsung's Event The Facebook CEO, who over the weekend posted a photo of himself running (living up to one of his New Year's resolutions) later stopped by Samsung's Unpacked event, where he discussed Facebook's long-term efforts to help shape the future of virtual reality. "Going back about 10 years, most of what we shared and experienced was text. And then it was photos. And now we're entering into a world where that's video. But pretty soon we're going to live in a world where everyone has the power to share and experience whole scenes as if you're right there in person," Zuckerberg said. He announced Facebook has created a social VR team to explore how people can connect using VR technology. He also said Facebook's streaming technology for 360 video would be coming to Samsung Gear VR, increasing the video resolution and requiring less bandwidth, allowing the videos to be even clearer and play faster. Virtual Reality Virtual Reality cameras keep getting smaller. Samsung unveiled the Gear 360 camera, a pocket-sized camera, complete with two lenses that capture 195-degrees each of video, ensuring nothing is missed when the footage is seamlessly stitched together to create an immersive 360-degree experience. Samsung has yet to announce pricing or a release date for the camera. A representative from Samsung also said it's expected the camera will eventually be compatible with some older Samsung devices -- not just the new Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge smartphones. Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge Bigger is once again better in Samsung's world. The Galaxy S7 has a 5.1-inch screen. The Galaxy S7 Edge has a 5.5-inch screen -- the same size as the iPhone 6 Plus. Both devices have a curved back, while the he Galaxy S7 Edge also has a curved front. The new devices are water resistant and can handle being submerged in up to 5 feet of water for 30 minutes, according to Samsung, though it's not recommended you try it with your device. Pre-orders are set to begin this week with the phones being available from U.S. carriers sometime in mid-March, according to Samsung. LG Goes Modular With G5 Smartphone The phone has a sleek, curvy metal body and comes with a 5.3-inch display. What sets it apart are the components that can be added or swapped. LG is keeping its slide-out battery, a feature allowing users to easily swap out batteries when they don't have time to plug in the phone. A collection of add-on smart devices can turn the phone into a powerful digital camera, a high definition audio player and more. Adding the LG CAM Plus gives the user physical buttons for power, shutter, record, zoom and a better grip, among other features, letting them take even better photos. The camera add-on also boosts the phone's battery capacity, allowing users to snap away without worrying about draining their battery. Another module turns the phone into a high-fidelity speaker, perfect for audiophiles. LG also unveiled a VR camera accessory, letting users shoot their own 360-degree videos and images. "Always On" Display One big trend with both Samsung and LG is an "always on" display that saves users a tap of their phone to check the time. People check their phones as much as 150 times a day, according to Samsung. A Samsung representative told ABC News the Always On feature has a negligible effect on battery life. If you don't like it, the feature is optional. The highly anticipated virtual reality headset will cost $799 -- $200 more than Facebook's Oculus Rift, the company announced at Mobile World Congress. The headset, controllers and sensors will be available for pre-order beginning Feb. 29. Early adopters will get a bonus of two games, including "Job Simulator: The 2050 Archives" where robots have taken human jobs and a second, "Fantastic Contraption" that challenges to build contraptions as they float on a grassy island in the sky. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Business / Companies by Mike Hamilton NMB Bank has entered into a correspondent bank agreement with Ecobank International in France and the Bank of China in Johannesburg, following the decision by Commerzbank in Germany to review their payments business in Zimbabwe.The decision by Commerzbank to ask Zimbabwean banks to close their Nostro accounts with it was reported in local media last week. NMB Bank had already by then entered into an agreement with Ecobank and the Bank of China.NMB Bank chief executive Benefit Washaya said the bank moved swiftly to set up an arrangement with alternative correspondent banks to ensure their customers continue to make international payments and receive money from offshore.A correspondent bank is a financial institution that provides services on behalf of another financial institution. Zimbabwean banks make use of correspondent banks for international transactions.Mr Washaya said branches had been asked to inform their customers of the change in correspondent bank. The bank had also informed clients by e-mail and text messages.The NMB chief executive, who is also chief executive of NMBZ, the bank's holding company, dismissed claims being circulated on social media that the bank was heading for collapse, closure or curatorship."I am not sure where such rumours emanated from but nothing could be further from the truth. The bank is in a sound financial position and is in fact expanding its branch network and issuing loans, including mortgages, on the back of credit lines arranged with help from our international shareholders."Our liquidity position remains strong with high balances on RTGS and the bank is an active lender on the interbank market"The bank's ability to access lines of credit for the benefit of its customers, which is facilitated by its foreign shareholders, is well known."The decision to enter into an agreement with new correspondent banks, which could have been misunderstood and given rise to rumours that the bank was in trouble, was a decision taken in the light of the decision taken by Commerzbank."We moved quickly to establish agreements with Ecobank International and the Bank of China in Johannesburg to ensure that we can still transact business internationally on behalf of our clients and that their foreign transactions are not disrupted," he said. News / Africa by Staff Reporter A police officer accused of dealing in drugs was granted bail on Wednesday in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate's Court.The New Era reported that Eric Basson, 30, was arrested on January 15 after a raid at his house where cannabis and Mandrax tablets were found hidden in a package together with a knife and cellphone.Sources said Basson wanted to give the drugs to an inmate at the holding cells that day.A Keetmanshoop woman, Eveline Hartung, 42, is the second accused. She was arrested for allegedly having supplied the drugs to Basson for him to deliver to her son who is in police custody. Both accused were granted bail of N$1 000 each.The matter was remanded to April 28 for further investigations and to allow the accused to obtain legal aid. Magistrate Philanda Christiaan presided and Yvonne McLeod represented the State.The Minister of Safety and Security (Rtd) Major-General Charles Namoloh has previously warned police officers against tarnishing the image of the force.Speaking in January while addressing a police passing out parade of the Basic Police Training Intake One of 2015 for Ruben Danger Ashipala Police Training Centre at Oshakati, Namoloh cautioned police officers who think that being uniformed makes them superior to the communities they serve.He had said police officers are not above the law."As such we will not take kindly to members who opt to tarnish the image of the police force through reckless and irresponsible behaviour or by being accomplices in any criminal activity," he said then.At the same event Namoloh also said: "Some of you are just seated in the office, finishing oxygen, and when you are not promoted you come to my office or write letters to the Office of the President and the ombudsman. Who said you are going to be promoted?" News / Africa by Staff Reporter THOMAS and Modo lived together for 18 years, but when he died his family didn't want Modo to bury him.Daily Sun reported that Modo Banyane (53) from Eden Park, Ekurhuleni told Daily Sun she was heartbroken when her husband had to be escorted to the grave by cops.Thomas Maselwa (59) died last Thursday. Modo said she was harassed by Thomas' family who came to her house in Eden Park, demanding that her husband should be buried in Soweto.On Saturday, the mourners were gathered in the tent and the minister was on the pulpit when cops arrived."Police told the minister to stop preaching because the brother of the dead man would be taking the body to Soweto for burial," said Modo.She said the two families were actually fighting for control of the coffin.Modo's family won the fight and Thomas' body was taken to Kromvlei Cemetery but Mishack Maselwa, the dead man's brother, followed Modo's family to the graveyard with the police."My husband was not a thug to be escorted to the grave by the police. He didn't have a dignified funeral and now Mishack wants to dig up the body."Modo said she would take Mishack to court if he caused more trouble.Modo's niece, Funeka Adams, said some mourners left when the fighting started."Thomas was taken to the grave as if he had no friends and family," she said.Archbishop Patrick Dlamini of the Holy Apostolic Church said it was unfortunate that people didn't respect funerals."People should bury their loved ones in peace," he said.Mishack said Modo doesn't exist in their family no matter how long they were together."The case is in court," he said. "I want my brother to rest in peace." News / Africa by Staff Reporter MINISTER of Defence Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has promised to send soldiers to fight gang violence in the northern areas of Port Elizabeth.She said she would present a report to President Jacob Zuma about the daily violence and killings residents have to deal with.Daily Sun reported that residents have made repeated calls over the year for the army to be sent in.However, the government has never been keen to send in soldiers.The minister said: "This thing worries all of us. I was told eight people are being killed every week. It has to come to an end. The security cluster will be discussing this problem."Yes, we have Operation Fiela in the area but now we hear loud voices from the kasi asking where the Defence Force is. We can't come to the area for a week."The minister said South Africans can't be ruled by criminals."I think it's high time we showed these people that this country is ruled by the government and no one else," said the minister." News / National by Takunda Maodza VICE President Emmerson Mnangagwa arrived here yesterday to attend the 9th International Meeting of Justice Ministers on the abolition of the death penalty.Mnangagwa oversees the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and was invited for the conference because of his strong stance against the death penalty having been spared the noose for his revolutionary activities by the Smith regime on account of his young age.On arrival VP Mnangagwa, who is accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, was hosted by the Community of Saint Edigio just outside the Vatican City.Representing the Community of Edigio in the meeting was its director for international relations Dr Mauro Garofalo. Zimbabwe ambassador to Italy Mr Godfrey Magwenzi also attended the meeting. The Community of Saint Edigio is known for resolving conflicts within Africa and abroad.Closer home, it brokered a peace deal between the Government of Mozambique and Renamo in 1992, ending a bloody civil war. Zimbabwe was actively involved in the negotiations that were held at Saint Edigio.In an interview with The Herald after meeting the Community of Saint Edigio, VP Mnangagwa said : "I am happy to be here. We were here during mediation between the Government of Mozambique and Renamo in 1992."We have been working together with the Community of Saint Edigio for years. There is a long-standing relationship between the community and Zimbabwe." He said it was President Mugabe who dispatched him to Rome for the meeting. The meeting was held within the context of Justice Ministers Conference getting underway today in Rome.VP Mnangagwa said he will forever advocate for the abolition of the death penalty. "I share the view that we should abolish the death penalty as a policy. I might be the lonely voice but I will continue to say so," he said.Dr Garofalo said his meeting with VP Mnangagwa was friendly and frank. VP Mnangagwa is expected to address the conference to be attended by a number of dignitaries including Italian legislators today.The VP is expected to deliver an address on Zimbabwe's position on the death penalty, homing in on the national legal system. Zimbabwe is among countries that still have the death penalty in its statutes. Significant progress has been made to limit the number of offences that attract the penalty, while women, those above the age of 70 and those below 21-years-old cannot be sentenced to capital punishment.Saint Egidio is a lay organisation of Catholics founded in 1968 by Andrea Riccardi to promote global evangelisation and charity. News / National by Daniel Nemukuyu The High Court has barred Manicaland Provincial Affairs Minister Mandiitawepi Chimene and some other war veterans from masquerading as the interim or substantive leaders of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans' Association. Justice Happias Zhou also interdicted Minister Chimene from issuing Press statements on behalf of ZNLWVA and its leadership.This followed a public announcement by Minister Chimene on February 12 this year that she had taken over the leadership of ZNLWVA as its new chairperson. Minister Chimene also announced that a vote of no confidence had been passed against ZNLWVA chairman Christopher Mutsvangwa and two other executive members, Headman Moyo and Victor Matemadanda.The judge made the ruling yesterday in an urgent matter in which ZNLWVA, led by Mutsvangwa, was challenging Minister Chimene's interference in the running of the association's business.Justice Zhou's interim order reads: "Pending finalisation of this matter, the applicant is granted the following relief:"Respondent be and is hereby ordered not to interfere with applicant's activities or give pess conferences with regards to applicant's activities or give Press conferences with regards to applicant and its leadership."Respondent and any other persons acting through her are hereby interdicted from holding themselves out as the interim or substantive leaders of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans' Association."However, the court is yet to confirm the final order sought, that Mutsvangwa, Matemadanda and Moyo were legitimately elected members of the association's national executive. In the interim, the executive led by Mutsvangwa remains in control pending confirmation of the final order.Minister Chimene has 10 days to oppose the same order, if she so wishes. Harare lawyers Mr Rungano Mahuni and Mr Tinashe Thomas of Mahuni and Mutatu Legal Practitioners represented ZNLWVA while Minister Chimene did not defend her case.Mutsvangwa, in his founding affidavit, said his executive was still in charge of the association and that Minister Chimene's Press statements were reckless. "Since then (February 12), respondent has been making Press statements calling herself and other unidentified war veterans as the legitimate leaders of the applicant."The latest of the Press statements is contained in the Herald newspaper of 17 February 2016 wherein respondent is quoted as saying I am under suspension and that she would lead the interim executive as its chairperson."It is my firm belief that respondent's statements to the Press are quite reckless in view of the fact that applicant's leadership is still extant and fully in control." Mutsvangwa said in terms of the association's constitution, an executive member can only vacate office if he or she resigns, if he or she is expelled at a special conference and if he or she misses three consecutive meetings of the committee without excuse.Of all the three stated reasons cited above, Mutsvangwa said, none apply to his case or those of other "suspended" executives. "There is therefore no legal basis upon which respondent can claim to have taken over applicant's leadership when no elective congress has been held," said Mutsvangwa.In any event, Mutsvangwa said, the association's constitution does not provide for a "vote of no confidence" and in fact the principle was alien to ZNLWVA. News / National by Ivan Zhakata A Harare man reportedly assaulted his wife in front of her parents following a heated argument. The wife had fled to her parents' house.Washington Kahlari allegedly beat up his wife, Tsitsi Mude, for not respecting him as her husband. Mude, who was seeking a protection order against Kahlari, on Friday told Harare Civil Court magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa that she suffered several abuses at Kahlari's hands.She said Kahlari was a cruel man who terrorised her over petty issues. "He assaults me on several occasions and even if I try to run away from him, he will follow me and assault me," Mude said."I once escaped to my parents' house and he came and assaulted me in their presence. He does not have respect for my parents and he accuses them of influencing me. I have since sought refuge at a friend's place which he does not know about because if he knows where I am staying he will come and assault me again. I beg this court to stop him from assaulting me because I have suffered enough," she said.Kahlari refuted the allegations. He told the court that he has never abused his wife. "I have never assaulted her because if I had, she would not be alive," Kahlari said. Mrs Gofa ordered Kahlari to stop assaulting Mude and to keep peace with her at all times. News / National by Stephen Jakes President Robert Mugabe's loyalist Energy Mutodi has made sensational indications that then political instability rocking the ruling Zanu PF makes it necessary for the International Criminal Court to intervene if the squabbles would lead to the killing of innocent people.Speaking through his article Mutodi said considering that factionalism in Zanu PF is being sponsored by tribalism, with the Zezuru saying they are unconquerable and that the Karangas are second class citizens in this country, there may be need for the International Criminal Court to intervene if killings of innocent people start."There is every reason for anyone who is perceived to be in support of Vice President (Emmerson) Mnangagwa to fear now because the G40 has not been stopped in their tracks and are continuing to disregard calls by the President to end tribal utterances such as those by Vice President (Phelekezela) Mphoko who implied in a statement at a rally recently that anyone of a Karanga origin will not rule this country," he said."As young Zimbabweans, we are of the view that no drop of blood should be shed for political reasons as what happened in the past. Those who think that they are superior than others must be warned that Zimbabwe exists in a community of other nations and should it fail to treat it's people fairly and go on to kill defenseless citizens then the ICC and other external forces will be invited to protect the people."Mutodi said violence of a tribal nature took place in Kenya resulting in thousands losing their lives. It is now subject of ICC probe. He said this can happen in Zimbabwe if the ongoing infighting in Zanu PF is not fairly stopped."In Cote de Voire, a civil war broke out and that country's former president Laurent Gbagbo is now before The Hague while his wife is serving a 20 year jail term and still wanted by the ICC," he said."In Lybia, a civil war resulted in the leader Muammar Gaddafi being killed and his sons are being tortured in jails. Some were killed alongside their father in the civil war that was started when Gaddafi resisted to leave office and pave way for a successor after many years in office and having amassed a lot of wealth. In Sudan, the leader Omar Al-Bashir is wanted by the ICC for committing crimes against humanity. These are the things that Zimbabwean leaders must avoid by listening to the people all the time."Mutodi said war veterans are a beacon for peace and freedom in this country. He said they fought for this country and for them to be teargassed and ill treated by the police is a landmark sign of disrespect for the former freedom fighters."They had come for peace and to be addressed by their leader. They are asking questions why some leaders are allowed to go away with tribalism and factionalism while others are being insulted left right and center. They also want to know why the First Lady is disrespecting the Executive and threatening their appointments as if she has miraculously become the President herself. Politicians should know that they are there to serve the people and if people want to talk to their leaders, they must not be prevented from doing so," he said. News / National by Stephen Jakes A Harare Zanu PF MP Psychology Maziwisa seemingly singing for his supper has praised President Robert Mugabe for what he described as iconic and wonderful leadership capabilities.On a Facebook post Maziwisa said in the almost 350 years that have passed since the invention of liberation politics, there have been just a handful of truly great leaders: Martin Luther King Jnr, Mahatma Gandi, Kwame Nkrumah; Nelson Mandela and, on the basis of avaliable evidence, President Robert Mugabe."President Mugabe has had to endure bruising battles in his life. And despite all the negative claptarap that's been written about him, he has remained focused and true to his life-long objective of ensuring total economic freedom for the Zimbabwean people," he said."This is why his illustrious career is so worthy of study. He is the almost exact opposite of the modern politician, whose goal is largely a matter of personal interest. President Mugabe possesses integrity. He is a man of substance who is not shaped by the times he lives in but who has shaped the world he lives in."He said that's why today, on the occasion of his 92nd birthday, it is so important to ask the question:"What did we do to deserve this iconic figure and just where will we find another? Happy birthday Mr President!" he said.Mugabe clocked 92 on February 21. News / National by Staff Reporter FORMER war veteran's leader Jabulani Sibanda has warned that Zimbabwe is on the brink of an ethnic upheaval and disintegration due to President Mugabe's misrule.Sibanda said government has become a national security threat.In a question and answer interview glean from NewsDay, Sibanda said Mugabe cannot shoulder the how responsibility alone.Zimbabwe, as a country, is under threat of disintegration. Every State is premised on the three pillars, the Executive, judiciary and legislature Parliament and the judiciary are holding their own."Our country is in danger of an ethnic upheaval and disintegration and this is coming from careless statements by high ranking members of the Executive."The government has failed to keep the country together and its senior members use party rallies to make ethnic pronouncements. We now hear of Karangas, Zezurus and their capacity to lead or not" reads part of the excerpts."Our government has become a national security threat, a danger to the very existence of our nation-state more than anything else we have ever seen.Asked on who is to blame , he said "Mugabe cannot take the blame alone. He is 92 and, in any case, he could not be asked to look after cattle in a rural setting'. News / National by Staff Reporter A staunch Grace Mugabe supporter - Gokwe-Nembudziya legislator Justice Mayor Wadyajena has rebelled against Grace by pulled down her [posters from his BMW sport utility vehicle in protest over the brutal attack of war veterans by police in Harare.Wadyajena removed the stickers at Parliament Building just before the afternoon sitting on Thursday.He threw the stickers in a rubbish bin by Parliament Building entrance."He went to his car in anger and started pulling off Grace's stickers from his car, saying she was behind the police brutality on war vets," one MP told NewsDay."We saw him remove the stickers from his car that was parked on the third row from the entrance of Parliament's parking lot. He threw the stickers in a rubbish bin by Parliament Building entrance."When he entered the House, other MPs, who saw him, asked why he decided to do that in public, and he told them that it was his car and was free to do whatever he wanted with it because no one bought it for him."Wadyajena said: "It's now a broken record invoking the name of our dear mother the First Lady. No amount of tomfoolery will justify such shameless fabrications. I'm sorry there is no story there."But Nkayi South MP for Abednico Bhebhe (MDC-T) said: "When I saw the car last Thursday, it no longer had stickers, but two weeks ago, it had them. I asked him why he removed them, he just laughed."The Gokwe-Nembudziya MP was among the first Zanu PF supporters to have Grace's stickers on his vehicles when the First Lady was leading a campaign that culminated in the ouster of former Vice-President Joice Mujuru.Wadyajena has a pending court case where he is accused of insulting Grace at a Zanu PF conference in Victoria Falls in December. News / National by Staff reporter The High Court has interdicted Zanu-PF deputy youth secretary Kudzayi Chipanga from threatening war veterans with violence before ordering him to pay costs of the suit on a higher scale.Chipanga allegedly threatened former freedom fighters with violence during an address to a group of youths, a day before a failed war veterans meeting in Harare last week. On Tuesday last week, Chipanga declared war on veterans of the liberation struggle whom he described as "sickening rabble-rousers".Lawyers for ZNLWVA, Nyika Kanengoni and Partners, on Friday faced resistance from identified people at the Zanu-PF Headquarters in a bid to serve the urgent chamber application on Chipanga. On Saturday, the lawyers then engaged the services of the Sheriff of the High Court, Mcduff Madhega, who also had difficulty serving Cde Chipanga with a notice of the case's set down. News / National by Staff reporter The government has begun paying off the balance to acquire a 60% shareholding in Telecel Zimbabwe and the transaction should be complete by next week. Sources revealed that the government had sent $30 million to VimpelCom.The transaction is still to be completed and by next week it should be complete.The government will hold 60% shareholding of Telecel Zimbabwe," a source said. The total value of the 60% stake in Telecel by government is $40 million and government made the initial deposit of $10 million last year.Contacted for comment, Telecel Zimbabwe spokesman, Francis Chimanda could not disclose any information on the transaction. News / National by Staff reporter Justice Mayor Wadyajena Gokwe-Nembudziya MP (Zanu-PF) on Thursday reportedly pulled down First Lady Grace Mugabe's stickers from his BMW sport utility vehicle in protest over the brutal attack of war veterans by police in Harare.Fellow MPs, who declined to be named, said Wadyajena removed the stickers at Parliament Building just before the afternoon sitting, as a show of anger towards Grace after war veterans were violently dispersed and tear gassed by the police for "gathering illegally".They claimed that the outspoken MP insisted he was free to do what he wanted with his car when some legislators asked him why he chose to do it in public. News / National by Stephen Jakes The Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom will end of this month conduct a Super Vigil protest in the foreign land accusing the government of Zimbabwe for ordering the demolition of houses in Harare a move that saw a number of families left homeless.In a statement Super Vigil Administrator - David Kadzutu said government Minister and City Council officials ordered the demolition of what theytermed "illegal structures" much to the chagrin of a High Court judge who blasted the two authorities that they had erred and violated the laws of the land."The Minister of (Local government and National) Housing, Saviour Kasukuwere, and the Harare City Council both colluded to leave hard workers homeless after they ordered earth movers (graders) to erase to the ground beautiful buildings, in the presence of riot police in order to suppress any form of resistance," he said.Kadzutu said it was utter disgrace on the part of the perpetrators to leave men, women and children with no shelter on top of their heads."Whats so surprising is that Zimbabwe, as a signatory of the United Nations, should have respected the Human Rights Charter (1951),on right to shelter, but the government either covertly or overtly decided to ignore or just decided to act above the law, like what they have done before with impunity," he said."While Zimbabwean roads are very dangerous due to so many potholes and other problems, one would have thought that it would be reasonable for a government and a city council to fuel the earth-movers to repair some potholes instead of fueling them to make people destitute."Kadzutu said what makes this more interesting was that the boisterous Minister of Housing together with the Harare City Council were blasted, by the High Court Judge, Justice Priscilla Chigumba, on 16 February 2016, when she said that even if the structures were illegal, in terms of Council Regulations, the process of the law must have been followed.He said the judge went on to point out that minister Kasukuwere and his Harare City Council officials had taken the law into their own hands in violation of the Section 68 of the Constitution."It defies logic that a minister of such an important ministry and a city council whose responsibility is to protect their citizens and sitting tenants, ordered the demolition of properties leaving poor children, women and men with nothing to protect themselves," he said."About 200 families were left homeless from suburbs from Arlington, South of Ashdown Park, Airport Road houses, Belvedere West, Prospect/Mainway Meadows, Budiriro, Pomona, Budiriro, Gletwyn and others."He said the destruction of houses have been felt far and wide and the Zimbabweans in the diaspora have also felt it."It is against this background of punishing the opposition that Super Vigil will on Saturday 27th February 2016, hold a peaceful demonstration at The Zimbabwean Embassy against this wanton destruction of people's hard built homes. The human rights defenders, Super Vigil will hold pictorial evidence of the home destruction," he said."Super Vigil would like to deplore the Zimbabwean government in general and Minister Kasukuwere and the Harare City Council in particular for their heinous behaviour towards their citizens. How can minister of Kasukuwere's stature fail to interpret the law when in such authority? Even the War Vets voiced their disgust to such cruel behaviour in their meeting on Wednesday 17th February 2016 when the Chairman of the War Veterans,Christopher Mutsvangwa said that they deplore the use of force against sitting tenants to destroy their homes, leaving them homeless, and that they didn't go to war to fight for people to be homeless."Kadzutu said Super Vigil would like to invite all progressive forces to attend the protest and expose this regime which treat its own citizens with impunity."This should send a message to the perpetrators of evil that the whole world is against such cruel and dictatorial tendencies and to the victims that even though we are far apart, our souls are with you. Zimbabweans in the diaspora please come and be with the souls of the vulnerable home owners at The Zimbabwean Embassy at The Strand, 429, as we protest against these acts brutality by the Mugabe regime," he said. News / National by Staff reporter Government has ordered diamond mining companies in Marange to stop operations with immediate effect following the expiry of their licences, giving 90 days for firms to remove their equipment and other valuables.The taking over of Marange diamond mining concession by government follows the expiry of the special grants held by joint venture companies as far back as 2010 while others expired in 2013.The firms have also failed to comply with the consolidation process.Briefing journalists in Harare in the presence of all diamond mining executives, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Walter Chidhakwa said for the past seven years, diamond mining companies failed to invest heavily in the sector."It has come to our attention that the joint venture companies have been operating illegally as the permits which had been granted expired and were not renewed over the last four to five years. Given the fact that the Marange diamond fields are considered a strategic national resource which must be exploited in a manner that ensures that the benefits derived from their exploitation impacts positively on the economy and benefits the entire population of Zimbabwe, we have decided not to renew the permits of all the companies in Marange and Chimanimani," he said.In response to the falling output from Chiadzwa and the limited benefits being derived from activities, government issued a policy directive for diamond companies to consolidate into one entity which companies resisted."For seven months, we have tried to talk to mining companies on the consolidation process but they refused to comply leaving government with no option. The consolidation is set to create a powerful Zimbabwean company which is capable of harnessing and controlling its diamond resources for the long term benefit of the nation. There is no room for negotiation, we have closed the chapter," noted Minister Chidhakwa.After the proposed partnership between government and mining companies to form the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company failed to take shape, government is going on equipping the new company to ensure it produces between 8-12 million carats annually. News / Press Release by Jacob Mafume - PDP National Spokesperson The People's Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates Robert Mugabe who turned 92 on Sunday for a long life. We also take note that although Mugabe should be enjoying the twilight of his life, it is unfortunate that instead, he has left a severe trail of destruction.It is saddening to note that it is the young generation, which will have to clean up President Mugabe's mess which he has created over the last 36 years as President of Zimbabwe.At 92, Mugabe cuts as a lone figure in leadership. 100% of all men and women of his age have long retired and are enjoying their remaining years of life in comfort, sharing their lifelong wisdom with grandchildren and thus ensure posterity.That Mugabe is still clinging to power and is at the centre of Zimbabwe's current challenges in his old age is regrettable and unacceptable.For an old worn out man of his age to be caught up in the raucous cat fights for power that are in ZANU PF is a pity, it becomes horrific if the old man thinks he can solve the problems he has failed to in 36 long years that he has been in power.To put into perspective the disaster that has been Robert Mugabe's rule facts need to be considered, in 1980 the GDP per capita was nearly $600 and in 36 years it has shrunk down to $260.The manufacturing sector, which shows the level of industrialization, contributed 22.1% of the GDP which was the second highest in sub-Saharan African after South Africa but today the sector has shrunk to less than 10% of GDP.In 1980 industrial capacity utilization stood at 83% but after 36 years of ruinous policies and lack of economic vision it is now less than 34%.The social indicators are more appalling and reveal a state in crisis. Unemployment stands at 92%, with 98% of youths employed in the informal sector, 49% of Zimbabweans are malnourished and 83% are living on less than US$1 a day while 65% are regarded as living in extreme poverty.On the political front Mugabe has fared no better. Since 1980, Zimbabwean elections have been haunted by the twin demons of violence and rigging starting from the Gukurahundi cleansing attempt which was designed to create a template for a one party state, through the madness of the 1990s when the state used extreme violence on workers and students to the electoral violence of the 2000s, Mugabe has left a trail of blood.This is the disaster which Mugabe has left for the country and at 92 years it is certain that he will not live to see the worst side of his ruinous rule.As the PDP, we argue that the biggest problem facing Africa at the moment is leaders who over stay in power for the sake of power itself and President Mugabe is the chief priest of this evil sect and it has able members in despotic patriarchs such as Pierre Nkurunzinza of Burundi, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Idriss Deby of Chad, Paul Biya of Cameroon and Joseph Kabila of the Congo.It is therefore, not surprising that these despots and their admirers across the continent shower Mugabe with praises as 'a great leader' less for any practical benefit he has brought to Zimbabwe but more for the enduring precedents he has set on how to cling to power up to the grave.As the PDP, we reiterate our call for a coalition of democrats to over throw the moribund ZANU PF regime and replace it with the National Transitional Authority (NTA), which will stabilize the country and level the electoral field and deliver a Zimbabwe to the people. Opinion / Columnist February 22, 2016Historically, with regard to the Zimbabwe liberation struggle, the ANC had good relations with ZAPU and none with ZANU when it broke away from ZAPU. This was a product of a continuous process in Zimbabwe which had started with the establishment of the Southern Rhodesia African National Congress in that country and the membership in the South African ANC of Zimbabwe students and workers while they were studying and working in South Africa.ANC relations with ZANUDespite this history, in 1978 ZANU sent a delegation from Mozambique to Lusaka, led by the late former Vice President of Zimbabwe, Simon Muzenda, to meet the ANC. The delegation had come to propose that the ANC should send Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) cadres to Mozambique to join the units of ZANLA, the ZANU military wing, which were operating along the Limpopo River. The delegation suggested that this would give MK the possibility to infiltrate its cadres and materiel into and through the then Northern Transvaal.Though the political leadership of the ANC warmly supported this proposal, the MK leadership opposed it on the basis that there were already MK cadres embedded in units of ZIPRA, the military wing of ZAPU, which were also operating along the Limpopo. These might end up fighting their comrades in the ZANLA units as there were occasional skirmishes between ZIPRA and ZANLA. Consequently we did not take up the ZANU offer.However we interacted warmly with the ZANU delegates at the 1979 Commonwealth Conference in Lusaka which decided on the Lancaster Conference on Zimbabwe.ANC relations with the Zimbabwe GovernmentOn the very day that Zimbabwe achieved its independence in 1980, the President of the ANC, the late O.R. Tambo, met then Prime Minister Robert Mugabe in Salisbury, later Harare, to discuss the possibility of the ANC opening an office in Harare and using Zimbabwe as a base to carry out underground political and military work in South Africa.Prime Minister Mugabe suggested that the ANC should assess whether it could operate from Zimbabwe, given that the new Zimbabwe administration would include many people it would inherit from the Smith regime. These included General Peter Walls who led the Zimbabwe Defence Force and Mr Ken Flower who headed the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).A few weeks thereafter, President Tambo informed Prime Minister Mugabe that we had conducted our on-the-spot assessment within Zimbabwe and thought that we could indeed operate from Zimbabwe despite the presence in various Zimbabwe state organs of people inherited from the Smith regime.Prime Minister Mugabe immediately agreed that we could then operate in Zimbabwe as President Tambo had proposed. I was therefore directed to interact with then Minister of Security, and now Vice President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, to work out all the details for our underground' work and open representation in Zimbabwe, which was done.The late Chris Hani was then put in charge of our underground' operations in Zimbabwe, while the late Joe Gqabi, who was later murdered in Harare by agents of the apartheid regime, served as our public Chief Representative, with Geraldine Fraser, now Fraser-Moleketi, as one of his assistants.Zimbabwe land reform and South AfricaIn 1990 as we began our negotiations to end the system of apartheid, the then Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, engaged President Mugabe to persuade him that the Government of Zimbabwe should not proceed with any programme to implement a radical land reform, given that the Lancaster House Constitutional 10-year prohibition of this had expired.Chief Anyaoku and the Commonwealth Secretariat feared that any radical land redistribution in Zimbabwe at that stage would frighten white South Africa and thus significantly complicate our own process of negotiations.President Mugabe and the Zimbabwe Government agreed to Chief Anyaoku's suggestion and therefore delayed for almost a decade the needed agrarian reform, which had been a central objective of the political and armed struggle for the liberation of Zimbabwe.ANC intervention in ZimbabweAll the foregoing resulted in the establishment of firm fraternal relations between the ANC and now ZANU-PF, which created the possibility for the two organisations to interact with each other openly and frankly.During these years of our interaction and working together with President Mugabe, the Government of Zimbabwe and ZANU-PF, we came to understand that all these were committed to such objectives as improving the lives of the people of Zimbabwe, defending the independence of our countries and advancing Pan Africanist goals.We supported all these objectives. However their achievement required that as a country Zimbabwe should remain a democratic and peaceful country with a growing economy of shared wealth, and a country which would continue to do everything possible to eradicate the legacy of colonialism.When the ANC felt that problems were arising with regard to these objectives, it did what nobody else in the world had done. It prepared and shared a document with ZANU-PF which was a comprehensive critique of developments in Zimbabwe, with suggestions about what ZANU-PF should do to correct what was wrong.Done in 2001, the document was entitled "How Will Zimbabwe Defeat Its Enemies!" It dealt with a whole variety of issues, including the political and economic.Though the then planned ANC/ZANU-PF meeting to discuss the document did not take place, ZANU-PF never raised any objection to the fact that the ANC prepared the document to assist Zimbabwe to overcome some of its challenges.We probably made a mistake when we did not insist that this meeting should be held.The South African Government and the Zimbabwe land questionWhen the war veterans and others began to occupy white-owned farms, we intervened first of all with Prime Minister Tony Blair in 1998 to encourage the UK Government to honour the commitment that had been made at Lancaster House in 1979 to give the Government of Zimbabwe the financial means to carry out the required land redistribution in a non-confrontational manner.This led to the September 1998 International Donors' Conference on Land Reform and Resettlement held in Harare, which the British Government attended, but whose very positive decisions were not implemented, thanks to the negative attitude adopted by the very same British Government.Unfortunately, contrary to what the Conservative Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major had agreed, Tony Blair's Secretary of State for International Development, Claire Short, repudiated the commitment to honour the undertaking made at Lancaster House.In a November 1997 letter to Zimbabwe Minister of Agriculture and Land, Kumbirai Kangai, she wrote: "I should make it clear that we do not accept that Britain has a special responsibility to meet the costs of land purchase in Zimbabwe. We are a new Government from diverse backgrounds without links to former colonial interests. My own origins are Irish and as you know, we were colonised not colonisers."In a February 22, 2015 article in The Telegraph, the Conservative Party Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, commented about the parlous state of Zimbabwe and said:"But it is vital to recognise that Zimbabwe was not always like this, and did not have to be like thisAnd Britain played a shameful part in the disaster. Readers will remember the 1979 Lancaster House Agreement, by which Margaret Thatcher granted independence to RhodesiaSo it was crucial that the Lancaster House Agreement protected the interests of these white farmers. They could, of course, be bought out, but their land could not be simply seized. There had to be a "willing buyer, willing seller". The British government agreed to fund the arrangement, compensating the former colonial farmers for land that they gave up And then in 1997, along came Tony Blair and New Labour, and in a fit of avowed anti-colonialist fervour they unilaterally scrapped the arrangementIt was Labour's betrayal of the Lancaster House Agreement driven by political correctness and cowardice that gave Mugabe the pretext for the despotic (land) confiscations by which he has rewarded his supporters."Later, Prime Minister Blair told me that the British Governments he led never formally took this decision to repudiate the Lancaster House Agreement and regretted that in the end, his Government had to accept it because Claire Short had succeeded to convince the UK public that it was indeed Government policy!Further to help resolve the conflict on the land question, at some point we also got commitments from three (3) other Governments to finance land acquisition by the Zimbabwe Government which would then distribute the land to those who had started to occupy some farms. The Zimbabwe Government welcomed this initiative.At the suggestion of the then UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, the UNDP assumed the responsibility to work with the Zimbabwe Government to implement this land acquisition and redistribution. Unfortunately the UNDP acted in a manner which led to the failure of this initiative.The South African Government and Zimbabwe politicsOur Government started to work more intensely with the opposition MDC after the 2000 Zimbabwe Constitutional Referendum, which rejected the Constitution that had been put to the nation by the Government.The MDC approached us to help secure the agreement of ZANU-PF to amend the extant Constitution by including in it various matters, many of which had been included in the Constitution which had been rejected.From then onwards we did our best to encourage ZANU-PF and the MDC to work together to find solutions to the constitutional, political, economic, security and social challenges which faced Zimbabwe.It was exactly this same approach we took which resulted in the conclusion in 2008 of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) by the Zimbabwe political parties.Though we acted as a Facilitator, the fact of the matter is that the GPA was negotiated and elaborated by the three Zimbabwe Political Parties which had been democratically chosen by the people in the 2008 elections. No part of the Agreement was imposed on the Parties by the Facilitator.This approach was informed by our unwavering determination to respect the right of the people of Zimbabwe to determine their future, firmly opposed to any foreign, including South African, intervention to impose solutions on the people of Zimbabwe.Writing in the privately-owned Zimbabwe Independent on September 25 last year, Wilbert Mukori said: "The best chance the nation has had to end Mugabe's dictatorship was by far during the Government of National Unity (GNU) when all the nation had to do was implement the raft of democratic reforms already agreed in the 2008 Global Political Agreement (GPA)."However, MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai and other opposition parties, who were tasked with implementing the reforms, sold out and joined Mugabe's gravy train. So after four or five years of the GNU, no meaningful reforms were implementedThe people of Zimbabwe failed to recognise the importance of the 2008 GPA reforms and so they did not pressure GNU leaders to implement the reforms."Regime change in ZimbabweThere were others in the world, led particularly by the UK, who opposed our approach of encouraging the Zimbabweans to decide their future. These preferred regime change the forcible removal of President Mugabe and his replacement by people approved by the UK and its allies.This is what explained the sustained campaign to condemn us for conducting the so-called quiet diplomacy'. What was wrong with quiet diplomacy', which led to the adoption of the GPA discussed by Mukori, was that it defended the right of the people of Zimbabwe to determine their future, as opposed to the desire by some in the West to carry out regime change in Zimbabwe and impose their will on the country!In the period preceding the 2002 Zimbabwe Elections, the UK and the US in particular were very keen to effect this regime change and failing which to impose various conditions to shorten the period of any Mugabe Presidency.Our then Minister of Intelligence, Lindiwe Sisulu, had to make a number of trips to London and Washington to engage the UK and US governments on their plans for Zimbabwe, with strict instructions from our Government to resist all plans to impose anything on the people of Zimbabwe, including by military means.Accordingly it was not from hearsay or third parties that we acquired the knowledge about Western plans to overthrow President Mugabe, but directly from what they communicated to a representative of our Government.In its 11 November, 2007 edition, the UK newspaper, the Independent on Sunday, reported that during its interview of Lord Guthrie, former Chief of Defence Staff of the UK armed forces, it learnt that "Astonishingly, the subjects discussed (with Prime Minister Tony Blair) included invading Zimbabwe, "which people were always trying to get me (Guthrie) to look at. My advice was, Hold hard, you'll make it worse.'"According to John Kampfner in his book, "Blair's Wars", Blair once told Claire Short that "if it were down to me, I'd do Zimbabwe as well that is send troops." In his Memoir "A Journey", Blair explained that the reason he could not "get rid of Mugabe" which he "would have loved to" was because "it wasn't practical (sincethe surrounding African nations maintained a lingering support for him and would have opposed any action strenuously)."South Africa and the Zimbabwe electionsThe 2002 elections in Zimbabwe were observed by two South African Observer Missions among others. One of these was a multi-party Mission deployed by our Parliament, not Government. The second was composed of people seconded by civil society organisations. The Government contributed to this latter Mission by appointing Ambassador Sam Motsuenyane as its leader.With no intervention by Government, these two Observer Missions, like all others, determined that the declared outcome of the elections reflected the will of the people of Zimbabwe.The same thing happened with regard to the 2008 elections which resulted in the MDC (Tsvangirai) gaining 100 House of Assembly seats as opposed to 99 for ZANU-PF and 10 for MDC (Mutambara). None of the two leading Presidential candidates, Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai, got the required 50%+1 to emerge as the outright winner.The second round of the Presidential election was marked by a lot of violence, resulting in the withdrawal of Tsvangirai. Our view was that the level of violence had made it impossible for the people of Zimbabwe freely to exercise their right to choose their President.I therefore met President Mugabe in Bulawayo to propose that the election should be called off and conducted afresh in conditions of the total absence of any violence. President Mugabe did not accept our suggestion, arguing that the action we were proposing would be in violation of the Constitution.During the 2013 Harmonised Elections, ZANU-PF won 196 of the House of Assembly seats as opposed to 70 for the MDC (Tsvangirai), and President Mugabe was elected during the first round. All the Observer Missions which actually observed these elections agreed that the announced results reflected the will of the people of Zimbabwe'.Over the years ZAPU, ZANU and, later, ZANU-PF saw it as part of their responsibility to contribute to the victory of our struggle against the apartheid regime and system and the building of the democratic South Africa, and acted accordingly. The ANC took the same position with regard to the struggles of the people of Zimbabwe to defeat colonialism and reconstruct the new Zimbabwe, and acted accordingly.Throughout these years we defended the right of the people of Zimbabwe to determine their destiny, including deciding on who should govern the country. This included resisting all efforts to impose other people's solutions on Zimbabwe, which, if this had succeeded, would have served as a precursor for a similar intervention in our country!Consciously we took the position that democratic South Africa should at all costs avoid acting as a new home-grown African imperial power which would have given itself the right unilaterally to determine the destiny of the peoples of Africa! Opinion / Columnist I totally agree with Former President Thabo Mbeki's position to oppose the British proposal to invade Zimbabwe and forceful remove Mugabe from office."In the period preceding the 2002 Zimbabwe Elections, the UK and the US in particular were very keen to effect this regime change and failing which to impose various conditions to shorten the period of any Mugabe Presidency," wrote former President Thabo Mbeki."Our then Minister of Intelligence, Lindiwe Sisulu, had to make a number of trips to London and Washington to engage the UK and US governments on their plans for Zimbabwe, with strict instructions from our Government to resist all plans to impose anything on the people of Zimbabwe, including by military means." See Bulawayo 24, South Africa's policy towards Zimbabwe - A synopsis by Thabo Mbeki.Zimbabwe chose the military solution to end white colonial rule and look what leaders that armed struggle has thrown up; having won the liberation war they believed they alone know what is best for the nation and resisted all pressure for democratic accountability. Zimbabwe is stuck in this economic mess because we cannot remove Mugabe and his cronies from power. They liberated the country but only to impose this corrupt and oppressive de facto one party dictatorship.Beside one must never reach for the gun until all peaceful means of solving the problem have been exhausted. The 2008 Global Political Agreement (GPA) was one such peaceful solution which would have ended the dictatorial system of government in Zimbabwe; if only the raft of democratic reforms in the agreement had been implemented.In his article above, President Mbeki put a lot of emphasis on SA's commitment to let Zimbabweans decide their own destiny, a prima facie commendable stance; still, as guarantor of the GPA, SA must shoulder some blame for the fact that not even one reform was implemented in five years of the GNU and thus the GPA's failure to deliver free, fair and credible elections in 2013 and beyond.If I had to apportion blame why not even one reform was implemented during the GNU then Tsvangirai and his MDC friends must take 75% of the blame. There is no doubt that they sold-out; Mugabe offered them the gravy train lifestyles and they, in return, kicked the reforms into the tall grass.MDC leaders were so easily fooled by Mugabe they were tripping over each other to sing Mugabe praises calling the tyrant the "unflappable father of the nation", said Tendai Biti. Forgetting the brutality the tyrant had subjected MDC members and the nation at large as recently as 2008! MDC leaders were convinced the tyrant had accepted them in the exclusive ruling elite club and hence the reason why the kicked reforms into the tall grass; the dictatorship favoured the ruling elite and now that they were members they did not see the need to implement the reform.Some of the MDC leaders were so convinced of their ruling elite status that even after Zanu PF blatantly rigged the 2013 elections they still expected Mugabe to give them cushy jobs according to Dr Misheck Sibanda, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet's report."Some (MDC leaders after losing the elections) said, If we are needed, even if it's a Zanu-PF Government, talk to the President. Possibly we can come and serve because we want to serve.' (They said they wanted roles) in any capacity. You could tell that it was because of how they had been handled (bribed and bamboozled). To me, it was amusing."The people of Zimbabwe, especially the independent press and the intelligentsia, carry 20% of the blame of why the 2008 GPA failed to deliver democratic change. There is no excuse why the people had failed to understand what the reforms and thus appreciate they critical importance to creating a democratic Zimbabwe. It is the people's democratic duty to understand important national issues and to ensure leaders deliver on these matters and hold them to account when they fail; Zimbabweans have been found wilfully wanting in this!SADC and South Africa, it played the leading role in the Zimbabwe crisis, must should the remaining 5% of why the 2008 GPA was a total failure.President Mbeki admitted that as far back as 2001 SA was already concerned about Mugabe's undemocratic tendencies and their negative effects on the country's ability to deliver on its objectives of "improving the lives of the people of Zimbabwe, defending the independence of our countries and advancing Pan Africanist goals . Zimbabwe should remain a democratic and peaceful country with a growing economy of shared wealth."The wanton violence and blatant vote rigging by Mugabe is the March and July 2008 elections showed the whole world just how far off the democratic path Mugabe had gone."What was achieved by the bullet cannot be undone by the ballot!" boasted Mugabe as his party thugs, Police, CIO and Army terrorized the nation. What more proof did President Mbeki need that Mugabe did not care about democracy and good governance!SA should have rejected Tsvangirai and Mugabe's cosy scratch my back and I will scratch yours arrangement and exerted more pressure on the two to the implement the 2008 GPA democratic reforms for the good of Zimbabwe and the region."This approach (GPA) was informed by our unwavering determination to respect the right of the people of Zimbabwe to determine their future, firmly opposed to any foreign, including South African, intervention to impose solutions on the people of Zimbabwe," President Mbeki says.I do not buy the argument that bringing pressure to bear on the parties to the GNU to implement the reforms would count as interfering in Zimbabwe's internal affairs. Mugabe, Tsvangirai and Mutambara on behalf of their respect political parties committed themselves to the GPA reforms and President Mbeki on behalf of SADC the guarantor of the GPA had a duty to ensure they honoured that commitment.Besides by ensuring the GPA reforms were implemented and Zimbabwe was put back on a democratic footing complete with guaranteed free, fair and credible elections President Mbeki would have fulfilled the promise that the people of Zimbabwe, as contrast to a few ruling elite in the dictatorship imposing their will on the nation, are the masters of their own destiny.The main purpose of the 2008 GPA was to fix Zimbabwe's broken political system so that the wanton violence and vote rigging of 2008 will not be repeated ever again. There was no violence in 2013 but still there were glaring voting irregularities such as the failure to release the voters roll, the vote rigging smoking gun.Since the 2013 elections there have been reports of political violence; the signs are the next elections set for 2018 will be marred by the blatant vote rigging and the wanton violence, a repeat of the 2008 the very thing the 2008 GPA had set out to stop happening again!President Thabo Mbeki and President Jacob Zuma, as his successor, can never wash their hands clean of the responsibility that Zimbabwe's 2008 GPA failed to deliver on its promise to deliver free, fair and credible elections. How can they not be responsible; they were the principle guarantor of the agreement! If President Mbeki did not want to shoulder the responsibility as the guarantor of GPA then he should have said so from the beginning and passed the responsibility to AU or UN. Opinion / Columnist Israel Dube MLO Secretary for Information and Public Affairs. It took President Robert Mugabe only 24 hours to apologise to the war Vets for being tear gassed and sprayed with water by the police for participating in an unsanctioned meeting. Is it surprising that Matabeleland is yet to hear his word of apology three decades after he deployed the Zimbabwe National Army 5th Brigade code named gukurahundi into Matabeleland to commit genocide."People were naturally hurt or at least they had this water from cannons come on their bodies and teargas as well," Mugabe said apologetically in a live TV address. Clearly Mugabe views those from Mashonaland as "people" or humans and Matebeles as sub-humans or objects not to be treated with integrity. Were the people of Matabeleland not hurt during gukurahundi? We wish to put it on record that the people of Matebeleland were and remain hurt even upto this day and will continue to hurt until reparations and apology is made.More than 40 000 unarmed innocent civilians including children, women and old people were killed in the most brutal way never seen in the world. More than 100 000 women including school going girls, old women and married women were mercilessly raped and left with unknown pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. More than 100 000 homes were burnt down leaving thousands homeless. Over 1 million people were displaced into neighbouring countries like Botswana and South Africa and have remained there up to date.Thousands were tortured, maimed and others subjected to permanent disabilities.3,5million who survived are traumatized and subjected to tribal discrimination everyday. For how long will this situation continue as is if we may ask ? Does the Zimbabwe government know when this patience would reach its end elasticity ? As Matebeleland Liberation Organisation we hold the Zimbabwe government responsible for whatever would happen should Matebele patience and tolerance reach its end elasticity ?The genocide continues in a subtle form. The government which is composed of the genocide perpetrators continues to murder the memories of the genocide as follows:a) preventing victims from talking openly about the genocide, holding memorials or reburying their loved ones who were buried in shallow graves, thrown into disused mine shafts and caves.b) deny that the genocide ever happened eg George Charamba saying gukurahundi is a myth.c) blame the victims and suggest that there was a war or civil unrest in Matebeleland.d) Shifting blame. Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko blaming the West for the atrocities committed by President Robert MugabeThe above strategies have a very negative psychological effect on the victims. Genocide scholars and researchers refer to it as the second stage of the genocide.With this clear genocide, untold suffering and glaring brutality against humanity surely an apology is needed.But President Mugabe would rather apologise to the supposedly battle hardened war veterans some of whom are reported to have fainted and others ran for dear life after they were tear gassed and sprayed with water canons. Not even a single life was lost but they cried like spoiled brats they are.The 5th Brigade which is responsible for heinous and horrendous crimes against Matebeles was drawn from former ZANLA forces who were mostly shona men, little wonder they castigate everyone who criticizes the 5th Brigade horrendous acts during the genocide campaign.Recently, Mr David Coltart was savaged by the same war vets accusing him of "recklessness" and "suffering from memory loss," his sin was telling President Mugabe to apologise for Matebeleland genocide and gross abuse of human rights during the genocide campaign.War vets are a lawless violent bunch who run around Matabeleland everytime towards elections beating and threatening people with death, forcing them to vote Zanupf.The infamous farm grabs were led by them, they took land and private property from white citizens by force. President Mugabe chose to apologise to violent criminals and ignore innocent people of Matabeleland and white citizens who were killed in cold blood. Why? Why / Why ?As people of Matabeleland we have never gained anything from Zanu- pf instead we have lost everything, our beloved relatives, identity, culture, languages, dignity and pride.Already three factions have emerged in Zanu pf. The Gamatox led by Joyce Mujuru which has since been elbowed out of Zanupf, Team Lacoste led Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and G40 led by Mrs Grace Mugabe, the First Lady. As a norm in Zanu-pf Matebeles are not allowed to lead even a faction. President Mugabe's ever obedient son, Obert Mpofu, has already declared that no one in Matabeleland possesses the qualities to be President of Zimbabwe. His statement clearly confirmed what Professor Jonathan Moyo stated that Dr Obert Mpofu has a body of an elephant with a brain of a rat. Who cares ? What he does not know is that there are many Matebeles who are more than qualified to lead the country and this was able demonstrated by Cde Paul Siwela when he became the first Matebele to run for the office of President in Zimbabwe in 2002 Presidential elections.Do you Remember what the President of MLO, Cde Paul Siwela once said? "Some even assume the fate of the country is beholden to either Joyce Mujuru or Emmerson Mnangagwa or Morgan Tswangirai. Alas! Politics is politics and does not follow rational deductions therefore surprises are along the curve. The truth is that Zim is headed towards a split in the middle and give birth to The Republic of Matabeleland by 2018" Who can doubt that ?Cde Paul Siwela saw it coming and wrote about it. Like hungry wild dogs that feed on their prey while it is still alive until it falls to the ground, power hungry Zanu-pf leaders are mercilessly tearing their organisation into pieces."Never interrupt your enemy when he is making mistakes"Matabeles that think openly would know that this is certainly not the time to be engulfed in the Zanu-pf succession wars or anything that has something to do with oppressive Zimbabwe. It is time to pull together very hard for the restoration of the independent and sovereign statehood of Matabeleland.All Matebeles in their diversity are urged to join MLO as we march towards the restoration of The Republic of Matebeleland by 2018.Yes its impossible until it has been done.The Republic of Matabeleland by 2018!Siyaphambili !Izenzo kungemazwi! Opinion / Letters Dearest President Mugabe,I was very happy to see you sitting together with your two vice presidents giving orders to those perceived to be fanning factionalism in ZANU (PF) and disrespecting the office of the president plus the first family.My pleasure however quickly turned into despair as you started name calling and chastising the chairman of the war veterans association. This your excellency was a matter of looking at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and paying no attention to the plank in your own eye.Just two weeks ago, your ZANU (PF) spokesman Simon Khaya Moyo communicated to the whole country that the use of tweeter for party and government was banned. In addition, he said there was not going to be anymore vote of no confidence without following the proper ZANU (PF) disciplinary process.Three days later your own favorite minister was on tweeter communicating party and government business. Your own loving wife convened a rally where she accused your ministers of trying to kill your own son. Kasukuwere was at it again suspending provincial chairman accused of bringing the party into disrepute. Your own vice president, Mpoko was making funny of the karanga people.All this your Excellency was "in your face" kind of actions. The actions at the Chiweshe rally your Excellency is the problem not the actions by war veterans of Mutsvangwa. If you are serious about resolving the problems bedeviling ZANU (PF) and bring peace to the country then you need to STOP being a referee and a player for the opposing team.You went on to say we must be Zimbabweans first. Your Excellency, this is an admission by you that you have failed to solve your ZANU (PF) problems. What has Zimbabwe to do with the issues facing your party today? Put your house in order and start by being a husband to your wife and tell her to shut up before you vent your anger to people who have stood by your side for the rest of their lives.I write to you as a war collaborator who is not aligned to all these shenanigans going on in ZANU (PF). I do not care what happens to Mnangagwa, Mutsvangwa, Moyo, Grace or all those you are victimizing but am worried about your deceptive ways. You managed to use us and dupe us for a long time. Be responsible and be truthful for once. Tell your wife to shut up or you risk losing everything you have worked hard for your entire life.Gudo guru peta muswe kuti vadiki vagokuremekedza.Sincerely,Sam About Me Alan Ross Radio program Caffe Latte began on JOY 94.9 FM (in Melbourne, Australia) in Sept. 1997 through to July 2012. Caffe Latte is now back on JOY Sundays 11 am - 1 pm (Aust. Eastern Time) & can be heard online all over the world and as a podcast on various media platforms. Check back here for my Top 10 current tracks of the week; the latest countdowns; this month's new addition to the Gay & Lesbian Icons & Anthems Gallery; the earlier versions of hit songs, retro in the Time Capsule posts and more. Check out the Caffe` Latte` playlists available on spotify. Become a follower. All images used on this website are the copyright of the respective copyright holder and are used on this site for educational or informative purposes only. View my complete profile Blog Archive The California Historical Society, founded in 1871, is a nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire and empower people to make California's richly diverse past a meaningful part of their contemporary lives. Visit our San Francisco Headquarters at 678 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Our hours of operation are: Gallery : Tuesday - Sunday: 11:00am - 5:00pm By Andrew Bindelglass, Contributing Writer Share Virgin Airlines is continuing its push westward into the United States. Beginning March 15, Virgin America is scheduled to begin providing airline shuttle service from Denver to San Francisco. The organization announced last week that, in addition to this expansion in service, the company will also open a contact center for customer service in nearby Aurora, Colorado. This contact center is expected to bring about 100 jobs to the Aurora area, in addition to the 40 or so jobs that will be created by Virgin at Denver International Airport (to fulfill duties such as ticketing on-site, baggage and customer services, and other functions). The contact center will be staffed through a partnership with the global contact center outsourcing firm 24-7 InTouch, which just so happens to have their global headquarters stationed in Aurora. Virgin American President and CEO David Cush made it clear in a statement to the press the importance of this tandem growth in Colorado, saying As an airline known for our industry-leading guest service, we're pleased to be growing a critical part of our business in the region. Spokesperson Dave Arnold added that When we enter a new market, we believe it's important to invest in the region and show travelers that we're good community partners. We think Denver in particular is going to be a great market for us and an important one. Arnold added that the main logic behind this extension of service was demand from San Francisco -- specifically Silicon Valley-based -- customers. Denver has become an important destination for those in the tech world, and Arnold said the decision came as part of an attempt to build on Virgin Americas loyal following in Silicon Valley built around their high-tech amenities. By creating a state of the art contact center in conjunction with this extension of service, Virgin America should continue to provide its customers with the services they want at the highest possible quality. Edited by Rory J. Thompson Nicht Ihr Computer? Dann konnen Sie fur die Anmeldung ein Fenster zum privaten Surfen offnen. Weitere Informationen Statistics show that there has been a mark improvement in the GCE General and a drop in the GCE Technical. Also, there has been an improve... CANNONFIRE is back! From 2004 to 2021, the original CANNONFIRE blog kept finding ways to irk nearly everyone on nearly every side of nearly every issue. Last year, Google shut down the site. Why? Dunno. The banishment occurred without warning. Despite numerous inquiries, Google refused to explain or to rescind its edict. The shutdown may have some connection to the compromising of my email. (Damn hackers!) Or maybe it has some connection to my history as a surly, unclassifiable oddball. But now the site is back. Don't ask me why or how. Resurrection is a mysterious business and this one is particularly confounding. Revival came only when a reader calling herself Faust -- I'm not making this up -- employed incantations and conjurations unknown to mere mortals and thereby compelled the gods of Google to raise the dead. I owe this female Faust much. As a notable 18th century highway commissioner once said: Das ewig weibliche zieht uns hinan. The site may migrate to another platform in the future. Google's capriciousness has injured my trust. My name is Joseph Cannon. That's the name I've used professionally throughout this century; feel free to call me Joseph or Joe. I've decided to use my former name -- my 20th century name, if you will -- when writing about true crime and other non-political topics. Why? Reasons. If Google can be mysterious and capricious, so can I. Email: cannonfire [at] vivaldi [dot] net Rules for comments: Do not insult the host. Try to stay on-topic. Cassandra's Legacy is not being updated anymore. It has been replaced by a new blog titleda little less catastrophistic and a little more philosophical. But still kept by Ugo Bardi. A message I received from Facebook on Jan 29, 2021. Five of my posts were deemed "spam" and erased. Some were somewhat "pol... The devil scene from Walt Disney's 1940 "Fantasia" movie. A fitting representation of the nightmare that 2020 has been. T... Cassandra has moved. Ugo Bardi publishes now on a new site called " The Seneca Effect. " "It would be some conso... Cassandra has moved to a new site titled " The Seneca Effect " After the fall of Troy, Cassandra was taken as Agamemnon's &q... Rules of the blog I try to publish at least a post every week, typically on Mondays, but additional posts often appear on different days. Comments are moderated: no insults, no hate, no trolls. You may reproduce my posts as you like, citing the source is appreciated! She was a Portuguese nun who was martyred in defense of her chastity. Her body was thrown into the river and then miraculously recovered. So many miracles were worked at her tomb that she was canonized as a Catholic saint. https://t.co/RtdY1QvB5Z His devotion to the Passion of Our Lord was so great that he walked all the way to Jerusalem to see where Jesus died, hoping to be martyred there by the Turks. https://t.co/UGgvkMFSjA In the year 383, Saint Ursula and her 11,010 companions were all slaughtered for their purity and their Faith. https://t.co/gGNtLno3kc Trending on Catholicismorg: "Doctrinal Warfare, the CIA, and the Colonizing of the Catholic Mind" https://t.co/keToGpoNr7 via @SBC_Catholic Haaretz: Since the beginning of this year, especially in early February, Israels Civil Administration has significantly increased the pace of Palestinian home demolitions in the West Banks Area C under full Israeli control (about 60 percent of the West Bank). It has demolished 293 homes in just six weeks, compared with 447 for all of 2015. The average has surged to 49 from nine per week. The demolitions have left more than 480 Palestinians, including 220 children, homeless. More on this here. Like this: Like Loading... The 65th anniversary of the Billy Graham Crusade at the Warner Park Fieldhouse is coming up. The crusade, which helped vault the evangelist to a much wider audience, was March 15-April 14, 1953. Dr. Graham died Tuesday at the age of 99. It was written of the event by the Association of Religious Data Base, "In the 1950s, the majority of southern white evangelicals worried that civil rights activism was a communist fifth column designed to win the Cold War by destroying racial harmony in the segregated South. Many white evangelists, like Billy Graham, accommodated that paranoia by holding segregated revival meetings in the South. However, Graham's racial views started to shift as he spent time overseas. He realized that segregation horrified global Christians, gave the Soviet's a gift-wrapped opportunity for propaganda, and was not supported in the Bible. Graham's first integrated crusade was in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1953. After the ropes cordoning off the black section of the auditorium were removed, Graham told the ushers who threatened to put them back up, 'Either these ropes stay down or you can go on and have the revival without me.' From then on, Graham permanently adopted the policy of holding only integrated revivals." Longtime broadcaster Earl Freudenberg interviewed News-Free Press Editor Lee Anderson about the crusade. He noted that Everett Allen, a newspaper executive, helped raise funds to build the fieldhouse for the event. Mr. Anderson recalled going to the crusade every night and of Billy Graham popping in the newspaper office one day to chat with him and Mr. Roy McDonald, publisher. He told of the extensive front-page coverage given of the crusade by the News-Free Press by writer George Burham, who went on to write about many Graham crusades around the world. Click here to listen to an interview with Earl Freudenberg and Lee Anderson about Mr. Graham's visit. Click here for a video posted by David Carroll, from when Dr. Graham spoke at the Baylor School in 1991. At 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, the city of Cleveland will drape the Billy Graham Avenue street signs beginning at Parker Street. The world renowned pastor began his higher education journey when Bob Jones College was located in Cleveland. On Nov. 7, 2017, Mayor Tom Rowland held a street sign dedication ceremony in honor of Grahams 99th birthday. Reverend Billy Graham died at the age of 99. Mayor Rowland will be speaking and reflecting on the legacy of Reverend Graham at noon on Wednesday to the Cleveland Civitan at the Elks Lodge. Two Tennessee legislators have just proposed the most preposterous bill I can ever recall. Rep. Sherry Jones, D-Nashville, and Rep. Sara Kyle, D-Memphis, want to make it real hard for men to get erectile dysfunction medications. These two trouble-makers have absolutely no chance of what is being called the Viagra bill to ever pass and they know it. But its in the back story where I must admit I appreciate their strategy. We know that some 30 percent of men between 45 and 70 have a need for ED drugs, just as millions of women take birth-control pills. To get either should be a private discussion between a patient and a qualified physician. To protect one from ones self is a horrible overreach by state government and law makers should have no say whatsoever in what could cause a broken relationship or, worse, a broken heart. Jones and Kyle have proposed an outlandish list of requirements for men who desire ED drugs: * -- A 48-hour waiting period before said prescription may be filed, * -- A notarized affidavit for at least one sexual partner of said patient who will swear erectile dysfunction has occurred in the last 90 days, * -- A cardiac stress test to affirm said patient is healthy enough for sexual activity, * -- A written letter from the prescribing doctor to said patient of all potential risks and side effects, * -- A written letter from the prescribing doctor, under penalty of perjury, that includes the rationale of issuing such a prescription. Are you kidding me! Its a wonder anyone this stupid could ever get elected. Yes, they are Democrats in a heavily-outnumbered legislature but it wasnt until I read of a similar bill in Kentucky did I get the true flavor of such an idiotic gesture. And while I thought there would be just as many furious women as men over the Viagra bill, I can now see why every woman in Tennessee may deeply appreciate such an effort. Mary Lou Marzian, D-Louisville, wrote an even stronger bill, which would demand any male in the Bluegrass state must have two office visits with a doctor and limit such prescriptions to married men who swear on a Bible that they will use the drug only for sex with their spouse. Now youve got to know thats funny. But Mary Lou, a retired nurse, was then quite honest: I just thought my 80 male colleagues in the House might like to consider what it feels like when legislators get between them and their physicians, Marzian told John Cheves of the Lexington Herald-Leader. Im just sick of them, she told another male reporter, Joe Sonka. Its just to make a point. Should we have a bunch of politicians untrained in health care telling women what to do? So I thought Id just tell them what to do. You can hardly blame her. Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin recently signed a bill requiring a woman seeking an abortion to have a face-to-face consultation with a doctor, and now the state senate is ramping up an effort that would require a trans-vaginal ultrasound before an abortion. Much of the bills sentiment, and some of its precise language, mirrors the anti-abortion bills. Thats not a coincidence, said Marzian, with the Lexington newspaper noting that almost half of House members are male and over the age of 60. Mary Lou, in another clever idea, said she might attach her ED bills as an amendment to Kentuckys anti-abortion laws. We need to demonstrate it is ridiculous for elected government officials to be meddling in private health care decisions. They (male legislators) are so obsessed with uteruses and ovaries and womens health, but not concerned about the nine percent cut to mental health services (which is being proposed by Governor Bevin.) The Tennessee bill, which would remove ED drugs from the state employee insurance plan (take that!), was devised after Rep. Jones voiced concern men are not thinking about heart issues and side effects when they seek ED drugs. It is obvious to me that is not what men are thinking about, she said. Jones also had another insight. If you pursue celibacy as a lifestyle, you certainly do not need these drugs Basically, you have got one side saying, Women, this is all your fault. Dont go out. Dont get pregnant. Dont do anything. Then there is Men, here is something to help you go out and perform. Seems to me the ladies have a good point to go with a very bad bill. And I still cant get over a female friend who is my age who confides, Dont worry I always carry some purple pills in my purse! Just you wait until Reps. Jones and Kyle pick up on that tip! royexum@aol.com The Joint House and Senate Black Caucus on Monday unveiled its 2016 package for criminal justice reform in Tennessee. "We have too many Tennesseans wasting away in jail for non-violent, minor crimes that involve either drugs or simply an inability to pay fines," Senate Minority Leader Lee Harris said. "By and large, these crimes disproportionately affect black Tennesseans. It is an injustice when lives are irreversibly ruined by crimes of substance abuse and crimes of poverty." Black Caucus members have identified three main areas of reform: sentencing and rehabilitation, discrimination by law enforcement, and re-entry. "This legislative package from the black caucus is about changing our criminal justice system to rebuild lives torn apart by crime, drugs and systemic injustice," state Rep. Brenda Gilmore said. "These proposals were put together after hearing directly from black Tennesseans, as well as law enforcement and attorneys, and several are part of the recommendations from the Vera Institute report on sentencing." Among the proposals in the black caucus' package are legislation to add certain property thefts to the list of offenses that can be expunged, to ensure criminal penalties for drug offenses near schools are only used in cases where the drug offense affected minors, and to remove the fees charged for the expungement of records. "The criminal justice system exists to serve as a deterrent against criminals who endanger our lives, safety and property. It is not a substitute for mental health care, substance abuse counseling or bill collection," Rep. JoAnne Favors said. "Governor Haslam has put together a well-intentioned legislative package for criminal justice reform, but it's just a start," Rep. Gilmore said. "We need a comprehensive program." "To really improve the lives of black Tennesseans and help them get their lives back on track, we need to remove or reduce the unnecessary penalties and fines that devastate entire families," Rep. Raumesh Akbari said. "We need to make it possible for people in poverty to rebuild their lives after an encounter with the criminal justice system." "We have not only worked hard to put together a comprehensive package," Rep. Harold Love said. "We have been intentional about working with allies across the aisle. We have also written to the governor's office regarding our slate of recommendations. Or effort is bi-cameral, bipartisan, and involves all three branches of government." Complete list of Tennessee Black Caucus criminal justice reforms: https://www.scribd.com/doc/299813436/Tennessee-Black-Caucus-Criminal-Justice-Reform-Legislation Letter to Governor Bill Haslam urging his support for Black Caucus efforts on reform: https://www.scribd.com/doc/299814007/Tennessee-Black-Caucus-Letter-to-Gov-Bill-Haslam-on-Criminal-Justice-Reform Rep. William Lamberth, R-Cottontown, Monday highlighted the 2015 results achieved by Tennessees real-time, stop-sale pseudoephedrine blocking system, the National Precursor Log Exchange. Tennessee is one of 32 states that has adopted NPLEx as a way to ensure access to these medicines by the law-abiding public, but prevent diversion of these medicines into methamphetamine by criminals. In addition to enforcing monthly and yearly purchase limits, NPLEx also automatically blocks the sale of medicines that contain PSE to all drug felons and anyone previously convicted of a meth offense. Law enforcement and prosecutors use the system to detect suspicious purchase patterns as they seek to identify, prosecute and convict suspected meth makers. The results of NPLEx in Tennessee have been very noteworthy, said officials. In 2015, NPLEx blocked the sale of more than 2.2 million grams of PSE, totaling more than 87,000 boxes. Compared to 2014, more than 480,000 fewer grams of PSE were sold in 2015, a 17 percent reduction. There were 408 fewer meth labs seized by law enforcement in 2015, a 41 percent decrease from 2014. NPLEx and the ban on PSE to known drug criminals played a very important role in meth crime prevention in Tennessee in 2015, Rep. Lamberth said. My fellow lawmakers should be commended for passing such strong anti-meth laws, and law enforcement should be lauded for ensuring that meth makers are taken off the street and put in jail. While we still have progress to make, the steps taken by our state indicate that we are making significant progress in the fight against meth. The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department supports theTennessee Department of Health's newest tobacco prevention initiative called Its Quittin Time in Tennessee. Feb. 22-26 is a week long drive to empower current smokers with the resources they need to quit. Tennessee Quit Week, explains Paula Collier, Hamilton County Tobacco Prevention Coordinator, is part of a statewide effort to raise awareness of the Tobacco Quit Line and other free resources available to help tobacco users quit. These proven, effective services can double a tobacco users chances of quitting. About 30 Tennesseans die each day from illness directly related to tobacco use. Each Hamilton County household pays about $1,092 in state and federal tax burden to pay for tobacco-related health expenses. This translates to $148 million local dollars lost to smokingrelated illnesses. We support anyone who lives in, works in, or visits Hamilton County that wants to stop using tobacco as part of our efforts to make this a healthier community, said Mayor Jim Coppinger. Were also encouraging our local health care providers to talk with patients about tobacco use and share resources for quitting with those who use tobacco. Why Team Up to Quit? Patients who partner with their health care provider are more likely to succeed at quitting. Patients who receive cessation support are more satisfied with their overall health care experience. Quitting can add up to 10 years to the patients life expectancy. All Hamilton County Health Department clinics will be participating, as well as Memorial Hospital, Southside/Dodson Avenue Community Health Centers, the American Cancer Society, and the American Lung Association. Head Start and The Villages at Alton Park will be holding free carbon monoxide testing. Free cessation classes and other local resources can be found anytime at www.tobaccofreechattanooga. org/ . The Quit Line works by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or registering at www.tnquitline.org. Callers are connected to specially trained counselors who help them develop a personalized quit plan that fits their schedule. For those eligible, 2 weeks of free nicotine replacement patches are available through the Quit Line. A Bradley County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, or using TennCare to go to multiple providers in a short time period to obtain prescriptions for a controlled substance. The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Bradley County Sheriffs Office Fugitive Section, announced the arrest of Cathy Jean Jackson, 41, of Cleveland. She is charged with two counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by doctor shopping. An indictment accuses her of doctor shopping for prescriptions for the strong painkillers Hydrocodone, Oxycodone and Roxicodone, obtaining multiple prescriptions of the drugs, and using TennCare benefits as payment. Doctor shopping for drugs was a way of life for some people until the state implemented a law to prosecute this crime when TennCare is involved, Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. Medical professionals across the state have been helping us crack down on people committing this crime. TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Stephen D. Crump is prosecuting. The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, more than 2,538 people have been charged with TennCare fraud. Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions. Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or go to www.tn.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read Report TennCare Fraud. Former Congressman Zach Wamp, the Tennessee chairman for Marco Rubio for president, in a speech Monday termed GOP front-runner Donald Trump "the wild card. You might say he's the wild man." Mr. Wamp told the Pachyderm Club, "I don't trust Donald Tump. He's been all over the place all of his life. If he gets in, I have no idea what's he going to do, and I worry about the world." He added, "I've been in this business a long, long time and I believe our public servants should not be entertainers. This is not the Kardashians. They should be people who have done something great for humanity." Mr. Wamp said, if Mr. Trump becomes the Republican nominee, "Hillary Clinton will win the White House. And it will be a generation before the Republicans will be able to elect another president." He told the group that Ted Cruz "ran the dirtiest campaign in history in South Carolina," including using deceptive Photo Shopping and voice overs. Mr. Wamp said Senator Cruz "is a really, really smart person who has run an excellent campaign," but he said he cannot win the Republican nomination. He said that is between Trump and Rubio. The speaker said he is very fond of both John Kasich and Ben Carson, but he said both should get out of the race, saying at this point "they cannot win and they are only helping Trump." At this point in the race, he said it is still "a jump ball." He gave Mr. Trump "a 50/50 chance of winning." Mr. Wamp said Senator Rubio can bring various elements of the nation together, and he said he is well-versed in military affairs after serving on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee with Senator Bob Corker. He said he has "a great first family. He is a self-made man with a great documentable story of rising from poor circumstances." Mr. Wamp said the one slip up by Senator Rubio is when he came out briefly for amnesty for illegals, but he said he reversed course. He said he "was knocked down for five minutes by Chris Christie" in one of the debates, but showed he could rise back up. Mr. Wamp said, "The last seven years have been terrible, and they are going to be worse under Clinton or Sanders." He said columnist Peggy Noonan a few months ago may have pointed to why the elections are going the way they are by saying, "When people get really angry, they use bad judgment." Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke and Tennessee Clean Water Network Executive Director Renee Hoyos cut a ribbon on Monday to dedicate the new TCWN water bottle Refill Station in Coolidge Park near the Carousel Building. This is one of nine water bottle refill stations that TCWN has installed in the Chattanooga area, said Ms. Hoyos. These fountains are part of the TCWNs Bringing Tap Back Project that is installing water bottle refill stations in cities across Tennessee. The Bringing Tap Back Project is an effort to encourage citizens to drink more tap water and less sugary beverages in an attempt to reduce the high rates of obesity and diabetes in the Volunteer state. It also encourages people to use refillable bottles to reduce the number of plastic water bottles in our waste streams, Ms. Hoyos said. It is great to partner with Chattanooga in installing these stations in parks and in community centers across the city. Chattanooga is well known for its commitment to wellness and outdoor activities, so it was a natural fit for our Bringing Tap Back Project. I appreciate Mayor Berke being here today to dedicate this and all the other stations in the Chattanooga area, Ms. Hoyos said. The TCWN water bottle refill stations in the Chattanooga area include: 1. Carver Youth and Family Center 2. Avondale Youth and Family Center 3. Eastdale Youth and Family Center 4. Coolidge Park 5. Warner Park 6. East Lake Youth and Family Center 7. South Chattanooga Youth and Family Center 8. Ross's Landing - Chattanooga Pier 9. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Ms. Hoyos said that the Bringing Tap Back Project is being funded by a grant from the Project Diabetes Initiative of the Tennessee Department of Health. Tennessees adult obesity rate is the second highest among all the states and the diabetes rank is 14th among the states. Bringing Tap Back is one way to help change those rankings and help stop the health problems caused by these chronic diseases. TCWN has installed water bottle refill stations in Johnson City, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Jackson and Memphis with more cities to come in the program. The goal is to provide drinking water for people who are active outdoors and at recreational centers." Kimberly Pettigrew, TCWNs Community Health Programs director, said that the Footprint Foundation contributed funding to double the number of water bottle refill stations installed in the Chattanooga area. TCWN thanks the Footprint Foundation for their help in expanding the water bottle refill station program in Chattanooga. The Footprint Foundation also covered the cost of the artist wraps that cover each of the stations. In addition to improving public health, the water bottle refill stations are pieces of public art that improve the visual landscape where they are installed, Ms. Pettigrew added. Ms. Pettigrew said the Chattanooga Public Arts Committee coordinated the design work for the water bottle refill stations. Chattanooga-area artists Eric Finley, Ali Kay and April Cox designed the art wraps. TCWN is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation that empowers Tennesseans to exercise their right to clean water and healthy communities by fostering civic engagement, building partnerships and, when necessary, enforcing water policy for a sustainable future. The organization's goals are to advocate for strong policies and programs that result in more effective protection of Tennessee waters, to ensure meaningful and engaged public participation in the protection of the states waters, and to address community concerns about water quality and how it impacts health and quality of life. Megabus Burst Into Flames In Lake Forest En Route From Chicago To Minneapolis By Mae Rice in News on Feb 21, 2016 11:08PM One of Megabus' coach busesthis one fortunately not on fire (photo via Facebook) Lake Forest, IL isnt just the backdrop for Ferris Buellers Day Off (and this springs Ferris Fest). On Sunday afternoon, a Megabus on its way to Minneapolis from Chicago self-immolated in Lake Forestluckily, only after all the roughly 40 passengers and the driver had gotten off the bus. The bus caught fire on the southbound side of Route 41, between Route 176 and the Lake Forest Hospital, according to reports from NBC and the Sun-Times. No injuries were reported, and passengers were eventually boarded onto another bus to Minneapolis, the Lake Forest Fire Department told reporters. However, most luggage was burnt to a crisp, according to New York Times travel columnist Lucas Peterson, who happened to be aboard the bus in question. we're trying to see if everyone got off the bus ok... Most luggage got incinerated The Frugal Traveler (@frugaltraveler) February 21, 2016 Darnell McKinney says he was moving STL to MIL and lost most of his possessions, SS & credit cards, birth certif. pic.twitter.com/voWcn1UYVQ The Frugal Traveler (@frugaltraveler) February 21, 2016 Based on Petersons report, the bus was a dud from the start. He first tweeted: An hour into trip, turning around to "switch buses." Currently learning that on @megabus, you get what you pay for. pic.twitter.com/6JagtWZEow The Frugal Traveler (@frugaltraveler) February 21, 2016 Then things started to escalate: Update: the bus is on fire. pic.twitter.com/alvXtoHbwL The Frugal Traveler (@frugaltraveler) February 21, 2016 Update: the bus exploded. pic.twitter.com/Sd0rBYN714 The Frugal Traveler (@frugaltraveler) February 21, 2016 Petersons recap: Summary: we left Chicago, immediately there seemed to be something wrong bc we stopped on shoulder of highway couple times, driver got out. The Frugal Traveler (@frugaltraveler) February 21, 2016 Then driver said we have to turn around and go back to Chicago to switch buses. About five min later tire blows and we pull over on hwy 41 The Frugal Traveler (@frugaltraveler) February 21, 2016 Driver says it's just a flat tire, that there's no need to panic, and goes outside. Minutes later smoke starts pouring out of the bus. The Frugal Traveler (@frugaltraveler) February 21, 2016 Its especially troubling that the driver didnt lead the effort to get passengers off the busand that Megabuss liability policy offers less than than $300 for lost or damaged goods per passenger,though many passengers lost much more. As Peterson called out in a tweet, Megabus' "Terms & Conditions" specify: Our maximum liability to you for any loss or damage to your luggage is US$250 per passenger for any such loss or damage to luggage, and megabus.com will only be responsible to reimburse passengers up to the maximum liability limit in the event of negligence on the part of megabus.com. Weve reached out to Megabus for comment, and will update this post if we hear back. In closing, heres the burned-out carcass of the bus. South Loop Club The Shrine Closed Permanently After 2 Shot Outside Saturday By Mae Rice in News on Feb 22, 2016 3:55PM The Shrine's hallway (photo via Facebook) Two people were shotand one critically injured, after being shot in the headoutside a South Loop music venue, which has since permanently closed. The shooting at The Shrine took place early Saturday morning, police told reporters. First, several people got into an altercation inside the venue, located at 21st Street and Wabash Avenue, around 2 a.m. Security escorted the group outside, but one ejected man allegedly returned with a gun and opened fire from a car, police told reporters. The shooter shot one woman, age 29, in the head. She remains in critical condition. Another man, a 36-year-old security guard at the club, was shot in the leg, according to the Tribune. The shooting came after security had already apprehended another man from the group of roughly 10 escorted out of the club, according to the Tribune. This man also had a handgun, which he pulled on security in the club parking lot, but they managed to take him into custody when he dropped his gun under a parked car. He and the shooter both fled the scene after the shooting, and police are still searching for them. The Shrine was already slated to close on Sunday and be redeveloped into a hotel and apartment tower, Ald. Pat Dowell told ABC7. However, she added that due to the shooting, the venue was closed "immediately and indefinitely. The venue announced the news, too, via a Facebook cover photo, which reads: Due to a tragic shooting, The Shrine will be closing its doors permanently. At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. The Shrine is fully cooperating with the Chicago Police Department to ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice. The venue promised to refund tickets to events planned for this week, which included a Busta Rhymes concert and a Mya concert, in a separate Facebook post This closing seems to be part of a larger trend of officials shutting down clubs that are sites of violence. At least four such clubs had already been closed this winter, including three unlicensed ones and licensed Bucktown club Koncrete. These clubs were closed under the auspices of the Summary Closure ordinance, which allows the Police Superintendent to close businesses deemed public safety threats. It's unclear if this ordinance also underpinned The Shrine's closure. 8 Hurt In Van Crash Near Chicago Skyway Monday Morning By Rachel Cromidas in News on Feb 22, 2016 3:13PM Image via Flickr Eight people were hurt in a van crash at the Stony Island Avenue ramp to the Chicago Skyway early Monday morning, authorities say. The van, which contained children crashed in Avalon Park on the South Side at about 5:15 a.m., according to the Tribune. The injured passengers were taken to three area hospitals, Comer Children's Hospital, the University of Chicago Medical Center and South Shore Hospital, and all but two were in good-to-fair condition. One person sent to Comer Children's Hospital and one person taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center were in fair-to-serious condition, Fire Department officials told the Tribune. The 9 Best Beer Bars In Chicago By Anthony Todd in Food on Feb 22, 2016 6:42PM Chicago is a beer-lovers town. There are new craft breweries opening up every day, and brewpubs a-plenty to please the discerning drinker. But sometimes, you don't want to be limited to just one breweryor to local beers. These beer bars aren't tied to a brewery, a brand or a particular style. They take the best beer they can find from all over the country (and the world) and curate lists that are guaranteed to have something for every type of beer lover. Here are our picks for Chicago's 9 best beer bars. Mussels at Hopleaf. Photo via Facebook. Hopleaf This Andersonville beer bar was one of the first really great craft beer spots in Chicago when it opened in 1992. Since then, they've grown (thank goodness, because it was difficult to get in), but fundamentally, nothing has changed. It's still the place to go for Belgian-style beersthere is an entire menu of themand their deservedly famous moules frites. Skip whatever fusion style is on the menu and go with traditional Belgian, steamed in beer and served with crisp fries to soak up the juice. Fountainhead Even with the departure of Chef Cleetus Friedman, Fountainhead is guaranteed to retain its place on the list of Chicago's best beer bars. They've got an incredible binder-sized list of beers, with a focus on hard-to-find small batch runs from craft breweries. We hope that new chef Sean Sanders will keep up Friedman's tradition of one-off collaboration beers, since they've helped make Fountainhead even more of a destination. In the summer, the rooftop has it's own beer list, with a can-heavy list filled with some lighter, sour selections. Plus, Fountainhead Market next door has a great (if small) selection of beers to go. via Map Room Map Room Map Room is a beer lovers beer bar. It's not fancy, there aren't any Edison bulbs or faux-antique prints on the wall, the decor is mostly tap handles and the bar stools are basic leather. But once you get into that tin-ceilinged space and open the menu, you'll know you're in the right place. With more than 200 kinds of beer, this Bucktown staple is the place to be. Plus, they've got a morning menu with pastries, coffee and breakfast sandwiches. It's a thoughtful bar that both causes your hangover and helps you recover. Local Option Local Option is one of those happy surprisesa neighborhood joint that just happens to be one of the best beer bars in the city. They've got an incredible list (with a focus on local beers, especially Pipeworks and Three Floyds, which can sometimes be hard to find) and a robust program of commissioned brews. At any given moment, you'll find at least three beers at Local Option that aren't available anywhere else in the entire world. How's that for unique? The interior of Bangers & Lace. Photo via Facebook. Bangers & Lace Bangers & Lace is the best (in our humble opinion) of the English-style pubs with ampersands that popped up all over town a few years ago. They've got the most authentic atmosphere, complete with gorgeous decor and a ton of dark wood, a wonderful menu (the sausages are delicious) and more than 30 beers on draft. Like Hopleaf, they do a particularly good job of mixing European favorites with local craft brews to curate a comprehensive menu. Maria's You can't call yourself a beer lover and live in Chicago if you haven't been down to Maria's. This classic old dive bar-turned-destination has delighted visitors for years, and has possibly the longest beer list in the entire city. Combine that with the proximity to Pleasant House Bakery and the excuse to stop at The Duck Inn first, and even if you're not a south sider, Maria's is worth the drive. When their long-awaited polish-Korean fusion restaurant opens later this spring, it'll get even better. Just a few of the coolers at Beermiscuous. Photo via Facebook. Beermiscuous Beermiscuous almost didn't make the list, because it's sort of half store, half cafe. But we're charmed by their minimalist space, and the grab-and-go-and-drink aspect of the place. Any beer geek who walks into their huge cooler section and doesn't swoon just a little bit isn't doing it right. Plus, they've got a good rotating tap list, so it's not fair to dismiss them as just a store. Grab a bottle of one of their more than 300 beers, bring whatever food you want and sip a while. Smallbar We may have lost SmallBar on Division Street (which was one of our favorite beer bars) but the original in Logan Square is still going strong. For more than a decade, they've been serving a huge list of craft beers in a friendly atmosphere - though we wish they'd up their food game just a tiny bit. Griping aside, there's no doubt that it makes anyone's list of the best. via Howells And Hood Howells & Hood We're not huge fans of the atmosphere at Howells & Hood (it's a bit too River North) but the selection just can't be beat. With over 110 draft lines, Howells & Hood claims to have the biggest selection in Chicago, and we believe it. Plus, during the summer their patio next to Tribune Tower is an absolutely prime spot for after work quaffing. You Can Still Register To Vote In The Presidential PrimariesHere's How By Mae Rice in News on Feb 22, 2016 8:25PM Newmarket, NH - February 08 (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) If you missed the deadline for voting in the presidential primaries via mail or email, which was Tuesday, dont despair! You can still cast your primary vote, and participate in the hallowed democracy that genuinely might (but probably wont? But might, oh god) elect Donald Trump. You just need to present two forms of ID, one of which shows your current address. Chicagoans can vote in person through Sunday at the Chicago Election Board, located at 69 W. Washington St. Then, from Feb. 29 through March 14, voters can register and vote at their choice of 51 early voting locations, including the Chicago Election Board. All the early voting locations and their hours are listed here. All voting before election day must not be done in accordance with Grace Period regulations, which require voters to register and vote in the same visit. Voters can also vote on election day, tooMarch 15by registering and voting at their assigned polling place, which they can find by plugging in their address here. Here are the exact hours for the two early voting sites with weekend and evening availability, according to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. The Chicago Election Board (69 W. Washington St.) Feb. 17-Feb. 28: Mon-Sat, 9 am-5 pm; Sundays 10 am-4 pm Mon., Feb. 29 thru Sat., March 5: Mon-Sat, 9 am-5 pm Sun., March 6: 10 am-4 pm Mon., March 7: 9 am-5 pm Tue., March 8 thru Fri., March 11: 9 am-7 pm Sat., March 12: 9 am-5 pm Sun., March 13: 10 am-4 pm Mon., March 14: 9 am-5 pm The Goldblatts Building (1615 W. Chicago) Mon., Feb. 29 thru Sat., March 5: Mon-Sat, 9 am-5 pm Sun., March 6: 10 am-4 pm Mon., March 7: 9 am-5 pm Tue., March 8 thru Fri., March 11: 9 am-7 pm Sat., March 12: 9 am-5 pm Sun., March 13: 10 am-4 pm Mon., March 14: 9 am-5 pm Correction, Feb. 23: A previous version of this post said that voters could vote in the primaries on election day "by registering and voting at the polling place closest to their homes." This was incorrect. Voters should vote at the polling place assigned to their home address, which they can find here. The sequel to international hit "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" has had mixed reviews from Chinese audiences despite raking in over 100 million yuan (15.3 million U.S. dollars) in its first two days of release. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2: Sword of Destiny" is a follow-up to the 2000 original, credited with repopularizing martial arts movies in the West. The new film was directed by Yuen Woo-ping, who choreographed the first movie, and written by American screenwriter John Fusco. A Chinese-American co-production, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2" was made by a crew of over 700 people from 22 countries, including teams from "The Lord of the Rings." Some Chinese hailed the beautiful and thrilling martial arts sequences, but others criticized the film for being "Westernized." "The dialogue seemed to adopt a 'Western accent' in order to cater to foreign audiences. Except for the Chinese actors and great martial arts choreography, it's just like the translated version of a foreign film," wrote user "Miyue....zhu" on Sina Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter. Others complained about the plot. "The story is dull. It's nothing comparable to the first 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,'" said "rockXCH." Still, many audience members appreciated the film as an integration of Chinese and Western cultures. "It's a good way to promote our culture so foreigners can understand it better," said Weibo user "nini-babe." You are here: Home Tropical cyclone Winston. [Photo/NASA] At least 20 people have lost their lives due to severe tropical cyclone Winston, authorities announced Monday. Akapusi Tuifagalele, director of the National Disaster Management Office, confirmed the latest nationwide death toll. Meanwhile, officials confirmed to the government- owned Fiji Broadcasting Corporation that seven fishermen from the Yasawas group of islands in Fiji's western division are missing at sea. The fishermen went out to sea on Friday and have not been heard from since. Fiji has declared a state of natural disaster for a period of 30 days. A curfew imposed during the cyclone was lifted Monday morning. China's Ministry of Commerce has declared that it is working on a plan to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Fiji. UNCCD chief urged countries to find long-term solutions to ease droughts and desertification. "Let us find long-term solutions, not just quick fixes, to disasters that are destroying communities," said Monique Barbut, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) on Monday. The droughts and floods beating down on communities in many parts of the world are linked to the current El Nino, which is expected to affect up 60 million people by July. In some areas, including in North Eastern Brazil, Somali, Ethiopia, Kenya and Namibia, the El Nino effects are coming on the back of years of severe and recurrent droughts. It is impossible for households that rely on the land for food and farm labor to recover, especially when the land is degraded. What's more, these conditions do not just devastate families and destabilize communities. When they are not attended to urgently, they can become a push factor for migration, and end with gross human rights abuses and long-term security threats. "We have seen this before in Darfur following four decades of droughts and desertification and, more recently, in Syria, following the long drought of 2007-2010. It is tragic to see a society breaking down when we can reduce the vulnerability of communities through simple and affordable acts such as restoring the degraded lands they live on, and helping countries to set up better systems for drought early warning and to prepare for and manage drought and floods," Barbut said. Ms Barbut made the remarks when announcing the plans for this year's World Day to Combat Desertification, which will take place on June 17, with the slogan of "Protect Earth. Restore Land. Engage People." "I hope that World Day to Combat Desertification this year marks a turning point for every country. We need to show, through practical action and cooperation, how every country is tacking or supporting these challenges at the front-end to preempt or minimize the potential impacts of the disasters, not just at the back-end after the disasters happen," she stated. The United Nations General Assembly designated June 17 as the observance day to raise public awareness about international efforts to combat desertification and the effects of drought. Ms Barbut thanked the Chinese government for offering to host the global observance event, which will take place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. "China has vast experience in nursing degraded lands and man-made deserts back to health. This knowledge can and should benefit initiatives such as Africa's Great Green Wall, the re-greening in southern Africa and the 20x20 Initiative in Latin America. We can create a better, more equal and climate change-resilient world," she noted. "I also call on countries, the private sector, foundations and people of goodwill to support Africa when the countries meet later in the year to develop concrete plans and policies to pre-empt, monitor and manage droughts," Ms Barbut stated. The 2016 World Day campaign is also advancing the Sustainable Development Goals adopted in September last year. The Goals include a target to achieve a land degradation-neutral world by 2030. That is, a world where the land restored back to health equals to, or is more than, the amount degraded every year. The second meeting of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) of Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States and China on the Afghan Peace and Reconciliation process was held in Kabul on January 18, 2016. The fourth meeting of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) comprising Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and the US is taking place in Kabul on February 23 to give the final touches to planned revival of talks between Taliban insurgents and Afghan government. It was announced at the end of the group's last meeting in Islamabad on February 6 that the QCG countries would continue "joint efforts" to set a date for direct peace talks "expected to take place by the end of February." The QCG was set up in December 2015 to facilitate the resumption of such talks. The role of the group is not only to prepare the ground for direct negotiations, but also ensure the parties adhere to any commitments they make . It will also be available to help remove any bottlenecks in the course of the talks by playing the role of a facilitator. So far, one of its main contributions has been improving the level of trust between Afghanistan and Pakistan that will go a long way towards creating peace in the region. It is believed that Islamabad enjoys some sort of influence over the rebels since the 1990s when they emerged out of the prevailing Afghan chaos as the Taliban. Pakistan was among the few countries acknowledging the Taliban government and having proper diplomatic relations with it. After its overthrow in 2001 by the US-led NATO forces, most of the Taliban leaders and fighters fled to Pakistan across the porous border. Some of them later reorganized to launch military attacks that still continue and are a major source of instability in Afghanistan. Pakistan played a major role in arranging the first open round of peace talks last July. A second round was agreed on, but were called off with the announcement of the death of the Taliban's reclusive chief Mullah Omar. It created tension within the Taliban over who would replace him, until Mullah Akhtar Mansour emerged as leader. There are some minor groups that oppose him, but none is powerful enough to pose a serious threat to his power and position. Apart from bringing Pakistan and Afghanistan closer, the QCG has done another major job in preparing a roadmap for the peace talks. The major emphasis at the initial stage will be on steps to build confidence hopefully leading to a ceasefire. The Taliban are also demanding that UN should lift sanctions on some of their top leaders and that their political office in Qatar should be given more recognized authority. Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation. Flash U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry [File Photo/Xinhua] Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday continued discussion over phone on modalities for the cessation of hostilities in Syria. "The foreign ministers, as co-chairs of the International Syrian Support Group (ISSG) meeting and in accordance with its Feb. 12 decisions, continued coordination of modalities and conditions for the cessation of hostilities in Syria except operations against organizations recognized as terrorist by the UN Security Council," said an online statement of Russian Foreign Ministry. "Coordination of the main part of the mentioned modalities is nearing completion," the statement said, adding that further work will be done through interaction between the two countries' foreign and defense ministries. Proposals and options on ceasefire were submitted for consideration by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama, it said. The ISSG meeting was held in Munich on Feb. 11-12, reaching consensus on a nationwide cessation of hostilities to be implemented soon in Syria, and on humanitarian aid delivery to besieged areas in the country. Although there are doubts over the real ceasefire, international diplomatic efforts were paid off these days to push forward the peace process in Syria. The phone conversation between Lavrov and Kerry was the second in a row, while the two on Saturday discussed current practical interaction between the two countries over Syrian issues. Flash Bahrain's interior minister on Sunday accused Iran of interfering in its internal affairs and warned against its attempts to meddle in other Arab countries. Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said during a meeting attended by legislators and ministers that the presence of Iranian forces in Bahrain and other Arab countries is just "to achieve Persian interests and greed." The minister said since 2011, Iran has tried to meddle in Bahrain's politics and economy to achieve its expansion purposes by smuggling weapons and explosives. He said there are terrorist groups in Bahrain that have received training in Iran, Iraq and Syria and are linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah. "The Iranian plot in Bahrain and the reckless plans to spread chaos and disturb general order have failed," he said. Flash Israel and the United States started a joint exercise on Sunday focusing on defense against the threat of ballistic missiles, the Israeli army said. The U.S. European Command and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) commenced the exercise known as Juniper Cobra 16 on Sunday in an eighth of a series of biennial exercises between the two countries since 2001, an IDF spokesperson said. Overall 1,700 military men and civil contractors are expected to take part in the exercise, which is set to end on Thursday. "This exercise is part of a planned training schedule that seeks to enhance interoperability between the militaries in the context of exercising defensive capabilities," according to an IDF statement. Commander of the Aerial Defense Division, Brigadier General Zvika Haimovich, said the drill is a "significant milestone" in Israeli-U.S. defense cooperation. Although military officials say the drill is not related to any current developments, the United States has recently implemented sanctions against Iran over its ballistic missile program, shortly after lifting sanctions over Tehran's nuclear program upon a deal reached in July 2015. Israel is currently at the process of finalizing a ten-year memorandum of understanding with the United States regarding defense assistance. As one of the largest U.S. aid recipient, Israel receives around three billion U.S. dollars annually in defense aid from Washington. Whereas both Israel and U.S. officials stress the strong security-related cooperation, diplomatic relations have been strained in recent years. Most of the tensions have surrounded the different approaches towards Iran's nuclear deal which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vocally objected, calling it a "historic mistake." The U.S. government has also recently deplored Israel for its policies towards the Palestinians in the occupied territories in the West Bank, and for a wave of right-wing legislation against left-wing organizations. Flash Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe turned 92 on Sunday with his chief of staff saying the veteran leader, who has ruled the country since 1980, was still in full control of government. Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Misheck Sibanda said Mugabe was still fit at his age to see through a week-long rigorous work routine and reputed rumors circulating in the country that the government was in "auto-pilot". "All those things (that he is no longer fit) are myths because he works, I can tell you. Sometimes he goes beyond 9 p.m or 10 p.m," Sibanda said in an exclusive interview with the state-run Sunday Mail newspaper. He said Mugabe had a routinely packed week-long work schedule during which he competently executes government and party business. There have been media reports suggesting that Mugabe was no longer fit and in charge of government and party business due to his advanced age. However, Sibanda said Zimbabweans must cherish the long life that the president had been blessed with by God. "It's a celebration which we should be proud of. He is 92; he has been kept by God for all this time for a purpose. Let's value that purpose and take advantage," he said. As Mugabe celebrates his birthday, his party has, however, been rocked by intense infighting by factions within his party vying to succeed him. The veteran president, who has vowed to rule until death, won a new five-year term in the 2013 elections under a new constitution which limits presidential terms to two five-year terms. His ruling Zanu-PF party has already endorsed him as the party presidential candidate for the 2018 elections. However, jostling for power by factions in his party has become a headache that he has to deal with. The fighting is between a faction reportedly fronted by long-time ally and strong-man Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa that goes by the moniker Lacoste and another one led by a generation of young leaders known as the G40. Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Jonathan Moyo leads the G40. In a sign Mugabe is getting annoyed by the infighting, he told the two factions last Friday to "shut up" and unite for the good of the party. "We don't want to hear any divisive voice from you. The G40 or what you call Lacoste or whatever, shut up. You belong to Zimbabwe first and foremost whatever you must say," Mugabe said. Mugabe last year fired his deputy of 10 years, Joice Mujuru, on allegations of trying to topple him. His wife Grace who has amassed enormous influence ever since being appointed head of a women's wing in Zanu-PF in 2014, recently launched a veiled attack on Mnangagwa, accusing of trying to topple Mugabe. In a rare interview with the Sunday Mail ahead of Mugabe's birthday, South African President Jacob Zuma hailed Mugabe's leadership. President Mugabe had provided Africa with "keen leadership" and the continent has much to learn from him, Zuma was quoted by the weekly newspaper. The South African leader also described Mugabe as an astute, clear thinker and walking encyclopaedia and historical archive for the region and Africa. As an annual tradition, a lavish birthday bash will be held in the central province of Masvingo on Feb. 27 to celebrate Mugabe's 92nd birthday. Organizers say around 50,000 people are supposed to show up at the venue, set at the ancient stone city ruins of Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rep. Ron Kind is facing a challenge from his own party for the first time in a decade. Myron Buchholz, a retired high school teacher from Eau Claire, announced Monday that he is running against the 10-term incumbent in the Aug. 9 Democratic primary for Wisconsins Third Congressional District. A self-described peace activist and advocate for living wages, Buchholz said his decision to run was based largely on Kinds support for giving the president fast-track authority to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade agreement opposed by organized labor groups. That is the issue that really pushed me into the campaign, Buchholz said. His support of the Trans-Pacific Partnership is an issue, and I think its going to be the major issue of the campaign. Buchholz, 58, said trade agreements such as NAFTA have not resulted in prosperity for the average American. Instead, wages have stagnated and more than 36 percent of Wisconsin schoolchildren now qualify for free and reduced-price meals. When our public school population cant pay full price for an already subsidized meal, something is seriously wrong, he said. Instead of more trade agreements, Buchholz said, he would favor moderate tariffs on imported goods. The American worker does not need a lot, he said. They just need a little bit of help. Kind has said trade agreements are key to accessing foreign markets and ensuring the United States has a say in making the rules. His campaign spokesman did not respond to messages left Monday morning. Buchholz, who said Sen. Bernie Sanders presidential campaign has energized the left wing of the Democratic party, also supports a $15 minimum wage and single-payer health care. Tim Dale, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, said Sanders success on the national level, combined with party disillusionment, may have inspired candidates who identify as Democrats to challenge incumbents from the left, much in the way the Tea Party movement While Kind votes with his party 92 percent of the time, according to OpenCongress.org, UW-L political scientist Joe Heim said he has voted with Republicans on enough issues to make liberal groups unhappy. In November, Kind was one of 47 House Democrats to vote for a bill making it harder for Syrian refugees to enter the country. No Republicans have yet registered to run for the 3rd Congressional District seat in the November general election. Third District GOP chairman Brian Westrate said hes unaware of anyone planning to run for the seat in 2016. It will be Kinds first primary challenge since 2006, when he fended off Chip DeNure, a retired probation agent from La Crosse who advocated withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Kind received 82 percent of the votes in that race. Kinds campaign committee had more than $2 million in the bank as of the first of the year, according to Federal Election Commission records. Buchholz, who has yet to file a campaign finance report, said he will run a cheap and efficient grassroots campaign. To paraphrase former Sen. Lloyd Bentsens famous line, Bernie Sanders is no Barack Obama. While younger voters seem to have taken a shine to him, his presidential prospects remain less than bright. The initial Democratic presidential tests indicate the 74-year-old Vermont senator is matching the former Illinois senators 2008 achievement against Hillary Clinton by winning substantial majorities from younger Democratic voters. And if he extends the support he received from the predominantly white voters of Iowa and New Hampshire to the more diverse electorates in Nevada and South Carolina, he could upset Clintons hope of using those forthcoming contests as a springboard to restore her lost momentum. The reasons for the senators appeal are pretty evident when one talks to younger voters. They like his advocacy of free tuition at state universities and guaranteed medical care for all. Others cite his pledge to increase the minimum wage. But some are making an illogical leap of faith: one female student at Iowa State University told me she thought Sanders had a better chance of achieving equal rights for women than Clinton. Meanwhile, Sanders might have a greater chance of benefiting from enthusiasm among younger voters in Nevada, which holds its caucuses Saturday, than in South Carolina, where Democrats vote Feb. 27. Tad Devine, Sanders top political strategist, signaled that thinking when he told reporters the campaign senses growing support among younger Nevada Hispanics. In 2008, exit polls from Democratic primaries showed Hispanic voters were relatively younger than other groups. Still, they only represented about 15 percent of the Nevada electorate, about the same proportion as its African-American voters. In South Carolina, moreover, younger voters represented a smaller proportion of African-Americans and, while there are already signs Sanders will make inroads among them, Clinton is counting on solid majorities from middle-aged and older black voters. And as a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed, while Sanders does better among 18-to-29-year-old South Carolina African-Americans than among older ones, he still trails Clinton in that younger group. Indeed, along with the elected officials who are automatic super delegates, African-Americans remain the closest thing that Clinton has to a firewall that will help her withstand the momentum Sanders gained in New Hampshire. Its likely that more than half of South Carolina Democratic voters who turn out will be black, and African-Americans also will account for a large portion in some states voting on March 1. Unless Sanders wins enough of that vote and replicates his New Hampshire showing among whites, he will have difficulty winning the bulk of their delegates. An interesting footnote: the fact that Nevada and South Carolina are in position to help Clinton restore her tattered front-runner status is the result of a decision several elections back to make the early nominating process more representative. Democratic Party leaders decided the way to balance the impact of the non-typical, overwhelmingly white states of Iowa and New Hampshire was to schedule early tests in two states with more diverse populations. They added South Carolina, because of its large African-American population, and Nevada, because it has a substantial number of both Hispanics and labor union members. Taken as a group, party leaders felt, the four states would provide a more accurate picture of how Democratic Party voters felt as a whole than just Iowa and New Hampshire. This year, they will have the added impact of showing whether the strong Sanders showing, especially in New Hampshire, was unique or represents broader sentiment among Democrats. If Sanders can make the kind of inroads among the younger minority voters of Nevada and South Carolina that he did among the white voters of Iowa and New Hampshire, it will show that Clintons candidacy is in greater trouble than most analysts ever imagined was possible. WASHINGTON I had a twinge of nostalgia watching George W. Bush campaign for his little brother in South Carolina last week. He was earthy. He recalled a previous visit to a South Carolina breakfast spot, where an animal-rights demonstrator dressed as a pig interrupted Bushs meal by dumping a steaming pile of manure in the parking lot to block his exit. Bush was corny. He spoke about how, in his presidential afterlife, he has become a tree farmer gives me a chance to practice my stump speech. He was also self-deprecating. Ive written two books, which has surprised a lot of people, particularly up east who didnt think I could read, much less write, he said. But mostly, Ws cameo in the 2016 campaign served as a reminder that, not too long ago, conservative politics wasnt so beastly. Bush, wading into the manure pile that is the 2016 Republican primary fight, was pleasant, civil and decent. If serving as president of the United States makes me a part of the so-called establishment, I proudly carry that label, he said, responding to the outsider fury fueled by Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. There seems to be a lot of name-calling going on, but I want to remind you what our good dad told me one time. Labels are for soup cans. The presidency is a serious job that requires sound judgment and good ideas. Without mentioning Trumps name, Bush belittled the bombastic billionaire. These are tough times, and I understand that Americans are angry and frustrated, but we do not need someone in the Oval Office who mirrors and inflames our anger and frustration, Bush said. Then he made his best case for Jeb: Strength is not empty rhetoric. It is not bluster. It is not theatrics. Real strength, strength of purpose, comes from integrity and character. And in my experience, the strongest person usually isnt the loudest one in the room. This isnt to idealize Bush, who did his share to coarsen political discourse: impugning his opponents patriotism, exaggerating intelligence to lead the country to war, and building the false case that Iraq was behind the 9/11 attacks. But even Karl Roves underhandedness seems almost quaint compared with todays brutality. The party isnt necessarily more conservative; Trump is less a conservative than a purveyor of insults, nationalism and conspiracy theories. Trump and Cruz are making the Republican Party into a rage-filled movement, as the dueling demagogues chew up opponents and each other. Some excerpts from a recent debate: They lied! He lies. This guy lied. Thats a lot of lies. Why do you lie? You are the single biggest liar. Its a disgrace and an embarrassment. Give me a break. This country is dying. I dont know how he knows what I said on Univision because he doesnt speak Spanish. He is so weak on illegal immigration its laughable. You want to talk about weakness? Its weak to disparage women. Its weak to denigrate the disabled. He said he would take his pants off and moon everybody. He called him pathological and compared him to a child molester. Nasty guy. Trump took particular aim at the 43rd president, saying: They lied. They said there were weapons of mass destruction. There were none, and they knew there were none. At a news conference last week the same event where Trump repeatedly called Cruz unstable and said he would file a lawsuit to disqualify Cruz from the presidency because of his Canadian birth Trump flirted with the truther accusation that Bush had advance knowledge of the 9/11 attacks. They knew some bad things were going to happen, Trump alleged. They could have stopped it. Bush responded mildly to Trumps provocations, recalling the childs face he looked into when he first learned of the 9/11 attacks. The former president answered the Bible-bungling Trump with a passage on hypocrisy from Matthew about removing the speck from your brothers eye when there is a log in your own. We need someone who can take a positive message across the entire country, someone who can inspire and appeal to people from all walks of life, not just one party or one class of people, he said. Jeb will rise above the petty name-calling. Maybe, or maybe Ws appearance will serve only to remind voters of Jebs inferior political skills. Either way, the 43rd presidents re-emergence offered Republicans a chance to reflect on how Bushs party of conservatism so quickly became Trumps party of rage. With a septuagenarian and soon-to-be septuagenarian contending for the Democratic nomination and a 69-year-old man with admitted weight problems leading the GOP field, one can only wonder why the nations press corps hasnt zeroed in on the health of presidential candidates. Surely a candidates physical and mental fitness to survive the pressure cooker of the presidency in this era of global turmoil should be a pressing concern of American voters this fall. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the self-described democratic socialist from Vermont, will be 75 when voters go to the polls in November. He was born on Sept. 8, 1941 just months before Japans infamous attack on Pearl Harbor. Sanders had hernia repair surgery in November, but other than that, appears to have a clean medical slate. He may well be the second coming of Jack LaLanne, the godfather of physical fitness, but a complete certified medical report might be more reassuring to voters. His main opponent, Hillary Clinton, has a recent history of falling down on the job literally. She has fainted four times since 1998 twice while serving as a U.S. senator from New York and two more times in her later stint as secretary of state. The last episode, which reportedly occurred at the Clinton mansion just off Washingtons Embassy Row in December 2012, was the most serious causing a concussion and clotting on the brain. She returned to work the next month. The personal physicians of Clinton and Sanders released one-page letters in late January attesting to their patients good health, but Hillarys made no mention of her fainting spells. On the GOP side, Donald Trump appears reasonably healthy and is enjoying himself on the stump, but hes older than Clinton and has waged an off-and-on battle with his weight. Other top Republican candidates, while considerably younger than Sanders, Clinton and Trump, may have lurking medical ailments not apparent to the naked eye. Without a chance to peruse the complete and certified medical reports of GOP front-runners like Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, voters will go to the polls without a body of vital knowledge that would help them make a truly informed decision. Consider the case of Woodrow Wilson, who led the nation through World War I only to suffer an incapacitating stroke at, perhaps, the most crucial moment of his presidency. Wilson successfully persuaded the major European powers to back his vision for a League of Nations by including it in the Versailles Treaty. Returning home he was unable to convince conservative senators, who blocked ratification of the treaty. A fervent believer in a global body to mediate and solve disputes between nations, Wilson decided to bypass the Senate and against the advice of his personal physician take his case to the people with a cross-country train tour. Wilson began the tour 8,000 miles in 22 days on Sept. 3, 1919. The grueling schedule cost the president his health and ultimately his life. During the tour, Wilson began to suffer pervasive headaches and in late September collapsed from exhaustion in Pueblo, Colo. He was rushed back to the nations capital, but suffered a near-fatal stroke on Oct. 2 that left his left side paralyzed and impaired his vision. His wife Edith summoned his personal physician and the two decided to keep his condition from the American people. For the last 17 months of Wilsons presidency all communications went through his wife, who entered his sick room and came out with verbal instructions or written orders with an often illegible scrawl on the line awaiting his signature. Without Wilsons driving force, America rejected joining the League of Nations, an action which many historians believe set the stage for World War II. Wilsons illness shows why its so crucial that American voters have complete and unfiltered access to candidates medical records before they go the polls. International Christian Broadcaster Available to Discuss Fresh Efforts to Educate Syrian Refugee Children 'My School' TV Program Teaches Potential 'Lost Generation' Children in Refugee Camps NASHVILLE, Feb. 22, 2016 / Christian Newswire / -- Rita El Mounayer, chief channels and communications officer at the faith-based broadcast nonprofit, SAT-7, will be available at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention here this week to discuss the launch of My School, a television program providing daily access to instruction in core subjects for refugee children whose lives and learning have been violently disrupted. Photo: Rita El Mounayer, chief channels and communications officer at SAT-7, leverages satellite television programming to provide engaging and interactive lessons in key subjects to children in refugee camps. "Educators estimate that some children have missed as much as three years of schooling," said El Mounayer. "That lost generation, without the skills to succeed in the modern world, will be open to exploitation, child labor, early marriage and recruitment by militant groups. "These are children; they deserve better than that," added El Mounayer, who grew up during Lebanon's civil war, an experience that gave her a heart for those suffering from conflict, especially the region's children. In 2007, she launched SAT-7 KIDS, the first independent Arabic faith-based channel for children. Today, the educational problem among refugees is acute and widespread. UNICEF's 2015 report, Education Under Fire, found that: 13.4 million children in the region are not able to attend school because of armed conflict -- 40 percent of school-age children from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and Sudan. More than half of Syrian refugee children in the five main host countries of Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt are not in school. In some areas, that figure is even higher: in Lebanon, which has taken in the largest number of refugees, 78 percent of Syrian children are out of school. To address the need, Arabic language children's channel SAT-7 KIDS, launched an ambitious education initiative in 2015 to enable children who cannot attend a physical school to continue learning. SAT-7 is continuing the tradition of Christians pioneering in the field of education. My School provides engaging and interactive lessons in the key subjects of Arabic, English and math for 4-to-5-year-olds. A second phase, which went on air in October, is aimed at 5-to-7-year-olds, with science added to the curriculum. The lessons are taught by qualified Syrian teachers. My School is on for 90 minutes every weekday, and SAT-7 plans to expand it as more funding becomes available. SAT-7 satellite TV enables it to reach into refugee and displaced communities in a way that overwhelmed aid agencies often cannot. SAT-7 KIDS has been helping to meet children's educational, emotional and spiritual needs, presenting the hope and peace that only Christ can offer. "We have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the compassion of Christ, delivered through the most modern technology available, to these children," said El Mounayer. "We want them to know that Christ -- and Christians -- care about them." SAT-7 is a Christian television network based in Cyprus, broadcasting in the Arabic, Farsi and Turkish languages throughout the Middle East and North Africa. The ministry currently has five channels (SAT-7 ARABIC, SAT-7 PARS, SAT-7 KIDS, SAT-7 PLUS and SAT-7 TURK), each of which holds to a similar ethos - show viewers God's love, give local churches a satellite TV platform to educate and encourage their communities, combat misconceptions about the Christian faith in the region, work inter-denominationally, and foster bridges of understanding with the much larger non-Christian majority without compromising the truth of God's word. For more information, go to www.sat7usa.org For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser Credit: Django CrosbyIt's a prolific time for David Crosby, who recently revealed that he's working on not one but two follow-up albums to his 2014 studio effort, Croz. Last Monday, February 15, the folk-rock legend posted a message on his Twitter feed that read, "First of two solo records is done...second starts tomorrow." Earlier this month, Crosby told Rolling Stone that he was collaborating with Michael League of the New York City-based jazz fusion ensemble Snarky Puppy on his upcoming solo album. "Michael is producing, writing, playing and singing with me on the new solo record we are making," David reported. Crosby has been a big supporter of Snarky Puppy over the last few years, and he is featured on the group's just-released live album and DVD, Family Dinner, Vol. 2, which was recorded at Esplanade Studios in New Orleans. David performs a new original song called "Somebody Home" with the group, and you can check out a video of the performance at RollingStone.com and on YouTube. Snarky Puppy won a Grammy in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category this year for Sylva, a collaboration with the Dutch pop-jazz orchestra Metropole Orkest. Meanwhile, as previously reported Crosby will mount a North American solo acoustic tour next month that runs from a March 5 show in Costa Mesa, California, through a March 27 concert in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Here are all of the dates on the trek: 3/5 -- Costa Mesa, CA, Segerstrom Hall 3/7 -- Thousand Oaks, CA, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza 3/9 -- Berkeley, CA, Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse 3/10 -- Berkeley, CA, Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse 3/12 -- Portland, OR, Aladdin Theater 3/13 -- Yakima, WA, Capitol Theatre 3/15 -- Seattle, WA, Neptune Theatre 3/16 -- Victoria, BC, Canada, Royal Theatre 3/18 -- Spokane, WA, Bing Crosby Theater 3/20 -- Napa, CA, Uptown Theatre 3/22 -- Santa Barbara, CA, Granada Theatre 3/23 -- San Diego, CA, Balboa Theatre 3/25 -- Tucson, AZ, Fox Tucson Theatre 3/26 -- Scottsdale, AZ, Talking Stick Resort & Casino 3/27 -- Santa Fe, NM, The Lensic Performing Arts Center Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. FC Cincinnati Ends 2022 With Playoff Loss to Philadelphia Union in MLS Cup Even with a loss to the conference's top seed, FC Cincinnati has plenty to be proud of. By Allison Babka Oct 21, 2022 FC Cincinnati may have been eliminated from its MLS Cup playoff run, but it ends with the team's best season so far along with hope for the future. Cincinnati's pro soccer team came up short during the Eastern Conference semi-final round on Oct. 20, losing 1-0 on the road to the Philadelphia Union... LINCOLN A key Cargill official with expertise on the subject of agricultural sustainability has been added to the line-up of speakers for the Nebraska Governors Ag Conference, being held March 2-3 in Kearney. Nicole Johnson-Hoffman serves as vice president and managing director for Cargills North American McDonalds Business Unit. She is well-known nationally for her work on the U.S. and Global Roundtables for Sustainable Beef. Through her position with Cargill, Nicole has really helped shape the conversation about what the word sustainability means from the farm gate all the way through the food chain, Nebraska Agriculture Director Greg Ibach said. The definition of sustainability matters as our Nebraska food processing sector works to meet consumer demand, while allowing farmers and ranchers to be profitable. Ibach said Johnson-Hoffman received the national spotlight several years ago when she appeared, on Cargills behalf, on The Oprah Winfrey Show as it took an inside-look at meat processing. She was Cargills Fort Morgan, Colorado, plant manager at the time. Johnson-Hoffman replaces, on the conference agenda, JBSs Cameron Bruett who had a scheduling conflict. She joins a slate of Governors Ag Conference speakers who will be addressing a wide variety of subjects important to the agriculture community, Ibach said. The event will be held at the Kearney Holiday Inn and Convention Center and gets under way at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2. Farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness owners are encouraged to attend the event, Ibach said. Registration and additional information, including a detailed agenda with speakers, is available online at www.nda.nebraska.gov or by calling 800-831-0550. The conference is for anyone with an interest in agriculture, Ibach said. 1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war. 2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war. 3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength. 4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war. 5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites. 6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination. 7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N. 8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N. 9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress. 10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N. 11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.) 12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party. 13. Do away with all loyalty oaths. 14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office. 15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States. 16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights. 17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks. 18. Gain control of all student newspapers. 19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack. 20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions. 21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures. 22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms." 23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art." 24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press. 25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV. 26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy." 27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch." 28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state." 29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis. 30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man." 31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over. 32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc. 33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus. 34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities. 35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI. 36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions. 37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business. 38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand. 39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals. 40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce. 41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents. 42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems. 43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government. 44. Internationalize the Panama Canal. 45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike. DUBAI Saudi Arabia has suspended a $3 billion aid package to the Lebanese Army to buy French weapons, according to statement by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Saudi state news agency SPA on Friday quoted an official source as saying that the kingdom also cancelled the remainder of $1 billion in aid it had earmarked for Lebanon's internal security service. The move has been described as an assertion of the kingdom's position toward the Lebanese government's weak political position in the country. "This shows that there is a consideration from the kingdom that the Lebanese government has very little control over the country's affairs with Hezbollah and Iran having the majority control over affairs in Lebanon," said Riad Kahwaji, CEO of the Institute for Gulf and Near East Military Analysis, a Dubai-based think tank. "Hezbollah has been blocking the election of a new president in Lebanon, and furthermore this has been proved as per the Saudi official's statement due to Lebanon's lack of support to Saudi Arabia in the international political arena like the Arab League where Lebanon has refused to support the Arab unanimous position condemning the attack on the Saudi Embassy in Iran,"Kahwaji said. "This was very offensive from Lebanon towards Saudi, in addition to the negative statements coming out of Lebanon from Hezbollah towards Saudi Arabia". The Lebanese Army received the first batch of the French-supplied weapons on April 20, 2015. At the time, French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the French shipments would include dozens of armored vehicles and modern artillery warfare, such the Caesar 155mm truck-mounted artillery system, as well as many other types of weapons. According to a senior Lebanese military official, the first arms shipment included mainly anti-tank guided missiles. The shopping list included 250 combat and transport vehicles, seven Cougar attack helicopters, three small corvette warships, and a range of surveillance and communication equipment over four years as part of the $3 billion modernization program. The contract also promised seven years of training for the 70,000-strong Lebanese Army and 10 years of equipment maintenance. In addition to the $3 billion military aid, Saudi Arabia had also promised an additional $1 billion grant to purchase arms and equipment to the Lebanese Army and security forces to help them in the ongoing battle against terrorism. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia funded the Lebanese purchase of six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. On June 9, 2015, the U.S. State Department announced its approval of a foreign military sale at an estimated cost of $462 million. "This is a straight-forward military sale," Kahwaji said. "This was funded through a Saudi $1 billion grant that was given late 2014." Kahwaji said that the Super Tucano sale has reached an advanced level and should not to be affected at this time, and that if the Kingdom were to cancel the deal they would be subject to penalties. The American deals are also not expected to be affected as they were quick deals and negotiated directly, plus most of it has been cashed, he said. However, the French weapons aid is most certainly affected. It was supposed to be spent over a period of three years. Some of the amounts have been paid but what is left is what is to be spent over the next two years, Kahwaji said. The security forces have received some of the equipment required, he added, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, ammunition, communications devices and spare parts. "I suspect the Ceaser guns may be affected as well as five 57-meter offshore patrol vessels," as well as Cougar helicopters and radar systems from Thales, he said. The aid provided by Saudi Arabia as well as the United states has boosted the firepower of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) by about 30 to 40 percent, analysts told Defense News. Over the past eight and a half years Lebanon has received US military aid worth $1 billion, said David Hale, the US ambassador to Lebanon. Just another blog from a red haired, 50-something, uber busty, slim hipped, funky lovin' sewist! To reach me, email toofunny2 at gmail dot com. Papal visit illuminates Mexico's fault lines For more than a century, the Mexican government has treated the Catholic Church with a deep suspicion, if not outright hostility. anticlerical laws stayed on the books until just a couple of decades ago. But gauging by the Mexican governments enthusiasm ahead of Pope Francis visit, the popular leaders arrival may provide a much-needed boost to the governments flagging credibility Mexico City billboard But the popes itinerary also poses a major risk to the government, highlighting at each turn some of the states most obvious challenges and failings poverty, inequality, corruption and rampant violence. The pope could even combine all these themes at once if he decides to meet with the families of 43 missing students, whose mysterious disappearance has become a byword for government incompetence and complicity with criminality When Pope Francis urges the Church to be more courageous, to have much more of an evangelical attitude, one of sensitivity and solidarity with the poorest sectors of society, the Mexican hierarchy feels very uncomfortable, said Bernardo Barranco, a sociologist in Mexico The popes itinerary spans many of the social and geographic divides that define Mexico. He will visit the nations poorest region, Chiapas, to underscore the plight of indigenous communities and their place in the Roman Catholic Church. In Ciudad Juarez, across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Tex., he will express his solidarity with migrants He will visit slums and the violence-wracked state of Michoacan, where he will most likely expand his critique of poverty, corruption and drug cartels Many ordinary Mexicans are deeply frustrated with the government, with crime and violence features of daily life and the economy cleaved by inequality. Corruption from the top levels of government down to the police on the streets has engendered deep public cynicism. President Enrique Pena Nieto is suffering from the worst poll ratings in the last quarter century and After the colonial experience of clerical power, Mexico has been a champion of separation of church and state. But it's also an overwhelmingly Roman Catholic population. Now comes a visit from a Spanish speaking Pope.reporters think the situation tells us much about Mexico.blog entries are indexed. Use the search box to look for country names or concept labels attached to each entry.Order the book HERE The Comparative Government and Politics Review Checklist.Two pages summarizing the course requirements to help you review and study for the final and for the big exam in May. . It contains a description of comparative methods, a list of commonly used theories, a list of vital concepts, thumbnail descriptions of the AP6,a description of the AP exam format. $2.00. Order HERE. Labels: Mexico, political culture, politics 23 May 2022 - Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors. MONDAY, Feb. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- The Internet buzzed with millions more searches for HIV-related topics after actor Charlie Sheen revealed last November that he's infected with the virus that causes AIDS, a new study shows. In total, all English-language searches about HIV quadrupled beyond the usual number the day after the celebrity's disclosure. Searches for information about HIV symptoms and testing were about six times higher than normal. "Charlie Sheen's disclosure is potentially the most significant domestic HIV prevention event in the last decade," said study author John Ayers, a research professor with the Graduate School of Public Health at San Diego State University. Ayers and his colleagues began their research into the effect of Sheen's disclosure on the morning he announced on television that he'd been diagnosed with the AIDS virus. "We understood there would be some impact from Sheen's disclosure," Ayers explained, "but the exact nature of that impact was unknown." The researchers analyzed news stories and Google searches in the years before Sheen's announcement and in the weeks afterward. They reported their findings in the Feb. 22 online edition of JAMA Internal Medicine. According to the study, English-language news stories available on the Internet about HIV fell from 67 per 1,000 in 2004 to 12 per 1,000 in 2015. But the number of stories grew by 265 percent on the day of Sheen's disclosure, to around 25 per 1,000, the researchers found. On the day of his disclosure, about 2.8 million more Google searches than usual included the term "HIV," and 1.3 million searches included search terms seeking information about condoms, HIV symptoms and HIV testing. (The researchers came up with these numbers after adjusting statistics so they wouldn't be thrown off by factors such as especially high or low numbers of searches.) "More searches for HIV occurred on the day of Sheen's disclosure than have ever occurred on any other day" since Google began tracking the number of searches in 2005, said study co-author Eric Leas, a graduate student at the University of California, San Diego. "This finding is extremely exciting for the public health community. The magnitude of Sheen's disclosure reminds us of the incredible impact that Magic Johnson had on public discourse around HIV in the early 1990s. Sheen's disclosure could potentially have a more pronounced effect," Leas added. Why do all these searches matter? Ayers said they reveal "what the public is thinking and when they're thinking it. We can see that the public is actively engaged in trying to improve their health or health awareness by searching." Dr. Mitchell Katz, director of the Los Angeles County Health Agency, wrote a commentary accompanying the study. In an interview, he said announcements like this "rock the public's sense of denial and make them wonder if they, too, could be infected or could become infected. That is why announcements like this result in people not only googling Charlie Sheen but googling information about HIV prevention and testing." But there are caveats. The study doesn't provide any information about whether those who searched for information found reliable sources, or whether details about symptoms and testing were absorbed. "It will be some time before data are available to assess how HIV screening or condom sales increased," Ayers said. In addition, it's not clear how the public reacted to subsequent reports about Sheen's choices -- his disclosure that he stopped taking anti-HIV medication and a sex partner's claim that he didn't inform her of his HIV status. Still, the experience of a website called STDcheck.com, which offers testing kits that people can order and then take to a lab for results, suggests that publicity about Sheen had a beneficial effect. The site saw an almost 70 percent boost in business on the day of Sheen's announcement. "The majority of our business comes from people searching for sexual health terms online," said Fiyyaz Pirani, founder and CEO of the site. "Something piques people's curiosity, they do a search term, land on our STDcheck.com site and end up getting tested." Going forward, studies like this could encourage celebrities to be open about being infected with HIV "because it means that their disclosure is likely to save lives as it will inspire others to get tested," he said. More information For more about HIV prevention, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MONDAY, Feb. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- A panel of medical experts in Canada has advised against the use of colonoscopy as a routine colon cancer screen in people at low risk for the disease. The advisory, from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, says that low-risk, symptom-free adults aged 50 to 74 should instead be screened with a fecal occult blood test (a stool-based screen) every two years, or a procedure known as flexible sigmoidoscopy every 10 years. Flexible sigmoidoscopy involves the use of a flexible scope to examine the lower portion of the colon and rectum, rather than the entire tract. The guideline is somewhat similar to the guideline of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to screen adults aged 50 to 75 with fecal occult blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. But, while the U.S. recommendations include colonoscopy, the Canadian task force does not believe there is enough evidence to do so. Two experts in the United States reaffirmed their support of colonoscopy. "There is strong literature supporting the benefit of colonoscopy in the appropriately selected patient," said Dr. Jules Garbus, a colorectal surgeon at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, N.Y. Dr. David Bernstein is chief of hepatology at Northwell Health in Manhasset, N.Y. He noted that "colonoscopy every 10 years to screen for colon cancer in asymptomatic low-risk adults [age 50 and over] is the current recommendation of the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastrointestinal Association, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force." According to Bernstein, "colonoscopy remains the only diagnostic and therapeutic modality which has been shown not only to diagnose cancer but to prevent cancer as well." The new Canadian guideline, published Feb. 22 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, changes the prior guideline from the panel, which recommended a fecal occult blood test every year or two years and flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years in adults with no symptoms. Dr. Maria Bacchus is chair of the Canadian guideline working group and a general internist at the University of Calgary, Alberta. In a journal news release, she explained the panel's decision. "Although colonoscopy may offer clinical benefits that are similar to or greater than those associated with flexible sigmoidoscopy, direct evidence of its efficacy from randomized controlled trials in comparison to the other screening tests ... is presently lacking," she said. "However, ongoing clinical trials are working to address this research gap." According to the new Canadian guideline, "although flexible sigmoidoscopy is not frequently performed for screening in many jurisdictions, it may warrant further consideration because it can be completed in the same facilities as colonoscopy and using similar equipment, but without the requirement of a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist." Also, "waitlists for colonoscopy remain long in Canada and have increased over the years," Bacchus noted. Both Garbus and Bernstein agreed that the structure of the Canadian medical system may be playing a role in the panel's decision to curb the use of colonoscopy. "In Canada's socialized system of medicine, resources are quite limited leading to long waiting times for patients to receive the health care that they require," Garbus said. "This may account for the Canadian guidelines being similar to the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommendations, but lacking the colonoscopy component." And Bernstein said that the Canadian group's guideline "seem to be based more on access to care and cost control rather than good medical care." The new Canadian guideline also advises that people 75 and older should not be screened for colon cancer if they have no symptoms, and that doctors should discuss screening with patients aged 50 to 59 due to the lower incidence of colon cancer in this age group. Doctors should also discuss colon cancer screening with people older than 75 because of their shorter life expectancy and the lack of evidence about possible benefits or harm, according to the Canadian guideline. More information The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more about colon cancer screening. Via Reuters: Cuba deploys army in effort to avoid Zika virus. Excerpt: Cuban President Raul Castro called on the entire Cuban population to help eradicate the mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus on Monday and ordered 9,000 army troops to help stave off the disease. Cuba has yet to detect a case of Zika but the outbreak is affecting large parts of Latin America and the Caribbean and is likely to spread to all countries in the Americas except for Canada and Chile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said. "It's necessary for every single Cuban to take up this battle as a personal matter," Castro wrote in a national message sounding the alarm over Zika, which is carried by mosquitoes that transmit the virus to humans and which is suspected of causing birth defects after infecting pregnant women. Cubans should clean up potential environments for the Aedes genus of mosquitoes, said Castro, who also is general of the armed forces. "The Revolutionary Armed Forces will assign more than 9,000 troops, among them active duty officers and reserve officers ... to the anti-vector and cleanup efforts, with the additional support of 200 officers of the National Revolutionary Police," Castro said. The ruling Communist Party and the government have adopted an action plan under the direction of the Health Ministry to deal with the Zika that will also help combat the mosquito-borne diseases dengue and chikungunya, Castro said. One Health Ministry employee, who asked not to be identified as she was not authorized to talk with journalists, said the country's vast network of neighborhood doctors and clinics were watching for Zika symptoms and suspected cases would be quarantined in hospital wards prepared for an eventual outbreak. "There are no confirmed cases yet but there will be. To date there have been two suspected cases that turned out negative," said the employee, who has real-time access to epidemiological data. Via ReliefWeb, an OCHA report: Fiji: Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston Situation Report No. 1 (as of 21 February 2016) - Fiji. Click or tap through to download the full report as a PDF. The summary: On 20 and 21 February Category 5 Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston cut a path of destruction across Fijis islands blowing off roofs, bringing down trees and powerlines, and flooding rivers. At its peak, the Cyclone was estimated by the Fiji Met Service to have sustained winds of 230kmph, gusting to 325 kmph making it one of the most severe cyclones ever to hit the South Pacific. Six people have been confirmed dead. 150 houses have been confirmed as destroyed in the Eastern Division and a further 60 damaged. A 30 day State of Natural Disaster has been declared and a nation-wide curfew is currently in force. Schools have been closed for a week. Situation Overview On 20 and 21 February Category 5 Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston cut a path of destruction across Fijis islands blowing off roofs, flooding rivers and bringing down trees and power lines. At its peak, the Cyclone was estimated to have sustained winds of around 230kmph, gusting to 325 kmph making it one of the most severe cyclones ever to hit the South Pacific. The cyclone was so strong that it destroyed weather data loggers in many affected areas. The Fiji Government has confirmed that six people are dead. Early reports from the Eastern Division suggest extensive damage, particularly in the Lomaiviti Group. Power is out across most of the country. A curfew remains in place across the country to allow emergency services to clear roads and work on restoring power supplies. Communications are down in many affected areas, particularly in the West, and this is slowing the collection of impact data. Aerial surveillance of the affected region has begun using a New Zealand Defence Force P3 Orion aircraft. Australian military assets are also on standby if needed. [finding the ineffable in the mundane] "The first victory we can claim is that our hearts are free of hatred. Hence we say to those who persecute us and who try to dominate us: You are my brother. I do not hate you, but you are not going to dominate me by fear. I do not wish to impose my truth, nor do I wish you to impose yours on me. We are going to seek the truth together. THIS IS THE LIBERATION WHICH WE ARE PROCLAIMING." Oswaldo Jose Paya Sardinas (2002) February 21: International Mother Language Day Published: February 22, 2016 International Mother Language Day (Bhasha Divas) is being observed across the world on 21 February. Importance of Day: Seeks to promote awareness of linguistic, multilingualism and cultural diversity. It also signifies importance of mother language as the greatest weapon to express ones feeling. Mother Language of one country is the sign of independence of that country. 2016 Theme: Quality education, language(s) of instruction and learning outcomes. The year 2016 is the 16th anniversary of International Mother Language Day. Bangladesh Connection The day assumes special significance in Bangladesh where scores of people (activists), mostly students and teachers of the Dhaka University, were mercilessly shot down by the Pakistani army in 1952 in erstwhile East Pakistan. The activists had protested against imposition of Urdu as the national language side-stepping Bengali their mother tongue and the protest came to be known as Language Movement. About International Mother Language Day The Day is observed annually by UNESCO member states to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. First announced by UNESCO in 1999 and was formally established in 2007 by resolution 61/266 of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that had proclaimed 2008 as the International Year of Languages. Month: Current Affairs - February, 2016 Topics: Bangladesh Current Affairs 2016 Days and Events International Mother Language Day UNESCO Latest E-Books : , ; musings on the mainstream "press corps" and the american discourse Island RecordsThings are definitely "Looking Up" these days for Elton John. The song -- the first single from his album Wonderful Crazy Night -- recently became his 71st entry on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart, extending his all-time record for most appearances on that tally. Elton says it was pretty obvious that "Looking Up" should be the first single from the project. "Its about my life," he says. "Im looking up. Imthings could not be better and, and its a really joyous song about being happy." He adds, "If Im gonna be happy, Ive gotta do an uptempo song and this, for me, is the standout, no-brainer single from the album. Thats how Im feeling at the moment, so thats what I want to come out." Elton feels that "Looking Up" is the modern-day version of his early '80s hit "I'm Still Standing," though he says the rollicking intro "reminds me a bit of southern rock-and-roll." The Rocket Man will perform songs from Wonderful Crazy Night this weekend at his 24th annual Academy Awards Viewing Party, which is taking place Sunday night at West Hollywood Park in L.A. After dinner, prepared by Chef Gordon Ramsay, the Oscar telecast and a live auction, Elton will hit the stage. The following week, Elton travels to New York City to take part in a big fundraising concert for Hillary Clinton at Radio City Music Hall. Also on the bill for the March 2 concert: Katy Perry and R&B newcomer Andra Day. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Revealing that which is concealed. Learning about anything that resembles real freedom. A journey of self-discovery shared with the world. Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them - Ephesians 5-11 Join me and let's follow that high road... Privacy Overview This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. The issue has led to trade tensions between the world's second-largest economy and developed countries that accuse it of dumping in their markets. Beijing: China's overcapacity in heavy industries is wreaking "far-reaching" damage on the global economy, with steel production "completely untethered" from market demand, the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said Monday. The Asian giant's steel industry manufactures more than the next four largest producers combined -- Japan, India, the US, and Russia -- the chamber said in a report, warning that more than 60 per cent of China's aluminium industry has negative cash flow. And in just two years, its cement production equalled the amount produced in the United States during the entire 20th Century. "China has not followed through on the attempts it has made over the last decade to address overcapacity," chamber president Joerg Wuttke said in a statement. Brussels has launched new anti-dumping probes into Chinese steel imports, as producers in both Europe and Asia struggle with global prices that have plummeted in the face of oversupply. "Overcapacity has been a blight on China's industrial landscape for many years now, affecting dozens of industries and wreaking far-reaching damage on the global economy in general, and China's economic growth in particular," the chamber's report said. The issue has led to trade tensions between the world's second-largest economy and developed countries that accuse it of dumping in their markets. China accounts for half of global steel production but internal demand has slowed sharply along with economic growth, forcing it to look overseas. Its steel exports soared 20 per cent in 2015, according to Chinese Customs data. The EU launched probes this month into imports of Chinese steel, with trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem warning. "We cannot allow unfair competition from artificially cheap imports to threaten our industry." This month, Luxembourg-based world leader in steelmaking ArcelorMittal blamed China for a colossal $8 billion loss in 2015, at a time when thousands of jobs are being cut across the industry. But many Chinese steel firms are also losing money, and Beijing has announced plans to cut production by as much as 150 million tonnes over the next five years. Protectionism Despite authorities' vows to tackle excess production, the EU chamber report said Beijing's prioritisation of industrial policies over consumption meant "the Chinese government's current role in the economy is part of the problem". To achieve change, it said the government needed "a willingness to change itself". Chamber president Wuttke told reporters: "We are now in a far more worse position than we were before. "Beijing increasingly has the same problems as Brussels: making things happen. That was not the case 10 or 15 years ago. Local protectionism is very strong." Beijing hopes to soak up overcapacity by selling its excess production to markets in Central Asia and the Middle East as part of President Xi Jinping's One Belt One Road plan, which has been touted as a revival of ancient Silk Road trade routes. But those markets were not big enough to absorb China's overcapacity, Wuttke said. It "is a complete mismatch, it will not put even a minor dent in the overcapacities in China", he said. New Delhi: Ahead of an all-party meeting over the Budget session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on February 22, defended the government over the JNU issue, asserting it has not erred anywhere, and said they would look to have "broader consensus" on important bills including GST and real estate. Naidu said the Centre was keen to push key legislations like the GST Bill, the Real Estate Bill, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Bill, the Inland Waterways Bill, the Carriage by Air (amendment) Bill, Anti-Hijacking Bill and the one to grant voting rights to people post India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement. "I have invited parties for an all-party meeting. One meeting has already taken place with the Prime Minister, another one with the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. "We will discuss the government's agenda and the bills it wants to take up and also the issues the opposition intends to raise. This is a regular exercise I undertake ahead of Parliament session," the Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister said. The Budget session of Parliament, which begins tomorrow, is expected to be very stormy. The government requires the opposition's support in the Rajya Sabha to pass key legislations. "GST is our priority. We have an experience of two sessions. The countrymen wants the GST, Real Estate, bankruptcy and Inland waterways, Carriage by Air and anti-hijacking bill, Constitutional Amendments Bill. I will talk to them, will have a broader consensus and go forward," Naidu said. Asked about a possible stormy session with the opposition expected to raise the JNU and Rohith Vemula issue, Naidu said the government has not made mistake anywhere and willing to discuss all issues. "The country is huge and there are bound to be issues and Parliament is a place to discuss them all. Either it is JNU, or Hyderabad University or any other issue, the government has no hesitation to discuss them. The government has no made mistake anywhere... Everyone has a chance to raise issue, but do it by rules. Debate, discuss and decide. Do not disrupt," Naidu added. Nagarjunas schedule for 2016 and beyond looks hectic. Besides a sequel to the hit Soggade Chinni Nayana, the actor has also confirmed that hes playing the role of Hathiram Baba a famous devotee of Lord Balaji. Talking about the devotional film first, Nagarjuna says, The film will start in April or May. We want to shoot in a hill station. Hathiram Baba was a strong devotee of Lord Balaji and the script work is almost complete. He adds that he has already registered the title Bagarraju as he is planning to come up with a sequel to Soggade Chinni Nayana. The character became so popular because of director Kalyan. He will work on the sequel too, says Nagarjuna. He adds that Kalyan will also work with his elder son Naga Chaitanya in an upcoming film. Once Chaitanya completes his present film, Premam, we will start the project with director Kalyan and I will produce it, says Nagarjuna. Talking about the success of Soggade Chinni Nayana, he adds, In terms of the budget, working days and also the number of theatres it released in (400), I can say that this was a very big hit. At this point in my career, when I moved in with new talent, I got this hit and that has given me the confidence to do more, says Nag. If you put Rs 50 crore in a film and if it collects Rs 50 crore, what is there in it? I dont have that problem as I have always controlled my films budgets. Thats the reason I can say that Soggade Chinni Nayana is an extraordinary super hit, he says. Thats why he doesnt believe in numbers too. Till now, the film is running successfully and I never force anyone to run a film for the sake of records, he says. My next release is Oopiri. Its also a path-breaking film in Telugu cinema, he adds. Lahore: Pakistan's literary scene is seeing a spirited revival, with packed festivals attracting tens of thousands in a rock concert-like atmosphere that defies security threats in a growing cultural renaissance. Events such as the raucous Lahore Literary Festival, held over the weekend, are reclaiming the 'cultural space' that has shrunk significantly in the conservative Muslim nation in recent years amid a raging Islamist insurgency. The festivals -- platforms for all forms of cultural expression, from architecture to film to food writing and feminism, as well as poetry and a recital by Central Asian musicians -- are becoming a forum for exchange of liberal thought across the Muslim world. "It's great -- one of the saddest things when you keep talking about Islam, the Muslims, the Ummah (the brotherhood of Muslim countries) is we don't know what their writers are, we don't know what their stories are," said Mohammed Hanif, whose internationally renowned 2008 novel "A Case of Exploding Mangoes" weaves a dark comedic narrative around the death of dictator Zia ul Haq. "And there is very little that gets translated from these languages. So it's great to have Palestinian writers, Egyptian writers," he told AFP at the Lahore festival. The event began with an interview with veteran Indian actress Sharmila Tagore, who received a standing ovation after discussing her storied career in Bengali and Bollywood cinema. She hailed the cross-pollination of artists across the two rival countries' borders as an important part of "cultural diplomacy". Other top-billed speakers included outspoken Egyptian-American feminist Mona Eltahawy -- whose vociferous denunciations of patriarchy and the politics of the hijab gave the festival some of its most energetic and controversial moments. "When we talk about the Global South, when we talk about women of colour, the issues that we talk about... it's very important for me to be able to come to Lahore and say, 'Look, the issues that I have written about in my book are very similar to issues in Pakistan that feminists are fighting over'," she told AFP. "I want to talk about how as Muslim women we are reduced to what's on our heads and what's in between our legs and I want to talk about the sexual revolution." Pakistan opens its doors Critics say successive Pakistani governments, influenced by the religious right, have done little to encourage artistic expression or have even curtailed it -- including banning Lahore's spring kite-festival of Basant in 2007, which Islamists accuse of propagating Hindu thought. But overall levels of violence have fallen in the past two years as the army has stepped up its campaign in the Taliban's border tribal regions. The Lahore festival's fourth edition glossed over a last-minute change of venue due to security fears and brought together writers and artists from across the region. It came hard on the heels of a similar festival in Karachi and ahead of one in Islamabad. Organisers estimated around 100,000 people attended in an almost Glastonbury-like atmosphere. "The show must go on in spite of all the odds," the festival's CEO and founder Razi Ahmed told AFP. "It's important to reflect to the wider world that we're not a country which is closing its doors but we're opening space that is going to allow us avenues for free thought and critical inquiry." Pakistani authors have garnered increasing international attention in recent years, particularly those writing in English like Hanif and Mohsin Hamid. His novel "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" -- the fictional story of a disaffected Pakistani-American's journey towards extremism -- became a hit film in 2012. Closer to home are newer works like Saba Imtiaz's "Karachi, You're Killing Me!" about a tenacious reporter looking for love as she works her beat covering extremist attacks -- a sort of Pakistani Bridget Jones. Despite the cultural revival, the Islamist insurgency that has racked the country for more than a decade is still underway. But Lahore has long captured the imagination of writers -- from Britain's Rudyard Kipling to revolutionary poets like Habib Jalib. Festival founder Ahmed said he hoped it would continue to do so. "Lahore is a global site of ideas," he told AFP. "We are trying to reclaim that." Breast milk does not provide enough vitamin D, particularly for people in northern parts of the world. (File Photo) Children who breastfeed, especially those living far from the equator, may get too little vitamin D, according to a new study in Canada. The longer children breastfed, even if they also ate solid food or were older than one year, the greater their odds of having low levels of vitamin D, researchers found. Breast milk does not provide enough vitamin D, particularly for people in northern parts of the world, so the Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that breastfed children take supplements containing 400 International Units of vitamin D every day for the first year of life. Were not saying that breastfeeding is not a really great source of nutrition, but up here in the northern parts of the world not much vitamin D passes through breast milk, said study coauthor Dr. Jonathon Maguire, a pediatrician and researcher at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding through the first six months of life and continuing it in addition to solid foods for the first and second years as mutually desired by mother and child. Maguire and his coauthors studied how long children were breastfed and their blood vitamin D levels using data from about 2,500 healthy children aged 1 to 5 years in Toronto. Mothers reported how long their child had been breastfed and doctors collected blood samples from the children. Mothers also reported whether their child was taking vitamin D supplements. Half of the kids had been breastfed for 10 months or more, and 53% received vitamin D supplements. As breastfeeding duration increased, blood vitamin D levels decreased for children who did not take supplements. For every one month additional breastfeeding time, the odds of abnormally low vitamin D levels increased by 6%, the researchers report in the American Journal of Public Health, online February 18. The pattern was so consistent that researchers predicted 16% of 2-year-olds breastfeeding but not receiving extra vitamin D would be seriously deficient, and by age 3, that would rise to 29%. For children who did take supplements, breastfeeding duration was not tied to vitamin D levels. These results support the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation of vitamin D supplements during breastfeeding, regardless of duration, Maguire said. Just because a child has reached a year of age doesnt mean vitamin D supplementation can be stopped, he said. The supplements are available in most drugstores, but parents may forget to buy them, he said. Probably most North American pregnant women get vitamin D supplements during pregnancy, even if this is not a very substantial amount, Martin Hewison of The University of Birmingham in the U.K. told Reuters Health by email. Vitamin D-deficiency is so very common during pregnancy and lactation but is still generally ignored unless the child develops rickets, said Hewison, who was not part of the new study. Achim Fabig, the German Consul General in Chennai, conferred the prestigious Bundesverdienstkreuz (the Cross of the Order of Merit) to Hyderabad-based professor Goverdhan Mehta. The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany was instituted in 1951 by Federal President Theodor Heuss. It is the only honour that may be awarded in all fields of endeavour and is the highest tribute the Federal Republic of Germany can pay to individuals for achievements in political, economic, social or intellectual realm and for all kinds of outstanding services to the nation in the field of social, charitable or philanthropic work. I have always been dedicated to my work and hardly took any days off. When I first started working at the University of Hyderabad there was no proper infrastructure or even a place to sit, says professor Mehta, who credits his success in life to his loving wife. I have achieved so much in my life because of the support of my wife Ranjana, who always went out of the way to help me out. Talking about his relationship with Germany, which began four decades ago, he says, Germany has been a great source of vigour, discipline and precision for me. In 1995, I was the first Indian scientist to receive the Alexander von Humboldt Research Award. I have also been very fortunate to be a guiding force to bind Indo-German relations by suggesting the establishment of the DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) office in India. This foundation works for the advancement of Indo-German cooperation in the fields of science and research to the advantage of both the countries, says the professor. Bengaluru: A man murdered his own two children and dumped their bodies in a drain in K.P. Agrahara on Friday as he found them to be a financial burden, the police said. The accused, Shiva Kumar (37), is mentally sound. The deceased have been identified as Pavan Kumar, 9, and Sinchana, 6, children of the couple Shiva Kumar and Vasantha. Shiva Kumar, who worked at a bag shop in Chickpet, was earning a meagre salary and was worried about his financial crisis. To help run the house, Vasantha worked as a domestic maid. But that too did not seem to solve the problem. On Friday, Pavan and Sinchana, who studied at Subash School at Bettamma Circle near their house, did not attend classes as it was School Day. Vasantha left for work, but Shiva Kumar, who was planning to murder his children, did not go and stayed at home. He stabbed the two children in the house, put their bodies in gunny bags and dumped them in a drain near Bettamma Circle, the police said. He left for Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Chamarajanagar, but told his wife that he was taking the children along with him to Dharmasthala. He returned on Sunday without the children and told his relatives about the incident. The relatives informed the police who took Shiva Kumar into custody. Based on his confession, the gunny bags were retrieved from the drain and the childrens bodies were sent for the postmortem. K.P. Agrahara police have arrested Shiva Kumar. Mumbai: Key 26/11 plotter Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal's lawyer on Monday informed a court here that he wanted to cross-examine Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley for four days. Also, Judge G A Sanap on Monday directed Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to contact US authorities, check their availability for Headley's second round of deposition and inform the court by February 25. Once the availability is checked, the court will fix dates for Headley's deposition. Meanwhile, Jundal's lawyer Abdul Wahab Khan also moved applications objecting to Headley being made an approver in the 2008 terror attacks case besides making pleas seeking copies of certain documents and CDs. Earlier on February 13, the day on which Headley's week-long deposition ended, the court had adjourned the case for cross-examination by Jundal's lawyer for a future date. Headley, who is serving a 35 -year jail term in the US in connection with the terror attacks case, had made some damning disclosures about LeT and Al-Qaeda's planned to target India, during his testimony which began on February 8. He spilled beans on how Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI provides "financial, military and moral support" to terror outfits LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen and how LeT had planned and executed the 26/11 attacks and the role played by ISI officials, involving him too. He also revealed that LeT had planned an attack at a conference of Indian defence scientists at Taj Mahal Hotel a year before the 26/11 strikes and had even prepared its dummy. Deposing via a video-link from the US, the 55-year-old terrorist had the court that --Ishrat Jahan--who was killed in an alleged fake encounter in 2004 in Gujarat--was an operative of LeT. Headley had also revealed that Al-Qaeda was in touch with him to attack Delhi's National Defence College and unravelled the plot by LeT and ISI to target Mumbai airport, BARC and the Naval air station here. He also visited the Indian Army's Southern Command headquarters at Pune in 2009 on the instructions of ISI's Major Iqbal, who wanted him to recruit some military personnel to get "classified" information, the court was told. Smoke billowing out of the JKEDI building where militants took refuge after launching an attack on a CRPF convoy at Pampore. (Photo: DC/H U Naqash) Srinagar: The 48-hour-long armed standoff outside Jammu and Kashmirs highway town of Pampore ended on Monday with the killing of all the three militants holed up in a multi-storey building by Army troops. Officials said the slain men were "exceptionally motivated and highly trained terrorists" most probably belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba. Read: Pampore attack looks to be LeT handiwork: CRPF DG The Army in its final assault against the militants fired mortar bombs and rockets on the edifice. The main target of the light artillery fire was the top floor of the main block at J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JK EDI) campus at Sempora, Pampore, about 16-km south of here, where the militant trio had been restricted to by Army troops including crack teams from its Para Special Force earlier. Army also used Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) fitted with cameras to know the position of militants. The corpses of the slain militants were later during a combing operation retrieved from the debris by the security forces. Their identity is being ascertained, officials said. In Delhi, CRPF DG Prakash Mishra said that they appeared to be Lashkar-e-Taiba cadres. So far, none of the militant group active in Kashmir has owned responsibility. A police officer involved in the operation said, Clearly they were exceptionally motivated and highly trained terrorists. The troops stormed the building around noon on Sunday and then using their highly specialised combat skills began securing it floor by floor and room by room. The campus is spread over 10,000 sq.ft and the main block where the militants had entrenched themselves has more than fifty classrooms and office cambers besides several halls, storerooms and washrooms. Read: Pampore strike: To join Army and kill militants was Captain Tushar Mahajans childhood dream However, in their attempt to overrun the building, two Army captains Pawan Kumar and Tushar Mahajan and corporal Om Prakash laid down their lives. Earlier on Saturday the militants believed to be one local and two foreigners had ambushed a Srinagar-bound convoy of CRPF killing two jawans and injuring nine others. In the subsequent shootout, an employee of the JK EDI Abdul Gani Mir, 48, also lost his life. The gunmen then entrenched themselves in the main block of the campus. They were quickly surrounded by security forces from Army, CRPF and J&K polices counterinsurgency Special Operations Group (SOG). The firing which had stopped at nightfall on Sunday resumed with the first light on Monday. Earlier the officials had said that the militants were using 'shrewd' and 'dodging' tactics against combat forces and have used their ammunition judiciously. Officials said a total of 16 security personnel were injured in the incidents. Security men take position outside the JKEDI building. (Photo: DC/H U Naqash) Explaining the delay in flushing out militants, officials said that they were advantageously positioned in the main concrete multi-storey block at the campus. After the troops stormed the building, the militants scattered and then started moving from room to room and floor to floor. However before the final assault was launched, a senior Army commander told reporters that it was in no hurry to flush out the militants as the main aim was to avoid further casualty to security forces. General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, Lt. Gen. Satish Dua, said, There is no time limit. There is no hurry. Our main purpose is to make sure that we do not have any more casualties. We will take as long as it takes to clear the building. He also said the J&K EDI is a vast campus and it required specialised forces to clear the holed-up militants. Read: Pampore encounter: 'I could not be more proud', says father of slain Army captain Meanwhile, about twenty persons including five policemen were injured as massive protests by residents erupted in the town of Pampore on Monday. Irate crowds while chanting pro-freedom slogans and after defying curfew-like restrictions imposed on the highway town and its neighbourhood earlier to dissuade protests made repeated attempts to relocate to the encounter site. Overnight and also during the day on Monday, mosque loudspeakers broadcast revolutionary songs and women sung folksongs and wanwon while men folk were chanting pro-azadi slogans in their attempt to encourage holed up militants. Witnesses said that police and CRPF fired teargas canisters and pellet guns to push back the marching protesters who responded by hurling rocks at them. The protesters burned used tyres along the stretch of the Srinagar-Jammu highway passing through the town. Read: Pampore encounter: No hurry to flush out militants, says army Jammu and Kashmir police had on February 18 issued an advisory to the public asking them to stay away from the sites of encounters between security forces and militants. It said 144 CrPC immediately comes into force at and around encounter sites and asked civilians to stay, at least, two kilometres away from encounter site so that they dont fall prey to a stray bullet. This came days after two youth including a woman were killed and ten other people were injured when security forces fired live ammunition after sections of protesters while chanting pro-azadi slogans turned violent near an encounter site in the States southern district of Pulwama. Read: Army salutes bravery of its officers killed in J&K encounter As the incident evoked widespread anger across the Valley and the authorities had to impose curfew-like restrictions at several places to hold back protests, Governor N.N. Vohra held a series of meeting with police, Army and other law enforcing authorities to discuss the fallout and issued them strict instruction to exercise restraint while dealing with such situations. A senior official in the industries department said orders had been issued on February 17 directing the APIIC to allot 600 acre at Rs 1 lakh per acre. Hyderabad: Two-wheeler major Hero Motocorp, the first major industry that offered to set up its unit in Andhra Pradesh after the TD came to power in 2014, had to wait for almost one-and-a-half years to get land for the project. The company is to set up a Rs 2,200-crore manufacturing unit in Chittoor district which is seen to provide employment opportunities for 3,000 people and create job avenues for 3,000 more. The state government signed an MoU with the company on September 16, 2014, and decided at a Cabinet meeting on March 20 last year to allot 600 acre in Chittoor district for the plant. The AP Industrial and Infrastructure Corporation was asked to take steps to allot the land. That is where the matter stood for months. The AP government has repeatedly claimed its record in ease of doing business and giving clearance to start industry within 21 working days. When representatives of Hero Motocorp approached the APIIC, they were reportedly told that the corporation had not received orders from the government. A senior official in the industries department said orders had been issued on February 17 directing the APIIC to allot 600 acre at Rs 1 lakh per acre. Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at an all-party meeting ahead of the budget session at Parliament House. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Asserting that the government was ready to discuss the current state of unrest at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Monday said that there were different views on the issue which needs to be addressed and debated. "It's a big country and yes there are several issues. That's what the Parliament is there for, to discuss those issues. Government has no hesitation in discussing JNU or Hyderabad University or any other issues. There are different that need to be debated," Naidu told the media here after chairing an all-party meeting. Read: Budget 2016: India's $16 billion wage bonanza may force Jaitley to cut capex Calling on the Opposition to adopt a positive approach for the upcoming Budget Session, he added that holding discussion should be the protocol in the Parliament instead of disruption. "The Budget Session is very important. The Opposition must adopt a positive approach. Even we are worried on the issues that you are worried. The matters of the JNU and Rohith Vemula are serious and there should be a thorough discussion on them in the Parliament," Naidu said in an all-party meeting held at the Parliament. "Every time people think and hope that this session will be productive, so we need to work towards that. The GST and Real Estate are the two key reform bills which we need to pass. We are ready to discuss all issues," he added. Naidu further stated the government wants a detailed discussion on the JNU row, adding that the people should know what really happened there, what was the cause and what will be the consequence of the act. He also asserted that the government is firmly committed to uphold the spirit of the Constitution in letter and spirit, adding that they are in favour of discussion on Hyderabad University student Rohith Vemula's suicide and the Jat quota stir. Leaders from various political parties, including Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jyotiraditya Scindia, CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI (M) politburo member Mohammed Salim besides others are present in the meeting. The Budget Session will begin on February 23. While the first session will continue till March 16, the second session will take place from April 25 to May 13. President Pranab Mukherjee will address the joint session of the Parliament on February 23. The Railway Budget will be presented on February 25 while the Union Budget will be presented on February 29. The government has been critical of the Opposition for blocking the House proceedings and important legislations. After considering the medical opinion about her health, the HC directed the Superintendent of Sola Civil Hospital to provide best medical facilities to the girl during the surgery to terminate her pregnancy at the earliest. (Photo: PTI) Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Monday permitted an 18-year-old rape victim to abort her 24-week-old foetus observing that continuance of pregnancy may result in a grave injury to her mental health. In her order, Justice Sonia Gokani took into account the opinion of expert panel of doctors constituted a few days back after the HC admitted the plea of the young girl from Junagadh district. The victim, currently admitted to Sola civil hospital here, had stated in her plea on February 17 that she was raped by a youth last year at her village in the district. She later consumed acid to commit suicide as she was unable to bear the mental trauma following the incident. She then requested the HC to allow her to terminate her pregnancy. The girl stated that though she survived the suicide bid, the acid caused severe damage to her internal organs as a result of which she is unable to consume anything. At present, the girl is being fed through a pipe, which is placed directly into her stomach. After considering the medical opinion about her health, the HC today directed the Superintendent of Sola Civil Hospital to provide best medical facilities to the girl during the surgery to terminate her pregnancy at the earliest. Since the pregnancy is a result of an alleged rape, the HC also directed the Sola police to collect the tissues of foetus and send them to Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for DNA test so that it can be matched with the DNA of the accused who is already arrested and lodged in jail. The HC also asked local police to send the DNA report to Junagadh police for further action in the rape case filed by the teenager. The HC posted next hearing on February 24. Dr Subramanian Swamy addressing the gathering during the release of a documentary at an event organised by the Hindu Munnani in T Nagar on Sunday. (Photo: DC) Chennai: Hindu Munnani, a group primarily formed to save Hindu religion from perilous forces, released a DVD documentary on the Jihadi attacks on Hindu leaders and called for strong measures to rein in the Jihadis. Since the last one-and-a-half years, over 16 leaders and cadres of the Hindu Munnani, the RSS and other organisations have been slain. The government should take effective steps to counter the violence and ensure such attacks do not recur, Ramagopalan, Hindu Munnani founder-convener, said on Sunday. A DVD copy on the Jihadi killings of the Hindu leaders released by Mr Ramagopalan was received by BJP senior Subramanian Swamy. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Swamy called upon the Hindus to sink their differences and remain united to combat Islamic fundamentalism. One thing is clear, the jihadis are working with a clear state of mind, they have been aligning with various forces from time to time in this state and have been taking forward their agenda. But the mindset of Hindus is akin to that of Arjuna in Mahabharatha, where things were not clear and only confusion reigned, he said and stressed the need to overcome confusion and stand united. Sushil Pandit of Roots of Kashmir, serving the cause of Kashmiri Pandits, also spoke. Young members of the community in Bharatpur came out on streets in the morning on several places. They set a state roadways bus on fire and damaged another. (Photo: Twitter) Jaipur: Flames of Jat reservation agitation reached Eastern Rajasthan, where, members of the community blocked railway tracks and national highway in Bharatpur district on Monday. As the protest threatened to gain momentum, the state government has requested the central government 28 companies of para-military forces. After a section of community leaders yesterday extended support to the ongoing reservation protests in Haryana, youth members of the community in Bharatpur came out on streets in the morning on several places. They set a state roadways bus on fire and damaged another, blocked Jaipur-Agra and Kota-Mathura railway lines near Paprera and Jaghina railway stations, respectively. They also blocked Jaipur-Agra national highway near Ooncha Nagla and clashed with the police, prompting the district administration to impose prohibitory orders. "Deeg, Jaipur and Mathura highways and Jaipur and Mumbai railway tracks are closed. The protestors have also blocked the highway last night. Efforts are on to control the situation," Additional SP Bharat Lal Meena said. Taking note of the violence, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has appealed to the Jat community members of Dholpur and Bharatpur districts to maintain peace and communal harmony. Raje said in a statement that her government has already constituted OBC Commission and EBC Commission. She said Jats in Dholpur and Bharatpur should maintain peace and law and order, so that the OBC commission can present its report on reservation to Jats. Jat community in Rajasthan was included in the OBC 1999 excluding those from Bharatpur and Dholpur as these two were princely states thus considered as the ruling class but succumbing to political pressure, a year later Congress government led by Ashok Gehlot included Jats from these two districts as well in the OBC list. However, the decision was challenged and last year Rajasthan High Court had quashed the state's notification of January 10, 2000 granting OBC quota for the Jats of Bharatpur and Dholpur. Earlier, in 2014 the Supreme Court too had quashed the central notification on quota to the Jat community of certain states, including those in Bharatpur and Dholpur districts. Since then the demand for the OBC reservation for the community in these two districts has been simmering. In fact, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje a couple of months before Lok Sabha election had requested the UPA government to include Jats from Bharatpur and Dholpur districts in the central Other Backward Classes (OBC) list. In a letter to then Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Mallikarjun Kharge, Ms. Raje urged the Centre to include Jats from the two districts where they hail from the ruling class in the central OBC list. Now, community leaders owing cutting across party lines have extended support to Jat reservation agitation in Haryana while reiterating demand for inclusion of Bharatpur and Dholpur Jats in the OBC. New Delhi: JNU student Umar Khalid, who was one of the main organisers of the February 9 pro-Afzal Guru events and accused of raising anti-national slogans, said that he was "not a terrorist". He also added that the BJP government "needed an excuse to target the campus". "My name is Umar Khalid and I'm not a terrorist," said Khalid. He had reportedly fled the campus after the matter became serious. Khalid condemned the media trial that branded him a terrorist. "The attack (on the university) is not because of the program which was organised on Feburary 9, but because the government needs an excuse to attack us," Khalid said as he addressed students on the campus. Khalid, along with four other accused, Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga, Anirban Bhattacharya, returned back to the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus late on Sunday. "The media, all this while, presented a lot of things about me. The media trial, this propaganda... I know what my family is going through," he said. The five students are facing charges of sedition for allegedly raising anti-national slogans during a protest event held against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. He also denied reports that he made 800 calls to 'Gulf' or 'Kashmir' a few days before the event was organised. Like air is filled in balloons, investment figures are usually inflated, says Shiv Sena on Make in India Week MoU's. (Photo: PTI) Mumbai: Taunting BJP over the MoUs signed by Maharashtra government during the recent 'Make in India' Week, the Shiv Sena on Monday said similar agreements were signed by the party with its smaller allies before the assembly polls but they have not been honoured yet. The Sena also said if the MoUs worth lakhs of crores of rupees signed with foreign companies meet the same fate, the government will not be able to compensate for the cost of organising the 'Make in India' Week. "2,594 MoUs have been signed during the MII Week and Rs 3,25,000 crore worth investments have been promised for Mumbai-Konkan region, Rs 1,50,000 crore for Vidarbha region and Rs 25,000 crore for Khandesh. Also, Rs 50,000 crore will be invested in Pune. These figures may vary because like air is filled in balloons, investment figures are usually inflated," Shiv Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'. "The BJP had signed MoUs with 4 smaller parties of Mahadev Jankar, Sadabhau Khot, Ramdas Athawale and Raju Shetty. They were offered ministerial berths, Corporations and promises to solve farmers' issues were made. They were also promised respect in the government if they helped the BJP come to power. What happened to those MoUs," it asked. The Sena further said the smaller allies have revealed that none of the promises has been honoured by the BJP. "If the MoUs signed with foreign investors meet the same fate, the government will not even be able to recover costs to host the MII event," it said. The Sena said Maharashtra Advocate General Shreehari Aney, who is "hindering the growth and development of Maharashtra", should be sent to a far-off country like Finland or Tanzania. "If the CM only succeeds in doing this, Make in India will become successful," it said. The Sena had last week slammed the Advocate General for his comments on farmers' suicides and said he made the Maharashtra government seen "unworthy" in front of the Bombay High Court. Hyderabad: In a setback to YSRC chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, four party MLAs and one MLC on Monday joined the Telugu Desam in the presence of AP Chief Minister and TD president N. Chandrababu Naidu. Nandyal MLA and former Public Accounts Committee chairman Bhuma Nagireddy, his daughter and Allagadda MLA Bhuma Akhila Priya Reddy, Jammala-madugu MLA C. Adinarayana Reddy, his elder brother and MLC C. Narayana Reddy and Vijayawada West MLA Jaleel Khan met Mr Naidu at his residence near Vijayawada and announced that they were joining the ruling party. All the five leaders said late at night during a TD function that they would not quit their seats and that they had joined the TD for development. Mr Nagireddy, while attending a PAC meeting earlier in the day at the AP Assembly, resigned from his post, paving the way for his entry into the TD. Before the MLAs joined, Mr Naidu held detailed discussions with party leaders from the respective Assembly constituencies and told them that it had become necessary for the party to induct the MLAs, keeping the partys interests in mind. Mr Shilpa Mohan Reddy, Mr Shila Chakrapani Reddy from Nand-yal, former minister Ramasubba Reddy and Ms Laxmi Devamma, wife of slain legislator P. Siva Reddy of Jam-malamadugu, had met Mr Naidu to discuss about the new entrants. TDP leaders interests will be protected: CM They had said that it would be difficult to adjust with the newcomers who had been their political opponents in the faction-ridden constituencies. They have killed my husband and son, it will be difficult to adjust with such a person in TD. We have lost everything and have became financially weak, but we will be in the TD forever, we respect Chandrababu Naidus desire of strengthening the party, Laxmi Devamma told the media at Vijayawada. Mr Naidu, meanwhile, convinced them that he would see that the interests of all the leaders were protected. Former minister Ramasubba Reddy, who also met Mr Naidu, told the media that he would abide with the decision of admitting Mr Adinarayana Reddy into the TD. Sources said more YSR Congress MLAs were expected to join the TD in the coming days. Hyderabad: Government administration in AP could slip into the slow lane for about 10-15 days, as key departments and the state secretariat shift from Hyderabad to the new Capital region. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had fixed June 2, 2016 as deadline for all departments to shift from Hyderabad to the capital area. The construction of the temporary secretariat at Velagapudi in Amaravati capital region is scheduled to complete by June 15. Most probably, the full-fledged AP administration will start function from there on August 1. Officials said that to shift all the departments it will take at least 10 days. The AP secretariat alone has about 500 sections with 2,500 employees. Finance, revenue, general administration, irrigation and some other departments have more than 40 sections. In addition to this, there are several directorates and commissionerates also to be shifted. Although the state government introduced e-file system recently and also instructed departments to run only e-files with no physical files allowed, all the departments are running only 50 per cent e-files with the rest, physical. If all files are running through e-files there will be no problem to run the administration while shifting offices. Besides this, every department has hundreds old files that need to be shifted to capital region. After completing the construction of the secretariat, the general administration department will allot accommodation to all departments. Accordingly, the secretariat departments at Hyderabad will shift to the new secretariat in Amaravati capital area. Meanwhile, AP government chief secretary S.P. Tucker has told his office staff to shift to the new capital region by June 1. Finance principal secretary P.V. Ramesh has told his department staff that they would have to work from Capital region from August 1. Secretariat departments will shift only after June 15 by which time the construction of the temporary secretariat will be completed. Before that, directorates and commissionerates will be shifted. The state government has made it clear to the government employees that they would have to find residential accommodation on their own. Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh municipal affairs minister P. Narayana released the final Amaravati Master Plan here on Monday night, as per which the need for removal of houses would be to the minimum. The minister said the CRDA had solicited objections from the public for the last one month and some 99 per cent of these objections related to roads. Out of this, 90 per cent objections were sorted out and cleared. The government has taken steps to avoid loss for houses as far as possible, he said. As per officials, a few changes have been made in the final master plan. The officials approved the plan to form the roads straight in four directions around the Amaravati capital. Nearly 360 houses will be removed against the original plan proposal for removal of 3,600 houses. The villagers need not worry over present road plans, the minister said. However, the minister said the government would go for land acquisition from February 28, when there is no option other than taking a few pockets of land that is yet to be given by landowners for the capital city works. The government would give another one month's time for raising objections. A Chinese company would take up the public utilities works from April first week, he said, and added that the government would expedite the remaining process. Besides, the minister said the government had taken steps to provide plots for landowners nearer to their villages. Landowners of Tallayapalem would also be given developed plots. The alignment for Krishna river bund would not be changed and reservoirs would be constructed for low laying areas in the capital region for diverting Kondaveeti Vaagu, he said. BENGALURU: Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwar visited the Basavanagudi womens police station on Monday, and reviewed the facilities for the staff. He said that the government will consider giving 20 per cent reservation for women, while filling up vacant posts in the police department. The minister spoke to the staff and learnt about their problems. He went through details of the number of cases registered, the status of these case and crime records. He also checked the lock-up, toilets and other basic needs of the staff, and spoke to Police Commissioner N.S. Megharikh and DCP (South) B. S. Lokesh Kumar on improving the facilities. He told reporters that at present, women represent only 6 per cent of the state police staff. We are aiming to ensure that at least 20 per cent of the police staff are women. We are thinking of providing 20 per cent reservation for women during recruitment. Also, we will sort out issues related to the promotion of women staff soon. He also said that ten more women police stations have been sanctioned and one is already functioning in Hassan. We will take steps to set up a women police station each at all district centres, he said. Of 24 posts, 14 vacant The Basavanagudi Womens police station, which was established in 2003, has jurisdiction over 45 law and order stations. It has a sanctioned strength of 24 staff, but 14 are vacant. The sub-inspector is on maternity leave and the station has only nine staff members. Hyderabad: The Justice Ashok Kumar Roopanwal commission appointed by the Centre to inquire into the suicide by Rohith Vemula will hold its inquiry from Tuesday to February 25. On the first day, Justice Poopanwal will meet representatives of students unions and associations of teaching and non-teaching staff. The students union and the Joint Action Committee for Social Justice, that was formed by students, which is spearheading protests on the issue has boycotted the commissions visit as it clashed with its Chalo Delhi programme. The commission will meet universitys administrative members on Wednesday. It will meet UoH vice-chancellor Prof. Appa Rao Podile, the registrar and other officials and stakeholders. Abdul Razak (in black T-shirt), who came in contact with a high-tension power line, near Indiranagar in Bengaluru on Sunday Bengaluru: The premier Bishop Cotton Boys' School in the city has been issued summons by the Karnataka Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (KCPCR) for negligence during a school outing to a popular water amusement park on February 16. The children were on an excursion to the amusement park when a class VII student put his hand out of the school bus and was hit by a passing vehicle. He fractured his arm and was rushed to a city hospital in an ambulance after being given some first aid at a local hospital. Ms. Krupa Alva, chairperson of the KCPCR said that summons had been issued to the school for the negligence shown by its teachers and other staff during the excursion and its representative was expected to appear before the commission for a hearing on March 1. But school principal John Zachariah claimed that it had received no such summons so far. The boy is recovering and will be discharged from hospital Monday evening, he said when contacted. Officials of the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) said that it had nothing to do with the investigation. No one has lodged a complaint with us about the incident. Generally it is the KCPCR which investigates such incidents , said a senior officer. Meanwhile, Mr. Nagasimha G Rao, nodal officer, Child Helpline (1098), said it was the responsibility of the school to ensure the safety of the children studying in it. Schools must take care of the childrens safety on excursions. They cannot escape responsibility, he said. Chennai: Amid all the cacophony of wholl be the king and wholl end up as mere kingmakers, PMK leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss insists his chances of emerging as the Chief Minister in the coming Assembly election are brighter than those of any other contender. Fifty years is a long time for people to put up with corruption, maladministration and many other evils of DMK and AIADMK. People are fed up, tired and angry with both of them. People in Delhi boycotted both the Congress and the BJP, and chose Kejriwal; likewise in Tamil Nadu, both the DMK and the AIADMK will be rejected and people will support me the former Union health minister said during a freewheeling chat at his house in TNagar. Elaborating, he said he had toured his Dharmapuri constituency for 117 days after he was sworn in MP in May 2014 in one year till May 2015. The name of Anbumani as a hardworking youngster who talks sense, who is concerned about the development of the state and its people, as a professional (doctor) has stuck in everybodys mind. I am banking on the youngsters and women who are craving for change. Sixty per cent of the 5.79 crore voters in the state, are neutral voters and two-thirds of them are youth. Thats about 2.5 crore young voters. And 90 per cent of them do not want to vote for either DMK or AIADMK. I am banking on them. I am convinced they like my campaigns against tobacco and liquor and my clear plans to improve the education system and increase employment. And I am convinced most of them hate this politics of freebies (practised by both the Dravidian majors), said Dr Anbumani looking pretty sure of himself. According to him, DMK leader M K Stalins Namakku-Namey statewide tour was just a farce enacted by engaging party cadres. They were tutored what to ask and Stalin was tutored what to answer. If the actual public was there, nobody asked him about 2G scam, about DMK government introducing liquor 45 years back and the many corruption cases against DMK ministers. That tour did good for Stalin within his party, made sure he outshone his siblings. It did no good for his party. As for AIADMK, people are upset over the governments non-performance and corruption. Besides, the TN voters are known to reject the ruling party only MGR had been an exception. Vijayakanths popularity would prove to be a mirage He had nine per cent vote share seven years back but now its come down to less than four per cent, he said. The Peoples Welfare Alliance (PWA) of VCK, Left and MDMK, would end up as a poll disaster with or without further additions and all this led him to strongly believe he would emerge the winner at the polls, he added. My confidence level is growing each day. I receive feedback from my party workers from across the state all the time. They say we are gaining. Feedback from all over the state? Does PMK have such significant presence in places other than its traditional Vanniyar caste strongholds in north-west parts of Tamil Nadu? Dr Anbumani insisted that DMK and AIADMK have slapped the Vanniyar-only tag on his party only because the PMK announced it would have no truck with either of them. In 2011, we decided enough is enough; we will not go with either of those parties. We even apologised to the people for aligning with them in the past. The day we began opposing them, they started saying we are a caste party and we are against Dalits. No other party here has a dalit as its general secretary; we do. Dalit Ezhilmalai was our first representative in the Union cabinet and the next time, it was another dalit, E Ponnusamy. I fought many obstacles to get reservation for dalits in the all-India medical entrance exams for both MBBS and PG courses. More than 4,000 dalit students benefit every year. As minister, I fought against discrimination of dalits at the AIIMS in DelhiI am pretty confident that in three years, 40 per cent of the dalit population in Tamil Nadu will back me. Chennai: In an unusual development, Tamil Nadu will not have an opposition leader in the State Assembly for the next few months. A day after the DMDK founder Vijayakanth expressed his political ambition of becoming the king in Tamil Nadu politics, his party DMDK lost its status of major opposition party in the 234-member Assembly as 10 dissident MLAs, including 8 from DMDK, resigned their membership. Vijayakanth also lost recognition as Opposition Leader in the Assembly following the resignation of DMDK rebel legislators. The DMDK leader Vijayakanth had proclaimed on Saturday that his supporters want him to be the king and not the kingmaker in Tamil Nadu politics at the party conference in Kancheepuram. Developments unfolded rapidly on Sunday with the resignation of 8 DMDK legislators, who had been allotted seats away from the DMDK block, which used to enjoy principal the status of Principal Opposition party in the Assembly. Besides the 8 MLAs, two other rebel MLAs submitted their resignation letters to the Assembly Speaker P. Dhanapal. The resignation of 10 MLAs comes ahead of the Assembly elections due in May this year, just a day after the 14th Assembly session concluded (on Saturday). The Speaker accepted the resignation of C. Arun Pandian, M. Arun Subramanian, K. Pandiarajan, K. Tamil Azhagan, S. Michael Rayappan, R. Sundarrajan, T. Suresh Kumar and R. Santhi all of DMDK and A. Ramasamy (Puthiya Tamizhagam) and Kalai Arasu (PMK). The rebels had shifted their allegiance in the last few years to the ruling AIADMK. The rebels may be expected to formally join the ruling AIADMK in the run-up to the Assembly elections. Following an eventful Sunday, DMDKs strength came down to 20 in the House. DMDK won 29 seats in alliance with AIADMK during the 2011 Assembly elections and earned the status of the Principal Opposition party relegating the DMK (with 23 seats) to the third position for the first time in TN electoral history. However, its deputy opposition leader, the former Alandur MLA Panrutty S. Ramachandran, resigned in 2014 to join the AIADMK, bringing down DMDKs strength to 28. Vijayakanth snapped ties with AIADMK later. Speaker Dhanapal announced on Sunday that Vijayakanth has lost his status as Opposition Leader as his party strength in the Assembly declined to 20. DMDKs Vijayakanth no longer qualifies to be recognised as Opposition Leader under Assembly rule 2 (o), an official release stated. Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said Monday that the AP government has set a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) target of 15 per cent, and collectors should take this as a challenge and introduce "best practices" in governance to maintain the double digit growth for the future too. Addressing the collectors' conference here, Mr Naidu said AP continued to face several challenges from the state bifurcation, but still registered a double digit growth rate. He congratulated the collectors and officials for this achievement and advised them to keep this up and help make the state the world's best investment destination. The government could reach the 15 per cent GSDP target in the next three months by grounding projects which are yet to be initiated. Only then could the state survive the present financial crisis, he said. Referring to the central governments assurances, he said AP has been pleading for the Special Category Status. There was also a shortfall in receipts. Only Rs 2,300 crore was received so far from the Centre to fill the gap of Rs 16,079 crore fiscal deficit. Such a financial help had been promised by the Centre during the state bifurcation. The railway zone for Vizag was still not granted, but Rs 850 crore for Amaravati and Rs 1,000 crore for Vijayawada and Guntur cities have been allotted to the state from the Centre, the CM said. The government had already submitted to the Centre the details of the state's spending towards the Polavaram project, the first phase of which would be completed in 2018. "Several districts registered better growth rate but some are lagging," he said and advised the collectors to do better. The CM said that, in some districts, efforts were on to aggravate problems between castes, religions and regions. Collectors should ensure that welfare schemes and government plans were implemented by involving people of all sections. Legislators could go for the next elections by highlighting the government's performance, that would ensure them success, he said. Tata Group chairman Ratan Tatas accusation against the older airlines, like SpiceJet, GoaAir and others, came as a bolt from the blue to them. In one way, Mr Tata is right, even though his own interests are involved in wanting the 5/20 rule scrapped. The rule allows only those airlines to fly abroad that have a 20-aircraft fleet and five years of domestic service. He has invested in two airlines Vistara and AirAsia which will have to fulfil these conditions before they can fly to global destinations. Both these airlines have yet to take off financially. The 5/20 is an illogical and discriminatory rule allegedly designed by former aviation minister Praful Patel to favour a single airline. It worked doubly against the interest of the old carriers as foreign airlines were allowed to fly to lucrative destinations in India without any reciprocal arrangement. Airlines like SpiceJet and GoAir were kept on hold until they fulfilled this rule, thus shackling their growth. With Mr Tata now lobbying for its scrapping, the other airline owners feel it would be extremely unfair to scrap the 5/20 rule just to help two airlines that have foreign partners and an investor of the stature of Mr Tata. Mr Tatas accusation has brought a quick retort with SpiceJet asking Mr Tata, and quite rightfully, to observe the rules and serve domestic passengers till they fulfil the obligations they had agreed to when they got their licence. Both sides have a point. It would be interesting to see whether Mr Tatas enormous clout wins over that of fellow businessman Nusli Wadia of GoAir and others. The most important aspect of the Budget Session of Parliament is for the Lok Sabha to pass the finance bill that will green-signal the way the government plans to go in spending the moneys it has collected from taxation and non-tax receipts, and the way it proposes to go about collecting tax. No government which can muster a majority in the elected House need fear about piloting the finance bill successfully, and the government that Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads has more than just a comfortable majority. But that said, a lot of politics is standard fare for any parliamentary sitting. And this is where the government could be expected to be on the backfoot in the Budget Session commencing today. It is likely to seek to push back by giving key status to the question of nationalism, which has been exacerbated by the recent happenings related to the arrest of the JNU Students Union president on the charge of sedition, no less a blatantly reckless and opportunist action. In the Indian context this links up seamlessly with the secularism-communalism debate, which has been with us practically from the time the Modi government took office and was especially highlighted when there was a ferocious discussion on the question of intolerance in recent months. The PM cannot but be aware of the governments vulnerability on this score. This sensitive issue is popping up at the same time as questions relating to national security the Pathankot attack and its handling, the rising tempo of unrest in Kashmir, and the not so clear-cut dealings with Pakistan. This is a volatile mix which is likely to keep the Rajya Sabha, where the government is in a minority, on the boil. Making matters worse, there are other key issues, such as the agrarian crisis and the dissatisfaction in the farming community across the country, the issue of high prices for farmers, unchecked unemployment, the falling value of the Indian rupee in spite of a favourable situation engendered by the much-lowered international price of oil, and the sensitive dalit question, highlighted recently by the circumstances that led to the suicide of Hyderabad university research scholar Rohith Vemula. Sensing the political negatives, Mr Modi has gone on the offensive, and accused some elements in speeches in Orissa and Chhattisgarh of hatching a conspiracy to target him because he was a chaiwalas son. This typifies this PMs personalised style of politics. It will be interesting to see if the chaiwala rhetoric still has a ring as BJP and several other parties ready themselves for Assembly polls in five states in April-May. The ensuing session will also be a test for the Oppositions ability to cohere and come together. Who would have imagined that the presentation of the Union Budget for the 12 months that start from All Fools Day is just round the corner? This will be finance minister Arun Jaitleys third Budget; he will be presenting two more and then an interim Budget in February 2019 before the next general elections. But the economy seems to be the last thing that is occupying the minds of large sections of the population. Just about everything else is. The agitation by Jats has suddenly disrupted the working of one of the more industrialised parts of northern India. Assembly lines manufacturing vehicles have shut down. Normal life has been disrupted not just in Haryana but in parts of the national capital region. But what has rattled the confidence of many has been the inability of the state government headquartered in Chandigarh, as well as the Central government in New Delhi, to anticipate the scale of the agitation and, more importantly, prevent it from escalating. The same cannot, however, be said about the students agitations, first in Hyderabad and now in New Delhi. The actions and inaction of important functionaries in the government make it clear that there have been conscious attempts to further the Hindu nationalist agenda of the Sangh Parivar. The silence of our otherwise loqua-cious Prime Minister when it comes to dividing the countrys population into two categories, anti-national and national, has had the consequence of uniting all those who are not affiliated to the Bharatiya Janata Party. But that hardly matters to Narendra Modi. It will certainly suit him immensely to portray all his detractors as unpatriotic. In this respect, he will be taking a leaf out of the book of former US President George W. Bush Jr. who famously partitioned 300 million Americans into two groups: either you are with us or you are against us. Like the good pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh that he is, Mr Modi is clear that no dissenters should come in the way of his grandiose plans. The four angry old men of the BJP (L.K. Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Shanta Kumar and Yashwant Sinha), their friends (Arun Shourie and Govindacharya) and sundry other dissenters (including Shatrughan Sinha and Kirti Azad) have been shown their place, in the margins. The biggest names in the government too, Mr Jaitley and home minister Rajnath Singh together with party president Amit Shah, have no alternative but to remain abjectly subservient to the Supreme Leader of the Second Republic of India, now on its way towards becoming a Congress-mukt Bharat. They all know whos the boss. And his game plan is clear. What is already apparent is that the coming Budget Session of Parliament is likely to be frequently disrupted. Like the Winter Session, it may be a complete washout even if the government is allowed to present both the Railway Budget and the Union Budget. Mr Modi will then blame his political opponents for acting against the interests of the nation by not allowing the government to put together a common goods and services tax (GST), enact a new bankruptcy law and institute a real estate regulatory authority. Attempts will certainly be made to convert some of these proposed pieces of legislation into money bills that need not be approved by the Upper House of Parliament since the BJP does not have a majority on the Rajya Sabha and will probably not for the next three years. Mr Modis bhakts will surely hope that the ensuing tamasha will divert attention from the current state of the Indian economy and the fact that jobs are not being created in adequate numbers because, among other reasons, private investments are not forthcoming and the physical infrastructure (bijli, sadak and paani) continues to creak. For the first time in the history of the country, for the better part of the last year and a half, the wholesale price index has been in negative territory while consumer price indices have been rising, largely led by food prices. This phenomenon is particularly unusual because prices of diesel (used largely for transportation of goods) and petrol have come down in the tenure of the Modi government. While international prices of crude oil have crashed, the Indian government has passed on barely a fourth of the benefits of the fall in prices to the consumer. By repeatedly hiking excise duties on petroleum products, the government has ensured that collections of indirect taxes have jumped by as much as a third in the April-December 2015 period. Much has been made of the claim that India is the only large country in the world whose economy is growing by around seven per cent. Still, the fact remains that the credibility of the governments national income statistics have been called into question by none other than the governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Raghuram Rajan, and the chief economic adviser in the ministry of finance, Arvind Subramanian. Just like what happened during the 10 years when Manmohan Singh was Prime Minister, the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) can grow at an impressive clip and fiscal deficit targets will be almost always achieved. However, at the same time, few jobs will be created and inequalities of income and wealth will widen. Mr Jaitley will surely seek to propose more reforms to assuage the business community (which is more than a little disappointed with the performance of Mr Modis government for almost two years) that the ease of doing business will improve. Corporate taxes will be pruned, as has been assured by him. But the external economic environment will remain hostile as much of the world moves towards a second dip during the Great Recession that started more than seven years ago. Indias exports have fallen for 14 months in a row. The value of the rupee vis-a-vis the US dollar could hit its lowest level ever in the near future. A weak rupee is supposed to make the countrys exports less expensive and, hence, more competitive. That is not happening simply because there are few buyers for what we have to sell abroad. So who cares about the economy when it has become more important to ascertain whos a deshdrohi (traitor) and who is a genuine patriot? Rating: For hardcore home movie watchers, there is a delicate crossover point between a large TV, and a projection system. Beyond 50 -60 inches, the cost of LED television sets shoots up so sharply, they are no longer affordable or practical for the home. If you want to replicate the theatre experience, it makes sense to consider a projection system that allows you to view movies on screens of 100 -110 inch width. But with TV screens becoming sharper, smarter, projectors have had to scale up too. Epson, the market leader in projectors has recently brought to India, a home theatre model which offers full HD and 3D -- as well as a trickle-down of some key features, hitherto only available in the top-end, semi professional range. In spite of packing in a lot of technology, the EH-TW5300 projector brings a refreshing dummies approach to its controls. Key controls on the remote are replicated on the body of the projector and the menu comes on the screen -- you don't need to grope in the dark to change settings. At home it is always a challenge to adjust the projector so that the image is a perfect rectangle -- one needs a carpenter's spirit level to really do the job. But with this Epson model, it is child's play because they have put in an additional slider to make horizontal corrections, in additional to the vertical adjustments. This is both a full HD (1080p) as well as a 3-D projector (they are throwing in a pair of 3-D active glasses).But considering the paucity of 3-D videos, they have also included controls so that you can upscale your 2-D movies into 3-D. One should not overstate this feature, because it is nowhere close to the original 3-D experience, but kids might enjoy it. For these times when so much of our video content reaches via our mobile phones, the projector has an interface for MHL, the standard that lets you download full HD from a phone or tablet -- very useful when you want to project something grabbed from YouTube. One feature not usually to be found in sub-Rs 1 lakh projectors is what is called frame interpolation -- a software trick that smoothens any blurring or jerks in high speed action sequences. Shooter games fans will appreciate. Multiple USB, HDMI and AV ports ensure the projector can be latched on to DVD players, PCs, phones. There is a built-in speaker system -- adequate for most drawing rooms -- but you can always attach external speakers. The asking price is Rs 76,279 (a bit less at online e-commerce sites). Think of it this way: An average family outing to a multiplex will set you back at least Rs 2,500 (Rs 3,000 if you throw in popcorn and cola). If you do such trips even once a month, the EH-TW5300 will have paid for itself in about two years. After that it's free viewing at home and you can pop your own corn. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. The mobile app is available on Google search engine as 'Swachh Paryatan' and on Android Phones initially and very soon it would be available on Apple and Microsoft as well. New Delhi: Minister of State for Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma on Monday launched 'Swachh Parayatan' mobile app to keep tourist places clean. The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India through DeGS and NIC. The mobile app is available on Google search engine as 'Swachh Paryatan' and on Android Phones initially and very soon it would be available on Apple and Microsoft as well. The mobile app shall be monitored by the project monitoring unit of Swachh Bharat Mission in the Ministry of Tourism. Addressing on the occasion, Sharma said: "Since the general public and the tourists are the largest stakeholders in keeping the monuments clean, the Ministry of Tourism has decided to facilitate the general public to communicate their complaints about any unclean area or garbage piles in and around tourist destinations. Hence as a part thereof, the Ministry of Tourism is launching this Mobile App." He also opined that till all stakeholders don't contribute, such project would not succeed. The Minister informed that the recently launched tourist infoline is getting 18,000 responses daily and is very successful. He dwelt upon many initiatives launched by his ministry for the benefits of tourists. He said that the Domestic Tourism has also immense opportunities like International Tourism. That is why the suggestions from public and tourists are solicited on this Mobile App. To start with, 25 Adarsh Smarak Monuments protected by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have been identified for inclusion in the app. The application would be scaled up to include more monuments as the campaign expands. This mobile app enables a citizen to take photograph of garbage at the monument and upload the same along with his or her remarks. The application then sends an SMS to the ASI Nodal Officer concerned with the monument upon receipt of which the Nodal Officer gets the garbage cleared or removed. The Nodal Officer thereafter sends confirmation about the redressal of the complaint through an SMS to the complainant. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Face recognition is a means of authentication that does not require actual contact between security personnel and passengers. New technology detects and tracks you from the second you arrive at the airport until youre out of the arrivals hall at your destination. More and more people are traveling by plane, so automating airport security checks makes sense. The use of biometric features is a way to identify people at airports. Biometrics measures biological patterns such as fingerprints, iris patterns, head shape or gait. Rather than stop every single person at an airport gate, weve developed algorithms that recognise peoples faces, based on electronic passports with a photo and ID number, says Raghavendra Ramachandra, a post doctoral fellow at NTNUs Biometrics Laboratory in Gjvik, Norway. This technology allows recognised and identified individuals to be let through automatically. Facial recognition software is already fully developed, and soon the technology company Safran Morpho will test it at several crucial airports worldwide. Privacy is paramount But what happens to privacy in this situation? Privacy is our top priority. The information on individuals movements is not stored in the databases. If someone were to hack the databases, they wouldnt be able to reconstruct the data, says Ramachandra. Face recognition is the preferred method to identify people at airports, because it is easy for users. It is a means of authentication that does not require contact. In actuality, people being identified will not notice anything. One goal of the project is to increase border control security. Different practices on different continents Europe has strict regulations for privacy and for how to store information about people, but this is not the case everywhere. Ramachandra says that several countries in Asia (like Aadhaar in India) have initiated programmes to collect biometric information on everyone in the country. As researchers, we try to minimise the risk of personal information going astray. Theres always the possibility of being hacked when you save information digitally, but in using biometrics we try to mitigate this risk by avoiding centralised storage, he says. EU project Safran Morpho demonstrated the projects facial recognition research results at the FIDELITY conference held in Brussels in December 2015. The EU FIDELITY project ended in January 2016. Over the last four years, the project developed solutions and new proposals for fast, secure and efficient real-time authentication of individuals at border crossings. NTNU researchers in Gjvik have been involved in developing solutions for facial recognition, iris recognition, large-scale fingerprint indexing, privacy and biometric finger vein recognition. Source: www.sciencedaily.com Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. James Lee Tartt, 44, an agent in the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, was killed and three other officers were wounded in the shootout that followed. (Photo: AP) Jackson, Mississippi: The mother of a man who shot four Mississippi state troopers and was killed by police says police, who spent six hours negotiating with her son, refused to let her talk to him. Katherine Hudson of Iuka said she thinks family members could have persuaded Charles Lee Lambert, 45, to leave without bloodshed. Lambert had holed up in a house near Iuka in northern Mississippi. Police stormed the house early Saturday. Lambert began shooting. James Lee Tartt, 44, an agent in the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, was killed and three other officers were wounded in the shootout that followed. Lambert also was killed. "We could have talked to him and everything would have been all right," Hudson told The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. Department of Public Safety spokesman Warren Strain said the officers are trained, and their first goal is keeping people alive. The family is entitled to their opinion on how the incident was handled, he said, and declined further comment. He did not respond Sunday to The Associated Press's emailed and phoned queries about Hudson's comments and the names, conditions and other information about the three wounded officers. Jasper County Sheriff Randy Johnson identified the most seriously wounded officer, who was hospitalised in Corinth, as Trea (TRAY) Staples. Strain said Saturday that officers had exhausted negotiations when they stormed the house. He described Tartt as a decorated officer who had been in law enforcement for 22 years. He joined the narcotics bureau in 2000 and in 2011 had been honored as agent of the year, Strain said. Strain said Tartt is the fifth Bureau of Narcotics agent killed in the agency's 45-year history. The last agent killed was in 1998. Tartt's family described him as a dedicated officer who had spent most of his career as a narcotics officer. His uncle Don Tartt told the newspaper that Lee Tartt and had married about a year ago, making him stepfather to his wife's two children. The family had just moved into a house that had taken his nephew two years to build, Don Tartt said. Don Tartt's wife, Julia Criss Tart, said, "He was just a really good guy, and he wanted to make the world a better place." Washington: The United States rejected a North Korean proposal to discuss a peace treaty to formally end the Korean War because it did not address denuclearisation on the peninsula, the State Department said on Sunday. State Department spokesman John Kirby made the comment in response to a Wall Street Journal report that the White House secretly agreed to peace talks just before Pyongyang's latest nuclear bomb test. The newspaper, citing US officials familiar with the events, said the Obama administration dropped its condition that Pyongyang take steps to curtail its nuclear arsenal before any peace talks take place, instead calling for North Korea's atomic weapons program to be just one part of the discussion. Pyongyang declined the proposal, and its Jan. 6 nuclear test ended the diplomatic plans, the newspaper reported. "To be clear, it was the North Koreans who proposed discussing a peace treaty," Kirby said in an emailed statement. "We carefully considered their proposal, and made clear that denuclearisation had to be part of any such discussion. The North rejected our response," he said. "Our response to the NK proposal was consistent with our longstanding focus on denuclearisation." The isolated state has long sought a peace treaty with the United States and other parties in the 1950-53 Korean War, as well as an end to military exercises by South Korea and the United States, which has about 28,500 troops based in South Korea. North Korea said on Jan. 6 it had tested a nuclear device it claimed was a hydrogen bomb, provoking condemnation from its neighbours and the United States. Weeks later, it launched a long-range rocket carrying what it called a satellite, prompting renewed criticism. On Jan. 16, Pyongyang had demanded the conclusion of a peace treaty with the United States and a halt to U.S. military exercises with South Korea to end its nuclear tests. But US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said then that Pyongyang needed to demonstrate by its actions that it was serious about denuclearisation before any dialogues could start. The Korean War ended in 1953 in an armistice, not a peace treaty, signed by the United States, representing United Nations forces; the North Korean military and the Chinese army. Now North Korea wants those three sides and South Korea to sign a treaty. An Indian-origin Sikh has been appointed the Police Commissioner of Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, the highest police rank achieved by a Sikh in the Muslim-majority country. (Photo: AFP) Kuala Lumpur: An Indian-origin Sikh has been appointed the Police Commissioner of Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, the highest police rank achieved by a Sikh in the Muslim-majority country. Deputy Commissioner Amar Singh, in his late 50s, will replace Tajuddin Mohamed who will move to federal headquarters as the deputy director of commercial CID next month. His appointment as Kuala Lumpur police chief was announced on Friday along with several other transfers and promotions, The Star news site reported. Amar, a third-generation policeman from his family, achieved the highest ever rank by a Malaysian Sikh, according to the Asia Samachar news web site. His father and maternal grandfather were both policemen. Amar's father Ishar Singh joined the Federated Malay States Police in 1939, a year after coming to Malaya from Punjab and was a pioneer member of the police jungle squad established during the Emergency, according to a news report. His maternal grandfather Bachan Singh was a constable who joined the force in the early 1900s. Amar graduated in B.Sc from University of Malaya and did his LLB from the University of Buckingham, the UK. He has a Diploma in Sharia Law. Wilfred Souza onfessed to marrying a second time in London despite having a wife back in Goa. (Photo: Representational Image) London: An Indian-origin man has been found guilty of bigamy by a UK court after he confessed to marrying a second time in London despite having a wife back in Goa. Wilfred Souza admitted the bigamy charge at Feltham Magistrates' Court in west London yesterday and was handed a punishment of one-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay a fine of 100 pounds. Magistrate Chris Hack told the 35-year-old man that the offence was on the "lower end" of the scale. "We find that the circumstances surrounding this case of bigamy puts the offending at the lowest end," he said. "We accept an offence has been committed which involved some deceit but there has been little if any harm to either party and the deceit was limited," the magistrate added. "We note Mrs Souza's behaviour in this matter and the support being displayed by your partner," the judge said. According to the 'Hounslow Chronicle', Mr Souza married first wife Ms Ezmy in Goa in December 2012 but left to live in the UK in 2013 to study and look for work. He then started "ignoring" his wife's telephone calls after she kept asking him when he was "coming home". The court was told Mr Souza repeatedly dodged his first wife's calls and attempts to get in touch on social media. And on March 23, 2015, he got married to Sheiza Colaco who is also originally from Goa at the Hounslow Civic Centre without getting a divorce. His first wife found out about Mr Souza's marriage and alerted the authorities in the UK, saying she was still married to him leading to Mr Souza's arrest for bigamy. The prosecution told the court: "Mrs Souza states Mr Souza left India to go to England for work and on the second occasion failed to return and had been avoiding her calls." Mr Souza's defence lawyer, Stefan Baard, described how Miss Colaco, Souza's second wife knew all about his first wife in India. He said Mr Souza had "gone to great lengths" to try and resolve issues with his first wife, but that she had told him she was "not interested in a divorce or in joining him in England". He said Mr Souza and his second wife were "very keen to move on and try to get the divorce sorted out in India". Mr Baard said, "The reason for this second marriage taking place was that Miss Calico fell pregnant and there was huge pressure on him for cultural reasons to get married." "They're very keen to move on and try to get the divorce sorted out in India so they can marry properly this time around," he added. Under conditional discharge, the offender is released but his offence is registered on criminal record. No further action is taken unless they commit a further offence within a time frame of around three years. Across Europe, gay, lesbian and transgender migrants say they suffer from verbal, physical and sexual abuse in refugee shelters, and some have been forced to move out. (Photo: AP) Berlin: Alaa Ammar fled Syria to escape not just civil war but also the threat of persecution as a gay man. Yet when he arrived in The Netherlands last spring, he did not find the safe haven he craved. He and four other gay travelers had to face newly arrived asylum seekers at a migrant center in the remote northern town of Ter Apel. "After five minutes, they started looking. After 10 minutes, they started to talk. After one hour, they came to us," said Ammar, a slender 28-year-old in tight jeans and with a diamond-like stud in each ear. "After three hours, they started fighting with us." Across Europe, gay, lesbian and transgender migrants say they suffer from verbal, physical and sexual abuse in refugee shelters, and some have been forced to move out. The AP found out about scores of documented cases in The Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Sweden and Finland, with the abuse usually coming from fellow refugees and sometimes security staff and translators. The cases suggest a possible cultural clash: Many migrants are coming from conservative Muslim countries where homosexuality is taboo into European societies that are more open to it. In Syria, for example, homosexuality is illegal, and the militant Islamic State group has killed more than 30 gays in Syria and Iraq over the past two years, activists say. A similar debate, this time over cultural attitudes toward gender, was sparked after young men assaulted and robbed hundreds of women in several German cities on New Year's Eve. Police described the men as of North African and Arabic origin. The number of migrants accused of gay abuse are just a tiny fraction of the hundreds of thousands of refugees streaming into Europe. However, most abuse is likely not reported because of European privacy laws and the stigma felt by gay migrants, and there is no official tally across the continent. In Germany, the Lesbian and Gay Federation counted 106 cases of violence against homosexual and transgender refugees in the Berlin region from August through the end of January. Most of the cases came from refugee centers, and 13 included sexual abuse. Joerg Steinert, head of the federation in Berlin-Brandenburg, said refugees have been asking gay groups for help all over the country, reluctant to approach police for fear of jeopardizing their asylum applications. Last year, the federation placed 50 people in private homes because the migrant centers were too dangerous. "These asylum shelters are law-free areas," he said. "When I come to our office on Monday morning, there's usually a bunch of refugees waiting outside in the hallway who need help immediately." Charities and private shelter operators say they've simply been too overwhelmed by the huge influx of migrants to attend to some refugees' special needs. Swarms of people often live in one big hall, without lockable rooms or gender-separated washrooms. In Berlin, where four hangars at the former Tempelhof airport were turned into a reception center for 2,100 people, four cases of gay abuse were reported. Maria Antonia Kipp, spokeswoman for private center operator Tamaja, said it's very difficult to create safe spaces for homosexuals when hundreds of bunk beds are separated only by thin wooden boards. "When we see a dangerous situation or people tell us about it, we'll get the people out and transfer them to smaller shelters," she said. The German Red Cross said it had a code of conduct banning violence at its shelters. And the Arbeiterwohlfahrt, or Worker's Welfare charity group, said it is trying to create safe spaces in new centers but cannot implement the highest standards it would like. "We've been somewhat overrun by reality," said spokeswoman Mona Finder. Some critics say it is up to the German government to protect migrants. But last month, a proposal to increase the security of asylum shelters was taken out of a government bill, despite official reprimands from the European Commission that Germany is not implementing EU safety guidelines. Without the government, the protection of gay migrants has largely fallen to rights groups and local communities. On Tuesday, gay rights group Schwulenberatung Berlin will open a new home with 122 beds for gay refugees in cooperation with the city of Berlin and another shelter with 10 beds was recently opened in Nuremberg. Berlin has also appointed a counselor as contact person for the registration of gay and transgender migrants. Schwulenberatung Berlin's Mahmoud Hassino said the new Berlin shelter would be a big improvement for gay, transgender and lesbian refugees. "Gay refugees live in constant fear in the big shelters," said the 40-year-old Syrian refugee. Hassino came to Germany in 2014 and had to move out of a Berlin shelter himself because of the hostility of fellow refugees. "Even if they don't get abused right away, they're always afraid their identity will be revealed and then they'll be targeted," he said. The situation for homosexual refugees is difficult all over Europe. In Spain, for example, two migrants from Cameroon and a third from Morocco were physically abused after their sexual orientation was discovered by others at shelters, according to the Pueblos Unidos nonprofit. The men now have asylum petitions pending before the Spanish government citing their homosexuality as a reason why they deserve refugee status, the nonprofit said. In Sweden, a court sentenced an asylum seeker to five months in prison last summer for making death threats, along with spitting in the face and grabbing the throat of a fellow refugee in a center in Jonkoping. When the victim collapsed onto the floor, the attacker kicked him unconscious. Witnesses and a surveillance video backed the claims. The motive was the victim's homosexuality. The attacker was "outraged that Sweden protects homosexuality and all should be killed by slaughtering," according to court documents. In Finland, cases of gay harassment and downright abuse have also been recorded at refugee centers, according to SETA, a nationwide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group. As a result, some of the centers have separated a secure section for those afraid of sexual harassment. Other migrants have contacted SETA after fleeing their designated refugee center because of abuse. Earlier this month, a Finnish court gave an asylum seeker a three-and-half-year prison sentence for raping another migrant man at a southern Finnish center. In Denmark, there have been at least 10 cases of harassment, according to Mads Ted Drud-Jensen from the LGBT Asylum group. He stressed that those figures represent only victims who have been in contact with the group. "Stepping out of the closet may be hard to do, and not everyone is talking to us," he said. In the Netherlands, a Dutch human rights group reported earlier this month on regular abuse of gays and lesbians at a large camp that can house up to 3,000 asylum seekers near the city of Nijmegen. The group, The College for Human Rights, said one asylum seeker "has repeatedly found excrement and food in his bed. He is threatened and abused by fellow residents." The asylum seeker, whose identity was not disclosed, said he feared for his safety because some other refugees carried knives. The report said he often found notes in his bed such as "kill gay" and "we don't want gay in the camp." When Ammar reported abuse in Ter Apel, he and other gay refugees were put up on the floor of a restaurant for a night. Then they were transferred to another shelter in Apeldoorn. There too, Ammar said, three fellow refugees attacked him and another man in the communal washroom and slashed them with a knife. "You could see from their eyes that they wanted to hurt me," he said. Again, Ammar was transferred, back to a caravan in Ter Apel. Employees with the COA asylum organisation advised them to close the doors and windows, he said, but other asylum seekers "opened the windows and said bad things to us." Spokesman Jan-Willem Anholts said COA does not keep records of complaints of gay abuse, but does have "protective" measures for people at risk. Anholts also raised concerns that creating safe houses for specific groups could lead to a type of "segregation" in Dutch society. It was only after Ammar received asylum and moved in with a private host in Amsterdam a few weeks ago that he started to feel really safe. "Who wouldn't like Amsterdam?' Ammar said as he looked carefully left and right before crossing roads - already seasoned at watching out for speeding bicycles in the Dutch capital. "People don't care if I'm gay or not. I can scream 'I'm gay!' and they will say, 'Welcome.'" His lawyers were basing their request on a February 5 non-binding legal opinion of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which said Assange's confinement amounted to an arbitrary detention by Sweden and Britain. (Photo: AP) Stockholm: Lawyers for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said on Monday they had asked a Stockholm court to lift a pan-European warrant for his arrest over a 2010 rape allegation. His lawyers were basing their request on a February 5 non-binding legal opinion of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which said Assange's confinement amounted to an arbitrary detention by Sweden and Britain. "I think (the opinion of the UN working group) is an important fact and should be taken into account," Tomas Olsson, a lawyer for Assange, told AFP. "We want them to retry the decision and overrule it," he said. The 44-year-old Australian sought refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London in June 2012 after exhausting all his legal options in Britain against extradition to Sweden over his alleged sex crimes, which he has denied. Appeals to have the warrant dropped were also denied. Swedish authorities want to speak to Assange about the rape allegation dating back to 2010 and whose statute of limitations does not expire until 2020. Assange has lived at the embassy since 2012, in a small office room with a bed, computer, sun lamp, treadmill and access to a small balcony decorated with Ecuador's flag. Assange fears that if he were sent to Sweden, he could be extradited to the United States to be tried over the publication of hundreds of thousands of classified documents. WikiLeaks filed a complaint against Sweden and Britain to the UN working group in September 2014, claiming his confinement in the embassy was unlawful. Both Britain and Sweden have angrily disputed the group's findings. Founded by Assange in 2006, WikiLeaks has infuriated the United States by releasing some 500,000 secret military files on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and 250,000 diplomatic cables. Mohammed Emwazi, who was also known as 'Jihadi John' (Photo: AFP) London: A British university once attended by Islamic State (IS) terrorist Jihadi John has installed CCTV cameras in its prayer rooms, sparking protests by students who say the move has fuelled fear that they are being monitored. The University of Westminster in London has tightened security since Jihadi John - whose real name was Mohammed Emwazi - was last year revealed as a former student. An internal report has said the varsitys Islamic society had become a breeding ground for very ultraconservative views. The universitys student union has complained about the cameras and claims that key cards used to enter the rooms are being monitored, The Sunday Times reported. The lack of understanding leads to a lack of trust, some anger and frankly a degree of fear, said Jim Hirschmann, the unions president. Salsabil Sila, one of the unions Muslim officers, said some students now prayed off campus. It has limited us from being able to perform our prayers in an environment where we can feel completely at ease. What would normally be a safe space where we could take off our scarves has now been taken away from us, she said. Father Stephen Wang, chaplain at the University of London, said: It is certainly not the norm to have CCTV cameras in prayer rooms and chapels. I would want to know what the reasons were and whether it had been agreed with the chaplains, the interfaith team and the students concerned. The University of Westminster said: It was not the universitys intention to cause alarm or offence. As these rooms are quiet, reflective and often solitary spaces, it is important to make sure people feel secure and not vulnerable ... The university has a clear and transparent CCTV policy. Emwazi, who graduated with a degree in information systems, became IS masked executioner, responsible for the deaths of at least five British and American hostages. At the time the worlds most wanted man, he was killed by a targeted US airstrike last year. Paris: Shazia Mirza, who claims to be the world's first devoutly Muslim woman stand-up comic, is used to walking a very thin line. She made her name in Britain and the United States in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks by starting her shows with the line, "My name is Shazia Mirza -- at least that's what is says on my pilot's licence." But the writer and comedian is touching a still rawer nerve in her new show "The Kardashians Made Me Do It", which asks why so many young Western Muslim girls choose to run away to join the Islamic State group. At face value, her answer seems as problematic as the phenomenon itself. "Yes, they (IS fighters) may be barbaric... murderous psychopaths," she said. "But they are hairy, macho, they have guns and they're exciting... and that presses a lot of girls' buttons." The West has got it all wrong on jihadi brides, she insisted. "This is not about radicalisation, it's sexualisation," she said ahead of a gig in Paris just down the street from one of the bars targeted by gunmen in November's jihadist attacks that left 130 dead. But for "the repressed, rebellious horny teenage Muslim girls" that fall for them, she claimed, this reality is lost in the fantasy world built around their longing for romance and adventure. Mirza argued that for them IS fighters are a bad boy fantasy -- "the One Direction of Islam", pin-ups who promise "no-guilt halal sex of which Allah approves". Mirza, who comes from a devout Pakistani family and was raised in Britain, knows more than most about where these teenagers are coming from. "Me and my friends were brought up in Birmingham the same way these girls were. If anything, our parents were stricter." Muslim Brad Pitts Up until now Mirza insisted her comedy was never "political. It was all observational. I just told jokes." But after three London teenagers made headlines around the world last year when they skipped school to run away to join IS in Syria, she realised her comedy might "have something to say". A former science teacher, she said she taught "hundreds of Bangladeshi girls just like them in a secondary school just down the road from theirs. "I was with a Bangladeshi friend when the news broke and we were both flabbergasted," she added. "But when we thought back to our 16-year-old selves we knew exactly why. Almost every Muslim woman I have talked knows this too, and I wondered why no one had just come out and said it. "If some hot, hairy Muslim Brad Pitt had written to me at 15 and sent me pictures asking me to join him, it might have seemed like an exciting way out. But it would have been nothing to do with religion." So she wrote "The Kardashians Made Me Do It" -- its title taken from one of the girl's shocked sisters, who told a British parliamentary inquiry that her missing sibling was more into celebrity culture than the Koran. "I can't understand why she's gone," she told MPs, "she used to watch 'The Kardashians'." Trying out the show around Britain, Mirza had found "lots of Muslims who never normally go to comedy" staying behind to say, "'You are so right.'" There have been reports since that IS deliberately uses good-looking young men, -- the so-called jihotties -- as part of its social media strategy to "groom" young female recruits. Lure of unsuitable boys At their age, these girls would have known "nothing about Islam", Mirza said. "I went to Koran classes every day after school... it takes years to get to the essence." Far from being radicalised, she is convinced they had sex on their minds rather than religion or to take revenge "on the West... That is such a joke. These girls are totally Western and British," she said, "and were only three when America invaded Iraq. "What could be more British than driving your parents mad by running away with unsuitable boys?" Mirza added. "I was never allowed out of the house on my own, I didn't go on school trips, have white friends or was allowed to wear what I wanted," she said. But Muslim girls soon learn how to lead double lives. "When we went out we left totally covered and then changed into miniskirts in the toilets. I dyed my hair pink once and kept it hidden from my mum under my headscarf," she added. Despite the November attack, Mirza is not worried about taking the show to La Java club in Paris on Wednesday. "It is important we talk honestly," she said. Muslims have to embrace comedy to help explain themselves, she said. "It is like with the Jews, or the Irish when they were seen as terrorists. When things get tough, you have to get funny. Speaking to tens of thousands of people in St. Peters Square, the pope also called on Catholic politicians worldwide to work for a moratorium on any executions during the Churchs current Holy Year, which ends in November. (Photo: AP) Vatican City: Pope Francis on Sunday called for a worldwide ban on the death penalty, saying the commandment You shall not kill was just as valid for the guilty as for the innocent. Speaking to tens of thousands of people in St. Peters Square, the pope also called on Catholic politicians worldwide to work for a moratorium on any executions during the Churchs current Holy Year, which ends in November. I appeal to the consciences of those who govern to reach an international consensus to abolish the death penalty, he said. The 1.2 billion-member Catholic Church for centuries allowed the death penalty in extreme cases but the position began changing under the late Pope John Paul, who died in 2005. The commandment You shall not kill, has absolute value and applies to both the innocent and the guilty, Francis told the crowd. The pope added that there was a growing opposition to the death penalty even for the legitimate defence of society because modern means existed to efficiently repress crime without definitively denying the person who committed it the possibility of rehabilitating themselves. An Iraqi youth dressed in a mock bomb suit, designed by Iraqi artist Hussein Adil, walks during a public performance in the streets of the capital Baghdad. (Photo: AFP) Baghdad: The man in the bulky bomb disposal suit waved at a gaggle of awed children as he walked down a Baghdad street and sat outside a small cafe to drink tea. But there was no bomb to defuse on Rasheed Street that day, and no armour inside the black suit to protect him from explosives. Iraqi artist Hussein Adil designed the mock bomb suit complete with huge helmet and visors himself for this performance. We had to make this one because there arent many bomb suits in Iraq, he said. We have to be one of the countries in the world that needs them the most. Adil, a wispy 20-year-old with a wild head of tight curly hair, is one of an ever-growing number of Iraqi artists looking for new ways for tackling the violence they grew up with. The inspiration for his bomb suit happening was the death last year in a suicide car bombing of his close friend Ammar al Shahbander, a much-loved journalist. Adil, Shahbander and two other friends were heading to a cafe to drink tea in Baghdads Karrada district when an important call came in on his mobile phone. I told them to go ahead, that I would follow them in five minutes, Adil said. He heard an explosion moments later. After searching for them for hours, he found one of his friends with a head injury in hospital and was told that Shahbander had been killed. Two weeks later, he dreamt that a bomb would go off near a square in central Baghdad and, after waking up, immediately called his friends and his father to tell them. An explosion rocked the exact spot later that day. Adil thought of a simple performance during which his friend would go about normal daily activities in the city wearing a bomb suit, as a way to express his angst through art. (Photo: AFP) My friends called me to ask me how I knew, it was a very strange thing, he said, adding that it was then that he started looking for ways to express his angst through art. Deep trauma remains Baghdad has been rocked by hundreds of car bombs over the years, sometimes several in a day during periods when violence peaked. Those blasts and other attacks have killed tens of thousands of civilians and left many residents with deep trauma that remains when violence ebbs, as is the case now in the city. Adil thought of a simple performance, during which his friend Muslim would go about normal daily activities in Baghdad wearing a bomb suit. I thought, why isnt there some kind of outfit that can protect us? Other approaches produced no results so I looked at individual solutions, Adil said. The decrepit charm of the once glorious Rasheed Streets ornate arcades and derelict theatres provides an odd backdrop for the dark figure casually walking in full mock ordnance disposal gear. As they saw Muslim trudging along, arms asway and head ensconced in a massive ballistic collar, some passers-by seemed alarmed or amused. Adil designed a bomb-suit following the death of his close friend Ammar al-Shahbander in a suicide car bombing in 2015. (Photo: AFP) Others barely turned their heads to look. I suppose they have their reasons for doing this kind of art, but personally I dont see what its going to change about what our country is going through, said Abu Ibrahim, a local shop owner. Followed by his friend Adil, Muslim walked into buildings to chat with people, ordered tea at a cafe and inquired about prices at a tailors shop. After two people helped him out of his bomb suit, Muslim spoke of the many thoughts that rushed through his mind. I knew it wasnt a real suit... but at one point I actually felt it was protecting me and started imagining all the things I could do, he said. I could feel people looking at me. Some were laughing, some were perplexed and others looked like they wanted to try it on. Adil will repeat the performance in various locations of the capital and wrap up his experiment with a photo exhibit. I wanted to show the public what we have come to... and plant this question in their heads: What if we all looked like this? On November 26 that year, the gunmen left their vessel, moored off the coast of Mumbai in inflatable boats and docked in an area of fishing shanties. They broke up into smaller groups to carry out the attack that killed 166 people. (Photo: AP) Islamabad: Pakistan government on Monday challenged in the Islamabad High Court the rejection of the 2008 Mumbai attack case prosecution's plea by the trial court to form a commission to examine the boat used by LeT terrorists to reach the Indian coast. "We have challenged the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Islamabad's decision to reject our plea regarding formation of a commission to examine the boat Al-Fauz used by alleged terrorists of Mumbai attacks in the Islamabad High Court," Prosecution Chief Chaudhry Azhar said. He said the court office would fix the date of hearing. According to the petition, the boat should be made "case property". "A government commission should be formed to examine the boat which is in custody of the authorities in port city of Karachi is an essential part of evidence against the seven accused" against whom the trial is underway, it says. The ATC on January 13 had dismissed the plea of the prosecution to form a commission to examine the boat. Al-Fauz is in the custody of the Pakistani authorities in the port city of Karachi, from where the 10 militants, armed with AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades, had left for India to carry out the Mumbai attack in 2008. According to the Federal Investigation Agency, the 10 militants - armed with AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades - used three boats including Al Fauz to reach Mumbai from the port city of Karachi to carry out the attack in 2008. It said the security agencies had also traced the shop and its owner from where the culprits bought the engine and the boat while a bank, and a money exchange company were also traced which were used for the transaction of money. The 10 LeT militants had left Karachi on the boat on November 23, 2008. En route, they hijacked another boat, killing four of its crew. They allegedly forced the vessel's captain to take them close to the India shores. The captain was killed when the vessel reached Mumbai's coast. On November 26 that year, the gunmen left their vessel, moored off the coast of Mumbai in inflatable boats and docked in an area of fishing shanties. They broke up into smaller groups to carry out the attack that killed 166 people. Nine of the gunmen were killed during the attacks, while the lone survivor identified as Ajmal Kasab was executed in India in November, 2012. Pakistani authorities have arrested seven LeT members involved with the planning of the attack including the terrorist group's operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, said to be the mastermind of the Mumbai attack. The other arrested LeT men are Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Sadiq, Shahid Jamil, Jamil Ahmed and Younas Anjum. Lakhvi, 55, has been on bail since last April and is enjoying his freedom at an undisclosed location. The Taliban claimed responsibility in an email sent to media. (Photo: AP) Kabul: A suicide bomber targeting a police commander killed at least 13 people on Monday, including nine civilians, in Afghanistan's northern Parwan province, an official said. The attack happened near a clinic and a bazaar, said Gen Zaman Mamozai, the provincial police chief. Four local police were among those killed, and another 19 people, including 17 civilians, were wounded, he said. The police commander who was targeted in the attack was among those wounded. "Once again, a Taliban suicide bomber attacked innocent civilians," Mamozai said, adding that the bazaar was packed with shoppers and that people were waiting outside the clinic for treatment. The Taliban claimed responsibility in an email sent to media. The UN's mission in Afghanistan reported earlier this month that most of the 11,000 civilians killed and wounded in 2015 were the victims of insurgent attacks. A total of 3,545 civilians were killed last year as a result of the war, the UN report said, with another 7,457 wounded. The figures mark a 4 per cent drop in civilian deaths from the previous year, but a 9 percent rise in civilians wounded. Taliban insurgents regularly target Afghan security forces, often killing civilians in the process. US election 2016: Donald Trump queries Rubio's eligibility Republican frontrunner Donald Trump has said he's "not sure" whether his rival, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, is eligible to run for US president. Mr Rubio, who came second in the South Carolina primary, was born in Miami, Florida, to Cuban parents. Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who was born in Canada, has faced similar questions from the New York billionaire. Most legal experts believe the two senators meet the requirements to become president of the United States. The US constitution allows only "natural born" citizens to become US president, which is widely interpreted as being born in the US or having a US citizen parent. Mr Rubio, whose parents became US citizens four years after he was born, seemed to shrug off Mr Trump's comments, describing it as "a game he plays". -~- FOCUS ON DEFENSE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND OCEANIA Raytheon is developing an integrated training system to prepare pilots for the increasingly sophisticated combat missions of tomorrow. The company is partnering with European aircraft manufacturer Finmeccanica to build the T-100 Integrated Air Training System to be its contender for the T-X, the U.S. Air Forces highly competitive challenge to create an advanced new jet trainer. A decision on T-X is expected in the fourth quarter of 2017. Raytheon, as Lockheed Martin, chose an off-the-shelf platform for their T-X platform proposal, relying on proven, low-risk platform. The Air Force has set an initial operational capability (IOC) date for T-X of 2024, requiring 6-7 years for completing development, integration, testing and production of the entire package. Other competitors that are pursuing clean sheet designs for the T-X trainers, (Boeing-Saab and Northrop Grumman) are optimizing their solutions for the customers requirements but also increase development risks. The T-100, a variant of the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 advanced jet trainer, currently in use by the Italian Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Israeli Air Force and Polish Air Force. If selected, the T-100 trainer will be manufactured by Raytheon in the United States. The company has not decided where to locate this manufacturing line, that could produce over 300 aircraft. Next-generation combat programs require a next-generation training system, said Brick Bluto Izzi, a 25-year veteran F-16 fighter pilot who now serves as chief engineer for business development at Raytheons Space and Airborne Systems business. The T-38, the Air Forces current jet training system, is simply not capable of presenting tomorrows pilots with the avionics and mission scenarios that will prepare them for next-generation aircraft. Ive flown the F-16 as a USAF weapons school instructor for almost 20 years, and Ive flown this trainer, and it provides two key advantages: thrust-to-weight that leaves no question about excess power, and truly amazing, embedded tactical training, said Izzi. It is a superior instructor platform. Honeywell Aerospace will provide twin, F124 turbofan engines to power the T-100 via the International Turbine Engine Company (ITEC) joint venture. Raytheon Company announced today it is offering an integrated, next-generation training solution for the U.S. Air Forces Advanced Pilot Training competition (T-X). Raytheon is offering an affordable, low risk, open systems solution [that] combines a proven aircraft with a suite of fully integrated training technologies. said Rick Yuse, president of Raytheons Space and Airborne Systems. Raytheon is the prime contractor, with principal partners Finmeccanica, CAE USA and Honeywell Aerospace as team members. The solution offered by Raytheon combines the T-100, an advanced variant of the Aermacchi M-346, with a leading-edge Ground Based Training System. CAE USA designs and develops some of the worlds most sophisticated, simulation-based training systems for lead-in fighter trainer aircraft. Our integrated simulation technologies will play an increasingly critical role in ensuring sophisticated, safe, cost-effective training for the United States Air Force. Gene Colabatistto, group president Defense & Security, CAE commented. The M-346 is a proven, mature, eminently flyable aircraft, qualities that are critically important for any new trainer, Yuse added. Even more critical are the sophisticated electronics that will prepare trainees to fly in the information-rich environment of current and future technology. he said. The T-100 is capable of conducting sustained high-g operations, aerial refueling, night vision imaging and data-link operations. In the T-100, pilots will be immersed in a realistic, complex training environment with cutting-edge avionics and pilot-vehicle interfaces, including the ability to simulate tactical scenarios, sensors, threats and weapons while in flight. The T-100 builds on Raytheons heritage as a developer of high-performance training solutions, having served as prime contractor on the T-6 Texan II and T-1 Jayhawk. Credit scores are complicated, so the process of improving them can look different for everyone. Get some helpful tips here, along with more business and economy news in case you missed it. The Oregon Tourism Commission will hold its regular meeting from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center, 3700 Knox Butte Road. Among the items for discussion are a legislative update and an update on global marketing and advertising. The Oregon Tourism Commission, doing business as Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors experience by providing information, resources and trip-planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon. The commission aims to improve Oregonians quality of life by strengthening economic impacts of the states $10.3 billion tourism industry that employs more than 101,000 Oregonians. The next Oregon Tourism Commission meeting is scheduled for April 24 in Pendleton. Heres one of those items that you can place in the file you have labeled It Cant Hurt: The Oregonian last week reported that the federal government is starting an advertising campaign to encourage parents of elementary and middle school students to make sure their kids get to school every day. The Every Student, Every Day campaign is created by The Ad Council, a consortium of big-ticket ad agencies that offer pro bono assistance to help create campaigns deemed to be in the public interest. The council has created a number of the nations most memorable ad campaigns Loose Lips Sink Ships from World War II was a council creation, as were the anti-pollution ads featuring a teary-eyed Iron Eyes Cody. The council also has created a number of campaigns that youve never heard of, but a quick glance at even the most recent campaigns shows that the council is focused on issues and causes that are worthwhile and generally not particularly controversial. Which brings us to the campaign about school attendance. You might think that parents and guardians wouldnt need much in the way of reminders that its important for their children to attend school as much as possible. But the statistics for Oregon schools would suggest that youd be wrong. As The Oregonian reported two years ago in a groundbreaking investigation, Empty Desks, nearly 100,000 Oregon students are chronically absent that is, they miss at least 10 percent of the school year. The reasons why theyre absent are varied, of course, but the end results often are the same and not particularly surprising: Students who dont attend classes regularly are less likely to graduate from high school. And, of course, students who dont graduate from high school are at a serious disadvantage in a job market that increasingly demands educated workers. Those are among the points that the Every Student, Every Day campaign (which is being bankrolled by The Mott Foundation) will try to hammer home. The campaign is scheduled to include billboards, public service announcements at bus shelters and posters, to be hung in businesses, doctors offices and schools. (And, yes, it makes sense to place the posters in schools, even though this is a campaign aimed at absent students.) Also included in the campaign will be a website that will include resources for educators and community leaders. (The website could well be useful for the Oregon Department of Education, which might be charged with writing a report laying out strategies for improving school attendance if a bill under consideration by the Legislature passes.) Although parents are one of the primary targets of the campaign, theyre not the only ones: Research suggests that having a caring adult in the life of a student can play a major role in preventing that student from dropping out. In fact, a recent report said, a caring adult in school can have a bigger impact than a parent. Which suggests something else important about improving Oregons dismal mark in student attendance: This isnt a battle that will be won solely in the classroom. And parents and guardians, while they have an important role to play in ensuring that their charges get to school each day, dont have to fight this battle alone. This requires a community. So, the next time you happen to hear a public service announcement for Every Student, Every Day on the radio, remember this: Its talking to you. (mm) When Gov. Brown signs the new minimum wage bill into effect, Oregon will become the highest minimum wage-paying state in the nation. How many families and single working parents will lose some, if not all their subsidy assistant programs such as SNAP, Oregon Health Plan, Employee-Related Day, Housing subsidies? These programs are based on the Federal Poverty Level. Remember, prices will go up, obviously increases in pay have to come from someplace and I dont believe that money tree has been invented yet. Are you really going to be ahead receiving a higher pay rate? Second: Remember folks, the working class making more than minimum wage salaries will go up accordingly, except their raises are much larger than minimum wage increases. Finally, being a senior and knowing what our annual increase is, we have just been moved into the poor house. Our increases for our retirement plan is a 2-percent increase yearly, and Social Security no increase as long as the cost of living nationwide doesnt go up, such as last year: no increase! Maybe those golden days of retirement will send us and other retires back to the workforce! Carol Docken Millersburg (Feb. 19) Detailing the many birding expeditions and field trips with photos and information about birds and their distribution. Some trips can cover several days, while some may only consist of a short 2 hour hike. Don't be surprised to see more than just birds on this blog. Master dregree in Physics in scattering theory. PhD in Physics in group theory (ray representation in quantum mechanics). After a master in e-learning I'm instructional designer for Italian Astronomical Olympiads at Brera's Astronomycal Observatory (Italy). http://donpolson.blogspot.com/ Bringing you the very best information, analysis and opinion from around the web. NOTE: For videos that don't start--go to article link to view. Double Vision ran in the Connacht Tribune and Galway City Tribune from 1992 - 2020. This blog has new posts and the archive from 2007-2020. Columns from 1992-2006 are available. Dolores Huerta, one of the great Latina activists and a Hillary Clinton surrogate CLAIM: Supporters of Bernie Sanders shouted "English only" at civil rights activist Dolores Huerta during one Nevada caucus event, ostensibly objecting to a translation of remarks into Spanish. Harrah's casino site- Bernie supporters chant "English-only" to stop civil rights leader @DoloresHuerta from providing Spanish translation. February 20, 2016 #NVcaucus I offered to translate & Bernie supporters chanted English only! We fought too long & hard to be silenced Si Se Puede! #ImwithHer February 20, 2016 ORIGIN: On 20 February 2016, the Nevada Democratic caucuses ended in a victory for Hillary Clinton. Not long after that, actress America Ferrera tweeted that that supporters of Bernie Sanders shouted "English only!" at longtime civil rights activist Dolores Huerta (who had apparently offered to translate from English to Spanish at an event at Harrah's casino on the Las Vegas strip), objecting to a translation of remarks from English to Spanish ... Huerta initially didn't specify how she identified the chanters as Sanders supporters. Rather than check on procedure, try to find a neutral translator, or pause the proceedings so that the two sides can come up with a joint plan, the chair is abdicating his responsibility to oversee the process, allowing whoever rushes the stage first to take a major role in the running of the vote. People start shouting No! and jeering him. Apparently referring to Huerta, someone yells out Shes a surrogate! Near the video mic, you hear someone say tensely, You have to get up there now. (On another video of the confrontation, you can hear someone shouting Neutral! Neutral! at this point.) FEDERICO PENA: Well, Amy and Juan, good morning. Let me say good morning to my good friend, Dolores Huerta. Weve been friends for many, many years. Let me be very succinct in telling the audience why Im supporting Barack Obama. [He then summarizes a stump-speech list] ... And I think its that kind of good judgment that the American people want, and I certainly want, in the next president. DOLORES HUERTA: Well, I dont know about his judgment. I just want to mention one thing in particular. ... There was a big issue, if you will recall, where we had a woman who in Chicago, Elvira Arellano, who refused to be deported, and she was undocumented. She was in sanctuary for twelve months, for an entire year, right there in Chicago, where Obama lives. The people who did that campaign, these were the same ones that organized the big marches in Chicago, went to see Obama to get some support for Elvira Arellano. He [Obama] not only refused to help them, but he didnt even bother to go see Elvira. ... Obama never, never lifted a finger to help her, as he never did when we had two Latinos that had been unjustly incarcerated for a murder that they did not commit. Again, a big campaign to free these two young men from prison. They were ultimately freed. But when they went to see Senator Obama, he refused to help them. I have been a civil rights activist like this all of my life, and I have been to Chicago many times for many different campaigns that the community there - the Latino community was there. I have, to this day, to meet Mr. Obama. I have never encountered him in any of these big campaigns that we have done in Chicago on different issues. And, as I say, I have never yet to meet the man. And so, I dont know about his - AMY GOODMAN: Did Senator Clinton weigh in Dolores Huerta, did Senator Clinton weigh in in either of those cases? DOLORES HUERTA: Well, let me yeah, let me just say this, that this is a were talking about Chicago. Were talking about the third largest Latino area outside of Mexico City, right? FEDERICO PENA: Can I - DOLORES HUERTA: But Hillary doesnt live in Chicago. ... FEDERICO PENA: ... let me interrupt and correct the misimpression that my good friend Dolores just left. Ive spoken to the senator about this case and his staff. [Obama's] staff met with this woman twice. The reason she got special exemption years ago with Senator Durbins help was because she had a special medical condition. That special medical condition went away. She was no longer subject to a unique law that had to be passed specifically on her behalf, and thats why it wasnt done. So its clearly not the case. If Clinton wins, she'll need the Sanders supporters in November. Is the the way to woo them?I hadn't planned to write about this, the dust-up raised by actress America Ferrara and Delores Huerta, one of the great Latina activists and long-time Clinton supporter, supposedly about Sanders voters yelling "English only" during one of the Nevada caucuses. But the story is just so ... well, you can supply the word after you read.I'm going to give you three pieces of it what was alleged to have happened, what really happened, and a bit fromabout the 2008 primary against Barack Obama. Then my thoughts about integrity and this election.The source of the dust-up is America Ferrara, followed quickly by Huerta herself. From Snopes.com Snopes rates this claim "FALSE." More background via Snopes. It started, with a tweet from America Ferrara and a follow-on affirmation by Huerta:Here's the affirmation:Snopes again:For the truth, let's go to the videotape.The problem is that someone took a video of the whole caucus, which shows something different than claimed. That video is here start listening at 53:30 and stop at about 55:30.Note first, at about 53:30, that the audience expresses a need for Spanish translation, then that Huerta is put forward as the translator, but many object to her because she's so strongly pro-Clinton (the word "surrogate" is shouted). This is also clear from the moderator's response (54:18), who says (at 55:00) that there are enough Spanish speakers in the crowd that if Huerta slants the translation in a "pro-Clinton" direction, they will know it. By the way, note during the crowd reaction, a voice clearly saying, "Hey! You have to get up there now!" (at 54:25). It's unclear who the voice is addressing, but the urgency is unmistakable.The crowd is not happy with that solution, so the moderator says "OK, we're going forward in English only" (55:18 and following), a decision which the crowd cheers. Only the moderator says the words "English only," and the context is entirely different that what was alleged by Ferrara and Huerta.About this confrontation, there are a number of other eyewitnesses, including actors Susan Sarandon and Gaby Hoffmann , who affirm what the video shows.Another commenter, Angus Johnston writing at StudentActivism.net , has this to say:I don't think Huerta is the doer here. I think she, a civil rights icon and yes, a Clinton surrogate, was put forward by the crowd, and then the incident was spun, starting, it seems, with America Ferrara's tweet. Only then did Huerta agree with the characterization, both on twitter and later to a ThinkProgress reporter . I don't think it helps Huerta's good reputation, however, that she so easily fell into the Clinton-camp mischaracterization of these events.Out of this, we know two things. One, that the non-event was immediately and falsely spun to taint Sanders voters. Second, that this opportunistic mischaracterization would have worked, absent a video tape or a cell phone recording that disproved it. Ask yourself, what would the news be like yesterday and today if this story were unchallengeable? A rush of Sanders spokespeople to apologize perhaps?Which tells you something about the ground on which this contest is being fought, and who primarily occupies that ground.As a side note about that "ground on which this campaign is fought," I want to offer with this, a find by Daily Kos diarist VL Baker . This is a segment from ainterview with Huerta, speaking on behalf of Clinton, and Federico Pena, former head of Transportation under Bill Clinton, now representing Barack Obama. The moderator is Amy Goodman. Remember the context; this is the 2008 Democratic primary.From the transcript (my emphasis; I've added elisions, but feel free to read the whole segment at the link):That seems ... awkward ... but there's more:"Misimpression" is indeed kindbut he's being kind for a reason.Dolores Huerta, like John Lewis, has a greatness in her past that can never be erased. She co-founded the United Farm Workers union and led them until 1999. This is not about Ms. Heurta but the style of the campaign with which she has associated herself. I'll be blunt. Among other things, this is an election about integrity, about whether one tells the truth. It's clear, agree or disagree on policy or implementation, that Sanders has integrity in spades. His "who do you most trust?" numbers are through the roof in every primary and caucus so far. Part of his appeal is his message, but a huge other part is the belief of his supporters that hethat message and is not just out to win by any means necessary.Clinton may mean her message as well. But she faces a challenge in the eyes of Sanders supporters. The challenge if Hillary Clinton wins the primary, she will have to pass the integrity test also if she wants their support. There are ways to demonstrate integrity, and ways to demonstrate otherwise. Not telling the truth is no way to demonstrate integrity; it's the opposite, in fact.Time to course-correct? If she cares about her electoral chances in November, I hope so.GP "We are of opinion that instead of letting books grow moldy behind an iron grating, far from the vulgar gaze, it is better to let them wear out by being read." - Jules Verne Congratulations to the Free State Movement By: Scott Sumner Last weekend I gave a talk up at the Liberty Forum in Manchester, New Hampshire. While there, I learned more about the Free State Movement, an idea about which I was only dimly aware. The following is from memory, so there might be a few errors. The movement began about 15 years ago when Yale grad student Jason Sorens wrote a paper discussing the idea of encouraging lots of libertarians to move to one state, in order to try to create a sort of libertarian model, which could inspire others. I.e., the goal was to show that libertarianism was feasible, and even desirable. It was decided that they would aim to get pledges from 20,000 people to move to New Hampshire. Those who pledged would agree to move within 5 years after the 20,000 pledge total was reached. At the meeting I attended they announced that they had just achieved that pledge target. Of course they are aware that not all 20,000 will actually move, and thus are continuing to accept pledges. The new goal is to get 20,000 people to actually move. Fortunately, the pace of new pledges has recently sped up dramatically, as they have gotten better at using resources like Facebook to get their message out. So even if only 50% of the pledges actually move, the next 20,000 will be signed up far more quickly than the 15 years it took to get the first 20,000. You might also notice that the target is still only 1.5% of New Hampshires population. But of course this does not include the libertarians already in New Hampshire. And even a small share of the population can be influential on policy questions if they are highly committed and motivated. Thus groups like farmers and schoolteachers have a big impact on public policies despite being a small share of our population. The New Hampshire state house has 400 representatives in the lower chamber, and thus each district is tiny. As of now, 14 free staters are currently members of the House (12 GOP, 2 Dems), and many more previously elected legislators have libertarian leanings on most issues. Pay is $100/year, not changed since the 1800s. And who says wages are not sticky!! In another recent post I suggested that in some ways New Hampshire was already the most successful place on Earth. So dont mess it up! Seriously, its current success may be partly due to the fact that its public policies are already a bit more libertarian than most other places. One exception is housing, where the zoning rules are unfortunately somewhat restrictive. This has boosted housing prices and may help explain why New Hampshires population growth is no longer above average. (Although I think the bigger problem is the back to the city movement among millennials.) In this way it (oddly) reminds me of Hong Kong. Admirably libertarian on many issues, with the notable exception of housing. Jason Sorens, who now teaches at Dartmouth, seems like a sort of anti-Trump; very modest but quietly effective. I would add that the Free Staters in general seemed like a great group of people. The sort of people youd want to have as neighbors. Also, kudos to Carla Gericke, who has headed the Free State Project during a period of successful growth. PS. Tomorrow at 1pm EST I will do a Reddit ask me anything. I hope you will tune in. Sisi's religious state imprisons writer. Al-Makkal newspaper Sisi in 2014: I am responsible for religion, values and principles On Saturday, a Cairo misdemeanor appeals court sentenced Egyptian writer and journalist Ahmed Naji two years in jail for publishing a "sexual flagrant article violating public's modesty" in the state-owned cultural newspaper Akhbar Al-Adab " last year.The "sexual flagrant article" is an actually a chapter of Naji's novel"The guide for using life" issued in 2014.The editor-in-chief of Akhbar Al-Adab was fined LE 10,000.That editor-in-chief claims now that he did not read the chapter and just agreed that it would be published without knowing its content !!!In early January, the misdemeanor court already acquitted both Naji and Akhbar Al-Adab newspaper's editor-in-chief but the prosecution appealed and we all knew what happened.Many people are against the court ruling for the sake of the freedom of expression mostly from the 25 January revolution supporters and it is not surprising for me.Now I was surprised to see someone like Ibrahim Eissa slamming the court ruling as well El-Sisi's state describing it boldly as a "religious state" in his newspaper "Al-Makkal".Eissa, who became a strong advocate for El-Sisi turning against the 25 January revolution and its activists suddenly realized that we are not living in a true civil secular state as it seems.Yes, Eissa has been widely criticizing Al-Azhar and religious institutions in Egypt but not to that level.Ironically since day one, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi did not promise anyone with that civil secular state.Thanks to dear Ahmed Abu Hussein, he reminded us with El-Sisi's statements and views on the religious state and the role of religion during his presidential campaign. "There is nothing called religious leadership because the head of state should be responsible of everything in the country including its religion," He told Sky News Arabia TV host adding that he would be responsible for values, morals and religions in the country.Ibrahim Eissa was there when he heard that statement like the rest of us.Now, Eissa is back to scream on TV turning backward to the opposition but the problem he lost most of his "revolutionary supporters".Back to Naji and that trial, simply the Egyptian state and its institutions including judiciary since 3 July are trying to prove that it is not less conservative than the Muslim Brotherhood in order to appeal to the conservative masses.I remember how ex-PM Mahlab made history and banned Haifa Wehbe's film . Then in the past few weeks, we got the incidents like Fatima Naoot Islam Behairy and Rana El-Sobky as a reminder for real about freedom of expression in Egypt.The secular Egypt and the reform in religious discourse are only used for PR only with the West.Interestingly, there is a silence among most Egypt's prominent novelists and writers as well intellectuals unexpectedly considered how vocal they were during the days of Morsi.Yes, I have to bring that up because part of revolting against Morsi to protect the freedom of expression in Egypt.By the way, you do not have to read or agree with Naji nor to like him as a writer.It is about the principle of freedom of expression. Freedom of expression is constant principle whether Morsi or Sisi's time.Oh by the way, I think the Islamists and the Muslim Brotherhood are in a big test now regarding the freedom of expression. Amazingly the Conservative Pro-Sisi supporters and Pro-Islamist MB supporters are against Naji online now and support his imprisonment.And I will say it again, "First they came for the socialists..." ELKO Rural Nevadans were lining up Monday morning to attend the first of three campaign events scheduled today in Elko, one day ahead of the Republican presidential caucus. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, fresh off his second-place win in South Carolina, was the first to rally voters in a 9:30 a.m. event in the Elko Conference Center. He will be followed by Donald Trump Jr. campaigning for his father at noon in the Elko Convention Center's Turquoise Room. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is then slated to speak at 4:30 p.m. in the conference center. Meanwhile, candidate Ben Carson was planning a town hall meeting in Virginia City, Nevada, while former Ohio governor John Kasich was holding two campaign events in the state of Virginia. Elko is getting the most attention it has seen from candidates since the 2008 election, during which Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama held back-to-back rallies. Obama visited Elko three times that election cycle. Both Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders campaigned here last week, ahead of the Democratic caucus on Saturday. Sanders won a majority of support in Elko County but Clinton won statewide. Of the Republican candidates who have visited this election cycle only Carson is still in the race. Sen. Rand Paul campaigned here last summer, and former governor Jeb Bush at the end of January. Republican voters are slated to caucus Tuesday evening from 5-9 p.m. Acting Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo. JAIME VILLANUEVA Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must be part of the negotiation to end the conflict in his country, but not part of the solution. So said Spains acting foreign minister, Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, a day after EL PAIS published a lengthy interview with Al-Assad in which the latter did not rule out staying in power for 10 more years if the Syrian people want me to and praised Spain for not trying to depose him, unlike other European countries. Spain will not put forward Al-Assads positions but its own positions In February 2012, at the Munich Security Conference, I warned that there was no military solution for Syria, recalls Garcia-Margallo. But my position was not widely shared back then. I was told that we shouldnt worry about al-Assad because he would fall within three months. Five years after the outbreak of the Syrian conflict, Spains diplomatic chief notes that his own view has gained new adherents. In this time, the situation in Syria has ballooned into a humanitarian crisis the likes of which had not been seen since World War II; it is also destabilizing the entire region and posing a threat to the European Union. In Garcia-Margallos opinion, the events of recent months prove that it was naive to think that Russia would allow Al-Assad to fall. The acting minister also makes a point of rejecting the Syrian leaders hope, expressed in his interview with EL PAIS, that Spain will speak up for his regimes point of view at EU forums. Spain will not put forward Al-Assads positions but its own positions, said Garcia-Margallo. And the latter can be summed up as follows: there needs to be a political agreement over the future of Syria that guarantees territorial integrity, a democratic system and a secular regime. And the only way to reach such a deal is through talks between all parties, excluding the terrorist groups. But the list of organizations with ties to terrorism cannot be imposed by each of the parties at the talks, but rather be set by the United Nations Security Council. Meanwhile, no ceasefire can hope to last if the political process does not move forward. The Spanish diplomatic chief says a land invasion by Turkey and Saudi Arabia would only make the conflict worse The Spanish minister did grant that Al-Assad is right about one thing: Spain is not keen on a military intervention in the region. Garcia-Margallo is ruling out any Spanish participation in coalition strikes in Syria without a Security Council resolution or a request from the affected country. That is why there are 300 Spanish military troops training the Iraqi army but not the Syrian opposition. The Spanish diplomatic chief also cautions against the land invasion announced by Turkey and Saudi Arabia. It would only make the conflict worse, he said, underscoring the risk of a direct confrontation between Saudi and Iranian troops on Syrian soil. Even though the Spanish position is less hostile to the Damascus regime than some of its partners, Garcia-Margallo underscores that Spain respects its commitments. We express our opinions within the EU and NATO, but when an agreement is reached, we are absolutely loyal. The Syrian crisis is taking up much of the international agenda with a meeting of foreign ministers from Mediterranean countries scheduled for this week. English version by Susana Urra. Montserrat Gonzalez (right) and her daughter Triana Martinez at the Isabel Carrasco murder trial. J. Casares (EFE) Three women accused of planning, executing and covering up the murder of a conservative politician from Leon on May 12, 2014 were found guilty on Saturday. A popular jury unanimously found that Montserrat Gonzalez and her daughter Triana Martinez conspired to kill Isabel Carrasco, a powerful and controversial Popular Party (PP) official who headed the Leon provincial government. A friend of the daughters, a local policewoman named Raquel Gago, was considered an accessory to the crime because she accepted being part of the plan by concealing the murder weapon inside her car for 26 hours. The jury harbored no doubts that Montserrat Gonzalez shot Isabel Carrasco three times with a revolver on a footbridge The jurors, five men and four women, reached their verdict after three days of deliberation. At 1pm on Saturday, the three defendants entered the Provincial Court of Leon to hear the decision following the end of the trial, which began on January 18 to wide media attention. The jury harbored no doubts that Montserrat Gonzalez shot Isabel Carrasco three times with a revolver on a footbridge over the Bernesga River, in Leon, at 5.15pm on May 12, 2014. She did so out of hatred for the head of the provincial authority, whom she believed to be unfairly persecuting her own daughter Triana, professionally and personally. A controversial figure L. G. / J. A. R. / J. J. G. Isabel Carrasco was a controversial figure who was routinely in the spotlight for her outspoken statements. In 2011 the conservative politician was accused by the Socialist Party in Leon of misappropriating public funds for personal use. An investigation conducted by EL PAIS found her to be holding 12 jobs simultaneously, many of them symbolic roles, which brought her income of around 160,000 in 2010. Gonzalez admitted the facts on the first day of the trial, asserting that it was either my daughter or her. I have no regrets. I am convinced that if I hadnt done it, I would have ended up going to my own daughters funeral, she said at the time. The jurors had a harder time establishing the role played by 36-year-old Triana, but ultimately decided that she devised a plan in conjunction with her mother to rid themselves of Carrasco, and that they shared out the roles. In court, Triana revealed that the 59-year-old Carrasco hurt her professionally and financially after the latters sexual advances during the Christmas holidays of 2010 got nowhere. This refusal by Triana, a telecommunications engineer, allegedly cost her a position that Carrasco had created specifically for her at the provincial council. Triana, the jury found, tracked Carrascos activities and movements, searched for firearms online, and followed her around to rehearse the crime. On May 12, she made arrangements with her mother to pick up the handbag containing the murder weapon just minutes after the shooting. The jury found her role essential. Isabel Carrasco (right) and Triana Martinez sitting next to her at an event in 2010. EFE As for the policewoman Raquel Gago, the jury was more divided, but seven members found that she was aware of the homicidal intentions of her friend Triana and the latters mother, and agreed to be part of the plan. Gago concealed the revolver inside her own car for 26 hours, then sought to divert suspicion from herself by telling a fellow policeman that she had just found the weapon inside the trunk. Her participation was considered proven, though not essential to the crime. The jury ruled out the claims of mental derangement made by the mother and the policewomans defense lawyers. Now that the jury has turned in a guilty verdict, prosecuting attorney Emilio Fernandez is closer to achieving his request of a total of 22 years behind bars for Montserrat and Triana. The prosecutor has taken into account the fact that both women have deposited 77,602 to compensate the victims daughter and partner. As for Raquel Gago, prosecutors are seeking a 15-year prison term. English version by Susana Urra. Subway passengers on line one in Barcelona. Albert Garcia The annual Mobile World Congress (MWC), a premier industry event, opened on Monday in Barcelona amid a subway system strike called by the local transportation authority. Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau said on Sunday that she had worked until the last moment with the unions to reach a reasonable offer that would avoid the stoppage scheduled for Monday and Wednesday. Relations between the Catalan government and the royal house have been non-existent ever since Carles Puigdemont took office in January She added that despite the inconvenience, she trusted the 2016 edition of the congress would be the best yet. Barcelona has been hosting the MWC since 2006, after taking it over from Cannes. The event organizer, GSMA, said in a press release that we are immediately activating a contingency plan to ensure that attendees can safely travel to and from the Fira Gran Via venue and can enter the facility as quickly as possible. Measures include shuttle services from 15 collection points throughout the city, said organizers. Meanwhile, the Barcelona subway began operating at 50% capacity on Monday morning, resulting in ever fuller train cars. Many stations had closed passenger access, and waiting times between convoys ranged between six and 10 minutes. King Felipe and Catalan premier coincide Speaking at the dinner to inaugurate the MWC in Barcelona on Sunday, King Felipe VI insisted on the need for all Spanish institutions to work together for the common good. Although the monarch did not directly mention the Catalan independence drive, he underscored that the global event provided an example of the way agencies should cooperate. Felipe VI (right) coincided with Catalan premier Carles Puigdemont at the MWC inauguration dinner. Massimiliano Minocri It was the first time that Felipe VI and the Catalan premier, Carles Puigdemont, had coincided at a public event following the latters investiture in January. Relations between the Catalan government and the royal household have been non-existent since then. The king refused to receive the new spokeswoman for the regional parliament, Carme Forcadell, while Puigdemont omitted any mention of the king or the Spanish Constitution during his swearing-in ceremony. In a speech to 160 diners at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Felipe VI avoided mentioning the separatist drive and instead focused on the mobile industry event that is taking place between February 22 and 25. The celebration of the congress in Barcelona, and the latters consideration as the world capital of mobile devices, is the fruit of years worth of joint efforts between various agencies the City of Barcelona, the Generalitat [Catalan executive], the Industry Ministry and the Fira fairs operator and their excellent collaboration with the GSMA [the organization of mobile companies and operators], said the monarch, speaking in Catalan. MWC attendees in Barcelona. Massimiliano Macri For his part, Puigdemont failed to openly defend secessionist positions, but said the global event showed that Catalonia was once again at the forefront of change. We are a more global and competitive country that bases its economy on creativity, talent, an entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, and with a profound commitment to social responsibility, he said, citing the Surrealist artist Salvador Dali and the architect Antoni Gaudi as examples of Catalan creativity. English version by Susana Urra. El Chapos wife Emma Coronel during the interview. Telemundo The wife of recaptured Mexican cartel leader Joaquin El Chapo Guzman Loera has claimed to have no knowledge that her husband is a drug trafficker. I am not aware that he traffics drugs. I am in love with him, said 27-year-old Emma Coronel in an exclusive interview with Spanish-language US television station Telemundo on Sunday. The former beauty queen, who is El Chapos third wife and has two twin daughters by him, said she has decided to speak out publicly in support of her husband the worlds most notorious drug lord who reportedly controls 60% of the heroin market in the United States. El Chapo, who has twice escaped from prison, was again arrested on January 8 by Mexican authorities who are now working with US officials to speed up his extradition to the United States. They dont let him sleep. He has no privacy, not even when he wants to go to the bathroom It was Guzmans reported flirting with Mexican soap opera actress Kate del Castillo and his constant communications with her through text messages and third parties that helped Mexican intelligence track down the Sinaloa cartel leader. El Chapo is now under heavy guard at El Altiplano prison, the maximum security facility from which he escaped last July through a tunnel dug underneath his cell. They dont let him sleep, Coronel said. He has no privacy, not even when he wants to go to the bathroom. There are dogs watching over him. Prison officials at El Altiplano move a handcuffed El Chapo to a different cell every night. Guard dogs accompany him wherever he goes and are used to taste his food in case someone tries to poison him. A 24-hour watch has been placed on El Altiplanos most famous prisoner. Guzmans lawyer has denounced his clients conditions, saying that prison authorities have treated him like a zombie. He is a good man. He isnt mean, insulting, and I have never heard him use a bad word Denying this claim, Mexican officials said they are respecting El Chapos human rights guarantees. Emma Coronel met Guzman at a ranch when she was 17 and had just won a beauty contest in Sinaloa state. At the time, El Chapo was 51 and controlled one of the biggest criminal operations in the world. While she was dancing with her then boyfriend, El Chapo smiled at her and later asked her to dance. Of course, I accepted, she said, because at the ranch you have to dance with everyone who asks you, even though you have a boyfriend. He is a good man. He isnt mean, insulting, and I have never heard him use a bad word. His daughters adore him and are always asking about him, she said. After 13 years on the run since his first prison break, El Chapo was visiting with his family in an apartment in Mazatlan when the Mexican navy broke in and captured the drug kingpin in February 2014. Coronel said she will continue to follow her husband wherever he is taken. English version by Martin Delfin. One of the soldiers ordered us to go and never come back again, Syrian-Armenian says When you talk to locals, the first words you hear from their lips is that they are unemployed. We are also unemployed, says Tiruhi Petros, a Syrian-Armenian who moved to Armenia with her son three years ago and settled in her historical homeland. She says the most difficult and dangerous moments they experienced during the long journey were in Turkey. We did not go to Lebanon because the road was closed. We decided to come to Armenia through Turkey. Without much consideration, we set off at once taking only one suitcase with us. We tried to be very careful because we knew that people were being kidnapped just from the road. We were stopped three times, once I even managed to hide my son. Many of us wore headscarves for them (Turks) to think that we were Muslims, but they knew everything well. But they did not harm us. Only one of the soldiers said to me, Go and never come back again, things will be even worse here We somehow got to the border villages. The situation was comparatively calmer there. We received a friendly welcome. I know Turkish but we did not stay there long because the driver immediately brought us to Gyumri. My husbands uncle and his family live in the city, says Mrs Tiruhi. She says Armenia is a good place for living if one has a job and is able to cover his minimal needs. I worked as a nurse in Aleppo and my husband was a turner. When they began to frighten my husband threatening to kill him, he came to Armenia. He found a job here and began to work but soon he got ill and was dismissed. Unable to find another job in Armenia, he left for Russia where he encountered the same difficulties and returned to Armenia. Now he is working in Yerevan, and I have to stay in Gyumri to take care of our son who studies at a local school. My son loves his school. At first he was a little embarrassed, he used to complain saying, Why did we ever come here? I want to go back [to Aleppo]. But now he does not want to return to Syria. I also found a job in a local confectionary factory but I could not stay there long as I was working 12-14 hours a day for 2000 drams. Now I am looking for a job, it does not matter where I shall be employed in Yerevan or in Gyumri, the most important is that I can find a job and we can live on our salary. I have applied to a number of organizations because I think that they cannot provide us material aid for ever. If we find jobs we shall not need their assistance. Mrs Tiruhi says people in Armenia are more developed than people in Syria, however, she has observed certain qualities which are not typical of Syrian Armenians. I could not find the sincerity warmth here that we saw in Aleppo. Here, I cannot understand whether the person in front of me is sincere or not. Armenians in Syria were very united, perhaps the reason is that there were few of us and we lived in a foreign country Another thing I have noticed here is that people are not truly happy during the New Year holidays. It seems that they lay tables for others and not for themselves. When we lived in Aleppo, all our relatives got together and we celebrated and feasted together. I visited Armenia in 1991 but I can say that everything has changed ever since. I do not see the happiness that I saw during my previous visit. Mrs Tiruhi says that she has moved to Armenia and has overcome numerous difficulties only for her son. We all worked in Aleppo, and my son was left alone at home. I I had that constant fear that something was going to happen to him. I came here to save my son determined to return to Syria as soon as the situation deescalated. But as you see the situation is getting even worse. Anyway, my son is very happy here, he likes the city. The most important thing for me is my sons security. I also have two daughters. One lives in Latakia with her family. They other went to Canada two months ago. My parents and relatives live there, but I preferred to stay in Armenia. I try to be optimistic and not to remember the years spent in AleppoI hope everything will be fine. I just remember every time that many families here are worse off now than us, she said. SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan Google Ad Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol Armenia and Azerbaijan to do so without delay An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan". UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022 Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully Google Ad The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh USA Embassy Message for U.S. Citizens ANCA Issues National Call to Action to Stop Taxpayer Funding of Aliyevs Aggression SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol Armenia and Azerbaijan to do so without delay An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan". UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022 Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully Google Ad The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh USA Embassy Message for U.S. Citizens ANCA Issues National Call to Action to Stop Taxpayer Funding of Aliyevs Aggression Activist: Serzh Sargsyan simply did not want to talk to us (video) 20.00 Deputy Chief of the Yerevan Police Valeri Ospiyan returned to inform the group that the working day had finished and no one would come out to talk to them. One of the activists said since they support and share the political views of the political prisoners who remain behind bars for their political views they demand that the police arrest them and put in the same cell with the political prisoners. The participants said they would continue the protest but next time it would not be a peaceful action. In reply, Osipyan said he saw some threat in the words. You can gather thousands here, but you cannot change our approach, he said. Serzh Sargsyans working day never ends, international practice says it. He simply did not want to listen to us,said Mikael Ghazaryan, one of the activists. 19.00 Police in Yerevan do not allow a group of citizens to stage a protest action outside the Presidential Palace in support of the jailed civil activist Gevorg Safaryan. Police officers have stopped the group near the British Embassy in Yerevan, disallowing them to approach the Presidential Compund at 26 Baghramyan. Valeri Osipyan, Deputy Chief of the Yerevan Police, advised the group to continue the action on the opposite pavement, at the same time expressing his readiness to accompany their delegate to the Presidential Palace to present their demand. You are impeding the free movement of people. You can continue your action within a reasonable distance, Osipyan said. Perhaps it is the president who is not sitting in the right place and is hindering free movement of citizens, said a citizen. 18:50 A group of citizens are now heading to the Presidential Palace at 26 Baghramyan to call his attention to the jailed civil activists. They are going to tell Serzh Sargsyan to send them to prison with the civil activists. 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(Photo: AFP) Dr. Kim will meet with Vietnams leaders to discuss the Vietnam-WBG partnership. He is expected to discuss with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Truong Tan Sang, and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung how the Bank can boost its support to help the country achieve its aspirations. The World Bank Group President will be accompanied by World Bank East Asia and Pacific Regional Vice President Axel van Trotsenburg. The report launching ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9:00 am at Sheraton Hotel, Au Co road, Tay Ho, Hanoi./. Ambassador Nguyen Trung Thanh (middle) (Photo: VNA) Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Nguyen Trung Thanh, Head of Vietnams Permanent Mission to the United Nations, World Trade Organization and other international organizations in Geneva, expressed his desire to help Vietnamese people connect in the early days of the New Year. After a ceremony to worship the ancestors, a colourful art program with lion dancing helped overseas Vietnamese enjoy the atmosphere of Vietnams traditional lunar New Year festival (Tet). The event helped the overseas Vietnamese community be more united and better integrate into local life./. It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover the Chinese multinational networking and telecommunications equipment and services company Huawei's CEO Richard Yu presents the accesories of the new product Matebook during a press conference before the start of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on February 21, 2016. The world's biggest mobile fair, Mobile World Congress, is held from February 22 to February 25. (AFP/LLUIS GENE) MADRID, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Mobile World Congress, which opens its doors at the Fira Gran Via exhibition center in Barcelona on Monday, will once again present the latest developments in mobile technology to the World. Around 2,100 exhibitors will be on hand and an estimated 95,000 people are expected to pass through the doors for an event which has become an annual windfall for the city, bringing in around 460 million euros (approx. 510 million U.S. dollars) in income, creating 13,000 temporary jobs and leading to almost 100 percent hotel occupancy in a week when hotels are able to charge twice their normal February rates. However, MWC is all about the new technology and the chances to meet, greet and carry out networking opportunities. Companies such as Google, Huawei, Microsoft, NEC, Nokia, Samsung, SK Telcom and Sony, will all present new innovations in areas from network infrastructures, handsets and devices to applications. Meanwhile the MWC also hosts over 30 national or regional pavilions and exhibits which focus on specific technology areas, such as mobile money, wearables and green technology. Of ever increased interest at the event is the Smart/Innovation city, which year after year demonstrates how mobile technology plays an increasing role in everyday lives in an ever-more connected world. The Innovated World contains such exhibits as a connected airliner, which offers an interactive virtual reality experience (VR is another of the hot-topics in MWC 2016), while the logistical zone shows how lost suitcases will soon be a thing of the past as mobile technology allows items to be tracked all around the world. Mobile tracking is also being used in areas such as agriculture, while MWC 2016 aims to demonstrate how cars and even bicycles are becoming increasingly connected: something bicycle thieves should start to worry about! MWC is also about people and as always the MWC 2016 features a host of keynote speakers from industry heavyweights such as Matt Zuckerman, China Mobile Chairman, Shang Bing and Hans Vestberg, the President and CEO of Ericson. They will discuss a host of topics such as 'Mobile is connected living," 'Mobile is disruption', as well as Mobile in Media and issues regarding security in the mobile era. MWC also features a section on Connected Women, which includes speakers such as Cherie Blair and which will look at issues such as "Women Leadership in the Digital Age" and Connected Women in Technology." All of this will come with the chance to see innovations demonstrated on the "Showcase Stage," making the MWC the window into the present and future of mobile technology for another year. [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] The United States intends this year in the Ukrainian issue to move from providing aid to the country to repel the aggression to assistance in the defense reforms, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt has stated. "Our goal in 2016 is to move beyond emergency response that deals with the immediate crisis of Russia's invasion and focus on defense cooperation aimed at helping Ukraine build the NATO-standard military structures and institutions," the official said at Ukraine Defense and Security Forum 2016. The ambassador stressed he welcomes the stated position of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and Minister of Defense Stepan Poltorak to further reform the security sector. "We want to see Ukraine continue to make progress in developing modern military doctrines, to implement the excellent recommendations that the RAND Corporation has made for defense sector reform, and to improve Ukrainian interoperability with NATO partners and allies," Pyatt said. Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin has proposed establishing a working group on the development of freight traffic on the so-called new Silk Road. Speaking at a meeting of the Council of Exporters and Investors in the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, the minister said it is necessary within two weeks to collect all proposals and initiatives with a view to hold the first meeting of this group in two weeks. The possibility of developing traffic with Iran on the new Silk Road was discussed at the meeting. Ukrainian Minister of Infrastructure Andriy Pyvovarsky, in response, noted this issue would be worked out, because there is a lot of options for the development of this traffic for future. Pyvovarsky demanded that the management associated with this route do not sabotage its development. "There is misunderstanding at the level of management and I demand it present its vision on this issue and not to sabotage the development," he said. U.S. calls on Ukraine's leaders to work together and step up reforms The U.S. has called to speed up reforms in Ukraine and comply with the cooperation program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the State Department said in a statement on the second anniversary of Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity. "The United States calls on Ukraine's leaders to honor the memory of the Maidan by working together, accelerating reform, and respecting the will of the Ukrainian people who want progress," the statement issued on Saturday said. The State Department also urged Ukraine's officials to fulfill the conditions of Ukraine's IMF program, root out corruption, and end the oligarchic grip on politics and the economy. "The Ukrainian people demand change, they deserve it, and the United States will continue to stand with them in support of their European choice," the statement said. Ukraine's Western partners are concerned about the transit situation between Ukraine and Russia, Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Jan Tombinski has said at a meeting with Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Andriy Pyvovarsky. The parties met on February 19, the press service of the infrastructure ministry reported. "Tombinski spoke of Western partners' concern, since most of the goods coming through the Ukrainian territory are intended for the EU countries. The international community hopes that Ukraine will remain a reliable transit country, and that disruptions in the transit flow are temporary," the statement said. In his turn, Pyvovarsky said the transit was suspended temporarily in order to settle the situation. "The first step has been taken. According to the response team, the trucks are currently returning home and the number of applications has fallen significantly over the past few days. Both sides have released blocked cars, drivers are completing their trips unimpeded and are returning home. There were no reports of possible complications," the minister said. He also said that Ukraine acknowledged its responsibility to ensure free and safe transit in line with international agreements and conventions. The SCM company owned by Ukrainian businessman Rinat Akhmetov, whose office in central Kyiv was pelted with rock on Saturday, sees the incident as a gross violation of the principles of the rule of law. "We are seeing the attack on the SCM office as a gross violation not only of public order, but also of the European values, primarily, the rule of law and the respect for private property," the SCM media center said in a statement released on Sunday. The company thanked law enforcement agencies and urged them "to take whatever action necessary to stop the riots in Kyiv." A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said that four criminal inquiries have been launched into the Saturday incidents in the center of the capital: three on hooliganism charges, and the fourth over the theft of cell phones and a purse. It was reported that a wave of property attacks swept through downtown Kyiv on Saturday. In particular, the attackers hurled rock, threw green paint and damaged office furniture at one of Alfa-Bank branches. A similar attack was carried out against a Sberbank of Russia branch. The out-of-date and imperfect Ukrainian legislation hinders integration of State Concern Ukroboronprom into the global defense complex, Deputy Director General for Development at the concern Artur Kheruvimov has said. He said at the Ukrainian Defense & Security Forum 2016 that legal restrictions on the creation of joint ventures, public private partnership should be lifted as soon as possible and stable defense order is to be maintained. Kheruvimov said that profit of defense enterprises should be urgently reinvested into technologies and employees and reformat the structure of Ukroboronprom under international standards. "The solution of all these problematic issues would be a concrete signal for investors that they are able to enter the Ukrainian market without fear, invest their funds and be confident in the efficiency of this investment. Ukraine will be able to secure powerful support of global investment companies, ensure stable defense order and receive profit of billions of U.S. dollars," he said. "Investors and international defense players show a large interest to the Ukrainian defense and industrial complex. We are open for cooperation," he said. Energy and Coal Industry Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Demchyshyn has accused Deputy Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Vadym Hlamazdin of delaying the process of agreeing the bill on the electricity market. "The things that Hlamazdin has been doing in the past two months are only in your favor," he said during the discussion with a representative of DTEK Oleksiy Zakharchuk at a roundtable held in Kyiv on February 19. He said that the process of agreeing is being hindered by holding additional roundtables and the necessity of receiving more comments and conclusions. The minister expressed hope that the bill will be soon sent to the cabinet for agreement and registered in the parliament in March. The press service of DTEK said in a press release on February 19 that Rinat Akhmetov's DTEK backs the reform of the electricity market. The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has started stress tests of the next 20 largest Ukrainian banks, acting Deputy NBU Governor Kateryna Rozhkova has said. "We've started stress tests for the next 20 largest banks," she said at a conference devoted to the development of small and medium-sized banks in Ukraine organized by the Independent Association of Banks of Ukraine (IABU) on Monday. Rozhkova said that according to the schedule the field inspection will be conducted by May 12, and for the next 20 banks by September 12. Stress tests of the rest of 57 banks will be conducted in the first half of 2017. She also said that the term for achieving the zero level for capital adequacy for the second and third 20 banks is set at May 1, 5% of first tier capital adequacy is by October 1, 2016. Rozhkova said that the need to additionally capitalize banks is high. A total of 43 banks have charter capitals worth over UAH 300 million, 16 banks have internal reserves to observe the minimum capital requirement by the term required, and 51 banks are to search for the reserves to boost their capital. She said that the share of overdue debt of banks in their balance sheets as of February 22 was 21% (7.7% as of July 2014), while the real figure could be much bigger. Head of the IABU council Roman Shpek said at the conference that as of February 1, 2015, 20 banks did not meet the charter capital requirement of no less than UAH 120 million and banks are to meet the requirement by June 17, 2016. He said that the additional capitalization of UAH 690 million is required. In 2016, 71 banks would require additional capitalization, Shpek said. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has submitted his recommendation to the Verkhovna Rada on Viktor Shokin's discharge as prosecutor general, the presidential press service has reported. "President Petro Poroshenko has submitted a proposal to the Verkhovna Rada on giving consent to Viktor Shokin's discharge as prosecutor general of Ukraine [...] in keeping with Article 85, Part 1, Clause 25, Article 106, Part 1, Clause 11, and Article 122, Part 1 of the Ukrainian Constitution," it said. Poroshenko said in his address to the nation on February 16 that he had asked Shokin to resign. Mustafa Nayyem, a parliamentarian from the Petro Poroshenko Bloc faction, said the same day that Shokin had tendered his resignation. However, this information was not officially confirmed at the time. Serhiy Horbatiuk, the chief of the Prosecutor General's Office special investigations directorate, was later quoted as saying that Shokin was on a leave. Presidential press secretary Sviatoslav Tseholko said earlier on February 19 that the presidential secretariat had received Shokin's letter of resignation. "Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin has submitted a letter of resignation, and it reached the presidential secretariat today," he said. Shokin was appointed prosecutor general of Ukraine in February 2015. The current version of the Ukrainian Constitution stipulates that a prosecutor general is appointed and discharged by the president at the parliament's consent. The parliament can also consolidate a certain number of votes to pass a vote of no confidence in the prosecutor general, which also results in his or her discharge. The next plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada is to open on March 15. Kyiv police have launched a criminal inquiry after receiving reports that a group of people hurled rocks into two bank branches and office premises in the city center on Saturday. It emerged earlier that fighters from the Ukrainian OUN (Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists) territorial-defense battalion hurled rocks into the Kyiv office of businessman Rinat Akhmetov and threw rocks, and green paint, and damaged office property at an Alfa-Bank branch in central Kyiv. Later, they poured green paint, and threw rocks at a Russia's Sberbank branch. "An on-duty officer at the national police head office in Kyiv has received three reports about violations of the law in the city center: groups of people were throwing rocks into two banks and an office building. The incidents are now being probed under Article 296 part two (hooliganism) of the Ukrainian Criminal Code. The culprits face up to five years of restricted freedom, or up to four years of imprisonment," a Kyiv police spokesperson said. At 2:15 p.m. local time, the rioters blocked traffic between the Independence Monument on Khreschatyk Street and the main post office building. In total, nearly 4,000 law enforcement officers have been deployed in central Kyiv on the day of commemorating the people killed in Independence Square in 2014. U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden in separate telephone conversations with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk called on the politicians to unite over the ruling coalition, the White House has reported. "He urged Ukraines leadership to unite and rebuild popular trust around a strong governing coalition and reform program, and to accelerate Ukraine's efforts to fight corruption, strengthen justice and the rule of law, and fulfill its IMF requirements," reads a statement. The vice president also reiterated the importance of Minsk implementation by all sides "as the best way forward for resolving the conflict." During the conversation the Ukrainian leaders noted the continued failure by Russia and combined Russian-separatist forces to comply with their ceasefire obligations and allow the OSCE full access to the areas under their de facto control. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko will pay a working visit to Washington on February 20-24, the mayor's press service has said. "Klitschko will take part in an international conference on measures for combating AIDS, poverty and inequality in cities, which will be held at the World Bank's office," the report said. The conference will be attended by world politicians, researchers, sponsoring organizations, community leaders and human rights activists. The event is tasked to support the Fast-Track Cities initiative. It will elaborate clear strategies for fighting AIDS and poverty in megalopolises which are affected by those problems most. The attention will be focused on three cities, including Kyiv. In addition, during his working visit to Washington, Klitschko will meet with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland, Senate Committee on Armed Services Chairman John McCain and World Bank executives. He will have a meeting at the Atlantic Council analytical center. The Kyiv mayor will visit the Holocaust Museum in Washington for consultations on further cooperation in the creation of the Babyn Yar memorial complex in the Ukrainian capital city. Last night was not quiet in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone, as militants conducted 44 attacks on Ukrainian army positions, the ATO press center wrote on Facebook on Monday morning. Militants used an 82mm mortar and a sniper was active near Krasnohorivka in Donetsk sector, the press center said. The ATO positions came under attack of small arms, large-caliber machineguns and various types of grenade launchers in the Donetsk airport area, it said. Ukrainian president's office reports release of four servicemen from militant captivity on Feb 20 Four Ukrainian military servicemen were released from captivity by militants on Saturday, February 20, the Ukrainian presidential administration's spokesman for the anti-terrorist operation (ATO), Oleksandr Motuzianik, said. "Ukraine has got four of its soldiers freed from captivity," he said at a briefing in Kyiv on Sunday. Motuzianyk stressed that the exchange took place with the assistance of the Ukrainian Security Service. Earlier reports said that, Kyiv and the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) swapped their captives under a 'three-for-six' formula. Later, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko confirmed the release of three Ukrainians from captivity. MP Iryna Gerashchenko, a Ukrainian representative in the humanitarian subgroup in the Trilateral Contact Group for settling the conflict in Donbas, said earlier that as many as 137 Ukrainian citizens were being held captive in Donbas territories not controlled by Kyiv. The government crisis in Ukraine has an influence on the opinion of Western countries about the ability of Kyiv to hold reforms and to retain their high dynamics, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said. "It [the government crisis] has no effect on the current operations of the ministry - the protection of national interests and the deterrence of the Russian aggression. And I am not saying this as some slogan but speak from the point of view of our activity. Yet the situation clearly has an effect on our friends and partners' vision of what has been going on in Ukraine and its capacity to maintain the dynamics and depth of the reforms," Klimkin said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine. He said Ukraine should not win a military victory against Russia. "However, we should not lose either," the Ukrainian minister said. "A part of this 'no-lose' logic is the building of a democratic European Ukraine within internationally recognized borders. This is how I would formulate our national idea. This should be the essence of what we have been doing. From this angle, the European partners want us to demonstrate the ability of maintain the depth and speed of the reforms, because no one in the world has an indefinite reserve of time," the minister said. The Ukrainian authorities "cannot expect our partners to support us as enthusiastically as they have been for the past two years without demonstrating both," he said. "Time has come to sum up the first results, which show that we need to move on even faster and to cover absolutely all sectors," Klimkin said. As for the purpose of the Ukrainian trip of the German and French foreign ministers, Klimkin said that he was positive about support from the European Union. "I know that our European partners truly care about us. I am less familiar with [French Foreign Minister] Jean-Marc Ayrault but I have spoken with Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and he sincerely thinks that the Ukrainian success is absolutely critical for Europe and the system, which is important for the existence of a stable and democratic Europe," the Ukrainian foreign minister said. Thirteen Ukrainian servicemen injured in Donbas over past day, eleven of them in negligent handling of explosives Thirteen Ukrainian servicemen have suffered injuries in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in Donbas over the past day, Ukrainian Presidential Administration spokesman for ATO matters Andriy Lysenko has said. "None of our soldiers was killed in the hostilities in the past 24 hours, but two were wounded. Also, eleven servicemen were injured near Maryinka yesterday in negligent handling of an explosive device," he said at a press briefing in Kyiv on Monday. Ukraine will put three key sets of issues on the agenda of the 'Normandy Four' negotiations between foreign ministers, which are tentatively planned for March 3, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said. "I believe that we need to broaden it [the agenda]. Hopefully, we have managed to explain a number of peculiarities to our Western partners," Klimkin told Interfax-Ukraine in an exclusive interview. First of all, these are security issues. "Our colleagues used to think that security means ceasefire. Now there is the clear realization that it also means OSCE SMM access to every place in Donbas. Then, and this is crucial, SMM access to the border and its real monitoring," the minister said. The minister explained what, in his opinion, the monitoring should include: the deployment of special OSCE SMM bases along the border and the possibility of sudden inspections during the first phase. He said their representatives should be stationed at nine checkpoints and control them during the second phase, and the third phase should create an efficient system of control over border sections between those checkpoints. "The fourth element of security is who will be watching the withdrawal of armaments and, if a part of them are put under control, who will be watching the storages. We need an international component for doing so. For now, the main idea about the international component is an international mission of the OSCE. I want to present our vision at the next meeting in the 'Normandy format', and I have begun to discuss the mandate and tasks of that mission with our friends," Klimkin said. Another issue the minister plans to highlight is the prisoner swap. Elections in Donbas are the third subject, the minister said, adding that elections required security. "Again, we will need security for doing so - if there is no [security] there and the OSCE does not okay elections, then nothing can happen there," the minister said. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko hopes the "reset" of the court system will be completed before the end of 2016. "We must finish this before the end of this year. We have no time to drag it out any longer, and I am not going to depend on parliament when they feel capable to make an important decision," he said at a meeting with the staff of a local enterprise in the Vinnytsia region on Monday. The president stressed that he had asked parliament to urgently address the court reform. "Just as we did it last week: we filed several bills and insisted that these be considered over the current week," he said. Batkivschyna Party leader Yulia Tymoshenko has said that President Petro Poroshenko did not begin consultations after the breakup of the parliamentary coalition, and urged Verkhovna Rada to conduct an extraordinary session to consider dismissing Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk. "We are appealing to the president of Ukraine and to the chairman of Verkhovna Rada with one single demand under Article 83 of our Constitution, which says that an extraordinary Verkhovna Rada session with a stated agenda shall be called solely by the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada or at the behest of the president of Ukraine. Also, there is still a chance to gather one-third of deputies' signatures, but it is the same - the factions of the president and of the prime minister," Tymoshenko told a press conference in Kyiv on Monday. The politician stressed the urgency of an extraordinary parliamentary session "with a single-point agenda: the resignation of the Yatseniuk government". Even though the prime minister has survived the no-confidence vote, there is still a chance to dismiss him personally, which will entail resignation of the entire Cabinet, Tymoshenko said. The extraordinary session is necessary to enable democratic forces to review the "deeply erroneous" strategy of the economic and social policies pursued by Yatseniuk and his Cabinet, Tymoshenko said. "A review of the strategy, a review of all provisions of the coalition agreement, and approval of a step-by-step roadmap for leading Ukraine out of the crisis is today an urgent task that Verkhovna Rada must fulfill, but it is the president who must take the initiative of calling an extraordinary session," Tymoshenko said. At the same time, she said that 26 days are now left before the 30-day period expires since the coalition collapsed. "Under the Constitution, if after the collapse of the coalition no new one is formed within 30 days, the president may disband the parliament. Furthermore, under the Constitution, the president is obligated to begin consultations after the coalition breaks up. Unfortunately, none of this is being done today," she said. The head of the Responsible Citizens volunteer group, Maryna Cherenkova, who was detained in Donetsk in late January, has been released, said Iryna Gerashchenko, a Petro Poroshenko Bloc parliamentarian and Ukraine's representative in the humanitarian subgroup of the Trilateral Contact Group which mediates the conflict in Donbas. "A good SMS-text from the husband of volunteer Marya Cherenkova. She has been released and is being deported from Donetsk," Gerashchenko wrote on her Facebook page on Monday. On January 30, 2016, Responsible Citizens member Enrique Menendez said on Facebook that the head of the group had been detained in Donetsk, presumably, by representatives of the state security ministry of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR). He said he contacted both the ministry and DPR police but received no information about Cherenkova's arrest. Later Menendez noted that Cherenkova could have been arrested for collaboration with international organizations. Accusations of corruption threaten the consolidation of society in Ukraine, according to Foreign Ministers of France and Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Jean-Marc Ayrault. "The Ukrainian economy has experienced an unprecedented decline. The public sector needs urgent reform. Certain individuals have concentrated huge economic power without any anti-monopoly barriers and shamelessly use it for political influence. Serious accusations of overwhelming corruption threaten the consolidation of society. To solve these problems means to remain true to the spirit of the Maidan, which so impressively emerged two years ago," Steinmeier and Ayrault wrote in an opinion article published by Yevropeiska Pravda (eurointegration.com.ua) on Monday. Yet, in the past two years since the Revolution of Dignity, Ukraine has made considerable progress, the two ministers said. They point out to the reform of Ukraine's energy sector, which limited the "scandalous abuse that existed before." Also, there is a complete renovation of the police along with the recovery of the banking system; a legal framework has been created to fight corruption along with the introduction of the e-procurement system in the state sector. "But the desired path chosen by people towards deep modernization of the state and society is a long way to go. Therefore it is important not to stop halfway. Reforms should continue for the sake of the future (...) The political leadership in Kyiv the president and the prime minister, the government and the Verkhovna Rada, the ruling coalition and the opposition, all the parliamentary groups and constitutional institutions should implement the necessary reforms. The right and necessary, but difficult and sometimes painful course towards the modernization of Ukraine is a matter of paramount political significance for the whole country, for the sake of which all the responsible political and social forces must work together," the article writes. At the moment, the minister said, prerequisites should be created for the continuation of cooperation between Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund to achieve macro-economic stability. "The Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with the European Union, which was launched at the beginning of 2016, may become a decisive engine of reform and modernization, provided that it is resolutely and consistently implemented. The decentralization of the state and management can bring state administration close to the needs of citizens, make it more efficient and transparent," the two ministers noted. They stressed that France, Germany, the EU and other international partners of Ukraine are ready to help it on the way of modernization of the state, society and the economy. Steinmeier and Ayrault are scheduled to visit Ukraine on February 22-23. During the visit they will hold talks with this country's leaders. North Korea Executes Army Chief Of Staff Ri Yong Gil Over Corruption Charges South Korean media reported the execution of North Korean army chief of staff Ri Yong Gil after he was not seen in public alongside Kim Jong Un for over a month this year. The high level officer was rumored to be condemned to death over the charge of corruption. The news came a few days after the North launched its long-range ballistic missile rocket in space and has earned groans of disapproval from the United Nations for breaking another rule in the international law, as reported by CNN News. "It is another way for Kim Jong Un to show he is in power. He is still young, and still learning who is on his side and who is not," commented David Kang, a professor of international relations at the University of Southern California. Advertisement Just last week, Leader Kim attended the meeting of the Central Committee of the ruling Worker's Party and discussed how to deal with corruption, wrote BBC News. It looked like the disappearing general served as an early example for officials who are "seeking privileges, misuse of authority... and bureaucratism manifested in the party" as stated by the news agency KCNA. Additionally, General Ri has also been charged for "factional conspiracy." Meanwhile, some observers believe that Ri is just one of the many victims of Kim's unstable leadership. High-ranking officials close to him, coming as near as part of his entourage, follow a pattern of suddenly disappearing, being demoted, or being reportedly purged over criminal allegations. Some of the people who have fallen out of Kim's favor include his uncle and mentor Jang Song Thaek, who was once considered the second most powerful figure in the country, was executed for corruption in 2013, as told by Reuters. Another execution took place in May last year where the defense chief was disposed by anti-aircraft gun at a firing range according to South Korea's spy agency. Chief of staff Ri Yong Gil's alleged execution became more tangible when a slot normally reserved for him was replaced with another general Ri Myong Su at a recent rally in the North capital. Advertisement Advertisement Like us and Follow us Follow @Koreaportal and 2022 Korea Portal, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. South Korea And Japan Should Strengthen Defense Ties Amid North Koreas Provocations, Says Japanese Defense Minister Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said North Korea's recent provocations call for tougher defense ties between South Korea and Japan. The official added that the two Asian countries should improve their defense ties in order to act in response to North Korea's threats. Nakatani also emphasized that the advances in the production of missile development in North Korea should be considered, Yonhap News Agency reported. "Assuming that a warhead weighs under 1 ton, we presume that it will be possible for (the missiles) to have a range exceeding 10,000 km and carry a warhead weighing about 200 kilograms," Nakatani told the news agency. Advertisement The Japanese defense minister added that the North may have mastered the process of developing its missiles' range and accuracy. In January, North Korea reportedly conducted a hydrogen test in which Nakatani doubted, UPI noted. The official said at a press conference that it would be difficult to believe that "North Korea tested a typical hydrogen bomb." On February 7, North Korea launched a long-range missile that reportedly carried a satellite called Kwangmyongsong-4. The act was denounced by the United Nations Security Council and branded it as a "dangerous and serious violation." The Japanese official believed that stronger ties among South Korea, Japan and the United States are needed in response to North Korea's provocations and alleged plans of terror attack. Nakatani added that South Korea and Japan should sign the General Security of Military Information Agreement and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement amid recent threats from the communist country. "Through the GSOMIA, the two countries can share their valuable information and better ensure each other's safety," Nakatani said. "It's important to lend goods to each other when one is in trouble." "Japan and South Korea are countries that share the same values, such as liberalism and democracy," he said, adding that the two countries should have more joint military drills, as well as exchange of defense workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Like us and Follow us Follow @Koreaportal and 2022 Korea Portal, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks at a joint news conference with Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, Feb 17, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] Facilities on Xisha Islands have nothing to do with code of conduct, ministry says Deploying national defense facilities on the Xisha Islands has nothing to do with negotiations over a code of conduct on the South China Sea, China said on Thursday. The comment was made as Beijing emphasized the efforts made by the country in negotiations to arrive at the code. Deploying such facilities "is irrelevant to a comprehensive implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, or to the consultations over the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei during a media briefing. Hong made the remarks in response to speculation that China had deployed missiles on disputed islands in the South China Sea and that the country appeared not to be serious about consultations over the code. Western media have been following closely China's defense facilities on the Xisha Islands since FoxNews reported on Tuesday that Beijing had deployed a missile system on Yongxing Island in the Xisha Islands. Hong stressed that the Xisha Islands are China's "inherent territory" and are not so-called disputed islands. Equipping them with defense facilities is not militarization, but a move "within China's sovereignty", Hong said. In 2002, China and member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. In the declaration, they voiced agreement to work on the basis of consensus for adopting such a code of conduct. In 2013, China and the ASEAN countries began consultations on the code. Hong said China and ASEAN countries had been actively pushing consultations over the code. Li Jinming, a professor of maritime policy and law at Xiamen University, said the code of conduct applies only to disputed islands, while the Xisha Islands, which have always been under China's administration, are not disputed. China had taken "very active steps" and had made many efforts on reaching a code of conduct, but attaining this goal took time, Li said. "China has always been coordinating, but neighboring countries should also invest in such efforts," he said. Li added that actions such as making a unilateral request for international arbitration, as the Philippines had done, are against the spirit of negotiations set by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed by China and the ASEAN countries. People gather at the site of a suicide bombing attack at a Shiite mosque in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, Dec. 9, 2015. At least 11 people were killed and some 20 others wounded on Wednesday in a suicide bomb attack at a Shiite mosque in the eastern part of the Iraqi capital, a police source said. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) DAMASCUS, Feb. 21 -- Five deadly bombings killed at 150 people in central and southern Syriaon Sunday, marking one of the highest death tolls in a single day during the last five years of conflict. Syrians woke Sunday to the news of twin bombings that rocked the al-Zahra' neighborhood, a pro-government district in the central city of Homs, killing around 60 people, local media said and a source told Xinhua. The official Syrian TV aired footage of the blast site, showing scenes of destruction and carnage. Piles of debris everywhere with buildings' facades ripped off by the explosions. Badly charred vehicles and dead bodies were seen in the initial footages, sending chills down the viewers' spines. The twin deadly bombings were not the first to hit that afflicted neighborhood, but surely were the deadliest. Last month, 30 people were killed in similar bombings in al-Zahra', a home to Syrians of the Alawite minority, to whom the ruling elite in Syria belong. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights group said the families in al-Zahra' kicked the governor of Homs, Talal al-Barazi, and Interior Minister Muhammad al-Sha'ar who wanted to visit the hard-hit neighborhood, in an apparent resentment over what the people may deem as government inaction toward tightening security measures in al-Zahra'. Few hours later, a spate of bombings were heard reverberating from the southern part of the capital Damascus, which later turned out to be three explosions rocking the predominantly Shiite district of Sayyidah Zaynab. The state news agency SANA said a car bomb tore through the al-Tin street in that sprawling district, which was followed by two other suicide bombings. Apparently, the first car aimed to draw people to help the wounded, and later two IS suicide bombers detonated themselves among the crowds, a tactic often followed by the terror-designated group. The death toll in Sayyidah Zaynab kept climbing till reaching 90 casualties and tens of wounded people, many of whom seriously wounded. The triple bombings in Sayyidah Zaynab are considered the biggest to hit the capital Damascus during the last five years of conflict. Xinhua reporter at the site saw destruction covering at least ten buildings and around 50 shops on a 100 meter long distance. Haunting and chilling scenes of destructions shrouded the area, amid a state of astonishment mingled with resentment and fear eclipsing the atmosphere. The smell of water on charred concrete, which is mingled with blood and debris, gives the sentiment of the smell of death. The bombings in al-Zahra' and Sayyida Zaynab were claimed by the IS group which seems to have returned to the bombings' tactic to cover for its losses from the Syrian army and the Kurdish fighters in the northern province of Aleppo and al-Hasakah province in northeastern Syria. In previous statements, the IS vowed to continue bombing areas in the capital Damascus. Like al-Zahra', Sayyida Zaynab was also targeted last month by IS bombers, during which over 76 people were killed. The IS holds deep grudges against the Shiite people who which are considered in the IS methodology as "infidels." The enmity toward the Shiite people also emanates from the group's battles against Hezbollah and the Syrian army across Syria. Sayyidah Zaynab district has a Shiite shrine containing the tomb of Zaynab, Islam's Prophet Muhammad's granddaughter. The Sayyidah Zaynab tomb became a center of religious studies of the adherents of the Shiite sect of Islam and a destination of mass pilgrimage by Shiite Muslims from across the Muslim world. Since mid-summer 2012, the district has been under frequent attacks and shelling by ultra-radical rebels who aim to attack the Shiite people due to their supportive stance on the Syrian government and their religious background about the Shiite-Sunni conflict. As the district holds religious significance to the Shiite people, Hezbollah has sent fighters to protect the shrine and manned checkpoints sounding it. In the first reaction to the explosions, Syria's Foreign Ministry said the deadly explosions rocking Syria's province of Homs Sunday revealed Turkish and Saudi roles in prolonging the Syrian crisis, according to SANA. "The bombings are in reaction to Turkey's and Saudi's responses to their exposed role in advancing the Syrian conflict as well as an attempt to hinder the efforts towards finding a political solution," said the Foreign Ministry, in condemnation letters sent to the United Nations. The deadly bombings in Syria on Sunday came as the world powers were still pushing for a ceasefire in the war-torn country. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said in Jordan on Sunday that a provisional agreement on the terms of a ceasefire in Syria has been reached. Speaking at a press conference in Amman, Kerry said the United Statesreached a deal with Russiaover the truce in Syria and that a ceasefire agreement is likely to be announced very soon as well. Kerry said he discussed the details of the truce with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. During the press conference with his Jordanian counterpart Nasser Judeh, Kerry said U.S. President Barack Obamaand Russian President Vladimir Putinwill discuss the completion of the agreement in the next few days. On Saturday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said he was ready for cease-fire in Syria on condition that the "terrorists" don't exploit it. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper, El Pais, Assad said halting the military operations in Syria demands deterring the terrorists from exploiting it to enhance their positions. He pointed out that countries, like Turkey, must stop sending more terrorists and arms as well as providing logistical support to the terrorists. People take part in a rally in support of New York City Police officer Peter Liang, at Brooklyn's Cadman Plaza Park, in New York, the United States, Feb. 20, 2016.(Photo/people.cn) Protesters demand end to discrimination Over 100,000 people, mostly Chinese-Americans, rallied across the US over the weekend in support of a former New York police officer who killed a man with a bullet that ricocheted off a wall, marking the latest outcry from the Chinese-American community against alleged racial discrimination. Condemning the selective prosecution of police officers of color, as well as prompting concerns of discrimination, the rallies took place on Saturday in over 40 cities across the US, including San Francisco and Boston, with New York City witnessing the largest crowd, reportedly over 50,000, US-based news portal uschinapress.com reported. "Chinese-Americans across the US, for the first time have stood together and fought for their lawful rights. The rallies are unprecedented when it comes to the number of participants," a participant who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Sunday. The New York City police officer, Peter Liang, was convicted of manslaughter on February 11 for killing Akai Gurley, a 28-year-old black man. Liang and his partner were on patrol when he fired his gun and the bullet glanced off a wall and hit Gurley in an unlighted stairwell in November 2014. "The Chinese in the US are still a weak group. We don't have political muscle and are always discriminated against or victimized. We demand a fair trial for Liang, as well as a voice for the Chinese community," Wang Tian, president of the Beijing Association in Los Angeles who planned the rallies, told the Global Times. 'Selective prosecution' In recent years, several incidents involving white police officers killing unarmed African-Americans have occurred in the US, leading to strained relations between the police and civilians. The unjust conviction of Liang was made under such circumstances, and he is a scapegoat of the selective prosecution of police officers of color, Deng Kemin, a protest leader and a lawyer, told the Global Times. Auditing Liang's case twice with other activists in February, Deng said that Liang was unfairly treated during the trial. He claimed that the prosecutor "misled the jury" and he witnessed the prosecutor pointing at Liang, accusing him of murder. "The tragedy was accidental, not intentional. The ones who should be held responsible are the New York Police Department and the NYC Housing Authority, since the former sent Liang, a rookie officer with less than two years' experience on duty to patrol a dangerous neighborhood, while the latter failed to install lighting facilities in the building which led to the tragedy," Deng said. Liang faces a sentence of up to 15 years by State Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on April 14. "Some white police officers have accidentally killed unarmed people, too, but they were rarely indicted. Liang should not be treated differently because of his race," Wang said. Ken Thompson, Brooklyn's first African-American district attorney, has denied that politics played any role in bringing charges against Liang. "While we know that Peter Liang did not intend to kill Akai Gurley, he was convicted because his reckless actions cost an innocent man his life the jury convicted him on the basis of these unique and tragic facts," Thompson told NBC News in an e-mail. In 2014, 18-year-old Michael Brown was fatally shot by Darren Wilson, a white police officer, in Ferguson, Missouri. The US Department of Justice cleared Wilson of civil rights violations in the shooting and announced that he would not be charged in the shooting. 'Historic moment' "The rallies have already caused stress to prosecutors, which may be a silver lining in Liang's case," Deng said. Some government officials also joined the rallies on Saturday, including US congresswoman Grace Meng and Brooklyn Assemblyman William Colton, uschinapress.com reported. Chinese-Americans have been discriminated against across the US, and Liang's incident has encouraged us to call for our legal rights. This might be a historic moment for Chinese-Americans or Asians in the US, Deng said. Chinese PresidentXi Jinping(2nd L) is briefed on the development history of the People's Daily in Beijing, capital of China, on Feb. 19, 2016. Xi on Friday visited the People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television, the nation's three leading news providers. (Xinhua/Li Tao) President pushes for change in publicity strategy Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit to three leading State-owned media outlets signals the beginning of reform to the nation's publicity strategy, the latest among a number of reforms promoted by Xi in the past three years, observers said. Speaking at a symposium Friday afternoon after touring the People's Daily, the Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television, Xi, also the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that all news media run by the Party must work to speak for the Party's will and its propositions and protect the Party's authority and unity. Analysts said that reform measures, rolled out by the CPC over the past three years since the pledge to deepen comprehensive reform in 2013, have strengthened the Party's authority and unity, which can better serve the public. Xi said Friday that the mission of the Party's media is to provide guidance to the public, serve the country's overall interests, unite the general public, instill confidence and pool our strengths, tell right from wrong and connect China to the world, Xinhua reported. "Officials should improve their ability to interact with the media and make good use of it to publicize their policies and ideas, understand grass-roots opinions, uncover conflicts and problems, guide public feelings, mobilize the people and push forward work in real life," Xi said. This is the right time to adjust the Party's publicity efforts, He Hui, head of the Public Relations and Public Opinion Institute of the Communication University of China, told the Global Times on Sunday. "Rules for our traditional media couldn't deal with the situation of the evolving new media, and the Party needs stronger outlets to promote its policies as comprehensive reforms deepen," said He. New media significance On multiple occasions, the president has also shown the importance attached to new media, observers noted. During Friday's visit to the People's Daily, Xi sent greetings for Monday's Lantern Festival to netizens through the newspaper's social media platforms. Xi also personally sent a Weibo greeting during a visit to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Daily in December 2015 to deliver New Year wishes. The Party has strengthened management of both traditional and new media. It now pays more attention to the media's role in leading public opinion and promoting mainstream social values when new media becomes more influential in people's daily life, He said. "Party leaders are aware of the different voices on traditional and new media platforms. And the lack of management of new media may undermine the Party's ability to govern," Zhang Zhi'an, dean of the School of Communication and Design at Sun Yat-sen University, told the Global Times. It is urgent to promote the reform in every aspect while enhancing people's cohesion, as China's reforms, which have caught the world's attention with groundbreaking measures, have entered a crucial stage, Cai Zhiqiang, a Party School of the CPC Central Committee professor, told the Global Times. Direct leadership Apart from the sweeping anti-graft campaign that kicked off in 2012, China's military reform also received wide attention as structural reform of the PLA, unveiled in November 2015, shook up the military command system to improve the armed forces' combat capabilities. Major General Xu Guangyu, a senior consultant of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, told the Global Times that the decision to bring the armed forces under the Party's control is based on China's past experiences and "the direct leadership can guarantee unity of the military and prevent separatism or power decentralization from within the armed forces." Globally, China is eying a more important position to make greater contributions to the international community through Xi's proposals of the "Belt and Road" initiative and a new model of major power relationship, which is all based on win-win diplomatic strategies, said Zhang Weiwei, professor at Shanghai-based Fudan University and director of the Center for China Development Model Research. Public-centered The reforms are intended to better serve the country and improve people's livelihood. Xi stressed at a January meeting of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference that the Party should stick to a development path centered on the public. He has also warned that the future and fate of a ruling party is dependent on people's support, according to the Guangming Daily. Zhang Yiwu, a sociology professor at Peking University, told the Global Times that the social ethos has changed in the past three years since governmental departments and enterprises are now operating in a more regulated way and society as a whole is more orderly. It is a key symbol that people's livelihood has been highly valued in Chinese political affairs and this is a serious matter of political empowerment and responsibility as the nation works to make the public the real entity that will benefit, the Guangming Daily said. "More reforms will be promoted in the near future as the Party needs to consolidate its power to lead us to build a strong country," Cai said. A street band composed of a father and his 6-year-old twin daughters become a landscape in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian province. The father named Tang Ming (stage name) was born in a small village in southwest China's Guizhou province. His parents died when he was young. To earn his life and realize music dream, he began to give street performance in 2001. In 2008, he met Chen who became his wife and they gave birth to twin daughters at the end of 2009. Tang taught Zhenzhen and Nannan to play ukulele when they were 4 years old. Now the twin sisters can already play the chord. With twin daughters, Tang has traveled in many places in China including Fuzhou, Changsha, Huaihua, Shenzhen, Guiyang, and Ganzhou. Loving freedom, Tang does not want to do a stable job, but prefers the street performances. Tang said that many people questioned that he uses his children to make money. He said that the children's participation can indeed make his performances more attractive and increase the revenue. However, to bring the children to perform in street is not for money but to train their abilities. Tang also said that his daughters will go to primary school next year. He will find a professional music teacher to train them. He will also find a job in a guitar studio. During this years Spring Festival, the most important holiday for Chinese people, around 6 million Chinese tourists celebrated the lunar New Year abroad, spending a total 90 billion yuan ($13.8 billion) overseas. The new record not only proves Chinese peoples ability to consume, but indicates the strength of RMB since more payment platforms in overseas markets now accept Chinas UnionPay cards. But what stands behind the strong RMB is a prospering China. Since the beginning of the new century, the rise of China, a country with a population of 1.3 billion, has become one of the biggest events in the world. How should this rise be viewed? As long one does not see it through a colored lens, one can find that China, by providing ideas and proposals, taking advantages of its capability and shouldering responsibility, delivers full-bar positive energy to the whole world. First of all, China contributes to the worlds peaceful development with ideas. From an ancient philosophy of harmony in diversity to Chinese President Xi Jinpings concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, all of those ideas show that China is a peace-loving nation. More specifically, China highlights non-confrontation when forging a new model of major-country ties with the U.S. When developing its neighborhood ties, it upholds a philosophy of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. When it comes to the China-E.U. partnership, it also places peace as a top priority. As Xi said in his speech at the Korber Foundation in 2014, China's pursuit of peaceful development is not an act of expediency, still less diplomatic rhetoric. Rather, it is a conclusion we have reached based on an objective assessment of China's history, its present and future. It represents confidence in thinking and readiness to practice it. Secondly, China contributes to reform and innovation throughout the world with its capability. On the eve of the Spring Festival, a video clip recording that an overpass in Beijing was completed in two days triggered heated discussion among foreign netizens. The efficiency of Chinas construction amazed them. As a matter of fact, despite the slowdown of economic growth, China is still rather confident in its ability, which is fundamentally driven by reform and innovation. The past three years have witnessed Chinas endeavors in fighting corruption, tacking tough issues and the wide-scale streamlining of administration and delegation of power. Such efforts demonstrate the great potential and vitality of Chinas reform and innovation. Thirdly, China contributes to win-win cooperation with its proposals. Currently, human society still faces many common challenges. As the biggest developing country and the worlds second largest economy, China is more capable of and willing to play a role in international affairs. The world should be able to feel the sincerity of Chinese people. While aiming for win-win results, Chinas proposals, including those on global issues such as poverty alleviation and network governance, are all based on cooperation. Even the initiative of Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) were formulated after full consideration of all partners concerns. Fourthly, China is a nation willing to shoulder responsibility. A Chinese netizen once described global society as a class, and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council as class leaders. China, as a poor student who has made the most advancement , is one of the class leaders. So China shares the responsibility of contributing to the management of the class in the spirit of peace and development. Chinas role in the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris and U.N. peacekeeping operations tells the world that an accountable and progressing China will benefit the entire world. A prospering China has clearly changed the global landscape. However, without prejudice or bias, the world will find that this trend will only promote the global governance towards fairness and justice. Chinas rise, which reflects traditional Chinese culture alongside the political wisdom of contemporary Chinese leaders, will surely advance mankinds lofty cause of peace and development. (The author is a senior editor of the Peoples Daily) Despite headwinds over the global economy, China's outbound tourism is again showing excellent numbers as Chinese outbound tourists are expected to reach 5.7 to 6 million during this year's Spring Festival holidays. Chinese outbound tourism revenue might reach 90 billion yuan, as Chinese outbound visitors are spending more and more, with average expenses per trip reaching 15,000 yuan, according to the latest data provided by China Tourism Research Institute and Ctrip.com, one of the largest travel service websites in China. Chinese tourists are expected to bring more growth momentum to the weak world economy. During the seven-day Chinese Lunar New Year holiday, Chinese outbound tourists demonstrated strong spending power. Shopping has become the single largest outbound expenditure. According to data provided by the Korea National Tourism Organization, the number of Chinese visitors to South Korea reached 15.7 million between Feb. 7 and Feb. 13. Sales jumped at three major department stores in South Korea: Lotte, Hyundai and Shinsegae. Sales in supermarkets also soared, with 106.9 percent sales growth at the Lotte Mart Seoul Station store. Chinese tourists' consumption grew from 60,000 won per capita in 2015 to over 80,000 won this yearan increase of 37.1 percent. Famous brand cosmetics and food have also become popular goods for Chinese tourists. Based on statistics collected by major online travel agencies, the most popular destinations for Spring Festival travelers were Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the U.S., Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia. Influenced by the Paris terrorist attacks last November, the number of Asian visitors to Lafayette France shopping mall decreased, but Chinese customers were still out in great force, queuing up to shop at luxury brand stores during the Chinese Lunar New Year holidays. Next lunar probe mission: Chang'e-5 is under way China's first moon lander, Chang'e-3, awakened automatically on Thursday after "sleeping" through the lunar night, entering its 28th lunar day, China's State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND) announced on Friday. One lunar day lasts approximately 14 earth days. The spacecraft has withstood extreme low temperatures during the 27 lunar nights since its successful soft landing on the moon in December 2013, according to a statement by SASTIND. Although the moon lander has already exceeded its life expectancy by 14 months, the astronomical telescope and other surveying devices it is carrying still work well. The engineering and scientific data it has transmitted will pave the way for scientific research and future lunar probes, and the data is globally accessible, SASTIND said. SASTIND also said that preparation for the country's next lunar probe mission, Chang'e-5, is already under way, and the probe is expected to be launched around 2017. The development of Chang'e-5 is proceeding smoothly, said the administration's spokesperson. The more sophisticated Chang'e-5 mission, which includes unmanned sampling and return, still requires technology breakthroughs in moon surface takeoff, sampling encapsulation, rendezvous and docking in lunar orbit, as well as high-speed Earth reentry, said the country's leading space scientist, Ye Peijian. Ye also said that despite being a latecomer in space development, China has made steady progress in recent years. China is the third nation, after the United States and Russia, to acquire the technologies necessary for extravehicular activities and space docking. Xinhua contributed to the story. For quite a few people, Beijing Film Studio is not just a place where a film is shot, but a wonderland where they can realize their dream of becoming a film star. Gao Baoping is one of them. Every year, he leaves his hometown Yan'an in northwest China's Shaanxi province and stays in Beijing for several months. He explains that he tries to find inspiration for song writing and to make his dream of becoming an actor come true in Beijing. Gao Baoping rents a shabby room in the basement of an apartment building in the Beijing Film Studio. The rent is 700 yuan a month. He only brings several items from his hometown and his guitar is one of them. Gao made his trip to Beijing after he heard that the film studio was looking for a stand-in. Several days later, he was invited for an interview held in the passage leading to a basement of a residential apartment building. The man in charge of the interview brought the measuring tape and weighing scale with him and measured the weight and height of every interviewee at the interview. The closer an interviewees weight and height is to the famous actors, the greater the chance of getting hired. Gao was told that he is overweight at the interview.(Photo/Youth.cn) Stones were found in the eyes of a woman from China's east Shandong province, Iqilu reported Saturday. The stones, as big as shelled corn, grew directly out of her eyes rather than entering from the outside. The woman, named Ding Aihua, is from Heze city, Shandong province. So far, more than 10 stones have been removed from her eyes. Liang Xinchun, Dings husband, disclosed that Ding has been suffering from the ailment for five to six years already. When the illness first broke out, the stones, which look like sand particles, gave her headaches. The episodes were not regular. They lasted anywhere from just three to five days up to 50 days. The stones had to be taken out. Doctors did not believe Ding when she and her husband went to hospital previously. Liang later gave up on the idea of treatment for financial reasons. A doctor at Aier Opthalmic finally found that what the couple claimed was true. Liang was also diagnosed with severe conjunctivitis, trachoma and corneal ulcers. As for the stones, further examination needs to be done to confirm the cause of the disease. Beijing recently initiated a contingency plan to supply food aid to various countries in Africa, as parts of the continent have been severely affected by a poor harvest. In doing so, China once again proved itself a friend and partner of Africa, and not just a fair-weather one at that. Affected by the El Nino weather phenomenon, Africa is suffering from its worst famine in 30 years, with over 35 million people short of food and millions of children facing malnutrition. The helping hand lent by the Chinese government has been met with praise from African countries. As early as last December, when the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, Chinese president Xi Jinping committed 1 billion yuan ($153.4 million) to be allocated for emergency food aid to African countries. During Chinese foreign minister Wang Yis visit to Africa this January, he laid out details of the assistance to concerned nations. In Ethiopia, a country with the second largest population in Africa, more than 10 million people have been affected by the havoc brought by El Nino. China agreed to offer over 10,000 tons of grain to Ethiopia. So far, most of the aid has been shipped from China and all the supplies will arrive in Addis Ababa by the end of April. Chinas sincere assistance has once again proven the Africa-China friendship, said an African friend. As long as China makes a promise, it will be fully implemented, Xi pledged during his first visit to Africa three years ago. Since then, China has been strengthening bilateral cooperation by upholding a philosophy of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith towards the African continent. This emergency food aid represents the implementation of the ten major China-Africa cooperation goals proposed by China. The resolute response and tangible measures prove China to be a responsible and major world player. Mozambican president Filipe Nyusio applauded China for keeping its promise and helping to bring new hope to Africas future. There is an African saying, growing food is better than buying food. This saying represents the aspirations of 1.1 billion African people to realize self-sufficiency when it comes to food supply. As a major agricultural nation, China is committed to helping its African friends to realize this dream. Under the framework of FOCAC, China announced plans to set up an agricultural technology center and send senior agricultural experts to Africa 10 years ago. Nowadays, Chinas technology has spread across the continent. Meanwhile, last year China announced intentions to establish a food safety system for Africa in order to help address the food scarcity. China has also vowed to initiate agricultural projects in 100 villages and boost cooperation between agricultural research institutions. The continuous strengthening of China-Africa agricultural cooperation has brought new hope to the African people. For decades, the unbreakable bilateral ties have remained fresh. China-Africa collaboration has been moving forward despite occasional jealousy from outsiders. Some Westerners register confusion about the partnership. The reason for the strong partnership is self-explanatory, however, if one just compares Chinas actions to those of some developed nations. Apart from not following through on the promise to utilize 0.7 percent of the GNI for official assistance, some developed nations attach political terms to their aid in Africa. Their actions frequently lag behind their words. China, in contrast, always takes Africas needs as top priority. It is not just empty words when China and Africa vow to maintain a life-long friendship and sincere partnership. Instead, it is grand history written by both sides. The emergency aid provided by China it is just the latest chapter. This article is edited and translated from Source: People's Daily The Skynet interceptor system has been used many times to detect and intercept drones at significant events and in key venues, according to a report from Beijing Youth Daily. From recording TV programs to weddings to aerial shoots for photographers, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are widely used in daily life. However, people should take notice of their potential safety hazards. According to the official Weibo account of the China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation (CASIC), during the 2016 CCTV Spring Festival Gala, Skynet (which was developed by CASIC) detected and intercepted a drone flying over the Guangzhou parallel session of the gala. The corporation wrote on its official Weibo account that the system is used to safeguard important activities and venues. Once a small-size UAV is found in where it should not be, the system shoots it down. A CASIC employee told Beijing Youth Daily that they were invited to guard the 2016 CCTV Spring Festival Gala Guangzhou session by the Guangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau on Jan. 28. Three staff members arrived in Guangzhou on Feb. 5 to prepare for the work. The employee also said that on the eve of the Spring Festival, UAVs were deployed to give a performance to the gala audience. "The consequences are hard to imagine if a strange drone had flown into the performance parade. Therefore, the device was programmed with a range of 180 degrees, and is able to scan for objects at low altitude, low speed, and of small size," the employee said. According to the report from Beijing Youth Daily, Skynet is an innovative product that provides low-altitude aerial security. Some netizens worried that shooting down drones would put citizens safety at risk. In response, the corporation wrote on its official Weibo account that the system uses a soft-damage network intercept technology and is not equipped with real missiles. Another worker on the Skynet project told Beijing Youth Daily that this interception technology can detect, track, locate and intercept small-size aircraft at low altitudes and low speeds, including aviation models, air trikes, paramotors and kites. The worker also said that a special net is used to intercept uninvited drones. The intercepted drones land with the help of a parachute and will not hurt anyone or anything on the ground. According to the CASIC employee, the drone intercepted during the 2016 Spring Festival Gala belonged to a local citizen who guided his drone into the live area. At present, the Skynet system has provided security services for the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, the 3rd meeting of the BRICS countries leaders, the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2011, Chairman Maos birthday commemoration, the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games and other major domestic and foreign events. Photos show the Buddhists celebrate Magha Puja festival in Pathum Thani province in Thailand on February 22, 2016. Believers throng to major temples to celebrate the day by praying, meditating, and walking in procession around the central altar three times with candles, incense, and flowers under the full moon. Magha Puja is an important Buddhist festival celebrated on the full moon day in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. The spiritual aims of the day are: not to commit any kind of sins; do only good; purify one's mind. "Magha" means "the third lunar month" in Thai language, and "Puja" means "to honor". It is quite a sight to see citizens pour thousands of fish into the Daming Lake in Jinan, capital of east Chinas Shandong province on February 22, 2016. The life release act, or fangsheng, is a traditional Buddhist practice of saving animals from captivity and release them to the natural environment. It is often performed on the first and 15th day of the first lunar month. US President Barack Obama makes opening remarks at a gathering with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states leaders at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage, California February 15, 2016.[Photo/Agencies] US President John F. Kennedy was ambitious and idealistic in his "moon speech" on Sept 12, 1962, saying "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard." However, when 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders laid out a vision for the United States to provide free college education, raise the minimum wage to $15, expand Social Security and address the widening income and wealth gap and the criminal justice system, he was labeled by his Republican and Democratic rivals as unrealistic or socialist. Michael Moore's new documentary Where to Invade Next reminds Americans that not only have many of these "unrealistic" and "socialist" ideals become a reality in European countries such as Norway, Sweden and Finland, they are described by those in Scandinavia as ideas that originated in the US. The movie struck a chord with the US audience as I watched it last weekend. Many of them applauded at the end, not to mention their laughter during the hilariously funny movie. Long, paid vacations in Italy, a year of paid maternity leave in Scandinavia and a surprisingly cozy prison in Norway are just some of the contrasts with US society today. The US and Papua New Guinea are the only two countries that don't offer paid maternity leave. And the Italian and Finnish employers/capitalists talk about the importance of treating their workers well and of having a society that is fair, unlike the one in the US. Moore believes most Americans have no idea that a large chunk of the US taxpayers' money is spent on the military. According to the White House Office of Management and Budget and the non-partisan, non-profit organization National Priorities Project, which aims to make the US budget transparent, 53.71 percent, or $598 billion, of the discretionary spending in 2015 was on the military, more than the combined spending on education, medical care and health, housing and community, energy and the environment, transportation, science, food and agriculture, veterans' benefits and government. Ironically, most of the 2016 US presidential candidates are still arguing for more spending on the military by exaggerating threats from Russia and China, among others. To them, maintaining absolute military supremacy is more important than the wellbeing of ordinary Americans. Having lived in New York and Washington for six years, I have always wondered why people living in New York and Washington don't complain about cellphone services being unavailable once inside the subway systems, considering communications are so vital for everyone in the 21st century. I told my American colleague that cellphone services are available in the Shanghai or Beijing subway systems. "Maybe Americans don't know you can have cellphone services in the subway," the colleague said. US highway systems and airports used to be the envy of the world after World War II, but they have become increasingly dilapidated, especially when the rest of the world has invested heavily in infrastructure in recent decades. At the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies last week, Larry Summers, a former chief economic advisor for President Obama, asked the audience if they feel proud as Americans of Kennedy or LaGuardia airports in New York. Many flights at Kennedy are international, and Summers asked if any of those international airports aren't nicer than Kennedy Airport. "And we are supposed to be the greatest and richest country on earth," he said. In her 2010 book Third World America, Arianna Huffington, argued that excessive spending on war and the military at the expense of domestic issues is denying ordinary Americans the American Dream. Moore's movie is the latest reminder that a nation that claims to be the greatest and most exceptional seems to quickly forget its ideals. The author is deputy editor of China Daily USA. chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com My Favorite Quotes Recent Quotes Portfolio Summary Your most recently viewed tickers will automatically show up here if you type a ticker in the Get Quotes box on the top of the page. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22 Trend: AccessBank offers a unique opportunity for individuals and private entrepreneurs - to use the system free of charge during first three months. MyAccess is an innovative Internet Banking system which meets all contemporary requirements. Despite the fact that the service was launched in October 2015, it caused a great demand among the customers. Convenience and functionality of the system have also received a positive feedback from corporate customers who have highly appreciated wide opportunities to manage accounts provided by the system. The number of myAccess users has been steadily increasing - just during last two months the number of clients connected to it has doubled. MyAccess ensures the highest security and safety - it has been recognized as one of the safest in Azerbaijan according to the studies conducted by High-Tech Bridge and Qualys companies and one of largest auditing consulting company PwC, included to "Big Four." For convenience, video-instructions have been posted on Bank`s website . The clients can be acquainted with the possibilities of the system and receive the maximum information about it through those video-instructions. AccessBank was founded in 2002 by organizations such as the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank, EBRD, IFC, KfW, a German consulting company LFS Financial Systems (LFS) and AccessHolding. AccessBank, one of the leading banks of Azerbaijan, offers a full range of banking services and has an extensive branch network, which employs about 1,800 people. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22 By Azad Hasanli - Trend: Azerbaijan is switching to automated system of application, review, reception and making decisions on targeted state social assistance, Azerbaijani Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population Salim Muslimov said at a press conference Feb. 22. In the cities and districts of Azerbaijan, centers of the social welfare public service will no longer be involved in this process [application, review, reception and making decisions on targeted state social assistance], the minister said. In case if within six months citizens apply in paper form and not in electronic form, the staff of these centers will send these applications to the electronic system of the ministry, Muslimov said. He went on to add that citizens will also be able to apply for targeted social assistance via state post offices. The minister noted that as of February 1, 2016, as many as 105,500 people receive targeted social assistance in Azerbaijan. Muslimov said that some restrictions will be removed with the entry into force of the new rules regarding the targeted state social assistance. Previously, if more than half of the average monthly income of a family was directed to pay off credit debt in a bank, the family was denied receiving the targeted state social assistance, Muslimov said, adding that this restriction has been removed. In addition, if earlier a family member studied in paid educational institutions, and if within 12 months the family paid off the amount exceeding the minimum wage by 10 times for his (her) education, that family was also denied receiving the targeted state social assistance, the minister said. This limitation has also been removed, but under a condition that the income of this family will be taken into account when calculating the targeted state social assistance, Muslimov said. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22 Trend: Azerbaijan's Consulate General in Aktau, Kazakhstan, is holding an art competition for children and young people. The Consulate General told Trend that the competition, titled "We Want Justice", has been organized as part of the "Justice for Khojaly" campaign, held under the supervision of Leyla Aliyeva, head of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation's representative office in Russia and general coordinator for intercultural dialogue at the Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation. About 300 pupils of five art schools in Aktau and the surrounding areas are taking part in the art competition. The competition jury includes members of Kazakhstan's Union of Artists and Azerbaijan's Consul General Elkhan Zeynalov. A grand prize will be awarded for the best picture. Winners will also be awarded with diplomas, books and other prizes. On Feb. 25-26, 1992, the Armenian military, together with the 366th infantry regiment of Soviet troops stationed in Khankendi, committed genocide against the population of the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly. Among those 613 killed in the massacre, there were 63 children, 106 women and 70 old people. Eight families were totally exterminated, 130 children lost one parent and 25 children lost both. A total of 487 civilians became disabled as a result of the onslaught. Some 1,275 innocent residents were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 people still remains unknown. The event became the largest massacre in the course of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the US are currently holding peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented the UN Security Council's four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.22 By Anakhanum Khidayatova - Trend: Brussels hosted the third edition of NATO Public Diplomacy Forum attended by NATO resident coordinator, Romania's ambassador to Azerbaijan Daniel Cristian Ciobanu, said the message from Romanian embassy. The event was organized by NATO Public Diplomacy Division in partnership with Center on Public Diplomacy of University of Southern California (United States of America). The forum brought together officials from North Atlantic Alliance and partner countries, as well as experts on communication strategies. Ambassador Ciobanu took part in the event within the mandate Romanian diplomatic mission is fulfilling as NATO Contact Point Embassy in Azerbaijan. Romanian diplomatic mission started its 1st NATO Contact Point Embassy mandate in Azerbaijan in January 2009 and nowadays is already performing its 4th successive mandate. Romania actively supports Azerbaijan to develop its cooperation with NATO. The forum explored how the unpredictable security environments impact the role of public diplomacy, what challenges it faces and what best practices can be applied. The key note address of the forum was delivered by NATO Acting Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy Ted Whiteside and touched upon preparations for NATO Warsaw Summit (8-9 July 2016). The summit will be a key milestone for the adaptation of the North Atlantic Alliance. Several practical workshops on impacting public diplomacy, exploring new avenues for an effective digital diplomacy and countering propaganda and misinformation campaigns were organized within the forum. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.22 Trend: Op-ed by U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Robert F. Cekuta One year ago, I had the great honor of presenting my credentials to President Ilham Aliyev as U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan. In one of my first meetings afterward with other government officials, I was asked a straight-forward question, "Are we friends, or not?" I instantly answered "yes," however the question is a reminder to me that relations between countries, just like relations between individuals, need continued effort and attention. With that in mind I would like to report on my activities over this past year and review how relations between the United States and Azerbaijan are growing. Over the last year, I have enjoyed learning about the natural beauty, fascinating history, and cultural traditions of Azerbaijan. My wife, Anne, and I have visited many parts of the country, exploring sites both on and off the beaten path. Whether at the ancient rock carvings at Gobustan, the Palace of the Sheki Khans, or hiking in Azerbaijan's countryside, I find there is so much to see and learn I feel that I am barely scratching the surface. My engagements are wonderful opportunities to interact with Azerbaijanis and to learn about their concerns and expectations. Some of the most moving encounters have been with communities of internally displaced persons (IDPs), where I have heard firsthand about the hardships they still face and the pain they feel at being separated from their homes. These encounters have given me a clear understanding of what people care about, where the country is headed, and also of what they think about the United States. As I have said many times, there are three main fronts in our relationship - security, democracy, and economy/energy - and I say those in no particular order. They cannot be placed in order because they cannot be separated. A healthy economy is basic to a country's security. Economies reach their fullest potential when rule of law and respect for the individual are guaranteed, and democratic societies flourish when citizens feel secure. All of those ingredients are necessary for Azerbaijan's long term stability and prosperity. The United States has always firmly supported Azerbaijan's long term stability and prosperity. Moreover, Americans want a long lasting relationship with Azerbaijan and are with Azerbaijanis for the long haul. A stable and prosperous Azerbaijan is essential for advancing those same goals of stability and prosperity regionally and globally, whether in terms of fighting terrorism, building corridors of trade and economic prosperity along both new and old routes, or working to increase the stability and diversity of global energy sources and supply routes. In a region that is seeing rapid change in very uncertain times, Azerbaijan's importance as an anchor of stability is as crucial as ever. Helping Azerbaijanis strengthen that stability and prosperity is one of the most important aspects of the U.S. relationship with Azerbaijan. How we have done that over the last 25 years has changed as Azerbaijan has changed, as the country has become more prosperous and has come to face new challenges. Twenty-five years ago our assistance focused on direct humanitarian aid to a country in conflict. Today we are working with Azerbaijanis in helping women and youth become more successful entrepreneurs and to support the country's efforts to boost agricultural production and other paths to increased economic diversification. Through one of the U.S. Agency for International Development's, (USAID), programs, the Socio Economic Development Activity, (SEDA), for example, we are working with the Azerbaijani government to support community-based projects joining local governments, citizens, and NGOs to identify local challenges and find solutions to them. Among the 59 projects completed are actions to bring potable water to villages, to rehabilitate roads, and to build medical clinics in 52 communities. Over 85,000 Azerbaijanis in the last three years benefitted, and have gained the skills to address their own social and economic needs in partnership with their government representatives in future. Other parts of the U.S. government are active on this front as well. The U.S. military's European Command expertise has benefited numerous communities, including IDP settlements in the Barda and Aghjabadi districts, with programs to help improve water supplies and rebuild local schools. In fact, the United States has provided over $115 million in support for IDPs since 1993, and remains committed to this segment of Azerbaijani society, just as we remain committed to working through the Minsk Group process to help realize a lasting peace in Nagorno-Karabakh that will enable all IDPs and refugees to return to their homes and open the door for further prosperity and stability in Azerbaijan as well as for the entire region. Other U.S. supported programs, including Peace Corps, educational scholarships, and English-language training programs, have provided individual Azerbaijanis with skills that they are using to help their country. Over 5,000 alumni of various exchange programs are working all levels of Azerbaijan's government and private sector, employing what they learned to strengthen Azerbaijan's capacity in areas such as business, governance, and social welfare. I was particularly happy to see the many U.S. exchange program alumni who volunteered and contributed to the success of the 2015 European Games. All told, the United States has provided over $1.3 billion in assistance since 1992 to Azerbaijan, and that engagement evolves and continues. American engagement with Azerbaijan is not confined to government channels. The activities and interest of U.S. companies has also been important to building prosperity and stability and to strengthening our friendship. The successful U.S. trade mission last year brought to Azerbaijan 14 major U.S. companies who made important connections with Azerbaijani businesses that can enhance the already significant economic ties between our countries. There are numerous American companies working here in Azerbaijan, creating jobs and boosting the economy. We also continue to engage on democratic development. All democratic countries, including the United States, are always evolving. What is important is that we constantly reassess our progress and maintain an open conversation within our societies about how we can improve. Democratic principles, such as an accountable government and embracing the rule of law, are critical for long-term stability, prosperity, and success. As Azerbaijan confronts a global economic situation that is challenging many countries right now, public discussion on how to remove barriers to economic development, including corruption, will be important to making Azerbaijan stronger, more stable, and more prosperous. I want to take this opportunity as well to express deep appreciation for what Azerbaijan is doing on security, particularly within the region. Azerbaijan remains an important partner for the United States and NATO, through its support of transportation routes to Afghanistan and its ongoing peacekeeping mission there. Azerbaijan is developing into an increasingly important transit hub, with several successful demonstrations of the ability to move goods between China, Central Asia, and Europe through the Alat Port. Those are important steps toward the regional vision for the New Silk Road, which like the ancient route, will also be a catalyst for entrepreneurship, innovation, and individual creativity. Azerbaijan is also a core partner in the global fight against terrorism and, given its long-standing and strong traditions of inter-ethnic and inter-religious tolerance, is an important example to other countries around the world. In sum, friends share mutual interests, values, and goals. Friendships often have ups and downs, yet friends stay the course. A true friend is happy for another friend's success, and is also honest and ready to help when that friend is struggling. I think all of those aspects apply to the United States' relationship with Azerbaijan. The answer to the question, "Are we friends or not?" has been "yes" for each of the 25 years since Azerbaijan's independence from the Soviet Union. I am certain it will always be "yes" for the next 25 years and beyond. Anakhanum Khidayatova Correspondent Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has been interviewed by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting. - What is the purpose of Your visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran and what programs you have to expand relations with Iran? - My official visit to Iran will be paid at the invitation of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Hassan Rouhani. I want to note that I met with the president of Iran four times in the past. Both during my official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran in April 2014 and during the official visit of Mr. Rouhani to Azerbaijan in November of the same year, we conducted a sincere debate on all aspects of bilateral relations between our two countries and signed a number of documents contributing to the development of relations in political, economic, humanitarian and other spheres. Within the framework of this visit, we will also hold discussions related to the events occurring in the region and the world, examine a wide range of bilateral political, economic, social and cultural relations, and sign a number of documents. I am sure that this visit will create a solid foundation to develop and achieve a qualitatively new level of relations between the friendly and the neighboring Iran and Azerbaijan. - Iran and Azerbaijan cooperate closely in the economic sphere. However, despite the long borders, the fact that we have a lot in common and a good economic potential between the two countries, the trade is not particularly high. What programs do you have to enhance trade? - After Azerbaijan regained its state independence, the relations between our countries in all areas, including trade and economy, have been on the rise. At the same time, the existing trade is significantly lower than the existing potential. Of course, measures will be taken to overcome this situation in trade relations and further develop bilateral cooperation. Azerbaijan has further accelerated wide-ranging economic reforms to reduce the impact of negative trends observed in the global economy and maintain the dynamic development trend. At the moment, we are working on large-scale investment programs and privatization, improving the business environment for both local and foreign businessmen. We believe that this will usher new opportunities for Iranian business people in Azerbaijan. At the same time, the joint state commission on cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran in economic, trade and humanitarian spheres is working hard. It has made a number of new proposals that are currently being examined. In recent years, Azerbaijan and Iran have become very important partners of the North-South transport corridor. Having taken the necessary measures to expand the transit opportunities of our republic, we have reorganized our transport infrastructure in line with the latest standards. We are confident that the commissioning of the railway between the Iranian and Azerbaijani Astara will significantly revitalize the North-South transport corridor. In general, transport and communication corridors are of great economic and geopolitical importance for all participating countries, including us. These corridors, on the one hand, will substantially increase the share of our countries in international freight traffic and, on the other, strengthen our bilateral cooperation in the economic sphere. - Given the attempts of Takfiri (extremist Sunni groups - as described by Iranian officials) groups to expand terrorism in the region, how would you assess the cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan in the fight against this ominous phenomenon? - At present, terrorism is one of the most serious problems posing a threat to the system of civilized international relations, regional security and stability of countries. The expanding geography of international terrorism is and should be a major concern for all countries of the world, including our region and every country separately. As a result of wars and local armed incidents in Africa, the former Soviet Union and the Middle East, millions of people were driven away from their homes. National economic systems have actually collapsed. Humanitarian disasters have become a bitter reality of the day. I should note that Azerbaijan, which regained its state independence in the early 1990s, was subjected to the aggressive policy of neighboring Armenia, the ensuing humanitarian disaster and a wave of Armenian terror. Armenian terrorist organizations have committed over 300 terrorist acts in Azerbaijan, destroyed our cities and villages in Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent territories. As a result, thousands of our citizens have been killed, wounded and went missing. Occupation, religious and ethnic discrimination, and terror have been part of Armenia's state policy. Unfortunately, it is still the case today. Therefore, we can identify with the countries and people faced with terror. Azerbaijan supports tangible initiatives and measures to combat international terrorism. Both within the framework of international organizations and in bilateral relations, we attach great importance to cooperation in the sphere of security, because any country can overcome the difficulties and develop only in the conditions of stability, security and peace. The example of Azerbaijan clearly confirms this. Together with Iran and other states, Azerbaijan is ready to continue making its contribution to fighting international terrorism. - How would you assess the mediation efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? Do you intend to use the opportunities of Islamic countries and countries in the region for the settlement of the conflict? - In the early 1990s, in the aftermath of Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan, 20 percent of our country's internationally recognized territory was occupied, our people were subjected to a policy of ethnic cleansing, and more than a million Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs. All our economic and social infrastructure on the occupied lands, as well as cultural monuments, including mosques, were destroyed. Armenia has failed to fulfill the decisions and resolutions of leading organizations of the world led by the United Nations, which demand liberation of the occupied lands. Unfortunately, the world community has yet to apply a tangible mechanism to Armenia to achieve a settlement of the problem within the norms and principles of international law. The activities of the OSCE Minsk Group, which was established to resolve the conflict, remain inconclusive to this day. We can say with confidence that the occupation, which has been ongoing for more than 20 years, is largely due to double standards currently observed in the world. Facts prove that the international community demonstrates a selective approach to similar events taking place in certain parts of the world. In some cases, the fact of occupation gets not only a harsh response. In fact, major mechanisms of action are put in place and applied in the shortest time to solve a problem. Unfortunately, there is a passive approach to parties of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict - the occupier and the victim of occupation are treated in the same way. This injustice also stems from a different approach - the religious discrimination of Azerbaijan due to the fact that we are a Muslim state. We can't comprehend such outright contempt for international law and such a frank attempt to justify aggression. I would like to note that Muslim countries, including Iran, have always supported the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in international organizations and in a bilateral format. We express our appreciation to the Islamic Republic of Iran for that and regard this as a manifestation of fraternal and friendly relations between our countries, as well as Iran's attitude to international law. The numerous decisions and resolutions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have condemned the aggressive policy of Armenia and stated a demand to end the occupation. We support and appreciate all the efforts, as well as the proposals and initiatives of Muslim countries and the countries of the region, aimed at a fair settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the norms and principles of international law. We believe that we will see even greater support for the fair resolution of the conflict. - There are rumors that Muslims, especially Shiites, are faced with restrictions in the exercise of their religious activities in the Republic of Azerbaijan. What can you say about this? - As you noted, such information can only be a rumor. Azerbaijan has historically never experienced discrimination on religious and ethnic grounds. Representatives of different nationalities, religions and religious movements have always lived in peace, tranquility and mutual understanding. The Constitution and existing laws of the country fully guarantee the freedom of conscience and religion, and do not hinder believers in their everyday activities. During the Soviet period, there were only 17 mosques in Azerbaijan. In the years of independence, the number of religious temples and mosques has significantly increased. Currently, there are more than 2,000 mosques in Baku and other cities. The biggest mosque of the country, the Heydar Mosque, was built by my order with public funds and was handed over to the believers. Azerbaijan shows great attention and allocates funds for the promotion of Islamic culture all over the world. As an example, we can cite campaigns and exhibitions our country has held in Europe and other regions of the world. Azerbaijan adheres to the most civilized norms of ethnic and religious coexistence. There is a tolerant environment. The relations between the state and religious relation in the country are perceived as exemplary around the world. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has always appreciated the status of Islamic religion, inter-religious and inter-confessional relations in Azerbaijan. At a time when several countries are faced with contradictions between Sunnis and Shiites, Shiites and Sunnis prayed together at Heydar Mosque in Baku in January this year. In the current period of growing Islamophobia in the world, we have contributed to the strengthening of solidarity and unity among Muslim countries. Mutual understanding, confidence building, the rule of common interests, the joint fight against Islamophobia and other negative trends should serve as a foundation of Islamic solidarity. Azerbaijan intends to continue to pursue its efforts in this area. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Feb. 22 By Demir Azizov- Trend: The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan has prematurely cancelled additional import fee for Ukrainian goods, the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of the country reported on its official website. It was earlier reported that Uzbekistan introduced additional import fee for Ukrainian goods starting from July 1, 2015 for a period of one year as a response measure to the introduction of additional import fee by Ukraine in the amount of five-ten percent not depending on the country of origin of the goods on February 26, 2015 for a period of 12 months. In late December 2015, the Ukrainian government decided to cancel the additional import fee starting from January 1, 2016. Ukraine's export to Uzbekistan in 2015 decreased almost twice compared to 2014, to $154.4 million, import from Uzbekistan to Ukraine decreased by 13 percent, to $57.3 million, according to the Ukrainian side. In late January 2016, the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine ratified the protocol on the application of the free trade zone agreement with Uzbekistan. The agreement on free trade zone within the CIS was signed in October 2011 by eight countries - Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan and Ukraine. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.22 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: The crisis in Ankara-Moscow relations will not lead to decrease in the number of Russian tourists visiting Turkey, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Feb. 22. He noted that it is not the first year the Russian tourists visit Turkey, TRT Haber TV channel reported. Turkey will make every effort to increase the number of tourists visiting the country, according to the prime minister. It was earlier reported that the number of Russian tourists visiting Turkey's resort province of Antalya in January 2016, decreased by 81.14 percent compared to January 2015. As many as 2,427 Russian tourists visited Antalya in January 2016. The number of German tourists visiting Antalya dropped by 16 percent and stood at 44,262 in January 2016. This is while the number of tourists from Israel visiting this resort province increased by 122 percent during the year, and totalled 4,475 in January 2016. Edited by SI --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 17 By Aygun Badalova - Trend: Analysts of British economic research and consulting company Capital Economics are wary of the agreement reached between Russia and some OPEC member on the oil production freeze. "It was unlikely that either country would have increased production further anyway," they said in a report, obtained by Trend. For the deal to have any teeth, Saudi Arabia in particular needs to be willing to cut output, not least to offset the increased supply still to come from Iran, analysts believe. The meeting took place earlier this week between energy ministers of Saudi Arabia, Russia, Venezuela and Qatar concluded with an agreement that these four countries will freeze their output at its January levels provided other major producers follow suit. Later, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh following the meeting with his counterparts from Venezuela, Iraq and Qatar welcomed the initiative to set a "ceiling" as a first step toward stabilizing the market. However, he did not explicitly say that Iran would keep its own output at January's levels. The position and further actions of Iran are extremely important, as the country, free of sanctions, repeatedly declared about the plans to increase oil production and export. Estimates vary widely, but Russia currently produces around 11 million barrels per day (bpd) and Saudi Arabia more than 10 million, together contributing roughly 22 percent of global supply, Capital Economics analysts' report said. Venezuela and Qatar between them provide another 3 million bpd, meaning that the four countries already signed up to the deal account for around a quarter of world production, analysts said. Analysts stressed that the reached agreement is dependent on others joining in. "In reality, even the participation of other OPEC members is in doubt. In particular, Iran is planning to increase output by at least 500,000 bpd this year following the lifting of Western sanctions. Iran has already indicated that it is unwilling to freeze its output until it reaches presanctions levels, which implies an increase of at least one million bpd still to come," they said. At the same time, analysts believe that even if total OPEC output can be capped at its January level (implying any increase from Iran, or other members such as Iraq, is offset by cuts elsewhere) this would still be exceptionally high. The same point applies to current production in Russia, according to the analysts. "In other words, this deal would simply maintain the excess supply that is now in place. This might be better than a further increase, but it is not the output cuts that some in the markets have been hoping for," analysts said. "The upshot is that the deal leaves plenty of room for disappointment," they added. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22 Trend: Georgia's Minister of Energy Kakha Kaladze will visit Azerbaijan on Feb. 29, the Georgian news agency IPN reported Feb. 22. As Kaladze said, he would hold meetings with SOCAR officials, as well as the Shah Deniz consortium leadership, according to the report. "I have been actively working in order to attract additional [gas] volumes from Shah Deniz. Our mood is very optimistic and we suppose we will achieve some kind of agreement," he said. "Then we will decide how to end negotiations with Gazprom," added Kaladze. As for a meeting held several days ago in Vienna with Gazprom officials, Kaladze said no particular agreement was reached. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22 By Anakhanum Khidayatova - Trend: The agreement between Russia and a number of OPEC countries on freezing the oil output will lead to the price freeze, but won't affect its growth, Alexander Razuvayev, an economist and director of the analytical department at Russian company Alpari, told Trend Feb. 22. The level at which the sides have agreed to freeze the output, is close to the maximum, said the expert. "If they reduced the quotas by at least five percent, it could positively affect the price rise," said Razuvayev. Currently, OPEC and non-OPEC countries are discussing the possible output freeze for stabilizing the situation on the oil market. Russia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Venezuela have agreed to freeze the oil production at the January levels, if the others follow the suit. Later, Venezuela's oil minister said that Ecuador, Algeria, Nigeria and Oman supported this proposal. Kuwait also expressed readiness to join this initiative. The oil production in Saudi Arabia - OPEC's largest oil producer and exporter - totaled 10.23 million barrels per day as of January, said the cartel. This is while the oil output in Russia reached new record (10.91 million barrels per day) in December 2015. Razuvayev also predicted that the oil production will decrease in the US and other projects will be frozen due to the current situation on the market. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum The Business Year (TBY), a leading provider of business information and publisher of annual trade and investment resources, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Investment Fund of Kazakhstan (IFK). This strategic partnership will contribute to the development of the latest publication on Kazakhstan's economy: The Business Year, Kazakhstan 2016. The MOU was signed on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, in Astana by Rinat Sisembayev, CEO of IFK, and Giuliana Caruso, Country Manager for Kazakhstan at TBY. The agreement specifies areas of cooperation to prepare the upcoming publication and to expand content collaboration and media outreach between the parties. TBY will analyze all of the major sectors of the economy through interviews with top political, commercial, and industrial leaders. IFK will provide editorial input and sector analysis to help build the most comprehensive publication on Kazakhstan's economy to date. "Global investors and multinational corporations who are considering Kazakhstan are looking for chances to diversify geographically, hedge risk, and find new strengths and opportunities in a challenging external environment," highlighted Giuliana Caruso, TBY's Country Manager. "This agreement will help us to communicate this information. Thanks to IFK's extensive knowledge of the investment landscape in Kazakhstan, their support will allow us to further strengthen the ties between international and domestic business leaders." Rinat Sisembayev, CEO of the Investment Fund of Kazakhstan, commented: "Kazakhstan is a dynamically developing country with great potential for investment in various areas from source countries world wide. As an organization oriented to develop Kazakhstan, IFK is ready to cooperate with any company to share our knowledge in the field of investment plans. Also it should be noted that every year we are seeing a growing investment interest in Kazakhstan from other countries, and that The Business Year is a primary and reliable source of information for such investors." Present in over 25 countries, TBY provides first-hand access to the people and ideas shaping business and policy throughout the world. Each country-specific edition contains a comprehensive range of interviews and analysis, offering an inside look at doing business in the world's most dynamic economies. TBY's interviewees, readers, and partners comprise an international network of thought-leaders who are helping to define the future of the global economy. With a global reach of more than 86,300 readers, The Business Year: Kazakhstan 2016 will be distributed extensively both globally and domestically and will reach an even larger audience via its mobile applications on iPad, iPhone, and Android platforms. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Feb. 22 By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend: Regardless of the property type, all individuals and legal entities in Turkmenistan are required to coordinate the projects for earthwork, excavation, road building, construction, reclamation and other work with the country's Ministry of Culture. The corresponding decree has been signed by Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Under the document, the Ministry of Culture, the relevant ministries and departments, administrations of the provinces and Ashgabat city, jointly with the Ministry of Justice, should work out proposals on making amendments to Turkmen laws and submit them to the Cabinet of Ministers within a month. Currently, eight state historical and cultural reserves operate in Turkmenistan. The monuments in three of them - Ancient Merv, Kunya Urgench and Nisa - were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In total, 1,387 historical and cultural monuments have been registered in the country. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22 By Khalid Kazimov - Trend: Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has called for establishing ceasefire in Syria. "The Islamic Republic of Iran supports any measures helping to stop bloodshed and protect Syrians' lives," IRNA news agency quoted Zarif as saying at a press conference in Tehran Feb. 22. Iran believes that dialogue between Syrian sides, not military solution, will end the Syrian crisis, according to Zarif. The only task of the outsiders, as he said, is to facilitate the talks between the parties in Syria. Zarif added that the outsiders can't put conditions for the talks between the Syrian sides. Calling for a ceasefire in Syria, Zarif urged the countries involved in Syrian crisis to prevent the arming of opposition groups and dispatching fighters there. Zarif also called on the countries sharing borders with Syria to watch their borders in order to prevent "terrorist" groups from arming themselves. The foreign minister added that although international community has agreed on establishing a ceasefire in Syria, its details aren't clear yet. A UN Security Council resolution was approved last December on peace process in Syria. Under the resolution, Syrian government and opposition groups should attend peace talks to find a solution for putting an end to the crisis. So far, the talks between Syrian government and opposition groups have not yielded any positive results, with both sides blaming each other for the collapse of the talks. Over 250,000 people have died and at least 11 million have been displaced in Syria, since the crisis broke out in 2011. Syrian President Bashar Assad issued a decree on Monday calling for legislative elections in the Arab republic to be held on April 13 this year, according to Sputnik. "President Assad issued Decree No.63 deciding Wednesday, 04.13.2016 as the date for the election of members to the People's Council," the decree published on the Syrian Presidency social media accounts stated. The announcement comes minutes after Russia and the United States reached an agreement on a ceasefire between Syrian government and rebel forces effective 22:00 GMT February 26. A Michigan man who worked as an Uber driver was under arrest on Sunday in the fatal shooting of six people in Kalamazoo, as police investigated reports he may have driven customers of the car-hailing service the night of the rampage, Reuters reported. Prosecutors alleged that Jason Dalton, 45, opened fire, apparently at random, in parking lots outside an apartment building, a car dealership and at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Kalamazoo, about 150 miles (240 km) west of Detroit. Two other people were wounded, including a teenage girl who was initially thought to have died. Authorities could not confirm Dalton was working for Uber during the nearly five-hour shooting spree on Saturday evening. He was arrested early on Sunday. An Uber representative confirmed that Dalton was a company driver and had passed background checks. The representative referred questions about whether Dalton was working at the time of the shootings to police. The victims "appear to be chosen at random, because they were available," Kalamazoo County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Getting said. "They were shot multiple times, multiple - nine, 10, 11 shell casings at each of these scenes." The carnage in Kalamazoo, a city of about 75,000 people, was the latest in a series of mass shootings that have elevated gun control as a campaign issue in the November U.S. presidential election. The attack also prompted renewed interest in how Uber vets drivers, who use their personal vehicles to ferry customers at prices that are generally below those of established taxi companies. Critics say the company's vetting process is flawed because it never meets with potential drivers in person. Uber says on its website that it has an "extensive" driver screening process that includes collecting detailed information from potential drivers and using the investigation service Checkr to vet them. Other websites and databases such at the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website are used as well. WOOD-TV, a Grand Rapids station, quoted police as saying that they were investigating reports that Dalton dropped off Uber fares at a hotel and then killed four women and wounded a 14-year-old girl at the nearby Cracker Barrel. The teenager was in critical condition, Michigan State Police said. In an emailed statement, Uber's chief security officer, Joe Sullivan, said the company was in contact with police to help with the investigation. An Uber passenger, Matt Mellen, told CBS TV affiliate WWMT that he had tried to alert the company after a wild ride with Dalton about an hour before the first shooting was reported. He said Dalton introduced himself using a different name from the one listed as a driver. He then sped through medians and across a lawn, and Mellen jumped out at a stop at about 4:30 p.m. (2130 GMT) Five security forces with Libya's internationally-recognized government have been killed in clashes with Takfiri militants in the northern city of Benghazi, Press TV reported. At least 15 militants were also killed on Sunday when military forces launched an offensive against the terrorists, pushed them back in several areas of the Mediterranean port city and managed to retake the strategic port town of Marisa. According to Libyan National Army (LNA), the forces also established control over the eastern city of Ajdabiya, some 150 kilometers (90 miles) south of Benghazi. On Saturday, 14 more security forces were killed in Benghazi while trying to retake areas from Daesh or al-Qaeda-linked militant groups active in and around Libya's second largest city. Libya has been struggling with instability since 2011, when the country's dictator, Muammar Gaddafi, was overthrown and regional factions got engaged in a conflict. The capital, Tripoli, is controlled by a political faction, called Libya Dawn, allied with powerful armed forces based in the city of Misrata. The faction has reinstated the old parliament, known as the General National Congress (GNC). The internationally-recognized government of Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni is based in the eastern city of Bayda, with its elected House of Representatives in Tobruk. Daesh, which has been engaged in heinous crimes in different parts of Iraq and Syria, has also exploited the situation in the North African country to set up strongholds. Eight NATO member states have launched anti-submarine warfare exercises in the Mediterranean Sea, the alliance said in a press release on Monday, according to Sputnik. "NATO's Submarine Warfare Exercise DYNAMIC MANTA 2016 (DYMA 16) began today off the Sicilian coast, with ships, submarines and aircraft and personnel from eight allied nations converging on the Central Mediterranean Sea," the release stated. Submarines, surface ships and maritime aircraft from France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States will participate in drills to enhance naval forces' warfighting skills in a multinational and multi-threat environment,, according to the release. "The submarines will take turns hunting and being hunted, closely coordinating their efforts with the air and surface participants," the release noted. The United States and NATO have been building up their combined military presence in Europe. In early February, US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter said Washington would quadruple its funding to support the US posture in Europe, to reach $3.4 billion in 2017. At least 15 people died and 13 were wounded in a suicide blast in an Afghan province north of Kabul, Afghan media reported Monday, according to Sputnik. Up to four police officers were among the casualties in the Parwan suicide attack, according to the Pakhwok news services' previous account. The Afghanistan Times publication cited a security official as saying the suicide bomber targeted a local police commander and his bodyguards in the Syagard district of the province. The assailant is thought to have carried out the attack aboard a motorcycle. In Baghlan, a province further to the north, a rocket suspected to be launched by militants hit a deputy governor's office in the town of Pul-i-Khumri hours earlier. One person died and four others were injured in the assault, none of them reported to be the deputy governor. A nearby area of Dand-i-Ghori has been said to be under the Taliban insurgency's control for the past nine months. The militants reportedly claimed responsibility for the deadly attacks. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.22 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Turkey and Saudi Arabia are not planning to launch joint military operations in Syria, said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. He noted that this issue has never been on the agenda, TRT Haber TV channel reported Feb.22. Earlier, Cavusoglu said that Turkey and Saudi Arabia have no secret plans regarding Syria. He added that a number of countries are concerned about Saudi Arabia's intention to fight the IS terrorist organization (aka ISIS, ISIL or Daesh). Moreover, previously, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir stated that ground-based military operations planned by Saudi Arabia in Syria are not against the country's President Bashar al-Assad, but the IS. He added that Saudi Arabia's intention to participate in the ground-based operations in Syria shows that the country is not indifferent to the growth of terrorism threat in the region. Syria has been suffering from an armed conflict since March 2011, which, according to the UN, has so far claimed the lives of over 220,000 people. Militants from various armed groups are confronting the Syrian government troops. The "Islamic State" and Jabhat al-Nusra are the most active terrorist groups in Syria. Edited by SI --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Volkswagen currently has two partnerships with Chinese auto companies. (Photo : Reuters) Volkswagen AG believes that its sales in China could rise in line with the country's auto market this year, as it considers a partnership with JAC Motors, which would be its third partnership with Chinese automakers, as reported by the Global Times. Advertisement Jochem Heizmann, the head of VW's China business, told reporters in Beijing that he is expecting China's total passenger car market to grow according to GDP growth, possibly even exceeding it. "If we look to the general growth situation, it's still tremendous, big growth," said Heizmann. He added that there is potential for expansion in the lower-tier cities of the country despite its economy listing its weakest growth in the last quarter of the century. "These are still cities with millions of inhabitants but in a different development stage," said Heizmann. He also said that VW will stick to existing plans for investment in China, including investing over 4 billion euros ($4.46 billion) every year for the coming years. VW has been the subject of criticism in the last few months after admitting in Sept. 2015 that it misrepresented the emissions of its vehicles to U.S. regulators. China's sales of VW cars dropped 3.4 percent in 2015 before bouncing back in January. Prior to this, China had been a stable source for revenue for the German automaker. General Motors Co., the U.S. rival of VW, saw its sales in China go up 5.2 percent in 2015. This overtook VW's top spot in what is currently the largest car market in the world. While VW is already involved in two tie-ups, both with Chinese automakers, Heizmann said that VW is exploring a potential for cooperation with JAC Motors. "We have started talking about potential for cooperation, but there are no more detailed plans at present," said Heizmann in response to questions regarding whether the cooperation with JAC Motors could involve electric vehicles, which the Chinese government is currently promoting to address the chronic pollution in large cities. JAC Motors, one of China's smaller automakers, is based in Hefei City, Anhui Province. China's central government has vowed to invests more in major facilities in industry and public service to maintain its GDP growth. (Photo : REUTERS) The central government, through the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), has pledged to increase its investment in major facilities in industry and public service, following reports of lower growth in fixed-asset investments last year, China Daily reported. Advertisement According to the report, it has been China's main method to invest in public programs to keep its GDP growth. Last year, its investment in fixed assets, in year-on-year terms, reached 55.1 trillion yuan (nearly $8.5 trillion), showing a growth of only 10 percent, down from a growth of 15.7 percent in 2014 and 20.6 percent in 2012. In the manufacturing sector, fixed-asset investment increased by only 8 percent last year, the report said. Since Feb. 2014, the central government has injected 5 trillion yuan into selected programs for industrial and public service development to prevent the rapid decline from upsetting the whole economy. Zhao Chenxin, the NDRC spokesman, said on Wednesday, Feb. 17, that in January alone the government has made a new commitment of 54.1 billion yuan to such programs. "The investment projects that the central government approved are mainly designed to improve people's livelihood," Zhao said, adding that it includes expanding the power supply and building more waterworks. The central government's investment programs cover 11 areas, in which it had already spent around 1.56 trillion yuan for the development of information and energy networks while 1.2 trillion yuan has been allocated on transportation systems. The other areas include clean energy, environmental protection, energy and mineral resources, health and retirement care services, logistics, urban rails, technology industries, and projects that will boost the core competitiveness in the manufacturing industry, Zhao said. Economists said that China would need investments in projects with strategic importance, called "appropriate stimulus," despite the economy's intended transition and an inevitable slowdown, to enable the country to maintain its growth momentum and meet demands in the future. Zhou Dadi, former director of the NDRC's Energy Research Institute, however, said that such investment may not see a major increase in overall terms, "because there are industries asked by the central government to divest some of their existing capacity and to reduce their workforce." Zhou added that increasing investment in steel and coal industries is not needed at this time. Liu Yuanchun, associate dean of the School of Economics of Renmin University of China, said that China cannot afford to completely stop financing fixed-asset investment because the economy will benefit from such investment in the long run. The growth rate in fixed-asset investment was already too slow last year, noted He Zhicheng, chief economist at Agricultural Bank of China. "It would be dangerous to let it slide below 10 percent," He remarked. Lyft to Leverage Alliance with Didi Kuaidi to Gain Major Share in US Market John Zimmer, president and co-founder of the San Francisco-based company Lyft, is planning to take advantage of its alliance with Didi Kuadi to get major market share in the U.S. (Photo : REUTERS) Lyft Inc., an online ride-hailing and sharing service provider, is aiming to become a dominant force in the United States within two years by leveraging on its alliance with Didi Kuaidi, China's largest player in the fast expanding sector, China Daily reported. Advertisement John Zimmer, Lyft president and co-founder, said in Beijing on Wednesday, Feb. 17, that Lyft is gaining strong market share from Uber Technologies Inc., the biggest ride-hailing operator in the U.S. "We aim to gain a majority share of the U.S. market in the near term," Zimmer said in an interview held at the office building of Didi Kuaidi, which invested $100 million in Lyft in September. The report said that latest statistics from Lyft showed that it now completes 7 million rides per month in more than 190 cities in the U.S. Zimmer said that he expects the company's collaboration with Didi Kuaidi to give Lyft a strong boost in the U.S. market. In December, a four-way partnership was forged by Didi Kuaidi, India's Ola, Southeast Asia's GrabTaxi and Lyft. The partnership involves collaboration on a new feature on their existing taxi-booking apps to give their users access to each others' cabs in their respective markets. "The service is expected to roll out in another two to three months," Zimmer was quoted as saying. "Didi Kuaidi's users in China can hail cars from Lyft when they visit the U.S. by using the same app they use in China and Lyft's users can hail cars from Didi Kuaidi when visiting China. We want to offer customers a seamless experience," Zimmer added. Since the San Francisco-based company teamed up with Didi Kuaidi, Zimmer has visited Beijing several times to share information on the latest developments with Didi Kuaidi and the new tactics Lyft's competitors have been adopting. Zimmer said that the collaboration has great potential, as millions of people travel between China and the U.S. annually, "and the numbers are rising at an annual rate of 20 percent." He noted that opportunities for car-hailing services are rising worldwide, but Lyft wants to focus primarily on its home market in the future. Some industry observers, however, doubt Lyft's future in the U.S., as it remains in the second spot behind Uber. Zimmer countered that Lyft is on a better track for development, because it was born three years later than its main rival. "We have raised more money and had a bigger valuation than Uber when it was three years old," the Lyft president said. Philip Kuhn, a noted author of books on Chinese history died on Feb. 15. (Photo : REUTERS) British-born American historian on Chinese history Philip Kuhn died on Monday, Feb. 15, at the age of 83, China Daily reported. Sinologist and Chinese history professor Hilde De Weerdt and Cambridge history professor Hans van de Ven confirmed Kuhn's death. Advertisement "RIP Philip Kuhn, author of excellent books on Chinese history: Rebellion & Its Enemies; Soulstealers; Origins of the Modern Chinese State," writes Weerdt on his Twitter account at 5:40 p.m. Beijing time on Monday, Feb. 15. Born in 1933 in London, Kuhn went to the U.S. where he attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C. He earned his A.B. at Harvard University and went to Georgetown University for graduate studies in 1957. He returned to Harvard for his doctorate in History and East Asian Languages under the supervision of John King Fairbank, a notable historian of China. Kuhn deviated from Fairbank's "shock-response," which argues that Western society's impact on China changes Chinese society fundamentally. Instead, Kuhn suggested that one should examine the history of China to explain its transformation, which gave a new and unconventional view in the study of Chinese history. The report said that Kuhn's death was mourned by readers on social networking sites Sina Weibo, which revived the interest of netizens on Chinese society from a historical perspective. One of the most notable of Kuhn's published books is "Soulstealers: The Chinese Sorcery Scare of 1768." The book is required reading material for their students, some university professors claimed. "Soulstealers," originally published in 1990 by Harvard University Press, won the Joseph Levenson Book Prize in 1992 for its "subtle, powerful, and still relevant inquiry into the dynamics of autocratic rule." The book tackled the mass hysteria over sorcerers during the most prosperous period of China's last imperial dynasty. According to Liu Chang, co-translator of "Soulstealers," the book is "attractive as a detective novel." Liu said Kuhn used to tell him: "The book is also about contemporary China." Kuhn wrote in his book that people lose hope that they can improve their social condition through work or study in a society where population is growing disproportionately, resources are going the wrong way and social morale is decaying. And people may turn to sorcery for an illusion of power, when they lose faith in the judicial system. Kuhn published four other books, which include the "Rebellion and Its Enemies in Late Imperial China," "Militarization and Social Structure, 1796-1864," "Origins of the Modern Chinese State" and "Chinese among Others: Emigration in Modern Times." Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge could be the rise or fall of Samsung The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge will feature a Super AMOLED dual curved edge display, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor. (Photo : YouTube/Adrianisen) Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge could respresnt the rise or fall of Samsung Electronics as it struggles to domintae the Smartphone market. Even as the company launches its latest flagship, the move will become an entry into a new arena for battling other companies like Apple, LG, Huawei and Xiaomi. More importantly, Samsung will also be battling itself since it has released over 30 Smartphone models over the last annual period. By this, the company will face the challenge of encouraging its users to upgrade from one Samsung model to another. Advertisement Ian Fogg, a mobile analyst told International Business Times that Samsung is beginning from a leadership position within the Smartphone market which means that for the big number of its consumers upgrading, it is competing with its previous models. According to Forbes, the mobile division at Samsung is not "healthy" currently because consumers are switching away from flagship devices to mid-range handsets like the Samsung Galaxy A9. On top of that, Apple has also lately grabbed a majority of the profits from the Smartphone market. As per the latest figures from the IDC research company, Samsung is the world's largest Smartphone manufacturer holding a market share of 21.5 percent in 2015 and shipping over 324 million phones. However, there is a significant decline for the last three years from a peak of 32.2 percent in late 2012. Apart from the number-two player Apple Inc., there has also been huge competition from other Chinese Smartphone brands, and this has lead to Samsung's former unquestionable lead almost erased. As a move to strike back, Samsung is launching the Galaxy S7 in what is termed by mobile analyst Imran Choudhry as "one of the most high-pressured launches in recent times." The device will feature some of the highest specifications in the Smartphone world at present times. Some of them include a Snapdragon 820 processor, 4BG of RAM, 32BGB internal storage, expandable microSD card up to 200GB, a 3000MAh battery, a 12-megapixel Camera, Corning Gorilla Glass 4 among others, Gadgets 360 reported. As many other analysts confirm, this is Samsung's time to present Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge in its identifiable terms and explain why certain decisions had to be made. More significantly, it is the best and biggest opportunity that Samsung has to shape the future of both the Galaxy S7 family and the face of Samsung Electronics. Here is a clip of the Samsung Galaxy S7 features; Google Nexus 2016 will have always on display feature with LG G5 as base-model (Photo : Image Credit: LG Mobile Facebook page via BGR) The LG G5 is now official and as rumors have suggested, the new Android flagship boasts of innovation that the rivals would be envious of. From the specs and features revealed, Google has more reasons to pick up the G5 and repurpose it as one of the Nexus 2016 models. Here are the five things about the LG G5 that will rock as the next Nexus: Advertisement Premium metal frame Like Samsung, LG has come to realize that to make it on top it has to follow the route that Apple has set - go the metal way. The LG G5 marks the first time that the South Korean is really going premium on its flagship smartphone as the handset is completely wrapped in metal save for the break on the front panel that is gloriously glass like upscale phones out there. The Nexus 6P is the first metallic pure Android phone and it appears now that for the next Nexus, Google can keep the metal image no matter which between Huawei and LG would end up as the tech giant's manufacturing partner. Killer case design But Google has a solid reason to favor LG over any other device makers. Early reviewers are raving about the LG G5 unibody design that comes with a unique feature - a bottom portion that detaches with a simple click of a button. The modular handset approach opens doors for many possibilities that should excite Google if the same is applied to the Nexus 2016 project. As experts said, the G5 innovation is both beautiful and functional. Expansions and other options With the LG G5 redesign comes the option to expand and not only in the memory department (as the device has a microSD slot) but for other functions as well. The G5 readily accommodates optional accessories that transform the device as an advanced camera with near DSLR-like features and an audio player that fully supports the playback of high-definition music files, specifically in 32-bit. And if the 2800mAh battery would prove as insufficient juice for the better part of the day, users can easily slide in an extra power pack thanks to the access provided by the detachable part of the G5 case. Now these are power feature that Google may want to deliver with the lined up Nexus 2016 handsets. Optimized for virtual reality of VR Rumors say the next Nexus will have built-in support for virtual reality use with the near-certain release of the Android VR gear. With the advanced features already hardcoded on the LG G5, no need for Google to look beyond for a partner on its reported thrust on the VR areas this 2016. Powerful pack And the LG G5 is just the ideal Nexus 2016 base-model if the chief consideration is the might that unpacks with the device, headlined by the Snapdragon 820 with 4GB of RAM and a large-screen AMOLED display that more than impresses with Quad HD resolution in pixel density of 554pppi. Per LG, the LG G5 will hit the market with the latest Android Marshmallow build and if later on it is reimagined as one of the Nexus 2016 models, it will have Google's latest mobile OS on release date that is rumored to be as Android N or version 7.0. Approximately 5,000 people staged a demonstration in San Francisco Saturday to protest against the conviction of a New York policeman of Chinese descent for accidental shooting to death of a 28-year-old black man more than one year ago. In the city where the percentage of ethnic Chinese is one of the highest among major U.S. cities, thousands of demonstrators gathered initially at Justin Herman Plaza across the historic Ferry Building. Advertisement While organizers expected some 2,000 people to show up, the crowd on Saturday morning was estimated by police officers on the scene to have reached about 5,000, nearly half of them mobilized by a number of community groups at Chinatown. The rest of demonstrators came from across the San Francisco Bay Area. A volunteer, identified herself as Kathy, from South Bay, said she felt sorry for NYPD (New York Police Department) officer Peter Liang and for Mr. Akai Gurley, the victim of Liang's accidental shooting, and she was there for the Chinese-American community, as it mobilized for a cause, calling for fair treatment for all. On Nov. 20, 2014, Liang, a 27-year-old with only a year and a half on the job, was patrolling with his partner in Brooklyn's East New York housing project when he was startled by a noise. In a stairway that prosecutors described as "pitch-dark," Liang drew his gun and fired. The bullet ricocheted off a wall and hit Gurley on a lower level. Liang was found guilty of the killing of Gurley and was convicted of second-degree manslaughter by a jury on Feb. 11. The conviction has sparked an uproar within the Chinese-American community in major U.S. cities with substantial Chinese-American population. After a series of speeches by community leaders, a representative of Ro Khanna, who had announced his bid to run for a seat at the U.S. Congress in this election year, said on behalf of the Indian-American candidate that the ethnic India community in the Bay Area was on board to work for justice for all. The crowd then paraded nearly 5 km along Market Street, a downtown commercial thoroughfare, to the U.N. Plaza. With the historic City Hall in the backdrop, the demonstrators gathered again, chanting and delivering speeches. Sean Yao, of United for Better Community (UBC), a Bay Area community outreach group, reminded the crowd that it is time for everybody to involve in America's political process, especially in the election year. "If you want change," Yao said, "you need to vote." The city on the U.S. west coast has seen tensions between its African American community and the police force since Dec. 2, 2015, when Mario Woods, a 26-year-old male, was confronted by officers after slashing a stranger. He reportedly refused to drop the knife, and was then shot by as many as 15 rounds fired by five officers. Protestors against Liang's conviction believed this was the latest case of making the ethnic minority American a scapegoat to pay for the police brutality that has troubled the American society for a long time. Credit: China Daily/Xinhua Economists predict United States economy may enter recession between now and 2018. (Photo : YouTube/ StormCloudsGathering) Top economists warned during a meeting of the 2016 National Governors Association Winter Meeting on Feb. 20, Saturday, that the United States is likely to face a recession in the near future. Gail Fosler, president of Fosler Group, told the meeting attended by over 30 Governors from across the country that there was 100 percent chance of the country being hit by an economic slump in between now and 2018. Advertisement Fosler also urged the Governors of all states in the United States to be organized before the disaster hits the country. She said that the economic cycle as well as an expected financial shock in the ensuing years would lead to the projected recession, Xinhua reported. Apart from Fosler, other top economists present at the meeting also cautioned about an impending recession. For instance, global economist from the Economist Intelligence Unit, Joseph Lake pointed out that considering the insecurity of the stock market as well as the downhill trend in the manufacturing sector, since long there has been speculations regarding the country' economy entering a recession. During the panel discussion, Global Energy Markets and U.S. Economics from BP America Inc. general manager, Mark Finley observed that a recession already exists in the energy sector. He said that already there is a drastic fall in spending, investing as well as jobs in the country's energy sector. According to Finley, the repercussions of the energy shock can be felt throughout the nation, primarily owing to the dimension of the U.S. supply chain. Although Finley acknowledged that the United States continued to be the second-largest net importer of oil globally, he argued despite the falling oil prices consumers are not spending anything extra and this is a real concern for the country's economy. However, both Lake and Bank of America Merrill Lynch managing director Ethan Harris said that they don't believe that the chances of an economic recession are 100 percent and people need to get worried right now, things may change in future. While Lake pointed out that the possibilities of the U.S. entering an economic recession in the next four years is about 50 percent, Harris opined that currently the preconditions of a recession do not exist. Two prevailing aspects of the U.S. economy, falling share prices and higher credit spreads, suggest that the chances of a recession are quite high, according to Wall Street Journal. According to the publication, falling share prices may lead to a recession, slamming corporate earnings. At the same time, higher credit rate, offering additional yields by corporate bonds than the government bonds, also suggest a higher possibility of a recession as well as increasing defaults by companies. At the same time, the report pointed out that it is really unfortunate that economists have an awful reputation of predicting recessions. Right now, they seem to be confident regarding the risk of a U.S. recession. This has actually opened up a wide gap between what the economists believe, and the investors' view point. Meanwhile, the U.S. economic growth settled at 0.7 percent during the last quarter of 2015, a sharp decline from a vigorous 2 percent growth in the third quarter. The slowdown is being attributed to a stronger dollar, unenthusiastic spending by consumers and the unstable global economic position. Watch political commentator Glenn Beck explaining "US economy will collapse and become 3rd world country!" below: Where Did Tianjin First Central Hospital Get the 1,600 Livers Transplanted from 1994 to 2006? Falun Gong Practitioners Mark 14 Year Anniversary Of The Start Of Persecution In China (Photo : Getty Images) A New York-based news website that specializes on human rights violations in China is questioning the source of body parts that a top Chinese hospital used to perform 1,600 liver transplants. The surgeries covered the 13-year period 1994 through 2006. Dr Shen Zhongyang performed his first liver transplant in May 1994. The patient was a 37-year-old migrant worker suffering from liver cirrhosis. Shen eventually went to Japan and took a medical course. When he returned to China in 1998, Shen brought home $15,000 that served as the seed money to begin a small transplant unit at Tianjin First Central Hospital. Advertisement Using his new medical skill, the number of liver transplants increased to seven in 1999, to 24 in 2000, 209 in 2002 and 1,000 in 2003, according to Epoch Times which based its data from a report from Enorth Netnews, published by the Tianjin government. Epoch Times, in an exclusive report, pointed out that the number of liver transplants Shen performed do not match with the source of the donated livers because according to Tianjin First, it uses only organs of prisoners formally executed by the state. The newspaper compared the citys headcount with the total number of convicts executed across China, which was only about 40 inmates yearly. Epoch Times ruled out voluntary donation because of lack of an organ donation system in China. Epoch Times believed that the livers came from Falun Gong prisoners. It based its suspicion on The Slaughter, a 2014 book authored by Ethan Gutmann. According to Gutmann, there was execution of Falun Gong members whose organs were possibly harvested and sold for profit, reported LifeNews. The Transplantation Society, an NGO of the World Health Organization, wrote to China in 2014, taking the Asian giant to task for permitting the use of body parts of executed inmates in transplants. Acquiring an organ in China is relatively easy compared to other countries, according to the film "Human Harvest" exhibited at the 2015 Justice Film Festival in Red Deer College in Alberta, Canada. As Tianjin First became known for organ transplants - throat, cornea, lung, heart, stem cell, hair, bone, pancreas, kidney and liver - the Tianjin Municipal Bureau of Health allocated $20 million in December 2003 to construct the 17-storey organ transplant building, the Orient Organ Transplant Center, which has 500 beds. Meanwhile, in 2013, Sydney University academics sought the stripping of the honorary professorship the school had given to another Chinese transplant surgeon, Huang Jiefu, over his alleged involvement in Chinas controversial organ harvest system. The Chinese allegedly harvest the body parts from a death row convict and then kills the prisoner. But the Australian university defended Huang whom it said was reforming Chinas organ transplant system. To share with friends and brethren The Gospel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (the Everlasting Gospel), and to prepare a people to stand when He returns to redeem His remnant. Also, to share relevant information of current events, and to show how they relate to prophecy; By means of articles, editorials, opinions, scripture readings, and poetry. Disclaimer Endrtimes does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article/video posted on this site. The information provided here is done so for personal edification; It's up to the reader to separate truth from error, and to examine everything (like the Bereans) from a Biblical perspective. Let the Holy Scriptures be you guide! - - - FAIR USE NOTICE: These pages/videos may contain copyrighted () material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Such material is made available to advance understanding of ecological, POLITICAL, HUMAN RIGHTS, economic, DEMOCRACY, scientific, MORAL, ETHICAL, and SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES, etc. It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior general interest in receiving similar information for research and educational purposes. A blog about energy resources, energy policy, and their effects on society and the environment. From fossil fuels to renewable energy, electricity to natural gas and oil, traditional technologies to innovations, this blog presents a look at the past, present, and future of energy. This blog site is published by and reflects the personal views of Todd Griset, in his individual capacity. It does not necessarily represent the views of his law firm or clients, and is not sponsored or endorsed by them. The purpose of this blog site is to assist in dissemination of information about energy policy and related issues, but no representation is made about the accuracy of the information. The information contained in this blog site is provided only as general information for education purposes, and blog topics may or may not be updated subsequent to their initial posting. By using this blog site you understand that this information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to constitute legal advice. This blog site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed attorney in your state. This blog site is not intended to be advertising and Todd Griset does not wish to represent anyone desiring representation based upon viewing this blog site in a state where this blog site fails to comply with all laws and ethical rules of that state. Egyptian writer Ahmed Naji was sentenced to two years in prison for publishing a 'sexually explicit' text Related Egyptian writer Ahmed Naji stands trial over sexually explicit text Egypt's Journalists Syndicate called on Sunday for the prosecutor-general to suspend the prison sentence of journalist and writer Ahmed Naji for publishing a sexually flagrant article in the state-owned cultural newspaper Akhbar Al-Adab last year. Naji was sentenced to two years in prison on Saturday by a Cairo misdemeanor appeals court. The court also issued a fine of EGP 10,000 for Tareq El-Taher, the editor-in-chief of Akhbar Al-Adab. In its official request to prosecutor-general Nabil Sadik, the Journalists Syndicate said that the court verdict "violates constitutional articles banning imprisonment for publishing-related cases". The syndicate called for the suspension of the sentence until the Court of Cassation issues a final verdict in the case. The misdemeanor appeals court verdict came after the prosecution appealed the courts order on 2 January to clear the two defendants of all charges. Search Keywords: Short link: Nubians are protesting a recently ratified decision by parliament that they say strips them of the right to return to their homelands on the upper banks of the Nile Related The Lights of Nubia warm hearts with remembrance Scores of Nubians organised a silent protest on Monday at Abu Simbel Sanctuary in Upper Egypt to oppose a parliamentary decision they say prevents them from returning to their villages on the banks of the Nile, according to Ahram Arabic news website. The small demonstration coincided with the biannual solar illumination of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, a phenomenon that draws crowds of tourists. The protesters said they oppose a decree originally issued by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in 2014, which designates swathes of lands along border areas as army territory that should not be populated. Critics of the decision say it strips many Nubians of the right to return to their historic homelands, which they had to leave due to construction of the High Dam in 1964. The presidential decree was reviewed and approved by the newly elected parliament last month to the dismay of many Nubians who have since staged several protests. Mohamed Azmy, head of the Nubians' Union, says the decision, which designates 18 villages as border regions, is "unconstitutional." Egypt's new constitution, enacted in 2014, says the government should work towards the resettlement of Nubians to their ancestral lands within 10 years. Protesters say Monday's demonstration at the ancient temple of Abu Simbel aimed to announce to the world their longing to return to their homelands. Late-president Gamal Abdel Nasser relocated many Nubians with compensation to other parts of the south to make way for the construction of the High Dam. Furthermore, the completion of the High Dam limited agricultural lands Nubians could cultivate, thus forcing them to migrate to other parts of the country. Nubians, who complain of marginalisation by the state, have for decades demanded the right to return to their old villages. Search Keywords: Short link: Militants were reportedly targeting security forces on Al-Bahr street, where the victims were passing by An 18-year-old university student was killed, and seven others were injured Monday when an explosive device detonated on Al-Bahr street in North Sinai's Al-Arish, state news agency MENA reported. Security sources said the bomb, which was placed by militants, was targeting security forces. The victims happened to be passing by when the bomb went off. The ages of those injured range from early teens to mid-twenties. The seven injured sustained fractures and bruises. Five are at the Intensive Care Unit at Al-Arish public hospital where they will undergo surgery. Egypt's army has been fighting a militant insurgency in North Sinai that has lead to the death of hundreds of Egyptian security forces and militants. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt's parliament summoned independent MP and TV anchor Tawfik Okasha for questioning on Tuesday after forming a committee to investigate his scuffle with parliament speaker Ali Abdel-Al, who expelled Okasha from the meeting hall on Monday. Abdel-Al received the approval of MPs to expel Okasha from parliament's meeting hall after he refused to stop interrupting him. Okasha accused Abdel-Al of stripping him of the right to take the floor. "Although I submitted requests to take the floor several times today and yesterday, you still insist on ignoring them," said Okasha. Okasha ridiculed Abdel-Al when he ordered him to stay silent and respect parliamentary rules, telling him "the problem is that you were not the right man for this post." He strongly attacked the election of Abdel-Al as speaker of Egypt's new parliament last January. Okasha described Abdel-Al as an autocratic person and that his election represented an extension of the authoritarian policies of former president Hosni Mubarak's ruling party. Okasha has tried several times to take the floor in parliament since January, but in vain. At one time, Okasha decided to stay in the nearby Pharaonic lobby, putting tape over his mouth as an expression of anger with Abdel-Al for not allowing him to take the floor. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt's Interior Minister Magdy Abdel-Ghaffar said that 99% of lower-ranking policemen are 'honourable men' The return of military trials for policemen is not among legal amendments intended to regulate security services' performance, Egypt's Interior Minister Magdy Abdel-Ghaffar said on Monday. In a joint press conference with Prime Minister Sherif Ismail, Abdel-Ghaffar said that the legislative amendments would not only be relevant for lower ranking policemen, but for the whole police force. "The aim of the amendments is to regulate the relationship between the policeman and citizens, which would ensure the citizen the protection of his rights," Abdel-Ghaffar said. The press conference came after a meeting between Abdel-Ghaffer and Ismail following increasing reports and incidents of police abuse. The latest example was Thursday's killing of a 24-year-old driver in a Cairo neighbourhood by a policeman following a dispute over money, according to witnesses. The incident prompted hundreds of people to converge outside Cairo security directorate to protest against the police. Abdel-Ghaffar pointed out that the recent events have shaken the confidence of the police force. He added that 99 percent of lower ranking policemen were "honourable" men, and elaborated that individual violations were by a "minority." Commenting on whether the weapons would be withdrawn from the policemen, the minister said that they were currently re-drafting the rules for carrying firearms. He explained that the carrying of weapons as property, entrusted to the individual with a duty of care, was something required by policemen during a period when they are being targeted by terrorism. He said that the new guidelines were being set to verify who is and isn't eligible from the police force to hold weapons. A source close to the interior ministry told Ahram Online that the legal amendments involve weapons being withdrawn from lower-ranking policemen following the end of their duty. He also said that there would be rehabilitation through new training sessions for lower ranking policemen and that both the public security bureau and national security bureau already carry out evaluations of them policemen every six months. He continued to say that violators from the police force would be suspended for a time period, depending on what the disciplinary board decides. The source refuted media reports suggesting that a group of lower- ranking policemen are set to file resignations in protest. The interior ministry will rely on graduates of the Police Representatives Institute after the lower-ranking policemen institute closed 15 years ago. The changes made by the interior ministry are then set to be sent to the cabinet for approval. The cabinet will then pass the draft bill to the state council, which will then be handed over to the parliament for discussion. The process must be completed within 15 days, as requested by Egyptian President El-Sisi on Friday. If the majority of parliament approves the amendments, the president is then expected to ratify it. On Friday, El-Sisi ordered the legislative amendments to be presented to parliament after an impromptu meeting with Abdel-Ghaffar, where the minister provided the president with the latest domestic security developments following recent events. The president said that irresponsible acts by some members of the police force should be dealt with on an individual basis and those responsible held to account. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt condemned the terrorist attacks that took place near a Shia shrine outside Syria's capital Damascus and in Homs on Sunday, killing over 180 people, Egyptian foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said on Monday. "Egypt strongly condemns all forms of terrorism and calls on the international community to unite its efforts in order to end this abhorrent phenomenon," Abu Zeid said after the attacks, which were claimed by the Islamic State militant group. Top Egyptian officials, most notably foreign minister Sameh Shoukry, have recently been participating in international and regional ministerial meetings on Syria. Egypt's stance towards the ruling regime of Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad has been neutral since the civil conflict started in 2011. Search Keywords: Short link: The Islamic State group on Monday released the last of some 230 Assyrian Christians kidnapped a year ago in Syria after the receiving millions of dollars in ransom, Christian officials said. Younan Talia, of the Assyrian Democratic Organization, told The Associated Press that about 40 remaining Christian captives were released early Monday and are on their way to the northeastern town of Tal Tamr. Younan said the release came after mediation led by a top Assyrian priest in northern Syria. The extremists captured the Assyrians, members of an ancient Christian sect, last February after overrunning several communities on the southern bank of the Khabur River in northeastern Hassakeh province. Kidnapping for ransom is a main source of income for the extremists. In November, IS said it killed a Norwegian and a Chinese captive after demanding ransom for their release two months earlier. Talia said IS demanded a ransom of $18 million for the Assyrian Christians. He said the figure was later lowered following negotiations. He said he did not know the final amount. Osama Edward, director of the Stockholm-based Assyrian Human Rights Network, said 42 Christians, mostly young women and children, were released. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said 42 were released, including at least 17 women. A Syrian Christian figure said the worldwide Assyrian community launched a campaign for the captives' release shortly after they were abducted. He said a bank account was opened in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil and donations began to flow in from around the world. "We paid large amounts of money, millions of dollars, but not $18 million," said the man, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the sensitive mediation. "We paid less than half the amount." The official added that the fate of five Assyrians who went missing during the abductions was still unknown. IS attacked a cluster of villages along the Khabur River, sending thousands of people fleeing to safer areas and capturing the Assyrians over a period of three days. Over the next two days, the extremists picked up dozens more from 11 communities near Tal Tamr. The Hassakeh province, which borders Turkey and Iraq, has become the latest battleground in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria. It is predominantly Kurdish but also has Arabs, Assyrians and Armenians. On Friday, the predominantly Kurdish Syria Democratic Forces captured the IS stronghold of Shaddadeh in Hassakeh, where some of the kidnapped were once believed to have been held. Many Syrian Christians, who make up about 10 percent of Syria's pre-war population of 23 million, left for Europe over the past 20 years, with the flight gathering speed since the country's conflict began in March 2011. Search Keywords: Short link: US officials said Monday that the United States and Russia have agreed on a plan for a cease-fire in Syria starting Saturday that would exclude attacks on the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda's local affiliate. The officials said that the two sides have agreed on the terms and conditions for the "cessation of hostilities." A formal announcement is expected after Presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin speak on the matter by telephone. The officials weren't authorized to speak about the matter publicly and demanded anonymity. The announcement would cap weeks of diplomacy that intensified in the past few days, aimed at reaching a temporary truce that would allow the parties to return to the negotiating table in Geneva. A first round of indirect talks collapsed rapidly last month after the government launched a massive offensive backed by Russian airstrikes in the northern province of Aleppo, near the Turkish border. The leader of a Saudi-backed Syrian opposition alliance said in a statement that rebel factions have agreed "in principle" to an internationally mediated temporary truce. Riad Hijab did not elaborate on the terms, but called on Russia, Iran and the Syrian government to stop their attacks, lift blockades and release prisoners held in Syria. Residents of the Syrian capital earlier Monday expressed skepticism about talk of a "provisional agreement" for a truce, a day after a wave of Islamic State bombings killed about 130 people in government-held areas near Damascus and another city. Details of the tentative cease-fire between the government and insurgents, announced in Jordan on Sunday by US Secretary of State John Kerry, have not been made public. Even if a truce were to take hold, IS would not be a party to it. The Russian Foreign Ministry put out a statement earlier Monday saying that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kerry spoke two more times by telephone on Sunday and agreed on the parameters for the cease-fire. The statement said those parameters were then reported to Putin and Obama. No further details were immediately available. The UN's special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, told The Associated Press on Monday that this week is shaping up as "crucial" for diplomatic efforts to help end the fighting, though he declined to provide details of the negotiations. Sunday's blasts that ripped through the Sayyida Zeinab suburb of Damascus and the central city of Homs were among the deadliest bombings in government-held areas in Syria's devastating civil war. The Islamic State group claimed both attacks. The extremists are dug in on the outskirts of the two cities and have repeatedly targeted pro-government strongholds. De Mistura condemned the bombings and said it suggested the group is feeling "cornered" amid an intensified diplomatic push to end the five-year war. The US also condemned the "barbaric terrorist attacks." Inside the Hamidiyeh Souk, a popular Damascus bazaar which is typically crowded with shoppers, people said they were worried that a cease-fire would not be evenly observed and could leave the Syrian authorities vulnerable. "I hope there will be no cease-fire, because if there is a cease-fire, Turks will increase their support for criminals and traitors," said Ahmad al-Omar from the northern Aleppo province, adding that Turkey may seek to let opposition fighters in via its border with Syria. Others at the bazaar echoed President Bashar Al-Assad's statements that a cease-fire could give an advantage to rebel forces and the Islamic State group. "I believe that those proposals now are ... a pretext to stop the advance of the Syrian army, which is trying to liberate the homeland," said Ahmad al-Issa. The Associated Press reported from the bazaar on a government-approved visit. On Monday, the Kremlin announced that Putin spoke with the emir of Qatar, a key supporter of the rebels fighting to topple Al-Assad. The two sides agreed "to intensify bilateral contacts at various levels to facilitate the settlement of the crisis," the statement said. Putin also discussed Syria with King Salman of Saudi Arabia, another leading backer of the rebels, in a phone conversation on Friday. Syrian officials said the government was ready to take part in a truce as long as it is not used by militants to reinforce their positions. Syrian troops backed by Russian warplanes are waging a major offensive in the northern Aleppo province, trying to seal the border with Turkey, a key supporter of the rebels, before any truce is reached. Meanwhile, the Syrian government's supply route by land to the city of Aleppo was cut by heavy fighting Monday as the army, supported by allied militias and the Russian air force, fought to consolidate its recent gains in the northern province. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on a network of contacts to monitor the war, said Islamic militias assaulted government-held positions around Khanaser, a town southeast of Aleppo, setting off intense clashes that have lasted through the day. Khanaser lies along the government's only access route to the city. Fighting has been fierce in Aleppo province in recent weeks amid a government offensive to cut off the rebel stronghold. Among the youth sitting around the Syrian capital's landmark Omayyad mosque, at the entrance of the old souks, few wanted to talk politics. Those who did expressed their wariness of a political solution after several rounds of unsuccessful peace talks. "It's good for the Syrians to stop fighting but it will not happen, said Awuj Aqeel, a student. "Every time they agree on a truce for a period of time and then they break it." Search Keywords: Short link: Lebanese Sunni politician Saad al-Hariri on Monday urged Saudi Arabia not to abandon Lebanon after it halted aid to the army, reflecting concerns that Riyadh is reducing support for a country that has been an arena for its struggle with Iran. Hariri's direct appeal to King Salman reflects worries among Saudi Arabia's allies in Lebanon that a major shift is under way in its policy towards the country. Riyadh's backing has been crucial to the decade-long struggle waged by Hariri and his allies against the Iranian-backed Shia group Hezbollah. The crisis came to a head last week when Saudi Arabia decided to suspend its aid to the army in response to the Lebanese government's failure to sign up to statements condemning attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. Reflecting deep differences among rival Lebanese politicians, a government statement issued after a meeting of the national unity cabinet on Monday also fell short of condemning them. Instead, it was left to Prime Minister Tammam Salam to condemn them himself after reading the declaration. Hariri, who heads the Saudi-backed March 14 alliance, said Lebanon would "not be a protectorate for Iranian policies in the region". "We are here to confirm in the loudest voice that nobody will be able to cancel Lebanon's Arabness," he said, making only his third visit to the country since the Hezbollah-dominated March 8 alliance toppled his government in 2011. He urged King Salman and other Gulf Arab leaders "not to abandon Lebanon and to continue to support and embrace it". Hezbollah, a political party with a powerful militia, has grown in strength over the last decade. Its fighters are playing a crucial role fighting on President Bashar al-Assad's side in the war in neighbouring Syria, one of the major arenas of Saudi-Iranian rivalry in the region. Many Lebanese are worried about how Saudi policy will affect the hundreds of thousands of Lebanese employed in Saudi Arabia and Gulf Arab states allied to it. The money they send home is crucial to the Lebanese economy. Saudi Arabia pledged the aid for the Lebanese army in 2013 in what then-Lebanese President Michel Suleiman called the largest grant ever to the country's armed forces. The army, carefully balanced to reflect Lebanon's sectarian make-up, is widely seen as the backbone of the weak Lebanese state. ARAB STATEMENT Saudi anger at the Lebanese government appeared to come to a head last month when the government, represented by Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, refused to vote on a joint Arab statement condemning the attacks on Saudi missions in Iran by crowds protesting at the kingdom's execution of a prominent Shia Muslim cleric. Bassil, a political ally of Hezbollah, cited the statement's criticism of Hezbollah as the reason for not backing it. He stressed the need for national unity in Lebanon. The government statement issued on Monday said it was necessary to "fix relations between Lebanon and its brothers, and to remove any flaws that may have emerged in recent times". It said Prime Minister Salam should make contacts with Gulf states that would "pave the way for a Gulf tour ... with this aim". The statement said Lebanon would not forget Saudi Arabia's sponsorship of the peace agreement that ended Lebanon's 1975-90 civil war, its role in rebuilding the country, and its support for Lebanon's "financial, economic, military and security institutions". "Likewise it will not forget that the kingdom, and the rest of the Gulf Arab states ... embraced and continue to (embrace) hundreds of thousands of Lebanese of all sects", the statement said. Hezbollah member Mohammed Fneish, a minister of state in the government, said when asked whether the group supported sending a ministerial delegation to apologise to Saudi Arabia: "When Saudi apologises for its insults to us, we will think". Search Keywords: Short link: Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon said on Monday he was skeptical that a Syria ceasefire announced for February 27 by the United States and Russia will succeed. He also said that both Washington and Moscow recognize Israeli freedom of action in Syria, where Israel is reported to have carried out a series of raids over the past five years. "It is difficult for me to see a ceasefire while Daesh (the Islamic State group) and Al-Nusra Front (the Syrian Al-Qaeda affiliate) are not part of the process and the Russians say they will strike both organizations," a statement said. The Syria ceasefire is due to take effect on February 27 at midnight Damascus time (2200 GMT Friday), according to a joint US-Russian statement released by the State Department in Washington. Since the conflict began in 2011, Israeli forces are reported to have attacked positions of President Bashar al-Assad's forces and his allies from Israel's arch-foe Hezbollah. "Israeli action is based on a single principle: self-defence," the statement from Yaalon's spokesman said. "It is well-known in both the United States and Russia, which is currently acting in Syria, that our freedom of action and defence of our interests continue." The minister was speaking to an Israeli journalist aboard American warship the USS Carney at Haifa, northern Israel. Search Keywords: Short link: Hillary Clinton says Donald Trump and Ted Cruz "missed the mark" when they described their posture toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump has recently suggested that he'll be "sort of a neutral guy" in the dispute. Cruz, meanwhile, says he has, "no intention of being neutral" in his support for Israel. The former secretary of state suggested on CNN's "State of the Union" that the situation is far more complex. She pledged to defend and do everything she can to support Israel, but adds, that "the Palestinians deserve to have a state of their own. That's why I support a two-state solution." Search Keywords: Short link: Hungary on Monday reported a sharp rise in the numbers of migrants breaching its southern borders in February, the first significant surge since the frontiers were sealed last year. Around 1,500 migrants tried to enter the EU member state illegally from Serbia this month, with 500 alone caught between Friday and Sunday, police said in a statement. Many were economic migrants from Morocco, Iran and Pakistan, police said. Unlike Syrians, they are unlikely to be granted asylum in Europe and face deportation. About 300,000 migrants and refugees passed through Hungary last year, before right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban sealed off the southern borders with razor wire and fences in September and October. The measures -- together with tight border patrols and tough new laws punishing illegal entry and vandalism of the fences -- slowed the flow to a trickle with only around a dozen people a day attempting to cross. Since September, 1,325 people have been charged with crimes under the new legislation, the vast majority served with expulsion orders. There are fears that a newly introduced daily cap on asylum-seekers in neighbouring Austria could trigger a domino effect along the Balkan migrant trail and leave thousands stranded in Greece, the entry point into the EU for many. In 2015, more than a million migrants reached Europe -- nearly half fleeing the five-year-old Syrian war. Austria last year took in 90,000 asylum seekers, making it one of the highest recipients in the EU on a per-capita basis, while almost 10 times that number passed through, mostly to Germany and Sweden. Faced with a resurgent far-right opposition topping opinion polls, Austria announced last week it would only accept 80 asylum claims a day and allow a maximum of 3,200 migrants to transit the country. In response, Slovenia, Serbia and Croatia have also tightened their borders. Hungary has warned that it was ready to quickly build a fence on the Romanian frontier if migrants begin moving in that direction. Search Keywords: Short link: Ethiopian security forces are carrying out a relentless and bloody crackdown on peaceful protests in the Oromia region, at a cost of scores of lives, Human Rights Watch reported Monday. "Almost daily accounts of killings and arbitrary arrests have been reported to Human Rights Watch since 2016 began," said the New York-based non-governmental organisation. The demonstrations began November due to a government plan to expand the boundaries of Addis Ababa into the Oromia region surrounding the capital, raising fears among Oromo people that their farms would be expropriated. Authorities dropped the urban development plan on January 12 and announced the situation in Oromia was largely under control. But the demonstrations continued, along with the brutal response. "Flooding Oromia with federal security forces shows the authorities' broad disregard for peaceful protest by students, farmers and other dissenters," said Leslie Lefkow, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch. Protesters and witnesses told HRW that since mid-January, "security forces have shot randomly into crowds, summarily killed people during arrests, carried out mass roundups, and tortured detainees," the report said. The Oromos are the largest ethnic group in the east African country, estimated at 27 million people in a total population of some 99 million. Their land encircles Addis Ababa and they also live on large tracts of the west, centre, east and south of Ethiopia. Their language, Oromo, is distinct from Amharic, spoken by the Ahmara people and used by the national administration. HRW noted that researchers were unable to determine how many people have been killed or arrested because access to Oromia is restricted. "(Ethiopian) activists allege that more than 200 people have been killed since November 12, 2015," the rights watchdog said. In a previous document at the beginning of January, HRW reported at least 140 killings. Security forces have arrested several thousand people since November and are holding them without charge, the organisation said. "The protests are still going on albeit in less locations. There is also less and less information coming out from the areas where the protests are happening," HRW's Horn of Africa expert Felix Horne told AFP. "Many individuals who provided updates and information have either been arrested, have disappeared, or are afraid to provide further information," Horne added. "The Ethiopian government should end the excessive use of force by the security forces, free everyone detained arbitrarily, and conduct an independent investigation into killings and other security force abuse," HRW stated. "Ethiopia's donor countries have responded tepidly, if at all, to the killing of scores of protesters in Oromia," Lefkow said in the report. "They should stop ignoring or downplaying this shocking brutality and call on the government to support an independent investigation into the killings and other abuses," he added. Search Keywords: Short link: A suicide bomber targeting a police commander killed at least 13 people on Monday, including nine civilians, in Afghanistan's northern Parwan province, an official said. The attack happened near a clinic and a bazaar, said Gen. Zaman Mamozai, the provincial police chief. Four local police were among those killed, and another 19 people, including 17 civilians, were wounded, he said. The police commander who was targeted in the attack was among those wounded. "Once again, a Taliban suicide bomber attacked innocent civilians," Mamozai said, adding that the bazaar was packed with shoppers and that people were waiting outside the clinic for treatment. The Taliban claimed responsibility in an email sent to media. The UN's mission in Afghanistan reported earlier this month that most of the 11,000 civilians killed and wounded in 2015 were the victims of insurgent attacks. A total of 3,545 civilians were killed last year as a result of the war, the U.N. report said, with another 7,457 wounded. The figures mark a 4 percent drop in civilian deaths from the previous year, but a 9 percent rise in civilians wounded. Taliban insurgents regularly target Afghan security forces, often killing civilians in the process. Search Keywords: Short link: Related Man arrested in US shooting rampage was Uber driver An Uber driver who may have picked up fares during a weekend killing spree was headed to court Monday to face charges of murdering six people in the northern state of Michigan. Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting said local law enforcement agencies were still assessing all the crimes 45-year-old Jason Brian Dalton will be charged with at an arraignment later in the day. "I anticipate out of that review will come six counts of murder, two counts of assault with intent to commit murder, and eight charges of what we call felony firearm, using a firearm during the commission of a felony," Getting told CNN on Monday. "Murder charges carry life in prison without the possibility of parole. The others, life sentence with parole." Uber confirmed that Dalton was a driver for the ride-sharing company, adding he had passed a background check and had no criminal record. "We have reached out to the police to help with their investigation in any way that we can," Uber's chief security officer, Joe Sullivan, said Sunday in a statement. Uber's tracking system would show the location of Dalton's vehicle during the chain of shootings Saturday night that left six people dead and two seriously wounded at three different locations, officials said. A woman was seriously wounded outside an apartment complex, two people were killed at a car dealership, and four more were shot dead at a restaurant, where a 14-year-old girl was also seriously wounded. Kalamazoo's public security chief, Jeffrey Hadley, said police were looking into reports Dalton picked up fares between shootings. "I think as soon as we are able to latch on to the information in terms of his whereabouts in between the first and second shooting and second shooting and third shooting we will certainly understand where he traveled to and maybe lead us to other sources of information," Hadley said in a CNN interview. One passenger has described being taken on a wild ride by Dalton a couple of hours before the rampage began. "We were driving through medians, driving through the lawn, speeding along and when we came to a stop, I jumped out the car and ran away," Matt Mellen told CBS affiliate WWMT. Mellen said he escaped at 4:30 pm, and called the emergency phone number 911. He told his fiancee what had happened and she posted Dalton's picture on Facebook as a warning to others. Meanwhile, investigators were still trying to establish a motive for the killings. "That is probably the million dollar question: 'Why would this individual do this?'," said Hadley. Hadley described Dalton, a former insurance adjuster, as "an average Joe" who had no criminal record and had not come to the attention of law enforcement before the murders. The New York Times said neighbors described him as quiet and polite, but that he occasionally fired a gun outside the back door of the house he shared with his wife and two children, ages 10 and 15. The shootings appeared to be random, with people being cut down for no reason. The first victim Saturday night was a woman who was with her three children outside an apartment complex at 6:00 pm when she was shot, Getting said. She was seriously wounded but is expected to survive. The gunman next struck at 10:00 pm, killing an 18-year-old boy and an adult male at a car dealership, according to Getting. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder said the victims were father and son. The last and deadliest shooting came 10 to 15 minutes later at the Cracker Barrel restaurant where four more people were killed, according to Getting. Security video at the dealership and the restaurant helped police identify the shooter's car, and Dalton was arrested at about 12:40 am Sunday when a sheriff's deputy saw his car leaving a local bar in downtown Kalamazoo. Police seized a semi-automatic handgun and "additional evidence" from the car, the prosecutor added. The state governor ordered flags lowered for six days starting Monday in honor of each of those killed, and met with relatives of hospitalized victims. The Kalamazoo killings were the latest in a string of US mass shootings that include the December 2 massacre in San Bernardino, California that left 14 people dead, and the December 14, 2012 Sandy Hook school massacre that killed 26, including 20 children. Gun violence claims the lives of about 30,000 Americans every year and mass shootings -- rare in most countries -- have been on the rise. Search Keywords: Short link: Director Amal Ramsis talks to Ahram Online about what's new at the 9th Cairo International Women's Film Festival which brings a vibrant selection of 60 films by female filmmakers from 40 countries to local film lovers For six days, starting on 27 February, Cairene audiences will once again be treated to a top-notch selection of films exclusively crafted by female filmmakers, as part of the 9th Cairo International Womens Film Festival. Founded in 2008, the festival began as the Arab and Latin Womens Film Festival, screening films solely from these two regions, but was renamed The Cairo International Womens Film Festival in 2013, as it evolved into an international event featuring film selections from all over the globe. The festival, as is stated on its website, aims to introduce the best films created by women both from Egypt and around the world and also acts as a meeting point for the audience and women filmmakers, both international and from the Arab world. As such, it aspires to become a true window for the best films made by women all over the world and to entice people to discourse about different cinematic and social issues. Over the past nine years, the festival has secured a loyal audience that enjoys the vibrant variety of films, as well as the master classes and discussions that follow many screenings. Two distinctive features of the festival have especially contributed to its success: all films are subtitled in Arabic, and all screenings are free of charge. Ahram Online met with the festivals founder, Egyptian filmmaker Amal Ramsis, to talk about its inception and objectives, as well as the highlights of the upcoming edition. Festival's inception The idea for the festival came to Ramsis back in 2005 when she was in Cuba screening her film Bas Ahlam at the Festival Internacional de Cine Pobre (Festival of Poor Cinema), an established festival celebrating low-budget cinema. Ramsis film was the only Arab work screened at the festival, which as she would find out was the case because her film was subtitled in Spanish. I was frustrated at the idea that language stood as a barrier between us and countries like Latin America which we have much in common with, Ramsis tells Ahram Online. But besides this interest in transcending language barriers, a whole array of reasons contributed to the birth of this festival. At the core of such reasons was an avid interest on Ramsis part to both unearth womens capabilities and achievements in the field of cinema, and to allow people to get to know each other through the eyes of women filmmakers, as she puts it. Ramsis also wanted to help Egyptian cinema reclaim its lost glory. Egypt was once home to a successful film industry which began to deteriorate decades ago, and which was to a certain extent saved in the 1980s by filmmakers like Mohamed Khan, Khairy Bishara, Raafat El-Mihi and Ali Badrakhan. But today, we are witnessing a crumbling film industry and also the absence of proper film criticism, Ramsis asserts. The more you watch films, Ramsis explains, the more capable you become of assessing yourself and the cinema youre making. By screening a huge selection of films in the festival, we hope they could be of benefit to filmmakers, and help introduce them to different film schools and genres. The festival is also fueled by Ramsis belief in the power of cinema as a medium that can communicate ideas and tug at different social issues and grievances, all in a subtle manner. You can watch a film based in Bolivia and relate to it just because it discusses a problem you happen to be facing in Egypt. In this way, cinema stimulates thinking, introduces you to other people and their problems, and helps you see the similarities you might have with them, she explains. A labour of love But besides the aforementioned, there is also reason to view this festival as a labour of love. Ive always loved to share films with friends and colleagues. I remember how, when I was a film student in Madrid back in 2003, I collected a huge array of DVDs and brought them back to Egypt, where I shared them with many friends, Ramsis recalls. This passion for sharing with others also characterises Ramsis vocation as a filmmaker. I think it all boils down to why you are making and/or watching films. For me, its usually about a topic that has excited me and which I cannot wait to share with others, whether through making a film or during the festival." This is true, Ramsis explains, of her upcoming project You Come From Faraway, a documentary recounting the life of Najati Sidki, a Palestinian journalist and former secretary of the Palestine Communist Party. Sidki had volunteered in the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, and fought alongside the Republicans against General Francisco Franco and his fascist forces. Ramsis says she was especially inspired by the story of Sidkis older daughter, Dawlat, who was born three years before the beginning of the war, and lost touch with her family during the course of her father's participation in this war. For the next 25 years, the daughter lived in Moscow before all Sidki family members reunited in Beirut decades later. "I want the audience to see Dawlat through my eyes. I love to make films that explore a human side of an issue, and I am only capable of doing that through cinema, Ramsis explains. As Im speaking to you now, I can spot a pigeon coop at the roof of a nearby building through my own balcony. One usually comes across this scene as they walk down a street but not usually as they sit in their apartment." Why dont you proceed to the spot where I'm standing, and experience this scene through my own eyes? This, in a nutshell, is what cinema means to me, she adds. On growth and training In 2013, Cairo's Women Festival grew into an international event, showing film selections from all over the world. That year, the festival underwent a major expansion: from 13 to 45 films, and from one to three screening halls. The growth in scope was accompanied by growth in the festival's team, increasing from a one-woman-show carried solely by Ramsis the first five years to a larger group of inspiring women who work incessantly to bring the festival to the light year after year. For Ramsis, the festival is a collective project where a beautiful sense of ownership prevails among team members, and a lovely network of supporters. Despite its growth, the festival continues to operate under a tight budget in comparison to other film festivals in Egypt, all the while maintaining free admission to all screenings. Screenings must be for free especially in a country like Egypt where not everyone can afford movie tickets. As such, full accessibility to our films is a must," Ramsis asserts. Another way the Cairo International Womens Film Festival encourages women to pursue filmmaking is through providing film training. Every year, Ramsis organises film workshops, which target women with no previous experience in and knowledge of filmmaking. The annual workshop takes place a couple of months before each festival edition, and targets about 15-20 women through an open call. It is held in cities across Egypt but also abroad as part of the festivals caravan section. During the four-day workshop, Ramsis explains, participants are introduced to the basics of photography, filmmaking and film critique, and learn how to express their ideas through one-minute long films, which they execute in a collective manner. They discuss the status of women, and how to communicate vital women issues through different film projects." The workshop, Ramsis adds, can also help participants discover whether they have a potential career in filmmaking. This years workshops were held between December 2015 and January 2016 in Cairo, Alexandria, Assuit, and Minya. The films produced during the workshop will be screened during the upcoming 9 th edition in the presence of the workshop participants themselves. 9th edition: 60 films, 40 countries, and much joy to Cairo's cinephiles This years edition of the festival will run between 27 February and 3 March. The festival will screen 60 films from 40 different countries, including works selected from other international festivals, as well as submissions made through an open-call. Three venues, Falaki Theatre, Artistic Creativity Centre and Goethe Institute, will host the screenings. The opening film will be Still the Water, a Japanese/French production by director Naomi Kawase, and will show at the Falaki Theatre. Other important films which will be screened in the 9 th edition include: Frailer (The Netherlands, 2014), Nena (The Netherlands & Germany, 2014), The Future is Ours (Argentina, 2014), Seeing the Unseen (Argentina, 2014), Suspended Time (Mexico, 2015), and Speed Sisters (Palestine & USA, 2016). This year, the festival will pay tribute to Egyptian-Lebanese documentary filmmaker Nabeeha Lofty, who passed away in June 2015, by showing one of her early chef doeuvres Liann al-guzur lan tamut (Because Roots Do Not Die-1977). In the film, the late Lotfy narrated the the 1976 Syrian Tel Al-Zaatar massacre of Palestinians in Beirut. The film will be making its Egypt debut at the festival. Moreover, around 15 filmmakers, whose films will be screened in the festival, will also be present to discuss their films in Q&A sessions following the film screenings. For example, the festival will honour famed Finnish director, cinematographer and screenwriter Pirjo Honkasalo by screening six of her films, including Concrete Night, Fire Eater, The 3 Rooms of Melancholia, and Flame Top. Honkasalo will be present at the festival where she will hold a master class about her film vocation. Moreover, the festival chose Denmark to be this years Country in Focus, and will celebrate the Dogme 95 film movement, which appeared in Denmark in the 1990s with the objective of making low-budget cinema. As Ramsis explains, this movement employed a very specific cinematic language and bore very important directors. The festival will thus screen a total of 10 films, which were underpinned by the Dogmes principles. Also, Annette K.Olesen, the director of In Your Hands (2004), a dogme film, will be present at the festival and will hold a master-class where she will discuss the movement, how and why it disappeared, the importance of such film movements, and some of the production challenges they face. The festival will also screen four other Danish films, and three documentary films made by the National Film School of Denmarkwhich, as Ramsis puts it, has a very unique experience in documentary filmmaking. A discussion about the schools teaching philosophy will follow one of the film screenings. Every year, the festival invites one of the womens film festivals presented worldwide to choose a selection from its films and screen them as part of the festival in Cairo. This years guest festival is the Dortmund/Cologne International Womens Film Festival, which will be screening two films from the festivals past edition. Two special sections also adorn the 9th edition; the Dance and Cinema section that will screen four films exploring this theme, and the Spanish Short Films section that comprises six shorts. For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture Search Keywords: Short link: Four days of Hassan Khans multidisciplinary work organised by Alexandrias Gudran Association for Art and Development A four-day programme titled Three Attempts to Approach Hassan Khan takes an in-depth look into the works of the artist, musician and writer. Taking place between 25 and 29 February, each day will focus on one of Khans projects in an attempt to approach and engage with [his] diverse artistic & intellectual practice, according to the events statement. The first day will tackle Khans recent music project titled Phone Tone Generator and Pedals, where he uses contact mics, a cell phone, a mixer and pedals in his live improv performance. The second day will feature a discussion of Khans essays, centring on "The Corrupt Intellectual" as a central figure within the workings of the modern state; while the following day will screen his 2012 film Blind Ambition, which includes nine episodes of phone-footage shot in public spaces. The film screening will be followed by a Q&A session. The last day of the programme will be a discussion of his work The Nineties from Another Perspective that touches upon Khans practices as a student. Programme: Thursday 25 February, 7pm: Hassan Khan Live: Phone Tone Generator & Pedals El-Cabina, 11 San Saba Street, behind Cinema Rialto, Mahatet Raml, Alexandria Friday 26 February, 7pm: Discussing The Corrupt Intellectual El-Cabina, 11 San Saba Street, behind Cinema Rialto, Mahatet Raml, Alexandria Saturday 27 February, 7pm: Screening of Blind Ambition Wekalet Behna, 1 El Kenisa El-Marounia Street, Orabi Sqaure, El-Mansheya, Alexandia Monday 29 February, 7pm: Nineties from another perspective El-Cabina, 11 San Saba Street, behind Cinema Rialto, Mahatet Raml, Alexandria For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture Search Keywords: Short link: The summit meeting was held following talks between the Egyptian and Ethiopian foreign ministers on the Ethiopian dam Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan agreed on Saturday on cooperation means between the three countries in various fields, a statement by the Egyptian presidency read. According to presidency spokesman Alaa Youssef, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir and Ethiopian PM Hailemariam Desalegn agreed on the importance of bolstering cooperation strategies built on trust, mutual respect and a meeting the ambitions of nations in facing common challenges In a summit meeting during the African Investment Conference in Egypt's Sharm El-Sheikh, El-Sisi, Al-Bashir and Desalegn reasserted their commitment to strengthening cooperation and building on common interests through solutions that achieve mutual gains for the three countries. The three leaders agreed on mandating that the foreign ministers of the three countries study ways of establishing an institutional framework for cooperation. They also agreed on the establishment of a co-financing fund to be used to execute developmental projects in the three countries. They decided on the formation of three committees: political, economic and cultural, where the political affairs committee coordinates the workings of the three committees in fields including communications, technology, scientific research, agriculture, tourism and culture. Other fields of cooperation would include intelligence and security cooperation, and the exchange of information, especially in fighting terrorism, and collaboration in the fields of military and security training. They also agreed on encouraging joint parliamentary meetings in the three countries' parliaments, which would contribute to deepening mutual understanding on a public level. The leaders also agreed on holding yearly talks at the summit level, while looking at the suggestions on cooperation mechanism in their next meeting after six months. The summit meeting between the three leaders was planned following talks held during a security conference in Munich between Egypt's foreign minister Sameh Shoukry and his Ethiopian counterpart over Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam. On Friday, Egyptian Minister of Irrigation Hossam Moghazi said the country's state council has approved a finalised draft of the contract to be signed with French consultancy firms responsible for studies related to the impact of the Ethiopian Dam. Moghazi added that both Ethiopia and Sudan have been officially informed of Cairo's readiness to sign the contract in the upcoming days. Consultations are under way between the water ministers of the three countries to set a date to sign the contract before the end of February, Moghazi said in a press release. Although Egypt has repeatedly expressed concern over the dam's possible effect on the country, Ethiopia insists it will not negatively affect Egypt's share of Nile water. Search Keywords: Short link: President El-Sisi said on Friday that 'legislative amendments' must be introduced to stop 'irresponsible acts by police officers' Egypt's prosecution referred a low-ranking policeman to criminal court on Sunday on charges of deliberate murder after the policeman fatally shot a civilian following a fight in Cairo on Thursday. A judicial source within the general prosecution told Ahram Online that both the police interrogations and the forensic authoritys report indicate that Mostafa Abdel Hassib, the low-ranking policeman, killed taxi driver Mohamed Ali Ismail. The interior ministry arrested Abdel Hassib on Friday and released a statement saying that Ismail was killed when the policeman fired his gun in an attempt to disperse a crowd that had gathered following a financial dispute between the driver and the policeman. The incident took place in Cairos working-class district of El-Darb El-Ahmar. Meanwhile, dozens of police personnel in Sharqiya governorate gathered at the security directorate to protest the arrest of seven colleagues, who are charged with stirring public opinion against the interior ministry and speaking to the media without permission. The seven arrested low-ranking policemen from Sharqiya were heading to the Media Production city in 6th of October late Saturday to discuss on a television program recent problems they have been facing in their profession. Both incidents come amid public uproar against some practices by low-ranking policemen in the past few weeks, including an alleged assault last month by policemen on two doctors at a Cairo hospital. President El-Sisi ordered on Friday that legislative amendments be presented to the parliament within the next 15 days to tackle "irresponsible acts by police officers." The president said that irresponsible acts by some members of the police force should be dealt with on an individual basis and those responsible be held accountable, according to a statement issued by the presidency on Friday. The statement did not give further details about what legal changes were being proposed, but said that amendments or new legislation may be necessary to ensure the regulation of security services' performance in Egyptian streets and guarantee that those who "violate citizens' rights be punished. Interior ministry spokesperson Major General Abu-Bakr Abdel-Karim told state owned MENA news agency that "whoever mistreats citizens, contravenes the law, or works to obstruct the relationship between the security apparatus and the great Egyptian people does not have a place inside the ministry." Search Keywords: Short link: (Beijing) Apple Inc. will earn fees from Chinese banks when customers use its mobile payment service for purchases, but they will be about half of what the U.S. tech giant charges in the United States, people with knowledge of the matter say. Apple Pay, which allows iPhone users to make mobile payments by waving their phones at store checkout readers, arrived in China on February 18. Chinese banks have agreed to pay around 0.07 percent of each transaction to Apple, the sources said. Apple Pay reportedly collects 0.15 percent of each purchase from banks in the United States. Apple will start collecting the fees in two years. Apple started negotiating with major Chinese banks and UnionPay over profit-sharing and technical issues in 2014. The talks stalled, apparently because Chinese banks argued the charges were too steep. "Apple is tough but so are the four banks," one employee of one of the Big Four said. "The final agreement is a result of compromise from both sides." A deal was reached in December as Apple announced 15 Chinese banks, including the nation's biggest lender, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, agreed to let customers link their bankcards to Apple Pay. Four more banks joined the partnership later. "These 19 banks will pay Apple the fees at a discount, but banks that get on board later may not have the leverage anymore," a person with the knowledge of the mater said. The partnership with Apple Pay may help UnionPay challenge the dominance of the domestic mobile payment giants Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd., experts said. Apple Pay consumers can make payments by passing their smartphones near point-of-sale terminals at stores. Purchases will be completed via near-field communication (NFC), a short-range wireless technology that lets Apple devices and banks exchange information. This method is more efficient than the one used by Alibaba and Tencent, which require their users to open mobile applications and scan a quick response code, one analyst said. Some experts argue the NFC system is safer than an Internet-based approach because it is more difficult for hackers to abuse the technology. Mobile devices using the NFC system add another layer of security to the transaction by generating a unique number when users add a card to Apple Pay. That "token number" will be encrypted and sent to banks with a one-time security code during transactions. However, only about 60 percent of POS terminals in China have NFC technology, Dong Junfeng, a vice manager of Bank of China's Internet finance department, wrote in a commentary published by Caixin. Apply Pay got off to a wobbly start on its first day in China as many smartphone users encountered problems signing up for the service. The problem was mostly resolved the next day, another bank employee said. (Rewritten by Chen Na) Billionaire real estate mogul Donald Trump has emerged as the clear front-runner for the Republican nomination in the U.S. presidential race, but two U.S. senators, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, are both claiming they can overtake him when a large group of states votes over the next three weeks. Trump, a political novice, convincingly won his second straight Republican primary election Saturday, collecting nearly a third of the vote in the Atlantic coastal state of South Carolina. Rubio, a Florida senator, edged Cruz, a Texas senator, for second place, with both getting about 22 percent of the vote. Surveys show the flamboyant Trump, who has hurled insults at his opponents throughout the months-long campaign, with a sizeable lead over both Rubio and Cruz in the next state to vote, the U.S. gambling hub of Nevada. Republicans are holding party caucuses there on Tuesday. Voting is set for 27 other states by March 15. Trump told CNN Sunday that he expects to win the Republican nomination and face former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the leading Democratic contender, in November's national presidential election. He said that despite surveys showing him losing a hypothetical race against her, he would give Republicans a chance to win such key states as New York and Michigan that the party normally loses in presidential elections. Italian author Umberto Eco has died at age 84, ending a writing career that spanned decades and covered topics both profound and mundane. Eco died of cancer at his home in Milan Friday. He was, as the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera said, one of Italy's most celebrated intellectuals. His novels, while challenging, had popular appeal. His most famous work, the best-selling historical novel "The Name of the Rose," was made into a movie starring Sean Connery in 1986. The novel published in 1980 has been translated into 43 languages and sold millions of copies. Jeb Bush on Saturday ended his bid to become the 2016 Republican presidential nominee after coming in fourth in South Carolina's primary. Despite his pedigree -- his brother and father each served as president -- Bush's campaign failed to connect with Republican voters. He won a string of high-profile political endorsements and raised $100 million to fund his campaign, but he never was able to convert that into support at the polls. North Korea conducted a coastal artillery drill on Saturday morning, firing rounds westwards from Jangsan Cape near the Northern Limit Line, the de facto maritime border. No rounds crossed the NLL, but residents on nearby Baeknyeong Island were tense amid the boom of the gunfire and muzzle flash some 15 km away. The South Korean military broadcast a warning for Baeknyeong residents to prepare to take shelter, and scores of fishing boats remained in port. "It seems that the artillery drill was part of the North's annual winter live-fire exercise," a military source here said. It comes just ahead of a massive show of force by the U.S. and South Korea during annual joint exercises. Seoul still worries that the North will carry out provocations like drone infiltrations and cyber attacks as cross-border ties have reached a new ice age in the wake of the Norths recent nuclear test and rocket launch. The volume of snack foods imported into Korea almost doubled over the past 10 years. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said on Sunday that confectionary imports amounted to 121,100 tons last year, 1.8 times the level reported in 2005. That translates into an annual growth rate of 7.6 percent. In money terms, imports increased from US$211.6 million to $634.4 million over the same period, an annual growth rate of 12.7 percent. The U.S. was the top exporter of snacks to Korea, followed by China, Germany and Malaysia as of last year. But Germany posted the biggest growth in the 10-year period, its confectionary exports to Korea increasing 13.5 times. Imports from Malaysia grew 9.1 times, and those from Indonesia 3.9 times. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un observed an air force flight maneuver aimed at boosting operational readiness to defend Pyongyang against an invasion, the official Rodong Sinmun daily said Sunday. The drill cocks a snook at international sanctions and the recent deployment of more U.S. equipment like F-22 fighter jets in South Korea. Japan has returned to being Korea's biggest competitor on the export front, while their biggest battle ground is the U.S. market. In China, Korean exports are managing to maintain the top spot, but U.S. exports are catching up quickly. In a report on Sunday, Hyundai Research Institute compared the market shares of Korean products in overseas markets and put direct competition with Japan at 58.8 points last year. By comparison, competition with the U.S. was 48.8 points and with China 44.8 points. The figure is meant to reflect how similar the export structures of two countries are to each other, and the higher the number the more heated the competition. Perfect similarity would produce a reading of 100. Competition between Korea and Japan in the U.S. was an even higher 61.2, which was more than competition with Germany (54.3) and China (36.8). In China, the second-largest export market, the figure stood at 58.8 points, but U.S. exports were a bigger threat. Korea sold US$174.3 billion worth of products to China last year, taking the No. 1 market share, while Taiwan came second with $145.5 billion worth. The U.S. exported $144 billion worth to China, led by high-value-added products such as the iPhone and passenger planes, to overtake Japan for the No. 3 spot. Baek Da-mi at the institute said, "If Korean companies want to compete with the U.S. and Japan in the Chinese market, they need to differentiate themselves in materials and components technology." South Korea and the U.S. plan to intensify pressure on North Korea to improve its human rights track record. Tom Malinowski, an assistant U.S. secretary of state for democracy, human rights, and labor, said Saturday that the U.S. will continue to make clear to the North Korean leadership that they can be held accountable. "To the men who are commanders of the camps and to their commanders and to other officials all the way to the top, our message remains, 'We see you. We know who you are. We know what you are doing. Wherever possible, we will say your names out loud, and eventually there will be consequences,'" he said. The U.S. State Department said at a recent meeting with North Korean defectors that it would triple its budget to support regime change in the North. Seoul also intends to raise the issue at the UN. The aim is to clamp down on North Korea's practice of sending laborers abroad and confiscating their earnings, because the money is used to fuel North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile development. CAI MENG/CHINA DAILY Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi revealed China's proposals to address the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear issues. China is willing to discuss with all parties concerned the possibility of simultaneously pushing for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, as well as the establishment of a peace mechanism in the region, said Wang. That is expected to involve a transition from the 1953 armistice on the Korean Peninsula to a permanent peace and security mechanism. Since the Six-Party Talks have made little progress in denuclearizing the Peninsula and replacing the armistice with a peace treaty, Beijing, Washington, Pyongyang, and Seoul should seek to work on their own negotiations as soon as possible. The "Four-Party Talks" would focus on establishing a peace mechanism, while the Six-Party Talks, should they resume, would seek to dissuade Pyongyang from pursuing its nuclear ambitions. Undoubtedly Pyongyang is responsible for the escalating tensions, because of its consistent efforts to develop nuclear weapons. But Washington's flawed Peninsula policy and the de facto Cold War it is maintaining on the peninsula are also to blame. Of course, these Four-Party Talks should not avoid the issue of the DPRK's nuclear program, but it should not make it a priority either, given that the US, ROK and DPRK are still hesitating over a peace mechanism. The US and the ROK deem it might prove an unwanted signal to the international community that they acknowledge the DPRK's ownership of a nuclear arsenal. The DPRK is relatively more interested in the idea, yet refrains from making a denuclearization commitment. Pyongyang's devotion to its nuclear program has not only been censured by the international community, but also resulted in severe economic sanctions being imposed on it. Now that it has shown interest in reentering the global economic order, negotiations and diplomatic meditation should try to find ways to help it, so that it voluntarily relinquishes its nuclear ambitions. The deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, an advanced US anti-ballistic missile defense system, in the ROK, will pose a grave danger to the situation. It would almost certainly intensify the arms race between Seoul and Pyongyang, and even drag in key regional players such as Washington, Beijing, and Moscow. It would also deal a major blow to the China-ROK strategic partnership. Therefore, the US and the ROK should suspend, if not terminate their plan for THAAD's deployment in the ROK, before it significantly shatters regional stability. Instead they should join with China and launch the Four-Party Talks, and work to resume the Six-Party Talks, which remain the key to defusing the rising tensions in Northeast Asia. Wang Junsheng is an associate researcher at the National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article is an excerpt of his interview with China Daily's Cui Shoufeng. Tens of thousands rally in major U.S. cities to protest conviction of former New York policeman 2016-02-22 09:37 NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2016 (Xinhua) -- A woman in tears speaks to the press during a rally in support of New York City Police officer Peter Liang, at Brooklyn's Cadman Plaza Park, in New York, the United States, Feb. 20, 2016. Peter Liang, a New York City police officer of Chinese descent, was found guilty on Feb. 11 of manslaughter over the shooting of a black man, prompting concerns of discrimination. On Nov. 20, 2014, Liang, a 27-year-old with only a year and a half on the job, was patrolling with his partner in Brooklyn's East New York housing project when he was startled by a noise. In a stairway that prosecutors described as "pitch-dark," Liang drew his gun and fired. The bullet ricocheted off a wall and hit Akai Gurley on a lower level. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) by Li Changxiang NEW YORK, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of people rallied Saturday in more than 30 American cities to protest the conviction of Peter Liang, a former New York police officer of Chinese descent. In an effort to show solidarity, a large number of protesters, mostly Chinese Americans, joined demonstrations in cities around the nation from Washington D.C. and New York City to Los Angeles and San Francisco. At the Cadman Plaza Park in Brooklyn, New York, 10,000-strong protestors from all over the metropolitan area converged with placards and banners in hands, chanting slogans like "tragedy, not crime," "equal justice for all" and "accident is not a felony." The organizer of the New York protest -- the Coalition of Asian-Americans for Civil Rights -- said that what actually happened was a tragic accident that claimed two victims, Peter Liang and African American Akai Gurley, but Liang was unfairly made a sacrifice to ease the ever-intensifying friction between the police force and the black communities all around the country. A ricocheted bullet from Liang's service weapon accidentally killed Gurley, an unarmed civilian, when the former New York police officer was patrolling in a housing project in the borough of Brooklyn in late November in 2014. Liang was found guilty of the killing of Gurley and convicted of second-degree manslaughter by a jury on Feb. 11. The conviction has sparked an uproar within the Chinese-American community, not only in New York City but also many other major U.S. cities with substantial Chinese-American population. In Washington D.C., hundreds of protesters on Saturday rallied around the Northeast Quadrant of the Washington Monument to support Liang. Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago and San Francisco also saw similar protests. Calling Liang's conviction "wrongful and selective prosecution," Yuanfan Sun, one of the volunteers who helped to organize the rally in the D.C. area, said the conviction was the latest case of making the ethnic minority American a scapegoat to pay for the police brutality that has troubled the American society for a long time. "Liang is not a criminal. Sacrificing Liang is not the correct way to solve the systematic problems. Justice is not served by finding a scapegoat," said John Chen, president of the New York-based Coalition of Asian-Americans for Civil Rights. On Nov 20, 2014, Liang, a 27-year-old "rookie" officer with only a year and half on the job, was patrolling on the eighth floor of the Pink Houses with his partner, Shaun Landau, who was also new to the job. Liang had his gun drawn. In the court hearing, Liang testified that in the pitch-dark stairway, he was startled by a noise. "And the gun just went off after I tensed up." The bullet hit the wall before ricocheting and hitting Akai Gurley on a lower level, piercing his heart and liver. It was minutes later Liang came to know Gurley was struck and killed. "I was shocked. I was in disbelief that someone was actually hit," Liang recalled. Liang is the first policeman from the New York Police Department to be convicted of homicide in the shooting of a civilian since 2005. Many believe that the manslaughter conviction has been influenced by the enormous pressure on the country's law enforcement, as white police officers have often walked scot-free in similar incidents wherein innocent black civilians were killed, which have triggered massive protests and riots from African-American communities nationwide. Outside of the Cadman Plaza Park, a dozen of "black lives matter" activists also held an opposing protest. They demanded "killer cops" be jailed, and called for stricter police accountability. "In New York and all over this country, for a long time, we can point to many even worse instances of police abuse and police murder where the police have gotten off. But that does not make Peter Liang any more innocent," said protester Richard Kossally. Still, supporters of Peter Liang believe that the death of Mr. Gurley was purely an accident. "There should be no conviction," said President of the New York Veteran Police Association Lou Telano. "We hope that the law enforcement realize that this was just a tragic incident, which doesn't warrant manslaughter, and doesn't warrant a crime. There's no intent." "My feeling is, that (the guilty verdict of) Peter Liang is just pacifying certain political groups." Lou said. Attorney Hugh H. Mo, who served as deputy police commissioner of New York and assistant district attorney in Manhattan, believes that the guilty conviction was affected by the current political climate. "I think you have to examine Peter Liang's case in the context of wrong time, wrong place. Within the last year and half, or two years, there has been such a great number of police shootings of the innocent black man. That certainly created a whole issue of police accountability. As we all know after (Eric) Garner and (Michael) Brown, these cases that have galvanized African American community as well as the white community, many African American feel that police had to be held accountable." Many others held similar opinion. Chief Information Officer at Coalition of Asian American Don B. Lee, said "I believe that Peter Liang was convicted in the court of public opinion before he is even convicted in the court of law." Liang and his partner was fired from the police department right after the conviction. His sentencing is set for April 14. Although a guilty conviction by a jury is very difficult to overturn, supporters has voiced hope for leniency in Liang's sentencing. "What happened on Nov. 20 was a tragedy for both families," Councilwoman Margaret Chin in Manhattan said in a statement. "I ask that Judge Chun give the many factors that made that tragedy happen due consideration in the sentencing of Peter Liang." "I hope that District Attorney Thompson will say to the sentencing judges that Peter Liang did not intend to kill Akai Gurley to get things right. This is an accident, not a crime," said Don Lee. (Xinhua journalists Wang Fan in New York, Zhang Chaoquan in Los Angeles, Lu Jiafei in Washington, Xu Jing in Chicago also contributed to the story) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 >> 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 >> Thousands rally for ex-NYPD officer Liang across US 2016-02-22 13:56 Protesters hold a rally in support of former NYPD officer Peter Liang in the Brooklyn borough of New York February 20, 2016.[Photo/Agencies] Thousands of people rallied across the country over the weekend to protest the conviction of Peter Liang, a former New York City police officer who was convicted of second-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of an unarmed black man. The protesters primarily Chinese Americans gathered in 40 cities across the US to demonstrate what they see as an unfair conviction of Liang, now 28, who was a rookie cop on patrol in a Brooklyn housing project in 2014 when he fired his gun. A stray bullet ricocheted off a wall, fatally striking Akai Gurley, 28, on a lower floor. Many protesters in New York which saw a turnout of approximately 10,000, the largest rally in the country expressed support for both Gurley and Liang, both of whom they saw as victims of a tragedy. The protesters carried signs that read, "No Scapegoating," "One Tragedy, Two Victims" and "Condolences to Akai Gurley, Justice for Peter Liang." "Last week's conviction of NYPD officer Peter Liang in the accidental shooting of Akai Gurley has ignited a vigorous debate across New York City and throughout the country. But one thing is clear in this tragic case the system failed. It failed both Peter Liang and Akai Gurley," said US Congresswoman Grace Meng at the New York rally on Feb 20. "The elevator in the Pink Houses should not have been broken; the lights should not have been out in the stairwell," Meng said. "Two rookie cops should not have been patrolling by themselves in New York City, and public housing residents should not have to deal with crime that makes these police patrols necessary. These systematic failures make me so angry and must be addressed. Another tragedy like this must not be allowed to occur ever again." Liang, who was convicted on Feb 11, could face up to 15 years in prison on the manslaughter count. Sentencing by Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun is scheduled for April 14 in Brooklyn. Members of the Chinese community said after Liang was charged that they believe he was being scapegoated for past instances of fatal police actions around the country, and that Liang had not intended to kill Gurley and should not have been placed on patrol at the housing project as a rookie officer. John Chan, president of the Coalition of Asian-Americans for Civil Rights and one of the organizers of the nationwide rally, said Liang was a victim of the selective prosecution that failed to resolve the long-standing distrust and tension between US minority communities and law enforcement. "Sacrificing Liang is not the correct way to resolve systematic problems of the government," Chan said. "Justice for all means justice for everyone." Chan appealed to Chinese Americans to fight political manipulation, selective prosecution and scapegoating. Vivien Chiang, another rally attendee, said she had never met any Chinese individuals calling for civil rights in public during her three years living in New York, and it was the first time she witnessed such unity in the Chinese community. "Chinese Americans were thought to be a politically passive group," she said, "This time we really voice the deep feelings of ourselves and let the society know our need for equal justice." "I believe everything that Peter says, and I think he was let down by everyone, starting with his partner," said Gia Vita, a stylist from Harlem. "What kind of coward is he? I've never felt this strongly about anything else." Liang's partner, Sean Landau, 28, was fired by the NYPD, as was Liang, after his conviction. Landau had testified under immunity from prosecution during Liang's trial. Lou Telano, president of the New York Veteran Police Association, told China Daily before the rally that there is currently an "atmosphere of anti-police rhetoric" in New York City. "I don't know how the district attorney is able to change the penal law to take an accident and define it as a crime," he said. "There are so many things there that are wrong." In Washington, several hundred people gathered near the Washington Monument on the morning of Feb 20 to support. The crowd, estimated at 700 or 800, included people of all ages and non-Asians and well. "Starting with a wrongful and selective prosecution, police officer Peter Liang's guilty verdict last week in New York City is clearly the latest case of making an ethnic minority American a scapegoat to satisfy the political thirst of a few and to pay for the police brutality that has troubled the American society for a long time," Sun Yuanfan, one of about a dozen speakers at the rally, told the crowd. "We call on our politicians to express the true opinions of the people they represent. We demand the NYPD look into the real issues and take the responsibility to face the real problems of resolving the tension between the community and police, providing adequate training and security to our officers," she said. That two rookie NYPD officers were sent to patrol a dangerous place was inconceivable to many protesters. "Yes, the bullet from Peter Liang hit the victim accidentally, but why did NYPD send two rookie officers to one of the most dangerous places where they have to make decisions within seconds in pitch darkness?" asked Cliff Li Zhonggang, another speaker. "We are living in a time when there can no longer be systemic discrimination against Asian Americans and other racial groups. However, bias, prejudice and stereotypes still haunt us as well as our children in this very day," Li said. Li believes that Asian Americans like Liang are treated unequally because they are often regarded as weak and fragmented. "No more," shouted the crowd. The slogans heard also included "Equal justice", "No selective justice," and "We need fair trials." Regina Xu held a plate with the words "deep condolences to Akai Gurley". Xu said she left home in Charlottesville, Virginia, at 6 am to join the rally. She said the prosecution had been unfair, "though I am not sure we can change the result. But we at least want to tell them that we feel it's unfair. We also want to tell Gurley's family that we are equally sorry for his loss of life." "We are here to raise our voice and to make known that we will not be pushed around, and we will not take a back seat to anybody else in our country," said Thomas Fong, vice-chairman of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. In San Francisco, thousands of demonstrators gathered initially at Justin Herman Plaza across the historic Ferry Building. While organizers expected some 2,000 people to show up, the crowd on the morning of Feb 20 was estimated by police on the scene to have reached about 5,000, nearly half of them mobilized by a number of community groups at Chinatown. The crowd then paraded nearly 5 km along Market Street, a downtown commercial thoroughfare, to the UN Plaza. Sean Yao, of United for Better Community (UBC), a Bay Area community outreach group, reminded the crowd that it is time for everybody to involve in America's political process, especially in the election year. "If you want change," Yao said, "you need to vote." In Phoenix, Arizona, about 150 people rallied on the morning on Feb 20 at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza to protest what some called "selective justice" in Liang's verdict, azcentral.com reported. They carried American flags and signs stating "No Scapegoat" and "Accident Not Crime" near state Capitol. Voices from around the country New York Gia Vita, a stylist from Harlem, was a first-time protester who said she went to Brooklyn because the conviction was a "total injustice. I see the truth. He happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was innocent." Washington Thomas Fong, vice-chairman, Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA): We are here to rise up. We are here to stand up. We are no longer here to be pushed aside. We are here to take our stand in our rightful place at America's table. We are here to raise our voice and to make known that we will not be pushed around, and we will not take a back seat to anybody else in our country. Robert Lock of Washington I am 71. It's the first time in my life to attend any rally. I felt I needed to come down here. He (Peter Liang) doesn't deserve where he is now. Definitely (he has faced injustice), because from everything I read, it was an accident, and it was not intentional; he shot this person in an accident. I hope they change the justice system. They (Chinese Americans) should be more outspoken. San Francisco Arthur Dong, veteran community leader I won't think it's wise to stage any large demonstration before the final sentencing. What if that rally would irritate the black community, and they as a result organize an even bigger protest against Peter Liang? This tit-for-tat is not a good strategy. I would donate to help the Liang family to seek the most professional legal consultancy and assistance. I thought this might be the most efficient and effective way to help officer Peter." Shao Yang, member of the Fremont Unified School District, I joined the rally to show support for legal justice and opposition for selective prosecution. This is my yes and no. Audrey Alice, a photographer from Lake Tahoe, California It (the bullet) hit someone, and they are calling it a crime, but it was really just an accident, because he was trying to stop what was happening. I've seen multiple protests and rallies throughout San Francisco because I come down here a lot. When I saw the signs across street, I wanted to go over there! I think it's great that the community is coming together to protest what is happening because he is being treated unfairly, so I think it is great they are doing this." Andy Wang, an organizer of the San Francisco rally We seek a fair trial and justice through a peaceful rally. We don't want to see two victims from one tragedy. It's a tragedy for Akai Gurley, who is a victim. But he is not the victim of Peter Liang, but the fault of New York City, which didn't invest enough money to improve the community, and that's why it is so dangerous. And also they (invested) less money in the NYPD to get proper training for the police, so these (issues) altogether made it a tragedy, not the fault of Peter Liang. Don Sun, president of the Silicon Valley Chapter of Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (APAPA) The Chinese community has not paid enough attention to the US judiciary branch. I hope today's rally could serve as a starting point but not a finishing point. When we get back home, we should think about taking actions affecting the judiciary and executive branches but not stop at street rallies. Our chapter of APAPA will work to team up with police, district attorneys and all Asian-American elected officials to file a petition to Judge Danny Chun for leniency while showing our due respect to the US judicial system and the jury's verdict." Seattle Allen Huang, rally participant from Seattle I am sorry for this tragic accident while Officer Peter Liang was on duty. African-American life matters, Asian-American life, each individual's life matters. We shall take great precaution in dealing with people's lives and livelihood. We want to treat all races in a conforming manner. It's not which race against which. It's the system at fault. We shall address the issue of poverty, non-equal environment. Let's use this crisis as a turning point toward realizing Dr. Martin Luther King's dream, which is an American Dream for all of us! Yiguang Ju, spokesman for the rally We are not here today to say Peter Liang is innocent. There is no winner in this tragedy. We are here to share in the sorrows of both Gurley's and Liang's families. Both men are the sacrifices to our failing police and justice systems. We are here to seek equality of justice. We are here to unite and to ask what can be done for a better future, so that none of us, nor our future generations, become the next sacrifice. Houston According to Houston Rally organizers Qing Mei and Xie Zhong, more than 1,500 people attended a rally for Liang. Luo Xin, secretary general for the Houston rally We have more than 1,500 people registered to participate in the rally, and the turnout is somewhat more than that. More than 60 volunteers worked day and night in the past four days. We needed a few thousand dollars to prepare banners, fliers, T-shirts and such, and the community has really come together to support us and donated all the money we needed in less than a day. As a stay-at-home mother with kids, I want to improve the social environment where I have lived for almost 20 years. I want us to join other minority groups to fight for justice and fairness for all. Sun Yingying, president, Houston Chinese Alliance While I do think that Liang does need to pay the price for his mistake, it's an accident after all, and he was used as a scapegoat to ease the tension between law enforcement and the African-American community with a criminal conviction. There are many different voices when it comes to the rally, and some are worried that it may backfire. I am not against the rally and think the community can learn how to work together despite their differences. I decided not to be part of the rally because I, and many members at HCA, feel that we can better help former NYPD officer Peter Liang through legal support. To help Liang, HCA is doing two things: collecting signatures for a petition to the judge for a lenient sentence and to advocate fundraising for Liang to get better legal counsel once the legal fund trust is established. I feel that the case ended with a conviction because Liang's lawyer is not good enough. HCA sent out more than 20 volunteers to collect signatures for the petition at the rally, and we collected a few hundred signatures. John Ferguson, a New Yorker currently visiting family in Houston, joined the Houston rally with his wife, Xu Chenxin "We live a half hour from Brooklyn, and I know all about this case. If I were in New York, I'd join the rally in Brooklyn. Here we are fighting for the rights of every police officer throughout the US. I think it's very important to protect their rights as best as possible. I don't feel that justice was served for Peter Liang for what he has done. There have been several other cases where other police officers in different circumstances, where there had been a victim, in those cases the police officers were not found guilty. We want the same applied to Peter Liang's situation. I don't feel that justice has served him." Long Yifan in New York and Xinhua in San Francisco contributed to this story. China issues new measure on energy saving supervision 2016-02-22 09:38 BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top economic planner issued a new regulation Saturday to oversee energy saving work in corporations, allowing authorities to warn or impose penalties on violators. The fine ranges from 10,000 yuan (1,534 U.S. dollars) to 30,000 yuan, according to the National Development and Reform Commission. Detailed tasks will be set and divided by the regulatory institutions at provincial level according to local realities. Followed by institutions of city and county level, the provincial institutions are on the top of a three-tier regulatory body. The institutions will oversee largely the corporations' enforcement of energy-saving laws, rules, regulations and relevant mandatory standards. The measures will take effect starting from March 1 this year. China has focused on mapping or revising standards in key industries in 2015, such as energy saving and environmental protection, said Tian Shihong, head of the national Standardization Administration in January. The country rolled out 1,931 national standards last year, up 26.2 percent from the previous year, official data showed. President Xi's media tour draws positive feedback from reporters, journalism academia 2016-02-22 09:38 BEIJING, Feb. 19, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R, front) talks with a correspondent who is just back from a reporting in Zhengding County of Hebei Province, at the headquarters of Xinhua News Agency in Beijing, capital of China, on Feb. 19, 2016. Xi on Friday visited the People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television, the nation's three leading news providers. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping's inspection tour to three leading news providers on Friday was lauded by reporters, experts and students majoring in journalism. During a tour to the People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television and at a symposium afterwards, Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, urged the news outlets to follow the Party's leadership and focus on "positive reporting." Journalists supported the president's instruction that the media should work to guide public opinion in the right direction. Zhang Tie, a senior editorial writer at the People's Daily, told Xinhua that it is the responsibility of all the media run by the CPC to uphold and spread the "mainstream voice" of society, especially as society becomes more diversified and opinions vary. The Party's will and its propositions should be the strongest voice of the times, he said. According to Xi, the mission of the Party's media work is to provide guidance for the public, serve the country's overall interests, unite the general public, instill confidence and pool strength, tell right from wrong and connect China to the world. Lu Shaoyang, head of Peking University's School of Journalism & Communication, said guidance does not mean rigid lecturing. "A firm political stance and fine-tuned professional skills are required for today's media to exercise their duty," Lu said. Ma Xiaorong, a young editor working on the Beijing Youth Daily's WeChat news account, said sensationalism should be avoided when reporting, especially when publishing on social networks. "The core of news reporting is the people. Positive reporting should also focus on them," said Long Min, a reporter with the China News Service southeast China's Fujian Province branch. Long said that reporters should profile ordinary people and their "true and touching deeds." Positive reporting does not mean avoiding problems, said Tang Ji, a senior reporter with Xinhua's Inner Mongolia branch. Tang covered the wrongful conviction of an 18-year-old man named Huugjilt who was found guilty of rape and murder and executed in 1996. His reports contributed to the conviction being quashed. As the president noted, public supervision and positive publicity are two compatible functions of media outlets, reporters should be good at finding and exposing problems and pushing society to improve, Tang said. Reporters were inspired and encouraged by Xi's visit to the media outlets and his acknowledgement of their diligence. During the media tour, Xi also stressed that journalists should make more in-depth investigative reports in grass-roots communities. At Xinhua News Agency, Xi talked with a correspondent reporting from a village in Lankao County, Henan Province via Xinhua's remote news reporting command system. Xi asked the correspondent how local people saw the work style of cadres. Xi said that reporting work styles of grassroots cadres is quite meaningful as the information gathered could help the central authorities to prescribe tailored measures to improve work styles. Xi also talked with Sun Tiexiang, a Xinhua reporter who recently made interviews in Tayuanzhuang village in Zhengding, Hebei province. Xi visited the village several times while working in Zhengding, and he learned from Sun details about current development in the village. Xi said, "local officials must be down-to-earth and keep close ties with ordinary people, and the same is true with reporters." At People's Daily, having learnt that many young copy editors work on the night shift, Xi asked whether they have time to make interviews and investigations at grassroots level. He told the newspaper's chiefs to create opportunities for their staff to interview or work in grass-roots communities. At the symposium, Xinhua reporter Li Keyong, who had made 13 investigative reports since the 18th Party Congress in 2012, mentioned his report of high-end clubs as venues of corruption, Xi commented "I ordered a thorough investigation into the problem the moment I read this report." Xi called for more truthful, quality reports based on in-depth investigations. Xi also inspected the three news providers' new media services. While visiting the headquarters of the People's Daily, Xi extended Lantern Festival greetings to the public via the paper's new media broadcasting system. The rate of clicking the audio entry featuring Xi's greeting soared immediately. Some Internet users posted comments, calling it "a phone call from the General Secretary." At Xinhua News Agency, Xi watched presentations of the agency's robot news writing system, Xinhua Silk Road Database, and the agency's services on overseas social media. Xi also visited an exhibition of the agency's cutting-edge devices for news reporting, including a maritime satellite and a drone, and tried out a hand-held video live broadcasting device. Xi praised Xinhua's transition to a multimedia news service, saying Xinhua has achieved great progresses. At the headquarters of CCTV, Xi visited the control room and made a video call to CCTV's Washington-based North America branch, which opened more than four years ago. Xi asked them to introduce China's social economic development in an objective, truthful and all-around way, tell stories about China well, introduce Chinese culture and bridge friendship. Related: Xi completes media tour, stresses Party's leadership BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday visited the country's three leading media providers and urged them to strictly follow the leadership of the Party.Full Story Xi underscores CPC's leadership in news reporting BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday ordered news media run by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government to strictly follow the Party's leadership and focus on "positive reporting."Full Story President Xi visits China's national news outlets BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Friday visited the People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television (CCTV), the nation's three leading news providers.Full Story The court will consider the matter again on October 31. WANG XIAOYING/CHINA DAILY When the nation was gripped by the unsubstantiated story of a city woman fleeing her boyfriend's backwater of a hometown, it showed the stumbling blocks to upward mobility, which can be social, psychological or economic. Facts and fiction tend to mingle, sometimes to such a seamless degree that you never know where one ends and the other starts. If an outrageous story breaks on April 1 or is reported in Onion, you'll interpret it as a satirical take on a real news event or some social phenomenon. But that is assuming one is familiar with the custom of All Fools Day and the all-satire format, an assumption that should not be taken for granted in this age of globalization. The biggest piece of news that came out of the just past Spring Festival in the vast expanse of the Middle Kingdom is a story that has the strong aura of a hoax. It started from a first-person account of someone who claimed to be a woman from Shanghai in her late 20s. No professional journalist seems to have successfully contacted her since she posted her article and photo of her experience of a Lunar New Year's Eve dinner. I feel uncomfortable with identifying the two protagonists as "Shanghai woman" and "Jiangxi man". I don't know their names either, not even nicknames or fictional ones. Since this is a story of pride and prejudice carried to epic proportions, it is unfair to even label a whole metropolis or province as fronts for the two individuals. So, I'll tone down that association by using S and J, or for the sake of convenience, Sandy and Jay, in my discussion. Now the story itself: Sandy and Jay have been dating for a year. Her parents, who are middle-class Shanghainese, staunchly oppose the relationship because Jay is from a poor village in Jiangxi province, and though with a regular job in the big city, does not seem to have much prospects for a car or an apartment. But Sandy has not budged. She admits that part of the reason is Jay's good looks. When Jay asked her to go to Jiangxi for the big holiday, she decided to go - again, against her parents' objections. But her journey turned out to be a rude awakening for her. After long hours on a train, bus and ox cart, she entered his village of birth. When she was served the big dinner for the Lunar New Year's Eve, she could no longer take it. As her photo shows, the room is not properly lit; the chopsticks are of uneven length; the dishes look like a jumble and are served in steel basins instead of plates. Sandy wanted to leave right then and break up with Jay. She ended up publicizing her account online, which triggered a tidal wave of feedback and national debate. Now, I'll repeat: Nobody can guarantee the veracity of her story. We don't even know it's a "she" behind it as some suggested it could be a ploy of some organization. But part of the reason it went viral and for so long, is it has a ring of inner truth. So many Chinese have followed it and commented on it because it is not only melodramatic but it reflects their understanding of social conflicts. It resonated with me so strongly that 10 days after I first came upon it I still have not given up on the topic. I know of a relative who got into a similar relationship 40 years ago. The woman is a resident of a small town and the man of a nearby rural area. So, the gap was much smaller than that between Sandy and Jay, but that was in an age when the residence permit system was much more rigid. So, it was like inter-caste dating. Even though she loved him, there was a constant put-down and humiliation because of the class difference. From the moment I could understand such things, there was never any equality to speak of. Every time members of his family, such as brothers and sisters, came to town for a visit, it would be a clash of life-styles, which would look ludicrous in retrospect since the townsfolk were not much farther from subsistence back then. Throughout history, the Chinese have placed an inordinate emphasis on "households matching each other" in marriage. Sandy and Jay would be seen by most as ill-matched due to their disparity in economic status. Mind you, not their own earnings, but those of their parents. Of course, the balance could be corrected if he is much richer or possesses movie-star looks or has climbed up the social ladder to a rung that her family would envy. Chinese arts and literature are chock-full of stories of lovers conquering that divide, which to me proves the norm is otherwise. In Jay's case, a small uptick in the looks department is not enough to enable him to vault over the invisible but enormous chasm. You may ask: Where does love figure in this equation? Shouldn't it be the decisive factor? Technically, yes, but in reality it can never be so pure. So, I would not judge Sandy for ending the relationship with Jay. It is in her right. But that's not saying she did not commit errors. Actually she tried to use one blunder to justify another. First, she should not have agreed to go back to his hometown. In Chinese tradition, the decision to meet his parents for that particular occasion almost amounted to an engagement. It's not written but it's implicit. She should have asked herself a string of tough questions before embarking on that trip: What if I don't like his parents or other family members? What if I hate his place of birth? What if I'm not accustomed to the weather, food, lodging etc? She should have gone only if the answer was: "It doesn't matter because I love him". Once there, she should have known the propriety of being a guest, let alone a potential daughter-in-law. Generally his folks would have put in their best to make her happy. To expect them to serve her with a Shanghai standard fare is unrealistic. Unless they tried to gag her or do other immoral things to her, it would be extremely uncivilized to act the way she did. I have been to some of the most poverty-stricken areas of the country and, to be fair, living standards even in those parts have risen substantially over the past few decades. Of course you can argue the rich-poor gap is wider now that the wealthiest have reached the stratosphere of high life. Beyond a certain level of basic living, a standard of decency should come into play. And I'm not including love, which is a luxury in this equation. Contact the writer at raymondzhou@chinadaily.com.cn #Navy plans Navy eyes creation of unmanned command in 2040s South Korea's Navy is seeking to create a new command running unmanned ships, submarines and aircraft in the 2040s, the armed service said Friday, in an effort to address a potenti... #SK data center fire SK C&C's data center raided over massive server outage Police on Friday raided regional offices of SK C&C, the host of the data center for Kakao Corp., in an investigation into a data center fire last week that caused massive servi... The English Historical Fiction Authors blog began publication in 2011 and has featured hundreds of writers and researchers, Enjoy our posts about the history of England, Scotland, Wales and all the Empire. British histfic authors and others are invited to submit posts on British history. Irish acting legend Liam Neeson is to be honoured at the 2016 IFTA awards. The Ballymena native is to be presented with an IFTA for his 'Outstanding Contribution to Cinema'. President Michael D. Higgins will present the award to Neeson at the ceremony on April 9th. Commenting on the award, Neeson said: "I am honored and humbled to be recognized by the Irish Academy with this award, especially when I am following in the footsteps of an illustrious group of Irish filmmakers before me such as Boorman, Jordan, O'Hara and Sheridan. I look forward to coming to Dublin to celebrate with our home industry and with my colleagues and friends." Aine Moriarty, Chief Executive of IFTA said: "I'm delighted that Liam Neeson is to receive this Award from the Irish Academy on April 9th. Liam is a luminary of film whose outstanding talent, craft and skill as an actor, along with his enormous achievements in the world of cinema, has made him an inspiration to young Irish filmmakers and actors coming through the ranks in our home industry today. We look forward to welcoming Liam back home to acknowledge and celebrate his achievements." The award is to recognise the outstanding career Neeson has had at home and abroad which has seen him depict real life characters such as Michael Collins, Alfred Kinsey and Oskar Schindler as well as tackle Hollywood blockbusters like the Star Wars and Batman franchises. There's good news and bad news, if you're Ronan Keating this week. The bad news first: it looks like Ireland is, well... kind of over you. The good news: there's still a market for you in the UK. A number of media outlets including the Irish Daily Mail and the Irish Daily Star are reporting that Keating's new album 'Time of My Life' only sold 203 copies in his come country last week, landing at number 26 in the charts. The breakdown was 145 physical copies and 58 downloads, while just four people bothered to stream it. It fared slightly better in the UK, where it went into the charts at number four - behind Adele, David Bowie and Justin Bieber. Keating hasn't commented on the pathetic Irish sales figures, apart from to call the Irish Daily Mail 'begrudging feck's' (sic) for reporting the figures, and laughing it off with an insincere 'ha ha'. @irishdailymail nice one thanx for the press ya begrudging feck's ha ha. #TimeOfMyLife Ronan Keating (@ronanofficial) February 20, 2016 In any case, he's off to Australia to be a mentor on The Voice, so no doubt he has bigger fish to fry. Then again, maybe that Westlife/Boyzone supergroup is starting to sound like a better idea by the day... Charlie Cox says his return as Daredevil "still feels too good to be true" AWARD 1 I won the second prize in policy category of the African Information society Initiative ( AISI) awards 2004 which is annually organized by the United Nations- Economic Commission for Africa ( UNECA) based in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia. On the first photo above standing with other awardees after the Ceremony at the National Settlers monument in Grahamstown, South Africa.This was during the 8th Highway Africa Conference.The second photo shows the cross section of Jounalists from different African countries who attended the ceremony. AWARD 2 I also won the AISI-GKP/SDC Media Award special reporting on WSIS process and Africa, and conferred with the award in Tunis, Tunisia during WSIS summit in 2005. See the photo above. AWARD 3 Winner on the Media Competition on writing about " Stigma denial and Discrimination " associated with HIV/AIDS . This was organized by the Association of Journalists Against Aids in Tanzania ( AJAAT ). On the Photo above President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of Tanzania, ( then the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) was the guest of honour during the award giving ceremony.This was at Maelezo auditorium in Dar-es-Salaam September 2005. AWARD 4 Winner on the Media Competition on writing about " Vulnerable Children " associated with HIV/AIDS This was organized by the Association of Journalists Against Aids in Tanzania ( AJAAT) AWARD 5 Winner of the National ICT Media Award organized By SWOPNET in the Country. On the photo above Morogoro Regional Commissioner, Brigadier General ( Rt) Saidi Kalembo was the guest of honour during the award giving ceremony which was held at New Sarvoy Hotel in morogoro town.I was awarded a Mobile phone and a tape-recorder. AWARD 6 I participated in the Media Competition in writing about VCT (Voluntary Counseling and Testing) in Tanzania which was held between July 15th and October 30th 2008 whereby I emerged among the top five winners. The competition was under the program known as Tanzania bila Ukwimwi inawezekana which literally means, Tanzania without AIDS disease transmission is possible. This is a program which was organized by the Association of Journalists Against AIDS in Tanzania (AJAAT) under TACAIDS funding. In the photo, I am being presented with a certificate of participation by the Chairman of the Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS) Dr. Fatma Mrisho in a colorful ceremony which was held on 22nd December 2008 at Tanzania Information Centre in Dar es Salaam. AWARD 7 AWARD 8 AWARD 9 Google Site Translator Get the Google Site Translator widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! Link to Profile... NB: Unsigned comments will probably be deleted. This is a polemical Catholic Royalist blog. It will also attempt to provide a window onto various events, situations and personalities not generally or favorably presented to the purview of the general public in the English speaking world. It also hopes to be a bridge for those who wish to cross over, unite and fight for the truth.Just remember, the Rhine still flows into the Tiber.Dedicated to the Immaculate and Sacred Hearts. It was raining when Noelle and I woke up this morning. We werent sure just what to do with our day off. We knew that we had things to do in... Etsy Beadweavers is a group of beaders who market their creations on Etsy.com. The Beadweavers' creations are different from many of the traditional beaded items, in that they are woven from hundreds or thousands of tiny beads to create intricate designs and pictures. These weavings take the form of both art and jewelry. Each piece takes many hours to complete, with some larger pieces taking weeks or even months. This blog is devoted to the creations of this group of talented artisans. Austria announced on Wednesday (17 February) that it was introducing a daily limit on the number of asylum applications it would process. Vienna will now accept only 80 applications a day and it will allow a maximum of 3,200 people who are transiting the country to seek asylum in a neighboring country. The decision came only a day after Vienna said it would intensify border controls and a couple of days after it announced that it was decreasing the number of asylum seekers this year to 37,500 from 90,000 last year. Austrian Interior Minister, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, commented that Austria is among the EU countries most under strain and is reaching breaking point. It stands to reason to want to secure your own borders when there is no European solution. At the same time, just before the EU summit on the continents migration crisis, Eastern European EU Member States set a mid-March deadline for the Turkish plan. Germanys Angela Merkel described the plan as a good solution and urged for a common stance within the 28-country bloc. Austrias Chancellor, Werner Faymann, said that his country still supported the proposed plan to close the Turkish borders and fly refugees to Europe. However, other EU countries, most notably the so-called merciless four of the Visegrad countries Poland, Hungary and the Czech and Slovak Republics oppose the plan and defy Chancellor Merkel. Turkish Prime Minister, Ahmet Davuto?lu, was in the end forced to call off his visit to Brussels to attend meetings on the migration crisis due to the Wednesday attacks in Ankara that had killed 28 people and wounded dozens. Mr Davuto?lu was supposed to meet Angela Merkel and 10 other leaders to talk about the ways to tame the flow of migrants to the Old Continent. The head of the EUs five-month-old project East Stratcom, whose aim is to monitor and counter Russian propaganda and misinformation online, is appealing to MEPs to get their help to spread information across the EU. East Stratcom team currently does not have any budget and it operates under the European External Action Service. Its nine-person staff and approximately 400 contributors located throughout the block and Eastern Europe monitor online media and alert Brussels when they encounter propaganda. The team publishes a weekly review of the examples of recent Russian misinformation coming mostly from online sources. Giles Portman, Head of East Stratcom, however, said that there was a limit to what his team could achieve without help from outside. That means the help of the Member States, but I really think we can use your help as well to support our network and spread the information we find out, Mr Portman said when speaking to the Subcommittee on Security and Defense (SEDE) on Friday (18 February). The Parliaments Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is going to vote on East Stratcom in a plenary vote in June. Polish EPP MEP Anna Elzbieta Fotyga (Law and Justice), Chair of SEDE, will be a rapporteur on the report. The report that the Parliament will discuss in June will address propaganda from Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and the Islamic State. However, some MEPs think that East Stratcom should also aim to educate and influence Europeans to recognize and counter Russian propaganda themselves. Last November, the EU Parliament approved a report that would make Internet companies liable for hate speech. At the same time, the Commission is negotiating with firms behind closed doors to encourage them to remove extremist posts that Europol labels as dangerous. Illinois European Union Center by Eider Etxebarria Zuluaga Eider Etxebarria Zuluaga is a graduate student in Spanish Linguistics at the University of Illinois. Eider is planning on finishing her Masters degree and continuing with a Ph.D. in the same field. She is planning on teaching Basque and Spanish in the future. She wrote this text as a student in 418 Language and Minorities in Europe. References Euskal Herriko Ikastolak. Euskaltzaindia. (2003). El movimiento de las ikastolas. Un pueblo en marcha. El modelo ikastola 1960-2010. Jagon Saila, 1-353. Lopez-Goni, I. (2003). Ikastola in the twentieth century: an alternative for schooling in the Basque Country. History of Education,32(6), 661-676. 1896 was a memorable year in the history of Basque revitalization. This is the year when, the first school that taught entirely in euskera, the Basque language, was founded by Resurreccion Maria de Azkue (1864-1951) in Bilbao. Although the school sorrowfully closed four years later due to the insufficient number of students, at the beginning of the 20th century, so-called(neighborhood schools), Basque schools with a more communitarian nature, sprang forth in the Basque-speaking regions. The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1939) authorized the teaching of Basque, to some extent. My great aunt used to tell us that she studied in euskera at school. The Republican era proclaimed religious freedom (, article3 from the 1931 Constitution), institutionalizing thus laicism in schools. However, with Francos dictatorship intrusion, forty years of hunt and terror began, and everything related to euskera, Basque culture or Basque identity was harshly condemned. Bascophilia () was inclemently trampled on. The banner of the Francoist Regime was (Spain, one, big and free) and Castilian was the only language to be used in the Spanish State, of course. Castilian was instilled through institutional tools such as administration, media and education. In this manner, schools were turned into an indoctrination tool at the service of the nation., which emerged during the 60s (1959-1969), constitute the front line of the Basque schooling system. These schools were principally created to fight the imminent extinction of euskera and to confer it with a previously unrecognized status and prestige as a language of culture, administration and life. At the time of their creation,symbolized a socially supported and needed strategy adopted by Basques in Euskal Herria to combat the oppression of Spain and France. As Lopez-Goni (2003: 662) explains, during the dictatorship they had to be run on a semi-clandestine basis under the permanent threat of governmental penalties. These clandestine schools were more commonly known as(school-houses) because classes where taught in particular houses, usually the teachers were the owners of these houses.were financially maintained by students parents. It was under these furtive back-door circumstances whereestablished themselves as an alternative option for receiving education in Basque. It was around this time when Euskal Herria saw a process of collective awareness strongly sprouting with social gatherings, dancing groups, singing groups, Basque teaching groups, mountain teams, etc.After the Statute of Autonomy () in 1979, better known as the Statute of Guernica (),were legitimately institutionalized. By that time, Spain and France already had well-established national education systems. Each of these countries alleged that their systems were developers of equality, uniformity, and centrality for their respective nations. This way, the government had complete control and power over all resources such as people, money, information and technology., for its part, had to be created as a measure of decentralization. Authority passed down to the Basque Government (), who channeled their actions through the Ministry of Education and finally got to each of the individual schools. Thus, although the locus of power remained with the Spanish government, the Basque government could now decide the curriculum content, control the budget and were responsible for employment, building facilities, discipline policies, etc. In the Basque case, as it is in the Breton, Corsican or Catalan cases, the creation of their own forms of schooling enabled and assured the continuity, development and well-being of their languages. Institutionalized Basque education not only played a key role in the prosperity of Basque, but more importantly, it assured its survival.The 90s gave a turnaround to the Basque educational system for good but at the same time, they caused the crisis of. On February 19, 1993 (Basque Public School Law) passed on.were given three months to decide whether they wanted to become public or stay as. 55% of the(63 out of 114 schools) remained as, while 37% (42 schools) decided to become public. The remaining 8% (11 schools) remains undetermined. Concerning the students, it is estimated that 35,991 students (64%) stayed in, while 14,020 students (25%) trusted the public school system. Some of the reasons behind their incorporation to the public school net include the conception that they already accomplished their historical function or economic problems. In such a way,(Basque Public School) began to take the first steps forward.are semi-private Basque schools which receive funding from the government in addition to funding from private sources such as enterprises and religious associations, among many others. In contrast,is the public Basque school system funded and administered by(the Basque Government). This might be a never-ending rivalry between two stances: supporters of the public system argue that quality education should be guaranteed by the government, and it should be accessible and affordable. On the other hand, supporter of the semi-private system argue that money guarantees better quality. In my opinion, one of the issues that harmed most the work behind the educational revolution in Euskal Herria has been the tendency to politicize it. Commonly, the left wing community has relied upon public schools, the center wing has preferred the semi-private schools, and the right wing has trusted private institutions. However, generalizing is falling into committing a terrible mistake. What is undeniable is how indefatigably the Basque education system has worked in the society and for the society. The Basque education system has been the driving force behind the acquisition of euskera in a new generation that might never have acquired it at home, my generation. FTZs to lead the way Updated: 2016-02-22 03:27 By ZHONG NAN in Shanghai and LIU CE in Shenyang(China Daily) Local trade areas to feature prominently in next stage of the country's growth Every stage of China's development can be likened to a sporting event played by local governments. Since the start of the 1990s, the areas in which local authorities have competed include foreign direct investment, new airports with direct flights to popular overseas destinations, sprawling urban plans featuring exotic public buildings or office buildings, and high-speed rail services. But what next, with the economy undergoing a difficult transition and almost every industry seeing a slowdown in growth? News emerging from provincial-level policymaking meetings held before the annual session of the National People's Congress in March is that setting up local free trade zones will mark the next stage of the nation's development. Local governments will embark on a new round of competition to obtain central government approval for such zones and to show who can run a local FTZ most successfully. Commerce officials say that the competition will probably continue throughout the nation's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20). Also called tariff-free zones, FTZs are areas within which goods can be imported, processed and exported without going through customs inspections. Foreign investors can set up facilities in industries that are restricted elsewhere in the country. FTZs are designed to provide greater access and convenience for foreign companies to expand in China and for Chinese companies to move money abroad in diverse services and financial operations, as well as in manufacturing. For foreign enterprises from developed economies, FTZs can help establish beachheads quickly in important services such as health and education, said Liu Chenyang, a researcher with the APEC study center at Nankai University, Tianjin. As many as 20 of the 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions on the Chinese mainland have either made plans or filed proposals with the central government to establish FTZs. Liaoning, Henan and Hai-nan provinces and the Ningxia Hui autonomous region have officially included their concepts for local FTZs into their plans for 2016. The chance for these provinces to get the green light from the central government seems good, development specialists and officials say. A new batch of FTZs is expected to be finalized in the first half of the year, although not all provinces will be satisfied. The nation right now has four FTZs, all along its coastline. It established its first pilot FTZ in Shanghai in August 2013, and three more in Tianjin, Fujian and Guangdong in April. In December, the State Council issued its "Opinions on Speeding up the Implementation of FTZ Strategy", which promised to build more FTZs. Most likely, the new batch will give priority to inland areas that play a key role in the Belt and Road Initiative, connecting with countries across Eurasia. Tang Wenhong, director-general of the Ministry of Commerce's Department of Foreign Investment Administration, said the new batch is also expected to increase China's competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. Li Xi, Party chief of Liaoning province, said he is expecting the central government to approve the China (Dalian) Pilot Free Trade Zone quickly so that it can help the longtime industrial province reverse its rapid decline in business activity. "The Dalian FTZ is designed not just as a copy of others but as one that is more regionally integrated, targeted and differentiated in its own functions, backed by a strong industrial foundation and strategic positioning" compared with Japan, Russia, Mongolia and the Korean Peninsula, Li said. A free-trade zone in Dalian an international shipping center and regional finance center in Northeast Asia could boost trade volume between overseas markets and China's northeastern provinces and the eastern Inner Mongolia autonomous region, according to Bai Ming, a researcher at the Beijing-based Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation. In particular, it could help Liaoning, which has suffered from a decline in overseas demand and rising wages, to reorient its business for the 21st century. "For sustainable growth, local officials must pay attention to job creation," Bai said. "They should design new FTZs imaginatively so that they are more regionally integrated. They should not blindly copy existing FTZs." At the moment, FTZs make up only a tiny part of China's economy. But they represent a future scenario for success. In the long run, economists expect the entire country's economy and economic regime to become more like today's FTZs. In a few years, experts say, they will help China get used to a more competitive and more collaborative global business environment. Contact the writers at zhongnan@chinadaily.com.cn New securities chief faces challenge in restoring confidence Updated: 2016-02-22 04:11 By CAI XIAO and LI XIANG(China Daily) Liu Shiyu, new head of China Securities Regulatory Commission. Liu Shiyu, the newly appointed head of China's securities watchdog to replace Xiao Gang, faces a daunting task in making the equity market more market-oriented and in cracking down on illegal activities. Dong Dengxin, a finance researcher at Wuhan University of Science and Technology, said, "I think the China Securities Regulatory Commission chairman has a challenging role. "The Chinese capital market has not reached a high market oriented and law-based level, so the public relies heavily on the government and this puts pressure on the job. "Therefore, launching registration based IPO reform and refining the Securities Law can be two focuses for the new chairman." Li Shuguang, a law professor at China University of Political Science and Law, said Liu's appointment before the annual sessions of the country's top legislature and advisory body next month shows that the central government is paying attention to the capital market, which plays a positive role in China's economic transformation. Li, who knows Liu, said the new CSRC chief is experienced in financial market regulation and risk control. "For Liu, cracking down on illegal activities and protecting small and medium investors' interests can be important tasks," Li said. He said the securities watchdog should help with the amendment of the Securities Law and implement this well, based on laws and rules. JianYang, a professor of finance at University of Colorado Denver, said the watchdog would be more prudent in introducing new rules. Hong Hao, managing director and chief strategist at BOCOM International, said: "The replacement of the stock market watchdog head announced over the weekend can be mildly positive for the stock market this week, as the market hopes for a new supportive policy. But in the long term, fundamentals will determine market direction." Bernard Dewit, chairman of the Belgian Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said the replacement is aimed at restoring investor confidence and showcasing the determination to get the market's performance back on track. "This is a step that has attracted global attention, and I'm sure that markets worldwide will respond accordingly on Monday," Dewit said. He added that China's economic fundamentals are sound, its potential is huge and both factors will help to develop a healthy capital market. Xiao Gang, 57, a former head of the Bank of China, had been CSRC chief since March 2013. During Xiao's t e n u r e , unchecked leverage triggered a jump in equity prices in late 2014 before the market collapsed in June last year, leading to government stock purchases, restrictions on the sale of stakes and a temporary ban on IPOs. Hong, of BOCOM International, said, "While there has been much criticism of Xiao, the market's compound annual return during his tenure was the highest among the past four CSRC chairmen." Paul Welitzkin in New York and Fu Jing in London contributed to this story. Shares edge up on appointment of new securities regulator Updated: 2016-02-22 15:51 (chinadaily.com.cn) Investors check stock prices at a securities brokerage in Huaibei, Anhui province, Feb 22, 2016. [Photo/IC] Stocks edged up on Monday, extending last week's gains, as the country's securities watchdog appointed a new chairman over the weekend. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index closed at 2,927.18, up 2.4 percent, paring the year-to-date loss to 17.3 percent, while the Shenzhen Component Index climbed 2.1 percent to 10,370.99 on Monday. The rally comes as Liu Shiyu, a veteran banker, was appointed to replace Xiao Gang as the head of China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), according to decisions made by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council. Liu Shiyu faces a daunting task in making the A-share market more market-oriented and in cracking down on illegal activities, said analysts. Prior to the appointment, Liu was the deputy governor of the central bank from 2006 before he left in late 2014 to head the Agricultural Bank of China, the country's third-largest commercial lender by assets. Insurers and brokerages led the gains on Monday. China Life Insurance and Orient Securities jumped by the daily limit of 10 percent. West Securities, Guoyuan Securities and New China Life Insurance surged more than 5 percent. Only 93 of the 2,440 stocks edged down on Monday. A total of 602.1 billion yuan of shares changed hands at the two markets. The CSI 300 Index advanced 2.2 percent to 3,118.87 as of closing. Cai Xiao and Li Xiang contributed to this story. Testosterone Oxytocin Cortisol Leptin Thyroid Hormone Every person in the world has one thing in common is the need for fat loss. Unfortunately, this is a common scenario for many people. Thats why its important to know what hormones or steroids are available that can help you reach your goal sooner and more efficiently. If you are interested in buying weight loss steroids, then a Great place to buy weight loss steroids at LAWeekly . Five essential hormones can help increase your metabolism and burn calories at a faster rate. 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So whenever you want to take thyroid hormone pills, you should always check with your doctor first if it is right for you or not. There is no point in risking your health just because you dont have enough money for prescription drugs.Eating less and working out more is not the only way to lose weight. You need to do it faster and easier if you want to see results in a short time. The five hormones listed above can help you burn calories faster than ever without any effort at all. We want your comments and your story tips! geniusofdespair@yahoo.com (use ALL caps in subject line) afarago@bellsouth.net. Actually I never look at my email, Genius, so write to Gimleteye. Samuel Willenberg, the last survivor of Nazi Germany's Treblinka death camp in Poland, has died in Israel aged 93. Only one of 67 people known to have survived the camp, he escaped by clambering over bodies piled up by a fence as the Nazis shot prisoners during a mass break-out. In 2013, he returned to the site to mark 70 years since his escape. About 870,000 people died in the gas chambers at Treblinka - more than anywhere else except Auschwitz. Mr Willenberg urged the world never to forget Treblinka. Image copyright AP Image caption Mr Willenberg escaped from Treblinka by clambering over the bodies of his dead friends Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Mr Willenberg regularly returned to Treblinka to guide youth tour groups In October 1942, aged 19, he was among 6,000 Jews from the Opatow ghetto who arrived by train at the camp. They were told they were at a transit camp and had to undress and shower before being sent onward. In reality, the shower rooms were gas chambers. But because he was a bricklayer he was assigned to manual labour duties and escaped an early death. His job was to sort through the belongings of the people sent to the gas chambers. After the war Mr Willenberg - whose two sisters were killed at the camp - moved to Israel and became a surveyor. "I live two lives, one is here and now and the other is what happened there,'' he said. `"It never leaves me. It stays in my head. It goes with me always." Most of Treblinka's guards were never prosecuted for their part in the crimes there. Treblinka's commandant, Franz Stangl, was sentenced to life imprisonment in October 1970 following his trial in the west German city of Duesseldorf. Today nothing remains of the extermination camp apart from the ashes of the mostly Jewish men, women and children murdered there. Courtesy BBC 4. The Newton Arlosh War Memorial [It remembers the 'Fallen' of both WW1 and WW2] Located in the S.W. corner of the churchyard] About Me africanelections www.africanelections.org contact us at africanelectionsproject AT gmail.com View my complete profile WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2016 - The clock is ticking this week for senators to reach agreement on a biotech labeling bill that can win enough Democratic support to reach President Obamas desk. Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts has been negotiating with his committees top Democrat, Debbie Stabenow, on the legislation but went ahead and released a draft measure that lacks a key requirement she has been seeking - mandatory disclosure of GMO ingredients. Roberts scheduled a markup for the bill for Thursday, effectively setting a deadline for the talks. After Roberts released his draft Friday, Stabenow issued a statement saying she agreed with the urgency of acting on legislation and was committed to working on an agreement. Roberts made clear he is open to modifying the legislation. but he told Agri-Pulse weve got to expedite this. We have to provide certainty and help keep food affordable for working families. His bill would preempt state labeling laws, including the one in Vermont set to take effect July 1, and mandate that the Agriculture Department set standards for voluntary labeling of biotech foods. USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services also would be required to study consumer knowledge of agricultural biotechnology. Food makers, retailers and farm groups applauded Roberts decision to move forward with the bill. The Democratic senators from North Dakota, Minnesota and Michigan will likely be critical to moving the bill. The three states are the leading producers of sugar beets, most of which are genetically engineered. David Berg, the president and CEO of American Crystal Sugar Co., a major supplier of beet sugar based in Moorhead, Minn., told Agri-Pulse his company has been trying to persuade Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., and Minnesotas two Democratic senators to support the legislation. Going back to non-GMO is simply not an option anytime soon, he said, citing the unavailability of conventional seed. Passing the preemption bill would relieve some of the pressure that his customers are feeling over the GMO issue, he said. Meanwhile, the Senate is schedule to move forward Monday with confirmation of Robert Califf as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. The agency has been without a permanent commissioner for nearly a year. If the Senate approves cloture Monday evening, a final vote on the nomination could come Tuesday. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, put a hold on Califfs nomination over the issue of labeling genetically engineered salmon. But Murkowski dropped her objection after the FDA recently agreed that it wouldnt allow the fish to go to market until the agency issued labeling guidelines. On Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will testify before the House Agriculture Committee and is likely to be pressed on the slumping farm economy as well as the biotech issue. Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, R-Texas, is at odds with Vilsack over his refusal to allow cottonseed to qualify for the new farm bill commodity programs. Vilsack insists he doesnt have the legal authority to do so. Also Wednesday, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will question administration officials about their implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard. The witnesses will include Janet McCabe, acting assistant administrator for the EPAs Office of Air and Radiation, and Howard Gruenspecht, deputy administrator of the Energy Information Administration. Philanthropist Howard Buffett will headline USDAs annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, which takes place Thursday and Friday in Arlington, Va., and features the release of USDAs crop and livestock forecasts for the year ahead. Keep up with ag and rural policy and energy news as it happens. Sign up for a four-week free trial of Agri-Pulse. The theme of this years conference is Transforming Agriculture: Blending Technology and Tradition. Sessions will cover a range of issues, including climate change mitigation; land tenure and transition; the potential benefits of environmental markets; and the security concerns of Big Data. Heres a list of agriculture- or rural-related events scheduled for this week in Washington and elsewhere: Monday, Feb. 22 National Governors Association winter meeting. U.S. Trade Representative joins President Obama in meeting with the governors. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will moderate a governors panel on rural poverty, starting at 4:30 p.m., Washington Marriott Wardman Park American Farm Bureau Federation advocacy conference, through Wednesday, Washington Hilton. National Potato Council Fly-In, through Thursday, Mayflower Hotel. 5:30 p.m. - Senate cloture vote on nomination of Robert Califf as FDA commissioner. Tuesday, Feb. 23 Vilsack will participate on chronic poverty for members of the National Association of Counties at 11:15 a.m., Washington Marriott Wardman Park Vilsack will hold a media call with Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall on the impact of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. USDA Advisory Committee on Animal Health meeting through Thursday, Dallas. 10 a.m. - Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on the Interior Departments fiscal 2017 budget, 366 Dirksen. 2:30 p.m. - Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation subcommittee hearing on the Magnuson-Stevens fisheries management law, 253 Russell. Wednesday, Feb. 24 9:30 a.m. - House Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the Forest Service, B-308 Rayburn 10 a.m. - House Agriculture Committee hearing with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, 1300 Longworth. 10 a.m. - Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on the Renewable Fuel Standard, 406 Dirksen. 10:15 a.m. - House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the Food and Nutrition Service, 2362-A Rayburn. 2:30 p.m. - House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the Food Safety and Inspection Service, 2362-A Rayburn. Thursday, Feb. 25 USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum, through Friday 8:30 a.m. - USDA releases Weekly Export Sales report. 9 a.m. - USDA issues monthly Food Price Outlook. 10 a.m. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry holds a business meeting to consider the Chairman's Mark on biotechnology labeling solutions. 10 a.m. - House Agriculture subcommittee hearing on the G-20 swap data reporting goals, 1300 Longworth. 10:30 a.m. - House Agriculture Appropriations hearing on the FDA, 2362-A Rayburn. Friday, Feb. 26 Ag Outlook Forum. #30 The eight new F-16s would come with all this weaponry, as would the 10 additional fighters on which Pakistan could exercise options to make up a full new squadron. Like No.5 Squadron, the new squadron too will most likely be based at Jacobabad, since the US has imposed stringent conditions on where Pakistan can base F-16s. AMSTERDAM, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Retailers Ahold and Delhaize said on Monday they had proposed to sell a "limited number" of stores in Belgium in a bid to win regulatory approval from the country's competition authority for their merger. The companies said in an emailed statement that the proposed divestments would include both Ahold-owned stores and Delhaize-branded outlets, but did not say how many of each. Ahold announced plans to buy Delhaize in June. (Reporting by Toby Sterling and Robert-Jan Bartunek; Editing by Mark Potter) By Davide Scigliuzzo NEW YORK, Feb 22 (IFR) - Argentina's bonds rallied by up to two points on Monday after a favorable ruling on Friday in the country's legal battle against holdout creditors. Argentina's 2033 Discount notes were among the most active on Monday morning, jumping by around two points to 120 in early trading. The 2038 Par bonds, meanwhile, rose by about a point to 65.5, according to a New York-based trader. Late Friday, the judge presiding over Argentina's decade-long battle with creditors who did not participate in its 2005 and 2010 restructurings, signaled he would be willing to lift an injunction preventing Argentina from servicing its foreign debt. The injunction - which was meant to bring Argentina and holdouts to the negotiating table - forced the sovereign to default on its restructured bonds in 2014. US Judge Thomas Griesa said that it would serve the public interest to lift the injunctions, provided that Argentina repeals two laws concerning its debts and pays all creditors who agree by February 29 to settle. "It was the first favorable ruling from (US judge) Griesa towards Argentina and took the market by surprise," said Siobhan Morden, head of Latin America fixed income strategy at Nomura. A key Argentine lawmaker and analysts said on Monday that Congress is likely to repeal the two laws blocking settlements with creditors, Reuters reported. Some profit-taking emerged after the early rise in prices with the Discounts quoted at 119 as of 09:00am. "It's hard to say (if there is more upside)," said a New York-based trader. "Flows here are two-way." (Reporting by Davide Scigliuzzo; Editing by Jack Doran) A maximum of 80 migrants per day are now being allowed to claim asylum in Austria, and Vienna is also limiting the daily number of people transiting through to seek asylum in a neighbouring state to 3,200 (AFP Photo/Joe Klamar) Vienna (AFP) - Austria introduced a daily cap on asylum-seekers, sparking EU fears of a domino effect along the Balkan migrant trail and a threat from Greece to veto an accord keeping Britain in the bloc. A maximum of 80 migrants per day are now being allowed to claim asylum in Austria, and Vienna is also limiting the daily number of people transiting through to seek asylum elsewhere to 3,200. The arrival of more than a million refugees and migrants in Europe last year has caused a chain reaction of border clampdowns among several member states. As the main gateway into the EU, Greece has been struggling to cope with the new arrivals and fears new restrictions by other members will leave tens of thousands of people stranded on its territory. But EU sources said Greece had reached an informal agreement with Austria to "cooperate better" on migration. Faced with being excluded from the EU's passport-free Schengen zone, Greece had pinned its hopes on the EU and Turkey firming up a deal to stem the migration flow at a special summit on March 6. "We are asking for a unanimous decision that until March 6, no state will unilaterally close its borders," a Greek government source told AFP Friday before the reform deal was reached. "If not, the Greek government will not approve the conclusion text," the source said. But EU sources said Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's concerns eased after meeting with Austrian Chancellor Werner Feymann on the sidelines of an EU summit in Brussels. The pair reached "an agreement to cooperate better" on migration, an EU source told AFP on condition of anonymity. "Tsipras seemed happy with the outcome." Another EU source told AFP that Austria would not close its borders before the EU-Turkey summit. Under a German-backed EU proposal to be discussed in March, Turkey would curb the flow of migrants and then fly refugees to Europe for resettlement in exchange for three billion euros ($3.3 billion). Story continues However, central European countries are opposing the resettlement scheme and are instead pushing to seal Greece off from the Schengen zone. - 'Put the brakes on' - Deep rifts within the 28-nation EU have opened in the face of Europe's biggest migration crisis since World War II. More than 80,000 people -- many of them children -- have endured the perilous journey across the Aegean Sea since January, most fleeing war and violence in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. Brussels on Friday clinched a deal to keep Britain from potentially leaving the EU by giving it "special status" in the bloc, including allowing London to limit welfare payments for migrants. But Austria's move to cap migrant numbers has sparked an angry reaction from Brussels, which called it "incompatible" with EU law. Austria's Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner warned on Friday the cap could be lowered even further, saying: "We need to put the brakes on." Following Austria's tighter measures, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia have also tightened their borders. Austria announced last month it would only take in 37,500 asylum-seekers this year -- sharply down from the 90,000 it accepted in 2015, making it one of the bloc's highest recipients on a per-basis capita. Vienna has joined the so-called Visegrad Four (V4) group -- Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic -- in their call for tighter EU controls inside Schengen. Germany, which received more than one million asylum claims in 2015, acknowledged that the EU "must see quickly if measures (agreed with Turkey) work". A meeting with Turkey and the leaders of 11 EU countries had been planned before Thursday, but was cancelled when Turkey's premier Ahmet Davutoglu pulled out following a bomb attack in Ankara. Portugal said on Friday it had offered to take 5,800 extra asylum-seekers, on top of 4,500 already accepted, to help countries "where the migration pressure is strongest", including Austria, Sweden, Italy and Greece. WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - February 22, 2016) - The Besen Group, an international mobile data industry management consulting practice headquartered in the Washington, DC area, with representatives in Paris and Tokyo, partners with Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) to host an MVNO seminar titled "The State of the US MVNO Market 2016" at CCA's Mobile Carriers Show 2016 in Nashville, TN. The seminar will take place on Wednesday, April 13th from 1pm to 5pm at the Music City Center. "We are honored to partner with CCA to offer our comprehensive US MVNO seminar at their event. Our objective is to inform and educate each seminar participant with different mobile wholesale business models, wholesale costs and wholesale margin analysis for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. In addition, we will share our MVNO case studies from Comcast, Google, TracFone Wireless and Vodafone Americas," said Alex Besen, Founder and CEO of The Besen Group LLC. The Besen Group considers roaming, reseller, MVNO, network sharing and spectrum sharing as mobile wholesale business models and believes that the US will be the largest market for MVNOs globally in the years ahead. "I am delighted that Alex and The Besen Group will be part of our dynamic program at CCA's inaugural Mobile Carriers Show," said Steven K. Berry, President & CEO of CCA. "MVNOs play a significant role in the mobile industry, and this seminar will not only provide a thorough look at the US MVNO landscape, but it will also provide the MVNO community with unmatched opportunities to meet and network with the decision makers of wireless carriers. Anyone interested in the MVNO marketplace and future opportunities should attend this seminar." The MVNO seminar agenda is: Steven K. Berry - President & CEO, CCA Welcome Speech 1pm - 1:10pm Brad Blanken - SVP, Industry Development, CCA Data & Device Hub 1:10pm - 1:30pm Alex Besen - CEO, The Besen Group US MVNO Market Overview 1:30pm - 2:30pm Story continues Scott Kalinoski - VP, Wholesale, Sprint Sprint Wholesale Services 2:30pm - 3pm Michael Goldstein - VP, Marketing, Ting Ting Marketing Strategy 3pm - 3:30pm Dan McDuffie - Principal, IoT Strategies US IoT Market Overview 3:30pm - 4pm Alex Besen - CEO, The Besen Group US MVNO Case Studies 4pm - 5pm For registration, please visit: http://www.mobilecarriers.org/ About Mobile Carriers Show (www.mobilecarriers.org) Mobile Carriers Show is the only North American event to focus exclusively on smart strategies, technology innovations, and business opportunities for carriers in this increasingly mobile-driven world. Mobile Carriers Show offers attendees the opportunity to take a "deeper dive" into issues and challenges faced by competitive carriers. It takes places each spring in a destination city around the U.S. and boasts more educational sessions in additional to a dynamic exhibit hall. Mobile Carriers Show 2016 is held April 13-15 at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN. About The Besen Group (www.thebesengroup.com) The Besen Group is an international management consulting practice to the mobile industry headquartered in the Washington DC area, with representatives in Paris and Tokyo. Its mission is to provide mobile players with tools, knowledge, and services enabling them to perform optimally in their mobile environment. The Besen Group's competitive edge is based on practical experience with mobile operators, mobile vendors, and a mobile data laboratory. SAO PAULO/RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Brazil's federal police have launched another round of search and seizure operations in the nationwide corruption scandal known as "Operation Car Wash", the online version of O Globo newspaper said on Monday. The paper said police operations were underway in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, without elaborating. The police did not have an immediate comment to make on the report by G1, as the online unit of O Globo is known. Federal prosecutors began investigating suspected corruption around state-controlled oil giant Petroleo Brasileiro SA almost two years ago. (Reporting by Reese Ewing and Pedro Fonseca; Editing by Greg Mahlich) By Fergal Smith TORONTO, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Adding private sector investment to government infrastructure projects aimed at reviving Canada's struggling economy would reduce the odds of another Bank of Canada rate cut and support the country's ailing currency, market strategists say. Canada's Liberal government reiterated on Monday that it will stick with plans to invest in infrastructure projects to help counter weaker-than-expected growth. Earlier this month, the government confirmed it is talking to the country's largest pension funds about co-investing, which could spur even greater spending. The Bank of Canada would view enhanced fiscal stimulus "as an unambiguously positive development," said Andrew Kelvin, senior rates strategist at TD Securities. The central bank has already lowered rates to just 0.5 percent in an effort to kick-start the economy, and any further rate cuts would have a negative impact on the Canadian dollar, which hit a 12-year low earlier this year. "The more private sector investment you can draw into the stimulus plan, the better for the economy," said Sal Guatieri, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets. The central bank said in January it had not incorporated federal stimulus in its growth projections, a move some saw as "passing the buck" to the federal government to boost spending. "It's a no-brainer," said Benjamin Tal, senior economist at CIBC Capital Markets, who favors projects that give more growth per dollar and add to productivity, such as transit. He noted private sector involvement would generate "even a better multiplier." A 2014 study released by The Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships said that such projects helped lift Canada's gross domestic product by C$48.2 billion ($35.16 billion) between 2003 and 2012. But the structure has its critics. Ontario's auditor-general said in a 2014 report that the Canadian province could have saved billions if it successfully built such projects by itself. Story continues The Liberals said on Monday the federal budget will be released on March 22. The timing and complexity of arranging such partnerships means the economic impact of any such tie-ups is likely a ways off. But struggling Alberta may have "shovel ready" projects after experiencing difficulty hiring construction workers in an overheated economy before the oil shock, said Nathan Janzen, an economist at Royal Bank of Canada. Weak growth has challenged the policy mix globally. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development called last week for higher public investment. ($1 = 1.3710 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Fergal Smith; Editing by Jeffrey Hodgson and Dan Grebler) OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb 22, 2016) - Earlier today, Canada Without Poverty's (CWP) President, Harriett McLachlan delivered a grave account to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) on the current state of poverty in Canada. Following the tradition as the first non-government organization in the world, McLachlan joined fellow civil society organizations (CSO) and Indigenous groups in voicing concern for the various human rights violations faced by millions across Canada, daily. Currently 235,000 people are visibly homeless each year, 3.4 million are food insecure, 850,000 use food banks each month and one in seven people in Canada are living in poverty. As the country with the eleventh highest Gross Domestic Product, Canada is severely lagging in its international human rights obligations. McLachlan stated, "Although I'm an educated professional, I lived most of my life in poverty. It is clear to me that Canada does not connect poverty, homelessness or food insecurity with human rights. Paragraph 3 in Canada's response to the list of issues is clear, in the Government's opinion, my right to an adequate standard of living, to adequate housing and food, is not protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They have closed the door on people living in poverty, denying us access to justice." Today, before even hearing from the Government -- Canada will formally address the Committee on February 24th and 25th -- the United Nations Committee members voiced concerns regarding Canada's failure to implement economic and social rights. In particular, the Committee noted questions on Canada's falling social spending (the lowest as a percentage of GDP since 1949), rising rates of poverty and outcomes of existing programs. The Committee were noticeably concerned that economic and social rights were not protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. CWP's Executive Director, Leilani Farha added, "the Trudeau Government has taken some positive steps towards addressing poverty, but without a commitment to human rights and an adequate, sustained funding on the table, the rights of nearly 5 million people in poverty cannot be fulfilled." CWP's President, Executive Director and Legal Education and Outreach Coordinator, will be in attendance throughout the review and are looking forward to hearing the Government's proposals to address continued human rights violations and assist the most vulnerable. JINJIANG, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / February 22, 2016 / China Ceramics Co., Ltd.. (CCCL) will host a conference call to provide an update as to its operations, to be held Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 8:00 AM Eastern Time. To participate in this event, dial 866-320-0174 domestically, or 785-424-1631 internationally, approximately 5 to 10 minutes before the beginning of the call. You may access the teleconference replay by dialing 800-839-3516 domestically or 402-220-7238 internationally. The replay will be available beginning approximately 2 hours after the completion of the live event, ending at midnight Eastern on March 23, 2016. About China Ceramics Co., Ltd. China Ceramics Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of ceramic tiles in China. The Company's ceramic tiles are used for exterior siding, interior flooring, and design in residential and commercial buildings. China Ceramics' products, sold under the "Hengda" or "HD", "Hengdeli" or "HDL", the "TOERTO" and "WULIQIAO" brands, and the "Pottery Capital of Tang Dynasty" brands, are available in over 2,000 style, color and size combinations and are distributed through a network of exclusive distributors as well as directly to large property developers. For more information, please visit http://www.cceramics.com. SOURCE: Investor Calendar By Megha Rajagopalan BEIJING, Feb 22 (Reuters) - China has almost doubled its weapons exports in the past five years, a military think tank said on Monday, as the world's third-largest weapons exporter pours capital into developing an advanced arms manufacturing industry. In 2011 to 2015, China's arms imports fell 25 percent compared with the previous five year period, signaling a growing confidence in the country's homegrown weaponry despite key areas of weakness, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said in a report on global arms transfers. Chinese exports of major arms, which excludes most light weaponry, grew by 88 percent in 2011-2015 compared to the earlier five-year timeframe, SIPRI said. The country still accounted for only 5.9 percent of global arms exports from 2011-2015, well beind the United States and Russia, by far the world's two largest arms exporters. "The Chinese until ten years ago were only able to offer low tech equipment. That has changed," said Siemon Wezeman, Senior Researcher with the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme. "The equipment that they produce is much more highly advanced than ten years ago, and attracts interest from some of the bigger markets." China has invested billions developing its homegrown weapons industry to support its growing maritime ambitions in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, and also with an eye toward foreign markets for its comparatively low cost technology. Its total military budget in 2015 was 886.9 billion yuan ($141.45 billion), up 10 percent from a year earlier. The U.S. and Russia saw weapons exports grow by 27 percent and 28 percent respectively, while exports of major arms by France and Germany, the fourth and fifth largest weapons exporters, fell over the same period. Most of China's arms sales went to countries in Asia and Oceania, the report found, with Pakistan accounting for 35 percent, followed by Bangladesh and Myanmar. Story continues Pakistan is a key Chinese ally, and close military ties between the two countries has sometimes stoked tensions with neighbouring India, which is seeking to boost its own homegrown weapons industry. China still needs to import weapons including large transport aircraft, helicopters as well as engines for aircraft, vehicles and ships, according to the report. China, the world's second largest economy, signed deals in 2015 to buy air defence systems and two dozen combat jets from Russia, its largest arms supplier. (Editing by Lincoln Feast) Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos speaks during a press conference with US Secretary of State John Kerry at the State Department, on February 5, 2016 in Washington, DC (AFP Photo/Brendan Smialowski) Bogota (AFP) - Colombia's president Friday pressured FARC rebels to respect a March 23 deadline for a peace deal to end a half-century conflict, warning time was short as tensions rose over the negotiations. Progress made in recent weeks at peace talks in Havana looked in peril as President Juan Manuel Santos and leaders of the Marxist guerrilla force squabbled over restrictions on the rebel leaders' movements in Colombia. Under pressure after FARC members provoked outrage by appearing at a political rally, Santos warned time was running out for the two sides to reach agreement on the final points of the peace deal. Those points "must be resolved before the agreed date. If that does not happen, Colombians will understand that the FARC were not ready for peace," Santos said in a speech on Friday. "The time for finishing the negotiations is running out. The date of March 23 -- agreed on by the president and the leader of the FARC -- is less than five weeks away." Santos on Thursday suspended visits by FARC negotiators to their members in Colombia. He said they had breached an earlier agreement by attending a political rally with members of the public. The FARC in a statement branded that an "unjustified controversy." "This moment, in which the possibility of signing a definitive peace agreement is becoming an increasing certainty, requires that... the main players in the process show they are determined to negotiate together whatever obstacles may stand in the way of a political solution." The two sides have yet to agree on the details of disarmament and the mechanism by which the final accord will be ratified. Santos has vowed to put the peace deal to a popular vote in Colombia but the FARC wants it passed by a constituent assembly. The United Nations has agreed to send a political mission of unarmed observers to monitor disarmament and the transition to peace. The FARC launched in the aftermath of a peasant uprising in 1964 and authorities estimate it currently has some 7,000 members. The Colombian conflict has drawn in right-wing paramilitaries, drug traffickers and several leftist rebel groups. The war has left more than 220,000 people dead. By Jonathan Stempel Feb 22 (Reuters) - A federal appeals court endorsed a Colorado law designed to make it easier for the state to collect sales taxes on out-of-state purchases made over the Internet. Monday's decision by the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver reversed a lower court ruling that blocked Colorado from enforcing its so-called "Amazon tax" law, named for online retailer Amazon.com Inc. The decision is a victory for states seeking to boost revenue by ensuring that online shoppers pay taxes. It is a defeat for the Direct Marketing Association, a trade group that challenged the 2010 law, and which a year ago won U.S. Supreme Court permission to pursue its case. The law requires retailers that do not collect sales taxes to report transactions to customers and state tax authorities, with a goal of encouraging online shoppers -- many unaware of their responsibilities -- to pay taxes. In court papers, Colorado said the failure to pay cost more than $170 million of tax revenue in 2012, and law professors said the nationwide shortfall might top $11 billion. The DMA claimed that the law violated the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. A federal district judge agreed in 2012, citing a 1992 Supreme Court ruling that barred states from collecting taxes from retailers that had no local physical presence. But in Monday's decision, Circuit Judge Scott Matheson said that 1992 ruling, Quill Corp v North Dakota, applied "narrowly" to tax collections, and that the district judge was wrong to extend its reach to reporting obligations. "Reporting requirements are designed to increase compliance with pre-existing tax obligations," Matheson wrote. "DMA has not shown the Colorado law imposes a discriminatory economic burden on out-of-state vendors." Christopher Oswald, the DMA's vice president of advocacy, said his group is reviewing the decision, which upheld requirements that "unduly break the bond of trust between marketers and their customers." Story continues A spokesman for Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman, who defended the law, had no immediate comment. The 10th Circuit includes Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming. Amazon now charges sales tax on purchases by Colorado residents. Last March, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that federal courts could hear the DMA's challenge, while Justice Anthony Kennedy in a concurrence called for the Quill ruling to be reconsidered. Kennedy said Internet retailing has caused a "startling revenue shortfall in many States, with concomitant unfairness to local retailers and their customers who do pay taxes at the register." The case is Direct Marketing Association v. Brohl, 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 12-1175. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) connected cars The automotive establishment has taken a deep dive into the digital world. We're now hearing about carmaker giants like GM, Ford, and BMW laying large amounts of money on connected car technology. The goal is to make vehicles smarter. And because technology has become all-consuming, it's also to be sure that its easy to stay connected. AT&T recently struck a deal to power 10 million Ford vehicles equipped with the automaker's SYNC interface over the next five years. Get ready for many more rolling Wi-Fi hotspots to hit the road. (General Motors has already introduced its own 4G LTE connectivity package through its OnStar feature.) "The internet of things is really what's driving this," Matt DeWolf, director of mobile strategy at the business vehicle services company, Runzheimer told Business Insider. DeWolf believes the connected car is more than just a segment in the automotive space. "The connected car is an appliance, and it will play a major role in this growing ecosystem of connected devices." Automakers and tech giants have already begun to introduce those concepts. connected car, self-driving car autonomous Where is all of this innovation taking us? Now that the auto and tech industries have effectively reimagined the car as a tethered internet device, the logical next step is cars that talk to each other. Such vehicles will eventually be driving themselves because you need vehicles to communicate with each other and their surroundings in order to operate autonomously. Automakers and tech companies have shown measured progress here, but there's still a long way to go. And aside from the tech hurdles currently being ironed out, there's still plenty of legislative details to sort through as well. Story continues Google self-driving car In any case, you can call the proliferation of connected cars a precursor to the self-driving revolution. Everything is at play. The internet-of-things, remote software updates and the tethering of home automation services in the car. Major automakers have apparently realized that smartphone makers were beating them in the innovation game. While innovation in the mobile space burns hot and fast, the automakers, by comparison, were intent on developing their own technologies, partially out of fear of letting Silicon Valley in. But that's changing now. AT&T, for example, now has relationships with 10 automakers, including Porsche, Audi, Tesla, Jaguar Land Rover, and Volvo all of which will implement AT&T's technology in their vehicles. "As of last year, over fifty percent of new vehicles rolling off assembly lines were equipped with AT&T connectivity," Chris Penrose, who heads up connected cars at AT&T, said. NOW WATCH: We put a GoPro on a $315,000 Ferrari More From Business Insider AP_1602222027447829 A crisis-management expert said Uber had a proper response in the aftermath of the weekend's Kalamazoo shootings, in which a man identified by authorities as an Uber driver shot six people to death and wounded others. The valuable ride-hailing startup was smart to quickly address that Jason Dalton who a Michigan prosecutor said admitted on Monday to the six killings passed his background check, according to James Lukaszewski, a crisis-management consultant and president of The Lukaszewski Group Division of the Risdall Marketing Group. He added that Uber should also be transparent about the details of how it vets drivers. "Uber's responsibility to its passengers and its own drivers is to clearly explain how they get these drivers and the process that they go through,"Lukaszewski told Business Insider. "They have an obligation to show how they vet these drivers." Uber has a thorough explanation of its background checks on its website. In any case, Lukaszewski said he didn't expect this to have a big effect on Uber's bottom line. He said the airline industry was a good barometer, adding that an airline doesn't typically see a decrease in passengers after a disaster aboard one of its planes. "The fact is these huge catastrophic circumstances often don't have that much impact the way you think they would," he said. "So, the real thing is, it seems to me, is how will Uber's customers react ... if it isn't in our own backyard, we live our lives the way we would normally live them. "If it happens a second time, that's another question," he continued. Uber CEO Travis Kalanick speaks to students during an interaction at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in Mumbai, India, January 19, 2016. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui Dalton, who passed a background check with Uber, had no criminal record, multiple outlets reported. "We are horrified and heartbroken at the senseless violence in Kalamazoo, Michigan," Joe Sullivan, Uber's chief security officer, said in a statement. "We have reached out to the police to help with their investigation in any way that we can." Story continues In a Monday conference call, Uber said it wasn't planning on making changes to its background-check system. Dalton had a "good" rating on the app, Sullivan said. Dalton's average rating from passengers was 4.73 stars out of five. The company deactivates drivers who fall below a certain level. "There were no red flags, if you will, that we could anticipate something like this," Sullivan said. AP_813708724410 On the day of the shootings, in which Dalton was driving for Uber, one passenger did report that Dalton was behaving erratically. Matthew Mellen told The Washington Post that Dalton's driving was so reckless he nearly jumped out of the car. "He was like asking me, 'Don't you want to get to your friend's house?'" Mellen recalled Dalton saying as he refused to slow down or stop. Mackenzie Waite, Mellen's fiancee, said he told her Dalton answered a phone call during the ride and started acting strangely afterward. "He blew through a stop sign, sideswiped a car, starting driving in [and] out of the other lane of traffic," Waite told The Post. "My fiance was just pleading with him to stop." Once he was out, Mellen called 911. He also sent a message to Uber. Waite said Uber did not immediately respond, and the police didn't get back to him for a description of the driver or the car until 6:30 p.m. Uber suspends drivers immediately only if the report is about violence, Sullivan said. NOW WATCH: Terrifying video aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship that battled hurricane-force winds and 30-foot waves More From Business Insider A logo of the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) is pictured outside an office in Singapore January 5, 2016. REUTERS/Edgar Su/Files By Saeed Azhar SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore's DBS Group Holdings booked a 20 percent jump in fourth-quarter profit and said it expected to keep bad debt charges in check this year despite headwinds from China and a rout in oil prices. Southeast Asia's biggest bank by assets has seen its shares tumble 18 percent this year, underperforming rival lenders, on worries that earnings could suffer due to its significant exposure to China through its Hong Kong unit and tough times for the oil and gas sector. But Chief Executive Piyush Gupta said that while bad debt charges linked to Greater China will climb amid a "challenging environment", he expects the bank's overall non-performing loan ratio will not rise beyond 1.3 percent in 2016 compared to 0.9 percent last year. He also said he does not expect additional provisions for the bank's S$22 billion ($15.7 billion) oil and gas portfolio after it was stress-tested at $20 a barrel. Oil is currently trading at $30 a barrel. "The market panic is overdone. This is not a Lehman moment," Gupta told an earnings briefing. Even if oil prices stay at $20 a barrel for two years, provisions on DBS' portfolio would not exceed S$200 million, he said. Helped by a spike in net interest margin, DBS's net profit came in at S$1 billion in the three months ended December, beating an average forecast of S$978 million from six analysts polled by Reuters. Its net interest margin climbed by 13 basis points to a five-year high of 1.84 percent after the Singapore Interbank Offered Rate, which is widely used to price mortgages, jumped on a weakening in the Singapore dollar. Charges for non-performing loans and other assets climbed 17 percent to S$247 million from a year earlier. Gupta said specific provisions will rise in China and Hong Kong, but that bank is seeing improvement in its India and Indonesia businesses. Rival United Overseas Bank was more downbeat in its tone for its oil and gas exposure, saying S$2 billion of that portfolio could be vulnerable if oil prices continued to stay low. Story continues DBS shares were up 0.4 percent in afternoon trade, outperforming rival Singapore banks. "In my view, the outlook (for Singapore banks) is uncertain but valuations have somewhat priced in some of those uncertainties," said Krishna Guha, an analyst at Jefferies. ($1 = 1.4031 Singapore dollars) (Reporting by Saeed Azhar; Additional reporting by Paige Lim; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) Investors will look to East Asia for clues on the region's economic health and news out of the G20 Finance Ministers meeting taking place in Shanghai on Friday and Saturday. Sustained inflation has remained elusive in Japan and the Consumer Price Index due out Friday will likely show the Bank of Japan still faces an uphill battle. Mizuho Bank and Barclays forecast headline inflation to come in at 0.0 percent, after a 0.1 percent rise in December. Japan's inflation likely remained under pressure as oil prices continued to fall in January, said Mizuho Bank in a weekly note. Despite the negative rates policy introduced in January, the central bank has signaled that it may do more if necessary, added Mizuho Bank. Hong Kong's Financial secretary John Tsang will unveil the 2016-2017 Budget, and release 2015 Q4 and full year GDP figures on Wednesday. Moody's Analytics expect Q4 GDP to come in soft at 0.4 percent compared to the 0.9 percent gain in the previous quarter. The December quarter results are expected to be hurt by weaker exports although relatively upbeat domestic demand should cushion the fall, said Moody's Analytics. Hong Kong will also release January foreign trade data on Thursday, which Moody's expects will show both exports and imports on the uptrend and trade deficit narrowing to $4.14 billion (HK32.2 billion) from $5.88 billion (HK45.7 billion). New Zealand's January foreign trade due Friday is forecast by Moody's to show a $260.2 million (NZ$392 million) trade deficit from a $35.2 million (NZ$53 million) shortfall? in December. January exports were likely to be driven down by weak dairy prices, while steady consumer demand and the depreciating currency likely supported import growth, reported Moody's. Australia's December half-year earnings season is almost over. Investors will pay attention to the earnings of BHP Billiton, Qantas, Westfarmers, Woolworths and Harvey Norman this week. Story continues Thailand, Cambodia and Laos will celebrate Magha Puga, the Buddhist festival, on Monday. Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. More From CNBC Spain's ruling Popular Party is the subject of a series of embarrassing allegations which cost them the absolute majority in December elections (AFP Photo/Gerard Julien) Madrid (AFP) - Spain's ruling Popular Party made headlines again Monday as an IT manager acknowledged he had destroyed potential evidence in a graft probe and police detained a PP politician, prompting a conservative lawmaker to say he was "fed up." Jose Manuel Moreno, IT manager for the conservative PP, told a judge he had been ordered to destroy potentially compromising hard-drives used by former treasurer Luis Barcenas, in a 2013 probe over alleged illegal financing of the political party. He admitted having reformated them "35 times, scratched and thrown them away," although he said the hard-drives were empty in any case before he tampered with them, according to judicial sources. On the same day, police detained Alfonso Grau, former PP deputy mayor in the eastern city of Valencia where a dozen party members have already been charged in a case surrounding alleged commissions in exchange for public work contracts. These are just the latest in a series of allegations that have embarrassed the PP over the years, and cost them votes in December elections that saw the party lose its absolute majority. Acting PP Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy tried to get support from other parties that won seats to form a coalition government but failed, prompting the Spanish king to nominate runner-up Pedro Sanchez, the Socialist party chief, as the candidate for prime minister. Sanchez is currently negotiating with other parties to form a government ahead of a parliamentary vote of confidence on March 2, but Rajoy believes the socialist will fail and has not given up hope of getting support of his own. But the corruption allegations have left the PP's rare allies wary, including upstart centre-right party Ciudadanos, which came fourth in the elections and had until now refused to join the chorus of critics. Ciudadanos chief Albert Rivera -- who has been courted by both Rajoy and Sanchez -- denounced Monday what he said was "like a mafia system." Story continues "I do not intend to rely... on a political party that doesn't clean things up," he told Spanish radio. Even within the PP itself, prominent members are starting to call for a "purge" of the corrupt, like party spokesman and lawmaker Pablo Casado who said Monday he was "fed up." But acting Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz criticised the timing of these revelations, casting doubt on this "proliferation of judicial initiatives" implicating the PP at a sensitive time for Spain. Flags of E.ON are seen before the annual meeting of German utility giant E.ON in Essen, Germany May 7, 2015. REUTERS/Ina Fassbender By Markus Wacket BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany is willing to shield its utility companies from the risks of rising costs linked to the country's nuclear exit, according to a draft report from a government-appointed committee seen by Reuters on Monday. The report recommends that Germany's "big four" utilities -- E.ON (EONGn.DE), RWE (RWEG.DE), EnBW (EBKG.DE) and Vattenfall [VATN.UL] -- transfer the provisions set aside to pay for interim and final storage of nuclear waste in cash to a government-controlled fund by 2022. In addition, the committee has raised the possibility that the power companies remain liable for up to 36 billion euros ($39.7 billion) in costs for storage. Up to now the utilities have set aside around 18 billion for this. Shares in E.ON (EONGn.DE) and RWE (RWEG.DE) both rallied on Monday as the commission's proposals suggested it was willing to set a ceiling on how much they may have to pay to fund the nuclear exit and therefore reduce uncertainty. E.ON and RWE declined to comment on the draft report. Industry sources said many details remained unclear. The government is currently examining how it can safeguard the nearly 39 billion euros in provisions set aside by the utilities to fund the dismantling and storage of waste from their nuclear plants, the last of which will be closed in 2022. With the utilities battered by a steep fall in wholesale power prices and a massive expansion in renewable energy, concern has grown over their financial health. The aim of the committee it to work out how to protect the provisions and ensure the taxpayer doesn't end up footing the bill while also keeping the utilities in a viable state. It is due to present its report at the end of this month. The draft report recommends that the responsibility for dismantling the plants remains with the power firms while the state should take charge of the interim and final storage of nuclear waste by means of a government-controlled fund. The utilities should keep hold of 17.7 billion euros in provisions and will also need to set aside a further 1.3 billion euros, according to the report, which also calls on the power firms to make sure their provisions are more transparent. Story continues The report also recommends that German utilities drop their various lawsuits against the forced shutdown of nuclear plants. ($1 = 0.9084 euros) (Additional reporting by Tom Kaeckenhoff; Writing by Caroline Copley; Editing by Christoph Steitz and Keith Weir) LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister David Cameron has said a referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union will be held on June 23. Below are the key details of how the vote will work: WHO CAN VOTE? Like with a parliamentary election, British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens aged over 18 who live in Britain, and British nationals who have lived overseas for less than 15 years will be allowed to vote in the EU referendum. In addition, members of parliament's upper house and citizens of Gibraltar who are eligible to vote in European Parliamentary elections will also be able to vote. Citizens of EU countries living in Britain, other than those from Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, will not get a say. WHAT IS THE QUESTION? The question on the ballot paper will be: "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?". Voters will then choose one of two answers: "Remain a member of the European Union" or "Leave the European Union". HOW LONG WILL THE CAMPAIGN LAST? The EU referendum law requires a campaign period of at least 10 weeks before the vote takes place. Before that official campaign period can begin, legislation will need to pass through parliament setting out the details of the vote, including the date. The government expects that process to take about 6 weeks. HOW MUCH CAN THE CAMPAIGNS SPEND? For the official campaign period, Britain's electoral watchdog can designate a lead group on each side of the debate. The lead group can spend up to 7 million pounds ($10 million), receives a public grant of up to 600,000 pounds, gets campaign broadcasts and one free mail distribution to voters. All other groups can spend up to 700,000 pounds each. Anyone intending to spend more than 10,000 pounds must register with the electoral watchdog, and all groups must declare any donations of more than 7,500 pounds received after Feb. 1. The spending limit for political parties is dictated by the percentage of vote they won in last year's national election. Story continues Cameron's Conservatives can spend up to 7 million pounds, the Labour Party can spend 5.5 million pounds, the anti-EU UK Independence Party can spend 4 million pounds, the Liberal Democrats 3 million pounds and all other parties 700,000 pounds. The Conservative Party has said it will remain neutral however, with no party funds, personnel or facilities to be used by either side of the campaign. HOW WILL THE GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGN? Cameron has said he will campaign with all his "heart and soul" to persuade Britons to vote to remain in the EU, warning leaving the bloc would be a "leap in the dark". While the official government position is to back staying in, six of Cameron's team of top ministers have said they will rebel and campaign to leave the bloc. Influential London Mayor Boris Johnson has also thrown his weight behind the 'out' campaign. The government will be subject to a period of 'purdah', barring it from publishing anything in the 28 days before the referendum that could influence the outcome of the vote. WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY? Polls will be open from 0700 GMT to 2200 GMT. Counting will begin as soon as polls close and will carry on overnight. There will be 12 centres across Britain where counts are collated, and the final result will be declared in Manchester in northern England. ($1 = 0.6970 pounds) (Compiled by Kylie MacLellan; editing by Anna Willard) The New Day newspaper Newspapers in the UK are facing declining sales and ad revenues. The Independent recently announced the end of its print editions, while The Telegraph and The Guardian are also suffering financially. But on Monday, Trinity Mirror which owns popular tabloid The Daily Mirror revealed what its new newspaper will look like. The New Day is calling itself the first new standalone national newspaper to launch in the last 30 years. The paper will be available from Monday February 29, according to the Daily Mirror, where we first spotted the story. The first edition will be free. It will then cost 25p (35 cents) for its first two weeks, before rising to 50p (70 cents). The New Day will not even have its own website, Trinity Mirror announced. The new paper is not going to be like the Daily Mirror, according to the publisher. Unlike the left-leaning Mirror, it will be "politically neutral." However the new daily newspaper will be edited by The Mirror's weekend editor, Alison Phillips. She told The Mirror: "There are many people who aren't currently buying a newspaper, not because they have fallen out of love with newspapers as a format, but because what is currently available on the news stand is not meeting their needs." Well tell you everything you need to know and we wont sensationalise or terrify you with the news at @thenewdayuk pic.twitter.com/NLsL5nV6ou Alison Phillips (@AlisonTheNewDay) February 22, 2016 Simon Fox, chief executive of Trinity Mirror, told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme: Its an idea weve been working on for over a year, after talking to thousands of readers. Its a completely different newspaper, not Mirror light in any shape or form. NOW WATCH: Meet the 13-year-old dance prodigy at the center of a big new ad campaign More From Business Insider (Adds comment by governor's office on school code provision, adds rebuttal by CPS) By Karen Pierog CHICAGO, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner said on Monday the state has the power to block any debt offerings by financially distressed school districts, including the cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools (CPS), which has been dependent on borrowing to fund operations. The Republican governor last week launched a financial probe of the nation's third-largest public school system through the Illinois State Board of Education. Rauner, who has called for a state takeover of the school district, said the board has the legal authority to block borrowings by districts found to be in financial duress. "The state board has never chosen to do that for the city of Chicago. I hope that never becomes necessary. But we've got to be ready to take action," Rauner told reporters. Rauner's office pointed to a provision of the school code that it says applies to CPS. The provision prohibits the sale of bonds, notes or other debt by a district certified to be in financial difficulty until a financial plan is approved by the state board of education. CPS Chief Executive Forrest Claypool contended that the authority Rauner seeks to exercise does not apply to CPS, according to a school district spokeswoman. CPS is struggling with a $1.1 billion structural budget deficit, caused largely by escalating annual pension payments that will reach $676 million this fiscal year. The district's efforts to gain an additional $480 million in state dollars to pay its pension bill have become entangled in an ongoing impasse between Rauner and Democrats who control the legislature. To keep operating in anticipation of $1 billion in property tax revenue next month, CPS turned to short-term borrowing and a $725 million bond sale earlier this month for cash flow. The district said it plans to seek additional short-term borrowing authority from its governing board in the future. Story continues Rauner said accusations by Chicago officials that he attempted to derail the Feb. 3 bond sale by pushing for a state takeover or possible bankruptcy for CPS were "completely false." Skittish investors demanded hefty yields for the "junk"-rated bonds, which will cost the district nearly $1.9 billion to pay off by 2044. (Editing by Matthew Lewis) CHICAGO, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner said on Monday the state has the power to block any debt offerings by financially distressed school districts, including the cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools, which has been dependent on borrowing to fund operations. The Republican governor last week launched a financial probe of the nation's third-largest public school system through the Illinois State Board of Education. Rauner said the board has the legal authority to block borrowings by districts found to be in financial duress. "The state board has never chosen to do that for the city of Chicago. I hope that never becomes necessary. But we've got to be ready to take action," Rauner told reporters. (Reporting by Karen Pierog; Editing by Matthew Lewis) A Barclays sign is seen outside a branch of Barclays bank, in central London in this March 15, 2008 file photograph. REUTERS/Toby Melville/Files By Anjuli Davies LONDON (Reuters) - Revenue at the world's 12 largest investment banks from trading fixed income, currencies and commodities, known as FICC, fell 9 percent in 2015 compared with a year before, a survey showed on Monday, dragged down by regulatory changes and retrenchment. Eight years after the global financial crash, banks are still struggling to adjust to reforms compelling them to hold more capital and liquidity, while litigation costs and market volatility have forced them to restructure, shed staff and exit some business lines. Such trends have reduced the FICC activities which had been their most profitable business. FICC trading revenue at 12 of the world's biggest banks was $69.9 billion (48.52 billion) last year, down from $109.1 billion five years before, according to the survey by industry analytics firm Coalition, based on its analysis of their public disclosures and independent research. Coalition tracks Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAC,N), Barclays (BARC.L), BNP Paribas (BNPP.PA), Citigroup (C.N), Credit Suisse (CSGN.VX), Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE), Goldman Sachs (GS.N), HSBC (HSBA.L), JPMorgan (JPM.N), Morgan Stanley (MS.N), Societe Generale (SOGN.PA) and UBS (UBSG.VX). Poor trading results and low client activity in the second half of 2015 contributed to an overall 3 percent decline compared to a year ago in investment banking revenue across the world's major banks, to $160.2 billion, the data showed. SLOW BUSINESS In commodities, revenues dropped by 18 percent, mainly due to slow business in metals and investor products, and also reflecting a return to more normal turnover in the power and gas markets after last year's surge. Revenue earned by leading banks from commodity trading, selling derivatives to investors and other activities in the sector fell to $4.6 billion from $5.6 billion in 2014, it said. "A normalisation of the U.S. power and gas markets and weakness in metals and investor products drove the overall decline," Coalition said. "In contrast, oil revenues improved as corporate client activity increased." Story continues In 2014, a cold winter in North America had created volatility and boosted activity in power and gas, while trading surged in the oil sector last year due to a sharp fall and then partial recovery in prices. Banks' equity businesses, including cash equities, equity derivatives, prime services (serving hedge funds) and futures and options, were bright spots. Revenue rose 10 percent to $49.8 billion year-on-year. Elsewhere, investment banking divisions (IBD), which advise on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and equity and debt underwriting, saw a 5 percent fall in revenue to $40.5 billion, as a surge in M&A activity was offset by declines in equity and debt capital markets activity. Headcount at the top banks fell 2 percent from a year before. Cuts were felt in FICC, where there was a 4 percent decline in staffing levels. Return on equity (RoE) declined slightly to 9.2 percent from 9.3 percent, due to both increased capital requirements and weak performance, Coalition said. (Editing by Katharine Houreld and David Holmes) * 1,000 West Bank companies produce $600 mln a year in goods * Companies that export at least 25 pct pay lower corporate tax * 36,000 Palestinians work in Israeli settlement businesses By Steven Scheer and Tova Cohen TEL AVIV, Feb 22 (Reuters) - When engineer Rami Bone goes to work each day at his company in the settlement of Maaleh Adumim, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, he doesn't see himself as violating international law. A resident of Tel Aviv, Bone (Bon-eh) started his company over 25 years ago, before Israel and the Palestinians signed an interim peace accord. He said he was drawn to the settlement because he believed Israelis and Palestinians working together could help support peace. More than two decades later, Aluminum Construction has $65 million in annual revenue from two plants in Maaleh Adumim, near Jerusalem, that employ 150 Jews and 400 Palestinians. Israeli companies argue that they are helping Palestinians in the West Bank - employing about 36,000 - by giving them a far better salary than in Arab-owned businesses. But in a report last month, titled "Occupation, Inc.", Human Rights Watch said the 1,000 Israeli businesses, mainly manufacturing plants, in the West Bank operate in violation of international law because they were built on occupied land, and it called on them to cease settlement activities. "Settlement businesses depend on and benefit from Israel's unlawful confiscation of Palestinian land and other resources, and facilitate the functioning and growth of settlements," HRW said. Israel disputes that its settlements are illegal and says the final status of the territories it captured in a 1967 war should be determined in peace talks with the Palestinians. Most of the Israeli businesses in the West Bank are located in 16 industrial zones. They produce about $600 million of goods annually - a small amount in Israel's $300 billion economy. Such industrial parks go back to the 1970s and 1980s and were aimed at bolstering Israel's West Bank presence, while providing cheap labour and giving jobs to a wave of Russian immigrants. Story continues For Palestinians in the West Bank, where the jobless rate is 27 percent, economic concerns often trump politics when it comes to employment by Israeli plants built on land they seek for a state. "Unfortunately, there are no alternatives," said Shaher Saed, general secretary of the Palestinian Workers Union. PRESSURE Most of the world does not recognise Israeli occupation of the West Bank, and the European Union now requires origin labels on many goods produced in Jewish settlements - a measure Israel decries as discriminatory. With pressure growing on settlement firms to uproot, Bone said he does not know how much longer he will be able to maintain his two plants in Maaleh Adumim. "If there's a boycott against us and we can't export then we won't be able to work in this area and we'll have to move to the centre of the country," he said. Aluminum Construction also has two plants inside Israel, with exports the main growth engine. But Bone's last project in Europe ended three years ago, and while he blames a recession there, he said calls to boycott settlement products could also be a factor. Many Israeli businesses in the West Bank receive Israeli government incentives if they meet certain criteria. This is true for companies located in all "national priority regions" - which include Israel's northern and southern periphery and the West Bank. They pay a corporate tax rate of 9 percent compared with the standard 25 percent if they meet criteria that include exporting 25 percent of annual turnover. Approved enterprises also pay below-value prices for land and the government subsidises 20 percent of investments in fixed assets, said financial consultant Raffi Shlezinger. Another reason Israeli businesses choose to operate in the West Bank is the availability of Palestinians more willing than Israelis to do labour-intensive jobs. And while Palestinians often earn twice or three times the salary Palestinian companies would pay, they do not always receive health insurance or compensation for work accidents from their Israeli employers because of work permit issues. West Bank businesses deny exploiting Palestinian workers and say they offer much-needed employment. Near the settlement of Ariel, 5,000 Palestinians work in the Barkan industrial park, where international pressure forced companies such as Assa Abloy unit Mul-T-Lock, pretzel maker Beigel & Beigel and Barkan Winery to relocate to within Israel's pre-1967 lines. After a high-profile battle, carbonated drinks maker SodaStream moved from Maaleh Adumim, while Dead Sea cosmetics producer Ahava has said it may pull out from the West Bank. "Once we stop selling or move from here like other companies did, the Palestinian workers have nowhere to go," said Moshe Lev-Ran, head of exports at Barkan's TwitoPlast, which makes air conditioner parts and whose plant is managed by a Palestinian. Lev-Ran said his firm looked into moving from the West Bank but it was expensive and his clients aren't interested in where he is located. Nonetheless, Lev-Ran, said he wouldn't recommend opening an Israeli business in the West Bank now. "Who needs the headache?" he said. (Additional reporting by Ali Sawafta in Ramallah, editing by Peter Millership) ROME, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said on Monday that should British citizens renounce their membership to the European Union in a referendum later this year, it will be worse for them than for those living in the trading bloc. "I hope Britain remains inside the EU, but if it leaves, the consequences will be worse for British citizens than for European ones," Renzi said during a news conference with the foreign media. "If Great Britain leaves, the main problem will be for the UK, its businesses and its citizens." (Reporting by Gavin Jones, writing by Steve Scherer; editing by Agnieszka Flak) STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Lawyers for Julian Assange have asked a Swedish court to overturn an arrest warrant for the Wikileaks founder following a ruling by a U.N. panel that his stay in Ecuador's London embassy amounts to arbitrary detention. Assange, 44, took refuge at the embassy in June 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning over allegations, which he denies, that he committed rape in 2010. He says the accusation is a ploy that would eventually lead to his extradition to the United States, where a criminal investigation into the activities of WikiLeaks is still open. "We consider that there have arisen a number of new circumstances which mean there is reason to review the earlier decision," Thomas Olsson, one of Assange's lawyers, said on Monday. A second lawyer representing Assange said he remained willing to be questioned in the Ecuadoran embassy, according to Sweden's national news agency. Ecuador has granted Assange asylum and he says his rights have been infringed because he is unable to travel to the South American country. Both Britain and Sweden denied that Assange was being deprived of freedom and the Swedish prosecutor in charge of the case has said she will renew an application to interview Assange. Prosecutor Marianne Ny said the U.N. panels' non-binding ruling had no impact on the case. In 2010, WikiLeaks released more than 90,000 secret documents on the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan, followed by almost 400,000 U.S. military reports detailing operations in Iraq. Those disclosures were followed by release of millions of diplomatic cables dating back to 1973. A U.S. Grand Jury investigation into WikiLeaks is ongoing. (Reporting by Daniel Dickson) marco rubio A super PAC supporting Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio is hunting for horcruxes. In a Sunday memo, the Conservative Solutions PAC compared the Florida senator to fictional kid wizard Harry Potter and suggested that Republican frontrunner Donald Trump was like the evil Lord Voldemort. It also said the PAC knew the secret to Trump's strength and how to defeat him. Here's the applicable part of the memo: In Harry Potter lore, Voldemort, the Dark Lord, had a secret to his strength. His secret was his horcruxes. The horcruxes were objects that allowed Voldemort to maintain immortality. As each horcrux was destroyed, Voldemort became increasingly vulnerable, not increasingly strong. When all of the horcruxes were gone, Voldemort lost his one-on-one battle with Harry Potter. Donald Trump has a solid claim on one-third of the Republican vote. He has virtually no claim on the other two-thirds. The data consistently and overwhelmingly shows Trump with the highest unfavorables among the remaining candidates, and that he is the last choice of more voters than any other Republican by far. That means Trump's support will grow very little as the field continues to narrow. His 33% is formidable when the field is large; it isn't when the field is small. Trump won a victory in South Carolina, but the field shrank once again. Like Voldemort's horcruxes, the large candidate field shields Trump from harm. At each step of the primary process, Trump is losing his shields, and that is making him more vulnerable. The memo made the case that winning the South Carolina Republican primary over the weekend actually made Trump weaker. "As the field shrinks, Trump weakens and Rubio strengthens," the memo said. "Trump looks strong this morning, but if you look deeper, his vulnerability is increasingly exposed." Trump took 32.5% of the vote in the South Carolina primary on Saturday. Rubio came in second, narrowly beating Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas with 22.5% of the vote. Story continues The Conservative Solutions PAC's argument assumes that a majority of voters will eventually form an anti-Trump coalition. But at least some voters supporting one of Trump's vanquished rivals undoubtedly have Trump as their second choice. Former Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida suspended his campaign over the weekend after taking a disappointing 7.8% of the vote in South Carolina. Gov. John Kasich of Ohio and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson each got about 7% of the vote as well, but the two remain in the race. NOW WATCH: Meet the three women who married Donald Trump More From Business Insider VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Feb 22, 2016) - Medgold Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE:MED) (the "Company" or "Medgold") is pleased to announce that recent exploration of a new prospect called Guimarei on the Valongo licence in northern Portugal, has identified anomalous gold in rocks outcropping over a 3 km strike length. Assay results from rock chip sampling range from trace gold to highlights of 7.80 g/t Au, 4.84 g/t Au and 2.53 g/t Au. Dan James, President of Medgold, said: "Guimarei is a brand new gold discovery by Medgold. We've picked up gold mineralization over at least 3km strike length using wide-spaced soil sampling over promising structural features. The new chip sample results have validated our targeting concept and the approach we took to the exploration at Guimarei. The team continues to build on what we learned in defining high-grade mineralization at the Lagares project and is developing new targets in the region. "More work is underway at Guimarei and our field teams are doing detailed structural and geological mapping and geochemical sampling. The aim is to define a drill target which will be tested in the summer of 2016 with a proposed 500m diamond core program." The Guimarei Prospect The Guimarei prospect is located in the Valongo exploration licence, 20 km northeast of Porto between the towns of Santo Tirso and Valongo, and is under joint venture with Centerra Gold Inc. ("Centerra"). Orogenic gold mineralization at Guimarei occurs along the geological contact between Silurian meta-sediments and a large granodioritic intrusion. In common with many major structurally-controlled orogenic deposits, mineralization at Guimarei is associated with a dilation zone along a bend in a major fault. At Guimarei, the combination of a marked lithological contact with a bend in a major structure, has generated alteration and mineralization over a recorded strike length of 3 km. Medgold's team initially collected 148 soil samples late last year, along wide-spaced soil sampling lines. This work defined gold anomalism over a strike length of 3,000m. Despite the poor rock exposure, mapping has identified alteration up to 200m wide along the strike length which is associated with quartz veins from 1cm to 80 cm thick, containing pyrite and arsenopyrite, and pervasive silicification. Infill soil sampling is ongoing with a further 220 samples collected with assay results pending. These samples are being collected at 50m intervals on 250m line spacing. Story continues Results have also been received for 28 rock chip samples, with a further 27 samples collected and assays pending. Assays for rock chip samples range from trace to 7.80 g/t Au, 4.84 g/t Au and 2.53 g/t Au. We have also identified some highly-elevated Pb and Ag values up to 21.0% and 506 ppm, respectively, which are from a sample which also yielded 2.48 g/t Au. About Centerra Gold and the Joint-Venture Centerra is a Canadian-based gold mining company focused on operating, developing, exploring and acquiring gold properties primarily in Asia, North America and other markets worldwide. Centerra is the largest Western-based gold producer in Central Asia. Centerra's shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol CG. The Company is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In December 2014, Medgold granted to Centerra the exclusive right to earn a 51% interest in the Valongo Belt properties (namely: Lagares, Balazar, Castelo de Paiva and Valongo licences, or the "Original Properties"), by incurring expenditures on the properties totaling USD$3.0 million over three years. Once Centerra has acquired the initial 51% interest in the Property, it may acquire a further 19% (for a total 70% interest) by incurring an additional USD$3.0 million on exploration within two years. In late December 2015, Medgold and Centerra signed an amendment agreement, whereby the Boticas and Chaves licences (the "Additional Properties") were added to the existing agreement. Accordingly, Centerra may now acquire up to a 70% interest in both the Original Properties and the Additional Properties by making the expenditures noted above. Quality Assurance / Quality Control Samples were prepared by ALS Minerals at the Seville Laboratory, Spain. Soil samples were analyzed for gold using 50gm fire assay with ICP analysis and multi-elements were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer by ALS Minerals at the Omac Laboratory, Ireland. Rock samples were analyzed for gold using 50gm fire assay with AAS analysis and multi elements were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer by ALS Minerals at the Omac Laboratory, Ireland. Certified reference materials, blanks, and field and laboratory duplicates were routinely inserted for quality assurance and quality control. Qualified Person David Clark, PGeo, consulting geologist to the Company, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 -- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Clark has reviewed and approved the disclosure of technical information contained in this news release. About Medgold Medgold is a European-focused, TSX-V listed exploration and development company targeting gold properties in northwest Iberia and the under-explored gold provinces of southern Europe. Run by a highly experienced management team with a successful track record of building value in resource companies, Medgold is aiming to become a leading European gold company. Additional information on Medgold can be found on the Company's website at www.medgoldresources.com and by reviewing the Company's page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Daniel P. James, President & Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and include, without limitation, statements about proposed exploration at the Guimarei prospect, and regarding the possible acquisition by Centerra of an interest in the Company's properties. Often, but not always, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "estimates," "estimated," "potential," "open," "future," "assumed," "projected," "used," "detailed," "has been," "gain," "upgraded," "offset," "limited," "contained," "reflecting," "containing," "remaining," "to be," "periodically," or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, whether exploration at the Guimarei prospect will be completed as planned; the possible acquisition by Centerra of an interest in the Company's properties; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the Company or any joint venture partner not having the financial ability to meet its exploration and development goals; risks associated with the results of exploration and development activities, estimation of mineral resources and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to: that the Company's stated goals and planned exploration and development activities will be achieved; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. (Corrects lead to reflect FDI investment was $28.382 billion in U.S. dollars, not pesos) MEXICO CITY, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Mexico rose by a fourth last year to reach $28.382 billion, the country's economy ministry said in a statement on Sunday. Mexico's FDI in 2014 totaled about $22.57 billion . The ministry said the stronger 2015 FDI was due to U.S. telecoms company AT&T Inc paying more than $2 billion to acquire Mexican wireless operators Iusacell and Unefon, as well as the purchase of Vitro's glass container business by U.S.-based Owens-Illinois Inc for about $2.15 billion. The United States accounted for about 53 percent of total FDI last year, followed by Spain, Japan and the Germany. (Reporting by David Alire Garcia; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) MERIDIAN, ID / ACCESSWIRE / February 22, 2016 / Meridian, Idaho business Adventure Marketing has announced that their CEO will be a keynote speaker at Unite Connections', "Meet The Media" event on February 23, 2016. With Michael Taggart speaking, small business owners will have the opportunity to learn some of the most effective digital marketing strategies. Michael has been able to positively influence a large number of small businesses with these strategies. Unite Connections is very happy that they are able to have Michael present at their event. Meet The Media is going on its second year in a row. The event is designed to educate business owners on how to be seen in the community using media outlets and to create connections between business owners and local media partners. Michael Taggart, also known as Michael X, SEO expert, is known for giving amazing speeches on the topic of search engine marketing. Through these presentations, Michael is able demonstrate what he has done through Adventure Marketing and the opportunities he has provided for small businesses. Taggart has been able to rank on the first page of local Google searches in just two hours, which is something only a select few have been able to do. Additionally, he has a long record of consistently helping startup businesses become successful through online marketing. During the event, Michael will include key points in his presentation such as remarketing, real-time bidding, customer re-engagement, and a few non-traditional methods that not many people know about. This will ultimately show businesses how to create an efficient and cost effective internet marketing strategy. This strategy is designed to help businesses become successful in their online marketing. One of Michael's favorite quotes is, "You die twice in life. Once, when you stop breathing, the second, is when no one is talking about you." This is something that Michael Taggart applies to all of his digital marketing work. He believes businesses that are able to remain in the public eye online are the businesses that succeed the most. Taggart's work helps businesses achieve just that. Story continues Contact Adventure Marketing: Michael Taggart 208-908-0626 support@adventuremarketingllc.com 33 East Idaho Ave. Meridian, Idaho 83646 SOURCE: Adventure Marketing Getty Images. The crash came on the heels of a ballistic missile attack that originated from Yemen. Middle East countries hit hard by the slump in the price of oil will have to raise taxes in order to recover and prosper, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) believes. In a preview of a speech to be delivered at the Arab Fiscal Forum on Monday, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde will say that that successful 21st century economies had to be able to both generate "robust government revenue" and "higher and more reliable revenue." Due to speak in oil-rich emirate Abu Dhabi, Lagarde's speech will focus on those Middle Eastern oil exporting countries that are seeing widening budget deficits as a result of the sharp plunge in oil prices since mid-2014. Lagarde will state on Monday that while "oil-exporting countries are adapting to a new reality of low commodity prices" and that "revenue mobilization" was needed around the world, but especially in the Middle East and North Africa, regions which have relied on oil for government revenues. "Not only have oil prices fallen by around two-thirds from their most recent peak, but supply and demand-side factors suggest that they are likely to stay low for an extended period. The size and likely persistence of this external shock means that all oil exporters will have to adjust by reducing spending and increasing revenue." She noted that in 2015, oil exporters in the MENA region lost more than $340 billion in oil revenue from their budgets, amounting to 20 percent of their combined gross domestic product. "These economies need to strengthen their fiscal frameworks and reengineer their tax systemsby reducing their heavy reliance on oil revenues and by boosting non-hydrocarbon sources of revenues," she will state. "This would help bolster growth and job creation and, at the same time, help to maintain debt sustainability and strengthen resilience. It also provides a unique opportunity to design tax systems that emphasize fairness, simplicity, and efficiency." Story continues Oil-rich nations are scrambling to reduce their dependence on oil revenues and analysts do not see the situation improving for oil exporters. Last week, Moody's ratings agency forecast that Abu Dhabi's fiscal deficit will widen significantly in 2016 to 14 percent of GDP, driven by major falls in oil and natural gas revenues. Abu Dhabi's economy relies on a breakeven oil price of $60 per barrel, which Moody's said was "low compared to most Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) peers." The breakeven price is a far cry from the current price of $33.52 a barrel for benchmark Brent crude. Middle Eastern governments have repeatedly said they are looking to diversify their economies away from the oil industry. In addition, six Gulf oil-producing countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates) are planning on introducing a sales tax for the first time and countries like the UAE have removed long-standing fuel subsidies. Still, the aforementioned countries do not have a system of personal income tax, something that Lagarde said was needed. The path towards income taxes could be eased by the introduction of a sales tax, a greater emphasis on corporate taxes and investing in a tax administration that could "eventually allow for the introduction of personal income taxes," Lagarde will say in her speech. Lagarde noted that the fiscal adjustment needed varied from country to country but, "thanks to their prudent polices, most members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are now in a position where they can pace their adjustment over several years and thus limit the impact on growth." "It is also worth remembering that GCC economies have made large fiscal adjustments in the pastand I am confident that they can do it again," she will note. More From CNBC Following his second place win in the South Carolina Republican primary, Florida Senator Marco Rubio is riding the Marcomentum. The battle for second place has been a fervent contest between Rubio and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, with Donald Trump firmly holding on to his frontrunner status in the GOP field. In the Palmetto state, Trump won with 33%, Rubio had 22.5% and Cruz came in third with 22.3% -- approximately a thousand votes shy of Rubio. The next contest for the GOP moves to the west for the Nevada caucus on Tuesday. In a recent CNN/ORC poll, Trump has 45% support from Republican Nevada caucus-goers, Rubio is in second with 19% and Cruz rounds out the top three with 17%. Eric Herzik, a political science professor at the University of Nevada in Reno says the Republican hybrid caucus is unique because voters can cast their ballot but are not required to stay for the actual caucus. He says when it comes to voters connecting with candidates, Nevada also sets itself apart from other caucus states. For Republicans, ground game is important here in Nevada but not as important as in Iowa, and candidate visits are important but not as important as in New Hampshire. Donald Trump can come in and do a big event, get good media and that will be more valuable in Nevada, said Herzik. He adds that Trumps ground game has not been as visible in the Silver state as Cruzs or Rubios well organized efforts, with Rubio spending the most money on advertisements. Rubio is selling himself in his ads as, I am the candidate that Democrats are most afraid to face, I can win and I also have roots in Nevada because he lived here during his teen years so he is playing that up, said Herzik. Using traditional grassroots efforts does work in Nevada, but Herzik says Trumps style speaks to the region. Trump is a candidate of glitz and flash and bombast; Well you just described a lot of how this state works. I mean we are Las Vegas and he is a Las Vegas kind of guy, said Herzik. Story continues For Republican caucus-goers in the Silver state, 39% say the economy is the most important issue with illegal immigration and terrorism tied at 20%, according to the poll. Ford O'Connell, Republican strategist and advisor to the McCain-Palin 2008 campaign, says Rubio is poised to become the new establishment favorite for the Republican nomination but that moment may not come until Super Tuesday on March 1. If Marco Rubio won Nevada it would be an earth-shattering moment in the race. I think right now what Rubio needs to do is to make sure he comes in second to keep that momentum going. There are not enough votes out there to be number one so GOP candidates are trying for number two, said OConnell. He says with former Florida Governor Jeb Bush out of the running, Rubio stands to inherit his donors and endorsements because he is seen as the mainstream candidate with the best chance to win in the general election. Voters coalescing around the Florida senator could help narrow the field but other candidates need to make way for him first. As long as you got Kasich eating a few of the votes, Carson and Cruz eating a few more, it is very hard to see how you could overcome Trump. If Cruz bows out those voters could be split between Trump and Rubio, that is why Trump is hammering Cruz all day long and not Rubio, said OConnell. He says as long as the Republican field stays wide, Trump will continue to be the beneficiary of votes and eventually become the winner take all. If it narrows to a two-person race between Rubio and Trump before March 15, then Rubios chances are very good because he is the most electable against Hillary Clinton, said OConnell. Related Articles NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / February 22, 2016 / Victims are often confused after a car accident has occurred, and many of them struggle with knowing what they should. Contacting a New York car accident lawyer should definitely be at the top of their list, but many victims fail to see the value in doing so. There are several reasons why hiring a professional accident attorney to represent you in your auto crash case, and one of the biggest reasons is because of the paperwork that must be completed. CarAccidentCases.com recently covered two vital letters that should be sent out prior to filing a claim after an accident. According to their website, the Notification Letter and The Personal Injury Demand Letters are key parts of any case. The notification letter is a relatively simple letter that simply advises the other driver and/or his insurance company that victims are seeking compensation for their damages. It is generally one page in length, and it does not cover a lot of details. This is the first step in the paperwork process. You can read more about notification letters by clicking here. The personal injury demand letter is much more involved than the notification letter. It does contain all of the details about the case, including reference numbers for any and all records that have been filed, as well as information surrounding any damages that occurred after the accident took place. You can read more about personal injury demand letters by clicking here. Many victims try to avoid hiring a New York car accident attorney because they don't want to pay legal fees and they are concerned about losing their cases. In most cases, these concerns are not warranted. Personal injury attorneys in New York charge contingency fees, which means they only take payment if they get victims a settlement. Victims who choose to present their own cases are often disappointed in the size of their settlement. Without the proper paperwork being sent and filed, many cases are never compensated at all. For that reason, hiring a New York auto crash lawyer provides victims with the best chance of getting compensated. Story continues For additional information on accident lawyers' fees, the article, New York Car Accident Lawyer Explains Lawyer Fee can be very helpful. CarAccidentCases.com is a website that is based in New York City. They provide information for victims of auto wrecks both in New York and in Los Angeles. Victims of car accidents in New York City and in Los Angeles can gain valuable insight into the steps they should take afterwards by referring to the articles on the New York car accident attorney resource CarAccidentCases.com blog. Media personnel can contact CarAccidentCases.com in New York City by calling 516-582-4367. In Los Angeles, they can be reached at 562-200-0093. SOURCE: CarAccidentCases.com via Submit Press Release 123 The proposal by four nations to freeze oil production at January's levels will make no difference to current market fundamentals, according to an IEA official. Neil Atkinson, head of the International Energy Agency's oil market division, said the four producers who proposed the freeze were not anticipated to increase production, and lacking a cut, the outlook does not change. Saudi Arabia, Russia, Venezuela and Qatar agreed to the freeze if other producers join in. Russia has said it would like to have consultations on a preliminary deal completed by March 1. "It makes no difference to current market fundamentals," said Atkinson at the annual IHS CERAWeek conference in Houston on Monday. "We are told this is the beginning of a process," Atkinson said, referencing a comment made by Saudi Arabia Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi in discussing the proposed freeze last week. The market has assumed Al-Naimi was suggesting the door would be open to talks about a production cut. Naimi speaks at the IHS CERAWeek conference Tuesday. Atkinson said he would not speculate on whether producers would ultimately agree to an output cut. While oil has lifted off its low in the $20s, Atkinson said it's not clear whether the price has bottomed or not. "It did get below $30 a barrel and sat there," he said. In a commentary on CNBC.com Monday, IHS vice chairman Daniel Yergin claimed, "This freeze should not be confused with a cut. It is a status quo holding production constant with the expectation that rising demand, plus production declines in some countries, will help bring the market back into balance." Yergin also said that amid the current outlook, "managements may believe that the market could stabilize later in 2016 or 2017, but the prudent policy is to cut budgets further." The IEA outlook for the U.S. is a tale of two tapes. It predicts that U.S. shale oil production could fall by 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year and another 200,000 bpd in 2017, a forecast that led to big gains in oil prices on Monday , but that the U.S. will lead the world in production gains in five years. More From CNBC Saudi Arabia's budget deficit dropped by 71 percent in the first quarter of the year, the government says, after spending cuts and a major rebound in oil revenues (AFP Photo/AMER HILABI) London (AFP) - The oil market was gripped this week by an output freeze deal between the world's top two producers Saudi Arabia and Russia. Prices initially rebounded on Tuesday, before hitting reverse as traders assessed the conditional agreement between Saudi Arabia and Russia and two other producers to limit output. In a bid to stabilize an oversupplied market, Russia and OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Qatar announced Tuesday that they had reached a preliminary deal to freeze output at January levels, provided that other major producers followed suit. The news sparked hopes the market would stabilise after sinking to near 13-year lows last week on the stubborn supply glut -- but disappointed those looking for an output cut. "It has been another tumultuous week for oil markets this week after ... newsflow has pointed to a potential resolution to the ongoing supply glut," said analyst James Hughes at traders GKFX. "Undoubtable the biggest story of the week was the news that Saudi Arabia and Russia had agreed to freeze production ... however the obvious problem with that is that we are already at record highs for oil production. "The news saw oil prices jump higher, before dropping on the prospect that Iran and Iraq were not on board." Saudi oil minister Ali al-Naimi said Tuesday's decision was "the beginning of a process which we will assess in the next few months and decide whether we need other steps to stabilize... the market." Iran meanwhile entered talks with other producers to address low prices -- but stopped short of committing itself to any production cutbacks. Iran, which has been pumping oil at maximum levels since a deal with Western powers ending sanctions, said in response to the freeze announcement that "there is room for discussion" but Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh added that Iran "won't relinquish" market share. The 13-nation OPEC oil cartel, of which Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Qatar and Iran are members, has refrained from cutting output as it looks to maintain market share in the face of competition from US shale oil producers. Story continues Russia -- which is not an OPEC member -- has seen its recession-hit economy damaged further by the slump in oil. Oil prices also ran out of steam on Thursday and Friday after the US Department of Energy said US commercial crude inventories rallied 2.1 million barrels last week to reach the highest level in more than eight decades. An inventories rise typically suggests soft demand in the world's biggest oil consumer and is bad news for a market wallowing in excess supply. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir meanwhile rejected any reduction in his country's crude output. "If other producers want to limit or agree to a freeze in terms of additional production, that may have an impact on the market, but Saudi Arabia is not prepared to cut production," Jubeir told AFP in an exclusive interview. In early afternoon deals on Friday, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for March delivery slid 81 cents to $29.96 a barrel. Brent North Sea for April dipped 77 cents to $33.53 per barrel compared with Thursday's close. By Marianna Parraga and Ron Bousso (Reuters) - The world's biggest oil producers may consider "other steps" to eliminate a persistent global oversupply if a recent deal to freeze current output holds firm for several months, the top official of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said on Monday. OPEC Secretary-General Abdullah al-Badri reiterated the group's readiness to work with non-OPEC producers to tackle a supply glut that has knocked prices to their lowest in over a decade. He told the IHS CERAWeek conference in Houston that the tentative pact to freeze output reached last week between Saudi Arabia, Russia, Venezuela and Qatar was just a start. Al-Badri admitted the oil cartel had not expected prices to fall so sharply since the group decided in late 2014 not to cut output in the face of rising global supplies, fuelled in large part by the fast growth of the U.S. shale production. "This cycle is very nasty," Badri said. He said OPEC had also held talks with other key producers including Brazil, China, Oman and Mexico on a possible freeze. Other steps could include a production cut. "Let us freeze production... If this is successful we can take other steps in the future," Badri said. Parties must first manage to cap output levels for three to four months, he added. He nevertheless cautioned that when oil prices recover from their current levels in the mid-$30 per barrel to around $60 per barrel, shale producers would quickly start drilling again, capping any gains. Global production exceeded demand by as much as 2 million barrels per day last year. A gradual decline in output due to lower investment is expected to balance the market in early 2017, according to the International Energy Agency. However, a huge build in global oil inventories, which Badri said has reached 350 million barrels, means it will take longer for prices to recover. MORE ACTORS Badri was confident that OPEC still has a vital role in the global oil market. "We are not dead. We are alive and alive and alive for many years more," he told reporters. But he underlined that understanding between OPEC and non-OPEC producers is increasingly necessary to balance the market. Addressing a room filled with hundreds of global oil executives, Badri said he was willing to speak with U.S. officials about the collapse in oil prices. The rout in prices of more than 70 percent in 20 months, is not the same as oil's previous boom-bust cycles, he said. "I don't know how we are going to live together," Badri said of the once booming shale oil sector. "If prices will go up in 2017 or 2018, the price rally will be capped by U.S. shale oil. That's what is different this time." Any deal on a production freeze would be tough to implement. Iran, which has pledged to increase output sharply since sanctions were lifted last month, has yet to formally sign on to the agreement, leaving its implementation uncertain. The current oil price slump has been longer and deeper than most energy professionals and analysts had anticipated, but already some officials are growing concerned that the deep cuts in capital spending - for two years in a row - risk leaving the world short of crude oil several years down the road. "This is a seed for a very high price in the future," Badri said. (Reporting by CERAWeek Team; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Marguerita Choy) The Orange telephone company logo is seen at their headquarters in Paris, France, January 12, 2016. REUTERS/Charles Platiau BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - Orange (ORAN.PA) and Bouygues (BOUY.PA) are discussing different deal structures about the sale of the construction group's Bouygues Telecom unit to the French telecoms operator, Orange Chief Executive Officer Stephane Richard said Monday. "Everything is negotiable," Richard told journalists on the first day of the Mobile World Congress, referring to the talks the French telecoms operator has been holding since the start of the year with Bouygues about the possible acquisition of its telecoms unit. "We're talking, we are working. There's a lot to talk about. We haven't reached a decision yet, we need a little bit more time," Richard added. The deal, which would have to be vetted by France's competition authority, would cut the number of French telecoms operators from four to three. It would also require asset sales to the two other main players in the French telecoms market Numericable-SFR (NUME.PA) and Iliad (ILD.PA). It would also make Bouygues, headed by French billionaire Martin Bouygues, one of Orange's key shareholders after the French state. Richard also said that he would meet with representatives from Microsoft, Google and Facebook on Tuesday. (Reporting by Mathieu Rosemain, editing by Astrid Wendlandt) SAO PAULO, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Brazilian police said on Monday they were looking into possible bribes paid in contracts signed by state-run oil company Petrobras and shipbuilder Sete Brasil with Singapore's Keppel Fels. Federal police carried out a fresh wave of searches and arrests on Monday in the ongoing "Operations Car Wash" corruption investigation that started nearly two years ago. Brazilian engineering giant Odebrecht, one of the main companies at the center of the scandal, said its offices in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and in Bahia were searched by police. (Reporting by Reese Ewing; Editing by Daniel Flynn and W Simon) xi jinping screen Chinese President Xi Jinping last week gathered the heads of the country's largest media organizations, the ones controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, and told them how the news was to be reported. From Xinhua News: All news media run by the Party must work to speak for the Party's will and its propositions and protect the Party's authority and unity, Xi said. They should enhance their awareness to align their ideology, political thinking and deeds to those of the CPC Central Committee and help fashion the Party's theories and policies into conscious action by the general public while providing spiritual enrichment to the people, he said. Xi went on to say that all journalists should have a Marxist education and that managing the media's message is "crucial for the Party's path, the implementation of Party theories and policies, the development of various Party and state causes, the unity of the Party, the country and people of all ethnic groups, as well as the future and fate of the Party and the country." Xinhua News was represented at the meeting, as was The People's Daily, and China Central Television (the only licensed TV broadcaster in the country). There are levels to this stuff This is all worth noting, because while it's always been tough to be journalist in China, it's getting even harder as the country's economy slows down and President Xi Jinping feels the need to prepare for hard times to come. "Restrictions on print media tightened during the year, as did pressure on investigative journalism and liberal media outlets," wrote press freedom watchdog Freedom House in its 2015 report on China. "Journalists who attempted to investigate or report on controversial issues, question CCP rule, or present a perspective that conflicted with state propaganda directives faced harassment, dismissal, and abuse." The higher the risk there is of party friction under duress, the more Xi Jinping tightens his grip on the country. The press has been ramping up its pro-Party talk since 2013, when Xi because president. At that point, though, there was some debate in China circles as to whether Xi himself was completely behind it all. Story continues Now we know he was. Observers expect things to get worse, as investor and author Bill Bishop wrote in a recent post in his newsletter, Sinocism: The Party is back to the fore in a way it has not been for many years, and do not expect that to be a good thing. Foreigners toiling for Party media like CCTV America should understand that the Party views them not as journalists but as "news workers" in the service of the Ministry of Propaganda in its external propaganda efforts, efforts that Xi made clear in his comments last week should be expanded. Xi doesn't just say things to say them; he expects everyone to act on them. NOW WATCH: The surprising things that cost more than gas right now More From Business Insider BARCELONA, SPAIN--(Marketwired - February 22, 2016) - OSM was originated as an operator-led initiative to meet the requirements for orchestration of production NFV networks. The project is focused on delivering an open source Management and Orchestration (MANO) stack that can consume openly available Information Models, aligned with ETSI NFV work. A demonstration based on the initial code from OSM project is being shown in Mobile World Congress 2016 at Intel's booth (#3D30). A total of 23 Service Providers and Solution Vendors have announced their intent to join the Open Source MANO (OSM) Community in the Mobile World Congress being held in Barcelona focused on delivering an open source Management and Orchestration (MANO) stack aligned with ETSI NFV Information Models. OSM has been created under the umbrella of ETSI and it is an operator-led community to meet the requirements of production NFV networks such as a common Information Model (IM) that has been defined, implemented and released in open source software. Founding members of OSM include Telefonica, BT, Canonical, Intel, Mirantis, RIFT.io, Telekom Austria Group, and Telenor, along with other initial participants such as Benu Networks, Brocade, Comptel, Dell, Indra, Korea Telecom, Metaswitch, RADWare, Red Hat, Sandvine, SK Telecom, Sprint, Telmex, xFlow and 6WIND. More information can be found in the ETSI portal page for OSM: http://osm.etsi.org. Main objectives of Open Source MANO (OSM) OSM's charter consists of working with the community to deliver a production-quality open source MANO stack under Apache Public License 2.0. The initial OSM code base is already capable of orchestrating complex NFV use cases using vendor-neutral Information Models capable of capturing all the significant features of the E2E service and the requirements of the individual components (Virtual Network Functions -- VNFs). Having a community-based code capable of orchestrating NFV scenarios, creates also a high degree of certainty around the information model that is consumed, allowing the vendors to deliver their solutions rapidly and in a cost-effective manner to their customers. Thus, OSM is expected to enable a wide eco-system of NFV components -Virtual Network Functions (VNF) and MANO solutions- compliant with such modelling, Story continues OSM's project scope covers both Resource and Service Orchestration to allow automated deployment and interconnection of all components, both for NFV network scenarios and the management of Network Service Life Cycles. The project is ignited by a functional software drop that integrates existing open source modules from Telefonica's OpenMANO project, Canonical's Juju generic VNF Manager and RIFT.io orchestrator. An OSM project ignition demonstration in the Intel booth at MWC2016 The OSM project ignition demonstration is available in the Intel booth Hall 3, 3D30 at MWC2016. It showcases the feasibility of the first selection of operator use cases. Starting with seed code contributions and using commercial VNFs, it proves the key guiding architectural tenets of OSM such as layering, abstraction, modularity and simplicity, and it delivers functionality for end-to-end automation, Enhanced Platform Awareness (EPA), SDN underlay control, multi-site capability, multi-VIM capability (OpenStack and OpenVIM) while supporting a combination of multi-tenant and single-tenant VNFs and connections to external physical lines. The goal of the demo is to demonstrate resource orchestration (RO) through several VNF deployments, at different sites and with different VIMs and EPA support. The use case demonstrates how the initial implementation of OSM can be used to deploy a high performance inter site router infrastructure that can be used to build a VPN service on top which, in turn, can chain value-added services such as corporate VoIP (instantiated as an IMS deployment). All this can be rapidly deployed using the OSM stack and relying exclusively on VNF and NS descriptors, with not need of per-use case particularization at NFVI, NFVO or OSS levels. "ETSI OSM complements the work of the ETSI NFV ISG and vice versa. It will provide an opportunity to capitalize on the synergy between standardization and open source approaches by accessing a greater and more diverse set of contributors and developers than would normally be possible. This maximizes innovation, efficiency and time to market and ensures a continuing series of conformant reference implementations," said Luis Jorge Romero, ETSI Director General. Founding members of the OSM community commented: "Management and Orchestration (MANO) is a crucial component in network virtualization architecture. Telefonica has long been working from the point of view of innovation in its development. A first result and seed of OSM is OpenMANO, a highly functional framework pioneering the first open source NFV Orchestration and Management stack and, currently, a key component of Telefonica's NFV Reference Lab. By joining this community, we aim to accelerate the development of MANO while recognizing the value of open-source implementations of NFV and a need to harmonize efforts there," said Antonio Elizondo, Head of Network Virtualisation Strategy and Technology, Global CTO Unit, Telefonica. "Canonical's Juju provides open source, generic application modelling, which enables OpenMANO to focus on industry-specific orchestration challenges, and is central to the delivery of the OSM project stack. The use of a generic VNF manager such as Juju enables industry to collaborate and crowd-source expertise in performance, security and integration. We are delighted to participate in OSM," said Mark Shuttleworth, Founder, Canonical. "Orchestration has a critical role determining how SDN-NFV workloads are provisioned, deployed, and managed to best take advantage of the platform capabilities of underlying standard high volume servers", said John Healy, General Manager, Software Defined Networking Division, Intel. "Intel believes that Communication Service Provider led ecosystems, such as Open Source MANO (OSM), working in conjunction with other vibrant SDN-NFV communities and Intel Network Builders will play a critical shaping role to accelerate SDN-NFV deployments due to speed of innovation and the enablement of industry scale," said John Healy, SDND GM, Intel Corp. "OpenStack has been a key enabler for radical transformation in the telecom industry, but there is still important work to be done in bridging the OSM and OpenStack communities and projects," said Boris Renski, CMO, Mirantis. "Mirantis pioneered a popular NFV orchestration project in OpenStack (Murano), which today is used and co-engineered by carriers and telecom vendors such as AT&T, Saudi Telecom, Comcast, Telefonica, Fujitsu, Cisco, Huawei, and countless others. The formation of OSM will unite us in driving projects like Murano forward," said Boris Renski, Chief Marketing Officer, Mirantis. RIFT.io's RIFT.ware automates end-to-end network service delivery, including network service lifecycle management, VNF and NSD on-boarding and interfaces with VNF configuration elements. RIFT.ware also provides a model-driven graphical user interface that provides a single view of the orchestration environment and multi-layer resource utilization. We are proud to join the OSM community and believe OSM provides a crucial element that will accelerate NFV deployments and expand the universe of deployable virtual network services," said Tony Schoener, CEO, RIFT.io. "The ETSI ISG Open Source MANO (OSM) initiative will facilitate the development of open source software for management and orchestration of future networks. Knowledge, capabilities and solutions within this area will be of critical importance to Telenor when virtualizing the network for increased flexibility, faster service delivery, rapid innovation and operational efficiency," said Patrick Waldemar, Vice President, Telenor Research. To learn more, download the OSM Demo White Paper "End to End Service Instantiation Using Open Source Management and Orchestration Components -- OSM -- An Open Source Orchestration Solution based on Published Information and Data models will unleash an Open VNF Eco System addressing Multi Use Case Carrier NFV" available at http://osm.etsi.org. About RIFT.io: RIFT.io provides the open source standard platform for the construction and automated deployment of scalable, virtualized network services. RIFT.io technology and services empower enterprises to successfully deploy virtualized network services on private and hybrid cloud, and accelerate service providers' efforts to deploy NFV-enabled virtualized networks. Any network application built with RIFT.io technology can intelligently take advantage of any cloud's unique capabilities and operate at any scale. RIFT.io is a privately held, global company with office in the United States and India. For more information about RIFT.io please visit http://www.riftio.com OTTAWA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Statistics Canada said on Monday it would continue to temporarily delay the publication of economic data from media lock-ups because it is still having trouble updating the federal agency's website. Statscan usually releases data precisely at 8:30 a.m. EST (1330 GMT). Starting Feb. 5, it stopped opening communications channels from the media lock-up until the daily release had been published on the website. Since then, delays in data releases have stretched up to 22 seconds past 8:30 am. In an e-mailed statement, Statscan said it was working to resolve the problem. "Standard lockup procedures will resume when Statistics Canada is fully satisfied that official release occurs without fail on the website at 8:30 a.m.," said Gabrielle Beaudoin, director general of the communications division. Many banks and trading organizations use sophisticated programs that can execute trades in less than a second after data are released. Canadian releases often coincide with those in the United States. Mazen Issa, senior foreign exchange strategist at TD Securities in New York, said the Statscan delays would make life harder for market operators trying to interpret both U.S. and Canadian figures. "In terms of the purity or the integrity of the trading pattern afterward, it's a little bit more obscure than releasing it exactly when the data should be released," he said in a phone interview. "It complicates the overall initial interpretation and the trading performance right afterward. But does it get sustained? Likely not." (Reporting by David Ljunggren and Leah Schnurr; Editing by James Dalgleish) MINNEAPOLIS, MN--(Marketwired - February 22, 2016) - Tierney Brothers will relocate its headquarters to St. Paul, Minn., bringing its entire local workforce and warehouse together for the first time since 2011. The new space will include offices, a showroom, and warehousing, and it will allow for company growth and expanding product offerings. The new headquarters is under construction at 1785 Energy Park Drive in St. Paul, formerly Midway Stadium, and will be complete late fall 2016. It will be a brand new facility and the first headquarters relocation for the company. Tierney's headquarters is currently on University Ave. SE in Minneapolis, with a second office and warehouse space several blocks away on Malcolm Ave. SE. "We are looking forward to having everyone under the same roof again after years of growth," said Rob Gag, CEO. "With everyone together, we will be able to be more productive and ultimately stronger." "Three years ago, we were only serving Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. We are now in eight states, and we continue to grow. This move will streamline our business processes and, logistically, bring us back to where we need to be," said Michael Tierney, Director of Operations. "We are all excited about the new space and the rich collaboration we anticipate it will bring." Tierney is a Minnesota owned and operated technology integrator and has been in business for 39 years. Tierney is a growing, vibrant, and recognized leader in helping clients resolve critical business and educational issues by creating communications environments that enable people to learn and be productive anytime, anywhere. About Tierney Established in 1977, Tierney Brothers has grown from a Kroy labeling products dealer to a leading provider of interactive solutions that inspire collaboration and improve performance. Our customers include Fortune 500 companies, government entities, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, houses of worship, and small businesses. Learn more at www.tierneybrothers.com. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/2/22/11G083883/Images/Tierney_new_facility_rendering-da679b67b2a298e4bf22b2fd0e45e958.jpg We expect offshore drilling powerhouse Transocean Ltd. RIG to beat expectations when it reports fourth-quarter 2015 results after the closing bell on Wednesday, Feb 24. In the last reported quarter, the Vernier, Switzerland-based firm delivered a positive earnings surprise of 29.85% despite the challenges posed by weak commodity prices. Importantly, Transocean outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all the past four quarters, with an average beat of 61.00%. Lets see how things are shaping up for this announcement. Why a Likely Positive Surprise? Our proven model shows that Transocean is likely to beat on earnings in the to-be-reported quarter because it has the right combination of two key ingredients. Zacks ESP: Earnings ESP for this company is +6.85%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate stands at 78 cents, whereas the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged lower at 73 cents. A favorable Zacks ESP serves as a meaningful indicator of a likely positive earnings surprise. Zacks Rank: Transocean carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) which, when combined with a positive ESP, makes us confident of an earnings beat. Note that stocks with Zacks Ranks #1, 2 or 3 have a significantly higher chance of beating on earnings. On the other hand, the Sell-rated stocks (#4 or 5) should never be considered going into an earnings announcement. What's Driving the Better-Than-Expected Earnings? As is the case with other offshore drillers, Transoceans revenues/earnings have borne the brunt of the freefall in realized commodity prices since mid 2014. With oil lingering in a bearish territory, top energy companies have cut spending (particularly on the costly drilling projects) to boost the sagging profit margins. This, in turn, has meant less work for the beleaguered drillers as offshore exploration for new oil and gas projects has almost come to a standstill. However, Transocean has come up with certain strategy initiatives to overcome the industry-wide slump and outperform earnings estimates yet again in this quarter. Story continues With an aggressive cost reduction program, Transocean is looking to shore up its operational performance even in this weak oil and gas pricing environment. As part of this strategy, the company has embarked on a policy to optimize overhead and maintenance expenses. Finally, Transocean has set itself an ambitious target to achieve an impressive 95% revenue efficiency for 2015. The continuation of this trend will aid operating margin in the to-be-reported quarter. Other Stocks to Consider Transocean is not the only company looking up this earnings season. We see likely earnings beat coming from these energy firms as well: Summit Midstream Partners LP SMLP with an Earnings ESP of + 50.00% and a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The partnership is expected to release earnings on Feb 25. Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc. BCEI with an Earnings ESP of +20.00% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is scheduled to release earnings on Feb 25. Apache Corp. APA with an Earnings ESP of +3.70% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is scheduled to release earnings on Feb 25. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report TRANSOCEAN LTD (RIG): Free Stock Analysis Report APACHE CORP (APA): Free Stock Analysis Report SUMMIT MIDSTRM (SMLP): Free Stock Analysis Report BONANZA CREEK (BCEI): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Police cordon off an area at a petrol station where a man was found severely injured after being shot on the sidelines of a pro-Kurdish demonstration in Fittja in southern Stockholm, Sweden, on February 13, 2016 (AFP Photo/Johan Nilsson) Botkyrka (Sweden) (AFP) - Turks and Kurds have lived peacefully side by side for years in Sweden -- but two incidents within a week are fuelling concern of tit-for-tat violence, amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. In the Stockholm suburb of Botkyrka, a powerful blast at a Turkish cultural centre destroyed two offices Wednesday evening, leaving broken glass and blackened walls. It came just four days after a man was shot at a pro-Kurdish rally in the same neighbourhood southwest of Stockholm. "I have many young people who are worried now, they say 'maybe the Turks will come to my house and shoot me'," said Yilmas Zengin, a 55-year-old of Turkish and Kurdish origin who runs the nearby Botkyrka Youth Centre. "We worry, more than anything, that the violence will increase," he said outside the centre. - Tensions in Turkey - Botkyrka's Fittja neighbourhood is home to both Turks and Kurds where roughly 90 percent of the population is of foreign origin. The incidents came as a surprise to most Turkish and Kurdish residents, and Interior Minister Anders Ygeman called them worrying. "We do not want any escalating conflict between different groups in Sweden, no matter who they are," he told the Swedish news agency TT. Turkish ambassador Kaya Turkmen visited the scene of the blast and spoke to members of both the Kurdish and the Turkish communities. Several locals voiced fears that the blast was the result of a hand grenade, but police are still investigating. "Turks and Kurds have been friends and lived in peace in Sweden and we can be grateful they decided not to be a part of this dirty game," Turkmen told AFP as he surveyed the damage at the cultural centre. "There are tensions in Turkey, so they are related. I hope there is no more violence" said Turkmen who also visited the Kurdish Cultural Centre, called the Anatoliska Kurdiska, some 100 metres (yards) away. Wednesday night's explosion came on the same day that 28 people were killed in a bomb attack in the capital of Turkey, which -- according to Ankara -- has been targeted by Islamist and Kurdish groups since it started fighting them in neighbouring Syria. Story continues Ankara has been waging an all-out assault on Kurdish groups it says are allied to outlawed domestic separatists, including shelling their positions in the north of its war-torn neighbour. Umut Ozkirimli, a professor of political science at Lund University's Centre for Middle Eastern Studies, said that he was worried that violence might spread to other countries in Europe. "It's not looking good to be honest. If these things are getting out of hand then I would expect Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands to follow," he said, given the large Kurdish and Turkish populations of those countries. - We've grown up together' - Mehmet Kayhan, who runs the Turkish cultural centre, said he feared Fittja was seeing conflict exported from the Middle East. Kayhan said there had been a fight between Turks and demonstrating Kurds in front of the centre just before the shooting on Saturday. But according to Kayhan and other witnesses at the Turkish and the Kurdish cultural centres, the demonstrators were not from the Fittja neighbourhood. "A crowd of maybe 150 Kurds marched in front of the centre and taunted us until a fight began. There were many of them, so we had to run into the building and barricade the doors and call the police," he said. "These people were Kurds from Iran and Iraq. I heard them speak," said Ismail Zengin, 57, who runs the centre along with Kayhan. His opinion was echoed by groups of men at the nearby Anatoliska Kurdiska who said locals would not have attacked each other. Kurdish groups also confirmed that Kurds from Iran, Iraq and Syria were all present at the demonstration, which had nothing to do with the centre. Indeed, roughly one third of the 25 men seated at the centre were Turks. Likewise a small group of Kurdish men had helped clear away the debris from Wednesday's blast. "We've grown up together, over there and here. We try to help each other," said Haydar Bayraktar, the Kurdish manager of the centre. There are no official figures for the number of Kurds in Sweden, but local groups place the number at around 100,000. There were about 46,000 people born in Turkey living in Sweden in 2014, according to the Swedish Statistics Bureau. * Shootings in three locations in Kalamazoo County * Victims apparently selected at random; handgun recovered * Suspect identified as Jason Dalton, 45 * Uber confirms he was a driver for the company (Adds background on arrest, suspect) By Ian Simpson Feb 21 (Reuters) - A Michigan man who worked as an Uber driver was under arrest on Sunday in the fatal shooting of six people in Kalamazoo, as police investigated reports he may have driven customers of the car-hailing service the night of the rampage. Prosecutors alleged that Jason Dalton, 45, opened fire, apparently at random, in parking lots outside an apartment building, a car dealership and at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Kalamazoo, about 150 miles (240 km) west of Detroit. Two other people were wounded, including a teenage girl who was initially thought to have died. Authorities could not confirm Dalton was working for Uber during the nearly five-hour shooting spree on Saturday evening. He was arrested without incident on Sunday while driving away from the parking lot of an area bar. An Uber representative confirmed that Dalton was a company driver and had passed background checks. The representative referred questions about whether Dalton was working at the time of the shootings to police. The victims "appear to be chosen at random, because they were available," Kalamazoo County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Getting said. "They were shot multiple times, multiple - nine, 10, 11 shell casings at each of these scenes." The carnage in Kalamazoo, a city of about 75,000 people, was the latest in a series of mass shootings that have elevated gun control as a campaign issue in the November U.S. presidential election. The attack also prompted renewed interest in how Uber vets drivers, who use their personal vehicles to ferry customers at prices that are generally below those of established taxi companies. Critics say the company's vetting process is flawed because it never meets with potential drivers in person. Story continues Uber says on its website that it has an "extensive" driver screening process that includes collecting detailed information from potential drivers and using the investigation service Checkr to vet them. Other websites and databases such at the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website are used as well. WOOD-TV, a Grand Rapids station, quoted police as saying they were investigating reports Dalton dropped off Uber fares at a hotel and then killed four women and wounded a 14-year-old girl at the nearby Cracker Barrel. The teenager was in critical condition, Michigan State Police said. In an emailed statement, Uber's chief security officer, Joe Sullivan, said the company was in contact with police to help with the investigation. An Uber passenger, Matt Mellen, told CBS TV affiliate WWMT that he had tried to alert the company after a wild ride with Dalton about an hour before the first shooting was reported. He said Dalton introduced himself using a different name from the one listed as a driver. He then sped through medians and across a lawn, and Mellen jumped out at a stop at about 4:30 p.m. (2130 GMT) "He just kind of kept looking at me like, 'Don't you want to get to your friend's house?' and I'm like, 'I want to get there alive,'" said Mellen, a brewery worker. His fiancee posted a Facebook account of the ride that said Dalton had sideswiped a car and run a stop sign. Mellen said he unsuccessfully tried to contact Uber about Dalton after talking to police. Kalamazoo Police Chief Jeff Hadley told Reuters that investigators were still looking into reports of Dalton picking up Uber fares around the time of the shootings. He confirmed that a man did call police with a report of an erratic Uber driver and the report was relayed to patrol officers. Hadley said it was not unusual for police to receive such reports and that he was not sure whether investigators had contacted the passenger who made the report. An Uber spokesman could not be immediately reached for comment on Mellen's account. Michigan State Police said the carnage began at about 5:30 p.m. ET (2230 GMT) with the report of a woman wounded outside an apartment building. At about 10 p.m., a father and son were killed at the car dealership. Dalton allegedly opened fire outside the restaurant about 15 minutes later. The four slain women were identified as Mary Lou Nye, 62, of Baroda, Michigan; and Dorothy Brown, 74; Barbara Hawthorne, 68; and Mary Jo Nye, 60, all of Battle Creek, Michigan, state police said. Earlier, authorities reported seven deaths. Hadley said he understood that the wounded teenage girl was initially believed to have died and was being prepped for organ harvesting when she grasped the hand of one of her parents. Getting said Dalton was thought to have been in contact with more than one person via cellphone during the shooting spree. Hadley said authorities have contacted Dalton's wife, who is safe and cooperating with investigators. Dalton is expected to be arraigned on Monday on charges of murder, assault and firearms violations, the prosecutor said. Getting said a semiautomatic pistol was found in Dalton's car. Police said he had no known criminal record. The Detroit Free Press newspaper said neighbors described Dalton as a father of two who "loved guns" and who worked on cars and had a day job as an insurance salesman. The Kalamazoo shootings come as Uber is facing a range of regulatory and safety issues. The company agreed last month to pay $28.5 million to settle federal litigation brought by customers who alleged the service misrepresented the quality of its safety practices and fees. (Reporting by Chris Michaud and Ian Simpson in Washington, and Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Editing by Alan Crosby, Jonathan Oatis and Chris Reese) Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins Cisco, Ericsson, and Intel are working on a new router to bring super speedy 5G wireless networking to homes and businesses. The tech giants made the announcement at the Mobile World Congress taking place this week in Barcelona. All of these tech companies are part of the Verizon 5G Technology Forum, a group that's trying to birth 5G into existence by 2017, not just in tests, but by making it available to actual commercial customers. Ericsson, a company that makes network equipment for wireless service providers, has actually been working on 5G for years. Back in 2014, Ericsson CEO Hans Vestberg said that 5G would take five years or longer to roll out, but Verizon is determined to push up that timeline. 5G promises to be remarkably fast. Early prototypes of 5G phones being demoed at MWC are operating at a mind-boggling 3.77 gigabits a second, reports CNET's by Roger Cheng. That's over 300% faster than Google Fiber's 1G networks, and a magnitude faster than today's top-speed LTE (aka 4G) connection, which hit download speeds of 5 and 12 Mb ps. Cisco and Ericsson aren't alone in the race to launch 5G. In October, Japanese mobile operator NTT DoCoMo, using network equipment from their arch-rival Huawei, also demonstrated speeds of 3.6 Gb ps in the world's first large-scale public network test of 5G in China, reported the IBTimes' Mary-Ann Russon. The idea isn't simply to make your smartphone download HD movies in a flash. All that speed means the network can handle more internet connections without slowing to a crawl. And your home and business will soon have countless more gadgets on the network, as the age of the internet of things (IoT) is ushered in. That's when all kinds of inanimate objects get sensors, an internet connection, and can be controlled by apps. This includes everything from your appliances to your car to even your toothbrush. Hans Vestberg of Ericsson This router announcement was one of several Cisco made at MWC on Monday with its former rival-turned-partner Ericsson. Both companies sell network equipment to telecom service providers and enterprises. For years there was talk of some sort of merger between the two. Story continues Instead, Cisco's new CEO Chuck Robbins fired up a partnership with Ericsson in November where they would jointly create new products which they projected would generate an additional $1 billion in revenue apiece for the companies by 2018. They have already landed their first joint customer, too, a cable company in the Dominican Republic, Ericsson announced on Monday. NOW WATCH: A model with a bionic arm is redefining the fashion industry More From Business Insider The following factors are likely to influence Malaysian palm oil futures and other vegetable oil markets. FUNDAMENTALS * Malaysian palm oil futures retreated on Friday evening to give up gains made earlier in the day as traders expected to see weaker February export demand data in a report on Saturday. * U.S. grain and soybeans were roughly flat on Friday, stabilizing amid a lack of fresh fundamental news following steep gains earlier this week tied mostly to investor short-covering, traders and analysts said. * Oil prices fell 4 percent on Friday, with Brent down a third straight week, as record high U.S. crude stockpiles intensified worries that a plan to freeze world output will do little or nothing to reduce massive oil supplies already in the market. MARKET NEWS * Asian share markets got off to a cautious start on Monday as investors await a rush of February industry surveys to take the pulse of the global economy, while sterling suffered on concerns the UK might yet vote to leave the European Union. RELATED > Malaysia's Feb 1-20 palm oil exports down 10.8 pct m/m > Indian sugar exports slow to Myanmar, smuggling gateway to China > Egypt's GASC says buys 240,000 T French and Russian wheat > Russia considers export duty exemption for some wheat types - RIA > Argentina declares flood emergency in six key farm provinces DATA/EVENTS > Cargo surveyor ITS releases Malaysia's Feb 1-25 palm oil export data on Feb 25. > Cargo surveyor SGS releases Malaysia's Feb 1-25 palm oil export data on Feb 25. * For a table on Malaysian physical palm oil prices, including refined oil, Reuters Terminal users can double click on or type. * To view freight rates from Peninsula Malaysia/Sumatra to China, India, Pakistan and Rotterdam, please key in and press enter, or double click between the brackets. * Reuters Terminal users can see cash and futures edible oil prices by double clicking on the codes in the brackets: To go to the next page in the same chain, hit F12. To go back, hit Story continues F11. Palm, soy and crude oil prices at 0031 GMT Contract Month Last Change Low High Volume MY PALM OIL MAR6 0 +0.00 0 0 0 MY PALM OIL APR6 0 +0.00 0 0 0 MY PALM OIL MAY6 0 +0.00 0 0 0 CHINA PALM OLEIN MAY6 5024 +20.00 4986 5026 339526 CHINA SOYOIL MAY6 5778 +22.00 5742 5780 145118 CBOT SOY OIL MAR6 31.39 +3.00 0.00 0.00 0 INDIA PALM OIL FEB6 485.70 +3.00 484.00 490.40 1027 INDIA SOYOIL MAR6 627.30 -3.35 626.00 632.90 48630 NYMEX CRUDE MAR6 29.71 +0.07 29.48 29.85 93 Palm oil prices in Malaysian ringgit per tonne CBOT soy oil in U.S. cents per pound Dalian soy oil and RBD palm olein in Chinese yuan per tonne India soy oil in Indian rupee per 10 kg Crude in U.S. dollars per barrel Vegetable oils -- Malaysian palm oil exports -- CBOT soyoil futures -- CBOT soybean futures -- Indian solvent -- Weekly Indian vegetable oils -- Dalian Commodity Exchange -- Dalian soyoil futures -- Dalian refined palm oil futures -- Zhengzhou rapeseed oil -- European edible oil prices/trades -- (Reporting by Praveen Menon) Cat and mouse In the ongoing battle between cat-lovers and dog-lovers, dog people have a hefty weapon in their arsenal: a bizarre, mind-controlling parasite you can catch by cleaning your cat's litter box. It's true that this parasite exists, and it's true that you can get it from your cat. But cat-lovers take heart the truth is more complicated than the other half would have you think. A new study published in the journal PLOS ONE has found "little evidence" that the parasite is linked to mental disorders like schizophrenia, personality changes, or cognitive impairment. But the truth about this curious parasite is still pretty bizarre. The parasite Toxoplasma gondii Toxo for short is a tiny, single-celled parasite with a weird life history and a weirder host of consequences. Cats get it by eating infected rodents. After being swallowed, the parasites invade the walls of the cat's intestines, where they sexually reproduce, leaving behind millions of tiny cysts containing Toxo zygotes these are called oocysts. Interestingly, cats (though all felines, not just house cats) are the only animal Toxo can use to sexually reproduce. Toxoplasma gondii Later on, an infected cat will shed these oocytes in its feces where, yes, you can then pick up the parasite from your cat's litter box. An infection with Toxo is called Toxoplasmosis, and once it's in the body, it stays there. After an oocyst enters the body of a non-cat, it opens up and allows the Toxo zygotes to spill out, where they develop into a mobile, rapidly dividing life stage. Once they get into the blood stream, they are carried around to the body's organs, including the brain. Luckily, the human immune system is usually able to keep the parasites from getting out of hand. Pressure from the immune system forces them to cluster into little cysts in the brain and muscles. These cysts usually lie dormant, suppressed by the immune system. However, in the sick or the elderly, whose immune systems are weaker, the parasite can break free and cause serious illness, attacking organs most notably the brain and eyes. Story continues It's also not exactly rare. The CDC reports that 22.5% of the US population over 12 has been infected with Toxo. In other parts of the world, the incidence of infection may be as high as 95%. Cat and mouse The symptoms The most interesting thing about Toxo is what it does to an infected animal's mind. Infected mice become more adventurous and less fearful of cats in fact, they even seem to become drawn to cats. This sinister effect increases the rodent's likelihood of being eaten and providing a chance for Toxo to enter the cat and reproduce. Infected humans can be subject to some equally weird symptoms, which Kathleen Mcauliffe described in her extensive coverage for The Atlantic. Research showed that infected men tend to be more impulsive, suspicious, withdrawn, and prone to breaking rules, while infected women are more trusting, outgoing, and law-abiding (but also more prone to depression). Toxoplasma_gondii_tissue_cyst_in_mouse_brain Both infected men and women are also more likely to be involved in traffic accidents, engage in suicide attempts, and oddly develop schizophrenia. And for people with weakened immune systems, severe Toxoplasmosis infections can attack the eyes, brain, and other organs, and in extreme situations can result in death. Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are the most at risk for adverse effects. Newly infected women, especially those infected during pregnancy, can pass the infection on to their child. This can result in severe consequences for the babies, such as damage to the eyes or nervous system. But don't get rid of your furry feline just yet. New study finds 'little evidence' of human brain problems Among 837 people from a longitudinal health study in New Zealand who tested positive for Toxoplasma gondii, researchers searched for a link between the infection and four different aspects of brain health: Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and major depression Poor impulse control (as measured by suicidal and criminal behavior) Scores on what psychologists calls the "big five" personality traits: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism Cognitive performance on tests measuring things like IQ, executive functions, memory, and processing speed The study did not find a higher prevalence of schizophrenia or depression among those infected with the parasite. The researchers also found no link between Toxo infection and signs of poor impulse control like self-harm or criminal behavior. They did find that suicidal attempts were slightly more common in this population, but the findings didn't reach a threshold for statistical certainty. In terms of personality, those infected with Toxo scored the same as than uninfected people on the big five personality measures. Finally, infected people scored no differently on 13 out of 14 tests of cognitive performance, such as IQ, processing speed, and verbal comprehension. The only test they performed worse on was a test of verbal memory. "On the whole, there was little evidence that T. gondii was related to increased risk of psychiatric disorder, poor impulse control, personality aberrations or neurocognitive impairment," the authors wrote in the study. More good news Here are some other facts to ease your minds, cat-owners. First, cats only shed Toxo oocysts for three weeks after ingesting the parasite. That means indoor cats who aren't running around gobbling up infected mice are basically safe. As for outdoor cats, The Atlantic writer Mcauliffe consulted Jaroslav Flegr, a Czech scientist who has devoted much of his career to the study of Toxoplasma gondii. She writes: As for outdoor cats, they shed the parasite for only three weeks of their life, typically when they're young and have just begun hunting. During that brief period, Flegr simply recommends taking care to keep kitchen counters and tables wiped clean. Once they've shed the parasite, outdoor cats typically acquire immunity and will not become reinfected, meaning they'll only shed the parasite once in their lives. So, to be honest, your beloved house cat is probably not controlling your mind after all. Your food, on the other hand, is another story. While your pet kitty is almost certainly safe, some feral outdoor cat somewhere could still be infecting you via the food you eat. Foodborne toxoplasmosis can help explain the high rate of infection in the United States and around the world. The bad news red meat beef strip steak butcher Infected cats can contaminate soil with their feces. The parasite stays viable in the wild for up to 18 months. The parasite can then be picked up by grazing animals including food animals like pigs or cattle or else it can rub off onto fruits and vegetables. This means humans can contract the parasite by eating under-cooked meat or unwashed veggies. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consider Toxoplasmosis to be a leading cause of death by foodborne illness in the United States. Toxo-infected wildlife And it's not just humans who are at risk. Toxoplasmosis in the California watershed poses a serious threat to sea otters, too. It turns out cat feces can wash into waterways, which carry the Toxo parasites out into the sea. There, they can infect mussels, clams, and other shellfish that otters like to eat. Unfortunately, otters aren't as good at fighting off the parasite as humans once it has been ingested by the otters, it attacks their brains, causing lesions in the brain tissue and potentially death. Sea Otters Since the late 90s, scientists have tracked toxoplasmosis infections in sea otters in California, and in the early 2000s it became apparent that Toxo was a major problem for California sea otters. In 2006, the BBC reported that Toxo caused 17% of deaths in sea otters between 1998 and 2001. Other research has shown even higher infection rates. A 2005 study found that 52% of dead otters that washed up on the California coast between 1998 and 2004 were infected, and 38% of live ones had the parasite. Scientists believe the problem is caused by cat feces washing into the California watershed. While both wild cats and feral domestic cats probably contribute to the problem, a 2013 study concluded that domestic cats were likely to have the biggest effect despite generally having a lower parasite load than wild cats because their populations are larger. In general, for humans, thoroughly cooking your meat, washing your fruits and vegetables, and keeping surfaces in the house clean are a good protection against infection. And while Toxoplasmosis remains a strange and potentially scary presence in the world, it's a pretty safe bet that you can go home and hug Fluffy tonight without too much anxiety. More From Business Insider What January Indicators Mean for China-Focused Mutual Funds (Continued from Prior Part) Exports and imports According to the General Administration of Customs, Chinas exports (in US dollar terms) fell sharply by 11.2% year-over-year (or YoY) in January as compared to a decline of 1.4% in December. Imports fell by 18.8% YoY as compared to a 7.6% drop in December. Some analysts believe that the unexpected drop in foreign trade was mainly due to a change in the timing of the Lunar New Year. As a result, Chinese firms were busy wrapping up their business at the end of the January to celebrate the New Year. Thus, Chinas trade surplus rose sharply due to lower commodity prices and sluggish demand. Chinas trade surplus stood at $63.3 billion in January, up from $60.1 billion in December. The January numbers clearly indicate the slump in domestic and foreign demand. Chinas exports to South Korea and Taiwan have fallen sharply. This fall proves that the weakening of the yuan by almost 6% against the US dollar since August 2015 by the Peoples Bank of China (or PBoC) proved to be of little help in boosting exports. Meanwhile, imports have taken a hit due to low domestic demand on account of a slowing economy. Plus, China is a major importer of crude oil, copper, and iron ore. The prices of these commodities have fallen sharply, and most factories are already sitting on a large stock of commodities due to lower demand. Reforms Market participants are expecting further stimulus measures from Chinese authorities. It is widely expected that Chinas central bank will need to resort to further monetary stimulus in the form of more rate cuts to support the slowing economy as well as to lessen the capital outflow from the country and weaken the yuan further to boost exports. Impact on mutual funds Tencent Holdings (TCEHY) is included in the top ten holdings list of all four mutual funds, which includes the Clough China Fund Class A (CHNAX), the Guinness Atkinson China and Hong Kong Fund (ICHKX), the Eaton Vance Greater China Growth FundClass A (EVCGX), and the John Hancock Greater China Opportunities Fund Class A (JCOAX). Tencent Holdings has a great deal of export exposure. The slowing down of exports directly impacts the companys revenues and margins. Story continues Similarly, Chinese American depository receipts (or ADRs) such as China Mobile (CHL), CNOOC (CEO), PetroChina Company Limited (PTR), and China Petroleum & Chemical (SNP) would be directly impacted by the weak demand and drop in commodity prices. In the next article, we will look at Chinas consumer price index and producer price index. Continue to Next Part Browse this series on Market Realist: After months of market volatility, China's top securities regulator finally got the boot over the weekend, leaving many to wonder what took so long. China removed Xiao Gang, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), replacing him with Liu Shiyu, chairman of the Agricultural Bank of China (Shanghai Stock Exchange: 1288-SZ) and a former official at the mainland's central bank, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), the official news agency Xinhua reported over the weekend. Analysts were generally unsurprised by Xiao's ouster given the turmoil in Chinese markets in recent months. How he managed to retain his position was the bigger mystery given the botched response to the country's equities meltdown that rattled global financial markets. "I think he's lasted as long as he has because he got a second chance that if he could clean up the mess and bring some order to the markets then you may be able to keep your job," Fraser Howie, an independent analyst and co-author of Red Capitalism and Privatizing China, told CNBC Monday. But mainland markets (Shanghai Stock Exchange: .SSEC) opened this year with quite a whimper. That sealed his fate, Howie said. China-listed stocks plunged in 2016's opening sessions, with trade suspended completely in two of the first four sessions after the CSI 300 index dropped more than 7 percent, triggering a circuit breaker meant to limit market volatility. That spurred CSRC to suspend the circuit-breaker system after it was in effect for just four sessions in a quick regulatory flip-flop that was met with sharp criticism. That market turmoil marked a second recent black eye for China's regulators. Their response to last year's mid-year market plunge on the mainland was much derided. That slump - of more than 30 percent off previous highs at some points - followed a rapid rally of more than 100 percent in less than a year, fueled in large part by a huge buildup of margin lending after regulators allowed investors to open as many as 20 trading accounts each. As that credit-fueled bubble popped, the Chinese government stepped in with a slew of policy changes, including a virtual ban on short-selling, serious restrictions on selling by major shareholders and the loosening of margin lending regulations. Story continues The turmoil may have spurred a search for a scapegoat. "The easy person to point the finger at is the head of the regulator, somewhat unfairly perhaps," Howie said. "He's the referee. He's meant to be setting the rules and ensuring that everyone abides by them. In some ways, who the person at the top is really irrelevant in some ways," Howie noted. "In China's case though, the regulator plays the role of almost cheerleader-in-chief. And the regulator has the horrible position of having to create or support bull markets and yet at the same time make sure nothing goes wrong." Others noted that Xiao likely remained in his position for so long after the market turmoil began simply because it took a while to find a replacement. For the appointment of a new securities chief "to come before the National People's Congress in February is quite fast," noted Steve Wang, chief China economist at Reorient Financial. Wang noted that Xiao's replacement is essentially a central bank bureaucrat, something he expects may increase communication between the PBOC and the CSRC. That could help restore confidence. Indeed, that may have been a driver of the timing of the move. The G20 meeting of the finance ministers in Shanghai on Friday and Saturday may have been a factor, Howie noted. "The G20 leaders are looking for decisive action from Chinese leadership to show they're in charge," Howie said. "They understand there's volatility in markets. They understand people have missteps. I think the difficulty in China is from the summer onwards, we've seen misstep after misstep." Now, global policymakers want to see that China has a clear plan for how it proceeds from here, he said. Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. -By CNBC.Com's Leslie Shaffer; Follow her on Twitter @LeslieShaffer1 More From CNBC Source: NASA. North Korea, the country whose nuclear ambitions have been the fulcrum of security concerns for years, may be a threat in more ways than one. North Korea, the country whose nuclear ambitions have been the fulcrum of global security concerns for more than a decade, may be a threat in more ways than one. Concerns about Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal have largely revolved around whether the country could eventually launch a warhead at neighboring South Korea, or even the United States itself. Yet the country's recent actions have converged with percolating fears about the U.S.'s antiquated power gridwhich a growing number of observers say is vulnerable to asymmetric threats. The possibility of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attackdefined as the detonation of a nuclear device at high altitude that produces an electromagnetic wave that can either damage or destroy electronic systemshas been mooted since at least the Cold War, the Center for Security Policy notes, while solar flares can also trigger the same effect. Read More North Korea's bomb test may backfire in a big way Yet its the threat of a malicious attack on the more than 450,000 miles of high voltage transmission lines that comprise the U.S. power lattice that has some experts worried. It has been a generic concern in national security circles for years. However, North Korea's suspected test of a hydrogen bomb in late Januarycombined with its firing of a rocket just days agohas fanned new EMP fears among observers who have warned about the issue for some time. "The technology of building a super EMP weapon is understood and at least by circumstantial evidencethe North Koreans know how to do it," said Henry (Hank) Cooper, a director at the think tank Foundation for Resilient Societies and a former arms control official under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Recent events suggest the power grid remains a prime target for terrorism, both at home and abroad. Within the last few months, both Israel and Ukraine were hit with crippling hacks against their respective power grids. Separately, a mysterious 2013 sniper attack on a Silicon Valley substation is widely suspected to have been the result of terrorism. Story continues The possibility of a sophisticated attack on the energy grid "is real and needs to be addressed urgently," James Woolsey, chairman of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, told CNBC in a 2014 interview. Woolsey is a Democrat who was CIA Director under President Clinton and a Navy official under former President Carter. Knowledge about the extent of North Korea's arsenal is notoriously opaque, which is one reason why January's nuclear test was met with skepticism by U.S. officials. Cooper, however insisted that "there is no good reason" to dismiss the idea that the totalitarian regime may in fact be prepping an EMP. Last month's nuclear test "is disputed on the basis of it not creating a big seismic signalbut that's not true," said Cooper, a trained mechanical engineer. Calling it an "essential threat," Cooper argued that a low-yield hydrogen weapon can be used to produce the conditions that can trigger an EMP attack. Knowledgeable observers warn that that an EMP detonation is more than just abstract theory or science fiction. Late last year, veteran broadcaster Ted Koppel released a book, "Lights Out," in which he warned an attack on the power grid was a legitimate possibility. The White House released a contingency plan in October for a theoretical electromagnetic space storm that could disrupt the grid. Separately, federal regulators have also cautioned that EMP events are difficult to anticipate, and could "interrupt power to as many as 130 million people in the United States alone, requiring several years to recover." At a minimum, the U.S. government has tacitly acknowledged the potential of such an attack or incident. Last May, the North American Aerospace Command (NORAD) announced plans to revive its Cheyenne Mountan Complex, an emblem of the country's Cold War posture. In announcing the move at the time, NORAD officials cited the need to defend the country from an EMP attack. A successful attack could potentially devastate the domestic economy, causing more than $2 trillion in economic damage, according to a "back of the envelope" December 2015 estimate by The Sage Policy Group, a consulting firm. Vincent DeVito, a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy under President George W. Bush and who is now a law partner at Bowditch & Dewey, told CNBC that on a scale of 1 to 10, he classified the threat posed by an EMP attack as a 7. "It's all exposedand it's not just the U.S.," said DeVito. "We're interconnected with Canada and Mexico, so it's really a North America issue." A 2014 drill by regulators determined that utilities were unprepared for electronic and physical attacks on the power grid, but since then utilities have been more proactive about fortifying their defenses, DeVito said. "They're motivated to make the investments, just like airlines are to protect their jets. But without a strong government focus and geopolitical policy to address what these potential threats are," the grid remains a target, he said. Utilities have been proactive about fortifying the grid on their own, DeVito said, but they require concentrated efforts by the government. Congress's EMP Commission, which disbanded in 2008, estimated a plan to protect the grid from attacks could be put together within five years, at a cost $10-20 billion. "Congress can fund [EMP defenses], but it's all about prioritizing," DeVito said. More From CNBC FINEST KIND CLINIC AND FISHMARKET.... Discussing medicine, culture, and the joys of cooking Pansit. I heart Reykjavik tour group, Reykjavik, October 9, 2015 Tough Choices I get quite a lot of media requests every month. They all want the non-touristy Iceland to send more tourists there... Maria athas been posting a series of short essays on the state of Iceland, past and present, dealing with dealing with the Icelandic economy and its relationship to tourism. The underlying question is one which has plagued Iceland for over a thousand years: self governance. The posts arent terribly long (although they are much longer than a tweet!) but if you want to read only one to get the gist of them I suggest readingMy last couple of visits to Reykjavik have been somewhat bittersweet: seeing myself in the role of an obnoxious camera-toting tourist trying to fit in where I dont really belong. The continuing property development in the city has been, with a few exceptions, disheartening as well. But whenever Im there I always have some great moments: moments when the I melts into the background and the not I is able to experience life in a new way. That said, I may have had enough of life on the rock, its getting harder to imagine going back again. I will really miss the theatre and the pool, however, and the people I have met there have beenFrom time to time, on my other blog, Laxness in Translation , I get inquiries about Icelandic literature and culture. Recently, writer Dan Kois and) wrote me asking about any connections that Halldor Laxness might have to the Icelandic swimming culture (there werent any) so I gave him some suggestions of people to contact. I mentioned I Heart Reykjavik , telling him that Auur would probably be too busy to help him but her blog had a lot about swimming. A few days later, Auur tweeted:So maybe I really am part of the problem!UPDATE: The Dan Kois article is up at the New York Times and it is 2000 - 2022 24 .- . focus-news.net, () . 24 . 24 . . 24 . We value your privacy. Focus Taiwan (CNA) uses tracking technologies to provide better reading experiences, but it also respects readers' privacy. Click here to find out more about Focus Taiwan's privacy policy. When you close this window, it means you agree with this policy. Time to pack it up and bring em back home.Provisional agreement reached on Syrian ceasefireAMMAN, Jordan Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday that a provisional agreement has been reached on a Syrian ceasefire that could begin in the next few days, but he acknowledged that its not finalized and all parties might not automatically comply.Explosions meanwhile ripped through the central Syrian city of Homs and a Damascus suburb, killing dozens of people, and government forces backed by Russian warplanes pressed a major offensive north of Aleppo that has undermined previous efforts to halt the fighting.Kerry said he discussed the terms with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and said the two must now reach out to the opposing forces in the conflict. He declined to go into the details of the agreement, saying it is not yet done.The modalities for a cessation of hostilities are now being completed, Kerry said. We are closer to a ceasefire today than we have been. A cessation of hostilities is possible over the course of these next hours. He said he hoped President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin would talk soon and that implementation could then begin.The Russian Foreign Ministry said Lavrov and Kerry spoke on the phone Sunday for a second day in a row and discussed the modality and conditions for a cease-fire that would exclude groups that the U.N. Security Council considers terrorist organizations.Syrian President Bashar Assad said in remarks published Sunday that his government was ready to take part in a truce as long as it is not used by militants to reinforce their positions. Alberta mother's battle puts spotlight on First Nations medical care rejectionsAn Alberta mother is challenging the federal government over its refusal to pay for her daughter's medical care.Stacey Shiner lives outside Calgary. Her daughter Kennedy is a member of the Sucker Creek First Nation. Kennedy has braces to correct a severe overbite and molars which were growing in sideways. The condition once left her suffering headaches and persistent discomfort."I couldn't really smile straight so I would never smile," Kennedy said.Shiner applied to have her daughter's treatment covered by the federal government's Non-Insured Health Benefits Program, a program aimed at ensuring that First Nations and Inuit people receive medical care comparable to other Canadians.Her daughter's orthodontist assured the government the treatment, which would cost more than $8,000, was medically necessary and not merely cosmetic. But Health Canada nonetheless rejected the family's claim."It made me pretty frustrated," Shiner said. Overall, he has flown British, American, German, Italian, and Japanese aircraft, and has flown more types of aircraft than anyone in history, including helicopters, fighters, gliders, bombers, amphibious and flying boats, and airliners. He was also the British Fleet Air Arms most decorated pilot, and he holds two world records for aircraft carrier landings: 2,407 fixed-wing and 212 rotary-wing. darkbeaver said: Interesting man, what a life of adventure, builds character. Smaller guys can take crashes better. Does it say how many flying hours he has? Click to expand... He logged approximately 4,000 helicopter flight hours, 7,000 jet flight Here's an interview with him: hours, and 7,000 prop flight hours.Here's an interview with him: http://www.helicopterfoundation.org/portals/4/heritage/Eric_Brown.pdf The British hero who could have been the first man on the moon (if he hadn't been too patriotic to give up his passport): Why we'll never see the likes of legendary pilot Eric 'Winkle' Brown again This is a list of the aircraft types flown by Captain Eric "Winkle" Brown, RN. The list is the one drawn up and verified by the Guinness Book of Records.The list includes only the main aircraft types. For example, Brown flew fourteen different Marks of Spitfire/Seafire, but only the basic types are listed here.By Robert Hardman for the Daily Mail 23 February 2016Eric Brown did not just witness history at first hand. He made it himself at sea, in the sky and in one of the ghastliest places on Earth.This charming, fearless and extremely clever Scotsman will be chiefly remembered as one of the greatest aviators of all time, a man so revered in flying circles that he was even a hero to the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong.For no one has ever nor will ever fly as many different aircraft as Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown CBE DSC AFC of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, who died on Sunday.At the end of World War II during which he survived the Gestapo, the sinking of his aircraft carrier and several plane crashes Eric helped liberate Belsen and bring some of the greatest ogres of modern history to justice. Thereafter, as a supremely gifted test pilot, he did much to give the West a crucial lead over the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War.He was the first man to land a jet on an aircraft carrier (his feats are still studied to this day). But his expertise has benefited anyone getting on a plane today. As recently as ten years ago, he was still being consulted by Airbus on designs for its A380.And now a new book reveals Eric might have been the first man on the moon had he agreed to accept U.S. citizenship. A fiercely patriotic former ADC to the Queen, he refused to surrender his British passport with the result that the UK has had to wait more than 45 years to hear the extra-terrestrial musings of Major Tim Peake instead.Eric was extremely good company, as those lucky enough to have met him, myself included, will testify. There aren't very many people whose passing at the age of 97 might be described as a 'shock'. But such was the cheerful indefatigability of this wholly self-sufficient legend who was driving himself around in a new convertible just last summer that it was easy to imagine he would simply keep on going for ever.That is why the world of aviation is in mourning. Less than a month ago many of Britain's top pilots gathered to toast his 97th birthday.Only last year, he was a guest at Downing Street and in the greeting line during the Queen's state visit to Germany.His family and friends are already planning a fabulous memorial service at the Fleet Air Arm's Yeovilton home, though it also raises an intriguing question: how the hell are they going to organise a flypast for Eric?It will be nigh on impossible to do justice to the career of a man whose three Guinness World Records include flying 487 different types of aircraft, including several death traps and a captured Nazi rocket plane.He owed his love of planes to his father, a Royal Flying Corps pilot during World War I. Such was the rapport between Great War fliers that his father was invited to the 1936 Berlin Olympics and took Eric with him. He met the gregarious Ernst Udet, a formidable fighter ace second only to Baron von Richtofen. Eric was taken up for a stomach-churning spin in Udet's stunt plane and was hooked.Back at Edinburgh Royal High School, he excelled at languages and went on to study German at Edinburgh University. He also joined the university air squadron.In the summer of 1939, unaware of looming hostilities, Eric was on a teaching exchange in Germany, as he told me during our first meeting at his Sussex home ten years ago.'One morning, there was a knock and there was this SS officer who announced: 'Our countries are at war.' I was under arrest.'He was held prisoner by the Gestapo for three days before being driven to the Swiss border in a student exchange. He dashed home to sign up as a pilot. The RAF was over-subscribed, but the Navy needed pilots for its Fleet Air Arm.With the Battle of Britain raging, Eric ended up in Scotland mastering a new American plane. He was part of a display laid on to impress Winston Churchill. Unfortunately, engine failure led to a forced landing in the sea in front of the Prime Minister. 'He did send me his condolences later,' Eric added.Known as 'Winkle' due to his 5ft 7in build, Eric soon proved his worth at sea serving in HMS Audacity and received the Distinguished Service Cross (the Naval equivalent of the MC) for gallantry. But in December 1941, Audacity was hit by a torpedo.Of 26 who survived the attack, Eric was one of just two fished out of the freezing sea alive.During his convalescence, he married his sweetheart, Lynn, and made the first of what would be many trips to Buckingham Palace to receive his DSC. But his talent for landing planes in the trickiest circumstances had marked him out for special duties as a test pilot.When someone was needed to try a new catapult launch system for aircraft carriers or to see if it was possible to land a Mosquito at sea (it was), he was summoned when he wasn't commanding a Canadian Spitfire squadron over occupied France.As Britain came under attack from V1 flying bombs in 1944, he was part of the top secret unit charged with intercepting them. For the first and only time in his life, he had to bale out when the engine of his plane caught fire.What happened next was pure Dad's Army as he landed in a duck pond and was cornered by an angry bull. 'The Home Guard wouldn't go near it,' he would chuckle. In the end, he was rescued by the farmer.As the Allies fought through Europe, he was assigned to a special unit capturing and testing enemy aircraft. As a result, he had to try out everything from the near-suicidal Messerschmitt 163, a rocket plane running on liquid explosive, to Himmler's personal Focke-Wulf Condor with its luxury kitchen and armour-plated loo.In 1945, he had just landed at an abandoned German airfield when he met an Allied unit heading to explore reports of atrocities at a nearby concentration camp called Bergen Belsen. With his fluent German, Eric was invited along to help with interpretation.What he saw would mark him for life. 'It was utterly, utterly horrific,' he reflected on the same spot 70 years later. 'Ten thousand bodies littered around and the survivors had been dehumanised. They were like animals.'He was one of a small group of survivors and liberators invited to meet the Queen there during last June's state visit. What he would also remember to his dying day was the female camp commandant, Irma Grese 'The worst human being I ever encountered.'He would go on to interrogate other senior Nazis, including Hermann Goering and Germany's top plane designers, Willy Messerschmitt and Ernst Heinkel, before returning to duty in the sky where he was charged with everything from researching why planes disappeared in storms to testing new gizmos called helicopters.At one point, the U.S. Navy charged one of its pilots with beating Eric's record of 2,407 landings on aircraft carriers. The poor chap got as far as 1,600 before a nervous breakdown intervened.The Americans were huge fans of Eric. A new book on the Space Shuttle, Into The Black, by Rowland White, reveals that, during the Sixties, Eric was invited to be part of the same X15 space rocket programme as Neil Armstrong and his colleagues. But the precondition was taking U.S. citizenship. Years later, however, he would become good friends with Armstrong who hailed Eric as a 'role model'. Praise indeed.Did he have any regrets? According to his friend, TV producer Nicholas Jones, who made the film, Eric Brown, A Pilot's Story, Eric wished that he and Britain had been the first to break the sound barrier, instead of America's Chuck Yeager.But it was impossible to meet this eternally cheerful, modest man and not come away humbled by the scale of his achievements, even if we now take them for granted. 'Anybody who flies in a plane today as a passenger or pilot owes a great debt to the bravery and tenacity of Eric Brown,' said his friend, defence expert Paul Beaver, last night.Lynn died in 1998. But he is survived not only by his son, Glenn, his grandchildren, great grandchildren and his companion, Jean but by a legacy which is beyond compare. PLATTSMOUTH A Bellevue man will spend five years on probation for driving drunk in Cass County last year. Ryan A. Peterson, 24, appeared in Cass County District Court Monday morning for a sentencing hearing. Peterson pled guilty to a Class W misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of alcohol-third offense earlier this winter. Petersons first two DUI offenses both came in 2013 in Sarpy County. Deputy County Attorney Colin Palm said the state was worried about Petersons trouble with alcohol consumption. He said there needed to be strict conditions on his probation if that was the verdict of the court. Mr. Peterson has amassed three DUIs in a short amount of time, Palm said. That is certainly concerning. Defense attorney Angela Minahan said Peterson had maintained his sobriety since the March 25 incident. She also said he had a supportive family and had sought treatment for his alcohol issues. Judge Jeffrey Funke sentenced Peterson to a 60-month probation term under Specialized Substance Abuse Supervision (SSAS) conditions. Peterson must complete an intensive outpatient treatment program, attend a Mothers Against Drunk Driving victim impact panel and complete a defensive driving class. Peterson must pay a $1,000 fine and will spend the next ten weekends in Cass County Jail. His drivers license will also be suspended for 15 years. Skyteam, the global airline alliance, partners with UNICEO - United Networks of International Corporate Event Organizers. The partnership will further position Skyteams Global Meetings product as a competitive and convenient travel solution for the MICE market. UNICEO is the only innovative international association of senior travel managers with responsibility for decision-making for corporate events of major international companies. SkyTeam will now actively cooperate in UNICEO projects with the aim of promoting the exchange of professional experience and know-how among members. SkyTeam will also become a global sponsor and provide support for the activities of UNICEO, a non-profit international association based in Geneva. SkyTeams Global Meetings product was developed to respond to the specific travel requirements of the meetings industry. With a minimum of just 50 and no maximum number of attendees, plus generous discounts on flights operated by its 20 member airlines, SkyTeam is responding to industry demand for travel small as well as large events. Global Meetings is free to use and event organizers can set up their event in a matter of clicks, thanks to a streamlined online registration process. "Partnering with SkyTeam was a clear choice given the alliances leading position in Greater China, North America and Europe, all areas of strategic importance for UNICEOs international development," said Debora Piovesan, Vice President for UNICEO International."We are confident Global Meetings will deliver a strong airline supply chain solution that meets our members needs for all kinds of corporate events. "By working with UNICEO, SkyTeam can offer the benefits of Global Meetings to more MICE industry experts, in turn enabling them to deliver a cost-effective, convenient travel solution to their global organizations, said Mauro Oretti, SkyTeam vice president, Sales and Marketing. SkyTeams extensive network of 1,057 destinations means we can fly attendees to all the worlds meetings hotspots, while offering industry-leading flight discounts." Facebook has reiterated its commitment to the long-term future of social virtual reality with the creation of a new "social VR team." Speaking at Samsung's 'Galaxy Unpacked' event at Mobile World Congress, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg took to the stage to talk about his vision of VR as the "most social platform," with the CEO earmarking Samsung's Oculus-powered Gear headset as "the best mobile VR experience." Zuckerberg's talk gave onlookers a clear idea of where Facebook - which purchased virtual reality front-runner Oculus for $2 billion in 2014 - wants to take the emerging technology in the months and years ahead. Going back about 10 years, most of what we shared and experienced was text. And then it was photos. And now we're entering into a world where that's video," said Zuckerberg. "But pretty soon we're going to live in a world where everyone has the power to share and experience whole scenes as if you're right there in person. "There are lots of other challenges that we need to solve to create great VR experiences. Facebook, with Oculus, are committed to this for the long term. We've recently created new teams at Facebook to build the next generation of social apps and VR." According to an accompanying statement the social VR team will be "focused entirely on exploring the future of social interaction in VR" and will work in tandem with Oculus and other teams at Facebook. The group will look to help people connect through virtual reality by applying the same design techniques used to create Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. As well as unveiling the new social VR team, Facebook revealed that Gear VR users have already watched over 1 million hours of virtual reality video through the mobile headset. The company also spoke about the continued development of its 360 video feature, highlighting its potential by pointing to the millions of views its 20,000 videos have already racked up. Conservative thoughts on the issues of today SM comments on submarines, non-submarine weapons & major international events. If Australia wants truly independent foreign/defence policies, we are so isolated that we need to develop a convincing deterrent far sooner than any Aus SSNs arrive (or not) in the 2040s. Deterrent is mainly against China. CLEAR LAKE As Clear Lake Schools begins the annual budgeting process, its superintendent says the district may have to cut $190,000. No decisions have been made, and Superintendent Anita Micich says a number of factors remain in play, including yet-to-be-determined state funding and ongoing teacher negotiations. If the district receives 2.45 percent in state funding, Micich said that would "really offset the red, but it wouldn't take care of everything." "It's hard to say whether there will be cuts or if we'll be able to find savings," she said. "That's the conundrum we face when supplemental state aid is not set. We will have to cut something, but we're not sure how deep we have to go." The district last year reduced about $600,000 in general fund expenses which primarily pays for teachers, transportation, utilities and curriculum but kept French and vocal music intact. Residents voiced opposition to reducing those programs. The potential reductions come at a time when the district is replacing a retiring elementary principal and outgoing superintendent, who will receive a salary between $140,000 and $160,000, according to search firm consultant Mike Billings. Micich said Clear Lake also faces increased special education costs and a growing need for mental health services, which she is seeing an uptick for at Mason City Schools as well. Early retirements will save the district about $73,000, Micich said. Although the Mason City and Clear Lake districts will no longer share her or transportation director Randy Meyer, Clear Lake is still due some state incentives. It can also choose to continue sharing a media specialist and Spanish instructor with other area districts, and may be able to save on fuel purchases. "The (School) Board has said they don't want to cut programs or people," she said. "We don't want anyone to lose their job if we can help it." Board members also have the option and authority to tap into reserves to get through next year, according to Micich. After receiving a community-approved instructional support levy and a $1.1 million teacher leadership grant from the state, Micich says Mason City is in good financial shape for next school year. It will be exploring hiring needs for social work and mental health programs, and replacing a number of teachers who will join the leadership program. Mason City went through multi-million-dollar general fund cuts for 2014-15. A number of positions were eliminated and staff who retired early or resigned were not replaced at that time. School officials said declining enrollment, decreased spending authority, erratic state funding and increased special education costs contributed to the shortfall. Palm Bay, Florida, Feb. 22, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, Inc. Info@oakg.net Oakridge Global Energy Solutions: A New Era In Battery Manufacturing Oakridge Powered MARTAC Demonstration Huge Success FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/02628f31-b17d-4b5f-96c4-7240195dbc23 MANTAS Unmanned Surface Vessel February 16, 2016 Melbourne, Florida Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, Inc. (OTCQB: OGES) is excited to announce that Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc., MARTAC recently conducted very successful field trials on the Intercoastal waterway in Palm Bay, Florida. MARTAC is a Melbourne, Florida based company that designs and produces the Man-Portable Tactical Autonomous Systems (MANTAS) that can reach extreme high speeds and operate anywhere in the world. These vehicles are designed to be used in numerous applications including naval fleet protection, mine warfare, port and harbor security patrol, anti-piracy, search and rescue, and many others. The custom battery design for MARTAC was quite challenging while at the same time exciting for our team, said OGES Executive Chairman and CEO, Steve Barber. We are pleased to have been a part of this huge success for the MARTAC team and look forward to working with them as we both move forward. We at Oakridge truly enjoy working with fantastic teams and exciting products, and MARTAC has both. We congratulate MARTAC on this successful field trial. On January 25 through January 28, 2016 MARTAC held field trials for a major defense contractor utilizing several different sizes of their high speed maritime vessels in the Indian River in Palm Bay, Florida, powered by custom-tailored, high performance, Oakridge batteries, designed and produced by Oakridge specifically for Martacs application. These trials were a major success and left all participants exceptionally pleased with the results. We were ecstatic with the custom Oakridge Energy Units designed for and utilized on the MANTAS platforms. They have taken our energy requirements and brought them to a whole new level in terms of density, efficiency, reliability and longevity says MARTAC President/CEO Bruce Hanson. Oakridge stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park. They have greatly expanded the effective range of the MANTAS while at the same time providing us a much safer vessel that can be utilized in many environments where present energy technology is not allowed due to safety concerns. This is a winning combo. http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1429f362-0af1-4169-8f6b-8b122727f5a3 OGES Custom Propulsion Energy Units Installed in MANTAS About Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, Inc. Oakridge Global Energy Solutions Inc., is a publicly traded company, trading symbol: OGES on the OTCQB with a market capitalization of approximately USD $ 200,000,000, whose primary business is the development, manufacturing and marketing of energy storage products. Additional information can be accessed on the company's website www.oakridgeglobalenergy.com Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "ongoing," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. This press release should be considered in light of all filings of the Company that are contained in the Edgar Archives of the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Investor Inquiries: Benchmark Advisory Partners LLC Timothy Connor Toll Free: (866) 703-4778 admin@bmarkadvisory.com And: Dutch DeWaard Business Development DreamTeamNetwork (DTN) Austin, TX www.DreamTeamNetwork.com 512.758.8877 Office 480.734.5834 Mobile Dutch@DTN.fm Fort Lauderdale, Florida , Feb. 22, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fort Lauderdale, Florida February 18, 2016 Uplevl, empowering data and improving business efficiency, today announced that its software has been recognized as an Acumatica-Certified Application (ACA). Acumatica is a comprehensive, browser-based Cloud ERP solution optimized for ease of use, adaptability, mobility, speed, and security. The ACA title highlights outstanding development partners whose applications have met the highest standards set for Acumatica integration and functionality. Customers who want to stay competitive need flexible, responsive technology to execute their long-term business strategies, said Christian Lindberg, Vice President of Partner Solutions at Acumatica. Our ACA label is built to help customers find applications capable of delivering that. Were proud to recognize Uplevl as an Acumatica-Certified Application. It masterfully utilizes the Acumatica platform to meet customers growing business demands. To become an Acumatica-Certified Application, Uplevl has demonstrated commitment to quality by passing the Acumatica software test and aligning to future Acumatica roadmap releases. Uplevls API integration with Acumaticas Accounts Payable (AP) module provides customers the ability to capture, manage, and approve invoices within Uplevl while key data is seamlessly integrated with Acumatica. Finance departments can now centralize their documents, leverage advanced OCR technology to minimize manual data entry, and easily find and retrieve invoices and supporting documents with approval histories and audit trails. Combined with the power of Acumaticas flexible and robust Financials platforms, Uplevl can produce quick ROI and cut invoice processing time significantly. Customers can also leverage Uplevl for managing their contracts, human resource documents, and other paper-intensive processes. Were honored to receive this kind of recognition from the Acumatica developers themselves, said Mark Landis, CEO at Uplevl. This is a testament to the strength of our application and the depth of our integration with the Acumatica platform. With our suite of enhancements and Acumaticas solid foundation, I believe the skys the limit for us. About Uplevl Uplevl, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida makes cloud document management and business process automation simple. Providing enterprise-level document management capabilities to companies of all sizes, Uplevl customers can easily automate paper-intensive processes, work seamlessly from virtually any device, and integrate information across applications including ERP, CRM, and HRM systems. Its advanced security keeps information safe and its user management features ensure ease of use. Uplevl is committed to providing services that enhance the productivity and efficiency of its customers. For more information, please visit www.uplevl.com or call 877-399-1100. About Acumatica Acumatica provides cloud-based business management software that empowers small and mid-size businesses to accelerate their businesses and drive growth. Built on cloud and mobile technology and a unique customer-centric licensing model, Acumatica delivers a suite of fully integrated business management applications, such as Financials, Distribution, CRM and Project Accounting, on a robust and flexible platform. In an interconnected world, Acumatica enables customers to take full control of their businesses, play to their organizations unique strengths and support their clients by following them anywhere on any device. For more information, visit www.acumatica.com ### Flood Map allows you to view the risk of flooding at any location in the world. Using flood map you can set a water elevation height for ... The Gorilla Radio archive can be found at: www.Gorilla-Radio.com. G-Radio is dedicated to social justice, the environment, community, and providing a forum for people and issues not covered in State and Corporate media. Gorilla Radio airs live Thursdays between 11-12 noon Pacific Time. Airing in Victoria at 101.9FM, and featured on the internet at: http://cfuv.ca and www.pacificfreepress.com. And check out Pacific Free Press on Twitter @Paciffreepress Reclusive novelist Harper Lee, who died at the age of 89 on Friday, was buried in a private ceremony in her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama today. The Post has uncovered one interesting Lee/NYC connection that many people likely didn't know about: Lee had long maintained a secret, super cheap Upper East Side apartment. Lee first moved to Manhattan in 1949, when she worked as an airline reservation agent and lived in a building on York Avenue and 82nd Street. When that place was demolished in 1967, she moved to a one-bedroom first floor apartment at 433 E. 82nd Street, which she kept for the rest of her life. She even renewed her lease for two more years just a few months ago, despite the fact she hadn't been to NYC since she suffered a stroke in 2007. And even today, she paid less than $1,000/month for the apartment (The Daily Mail puts it at $900/month), even though the landlord was within his legal rights to increase the rent. "She was a personal friend of mine," property manager Steven Austern explained to the Post. Building super Carlos Nieves told the Post that Lee made him promise not to tell any details of her life after she died. Many of her neighbors had no idea she lived there: "Her radiator leaked earlier this year and made a hole in our ceiling. Thats how we found out she lived there," said Caroline Holden, who lives in a basement apartment. "She was a very Southern and hospitable type of person," added another neighbor. But among the tidbits they were able to pick up, it seems Lee was a Mets fan; she loved completing the New York Times Magazine crossword puzzle every Sunday; and she was a regular at Ottomanelli Bros. butcher shop on York Avenue. For more on the famed author, The New Yorker has a very nice piece on Lee, and Associated Press writer Allen Breed looks back on the time Lee very politely rejected his request for an interview: "It was, without a doubt, the nicest rejection of my journalistic career." A man was shot during a road rage incident near the border of Clinton Hill and Fort Greene in Brooklyn Saturday morning. News 12 reports that the shooting took place just before 10 a.m. The 39-year-old victim had reportedly been near the intersection of Fulton Street and Washington Avenue when a blue Saturn began making aggressive attempts at passing him. "As the two argued, the Saturn driver pulled a gun and opened fire, hitting the victim in the groin area," authorities told the News. The victim was rushed to New York Methodist Hospital, where he is stable condition. An NYPD spokesperson confirmed that police are seeking a male suspect in his 20s. They added that no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. We rely on your support to make local news available to all Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today The search continues this morning for a 23-year-old City College student from Queens who was one of four passengers aboard a single-engine Piper Archer plane that went down in Long Island Sound around 11 p.m. on Saturday. Three men on the plane were rescued from the frigid waters of Setauket Harbor off the North Shore of Long Island, but the fourth man, Gerson Salmon-Negron, is missing. According to the Suffolk County police department, the four-seat fixed wing plane began experiencing engine trouble while a student pilot, Austricio Ramirez, was at the controls. The instructor pilot, Nelson Gomez, immediately took over and made an emergency landing in the harbor. After making it to shore, Gomez, 36, said everyone had managed to exit the plane after it hit the water. Gomez, Austricio Ramirez, 25, of the Bronx; and Wady Perez, 25, of Queens were rescued by Suffolk County Police officers. They were taken to Stony Brook University Hospital, treated and released. The three rescued men were in the 37 degree water for approximately 30 minutes before they were saved, according to police. Newsday reports: "They had a struggle out there. It was cold, Suffolk police Lt. Michael S. Murphy said. Police said some of the survivors wore life jackets. Suffolk Officer Charles Scala said when he got to the waters edge, he shined his flashlight on one person about 100 feet from shore, who was struggling to stay afloat. First, Scala screamed to get the mans attention, he said. Then, Scala said, he rushed into the water with a life ring to drag the man to safety. The Coast Guard and police divers spent 18 hours yesterday searching for Salmon-Negron, who was expected to graduate in June with a degree in business administration. Ramirez and Perez were reportedly his friends, and according to Facebook accounts of the day, they appear to have flown together from Long Island to Boston on Saturday morning, and attempted to return to Long Island's MacArthur Airport that night. Jayne Ann Klein, a resident who lives by the harbor, tells the Times she saw the plane go down: He just kind of glided in, very quiet, Ms. Klein said. There was no big, violent thing. There was no crash. A short time later, she said, a police officer pulled his cruiser into the familys driveway. Without saying a word, he jumped out and ran down the backyard steps that led to a beach about 65 feet below. The officer, Charles Scala, said that when he got to the beach he saw a man whose energy appeared to be flagging trying to wade ashore. Officer Scala said he waded out to the man with a life ring and dragged him to safety. Ms. Kleins husband, George, said he got to the beach in time to help bring the man ashore. He didnt have any visible injuries, but he was definitely suffering from hypothermia and shock, Mr. Klein said. The water temperature was 37 degrees at the time, according to the police. The man wore a white shirt with epaulets, Ms. Klein said. According to Mr. Klein, the man said the planes engine had stopped working and that all four people on board had managed to get out of the plane after it hit the water. Salmon-Negrons mother, Ivette Salmon, said her son had flown to Massachusetts to celebrate Perez's birthday. "I just want him to show up, Salmon told Newsday. "I dont care how... Hes my only son... He was kidding me and saying he was going to fly... Wady said to me, Oh Ivette, were going to Massachusetts by plane. I thought they were going by American Airlines or something. I didnt know they were going to take a private plane." The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating what caused the engine failure, as the search continues today. The waters very cold, but we always hope for the best, Suffolk County Police Officer Christopher Draskin told the NY Post. Officials, however, said late Saturday that their mission status has changed from "search-and-rescue" to "recovery." Paul Simon, 1980. (Getty) Forest Hills High School graduate Paul Simon will return home for a concert this summerthis will be the music legend's first time playing Forest Hills Stadium in forty years. Simon "grew up in the beautiful, leafy suburb of New York City at the corner of 70th and Metropolitan," according to the stadium's exciting announcement, and it's where he "attended Forest Hills High School in the early 1950s and where he and fellow student and neighbor Art Garfunkel" worked on their music and gave themselves an ampersand. As a duo, the two played the Queens stadium in 1967 (with The Doors opening!), and again in 1970, which was their final show together for about a decade. There's some delightfully aged audio in the below videos, where you can hear a few tunes as well as banter with the crowd. Simon, sans Garfunkel, will return on June 30th, and tickets (including VIP) will go on sale February 27th (or the 22nd, if you have an Amex card). The show will likely be a nostalgic one, but Simon is also about to release his 12th studio album, Stranger to Stranger, so don't expect to be fully transported to the past. Participation by Danish Researchers in the NIH BRAIN Initiative Notice Number: NOT-MH-16-004 Key Dates Release Date: February 22, 2016 Related Announcements None Issued by National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) National Eye Institute (NEI) National Institute on Aging (NIA) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) Lundbeckfonden (http://www.lundbeckfoundation.com/) Purpose The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative is a multi-agency effort, with a coordinated contribution from 10 NIH Institutes and Centers (http://braininitiative.nih.gov/). As part of the NIH BRAIN Initiative, NIH announces a new partnership, formalized by a letter of agreement, with Lundbeckfonden (http://www.lundbeckfoundation.com/) to support the involvement of researchers at Danish institutions in the BRAIN Initiative. Both NIH and Lundbeckfonden believe that the ambitious goals of the BRAIN Initiative can best be attained by collaboration across disciplinary boundaries as well as geographic boundaries. Supplemental Funding NIH made a number of BRAIN Initiative awards in FY14 and FY15 (http://www.braininitiative.nih.gov/nih-brain-awards.htm). Researchers at Danish institutions who are interested in participating in funded awards are advised to contact the Program Director/Principal Investigator of the NIH award to inquire if there is mutual interest in collaboration. If there is interest, the researcher from a Danish institution can apply directly to Lundbeckfonden for funding for the work to be performed in Denmark. For each approved project with an added Danish collaboration, funding and administration of the work performed in Denmark shall be managed by the foundation and the Danish host institution. NIH will consider administrative supplements to support such collaborations. Matching Funding In most of the NIH BRAIN Initiative Funding Opportunity Announcements, foreign institutions are permitted to participate either by submitting applications directly or as subcontractors in an application from a domestic institution. Researchers at Danish institutions who submit applications in either role in BRAIN Initiative awards should contact the Lundbeckfonden as the award is submitted if they are interested in having the award potentially co-funded by NIH and the Lundbeckfonden. NIH will evaluate (i.e., peer review) the application, and will make a funding decision. If the project receives an NIH award, Lundbeckfonden will decide whether it will fund fully or in part the Danish based elements of the project. NIH will not share application materials or summary statements directly with the Lundbeckfonden, so the applicant must make those materials available to Lundbeckfonden if they want to be considered for co-funding. In addition to providing funds, representatives of the foundation will join those of the National Science Foundation, the Food and Drug Administration, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Brain Canada, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, and the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Agency in meetings of the BRAIN Multi-Council Working Group (http://braininitiative.nih.gov/Brain_multi_council_working_group.htm). Inquiries Please direct all inquiries to: Gregory K. Farber, Ph.D. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Telephone: 301-435-0778 Email: farberg@mail.nih.gov Ned Talley, Ph.D. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Telephone: 301-496-1917 Email: talleye@mail.nih.gov Lundbeckfonden Telephone: +45 39 12 80 15 Email: application@lundbeckfonden.com News Biden administration is considering a security review of Elon Musk's projects Musk recently used Twitter to announce proposals to end Russia's war in Ukraine, and also said that SpaceX could not fund Starlink internet service in Ukraine indefinitely. He later backtracked and said he would continue to bear the costs of the service. A history blog, focusing primarily on the author's research and reading in American (particularly colonial, Revolutionary, and Native American) history. When Warren School teacher duo, Christean Ralph and Jena Anderson, pulled up in the Sommer family's driveway on a recent evening, kindergartner Carter and his older brother John were pressed against the picture window waiting. The boys rushed to meet Ralph and Anderson at the front door, grabbed them by the hand and pulled them down the hallway to show them their toys. This was the teachers second home visit to the Sommer home. Theyd come in August to meet Carter and tell him all about starting kindergarten in Ralphs classroom. The second trip of the year in winter/early spring is to discuss academics. Anderson, the Warren School Title I teacher, has been joining Ralphs home visits since 2009, when the duo first launched the visits at Warren School. The first day of school in 2009 they went to a training on the Parent/Teacher Home Visit Project, a program that started in Sacramento, California. They were so inspired, they jumped in with home visits that October. Both Ralph and Anderson were lauded in October 2015 with Let's Talk about Great Teachers awards by the Helena Education Foundation. In the past six years, theyve trained more than 100 Helena teachers from all grade levels to do home visits and are credited with launching a home visit program thats reached thousands of Helena students and families. On this particular February night, Ralph meets with Eric and Stacy Sommer at the dining room table, while Anderson sits on the bedroom floor playing Go Fish with the boys. Going over Carters report card, Ralph covers everything from how hes learned his sounds and sight words, to his colors and counting. She also talks about his attitude and determination. He is awesome, she said. Im so lucky to have him in class. As they reviewed Carters progress, Ralph shows Stacy and Eric Carter's February skills compared to how he was doing back in November, telling them, The growth is amazing. Weve done them with both kids, said Stacy of home visits. It makes the kids more relaxed that first day of school. And it makes it easier for the parents to feel welcome, she added, both to stop by the classroom or just calling up and checking in with the teacher. Both parents and teachers find that talking over the report card during a home visit is a lot more relaxing than doing it during a 15-to-20 minute time slot one night at school, while other parents wait in line for their turn to meet with the teacher. Meanwhile, back in the boys bedroom, Anderson was admitting Go Fish defeat, with John declared the champ. Its an incredible learning experience for me, said Ralph of why home visits work for her. Shes excited about the bond she builds with families when they make their first home visits in August, said Ralph. That visit makes families feel more welcome at the kindergarten open house the night before school starts. We go into the home and see what the parents want to share with us, she added. And parents are happy to tell them about their childs strengths and what the parents have found works well. Anderson, who helps special academic need students, said shes become one more person at Warren School that the family knows and trusts. We have become a team -- the parents, child, the teacher and myself, said Anderson. I guess the most important thing for me is that relationship with the family, Anderson said. Its unbelievable. Its really changed who I am as a professional. All district kindergarten teachers are now offering home visits, said Jilyn Oliveira, the districts data and assessment administrator. Some teachers at other grade levels have also embraced the idea. Its a popular program at Project for Alternative Learning with both staff and students. PAL, which opened in 1983, is a high school designed for students who need something other than a traditional learning environment. PAL Principal Stephanie Thennis said theyve been doing home visits for about three years with each new group of students. The response has been great, said Thennis, from staff and students alike. Research shows that when students have a relationship with at least one person in school they do better, she said. Either two teachers or Thennis and a teacher go to meet the family, she said, adding that its a great time for parents or students to ask questions that have come up since PAL orientation night. The home visit reduces anxiety, Thennis said. Even high school students have a great amount of anxiety. Theyre very hopeful (about PAL), but very nervous. William Tiddy, 16, a junior at PAL who transferred in from Helena High School, likes the program as well. I wasnt nervous, he said, but it definitely made me more comfortable. It was more like an icebreaker. You felt more welcome. I think theyre definitely a good idea. SPRINGFIELD Illinois public schools have been largely unscathed in the budget battle that has been roiling the state for the past year, and Gov. Bruce Rauner would like to keep it that way. In his budget address last week, Rauner called for increased funding for early childhood, elementary and secondary education and for it to be dealt with separately from any other issue. The first-term governor exempted schools from the current budget impasse, now in its eighth month, by signing an education funding bill last summer while vetoing the rest. We must make the education of our children our top priority, Rauner said Wednesday in his speech. The one thing I wont back down on, the one thing thats nonnegotiable for me, is increasing education funding. But the Democrats who control the state Senate say pumping more money into a system thats created the widest gap in funding between high-poverty and low-poverty districts of any state would perpetuate the inequalities that have plagued Illinois schools for decades. They want to overhaul the way money is distributed to get more help to poorer students. State Sen. Andy Manar of Bunker Hill, the Senate Democrats point man on education funding, said the current setup, which was created in 1997 and relies heavily on local property taxes, needs to be addressed before spending more money. Throwing another log on the burning fire isnt going to put the fire out, Manar said. The governors proposing spending millions more on schools in a broken system. That doesnt fix inequity. And it never will. Rauner proposes spending an additional $55.3 million to fully fund general state aid to public schools for the first time in seven years. That money is supposed to ensure that each district has enough funding to provide every student with an adequate education. But Democrats say that because of the way the system is set up, some districts would still receive less state support than this year. Rauner also would spend $75 million more on early childhood education, which would keep more than 85,000 kids in preschool and create 2,900 more full-day preschool slots, the governor said. But his proposal would eliminate grants for expenses such as agricultural education, arts and foreign language courses, and the After School Matters program. State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, who like Manar is interested in overhauling the way schools are funded, said he supports the governors budget plan. Im all for rewriting the formula, but we also need to do that which we can do in the short term, Barickman said. Until we get that fixed, we should work within the system that exists and fund it fully. Hes sponsoring a bill that would create a panel to craft an evidence-based adequacy and equity formula for the funding of all school districts. It hasnt gotten a hearing. Manar, meanwhile, is preparing to introduce a new version of his overhaul bill, which is designed to funnel more money to poorer districts. Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said any change to the formula should include Chicago Public Schools, which the current system treats separately. There should be one formula for the whole state, Cullerton said after Rauners budget speech. And the goal of that change in the formula would be to focus education dollars where theres a concentration of poverty. The financially troubled district, the largest in the state and third-largest in the country, is a complicating factor in funding discussions. The Rauner administration late last week announced a probe of the districts finances, and the governor has proposed bankruptcy and a state takeover as options -- options Democrats flatly reject. Another complicating factor is that House Democrats havent indicated whether theyll support plans their Senate colleagues are putting forward. House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, has reconvened a task force to study the issue, which last week held its first hearing of the year. After the budget address, Madigan reiterated his support for a tax on income of more than $1 million to bolster education. The measure, which would require an amendment to the state constitution, received overwhelming support in an advisory referendum on the November 2014 ballot. School administrators and teachers agree that new revenue is needed to fund schools and that the current formula is flawed. This really comes down to revenue and the need to put more money into education and other areas of the budget, said Jim Reed, director of government relations for the Illinois Education Association, the states largest teachers union. Mike Chamness, spokesman for the Illinois Association of School Administrators, also said more revenue is needed to adequately fund the states schools. The organizations likewise agree that changes to the formula need to be done in a way that prevents any district from losing state funding. The school administrators believe there is room for compromise between Manars ideas and the Barickman bill, which was based on the groups recommendations, Chamness said. We do believe that there is room there to help hold harmless districts in Illinois and to provide new revenue for the poorer districts, he said. But Manar cautions that that kind of thinking could block the necessary changes. If the reform effort is predicated on the position that we cant have any losers, then the price tag is going to be so high it may not even be achievable, he said. Grisha Balasanyan Everyone in the Artzvaqar neighborhood in Gavar, the capital of Armenias Gegharkounik Province), knows 42-year-old Garineh Hovhannisyan. Garineh and her sister Hasmik are the towns only well diggers. She never complained about getting paid 2,000 AMD ($4) for every 1 meter she digs. Nevertheless, the back-breaking work landed the sisters in the hospital for surgery. Theyve since stopped digging for a living. Hasmik is now the towns only woman public services employee; a street sweeper. She rents a place to live. Leaving early in the morning and getting back late at night from work, Hasmik has a tough time getting to her job. The roof creaks and sags Garinehs house The neighbors also know Garineh as the woman living in the house thats falling down. If its collapses, which can occur at any minute, Garineh and Hasmik, and ten other family members will be trapped under the rubble. Neighbors are wary of visiting, calling the house a living cemetery. You can hear the ceiling beams creak. The entire roof is hanging by a thread. Built in 1962, the 72 square meter house has walls constructed of roughhewn stone and earth mortar. The roof has moved, leading to the collapse of one of the walls. Two years ago, a portion of the roof fell. Snow and rain fall directly on the beds underneath. In 2014, the house was evaluated as dangerous and unfit for human habitation. Garineh and grandson Alex Some officials came, looked around, and said that we would get a new place. Thats the last I heard from them. Ive lost all hope about getting a new house. I wish the ceiling would collapse and kill us all. That would be the end of it. I just pray to god that none of us remains alive to mourn for the rest of us. The authorities should be ashamed that they are putting these children at risk of dying, Garineh says. Besides Garineh, her kids, and her two small grandchildren, Hasmik and her two boys Levon and Vladimir also live in the house. The boys fathers died when they were young. Working as beggars The families somehow get by on the 31,000 AMD pension of Zarik Hovhannisyan, Garinehs mother, and 54,000 AMD in social assistance. Thats 12 people living on $172 per month. Garineh says none of them can afford to get sick. Zarik Hovhannisyan and granddaughter Hermineh A few years ago a protuberance started to grow on Zariks left cheek. Its since turned into a seeping open wound. The 80-year-old woman is in pain but needs money to get proper medical attention. To make some needed cash, 23-year-old Levon works as a beggar during the summer. Going to the Gavar town market, he takes up a position outside the store and pleads with passersby for a few coins. This nets him 1,000-2,000 drams a day. Its all spent on food. Garineh says Levon also makes money doing more respectable work hauling sacks of cement at local construction sites. He also chops wood for others. Vladimir, Levons older brother, went abroad looking for work. Two years ago he travelled to Russia but was deported by the authorities. He cant enter Russia for the next five years. They say our assistance will be cut if we find a job. But we want to work. Unfortunately, the wages they offer are less than the assistance we get. So sit quietly and dont rock the boat, says Garineh. The living room There are days when the family has nothing to eat. The assistance and pension combined soon runs out. The day we arrived, the children only had fried potatoes to eat. The family owes a local store 150,000 AMD and the shopkeeper refuses to give them anything more on credit. Garinehs grandson Alex Winters are brutal in Gavar, situated high in the Geghama mountains. Garineh says she wrote several times to the regional government office asking for help, at least for getting wood for fuel. No additional assistance has materialized. The family scavenges for wood to burn. Neighbors provide some as well. In 2104, the regional government allocated 20,000 drams. I wrote them this year. They answered that my petition was sent to the Gavar Municipality. There, they told me to collect wood from the public services yard and burn it. Its all wet wood, says Garineh. Boarding School, a Refuge Garinehs two minor children, 13-year-old Never and 11-year-old Hermineh attend Gavars #1 Special Needs School. They return home once a week. The two kids are the most relaxed out of all those living in the dilapidated house. They sit quietly by the wood stove for hours, intently gazing at what transpires around them. Garineh says that Never and Hermineh are the luckiest of them all staying warm and being fed at the school. The kids are ashamed to go to a regular school. The other kids harass them for living like gypsies in such an old house. I thank the director of the boarding school for feeding them and giving them clothes. I also get clothes from World Vision for the other kids. A few days ago I got some rubber galoshes for them to wear in the house, says Garineh. Hermineh, 11 years-old Garineh has but one wish any house with a solid roof. I dont care if its a dog pound, just as long as its a normal building. So long as I know that water doesnt cascade down on us. I want the kids to be safe inside so I can go outside and make some money. The children only bathe once every few months. We dont have the facilities. My mother only bathes in the summer. Its too risky other times. She might get sick, Garineh says. Oh, theres one other thing that Garineh tells me which sums up the whole story. The children arent allowed to play inside. Any jumping or running around might bring the entire roof down. Photos: Narek Aleksanyan News outlets were abuzz over the birth of triplets, three boys, on February 18 at the Vanadzor Maternity Ward. Not only was it the first time in 23 years that triplets had been born in Vanadzor, Armenias third largest city, but the fact that it was a natural, not induced, pregnancy. Aram Avalyan, who heads the pediatrician division at Vanadzor Medical Center, noted that while triplets are frequently born when the pregnancy is artificially enhanced with hormones, triplets rarely result from natural pregnancies. I have 23 years of experience in the field. Triplets, three girls, were last born in Vanadzor in 1993, said Avalyan. The parents of the three boys were also shocked. It was unexpected for us. I thought that it might be a boy, but when they told us boys, well, I was taken aback, said Rima Mirzoyan, the young mother. Given her medical situation, doctors performed a cesarean delivery. The boys weighed in at 1,900, 1,700 and 1,800 grams. Lilit Gharakeshishyan, the head neonatologist in Lori Province, says that the triplets need intensive care. Two of the boys are receiving oxygen. If all goes well, the triplets and their mom will be released in a few days. The boys father, Samvel Zagaryan, is concerned that the boys will not have a home to go to. Zagaryan says he can no longer afford to pay the rent on their apartment nor the utility bills. The father, the familys sole breadwinner, works on a Vanadzor sanitation truck. Zagaryan, who grew up without a father, doesnt want his sons to face the same problems he did as a child. Zagaryan makes an average of 45,000 AMD ($91) per month. This moth he received 40,000 drams. I dont know how to spend it. Should I pay the rent, the utilities, or feed my babies? The rent alone is 25,000 drams, asks Rima. The familys financial burden is somewhat lightened by the 29,000-dram monthly family assistance payment it gets. Rima and Samvel are already raising two girls at home. Theyre also raising Armen, Samvels son from his first marriage. Samvels first wife died soon after Armen was born. Even though Samvels mother was appointed the boys caregiver, Samvel and Rima are raising him. Samvels mother and her daughter live in one of Vanadzors dormitories. Despite the poor conditions in the dorm, Samvel would really like to get a room there as well. Officials at the Vanadzor Municipality have promised to allocate rooms at the dormitory to large families. The familys debts are so large that Samvel cannot even afford to pay the 1,000-dram fee for each birth certificate. I was told that they are free of charge but it turns out I have to pay. I dont know what to do, says Samvel. While the couple have been able to purchase a few necessities for the triplets, they really need a crib. For now, the babies, named Arman, Aram and Artyom, will have to sleep alongside their parents in the big bed. Hovhannes Sahakyan, President of the Armenian National Assemblys Standing Committee of State and Legal Affairs, today presented Arman Tatoyan, a deputy justice minister, as the only viable candidate to fill the position of Armenias Human Rights Defender. Karen Andreasyan, who served as Armenias third HRD since 2011, resigned in January of this year. Sahakyan described Tatoyan to parliament members as a young, apolitical and practical individual who can overcome the challenges of the post. Tatoyan took the podium and said that the HRD must supplement the state system when it comes to defending human rights and must rise above internal governmental interests. Sadly, in our country, many issues remain unresolved that lead to numerous violations of rights and freedoms. For example, there must be a systematic review of the mechanism for granting early release from prison and inmates must become participants in the process, said Tatoyan addressing MPs. Tatoyan went on to say the office of the HRD must serve as a bridge between various civic organizations and state institutions, noting that various flexible approaches to achieve this are available. The candidate stressed the importance of working with the media and cooperating with state institutions in order to operate constructively. Photo: Armen Tatoyan MP Naira Zohrabyan, who heads the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) parliamentary faction, took the podium today and said she would abstain from voting for Armenias next Human Rights Defender since it was a done deal and that the institution itself was weak and basically superfluous. Zohrabyan was referring to the fact that Armen Totoyan, the regimes candidate, was a shoe-in for the post that has remained vacant since last months resignation of Karen Andreasyan. She argued that the political culture in Armenia was so corrupted, and that the opposition-regime model was so out of whack, that any person serving as the countrys HRD becomes a target for the authorities or from the opposition based political convenience and not content. Zohrabyan didnt express any optimism that Tatoyan could withstand attacks from both sides. The MP didnt question the professional merits of the candidate, noting that if Tatoyan could break certain stereotypes and not be a captive of either the regime or the opposition, she would be the first to support him. Now, however, I cannot vote in favor of your candidacy because I do not have any such guarantees. The experience of the past three defenders hasnt convinced me that we have the political culture today that is needed to really make the institution work, Zohrabyan said. While she will abstain from voting, other MPs in PAP can vote according to their conscience, Zohrabyan added. "The HoseMaster is the funniest satirist writing about wine in the world today." --Karen MacNeil --Terry Theise HoseMaster HoseMaster HoseMaster --Robert Parker "...With sometimes crude analogies and occasional droppings of f-bombs, Washam cleverly uses satire to expose the underbelly of the wine business. It's often hilarious stuff as long as you're not the one being lampooned. Washam takes no prisoners in skewering all that is silly, stupid, frustrating and pretentious about wine, and his favorite targets are other bloggers and writers. No one is immune." -- Linda Murphy in "Vineyard and Winery Management" -- JancisRobinson.com " Hosemaster of Wine First: Im not sure if there is anyone better at cutting through the confidence trick that is often intrinsic to the business of wine. Second: in a world where offending people appears to border on the illegal, the Hosemaster piles in. No one is safe." --Joss Fowler "Vinolent.com" "As serious as the world of wine is, it does allow time for humor. Each Monday and Thursday, Ron Washam customarily posts a commentary on his needling wine blog HoseMaster of Wine . Washam, a former sommelier and comedy writer he might say they are closely related is the most opinionated, humorous and ribald observer in the wine world. His body of work is irreverent and remorseless. Its almost always satire and parody, though he occasionally drifts into straight commentary, sometimes even with tasting notes. This past year, one of his posts was named the best of the year in the Wine Blog Awards. His success has spawned several imitations, which in their awkwardness show just how difficult satire is." --Mike Dunne, Sacramento Bee Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/01/21/6089630/dunne-on-wine-wine-blogs-and-bloggers.html#storylink=cpy "Please let this guy write the scripts for Saturday Night Live which has gotten so lame...his newest "wisdom" is worth an Emmy....I wonder if he is the genius behind all those Hitler/Parker,etc. clips? No one else is remotely as funny or as talented.And the wine world sure needs someone to poke fun at all the nonsense and phoney/baloney unsufferable crap out there." --Robert Parker " Washam uses his own blog, HoseMaster of Wine , to skewer the industry in general and wine blogs in particular. If your mouse scoots to your browser's close box while reading a wine blog, Washam may be the blogger for you." -- San Francisco Chronicle "Ron Washam, former sommelier, is easily the most bitingly funny blogger/wine writer that we have ever come across. He is an equal opportunity crusader who pillories big wineries and amateur bloggers alike, as well as everything and everyone in between...One needs a sense of humor and a tolerance for earthiness to enjoy reading The Hosemaster . We must have both because this guy deserves a wider audience, in our humble opinion." --Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine --Steve Heimoff "This site should carry a warning label. It's sort of a Dave Barry/George Carlin approach to wine. The Hosemaster (real name Ron Washam) skewers fellow bloggers and industry savants with glee, while offering hilarious wine guides such as his Honest Guide to Grapes... --Paul Gregutt, Seattle Times "Washam is a skilled wine judge (I have judged with him) who is willing to judge wine double blind, in public . To my knowledge, Parker does not do this and never has. So Ron's credentials are in place, and so is his sense of the absurd." --Dan Berger, VintageExperiences "...I consider Ron a talented writer and Ive long been an admirer of his scathing wit..." --1WineDude "And if any free sites think they can conquer the world, theres always the Hosemaster to take em down a notch." --Tyler Colman "Dr. Vino" --Jo Diaz "Juicy Tales by Jo Diaz" "I must say you are an idiot. I've never liked you. I have no idea why people find you funny." --Reign of Terroir --Will Lyons (WSJ) on Twitter --Levi Dalton on Twitter very Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less. A U.S. flag flies at half-staff in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, after is was announced that Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, 79, had died. (AP Photo/J. David Ake) Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) Around Western North Carolina, more beer bottles roll out of breweries than ever before, some bound for local store shelves but an increasing amount put on trucks and shipped out of town as breweries increase their distribution areas. And while it helps the breweries' bottom line, that beer is also promoting the Asheville area as a tourist destination, brewers say. Beer bottles and cans all carry the name of the town where the beer was brewed, including Asheville, Brevard and Mills River. Some local beer is being shipped around the eastern U.S., or even overseas from the biggest breweries: Sierra Nevada and Oskar Blues. The same will be true when New Belgium begins turning out beer this spring from its new West Asheville brewery. Other breweries distribute to neighboring states, or as far away as Florida, Ohio and Missouri. Meanwhile, tourists are flocking to the area to enjoy a cold ale or lager, some of them drawn here by enjoying Asheville beer back home. Oskar Blues in Brevard is sending beer to every state east of the Mississippi River plus some to Canada and Europe, said brewery spokesman Aaron Baker. He estimated the brewery taproom gets 500,000 visitors annually. "There is definitely a connection between someone buying a pint of Dale's (Pale Ale) in a New York City bar or picking up a six pack of Pinner (IPA) in a Florida grocery store and a future visit to the brewery," he said. Craft beer drinkers want to see where their beer is being made, he said. Cans of Oskar Blues brews are branded with Brevard, North Carolina, and the brewery shipped 21 million cans of them in 2015, he said. That scene will be mirrored with the spring opening of New Belgium's new $140 million brewery along the French Broad River in West Asheville near downtown. The original New Belgium brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado, sees about 150,000 visitors annually, but the company expects around 250,000 here, spokeswoman Susanne Hackett said. "A lot of people are (already) visiting here," she said. In Colorado, "people go to Denver, but not all of them to Fort Collins. We love to have people come to the brewery in Fort Collins and Asheville will become part of our story. Even in Fort Collins, they are hearing about Asheville." The company has prepared labels for its packaged beer that will carry the Asheville and Fort Collins names. Some trucks will also be branded with the Asheville name, she said. At the Sierra Nevada brewery in Mills River, beer is shipped to every eastern state and some European markets, said spokesman Bill Manley. Some of Sierra's Mills River beer is only made there and shipped nationwide, he said. About 93 percent of packaged beer is bottled and seven percent canned. Almost all cans and bottles list both Mills River and Chico, California (home to Sierra's western brewery), Manley said. Last year, about 35,000 guests took a guided tour of the Mills River brewery and another 40,000 toured on their own. But Manley doesn't believe that tourism is driven as much by distribution as by a desire to visit Asheville's famed beer scene. "Asheville's reputation as a beer-focused town draws a lot of beer-focused visitors," he said. "As a tourist interested in beer, there are few places in the United States that can rival the Asheville area. There is so much depth and variety in the beer scene." The label and tourism connection is obvious at Catawba Brewing, which operates tasting rooms in Asheville and Morganton. Every can of its beer includes both cities on the label. "We get a ton of tourists because they buy White Zombie (white ale) in Charlotte or Firewater (IPA) in Knoxville," said company co-founder Billy Pyatt. "They go home and buy our products based on their tasting experience in our bars. It's a great two-way marketing experience." The company distributes across both Carolinas and into Tennessee and is expanding into Raleigh, Wilmington and eastern North Carolina in March. Asheville's Wicked Weed brewery has only been distributing its beers outside North Carolina for four months, but is now selling in Atlanta and is now launching its brews in Boston and around Massachusetts, said spokeswoman Erin Jones. Since out of market sales are still new for the brewery, "it's not really possible for us to credit our distribution with brewery tourism," she said. Still Wicked Weed and its sister Asheville brewery the Funkatorium have become tourism magnets with about 500,000 visitors annually, she said. The sales in Boston are part of a "East Coast distribution plan," with more states in the works, she said. Highland Brewing of Asheville was the city's first craft brewery opening in 1994, and has grown to sell its products in nine states, as far south as Florida and north to Ohio. "We definitely see tourists from all areas that sell our beers," said company president Leah Ashburn. "We have people coming (to the brewery) from every corner of the earth. We got a report once of our beer being sold in the Virgin Islands and there have been a couple of reports from New York," The brewery does not officially sell in either location. "It's a great compliment to be bootlegged," she said. Hi-Wire Brewing has greatly increased distribution since opening its new production brewery near Biltmore Village. The company now sells its beers in Western and eastern North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, spokeswoman Abby Dickinson said. For now, the brewery is focusing on those areas and has no other immediate expansion plans. Visitors are finding both the original Hi-Wire brewery on Hilliard Avenue and the new brewery's tasting room in Biltmore, said co-founder Chris Frosaker. Between the two locations, about 7,500 visitors come by each month, he said. "People are traveling a long way to soak in the whole Asheville beer experience," he said. "Once they get home, we become a special destination because they see our beer in their market and they want to make that connection and see where the beer is made." ___ After months of delays, Festival Foods has picked an opening date for its first Dane County store. The Onalaska-based company announced Monday that it will open its 57,000-square-foot store at 810 E. Washington Ave. on April 8. The supermarket, originally scheduled to open in August 2015, brings another addition to the developing corridor and is on the ground floor of Gebhardt Developments $65 million, 4.5-acre project on the site of the former Don Miller car dealership. Madison represents a key opportunity to expand our business and to better serve our growing customer base throughout southeast Wisconsin, Mark Skogen, Festivals president and CEO, said in a statement. We are honored to become a member of this wonderful Wisconsin community. Festival operates 21 stores, but its entry into Madison brings another chain into one of the most competitive grocery markets in the Midwest. The Madison store, just blocks from the state Capitol, will bring a full-service grocery to one of the fastest-growing parts of the city. The new store will offer natural and organic foods, fresh sushi, a salad and hot food bar, and deli and catering services. It also features a seating area above the deli, a community conference room and in-store child care service. The store will operate from 5 a.m. to midnight and employ an estimated 200 people, the company said. The store features LED and motion-sensor lighting and timbers from Madison-based WholeTrees Architecture & Structures. The ceiling joists include red pine trees from the Wisconsin River Valley of southwest Wisconsin while the support columns consist of 18-inch-diameter ash trees removed from the city of Madison due to emerald ash borer disease. The trees have been stripped of bark and branches, treated and fabricated with patent-pending steel connections. The 295 parallel chord trusses and 34 support columns used about 600 trees that ranged in size from 30 to 50 feet long. The project is the first in which WholeTrees used its expanded commercial product line after spending the last eight-plus years in the residential and custom commercial market. The store will be unlike any of Festivals other stores, including a Janesville store that opened in October. Brian Stenzel, a company spokesman, said its unclear if the Madison stores design will be used in future projects. The Madison store is a brand new layout, Stenzel said. Its a more urban feel with more glass and more natural light. Its set up more custom for Madison. Festival enters a Madison grocery market that includes major players like Woodmans Market, Copps, Hy-Vee, Metcalfes Market and Willy Street Co-op, which recently announced it is studying a third location to replace the Pierces Market in Sherman Plaza on the citys North Side. But it has also been a market in change. In 2003, Kohls sold most of its stores to Milwaukee-based Roundys, which converted the businesses into Copps stores. In November, Ohio-based Kroger purchased Roundys. No major changes have been announced for the Madison stores, but some experts have said some stores in Madison could be ripe for closing. In the last 10 years, Cub Foods has left the Madison market while Metcalfes added a store at West Towne. Costco has built in Middleton and Sun Prairie and Walmart Supercenters have opened in Monona and Sun Prairie. Hy-Vee operates two stores in Madison and one in Fitchburg while Janesville-based Woodmans added a Sun Prairie location and Roundys added stores in Sun Prairie and Middleton and a Metro Market in Madisons Grandview Commons. Near the UW-Madison campus, Jeff Maurer opened in 2010 the 18,000-square-foot Madison Fresh Market aimed at students and downtown residents. Festival Foods was founded in 1946 as a Skogens IGA and began operating as Festival Foods in 1990. It employs 5,500 people at its 21 supermarkets, all in Wisconsin. In 2014, the company purchased Vos Sentry in Fort Atkinson and converted the store to a Festival. The company will also open stores this year in Green Bay, Somers and Menasha. Shortly after I stepped into the elevator, I was surrounded by supermodels. As we ascended to the 15th floor it occurred to me that I was probably the only person present who had begun the day by chipping frozen poultry manure out of the door jamb of a chicken coop. I had flown into LaGuardia Airport two hours earlier, stale from the standard all-day flight delays and a two-hour creep-and-crawl taxi ride across the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan. I was traveling under the credit card and graces of someone classier than I and had been put up in a boutique hotel in Soho. The lobby air was infused with the scent of bamboo and citrus; the waiting area was appointed with strategically stacked and tattered suitcases, antique glassware, and people in artfully-knotted scarves. I was happy to be there, and thank you. There is the temptation to be all hickety-shucks about stuff, but unrelenting mockery is its own form of condescension even when directed toward an impeccably staged wingback chair. That said, I was not prepared for all the supermodels. Later I would learn I had arrived at the peak influx days leading up to Fashion Week (which somehow had not made it into my calendar), but for the moment I just stood stock still on that tiny elevator, a flat-footed toad among herons, not so much immobilized by fear of attack but from a fear of dirtying up the air. I had this troubling mental image of my fashion aura flaking off to drift through the citrus diffusions like low-class floaty dandruff, the models breaking into uncontrolled fits of career-derailing puffy-eyed sneezing triggered by airborne allergens redolent of Farm & Fleet (pants, T-shirt, flannel shirt) Fruit of the Loom (gray tube socks) and the late Ralphs Boot & Shoe (clodhoppers, possibly infused with trace elements of chicken poop). My undies were designer brand Tommy Hilfiger but only because thats what was in the bin the day my wife broke a 20 at Savers. From Barbie dolls to soap ads, popular culture is slowly moving toward the idea that there are many ways to be beautiful, but the models on the elevator were all from the classic mode each far taller than I and one-third my circumference. In fact, the only person approaching my dimensions was a stern-browed woman who herded the models aboard by barking in French while pecking at her smartphone like a vulture trying to stab the last of the rib meat off a deer carcass. It was not impossible to imagine her lining them up at feeding time, doling out a lettuce leaf and half a cigarette. When I exited the elevator at the 11th floor I believe everyone involved felt some relief. Once inside my room I went to the window and pulled open the drapes, so I could observe the universe of illuminated windows, each one a reminder that I was in the presence of millions of lives unfolding in real time. I love doing this in big cities. I find it especially helpful during those self-centered stretches when I have convinced myself I am not only shouldering the world, but serving as its axis. I am reminded that there are an infinity of paths through this life, and Im lucky to be on mine. There are moments on that elevator, for instance when I wish I was leaner, or shinier, or smoother. More haute, couture or otherwise. That I might so immaculately drape and knot a scarf as to create the illusion of louche disregard. Instead I am now back home slouched in a half-busted recliner with my cheap socks extended toward the wood stove, clad in a Packers hoodie as I scratch out the last lines of this column. Night has fallen, my chickens are secure in their coop, ours is the only lit window visible for a mile, and somewhere the supermodels are supermodeling, as supermodels ought to do. Two men were rescued after a boating accident Saturday on the Pecatonica River in Argyle, although one of them later died at a hospital. A third man who also was on the boat could not be found after searches Saturday and Sunday, the Lafayette County Sheriffs Office said. A 911 call came in just after noon Saturday about an accident that had occurred just below a dam. A boat carrying three men had overturned, and they were in the water and holding on to the boat, Sheriff Reg Gill said. Police learned the men had been fishing in the Pecatonica River near the dam when their boat was pulled into the spillway due to a heavy current. All three were thrown from the boat when it overturned, Gill said. Michael H. Wilson, 46, of Brodhead, and Thomas L. Melland, 46, of Monroe, were rescued and taken to Monroe Hospital. The sheriffs office was notified later that Melland died Saturday night after being flown to UW Hospital by Med Flight helicopter. The third boater, Kevin L. Holverson, 42, of rural Browntown, is missing, the sheriffs office said Sunday. Recovery efforts ran until dark Saturday and resumed at 7 a.m. Sunday. Members of the Dane County Dive Team arrived to assist at 9 a.m. Sunday, but Holverson was not found, Gill said. The investigation of the accident is being done by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the Lafayette County Sheriffs Office. Members of the Argyle Fire Department, Darlington Fire Department and the Southwest Wisconsin Technical Rescue Teams also assisted with the searches, authorities said. Investigation and recovery efforts for Holverson were to continue, authorities said Sunday, with further information to be provided as it becomes available. UW-Madison sent more of its students to the Peace Corps this year than all but one other university, again putting the campus near the top for participation in the international program. Sixty-eight Badgers are working for the Peace Corps this year, making UW-Madison, for the second year in a row, the No. 2 producer of volunteers for the organization. The University of Washington sent the most students to the program, with 72. UW-Madison has long ranked among the top schools for Peace Corps participation it sent more students to the program than any other university from 2001 through 2006, and also claimed the top spot in 2014. Since the program was founded in 1961, 3,184 UW-Madison students have volunteered for it, the second-highest total for all universities. Rita Argus, a 2014 UW graduate working for the Peace Corps in Senegal, said the Wisconsin Idea the campus cherished commitment to public service prepared her to volunteer abroad. I think this has conditioned me to better apply what I learned to help with problems and challenges I am encountering here, Argus said. Process continues to replace UWs top finan cial o fficer UW-Madison has formed the committee that will search for a replacement for outgoing Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Darrell Bazzell. Michael Lehman, a University of Wisconsin Foundation board member and former chief financial officer of Sun Microsystems, was named to the job on an interim basis earlier this month. Bazzell is leaving his position overseeing UW-Madisons finances and administration, which he has held since 2003, for a similar job at the University of Texas-Austin. His last day at UW-Madison will be March 6. When he announced is resignation in January, Bazzell said he saw the job as an opportunity to move closer to his family in the Houston area, and a chance to take on a new role after 31 years in Wisconsin state government. UW officials noted Bazzell helped steer the campus through several state budgets, many of which involved cuts to the University of Wisconsin Systems funding. But Bazzell said those cuts did not push him to take the new position, because declining state support has been a theme at many major public universities. The 14-member committee that will search for Bazzells permanent replacement will be led by professor Terry Warfield, the chairman of the Department of Accounting and Information Systems in the Wisconsin School of Business. The university has also hired an outside search firm to help the committee members as they find, interview and screen potential candidates for the job. Chancellor Rebecca Blank has said she wants a permanent replacement for Bazzell in place by next fall. The Senate sponsor of a bill barring cities from enacting so-called sanctuary city policies says his Republican colleagues would pass the measure if Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald lets it come to a vote. Sen. Steve Nass urged Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, to do so in a Monday statement. Fitzgeralds office said Friday that the bill is not a priority for passage in the waning weeks of the 2015-16 legislative session. Nass, in his statement, noted Assembly Bill 450 has broad support from Wisconsin law enforcement. State associations for police chiefs and sheriffs have registered to lobby in favor of the bill. It would be a terrible mistake for the Senate to avoid addressing this public safety issue, said Nass, R-Whitewater. AB 450 is strongly supported by Wisconsins law enforcement community. Nass spokesman Mike Mikalsen, said Monday that Nass has not counted enough votes to be sure the bill would pass. But Mikalsen said Nass is confident of the bills Senate prospects based on conversations with some senators as well as the bills showing last week in the Assembly, where it passed 62-35. Sen. Duey Stroebel, R-Saukville, echoed that call with his own statement Monday. Stroebel said the bill should be on the agenda when the Senate convenes for whats likely to be its final session date in March. The safety of Wisconsinites should be our top priority on our last floor date, Stroebel said. Senate passage is all thats keeping the bill from landing on Gov. Scott Walkers desk. A crowd estimated at 20,000 gathered in and around the state Capitol on Thursday to protest AB 450 and one other bill as part of the A Day Without Latinos and Immigrants in Wisconsin rally. Supporters of the bill say it would bar a few local law enforcement agencies they have singled out Madison, Racine and Milwaukee County from declining to cooperate with federal immigration officials. The bill prohibits municipalities from adopting or enforcing policies, resolutions or ordinances that bar police from asking a person about or that bar them from exchanging information with federal officials about the immigration status of someone charged with a serious crime. Cities that fail to comply with the law would see their state aid reduced for each day theyre not in compliance. Opponents of the bill say it infringes on local control and could lead to racial profiling and less safe communities. Madison officials, including Police Chief Mike Koval, dispute the sanctuary label being applied to Madison. Koval has said Madison police will cooperate with federal immigration officials in cases where people are arrested for serious crimes. In October, the Senate Judiciary Committee endorsed legislation to reform draconian federal sentencing laws particularly for drug offenders and begin to address the over-incarceration that has devastated poor and minority communities. Remarkably, six Republican members joined the committees nine Democrats in supporting the bill, known as the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act. But enactment of the Senate bill is now threatened by exaggerated accusations that it would lead to the release of thousands of violent criminals and by a demand that the legislation include new and controversial language defining the criminal intent necessary for a conviction. Supporters of the legislation in both parties need to reject amendments that would cripple what would be a historic and humane reform of the federal criminal justice system. The bill would place limits on mandatory minimum sentences, which often are enacted by Congress in response to panic about perceived waves of particular crimes. It would increase the discretion of judges in sentencing and prohibit solitary confinement for juvenile prisoners except when their behavior poses a serious and immediate risk of physical harm. (In January, President Barack Obama banned solitary confinement of juveniles in federal prisons by executive action, but that could be reversed by a future administration unless Congress acts.) Some of the bills provisions would be retroactive, meaning that inmates now serving time could petition for resentencing. One provision would make changes in mandatory minimums retroactive under the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, which reduced the disparity between penalties for crack and powder cocaine from 100:1 to 18:1. The differential treatment of the two had disproportionately punished African-Americans. Although many Republicans including Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Charles E. Grassley of Iowa support the legislation, other figures in that party have been raising roadblocks. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, a candidate for president who voted against the bill in committee, has claimed that its enactment could result in more violent criminals being let out on the streets, and potentially more lives being lost. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas claimed that the bill would lead to the release of thousands of violent felons. This is scaremongering. Though the bill would provide relief to some prisoners with violent offenses in their past, experts dismiss the claim it would result in the release of large numbers of violent criminals. The second roadblock concerns an arcane but important question about what state of mind should be required for conviction of a crime. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, complains that some federal criminal statutes lack a mens rea, or statement of the required criminal intent. As a result, individuals can in some cases be convicted even when they didnt know that their conduct was wrong or unlawful or when they didnt act knowingly, willfully, recklessly or negligently. ... Hatch said a person who mistakenly retrieves the wrong coat from the coat room should not be considered a thief, because he did not intend to steal. He also noted the case of a fisherman who was prosecuted for violating a law against selling sea otters to non-native Alaskans even though he didnt know the buyer wasnt a native.... Hatch has proposed legislation to provide a default mens rea literally, guilty mind standard to govern cases in which a particular statute doesnt spell out the required state of mind: The defendant would have to engaged in a criminal act willfully to be prosecuted. Ominously, Hatch said any package of criminal justice reforms must include provisions to shore up mens rea protections. Disagreement over adding that could give Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell with a pretext for not allowing a vote on the bill. Criminal intent is an important principle. As Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. noted last year, under American law a defendant must be blameworthy in mind before he can be found guilty. ... At some point Congress may want to take up the issue of whether the intent requirement should be clarified. But there is no reason to hold this bill hostage to Hatchs proposal, which is opposed by members of Congress who fear it would make it harder to prosecute white-collar and environmental crimes. First things first. Big money is a loser this year. Jeb Bush and his super PAC raised more money than all of his competitors yet he barely climbed out of single digits in New Hampshire and just left the race. Hillary Clinton has received more endorsements and more contributions, yet Bernie Sanders is giving her a run for her money. A bombastic socialist challenging the quintessential pillar of the political establishment is surely testimony to the power of the people. Money has not bought this election. This evidence contradicts the theory that nominees are not chosen in Iowa and New Hampshire, but in an invisible primary that takes place in the year or so before the first votes are cast. Super PACs and the boardrooms of the wealthy elite are the controlling forces of this supposed conclave. Clinton and Bush won the invisible primary for the 2016 election. They raised more money and received more endorsements than their rivals. More of their money came through large donations. Clinton rides higher in the polls than Bush did, but her candidacy was imperiled in New Hampshire. Bushs money gave him some staying power, but now hes gone. The strength of candidates receiving most of their money in small contributions shows that big money is not invincible. More than 80 percent of Sanders donations were under $200, compared with 20 percent for Clinton. Contributions to Bushs campaign and his super PAC top $100 million, which dwarfs the $10 million or so Donald Trump has raised. Moreover, Trump received over 70 percent of his contributions in donations under $200, compared with 6 percent for Bush. Democracy is broadening this year. If you decry the power of big money and favor the candidacies of Sanders or Trump, you should celebrate the weakness of big money. Of course, the political process is complex, and big money can influence politics in many ways. It may shape other races. It may shape the way in which the media interpret and present this campaign. It is also difficult to portray Trump, a billionaire and reality television star as divorced from big money. Yet Trumps constituency is decidedly not affluent. His strongest support comes from voters who have not gone to college, precisely the group whose economic status is most precarious. If you see Trump or Sanders as flawed candidates, you may wish for an earlier era when party leaders had more power. In 1968, Hubert Humphrey got the Democratic nomination without contesting a single primary. After 1968, powerful protests against the old regime led to a series of reforms that upended the power of the old bosses. Now we have a system in which primary voters and caucus attendees can defy party leaders. The new system is more democratic, but the defenders of the old system say it produced better nominees such as Kennedy, Ike, Truman and Roosevelt. The founders of the United States also were skeptical of what they called the excesses of democracy. They devised an Electoral College to insulate presidential elections from the masses. They wanted presidential electors or members of Congress to choose the president. This nation will not likely return to a less-democratic system, but campaign finance reform is always on our agenda. We do not understand enough about the influx of super PACS and the complicated world of campaign finance. Wealthy donors can spend unlimited amounts in our elections. Surely, this money has influence, yet its influence is complex and varied. This election shows that big money is not insurmountable. No wealthy elite has propelled Trump and Sanders to the top. Candidates, campaigns and voters still matter. Brazil has dispatched nearly 250,000 military personnel to defeat an enemy that is wily and relentless: Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that transmits the Zika virus. The virus has been blamed for an increase in the number of infants born with brain damage in Brazil and other countries. The World Health Organization has declared a global emergency and is scrambling to contain Zika. The troops in Brazil, however, didnt wield the typical weapons of mosquito warfare trucks laden with insecticide, bottles of repellent, reams of netting. Instead they came armed with fliers. Yes, sheets of paper that instructed residents how to eradicate a pest that thrives in poor communities where residents gather water in rooftop tanks or containers, inadvertently creating ideal breeding conditions for the insect. These soldiers and residents battle an aggressive and resilient foe, and, increasingly, the fear, suspicion and misinformation that can sweep through communities with as much virulence as the virus itself. Is Brazil up to the challenge of defeating Zika in time for the Summer Olympics, set to begin in Rio de Janeiro this August? Stay tuned. This will get up close and personal. The country has a huge economic and political stake in staging a thrilling Olympiad, which doesnt include a medal competition for mosquito swatting. Bronze wont do. Brazilian leaders have donned T-shirts bearing a deceased cartoon mosquito for the optimistically dubbed Zika Zero campaign. Theres a catchy slogan: A mosquito is not stronger than an entire country. But Brazil is going to need more than a tag line to triumph in this fight. It will have to punch above its weight. The Zika crisis is only the latest Olympics-sized challenge for Brazil. Last August brought headlines that the sewage-clotted waters of Rios Guanabara Bay, site of the aquatic events at the Olympics, had sickened a South Korean windsurfer. He was hospitalized for dehydration, vomiting and dizziness after an Olympic sailing test.... In September, the recession-bound countrys finances took a major hit, when its sovereign debt rating was cut to junk. And theres a blossoming corruption scandal involving the state-controlled oil company, Petrobras, and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. The Brazilian presidents popularity is racing toward zero: Only about 5 percent of her constituents say she is doing a good or great job, Reuters reports. A recent poll found 92 percent of Brazilians think the country is not on the right track. Ouch. And now Zika. How goes the battle? Too early to tell. But there are cautionary tales from the front: One Brazil state recently halted use of a mosquito larvicide after an Argentine doctors group warned that the chemical could be causing infant brain damage. Their proof? None. Zilch. Zero. Scientists in the U.S. and Brazil say there is no scientific basis to make that claim, The Wall Street Journal reports. Some Brazilians blame Zika on a British biotech company that released a re-engineered mosquito strain. Others promote conspiracy theories that involve childhood vaccines. Some doubt the disease even exists. All of that could impede prevention. Zika and the mosquito can be vanquished. Were happy to see that the World Health Organization has reversed course and signed on to our editorial boards previously declared anti-mosquito crusade: Use genetically modified mosquitoes to wipe out pest populations. That is a smart long-term strategy, with emphasis on long. Brazil has only five-plus months before more than 10,000 athletes from 206 countries arrive. It has to show the world that after a muddled start, it can mount a credible campaign against Zika-carrying mosquitoes. Brazil will need to convince athletes it is safe enough to compete, and convince potential visitors it is safe enough to watch particularly women who are pregnant or plan to try soon. We imagine quite a few airline and hotel reservations are now on hold, as people around the world watch the epic battle of Brazil vs. the mosquito. Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-02-22 Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article From: The Athens News Agency at CONTENTS [01] PM Tsipras to farmers: If do not regain our national wealth, we can't speak of pensions or income [02] 'I will do my best to supportTsipras,' Italian PM Renzi tells ANA-MPA [03] Corfu to present its candidacy for Cultural Capital of Europe 2021 on Tuesday [01] PM Tsipras to farmers: If do not regain our national wealth, we can't speak of pensions or income "If we do not regain our national wealth, we cannot speak either of income or pensions or exit from the crisis," Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Monday said to the farmers' representatives upon their arrival to the Maximos mansion. Addressing the farmers, he said that "we cannot draft a policy for the productive restructuring of the country without taking into account your proposals and positions but at the same time you should take the overall problem of the country and the fiscal conditions under consideration." [02] 'I will do my best to supportTsipras,' Italian PM Renzi tells ANA-MPA "My opinion for Alexis Tsipras is very positive. I consider his effort a serious one," Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Monday said in statements to ANA-MPA. "I will do my best to help him. During the tense EU Summit in July, we supported Greece and we supported Europe, because without Greece, Europe would lose a priceless heritage," he underlined. "I hope that Alexis will agree to join the European Socialist Party. I think it would benefit both the party and himself," he added. [03] Corfu to present its candidacy for Cultural Capital of Europe 2021 on Tuesday Corfu's candidacy for "European Cultural Capital 2021" will be presented on Tuesday in Athens by Corfu mayor Costas Nikolouzos. The presentation will be held at central Athens hotel ahead of the selection of the candidate cities that will move into the second and final phase to be declared Cultural Capital of Europe 2021. "We run for the title of the Cultural Capital with the view to promoting the cultural life our city, highlighting and promoting it worldwide. Our city is already included in UNESCO's list of World Heritage. Of course, it is a difficult and ambitious plan but because we believe in it, we bear the moral duty to promote it, to highlight it and finally to succeed," said the mayor of Corfu. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-02-22 Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article From: The Athens News Agency at CONTENTS [01] Govt-farmers meeting a 'particularly positive step', says spokeswoman [02] After fYRoM, Serbia also closes border to Afghans [01] Govt-farmers meeting a 'particularly positive step', says spokeswoman Monday's meeting between top government officials and protesting farmers constitutes a positive step towards a direct dialogue in the sector, government spokeswoman Olga Gerovasili said on Monday, commenting on an earlier meeting between Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and representatives of protesting farmers. "The majority of the roadblocks ... were represented at the meeting and we had an honest discussion," she said, adding that the government made it clear to the farmers' delegation that it will take immediate measures to protest the farmers "even within the difficult situation, which is known to all Greek citizens." Gerovasili cited 25 measures that were also presented to the delegation, which she said "concern all farmers and their activities with an emphasis on small and medium-sized producers." The measures include a more incremental increase of social security contributions for a smoother transition to the projected level in 2021, and the establishing of a tax-free threshold for small and medium-sized producers. [02] After fYRoM, Serbia also closes border to Afghans BELGRADE (ANA-MPA / N. Pelpas) a Hundreds of Afghan natioonals are now stranded on the border between the former Yugoslav Republic of Yugoslavia and Serbia, after the Serbian government closed its borders to refugees from Afghanistan. Belgrade reportedly cited Croatia's refusal to accept the Afghans. Serbian police started implementing the agreement on third country nationals signed by the police chiefs of Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria last Thursday in Zagreb. Vladimir Rebic, the Serbian police director, told state news agency Tanjug that "at the border crossing point of Presevo, at the borders with fYRoM, entrance is allowed only to refugees who are carrying a certificate with a photo and seal from the single control center in Gevgelija, which operates on the border between Greece and fYRoM." Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article ROSELLE, IL - GOP candidate for president U.S. Senator Ted Cruz 's campaign is choosing to avoid addressing two hot topics that have bubbled to the surface in Illinois - a rogue delegate candidate and a pesky ballot challenge about Cruz's candidate qualifications. 8th CD delegate challenges Cruz attack on Trump's health care plan C. Steven Tucker of Roselle is on the March 15th GOP primary ballot as a Cruz delegate in the 8th CD. Tucker, a 20 year health insurance sales exec, joined the Chicago Tea Party movement when it began as an outspoken critic of Obamacare. He's been featured on radio and tv talk shows tearing apart the Affordable Care Act. In mid-February, Tucker published a scathing critique of Senator Cruz' assertion that Donald Trump advocated a single payer health care plan, similar to what Democrats Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton are promoting. Tucker's story was pointed to by Trump supporter Sarah Palin. On Sunday, the story was featured in the Washington Examiner. Sunday, Tucker re-emphasized his criticism of his pick in the presidential campaign, saying Cruz is repeating a lie. "There's a difference between hyperbole and an actual lie, and unfortunately Senator Cruz has repeated lies repeatedly on the campaign trail," Tucker told the Washington Examiner. "He's actually still repeating a lie that Trump is for single-payer and socialized medicine and a plan that's exactly like Sanders and Hillary, which is a lie. I wish that he would stop that and correct the record, I doubt it will happen." Tucker said he planned to remain a Cruz delegate on Illinois' March 15th GOP ballot, upon which early voting has already begun. However, Tucker's criticism was harsh, and fellow Illinois Cruz delegates contacted by Illinois Review chose to stay out of the kerfuffle. Still, they were upset -off the record via the campaign - about Tucker's comments. Tucker wrote: I have bit my tongue long enough. As a delegate for Senator Ted Cruz I have been placed into a difficult and increasingly uncomfortable position and now I havehad enough! Continuing to support Senator Cruz after he repeats incorrectly and ad nauseum that A vote for Donald Trump is a vote for Obamacare and, that if you vote Donald Trump, you vote for Bernie Sanders-style socialized medicine. Or even worse that Trump, Clinton and Sanders have the identical position on health care has forced me into a crisis of conscience. These are statements that even the left leaning Politifact has correctly identified as FALSE. There are two things I detest above all others. Lies and intellectual laziness. There are far too many of my fellow Cruzers who either refuse to do the necessary research on Mr. Trumps health care proposals or are simply too lazy to simply read his actual policy proposals as outlined in both his books Time To Get Tough from 2011 and his latest book Crippled America from 2015. The Washington Examiner was able to get a short response from Cruz' national campaign Rick Tyler, who doubled down in an email to them Trump in this 60 Minutes interview clearly states that everyone is going to be covered and that the government is going to pay for it. That is single-payer socialized medicine. Rick Tyler The Cruz campaign chose not to respond to IR request for comment on the issue. Cruz' ballot qualifications still being questioned by Carson supporter Downstate attorney Lawrence Joyce, a GOP candidate Ben Carson supporter, has taken his objection of Ted Cruz's qualifications to run for president to the Cook County court level. Earlier this year, the Illinois State Board of Elections threw out Joyce's argument that Cruz was not a "natural-born" citizen of the United States. Joyce then filed a lawsuit in Cook County Illinois, which Cruz's Illinois legal representative Sharee Langenstein asked for dismissal, based on Joyce's lack of following procedure in paperwork. Langenstein did not argue the substance of Joyce's argument, but told the court he had failed to follow appropriate paperwork protocol when he didn't inform Cruz at his Texas residence of his objection. Langenstein said in court Friday it is "very, very clear" the Cook County court doesn't have jurisdiction to hear the case because state law stipulates the candidate be served with the complaint, USA Today reported over the weekend. Joyce, a pharmacist and attorney from Poplar Grove, Ill., failed to serve Cruz, whose home address is listed in his petition to be placed on the state's ballot, Langenstein said. Cook County Judge Maureen Ward Kirby set a March 1 court date to hear arguments on the motion to dismiss, leaving the question about Cruz's ballot placement open. The Illinois GOP primary is scheduled for March 15th. Early voting has already begun. Langensten, who said the national campaign has restricted her comments on the case, referred Illinois Review to the USA Today story. Lawrence Joyce, an Illinois voter who has objected to Cruz's placement on the Illinois primary ballot next month, will have his case heard in the Circuit Court of Cook County in Chicago. Joyce's previous objection, made to the state's Board of Elections, was dismissed on February 1. A judge in Illinoiswill hear a lawsuit challenging Ted Cruz's eligibility to serve as president, putting questions about the Texas senator's status back into the news the day before the South Carolina primary. And so it starts. Ted Cruz is being haunted by the Birther ghosts. Is he a natural born citizen and can he prove it? Will Obama be drawn into this controversy? Maybe a court in Illinois can answer these questions. Up to now, no birther lawsuit was deemed worthy because whoever bought the lawsuit did not have standing. Now, Trump does have standing and can cite a specific injury. The Illinois case, not filed by Trump, may be thrown out because of lack of standing. If it is, bet on another one being filed somewhere else. Some who argue that Ted Cruz is a natural born citizen may be doing this to support Barack Obama. As Cindy Simpson writes, To a certain extent, my friend is right. Cruz, Rubio, and Jindal are eligible. Because as another friend, attorney Monte Kuligowski, explained, the precedent has been set with the election of Barack Obama: a person born a US citizen, even with dual citizenship of another country, is eligible for the presidency. If Obama was eligible, those Republicans, too, are eligible. Likewise, the definition of who is natural born citizen may have been broadened over time to protect Barack Obama and to fend off charges of racism. That may be why no court or judge up to this point has accepted a case or granted standing to anyone who questions Obamas status. But all that may soon change. 'There is no way we get through this campaign without Donald Trump suing Ted Cruz. That's a prediction that MSNBChost Chris Hayes dropped on his guestsHayes predicted that Trump's lawsuit would be centered on constitutional eligibility questionsTrump now has cause, he has injury, right? If he gets the nomination (Cruz), they're going to sue his ass up, (the Democrats) Trump told a crowd of supporters here on Tuesday. The Media and the Documents The media has been reluctant to investigate the claims of the Birthers. If they have investigated them, the media usually dismiss them as fringe arguments. True, some of the Birthers have not been seen in a positive light because of their own actions. Nevertheless, an insane man can sometimes make a sane argument. Consider what Bill OReilly did during the Obama birth controversy. At the time of that birth certificate controversy, O'Reilly claimed in a segment with Ann Coulter. As we mentioned, The Factor debunked the whole Birth Certificate deal more than a year ago. It was easy. The state of Hawaii sent us a copy of the document. End of story. We have to wonder, now, as Andrea Shea King wondered then, how Bill O'Reilly can make the claim that, The Factor investigated...we found that President Obama was born in Hawaii. We sent (for) the documents. The state of Hawaii maintains Obamas records are off limits. The following court decision upheld the statute which restricts access to vital records: Justice v. FuddyICAApril 7, 2011 Concurring opinion by J. Leonard. denial of request to see President Obamas birth certificate. If its the case that Obamas records are sealed, how could Bill OReilly claim, we found that President Obama was born in Hawaii. We sent (for) the documents? If OReilly can do that for Obama, why cant he or another member of the media send off to Canada and get a copy of Ted Cruzs birth certificate? Ted Cruz didn't renounce his Canadian citizenship until May 14, 2014. Beyond that, as someone wrote on a blog, Cruz has a big problemhalf of his target potential voters are rabid and strict Constitutionalists who are horrified that he has deemed himself an NBC with the MSM and the Republican party backing his ridiculous claim. They will never vote for him. The Constitution and the Documents Its important to recall there are two issues compacted into one Birther argument. We should unpack those two issues and see how they relate to the Ted Cruz situation. The first issue is the meaning of the natural born citizen clause in the US Constitution. The text of the Constitution does not define what is meant by natural born: in particular it does not specify whether there is any distinction to be made between persons whose citizenship is based on jus sanguinis (parentage) and those whose citizenship is based on jus soli (birthplace). Because SCOTUS has not ruled specifically about the natural born status in regard to Obama or Cruz, their status remains uncertain under the various interpretations of the natural born clause. The interpretation may remain uncertain for a while because of the recent death of justice Scalia. The second issue in the Birther argument relates to the documents someone shows to prove they are a natural born citizen. In Obamas case, there is still much dispute about the genuine nature of these documents. Beyond that, some of the documents presented may seem persuasive, but they are not. For example, you cannot present a newspaper article announcing your birth at a State Department office and use only that to get a US passport. You could be an agnostic when it comes to the evidence Obama has shown so far to establish he is a natural born citizen. Its like the evidence for the existence of a supreme being. It can go either way. There are articles in Hawaiian newspapers about Obamas birth, but then Obamas former literary agency billed him as born in Kenya back in 1991. Many decide one way or the other about who Obama is on faith, not the facts. Be that as it may, right now, the issue is the natural born citizen status of Senator Ted Cruz. Some experts dispute the COPY of the presidents so-called PDF document released by the White House. Sheriff Joe Arpaio claims he has evidence that the Obama document is forged. The sheriff is also a staunch supporter of Donald Trump. Beyond that document, there are Obamas sealed college transcripts and his disputed Social Security number. Remember, in a radio interviewArizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio affirmed he is pretty well convinced President Obamas birth certificate, as released by the White House in 2011, is a fraudulent, fake documentIve been in law enforcement 55 years, stated Arpaio. I think I know a fraudulent, fake document. (how much of this is bombast?) Then, there is the 2010 case of Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin. He doubted Obamas qualifications to be commander-in-chief. Regardless of the matter in this case, youd think that a US president would have released at this time all the necessary documents to prove Lt. Col. Lakin was mistaken, instead of letting him face a court martial. At the very least, we may accept the politics of such a decision, but not the character of a president who made it. Even after the Lakin case, there is the amount of time Obama has spent postponing the release of documents. Why did it take until April, 2011 for a copy of the birth documents to be given to the press? This is a question Cruz could raise. Doubt about Obama being a natural born citizen continues. A New York Times/CBS News pollshowed broad, continued uncertainty about where Obama was born. Fully 45 percent of Republicans and 25 percent of independents in the poll said he was born in another country, with the percentage of Republicans saying that 13 percentage points higher than it was a year ago. This kind of doubt, this thick smoke of uncertainty, does not exist about the natural born citizen status of Hillary Clinton. And as we know, usually, when there is smoke, there is fire. Many believe that Clinton started the Birther rumors in the first place. Why cant she be called to court by Cruz and testify about what she knows about Obama birth? Of course, all this may not come to a court. With the recent death of justice Scalia, SCOTUS is in chaos. Besides, the RNC may not want to go this route. Thus. Cruz and Rubio may be talked into bowing out of the race. But what if Cruz and Rubio do not drop out? Lets assume Cruz does not drop out of the presidential race. Lets assume he is sued by someone who has standing and the accusation that he is not a natural born citizen goes to court. What defense will Cruz mount? What legal argument can he make that he is indeed a natural born citizen? The Cruz argument As some understand it, Senator Cruzs belief is that the term natural born citizen means born of a mother who is a US citizen. Lets takes Cruzs position and see where it leads. Cruz could probably argue that there is some legal and expert testimony for his position. Nevertheless, it may be better to argue that a precedent has already been set. We now have a sitting US president whose only claim to natural born citizenship is through his mother. Here is where Obamas birth documents may come into play. To defend his position Cruz could call into question Obamas birth documents. I think we know Obama was born of a mother who was a US citizen, but what proof is there that Obama was born in the United States? (Yes, there is the argument that Obamas mother may not have resided long enough in the US or was old enough to confer citizenship upon him, but that can be set aside for the time being). The issue Cruz may raise is that if a copy of the birth certificate the White House gave to the press is in fact shown to be a forgery, then what? Senator Cruz could ask the court for all the Obama birth documents and show by expert testimony that these documents are fraudulent, or are not conclusive. The argument for Cruz being a natural born citizen could be very simple. There is no conclusive proof (beyond a shadow of doubt?) that Obama was born in the USA. We know Cruz wasnt born in the USA, so Cruz is a natural born citizen only by reason of his mothers citizenship, just like Obama, whose place of birth remains undocumented. If Obama is a natural born citizen, then so is Cruz. If Cruz wins in court with this Birther argument, then he may get two birds with one stone. Hes on the ballot as a candidate for US president as a natural born citizen, and he has shown the public that the White House presented false documents to the voters. In defending his qualification to run for office, Cruz could turn the Birther controversy into a document controversy. Kasich, who focused most of his primary efforts in New Hampshire, came in second there, gaining four delegates. After Jeb Bush's departure from the race Saturday night, Kasich remains as the only active Republican governor in the race. COLUMBUS OH - Sunday Ohio Governor John Kasich tapped Governor Rauner's chief communicator Mike Schrimpf to Kasich team as communication director. Schrimpf will oversee strategic message development and coordinate communication outreach with in-state political teams as well as the campaigns national leadership team. Schrimpf previously served as chief communicator for Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner. He served in a similar capacity in Rauners 2014 campaign and also served in senior communication positions for the Republican Governors Association. Mike has worked well with our organization for many years at RGA and will be a good fit with the team as Governor Kasichs growing support creates new opportunities for us to talk about his positive, unifying vision for America. He is an excellent communication thinker and leader who knows how to work effectively in senior positions with large teams and were fortunate to have him join the campaign, said Campaign Manager Beth Hansen. Mike is the twin brother of Chris Schrimpf who serves as senior communication advisor and travels with the governor to direct his personal communication activities. He is remembered for many other things as well. The Father of his Country was known as a successful merchant, farmer, and horticulturalist, a prominent frontier soldier and wartime commander, and of course, the first President of these United States. But, oddly, his service as a legislator is largely forgotten. The great George Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia on February 22, 1732, and served about seventeen years as a delegate in the Virginia colonys House of Burgesses. These United States have sent 43 men to the office of the Presidency, so far. Some have been governors, others cabinet members, still others, successful wartime generals or vice-presidents. And many were legislators first, people who cooperated in the writing of laws at the state or national level before taking on the executives role of implementing and enforcing them. Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe all of our early presidents cut their teeth in the colonial legislatures, before the War of Independence and since then, many presidents served in the nations house and senate first as well. An executive, presented with a new law to sign and then implement, might gain from the background knowledge of what the law was intended to accomplish, and how of what methods the legislature had considered and declined, what all sides discussed in debate, before settling on the system and wording in the final bill. And sure enough, our first president had exactly that experience, and used it to great advantage. Frontier Surveyor and Soldier While George Washington was born to a successful agricultural family in the colony of Virginia, he wasnt the eldest son not even close. And that made all the difference, especially in those days. Young George was the third son of Augustine Washington, and was the first child of his fathers second marriage. Altogether, Augustine had ten children; while the first might inherit enough to live on, the rest in such a large family had better learn a good trade or marry very well. George did both by his late 20s. When his youthful hope for a naval commission fell through, he took up the profession of surveying, a talent very much in demand in our growing country, and quickly gained a specialty on the frontier. As Virginians looked westward, George Washington rode out to measure their aims and their acquisitions, soon becoming known as one of the best surveyors, equestrians and frontiersmen in the country. But life on the frontier was dangerous in those days, with war-mongering Frenchmen collaborating with their friends among the Indian tribes (there were pro-British Indian tribes too, but unfortunately, all too many were in cahoots with the French), The French used these allies to harass new settlers, in an attempt to foil westward expansion. With Washingtons knowledge of the terrain, he was a natural choice to lead the colonys troops when the colony finally answered the call to respond. While both his successes and failures in command are legendary, complicated by challenges ranging from youth and inexperience to lack of troops and supplies, Washingtons years of service to King and Country left him well-regarded and experienced by the end. By the time he resigned his commission and returned to private life in his mid-twenties, he had become world-renowned as a thoughtful leader who understood the needs of a region in expansion economically, geographically, and militarily. The House of Burgesses George Washingtons first successful election was in the summer of 1758, when he won his seat to represent Frederick County at the colonial capital, Williamsburg. He received 309 votes in a voice vote, a whopping 78% of the total, in those days of limited suffrage and public ballots (only landowning males could vote and all the landowning males had been impressed by reports of Washingtons leadership of the militia for several years by then.) Washington was to remain a member of the state house until he became Commander in Chief during the War of Independence, 17 years later. He spent his early years in Williamsburg as a representative of Frederick County, during the reign of King George II. Upon the Kings death in October, 1760, the governor called for new elections, and he moved up to run for an open seat representing Fairfax, his home county. Washington therefore represented Fairfax County from 1761 until 1775. Issues and Specialties Like most responsible representatives, Washington went to the colonial capitol to share his own personal experience and specialties with the public. He brought his knowledge of foreign affairs, for when the colony had to deal with the Indian tribes. He brought his understanding of military matters, for when the colony needed to recruit, train, and outfit the militia and cooperate with British regulars. Even at his young age, his extensive lands and his diverse plantings (which were to become more diverse every year) enabled him to assist in issues regarding commerce, both among the several colonies and with foreign customers. Every year, his personal accomplishments made his contributions to economic debate that much more valuable. And his personal service alongside the colonys soldiers made him the governments primary resource for all veteran-related issues. Throughout his service in the legislature, Washington served on the standing committees on Religion, Propositions and Grievances, and Elections and Privileges and of course served in a number of important special committees, such as the one reviewing veterans claims during the Seven Years War (a.k.a. the French and Indian War). For example: Campaigns and Elections: House records were not retained then as they are now, so much of Washingtons service is left to conjecture. Heres just one interesting question: In the 1750s, it was customary for candidates to supply food and drink to voters meeting in the public hall on election day, a custom that went back and forth between legal and illegal during Washingtons service in Williamsburg. In these modern days of voting irregularities, it would be interesting to see how the men of the Founding era viewed these issues. Washington served on the committee that handled it, and we know he (like almost everyone else) supplied barrels of wine or beer for the events (James Madison famously refused, and lost his first candidacy, then agreed to host, and won, in his second!) but we can only guess at how the Commission on Elections and Privileges evaluated the relevant risks and rewards in plying voters with food and drink to help the speeches go down.. Veterans Land Bounties: A serious challenge throughout his legislative service was the long-unfulfilled promise of frontier land grants to those who served with or under Washington in the militia. Lt. Governor Robert Dinwiddie had made the promises in 1754, but Crown policies regarding our rights to western lands changed during the Seven Years War, preventing the executive from honoring the promises until the commitment was finally honored in 1769-1770, after countless public reminders from the house floor. Washingtons long battle to obtain for his veterans what the Crown had promised became an eerie foreshadowing of the financial difficulties of post-Revolution America. Fighting for veterans rights was to be a recurrent theme throughout Washingtons entire career. Sole Authority to Tax: As the Seven Years War became a true world war, the Crown faced the problem of funding it. Recognizing that the defense of these colonies was a significant part of the reason and prosecution of the war, the Crown sought to collect taxes from this side of the Pond in various ways. Essentially beginning with the Stamp Act, but continuing with many other attempts in the years that followed, Parliament attempted to levy new taxes directly on the people of these colonies. Washington was among the clearest voices of dissent on this issue, as the colonial legislatures demanded that as long as the colonies were unrepresented in Parliament the colonial legislatures were the only ones with the moral authority to set and collect taxes on colonists. The Coastwide Boycott: The most fertile ground for the seeds of revolution was in New England; the anger following the Stamp Act only grew more severe with the Townshend Acts and other taxing efforts, eventually leading the British to put Boston under martial law. New Englanders began a boycott of British goods, and reached out to the other colonies to establish a united front. George Washington became the leader of Virginias support of the boycott, in many ways leading the South to make this boycott of all import/export trade with Britain go continental, by writing his fellow burgesses to seek their support on April 5, 1769. Washington stood up at the capitol on May 16 to publicly propose fewer words and stronger actions in defiance of the now-tyrannical monarchy, and the Lt. Governor promptly utilized his authority to dissolve the legislature. Not to be outdone, Washington led them down the road to Raleigh Tavern, declared a quorum, and went right back to work. With that, Washington ceased being merely a Virginia leader, but cemented his position as a truly continental leader of what was to become the independence movement. The Continental Congress The First Continental Congress met at Philadelphia the largest city in North America at the time in the fall of 1774. The Virginia House of Burgesses sent seven of their most distinguished members to form their colonys delegation. George Washington attended of course, along with Peyton Randolph, Richard Henry Lee, and Patrick Henry. The colonial representatives discussed their various grievances with Parliament and the Crown, discussed options for further colonial cooperation, and petitioned London for appropriate corrective action then adjourned, with a commitment to reconvene in the spring if their demands were not met. They were back again in May, and Washington attended in his full military uniform as a Virginia militiaman. By this time, the battles of Lexington and Concord had been fought and the Battle of Bunker Hill took place while this Second Continental Congress was in session. On June 14, 1775, this congress declared a Continental Army, and commissioned George Washington now titled General to head up to Massachusetts and assume his new role as Commander-in-Chief, which he was to hold until his retirement at the end of the war. With this commission, George Washingtons seventeen years of service as a legislator ends. Having served as both a state representative and a national one, he gained invaluable experience in economics, foreign relations, military management, government budgeting, all the nuts and bolts of governance that a leader must know in order to be an effective head of state. Constitutional Convention From June, 1775 until December, 1783, General Washington was a military commander, in some ways, one of the most successful in world history and then from that retirement until the spring of 1787, he was a civilian again. But his nation called again, as the failure of the Articles of Confederation became undeniable, and a new convention was called to correct the errors in our form of government. The delegates who called for the convention needed his steady hand at the helm, and pled with him to come out of retirement to attend and when he did, they persuaded him to preside over it. That summer in Philadelphia was among the most momentous summers in world history. These 55 delegates crafted a new format that balanced legislative, executive, and judicial branches, established a concept of joint federal and state sovereignty, and effectively built a new system of limited government that would protect citizens rights while engineering a framework for economic prosperity and security on the world stage. The Constitution was a masterpiece, and Washingtons manner of presiding is rightly credited for more than just the respectability that his presence gave the proceedings. In an era of firebrand statesmen like Patrick Henry and John Adams, George Washington had learned that a quieter, more deliberate manner might be both more appropriate and more effective in governance. Years before, the General had given this advice to a nephew upon the nephews elevation to public office: Speak seldom but to important subjects [which] particularly relate to your constituents. Make yourself perfectly master of the subject. Never exceed a decent warmth, and submit your sentiments with diffidence. A dictatorial style, though it may carry conviction, is always accompanied with disgust. With such a serious and measured demeanor, Washington set the tone for the convention. There would be no fistfights on the floor, no duels after hours. Even the most hot-tempered revolutionaries would be on their best behavior in Washingtons presence. He ensured that the sessions were all-business, with mutual respect for the towering men of consequence who filled the halls. These 55 men had a great deal to accomplish in one summer; under his leadership, they succeeded beyond all expectation. Washington spoke little during the conventions active daily sessions, but he made the rounds in the evenings; much was discussed at the dinner tables where state delegations and specific committee members would meet and work. As both the events presiding officer and as the most respected elder among elders, he was uniquely qualified to manage such statecraft. As a result, Washington the legislator and Washington the military commander joined forces that marvelous summer, to put into place the system of government that a grateful nation selected him virtually by acclamation to lead as its first President a year later. And then as President, Washington was to make good use of all of his experience as a negotiator, as a writer, as a strategist, as a merchant, as a farmer, as a commander and as the lawmaker too, the most-often forgotten aspect of the great mans long career. George Washington of Virginia, Founding Father. Hear, Hear! Copyright 2016 John F. Di Leo John F. Di Leo is a Customs broker and international trade trainer. An actor, writer and father of three, he is a former County Chairman of the Milwaukee County Republican Party. His columns are regularly found in Illinois Review. John strongly recommends that all Americans read biographies of our first and greatest president, in particular George Washington A Life by Willard Sterne Randall and All Cloudless Glory by Harrison Clark these two include much better coverage of Washingtons legislative experience than most; the majority of other biographies focus (understandably) on his military and presidential years. Permission is hereby granted to forward freely, provided it is uncut and the IR URL and byline are included. Follow John F. Di Leo on Facebook or LinkedIn, or on Twitter at @johnfdileo. No slanders about Israel being an apartheid state, no calls for boycott divestment and sanctions (BDS) and none of the hateful rhetoric that led the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to conclude a decade ago that anti-Semitism had become a "serious problem" at many universities. WHEATON - When Israeli Consul General to the Midwest Roey Gilad spoke last Wednesday at Wheaton College about current challenges for his country in the Middle East, the 50 people in attendance were respectful and well-behaved, with no sign of the open anti-Semitism that dominates discussion of the only democracy in the Middle East on so many campuses throughout the country. Gilad himself highlighted the bad news while listing the four main actors in the region, including Shia radicals led by Iran and its allies in Syria and Lebanon, Sunni moderate states Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, radical Sunni non-state actors Hamas, Al Qaeda and ISIL, and the Muslim Brotherhood. In what might be the understatement of the 21st Century, he said, "None of these four groups...none of them are very happy about the presence of a sovereign Jewish state in the Middle East." Indeed, there's no question that the main issue preventing peace between Israel and its neighbors is that many of the region's actors refuse to recognize Israel's right to exist at all, Iran and Hamas being prime examples. Currently dominating Gaza, Hamas was founded in 1987 as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood. Hamas's 1988 charter, or covenant, explicitly calls for the elimination of Israel, exhorting its followers to strive to "raise the banner of Allah over every inch of Palestine," after which all religions can presumably live in harmony under the protection of Islam. Since the beginning of Second Intifada (2000-2005), Hamas has not been shy about launching rocket attacks against Israel, deploying suicide bombers and using tunnels to smuggle explosives into Israel or kidnap it citizens. And even though Hamas suffered a devastating loss during the 2008-2009 Gaza war, hostilities have continued, and reports from the region indicate that Hamas is telling Palestinians to prepare for more violence in 2016, with possible resumption of suicide bombings. Iran, historically providing funding and weapons to Hamas, is no better. An ally of Israel under the Shah of Iran, Iran was one of the first Muslim states in the region to recognize Israel, conducting a brisk trade with the new state that continues to this day, although on a lower level and conducted primarily through third countries. But since the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979, the ruling mullahs have been unrelenting in their hostility to Israel. Tehran has called for the destruction of Israel (the "Little Satan" to the United State's "Big Satan") so often that it has almost completely lost its ability to shock. After taking power, Ruhollah Khomeini even called for a day dedicated to the elimination of Israel, Quds Day, which has since become a national day of protest marking the Republic's commitment to destroying Israel. Other Sunni states can find common cause with Israel in opposition to expanding Iranian influence in the region. But the Saudis still provide financing for fundamentalist Wahhabi madrassas throughout the region, and many believe the financing of the 9-11 attacks on the United States can be traced directly to Saudi Arabia. Egypt's peace treaty with Israel has definitely showed signs of wear in recent years, with several border clashes between the two countries and a recall of Egypt's ambassador to Israel after Israeli air strikes against Hamas. All that noted, Gilad didn't seem overly pessimistic about the chances for lasting peace, but he didn't hesitate to highlight the serious nature of the challenges facing Israel. He took several audience questions, and many of them were related to the recent Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a deal that would prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, at least for the next 10 years. Gilad noted that there existed a fundamental disagreement between policy-makers in Israel and those in the West. "While in Washington, Iran is considered to be part of the solution," he said, in Israel, "Iran is considered to be part of the problem." Gilad acknowledged that U.S.-Israeli relations had become strained over the Iranian issue, saying "It has cast a shadow over the relationship, that has to be said." He stressed that the Iranians gave the region and world community other reasons to be concerned, among them financing proxy wars throughout the region, testing ballistic missiles in violation of the agreement and a human rights portfolio that is "devastating," as he put it. And he made no doubt about his country's resolve in matters of security, whatever the stance of the international community might be. "Israel should have the ability to defend itself," he said. I agree. ________ Hank Beckman is a freelance journalist based in DuPage County, Illinois. Radical Islamic terrorists fight and kill in order to create a global caliphate, an Islamic state where sharia law reigns and the caliphs authority is absolute. The great majority of the worlds 1.6 billion Muslims wish to live in peace, and many are our allies against the ISIS malignancy. However, millions identify with and support the cause of radical Islam. In May 2015, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISISs leader and self-proclaimed emir of the caliphate, was recorded as saying: Islam was never a religion of peace. Islam is the religion of fighting. No one should believe that the war that we are waging is the war of the Islamic State. It is the war of all Muslims, but the Islamic State is spearheading it. It is the war of Muslims against infidels. Duckworth is choosing to ignore what motivates terrorists who rape, torture, behead, and burn alive anyone who does not advance the caliphate. Read more at: http://www.nationalreview.com/article/431641/radical-islamic-terrorism-isis-must-be-understood I never voted for or voiced support for Obamacare and I never supported Planned Parenthood funding, McCarter said in a statement. The healthcare resolution to Congress and the President asked them to address the healthcare issue. There was still ongoing national debate at the time and Obamacare was still two years away from taking effect." While January polling showed Shimkus way ahead of McCarter, Shimkus must see a need to try to dub McCarter "a Washington insider" that sides with the "Chicago Machine." The ad also accuses McCarter of supporting ObamaCare and Planned Parenthood. LEBANON - Despite claims being made by 20 year Congressman John Shimkus in a new campaign ad attacking Senator Kyle McCarter, the 15th CD GOP primary challenger says Shimkus is not telling the truth. McCarter said Shimkus' ad is misleading. He says the budget bill was a general appropriation for Human Services and had nothing to do with independent agency decisions on contracts for the abortion provider or any other provider, despite Shimkus' ad assertions. Family PAC director Paul Caprio, who endorsed McCarter over Shimkus in the race, says McCarter is right. "Congressman Shimkus voted to increase funding for Planned Parenthood to $543 million last November. Now Shimkus is trying to blow smoke over the eyes of voters for this awful sellout of pro-life by slandering Senator McCarter," Caprio said. "Shimkus needs to be voted out of office on March 15th." Illinois Federation for Right to Life's president Dawn Behnke agreed with Caprio. "Kyle McCarter is one of the strongest defenders of Life in the Illinois Senate. Hes actually filed legislation to stop all state funding for Planned Parenthood and to investigate the group about allegations involving the sale of aborted baby body parts. The Shimkus TV ad is a gross distortion of Senator McCarters real record, said Behnke, who is also chairman of IL Federation for Right to Life PAC. As did other family and prolife leaders, as well as Illinois Tea Party's Denise Cattoni. Kyle McCarter is a proven defender of Family, Faith and Freedom. We know who he is. He is pro-life without exception, has defended traditional marriage and fought against big and bloated government, such as is represented by the disastrous Obamacare plan. Kyle has never wavered from conservative principles since first coming to the State Senate in 2009, said Dave Smith, Executive Director of the Illinois Family Institute. The Shimkus TV ad is truly disappointing. It distorts Senator McCarters clear conservative record. While Kyle is a compassionate and caring legislator about issues affecting vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens, he has never voted to fund Planned Parenthood, said Ralph Rivera, Chairman of Illinois Citizens for Life federal PAC. The leading statewide TEA Party group also defended McCarter "Senator McCarters time in the Illinois Senate exemplifies the core conservative principles of the TEA Party movement, a citizen-driven movement for Freedom and Liberty that stands for fiscal responsibility, limited government, and free markets. Kyle is faithful to the traditional values that built this great nation. As someone that appreciates and respects his leadership and values, he has my full support in his candidacy for Congress", said Denise Cattoni, Founder of Illinois TEA Party; Illinois State Co-Coordinator for TEA Party Patriots. McCarter said Shimkus is why the state needs term limits. The Shimkus deception about my record is an example of why we need term limits, McCarter said. "Entrenched politicians cant let go and they use the power of their office to avoid being held accountable by the people they claim to represent. From the beginning of the campaign, I was pressured by the friends and allies of my opponent not to run or to step aside. Now, because I am fighting to bring about real reform in Washington, my opponent resorts to a desperate last-ditch attempt to assault my character and insult the intelligence of the people of the 15th Congressional District. The 15th CD GOP primary is March 15th. Early voting is now available. This commentary, "What Scalia Taught Us" , by Paul J. Larkin Jr., director of The Heritage Foundations project to counter abuse of the criminal law was published on the day Scalia's death was announced and expresses the esteem and high regard held by many upon hearing of his death: The passing of Justice Scalia on Saturday, February 13, while a guest at the Cibolo Creek Ranch luxury resort in the Big Bend region south of Marfa, is a tragedy for the entire nation. For some, it is the painful loss of a husband or father. For those who knew him, it is the loss of a good friend. For law students, it is the loss of a justice who wrote opinions with rigorous analysis, clarity of expression, and at times an acerbic wit. For conservatives, it is the loss of a standard-bearer and icon. For liberals, it is the loss of an opponent who always fought hard but fair. For those who never had the opportunity to know him, it is the loss of one of our greatest legal minds, of a judge and justice who had made, and will continue to make, legal history. And to those who were privileged to know him, it is the loss of a wonderful human being. Larkin goes on to note that 100 men and women have been justices of the Supreme Court. While Joseph Story, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Hugo Black, Earl Warren, William Brennan, and William Rehnquist will be remembered for moving the Supreme Court in one direction, thereby establishing the Supreme Court as one of the most powerful institutions in our nation, fewer justices have changed the course of the law. Antonin Scalia, along with John Marshall, were cited in the latter category of judges. Scalia voiced disapproval of a Constitutional Convention In a speech to the Federalist Society in Morristown, N.J., Scalia presented the following reason why Americas basic freedom has endured for more than 200 years: "It is the Constitution, not bill of rights, makes us free." Why? Because it is the Constitution that imposes structure upon our government. Scalia considered the 7th Amendment -- passed on April 8th, 1913, when Woodrow Wilson was President of the U.S., and which provided for the direct popular election of U.S. senators -- the most profound and significant departure from our nations constitutional structure, contending that it removed a key plank of the constitutional structure the framers put in place to protect federalism and state interests. Furthermore, at a time when conservative leaders and groups are calling for a constitutional convention (Con-Con), during the question-and-answer session Scalia had this to say about whether such a convention would be in the nation's interests: A constitutional convention is a horrible idea. This is not a good century to write a constitution. If you look at issues which have divided the Supreme Court on a 5/4 basis, it is clear that all parties are not reading from the same page, to wit, the United States Constitution. This is why the death of Antonin Scalia constitutes a grave threat to our liberty. Scalia was the bastion of originalism, which interprets the Constitution according to the founding fathers original intent. Cases presently on the docket could alter American life on many issues, especially in closely divided cases where Justice Scalia was expected to serve as a lynch pin of a conservative majority. With 8 justices a majority decision would be 5-3 rather than 5-4, and if and when theres a 4-4 split, the lower courts decision is upheld. But theres an important caveat to that latter point: that decision isnt automatically considered legal precedent. The potential replacement of Justice Scalia by a liberal judge would shift the balance of power away from individual rights to collective rights in general, but the right to keep and bear arms in particular. Loss of these freedoms would be very difficult to recover, if ever. A liberal court would serve to keep liberals in power throughout the government by denying rights to those who oppose them. Among them, the right to support candidates by word and deed under the First Amendment. Cases remaining on Supreme Court docket with questionable outcomes without Scalia's voice Following are eight important cases that remain on the Supreme Court docket and their possible outcomes without the voice of Justice Scalia. Abortion In what is considered the most significant abortion case since 1992, this terms abortion case centers on restrictions placed on providers and clinics by Texas and will again test how far states can go to limit abortion. The Court was expected to be divided along party lines, with Kennedy as the possible swing vote. Health care Religious nonprofits, including charities, schools, colleges and hospitals, may have to live with the decisions of seven appeals courts, which ruled against their challenge to the Affordable Care Acts contraceptive mandate in Zubik v. Burwell. How will religious freedom stack up when pitted against a woman's right to choose? Unions Public sector-unions may get a reprieve. What appeared to be an all but certain 5-4 ruling against unions in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association in regard to "fair share" fees that unions charge nonmembers to cover costs associated with collective bargaining, could end up with a 4-4 decision without Scalia. Labor unions want to hold elections by acclamation in open meetings. They are supported in this by President Obama and the Board of Labor Relations packed with his sycophants. Currently, elections are conducted with private ballots where everybody in the company has a right to participate. Election "meeting," on the other hand, are limited by the size of the hall and subject dissenters to public humiliation or worse. Affirmative Action The use of affirmative action in college admissions could now survive a challenge. If so, a lower court decision will remain in place that favors the University of Texas in using race as a factor in admissions. Separation of church and state Religious schools could continue to be denied publicly funded grants. Scalia, along with Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, John Roberts and Anthony Kennedy had indicated a willingness to accept the argument that banning state lawmakers from funding religious schools, if a democratic majority wants to, would impede the free exercise of religion. Climate Change Obamas Clean Power Plan could return back to the hands of the D.C. Circuit Court. One of Scalia's last official acts as a justice was to deliver a large dent in Obama's climate legacy by providing one of five votes to stay the Clean Power Plan, which regulates carbon emissions from power plants. A 4-4 ideological split on the Supreme Court raises the stakes for the more liberal D.C. Circuit's eventual decision on the Clean Power Plan. Immigration Scalias death may not have a big impact on one of the most significant cases the court has agreed to take up: a challenge to Obamas latest round of executive actions on immigration to be argued in April, unless the administration can win the vote of Justice Anthony Kennedy or Chief Justice John Roberts. The Second Amendment Last but not least, Justice Scalia was the foremost supporter of our rights to keep and bear arms. The Heller decision established that the Second Amendment gave individuals these rights, rather than a collective right. The MacDonald decision applied these rights to supercede state and local law, subjecting these laws to strict scrutiny in most cases. The New York Times expresses this threat in a near joyful manner. Instead of overruling precedents outright, he said, a liberal majority might hollow some of them out, notably in the area of gun rights. The five would narrow Heller to the point of irrelevancy, he said, speaking of the law that said Americans had a constitutional right to keep handguns at home Eric Segall, Georgia State American people must decide Scalia's replacement, via our next president The Founders faced nearly medieval tyranny in the form of George III, who taxed the colonists heavily in order to pay for his foreign wars, and collected these taxes under force of arms. To make matters worse, colonists were required to feed and house those troops at their own expense. The King and Parliament forbade colonists to do for themselves, rather purchase basic materials like cloth, paper and other items from England, because it suited the King to favor monopolies which he created. In order to silence opposition, it became a crime to publicly disagree with his orders (restrictions which still exist in England and most of Europe). In order to forestall resistance to these draconian orders, he ordered arms and gunpowder seized. Fortunately he wasnt entirely successful. We face a different tyranny today, not from a king but from self-serving liberals, whose title inappropriately stems from liberty. As such liberals (Liberalism) look to government for basic needs, largely as enumerated in Roosevelts Second Bill of Rights. These items include housing, jobs, medical care and wages. If this sounds somewhat familiar, look at the UNs version of human rights, and before that august body, the Marx/Engles Communist Manifesto. President Obama was entitled to two terms of office, won in free elections. He is not entitled to encumber the nation with 30 years of an unbalanced Supreme Court which disregards the Constitution and rights under God in favor of a worldly fabrication of rights which in fact stand in direct opposition to the rights our fathers fought and died for. We are better off living with a dead tie in the Supreme Court until Obama is out of office than subject ourselves to judicial tyranny from the Left. It would be a tragedy for our Constitution if the Senate simply confirmed an anti-Constitution judge to replace Justice Scalia's seat. Confirming a new judge the year of a Presidential election is unheard of, especially with rampant judicial activism. Democrats would never go along with nominating a Conservative judge if the roles were reversed. It's likewise folly to expect that Obama would nominate a judge other than a liberal one to fill the vacancy created by Scalia's death. The Constitution does grant a president the right to recommend a Supreme Court appointee; however, the Constitution likewise gives the Senate power through the confirmation process to stop the process, and there is nothing the President and Senate Democrats can do about it to get the president's nomination confirmed. It must be left up to the American people to decide who the next Judge will be, via our next President. If Republicans in the Senate don't hold the line against an Obama nominee as a betrayal of Conservatism, the Republican spirit and the Constitution, it will likely signal the end of the Republican Party as a viable political party. If there is anger now over the way Republican legislators repeatedly cave in to Democrats, the anger will turn to pure rage and disassociation with the Party if the majority Republican Senate confirms what is sure to be a liberal Obama Supreme Court nominee. If you would like to find out more about the artists of Indiana, or if you have something to offer, feel free to post a comment, ask a question, or contact me at: info@hoosiercartoonists.com You can also look at my other blogs at: and my artist's blog at: Thanks for looking. Umar Khalid, PhD student of JNU who was believed to have absconded with 5 other students, has been in news for a while now. Here are 10 things you should know. By India Today Web Desk: Umar Khalid, the JNU student believed to have absconded with 5 other students, had organised an event to protest against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru at the Jawaharlal Nehru University on February 9. According to some media reports, it was this event where anti-India slogans were raised based on which sedition charges were slapped on 9 students, including Umar and JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar. advertisement Umar has been in the news for a while now, here are 10 things you should know: Umar Khalid is a student of PhD in JNU's Centre for Historical Studies. It was him who conceived the idea of a cultural evening to commemorate Afzal Guru's death anniversary. Intelligence reports suggest the group wanted to hold such events in 18 universities in the country. Umar has, however, denied this. The name of the cultural event he organised was titled 'A Country without a Post Office'. The 28-year-old resigned from the post of Democratic Student's Union (DSU) leader in November 2015. He did his M.A. in history and M.Phil from JNU and has been doing field work in Jharkhand. He is one of the applicants who sought permission for organising the event on JNU campus. He is the son of Syed Qasim Ilyas, who was once the leader of Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) before the organisation turned radical, and was banned in 2001. "His ideology has become his worst enemy. He is a meritorious student, did his MA and MPhil in such a prestigious institution. The country's media is slowly turning on him because he is a perfect fit: A Muslim face with views that don't gel with the State's opinion on things," Umar's father said. The JNU student is a communist and self-proclaimed atheist - not an Islamist - according to his friends at JNU, reports Firstpost. Umar Khalid and the 4 other missing JNU students resurfaced on the campus. Umar while addressing the students inside the JNU campus on Sunday night said, "My name is Umar Khalid and I'm not a terrorist". Delhi Police had been looking for Umar since February 11 after he was charged with sedition. An intelligence report had named 10 DSU activists who organised the event to commemorate Guru's death anniversary. Police had issued a lookout notice for Khalid, as well as four other students- Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga, Anirban Bhattacharya, who were charged with sedition after they were seen on camera raising anti-India slogans on February 9. --- ENDS --- After you are done with the heritage tour, check out these five amazing markets in Pink City, Jaipur. By Samonway Duttagupta: The weather is just fine for a quick getaway to Jaipur. With the winter retreating and the temperatures remaining pleasant, fort-hopping won't be a bad idea at all. And after you are done visiting the City Palace, Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort and other heritage sites, there's something else that you should also explore in the Pink City. advertisement Retail therapy! Right from fabric to ready-made Indian clothes, from gemstones to handmade footwear, Jaipur is a shopaholic's paradise. Here are the five places to shop at, when in Jaipur. Kishanpole Bazaar Kishanpole Bazaar. Picture courtesy: Flickr/Nevil Zaveru/Creative Commons The idea of shopping in Jaipur is enough to trigger imaginations of colourful hand-crafted textiles. Well, Kishanpole Bazaar is the place to hit for textiles. In addition, this market is also famous for beautiful wooden handicrafts that are made and sold by the skilled artists of the locality. You can easily take back these finely-crafted wooden carvings and sculptures as souvenirs for your near and dear ones. Also read: Places in India every shopaholic must visit Bapu Bazaar Bapu Bazaar. Picture courtesy: TripAdvisor/Pogosenior This market offers one of the best street shopping experiences in Jaipur. It is that one place where you will find everything Jaipuri. Right from the famous quilts to the textiles to juttis, you will be able to fill your shopping bags with every authentic Rajasthani item that you covet. And the best part about this place is the reasonable pricing. If you can bargain, you can snag some really great deals. Johari Bazaar Johari Bazaar. Picture courtesy: TripAdvisor/riripan After you are done with clothing, footwear and souvenirs, head to the famous Johari Bazaar to see the widest collection of jewellery that Jaipur is famous for. With shops lined up on both sides of the road, you will be amazed to see the kind of variety that's being sold--silver, gold, diamonds and many precious gems, all set in beautiful designs. But, what really attracts people to this place is the variety in silver ornaments. When you are in Johari Bazaar, don't forget to pay a visit to the famous Gopalji ka Rasta, a narrow lane known for wholesale and export shops dealing in precious and semi-precious stones. Tripolia Bazaar Tripolia Bazaar. Picture courtesy: Flickr/Arun Gopalan/Creative Commons If you are looking to buy authentic tie and dye fabrics with rich embroidery symbolic of the region, then this is the place to go to. The Tripolia Bazaar is also known for shops that sell beautiful carpets, colourful textiles, brass ware and other traditional Rajasthani items. Also, don't miss the wide variety of bangles sold in this market. Maniharon ka raasta Maniharon ka raasta. Picture courtesy: Flickr/Arun Gopalan/Creative Commons The name is enough to suggest that this is one place no jewellery lover can afford to miss out on. This street looks no less than a riot of colours with shops selling Jaipur's famed lac bangles. You can close your eyes and trust what you buy from here for it's the place where the manihars (craftsmen) make these lac bangles and sell them to you. If you are curious enough, stop by one of these shops to witness the entire process of how the bangles are crafted. --- ENDS --- advertisement A sting operation by India Today has unearthed shocking details on the assault on JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar and journalists, while Kumar was being produced in the Patiala House court on February 15. The three lawyers mentioned in the sting operation are Vikram Singh Chauhan, Yashpal Singh and Om Sharma By India Today Web Desk: An exclusive India Today operation today unearthed shocking details on the assault on JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar and journalists, while Kumar was being produced in the Patiala House court on February 15. In a sting operation recorded by our cameras, lawyers in Delhi's Patiala House court have owned up to the brazen assault. In the video below, they admit gleefully that Kanhaiya was beaten up even when he was in police custody. None of these lawyers have been arrested. advertisement The three lawyers mentioned in the sting operation are Vikram Singh Chauhan, Yashpal Singh and Om Sharma. The three led the attack on journalists and Kanhaiya supporters at the Patiala House court on February 15. The video indicates that the attack inside the court premises was not a spontaneous one, but a well-planned conspiracy to teach 'anti-national' elements a lesson. To uncover the truth about the Patiala House conspiracy, India Today's special investigation team first went to meet Vikram Singh Chauhan, the 38-year-old Patiala House lawyer from Rewari in Haryana. Chauhan has emerged as the face of the attack on journalists and JNU students. Far from being afraid about getting locked up in prison for leading the brutal attack, he seems to be enjoying his new found infamy in this conversation. Vikram Chauhan, Lawyer: We beat up that boy for 3 hours... 3 hours India Today: You? Chauhan: Him IT: Whom? The reporters or Kanhaiya? Chauhan: Kanhaiya. We forced him to say 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. IT: Did he say it? Chauhan: He said it. I would have not let him go from there. IT: Did he say - 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai?' Chauhan: Yes, he said 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai.' We made him say it. We bashed him for three hours. He wet his pants. We beat him up so much. IT: Will you repeat what you did when he is produced in court? Yashpal Singh, Lawyer: We will not leave him. We'll beat him up. I will get a petrol bomb. No matter what cases are filed against me. I will not leave him even if I'm charged with murder. +++ No, not one, we'll do it on everyone. I have not been presented yet. Sharma has returned after his bail. I will go to jail. If you read, there are lot of things. In my interview, I had said that I will go to jail if I'm arrested. I want to go to the same jail and visit Kanhaiya's cell, and beat him up there itself. advertisement IT: In the cell? Singh: Yes, I will go to his cell and beat him up. Most probably, I will not give my bail bond. I will go to prison for 1-2 days. +++ We beat up journalists. We thrashed JNU professors.. everyone. If you live in the country, you will have to talk about the country. That's all we know. Then Kanhaiya came. To tell you the truth about Kanhaiya, the police was supporting us fully. IT: Police was supporting you? Singh: Yes +++ Serious questions have been asked about why the security personnel on duty inside the Patiala House court did not step in and stop the violence. The cops have denied charges of them turning a blind eye towards the violence and have insisted that they did what was expected of them. In this conversation, Chauhan describes how the cops stood around without bothering to stop the violence. Chauhan: "See, if there is India, then there will always be support. Some of the personnel were standing, including some from the CRPF. They said - 'Sir good sir'. I said - 'Come'. They said - 'Sir, we are in uniform... but good, good.' advertisement The sting operation also revealed that it wasn't just the lawyers from the Patiala House court who were involved in the attack on Kanhaiya and his supporters. Chauhan disclosed to India Today that many of the attackers were specially brought in from outside with the specific intent of beating up the so called anti-nationals. Chauhan: There are not many lawyers in Patiala House court. There are only 100-500 lawyers. Half of them deal with challans. IT: Yes, they deal with challans. Chauhan: We were to throw a bomb. There were so many boys from outside. From Dwarka, Rohini. Many were called in. I wrote on Facebook and asked them to come. The sting operation also revealed plans of further attacks on Kanhaiya's hearings. IT: This Khalid also... Chauhan: Now, we have to do something else. Something big. IT: Tell me. Chauhan: No, we've thought. Things will happen by doing. IT: But it has to be done in a planned way? Chauhan: Khudiram Bose was 17, Bhagat Singh was not even 23... What we did was good. Our lawyers said the same thing in the end. The boy went alone and did it single handedly. advertisement Kanhaiya Kumar and other JNU students have been booked for sedition. Vikram Chauhan and the other attackers have been booked under mild provisions of the Indian Penal Code such affray, which means fighting in a public place and disturbing peace. The charges against the lawyers are easily bailable. After meeting Vikram, our next port of call was the Shalimar Garden residence of Om Sharma in Ghaziabad. Sharma is a resident of Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh and has been practising at the Patiala House court for 17 years. Sharma is one of the main protagonists in the attack at the Patiala House attack on February 15. At the time we visited, another lawyer Yashpal Singh happened to be at Sharma's house. Yashpal practises at the Tees Hazari courts and has been additional secretary of the Bar Council. Both Om Sharma and Yashpal Singh confirmed everything that Vikram had told India Today's special investigation team. From their admission on camera, it is very clear that Vikram Chauhan, Om Sharma and Yashal Singh not only planned the Patiala House attack in great detail but also that they are completely unrepentant about what their actions. The India Today's special investigation team included Rahul Kanwal, K Ashish and Harish Sharma. --- ENDS --- By Sudeer Mahavaadi: Tarundeep Rai has been one of India's finest archers, doing the country proud on innumerable occasions. He was the first one to win a silver for India at the Asian Games. Tarun also played a key role in India's dominance in the recently-concluded South Asian Games, winning a hat-trick of gold medals. (South Asian Games: India finish with record-breaking 308 medals) advertisement The ace Indian archer turns 32 today and spoke exclusively to indiatoday.in and spoke about his desire to do well for India at the Rio Olympics after disappointing at the London Games. Excerpts: Sudeer Mahavadi: India did incredibly well at the South Asian Games recently, winning 308 medals in all. How do you rate this performance ? Tarundeep Rai: Well India has been dominating the SAF Games right from its inception. Yes the increasing medal tally, especially the gold medals in each edition, shows that India has improved by leaps and bounds and that is a positive sign for archery. Sudeer: It was particularly good to see you come back with a vengeance as you have been in and out of the Indian team.? Tarundeep: Yes certainly I am delighted with my performance. But I should also admit that since I started, this sport has come a long way. You see quite a few youngsters taking up archery. I remember when I strung a bow for the first time, very few showed interest in this sport. People in fact hardly knew it. We hardly had good equipment. But now almost all of us have world class equipment. So the competition levels are growing, day-by-day in archery. Many aspiring and talented juniors are coming up. I must say this is one of the reasons why I couldn't make it to the team on some occasions. Well, I had some injury issues as well in between. But on top of that I always feel happy when some juniors come up and beat us. Sudeer: You represented India twice at the Olympics and you must be hoping for selection for the coming Rio Games? Tarundeep: Obviously. I have been working hard for that. Except in the Olympics, India has done well everywhere. I will give my 100% not just to participate in the Olympics for the third time, but to win medals for our country. In London, I missed a great chance. If I am in the team, I won't disappoint now. Sudeer: As a seasoned archer, how do you describe India's performances over the last four five years? Tarundeep: Well, there has been a big improvement as I mentioned earlier. Archers from India have huge potential to win an Olympic medal. If you look at the graph of Indian archers over the last four years there has been considerable growth. advertisement Sudeer: Do you agree we have still got to go a long way when it comes to Asian Games and Olympics? Tarundeep: First, it can't be denied that there is a huge demand for this sport all over. Everybody is improving day-by-day in world archery. So we also need to improve. We all have the potential to win Olympic medals. The only thing is, we must deliver at the right time. And I believe that day is not very far. Sudeer: It is good that the compound bow has been included in the last Asian Games. If it gets included at the Olympics in future how good will it be for archery? Tarundeep: That will be really awesome. We are all praying for that. Indian archers have really been outstanding in this discipline over the last couple of years. In fact, a lot of youngsters are getting more attracted to the compound bow, as archers enjoy some advantages. You release the arrow with the trigger, unlike in recurve. The weight of the said bow is lighter. For sure, India can certainly hope for some medals. Sudeer: Are the archers happy with the facilities they have these days. What support do they still need? advertisement Tarundeep: Yes I would say. As far as I am concerned I have no complaints. I am getting what I need for archery from Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ). My state, Sikkim, has always supported me. I am sure the archers are encouraged by all organisations nowadays. Even the federation is doing a great job now, holding quite a few events. There is hardly any rest we get. Sudeer: Today you turn 32 and you share your birthday with Bombayla Devi. Was there any occasion when you celebrated together, during a tournament perhaps ? Tarundeep: No such plans. Yes it may have happened on some occasions when Bombayla and I were involved in a tournament, that we celebrated together. I have a three-year-old son. And I hardly get time to spend with my family. I am blessed to have a supporting wife, my parents and siblings. They take care of everything when I am away. Pursuing archery is very, very difficult, I think. I live away from my family. I am very, very happy with my wife because she understands me and my archery. So that's why she sacrifices so much to take care of all the responsibilities of our family and our child. This allows me to focus on archery without worry. In recognition of her sacrifices, I hope to really celebrate my birthday after I win an Olympic medal. advertisement Sudeer: Your future ambitions? Tarundeep: To be a good father to Nusam Singh Rai, because I am unable to take him to a doctor when he gets sick. That is the first ambition. I want to be a good husband to Anjana Bhattarai, because I am not able to be with her when she feels lonely. To be a good son to my parents because I couldn't be home when they actually needed me. To be a caring sibling to my little sister and dashing brother is also very important. Besides that, I would like to start my archery academy in Sikkim. I long to contribute to the sport's growth in my home state, so that many, many Sikkimese brothers and sisters will come up and win Olympic medals for their motherland.... Jai hind. --- ENDS --- Delhi will observe the fifth car-free day today, in an effort to curb pollution levels in the capital. This initiative will be led by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. By India Today Web Desk: Delhi will observe the fifth car-free day today, in an effort to curb pollution levels in the capital. This initiative will be led by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. The Delhi government has released an official statement saying that the car-free day will be observed from Munirka T-point to Hyatt Hotel T-point on Vivekanand Marg for eight hours from 8 am to 4 pm. advertisement Arvind Kejriwal will kickstart the proceedings by taking out a cycle rally from the Munirka Bus Stand at 8 am. Several other AAP members and legislatures too will take part in the rally. Also read: Car-free day brought down pollution 60 pc in Delhi: Kejriwal Car-free day gets mixed reaction from environmental groups --- ENDS --- The Supreme Court today slammed the Delhi government for approaching the court instead of resolving the water crisis with Haryana. By India Today Web Desk: The Supreme Court today scolded the Delhi government for approaching the court instead of resolving the water crisis with Haryana. The Kejriwal government had approached the top court on Saturday in view of the severe water crisis in the national capital after Jat protesters blocked water supply through Munak canal in Sonipat. The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi on February 20 moved the Supreme Court to ensure that water supply to the Capital city is not affected due to Jat agitation. The Delhi government sought a direction to the Centre to intervene and ensure water supply to the national capital from Munak canal in neighbouring Haryana which has been affected due to the stir. advertisement During the hearing on Kejriwal's government's plea, the court took strong objection to Water and Transport Minister Kapil Mishra's presence inside the courtroom. "You have found an easy way out by approaching Supreme Court on every issue. Instead of solving problem of common people, you are sitting here. This is a conflict between two governments," the Supreme Court while reprimanding Mishra. Delhi Govt moves SC on water crisis. Petition accepted. Likely to be heard on Sunday morning&; Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishraAAP) February 20, 2016 Now in Supreme court&; Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishraAAP) February 22, 2016 The Haryana government informed the Supreme Court that water supply to Delhi from Munak canal has been restored and the capital will start getting water by today evening. The top court also issued notices the Haryana government, Uttar government and the Centre over the issue and sought a report in two days. Next hearing on the matter will be on February 25. Also read: Good news Delhi, tweets Kejriwal as Army takes control of Munak canal in Haryana --- ENDS --- The severe water crisis in Delhi is likely to end soon as the Army has taken control of the Munak canal in Haryana. By India Today Web Desk: The severe water crisis in Delhi is likely to end soon as the Army has taken control of the Munak canal in Haryana. Flow of water from Haryana to Delhi through Munak canal was stopped by jat protesters fighting for reservation in government jobs and education. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today morning sought the Centre's help in restarting water supply from Haryana, which has witnessed massive violence by jats since the last eight days. advertisement In a series of tweets later, Kejriwal declared that the Munak canal is now under the Army's control, a move which could soon end Delhi's water crisis. "Good news. Army takes control of munak canal gates. Trying to assess in how much time water would reach Delhi and whether any damage done to canal lining. Will keep you updated," Kejriwal tweeted. Gud news. Army takes control of munak canal gates(1/2) Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 22, 2016 Trying to assess in how much time water wud reach Del n whether any damage done to canal lining. Will keep u updated(2/2) Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 22, 2016 All government, private schools and government offices are shut in Delhi today amid worries over water crisis as Jats in Haryana continue to protest demanding quota. The Haryana government yesterday assured the Jats that it will bring in a bill in the coming session of the Assembly to give them reservation. The decision was taken after a meeting of Jat leaders with Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi. Violence across Haryana in the last eight days killed at least 12 and injured 150. Many areas of the state are still under curfew. Thank u army, thank u centre for securing munak canal back. Great relief for delhi Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 22, 2016 Also read: Water supply hit, schools shut in Delhi on Monday due to Haryana jat protests --- ENDS --- The incident took place around noon yesterday when Siddaramaiah was addressing an event organised by a cultural group Udayabhanu Kannada Kala Sangha at the Raveendra Kalashetra auditorium on JC Road. By Mail Today: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's personal security staff went into a tizzy on Sunday when an inebriated man threw a 'bomb' at him at an indoor auditorium in the city. The 'bomb' turned out be a packet containing flowers and chocolates. The incident took place around noon when Siddaramaiah was addressing an event organised by a cultural group Udayabhanu Kannada Kala Sangha at the Raveendra Kalashetra auditorium on JC Road. advertisement When Siddaramaiah was delivering his speech, a man seated in the balcony of the auditorium stood up and raised slogans against the CM. "You have done nothing to my community... Your contributions are nil," he shouted to which Siddaramaiah asked him to which he community he belonged to. However, the man surprised everyone by throwing a packet towards the dais and shouting, "I am throwing this bomb at you." Immediately, people sitting next to the man overpowered him and beat him up. The word 'bomb' created quite a chaos in the auditorium. The bomb-induced flurry was dissipated when the packet hit the dais and burst open, spilling out flowers and chocolates. Siddaramaiah and other dignitaries on stage were stunned with the turn of events. However, Siddaramaiah regained composure and continued speaking. The police took the man into custody and he has been identified as BH Prasad, a Bengaluru resident. The police are verifying his background and the motive for interrupting the CM's speech. They have also registered a case against him. Siddaramaiah refused to blame the police for the laxity in security. "This is a public auditorium... Anyone is free to walk in and participate in this event. They cannot monitor everyone. Besides, this is a democratic setup and we have people who are open to dissent. This is part of our system," he added. The security staff told police that they let Prasad in after he told them that he had brought the chocolates for distribution. Also Read: A 'luxury' twist to Siddaramaiah-Kumaraswamy tussle --- ENDS --- The Islamic State has claimed the gruesome killing of a Hindu head priest in Bangladesh using guns and cleavers at a temple in an area bordering India, the first attack by the dreaded group against a Hindu in a series of similar assaults on religious minorities. By Press Trust of India: The Islamic State has claimed the gruesome killing of a Hindu head priest in Bangladesh using guns and cleavers at a temple in an area bordering India, the first attack by the dreaded group against a Hindu in a series of similar assaults on religious minorities. US-based private SITE Intelligence Group published the report after the execution-style killing of 50-year-old Jagneshwar Roy at Sonapota village yesterday in a pre-dawn attack in northern Panchagarh district's Debiganj Upazila, some 494 km from here, that also injured two devotees. advertisement The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors online jihadi activity, said the ISIS claimed responsibility for killing Roy in a communique posted by the IS-linked Amaq News Agency on Twitter. The claim could not be independently verified. Motorbike-borne assailants, said to be over three in number, pelted stones at the house of Roy in the premises of the Santagourhiyo Temple which prompted him to come out following which the killers pounced on him and slit his throat, according to a devotee in the neighboUrhood said. Roy founded the temple in 1998 and served as its principal and chief priest since then. His murder is the first attack on a Hindu priest and the fifth attack on minority religious communities including Shia Muslims and liberal Sufi preachers in the past six months by suspected Islamists. However, a senior police officer overseeing the investigation questioned the authenticity of the ISIS claim and said the initial investigation found that the banned Jamaatul Mujahideeen Bangladesh (JMB) and fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami could be linked to the murder. "In the past several cases of such clandestine murders, we heard about the IS involvement, but our investigations found those claims to be unfounded... rather locally brewed militant or Islamist groups were found to be directly involved in the killings," the officer told PTI requesting anonymity. Panchagargh's police chief Giasuddin Ahmed also questioned the ISIS claim, saying "the statement issued in the name of Islamic State is entirely bogus". Officer-in-charge of Debiganj police station in Panchagargh Babul Akhtar told reporters that in an overnight raid, police arrested two suspected JMB operatives and an activist of Jamaat's student wing suspecting their links to the murder. The SITE had earlier reported that ISIS claimed responsibility for the murder of Japanese national Kunio Hoshi at Rangpur, the attack on a Shia mosque in Bogra and another on a Shia procession in Dhaka. But law-enforcing agencies and the government had dismissed the claim, saying the Middle-East-based radical group had no presence in Bangladesh. --- ENDS --- In the midst of ongoing Jat agitation, a fresh controversy has erupted over a 90-second audio clip in which a close aide of Congress leader and former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is heard allegedly provoking more violence. The audio clip has gone viral on the Internet. By India Today Web Desk: In the midst of ongoing Jat agitation, a fresh controversy has erupted over a 90-second audio clip in which a close aide of Congress leader and former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is heard allegedly provoking more violence. The audio clip has gone viral on the internet. In the CD, the Hooda aide is allegedly heard boasting that the Jat protest was doing well in some areas. In the conversation obtained by India Today, the Congress leader is also heard complaining to a person named Capt Man Singh. advertisement "Nowhere have I talked about instigating Jats or anyone. Moreover, the conversation is an old one, much before the current unrest started," he said. "I am, in fact, telling Capt that peace should not be disturbed. Where have I talked about instigating anyone? The clip has been doctored," he claimed. Prof Virender, advisor to former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda of Congress, accepted that the voice in the clip is his but alleged the conversation has been doctored. Hooda has denied any knowledge of the clip. The state Congress has issued a showcause notice to key Hooda aide Professor Virendra Singh, while the BJP government has said that it will order an inquiry into the incident. Haryana's Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma said there is something fishy in the clip. "Government will investigate the matter, whatever steps need to be taken as per law, will be taken," Sharma said. "Things have started to come out before the public now. We are appealing to the people of Haryana they must cooperate in restoring peace, order and harmony," Sharma said. Also Read Jat quota stir: Govt promises jobs, Rs 10 lakh to kin of those who died --- ENDS --- Violent protesters have damaged the control panel of Munak canal and it will take more than 24 hours for water to first reach Delhi and then be treated before it can be supplied to houses. By Shashank Shekhar: As Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal put it, the city is facing an 'unprecedented water crisis'. 60 per cent of Delhi's water supply has been hit due to Jat quota protest in Haryana, which has led to disruption of water supply from the Munak Canal. This has caused closure of seven out of nine water treatment plants in the national capital. Left with no option, the Delhi government has started rationing water and announced that all government schools will remain closed on Monday. On Sunday, water reservoirs in Delhi ran out of stock as treatment plants were shut down due to unavailability of water from Munak canal. advertisement Faced with cut in water supply from Haryana due to the ongoing Jat stir, the AAP government in Delhi today announced to shut the schools today as part of water rationing in the city to deal with the crisis. Delhi Jal Board (DJB) officials said the city will continue to reel under water crisis even if the protest is called off now. Violent protesters have damaged the control panel of Munak canal and it will take more than 24 hours for water to first reach Delhi and then be treated before it can be supplied to houses. According to DJB officials, Delhi produced 820 Million Gallons (MGD) of potable water per day on an average. Because of disruption of supply from Haryana, Delhi is only getting 240 MGD from other neighbouring states. Members of Jat community during a protest in Amroha district, Haryana. Appealing for conservation of water, Kejriwal said Delhi Government has been pursuing both the Haryana and Central governments since Saturday to seek army help to open the Munak canal. The Delhi Government has decided to exclude emergency services like hospitals, fire department, defence installation along with Rashtrapati Bhavan, residence of the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India from rationing of water supply. However, AAP government claims no special privileges will be given to VIPs. "We have done rationing of water based on demand and supply of the area concerned. Equal amount of water will reach the Chief Minister and other MLAs and the common man," Kapil Mishra, Delhi's water minister, said. On Sunday, several parts Delhi faced water problems. Residents had to call up private tankers. The government has now asked Delhiites to be prepared for the next few days and conserve water. "No water is available now. If something is not done right away, Delhi will face an unmanageable crisis," Deputy Chief minister Manish Sisodia said, adding he has directed all schools to be closed on Monday due to water crisis. Police remove a blockage from railway tracks. Operation of nearly 1,000 trains were affected with 736 trains getting cancelled and 105 diverted besides damage to rail property. Police remove a blockage from railway tracks. Operation of nearly 1,000 trains were affected with 736 trains getting cancelled and 105 diverted besides damage to rail property. advertisement DJB said their teams have managed to supply water in small quantities to most areas on Sunday evening. It will try to do so on Monday morning as well, but if the problem persists the city will face an unprecedented crisis. The situation in south and east Delhi is better than the rest of city as Sonia Vihar and Bhagarathi plants are getting water from the upper Ganga Canal. West, north-west, central, south and parts of north Delhi are the worstaffected areas. DJB has said it will cater to these areas after taking help from tanker services. The water department has made 140 filling points functional and created 14 new filling points overnight, where tankers will be filled through the night. "We have cancelled weekend offs of all DJB officials and have deployed them to manage this emergency situation. Through our central control room we are monitoring every tanker. Their location, quantity of water, time left to reach the destination and number of trips made is being monitored closely," Mishra said. Through the call centre, official are mapping areas in crisis based on complaints received. Also Read: Govt agrees to grant OBC status to Jats, to table bill in Haryana Assembly advertisement Water supply hit, schools to remain closed in Delhi on Monday due to Haryana jat protests --- ENDS --- Jat protesters have started to move away from key highways and railway tracks cutting across Haryana today, a day after the government succumbed to their violent agitation demanding reservation in jobs and education. Members of Akhil Bharatiya Jat Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti protesting for their demand of reservation, in Moradabad on Monday. (Photo: PTI) By India Today Web Desk: Jat protesters have started to move away from some of the key highways and railway tracks cutting across Haryana today, a day after the government succumbed to their violent agitation demanding reservation in jobs and education. Situation is slowly returning to normal in Haryana, which witnessed wide-scale arson and violence by the Jats. In a major development, the Army took control of the important Munak Canal in Sonipat early today. The canal, which supplies water to Delhi, was occupied by Jat protesters triggering huge water crisis in the national capital. advertisement Meanwhile, the government has promised jobs and Rs 10 lakh to kin of those who died during the protest. Police remove a blockage from railway tracks. (Photo: Mail Today) Here are the latest updates: Jat protesters call of protest in Haryana's Sampla. The government has promised jobs and Rs 10 lakh to kin of those who died during the protest. Many injured in firing as locals clash with Army on NH1 in Sonipat 47 companies of CRPF deployed in Haryana. 6 additional companies rushed in from Jammu Jat protesters clash with police, Army in Sonepat, many injured in firing. Fresh incidents of violence reported in Haryana's Hansi, Gannaur 70 Delhi bound trains taking Haryana route cancelled SC quashes PIL seeking judicial intervention to maintain law and order situation in Haryana pertaining to the ongoing Jat agitation SC says matters like these should be left for the govt to handle and the leaders should take stock of the situation. SC says issues like this should not be brought to the court SC urges protesters to maintain peace harmony and brotherhood 47 companies of CRPF deployed in Haryana. 6 additional companies rushed in from Jammu Freight train set on fire by protesters in Ganaur (in Sonipat, Haryana) Fresh violence reported in Hansi. Protesters clash with police, teargas shells fired. NH1 blocked in Panipat. Protesters lay siege at Siwah village. Protesters have blocked Delhi-Chandiarh National Highway-1 again. Traffic stopped at Ladsoli village in Sonipat. Section 144 to continue in affected areas in Haryana. No road blockade anywhere in Gurgaon. Delhi-Jaipur NH-8 now open for traffic. Samjhauta Express cancelled today due to Jatagitation. Delhi-Lahore bus service also cancelled for today. Panipat-Jind railway track cleared. Curfew at Rohtak to be relaxed for 1 hour at 11 AM. Protesters torch coaches of goods train at Sonipat Delhi-Chandigarh highway reopened after protester move away. Curfew lifted in Hissar, Barwala and Hansi in Haryana. Karnal-Meerut road cleared, Army, Police ensuring smooth traffic. --- ENDS --- BJP MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja today stoked controversy by saying over 3000 condoms are found everyday in JNU campus. The BJP leader said that thousands of alcohol bottles and cigarette packets are found in the campus. He further said that students of the university are drug addicts and that aluminium foils found in the campus are used to take drugs. By India Today Web Desk: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja today stoked controversy by saying over 3000 condoms are found everyday in Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus. In a distasteful statement against JNU students, the BJP leader from Rajasthan alleged that thousands of alcohol bottles and cigarette packets are found in the campus. He further said that students of the university are drug addicts and that aluminum foils found in the campus are used to take drugs. advertisement Gyan Dev Ahuja went on to call the students anti-national and said that they must be brought to book. "Rahul Gandhi a traitor, should be hanged, shot" Ahuja slammed Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi for his recent comments supporting JNU students. Calling him anti-national, he said such people must be shot dead. He went on to say that Left parties and the Congress are anti-India. ALSO READ JNU row: Patriotism is sacrosanct, sedition law can't be scrapped, says Santosh Hegde Tense standoff at JNU, Delhi Police chief BS Bassi says all options open --- ENDS --- The fragrance of saffron and cardamom wafts in as a piping hot kakori kebab is brought to our table at the Bandra outlet of Kakori House, owned by Chef Imtiaz Qureshi's eldest son Ishtiyaque. To the unseasoned eye, the kebab might appear like the humble seekh. But there's a thin glossy layer dotted with the charred marks of perfectly barbequed meat on these long, finely minced kebabs you wouldn't find on the chunkier seekh or any other kebab. The first chef to win a Padmashri, in the culinary arts category, the 81-year-old compares the kebab, born in the village of Kakori, 15 km from Lucknow, to a Nawab's silk sherwani. And while the country lauds him as the king of dum pukht, the Awadhi art of slow cooking, it is these kebabs he's most proud of. "I once made M.F. Husain 101 kebabs. He tasted them all and said: 'They're all wonderful but the badshah is the kakori kebab'," he recalls. advertisement Qureshi has served some of the biggest names in the country and he isn't discreet about it. During a long, languorous lunch, he drops names several times, regaling us with tales of feeding the country's premiers, from Jawaharlal Nehru and his daughter Indira Gandhi to Narendra Modi now. A state-level wrestler in his Lucknow days, Qureshi is still an imposing figure. He can seem quite intimidating, except that he is generous with the smiles he lets slip from under his thick, white moustache. He is just as generous with sharing time-honoured recipes which he plans to pen down in a book, (he's often accused of keeping them secret). "Were it so, how'd the ITC restaurants run?" he asks. There was a time, though, when he carried his recipes in pudiyas, away from the prying eyes of fellow bawarchis. Recalling a time when he was cooking for the Maharaja of Jaipur, Qureshi was careful not to reveal the secrets he had got as basharat (inheritance) from his elders. Those were the days of Partition, but to Qureshi, it was the lamb recipes of Kundan Kaliya, Chandi Kaliya and Badam ke Korme that needed to be saved. The Grand Master Chef at the ITC Maratha, Mumbai, Qureshi has come a long way since his days as a teenage bawarchi. Putting Awadhi cuisine on the gourmet scene, he has created an enduring legacy in the 70-odd years he has spent in the industry. His biggest contribution, as academic, food critic and historian Pushpesh Pant says, has been to give a flesh-and-blood face to an abstraction. "He personifies larger-than-life lavish hospitality, and ITC did well to project him as the number one Heritage Chef. His 'lineage' helped authenticate what was being offered on the menu and imparted the required mystique to the exotic Awadhi recipes," says Pant. Tracing his lineage Born to Murad Ali and Sakina Qureshi, the chef was the fifth child among nine boys and two girls. Qureshi Sr was a 'master butcher', as his grandson Ishtiyaque describes him and his forefathers had worked in the royal kitchens at Mehmoodabad and Jahangirabad. Even as a little boy, Qureshi remembers following his father to work. "He used to supply meat to the military and we had to make sure it reached them first thing in the morning," recalls Qureshi. "When we'd get to the cantonment, the chefs from the military kitchen would offer me ice-cream or pudding. It became a routine, one that excited me enough to wake up early each morning and make the trip on a horse-drawn cart." advertisement At nine, he began to work at his brother-in-law Haji Ishaq's catering service; by 15, he was cooking sheermal, taaftan, korma, gilauti kebabs and shahi tukda for 10,000 people at a time. It was as head cook at Krishna Hotel that he got a chance to cater for then Uttar Pradesh chief minister, C.B. Gupta, and his guests Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi. The meal was to be strictly vegetarian, a great challenge for a man whose strongest suit was to know which cut of meat best suited a dish. Taking the proverbial bull by the horns, he replicated the menu of kebabs and curries using bottle gourd, brinjal, lotus stem and raw jackfruit and managed to impress the party of powerful politicians. So Qureshi was already a legend in Lucknow by the time Ajit Haksar, ITC's first Indian chairman, interviewed him to head the kitchen at their new Agra hotel, Mughal. advertisement Later when Qureshi was setting up the kitchens at ITC Maurya in New Delhi, he insisted they get copper vessels from Lucknow. "We spent Rs 2 lakh, a large amount then," he recalls. He worked hard to create the Awadhi menus for Mayur and Bukhara. Forty years down the line, Mayur is now Dum Pukht but the menus are still much the same. Flavours of home ITC replicated the Dum Pukht model across the four corners of the nation, and Qureshi has had a role to play in all. About 15 years ago, when he could have easily chosen retirement, Qureshi instead decided to move to Mumbai to oversee the kitchen at ITC Maratha in Andheri. Home is now a plush apartment near Bandra's elite Carter Road. But when he thinks of home food, it still triggers the memory of his mother's cooking. "We were so poor that she'd turn the previous night's leftovers into breakfast each morning. She'd mix the rice and gravy and make laddoos out of them. We'd each get one. But it was the love with which she'd feed us that made the food so much more flavoursome," he reminisces. All his five sons have followed in his footsteps: Ashfaque, Irfan, Imran and Ahsan Ali run a food consultancy and Ishtiyaque runs the chain of Kakori House restaurants. advertisement Apprenticing under Qureshi is something all young Indian chefs-in-training dream of. He fits the perception of an old-fashioned ustad perfectly, says chef Mukhtar Qureshi, who is not related to the master chef but trained under him. Now running Rahul Akerkar's Neel at Tote on the Turf, Mumbai, he recalls: "We'd tremble when he gave us a dressing down. But when he taught us something, it was always with great care and affection." Qureshi still visits the ITC Maratha kitchen regularly. "I was never one to sit still and it isn't likely to happen now," he says. Content that he has been able to provide his children the education he couldn't get, he credits his diligence and integrity for his biggest achievements. "When fame comes knocking on your door, no one can stop it." Follow the writer on Twitter @MoeenaH --- ENDS --- An unemployed man, who was unable to pay school fees of his two children, killed them in a barbaric manner on Sunday in the city. The police arrested him from the M M Hills in southwest Karnataka. By Aravind Gowda: An unemployed man, who was unable to pay school fees of his two children, killed them in a barbaric manner on Sunday in the city. The police arrested him from the M M Hills in southwest Karnataka. According to the police, Shivakumar, a daily wage worker frequently quarreled with his wife Tayamma, a domestic servant, over livelihood. He was opposed to his wife working as a domestic servant. On Sunday, the couple once again quarreled over paying school fee of their kids Pavan (8) and Sinchana (4). advertisement When Tayamma stepped out of home for work, Shivakumar tied his two children with clothes and stabbed them to death at their residence in Bhuvaneshwarinagara in K P Agrahara. Later, he stuffed their bodies into separate gunny bags, hid them in his home backyard and fled to the M M Hills. Tayamma, who returned home, did not find the kids and called her husband on phone. When he did not respond, she informed her relatives. They found the gunny bags and informed the police. --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt have begun shooting for director Gauri Shinde's untitled project in Goa. This is the first time Shah Rukh and Alia have been paired opposite each other. And now fans have leaked the pictures from the shoot. In these hazy pictures, one can see SRK and Alia are standing on a ferryboat. The two are shooting a scene on the Zuari River, south of Carambolim, Goa. advertisement In an earlier interview, Gauri had said that the film won't be typically a romantic movie. "Let's wait and watch. It won't be as typical as one expects, a man and woman to be together," she said when asked the relationship the protagonists will have in the film. The Dilwale actor had also said, "I Iike working with women, so I am doing Gauri Shinde's film with Alia Bhatt as my co-star. That is not a typical love story or a hero role, but I find Gauri's filmmaking interesting. I may have a lesser part to be not in terms of timing on screen but as a lover but it's an interesting role." Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan is also busy shooting for his upcoming film Raees with Mahira Khan. And Alia Bhatt will also be seen in Kapoor and Son with rumoured boyfriend Sidharth Malhotra. --- ENDS --- Umar Khalid, along with four other accused - Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and Anirban Bhattacharya - returned to the university campus late on Sunday night between 6 and 8.30 pm. By India Today Web Desk: All five students, who were accused of sedition and were absconding, surfaced on the campus of the Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi today. Umar Khalid, along with four other accused - Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and Anirban Bhattacharya - returned to the university campus late on Sunday night between 6 and 8.30 pm. Rama Naga, Gen Secy, JNUSU. advertisement Currently, the police are waiting for Vice-Chancellor M. Jagadesh Kumar's permission to enter the university campus to arrest the students who are accused of shouting anti-India slogans at JNU on February 9. All five students had gone missing after JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested and charged with sedition following an event held on the campus against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru where anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. Umar Khalid (left) seen inside JNU campus. (India Today TV grab) The students gathered at the administration block between 9.30 pm and 10 pm. Rama Naga made a small speech. After which Prakash Ambedkar spoke for about 40 minutes. Anirban then spoke for 15 minutes while Umar Khalid delivered a speech for 15 minutes. Both Anirban and Khalid said support "self determination of Kashmir" but never chanted "pro Pakistan" "anti-India" slogans. JNUSU vice president said they will "peacefully surrender" if and when police comes and takes them. Students want cops to come inside JNU & arrest Umar. Cops request Umar to come out of campus. Wise move. pic.twitter.com/Osm9zLzlRG&; Rahul Kanwal (@rahulkanwal) February 21, 2016 Sources revealed that Umar Khalid, who had gone missing from the campus since February 12, addressed a huge gathering of students at the admin block. "My name is Umar Khalid and I'm not a terrorist. The attack (on the university) is not because of the program which was organised on Feburary 9, but because the government needs an excuse to attack us," Khalid said. 3 PCR teams have been deployed at JNU "The media, all this while, presented a lot of things about me. The media trial, this propaganda... I know what my family is going through," he added. Around 150 students hold a meeting at administration block inside JNU campus. Around 150 students hold a meeting at administration block inside JNU campus. Meanwhile, the students are trying to meet the vice chancelor and they will decide course of action after meeting him. Here are the LIVE updates: The Delhi Police has full evidence against the students. The Investigating Officer (IO) has done the investigation, he will be dealing the case himself: BS Bassi JNU teachers set 4 pre-conditions: 1. Police will not enter campus. 2. All charges of sedition, conspiracy charges slapped on five students will be dropped. The Vice Chancellor will give the undertaking post speaking to cops 3. The enquiry committee will be reconstituted 4. Conducive atmosphere without police/media for students to depose. Meeting between Special CP(Law and order), DCP and Jt. CP underway at Police HQs. JNU issue also being discussed JNU students must join probe, we have all options open: Delhi police chief BS Bassi Police can enter JNU campus anytime: Delhi police chief BS Bassi Police entering JNU will bring peace: Delhi police chief BS Bassi They (students) should help in police investigation. If they are not guilty then prove it: Bassi If they will not cooperate, we can avail other options: Bassi We can enter the JNU campus. Police ke jaane se mahaul shaant hota ha ...na ki kharab : Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi : Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi We will abide by every decision of the Vice Chancellor: Rama Naga Police can come, we are here, will cooperate: Rama Naga Some outsiders raised those anti-national slogans, we asked them to leave and also complained to the university administration: Rama Naga, General Secretary, JNUSU Hectic negotiations between Delhi Police officials and JNU authorities on We are here. Police is free to take any action, whatever they want: JNUSU secretary Rama Naga "Umar Khalid and 4 other students accused of sedition should not surrender to Delhi Police. Police can enter JNU campus and arrest them: Khalid's lawyer Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association (JNUTA) executive council meeting at 10.30 am to decide further course of action Delhi cops said they wouldn't like to enter the university campus University administration told to hand over Umar Khalid and 4 other students to the police at the main gate Last night, students asked cops to come to the administration building inside the campus and arrest the wanted students Cops have a back up plan in place in case the negotiations fail University functionaries to meet at 9 am to decide future course of action, likely to meet students While none of the students have surrendered to the police, varsity vice chancellor Jagdesh Kumar said the entry for police as well as media persons has been barred for now and a call in this regard will be taken today Around 150 students hold a meeting at administration block inside JNU campus Around 250 students are sitting at admin block in JNU campus right now. They are raising slogans 3 PCR teams have been deployed at JNU. Movement of police increases outside JNU gate advertisement --- ENDS --- advertisement Ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament, Congress president Sonia Gandhi has hit out at the government. She has accused the Centre for muzzling the voice of Opposition, civil society and students. By India Today Web Desk: Ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament, Congress president Sonia Gandhi has hit out at the government. She has accused the Centre for muzzling the voice of Opposition, civil society and students. Speaking at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), held at her residence, Sonia said, "Government seems hell-bent on destroying the spirit of inquiry, the spirit of questioning, the spirit of debate and dissent." advertisement The committee also accused the govt of miserably failing to ensure Parliament functioning. "We want the Parliament to function and to legislate. The problem is not with us, it is with the government which refuses to accept that the democratic right of the Opposition is to raise public issues for debate and discussion. It is the government's responsibility to ensure that Parliament functions," Sonia Gandhi said. "To cover up its many failures, the ruling establishment has once again unleashed its divisive agenda by generating a wholly unwarranted debate on patriotism and nationalism. Simply put, democratic and liberal value are under severe assault. The freedom to think and speak are being drastically curtailed," Gandhi said. The party is agitated over a number of issues, including the JNU row, which other opposition parties too have made a common cause to confront the government. The meeting was held to discuss the current political situation. --- ENDS --- Ten years ago, Abul Bajandar was a fit young man who paddled vans for a living. But on a certain rainy day in 2005, he noticed warty "roots" growing out of his arms and legs. Over the next few years, the warts multiplied and sprouted like tree roots, eventually rendering his hands and feet useless. By Sahidul Hasan Khokon, Manogya Loiwal : Abul Bajandar, nicknamed 'Tree Man' for the rare bark-like warts on his hands and legs, has been all smiles after Dhaka Medical College Hospital doctors unburdened his right arm. Health Minister Mohammed Nasim went to see him at the hospital on Sunday, a day after the 25-year-old underwent the surgery. Bajandar said, "I am well. The doctors have removed all the barks on my right hand." advertisement "I was a bit afraid at first. But not so later," he said. Wife Halima stood beside the bed with their three-year-old daughter on her lap. They were happy too. "I feel delighted every time I think he will return to normal life," Halima said. Prof Dr Md Abul Kalam, head of the DMCH's Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit, said Abul faced none of the problems patients usually do after surgery. He said the warts on Bajandar's left hand would be removed in another operation three weeks later. But he did not rule out the possibility of the warts returning despite the surgeries. He said a patient with a similar problem had to undergo 13 operations in Indonesia. "But Bajandar may not need so many," he added. After the visit, Minister Nasim said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had sent him to enquire about Bajandar's health. Ten years ago, Abul Bajandar was a fit young man who paddled vans for a living. But on a certain rainy day in 2005, he noticed warty "roots" growing out of his arms and legs. Over the next few years, the warts multiplied and sprouted like tree roots, eventually rendering his hands and feet useless. Tree Man Abul, now 25, travelled from his home district of Khulna to Dhaka in search of better treatment as his condition deteriorated. Doctors at the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital were startled as they had seen nothing like this before. DMCH burn institute coordinator Dr Samanta Lal Sen told India Today "This extremely rare genetic skin disease is epidermodysplasia verruciform, which is also referred to as the "Tree Man Disease", an immune deficiency. It causes abnormal susceptibility to human papilloma viruses (HPVs), which eventually leads to the overgrowth of scaly macules and papules, especially on the feet and hands." He said the disease was not contagious. Abul is the fifth person in the world reported to be suffering from the disease. The others are Ion Toader, Dede Kosawa, Zainal and Ivan. Dede and Zainal hail from the same area in Indonesia. Ivan is from Netherlands but his father grew up in Indonesia while Toader is a Romanian. Except Toader, the other three have genetic roots in West Java. advertisement After several years of pain and a strange identification, the Tree Man is now hoping to live a normal life once he recovers in next few weeks. --- ENDS --- The three terrorists, who were holed up inside a building at a government complex, have been killed in the 48-hour-long gunbattle between security forces and terrorists in Pampore near Srinagar. Smoke billowing out of the JKEDI building where militants were holed up during an encounter with the security forces at Sampora in Pampore on Monday. (Photo: PTI) By India Today Web Desk: The 48-hour-long gunbattle between security forces and terrorists in Pampore near Srinagar has ended. The three terrorists, who were holed up inside a building at a government complex, have been killed. The Army is conducting search operations inside the huge Entrepreneurship Development Institute campus, situated on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway. Two Army captains were among the six securitymen killed in the fidayeen attack, the biggest in Srinagar in nearly six years. Sources told India Today that the attack was carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, who had sneaked into India from Pakistan occupied Kashmir. advertisement The terrorists had entered the campus on Saturday after ambushing a convoy of the Central Reserve Police Force. 2 CRPF jawans were killed. A civilian named Abdul Gani Mir was also killed. According to defence sources, three AK47s have been recovered during search operation of Pampore encounter. "Army, CRPF and police evacuated locals from the complex where the terrorists entered. Initially, CRPF attempted to get inside the building but terrorists threw a grenade and fired at them," GOC, Victor Force, Arvind Dutta, told reporters. "At night, we subsequently launched our plan to neutralise the terrorists. Three militants were killed, arms and ammunitions have been recovered. They were foreign terrorists, we are yet to identify them. I salute the martyrs, the bravery they showed was commendable," he added. Two officers of the elite Para Regiment - Captain Pawan Kumar of 10 Para and Captain Tushar Mahajan of 9 Para regiment - who were leading from the front were killed in the operation after they entered the multi-storeyed building which the terrorists were using as a fortified bunker. Captain Kumar belonged to Haryana's Jind district in Haryana while Captain Mahajan belonged to Udhampur in the Jammu region. Another commando Lance Naik Om Prakash was injured in the operation and succumbed in hospital on Sunday. --- ENDS --- The Pampore encounter which lasted for over 48 hours has finally ended. Three terrorists have been killed. Five securitymen were martyred. By India Today Web Desk: The Army has lost two of its officers and four other securitymen have been killed in a gunbattle with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pampore. The encounter, which lasted for over 48 hours, has finally ended. According to latest reports, 3 terrorists have been killed. The forces are conducting search in the building where the militants were holed up since Saturday. Forces are looking for the body of the another militant. Search operations is still on. advertisement "There is no time limit. There's no hurry. Our main purpose is to make sure that we don't have any more casualties. Each of the floor has to be cleared room by room, so specialized units are required to clear it," General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Srinagar-based 15 corps Lieutenant General Satish Dua told reporters in Delhi. "Our specialised units are in contact, with complete synergy with the CRPF outside the campus. Now the terrorists have taken position in the main building. It is a huge campus. All civilians have been evacuated and two main buildings have been sanitised," he added. Fire at EDI building in Pampore, encountr betweem terrorists ands security forces is on. (Photo ANI) Captain Tushar Mahajan was killed on Sunday evening in ongoing gunfight between holed-up terrorists and security forces inside the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) complex in Pampore town. Yesterday morning, Captain Pawan Kumar of 10 Para Regiment was killed when his unit tried to storm into one of the buildings inside the JKEDI complex on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway. Lance Naik Om Prakash, also from the Special Forces, was killed during the gunbattle with the terrorists. Sources told India Today that the attack was carried out by the fidayeen unit of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The attackers had recently infiltrated into Kashmir from Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Sources have also confirmed that all terrorists are of foreign origin. --- ENDS --- Addressing students on the occasion of 100th convocation of Banaras Hindu University in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the student in us must never die. By India Today Web Desk: The student inside us should never die, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said speaking at the 100th convocation of Banaras Hindu University. "This is 'dikshant' not 'shikshant' (end of studies) ceremony," he said. Here are the highlights: Student in PM's program in BHU raises slogans. Student in PM's program in BHU raises slogans, demands revival of student union, slapped by someone in audience I received a letter from Banaras Hindu University conferring doctorate degree on me, I humbly declined, says PM Modi at BHU Mere liye yahan(BHU) aana hi ek bohot saubhagya ki baat hai Mujhe university se chhitthi aayi thi doctorate ki lekin maine vinamrata poorvak naa kaha Exploitation of nature is a crime. Milking of the nature, yahi hamein adhikaar hai ' ' 'Jigyasa' is very important. If there is no 'Jigyasa', then there is stagnation The student in us must remain alive always- PM Modi at BHU convocation ceremony in Varanasi Ye dikshant samaroh hai, ham ye kabhi bhi man mein na layen ki ye shikshant samaroh hai Hume agar zindagi mein safalta paani hai toh uski pehli shart hoti hai ki hamare bheetar ka vidyarthi kabhi murjhana nahi chahiye I have been to convocations at various universities but attending a centenary convocation is a different feeling. The seed sown by Mahamana has turned into a tree hundred years later. Mahamana was a visionary. Britishers were also building universities in those days but those were limited to Kolkata and Mumbai. What Mahamana did, similar was done only 15-16 years later by Mahatma Gandhi in form of Gujarat Vidyapeeth. I congratulate those who were conferred their degrees today. I also convey my good wishes to their parents. The demand today is that not just India but the world should see our institutions. We want BHU to be like Nalanda, Taxila. advertisement PM visits Ravidas temple Earlier during the day, PM Modi visited Ravidas temple on the occasion of the birth anniversary celebrations of the 15th century Dalit poet. PM declines to accept honorary doctorate from BHU Prime Minister Modi had earlier declined to receive an honorary doctorate from Banaras Hindu University, citing his policy of not accepting such degrees. BHU, in a statement, had said it proposed to confer Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) on Modi in recognition of his "yeoman services as an innovator, reformer and an outstanding leader in public service and governance". This is not the first time that Modi has declined such a doctorate. In the run up to his US visit in 2014, a university in Louisiana had proposed to confer an honorary doctorate on the Prime Minister in recognition of his contribution towards social transformation, especially for empowering women and minorities in Gujarat, to which he did not agree. Modi's sixth visit to his constituency This is the sixth visit of Prime Minister Modi to his Lok Sabha constituency since May 2014. The tour comes just ahead of the Budget session, scheduled to commence on February 23. The session is expected to be stormy in view of the politically surcharged atmosphere prevailing in the country. --- ENDS --- Preity Zinta, who is soon to tie the knot with Los Angeles-based financial consultant Gene Goodenough, is making sure their her photos don't make their way out of the mandap all too easily. An auction is in place for the private photos from the wedding. By India Today Web Desk: Preity Zinta, who is tying the knot with Los Angeles-based financial consultant Gene Goodenough, will make sure her wedding photos don't leave the mandap easily. From what reports suggest, the actor and her fiance are planning to auction their wedding photos and donate the money to a charity that Zinta supports. ALSO READ: Preity Zinta and Gene Goodenough tying the knot soon? advertisement ALSO READ: This is Preity Zinta's answer for all those marriage rumours A report in the Times of India has quoted a source as saying, "The couple has decided to auction their private wedding images, the proceeds of which will be given to a charity that supports educating children and old-age homes. Both Preity and Gene wanted to celebrate this joyous moment in their lives by giving back to society in their own little way." While Gene Goodenough is not very popular among Bollywood-gossip-lovers, it is known that he is a financial consultant based with a US company called NLine Energy. Goodenough was named as a witness in the infamous Preity Zinta-Ness Wadia molestation case that made headlines back in May-June 2014. Now, Preity is soon to wed Goodenough. From what is known about the wedding yet, Preity and Gene will have a private wedding in Los Angeles this April. A report in DNA has quoted a source as saying, "The church wedding will be a private affair, with Preity and Gene's close friends and family flying down to LA for the ceremony." Gene Goodenough, the finance consultant Preity Zinta is tying the knot with "It will be a select group of people who will fly down for the LA wedding, which will be tastefully done up keeping Preity's personal tastes in mind. It will be followed by a big fat Rajput wedding (consisting of a three-day affair with the mehndi, sagneet and wedding) in Mumbai with the who's who of the film industry in attendance," the source added. Preity and Gene have been in a relationship for a few years now. The Ishkq In Paris actor parted ways with Ness Wadia around 2009. In 2013, Zinta first revealed that she had broken up with Wadia, in an interview to a magazine. Following that, in 2014, her equation with Wadia turned even bitter with the molestation mess. It was only last year that Preity spilled the beans on her relationship status. The actor spoke to a tabloid how she was 'in a relationship with someone nice'. And now that she is tying the knot with Gene, Goodenough, we say! --- ENDS --- A local court in Mangaluru in coastal Karnataka sentenced a quarry owner to seven years of imprisonment after convicting him in a rape case. The court imposed a fine on the convict and also ordered compensation to the rape victim. By Aravind Gowda: A local court in Mangaluru in coastal Karnataka sentenced a quarry owner to seven years of imprisonment after convicting him in a rape case. The court imposed a fine on the convict and also ordered compensation to the rape victim. Harish Poojary (33) from Marpady village near Mudbidri was accused of raping his friend in October 2012 after promising her marriage. When the victim sought to tie the knot in 2013, he demanded dowry from her and also threatened her against approaching the police. The disappointed victim approached the police and also sought protection. advertisement The Dakshina Kannada district police, who probed the case, filed a charge-sheet with the court. The 6th Additional District & Sessions Court, which heard the case, found Poojary guilty of committing the crime. --- ENDS --- In a meeting of head priests, held for the first time ever, the Travancore Devaswom Board today denied Sabarimala temple access to women aged between 10 and 50 years. By India Today Web Desk: In a meeting of head priests, held for the first time ever, the Travancore Devaswom Board today denied Sabarimala temple access to women aged between 10 and 50 years. Diverse opinions were put forth and debated following the Supreme Court observation questioning the constitutional validity of the ban. "Head priests are of the opinion that all rituals, traditions and customs must be followed," board president Prayar Gopalakrishnan said. advertisement Gopalakrishnan said that all temples under the board will hold a special prayer to change the minds of the non-believers questioning the centuries-old tradition. The board chose not to discuss much about the controversy due to the fact that the case is being considered by the Supreme Court. However, Prayar Gopalakrishnan said that the board hopes the apex court comes out with a verdict in favour of the believers. The board also condemned the cases filed against devaswom boards for use of elephants and mics during temple festivals. Sabarimala temple attracts 3.5-4 crore pilgrims every year, of which nearly 3 crore pilgrims visit the shrine during the special period 'Mandalam' which extends from November to January. The state underlined the secular character of Sabarimala saying persons professing any religion could offer worship there. ALSO READ SC on Sabarimala row: Even god doesn't discriminate between men and women Sabarimala case: Lawyer gets death threats, Supreme Court orders police protection Women activists go on a strike for lifting temple entry ban: List of places where women are banned in India --- ENDS --- In an exclusive interview with India Today's Karan Thapar, Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to Pakistan PM, rejected India's charge of no action over Pathankot and claimed that Masood Azhar has been under detention since January 14. By India Today Web Desk: Last week, Pakistan registered an FIR in connection with the Pathankot terror attack. The FIR, however, had no mention of Jaish-e-Mohammad boss Masood Azhar, who masterminded the January 2 strike. Despite ample evidence provided by New Delhi, Islamabad has failed to act against the perpetrators of the pre-dawn attack on the Indian Air Force base, located just 150 km from the Pakistan border. advertisement In an exclusive interview with India Today's Karan Thapar, Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to Pakistan PM, rejected India's charge of no action over Pathankot and claimed that Masood Azhar has been under detention since January 14. This is for the first time that Pakistan has officially confirmed Masood's detention. "The FIR is only a first stage report and subsequent FIRs will definitely carry names," Aziz said. Responding to a question regarding evidence provided by India nailing Pakistan's involvement in the attack, Aziz said that one of the mobile numbers provided by India was active and has been traced to JeM's headquarters in Bahawalpur. "Whenever a crime happens across the border, it is much more difficult to pursue the legal requirements because we don't have the locations or evidence. The special investigation team had to investigate the mobile numbers or whatever links were available and find out who could be behind the attack," Aziz said. SIT to visit India Aziz said that India has agreed in-principle to allow Pakistan's SIT to visit Pathankot for investigations. The Pakistani team is likely to visit Pathankot in February end or March. "Leads provided by India in Pathankot attack case are being investigated. It will be helpful if SIT is able to reach the crime scene, said Sartaj Aziz. Not worried by David Headley's deposition Rubbishing American-Pakistani Lashkar agent David Coleman Headley's deposition before a Mumbai court, Aziz said he is a drug peddler whose statements cannot be taken seriously. "Pakistan is not worried by Headley's deposition. He has no credibility. He is a double agent and a drug peddler," Aziz said. Not enough proof against Hafiz Saeed, Lakhvi Pakistan has done little to bring the perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai attack to justice and Aziz claimed that there was no evidence to suggest Saeed's involvement in the terror attack in which 166 people were killed. Aziz in fact praised the 'humanitarian' work being carried out by Saeed's Jamaat-ud-Dawaa, the front for Lashkar-e-Taiba. Joint withdrawal of forces from Siachen Aziz said that Pakistan will propose to India joint withdrawal of forces from Siachen when talks between the two countries restart. The Pakistan PM's Advisor just stopped of saying that Islamabad could agree to signing a map showing actual Siachen ground position. advertisement India obsessed with terror Underlining that it was important for both India and Pakistan to work together to strengthen SAARC, Aziz said India should shun its obsession with terrorism. "India is obsessed with terror, but India and Pakistan must cooperate to tackle adverse US trade pacts and build up SAARC," he said. "Entire focus in India is on terrorism and this is exactly what detractors want," said Sartaj Aziz. Aziz was also critical of the Indian media and said that it should present a more balanced view while reporting on India-Pakistan relationship. ALSO READ: ISI trains LeT, Jaish terrorists, says Pervez Musharraf Headley's 10 big revelations that nail Pakistan, ISI --- ENDS --- Scores of people from Pampore in Jammu and Kashmir raised anti-India and pro-freedom slogans today. The separatists from adjoining villages assembled at the Pampore encounter site to stage a pro-freedom protest march. Several loudspeakers blared out slogans supporting Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) and other anti-India groups. A group of terrorists had entered the EDI campus on Saturday. Several loudspeakers blared out slogans supporting Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) and other anti-India groups. (PTI photo) By India Today Web Desk: Scores of people from Pampore in Jammu and Kashmir raised anti-India and pro-freedom slogans today. The separatists from adjoining villages assembled at the Pampore encounter site to stage a pro-freedom protest march. Several loudspeakers blared out slogans supporting Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) and other anti-India groups. The protest march comes at the wake of a 48-hour-long gun battle, in which three Army para commandos, including two Captains, and three others died. advertisement A group of terrorists had entered the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) campus on Saturday after ambushing a Central Reserve Police Force or CRPF convoy and killing two jawans. The terrorists used the buildings as a concrete bunker, firing at security personnel from its cover and shifting location often. The encounter ended today evening as the nation paid tribute to the martyrs who died in a difficult operation to flush out the terrorists from the EDI campus, which had many civilians trapped inside. ALSO READ Pampore encounter ends, 3 terrorists killed, combing operations continue --- ENDS --- Thai princess' arrival in Cambodia has sparked outrage after the government spent 40,000 dollars on a luxury bathroom made exclusively for her use. The toilet will later turn into an office for the locals. By India Today Web Desk: As part of a 3-day visit to Cambodia the Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will spend the first part in Ratanakkiri province, which is one the most backward provinces of the country and to ensure a royal treatment for her the government has a built a toilet worth 40,000 dollars exclusively for her use. advertisement Built on the banks of Lake Yeak Laom in Ratanakkiri province, the eight-metre square, air-conditioned outhouse took two weeks to build. It costs 130 times more than the average money spent on a toilet in the region. Ven Churk, head of the Yeak Lom Lake committee speaking to Cambodia Daily said, "This toilet was constructed for the Thai princess' use. When the princess has finished with it, they will take the toilet equipment back to Thailand, but the princess will leave the building for our community to use." The construction which was carried out by the Siam Cement Group, used state of the art material for the building. Deputy Ratanakkiri governor Nhem Sam Oeun said that the main aim was to make, " the princess' lakeside sojourn a relaxing first stop before her scheduled engagements over the following days." Once the princess leaves the province the toilet will be converted into an office for the local officials. Toilet to an office. Well done, guys! The poverty stricken country of Cambodia has no proper access to sanitation and according to estimates rural district of Ratnakkiri is severely lacking in this aspect. Thus the construction of a luxurious toilet of for the princess has sparked outrage among many. In the words of Andrew MacGregor Marshall, a former journalist and author of the book on Thailand A Kingdom in Crisis, "The royals are totally out of touch with the world of ordinary Thais and Cambodians." During this visit the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is scheduled to open a health centre in the province, dining with King Norodom Sihamoni, and inaugurate a new technology institute reports the Cambodia Daily. --- ENDS --- A Michigan man who worked as an Uber driver was under arrest on Sunday in the fatal shooting of six people in Kalamazoo, as police investigated reports he may have driven customers of the car-hailing service the night of the rampage. By Reuters: A Michigan man who worked as an Uber driver was under arrest on Sunday in the fatal shooting of six people in Kalamazoo, as police investigated reports he may have driven customers of the car-hailing service the night of the rampage. Prosecutors alleged that Jason Dalton, 45, opened fire, apparently at random, in parking lots outside an apartment building, a car dealership and at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Kalamazoo, about 150 miles (240 km) west of Detroit. advertisement Two other people were wounded, including a teenage girl who was initially thought to have died. Authorities could not confirm Dalton was working for Uber during the nearly five-hour shooting spree on Saturday evening. He was arrested without incident on Sunday while driving away from the parking lot of an area bar. An Uber representative confirmed that Dalton was a company driver and had passed background checks. The representative referred questions about whether Dalton was working at the time of the shootings to police. The victims "appear to be chosen at random, because they were available," Kalamazoo County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Getting said. "They were shot multiple times, multiple - nine, 10, 11 shell casings at each of these scenes." The carnage in Kalamazoo, a city of about 75,000 people, was the latest in a series of mass shootings that have elevated gun control as a campaign issue in the November U.S. presidential election. The attack also prompted renewed interest in how Uber vets drivers, who use their personal vehicles to ferry customers at prices that are generally below those of established taxi companies. Critics say the company's vetting process is flawed because it never meets with potential drivers in person. Uber says on its website that it has an "extensive" driver screening process that includes collecting detailed information from potential drivers and using the investigation service Checkr to vet them. Other websites and databases such at the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website are used as well. WOOD-TV, a Grand Rapids station, quoted police as saying they were investigating reports Dalton dropped off Uber fares at a hotel and then killed four women and wounded a 14-year-old girl at the nearby Cracker Barrel. The teenager was in critical condition, Michigan State Police said. In an emailed statement, Uber's chief security officer, Joe Sullivan, said the company was in contact with police to help with the investigation. An Uber passenger, Matt Mellen, told CBS TV affiliate WWMT that he had tried to alert the company after a wild ride with Dalton about an hour before the first shooting was reported. He said Dalton introduced himself using a different name from the one listed as a driver. He then sped through medians and across a lawn, and Mellen jumped out at a stop at about 4:30 p.m. (2130 GMT) advertisement "He just kind of kept looking at me like, 'Don't you want to get to your friend's house?' and I'm like, 'I want to get there alive,'" said Mellen, a brewery worker. His fiance posted a Facebook account of the ride that said Dalton had sideswiped a car and run a stop sign. Mellen said he unsuccessfully tried to contact Uber about Dalton after talking to police. Kalamazoo Police Chief Jeff Hadley told Reuters that investigators were still looking into reports of Dalton picking up Uber fares around the time of the shootings. He confirmed that a man did call police with a report of an erratic Uber driver and the report was relayed to patrol officers. Hadley said it was not unusual for police to receive such reports and that he was not sure whether investigators had contacted the passenger who made the report. An Uber spokesman could not be immediately reached for comment on Mellen's account. Michigan State Police said the carnage began at about 5:30 p.m. ET (2230 GMT) with the report of a woman wounded outside an apartment building. At about 10 p.m., a father and son were killed at the car dealership. advertisement Dalton allegedly opened fire outside the restaurant about 15 minutes later. The four slain women were identified as Mary Lou Nye, 62, of Baroda, Michigan; and Dorothy Brown, 74; Barbara Hawthorne, 68; and Mary Jo Nye, 60, all of Battle Creek, Michigan, state police said. Earlier, authorities reported seven deaths. Hadley said he understood that the wounded teenage girl was initially believed to have died and was being prepped for organ harvesting when she grasped the hand of one of her parents. Getting said Dalton was thought to have been in contact with more than one person via cellphone during the shooting spree. Hadley said authorities have contacted Dalton's wife, who is safe and cooperating with investigators. Dalton is expected to be arraigned on Monday on charges of murder, assault and firearms violations, the prosecutor said. Getting said a semiautomatic pistol was found in Dalton's car. Police said he had no known criminal record. The Detroit Free Press newspaper said neighbors described Dalton as a father of two who "loved guns" and who worked on cars and had a day job as an insurance salesman. advertisement The Kalamazoo shootings come as Uber is facing a range of regulatory and safety issues. The company agreed last month to pay $28.5 million to settle federal litigation brought by customers who alleged the service misrepresented the quality of its safety practices and fees. --- ENDS --- Wish of a 106-year-old woman came true when she visited the White House for the first time. Watch her dancing her way into the house. By India Today Web Desk: In the wake of Black History month, the White House shared a delightful video of 106-year-old Virginia McLaurin dancing with joy when she meets US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Virginia nurtured a lifelong dream of visiting the White House and meeting the President, but never thought she'd make it. Also watch: Watch: How do you do Bhangra on a rap song? Well... advertisement Amazed by the senior citizen's zeal and enthusiasm, Obama couldn't resist asking her about the secret to still dancing at 106, to which the lady smartly said, "Just keep movin'!" In the video, she can be heard exclaiming that she's "so happy" to have lived to see a "black President" of the United States. She even got in a dance with the first lady, who exclaimed, "I want to be like you when I grow up". The video was shared on Sunday and has gone viral since then. The old lady was so excited that even Obama's plea to slow her down couldn't stop her. Also watch: Must watch: With 7.7 million views, this video of a 101-year-old woman playing in the snow is pure joy The Obamas were in awe of the lady, who also said, "I thought I would never live to get in the White House," to which Michelle replied, "You are here now!" Watch the video here: --- ENDS --- Rama Naga is one of the 5 JNU students who were believed to have absconded. Know his political affiliation and what he has told the media after resurfacing at the campus. By India Today Web Desk: Rama Naga is one of the JNU students who conducted a cultural event to commemorate Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru's hanging, and was believed to have absconded. Rama Naga and 4 other students- Umar Khalid, Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, and Anirban Bhattacharya were accused of raising anti-national slogans during the event and was charged with sedition by the NDA government after which a lookout notice was also issued for them. advertisement These five students reappeared in the campus on Sunday night. Rama's communist affiliation The second-year MPhil student of JNU had contested the election as a candidate from the CPI (M-L)'s students' wing All India Students Association (AISA) and defeated ABVP's Devendra Singh Rajput. Hailing from Odisha, Rama Naga was born to a modest family. His father is a bangle seller and Naga is the youngest of three brothers and a sister. He completed his schooling from Ramagiri high school and intermediate at Boipariguda College. He did his graduation in political science from Vikram Dev Autonomous College of Jeypore in 2012 and went on to join JNU. Rama was elected as the General Secretary in JNU polls. He secured 1,159 votes. "Will agree with whatever decision he (VC) makes" He has refuted charges that he had raised anti-national slogans and said, "If the police is called inside the campus by the Vice Chancellor, then yes, they can arrest us. We will not put up any resistance. We have not met him (VC) yet, but will agree with whatever decision he makes". Students from outside raised the alleged anti-national slogans He also claimed it was students from outside who entered campus and raised the alleged 'anti-national' slogans. Rama blamed the unstable atmosphere that made them go under hiding. "In such a situation, we felt that we needed to be safe. We were near the JNU itself and we decided that once normalcy returns, we will come back to the campus," said Rama. --- ENDS --- It was May 2015. The flu hunters of the World Health Organisation (WHO) were no longer reporting Ebola in its 'Disease Outbreak News', one of the most-accessed web pages on the internet. More familiar diseases were back in its listings: avian influenza, cholera, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. Then came a surprise announcement on October 21: "Zika virus (ZKV) infection-Brazil and Colombia." That was just the beginning. In the next three months, 'Zika' became the most-repeated outbreak on the WHO list, appearing 19 times, until the organisation declared it a "public health emergency" of international concern on February 1, 2016. The new scare advertisement It's the worst time to confront yet another "public health emergency". Since 2000, the world has been grappling with a range of mysterious diseases, most of which remain unresolved even today: there's no vaccine yet for SARS; we still don't know how to treat MERS. The alphabet soup of H1N1, H2N2 and H3N2 continues to evolve even after seven years since swine flu first surfaced. Nor does anyone know what will happen if the unprecedented Ebola outbreak came back tomorrow. At a time like this, Zika is spreading explosively "everywhere in the Americas" and to nearly three dozen other countries. Some 4,180 babies have been born with abnormally small heads and brain damage in Brazil. Hundreds in Colombia have ended up with the rare paralysis disorder, Guillain-Barr Syndrome. There's no treatment, no vaccine, no immunity. Will it become the next potentially deadly disease pandemic? "Over four million people could be infected by the Zika virus before the year comes to a close," reports the WHO. It's a virus that is "much more insidious, cunning and evil" than Ebola, says Bruce Aylward, the WHO official in charge of the Ebola response and who is now leading the Zika effort. Discovered in the Zika forests of Uganda in 1947, the virus was fairly harmless until 2014, when it appeared in the Americas, especially Brazil. The virus usually causes no symptoms in 80 per cent people and just mild rashes, fever and runny eyes in some. No one knows why and how it suddenly triggered virulent outbreaks, linked to genetic mutation and neurological disorders, especially in babies. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is still uncertain about the link between Zika and neurological damage. But it has posted a travel alert: women of childbearing age should avoid countries where Zika is circulating (there is speculation Zika might also be sexually transmitted). And in countries with a Zika outbreak, they should avoid getting pregnant. Man's oldest enemy At the centre of this mystery flu-like fever is man's oldest enemy: the six-legged serial killer that lurks in the dark shadows, needs just a teaspoon of standing water and a blood-meal every now and then to thrive. They serve no particular purpose in nature's ecosystem but they love you: the trail of carbon dioxide you breathe out, the smelly chemicals you sweat out, the body heat you exude. You are their target, vulnerable to their guerrilla warfare, feasting on your blood-four minutes at one go. And just one bite can change your life: they can carry over a hundred potentially fatal diseases. Mosquitoes and the diseases they spread have killed more people than all the wars in history. advertisement With one million deaths and 700 million infections, the mosquito is the "most dangerous creature on earth," say entomologists. And of the particular genus out of the 3,50,000 variants in the world, Aedes is primarily responsible for spreading the Zika virus. "Aedes mosquito is one of the most effective disease-spreading vectors in the world, and one of the most aggressive," says virologist Dr Pradeep Seth, former head of microbiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi. In the last 25 years, it has spread to 22 countries and in every continent. And one that carries some of the most obnoxious diseasecausing germs: the sub-species Aedes aegypti causes Dengue, Yellow Fever and Zika, while Aedes albopictus sets off Chikungunya and West Nile Fever. advertisement The India story ZKV is an emerging concern as day temperatures rise across India. Conditions may not seem conducive for its immediate spread but Indians are vulnerable, especially in the coming days as temperatures and mosquito numbers rise in the summer months. "Zika could spread rapidly like dengue in the past," says Dr Raghupathy Anchala, associate professor, Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad, adding that "the reasons for the reemergence of the virus have to be studied". Densely packed housing, particularly of the urban poor, an absence of civic responsibility, breeding of mosquitoes and a history of rapidly spreading infections makes it easier for the Zika contagion to pose a massive health challenge. The typical Indian story is what National Institute of Virology scientist R. Balasubramanian found in a 2013 survey in Kerala: the Aedes mosquitoes thriving in waste tyre dumps, coconut shells, leaf axils, etc. "In India, public health challenges have been historically neglected," says head of community medicine at AIIMS, Delhi, Dr Pandav Chandrakant. "It's only now that attention is shifting to safe water supply, sanitation and garbage disposal-the three pillars on which mosquito control depends." The mosquitoes are already there but the virus is new. "Our natural immunity against it is not yet known," he adds. "Whether Zika will take a virulent form depends on how well we all, and not just the government, face up to the challenge." The health ministry has in place a monitoring mechanism, advised travel alerts to pregnant women, and equipped the National Centre for Disease Control and National Institute of Virology labs. "It should not be a problem for India," says Dr V.M. Katoch, ex-director-general, ICMR. "India put down Yellow Fever as well as Ebola through proactive quarantine and vaccination. The same model should be followed." advertisement But unanswered questions still buzz around: is there a direct link between ZKV and birth defects? Will it take the same deadly form where people have had exposure to Zika-like flus? Is it sexually transmitted? Which way will the virus leap next? And, finally, is it really a global public health emergency? As WHO director-general Dr Margaret Chan said recently, "We need to get some answers, quickly." with Amarnath K Menon Follow the writer on Twitter @DattaDamayanti --- ENDS --- The company claimed to have received nearly five crore registrations in just two days of opening up for online pre-orders. By Indo-Asian News Service: The telecom ministry has done an internal assessment on viability of the handset Freedom 251, being touted as the world's cheapest smartphone at Rs 251 (less than $4), and found such a device cannot be offered for not less than Rs.2,300-2,400, say informed sources. "An internal assessment was done by the telecom ministry from the day the phone was launched. Officials have found that such a handset cannot be offered for less than Rs.2,300-2,400," an official source told IANS. advertisement Noida-based startup, Ringing Bells, which is promising the world's cheapest "Make in India" smartphone, on Friday claimed to have received nearly five crore registrations in just two days of opening up for online pre-orders. Ringing Bells president Ashok Chadha told IANS that since the company will hand over 25 lakh "Freedom 251" phones to the people who have registered for it online, the firm is now considering whether to stop the registration process which was supposed to go on till 8 p.m. on February 21. Taking the world by surprise, the firm on Wednesday launched "Freedom 251" smartphone that, it said, has been developed "with immense support" from the government. There are, however, some apprehensions about its final appearance and performance. It looks similar to an Apple iPhone. All the icons of the built-in app are a pixel-to-pixel copy of Apple's iOS icons. The Freedom 251 has a Android 5.1 operating system, a 4-inch qHD IPS display, a 3.2-megapixel primary and a 0.3-megapixel front camera. The smartphone comes with pre-installed apps like Swachh Bharat, Women Safety, WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter, among others. You may also like to read: Is Freedom 251 launch device replica of a fake Chinese iPhone? Thinking of buying Freedom 251? 7 reasons why you should not --- ENDS --- Investigative reporting from the inner city to Wall Street to the United Nations This is the blogspot version InnerCityPress.com Ukraine's gas transportation system (GTS) and underground gas storage facilities (UGS) have good prospects only if are operated within a single structure, Minister of Energy and Coal Industry Volodymyr Demchyshyn has stated. "GTS is promising only in conjunction with UGS this is my belief. It is technologically and commercially profitable to keep them within one structure," he said at a round table in the profile parliamentary committee in Kyiv. Head of Naftogaz Ukrainy Andriy Kobolev, in turn, considers it appropriate to separate these directions of business. At the same time, according to the head of the company, it will be possible to attract foreign partner in the new PJSC Trunk Gas Pipelines of Ukraine, while the problems accumulated previously will be resolved in the framework of Ukrtransgaz, the UGS operator. Uzbekistan has prematurely canceled additional import duties on Ukrainian goods, which was introduced from July 1, 2015 for one year, the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan reported on its official website. The ministry pointed out that Uzbekistan introduced additional import duties on Ukrainian goods in response to the introduction by Ukraine on February 26, 2015 of additional import duties of 5-10% for one year. Uzbekistan prematurely canceled additional import fees because Ukraine had annulled additional import duties from January 1, 2016. The European Union officials have not yet seen the bill adopted by the Verkhovna Rada that abolishes the provision to postpone the launch of electronic declarations by state officials, head of the EU delegation to Ukraine Jan Tombinski said adding that they do not demand the repeal of this bill. The diplomat stressed the EU doesn't want this bill to be abolished, but demands that the bill should ensure efficient operation of Ukraine's anti-corruption agency and its control over Ukraine's state officials. Tombinski said the EU was yet to study the bill and its cancellation had never been on the agenda. As reported, on February 16, the Verkhovna Rada has adopted at the second reading and as a whole bill No 3755 amending the anti-corruption law with regard to the work of the electronic system of submission and disclosure of declarations by state and local government officials. The law was adopted with amendments voiced by its author Vadym Denysenko (Petro Poroshenko Bloc faction). The same day MP Serhiy Leschenko (Petro Poroshenko Bloc faction) called on Tombinski not to regard the adoption of the bill No 3755 on e-declarations as a fulfilled condition to secure the visa liberalization regime with the EU countries. Tombinski criticized the bill since it didn't comply with the anti-corruption commitments of Ukraine's leadership. First Deputy Parliamentary Speaker Andriy Parubiy noted that the bill abolishing the provision to postpone the launch of e-declaration will be further amended. On February 18, the Verkhovan Rada failed to revoke this bill (No. 3755) falling short of the minimum of 226 votes required for the positive vote. UPC ratification speeds up with Germany's draft legislation LCII is bringing a blockbuster seminar your way.... "The patent hold-up theory has nurtured many policy developments in the past ten years. On the one hand, Standard Setting Organizations (SSOs) have been exploring changes to their licensing policies, in particular in relation to the commercial implications of FRAND pledges given by holder of Standard Essential Patents (SEPs). On the other hand, antitrust agencies and patent courts across the globe have been confronted with several waves of cases. Those proceedings have generated a thick, diverse and somewhat inconsistent body of case-law on a wide array of topics, including the availability of injunctive relief, patent valuation, portfolio licensing, practicing and non-practicing entities, etc. This conference seeks to provide a 360 state of play on patent hold-up in contemporary antitrust and patent policy." A cool $750 million will help pay for quite a few scholarships, the AmeriKat suggests NPR brings news of the new copyright battle - academic articles Despite the announcement that the UK's referendum on the EU will be this June, UPC ratification is speeding up with news last week that the German Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV) published the first draft of legislation that will get the gears in motion for ratification of the Unified Patent Court Agreement. The draft legislation was accompanied by a second bill which will implement the unitary patent into German law. As to timing, the final drafts are expected to be introduced to the German parliament before summer 2016 for debate and then a vote. So by the summer we will know whether Germany is formally in and the UK out of the project that has taken over 40 years to get to....typical!To find out the punchline to that joke (and she is sure its side/head-splitting), the AmeriKat suggests that you attend the Liege Competition & Innovation Institute (LCII)'s conference on 29 February 2016 on 'Regulating Patent "Hold-up"'. The introduction states:The line up looks blockbuster with Melchior Wathelet (Advocate General, Court of Justice of the EU), Renata Hesse (Deputy Assistant Attorney General, US Department of Justice), Scott Kieff (Commissioner, US International Trade Commission), Gunnar Wolf (Case Handler, DG Competition, EU Commission) and Alvaro Ramos (Antitrust Legal Counsel, Qualcomm) among the speakers. For more information click here and to register click here Last Wednesday Marvell announced that it would pay Carnegie Mellon University $750 million to settle a 7 year old patent infringement action on two patents that related to the accuracy in which hard disk drive circuits could read data from high-speed magnetic disks (see here and here ). Carnegie alleged that at least nine Marvell circuit devices infringed the patents. The amount represents a 50 cent/chip royalty on the basis of 556.8 million chips imported into the US. The settlement comes after the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit held that Marvel should pay at least $278.4 million (a knock down of the original $1.17 billion jury award). A Kat pat to Dr.Ward for alerting the AmeriKat to this story. For more information see these articles inandThe AmeriKat was listening to NPR on Saturday when a story on Weekend Edition came up about a new pirate website called Sci-Hub which is permitting free access to academic journals which normally require a paid subscription. Apparently, with some university libraries scaling back on the number of academic journals they subscribe to faculty and students are sourcing articles form sites such as Russian based Sci-Hub. Sci-Hub claim to have already made 50 million articles freely available. However, some academics feel that this is just an evolution in providing users the resources they need to conduct research (the Napster to Spotify evolution for academic publications, if you will). To listen to the debate, click here [February 22, 2016] CyberLink Unveils World's First Consumer Level 360 Video Editing Solution for Virtual Reality Camera CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), the world's leading consumer multimedia software company, today announced that it has partnered with Samsung (News - Alert) to make 360-degree video creation available to more consumers with Gear 360 ActionDirector. The software will be bundled with Samsung's flagship Gear 360 camera, which was just revealed at Mobile World Congress (News - Alert) in Barcelona. 360-degree video is at the cutting edge of video production, creating a completely immersive environment that truly puts the viewer at the center of the action. The user becomes the creator of their own 360-degree video content, which they can easily share on social channels. 360-degree videos have taken the internet by storm with industry titans like Google and Facebook (News - Alert) visibly embracing the new format. As the pioneer in photo and video technologies, CyberLink developed the world's first consumer level solution that nables a true end-to-end 360 experience from importing through editing and production. The streamlined drag 'n drop storyboard interface allows users to intuitively edit, correct color and lighting issues, apply slow motion effects, produce and share 360 video on social media platforms in a few clicks without any additional tools. Unlike existing solutions on the market, Gear 360 ActionDirector allows users to preserve complete dimensions of 360-degree videos and create high quality, high impact 360 content for an immersive virtual reality experience. "CyberLink is constantly looking for new ways to push the boundaries of how people create and play with their digital media," said Dr. Jau Huang, Chairman and CEO of CyberLink. "We are excited to be teaming up with industry leading innovator Samsung to bring the possibilities of 360 video creation to life for more consumers than ever before." Product Availability Gear 360 ActionDirector is bundled with Samsung Gear 360 camera. Refer to Samsung's announcement for camera availability. About CyberLink CyberLink (5203.TW) is a world leader in multimedia software design. Since 1996, CyberLink has transformed how people enjoy and create media on PCs, mobile devices and in the Cloud. The company's award-winning products are sold to all major PC manufacturers as well as millions of customers worldwide. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, CyberLink also runs regional operations through offices in the US, Japan, Europe and Asia-Pacific territories. Further information about CyberLink can be found at cyberlink.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160222005632/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2016] ZTE and TeliaSonera Will Cooperate on IOT Area Starting From Telematics At Mobile World Congress (News - Alert) 2016, ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a major international provider of telecommunications, enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet, signed a strategic agreement to jointly expand IOT market with TeliaSonera (News - Alert), the largest carrier in Nordic countries. The two parties will cooperate on IOT areas, beginning with telematics. ZTEWelink, a subsidiary of ZTE, is dedicated to the development of wireless communication modules, telematics terminals and solutions, will undertake a major part of the telematics R&D process. Hans Dahlberg, Head of TeliaSonera Global M2M Services, Jacky Zhang, Senior Vice President, ZTE (News - Alert) Corporation, and Wang Zhijun, VP of ZTEWelink attended the signing ceremony. "The combination of ZTE's 4G technology and the innovative Telia Sense's service will enable users to have full control of their car and a growing ecosystem of features. Today, connected cars are only available to new and premium models but with this offering basically all of our customers can enjoy the benefit of a connected car. With this contract we show our strong position in the IOT area and our capability in connectin devices to a cloud of new range of services," said Jacky Zhang, Senior Vice President, ZTE Corporation. Since 2009, ZTE invested heavily in IOT, and proposed M-ICT strategy in 2014 to focus on industry informatization. Today ZTE has achieved fast development in IOT industry and Intelligent Patent layout. More information can be found at http://www.ztedevice.com/specialtopics/mwc_2016/. About ZTE Mobile Devices ZTE Mobile Devices is a division of ZTE Corporation, a global telecommunications equipment, networks and mobile devices company headquartered in Shenzhen, China. ZTE is a publicly traded company listed on the Hong Kong and Shenzhen stock exchanges. ZTE is one of the global leaders in the mobile handset manufacturing industry in the world, offering a complete range of mobile devices, including mobile phones, tablets, mobile broadband modems and hotspots and family desktop integration terminals. ZTE has partnered with over 230 major carriers, including the world's top 50 carriers, and distributers in more than 160 countries and regions around the globe. ZTE is also the only company globally that has been ranked inside the Top-3 by WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) for the past 5 years (2010-2014) for patent filings. For more information, please visit: www.ztedevice.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160222005823/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A thief lifts a print off a wine glass and then transfers the image onto a latex-like substance that can be attached to the thumb when it dries. After sneaking into the corporate offices of a tech firm, the thief then presses his thumb with the fake print attached to it against a biometric sensor. A scanning mechanism determines that the print is an exact match of the company CEO, and the security system gives the thief access to all sensitive information. In a matter of days, the tech firm will file for Chapter 11, discovering that its intellectual property is basically worthless. The scene sounds like something out of a spy movie or an episode of Burn Notice, but is the kind of situation Synaptics wants to prevent. The San Jose, California-based maker of touch pads, screens and controllers has developed technology that it claims can detect the difference between real and fake fingerprints. Understandably, Synaptics (News - Alert) does not go into great detail about how this technology works other than it uses something called liveness detection. This would detect the difference between a fingerprint coming from its rightful owner and a fingerprint from an image or copy attached to a finger. The above example of a thief duplicating a fingerprint and compromising a secure system is not cinematic fantasy. In 2014, Jan Krissler demonstrated at an annual meeting of hackers how easily he could duplicate the fingerprint of Ursula von der Leyen, German defense minister. First, Krissler obtained high quality photographs of von der Leyen, some coming from her office and others that he took himself from close range. Using those images along with fingerprint identification software, Krissler was able to make a good copy of von der Leyens fingerprint. It is disconcerting to say the least, that it is so easy to copy biometrics from a high-ranking government official as Krissler did. If there is any single lesson anyone can learn from the story, its that you can never afford to be complacent when it comes to security. A growing number of businesses, after catching on about the weaknesses of password protection, are turning to biometrics as a replacement, but biometrics in and of itself is not a magic wand you can wave to suddenly make everything secure. Using advanced security technology like biometrics only works if it remains advanced. This means staying on top news about of the latest types of attacks, testing systems on a regular basis, and keeping security software up to date for starters. Security should never be viewed as something impenetrable to attack, but instead something that makes it harder to attack using known methods. As attack methods improve, methods that prevent their success must also improve. Edited by Stefania Viscusi proxima Israel. Se conocen mas detalles sobre la celula de Hamas que planeaba asesinar al primer ministro Netanyahu Several days ago were announced winner entries of the 59th Annual World Press Photo Contest. As many as 82,951 photos were submitted for judging by 5,775 photographers from 128 different countries. We couldn't miss the opportunity to share these captivating images. World Press Photo of the Year, and winner of first prize in the Spot News category, from photographer Warren Richardson. A man passes a baby through the fence at the Hungarian-Serbian border in Roszke, Hungary, on August 28, 2015. Many entries in this years World Press Photo competition covered the migrant crisis from multiple angles, and this haunting image stood out for the jury. Richardson: I camped with the refugees for five days on the border. A group of about 200 people arrived, and they moved under the trees along the fence line. They sent women and children, then fathers and elderly men first. I must have been with this crew for about five hours and we played cat and mouse with the police the whole night. I was exhausted by the time I took the picture. It was around three oclock in the morning and you cant use a flash while the police are trying to find these people, because I would just give them away. So I had to use the moonlight alone. Nature, third prize winner, singles. Colima Volcano in Mexico shows a powerful night explosion with lightning and some incandescent rockfalls. Photo taken on December 13, 12.5 kilometers away from the crater near a lagoon named Carrizalillos on Comala Municipality. This particular bolt of lightning is more than 600 meters tall, lighting details of the south portion of volcano in this 8 second exposure. Chappaqua, New York. March 2013. From A Life in Death, Long-Term Projects, second prize winner, stories. Howie and Laurel Borowick embrace in the bedroom of their home. In their thirty-four year marriage, they never could have imagined being diagnosed with stage-4 cancer at the same time. In the project, a daughter photographs her own parents who were in parallel treatment for stage-four cancer, side by side. The photographs look at love, life, and living, in the face of death. It honors their memory by focusing on their strength and love, both individually and together, and shares the story of their final chapters, within a year of each other. From Tough Times for Orangutans, Nature, first prize winner, stories. A Bornean orangutan climbs over 30 meters up a tree in the rain forest of Gunung Palung National Park, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, on August 12, 2015. The project covers the lives of wild orangutans, as threats from fires, the illegal animal trade and loss of habitat due to deforestation have resulted in many orphan orangutans ending up at rehabilitation centers. Spot News, second prize winner, stories. A wall of rock, snow, and debris roars toward Everest Base Camp in Nepal before slamming into to the southern part of the camp at midday on April 25, 2015, killing at least 22 people. The avalanche was triggered by a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that killed more than 8,000 people in the country. Rescue helicopters managed to reach the site about 18 hours after the avalanche as bad weather, aftershocks and fears of further avalanches rattled survivors. At the time of the disaster, the 5,364-meter-high Base Camp was teeming with hundreds of climbers and supporting teams who use the base to prepare their ascent to the peak of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth. Daily Life, third prize winner, singles. Into the Light. Raheleh, who was born blind, stands behind a window in the morning. She likes the warmness of the sunlight on her face. Photographed north of Tehran, Iran, on November 12, 2015. Contemporary Issues, first prize winner, singles. Haze in China. a city in northern China shrouded in haze on December 10, 2015, in Tianjin, China. Contemporary Issues, third prize winner, singles. Lamon Reccord stares down a police sergeant during a protest following the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald by police in Chicago, Illinois, on November 25, 2015. Sports, first prize winner, singles. Czech Republic's Ondrej Bank crashes during the downhill race of the Alpine Combined at the FIS World Championships in Beaver Creek, Colorado, on February 8, 2015. Long-Term Projects, first prize winner, stories. From Sexual Assault in America's Military, Debra Filter joined the US Army in 1978 and went through boot camp at Fort Ord, Georgia. In those days, the women trained just like the men did. Her drill sergeants were Vietnam vets and "wanted to make sure all the recruits felt a piece of Vietnam. A lot of it was a "Full Metal Jacket" experience," she says. Debra and several other women recruits were raped at the party they were forced to attend upon graduation. "We didn't realize it was for women and that a great many of us were going to be raped." "I wanted to make the military my career. Rape stopped my career, stopped any dreams I ever had." Her PTSD festered and Debra eventually left the military with an honorable discharge. Though educated with a Masters Degree, she has been homeless for 10 years and has battled the VA for benefits for 30 years. She left Las Vegas when the VA pulled her benefits. Debra thinks it was in retaliation for her homeless activism. She says the teardrop tattoo under her eye is a symbol of how the VA tried to kill her. She has been in and out of shelters in LA and now has a housing voucher for a studio apartment in Korea-town in Los Angeles, CA. Long-Term Projects, first prize winner, stories. From Sexual Assault in America's Military, U.S. Army Specialist Natasha Schuette, 21, was pressured not to report being assaulted by her drill sergeant during basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Though she was hazed by her assailants fellow drill instructors, she refused to back down and Staff Sgt. Louis Corral is now serving four years in prison for assaulting her and four other female trainees. The U.S. Army rewarded Natasha for her courage to report her assault and the Sexual Harassment/ Assault Response & Prevention office distributed a training video featuring her story. She is now stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Daily Life, second prize winner, stories. From Bliss Dharma Assembly, Tibetan prayer flags, known as Lung-ta, on a hillside in the Larung Valley of Sertar County, Sichuan Province, China, on October 30, 2015. Tibetan Buddhists take part in the annual Bliss Dharma Assembly. The last of four annual assemblies, the week-long annual gathering takes place in the ninth month of the Tibetan calendar and marks Buddha's descent from the heavens. Daily Life, second prize winner, stories. From Bliss Dharma Assembly, Tibetan Buddhist nomads listen during the annual Bliss Dharma Assembly in Sertar county on October 31, 2015. Nature, third prize winner, stories. From Chameleon Under Pressure, a juvenile Furcifer balteatus in a recently burned landscape in Madagascar on November 16, 2014. Fires are often deadly for chameleons, because they can't move fast enough to escape them. The common practice of burning the landscape at the end of every dry season has affected many species of chameleons, both directly via fatalities due to burning and indirectly due to habitat loss. Madagascar holds more than half of the world's chameleon species; however, as a result of deforestation causing habitat loss, 50 percent of the chameleon species is endangered. People, second prize winner, stories. From La Maya Tradition, a Maya girl sits in an altar during the traditional celebration of Las Mayas on the streets of the small village of Colmenar Viejo, near Madrid, Spain, on May 2, 2015. Young girls between the age of 7 and 11 are chosen every year as Maya for the Las Mayas, a festival derived from pagan rites celebrating the arrival of spring, in the town of Colmenar Viejo, Spain. The girls are required to sit still for a couple of hours in a decorated altar. Sports, first prize winner, stories. From Vetluga's Hockey, A player from the junior team from the village Sharanga is expected to yield to the ice on February 19, 2015. Players of an amateur hockey team in provincial Russia before, during and after a game in the regional championship in Vetluga, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Russia. Nature, first prize winner, singles. From Storm Front on Bondi Beach, A massive cloud tsunami looms over Sydney as a sunbather reads, oblivious to the approaching cloud on Bondi Beach, on November 6, 2015. People, third prize winner, singles. From Lost Family Portraits, a portrait of a Syrian refugee family in a camp in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, on December 15, 2015. The empty chair in the photograph represents a family member who has either died in the war or whose whereabouts are unknown. Nature, second prize winner, singles. Whale Whisperers. divers observe and surround a humpback whale and her newborn calf while they swim around Roca Partida in the Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico, on January 28, 2015. People, first prize winner, singles. Waiting to Register. A child is covered with a raincoat while she waits in line to register at a refugee camp in Presevo, Serbia, on October 7, 2015. Sports, second prize winner, stories. From The Gris-gris Wrestlers of Senegal, BB Bisma Ndoye defeats the wrestler Maraka Dji in the Demba Diop stadium in Dakar, Senegal, on April 5, 2015. These tournaments resemble a festival including dance performances, music, and wrestling shows. People, first prize winner, stories. Exposure. The worlds worst nuclear accident happened on 26 April 1986 at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Just 5 months after the disaster, a girl was born in Kiev just 100 km south from Chernobyl. The wind included a great amount of radioactive elements, and the girl became one of the victims of the tragedy. This series of pictures represent the last 30 years of the life of that invisible girl. All pictures taken on old Ukrainian color negative films, which were found in the city of Pripyat, located 5 km from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Recently, I just realized that I was not guilty. This is nobody's fault. I'm working on it, and everything is much better. I understand that all the worst is over, and now I'm trying to reestablish contact with my parents. They thought that I grew up very strong and independent. But it is not so. Now its like I just came back to life and I'm a child again. Its interesting for me to touch, feel, play, go on a picnic. I just learned how to ride a bike this year." General News, third prize winner, singles. Tianjin Explosion. Aerial view of the destruction after the explosion in Tianjin, China, on August 15, 2015. Daily Life, first prize winner, singles. China's Coal Addiction. Chinese men pull a tricycle in a neighborhood next to a coal-fired power plant in Shanxi, China, on November 26, 2015. A history of heavy dependence on burning coal for energy has made China the source of nearly a third of the world's total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, widely cited by scientists and environmentalists as the primary cause of global warming. Contemporary Issues, first prize winner, stories. Talibes, Modern-day Slaves. Abdoulaye, 15, is a talibe imprisoned in a room with security bars to keep him from running away, on May 18, 2015. The series portrays the plight of Talibes, boys who live at Islamic schools known as Daaras in Senegal. Under the pretext of receiving a Quranic education, they are forced to beg in the streets while their religious guardians, or Marabout, collect their daily earnings. They often live in squalor and are abused and beaten. Long-Term Projects, third prize winner, stories. From North Korea: Life in the Cult of Kim. At dusk, the skyline of central Pyongyang, North Korea, on April 12, 2011. North Korea has been one of the most isolated and least understood countries. Few outsiders have ever had a glimpse of the country and there have been very few independent photographs ever made there. This series documents urban and rural North Korea, capturing the daily life of its citizens, military events and ceremonies. Long-Term Projects, third prize winner, stories. From North Korea: Life in the Cult of Kim. North Korean children perform at the Pyongyang Kyongsang Kindergarten. North Korea has been one of the most isolated and least understood countries. Few outsiders have ever had a glimpse of the country and there have been very few independent photographs ever made there. This series documents urban and rural North Korea, capturing the daily life of its citizens, military events and ceremonies. Spot News, second prize winner, singles. March Against Terrorism in Paris. Demonstration against terrorism in Paris, after a series of five attacks occurred across the Ile-de-France region, beginning at the headquarters for satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, on January 11, 2015. Tough Times for Orangutans. Nature, first prize winner, stories. A Sumatran orangutan threatens another nearby male in the Batang Toru Forest, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia, on March 17, 2014. The project covers the lives of wild orangutans, as threats from fires, the illegal animal trade and loss of habitat due to deforestation have resulted in many orphan orangutans ending up at rehabilitation centers. Contemporary Issues, second prize winner, stories. From In the Same Boat, migrants climb on board of a rescue ship by Doctors without Borders to escape their sinking rubber dinghy on August 21, 2015. The series covers Libyan migrants being rescued by the international medical relief organization Doctors Without Borders in the Mediterranean Sea. Nature, second prize winner, stories. From Ivory Wars, a Lords Resistance Army (LRA) fighter holds two ivory tusks on November 17, 2014. Ivory is a means of financing the LRA and is used for both food and weapon supplies. Series portraying the armed groups that profit most from the illegal ivory trade and the people at the frontline of the war against them, as well as others affected. In the case of the specific armed groups, the sale of ivory benefits the Lords Resistance Army, The Seleka Rebels of Central African Republic, the Janjaweed of Sudan and the F.D.L.R rebels who base themselves inside Virunga National Park in the DRC. General News, first prize winner, stories. From Reporting Europe's Refugee Crisis, refugees arrive by boat near the village of Skala on Lesbos, Greece, on November 16, 2015. Spot News, third prize winner, stories. From Broken Border, a refugee man holds a crying girl as others rush through broken down border fences to enter Turkish territory on June 14, 2015. The series covers Syrians fleeing the war as they rush through broken down border fences to enter Turkish territory illegally, near the Turkish border crossing at Akcakale in Sanliurfa province. Ron Baker shoots over Nick Zeisloft as Hanner Mosquera-Perea and Rashard Kelly battle for position under basket at the NCAA 2015 Mens Basketball Tournament game with Wichita State versus Indiana at the CenturyLink Center. Erison Turay, center right, helps referee a practice sudden-death shootout with women members of the Ebola Survivors Football Club, on a field near his house, in the city of Kenema, 190 miles east of the capital Freetown, Sierra Leone Erison Turay founded the Ebola Survivors Football Club to support survivors, after 38 members of his family had died. A member of a German research team counts the number of penguin species and pairs as part of ongoing research on bird and penguin species in Antarctica. Chilean, Chinese and Russian research teams in Antartica seek to explore commercial opportunities that will arise once the treaties protecting the continent for scientific purposes expire. The winter expedition crew of Russian research team and a Chilean scientist drink Samagon, a homemade vodka, in a bedroom of the Bellingshausen Antarctica base. Chilean, Chinese and Russian research teams in Antartica seek to explore commercial opportunities that will arise once the treaties protecting the continent for scientific purposes expire. Balla Gaye releases pigeons in the stadium of Demba Diop before a fight against wrestler Emeu Sene. The release of the pigeons is a mystic ritual which should bring luck. About Me Jeanne Lyet Gassman I am a freelance writer with awards for my fiction and creative nonfiction. I hold an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and teach classes and writing workshops in the Phoenix metro area. My work has appeared in Hermeneutic Chaos, Red Savina Review, The Museum of Americana, Switchback, Barrelhouse, and Literary Mama, among others. My award-winning debut novel, BLOOD OF A STONE, was released by Tuscany Press, March 2015. View my complete profile Blog Archive Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off they works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Romans 13:10, 11, 12 We are halfway through February and really, the weather hasnt been all that bad, in retrospect. Either I have February blahs, or then I am just intrinsically lazy. I do tend to be affected by the weather, whatever the reason may be. At this point, I dont seem to be affected by Spring fever. I am too cold. Although, the temperature is fairly mild. It is above freezing, in the lower forties, actually, as I write this. And it does get daylight earlier mornings, and definitely stays light much longer evenings. I keep hearing a meadow lark singing its cheery song. Im ready for warmer weather, but not for the work that will go with it. I still have too many unfinished projects. One huge one is The Quilt! It just doesnt finish itself. It seems I always have such a small window of time to work on it. But Ill get there. I have to think of the story we had back in the day of when I was in the lower grades in school. I believe it was a crow that kept dropping pebbles in a pitcher of water until the water level came up enough so that he could get a drink. The moral of the story was, little by little does the trick. Uh-oh, I think the goat next door should apply the same system. He is almost standing on his head to get a drink out of the tank. On my way to and fro, daily, with the same old, same old route, I notice things. Most of the time. Sometimes my thoughts are miles away, or than Im just blank. I have wondered if I could just turn Diamond loose and he would go to HCK and stand by the hitch rack. Anyway, as I passed by this one farm, I noticed one boy hauling manure. Nothing unusual about that. All farmers do it. But usually with a big spreader with at least four horses pulling it. What caught my eye on this, it was in miniature. The skid he was using to load was dwarfing the team and spreader. Im sure one scoop of the skid filled the spreader. It was an outfit like I always dreamed of owning back in the day when I had a committee of three, me, myself and I and we belonged to the MNA, manure movers of America. It was my job to clean out the pens when we raised exotic birds and animals. I also cleaned out the horse stalls. I really didnt mind. I just always dreamed of owning a small outfit like that. I just used a scoop and a wheelbarrow. Sometimes now I feel like a wheel barrow, I dont get anywhere unless Im pushed! My mom had a to-do list for her children, Im not sure what all she had on there, but I decided to add to it. The one thing I was really excited about that it would finally happen, but you guessed it. It didnt. Happen that is. I have wanted lights above my sink for ever so long, but we had a glitch in the system. So maybe next time. Sisters Louise and Dale Kauffman and Barb and Elmer Gingerich were out to do the honors. We really appreciated what they did for our mom and us. Maybe next time Ill get the lights. Railside School had a Scavenger hunt for the children. I expect it was to help with the winter doldrums. At any rate, they had two teams. Our grandchildren, Galen and Lynetta were on the winning team. They won by a hair. Probably by the twelve inch horse hair they were supposed to find. It really wasnt about winning to get a prize, more like just the thrill of the chase, or in this case the hunt. The whole school will get a prize. It is a surprise and I wont find out what it is until next week. They had thirty-five items to find. A few of the unique items were a pair of wooden shoes, an old-fashioned slat bonnet, a marriage license dated before 1950, someones grandmothers wedding dress, an old wood block planer, a corn husking knife, or whatever its called, Abe Lincolns signature. As far as I know, all the items were found. In closing: How will you ever know whether your faith is weak or strong unless it is tried and tested? This weeks recipe is a snack time recipe. And who doesnt like snacks? Fried Cheese Balls with Chili Mayonnaise 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 cup find bread crumbs 5 drops Worcestershire sauce 1 egg, beaten Vegetable oil, for frying Chili Mayonnaise 1 cup mayonnaise 6 Tbsp. chili sauce 1 tsp. lemon juice 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper or chopped, brined hot peppers To make cheese balls: cover cooling rack with 3 layers of paper towels. In bowl, combine cheese, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce and beaten egg. Roll dough into balls about 1-inch in diameter. Set aside. To make chili mayonnaise: combine mayonnaise, chili sauce, lemon juice, salt and cayenne pepper in bowl and mix well Cover and chill until ready to use. 1. Comments must not be racist, misogynistic, homophobic, or otherwise bigoted. 2. Comments must not involve little more than name-calling and insulting remarks. 3. Comments must not be made by "anonymous" or "unknown". 4. Comments must not try to sneak in some free advertising for themselves (like spam). I invite anyone who wishes to comment on this blog to do so. I enjoy the comments, whether you agree with what I have said or not. But some people want to abuse the right to comment, and since this is my blog, I have decided to lay down the following rules. If your comment violates these rules, it will not be published. Job Description For over 70 years, Plan International unites and inspires people around the globe to transform the world and make positive lasting changes in childrens lives through the active involvement of children, and working at the grassroots with no religious, political or governmental affiliation. Plan International is looking for Finance Officer to play a vital role in our mission to achieve lasting improvements in the quality of life of deprived children in developing countries. Working with the team, the post holder Manages entering office disbursement, receipts and journal and safeguarding of these documents which are growing tremendously year after year. To be successful, you need to have BA Degree Accounting and three to five years Professional experience. Our vision is of a world in which all children realise their full potential in societies that respect peoples rights and dignity. Working with us, you will be entitled to a wide range of employee benefits, such as Monthly Transportation Allowance, Monthly Pension & PF Contribution of 15% of basic salary, Annual Medical Allowance, 24 hours GPA Insurance and others. Plan also provides a number of capacity development opportunities to its employees including Talent Management Programme. Job Requirements To be successful, you need to have BA Degree Accounting and three to five years Professional experience. Closing date: Mar 07, 2016 Your rating: none Rating: 0 0 votes How to Apply The closing date for the application is March 7, 2016. Qualified candidates should submit the application form found with this link http://docs.ethiojobs.net/Plan_Int_Application_Form.docx through www.Ethiojobs.net We only short list those applicants who send the complete application form. We do not accept CVs and other supporting documents at this stage Please note: in order to apply for this role you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in Ethiopia. Thank you in advance for your interest in this position. Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted by Plan for follow-up. More information about Plan can be found on http:// plan-international.org Child Protection Policy: References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out for the successful candidate in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. 28 total views, 28 today Just Another Alaskan Randomly Ranting Along... The Legislature on Monday shelved Sen. Laura Ebke's resolution calling for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution that would impose limits on the power of the federal government. Senators voted 25-18 to send the proposal (LR35) back to the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, effectively removing it from the agenda for the rest of the legislative session. Opposition to the proposal centered on fears of a runaway convention that might move beyond the agenda proposed in the resolution and attempt to change other portions of the Constitution. Ebke's proposal, a carbon copy of resolutions introduced in other state legislatures, seeks to limit topics that could be considered to imposition of fiscal restraints on the federal government, limitation of federal power and limiting the terms of federal officeholders. While she acknowledged fears expressed by opponents, Ebke asked, "Is this the time to take a risk or not?" If "a rogue element" tried to take control of a convention, the Crete senator said, "it would be stopped in pretty short order." "We shouldn't live in fear of the incredibly unlikely," Ebke said. Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha offered the motion to send the measure back to committee, promising to use the 12 hours of filibuster time available during a proposal's progression through three legislative floor stages if it remained in play. Chambers described the proposal as "lamebrained, inflammatory, demeaning and insulting" in its language attacking the federal government. Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln raised the possibility of a runaway convention operating in essentially uncharted waters. "Once we open the door, we will not be able to close the door," he said, and conceivably "everything could be on the table." Sen. Curt Friesen of Henderson said the fact that Donald Trump is the leading Republican presidential candidate -- "you've got to be kidding me," he interjected -- demonstrates the anger that is loose in the country. "Maybe it's time to put pressure on Congress" by supporting such a resolution, he said. Two-thirds of states would have to agree to summon a convention, and three-fourths of states would need to ratify any proposed amendments. Ebke conducted 33 town halls throughout Nebraska to discuss her proposal in advance of the 2016 legislative session. In a bid to demonstrate the state's commitment to meet Offutt Air Force Base's needs, three state senators on Monday proposed appropriation of $13.7 million to fund improvement of levees that protect the installation from potential flooding. The proposed amendment to a bill left over from the 2015 legislative session was offered by Sen. Heath Mello of Omaha, chairman of the Appropriations Committee. Mello scheduled a hearing on the amendment in his committee on Feb. 29. Gov. Pete Ricketts immediately expressed his support for the proposal. "Proactively budgeting for the levee project demonstrates Nebraska's commitment to Offutt Air Force Base," the governor said. "This amendment will ensure the project is funded and completed in a timely manner." Potentially at stake is a Department of Defense commitment to fund a new runway at Offutt and retain the 55th Wing and its 5,500 military and civilian jobs at the base near Bellevue. The Air Force already has committed to repair and reconstruct the deteriorating runway at Offutt, but the extent of runway replacement remains indefinite. A $7.5 million appropriation is contained in the 2016 federal spending package. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Lincoln, whose congressional district includes Offutt, has been working with Ricketts, Rep. Brad Ashford of Omaha and Rep. Adrian Smith of Gering as a team to try to assure retention of the 55th Wing, which has a global reconnaissance and intelligence mission. Originally, state legislators had planned to seek a grant from Nebraska's water sustainability fund to provide for the Offutt levees. But the proposed amendment would provide a more direct and secure route to immediately obtain the needed funding. Two Cambridge High School students have been charged with felony child abuse for a June 30 incident that allegedly involved a freshman being forced to eat doughnuts off the older boys genitalia while others watched. The Nebraska Attorney Generals Office filed juvenile petitions against the two Cambridge High seniors on Feb. 9 in Adams County Court. The incident is alleged to have happened during a summer wrestling camp at Hastings College. The Nebraska State Patrol investigated after the incident came to the attention of authorities and school officials in late August. Cambridge Public Schools Superintendent Robert Gregory said the district is aware that charges have been filed and continues its work to educate students on hazing issues. We will continue to support the entire student body and of course the victims of this alleged crime," he said in an emailed statement Monday. Adams County Attorney Donna Fegler Daiss declined to prosecute the incident as hazing, saying in October that Nebraska law says such incidents must involve post-secondary organizations, such as fraternities and sororities. She said she wasn't charging them with sexual assault because it would be difficult to prove the teenagers performed the act for sexual gratification. The incident prompted state Sen. Dan Hughes of Venango to introduce a bill (LB710) earlier this year that would broaden state hazing laws. Hughes has made the measure his priority bill, which means it likely will be debated this session. Gregory said the students involved in the incident have been punished by the school district but would not elaborate. One of the students who was criminally charged and his parents have filed a petition seeking to get his expulsion for this semester of school overturned and removed from his scholastic record. The appeal was filed on Dec. 29 in Furnas County District Court. Gregory declined to comment on the appeal. A description of the incident included in the court documents says several members of the Cambridge wrestling team were in a dorm room at Hastings College on June 30. They had bought snacks earlier in the day, including doughnuts. There was some discussion about initiating, and the atmosphere in the room led the freshmen to feel they had no choice, court documents say. An attorney for one of the boys declined comment, as did the attorney general's office. An attorney for the other could not be reached. Sabah Randhawa was in between flights at Denver International Airport Saturday with his wife Uzma Ahmad when he sat down next to a doctoral student from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. As one of four finalists being considered for the chancellor position at UNL, Randhawa said it was a happy coincidence. "We said, 'tell us about the university, tell us where you hang out, tell us about life in Lincoln,'" he said Monday following a series of forums with students, faculty and staff members at the Nebraska Union. Randhawa, 62, and his wife toured Lincoln in a rental car and enjoyed an unseasonably warm Sunday in February. On Monday Randhawa was front and center in meetings and receptions focused on his experience at Oregon State University, where he serves as provost and executive vice president, and his vision for UNL over the next decade. A leader who believes in building communities, Randhawa said he would use existing partnerships and build new ones to make UNL a national model when it comes to student success rates. "Leadership is really about relationships and the trust one can build with communities and the people we serve," he said. Like UNL, Oregon State -- where Randhawa has worked as a faculty member, department chair and administrator since 1993 -- has implemented programs that identify struggling students to get them the help they need, while also creating programs that reach students outside of the classroom. Randhawa said it was also important to build a network within the campus borders to recognize diversity and include students of every race, ethnicity, religion, gender and sex. UNL should also focus on doubling its research portfolio, which totals $278 million, and its impact on the local and global stage in the next 10 years, Randhawa said. By repositioning itself as a "global land-grant university," UNL would be able to lead in a number of areas important not only to Nebraskans, but to people around the world -- areas like food and water security, energy and combating climate change. That will take partnering with state lawmakers to ensure a "solid foundation" of appropriations continues into the future, as well as leaders in the private sector who provide research funding and prop up initiatives that allow UNL to be a leader in those areas. Randhawa said Nebraska is already at an advantage. While U.S. public institutions have, on average, cut budgets by 15 percent since the last recession, and Oregon State cut its budget by 23 percent, state funding for Nebraska's largest university has remained largely intact. Randhawa, who was born in Pakistan, said he approaches leadership as a community building exercise. By building a team, delegating responsibilities and then holding those team members accountable, he expects to accomplish the goals expected by the university's key stakeholders. Randhawa has been a finalist for two other jobs in recent years at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the University of Vermont. What has been important for me at OSU, and I think it would be important at UNL, is to have a leadership team aligned around the goals we are trying to accomplish, he said. Who owns what is a secondary goal. "As a leader, I have a responsibility to make sure there is an end to the process and, in fact, there are deliverables at the end of the day." The other finalists -- UNL senior vice chancellor Ronnie Green, Kansas State University provost April Mason and University of Iowa vice president Daniel Reed -- will take part in similar forums over the next two weeks. NU president Hank Bounds will then choose a successor to retiring UNL chancellor Harvey Perlman. Get caught this summer shooting off bottle rockets or burning your fingers with wire sparklers -- both illegal -- and youll likely face a hefty fine. The Lincoln City Council is considering raising the fine for illegal fireworks from the current $25 to a range between $100 to $500. Its a fine city leaders hope will make more people think twice before investing in block-long firecracker chains or boxes of cherry bombs. Councilman Roy Christensen discussed raising the fine in August when the council banned flying lanterns, the cause of several fires in recent years. These would be covered by the higher fine. That ban is now statewide. The Legislature on Thursday also voted to ban flying lanterns, also called sky lanterns, floating lanterns and Chinese lanterns, and the governor is expected to sign it. The proposed fine increase is part of a package of cleanup ordinance changes scheduled for public hearing at Mondays 3 p.m. council meeting. State law limits firework fines to $500, said Christensen, who hopes higher fines and increased enforcement will change Lincoln's Fourth of July climate, where illegal fireworks are as common as crabgrass in the backyard. Those who sell and those who buy and use illegal fireworks would be subject to the fine, though local officials say they seldom have trouble with the 60 to 70 licensed firework vendors in Lincoln. Out on the streets in early July its a different story. People are getting illegal fireworks from out-of-state stores, off the Internet or from the local illegal sellers, said Bill Moody, Lincolns chief fire inspector. Last year the city issued 29 citations for illegal fireworks, according to Public Safety Director Tom Casady. One way to distinguish between what's legal and illegal is packaging. Consumer grade fireworks generally come in pretty, flamboyant packaging, said Moody. The illegal fireworks generally come in brown paper wrapping, with no eye candy, so to speak, he said. Nebraska and Lincoln follow the federal designation, allowing consumer-grade fireworks -- anything that has a 1.4 label on it, Moody said. The illegal fireworks are more dangerous, said Moody. And some are exceptionally dangerous. Consumer-grade aerials are generally two inches in diameter, shoot into the air and send off sparks and colors, with a bang. Commercial-grade aerials shells can be up to 16 inches in diameter and if set off in or by a car, would destroy that car, he said. Sale and use of these explosive devices is more than a misdemeanor and fine. It's a felony, Moody said. The stiffer fines also apply to people caught setting off fireworks outside the official season. In Lincoln fireworks may be used on July 3 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and July 4 from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., and they can only be sold July 3 and 4. On a recent Friday in a federal courtroom in Lincoln, a federal judge spoke critically about the 10-year sentence he was on the verge of handing down to the Lincoln man, a nonviolent, recovering meth user. U.S. District Judge John Gerrard's hands were tied. "The only reason I'm imposing the sentence that I am imposing today is because I have to," he told Leo Guthmiller III on Feb. 12. "That's what Congress mandates." He called Guthmiller, the man at the defense table, Exhibit A for why Congress should pass the Smart on Crime Act. Last June, in a similar case, he called Robyn Hamilton the poster child for it. In both of the cases, Gerrard, a former Nebraska Supreme Court justice nominated to the federal bench by President Barack Obama in 2011, said the sentence didn't fit the crime. There should be imprisonment, he said, but 10 years in cases like these is ridiculous, draconian even. *** In Washington, D.C., lawmakers soon will consider legislation that would give federal judges like him more discretion in sentencing low-level, nonviolent offenders. A bipartisan measure, S 2123, titled the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, advanced from the Senate's Judiciary Committee on a 15-5 vote back in October. There's a similar bill, HR 3713, in the House. In prepared remarks to a law enforcement group earlier this month, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, called the Senate bill a compromise that "shows that senators from both sides of the aisle and senators from different political perspectives can come together to address a serious problem in a reasonable and responsible way." He said the bill would recalibrate and rebalance mandatory minimum sentences so that law enforcement could continue to use them to target violent, repeat offenders, but judges would have more discretion in sentencing low-level, nonviolent offenders. On Feb. 8, just four days before Gerrard sentenced Guthmiller in Lincoln, Grassley and Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., co-sponsors of the bill, released a joint statement saying they were moving ahead to get a bill ready to be considered on the Senate floor. But, as of yet, Nebraska's congressional delegation doesn't appear to have taken positions on the legislation. Sen. Ben Sasse's office declined to comment; and Sen. Deb Fischer's press secretary, Brianna Puccini, said Fischer "is now closely reviewing the proposal as it works its way through the legislative process." In the House, Rep. Adrian Smith said he was open to re-examining the effectiveness of current policies. "When criminal sentences do not make sense to those handing them down, we know we must take a closer look at the situation," Smith said. Rep. Brad Ashford said he looks forward to reviewing the legislation, once the bill comes out of the House Judiciary Committee. And Rep. Jeff Fortenberry said simply, "If you want to know about meth, ask the rural sheriffs. This drug and others are the primary sources of crime in rural communities." *** Robyn Hamilton was living in Hartington, a northeast Nebraska town of 1,500 about 25 miles from Yankton, South Dakota, when she was federally indicted in April 2013. She had just finished working a double shift at the nursing home and got home a little after 6 one morning to find three men waiting to arrest her. She went to jail in her scrubs. After six days in jail in Council Bluffs, Iowa, she was released, "anxious but positive the outcome would turn out in my favor," she wrote in an email from federal prison in Texas this week. She said she continued her life as if nothing was wrong, working and raising two young boys. "I was living a clean life, being a good mother, and working full-time as a nurse's aide," Hamilton said. She admits she's a recovering user, but she always denied being part of a conspiracy to distribute drugs in northeast Nebraska. She never was caught with meth, but three people, facing indictments of their own, testified at trial against her, in deals with prosecutors and ID'd a picture of the house Hamilton rented as a place where they dropped off and picked up drugs. One of the witnesses, a former friend Hamilton did meth with, said she was her partner and shared in the money. Hamilton's sister, Rochelle Klug, sat through trial and said it didn't square up with what she knew of her sister. Where was the money? Hamilton said, "When I got the guilty verdict my sister began to cry, as well as the rest of my family, but I stayed positive." She said she had been well on her way with goals and a life plan, accepted into nursing school. "Instead, I ended up in Bryan, Texas," at a federal prison camp for women inmates, Hamilton said. Her family dropped her off there Aug. 27. Before this, she had been in jail for a total of two weeks on two misdemeanor DUIs in her 20s. She's 32 now. Hamilton said the hardest part is being away from her sons, who are 6 and 7. She calls four or five times a week and writes letters and sends cards. But it's tough for her and for them. "It hurts to think of being away from them for so long," she said. She prays that one day her sentence will be reduced and said she wants lawmakers to know how harsh and unfair mandatory minimum sentencing is. *** At her sentencing in Omaha on June 18, Gerrard called Hamilton a poster child for why the 10-year mandatory minimum sentences are not a proper fit and don't work in all drug conspiracy cases. He told Hamilton she wasn't an innocent person, but had a minimal role in the conspiracy with some idea of what was going on around the edges. "And a short but certain prison sentence would be most appropriate in this type of case," the judge said. Two old DUIs and a drug paraphernalia ticket meant she was suddenly facing 10 years. Gerrard said he was obligated to follow the law as Congress has set forth and he did. Hamilton's long-term boyfriend, Ryan Saylor, said he doesn't remember ever being so pleased with a judge as he was that day. He'd sat through the trial and thought there was no way 12 people in their right mind would think she was guilty. "I know for a fact it wasn't true. I was there every day," Saylor said. He and Hamilton lived together during the alleged conspiracy, which started right before they met and continued after. Saylor is taking care of Hamilton's boys now, with the help of their grandma. Three weeks after they dropped off Hamilton in Texas, he said, they were handling it well but too young to understand the full effect. They went to visit close to Christmas. Klug, Hamilton's sister, said we've all got our demons. Her sister admitted she did meth, she said, "but her past shouldn't be brought back like this." She said the feds told her sister if she would give them information she could get less time. "Robyn didn't know anything. She didn't know anybody," Klug said. Frustrated with what she saw happen to her sister, she sent emails to Smith and Fischer, but only Smith's went through. Saylor agreed, saying: "The mandatory minimum sentence thing has got to go." *** Back in the Lincoln courtroom on Feb. 12, federal public defender John Vanderslice said Guthmiller got arrested June 20, 2013, at a Lincoln Walmart with a small amount of methamphetamine on him, got accepted into the Lancaster County Drug Court on the state charge and has been clean and sober ever since. Guthmiller thought drugs were in his past, then, in 2015, he was federally indicted for being part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Lincoln back in 2013 for introducing people who were buying and selling it and sometimes getting a cut for it. He pleaded guilty. "This war on drugs that we are waging in this country with mandatory minimum sentences as applied to a person like Mr. Guthmiller, it's tragic," Vanderslice said at the sentencing. He said it's turned Guthmiller's life upside down. An emotional Guthmiller apologized for all his past transactions "and everything that's led me to this moment in my life." "I have worked really hard to turn my life around," he said. "And I'm proud to say that even with all this present stuff facing me that I will continue to do so." Then, Gerrard handed down his sentence, saying there "should be just punishment, respect for the law. But a 10-year sentence is absolutely ridiculous in a case like this. But there may be another day in court at some point in time." He allowed Guthmiller to report to prison in April. The transportation infrastructure bank proposed by Gov. Pete Ricketts and given broad support at a public hearing is a great idea. The governors plan to pull $150 million out of the states rainy day fund to get the bank started is not. To be prudent, state officials need to find other sources of funding. The critical need for more spending on infrastructure deserves to be emphasized. The point was underscored last week by the annual report showing that Nebraska ranks fifth in the country with 2,474 structurally deficient bridges that need repair, according to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association. Locally, officials are forced to close bridges occasionally because there is no money available to repair or replace them. In October, for example, Lancaster County Engineer Pam Dingman closed a bridge, built in 1963, at Southwest 98th Street and West Pioneer Boulevard. Dirt around the bridges deteriorating wooden pilings kept washing away. It was no longer safe. The average cost of replacing a single bridge is $1 million, Lancaster County Commissioner Bill Avery told members of the Legislatures Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. And Lancaster County has 20 bridges in need of major repairs, as well as 20 that are structurally obsolete. Averys testimony was echoed by other county commissioners, mayors, contractors, economic developers and other representatives from all across Nebraska who packed the hearing room to support LB960, the bill introduced by Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion to create the infrastructure bank. But even though the need is critical and the infrastructure bank would help jump start the economy as one testifier put it, senators need to find another source of up-front funding. The Appropriations Committees preliminary budget would leave the state more than $100 million short of the two-month cushion recommended by the Government Finance Officers Association by fiscal 2018/19. It would be more than $50 million short of the smaller cash reserve recommended by the Legislatures own fiscal office. And thats before taking any money out for the transportation infrastructure bank. The worth of a sufficient cash reserve was demonstrated in the financial meltdown in 2008. And even that help would not have been adequate without the infusion of federal stimulus funding. This recent lesson in financial conservatism should not be so quickly forgotten. State senators ought to resist short-term temptation and leave the taxpayers money safe and secure in the cash reserve. RACINE Austin Feest probably wont complain about much after spending 10 days in the northern African nation of Liberia. The Racine resident was part of a mission trip undertaken by the First United Methodist Church, 745 Main St., earlier this month. And Feest on Sunday told his fellow church members that the 5,323-mile trip and mission was profoundly moving. I cant begin to explain what this trip meant to me, he said before church services Sunday. It was probably the greatest experience of my life. I saw children that were struggling each and every day, but they got up and went to school and got on with their lives, Feest said. It was a very eye-opening experience. First United Methodist Pastor Jakes Voker and his wife, Esther who are from Liberia along with seven church members from Racine, Milwaukee and Madison spent 10 days in Liberia repairing buildings, fixing utilities, providing medical care and sharing their faith. The group left Chicagos OHare Airport Jan. 21 and arrived in the Liberian capitol of Monrovia the next day after 22 hours in the air. They spent the next 10 days helping wherever and whenever they could. Dr. Ellen Spiering of Racine and several other group members assisted doctors and nurses at Ganta United Methodist Hospital. The hospital the only major health institution in Liberias northern region provides general surgery, HIV/AIDS and diabetes treatment and dental and eye care. The facility has five physicians, five lab technicians, 11 midwives, 50 nurses and 54 nurse aides. There certainly is no shortage of patients, Spiering said. The nurses there do so much with so little, she told church members. Its like having a pothole the size of a semi truck and trying to cover it with a Band-Aid. Other group members worked at the Jabez School, which was started by the Vokers in 2006 and today serves almost 200 students. The group members painted school buildings, re-arranged the library, tutored students, repaired termite-damaged doors and fixed a water well that had stopped functioning. Liberia started as a settlement for free blacks in 1847. It is the oldest African republic and the only one to proclaim independence without gaining it through revolt from another nation. But two recent civil wars left 500,000 people dead or homeless and devastated the economy. A peace agreement in 2003 led to democratic elections in 2005. Recovery proceeds, but about 85 percent of the population lives below the international poverty line. I knew people who had been there and had seen pictures, but nothing that was showed me or told me prepared me for what I saw, said volunteer August Grulich. Wars have ravaged buildings and there is a real lack of industry. People were selling anything sticks of gum and water in the street to make money for the families. It was a life-changing experience. RACINE Unionized Racine police officers would see their base wages increase by 2 percent between July 1 of this year and July 1 of next year under a wage reopener agreement backed 4-0 by the City Councils Finance and Personnel Committee on Monday. The tentative deal comes about a year after the approval of nearly identical, three-year contracts between the city and the police and firefighters unions. In the agreements, passed by aldermen in October 2014, the unions agreed to forgo raises in 2015 and take on additional expenses such as higher health care costs, and state pension contributions in exchange for wage reopener provisions. Those provisions gave the unions the right to call the city back to the bargaining table to discuss possible wage increases in 2016 and 2017. Under the proposed wage reopener deal with the Racine Police Association, the unions 160 to 165 members would see their base wages increase by 1 percent on July 1. Their wages would then increase by another 0.5 percent on Jan. 1, 2017, and then again by 0.5 percent on July 1, 2017. The agreement resolves both the 2016 and 2017 wage reopener positions, said City Attorney Scott Letteney, which means the RPA cannot call the city back to the table to ask for another wage increase next year. The wage increases are expected to cost the city $71,160 this year and $151,706 next year, Letteney said. Letteney said it was his understanding that there is room in the Police Departments 2016 budget to absorb the cost of the wage increase. As for next years increase, that will be a different story, City Administrator Tom Friedel said. Step increases In addition to the base wage increases, the contract also calls for some small changes to the step increases new patrol officers receive as they move up the pay schedule within the position. Under the agreement, the parties agreed to change the amount of time between the pay bumps from a step increase severy six months for the first two years, to step increase every 12 months for the first four years. In exchange for that adjustment, the wage increases the officers get with every step would gradually increase by 37 cents per hour between July 1 of this year and July 1, 2019. Letteney called the changes cost neutral. They are giving up one thing in the contract to get something else, he said. Approval The committee and administration officials met in closed session for about 15 minutes on Monday to discuss the agreement before returning to the open session to vote. Members of the committee have been kept abreast of the administrations negotiation with the union since late last year. The proposed agreement now moves on the full City Council for final consideration on March 1. The tentative agreement has been approved by the unions bargaining committee, but must still be ratified by its rank-and-file members. RPA President Todd Hoover, a Police Department criminalist, said Monday that he was happy that the RPA and the city could sit down and come to an agreement. The city is still in wage reopener negotiations with the firefighters union, Letteney said. RACINE Racine Police are investigating reports that someone fired six shots in the 1300 block of Albert Street early Sunday afternoon and fled the scene in a dark-colored car. Racine Police Department officials said the incident allegedly occurred about 1:51 p.m. Sunday. Police responded to the scene, but could not find any evidence that a shooting occurred, police said. Witnesses told police that a black male dressed in dark clothes and wearing a dark hat fired six shots in the area, got into a black Impala and fled the scene, police said. Dispatchers on Sunday broadcast several warnings for officers to use extra caution and safety when looking for the car. Police continued to look for the car and were investigating the incident Sunday night, police said. RACINE COUNTY State Sen. Bob Wirch is warning residents of a telephone scam that targeted a Racine woman. The woman contacted Wirch, D-Somers, after a she received a call Monday from someone telling her she won $6.5 million in a sweepstakes associated with Medicare, according to a news release. Before claiming her prize, she would have to pay a $195 fee, the caller reportedly told her. The woman was also told someone from the company would escort her to the bank to withdraw the amount, according to the release. The woman did not provide any money or personal information, according to the release. Wirchs office learned that the same scam was reported in Kansas earlier this year. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is, said Wirch, whose district includes part of Racine County. If you get a letter saying that youve won something but need to pay any amount to claim your prize, make sure its on the up and up. You never know what they will come up with next to make a buck. Anyone suspicious of a scam should call their local law enforcement agency, Wirch advised. Residents can also contact the states Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection at 800-422-7128. Wirch earlier this year introduced a bill tackling fraud against the elderly. The proposal creates a civil cause of action for financial exploitation of a vulnerable person defined as someone who is elderly, incapacitated or living with certain disabilities and provides for financial penalties. Government and politics are going to be intertwined. We have no illusions about that. But when government, in the form of a piece of legislation, becomes entirely about politics, were left to hope that elected officials rise above it. As a result, we took some comfort Thursday when seven Republicans broke ranks to join Democrats in the Assembly on Thursday in voting against a bill drafted by Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald which would ban county executives from serving in the state Legislature. It was cold comfort the bill passed, 19-13 but well take what we can get when the whole matter reeks of partisan politics. The question of whether someone should be able to serve simultaneously as a county executive and on the Legislature is a legitimate one to ask. But Fitzgerald, a Republican from Juneau, openly acknowledges that his bill is in response to Democratic Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris seeking a state Senate seat being vacated by Republican Rick Gudex. GOP Rep. Michael Schraa, from Harris hometown of Oshkosh, took to Twitter to express his opposition to the bill. In a Tweet that has since been deleted, Schraa characterized the bill as petty politics. Republicans voting against the bill with Schraa and all Democrats were Rep. David Heaton of Wausau, Rep. Samantha Kerkman of Salem (whose district includes part of Racine County), Rep. Todd Novak of Dodgeville, Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt of Fond du Lac, Rep. Travis Tranel of Cuba City, and Rep. Tyler Vorpagel of Plymouth. Under the bill, county executives could not serve concurrently in the state Legislature. Fitzgerald said Harris candidacy for the Oshkosh and Fond du Lac seat raises questions about whether a county executive earning a six-figure salary should also receive a legislators salary, the Wisconsin State Journal reported. If the bill becomes law and Harris wins the Senate seat, Harris would have to quit his $102,834-per-year job as county executive. He would make $50,950 plus an $88 per diem for each day spent in Madison as a senator. Im not sure how its not a conflict, Fitzgerald said. Heres the galling part: The bills critics note the issue didnt come up when Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow continued to serve in the state Senate last year for three months so that he could vote on the state budget. Farrow is wait for it a Republican. We find it hard to believe that Fitzgerald concluded that holding both positions was a conflict of interest only after Farrow cast his vote on the state budget. A piece of legislation aimed at a single person just passed the Wisconsin Senate. The bill has yet to have a hearing in the Assembly. We hope there are members of that house who are willing to acknowledge petty politics when its staring them in the face. Before Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley became a judge, she and fellow attorneys urged candidates for the states highest court not to sign a so-called clean-campaign pledge pushed by the state bar association. Bradley and Milwaukee attorneys Don Daugherty, David Simon and Daniel Kelly said in a 2008 opinion column that a pledge put forward by the State Bar of Wisconsins Judicial Campaign Integrity Committee shouldnt be signed by candidates because it infringes on free speech. The Bar should not try to regulate speech by judicial candidates in a way that would be plainly unconstitutional if done by the government, the four wrote. The far better course is for candidates and their supporters to provide information they believe appropriate good, bad, even ugly and let voters decide. The committee was created in 2007 by the bar associations then-president, Tom Basting Sr., as a self-appointed watchdog group that tried to referee that years race for Wisconsin Supreme Court. The committee was disbanded in 2009, according to the bar association. Basting and his group issued seven statements reacting to advertising in the race that it deemed false or to have impugned the reputation of either candidate or the court. His group was criticized, mostly by conservatives, for being biased toward incumbent Justice Louis Butler, who signed the committees clean-campaign pledge, and against then-Burnett County Circuit Judge Michael Gableman, who did not. The committee issued a strong statement decrying one of Gablemans ads, and it found fault with commercials run by both liberal and conservative third-party groups. Gableman won the race but received an ethics charge from the Wisconsin Judicial Commission, which said one of his ads attacking Butler violated the state Code of Judicial Conduct by lying about Butlers record. The 2008 column, published before that ad was released, was co-authored by Bradley and said no matter how well-intentioned, the pledge will effectively prevent Wisconsin voters from obtaining the fullest information possible for deciding who is best-suited to serve on our highest court. Bradley in the column said the bar association shouldnt determine when speech crosses the line. Although it pays lip service to the First Amendment, the pledge will force candidates to choose between exercising their free speech rights as they see fit and facing a possible scolding by the committee, they wrote. The column noted the pledge should not preserve the judiciarys image (at) the expense of free speech. That raises the question why the committee should be deciding for voters when words are poorly chosen, the four wrote. The committees task of determining conclusively and objectively whether statements made during a campaign are false or unfair is quixotic, at best. Bradley said last week in an interview that she and the fellow attorneys wrote the column to address the creation of the committee, which they believed to be unique. It was rather unprecedented in Wisconsin and somewhat alarming in its attempt to stifle free speech and First Amendment rights, Bradley said. She said the group worried the pledge would end up restricting the amount of information available to voters. The column refers to a portion of the pledge that asks candidates to publicly disavow advertisements that impugn the integrity of the states judicial system, another candidate or erode public trust and confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary by verbally or visually attempting to lead voters to believe that a candidate will decide issues or cases in a predetermined manner. Bradley said she relies on the states judicial code of ethics, which includes rules for judicial candidates campaign activity. The pledge relies on much of the codes language. Liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now executive director Scot Ross said the column brings Bradleys integrity into question, and characterized her column as endorsing lying in campaigns. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Joe Donald, who also is running for the Supreme Court seat Bradley is seeking, said through a spokesman he would have no problem signing the pledge. This pledge is no different than the pledge my mother held me to when I was a child growing up, he said. Wisconsin voters deserve to be treated with respect, and I intend to conduct my campaign with the same integrity that I have demonstrated during my two decades as a judge. Melissa Mulliken, spokeswoman for state court of appeals judge and Supreme Court candidate JoAnne Kloppenburg, said Kloppenburg would sign the pledge if it made clear that it was meant to apply to advertisements that are untrue or inaccurate. She said Kloppenburg is scrupulous in adhering to the states code of judicial ethics. In addition, our campaign already adheres to the fundamental precepts laid out in the pledge, Mulliken said. Withering on the Vine The Demographic Time Bomb is Most Marked in Japan The demographic time bomb whereby the elderly population assumes a greater and ... Government Sexual Libertinism Coming to a Government School Near You Further to our piece yesterday on the promotion of sexual libertinism in government schools, we rep... Some Random Observations The Aftermath of Mass Pre-Mediated Murder A few observations on the murder of 14 people in San Bernadino and the wounding of many more see... Letter From the UK (About State Tyranny) Ta-ta UK freedoms! Miranda matter outs vindictiveness of wounded police state Annie Machon is a former intelligence of... The Big One The Panoptican State Is Actually Operational Yesterday the "big one" dropped. The Guardian reported that the US and UK spy age... 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The ruling allows Argentina to repay investors who accepted past debt restructuring deals even if it does not first pay a small group of hedge funds who refused recent settlement offers. "The most predatory actors in this case are increasingly isolated," said Eric LeCompte, a sovereign debt expert who tracked the case for six years and is the executive director of Jubilee USA, a religious development organization. "It's clear the judge felt Argentina's latest offer was reasonable and the hold-outs should have accepted it and ended this saga." For the order to take effect, Argentina must first repeal its laws blocking payments to the so called "vulture funds." Elliot Management and Aurelius Capital Management, the two most prominent "hold-outs," rejected Argentina's recent $6.5 billion offer to settle the case. A US Appeals Court must also validate Judge Griesa's ruling for it to take effect."Unfortunately, the case still validates a predatory and exploitative business model," said LeCompte, whose organization filed with the Supreme Court in 2014 to urge the high court to overturn lower court rulings. "The parity rulings which favored the predatory funds are still intact and we remain concerned how those rulings will impact some of the world's poorest countries." [JURIST] Amnesty International (AI) [official website] on Friday reported that Turkey has denied entry to many injured Syrian refugees attempting to cross its borders. The refugees are fleeing after bombing in the northern Aleppo countryside over the last two weeks. According to AI, Turkish authorities have even shot and injured those attempting to cross the border unofficially in order to prevent them from entering the country. Tirana Hassan, Crisis Response Director at AI, stated, People we spoke to painted a tragic picture of the desperate situation for the civilians who remain trapped between daily airstrikes and dire humanitarian conditions. Turkeys highly selective practice is appalling only severely injured people are allowed entry to seek medical treatment while everyone else fleeing the violence is left unprotected. AI has called on Turkey to keep its border open to all sick and injured refugees trying to escape the brutal attacks in their home country. The rights of migrant populations has emerged as one of the most significant humanitarian issue around the world, as millions seek asylum from conflict nations. In January Human Rights Watch (HRW) published [JURIST report] a report claiming that Lebanese residency laws risk creating a large undocumented community of refugees living within the Lebanese community. In November UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressed [JURIST report] the UN General Assembly and cautioned the international community to avoid discrimination against Muslims, especially refugees and migrants entering Europe, as a result of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris a week earlier. Also that month AI analyzed [JURIST report] the EUs approach to the refugee crisis and recommends changes to ensure international law is followed and human rights are appropriately valued. In October HRW called on [JURIST report] the EU and Western Balkans states to focus on remedying what it characterized as deplorable conditions for asylum-seekers in Europe. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights gave the opening statement [JURIST report] at the thirtieth session of the Human Rights Council in September in which he addressed, among other pressing human rights issues, the migrant crisis. [JURIST] The Greek Parliament [official website] approved a bill on Saturday which provides health insurance and municipality jobs to poor Greek citizens affected by the countrys recent austerity measures. Last October, the Syriza-controlled [party website] government passed [JURIST report] more burdensome tax laws and a more cost-efficient pension program in order to satisfy foreign creditor requirements under a new bailout program. When Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras [official profile] was re-elected last September, he promised to implement new reforms as allowed by the EU/IMF [official website]. Though the reform bill was pulled last December due to a lack of consultation with the EU/IMF, the bill has finally been approved [Reuters report] in full. The new reforms follow weeks of recent protests by Greek professionals and farmers fearing further cuts to Greeces pension program. The Greek government and its foreign lenders plan to implement additional reformational changes under the bailout program by 2022. The debt crisis [BBC timeline] in Greece began in 2009 with a down-grade of a credit rating, and in the following years, has led Greece to borrow hundreds of billions of euros. In August Greece agreed to the main terms of a draft bill [JURIST report] for a bailout that would provide about $95 billion to the country. In July Greeces parliament voted to accept [JURIST report] the economic reforms rejected by the government just one week prior. Earlier in August the country voted [JURIST report] not to accept the bailout deal offered by Europe. Also that week, as the country was preparing for the vote, protesters in Greece gathered [JURIST report] in the tens of thousands, holding rival rallies that drew attention to the split within the country as the referendum approached. In April nineteen eurozone creditors held a meeting [JURIST report] in Latvia to demand the completion of the economic reform program agreed to be Greece necessary to avoid a Grecian default or exit from the euro. Earlier that month the European Central Bank (ECB) expressed concerns [JURIST report] about Greeces draft law that prohibits the government from foreclosing on primary residences where borrowers can prove total wealth requirements as ripe for unscrupulous debtors to engage in strategic defaults without repercussions. [JURIST] Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] on Sunday criticized Omani courts for jailing two online activists over posts they wrote on social media websites. In one of the cases, former diplomat Hassan al-Basham was sentenced to three years in prison earlier this month for insulting God and the countrys leader, Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, on Facebook and Twitter. Another Omani court sentenced artist and researcher Sayyid Abdullah al-Daruri to three months in prison for sharing a post on Facebook which it said emphasized his regional Dhofari affiliation. According to HRW, Omani authorities are able to restrict online postings under article 61 of the 2002 Telecommunications Act. The act penalizes any person who sends, by means of telecommunications system, a message that violates public order or public morals. Joe Stork [official website], deputy Middle East director said Courts are basically criminalizing peaceful dissent in Oman. Omani activists have also noted a decline of freedom of expression within the country. In January 2015, UN rights experts urged [JURIST report] the Omani government to release Said Ali Said Jadad, a human rights activist. In 2012 the Gulf Center for Human Rights (GCHR) [advocacy website] urged [JURIST report] the government of Oman to stop arresting protesters and other activists who were calling for political reform. According to the GCHR, many of those arrested advocated for political reforms, promoted human rights and called for the release of human rights defenders whom Omani authorities had detained. The previous year an Omani court sentenced [JURIST report] six human rights activists to between 12 and 18 months in prison for social media posts deemed to be slander against the countrys ruler, while another blogger was sentenced [JURIST report] to one year of imprisonment and a fine of 1,000 Omani Rials (USD $2,600). Omans Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said later pardoned all activists and writers convicted, a decision praised [JURIST report] by Amnesty International [advocacy website]. An Iranian appeals court sentenced filmmaker Keywan Karimi to one year in prison for insulting sanctities on Monday, reducing his initial sentence of six years. The sentence resulted from Karimis film focusing on political graffiti [AP report] in Iran since the 1979 Revolution. Iran has recently cracked down on freedom of expression, harshly punishing journalists and poets. Citizens have been forced to flee the country in order to avoid unjust prison sentences. In June, one cartoonist was sentenced to nearly 13 years for depicting Iranian parliament members as animals to criticize a draft law. Karimi plans to remain in the country and serve his jail sentence. The human rights conditions of journalist and others activists in Iran have continued to be an matter of concern for the UN and worldwide. The Iranian Revolutionary Court [BBC backgrounder] in October convicted [JURIST report] Washington Post correspondent Jason Rezaian [advocacy website], approximately two months after the end of his trial. Rezaian was accused of espionage [JURIST report] for allegedly collecting confidential information, handing it to hostile governments and acting against national security. He was released in a prisoner exchange [JURIST report] in January. The UN has urged [press release] Iran to to cease arresting, prosecuting and harassing individuals and to promote freedom of expression. Ohio Governor John Kasich [official website] signed a bill [text, PDF] into law on Sunday that prohibits state contracts with organizations that promote or perform abortions. Although not specifically named in the bill, the legislation will prevent [CNN report] about $1.3 million in state funding from going to Planned Parenthood [official website]. The organization has voiced its disapproval of the bill, saying the defunding effect will take away STD testing services, aid to domestic violence victims and other basic healthcare that Planned Parenthood provides. The governors office stated that there are plenty of other organizations that provide these services that will qualify for grants and state funding under the new legislation. While Kasich has been viewed as a moderate in the Republican party, his signing of this bill is consistent [Huffington Post report] with his previous actions, as he has cut funding for Planned Parenthood before and threatened other organizations with defunding or closure if they associate themselves with abortion services. Planned Parenthood has come under increased scrutiny recently following the release of video footage purportedly showing employees discussing financial remuneration in exchange for fetal tissue. Earlier this month Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker [official website] signed two bills that will cut funding to Planned Parenthood in the state by millions of dollars [JURIST report]. Last month President Barack Obama [official profile] vetoed legislation [JURIST report] that would have defunded Planned Parenthood. Also in January a Texas grand jury has found no criminal wrongdoing [JURIST report] by Planned Parenthood over allegations of selling fetal tissue, instead indicting two activists responsible for releasing videos that spurred the allegations. JURIST guest columnist Kermit Roosevelt [official profile] earlier this month provided some background info and a projection of the future of abortion [JURIST op-ed], suggesting that an equality-based argument may work better than a justice argument, and although this has been called for by some, society will have to identify the underlying issue as equality before it is successful. Opinions on subjects of the day mainly as it pertains to common sense suggestions in improving the quality of life of all who are fortunate to live in this serendipitous island of Sri Lanka. Just the daily thoughts and gripes of a guy attempting to survive in America's heartland. All written material and original photographs are 2016 Karen in Mommyland. You're always welcome to link back to me, but please do not copy or take any content from this blog without permission. See my Copyright Terms and Conditions for more information.Thanks for stopping by! Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain. Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred. For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here. Europe migrant crisis: Razor wire fence failing in Hungary Police in Hungary say increasing numbers of migrants are breaching a razor wire fence built to stop them crossing the border from Serbia. 161 Nepali workers detained in Malaysia At least 161 Nepalis have been reportedly detained by the Malaysian authorities in the Malacca state, 148 kilometres south east of Malaysias capital city Kuala Lumpur. A twist in the pipeline Nepals energy dependence on India will continue to constrain its ability to negotiate bilateral issues Banned lichen seized Police seized 13 tonnes of wild lichen from a godown belonging to Mohammad Yakub Ansari in Nepalgunj, Banke. Fake medical kits: Police widen probe net Police have expanded the scope of their investigation following revelations that substandard medical kits have been supplied to various hospitals, clinics, and pharmaciesleading to wrong diagnosis of patients. Govt likely to resume sales of full gas cylinders The government is likely to resume the supply of fully filled cylinders of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Monday, the Ministry of Supply said. India, Bdesh open immigration offices India and Bangladesh have opened immigration offices on their respective sides of the Fulbari-Banglabandha border point, the route for bilateral trade between Nepal and Bangladesh. India caste unrest: Jat protesters ease Haryana roads blockade Protesters in India's Haryana state have partially lifted their blockade of roads after the state government agreed to their demands for jobs quotas. NEA overusing water of Kulekhani reservoir The water level at the Kulekhani reservoir has dropped sharply after the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) drew more water than usual to crank up power generation and ensure that load-shedding didnt go over 13 hours daily. Oli: Visit successful in clearing the air Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said on Sunday that his India visit has been highly successful in clearing the misunderstandings between Nepal and India.Oli is on a six-day official visit to India since Friday. OWN A HOUSE AND PAY MONTHLY WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED: EMPOWERMENT TIME Blog Archive Blog Archive February (1) December (1) November (1) October (2) August (4) July (5) February (3) January (3) October (1) September (6) August (1) June (29) May (57) April (23) March (77) February (69) January (85) December (99) November (19) October (138) September (244) August (327) July (219) June (367) May (169) April (204) March (197) February (189) January (35) December (42) November (30) October (6) March (3) February (1) October (1) Liliana Zuniga Ayarza sits at her home with daughter Isabella Murillo remembering her mother, Belarmina Ayarza Garcia, who was one of several recent deaths linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome in Colombia. (Dania Maxwell for The Washington Post) TURBO, Colombia The Zika epidemic flaring across the Americas has produced several hot spots with large numbers of cases. But there is no place quite like Turbo. The mosquito-borne virus has spread rapidly here and across lowland Colombia, but the city is unusual for the subsequent outbreak of a rare, debilitating disorder known as Guillain-Barre syndrome , whose precise link to the virus remains unclear. Before Zikas arrival in Turbo, a mostly Afro-Colombian town of 60,000 set amid vast banana plantations on the countrys north coast, doctors typically saw one case of Guillain-Barre a year, if that. In the past six weeks, there have been five, all of them severe. Three patients have died. One is fighting for his life in an intensive care unit. The fifth, a 10-year-old girl, hasnt been able to move her legs in a week. Jose Molinares Cruz crosses a bridge outside his home in Turbo on Feb. 17. Cruzs sister, Paula Molinares, 10, is being treated for Guillain-Barre in Monteria, a major city in Colombia. (Dania Maxwell for The Washington Post) The deaths, and the aggressiveness of the Guillain-Barre cases here, are among the first signs of a strange and worrisome pattern that is challenging the way doctors in Colombia and across Latin America are preparing for the spread of Zika that the virus poses no major risk to anyone else. Much of the global attention to the virus has zeroed in on a suspected link to microcephaly , a congenital defect that leaves babies with undersized heads and varying degrees of nerve damage. Brazilian officials say they may have hundreds or thousands of such cases related to Zika. But the photos of worried mothers and distressed infants may have given many people the impressionthat the virus poses no major risk to anyone else. That is not true , and certainly not here in Turbo, where rank sewage-filled canals line the streets and more and more people are arriving at the crowded emergency room with bloodshot eyes and itchy, red pockmarks, the telltale signs of Zika . Something about the virus and researchers still dont know what it is appears to significantly increase the incidence of Guillain-Barre. The first resident here to get it was 41-year-old Eliana Uribe. She called in sick to her cousins dress shop one morning in mid-January, not long after missing several days of work with a strange rash and sore joints. Something was wrong with her feet, she said. Katarina Lemus Uribe shows a photograph of her cousin, Eliana Uribe Leon, shortly before she died from Guillain-Barre after being infected with the Zika virus in Turbo. (Dania Maxwell for The Washington Post) A few hours later, when Uribe tried to walk, she collapsed. Her legs felt like rags. The illness was creeping toward her torso. Uribes family carried her to the emergency room. German Gomez, the internist at the small public hospital, thought it might be Guillain-Barre. But he wasnt sure. Id been here 15 months and hadnt seen a single case, he said. Two days later, Uribe lost control of her tongue and facial muscles. She fell short of breath. Doctors rushed her to a bigger hospital. Uribe died Feb. 2, her brain swamped in fluid severe hydrocephaly, doctors told her family. They never told us you could die from it, said Katarina Lemus, Uribes cousin. What is hydrocephaly? The day after Uribes death, another Turbo resident, Edelberto Padilla, 51, also died with Guillain-Barre, at a different hospital. He had the symptoms of Zika, too. The Colombian government has confirmed three fatalities with Guillain-Barre, including two of the Turbo patients, blaming the deaths on Zika. Alma Leon cries in her home in Turbo remembering her daughter, Eliana Uribe Leon, who recently died from complications related to Guillain-Barre on Feb. 2. (Dania Maxwell for The Washington Post) The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed two cases of Guillain-Barre related to Zika in the United States , presumably among the more than 80 travelers infected by the virus who have returned to the country. Another Guillain-Barre case was reported in Puerto Rico. The normal prevalence rate for Guillain-Barre is one or two cases per 100,000 people, said Kenneth Gorson, a professor of neurology at Tufts University in Boston, who is one of the leading U.S. authorities on the disorder, named for the two French neurologists who discovered it exactly 100 years ago. At its most basic level, Guillain-Barre is what happens when a patients immune system fights off an infection and then goes haywire, as antibodies turn against the bodys own nervous system, Gorson said. They attack nerve cells, apparently mistaking them for a virus. In some instances,the antibodies strip away the membrane that protects nerve endings, called myelin, leaving the bodys muscles essentially unable to communicate with the brain. In his courses, Gorson tells students that Guillain-Barre itself isnt fatal. What kills people is being paralyzed in an intensive care unit, he said. Its the complications from being on a ventilator for long periods of time, the risk of blood clots, wound infections from lack of movement or other numerous medical complications that occur in paralyzed patients. Access to quality care is critical. Adults and children appear to be equally at risk of developing Guillain-Barre, but patients who already have health problems or compromised immune systems are less able to recover from it. One Guillain-Barre study in the Netherlands found a death rate of 1 in 20, but that is with high-level care, Gorson said. About one-quarter of patients need breathing assistance. Belarmina Ayarza, 58, contracted Zika while visiting her family in Turbo in January, then checked into a hospital in the city of Medellin 10 days later when she lost feeling in her legs. Doctors diagnosed Guillain-Barre, said her son, Jose Barrios. Ayarza was a diabetic, with high blood pressure. But her condition stabilized and Barrios was able to take her home in a wheelchair. On Feb. 7 she started convulsing in her bed. I picked her up and held her in my arms, Barrios said, but she was gone. Doctors said shed had a heart attack. Lack of high-level care In the rural areas of Latin America where Zika is spreading , high-level care is often unavailable. Wait times at public hospitals, especially those swamped by Zika patients, can discourage patients from seeking care. Those with aggressive Guillain-Barre need complicated blood transfusions or a treatment known as immunoglobulin therapy to essentially wash out the harmful antibodies. But the treatments can cost more than $10,000, and patients may need several rounds. Colombia says that more than 30,000 citizens have been diagnosed with Zika so far, with 97 cases linked to Guillain-Barre. Brazil, Venezuela, El Salvador and Suriname have also reported a surge in the disorder. The same pattern appeared during the Zika outbreak in French Polynesia in 2013 and 2014, when at least 42 patients, most of whom were diagnosed with Zika, developed Guillain-Barre. We are seeing a spike everywhere that we are seeing the Zika virus, said Tarun Dua, a neurologist at the World Health Organization (WHO). Whats unclear is whether Zika is causing Guillain-Barre or whether it iscross-reacting with antibodies from other widespread mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue or chikungunya Another major problem: There is no widely available, quick test for Zika, and the virus remains in an infected patients blood only for about a week. So its difficult to test for Zika in patients hospitalized with Guillain-Barre symptoms. The hypothesis is that Zika may be a more efficient trigger of Guillain-Barre, but we cant say that at the moment, said Anthony Costello, director of maternal, child and adolescent development at WHO. The detective work is starting, but it takes time. In Turbo, patients diagnosed with Zika whose symptoms include rash, joint pain, headaches and bloodshot eyes are typically given acetaminophen and sent home to rest. But they may share their homes with the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that pick upthe disease from infected people and spread it. They breed in stagnant water. Wilfrido Manuel Molinares looks out on a sewage canal to arrive at his home in Turbo on Feb. 17. His daughter, Paula Molinares, 10, is being treated for Guillain-Barre in Monteria. (Dania Maxwell for The Washington Post) In a squalid neighborhood at the edge of a town known as El Bosque, the streets are unpaved and motorbikes weave around chickens and kids playing in the streets. Occasionally a truck rumbles through blaring advertisements on giant speakers, with an occasional public-health message urging residents to dump out standing water. What can be done to prevent Zika? There are no health inspectors or fumigation crews to be seen. A foul, black bisque of sewage and trash oozes through a canal right in front of the home of Wilfrido Molinares. Children and horses walk through the muck; a frayed sofa sits half-submerged, rotting. Molinaress daughter Paula, 10, has been hospitalized with Guillain-Barre for nearly two weeks in the nearby city of Monteria. She had Zika symptoms before that. Hes had Zika, too, and was laid up from his construction job for two months last summer with chikungunya, which causes fevers and joint and muscle pain. Zika seemed mild compared with that, he said, until his daughter couldnt stand on her own. The window from Wilfrido Manuel Molinares bedroom looks out into a puddle of stagnant water in Turbo, Colombia on February 17. (Dania Maxwell for the Washington Post) In their neighborhood, everyone stores drinking water in tanks, jugs and empty bottles. There are a lot of mosquitoes here, Molinares said. I bought mosquito repellent and spray it all over. But when the sun goes down, sometimes you cant even sit outside. FDC president Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu has criticized the police for raiding the partys offices today and arresting eight of their data entry clerks. Muntu says they also blocked journalists from attending the partys weekly press briefing, adding that they have not received any official communication from police about the whereabouts of their officials. He says the police action shows that government is afraid and is trying to cover up its ill deeds. However, the police spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Patrick Onyango denies arresting FDC clerks, saying their presence at Najjanankubi was on request by the party officials. Trollfest '09 Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, How I sold out to da Man. Robbie Bell again performs: Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells and Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to Dancing with the Stars, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango. Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and Big Cat Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything). Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge. Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson". In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word jackass was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up. In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates. Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one. Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!! This is definitely a Beaver production. Note: Security provided by INS. By Yoon Ja-young The proposed U.S. deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea is not likely to affect the country's exports to China, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Joo Hyung-hwan said Monday. "The economy and political concerns are likely to be separate issues. There is no sign of THAAD affecting exports," said Joo during a meeting with reporters. He was talking about the growing concern that the deployment of the system on South Korean soil may prompt the Chinese government to take economic retaliation against Seoul. He noted that exports have slowed since 2012, posting an 18.5 percent fall in January compared with a year ago, the biggest plunge since 2009 August. Korea saw all of its 13 major export items decrease in volume, including semiconductors, steel and ships, for the first time in history. There is seemingly no immediate rebound as exports have fallen 17.3 percent so far this month. "This is a global phenomenon caused by the slowdown in China and emerging countries, declining oil prices and oversupply," he said. As global oil prices fell below $30 per barrel, Korea's export of oil products and petrochemical products is decreasing. The Chinese slowdown is hitting emerging markets that rely on the export of resources to China. However, he added there are internal problems such as a weakening competitive edge of major industries as well as a failure to quickly find alternative industries. "After the 2000s, exports to China increased notably. Korea should have maintained its market share in the United States, EU and Japan, but it seems to have slowed in those countries as Korea has concentrated on the Chinese market." He pointed out that China is narrowing the technology gap with Korea as well as shifting its growth strategy to consuming and services from exports and investment. "Korea should have developed high-end service and consumer industries to cope with this." Joo said that the government will focus on mid-tier companies. "Exports by conglomerates decreased 11 percent and small companies saw a 6 percent drop, but mid-tier companies expanded exports by 3.2 percent as they have a competitive edge. They are component and material firms and consumer goods companies. We plan to focus on them," he said, adding that it will expand its support of new products for export such as cosmetics, infant goods and foods. Experts maintain that Korea should nurture the consumer goods industry. According to a report by KPMG, consumer goods amounted to 54.5 percent of Korea's exports in 1988, but the ratio fell to 15.6 percent last year. The report thus urges that Korea should pick high growth consumer goods in each sector, developing tailored products for each export destination and engage in marketing activities. The minister said that the government will focus on deregulation and providing platforms for diverse industries. "Electric car companies, telecommunication firms and insurance businesses, for instance, may meet to discuss new business models. The government will help them work together." Samsung Electronics Co. officially introduced new flagship smartphones on Sunday (Spain time), along with a virtual reality (VR) device, in an effort to tap deeper into the segment as the next growth engine for the mobile business. During Samsung Electronics' "Unpacked" event held ahead of the Mobile World Congress that runs in Barcelona this week, the company unveiled two smartphones: the Galaxy S7 and its sister Galaxy S7 Edge. The two Galaxies come with metal cases, while the curved lines of the Galaxy S7 Edge make it easier to hold. The Galaxy boasts a 5.1-inch display, while that of the quirky sister stands at 5.5 inches. During the showcase event, Samsung also introduced the Gear 360, the company's first camera made exclusively for virtual reality (VR) content, in line with its bid to take the lead in creating the segment's ecosystem. The round Gear 360 allows users to take videos through two lenses that cover 180 degrees. It links to not only the Galaxy S7 series but previous high-end smartphones released since the Galaxy S6 as well. The photos taken via the Gear 360 can be shared using Google Inc.'s Street View and other social network services through an application. LG Electronics Inc., meanwhile, also showcased its own VR camera, as well as a VR headset that connects with smartphones through a cable. Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of the social network service Facebook, also attended the showcase event, adding the company aims to forge deeper ties with Samsung, allowing more users to share 360-degree video content online. The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, meanwhile, will come in four colors: black, gold, white and silver. Samsung said it has adopted what it calls a "dual pixel sensor" for the cameras of the two models for the first time in the industry, which will enhance the quality of photos to the level of high-end cameras. The technology allows users to take vivid photos even in dark conditions. The camera also took a step further than the Galaxy S6 series, as users are now allowed to take not only photos but videos as well. In terms of battery, the Galaxy S7 boasts a capacity of 3,000 mAh, up 18 percent from the predecessor. That of the Galaxy S7 Edge jumped 38 percent to 3,600 mAh, the company said. They can all be charged wirelessly. While Samsung Electronics maintained the built-in battery system for the two smartphones, it allowed users to expand the data capacity by up to 200 gigabytes through micro secure digital cards, a feature that had disappeared for Galaxy S6 models and been missed by Samsung fans. Also as shown in teaser advertisements, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge boasts what it calls IP68-level water-and-dust resistance, allowing smartphones to still function after being completely submerged in water, even with USB slots open, for up to 30 minutes. The Galaxy S7 series also come with an "Always On Display," as shown on LG Electronics Inc.'s flagship G5, which displays core information, such as battery status continuously. The new devices reflect Samsung's bid to tap deeper into the mobile gaming industry. A user set up an interruption-free mode that optimizes the phone for playing games, while making it easier to take snapshots of the screen. The Galaxy S7 series also aims to further promote the company's mobile payment platform, Samsung Pay, around the globe, with the service scheduled to reach more countries this year. Samsung Pay supports magnetic secure transmission technology that works on traditional credit card machines. Like rivals Apple Pay and Android Pay, it also supports near field communication technology that requires a separate transaction device. Sales of the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge will begin around mid-March, Samsung added. (Yonhap) No Yes, a light case Yes, two or more light cases One serious case Two or more serious bouts Vote View Results Working through my ignorance with your help. Last June, Gov. Mark Dayton signed into law a new buffer initiative aimed at enhancing protection of Minnesotas waters. The buffer initiative will help protect the states water resources from erosion and runoff pollution by establishing roughly 110,000 acres of buffer along waterways while providing flexibility and technical support to landowners for installation and maintenance. In Houston County, all waterways designated as public waters by the DNR will be required to be buffered. At a minimum, these waterways will have an average of 50 feet with a minimum of 30 feet of buffer planted to perennial vegetation directly adjacent to the waterway. These buffers are slated to be installed by Nov. 1, 2017. In its simplest form, buffers are a vegetated area that runs directly adjacent to a river or stream to aid in filtering contaminants from entering the water way. Ag lands near these waterways are potential sources of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment. Nitrogen and phosphorus not utilized by growing cash or cover crops can leave these ag lands during heavy rain events, as can sediment that is not adequately protected. Buffers are critical to protecting and restoring water quality and natural stream functions due to their immediate proximity to the water. Through the use of buffers, nitrogen levels leaching down through the soil profile are reduced and sediment and phosphorus loads are reduced due to the filtering effects of the perennial vegetation. In light of the costs associated with establishing buffers, the good news is that there are programs available to aid landowners in this capacity. Programs such as Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and the Reinvest in Minnesota Reserve Program (RIM) are just a few offered that can help landowners address the buffer legislation. Successful applicants to these programs will receive contracts with annual payments and restoration cost-share assistance. These long-term contracts (10-15 years) will help landowners justify the costs of implementing the buffer areas, and at the same time, address some resource concerns of our states waterways. For more information, contact the Root River SWCD, Farm Service Agency or Natural Resources Conservation Service at 507-724-5261. State lawmakers are set to return to St. Paul in early March for the 2016 session, and Rep. Greg Davids, R-Preston, who serves as chairman of the Minnesota House Taxes Committee, believes tax relief will headline legislators priority lists. Minnesota currently has more than $1 billion remaining in surplus that must be utilized before session adjourns. We have the money to provide comprehensive tax relief to millions of hard-working Minnesotans and we certainly have the need, Davids said. I am very confident lawmakers will put their differences aside and make tax relief happen. Last session, the Minnesota House approved an omnibus taxes proposal that would provide tax relief to middle-class families, college students, aging adults, veterans, farmers and Main Street business owners. The most significant part of the package a new Minnesota personal or dependent tax exemption could save a middle-class family of four more than $500 over the next two years. Davids said he was not able to reach a compromise with Senate leadership and Gov. Mark Dayton before the 2015 session ended on tax relief, but added that negotiations will continue once lawmakers return to the Capitol in March. This continued surplus proves Minnesota is over-collecting from its taxpayers, Davids said. I think the appetite is there to finally provide some tax relief to hard-working Minnesotans. Davids also expects a long-term transportation funding proposal and a capital investment bill to be among top legislative priorities in 2016. The grocers who considered building on East Washington Avenue or whose names were mentioned for the project a few blocks from the State Capitol are all familiar to Madison shoppers. But when the doors open in 2015, there will be no Metcalfes Market, Fresh Madison Market or even a Willy Street Co-op on the old Don Miller car dealership lot across North Paterson Street from Breese Stevens Field. Instead, the city is getting a new name in its highly competitive grocery market and a Wisconsin company that has experienced steady but calculated growth over the last eight years. Onalaska-based Skogen Festival Foods has 18 stores in the state, 10 of which have opened since 2006, all but one of them north of a line that stretches from Fond du Lac to La Crosse. The exception, at least until this week, is a 75,000-square-foot store in Kenosha, in far southeastern Wisconsin. On Tuesday, Gebhardt Development of Madison announced Festival would be its anchor grocery tenant for a $65 million multi-use development on the 4.5-acre site. The first phase is designed to include the grocery store, 175 to 240 residential units and a 350-space parking garage. The second phase has 22 owner-occupied homes, 65,000 square feet of commercial/retail/office space and another 173 parking stalls. Festival made further news Wednesday when it announced that it was also buying Vos Sentry Foods in Fort Atkinson, taking over operations in February and converting it to a Festival store this summer. These Festival stores are very strong. They have a very high consumer perception rating, said David Livingston, a former market research analyst at Roundys who now has his own consulting agency. Festival knows the Wisconsin market really well. Livingston said Festival stores, most of which are 70,000 to 75,000 square feet, are community-minded and in line with Hy-Vee and Metcalfes. The company was founded by Paul and Jane Skogen, who opened Skogen IGA in 1946 in Onalaska. Since 2006, the company has opened a 50,000-square-foot store in downtown La Crosse, followed in 2007 and 2008 by a store in Fond du Lac and two stores in Appleton. Manitowoc opened in 2009, Suamico (2010), Sheboygan and a second store in La Crosse (2011), Neenah (2012) and Kenosha (2013). Mark Skogen, Festivals CEO and president, said the Madison project offered a prime location and an opportunity for his company to try something new with a smaller, urban- format store that will look different than most Festival stores and offer more prepared and fresh foods. When Metcalfes stepped away, we felt it was a ready-to-go project and it looked good, said Skogen, 44. Its neat to be part of something new and modern. We think it can be very successful because of the population density and because theres not a lot of full-service grocery stores in the immediate vicinity. The Madison-area grocery market has experienced upheaval and unprecedented change over the last 11 years. In 2003, Kohls sold most of its stores to Roundys, which converted the businesses into Copps stores. Cub Foods has left, but Metcalfes has added a second store, Costco has built in Middleton and Sun Prairie and Walmart Supercenters have opened in Monona and Sun Prairie. Two Hy-Vee stores are open in Madison and a third is scheduled to open next month in Fitchburg next door to a Super Target that also has groceries. Janesville-based Woodmans added a Sun Prairie location, Copps added stores in Sun Prairie and Middleton and is building a store in Madisons Grandview Commons. Theres a Trader Joes on Monroe Street, a Fresh Madison Market in the heart of the UW-Madison campus while Willy Street Co-op has added a store in Middleton and is looking for a site for a third location. And there could be even more changes ahead. Livingston believes Michigan-based Meijer, which has 190 stores, including planned locations in southeastern Wisconsin to go along with an existing distribution center in Pleasant Prairie, could eventually come to Madison. He also thinks Festival could end up buying some Madison-area Copps stores if Roundys decides to focus more of its efforts on the Chicago market. Skogen said any expansion of the Festival brand in Madison likely wouldnt happen until mid-2016, a year after the East Washington store opens. If youre successful with one store and theres a large population, youre likely to have success adding other stores in the city, Skogen said. Its a growing community with no end in sight. When Festival Foods opens next August on East Washington Avenue, shoppers will be introduced to a new grocer and a new way in which to build a store. The ceiling joists of the 57,000-square-foot store will include red pine trees from the Wisconsin River Valley of southwest Wisconsin while the support columns will consist of 18-inch-diameter ash trees being removed from the city of Madison due to emerald ash borer disease. The trees will not be cut into lumber. Instead, they will be stripped of bark and branches, treated and fabricated with patent-pending steel connections before being installed by Madison-based WholeTrees Architecture & Structures. The project will be the first in which WholeTrees uses its expanded commercial product line after spending the last seven years in the residential and custom commercial market. Amelia Baxter, co-founder and president of WholeTrees, said most round timber used in construction comes from Montana but the Festival Foods project will use 30 to 40 tons of Wisconsin trees. In the past, red pine has been used for pulp for the paper-making industry, but markets for the trees have dwindled. The majority of the ash trees are destined for a wood chipper. The 295 parallel chord trusses and 34 support columns will use about 600 trees. Most of the trees used at Festival Foods will range in size from 30 to 50 feet long, Baxter said from her office on Williamson Street. It is one of the point-to projects weve been looking for to help other building professionals see the potential of this material, Baxter said. There is no major Midwest structural round-timber industry. Its one of the reasons our forests are so economically undermanaged. We have no higher markets coming out of the Midwestern forests. Thats what WholeTrees is proving that there are emerging markets for structural round timber nationally. The store is part of Gebhardt Developments $65 million multiuse project on 4.5 acres that once was home to the Don Miller car dealership. The first phase, located across North Paterson Street from Breese Stevens Field, includes 175 to 240 residential units and a 350-space parking garage. The second phase has plans for 22 owner-occupied homes, 65,000 square feet of commercial/retail/office space and another 173 parking stalls. Festival Foods, based in Onalaska, has 19 state supermarkets and will open a store in December in Mount Pleasant, near Racine. The Madison store will be the companys first in Dane County. As a company, we challenge ourselves to be different and make a difference in our communities, said Mark Skogen, Festival Foods president and CEO. By partnering with WholeTrees, we are not only being innovative grocers and setting ourselves apart but also reducing the carbon footprint of this store. WholeTrees has 12 employees, but that is expected grow to 16 by the end of the year and to more than 35 by the end of 2016. In November, the company will begin leasing a 10,000-square-foot production facility in Muscoda in Grant County for fabricating the bulk of its commercial product line. It also has a 1,000-square-foot fabrication shed for custom work and a 1,000-square-foot office in Vernon County. The La Crosse Police Emergency Response Team searched 113 S. Fourth St., No. 1, about 7:30 p.m. during a drug investigation. The team recovered 2.5 grams of heroin, four handguns, including one that was stolen, $2,332 and stolen items, according to police. Arrested and facing charges are: Albert Williams III, 34, of Onalaska, Wis., for heroin delivery, possession with the intent to deliver heroin, being a felon in possession of a firearm, maintaining a drug trafficking dwelling and possession of THC; Michael Jones, 20, of La Crosse for a Texas warrant for armed robbery, being felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, criminal damage to property, burglary and disorderly conduct; and Whitney Dunagan, 21, of La Crosse, for possession of heroin with the intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia. In the days following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia on Feb. 13, conservative religious and political leaders have lavished praise on the long-serving justice as a champion of religious freedom. Alan Spears, head of the Christian advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom, hails Scalia as the most vocal and passionate voice on the Supreme Court for religious freedom. Sen. Ted Cruz warns, We are one justice away from a Supreme Court that would undermine the religious liberty of millions of Americans. But surely this is either a case of selective amnesia or wishful thinking. Justice Scalia was, of course, a devout Catholic who vigorously opposed abortion and LGBT rights at every turn. And he was, without question, an advocate of a lower wall of separation between church and state a porous wall that would allow affirmations of God by government. All of this endeared him to religious and social conservatives. But Justice Scalia was no defender of religious freedom. On the contrary, Scalia authored Employment Division v. Smith, the landmark 1990 Supreme Court decision that all but erased the Free Exercise clause from the First Amendment. Before Smith, religious Americans could invoke the First Amendment to seek relief from laws or regulations that substantially burdened the practice of their faith. Government could not deny religious exemptions without demonstrating a compelling state interest and showing that it has pursued that interest in the manner least restrictive, or least burdensome, to religion. Under this compelling state interest test fully articulated in the 1963 Supreme Court decision Sherbert v. Verner religious individuals enjoyed a high level of protection for the freedom to practice their faith openly and freely without governmental interference. In the Smith decision, Justice Scalia, joined by four other justices, radically re-interpreted the Free Exercise clause by ruling that burdens on religious freedom no longer had to be justified by a compelling state interest. Although the government cannot pass laws targeting religious practice, it can pass laws that burden religious exercise if the law is neutral and generally applicable. Consider, for example, the question at issue in the Smith case: Can the state of Oregon ban the use of peyote a cactus with hallucinogenic properties without providing a religious exemption for members of the Native American Church who ingest small amounts of peyote in worship ceremonies (a practice that may date back thousands of years). Two Native Americans challenged the law after being denied unemployment benefits because they were fired for using peyote in their religious practice. Most legal experts expected the outcome to turn on whether or not Oregon could demonstrate a compelling reason for prohibiting peyote without exceptions. Instead, Justice Scalia used the case to sharply curtail the use of the long-standing free-exercise test. In his majority opinion, Scalia ruled that government no longer has to show a compelling state interest for denying religious exemptions as long as the law in question applies generally to everyone. Thus, Oregon cannot pass a law stating that Native Americans are prohibited from using peyote, but it could accomplish the same result by prohibiting the use of peyote by everyone. Either way, a central religious ritual for some Native Americans would be illegal. If religious groups want an exemption from a generally applicable law, Scalia said, they should seek a legislative remedy. This, of course, turns the First Amendment on its head: Free exercise of religion is protected by the First Amendment precisely because it is a fundamental right that is not subject to a majority vote. Seeking religious accommodation through legislation is especially difficult for religious minorities and unpopular faiths and keep in mind that most of us are a religious minority somewhere in the country. Leaders of many faiths were stunned by Scalias evisceration of the Free Exercise clause. After Smith, it would become difficult if not impossible to get relief from laws and regulations that seriously burdened the practice of religion. In the three years following Smith, more than 50 reported cases were decided against religious groups and individuals. Thats why more than 60 religious and civil liberties groups from the ACLU to the National Association of Evangelicals joined to restore the compelling interest test by getting Congress to pass the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. Although the Supreme Court struck down RFRA as applied to the states, it continues to apply to the federal government (as we saw in the 2014 Hobby Lobby decision). Many states have passed their own RFRAs mostly without controversy until recent years when opponents of same-sex marriage decided (mistakenly, in my view) that RFRA could provide religious exemptions to non-discrimination laws. The current confusion and contention surrounding the meaning of free exercise of religion is the fallout from Justice Scalias decision in Smith. Without First Amendment protection, religious individuals and groups are left to seek accommodation through the political process a messy, divisive arrangement that puts matters of conscience up for a vote. If you agree that the First Amendment as applied by the Court for decades went too far in protecting free exercise of religion, then by all means celebrate Justice Scalias legacy on religious freedom. But if you are appalled, as I am, that in far too many cases courts no longer treat religious freedom as a constitutional right, then hope for a replacement on the Supreme Court who will vote to overturn Justice Scalias disastrous decision in Employment Division v. Smith. I will attend my Minnesota precinct caucus on March 1 to support Bernie Sanders for president. I hope you will, too. While there is much that I admire and appreciate about Hillary Clinton, I am very concerned about her electability. After all, Republicans have been running against her since her husband was president. We all know people who absolutely despise Hillary. She simply has too much baggage. Not so with Bernie. He has tremendous crossover appeal, and is loved by liberals and conservatives in his home state of Vermont. He was chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, and has worked across the aisle to pass common-sense legislation to improve the lives of veterans. While Bernie has received about four million individual contributions, Hillary has received massive support from Wall Street, the insurance industry and agricultural biotech firms. She has hired a lobbyist from Monsanto as a campaign adviser, and represented Monsanto when she was a lawyer. As secretary of state, she attempted to force other countries to approve genetically engineered seeds or face retaliation. Bernie is authentic, consistent and provides a vision of hope for America. His platform is based on equal opportunity for all and investment in a sustainable future. Bernie Sanders deserves our support on March 1. At any rate, attend your local Minnesota caucus. Its a great way to exercise your democratic rights and get involved in the political process. One of the best spots to ice fish is south of Alma just down the way from Carrol Ibergs rural home. Down there ice fishing is really good, Mr. Iberg told me. He fished five days a week and caught mostly pan fish, and a few northern and bass. To get to one of the most accessible ice fishing areas around, just south of the power plant, you have to cross the railroad tracks. The rail is owned by BNSF. The company is exerting its authority to enforce a trespassing law by hiring railroad police to guard the track. Mr. Iberg did not think much of a black Tahoe parked along the highway when he went fishing. However, he was surprised when a uniformed state trooper-looking person with a gun on his hip threatened him. The rail police said Iberg was trespassing on railroad property by crossing the tracks to get to his fishing hole. What bothers me about this? he said to me. Its something Ive done all my life. I asked how long he has fished here. Approximately 68 years. And Im 75. My Dad took me and my brother here forever. He asked me if I thought he had an adverse possession claim on the land like farmers who farmed the same land for 20 years even though the land technically belonged to a neighbor. I am not sure about the adverse possession claim, but threatening Mr. Iberg for ice fishing is going too far. Rail lines run all along the Mighty Mississippi on Wisconsins west coast. For generations, anglers, birders, hikers, hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts crossed the tracks to get to publicly owned and otherwise inaccessible land. Long ago, when the rail line was built, people say all kinds of easements and agreements were put in place to assure locals kept access to the lands on the other side of the tracks. Now the railroad is acting to cut off access to 230 miles of Mississippi River backwater and public lands by enforcing a 2005 law that eliminated the right of the public to cross the tracks. A bill written by Rep. Lee Nerison, R-Westby, and others including myself, would return the law to its pre-2005 language. Rep. Nerison, in testimony at a recent hearing, told lawmakers the bill would restore public access to more than 100 state-owned properties. George Meyer, representing the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, testified public properties accessible only by crossing rail lines include state, county and national forests, U.S. Fish and Wildlife refuges, hatcheries, boat access areas, state parks and scores of other public properties owned by local units of government. A railroad lobbyist testified, safety is the primary reason, but not the only reason we oppose the billit also creates opportunities for the many groups who protest crude by rail and other hazardous goods moved by rail. Concerns about protesters evidently led power, gas and transmission companies to lobby for another law to penalize trespassers; including prison time. I told Iberg he should know Assembly Bill 547 would make trespassing on power company land a felony with a $10,000 fine and maximum imprisonment of six years. How can they enforce this? He asked. When they built the power plant... They pleaded with us to sign on to allow them to put a turnaround [in the public land] they wanted us to say it was OK to put in the [coal train] turnaround. They were still going to let us fish [inside the circular track.] During Senate debate, I explained the Alma power plant is very close to prime ice fishing public land. Inadvertent trespassing on power plant land should not land ice anglers in prison. But it wasnt until I spoke with Iberg that I realized the power company built on public land and prime fishing holes were inside the power companys circular tracks. What happened to America the Land of the Free? I asked him. Exactly, he said. Theres no use in living by a river if you cant use it. That would be our river, our public lands. Or it used to be. Anglers and hunters have been enjoying access to public lands in Wisconsin for a long, long time. And, for more than a century, theyve had to cross railroad tracks in western Wisconsin to reach public land and get to a fishing hole or boathouse. But in 2006, the state quietly passed legislation that prohibits people from walking across tracks except at designated crossings. It was so quiet, in fact, that few folks seemed to know about the law until BNSF began confronting people and issuing warnings last year. As you can imagine, that isnt going over well. So how can we find a balance between public access and public safety? There are a couple of ways. Rep. Lee Nerison, R-Westby, has introduced legislation that would restore an exemption for people who hunt and fish to walk across the tracks without going to a designated crossing. In our part of the state, crossings may be five or six miles apart, which is an impediment to folks who enjoy the outdoors. Current law hinders tourism a huge economic driver in western Wisconsin and the businesses that serve the people who fish and hunt. Nerisons measure was approved by the Assembly last week, and we urge the Senate to do the same. The notion of inaccessible public land seems contradictory. In fact, a memo from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources states: This might well be the largest loss of public access to public waters in the history of the state. The DNR has identified at least 124 spots along the Mississippi River where people have to cross the tracks in order to reach the shore. Plus, railroad tracks cross 121 DNR properties throughout the state. Not everyone is convinced theres a safety problem. Dan Trawicki, a lobbyist for Safari Club International chapters in Wisconsin and former Waukesha County sheriff who spent more than three decades in law enforcement, said: In all the years I was there, there was no record of any hunter or fisherman being injured. There are very, very few people who are accidentally injured on railroad tracks. As he told Tribune reporter Chris Hubbuch: From the 1800s to 2005 there didnt seem to be a problem. Is there in fact a problem? According to the Federal Railroad Administration and news reports, two anglers were killed on railroad tracks in Wisconsin during 2014 and the first nine months of 2015. So we understand theres concern about public safety. Regardless of how Rep. Nerisons legislation plays out in Madison, we recommend an investment in safety. Its long past time for BNSF, the DNR and the states Office of the Commissioner of Railroads which must approve any new rail crossings to sit down with the people and businesses that support the outdoors and develop a plan to build more crossings for safer access to public land. In fact, railroads and private landowners already can establish crossings without going through the state approval process. Sabrina Chandler, who manages the 240,000-acre Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, has been working with people to identify good spots for crossings and she hopes to present several locations to BNSF for consideration. We want to allow people to access the refuge, Chandler said. We also have some of the same safety concerns and liability concerns .... Thats why we want to push toward getting established crossings. For her part, BNSF spokeswoman Amy McBeth says the railroad would consider adding crossings because designated crossings are the safest place to cross. The challenge of people having to cross the tracks to reach public land certainly isnt new. But a united effort to add crossings could certainly make the journey safer. Representatives from U.S. Rep. Ron Kinds district offices will be available at open office hours in all 18 counties in Wisconsins Third Congressional District next week. A representative will be in Vernon County at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center, S3661 Hwy. 131, La Farge, Friday, March 4, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Kinds office can assist people who are having trouble dealing with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Internal Revenue Service, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and a number of other federal agencies. The Winona County Historical Society is looking forward to its spring schedule of fun things to get you out and about. Egg decorating workshops Join us at 12:05 p.m. Wednesday, March 9 or 1 p.m. Saturday, March 19, for our most popular historic craft class. Volunteer museum educator Lori Ortega will lead you through the art of creating designs using layers of wax and natural dyes. When complete, the wax is cleared away to reveal your colorful design. This old style of decorating eggs for Easter has its roots in Polish and Ukrainian traditions. All the supplies are provided and you will go home with your decorated egg. Space is limited for each class. Register for one by stopping in the history center or by calling 507-454-2723 ext. 0 to charge by phone. Allow about two hours. 81st annual society meeting The membership of the WCHS will meet for the 81st time at 7 p.m. March 22 at the history center. Executive director Mark Peterson will give a report and we will also hear from several board members for a short business meeting. Four board members will be retiring from the board and the nominating committee will present those joining the board. We will then have a special program with visitors from the International Owl Center in Houston. They will explore the role of owls throughout history in folklore and traditions. Following the program, we will serve desserts with time to visit. Members should watch for their invitation in the mail. Not a member? Stop in, call or log on to our website to join today. The Food For Thought lunchtime learning series takes place at the Winona County History Center. Lectures, films and book chats begin at 12:05 p.m. and last approximately one hour (unless otherwise noted). Attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch. A beverage is served. All are free and open to the public. Orphan Train by Christine Baker Kline, March 23 Christina Baker Klines Orphan Train is an unforgettable story of friendship and second chances that highlights a little-known but historically significant movement in Americas past. It follows a young girl who was placed on a train with hundreds of other children whose destinies would be determined by luck and chance, to find new homes and build new lives. The Easter Uprising with Dr. William Crozier, April 6 In April 1916, armed units of the recently constituted Irish Volunteers and the Irish Citizens Army occupied the General Post Office and other buildings in central Dublin. Padraig Pearse one of the leaders proclaimed the establishment of the Irish Republic. At this time, England was waging war against Germany and the Central Powers. Ironically, more than 200,000 Irishmen were fighting for England in this war. Crozier will tell this interesting event and its connection to both his family and Winona. Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth, April 27 The book that PBS turned into a series, viewers everywhere have fallen in love with this candid look at post-war London. In the 1950s, 22-year-old Jenny Lee leaves her comfortable home to move into a convent and become a midwife in Londons East End slums. Log onto www.winonahistory.org for the full calendar or call 507-454-2723 for more information. Chinas Foreign Minister will visit the United States to talk about East Asian territorial and defense issues. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will host Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for talks from Tuesday to Thursday. The visit comes at an intense time in relations between the two powers. The U.S. and China face the issues of militarization and free navigation in the South China Sea. They also face the issue of North Koreas nuclear weapons and missile programs. Last week, the U.S. said China had increased tensions by deploying missiles to a small island in the South China Sea. Vietnam and Taiwan also claim Woody Island in the Paracels Island group as their territory. During a news briefing on Monday, a Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman spoke to reporters. Hua Chunying was asked whether Chinas missiles in the South China Sea would be discussed during the meeting. She said, the South China Sea is not and should not become an issue between China and the U.S. She said the U.S. should, in her words, stop hyping up the issue. Hua repeated the Chinese position that the island in question has been part of China since ancient times. Hua added that, "China's deploying necessary, limited defensive facilities on its own territory is not substantively different from the United States defending Hawaii." U.S. ships have carried out patrols in the South China Sea. China says the patrols increase tension in the area. The U.S. says it is securing freedom of navigation in the important trade route. More than $5 trillion dollars in oil and goods pass through the sea each year. On Monday, a top U.S. naval officer was reported as saying Australia and other countries also should carry out freedom of navigation naval operations. Such patrols would approach within 18 kilometers of the disputed islands. China continues to build up the disputed island and others in the Paracels. State-owned China Southern Power Grid Company says it will set up a power management system on Woody Island. Chinese officials say the electrical system will be connected to 16 other islands in the area. Foreign ministry spokesperson Hua also was asked about a possible UN Security Council resolution on sanctions against North Korea. She said the U.S. and China are in close communication on the Korean peninsula nuclear issue. She said China supports a resolution on North Korea. However, Hua repeated Chinas strong opposition to the possible deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, missile system in South Korea. The U.S. high-technology system is designed to shoot down missiles. I'm Mario Ritter. Mario Ritter adapted this story from Reuters and other materials. Kathleen Struck was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in this Story militarization n. to put weapons and military forces in an area navigation n. the activity of guiding a boat through an area of water hype up v. to talks or write about something in a way intended to get people excited or interested in something substantively adv. in an important, real or meaningful way patrols n. a group of people or vehicles that goes through an area to ensure it is safe or secure sanctions n. actions taken to force a country to obey international law, usually by limiting or stopping trade The diseases afflict more than a billion people around the world but the media gives little attention to them. They are Neglected Tropical Diseases or NTDs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 17 of them, including rabies, leprosy, river blindness, dengue and Chikungunya. About 534,000 people a year die from them, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). They strike the poorest people in tropical and sub-tropical areas, often with inadequate sanitation. They cost developing economies billions of dollars every year, according to the WHO. Dr. Neeraj Mistry is the managing director of the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases at the Sabin Vaccine Institute in Washington. He said, More than a billion people affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases dont have anyone lobbying for them. They dont have any voice. He added, Issues with the loudest voice get the most attention. Thats the way policy is made. But experts say that is changing because of Zika. People can catch the Zika virus after being bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito. This is the same mosquito that can spread dengue, Chikungunya and yellow fever. Zika was first identified in 1947. The virus was largely ignored until the recent outbreak in Brazil. The WHO declared it a global health emergency and warned that Zika could infect as many as 4 million people in the Americas this year. Andy Wright is Vice President of Global Health Programmes at the drug company GSK. He said, Any situation like the current one with Zika puts a spotlight on emerging or relatively unknown diseases that have not attracted sufficient attention or investment. Theres a global vulnerability to these diseases, said Mistry. Its not just a function of poor countries. NTDs are showing up in developed countries Because of global air travel, people can go around the world in 24 hours. They may contract a disease in a country in the developing world, not show any symptoms, then fly to the developed world and transmit it to people there. Ebola is an example. Dr. Jon Andrus is the Director of Vaccine Advocacy and Education at the Sabin Institute. He said diseases that only affected tropical areas before can now spread to other parts of the world. Infection is only a plane ride away, he said. Climate change also creates environments for the transmission of diseases by mosquitoes and black flies, according to Andrus. Crowded urban slums and plastic litter on the ground can also serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes. Two years ago, there were outbreaks of dengue in the American states of Florida and Texas. Global initiatives to combat NTDs In 2012, the U.S., the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, 13 drug companies, and several global health foundations signed a London Declaration on NTDs. The declaration was to support the WHOs initiative to control or eliminate 10 diseases by the year 2020. The campaign promised almost $800 million for drug donation programs. As part of the London Declaration, the drug companies would share information to speed up the development of new treatments. In addition, they agreed to supply billions of doses of drugs every year to help the worlds poorest people. Mistry said these programs reached 800 million people in 2014. He hoped they would be made available to more than a billion people by 2020. Its an art to be the broker and diplomat and win trust and support from sectors with very different issues, such as NGOs, corporations, and foundations, he said. He added that the key was to find common goals. Government can serve as an effective broker. Need for more prevention Experts called for greater focus on prevention to avoid the next global epidemic. Whats frustrating for me is that were not more proactive in prevention of these outbreaks, said Andrus. Its not just the vaccine. Its good public health practice and surveillance. We need better diagnostic tests to detect these outbreaks earlier. Its important to control the carriers of these diseases. He advocated use of insecticides, mosquito nets, and long-sleeved clothing as ways to combat mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika and dengue. Mistry added the attention on Zika will cause an increase in public-private partnerships to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases. Its the only way well find solutions to these problems. Im Mary Gotschall. Mary Gotschall wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. Do you have an opinion about this topic? Let us know what you think in the Comments section below, or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story afflict v. to cause pain or suffering to (someone or something) neglect v. to fail to take care of or to give attention to (someone or something) tropical n. relating to the part of the world that is near the equator where the weather is very warm inadequate adj. not enough or not good enough sanitation n. the process of keeping places free from dirt, infection, disease, etc., by removing waste, trash and garbage, by cleaning streets, etc. lobbying n. the effort by an organized group of people who work together to influence government decisions that relate to a particular industry, issue, etc. spotlight n. public attention or notice vulnerability n. the act of being open to attack, harm, or damage transmission n. the act or process by which something is spread or passed from one person or thing to another surveillance n. the act of using electronic devices to watch people or things diagnostic adj. used to help identify a disease, illness, or problem This is Whats Trending Today. By the time you get to be 106, you have seen and done a lot. And Virginia McLaurin is almost 107. But last week, McLaurin did something for the first time. She went to the White House. There, she met President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. She said it was something she never thought she would be able to do. I thought I would never get in the White House, McLaurin said, in a video posted on the White Houses Facebook page over the weekend. McLaurin is an African-American resident of Washington, D.C. She was born in 1909 in South Carolina. A video of her celebrating Black History Month with the Obamas last week got people giddy on social media. Black History Month is celebrated every February, and it recognizes the contributions African-Americans make to the world. More than 25 million people have seen the video since it was released Sunday night. The video was shared nearly 500,000 times on Facebook. McLaurin and the Obamas are two of Mondays top trending subjects on Twitter. The video shows McLaurin coming to meet President Obama and Michelle Obama. While posing for a picture after they are introduced, McLaurin says: I am so happy. A black president, yay! A black wife! And Im here to celebrate black history. People wrote messages of support, calling the video fantastically uplifting, and saying watching the video will make your day. One man from Brazil wrote: She lived to see two World Wars, the height of racial segregation, and finally, an elected black president. The Washington Post reports that McLaurin submitted a petition to the White House in 2014, asking to meet with Obama. She wrote about all the things she remembered from her life like living without electricity and first Ford car she saw coming off the assembly line. I didnt think I would live to see a Colored President, she wrote. I know you are a busy man, but I wish I could meet you. And when McLaurin finally met the Obamas, she danced with joy. So whats the secret to still dancing at 106? President Obama asked. McLaurin did not answer. She was so excited, she just kept on dancing. And thats Whats Trending Today. Im Anna Matteo. Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. How would you feel if your nation elected a president whose race, class or gender was once banned from the presidency? Write to us in the Comments Section and on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story giddy adj. excited, playful and silly fantastic adj. extremely good petition n. a written document that people sign to show that they want a person or organization to do or change something segregation n. the practice or policy of keeping people of different races, religions, etc., separate from each other LEXINGTON,Neb. A human trafficking awareness event will be held Thursday, Feb. 25 at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Lexington. The event is titled Human Trafficking, Is It Happening Here? Start time is 6 p.m. The event is organized by Leticia Bonifas, a longtime human trafficking advocate in Lexington who is the executive director of the Central Nebraska Human Trafficking Office. Calvary Assembly of God Church is located at 1304 North Adams in Lexington. A free will offering will be accepted at the event. Bracelets and t-shirts will also be sold to raise funds. Any funds raised will go toward efforts to combat human trafficking in Nebraska. Bonifas said a free movie, The Chosen, will be shown at the event. The film tells the story of two American teenage girls who were raised in good families who end up sucked into the world of human trafficking, she said. A summary about the context of the film, as listed in a promotional poster for the event reads: As traffickers narrow their target to lure younger and younger victims,Americas youth find themselves engaged in a battle they never prepared for. Hear the shocking true stories of two All American teenage girls tricked into trafficking. Eighteen-year-old Brianna was an honor-roll student, cheerleader and worked at a local cafe. Thirteen-year-old Lacy was an active member of her youth group, and a volunteer in her community. Both were manipulated. Both were exploited. Both were chosen. Red balloons will also be released at the event, Bonifas said. Each red balloon would represent a victim, survivor and those enslaved in the life of human trafficking. Bonifas will speak at the event about her past experiences working as an advocate and the growing collaboration in Nebraska for working together to fight human trafficking. Advertising policy If you're looking to provide a product or service to Cook County judicial candidates or potential candidates, please take note: I will consider accepting advertisements for products and services aimed at judicial candidates. Advertisements -- clearly labeled as such -- will be put up as posts on the blog for a one-time fee. I reserve the right to edit or reject ad copy or to refuse an ad altogether. Email me at jackleyhane@yahoo.com for information and rates. Judicial candidates and campaigns are not charged for getting their information on this blog. This blog does not make endorsements and no ads for or against any particular candidate will be accepted (the content of Google ads appearing on this page are not under my direct control). Tales of a Midwest Lutheran on the East Coast Remix OS is a customized version of Android that looks and feels like a desktop operating system. First launched by Jide in 2015, the operating system only supported a few devices at first. In January Jide made it easier for anyone to try out Remix OS by releasing an alpha version of Remix OS for PC, allowing you to load the operating system onto a USB flash drive so that you could try it on many recent PCs. Now Jide has announced that Remix OS for PC beta is coming on March 1st, and itll include several key features that users have been asking for. Over the Air Updates If you have a tablet or desktop PC that came with Remix OS pre-installed, you can download and install updates to upgrade your PC with no problems. But if youve been running Remix OS for PC alpha, then officially the only way to upgrade from one version to the next has been to re-install the entire operating system, overwriting any existing apps, settings, or other data you may have. Some folks have found ways around this, but soon you wont need to sidestep anything. Remix OS for PC beta will include support for over-the-air updates, allowing Jide to release updates that you can download over the internet and install without losing data, much the way you can on a Windows computer or Android phone. Dual-booting The first versions of Remix OS were designed to run from a USB flash drive. This lets you boot your computer from the flash drive without writing anything to your PCs hard drive or solid state drive which is handy if you dont want to risk losing any data. But most USB flash drives arent as fast as built-in storage devices, and theyre not as convenient either. So users have been finding ways to load Remix OS onto their primary storage devices, despite the fact that Jide didnt offer official support. Now Jide will support that. The company will be providing a tool for installing Remix OS on your device so that you can dual-boot Remix and another operating system, much as you would dual boot Windows and Ubuntu or another Linux distribution. 32-bit support Part of the appeal of an Android-based operating system is that it has lower system requirements than Windows, OS X, or many other modern desktop operating systems. So you may be able to breathe new life into older computers by installing Remix OS or at least thats true in theory. In practice, the first builds of Remix OS for PC only supported computers with 64-bit processors. That means if you had an older notebook with a 32-bit chip (such as a first or second-generation netbook), you were out of luck. Earlier this month Jide released an initial build of Remix OS with 32-bit support, and the company is continuing to support both 32-bit and 64-bit processors with the March 1st launch of Remix OS for PC beta. Whats missing? Theres still one key feature thats missing from Remix OS for PC: the Google Play Store. While Jide co-founder David Ko tells me that the company would like to include the Play Store with Remix OS for PC, Jide is still in talks with Google about the Play Store and other Google Services. Normally a company that wants to ship a phone, tablet, or TV with Google Mobile Services has to get certification from Google after demonstrating that the device meets Googles requirements. Thats harder to do when releasing an operating system designed to run on thousands of different computer configurations. But Ko says hes pretty confident that Jide is doing everything possible to make sure that most Android apps that follow Googles guidelines should run properly on PCs running Remix OS. Now the company just needs to convince Google to approve Play Store support. Until then, you can always sideload the Play Store and other Google apps. Whats coming? At this point Remix OS is still aimed at early adopters willing to help kick the tires. But eventually Ko hopes it will be an operating system for the next billion internet users the folks in developing nations who are most likely to use a smartphone before they touch a PC. Remix OS provides access to the same apps theyre used to using but in a productivity-focused environment with a taskbar, window system for viewing multiple apps at once, and support for keyboard and mouse input. If Jide is successful, Remix OS could one day challenge Windows as a desktop operating system. And while the company is primarily focusing on tablet, notebook, and desktop-case devices, Ko says a Remix OS smartphone isnt out of the question. Maybe youll eventually be able to run full-screen Android apps on a smartphone and then plug your phone into an external display to run them in desktop mode much the way you can with Windows 10 Mobile phones that support Microsofts Continuum for phone feature. Want to learn more about Jides vision for Remix OS? Check out episode 3 of the LPX Show podcast, featuring an interview with Jide co-founder David Ko. A Regular Commentary on Strategic Affairs from a Leading Commentator and Analyst 2021 book: Future War and the Defence of Europe (Oxford: Oxford University Press) Ronald Reagan The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive. Albert Einstein If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack. Winston Churchill It isnt so much that liberals are ignorant. Its just that they know so many things that arent so. With integrity nothing else counts; Without integrity nothing else counts. Winston Churchill Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself. Harvey S. Firestone It is inaccurate to say that I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty, and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible for public office. H. L. Menken Referenda insure all have a voice in land use decisions. U.S. Supreme Court Listen carefully to first criticism of your work. Note just what it is about your work the critics don't like - then cultivate it. That's the only part of your work that's individual and worth keeping. Jean Cocteau By Maneka Sanjay Gandhi Imagine a future in which you can eat yourself - enormous steaks, kababs and biryani - with pieces of your own flesh without cutting them up or even worrying about cannibalism. This future is almost upon us. In a 1931 essay called Fifty Years Hence, Churchill said, We shall escape the absurdity of growing a whole chicken in order to eat the breast or wing, by growing these parts separately under a suitable medium. The technology for doing it has already been invented. Like the IT revolution that crept along on the backs of a few twenty year old nerds and then burst into bloom in the mid-nineties, this one is quietly on the move on the backs of equally far-seeing and brilliant young people in their twenties. Let me introduce you to some of them. Years later they will be as famous as Bill Gates and Steve Jobs that I guarantee. Either that or the world will have ended. The way we grow food is the single biggest reason for climate change, hunger, lack of water and disease. Livestock uses 70 percent of all agricultural land and accounts for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and 8 percent of human water usage. Meat production is so wildly inefficient. We feed a cow 11 kilograms of food to get 1 kilogram of beef. Cows, buffaloes and goats eat up the forest. They are the biggest greenhouse gas emitters. Beef is raised on food humans could eat (soy, corn) rather than food humans can't eat (grass). Meat production is expected to more than double by 2050. The only way we can change this and save ourselves is to alter the way we eat. And here are the people who will do it: Isha Datar, 27, a person of Indian origin is a Canadian with a BSc. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Alberta and a M.Biotech from the University of Toronto. In 2010, she published a paper on the advances in tissue engineering that could be applied to cultured meat. Her work has contributed to the development of Canadas first in-vitro meat lab at the University of Alberta. She is the director of New Harvest, a Washington based company that seeks to provide omnivores with meat in a more humane and eco-friendly way: by growing animal cells in a lab to make in vitro meat and milk. Isha wants to create a solution from scratch, instead of having to rely on changes in behaviour. Datar helps 80 scientists and volunteers connect with like-minded peers to collaborate and secure funds for their research. So far, she has helped raise thousands of dollars in grants for different initiatives. She speaks across the world about the responsible use of science to contribute to food security. By producing these products this way, food production can be less resource intensive, more environmentally friendly, less prone to contamination, and more humane. The way I see it, the meat on my plate is just a collection of tissues, and there are two ways of getting tissues, she says. One is to grow a whole organism and the other is to grow just a part from the smallest living thing: cells. The second option doesnt require an animal to suffer and produce waste. Producing cultured meat begins by taking a number of cells from a farm animal and proliferating them in a nutrient-rich medium. Cells are capable of multiplying so many times in culture that, in theory, a single cell could be used to create enough meat to feed the global population for a year. After the cells multiply, they are soaked with nutrients and mechanically stretched to increase their size and protein content. The resulting cells can then be harvested, seasoned, cooked and consumed as a boneless, processed meat, such as sausage, hamburger or chicken nuggets. Scientists say that lab-grown meat could produce up to 96 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional meat. Is it really possible to grow a hamburger in a petri dish? Absolutely. Tissue engineering is currently used primarily for medical purposes growing skin, veins, ears but it can also be employed to grow animal muscle. Last year, Mark Post, from Maastricht University, produced the worlds first lab-grown burger by taking stem cells from a cow and growing them in a culture medium. Ishas company sent him $50,000 to help with the research. Today, Post, a New Harvest board member, is leading a team of 20 researchers on a two-year quest to create a better lab-grown man-made meat hamburger, an effort that is being funded by Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google. Depending on the finance, he should have it in supermarkets in 20 years. This year New Harvest is planning to showcase cell-cultured meat at the Worlds Fair in Milan. Dairy alternatives like soy milk, almond milk are sold side by side with cow milk. I dont see why meat alternatives wont have the same pathway. Already, meat alternatives such as the veggie burger appear on menus next to other burger options. I see no reason why cultured meat wont be offered side by side with real meats at all kinds of restaurants. Its ridiculous that the US government and the EU fund industrial farming and not environment/animal friendly meat, says Datar. Why did Sergey Brin (co-founder of Google) decide to invest in this project? He shares concerns about sustainability, extremely interested in seeing radical new ideas followed and tested to see if they have any merit, especially those which would have a massive positive effect on mankind. The video covers Brin's interest in the project. Modern Meadow, a company in New York under New Harvests umbrella, is developing in-vitro meat by using a tissue engineering technique called biofabrication, to grow leather from skin cells in trays in a lab. The company is also developing biofabricated meat, fish and poultry from muscle cells. The cells the company stores and uses, to brew leather and meat, are obtained through small biopsies that dont hurt, injure or kill animals, Chief Executive Andras Forgacs says. Horizons Ventures, the Hong Kong-based firm of billionaire investor Li Ka-shingh has invested over $10 million in this company that is growing meat and leather in the lab. The company aims to help fashion designers and makers of leather goods meet the increasing global demand for their wares without taking a toll on animals and the environment. Biofab leather can be used to make consumer goods like apparel, shoes, luggage and sporting goods. Currently it takes Modern Meadow about 1.5 months to make a square-foot leather sample thats fully finished. That compares to 2-3 years to obtain, care for and feed an animal. The company is now worth $60 million dollars. Many Indians abroad either head these companies or are working in them. I have asked my niece who studies in Berkeley to intern with these companies so that one day she can look back, when the world has changed and animals are no longer killed and eaten, and be satisfied that she was a teeny part of the process. Next week I will tell you about more companies that are changing the world. Mumbai: Actors Manoj Bajpayee and Radhika Apte are set to star in filmmaker Shirish Kunder's upcoming debut short film Kriti, which will be a psychological thriller. The 15-minute film will also star actress Neha Sharma. Shirish, who made his directorial debut with Jaan-E-Mann in 2006, feels short movies have more scope to tell edgy stories than full length commercial films, which takes time to make. "Yes I am making a short film. I decided to do it as I am very much interested in the digital space. Feature films take time to make and then to finally release," Shirish told PTI. "Short films involve telling exciting and edgy stories. They are also watched a lot today. The length may be less but they have tremendous exposure." The 42-year-old director said the movie will have an all-film crew working on it to give it a feel of a feature. Interestingly, both Bajpayee and Radhika have featured separately in short films earlier. While the Aligarh actor was there in Jai Hind and Taandav, the Badlapur actress starred in Sujoy Ghosh's "Ahalya". Shirish said he cast both of them because he needed strong actors to play the part but the fact that they had done short films did help. "I needed good actors for the role. Since they had already done short films before so they were open to my idea, the convincing part was easy. "I had to only approach Radhika because it was Manoj, who had asked me to make it. I am changing gears with this one. I have done lighter stuff earlier but this is intense and dark. So I needed actors like them who work from the inside and give it their best shot," the director said. The movie will go on floors by the end of this month and is scheduled to release on April 22. Shirish is also working on his next feature film which will be a women-centric crime thriller, set in a small town. He last made Joker starring Akshay Kumar in 2012. "The short film is like a prelude to my feature, announcing my ability to make a film in this space. I made a debut in a romantic film so you tend to get stereotyped in that. I am currently in the casting process and in talks with a few people. I need a strong female performer for the role." The film is scheduled to go on floors in November as it is set in winter and the directors needs to show snow. PTI Coimbatore: Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today expressed the hope that Budget 2016-17, to be present next week, will allocate required funds for Start-up India programme. She said her ministry, Commerce and Industry, will do its best to solve the financial difficulties being faced by start-ups. Speaking on the "role of Centre through Start-up India initiative" at a programme here, the minister said "the government, I am sure, will be a lot more flexible in dealing with issues raised by start-ups and we are not just looking at tech-based or application-based start-ups". She added: "With the kind of start-ups and the kind of activity generated, India was ranked third globally and this cannot happen unless there was ground swell for it and youth are already at it." Stating that she would rather put a lot of energy in pure science related matters, health, space and defense, Sitharaman said she saw everything going in favour of Coimbatore to be the start-up capital. "You have everything, with a bit more energy and push from several quarters you can create and sustain an ecosystem which can support a lot of youngsters, who are talented and skilled," she said. Tamil Nadu will benefit from it and we are with you in whatever you want to do, she assured. Expressing concern over paucity of women entrepreneurs in Start-ups, just 8 per cent, she said women have uncanny ability to notice where the problems existed and urged them to start new ventures, as was done by Padmashree awardee Arunachalam Muruganantham, who came out with napkin machines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought in a change in the mindset, trusted the people and the first decision that we took was self-certification. The government launched the start-up initiative only to motivate the people and give it a greater push. PTI New Delhi: Steel Ministry has pitched for addressing the inverted duty structure in the sector in the upcoming Budget in a bid to protect the domestic industry, which is facing an onslaught of cheap imports and weak prices. It has also asked the Finance Ministry to raise the peak duty rate from the present 15 per cent to 25 per cent, a senior government official said. Budget for the 2016-17 fiscal will be presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Parliament next week. "Ministry has written to the Finance Ministry to re-look at the inverted duty structure, which is making import of raw materials such as coking coal, iron ore costly and is leading to an escalation in the operational costs of the steel firms," the official said. The increase in input costs is adversely impacting the competitiveness of the domestic steel industry, which is already facing the issue of cheap imports, he added. Another official said that customs duties levied on key raw materials such as coking coal, iron ore and metal scrap are higher than those on the end product and that most steel exporting countries do not impose import duties on raw materials. "This is done to help the manufacturing sector and make it more competitive. The Ministry had pitched that the inverted duty structure needs to be reviewed in light of the global downturn and slowing demand in China, which is impacting industry here," the official added. Another issue raised by the Steel Ministry is that of the peak customs duty. "Steel Ministry has asked the Finance Ministry to raise the peak duty tariff to 25 per cent from the current 15 per cent in a bid to restrict imports," the official said. If this is done, it will be the second consecutive increase in the peak rate. In the Budget for this fiscal, government had raised the peak customs duty from 10 per cent to 15 per cent. "Even by raising the peak duty rate to 25 per cent, we are well below the threshold of 40 per cent allowed by the WTO," he added. Earlier this month, in a bid to to protect the domestic steel industry, the government had imposed a minimum import price (MIP) on 173 steel products ranging between USD 341 to USD 752 per tonne. The minimum price will remain in place for six months only. Domestic steel manufactures have been demanding fixing of the price as well as raising import duty in order to check cheap imports from countries like China, South Korea and Japan. Besides, since July last year, the government has imposed provisional Safeguard Duty and increased import duty on certain steel products to check imports. PTI Activist Trupti Desai, who has been protesting over the demand for entry of women into the Shani Shingnapur temple, was on Monday detained in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra while she was on her way to the temple. Desai is the chief of Bhumata Ranragini Brigade, the women's outfit spearheading the campaign against a centuries-old ban on female devotees entering the sacred platform at Shani Shingnapur temple. She had also received an anonymous threat letter on 12 February warning her of dire consequences like those faced by Narendra Dabholkar. Dabholkar had been found murdered on 20 August 2013. He had steadfastly vouched for the passing of the Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Ordinance in the Maharashtra Assembly. The row over the temple began on 27 January when 350 women activists were stopped by police in a village 70 km from the Shani Shingnapur shrine as they tried to break the 400-year-old controversial tradition. Eventually, the protest had intensified as the women refused to leave the area and said they will not leave the area until they are allowed inside the temple. Desai had also urged the "young" chief minister to step in and take urgent measures to curb attempts and social mechanisms to suppress womens' voice and their empowerment. A day after that protest, Desai had met Devendra Fadnavis in Pune and presented a memorandum of demands seeking his support to end gender bias and unrestricted entry to women at the temple and all other sacred places in the state. With agency inputs Chandigarh: Normal supply of water to Delhi from Haryana, which had been disrupted due to the Jat stir, is likely to be restored on Monday as security forces have taken control of the Munak Canal after evicting Jat protesters. Two columns of th Army, CRPF and Haryana Police personnel took over control of the canal at around 4 am, official sources said. All protesters who were squatting at the site were evicted, the sources said. Haryana's Irrigation Department officials are at the spot and were engaged in carrying out repairs at the spot. Normal water supply should be restored during the day, the sources said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has called a cabinet meeting in the afternoon to take stock of the situation in the wake of the Jat stir. Delhi has been facing a water crisis following cut in its supply from Haryana due to Jat stir, prompting the Government to order shutting of all schools on Monday and rationing of water. Haryana DGP Yashpal Singhal had said yesterday that their first priority was to restore Delhi's water supply from Akbarpur Barota point in Sonipat. Haryana's Additional Chief Secretary (Home) P K Das had told reporters on Sunday that they were facing difficulty in evicting protesters from the Munak Canal and had temporarily suspended the efforts to evict them as the situation could turn volatile. However, after the BJP announced to set up a committee to examine the quota demand for the community yesterday, fresh attempts were made to persuade the protesters to vacate the canal area. PTI New Delhi: Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi on Monday said the five JNU students, who are facing sedition charges for allegedly raising anti-India slogans, should join the probe and prove that they are innocent. "They (the students) should join the probe. If they are innocent, they should present evidence of their innocence," Bassi told reporters. The five students Umar Khalid, Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and Anirban Bhattacharya returned to the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus on Sunday night. They had disappeared from the campus after the 9 February event held to mark the anniversaries of executions of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front co-founder Maqbool Bhat. Asked if police would enter the campus to arrest the students, Bassi said: "I am confident that my team is competent enough to deal with the matter. "The investigating officer would take the best available option. The world is full of opportunities and options," he said. "Police have proper evidence against the one who is arrested, and in future too arrests will be made only after proper probe," Bassi added. JNU has been on the boil over the arrest of its students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges following the 9 February event. IANS New Delhi: Five JNU students, including Umar Khalid, who the police have been looking for in connection with a sedition case, on Sunday surfaced on campus, saying they did not do anything wrong but were "framed" using "doctored video". While police rushed a team to the campus on receiving information about them, the students maintained that "they will not surrender but police can come and arrest them". The five students Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya, Rama Naga, Ashutosh Kumar and Anant Prakash had gone missing from the campus since February 12 after JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested in a sedition case lodged in connection with an event held on the campus against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru where anti-naitonal slogans were allegedly raised. According to Ashutosh, former president of JNU students union and a PhD scholar at varsity's School of International studies, they "have come back with a view of supporting the enquiry. The massive support we got from students and others from across the globe gave us the strength to return. I, Rama, Anirban and Anant were around but did not come in public due to atmosphere of mob lynching." He, however, maintained that the four of them were not in touch with Umar Khalid and had spoken to him last on February 9, the day of the event. Ashutosh said the students were in Delhi itself and that the decision to return on Sunday evening had been taken individually and not collectively. "We didn't do anything wrong but were being framed using doctored video. We will not go anywhere now and will be part of the movement against the branding of university as anti-national," he said. The five students also participated in a march, shouting slogans and demanding release of Kanhiaya and addressed a gathering of students at varsity's administrative block where the protests have been going on ever since the controversy erupted. Khalid denied that he had any terrorist links, while Anirban maintained that it was the look-out notice issued by police which made him decide to come back. "I am disturbed at the way I have been attacked and I am also angry at the comments posted against my sister on social media," Khalid said. Police said the students have not surrendered and a team has been rushed to the varsity. "We had received some information about their reported presence on campus. A police team was rushed to the varsity to enquire out after we received information that they were spotted on the campus. The team has right now been positioned outside JNU," a senior police official said. "So far nobody has surrendered. The officials at Vasant Kunj North police station have been asked to wait for them to present themselves before the police and surrender. If they don't come till morning, police team will be sent tomorrow to arrest them. No crackdown can be conducted at this hour," he added. When contacted the university officials, maintained that they had no information about their presence in the varsity's premises. The varsity Vice Chancellor Jagdesh Kumar later said that the entry for police as well as media persons has been barred for now and a call in this regard will be taken tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, an emergent meeting of the left-backed All India Students Association (AISA) was underway at the campus to decide futre strategy. Shehla Rashid, vice president of the JNU students union also spoke to the crowd saying that those accused are innocent. "They are ready for whatever is going to happen. We know there are policemen inside in plain clothes here," Rashid said. "We want everything to happen in the glare of the cameras." Sources in the university said that few other students which the police had sought information about from the authorities, including Riyaz and Rubina, were also spotted on the campus. PTI New Delhi: Some lawyers, caught on camera beating up journalists, students and teachers of JNU at the Patiala House court complex, on Monday claimed a mob of students had resorted to the violence and not the advocates. Alleging that the scribes were beaten up by JNU students, these lawyers also sought the arrest of the students and questioned the police for not taking any action against them. Advocate Yashpal Tyagi, who was caught on camera during the attack, told a press conference that their fight against "anti-nationals will continue" and "they would not tolerate anything said or done against the country". At the press conference held in the Kakardooma district court where various bar leaders were also present, the lawyers claimed the JNU students, and not the advocates, had assaulted journalists in the Patiala House court complex on 15 and 17 February, when jailed JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar was being produced in connection with the sedition case. The lawyers also claimed that there was no complaint or evidence against them and the mob of students had indulged in the violence. Advocate Mahesh Sharma, President of Shahdara Bar Association, said lawyers are well educated and "calling them goons and criminals is defamatory". The lawyers said they were in the process of filing defamation case against three news channels for allegedly calling then goons. Vikram Singh Chauhan, who was caught on camera assaulting journalists and others in the court premises, was also present at the conference. He was one of the three lawyers summoned by the Delhi Police in connection with the February 15 attack. Advocate Om Sharma, who was arrested and granted bail on 21 February by the police for allegedly instigating the attack on journalists and students in the Patiala House, was also present at the press conference. PTI Pune: Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt is all set to be released from the Yerawada Central Jail in Pune, Maharashtra on Thursday morning, an official source said on Monday. The celebrity prisoner will be released after serving the remainder of his five-year sentence for possession of illegal arms in the 12 March, 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts case. Dutt is scheduled to step out of jail around 9 am on 25 February and will be received by his wife Manyata, children and other family members. The jail authorities have rejected a request for a small 'welcome ceremony' planned by the family on security grounds, in view of a large number of the actor's fans and media contingent expected there, said the official requesting anonymity. The release date of Dutt was first announced by his spokesperson in June 2015 amid speculation that the actor would be reward with an early exit from prison for his good conduct. Of the five-year sentence, Dutt has served more than 50 months in two installments, excluding the parole and furlough he was granted at various times on different grounds. Dutt grabbed headlines when the then Mumbai police commissioner, late AS Samra ordered his arrest in 1993 for illegally keeping an AK-47 assault rifle. He spent 18 months in jail as an undertrial before he was granted bail and later, following a Supreme Court order in May 2013, he was sent to the Yerawada jail in Pune to serve the remaining 42 months of his five-year sentence. IANS Union HRD Minister Smriti Iranis diktat to central universities in the country to hoist the national flag atop seems to have had a boomerang effect on BJPs parent organisation the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS). In an unusual incident in the BJP-ruled state of Madhya Pradesh, the state unit of the Congress party on Monday made a forced entry into the RSS office at Indore and hoisted the Tiranga at the roof top. During the day, hundreds of workers from the state Congress, Youth Congress, Mahila Congress (womens wing) and its students wing NSUI, led by the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Arun Yadav, gathered at the Rajwada Chowk a historical centre in Indore city. After garlanding the bust of Mata Ahilya Devi, the Congress leaders and workers marched towards the Sangh office. Breaking the police barricades and simultaneously raising slogans, the Congress workers virtually forced themselves inside the RSS office and, in the presence of Sangh members, hoisted the national flag. Barring national events like Republic Day, Independence Day, the Sangh offices and Shakhas dont hoist national flag on a regular day, and instead hoists its traditional saffron (Bhagwa) flag. To evade any untoward incident, a large police force was deployed at the location. The entire Rajwada area was full of national flags and placards. However, the citizens of Indore witnessed a peaceful flag hoisting both by the Congress workers and the RSS members. Its a historical moment as Congress hoisted Tiranga at RSS office. We wanted to expose the hypocrisy of the RSS, because the latter never hoists Tiranga at its centres on a regular day and instead hoists its own saffron flag. The state Congress party decided to hoist national flag to show that the organization that talks of nationalism and patriotism, and demands nationalism certificate from people is a hypocrite, a local Congress member told Firstpost. Last week on Firstpost, during the heated JNU debate, I took the fun quiz How anti-national are you? The result is for all to guess, considering the times we live in under this government. The situation has rapidly deteriorated after that government came to power and alarmingly so with each passing day. What has emerged is a web of lies and deceit to set a fascist agenda under the garb of nationalism and patriotism, which Samuel Johnson famously said was the last refuge of the scoundrel. Sadly it has turned out to be the very first for this government, as it has been unable to live up to the promises it made to this great nation. Events being played out at JNU by the BJP and its related organisations are a ploy to divert attention from paralysis of governance and economic crisis that the country is facing. Exports have declined for the 14th month in a row. Core-sector manufacturing has dipped. The Sensex has crashed, leading to an erosion of wealth and hard-earned savings of small investors, and yet we have a government that is busy creating a religious divide ever since it came into power and is now setting an agenda of patriotism to thwart dissenting voices. Sedition charges have been applied on students on the basis of doctored videos. No one stands to support anything that goes against the nation and its unity and if anti-national slogans were raised, take action is what most say, but it smacks of hypocrisy when the BJP that shares power in Jammu and Kashmir with the PDP a party that called Afzal Gurus hanging a travesty of justice is busy applying sedition charges for the same offence in Delhi. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely is true in BJPs case. A brief history of application of Section 124A will show how the courts have in most cases rejected the charges. Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code reads: Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law in India, shall be punished with imprisonment for life. And now, for the courts judgment in the Kedar Nath Singh case: Comments, however strongly worded, expressing disapprobation of the measures of government without exciting those feelings which generate the inclination to cause public disorder by acts of violence, would not be penal. The sedition charge in the JNU case comes despite the government knowing it wont stand in the court, but it comes to let everyone be warned about the harassment they will face if they choose to speak against this government or the prime minister. All government machinations have been put to use to silence the dissenting voices. The same sinister pattern was adopted during the FTII protests, when the protesting students were called 'Naxals'. Students of 'Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle' in IIT-Madras were banned merely because they dared to criticise Narendra Modi. Students like Rohith Vemula and others were systematically persecuted on the campus of Hyderabad Central University and called 'anti-nationals' and 'Naxalites. The BJP is muzzling the voice of India's youth, students, teachers, journalists, Opposition and every individual organisation that questions the subjugation of disagreement or paralysis of governance. The BJP president in this ongoing debate wrote a blog asking whether Congress supported anti-nationals, he asked questions of Rahul Gandhis patriotism. All this from a party president who promoted Sakshi Maharaj for eulogising Nathuram Godse as a martyr instead of taking suitable action, a president who turned a blind eye when Damodar Naik (BJP MLA) celebrated Godse as a martyr. It is indeed rich coming from a party president who has no qualms when Islamic State and Pakistani flags, and anti-India slogans are shouted in Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress and its leaders do not need lessons in patriotism from those who sided with the British in the freedom struggle. We emphatically reject the patriotism certificate from those who did not even acknowledge or fly the Tricolour at their Nagpur headquarters for 52 years after Independence. It is indeed a crying shame when those who released dreaded terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar under whose watch terrorists attacked the Parliament are busy calling people anti-nationals. Those who seek self-glorification instead of service to the nation have led us to terrorist incidents like Dinanagar, Udhampur and recently Pathankot. Jawans have needlessly lost their lives because we have a government that has no clear policy on Pakistan. A flashback to 2014: During the run up to the General Election, BJP spokespersons called Narendra Modi the tsunami that will sweep the country and come to power. Every time they said that, I wondered if they realised that a tsunami is followed by havoc and disaster. What we are seeing unfold right in front of our eyes is the aftermath of said tsunami that has brought in its wake havoc to the Constitution. And if we do not protest strongly enough, it can lead to a disastrous cost for our nation. Is this what they really meant when they said vote us to power for development? Did the development mean unleashing a tsunami that can have far reaching consequences one cannot even begin to fathom? It is time to speak up or forever hold the consequences of your silence. The author is the national spokesperson of the Indian National Congress. Views are personal. She tweets at @priyankac19 Former journalist and JNU alumnus Devesh Kumar (read his piece here) and BJP Maharashtra spokesperson Keshav Upadhye (read his piece here) have also weighed in on this issue. Chicago: A man arrested early on Sunday on suspicion of shooting dead six people in the northern US state of Michigan was an Uber driver who may have been picking up fares just before the killing spree began. Uber confirmed that the suspect, 45-year-old Jason Brian Dalton, was a driver for the ride-sharing company, adding he had passed a background check and had no criminal record. "We have reached out to the police to help with their investigation in any way that we can," Uber's chief security officer, Joe Sullivan, said in a statement. Dalton was apprehended at 12.40 am on Sunday. He is believed to be the gunman who opened fire at three different locations in the city of Kalamazoo, killing six people and seriously wounding two others, police said. A woman was seriously wounded outside an apartment complex, two people were killed at a car dealership, and four more were shot to death and a teenage girl seriously wounded at a chain restaurant. Kalamazoo County prosecutor Jeff Getting said Dalton, who surrendered without incident during a traffic stop, will face murder charges in court tomorrow. There is "no reason to believe" more than one person was involved in the crime, Getting added. Local resident Matt Mellen said he was Dalton's passenger just a couple of hours before the rampage began, and was taken on a hair-raising ride. "We were driving through medians, driving through the lawn, speeding along and when we came to a stop, I jumped out the car and ran away," Mellen told WWMT, a CBS affiliate. "He wouldn't stop. He just kind of kept looking at me like 'Don't you want to get to your friend's house' and I'm like, I want to get there alive." Mellen said he jumped out of the car at 4.30 pm, and called 911, the phone number for emergencies. He told his fiancee what had happened and she posted Dalton's picture on Facebook as a warning to others. "We're looking into his connection to Uber and whether or not he was picking up fares in between the shootings," Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley said, according to CNN. The shootings began at 6 pm. "What it looks like is we have somebody driving around, finding people and shooting them dead in their tracks," Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas told local media. "This is your worst nightmare, when you have somebody just driving around randomly killing people," he added. The gunman's first victim was a woman who was with her three children outside an apartment complex when she was shot, he said. She was seriously wounded but is expected to survive. AFP Kandahar: Afghan troops have retreated from two districts in the southern province of Helmand, said officials on Monday. The move highlights the challenge from Taliban fighters in the opium-producing region. "The Afghan army retreated from two army bases in Musa Qala and one base from Nawzad district on Saturday," provincial governor Khan Rahimi said, leaving no troops anywhere in those districts. He said that the soldiers had moved to other parts of Helmand such as the heavily-contested districts of Lashkar Gah and Sangin, adding, "We have no concerns regarding this step but we have plans to ensure security in other vulnerable areas." The decision was criticised by Abdul Majeed Akhundzada, deputy chief of the provincial council. He said, "Retreating from Musa Qala looks to me like ignoring the deaths of Afghan security forces and the civilians." The militants have intensified their campaign in the province since the NATO combat mission in the war-torn country officially ended in 2014. Last October, President Barack Obama announced that thousands of US troops would remain in Afghanistan post 2016 in what is officially a training and support role, acknowledging that Afghan forces are not ready to stand alone. Following this the US has deployed several hundred troops in Helmand in recent weeks. In August last year Taliban insurgents briefly captured the town of Musa Qala before Afghan forces backed by NATO retook it. Last December, a Taliban offensive drove Afghan forces from most of Sangin, a major poppy growing area in in the province. The onslaught raised fear that Afghan forces were too overstretched to fend off the insurgents. "Retreating is something normal," said Moeen Faqiri, army corps commander in Helmand, adding that the areas were not heavily populated. The retreat came days before the fourth round of talks between representatives of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the US to be held in Kabul. The talks do not involve the Taliban but indicate that the insurgents may be willing to return to negotiations six months after a round of direct dialogue collapsed. AFP New Delhi: Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, named by India as the mastermind of the Pathankot attack, has been under "protective custody" since 14 January, Pakistan Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz has said. He also said it was for India to decide on dates for Foreign Secretary-level talks, postponed in the wake of the terror strike. Aziz said a Special Investigation Team from Pakistan may visit Pathankot in the first few days of March to probe the attack and that his country was pursuing the investigation seriously. He said one of the mobile phone numbers linked to the attackers was traced to the terror group's headquarters in Pakistan's Bahawalpur and called the lodging of the FIR in connection with the Pathankot assault as a "logical and positive step" in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Aziz told Karan Thapar of Headlines Today that Azhar, along with a few other operatives of the JeM, has been kept under protective custody and that some of the terror outfit's premises have also been sealed. He said action will follow against Azhar and others the moment evidence becomes available. This is for the first time a top functionary of the Pakistan government has confirmed that Azhar is in custody in that country though there were earlier reports to that effect. Aziz said the FIR filed four days back in the Pathankot attack case has created legal basis for a Special Investigation Team of Pakistan to visit India to collect evidence. He said India has agreed to the SIT visit. Asked about Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's comment that SIT will not be allowed to go inside the IAF base in Pathankot, Aziz said access to crime scene always helps the investigators. On holding of the Foreign Secretary-level talks between the two countries, Aziz said the "ball is in India's court". "The answer to it lies entirely with India," he said, adding he hoped prime ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif will meet on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington next month. Pakistani authorities had lodged an FIR in connection with the Pathankot attack on 18 February, without naming Azhar. The FIR was filed against "unknown persons" after weeks of probe into the terror assault that had led to the postponement of Foreign Secretary-level talks. It was registered at Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) centre in Gujranwala, Punjab province. Asked about Pakistani-American LeT operative David Headley's revelations about the Mumbai attack during his deposition through video conference to an Indian court, Aziz said he was "a double agent who cannot be trustworthy". He rejected suggestions of taking Headley's version on record in the ongoing trial in the Mumbai attack case in Pakistan. Aziz said talks between the two countries and the probe into the attack may go on parallelly, noting both Modi and Sharif share "very good chemistry". Modi's attempts to improve ties with India have been visible, he said but insisted that more was required to be done to wipe out his earlier image of having a "strong" position on Pakistan. The two Prime Ministers should not allow derailment of the talks by non-state actors, he said, adding Modi's visit to Lahore on 25 December last year was "very well received". Favouring resumption of comprehensive bilateral talks as soon as possible, he said India has been held hostage to the "narrative of terrorism" which was unfortunate. He noted that the importance of dialogue is growing by the day. On Pakistan's SIT's visit to India, Aziz said the team will go "as soon as possible", maybe during the first few days of March. He said Pakistan was examining all the evidences including the phone numbers given by India in Pathankot attack case and that the NSAs of the two countries are in regular touch. Aziz said the investigators are also trying to establish links of the perpetrators and weapons used in the attack. On Siachen, Aziz said Pakistan was for withdrawal of forces by the two sides and has put forth its proposal before India again and claimed both sides were close to an agreement for many years. PTI New Delhi: Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Monday said his country does not play India or China "card" and there is "no question" of favouring one over the other as it is not a viable "policy option". "Misunderstandings" between India and Nepal "do not" persist anymore, Oli said, terming it as the "most important" outcome of his first visit to India after assuming office in last October. He made the remarks while delivering the 21st Sapru House Lecture of the Indian Council of World Affairs here which was presided over by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and attended by top members of the visiting Nepalese delegation. "The main mission of my coming to India was to clear misunderstanding and apprehensions that surfaced in the past few months following the promulgation of the Constitution. In my meetings with President, Vice President, Prime Minister and all other leaders I tried to clarify what we did in the past few months, what our intentions were and how we want to advance as a nation. "Having exchanged views with them I am convinced that whatever misundertsanding was there does not perisist anymore. This in my view is the most important outcome of my visit," Oli said. Oli, who is the first Prime Minister under the newly adopted Constitution of Nepal, said "intermittent" issues between two countries and governments "should not lead us" to actions that are unwarranted and impact people's daily lives adversely. On resolving the issues flagged by the Madhesi community, Swaraj "reiterated" her gratitude to Oli for having put in place a political mechanism to address their concerns. "This is the power of democracy that we resolve our issues through political dialogue." Touching upon the country's relations with its northern neighbour China, Oli said there was no "basis" to the perception that Nepal "uses this or that card". "There is no question about aligning with the one or the other. We cannot do it and it is not a viable policy option either. As neighbours we continue to have good relations with both and one is not comparable to the other," he said. When essential supplies from India were hit by the Madhesi agitation, Nepal was reportedly exploring option of getting petroleum products and other supplies from China. In her speech, Swaraj praised the Nepalese political leadership for showing "maturity" and bringing the Constitution to life despite adverse circumstances following the devastating earthquake that ravaged parts of the Himalayan country and led to massive loss of life and property. Oli said Nepal remains "firm" in its commitment to not allow it soil for any hostile activity directed towards India. "We respect the security, sensitivity of our neighbours," he said. PTI "I often talk about those bikini Instagram accounts and wonder how many followers are male versus female and how much engagement is based on looking at a hot photo of a girl as opposed to not caring. For us, it's more about real people. Felicity Grey, of Nuffnang, says using influencers is not out of the reach of small business. "Big numbers are great, but if there's no engagement it's not in our interest." Bellabox, which has built up to a yearly turnover of $7.2 million since launching in 2011, spends anything between $50 and $5000 for an influencer to write a post about its products. Bellabox's first campaign using influencers focused on They All Hate Us bloggers Tash Sefton and Elle Ferguson. "Like any marketing campaign, we pay based on the return we think we're going to get," Hamilton says. "Influencers run the gamut we work with a lot of influencers who just want the product and we're not paying them. Detch Singh is the co-founder of Hypetap, which represents 1200 influencers with a combined following of more than 120 million people. For small businesses there's heaps of influencers out there who will speak directly to their niche that aren't going to charge premium rates because they're building their following. Felicity Grey "If influencers have a proven track record and we know we can get a lot of acquisition from their posts, then we look into compensating them." The influence of social recommendations Social recommendations had previously been estimated to influence about 15 per cent of all purchases, but a 2015 study by US research firm McKinsey found they account for 26 per cent. And that figure is steadily growing. Reliable metrics are problematic when it comes to influencer marketing with little data on the return on investment from influencers. One of the few reports into the subject found companies receive $13.50 in earned media value for every $1.40 spent on influencer marketing. Earned media value includes publicity, social sharing and endorsement, according to the report by US media technology firm RhythmOne. Baking, playing and smiling all the way to the bank Victorian baking blogger Lucy Mathieson boasts more than 50,000 Facebook followers and has courted big brands such as Mission Foods, Old El Paso and Breville. The success of her three-year-old blog, Bake Play Smile, has meant she quit her job as a primary school teacher and while her earnings are less than $100,000 a year Mathieson says they continue to increase and should hit six figures next year. "I didn't start it to make money and it was only after 12 months that I realised it was taking off," Mathieson says. "Brands trust me to know what my audience wants. But at the same time, it's important I maintain the integrity of my blog so I do one campaign a month and no more than that." Mathieson says she occasionally turns down offers from businesses looking for her promotional help. Recently she accepted an offer from McDonald's despite not being "a huge fan". She says she wrote an honest review of the fast-food giant's new Create Your Taste menu. How small businesses can use influencers Brands looking for appropriate influencers can now find them at platforms such as Hypetap, which represents 1200 influencers with a combined following of more than 120 million people. Co-founder Detch Singh says genuine engagement with followers is the top priority for brands searching for effective influencers. "We care about engagement likes and comments, sentiment around their posts and also the quality of original content that they produce," he says. "We need to be confident that an influencer can produce their own content when they work with a brand." Influencer marketing is becoming popular for big business, but isn't out of reach for small businesses, Felicity Grey, managing director at mega blogging network Nuffnang, says. Bangkok: MPs from East Timor's major political parties are moving to impeach the country's President as tensions rise again in the former Indonesian-controlled island nation. The MPs are demanding that Taur Matan Ruak, also known by his Portuguese name Jose Maria Vasconcelos, reverse a decision not to reappoint the commander of East Timor's Defence Force, Major-General Lere Anan Timur. Taur Matan Ruak casts his vote in presidential elections in Dili, East Timor, in 2012. Credit:Getty Images Both Mr Ruak and Major-General Lere are heroes of East Timor's independence. For years, they were among guerrillas fighting Indonesia's armed forces from the country's mountains and jungles. The Middle East's largest ever war games are now underway and will boost military cooperation between the 20 Muslim nations taking part, host country Saudi Arabia said on Monday, as it seeks to check the growing influence of arch rival Iran. The Northern Thunder exercises, which began on Feb. 14 and will run until March 10, involve more than 150,000 troops from the Gulf Arab nations, Egypt, Morocco, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Jordan, Sudan and Senegal. "The council of ministers ... expressed the hope that these exercises achieve what was defined as their goals in exchanging expertise and raising the level of military coordination," Saudi Arabia's cabinet said in a statement. The statement also praised "the levels of preparedness and administrative and supply capabilities" shown by the nations participating in Northern Thunder exercises. Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia is concerned by the growing regional clout of Shi'ite Iran, which has just emerged from years of international economic sanctions following an international deal over its nuclear program. Riyadh, which is contributing the bulk of the troops in the war games, is also worried by the reduced regional role of its key ally, the United States and is seeking to build alternative military alliances as a counterweight to Iran. Saudi Arabia is leading a coalition of Muslim countries, backed by the United States, Britain and France, in a war in neighboring Yemen and says it will contribute troops if Washington leads land operations against Islamic State in Syria. Its war in Yemen, aimed at restoring a government ousted by an Iran-allied militia, is part of a more assertive effort by Riyadh since last year to counter Tehran's influence. 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According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, the move is a response to the Norths latest nuclear missile test. The North is thought to directly deliver cash or use borrowed-name bank accounts when it comes to its external trade [with China], said ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-hee at a press briefing. The U.S. had previously blacklisted Macau-based Banco Delta Asia (BDA) for alleged counterfeiting and money laundering to North Korea, and froze around USD24 million worth of funds in North Koreas BDA accounts. In 2013, the U.S. accused the Bank of China of providing financial support to the Norths nuclear weapons program, leading to the closure of several accounts at North Koreas Foreign Trade Bank. China is reportedly under pressure to collaborate with U.S.-led efforts to impose sanctions on North Korea. The North launched its fourth nuclear test in January, followed by its long-range rocket launch earlier this month. The doctor taps Zulay Balzas knees with a hammer and she doesnt feel a thing. She cant squeeze his outstretched fingers or shut her eyelids. Her face is partially paralyzed. The weakness started in my legs and climbed upward. The face was last. After three days, I couldnt walk, said Balza, 49. My legs felt like rags. Balza is a patient at the public University Hospital in Cucuta, at the epicenter of the Colombian outbreak of the mosquito- borne Zika virus. Only Brazil has more cases. Two weeks ago, she came under assault by Guillain-Barre (gee-YOHN-bah-RAY), a rare and sometimes fatal affliction that is the Western worlds most common cause of general paralysis. Alarm over the Zika epidemic spreading across the Americas has been chiefly over birth defects, but frontline physicians believe a surge in Guillain-Barre cases may also be related. The World Health Organization says Guillain-Barre cases are on the rise in Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Suriname and Venezuela, all hit hard by Zika, though a link remains unproven. The auto-immune disorder historically strikes only one or two people in 100,000. About one in 20 of those cases ends in death, and it is frightful. I thought my body was going to explode, said Balza, sitting on her hospital bed and apparently over the worst. Guillain-Barre attacks skeletal muscular nerves as if they were a foreign enemy. Fine motor skills rapidly erode, arms and legs tingle and weaken to numbness. Patients lose their balance, their speech. In rare cases, they require ventilators to stay alive. The syndrome typically strikes after a bacterial or viral infection, such as influenza, HIV or dengue, though its cause cant always be determined. Dr. Jairo Lizarazo, the neurologist treating Balza, has seen cases increase more than tenfold since December 30 cases in all in this muggy city bordering Venezuela. Like Balza, many patients never showed the characteristic symptoms of Zika fever, rashes, joint pain and conjunctivitis. Four in five dont. Hes convinced the virus boosts susceptibility to Guillain- Barre. Its an epidemiological association, said Lizarazo. We dont know exactly how it works. But its there, for sure. Associated cases confirmed or suspected based on clinical evidence number in the hundreds. Guillain-Barre cases believed to be linked to the virus have killed three people in recent weeks in Colombia and health officials have attributed another three Guillian-Barre deaths in Venezuela to suspected Zika infections. WHO said Zika has been confirmed present in apparently just one Guillain-Barre death, in the northwestern Venezuela state of Zulia in January. Dr. Maria Lucia Brito Ferreira, chief neurologist at Hospital da Restauracao in Recife, Brazil, said she hopes to get laboratory confirmation this month that nine Guillain-Barre deaths recorded there in the past year were Zika-related. Cases of Guillain-Barre in Colombia about 450 annually before Zika struck were up nearly threefold in the past month and a half. El Salvador has reported 118 cases since November, nearly as many as previously seen in a year. The only explanation is the Zika virus, said Deputy Health Minister Eduardo Espinoza. Dr. Osvaldo Nascimento, a leading Rio neurologist, estimates Brazilian cases of Guillain-Barre are up fivefold. Reporting is not compulsory, so the governments partial figure of 1,868 cases requiring hospitalization last year is a sketchy parameter. An upsurge in Guillain-Barre was documented in 2013 during a major Zika outbreak in French Polynesia, with a study finding cases up twentyfold. WHO said all 42 cases recorded in the Pacific archipelago tested positive for Zika as well as dengue fever, which is also currently present in Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and other Zika-affected countries. Antibodies for the dengue and chikungunya viruses, which are far more debilitating than Zika, are often being found in infected patients. That is making establishing a direct Zika-Guillain-Barre link more complicated. Like Zika, both viruses are transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and could also trigger Guillian-Barre, experts say. Under normal circumstances, eight in 10 patients nearly fully recover from Guillian-Barre, though it sometimes takes months. Data on Guillain-Barre is scant in most of the developing world. Of 18 countries participating in a clinical study launched by Dutch physicians in 2012, only two are in Latin America: Mexico and Argentina. Brazil just joined. Across the region, investigators were simply unable to get government funding to participate, said Dr. Ken Gorson, a Tufts University neurologist and president-elect of an international foundation that combats Guillain-Barre. Poorer countries were ill-prepared to manage the crisis. Colombias National Health Institute is overwhelmed with a weeks-long backlog in completing tests for Zika. The three Guillain-Barre deaths that the countrys Health Ministry attributed to Zika on Feb. 5 have not yet been confirmed by laboratory tests, said spokesman Ricardo Amortegui. Nor have the three deaths in the Venezuelan state of Lara announced last week. One Guillian-Barre fatality in Colombia suspected of being linked to Zika was a 51-year-old man from the Caribbean island of San Andres who died in November, said Rita Almanza, epidemiology chief in Medellin. The others were a 45-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman flown from Turbo on the Caribbean coast who died in Medellin in February. Guillain-Barre grabbed hold of Nancy Pino in neighboring Venezuela with devastating effect. The 68-year retired school administrator developed fever, rashes and muscle pain while celebrating Christmas with her family in the hot lowland state of Anzoategui. She recovered quickly. Days later, her hands and feet started to go numb. Her tongue felt like it was asleep. She stopped eating. The family rushed her to a Caracas hospital. She could barely walk. Bed-ridden, she lost the ability to talk and soon, to breathe. Doctors attached her to a respirator. It was so quick, daughter Nihara Ramos said between sobs. It was like a flame consuming her from the bottom up. Doctors diagnosed Guillain- Barre with a spinal tap they assumed she had Zika earlier and suggested that the relatives obtain immunoglobulin, an expensive treatment that pools healthy antibodies from hundreds of donors. Gorson said it costs USD15,000-45,000 in the United States. The family, straightjacketed by Venezuelas economic crisis, couldnt find or afford enough. In less than three weeks, a woman who once bounded up seven flights of stairs to her apartment was dead. By Frank Bajak, Libardo Cardona, AP Portuguese magician Luis de Matos is ready to return to Asia in April and May. The illusionist, who recently left the territory after his feature in the House of Magic in Studio City where he performed 395 shows over four months for around 60,000 people is now set for a new journey in Asia. His planned tour, The Illusionists Live from Broadway includes shows in Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore and features prominent illusionists such as Charlie Frye, Thommy Ten, Sam Powers, Krendl and Hyunjoon Kim, among others. Speaking to Lusa news agency about the shows in Macau, de Matos said the reaction of the people was absolutely amazing and magic is a universal language that can reach the public anywhere in the world. For his performances in Macau, de Matos has chosen acts that do not make use [of] words, since most of the local public does not have good English language skills. About the audience, the illusionist added, the Chinese public is contained [in expressing their feelings], but they like to watch shows. He recalls the experience as an overdose of emotions and surprise that, fortunately, [met with] great acceptance among the thousands of people who watched the show. This was the magicians second tour of the territory, after a set of four shows at the Macau Cultural Centre (CCM) in 1999 to celebrate the SARs administrative handover. Luis de Matos has accumulated several awards over the course of his 28-year career, including one from The Magic Circle in the UK, one of the most prestigious clubs in the field. RM Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! 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POSITIONING SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN THE PASTORAL LIFE IN A DIOCESE OF CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE YEAR OF FAITH GENERAL INTRODUCTION Rev. Fr. XYZ is facing a crisis moment because he just lost his handset. This is a device the wake him up in the morning with the alarm. If there is no electricity, he lights his way with its light. Often before he goes for morning Mass, he scrolls through the Bible application in his phone to confirm some references for his sermon. Many times when he finishes his purchases he uses his handset as calculator. He no longer worries about his wrist watch because the cell phone has a clock. Fr. XYZ does not carry a diary anymore because his handset has diary and its alert and at lonely moments he selects a soft gospel tone from the handset music list to nourish his soul. This modern day Catholic priest does not frequent commercial banks anymore because he operates his internet banking using same handset. Fr. XYZ cannot remember when last he went to a post office because most of his interactions are done with the SMS, email or calls with his cell phone. Again, as the day wears on he puts on the cable television if luckily there is power supply and follows the latest news round the globe as he takes his launch and prepares for the next item for the day. If there is no cable news he listens to the news briefs his handset is capable of intercepting. During the day there are ample moments to really get social with the new media. The Facebook and Twitter applications come handy here. Our digital clergyman scrolls through his Facebook timeline and sees how the discussions for the latest premiership match turned out. Facebook reminds him that somebodys birthday is that day and he heaves a sigh of relief wondering if he would have remembered but for this now famous aide memoire. He switches application to Twitter and sees the trending issues. He wants to procure some building materials for his parish projects, he sends a text message and the reply that the supply is on its comingsuch is the mode of business interaction in the new age. Its not all, as intermittently a text message arrives from the secretariat informing him of a crucial Pontifical/Diocesan collection or reminding him of the next burial of a parent of a priest or religious. In the evening of a Sunday there is a never-to-be-missed el classico match, Manchester derby, San Siro derby or more seriously still the Champions league final math at Wembly. He sends text messages around inviting some likeminded priests and friends to come over and share the moment even if it entails celebrating the benediction earlier or worse still skipping it . Can you see yourself in this portrait? Whoever has not seen a spark of this anonymous priest or personality in him or herself does not exist in the present planet!!! The prophecy of Isaiah 43, 18 19 is talking place in our time Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old; I am about to do new thing; now it springs forth, do you nor perceive it? Dear listeners, the physical world of man has given birth to the digital world or world online. We are talking about the social media, social network, news media, etc. This new horizon is accessed through the internet and the means of connection are the computer, Ipad, Iphone, Smartphones, Tablets, Facebook, Tweeter, YouTube, 2go, Pinging, Websites, Blogs, Email, etc. According to Pope emeritus Benedict XVI Social Networks are portals of truth and create a new agora, an open public square in which people share ideas, information and opinions, and in which new relationships and forms of community can come into being. In social networks, believers show their authenticity by sharing the profound source of their hope and joy: faith in the merciful and loving God revealed in Christ Jesus. This sharing consists not only in communicate choices, preferences and judgments that are fully consistent with Gospel, even when it is not spoken of specifically (World Communication Day Message 2013). In the face of the emerging realities where do we stand as a people as a local Church? How ready are we to key in and be on the same page with the rest of the world? How do we appraise the urgency of equipping ourselves to remain relevant in the call to evangelism in this Year of Faiths? Pope Benedict XVI launched the Year of Faith aimed at renewing and strengthening the faith of Christians. The Year of Faith started on October 11th, 2012 which actually coincided with the 50th anniversary of the start of the Second Vatican Council and will run until November 24th, 2013. The Year of Faith within the call for New Evangelization became imperative because of the fast level of secularization sweeping through Europe which is the ancient home of Christian missions round the world. Pope Benedict XVI fought this malaise headlong in his writing, speeches and visits. As it were, Africa was not left behind because in his post synodal exhortation to the Church in Africa, African Church and in so doing make Africa a new source of evangelization missions at the global level. According to Archbishop Rino Fiscichella (President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelisation) Theres a lot of enthusiasm surrounding the Year of Faith. Above all its an enthusiasm we can actually see in Christian communities, so in diocese, parishes, lay movements and associations. Its an opportunity to reflect on the role faith plays and why its important in peoples lives, (February 6, 2013. Romereports.com). Part of the Year of Faith is emphasizing how culture, are and music can inspire and become tools for New Evangelization. Ndi Okigwe diocese, he who fails to plan, plan to fail. Obu noy nwere anya n ahu ihe edere n mgba aja; Onye iberibe amaghi mgbe umunna yak ere nka ukw; Onye emeghi osisi ugbo aghara ya; mbiha utara wu n mbu. Humanity has woken up to a new reality, a new way of living, relating, interacting, doing business, a new way of governance, a new way of thinking and most importantly a new way of evangelizingin a word a new global culture has arrived! Developed countries like the United State of America (USA), European nations are already there and many developing countries have either keyed in or are fast doing so. Where are we and what are we doing about it? THE VATICAN MODEL We look closely to see how the Holy See purses the goal of the new evangelization in the year of faith using the social media. Already, on 4 December 1963, fathers of Vatican II promulgated Inter Mirifica, a decree on the means of social communications. On 29 Jan. 1971, it was followed up with Cummunio et Progressio. Fundamentally, the church believes that in carrying out the work of evangelization handed it over to her by Jesus Christ she has to use all the means of social communication and, in fact, teach the world on how best to use them. (Vat. II, 26, p. 284-285). The Holy See has strongly supported the establishment of the faculty of social communications in all Pontifical Universities and funds various types of international seminars, workshop and conferences on how to position the Catholic Church in the emerging digital world. For practical purposes the Vatican City State operates a private television (Cenro Television Vaticano Vatican Radio (Radio Vatcana) is a famous global brand that operates in so many languages, hundreds of websites, and even an astrological station located at Castel Gandolfo. Radio Maria, Radio Padro Pio and hundreds of Catholic radios and television stations round the world and the renowned EWTN collaborate with the Holy See in the task of evangelization. As a matter of fact, there have been fellow ups to the implementation of the recommendations of Inter Mirifica, but most recently, on December 12, 2012 on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the former leader of the Catholics 1.2 billion faithful, Pope Benedict XVI, became the first Pope to join Twitter. Using the handle, @ Pontifex, his first tweet read, Dear friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through Twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless all of you from my heart. From the Vatican on January 25, 2013 Pope Benedict XVI gave his voice of support to the hundreds of thousands of pro lifers demonstrating in Washington, D.C. The Pontiff tweeted this message: I join all those marching for life from afar and pray the political leaders will protect the unborn and promote a culture of life. On February 28, the day Pope Benedict stepped aside the Papacy, he tweeted, Thank you for your love and support. May you always experience the joy that comes from putting Christ at the centre of your lives. After his resignation, the Vatican suspended the account. However, shortly after Pope Francis delivered his first address on March 13, the Vatican tweeted a message for the first time since Pope Benedicts resignation: HABRMUS PAPAM FRANCISCUM (We have Pope Francis). Paving the way for Pope Francis to make use of the account, the Vatican deleted all the tweets sent from @Pontifex account and Pope Francis took control of it. On March 17, Pope Francis posted his first tweet. He stated, Dear friend, I thank you from my heart and I ask you to continue to pray for me. The post was retweeted 36,940 times. His third tweet, sent on the day of his installation, read True power is service. The Pope must serve all people, especially the poor, the weak, the vulnerable. It was retweeted 24,124 times. Pope Francis first 5 tweets gained 4, 449, 349 followers worldwide in 9 Twitter accounts. (As at Tuesday, March 26, 2013). While @Pontifex is the Popes primary account in English, which currently has 2, 176, 970 followership, he also communes with the Catholic world with 8 other Twitter accounts in 8 major languages that offer translations of his tweets. The 8 other accounts are @Pontifex_in (Latin) with 53, 238 followers; @Pontifex_de (German) with 81, 640 followers; @Pontifex_es (Spanish) with 1, 292, 028 followers; @Pontifex_pt (Portuguese) 148, 072 followers. Others are @Pontifex_pl (Polish) with 61, 412 followers; @Pontifex_it (Italian) with 493,412 followers; @Pontifex_fr (French) with 100,593 followers and @Pontifex_ar (Arabic) with 41, 984 followers. With the way the 9 multilingual accounts of Pope Francis is actively pulling in thousands of new followers every day, Twitter could be the veritable platform the Catholic Church will use to reach more of the worlds population about its beliefs. Already, Pope Francis election is the second biggest Twitter event of all time behind President Barrack Obamas 2012 reelection. According to Twitter, some seven million tweets related to the new pontiff emerged on March 13, the day Pope Francis was elected. At its peak, the papal tweeting reached a crescendo of 132, 000 tweets per minute. On March 19, 2013 Pope Francis gave his fellow Argentineans a happy surprise, thousand of the faithful who gathered in the Plaza de Mayo in the early hours of the morning to watch the inauguration of the Petrine Ministry Mass were given a big surprise, namely, a personal message from Pope Francis. The Holy Fathers telephone call was broadcast to the crowd gathered in the Square. Dear children, I know you are in the square. I know you are praying and saying prayers, I need them very much. It is so beautiful to pray. Thank you for that, Concluding his address to the faithful of his homeland, Pope Francis invited them to nor fear God, but to be close to him, saying that God is a Father to all. May the Virgin bless you, do not forget this bishop who is far but loves you very much. Pray for me, the Pope said. From the Vatican City on Saturday, 30 March from 5:15pm until 6:40pm there was an extraordinary exposition of the Holy Shroud in the Cathredral of Turin, Italy. The initiative was part of the Year of Faith that was proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI. The event was broadcasted live by the Italian television channel, RAII. For the occasion, Pope Francis recorded this video message: Dear Brothers and Sisters, I join all of you gathered before the Holy Shroud, and I thank the Lord who, through modern technology, offers us this possibility. The Church has fully embraced the new media. Meanwhile, according to Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for social Communication, and Monsignor Paul Tighe, secretary of the same dicastery, Pope Benedicts assessment of social media is positive and not naive. The call for new era of evangelization acquires a new import in the Year of Faith. The Catholic Church inspired by the Holy Spirit in reading the hand writing on the wall and is interpreting will the signs of the time. In the Communication Day Message for 2013, Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI enjoined the Catholics to be present at the social media sites because they are the portals of faith and truth in out todays world and they are the latest areas for evangelization. Christians have to be present in them and not run or shy away from them. Invade them, sanctify and evangelize them with your presence and activities. Do not be victims of them but victors and conquerors of them. CHURCH PROTAGONISTS TO FOLLOW Apart from the pontiff, there are many cardinals and bishops on tweeter. Protagonists amongst the cardinals include Cardinal Lopez (Dominican Republic), Cardinal W.J. Eijk (Holland), Cardd. Dom Odilo Scherer (Brazil), Card. Gianfranco Ravasi (Italy), Cardinal Dolan (USA), Cardinal Sean (USA), Cardinal Wuerl (USA), Cardinal Martinez Sistach (Spain), Cardinal Wilfred Napier (South Africa), Card. Angelo Scola (Italy), Cardinal Bagnasco (Italy), Cardinal Ruben Salazar Gomez (Colombia) and Cardinal Mahony (USA). Down the line, Fr. Antonio Spadaro is the first Italian priest to open a tweeter account in 2007. He is the director of a magazine titled Civilta Cattolica and has authored different successful books and blogs on Theology, the internet and Twitter. As a social media expert, he claims that the secret to success in Twitter is to make brief messages that allow the reader to unlock greater knowledge, in his case, using theology and the Christian message to cross boundaries. In USA, Rev. Fr. Robert Barron (Founder, Word on Fire Ministries) a web guru targets new generation of faithful What started off as sermons, that were recorded and posted on YouTube, has now morphed into a growing media brand. Now that media has become a great tool for the New Evangelization. What makes him stand out from other Catholic websites is his approach. According to the priest blogger I started with sermons that I have on the radio. We put those on our website and it grew from there so Ive been doing video commentaries on books and movies, blockbuster movies like Batman or James Bond. For the most part, Father Barrons target audience is young people. Over the past ten years, he successfully done what the Church hopes to accomplish through the New Evangelization, reach out to younger people using their preferred methods of communication. His YouTube videos have generated over five million views, and also tens of thousands of comments. He states that even when he visits places far away from his native Chicago, young people will often recognize him his videos. In fact, its not just practicing Catholics hes engaging online which is what makes his work with Word on Fire Ministries that more interesting. His love for his faith and his willingness to engage others using newer methods has received tremendous response. (Romereports.com. January 12, 2013.) Throwing light on the dynamics of the social networks, Benedict XVI stated that these spaces, when engaged in a wise and balanced way, help to foster forms of dialogue and debate which, if conducted respectfully and with concern for privacy, responsibility and truthfulness can reinforce the bonds of unity between individuals and effectively promote the harmony of the human family. The exchange of information can become true communication, links ripen into friendships, and connections facilitate communion. If the networks are called to realize this great potential, the people involved in them must make an effort to be authentic since, in these spaces, it is not only ideas and information that are shared, but ultimately our very selves. The development of social networks calls for commitment: people are engaged in building relationships and making friends, in looking for answers to their questions and being entertained, but also in finding intellectual stimulation and sharing knowledge and knowhow. The networks are increasingly becoming part of the very fabric of society, inasmuch as they bring people together on the basis of these fundamental needs. Social networks are thus nourished by aspirations rooted in the human heart. Social networks should serve as veritable means of dialogue and cultural exchange that enrich individuals and the society. Social networks are inevitable in the interaction and relationship with the youth of today Believers are increasingly aware that, unless the Good News is made known also in the digital world, it may be absent in the experience of many people for whom this existential space is important. The digital environment is not a parallel or purely virtual world, but is part of the daily experience of many people, especially the young. Just few days age, Provincial members of the National Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS) berthed in Okigwe diocese for their convention. The whole gamut of these young adults who came to discuss how to fortify their Catholic beliefs were equipped with their Ipads, Smartphones, Tablets, etc and were ever busy with the social media because the youth of today is inseparable from these devices. Inevitably, therefore, to meet them the Church has to meet them where they are, namely in the social networks. It hinges on us therefore, to arm ourselves with these news devices of interaction and be able therein to educate them that facebook is not just for meeting people and talking about friendship and sex; that tweeting is not all about spreading rumors and reacting to gossips; that 2going and pinging is worth more than wasting valuable time on socializing and pouring hot emotions online. We could engage them and teach them that these God given devices of our time could be used to talk about God, about the Blessed Virgin Mary, about saints of the day, about Catholic beliefs and practices. They could be used to talk about Jesus Christ and what he means for us. These youths could be conventions, novenas, adorations and Church activities at various joints. We could let the girls know that facebook does not need to become a hidden forum for nudity and semi nudity. We could help expose to them inherent danger in trusting facebook friendships and risking all including life on facebook dating. As it were, in the digital environment, too, where it is easy for heated and divisive voices to be raised and where sensationalism can at times prevail, we are called to attentive discernment. Let us recall in this regard that Elijah recognized the voice of God not in the great and strong wind, not in the earthquake or the fire, but in a still, small voice (1kg 19:11 12). Social networks, as well as being a means of evangelization, can also be a factor in human development. As an example, in some geographical and cultural contexts where Christians feel isolated, social networks can reinforce their sense of real unity with the worldwide community of believers. The greater sense of closeness to those who share the same faith, an authentic and interactive engagement with the questions and the doubts of those who are distant from the faith should make us feel the need to nourish, by prayer and reflection, our faith in the presence of God as well as our practical charity. In the digital world there are social networks which offer our contemporaries opportunities for prayer, meditation and sharing the word of God. But these networks can also open the door to other dimensions of faith. Many people are actually discovering, precisely thanks to a contact initially made online, the importance of direction encounters, experiences of community and even pilgrimage, elements which are always important in the journey of faith. In our effort to make the Gospel present in the digital world, we can invite people to come together for prayer or liturgical celebrations in specific places such as Churches and Chapels. There should be no lack of coherence or unity in the expression of our faith and witness to the Gospel in whatever reality we are called to live, whether physical or digital. When we are present to others, in any way at all, we are called to make known the love of God to the furthest ends of the earth. PROPOSALS FOR OKIGWE DIOCESE Okigwe diocese is almost 32 years behind others in the digital world. We are still stuck with analogue reasoning and operations while our colleagues are going digital. Our secretariat operations and management are still burdened with outdated and dusty files with torn pages of credentials or even missing documents. The diocese is yet to acquire a permanent secretariat not to talk of equipping the administrative centre with state of the art gadgets that is the in-thing in our todays world. Let us therefore, cast light on few issues that border on properly positioning social communications in the diocese in this Year of Faith. Diocesan Level there is the urgency for the administrative secretariat to be completed and commissioned within this Year of Faith. Secretariat operations should go digital. There should be trained staff to effect computerization of all diocesan documents involving Priests, Religious, Parishes, Parastatals, commissions, property, organizations, associations, etc. Using seminarians, interns or non permanent staff in no longer enough. There should be equipped offices for key diocesan functionaries like the secretary/chancellor, vicar general, education director, judicial vicar, financial administrator, media director, etc. In all intents and purposes; the Sage Newspaper is our sole diocesan passport to the Provincial and National Church. At least, we can now be named amongst dioceses that operate newspapers. There is then the obligation for priests, religious and laity of the diocese to embrace and patronize the Sage Newspaper as a sensitive diocesan project. This newspaper should be protected and promoted. This newspaper has to be loved and cherished. This newspaper should be seen as ours in every personal sense. It is heartening to know that efforts are being made to establish a diocesan press. This undertaking, however, would gulp some N 20 million or more. The diocesan drive of 2012 yielded N 5, 663, 415. When added to the profits the newspaper has made through its operations then we have already half of the money required. The remaining N 10 million has to come from our common diocesan efforts. Unfortunately, politicians and god fathers would not be invited to fund our diocesan newspaper establishment so as to preserve Catholic Church integrity in the future. It is therefore, hoped that space would be found in our tight annual financial schedules to raise money for this all important objective. Without doubt, there is the obligation to be updating the diocesan website to act as a virile portal and bridge between the diocese and the world. Deanery level Deaneries are new administrative pastoral devices in our diocesan life, but they have come to stay. Be that as it were, policies have to be put in place to strengthen them, empower them render them more effective. Deaneries should have their offices equipped with computers for proper documentation of operations, issues and property. It would not be out place for leading deaneries to engage part time computer literate staff to serve their offices. Similarly, statutory diocesan bodies like the CWO, CMO, CYON with all the money at their disposal and the great population they control should have a common or even separate offices equipped with computer and staff for effective coordination of their vital pastoral and social activities. Parish level Many parishes in Okigwe diocese can comfortably run computer equipped offices with full or part time staff/secretary. This development would help strengthen pastoral administrations and create job for young computer literate Catholic. Well equipped and documented parish operations would systematize records and make parishes operate like corporate bodies that they are. Parishes would become separated from individual parish priests so that with or without given priests at any time, document, facts and issues can be sorted out. It is sad that many mother parishes cannot today trace vital historical documents relating to sensitive ecclesiastical issues. This Year of Faith should be used as occasion to position these parishes to embrace modern methods of digital operation. Parishes like, St. Mary Okigwe, St. Joseph in building Ikpaeke, Immaculate Heart Alike, Obowo, St. Charles Umunumo, St. Ignatius Umunumo, St. Columbas Nsu, Our Lady of Fatima Umuakagu Nsu, St. Theresa Obollo, Our Lady of Fatima Isuikwuato, St. Benedict Amaraku, St. Jude Mbano, St. Peter Umulogho, Mater Dolorosa Ihitte, St. Charles Okwelle, Sacred Heart Ngodo Isuochi, St. Peter Umunohu Ihitte, St. Anthony Uboma, etc can be used as experimental cases towards this direction starting from this Year of Faith. On a similar note, parish priests in Okigwe diocese should use this Year of Faith to equip or update the public address systems in their churches. Never should a priest be seen celebrating public Masses without the public address system. A sound public address system enlivens the celebration, enhances inspiration and strengthens faith because faith comes from hearing. Let every priest invest in private mobile public address system it is affordable and signifies commitment to mission because priests are called to be public speakers. Similarly, portable public address system could even be provided for the bishop for his pastoral visits and related liturgical ceremonies around the diocese. This would help lessen the embarrassment of parishes that fail to provide good public address system during Episcopal Masses at their places. Governors and public leaders do so in the political world and it really works. Diocesan schools Education has always been effective means of evangelization. Education is one investment that perennially repays. Sen. Ike Ekweremadu (Dep. Senate President, No 4 man in Nigeria) was at St. Dominics Secondary school Ugiri last year for her 50 years anniversary because he is an alumnus of this now greatly dilapidated school. We can invest in the next generation of leaders by equipping our mission schools. Premier diocesan schools should not only be already running computer programs for their wards, but have computer equipped offices. Schools like: Okigwe diocesan seminaries, St. Theresas secondary school Alike, Fatima International Model School Umuakagu Nsu, Queen of Apostles Boys Secondary School Ogii, Queen of Apostle Girls Secondary School Okigwe, Aquinas Secondary School Osu, etc should be running referential computer programs with internet services by for their students by now. Mission schools could also show quality and standard by procuring public address systems to facilitate their morning assemblies, school Holy Masses and other similar gatherings. Personal level Every Catholic priest of all ages should own and learn to operate the computer. If you are still using your first computer as a priest then you are not fast enough, but if you dont yet own one then please Father Wake up because it is day Chi ehola! Priests should take time to learn basic operations in the computer. Register in a nearby computer school or arrange for home tutorials. If you can, then procure a modem of the network that covers your area and go online it is highly advisable! These little acts would definitely equip you to evangelize better in this Year of Faith. ISSUES ARISING/CHALLENGES There are challenges facing the Church since the arrival of the social media. These relate to abuses by Church men and women of the social network. In fact, many clerics and religious have been caught often on the wrong side of this virtual space. Some have become addicts of frequenting pornographic websites and even registering online with embarrassing groups. It is vital to note that even choice of photos and vocabularies reflect the type of priest or religious one is. How many priests and religious amongst us use the facebook to preach Christ. For instance, Don we use it only for social acquaintance to add one more name to our long lists of friend online? Fellow diocesans, the few times Okigwe diocese has been discoursed on the internet have not been on delightful notes. In the late 1990s before the visitation from Rome someone posted unprintable documents against our late emeritus Bishop, Most Rev. A.E. Ilonu. Cast your memories on the online bashing of the image of Okigwe diocesan priests on the alleged bribery by Ex Gov. Ohakim before the last gubernatorial election. What of the anonymous text messages from the amorphous Thomas Moore group during same period? Most recently, an Okigwe diocesan priest posted online dirty volumes on another priest who threatens now to retaliate also online! Is this Okigwe diocesan model of evangelization by means of the social media? As the 2015 general elections are fast approaching, it is imagined that many Okigwe priests are grouping, aligning and positioning themselves along political lines. On this note, it is strongly recommended that our diocesan hierarchy should come up with clear terms and conditions for priestpoliticians collaboration. Should priests follow politicians to campaign rallies? Should priests and religious gather for Masses at the homes of politicians and then shares booties afterward? Should politicians come to address priests with bags of money? There is no need being reactive to this phenomenon instead of being proactive. Onye choro igbochi ogu, ya puru uzo gbachire itu aka! If steps are not taken these things would inevitably happen again and people would wonder what has happened to the renowned authority and discipline in the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Egbugbere onu ogara ebe mmiri mara eze? Could a diocesan chaplain be appointed for Okigwe born politicians? This chaplain could now rally politicians and properly educate them on how best to approach our presbyter and show their financial solidarity if they must. This measure is needed otherwise the all comers game that nearly threw the diocese into political crisis last few years would reoccur and this time the body and head could be tagged together! It is equally recommended that a diocesan ban should be placed on posting damaging and accusing documents online against fellow diocesan priests. Any such acts should be punishable if this ugly tide is to be checkmated. Similarly, punitive action should be taken against priests sending anonymous political messages to the presbytery thereby polluting the spirit of conviviality in the diocese. The leadership of the diocese is prayer to assert firmness on this issue if we avoid future internet embarrassments and avoid losing moral and spiritual authority before our people in this Year of Faith! Other related issues to be addressed include the pastoral use of social media like praying on phone for the sick: Should praying on phone replace visits to the sick? Could priest hear confessions over the phone? How could addiction to the social media be controlled? There are priests who use their real time day and night only to watch Nollywood films, cable news, computer chatting, etc. Still more economic implication are at times crazy. It is amazing how much an average priest spends on the new social media. Many exaggerate the expenditure they make on monthly call bills, for instance. When feeding is difficult in the parishes and payment of allowances for assistants and dependants are irregular many priests and religious spend thousands of Naira on airtime of diverse networks. Again, some allow the social media to negatively affect interpersonal relationships in the presbyteries, communities or families. When text messages replace one on one discussions and sharing of opinions on common programs and issues, it becomes abusive. It is common nowadays that many people are in the same place but each is engrossed in own world, equipped with his earphone listening to music, pining, 2going, facebooking text messaging, surfing online, etc. there is the malaise of the laity who make and answer calls even during consecration at Masses. Finally, it is time to formally delineate on the use of social media in formation houses. What should be the just way to introduce the social networks especially cell phones in the senior and junior seminaries? What is the healthiest mode of preparing seminarians to face digital challenges ahead? CONCLUSION One of the worlds largest telecommunications companies in the world and its subsidiaries have reportedly agreed to pay fines as well as forfeitures to the United States and Dutch governments. The settlement agreed to by VimpelCom is said to total more than $800 million and will apparently put an end to a long running bribery investigation and scheme that reached into the upper echelon of the Uzbekistan government. U.S.A Today reports Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara claimed that Vimpelcom (News - Alert) had been using its Uzbek subsidiary to basically set up a business model that relied on bribery. The U.S. justice department claims more than $114 million in bribes was funneled through Uzbekistan over a six year period. The companies were able to hide their misdeeds by sending various payments to a shell company that a number of Vimpelcom and Unitel, the firms subsidiary knew were owned by the person who was receiving the bribes. The U.S. and Dutch authorities issued a statement that went along with the agreement that said in part, "The bribes were paid on multiple occasions between approximately 2006 and 2012 so that VimpelCom could enter the Uzbek market and Unitel could gain valuable telecom assets and continue operating in Uzbekistan. While the $800 million in fines and forfeitures sounds like a large total to be paid to the U.S. and Dutch officials, the United States was originally looking to collect as much as $1 billion on its own. That high price tag (News - Alert), as well as the fact that VimpelCom had basically been caught dead to rights, seem to have convinced the firm to cut this deal in order to save itself at least $200 million. This is a big win in a number of different ways because this is one of the biggest efforts to recover proceeds from a foreign government official in the United States. The U.S. was able to seek the fees thanks to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Edited by Rory J. Thompson No way. They went from having three people taking care of around 14 Asian elephants 40 years ago to having 14 people taking care of five, today. And most of the staff are infected with tuberculosis, which apparently was transmitted to them by infected elephants. And how could that happen? Well, 40 years ago, they didn't have an "elephant curator" at the zoo; they just had people who knew what they were doing. That is not the case today, as most new staff know little about animals and animal behavior. So they do stupid things. An unauthorized pair of pants in an otter enclosure at the Calgary zoo has brought disciplinary action onto two employees, who were blamed for the death of a 12-year-old otter called Logan. The zoo said that an investigation has revealed that an unauthorized enrichment item a pair of slacks were given to the otters by a zookeeper. The sartorial gift had tragic consequences: Logan the otter became entangled in the garment and drowned last Thursday. Yeah. And at OZ, similar events have occurred in the name of "enrichment". Yep, surgery's incredibly enriching. As is preventable tuberculosis. But it happens when you hire idiots, rather than people who actually know what they're doing. And in the past couple of decades, OZ has shown a marked preference for the former. If you can deliver a good "keeper talk", you're in. Job Description Greetings from TATA Consultancy Services! TCS as an Organization are pioneers in BPS services. This key strategic division - powered by a unique combination of deep domain expertise, process excellence and innovative technology world-class solutions across diverse industries. With a talent pool of over 66000 resources, BPS has state-of-the-art delivery centers spread across India, Hungary, Ecuador, Chile, Uruguay, UK, USA and China. Role- Team Member Eligibility Criteria: * MBA Freshers only 2015 pass outs can apply. *Should have Good Communication skill. *Minimum 15yrs of regular education (10th + 12th + 3 years Graduation). * Not more than 2 years of gap in Graduation. *Graduates through Open Universities/Correspondence graduates need not apply (10th or 12th Private is not eligible). *Ready to work in any shifts. *Should not have standing arrears/Back logs. *Candidate needs to carry a copy of their resume & original photo ID proof (Mandatory). *Candidates who have attended the interview process with TCS BPS in the last 6 months will not be eligible. If interested and eligible, Kindly revert with below details and fill the online TCS application form. Steps to fill in TCS Online Application Form: 1. Login to www.careers.tcs.com 2. Click on Entry level freshers link. 3. Click on BPS option. 4. Click on New candidate to register for the first time. 5. Click on off campus applicants option. 6. Fill in the details.(Mention the Source type as Web) 7. You will receive your unique DT number. 8. Mention your DT number on your resume along with your referral name as Web (Priya-HR). **In case of any issues / clarification regarding DT registration. Kindly meet us on below mentioned walk in date** Job Location - Chennai Mandatory: Mark my name (Priya-HR) on the top of the resume. Interview Date: Tuesday 23rd to Thursday 25th Feb 2016. Interview Timing: 10:00 am to 1.00 pm. Venue: Tata Consultancy Services: No 769, Spencer plaza, Mangal Tirth Estate 3rd Phase, 9th Floor, Annasalai, Mount road, Chennai - 600002. TCS does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment & selection process. TCS has not authorized any person / agency/partner to collect any fee for recruitment from candidates. If at all you notice the above please bring it to our attention immediately. *** KINDLY SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND BRING THEM ALONG WITH YOU *** *** KINDLY IGNORE IF THIS MAIL IS NOT SUITABLE *** In an interview published by Spanish newspaper El Pais on Saturday, President Assad said he is willing to respect a ceasefire if only it wouldnt be exploited by the rebels and their allies to gain territories. The Syrian president said he will step down from power if his countrymen dont want him as president. Pro-Assad forces with help from airstrikes have gained grounds in the country and less than two weeks ago Assad vowed to take over the whole country. He told El Pais that he is ready for a ceasefire to ease the populations access to aid if the terrorists will not use it as an opportunity to reinforce their positions. He raised concerns about preventing other countries, especially Turkey, from sending more recruits, more terrorists, more armaments, or any kind of logistical support to those terrorists. Damascus refers to all anti-government armed forces in Syria as terrorists. International efforts to seal a ceasefire agreement in Syria proved futile on several occasions but Assad said he definitely supports a pause. Assad acknowledged that he has been able to push back rebel forces due to the essential help of Russian, Iranian and Hezbollah troops but minimized it in comparison to the more than 80 countries supporting rebel groups in different ways. directly with money, with logistical support, with armaments, with recruitments. Some other countries supported them politically, in different international forums. With international powerhouses divided over his role in post-war Syria, Assad said his job now and duty is to save Syria. He said he will remain in power if the Syrians need him but if they dont want me, I can do nothing, I mean, I cannot help my country, so I have to leave right away. Lebanon is in disarray following Saudi Arabias decision to cancel a $3billion arms aid and the March 14 Alliance, close to Riyadh, warned that the country is in a dangerous row with the oil rich kingdom and its ties with the Arab world are in danger. The Alliance urged the government to take a clear and firm stance confirming Lebanons commitment to Arab solidarity. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) supported the Saudi decision against Lebanons official positions that contravene pan-Arab consensus and are contradictory to the deep relations and the great support from the GCC. Riyadh is unhappy with Beiruts failure to condemn the storming of its embassy in Tehran and reluctance to support resolutions against Iran at the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meetings. Saudi Press Agency quoted an unnamed official stating that Hezbollah has hijacked the will of the state in Lebanon and is perpetrating terrorism against Saudi Arabia, the Arab Nation and the Muslim Nation. The decision was followed by the resignation of the Lebanese Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi on Sunday citing the deviation of the government by Hezbollah and the release of ex-Information Minister Michel Samaha on bail after only serving 8 months of a 54-month jail term. GCC secretary general Abdullatif Al Zayani said Lebanons decision-making has been taken hostage by foreign regional powers turning it against pan-Arab interests and security. March 14 Alliance warned that if Hezbollah and its allies continue through illegitimate arms to put Irans interest before Lebanons higher interest, matters would worsen. The Alliance renewed support to Saudi Arabia and other GCC members while rejecting Lebanon becoming a base for hostility against any Arab country. The March 14 Alliance, led by MP Saad Hariri and named after the date of the Cedar Revolution, is a coalition of political parties and independents in Lebanon formed in 2005. The Alliance members are united by their anti-Syrian regime stance and their opposition to the pro-Syrian regime March 8 Alliance. Omani foreign affairs minister Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah met with President Rouhani on Sunday and both officials expressed their wish to increase cooperation between the two countries. The Iranian president described bilateral ties as excellent and hoped that economic, trade and investment activities will be boosted. Rouhani called on other regional countries to follow its bilateral trend with Oman. Muscat is known for its neutrality in regional matters and promotion for regional peace and stability. Alawi affirmed that the relations are steadily growing as Tehran eyes to bolster steel and petrochemical industries. The visit by the Omani Ministerial delegation was marked by an agreement under which an Iranian automaker will set up a unit in Oman. The two sides also agreed to upgrade their cooperation in matters of ports and banking and to set up joint investment ventures in railroad, maritime, aviation, oil and gas sectors. Following the facilitation of visa issuance for businessmen, Oman is expecting the number of Iranian operators to visit the country to near 2000 before the end of the year. US Secretary of State met the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Jordan on Sunday to discuss the tensions in the West bank and Jerusalem that has led to the death of around 28 Israelis and 176 Palestinians since October 1. Before meeting with Abbas, Kerry conferred with King Abdullah who called for the need to work towards a two-state solution. US State Department Spokesman, John Kirby, said Kerry continued to urge for calm and a decrease in violence, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric. The tensions characterized by stabbing, car-ramming and gunshots have not shown any signs of ending. Israel accuses Palestinian leaders of inciting the youth to use violence while analysts believe Palestinians are desperate due to the lack of job and economic opportunities as the hope for an independent Palestinian state is fading away with many blaming the weak and divided leadership. A statement released by the Jordanian palace after the meeting between Abdullah and Kerry outlined the need for the international community and the United States first, to end the stalemate in the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis and to move towards a two-state solution. Spokesman Kirby said Kerry renewed to Abbas the White Houses commitment to working with all parties to reach a two-state solution while pointing out that Washingtons policy on the illegitimacy of Israeli settlements is still in place. Palestinian Authority Spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said Abbas also spoke about developments regarding forming a unity government with Hamas and planned UN actions against Israel. Talks between Israel and Palestine led by the US have been suspended since April 2014 but France is hoping to revive peace efforts and already warned that it would recognize Palestinian statehood if it fails. Its all about living the dream. This had been a dream for 25 years. Whats the dream? Living and traveling full-time in an RV. Although we aren't full-time anymore, we still try to travel about half the year but in a smaller RV. I hope you enjoy this log of our travels. As the Sahel has become the route of Latin American cocaine destined to Europe, the terrorist groups roaming in the area got involved in this drug trafficking to beef up their finances, and the separatist Polisario front is part of the play. The Polisarios collusion with drug trafficking networks has again been confirmed this week by a Mauritanian politician, Ahmadou Abdel Malek. Ahmadou Abdel Malek who is the official spokesman of the Mauritanian ruling party, the Union for the Republic in France said in a recent interview with the French TV station France 24 that members of the Algeria-backed Polisario have been arrested early February among other traffickers of various nationalities who were conveying two tons of cocaine through Mauritania. He told the French TV that Mauritanian security agents and anti-drug forces have arrested several gangs in the past and this is not the first time that they manage to capture a gang, formed mostly of Polisario members and citizens from the countries of the great Sahara who know perfectly the region The latest operation has foiled their drug trafficking schemes, the spokesman said. The two-ton cocaine trafficking was foiled early February thanks to intelligence provided to Mauritanian authorities by US agencies, a Mauritanian e-journal Sahara Medias had then reported. The Polisario traffickers and their Algerian, Malian, Mauritanian and Senegalese accomplices who know perfectly the desert routes were trying to convey the banned substance to Europe, the e-journal had said, indicating that the cocaine from Latin America had been landed on Mauritanian shores. This is not the first time that the Polisario and other terror groups are involved in drug trafficking. In December 2010, one of the Saharas largest drug networks, known as Polisario because 90 percent of its members were from the Polisario-controlled camps in southwestern Algeria, has been dismantled and its key members arrested in Mali and Mauritania. Some of these members had been killed during the dismantling operation while others are serving prison sentences in the two West African countries. After the cocaine seizure this February, local media reported that Mauritanian Security services were monitoring the Polisario members settled in the country because they were suspecting them of some sort of trafficking. However, they never thought that they were involved in such a large-scale trafficking. According to the local media, the operation revealed that the trafficking network was also operating in the trafficking of weapons and ammunition, and this is not surprising as the demand by terrorist groups roaming in the region is ever increasing. In view of this connivance between drug trafficking and terrorism, the countries of the region, in cooperation with their western partners, have deployed anti-drug squads to track the traffickers and starve terrorists of one of their sources of funding. Your digital subscription includes access to content from all our websites in your region. Access unlimited news content and The Canberra Times app. Premium subscribers also enjoy interactive puzzles and access to the digital version of our print edition - Today's Paper. As a member of the state House when Florida rewrote its constitution in 1968, former U.S. Sen. and Gov. Bob Graham believes a lot of people are missing the point in the current gaming debate. Graham filed a friend of the court brief on Monday in the case involving Gretna Racing LLC, arguing that the Legislature, Gov. Rick Scott's administration and the company that is trying to get a slots permit in the rural community, have misread the Florida Constitution. His argument: there is no authority to open the door to additional slot machines, or any other forms of gambling, without a statewide referendum and the court should reject Gretnas argument. Download Amicus Curiae Initial Brief It's the third argument offered in what is shaping up to be a landmark case before the Florida Supreme Court this spring. It could have immediate implications on the gaming compact signed between Scott and the Seminole Tribe and the legislative debate over expanded gambling. The court, which has not yet scheduled oral arguments in the case, is being asked to decide if Gadsden County -- and by extension, any other county -- has the right to offer slot machines via voter referendum without legislative approval. Gretna Racing, a consortium with the Poarch band of Creek Indians, argues that it should be allowed to install slot machines at its cardroom and race track along Interstate 10, west of Tallahassee. Gadsden County voters approved a referendum in 2012 that authorized the slot machines at the facility, which had persuaded the state to grant it the country's first pari-mutuel license for rodeo-style barrel racing. @PatriciaMazzei For months, Marco Rubio toiled as the second-class Miami Republican running for president, dismissed by most of the ruling order in favor of his political elder, Jeb Bush, when it came to two crucial campaign yardsticks: money and endorsements. No more. Bushs exit from the race Saturday after a lackluster fourth-place result in the South Carolina primary freed the former Florida governors supporters to select a new candidate. And that began a steady shift to Rubio. The first local politicians to declare their new allegiance: Miamis current and former Cuban-American Republican members of Congress, who plan to endorse the Florida senator en masse Monday, after having initially backed their decades-old friend Bush. Reps. Carlos Curbelo, Mario Diaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and former Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, all intend to back Rubio in a Coral Gables news conference that will signal a united front in Rubios favor. It will also send a message to others caught in the Bush-Rubio rivalry to let go of any bad blood from the past months sooner rather than later. We feel real good about Florida, especially now that the race has narrowed, Rubio said Sunday on ABC News This Week. Obviously I have a lot of admiration and respect for Gov. Bush. We obviously shared a lot of supporters. Now that hes suspended his campaign, I think that really boosts us not just in Florida but in Ohio and in other key places around the country. More here. Photo credit: Mark Humphrey, Associated Press @doug_hanks Jose "Pepe" Diaz, the Miami-Dade commissioner charged with drunken-driving on his Harley Davidson last September, led a motorcycle rally Sunday aimed at supporting the county's police officers. Diaz drove the lead bike in the annual "Support Our Police" motorcycle rally as it wound through Tropical Park Sunday afternoon. Following his Sept. 19 arrest in Key West, Diaz obtained a routine waiver from Florida that allows first-time offenders with suspended licenses to continue driving for work and for essential tasks. Diaz had his license suspended for a year after refusing alcohol tests the night of the arrest. Online court records show his case is still working its way through the Monroe County judicial system. Brian Andrews, a Miami media consultant hired by Diaz to handle media inquiries tied to the criminal case, said Sunday's rally was an official function related to his District 12 commission seat and covered by the waiver. "The commissioner is allowed to drive in connection with his official work duties," Andrews wrote in a statement. "Today's event is sponsored by his office. Any questions should be directed to his office staffers as this is a matter related to his official duties." Diaz's office did not respond to an inquiry Sunday or one submitted earlier in the month after the rally was announced. The four-term commissioner issued a public apology after his arrest, and described the officers involved as "extremely professional." Body-camera footage during the traffic stop showed a polite Diaz introducing himself as a county commissioner, mentioning that he knew the Monroe County sheriff, and stating he was "the most pro-police guy there is." One officer lectured him, saying: "Pro-police or not, you had no business driving a motorcycle tonight." Before he was formally arrested, the footage also showed Diaz saying: "Gentlemen, you're doing your job. I know. Do what you got to do." Sunday's event was organized by the county's police union, and featured what appeared to be hundreds of private motorcycles streaming into the park. A memorial service for officers killed on duty was the centerpiece of the program. Riders paid $20 to participate, and a flyer from the union, called the Police Benevolent Association, said proceeds would benefit a fund for officers and their relatives in times of need. Diaz, a motorcycle enthusiast, was a top supporter of the rally in 2015, too, when it was held months before the Key West incident. @PatriciaMazzei For Jeb Bushs loyalists, the first moment of palpable panic and there would be more than they ever expected in the months to come built over four days last May when their not-yet-presidential candidate struggled repeatedly to utter a one-word answer No to an utterly predictable question: Should the U.S. have invaded Iraq? Bush bungled the response when he was asked the first time. His staff prepared him for the next one. He knew what he had to say. But he couldnt bring himself to do it. Couldnt throw his older brother, former President George W. Bush, under the bus. W. telephoned Jeb and told him to get over it. By then, Bush donors and friends had gotten a very public glimpse of what could derail the former Florida governors bid for the Republican nomination and resoundingly end the Bush family era in the GOP. He was rusty, nine years removed from office and 13 years removed from a campaign. He was unfamiliar with how modern political news works, where four days to fix a mistake comprise an unforgiving eternity. And he was ill-prepared to grapple with the one challenge he knew going in hed be unable to change: his last name. Weve had enough Bushes, his mother, former First Lady Barbara Bush, had asserted in 2013. Her words, which she later took back, proved to be prescient. Jeb Bushs White House ambitions came to a dramatic end Saturday in South Carolina, when a tearful Bush conceded his campaign was over. Blame a candidate mismatched to his partys political reality and a campaign too slow to adapt to it. More here. 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A NOTE ON THE COMMENTS SECTION I welcome comments on my blog. I prefer signed comments but I will allow anonymous ones if they are pertinent. But I won't publish personal attacks, racist or other hateful comments, signed or posted under the cover of anonymity. As for marketers of products using the comments section to sell their wares -- forget it. The first prize winner for Contemporary Issues in the 59th annual World Press Photo Contest (also below) is Mario Cruz, with Talibes, Modern-day Slaves", his phot0 essay on the boys who live at Islamic schools, known as Daaras, in Senegal. In the time they're not studying the Koran they're forced to beg in the streets while their religious guardians, or Marabout, collect their daily earnings. They often live in squalor, and suffer abuse and beatings. Talibe is an Arabic term for disciple. The number of talibes is increasing: there are more than 30,000 boys subjected to forced begging in the Dakar region alone. Most of the talibes are Senegalese, but the number of children trafficked from neighbouring countries such as Guinea-Bissau has increased. They live in overcrowded and unsanitary Daaras. Malaria, skin diseases, breathing problems, parasites, are common. Abdoulaye, 15, imprisoned in one room of a daara in the Diamaguene area, city of Thies, Senegal, May 18, 2015. The rooms have windows with security bars to keep the talibes from running away. Talibes sleep together inside a daara in Saint Louis, north of Senegal, May 21, 2015. The daara with over 30 children has no clean water and barely no electricity. Children sleep on the concrete floor without any protection Ibrahima Ndao, Marabout of a Daara in Rufisque, whips a talibe child after he mistakenly read an excerpt of the Quran, May 17, 2015. The Talibes are subjected to physical violence when they fail to get the daily quota imposed by the marabout or if they make a mistake while reading the Quran. Demba Fati, 14, outside the medical support room of Mason de La Gare center in St. Louis, Senegal, May 20, 2015. His marabout beat him with an iron rod after he tried to escape. Since then he goes to the center whenever he needs medical care. A talibe reads the Quran inside a daara in Keuer Massar district, Dakar, Senegal, May 25, 2015. A young talibe bound by chains in an isolation area of a daara in the city of Touba, May 27, 2015. In this daara the youngest talibes are shackled by their ankles to stop them from trying to run away. The chains length only allows them to use an improvised bathroom in a separate area of the daara. These children can stay like that for days, weeks, even months until they gain the marabout's trust. Their guardian explains " When I release them, I give them the freedom to beg like the rest of the Talibes" A talibe checks on other talibes sleeping in a street of Saint Louis, Senegal, May 21, 2015. Many talibes who ran away from daaras, sleep on the streets in groups to protect themselves from child prostitution networks. From the Anti-Slavery site: Seydou is 15 years old and has lived in the daara for seven years. Recently one of his younger brothers came to join him. Seydou usually wakes up at 6am and spends the first hour of the day learning the Koran. Then, with an empty tin can, he goes from one house to another to beg for food for his breakfast. He returns to the daara at 9am, at which time the morning courses begin. At 1pm Seydou goes to neighbouring houses to beg for his lunch, coming back to the daara for an hour or so to rest and eat. The afternoon classes begin at 3pm. At around 5pm every day, Seydou goes to collect water for the daara with other talibes. He then studies the Koran for another three hours, before going out at 8pm to beg for his dinner. He comes back to the daara to study the Koran some more before bed time at around 10pm. He sleeps in a small hut with a straw roof alongside seven other children. Seydou says that if he doesnt beg, he wont eat, and if he doesnt bring back enough money on two or three occasions, his Koranic master will beat him. He misses his parents and would rather be at home with them than in the daara. He says that he likes learning the Koran, but would also like to know some French so that he could read road signs. Putting my experiences of Life In NYC in a more personal perspective, and checking in with international/national, tech and some other news Got some ideas about economics, policy, science, art or whatever, and you can write? Let us know here , we're looking for contributors! A woman in her late 40s has spent the past year in a nursing home and is ready to return to her own apartment. She would be very grateful to have a donated television. If you can help, contact Cris Fleming Bloxom at 327-4690. *** A Missoula family will be providing kinship care for a toddler and is in need of a toddler bed and bedding. If you can help, contact Pam at Full Circle Counseling Solutions at 203-7967 or pamc@fullcirclemhc.com. *** A low-income young adult male with disability is moving into his first apartment and is need of help. He needs help (truck and able-bodied people) moving things from a garage to his apartment. He also needs items such as kitchen utensils, living room and bedroom furniture, and a computer desk. He is also in need of free computer repair. Monetary donations in the form of gift cards will help him purchase household necessities as well. If you can help, call Lauren Smith at 543-2202, Ext. 2109. *** A female adult with disability on a fixed income is seeking monetary donations to help pay for moving costs. She is moving to Nevada to help her ailing mother as family resources are low. Funding will help pay for all expenses to move two-bedroom household items to her new home. If you can help, call Lauren Smith at 543-2202, Ext. 2109. *** The Jobs program works with individuals experiencing disabilities. A client needs a full-sized bed before his entrance into a new group home. Residents are required to bring their own furniture. Call Jason Paranto at 541-6966 if you are able to donate this item. Objectors to commercial logging in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area won their battle to have the hillsides on Missoulas northern fringe mostly left alone. But they wonder why they had to fight in the first place, and whether a larger war over collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service is worth the struggle. Now theyve pulled back 80 percent of what they were proposing to do, said Cass Chinske, who helped draft the original congressional legislation designating the Rattlesnake as a wilderness and recreation area in 1980. Were not going to litigate at this point. But were going to really monitor their attempts to keep to the standards theyre bound by. If they do work to the standards, well be pretty successful. But I have huge doubts. I dont think they understand what they are. While Chinske referred specifically to the Marshall Woods project on the Lolo National Forest, his concerns echo across much of the West where similar collaboration efforts aim to help the Forest Service get work done in the woods. Since the introduction of stewardship contracting in 1998 and community-drafted wildfire protection plans in 2003, Congress has been progressively requiring the Forest Service to layer its decisions with a blanket of local collaborative support. But a lack of results, or results different than what those volunteer groups thought they made, is leading to nationwide frustration with the process. The Missoula Ranger District of the Lolo National Forest started putting the Marshall Woods project together in 2010. It had general support from the Lolo Restoration Committee, a collaborative group of loggers, environmentalists, mill employees, university staff and private citizens formed to advise the Lolo Forest on projects in the woods. The chairman of the Lolo Restoration Committee was Jake Kreilick, who belongs to the Wild West Institute, an environmentalist group. While many other members of the LRC favored or were neutral to the logging plans, the Wild West Institute and others opposed it. As the committee can only recommend by consensus, it couldnt support the 2015 version of Marshall Woods. *** The initial Marshall Woods project aimed at the hillsides above Marshall Canyon, where old logging sites left eroding roads, noxious weeds and harvest scars. That drainage above East Missoula is part of the regular Lolo National Forest. Last spring, the project was expanded to treat large parts of the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area to the west. The new components included commercial logging on the hillsides along the popular Rattlesnake Creek trail corridor, including expanding the old road-turned-trail to a size large enough to support logging trucks. The reasoning was to improve the forests resistance to wildfire, improve firefighter safety if a fire did break out, defend against mountain pine beetle infestation and prevent old meadows and ponderosa pine stands from getting choked by new groves of Douglas fir. Chinske and his allies called foul, citing the RNAs congressional committee reports and the Lolo Forests own Forest Plan for evidence that such activity was not allowed. Whats unique about the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is its a wild place up against Missoula, said George Nickas, director of the Missoula-based national environmental group Wilderness Watch. Its not a part of the regular forest matrix where you log and graze livestock. But the new forest leadership wants to treat it like the rest of the forest matrix. Theres nothing in this project that makes you comfortable that they get it now. The existing Forest Plan for the Lolo National Forest listed the Rattlesnake as Management Area 28. Chinske and Nickas read the rules regarding MA 28 as specifically prohibiting timber harvest, road building and tree cutting. They cite parts of the plan stating that beetle infestations were not considered a threat. Those management rules were amended into the plan in 1992. They claim that the Rattlesnake is unhealthy, Nickas said. Whos to say what a national forest looks like? What you see up there now is what came back from a fire 100 years ago. The idea that the Rattlesnake NRA is unnatural because humans havent been managing it for the last 100 years doesnt make sense. Lolo National Forest spokesman Boyd Hartwig said he was frustrated that the project kept coming back for criticism after major changes were made. Were confident we complied with all laws and policies, and did everything that was appropriate, Hartwig said. They continue to find different ways to interpret that. We respond to public comment, but also to our obligations to law and policy. That balancing act leads to aggravation when volunteers spend long hours hammering out proposals only to see them stall or change inside the Forest Service offices. Theres no legal requirement for the Forest Service to stay consistent with the agreement of the collaborative, said John Buckley, co-author of Understanding and Addressing Emerging Frustration Among Citizens Collaborative Groups Interacting with the USDA Forest Service, which was released last November. Why would the Forest Service encourage at a national level to direct forests and districts to create these collaborative groups and partnerships, and not follow through the direction these groups are recommending? It leaves a gap of uncertainty. How does the Forest Service expect collaborative group recommendations to be accepted by or ignored by local forest decision makers? The report was written by California and Colorado-based participants in Forest Service collaboratives, including Sierra Resource Management Inc. forester Mike Albrecht, Northwest Colorado Council of Governments retired director Gary Severson. Buckley directs the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center. Recently, several independent, self-governing citizens collaborative groups that have experienced successful working relationships with the Forest Service have voiced frustrations concerning the inability of the Forest Service to honor perceived and actual commitments, according to the report. It noted that 19 such groups recently co-signed a statement pledging not to participate in such efforts because of the inability of the Forest Service to honor perceived and actual commitments. The groups are not named in the report. Those included projects like restoration of the 2013 Rim Fire in California and the 1.2-million-acre mountain pine beetle outbreak in Colorado. The paper did not identify collaborative groups by name. But it quoted members complaining about years of effort building projects, only to see the agency delay action. We went beyond just making consensus-based recommendations, one group wrote the authors. We also addressed a variety of policy, legislative, fiscal and legal barriers that could hinder implementation of Forest Service decisions. But now we are informed that it could take several years to implement decisions. Has the Forest Service created and encouraged something by which it now feels threatened? *** In Missoula, University of Montana researchers Martin Nie and Peter Metcalf published a paper in October on The contested use of collaboration and litigation in national forest management for the Bolle Center for People and Forests. Nie and Metcalfs paper looked generally at how collaboration and litigation were affecting forest decision-making, but it had some observations about the value of collaboration as a tool by itself. All but one of our interviewees expressed deeply critical views of collaboration and how it has been used in national forest management, according to the paper by Nie and Metcalf. In addition to lack of transparency and under-representation of conservation or environmental interests, the critics charged what some consider to be an inappropriate and often dominant role played by the Forest Service in some collaborative processes. In Missoula, the Lolo Restoration Committee reached consensus on the revised Marshall Woods plan after the controversial Rattlesnake portions were dropped or scaled back. But to clarify future work and statements, Kreilick is now co-chair with Dylan Brown, who represents Pyramid Mountain Lumber Co. Missoula District Ranger Jen Hensiek said she couldn't speak for other collaborative efforts in the country, but held hope that the process had worked properly in Marshall Woods. "We on the Lolo truly believe in and value collaboration," Hensiek wrote in an email. "Our conversations have provided us with deep, rich, and productive conversation and outcomes as was demonstrated in the Marshall Woods Restoration Project. The Lolo is committed to continuing our relationships with collaborative groups that add value to the work we do on National Forest System lands for the people of the United States." Meanwhile, Congress is considering several changes to forest management, including even greater emphasis on participation of collaborative groups. A 2015 bill co-sponsored by Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Montana, would grant categorical exclusion from National Environmental Policy Act review of projects up to 15,000 acres, and require posting bonds to mount lawsuits against the government if the projects are developed through a collaborative process. There is no clear direction from the Forest Service on how decisions do or dont reflect strong recommendation from collaborative groups, Buckley said. Are they mostly window dressing? Or there to give the Forest Service a publicity benefit? Or are those groups really being looked at as helping to create the final decision outcomes because they are bringing so many diverse interests to the table? WEST GLACIER If youre worried about how crowded Glacier National Park has become, heres one way to look at it that doesnt make it seem so bad. The people who visited the park last year accounted for less than eight-tenths of 1 percent of the total number who visited the public lands overseen by the National Park Service. The agency this week certified its visitation numbers for 2015 at more than 307 million people 307,247,252, to be exact. Thats a record, and almost a 5 percent increase over the previous mark of 292.8 million established in 2014. Glacier hosted 2,366,056 of them, setting it's own second straight visitation record, even though wildfires closed one of its two main entrances and shut down a significant chunk of its most popular attraction, Going-to-the-Sun Road, for 2 1/2 weeks. In breaking its record, Glacier once again proved to be one of the top 10 most popular national parks in America. Great Smoky Mountains National Park was, as usual, first, with almost 11 million visitors twice that of No. 2 Grand Canyon National Park. Glacier was 10th, about 445,000 visitors behind No. 9 Acadia National Park in Maine. Yellowstone, the national park Montana shares with Wyoming and Idaho, welcomed more than 4 million people for the first time ever last year, good for fifth place. *** A National Park Service audit bumped the previously announced total visitation number up from 305 million to 307 million. With NPS celebrating and promoting its 100th birthday in 2016, the record may again be short-lived. In addition to their top-10 finishes, Glacier and Yellowstone were two of five national parks singled out for milestone moments in 2015 Yellowstone for surpassing the 4 million-attendance mark for the first time ever, and Glacier for welcoming the 100 millionth visitor in the parks 105-year history. Becky Janssen of Bakersfield, California, who was spending the summer in Whitefish with her two children, was chosen out of a line of cars at the West Entrance of the park by Superintendent Jeff Mow on the morning of June 11 to represent visitor No. 100 million. While the park celebrated the milestone, the number also highlighted the pressures that growing numbers of visitors are placing on Glacier and other national parks. It took 79 years since its establishment in 1910 for Glacier to reach 50 million visitors, and just 26 years for it to get 50 million more. *** The 307 million visitors is for all the places overseen by the National Park Service, not just its 59 national parks. That includes national monuments, national battlefields, national recreation areas, national parkways and more. With them, the list of sites grows to 410 - and only two of the top 10 most-visited national parks make the top 10 list for all NPS units. The most-visited place in the National Park System last year was the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina, with more than 15 million people. Grand Canyon, No. 2 on the national parks-only list, drops to No. 10 when visitation at all NPS units are figured in. In addition to Glacier and Yellowstones milestones, Grand Canyon National Park surpassed 5 million visitors for the first time, Rocky Mountain National Park went over 4 million for the first time, and Joshua Tree National Park surpassed 2 million for the first time. Of the 371 NPS units reporting visitors in 2015, 57 broke records. Eleven had more than 5 million recreation visits. The National Park Service also said tent camping in campgrounds rose 13 percent in 2015, RV camping was up 10 percent and backcountry overnights were up 7 percent. In former Sen. Tom Beck's guest column on Feb. 15, Beck does his best to downplay the number and sincerity of those who oppose the Montana water compact. I served in Gov. Judy Martz's Cabinet with Senator Beck as director of Corrections. Beck's distortion of the facts regarding the reason thousands of Montanans oppose the water compact is predictable. Remember, Beck was also one of the governor's senior advisors and we all know how that worked out. Judy Martz was an honest public servant who got really poor advice. Now Beck would have you believe there is just a "small group" of opponents to the compact. Really? Explain why I waited in a line for over two hours each of the three times I traveled with my neighbors to Helena to testify against the taking of off-reservation waters by the compact at the legislature. And why did the House subcommittee extend the hours to hear testimony from the proponents and opponents; near as I could tell it was about 50-50. Beck states, "the opposition turns a blind eye to the fact that hundreds of framers and ranchers would have to spend thousands of dollars defending our existing water rights." We are the farmers and ranchers in western Montana who are losing our water rights to the tribes in this compact. Here is the dirty secret in the water compact: If you live on the west side of the Continental Divide, the compact gives a portion of your existing water rights, in off-reservation areas like the Clark Fork Basin and Flint Creek, to the tribes. The deal is, if the compact passes as written, the tribes will claim off-reservation water "only" in western Montana while agreeing to forgo any claim of off-reservation water in eastern Montana. No wonder at the compact hearings held around the state, eastern Montana farmers and ranchers came out to express how wonderful the agreement would be. The whole off-reservation water grab is based on the threat of not having to defend your water rights against the tribes, depending on where you live. So you see, many of our fellow eastern Montana stockmen and some stockmen's associations are just throwing western Montana producers under the bus. Sad. What is most disturbing in this whole process, was the lack of respect for the process. The fact is, the legislative subcommittee did its job. They sat for days respectfully listening to proponents and opponents by the hundreds. To their great credit, both sides got a fair hearing. Then the subcommittee acted, and voted the compact down! Now I admit I am just an old retired sheriff and claim no expertise here, but my Helena High School civics teacher would say that the bill was dead. But the next day, we hear about some slimy tactic called a "silver bullet." The "silver bullet" caused the bill to go before the full House of Representatives and hundreds of legislatures who never heard any testimony whatsoever, passed it. Someone please show me "silver bullet" in the state Constitution. Sheesh! No wonder we don't trust government anymore. Gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte thinks Montana's Department of Environmental Quality should have its oversight in the hands of the miners, drillers, timber cutters, coal-burners, etc., because those are the people the department serves? Perhaps he would put the inmates in charge of the prisons? The analogies develop multi-fold and boggle the mind. Montana's various economic drivers must all be addressed, but never without losing sight of tourism and recreational attractions. Montana doesn't attract visitors from other states because Montanans are so hospitable, friendly and receptive to visitors. People visit here because of the greatly attractive geography and its attached opportunities. Ignoring environmental degradation of that geography is economic suicide. Those uniquely Montana features nature provides should be protected for more reasons than tourist dollars, but that's an easy one for those driven by greed alone. Whatever else happens, we all want to breathe and drink the water. Herbert Myers, Missoula Marco Rubio is a nice guy, a smart guy and often quite engaging. I listened to his speech after the Iowa caucus. In my opinion, most of his comments were not helpful at all to the Republican cause. His comments were so typical of much of what he seems to shout out when a microphone is in front of him. He should be warned that his tirades against Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are only energizing the other party. It would be one thing if what Rubio is blasting away about were true, but the things are contrived and mostly false. The American public knows this and it will not sit well with many people from both parties in my opinion. Health care direction, the economy, our military, unemployment, international arbitrations and diplomatic strategies; so many things these past seven years that are definitely on Obama's "Good Job Mr. President" plaque. Yes, there needs to be continuing improvements, but the underlying structural integrity for building America has been enhanced tremendously with the Obama administration. And this all in spite of the Republican party's decision seven years ago to try to stop everything Obama tried to get done, at all cost. Republicans, listen up, there has been a great cost. This is just the way I see it now. Bob McClellan, Polson Theres a deeper question of what public money should be used for, said Anthony Carnevale, a Georgetown University professor who runs the Center on Education and the Workforce. Education tends to be justified in terms of personal exploration and fulfillment, as well as creating informed citizens who make a functioning democracy possible. The humanities have traditionally been seen as crucial to both endeavors. The problem is that education is now the principal determinant of earnings, and we pay no attention to it at all. Thats gone too far, Mr. Carnevale said. Theres a lot of buyers regret out there. Mr. Carnevale argues that there should be much more information available to students about employment and wage prospects before they choose a major so that they can make informed choices. We dont want to take away Shakespeare. Were just talking about helping people make good decisions, he said. You cant be a lifelong learner if youre not a lifelong earner. A graduate with a higher-earning degree could make up to $4 million more in lifetime earnings than other college graduates, Mr. Carnevale said. Most of the top earners in the liberal arts end up matching only the bottom earners in science, technology, engineering and mathematics known as the STEM fields and some will earn less than high school graduates who have vocational skills, like welders and mechanics. A recent salary survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, a nonprofit membership organization that connects campus career officers with business recruiters, found once again that new STEM graduates were expected to command the highest overall average salaries in 2016. New engineers, for example, are expected to earn nearly $65,000 a year. A vaccine introduced a decade ago to combat the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer has already reduced the viruss prevalence in teenage girls by almost two-thirds, federal researchers said Monday. Even for women in their early 20s, a group with lower vaccination rates, the most dangerous strains of human papillomavirus, or HPV, have still been reduced by more than a third. Were seeing the impact of the vaccine as it marches down the line for age groups, and thats incredibly exciting, said Dr. Amy B. Middleman, the chief of adolescent medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, who was not involved in the study. A minority of females in this country have been immunized, but were seeing a public health impact that is quite expansive. The news is likely to serve as a welcome energizer in the tumultuous struggle to encourage HPV vaccination in the United States. Despite the vaccines proven effectiveness, immunization rates remain low about 40 percent of girls and 20 percent of boys between the ages of 13 and 17. That is partly because of the implicit association of the vaccine with adolescent sexual activity, rather than with its explicit purpose: cancer prevention. Only Virginia, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia require the HPV vaccine. BEIJING The failure of Chinese leaders to tackle the problem of excess industrial production has intensified an economic slowdown in the country and threatens to wreak havoc on global markets, a prominent European business association said in a new report on Monday. Warning that the effects of overcapacity had become ever more destructive, the report by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China blamed government policies and recalcitrant officials for inefficiencies across many of Chinas major industries, including steel, cement and chemicals. Without a sustained effort to address it now, overcapacity may well seriously impede the effectiveness of Chinas economic reform agenda, said Joerg Wuttke, president of the chamber. He said ineffective policies and parochialism among provincial officials had exacerbated the problem. China has for decades grappled with overcapacity, which occurs when demand for a product falls below what an industry is capable of producing. But the problem has worsened significantly in recent years, as the government has pumped capital into heavy industries like shipbuilding and glassmaking, even as global demand has fallen. Copyright 2022 HT Digital Streams Ltd All Right Reserved Movie Dearest takes a look at this year's five nominees for Best Documentary Short. Once again, ShortsHD The Short Movie Channel (a.k.a. ShortsTV) has theatrically released this year's Academy Award nominated animated, live action and documentary short films. These special programs are usually the only way for most movie fans to see these otherwise illusive short film nominees that can make or break your office Oscar pool. In the last of three parts,takes a look at this year's five nominees for Watch trailer Watch trailer Watch trailer Last summer, Governor Bullock appointed us, along with several other Montanans, to serve on the Montana Developmental Center Transition Planning Advisory Council. The Montana Legislature created this council through SB 411, the bill that seeks to close the Montana Developmental Center (MDC) in Boulder. Through seven council meetings and nearly eight months of work we have been immersed in studying and analyzing Montanas system of care for our developmentally disabled citizens. The more we learn, the more obvious it is that the Legislatures decision to close MDC was severely short-sighted and based on false premises. We believe it is critical to correct these false premises so Montana can truly consider all options in serving developmentally disabled Montanans, their families, and their communities. False Premise 1: MDC is fraught with abuse that can only be addressed through closure. Facts: Abuse is not acceptable in any care facility. But reports of abuse at MDC have been drastically overblown. MDC is held to a far greater standard of reporting and investigation than any private community provider. As such, many abuse incidents are very minor, such as patients yelling at each other. Most patients served at MDC are there because they have a tendency toward violence and aggression. They have mental illness as well as developmental disabilities. They present a danger to themselves and others. Many of them will assault, bite, kick, and punch others. Private providers serving similar populations experience aggressive behaviors to the same extent as MDC. At our last meeting, we learned that just one community provider, AWARE in Butte, had 18 incidences of substantiated abuse/aggression in the last year and two in the last month, with at least one resulting in felony charges against an AWARE staffer. Private providers have told us of police being called to intervene in physical altercations at group homes in other Montana communities, also. False Premise 2: Serving patients in the private sector will cost less. Facts: Private providers, many who lobbied to close MDC, have testified at nearly all our council meetings. Most say the private sector cant serve MDC patients without major increases in the rates they receive from the state. This would raise costs far beyond estimates suggested in legislative testimony. Private providers have also testified that it would be impossible for them to serve all clients currently at MDC. Thats why our council unanimously passed a motion last summer saying the state should maintain a placement of last resort for MDC clients. Building and maintaining new housing for just a fraction of the population needing a provider of last resort would cost the state nearly $10 million, according to official estimates. This is nearly five times what it would cost to maintain and upgrade MDC facilities for the same purpose. Staff training, plus new investments in safety, policing, and crisis treatment, all must be factored into the costs of providing services in private facilities. When considering these costs, keeping MDC open actually presents significant cost savings compared to private placements. False Premise 3: Private community placements are preferable because they provide a less restrictive environment. Facts: Several parents and guardians of MDC patients who testified before our council suggest the opposite is true. Private placements can be even more restrictive and isolating for their sons or daughters. Many parents are extremely worried that if MDC closes, one violent outburst in a community setting could land their son or daughter in jail or a hospital incapable of providing appropriate care. This heartbreaking scenario has already occurred since MDC has been unable to accept new patients in light of SB 411. One private provider told us a patient in Missoula recently was jailed after a violent outburst. Before SB 411, he almost certainly would have gone to MDC as the least restrictive setting possible. Instead, this child in an adult body sat crying day after day in a jail cell. We have concluded that every major legislative argument in favor of closing MDC was false. But it is not too late. We recommend that the Bullock administration and Montana legislature reconsider the closure of MDC. We urge them to bring legislation to the 2017 legislature repealing SB 411 and maintaining MDC as a provider for patients who cannot be served successfully elsewhere. Closing MDC is a premature, simplistic, dangerously wrong answer to a much more complex problem. -- Carol Dailey, Bozeman, parent of MDC Client -- Diana Crawford, Valier, parent of former MDC Client -- Carl Seilstad, commissioner, Fergus County -- Rep. Kirk Wagoner, Montana House of Representatives -- Bob Mullen, commissioner, Jefferson County -- Erik Burke, executive director, MEA-MFT An anti-refugee rally is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday on the steps of the Montana State Capitol. "The purpose is to request restraint in the admission of Arabian refugees to the United States and to ask for alternatives that are kind to all," John "Jack" Wiegman, who participated in a similar event held Feb. 1 in Missoula, wrote in an email. "These are people with some experience in service in the Middle East. Some of them contribute to charities that also help refugees. Such contributions go far beyond what the rest of us give in taxes and in government jobs." The "American Security Rally of Montana - Helena" event page on Facebook encourages attendees to prepare speeches and "Bring signs about your Security concerns to the health and survival of the United States." The group plans to take those concerns to U.S. Sen. Jon Tester's office and possibly the offices of U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, the page says. As of Friday afternoon, 51 people had confirmed they would attend. More than 100 people from across Montana and Idaho participated in the event held earlier this month in front of the Missoula County Courthouse. The Montana Human Rights Network responded with a statement accusing resettlement opponents of "capitalizing on broader national fearmongering." MUSCATINE, Iowa Bryan Butler, manager of Water and Utility Services at Muscatine Power and Water, said strict regulations and testing schedules, will keep the high levels of lead experienced in Flint, Michigan from happening in Muscatine. "That mostly happened because they changed their water source," Butler explained, "but we have a great source of water, so it shouldn't be a problem here." The source water for Muscatine is an Artesian Aquifer under the Muscatine Island. As the water from rain and the river passes through the sand and stones on the surface, it acts as a natural filter. He estimated that this natural water storage and filtration system has been there for around 500 years. Once the water has passed through the natural filter, it is collected through wells and treated here in Muscatine. Following strict guidelines provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Muscatine Power and Water treats the water with chlorine, fluoride, and poly-phosphates. The levels are tested daily, to ensure the guidelines are being followed exactly, and in their 2015 Consumer Confidence Report, the levels are clearly below the highest allowed. The high levels of lead in the drinking water in Flint, Michigan were cause by changing to a corrosive water source, and having many lead pipes, Butler explained. Although there are some pipes with lead in them here in Muscatine, Butler said that they work diligently to switch those they find over to copper, or another non-toxic pipe. He also said that there is still no cause for concern, because the water is not corrosive, so it will not gather lead from the pipes on the way to the kitchen sink. Because MPW is often doing projects, like the one last year where they replaced over 3,000 feet of lead pipes with copper, Butler said that they make progress regularly toward decreasing the chances for lead in the water. Lead testing began for MPW in 1994, and although problem areas are required to test these levels every six months, they were able to switch to what Butler called reduced monitoring, so they now only test every three years. These tests come from the homes of people in Muscatine, are sent to an independent lab, and then MPW publishes the results. "One thing I like about Muscatine Power and Water is that we always do our best to be transparent," Butler said. In their 2015 Consumer Confidence Report, Muscatine's lead levels were at 2.0 ppb, with the highest allowed at 15. Fluoride was listed at 0.70 ppm out of 4 allowed, Nitrate 7.5 out of 10, and Barium 0.08 out of 2, showing all inorganic contaminants to be below the highest level allowed. According to Butler, this is normal for Muscatine. "We're really very lucky here," he said, "because, for example, the Quad Cities have to use the un-filtered Mississippi River, which makes it a more complicated process. We already have natural filtration of rainwater and river water occurring." (Weapons and Warfare) The Iran-Iraq War was one of the longest and deadliest in recent histories. Iran full of zeal after its revolution... Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi [] Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes [] Cellucity, MTN, Vodacom, and Cell C have launched pre-registrations for the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge in South Africa. Local prices have yet to be confirmed, but Samsung has revealed that South Africa will be among the first countries to receive the devices on 11 March 2016. South Africans will also benefit from Samsungs launch deal which includes a free Gear VR headset with all pre-orders. Samsung has confirmed that our versions of the device will run on its Exynos 8 Octa 8890 processor, which has 4 2.3GHz cores, and 4 1.6GHz cores. They will also support all of South Africas LTE networks, including Telkoms TD-LTE network. Pre-registrations for the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, with a Gear VR, are now live with the following resellers: Jan Vermeulen is a guest of Samsung at Mobile World Congress 2016 in Barcelona. More on Samsung Samsung Galaxy S7 launch date for South Africa Samsung Gear 360 the camera that records everything around you The Samsung Galaxy S7 has built-in spam call blocking Samsung Galaxy S7 revealed the next generation of smartphone Des van Rooyen was the most qualified person to be appointed to the position of finance minister, President Jacob Zuma said on Monday. That thing caused such havoc and people think Zuma just woke up one day and took a decision, Zuma told political reporters and editors at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. You know Des Rooyen is my comrade, MK for that matter, hes a trained finance and economic comrade and more qualified than any minister I have ever appointed in the finance issue. Zuma was speaking to the group at the launch of the Presidential Press Corp (PPC). In December, Zuma faced a backlash after he announced that he was replacing Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene with Van Rooyen, who was an ANC MP. There was a public outcry and calls for Zuma to be recalled over the move, which saw the rand reach record lows. Four days after the announcement, Zuma backtracked, replacing Van Rooyen with Pravin Gordhan, a respected former finance minister. The rand recovered somewhat. Zuma on Monday said as president he took decisions, which was his constitutional right. They want to take decisions on behalf of the president, at times including some in the media, not everyone, he said. You may not know why I took that decision, you might get very good reasons why, but if you dont know you speculate on the basis of what you see, when there might be very serious reasons, he said without giving any further details. News24 More on the government We dont want to control the Internet: Faith Muthambi DA to fight South African Internet Censorship Bill Coming off their success at the Grammy Awards, reggae royalty Morgan Heritage have revealed their plans to set up a studio in Nairobi. Speaking to Word Is on phone, Mojo Morgan said, We are working with executives in Nairobi and Tanzania to make this thing a reality. It is coming along really nice. We have a great team of people we are working with and we look forward to some of Africas most promising talent. We are working on the logistics. The first thing that is important is to make sure we have the right team of people behind it. So when we do break ground we will know that we chose the right location. We are basically bringing what we have built in Jamaica to Africa. He added. With Gramps looking to start farming in the country, Mojo asserted that the reggae icons are definitely looking into buying land. My brother Gramps does farming so he is looking into acquiring some land to grow his products for his Gramps Morgan Farms and his jerk barbecue sauce. With us living in Africa and buying land is a must. It is just a matter of time. We are not in a rush, we are not going to run in and make grand announcements about what we are doing, we are just happy to be here. Musically, the group is working on an African tour that will hit major towns across the continent. Rapper Calvo Mistari reportedly wrestled down two armed robbers who had raided a house where he was attending a bash in Madaraka estate in Nairobi last Thursday night. As the story goes, the rapper was attending a party with his friends when the two thugs accosted him at the parking area of the estate and pointed a gun to his head asking him to usher them into the house. When they arrived in the house, the two asked all the party goers to lie down before using tie-wraps to bind their hands behind their backs. They also asked the rapper to lie down as they pointed guns to his head asking everyone to keep calm or be shot dead. One of the robbers then handed his gun to his accomplice and started searching for valuables in the pockets of their victims, a man who attended the party was quoted by Nairobi News. While they were scavenging for money, mobile phones and other valuables, the door to the house was opened by another friend who was attending the party. When the door was opened, the attention of the robbers shifted to the door and the one who had the two guns started corking one of them but we did not hear a shot. The next thing we saw was Calvo wrestling him and then a lot of commotion and then he dropped the two guns on the floor, and Calvo kept fighting them as they tried to recover their weapons, he added. With the two guns on the ground, the two robbers made a run for it and escaped. Here are photos of the pistols To no ones surprise, Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was re-elected, extending his 3 decade rule by another 5 years. The jury is still out on whether he stole the election, but to many Kenyans, thats a foregone conclusion. What is certain is that he is not very fond of his main rival Kizza Besigye. Weve lost count of how many times the poor thing has been arrested and manhandled by the police. That Uganda has refused to mature democratically as its neighbours do so is a sad affair. One man being President for life in this day and age is quite unfortunate, and Kenyans were keen to tell President Uhuru that yesterday. When Magufuli was voted in, Uhuru took many days to send his congratulatory message, but the script was different on Saturday. This was his message to Museveni on Saturday, posted on his Facebook page. I am very pleased to congratulate His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni on his re-election as President of the Republic of Uganda. The people of Uganda have spoken, and they have spoken very clearly. We respect their choice of President Museveni. Kenya values its close friendship with Uganda. That friendship is founded on a common history, a common culture, and common interests. In years past, we have worked closely together for the prosperity and freedom of our nations. We look forward to continuing the work that both our nations have already done, together and in concert with the East African Community, the African Union, and IGAD. We look forward, too, to even closer integration. As expected, many of those commenting were not amused. When Uhuru said that the Ugandan people had spoken very clearly, that is disputable, and fact that he was very quick to congratulate a President who has already done 30 years also angered a lot of people. Meanwhile, Ugandan government opened Facebook in time for Ugandans to join the conversation on Uhurus page. Here are some of the top comments. I wish President Museveni every success as he serves his nation for another term. He and Uganda can count on my support, and my friendship, as well as that of their brothers and sisters in Kenya.As expected, many of those commenting were not amused. When Uhuru said that the Ugandan people had spoken very clearly, that is disputable, and fact that he was very quick to congratulate a President who has already done 30 years also angered a lot of people.Meanwhile, Ugandan government opened Facebook in time for Ugandans to join the conversation on Uhurus page.Here are some of the top comments. For almost 10 years Marnie Cunningham shared with tour groups her passion for the colorful history of the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. Now shes adjusting to a new chapter in the CIAs history one that no longer involves her. Cunningham, whose charisma and infectious enthusiasm for her work got her named Employee of the Year by the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce in 2014, lost her job on Jan. 8 when the CIA eliminated its hospitality department, which consisted of Cunningham and Dennis Jordan. The two were told to clean out their desks immediately, and were escorted out of the building. Visitors to the CIA are now greeted by security personnel, Cunningham said. Cunningham is striking a positive note, saying she was always thrilled to share her passion for the Greystone buildings history with international audiences. What an honor, what a privilege, what a gift to honor that buildings history, said Cunningham, who also served as concierge, helped run cooking demonstrations, trained students in hospitality, answered phones, booked reservations, supported each department in the building, and occasionally took homesick students under her wing. Cunningham, who turned 65 a week after losing her job, added that she has received a severance check and is now taking stock of her life, volunteering at Rianda House, and helping out friends before deciding on her next career step. Her former colleagues have already had her over for lunch at the CIAs teaching kitchen, and she still has warm relationships with many of the schools faculty and students. Despite her upbeat attitude, the Star has received a wave of letters blasting the CIAs decision. Susan French wrote a letter praising Cunninghams friendliness, graciousness and welcoming spirit and criticizing the CIAs very corporate response that it is restructuring following the new addition of Copia, and plans to offer self-guided tours. Warm, welcoming people, it seems, will be unnecessary, French wrote. CIA administrators didnt respond to a request for comment on this story. However, Anne Girvin, manager for marketing and communications for the CIA at Greystone, provided this statement in response to a letter to the Star from Carol Troy: With the new addition of Copia to the CIAs family, we are currently restructuring and reorganizing our departments to be more reflective of our needs for both locations. We look forward to creating an interactive guest experience for visitors to Greystone, including news, events, shopping, dining and self-guided tours of the historic campus property. Suzanne Carreiro used to teach classes and do cooking demonstrations at the CIA. She said the CIAs really insensitive treatment of Cunningham is typical of how it treats its employees. Carreiro said she was underpaid, undervalued and overworked at the CIA. I just think its not a kind place, Carreiro said. Theres a core of really nice people there, but there are other people who just become really mean, I think because they have zero power. Carreiro added that as one of St. Helenas major employers, the CIA should set an example to the community and to other employers that they want to be evenhanded and fair to their employees. Carol Troy said shes known Cunningham since approximately 2008, when Cunningham helped her run a photo booth at the St. Helena Farmers Market. It was good to know that you could send people to the CIA to go on a tour and that Marnie really knew what she was doing, Troy said. She said its sad that someone with Cunninghams abilities would be replaced with what sounds like a slideshow or video. When Cunningham was named Employee of the Year in 2014, Chamber CEO Pam Simpson called her the quintessential example of excellent hospitality always smiling and welcoming. She goes out of her way to make everyone feel comfortable and important. She is the definition of authentic and a true St. Helena treasure. Simpson also praised Cunningham for volunteering at countless charitable events. Katie Somple, the Chambers board chair at the time, called Cunningham St. Helenas No. 1 volunteer. CIA chef Lars Kronmark nominated Cunningham for the award. At the time, he said, Marnie has always shown top professionalism from her vantage point in the lobby at the CIA. She has welcomed thousands of visitors from all over the world and she directs them, not only around the CIA facilities, but also to the hidden treasures of St. Helena, making her the best ambassador for our town. In an interview last week, Cunningham kept returning to the topic of the Greystone buildings history, beginning with the 400 Chinese workers who built it in 1889, under the supervision of engineer Hamden MacIntyre, while living in a camp where Gotts is today. During her tours, Cunningham would point out the feng shui-related devil chaser swirls the workers added to Greystones peaks to ward off negative energy, and note the role the workers played in building levees throughout the delta, laying railroad tracks, and developing historic wineries like Inglenook, Trefethen, Far Niente, Chateau Montelena and the Schramsberg caves. Cunninghams enthusiasm extended to the rest of the buildings history: its vacancy during Prohibition and outbreaks of phylloxera, its days as the Christian Brothers winery, its purchase by the Heublein Company after being damaged by the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, and the CIAs acquisition and seismic retrofitting of the building in the early 1990s. As a condition of buying the building, the Hyde Park, New York-based company agreed to honor its history and be a good neighbor to St. Helena. In recent years CIA management seemed to be putting less of an emphasis on that history, Cunningham said. Wherever a business is in the world, it needs to honor that location, Cunningham said. Whatever your shopping preferences, it seems these days that theres a subscription box to cater to them. Birchbox, which peddles a monthly box of curated beauty samples, was an early player in a trendy format that has grown to include everything from healthy snacks to pet treats to proudly nerdy selections of action figures and other collectibles. Theres even one called BattlBox that peddles survival and tactical gear. (This is NOT your girlfriends box! the website declares.) And now Adidas is a player in the subscription-box game, having joined with the hope that the move will help it appeal to female shoppersand in doing so grab back market share from high-flying rivals Nike and Under Armour. The service is called Avenue A, and subscribers will receive a quarterly delivery of a curated box of sneakers, apparel and other workout gear. The mix and style of the items will always be a surprise, with Adidas promising only that the pieces will be seasonally appropriate. Some items will be exclusive or limited edition and others will be widely sold retail fare. Its not terribly hard to see why Adidas is giving this a go: The athleisure trend is still booming, and there has been plenty of shopper interest in the bumper crop of subscription-box start-ups. One such company, Fabletics, already offers workout gear on a subscription basis to young, fashion-conscious shoppers. In four years, the market has exploded from fewer than 200 subscription services to more than 2,000, according to Liz Cadman, founder of the directory and review site My Subscription Addiction. Adidass customer research found that such an offering could have particular appeal to time-starved female athletes. Theyre so busy. Their lives are pulling them in so many different directions, said Chris Brewer, Adidass category director for running. They would rather actually be working out than going to shop for their workout gear. But the details of Adidass strategy might make it hard for Avenue A to gain traction. And its move raises the question of whether the buzzy subscription-box trend has the shelf life or the kind of broad application that its enthusiasts imagine. Adidas says it imagines the core subscriber will be a woman who has running at the heart of her fitness routine but also regularly incorporates other activities such as Pilates or barre class. Avenue A boxes cost $150 each, so that means a subscriber is spending $600 a year on workout clothes. Surely there are women out there who drop that much money annually on exercise attire. But it stands to reason that if someone is spending that much, shes not casual about her gym routine. More likely, she is a bona fide fitness junkie, someone who competes in triathalons or starts every day with a visit to the CrossFit box. In other words, this person is probably someone who has specific performance needs and preferences for her gym attire. Its an open question: Is she going trust that Avenue A will consistently deliver a running shoe that is ideal for her gait? Or leggings that have the precise level of compression that she likes? The woman who exercises more casually might be more open to this kind of serendipity around her gym clothes, and she might place more value on having a revolving array of looks. But if she isnt an exercise obsessive, its hard to imagine shes spending $600 a year for these goods. In fact, that may be more than she spends on her overall wardrobe in a given year. So its hard to imagine who the customer is for Avenue A. In weighing the subscription services prospects, its also instructive to consider Adidass policy surrounding what happens if youre not happy with an item in your Avenue A box. You can exchange a defective item or swap something for a different size. But you cant simply return something you dont like. This is a key difference with some existing subscription boxes: At Trunk Club and Stitch Fix, boxes can easily cost hundreds of dollars, but there is an option to return pieces for any reason. Its a significant financial outlay, but with a safety net. Birchbox, on the other hand, doesnt allow returns on its $10-per-month boxes, but the purchase feels less risky. Its cheaper, and with beauty samples the shopper is inherently expecting that the products are disposable. With Avenue A, Adidas is asking shoppers to incur both a fairly high risk and a fairly high cost. That could be a major issue, especially as you get to styling that is more modern or progressive, which seems to be where Adidas is going, said Andrew Billings, a retail strategist at consultancy North Highland. That Adidas appears to be straining so hard to make this model work is an illustration of how eager brands are to experiment with new sales formats, especially those that have a spirit of discovery and curation. Brewer said that the feedback Adidas has gotten from women about Avenue A has often been: We want serendipity. We want surprise and delight. And, indeed, Adidas may very well end up getting the formula right: Shilpa Rosenberry, a retail strategist at consultancy Daymon Worldwide, said Avenue A has a good shot of taking off and driving excitement to the brand. But the puzzle of who its customer might be and the potentially frustrating return policy suggest that the subscription-box business, for all its hype, simply might be bumping against its limits. It might not make sense for all retailing categories and price points. Even among some of the more established subscription-box players, there are signs of a shift in the perceived market potential for this format. Fabletics, for example, is planning to open 75 to 100 brick-and-mortar stores in the next several years. Although store workers reportedly will still aim to sign up subscribers, the emphasis on stores would seem to suggest the company is looking to drum up more a la carte sales. Birchbox, which recently laid off 15 percent of its workforce and shuttered its Canadian operation, is also pushing into stores and is developing a private-label line of beauty products. Its expansion into other lines of business might be an indication that executives are finding that subscription boxes alone cant deliver the kind of growth and profitability the brand is hoping to achieve over the long term. Given how fast the subscription-box trend has blossomed, its hard not to wonder whether there are similarities to other digital-age retailing novelties that experienced a boom and then ultimately a slow fizzle. LivingSocials and Groupons daily-deals model once seemed poised to transform retailing. Now, both companies have slashed their workforces and are trying to shift their business models. And flash-sale sites such as Gilt and Zulily, which promised designer goods at bargain-basement prices, have also lost some luster. Gilt has been acquired for a fraction of its earlier valuation, and Zulily was scooped up by QVCs parent company after its stock price nosedived from its post-IPO high. Anita Bhappu, a professor who studies retailing at University of Arizona, said she thinks those are different cases. The flash sales and even the Groupons of the world were about simply promotions, Bhappu said. Youre not talking about loyalty. Youre talking about price sensitivity. Subscription boxes, she says, are more about deepening connections with loyal customers. But Rosenberry says she does see in the subscription-box trend parallels with the recent boomlet of flash-sale sites. When more and more competitors enter the business, it does have the potential to become noise, Rosenberry said. So I predict that as more of these models emerge, only a few will be left standing. Napa school enrollment will continue to decline over the next decade, driven in part by high housing costs that are pricing out many low- and even moderate-income families. A demographic analysis conducted for the Napa Valley Unified School District revealed that the overall drop in student levels, which first surfaced last year, will stick around for years to come, according to Jack Schreder & Associates, which provides annual reports to the district on important changes in schools and in the community. The enrollment decline is the result of a lot of influencing factors, said consultant Jamie Iseman in an interview following last Thursdays school board meeting. Theres a lot of what we call push factors increased rents, increased home sale prices that are pushing out some people who cant afford it. In addition to high housing prices, Iseman attributed lower enrollment totals to a rise in older households without children and a decline in birthrates. During their presentation to the board, lead consultant Cheryl King, an associate with Schreder & Associates, said: Even people making moderate incomes cant afford the housing units in Napa. Using 2014 numbers compiled for Napa Countys housing element policy, Iseman said an affordable home for a four-person, moderate-income household making $103,000 would have to be less than $388,189. Housing in Napa is considerably higher than that. The current median home value, according to Schreder & Associates, is $524,000. Its a problem, and its affecting your enrollment, said King, whos been crunching numbers for NVUSD for 15 years. In their Demographic Analysis & Facility Capacity Study, the consultants pointed out that Napa ranks in the top 15 least affordable Metro Areas nationwide. King said in addition to the expense of buying homes, a lack of available apartments has made it difficult for families to rent in the city. Rental housing is not affordable to most extremely low and very low income households, they wrote. Extremely low income was benchmarked at $25,850, and very low income at $43,050 for a family of four. The same goes for apartments. Market Rate Apartments are generally NOT affordable to most extremely low, and very low income households, the report says. The median rental price in Napa has ballooned from $2,168 in 2013 to $2,529 in 2015, the report states. A reduction in housing stock following the 2014 earthquake has been cited by officials to explain the sudden rise in local rents. Schreder & Associates report was presented only a day after a national study revealed a decline in the number of young children in Napa. Using data compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau, Consumer Affairs identified cities across the United States that have lost families with children between 2005 and 2014. Some of the biggest declines were in the South, like Jacksonville, North Carolina, which experienced a 4.4 percent drop in the number of children under the age of 9 as a percentage of the total population, or Killeen, Texas, which saw a 4.3 percent decline, according to Consumer Affairs content marketing specialist Becca Dennis. Napa experienced a 3.5 percent drop in families with kids, making it a significant drop and among the highest in the U.S., Dennis wrote in an email to the Napa Valley Register. Consumer Affairs could not provide an explanation for Napas decline. But it would help to explain the dipping enrollment for NVUSD. Iseman said Napas birthrates began trending downward around the time of the Great Recession, and continued to do so during the weak economic recovery. Whenever theres a recession, women delay having births, said Iseman. They dont decide not to have children, they just decide to have children later. Births in Napa increased from 1,136 in 1998 to 1,538 in 2006, according to Iseman. Starting in 2007, when the recession began, births declined by 19.1 percent, to only 1,244 by 2013, she said. Fewer babies have meant fewer kindergarten students, as well as fewer first-graders, second-graders, and so on. The 2014-2015 school year saw the first, albeit modest decline in student population in a decade. Enrollment reports for the current school year also have shown fewer students overall in the system, and even fewer at the elementary school level. Schreder & Associates says NVUSDs total enrollment is projected to drop by 365 students over the next 10 years, from 18,151 students now to 17,786 by 2025-2026. Most of that decline will happen in Napa, while American Canyon the site of considerable growth in homes and families will experience a growth in student totals, from 4,430 to 4,485, over the coming decade. Although the overall NVUSD population will be smaller in another decade, the projections do show a rebound at the elementary level in about five years from now. Thats because the downward trend for births may have ended in 2014, said Iseman. It seems the tide is turning, and births may be on the rise again, she told board members, citing preliminary numbers. She said the state should soon have complete numbers for Napa for 2014 and 2015, which could show more babies being born here. Their report also warned the school board that if the elementary levels do go up again, from 2021 to 2025, many local schools will find themselves squeezed for classroom space. Some schools will reach capacity by that time, the report states. Alta Heights, Browns Valley, Mt. George, NVLA, Northwood, Phillips, Pueblo Vista, Salvador, Vichy, and West Park are all projected to be near or over capacity at some point in the next ten years. You still will have pressure points during the projection periods, Iseman said, adding that declines and growth dont always happen evenly in communities. District officials were pleased with the thoroughness of Schreder & Associates report. Don Evans, the head of school construction, whose work depends largely on accurate demographic information, told the board: We have the best information possible contained in the study. It reveals more than ever about our community, said Evans. Head-shaking oddities abound in politics, but the interplay among billionaire Warren Buffett and politicians in two states is one for the books. Buffetts umbrella corporation, Berkshire Hathaway, owns PacifiCorp, which delivers electricity to much of the Pacific Northwest, a tiny slice of California, and, through a subsidiary, several Rocky Mountain states. PacifiCorp also owns many generating facilities, including four dams on the Klamath River in California and coal-burning plants in Wyoming, Utah, Montana and Colorado. Therein lies the rub. The Klamath dams are very old, very antiquated and probably incapable of being relicensed because they block fish spawning runs. They also contribute just 1.5 percent of the power PacifiCorp generates. Logically, therefore, PacifiCorp should tear down the dams. But they are ensnarled in politics involving not only aquatic habitat but restrictions on water for farmers in Oregons Klamath Basin. One of Buffetts longtime pals is Arnold Schwarzenegger, and during his governorship a bi-state compact was forged, aimed at removing the dams, restoring habitat and giving farmers water supply stability. As part of the deal, California would give PacifiCorp $250 million for dam removal. The money was later included in the 2014 water bond sponsored by Schwarzeneggers successor, Jerry Brown. However, Congress has balked at putting up its share, and most recently, the two states and PacifiCorp have agreed to begin implementing the compact on their own. So why are California taxpayers coughing up $250 million (about $500 million with interest) to subsidize what a billionaires corporation should be doing on its own? The public explanations have never gone beyond something like just because. Privately, officials have said that improving salmon runs on the Klamath might balance out, in the minds of regulators, degradation of runs on other California rivers, including the Sacramento. If that werent odd enough, now theres a flap over PacifiCorps heavy involvement in coal-fired generation, a secular sin among liberal politicians who dominate both states and whove been demanding conversion from carbon-emitting power plants to wind, solar and other renewables. The Oregon Legislature is considering a bill that would require private utilities serving the state to phase out coal generation by 2030. This month, Californias leading anti-coal crusader, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, Assembly Speaker-elect Anthony Rendon and other lawmakers sent a letter to Brown opposing a pending agreement between Californias Independent System Operator and PacifiCorp. Their reason: It could bring coal-fired power to California and thus undermine the states effort to reduce climate pollution and promote clean energy. However, those same legislators are quite willing to give Buffetts PacifiCorp $250 million in taxpayers money. Go figure. Dan Walters writes for The Sacramento Bee. Congratulations to Chris Young and Cassadee Pope, the newest members of the coveted Mile High Club! The Think of You duo and Im Comin Over Tour partners traveled aboard Southwest Airlines Tennessee One today to celebrate the airlines thirtieth birthday in Nashville. While on board a short flight from Nashville to Memphis, the pair performed the first Live at 35 show of the year, with Chris singing Number 1 hit Im Comin Over and Cassadee joining him for chart-rising single Think of You. The two even had guitarists and the PDA system to accompany them during their time at the front of the aircraft. As participants in todays festivities, Chris and Cassadee were among the first to take a flight on the Tennessee-themed plane (with the states tri-star logo), appreciating the fact that they were able to support the airline that has gotten them both to many acity for important career-related events. Watch Chris Young and Cassadee Popes interview with Southwest Airlines below. Happy Nashville Birthday, Southwest! William K. Black February 21, 2016 Bloomington, MN If you depend for your news on the New York Times you have been subjected to a drumbeat of article attacking Bernie Sanders and the conclusion of everyone serious that his economics are daft. In particular, you would know that four prior Chairs of the Presidents Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) (the Gang of 4) have signed an open letter to Bernie that delivered a death blow to his proposals. Further, you would know that anyone who dared to disagree with these four illustrious economists was so deranged that he or she was acting like a Republican in denial of global climate change. The open letter set its sights on a far less famous economist, Gerald Friedman, of U. Mass at Amherst. It unleashed a personalized dismissal of his competence and integrity. Four of the Nations top economists against one non-famous economists at a school that studies heterodox economics. That sounds like a fight that the referee should stop in the first round before Friedman is pummeled to death. But why did Paul Krugman need to tag in to try to save the Gang of 4 from being routed? Krugman proclaimed that the Gang of 4 had crushed Friedman in a TKO. Tellingly, Krugman claimed that anyone who disagreed with the Gang of 4 must be beyond the pale (like Friedman and Bernie). Indeed, Krugman was so eager to fend off any analysis of the Group of 4s attacks that he competed with himself rhetorically as to what inner circle of Hell any supporter of Friedman should be consigned. In the 10:44 a.m. variant, Krugman dismissed Bernie as not ready for prime time and decreed that it was illegitimate to critique the Gang of 4s critique. In Sanderss case, I dont think its ideology as much as being not ready for prime time and also of not being willing to face up to the reality that the kind of drastic changes hes proposing, no matter how desirable, would produce a lot of losers as well as winners. And if your response to these concerns is that theyre all corrupt, all looking for jobs with Hillary, you are very much part of the problem. The implicit message is that four famous economists had to be correct, therefore anyone who disagreed with them must be a conspiracy theorist who is very much part of the problem. Paul doesnt explain what the problem is, but he sure makes it sound awful. Logically, the problem has to be progressives supporting Bernie. Two hours later, Paul decided that his poisoned pen had not been toxic enough, he now denounced Sanders as a traitor to the progressives who was on his way to making Donald Trump president. To point out the problems in the Gang of 4s attack on Friedman was to treat them as right-wing enemies. Why was Krugman so fervid in its efforts to smear Friedman and prevent any critique of the Gang of 4s smear that he revised his article within two hours and amped up his rhetoric to a shrill cry of pain? Well, the second piece admits that Gang of 4s smear of Friedman didnt get into specifics and that progressives were already rising in disgust at Pauls arrogance and eagerness to sign onto a smear that claimed rigor but actually didnt get into specifics while denouncing a scholar. Paul, falsely, portrayed Friedman as a Bernie supporter. Like Krugman, Friedman is actually a Hillary supporter. Sanders needs to disassociate himself from this kind of fantasy economics right now. If his campaign responds instead by lashing out well, a campaign that treats Alan Krueger, Christy Romer, and Laura Tyson as right-wing enemies is well on its way to making Donald Trump president. If we combine both of Pauls screeds we see that the only way to disagree with a prominent economist is to demonize them as either corrupt or enemies. They are apparently inerrant. Paul was eager to use authority raised to the second power (the Gang of 4 plus both barrels two hours apart The Full Krugman) to prevent anyone actually looking at the Gang of 4s letter and Friedmans study. Indeed, as I was finishing this first article in a series on their smear I found that Krugman has tripled down on his smear of Friedman with a Sunday column. Jamie Galbraith Scores a One-Two Punch KO on the Gang of 4 and Krugman Alas, Krugman ran into Jamie Galbraith, who is not susceptible to Pauls edicts of intimidation. Jamies piece is wonderfully concise and should be savored in its entirety. But here are the two key takeaways. Jamie destroyed the Gang of 4 and Krugman. Jamie made two simple points. First, Friedman is a supporter of Hillary Clinton, not Bernie. That means there is every reason to believe he did not engage in voodoo economics as Krugman charged in order to help Bernie. It also means that Pauls demand: Sanders needs to disassociate himself from this kind of fantasy economics right now is bizarre. Why would Sanders need to disassociate himself from a Hillary supporter? Second, Friedmans study is utterly conventional in terms of the macro models that Krugman has been praising for years in his column. The results he calculates, that Krugman dismisses as fantasy and voodoo are in fact the normal product of the normal models Krugman and the Gang of 4 rely on. Friedman, Jamie, and I all have many doubts about those models, but not Krugman and the Gang of 4. Why does the standard model generate such powerful results for employment and growth? It does so because Bernies plan to spur the economy is far larger than current policies or anything program to spur the economy supported by Hillary. As Jamie phrases it: What the Friedman paper shows, is that under conventional assumptions, the projected impact of Senator Sanders proposals stems from their scale and ambition. When you dare to do big things, big results should be expected. The Sanders program is big, and when you run it through a standard model, you get a big result. That, by the way, is the lesson of the Reagan era like it or not. It is a lesson that, among todays political leaders, only Senator Sanders has learned. Give the conventionality of Friedmans study, using a methodology that the Gang of 4 and Paul all embrace, what accounts for the mocking, dismissive tone of the Gang of 4s letter and Krugmans rhetorical race to the bottom with himself to demonize Friedman and Bernie? One might assume that Friedman had made a glaring error and that the Gang of 4 had discovered the error in the course of their rigorous review of his modelling of Bernies proposals. We are concerned to see the Sanders campaign citing extreme claims by Gerald Friedman about the effect of Senator Sanderss economic planclaims that cannot be supported by the economic evidence. Friedman asserts that your plan will have huge beneficial impacts on growth rates, income and employment that exceed even the most grandiose predictions by Republicans about the impact of their tax cut proposals. Thats how the Gang of 4 leads, and those two sentences are an enormous tell in the sense that word is used in poker. They are not attacking him for the model he used, they are not attacking him for his inputs, and they are not attacking him for a computation error. They are attacking him because their own models predict that Bernies plan would produce huge beneficial impacts. To state what should be obvious to any economist, much less the Gang of 4 and Krugman, that is not a logical criticism of Friedman or Bernie. The Gang of 4 and Pauls criticisms are historical. When modest economic measures are taken to spur growth we observe only modest impacts on growth. That is not a logical argument against Friedman modelling Bernies proposals. Again, Im perfectly open to a critique that says the standard models are so badly flawed that such a projection should not be relied upon, but that is not what the Gang of 4 and Krugman do. They love the flawed models. The Myths Economists Tell That Friedmans Modeling of Bernies Plan Exposes Orthodox economists just hate the results of Friedmans model, for the results support Bernie, rather than Hillary. Worse, they show that orthodox economists claims that the government can do little good is a myth. They set out to kill the messenger, Friedman, even though Friedman shares their support for Hillary. The Gang of 4 and Krugmans reaction to Friedmans use of their own models has an odd, disturbing parallel made famous by my colleague Randy Wray. [In] an interview Nobel winner Paul Samuelson gave to Mark Blaug (in his film on Keynes, John Maynard Keynes: Life/Ideas/Legacy 1995). Samuelson said: I think there is an element of truth in the view that the superstition that the budget must be balanced at all times [is necessary]. Once it is debunked [that] takes away one of the bulwarks that every society must have against expenditure out of control. There must be discipline in the allocation of resources or you will have anarchistic chaos and inefficiency. And one of the functions of old fashioned religion was to scare people by sometimes what might be regarded as myths into behaving in a way that the long-run civilized life requires. We have taken away a belief in the intrinsic necessity of balancing the budget if not in every year, [then] in every short period of time. If Prime Minister Gladstone came back to life he would say uh, oh what you have done and James Buchanan argues in those terms. I have to say that I see merit in that view. Orthodox economists are appalled by federal government deficits and stand in terror at the possibility that the public might ever understand how much the government could accomplish for the benefit of the American people if it got over the myths that a government with a sovereign currency is really just like a regular household and cannot run persistent deficits. Friedmans modeling of Bernies plan is so terrifying to the Gang of 4 and Krugman because it shows under the orthodox economic models that the government can be a powerful engine of producing huge beneficial impacts. What is required is that our President has the nerve to junk the orthodox economic myths. As Jamie Galbraith wrote, When you dare to do big things, big results should be expected. The Gang of 4 then evince another tell. They decry the fact that the standard models predict huge beneficial impacts from Bernies plan because the use of standard models undermines our reputation as the party of responsible arithmetic. The concept of responsible arithmetic is wondrous. Notice that they do not claim that Friedmans arithmetic is inaccurate in the sense of making a computational or data input error. Nor do they attack his use of the conventional models they embrace. No, their criticism is that they hate the results of Friedmans accurate arithmetic. They point out no errors in Friedmans arithmetic. There is no indication that they ever checked out the accuracy of how he modeled the impacts of Bernies plans. This means, as Jamie Galbraith observes, that the Gang of 4 and Krugman have smeared Friedman and Bernie. Here is the Gang of 4s claim: We have applied the same rigor to proposals by Democrats, and worked to ensure that forecasts of the effects of proposed economic policies, from investment in infrastructure, to education and training, to health care reforms, are grounded in economic evidence. I certainly hope that statement is a knowing lie, for otherwise they owe an enormous apology to the Republicans. The Gang of 4 claims that they apply the same rigor to modeling policy proposals by Democrats as they do in their modeling of proposals by Republicans. Their claim is that that rigor has exposed Friedman to be someone who is gaming the arithmetic in a shockingly dishonest manner to help Bernie. Ive already noted the embarrassing failure to reveal to their readers that Friedman supports Hillary, not Bernie. But what grievous errors of arithmetic did Friedman commit that were disclosed by the Gang of 4s rigor[ous] review of his modeling? The Gang of 4, and Krugman, present no errors, and no analysis of Friedmans study. They present no evidence that they conducted any review, much less a rigor[ous] review of Friedmans modeling that disclosed any arithmetic errors. They literally simply hate the results of their own standard models because they show that Bernies plan produces huge beneficial impacts. The Gang of 4 and Krugman Should Retract and Apologize to Friedman Jamie Galbraith called the Gang of 4 and Paul out on their smear and their disgusting effort to substitute authority for logic, integrity, and intellectual honesty. The effort to use authority to destroy Friedmans reputation, with no identification of a single arithmetic mistake in using their own models is reprehensible. The Gang of 4 and Krugman should retract their letter and blogs and personally apologize to Friedman. It is despicable to abuse authority and status. Krugmans Smear of Laura Tyson and Ode to the (All Male) Economics Pecking Order Paul is famous for his arrogance and his dismissal of the work of economists he considers to be lesser in status. This makes his imperious demand that no one critique the Gang of 4s smear of Friedman all the more ironic, because Laura DAndrea Tyson is a member of the gang. Perhaps Paul has forgotten his smear of Ms. Tyson when, in 1993, she was the first woman appointed to chair the Presidents Council of Economic Advisers. The chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers has generally overshadowed the two other members, working directly with the President while the others have stayed in the background, their names almost unknown to the public. But as a macro-economist, Mr. Blinder is likely to play a prominent role on the council, since he is considered more suited than Ms. Tyson to performing a crucial task of the council: assessing the impact of proposed policies. I will be vastly reassured if Alan Blinder is named to the Council of Economic Advisers, said Paul R. Krugman, a macroeconomist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who had himself been a candidate for the chairmanship. He would provide the necessary analytical skills that Laura Tyson lacks. Mr. Krugman and many other macroeconomists, particularly those in academia, have come to consider the three-member Council of Economic Advisers as their embassy in Washington. Because they view the council as their chief means of influencing Administration policy, they urged Mr. Clinton to appoint a top macroeconomist who would properly practice their skills and represent their views. Her appointment also raised the issue of rankings within the profession. Mr. Krugman and other economists argued that after 12 years of Republican Administrations, the chairmanship of the council should go to one of the Democrats among the ranks of the top macroeconomists. Despite what people say about economists always disagreeing with each other, there is agreement on rankings within the profession, Mr. Krugman said. There is a pecking order, he continued, citing Nobel laureates in economics like Paul Samuelson, Robert M. Solow and James Tobin as those at the pinnacle in the over-65 generation. All are Democrats. Mr. Blinder, Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Krugman, also Democrats, are ranked among the top 20 or so in the younger generation. There is in fact a pecking order that has closed off Krugman to many important advances for decades because the advances were not made by people he considers to be sufficiently exalted in his pecking order. I am sure, however, that Ms. Tyson feels the irony that Krugman has now elevated her so high in his pecking order that no one is permitted to critique the Gang of 4s smear of Friedman. Note that Krugmans dismissal of Tyson was based on the fact that she had no expertise in macroeconomic modelling precisely the skill necessary to critique Friedmans modelling of Bernies economic proposals. Paul cant even maintain logical consistency in his smears. Ms. Tyson may wish to reflect on Krugmans earlier sexist smear of her, based on status. I hope doing so will prompt introspection about her own role in smearing Friedman. But you will learn none of these things in the New York Times, where the Upshot column, without any analysis, treats the smears of Friedman as revealed truth. Upshot does not mention Jamie Galbraiths destruction of the Gang of 4 and Krugman. The stories inaccurately portray Friedman as a Bernie rather than a Hillary supporter. The column inaccurately claims that Friedman has made extreme assumptions. The results do not flow from idiosyncratic assumptions by Friedman. The huge beneficial impacts flow from the standard models and the far larger magnitude of Bernies plans to revive the economy. Yes, the Davos Democrats that Krugman once routinely reviled in Washington, D.C. do often roll their eyes at Bernie. The Davos Democrats, as Krugman once aptly pointed out, have been wrong about a vast range of economic issues. They are not rigorous, they are arrogant, errant, and represent the Wall Street wing of the Democratic Party. A considerable number of Americans have figured that out. Read Tom Franks new book (Listen, Liberal) if you want the revolting details. Hungary will not agree to limit prices for imported gas Iranian Foreign Minister: Iran considers Armenia one of most important transit countries Naribekyan participates in meeting of secretaries general of PACE parliaments Dollar, euro drop in Armenia Iran consul general in Armenias Kapan: We do not accept any change of borders Iranian Consul: Countries of region do not need presence of foreign armed forces Armenia FM: Iran consulate general in Kapan will be important for regional security Iranian Consul General advises Kapan residents not to worry anymore: Iran is here for Armenian people FM reaffirms Armenia plan to open consulate general in Irans Tabriz Turkey to open consulate in occupied Armenian Shushi city of Artsakh Turkish Ministry of Finance: Ankara can buy Russian oil without Western funding Armenia Security Council chief briefs European Parliament rapporteur on recent Azerbaijan military aggression British bookmakers name favorite for post of prime minister Erdogan: Armenia-Azerbaijan relations progress will contribute to Armenia-Turkey relations normalization Iranian Consulate General opens in Kapan Erdogan: Turkey is looking for alternative to American F-16 fighters Iran consul general: We are here for Armenian people Turkey FM slams OSCE decision to send needs assessment mission to Armenia Peskov reacts to Erdogan's words about Putin's softening on Ukraine negotiations European Parliament rapporteur on Armenia visits Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan European Parliament rapporteur on Armenia to legislature speaker: Attack was from Azerbaijan, naturally Armenia President to EEU PMs: We will manage to take another confident step by respecting mutual interests EUSR Toivo Klaars exclusive interview with NEWS.am on EU Monitoring mission,Nagorno Karabakh future and violence videos Explosions rock Ukraines Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia President meets with newly formed Artsakh Public Council members Armenia PM: We need understanding in price horizon, at least in medium term Lawyer: 20 of fallen solders parents detained from Yerevan military pantheon are recognized as injured party PM: Armenia trade with other EEU countries increased by 74% France region to provide 300,000 to Armenias Syunik Province affected by Azerbaijan military aggression Eurasian Intergovernmental Council extended meeting underway in Yerevan MOD: Armenia did not fire at Azerbaijan positions, vehicle MPs in Strasbourg, present threatening dangers: Armenia has powerful support in European Parliament Years first snow falls in Armenias Shirak Province World oil prices on the rise Newspaper: Russia dismisses Armenia PM's news on Karabakh Russia PM in Yerevan, to discuss with EEU colleagues single oil, natural gas markets formation Newspaper: Why is Iran in hurry to open consulate in Armenias Syunik Province? France, Spain, Portugal agree to build Barcelona-Marseille natural gas pipeline Admiral: U.S. should now prepare for Chinese 'invasion' of Taiwan Harutyunyan: I cannot imagine Artsakh's future without presence of Russia Harutyunyan: Without questioning path of our independence, we must meet with Baku Prime Minister of Finland does not think that Hungary and Turkey will block country's application for NATO membership Iranian FM: U.S. made hasty statements in connection with protests Former Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim involved in car accident in Karabakh Arayik Harutyunyan: Artsakh people's right to self-determination is non-negotiable Iranian MFA calls it important to form platform with Armenia and India on North-South corridor Details of EU monitoring mission in Armenia are known Foreign Ministry: It seems Ankara is more interested in opening corridor through Armenia than Azerbaijan Mirzoyan: Unexpected third countries support Azerbaijani interpretation of road to Nakhchivan Foreign Ministry: Armenia, Iran and Bulgaria initial agreement on creation of Persian Gulf-Black Sea corridor Israeli Defense Minister to visit Ankara Armenian Foreign Minister names main obstacle to solving problems with Azerbaijan Erdogan once again raises issue of so-called 'Zangezur corridor' Armenian and Iranian FMs to open Iranian Consulate General in Syunik province tomorrow Abdollahian: Aliyev assured that he does not want border changes, Iran will prevent implementation of such idea Iranian Foreign Minister in Yerevan supports '3+3' platform Iranian Foreign Minister recalls Tehran's 'red lines' in regional issues Mirzoyan: We highly appreciate Iran's principled position regarding territorial integrity of Armenia UK imposes sanctions against Iran for alleged delivery of drones to Russia Yerevan hosts meeting of Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in narrow composition Armenian and Iranian Foreign Ministers meet in Yerevan in extended format Charles Michel: EU energy deal possible, but difficult Erdogan says Baku should demand 'compensation' from Yerevan Pashinyan: EEU mechanisms are of great help, trade turnover between Armenia and Belarus has doubled Yair Lapid: Russia-Iran relations are serious problem for Ukraine, Europe, and whole world Amir-Abdollahian: Iran is against presence of foreigners in this region, both in Azerbaijan and Armenia Pashinyan at EAEU meeting: Fundamental principles of world economic system in question Iranian Foreign Minister's official visit to Yerevan begins Macron says Germany should not isolate itself in Europe EU begins deployment of mission on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Trump's son made fun of Zelenskyy's ability to ask West for money EU to provide emergency aid for Armenia residents affected by recent Azerbaijan military aggression Azerbaijan army units fire at Armenia positions Mikhail Mishustin arrives in Yerevan EU approves new sanctions against Iran over alleged drone deliveries to Russia Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meeting begins in Yerevan Baku calls OSCE mission to assess situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border 'private visit' On fourth day of IRGC military exercises on border with Azerbaijan, artillery destroys planned targets Liz Truss quits as UK Prime Minister Turkey parliament to consider extending Turkish militarys mandate in Azerbaijan Dollar falls, euro rises in Armenia Russias Putin ratifies agreement on simplification of payments for goods transit within EEU territory Stoltenberg: Almost all NATO countries have agreed to Sweden and Finland joining the alliance Ombudswoman of Armenia: Azerbaijan prevents removal of remains of fallen soldiers Zakharova: Matter of holding CSTO Collective Security Council meeting being worked out Ombudswoman of Armenia: I received video materials from EU special representative about Azerbaijanis Armenia Security Council chief, UK army general discuss cooperation in security Armenia and Kazakhstan discuss bilateral military cooperation Iran says U.S. and Israel won't be able to split the republic 201 bodies are identified of Armenia soldiers who died as result of September military aggression by Azerbaijan Iran FM to arrive in Armenia today Turkey, Azerbaijan presidents officially open international airport in occupied Artsakh territory Armenia President visits several leading Bulgaria IT companies Ruben Vardanyan: I will assume Artsakh State Minister position at beginning of November Armenia PM on making EU observation mission permanent: I'm not sure about that US State Dept.: Our ultimate goal is peaceful resolution between Armenia and Azerbaijan Armenia, Qatar to collaborate in tourism sector Turkey president travels to Azerbaijan Bandits in Russia cut off Armenian man's hands, shoot him in legs President of Armenia, mayor of Bulgarias Plovdiv discuss avenues for deepening of cooperation News Story not available This story has been published on: 2022-10-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. This story is no longer available on our site. YEREVAN. - People connected with the authorities change on the post of the ombudsman. Armenian MP Nikol Pashinyan stated the aforesaid today at the debate on the candidacy of the current Armenian Deputy Justice Minister Arman Tatoyan for the post of the ombudsman. He noted with regret that the candidacy of opposition Heritage party Zaruhi Postanjyan which he would certainly vote for - hasnt been nominated. According to the public opinion, Tatoyan is the authorities appointee, since he holds an office in the Government, Pashinyan said. But the history of the previous appointments indicates that in the post of the ombudsman people with time manifest a principled stance unexpected to everyone, he noted. In the MP's words, Armenias ex-Ombudsman Larisa Alaverdyan had a cooperation experience with ex-President Robert Kocharyan and current President Serzh Sargsyan, and the society was aware of this. But thanks to her principled stance, Alaverdyan overcame the prejudice that she was the performer of the authorities will. She was then followed by Armen Harutyunyan. He had a stronger pro-governmental stigma. But in 2008, Harutyunyan made a step unexpected to everyone, making quite an objective report on March 1 events. Karen Andreasyan was known for his very specific ties with specific representatives of the authorities. But during the recent three years he carried out his work at a high level and had to resign since he had deviated from the path drawn by the authorities, Pashinyan said. I wish to think that the institute of the Ombudsman has passed a certain path of establishment. It forces those who hold that post to form a certain image and model of conduct. Thats why the new candidates must be treated with a presumption of confidence, and not otherwise. A circle of mid-ranking professionals has been formed in the governmental service. They were received so as the authorities are able to make up their genuine face with educated and active people. Unfortunately, they are restrained [in their activity] as much as possible. But we know that you exist and that you do your best, although you cannot do much. And we want to help you do more for the benefit of Armenia, the MP concluded. YEREVAN. - The small business must declare about its problems on time. President of the SME Cooperation Association NGO, Hakob Avagyan, told the aforementioned to the journalists today at the opening of the week of small and medium-sized enterprises, EU4Business Week. According to Avagyan, enterprises dont always trust such structures: sometimes its even possible to hear the question: Which party do you belong to? Consequently, the bills arent discussed on time but retroactively, when one has to bear them on ones back. And at that time the business goes out to the streets, but this guarantees no decisions. Thats why its necessary to discuss everything beforehand, he added. Of course, not all such organizations worked regularly and intensively enough. Nevertheless, its still more efficient for a business to raise its issues through certain structures. Unfortunately, the councils adjunct to the PM and a number of Ministries, set up to support the enterprises, do not always convene on time. The issues are thus put on a back burner and accumulate. We like to compare ourselves with the European countries. But they have crossed this pass long ago: chambers and business organizations there are a serious counterbalance to the economic policy, he noted. Currently, the SME Cooperation Association is working on becoming an associate member of the European Association of Craft, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (UEAPME). EU4Business Week Forum is held in Yerevan in cooperation with Small and Medium Enterprise Cooperation Association NGO (Armenia), the European Association of Craft, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (UEAPME) and the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Eurochambres). Posted by Mark Williams | February 22, 2016 When we saw the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 concept at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, we knew it could fill a void in GM's lineup that both Ram and Ford have capitalized on for more than a decade. With relatively few focused modifications to the Colorado chassis and suspension, the concept also seemed like a no-brainer for those looking for a capable off-road competitor to Toyota's Tacoma TRD Sport and new TRD Pro midsize pickup. Recently, our spy shooters sent us these images that seem to imply we won't have much longer to wait to see this desert racer in Chevy dealerships. Here's what they sent: "Judging from this prototype caught testing on public roads in Michigan, it looks like GM is finally bringing the Chevy Colorado ZR2 concept truck to production. A quick analysis of this prototype suggests that the ZR2 is finally a go. Here's what we see: "The front bumper covers only a fraction of the front tires, clearly suggesting that a version of the Colorado ZR2 concept's prerunner-inspired front end is in play on this prototype. "It also appears that the outer corners of the front bumper camouflage are designed to be easily removable enabling a quick-disconnect ability to provide a much greater approach angle whenever it's needed for backcountry high-adventure. "The camouflage also could be hiding the uniquely placed King Off-Road Racing Shocks that were on the concept, which were an attention-grabbing element of the ZR2 and could provide segment-leading abilities. "Here are some other ZR2 details that we think will likely make it to production: "A hood scoop: We can see one lurking under the prototype ZR2's camo. "The prototype has wider fender flares to accommodate larger tires, implying that the production vehicle will have a wider track width. "The ZR2 concept had a 2-inch lift compared with a standard Colorado, and this prototype also looks to be riding higher for better ground clearance. Interestingly, the front end looks like it could be lifted a little more to provide a level ride. "The prototype showcases a version of the concept's rocker protectors for the side sills as well as a substantial front skid plate. "The Colorado ZR2 concept had its spare tire mounted in the bed for maximum auto show pizzazz. That detail never was expected to see production, and it looks like it did not. This prototype has its full-size spare mounted conventionally underneath the bed, and the spare looks to match the other all-terrain tires. "The Colorado ZR2 concept hit the show circuit with GM's 2.8-liter baby Duramax diesel engine. We can't say for sure what is under the prototype's hood but it appears from the tailpipe to be the gasoline V-6. While a diesel in the production ZR2 would be welcomed by many, its inclusion in the concept likely was just to highlight the powertrain that was set to be an option on 2016 Colorados." KGP Photography images Posted by Mark Williams | February 15, 2016 By Patrick Olsen, Cars.com We took four high-mpg light-duty trucks to the track and the streets of Houston to see which one came out on top. Our judges were: Mark Williams PickupTrucks.com editor Brian Wong Cars.com Los Angeles bureau chief Bruce Smith freelance journalist who specializes in trucks and 4x4s Kent Sundling editor and owner of MrTruck.com Here's how the four trucks finished: No. 4: 2016 Toyota Tundra SR, 4.6-liter V-8; 1,824 points 100-point categories (best in test): None The Verdict: "At nearly $15,000 less than its competitors, the Toyota was predictably the least equipped and felt the most like a work truck," Wong said. "Unfortunately, it also felt and drove like something out of the bargain bin." What They Liked Value proposition: "The Toyota is a great value," Sundling said, "the bang-for-the-buck winner." A true work truck: "The no-nonsense look and feel of the SR interior with the column shifter says that Toyota understands work," Williams said. "For such a big truck, overall weight is just above 5,000 pounds, and that points to it being a solid work truck with muscle." Power: Smith liked "the punch the Toyota has in the lower speeds," and Williams liked that the "throttle response of the smaller V-8 is like a slingshot." Ride and handling: "I liked the Tundra's ride and handling when loaded down," Smith said, "and its light, nimble, easy-to-drive character when empty." Sundling found it to be "a very stable truck in the wind, and its longer wheelbase and suspension makes handling effortless." Tech: "The Bluetooth system paired with my Android phone easily and quickly, with a straightforward setup process," Wong said. "The larger multimedia screen than the Ford meant that even though the backup guidelines were not dynamic, it was easier for me to use the backup camera." What They Didn't Poor mpg: "Got the lowest fuel mileage in its group," Sundling pointed out, and Smith and Williams called it "dismal." Cheap feel: "It's got the cheapest price of the group and it looks it," Williams said. "It has a very cheap-feeling interior with lots of road and wind noise coming in from all directions," Wong said. Several judges chimed in on the noise issue. Suspension: "The tuning seems to be Toyota's weakest link on the full-size side," Williams said. "The steering ratios and spring rates are mismatched." Smith disliked "the jittery, nervous rear suspension under the Tundra." Performance: "The Tundra fell flat, both loaded and unloaded, without an uptick in mpg to compensate," Wong said. No. 3: 2016 Ram 1500 HFE, 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel; 1,992 points 100-point categories (best in test): Empty mpg, loaded mpg, EPA mpg ratings, tank range The Verdict: "It's amazing how the right-sized engine with the right amount of torque and fuel economy can create a strong competitor," Williams said. "More half-ton players need to imitate the EcoDiesel." What They Liked The power: "The EcoDiesel powertrain's gaudy torque numbers shined through," Wong said. "It pulled with or without payload in an even, predictable fashion while maintaining mpg figures that were a cut above the rest." "It's still a relatively heavy truck for an extended cab, but the extra torque has a strong feel," Williams said. The mpg: "I like the great fuel economy the EcoDiesel delivers loaded or empty," Smith said. "It gets incredible fuel mileage that revived half-ton diesels," Sundling added. Acceleration: Smith lauded the "acceleration and midrange pull of the Ram," while Sundling said it had "decent acceleration while empty." "It has good throttle response and engine feel at speed," Williams said, "and minimized lag that delivers strong off-the-line feel." Sound: "It's a quiet truck," Sundling said. "You wouldn't know it's a diesel." "Ram has tuned just enough of the diesel sound out of idle and highway speeds to make it a great choice for non-diesel buyers," Williams said. Comfort and ergonomics: "The Ram has good ergonomics and visibility in the cabin," Wong said, "with the center seat folding down to form a well-positioned armrest, which isn't the case with all bench seats. The seats were comfortable and supportive enough for a fairly long haul, unlike the Toyota." "I like the bright backup camera and the view that the Ram's mirrors provide," Smith said. What They Didn't High-speed fade: "The diesel seems to fall flat after about 70 mph," Smith said. Williams agreed: "It does a good job pulling through midrange, but falls on its face at highway speed." Brakes: "They don't feel up to the size or weight of the truck," Williams said, "and it just gets worse with a load." "It had the longest braking distance [loaded] from 60 mph to zero," Sundling noted. And : "I didn't like the nervous, jittery suspension," Smith said, "or the center stack controls or layout." "Its handling was affected by the wind," Sundling said, adding that "the non-telescoping steering column made it a bit difficult to set up a good driving position." No. 2: 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ, 5.3-liter V-8; 2,018 points 100-point categories (best in test): Gross vehicle weight rating, calculated maximum payload, maximum rated payload, sound at idle, sound at 60 mph, peak horsepower on dyno, braking empty The Verdict: "The quietest and most confidence-inspiring half-ton in the max mpg group," Smith said. What They Liked Ride and handling: "I was impressed by this midlevel-trim pickup," Williams said. "It has a stable road feel and carries a load confidently." "It has a good ride when loaded," Wong said. "I didn't detect the suspension bottoming out even over bumps, and it remained composed at highway speeds and during acceleration." Powertrain: "The GM eight-speed automatic's programming is perfectly matched to the engine," Smith said. "The powertrain was very confident and did not feel taxed, even with 1,500 pounds of payload for half of the mileage drive," Wong said. Value proposition: Sundling called the Chevy "a good starter truck for a family that doesn't tow much. It's well-equipped if you don't need a large, rear legroom area." "This is the value part of the pickup truck segment," Williams said. "The extended cab gives you a few liabilities, but it is very versatile." Quiet: "Most comfortable interior of the competitors, and was the quietest as well," Wong said. "Very easy to have conversations at highway speeds," Williams said. The other judges also agreed. What They Didn't Powertrain: Where some judges really liked it, Williams found issues. "I'm not sure that the 5.3-liter, eight-speed combination should have been their engine and powertrain choice here," he said. "There's something about the way GM has tuned the throttle feel with this combination. There's a sluggish response, and maybe that's to improve the mpg." Cab size, entry: "The double cab [Chevrolet's name for extended cab] is too small for adults in the rear seat," Sundling said. "The extended-cab doors feel a bit too small to be practical for family or work," Williams said. Ergonomics: "The steering-wheel controls for the audio system are not very intuitive and would take some time to grow into over the course of ownership," Wong said. "There's no easy way to start a phone call through MyLink; I had to start a call through the phone itself." Value: "It's one of the highest-priced trucks in the group," Sundling said, and Wong agreed: "It's the most expensive of the four contenders by at least $5,000." And : Smith didn't like "the hood height, as it hindered the view of vehicles in front." He also didn't like "the slow tip-in throttle response" and "the harshness of the Silverado rear suspension over expansion joints and broken pavement." No. 1: 2015 Ford F-150 XLT, 2.7-liter V-6 EcoBoost; 2,033 points 100-point categories (best in test): Truck weight, peak torque on dyno, zero-to-60-mph empty, zero-to-60-mph loaded, braking loaded, quarter-mile empty, quarter-mile loaded The Verdict: "The Ford F-150 2.7-liter EcoBoost is an exciting truck with speed, but its handling is a little touchy because of its light weight," Sundling said. What They Liked Power and speed: The 2.7-liter engine may have been the star of the entire Showdown. "There's stunning power off the line with this engine," Williams said. "You'd have no problems roasting the tires if you're not careful." "I like the EcoBoost's V-8-like power and V-6 mpg," Smith said. "It's a very fast truck," Sundling said. "It's fun to drive as a sport truck with a Sport mode." "For having a small-displacement V-6," Wong said, "the engine really pulls, and I was not left wanting for power, either loaded or unloaded. The engine was far and away my favorite part of the Ford." Fuel economy: "Its loaded mileage was impressive at better than 22 mpg, which was second only to the EcoDiesel," Wong said. Data display: "I'm still impressed at how much engine and truck information is placed at the driver's fingertips," Williams said. Smith appreciated "the advanced technology and connectivity in the F-150." And : "I like the quietness, comfort and layout of the SuperCab [Ford's name for extended cab] interior," Smith said. "Although the hinge mechanism looks scary complicated," Williams said, "all extended cabs should open so wide." What They Didn't Ride: "The use of aluminum saves tons of weight, but that translates into a twitchy road feel that is sometimes uncomfortable," Williams said. "The ride quality was especially harsh with payload," Wong said. "The rear felt unsettled and shifty when driving on the highway, which is unnerving with all of that weight in the back." "It's a little too light for windy conditions," Sundling said. "Its handling is affected." Sag: "The F-150 looks and feels uncomfortably soft when loaded," Smith said. "The leaf spring pack seems too thin and not up to carrying anywhere near the rated payload without sagging horribly," Williams said. Tires: "The choice here was most disappointing," Williams said. "They seemed designed for improved fuel economy, but the trade-offs are too harsh." Tech: "I don't like the very small multimedia screen in the center console, which made the backup camera hard to use, and it looked out of place with the rest of the dash," Wong said. And : "The steering did not track straight and required constant corrections," Wong said. "The problem was more obvious when the Ford was loaded, but even when empty, there was vagueness with the steering." "The XLT interior seems cheap compared to the Lariat, especially the seats," Sundling said. "I don't like the A-pillars, which partially block the view at busy intersections," Smith said. Cars.com photos by Evan Sears and Angela Conners Overview | Acceleration | Braking | Mileage | Results Pakistan and India must have a treaty to ensure that innocent people do not languish in each other's jails, said a Pakistani daily which noted that civilians are always going to be the victims in the tussle between the two countries. An editorial "The smaller issues" in The Nation on Monday said that the clash between India and Pakistan keeps growing more tentacles and civilians are always going to be the victims. The Maritime Security Agency (MSA) on Saturday arrested 88 Indian fishermen allegedly for fishing in Pakistani waters. "With almost all talks regarding any sort of diplomacy between both countries failing, it is clear that instances like these are not stopping anytime soon," said the daily. The arrests are the third such incident in three months after the two countries agreed in December 2015 to reinitiate the dialogue process when Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Pakistan. "However, the scheduled talks between the foreign secretaries of the two countries were postponed after the Pathankot airbase attack in India last month. In the previous one, Pakistans marine forces arrested 66 Indian fishermen for allegedly violating the countrys territorial waters in the Arabian Sea," said the editorial. It noted that although it is important to ensure the sanctity of borders, these fishermen are usually very poor and mostly lack the equipment to ensure that they are staying within the borders of their own country. "These fishing boats that lack the technology needed to be certain of their precise location and accidentally cross boundaries." The daily added: "All that is needed is a treaty that makes sure that innocent people on both sides do not languish in jails for such mistakes, as bigger issues like the actual demarcation of territory around areas like Sir Creek remain irresolvable." "Poor men in jail, for crimes of omission due to a lack of official clarity, does no country any good," it said. --Indo-Asian News Service rd/vt ( 336 Words) 2016-02-22-11:57:33 (IANS) The Cabinet fixed the monthly salaries of senior district judges at Taka 78,000. The salary hike will be effective from July 1, 2015, while the increased allowances and other benefits will come into effect from July 1 this year, Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam was quoted by the Daily Star, as saying at a media briefing. Basic salaries of assistant judges at the entry level have been raised to Taka 30,950 from Taka 16,000, he added. The salaries were increased following the recommendations of the Bangladesh Judicial Service Pay Commission in line with the National Pay and Services Commission, he said. (ANI) "The blast took place in Seyyagard District at around midday. The killed and injured were shifted to a hospital in the district, west of provincial capital Charikar city," the spokesman said. The bomber targeted an Afghan local police patrol near the district office building. Those killed included six officers and seven civilians in addition to the bomber, the official added. "Some six police, including a local police commander, and five civilian passersby were wounded," he said. No group has claimed responsibility yet for the attack, but the Taliban insurgent group routinely claims responsibility for such attacks. --Indo-Asian News Service ahm/vm ( 138 Words) 2016-02-22-20:57:43 (IANS) Former Bihar Chief Minister and president of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) Jitan Ram Manjhi today expressed his anguish over politics on anti-national activities in the country, saying traitors deserve no leniency. Mr Manjhi said here it was most unfortunate to see the growing trend of politics over anti-national activities in the country and cautioned the political parties to stay away from such temptation. Under no circumstances any political party should attempt to polarise the society on the basis of anti-national activities engineered by vested interest, he added. "If anyone is found indulged in anti-national activities, he should be booked under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code," the former Chief Minister said, adding that traitors deserved no leniency from the state. Mr Manjhi, while referring to the arrest of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students union leader Kanhaiya Kumar on charges of sedition, said that the matter was pending in court regarding Mr Kumar's indulgence in anti-national activities. There was no point of making hue and cry when the court was seized with the matter, he added.UNI KKS AD PY AJ BL2209 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0108-602011.Xml Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar has appealed the agitators in Haryana to call off their agitation and said that violence is not the solution to any problem. In a statement here today, Mr Gurjar said that the blockade of major roads, thoroughfares and railway tracks by the agitators had thrown normal life out of gear by causing inconvenience to the people. Public and private property was also being damaged. He said that such violent protests do not lead to a positive outcome, rather they result in disharmony and an atmosphere of insecurity He said that the Government was in favour of the demand of the agitators, and people should repose their trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Addressing mediapersons in Rohtak today, Haryana Transport Minister Krishan Lal Panwar said that the law and order situation in the district was improving. He said that concerted efforts were being made by the Army, paramilitary forces and Engineering Wing of the Army to restore peace in the affected areas. He appealed the people to maintain peace and ignore rumours. Personnel, Training, Vigilance and Parliamentary Affairs department Principal Secretary A K Singh said that security forces were present in large numbers in Rohtak and about 15 persons had been rounded up the previous evening. Meanwhile, Kaithal Deputy Commissioner Nikhil Gajraj appealed to the people of the district to maintain peace. He also issued orders to appoint Additional Deputy Commissioner Jitender Kumar overall in-charge for the purpose of maintaining peace and order in the district. He has also deputed senior administrative officers as nodal officers or region in-charge and deputy magistrate on the basis of region for maintaining law and order during demonstration by Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti. Apart from this, IGP O P Singh, who was deputed by the state government to maintain law and order in the district, held a review meeting today. Similarly, during a meeting in Yamunanagar today Deputy Commissioner S S Phulia said that duty magistrates had been deputed in different parts of the district for maintaining law and order.Faridabad Deputy Commissioner Chander Shekhar and Commissioner of Police Subhash Yadav have also appealed the people of the district and the agitators to maintain peace and desist from acts of violence and vandalism. UNI DB AJ BL2342 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-601829.Xml We escaped and hid ourselves fearing mob lynching and not Delhi Police, the five JNU students, who returned to the campus late on Sunday, said. The students said they would surrender themselves if police came to arrest them from the campus. "We were laying low and did not come to public life because we feared mob lynching and not police," Rama Naga, general secretary of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU), said. The five students, Umar Khalid, Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and Anirban Bhattacharya, had disappeared from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus after the February 9 event that was held to mark the anniversaries of executions of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front co-founder Maqbool Bhat. Anti-India slogans were allegedly raised at the gathering. Earlier, Khalid, addressing students in front of the admin bloc of the JNU, said he was "not a terrorist", adding the BJP government "needed an excuse to target the campus". "My name is Umar Khalid and I'm not a terrorist," Khalid said, condemning the media trial that branded him a terrorist. "The attack (on the university) is not because of the program which was organised on Feburary 9, but because the government needs an excuse to attack us." "The media, all this while, presented a lot of things about me. The media trial, this propaganda... I know what my family is going through," he added. He also refuted the media reports that he made 800 calls to 'Gulf or Kashmir' a few days before the program was organised. JNU has been on the boil over the arrest of its students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges following the February 9 event. --Indo-Asian news service ar-sid-pku/ ( 302 Words) 2016-02-22-02:03:34 (IANS) At stumps, New Zealand had reached 121 for four in their second innings, with retiring skipper Brendon McCullum was the final wicket to fall on the day three. McCullum was dismissed for a final time after contributing 25 runs. He was snared by Josh Hazlewood. The hosts are still trailing by 14 runs. Kane Williamson and Corey Anderson were unbeaten at 45 and nine respectively and the duo will resume play on the fourth day, news.com.au reported. Meanwhile, Pattinson was the pick of the bowlers for Australia. He gave a perfect start to his side by dismissing opener Martin Guptill for a 12-ball duck. Pattinson then broke the partnership between opener Tom Latham and Williamson before taking his final wicket of the day of Henry Nicholls (two). Earlier, Australia posted their first innings score of 505 runs, thanks to opener Joe Burns and skipper Steve Smith for their brilliant 170 and 138 runs respectively. Australia are currently leading the two-match Test series one-nil. (ANI) The apex court, which heard the AAP Government's petition seeking the Centre's intervention for the uninterrupted supply of water, expressed displeasure over the presence of Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra in the court room and asked him to focus on solving the problems of common people. Stating that this was a conflict between two governments, the apex court also expressed disappointment over the Delhi Minister approaching it on this matter. The Supreme Court also issued notice to the Haryana Government, Uttar Pradesh Government and the Centre. The Manohar Lal Khattar-led Haryana Government assured the court that water would reach the national capital by this evening. This matter would be next heard on February 25. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited Ravidas temple at Seer Gowardhanpur on the occasion of the 639th birth anniversary of the saint.Mr Modi took the idol's blessings later joined the 'langar' (prasad) by sitting on the floor of the temple along with priests and other VVIPs. During his around 15 minutes stay in the temple, first to be visited by any Prime Minister on the birth anniversary, Mr Modi wore a light saffron colour head scarf given by the priests. A portrait of the temple was also presented to him. The PM also had a brief discussion with the temple authorities about the temple. Union Social Justice and Empowerment minister Thavar Chand Ghelot and his deputy Vijay Sampla were also present along with the Prime Minister at the temple. He reached the temple at around 1005 hrs and left for the BHU convocation at around 1027 hrs. Before leaving for the Saint Ravidas temple from DLW guest house, where he stayed for the night, tweeted ,"I bow to Guru Ravidas ji on his Jayanti. His thoughts & emphasis on social reform & equality transformed our society & enriched it greatly."Mr Modi had reached the Lal Bahadur Shastri International airport at Babatpur last night and headed for DLW guesthouse for night stay by road.He came from Kolkata where he attended the centenary function of Guydia Math. He also visited Chhattisgarh and Odisha before reaching Varanasi.Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik and state minister Durga Prasad Yadav, representative of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, along with other district officials welcomed the Prime Minister at the airport. The Prime Minister will attend the programme and the 98th convocation function of the BHU later in the day.The Varanasi authorities would be on their toes today, as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is also expected to visit the city to attend a programme at the birthplace of Saint Ravidas. This will be the first visit of Mr Kejriwal to Varanasi after he lost to Mr Modi in the Lok Sabha polls while after 2014 polls , this would be the first time that both the leaders would be in the city on the same day.However, Mr Kejriwal will reach Varanasi just before Mr Modi leaves the city in the afternoon.Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani, Mr Ghelot and his deputy are in the city for the events. UNI MB SB 1121 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-602226.Xml South Korean multinational conglomerate Samsung Electronics Co Ltd has unveiled a car dongle which provides a way for owners of older cars to add LTE(Long-Term Evolution)wireless connectivity to their vehicles. The Samsung Connect Auto dongle plugs into a car's OBD II diagnostic port and enable drivers to monitor their vehicle's performance as well as locate it. It also acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot in the vehicle, the Verge reported. Samsung has not disclosed the price of the Connect Auto but the device is expected to be available for sale in the second quarter of this year. (ANI) City suffered their biggest ever defeat at the hands of the Guus Hiddink-led side 5-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Fabregas said City's surprising line-up was negative for his side, as it had put more pressure on Chelsea to win the match. According to the Mirror, Pellegrini decided to field a weakend team against Chelsea because of the club's Champions League clash with Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine on Wednesday. Pellegrini defended his decision, saying that he made the selection depending upon the availability of the players, the Guardian reported. The Chilean manager further insisted that things would have been quite different if he had 20 players available. He added that six of his players were injured so he could not take risk of further injuries. With the defeat, City have bowed out of the tournament while Chelsea will play against Everton in the quarter-final clash on March 12. (ANI) According to NFF statement, Mr.Illango will urge the Minister to exert pressure on Sri lanka for resuming talks between the fishermen of the two countries to ensure smooth fishing in the sea. He would also hold talks on the issues of Indian and Pakistan fishermen and the release of boats of Indian fishermen from Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Mr Illango would also take up the issues with Agriculture Minister Radhamohan Singh, about the inclusion of a fisher representative in the committee headed by Dr.Iyyappan to evolve a marine resource policy, creation of a separate fisheries ministry, including of fishermen in ST list, among other things. Mr.Illango will also apprise the minister about the total opposition from fishermen for setting up of a coast guard station and Hover craft port at Veerampatinam village, the statement said.UNI PAB CS 1350 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0415-602469.Xml After throwing open the race for manufacturing fighter jet under 'Make in India' initiative, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said the Government is trying to work out a mechanism to develop the most modern aircraft in the country. Addressing Strategic Manufacturing Sector Skill Council launch here, Mr Parrikar said, "We are trying to work out a mechanism for manufacturing a high level fighter plane in India." To a question whether the government was discussing the issue with foreign vendors like Lockheed Martin of the US, manufacturer of F-16 fighter, the Minister said it was too early to talk about the participants. Talking about the 'Make in India' initiative, he said the Defence Ministry and the industry will come up with a concrete plan for the sector for the success of the programme. Mr Parrikar had earlier said India will select one or two fighter aircraft which will be manufactured locally by a private company under the 'Make in India' initiative. This would be in addition to the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the production for which is being scaled up.The plan for manufacturing fighters in the private sector came up after the Indian Air Force made it clear to the government that 36 Rafale fighter jets being procured from France would not be enough to arrest the dwindling strength of the fighter squadrons. Under the Make in India process, we may have one or two more jet fighter plants in India by the private sector, Mr Parrikar said. India has the need for that number of aircraft but this does not mean increasing defence budget to cater to the purchases. This can be done by reducing defence expenditure in other areas, he said. UNI MK SV SB 1404 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0090-602436.Xml The Jat reservation agitation in Haryana spread to Bharapur district in Rajasthan today, where the movement of trains was halted, after a large number of protestors gathered at the railway stations. Railway officials said the Agra-Bandikui 31908 was halted at Khedli after the protesting community swarmed Bharatpur railway station. Other trains on this route have also been diverted. The busy Delhi-Mumbai rail route is not functioning since Sunday evening, following the agitation. Similarly, the road transport was also badly affected in Bharatpur division. Roadways buses were not plying on the Bharatpur-Nanwai route, fearing violence. According to reports from Alwar, the Jat agitation has its repercussions in the industrial belt of Bhiwadi, Neemrana, Chopnaki and Khush kheda industrial areas. Since the road and rail transportation has come to a halt, these industrial units were facing problems in the movement of goods and materials. Bhiwadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) President Chaudhary Ram Narayan said about 1.5 lakh labourers are working in about 3500 small and medium factories located here and if the agitation lasts for long, it will affect production in these units. He said already production has been reduced to 50 per cent due to the agitation. UNI PJJ RJ AE 1434 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0098-602520.Xml A 14-year-old boy was found murdered near his home in south Kolkata, hours after the victim's parents received a phone call for a ransom of Rs 50,000, joint police commissioner (crime) Debashish Baral said today. Bittu Das of class 10 in Vivekananda School and a resident of Vidyasagar Sarani of Barabagan under Haridebpur police station was found murdered next to his home around 2230 hrs yesterday. His mother, Jayanti Das, said Bittu had gone to play near their home last afternoon and did not return.Around 2230 hrs they received a phone call saying Bittu was kidnapped by them and demanded a ransom of Rs 50,000, the victim's father Nirmal Das said. Mr Nirmal, however, said he does not have money to pay the extortionist. When the caller was asked to say the place where the ransom would be handed the call was disconnected immediately, Mr Das added. "Minutes later we were informed by a neighbour that a child's body was lying near their home," a grieving Das said to the police. The joint CP investigating the case said they would be able to solve the crime but refused to furnish any details. The crime created panic among the residents. The victims hands were found tied and his pants were untied.UNI PC AD SB AS1421 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0108-602400.Xml Prime Minister Narendra Modi today thanked the Banaras Hindu University(BHU) for conferring an honorary doctorate degree in Law on him which he had refused to accept. Mr Modi, mentioning the matter at the end of his speech at the centenary convocation at the BHU here, said," I want to keep away myself from these things but I am honoured and grateful that BHU felt for honouring me." He also thanked the BHU chancellor Dr Karan Singh and other authorities to selecting his name for the degree. The PM said by joining the centenary convocation function of such elite BHU is itself a great honour for him besides the people of Varanasi has given him such respect to be their representative, which is a big thing for me. " I am grateful to the people of Varanasi," he stated. Earlier, BHU authorities had proposed to confer him with honorary Doctorate of Law to PM which it was refused. BHU, in a statement, had said it proposed to confer Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) on Modi in recognition of his "yeoman services as an innovator, reformer and an outstanding leader in public service and governance". This is not the first time that Modi has declined such a doctorate. In the run up to his US visit in 2014, a university in Louisiana had proposed to confer an honorary doctorate on the Prime Minister in recognition of his contribution towards social transformation, especially for empowering women and minorities in Gujarat, to which he did not agree. Even as chief minister, he has declined several honorary doctorates from various universities.UNI MB SB AS1419 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-602395.Xml The apex court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), which sought its intervention into the law and order breakdown pertaining to the pro-reservation protest being carried out by the members of Jat community in Haryana. The court, in its observation, said that it was a case of political gimmickry and the leaders should take stock of the situation and sort it out. Urging the protestors to maintain peace, harmony and brotherhood in the state, the apex court said that such issues not be brought to the court. The members of the Jat community have been protesting for the last eight days demanding reservation in government jobs. (ANI) Captain Pawan Kumar, who sacrificed his life fighting the militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Pampore District, was a source of motivation for his batchmates. Batchmates of the martyred Captain recalled his valour and bravery, saying that he always led from the front and was very determined and focused. "He always led us from the front. He was well determined and focused. He motivated me a lot during my days in NDA and I really miss him. He will always remain in my heart," said one of his batchmates. His other coursemate said that he was a real sweetheart, who always kept motivating all his colleagues not to give up until their last breath. "He was a great friend of ours. We trained for three years at the NDA. He always had a plan in mind and always led from the front. He was a real sweetheart. We will really miss him and he will stay in our hearts forever. He was also a great motivator," his other batchmate told ANI. "Whenever we were tired and were unable to take any further steps, he used to motivate us and tell us to keep running...He had a most glorifying end to his life and his life is a really trophy to us," he added. Recalling his humorous behaviour, one of his coursemates said that he always joked on Jats. The martyred Captain was honoured with a wreath laying ceremony at the Indian Air Force Base at Pathankot on Monday after which his body was brought to his hometown here. The last rites of the martyred Captain were conducted with full military honours The 23-year-old was among the three army personnel from elite Para unit who lost their lives in the ongoing encounter with militants in Pampore, Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI) "Following crisis in Haryana, thousands of passengers have been stranded in Jammu and Vaishno Devi pilgrims are stuck up in Katra due to cancellation of trains," Sudhir Kumar Singh, Divisional Traffic Manager, Northern Railways told UNI. The Northern Railways have started two Special Trains between Jammu-New Delhi, for which current ticket booking has been started, Mr Singh said here. "The reservation will take place on the spot to make it convenient for passengers. One train will leave for Delhi at 2000 hrs tonight from Jammu Tawi Railway Station, while another will leave at around 2100 hrs from Katra,'' said the DTM.The Jammu Tawi Railway Station is witnessing heavy rush of tourists, especially Vaishno Devi pilgrims, due to suspended rail service. "The train service to and fro Jammu remained suspended for the third consecutive day due to the ongoing Jat agitation in Haryana," an official said here. Meanwhile, tight security arrangements have been put in place around the Jammu Tawi Railway Station due to unprecedented rush.UNI VBH RJ AE 1523 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0098-602650.Xml The Meghalaya Pradesh Youth Congress (MPYC) held a demonstration showing solidarity with the students of JNU in front of the Congress Bhawan, Tura on February 20. The demonstration was marked with placards and shouting slogans against the suppression of the voice of dissent. The demonstration was led by MPYC president Richard Marak and Tura LYC president Allan Sylvester R Marak. India is witnessing a systematic effort by Modi government to suppress the voice of students across the country, which goes against the basic tenet of our democracy, the freedom of expression, the statement of MPYC said. After FTII in Pune and HCU in Hyderabad, the BJP has now turned towards JNU, in its attempt to break institutions of higher education in India and abuse the freedom enshrined in the Constitution, the statement said.Based on spurious evidence, fake tweets and doctored videos, charges of sedition were slapped against students of JNU. Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani whose hands are still tainted with the death of Rohith Vemula, along with Home Minister Rajnath Singh, have created an atmosphere of hate, violence and division on our university campuses. The statement added, As more and more people raise their voices, more questions will be asked of the divisive ideology of BJP. Our universities are places where there is a free flow of ideas, where politics and society is eagerly debated and an informed citizenry is produced. The BJP has driven the economy to the ground and are now trying to distract peoples attention by indulging in theatrics on nationalism, the statement added.UNI RRK AD SW CS1526 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0108-602562.Xml Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called on students to face the growing challenges before the universe through their innovations so that future generations do not face the problems of environmental hazards and global warming. "Jigyasa'( queries) is important. '' If there is no 'Jigyasa', there is stagnation for the students.The world faces several challenges. We should think about what role India can play in overcoming these challenges," Mr Modi said, while addressing the centenary convocation function at the Benaras Hindu University here as the chief guest. ''The students of the country should opt for innovative inventions so that the country can lead in the world,'' he added. Mr Modi said the students should have to be always alert and if they want success then they will have to leave behind depression and failures."After you receive your certificate, the way the world will look at you and they will ask your future which will be a big challenge for you," he added. The Prime Minister said, ''Global warming is a great concern for the universe and the target to reduce the world's temperature by 2 degrees C by 2030 should be taken up as a challenge by Indian students.Besides, the production of ethanol in large quantity would also benefit the sugarcane farmers of the country, particularly of Uttar Pradesh." ''India has been made the capital of 122 nations which will now discuss the capability of solar power as these countries have maximum sunlight during the year," he said, adding that there is a target to generate 175 gigawatt of solar power in the country by making it affordable to all. He also called on the students to make innovations in the field of medical sciences for diseases, more dangerous than cancer, that affect the tribal areas .More UNI MB RP1452 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-602476.Xml A clash broke out between the BJP and AAP supporters in the city, when some BJP activists tried to show black flags and a poster to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal here at Sunderpur area in the city today. Police had to resort to mild lathicharge to disperse the rioting mob, that pelted stones on each other. Some of the activists of both the sides received minor injuries during the clash. Police said the clash started after Mr Kejriwal, who was in the city for the first time after becoming the CM of Delhi, to visit Saint Ravidas temple, was being honoured at the Sunderpur. The BJP activists showed black flags and even a poster on how AAP leaders insulted the national flag. This annoyed the AAP supporters who attacked the BJP workers and thereafter a clash broke out. But later after the arrival of additional police force, the situation was taken under control. Mr Kejriwal, who reached here this afternoon at 1220 hrs, was accorded a warm welcome at the Babatpur airport here. Later, the Delhi CM refused to take the Varanasi district vehicle, but took a party activist's car to reach the Ravidas temple at Seer Govardhan. Earlier, two youths were detained at BHU for entering the convocation function with black flags and a poster of Rohith Vemula, the scholar who committed suicide in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, another report from Gorakhpur said six Congress activists were arrested for trying to show black flags to Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Police arrested the Youth Congress workers after local intelligence hinted that some people would try and disrupt the convocation. Mr Singh and UP Governor Ram Naik were attending the convocation ceremony of Deendayal Upadhyaya University in Gorakhpur. The Congress activists were nabbed, when they were trying to enter the varsity campus with black flags in their pockets. UNI MB RJ CS1538\\ -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-602551.Xml According to figures released on 22 February by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Chinese arms exports have jumped dramatically. Chinese weapons exports ballooned 88% in the 2011-15 period compared to 2006-10. This compared with a 14% rise in the overall volume of international arms sales in the same timeframe. This represents major growth for China, although admittedly the country is progressing from a relatively low base compared to traditional arms-exporting states like the USA, Russia, France or Germany. From 2011-15, China still only accounted for 5.9% of global arms sales, although this was much higher than the 3.6% share it had in the preceding five-year period. Especially important, along the way China has dramatically leapfrogged France, Germany and the United Kingdom into third place on the sellers' list. SIPRI calculated that China sold major arms to 37 states in 2011-15, of which 75% went to the Asia and Oceania region. The region saw something of an explosion in Chinese weapon imports, with purchases 139% higher than in 2006-10. Pakistan led the way amongst the regional buyers with 35% of purchases, followed by Bangladesh (20%) and Myanmar (16%). Important Pakistan purchases directly from China that are listed in SIPRI's database include: Type 041 submarines (x8), air-to-air missiles (PL-12, PL-5E), anti-radiation missiles (LD-10), anti-ship missiles (C-802, CM-400AKG), surface-to-air missiles (FM-90, LY-80), guided bombs (e.g. LS-3, LS-6-500, LT-2), ZDK-03 airborne early warning aircraft (x4), Z-10 attack helicopters (x3) and torpedoes (Yu-4, SET-65E). As well as Asia, China has also seen significant expansion in sales to Africa, accounting for 13% of the continent's purchases, which was even higher than the USA's 11% share. Nevertheless, Russia and France led the way ahead of China. Among Chinese sales were five unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) to Nigeria, which are being used in the fight against Boko Haram. However, in terms of Sub-Saharan Africa, China netted 22% of weapon sales there from 2011-15. SIPRI summarized China's performance as follows: "China is increasingly capable of producing its own advanced weapons and has become less dependent on arms imports, which decreased by 25% between 2006-10 and 2011-15. While in the early 2000s China was by far the largest importer, it dropped to third place in 2011-15." China's imports are focused in key areas such as large transport aircraft and helicopters, and engines for aircraft, vehicles and ships. SIPRI highlighted that, in fact, engines accounted for 30% of Chinese imports in 2011-15. Additionally, last year Beijing signed major orders for S-400 air defense systems and 24 Su-35 fighters from Russia, "indicating that China is also not yet self-sufficient in those categories," according to SIPRI. China was also the third largest importer of weapons, scooping up 7.1% of arms exports in 2011-15. Some 59% of these imports emanated from Russia, 15% from France and 14% from Ukraine. Perhaps surprising is France's position on this list, considering a Western arms embargo against China. France's appearance in the database is somewhat misleading, however, as it is due to China's indigenous manufacture of Crotale (HQ-7/HQ-7B) surface-to-air missile systems, Z-9 (based on the Airbus Helicopters AS365 Dauphin) and Z-8 helicopters (based on the Aerospatiale SA-321) and diesel engines for ships (e.g. SEMT Pielstick PA6-STC16 engines in Type 056 corvettes). ANI asked Norbert Ducrot, president and CEO of Airbus Helicopters China, about this issue and he said, "As long as the embargo is in place, we can't sell any military equipment. We can sell civil equipment and this is what we're doing." One could claim that China is building the Z-9 under license, and therefore the helicopter manufacturer is not guilty of breaking the embargo. Germany is also listed as having sold 4,500 Deutz BF8L diesel engines from 1982 onwards for use in Chinese armored vehicles, eight MTU 1163 engines for Type 051C destroyers, and 20 MTU 956 engines for Type 052D destroyers. These are all license-built within China. Another interesting case is that of license-built Cummins diesel engines commonly powering trucks fielded by the PLA. This area of license-built, dual-use components fitted in PLA vehicles, vessels and aircraft is a rather murky one. To help develop arms sales even further, China had a significant presence at the recent Singapore Airshow, held from 16-21 February. Twelve Chinese exhibitors were there, and although their presence was nowhere near as large as the USA, France or Singapore, for example, Chinese manufacturers are now very much a permanent fixture at regional defense shows. However, enormous question marks remain over the openness and transparency of Chinese sellers. Take the case of the "disappearing" UCAV at the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) stand at the Singapore Airshow, for example. Early on the opening day of the airshow, the company removed a scale model of the Wing Loong II UCAV from its display. This was the first time for the turboprop-powered unmanned aircraft to be exhibited outside China, although a model of the first-generation Wing Loong I remained in view. The following is a precis of the conversation ANI had with an official at the CATIC stand. "You only have one UAV model on display this year?" ANI innocently enquired. "Yes," was the response. "I thought you had two UAV models here," ANI asked. "No, we only have one." "Didn't you have two models earlier today?" "No," came the assured reply. "That's interesting because my colleague took a photo of two UAVs on your display," as ANI went for the jugular. The Chinese representative paused less than a heartbeat, "Oh, I don't know anything about that." It is beyond comprehension why Chinese manufacturers routinely lie when talking to media. It is also unclear why Chinese companies have a tendency to show products at the start of a defense exhibition and then quickly remove them. This is a pattern that recurs frequently. One has to wonder whether Chinese companies treat its customers the same way. Despite offering attractive prices, and often generous payment terms, China is not renowned for its aftermarket support for arms equipment. However, improvements are occurring as Chinese manufacturers get used to operating on the international stage. Whereas companies rarely offered details or data on equipment - sometimes not even the product name - that it was promoting at defense exhibitions, it now usually supplies brochures. This is definitely progress. Instead of a shrug or dismissive shake of the head, representatives may now invite journalists to take away a handful of brochures to study for themselves. So, yes, there have been improvements, but Chinese weapon manufacturers remain opaque. Any discussion on whether the People's Liberation Army (PLA) may be using the same weapon system as being proffered for export is quickly extinguished. At the Singapore Airshow, CATIC displayed several interesting products in model form. One was the Hongdu L-15 Falcon. Normally this is a supersonic advanced jet trainer, but CATIC showed a model of it carrying armaments such as SD-10 and PL-5 air-to-air missiles, a precision-guided bomb and KG600 jamming pod that turn it into a multirole fighter. Interestingly, the L-15 competes against the Russian Yak-130 aircraft internationally, with Yakovlev having helped develop the L-15 design. Also on show in Singapore was an FC-20 fighter, an export variant of the J-10 that is in PLA Air Force (PLAAF) service. Chinese exporters are most definitely growing in confidence. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) significantly boosted international sales last year. AVIC announced that sales rose 10% to US$11.5 billion in 2015, of which exports contributed nearly 20% of that figure. Also new in Singapore was the TL-2 air-to-ground missile that can be launched from the ASN-209, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) not usually armed but which has been sold to Egypt as well as the PLA. The TL-7 anti-ship missile was also new, this weapon being capable of launch from the air, ground or ship. Both the TL-2 and TL-7 missiles were debuting at the Singapore Airshow. According to SIPRI, India remained the biggest importer of weapons internationally, despite the previous and current governments' efforts to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Delhi accounted for 14% of the world's arms sales and, alarmingly, imports expanded 90% in 2011-15 compared to the preceding five years, instead of declining as the government would like. India snapped up 39% of Russia's total weapons exports from 2011-15, compared to 11% for both China and Vietnam. In fact, India's imports were three times greater than its regional rivals China and Pakistan. Some 70% of its weapons were acquired from Russia, 14% from the USA and 4.5% from Israel. Importantly, the USA has emerged as a major force in the Indian market, with sales 11 times higher in 2011-15 than they were in 2006-10. These figures clearly show that Indian manufacturers, most of which are state-owned, are still not able to meet the domestic requirements of the Indian Armed Forces, let alone possess the ability to offer competitive products on the international stage. India is sharply lagging behind China in development of its indigenous military-industrial complex. Unfortunately, it just does not have suitable or attractive weapon systems to sell on the global market, which is something of an indictment on the government's efforts to become more self-sufficient. (ANI) As the people of Delhi faced a tough time, the Supreme Court today asked the Haryana government to file a detailed status report within two days in connection with the ongoing water issue. The action came as the Apex Court heard the plea from the Delhi government seeking resumption to the national capital of water supply, cut off by Jat agitators.The people of Delhi had a bad time as they are not getting water due to the ongoing Jat quota stir in Haryana. A division bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Tirath Singh Thakur, sought the status report in two days.The Supreme Court also issued notice to the Centre and Uttar Pradesh governments on the plea of the Aam Aadmi Party dispensation which has also sought a direction for ensuring security on the barrages on Munak Canal in Haryana.The bench rapped the AAP govt for approaching the apex court instead of resolving the issue at government-to-government level. You people instead of solving the problem at government-to-government level are moving to Supreme Court. You want order from the Supreme Court. You want everything on the platter," the Apex Court said. You ministers are sitting in the court instead of going to the field. You rest in AC chambers and you want order from the court, the bench said.The bench asked the Haryana government to make the necessary arrangement for resumption of water supply in the capital. Counsel, appearing for Haryana government, told the Supreme Court that things are being taken into control and they were trying to ensure that water supply is resumed by today itself. UNI XC RP1555 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0098-602709.Xml Police contingent this morning visited Sarore village to vacate a chunk of land of Development Authority, encroached by the Gujjars. The Gujjars, instead of vacating the land, staged protest and also beat a group of policemen, a senior police officer said. "More force was rushed to the spot sensing trouble, but the situation took ugly turn when Gujjars clashed with the police," he said. "The ding dong battle is on and police is on job," Joginder Singh, SSP Samba told UNI. He said a team of district administration with police went to vacate the state land from the Gujjars, but they attacked them. However, an eye witness said police also fired smoke shells to disperse the protestors and few rounds of bullets in air.UNI VBH RJ AE 1616 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0098-602770.Xml Two women pilgrims were killed, while six others injured when their jeep collided with a truck near Jeevachh ghat under Sadar police station area in the district today. Police said here that some people were going to Gausa bank of Kamala river in the jeep to take a holy dip on the occasion of "Maghi Purnima" when their vehicle was hit by the truck. The reason behind the accident was not immediately known. The deceased were identified as Sarswati Devi and Rajkumari Devi. One of the seriously injured woman had been rushed to the Patna Medical College Hospital while five others are undergoing treatment at the Darbhanga Medical College Hospital. The drivers of both vehicles escaped. The bodies had been sent for the post-mortem. UNI XC DH PL JW AE 1557 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0211-602636.Xml Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today dared the state Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh to be prepared for third consecutive defeat at the hands of SAD-BJP alliance in the state assembly elections, scheduled in 2017. Interacting with mediapersons on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan programme in Lambi Assembly segment here, the Chief Minister said the Captains illusion to form government in the state would be over in 2017 and the alliance would give a crushing defeat to him and his party in the polls. Mr Badal said despite tall claims by the of former chief minister, people have rejected his politics for two consecutive terms, adding that this time also the wise people would show a door to his royal style of politics. "Captain sahib must stop day dreaming because people of state will send him to political oblivion by ensuring his defeat in 2017," he added. Quipping on sops being announced by Captain Singh to woo the voters, the Chief Minister said that the state Congress President knows well that he wont come to power, so he was desperately promising the moon to everybody. Mr Badal said all such tantrums of Captain would not be successful as people were very well aware of the fact that the state Congress President was habitual of not keeping his words. "Punjabis know that Captain had not fulfilled any of promise made to people during his regime in 2002-2007," he added. On the contrary, the Chief Minister said that SAD-BJP alliance government has delivered everything promised to the people. Stupendous efforts made by the state government, was today witnessing an era of overall development and prosperity, he claimed. MORE UNI NC RJ AE VN1600 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-602657.Xml President Pranab Mukherjee today extended greetings to the government and people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on the eve of their Republic Day.In a message to Republic of Guyana president Brig (Retd) David Arthur Granger, the President said, ''On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency and to the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on the occasion of your Republic Day. '' I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for Your Excellencys good health and well-being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Guyana. India and Guyana have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations which have been strengthened in the last few decades through regular exchanges between our two Governments." Mr Mukherjee said, ''Your President's recent meeting with our Prime Minister in New York has imparted fresh momentum to our partnership. We look forward to strengthening the bilateral cooperation between India and Guyana for the mutual benefit of both our peoples.''UNI SY SW AE 1754 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0093-603058.Xml The administration had withdrawn curfew orders last night but after some fresh incidents in which mall and shops were damaged and looting of mobile and gift shop took place, resulting in strong resentment among town residents. The restrictions have been again imposed to prohibit the movement of persons in town area limit only. The orders of imposing curfew have been issued under Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure, with immediate effect till the next order. A joint flag march was carried out in Kaithal city by Army and police forces under the leadership of District Magistrate. The internet services and bulk message facilities provided on mobile networks in the territorial jurisdiction of Kaithal district have also been blocked for the second consecutive day today to check spread of any kind of rumours regarding the ongoing agitation. Section 144 of CrPC has already been imposed in territory of district to prevent any possible unlawful activities such as blocking of roads, passages, railway tracks, water channels, power houses by the agitators on account of demand for Jat reservation. Assembly of five or more persons and carrying of any weapon has also been banned to maintain law and order in the district.UNI XC DB AE AS1707 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-602788.Xml Over a dozen protesters were injured when Army opened fire on a stone-pelting mob in Sonepat. Agitators blocked NH-1 in Ladsoli village in the district. The mob set on fire seven vehicles, including that of Meham SDM. A report from Kaithal said the protesters marched from Karnal road blockade site to a mall and damaged and looted some shops. Army chased away the mob when it tried to set the mall afire. In Kaithal city, the district administration reimposed the curfew restrictions which it had withdrawn last night. Curfew was lifted in Hisar, Barwala and Hansi towns after the situation improved in these towns. The district administration relaxed curfew restrictions for an hour from 1100 hrs to 1200 hrs in Rohtak city today.More UNI NC/DB AE RP1740 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-602960.Xml Sameer was arrested by the ED on February 1 after questioning him for six hours. Earlier, the ED conducted searches on at least nine properties held by Chhagan Bhujbal and his family members. A team of 20 ED officers of the Mumbai zonal unit conducted the operation in connection with 11 different allegations of money laundering and land grabbing including the Delhi-based Maharashtra Sadan construction scam and the Kalina land grabbing case. (ANI) Fresh violence erupted in Sonepat when a stone pelting mob went berserk and army opened fire while pro-Jat reservationists damaged and looted some shops of a mall in Kaithal in Haryana.The overall situation remained tense but under control barring a few stray cases of incidents today. Sixteen people have died and 150 others left injured in the reservation stir in Haryana where protestors resorted to arson, road and train blockades and caused huge loss to public property. The reservation movement today fanned to vicinal Rajasthan state where protestors resorted to violence and disrupted movement of trains and transport. A report from trouble-torn Kaithal said the protesters marched from Karnal road blockade site to a mall and damaged and looted some shops. Army chased away the mob when it tried to set the mall afire.In Kaithal city, the district administration reimposed the curfew restrictions which it had withdrawn last night.Curfew was lifted in Hisar, Barwala and Hansi after the situation improved in these towns.The district administration relaxed curfew restrictions for an hour from 1100 hrs to 1200 hrs in Rohtak city today. Notwithstanding patrolling by Army and police force, tension continued to prevail in Kaithal town and other parts of the district today.Despite police presence, some mischievous elements marched from Karnal road blockade site to Padma City Mall and damaged it.They allegedly looted some shops located in the mall premises. The youths, despite imposition of ban orders, armed with lathis and sharp-edged weapons made an attempt to set the Mall on fire but the army and police reached the spot and chased away the mob.Earlier in the morning, people were perturbed to know that office of BJYM chief Sanjay Bhardwaj on Dhand road, number of shops, dhabas and hotels in the town and near by areas had been vandalised by some miscreants last night.A large number of residents, including BJP, RSS functionaries and others reached local rest house and met IG O P Singh, camping there. They expressed their resentment over the deteriorating law and order situation despite curfew and ban orders. Police and Army units patrolling town roads, they said, were no consolation for them and they wanted some concrete action to curtail the activities of anti-social elements who had hijacked the system and had scant regard for laws.Administration had failed miserably to control the situation ,the residents said.The IG assured them to act and apprise the senior officers and government about their sentiments.Delhities faced a water crisis in morning. By evening, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal thanked the Central Government and the Army for securing Munak canal for helping restore water supply to Delhi. In a tweet, he said, ''Thank u army, thank u centre for securing Munak canal back. Great relief for delhi.''Earlier, the Haryana government told the Supreme Court that it was taking all steps to restore supplies from the Munak Canal and water would start flowing to Delhi by this evening.The court told the Delhi government that it should have first gone to the state government and the Centre for the water crisis faced by it in the wake of stoppage of supplies from the Munak Canal due to the ongoing 'Jat' agitation there.The agitation spread to parts of Rajasthan with the agitators torching a road ways bus on Bharatpur-Mathura road near Dhormui oil deport today.Besides, they also blocked the Bharatpur Agra NH 11. The SHO Udyog Nagar said the bus had reached Bharatpur yesterday from Agra and since the road was blocked it was parked near the depot.He said the bus was not carrying any passengers but the fire fighters and police were not allowed to reach the spot leading to it being gutted in the blaze. Agitating Jats had blocked the Bharatpur-Agra NH 11 at Uchcha Nagla resulting in huge traffic jam on this truck route. The agitation hit Bharapur district where the movement of trains was halted, after a large number of protestors gathered at the railway stations. Railway officials said the Agra-Bandikui 31908 was halted at Khedli after the protesting community swarmed Bharatpur railway station. Other trains on this route have also been diverted. The busy Delhi-Mumbai rail route is not functioning since Sunday evening, following the agitation. Similarly, the road transport was also badly affected in Bharatpur division. Roadways buses were not plying on the Bharatpur-Nanwai route, fearing violence. According to reports from Alwar, the Jat agitation had its repercussions in the industrial belt of Bhiwadi, Neemrana, Chopnaki and Khush kheda industrial areas. Since the road and rail transportation has come to a halt, these industrial units were facing problems in the movement of goods and materials. Bhiwadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) President Chaudhary Ram Narayan said about 1.5 lakh labourers are working in about 3,500 small and medium factories located here and if the agitation lasts for long, it will affect production in these units. He said already production has been reduced to 50 per cent due to the agitation.Over a dozen protesters were injured when Army opened fire on a stone-pelting mob in Sonepat. Agitators blocked NH-1 in Ladsoli village in the district. The mob set on fire seven vehicles, including that of Meham SDM. MORE UNI TEAM NB RP1905 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0298-603237.Xml As the indefinite "Rail Roko" agitation by an ethnic community demanding separate statehood for Cooch Behar district in West Bengal entered the 3rd day today, one more passenger died taking a toll two so far, official sources said. Khem Bahadur Cherttri (39), a resident of Karbionglong of Assam, was travelling on Lamding Intercity express died of heart attack at Alipurduar station this morning, official sources said, the second toll of its kind. Thirty-nine-year-old Bijay Kumar Thakur, also from Assam, who was travelling on Dn Kanchenjunga express collapsed and died at Alupurduar station yesterday, West Bengal police said. Meanwhile, the Greater Cooch Behar Peoples Association (GCPA) demanding the statehood for Cooch Behar in north Bengal, refused to call off its indefinite agitation despite assurances from the Indian Railways to convey its grievances to the concerned authorities. Tourism and travelling in West Bengal and entire north-eastern states of the country have been the biggest casualty following the indefinite " Rail Roko" agitation. The trouble for millions of passengers compounded further with the 5-hour rail roko agitation called by Adibasi National Convention Committee (ANCC) at Kokrajhar in Assam. The ANCC demanding the tribal status for its community. The GCPA's rail roko, which began at 0600 hours on Saturday at Cooch Behar Railway station virtually crippled the locomotive services in entire northeastern states, including Assam and north Bengal forcing the authorities either cancelled trains, or divert or short terminated upsetting the schedules. Tour operators in Kolkata, Guwahati and Siliguri claimed that their bookings have been cancelled by the vacationers, who intended to visit Darjeeling, northeastern states, Bhutan, Nepal and Kolkata. They said the rail roko movement not only disrupted life as well property of the Indian Railways, but also hampered the economy of the region. The GCPA demanding C category statehood or Union Territory status for Cooch Behar in north Bengal would not call off the stir immediately unless assurances came from the Centre to start negotiation on the issue.UNI XC-PC AKM DJK AS1840 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0213-603171.Xml Commissionerate police cracked a six member gang of ATM robbers and arrested five member of the gang operating in the city for the last one year. Police Commissioner, Yurinder Singh Hayer said today that the police also seized Rs 11 lakh, apart of the total amount of Rs 56 lakh looted by breaking the ATMs. A car, two motorcycles and two scooters besides sharp edged weapons, a revolver and a rifle was also seized. He said that the gang committed four ATM robberies since March 2015 in which a total amount of Rs 56 lakh contained in the ATMs was looted using gas cutters and welding sets. All the five of the six members were nabbed from the area under the jurisdiction of PS division no 7, while they were conspiring to strike another ATM in the area, Mr Hayer claimed. The robbers had been identified as Kamal Kumar alias Baboo, Deepak Kumar alias Deepu, Sunny Hans alias Sunny, Malkit Singh, and Kuldip Kumar. The police commissioner said that after minutely studying the modus operand of the ATM breakers, the police started tracking them stealthily and were trapped in the scientifically woven net of the special investigating team led by ADCP Crime Vivek Soni, ADCP AS Powar, ACP Karanvir Singh and Navdeep Singh, SHO PS division 7. Mr Hayer revealed that that Kamal Kumar, Sunny Hans and Deepak Kumar worked with a private security company named SIPL which is engaged in carrying cash for loading at the ATMs of different banks. They came in contact with Malkit Singh who had returned from Dubai and was working as a security guard in a bank to join them for easy earning and told him about their plan of looting ATMs. Malkit in turn met Bawa alias Raja, having a welding shop in village Kanjli and his worker Kuldip to join the gang. The police officer said that Kamal and Malkit are the kingpin of the gang. The sixth member of the gang Bawa alias Raja had gone to Dubai and will be nabbed as soon he lands in India.UNI XC DB DS BL1846 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-603074.Xml The curfew is still imposed in many cities and army and police are conducting joint flag marches there. There are reports of confrontation between protesters and Army. In such incidents, three people lost their lives when the Army opened fire to disperse the violent mob in Sonepat. In the meantime, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today presided over a Cabinet meeting to discuss the ongoing Jat agitation. Addressing mediapersons after the meeting the Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma informed that 16 people have lost their lives till now during the ongoing Jat agitation. He claimed that the appeals made by the Central leaders, after a meeting between the Khap and Jat leaders at the residence of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh last night are showing positive results. The Cabinet decided to provide compensation of Rs 10 lakh and a government job to the family members of those killed in the agitation. Mr Ram Bilas said the road and rail traffic is returning to normal. He said traffic on Delhi-Chandigarh, Delhi-Rewari-Mahendergarh-Loharu-Bikaner and Delhi-Rewari-Alwar-Jaipur rail lines and Delhi-Jaipur and Delhi-Mathura National Highway is normal. The Education Minister has appealed to the agitators to end their stir, and urged them to assist the state government in maintaining law and order in the state. UNI NC/DB AE 1851 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-603217.Xml Despite acceptance of Jat agitators' demand for reservation by the Haryana government, the Railways has cancelled 125 express and long route trains which pass through Ambala Cantonment station. The passengers continue to be stranded and were unable to reach their destination. The Railways have almost refunded the balance to the passengers who are compelled to shuttle between the Ambala Railway station and general bus stand to reach their home. These passengers are very much annoyed with the government for the inconvenience they are facing for many days in the wake of Jat agitation. They do not find any solution of their problems they are facing at the railway station or the general bus stand since the rail and bus service have completely collapsed. The Haryana Roadways authorities are not in favour of taking the risk to run the buses to Delhi side through Panipat. As a result the passengers were detained here. Those who have their relatives or acquaintances have stayed with them but those without the facility are critical of the government for their miseries. Jyoti with her children who had come from Noida and was going to Himachal Pradesh regretted that the government had not made arrangements to lift the stranded passengers to their destination. She complained that the taxi operators were demanding Rs 2,000 per passengers and the government had no control on such anti-social people who take undue advantage of the situation on the time of agitations. The Railways, on the other hand, although run two trains from Jammu to Delhi and Mumbai via Sharanpur but they are not prepared to take risk of running the cancelled trains whose number has now gone up to 125. The Railways have pasted a notice informing that all trains touching Sonepat and onward journey would remain cancelled. The authorities say that this step had been taken for the facility of the passengers. But the passengers are critical of the Railways as also the government for the situation they were facing for the last several days. Meanwhile, in an official statement, the Army Headqaurters of 2 Corps claimed that the Jawans of the Corps rescued 18 foreign citizens trapped during Jat agitation from Rohtak by airlifting them to Delhi. These foreigners had come to India with their friends to take part in some social functions and to do research work on the subject. These included Japanese and Swedish were evacuated on February 20 and 21. However, the Government Railway Police have started registering cases of arson and burning of trains at different station in Haryana during the Jat agitation. The spokesman for the GRP SP said the process of registering these cases had been started to identify the miscreants who indulged in vandalism to damage the government property. UNI XC DB AE 1956 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-603422.Xml The standoff in Pampore came to an end this evening, after the terrorists attacked a CRPF convoy and took refuge in the EDI building on Saturday. "Three militants killed, and a lot of arms and war-like ammunitions have been recovered. They were foreign terrorists and were heavily armed," Major General Arvind Dutta of Victor Force, told the media here. Two officers of the rank of captain and a Lance Naik from the elite Para force of the Army were killed while trying to flush out the militants. While Captain Pawan Kumar was killed in a pre-dawn exchange of fire, Captain Tushar Mahajan and Lance Naik Om Prakash sustained fatal injuries in the afternoon on Sunday. (ANI) The meeting is being held amid possibilities of a turbulent Budget session, with opposition parties planning to corner the government on several counts such as JNU row and Dalit student's suicide in Hyderabad University. On the other hand, the government is keen to push its legislative agenda including the GST and Real Estate Bills. During an all-party meeting of Rajya Sabha leaders called by Vice-President Hamid Ansari on Saturday, the Government had conveyed to the Opposition that they are willing to discuss all issues in the Budget session. During the Budget session, the Rail Budget will be presented on 25th and General Budget on 29th of this month. Since it is the first session of the new calendar year, it will begin with the address of President Pranab Mukherjee to the joint sitting of the two Houses. (ANI) The 85-year-old has been a fierce and consistent critic of the current engine regulations, pointing out that the situation has given the top manufacturers but particularly Mercedes the ability to control the sport. Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes has dominated F1 since 2014's rule-changes. According to the Guardian, Ecclestone told a leading British daily that Vladimir Putin should run Europe, claiming that the Russian President will 'sort out this other business' in Syria. (ANI) Kunwarbais exemplary initiative is an inspiration for all as she motivated the entire village to become open defecation free, Dr Singh said while presiding over a meeting of the Bastar and Southern Region Tribal Development Authority in Naya Raipur. The grand old woman, hailing from Dhamtari Districts Kotbharri village, was congratulated during the launch of the National Rurban Mission in Rajnandgaon Districts Dongargarh.UNI SS AC PY AJ AN2112 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0044-603531.Xml The fifth naval exercise between Brazil, India and South Africa (IBSAMAR), which is underway off the west coast of India, aims to increase interoperability amongst the three navies aswell as develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations. This is the first time that 'Exercise IBSAMAR' is being conducted in Indian waters. All previous editions were held at/off South Africa. Addressing media persons here today, Rear Admiral Puneet Kumar Bahl, commanding officer of 'INS Mumbai' along with Brazilian and South African representatives onboard the vessel, said, navalcooperation between the three countries epitomizes the strong long term strategic relationship between the three democracies and vibrant economies. Initiated in 2006, IBSAMAR exercise is the most visible manifestation of this convergence of democratic values, economic interests and maritime cooperation. With the scope and complexity of exercise having increased steadily, IBSAMAR in its fifth edition this year has matured into a complex trilateral exercise involving participation of ships, submarine, aircrafts and Special Forces from Brazil, Indian and South Africa, he said. The scope of 'Exercise IBSAMAR V' includes wide-ranging professional interactions during the harbour phase and a diverse range of operational activities at sea during the sea phase. The thrust of the exercise at sea this year would be on anti-submarine warfare (ASW), surface firings, air defences, visit board search and seizure (VBSS), flying operations, search and rescue and tactical procedures, the Rear Admiral said. During Exercise IBSAMAR-V, the Indian Navy is represented by 'INS Mumbai' (an indigenous designed and built guided missile destroyer), 'INS Trishul' (a stealth frigate) and 'INS Shalki' (a submarine). In addition, various fast attack craft, Sea Harriers and Mig 29K fighter aircraft, Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft and integral rotary wing helicopters are also participating in the trilateral exercise. The Brazilian Navy, represented by Brazilian Naval Ship 'BNS Amazonas', with embarked Special Forces, is commanded by Commander Alessander Felipe Imamura Carneiro. The South African Navy, represented by South African Naval Ship 'SAS Spioenkop' with integral helicopter and embarked Special Forces, is commanded by Captain M A Boucher. Both the ships are on return passage after participating in the International Fleet Review (IFR) held at Visakhapatnam from February 4-8. Commencing at IFR, Exercise IBSAMAR V marks an operational chapter to nearly a month-long interaction of these ships with the Indian Navy. The IBSAMAR exercise highlights the maritime dimension of the IBSA Dialogue Forum and the robust South-South cooperation. The current edition is another significant step in strengthening mutual confidence and inter-operability as well as sharing best practices between the Indian, Brazilian and South African Navies. The exercise will also go a long way in enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond, for the benefit of the global maritime community.UNI AKM SS PY AJ BL2305 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-603638.Xml Patna Chemists and Druggists Association General Secretary Santosh Kumar said here raids were being conducted at drug shops at regular intervals and licenses of shops were being cancelled without any valid reason. He claimed that drug inspectors were threatening chemists and druggists to cancel licenses of their shops if they did not give them money. Drug shops at government hospitals and also those close to nursing homes were kept outside the purview of the strike. Govind Mitra road in the state capital, the nerve centre of wholesale drug business drugs wore a deserted look due to the strike. Meanwhile, state Health Minister Tej Pratpav Yadav said the state government could not be cowed down in such a manner and warned that raids would continue to be conducted to check sale of spurious drugs in the state. He claimed the strike was called under a well hatched conspiracy of Opposition parties.UNI DH BM PY AJ BL2231 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-603556.Xml Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi today charged Nitish Kumar government with neglecting interest of the most oppressed section of the society and fund meant for their welfare and education, was also being siphoned off under the present regime in the state. Mr Modi, while inaugurating the function orgainsed to pay tribute to great Saint Ravidas here, said most oppressed section of the society had suffered a lot under the present regime in the state. No concrete step was taken by Mr Kumar to improve the lot of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) but he always tried to mislead the people by claiming himself to be champion of their cause, he added. "When BJP was with JD(U) in coalition government headed by Chief Mr Kumar, a decision was taken to give promotion to SCs and STs in state government services but it was later challenged in the court," Mr Modi said adding that Nitish Kumar government did not put the case in strong way in court which led to quashing of notification in this connection.MORE UNI KKS BM PY AJ AN2237 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-603562.Xml Homage was paid to the late soldier in a solemn ceremony held at Army Cantonment, Chail (HP). Late Lance Naik Om Prakash was a member of the Army's special forces that was fighting with terrorists in Pampore last morning. Lance Naik Om Prakash during the operation sustained gun shots and later succumbed to injuries. The Commander of Kasauli Brigade, Brigadier Deepak Sharma,SM alsolaid wreath to salute the soldier's final journey. Wreath was also laid on behalf of General Officer Commanding in Chief, Army Training Command by Brig RS Kochhar. The mortal remains of the soldier was sent from Army Cantonment, Chail to his native village Chikhar, district Shimla where he was given last rites with full military honour. UNI ML DB PY AJ AN2249 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-603066.Xml Israel and the US started a joint exercise on Sunday focusing on defence against the threat of ballistic missiles, the Israeli army said. The US European Command and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) commenced the exercise known as Juniper Cobra 16 in an eighth of a series of biennial exercises between the two countries since 2001, an IDF spokesperson said. Overall 1,700 military men and civil contractors are expected to take part in the exercise, which is set to end on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported. "This exercise is part of a planned training schedule that seeks to enhance interoperability between the militaries in the context of exercising defensive capabilities," an IDF statement said. Commander of the Aerial Defence Division, Brigadier General Zvika Haimovich, said the drill is a "significant milestone" in Israeli-US defence cooperation. Although military officials say the drill is not related to any current developments, the US has recently implemented sanctions against Iran over its ballistic missile program, shortly after lifting sanctions over Tehran's nuclear program upon a deal reached in July 2015. Israel is currently at the process of finalising a ten-year memorandum of understanding with the US regarding defence assistance. As one of the largest US aid recipient, Israel receives around $3 billion annually in defence aid from Washington. Whereas both Israel and the US officials stress the strong security-related cooperation, diplomatic relations have been strained in recent years. Most of the tensions have surrounded the different approaches towards Iran's nuclear deal which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vocally objected, calling it a "historic mistake". The US government has also recently deplored Israel for its policies towards the Palestinians in the occupied territories in the West Bank, and for a wave of right-wing legislation against left-wing organisations. --Indo-Asian News Service pku ( 309 Words) 2016-02-22-05:59:33 (IANS) The Syrian government has condemned the terrorist attacks that hit the Shia district of Sayyidah Zaynab, on the outskirts of Damascus and the Al Zahraa district in Homs, north of Damascus, with at least 120 dead. According to a statement released on Sunday, Syrian Prime Minister Wael al Halqi said these attacks seek to "boost the morale of the collapsed terrorist groups especially after the great victories that the Syrian Army is achieving." The explosions were "attempts to obstruct the efforts of some countries to establish security and stability in Syria," Efe news agency quoted him as saying. The prime minister held Turkey and some Arab governments responsible for the "cowardly explosions", though he did not specify which governments he was referring to. He underlined that Syria insists on defeating terrorism, restoring security and stability in its territory and achieving national reconciliation. Al Halqi expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the blasts and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The Islamic State (IS) on Sunday claimed responsibility for the six bombing attacks in the Syrian cities of Homs and Damascus. Four attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 62 people and injured 180 in the Sayyidah Zaynab district, according to figures from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Moreover, according to the same source, a twin car bombing in the central district of Al Zahraa, in Homs, caused the death of 57 people. The majority of inhabitants in the Sayyidah Zaynab district are of the Alawite sect, a Shia sect to which President Bashar al-Assad belongs. According to the data from the UN, in nearly five years of war 260,000 people have lost their lives in Syria and more than 12 million Syrians, including 5,500,000 children, need immediate humanitarian assistance. --Indo-Asian News Service py/ ( 313 Words) 2016-02-22-10:11:37 (IANS) Niger closed its land borders and ramped up security for an election in which President Mahamadou Issoufou is running for a second term promising to crush Islamist militants and reduce the country's deep poverty.Security forces yesterday patrolled cities and villages in case of unrest or militant attacks. Some voters said they had never experienced such a tense election.Unidentified armed men attacked two electoral commission vehicles in a rural area about 100 km northwest of the capital, according to security sources, but there were few other reports of trouble."Niger needs strong democratic institutions. I hope that the presidential and legislative elections will permit us to reinforce our institutions," Issoufou said when he cast his ballot at city hall in the capital Niamey.He faces 14 candidates including Seyni Oumaru, leader of an opposition coalition. Critics say Issoufou has used political repression in the run-up to the vote, arresting opposition supporters and jailing opposition leader Hama Amadou over charges related to a baby-trafficking ring."These are not free and fair elections. We have one presidential candidate in prison who has not been able to campaign. ... The president has manipulated the electorate and used repression," said Amadou Saidou, a voter in Niamey.The government says it respects the law and calls such criticisms politically motivated.Voting ended at 7 p.m. (2330 IST) after a day of steady turnout in most areas but polls will reopen from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. today in areas where voting could not take place on Sunday, the electoral commission said.It gave no details but local media reported problems in Tahoua region in the northeast, Zinder in the east, Diffa in the southeast and Tillaberi in the west. The country has eight regions in total and results are not expected before Tuesday.Opposition spokesman Ousseini Salatou said on a private television station, Tenere, that the election had been badly organized and he had witnessed cases of voting card fraud.Niger produces uranium and oil but is ranked last in the UN's Human Development Index and has one of the world's highest fertility rates. The country ranks 114 out of 142 in the 2015 prosperity index run by the UK-based Legatum Institute.Islamist militant group Boko Haram, which is based in neighbouring Nigeria, has staged a series of attacks in Niger in recent months, forcing authorities to declare a state of emergency in the southeastern region of Diffa.But Niger prides itself on being peaceful relative to its neighbours Nigeria, Libya and Mali.Issoufou, born in 1951, won an election in 2011, a year after a coup. Under election rules, a run-off will be held if no candidate secures an outright victory yesterday.His challengers include Amadou, 2011 second-place finisher Oumaru and ex-president Mahamane Ousmane. Around 5,200 candidates also vie for 171 legislative seats today.REUTERS KU PM0726 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0348-602131.Xml As fighting in Iraq raged last summer, Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani came across unexpected opposition to his plans to defeat Islamic State.Soleimani is the commander of Iran's al-Quds brigade and has been a key figure in the fight against the Sunni Islamist group in Iraq. That fight has been led not by Iraq's army but by Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias.But in August, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told Soleimani that a planned assault on the Sunni city of Ramadi should be left to the Iraqi army, according to a government official and two diplomats.Abadi, a 64-year-old Shi'ite, wanted the militias to stay away to avoid inflaming ethnic tensions, the sources said.Abadi's office declined to comment on the story, which has been repeated in Baghdad's diplomatic circles for months. Three Iraqi politicians denied it ever happened.But the government official and the diplomats said the incident was one of a series of moves by Abadi to assert his authority as leader and to distance himself from Tehran and the militias that came to Baghdad's rescue in 2014 and early 2015.Abadi has begun to push for reconciliation between Iraq's Shi'ites and Sunnis, and for better relations with Sunni Arab neighbours like Saudi Arabia, they said.If he can bridge the gap between rival sectarian communities as he has promised, he will have gone a long way towards reuniting a country which has been deeply riven since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.According to the government official and the two diplomats, Abadi also objected to Soleimani's plane landing at Baghdad airport without prior permission. Abadi was also irritated that Soleimani used an official VIP hall at the airport when entering Iraq, even though he was not officially invited by the government.The deterioration in their relationship, the sources said, began in August when Soleimani attended a top Iraqi security meeting run by Abadi and behaved in, what one source said, was "a bossy manner as if Iraq was an Iranian protectorate".This, the sources said, had led Abadi to ask Soleimani why he was at the meeting. The Iranian general had then left."Abadi questioned his presence. It was a matter of Iraqi sovereignty and nationalism," one Western diplomat said. Abadi's office declined to comment.The Iraqi government official said Abadi and Soleimani had not fought but were "keeping an operational, business-like relationship. We can't say it's warm".Whatever the case, Soleimani has receded from public view in Iraq in the past six months. The omnipresent posters and television images of him on the battlefield have all but disappeared.There are likely to be limits to that change. Iran's allies within Abadi's Shi'ite camp are pushing back against his more muscular stance, while the collapse in oil prices has cut the government budget, said Hisham al-Hashemi, an Iraqi government adviser and an expert on Islamic State.For now though, Abadi seems to be trying to deliver on his initial address to parliament in 2014 in which he painted a vision of a decentralised and united Iraq.VICTORY IN RAMADIThe army's victory in Ramadi against the ultra-hardline Sunni militant group was a key moment.An elite corps of the Iraqi army dislodged Islamic State from the city, the largest in western Iraq, in the final days of 2015. Support came from US warplanes while Sunni tribesmen held the ground behind the army lines.The army is now preparing to take on Islamic State in Falluja, a bastion of Sunni jihadists to the west of Baghdad, and plans to start a push towards Mosul, the largest northern city.It was the fall of Mosul to Islamic State in 2014 that forced the exit of Abadi's predecessor Nuri al-Maliki. Many Iraqi lawmakers blamed Maliki for the Iraqi army's defeat in the city. Crucially, Maliki lost the backing of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, a reclusive octogenarian who enjoys almost mythical status among millions of Shi'ite followers and wields authority that few Iraqi politicians openly challenge.Sistani called for a consensus candidate. Abadi was Maliki's replacement, in part because he promised to heal the sectarian rift between Iraq's Shi'ite and Sunnis.The new prime minister grew up in Baghdad amongst Sunni, Christians and other communities."His father was a prominent doctor. (Abadi) is used to living with other communities," said Mustafa Alani, an Iraqi security analyst with the Geneva-based think-tank Gulf Research Center.After more than 20 years in exile in Britain where he studied in the northern English city of Manchester and worked as an electrical engineer, Abadi returned to Iraq in 2003 following the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam's Baath party.Like Maliki, Abadi is a member of the Shi'ite Dawa Party, which along with other Shi'ite groups carried out a U.S.-initiated de-Baathification campaign, effectively removing Sunnis from state, army and police positions.A decade ago, Abadi backed that campaign. But when he became prime minister he promised to unite the country. At first, he struggled to assert himself. Some US officials then perceived him as a weak leader who needed the backing of the militias.But in the past few months that perception has begun to shift. On February 9 he renewed a bid to dismantle the country's patronage system and root out corruption. Abadi said he wants a government reshuffle with technocrats as ministers.The move surprised several groups of his ruling coalition, the government official said. "He made the announcement straight to the media, without consulting the party leaders."Abadi has also improved relations with Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia. In December, Riyadh reopened its embassy in Baghdad, 25 years after it shut following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Saudi Ambassador Thamer Al-Shabhan told newspapers the move would enable greater cooperation against extremism.The closer ties survived their first test in January, when Saudi Arabia executed Shi'ite cleric Nimr al-Nimr. The Iraqi government resisted pressure from Shi'ite groups to break off ties and instead offered to mediate between Riyadh and Tehran."Abadi has kept himself at arm's length" from Iran, said a European diplomat. "He has only been to Tehran two or three times in 18 months, not like his predecessor who would go all the time."THE LIMITS TO CHANGEConvincing Sunni Iraqis that he is sincere will not be easy. Parliamentary speaker Salim al-Jabouri, the most senior Sunni in the Iraqi state, said Abadi is showing good intentions but "does not use all of his authority to do what he promised to do".Many Shi'ite politicians feel like Abadi is already too accommodating. Shi'ite political parties continue to back de-Baathification measures affecting tens of thousands of Sunnis. They also oppose the creation of a National Guard that would incorporate provincial forces like the Sunnis who are fighting Islamic State.The government official said most Shi'ite politicians still have a strong anti-Sunni feeling. After Abadi's recent call for reforms, some Shi'ite government officials even discussed replacing the prime minister, the official said.The European diplomat said the resistance Abadi faced made it hard to implement real change. "The feeling remains that Sunnis should pay the price for what they have done under Saddam," he said.The sharp drop in oil prices and growing economic crisis in Iraq make things even harder."For the prime minister you can't not spend on the military, otherwise you can't defeat (Islamic State)," the same diplomat said. "He has a lot less money to play with than any of his predecessors have had since 2003."Abadi's limited influence on the Shi'ite militias was apparent in January when his government failed to stop revenge attacks on Sunni civilians after Islamic State carried out a series of bombings east of Baghdad."Instead of holding Shi'ite militias to account the authorities have turned a blind eye to this shocking rampage. In some cases abductions and killings took place in full view of local authorities, who failed to intervene," said James Lynch, Deputy Director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Programme.REUTERS SHS PR1247 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0329-602338.Xml Brazil's federal police have launched another round of search and seizure operations in the nationwide corruption scandal known as "Operation Car Wash", the online version of O Globo newspaper said today.The paper said police operations were underway in So Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, without elaborating. The police did not have an immediate comment to make on the report by G1, as the online unit of O Globo is known.Federal prosecutors began investigating suspected corruption around state-controlled oil giant Petrleo Brasileiro SA almost two years ago.REUTERS JW GC1620 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-602799.Xml Gunmen killed two people in a Burundi village outside the capital, a local official said today, a day before UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits in a bid to end bloodshed over President Pierre Nkurunziza's disputed re-election.More than 400 people have been killed since April when Nkurunziza said he would run for a third term, a move opponents dismissed as unconstitutional and sought to prevent by staging street protests.Tomorrow Ban will meet Nkurunziza, who has rejected plans by the African Union to send peacekeepers to Burundi to ease tensions.Celestin Singirankabo, the head of Gisozi district in Mwaro province, said the killings took place late yesterday in Kiyange village, about 50 km east of Bujumbura."It was at around 8.00 pm last night when gunmen entered in a bar and opened fire, killing two people while two others were injured and were admitted in a nearby hospital of Ijenda," he told Reuters.Singirankabo said in the same area soldiers repulsed another armed group.No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but the government says there are now three rebel outfits fomenting violence, including two groups made up of renegade soldiers.In May, a group of soldiers tried to depose Nkuruznziza in a failed coup. Rights groups also regularly accuse the government of cracking down on dissent.Western powers worry Burundi is sliding towards another civil war and many in the region fear the violence could reopen ethnic wounds in the landlocked country of 10 million.The UN is under growing pressure to show it can halt the bloodshed, two decades after the 1994 genocide of ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus by the Hutu majority in neighbouring Rwanda, which has a similar ethnic make-up to Burundi.REUTERS JW BD1648 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-602868.Xml The German government today denounced anti-refugee protests that took place in eastern Germany, calling the events in which a group of people hindered asylum seekers from getting off a bus to enter a shelter "deeply shameful"."How cold-hearted, how coward one has to be to plant oneself in front of a refugee bus, to swear and to roar in order to scare the people sitting inside, among them several women and children," government spokesman Steffen Seibert said during a regular news conference.On Thursday night a group of about 100 people blocked the entry to a refugee shelter in Clausnitz, a small town in Germany's eastern state Saxony.Video footage posted online shows the crowd surrounding the bus with the refugees inside, yelling slurs and hindering the refugees from getting off.Over the weekend, a ready-to-move-in shelter for asylum seekers was set ablaze in the city of Bautzen, also in Saxony, with several spectators applauding and some hindering the work of firemen. REUTERS JW BD1649 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-602874.Xml On the Austrian-Slovenia border, one of the last stops on the migrant route to Germany, a policeman explains that after his 12-hour shift taking new arrivals' fingerprints, most are lost minutes after they are taken."We are not allowed to save the fingerprints," the Austrian policeman, who wanted to remain anonymous, said as he sat in a tent at the Spielfeld border crossing. "We do what we're asked to do."Austria, which saw 700,000 migrants crossing its borders last year, says it is not legally allowed to save and share with other European states more than 90 percent of the fingerprint data it takes of migrants fleeing war and poverty, a potential security problem at a major migrant hub.It is only required to upload onto Europe's shared fingerprint database, Eurodac, the data of those who actually apply for asylum in the country, which is less than 10 percent of those crossing into Austria.So Austria takes digital fingerprints of everyone entering the country, checks whether they have a criminal record, but does not save the data if they want to move on to Germany, which most do.Roz, a 28-year old Syrian mother of two, is surprised to hear that her family's fingerprints are neither saved nor shared."They need to know who we are. If you record fingerprints of refugees, it guarantees security in this country," she said as she was shown by Austrian officials onto a bus that would take her to the German border, her chosen destination.ANACHRONISMThe situation highlights how European laws are far behind the challenges of the continent's latest crisis, one that has already seen hundreds of thousands of migrants and refugees, mainly from Syria, flooding into the continent seeking a new life."That is a major problem, we have no records on these people, there are so many moving around the bloc and we have no trace of them whatsoever," said one diplomat in Brussels, adding that some EU countries have tried to push for changes but they were blocked due to privacy protection concerns.Berndt Koerner, deputy executive director of Europe's border agency Frontex, said he was confronted with an "anachronism" in the sharing of migrant data."We are currently confronted with the problem that we cannot access certain databases, which can be used nationally in border controls," Koerner told reporters this month.The system was not changed even after the evident security problems in tracing the movements of the surviving Islamist militants involved in the Paris attacks last November.Only states on the EU's external borders, such as Greece and Italy, must save and share all fingerprint data.Still, at a West Balkans summit in October all participants, including Austria, committed to registering, fingerprinting and uploading onto Eurodac all migrant data even on borders in the no-visa and border-control free Schengen zone.Croatia and Finland, for example, save fingerprints of all migrants who arrive there, while Germany only lets in migrants who state they want to apply for asylum there.Austria's coalition of the social-democrat SPO and Christian-conservative OVP has come under pressure in opinion polls from their right-wing, anti-Islam Freedom Party rivals since the latest migrant wave arrived last autumn.Drawing ire from Brussels and accusations it was breaking EU law, Vienna this month introduced daily caps on how many entries it allows across its southern borders and the number of asylum requests it will accept.But even as the coalition seems to attempt to coax back voters worried about migration, the two parties publicly blame one another for failing to create the legal grounds to save the fingerprints as talks began on how to amend the border law. REUTERS JW AS1856 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-603264.Xml The Lebanese government said today it was necessary to fix ties with Saudi Arabia after Riyadh last week suspended a 3 billion dollar aid package to the Lebanese army, and tasked Prime Minister Tammam Salam with making contacts to that end. Saudi Arabia suspended the aid in response to Beirut's failure to condemn attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. The Lebanese national unity government groups both allies and enemies of Saudi Arabia, including the Iranian-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah. Salam, speaking in a televised news conference, said the cabinet statement had been passed unanimously. In response to a question on the attacks last month, he said "we strongly condemn" the attack on the Saudi embassy.REUTERS PY AN2132 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0298-603591.Xml War crimes in Syria's five-year-old conflict are widespread and Syrian government forces and Islamic State militants continue to commit crimes against humanity in the face of inaction by the international community, a UN-backed panel said today."Flagrant violations of human rights and international humanitarian law continue unabated, aggravated by blatant impunity," the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry said in its latest report."The stipulations of relevant Security Council resolutions ... remain largely unheeded and unimplemented," it said. "Crimes against humanity continue to be committed by government forces and by ISIS (Islamic State). War crimes are rampant." REUTERS PY BL2143 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0298-603616.Xml Picture this: You've just come home from work, and you're famished. You head to your kitchen, but there's nothing to be found but a lump of moldy cheese in your refrigerator and a half-empty box of Frosted Flakes in your pantry. In this scenario, you may up end up splurging on Chinese takeout. You could also end up running to the grocery store with an empty stomach, which will likely lead to overspending. You can avoid costly predicaments like this one by always keeping your kitchen stocked with healthy, affordable essentials. A well-stocked kitchen ensures there's always food to eat, last-minute runs to the nearest fast food joint are less frequent, and meal planning is a cinch. To save yourself time and money, stock your kitchen with these 13 wholesome, inexpensive essentials for chefs on a budget. 1. Eggs Eggs are not only relatively inexpensive, they're an excellent source of protein. You can buy eggs in bulk and incorporate them into creative meals throughout the week. Whip up an omelet, breakfast tacos or egg salad, and top your sandwiches and burgers with a fried egg. Bake a quiche or make deviled eggs to impress everyone at your next dinner party. 2. Rice With its long shelf life, rice is another staple you can buy in bulk and keep on hand to add to imaginative dishes. You can do a lot with rice, from sizzling up savory Asian-inspired stir-fries to creating sweet rice pudding desserts. We recommend going for brown rice over white rice -- it might be a little more expensive, but the nutrients and fiber found in brown rice make it a more health-conscious choice and well worth the extra dollar or two. 3. Pasta It can be easy to quickly get tired of pasta, so try out new recipes whenever you can. Think baked ziti with fresh veggies, beef brisket ragu, roasted chicken pasta salad, and grown-up macaroni with cheddar cheese and bacon. Branch out from traditional spaghetti and try different pastas like linguine, rigatoni, rice noodles, orzo and egg noodles. Story continues 4. Canned veggies Sure, fresh vegetables are ideal. But canned veggies are excellent when you need to make a quick and simple sauce or add pizazz to a meal or side. Stock your pantry shelves with cans of tomatoes, tomato sauce, sauerkraut, chili peppers and chickpeas. 5. Beans Beans are chock full of protein and fiber, and come in many forms. There are black beans, pinto beans, lima beans, garbanzo beans, kidney beans and more. You can buy dry beans in bulk, and use them for breakfast burritos, dips and salad toppings. 6. Onions Onions are both cheap and flavorful. Slice up onions to add flavor to omelets, salads, soups, sandwiches and stir-fries. Just be prepared to weep a little while you're cooking. 7. Spices No pantry would be complete without a variety of dried herbs and spices. The right spices can make the difference between a mediocre dish and a delicious one. You can buy the following staple spices in bulk: -- Sea salt and pepper -- Garlic powder or salt -- Cayenne -- Basil -- Oregano -- Cinnamon -- Celery seed -- Nutmeg 8. Dry goods Essential dry goods include flour, sugar, brown sugar and rolled oats. These goods are often the building blocks of breads, cakes, biscuits and muffins. You can also sprinkle brown sugar onto rolled oats for a tasty, wholesome breakfast. 9. Apples and bananas These fruits make a perfect grab-and-go snack -- plus, they have a relatively long shelf life compared to others. When bananas grow soft, you can use them in banana bread, smoothies, and peanut butter and banana sandwiches. 10. Peanut butter We could spend half this post singing the praises of peanut butter. Not only is it delicious, peanut butter contains protein, healthy fats and important nutrients. Both filling and versatile, peanut butter can serve as a flavorful ingredient in sandwiches, desserts, pancakes and even nutty sauces, curries and soups. 11. Canned tuna Aside from being a great, low-calorie source of protein, canned tuna can sit in your cupboard for years without spoiling. Open a can of tuna and scoop it onto sandwiches, salads and pasta sauces. Bake tuna into casserole and patties, or mix it into a macaroni salad. 12. Condiments and fridge staples There are a few low-cost, long-lasting condiments that we recommend keeping in your fridge, including: -- Mustard -- Ketchup -- Jam -- Hot sauce -- Worcestershire sauce -- Butter -- Milk -- Plain yogurt -- Shredded cheese 13. Frozen goods Frozen goods are also handy ingredients for meals on the fly. In your freezer, you should keep frozen fruits and veggies, breads, and meats like chicken, turkey, and beef. After the meats thaw, sizzle up some juicy turkey burgers, flaky chicken pot pies, and hearty beef stews. By the way -- March is National Frozen Food Month, so expect to see some solid sales on frozen goods at your local grocery store soon. Maria Lalonde honed her deal-hunting skills while traveling through South America and Southeast Asia, combing colorful local markets for unique finds. Her love of blogging and thirst for deals brought her to Offers.com, where she blogs about savings tips. The worst-kept secret of the beginning of the year is not a secret anymore. Samsung on Sunday evening announced the Galaxy S7 family of devices during a terrific show in Barcelona. The Galaxy S7 might be considered an S generation compared to its predecessor, but this is clearly Samsungs best phone yet, ready to offer some great features. Oh, and its absolutely amazing to hold in your hand, in addition to being very snappy to use. The Galaxy S7 will soon hit stores and will hopefully help Samsung better compete against the iPhone 6s phones until Apple comes out with something better. And the Galaxy S7 does have some great features that the iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus do not. DONT MISS: Galaxy S7 and S7 edge hands-on: 2016s Androids to beat just might be unbeatable High-resolution AMOLED displays Both the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge feature 2560 x 1440 Super AMOLED displays that outclass the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus when it comes to image clarity. Rumors suggest the iPhone will move to AMOLED screen tech in the future, and we cant wait for it. mwc-2016-galaxy-s7-s7-edge-hands-on-5 Always-on Display That AMOLED display also lets Samsung turn on only select pixels on the screen to offer users key info like the time, calendar and information about notifications. Water and dust resistance The Galaxy S7 has an IP68 rating that makes it water-resistant and dust-proof. And its all done from the inside out, as Samsung revealed on the stage. Apple is also taking some steps in this regard, and its recent iPhones are more resistant to water damage though they dont have the same certification as the Galaxy S7. BGR-Samsung-Galaxy-S7-7 MicroSD support Yes, the Galaxy S7 has expandable memory, a feature many people want. iPhones never had this perk, so iPhone users wont really feel like theyre missing out on anything. mwc-2016-samsung-galaxy-s7-event-hands-on-51 Double the RAM The Galaxy S7 packs an impressive 4GB of RAM, though itll be interesting to see whether that much RAM can help it deliver better performance than its predecessor. Meanwhile, the iPhone 6s has 2GB of RAM. Story continues Better camera aperture At f/1.7, the cameras aperture beats the iPhone 6s f/2.2 aperture and should help Samsung produce better low-light pictures. At least, thats what Samsung said on stage on Sunday, clearly firing a few shots at the iPhone in the process. mwc-2016-samsung-galaxy-s7-event-hands-on-62 Bigger pixels Samsung said on stage its camera pixels are 30% larger than the ones in the iPhone 6s Plus. Thats 1.4-micron pixels for Samsung, compared to 1.22-micron for Apple. Faster auto-focus Samsung also jabbed at Apple during the show for the S7 cameras ability to focus quickly, particularly in low lighting conditions. mwc-2016-samsung-galaxy-s7-event-hands-on-63 Dual-pixel tech Samsung has apparently brought Canons dual-pixel technology to its Galaxy S7 flagships, which lets it use all of its pixels to focus and capture light at the same time. Water-cooling Samsung seriously upgraded CPU and GPU performance, touting 30.5% CPU and 63.9% GPU improvements over the Galaxy S6. So the company is using a new way of cooling the flagship: water-cooling like youd find on desktops and other more advanced devices. Thats something the iPhone definitely doesnt have. mwc-2016-samsung-galaxy-s7-event-hands-on-69 Bigger batteries Well, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge are larger than the iPhones, and theyre thicker too. That means they pack bigger batteries than the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, so no surprises there. Samsung said you can binge a whole season of Game of Thrones on a single charge. Faster charging The Galaxy S7 features fast-charging battery technology, which can be disabled and enabled depending on user preferences. The iPhone 6s doesnt offer a similar feature. mwc-2016-samsung-galaxy-s7-event-hands-on-70 Faster wireless charging The new iPhones dont have native wireless charging features though we taught you how to add the nifty feature yourself some time ago. But the Galaxy S7s battery can charge faster than other devices, the company says, using either regular or wireless charging. Wider-reaching wireless payments Because Samsung doesnt need NFC support to enable Samsung Pay, you can argue that its wireless payments product is superior to the iPhone, though its likely that Apple Pay transactions still outscore Samsung Pay. Even so, Samsung announced a massive Samsung Pay expansion, revealing that many additional markets will get Samsung Pay support soon. mwc-2016-samsung-galaxy-s7-event-hands-on-79 Virtual reality Samsung is forging ahead when it comes to its VR endeavor. The companys entire event had VR in focus, with each person in attendance having a Gear VR attached to his or her. The Galaxy S7 was probably the first smartphone to be unveiled in VR, and Samsung even brought Facebooks CEO Mark Zuckerberg on stage while everyones face was covered with the Gear VR headset, precisely to explain the social aspect of VR and the renewed Oculus Samsung partnership. mwc-2016-samsung-galaxy-s7-event-hands-on-109 Apple is interested in the VR space, but it has yet to make any announcements in this area. Related stories The new Sony smart toys that will save us from our screens Sony's new Xperia X series blurs the line between flagship and mid-range phones HTC upgrades its Desire line, brings high-end features to mid-range phones More from BGR: Everything you need to know about Samsungs Galaxy S7 and S7 edge This article was originally published on BGR.com A 3,000-year-old wooden wheel has been discovered in the remains of a prehistoric town that collapsed into a river in east England. Archaeologists said the Bronze Age wheel is the largest and best-preserved of its kind, dating back to1100-800 B.C. Measuring about 3 feet (1 meter) across, and with its hub still intact, the wheel was unearthed during a dig at the Must Farm site in Peterborough, according to an announcement from Historic England, a heritage organization that is partly funding the excavation. "This remarkable but fragile wooden wheel is the earliest complete example ever found in Britain," Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said in a statement. He added that the discovery expands the understanding of the technological sophistication of people living in the region 3,000 years ago. [In Photos: Amazing Ruins of the Ancient World] Must Farm, which was first discovered in 1999, has been described as "Peterboroughs Pompeii." Pompeii was a Roman city that was destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79. Ash from that volcanic eruption left the town extraordinarily well-preserved, with elaborate murals and graffiti still intact on the walls of its buildings. Like Pompeii, the Must Farm site was frozen in time through catastrophe. The circular wooden houses of the Must Farm site were built on stilts above a river channel, the old course of the River Nene. But a devastating fire caused the dwellings to plunge into and become preserved in the sandy water below, archaeologists said. In addition to finding the wooden houses, excavators uncovered some rare items that might not normally survive in the archaeological record: a wooden platter, wooden utensils, clothing made from the fiber of lime trees and even jars containing the remains of food, perhaps abandoned when the fire broke out, the researchers said. The Must Farm was partially excavated in 2006, but the site is currently undergoing a larger, 1.1-million ($1.58 million U.S.), eight-month excavation. The archaeologists said they plan to dig trenches across nearly 12,000 square feet (1,100 square meters) of the site. They're currently about halfway done with the project, according to Historic England. Story continues In another clue that people of this era were quite savvy about transportation, eight Bronze Age boats were recovered from the same river in 2011. The newly discovered wheel suggests the people at the Must Farm site traveled to and had ties with the dry land beyond the river. Technically, the new find isn't the oldest Bronze Age wheel found in Britain. That distinction still belongs to the Flag Fen wheel, which was found at a nearby site and dates back to about 1300 B.C. However, that artifact is less complete than the newly discovered wheel and is smaller, at about 2.6 feet (0.8 m) in diameter. Follow us @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science. Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. If you think your crummy credit score means you won't be approved for a rewards credit card, think again. You should temper your expectations, of course. No issuer is going to give you a 50,000-mile sign-up bonus if your credit is bad. However, the days of rewards being available only to those with sparkling FICO scores are in the past. The fact that credit card issuers are offering up rewards to entice folks with poor credit is further proof of the hyper-competitiveness of today's credit card business. Americans are spending on their cards again, while delinquencies and bankruptcies are still low. That makes banks eager to lend you money, whether you've got a perfect FICO score or a less-than-perfect one. Now, to be sure, you shouldn't take a credit card -- for rewards or any other reason -- just because it is being offered to you. Before you apply, take a moment to think about how you ended up with bad credit in the first place. -- Did a temporary setback, such as job loss or a medical emergency, take a major toll? -- Do you have difficulty getting organized and paying bills on time? -- Are you simply someone who can't resist the lure of available credit? -- Do you only pay the minimum payment or a little bit more each month rather than striving to pay your balance in full? That's hardly an exhaustive list. There are as many possible reasons for credit woes as there are grains of sand on the beach, but the last bullet above might be the most important behavior to recognize when applying for a rewards card. If you can't pay your balance in full each month, the math just doesn't work when it comes to rewards. It doesn't take an accountant to understand that paying a 23 percent APR to get 5 percent cash back is a bad deal. The good news, however, is that if you commit to handling your credit well, you can actually make credit cards work for you, even as you rebuild your credit. Here are a few rewards cards aimed at folks with fair or worse credit. Story continues Discover It Secured Card. Because this is a secured card, you're required to make a deposit in order to receive the card. That deposit sets the amount of your credit line. (Deposit $250 to get a $250 credit line. Deposit $500 to get a $500 credit line.) Beyond that, however, secured cards work like regular credit cards and can help you improve your credit history if you pay your bills on time and keep your balances low. This card also has no annual fee. When it comes to rewards, the card offers 2 percent cash back on restaurants and gas stations up to $1,000 in purchases each quarter, and 1 percent back on everything else. And, as Discover is offering with many of its cards, the issuer will double all of your cash back at the end of the first year. Remember, however, that the card comes with a 23.24 percent APR. That makes it imperative to pay your balances in full to avoid interest charges. Otherwise, that interest will swallow up those rewards in a hurry. SunTrust Secured Credit Card With Cash Rewards. Like the Discover card, this one requires a deposit upon approval, with your card's credit limit determined by the amount of the deposit. The card offers 2 percent cash back on gas and groceries on up to $6,000 in purchases annually. It comes with a $32 annual fee -- which is lower than you'll find for most annual-fee cards but can still eat into your rewards profit -- but features a lower APR than the Discover card: 20.24 percent. Also, while SunTrust won't double your cash back after the first year, it will give you a bonus based on the type of deposit account you redeem your cash back into. (Those with a standard SunTrust checking or savings account will get a bonus of 10 percent.) Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. This card is meant for folks with fair credit, but unlike the others on this list, it is not a secured card. There's no deposit necessary to get this one. QuicksilverOne comes with an annual fee of $39 and a higher-than-average APR of 23.24, making it comparable to the other two cards on the list. However, it also comes with an introductory offer of 0 percent interest on both purchases and balance transfers until November 2016. In addition, there's no extra fee for transferring a balance. (Many balance transfer cards, including the Discover It Secured Card, charge a one-time fee of 3 percent or more per balance transfer transaction.) That means that those with credit card debt have the potential to save themselves a significant amount of interest if they play their cards right. The QuicksilverOne card offers 1.5 percent cash back on everything you buy. There are no rotating categories, no limits on what you can earn and the rewards never expire. The Bottom Line If you're prone to carrying a balance, these cards probably aren't for you. The interest you'd pay due to these high APRs would outweigh any rewards you'd receive in a big hurry. However, if you take care of business -- paying your bills on time, every time, and keeping your balances very low -- you can take advantage of the rewards these cards have to offer. Matt Schulz is the senior industry analyst at CreditCards.com, a site dedicated to helping people make smart decisions about obtaining and using credit. You can follow him on Twitter at @matthewschulz. Great Danes are a breed known almost as well for their gentleness as they are for their huge size. However, several of the massive dogs at a Colorado breeding facility broke the mold this weekend when authorities say they attacked a group children and left them badly mauled. It happened Saturday in El Paso County, where authorities say a woman was checking in on her boss's dogs. According to the El Paso County Sheriff's Department, the woman's boss breeds the huge--and normally docile--dogs. Read: Golden Retriever is Found Down 15-Foot-Deep Sinkhole 2 Days After She Went Missing She took her five children along with her while paying the home a visit. While her attention was focused somewhere else, the unnamed woman heard terrified screams, reports the Denver Post. The woman then discovered that three Great Danes, which can weigh as much as 200 pounds, had attacked four of her children. While the extent of their injuries weren't released, three of the children were injured seriously enough to require immediate medical attention. "It looks like three are going to have to undergo surgery," spokeswoman Jacqueline Kirby said. Read: Firefighters Rescue Dog From Freezing Lake After She Slipped Through Thin Ice Kirby said the children were bitten on the head and torso and possibly their extremities. While attacks by Great Danes are rare, they aren't unheard of. Last April, a 10-year-old girl was attacked to within inches of her life by a Great Dane in Illinois. A year earlier, the Dog Whisperer himself, Cesar Milan, was out walking a group fo dogs that included a "troubled" Great Dane. According to TMZ, a neighbor of the TV star's reached out to let the dog sniff his palm when the Great Dane latched on, biting the neighbors hand and forearm. The neighbor was treated at a hospital and released. Watch: Man Has Touching Reunion With Therapy Dog That Went Missing For 2 Months Related Articles: When she was a kid, Hanh Provenzano used to think that if a boy and a girl slept in the same bed, the girl would get pregnant -- no exceptions. She was convinced that if a boy touched her breasts, they would grow and grow and never stop. She believed that if she ate citrus fruit, her period would get heavier. "I don't agree with how I was raised, but it spooked me from getting in trouble," says Provenzano, now a 43-year-old pharmacist and mother of two in Turnersville, New Jersey, who attributes such misinformation to her strict Vietnamese upbringing. She doesn't want her boys -- now 14 and 12 -- to grow up the same way. "I would never make it seem like, 'Oh, we shouldn't talk about it' or, 'they're too young to learn about it," she says. Sex and puberty, that is. Plenty of parents are finding that the sex talk today is a lot different than what they received as children, says Sharon Lamb, a professor of counseling psychology at the University of Massachusetts--Boston, who specializes in sexual development. "It's more likely that kids will hear from other kids or see things in a movie or in other kinds of media and it will raise questions," she says. "And so a sex talk isn't a sit-down sex talk anymore -- it's more of a response to the questions at the time." But handling those questions isn't always easy or comfortable. "Even open, liberal parents are sort of anxious about how to do that," says Jill Weber, a clinical psychologist based near the District of Columbia with expertise in adolescent and teenage development. So first, relax. And keep in mind: There isn't a single, no-fail script for the sex talk. "Parents think they need to do it in a very perfect way, and I really feel like that defeats the purpose," Weber says. Getting tongue-tied or acting awkward is OK because it shows your kids that adults struggle with these questions, too. "It's important not to put that pressure on yourself as a parent" to speak about it eloquently, Weber says. Story continues Instead, view these discussions as chances to strengthen your relationship with your kid. "It's just an opportunity to show them they can talk [to you] about anything ... and that kind of builds the framework for the years ahead," Weber says. Still at a loss for words? These seven one-liners can help: 1. "I'm glad you asked." Even if your kid asks you at a bad time, uses a dirty word or poses a question you don't know how to answer, be grateful he or she came to you. "I'm really glad you're talking to me about this," Weber suggest saying, "and if I don't know the answer right away, we'll figure it out together." If you do know the answer, spit it out. After all, kids don't usually ask about things they don't want to know, Weber says. "If they ask a question about sex or their bodies, as much as you can, try to give them the facts about it," she says. "That's usually a sign that they're ready to hear it." 2. "What exactly do you want to know?" Some kids are interested in the science of sex, in which case you can tell them about things like sperm and eggs, Weber says. Other kids are curious about what actually happens beneath the bed sheets, in which case you can address anatomy and, depending on their age, intercourse. And some kids simply want to be "in the know" at school, Lamb says, so you can discuss the truth about what they've heard. Usually, keeping a narrow focus will suffice, says Weber, who suggests sprinkling sex-related topics into other conversations rather than devoting entire discussions to sex. "Usually, they'll just start talking about something else, so I'd just roll with that," she says. "You're not trying to overwhelm them with this." 3. "It's called a vagina." When Provenzano's youngest son asked if girls have the same genitals as boys, the older son chimed in. "No, silly, girls have va-Chinas," Provenzano remembers him saying. She promptly taught them the correct pronunciation. "Call it like it is," she recommends, "they'll just get over it." Using accurate and anatomically-correct terms for body parts and sex is a good idea, since code words can confuse kids and make the real words or acts seem shameful, experts say. "[Early childhood] is just such an open sponge time to be very open about parts," Weber says. 4. "Every family is different." Of course, it might be possible to be too open with words that aren't thrown about casually in the adult world. Provenzano found that out after her sons learned the words "vagina" and "nipple." "Once you teach them something, that's what they say all week," she laughs. To save face, it can be helpful to give kids some guidelines about where and when it's appropriate to talk about body parts and sex. For example, you might say, "Every family has different rules about talking about sex," or "Sex is personal and it means different things to different people," Lamb suggests. 5. "When two people trust each other ..." Lamb prefers the word "trust" to "love" when talking about sex. "I'm trying to create a way of talking about it that isn't about danger and risk, but about healthy sexuality that's mutual," she says. Talking about "good feelings" can also set the right tone, she says. "The more lighthearted and positive you are about it, the more likely the child is going to come to you if there's some issues coming up [in the future,]" she says. 6. "Other kids your age ..." Direct answers are important, but indirectness has its place too. For example, instead of saying "your body is changing," try saying something like, "a lot of kids your age are starting to notice their bodies changing," since the former can feel threatening, Weber says. You can also use kids' peers to open up other discussions. For instance, if your child says a friend has a boyfriend or girlfriend, you can ask what he or she thinks that means. "Create a sounding board ... where they can talk about what they see around them," Weber suggests. 7. "If you want to know more ..." Lamb isn't a big fan of using books to initiate a sex talk since they can overload kids before you've had a chance to gauge their knowledge and interest. She'd rather parents offer kids books after "the talk" in order to supply a vetted resource (read: not the Internet) kids can turn to if they want to look up questions on their own. Weber, too, sees the book method as more of a crutch for parents than a helpful tool for kids. The more you talk about sex-related topics openly, the less likely they'll be to turn elsewhere for information. "Again, you're trying to establish a relationship for them to be able to have more conversations with you over time," she says, "because the conversation just gets more and more complex." By Ian Simpson (Reuters) - U.S. civil rights activist DeRay Mckesson released his full platform in the race for Baltimore mayor on Monday, proposals that include a $15-an-hour minimum wage and reforming the police department. Mckesson, who was instrumental in the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement, was the last candidate to file paperwork before the campaign deadline this month. "Its a plan to change Baltimore, to make Baltimore a place that works for people," the 30-year-old activist said in announcing the plan on the Periscope video site. Baltimore, a majority African-American city, was torn by rioting after a black man, Freddie Gray, died from an injury in police custody in April. Six officers are facing trial in the case. Mckesson, the son of two now-recovered drug addicts, had released police reform proposals this month that included banning arrest and citation quotas. He also backs ending civil asset forfeiture and rough rides and chokeholds by police. The Teach for America alumnus and former school administrator called for free WiFi and broadband access for all residents. He backed reviving a proposed light-rail system scuttled by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan last year. Mckesson, who rose to prominence during the 2014 protests in Ferguson, Missouri, over the police killing of an unarmed black teenager, said he would hire more inspectors to reduce sources of lead poisoning in children and would expand opportunities for artists in Baltimore. Mckesson has called for a city minimum wage of $15 an hour, which would be among the highest in the United States. He backs a public bank and more requirements for companies to hire locally. Mckesson also is in favor of expanded pre-kindergarten classes. He advocates changing state funding formulas so that tax breaks for developers do not cut into school funding. His distinctive blue Patagonia vest has been seen everywhere from street demonstrations to the television show "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." Twenty-nine candidates, including 13 Democrats, are running to replace Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who is not seeking re-election. Primary voting for candidates will be held on April 26, with the actual mayoral vote being held on Nov. 8 alongside the presidential election. Baltimore has not elected a Republican mayor in more than 50 years. (Reporting by Ian Simpson; Editing by Alan Crosby) Afghan troops have retreated from two districts in the southern province of Helmand, officials said Monday, a move which highlights the challenge from Taliban fighters in the opium-producing region. "The Afghan army retreated from two army bases in Musa Qala and one base from Nawzad district" on Saturday, provincial governor Khan Rahimi told AFP, leaving no troops anywhere in those districts. He said the soldiers had moved to other parts of Helmand such as the heavily-contested districts of Lashkar Gah and Sangin, adding: "We have no concerns regarding this step but we have plans to ensure security in other vulnerable areas." But the decision was criticised by Abdul Majeed Akhundzada, deputy chief of the provincial council. "Retreating from Musa Qala looks to me like ignoring the deaths of Afghan security forces and the civilians," Akhundzada said. Helmand has seen some of the fiercest battles of the Taliban's battle against local and foreign forces that began in 2001. The militants have intensified their campaign in the province since the NATO combat mission in the war-torn country officially ended in 2014. Last October President Barack Obama announced that thousands of US troops would remain in Afghanistan past 2016 in what is officially a training and support role, backpedalling on previous plans to reduce the force and acknowledging that Afghan forces are not ready to stand alone. The US has deployed several hundred troops in Helmand in recent weeks. In August last year Taliban insurgents briefly captured the town of Musa Qala before Afghan forces backed by NATO retook it. Last December a Taliban offensive drove Afghan forces from most of Sangin, a major poppy growing area in in the province. The onslaught raised fears that Afghan forces were too overstretched to fend off the insurgents. "Retreating is something normal," said Moeen Faqiri, army corps commander in Helmand, adding that the areas were not heavily populated. The retreat came days before the fourth round of talks between representatives of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the US to be held in Kabul. The talks do not involve the Taliban but indicated that the insurgents may be willing to return to negotiations six months after a round of direct dialogue collapsed. Kabul (AFP) - At least 13 people, including nine civilians, were killed Monday in a suicide bombing targeting Afghan police which was claimed by Taliban insurgents in a remote area northwest of Kabul, authorities said. The bomber targeted a local police chief, injuring him on the eve of the latest round of quadrilateral talks to be held in Kabul in a bid to revive the peace process with the Taliban and end more than 14 years of war. "There are 13 dead, nine civilians and four policemen, as well as 19 injured, 17 of whom are civilians," Parwan province police chief Mohammed Zaman Mamozai told AFP. Wahid Seddiqi, spokesman for the provincial governor, gave a higher toll of 14 dead, including six policemen and eight civilians, and said the bomber was riding a motorcycle. The Taliban claimed responsibility in a statement on Twitter through spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid. The attack occurred in Siagerd district, some 60 kilometres (around 40 miles) northwest of Kabul, a remote mountainous area where the Taliban are firmly entrenched. Seddiqi said the target was a commander with the Afghan Local Police (ALP), the security force set up by the United States in 2010 to help support the government in its fight against the insurgents. The ALP has been accused of human rights violations and is a regular Taliban target, along with other security forces in the country. The Taliban have intensified their insurgency since the end of NATO's combat mission in late 2014, multiplying bombings and attacks across Afghanistan. But the Afghan government, along with China, Pakistan and the US, have stepped up efforts to revive peace negotiations with the insurgents after an aborted bid last summer. A fourth round of talks to revive the negotiations will be held Tuesday in Kabul. - Redeployment in Helmand - The bombing comes as Afghan troops retreat from two districts in the southern province of Helmand, a move highlighting the challenge from Taliban fighters in the opium-producing region. Story continues "The Afghan army retreated from two army bases in Musa Qala and one base from Nawzad district" on Saturday, provincial governor Khan Rahimi told AFP Monday, leaving no troops anywhere in those districts. He said the soldiers had moved to other parts of Helmand, such as the heavily-contested districts of Lashkar Gah and Sangin, adding: "We have no concerns regarding this step but we have plans to ensure security in other vulnerable areas." But the decision was criticised by Abdul Majeed Akhundzada, deputy chief of the provincial council. "Retreating from Musa Qala looks to me like ignoring the deaths of Afghan security forces and the civilians," Akhundzada said. Helmand has seen some of the fiercest fighting in the Taliban's battle against local and foreign forces that began in 2001. Last October, US President Barack Obama said that thousands of US troops would remain in Afghanistan past 2016 in what is officially a training and support role, backpedalling on previous plans to reduce the force and acknowledging that Afghan forces are not ready to stand alone. The US has deployed several hundred troops in Helmand in recent weeks. In August last year, Taliban insurgents briefly captured the town of Musa Qala before Afghan forces backed by NATO retook it. This photo was taken aboard a federal contract jet departing Fairbanks, Alaska, and destined for the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. Flights like these shuttled back and forth between Alaska and the lower 48 throughout the summer, transiting some of the many firefighters dispatched to Alaska to help fight forest fires burning there during the summer of 2015. The crews aboard this flight were returning to their normal duty stations across Idaho after completing two week assignments in Alaska. A weird world of warlike ants and well-armored termites has been found preserved in amber. The insect fossils, entombed in Burmese amber from Myanmar, date back 99 million years for the ants and 100 million years for the termites. The fossils reveal the startling sociality of these insects very early in their development. The ants cluster together with others of their kind and, in one case, engage in pitched jaw-to-jaw battle. The termites show different body adaptations for soldiers and workers, a hallmark of specialized roles. "Up until now, the oldest [termite] soldiers that we knew about were 20 million years old, so we have 80 million years longer of a record," said study researcher Philip Barden, a postdoctoral scientist at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York. [See Photos of the Battling Ants and Termites Trapped in Amber] Tough termites Termites are the oldest known social animal group, Barden told Live Science, and fossil and genetic evidence suggests they emerged in the early Cretaceous period, between 146 million and 100 million years ago. Termite fossils older than 100 million years have been found, he said, but only of winged reproductive termites. The Burmese amber specimens, which are housed in the AMNH collection, are the oldest evidence of castes. Termite colonies today, just like in the Cretaceous, are made up of reproductive individuals with wings, workers responsible for constructing tunnels and collecting food and soldiers responsible for defense. Workers and soldiers are easy to tell apart, Barden said, because workers are soft and featureless, and soldiers have hard, distinctive heads and strong mandibles. [Gallery: Out-of-This-World Images of Insects] "A worker is just very killable, and the soldier is like an armored tank of a thing," Barden said. Reporting online Feb. 11 in the journal Current Biology, the researchers christened one of the newly discovered species found in the amber Gigantotermes rex. The termite was nearly an inch (2 centimeters) long, with thick mandibles. Another new species. Krishnatermes yoddha, got its name from the late termite researcher Kumar Krishna and the Hindi word "Yod'dha," or warrior. All three castes of K. yoddha were found, including a thick-headed soldier, a far more fragile worker and a reproductive termite with diaphanous wings. Story continues It's interesting to find such a clear delineation of roles so early in termite development, because ants termites' main nemeses were not yet ecologically dominant 100 million years ago, Barden said. "It seems that the termite soldier caste isn't necessarily to deal with these early ants," he said. "It was already well-developed when ants were kind of taking their baby steps." Ancient ants Those ant baby steps were outlined in a companion paper, also published online in Current Biology. Barden and his colleagues examined Burmese amber fossils of ants from 99 million years ago, only 1 million years younger than the oldest known ant fossils, which were found in France. Ants probably evolved some 50 million years before these fossils, in the late Jurassic or early Cretaceous, but no fossils have been found from that period. The new fossils reveal that by 99 million years ago, ants were social; though they make up a mere 1 percent of the insect fossils found in the amber, they cluster together far more often than would be expected by chance. For example, the likelihood that one specimen that held 11 Gerontoformica spiralis ants and one Haidomyrmex zigrasi ant would exist by mere happenstance is 1 in 31 quadrillion, the researchers reported. Another piece of amber contains 21 ants of three different species. One of the most stunning fossils captured workers of two species, G. spiralis and G. tendir, locked in mortal combat with their jaws clasped around each other's appendages. Before either could emerge victorious, amber enveloped the battle, freezing it in place. The discovery of ant "warfare" is just one line of evidence showing complex social behavior in these insects, Barden said. The researchers also found fossilized workers and queens, revealing that these specializations already existed in ant colonies in the Cretaceous. The discovery was also exciting, Barden said, because the ants are so alien compared with the pests raiding kitchen cabinets today. Take the Haidomyrmex genus. These now-extinct ants had huge mandibles that may have snapped shut to impale their prey, Barden said. Haidomyrmex (which means "hell ant") survived for at least 20 million years, and its specializations suggest it may have depended on a particular, but unknown, type of prey. Another species, newly described from the Burmese samples, had a camel-like head and bizarre mouthparts covered in pointy hairs. "It looks almost like 'Predator' from the movies," Barden said. These long-lost lineages are to today's ants what dinosaurs are to modern birds, Barden said early adaptions that have now been lost. He and his colleagues are now studying more Burmese fossils as well as the genetics of modern insects to understand how these creatures and their social structures evolved. "The fossils can be really illuminating for learning about things that are alive today," Barden said. "And the things alive today and the genes within them can be really illuminating for learning about how these early things lived." Follow Stephanie Pappas on Twitterand Google+. Follow us @livescience, Facebook& Google+. Original article on Live Science. Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Buenos Aires (AFP) - Argentine President Mauricio Macri told AFP Monday he is determined to settle with all his country's foreign creditors and insisted Argentina is returning to the international fold. In an interview in his office at the Casa Rosada presidential palace, Macri said US President Barack Obama's decision to visit Argentina in March shows the South American nation is mending its diplomatic ties after years of tension. He said Argentina was determined to reach a settlement with all of Argentina's foreign creditors despite resistance from major US hedge funds to his latest offer. "We feel we have made an enormous effort," he said. "We have been serious and coherent in our measures to end the dispute." Several groups of investors have accepted Argentina's offer to pay $6.5 billion of the total $9.0 billion owed to them to settle a 15-year dispute. But major hedge funds NML Capital and Aurelius rejected the offer, pushing for full repayment. A US-educated businessman, Macri, 57, took the helm of Latin America's third-biggest economy in December. His leftist predecessor Cristina Kirchner had refused to pay the hedge funds, branding them "vultures." In the lawsuit they launched in a US court, the creditors are known as "holdouts." - Deal with US funds - A US judge hearing the case last week gave Argentina partial respite in its court battle with the investors. He agreed to lift an injunction that had blocked it from paying off other bondholders until it settled with the holdouts. Argentina hopes that will enable it to start borrowing again on capital markets so it can start clearing all its debts. "Our aim is to reach an agreement with all the funds. We have been able to settle with a majority," he said. "The judge noted that. I am still optimistic. The negotiations continue." Judge Thomas Griesa agreed to lift the injunction on the condition that Macri repeal an existing debt law. Story continues To do so, Macri must gain approval in a congress still dominated by his opponents. But he said he was confident he could win over "those who share our view that Argentina must end its conflicts, that it must come back to the world and gain access to financing." - Obama visit - A pro-business conservative, Macri has made it a priority to mend relations with foreign powers and investors. He said Obama's decision to visit Argentina shows the country is mending its diplomatic ties after years of combative relations under his leftist predecessor Cristina Kirchner. "It signifies a recognition of a change that has taken place in Argentina, towards good relations with the world, relations which must be mature, intelligent and mutually beneficial," Macri said. Italian premier Matteo Renzi visited Argentina last week and French President Francois Hollande will do so on Wednesday. Macri plans to host Hollande in the stadium of Argentine football club Boca Juniors, where Macri used to be chairman. Obama visits on March 23 and 24 after a historic trip to Cuba. "We believe this is really a new beginning and a new era in our relations with Argentina," top Obama foreign policy aide Ben Rhodes said last week. - US, Argentina, human rights - Obama's visit is expected to increase pressure on the holdout creditors to reach a deal. His trip is likely to focus on investment in renewable energy, agriculture and tourism, Argentina's foreign minister Susana Malcorra said. It will coincide with a mass protest by human rights groups and social movements to mark the 40th anniversary of the coup that brought Argentina's last military dictatorship to power until 1983. Groups have called on Obama to apologize on behalf of the United States for US support of the regime at the time. Macri said the date of Obama's visit was "a total coincidence because it fits in with his visit to Cuba" on March 21-22. He told AFP there was no plan for the two leaders to visit a museum in memory of the victims of the dictatorship. "We are aligned with the United States in defending human rights in the region," he said. "We both agree on the need to work against drug-trafficking and terrorism and in favor of renewable energy." - Britain and the Falklands - Macri has rolled back protectionist policies of his predecessors, lifting currency and export controls and eliminating electricity subsidies. His critics warn such measures will hurt poorer Argentines. Macri said he is now focused on lowering Argentina's 30 percent inflation rate to single digits within three years. However, he maintains Kirchner's line on the Falkland Islands, known in Spanish as Las Malvinas. He demanded that Britain return them to Argentina, but said he was committed to finding a solution "through dialogue." "We will not give up what we believe to be ours, but we are willing to sit down and discuss all topics." By Megan Cassella WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio racked up a number of endorsements from party leaders on Monday, giving weight to his message that he can become the establishment favorite behind whom Republicans can unite. Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah and former Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole said they would back the U.S. senator from Florida for the party's nomination to run for president in the Nov. 8 election. Three Republican leaders from Nevada - U.S. Senator Dean Heller and U.S. Representatives Cresent Hardy and Mark Amodei - also announced their support for Rubio leading up the state's caucuses on Tuesday. "I'm delighted to support @marcorubio because he is best choice to keep our country safe," Hutchinson posted on Twitter. "Will you join me and help Marco win Arkansas?" The Arkansas primary comes after Nevada in the state-by-state nominating contest on March 1. Twelve other states and American Samoa will also be holding primaries or caucuses on that date, known as Super Tuesday. The endorsements came as Rubio tries to seize on the exit of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush on Saturday to win the support of more mainstream members of their party. Bush dropped out after a poor showing in South Carolina's Republican primary. Hatch, who said he had initially supported Bush because he had more experience, called Rubio the "more serious candidate" compared with front-runner Donald Trump. "I feel he has the background to be able to really help turn this mess around," Hatch told reporters. Dole, a former U.S. senator from Kansas who lost to then-President Bill Clinton in 1996, said he switched his support to Rubio after Bush left the campaign trail because he was young, hard-working and a "better candidate" than rival Ohio Governor John Kasich. "He wants to grow the party as opposed to (U.S. Senator Ted) Cruz," Dole said in an interview on ABC's "Political Powerhouse" podcast, referring to another Republican candidate. "I don't know what he wants to grow." (Reporting by Megan Cassella; Additional reporting by Susan Cornwell; Editing by Eric Walsh and Jonathan Oatis) (Reuters) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger used to dream about Luis Suarez, the signing that got away, and he will be hoping the Uruguayan striker doesn't give him nightmares when holders Barcelona visit in the Champions League on Tuesday. Wenger, who was rebuffed by then Liverpool striker Suarez in 2013, said he admired the striker's ability to bring a team together ahead of the Last 16 first leg fixture at the Emirates Stadium. "I used to think 'what if I signed Luis Suarez' before, but not now," Wenger was quoted as saying by British media on Monday. "He gives camaraderie to a team. He did it at Liverpool and he did it playing with Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan for Uruguay, and did it well." The 29-year-old, who joined Barcelona in 2014, has been in imperious form this season as part of the Catalan's formidable front three of Argentine Lionel Messi and Neymar of Brazil. Suarez tops the La Liga scoring charts with 25 goals and has notched another five in the Champions League leaving Wenger wary. "Individually, all their players are difficult to stop," the Frenchman said. "We have to find a way to do it collectively. We have to keep Suarez quiet on Tuesday night." (Reporting by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru. Editing by Patrick Johnston) Stockholm (AFP) - Lawyers for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said Monday they had asked a Stockholm court to lift a pan-European warrant for his arrest over a 2010 rape allegation. His lawyers were basing their request on a February 5 non-binding legal opinion of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which said Assange's confinement amounted to an arbitrary detention by Sweden and Britain. "I think (the opinion of the UN working group) is an important fact and should be taken into account," Tomas Olsson, a lawyer for Assange, told AFP. "We want them to retry the decision and overrule it," he said. The 44-year-old Australian sought refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London in June 2012 after exhausting all his legal options in Britain against extradition to Sweden over his alleged sex crimes, which he has denied. Appeals to have the warrant dropped were also denied. Swedish authorities want to speak to Assange about the rape allegation dating back to 2010 and whose statute of limitations does not expire until 2020. Assange has lived at the embassy since 2012, in a small office room with a bed, computer, sun lamp, treadmill and access to a small balcony decorated with Ecuador's flag. Assange fears that if he were sent to Sweden, he could be extradited to the United States to be tried over the publication of hundreds of thousands of classified documents. WikiLeaks filed a complaint against Sweden and Britain to the UN working group in September 2014, claiming his confinement in the embassy was unlawful. Both Britain and Sweden have angrily disputed the group's findings. Founded by Assange in 2006, WikiLeaks has infuriated the United States by releasing some 500,000 secret military files on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and 250,000 diplomatic cables. Sydney (AFP) - An Australian inquiry into child sex abuse agreed Monday that victims could be present when Cardinal George Pell gives evidence from Rome, as Catholic bishops called for him to be treated fairly. Vatican finance chief Pell, who claims he is the subject of a smear campaign, has said he is too unwell to travel to Australia and will give evidence via video-link from Rome next week. The Royal Commission, which is looking into how Catholic authorities in Melbourne and the Victorian city of Ballarat responded to claims of abuse, said it had received requests from survivors to be present for Pell's questioning. "The Commission considers that to be a reasonable request," chair Justice Peter McClellan said. Pell, formerly the top Catholic official in Australia, has always denied knowing of any child abuse occurring in Ballarat, where he was once based, including by paedophile priest Gerald Ridsdale who abused dozens of children over two decades. But the news that he was too ill to make the journey home to testify in person over alleged cover-ups during his time as the head of Australia's Catholic hierarchy was met with anger by survivors. A crowdfunding campaign set up to raise Aus$55,000 (US$39,000) to send some to Rome to be present for his evidence was met with an overwhelming response; within a week, more than 4,500 people had given money and over Aus$203,000 was raised. Pell, who was ordained a priest in the diocese of Ballarat in 1966, has given evidence to the Royal Commission previously and has stressed his willingness to appear before the inquiry. He said a weekend report in Melbourne's Herald Sun that Australian police were investigating claims he groomed and abused five to 10 boys while a priest was "clearly designed to cause damage to me as a witness ahead of my evidence". "The purported allegations have never been put to me by police," Cardinal Pell said in a statement issued Monday from his office in Rome as he called for an inquiry into their leaking. Story continues "They are scandalous and utterly false. To learn of the existence of these false allegations through a journalist, following what must be a clear and deliberate leaking from official sources, is deeply troubling." - Treated in just manner - The Catholic archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher, called for Pell to be treated fairly and heard respectfully. "It is everyone's right to a fair and transparent process free of particular agendas, other than truth," Fisher said in a statement. Fisher was backed by his Brisbane counterpart Mark Coleridge who criticised the "leaked allegations against Cardinal Pell" which he said violated his right to be treated in a just manner, The Australian newspaper reported. Australia ordered the Royal Commission after a decade of growing pressure to investigate allegations of paedophilia across society, and it has so far heard claims of child abuse involving churches, orphanages, community, sports and youth groups and schools. The current phase is looking at the response of Catholic authorities and Victoria Police to allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy in Ballarat. In particular, it is examining the Christian Brothers, a Catholic religious order involved in six schools or colleges in the Victorian town, and its knowledge of alleged abuse. The hearing heard Monday that 56 people have made a claim or substantiated complaint of child sexual abuse against a member of the Christian Brothers in relation to a school in Ballarat, with most alleged to have occurred between 1969 and 1974. Bangladesh police have arrested three local Islamists over the decapitation of a top Hindu priest, the latest attack targeting religious minorities in the Muslim-majority nation, officers said Monday. The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for the attack inside the temple complex on Sunday in the country's north, but local police said there was no evidence to suggest the jihadist group was involved. "We've arrested three people for interrogation," said Babul Akhter, police chief of Debiganj area where the attack happened. Two members of banned militant group Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and an activist with Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh's largest Islamist political party, were arrested overnight Sunday. Police did not give details of their alleged involvement in the attack. "The IS group has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on minorities. But we haven't found any evidence confirming their link. Rather we have found JMB was behind these killings," Akhter told AFP. Two unknown men armed with pistols and cleavers attacked Jogeswar Roy as he was arranging prayers at the temple in Debiganj town, some 400 kilometres (250 miles) north of the capital Dhaka, police have said. Two devotees were also wounded in the attack, including one who was shot as he tried to save the priest, they have said. US-based monitoring organisation SITE has reported that the IS group said in a statement it is behind the murder. Bangladesh has seen an upsurge in attacks on minorities including Shiites, Sufis, Christians and Ahmadis by Islamist militant groups. The government rejects the IS group's claims of responsibility for several of the attacks, including the shootings of two foreigners last year. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's secular government instead accuses the JMB, other local militant groups as well as the Islamist-allied political opposition of trying to destabilise the country. A long-running political crisis has radicalised opponents of the government and analysts say Islamist extremists pose a growing danger. Hindus, the country's largest minority, make up nearly 10 percent of Bangladesh's 160 million people. Handl Klaus' Tomcat, a film about an Austrian gay couple whose romantic, carefree lives are shattered by violence, won the Teddy Award for best film at the Berlin International Film Festival on Sunday. The Teddys, now celebrating their 30th anniversary, are the world's oldest awards honoring LGBT cinema. Read More: 'Tomcat' ('Kater'): Berlin Review The jury gave a special award to You Will Never Be Alone from Chilean helmer Alex Anwandter, which also examines the impact of violence on gay life. The pic tells the story of Juan, a manager at a mannequin factory, whose gay teenager is nearly killed in a brutal attack. Sara Jordeno's Kiki, which explores New York's vibrant vogueing culture, took home the Teddy for best documentary, while Joanna Rytel's Moms on Fire earned best short film honors. Read More: 'Kiki': Sundance Review The Teddy audience award was given to Paris 5:59 (Theo & Hugo dans le meme bateau), a gritty young love story from French filmmakers Oliver Ducastel and Jacques Martineau. The readers of Berlin gay magazine Manner hailed Brazilian director Anna Muylaerts' Dont Call Me Son, which follows a cross-dressing teenage boy who finds out he was stolen at birth and is then forced to move in with his wealthy biological parents. Christine Vachon, producer of such groundbreaking LGBT films as Poison, Boys Don't Cry and Hedwig and the Angry Inch, received this year's Teddy Award for lifetime achievement. See More: The Scene at Berlin Film Festival Baghdad (AFP) - Iraqis took to social media Monday to pile ridicule on a cleric who said in a sermon that people should cut down on chocolate bars to fight the economic crisis. At a Baghdad mosque on Friday, Sheikh Jalaleddin al-Saghir took aim at Iraqis' immoderate love of "Nestle" -- a generic term for chocolate bars which they pronounce "Nestelleh". "Brothers, chocolate bars are not necessary. Restrict your spending because you may be in need tomorrow," said the cleric, a former MP from one of the country's leading parties. A video of the sermon, in which Saghir suggests Iraqis could save 70 percent of their salaries if they tried a bit harder, has since gone viral, drawing widespread online anger and derision. Nabil Jassem, a leading journalist and key figure of a protest movement formed last year against corruption and poor services, released his own video message. "No, your eminence, chocolate bars are very necessary. Why has this fate befallen us?" he asked. "We did not eat chocolate bars in the eighties, we did not eat chocolate bars in the nineties. Are we a poor people, is our state a poor state?" Iraq has some of the world's largest proven oil reserves, but years of corruption and mismanagement combined with plunging oil prices have left it dangerously close to insolvency. In comments to posts of the cleric's video, many argued that a worse case of bad spending might be the millions alloted to the privileges Iraqi politicians enjoy, such as lifetime bodyguard protection for former lawmakers. A chocolate bar costs an average of 250 dinars (around 20 US cents) in Iraq. Internet users flooded social media sites with poems, cartoons and photomontages showing Saghir's effigy on various popular snack bars, including one that was rebranded "Chocoladdin" for the occasion. A spokesman for the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council party to which Saghir belongs stepped in with his own video posted online. "Whoever attacks Sheikh Saghir will regret such a base act," Baligh Abu Gilal said. La Paz (AFP) - Bolivians on Sunday rejected leftist President Evo Morales' bid to seek a fourth term and potentially extend his presidency until 2025, local media reported. Already the country's longest serving leader, Morales lost a referendum 52.3 percent to 47.7 percent, according to Ipsos exit polls -- unofficial figures cited on private ATB television. It was the worst -- and first -- national political defeat for Morales, who has led the Andean nation for a decade. He had said he expected to see 70 percent in support of his bid. Last month, he became the longest serving president since Bolivia's independence from Spain in 1825 -- a rare accomplishment in a country known for military coups and shaky, short-lived governments. Now 56, he is Bolivia's first democratically elected president of indigenous heritage. The campaign formally ended on Thursday but continued furiously on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter throughout the weekend. Morales has overseen robust economic growth in Bolivia, but opponents accuse him of presiding over corruption and investing in flashy infrastructure projects at the expense of health and education. Morales's most recent, and perhaps most damaging, scandal relates to charges of favoritism shown to CAMC, a Chinese engineering company that won the bid for a major railroad expansion project. One of the top managers at CAMC's La Paz office is Gabriela Zapata, 28 -- Morales's former girlfriend. Morales is single and has recruited his older sister to perform the functions of first lady. However, he recently admitted to having a child with Zapata during a two-year relationship that began in 2005 when she was 18. Morales said the child later died. The president rejected corruption allegations as "a hoax by the US embassy" to discredit him, and insists that he has "nothing to hide." In an attempt to clear his name, Morales has asked state accounting authorities to investigate the process by which the government signed contracts worth $576 million with CAMC. Congress has also opened a probe into the corruption allegations. A close ally of the late Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, Morales tested his fortune at a time of disenchantment elsewhere in Latin American with longtime leftist leaders. La Paz (AFP) - Bolivian President Evo Morales promised Monday to respect the official result of a referendum on whether he can run for a fourth term, as early data indicated he risked losing. "We are going to respect the result, whether it be a No or a Yes. We always have respected it. That is democracy," he told a news conference. "We are going to wait patiently for the final whistle from the electoral tribunal. We are optimistic," added Morales, a keen football fan. Voters on Sunday had their say on a constitutional amendment that could let the leftist president make a bid to extend his total time in office to 19 years. First elected in 2006, Morales -- Bolivia's first indigenous head of state -- wants to run for another five-year term when his current one ends in 2020, to continue a socialist program that has improved the fortunes of poor indigenous groups. Exit polls published by private media indicated Morales narrowly lost the vote while partial official results showed he has lot of catching up to do to close the gap on the 'No' votes. Data cited by ATB television said the "No" vote had 52.3 percent to 47.7 percent for "Yes." Unitel television gave the "No" vote 51 percent to 49 percent. Partial official results with nearly 30 percent of votes counted on Monday morning showed 63 percent for No and 37 percent for Yes. Vice President Alvaro Garcia said the early official count was based on returns in urban areas. He said the Yes vote could increase as results trickle in from rural areas where Morales has strong support. He said Morales could also get a boost from hundreds of thousands of ballots cast by Bolivians living abroad. SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazilian federal police said on Monday they had identified $3 million in offshore deposits in 2012 and 2013 in favor of Joao Santana, President Dilma Rousseff's campaign manager, helped by data obtained from Citibank. Police Chief Filipe Pace said at a press conference the deposits were based on fraudulent contracts. He also said Santana had purchased an apartment in Sao Paulo with money illegally received from engineering conglomerate Odebrecht SA. Prosecutor Carlos Fernando Lima said Santana had not been arrested because he is abroad, though police have a warrant for his arrest. (Reporting by Caroline Stauffer; Editing by Daniel Flynn) By Caroline Stauffer and Pedro Fonseca SAO PAULO/RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazilian police said on Monday they obtained an arrest warrant for the architect of President Dilma Rousseff's electoral campaigns, complicating her fight to survive an investigation of her re-election in 2014 and stave off impeachment by Congress. The investigation of campaigner Joao Santana, known as "the maker of presidents" in Latin America, was part of Brazil's corruption investigation focusing on state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA, or Petrobras. Santana, the former ruling Workers' Party treasurer and a top aide to former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, as well as dozens of engineering executives, and a ruling party senator have been arrested for colluding to overcharge Petrobras for work in order to distribute excess funds as bribes. The arrest of Santana could be a further blow to Rousseff, who is not being investigated in the scandal but whose popularity has plummeted as a result. She faces questions over whether her campaign was financed with bribe money skimmed off of Petrobras. Police said they had identified $3 million in deposits for Santana in offshore accounts in 2012 and 2013 associated with Latin America's largest engineering firm, Group Odebrecht SA. Santana bought an apartment in Sao Paulo with the payments from Odebrecht, they said. Prosecutors said they were also investigating bribes paid from contracts with shipbuilder Sete Brasil and Keppel Fels, the Brazil unit of Singapore oil rig builder Keppel Corporation Ltd. Federal Judge Sergio Moro said in the arrest warrant that messages seized from Marcelo Odebrecht, the former chief executive of the family-run conglomerate, suggested the payments to Santana abroad were "surreptitious political donations." "It is possible that the transfers were intended to compensate, with bribes from Petrobras contracts, Joao Santana and Monica Regina for services provided to the Workers' Party," Moro wrote, referring to Santana's wife and business partner. Santana was not arrested because he is in the Dominican Republic overseeing the president's re-election campaign. In a statement provided by his press representative, Santana said he was quitting the re-election campaign in the Caribbean nation to return to Brazil and defend himself from "baseless accusations." Santana, 63, led Rousseff's 2010 and 2014 campaigns. He also advised Lula and late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in his re-election bid in 2012. A former journalist, Santana is known for producing dramatic, big-budget campaign videos appealing to poor voters. COMPENSATION WITH BRIBES Brazil's electoral court is investigating Rousseff's 2014 re-election campaign, including the suspicion of illegal funding. Congress is also trying to impeach her for manipulating government accounts in 2014, while she campaigned for re-election. "Targeting Santana is meaningful, and reinforces our assessment that the odds of the electoral supreme court calling new elections this year are on the rise, even if still unlikely," analysts with consultancy Eurasia Group wrote in a research note. Santana also appeared to have received bribes in 2013 and 2014 from Zwi Skornicki, a money mover who prosecutors said represented Keppel Fels. According to Moro, former Petrobras executive Pedro Barusco said in plea bargain testimony Skornicki delivered bribes on behalf of Keppel to secure contracts for offshore oil platforms. Police said they did not have arrest warrants for any Keppel executives. Keppel Corporation said in October it might face an investigation. The company said in a statement on Monday it did not tolerate bribery and corruption and would take all necessary steps to eradicate such conduct if discovered. Prosecutor Lima said an investigation of Sete Brasil was ongoing and related criminal charges should be expected soon. Sete Brasil said internal audits had found no irregularities in the contracts and that it was collaborating. Odebrecht, which prosecutors say may have led a cartel of engineering firms, said its offices in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and in Salvador were searched by police and that it would cooperate with authorities. Prosecutors said the 23rd phase of the investigation had brought more incriminating evidence against Marcelo Odebrecht, who has been jailed since June. They accuse him of trying to thwart their work and have evidence the company bribed other officials abroad, citing a former transportation secretary of Argentina. The operation may have also brought federal police closer to Lula, who is being investigated for money laundering at the state level. Newspaper Estado de S. Paulo published documents from the same operation on Monday suggesting Odebrecht had financed the construction of the former president's institute. The Lula Institute said in a statement the allegations were wrong as it was founded in 2011, after the alleged financing from Odebrecht in 2010. (Additional reporting by Thais Skodowski in Curitiba, Guillermo Parra-Bernal, Reese Ewing and; Brad Haynes in Sao Paulo; Writing by Caroline Stauffer; Editing by Daniel Flynn, Steve Orlofsky and Dan Grebler) SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil's federal police are conducting a round of raids on Monday related to a corruption probe into Joao Santana, the campaigner of President Dilma Rousseff's two successful presidential bids, TV Globo reported, without saying how it obtained the information. Nicknamed the "maker of presidents", Santana, 63, advised Rousseff, her predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in his re-election bid in 2012. According to TV Globo's Bom Dia Brasil news program, some of the raids were also aimed at Grupo Odebrecht, an engineering conglomerate linked to the "Operation Car Wash" investigation. The police did not have an immediate comment. Immediate efforts to reach Santana and Odebrecht's officials for comment were unsuccessful. Dozens of executives and politicians have been arrested or are under investigation on suspicion of overcharging state-controlled Petroleo Brasileiro SA and other state firms on contracts and using part of the proceeds to bribe members of Rousseff's ruling coalition. (Reporting by Guillermo Parra-Bernal Editing by Jeremy Gaunt) Brasilia (AFP) - Prosecutors investigating corruption at Brazilian state oil giant Petrobras ordered Monday the arrest of a prominent political consultant over multimillion-dollar payments he received while working on President Dilma Rousseff's re-election campaign. The prosecutors office said it had evidence that Joao Santana and his wife Monica secretly received $4.5 million in payments in 2013 and 2014 from a figure linked to the Petrobras scandal. Santana is one of Brazil's best known political consultants, having played a prominent role as marketing director in the presidential campaigns of Rousseff and her predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Rousseff was re-elected in 2014. He also advised the campaigns of Venezuela's late president Hugo Chavez and his successor, Nicolas Maduro. Prosecutors said Santana and his wife have not been arrested yet because they were out of the country. The G1 news website said the couple was in the Dominican Republic working on a presidential campaign there. In a statement, the prosecutor's office said it was investigating "possible crimes of corruption, foreign currency evasion and money-laundering resulting from a diversion of funds from Petrobras." It alleged that the funds were diverted from Petrobras to Santana by a financial operator, Zwi Skornicki, and by offshore firms controlled by the Odebrecht Group, a Brazilian construction giant. Skornicki is suspected of having paid bribes to Petrobras directors to manipulate the awarding of construction contracts. Kickbacks said to have been paid by construction companies to gain contracts were allegedly used to pay off prominent politicians. The scheme is estimated to have cost Petrobras some $2 billion over a 10-year period, including years in which Rousseff chaired the company's board. Rousseff has not been accused in the scandal, but it has ensnared top leaders of her Workers Party as well as key members of the Brazilian Congress. Story continues In the latest twist of the investigation, the Brazilian prosecutor's office said it had evidence that between September 2013 and November 2014, Skornicki transferred $4.5 million in nine transactions to a foreign account belonging to Santana and his wife. It issued arrest warrants for seven other people and seized documents concerning "the possible payment of Workers Party publicists with bribes coming from Petrobras." Raids were carried in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Bahia. Additionally, the prosecutor's office said there were indications that Marcelo Odebrecht, the former Odebrecht president who has been under arrest since June, also was involved in bribing Argentine officials as well as Brazilian officials. London (AFP) - Prime Minister David Cameron warned Monday that a vote to leave the EU would risk Britain's economic and national security, as uncertainty over the outcome of the June referendum sent the pound plunging. In a speech to the House of Commons, the Conservative leader launched a barely-veiled attack on London Mayor Boris Johnson, his long-term rival who has come out for Britain exiting the EU -- a Brexit -- accusing him of taking the position for political gain. Johnson challenged the prime minister to demonstrate how the deal reached in Brussels last week would return sovereignty "over any field of law-making" to the British parliament. Cameron said the deal would give the UK government greater powers over benefits, migration and an opt-out from an "ever-closer union." He told MPs to be clear that a vote to leave would be a "final decision," not a way to pitch for better membership terms. "Having a second renegotiation followed by a second referendum is not on the ballot paper," he said. As sterling fell to a near seven-year low against the dollar on the currency markets, Cameron told lawmakers that it was time to "properly face up to the economic consequences of a choice to leave". The pound had strengthened slightly on Friday following Cameron's deal with fellow European leaders for enhanced membership within the Union. But the currency fell on Monday following Johnson's dramatic announcement on Sunday evening that he would back a vote to quit the EU. Eurosceptics say Britain would still be able to trade with the European Union outside the bloc and regain control over laws and borders, but Cameron said that this would only be "an illusion of sovereignty". He also warned repeatedly that the threats of terrorism and Russian aggression in Ukraine meant remaining in the 28-nation club was more important than ever, saying: "This is no time to divide the West." Story continues Most analysts expect Britain to vote to stay in the EU on June 23, but opinion polls show the public is divided and the declaration of Johnson for the "Leave" camp has boosted its chances. The pound plunged to $1.4058 in early afternoon trading Monday, its lowest level since March 2009, before recovering slightly. Simon Smith, chief economist at FxPro, warned uncertainty ahead of the vote would weigh on the currency. "For sterling, this won't be a fun time," he said. - 'No other agenda' - Cameron set out the details of the reforms secured at an EU summit in Brussels last week, which he argues give Britain "special status" and are enough reason to vote to stay in. He is facing a major challenge in Johnson, a charismatic figure who manages to reach across the political divide and is tipped as a future prime minister. Johnson's announcement Sunday that he would back a Brexit boosted the "Leave" campaign, which until then had been marred by in-fighting and a lack of leadership. Six ministers who attend cabinet have already declared themselves in favour of the "Leave" campaign and reports suggest around a third of Cameron's 330 lawmakers could back a Brexit. The premier emphasised that he has promised not to contest the next election and had "no other agenda than what's best for our country", a reference to speculation that Johnson is backing Brexit as a move on the Tory leadership. And he condemned the idea that a "Leave" vote could simply be a tactic to win further EU reforms, an idea indirectly referenced by Johnson, as "for the birds". No country has ever left the EU and the prospect of a Brexit is posing a major headache for the bloc, already grappling with its biggest migration crisis since World War II. Britain first joined the then European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973, and in a referendum two years later the public backed membership by just over 67 percent. But the country has had a strained relationship with Brussels, opting out of key projects including the euro and the Schengen passport-free zone. London (AFP) - Captain Eric Brown, a legendary Royal Navy pilot who flew 487 types of aircraft and survived 11 plane crashes, died in hospital on Sunday at the age of 97. Brown, known as "Winkle", was a world record holder, flying more types of aircraft than anyone else in history and making 2,407 landings on aircraft carriers. He was also the most decorated pilot of the Fleet Air Arm, the Royal Navy's airborne wing, earning the British royal honours MBE, OBE and CBE. British Astronaut Tim Peake tweeted a tribute from space: "So sad to hear that Capt Eric 'Winkle' Brown has died - to my mind the greatest test pilot who has ever lived. A true inspiration." Capt Brown was born in Leith, Scotland in 1919. He flew fighter aircraft during World War Two, survived the sinking of the British escort carrier HMS Audacity and witnessed the liberation of Bergen Belsen concentration camp. Queen Elizabeth visited the camp in 2015 and met survivors and liberators including Capt Brown, who described the scene as "a field of corpses". He said the Queen replied: "It must have been horrific really.'' Brown died at East Surrey Hospital after a short illness. First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas, the head of the Royal Navy, paid tribute to him. "The Fleet Air Arm may have lost one of its finest and best known pilots, but British aviation has lost something even greater - the most accomplished test pilot of his generation and perhaps of all time, and a huge advocate of military aviation," he said. Cambodia health officials on Monday were screening hundreds of villagers for HIV after 14 locals tested positive for the virus, sparking fears of a fresh outbreak. Nervous villagers from Peam, an hour north of the capital Phnom Penh, have flocked to a house where a team of health officials were taking blood samples. Ly Peng Sun, the director of the National Centre for HIV, said moves to test the entire village were made after 14 people screened positive earlier this month. "More than 140 people have come for testing (today) and the results so far show around 50 people are HIV-negative," he added. HIV rates are high in impoverished Cambodia but the country has made significant gains against the virus in recent years. However fears are running high after a recent outbreak in another village left more than 200 infected. That outbreak was traced to an unlicensed doctor reusing dirty needles who has since been jailed. Some of those testing positive in Peam believe they may have been infected by a doctor, locals said. "The villagers are nervous now. They suspect the doctor might have spread HIV," Phy Sobin, 33, told AFP by telephone after she tested negative. "I used to get many injections from the doctor. I and my two kids tested negative for HIV, but my husband has not tested yet," she said, adding that her 67-year old aunt had been confirmed HIV-positive. However Ly Peng Sun said it was too early to say what caused the latest outbreak. The doctor at the centre of the previous outbreak in the western province of Battambang was jailed for 25 years, partly because some of his patients died after being infected. The case shone a spotlight on the chronically underfunded healthcare system in the impoverished nation. World Bank figures say Cambodia, one of Asia's poorest nations, has just 0.2 doctors for every 100,000 people, on a par with Afghanistan. Ottawa (AFP) - Canada's Finance Minister Bill Morneau lowered economic expectations Monday, saying the oil rout will put his Liberals' first budget into a deeper deficit than was promised only months ago. Ahead of the budget on March 22, private sector economists downgraded their outlook for oil prices this year from US$54 per barrel announced in November to US$40. Their 2016 growth forecasts -- which the government uses in planning its budget -- were also lowered from 2.0 percent to 1.4 percent. As a result, Ottawa is now projecting a deficit of at least Can$18.4 billion in fiscal 201617 and Can$15.5 billion in 201718. Canada's debt-to-GDP ratio would fall from 31.8 percent to 31.1 percent in those years as the economy picks up steam, while the national debt rises to Can$650 billion. "Our starting point is much further back than we thought," Morneau told a nationally-televised town hall meeting in Ottawa. "Canada finished the year 2015 and is heading into the year 2016 on a weaker note," he said. The Liberals swept into power last November promising to spend up to Can$25 billion more than the government would take in during the first three years of its mandate in order to shore up an economy hit hard by the plunge in oil prices, and then aim to return to surplus by 2019. Canada is one of the world's largest oil exporters, accounting for 10 percent of its GDP. The revised budget figures include a middle-income tax cut announced in January, financial aid for oil-rich Alberta province, and the cost of resettling 25,000 Syrian refugees, but not billions of dollars in other spending that the Liberals had pledged during the election campaign. The final numbers are to be released in the budget. Opposition leader Rona Ambrose, meanwhile, accused Morneau of "incompetence," saying he has managed in his first 100 days in office to squander a small surplus inherited from the previous Tory administration. Story continues "What we see now is a Liberal plan for uncontrolled permanent new spending that will not create jobs, (and) just create a larger government," she told reporters. Morneau commented earlier that the government's 2016 fiscal blueprint "won't be a knee-jerk reaction to recent economic shifts." "We have the resources and resourcefulness to endure these short-term challenges. We have the maneuverability to position ourselves for future success," he said. London (United Kingdom) (AFP) - The Syrian ceasefire announced by the United States and Russia will only work if there is a "major change of behaviour" by the Syrian regime and Russia, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said on Monday. "It will only succeed if there is a major change of behaviour by the Syrian regime and its backers," he said. "Russia, in particular, must honour this agreement by ending its attacks on Syrian civilians and moderate opposition groups." The United States and Russia announced the "cessation of hostilities" on Monday, indicating it would come into effect on Saturday 27. It excludes militants from the Islamic State, Nusra Front and other groups the United Nations Security Council deems terrorist entities. Hammond welcomed the deal but said Russia needs to demonstrate its compliance "by clearly only targeting Daesh (IS) and those recognised as terrorists by the international community." He added that the deal was an "important step towards reducing the horrendous levels of violence in Syria." Hammond said he hoped a ceasefire would enable political negotiations "to re-start in earnest" and deliver a political transition "away from Assad, to a government in Damascus that can represent all Syrians." DAKAR (Reuters) - Central African Republic's newly elected president plans to focus on peace and disarmament in a country torn apart by years of war, his campaign director said on Monday. Former prime minister Faustin-Archange Touadera won a presidential run-off on Saturday in what was widely seen as a step towards reconciliation after years of violent turmoil. But huge challenges remain in one of the world's most unstable countries which is divided along ethnic and religious lines and in most parts run by warlords. "The priority will be peace, social cohesion and security," Touadera's campaign director Simplice Sarandji told Reuters. "The emphasis will be put on the DDRR (disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation) program, then on the restructuring of the armed forces." Central African Republic suffered the worst crisis in its history in early 2013 when mainly Muslim Seleka fighters toppled president Francois Bozize. Christian so-called anti-Balaka militias responded by attacking the Muslim minority. A fifth of the population have fled their homes to escape the violence. Touadera, 58, a former mathematics professor who campaigned against corruption, won 62.71 percent of votes cast in the Feb. 14 election, according to initial results. The president will focus on disarming the Seleka and anti-Balaka fighters with help from the international community, Sarandji said. If deemed suitable, some rebels will be able to join the army, he added. "Those who wish to engage in other activities can do so with government support, of course," he said. Sarandji added that any major decisions, including forming a government or appointing a prime minister, will be taken after the president's inauguration. (Reporting by Crispin Dembassa-Kette, writing by Edward McAllister, editing by David Evans) N'Djamena (AFP) - A Chadian student was shot dead and five others wounded Monday when soldiers broke up a protest over a girl's brutal gang rape, as demonstrations showed no sign of abating ahead of a presidential vote. The death was the second in a week of protests by students who have taken to the streets of the capital N'Djamena and beyond to express rage over the gang rape of a girl named Zouhoura, which has been blamed on the sons of senior officials. The unprecedented wave of protests that erupted on February 15 comes ahead of a presidential vote in April, which incumbent Idriss Deby Itno, in power for 26 years, hopes to win in one of the world's poorest countries. "Soldiers fired at students leaving one dead and five hurt," a hospital worker in the northern city of Faya Largeau told AFP by phone. Last Thursday, the Chadian government slapped a ban on unauthorised demonstrations with the minister for security and immigration accusing students of "sowing disorder" and saying they were "being manipulated by politicking groups." The ban came after police used teargas to disperse students in N'Djamena gathering to protest the death of 17-year-old demonstrator Abbachou Hassan Ousmane, who was killed in a earlier protest over the rape. The trouble erupted after a girl was allegedly kidnapped and gang-raped by five young men who then posted a video online showing the victim naked and in tears. The video has since been taken down. The footage sparked widespread public anger, with police arresting five suspected rapists -- three of them the sons of generals -- and four alleged accomplices, including a son of Foreign Minister Moussa Faki Mahamat. Zouhoura's father, who filed a complaint over the attack, is a candidate in the April 10 elections. But the arrests have done little to appease the students' rage. - 'We ask for justice' - Seventeen students arrested on Friday for protesting in Massaguet, 80 kilometres (50 miles) from N'Djamena, were still in detention Monday, according to the Chadian Convention for the Defence of Human Rights (CTDDH). Story continues In a statement, the group blasted "the gratuitous and arbitrary arrest of 17 students who were expressing their anger over the despicable act carried out by the sons of senior officials, and over the murder of young Abbachou." It also accused police of "torturing" the detainees at the police station. After the protest ended, a fire ripped through the town's market. Police accused demonstrators of setting fire to two shops, claiming the flames then spread across the market. In N'Djamena, students at two major high schools skipped class in protest on Monday after a similar protest on Friday, an AFP journalist said. "What little Zouhoura suffered was a barbaric, despicable act ... We ask for justice, to set an example. I am shocked. This must not go unpunished," Therese Mekombe, who heads an association of women jurists, told AFP. According to Chadian news website JournalduTchad.com, the suspected rapists are being held a high-security prison in the country's north. - 'Enough' - Clamping down on dissident voices, Deby's regime has blocked access to Facebook and other social media networks used by protesters, an AFP journalist said. Civil society groups have stepped up calls for Deby's departure. Last week, opposition movements gathered at the Union of Syndicates headquarters launched a campaign entitled: "That's Enough". "This campaign's aim is to call for Deby's departure. The Chadian people can't take five more years. It's enough, he has to go," campaign spokesman Younous Ibedou told AFP, saying a series of peaceful protests would take place from from February 24. A collection of poems dedicated to Zouhoura, written by young boys and girls, has also been published, according to another local website named Tchadinfos.com. The poems are dedicated to the memory Abbachou Hassan Ousmane "who died a martyr" as well as to women's rights activists, "and to Zouhoura, a victim of collective sexual violence." Los Angeles (AFP) - The ex-beauty queen wife of Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has blasted the Mexican government in a TV interview, claiming that they turned her loving husband into the world's most wanted criminal. Emma Coronel told the US Spanish-language Telemundo on Sunday that Guzman is an intelligent and affectionate man, and that she had no proof that he was in the drug trade. "The Mexican government made sure to portray Joaquin Guzman as the world's most wanted kingpin -- that doesn't mean that he turned into the world's most wanted kingpin," said Coronel, 26. "I don't know if they did it on purpose or to cover up more important things, because the things they are bringing out and saying seems highly exaggerated." Coronel, the mother of Guzman's US-born twin girls, added: "I have no knowledge that he trafficked in drugs." "El Chapo" was recaptured on January 8, six months after he tunneled his way out of a maximum security prison. He was returned to the same prison he escaped from, the Altiplano, some 90 kilometers (55 miles) west of Mexico City. Coronel denied that Guzman was one of the world's richest men, and said she had no idea where the billions of dollars Guzman allegedly has are located. "I don't know where they get that he is bloodthirsty, even a rapist," she said. "It seems very unjust to be saying such outrageous things about him." Everything being said about Guzman "are mere suppositions, because he has not been judged or sentenced," she said. To prevent another escape, prison authorities at the Altiplano assigned two permanent guards in front of his cell, with a camera on top of their helmets to watch his every move. They also regularly move Guzman to a new cell without warning. A dog also tastes his food before it is served to him to thwart any poisoning attempt. Guzman and Coronel were reportedly married in 2007 in the northern state of Durango, when she was 18 years old. Coronel said she feared for her 58-year-old husband's life, saying that he's being mistreated in prison as payback for embarrassing the government by escaping last year. "They don't let him sleep, he has no privacy to go to the bathroom, they don't even let him go walk in the patio," she said. By Aaron Ross KINSHASA (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo will allow some 150 children adopted by foreign parents, mostly Americans, to leave the country after spending more than two years in legal limbo, the interior ministry said on Monday. In 2013, Congo imposed a moratorium on exit visas to children adopted by foreign parents, citing fears that the children could be abused or trafficked. The government has also voiced concerns about adoptions by gay couples. Congo became a favored international adoption destination in recent years because it has more than 4 million orphaned children, according to the U.N. children's agency UNICEF, as well as lax regulation. The central African nation is mineral-rich but deeply impoverished. It has suffered through two civil wars and armed groups continue to plague its eastern region. Between 2010 and 2013, U.S. adoptions from Congo rose 645 percent, the U.S. Department of State said. Interior ministry spokesman Claude Pero Luwara said an inter-ministerial commission had approved the exit visas. In November, the commission signed off on exit visas for about 70 children adopted by European, Canadian and American families. Congo's government has come under intense pressure from those countries' governments to lift the suspension. "The dossiers that were released ... it was mostly American children," Luwara said, adding that the commission will consider about 900 more foreign adoption cases and plans to complete its work next month. Parliament is expected to take up a bill this year to lift the moratorium and regulate foreign adoptions. The U.S. Embassy in the capital Kinshasa could not immediately confirm the interior ministry's statement. A Thomson Reuters Foundation investigation in October found that the ban had spurred a black market in child smuggling, with more than 80 adopted Congolese children illegally transported out of the country and to the United States. (Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Katharine Houreld) By Scott Malone BOSTON (Reuters) - Bill Cosby's wife of a half-century faced questioning on Monday by lawyers for seven women who accused the comedian of sex assault and sued him for defamation after a federal judge rejected her bid to avoid a deposition. Camille Cosby, who manages her husband's business, was deposed at a hotel in Springfield, Massachusetts. Her lawyers earlier unsucessfully sought to convince a U.S. District Court judge to stop her testimony. Plaintiffs' lawyer Joseph Cammarata said he intended to "vindicate our clients' interests." "I expect to ask her about her relationship with Mr. Cosby, her relationship to his personal interests, his business interests and matters that are relevant," Cammarata said. The deposition was taken behind closed doors. Local media reported that Cosby was not spotted but cited lawyers on the scene as confirming the deposition began. Camille Cosby has stood by her husband of 52 years, an entertainer who made a career of family-friendly comedy. Over the past few years, more than 50 women have accused Cosby of sexually assaulting them in alleged attacks dating back decades. Cosby, 78, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. Tamara Green, a former aspiring model and singer who alleges Cosby drugged and sexually abused her, filed the Massachusetts civil lawsuit in December 2014. She was later joined by six other women who say Cosby sexually assaulted them and defamed them by calling them liars. Under Massachusetts law, spouses cannot be compelled to testify against one another in criminal cases. They can be compelled to give depositions or testimony in civil matters, with one primary exception: A spouse does not have to answer questions about intimate conversations with his or her partner. Camille Cosby's dual role as Cosby's wife and business partner muddy that distinction, legal experts said. She could be compelled to talk about one-on-one conversations with her husband that were purely about business. Jacqueline Newman, a family law specialist at Berkman Bottger Newman & Rodd, said attorneys may hope to use questioning as a way to pressure Cosby into settling the suit. "It's more for leverage," Newman said. "I would imagine that Bill is not keen that his wife is being pulled in to testify." Most of Cosby's alleged crimes date too far back to be prosecuted. Pennsylvania officials last year criminally charged Cosby with sexually assaulting a woman in 2005. (Reporting by Scott Malone; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn and Cynthia Osterman) New York (AFP) - Disgraced American comedian Bill Cosby's wife Camille was called to testify Monday in a deposition in Massachusetts, where her husband is suing seven women who accuse him of sexual assault. Camille was called to give evidence in a hotel in the northeastern state where the star turned pariah has accused seven women of lying in alleging that he assaulted them -- in order to damage his reputation and exact financial reward. More than 50 women have come forward nationally to accuse the 78-year-old television legend of sexual assault in allegations spanning decades, and yet Camille has stuck by her man. The couple have been married 52 years. Monday's deposition marks the first time that his 71-year-old wife has been forced to give evidence in cases against her husband despite a last-ditch attempt by his legal team to get her off the hook. Cosby's defense team told AFP the deposition was private and said it would be making no further comment. In addition to being Cosby's wife, she is also his former business manager. In December 2014, as the onslaught of allegations built up, Camille leapt to defend her "wonderful husband" and criticized the media coverage. "None of us will ever want to be in the position of attacking a victim. But the question should be asked -- who is the victim?" she said in a statement. Earlier this month, a judge paved the way for Cosby to stand trial in the state of Pennsylvania for the first time on a criminal sexual assault charge, throwing out an attempt by his lawyers to dismiss the case. By Marc Frank HAVANA (Reuters) - President Raul Castro called on all Cubans to help eradicate the mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus on Monday and ordered 9,000 army troops to help stave off the disease. Cuba has yet to detect a case of Zika, but the outbreak is affecting large parts of Latin America and the Caribbean and is likely to spread to all countries in the Americas except for Canada and Chile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said. "It's necessary for every single Cuban to take up this battle as a personal matter," Castro wrote in a national message sounding the alarm over Zika, which is carried by mosquitoes that transmit the virus to humans and which is suspected of causing birth defects after infecting pregnant women. Cubans should clean up potential environments for the Aedes genus of mosquitoes, said Castro, who also is general of the armed forces. He ordered 9,000 active-duty officers and reserves plus 200 police officers to join the effort. Military reserves were out on the streets of Havana's Cerro district on Monday, knocking on doors and fumigating homes. People appeared cooperative as they gathered on corners waiting for the fumes to clear. "We are fighting by using the public health system so the Zika virus does not attack our country," said Cristina Suarez, a mechanical engineer and military reservist mobilized for the campaign. The ruling Communist Party and the government have adopted a plan under the direction of the Health Ministry to deal with Zika that will also help combat the mosquito-borne diseases dengue and chikungunya, Castro said. One Health Ministry employee, who asked not to be identified because she was not authorized to talk with journalists, said the country's vast network of neighborhood doctors and clinics were watching for Zika symptoms and that suspected cases would be quarantined in hospital wards prepared for an eventual outbreak. "There are no confirmed cases yet but there will be. To date there have been two suspected cases that turned out negative," said the employee, who has real-time access to epidemiological data. The WHO declared the outbreak an international health emergency on Feb. 1, citing a "strongly suspected" relationship between Zika infection in pregnancy and microcephaly, a condition marked by abnormally small head size. However, much remains unknown about Zika, including whether the virus actually causes microcephaly. Scientists are also studying a potential link between Zika infection and Guillain-Barre, a rare neurological disorder that can weaken the muscles and cause paralysis. There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika. (Reporting by Marc Frank and Daniel Trotta; Editing by Bill Trott and Jonathan Oatis) Los Angeles (AFP) - Hollywood is suffering an "epidemic of invisibility" among ethnic minorities, women and LGBT people, a new study showed Monday, just days ahead of the film industry's glittering Oscars awards night. From the boardrooms of film and television studios to the actors in front of the camera, the industry is overwhelmingly white, male and heterosexual, the report by the University of Southern California found. "This is no mere diversity problem. This is an inclusion crisis," said Stacy Smith, of USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, who authored the report. The study comes with a social media campaign under the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite threatening to overshadow the Academy Awards on Sunday, the culmination of Hollywood's annual awards season. No ethnic minority actor or actress has been nominated in any of the top categories for the second year running, sparking an outcry against the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "Overall, the landscape of media content is still largely whitewashed," concluded the report, which looked at Hollywood output aired from September 2014 to August 2015. Of 11,300 speaking characters in 414 film and TV series studied by researchers, one third were female while just 28 percent were ethnic minorities, far short of the proportion in society at large, usually given at somewhere approaching 40 percent. Just two percent were LGBT-identified, while 74 percent of characters aged over 40 were men. Around half of the 305 shows and 109 movies did not feature a single Asian or Asian-American character while a fifth had no black characters. Behind the camera, just 15 percent of directors, 29 percent of writers and 23 percent of series creators were female. "The hashtag #OscarsSoWhite should be changed to #HollywoodSoWhite, as our findings show that an epidemic of invisibility runs throughout popular storytelling," the report said. Story continues The study reflects the 2015 Hollywood Diversity Report, produced by the University of California, Los Angeles, which found that ethnic minorities were under-represented on every front, from leading acting roles and directing to writing and reality television. Film studio heads were 94 percent white and 100 percent male, while senior managers were 92 percent white and 83 percent male. The pattern was repeated in television. The Academy's board, smarting from claims of institutional racism, has announced that by 2020 it will double the number of women and people from minority backgrounds among its voting members, which it currently puts at 24 percent and seven percent respectively. NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Members of a rural Indian caste reached a deal late on Monday to end their protests that paralyzed the north Indian state of Haryana and cut water supplies to Delhi's 20 million residents, a protest leader and a police source said. A Jat community leader said protesters had reached an accord with state and federal leaders and would clear road blockades and end their agitation, in which 16 people have been killed and more than 150 injured. "The government has promised to meet our demands and we have promised our full cooperation," Ramesh Dalal, convener of the Jat Arakshan Andolan (Jat Reservation Movement), told Reuters. Dalal said he had appealed to the entire Jat community, which makes up around a quarter of the population of Haryana, to return home after staging state-wide protests to demand more government jobs and college places. A senior police officer said that state leaders had persuaded the Jats to call off their protests. "Our challenge is to keep the law and order situation under control," the officer said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. Days of rioting and looting by Jats had challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise of better days for Indians who elected him in 2014 with the largest majority in three decades. (Reporting by Rupam Jain; Writing by Douglas Busvine) Prime Minister David Cameron cut his deal with the European Union late last Friday, making Britain a nation of Ins and Outs for the next five months. Should the EUs most powerful member remain part of the union or go its own way? British voters will give the world their answer in a referendum now set for June 23. But its not the only questionor even the biggest. Whats ultimately at issue as Britons debate their future is whether the Europe weve come to know survives or whether the ideal of democratic unity -- first articulated nearly seven decades -- ago becomes an historical artifact of an era now passing. Related: 'Brexit' odds shorten as London mayor Johnson supports 'out' campaign The prospect of a Brexit is a global concern (never mind that no presidential contender in the US election campaigns is within a million miles of raising so important a question). A lot would change were Britain to exit the EU, and none of it would be to Americas benefit. The EU has been in rough shape for some time, of course. The Greek crisis last year, following six years of economic austerity, divided members into advocates and enemies of the neoliberal orthodoxy long prevalent in Brussels and Frankfurt, seat of the European Central Bank. EU leaders voted last December to extend sanctions against Russia for six more months; but Italy, France, and other nations signaled at the time that they would not go along. (The Obama administration ought to think harder about this, since it wants to see Europe remain unified.) Now the migrant crisis revives long-submerged nationalist impulses, notably but not only among newer members in Eastern Europe. Amid all this, who would have thought Britain, pillar of conservative diplomacy and advocate par excellence of neoliberal economics, would prove the true threat to European unity? But lose the Brits, and its anybodys guess whether the EU will begin to unravel. Its a risk, certainly. Related: London Mayor Boris to campaign for British exit from EU While EU membership now divides Britain, the fissure in its political culture is a variant of Americas: Camerons Conservative government faces insurgencies from left and right, both of them fed upfor very different reasonswith the status quo between London and Brussels. Story continues At the extremes are the nativist UK Independence Party and the left side of Labourunlikely allies if ever there were any. But anti-European sentiment also runs straight through the middle: Over the weekend Camerons cabinet sprouted a Gang of Sixministers openly campaigning for a Brexitand news reports indicate opposition to the prime ministers deal is spreading rapidly. Fundamentally at issue is Britains demand for special status as an EU member. In the deal Cameron negotiated with EU President Donald Tusk, Britain opts out of the principle enshrined as ever closer union. Providing London gets backing from more than half of other members legislatures, a new mechanism allows it to block EU proposals. The Tory manifesto Cameron took into his talks with Tusk also called for severe restrictions on the benefits Britain is required to extend to intra-EU migrants. On this point, Cameron returned to London over the weekend with half a loaf at best, and this is a major source of irritation in the pro-Brexit constituency. Related: Britain's economy will be worse off if it leaves the EU: Reuters poll The other major questions concerned deregulationmore and faster was Camerons positionand protection for EU members who are not part of the single-currency eurozone, especially in the case of bailouts. He did well on the first point and so-so on the second. The British press already teems with speculation as to the direction of national sentiment. The subtlest appraisal out there now is from Philip Stephens, a Financial Times columnist whose weekend piece earned the headline, How the Outs could win. The story of modern democracies is one of an insurgency against the elites, Stephens writes. The Out campaign will exploit public fears about immigration, rail against bankers and corporate fat cats, and offer voters a chance to punish Mr. Cameron for his austerity programme. A referendum about Europe, the Ins can win comfortably; not so one that turns on what voters feel about the state of the world. The state of the world is whats at issue. A Brexit would signal decisively that the European project has passed its peak. Now what? will be the question. Related: PIMCO sees 40 percent chance of 'Brexit', uncertainty to hit markets Brexit would also deal a severe blow to Europes place as one of three global trading blocs (along with North America and East Asia). The EUs geopolitical weight would inevitably declinea clear concern in Washington. Weekend reports indicated that European leaders were relieved that Cameron went home with a deal after concluding talks late Friday evening. But they also said the Continent has little taste for a multi-speed Europesuggesting theres no further room for compromise. Everyones right to be concerned as Britains Outs gain traction, but no one will be blameless if they get their Brexit. As argued previously in this space, Europe has evolved into a technocratic institution at the cost of a ridiculously weak parliament in Strasbourg. This is Brussels fault; this is Frankfurts fault (and Berlins). Only a genuine social and democratic refounding of the eurozone, designed to encourage growth and employment will be sufficient, Thomas Piketty, the French economist recently wrote in The New York Review of Books. The same holds for the EU as a whole. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: By Elias Biryabarema and Ben Makori KAMPALA (Reuters) - President Yoweri Museveni on Sunday dismissed European Union and U.S. criticism of Uganda's presidential election, telling foreign observers not to lecture him. Museveni, in power since 1986, was declared the winner on Saturday but Kizza Besigye, his main challenger, who was under house arrest on Sunday, called the election a sham. Another candidate, Amama Mbabazi, said it was "fundamentally flawed". The EU observer mission said Thursday's vote had been conducted in an "intimidating" atmosphere. Chief observer Eduard Kukan said it had been undermined by a "lack of transparency and independence" at the electoral commission. But Museveni, 71, dismissed the idea that the commission had favoured him and his National Resistance Movement (NRM). "They are wrong, they are not serious," Museveni told reporters in his country home in Kiruhura, southwestern Uganda. "I told those Europeans ... I don't need lectures from anybody." Museveni has presided over strong economic growth but is accused at home and abroad of repression of dissent and failing to tackle rampant corruption. Critics also say he wants to rule the nation of 37 million people for life, emulating other African leaders who refuse to give up power. Museveni last clashed with Western donors in 2014, when Uganda passed a law that imposes harsh penalties on homosexuality. Several EU countries cut aid, as did the United States, which also imposed visa restrictions and cancelled a regional military exercise. In total, more than $100 million in aid was halted or re-directed - a significant blow for a country that depends on foreign aid for about 20 percent of its budget. However, Museveni has also won favour with the West by sending troops to Somalia to battle Islamist militants with ties to al Qaeda. Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo, who led a group of Commonwealth observers, said the poll "fell short of meeting some key democratic benchmarks". The United States also criticised the handling of the vote and raised concerns about the house arrest of Besigye, who was in detention for the fourth time in a week and alleged that his electronic communication had been blocked. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called Museveni on Friday to voice concern over the harassment of opposition figures and the shutdown of social media in Uganda, where Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp have faced outages since election day. "Mr John Kerry rang me and I told him: 'Don't worry, we're experts in managing all those things (elections)'," said Museveni. Besigye on Sunday urged his backers to demonstrate for his release. Besigye's supporters clashed with police on Friday when officers stormed the headquarters of his Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Last Monday, police fired bullets and tear gas towards protesters, who responded by hurling rocks and erecting street barricades. (Additional reporting by Edith Honan in Nairobi; Writing by Drazen Jorgic; Editing by Kevin Liffey) (In this February 20 story, corrects in second paragraph that Ibrahim came to the U.S. in 1981, corrects the reason for Ibrahim's protest in paragraph 9.) By Emily Flitter MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (Reuters) - Elhamy Ibrahim, 62, is a Muslim who does not like very many other Muslims these days, but loves Donald Trump. The Egyptian-born businessman who came to the United States in 1981 and became a citizen two decades later said in an interview on Friday that he was alarmed by changes in Egypt, where, in his view, high unemployment and poverty have driven many young Egyptians to religious extremism. He strongly backs Trump's proposal to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. until authorities can determine if they pose a threat, even though such a ban could bring hassles for him if he traveled abroad. That is one reason why Ibrahim, who says he does not attend a mosque regularly, approached the real estate mogul after a rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and called out "I'm a Muslim and I love you!" NBC News published a video of the exchange, which took place the evening before Saturday's Republican primary in South Carolina. Ibrahim proudly posted the video to his Facebook page. Trump has stirred outrage not just in the U.S. but around the world for comments that his critics say are anti-Muslim. But Trump's fans, including Ibrahim, say Trump's rhetoric, rather than being insensitive and exclusionary, addresses their fears of the violence they see occurring halfway across the globe. "If he stopped me coming into the U.S., I'd say 'fine'," Ibrahim said. "If he said he wanted a loyalty test, I'd be the first to sign it." SELF-IMPOSED EXILE As a university student, Ibrahim was jailed twice by the security services of the late President Anwar Sadat, then drafted to fight in Egypt's 1973 war against Israel, where he was wounded by an explosion that left him blind in one eye. He said Egyptian security officials ripped his toenails out with pliers because he had protested over Sadat not going to war with Israel. After finishing his degree, he went to Yemen and became friends with the U.S. Consul General in Sana'a, who persuaded him to come to the United States. He lived first in New York, then Baltimore, where he began buying real estate, and eventually moved to Myrtle Beach. Despite the torture he suffered, Ibrahim is comfortable with Trump's call to "bring back waterboarding and much worse" when interrogating terror suspects. "Torture is being used all over the world, today, tomorrow and yesterday," Ibrahim said. "At least he's saying it in public." His favorite thing about Trump is his business background. "He'll bring America back - I want to see America that I used to know, not the one that (President Barack) Obama and (former President) George W. Bush destroyed." He also wants a president who sees Muslims the way he does. His mother and sister, who grew up wearing high heels and mid-length skirts, began to wear head scarves in the early 1990s to avoid harassment on the streets of Cairo. Egypt became a more conservative place. "The media there, they make America seem evil," he said. "They destroy the spirit of the younger generation, they make them stuck in religion like a bunch of sheep in a flock." (Reporting By Emily Flitter; Editing by Caren Bohan and Marguerita Choy) By Marc Jones LONDON (Reuters) - Joining the European Union has lost its allure for candidate countries in the Balkans due to the bloc's migrant crisis and the possibility that Britain will leave the bloc, Serbia's prime minister said on Monday. But Aleksandar Vucic added that joining the EU remained the top policy goal for Serbia, which began formal accession talks last year. "The EU that all of us (Balkan countries) are aspiring to, it has lost its magic power," Vucic told a conference at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in London. "Yes we all want to join, but it is no longer the big dream it was in the past." Balkan countries have been badly affected by the migrant crisis, which has seen more than a million people flood into the EU over the past year, fleeing wars and poverty in the Middle East and beyond. Many migrants have taken the "Balkan route" via Macedonia, Serbia and Croatia to reach wealthy western Europe. Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the event, Vucic also raised the prospect of a British exit, or "Brexit". "When you see that in Britain at least 50 percent of the people say they want to leave (the EU) that has an effect on the public," he said. Prime Minister David Cameron has negotiated changes to the terms of Britain's EU membership and hopes to persuade voters to back them in an in-out referendum set for June 23. Some opinion polls suggest the outcome could be very close. Among Serbia's neighbors in southeastern Europe, Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia are already inside the EU, while Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania and Turkey are candidate nations along with Serbia. Bosnia and Kosovo also hope one day to join. RUSSIAN FACTOR Serbia received encouragement in December when the EU opened talks on two new policy areas, though Belgrade's troubled relations with its former province of Kosovo, whose independence it refuses to recognize, is likely to remain a major hurdle. Serbia's friendly relations with Russia are also a potential stumbling bloc, given EU economic sanctions imposed on Moscow over its role in the Ukraine crisis and its annexation of the Crimean region. Serbia sells large amounts of agricultural produce and other goods to Russia. These would have been restricted if Serbia had already been part of the European Union. "We would like to preserve good relations with Russia as well (as pursue EU membership)," Vucic said during a panel at the EBRD event. (Reporting by Marc Jones; Editing by Gareth Jones) PARIS (Reuters) - The European Commission has no plan "B" in place if Britain votes to leave the European Union, and the executive body will stay on the sidelines of the referendum campaign, European Union Finance Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said on Sunday. Britons will vote June 23 on whether to remain a member of the EU. Asked in an interview on France 5 television whether the EU was planning what to do if they vote to leave, Moscovici said, "No, no and no, there is no plan 'B'. It doesn't help us in any way to envisage disaster scenarios." "The day we start talking about a plan `B' is the day we no longer believe in our plan 'A'. I have just one plan. The United Kingdom in a united Europe," Moscovici said. Moscovici said the EU's executive will not take part in the referendum campaign, saying any involvement could backfire. "For me, it is prudent not to go campaign and try to impose a choice on a sovereign people. Referendums are dangerous, especially for Europe," he said. Asked about the campaign that has kicked off with London Mayor Boris Johnson joining the call for Britain to quit the EU, Moscovici said the move could hurt Johnson's image. "It will not be easy for Mr. Johnson to end up next to Nigel Farage and some other clowns and populists," Moscovici said. He said Europe was facing existential challenges, such as the Greek debt crisis and the current refugee crisis, but that the solutions should be at the European level. "It is a lot of crises, but these are European problems, but they are also international. The idea that you could find national solutions to these problems which are international is a lie," he said. "If there was a vote for Great Britain to leave the EU, it will be an inversion of the historic dynamic of the past years which has seen more countries join the bloc." Moscovici said. (Reporting by Bate Felix, editing by Larry King) By Daniel Ramos and Monica Machicao LA PAZ (Reuters) - Bolivian President Evo Morales looked headed for defeat in a referendum on whether the leftist leader can seek a fourth term in office, according to exit polls and early results on Sunday. Morales, 56, now serving his third term, was trying to change the constitution so he could run for re-election in 2019, potentially allowing the former coca grower to remain president until 2025. With 3.6 percent of votes counted, the 'no' camp was on 67 percent, versus 33 percent for 'yes', according to early official results from the electoral commission. Full results are expected later on Monday. Exit polls also showed he may have lost the vote, although by a narrower margin. An Ipsos poll had the "no" side at 52.3 percent and "yes" at 47.7 percent, while a Mori poll gave a 51 percent to 49 percent lead to the "no." Speaking outside the presidential palace, Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera insisted on Sunday evening that it was "clearly a dead heat" and the result could still be reversed. "It could be that the tears of joy on some opposition politicians will turn into tears of dismay by the morning," he said. If the result is confirmed as a loss for Morales, it would be another blow for South American's once dominant populist leftist movement that has suffered a series of recent electoral defeats across the continent. Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, has been credited with slashing poverty in one of the region's poorest countries by spending a natural gas windfall on welfare programs and new infrastructure since taking office in 2006. He was re-elected in 2014 with 61 percent of the vote. But a growing body of critics charge Morales' administration with corruption, waste and authoritarianism. Recent allegations about an ex-girlfriend whose company won lucrative government contracts have weighed heavily on his popularity. In a middle-class neighborhood in a southern district of La Paz, 37-year-old Susana Macias said she had voted "no" as a form of rebellion. "We feel we have been tricked. The people who are leading us are not who we thought they were," she said. Even if he loses the referendum, Morales has plenty of time before the next election to pick a successor and otherwise influence Bolivia's future, said Michael Shifter, head of the Washington-based Inter-American Dialogue think tank. "He is one of the most charismatic and powerful leaders in Bolivian history. It is unlikely he is going to just retire from politics," he said. "But perhaps for the first time in a decade, it is possible to imagine a Bolivia without Evo that does not return to the old times of economic and racial exclusion," Shifter said. (Additional reporting and writing by Rosalba O'Brien; Editing by Mary Milliken, Peter Cooney and Michael Perry) Barcelona (AFP) - Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg takes to the stage Monday at the world's biggest mobile fair in Barcelona just as US tech giants clash with authorities in the latest debate pitting privacy against security. The controversy emerged earlier this month when Apple refused to help the FBI break into an iPhone belonging to the late Syed Farook, who along with his wife went on a deadly shooting rampage in California's San Bernardino in December. Apple claims that cooperating with the probe would undermine security for its devices, while the US government counters it is a one-time request that will aid an important investigation. Zuckerberg, who will give a keynote speech at the Mobile World Congress at 6:00 pm (1700 GMT), has been at pains to plug privacy features on Facebook in recent years. The 31-year-old has not yet spoken publicly about the spat but last week Facebook issued a statement in support of Apple. The social media giant said that while it condemned extremism it would "continue to fight aggressively against requirements for companies to weaken the security of their systems." "These demands would create a chilling precedent and obstruct companies' efforts to secure their products," it added. Apple has vowed to fight a judge's order that it should create an operating system that would allow the FBI to brute force its way into the iPhone. Just like Facebook, Apple CEO Tim Cook warned last week that complying with the order would set a dangerous precedent and open the door for governments and even criminals to access sensitive data in the future. - Facebook and privacy - Apple's dispute with the US government is just the latest clash between a tech firm and authorities, and many of the sector's biggest names have sided with the iPhone maker. Richard Yu, consumer devices chief for Chinese electronics giant Huawei, said Sunday in Barcelona that privacy was "the most important thing to the consumer." Story continues "We should really protect the consumer's privacy and security. Personally, I support Apple's, Tim Cook's idea," Bloomberg quoted him as saying on the sidelines of the presentation of Huawei's first laptop. Zuckerberg's address in Barcelona will also be watched closely for any comment on concerns in Europe over how the world's largest social network handles personal data. Facebook was long accused of brushing aside users' privacy concerns, and while Zuckerberg has strived to win back trust with a flurry of features, the social network is still in the eye of the storm. Earlier this month, it was given three months by France's CNIL privacy watchdog to stop storing data on people who do not have an account with the social network. The decision comes after Facebook lost a similar fight with Belgium's privacy watchdog in November when a court ordered it to stop storing personal data from non-users. On a regional level, the European Union's 28 privacy watchdogs have been coordinating probes into possible violations of EU law by Facebook's policy for handling personal photos and data. Ahead of the speech, though, Zuckerberg appeared relaxed, posting photos of himself jogging in Barcelona on his Facebook page. He also made a surprise appearance at Samsung's press conference late on Sunday to unveil its new flagship smartphones. By David Milliken LONDON (Reuters) - Claims and counter-claims about the costs and benefits of Britain's membership of the European Union are flying ahead of a June 23 referendum on whether the country should stay in. Below are some of the main claims by the leading group supporting EU membership, Britain Stronger in Europe, and by two groups campaigning to leave, Leave.EU and Vote Leave, along with a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments. ** CLAIMS CITED BY BRITAIN STRONGER IN EUROPE ** THREE MILLION BRITISH JOBS ARE LINKED TO TRADE WITH THE EU Economics consultancy CEBR has said 3.1 million British jobs were directly supported by exports to the EU in 2011. A further 1.1 million jobs were supported by spending income earned from exports. CEBR said it was not implying these jobs would be lost if Britain left the EU. The Bank of England said in 2015 the EU's single market boosted jobs more than a simple free trade deal. HOUSEHOLDS GAIN 3,000 POUNDS A YEAR FROM EU The Confederation of British Industry, which supports EU membership, says academic studies suggest EU membership makes Britain 4-5 percent richer, or about 3,000 pounds ($4,300) per household per year. The studies the CBI favors typically point to gains of 1-2 percent. But the CBI says each only covers part of the gains of EU membership and that the total benefit is greater. The CBI says some other studies that show big gains from leaving make unrealistic claims about trade deals Britain could reach or regulations it would scrap. EU GIVES BRITAIN TRADING CLOUT IT WOULDN'T HAVE ALONE Britain Stronger In Europe says countries around the world are more interested in trade deals with the EU, a market of 500 million people, than with Britain alone. Also, Britain would have to start negotiating deals from scratch if it left the EU. The CBI said the EU was able to secure better access in China for cars and financial services, both big British exports, while non-EU member Switzerland was not. Critics say the EU's size is a disadvantage rather than an advantage, with trade deals delayed due to the complexity of 28 members' priorities, especially in areas such as agriculture. BRITAIN NEEDS TO BE PART OF EU TO BE A GLOBAL LEADER Stronger In says Britain can have a greater impact on global diplomacy by acting through the EU. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry urged Britain to remain in the EU in February. But Britain also exerts influence through its permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and NATO membership. EU SANCTIONS AND ARREST WARRANTS MAKE BRITAIN MORE SECURE The EU can present a common front on sanctions against countries such as Russia, and allows suspects to be speedily extradited from one member state to another, Stronger In says. More than 400 suspects have been extradited to Britain under European Arrest Warrants since their introduction in 2004, compared with only a handful of U.S. citizens. ** CLAIMS BY LEAVE.EU ** LEAVING EU WOULD MAKE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD 933 POUNDS RICHER Leave.EU sees savings of 145 pounds per household per year from an end to EU budget contributions, 361 pounds from no longer being subject to EU agricultural import tariffs, 186 pounds from an end to EU fisheries policies, 146 pounds from an end to clothing tariffs and smaller savings elsewhere. However, those figures do not factor in indirect economic benefits from EU membership and Britain, like Norway, might have to pay into the bloc's budget to maintain access to its markets should it leave the bloc. The projected savings also depend in part on Britain reducing import tariffs to levels well below other big industrial countries, not a policy Britain pursued before joining the EU or pursued by non-EU members such as Switzerland. LEAVING EU WOULD GIVE UK CONTROL OF ITS BORDERS Britain could bar low-skilled EU migrants if it left the bloc. However, Switzerland and Norway had to agree to free movement of EU citizens to their countries as part of their trade deals with the EU. More than a million British citizens live in other EU countries, with the most in Spain and Ireland. ** CLAIMS BY VOTE LEAVE ** LEAVING WOULD END SUPREMACY OF EU LAW AND EUROPEAN COURT Britain would no longer have to respect laws drawn up in meetings of EU ministers and the European Parliament, and the European Court of Justice would lose its role as Britain's ultimate court of appeal for EU law, Vote Leave said. However, Britain would still have to abide by rules in any trade agreement it reaches with the EU, and have no formal influence on laws that affect British exporters. Britain would need to decide separately whether to remain part of the European Court of Human Rights. This is not part of the EU and is recognized by almost all European states other than Belarus. It has ruled against Britain on issues such as prisoners' right to vote. (Reporting by David Milliken, editing by William Schomberg, Janet McBride) (Reuters) - A family of six was found dead inside a Michigan home and officials said on Sunday they believed carbon monoxide was to blame. Four children, aged between 2 and 11-years-old, were among the dead who were found in separate rooms of the Fenton Township house, Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell told reporters on Sunday. "It's very difficult," Pickell said in a recording of the on-site news conference published online by local broadcaster WJRT. "No matter how many investigations you conduct, seeing young children and an entire family wiped out is a very, very sad thing." He said the family seemed to have a generator running in the house, some 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Detroit, after a power outage in the area on Friday. He said the husband's father was the one who called police on Sunday. He said an investigation was underway. (Reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Editing by Chris Reese) One of the founders of the successful and stylish Loll furniture company, at the the headquarters in Duluth. The companys story is one I describe in the magazine article and talked about today on CNN. This morning I was on Fareed Zakarias GPS program on CNN, talking about the project behind my current Atlantic cover story. A YouTube version of the full show is here; a one-minute out-take, in which I talk about why some people decide to make Duluth (above) or Redlands the center of internationally successful enterprises is here. A podcast is here. If you go to the full-version video on YouTube (dont yet see official CNN version), Fareeds Take on the Sanders-budget controversy is for the first five minutes, then Thomas Friedman until time 10:15. I talked with Fareed Zakaria from about 10:30 until about 21:00. The discussion is about vocational training, manufacturing startups, immigration, and whether a second age of reform is in view. In the final 90 seconds I make my best here is what it all means case. After that, you have the actually famous people on the show! They are the Indian magnate Mukesh Ambani and actor Shah Rukh Khan. Before closing with another shot of Duluth, here is a note from reader Ron Davison that captures some of the impression we are trying to convey: Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. The spat between the FBI and Apple over access to an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino terrorists continues to rage on with no end in sight. Apple, of course, has shown no indication that its willing to even consider complying with the FBIs request. In a memo sent out to Apple employees on Monday, CEO Tim Cook reaffirmed his belief that acquiescing to the FBIs demands would set a dangerous precedent that threatens everyones civil liberties. The FBI, meanwhile, is trying to frame the debate in a completely different light. In a blog post penned by James Comey, the FBI director writes that the San Bernardino litigation has nothing to do with trying to set a precedent for future cases and instead is about the victims and justice FROM EARLIER: This is the full internal memo Tim Cook just sent to Apple employees on the FBI war Comey writes that the victims of the December terrorist shooting are owed a full and thorough investigation. Whats more, Comey writes that the FBI in no shape or form is seeking some sort of master key that would provide it unfettered access to every iPhone on the planet. The particular legal issue is actually quite narrow, Comey explained in a post originally published on Lawfare. The relief we seek is limited and its value increasingly obsolete because the technology continues to evolve. We simply want the chance, with a search warrant, to try to guess the terrorists passcode without the phone essentially self-destructing and without it taking a decade to guess correctly. Thats it. We dont want to break anyones encryption or set a master key loose on the land, Comey continued. I hope thoughtful people will take the time to understand that. Maybe the phone holds the clue to finding more terrorists. Maybe it doesnt. But we cant look the survivors in the eye, or ourselves in the mirror, if we dont follow this lead. Interestingly enough, Apple told reporters over the weekend that if the Apple ID associated with the shooters iPhone hadnt been changed, the FBI may have been able to access the data it believes its missing. From Apples vantage point, it has no problem giving the FBI data it already has, but as Tim Cook noted in his widely circulated letter last week, the company draws the line at creating an entirely new version of iOS. Story continues In the wrong hands, Tim Cook explained, this software which does not exist today would have the potential to unlock any iPhone in someones physical possession. For a unique perspective on this ongoing battle, dont miss our earlier exclusive post: Legendary iPhone hacker weighs in on Apples war with the FBI Related stories This is the full internal memo Tim Cook just sent to Apple employees on the FBI war Apple blames FBI misstep for inability to access terrorist's iPhone data Seth Meyers takes a closer look at Apple's public war with the FBI More from BGR: 15 Galaxy S7 features the iPhone 6s doesnt have This article was originally published on BGR.com The death toll from the super-cyclone that hit Fiji over the weekend has risen from six to 17, Care Australia said Monday, citing Fijian government officials. "Care Australia can confirm that figure of 17 dead," a Care spokesman told AFP after a briefing with disaster management officials in Suva. Severe tropical cyclone Winston, the first category five storm in Fiji, hit the Pacific nation overnight Saturday, packing wind gusts of 325 kilometres (202 miles) per hour, leaving a trail of destruction. Humanitarian aid began pouring into Fiji Tuesday, as the death toll from super-cyclone Winston rose to 29 and officials warned the devastated Pacific nation's recovery could take months. With authorities still struggling to grasp the scale of the disaster on remote island communities, Australian and New Zealand planes arrived with desperately needed supplies of food, water and medicine. Government spokesman Ewan Perrin said the news was grim from the few isolated villages which had managed to restore communications after the storm hit last weekend. "The official death toll now is 29, another eight bodies were found on the island of Koro since yesterday," Perrin told Radio New Zealand in a phone interview. "We are expecting it to rise but we're hoping it's going to rise by a very small number." Severe tropical cyclone Winston, the most powerful storm ever recorded in the southern hemisphere, lashed Fiji with wind gusts of 325 kilometres (202 miles) per hour, leaving a trail of destruction. More than 8,000 people are still sheltering in evacuation centres and Perrin said some villages had hardly any buildings left standing. "We're still trying to get people on the ground in these areas to do a detailed assessment of the damage. We're just taking it day-by day," he said. "In some places people are going to be displaced for months because they've lost everything." Perrin said 2,000 families were homeless on Koro alone and two ships were steaming to the island with relief supplies. "We haven't been able to make contact with all parts of Fiji, although with the assistance of the New Zealand Air Force we've managed to do aerial inspections across almost all of the islands," he added. The aerial photographs show entire villages flattened, with homes reduced to piles of kindling and roofing strewn about. On one battered island, a large steel-hulled ship sits high on a beach after being driven ashore in huge swells. Story continues - Secondary disaster fears - "The images emerging from early aerial assessments of affected areas are truly heartbreaking, leaving little doubt about the ferocity of this cyclone," said the UN's Fiji coordinator Osnat Lubrani. "It is clear from these catastrophic impacts that Fiji is facing a long road to recovery." The nation has declared a month-long state of natural disaster after a storm that Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama described as an "assault on Fiji". Power is gradually being restored in the main centres and roads cleared of felled trees. The international airport at Nadi has also reopened, allowing international tourists caught up in the disaster to leave. Aid efforts have ramped up, with Australia contributing Aus$5.0 million (US$3.6 million) and New Zealand NZ$2.2 million (US$1.5 million). India pledged US$1.0 million and the European Union dispatched a disaster management expert to assess its best response. Wellington has mobilised two military aircraft, while Canberra is sending two planes and four helicopters, as well as specialised medivac teams. UN aid chief Stephen O'Brien said hundreds of thousands of Fijians had been affected. "We must do all we can to help people rebuild their lives and livelihoods," he said in a statement from New York. Aid agencies such as the Red Cross, Oxfam, Care Australia and Save the Children are on the ground distributing supplies and providing expertise on issues such as sanitation in evacuation centres. "Clean water will be vital to prevent the risk of a secondary disaster rearing its head in the days and weeks following Tropical Cyclone Winston," Oxfam's Jennifer Worthington said. Care Australia coordinator Sarah Boxall said disease could spread quickly in crowded shelters. "In this type of emergency, it really is a race against time to get immediate relief to those who have lost everything and ensure families can stay safe and healthy," she said. By Jane Wardell SYDNEY (Reuters) - Fijian authorities were still trying to reach remote areas of the country's archipelago on Tuesday to assess the damage, two days after a powerful cyclone tore through the Pacific island nation, killing at least 29 people. There are fears the death toll could rise in the nation of 900,000 people when communication resumes with the smaller islands where thousands of people live in tin or wooden shacks in low-lying areas. Aerial footage of outlying islands taken by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and posted on the Fiji government's official website, showed whole villages flattened and flooded after tropical cyclone Winston tore through late on Saturday with wind gusts of up to 325 kph (200 mph). Authorities have warned of "catastrophic" damage to Koro Island, Fiji's seventh-largest island. "I am concerned by the devastating impact on Fiji of Tropical Cyclone Winston," Stephen O'Brien, the United Nations' Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said in a statement after speaking with Fijian authorities. "Whole villages have been destroyed, homes and crops have been damaged, power lines have been cut and more than 8,100 people are currently sheltering in over 70 evacuation centers." The Fijian government said it would send boats to remote locations in the archipelego of 300 islands on Tuesday to provide urgent aid, amid growing fears of a widespread health crisis following destruction of crops and tainted water supplies. An Australian government emergency response team arrived in Fiji overnight over the main airport at Nadi was reopened. An aeromedical evacuation team is being sent to the outer islands on Tuesday to provide urgent support and supplies, including water and hygiene kits, medicines and access to shelter. Both Australia and New Zealand are deploying aerial surveillance flights on Tuesday. Food and water supplies are a growing concern even in areas such as the capital of Suva that did not suffer as much damage as the more remote regions. The Consumer Council of Fiji has urged traders not to sell food and other perishable items that have gone bad due to the effects of the cyclone. Winston has weakened to a tropical storm as it heads toward Vanuatu, which was devastated almost a year ago by Category 5 Cyclone Pam. Share This Video Facebook Twitter EMAIL NXT finished up its most recent tour on Saturday night in Albany, and as someone who was in attendance, I can confirm that it was a great time. The main event of the evening saw Baron Corbin and Samoa Joe team up to face off against Austin Aries and NXT Champion Finn Balor, and although Balor appeared to be a little banged up still from his ankle injury (or maybe he was just selling really well, I dont want to pretend like I know for sure) he managed to finish the match and send the fans home happy. After the match, though, was the best moment of the night. Youve likely seen the video of NXT Womens Champion Bayley absolutely nailing Finns entrance at a show a few weeks ago. Now, it was Balors time to return the favor. Balor cut a promo introducing Aries to the fans and thanking some of his NXT brethren like Sami Zayn, Enzo Amore, and Colin Cassady for making the brand what it is today. But Balor said there was one person he had to thank above all, and after teasing the crowd for a bit, that person turned out to be Bayley. Or more specifically, himself cosplaying as Bayley. Complete with the Im a Hugger shirt, streamers, and even the giant inflatable, arm-flailing tube men, Balor proved once again that he is the best by doing the complete entrance of the womens champ all the way down to the details like hugging children and hi-fiving the crowd. To top it all off, he closed out the promo by saying Balor 316 says I just hugged your ass! I know they may have significant others, but there really needs to be some way for these two to make adorable, genetically superior wrestling babies together. Share This Facebook Twitter EMAIL * Asia Vision LNG tanker docks at Cheniere's export terminal * First cargo may leave Sabine site by end of Feb - official (Adds U.S. natural gas export expectations) By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen Feb 22 (Reuters) - A liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker on Sunday docked at the Sabine Pass terminal in Louisiana, with only days to go before the United States ships its first export cargo of seaborne gas from the lower 48 states. U.S. exports will add to a wave of supply coming from Australian projects at a time when demand is faltering in major consuming countries and prices plummeting in line with oil. Expected to become an importer of LNG just a decade ago, the shale gas revolution in the United States that unlocked cheap, abundant supplies has wreaked havoc on global gas markets as LNG meant for the country was redirected around the world. Set to load the first shale gas to export markets, the Asia Vision LNG tanker docked at Cheniere Energy's Sabine Pass LNG terminal on Sunday, Reuters ship tracking data showed. The tanker arrived in January in the Gulf of Mexico, but has been anchored off the coast of the terminal after the first shipment from the facility was delayed due to mechanical problems. Another tanker, the Energy Atlantic, has also been waiting in the Gulf of Mexico to pick up LNG from Sabine Pass since January. Cheniere said it expected its first cargo to leave the facility by the end of this month or in early March. "We will export the first cargo shortly. Touch wood, it'll be at the end of February or in early March," Andrew Walker, Cheniere Energy's vice president for strategy, said during an energy industry event in Germany last week. The company initially intended Sabine Pass as an LNG import terminal but will draw on shale gas production for exports instead. AUSTRALIA RAMPS UP EXPORTS First exports from Sabine Pass comes within days of the world's most expensive LNG plant - the $54 billion Gorgon project in Australia - shipping its first cargo. Story continues "The timing is incredible," said Bernstein analyst Neil Beveridge. Companies including Chevron Corp, Royal Dutch Shell and Exxon Mobil Corp have invested some $180 billion in seven Australian LNG export plants ramping up production from 2015 to 2017, making the country the top exporter of the fuel ahead of Qatar. "Sabine Pass will just add to the global oversupply," said Beveridge, although he expects the facility to run below capacity for the time being because of weak demand and low prices. Four other U.S. projects have already broken ground, including Dominion Resources' Cove Point plant in Maryland expected in 2017, Sempra Energy's Cameron LNG in Louisiana and Freeport LNG's plant in Texas expected in 2018, and Cheniere's Corpus Christi plant in Texas in 2019. Once operational, Sabine Pass will be the first LNG export terminal outside of Alaska. The United States has been exporting LNG mostly to Japan from Alaska since 1969. With growth in pipeline exports to Mexico and LNG exports to the world, the United States is expected to transition from a net importer of gas, mostly from Canada, to a net exporter by 2017 as the nation's shale gas production continues to grow, according to federal energy forecasts. The United States was last a net exporter of gas in 1957. In 2015, the U.S. exported on average 0.07 billion cubic feet per day from Alaska, according to federal data. That is expected to rise to 0.5 bcfd in 2016 and 1.33 bcfd in 2017 with the startup of the liquefaction units at Sabine Pass and other LNG facilities, according to federal forecasts. For comparison, the United States produces about 80 bcfd of gas, according to federal data. (Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen; additional reporting by Henning Gloystein, Scott DiSavino in New York; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Chizu Nomiyama) NEW YORK (Reuters) - A former Miss New Jersey pageant winner who worked as a television news anchor has died from injuries sustained in a car crash a week ago, her family said in a Facebook post on Monday. Cara McCollum, 24, won the 2013 Miss New Jersey pageant and competed in the Miss America contest, according to the website of the Miss New Jersey Education Foundation, part of the Miss America organization. She was a literacy advocate. SNJ Today, a southern New Jersey news station where McCollum worked as lead anchor, said she was a Princeton University graduate and a "beloved individual." She was a native of Forrest City, Arkansas, according to her Facebook page. McCollum was driving a 2014 Ford Mustang convertible on Feb. 15 when the vehicle spun off a New Jersey highway and hit trees before landing at an embankment, according to NJ.com. She was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. (Reporting by Marcus E. Howard; Editing by Bernadette Baum) Barcelona (AFP) - Formula One bosses will meet in Geneva on Tuesday in a bid to agree regulations for the 2017 season amid dwindling television audiences and claims the sport has become boring. Outspoken F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone claimed the sport is "the worst it has ever been" in a bombastic interview with the Daily Mail on Monday in which he also hailed Russian president Vladimir Putin as the "guy who should run Europe." Dealing with the 85-year-old Ecclestone's outbursts have become commonplace for team bosses, but as testing began for the 2016 season in Barcelona on Monday, there was hope of significant change for next year to help end Mercedes' domination in recent years. The German giants have won 32 of the 38 races since the last major overhaul of the regulations for the start of the 2014 season. A strategy group and the F1 commission will meet in Switzerland on Tuesday in a bid to thrash out an agreement on changes to the rules. However, should common ground not be found before a March 1 deadline, changes are likely to be delayed until 2018. "We will see where we can vent our frustration to make the sport better, which is what we all want," said McLaren racing director, Eric Boullier. "Everybody has their own opinions. We are in favour of making the sport more exciting, faster. Drivers would be happy to have a faster car. "We have been talking about this for a long time, so if we can't agree that is a failure in my opinion." The key to changes would aim to reduce the importance of engine performance in success. That could meet opposition from Mercedes and Ferrari, who supply engines to all but three of F1's 11 teams. "The biggest danger is the temptation for teams to vote for self-interest rather than what is best for the sport," said Adrian Newey, Red Bull's chief technical officer. However, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff claimed they aren't against changes to the rules if adhered to safely by tyre suppliers. Story continues "We are not against change, but we wouldn't want to throw it all away by rolling the dice," said Wolff. "There are diverse opinions from stay where we are to making the cars aeroplanes. There has to be balance, but the outcome is unknown." One area where there is widespread agreement on the paddock is the need to reduce the trend of reduced TV figures, which endangers the financial future of the sport. "He (Ecclestone) is the commercial leader of the sport so if you see your TV figures going down it is concerning," added Boullier. "Every year there is more and more competition for TV audiences. We need to be careful we don't be left behind in that regard," said Newey. Budapest (AFP) - Hungary on Monday reported a sharp rise in the numbers of migrants breaching its southern borders in February, the first significant surge since the frontiers were sealed last year. Around 1,500 migrants tried to enter the EU member state illegally from Serbia this month, with 500 alone caught between Friday and Sunday, police said in a statement. Many were economic migrants from Morocco, Iran and Pakistan, police said. Unlike Syrians, they are unlikely to be granted asylum in Europe and face deportation. About 300,000 migrants and refugees passed through Hungary last year, before right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban sealed off the southern borders with razor wire and fences in September and October. The measures -- together with tight border patrols and tough new laws punishing illegal entry and vandalism of the fences -- slowed the flow to a trickle with only around a dozen people a day attempting to cross. Since September, 1,325 people have been charged with crimes under the new legislation, the vast majority served with expulsion orders. There are fears that a newly introduced daily cap on asylum-seekers in neighbouring Austria could trigger a domino effect along the Balkan migrant trail and leave thousands stranded in Greece, the entry point into the EU for many. In 2015, more than a million migrants reached Europe -- nearly half fleeing the five-year-old Syrian war. Austria last year took in 90,000 asylum seekers, making it one of the highest recipients in the EU on a per-capita basis, while almost 10 times that number passed through, mostly to Germany and Sweden. Faced with a resurgent far-right opposition topping opinion polls, Austria announced last week it would only accept 80 asylum claims a day and allow a maximum of 3,200 migrants to transit the country. In response, Slovenia, Serbia and Croatia have also tightened their borders. Hungary has warned that it was ready to quickly build a fence on the Romanian frontier if migrants begin moving in that direction. By Tina Bellon BERLIN (Reuters) - The German government on Monday denounced anti-refugee protests that took place in eastern Germany, calling the events in which a group of people hindered asylum seekers from getting off a bus to enter a shelter "deeply shameful". On Thursday night about 100 people blocked entry to a refugee shelter in Clausnitz, a small town in Germany's eastern state of Saxony, with a tractor and two cars, police said. "How cold-hearted, how cowardly one has to be to plant oneself in front of a refugee bus, to swear and to roar in order to scare the people sitting inside, among them several women and children," government spokesman Steffen Seibert said. Video footage posted online shows the crowd surrounding the bus with the refugees inside, yelling out slurs and hindering the refugees from getting off. Unable to disperse the crowd, police officials called for support units and, with the help of the camp's translator, urged the refugees to get off the bus despite the protests, a police report shows. In the online video, several women and two minors on the bus can be seen crying and hugging each other in fear. But the head of the local police, Uwe Reissmann, said on Saturday that some refugees were partly responsible for the situation. "The protesters were filmed from inside the bus and provoked by the refugees," Reissmann said. A young boy pointed his middle finger and some refugees made threatening gestures, moving their fingers across their throats to suggest a throat slash, he said. In the video, one woman, wearing a light grey headscarf, can be seen spitting at bus window from inside. In another video, protesters can be heard yelling "Get lost", "Stop crying and go home if you dont like it here" and Pull them out. The footage can be seen on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iuj72u8If8A and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BWBFy_Mdtg. Reissmann said that investigations into four protesters and some of the refugees were under way. In a separate incident over the weekend, a shelter for asylum seekers was set ablaze in the city of Bautzen, also in Saxony, with several spectators applauding and some hindering the work of firemen. While anxiety over immigration runs deep throughout Germany, Saxony saw anti-refugee riots, involving clashes with the police, last year in the town of Heidenau. But Seibert cautioned against generalizing the federal state in the east. "I think it would be completely wrong to now draw conclusions on an entire region from incidents like in Clausnitz," Seibert said. "There are also numerous people in Saxony, caring for refugees in a decent, compassionate manner." (Additional reporting by Michelle Martin) BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany and France on Monday called for the implementation of the Minsk peace plan for Ukraine, urging both Moscow and Kiev to set aside differences and push forward with reforms. "We need the support from the Russian side to implement this Minsk deal and convince separatists to go along," German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said at a news conference in Berlin with his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault, shortly before flying to Kiev for political talks. "But we also need Ukraine's domestic policy, especially in light of the turbulences of the last weeks and calls for the prime minister to step down," Steinmeier added. Steinmeier and Ayrault both urged the Ukrainian government to press ahead with political reforms such as agreeing on a new election law and special rights for regions. "There's simply not enough progress when it comes to implementing the political agreements", Steinmeier said. (Reporting by Tina Bellon and Michael Nienaber) From Seventeen Girls all over Instagram are hastaging #SupportThePuff after a high schooler in the Bahamas was suspended for wearing her hair in its natural form: an afro. The school's principal told NB12 News that the girl was reprimanded because her hair looked "untidy and unkept," but her mother doesn't agree. She took to Facebook to express her outrage that her daughter was punished for having natural hair, pointing out that her daughter's hair "does not affect her brain." This controversy sparked a hashtag that's now going viral. Girls everywhere are showing off their hair with confidence and tagging #SupportThePuff to empower others to embrace their texture. Follow @Seventeen on Instagram for more hair news. Athens (AFP) - Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Monday announced a string of measures to support the agricultural sector in a bid to end weeks of roadblocks by farmers angry over tax reforms and a pensions overhaul. Vangelis Papayannopoulos, one of several farmers' representatives who met with Tsipras, said the delegation had "a substantive dialogue with the prime minister" but refused to promise to end the protests that have seen major Greek routes intermittently blocked with tractors for more than a month. In a gesture of goodwill, the farmers on Monday temporarily lifted their blockade on Greece's key north-south road in the Tempi valley. But they again blocked the passage of trucks at Promachonas, the main border crossing with Bulgaria. Repeated disruption at the border has angered Bulgarian truckers, who on Friday sealed off all six checkpoints along the frontier in protest. Tsipras ruled out yielding to the farmers' demand that he axe the pension reforms bill and tax changes requested by Greece's creditors in exchange for a third huge international bailout. "The country's recovery must take your position into account, but you must take into account the budgetary requirements," Tsipras told the farmers' representatives. His spokeswoman Olga Gerovassili said Tsipras proposed staggering planned raises in pension contributions until 2021 as well as measures to protect those on the lowest incomes, and commercial and administrative support for the agricultural sector. He also announced the launch of a campaign to "limit abuses by middlemen and cartels" in food distribution. (Reuters) - The maker of the gun used in the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School is expected to ask a Connecticut judge on Monday to toss a lawsuit filed against it by the families of nine of the people who died in the attack, according to court filings. The lawsuit, filed in December 2014 and seeking unspecified financial damages, said the AR-15 assault weapon used in the attack that killed 20 young children and six educators in Newtown, Connecticut, should never have been sold because it had no reasonable civilian purpose. Bridgeport Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis has scheduled a hearing at which privately owned Maine-based Bushmaster is expected to ask her to dismiss the litigation, citing the 2005 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. The law blocks liability lawsuits against gunmakers when their products were used criminally. The plaintiffs, including Bill Sherlach, whose 56-year-old wife Mary Sherlach was a school psychologist killed in the attack, said the law did not allow unrestricted sales of weapons like the AR-15. That gun, they said, was "conceived out of the exigencies of modern conflict as trench warfare gave way to close-range, highly mobile combat." The shooter in the Dec. 14, 2012, attack was 20-year-old Adam Lanza, who began his rampage by murdering his mother in their home and ended it by turning his weapon on himself as he heard police sirens approaching. After the shooting, Connecticut's Democratic governor, Dannel Malloy, pushed through one of the strictest gun laws in the United States, banning more than 100 types of military-style rifles and limiting ammunition magazines to 10 bullets. Modified versions of the AR-15 remain legal in Connecticut. Even as Connecticut and neighboring states tightened their rules, other states rejected new curbs on gun ownership. (Reporting by Scott Malone in Boston; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn) NAIROBI (Reuters) - Three people were killed in gun and grenade attacks in Burundi, officials said on Monday, just hours before the arrival of U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who is trying to end the bloodshed over President Pierre Nkurunziza's disputed re-election. The United Nations is under growing pressure to show it can halt the violence, two decades after the 1994 genocide of ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus by the Hutu majority in neighboring Rwanda, which has a similar ethnic make-up to Burundi. Celestin Singirankabo, head of a district 50 km (30 miles) east of the capital Bujumbura, said gunmen killed two people late on Sunday when they opened fire in a bar. Separately, deputy police spokesman Moise Nkurunziza said one person had died and another had been wounded in a grenade attack at a Bujumbura market on Monday morning. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks but the government says there are now three rebel outfits fomenting violence, including two made up of renegade soldiers. The opposition accuses government troops of arbitrary arrests, disappearances and extra-judicial killings. More than 400 people have been killed since April when Nkurunziza said he would run for a third term, a move opponents dismissed as unconstitutional and sought to prevent by staging street protests. In May, a group of soldiers tried to depose Nkurunziza in a failed coup. Ban is due to meet Nkurunziza on Tuesday after arriving late on Monday. It is not immediately clear what plan Ban will bring to stem the violence, if any. Nkurunziza has already rejected plans by the African Union to send peacekeepers to ease tensions in the Great Lakes nation, which diplomats fear is sliding toward another civil war. As many as 300,000 people died in an ethnically charged civil war in Burundi that ended in 2005. In a sign of the AU cranking up the diplomatic pressure, South Africa said President Jacob Zuma would fly to Bujumbura on Feb. 25-26 with the leaders of Mauritania, Senegal, Gabon and Ethiopia to "assist with addressing the political situation". (Additional reporting by Ed Cropley; Writing by George Obulutsa; Editing by Alison Williams) SRINAGAR (Reuters) - A three-day gunbattle in the disputed region of Kashmir ended on Monday when Indian security forces killed two more militants who stormed a government building, a senior police official said. (See pictures from the operation http://in.reuters.com/news/picture/attack-in-kashmir?articleId=INRTX27XE5) The militants captured the five-storey training institute on Saturday, killing six people in the gunbattle that followed. "The encounter is over. All three militants have been killed," Deputy Inspector General of Police Ghulam Hassan Bhat said. One militant was killed on Sunday. Muslim separatists have been fighting Indian forces in the Indian portion of Kashmir since 1989. India accuses Pakistan of training and arming the rebels in the portion it controls and sending them to the Indian side, a claim its neighbour denies. "This is one of the longest encounters in Kashmir in recent memory," said an army officer, who asked not to be named. "This is because the building is very big and we have suffered casualties." The attack began on Saturday when militants shot at a bus carrying police before breaking into the training institute. More than 100 people were inside at the time. Three Indian army commandos, two policemen and a civilian died in the fighting.The latest attack bore similarities to other militant attacks in India where heavily armed, well-trained men have captured buildings and used them to fight security forces. A similar recent attack on the Pathankot air base that lasted for four days stalled efforts to revive bilateral talks between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan.India and Pakistan fought two of their three wars since independence in 1947 over Muslim-majority Kashmir, which they both claim in full but rule in part. The third was fought over the founding of Bangladesh. (Reporting by Fayaz Bukhari; Writing by Malini Menon; Editing by Douglas Busvine) (This version of the Feb 19th story corrects surname of Bell Helicopter exec in last two paragraphs) By Fathin Ungku SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Helicopter makers are scrambling for new sources of demand after being hit by a severe downturn in their biggest non-military clientele - oil and gas producers. One promising area is public emergency services, executives said at the Singapore Airshow. The oil and gas industry, which uses helicopters to shuttle their crew to offshore sites, accounted last year for as much as 40 percent of the roughly $6 billion annual sales of helicopters for civil use, according to aerospace research firm Teal Group. Its decline has pushed manufacturers such as Airbus Helicopters, the world's largest maker of commercial helicopters, to emphasize alternative segments. They are focusing now on demand from Emergency Medical Services (EMS), law enforcement, Search and Rescue (SAR) and firefighting. "In the region, there are all in all only 19 (EMS) helicopters. This is one of the segments that we want to develop," Philippe Monteux, Airbus Helicopters' head of Southeast Asia and Pacific region, told Reuters. Airbus Helicopters saw a 20 percent decline in civil orders last year. Patrick Moulay, vice president of global sales at Textron subsidiary Bell Helicopter, said the emergency services sector was promising, especially in the Asia Pacific region where old fleets need to be replaced. "Yesterday, we signed with the Indonesian police for two 429s. The Indonesian police have a fleet of about 30 aircraft to replace, which are more than 30 years old," Moulay said. (Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) Tegucigalpa (AFP) - The Organization of American States on Monday established an ambitious new corruption-fighting commission in Honduras aimed at replicating the success of a similar, UN-backed body in Guatemala that brought down that country's government. The Support Mission Against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras, known by its Spanish initials MACCIH, will target graft and organized crime through a corps of judges, prosecutors and police officers. Its task will be a big one. Honduras ranks 112th out of 168 countries on a global corruption index put out by Transparency International, a watchdog. MACCIH is led by a Peruvian lawyer, Juan Jimenez Mayor, who attended the inauguration ceremony with dozens of civil servants, leaders of unions and associations, and diplomats. He noted that the OAS considers corruption to be "a risk factor for democracy" and said Honduras was now on a "new path" by seeking to combat it. Guatemala's example was illustrative of the hopes borne by MACCIH. Last year, the president of that Central American nation was forced to stand down as a scandal over officials taking bribes to cut import duties for some companies engulfed his administration. Guatemala's new president, Jimmy Morales, is a former TV comedian with almost no political experience. But he rode a wave of popular disgust with corruption to take office. In Honduras, mass demonstrations were held weekly to install a similar body, and MACCIH was agreed to under a convention signed a month ago in Washington by Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez and OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro. Its text set out four areas of action: preventing and fighting corruption, reforming the criminal justice system, political and electoral reform, and public security. Although helping to create MACCIH, Hernandez could end up ruing its existence. The president has admitted his electoral campaign that brought him to power two years ago took $94,000 of some $330 million embezzled from the country's social security agency. However, he maintains that he did not know the origin of the money at the time. By Krisztina Than MORAHALOM, Hungary (Reuters) - Police detained 501 migrants over the weekend who cut their way through Hungary's steel border fence, the highest number since Hungary sealed off its southern borders in mid-October. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has boosted his public support with a tough stance on migration. His right-wing government has put up a fence on the borders with Serbia and Croatia to keep out the mostly Middle Eastern migrants. The fence diverted the flow of migrants away from Hungary toward Croatia and Slovenia last year when hundreds of thousands crossed the Balkans en route to Austria and western Europe. However, as the weather improved in recent weeks, the number of migrants increased, and more began to cut through the fence despite a heavy police presence. Not everyone jumps the fence, which is a crime in Hungary. On Monday a group of 20 to 30 migrants approaching from Serbia ran into dozens of police and soldiers patrolling the border near the town of Morahalom. The migrants just headed to the nearest border station along the fence's Serbian side, shadowed by police in Hungary. After a while, they sat down and asked for water, cigarettes and food across the fence. "We don't find a job," said a man who said he was Moroccan. "Six days no food, three days no water, four days no sleep," added another one, from Algeria. Orban said Hungary would not let in any migrants who are not eligible for asylum. Those who are caught cutting the fence go to court and are expelled. Orban told parliament on Monday that the biggest achievement of last week's EU summit was that European leaders finally said external borders of the Schengen Area had to be protected. "The protection of the southern borders (of the EU) became possible... and if the Austrians keep their word, and other countries on the Balkans route also act as they announced, it will be also easier to protect Hungary's southern borders." Orban reiterated Hungary would strengthen its fence and may extend it towards Romania if needed. Austria has set a daily limit of 3,200 migrants arrivals and 80 asylum claims. Slovenia has erected a fence on its southern border with Croatia to ensure that migrants can only enter the country through official border crossings. (Additional reporting by Marton Dunai) By Karen Pierog CHICAGO (Reuters) - Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner said on Monday the state has the power to block any debt offerings by financially distressed school districts, including the cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools (CPS), which has been dependent on borrowing to fund operations. The Republican governor last week launched a financial probe of the nation's third-largest public school system through the Illinois State Board of Education. Rauner, who has called for a state takeover of the school district, said the board has the legal authority to block borrowings by districts found to be in financial duress. The state board has never chosen to do that for the city of Chicago. I hope that never becomes necessary. But weve got to be ready to take action, Rauner told reporters. Rauner's office pointed to a provision of the school code that it says applies to CPS. The provision prohibits the sale of bonds, notes or other debt by a district certified to be in financial difficulty until a financial plan is approved by the state board of education. CPS Chief Executive Forrest Claypool contended that the authority Rauner seeks to exercise does not apply to CPS, according to a school district spokeswoman. CPS is struggling with a $1.1 billion structural budget deficit, caused largely by escalating annual pension payments that will reach $676 million this fiscal year. The district's efforts to gain an additional $480 million in state dollars to pay its pension bill have become entangled in an ongoing impasse between Rauner and Democrats who control the legislature. To keep operating in anticipation of $1 billion in property tax revenue next month, CPS turned to short-term borrowing and a $725 million bond sale earlier this month for cash flow. The district said it plans to seek additional short-term borrowing authority from its governing board in the future. Rauner said accusations by Chicago officials that he attempted to derail the Feb. 3 bond sale by pushing for a state takeover or possible bankruptcy for CPS were "completely false." Skittish investors demanded hefty yields for the "junk"-rated bonds, which will cost the district nearly $1.9 billion to pay off by 2044. (Editing by Matthew Lewis) A bitter row over a student's arrest for sedition at a prestigious Indian university has exposed deep divisions between liberal intellectuals and the nationalist government in the world's biggest democracy. Student union leader Kanhaiya Kumar is accused of shouting "anti-India slogans" during a rally at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi to mark the anniversary of the execution of a Kashmiri separatist leader. Thousands of students and teachers have since protested around the country against his arrest, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government of misusing the British-era sedition law to stifle dissent. Modi's ministers have stood firm, warning of similar tough action against anyone engaging in "anti-national" behaviour, while in striking scenes, pro-government lawyers attacked Kumar at court and pelted journalists with stones. Academics and others fear Kumar's arrest is politically motivated, part of a deliberate attempt to crack down on liberal activism at JNU, seen as the heart of a proudly independent-minded, left-leaning intelligentsia. "In their minds, this was an anti-establishment campus and ideologically opposed to the BJP," said JNU's Gulshan Sachdeva, referring to Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "They were looking for an excuse, it was intended to send a message," Sachdeva, a professor at JNU's school of international studies, told AFP. Others warn Kumar's arrest is the latest in a string of incidents on campuses around the country aimed at muzzling dissent by branding them anti-Indian or anti-national. "We condemn the overreach of the state in the recent incidents in a number of institutions and the attempts of the Hindu right to stifle dissent and suppress differences," said a statement signed last week by 42 researchers and faculty members from the leading Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. Story continues "The state cannot dictate on the many meanings of what it is to be 'Indian' or mandate the meaning of 'nationalism'." Since sweeping to power in 2014 general elections with a landslide victory, Modi has worked relentlessly to restore India's place in the world and boost national pride. The prime minister has carried out extensive foreign outreach and promoted traditional Indian practices including yoga and Ayurvedic medicine. But critics say his efforts have emboldened hardline Hindu nationalists and fostered an atmosphere of intolerance. A spate of violent attacks on secular intellectuals and Muslims suspected of killing cows, which Hindus consider sacred, have heightened the concerns. A flurry of writers have returned literary awards in protest, accusing Modi's government of failing to speak out against instances of intolerance and rein in the hardliners. - Deadly attack - Kumar and his fellow students staged the February 9 rally to mark the hanging of Afzal Guru over a deadly attack on India's parliament in 2001. Guru denied plotting the attack carried out by Kashmiri separatists and some say he was not given a fair trial. Kumar has denied chanting anti-India slogans at the rally at JNU, but he had publicly criticised right-wing nationalism. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has warned that anyone found shouting slogans that try "to put a question mark on the nation's unity and integrity will not be spared". But India's mainstream media, which has devoted numerous front pages to the story, says in this instance the government overreacted. "Attempts to criminalise the freedom of expression on campus, or to subdue it by labelling it 'anti-national', cast much more unflattering light on the working of the Indian state than on a motley group of students who got carried away," the Indian Express said in an editorial. Police have defended Kumar's arrest and sedition charge, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison although convictions are rare, saying they have enough evidence. "If the judiciary acts swiftly, releases this young person and all the charges are withdrawn it might settle down, but all of these things are cumulative," said Neelam Deo, an ex-ambassador and director at Gateway House think-tank in Mumbai. "Any arrest of this nature is going to have a chilling effect," she said. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz campaigns Feb. 21 in Pahrump, Nev. (Photo: John Locher/AP) LAS VEGAS Donald Trump has led the GOP field in every single poll taken in Nevada since he entered the race last June, often by as many as 20 percentage points. And after his resounding victory in South Carolina, the tinsel-haired mogul is the heavy favorite to win yet again when Nevada Republicans come out to caucus on Tuesday. But as recent back-to-back visits to the neighboring Las Vegas headquarters of Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz made clear, neither campaign seems particularly concerned about Trump or any of the other Republican candidates in the final days of the Silver State contest. Theyre far more focused on each other. Thats because both camps believe that with Trump coasting on his celebrity as usual, they can reshape the results and beat expectations on caucus night by quietly and methodically mastering the unglamorous work of getting out the vote. Their thinking is that in a state where the polling is particularly unreliable, the process is particularly chaotic, and the turnout is particularly low, the ground game could have a bigger effect than anywhere else. Oh, you have to see this, a gray-haired Rubio volunteer with a thick Southern accent told Yahoo News, gesturing toward her laptop. On the screen was a picture of Cruzs louche, smirking face superimposed on the body of a naked man lounging in a rubber-duck-filled bathtub a cheeky response, posted online by a Rubio fan, to the Cruz campaigns poorly Photoshopped image of Rubio shaking hands with President Obama. He has all his ducks in order! the volunteer chirped. Isnt that hilarious? An hour later at Cruz HQ, which is tucked into a somewhat seedy strip mall a few doors down from a shop selling vaporizers and bongs, staffers could barely contain themselves when a reporter mentioned that he had just visited Rubios command post in the fancier office complex one block west on Tropicana Avenue. Story continues How many people were there? snapped Matthew Bell, a field representative for Cruz. As many as we have here? Told that the number of Rubio volunteers, about a dozen, matched the number of Cruz volunteers, Bell looked deflated. The mutual obsession makes perfect sense. Early on, Jeb Bush, who suspended his campaign Saturday after a distant fourth-place finish in South Carolina, built what was widely considered the best operation here; the consultant who was running his campaign, Ryan Erwin, led Mitt Romney to caucus victories in both 2008 and 2012. As Lt. Gov. Mark Hutchison, Rubios Nevada campaign chairman, told Yahoo News, Technically, Bush did everything right. And yet the latest polls, taken before Bush dropped out, showed him in last place locally, behind even Ben Carson and John Kasich. Carson and Kasich remain in the race, but neither is poised to make much of an impact. Like Bush, Carson was on the ground early, but he has been losing steam for months, and his last-place showing in the Palmetto State wont help. And Kasich isnt even visiting Nevada between now and caucus day. That leaves Cruz and Rubio. With Trump appearing to hold a sizable lead and with the two young senators from Florida and Texas having just finished neck-and-neck in South Carolina the battle for second place will likely be the marquee event Tuesday night. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, with his wife, Jeanette, waves to supporters after a campaign rally in Las Vegas in December. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Cruz and Rubio have been preparing for this moment for months. Caucuses are fairly new to Nevada and confusing to voters; Republican turnout in 2012 was tiny: just 32,894 voters. (By comparison, 182,000 Republicans caucused earlier this month in Iowa.) Buoyed by his fellow Mormons, Mitt Romney managed to capture 50 percent of the vote four years ago a huge win, but still only 16,486 votes. The campaigns cautiously expect a similar turnout this time; no one knows whether the number will go down without a Mormon in the race, or up because of increased interest among other Republicans. The bottom line, however, is that someone could come in second on Tuesday with fewer than 10,000 votes; the Rubio campaign, for one, says it has been preparing for a couple-hundred-vote race since the beginning. In Nevada, organization is key, Jeremy Hughes, Rubios state director, told Yahoo News. I wouldnt say its sexy, but its the grind work youve got to do to win elections here. Rubio was up and running first, as early as a year ago, and his operation has been described as the most organized and impressive of the Republican field. When Yahoo News shadowed the senator on a trip to Nevada in October, the key elements of his strategy which is being shaped by Mike Slanker, the top political adviser for both Gov. Brian Sandoval of Nevada and the states junior senator, Dean Heller were already in place. The Cruz campaign, meanwhile, has been playing catch-up. At every speech, Rubio made sure to remind voters that hed spent part of his childhood in Las Vegas. His parents moved from Miami in 1979 and stayed until Rubio, now 44, was in the eighth grade. His dad tended bar at an off-Strip casino called Sams Club; his mother worked at the Imperial Palace. Believe it or not, we still have more family in southern Nevada than in south Florida, Rubio told one crowd. So if I only win by 68 votes here, youll know why. When Rubio returns to Nevada Sunday night, he will continue to harp on his local connections. His cousin Mo Denis is a state senator, and his other cousins have accompanied him to various events. These other guys all come flying in, but only Marco knows what its like, Slanker told Yahoo News. He lived here. The second piece of the puzzle is turnout, and the Rubio campaign is counting on two demographic groups in particular to put him over the top on Tuesday. You have to remember whos going to show up to caucus, Slanker said. There are going to be, like, seven people there. So you want to look to your most civic-minded people. Who is that in this state? Its Mormons and seniors. Its a powerful combination. If you cant get those folks, youre not going to win. Mormons made up a quarter of caucus-goers in 2012, even though they represent only 4 percent of the states total population; senior citizens vastly outnumbered younger voters. Rubios itinerary in October was revealing in this regard. By far his biggest event, with more than 1,000 attendees, was at Sun City Summerlin, the largest active adult community in the state. Everywhere the senator went, he was introduced by Lt. Gov. Hutchison the states most prominent Mormon politician. (As a kid in Las Vegas, Rubio himself was briefly a member of the Mormon Church.) Later, Rubio made a point of visiting Boulder City, a Mormon enclave 20 miles outside Las Vegas, where he was accompanied and introduced by former Clark County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury, a man Slanker described as the godfather of the Mormon Church in this state. And when the senator returns to Nevada this week, he will be touring the Mormon-rich northern part of the state Elko, Reno, Minden with both Hutchison and Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who is also Mormon. Other folks non-Mormons and non-seniors cant figure it out, Slanker explained. The caucus will come and go, and theyll be like, Oh! I could have voted? Can I still vote? Rubio poses with a supporter after a campaign stop in October in Las Vegas (Photo: John Locher/AP) Not that the Rubio campaign is dismissing the rest of the electorate. It has people working in each of Nevadas 17 counties; at five campaign offices scattered throughout the state, dozens of volunteers have been calling registered Republicans and trying to identify potential supporters. The important thing, as Hughes put it, is finding your voters and making sure they know where to go. Before Rubio speaks, Hughes team puts a supporter commitment card and a printout explaining the caucus process on every seat; the literature steers voters to caucus.marcorubio.com, which then allows them to look up their caucus sites while providing the campaign with crucial data. Its a dedicated website that tells people where to go caucus, Hughes said. And because we know that John Smith has found his voting location, we dont have to waste a call on him. Meanwhile, Suzie over here hasnt looked up her location yet so we know we have to get in touch with her. By the time this is over, we will have met every caucus-goer and taught them how to caucus, Slanker added. As the South Carolina campaign wound down, Rubios Las Vegas HQ was buzzing. Junk food the sustenance of pretty much every political operation was everywhere: Krispy Kreme boxes, jars of Skippy, bottles of Pepsi, Jack Links beef and cheese packages. Maps of precincts and framed photos of top volunteers lined the walls; a massive navy blue Nevada Is Marco Rubio Country sign hung nearby. Hutchison stood in the middle of the room recording a quick Web video Just wanted to remind everyone to get out and vote on Feb. 23! while volunteers on either side of him hunched over their laptops, running down a 412-page list of uncommitted voters and making calls. A spreadsheet pinned to the wall hinted at just how organized Rubio is: each local caucus site, from Arbor View High School to Western High School, with columns for captain, surrogate, rally coordinator and estimated turnout 885 here, 717 there. It was a campaign in full swing. This team has won statewide before, Hutchison. Were doing the same thing with Rubio. We know how to win. A woman embraces Cruz during a campaign stop last December in Las Vegas (Photo: John Locher/AP) Around the corner at Cruzs slightly more Spartan headquarters, the scene was similar. Similar maps, similar signs if far fewer snacks. On a whiteboard, somebody had scrawled Call record 3,263: the most calls this particular office had made so far in a single day. Meanwhile, volunteers dialed donors and read from a script designed to convert them into neighborhood leaders. Today, Teds volunteers are in full force building our ground game in Nevada, they said into their cellphones. And the most important part of our ground game is establishing local contacts in individual precincts so that every voter has the opportunity to hear Teds message. Two weeks earlier, just one person had been manning the phones in what was then a bare-bones office; back in October, Rubios organization had dwarfed Cruzs. But with the caucuses approaching, Cruz has ramped up operations in Nevada, bringing in ground staff from Iowa and holding multiple caucus- organizing sessions every day in Las Vegas sessions that have attracted as many as 50 volunteers, many of whom are first-time voters, according to the campaign. Meanwhile, a Cruz aide told Yahoo News that phone banks across the state have made hundreds of thousands of phone calls in recent weeks as part of the campaigns get-out-the-vote effort. Were hitting our targets, said Matthew Bell, the Cruz field representative. This isnt surprising; Cruz had by far the most sophisticated caucus operation in Iowa, and his Nevada team is drawing on that expertise to ensure that their voters turn out on Tuesday. Aides declined to provide specific numbers, but they said that Cruz has a mix of volunteer and paid staff in all 17 of Nevadas counties. And while Cruz is also targeting Mormons, his biggest advantage over Rubio may be his laserlike focus on the more rural parts of the Silver State, where voters tend to be heavily conservative and more committed to caucusing. In January, Cruz scored the endorsement of state Attorney General Adam Laxalt. The grandson of a former governor, Laxalt won in 2014 by running against the establishment; he was also the first statewide official in a century to get elected without carrying Las Vegas or Reno. In recent weeks, Laxalt has been back on the trail, stumping for Cruz in the far-flung towns that carried him to victory two years agoWinnemucca, Yerington, Elko, Ely. Were like that Johnny Cash song, Ryan Hamilton, a Nevada political strategist who joined Cruzs campaign last fall. Were going everywhere, to every town we can, to find support. Supporters listen to Cruz speak at a campaign rally Feb. 21 in Pahrump, Nev. (Photo: John Locher/AP) On Sunday, Laxalt joined Cruz in Pahrump a libertarian outpost in the middle of one of the largest and least populous counties in the United States for the candidates first caucus-week campaign stop. Men wore pistols on their hips; signs for the Chicken Ranch Brothel lined the road. In his speech, Cruz pivoted from the evangelical emphasis of his South Carolina campaign and channeled his inner Rand Paul instead, criticizing the Obama administration for eavesdropping on American citizens and promising to give the 85 percent of Nevada land owned by the federal government back to the state, back to the people. Im thrilled to be surrounded by lovers of liberty, Cruz said from the bed of a black pickup truck. If every one of you gets 10 people to show up Tuesday night, the men and women standing in this parking lot can change the outcome of the Nevada caucuses. As usual, Cruz is also reaching out to evangelicals; his father, Rafael, preached at a church in Las Vegas last year. But for the most part, the campaign is hoping that anti-establishment conservatives voters who are still angry about a billion-dollar tax hike approved two years ago by the GOP-led state Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Sandoval will turn out Tuesday in record numbers and propel Cruz past Rubio, and perhaps even Trump. We think our message plays well with these disenfranchised Republicans, Hamilton said. Theyve voted for candidates who talked the talk during campaign season but havent walked the walk in their governing. Baghdad (AFP) - Iraq deployed reinforcements to a military base in Anbar on Monday for an impending operation against the Islamic State group in the western province, a senior officer said. IS overran large parts of Anbar province in 2014, but Iraqi forces recaptured provincial capital Ramadi from the jihadists and are now setting their sights on areas farther up the Euphrates river valley. "Major military reinforcements... arrived today to the Ain al-Asad base," army Major General Ali Ibrahim Daboun said. The forces from the counter-terrorism service and police will take part in an operation in the coming days to retake the town of Heet and the nearby Kubaisa area, Daboun said. The Al-Asad base is located northwest of those areas, while Ramadi, where government forces are also deployed, lies to its southeast. IS overran swathes of Iraq in 2014, but its forces have since regained significant ground from the jihadists with the help of US-led air strikes. The atmosphere inside the laboratory on the outskirts of Vienna is literally buzzing with armies of male mosquitoes locked up inside net-covered boxes. Their sole mission in life: stop females from breeding. Better known for keeping a close watch on countries' nuclear activities, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has joined the fight against Aedes aegypti -- the notorious mosquito responsible for spreading dengue, chikungunya and now the Zika virus. Experts from around the globe have been working strenuously in the IAEA's tightly-secured research facility in Seibersdorf, 30 kilometres (18 miles) south of the Austrian capital, to perfect something called the sterile insect technique, or SIT. The clue's in the name: male mosquitoes have their private parts zapped with a radioactive source before being released into nature to mate with wild females, which, as a result, will lay infertile eggs. The aim is to gradually reduce, if not suppress, their population. "Basically it's family planning for insects," said Jorge Hendrichs, director of the IAEA's insect pest control unit. The method has already proven successful in eradicating several pests, including the tsetse fly in Zanzibar and the fruit fly in most of northern Mexico. The recent Zika outbreak in Latin America and the Caribbean is now spurring governments to find ways of containing the epidemic. Several, such as worst-hit Brazil, are considering using SIT, which is most effective coupled with other methods including insecticide spraying and removing breeding sites. - Moment of panic - The stench in the hot lab is overpowering, prompting several of the visiting journalists to cover their noses. "That's the smell of insects," grins Marc Vreysen who leads the Seibersdorf research team. In a large foyer, several trays on a table contain either wriggling larvae or hard-shelled pupae -- "the stage when the mosquitoes get irradiated," Vreysen explains. Another room has a row of shelves stacked with whirring cages. Small signs reveal their occupants' country of origin: Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand. There is a brief moment of panic when one manages to break free and circles wildly around the narrow space. The escape is short-lived, however, as the lone daredevil meets a scientist's expertly-swung electric fly swatter. "Sometimes this happens. There are so many of them here," shrugs entomologist Rosemary Lees who works on the SIT team. In any case, a bite from a Zika-carrying mosquito would be primarily dangerous for pregnant women. While it causes only mild flu-like symptoms in most people, the virus is strongly suspected of sparking a recent surge in the number of children born with microcephaly -- abnormally small heads and brains -- to infected mothers. Importantly, only female mosquitoes bite and transmit diseases. "The male feeds on flowers and nectar," says Lees. Right on cue, a lab assistant behind her starts to fill a sausage-shaped membrane with a thick, dark red liquid. "We use blood from pigs or cows," he is quick to point out, before gingerly placing the bag on top of a cage. Almost instantly, swarms of the parasitical insects shoot up and, piercing the membrane with their tube-shaped mouths, start to frantically suckle away. - Costly birth control - Countries may be itching to wipe out the bloodthirsty creatures, but several obstacles remain. One key challenge is how to separate the sexes before irradiation. There's also the size issue: the ratio of lab-reared to wild mosquitoes needs to be at least 20 or even 10 to 1 for SIT make inroads into the host population. Plus a sterilised male's mating strength can quickly wane, says Vreysen: "Because we are rearing these insects at high density... this has in many cases a quality-reducing impact." Last but not least, SIT entails building industrial-scale rearing facilities -- an expensive undertaking. Pilot studies in Mauritius and Sudan have proven SIT's effectiveness in small villages. "By upscaling (the programme), you could maybe do trials in big cities in a couple of years from now," says Vreysen. IAEA member states affected by Zika will discuss using SIT at a meeting in Brazil next week. But Vreysen warns there is no quick fix: "This is not like the World Food Programme: there is an outbreak of hunger in a country, they come in and dump food. We develop long-term, sustainable technologies." Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon said on Monday he was sceptical that a Syria ceasefire announced for February 27 by the United States and Russia will succeed. He also said that both Washington and Moscow recognise Israeli freedom of action in Syria, where the Jewish state is reported to have carried out a series of raids over the past five years. "It is difficult for me to see a ceasefire while Daesh (the Islamic State group) and Al-Nusra Front (the Syrian Al-Qaeda affiliate) are not part of the process and the Russians say they will strike both organisations," a statement said. The Syria ceasefire is due to take effect on February 27 at midnight Damascus time (2200 GMT Friday), according to a joint US-Russian statement released by the State Department in Washington. Since the conflict began in 2011, Israeli forces are reported to have attacked positions of President Bashar al-Assad's forces and his allies from Israel's arch-foe Hezbollah. "Israeli action is based on a single principle: self-defence," the statement from Yaalon's spokesman said. "It is well-known in both the United States and Russia, which is currently acting in Syria, that our freedom of action and defence of our interests continue." The minister was speaking to an Israeli journalist aboard American warship the USS Carney at Haifa, northern Israel. Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel on Monday charged a Jewish man with inciting racism and violence in Facebook posts against Arab Israelis and Palestinians, including by calling for the death of a lawmaker, the justice ministry said. Eliyahu Eliav Moalem, 27, of central Israeli city Modiin, had over June and July 2014 written a number of posts calling for "acts of violence and terror against Palestinians and Arab Israelis," the ministry said in a statement. Moalem allegedly called for the abduction and death of firebrand Arab Israeli lawmaker Hanin Zoabi in his posts, visible to his 1,280 Facebook friends and open to the public. He is also accused of saying that Israeli leftwingers should "die before the Arabs." His alleged threats took place when tensions between Israelis and Palestinians were heightened following the abduction and murder of three Israeli youths in the West Bank by Palestinians. Following that incident, a Palestinian teenager was abducted, beaten and burned alive by Israelis. The abductions were part of a spiral of violence that led up to the 2014 war in the Gaza Strip. Moalem was charged in the Ramle magistrates court for incitement to violence and racism, as well as for harassing a plaintiff who had confronted him online. Israel recently jailed a number of Palestinians from east Jerusalem for inciting and praising attacks on Jews on their Facebook pages during the same period. A justice ministry spokeswoman said the delay between the alleged threats and the bringing of charges against Moalem was because further investigation was needed, without providing details. She also noted the charges against Moalem had to be approved by the attorney general, who examined them to ensure they did not infringe the defendant's freedom of speech. ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said on Monday that, as a citizen and leader of a center-left party, he hopes that Hillary Clinton becomes the next president of the United States. During a news conference with foreign media to mark his second year in office, Renzi was asked if he could work with Republican candidate Donald Trump should he win this year's election. "As Italian prime minister, it's obvious that I would work well with whoever is president of the United States," Renzi said. "As an Italian citizen and leader of the Democratic Party, and in total respect for American democracy, I'm rooting for Hillary Clinton." Renzi also said he would be traveling to Tehran in April, his first trip to Iran, which until recently was the focus of Western sanctions. (Reporting by Gavin Jones, writing by Steve Scherer; editing by Agnieszka Flak) Paris (AFP) - Shazia Mirza, who claims to be the world's first devoutly Muslim woman stand-up comic, is used to walking a very thin line. She made her name in Britain and the United States in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks by starting her shows with the line, "My name is Shazia Mirza -- at least that's what is says on my pilot's licence." But the writer and comedian is touching a still rawer nerve in her new show "The Kardashians Made Me Do It", which asks why so many young Western Muslim girls choose to run away to join the Islamic State group. At face value, her answer seems as problematic as the phenomenon itself. "Yes, they (IS fighters) may be barbaric... murderous psychopaths," she said. "But they are hairy, macho, they have guns and they're exciting... and that presses a lot of girls' buttons." The West has got it all wrong on jihadi brides, she insisted. "This is not about radicalisation, it's sexualisation," she told AFP ahead of a gig in Paris just down the street from one of the bars targeted by gunmen in November's jihadist attacks that left 130 dead. But for "the repressed, rebellious horny teenage Muslim girls" that fall for them, she claimed, this reality is lost in the fantasy world built around their longing for romance and adventure. Mirza argued that for them IS fighters are a bad boy fantasy -- "the One Direction of Islam", pin-ups who promise "no-guilt halal sex of which Allah approves". Mirza, who comes from a devout Pakistani family and was raised in Britain, knows more than most about where these teenagers are coming from. "Me and my friends were brought up in Birmingham the same way these girls were. If anything, our parents were stricter." - Muslim Brad Pitts - Up until now Mirza insisted her comedy was never "political. It was all observational. I just told jokes." Story continues But after three London teenagers made headlines around the world last year when they skipped school to run away to join IS in Syria, she realised her comedy might "have something to say". A former science teacher, she said she taught "hundreds of Bangladeshi girls just like them in a secondary school just down the road from theirs. "I was with a Bangladeshi friend when the news broke and we were both flabbergasted," she added. "But when we thought back to our 16-year-old selves we knew exactly why. Almost every Muslim woman I have talked knows this too, and I wondered why no one had just come out and said it. "If some hot, hairy Muslim Brad Pitt had written to me at 15 and sent me pictures asking me to join him, it might have seemed like an exciting way out. But it would have been nothing to do with religion." So she wrote "The Kardashians Made Me Do It" -- its title taken from one of the girl's shocked sisters, who told a British parliamentary inquiry that her missing sibling was more into celebrity culture than the Koran. "I can't understand why she's gone," she told MPs, "she used to watch 'The Kardashians'." Trying out the show around Britain, Mirza had found "lots of Muslims who never normally go to comedy" staying behind to say, "'You are so right.'" There have been reports since that IS deliberately uses good-looking young men, -- the so-called jihotties -- as part of its social media strategy to "groom" young female recruits. - Lure of unsuitable boys - At their age, these girls would have known "nothing about Islam", Mirza said. "I went to Koran classes every day after school... it takes years to get to the essence." Far from being radicalised, she is convinced they had sex on their minds rather than religion or to take revenge "on the West... That is such a joke. These girls are totally Western and British," she said, "and were only three when America invaded Iraq. "What could be more British than driving your parents mad by running away with unsuitable boys?" Mirza added. "I was never allowed out of the house on my own, I didn't go on school trips, have white friends or was allowed to wear what I wanted," she said. But Muslim girls soon learn how to lead double lives. "When we went out we left totally covered and then changed into miniskirts in the toilets. I dyed my hair pink once and kept it hidden from my mum under my headscarf," she added. Despite the November attack, Mirza is not worried about taking the show to La Java club in Paris on Wednesday. "It is important we talk honestly," she said. Muslims have to embrace comedy to help explain themselves, she said. "It is like with the Jews, or the Irish when they were seen as terrorists. When things get tough, you have to get funny." Beirut (AFP) - The Islamic State group and other jihadists on Monday cut a vital supply route linking the west of Syria's second city Aleppo with other government-held territory, a monitoring group said. The road between Aleppo and the town of Khanasser to the southeast was the only way regime forces and civilians living in government-controlled neighbourhoods of the city could travel to surrounding provinces. If government forces are unable to recapture the road, it could slow an offensive they launched in the countryside around Aleppo earlier this year. And it could worsen severe shortages of food and water for civilians. "Jihadists from the Caucasus and from (China's mainly Muslim region of) Xinjiang, as well as the jihadist group Jund al-Aqsa, cut the route from the south after a surprise attack," said Syrian Observatory for Human Rights chief Rami Abdel Rahman. "And fighters from IS cut off a different part of the route from the northern side at the same time," Abdel Rahman said. Thousands of foreign fighters have flocked to Syria over the past two years, many of them taking up arms with Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front, IS or Jund al-Aqsa. It is not the first time that the government's supply route to Aleppo has been cut. Rebel cut it in 2013 and IS did so last year before being pushed back. The new setback comes with government troops on the offensive north and west of Aleppo, where rebel forces in the east of the city are almost completely surrounded. The Uber driver accused in a deadly weekend shooting spree in Kalamazoo, Mich., confessed to taking people's lives after he was arrested, a detective testified in court Monday. Authorities say six people were killed and two wounded when Jason Brian Dalton, 45, randomly fired on apparent strangers from a black Chevrolet HHR over the course of nearly five hours Saturday evening. Dalton was taken into custody after officers spotted him driving away from a bar parking lot after midnight Sunday. CLICK IMAGE for slideshow: An officer with the Kalamazoo Crime Lab leaves the scene of a random shooting on Sunday in Kalamazoo. Jason Dalton of Kalamazoo County was arrested early Sunday in downtown Kalamazoo following a massive manhunt after several victims were shot at random. (Bryan Bennett/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive via AP) SLIDESHOW Deadly shooting in Kalamazoo, Michigan >>>> Dalton, a married father of two children with no apparent criminal record, slouched and appeared somber during his first court appearance Monday. He indicated he understood the 16 charges including six counts of murder, two of attempted murder and eight felony gun counts against him. I would prefer to just remain silent, Dalton replied when Judge Christopher Haenicke asked him if he had anything to say. But Kalamazoo County prosecutor Jeff Getting says Dalton waived his right against self-incrimination and admitted his involvement in the shooting spree. Kalamazoo police detective Cory Ghiringhelli provided details of the confession to a judge early Monday, Michigan Live reported. Dalton ultimately told detectives under Miranda that he took peoples lives on 2/20/2016, Ghiringhelli told District Judge Anne E. Blatchford. Members of Daltons family did not immediately return messages left by Yahoo News but issued a statement to ABC News late Monday saying, There are no words which can express our shock and disbelief, and we are devastated and saddened for the victims and the families of the victims. An undated photo on Jason Dalton's Facebook page showing what appears to be the shooting suspect playing with his children. (Facebook) Neighbors told reporters that Dalton was an insurance adjuster. Daltons Facebook page indicates he was a former high school wrestler, has been married for 20 years and enjoys refurbishing classic cars. On Monday, his family vowed to help authorities determine a motive for the attack. Story continues This type of violence has no place in our society, and we express our love and support for everyone involved, the statement said. We intend to cooperate in every way that we can to help determine why and how this occurred. Judge Haenicke denied Dalton bail and scheduled a preliminary hearing for next week. He has requested a court-appointed attorney. The shootings occurred outside an apartment complex, in a restaurant parking lot and at a car lot. Two victims remain hospitalized. The victims range in age from 14 to 74. Daltons statements to police were used to file the charges of murder and attempted murder Monday, two days after six people died in random shootings in the Kalamazoo area. One 14-year-old victim was initially declared brain dead but clings to life. The criminal charges filed against Kalamazoo Uber driver Jason Dalton. Click image to read full document. Uber, the online transportation service that dispatches drivers using their own cars, said it is cooperating with the investigation, the AP reported. Uber passenger Matt Mellen says he called police to report that Dalton was driving erratically more than an hour before the shootings started. Uber says it received complaints about Dalton from several passengers, including one about erratic driving. But the company won't say whether it talked to Dalton and is referring further questions to law enforcement. The ride-hailing service says Dalton cleared a background check and was approved to be a driver on Jan. 25. He had given slightly more than 100 rides. (This story has been updated since it was originally published. With reporting from the Associated Press.) Jason Sickles is a national reporter for Yahoo News. Follow him on Twitter (@jasonsickles). AMMAN (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry urged calm in talks on Sunday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on tensions between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem, and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to a two-state solution to the conflict. "The Secretary continued to urge for calm and a decrease in violence, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric," State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement after the meeting during a visit to Jordan by the top U.S. diplomat. The talks included discussions of tensions at a Jerusalem holy site - known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary, where al-Aqsa mosque stands, and to Jews as the Temple Mount. Palestinian allegations that Israel is trying to alter the religious status quo at the site have helped fuel months of heightened violence. Since October, Israeli security forces have killed at least 168 Palestinians, 111 of whom Israel says were assailants, while most others were fatally shot during violent anti-Israeli protests. Stabbings, shootings and car rammings by Palestinians have killed 28 Israelis and a U.S. citizen. Kerry stressed the U.S. commitment to seeking a sustainable two-state solution and working with all parties to that end. He reiterated the U.S. policy on the illegitimacy of Israeli settlements. Palestinian leaders say many Palestinian attackers have acted out of desperation in the absence of movement toward creation of an independent state. Israel says they are being incited to violence by their leaders and on social media. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Peter Cooney) MONROEVILLE, Ala. (AP) The author of the America classic To Kill a Mockingbird was laid to rest Saturday in a private ceremony attended by only the closest of friends and family, a reflection of how she had lived. Harper Lee, who died Friday at 89, was eulogized at a church in the small Alabama town of Monroeville, which the author used as a model for the imaginary town of Maycomb, the setting of her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. A few dozen people who comprised Lee's intimate circle gathered at the First United Methodist Church to hear a eulogy by her longtime friend and history professor, Wayne Flint. Afterward, her casket was taken by a silver hearse to an adjacent cemetery where her father, A.C. Lee and sister, Alice Lee, are buried. Flynt said he delivered a eulogy that Lee specifically requested years ago. Entitled, "Atticus Inside Ourselves," the eulogy was written by Flint for a speech that he gave in 2006 as a tribute to Lee when she won the Birmingham Pledge Foundation Award for racial justice. Read More: 'To Kill a Mockingbird' Author Harper Lee Dies at 89 Flynt said Lee liked the speech so much that she wanted him to give it as her eulogy. "I want you to say exactly that," Flynt quoted Lee as saying at the time. "Not one thing more, and not one thing less." "If I deviated one degree, I would hear this great booming voice from heaven, and it wouldn't be God," Flynt said in an earlier interview. The town was appropriately somber a day after their native daughter's death. Ann Mote, owner of the Ol' Curiosities & Book Shoppe in Monroeville, said she thinks the town will always be linked to Lee. Jared Anton, of Hollywood, Fla., sat outside the old courthouse in Monroeville during part of a planned vacation through the South that coincided with Lee's death. Anton said reading the book in which attorney Atticus Finch defends a wrongly accused African-American man was one reason he decided became a lawyer. Story continues "It had an impact on me when I was younger. I wanted to do the right thing, to stand up to people, to defend the innocent, if you will," said Anton. "It is the greatest American novel. Name one that really has had more of an impact on Americans than that book." Mockingbirds chirped and frolicked among blooming camellia bushes outside the courthouse on a warm Alabama morning that teased the early arrival of spring. The courthouse was where Lee as a child, like her creation Scout Finch, would peer down from the balcony as her father tried his cases in the courtroom. The town was home to childhood friends Lee and Truman Capote, giving rise to its self-given nickname of the literary capital of the South. "She's a part of it and always will be," said Mote. Read More: Harper Lee Didnt Shy Away From Hollywood, Very Involved in 'To Kill a Mockingbirds' Adaptation Tributes to Lee's novel dot Monroeville. The courthouse is a museum that pays homage to her creation. There's the Mockingbird Inn on the edge of town, and a statute of children reading Mockingbird in the courthouse square. Tickets go on sale in a week for the city's annual To Kill a Mockingbird play, said Mote. A black mourning bow donned the top of the sign at the bookstore, where a stack of hardcopy Mockingbird books sat on the counter along with a DVD of the movie. Last summer Monroeville had a celebration for the release of Go Set a Watchman Lee's initial draft of the story that would become Mockingbird even though many residents had ambivalent feelings about its release. Lee for years was largely unseen in her hometown, as she first sought privacy and then was secluded at an assisted-living home. Security guards would shoo away the inevitable mix of reporters, curious onlookers and old acquaintances who were not on her list of approved visitors. "You would see her around, but still we would honor her wishes of being a very private person," said Tim McKenzie, chairman of the Monroe County Museum's board of directors, who also acts in the play. "The impact from now forward, I think for the next few weeks, is we'll have an influx of people in here just looking around and at some point like when anybody passes away at some point it just returns back to normal." McKenzie said the best way fans can honor the author's memory is by applying the values in Mockingbird to the way they treat others. "That story, I'm glad it's in just about all the schools now, because it's a story that everybody needs to hear," he said. "If you adhere to the values she put in that book, if everybody did, we'd be living in a much better world." By Aidan Lewis TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Libya's oil facilities are likely to suffer further attacks unless a United Nations-backed unity government is approved, the head of the National Oil Corporation (NOC) told Reuters in an interview on Monday. Mustafa Sanalla also said suspected Islamic State militants had staged their latest attack against Libya's oil infrastructure last Thursday or Friday, setting fire to one production tank and damaging another at the Fida oil field. Fida lies south-west of the oil terminals of Es Sider and Ras Lanuf, where militants launched repeated assaults and inflicted major damage last month. "If there is no new government I think the situation will get worse. I believe there will be more attacks on the oil facilities," Sanalla said. Libya has been mired in conflict following an uprising that toppled veteran leader Muammar Gaddafi five years ago. Two rival governments, backed by loose alliances of armed groups, are now vying for power and a share of the OPEC member's oil wealth. Islamic State militants have taken advantage of the security vacuum to establish a foothold in Libya, seizing Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte and launching attacks in several other cities. A unity government is trying to win approval from Libya's internationally recognized parliament in eastern Libya, known as the House of Representatives (HOR). But the government remains plagued by divisions and has faced opposition from hardliners on both sides of Libya's political divide. "We are urging the HOR to approve this government to put an end to these troubles we have regarding security in the oil industry," Sanalla said. UNIFIED SECURITY FORCE Total current production generally stands at 360,000-370,000 barrels per day, Sanalla said, though sometimes production drops to around 300,000 bpd because of technical problems. That is less than a quarter of the 1.6 million bpd that Libya was producing before the 2011 uprising. About 100,000 barrels per day are refined locally for domestic consumption, with the rest exported. Story continues Sanalla said the NOC in Tripoli faced a "daily battle" to prevent authorities in eastern Libya from selling oil through parallel structures. But Sanalla said he was "optimistic" that Libya's total production could recover quickly under a unity government, with an additional 400,000 bpd or more coming on stream from fields at El Sharara and El Feel in south-western Libya. Sanalla said a unity government should set up a unified security force to protect facilities. This could incorporate the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG), a largely independent brigade that controls the area around Ras Lanuf and Es Sider, he added. The PFG fought militants at Es Sider and Ras Lanuf last month, but Sanalla said their defenses were weak and that 20 of the 32 oil storage tanks at the terminals had been destroyed or badly damaged. Repairing those installations will cost hundreds of millions of dollars, he said. (Writing by Aidan Lewis, editing by Gareth Jones) A protester at a Donald Trump rally in Atlanta cut the spotlights Sunday, prompting a surreal scene in which Trump led his supporters in a chant of "Turn off the lights!" Lighting director Bob Hunter told The Associated Press that he stepped away from his booth near the front of the stage for a quick bathroom break. He returned to a chaotic scene with shouts in his headset letting him know the lights were off. He said people in the area told him a protester had reached over and pulled a wire. Hunter quickly turned them back up but it turned out that Trump actually liked the darker stage, without bright spotlights in his eyes. "They're too bright, turn them off," he shouted, before leading his supporters in a chant of: "Turn off the lights!" Hunter quickly obliged. "I was trying not to be that guy," he said with a sheepish laugh after the rally. "You're making me that guy." Diane Warren and Lady Gaga, who are nominated for the best original song Oscar for Til It Happens to You from the documentary The Hunting Ground, are among a rich lineup of Oscar nominees who will be honored at Sunday's opening night of the 11th annual Los Angeles Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest in Hollywood. Warren will accept the festival's song of the year award in-person. The fest will also honor composer Ennio Morricone, documentary filmmakers Matthew Heineman and Adam Benzine, the cast of The Hateful Eight and that film's legendary Italian composer, Ennio Morricone. Read More: Ennio Morricone to Get Los Angeles Italia Fest Honor Heineman, who is nominated for the Oscar for best documentary feature for Cartel Land, will receive the fests documentary of the year award for his look at two vigilante groups fighting against Mexican drug cartels. And Benzine, who is nominated for the Oscar for best documentary short for Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah, will receive the fest's short of the year award for his portrait of the eponymous 90-year-old French filmmaker. The Hateful Eight will be presented with ensemble cast of the year, with Michael Madsen accepting the award on behalf of his co-stars. And Morricone, who is nominated for best original score for the film, will receive a star on Hollywoods Walk of Fame on Feb. 26. Were so proud that the Hollywood community considers L.A. Italia an important bridge between our two great countries, said the festivals director, Pascal Vicedomini. The caliber of stars, filmmakers and celebrities that have come together to kick off our 11th anniversary celebration is truly wonderful. Were thrilled and honored to have all these great people with us and look forward to facilitating many more successful collaborations between our two countries in the future. Read More: Pope Biopic to Open L.A. Italia Film Fest The Los Angeles Italia fest runs every year on the eve of the Oscars at the Hollywood & Highland complex to celebrate new and established Italian and Italian-American culture. The festival opens Feb. 21 with the American premiere of the pope biopic Call Me Francesco, and continues through Feb. 27. KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Forest fires spread over 500 acres in the north of the Malaysian state of Sarawak in Borneo island have raised air pollution to hazardous levels on Monday in areas close to the inferno, government data showed. The fires have spurred an emergency response from the state fire and rescue department, which is at the same time scrambling to manage nearly 8,000 people displaced by floods in Sarawak's southern region as of Monday morning, according to the Bernama newswire. Sensors located in the coastal town of Miri - which is closest to the fires - registered an air pollutant index reading of over 300 parts per million (ppm) as at 9 a.m., though it went down to 185 ppm as at 3 p.m., the data showed. Readings above 300 ppm are deemed a health hazard. State Fire and Rescue Department director Nor Hisham Mohammad told Reuters that the situation in the north of Malaysia's largest state is "quite bad" and expects the fires to rage for a "minimum of one week". Sarawak's forests are renowned for being home to eight out of the world's 54 species of hornbills, according to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation, and also to the Orang Utan in some regions of the Bornean state. Nor Hisham said the fires are unlikely to have affected the local wildlife as their numbers would be small because most of the timber in the area was already harvested. The fires, however, forced local authorities to evacuate 650 students from an industrial training centre on Sunday, but classes have since resumed on Monday morning, Nor Hisham said. Nor Hisham said a total of 50 personnel along with two helicopters and two excavators have been deployed and are working round the clock to contain the fires. The fire and rescue department believes local hunters had started the fires, but are still investigating the matter. Malaysian Meteorological Department senior officer Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the severity of the fires was caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon, which typically affects the northern region of Sarawak and the neighbouring state of Sabah. Forest fires have increased in frequency over the past few years in Sarawak, where there are large tracts of peat soil. This year's forest fires, however, cover more than double the 200 acres in the same region scorched by forest fires in July last year. (Reporting by Joseph Sipalan; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) By Alexander Besant NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Catholics voiced support for Pope Francis on Sunday after he criticized Donald Trump's immigration stance as "not Christian," but many interviewed by Reuters said the controversy would not necessarily sour them on the Republican presidential contender. The pontiff injected himself into the U.S. campaign during a conversation with reporters on his flight home from Mexico on Thursday. In his comments, Francis disparaged Trump's vow to build a wall along the southern U.S. border to keep out illegal immigrants. A sampling of opinion from people before and after Sunday Mass suggested that many Catholics saw the pope's comments as well-intentioned and grounded in a moral worldview. Many said Francis, who has become a champion of inclusion in his three-year tenure as head of the Roman Catholic Church, was right to insist on the humane treatment of all immigrants. Even so, most of those interviewed in Boston and New York would not rule out voting for Trump based on what Francis said. About 21 percent of the U.S. population identifies as Catholic. "I agree with the pope as far as being a true Christian, you accept everybody," said Paul Nappi, 65, outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Brooklyn, New York. "I happen to like Trump but I don't know if he's literally about building walls or that's just a figure of speech." Many churchgoers said the media unfairly whipped up the controversy to goad the pope and Trump into a fight days before Saturday's South Carolina Republican primary. Trump's victory there made the billionaire real estate mogul the clear front-runner for his party's nomination for the Nov. 8 election to succeed Democratic President Barack Obama. "It's very treacherous for the media to ask those questions to the pope because they were questions inspired by the media itself," said Catalina Carmona, 31, a lawyer visiting New York from Colombia. "He was put in a difficult situation and he said what a leader in his position would be able to say." 'ANALOGY' Francis never directly criticized Trump or mentioned him by name when he told reporters: "A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian." Carol Menkiti, 76, of Somerville, Massachusetts, said of the pope's remarks: "I felt he was using an analogy that's often used. I love the pope." "I don't think he comments on politics, but he talks about the human condition," she said after attending Mass at St. Paul's Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A spokesman for Francis sought on Friday to tone down the controversy, insisting the pontiff was not making a personal attack on Trump or any statement about the U.S. election. After initially saying it was "disgraceful" for the pope to judge another's faith in God, the blunt-spoken Trump said Francis was "a nice man" who was probably misinterpreted by the media. But from the pulpit of St. Paul's, the Rev. James Flavin did not shy away from the issue. In his Sunday sermon, he linked the pope's remarks about "walls" to many of the social justice themes he has sounded since his papacy began in March 2013. "The pope denounced a world divided by walls," Flavin said. "He's challenging us to change the world through our imitation of Christ." How much the pope's views will influence U.S. Catholics in the voting booth is an open question, but parishioners suggested a muted impact at best. While most of those interviewed said they respected the pope's moral authority, Joe Ruggiero, 70, thought Francis sometimes "gets a little carried away" with what he characterized as a "basically socialist" point of view. "Catholics believe the pope is infallible in issues of faith, not issues of politics," Ruggiero said outside the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston. Nappi said the pope's influence over Catholics would not necessarily be the sole determining factor in how Catholics vote. "I think anytime the pope says something, of course it'll have an affect on Catholic voters," he said. "Me personally, I like to weigh all the issues before I make a definitive opinion one way or another." (Additional reporting by Scott Malone in Boston; Writing by Frank McGurty; Editing by Peter Cooney) (Reuters) - A Maryland woman charged with pushing her 3-year-old son in a park swing until he died was found not criminally responsible by a judge on Monday, a prosecutor said. Romechia Simms, 25, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Charles County Circuit Court, said Tony Covington, the county prosecutor. She was then ruled not criminally responsible, Maryland's equivalent to not guilty by reason of insanity. Simms was ruled not to be a danger to herself or the community and was freed on a conditional release, Covington said. Police found Simms pushing her dead son, Ji'Aire Lee, in a swing in a La Plata park last May. The child had been in the swing for some 40 hours and died of hypothermia and dehydration. La Plata is about 35 miles south of Washington. Covington said the judge ruled after receiving mental evaluations that included one from the Maryland Office of Forensic Services. The Washington Post reported on Monday that the report said Simms suffered from schizophrenia. Simms had been charged with first-degree child abuse, manslaughter and child neglect. (Reporting by Ian Simpson in Washington; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn and Peter Cooney) By Alan Baldwin BARCELONA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Formula One teams have a last chance to agree major changes for 2017 at meetings on Tuesday and must seize the opportunity to make the sport more exciting, Red Bull boss Christian Horner said on Monday. Speaking to reporters at the start of pre-season testing, Horner said the meetings of the core Strategy Group and broader Formula One Commission in Geneva needed to act decisively in the sport's interests. Under Formula One rules, changes for 2017 can be passed by majority vote until March 1 but must be unanimous after that. With team bosses rarely agreeing unanimously on anything, that would mean any changes being kicked down the road for another year. The agenda includes new concepts such as awarding points for qualifying, with the top 10 reversed for the race, and technical changes aimed at producing closer racing with more spectacular and aggressive-looking cars. "We have got an opportunity to do something really good and hopefully that is not missed," said Horner, who also cautioned against artificial measures to liven up the sport that could damage its heritage. Formula One's commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone limbered up for the meetings with highly-critical comments about the way the sport had evolved. In an interview published in Monday's Daily Mail newspaper, the 85-year-old billionaire said Formula One was "the worst it has ever been". Horner, who is close to Ecclestone, understood his frustration but suggested Tuesday was "an ideal opportunity" to do something about it. "It needs to be constructive and positive so we have a clear direction for the future, because sitting here right now I am not sure what that direction is," he added. McLaren racing director Eric Boullier, speaking separately, suggested Ecclestone was reacting to declining television audiences as the sport moved increasingly towards pay per view and away from free-to-air. "I got amused at first, but I understand his frustration," he said of Ecclestone's comments. "Tomorrow is an important F1 Strategy Group meeting in Geneva, so we will see where we can vent our frustration as well to make the sport the best -- or better definitely -- and that is what we all want I guess." The Frenchman agreed with Horner that the meetings represented a last chance for 2017. "We have been talking about this for a long time so if we can't agree that is a failure," he said. (Editing by Ed Osmond) One mums post about the benefits of breastfeeding has gone viral [Photo: Facebook Mallory Smothers] Experts have long been shouting about the benefits of breast milk. But one new mum who saw for herself just how amazing it can be has shared her discovery on Facebook and the picture has since gone viral. When Mallory Smothers noticed her baby had developed what she assumed was a cold, she continued to nurse her little one through the night before expressing more milk in the morning. It was only when she compared the bag of new breast milk, next to an older one that the new mum from Arkansas noticed the striking difference. The post Mallory Smothers shared on social media [Photo: Facebook Mallory Smothers] While the older milk was nearly white in colour, the more recent one was more yellowish in tone, appearing to resemble the colostrum or liquid gold mothers produce in the first few days after having a baby and that experts believe contains antibodies to help fight illness and infection. Taking to Facebook to reveal her discovery, Mallory wrote: I didnt notice a difference until today. But look at how much more the milk I produced Friday resembles colostrum (the super milk full of antibodies and leukocytes you make during the first few days after birth), and this comes after nursing baby with a cold all night long. Many new mums might be concerned about the noticeable difference in colour of the milk and assume something was wrong, but Mallory had recently read some research which explained that a mums breast milk can alter so that it caters specifically to a babys needs. The research, published in the journal Clinical & Translational Immunology, showed that infections in mums and infants cause a rapid rise of leukocytes (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection) in breast milk. Once the infection is over, the leukocyte count then goes back to normal. The post has since been shared 69,000 times [Photo: Facebook Mallory Smothers] Story continues Describing the discovery as cuckoo awesome, Mallorys post has since been shared more than 69,000 times. Commenting on the response to the attention Mallory said. I am glad so many are wanting to spread the word on the amazing benefits of breastfeeding! Of course, not every mum can, or wants to, breastfeed, but regardless, Mallorys post serves as a perfect illustration about just how clever our bodies really are. [Its] pretty awesome, huh?! she wrote. The human body never ceases to amaze me. What do you think of Mallorys post? Let us know @YahooStyleUK. New Craze Sees Mums-to-Be Twerking Their Way Into The Delivery Suite Vaginal Seeding: The Birth Trend Practice We Probably Wont Be Trying Helsinki (AFP) - Nearly one fifth of Finland's endangered wolf population was killed in a controversial month-long cull which ended at the weekend, authorities said on Monday. Authorities gave permits to licensed hunters to kill 46 of Finland's estimated 250 grey wolves in a cull intended to curb illegal poaching. "The catch was altogether 43 wolves... meaning that three permissions were left unused," Sauli Harkonen, a senior official with the Finnish Wildlife Agency, told AFP. The hunt was the second part of a trial cull launched in 2015 to reduce illegal poaching in rural areas. It was the first time a cull had been authorised since 2007, after the European Commission accused Finland of breaching EU protection rules on the endangered species. Finland's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will now assess the impact of the hunt on the wolf population and on poaching before deciding if hunting should be continued in 2017. Environmentalists have voiced fears that culls might destroy the wolves' genetic diversity. "The hunt was very extensive since the ministry authorised (hunters) to kill 20 percent of Finland's wolf population and in addition to that, there have been exceptional permits granted by the police," said Sami Saynevirta, leader of the Finnish Nature League. In addition to the 43 wolves killed in the cull that ended Sunday, another 25 were killed since August by hunters given special permits to track down wolves that habitually roamed near homes, or which had attacked pets or livestock. Hunting is a widespread tradition in Finland. About 300,000 people register each year for permits, one of the highest per capita rates in Europe. By Abdoulaye Massalaki NIAMEY (Reuters) - Voting in Niger's presidential and legislative elections stretched into a second day on Monday in areas where logistical problems prevented polling the previous day, delaying the preliminary election results. President Mahamadou Issoufou, who has vowed to crush Islamist militants and reduce the country's deep poverty, is running against 14 other candidates, including Seyni Oumaru, leader of an opposition coalition. Critics say Issoufou is repressive and arrested opposition supporters in the run-up to the vote. The government says such criticism is politically motivated. Polls will be open in four of the eight regions in the landlocked Saharan country: the northeastern Tahoua region, and Zinder, Diffa and Tillaberi, in the east, southeast and west respectively, observers said. "The vote restarted on Monday in areas where the polling stations didn't work yesterday," said Kadi Moustapha, a spokesman for the West African Network for Edification and Peace observer group. Diffa is under a state of emergency after Islamist militant group Boko Haram, based in neighboring Nigeria, staged a series of attacks there in recent months. Niger produces uranium and oil but is desperately poor and has one of the world's highest fertility rates. (Writing by Makini Brice and Matthew Mpoke Bigg; editing by Katharine Houreld) TORONTO (Reuters) - One of Canada's most infamous serial killers, Robert Pickton, who was convicted in 2007 of killing drug addicts and prostitutes and butchering their remains at his pig farm, has released a book proclaiming his innocence. The book, published on Jan. 29 and available through the online retailer Amazon.com Inc, is listed as a personal memoir by Pickton, 66, who is serving a life sentence at a prison in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Calling himself "the fall guy" on the book's jacket, Pickton notes he is accused of murdering "between 6 and 49 women" and is finally telling his story. News of the book's existence immediately sparked outrage across Canada, and negative reviews of the book piled up on Amazon's website, with many urging publisher Outskirts Press and Amazon to withdraw the book. "We are taking this very seriously and investigating every means available to ensure that the families involved are protected from further harm and that Robert Pickton will not profit in any way from this book," B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris said in a statement emailed on Monday. Morris said the government was also appealing to Amazon to stop selling the book. Amazon could not be immediately reached for comment. Pickton was convicted of killing six women whose partial remains were found on his ramshackle property near Vancouver. Government prosecutors dropped charges for an additional 20 murders after he was sentenced to life in prison. The victims were among more than 60 women who disappeared from Vancouver's poor, drug-infested Downtown Eastside neighborhood over more than a decade until Pickton's arrest in early 2002. (Reporting by Andrea Hopkins; Editing by Steve Orlofsky) By Roberta Rampton WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday said China recognized it could not sustain an export-driven growth model indefinitely but that it would take time to change. Speaking to state governors at the White House, Obama urged them to press the U.S. Congress to approve the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact to boost U.S. exports in a region where China is "the 800-pound gorilla." Obama said it was tempting for China to try to solve its short-term problems by dumping state-subsidized goods into the U.S. market but said his administration had made clear to China that would not work, Obama said. "They recognize that they cant forever sustain an export-driven growth model, but its going to take some time and its tempting for them to solve short-term problems by just dumping a bunch of state-subsidized goods into the U.S. market," Obama said in response to a question raising concerns about China's exports of iron ore. "Weve been very clear with them about the fact that thats not going to work, and were going to put in place tools to make sure it doesnt work," he said. Obama also said the United States had made clear China needed to have an orderly market-based currency system that did not advantage its companies over their U.S. counterparts. "Right now, frankly, their intervention is to prop up their currency rather than to devalue it, because a lot of people have been nervous about the Chinese economy," he said. ELECTION ROILS TPP DEBATE Obama told the governors he was "cautiously optimistic" that Congress ultimately will back the 12-nation TPP trade pact, which labor unions oppose because of what Obama called "emotions" about job losses from past trade deals. "Our concern there was that China was the 800-pound gorilla. And if we allowed them to set trade rules out there, American businesses and American workers were going to be cut out," he said. Obama said he would have to rely on votes from "a set of strong pro-trade Democrats" in Congress as well as Republicans. But Obama acknowledged that Republicans have also "some concerns along the margins" of the TPP, such as provisions affecting tobacco, and said the campaign for the Nov. 8 presidential election has "roiled" the debate in both parties. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, has said he has "some problems" with the TPP and does not think it should be pursued before the election. (Additional reporting by Jeff Mason and David Brunnstrom; Editing by David Gregorio and Cynthia Osterman) Washington (AFP) - US President Barack Obama insisted Monday in a telephone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on the need to respect the Minsk peace accords in eastern Ukraine, the White House said. Obama in particular stressed the need for Russian and separatist forces to honor a ceasefire and allow a special monitoring mission from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to have full access to the conflict zone, including the border with Russia, the White House said. The exchange was in a telephone conversation that also dealt with a "cessation of hostilities" in Syria that has been set for February 27. The Minsk agreement reached between Russia, Ukraine and European powers on February 11, 2015 called for an OSCE observed ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. But a year later, few of its commitments have been met and skirmishes continue between pro-Russian rebels and government forces. More than 9,000 people have been killed and some 20,000 injured since the uprising against Ukraine's pro-Western leadership erupted in April 2014, according to the United Nations. Kiev and the West accuse Russia of supporting the insurgents and sending regular troops across the border, claims that Moscow denies. Buenos Aires (AFP) - US President Barack Obama's decision to visit Argentina in March shows the country is mending its diplomatic ties after years of tension, Argentine President Mauricio Macri told AFP on Monday. "It signifies a recognition of a change that has taken place in Argentina, towards good relations with the world, relations which must be mature, intelligent and mutually beneficial," Macri said in an interview at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires. The US-educated, pro-business conservative vowed to strengthen Argentina's foreign ties when he became president in December after years of combative relations under his leftist predecessor Cristina Kirchner. French President Francois Hollande visits Argentina on Wednesday. Italian premier Matteo Renzi did so last week. Obama will visit on March 23 and 24 after a historic trip to Cuba. Obama's aides said he will offer support to Macri's efforts to turn the page on the financial isolation and political enmity with Washington that Argentina experienced under Kirchner and her late husband and predecessor Nestor. "We believe this is really a new beginning and a new era in our relations with Argentina," top Obama foreign policy aide Ben Rhodes said last week. Argentina is Latin America's third largest economy, but a $100 billion default in 2001 made it a financial pariah, effectively shut out from international capital markets. Macri has tried to quickly clear the remaining $9 billion worth of claims from bond holders, offering $6.5 billion to settle. Some major US hedge funds are still resisting the offer. Obama's visit is expected to increase pressure on them to reach a deal. Obama's trip is likely to focus on investment in renewable energy, agriculture and tourism, Argentina's foreign minister Susana Malcorra said. Macri said the visit will showcase Argentina's cultural diversity. It will coincide with a mass protest by human rights groups and social movements to mark the 40th anniversary of the coup that brought Argentina's last military dictatorship to power until 1983. Story continues Groups have called on Obama to apologize on behalf of the United States for US support of the regime at the time. Macri said the date of Obama's visit was "a total coincidence because it fits in with his visit to Cuba" on March 21-22. He told AFP there was so far no plan for him and Obama to visit a museum in memory of the victims of the dictatorship. "We are aligned with the United States in defending human rights in the region," he said. "We both agree on the need to work against drug-trafficking and terrorism and in favor of renewable energy." Pakistan has authorised the import of an expensive Hepatitis-C drug from the United States to improve treatment for the estimated eight million people carrying the blood infection, officials said Monday. Hailed by experts as a game-changer, Sovaldi, which has been on the market since 2013, costs around $1,000 per pill in the US or $84,000 for a single course of treatment, according to a US Senate report released last December. The drug is now being sold nationally in a Pakistani pharmacy chain for around $314 per 28 tablets, while the government is urging local manufacturers to produce generic copies on an urgent basis. "It is estimated that some eight million people are suffering from Hepatitis-C in Pakistan and each year about 80,000 people will die," a senior health ministry official told AFP. "These deaths are caused by advanced liver disease spanning over a period of 20-30 years," he added. "The government had to act urgently and even before the formal registration of the drug in the country, it gave special permission to import Sovaldi tablets from the US." Another official at the drug registration authority said the government was exploring the option of cheaper alternatives. "We are encouraging local manufacturers to produce generic drugs on a priority basis which are safe, efficacious and affordable," the official said. Last October Pakistan's drug authority received 61 applications from pharmaceutical firms to produce Sofosbuvir tablets, the generic name of the drug, of which 14 manufacturers were finally approved. Gilead Sciences, which makes Sovaldi, has been criticised in the US for the drug's cost. The lofty price, set by Gilead, placed Sovaldi and its follow-up drug Harvoni out of reach of many consumers, the US Senate report said. Hepatitis-C is a blood infection transmitted via contaminated needles, sexual intercourse, and from pregnant mothers to their unborn children. Lahore (Pakistan) (AFP) - Pakistan's literary scene is seeing a spirited revival, with packed festivals attracting tens of thousands in a rock concert-like atmosphere that defies security threats in a growing cultural renaissance. Events such as the raucous Lahore Literary Festival, held over the weekend, are reclaiming the 'cultural space' that has shrunk significantly in the conservative Muslim nation in recent years amid a raging Islamist insurgency. The festivals -- platforms for all forms of cultural expression, from architecture to film to food writing and feminism, as well as poetry and a recital by Central Asian musicians -- are becoming a forum for exchange of liberal thought across the Muslim world. "It's great - one of the saddest things when you keep talking about Islam, the Muslims, the Ummah (the brotherhood of Muslim countries) is we don't know what their writers are, we don't know what their stories are," said Mohammed Hanif, whose internationally renowned 2008 novel "A Case of Exploding Mangoes" weaves a dark comedic narrative around the death of dictator Zia ul Haq. "And there is very little that gets translated from these languages. So it's great to have Palestinian writers, Egyptian writers," he told AFP at the Lahore festival. The event began with an interview with veteran Indian actress Sharmila Tagore, who received a standing ovation after discussing her storied career in Bengali and Bollywood cinema. She hailed the cross-pollination of artists across the two rival countries' borders as an important part of "cultural diplomacy". Other top-billed speakers included outspoken Egyptian-American feminist Mona Eltahawy -- whose vociferous denunciations of patriarchy and the politics of the hijab gave the festival some of its most energetic and controversial moments. "When we talk about the Global South, when we talk about women of colour, the issues that we talk about... it's very important for me to be able to come to Lahore and say, 'Look, the issues that I have written about in my book are very similar to issues in Pakistan that feminists are fighting over'," she told AFP. Story continues "I want to talk about how as Muslim women we are reduced to what's on our heads and what's in between our legs and I want to talk about the sexual revolution." - Pakistan opens its doors - Critics say successive Pakistani governments, influenced by the religious right, have done little to encourage artistic expression or have even curtailed it -- including banning Lahore's spring kite-festival of Basant in 2007, which Islamists accuse of propagating Hindu thought. But overall levels of violence have fallen in the past two years as the army has stepped up its campaign in the Taliban's border tribal regions. The Lahore festival's fourth edition glossed over a last-minute change of venue due to security fears and brought together writers and artists from across the region. It came hard on the heels of a similar festival in Karachi and ahead of one in Islamabad. Organisers estimated around 100,000 people attended in an almost Glastonbury-like atmosphere. "The show must go on in spite of all the odds," the festival's CEO and founder Razi Ahmed told AFP. "It's important to reflect to the wider world that we're not a country which is closing its doors but we're opening space that is going to allow us avenues for free thought and critical inquiry." Pakistani authors have garnered increasing international attention in recent years, particularly those writing in English like Hanif and Mohsin Hamid. His novel "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" -- the fictional story of a disaffected Pakistani-American's journey towards extremism -- became a hit film in 2012. Closer to home are newer works like Saba Imtiaz's "Karachi, You're Killing Me!" about a tenacious reporter looking for love as she works her beat covering extremist attacks -- a sort of Pakistani Bridget Jones. Despite the cultural revival, the Islamist insurgency that has racked the country for more than a decade is still underway. But Lahore has long captured the imagination of writers -- from Britain's Rudyard Kipling to revolutionary poets like Habib Jalib. Festival founder Ahmed said he hoped it would continue to do so. "Lahore is a global site of ideas," he told AFP. "We are trying to reclaim that." Pakistan police on Monday killed at least 12 militants involved in target killings and attacks on officers in the southern port city of Karachi, an official said. Police raided a house where the militants were hiding out in Pipri district, some 50 kilometres north east of central Karachi, triggering a gunbattle which lasted more than two hours. Two policemen were wounded in the exchange, officials said. Rao Anwar, a senior police official who led the raid told reporters that the militants belonged to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent and the anti-Shiite Laskhar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) group. "(They) were involved in target killings and attacks on police," Anwar said. Police recovered explosive material, bomb making devices, assault rifles and suicide vests, he added. Eight of the militants were killed during the gunbattle inside the house, while four who escaped were later killed in the Gadap area, 12 kilometres southwest of the first encounter. "Police followed them with the technical support of the intelligence agencies and took them down at Gadap," Anwar said. Karachi, a city of 20 million and Pakistan's economic hub, is frequently hit by religious, political and ethnic violence. Paramilitary forces began a sweeping crackdown on militants in the city in 2013, which has led to a substantial drop in overall levels of violence. Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - Palestinians on Monday launched a global fundraising campaign aimed at finding the money to build their first specialist oncological hospital, organisers of the drive said. At a news conference in Ramallah they said that the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority could not meet the cost, estimated at $250-300 million, and president Mahmud Abbas appointed a public committee to mobilise Palestinian donors around the world. Health minister Jawad Awad said that in the absence of a Palestinian cancer treatment centre, patients have had to be sent to Israel, Jordan and Egypt for treatment, at a cost equal to 80 percent of the PA health budget. About 4,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed each year among the Palestinian population of 4.5 million, Awad told the news conference, of which 6.1 percent are under 15 years of age. A recent study showed 83 cases per 100,000 people in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip and 77 per 100,000 in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Of the 80 hospitals and clinics in the Palestinian territories none have the facilities to deal with cancer patients. Tayeb Abderrahim, director general of Abbas's office and chairman of the fundraising committee, said that some Palestinian businessmen had already pledged donations. Palestinian doctors working in Arab countries and Arab Israelis in the Israeli health care system have also said they are willing to contribute their skills. The World Health Organisation and other United Nations agencies regularly warn of deteriorating public health in the Palestinian territories, where services have been hit repeatedly by war and chronic power shortages. The UN aid agency for Palestinian refugees says that in its last five-year survey it found that infant mortality in Gaza rose in 2013, to 22.4 babies dying before one year old per 1,000 live births, from 20.2 in 2008. Mason Wartman, owner of Rosa's Fresh Pizza, stands in front of hundreds of pay-it-forward Post-its. (Mikaela Conley/Yahoo News) This article originally appeared on The Daily Saint. Walk into Rosas Fresh Pizza in Philadelphia, and you are caught in a kaleidoscope of color. The parlor's walls are covered in rainbow Post-it notes, and each one represents an eat free coupon for a person in need. The place runs on a "pay-it-forward" system. About three years ago, owner Mason Wartman, 28, decided to leave his job on Wall Street and return to the City of Brotherly Love, where he grew up. A year later, he founded Rosas Fresh Pizza, a $1 per slice shop similar to the ones New Yorkers enjoy at all hours. But Wartman took the concept one step further, creating Little Rosas Program. It works like this: Customers can choose to pay the pie forward by purchasing slices in advance. Then they post a sort of "Pizza I.O.U." on the shop's walls. That's where the Post-it notes come in. Patrons pen a message, post the note and when needy or homeless people enter the shop, they take a note and hand it to the cashier in exchange for the pizza slice. Today, the walls are covered top to bottom with the colorful pieces of paper, and people of all backgrounds rub elbows with one another as they eat. Hes the saint of Philadelphia, Raul Castro, a regular at Rosa's, said. I like to call him Doctor Pizza, another customer said. Rosas gives away about 300 slices and feeds around 100 homeless people per day, all alongside regular business. Several of Wartmans employees were once homeless. Last year, the media caught wind of Rosas (which is named after Wartmans mother), and seemingly overnight, the owner and his pay-it-forward program were receiving national attention, including an appearance on "The Ellen Show." Business exploded after that, he said. I was on the plane back from Los Angeles, and my mom emailed me to tell me people were lining up out the door. It was insane and great, but overwhelming. The attention has subsided a bit since then, but business continues to boom, thanks to last years spotlight. Locals and tourists alike come to eat pizza and buy a slice for someone else, and donations have come in from all over the world. People visiting from France, the Netherlands, South Korea, Mexico, Japan and Syria have written and mailed notes to add to its walls. Story continues Thousands of pay-it-forward Post-its cover the walls at Rosa's Fresh Pizza. Wartman said hes still stunned by how quickly his business and pay-it-forward program has grown. I always thought wed serve a lot of homeless people, because its affordable food, but I didnt think itd be to this scale, said Wartman, who regularly receives calls from people who are looking to enact similar pay-it-forward systems in their own businesses. When asked whether hes learned anything unexpected since opening the shop, he thought for a moment. Homelessness really doesnt have a certain face, he then said. You never really know whos struggling. Look around the small shop during peak hours, and it is indeed nearly impossible to decipher who is homeless and who is not. Still, there are many people who have Wartman to thank for a warm meal, a conversation and sense of community. I wouldnt eat some nights if it wasnt for Mason, one customer said. Plus, the pizza is so good. The Daily Saint is a blog focused on people doing good things for one another. Find more stories from The Daily Saint on its Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. Lisbon (AFP) - Traditionally a country of emigration, Portugal has offered to take up to 10,000 migrants from countries struggling to cope with the influx, to help maintain its own population. Portugal's socialist premier Antonio Costa last week sent letters to Austria, Greece, Italy and Sweden -- countries that have seen refugees arrive in large numbers -- offering to welcome up to 5,800 more refugees in addition to the 4,500 they already agreed to take as part of the European Union's refugee quota system. Costa recently told Brussels that Portugal should "set an example", adding that he was against "a Europe that closes its borders to block access to refugees". His comments echo those he made during a visit to Berlin earlier this month, when he said that it was "unfair" to burden Berlin with a duty which is for "all European leaders". Germany has taken over one million asylum-seekers this past year alone, an influx weighing heavily on the European power. But refugees haven't exactly been knocking on Portugal's door, with most opting to go to northern European countries such as Sweden and Denmark -- which have begun tightening their borders in an effort to stem the flow of migrants. Portugal has taken just 32 migrants, and the country's ambassador to Greece, Rui Alberto Tereno, even visited a Greek refugee camp recently in an effort to promote the sunny coastal nation to the migrants making their way across Europe. - Deserted towns - Portugal is little known and "needs to make its voice heard to migrants arriving in Europe," head of the Portuguese Refugee Council (CPR) Teresa Tito Morais, said. "The arrival of refugees will benefit the regions in the country that have become deserted," Tito Morais said. "A large number of Portuguese have emigrated and certain regions need to regain some life." The country was hard hit by the global financial crisis and, as elsewhere, unemployment took a toll among the country's young people, forcing many to leave in search of jobs. Unemployment remains high at 12 percent. Story continues Nearly half a million Portuguese have left the country either permanently or temporarily in the last four years. Portugal's birth rate is also the weakest in the European Union. If the current decline continues, the country could lose 20 percent of its population by 2060, dropping from 10.5 to 8.6 million residents, according to the National Institute of Statistics in Portugal. The idea to welcome refugees was launched in September by Braganca, a small town in northeast Portugal that counts some 35,000 residents, with hopes of reviving its declining population. - Lacking manpower - But the country will be picky in the migrants it welcomes, as it attempts to boost its workforce with students and skilled labourers. It plans to receive 2,000 university students, 800 vocational students, and 2,500 to 3,000 refugees qualified in the agriculture and forestry fields. "These are the sectors that lack manpower and are being forced to recruit workers in Vietnam and Thailand," the government said. "They are the jobs that the Portuguese do not take," said Tito Morais, adding that it is a myth that refugees come to Portugal to steal jobs. The anti-refugee movement has remained small and marginal in Portugal, with anti-refugee rallies attracting only small crowds. "The Portuguese are used to emigrating and know what it's like to look for a better life elsewhere," a refugee council official said. Rome (AFP) - Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi admitted Monday he may have to surrender key parts of the gay civil unions bill if he has any chance of overcoming Catholic dissent to get it through parliament. The draft law has run into stiff opposition not only from Italy's right wing, but also from the government's coalition partner, the New Centre Left, and members of the premier's own centre-left Democratic Party (PD). "U-turn by the PM," read the headline in La Stampa daily, after Renzi said he did not have the numbers to pass the bill as is. There are two main stumbling blocks: a clause which would allow partners in a same sex relationship to adopt each other's biological children, and legal rights which many claim are too similar to those granted by traditional marriage. Renzi has declared he is ready to call for a confidence vote in the government over the issue -- but will still have to significantly water it down first, or risk being forced to resign. "Adoption of step children will be sacrificed for speed," said Il Fatto Quotidiano daily, adding that the bill's author, who has refused all attempts at creating a slimline version, is now expected to vote against her own legislation. The bill, which establishes civil unions for both gay and heterosexual couples, is currently stalled in the Italian Senate after the opposition Five Star Movement (M5S) last week scuppered a bid by the PD to accelerate its approval. The Senate is due to resume discussion of it on Wednesday. The M5S has sworn that this time it will vote for the bill in its entirety, but a sceptical Renzi is instead racing to secure cross-party backing for the confidence vote. "There cannot be first and second class children... but in Italy at the moment there isn't even a law on civil unions," he told journalists at the Foreign Press Association, suggesting the adoption part of the bill would be scrapped. Critics of the 41-year-old premier say that while he has sworn to bring civil unions to the last major country without them in Western Europe, the practising Catholic is not ready to put his head on the line for the full package. The last attempt to push through such a bill was scuppered in 2007 by mass demonstrations against the centre-left government of Romano Prodi, and the failure was cited as one of the reasons behind the fall of his government. By Amy Tennery (Reuters) - U.S. Republican Presidential candidate John Kasich drew scorn Monday after a video emerged in which he told an assembled crowd that early in his career, he gleaned support from women who left their kitchens to campaign. The comments were made in reference to his 1978 run for state senate, according to a spokesman, and not his current presidential campaign, in which he is running fifth nationally for the Republican nomination, Reuters-Ipsos polling shows. "We just got an army of people who, and many women, who left their kitchens to go out and go door-to-door and to put yard signs up," Kasich says in the footage at an event at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Kasich added that his first campaign took place in an era in which "things were different." "Now you call homes and everybody's out working," Kasich said. Later in the video, an unseen audience member seems to criticize the Ohio governor for his comment. "I want to say, your comment earlier, about the women came out of the kitchen to support you: I'll come to support you but I won't be coming out of the kitchen." The response on social media was swift and negative, with many Twitter users decrying the Kasich's anecdote as sexist. "It's 2016. A woman's place is...wherever she wants it to be," wrote Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) on Monday, in a quotation retweet that refers to Kasich's comments about his first campaign. Rob Nichols, press secretary for Kasich, confirmed that the comments were in reference to the candidate's 1978 campaign and told Reuters that the Ohio governors political campaigns have always been homegrown affairs. Many of his early campaign teams were made up of stay-at-home moms who believed deeply in the changes he wanted to bring, Nichols said. Hes proud of that authentic support. To try and twist his comments into anything else is just desperate politics." Some social media users compared Kasichs comment to former Republican candidate Mitt Romneys binders full of women moment from the 2012 presidential campaign, when the former Massachusetts governor described receiving large quantities of resumes from women. Intended to be a statement on his commitment to gender diversity, the comment struck many at the time as tone deaf. Mitt had binders full of women, and Kasich has kitchens full of women, tweeted Chicago Jesus (@Patriot_Musket) on Friday. (Reporting By Amy Tennery; Editing by Andrew Hay) By Doina Chiacu WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidates Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz are locked in a battle to become their party's alternative to New York billionaire Donald Trump in Nevada's Tuesday caucus, the last presidential contest before the busy voting month of March. Opinion polls show the two U.S. senators running close in the western state after a Saturday primary in South Carolina where Rubio bested Cruz by fewer than 1,000 votes, Trump swept the state by 10 percentage points and one-time favorite Jeb Bush dropped out. Both Rubio and Cruz came out of South Carolina with sharper criticism of Trump and an eye to the 12 Super Tuesday races on March 1. That date is the crown jewel in the state-by-state nominating contests to pick the Republican and Democratic candidates who will face off in the Nov. 8 presidential election. Rubio assailed the former reality TV star's credentials on foreign policy and healthcare, while Cruz hammered at what he called Trump's liberal views on abortion and health policy. Trump, more magnanimous toward his rivals the day after his latest victory, returned to his trademark combative style on Monday morning with a string of insults on Twitter. Announcing his arrival at Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, Trump derided Cruz for failing to live up to expectations he would enjoy the solid support of evangelical Christians in South Carolina. "The reason that Ted Cruz lost the Evangelicals in S.C. is because he is a world class LIAR, and Evangelicals do not like liars!" Trump exclaimed. "Rubio and Cruz were pummeled. So glad Jeb is gone! Next no liar!" Trump posted. He also targeted Rubio, saying he did not fulfill promises to voters in his home state of Florida. Ohio Governor John Kasich kept his focus on bigger states including Michigan and Virginia, where he was campaigning on Monday, hoping to garner enough support there among mainstream Republicans. Kasich, endorsed by The New York Times and given a boost by his No. 2 finish to Trump in New Hampshire, got the backing on Sunday of Stanley Druckenmillion, a hedge fund billionaire. Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont were also looking south. Sanders, who is campaigning in Virginia on Monday, could face an uphill battle to recover from his loss to Clinton in the party's Nevada caucuses on Saturday. Their next contest is on Saturday in South Carolina, quickly followed by the Super Tuesday races that include a number of southern states with large Hispanic and African American populations. (Additional reporting by Alana Wise; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Frances Kerry) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. presidential candidate Marco Rubio denied a report on Sunday that a high-profile endorsement by former Republican White House nominee Mitt Romney is on the horizon. The Huffington Post reported that Romney was scheduled to throw his backing behind the U.S. senator from Florida in the 2016 White House race, Rubio called the reports untrue and said no endorsement was forthcoming. "That report is false," Rubio said on CNN's "State of the Union." "I don't know where those reports are coming from." Romney has previously said he would not endorse a candidate until the party's nominee had been selected. A source familiar with the former Massachusetts governor's thinking told Reuters that Romney's stance on an endorsement remains unchanged. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Alison Williams) After a second place finish in South Carolinas Republican primary on Saturday, is Marco Rubio The Boy Who Lived? A pro-Rubio super PAC would like you to think so. In a fundraising memo to donors Sunday night, Conservative Solutions challenged the notion that billionaire Donald Trump is now the inevitable Republican nominee after his wins in New Hampshire and South Carolina. In making its case for the freshman senator from Florida, the Super PAC compared the current political duel between Trump and Rubio to the one between boy wizard Harry Potter and the evil wizard Lord Voldemort. Related: Rubio, the Unlikely Establishment Candidate, Is Now Trumps Main Rival "In Harry Potter lore, Voldemort, the Dark Lord, had a secret to his strength. His secret was his horcruxes," the email said. "As each horcrux was destroyed, Voldemort became increasingly vulnerable, not increasingly strong. When all of the horcruxes were gone, Voldemort lost his one-on-one battle with Harry Potter." Therefore, each opposing candidate who leaves the GOP field, like former Florida Jeb Bush did this weekend, leaves Trump more exposed as the last choice of more voters than any other Republican by far. "Like Voldemort's horcruxes, the large candidate field shields Trump from harm. At each step of the primary process, Trump is losing his shields, and that is making him more vulnerable, the memo argues. Related: Rubio sharpens attacks after latest Trump win in White House race Extending this analogy puts Marco Rubio in the role of Harry Potter. For the record, a horcrux is an object in which a dark wizard or witch has hidden a fragment of his or her soul in the hopes of attaining immortality. To date, there is no evidence that Trump has instilled part of his soul into Sen. Ted Cruz (TX), Ohio governor John Kasich or retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, the former reality TV stars other remaining rivals. Even the super PAC admits its pushing the limits of its analogy by comparing the real estate mogul to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Story continues "Note: we are not calling Donald Trump evil. This is an analogy, not a direct comparison, the memo says. Related: With South Carolina in Hand, Trump Continues His War with the GOP The message concludes with a vow that Conservative Solutions will be "active in nearly every state that votes in March," and a solicitation for donations from muggles and wizards alike. Rubio, who has yet to win a Republican primary, certainly could use help as questions arise about if and when hell come in first. The GOP will hold its caucus in Nevada on Tuesday, followed a week later by Super Tuesday, when a slew of states host their nominating contests. Rubio would do well to practice his Patronus Charm between now and then in order to better ward off his political rivals. What shape might Rubios Patronus take? Our guess is the Florida panther, the official animal of Rubios Sunshine State. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: Moscow (AFP) - Russia will do "whatever is necessary" to ensure that Damascus respects a Syrian ceasefire agreement that Moscow and Washington say will take effect on February 27, President Vladimir Putin said Monday. "We will do whatever is necessary with Damascus, with the legitimate Syrian authorities," Putin said during a televised address after speaking by phone with US President Barack Obama. "We are counting on the United States to do the same with its allies and the groups that it supports." Putin said the United States and Russia were "ready to put in place an effective control mechanism" to ensure respect of the ceasefire, adding that a "direct line of communication will be created as well as, if necessary, a working group to exchange information". "Finally a real chance to bring an end to the years of bloodshed and violence is emerging," Putin said. The Russian president said the ceasefire agreement had come out of "intense work by teams of Russian and American experts", made easier by the "positive experience" of a US-Russian deal on the dismantling of Syria's chemical weapons arsenal, signed in September 2013. "All fighting groups should confirm to us, or to the United States, their commitment to this truce," Putin said of the deal signed between Moscow and Washington on Monday. "The Russian and American militaries, together, will define the territories on which these groups are operating. There will be no military operations against them." But "with regard to the Al-Nusra Front, the Islamic State and other terrorist groups recognised as such by the UN, a ceasefire is totally excluded. The strikes against them will continue," he added. Russia and the United States said in a joint statement that the partial truce would come into force at midnight Damascus time on Saturday (2200 GMT Friday). Lviv (Ukraine) (AFP) - Branches of at least three Russian banks have been attacked during a spate of weekend violence across Ukraine that coincided with the second anniversary of the ouster of Kiev's Moscow-backed leadership. The latest incidents occurred overnight Sunday in Lviv -- a nationalist bastion in the west of the former Soviet republic -- where unknown assailants torched the central city office of Russia's top bank Sberbank. Another branch of the Russian state-held lender had its windows smashed. Police said the office of VTB Bank was also damaged. The Lviv police department said Monday that it had launched a series of investigations but had so far made no arrests. A Sberbank spokeswoman told AFP that the bank's main Lviv office had been shut for the day while its other locations remained open. Police in the southern government-controlled city of Mariupol that sits near the front where Kiev's forces are fighting pro-Russian eastern insurgents told Ukrainian media that one of its Sberbank branches had its windows smashed early Sunday. Sberbank said its Mariupol location remained opened Monday. The violence began Saturday in Kiev during the day's sombre commemoration of clashes between pro-EU protesters and riot police that claimed more than 100 lives in February 2014. Far-right nationalists smashed the windows of a Sberbank office and looted a branch of Russia's privately-held Alfa Bank. An Alfa Bank statement quoted by Interfax said the office would be reopened "in the near future" but provided no details about the damage done. Nationalists also targeted the Kiev headquarters of the System Capital Management holding company of Ukraine's richest man Rinat Akhmetov. Critics accuse the tycoon of taking a lenient stance toward separatists when the heavily Russified eastern regions of Donetsk and Lugansk revolted against Kiev's pro-Western leadership in April 2014. The February 2014 ouster of Moscow-backed president Viktor Yanukovych was followed by Russia's March annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and the onset of a separatist revolt that has claimed more than 9,000 lives. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's foreign ministry said on Monday it strongly condemned what it called recent terrorist attacks in Syria, saying they were aimed at wrecking peace efforts. Multiple bomb blasts in a southern district of Damascus killed at least 87 people on Sunday, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, and twin car bombs killed at least 59 people in Homs, the monitoring group said. "We are convinced that such abhorrent criminal acts need adequate ... reaction from the international community," the Russian ministry said in an online statement. (Reporting by Katya Golubkova; Editing by Andrew Heavens) Alongside new smartphones and a virtual reality camera, Samsung will be demonstrating Samsung Connect Auto at this week's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Described by its makers as ushering in "a new era of driving experience", the Samsung Connect Auto is a dongle that plugs into the diagnostics port of potentially any car built since the 1990s in order to bring it up to date technologically speaking. "We have been listening to our customers and pushing boundaries to create a connected car ecosystem that seamlessly integrates our products and partner services for a better driving experience," said Dr. Injong Rhee, Executive VP and Head of R&D, Software and Services, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. "Through collaborations with valuable partners and experts across many industries, we are carrying out our vision of bringing IoT technology to people's everyday lives." The device offers wi-fi, monitors driving behavior, and provides tips for saving fuel. It can also give maintenance advice, serve as a vehicle locator and tracker in case of theft; and as a black box for helping users lower their insurance premiums. The final touch is support from a number of partners including Cisco, Orange, Here, and AT&T. "Samsung's willingness to work with others to create an ecosystem of true interoperability will allow it to be one of the leaders in the aftermarket connected vehicle space," said Chris Penrose, Senior Vice President, Internet of Things, AT&T Business Solutions. However, the gadget is not a new idea. US startup, Automatic Labs has been selling its own $99 plug-in dongle and smartphone app offering almost identical services since 2012 and in 2015 launched an ecosystem of car-focused apps from other companies. At MWC, Samsung is also partnering with Seat and SAP to develop solutions for the connected car of tomorrow. The first solutions include a method of reserving a parking space and paying for it without leaving the car and a digital key that lets owners share their cars. Volvo is also demonstrating a very similar system at MWC. However, unlike the Swedish brand, Seat is a true mass-market marque, meaning this technology could soon be available to everyone. "For Seat, connectivity is a key factor. This technological alliance with Samsung and SAP strengthen Seat's aim of becoming a reference in the field of connectivity," said Executive Committee President Luca de Meo. RIYADH (Reuters) - The Middle East's largest ever war games are now underway and will boost military cooperation between the 20 Muslim nations taking part, host country Saudi Arabia said on Monday, as it seeks to check the growing influence of arch rival Iran. The Northern Thunder exercises, which began on Feb. 14 and will run until March 10, involve more than 150,000 troops from the Gulf Arab nations, Egypt, Morocco, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Jordan, Sudan and Senegal. "The council of ministers ... expressed the hope that these exercises achieve what was defined as their goals in exchanging expertise and raising the level of military coordination," Saudi Arabia's cabinet said in a statement. The statement also praised "the levels of preparedness and administrative and supply capabilities" shown by the nations participating in Northern Thunder exercises. Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia is concerned by the growing regional clout of Shi'ite Iran, which has just emerged from years of international economic sanctions following an international deal over its nuclear program. Riyadh, which is contributing the bulk of the troops in the war games, is also worried by the reduced regional role of its key ally, the United States and is seeking to build alternative military alliances as a counterweight to Iran. Saudi Arabia is leading a coalition of Muslim countries, backed by the United States, Britain and France, in a war in neighboring Yemen and says it will contribute troops if Washington leads land operations against Islamic State in Syria. Its war in Yemen, aimed at restoring a government ousted by an Iran-allied militia, is part of a more assertive effort by Riyadh since last year to counter Tehran's influence. (Reporting By Angus McDowall; Editing by Gareth Jones) BERLIN (Reuters) - A collapse of Europe's Schengen passport-free travel zone could cost the European Union up to 1.4 trillion euros over the next decade, a study by Germany's Bertelsmann Foundation showed on Monday. The study estimated that under a worst case scenario, in which the reintroduction of controls at EU borders pushed import prices up three percent, the costs to the bloc's largest economy Germany could be as much as 235 billion euros between 2016 and 2025, and those to France up to 244 billion. At a minimum, with import prices rising one percent, the study showed that a breakdown of Schengen would cost the EU roughly 470 billion euros over the next decade. The cost would climb to 1.4 trillion euros, or roughly 10 percent of annual gross domestic product (GDP) in the 28-member EU bloc, under the more dire scenario. "If border controls are reinstated within Europe, already weak growth will come under additional pressure," said Aart De Geus, president of Bertelsmann. Schengen was established over 30 years ago and now counts 26 members, 22 of which are EU members. But the system of passport-free travel has come under severe pressure over the past half year due to a flood of migrants entering Europe, mainly from the Middle East and Africa. To stem the tide and to ensure they have an overview of who is entering their territory, many countries within Schengen have reintroduced border controls in recent months, leading to fears the whole system could collapse. Underscoring the urgency of the issue, Germany's Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere told public broadcaster ARD on Sunday that EU member states, which have been squabbling for months over how to tackle the migrant crisis, must agree a common approach within two weeks if they wanted to avoid such a fate. In addition to being a devastating symbolic setback for Europe, a collapse of Schengen would increase the amount of time it takes for goods to be transported across European borders, raising costs for companies and consumers. Story continues The Bertelsmann study, conducted by Prognos AG, estimated that the minimum costs to Germany and France would be 77 billion euros and 80.5 billion euros, respectively, over the period to 2025. A collapse of Schengen would also increase costs for countries outside the zone, with the combined burden on the United States and China over the next decade estimated at between 91 billion and 280 billion euros, according to the study. (Reporting by Noah Barkin; Editing by Dominic Evans) By Suzanne Barlyn (Reuters) - Senate Banking Committee Democrats on Monday asked the panel's Republican chairman in a letter to "clear the backlog" of 16 nominations by President Barack Obama to posts related to financial oversight, national security and other areas. The committee, led by Republican Senator Richard Shelby, has "failed to carry out one of its basic duties" for more than a year, the 10 Democratic banking committee senators wrote in the Feb. 22 letter. It is the only Senate committee that did not act on any nominees last year, the Democrats wrote. Of the 16 nominations pending before the committee, four have been waiting for action for more than a year while others have been "in limbo" for more than nine months, the Democratic senators wrote. Shelby must "stop obstructing" the nominations, they wrote in a separate statement. All 10 Democrats on the committee signed the letter, including Senators Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, and Charles Schumer of New York. A spokeswoman for Shelby did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Shelby has said he is concerned that Obama has not nominated anyone as the U.S. Federal Reserve's vice chair for supervision, a post created by the Dodd Frank financial reform law, but which has never been filled. "We are aware of your concern that the Administration has not nominated anyone to serve as Vice Chair for Supervision at the Federal Reserve, but the response to one vacancy should not be the creation of 16 more," the Democratic banking committee senators wrote. It was unclear why President Obama has not appointed a nominee for the Fed post. A White House spokesperson was not immediately available for comment. The Senate Banking Committee backlog includes Lisa Fairfax and Hester Peirce, Obama's two nominees to the Securities and Exchange Commission and Adam Szubin, nominated as the Treasury Department's under secretary for terrorism and financial crimes. (Additional Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Editing by David Gregorio) Maiduguri (Nigeria) (AFP) - Nearly 6,500 children were found to be severely malnourished last year at camps set up for people made homeless by Boko Haram insurgents, health officials in northeast Nigeria said on Monday. "We recorded about 6,444 severe cases of malnutrition in the IDP (internally displaced persons) camps during the period," said the head of the Borno State Primary Health Care Board, Sule Mele. "25,511 others have mild to moderate symptoms, while 177,622 among the children were not malnourished," he told reporters. More than 2.6 million people have been forced to flee the violence in northeast Nigeria since Boko Haram began its violent campaign to create a hardline Islamic state in 2009. At least 17,000 people have been killed in the same period. The figures lay bare the effects of the insurgency, with farming virtually impossible in the mainly agricultural region and delivery of food supplies made difficult because of the unrest. Aid agencies have long warned about a worsening humanitarian crisis in the region because of the vast numbers of displaced and the pressure on local authorities forced to host them. Nigeria's government, which maintains it has "technically" defeated Boko Haram, is pushing a policy of returning IDPs to their homes, despite continued sporadic attacks. But IDPs at one of the camps in Maiduguri told AFP earlier this month they were reluctant to return, citing lack of security, food and clean water. Education and healthcare have also been severely hit by the fighting. Mele said the deaths of some 459 children aged one to five in camps last year from preventable childhood diseases such as diarrhoea, vomiting and measles were exacerbated by malnutrition. Children were not getting the required nutrition from food distributed at the camps, affecting health, growth and physical development, as well as increasing susceptibility to disease. "Even if the children get enough to eat, they will become malnourished if the food they eat does not provide the proper amounts of micro-nutrients, vitamins and minerals to meet daily nutritional requirements," he added. Children with severe acute malnutrition were receiving treatment with help from non-governmental organisations but more needed to be done to reduce the problem, Sule said. Lagos (AFP) - Shell on Monday warned on crude exports from Nigeria's Forcados terminal after production was disrupted by a pipeline spill. The Nigerian subsidiary of the Anglo-Dutch oil company, SPDC, said it declared a force majeure on Forcados liftings following "the disruption in production caused by the spill on the Forcados terminal subsea crude export pipeline." Force majeure is a legal term that frees a company from any contractual obligation due to circumstances beyond its control. Although Shell did not disclose the volume of production shut-in, Forcados is one of Nigeria's main export terminals. Shell is a major oil operator in Nigeria, Africa's largest producer with an average of two million barrels per day. Shell has often blamed sabotage for most of the spills in the Niger delta. Oil thieves usually vandalise pipelines to siphon crude which is sold in barges to illegal buyers on the high seas. Nigeria is estimated to be losing some $6 billion annually in the illegal crude oil business. The worlds slowest mammal is enjoying a sudden flurry of attention. In Ecuador, a smiling sloth became a social media sensation in January this year when it sought refuge at a road divider in the middle of a busy highway. In Disneys latest animated film Zootopia, the sloth which appears in the latest movie trailer seems to have slowly inched the spotlight off the films two main characters. (Photo: Linnes two toed sloth. Photo courtesy of Wildlife Reserves Singapore) According to Tiara Sophia Nasir, a junior animal management officer at the Singapore Zoo, sloths are in no hurry to get from one place to another, or even digest food. Sloths move slowly due to their extremely low metabolic rate, which allows them to survive on very little food. It takes a sloth days to digest food that other animals may digest in a few hours! she told Yahoo Singapore. Just how slow do sloths really move in real life? Nasir says that when the resident sloths at the zoos Fragile Forest are in trees, they travel an average speed of 1.5-3m/min or 0.09-0.18km/hr. When in danger, they may reach a top speed of 4m/min or 0.24km/hr. Zootopias directors explained that the sloths speed, or lack thereof, meant that they had to put the creature in a role where urgency is not a priority, and the best role for that was processing paperwork at a government agency. In Zootopia, Flash the sloth and his team of sloths process applications for driving licenses at the Department of Mammal Vehicles - at a pace which leaves protagonist Judy Hopps (and probably viewers) in tears. Check out the video to hear more from the directors on why 2016 is really the year of the sloth. Zootopia opens on 17 February in the Philippines and on 25 February in Singapore and Malaysia. By Tatiana Jancarikova and Jan Lopatka BRATISLAVA (Reuters) - Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Monday he expects to win a March 5 parliamentary election with over a third of the vote, allowing him to form a stable coalition government. Fico told Reuters in an interview he felt he could repeat the election result from 2010, when he won with 34.8 percent -- but this time avoid the consequences of that election, when a broad coalition of centre-right parties edged him out of power. That fractious coalition collapsed after two years, and Fico's party won the next election with an absolute majority of seats, for the first time in Slovakia's history. "I see a very realistic chance of forming a stable coalition of two parties," Fico said. " ... We will likely get the first chance to form the government and we will try to form such a government." Final opinion polls published last week showed Fico's Smer party is on course to win with 32.5 to 34.6 percent and will need at least one partner. Separate surveys by the MVK agency and Focus agency saw Smer winning 77 seats in the 150-seat parliament together with the Slovak National Party, its most likely coalition partner. Fico has based his campaign on opposition to immigration, and he has said that any partner he takes on must agree with his flat refusal of European Union's proposed quotas, which would redistribute 160,000 asylum-seekers around the 28 EU countries. Most Slovak parties agree with Fico's stance. Polls show the centrist party Siet, a newcomer, is the main opposition, taking 14.0 percent or 25 seats.. A strong result for Siet and other centre-right and ethnic Hungarian parties could lead to a wider coalition led by Smer, a grand coalition of Siet and Smer, or an anti-Fico coalition of opposition parties. (Reporting by Tatiana Jancarikova; Editing by Larry King) Ljubljana (AFP) - The Slovenian parliament late Monday authorised the army to help police manage the flow of migrants crossing the Croatian border into Europe's Schengen passport-free zone, which has been rocked by the refugee crisis. The bill sailed through, approved by 69 votes against five in the 90-seat parliament. Prime Minister Miro Cerar told journalists ahead of the vote that it was "a natural move under the circumstances" given the relentless influx, adding: "It doesn't (authorise the army to take) military action, but it is to provide assistance to the police in border-guarding tasks." The bill authorises the army to manage the flow of migrants across the border for three months, including by temporarily detaining groups of migrants and handing them over to police. The army is also authorised to use force in case of an emergency to "ensure citizens' safety," Cerar said. Earlier this month Slovenia tightened control of the migrant flow to avoid becoming a bottleneck, as its northern neighbour Austria limited the daily number of people transiting. Slovenia, which has a 670-kilometre (410 miles) Schengen external border with Croatia, became a key transit country for migrants travelling from Greece towards Austria and Germany in mid-October when Hungary sealed its borders. Since then, more 470,000 migrants have entered Slovenia and, after undergoing identification, crossed the border into Austria. Interior Minister Vesna Gyorkos Znidar told lawmakers the army's support was urgently needed to ease pressure on police manning the border and enable them to "perform their tasks inside the country, where we expect significant problems when migrants are denied entrance (into Austria)." By Marja Novak LJUBLJANA (Reuters) - The Slovenian army will be sent to guard the border with Croatia and help police control the flow of migrants into the country under legislation expected to pass parliament which met on Monday. Speaking ahead of the parliamentary session, Prime Minister Miro Cerar told a news conference the army would be assigned to the border duty for three months only. Parliamentary parties have already indicated the move will get the support of at least two thirds of parliament's deputies when the vote takes place late on Monday or early on Tuesday. "This will be no military action (of the army). The army will just help police in guarding the border and direct migrants who may want to cross the green border into the reception centers," Cerar said. Numbers of soldiers helping police will depend upon the size of migrant flows. Slovenia's move follows an announcement by its northern neighbor, Austria, that it will limit the inflow of migrants into the country. Since October, when Hungary sealed off its border with Croatia and pushed the migrant wave west to Slovenia, about 474,000 migrants have entered Slovenia on their way to Austria and other northern European states. Slovenia, with two million citizens, is the smallest country on the Balkan migrant route. Interior Minister Vesna Gyorkos Znidar said earlier on Monday the country would do everything to prevent that it becomes a bottleneck for migrants. (Reporting By Marja Novak; Editing by Richard Balmforth) NAIROBI (Reuters) - Somalia on Monday demanded that Kenya explain why it detained Somali lawmakers at an airport when they were traveling as part of a government delegation, in the latest diplomatic row between the East African neighbors. Kenya, along with several other African states, has sent troops to Somalia to help the Mogadishu-based government fight al Shabab, Islamist rebels with ties to al Qaeda. But relations between the two countries have been testy in recent years. Somalia and Kenya dispute the location of their maritime boundary line in the Indian Ocean, and Kenya has sold oil and gas-drilling rights to foreign companies in the disputed zone. Somalia has also protested Kenya's plan to build a 700-km wall along their border. The latest row comes after Somali lawmakers traveling to Turkey with Somali Prime Minister Omar Sharmarke arrived in Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in the capital of Nairobi on Saturday. The lawmakers were not given visas on arrival and were detained several hours, said Somali government spokesman Abdisalam Aato. All flights from Somalia to Kenya stop for extra security checks at the town of Wajir, near the Somali border, but the flight the lawmakers were on did not do this. The Somali government said the country's leadership is exempt from rule. "The Federal Government of Somalia protests this unwarranted incident at JKIA and expects full justification and explanation from Kenya," Somalia's government said in a statement. The Kenyan presidency was not immediately available for comment. Kenyans say extra security checks on are needed because security at the Mogadishu International Airport is poor. Earlier this month a bomb was smuggled on to a plane at Mogadishu airport. It exploded in mid-air but only killed the suspected suicide bomber. (Reporting by Drazen Jorgic; editing by Katharine Houreld) Madrid (AFP) - Spain's anti-austerity party Podemos kicked off negotiations over forming a government with the Socialists and other leftwing groupings Monday following inconclusive December elections, breaking a weeks-long potentially-damaging deadlock in talks. Podemos chief Pablo Iglesias had initially refused to sit down with the Socialists if they continued talking with upstart centrist grouping Ciudadanos -- an ultimatum rejected by PSOE head Pedro Sanchez, who has been nominated by the king as candidate to lead the country. But last week, Iglesias agreed to four-way talks between the negotiating teams of Podemos, the Socialists, smaller far-left party Izquierda Unida and Compromis, a regional grouping from Valencia in eastern Spain. "Our negotiating team will work for a government of change and progress," Podemos said on its official Twitter account, while the Senate's Socialist spokesman Oscar Lopez regretted the time it had taken for Iglesias to agree to enter talks. Spain has been mired in political deadlock for more than nine weeks since the December elections resulted in a hung parliament split among four main parties -- none of which have enough seats to govern alone. Since his nomination as prime ministerial candidate, Sanchez has held talks with most parliamentary parties to try and garner enough support for his nomination which will be put to a crucial vote of confidence on March 2. He needs a simple majority, but with the Socialists taking just 89 of the parliament's 350 seats, Sanchez needs the backing of several parties -- a difficult task as all have conflicting agendas. Podemos, which won 65 seats, has said it is willing to enter a leftwing coalition government with the Socialists, with Iglesias as vice-president. But the long-established Socialists are weary of joining forces with an upstart party born just two years ago out of anger over austerity, which ultimately seeks to supplant it. The two parties are also deeply divided over Catalonia's independence movement. Although it does not want to see Spain split, Podemos backs the idea of a Scotland-style referendum in the northeastern region. Sanchez, however, is resolutely against this. People who fear spiders tend to perceive these creepy-crawlies as larger than they actually are, a new study finds. The research, though hair-raising for some, could be useful in treating phobias, the scientists said. "We found that although individuals with both high and low arachnophobia rated spiders as highly unpleasant, only the highly fearful participants overestimated the spider size," Tali Leibovich, a researcher in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at Ben-Gurion University (BGU) of the Negev in Israel, said in a statement. The idea for the study came from a real-life experience, the researchers said. One day, Noga Cohen, a graduate student of clinical-neuropsychology at BGU, noticed a spider crawling along. Leibovich, who has arachnophobia, asked Cohen to get rid of the "big" spider. [Creepy, Crawly & Incredible: Photos of Spiders] Cohen thought the request strange, especially because she thought the spider looked small, she said in the statement. "How could this be if we both saw the same spider?" Cohen asked. So, the researchers devised an experiment to figure out whether arachnophobia influences people's perceptions of spiders. The scientists included only women in the test, "due to the higher probability of women to suffer from spider-phobia compared to men," the researchers wrote in the study. In one experiment, the scientists gave 80 female students a questionnaire to rate their levels of arachnophobia. The researchers took only the top 20 percent and bottom 20 percent of respondents, or 12 students who said they were very afraid of spiders and 13 who said they were unafraid of the eight-legged arthropods. The scientists then had the students sit at a computer that showed a sliding scale, with a photo of a fly at one end and a photo of a lamb at the other. A computer program then presented the students with several photos of birds, butterflies and spiders, and asked the participants to click where on the sliding scale each animal fit in terms of size. The program also asked each participant to rate whether they found each photo pleasant or unpleasant. Story continues Overall, every student found pictures of spiders unpleasant. However, only students in the fearful group overestimated the size of the spiders compared with the butterflies, according to the study. The researchers said they wondered whether this effect was unique for spiders, or whether it held for other feared critters. So, the scientists did a second experiment, asking 64 female students to do the same program, but this time with photos of wasps, beetles and butterflies joining the spider pictures. The group with a high fear of spiders rated the wasps as more unpleasant than did the low-fear group, but (surprisingly) the highly fearful group didn't overestimate the size of the wasps. "These results may suggest that unpleasantness by itself cannot account for bias in size estimation," the researchers wrote in the study. What's more, it shows that emotion can influence how people perceive the size of spiders, they said. "This study also raises more questions such as: Is it fear that triggers size disturbance, or maybe the size disturbance is what causes fear in the first place?" Leibovich said. "Future studies that attempt to answer such questions can be used as a basis for developing treatments for different phobias." The study was published online Jan. 21 in the journal Biological Psychology. Follow Laura Geggel on Twitter @LauraGeggel. Follow Live Science @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science. Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. By Michael Holden and Kylie MacLellan LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister David Cameron will try to sell his case for Britain staying in the European Union to parliament on Monday facing hostility from his own lawmakers and a plunging pound after London's mayor threw his support behind the exit campaign. Boris Johnson, one of Britain's most popular politicians, announced on Sunday he supported leaving the bloc, dealing a blow to Cameron who vowed to campaign to stay in after striking a deal to reform Britain's ties with the EU last week. The mayor's announcement, seen as increasing the chance of a British EU exit by giving the 'leave' campaign a much-needed figurehead, pushed sterling towards its biggest loss in almost six years against the dollar on Monday. Government bond prices also fell. Cameron shrugged off Johnson's statement, saying the issue of EU membership cut through usual party political lines. "The prime minister has been clear all along there will be different views on different sides of the argument," his spokeswoman said. "Our message to everyone -- bearing in mind that it is people up and down the country that will have a vote in this referendum rather than just one individual -- is that we want Britain to have the best of both worlds." Johnson, who has held his post as London mayor since 2008, defended his decision to go against his sometime ally, saying those who suggested Britain could not thrive outside the EU were the same people who wanted the country to make the "catastrophic mistake" of joining the euro single currency. "There are people who don't think that Britain could stand on her very own two feet and all the rest of it. I have to say I think that is profoundly wrong," Johnson told the London Assembly, the elected body which holds the mayor to account. His decision to lobby against Cameron was welcomed by leaders of the 'leave' campaign, which has been dogged by splits between factions and lacked a uniting political figure to spread its message that Britain needs to regain its sovereignty. "I'm delighted that he's come out for leaving the European Union," former finance minister and chairman of the Vote Leave campaign Nigel Lawson told BBC radio. "He is a superb campaigner so he's a great asset." Odds of a British exit rose to a 33 percent chance from about 29 percent after his announcement, according to bookmakers. DE FACTO LEADER While Cameron's most senior cabinet colleagues have stuck with him, six others have said they will campaign for an exit, highlighting the deep divide in his Conservative Party over Europe dating back to Margaret Thatcher. The scale of divisions should become clear later on Monday when Cameron, who hailed Friday's agreement as handing Britain a special status in the bloc, is due to make a statement to lawmakers. But while many Conservatives may have turned against the deal, the prime minister was due to receive a boost from business leaders who were set to sign a letter saying the country would be better off in the bloc. Several corporate sources told Reuters the letter would be published on Tuesday. Many businesses are keen to end the uncertainty that has weighed on markets and companies scrambling to come up with a 'plan B' if Britain votes to leave the bloc -- a move that would transform the country's role in world trade. Cameron's bid to remain in the EU also has the support of much of London's financial district as well as most of the Labour Party, major trade unions, international allies and Scottish nationalists. Johnson, 51, a political showman whose light-hearted wit masks a fierce ambition, said on Sunday he did not want to go against the prime minister but believed the EU project was in danger of getting out of democratic control. That led some commentators to question whether his stance is a designed to attract widespread eurosceptic support among Conservatives in a bid to succeed Cameron, who has said he will step down before the next election in 2020. A British exit from the EU would rock the Union -- already shaken by differences over migration and the future of the euro zone -- by ripping away its second-largest economy, one of its top two military powers and by far its richest financial centre. Pro-Europeans, including former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and John Major, have warned that an exit could also trigger the break-up of the United Kingdom by prompting another Scottish independence vote. A poll published before Johnson's move showed the "in" campaign with a lead of 15 percentage points. However, polls have fluctuated widely and surveys suggest about a fifth of voters are undecided. A third of voters said Johnson would be important in helping them decide which way to vote, an Ipsos MORI poll showed. "The big battalions of the argument are unquestionably ranged against people like me: We are portrayed as crazy cranks and all the rest of it," Johnson said in announcing his position. "I don't mind, I happen to think that I'm right." (Additional reporting by Guy Faulconbridge and Kate Holton, Writing by Guy Faulconbridge and Michael Holden, editing by Elizabeth Piper and Sonya Hepinstall) Copies of the Magna Carta, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the King James Bible have now been digitally stored on a piece of glass known as a "Superman memory crystal" that has the capacity to save huge amounts of information for up to 13.8 billion years, researchers say. Using a method of laser etching, researchers at the University of Southampton, in the United Kingdom, archived these documents, along with Isaac Newton's scientific treatise "Opticks," on coin-size pieces of glass. These tiny discs can survive for billions of years at temperatures of 374 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). And at room temperature, they can last virtually forever, the researchers said. "It is thrilling to think that we have created the technology to preserve documents and information and store it in space for future generations," Peter Kazansky, a professor at the university's Optoelectronics Research Centre, said in a statement. "This technology can secure the last evidence of our civilization; all we've learnt will not be forgotten." [Science Fact or Fiction? The Plausibility of 10 Sci-Fi Concepts] Kazansky and his colleagues first reported their "5D data storage" in 2013 at the Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics in San Jose, California. The researchers use fematosecond lasers, which are lasers that produce very short pulses, to inscribe information in nanostructured dots that are 5 micrometers apart. These nano-size etchings polarize light that travels through the glass. A combination of a polarizing lens and an optical microscope is all that is needed to "decode" the message, the researchers said. The 5D moniker refers to the 3D positioning of the nanostructures as well as their size and orientation. In 2013, the researchers recorded a 300-kilobyte text file, but the capacity of a single glass data disc is 360 terabytes (1,000,000,000 kilobytes), they reported. The discs are stable up to 1,832 degrees F (1,000 degrees C). Story continues Southampton researchers gave the copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a gift to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in early February, part of the closing ceremony of that organization's Year of Light initiative. The scientists call the glass the "Superman memory crystal," a nod to memory crystals in the "Superman" films and comics. According to the university, the researchers are now seeking industry partners to further develop the technology. Follow Stephanie Pappas on Twitter and Google+. Follow us @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science. Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. United Nations (United States) (AFP) - A UN team of experts tasked with identifying those responsible for chemical attacks in Syria will begin in-depth investigations on the ground in early March, the head of the panel said Monday. Virginia Gamba told reporters after meeting with the UN Security Council that "security permitting", two teams plan to carry out field visits in the coming weeks. Gamba heads the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) set up in August by the council after reports surfaced of chlorine gas attacks on three villages in Syria that left 13 dead. The panel has been tasked with drawing up a list of individuals and entities deemed responsible for the attacks. Gamba said the panel was looking into seven potential cases of serious chemical weapons use including five in Idlib province in 2014 and 2015. Two other cases are under investigation in Hama governate and Marea in Aleppo province, where Islamic State fighters allegedly used mustard gas in August last year. President Bashar al-Assad's regime and rebel groups have accused each other of using chemical weapons in the nearly five-year war in which more than 260,000 people have been killed. Riyadh (AFP) - Syria's main opposition umbrella group was meeting in the Saudi capital on Monday as Washington and Moscow worked to secure a ceasefire. "There is a meeting," Monzer Makhous, a spokesman for the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), told AFP in Riyadh. The meeting is expected to continue for two or three days to discuss developments since the group decided to attend peace talks in Geneva last month, Makhous said. He did not give further details. World powers, which have been pushing for a halt to Syria's nearly five-year war, had hoped to see a truce take effect last Friday but have struggled to agree on the terms. They proposed the truce as part of a plan that also included expanded humanitarian access, in a bid to pave the way for the United Nations-led peace negotiations to resume. The talks collapsed earlier this month. They had been scheduled to resume this Thursday but UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura has acknowledged that date is no longer realistic. At the weekend, the opposition said it would agree to a truce only if regime backers Moscow and Tehran halted their fire. HNC chief Riad Hijab said any ceasefire must be reached "with international mediation and with guarantees obliging Russia, Iran and their sectarian militias and mercenaries to stop fighting". Russia, an architect of the proposed ceasefire, is conducting air strikes in support of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, which is also supported by Iran. The HNC was formed in December when the main Syrian opposition and rebel factions came together in Riyadh for an unprecedented bid at unity, after months of Saudi mediation efforts. Beirut (AFP) - Efforts intensified for a partial truce in Syria as fighting raged near Aleppo on Monday and after the country suffered its bloodiest jihadist attack in nearly five years of war. US President Barack Obama and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin are expected to speak in the coming days after Washington announced a provisional agreement had been reached on an imminent "cessation of hostilities". US Secretary of State John Kerry announced the deal on Sunday, as a string of suicide bombings in areas near a Shiite shrine outside Damascus and in the city of Homs killed at least 184 people. The Islamic State group claimed responsiblity for both attacks in regime-held areas, which a monitor said killed 120 people near the shrine of Sayyida Zeinab and at least 64 in the Al-Zahraa district of Homs. The bombings near the shrine marked the deadliest jihadist attack since Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitoring group. Kerry said the US and Russian leaders were to speak "in the next days or so" on the terms of implementing the agreement, which would apply to fighting between non-jihadist rebel forces and regime troops but not to IS and other extremists. - Opposition talks in Riyadh - Announced by top diplomats in Munich earlier this month, the ceasefire failed to take hold by last Friday as initially planned. Part of a plan that also included expanded humanitarian access, the proposal aims to pave the way for a resumption of peace talks that collapsed earlier this month in Geneva. The talks had been scheduled to resume on February 25, but the UN Syria envoy has acknowledged that date is no longer realistic. Syria's main opposition umbrella group, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), was meeting in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Monday for talks on the ceasefire and peace talks efforts. Spokesman Monzer Makhous told AFP the meeting was expected to continue for two or three days. Story continues The HNC has said any ceasefire must include provisions for Russia, Iran and foreign militia forces backing the regime to stop fighting. - Key supply route cut - Russia launched air strikes in Syria last September against what it said were "terrorists" but has been accused of bombing non-jihadist rebel forces in support of President Bashar al-Assad, a longtime ally. Iran has sent military advisors to Syria and the Tehran-backed Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah has deployed at least 6,000 militants to fight with Assad. Iran would have to be on board for any ceasefire to work and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu made a surprise visit to Tehran on Sunday, saying he was delivering a "special message" from Putin to President Hassan Rouhani. Efforts have been intensifying to resolve Syria's war -- which has left more than 260,000 dead, forced millions from their homes and devastated the country -- as the conflict approaches the five-year mark. The rise of IS, which has seized large parts of Syria and neighbouring Iraq and become the preeminent global jihadist group, has focused attention on the need for a solution. On Monday, top military commanders from 30 nations fighting IS as part of a US-led coalition gathered in Kuwait to discuss ways to defeat the jihadists. "As military leaders, it is our responsibility to double efforts and urgently work out suitable plans to eliminate all terrorist groups threatening many countries in the world," said Kuwaiti chief of staff General Mohammad al-Khader. IS's attacks on Sunday drew sharp criticism from Moscow, which said the blasts were aimed at undermining peace efforts. "The atrocious crimes of extremists are aimed at scaring the peaceful population, subverting attempts to reach a long-term political settlement to the Syrian crisis," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. Moscow's air strikes have helped regime forces make important gains, particularly in recent weeks around the second city of Aleppo. But their efforts to take Aleppo city -- long divided into regime- and rebel-held areas -- were dealt a setback on Monday. IS and other jihadists cut a vital supply route linking the west of Aleppo with other government-held territory, the Observatory said. The road between Aleppo and the town of Khanasser to the southeast was the only way regime forces and civilians living in government-controlled neighbourhoods of the city could travel to surrounding provinces. If government forces are unable to recapture the road, it could slow their offensive in the area. BEIRUT (Reuters) - A Syrian truce being coordinated by the United States and Russia would be for an initial two weeks and could be extended, a Syrian opposition official said on Monday. But Khaled Khoja also said the exclusion of the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front from the agreement was problematic because it could be used as a pretext for attacks on rebel groups and civilians in opposition-held areas. "The length of the proposed truce is two weeks, but it could be extended indefinitely if the parties commit to it," said Khoja, who is president of the Syrian National Coalition and a member of the opposition High Negotiations Committee, which is backed by Saudi Arabia. He spoke in an interview with Al Arabiya Hadath TV. "For us, al-Nusra is a problematic point, because al-Nusra is not only present in Idlib, but also in Aleppo, in Damascus and in the south. The critical issue here is that civilians or the Free Syrian Army could be targeted under the pretext of targeting al-Nusra," Khoja said. The United States and Russia announced plans on Monday for a cessation of hostilities in Syria, excluding Islamic State and Nusra Front militants, that would take effect starting on Saturday. United Nations-sponsored peace talks to tackle the five-year old war collapsed in January. Since then, world powers have been trying to negotiate a ceasefire in the conflict, which has killed more than 250,000 and displaced more than 11 million. "We have noticed there is more seriousness from the U.S. and, with the support of regional countries, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and some countries who are friends of the Syrian people, there is a push to put pressure on Russia to abide by this truce or to abide by the political track," Khoja said. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington and Omar Fahmy; Editing by Mark Trevelyan, Larry King) Damascus (AFP) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announced Monday that parliamentary elections are to be held on April 13, state news agency SANA reported, shortly after Washington and Moscow announced a ceasefire plan. Assad issued a decree which included seat allocations for each of the provinces in Syria, which last held parliamentary elections in May 2012. That was the first time that multiple parties -- not just the ruling Baath party -- were allowed to stand. Still, most of the 250 members of parliament that were elected for four-year terms were Baath members. At the time, Assad appointed then-agriculture minister Riad Hijab to be Syria's new prime minister. Hijab has since defected and now leads the main opposition grouping to Assad's regime from the Saudi capital Riyadh. More than 260,000 people have been killed since Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011, and millions have been forced to flee their homes. At a November meeting in Vienna, world powers agreed on an ambitious but yet to be implemented road map that foresees six months of intra-Syrian talks, leading to a new constitution and free elections within 18 months. By Harro Ten Wolde BARCELONA (Reuters) - AT&T's $48.5 billion purchase of DIRECTV will give it the edge over U.S. rival Verizon in the roll-out of the next generation of cellular technology, AT&T's strategy chief said on Monday. So-called 5G wireless networks are expected to offer 1,000-fold gains in capacity over existing networks, giving the potential to connect at least 100 billion devices with download speeds that can reach 10 gigabits per second (Gb/s). To achieve that, wireless networks will need to be supported by existing fixed-line infrastructure. So DIRECTV's widespread fixed-line network will be a big boost for AT&T, Chief Strategy Officer John Donovan said in an interview at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. "We are in a better position because we have a fixed line proposition which is becoming much more interesting now with 5G," Donovan said. Verizon spokesman Jim Gerace said: "AT&T has followed us in every turn of technology -- wireless and wired -- and they will again with 5G." The global telecom industry will release official standards for 5G in 2018 but some players have begun planning test runs. AT&T said this month it planned to have trials of 5G technology by the end of this year, while Verizon said late last year it would kick off trials in 2016. Donovan also said AT&T would continue to oppose a proposal approved by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to let consumers swap pricey cable boxes for cheaper devices and apps. The move was aimed at boosting competition in the $20 billion television set-top box market, while delivering a blow to major cable companies. The FCC has opened up a discussion on the plan for the coming months. "We will continue to be very vocal in our opposition," Donovan said, adding AT&T would plea for a software oriented solution, which would mean customers could keep their set-top box, while allowing competition. (Corrects spelling of DIRECTV in headline, paragraphs 1,4) (Additional reporting by Malathi Nayak in New York; Editing by Mark Potter and David Evans) Suva (Fiji) (AFP) - Tourists began fleeing cyclone-ravaged Fiji Monday and aid efforts intensified as the death toll climbed to 20, with officials warning it could rise further as reports trickle in from devastated remote communities. Aerial photographs revealed entire villages were flattened when severe tropical cyclone Winston struck overnight Saturday, lashing the Pacific island nation with gusts of 325 kilometres (202 miles) per hour. "The images emerging from early aerial assessments of affected areas are truly heartbreaking, leaving little doubt about the ferocity of this cyclone," said the UN's Fiji coordinator Osnat Lubrani. "It is clear from these catastrophic impacts that Fiji is facing a long road to recovery." Winston, the strongest cyclone ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere, razed scores of homes, crippled infrastructure and forced terrified residents to shelter in evacuation centres. Photographs taken from a Royal New Zealand Air Force plane showed the devastation in remote villages that bore the brunt. Many homes were reduced to piles of kindling, with roofing and furniture strewn about by winds that were strong enough to strip leaves and branches from trees. In one image a lone man stands on the tin roof of his ruined home, apparently waving both arms at the military plane as it passes overhead. The official body count went from six to 20 as communications were slowly restored to affected communities. "(It) may rise further as police are still trying to get confirmation on some missing persons reports," said National Disaster Management Office director Akapusi Tuifagalele. Oxfam's Pacific regional director Raijeli Nicole said Fijians were braced for more bad news. "Given the intensity of the storm and the images we have seen so far, there are strong concerns that the death toll won't stop climbing today and that hundreds of people will have seen their homes and livelihoods completely destroyed," she said. Story continues - 'Harrowing whine' - International tourists caught up in the disaster began to leave as flights resumed at Nadi airport after a two-day suspension. Fiji's economy relies on tourism, particularly Australians and New Zealanders, and Tourism Minister Faiyaz Siddiq Koya gave assurances that "all visitors are safe and comfortable". Melbourne man Jeremy Bree told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that he heard trees being ripped from the ground as he sat out the storm in a hotel on the main island Viti Levu. "It was pretty amazing... the noise around was something I've never heard before, it was a real harrowing whine that came through," he said. The airport's opening allowed aid efforts to be ramped up, with Australia announcing a Aus$5.0 million (US$3.6 million) package including basics such as food and drinking water. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Canberra had also offered the use of a P-3 Orion aircraft and MRH-90 helicopters to reach outlying islands. New Zealand also raised its aid contribution to NZ$2.2 million (US$1.5 million) and sent a C-130 Hercules carrying relief supplies. Care Australia disaster response coordinator Sarah Boxall said up to 6,000 people were still in evacuation centres and would need basics such as food, water and medical supplies. "The next phase is the prevention of disease because once you get a lot of stagnant water around you get dengue (fever), which has been a problem in Fiji," she said. The nation has declared a month-long state of natural disaster after a storm that Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama described as an "assault on Fiji". Bainimarama, who has mobilised police and the military to help relief efforts, said he was determined to get Fiji back on its feet. "There are Fijians out there who are without water, without a roof over their heads, without food and without essential services," he said. "It is our duty to determine their needs and provide them with the support they need as soon as possible." Lubrani said Fiji formally requested international assistance Monday and the UN was helping coordinate the response. "Help is already on its way to the Lomaiviti (island) group, which was in the eye of the cyclone and suffered catastrophic impacts," she said. "In one village on the island of Koro, every single house and community building has been destroyed." With restored U.S.-Cuba relations opening up U.S. commercial flights, many travelers are itching to plan a trip. And last week's agreement to open up to 110 commercial daily flights to destinations across Cuba is another step in the right direction for those hoping to see the country firsthand. Still, the agreement doesn't allow for unrestricted travel to the Caribbean island nation, so don't grab your passport just yet. Here's what you need to know before planning your trip to Cuba. How can I get to Cuba right now? While travel to the country has been heavily restricted for American citizens for decades, most other countries have had open travel avenues for years. More than 1 million Canadians visit Cuba each year alone. In fact, up until now, booking a Canada-based tour has been a popular path for U.S. travelers looking to see the country. But the new agreement outlines 12 categories of travel that are approved. Those that pertain to travelers include family visits, journalistic activity, professional research and meetings, education activities, religious activities and humanitarian projects. Education and religious activities and humanitarian projects are where most of the travel opportunities are for U.S. travelers today. Companies like Ya'lla Tours, Travel Impressions, Vacations by Rail, Tauck and Apple Vacations are offering education-based tours to Cuba, using existing charter flights to facilitate air travel. Additionally, cruise lines are offering educational trips that teach travelers about Cuban culture. The Athens-based Celestyal Cruises, for instance, has stake in the Canadian-based Cuba Cruise company and is in its third year of offering its people-to-people cruise and land itineraries. And Fathom, a "voluntourism" cruise line offshoot of Carnival Cruise Lines, will also start offering trips to Cuba beginning this spring. Another major draw for American travelers: U.S. credit card companies can now set up agreements with Cuban merchants, so credit and debit cards will be allowed as soon as Cuba's infrastructure allows it. Expect to use old-fashioned credit card machines for now, as experts say the latest technology is still about 12 to 18 months away from getting rolled out. MasterCard has already announced that it will no longer block Cuba transactions on U.S.-issued cards after March. And American Express and Visa are still setting timelines for use, so make sure to call your bank before you go to ensure your card will be supported in Cuba. Story continues When will I be able to fly to Cuba as a leisure traveler? It's the million-dollar question, and the answer isn't so clear-cut. JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines have all announced that they plan to bid for Cuba flights. And other suitors will get to make their case in the next few weeks. The U.S. Department of Transportation has set March 2, 2016 as the deadline for airlines to apply for routes. There will be 20 routes to Havana allowed per day, with 90 other routes per day split equally among nine other island locales. Decisions on which routes each airline will offer are expected to be determined by summer 2016. From there, airlines must get approval from Cuban authorities to negotiate with Cuban airports for gate space, much in the same way that airlines compete for gates at U.S. airports. A recent change in the current trade embargo rules allows airlines to enter into agreements with airports for space and to create code-share agreements with existing Cuban charter airlines. This is where the timeline could get murky. How long it will take the Cuban government to act is uncertain, but Obama administration officials expect that commercial flights will available by the early fall. Another major hurdle in the way: U.S. politics. Apart from approval from Cuban authorities, the U.S. also needs to get those agreements in place. And while some Congressional leaders may agree to ease Cuba restrictions, others may not agree to fully overturn rules prohibiting leisure travel to Cuba this year. That said, President Obama may end restrictions via executive order when Congress recesses at the end of the year. One thing we know for certain: Change is coming. From Reddit message boards to Facebook groups, the online buzz among seasoned travelers is clear. Commercial changes are coming to Cuba, as U.S. companies will look to set up shop in Havana and other cities around the island as soon as possible. Still, that commercialization will take years, if not decades, so the best advice we can give to the traveler who wants to Cuba before it transforms into a top leisure destination is to make your plans as soon as you can. Mark Murphy is a recognized travel expert, best-selling author and entrepreneur. He regularly provides commentary for major news outlets including CNN, ABC, FoxNews, FoxBusiness, CBS, NBC, The Today Show as well as online and print media outlets. He's the founder of TravelPulse.com, a division of travAlliancemedia, a company recognized by Inc magazine as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in the United States for 5 out of 6 years (2008-2013). By J.R. Wu TAIPEI (Reuters) - China's Tsinghua Unigroup's $2.6 billion offer for stakes in three Taiwanese chip firms will undergo unprecedented scrutiny by a new government less friendly toward its giant neighbor, complicating the chance of success. The Chinese state-backed conglomerate aims to buy into the island's technology sector as a step toward building China's own semiconductor industry. But the timing of its offers, during a Taiwan election in which deepening cross-straits economic ties was a hot topic, left the firm a target of political attack. Following civil war in China, Nationalist forces fled in 1949 to Taiwan which has been self-ruled ever since. But China regards it as a wayward province to be taken back by force if necessary, fuelling fears among Taiwanese of Chinese influence in the island's foremost industries. Such fears prompted the government to subject Tsinghua's offers to review by the newly elected parliament, national security advisors and financial regulators, and to request its management team make its case personally to a government panel, Taiwanese regulators and executives at the targeted firms said. "We said from the start that it will not entirely be approved," said Emile Chang, executive secretary of Taiwan's Investment Commission, the agency under the Ministry of Economic Affairs in charge of reviewing inbound and outbound investment. "Whether one or two of the cases can pass, we need to see the review process," Chang told Reuters at a recent briefing. Tsinghua is aware it may not receive approval for all three deals due to the change in government, but overseas acquisitions will continue to focus on Taiwan and the United States, a person familiar with Tsinghua's thinking told Reuters, declining to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter. Tsinghua, which is yet to submit investment plans to Taiwan regulators, declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. NATIONAL SECURITY Tsinghua made offers in quick succession late last year for a quarter each of chip testing and packaging companies Powertech Technology Inc, ChipMOS Technologies Inc and Siliconware Precision Industries Co Ltd (SPIL). The company plans to inject a total of $2.6 billion into the three in exchange for stakes plus one board seat at each with no management control. The offers came after Micron Technology Inc rejected Tsinghua's informal $23 billion takeover bid on the presumption of U.S. national security concerns. "Security and business concerns over relying on Chinese suppliers include intellectual property and trade secrets protection, competitiveness, and innovation," said Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council, in a commentary labeling Tsinghua's moves "hostile". Taiwan's new government will therefore need policies that keep businesses free of Chinese control to ensure Taiwan remains a major player in the global technology supply chain, he said. CEDING CONTROL President-elect Tsai Ing-wen of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) - which was elected by a landslide - said when campaigning the offers were problematic and could lead to Taiwan ceding control of its tech industry. "From the country's point of view, this is not just a business deal," said Wu Tsong-tseng, a DPP adviser on technology issues during the election. Shareholders of Powertech and ChipMOS approved the plans in January as they seek capital to expand and survive in a global chip sector experiencing record merger and acquisition activity. SPIL scheduled a shareholder vote for Jan. 28 but postponed due to the political timing, spokesman Byron Chiang said. Powertech Chairman D.K. Tsai said the other deals, announced six weeks after its own, were unexpected. He said he was committed to seeing through Powertech's application and that he would "respect any (government) decision." "I am regretful that this matter became emotional for society and a political factor," Powertech's Tsai told reporters after shareholders accepted the offer. (Reporting by J.R. Wu; Additional reporting by Yimou Lee in HONG KONG; Editing by Christopher Cushing) Tunis (AFP) - A suspected jihadist was killed on Monday in an exchange of fire with security forces in a mountainous area of central Tunisia, a defence ministry spokesman said. The interior ministry, meanwhile, reported that a 60-year-old man was mistakenly killed in a separate operation elsewhere. "For two weeks, military forces have been tracking a group of terrorists in the Mount Mghila area,' the defence ministry's Belhassan Oueslati told AFP. "One terrorist was killed in an exchange of fire with a military unit," he said, adding that the operation was ongoing. Mount Mghila is adjacent to Mount Chaambi, which is considered to be the main rear base of Islamist militants on the border with Algeria. Tunisian forces have been hunting down jihadists in the area since 2012. Earlier this month, security forces killed three suspected jihadists in the rugged mountainous Tounine area, 30 kilometres (20 miles) south of the coastal town of Gabes. The interior ministry, for its part, said the 60-year-old man was killed during an anti-terrorist operation in the Jendouba region in the northwest. "This man was near the theatre of operations in the town of Oued Melliz", ministry official Yasser Messbah said. The operation led to the arrest of 16 suspected militants including one who was wounded in an exchange of fire with the security forces, he added. Messbah said guns and ammunition were also recovered. Islamist militants have killed dozens of police and soldiers since the 2011 revolution that ousted longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Several attacks have been claimed by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. But last year, the Islamic State jihadist group claimed attacks on the national museum in Tunis and a popular resort hotel, killing a total of 59 tourists, and the suicide bombing of a bus that killed 12 presidential guards. The attacks have further damaged the tourism-reliant economy of the North African nation, which has still to recover since the revolution five years ago. By Humeyra Pamuk ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey's military said on Monday it had killed 14 militants in a drive against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the southeast as an envoy from the European parliament denounced what she said were rights abuses by Ankara. Four PKK militants were killed on Sunday in the Sur district of the mainly Kurdish region's largest city Diyarbakir, much of which has been under a round-the-clock police curfew since early December, the army said in a statement. Ten others were killed on Sunday in the Idil district of Sirnak province, neighboring Syria, it said. A round-the-clock curfew was imposed in some parts of Idil last week as it become a new focus for the security operations. Violence has surged across southeast Turkey following the breakdown of a two-year ceasefire between Turkish security forces and the PKK last July. The PKK, which says it is fighting for autonomy for Turkey's large ethnic Kurdish minority, has sealed off entire districts of some towns and cities in the southeast and declared autonomy, prompting the security forces to step up their operations. The army also said the bodies of five PKK militants had been found during a search in Cizre, a town by the Syrian border that was the focus of military operations for weeks. Home-made explosives, hand grenades, rifles and a large amount of ammunition were seized, it said. The PKK, considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, launched a separatist armed rebellion against the Turkish state more than three decades ago and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict. 'RIGHTS VIOLATIONS' More than 1,000 PKK militants have been killed since December, according to figures from the military and state-run Anadolu Agency. In early November, President Tayyip Erdogan said 2,000 had been killed in operations 'at home and abroad'. Rights groups and locals have voiced growing concern about he civilian death toll in the security operations since December. The pro-Kurdish HDP party puts the toll at nearly 160. Kati Piri, the European Parliament's Turkey rapporteur who visited Diyarbakir last week, said the violence had to stop. "On a large scale, there are serious human rights violations taking place and the desperation of many people is getting bigger," she said in her report, which she posted on Facebook. "Dialogue must be resumed. We have to do everything to avoid a bloody civil war in Turkey." The government denounced her statement, EU Affairs Minister Volkan Bozkir saying it was biased. "Ms. Piri ... does not mention in her text at all the sewerage systems and basements transformed into arsenals by the PKK, the continuous attacks on our security personnel, the damage caused by PKK to towns ... or the thousands of real civilians without arms who had to leave their homes because of PKKs attacks on schools, hospitals and even ambulances," Bozkir said. He warned Piri she may have difficulty finding counterparts to speak with if she insisted on such an approach. (Editing by Daren Butler and Richard Balmforth) Ankara (AFP) - A Turkish truck driver has lodged a legal complaint against his own wife for insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, pro-government media reported on Monday. Ali D., 40, who married G.D. three years ago, warned his wife repeatedly not to curse at the president when he appeared on television, Yeni Safak newspaper reported on its website. But her wife defied his warning and challenged her husband, saying: "Record and lodge a complaint." The man duly recorded his wife's "insults" as evidence for the case and lodged a complaint with Izmir prosecutors. It was not immediately clear if and when the case would go to trial. "I kept on warning her, saying why are you doing this? Our president is a good person and did good things for Turkey," Ali D. was quoted as saying by Yeni Safak. But he said his wife kept on insulting Erdogan or just changed the channel whenever the president appeared on television. "Even if it is my father who swears against or insults the president, I would not forgive and I would complain," the husband said. In return, the 38-year-old woman opened a case against her husband for divorce, according to the report. The case comes amid growing concern over the spiralling numbers of journalists, bloggers and ordinary people -- even schoolchildren -- who are being taken to court on charges of insulting Erdogan and other top officials. Opponents say Erdogan has become increasingly authoritarian since becoming president in August 2014 with criticism increasingly intolerated in the media, on social networks and even on the streets. ANKARA (Reuters) - Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu unveiled a plan on Monday to support Turkey's tourism sector, hit by tensions with Russia and domestic insecurity, including a 255 million lira ($87 million) grant and a facility to allow tourism firms to restructure debt. Turkey is especially popular with German tourists, but has seen demand fall after a suicide bomber killed 10 Germans in Istanbul in January. Russians have meanwhile been told to stay away by Moscow after Turkey shot down a Russian jet near the border with Syria last October. Tourism finances more than half of Turkey's current account deficit, based on figures from 2014, which is seen as one of the country's biggest economic weaknesses. Turkey faces multiple security threats. It is part of the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State in neighboring Syria and Iraq, and has seen suicide bombings in towns including Istanbul and Ankara over the past year blamed on the group. It is also fighting a renewed conflict with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a Kurdish militant group pushing for autonomy in the southeast, and has been shelling Syrian Kurdish militia fighters across the border. A group linked to the PKK claimed responsibility on Friday for a car bomb attack in Ankara last week which killed 28 people, most of them soldiers. Davutoglu said he expected Russia tourists, who favor southern beach towns such as Alanya and Antalya, to keep coming to Turkey, despite their government's stance. Tourism revenues in Turkey dropped 14.3 percent in the final quarter of last year. Full-year tourism revenues fell 8.3 percent, according to the Turkish Statistics Institute. TUI, the world's largest tour operator, this month reported a 40 percent drop in summer bookings to Turkey due to safety concerns. Eight cruise companies - MSC, Costa, Thomson, Aida, Crystal, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises - have canceled cruises to Turkey because of security concerns, according to the Chamber of Commerce of Izmir, a coastal district. (Reporting by Ercan Gurses, Orhan Coskun and Daren Butler, writing by Dasha Afanasieva; Editing by Nick Tattersall) By Dustin Volz and Julia Edwards WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice filed a motion on Friday seeking to compel Apple Inc to comply with a judge's order to unlock the encrypted iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino shooters, portraying the tech giant's refusal as a "marketing strategy." In response, a senior Apple executive, speaking with reporters on condition of anonymity, characterized the Justice Department's filing as an effort to argue its case in the media before the company has a chance to respond. The back and forth escalated a showdown between the Obama administration and Silicon Valley over security and privacy that ignited earlier this week. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is seeking the tech company's help to access shooter Syed Rizwan Farook's phone by disabling some of its passcode protections. The company so far has pushed back and on Thursday won three extra days to respond to the order. Another senior Apple executive said Congress is the right place for a debate over encryption, not a courtroom. The executive said Apple was stunned that such a legal request had come from the U.S. government rather than a country with weaker traditions of protecting privacy and civil liberties. The motion to compel Apple to comply did not carry specific penalties for the company, and the Justice Department declined to comment on what recourse it was willing to seek. In the order, prosecutors acknowledged that the latest filing was "not legally necessary" since Apple had not yet responded to the initial order. The clash between Apple and the Justice Department has driven straight to the heart of a long-running debate over how much law enforcement and intelligence officials should be able to monitor digital communications. A federal court hearing in California has been scheduled for March 22 in the case, according to Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California. The Justice Department said its Friday motion was a response to Apple CEO Tim Cook's public statement Wednesday, which included a refusal to "hack our own users and undermine decades of security advancements that protect our customers." "Rather than assist the effort to fully investigate a deadly terrorist attack ... Apple has responded by publicly repudiating that order," prosecutors wrote in the Friday filing. "Apples current refusal to comply with the courts order, despite the technical feasibility of doing so, instead appears to be based on its concern for its business model and public brand marketing strategy, prosecutors said. ID CHANGE POSES HURDLE The two senior Apple executives said the company had worked hard to help investigators and tried multiple avenues including sending engineers with FBI agents to a WiFi network that would recognize the phone and begin an automatic backup if that had been enabled. They criticized government officials who reset the Apple identification associated with the phone, which closed off the possibility of recovering information from it through that automatic cloud backup. San Bernardino County reset the password on the iCloud account at the request of the FBI, said county spokesman David Wert. The government first disclosed the identification change in a footnote to its filing Friday. The Apple executives said that the reset occurred before Apple was consulted. The Justice Department declined to comment on that contention. The two sides have been on a collision course since Apple said it would offer strong encryption by default on its devices in 2014, a move prompted in part by the surveillance revelations from former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden. But the Justice Department struggled to find a compelling case where encryption proved to be an insurmountable hurdle for its investigators until the Dec. 2 shooting rampage by Farook and his wife in San Bernardino, California, which killed 14. Authorities believe the couple was inspired by the Islamic State. Some technology experts and privacy advocates backing Apple suggest Farook's work phone likely contains little data of value. They have accused the Justice Department of choreographing the case to achieve a broader goal of gaining support for legislation or a legal precedent that would force companies to crack their encryption for investigators. The case has quickly become a topic in the U.S. presidential race. Republican frontrunner Donald Trump on Friday called for a "boycott" against Apple until the company complied with the court order. The two Apple executives said they felt in good company, noting that Trump has faulted many other groups and individuals. The debate will also play out on Capitol Hill. Bipartisan leaders of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee late Friday invited Apple's Cook and FBI Director James Comey to testify at an upcoming hearing on encryption, though a date was not set. The House Judiciary Committee is also planning an encryption hearing for March and has invited Apple to attend, according to a congressional source. (Reporting by Julia Edwards and Dustin Volz; Additional reporting by Lisa Richwine in Los Angeles, David Ingram in Washington, Dan Levine, Julia Love and Joseph Menn in San Francisco; Editing by Bill Rigby, Cynthia Osterman and Lisa Shumaker) By Jonathan Landay (Reuters) - The U.N. special envoy on Syria said on Monday that the cessation of hostilities accord reached by Russia and the United States could allow a quick resumption of negotiations on a political process to end the civil war. "We can now relaunch very soon the political process which is needed to end this conflict," Staffan de Mistura said in an email to Reuters. De Mistura suspended talks on getting political negotiations on Feb. 3 as Syrian government forces, backed by intense Russian air strikes, advanced against rebel fighters north of Aleppo. In his email, de Mistura said, "The Syrian people have been asking for two concrete signals after five years of endless war from the international community: stop the violence and, 'Please give us access to food and medicines.'" "Both requests have finally started to be implemented," he continued. (Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Editing by Mohammad Zargham) By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. Air Force arms buyer under investigation for violating financial disclosure rules never reported his wife's retirement account with Northrop Grumman Corp after their marriage in 2008, public disclosure forms seen by Reuters showed. Air Force Secretary Deborah James removed Richard Lombardi from his position as the Air Force's acting acquisition chief on Feb. 4 in an incident that could trigger additional legal challenges by Boeing Co against an $80 billion-plus bomber contract won by Northrop in October. The financial forms provided the first detailed information about the matter, which was disclosed by the Air Force last Thursday and is now being investigated by the Pentagon's inspector general. Reuters also confirmed for the first time that Lombardi's wife resigned from Northrop shortly after the couple married in 2008. Air Force officials insist Lombardi was not involved in the bomber selection process, but Boeing has until Monday to file a separate protest about the issue after federal auditors this week rejected its initial challenge of the Northrop bomber deal. Boeing is also likely to raise the incident if it files a federal lawsuit to block the bomber deal, according to people familiar with the company's thinking. Lombardi, a former Air Force officer and long-time public servant, took over as the Air Force's acting top weapons buyer and senior acquisition executive on Dec. 1, when the political appointee who had held the job, William LaPlante, resigned to take a job in the private sector. Marianne Lombardi told Reuters in a faxed statement that she married Lombardi in August 2008 and resigned from Northrop in October of that year. "I have not been employed since that date," she said. Richard Lombardi has declined comment since the matter is under investigation. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Form 278, which senior U.S. government officials must fill out annually, requires the reporting individual to disclose assets and non-government income earned for themselves, as well as assets and income above $1,000 earned by their spouse and dependent children. Story continues Lombardi's forms dating back to 2008, the year of his marriage, show an array of assets at different financial institutions, including Andrews Federal Credit Union, as well as dividends and other investment income. None of the forms contain any reference to a retirement account from Northrop Grumman. The latest year covered was 2014. Air Force officials said the form for 2015 was not yet due, and had not been filed. A Northrop spokesman referred all questions to the Air Force. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Paul Simao) By Arshad Mohammed and Tom Perry WASHINGTON/BEIRUT (Reuters) - The United States and Russia announced plans for a "cessation of hostilities" in Syria that would take effect on Saturday but exclude groups such as Islamic State and al Qaeda's Nusra Front, a loophole Syrian rebels immediately highlighted as a problem. Monday's agreement, described by a U.N. spokesman as "a first step towards a more durable ceasefire," is the fruit of intensive diplomacy between Washington and Moscow, which back opposing sides in the 5-year-old civil war that has killed more than 250,000 people. Presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin discussed the accord by phone, and the Kremlin leader said it could "radically transform the crisis situation in Syria." The White House said it could help advance talks on bringing about political change in Syria. To succeed, the deal will require both countries to persuade their allies on the ground to comply. Fighting and air strikes continued on Monday, according to a British-based monitoring group. The plan allows the Syrian army and allied forces, as well as Syrian opposition fighters, to respond with "proportionate use of force" in self-defense. It leaves a significant loophole by allowing further attacks, including air strikes, against Islamic State, Nusra and other militant groups. Bashar al-Zoubi, head of the political office of the Yarmouk Army, part of the rebel Free Syrian Army, said that would provide cover for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian allies to keep attacking opposition-held territory where rebel and militant factions are tightly packed. "Russia and the regime will target the areas of the revolutionaries on the pretext of the Nusra Front's presence, and you know how mixed those areas are, and if this happens, the truce will collapse," he said. 'CRITICAL ISSUE' Since intervening with air strikes in support of Assad in September, Russia has helped pave the way for significant advances by government forces in a conflict that has drawn in a host of world and regional powers. The Syrian army is backed by Moscow, Iran and fighters from Lebanon's Hezbollah. Ranged against them are rebels supported by the United States, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. A U.S.-Russian statement said the two countries and others would work together to delineate the territory held by Islamic State, Nusra Front and the other militant groups excluded from the truce. But rebel officials said it was impossible to pinpoint positions held by Nusra. "For us, al-Nusra is a problematic point, because al-Nusra is not only present in Idlib, but also in Aleppo, in Damascus and in the south. The critical issue here is that civilians or the Free Syrian Army could be targeted under the pretext of targeting al-Nusra," said a senior opposition figure, Khaled Khoja. He said the cessation would be for an initial two weeks and "could be extended indefinitely if the parties commit to it." Assad said on Saturday he was ready for a ceasefire, on condition that opposition forces he describes as terrorists did not use a lull in fighting to their advantage, and that countries backing insurgents halted support for them. In a sign of confidence, reflecting his growing momentum on the battlefield, Assad on Monday called a parliamentary election for April 13. The timing was not a surprise as elections are held every four years and the last one was in 2012. A U.N. Security Council resolution in December called for elections within 18 months under a new constitution, and administered by the United Nations. TALKS 'VERY SOON' The U.S.-Russian plan got a cautious and hedged response from Riad Hijab, chief coordinator of the main Western-backed Syrian opposition, who said he did not expect the governments of Syria, Iran or Russia to comply with it. Hijab said the Saudi-backed High Negotiations Committee, of which he is president, would accept a truce if Syria and its backers halted all sieges, permitted aid deliveries, released all detainees and ended bombardments and attacks on civilians. "The HNC is committed to the success of the international efforts dedicated to ending Syrian bloodshed ... but we are also capable of addressing the regime in a language it understands," he said, saying a formal HNC response would come later. U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon welcomed the U.S.-Russian announcement, which followed a failed attempt by his Syria envoy, Staffan de Mistura, last month to restart peace talks in Geneva. De Mistura told Reuters the cessation accord could allow a resumption of negotiations. "We can now relaunch very soon the political process which is needed to end this conflict," he said. U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson said he was "not pessimistic." Under the terms of the cessation, parties would indicate their agreement to the United States and Russia by noon on Friday Damascus time (1000 GMT), and the truce would take effect at midnight, the two countries said. Syrian government and allied forces will cease attacks against armed opposition forces, and vice versa, with any weapons including rockets, mortars, anti-tank guided missiles. The agreement does not spell out in detail how the truce will be monitored, let alone enforced. While the United States and Russia will establish a communication "hotline" and encourage others to share information about violations, they have yet to make explicit how they plan to do so. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry cited "significant challenges ahead." He urged all sides to accept the deal, which he said could cut violence and help get aid to besieged areas. Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, in a speech aboard a U.S. Navy ship visiting Israel, said: "It is difficult to see a stable ceasefire in actuality, with all players agreeing to it." NO LET-UP The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitoring group, said fighting and air strikes continued unabated across Syria on Monday. Islamic State attacked the Syrian government's main supply route from Damascus to the northern city of Aleppo, a day after the group targeted Damascus and Homs in some of the bloodiest car bomb attacks of the war. A rebel fighting government forces and Kurdish militia in the Aleppo area said there was no sign of a let-up. "The battles are in full force," he told Reuters. Fred Hof, a former State Department Syria specialist now at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington, said the proposed timetable gave Russia, Iran and Syria five more days to complete the encirclement of rebels in Aleppo. "Indeed, success of this initiative - including widespread humanitarian relief for Syrian civilians - requires good faith and decency by three parties who have shown little or none during the duration of this crisis," Hof said. "Let's hope they change their spots." (Additional reporting by Tom Perry, Jonathan Landay, Dasha Afanasieva, Jason Bush, Lisa Barrington, Omar Fahmy, Louis Charbonneau, Dan Williams and Stephanie Nebehay; Writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Janet Lawrence and Peter Cooney) From Esquire The Supreme Court of the United States - minus the late Justice Scalia - is set to take up the hot-button issue of marijuana legalization today in a highly watched case. The SCOTUS is hearing a challenge to Colorado legalization from two neighboring states Nebraska and Oklahoma as plaintiffs. The states are arguing that because of legalization, marijuana is unlawfully crossing over their borders. The federal Controlled Substances Act should override state legalization, they argue, under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. But SCOTUS is unlikely to take up Nebraska and Oklahoma v. Colorado, watchers say, partially because the plaintiffs' case is so weak, and partially because one likely supporter of the case, Justice Scalia, is dead. "It's hard to predict where a given justice is going to come down on anything," according to Tom Angell, in an interview with the International Business Times. Angell founded the cannabis advocacy group Marijuana Majority, and analyzed Scalia's record on cannabis for Marijuana.com. "But my best guess is Nebraska and Oklahoma probably just lost one of their votes for granting the review." With the nine-member SCOTUS down to eight, the vote for review could be 4-4, and a tie would favor the defendant Colorado. Legal experts say plaintiffs Nebraska and Oklahoma lack standing. "The plaintiffs can't show they could be helped by a positive decision in their favor," Sam Kamin, marijuana law professor at the University of Denver, told IBT. The federal government itself does not support review, and the solicitor general urged the Supreme Court to deny the lawsuit. If SCOTUS takes up review and ties on the case, it would only be the third time in U.S. history for a so-called 'original jurisdiction deadlock'. The first time, in 1870, the case remained up in the air for nearly three years. The second time, in 1953, the court ruled one way, only to overrule itself a year later. In other words, no one knows exactly what will happen if the Supreme Court takes up the Colorado lawsuit and then can't come to a majority opinion on it. Still legal experts doubt SCOTUS wants to potentially shut down medical and recreational legalization in 35 states. "There is so much very, very high-profile stuff on pause right now, my gut instinct is they are going to say, 'We don't need anything else on our plate,'" Kamin told IBT. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and its allies staged 19 strikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria on Sunday in its latest round of daily attacks on the militant group, according to the coalition leading the operations. In a statement released on Monday, the Combined Joint Task Force said it launched 14 strikes in Syria concentrated near Al Hasakah, where they hit five Islamic State tactical units and destroyed four building and four vehicles. Other strikes hit near Al Hawl, Ayn Isa and Dayr Az Zawr. In Iraq, five strikes near Falluja, Mosul, Ramadi and Sinjar hit four tactical units as well as other targets, the statement said. (Reporting by Washington newsroom) SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia and other countries should follow the U.S. lead and conduct "freedom-of-navigation" naval operations within 12 nautical miles of contested islands in the South China Sea, a senior U.S. naval officer was reported as saying on Monday. Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin, the commander of the U.S. Navy's Seventh Fleet, is in Australia for high-level talks with defense leaders and has discussed growing concerns over Beijing's military expansion in the disputed region, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion in global trade passes every year and which is believed to have huge deposits of oil and gas. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims. Beijing has been angered by air and sea patrols the United States has conducted near islands China claims. Those have included one by two B-52 strategic bombers in November and by a U.S. Navy destroyer that sailed within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island in the Paracels group last month. Aucoin told reporters it would be "valuable" if Australia and others sent warships to conduct similar operations within 12 nautical miles of disputed territories. "What we're trying to ensure is that all countries, no matter size or strength, can pursue their interests based on the law of the sea and not have that endangered by some of these actions," Aucoin said, according to the ABC. "It's up to those countries, but I think it's in our best interests to make sure that those sea lines remain open, I'll leave it at that," he said. Tensions between China and its neighbors have risen further since Taiwanese and U.S. officials said last week Beijing had placed surface-to-air missiles on Woody Island, part of the Paracels archipelago it controls. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull last week urged claimants to refrain from island-building and militarization in the South China Sea. (Reporting by James Regan; Editing by Paul Tait) By Mark Kauzlarich KALAMAZOO, Mich. (Reuters) - A man working as an Uber driver admitted to the fatal weekend shootings of six people in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a police detective testified on Monday in a case raising questions about how the car service vets its drivers. Jason Dalton, 45, was denied bail as he made his first court appearance on 16 charges including six of murder that can bring life in prison. Dalton told detectives "he took people's lives," Kalamazoo Public Safety Detective Cory Ghiringhelli testified in a county district court ahead of the suspect's arraignment. Dalton appeared via a video link and was seen on a monitor at the Kalamazoo County court wearing glasses and dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit. When asked if he had anything to say, Dalton, who appeared emotionless through the proceedings, said he preferred to "remain silent." The judge denied bail and set March 3 for the next hearing. After the hearing Kalamazoo County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey Getting told reporters Dalton had been cooperative with authorities but possible motives for the shootings were still unclear. "No one understands why it happened, and that adds to the fear and the sorrow," Getting said. Prosecutors alleged Dalton randomly shot multiple times at people during a five-hour period on Saturday at an apartment complex, a car dealership and a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Kalamazoo, about 150 miles (240 km) west of Detroit. Police were investigating reports Dalton drove customers of the Uber car-hailing service the night of the rampage. Two people were wounded in the shootings, including a teenage girl who was initially thought to have died. Initial checks with a key federal agency indicate Dalton was unknown to both law enforcement and counterterrorism agencies for having any known connection to extremist groups. President Barack Obama said on Monday he had spoken to the mayor and top law enforcement in Kalamazoo about the shootings and pledged whatever federal support they need. "Earlier this year, I took some steps that will make it harder for dangerous people like this individual to buy a gun. But clearly, we're going to need to do more if we're going to keep innocent Americans safe," Obama said in remarks before the National Governors Association at the White House. Uber [UBER.UL] said on Monday it would not be changing the way it screened its drivers following the weekend shooting spree. It also said Dalton had received "very favorable" feedback from riders. "There were no red flags, if you will, that we could anticipate something like this," said Uber's chief security officer, Joe Sullivan. Uber drivers use their personal vehicles to ferry customers at prices generally below those of established taxi companies. Critics contend vetting is inadequate and the company never meets potential drivers in person. "A background check is just that - a background check. It does not foresee the future," Ed Davis, of the Uber Safety Advisory Board, told a teleconference with reporters. The Dalton family said in a statement: "There are no words which can express our shock and disbelief, and we are devastated and saddened for the victims and the families of the victims," Michigan State Police said the shooting began at about 5:30 p.m. (2230 GMT) on Saturday with a woman wounded outside an apartment building. At about 10 p.m., Richard Smith and his son Tyler were killed at the car dealership. About 15 minutes later four women identified as Mary Lou Nye, 62, of Baroda, Michigan; and Dorothy Brown, 74; Barbara Hawthorne, 68; and Mary Jo Nye, 60, were fatally shot outside the restaurant. (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee, Mark Hosenball and Ayesha Rascoe in Washington, D.C. Curtis Skinner in San Francisco, Barbara Goldberg in New York, Mary Wisniewski in Chicago and Jon Herskovitz in Austin, Texas; Writing by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Bill Trott and Tom Brown) By Anjali Athavaley NEW YORK (Reuters) - A British cathedral sought to reassure visitors on Monday that they could still view a massive sculpture following a Facebook post by the statue's creator saying the church had moved it because people kept bumping into it while texting. The Salisbury Cathedral, located about 90 miles outside of London, said in a tweet on Monday under the Twitter handle @SalisburyCath: "Don't worry, you can still see 'The Kiss' at the Cathedral. We've moved the sculpture onto the lawn #Relationships." "The Kiss" is a 20-foot sculpture of clasping hands by artist Sophie Ryder. On Tuesday, Ryder posted a video on Facebook of a crane moving the statue, with the comment "We had to move 'the kiss' because people were walking through texting and said they bumped their heads! Oh well!!" The Cathedral did not respond immediately to a Reuters request for comment on why it moved the sculpture. Several social media users poked fun at the statue's relocation to the cathedral lawn. Visitors were originally meant to follow a path through the clasped hands. GrumpyGitRant (@GRumpGitRant) said in a tweet on Monday: "It's safe now to visit #salisbury cathedral. The kiss statue better known as the #claspedhands is no longer a danger." "I think it is crazy it was moved," wrote Karin Muir on Ryder's Facebook page. "Maybe if more people bumped their heads whilst walking and texting, they'd stop doing it sooner." (Reporting by Anjali Athavaley; Editing by Dan Grebler) Washington (AFP) - The US Supreme Court resumed public hearings Monday for the first time since the sudden death of conservative justice Antonin Scalia, which left the court evenly divided. Scalia's chair was vacant, draped with black wool crepe in keeping with a tradition dating back to 1873, as the remaining eight justices took their seats. Chief Justice John Roberts gave a moving tribute to "our man for all seasons." "We shall miss him immeasurably," Roberts said. "He authored 292 majority opinions on the court. He was also known on occasion to dissent." Scalia, the first Italian American to serve on the court, died on February 13 at age 79. His death abruptly ended the conservatives' 5-4 advantage on the high court, giving President Barack Obama an opportunity to tilt it in a more liberal direction. But he faces stiff opposition from his Republican foes in both houses of Congress, which they control, over his potential nominee to fill the vacant seat on the court. The tensions are only exacerbated by intense political polarization in an election year. The court is now evenly divided between four justices appointed by Democratic presidents and four appointed by Republicans. If the court is split 4-4 on a case, the lower court's ruling stands. Among the cases before the court, some concern hot button issues ranging from abortion to immigration, contraception, affirmative action and unions. Appointed by president Ronald Reagan in 1986, Scalia was a towering figure in conservative legal thought, an originalist who maintained the US Constitution's meaning was fixed as of the time it was ratified in the 18th century. His funeral took place Saturday, with Obama noticeably absent, though he did pay his respects the day before while Scalia's body lay in repose in the Great Hall of the Supreme Court. Scalia was a passionate defender of the death penalty and the right to bear arms, and a staunch opponent of abortion rights, gay rights and affirmative action to favor minority groups that have historically faced discrimination. Story continues - Pre-election nominee? - All eyes are now on who will potentially replace Scalia. The president nominates high court candidates, who require a Senate majority in order to be confirmed. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has made it clear he doesn't want a nominee until a new presidential administration is in place, in January 2017. It would likely still take weeks or months after the inauguration for a president to clear his nominee through the Senate, meaning the court would be hobbled for about a year or more. The leading Republican presidential candidates have backed McConnell. Ted Cruz pointed to a "long tradition" of skipping Supreme Court nominations in election years, while Marco Rubio spoke of an eight-decade "precedent." Both are senators. Reagan nominee Anthony Kennedy was confirmed by the Senate in 1988, an election year, though the vacancy occurred the previous year and the Senate rejected the president's first nominee, Robert Bork. Obama has responded by affirming his intent to nominate a successor this year, stressing it was his constitutional duty to do so, and urging lawmakers to refrain from obstructing by principle. Ironically, Obama's Vice President Joe Biden pressed in 1992 for then president George H.W. Bush to wait until after the election to fill any Supreme Court vacancy. "It is my view that if a Supreme Court justice resigns tomorrow or within the next several weeks or resigns at the end of the summer, President Bush should consider following the practice of a majority of his predecessors and not, and not name a nominee until after the November election is completed," Biden said during a Senate floor speech in 1992 while serving as US senator from Delaware. He also said the Senate Judiciary Committee, which reviews such nominations before sending them to the full Senate for a vote, "should seriously consider not scheduling confirmation hearings on the nomination until after the political campaign season is over." The comments are likely to come under heavy scrutiny as Obama prepares to nominate a successor to Scalia. In order to get his nominee confirmed, the president, who is weighing potential candidates, could pick a legal mind with an impeccable record whose nominations to previous posts have been backed by both Republicans and Democrats. Such is the case for Sri Srinivasan, placed by analysts at the top of Obama's shortlist. His nomination to serve as a judge on the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit in Washington -- long seen as an incubator of sorts for future Supreme Court justices -- was backed unanimously by the Senate. If nominated, Srinivasan would be the first South Asian to serve on the high court. Washington (AFP) - A US air strike on an Islamic State training compound in Libya probably averted a mass shooting or a similar attack in Tunisia, a Pentagon spokesman said Monday. Friday's bombardment of the jihadist camp in Libya killed dozens of people, likely including senior IS operative Noureddine Chouchane. Officials say he helped plot two devastating IS-claimed attacks in neighboring Tunisia last year. During the first of those assaults, in March, jihadist gunmen at the National Bardo Museum in Tunis killed 21 tourists and a policeman. Then in June, a Kalashnikov-wielding attacker opened fire at a beach resort near the Tunisian city of Sousse, killing 38 tourists, including 30 Britons. The IS compound destroyed near the city of Sabratha on Friday was "very focused on training to conduct operations, the type of operations that we saw in Tunisia," Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said. "We are confident that what happened Friday with that strike prevented a larger tragedy with there being an external attack of some sort," he added. "Both the type of training they were doing there and the proximity to the Tunisian border suggest that some larger plan was in the works." The training facility hosted as many as 60 jihadists at any one time who were being schooled in carrying out "the types of attacks you've seen in Tunisia," Davis said. "People working in very synchronized coordinated groups on the ground with small arms; that is the type of training we saw here," he added. Serbia says two embassy employees kidnapped by the IS group died in the strike. Davis said the United States was still looking into the claim and could not currently confirm it. "This was a site that we had watched very closely for many weeks and never at any time did we see any indication that there were civilians present or being held there," he said. The United States has led a coalition air war against the IS group in Iraq and Syria for 18 months. Although the campaign has dealt the jihadists some significant blows, the group has continued to expand its presence in Libya. Washington (AFP) - Worried about global growth, the United States will press G20 powers to boost their economies when the group's finance chiefs meet in Shanghai this week, a senior US official said Monday. The official said that Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, representing Washington at the Group of 20 meeting, will also travel to Beijing to press on his Chinese counterpart the need to stick to its reform plans. "Globally there remains a shortage of aggregate demand," the Treasury official said, insisting on anonymity. "We think the global economy can do much better." The official pointed to China's slowdown and weak growth in Europe as contributing to overall weak demand around the world. He said Lew would recommend to his G20 counterparts at the February 26-27 meeting "that all levers of policy be deployed," meaning fiscal spending, monetary policy and structural reforms. The official said that it was especially important that countries with strong finances spend and invest more to boost demand, at home and internationally. "More and more it is important that those countries with fiscal space utilize that fiscal space," he said. The US will also emphasize the need for countries to stick to pledges not to engage in competitive devaluations of currencies to boost export competitiveness, a crucial issue as China's yuan weakens, challenging its rivals to follow suit. Other issues on the docket include providing better access for the world's poorest to financial systems; strengthening derivatives regulation; and preventing multinational companies from minimizing their taxes by shifting revenues and business to low- and no-tax havens. The US will also press China, the world's number-two economy, to follow through with its reforms as crucial to strengthening the world economy. After the G20 meeting Lew will meet with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing "to urge China to implement the market-based economic reforms that it has committed to." Story continues "He will urge the authorities to pursue policies that support domestic demand, especially fiscal policies," the official said. Treasury Under Secretary for International Affairs Nathan Sheets, in an opinion piece published Sunday on Medium, wrote that market turmoil has put a spotlight on "the need for China to accelerate the pace of its transition to a more consumption-led economy." He also said that "clear communication to the market is critical" about China's policy to free up trading in its yuan currency. By Gary Robertson RICHMOND, Va. (Reuters) - A Virginia law requiring voters to show photo identification went on trial in federal court on Monday, challenged by Democratic Party activists who allege it throws up barriers to voting by minorities and the poor. Lawyers defending the 2013 Virginia law said it prevented voter fraud. The trial in U.S. District Court is one of several voting rights legal battles as Democrats and Republicans square off before November's presidential and congressional elections. The Democratic Party of Virginia and two party activists are suing the Virginia State Board of Elections and want Judge Henry Hudson to strike down the law. Attorney Bruce Spiva, representing those challenging the measure, said the photo ID law was an effort to hamper the Democratic Party in the state. It creates irrational hoops that people have to jump through and has a disproportional impact on people of color, Spiva said. Mark Hearne, an independent counsel for the state attorney general, dismissed the allegations. It is impossible to show a suppressive effect on minorities from the photo ID law, Hearne said. He added the law was an effort to protect against voter fraud. In 2008, President Barack Obama was the first Democrat to carry Virginia in more than 40 years, partly because of turnout among black, Latino and young voters. Obama took the state again in 2012. The Republican-controlled legislature passed the voter ID law the following year. Josephine Okiakpe, a black woman from Northern Virginia, testified she was unaware of the new ID law when she tried to vote in 2014. She presented identification including a voter registration card, a Medicare card, a Social Security card and a utility bill showing she was a state resident, but could not cast her ballot. "It made me feel very frustrated and bitter," Okiakpe said. Hudson dismissed two provisions in the original lawsuit last year. One had argued that the photo ID requirement resulted in long lines at polling stations, and the second sought to overturn a state requirement restoring voting rights to non-violent felons individually. Attorneys have suggested the trial could last a week or more. (Editing by Ian Simpson and Peter Cooney) BARCELONA (Reuters) - The chief executive of Vodafone underlined the benefits of the company's plan to work with Liberty Global in the Netherlands, an arrangement being closely watched by analysts and investors who hope the two firms will one day reach a wider deal. Vodafone was in talks last year with John Malone's Liberty about asset swaps or other tie-ups in Europe, which potentially would have enabled allow both to offer a richer package of TV, broadband and mobile in countries like Britain and Germany. Those talks collapsed, but a more limited joint venture in the Netherlands was agreed earlier this month. "If we work well with Liberty of course it's much better than if we don't, and if we get used to our own different cultures, it is of course an enrichment and a positive," Vittorio Colao told journalists at the Mobile World Conference in Barcelona on Monday. He said, however, that every country and every situation had to be looked at on its own merits. Analyst Sam Dhillon at RBC Capital Markets said on Monday that Vodafone and Liberty Global should extend the joint venture model to Britain. But he said a deal would only come after a review of BT's fixed-line infrastructure arm Openreach is completed -- findings are due on Thursday -- and European regulators rule on Hutchison's <0001.HK> purchase of Telefonica's O2. In the case of BT, Colao said he wanted the regulator to either recommend that the company should be split up, or instead, impose much tighter obligations on Openreach in terms of performance and price. Vodafone recently launched fixed-line broadband using Openreach's network. "We are getting a decent amount of customers each month, and when we are ready we will launch our own content-rich TV offer," Colao said, but he added the company had not yet struck the content deals it wanted. "For the time being we have not reached an agreement with BT," he said. (Reporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Keith Weir) United Nations (United States) (AFP) - Condemning rampant war crimes in Syria's nearly five-year-old war, a report by a UN commission of inquiry said Monday that accountability for these horrors must be part of the peace process. The report also took aim at world powers backing Syria's peace process for "paradoxically" seeking a settlement while feeding a recent escalation on the battleground. "As the war is poised to enter its sixth year, its horrors are pervasive and ever-present," the panel said in its 11th report on human rights violations in Syria. Civilians remain the "primary victims," often targeted for deliberate attacks by all sides, and the lives of Syrian men, women and children have been ravaged, the report said. "War crimes by the belligerents are rampant," it added. As the United States and Russia worked to piece together a ceasefire ahead of peace talks, the commission emphasized that those responsible for war crimes must face justice. "Accountability is an essential part of this process," the report said. The commission renewed its appeal to the UN Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court for war crimes investigations. A bid in May 2014 to ask the ICC to look into war crimes in Syria failed when Russia and China vetoed the request at the UN Security Council. Violence has surged in Syria following Russia's decision in September to launch air strikes in support of President Bashar al-Assad's forces and the battlefield is becoming increasingly crowded. "The proliferation of warring parties and front lines has challenged the ability of civilians to survive even further," said the report. - Pushing for peace, waging war - The United States and Russia are pushing for a partial ceasefire that would apply to Syrian government forces and rebel fighters, but not to the Islamic State group and other extremists. Story continues "Paradoxically, the international and regional stakeholders that are ostensibly pushing for a peaceful solution to the war are the same that continue to feed the military escalation," said the 31-page report. Syrian forces are increasingly reliant on foreign militias to carry out attacks while rebel armed groups are losing ground. "Anti-government armed groups have failed to sustain the offensive momentum that allowed them to make significant gains in the first months of 2015," it said. The latest report documents atrocities committed from July 2015 to January 2016, based on 415 interviews conducted in the region and in Geneva. These include attacks on homes, business, schools, parks, markets and hospitals, along with cuts to electricity and water in besieged areas. "Indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks on the civilian population must be brought to an end," said the commission, which will formally present the report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva next month. Led by Brazilian academic Paul Sergio Pinheiro, the four-member commission has been denied entry into Syria since it was established in 2011. More than 260,000 people have been killed and half of Syria's population has been displaced in the war. Share This Video Facebook Twitter EMAIL Joey Ryan has been one of the big viral wrestlers of the last few months thanks to his penis that bodyslams opponents. Hes since signed to Lucha Underground, but hes apparently also still doing his indie thing as demonstrated by this match for Finest City Wrestling in San Diego. Ryan knows how to make his mark and decided to up the ante on a typical inter-gender match by coming up with a swerve ending that weve never seen in wrestling before. Ryan was wrestling his real-life girlfriend, Laura James, and stopped mid-match to get his ring and propose to her. Its absolutely beautiful. Needless to say, her answer was a foregone conclusion. I mean, the guy can suplex people with his penis. Who says no to that? After James said yes, Ryan hit her with a small package (hiyo!) and stole a win. Then they kissed some more. Somewhere Jim Cornette is typing a sternly worded Myspace post about the death of kayfabe and how professional wrestling has been ruined. Share This Facebook Twitter EMAIL (Reuters) - Reports of gunfire that cleared a South Carolina mall last weekend may have been made by airsoft guns, not weapons with actual bullets, police said on Monday. Columbia police are investigating reports of two males whom witnesses initially said fired handguns into the air during a fistfight at the Columbiana Centre mall on Saturday night. A search near the mall turned up a book bag carrying airsoft guns, which look like real guns and shoot non-deadly projectiles not real bullets, according to a statement posted on the Columbia Police Department's Facebook page. Two of the airsoft guns resembled handguns, the statement said. Witnesses who have been interviewed since the incident, which cleared hundreds from the mall when police ordered an evacuation, have told authorities that while they heard gunfire, they could not confirm that they saw the two men discharge any weapons. No injuries have been reported and no suspects have been identified. Police are canvassing mall stores to find out if surveillance video will yield more information, but so far they have not found any, according to the statement. (Reporting by Karen Brooks in Fort Worth, Texas; Editing by Sandra Maler) LONDON (Reuters) - Arsene Wenger said some English soccer fans feel they can get away with anything inside stadiums when asked for his thoughts on recent coin-throwing incidents on Monday. Last weekend's FA Cup ties at Reading and Chelsea were marred by coins being thrown at players, scenes that Wenger described as disgraceful. "For years, people in the stands feel they can get away with everything," Wenger told reporters at a news conference ahead of the first leg of Tuesday's Champions League last-16 tie with Barcelona. "The media played a little part in that. You are insulted regularly from the stands and people feel they can't be punished. Then it goes a step further. "The incidents over the weekend were a disgrace and just not acceptable." In the most serious incident, West Bromwich Albion's midfielder Chris Brunt was struck underneath the left eye by a coin thrown from one of Albion's own supporters after their surprise 3-1 defeat at second-tier Reading on Saturday. On Sunday, Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink condemned some of the club's supporters after they threw coins towards Manchester City players after they celebrated an equaliser in a 5-1 defeat. Chelsea said they would work with police to identify the culprits and ban them from Stamford Bridge. West Brom also promised the "severest of sanctions" if they identify the supporter who left Brunt with a cut on his cheek. (Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Ian Chadband) Accused Kalamazoo shooter to be charged: The Uber driver who went on a shooting rampage on Saturday night in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is expected to be arraigned today on murder charges. Jason Dalton, 45, is accused of killing six people. The motive for the shootings is unknown. Update: More here David Cameron to make the case: The British prime minister will explain why his country should remain in the European Union days after he secured concessions from the bloc over the U.K.s membership in it. An in-out referendum will be held in June. The out camp has some strong supporters, including Boris Johnson, the London mayor. Update: More here A claim of responsibility for Syria attacks: ISIS says it was behind the deadly explosions Sunday in Homs and Damascus that killed at least 140 people. Also Sunday, John Kerry, the U.S. secretary of state, said he had reached a provisional agreement with Russia on a cease-fire in Syria. Toll mounts from cyclone in Fiji: The death toll from Cyclone Winston stands at 21. Reuters adds that aid agencies are warning of a widespread health crisis in the low-lying areas where thousands of Fijians live in tin shacks. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Washington (AFP) - US Republican presidential candidate John Kasich said Monday that women "left their kitchens" to support him in a 1978 Ohio state senate race, triggering pushback from voters and rivals. "How did I get elected?" Kasich asked rhetorically during a campaign event in Virginia. "Nobody was -- I didn't have anybody for me. We just got an army of people... many women, who left their kitchens to go out and go door to door, and to put yard signs up for me. All the way back, when, you know, things were different. "Now you call homes and everybody's out working. But at that time, early days, it was an army of the women that really helped me get elected to the state Senate," Kasich added. Kasich, who now serves as Ohio's governor, first ran for the state senate in 1978. A woman attending the Virginia town hall later quipped: "First off, I want to say -- your comment earlier about the women came out the kitchen to support you? I'll come to support you, but I won't be coming out of the kitchen." The woman also asked a question about Kasich signing a bill on Sunday to defund Planned Parenthood, which provides abortion and family planning services. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton -- who is trying to become toe first woman US president -- was quick to jump on Kasich's remarks to suggest he was out of touch with women. "It's 2016. A woman's place is... wherever she wants it to be," Clinton tweeted. Kasich later apologized, telling CNN: "I'm more than happy to say I'm sorry if I offended somebody out there, but it wasn't intended to be offensive." He also made a more vigorous defense of his record on women. "We had a lot of women that played a major role in my political campaign, political life, and they still do... I'm very grateful to all the work they put in for me," Kasich said, noting his lieutenant governor is a woman (Mary Taylor). Story continues And he sought to bolster his credentials as an independently-minded politician. "I take orders from nobody," Kasich said. Earlier, Kasich had told reporters he would try to be "a bit more careful" going forward but plans to stay unscripted. "I'll continue to operate on a high wire without a net. And frankly, I'd like to see everyone who is running for president get out of the scripted role and start to be real and take questions," he said. Kasich spokesman Rob Nichols sought to defuse the controversy, dismissing the backlash as "desperate politics." Japanese cartoon sensation "Yo-Kai Watch" is arriving in Europe from April, with its 26-episode first season set for 17 territories across the continent. The animated series supports 2013 Nintendo 3DS game "Yo-Kai Watch," which has been a smash hit in Japan and enjoyed an enthusiastic reception from many outlets after a November 2015 localization. A 2016 release of the creature-catching game is expected in Europe though the cartoon series accompaniment arrives first, paving the way with an introduction to the bulging franchise's characters, world, and adventures. The UK is first up, with Cartoon Network broadcasting from April 23, and Italy's branch of CN is also expected to start airing "Yo-Kai Watch" during the same month. Turner Broadcasting's Cartoon Network also has regional debuts throughout April and May marked out for its Central European and Asian channels, as well as in Scandinavia, Portugal, Turkey and Poland. Germany and Austria follow through Viacom's Nickelodeon from May 21 and, Nickeloden carries the series from the same date in Belgium and the Netherlands, while Turner's Boing has staked out debuts for France in April, Spain and Africa during May, and then for its Italy arm after that. A summer debut on Noga beckons for Israel. Warsaw (AFP) - Polish art-house film director Andrzej Zulawski who succumbed to cancer last week at age 75 was laid to rest Monday, with French actress Sophie Marceau, his former spouse, among the mourners. Family and friends attended the secular ceremony in which an urn containing Zulawski's ashes was buried in a family tomb in Gora Kalwaria, a small town 30 kilometres (18 miles) south of the capital Warsaw. "I hope we remember him for his freedom of expression, the freedom and courage to say and do what you really want to do in life," his son and fellow director Xawery Zulawski told AFP ahead of the ceremony. Born in occupied Poland in 1940, Zulawski left for Paris at the age of five with his parents and later studied cinema at renowned IDHEC French film school and politics at the Sorbonne. He worked as the assistant to Oscar-winning Polish film legend Andrzej Wajda in the 1960s before embarking on his own career as a director in France where he was able to avoid the censors of communist Poland. The director of several French films, he had just released his last work Cosmos in 2015, which won him the best director award at the Locarno film festival in Switzerland. Zulawski's work focused largely on nihilism, savage eroticism and hopelessness, which he attributed in a 2004 Paris Match interview to being born during World War II. Now considered classics, films like "The Third Part of the Night" (1971) and "The Devil" (1972) were hailed as avant-garde when first released. Zulawski is survived by three children, including a son with French actress and director Sophie Marceau. They separated in 2001. Ramesh issues warning to NGC Maharaj made this declaratin at a press conference held at the Couva/Point Lisas Business Chamber, where he spoke to a large audience of workers from the various companies. The press conference was called in response to an advertisement by NGC in which NGC denied that it had used an ex-parte court order against Super Industrial Services (SIS) - the order mandated that SIS could not remove assets up to the value of $180 million from Trinidad and Tobago - to freeze the assets of seven companies which are neither owned by or are subsidiaries of SIS. The seven companies are Phoenix Welding and Fabricating Limited; Quality Refractory and Installation Services Limited; Point Lisas Construction Limited; Janiking Limited; Scaffold Professional Limited; Professional Coatings Limited and Prime Equipment Rentals Limited. As a result of NGCs alleged abuse of its state power, Maharaj said, the jobs of 5,000 employees now hang in the balance. He also alleged that these employees have not been able to access their own bank accounts as a result of NGCs actions. Also, the companies in question have not been able to pay their suppliers. Maharaj produced evience of NGCs alleged illegal actions in the form of a letter from NGC regarding goods shipped by one of the companies, I have been provided with more information. Based on that information, I can tell you that subsequent to this court order NGC, through its lawyers, in a letter, took the position that in respect to goods which were to be shipped by Prime to the USA, that the goods were by SIS and that Prime was a subsidiary company of SIS. I have seen documents which had been sent to NGC which show that the goods were not owned by SIS, Maharaj alleged. He also noted that Prime has lost US$750,000 because it did not honor the contract to ship the goods. Additionally, Maharaj said it was clear that the banks have misinterpreted the SIS Court Orde. He repeated that that the accounts of employees of the companies, as well as the accounts of the companies were frozen and called on NGC to clarify this misunderstanding to the banks. He also called on Minister of Energy Nicole Olivierre to discuss the matter with Cabinet and seek legal advice on how it can intervene. Maharaj also questioned the role of the Central Bank and called on the institution to say whether it had instructed the banks in question to take such action, and if so, rescind its order out of legal obligation. Maharaj was clear that NGCs actions constituted a breach of the constitution. He said he has started engaging trade unionists, political figures, even from the Opposition and will soon convene a meeting of his Democracy Watch lobby group, along with taking legal action to stop the illegal actions of NGC. We will mobilise a national movement. No system to profile sex offenders Callenders body was found hanging by his neck from a rope tied to a mango tree near Navet Public Cemetery, Princes Town, on February 5, in what appeared to be a suicide . Police said Callender, who, from all accounts led a double life, had also been charged with the rape of a 50-year-old woman in 2010, a matter still pending in the Princes Town Magistrates Court . Following Callenders death, Princes Town MP Barry Padarath renewed calls for the introduction of a sex offenders registry as a matter of priority, lamenting that there appeared to be a prevalence of sexual assault of youngsters by adults . Newsday learnt, however, that in the absence of a registry, there are no significant structures in place to chronicle and monitor patterns of behaviour in sex offenders . Criminologist Ian Ramdhanie said this country has not made any effective dent in the profiling of sex offenders . One can reasonably conclude that there is a general absence of sex offender profiles in Trinidad and Tobago, he told Newsday . Ramdhanie said while the Police Service and the Childrens Authority (although the latter has just gotten off the ground) were two of the organisations that should be involved in the profiling of sex offenders, this method of sex crime prevention and solving has not taken on a serious role in T&T . He noted that sex profiling was already a common practice in other police jurisdictions in many developed countries . Lack of human and financial resources hampering process Principal of the Caribbean Institute for Security and Public Safety, Ramdhanie said, though, that the countrys ability to effectively profile sex offenders was hampered by several factors, including the lack of available human and financial resources to perform the task . With respect to human resources, we are yet to see the Sex Offences Unit or Task Force in the TTPS . Is it that they dont have the manpower to staff this unit, persons may not have the requisite specialist technical skills? he asked . With respect to financial resources to facilitate such a system, the criminologist observed that more serious crimes like homicide, shootings and drug trafficking were given priority . Ramdhanie said sex offences may not be viewed as a high priority crime in comparison to homicide and other street crimes like shootings and drug trafficking . He suggested that there may also be a lack of collaboration between police and prison to undertake the task of profiling sex offenders . No one is leading the charge to bring all parties together including the police, prison, Childrens Authority and NGOs like the Rape Crisis Society, researchers and policy- makers, Ramdhanie claimed . He added that there was a lack of national consensus and cry-out for serious action to be taken by all stakeholders. It is only when a person or family is affected, then some piecemeal attention is drawn, Ramdhanie said. Even so, Ramdhanie said sex offenders were very difficult to profile and often targeted several categories of victims, including children and adults and senior citizens, like grandparents . AG: Public discussion soon on justice system He was replying to concerns about prison- overcrowding and prisoner frustration over bail provisions and jail conditions expressed last Friday to a joint select committee (JSC) by Inspector of Prisons, Daniel Khan. In an interview yesterday, Al-Rawi said he was well aware of Khans views as stated in his (Khans) recent report. The AG said that on taking office he set up a Task Force in the Ministry of National Security and the Office of the Attorney- General which held talks with the Judiciary on matters of the criminal justice system, including prisons. It is no secret that we have in fact visited most of the prisons and I can tell you that I am deeply engaged in an analytical breakdown of the state and condition of the prisons, not only as it relates to the population but also a disaggregation as to offences, length of tenure, cost, and value for money arrangements, he said. Well be coming to the public very shortly to reveal our findings, which will involve a public discourse which in my recollection has never been had before. It isnt a reform that can be singled out to one area; It has to be a whole-system approach. _______________________________________________ Former NSA and CIA director on Apple, Trump and Hillary - USA TODAY mikenova shared this story from cia - Google News. USA TODAY Former NSA and CIA director on Apple, Trump and Hillary USA TODAY Former NSA and CIA director on Apple, Trump and Hillary. Retired general Michael Hayden speaks with Washington... North Korea Confirms New Military Chief After Reported Execution mikenova shared this story from Defense News - Home. North Korean state media on Sunday confirmed the country has a new military chief following earlier reports in Seoul that the former holder of the post had been executed. ... Russias Defence Minister on Surprise Visit To Iran mikenova shared this story from Defense News - Home. Russias Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Sunday started a previously unannounced visit to Tehran with the conflict in Syria high on his agenda, Iranian state media reported. &... Two blasts kills at least 25 people and wounds more than 100 in Homs mikenova shared this story from World news. Two blasts caused by vehicles rigged with explosives have killed at least 25 people in government held city of Homs Contributing Op-Ed Writer: What Passes for Sedition in India mikenova shared this story from NYT > World. The message is clear: Violence in the name of ultra-nationalism is acceptable. Not even the courts are safe spaces. ISIS bombings rock Syria as world powers reach 'provisional agreement' on cease-fire - Chicago Tribune mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. Chicago Tribune ISIS bombings rock Syria as world powers reach 'provisional agreement' on cease-fire Chicago Tribune U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry speaks to the media prior ... Egyptian rights group asks court to halt official move to shut it down mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. CAIRO (Reuters) - An Egyptian organization that documents rights abuses and treats torture victims said on Sunday it had filed an urgent application to a court in the hope of halting p... Kerry Says Partial Truce in Syria With Russia Is Near Completion mikenova shared this story from NYT > World. The secretary of state said the cessation of hostilities would go into effect in days, but did not give a specific deadline. Megabus catches fire in Lake Forest; no one hurt - Chicago Sun-Times mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. Chicago Sun-Times Megabus catches fire in Lake Forest; no one hurt Chicago Sun-Times No one was hurt when a Megabus caught fire Sunday afternoon in Lake Forest. | Network Video P... Highly Dangerous Radioactive Material Stolen in Iraq Found Intact mikenova shared this story from World TIME. Authorities have found highly dangerous radioactive material that had gone missing in Iraq and prompted fears that it could be used as a weapon if it fell into the hands of ISIS... Bombings in Syria kill dozens, clouding talks of a cease-fire mikenova shared this story from World. The Islamic State claimed the attacks on the strongholds of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Saudi Arabia has four to seven nuclear bombs, deliverable by missile or aircraft -- Puppet Masters -- Sott.net mikenova shared this story from Signs of the Times - Fireballs. Founding Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Counter-Terrorism Operations Center publicly confirms Saudi Arabia has deliverable nuclear bombs. Last week, on "T... Bombshell CIA confirmation: Saudi Arabia has four to seven nuclear ... mikenova shared this story from cia - Google Blog Search. Founding Director of the Central Intelligence Agency ( CIA ) Counter-Terrorism Operations Center publicly confirms Saudi Arabia has deliverable nuclear bombs. Last week, on "... Protesters back Apple against FBI - 13abc Action News mikenova shared this story from fbi - Google News. Protesters back Apple against FBI 13abc Action News SAN FRANCISCO (13abc, Action News) - Protesters are preparing to assemble in more than 30 cities to lash out at the FBI for obtaining ... Russian defense minister on surprise visit to Tehran mikenova shared this story from DEBKAFile. February 21, 2016, 10:11 PM (IDT) Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu arrived in Tehran Sunday less than a week after the Iranian defense minister visited Moscow. He delivered a message from Presiden... Russia's defence minister on surprise visit to Iran - Yahoo News mikenova shared this story from Russia - Google News. Yahoo News Russia's defence minister on surprise visit to Iran Yahoo News Russia and Iran are both longtime allies of Syrian President Bashir al-Assad's regime. Moscow launched air st... US and Russia Near Deal on Partial Truce in Syria, Kerry Says - New York Times mikenova shared this story from Russia - Google News. New York Times US and Russia Near Deal on Partial Truce in Syria, Kerry Says New York Times JERUSALEM Secretary of State John Kerry announced Sunday an agreement with Russia for an ... U.S. and Russia Near Deal on Partial Truce in Syria, Kerry Says mikenova shared this story from NYT > Russia. The secretary of state said the cessation of hostilities would go into effect in days, but did not give a specific deadline. Apple fires back at government in San Bernardino shooter phone hack case mikenova shared this story from News | Mail Online. Apple is firing back at the government saying they could have accessed the phone of the San Bernadino shooter had his password not been changed after the FBI seized the device. Apple ex... The "Apple" of FBI's obsessive eye - Google Search mikenova shared this story . Apple reveals FBI screw-up: Tech giant says ... - Daily Mail www.dailymail.co.uk/.../Justice-Department-fil... San Bernardino County Calls The FBI Liars Over Terrorist's ICloud Account mikenova shared this story from [Untitled]. Late last night a Twitter account associated with San Bernardino County said that it worked the direction of the FBI to reset Syed Farooks iCloud password . Why does that matter? Because... FBI Admits It Reset San Bernardino Shooter's iPhone Password mikenova shared this story from TheWrapTheWrap. Court order demanding Apples assistance in unlocking cellphone could have been averted The FBI has admitted that a reset of the San Bernardino shooters iCloud passcode was don... San Bernardino Shooter's iCloud... mikenova shared this story from san bernardino - Google News. San Bernardino Shooter's iCloud Password Reset With FBI Consent, Agency Says ABC News - 5 hours ago Federal investigators worked with San Bernardino County... Apple vs. FBI: Who Elected Tim Cook? - Fortune mikenova shared this story from fbi - Google News. Fortune Apple vs. FBI : Who Elected Tim Cook? Fortune We didn't elect Tim Cook to protect privacy, writes Robert Levine in a Sunday New York Times op-ed piece about the San Bernardino ... San Bernardino Shooter's iCloud Password Reset With FBI Consent, Agency Says - ABC News mikenova shared this story from fbi - Google News. Los Angeles Times San Bernardino Shooter's iCloud Password Reset With FBI Consent, Agency Says ABC News The FBI released a statement late Saturday refuting a federal official who had sai... Egyptian columnist delivers stinging attack against el-Sissi mikenova shared this story from Stars and Stripes. A prominent columnist on Sunday delivered the harshest attack to date against Egypt's president in the local media, saying that Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi presided over a "theocracy" that is ... Four bomb blasts kill at least 22 in southern Damascus mikenova shared this story from DEBKAFile. February 21, 2016, 5:27 PM (IDT) At least 22 people were killed in southern Damascus Sunday near the Shiite shrine of Sayeda Zeinab by two bomb cars and two suicide bombers. The bombs detonated ... Infamous CIA Double Agent Ames Finally Arrested - New Historian mikenova shared this story from cia - Google News. Infamous CIA Double Agent Ames Finally Arrested New Historian Aldrich Hazen Ames, along with his wife Rosario Ames, had made millions of dollars transferring secret information to the So... Turkey, Ukraine Pledge 'Strategic' Defense Industry Cooperation mikenova shared this story from Defense News - Home. Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu visited the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, Feb. 15 in efforts to bolster the regional anti-Russian bloc. Ex-CIA director offers leadership tips - Bismarck Tribune mikenova shared this story from cia - Google News. Ex- CIA director offers leadership tips Bismarck Tribune 2016-02-21T02:00:00Z Ex- CIA director offers leadership tipsROBERT O. WEFALD Citizen Reviewer Bismarck Tribune. 5 hours ago ROB... Ukraine Says Soldier Killed In Clashes In East mikenova shared this story from Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. One Ukrainian soldier has been killed in clashes between Russia-backed separatists and government forces in the east of the country, Ukraine's military says. 'Provisional agreement' reached on ceasefire in Syria, John Kerry says mikenova shared this story from Russia | The Guardian. US secretary of state declined to go into the details of the agreement but said hes in talk with Russia but foreign minister seemed to stop short of announcement A provisional ag... Geopolitics of oil takes new twist with Saudi-Russia deal mikenova shared this story from Russian news, all the latest and breaking Russia news. A strange peace has swept across the oil industry with the news that Saudi Arabia and Russia, staunch rivals within the sector, reached an agreement l... Russians Still Get News from TV But Trust It Far Less than They Did, Gudkov Says mikenova shared this story from Window on Eurasia -- New Series. Paul Goble Staunton, February 21 More than eight out of ten Russians still get their news from televisi... - BBC Russian mikenova shared this story from Google. BBC Russian BBC Russian ... February 21, 2016 mikenova shared this story from Voice of America. A look at the best news photos from around the world. Saudi Prince: Muslim Nations Must Lead in Counterterrorism - New York Times mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. gulfnews.com Saudi Prince: Muslim Nations Must Lead in Counterterrorism New York Times ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates A prominent Saudi prince said Sunday that Muslim countrie... Saudi prince: Muslim nations must lead in counterterrorism mikenova shared this story from World. A prominent Saudi prince says Muslim countries need to take the lead on fighting terrorism. Fire destroys German refugee shelter video mikenova shared this story from World news + Video | The Guardian. Blackened beams could be seen at a planned refugee centre in Bautzen on Sunday, after the building was burnt down in a suspected case of arson. The blaze, in a former hot... Anti-migrant mob in Germany 'cheered' as refugee shelter burned down in front of them mikenova shared this story from World news. Up to 30 drunken onlookers clapped and cheered as a former hotel, which was being converted into an asylum seeker refuge, caught alight in Bautzen, Saxony Israeli Military Says It Shot Dead Palestinian Attacker mikenova shared this story from Voice of America. The Israeli military said it shot dead a Palestinian who tried to stab a soldier at a West Bank checkpoint on Sunday, after security forces managed to disarm and apprehend two separate po... Kerry says he and Lavrov reach provisional deal on terms of Syria ceasefire mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. AMMAN (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Sunday he and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov had reached a provisional agreement on terms of a cessation of hostilit... Sanders in Congress: A mix of victories, quixotic efforts mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 2:07 p.m. EST. WASHINGTON (AP) -- Bernie Sanders came to Washington as an activist, not a legislator.... Andrew Cuomo puts politics ahead of Marios legacy mikenova shared this story from editorial | New York Post. Its a shame to see the governor turning his back on his fathers compassionate legacy just to score political points but thats exactly whats going on with Andrew Cuomos fi... Saudis cannot defy market forces forever mikenova shared this story from Opinion. The oil kingdom must start to recognise the limits of its power, writes Nick Butler Iraq and Libya are harder the second time mikenova shared this story from Opinions. Europe is flummoxed and floundering on immigration, and the comparison to America is revealing mikenova shared this story from Opinions. Apple right to worry about FBI demands mikenova shared this story from Opinion. Undermining encryption does not just give good guys tools to detect bad guys, writes Tom Chatfield Islamic State Reasserts Control Over Fallujah mikenova shared this story from WSJ.com: World News. Islamic State has reasserted its authority over Fallujah following clashes with local Sunni tribes that showed rare resistance to the extremist groups two-year rule over the Iraqi city. Bahrain Adopts 'Measures To Counter Iran Interference' mikenova shared this story from Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. Bahrains interior minister says the Sunni-ruled kingdom has adopted measures to counter Iran's "interference." Russian Defense Minister In Tehran mikenova shared this story from Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has arrived in Tehran, days after his Iranian counterpart visited Russia. Obama prefers press reports to PDB - Google Search mikenova shared this story . Report: Obama Has Missed over Half His Second-Term ... www.breitbart.com/.../ report - obama -has-missed-... Cached Similar Breitbart New... Iraq Thieves Dump Stolen Radioactive Material mikenova shared this story . Radioactive material stolen from an Iraqi oil depot in November has been found dumped near a petrol station - ending fears it had fallen into Islamic State's hands. Officials have said the protective case sto... The State of Strategic Intelligence Central Intelligence Agency mikenova shared this story . The Intelligence Community's Neglect of Strategic Intelligence John G. Heidenrich Commonly misunderstood, we neglect it at our peril. The architects of the National Security Act of 1947 would be greatly surpr... Lack Of Power Corrupts - The New York Times mikenova shared this story from [Untitled]. Personally, Im sick of the Sanders/Clinton thing; I didnt want to write about it for today . But one of my mottos for column-writing has been if it feels bad, do it.... Paul Krugman Blog: Lack Of Power Corrupts mikenova shared this story from NYT > Opinion. Nobody is pure, but not everyone is corrupt either. Think U.S. intel is in decline? These declassified memos may change your mind. mikenova shared this story from Opinions. The presidential briefs of the 60s are laughably bad. Once again on Sanders and socialism mikenova shared this story from English. Outside of a mass struggle that directly challenges the bases of capitalist ruleprivate ownership of the corporations and banks and the system of wage slaveryno genuinely progressive changes can... Turkish threats against Kurds set stage for ground invasion of Syria mikenova shared this story from English. The Turkish government is escalating its accusations that Syrian Kurdish forces carried out Wednesdays terror bombing in Ankara. I sat beside Obama at the Black Lives Matter meeting. This was no political show | Brittany Packnett mikenova shared this story from Opinion | The Guardian. Some political meetings devolve into theater. Not this one: we all spoke direct truth to literal power Black folks know political theater when we see it; weve lived through it for ... Taking Note: A Win for Hillary Clinton, With Signs of Challenges Ahead mikenova shared this story from NYT > Opinion. Mrs. Clinton won among African-Americans and women, but lost among Latino and youth voters. Can Sanders still ride his momentum to victory after Clinton's Nevada win? | Lucia Graves mikenova shared this story from Opinion | The Guardian. Surpassing expectations does not a nominee make; winning does, and the senator from Vermont has only racked up one to Clintons two Hillary Clintons team just breathed a big sigh o... Ding, dong, the dynasty is dead: so long to Jeb Bush and the family legacy | Jeb Lund mikenova shared this story from Opinion | The Guardian. Dont blame Trump or pity him: Bush bungled his own campaign from the start and may have ended a dynasty of genteel political malfeasance and mass death In announcing the suspension... President Obama must make the trip to Cuba count mikenova shared this story from Opinions. What happened to requiring the Castro regime to take significant steps toward democracy? The legislative and judicial branches strike back against Obamas overreach mikenova shared this story from Opinions. The Supreme Court halts the Clean Power Plan, and a senator grills the Education Department. What to do if US begins capturing more suspected terrorists? mikenova shared this story from Stars and Stripes. President Barack Obama has refused to send any suspected terrorists captured overseas to the detention center at Guantanamo Bay. As Russia Bans Legal Human Rights Group, Lawyers Face Risks To Continue Work - International Business Times mikenova shared this story from Russia - Google News. International Business Times As Russia Bans Legal Human Rights Group, Lawyers Face Risks To Continue Work International Business Times As a result, Agora became the first nongovernmen... Kerry: 'Provisional' Deal Made With Moscow for Syria Cease-fire mikenova shared this story from Voice of America. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday a "provisional agreement" has been made with Russia for a cease-fire in Syria's five-year civil war. American and Russian diplomats will now... People are 'too afraid to go to hospitals' in Syria and it signals Russia's gruesome endgame in the war - Business Insider mikenova shared this story from Russia - Google News. Business Insider People are 'too afraid to go to hospitals' in Syria and it signals Russia's gruesome endgame in the war Business Insider Russia , an ally of Assad, became involved ... Putin vs. Erdogan: NATO Concerned over Possible Russia-Turkey Hostilities mikenova shared this story from SPIEGEL ONLINE - International. In Syria, the danger of a war between Turkey and Russia is on the rise. Officials in Berlin are worried that the situation could become an uncomfortable test case for NATO w... Michigan attack is latest in string of US mass shootings mikenova shared this story from Stars and Stripes News. A gunman killed at least six people Saturday in what authorities said was a random shooting in the parking lots of a western Michigan apartment complex, car dealership and restauran... Fire Damages Future Refugee Home in Eastern Germany - ABC News mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. CTV News Belfast Telegraph Fire Damages Future Refugee Home in Eastern Germany ABC News A fire damaged a former hotel that was being converted into a refugee home in eastern Germ... 6 Dead in Michigan Mass Shooting mikenova shared this story from Voice of America. Authorities said they detained a suspect in a deadly shooting spree that left six people dead, and two others wounded, in the northern U.S. state of Michigan. The shootings took place lat... Kerry: Provisional Agreement Reached on Syrian Cease-Fire mikenova shared this story from World TIME. More MSF Has Stopped Telling Syria Where Its Hospitals Are Amid Targeting Concerns E.U. to Hold Emergency Migration Summit With Turkey in Early March The Syrian Refugees Trapped Between an An... Kerry: Provisional agreement in principle reached on Syria ceasefire mikenova shared this story . The inside track on Washington politics. Be the first to know about new stories from PowerPost. Sign up to follow, and well e-mail you free updates as theyre published. Youll receive free... Russia's Lavrov, Kerry discussed conditions for Syria ceasefire mikenova shared this story . &amp;amp;lt;iframe src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-W9SLGS" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/iframe&... Lavrov, Kerry Discuss Ceasefire in Syria by Phone mikenova shared this story from Sputnik International. Politics Get short URL Sputnik/ Dmitriy Vinogradov MOSCOW (Sputnik) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US State Secretary John Kerry in a telephone c... Kerry: 'Provisional Agreement'... mikenova shared this story from Google News. John Kerry Reaches Provisional Agreement With Russia's Lavrov on Syria Ceasefire International Business Times - 1 hour ago Kerry lavrov (2) U.S. Secretary of State John Ker... John Kerry Reaches Provisional Agreement With Russias Lavrov on Syria Ceasefire mikenova shared this story from International Business Times. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry reportedly said Sunday he had reached a provisional agreement on terms of a cessation of hostilities in Syria with his Russian counterpart S... India Sends in Military to Quell Deadly Caste Protests mikenova shared this story from WSJ.com: World News. Affirmative-action protesters paralyzed transport in parts of northern India, blocking highways and torching railway stations in violence that has killed at least eight people. Turkey's increasingly desperate predicament poses real dangers - OCRegister mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. OCRegister Turkey's increasingly desperate predicament poses real dangers OCRegister Turkish civil servants hold a banner that reads "We condemn terrorism" as they lay ... U.S. Special Forces Take On Street Violence That Drives Illegal Immigration mikenova shared this story from WSJ.com: World News. Commandos train SWAT team in Honduras to fight the crime that fuels flight to U.S. U.S., allies conduct 38 strikes against Islamic State: U.S. military mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. WASHINGTON(Reuters) - The United States and its allies conducted 38 strikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria on Saturday, the coalition leading the operations said in a statemen... Protests planned across US to back Apple in battle with FBI mikenova shared this story from Stars and Stripes. Protesters are preparing to assemble in more than 30 cities to lash out at the FBI for obtaining a court order that requires Apple to make it easier to unlock an encrypted iPhone used by... - mikenova shared this story from Google. , ... America and Russia 'agree' Syria ceasefire deal - ITV News mikenova shared this story from Russia - Google News. ITV News America and Russia 'agree' Syria ceasefire deal ITV News America and Russia have reached a principle agreement to cease hostilities between various sides involved in the Syri... Edward Snowden would be willing to return to US for fair trial mikenova shared this story from Russia | The Guardian. Former NSA contractor tells supporters he would present public interest defence if he appeared before American jury Edward Snowden has told supporters he would be willing to return t... In Soviet Times, People Were Afraid to Say They Were Religious; Now, Theyre Afraid Not to, Expert Says mikenova shared this story from Window on Eurasia -- New Series. Paul Goble Staunton, February 21 Elena Kublitskaya, a senior specialist on religion at the Moscow Insti... Designer of Lenins Mausoleum was Orthodox Christian, Architectural Historian Says mikenova shared this story from Window on Eurasia -- New Series. Paul Goble Staunton, February 21 In what may constitute a last-ditch defense of keeping Lenin in the ma... John Kerry Reaches Provisional Agreement With Russia's Lavrov on Syria Ceasefire - International Business Times mikenova shared this story from Russia - Google News. International Business Times John Kerry Reaches Provisional Agreement With Russia's Lavrov on Syria Ceasefire International Business Times Kerry lavrov (2) U.S. Secretary of State Joh... Iranian oil En Route To Europe and Russia mikenova shared this story from ThereAreNoSunglasses. Total chartered the VLCC Atlantas marinetraffic.com Atlantas Iran sends first oil shipment to Europe since sanctions end By ANTHONY DIPAOLA, HASHEM KALANTARI TEHRAN, Iran (Blo... Evaluating Michael Hayden's Defense of CIA Drone Strikes - Council on Foreign Relations (blog) mikenova shared this story from cia - Google News. Council on Foreign Relations (blog) Evaluating Michael Hayden's Defense of CIA Drone Strikes Council on Foreign Relations (blog) Former director of the Central Intelligence Agency ( CIA ... Afghanistan Is in Bad Shape, and It Could Get Worse mikenova shared this story from The National Interest. Those of us watching Afghanistan were not surprised at the findings of the most recent annual report by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan ( UNAMA ) in cooperation with the UN ... afghanistan - Google Search mikenova shared this story . Russia Pulls Back From Cooperating With US on Afghanistan New York Times - 11 hours ago KABUL, Afghanistan For all the conflicts in the world in which Washington is at odds with Moscow, the deteriorat... Turkish Fight Against Kurdish Insurgency Spreads mikenova shared this story from WSJ.com: World News. As an attack on Ankara threatens to deepen Turkeys fight with Kurdish militants in Syria, Ankaras inability to swiftly deliver a decisive blow to rebels at home is fueling fears that... Afghan troops pull out of strategic Helmand district mikenova shared this story from World. Further losses elsewhere are possible. US drone crashes in southern Afghanistan; no injuries mikenova shared this story from World. The U.S. Air Force says that one of its drones has crashed at a base in southern Afghanistan but there were no casualties and no hostile fire is suspected. Martyrs? Desperate? Crazy? Palestinians struggle to define Palestinians who attack Israelis mikenova shared this story from World. Even Palestinians are have difficulty explaining the current violence against Israeli forces and civilians. Kerry announces provisional agreement for truce in Syria mikenova shared this story from World. It will be up to Russia to get Syrian and Iran to agree to the conditions. Among the unsettled details are how a cease-fire would be enforced and how breeches will be resolved. Austria seeks talks with Balkan neighbors after capping migrant flow mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. VIENNA (Reuters) - Austrian leaders have invited Balkan states to a meeting on migration in Vienna on Wednesday following the country's move to limit asylum applicants to 80 per day. Russia Guilty Of Syria War Crimes, Says Amnesty mikenova shared this story from World News - Breaking international news and headlines | Sky News. Moscow denies it is hitting civilian areas - but rescue workers, and footage obtained by Sky News, suggests this is not the case. Michigan shootings had no 'rhyme or reason', say police video mikenova shared this story from World news + Video | The Guardian. Kalamazoo county undersheriff Paul Matyas confirms a man has been arrested after the random killing of seven people in Michigan on Saturday. A gunman drove through Kala... Hillary Clinton finally gets to make her victory speech in Nevada mikenova shared this story from World news. Casino workers deliver win to former Secretary of State after narrowest of wins in Iowa and loss to Bernie Sanders in New Hampshire Can anyone stop Donald Trump now? mikenova shared this story from World news. Billionaire property mogul could be unstoppable if he sweeps the board in "Super Tuesday" Gunman reportedly shooting people at random in Kalamazoo, Michigan mikenova shared this story from World news. At least five people are reported to have been killed by a lone gunman who is shooting people at random Analysis: how did Hillary Clinton win Nevada? mikenova shared this story from World news. Video analysis by The Telegraph's US correspondent Nick Allen on how Hillary Clinton's incessant campaigning along the Las Vegas strip helped secure her the Nevada vote Kalamazoo shootings: police cordon off crime scene after seven people killed mikenova shared this story from World news. Police cordon off a car park after at least seven people were shot and killed by a gunman in Kalamazoo, Michigan Kerry: Syrian Cease-fire Agreement Near mikenova shared this story from Voice of America. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday the "path to peace" in Syria is "actually right in front of us now," but that path did not come soon enough for the scores of people killed ... Double Bombing Hits Syrian City Of Homs mikenova shared this story from Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. A Syrian human rights monitoring group says 46 people were killed and dozens injured in a double car-bomb attack in the central Syrian city of Homs. Kerry Reaches 'Provisional Accord' With Russia On Syria Truce mikenova shared this story from Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says he and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, have reached a provisional agreement on terms of a cessation of hostilities in Syria. Russia Pulls Back From Cooperating With U.S. on Afghanistan mikenova shared this story from NYT > World. On an old Cold War battlefield where Russia fought a nearly decade-long war against United States-supplied fighters, Moscow has a new strategy: the cold shoulder. Afghan Troops Retreat Under Pressure From Taliban mikenova shared this story from NYT > World. The pullout in the southern Helmand Province is the latest blow to an area that had been teetering for months in the face of resurgent Taliban members. U.S. Air Force drone crashes in southern Afghanistan mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. KABUL (Reuters) - An unmanned American aircraft crashed at an airfield in southern Afghanistan less than three months after an identical drone went down in November, a U.S. Air Force s... Syria's Assad says he is ready for truce if 'terrorists' do not exploit it mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. BEIRUT/MADRID (Reuters) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Saturday he was ready for a ceasefire, on condition "terrorists" did not use a lull in fighting to their advantage an... Moderates could gain influence over choice of next leader in Iran vote mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. BEIRUT (Reuters) - Iran's Assembly of Experts, made up mostly of elderly clerics, has not mattered much for years. The body's main task is choosing Iran's supreme leader, but that job ... Three journalists from Turkish state news agency kidnapped by PKK: media mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Three reporters for Turkey's state-owned Anadolu Agency have been kidnapped by insurgents from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Mardin, in the mainly Kurdish s... Iraq's Abadi keeps Iran at arm's length in war on Islamic State mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. BAGHDAD (Reuters)- - As fighting in Iraq raged last summer, Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani came across unexpected opposition to his plans to defeat Islamic State. Lebanese justice minister resigns, blames Hezbollah over deadlock, court case mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanese Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi resigned on Sunday, blaming political rivals Hezbollah for the country's political deadlock and protesting over the release on ... Hollande could face Socialist primary challenger: party head mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. PARIS (Reuters) - Francois Hollande could face a challenger from his Socialist Party camp in a primary ahead of next year's election, the party head said on Sunday, as a new poll showe... Iraq health minister says missing radioactive material found: state TV mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi Minister of Health said on Sunday a "highly dangerous" radioactive material reported stolen from a warehouse in the south of the country last year had been fo... 2 NYPD officers shot in confrontation with gunman mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 7:02 a.m. EST. NEW YORK (AP) -- Two police officers were shot in a confrontation with a gunman who slammed his car into a police vehicle early Saturday, in the second on-duty shooting of mul... Thousands rally in NYC, around US over officer's conviction mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 7:02 a.m. EST. NEW YORK (AP) -- About 10,000 supporters of a former police officer convicted of fatally shooting an unarmed man in a darkened stairwell rallied in New York in one of several ... Police: Multiple people dead in Michigan shootings mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 7:02 a.m. EST. KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) -- Police say multiple people have died from several shootings that appear to be related in the Kalamazoo, Michigan area.... The Latest: Victim in critical condition is 9-year-old child mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 7:02 a.m. EST. KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) -- The Latest in the shootings in the Kalamazoo, Michigan area (all times local):... AP News Guide: Trump and Clinton power past rivals mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 7:02 a.m. EST. WASHINGTON (AP) -- A South Carolina win behind him, Donald Trump powers on in a presidential race with one of his most caustic critics gone and skeptics forced to come to grip... Bush bust as Cruz, Rubio, Clinton get million-dollar boosts mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 7:02 a.m. EST. WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Republican and Democratic presidential contenders reported on the financial health of their national campaigns even as they were in the thick of the Nev... Snowden: Would return to US with guarantee of fair trial mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 7:02 a.m. EST. MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) -- Speaking via Skype from Russia, Edward Snowden told an audience of supporters in New Hampshire on Saturday that he is willing to be extradited to the ... Kerry: 'Provisional agreement' reached on Syria ceasefire mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 7:02 a.m. EST. AMMAN, Jordan (AP) -- Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday that a "provisional agreement" has been reached on a cease-fire that could begin in the next ... 7 killed in Michigan parking lot shootings; suspect arrested mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 7:02 a.m. EST. None 7 people killed in random Michigan... - The Latest mikenova shared this story from NEWS: The World and Security Review. 7 people killed in random Michigan... - The Latest michigan gunman - Google Search News - michigan gunman - Google Search Michigan police say 7 dead in random... - .Ru mikenova shared this story from Google. .Ru .Ru , ... Gunman Kills at Least 7 in Michigan mikenova shared this story . TEXAS CHARTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. At least seven people in the Kalamazoo, Mich., area were killed and at least one more was injured Saturday night by a gunman who the police said randomly opened fire as h... Michigan police say 7 dead in random... mikenova shared this story from michigan gunman - Google News. Michigan police say 7 dead in random shooting spree, suspect arrested Fox News - 5 hours ago Law enforcement sources told WMMT-TV Jason Dalton, 45, was id... michigan gunman - Google Search mikenova shared this story . Michigan police say 7 dead in random shooting spree, suspect ... Fox News - 5 hours ago At least seven people were killed after a gunman drove around a Michigan city randomly shooting people in parking lots o... "" - .Ru mikenova shared this story from Google. .Ru "" .Ru . ... The Problem With Lavrov, Russias Moves in Syria, and Four Patriotisms mikenova shared this story from Home - Institute of Modern Russia. In this weeks media highlights, we introduce a new twist by recapping not only Western media on Russia, but also three key analytical articles from the Russian media tha... Azaz: the border town that is ground zero in Syria's civil war mikenova shared this story from Russia | The Guardian. Held by anti-Assad rebels, seized by Isis, bombed by Russia and now eyed by the Kurds, the fate of Azaz has implications far beyond Syrias borders For nearly five years of war, the ... Top oil states to complete output talks by March 1, Russia says - The Australian Financial Review mikenova shared this story from Russia - Google News. The Australian Financial Review Top oil states to complete output talks by March 1, Russia says The Australian Financial Review Saudi Arabia, Russia , Venezuela and Qatar reached a pr... The Problem With Lavrov, Russias Moves in Syria, and Four Patriotisms mikenova shared this story from Institute of Modern Russia. The Problem With Lavrov, Russias Moves in Syria, and Four Patriotisms 1319 February 20 February 2016 In this weeks media highlights, we introduce a new twist by recapping n... Russia 'Guilty Of Syria War Crimes', Says Amnesty - Sky News mikenova shared this story from Russia - Google News. Russia 'Guilty Of Syria War Crimes', Says Amnesty Sky News She claimed the bombing of civilian targets by Russian and Syrian forces was in itself a war crime, but warned there have be... Syrian opposition says temporary truce 'possible' if Russia ceases fire - ABC Online mikenova shared this story from Russia - Google News. ABC Online Syrian opposition says temporary truce 'possible' if Russia ceases fire ABC Online But the Committee, which brings together a number of rebel groups and Syria's exiled poli... Syrian Rebels Ready for Truce if Russia Halts Airstrikes - Voice of America mikenova shared this story from Russia - Google News. Voice of America Syrian Rebels Ready for Truce if Russia Halts Airstrikes Voice of America Russia has said it will not stop its airstrikes against what it calls terrorist targets in S... Russia Pulls Back From Cooperating With US on Afghanistan - New York Times mikenova shared this story from Russia - Google News. Russia Pulls Back From Cooperating With US on Afghanistan New York Times KABUL, Afghanistan For all the conflicts in the world in which Washington is at odds with Moscow, the deteri... - .RU mikenova shared this story from Google. .RU .RU , , ... Why is Facebook shutting down legal marijuana pages in the US? mikenova shared this story from BBC News - World. Why Facebook is shutting down legal marijuana pages in the US Russia's people diplomacy in the Middle East - Jerusalem Post Israel News mikenova shared this story from Russia - Google News. Jerusalem Post Israel News Russia's people diplomacy in the Middle East Jerusalem Post Israel News The latest Zogby Research Services survey highlighted that the majority of Arabs hol... - mikenova shared this story from Google. , . ... CIA diversity program targets transgender candidates - WND.com mikenova shared this story from cia - Google News. WND.com CIA diversity program targets transgender candidates WND.com (Fox News) The CIA's latest diversity program includes an effort to recruit transgender individuals into the ranks of... Apple, Americans, and Security vs. FBI - EFF mikenova shared this story from fbi - Google News. EFF Apple, Americans, and Security vs. FBI EFF While the FBI has framed its demand as addressing a single phone, it has failed to address concerns that the implementation of the orderwh... Protests Planned Across US to Back Apple in Battle With FBI - ABC News mikenova shared this story from fbi - Google News. Los Angeles Times Protests Planned Across US to Back Apple in Battle With FBI ABC News Protesters are preparing to assemble in more than 30 cities to lash out at the FBI for obtaining a ... San Bernardino County Calls the FBI Liars Over Terrorist's iCloud Account - Gizmodo mikenova shared this story from fbi - Google News. Gizmodo San Bernardino County Calls the FBI Liars Over Terrorist's iCloud Account Gizmodo Late last night a Twitter account associated with San Bernardino County said that it worked unde... Putin: Russian military potential increasing every year - RT mikenova shared this story from Cyber Warfare - Google News. RT Putin: Russian military potential increasing every year RT The development of the armed forces will always be among the most important tasks for the Russian state, Vladimir ... FBI told San Bernardino County staff to tamper with gunman's Apple account mikenova shared this story from US national security | The Guardian. Local government move made taking Apple to court inevitable Tech giant contends enabling access would violate user trust Apple: FBI is making demands even China hasnt ... Apple vs FBI Protest: Apple Store Rallies Planned In More Than 30 Cities To Protest FBI's Demands - International Business Times mikenova shared this story from fbi - Google News. International Business Times Apple vs FBI Protest: Apple Store Rallies Planned In More Than 30 Cities To Protest FBI's Demands International Business Times Privacy advocates are standing... Hillary Clinton Notches Win in Nevada After New Hampshire Loss mikenova shared this story from Washington Free Beacon. Hillary Clinton was projected the winner of the Nevada Democratic caucus on Saturday. Fox News and NBC called the race in favor of Clinton at about 2:15 P.M. local time. Clinton was... Obama's final year in office is shaping up to be one of genuine relevance mikenova shared this story from Stars and Stripes News. The unexpected Supreme Court vacancy, a historic trip to Cuba and a deeply unsettled presidential primary campaign all promise to keep the president at the center of Washington poli... How The Iran-Russia-Syria Alliance Is The Middle East's 'Number One Problem' - Daily Caller mikenova shared this story from World - Google News. CNN International CNN How The Iran-Russia-Syria Alliance Is The Middle East's 'Number One Problem' Daily Caller James Jeffrey, former U.S. ambassador to Iraq, made a provocative assert... Scalia remembered as man of faith, family and the law mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 7:33 p.m. EST. WASHINGTON (AP) -- Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was remembered Saturday as a man of faith, family and the law in a funeral marked by church ritual and pageantry for th... Turkey Wants Unconditional US Support in Fight Against YPG mikenova shared this story from Voice of America. Turkey's prime minister on Saturday called on the United States to give his government unconditional support in the fight against the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia without ifs and buts. Sp... Assad: Terrorists Must Not Exploit Syria Truce mikenova shared this story from World News - Breaking international news and headlines | Sky News. Syria Democratic Forces fighters carry their weapons in a village on the outskirts of al-Shadadi town, Hasaka countryside Six-hour long standoff ends with Mississippi officer dead - Herald & Review mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. Six-hour long standoff ends with Mississippi officer dead Herald & Review JACKSON, Miss. (AP) One law enforcement officer was killed and three were wounded early Saturday after... Thousands mourn Scalia as US Supreme Court battle brews mikenova shared this story from World news. Washington puts aside political differences at Scalia funeral, but Obama set for clash with Republicans over his successor Corruption-Ridden Texas City's New Woe: Undrinkable Water - ABC News mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. FOX 29 Corruption-Ridden Texas City's New Woe: Undrinkable Water ABC News After weeks of turmoil and the arrests of all but one top city official, residents of Crystal City have ... Hillary Clinton wins Nevada Democratic caucuses mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 7:33 p.m. EST. LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Hillary Clinton wins the Nevada Democratic caucuses, rebounding after a second-place finish to Bernie Sanders in New Hampshire.... Hillary Clinton 'wins Nevada caucuses' mikenova shared this story from BBC News - World. US presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has won the Nevada Democratic caucuses, US media report. Hilary Clinton Wins Nevada Democratic Caucuses mikenova shared this story from World News - Breaking international news and headlines | Sky News. U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton meets employees during a campaign stop on caucus day at Harrah's Las Vegas in Las V... Turkey releases Syrian journalist mikenova shared this story from BBC News - World. Syrian journalist Rami Jarrah, who was arrested on Wednesday in Turkey, has announced his own release without charge. How IS has been making enemies in Afghanistan mikenova shared this story from BBC News - World. How IS has been making enemies in Afghanistan Turkeys increasingly desperate predicament poses real dangers mikenova shared this story from World. With enemies on its borders and its cities under attack, the country faces an unprecedented array of challenges. Drugs Officer Killed In Stand-Off At House mikenova shared this story from World News - Breaking international news and headlines | Sky News. James Lee Tartt died and three state troopers were also shot as a SWAT team stormed the property where a man had been holed up. FBI's Fight With Apple Over Encryption May Erode European Trust in US - Newsweek mikenova shared this story from fbi - Google News. Newsweek FBI's Fight With Apple Over Encryption May Erode European Trust in US Newsweek With Apple openly fighting court orders backed by the FBI and the Department of Justice this week,... US, Russia Launch Cease-fire Talks; No UN Action on Turkey mikenova shared this story from Voice of America. The U.S. and Russia have launched talks on brokering a cease-fire in Syria after failing to make Friday's Syria, but it appears unlikely that negotiators will meet next week's scheduled d... Is America the No. 1 military in the world, or not? - MarketWatch mikenova shared this story from Cyber Warfare - Google News. MarketWatch Is America the No. 1 military in the world, or not? MarketWatch The U.S. spent over $600 billion on its military in 2014, outspending its closest rival, China , by ... US Air Force Will Move Off Russian Engines, General Says mikenova shared this story from Defense News - Home. Make no mistake, the Air Force doesnt want to use Russian-made rocket engines, a top general said Friday. The Latest: Saudi FM backs anti-aircraft missiles for rebels - Chron.com mikenova shared this story from World - Google News. Chron.com The Latest: Saudi FM backs anti-aircraft missiles for rebels Chron.com DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) The Latest on the conflict in Syria (all times local): 2:30 p.m.. Saudi Arabia's... Two NYPD cops shot in Brooklyn after suspect leads them on chase - New York Daily News mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. New York Daily News Two NYPD cops shot in Brooklyn after suspect leads them on chase New York Daily News Two Brooklyn cops were wounded early Saturday in a wild car chase and gun... Kerry and Abbas to meet in Jordan in Sunday mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. AMMAN (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Jordan on Sunday, the U.S. State Department said. 1 Officer Dead, 3 Wounded in Mississippi Shooting - ABC News mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. Washington Post 1 Officer Dead, 3 Wounded in Mississippi Shooting ABC News One law enforcement officer was killed and three were injured early Saturday after an hourslong standof... Turkey insists Syrian Kurdish militia behind Ankara attack mikenova shared this story from World. Turkeys prime minister has dismissed a Turkey-based Kurdish militant groups claim of responsibility for an attack in Ankara that killed 28 people, insisting it was carried out by a U.S.-backed Syr... All eyes on Iowa's Grassley for Supreme Court nominee's fate mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 3:00 p.m. EST. WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. Chuck Grassley - farmer, onetime sheet metal shearer, six-term senator and Judiciary Committee chairman - has a major say in whether President Barack O... 1 officer dead, 3 wounded in Mississippi shooting mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 3:00 p.m. EST. IUKA, Mississippi (AP) -- Law enforcement authorities say one officer is dead and three are hospitalized with gunshot wounds after a standoff in northeastern Mississippi.... 2 NYPD officers injured in Brooklyn shootout; suspect shot mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 3:00 p.m. EST. NEW YORK (AP) -- Two New York City Police officers were injured early Saturday in a shootout with a suspect who crashed his car into a police vehicle, police said.... Six-hour long standoff ends with Mississippi officer dead mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 3:00 p.m. EST. JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- One law enforcement officer was killed and three were wounded early Saturday after a six-hour long standoff at a rural Mississippi house ended when auth... Potential Saudi Nuke Purchase From Pakistan Remains A Mystery mikenova shared this story from The Daily Caller. 4868468 Saudi Arabias Foreign Minister would neither confirm nor deny the potential purchase of a nuclear weapon from Pakistan recently, leaving one of the Middle Easts grea... Did Russia Just Threaten Turkey With Nuclear Weapons? mikenova shared this story from Alexander Mercouris feed. The US investigative journalist Robert Parry has made an astonishing claim - and one that has gone completely unnoticed. He is reporting that the Russian government has warned Erd... Saudi Arabia Minister Avoids Questions On Acquiring Nukes From Pakistan mikenova shared this story from NDTV News - Top Stories. Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said most countries are concerned over Iran getting billions of dollars as a result of the nuclear deal. (File Photo) Washington: ... Saudi Arabia | Country Profiles mikenova shared this story . Saudi Arabia acceded to the as a in 1988 and since 1999 has expressed its support for the establishment of a -free zone in the Middle East. While the last decade has witnessed growing speculation about how Sa... Saudi Arabia Admits it Has NUCLEAR BOMBS; Will Test Within Weeks! mikenova shared this story . In a shocking development, Saudi Arabia has now publicly admitted they possess NUCLEAR BOMBS. The bombs will protect the ground invasion of Syria by Turkey and Saudi Arabia. . . which puts the Russians ... Saudi Arabia spends $80 billion on its military mikenova shared this story from Finance. Ahmad Masood/REUTERS Members of Saudi security forces in a military parade. When British Aerospace Engineering, better known as BAE Systems, announced a bumper set of annual results this week, muc... Saudi Arabia just launched a massive military exercise mikenova shared this story from Military & Defense. Saudi Arabia just launched what it describes as the largest war game in the country's history . On February 14, the "Northern Thunder" military exercise began, involving troops from... Israels Defense Minister Exposes Israels Divide-And-Conquer Regional Strategy mikenova shared this story from MintPress News. In addition to blowing the cover on Israels secret dealings with the Gulf states to target Iran, the defense minister expressed Israels hope that Syria might be divided up int... Arab States Seeking Nukes to Counter Iran mikenova shared this story from Breitbart News. by Aaron Klein 14 Feb 2016 55 We see signs that countries in the Arab world are preparing to acquire nuclear weapons, that they are not willing to sit quietly with Iran on the brink ... The Arab nuclear-arms race has begun Hot Air mikenova shared this story from Hot Air Top Picks. posted at 8:41 pm on February 15, 2016 by Ed Morrissey Who could have predicted that the deal John Kerry and Barack Obama cut with Iran would lead to a nuclear-arms race in the region?... Arab states are seeking nuclear weapons to counter Iran, Israel warns mikenova shared this story from Israel news, all the latest and breaking Israel news. Advocates of the nuclear deal, including President Barack Obama, argue that the agreement heads off a Middle East arms race as Iran's nuclear capabilit... Russia and Saudi Arabia agree to cooperate in nuclear energy mikenova shared this story from World Nuclear News. Russia and Saudi Arabia yesterday signed an agreement to cooperate in the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The document was signed by Rosatom director general Sergey... Medvedev: Saudi Arabia thinking about creating nuclear weapons mikenova shared this story from Russia Beyond the Headlines. Some countries are thinking about creating nuclear bombs after what has happened in North Africa and the Middle East, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has said. "I rememb... The Saudis are ready to go nuclear mikenova shared this story from Saudi Arabia news, all the latest and breaking Saudi Arabia news. Now the Saudis have raised the alarming prospect of the Middle East becoming embroiled in a nuclear arms race after the countrys blu... Potential Saudi Nuke Purchase From... mikenova shared this story from saudi nukes - Google News. Potential Saudi Nuke Purchase From Pakistan Remains A Mystery Daily Caller - Jan 23, 2016 A picture taken in 1971 shows a nuclear explosion in Mururoa atoll. ... saudi nukes - Google Search mikenova shared this story . Potential Saudi Nuke Purchase From Pakistan Remains A Mystery Daily Caller - Jan 23, 2016 A picture taken in 1971 shows a nuclear explosion in Mururoa atoll. France said on March 24, 2009 it will compensate 1... Nuclear program of Saudi Arabia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia mikenova shared this story . Saudi Arabia is not known to have a nuclear weapons program . From an official and public standpoint, Saudi Arabia has been an opponent of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, having signed the Nuclear Non-Pro... The DOJ's War with Apple Escalates with a New Court Filing - Patently Apple mikenova shared this story from james b. comey - Google News. Patently Apple The DOJ's War with Apple Escalates with a New Court Filing Patently Apple The Justice Department (DOJ) is pushing forward with its legal fight against Apple, ur... John McAfee: FBI should let me hack iPhone - CNBC mikenova shared this story from fbi - Google News. CNBC John McAfee: FBI should let me hack iPhone CNBC Cybersecurity pioneer John McAfee wants authorities to stay away from Apple's encryption, so much that he has offered to personally c... The DOJ just escalated the federal government's fight with Apple - BGR mikenova shared this story from fbi - Google News. BGR The DOJ just escalated the federal government's fight with Apple BGR Apple has been taking criticism from several lawmakers over the past couple of days who have expressed outrage th... Congress Seeks Apple Testimony Amid FBI Row Over Encryption - Bloomberg mikenova shared this story from fbi - Google News. Congress Seeks Apple Testimony Amid FBI Row Over Encryption Bloomberg At least two congressional committees are planning hearings after Apple Inc.'s refusal to help the FBI unlock a phon... How Apple's Stand Against the FBI Could Backfire - Slate Magazine mikenova shared this story from fbi - Google News. Slate Magazine How Apple's Stand Against the FBI Could Backfire Slate Magazine The skirmish between Apple and the FBI is quickly escalating to a battle royal, a fight to the finish over ... Public support for Apple in FBI standoff isn't strong - USA TODAY mikenova shared this story from fbi - Google News. USA TODAY Public support for Apple in FBI standoff isn't strong USA TODAY SAN FRANCISCO It's a split decision on the Apple- FBI standoff. As tech companies line up behind the device ma... Saudi Spokesman Announces That the King Has Purchased Nukes, Testing Is Imminent mikenova shared this story from ThereAreNoSunglasses. Saudi Arabia Admits it Has NUCLEAR BOMBS; Will Test Within Weeks! In a shocking development, Saudi Arabia has now publicly admitted they possess NUCLEAR BOMBS. The bombs will protect... Pictures of the day: 20 February 2016 mikenova shared this story from Pictures of the day latest photographs from around the world. &amp;amp;lt;img src="http://b.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&amp;amp;amp;c2=6035736&amp;amp;amp;cv=2.0&am... Today's Headlines and Commentary mikenova shared this story from Lawfare - Hard National Security Choices. At 3:30 am this morning, American F-15s once again screamed across Libyan skies and delivered their payload to an ISIS camp located outside of Sabratha, just 50 mi... tak group - Google Search mikenova shared this story . Turkey bombing: Kurdish TAK group says it attacked Ankara BBC News - 16 hours ago The Kurdistan Freedom Hawks ( TAK ) group said on its website that the attack was retaliation against the policies of Presiden... Obscure Kurdish Group Claims Hand in Bombing Turks mikenova shared this story . BAGHDAD An obscure Kurdish militant group that is an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers Party, which has long waged an insurgency inside Turkey, claimed responsibility on Friday for a car bombin... Turkey bombing: Kurdish TAK group says it attacked Ankara mikenova shared this story from BBC News - Home. A Turkey-based Kurdish militant group has said it carried out Wednesday's bomb attack in Ankara that killed 28 people. The Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK) group said on its website that the ... When Diplomacy Leads to Betrayal mikenova shared this story . Was Hillary Clinton smart to press the reset button with Russia? Can Donald Trumps business-negotiation experience carry over to international relations ? Questions about diplomacy loom l... Proof of Zikas Role in Birth Defects Still Months Away, W.H.O. Says mikenova shared this story from NYT > World. While the evidence is strong that the virus is behind Brazils surge of birth defects, experts are waiting for pregnant women in a clinical trial to start giving birth in June. Israeli Soldier Killed by Palestinians in Supermarket was US Citizen mikenova shared this story from Voice of America. The off-duty Israeli soldier stabbed to death by two Palestinian teens in a West Bank supermarket has been identified as Tuvya Weisman, an American citizen. He was the second American to ... Libya group 'threatened US interests' mikenova shared this story from BBC News - World. Militants from the Islamic State group killed in a US air strike in Libya posed a threat to US and Western interests, the Pentagon says. EU leaders urge pause in Syrian fighting, end to Russia bombing mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU leaders told Russia to stop bombing Western-backed opposition fighters in Syria and accused Moscow and Iran of threatening peace efforts, as well as helping Isl... British Prime Minister Reaches Deal on E.U. Membership mikenova shared this story from World TIME. British Prime Minister David Cameron says a new agreement with European Union partners gives Britain enough reassurances about its sovereignty that he will recommend that his country stay in ... France rejects Russias proposed UN resolution on Syria mikenova shared this story from World. France immediately rejected Russias proposed U.N. resolution Friday demanding an immediate halt to cross-border shelling and foreign ground intervention in Syria, warning that a dangerous military... Cameron Wins E.U. Reforms, But Will Britain Vote to Stay? mikenova shared this story from World TIME. More British Prime Minister Reaches Deal on E.U. Membership United Nations Group to Announce Julian Assange Being Arbitrarily Held U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron announced a deal late Frid... Official: No Evidence of Shots Fired at Military Base - ABC News mikenova shared this story from Cyber Warfare - Google News. Official: No Evidence of Shots Fired at Military Base ABC News A military official says a Virginia base was locked down after contractors working on a roof thought they heard g... Apple, FBI to head to court March 22 - USA TODAY mikenova shared this story from fbi - Google News. USA TODAY Apple, FBI to head to court March 22 USA TODAY SAN FRANCISCO - Apple and the FBI are currently duking it out in the court of public opinion, but their fight will come to a head... France rejects Russia's proposed UN resolution on Syria mikenova shared this story from Stars and Stripes News. France immediately rejected Russia's proposed United Nations resolution demanding an immediate halt to cross-border shelling and foreign ground intervention in Syria. Thousands pay respects to late Justice Scalia mikenova shared this story from AP Top News at 3:35 p.m. EST. WASHINGTON (AP) -- Bidding farewell to their longtime colleague, the eight remaining Supreme Court justices joined family members, former law clerks and members of the public ... Vatican's number three furiously denies claims he sexually abused boys in Australia - Telegraph.co.uk mikenova shared this story from World - Google News. Telegraph.co.uk Vatican's number three furiously denies claims he sexually abused boys in Australia Telegraph.co.uk The Vatican's economy minister is reportedly being investigated on s... A renowned Syrian journalist is now stuck in a Turkish prison mikenova shared this story from World. Turkish authorities detained the citizen journalist while he applied for residence in the border city of Gaziantep. These 5 Facts Explain Why Turkey Is in Deep Trouble mikenova shared this story from World TIME. More E.U. to Hold Emergency Migration Summit With Turkey in Early March The Syrian Refugees Trapped Between an Angry Turkey and a Vengeful Assad Syrian With Kurdish Links Behind Deadly Ankara... Austria, Hungary Moves Highlight EU Disarray Over Migrants - New York Times mikenova shared this story from World - Google News. Boston Herald Austria, Hungary Moves Highlight EU Disarray Over Migrants New York Times BERLIN Austria raised the prospect of even tighter limits on the number of asylum seekers ente... Price of Gas Skyrockets in Venezuela (to 38 Cents a Gallon) mikenova shared this story from NYT > World. While the price, about 10 cents per liter, is still far below world rates, for drivers here it is an essential shift from paying basically nothing. Canada divided as 25,000 Syrian refugees settle in mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadians remain divided about the resettlement of Syrian refugees, with some saying Canada should accept more despite a series of racist incidents that have marred... Kurdish militants claim Ankara bombing and threaten further attacks in tourist areas mikenova shared this story from World news. Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) vowed to destroy tourism in Turkey as it claimed responsibility for the attack this week which killed 28 Warning Of 'Up To 5,000 Jihadists In Europe' mikenova shared this story from World News - Breaking international news and headlines | Sky News. The Europol boss says Europe faces its biggest terror threat in over 10 years and warns of large-scale attacks by IS and others. Americans Say Farewell To Justice Scalia mikenova shared this story from World News - Breaking international news and headlines | Sky News. The US Supreme Court's remaining eight justices are among those on hand to say farewell to their former colleague. Battle over Scalia's successor reignites Supreme Court term limit debate - Christian Science Monitor mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. Christian Science Monitor Battle over Scalia's successor reignites Supreme Court term limit debate Christian Science Monitor As justices have been serving longer and longer terms... Trump: Boycott Apple to unlock phone mikenova shared this story from BBC News - World. Presidential candidate Donald Trump calls for a boycott of Apple until the tech giant helps unlock the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino killers. Donald Trump calls for Apple boycott video mikenova shared this story from World news + Video | The Guardian. Donald Trump calls for the boycott of Apple products on Friday, until the company agrees to help the US government and unlock the mobile phone of one of the San Bernardin... Public Pays Respects to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia mikenova shared this story from Voice of America. Thousands of people paid their last respects Friday to Justice Antonin Scalia, whose body lay in repose in the U.S. Supreme Court's Great Hall. After the casket's arrival at the building... Counterfeit Cabs mikenova shared this story from All Stories. Auto broker who used salvage vehicles as taxicabs receives federal prison term. 'Black Sludge' Pours Out Of Texas Town's Faucets Days After FBI Arrests Nearly Every City Official - ThinkProgress mikenova shared this story from fbi - Google News. ThinkProgress 'Black Sludge' Pours Out Of Texas Town's Faucets Days After FBI Arrests Nearly Every City Official ThinkProgress Oily black liquid is coming out of residential faucets in t... Official: Shots fired on Virginia military base, no injuries mikenova shared this story from www.washingtontimes.com stories: Security. JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. (AP) - A military official says shots were fired at a base in Virginia, but no injuries have been reported. Senior Airman Brittany ... Rewriting history in Warsaw turns Walesa legend into a spy story mikenova shared this story from Stars and Stripes. The government in Warsaw has spent its less than four months in power on a collision course with adversaries in the European Union, the nation's banks and even credit rating agencies. As... Former Director of CIA and NSA Says FBI is Wrong about Apple's Encryption - The Mac Observer mikenova shared this story from cia - Google News. The Mac Observer Former Director of CIA and NSA Says FBI is Wrong about Apple's Encryption The Mac Observer General Michael Hayden, former director of both the CIA (2006 to 2009) and the... Surkov and Gryzlov: Russias New Negotiators on Ukraine (Part One) mikenova shared this story from Eurasia Daily Monitor - The Jamestown Foundation. Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently appointed Vladislav Surkov and Boris Gryzlov to negotiatein two separate formatsan outcome to Russias war ... Militants Loyal to Islamic State Become More Active in North Caucasus mikenova shared this story from Eurasia Daily Monitor - The Jamestown Foundation. Two years ago, the then-leader of the Caucasus Emirate (CE), Ali Abu Muhammad (Aliashab Kebekov), surprised many observers when he condemned suicide bomber... Former Military Times editor named Stars and Stripes ombudsman mikenova shared this story from Stars and Stripes. Stars and Stripes has a new ombudsman to defend the newspapers editorial independence and he comes from a close competitor. Russias Soft Power in Georgia: How Does It Work? mikenova shared this story from Eurasia Daily Monitor - The Jamestown Foundation. In this years State of the State address, Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili warned about the increasing influence of Russian soft power on his co... Justice Department Calls Apples Refusal to Unlock iPhone a Marketing Strategy mikenova shared this story from NYT > Federal Bureau of Investigation. Prosecutors offered a sharp rejoinder to this weeks public statement by Timothy Cook, Apples chief executive, who said refusing to help the government was a matt... Talks With Russians On Syria Serious, Constructive, Kerry Says mikenova shared this story from Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says talks between U.S. diplomats and their Russian counterparts for a cease-fire in Syria have been "serious and so far constructive."... Russia in Review - Harvard mikenova shared this story from Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs - Latest Publications. Media Feature February 19, 2016 Belfer Center Programs or Projects : US-Russia Initiative to Prevent Nuclear Terrorism Russia in R... What you need to know about the Octagon Art Festival on Sunday in Ames news PM Modi launches National Rurban Mission Chhattisgarh, Mon, 22 Feb 2016 NI Wire The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, yesterday launched the National Rurban Mission from Kurubhat, in Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister described the Rurban Mission as one which would enable cluster based development - with a "rural soul and urban amenities." He said this scheme would complement the Smart Cities initiative by creating Smart Villages. The Prime Minister described Rurban clusters as centres of economic activity, which would spur growth, and improve the quality of life in nearby villages. The Prime Minister said the country is taking a new direction of development. He said one example of this was that the important Rurban mission was being launched not from New Delhi, but from Kurubhat, in Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh. He said that Government was now being brought to the doorstep of the villages and the tribal communities. The Prime Minister congratulated villages and communities of nearby areas for achieving Open Defecation Free status. Earlier, the Prime Minister visited an exhibition at the venue, which showcased the implementation of development schemes, and handicrafts. Source: PIB PM inaugurates Centenary Celebrations of Gaudiya Mission and Math Kolkata, Mon, 22 Feb 2016 NI Wire The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, yesterday inaugurated the Centenary Celebrations of the Gaudiya Mission and Math in Kolkata. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said India's spiritual consciousness is the reason for its long-standing civilizational ethos. He said this spiritual consciousness had remained intact through the ages. The Prime Minister said this consciousness transcended even language. The bhajanVaishnav Jan To Tene Re Kahiye Re is a prime example of this, he said. He added the words Vaishnav Jan could easily be replaced with Jan Pratinidhi (Public Representatives) in the modern context. The Prime Minister said that reform in the Indian society always came from within, and Raja Rammohan Roy, and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar were prime examples of this. The Prime Minister later offered prayers at the Gaudiya Math. Source: PIB Ruslaan Mumtaz and Sumit Khetan Judges a fashion show at Bhavan's College New Delhi, Mon, 22 Feb 2016 NI Wire Sardar Patel Institute of Technology, Andheri witnessed its 3 days bombastic splendor. This year UDAAN witnessed a cinematic journey through its bioscope, which amazingly stands as this year's theme. After being a huge success last year, UDAAN is all set to contribute to the society using students' enthusiasm. The fest is the right platform for students to showcase their passion for dance, drama, literature, music, fine arts and more. Bollywood Choreographer Sumit Khetan and Bollywood Actor Ruslaan Mumtaz were recently seen at Bhavans college as judges of a fashion show and a dance event. By judging the fashion show actor shared his debut film was shot in the same college. He enjoyed coming here. Also added that in todays life, students are very intelligent and enjoy lot more than we actually could. While talking to media Sumit Khetan said, it was great to see most of the people dance in the talent round in the fashion show which entertained him thoroughly. Sumit also said colleges are giving great opportunity to the students by providing this platform. India's top most Hindi rock band Coshish made their headlining act opened by Kashmeer and Clay Crown. Last but not the least to state this festival inaugurated by Mr. Dinesh Waghmare Municipal commissioner NMMC turns out to be a huge delight and success to the city youth. Water Crisis in Delhi is due to the Negligance of Kejriwal Government New Delhi, Mon, 22 Feb 2016 NI Wire Water Crisis in Delhi is due to the Negligance of Kejriwal Government and Reprimand by the Supreme Court is the Proof of This Fact New Delhi, 22nd February: Talking to the press persons today BJP Delhi Pradesh President Shri Satish Upadhyay said that the water crisis in Delhi arising out of the movement in Haryana has once again proved that Kejriwal Government is completely irresponsible Government. Lack of experience and over zeal are evident in every decision of this Government but the way in which Kejriwal Government acted in a childish manner to deal with the water crisis which has resulted in hardships to the people of Delhi and this Government also had to face administrative embarrassment. Government has not discharged its administrative responsibilities in this crisis and by declaring holiday in schools it has tried to show an imaginative terror. On the other hand the Government officers and MLAs have not shown any respect for the Government decision. Shri Upadhyay said that Kejriwal Government neither contacted Haryana Government for continuous supply of water from Munak Canal or any other source nor it talked to the UP and Uttrakhand Government for making alternate arrangement. He further said that since Friday the Government has been telling the people of Delhi that we shall request the Supreme Court to intervene in this matter. Such atmosphere was created that the Supreme Court has some administrative button which will release water from Haryana to Delhi. Today when this case was raised before the Supreme Court then the way in which the Supreme Court reprimanded the Government it has become obvious that this Government is inexperienced and also incompetent. The Supreme Court has made it clear that Delhi Government has not taken any administrative action in this regard and the Supreme Court has no magic stick. Shri Upadhyay further said that for the last two days we have seen the Chief Minister appealing to the people to conserve water along with the mention of unprecedented water crisis on the Television Screens but the people were not getting water supply at all. On the one hand the CM was misleading the people by saying that I will myself use water as less as possible but on the other his Secretary Ms. Ashwati pressurized the DJB to supply full tanker at her official residence. The officers in her neighbourhood did not get even a drop of water. Shri Upadhyay said that after coming to power Shri Kejriwal has used a new weapon to face either the problem of pollution of the water crisis and this is to declare holiday in schools. In spite of opposition by the School Teachers Union, Kejriwal Government forced holiday in all the Government and Private Schools. But the double standard of Kejriwal Government was also seen in this case. A MLA of ruling party Shri Raghuvender Shokeen and his wife Mrs. Manisha Shokeen run a big public school namely Rajender Public School in Nihal Vihar but this school was not closed like other schools today. It may be mentioned that this school was in the news last year in July also for beating of a student by the Principal. He also said that BJP is of the view that there is no valid reason to close the schools of Delhi today but when the Government issued orders to close the schools then the school of his MLA Raghuvender Shokeen remaining opened shows that he does not care anybody. We want to know from Kejriwal Government that despite the appeal from teachers and school administration you have ordered holiday in the schools but your MLA refuses to obey this order, will your Government take any action against this school? Shri Upadhyay said that Kejriwal Government issued orders for holiday in schools only to create an atmosphere of terror for moving the Supreme Court. Shri Upadhyay has advised the Delhi Government to take lesson from the reprimand of the Supreme Court and learn to work under constitutional arrangement. Moving the Higher Courts for small problems is an attempt to evade its responsibilities. Source: BJP Share Tweet Effectively deploying indoor small cells for greater cellular connectivity is not as easy as sticking a few small cells in various parts of a building. For optimal placement and architecture, indoor 3D modeling technology should be used. In Midtown Manhattan, for instance, a Nokia (News - Alert) indoor 3D modeling tool helped predict that small cells could offload 44 percent of traffic by deploying indoor solutions in 13 buildings within a 5 macro cluster. It helped improve indoor throughput by more than 1000 percent, according to a TechZine blog post, Field insights: Optimal indoor cell placement. In the process, outdoor users gained 69 percent throughput by strategic placement of small cells. The blog authors, Jean Jones, Director of Marketing, Global Services, and Anoop Kulkarni, Director of Small Cell Services Product Line Management, Nokia, outline how indoor 3D modeling can help with small cells deployment. First, indoor 3D modeling simulates the conditions that each small cell will experience in a specific location. It does this by considering multiple buildings, multiple floors in each building, and the height of any building sitting between an outdoor cell and the indoor floor being studied, then identifies problem areas and automatically calculates the optimal placement for each small cell. Next, it generates heat maps from multiple sources. These include a per-call measurement data heat map based on geo-located network trace data, a social media heat map that draws on aggregated social media data from commonly used sources, and a demographic database traffic heat map that can quantify the number of employees in a building to help identify potential traffic hotspots. From these heat maps, the indoor 3D modeling determines where small cells are needed. It automatically analyzes the heat maps that have been developed and looks for floors with low to medium macro coverage and high user densities, according to the TechZine article, and it automatically establishes optimal placement for each indoor cell. Finally, a good indoor 3D modeling solution runs a combined outdoor-indoor simulation where all the small cells and the macro cell are operating in the recommended configuration. Some of what this test can measure include the amount of traffic carried by each small cell, the number of small cells needed to cover the target floors, the amount of traffic served per building, offload provided to the nearest macro sector, and improvements to end-user throughput. These measurements are important for quantifying the benefits of a specific indoor solution and to help providers set the right priorities and make needed adjustments. Indoor small cells deployment can greatly improve connectivitybut only if architected right. Indoor 3D modeling helps. Edited by Peter Bernstein The Carnival of Nuclear energy 300 is up at Neutron Bytes Atomic Insights All-nuclear power grids are not only feasible, but proven and operating today It is already well-proven that its possible to operate village and small town sized electrical grids using nuclear power plants designed for responsiveness, reliability, ease of operation and maintainability. The navies of the United States, Russia, Great Britain, France and China have been doing this with nuclear powered submarines and ships since as early as January 17, 1955 when the USS Nautilus first reported that it was underway on nuclear power. Those ships contain grids that would be classified as micro or mini if they were on land. They serve not only 100-5000 residents and a wide variety of electronic or mechanical loads that need reliable, smooth power as many seconds of the day as possible but also provide the vast quantities of power required to push large vessels through the water at high rates of speed. Shipboard power systems are able able to distill pure water from seawater and to use rejected heat for a number of useful applications like air conditioning, space heating and cooking. Mostly because of limited production rates, excessive security requirements, and engineering choices required for maritime applications, the 100% nuclear electrical power systems used on ships so far would not be economically competitive with large scale fossil fuel plants connected to an existing grid. However, they are demonstrations that proven technology exists to supply large quantities of reliable power to remote villages, industrial sites, or small cities without needing to burn fossil fuels or construct lengthy transmission lines. ANS Nuclear Cafe Nuclear Plant Costs A Look Back and Ahead There were two major surprises when researching the global, historic costs of nuclear energy. First was that every country experienced lowering costs in the early years of nuclear plant construction. Second was that South Korea continues to experience reducing costs, even now. She attributes South Koreas continued cost reduction in part to the focus on standardized (in fact, duplicate) nuclear plants being built at various locations. Nextbigfuture Uranium and nuclear energy futures Kazakhstans Kazatomprom reported their uranium production increased 4.3 percent in 2015, to 23,800 tonnes uranium (52.5 million pounds). This was an increase of over 970 tonnes (2.1 million pounds) from the 22,829 tonnes that Kazakhstan produced in 2014. Idling Japans reactors for a few years caused Japanese utilities to accumulate about 120 million pounds of uranium since they still had to honor their existing supply contracts. This is enough to fuel its restarting fleet for the next decade. The price of uranium has little effect on the price of nuclear power since the fuel is such a small part of the total cost and the cost of fuel itself is dominated by the fabrication costs, not the cost of uranium. Decisions to build nuclear power plants do not hinge on uranium supplies. And there are sufficient uranium deposits in the world to provide nuclear energy at any level for many thousands of years. Eighty-nine percent of the fuel requirements of the current fleet of nuclear reactors worldwide, totaling some 377 million pounds U3O8 (yellowcake), will be met in 2016 by Canada, Australia, and Kazakhstan. The two officers, who are assigned to the plainclothes anti-crime in the 81st Precinct, were being treated at Kings County Hospital. He was taken to Brookdale University Hospital in critical condition. NEW YORK (AP) - Two New York City Police officers were injured early Saturday in a shootout with a suspect who crashed his auto into a police vehicle, police said. Officials also added that just as Yurkiw was saved by his bulletproof vest, 27 years ago his father, retired Police Officer Paul Yurkiw, was also saved by his vest when he was shot while on the job, the Daily News reported. A vehicle chase ensued, and the suspect ended up driving the wrong way down Lexington Ave, ramming a marked patrol auto. The second officer was struck below the vest line and the bullet entered his right hip. Turkey blames Kurdish rebels for Ankara attack Turkey fears they could seize a 100km-stretch (62 miles) as far as Jarablus to create a large zone along the border. The bombing came as Syrian Kurds threatened to extend their control of territory along Turkey's border. "I've met with them both and can report that they are alert, talkative and in the warm embrace of their families", Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted Saturday morning. The officers found a. 357 revolver with five spent shell casings in the front seat of Funes vehicle following the crash. Funes, 34, was in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds, Police Commissioner William Bratton said. Asked what may have prompted Funes to go on his shooting spree, NYPD Police Commissioner William Bratton responded: 'His history is what might have prompted him'. Funes has 15 prior arrests in New York City and another 11 in Chicago before leaving in 2000. Investigators are looking into his ties to other people suspected of being radicalized, a law enforcement official said. Courtesy NYPD Officer Andrew Yurkiw was shot by a suspect in a gunfight Saturday in Brooklyn. Iwata, Kang tied for lead Phil Mickelson and Justin Rose remain in contention at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am following another exciting day in California. The same fate faces defending champion Brandt Snedeker, who shot his second straight even-par round and was tied with Johnson. Cops say Funes fled from Officers Andrew Yurkiw and William Reddin early Saturday morning after brandishing a Magnum. When Redding and Yurkiw approached Funes in a Nissan Maxima, he allegedly pointed a revolver at them and drove off. No word has been released regarding the updated condition of the suspect. It wasn't immediately clear whether Funes, who police said had previously used the name Fredrick Funes, had a lawyer who could comment on his behalf. Obama hosts Southeast Asian leaders in first summit to promote economic ties In this case, said senior Obama aides, the president primarily wants to strengthen ASEAN and US ties to the organization. Terrorism inspired by the Islamic State group is of increasing concern in the region. Funes was still in his vehicle when he was shot, Bratton said. Bigwig Chinese device manufacturer Lenovo has unveiled its Tab3 line of new Android-powered budget tablets -- Tab3 7 and Tab3 8 family-friendly tablets; and Tab3 10 Business tablet for enterprise users. For younger children, the tablet also comes pre-loaded with dedicated kid's mode with safe Web-browsing options and the ability to restrict access to the tablet at chosen times or days of the week. The Android tablet Supplied running Android 6.0 and are available in a range of different colours with the TAB3 8 priced at just $99 equipped with a 8-inch IPS display sporting a resolution of 1,280 x 800 pixels together with everything that is included in the TAB3 7 which is available at a slightly higher price of $129. It can also filter out blue light to protect you and your kid's eyes. Like the new Lenovo VIBE phones, Lenovo has added a set of stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos tech for, hopefully, some awesome audio capabilities. The tablet is also IP52 splash-proof. All built for Android 6.0, Lenovo made a point of noting that the TAB3 10 for business users fully supports Android For Work, Google's platform that allows people to user their personal devices for work while keeping personal and work data separate. This locked-down mode will let organizers slot the TAB3 10 into a booth or display and let it be used as an interactive kiosk. And the TAB3 10 Business meets users' expectations for durability - it can withstand the wear and tear of tough working environments using P2i technology to achieve IP52 performance for dust- and splash-proofing and shielding through scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass 3 panels. It also has 16GB built-in memory (up to 32GB expandable storage support), Dolby Atmos dual-rear speakers, a 13MP rear camera with LED flash, and a 5MP front camera. Facebook Messenger for Android unveils multiple accounts support If this looks like a feature that is useful to you, do head over to the Google Play Store and install this update. In any case the feature is now live so you can check it out by launching the app's settings and go to "Accounts". Lenovo will also offer an optional keyboard dock for the Tab3 10. It boasts a 10.1-inch display with a full 1,920 x 1,080-pixel HD resolution, a 1.3GHz quad-core processor, and up to 12 hours of battery life. Both the devices come with a battery life of 9 hours. The TAB3 7 and 8 series of tablets come with multi-user modes and similar features. They'll be sold both online and in the retailers through which Lenovo already markets its products. Samsung, LG unveil new devices in bid for smartphone recovery It is "still growing", he said, "but there is much more than just a phone that you're holding in your hands". But while the Galaxy S7 retains the same pixel density as the S6 at 577ppi, the S7 Edge's screen is 5.7in. The Tab 3 7 lands in June and the 16GB version with LTE will cost you $130. The TAB3 8 Wi-Fi-only model will start at $100, with the LTE model starting at $150. The TAB3 10 Business is available starting in July 2016; TAB3 7 starting at 119 from June 2016; and TAB3 8 starting at 149 from June 2016, available at all Lenovo Retail Partners. Germany has taken in most and Merkel insists Europe must welcome more, if no longer with open arms at least with a charitable attitude. Merkel is looking increasingly isolated with her demands for a fair distribution of migrants among European Union members and for ensuring Turkey cooperates to stem the flow of people arriving in Europe. Cameron's Conservative Party has pledged to hold a national referendum by the end of 2017 on continued membership in the European Union. "Now is undeniably not the time to make a major step forward but we can achieve improvements here and there and we agreed Germany will help in terms of financial support", she said. "As a member of the EU, Germany is trying hard to pursue a realistic approach", said Merkel. Iwata, Kang tied for lead Phil Mickelson and Justin Rose remain in contention at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am following another exciting day in California. The same fate faces defending champion Brandt Snedeker, who shot his second straight even-par round and was tied with Johnson. Ms Merkel said Britain is an ally for Germany in promoting competitiveness and free trade, and that "Europe needs Great Britain's foreign and security policy commitment to assert our values and interests in the world". Ms Merkel made clear she will not be pushing the contentious subject of new quotas to distribute migrants around Europe. She reiterated that it would be "laughable" for Europe to approve such quotas when it has barely started to share refugees under existing agreements. That included 900 kilometers (560 miles) of maritime frontier between Greece and Turkey, she said, as well as Italy's Mediterranean border crossed by migrants arriving from Libya. The talks, which include European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, will focus on "resettlement" of refugees based in Turkey who have fled the Syrian civil war, a Juncker spokeswoman Mina Andreeva said. Merkel has been under huge pressure at home to reduce refugee inflows. Obama hosts Southeast Asian leaders in first summit to promote economic ties In this case, said senior Obama aides, the president primarily wants to strengthen ASEAN and US ties to the organization. Terrorism inspired by the Islamic State group is of increasing concern in the region. "We believe we have to move forward in a process of peaceful coexistence" which "is based on a two-state solution", said Merkel. "I think that's wonderful", she said. Junker was speaking ahead of a two-day summit in Brussels starting Thursday in which the Chancellor is set to face a fierce battle with the so-called Visegrad Four - Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary - who have openly defied her refugee policy. Another European official said a main source of tension was the length of time that Britain's limit on welfare benefits for EU workers would last. In its statement, North Korea said it would expel South Korean managers at the industrial park within the hour, and would freeze South Korean assets at the facility, including supplies and products. The North declared the industrial park, run by the rivals as a symbol of cooperation for more than a decade, a military control zone, the agency that handles its ties with Seoul said, according to the official KCNA news agency. Even in the face of repeated provocations by North Korea, the Park administration was reluctant to halt work at Kaesong. This was aimed at putting pressure on Beijing, which has been reluctant to impose tough sanctions on North Korea. The complex, situated in North Korea just a few kilometers north of the border, was opened in 2004 as part of reconciliation efforts between the two Koreas. The move prompted an angry response Thursday from North Korea. Washington, among others, said it was a ballistic missile test, and like last month's nuclear test, a violation of United Nations resolutions. It had splashed down in some 270 pieces after exploding during midair-detachment, according to the Defense Ministry, which said the North may have designed the automatic explosion in order to avoid the exposure of their rocket technology. Kurdish group claims responsibility for terror attack in Turkey Turkey sees the group as a terrorist organization linked to Kurdish militants waging an insurgency on its own soil. The TAK has also existed since 2004, and has engaged in several attacks against Turkey over the years. A South Korean cargo truck heads to the North Korean city of Kaesong as South Korean Army soldiers stand guard at the customs, immigration and quarantine office near the border village of Panmunjom, in Paju, South Korea, Thur... South Korea said it would ban reporters from the border crossing on Friday. "More steps are needed to convince the (North Korean) leadership that it is not going to be possible to have access to the worldwide economic system let alone economic or financial aid as long as North Korea continues to pursue nuclear and missile programs", Russel said. The complex housed 124 South Korean companies which employed about 55,000 North Koreans. Earlier in the day, the United States also signalled unilateral moves against North Korea, with the US Senate unanimously adopting a Bill expanding sanctions. U.S. experts have estimated that North Korea may have about 10 bombs - but that could grow to between 20 and 100 by 2020. At the same hearing, Sen. "Our government has been quite inflexible in dealing with North Korea", said Professor Moon. Italian writer Umberto Eco dies at 84 His father urged him to study law; instead, he took up medieval philosophy and literature at the University of Turin. The Name of the Rose was Eco's first novel but he had been publishing works for more than 20 years beforehand. He said, meanwhile, that South Korea will continue strategic communication with China and Russian Federation. Following the nuclear test in January, South Korea stepped up propaganda broadcasts sent across the border through large loudspeakers. Both the test and the launch were carried out in defiance of global sanctions. The unverified footage of the rocket launch appears very similar to the footage the regime released of a rocket launch in 2012. Most South Korean businesses at Kaesong manufactured labor-intensive products such as clothing, electronic components and wristwatches. Other charges Ri faced before his execution were abusing his power and forming a clique, the official said. "It is in a stable orbit and the report stating that it is tumbling is not valid", Charles Vick, senior technical analyst with GlobalSecurity.org, told Reuters, referring to some USA media reports quoting unnamed US officials. The technology involved in the launch was "dual-use" and could be used to launch a satellite or deliver a warhead. A auto laden with explosives detonated next to military buses as they waited at traffic lights near Turkey armed forces' headquarters in the administrative heart of Ankara late on Wednesday. Meanwhile, at least six Turkish soldiers were killed and one was injured Thursday after a bomb targeted a military convoy in Turkey's southeastern Diyarbakr province. The majority of the victims were military personnel. Turkish leaders said they have identified the perpetrator of the attack as a Syrian national. Turkey, which has insisted the YPG was behind the attack, has so far arrested 20 people in connection with the bombing. It's proven hard, though, given the YPG is helping the USA fight IS in Syria. "The Turkish population, regardless of how polarised it is on domestic issues, on the Kurdish issue they are united...that the Kurdish groups fighting Turkey should be dealt with [using] force", Elshayyal said. It said the attack was in retaliation for Ankara's military operation in Turkey's southeast. Mich. Governor approves $30 mill in aid towards Flint Snyder also announced that the $2 million to help Flint replace some of its lead pipes should happen within the next 30 days. Studies confirmed that the water wasn't properly treated, causing it to corrode pipes and fixtures, which then leaked lead. Tareq Abu Zeid, a rebel spokesman fighting with the SDF in northern Aleppo said the allied forces had "all the possible options to respond to the Turkish shelling of their positions in Syria", in an interview with Syria Direct this past Saturday. Davutoglu's comments reflect increasingly strained relations between Washington and Ankara, two longtime allies. He added that he would talk to US President Barack Obama about it on Friday. The Iranian official and government-supported media, however, have published similar false news before. It is understandable that the United States is eager to find foreigners, such as the Kurds, who will fight on its behalf, but the basic Kurdish goal is an independent state that includes parts of Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey.It would not make sense to see Turkey wrecked for that. Hands-on with the LG G5, the first modular flagship smartphone The LG G5 features a housing made entirely of metal, putting it on par with its top rivals from Samsung and Apple. LG Rolling Bot: A rolling robot that includes an 8-megapixel camera for capturing photos and videos. Ties between Turkey and Russian Federation have broken down since Ankara blasted one of Moscow's fighter jets out of the sky along its border with Syria in November. This has enraged Ankara, which fears advances by Kurdish militia in northern Syria could stoke separatism among its own Kurdish minority. Salih Muslim told The Associated Press from his base in Europe Thursday that the Turkish accusations are "totally rejected". "There can be no justification for such horrific acts", Stoltenberg said in a statement Wednesday. Donald Trumps Competition in South Carolina Republican Primary The momentum since the beginning of this campaign has been unbelievable", Trump told supporters following his win. "OK. Trump came in second in Iowa, which has a stronger evangelical showing, before going on to win New Hampshire and SC . Christians have suffered due to the ongoing clashes between the Turkish army and Kurdish PKK, with northern Iraqi bishops speaking out against Turkey bombing border villages. It has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks since 2004. Both are considered terrorist organizations by Turkey as extensions of the Kurdistan Worker's Party, the PKK that Turkey has been in conflict with for decades. Russia, meanwhile, has said it will continue its bombing campaign, which it says is created to help Damascus fight "terrorist" groups. Singling out Turkey, he said the countries supporting the rebels would have to suspend support in order to allow the truce. He spoke Saturday in comments carried by the Syrian news agency SANA. The Nusra Front is considered a terrorist organisation by the United Nations. It was turned down by France. Residents look for survivors at a site hit by what activists said were three consecutive air strikes carried out by the Russian air force, the last which hit an ambulance, in the rebel-controlled area of Maaret al-Numan town in Idlib province, Syria January 12, 2016. Nevada Win Offers Clinton a Sigh of Relief That year, 117,600 people participated. "Remember, we were taking on a candidate who ran in 2008", he told host Chuck Todd. There can be no doubt, however, that the Sanders campaign is making inroads into Hillary's popularity with minority voters. The statement followed a meeting between opposition groups held in Riyadh Saturday, after a deadline set by world powers for a temporary pause in fighting passed. "Russia must understand that its unconditional support to Bashar al-Assad is a dead-end and a dead-end that could be extremely unsafe", French Ambassador Francois Delattre said. On Saturday in London, Kerry said in a statement that a lot of work remained to be done before reaching a truce in Syria. "A document on the cessation of hostile actions [by each conflicting party] is ready, Russian Federation and the U.S. have agreed [upon it]", a source in the delegation of the Syria opposition groups that previously met in Moscow and Cairo told RIA Novosti, adding that the document should now be approved "at the high level". Abdel al-Jubeir said the move would be carefully monitored "because you don't want such weapons to fall into the wrong hands", which is exactly why the United States has long-opposed equipping rebels with such weapons. "You definitely need worldwide support", Assad said. "This is not Saudi Arabia's decision". Samsung's 2 New Galaxy Phones Are Here - and 1 Feature Is INSANE AT&T has only announced pricing for its 30-month plans; they come in at $23.17 per month for the S7 and $26.50 for the S7 Edge. Since you don't get to keep the phone, the monthly payments drop to $25.99 for the S7 and $30.50 for the S7 Edge . U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov conferred on the crisis in Syria by telephone Saturday, but there was no indication they made any significant progress on the truce issue. The next round was slated for February 25; however, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said on Friday that the resumption of the talks on the planned date is not realistic. The Russian draft presented at an emergency security council meeting on Friday sought to "cease any actions that undermine Syria's sovereignty". Turkey's presidency said US President Barack Obama had shared his concerns over the Syrian conflict and promised his support on Friday, hours after a tense exchange between the two North Atlantic Treaty Organisation allies over the role of Kurdish fighters. Diplomats said at least six of the 15 council members rejected the resolution outright when it was presented, and only one member - Venezuela - expressed support. "Russia considers such cross-border shelling that Turkey is carrying out as unacceptable". The main Kurdish group in Syria has denied firing at Turkey from Syria. A week after grabbing a few Grammys in Calif., Swift was in Pennsylvania to serve as maid of honor for her childhood friend, Brit Maack, whom she met when she was "10 days old". The two girls have been friends since they were babies, so it's no surprise that Swift was named the maid of honor, despite her high profile. Taylor also shared a gorgeous group photo of the entire wedding party as well as a throwback photo of the duo with the caption "Freshman year". Cameron urges Boris Johnson to back Remain campaign British Prime Minister David Cameron makes a statement outside 10 Downing Street in London, Saturday Feb. 20, 2016. Speaking outside his home in north London , the mayor said his decision had been "agonisingly difficult". 'Fess up - do you think Taylor Swift is a better maid of honor than I am? "Sure enough, it was the best day ever". Swift was flying solo at the wedding, with her boyfriend, DJ Calvin Harris, unable to attend. Rubio says time for Trump to spell out policies Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio battled for second place. "We are all in this together, we all have to do our part". - Sen. Presidential hopeful Donald Trump on Saturday won the South Carolina Republican primary. Maack married her sweetheart Benjamin LeManna in a ceremony near Reading, where Swift grew up. The bride's stunning wedding gown wins the dressed award, but Swift's sparkling blush gown definitely pulled a close second in comparison. "Congratulations @britmaack and Ben!" 'This is my first time, and it's really, really important to me because this is my best friend, who I've known since I was born, ' she told People magazine. You might say the stylish shindig was beyond her wildest dreams. "And she's marrying someone I've known since I was four". Your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, and your actions become your habits. After hearing the news of terror attack on Paris, this quote makes more sense. When an armed gunner engaged in mass shooting without any second thought of all the innocent people present over there and indulges in suicide bombing at several public places like cafes, restaurants and concert hall is nothing but the result of provocative violent thoughts filled in these terrorists mind. This we have witnessed from time to time. Be it 26/11 Mumbai attack, 11/9 New York attack or 13/11 Paris attack. What is now known as habit was once just a thought. A thought based on Jihad. The word which appeared many times in Holy Quran. But what does Quran says about killing other people? Quran says that killing of any human being is worst act in Gods eye. The Quran state that killing one person is like killing entire human race (5:32). Committing such an act nurtures nothing but the violence. And those who indulge in such an act have no relation with Islam. If you see these activities under the microscope you will observe these conflicts are running along two axis. The first and major one is religion. If you look closely in Islam there is dispute between Shia and Sunni over who is the true inheritor of the mantle of the Prophet Muhammad. The Shias believe that Islam was transmitted through the household of the Prophet Muhammad. Sunnis believe that it comes down through followers of the Prophet Muhammad who, they say, are his chosen people. ISIS believes that the Shias are apostates and must die in order to forge a pure form of Islam. Then there is ambition of supremacy. Which is just the byproduct of getting neglected and receiving the subordinate treatment from developed countries. These attacks remains the proof of that supremacy. As per the research done by FSKN ( Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation) IS makes $1billion annually on Afghan heroin trafficked through its territory. ISIS has accepted funding from government or private sources in the oil-rich nations of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwaitand a large network of private donors, including Persian Gulf royalty, businessmen and wealthy families. Newsweek has learned, that these donations are also routinely laundered through unregistered charities in the form of humanitarian aid, with terrorists coordinating geographical drop-off points for payments using cellphone applications such as WhatsApp and Kik. Not only can WhatsApp be used around the world but, crucially, it incorporates a GPS mapping tool that makes it easier for terrorists to communicate their exact locations to each other. Kik offers the added benefit of allowing terrorists to register a username without providing a phone number that could identify them. Affiliated ISIS Twitter accounts openly publish their Kik usernames. ISIS' biggest financial coup so far was no doubt the looting of the central bank in Mosul, which brought them the equivalent of about $429 million in cash. Additional banks in Mosul and other areas under ISIS control were also plundered. As per the news revealed by The express tribune on 28th January 2015, Yousaf al Salafi allegedly the Pakistan commander of Islamic State (IS) revealed that he was getting funding routed through America to run the organization in Pakistan and recruit young people to fight in Syria, $600 per person. Sex, money and ammunition are three major attractions which fascinate todays youth and making them spread the violence. Now the question remains how could we banish violence and terror from the world? According to UNESCO violence begins in the mind. Therefore any efforts to eradicate this challenge needs to start from the same. If we further dig down deep we may find some of the reasons too. One of the reasons is lack of education. Education gives you the ability to decide what is wrong and right. It helps you generate your own thought process and directs you to right path. Other reason could be unemployment. Unemployment creates an idle mind. An idle mind is devils workshop which may result to temptation towards doing bad things and ultimately violence start sprouting inside the mind which results in violent thoughts and finally into violent action. Is violence against violence the correct answer? Then what difference it makes between us and them. Tit for tat is defiantly not an answer. As correctly said by Mahatma Gandhi an eye for an eye will make the whole nation blind. If at all France decides to engage in to the war against any terrorist group other countries like Russia will also interfere. US wont be any exception it will also interfere in the war, because after all they too suffered from such attacks but their motive will be different. Initially the war which is against any particular organization will eventually become against countries like Iraq and Syria where these organizations are based. These nations are members of OPEC. OPEC is the cartel of oil producing countries. Oil is nothing but the lifeline of all the developing and developed countries except countries like America. America has huge oil reserves in Texas and they have also developed the technology called sand oil which made them totally independent thats why US stopped import of oil from OPEC countries. This abrupt stoppage made the situation like more supply and less demand because America alone used to consume 1/3rd of total worlds consumption. Thats the reason for the dropped in the crude oil prices. Once these OPEC countries get involved in the war chances are higher that they will stop producing this black gold. Nations will starve without any crude oil. Development will stop. Entire world will go back at least10 years from now. This will be one outcome of war. Another outcome will be mass destruction. Organizations like ISIS are getting support from various countries in one or the other ways. US wont enter the war directly but it will defiantly help to continue the war with supply of arms and ammunition. As a result there will be mass destruction; economies of countries will get crippled. US will start giving loan to such countries under the name of humanitarian cause and once again it will establish its supremacy, because thats what they have done so far, from Second World War till now. Old habits die hard. There is more than just a war its all about international politics. Therefore violence against violence is not an answer. We need to work for this cause at three fronts. First, we need to pinpoint all the funding to such terrorist group and need to cut them and make these groups starve without the resources. Then we need to rehabilitate and make them human again. We need to give jobs to those hands which are busy in carrying the guns and ammunition. We need to occupy their minds to some constructive work. If they are capable of planning and executing such massive attacks they certainly can make some innovative constructive work. All it needs is a motive to help their country rise, a motive to make their country shine. To do this one more essential thing required is education. As rightly said by Martin Luther King Jr,Education helps the person to think intensively and critically. The good example of this is, a ship in rough sea. Its weight wont sink itself no matter how deep the sea is? But the ship itself is having a hole in it then no matter how small the hole is or how strong the ship is it is bound to sink some or the other time in future. So if we made a habit of thinking good and staying away from negative thoughts then there will be less chances of happening of any negative action. Whitehall Photo T. B. Murray Source Wikipedia Creative Commons Licence Whatever happens on 23 June 2016 HMG will have to make rules to implement the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court in the United Kingdom. The reason I say that is that the Agreement comes into force after 13 countries, including France, Germany and the UK, ratify the Agreement. Nine countries including France have already done so (see the European Council's website ). Parliament has enacted primary legislation to enable the Secretary of State to give effect to the Agreement in the UK by order in council (see S,17 of the Intellectual Property Act 2014 inserting a new s.88A and s.88B into the Patents Act 1977 ). As it would take time to negotiate an exit agreement under art 50 (2) of the Treaty on European Union the Agreement will almost certainly come into force while the UK is still an EU member. There would have to be some sort of secondary legislation at least for the time in which the UK remains a party to the UPC Agreement.Consultation on such legislation began shortly after the Intellectual Property Act 2014 received royal assent. The Intellectual Property Office published a draft statutory instrument at Annex C to a(see my article entitled25 June 2014) together with a series of questions and invited responses by 2 Sept 2014 (see my article entitled25 June 2014). HMG received 20 responses to that invitation which it summarized in itson 12 March 2015. On 14 Jan 2016 HMG published its reply to those responses in itsIn the executive summary of that document HMG indicated that the 20 responses have helped to inform the further development of the secondary legislation and also assisted with updating impact assessments that go with that legislation.HMG has indicated that it will make changes to the provisions of the draft statutory instrument that confer jurisdiction on the UPC (paras 10 and 20), make transitional arrangements (para 18), provide for enforcement of the UPC's orders (para 24), the computer software exception (para 55) and the definition of infringement (para 56). Other provisions of the draft order upon which the IPO consulted remain the same.Over the next few weeks I shall be writing about the draft regulations in so far as they relate to our law on infringement, groundless threats and examiners' opinions. Should anyone wish to discuss those topics, unitary patents or patent law in general he or she should call me during office hours on +44 (0)20 7404 5252 or use my contact form. Yes, there really is an organization called The Knights Templar Drug Cartel. I first heard of it when the devil caught my eye in Devil wants church resigned to violence; resist him, pope says: The devil loves Christians especially priests and nuns who are resigned to the violence and corruption around them, Pope Francis said. Celebrating Mass Feb. 16 at a stadium in Morelia, Pope Francis repeated his frequent call to priests, religious and seminarians to get out of their churches and convents and take Gods mercy and offer of salvation to the world. But in Morelia, the geographic center of Mexico and capital of Michoacan state a stronghold of the Knights Templar drug cartel the pope was not talking just about traditional evangelization. Knights TemplarGuard of Michoacan (Spanish: Los Caballeros Templarios Guardia Michoacana) commonly known as the Knights Templar Cartel (Spanish: Los Caballeros Templarios) is a Mexican criminal organization composed of remnants of the defunct La Familia Michoacana drug cartel based in the Mexican State of Michoacan. The Knights Templar cartel was founded on a strict ethical code developed by La Tuta. The code is contained in a small book that is handed out to all members of the cartel and even to the public. The book is decorated with knights on horseback with lances and crosses. The 22 page book is titled "The Code of the Knights Templar of Michoacan" and contains the rules and regulations of the gang. The gang has based its rules on those of the European Knights Templar. Members swear to help the poor and helpless, fight against materialism, respect women and children, not kill for money, and not use drugs. The Knights even go as far as drug testing all members. While the cartel has moved more towards accepting criminal acts prohibited by the ethical code, breaking the code can still incur punishment by death. The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon (Latin: Pauperes commilitones Christi Templique Salomonici ), commonly known as the Knights Templar, the Order of Solomon's Temple (French: Ordre du Temple or Templiers ) or simply as Templars, were among the wealthiest and most powerful of the Western Christian military orders and were prominent actors in Christian finance. The organisation existed for nearly two centuries during the Middle Ages. Officially endorsed by the Roman Catholic Church around 1129, the Order became a favoured charity throughout Christendom and grew rapidly in membership and power. Templar knights, in their distinctive white mantles with a red cross, were among the most skilled fighting units of the Crusades. Non-combatant members of the Order managed a large economic infrastructure throughout Christendom, innovating financial techniques that were an early form of banking, and building fortifications across Europe and the Holy Land. I thought it was God that loves Christians. Now it's the devil? Thank God we have a pope to keep us up to speed on these things.One of the first things that turned me away from the Catholic Church is how boring it is. Once again, we have the pope telling "good" Catholics that the devil is out to getcha.Back to the Knights Templar Cartel They have an " ethical code ":My brain is starting to hurt.The original Knights Templar were active around 11191312 and pledged allegiance to the pope. The Templars' existence was tied closely to the Crusades.Life is much simpler not being a Catholic. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Egyptian lawmakers have addressed a letter to Prime Minister Sherif Ismail warning against announcing critical economic and financial measures likely to affect the population. The Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver his policy statement speech on February 27 at the National Assembly. They warned that any shocking measures that would affect the poor and limited-income earners could lead to widespread demonstrations. The MPs claimed that in their meetings with the Prime Minister they strongly rejected any further devaluation of the national currency, reduction of water and electricity subsidies or increase in Cairo metro fares. They urged the Prime Minister to rather focus on imposing higher taxes on business tycoons, prevent senior officials from making costly foreign visits, and stop using luxurious items such as Mercedes cars in government ministries explained Anwar Al-Sadat, chairman of the Reform and Development Party. Ismail told the press over the week that the government will not be announcing shock measures during the policy statement before underlining that we prefer to work towards our goals gradually rather than using shock tactics. He hinted that the new package of economic reforms will mainly focus on raising custom tariffs on many imported goods in order to both generate more sovereign revenues and give a boost to national industry. The Friday airstrike by the US on a house in Sabratha allegedly used by militants of the Islamic State led to controversial statements from the countrys two political authorities. The government in Tripoli led by Prime Minister Khalifa Ghwell welcomed the airstrikes while the Thinni-led government in Tobruk condemned the raids as a deliberate violation of the countrys sovereignty. The internationally-recognized Tobruk Government is still to vote on the National Unity Government provided for in the UN-backed Libya Political Agreement. The airstrike killed at least 42 people, including two Serbian embassy staff, communications Chief Sladjana Stankovic and her driver Jovica Stepic, held hostage by the Islamic State group since November 2015. The US said it was not aware of their presence during the strike according to Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic. Pentagon believes that Noureddine Chouchane, a Tunisian militant who was accused of facilitating two major attacks on Western tourists in Tunisia last year is among those killed. A statement released by the Tobruk-based government warned against any foreign airstrikes without any coordination or consultation with the interim Libyan government before underlining that any interference, similar to the one that has taken place (on Friday by the US) will be considered an open and flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the Libyan State and international law It said it welcomes foreign assistance but wants any military or political interference into Libyan affairs to be done the legal way through parliament and the newly formed government before blaming the international community for playing a role in the worsening of the domestic economic and social situation, as well as the security situation. Morocco has been a beacon of stability in a region beset with strife, said NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow during his trip to the country last week. The North African Kingdom has gone further than most to thwart the chaos and violence that seized so many countries in North Africa and the Middle East, not through repression, but by embracing reform, stressed Vershbow. The social, political and economic reforms that have been implemented here have helped this country to chart a course of stability and progress, added the NATO official, hailing Moroccan efforts to spread moderate Islam throughout North Africa and the Sahel. The North African country should be commended and should be proud of the progress it has made so far. And I encourage you to continue along this path of reform, he said. Morocco () is strong, confident and moderate. It has close relations with the European Union, strong bilateral relations with several NATO Allies, and it has proved itself to be a solid and reliable partner for NATO, went on Vershbow. For over two decades, both through the Mediterranean Dialogue and through NATOs individual cooperation program, NATO and Morocco have been able to build a strong partnership, adapting to the North African Kingdoms evolving security needs, he stressed. Morocco has always been a true believer in the power and potential of the Mediterranean Dialogue, he added, expressing thanks to the North African country for hosting the first meeting of the North Atlantic Council with the seven MD partner countries and the 1st Mediterranean Dialogue Policy Advisory Group. Vershbow also hailed Moroccos contribution to NATO missions in the Balkans first in Bosnia-Herzegovina and then in Kosovo and to Operation Unified Protector in Libya five years ago. And in the last few weeks, Morocco, he said, played a major role in seeking to promote a political solution to the Libyan crisis, hosting the UN-led consultations and actively trying to find a bridge between Libyas warring parties. Along with political reforms, it is deeply encouraging to see Moroccos commitment to international cooperation, as it works with others to destroy ISIL and to maintain security within its borders, added the NATO Deputy Secretary General, describing Morocco as a neighbour, a partner and a friend that NATO can rely on. The Secret to Happiness is the Joy of the Lord; and the joy of the Lord is His manifest presence in your life. It is our Privilege and Responsibility to Glorify God; and we glorify God by manifesting His character every moment and in every situation. Humility and Pride You can tell a humble man that he has a problem with pride and he will agree with you; but if you tell a proud man that he has a problem with pride, he becomes your enemy. This one thing I know for sure, that whenever there is a problem with my relationship with the Lord, it is not His fault. Some people are just plain lazy; some people are just overly sensitive to gravity; others are simply economical with their energy. It's not enough to preach the Gospel; you must be the Gospel. If you can describe your life in a nutshell, there's a good probability that you're a nut. As a good Canadian, I'd like to apologize in advance for anything I might say that offends you; sometimes my mouth hits high gear while my brain is still in low. Never allow the thought, "I am of no use where I am"; because you certainly can be of no use where you are not. Oswald Chambers We cannot even begin to approach the Truth until we are willing to go wherever the Truth leads us. The newest object of idol worship is 'my opinion'! Suffering is the only experience we have in common with every other human who ever lived. Confira o preco do seguro para o Chevrolet Onix Saiba quando voce gastaria com o seguro do carro mais vendido do Brasil By Doina Chiacu and Alana Wise WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio received boosts Monday in his drive to become the mainstream Republican alternative to front-runner Donald Trump, with a string of high-profile endorsements and missteps by rival Ted Cruz's campaign. Rubio, who eked out a second-place finish in South Carolina's primary by fewer than 1,000 votes over Cruz on Saturday, racked up endorsements from prominent Republicans including U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and former presidential candidate Bob Dole. Rubio and Cruz came out of South Carolina with sharper criticism of Trump, who swept the Southern state with a comfortable margin of victory. At the same time, the two senators' rivalry intensified - and soured. Cruz fired his main spokesman, Rick Tyler, on Monday afternoon over a video that falsely showed Rubio dismissing the Bible. Tyler had apologized late on Sunday for posting "an inaccurate story" involving a video purporting to show Rubio referring to the Bible and saying, "Not many answers in it." Tyler had retweeted a link to the misleading video and posted it on Facebook. Cruz fired Tyler the next day, saying his campaign did not question the faith of other candidates. "That's why I'm asking for Rick Tyler's resignation," Cruz said. The first-term senators from Texas and Florida are locked in a battle to become their party's alternative to political outsider Trump in Nevada's caucus on Tuesday, the last Republican presidential contest before the busy voting month of March. Tyler's dismissal came amid intense criticism of the Cruz campaign as dishonest from both Rubio and Trump. Rubio spokesman Alex Conant called Cruz a "candidate willing to do or say anything to get elected" and urged him to apologize. "There is a culture in the Cruz campaign, from top to bottom, that no lie is too big and no trick too dirty," he said. Trump seized the opportunity to pile on Cruz, whom he has repeatedly characterized as a liar. "Wow, Ted Cruz falsely suggested Marco Rubio mocked the Bible and was just forced to fire his Communications Director. More dirty tricks!" the billionaire businessman from New York said on Twitter. "Ted Cruz has now apologized to Marco Rubio and Ben Carson for fraud and dirty tricks. No wonder he has lost Evangelical support!," continued Trump, who has derided Cruz for failing to live up to expectations he would get solid support from evangelical Christians in South Carolina. Trump was the big winner in that state on Saturday, finishing ahead of Rubio by 10 percentage points. Opinion polls show Rubio and Cruz running close in Nevada, and both candidates hope to get a boost going into the contests in a dozen states on March 1. Super Tuesday is the crown jewel in the state-by-state nominating contests to pick the Republican and Democratic candidates for the Nov. 8 presidential election. Rubio on Monday also secured the backing of three Republican leaders from Nevada: U.S. Senator Dean Heller and U.S. Representatives Cresent Hardy and Mark Amodei. Senator Hatch said that, unlike many in the Republican establishment, he did not dislike Trump. "I just feel that Rubio is the more serious candidate. And I feel he has the background to be able to really help turn this mess around, Hatch told Reuters. (Additional reporting by Emily Stephenson, Megan Cassella, Susan Cornwell, Eric Beech; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Frances Kerry and Jonathan Oatis) This article was funded in part by SAP. It was independently created by the Reuters editorial staff. SAP had no editorial involvement in its creation or production. The familiar emergency alert system, the one where we in the U.S. occasionally hear a radio or television broadcast interruption that... This blog is run by Google. Google uses cookies to analyze traffic to this website. If you submit a comment that is posted, it will be publicly visible to all. If you contact me via my blog through email or the comment on this page, I will use your email only to respond to your inquiry. If you click on any links from this blog to outside website, please review their privacy policies and content. By using this website you agree to and accept these terms of use. This privacy policy may change from time to time at my sole discretion. You should check this page often for any changes. Your use of this website after any change in this privacy policy will constitute your acceptance of such change. Huawei is one of the first major Asian tech firms to speak out. Photo: Lluis Gene/AFP/Getty Images Huawei isnt a well-known brand in the U.S., but it is the worlds third-largest smartphone-maker, behind Apple and Samsung. It has failed to gain a foothold in the North American market in part because its come under suspicion of using its smartphones to spy on consumers (both foreign and domestic) for the Chinese government. Yet today, after Apple said itd fight an order to unlock the phone of San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook and a former federal judge announced his intent to file a legal brief supporting the government on behalf of the victims families, Huawei Technologies Co. announced it would back Apple, citing consumer-privacy concerns. Personally, I support Apples Tim Cooks idea, Huawei CEO Richard Yu told Bloomberg Television on Sunday. [Privacy is] the top one, the most important thing to the consumer. We should really protect the consumers privacy and security. Huawei is one of the first major Asian technology companies to speak out on the debate. It has, of course, vehemently denied all claims that its been colluding with the Chinese government, calling network security one of the companys fundamental interests, but the accusations have nonetheless dampened American consumer confidence. Yu assured Bloomberg Businessweek consumers would become more open to Huawei products in the future as open as Farooks iPhone will be when the Feds get their hands on it. We vote Reince Preibus for Tyrion he already has the name. In the last week, we saw Donald Trump engage in a war of words with the pope, secure his position as GOP front-runner, and deal a death blow to the Bush dynasty, leaving many wondering, Is this real life? Apparently not. Marco Rubio supporters and nerds on the internet agree: The 2016 race is officially so bizarre that it can only be explained by turning to the world of fantasy. But which epic series best encapsulates the drama and peril of Trumps impending rise to power? On Sunday, the super-pac supporting Marco Rubio argued that Americas current situation is best understood by looking to the Harry Potter series. In a memo to donors, Conservative Solutions PAC said people who describe Trump as unstoppable following his victories in New Hampshire and South Carolina are as misguided as those who believed the wizarding world had no defense against the reemergence of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and not just because Harry Potter teaches us that love (and Establishment backing?) always triumphs over those who embrace hate and fear. The memo lays out a far more complex theory involving horcruxes. Per the Tampa Bay Times: In Harry Potter lore, Voldemort, the Dark Lord, had a secret to his strength. His secret was his horcruxes. The horcruxes were objects that allowed Voldemort to maintain immortality. As each horcrux was destroyed, Voldemort became increasingly vulnerable, not increasingly strong. When all of the horcruxes were gone, Voldemort lost his one-on-one battle with Harry Potter. Donald Trump has a solid claim on one-third of the Republican vote. He has virtually no claim on the other two-thirds. The data consistently and overwhelmingly shows Trump with the highest unfavorables among the remaining candidates, and that he is the last choice of more voters than any other Republican by far. That means Trumps support will grow very little as the field continues to narrow. His 33% is formidable when the field is large; it isnt when the field is small. Trump won a victory in South Carolina, but the field shrank once again. Like Voldemorts horcruxes, the large candidate field shields Trump from harm. At each step of the primary process, Trump is losing his shields, and that is making him more vulnerable. It goes on to explain that Extending this analogy puts Marco Rubio in the role of Harry Potter, though it includes the caveat Note: we are not calling Donald Trump evil. This is an analogy, not a direct comparison. You want to choose your words carefully when youre talking about a guy who only wants to destroy people in his quest for personal power and establishment of pure-blood supremacy. But is Team Rubio giving Trump too much credit by suggesting hes the real-life equivalent of the most powerful Dark Wizard ever (and is it smart to compare the youthful Florida senator to the Boy Who Lived)? In his latest video, Australian YouTuber Huw Parkinson suggests Trump is actually more like a Game of Thrones evildoer and not even a Westeros baddie with power over shadow babies or ice zombies. As shown below, the Donalds tirades sound like something wed hear coming out of one of the seriess non-magical but supremely hateable villains, such as King Joffrey or Alliser Thorne. Parkinson doesnt really explain who the other candidates are in this scenario, but especially after this weekend, it seems pretty clear that Jeb Bush is Stannis Baratheon, the uptight rightful heir to the Iron Throne. And Rubio is his younger, more popular former protege with a more tenuous claim so hes Renly Baratheon? Or perhaps possible fraud Aegon Young Griff Targaryen, or the the currently missing-in-action Baratheon bastard Edric Storm, neither of whom exist in the show? Okay, we see why they went with the confusing Harry Potter metaphor. San Bernardino shooters Syed Farook and Tashfeen Malik. After a judge ruled that Apple must help the FBI unlock San Bernardino shooter Syed Farooks iPhone, the company said it would fight the order, framing its resistance as a stand for privacy rights. Now the federal government is retaliating with its own claim of moral superiority. Former Federal Judge Stephen Larson tells Reuters that he intends to file a legal brief supporting the government on behalf of several victims of the shooting. They were targeted by terrorists, and they need to know why, how this could happen, Larson said. Larson said the Justice Department and local prosecutors contacted him about representing the victims, but did not say how many will be part of the amicus brief. Fourteen people were killed and 22 were wounded in the December 2 attack. Related Stories Apple Opposes Order to Unlock San Bernardino Shooters Phone In case the governments strategy still wasnt clear, on Sunday night, FBI Director James Comey posted a statement on the Lawfare blog countering Apples suggestion that creating a version of its software that could unlock Farooks phone would be the equivalent of a master key, capable of opening hundreds of millions of locks. We simply want the chance, with a search warrant, to try to guess the terrorists passcode without the phone essentially self-destructing and without it taking a decade to guess correctly. Thats it, Comey said. We dont want to break anyones encryption or set a master key loose on the land. He added, we cant look the survivors in the eye, or ourselves in the mirror, if we dont follow this lead. Comey concluded that it should be up to the American people to work out the balance between privacy and security going forward not the government or corporations that sell stuff for a living. Your move, Apple. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images Most weeks, New York Magazine writer-at-large Frank Rich speaks with contributor Alex Carp about the biggest stories in politics and culture. This week: Trumps victory in South Carolina, Jeb Bushs exit, and the results of the Nevada Democratic caucus. After Donald Trumps victory in South Carolina, the GOP Establishment is left with what some political reporters have called an urgent decision: Either destroy Mr. Trump or embrace him. At this point, which is the bigger challenge? Far and away the Establishments bigger challenge is to destroy Trump. In the aftermath of South Carolina, that seems less likely than ever, and the magical thinking of the stop-Trump forces reeks of desperation. The conventional wisdom about taking him down can be found, as usual, in the Times Upshot column, which has segued from its early predictions of Trumps rapid demise to the scenario by which he will be vanquished by Marco Rubio. Under its theory of the case, as outlined after the South Carolina results came in, it is hard to overstate how important Mr. Bushs departure is to Mr. Rubio because Bushs exit will bring a flood of endorsements and donations to Rubio. And better still, Trump will soon lose his advantage of running against a divided Republican field. Really? If weve learned anything from the Trump ascendancy and to some extent from the Bernie Sanders movement its that in 2016 neither endorsements nor big-donor money mean what they once did. Trump has had neither of these assets, and Bush had both, and we see how that turned out. Jebs shock and awe political campaign was no more successful at vanquishing his adversaries in a presidential election than his brothers shock and awe bombing campaign succeeded in pacifying Iraq. Why would a new deployment of big-name endorsements and big-ticket donations work better for Rubio than Jeb? Rubio had the most prized endorsement in South Carolina, the one Jeb most wanted, the governor, Nikki Haley, yet neither Haleys vocal support (nor that of two other popular South Carolina Republicans, Senator Tim Scott and Representative Trey Gowdy) could elevate him above a (barely) second-place showing, 10 percentage points behind the front-runner. And while Bush may be gone, Trump is still running against a divided field. Anyone who thinks Ted Cruz is going to get out any time soon is in denial. This is a guy who shut down the government despite the pleading of his own fellow Republicans in the Senate and who indeed basks in the hatred of his peers in the GOP. He has the fattest war chest in the race, and hes certainly not going to back down now. Kasich also has an incentive to stay in, at least until his home state of Ohio holds its primary on March 15. And Carson well, he is on record saying this race is just finishing its first inning. Even in the unlikely event any of them were to drop out soon, the assumption that their votes would automatically go to Rubio is, as Trump himself has said, highly dubious. As the South Carolina exit polls showed, Trump had far and away the broadest base of support in the Republican electorate in South Carolina, which as much as any is representative of the national GOP voting pool. Its entirely possible that he would pick up a decent share of Cruz and Carson voters and even some Bush and Kasich voters if any of them were to depart. The Times is reporting that even some big Bush donors are already flirting with shifting to Trump. Other theories of how Trump might be vanquished are equally suspect. Much is made of the fact that he has a ceiling in his appeal among Republicans, since he wins or places in primaries with pluralities that are well under 40 percent against that divided field. But the same might have been said of Mitt Romney when he faced a divided field four years ago. In Iowa, Romney got 24.6 percent of the caucus vote; Trump got 24.3 percent. In New Hampshire, Romney slightly outperformed Trump 39.3 percent versus 35.3 percent but New Hampshire was a state where Romney had a home. In South Carolina, Trumps 32.5 percent well exceeded Romney, who received 27.8 percent of the vote and lost to Newt Gingrich. The conviction in some quarters that Rubio can somehow overcome all this and save the GOP from Trump remains a mystery to me. On paper, its easy to see why Rubio is the only contender with a real shot at beating Trump: The numbers show that he draws his support from a wider swath of the party than Cruz and the other non-Trumps do. But thats only on paper. As Trump might say, winning requires actual winning. Rubio has yet to win a primary (though he may hold the record for making victory speeches after primary defeats). He has yet to dominate a debate (except by melting down in one). He has yet to reveal any substance beyond glib sound bites and empty boasts of foreign-policy experience. If he can be bullied into incoherence by Chris Christie, why should anyone expect him to be more successful in facing down the full artillery fire of Trump? Its telling that when Rubio arrived at the site of the next Republican contest, Nevada, Sunday night, he didnt mention or refer to front-runner Donald Trump even once in a 34-minute stump speech, according to the political reporter of The Wall Street Journal, Reid J. Epstein. One can already imagine the excruciating debate moments when Trump repeatedly hits Rubio on his propensity for sweating, much as he clobbered Bush on his low energy. Its hard to imagine how Rubio can turn this around in a timely fashion. Hes almost certain to lose to Trump in Nevada on Tuesday, despite the fact that Rubio lived there as a child. And, according to David Lightman of McClatchy, Rubio is ahead in the polls in only one of the 11 Super Tuesday states voting on March 1. The clock is ticking fast. By the end of March 15, when Rubios home state of Florida votes, about 60 percent of the GOP delegates will have been awarded. Florida is also a Trump home state, one might add, and that could be Rubios Waterloo. Obviously more than a few Republican hands have their own doubts about Rubios supposed path to victory, which is why Rudy Giuliani, Bob Dole, and the like have been toying with embracing Trump. The latest example of such a surrender is the longtime Bush family hand Nicolle Wallace. On MSNBC Saturday night, she called Trump political chemo for her party because he is the only cure for the cancer of the Washington Establishment. If Wallace, once George W. Bushs White House communications director, is sidling up to Trump now that Jeb is gone, and incongruously trash-talking the very Washington Establishment of which shes an archetypal example, its safe to assume that others in her camp are getting ready to jump on the Trump bandwagon as well, however opportunistically or cynically. Jeb Bushs campaign was predicated on a grave misreading by the Republican Establishment of what party voters would want. Hardly had Bush left the race before reports began to circulate of a Mitt Romney endorsement for Rubio. Would the endorsement of an Establishment figure like Romney bring Rubio any voters who arent already in his camp? The answer is no, but Id argue further that a Romney endorsement, should it happen, is a negative for Rubio. Republican primary voters look at Mitt and they see a squishy moderate who is everything they despise about Jeb (we can retire the exclamation point now) and more: a Wall Street plutocrat who lost what the partys base saw as an easy race against President Obama. Both Cruz and Trump will chomp at the bit to use a Romney endorsement to throw Rubio on the defensive at the next debate. And how long will it take for Trump to put up a commercial showing the Romneys kissing his ring in Vegas when Mitt came calling for his endorsement in 2012? Trump would have as much fun with this as he did with the Clintons command appearance at his last wedding. Some observers are attributing Bernie Sanderss loss in Nevada to his inability to tailor his message for the first caucus state with a strong minority population and a mix of urban and rural areas. Will we see him begin to alter his approach and try to expand his support? In the final countdown to the Nevada vote, Sanders was already trying to expand his support both by highlighting his own history with the civil-rights movement and addressing specific issues of high priority to African-Americans and Hispanics in the Democratic base. Without significant breakthroughs in those constituencies, who account for ever-larger swaths of the electorate in the primary states to come, theres no way he can derail Hillary Clinton. Sanderss Nevada loss though not by anything like the landslide amount that Clinton forces once predicted raises the question of whether his broadened focus might be too little, too late. Clinton supporters are right to believe that their candidate remains the overwhelming favorite to win her partys nomination, her New Hampshire setback notwithstanding. Her Nevada victory stanched the bleeding. But what should alarm Democrats is that the turnout at the Nevada caucuses dropped roughly a third from 2008. Democratic turnout could drop further if the devoted cadres who feel the Bern end up curbing their enthusiasm for a Hillary ticket in November. Though Hillary Clinton is in every way a superior candidate to Jeb Bush, she shares with him an inability to articulate a central message that will make her campaign a clarion call to the future rather than a nostalgia tour of her partys past. No, it wasnt the glasses. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images One byproduct of Jeb Bushs long, agonizing slide out of the 2016 presidential race is that, by the time he finally packed it in this weekend, plenty of postmortems had almost certainly been prewritten. Particularly thorough autopsies were offered yesterday by the Washington Posts OKeefe, Balz, and Gold and by Politicos Eli Stokols. The WaPo team emphasizes the wide gap between Jebs strategy and the mood of the Republican electorate, which wasnt much looking for the best resume and did not consider the Bush brand a plus. The Politico take is congruent, with, as one might expect, more insider details, including many fingers pointed at Sally Bradshaw, the longtime Jeb confidante who, they say, was unwilling to change the campaigns approach despite bright-red flashing signs that it wasnt working. But the more basic mistake that comes out in both accounts and cannot be shrugged off as a terrible accident that befell Jeb Bush was the belief rooted in both the public-science and punditry wings of the conventional-wisdom industry that the only things that matter during the long Invisible Primary before actual voting begins are locking up money, endorsements, and positioning. By the time the Bush campaign finally deigned to spend serious portions of its resources on voter communications, the candidate had already been defined by his opponents, especially the loudmouth all the smart people were writing off as an ephemeral distraction. Team Bushs attitude was publicly articulated by the candidate himself last September, as his public standing began its steady decline: Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who has persistently trailed Donald Trump and Ben Carson in the Republican presidential polls, is questioning the accuracy of them showing him way behind. These polls really dont matter, Bush said in an interview on Fox News Sunday. They dont filter out the people that arent going to vote. Its just an obsession, because it kind of frames the debate for people for that week. A month later, as donor grumbling became loud enough to penetrate even the most insular campaign, the guy handling all of Jebs money, Right to Rise super-pac director and alleged strategic genius Mike Murphy, granted an unusual two-part interview to Bloombergs Sasha Issenberg. It was designed to shame into silence anyone whod been stupid enough to pay attention to anything that had happened thus far. Murphy described Donald Trump as a zombie front-runner doomed to fade into irrelevance when voters tuned in, got their signals from elites, and thrilled to the rich symphony of Jebs philosophy, record, biography, and electable message. The irony, of course, is that by October of 2015 the term zombie best described the Bush campaign itself, pouring tens of millions of dollars a week into ads that did almost nothing. Jebs eleven-day reprieve from the political grave between the New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries, created almost entirely by Marco Rubios debate stumble in Bushs very best state, was like the scene in a zombie movie when the objectively dead ex-human lurches forward one last time in search of innocent flesh. In this respect, Stokolss account of a campaign that couldnt or wouldnt adjust to a political environment radically different from the one it anticipated rings true, whether you want to blame Bradshaw or Murphy or Bush himself. Future candidates, however, should go to school not just on Team Bushs misanalysis of the mood of the Republican base but also on its mistaken reliance on the many, many smart people telling us all that we can safely ignore whats happening on the campaign trail or in the polls early on. To the incessantly cited examples of Rudy Giuliani in 2008 and Herman Cain in 2012 showing that early poll leads are meaningless, we can now add the counter-examples of Donald Trump and Jeb Bush in this cycle. Trump passed Bush in national and early-state primary polls in July 2015 and never looked back. Turns out that Jebs Dont fire til you see the whites of their eyes philosophy left his flank open and exposed. And if there is one thing we have learned about Donald Trump, its that when he sees a weakness in an opponent, he moves on it. Antonin Scalia. Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images Ever since Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia died, theres been widespread debate over the proper way to reflect on his legacy, given that many progressive-minded people up to and including not particularly radical figures like Jeff Toobin believe that that legacy was rather harmful. Critics of Scalia pulled few punches in the days following his death, which generated a fair number of complaints about the propriety of speaking ill of the recently deceased. At Georgetown University, Scalias undergrad alma mater, a really interesting version of that debate is unfolding and its flipping a lefty campus-activist trope on its head. Conservative students, two law professors at Georgetown Law are arguing, have become traumatized, hurt, shaken and angry by one professors anti-Scalia opinions. As Scott Jaschik reports at Inside Higher Ed, the dispute began when both the law school and the main university sent out mass emails mourning Scalias death and highlighting his past visits to the school (hat tip to Twitter user @lessdismalsci for bringing this story to my attention). Law professor Gary Peller responded by sending out his own mass email in which he wrote that he imagined many other faculty, students and staff, particularly people of color, women and sexual minorities, cringed at headline [sic] and at the unmitigated praise of Scalia in the university statements. Peller said that the former justice was not a legal figure to be lionized or emulated by our students. He bullied lawyers, trafficked in personal humiliation of advocates and openly sided with the party of intolerance in the culture wars he often invoked. In my mind, he was not a giant in any good sense. Naturally, Pellers mass-email reply provoked a mass-email-reply reply, this time from Randy Barnett and Nick Rosenkranz, two law professors with a very different view of Scalias legacy. In addition to arguing, in rather lawyerly fashion, that Pellers email had violated school rules (they went through the proper procedure before sending theirs, they explained), Barnett and Rosenkranz attempted to raise awareness about what they saw as the potentially devastating impact Pellers email could have on the tender developing psyches of Georgetown Laws conservative students. Jaschik writes: They argued that the Peller email had a damaging impact on free exchange at the law school. They said that Pellers email insulted and scared students who are fans of Scalia by saying in effect, your hero was a stupid bigot and we are not sad that he is dead. Barnett and Rosenkranz continued, Although this email was upsetting to us, we could only imagine what it was like for these students. Some of them are twenty-two-year-old 1Ls, less than six months into their legal education. But we did not have to wait long to find out. Leaders of the Federalist Society chapter and of the student Republicans reached out to us to tell us how traumatized, hurt, shaken and angry were their fellow students. Of particular concern to them were the students who are in Professor Pellers class who must now attend class knowing of his contempt for Justice Scalia and his admirers, including them. How are they now to participate freely in class? What reasoning would be deemed acceptable on their exams? They closed their email, which is available here, by saying, Sadly, as just two professors on a faculty of 125, we are in no position to offer much reassurance to our students, beyond reporting that we have heard on the faculty email list, and privately, from a few of our Georgetown colleagues who objected to these messages. All we can do, really, is convey our solidarity with our wonderful students. We share your pain. We share your anger. We stand with you. You are not alone. Be strong as Justice Scalia was strong. Remember, he heard far worse about himself than we have, and yet never wavered in both his convictions and his joy for life. But make no mistake: civil discourse at Georgetown has suffered a grievous blow. It is a time for mourning indeed. Whats fascinating is the way Barnett and Rosenkranz are adopting campus lefty-speak in the service of a conservative argument. After all, while some of the concerns about trigger warnings and fragile college students are overstated, its undeniably true that within a segment of the campus left, a particularly high-strung idea about dissenting views has taken hold: namely, that dissenting views on hot-button issues dont just lead to bad policy but actually do psychological harm to students who are exposed to them, or even exposed to the knowledge that they are being expressed somewhere on campus. Barnett and Rosenkranz seem to be trying to tap into this idea with their encouragement of students to stay strong in the face of pain and anger and traumatization at one professors email. Whereas a traditionally conservative argument against criticizing Scalia would likely invoke the concept of respect for hallowed institutions like SCOTUS, or the norm of not speaking ill of the recently deceased, these law professors seem to be offering up an argument more tailored for the campus environment of 2016. John Kasich, governor of Ohio and 2016 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a campaign event at the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Photo: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg Finance LP/Getty Images John Kasich, winner of the 2016 Jon Huntsman Memorial Prize for most moderate candidate in the GOP field, has cut off all state funding to Planned Parenthood in Ohio. The governor signed a bill on Sunday that prohibits the Buckeye State from contracting with any entity that performs abortions. Although Planned Parenthood isnt named in the legislation, the law will deprive the organization of $1.3 million in funds, according to NBC News. State and federal laws already bar the direct use of public subsidies for abortive services. Now Ohio will bar Planned Parenthood from accessing such funds to perform breast-cancer screenings, STD testing, and any other form of womens health care. Over the course of the 2016 campaign, Kasich has become every liberals favorite Republican candidate. In a race where the GOP front-runner has spoken approvingly of mass-executing Muslims with bullets dipped in pigs blood, the Ohio governors refusal to scapegoat minority groups has made him seem hopelessly moderate. But on matters of reproductive health care, Kasich is actually more extreme than his partys most xenophobic war-crimes enthusiast Donald Trump recently said, Planned Parenthood does some wonderful things for womens health. Kasich has shuttered half of the abortion clinics in Ohio. Hes also described climate change as some theory thats not proven. And the governors chief fiscal proposal a balanced-budget amendment would risk throwing our economy into a perpetual recession. When Jeb Bush ended his campaign on Saturday, several liberal pundits mourned his partys rejection of such a reasonable, moderate voice. But Bushs moderation was largely rhetorical. On the policy front, the former Florida governor had called for reinstituting military torture, privatizing Medicare, and a bevy of new or intensified military interventions. Kasichs move to defund Planned Parenthood is a useful reminder that being the most moderate candidate in the Republican race doesnt count for much. The worlds largest miniature poodle is still a very small dog. A noun, a verb, and Bush is responsible for 9/11. Photo: Andrew Savulich/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images Donald Trump will finally be able to see the world through the eyes of an outer-borough authoritarian with a checkered sexual history. The Washington Post reports that former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani has become an informal adviser to the GOP front-runner. Weve been talking. Donald and me, Donald and a few other friends who know politics. He calls to check things out or Ill call him to say, Donald, youre going too far or What you said was great or maybe Change it a bit, Giuliani told the Posts Robert Costa on Sunday. There is candor and there is trust. By all appearances, Trump is using Giulianis advice as a guide for what not to do a strategy that makes some sense, considering Rudys 2008 presidential bid was a nearly Jeb!-level failure. The former New York mayor says hes spoken with the Donald three times in the past month, repeatedly advising him not to criticize George W. Bushs legacy on counterterrorism. In that time, Trump has accused Bush of lying America into the Iraq War and ignoring intelligence that could have prevented the 9/11 attacks (which, by the way, Saudi Arabia might have ordered). Giuliani did not disclose who else has been whispering in the moguls ear, but he said that a growing group of high-profile New York and Washington-based figures with deep GOP ties are now in regular communication with Trump. Arthur Laffer, the high priest of supply-side voodoo, met with the billionaire in the fall and said that he would happily provide economic advice to a Trump administration. The Donald took every last delegate out of South Carolina on Saturday, and leads the polls in 10 of the next 14 GOP primary contests. As the Trump train barrels toward the Republican nomination, expect other members of the GOP Establishment to quietly get onboard. Aftermath of a double car bombing this weekend in Homs. Photo: Stringer/AFP/Getty Images U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, announced on Monday that they have reached a cease-fire agreement in Syria. The cessation of hostilities in a war in which the Russians have backed President Bashar al-Assad and the United States has backed rebel forces trying to depose him that has taken 250,000 lives and created Europes worst-ever refugee crisis will begin on Saturday. The truce does not apply to fighting against the Islamic State or any group that has been deemed a terrorist organization. Vladimir Putin called it a real step that can stop the bloodshed. Russia has been pummeling Syrias largest City, Aleppo, with air strikes in recent weeks, trying to push back the rebels. Lavrov had, earlier this month, called for a cease-fire to begin on March 1. The U.S. pushed for an earlier cessation, one that would not allow Russia and its Syrian allies to make more territorial gains in the northern and southern parts of the country. (Americans got their way, a week ahead of the Russians preferred date.) The U.S. has slashed its $500 million covert support of Syrian rebels in the fight against Assad as its become evident that the mission isnt having much effect. Syria had a particularly bloody weekend, when multiple bombs in a southern district of Damascus killed at least 87 people on Sunday, and two car bombs killed at least 59 in Homs. A U.N. inquiry suggested on Monday that the conflict should be referred to the International Criminal Court in the Hague. If theres going to be a revolution, Bernie is going to need more revolutionaries. Photo: T.J. Kirkpatrick/Bloomberg Finance LP Speaking on Meet the Press Sunday, Bernie Sanders pinned his Saturday loss in Nevada on low turnout among Democratic caucusgoers. Indeed, only about 80,000 Democrats participated in the Nevada caucuses this year, roughly two-thirds the number that participated the last time around in 2008. Acknowledged Sanders in the interview, We will do well when young people, when working-class people come out. We do not do well when the voter turnout is not large. We did not do as good a job as I had wanted to bring out a large turnout. And Bernie isnt the only one making that point following the Nevada results. Even looking beyond Sanders vs. Hillary Clinton, conservatives are already getting a little giddy at the evidence of an enthusiasm gap: GOP voters again outpace '12 primaries (SC +17%), DEMS again trail 2008 (NV -31%)... Over 1st 3: GOP +22% / DEM -22% pic.twitter.com/ruQFoYwu7k Bruce Mehlman (@bpmehlman) February 21, 2016 Whether that gap persists remains to be seen, especially if someone like Trump or Cruz wins the Republican nomination and effectively scares the crap out of Democrats, but in the meantime, the immediate-term risk to Sanders candidacy and his campaigns central argument is real. Along those lines, Voxs Jeff Stein reminds us that Sanderss political revolution relies on the idea that Democrats need, and will then win, lasting revolutionary gains by engaging new lower and middle-income voters. Looking at the race so far, however, Stein argues that there isnt much proof that such a shift is underway: As Voxs Ezra Klein has written, Sanders thinks the core failure of Obamas presidency is its failure to convert voter enthusiasm in 2008 into a durable, mobilized organizing force beyond the election. Sanders vows to rectify this mistake by maintaining the energy from the campaign for subsequent fights against the corporate interests and in congressional and state elections. The relatively low voter turnout in the Democratic primary so far makes this more sweeping plan seem laughably implausible. Three states have voted, weve had countless debates and town halls, and theres been wall-to-wall media coverage for weeks. Sanders has drawn close to Clinton in the polls, and there are real stakes in a closely divided race. And yet we have little evidence that Sanders has actually activated a new force in electoral politics. If he cant match the excitement generated by Obama on the campaign trail, how can he promise to exceed it once in office? The New Yorkers Ryan Lizza is equally glass-half-empty about Sanderss chances: [T]heres been only one successful Democratic insurgency in recent decades Barack Obamas, in 2008 and Sanders is not on the same trajectory. There were two major components to Obamas success. First, Obama expanded the Democratic electorate. This started in Iowa, where turnout hit a record in 2008 when Obama attracted young voters, independents, and even Republicans to caucus for him. If the traditional Iowa electorate of a small number of older Democratic partisans had shown up, Clinton would have defeated Obama. After Obama won Iowa, he opened a crucial second front against Clinton when he began to win over non-white voters. Even after building that strong coalition, he barely defeated Clinton; depending on how you count, she ended up winning more over-all votes than Obama. Sanders has been expanding the electorate, but not by enough, and the over-all turnout numbers in 2016 are not meeting or exceeding the Obama milestones. Sanders is dominant with young people and political independents according to the latest figures, he won voters between the ages of eighteen and twenty-nine by eighty-two to fourteen in Nevada but its not enough to make up for his deficits among other groups. The Nevada results show Sanders is having trouble breaking into traditional Democratic constituencies, like African-Americans and older voters, especially among women. Clinton won African-Americans by seventy-six per cent to twenty-two per cent in Nevada. Voters over forty-five years old made up sixty-three per cent of the Nevada electorate, and Clinton won that group by more than two to one. Indeed, so far Clintons African-American firewall looks like exactly that, as FiveThirtyEights Harry Enten underlines: Clintons margin [among black voters in Nevada] is only slightly smaller than Barack Obamas 83 percent to 14 percent win with black voters in the 2008 Nevada caucuses. While the result wasnt unexpected given that pre-election polls showed Clinton dominant with black voters, Sanders spent a lot of money on television in the state. That Sanders couldnt close the gap with black voters with a big advertising push is a very ominous sign for his campaign. Many of the upcoming primaries will feature a much higher percentage of black voters than Nevada did. While only 13 percent of Nevada caucus-goers in 2016 were black, their share in South Carolina will be much higher (55 percent of South Carolina Democratic primary voters were black in 2008). Thats why Clinton is up by 25 percentage points in the South Carolina polls. Even beyond South Carolina, on Super Tuesday 63 percent of the delegates up for grabs will be in contests with a higher share of African-Americans than Nevada. Better yet for Clinton, 35 percent of delegates will be up for grabs in contests with at least double the share of African-Americans as Nevada. In 2008, 19 percent of voters in all Democratic primaries were black Clintons margin among black voters is a big advantage. Enten adds that based on the numbers seen on Saturday, Nevada is likely to be the first in a string of victories for her campaign. The Upshots Nate Cohn nods, noting that the way Clinton won Nevada suggests she has, despite Bernie Sanderss strength, maintained her national advantage: [J]udging Mr. Sanders merely by whether he makes life tough for Mrs. Clinton diminishes his candidacy. It assumes that hes just a protest candidate who should be judged by a lower standard. If he is taken seriously, and judged by whether hes on a path to the nomination, then his performance [Saturday] fell short [] Nevada was the third straight state where, because of demographics, one would have expected Mr. Sanders to fare better than the national average. In terms of the Democratic primary electorate, the black voter share in the state is below the national average. If African-Americans are the principal source of Mrs. Clintons national advantage, as her strength with them today and her modest showing among Hispanic voters suggest, then she should be expected to fare better elsewhere. Going even further, Slates Jamelle Bouie resurrects the notion of an inevitable win for Clinton: The Clinton campaign believes that Sanders strength and enthusiasm is illusory; that it reflects the peculiar demographics of Iowa and New Hampshire rural states with few minorities more than any pro-Bernie tide in the Democratic Party. Nevada, in other words, was a test. If Clinton lost, then it presaged a tighter race in South Carolina and beyond, and possibly one that ended with a Sanders nomination. Now, instead, we have a race that essentially looks like it did in the beginning of the year. Clinton has the advantage, and barring a catastrophic decline with black voters, shell march steadily to the nomination. He nonetheless posits that the race isnt over, either: Sanders is still a formidable candidate. He will win additional contests and demonstrate the extent to which he or at least, his ideology is the future of the Democratic Party. To that point, Sanders continues to excel with young voters, including non-whites. In exit polls, Sanders won 68 percent of non-white voters under 45. Clinton will continue to have to respond to Sanders challenge and reach out to these supporters. Despite a clearer path to the nomination, she cannot be complacent. In all likelihood, this primary season will end with a Clinton who has moved even further to the left, adopting some of Sanders approach and even his rhetoric. Lastly, echoing that point, Voxs Matt Yglesias wonders if democratic socialism is actually whats winning, both because of but also instead of Sanders: Who among us is a natural born citizen? (Hint: Rubio.) Photo: Spencer Platt/2016 Getty Images This weekend, the GOP presidential primary actually became a three-man race, and Donald Trump suddenly realized that hed forgotten to hit one of his two top rivals with birther accusations. As hes wont to do, Trump kicked off the Rubio-bashing with a retweet: "@ResisTyr: Mr.Trump...BOTH Cruz AND Rubio are ineligible to be POTUS! It's a SLAM DUNK CASE!! Check it! https://t.co/NjqWP0pP6X" Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2016 When asked about the insinuation Sunday on ABCs This Week With George Stephanopoulos, Trump suggested he was still mainly concerned with whether Ted Cruz, who was born in Canada to an American mother, counts as a natural born citizen. It was a retweet not so much with Marco, he said. I mean, let people make their own determination. Ive never looked at it, George, Trump continued. I honestly have never looked at it. As somebody said, hes not. And I retweeted it. I have 14 million people between Twitter and Facebook and Instagram, and I retweet things and we start dialogue and its very interesting. As youll recall, the controversy over whether Cruz is eligible to run for president, which is now the subject of several legal complaints, began with Trump merely asking questions. While the matter of Cruzs eligibility has not been settled, despite what the Texas senator claims, its pretty clear that Rubio is a natural born citizen. He was born in Miami, but both of his parents are Cubans who became naturalized U.S. citizens later in life. As the term natural born citizen is not defined in the Constitution, committed birthers have been questioning Rubios citizenship for years however the arguments against his eligibility are even more convoluted than those against Cruz. Rubio dismissed the allegations on This Week, saying, Look, this is a pattern. This is a game he plays. He says something thats edgy and outrageous and then the media flocks and covers that and then no one else can get any coverage on anything else. And even the other candidates agree with Rubio. Its a very different thing, said one of his GOP rivals. [Rubio] was born here. He was born on the land. Ted was not born on the land, and theres a very strict reading that you have to be born on the land. That quote is actually from an interview Trump did with CNN back in January, but as the front-runner has explained, its wrong to hold him accountable for things hes said in the past. The Justices of the US Supreme Court sit for their official photograph on October 8, 2010 at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC. Illustration: Darrow At about 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, the San Antonio Express-News reported that Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia had died. Within minutes before the rest of the country even knew for certain whether the report was correct the gears of conservative activism had begun to turn. If Scalia has actually passed away, tweeted Sean Davis, a former Republican staffer and co-founder of the conservative publication The Federalist, at 5:52, the Senate must refuse to confirm any justices in 2016 and leave the nomination to the next president. At 5:53, conservative activist Phil Kerpen tweeted, Senate must keep vacant past election. At 5:56, Conn Carroll, the communications director for Republican senator Mike Lee, was already certain this position would prevail, writing, What is less than zero? The chances of Obama successfully appointing a Supreme Court Justice to replace Scalia? By 6:20, less than two hours after the first reports of Scalias death, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had issued an official statement declaring, This vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president. The world changes fast these days, but it doesnt change that fast. In reality, the old order the only one weve known, in which custom dictates that presidents have a right to fill Supreme Court vacancies with a justice who has at least somewhat friendly views had already disappeared. Scalias death revealed the tectonic shifts that have taken place beneath our feet. It was the demise not only of a towering justice, or even of his slender majority, but of the institutions ancient and inviolable standing in political life. Though the Republican presidential candidates who gathered to debate that evening defended the McConnell position with impressive-sounding specifics, those specifics, characteristically, turned out to be wrong. Obama is not a lame-duck president, as Marco Rubio had it. (The country hasnt yet chosen a successor.) There havent been 80 years of precedent of not confirming Supreme Court justices in an election year, as Ted Cruz claimed. (The Senate confirmed Anthony Kennedy in 1988.) Donald Trump, also characteristically, did not even bother with the pretense of moral justification for denying any Obama pick: Its called delay, delay, delay, he said, once again discomfiting professional Republicans by saying what their voters are actually thinking. The Constitutions instructions that the Senate advise and consent on nominees to the courts and the executive branch has meant different things at different times. Sometimes, the Senate has given the president wide latitude to appoint justices of a similar bent. As McConnell wrote in a 1970 law-review article, The President is presumably elected by the people to carry out a program and altering the ideological directions of the Supreme Court would seem to be a perfectly legitimate part of a presidential platform. Other times, the Senate has withheld its consent from nominees deemed too extreme though no party had yet proposed or adopted blanket opposition to any nominee from the opposing party, until now. But while the Republican blockade may lack any precedent, it, too, is probably well within the law. This is the problem. Americans like to imagine our form of government as a perfectly designed system of checks and balances that prevents any one branch from abusing its power. In fact, as the late Spanish political scientist Juan Linz pointed out a quarter-century ago, presidential systems nearly always collapse. Linz attributed Americas unusual ability to make its presidential system operate without violent coups to its weak, ideologically overlapping parties. But that signal observation, which was true when Linz made it, has grown less true over time, as the Democrats have moved somewhat leftward and the Republican Party has lurched far to the right. It turns out that what has held together American government is less the elaborate rules hammered out by the guys in the wigs in 1789 than a series of social norms that have begun to disintegrate. Senate filibusters were supposed to be rare, until they became routine. They werent supposed to be applied to judicial nominations, then they were. The Senate majority would never dream of changing the rules to limit the filibuster; the minority party would never plan to withhold all support from the president even before he took office; it would never threaten to default on the debt to extort concessions from the president. And then all of this happened. Though Obamas public (and perhaps private) position is that he will persuade the Senate to confirm someone with an outstanding legal mind, this is highly unlikely. A handful of purple-state Republican senators have made conciliatory noises, but it would require 14 Republicans to join with all 46 Democrats to overcome a filibuster of an Obama Court nominee. Far more revealing was a statement from Paul Ryan, who, as Speaker of the House, lacks any formal role in confirming judicial nominations but remains his partys most influential strategist and theoretician. The Court, he wrote, is not an extension of the White House. Congress, as an equal branch, has every right not to confirm someone. Here, Ryan is treating a Supreme Court nomination as tantamount to a piece of legislation: The president is entitled no deference at all. Mere respect for the presidency isnt going to make a Senate controlled by the opposing party confirm a Supreme Court justice any more than its going to make it pass a health-care bill. The era of parties letting the other side win on anything is over. The Ryan Rule is going to prevail. If Hillary Clinton wins in November and Republicans retain the Senate, they may feel shamed by their promises to let the voters decide the Courts next nominee and give her a justice. Or maybe not maybe some dastardly Clinton campaign tactic, or reports of voter fraud on Fox News, will make them rescind their promise. The Supreme Court could remain deadlocked at 4-4 for the remainder of her term, causing federal rulings to pile up and further fracturing the country into liberal and conservative zones with dramatically different constitutional interpretations. On some of the most contentious issues, there would be, effectively, no Supreme Court at all. If Republicans win the White House and retain the Senate, Democrats would regard Scalias vacated seat as rightfully theirs and oppose any nomination. This will cause Republicans to abolish the filibuster altogether; then they will fill the seat, solidifying their control over all three branches of government. A world in which Supreme Court justices are appointed only when one party has both the White House and the needed votes in Congress would look very different from anything in modern history. Vacancies would be commonplace and potentially last for years. When a party does break the stalemate, it might have the chance to fill two, three, four seats at once. The Courts standing as a prize to be won in the polls would further batter its sagging reputation as the final word on American law. How could the Courts nonpolitical image survive when its orientation swings back and forth so quickly? And given that the Court can affect the outcome of elections directly (like it did in Bush v. Gore) or indirectly (by ruling on the legality of partisan redistricting schemes, laws designed to inhibit voting by marginal constituencies, campaign-finance regulations, or labors ability to organize politically), with every election, the stakes will rise and rise. The Supreme Court is a strange, Oz-like construction. It has no army or democratic mandate. Its legitimacy resides in its aura of being something grander and more trustworthy than a smaller Senate whose members enjoy lifetime appointments. In the new world, where seating a justice is exactly like passing a law, whether the Court can continue to carry out this function is a question nobody can answer with any confidence. *This article appears in the February 22, 2016 issue of New York Magazine. Photo: Bobby Doherty By the time I walked down the aisle or rather, into a judges chambers in 2010, at the age of 35, I had lived 14 independent, early-adult years that my mother had spent married. I had made friends and fallen out with friends, had moved in and out of apartments, had been hired, fired, promoted, and quit. I had had roommates and I had lived on my own; Id been on several forms of birth control and navigated a few serious medical questions; Id paid my own bills and failed to pay my own bills; Id fallen in love and fallen out of love and spent five consecutive years with nary a fling. Id learned my way around new neighborhoods, felt scared and felt completely at home; Id been heartbroken, afraid, jubilant, and bored. I was a grown-up: a reasonably complicated person. Id become that person not in the company of any one man, but alongside my friends, my family, my city, my work, and, simply, by myself. I was not alone. In 2009, the proportion of American women who were married dropped below 50 percent. In other words, for the first time in American history, single women (including those who were never married, widowed, divorced, or separated) outnumbered married women. Perhaps even more strikingly, the number of adults younger than 34 who had never married was up to 46 percent, rising 12 percentage points in less than a decade. For women under 30, the likelihood of being married has become astonishingly small: Today, only around 20 percent of Americans ages 1829 are wed, compared to nearly 60 percent in 1960 It is a radical upheaval, a national reckoning with massive social and political implications. Across classes, and races, we are seeing a wholesale revision of what female life might entail. We are living through the invention of independent female adulthood as a norm, not an aberration, and the creation of an entirely new population: adult women who are no longer economically, socially, sexually, or reproductively dependent on or defined by the men they marry. This reorganization of our citizenry, unlike the social movements that preceded it and made it possible from abolition and suffrage and labor fights of the 19th and early-20th centuries to the civil-rights, womens, and gay-rights movements of the mid-20th century is not a self-consciously politicized event. Todays women are, for the most part, not abstaining from or delaying marriage to prove a point about equality. They are doing it because they have internalized assumptions that just a half-century ago would have seemed radical: that its okay for them not to be married; that they are whole people able to live full professional, economic, social, sexual, and parental lives on their own if they dont happen to meet a person to whom they want to legally bind themselves. The most radical of feminist ideasthe disestablishment of marriage has been so widely embraced as to have become habit, drained of its political intent but ever-more potent insofar as it has refashioned the course of average female life. I am not arguing that singleness is in and of itself a better or more desirable state than coupledom. Many single women, across classes and races, would like to marry or at least form loving, reciprocal, long-term partnerships, and many of them do, partnering or cohabiting without actually marrying. Still, the rise of the single woman is an exciting turn of historical events because it entails a complete rethinking of who women are and what family is and who holds dominion within it and outside it. (It might seem as though the journey toward legal marriage for gays and lesbians is at odds with this trend, but it is part of the same dismantlement of the power structure on which the traditional institution was built.) Beyond whether you regard this shift as dangerous or thrilling, it is having a profound effect on our politics. While they are not often credited for it, single womens changed circumstances are whats driving a political agenda that seems to become more progressive every day. The practicalities of female life independent of marriage give rise to demands for pay equity, paid family leave, a higher minimum wage, universal pre-K, lowered college costs, more affordable health care, and broadly accessible reproductive rights; many of these are issues that have, for years, been considered too risky to be central to mainstream Democratic conversation, yet they are policies today supported by both Democratic candidates for president. Single women are also becoming more and more powerful as a voting demographic. In 2012, unmarried women made up a remarkable 23 percent of the electorate. Almost a quarter of votes in the last presidential election were cast by women without spouses, up three points from just four years earlier. According to Page Gardner, founder of the Voter Participation Center, in the 2012 presidential election, unmarried women drove turnout in practically every demographic, making up almost 40 percent of the African-American population, close to 30 percent of the Latino population, and about a third of all young voters. Perhaps more dramatically than any other voting block, unmarried women comprising as they do other liberal-voting groups including young women and women of color lean left. Way left. Single women voted for Barack Obama by a wide margin in 2012 67 to 31 percent while married women (who tend to be older and whiter) voted for Romney. And unmarried womens political leanings are not, as has been surmised in some quarters, attributable solely to racial diversity. According to polling firm Lake Research Partners, while white women as a whole voted for Romney over Obama, unmarried white women chose Obama over Romney by a margin of 49.4 percent to 38.9 percent. In 2013, columnist Jonathan Last wrote about a study of how women ages 25 to 30 voted in the 2000 election. It turned out, Last wrote in The Weekly Standard, that the marriage rate for these women was a greater influence on vote choice than any other variable. All of this prompts the question of how marital status might affect womens voting patterns in 2016. This would have been a critically important election for this constituency even without a Supreme Court seat potentially hanging in the balance, but the sudden death of Antonin Scalia puts an even finer point on it. The cases brought before the court, and the decisions rendered, will be tightly wound up with questions of womens independence in America: womens ability to control their reproduction, to seek redress from workplace discrimination and benefit from programs like affirmative action that bolster their ability to pursue equal opportunities; the rights of poor women and women of color to vote easilythese are the issues that will be decided by the court in the coming decades, and thus at some level by this election. So far, any affinity single women may feel with Hillary Clinton is being trumped by the aspirationally progressive vision of Bernie Sanders. Young women young single women, at least the predominantly white ones who have so far cast their votes have broken for him in startling numbers in both the Iowa and New Hampshire contests. In New Hampshire, according to exit polls, Sanders beat Clinton by 11 points with women and by 26 points with single women. Some of this is attributable to the disheveled charm and righteous anger of the socialist senator, and some to Clintons difficulty running an inspiring campaign. But much of it may also have to do with the fact that single women living their lives outside of the institution around which tax, housing, and social policies were designed have a set of needs that has yet to be met by government. Ironically, Clinton has been in the weeds on some of these issues health-care reform, childrens health insurance, early-childhood education for much of her career. But perhaps because of that, she can seem less optimistic than her opponent: I dont think, politically, we could get it now, said Clinton of paid leave just two years ago, a sign both of how improbable these policy changes have seemed until very recently and of her battle-scarred pragmatism. The question, in this year of the single woman, is whether the first truly plausible female presidential candidate can recognize how much her constituency has changed and capitalize on these changes, or if she will get overtaken by this growing group of independent women voters responding to more optimistic promises. This is not the first time that single women have had such a dramatic impact on the country. In fact, wherever you find increasing numbers of single women in history, you find change. In the 19th century, when the casualties of the Civil War and drain of men to the American West upset the gender ratio, marriage rates for middle-class white women on the East Coast plunged and marriage ages rose. Unburdened of the responsibilities of wifeliness and motherhood, many of these women did what women have long been trained to do: throw themselves into service to community, in this case reform movements. Many, though by no means all, of those who led the fights for abolition and suffrage and against lynching, who founded and ran the new colleges for women (Mount Holyoke, Smith, Spelman), who were pioneers in new fields including nursing and medicine, were unmarried. Susan B. Anthony; Sarah Grimke; Jane Addams; Alice Paul; Catharine Beecher; Elizabeth Blackwell: None of these women had husbands. Many more activists had marriages that were unconventional for the time brief, open, or entered into late, after the women had established themselves economically or professionally. These women had a hand in rewriting the Constitution via the 14th, 15th, 18th, 19th, and 21st Amendments. So great was this wave of change that in the early-to-mid-20th century, there was a cultural backlash, from the pathologizing of single life to the encouraging of early heterosexual pairing through dating. Even Teddy Roosevelt, as part of his campaign against race suicide, railed at single middle-class white women for failing to reproduce at high rates: A race is worthless, he proclaimed, if women cease to breed freely. By the mid-20th century, the patriotic step-back of women from the workforce after World War II ushered in a whole new brand of enforced marital domesticity, largely supported by the government. Thanks to the GI Bill, returning veterans (or at least white veterans, who were far more likely to be admitted to universities) were eligible for college educations that could propel them into the coalescing middle class. Meanwhile, the federal government underwrote loans and built up a suburban infrastructure that would house the millions of children American women were busy making. It was a neat, elliptical system. Advertisers sold both women and men on an old cult-of-domesticity-era ideal: that the highest female calling was the maintenance of a domestic sanctuary for men on whom they would depend economically. In order to care for the home, these women would rely on new products, like vacuum cleaners and washing machines, sales of which would in turn line the pockets of the husbands who ran the companies that provided these goods. The push was not simply for women to marry but to marry early, before gaining a taste for independent life. A 1949 American Social Hygiene Association pamphlet advised that Marriage is better late than never. But early marriage gives more opportunity for happy comradeship for having and training children promoting family life as a community asset, and observing ones grandchildren start their careers. By the end of the 1950s, around 60 percent of female students were dropping out of college, either to marry or because the media blitz and realignment of expectations led them to believe that further education would inhibit their chances of finding a husband. In his 1957 Harpers piece American Youth Goes Monogamous, Charles Cole, president of Amherst College, wrote that a girl who gets as far as her junior year in college without having acquired a man is thought to be in grave danger of becoming an old maid. In these years, around half of brides were younger than 20, and 14 million women were engaged by the time they were 17. But as white women married in greater numbers and at younger ages, African-American marriage rates began to decrease. By 1970, black women were not marrying nearly as often or as early as their white counterparts. It was nothing so benign as coincidence. The economic benefits extended to the white middle class, both during the New Deal and in the postWorld War II years, did not extend to African-Americans. Social Security, created in 1935, did not apply to either domestic laborers or to agricultural workers. Discriminatory hiring practices, the low percentages of black workers in the countrys newly strengthened labor unions, and the persistent racial wage gap, along with the fact that many colleges barred the admission of black students, meant that returning black servicemen had a far harder time taking advantage of the GI Bills promise of college education. And the suburbs that bloomed around American cities after the war were built almost entirely for white families. These maneuverings cemented a cycle of economic disadvantage that made marriage especially the traditionally patriarchal marriages that white women were being shooed into less practical. If black women were working all day (often scrubbing the homes of white women), it was impossible for them also to fulfill the at-home maternal ideal that white women were being celebrated for. If black men had a harder time getting educations and jobs, earning competitive wages or securing loans, it was harder for them to play the role of provider. If there were no government-subsidized split-levels to fill with publicly educated children, then the nuclear family chute into which white women were being funneled was not open to most black women. Its not that black women simply happened not to experience mid-50s domesticity; they were actively barred from it, trapped in another way walled off in underserved neighborhoods by highways that shuttled fairly remunerated white husbands back to wives who themselves had been walled off in well-manicured, stultifying suburbs. The civil-rights and womens-rights movements, along with the sexual revolution of the late-20th century, led to enormous legislative and judicial gains for women, married and single, of course. But maddeningly, even as women have moved closer to equal professional participation, educational advancement, and sexual liberation and thus have made marriage itself a better, more equitable institution, remnants of the 50s-era social contract remain. Marriage still enhances mens professional standing and has the opposite impact on womens. A 2010 survey by the American Historical Association showed that it took, on average, a married female historian 7.8 years to become full professors, compared with the 6.7 years it took a single woman to earn the same promotion. For men, the pattern was reversed: Unmarried men became full professors in 6.4 years, compared with the 5.9 years it took men with wives at home. For men, marriage, and presumably the domestic support derived from wives, boosted professional focus. For women, the lack of marriage and its attendant responsibilities is what allowed them to move ahead at a faster clip. Less surprising, but still maddening, is that the same patterns apply to having children. Sociologist Michelle Budig has been studying the gendered wage gap between parents for years and, in 2014, found based on data from 1979 to 2006 that, on average, men saw a 6 percent increase in earnings after becoming fathers; in contrast, womens wages decreased 4 percent for every child. The gap narrows significantly for women in upper-echelon professionsalso the population that tends to marry later, after careers have become more established. But another 2014 study of Harvard Business School graduates (as high-flying as it gets) found that even well-remunerated, super-educated wives werent meeting their professional or economic goals, largely because, despite having comparable educations and ambitions, those women were allowing their husbands careers to come before their own. Only 7 percent of female Generation-X HBS graduates said that they expected their careers to take precedence over their husbands. More than 60 percent of Gen-X men surveyed said that they expected their careers to be the top priority. Eighty-six percent of Gen-X and baby-boomer men said that their wives did most of the child care. Is it any wonder that women are not rushing down the aisle? Today, marriage delay is a move that women are making across the country and across classes, in both unconscious and very conscious ways, and the economic impact is clear. In 2013, Pew released Census data revealing that, in the words of the report, todays young women are the first in modern history to start their work lives at near parity with men. In 2012, among workers ages 25 to 34, womens hourly earnings were 93 percent of those of men. Those workers represent the very same generation of women who are remaining unmarried for longer than ever before. Remaining unmarried through some portion of early adulthood, especially for college-educated women, is intimately linked with making money. The Knot Yet Report, published in 2013, revealed that a college-educated woman who delays marriage until her 30s will earn $18,000 more per year than an equivalently educated woman who marries in her 20s. Women without college degrees also gain a wage premium if they delay marriage into their 30s, though only an average of $4,000 a year. (Both college-educated and non-college-educated men earn more money if they marry early.) Whether they know these statistics consciously, many American women understand them instinctively. Academic drive, the urge to capitalize on educational opportunity, a plan to put off distracting romantic entanglement, all with the conscious desire to make later independence possible: These motivations were mentioned by nearly every one of the college students or recent graduates I interviewed. I know it sounds hyperbolic, said Amanda Litman, who was a senior at Northwestern University when I spoke with her, but I mean it when I say that getting married right now would ruin my life. I want freedom. I want the chance to pick up and move to a new city for a new job or for adventure, without having to worry about a spouse or a family. I need to be able to stay at the office until three in the morning if I have to and not care about putting dinner on the table. The reasoning of low-income women who delay or abstain from marriage is not so different from the reasoning of their privileged peers, though the resources they have are far less, the alternative opportunities far more limited. Across classes, women are living more years independent of marriage both because it is now possible to do so, and because it is often the emotionally and economically more sensible choice. In 2012, Barack Obamas campaign released a bit of propaganda that featured a cartoon figure named Julia. Julia was born, earned a college degree, had a career and a child, thanks, in part, to the aid of government-sponsored programs. According to Julias bare-bones time line, her life did not include marriage. Conservatives went bananas. One Washington Post op-ed writer called her Mary Tyler Moore on the governments dime; lamented that while single parenthood used to be a disgraceful state, single mothers now present a new and proud American demographic; and described a world in which independent women receive from their government a pitiable hubby state in which missing husbands are replaced by Uncle Sam. During the lead-up to the 2014 midterms, Fox News pundit Jesse Watters opined that single women depend on government because theyre not depending on their husbands. They need things like contraception, health care, and they love to talk about equal pay. Conservative pundit Phyllis Schlafly went so far as to claim in 2012 that President Obama was working to keep women unmarried by giving away so many social services to them. President Obama is simply trying to promote more dependency on government handouts because he knows that is his constituency, Schlafly said. The notion that what the powerful, growing population of unmarried American women needs from the government is a husband (or a gynecologist, as was the case with one horrifying 2013 Koch-funded anti-Obamacare ad that featured a grotesque Uncle Sam popping up leeringly from a pelvic exam) is of course problematic. It reduces all relationships women have to marital, sexual, hetero ones and suggests that they are, by nature, dependent beings, in search of someoneif not a husband then an elected official or a set of public policies to support or care for them. Whether or not single women are looking for government to create a hubby state for them, what is certainly true is that their (white) male counterparts have long enjoyed the fruits of a related wifey state, in which the government has supported (white) male independence in a variety of ways. Its hard for us to recognize this, since it has been the norm for so long and here, its useful to recall Elizabeth Warrens stirring You didnt build that speech, in which she pointed out that there is nobody in this country who got rich on his own nobody. Men, especially married wealthy white men, have for generations relied on government assistance. Its the government that has historically supported white mens home and business ownership through grants, loans, incentives, and tax breaks. It has allowed them to accrue wealth and offered them shortcuts and bonuses for passing it down to their children. Government established white mens right to vote, and thus exert control over the government, at the nations founding and has protected their enfranchisement since. It has also bolstered the economic and professional prospects of men by depressing the economic prospects of women. In other words, by failing to offer women equivalent economic and civic protections, thus helping to create conditions whereby they were forced to be dependent on those men, the government established a gendered class of laborers who took low-paying or unpaid jobs doing the domestic and child-care work that further enabled men to dominate public spheres. Our civic institutions both reinforce and determine these historic assumptions: Consider that school days end in the mid-afternoon and let out for protracted summer vacations. Who is meant to care for those children if we do not subsidize child care? Women. Women who our institutions presume do not have jobs that extend till five, till six, or into overnight double shifts. Women the nation still assumes to be married, even though they are not and even though marriage itself continues contra the conservative dogma that it is a cure for poverty to hobble womens chances at equality in lingering ways. This is why the expansion of the population of unmarried women across classes signals a social and political rupture as profound as the invention of birth control, as the sexual revolution, as the abolition of slavery, as womens suffrage, and as the womens-rights, civil-rights, gay-rights, and labor movements that made this reordering of society possible. By their very growing presence, single women are asking for a new deal from their government. The Democratic platform, suddenly more liberal than it has been in a generation, is more liberal largely in response to this new segment of the American population. Raising the minimum wage? Two-thirds of minimum-wage workers are women. Forty percent of working single mothers would benefit directly from an increase in the minimum wage, according to the National Womens Law Center. Paid family leave, a third-rail issue for decades, now back in conversation? Well, it would benefit all families, but especially struggling single mothers; so would the government-subsidized early-education programs touted by both Clinton and Sanders. Paid-sick-day legislation is fundamental to a world in which women are primary earners and no one is home to care for sick children or elderly family members. Promises of free college and lowered student debt likely appeal to the women who now outnumber men on college campuses. The Hyde Amendment, which prohibits the use of federal funds for those women seeking abortion, has gone largely unchallenged by mainstream Democrats for decades. But in Congress, California representative Barbara Lee has proposed a bill that would reverse it, and Hillary Clinton recently became the first mainstream Democratic presidential candidate in history to campaign vocally for its reversal on the grounds that it is a restriction that disproportionately limits the ability of poor women of color to exercise their reproductive rights and make decisions about whether and when to have children. Even criminal-justice reform and jobs programs intersect with changed marriage patterns in the U.S., since low-income men of color are far more likely to be unemployed or incarcerated than their white peers, which makes it difficult for them to provide stability as marital partners. In the context of the presidential primary, its Sanders who has become emblematic of the leftward inclinations of a changing party and especially its younger members. But the movement that has undergirded much of what we now perceive on the presidential stage as a leftward lurch has been building for more than a decade. If you were to take a step back and look at whats going on in American social and labor policy over the past decade where weve actually moved forward and made on-the-ground wins, its with stuff that addresses changing marriage patterns and attendant work-life conflicts, says Heather Boushey, chief economist at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, and author of Finding Time: The Economics of Work-Life Conflict. But whats stunning, she adds, is how little we talk about unmarried women as the driving force behind these changes. Boushey, who has advised Clinton, points to California, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, states that now mandate paid family leave for (nearly) every citizen, legislation that could soon pass in New York State and that Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is pushing federally as the FAMILY Act. She also notes significant progress at the city level on paid-sick-day programs, universal pre-K, and anti-caregiver-discrimination policies. What this community of advocates has achieved is remarkable, says Boushey of those activists and politicians including Gillibrand, Rosa DeLauro, Warren, Nancy Pelosi, Patty Murray, Clinton whove been pressing these issues for more than a decade. But the reason theyre able to do it is that they address whats really going on in America: a change in families and in womens labor participation. The activists fighting for those women are leading. Sanders is following them. To some feminists, there is bitter irony in the fact that Sanders, a 74-year-old white man from Vermont who has committed himself for decades to fighting economic inequality but who has not put himself at the center of fights for things like paid sick days or family leave, has become the symbol of a move toward a social-democratic model of government that would better serve Americas independent women. That unmarried women are not rallying around Clinton, who not so long ago was one of the most visible symbols of threateningly powerful womanhood in America and who has devoted a significant chunk of her career to issues of early-childhood education and health-care reform, is somewhat baffling. But remember, this is not a symbolically motivated movement. Single women may not be looking for a feminist hero; they may just want their affordable college, higher wages, and paid sick days. A January poll released by National Partnership for Women & Families revealed that 68 percent of unmarried women (compared with 52 percent of all likely voters) believed an elected official who supported new paid-leave laws would be more likely to understand their needs. While Clinton and Sanders both support this legislation, and Clinton has talked about it more often, those who have voted so far have heard Bernie making more robustly progressive economic promises. And they seem to believe him more. The apparent lack of trust in Clinton reflects that there is perhaps no politician who has suffered more for having been a wife. Yes, by many measures, Clintons role as First Lady launched her political career. But could there be any grimmer emblem of the tolls of the traditional marriage than the fact that Hillary is now picking up the tab for a decade of her partys policies during which she was not an elected official but a spouse? The 1990s, after all, was the decade in which women began altering marriage patterns dramatically, threateningly. (Remember Dan Quayle berating Murphy Brown?) So much of the compromised legislation enacted in that period was overdetermined by anxieties about changing gender roles, including the odious reform of welfare, which on the one hand treated all women as workers yet failed to provide them with support and sent many of them deeper into poverty. And then there was the 1994 omnibus crime bill, which, as Michelle Alexander wrote in The New Jim Crow, worked to create a criminal-justice system that relegates black men to a permanent undercaste. The blame for the fates of black men has also long been laid at the feet of single mothers, whom politicians from Daniel Patrick Moynihan to Mitt Romney to Jeb Bush have singled out as having upended the American family, creating social chaos and lawlessness. Yet the men who wrote, signed, and voted for this legislation Bill Clinton, Al Gore, John Kerry, Joe Biden, even Sanders, who voted for the crime bill have not been made to pay for it politically. The person who is currently being asked to answer for it all is the woman who spent those years as a (too) supportive wife, who spoke volubly and troublingly in defense of her husbands legislation, but played no official role in enacting it. Beyond Clinton, there is another generation of women politicians whose own lives have played out along new models. Theres Gillibrand, married in her mid-30s, who sat through a 13-hour Armed Services Committee hearing hours before delivering her son at age 41; Donna Edwards, a single mother currently running for the Senate in Maryland; Kamala Harris, married for the first time at 49 and running to fill Barbara Boxers Senate seat in California; Lucy Flores, running for the House in Nevada, single at 36 and open about the abortion she had as a teenager; Nanette Barragan, running for Congress in California, single; Zephyr Teachout, running for Congress in New York, single; two of EMILYs Lists rising political stars, Georgia legislator Stacey Abrams, single, and Boston city councilwoman Ayanna Pressley, married at age 40. It doesnt necessarily take a woman to push legislation that benefits single women, but these women, by sheer dint of personal experience, will have a better perspective on the new approaches to social policy that this new population of women requires. Whether Sanders or Clinton is the Democratic nominee this year, single women are likely to overwhelmingly vote for either one of them over any Republican candidate, according to pollsters. Republicans have made wan attempts to appeal to unmarried women remember the gubernatorial Say Yes to the Candidate ads that featured young voters engaging in electoral choices as if they were on a reality-show wedding-dress-shopping spree? But they have mostly retreated to shaming and attempting to punish single women, as when Rand Paul suggested in 2014 capping welfare benefits for women who have children out of wedlock, or Rush Limbaugh referred to unmarried law student Sandra Fluke as a slut and a prostitute after her testimony in support of mandating birth-control coverage. But how much of an impact single women will have on this election and on public policy in the years to come depends, in large part, on whether they begin to recognize their growing political power. Part of this is simply a matter of getting out the vote. According to Page Gardner, in 2016, for the first time in history, a majority of women voters are projected to be unmarried, but going into the previous presidential-election season, nearly 40 percent of them had not registered to vote. This is partly because of the very obstacles that single women need social policy to account for: Many are low-earning single parents with erratic schedules, low wages, few child-care options, and no time to wait in lines at polling places where conservative lawmakers have made voting difficult and time consuming. There is also the question of whether this vastly disparate group that runs the gamut of race and class and has largely defied the pull of identity politics can be unified and politically activated around its remarkably common needs. The independent woman, both high earning and low earning, looks into her future and sees decades, or even a lifetime, lived outside marriage, in which she will be responsible for both earning wages and doing her own domestic labor. This is the new social compact that she requires: stronger equal-pay protections that guarantee womens labor will not be discounted because of leftover assumptions that they are likely to be supported by husbands; a higher federally mandated minimum wage, which would help to alleviate the burdens of poverty on Americas hardest and least-well-remunerated workers; a national health-care system that covers reproductive intervention, so that those who want to terminate pregnancies or have babies on their own or wait until they are older to do so are able to avail themselves of the best medical technologies; more affordable housing for single people, perhaps subsidized and with attendant tax breaks for single dwellers who choose to live in smaller, environmentally friendly spaces; criminal-justice reforms that address and correct the injustices of our contemporary carceral state; government-subsidized day-care programs; federally mandated paid family leave for both women and men who have new children or who need to take time off to care for ailing family members; universal paid-sick-day compensation, regardless of gender, circumstance, or profession; increases rather than continual decreases in welfare benefits; reduced college costs and quality early-education programs. Come to think of it, these policies would benefit lots of people who are not single women as well. None of this is easy, or likely to happen quickly, especially not with a Republican-led Congress. But it is the beginning of a new kind of relationship between American women and their government. Single women are taking up space in a world that was not designed for them. They make up a new republic, a new category of citizen. If the country is to flourish, we must make room for free women, and let go of the economic and social systems built around the presumption that no woman really counts unless she is married. Adapted from All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation, by Rebecca Traister, to be published by Simon & Schuster, Inc. Copyright 2016 by Rebecca Traister. *This article appears in the February 22, 2016 issue of New York Magazine. This article has been updated to clarify that around 20 percent of Americans ages 1829 are wed, not 20 percent of all Americans under 29. oh man that still is not flattering Reply Thread Link In all honesty, his looks have kinda gone downhill in the past 10 years or so. Reply Parent Thread Link Lol I always forget Jude law was a thing Reply Thread Link What do you mean the OTHER JLaw? He's the one true original JLaw! She can be JenLaw. Reply Thread Link Yesss this is what I always think when people talk about her with that name... Reply Parent Thread Link lmao I thought u were referring to bella hadid Reply Thread Link I've been hearing about the "Brit exit" for a week now and I've just about had it with British politics... Reply Thread Link i want to suck on his balls Reply Thread Link The government is planning on reconstructing a forgotten military camp just outside of my city in order to build houses for the immigrants (about 2.000 people will be able stay there). The residents who in their majority are golden dawn supporters are marching against it suggesting that the mayor should build schools for their kids. I can't with these people, they are so fucking embarrassing and care only for their stupid ass. Reply Thread Link "The government is planning" Who? Syrizanel? L O L Sure they're going to build houses for the immigrants, first Prime Minister Tsipras and his fascist coalition partner Kammenos will get their super special relatives and their relatives's girlfriends and boyfriends to form a special advisory committee with specially allocated special funds and it'll take a couple of years at least to draw up the plans and y'know those meetings are soooooo demanding, lets throw some more money at them and maybe make them civil servants for life and the construction company that will eventually be "chosen" to build these famous houses MIGHT JUST MIGHT be Flambouraris's construction company and so on and so forth. So selfless this government right? Sanos.gif for you tbh Reply Parent Thread Link That's why i said "planning". I don't get your reaction, honestly. I'm not expecting anything from this government, my comment was directed to the residents who are racist and islamophobic. Reply Parent Thread Link Feel for these people Reply Thread Link http://woundedbydust1331.tumblr.com/post/63728480455/warsan-shire-home-is-the-barrel-of-a-gun-no the situation is so depressing. I have to stop myself from thinking about it sometmes. I keep going back to a poem by Warsan Shire. she wrote it before the crisis and for me it has become symbolic of the times. Reply Thread Link I think you mean "The original Jlaw..." Reply Thread Link This is so depressing. I live in between the two biggest camps, the Calais one and the Grande-Synthe one and nothing is done, from the government. The UK gave moeny to help .... building giant fences all around the eurotunnel's roads so the refugees can't climb and stop the trucks to go in the tunnel. The Calais camp is the most organized and the less messy. The Grande-Synthe one is even more a disaster, it's just mud mud mud everywhere, no organization, police are filtering who's entering and making it difficult for associations to come and give food and necessities. They don't have many porta potties and showers and even when they have them the smugglers take control of them and make the refugees pay to use them. The Grande-Synthe mayor was planning on moving the camp to a non muddy area where they could build an official camp with decent refuges, in association with MSF and all and have something organized but the prefect (aka the government) refused. This is fucking disgusting. And about the Calais situation which is a fucking nightmare, where the fuck do they think they will go ? They already did that with Sangatte years ago and it didn't make them go away. The mayor is a fucking asswipe asking for more police force and for the military to come. This isn't the fucking solution. Ugh all of this is making me so angry and all the assholes complaining about the refugees being there and the neo nazis movements surfing on this. It's a terrible disaster and the French and UK governments don't give a shit. Ugh Reply Thread Link The other day a refugee camp in Germany caught on fire and some Germans who were "protesting" there started cheering and shouting racial slurs. Imagine being a child in that situation. :( Reply Thread Link Oh my god, what is becoming of this world Reply Parent Thread Link *the original JLaw Reply Thread Link It's horrifying to think about how many of the unaccompanied children have likely gone missing. Reply Thread Link I asked this in the roundup but I'll repost here! Opinions on this scene from the last ep? [ Spoiler (click to open) ] x Were they both telling the truth? Both lying? The impression I got based on the acting was that Eleanor was telling the truth but Max was lying. IDK. Were they both telling the truth? Both lying? The impression I got based on the acting was that Eleanor was telling the truth but Max was lying. IDK. That blasted handmaiden.I asked this in the roundup but I'll repost here!Opinions on this scene from the last ep? Reply Thread Link [ Spoiler (click to open) ] i actually thought both were telling the truth, but i can see why max wouldn't Edited at 2016-02-22 09:13 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link I want to believe that both were telling the truth bc my heart is holding out for a badass-ladies-partners-in-crime type relationship, but something about the way JPK played that scene made me think Max wasn't. eta: tbh idk why I spoilered my first comment. It made sense in the roundup but I assume that if you're in a Black Sails promo post and you're not up to date with the eps, you're tacitly accepting the risk of being spoiled lmao. Edited at 2016-02-22 09:19 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link [ Spoiler (click to open) ] I also thought both were telling the truth but now that you mention it, I guess we don't know for sure. But it seems like that's been weighing heavily on both women and that COULD be the first stepping stone toward them reuniting as allies or friends, if not lovers. Reply Parent Thread Link [ Spoiler (click to open) ] i got the feeling eleanor was telling the truth (wouldn't be surprised if that list was just 'charles vane' in capitals+underlined and then a few other captains scribbled underneath) and i thought max was being genuine when i watched the episode, but now that you bring it up i'm doubting her tbh oop let me put that under a cut Edited at 2016-02-22 09:17 pm (UTC) oop let me put that under a cut Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I thought Max was lying too. Reply Parent Thread Link The optimist/gullible in me thinks they're both telling the truth (I want to believe). Reply Parent Thread Link I thought they were both lying. Reply Parent Thread Link [ Spoiler (click to open) ] oop @ me, I thought they were both lying but now that I think about it ia that Eleanor was probably telling the truth and Max wasn't Reply Parent Thread Expand Link [ Spoiler (click to open) ] i'm rly enjoying eleanor/rogers tbh. it's nice to see her teaming up with someone who values her. flint/silver is giving me unrequited vibes and i'm not sure if i'm here for it, but i'll reserve judgement. still not getting the point of those flint dream sequences btw. are they supposed to be headed somewhere cause right now they just seem... useless. also ugh jack don't fuck things up for anne and/or max pls thoughts on last ep: Reply Thread Link [ Spoiler (click to open) ] Unrequited on Flint's part? :( I didn't necessarily like the way Silver was gazing at the princess... with everyone talking about how they are likely to get married, the Silverflint shipper in me was disappointed by that look. I've been hoping that if they do get married, it would PURELY be a business arrangement. I only want Silver to have heart eyes for Flint. mehhhh. soooo. we'll see. Reply Parent Thread Link [ Spoiler (click to open) ] [ Spoiler (click to open) ] yeah, unrequited on flint's part :/ i was 50/50 on it becoming canon before they introduced madi tbh, but that scene between silver and her gave me more romantic vibes than silver/max did. idk it's just a theory i guess, but i felt like that was where they were headed while watching last episode (then again there was that scene where silver was all 'u know i don't actually want to kill you... so weird... these emotions' lmao so i'm not writing it off /hopeful) Reply Parent Thread Link I'll be extremely disappointed if it's unrequited, what with the writers and everyone teasing it. Don't do this to me, show. :'( Reply Parent Thread Link [ Spoiler (click to open) ] I'm really enjoying Eleanor/Woodes as well, they're both smart and respect the other and they make a really good match/team. I'm not getting unrequited Flint/Silver vibes, probably because I still see it (in canon for now) as platonic, I don't feel like either side is helplessly in love with the other. I'm waiting to see how their relationship develops. IS there a point to the dream sequences, besides the actress continuing to get a paycheck? Honestly they lost me with them, they're getting a bit too literal and talk-y for me. I definitely think Jack will fuck things up for Max (and Eleanor and Woodes) and as a result, I think Anne will have to pick a side and will pick Jack's. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Yo when Silver went right to Flint and basically said 'Billy doesn't care about you, I do!' I almost died. Love this fucking show!! Reply Thread Link Finally!!! I've been waiting for a BS post since Saturday! Woo! (I know I could have made one myself but I'm just a flop) My thoughts on the last ep... first of all the Silverflint was still strong IMO!!! Starting with Miranda saying, "You dont see it yet, do you? You are not alone," then Flint wakes up and the first people he sees are Silver and Billy. I'm just SAYING. What if Miranda, after helping to facilitate Flint's relationship with Thomas, is now mentally facilitating his relationship with Silver? OoOoooo. Plus Silver digging into Flint's psyche was obviously impressing the shit out of him. And Silver keeps building him up as a person, which is great. And with Flint telling Silver, "thank you for opening that door," I really feel like that circles back to the first scene with Miranda -- he wasn't alone, because Silver gave Flint what he needed to save everyone's life. (Flint's speech to the queen was literally giving me chills btw.) Meanwhile, Jack & Anneee, his little head kiss on her was killing me. I'm gonna need a gif of that. I understand what Jack is doing. He doesn't want to have to spend his life looking over his shoulder, or change his name & essentially bury the identity that he's so proud of, just to have to spend time lying low and keeping a big secret. He figures having those pardons will get him that security before they go off & start their new chapter, so I get it. Woodes & Eleanor have HOT chemistry imo, but FUUUUCKKKK THAT ONE BITCH for ruining Max's opportunity!!! She was THIS CLOSE to being able to maintain her power in Nassau. Not to mention, Woodes' approach in Nassau has actually been very reasonable and fair, and his plan to use those gems to avoid taxing the island for 5 years was incredible and it's all RUINED. UGH. So yeah, another amazing episodeee, once again. And in regards to the promo for next week -- Jack riled up the governor?!?! What DID he do?!?!!?! JACK WHY, JACK NO. And oh MAAAAN the fucking Blackbeard/Flint duel!!! I CANT WAAAAIT Reply Thread Link I basically completely agree with your entire comment! I can't wait for the second half of the season because it seems like everyone is descending on Nassau and shit is going to go down. Reply Parent Thread Link tbh i dont see any point to the miranda dreams if flintsilver don't happen Reply Parent Thread Link I completely agree. By now, the dreams are doing NOTHING in terms of just simple characterization for Flint. Like, WE GET IT, he's mourning his old life, he's having an identity crisis, blah blah WEEE GET ITTT. At this point those dreams are pointless and redundant UNLESS they are leading to something big. I s2g this is either going to be one of Black Sails' biggest triumphs or hugest let-downs. Reply Parent Thread Link pretty much my main argument for silverflint at this point lmao like if it doesn't happen, what did i have to sit through all these dream sequences for?? i sort of considered they were hinting at a thomas return at the beginning of the season but then they're supposed to be part of flint's subconscious and how would he know about that Reply Parent Thread Link idk about the dreams, but this was the last one anyway i liked them at first, but they got kinda redundant fast i want silverflint to happen so badly, but they already reduced the gay storyline in season 2 & now with a potential mrs. silver on the horizon.. rip my dreams of them lol i guess i have to stick to fanfic Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Flint's speech was great, I'm happy Silver is helping him piece himself back together again (still not sure if the show will actually go there or not, but the 'you're not alone' could definitely be about Silver). I'm loving Woodes and Eleanor and I'm really loving Woodes as a character? I'm team homicidal grumpy ginger cat (Flint) all the way, but part of me is rooting for Woodes and Eleanor. Well, it's not entirely the handmaiden's fault, since the Spanish spies knew about some of the gold being converted to gems, so if suddenly Rogers did anything to make the Spanish suspicious, they would have known he had the rest of their money. She came clean and warned him at least. Jack is so about to fuck things up for Woodes-Eleanor-Max. I'm wondering what the result of the Teach-Flint duel can be, seeing as how Flint is the lead and not dying, while I'm not sure if Blackbeard has any promo scenes we haven't seen yet (outside of the duel). Reply Parent Thread Expand Link ia w/ everything basically except idt Woodes was planning to avoid taxing the people, that was a measure of how much money he was looking at and how long it would've taken to raise with taxes and that people really could carry around fortunes back then. Poor guy tho, if there was something he desperately needed irl (the show is being pretty faithful here) it's $$$ He just has the worst luck. Reply Parent Thread Link *__* I hate that he is so obviously making a shitty decision because I love Jack :( *__*I hate that he is so obviously making a shitty decision because I love Jack :( Reply Parent Thread Expand Link loved this last ep. flint's speech to the queen was so great. idk how stephens gets better at acting each ep but by the end of the series he's going to be an unstoppable acting force. so much silver/flint this ep and silver basically saying 'i care about you, you piece of shit' was amazing. the gayest manly nodding i've ever seen at the end. but now i'm eye emoji at silver looking at the daughter and i'm worried they're going to shove in a no homo relationship between them. Reply Thread Link also i hate how i'm still hella attracted to ray stevenson. he's just so charming. Reply Parent Thread Link i can only make a drive-by comment right now, but eleanor is gonna fuck max over, i can smell it Reply Thread Link 100%. I definitely get the vibe Eleanor is plotting something else, separate from Woodes. Reply Parent Thread Link hopefully max beats her to it then ugh im not about to sit thru round two of that crap Reply Parent Thread Link I can totally see that. If it weren't for what that dumb fuck handmaiden did, she wouldn't have to. But because of what the handmaiden did, I could easily see Max being collateral damage. Reply Parent Thread Link i'm not even joking when i say i'm dropping the show if anything else bad happens to her i just want anne to come rescue max and jack, because they're in the fucking lion's den with no idea of the danger Reply Parent Thread Expand Link The thought crossed my mind but I'm not so sure. I think Eleanor will be loyal to Rogers but her advice to Max seemed genuine and made out of some remnant of concern so for her to fuck Max over, Max would have to do something dumb to oppose Rogers. But I think she's going to help him and Eleanor because rn she's their link to the missing gold so rather than a test on Eleanor's loyalties, it might be one on Max'? (Between betraying Anne and living the life she always wanted.) That would fit with the parallelism of Max having morphed into S1!Eleanor almost. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Yup. i sense it tbh. If something bad happens to max is2g Reply Parent Thread Link [ Spoiler (click to open) ] Idk about what's going on with Silver and the Maroon princess. I mean I'd be all for them hooking up but now you've got Flint making puppydog eyes at Silver and there's nothing but angst that can come of yet another love triangle thing I really like Woodes Rogers and Eleanor together. The maid, however, can beat feet. Once again and as always, there is too much V*ne. Blackbeard ain't doing it for me either, at this point. He's supes insecure about the possibility of the mop suddenly deciding to fuck off back to Nassau. I don't think they'll kill off anybody during the confrontation next week but Flint had better fucking deliver because I'm all for a giant slave rebellion So. Reply Thread Link I need Blackbeard to do SOMETHING. He's been just kind of *there* so far which seems criminal considering who he is. Reply Parent Thread Link LOL, the mop. I hate how they're wasting Blackbeard, he really hasn't done much (outside of occasional badass fighting) and if he gets killed off or leaves after the duel, then his presence will really be pointless. I really like Woodes and Eleanor together too. I'm gonna just wait and see what happens with Flint-Silver or Silver-Madi and not get any expectation or assumptions. Reply Parent Thread Link @me: nnn god some of these comments are making me worried about Silverflint. I need to sit down and not expect anything out of anyone. This show hasn't disappointed me yet BUT YOU NEVER KNOW.@me: Reply Thread Link i dont think its gonna happen and if it does it would be unrequited and silver would screw him over in the worst possible way which i'm here for Reply Parent Thread Link This is literally the last thing I wanted someone to reply me with. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I definitely think it's possible that if Flint/Silver does happen (and I also don't think it'll happen) then it'll be Silver using Flint and manipulating him. It would be in character for him and would definitely lead to a painful and angry break up the two are heading towards. Reply Parent Thread Link im wondering what the hell they're doing with max's storyline rn Reply Thread Link sinking it Reply Parent Thread Link istg Reply Parent Thread Link i hope she gets something to do soon Reply Parent Thread Link @ this point I'm only looking forward 2 her scene with mystery~ blonde in bed, it's the lil things ya know Reply Parent Thread Link starz takes too long to upload promos, i tried making a post yesterday and had nothing, rip -countdown until silver shows up in flint's dreams? -jack's such an idiot rme -for a second i thought there was going to be a quarantined disease or something on the spanish ship, it was so ominous and then...nothing really -hopefully blackbeard will finally serve a purpose next week with the walrus crew -i want more of mr. scott and his family, i hope they fuck flint over because his idea is terrible and i don't like him dragging an entire civilization into is vendetta/mental breakdown. someone save him from himself, that means you, silver -these were kind of the first max/eleanor scenes i've ever really enjoyed, they're on the same level now. i hope we get a growing partnership between max/eleanor/rogers. -i'm actually totally in love with woodes rogers, idk how it happened -poor max though. but even without her share of the gold, she still owns a large portion of the streets, correct? there's too much foreshadowing with her downfall. bb better survive like always. Edited at 2016-02-22 09:29 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link I've always expected the show to eventually pull Max down again for drama. I'm not necessarily against it (as long as they stay away from s1 style sexualized violence this time) except it'll validate all the jerks who keep sneering that Max isn't as clever as she thinks she is blah blah blah. Reply Parent Thread Link idt Silver will show up in Flint's dreams unless he's dead, lol. BUT CAN YOU IMAGINE. Genuinely curious why you think Flint's idea is a bad one. I think it's good in terms of getting him & his crew off the island. He HAD to be able to offer more than a promise of secrecy which he cant prove. But he proposed something that probably no one else ever has, which is a proposition to join forces and take down the common enemy of England. They are both people that want to live on the outskirts of society and be left alone. Reply Parent Thread Link because he's relying entirely on variables, he's assuming they can gather/free? enough slaves to join their rebellion and take on the english navy at least have all of your ducks in order before engaging plus in general, he's only doing all of this because of his own torment and grief. He wanted pardons and now Nassau has them but he's against it because of his own pain~ understandable, but don't drag a bunch of people into your mess with what are most likely empty promises. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link ia about mr. scott & his family, i really enjoyed his scene with madi & the queen Reply Parent Thread Link Yay, I have been waiting for this post since Sunday!!! :D (I have never made a post on ONTD, so I wouldn't dare posting one myself) I'm glad I never had expectations for romantic Silverflint, because it seems obvious to me that it's not happening. Silver/Maroon princess it is, imo. I hope Flint's dreams turn out to be significant in the end, and not there because. I'm really enjoying Eleanor/Rogers. They are interesting and hot together. I hope nothing bad happens to Jack!! :( Reply Thread Link stoppp nooooo ;_;;;; I dont want to believe that any arrangement between Silver & the Maroon princess means the death of Silverflint!!! I'm not ready to let that dream die. I really think it could go either way at this point. also over here rooting for Jack. Reply Parent Thread Link Sorry!!!! :( I just can't believe. But if I'm proved wrong, I'll be extremely happy!!! :) Reply Parent Thread Link my gyal is gonna be a pirate princess and silverflint is i think madi/silver is a red herringmy gyal is gonna be a pirate princess and silverflint is #real Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Anybody have a link? I caught most of it but since I was at my parents and ofc it's a talky~ episode, my dad decides that that would be the perfect time to play the harmonica and make the puppy sing along -_- I got the gist of it but damn, dad. Reply Thread Link You're a doll Thank you Reply Parent Thread Expand Link i also wonder why silver stays behind next ep, i mean it looks like he does not join flint & the others during the blackbeard confrontation hmm, is it bec of his leg? madi's actress is just gorgeous, idk how long i looked at her still Reply Thread Link I feel like it's part of the deal between Flint & the queen, he's gotta leave his most important crew member behind as insurance & come back with V*n*e to prove he rly means it (or come back @ all I guess idk lol) mte Edited at 2016-02-22 10:03 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link yeah, that's what i guessed too, it's just strange since flint & silver are supposed to work together against blackbeard (if i remember that spoiler/interview correctly) how can he do that if he is not even there? lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ Reply Thread Link [ 3.05 thoughts ] Mmm, yes, good. Since Black Sails isn't the type of show where I hold out much hope for happy endings for most of the people I care about, I fully expect this to end horribly (I hope it doesn't, but will still brace for it) but in the meantime I will fully enjoy naked sexy times between two people who don't have a horribly toxic relationship. I wouldn't say no to CERTAIN OTHER PEOPLE having naked sexytimes either. There has been kind of a shocking lack of sex and nudity this season. Which isn't a bad thing, just surprising. And speaking of characters I care about, I like people on all sides of this conflict and I don't know who to root for and it's very disconcerting. England is a bag of dicks, but I really like Woodes, and it's not like Nassau under pirate rule was a super awesome place, so I kind of want him to succeed? But I also don't want that to mean defeat for Flint and co.? And I want the Maroons to be free and kick colonialist ass? Can they just team up against Spain or something. Mmm, yes, good. Since Black Sails isn't the type of show where I hold out much hope for happy endings for most of the people I care about, I fully expect this to end horribly (I hope it doesn't, but will still brace for it) but in the meantime I will fully enjoy naked sexy times between two people who don't have a horribly toxic relationship. I wouldn't say no to CERTAIN OTHER PEOPLE having naked sexytimes either. There has been kind of a shocking lack of sex and nudity this season. Which isn't a bad thing, just surprising.And speaking of characters I care about, I like people on all sides of this conflict and I don't know who to root for and it's very disconcerting. England is a bag of dicks, but I really like Woodes, and it's not like Nassau under pirate rule was a super awesome place, so I kind of want him to succeed? But I also don't want that to mean defeat for Flint and co.? And I want the Maroons to be free and kick colonialist ass? Can they just team up against Spain or something. Edited at 2016-02-22 11:35 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link The legend that is Angela Lansbury was honoured in Dublin yesterday with a special tribute award at the Audi Dublin International Film Festival.The Taoiseach (Prime Minister ) Enda Kenny was greeted with boos and jeers as he came onto the stage to present her with the award at An Bord Gais Energy Theatre.Angela aged 90 is probably best known for her role as crime Sleuth Jessica Fletcher in the long running show Murder She Wrote.OP Note: the photo was taken by me as shook my mom's hand. She also shook my hand and said that I was very young to be there but she really appreciated that I came to support her. President Michael D Higgins said Lansbury's lifetime achievement award was most richly deserved.The range of her great and diverse talent has found its expression in all forms of the theatre and screen. Recognised by critics and by her peers as one of the great actresses of our age with an Olivier Award, Tony Awards and an Honorary Oscar, Angela Lansbury truly enjoys the status of icon, he said.The great longevity of her career has meant that new generations have continued to be enriched by the great breadth of her artistic gift.As well as Murder She Wrote , Angela also originated the role of Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and played Mrs. Potts in Beauty and The BeastAFter the the award was presented she then proceeded to do a public interview to a packed theatre about her career. Despite the obvious pain in the energy sector for the last 18 months, major asset sales have been few and far between in the sector. The problem has been a classic one in markets sticky prices leading to a wide gap between supply and demand in assets. Oil companies looking to shed assets either to become more efficient or because of financial distress have been holding out for higher prices under the expectation that oil prices would bounce back soon, creating significant option value in underwater assets. Buyers like private equity firms have been considerably less sanguine though, and have essentially only been willing to pay fire sale prices for most assets. This gap in expectations has hindered asset sales from companies like Chesapeake, Quick Silver Resources, Swift Energy, Magnum Hunter, and others. Even in bankruptcy, many firms have found out that their assets are worth less than the debt on those properties. This has led to banks like JPMorgan and Citi holding the bag on assets that have values far less than what the banks had lent to the bankrupt firm. Related: Venezuela Raises Fuel Prices By More Than 6,000 Percent Those banks are motived sellers and will likely keep the market for energy assets depressed for at least a year. Of course for investors with a long-term time horizon like Blackstone or KKR, this could create a major opportunity. Yet private equity firms are being very disciplined with their capital and are only slowly starting to enter the market for such assets. 2016 could be the year that this reticence on the part of buyers starts to ebb though, as sellers may be forced by bankruptcy conditions to relent and accept whatever price they can achieve. Wood Mackenzie recently put out a report suggesting that M&A activity in the oil patch will ramp significantly this year regardless of what happens to oil prices. Of course, predictions of such consolidation were made with much fanfare last year, but came to little. The problem is that M&A in these situations can only happen when selling firms give up all hope and accept the fact that they must find a buyer at essentially any price. In present circumstances, buyers have all of the power and sellers have none. There are presently more than $200 billion worth of oil and natural gas assets for sale around the globe as virtually all distressed energy companies are looking at selling assets. In this environment, that comes to about one out of every eight junk-rated companies. Related: Germany Hails Landmark Achievement In Fusion Energy For investors this spells trouble. Even if oil prices do rise again, for many companies the damage is irreversible. A company that sold its best assets during the crisis for a fraction of their pre-downturn value can never recover even if oil prices do. That reality has led firms to hold out as long as they can, but faced with a choice between bankruptcy and selling their best assets, companies will always choose to sell their best assets. In either scenario, equity investors have little hope of recovering much value though. In this environment, equity investors need to respond rapidly and cut losses in firms that show serious signs of financial stress. To capitalize on distressed asset prices, investors should also look at alternative asset managers and owners like KKR, Apollo (APO), and Blackstone (BX). Just as these private equity firms benefited handsomely from buying housing during the Financial Crisis of 2008, they will likely be the long-term winners from the current Oil Price Crisis. The current market turmoil has provided a good entry point for investors in many of these firms, and energy investors would be wise to take advantage of it. By Michael McDonald Of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: During a sombre visit to Germany last week, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi urged the international community to help boost his country's crisis economy in the face of plummeting crude oil prices, underscoring a desperate situation in which Iraq has lost 85 percent of its oil revenues. Iraqi oil revenues have fallen to just 15 percent of what they used to be, the embattled prime minister said, despite a boost in production ordered last year. The surge in production has failed to compensate for the collapse of oil prices, and the situation is dire when oil revenues constitute around 43 percent of Iraqs gross domestic product (GDP), 99 percent of its exports and 90 percent of all federal revenues. All told for this year, the Iraqi government expects to export 3.6 million barrels of oil per day (bopd). Only last October, Iraqs oil revenues were holding at about $40 billion, excluding the cost of oil production. This has prompted the Al Abadi government to announce strict austerity measures across institutions, including significant salary cuts for middle-class government employees. Protest rallies were held against delayed salaries, which later turned violent in some parts of Iraq, including the Kurdistan region. Related: Why Is Well Decommissioning So Slow In Canada? Under these circumstances, one must question the legitimacy of the deal Baghdad has now offered to the Iraqi Kurds. Earlier this week, Baghdad extended an offer to pay the salaries of the KRGs public employees in return for a halting of unilateral oil exports by the Kurds. Both sides need this deal. The KRG is struggling to pay salaries, and protests are mountingthreatening the stability of what was not long ago the only peaceful and secure place in all of Iraq. But most significantly, both Baghdad and the KRG need to ensure that the Kurdish Peshmerga fighting forces are being paid, because this is the key bulwark against further Islamic State (ISIS) advancements in the disputed territories of northern Iraq, around Mosul and oil-rich Kirkuk. The Iraqi Kurds have accepted the deal, but they dont really believe it will happen. Baghdad has consistently failed to make good on deals, and with its oil coffers depleted, its unclear how the central Iraqi government can afford this. Al Abadis government inherited Iraqs civil war-ravaged sluggish economy back in September 2014 and set out to try to consolidate the administration, which was bursting at the seams with a massive budget deficit, inherent bureaucratic corruption and the ongoing war burden with ISIS. Related: Oil Rally Stalls After Iran Declines to Commit to Freeze So with low oil prices depleting revenues, Baghdad finds itself in an uphill struggle to fund the war against ISIS, which continues to control over 10 percent of Iraqs oil fields, including those in the Nineveh governorate. ISIS hasnt gotten anywhere near the oil-rich area of Basrawhere the serious exports arebut Basra has its own problems, which are being compounded under the multiple pressures. All the talk of potential independencefounded on unilateral oil flowsfor Iraqi Kurdistan has lent more impetus for calls for more control over oil wealth management and distribution in Basra. And Shiite tribal clashes are raging in Basra, far too close to the main oil installations, prompting Baghdad to divert security forces thereaway from the ISIS battle. The situation in Basra will likely intensify, too, with growing protests over the central governments imposition of a higher customs tariff as of 18 January. Profit margins are threatened, and there will be a backlash in a province where autonomy sentiments are already running high. The country has been losing up to 400,000 barrels of oil per day because of ISIS advanceseven after recapturing a couple of oil refineries like Bajii in the Saladin Governorate, north of Baghdad, from ISIS in October last year. Related: Activist Investors Crushed By Oil Crash All eyes are now on the giant Majnoon oil field in Basra, in the south, which is considered to be one the richest oil fields in the world, with an estimated 38 billion barrels of oil reserves. Majnoon has approximately 13 different oil and gas reservoirs, but this area, too, is now becoming a flashpoint of unrest and tribal clashes. As such, the deal brought up earlier this week by Saudi Arabia, Russia, Venezuela and Qatar to freeze oil output to January levels will not likely see the light of day. It requires the same commitment by Iranwhich is not keenand Iraq, which is hesitant to join in. In January, Iraqi production hit a record high, averaging 4.775 million barrels per day. January exports averaged 3.9 million bpd. But with oil prices averaging right now under or around $30 per barrel, these production figures wont help. Iraqi oil is going for about $22 per barrel. Thats half of what it needs to be to meet budgetary requirements. Nowhere are the stakes higher than in Iraq, and selling oil at half the price it would take to just break even could break this giants back. It certainly isnt enough to stave off the unrest in Basra, not to mention the ISIS threat. By Charles Kennedy Of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Three hundred and eighty-six years after popcorn was first introduced at Thanksgiving dinner, and the crude complex is popping higher to start the week. Here are seven things to consider as this week kicks off: 1) The IEA is kick-starting this mornings rally, saying the market will gradually rebalance by 2017 in its medium-term oil outlook. This view is predicated on the expectation that U.S. shale oil production drops 600,000 bpd this year, and by 200,000 bpd in 2017. The IEA projects that global oversupply will be wiped out by 2018, with global inventories starting to be drawn down in 2018 after a minor build next year. Related: OPEC Has Never Had As Much Power As People Think 2) The IEA does, however, project that U.S. production will charge higher over the next half a decade or so, increasing by 1.2 million bpd from 2015 to 2021, driven by efficiency gains. Global oil supply is expected to rise by 4.1 million bpd over the same period. 3) We have had the latest bout of preliminary PMI numbers out of Europe, which on the whole were considerably mixed. In an odd twist, French manufacturing came in much better than expected, while Germanys was well below expectations. The reverse was the case for services data, however, with German services outperforming, French services showing weakness. On the aggregate, Eurozone PMIs were below consensus. 4) According to the latest CFTC data, speculative long positions in WTI dropped by 5.3 percent, the biggest drop in seven months; this bearish sentiment was endorsed by a rise in speculative short positions. The latest ICE data, however, showed bullish bets increasing for Brent. (Click to enlarge) 5) Exxon Mobil has announced that it has failed to replace production for the first time in 22 years. On Friday it confirmed its reserve-replacement ratio fell to 67 percent in 2015, under 100 percent for the first time since 1993. It announced it holds reserves equivalent to 24.8 billion barrels, enough to continue production at current rates for 16 years. This is down from 17.4 years of reserves at the end of 2014, but still better than that of its peers. Related: Iraq On The Brink Of Chaos As Oil Revenues Fall 6) Whiting Petroleum Corp has announced it is canceling plans to drill 20 wells at Bakken and Three Forks as low oil prices kill profitability in the region. Whiting owns 667,000 acres in the Williston Basin, but is in cost-cutting mode after already slashing capex by 46 percent in Q3 of last year. It has also shelved plans for a pipeline in the region. (Click to enlarge) 7) An LNG tanker has docked at the Sabine Pass terminal in Louisiana, meaning the first cargo of LNG exports is set to leave the U.S. any day now. By Matt Smith More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: It is no surprise that OPEC has had extreme difficulty coordinating a response to the latest price drops in the oil market. OPEC as a political and economic organization has largely been unable to achieve its central goals since inception in 1960. OPEC certainly never had the capability to prevent rapid price drops in crude when the market is flooded by alternate, non-OPEC sources, and over the past few decades, the organization has been degraded even further. Even now, supposed attempts to stabilize the market by maintaining January output levels ring quite hollow when compared to all the excess supply in the market. OPEC has never effectively achieved its goals because of two main reasons: collective action issues relating to its members and the growth of non-OPEC oil. Whenever people, organizations, or governments attempt to engage in collective action behavior, there always exists an inherent tension between group interest and individual interest. The interests of the individual person, organization, or country are extremely hard to resist, and we can see this time and again as attempts at cartelized behavior are more frequently undone by the individual interest over the group. Related: Why Is Well Decommissioning So Slow In Canada? OPEC members have common ground on the oil price itself, and strive for higher pricing, but the level of output ultimately falls under the control of individual members, subject directly to the self-interest of each producer. This is a free-rider problem where each member hopes the others bear the costs of higher oil prices by reducing their output, allowing the individual producer to ship more oil at the higher price. And many of these are smaller producers, where their individual output doesnt make much difference. The problem is, all the producers know this. Collective action issues like this are a major concern anytime groups of people or organizations need to get together to accomplish a central goal. Who pays? Who reaps the benefits? Are benefits inclusive or exclusive? What is the size of the group? 5,000? 10? All these different components matter greatly to the group itself and whether or not it will be able to attain its goals and fulfill its purpose for existing. And purpose is important. As with Mancur Olsons landmark 1960s work on the topic of collective action, The Logic of Collective Action, we should look at the particular purpose of the organization. Organizations are meant to further the interests of their constituent members and in the case of OPEC, the organization began essentially with both economic and political goals, but after 1970s settled merely for furthering the economic goals of the members, that is, to keep the price of oil as high as sustainably possible while also maintaining the stability of oil markets. In this particular case, the nuance of sustainability is incredibly important, because simply driving prices higher triggers negative demand reactions in consuming states, which may ultimately hurt producer revenues over the long-term. This is the reason Saudi Arabia has attempted to keep a price cap on the market, while at the same time maintaining a floor. Related: Oil Rally Stalls After Iran Declines to Commit to Freeze And again, OPEC has had to reduce its objectives largely because of the timely growth in non-OPEC sources of crude, triggered by the 1970s oil crises. OPEC reached the apex of its political and economic power in the 1970s, only to witness a large crash in the price of oil in the 1980s. Aside from the oil shocks in the 1970s, OPEC was largely unable to meet any of its political objectives. Over the life of OPEC, the oil market has shifted to one of a heavily restricted and cartelized market, molded in that fashion primarily by the Seven Sisters in the earlier 20th century, to one more closely resembling perfect competition as new sources of oil have been made available for export, drastically increasing the geographic and political diversity of petroleum resources. That means OPEC became a cartel operating within a competitive market beginning in the 1980s, when impressive volumes of oil began to make their way to global markets from the North Sea allowing countries like the United Kingdom and Norway to become larger players in the oil industry. In fact, the OPEC embargo spurred drilling in other countries to develop new fields, and in essence, had a hand in creating a vast new drilling industry outside its purview, not only in the North Sea, but also in Alaska, and eventually the Gulf of Mexico and Canadas oil sands. In a high supply environment, restricting output in the face of lower prices puts that country in an extremely disadvantageous position something Saudi Arabia learned the last time it attempted this in the 1980s and with little impact to the oil price. In a situation like this, the interests of each state are in direct opposition to all the others when you take not just price but individual output into account. Because of added supply and the weakness of OPEC to coordinate its actions resulting from collective action issues, the paralysis of the organization is plain to see. Related: Activist Investors Crushed By Oil Crash And while a production freeze might seem like policy coordination, it simply wont amount to much. Iran, a country now exiting the dormancy of sanctions on its oil industry is not going to freeze or reduce its exports. Its output is already low compared to its capacity, and it is not going assist other OPEC producers through cuts of its own. Moreover, on the point of production capacity, OPEC producers are already pumping close to capacity in order to help with their respective budget shortfalls. They can propose a price floor through maintaining current production levels, but this is simply because they cannot pump anymore. This is not policy coordination. Since the energy markets began to mature in the 1980s, perhaps the most useful function of OPEC, of which the disproportionate burden was placed primarily on Saudi Arabia, was the ability to ramp up spare capacity in order to calm oil markets and keep the price below certain levels. These contributions to oil market stability are notable, but not the result of OPEC coordination. By Ryan Opsal of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Texas RRC Oil and Gas Production Data is out. There appeared to be no decline in December production and may have even been a slight increase. The Texas RRC data is incomplete and only gives an indication as to whether Texas production increased or decreased. The data appears to droop because each month the Texas Railroad Commission receives a little more data and the totals increase, little by little, month by month, until after many months the data is complete. In my charts I post the past six months of data in order to give some indication as to whether production is increasing or decreasing. The final data is through December and the EIA data is through November. Texas crude plus condensate declined a little in November but seemed to make up that decline in December. Total Texas C+C seems to be on a flat plateau, declining in Eagle Ford but making up that decline in the Permian and the rest of Texas. The EIA estimates the final Texas data through November. They have Texas peaking in March and down about a quarter of a million barrels per day since that point. Related: Storage Problems Could Cause A Rout In Oil Prices (Click to enlarge) Dr. Dean Fantazzini, Deputy Head of the Chair of Econometrics and Mathematical Methods in Economics at the Moscow School of Economics, Moscow State University, has worked out an algorithm that predicts what the final production numbers will look like. He has C+C relatively flat the last few months and slightly above the EIA estimate. Texas crude only shows basically the same pattern as C+C. (Click to enlarge) This is Deans estimate of what the final Texas crude only production will look like. Texas condensate seems to have a slightly steeper decline than crude only and peaked in December rather than March when crude only peaked. I use the term peaked to mean peaked so far and am not implying that it is the final peak. Only time will tell whether it is the final peak or not. Related: Venezuela Raises Fuel Prices By More Than 6,000 Percent (Click to enlarge) Deans data agrees that condensate peaked in December. Texas total gas production, according to the EIA, peaked in June, so far, and now seems to be declining a bit faster than oil. (Click to enlarge) Dean shows Texas total gas production on a plateau with a slow decline. He has Texas gas production, in November, slightly above the EIAs estimate. Related: Activist Investors Crushed By Oil Crash Texas gas well gas actually peaked in early 2009 and has since been in a slow but steady decline. Texas gas production has kept increasing due to the increase of associated gas. The shale oil boom is largely responsible for the increase in Texas associated gas By Ron Patterson As the price of natural gas keeps declining, competition among Caspian Basin suppliers is picking up. Georgia, which serves as a crossroads for Caspian Basin energy exports, has become the focal point of a three-way scramble among natural gas exporters. Citing a wintertime shortage of natural gas, Tbilisi is considering deals from Azerbaijan, which already supplies 90 percent of Georgias gas; Russia, which provides the other 10 percent as a fee for transiting Russian energy to Armenia; and, now, Iran. Georgias selection could have long-term implications. Diversifying Georgias gas supplies would mean moving away from Azerbaijan, the energy power behind the Southern Gas Corridor, an upcoming mega-gas-export tube that crosses Georgian territory en route to Turkey and Europe. Both the European Union and the United States have promoted the corridor as a way to wean Europe off gas imports from Gazprom, Russias energy behemoth, and an economic tool often used by the Kremlin for geopolitical purposes. But Georgian officials now see Gazprom as a potential supplier to meet a growing local demand for gas, estimated at 2.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) per year. Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze met with Gazprom representatives on February 19. Azerbaijan is our strategic partner and friend, but it is also a virtual monopolist on the Georgian market, Kaladze told EurasiaNet.org. He claimed that Baku does not have the technical capacity to make additional gas deliveries, which are needed due to rising demand in rural Georgia and higher electricity production. Georgian officials have said the country currently suffers from a gas shortfall of 2.5 million cubic meters, a tiny fraction of overall annual use. The seemingly small deficit raises questions about why Georgian officials are considering new gas deals. Related: OPEC Has Never Had As Much Power As People Think After the price of Azerbaijani gas for corporate clients increased last spring by roughly 30 percent (to $318 per 1,000 cubic meters), Tbilisi approached Gazprom, and received a very competitive offer, he said. The prospect of increased purchases from Gazprom heightens fears among many Georgians. Enmity for Russia remains widespread in Georgia since the two countries fought a brief war in 2008. Kaladze has downplayed the notion that a deal with Gazprom would compromise Georgian sovereignty in any way. At best, it may go from 10 to 12 percent [of the Russian share in Georgias gas imports], Kaladze told EurasiaNet.org. Only a handful of corporate gas consumers would benefit from Russian gas, he added. Kaladze said he took Gazproms proposal back to Baku, hoping to negotiate a price match, but that, as yet, has not happened. Georgia and Azerbaijan for now have agreed to redistribute supplies so that Georgia gets less Azerbaijani gas in summer and more in winter, when consumption peaks. Meanwhile, enter Iran. Following the lifting of international sanctions, Tehran has proposed selling Georgia up to 14 million cubic meters per day via Armenia, which is currently dependent on Russian-supplied gas. Related: Iraq On The Brink Of Chaos As Oil Revenues Fall Normally protective of its own status, Russia seems surprisingly amenable to Irans moves. So far, Gazprom has voiced no objections to the South Caucasus energy pie expanding to include Iran. Energy analyst Ara Marjanian, president of the E-Cub, an energy think-tank in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, believes that the partnership between Iran and Russia in Syria, as well as the end of sanctions against Iran, explains Gazproms apparent tolerance. Lets not jinx it, but the new geo-strategic and economic realities made Russia more cooperative, Marjanian commented. Not all Georgians welcome the idea of obtaining Iranian gas via Armenia. Liana Jervalidze, an independent energy analyst in Tbilisi, believes that energy security, economic benefit, and geo-strategy dictate that It is in Georgias best interest to remain a place for gas transit to Armenia, not the other way round. Kaladze earlier had claimed that, to push Tbilisi to accept cash rather than gas as a transit fee, Gazprom had threatened to stop supplying Armenia altogether and let Armenia get its gas from Iran. Whether Irans proposal and Gazproms alleged threat are related is not known. Taking Iran up on its offer does not seem immediately feasible for Tbilisi. For now, Armenias Gazprom-run pipeline to Iran can handle only about 1.1 bcm per year, and its line to Georgia takes only Russian gas. No mention has been made of building a second pipeline. Steve LeVine, energy commentator and adjunct professor of security studies at Georgetown University, calculates that any Moscow-Tehran cooperation in Armenia, where Moscow has carefully cultivated a dependence on Russian energy, will be limited. There is no history of Russia, certainly modern-day Russia deserting an intimate ally in that manner, LeVine said. I dont see Iran and Russia going hand-in-glove, he continued. They are rivals; Iran will act in its own interest. Related: Firesale In Energy Assets Nonetheless, even the notion of using Armenia as a transit country for Iranian gas enrages its foe, Azerbaijan, Georgias dominant gas supplier. Already miffed by Kaladzes talks with Gazprom, Baku, to keep its cards in play, has promoted Azerbaijans own potential as a conduit for Iranian gas an idea deemed common sense by a columnist for the government-aligned Trend news agency. On February 17, while on a trip to Tehran, Kaladze announced that Tbilisi could consider this option, too. Pipelines from Azerbaijan to Georgia and on to Turkey and Europe might appear an additional attraction for Iran. Tehran earlier this year expressed interest in such an export route, but has made no official commitment to join the Southern Gas Corridor. If Irans ultimate market is Europe, commented Baku-based energy analyst Ilham Shaban, director of the Caspian Barrel energy-research center, it can connect directly from the northwestern Iranian city of Tabriz to the Turkey-based Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline, the midsection of the 3,500-kilometer-long Southern Gas Corridor, designed for pumping Azerbaijani gas through to Europe. Meanwhile, Tbilisi is pursuing yet another option increasing its take from the South Caucasus Pipeline, the Corridors initial section. If that works, Kaladze stated on February 18, then Georgia would not buy Iranian or additional Russian gas. By Giorgi Lomsadze via Eurasianet More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Then it all fell apart.Bush committed a series of gaffes, rivals attacked him with abandon most notably Donald Trump , whose low energy label stuck to Bush like glue and the former Florida governor sank in the polls.Bush ended his presidential bid on Saturday after he failed to win 10 percent of the vote in South Carolina and finished well behind Trump. The Palmetto State denouement followed disappointing results in the Iowa caucuses, where he placed sixth, and the New Hampshire primary, where he finished fourth.Bushs campaign has reached the end of the road. Heres a look back at some of the potholes he hit along the way.Before he was out of the gate, Bush struggled for days to produce a clear answer to questions about the Iraq War launched by his brother, President George W. Bush.The week-long controversy began with an interview on Fox News in May, a month before Bush formally entered the race. Host Megyn Kelly asked him whether, knowing what we know now about faulty U.S. intelligence and a lack of weapons of mass destruction, he would have invaded Iraq in 2003. Bush said he would.Amid consternation, the governor later said he had misheard the question and wasn't sure what he would do. Then he said that discussing hypotheticals would be a disservice to fallen troops.Finally, during an appearance in Arizona, he stated , I would not have engaged. I would not have gone into Iraq.The confusion and the agonizingly slow u-turn on a question Bush must have known he was going to face raised early doubts about his candidacy.Not sure about womens health fundingBushs tendency to speak freely and sometimes to think out loud in public got him into difficulty a number of times during his campaign.In early August, he questioned whether the $500 million Planned Parenthood receives in federal funds each year could be put to better use. But it was a single clause within those remarks Im not sure we need half a billion dollars for womens health issues that sparked controversy. Hillary Clinton was among those who seized on the remark, tweeting that Bush was absolutely, unequivocally wrong.Bushs full comment, made at the Southern Baptist Convention, was: You could take dollar for dollar although Im not sure we need half a billion dollars for womens health issues but if you took dollar for dollar, there are many extraordinarily fine community health organizations that exist to provide quality care for women on a wide variety of health issues.Bush later said he misspoke . But, coupled with other gaffes , the controversy put him on his heels heading into the first GOP debate on Aug. 6.Bush defended his use of the term anchor babies panned by critics as derogatory during a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border in August. But he inadvertently fanned criticism by stating that his use of the term applied more to Asian people than to any other ethnic group.What Im talking about is the specific case of fraud being committed where theres organized efforts frankly, its more related to Asian people coming into our country, having children in that organized effort, taking advantage of that noble concept, which is birthright citizenship, Bush said.The head-scratching remark was never adequately explained.Bush suffered endless ridicule from Trump for relying on his first name in campaign advertising, something that the former Florida governor had done in multiple campaigns going back to 1994.The addition of the exclamation point was the subject of even wider mockery. It connotes excitement, Bush told late-night host Stephen Colbert in September of his Jeb! logo.The exclamation mark came to be seen as more and more incongruous given the former Florida governors struggles to elicit enthusiasm from voters. When asked by a reporter recently if the exclamation point was still appropriate, Bush retorted : Take a hike, man.Bushs think-out-loud tendency struck again in early October. In the wake of a mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Ore., Bush ill-advisedly used the phrase stuff happens in the middle of a broader point about the efficacy of gun control.President Obama held a news conference on that same day, at which he was asked about Bushs comment.I dont even think I have to react to that, the president said . I think the American people should hear that and make their own judgment based on the fact that every couple of months we have a mass shooting. And they can decide whether they consider that stuff happens.Struggling to find his footing several months into the race, Bush opened up a line of attack on Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.) during the third Republican debate in Colorado in late October.The long-simmering feud burst into the open when Bush went after his former mentee for missing votes in the Senate, suggesting Rubio campaign or just resign.Bushs body language suggested an uneasiness even making the attack, and the problem was exacerbated when a calm Rubio shot back that someone has convinced you that attacking me is going to help you.It was one of the most memorable debate moments up to that point and a deeply damaging one for Bush.Following that October debate, Bush began a Jeb Can Fix It tour in an effort to re-launch his flagging campaign. The push coincided with the release of a new 730-page e-book of emails from his time as governor. The effort seemed as much aimed at calming nervous donors as attracting new supporters.His polling figures refused to budge. Meanwhile, the website JebCanFixIt.com continues to direct traffic to a website for a Texan who unsuccessfully ran for city council in Austin. (JebBush.com continues to redirect to Trump's website.)Some of Bush's most memorable moments were awkward rather than substantively awful.In October, he fielded a question about his favorite superhero at the end of a lengthy policy forum in Las Vegas, saying he'd seen a promo for a new season of Supergirl.She looked pretty hot, Bush said of the show's star, Melissa Benoist. The actress later laughed it off, saying she didn't know what to think but that she was excited that Bush wanted to watch the show.In a similarly uncomfortable vein during a televised debate at the end of that month, Bush offered a warm kiss to any Democrat who would promise to help cut taxes and cut spending.During a campaign stop in New Hampshire on Feb. 2, a day after taking a dismal 3 percent in the Iowa caucuses, Bush's fiery call for the country to elect a strong commander in chief was met with silence.Please clap, Bush deadpanned. The crowd laughed. But the moment went viral on social media, as a snapshot of the apparent futility of Bushs campaign.In the twilight of his campaign, Bushs official account tweeted a picture of a gun engraved with his name. The photo was accompanied by only one word: America. For the better part of the 20th century, over 5 million African-Americans left the southern U.S. to find a new life in Northeastern cities and the Western states. This large shift in population has been coined the "The Great Migration." Many of our history books explain the cause of the Great Migration as rooted to African-Americans' seeking escape from southern segregationist laws and culture known as Jim Crow. African-Americans faced discrimination all throughout the United States, but discrimination alone did not lead to a migration en masse as it did from the South. Furthermore, African-Americans had well-established communities in the South, with deeply-rooted enclaves, much like the ones established in later years in Northeastern and Western cities. So, the question must be asked: "Why did so many African-Americans leave the South? To answer this question, we must go back to the end of the Civil War. At the end of the Civil War, the Southern economy was destroyed. Although many freed slaves left the South, millions remained because they knew no other life or had few skills outside of being a field laborer. A new economic relationship evolved from slavery called sharecropping. Sharecropping established a new social and economic order between landowner and field laborer. The landowner let the laborers live on a parcel of land in exchange for working the crops grown on the land held by a landowner. The laborer and his family paid for their expenses (rent, food, etc.) out of their share of the yearly profits earned from the crops they harvested and sold. In theory, the sharecropping system sounded fair, but in practice, sharecropping benefited the landowner more than the laborer. The tools, seed and any other materials for picking the crop by the laborer were purchased on credit extended by the landowner from a store that was also owned by the same landowner. Once the family sold their crops, their share of the profits disappeared by having to pay back the initial debt that was extended by the same landowner to the laborer. In many instances, the laborer never made enough money to pay off their debt. The cycle of perpetual debt kept the laborer and his family beholden to the landowner and tied to the land. Ultimately, a disruptive, technical force would bring an end to the sharecropping system. At the end of the 19th century, the mechanical cotton picker was introduced into cotton production. It was initially pulled by a horse and could pick the same amount of cotton as 50 laborers. The mechanical cotton picker increased production and saved landowners thousands of dollars a year. (Page, Arthur W. (December 1910). "A Cotton-Harvester At Last: A Machine That Will Emancipate Cotton From Low-Grade Labor". The World's Work: A History of Our Time XXI: 13748--13760. Retrieved 2009-07-10.) This photograph was taken during field operations on the Ohlendorf plantation near Osceola, Arkansas. (Image by The Library of Congress) Details DMCA In time, the invention of the combustible engine soon replaced the horse and the mechanical cotton picker became the tool of choice by cotton growers. The eschewing of the horse for the combustible engine increased productivity many times over, improving upon the level of production and eliminating the need for human labors to pick cotton. When America entered World War II, the demand for cotton increased and the use of the mechanical cotton picker grew more widespread in cotton production. During World War II, increased demand for cotton pushed landowners to use more mechanical cotton pickers leading to the final demise of the sharecropping system. Because African-Americans no longer found work in the fields, many left for the southern industrial cities such as Atlanta, Georgia, Birmingham, Alabama, and Houston, Texas in search of work. But the draw of factory jobs in Northern cities, such as Pittsburgh, Chicago, Detroit and even westward to Los Angeles, drew more and more families into these cities, leading to the largest U.S. migration in our nation's history. Over the past 30 years, there has been a steady stream of African-Americans returning to the South in search of better job opportunities and lower housing costs. Today, 57 percent of African-Americans live in the South; the highest percentage in a half century ("The Great Reverse Migration: African-Americans are abandoning the Northern cities that have failed them", September 30, 2012, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette). As we have seen technological innovation lead to the African-Americans' departure from the South, in a twist of irony, it is a technological innovation that has drawn African-Americans back to their southern past. In this case, the evolution and standardization of air conditioning technology have been, by and large, the technical basis that continues to make the southern economy a more inviting place to live despite its hot and humid climate. As a result, more African-Americans continue to migrate back to the South. While we must continue to appreciate the overcoming of the past, present and future social challenges that make up African-American history and the broader American story, ultimately, all history finds its foundation in technical innovations and the economy. (Article changed on February 21, 2016 at 16:56) (Article changed on February 21, 2016 at 16:58) (Article changed on February 21, 2016 at 17:04) (Article changed on February 21, 2016 at 22:48) Consciousness literature Kamala Sarup I spoke recently with Dr. Dubasu Chhetri (Durga Bahadur Subedi Chheri) is one of the famous poet from Nepal. The Sajha Purasakar (publication) also awarded to Dr. Dubasu Chhetri, the poet of 'Aswomedh Yagya ka Ghodaharu', an anthology of poems. His anthology of poems "Ashwamegh Yagyaka Ghoda Haru" is so wonderful. Chhetri said "In my book of 'Aswomedh Yagya ka Ghodaharu' the love, reality and nature are personified to life. I think that the epic with the power of love can lead the situation, and at the same time can protect the literature with value. I have projected values in my book. This very fact perhaps might have provided this beauty on consciousness literature". Poet Dubasu further added. "I am pleased to mention that Sajha Puraskar, the most prestigious award has been conferred on my literary work. I feel this award came my way in recognition of my experimental writing in Nepali literature'. Poet Dubasu Chhetri further said "My poetry is to inquiry consciousness because it does sucess to meet its conditions. Further, it is logical to assume that the opinions of experts in specific fields. Yes, what I learn about my book and consciousness literature in particular just accentuates my profound non ignorance of both subjects while I was writing my epic". Dubasu Chhetri's writing style is unique, further added "If we are to be a poet, a little poetry will help. I wrote a different verse about on my book ( 'Aswomedh Yagya ka Ghodaharu',) like in English (or Shakespearean) that may fit into our writing. If I write something that does not meet the above conditions, then I regard it as non consciousness literature. These poems we call are unique, and to an ancient pattern must conform. I read lots of consciousness literature, and I realize that fact on my writing". Yes, in Dubasu Chhetri's anthology, we can feel our life, beauty love and the present scenario. His book is highly experimental, a different style. The 450-page volume is is available at various book shops in Kathmandu. Poet Dubasu Chhetri also said " My poetry and consciousness literature both are useful for our community. Consciousness literature is entertaining. I see them between sentences. In every literature, still, the styles can be different for instance, is worked out between the writers and the readers. I'm familiar with almost always begin and end in the same theme. Remember, however, this is the beauty of our writing.". The current popular issue of his writing is the love effect on life. said to me " For all I know, even these poetry by might now be replaced by action. From a Chhetri said " I write knowing our relative strengths in different words, that might determine the final epic. Also we must think of the special attributes. I think that the epic can get words changed on specific ideas to suit their preferences. Knowing Dubasu Chhetri's relative strengths in different words, that might determine our life. "The subject of my book on life is not complicated, and this is relevant to the current ''time. It's true that we once called for a right in our life".he said. I admire Chhetri's continuous quest for knowledge. Poet Dr. Dubasu's first modern song (Mutuko Ghau) "Heart's pain" also shows promise. "In my new song, I made a mid piece modulation specifically to give the music high. I am also preparing for the second creation of the song to new revision of the scene as ''some life and changes,''. He said "Long ago, I myself visited in a different places to listen songs which I very much enjoyed. Also viewed excerpts of singing to extend my music horizon.The songs were terrific, and was very beautiful. It was all moves and steps into the music. They all represented various groups. Every so often I go to the places, which does traditional and some, what I would call, contemporary songs. His popular publications are becoming famous and known in Nepal. A poet like Dubasu is not made but born. (Article changed on February 22, 2016 at 23:57) Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "Just as The Tipping Point provides an explanation for big changes, Rob Kall offers a unified explanation for the magic behind the success of the biggest tech companies, the Arab Spring, Occupy and the social media revolution An important, big picture, visionary approach weaving together technology, economics, evolution, science and personal relationships -- even happiness -- to describe a wave of change as significant as the invention of the printing press that is well under way -- a wave that could rescue the planet from the top-down system that afflicts the planet." Thom Hartmann, host of nationally syndicated radio show, The Thom Hartmann Program, since 2003 and a nightly television show, The Big Picture, since 2008 Reprinted from Smirking Chimp "The evil that men do lives after them," wrote Shakespeare. A prime example, former US President George W. Bush who appeared last week campaigning in South Carolina for his amiable younger brother, Jeb. George W. continues to haunt the Republican Party and damage its electoral chances. At home, Bush has been staying out of public gaze; abroad, he is widely hated and limits overseas travel due to fear of war crimes arrest for his 2003 invasions of Iraq. Republican spin doctors and the rightwing US media has been trying to soft soap Bush and his mentor, Dick Cheney, for years and slowly expunge their disastrous Iraq and Afghanistan Wars that opened a Pandora's Box of horrors across the Muslim world. Democrats who cheered the war have equally sought to dodge responsibility. However, Hillary Clinton can't seem to escape her tawdry war record. The US, claim the Bush/Cheney amen chorus, was "misled" into invading Iraq by "faulty intelligence," misled by the hope to promote democracy among the benighted Muslims; on a noble quest to remove a frightful dictator Saddam; and, of course, the famous missing "weapons of mass destruction." As candidate Donald Trump said last week, these were all bare-faced lies. These spurious allegations had one purpose: to mislead Americans into believing that Bush's aggression in Iraq was a crusade for justice rather than a crude attempt to turn Iraq, with the world's second biggest oil reserves, into an American vassal petrostate. Unfortunately, mainstream America has not yet understood the enormity of the crimes that were committed in Afghanistan and Iraq. These include some one million civilians, cities destroyed, death squads, drone wars, kidnapping, torture and turning the US into a Stasi-like police state. And destruction of Iraq's water and sewage treatment plants by US air attacks, spreading disease and pestilence across the nation. Washington claimed these crimes against humanity were justified by the 9/11 attacks, though the real culprits came from Saudi Arabia, not remote Afghanistan or Iraq. Osama bin Laden was rubbed out so he could never voice the truth in a fair court. Almost as bad was the continuing evil from Bush/Cheney's so-called "war on terror." Concocted and run by neocons, the faux war served to expand US control of the Muslim world (which I term "the American Raj" in my book), and destroy enemies of Israel. This "war" continues today, 13 years later, with military budgets doubled in size, a 100% increase in spending on all sorts of spies, mercenaries and private armies, militarized police forces, and endless funds to fuel America's Mideast, African and Asian imperial wars. There should be special taxes to pay for these conflicts, but all are dumped onto the national debt, driving America ever deeper into hock. CIA, founded to provide analysis, assassinates alleged enemies across the world. The US government now shamelessly spies on all of us, exceeding even the intrusions of the old KGB and Stasi. Thank you, George W. Bush for supposedly defending America. Bush ruined America's name across the globe, making us look no better, maybe even worse, than the Soviet Union. Today's witch hunt in the US against Muslims began during the Bush years. The Bush administration made many Americans feel that Uncle Sam was their enemy, not their friend. Of course, to many of American hard right and neocons -- Bush was a saint. He remains so today in the Bible Belt and West. South Carolina, with its evangelicals and retired military communities, venerates Bush. A survey taken just before the invasion of Iraq showed that over 70% of evangelical Christians ardently backed the impending war. Bush/Cheney aggressions led directly to the spread of the al-Qaida movement whose goal was to drive western influence from the Muslim world. The more lethal ISIS was born in US prison camps in Iraq. Somalia's Shebab arose after the US and Ethiopia overthrew Somalia's legitimate government. Now, the US in fast blundering into a major new Mideast War in Iraq and Syria that could provoke a nuclear confrontation between Washington and Moscow. Unfortunately, too few Americans understand these legacies of Bush, Cheney, Hillary Clinton and the neocons. Who even remembers former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright actually saying that the deaths of over 500,000 Iraq children (UN figures) caused by US sanctions were "worth the price." George Bush is no cowboy saint. He, Cheney and their henchmen should all face justice for the invasions of Afghanistan, Somalia, and Iraq. Reprinted from Smirking Chimp Bernie Sanders had a record number of supporters turn out to give him a 22 percent win over Hillary Clinton in the New Hampshire primaries. It was a big win in terms of voter support, but it didn't translate to a big win in terms of delegate support. Despite the fact that Clinton suffered the second biggest defeat in New Hampshire's history, both candidates walked away from New Hampshire with 15 delegates. Why? Because in the Democratic Party, unpledged delegates, also known as "superdelegates," don't have to support the same candidate as the majority of voters. In fact, the whole point of superdelegates is to give the party elite more control over the primary process. That's not a conspiracy theory, that's what the chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) recently told Jake Tapper. That's right, the chair of the DNC said that unpledged "superdelegates" are meant to be a bulwark against grassroots movements in the Democratic Party. Unpledged superdelegates have been a part of the Democratic Primary process ever since Ted Kennedy supporters challenged sitting President Jimmy Carter for the democratic nomination in 1980. Democrats had started to feel like their primary process had become too chaotic, and that it was resulting in nominees that ended up losing in the general election. So the party decided to make their primary process just a little less Democratic by cordoning off a percentage of the total available delegates as "unpledged delegates" who don't have to support the candidate that the majority of primary voters and caucus-goers choose. It was a move in the wrong direction -- it wrested control away from voters and made the Democratic primaries fundamentally less democratic. And the Democratic Party has only accelerated the process of handing the party over to the economic elites in our country ever since then. Back in 1992, Al From and the Democratic Leadership Council fundamentally changed the Democratic party with a "bloodless coup" that put Bill Clinton in the White House and replaced the Democratic agenda of FDR, JFK and LBJ with the agendas of Wall Street and global corporations. Since then, the party ranks have been filled with third-way corporate Democrats and lobbyists. This series relates a history of the Hopi as conveyed through Oswald "White Bear" Fredericks. White Bear told his story to Joseph Blumrich, who used White Bear's account to write part of his book, published in Germany in the late 1970s, "Kasskara: Und die Sieben Welten" (Kasskara and the Seven Worlds), a book which has never been available in English. White Bear told the same story to others, of course, in the oral tradition, including my high school history teacher, Henry Denny, who was close to White Bear and his spouse, Naomi. I mention Henry in the initial report, Kasskara: Sunken Land of the Hopi Ancestors (Renamed for publication in Nexus magazine, Feb/Mar 2016) Gradually the land area expanded, and the people started to migrate towards the four directions. "We could start to explore the new continent, and for this reason we used the flying shields (spaceships). Some of us had reached a sufficient rank to accompany the Kachinas during their explorations to see how the new colonies were founded," White Bear said. Eventually there again were people who entertained their own ideas about the correct way of following the divine Creator's laws. They had left the correct path, he explained, saying that among them were people of high rank who wanted to have prestigious positions. "They began to make bad use of Tawuya (undefined). The Kachinas tried to prevent them from flying away into the universe. We were not allowed to go there as long as we had not fulfilled all of our obligations in this world. But these people falsely believed they were ready. The Creator became aware of what had happened, and after some time he came in person and took the city, raised it in the sky, turned it upside down and buried it in the ground. In all the area around it one felt the enormous air blast--the soil vibrated; it was like an earthquake. It was a disappointment for our Creator, whom we had disobeyed. After that, our people decided to disband and go in various directions. This was the first dispersion of our people on this continent. Massive, yet intricate, 'H-Blocks' at Puma Punku, Bolivia (Image by Janikorpi) Details DMCA Assuming the veracity of White Bear's account, his story may advance our understanding and reveal links between underwater ruins in the Pacific such as those at Yonaguni, Japan, the moai of Easter Island, the astonishing stone cities of South America, the pyramids of Mexico, and the kivas of Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde and Oraibi in the southwest United States. White Bear said that after the people had moved away from the ruins of the destroyed city, certain Kachinas were "intended" for children who had not yet been born. These children were selected to transmit the true memory of past events and noted that such events "very often arrived in our history". "The child receives the knowledge when it is still in the belly of his mother. Sometimes it is the mother who receives it so that all these thoughts can penetrate the child before the birth. For this reason the child does not need to learn later. It is only necessary to recall this knowledge which it got before its birth," White Bear explained: "All of this happened over a several hundred years after the migration's beginning. But the teaching of the Kachinas made it possible to keep our traditions alive in memory. Often Kachinas went to the Creator at the speed of light in order to inform him of our progress on the earth. And as I've already said, some of us had acquired high ranking and had become very close to the Kachinas, which in turn enabled us to accompany them during their flights." Teotihuacan (Image by eu) Details DMCA Migrations of the Clan of the Bear White Bear related the history the Clan of the Bear to which his father belonged, saying he chose this clan because it was selected to serve the role of guide and leader in the Fourth World. "I learned everything from my father and his brother who knew the history of the clans and their migrations into our hemisphere because our ancestors were the chiefs of the Hopis and the Clan of the Bear since their arrival in the Fourth World," White Bear recalled. "But first I want to tell you something that was told to me by my mother. When we left the destroyed big city, the Kachinas erased the memory of all those who remained as well as their future generations. Thus all those who later lived around the ruins did not have the faintest idea what had happened before," he said. Because of the Clan of the Bear's status among the Hopis, a Kachina of higher rank, Eototo, was assigned to guide the people of this clan, White Bear explained, although he said Eototo was more properly referred to as a deity. Eototo stayed with them wherever they went to assure their welfare. He guided them north from South America where they encountered very harsh conditions. "The area they had to cross was terribly hot. They spent a lot of time crossing the forests and getting used to the climate; many children died at birth because of heat. Times were difficult. They wanted to seek mountains to leave this heat, but the Kachinas encouraged them to continue and protected them throughout the long journey through the jungle," White Bear recounted. "There still exists today a ceremony which recalls this protection." After a long time they moved out of the tropical region. The people started breathing better, the children no longer died, and the population increased. They continued moving north as Eototo guided them towards lakes and rivers. After many years (generations?) they arrived at an "ice barrier" near what we today call the US/Canadian border, which prevented their further passage north. Eototo told them that this ice sheet was a door which would be opened later for other people who would migrate towards the south. These are the groups that anthropologists recognize as having crossed the Bering Strait. Yet the Hopis say they arrived first and came from the other the direction. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Former Libyan General Khalifa Hifter is a naturalized American citizen leading one side of the civil war in Libya, and he spend 20 years in suburban Virginia, under the auspices of the CIA. In 1991, the New York Times reported that 350 exiled "Libyan soldiers were trained by American intelligence officials in sabotage and other guerrilla skills. The plan to use the exiles fit neatly into the Reagan Administration's eagerness to topple Colonel [Muammar] Qaddafi." Former Libyan General Khalifa Hifter was the leader of that group, the Libyan National Army, and was one of those flown to the United States and granted exile. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Election 2016: Bernie Sanders NYC Fundraiser Draws Campaign Supporters Who Are 'Feelin' The Bern' (Image by Michael Vadon) Details DMCA It would have been amusing if the stakes weren't so deadly serious: The New York Times described Clinton's narrow victory in Nevada as reassuring "an anxious Democratic Party" that she could still win the nomination despite Sanders' surging poll numbers. While not quite saying so, the implication seemed to be that the Democratic Party doesn't include the insurgents who support Sanders. This is a subtle indication of the obvious: there is a civil war going on in the Democratic Party, and the corporate media has sided with the Democratic establishment. In order to end this civil war, Sanders supporters must convince Democrats leaning toward Clinton to join them in a revolution against corporate rule. While the candidates have confined themselves to occasional heated exchanges, most of the fighting is going on in the alternative media, letters to the editor sections of newspapers, and social media. In the latter, the arguments are getting increasingly vicious. Sanders supporters are getting frustrated by what they see as the blindness of Clinton supporters to the need for "political revolution," whatever that means to them. While Sanders has never precisely defined the term, the context in which he refers to it suggests that it means creating a system where money does not determine who voters will get a chance to choose from to represent them. If we accept this as the definition of the term, then the question becomes one of whether the millions of Clinton admirers are willing to give up the dream of helping elect the first female President in order to pursue what many consider a quixotic quest: addressing the corrupting influence of money in politics. Is that really a naive idea? Sanders supporters who expect more from his election than just populist rhetoric do not think so. Although he has not made the point clearly on the campaign trail, Sanders doesn't just think that overturning Citizens United is just a good idea: He has been actively working on it for years. Furthermore, he has very specific ideas about how to do it. Not only would match Clinton's promise to use a judge's willingness to reverse the decision as a litmus test for Supreme Court appointment, he has already been attacking it with a more direct approach. Sanders has introduced resolutions for constitutional amendments to effect campaign finance reform in each of the last three Congresses, the most recent one just last month. His strategy is not just overturn Citizens United, but the whole series of decisions that began when money used to influence political campaigns was declared protected "speech" in Buckley v Vallejo in 1976. Although the effort to pass a strong constitutional amendment has lost some momentum after the initial success of Move to Amend and other groups, the movement has not gone away. He could give it new life. As a senator, his ability to advance the idea was limited by how attention his efforts received, including in the "alternative" media. Now that Sanders is highlighting campaign finance reform in front of a national audience, the issue could form the nucleus around which to build a real movement, one that could unite not only Democrats but all Americans. Regardless of political ideology, only the terminally naive doubt that it is the corruption of politics by special interest money that has frustrated efforts to effectively deal with almost every problem whose solution might affect corporate profits. As President, Sanders would be in a position to lead the effort to pass an amendment, using the power of the movement that he has begun to mobilize. The theme of the Sanders campaign has been corruption. He has returned again and again to the issue of the corrupting influence of money in politics, and particularly in elections. Although it was a point lost on most of her supporters, his pointing out in their last televised debate that Wall Street is a big Clinton backer was not an accusation that she is corrupt. Deftly ignoring the distinction, she played for sympathy by accusing Sanders of "smearing" her. The problem is that it is not possible to "smear" someone by pointing out relevant facts. The sources of Clinton's campaign funds are largely known, and she did not challenge the fact that she has accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in speaking fees from Goldman Sachs alone. Sanders was too polite to mention that in total, she has received millions from Wall Street institutions and the industries in which they are most heavily invested (among these are the corporations that comprise the medical-industrial complex, raising questions about what makes her so sure that single payer will never come to the US even though it has been proven to work everywhere it has been tried around the world). As Sanders pointed out in frustration, it is hard to imagine why those who benefit from Washington's corporate-centered policies would be throwing so much money at someone who calls herself their "greatest enemy" unless they understood that such threats are not to be taken seriously. If Clinton is serious when she agrees with Sanders that Citizens United should be overturned, she should understand the importance of the fact that he is running without the benefit of SuperPAC backing or that of wealthy and well-connected establishment Democrats. I t is important to remember that the Supreme Court decision to remove the floodgates of corporate cash was based on the assumption that it did not "create corruption or an appearance of corruption." So if we were to take her objection seriously, shouldn't we be concerned about at least the appearance of corruption when her campaign is primarily funded by large donors and corporations? Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). RIGHT AFTER the foundation of Israel, God appeared to David Ben-Gurion and told him: "You have done good by my people. Utter a wish and I shall grant it!" "I wish that Israel shall be Jewish, democratic and encompass all the country between the Mediterranean and the Jordan," Ben-Gurion replied. "That is too much even for me!" God exclaimed. "But I will grant you two of the three. You can choose between a Jewish and democratic Israel in a part of the country, a democratic state in all of the country that will not be Jewish or a Jewish Israel in all of the country that will not be democratic." God has not changed his mind. WHILE I am writing this, Binyamin Netanyahu is totally absorbed in enacting a new law, a law that would be a watershed in the history of Israel. The public looks on in a bemused way, as if it were happening in Kamchatka. This law would (I might say "will") enable 90 of the 120 Knesset members to evict any or all the other members from the Knesset altogether. The grounds for such a decision are nebulous: supporting "terrorism" -- by speech as well as by deed, denying the Jewish character of the state, and such. Who decides? The majority, of course. The immediate impetus for proposing this bill was provided by the three Arab Knesset members who visited the parents of Arab "terrorists" in annexed East Jerusalem. I have already mentioned this in my last article. They had a good pretext -- to help them to obtain the bodies of their sons, who had been shot dead on the spot. But the obvious reason was to pay their condolences. Now, it may be argued that a bereaved mother is a bereaved mother, irrespective of the cause of her son's death, and that to offer condolences is a human virtue. But that may be too humanistic for Likud members. In the good old times, when we were the "terrorists" and the British were the occupiers, I would certainly have paid my condolences to a neighbor whose son had been shot during an Irgun raid. I don't think the British would have arrested me for that. By law, Knesset members are immune from prosecution for any act committed in the line of their duties. For Knesset members to visit their voters in such circumstances may be such an act. Therefore, a new law is necessary. And what a law! "IMAGINE SUCH a thing happening in England or the US," Netanyahu thundered, "an MP or congressman supporting terrorists!" "Imagine such a thing happening in Britain or the US," I would reply, "a law allowing three quarters of Parliament or Congress to evict the others!" Netanyahu was brought up in the US. He most surely has been taught there that democracy does not mean only the rule of the majority. Adolf Hitler was probably supported by the majority. Democracy means that the majority respects the rights of minorities. Including the right of free speech. Thanks to every one of you who signed the We the People petition asking the President to appear on Real Time with Bill Maher. With more than 320,000 signatures, Bill has once again demonstrated he knows how to inspire and motivate his viewers! Plenty of us around here watch Real Time because we admire Bill's passion for spreading the science on climate change, asking tough questions about money in politics, and trying to burst "the bubble" where some of our politicians -- and too many of our nation's critical political debates -- exist. The President's communications team thinks strategically about scheduling presidential interviews, and we have made a concerted effort over the last couple of years to broaden the array of venues where the President appears -- from talking to young people about health care on "Between Two Ferns" and a post-State of the Union conversation with YouTube stars, to a CNN Town Hall on gun violence and an interview with Mic.com on the Iran deal. Consistent with this approach, we'll keep in mind Bill's open invitation for a presidential appearance and give it the respectful consideration that Bill and his large audience deserve. Thanks again for raising your voices (we know Bill always raises his). We hope you'll continue to use the platform to call on the Administration to address the policies and priorities you care about. -- The We the People Team P.S. Before we forget, happy belated 60th birthday, Bill! You haven't lost a step, and the gray hair makes you look, dare we say it, presidential. We hope our card didn't get lost in the mail. Articles Listed By Date List By Popularity Search Title Date Between Any 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 Any 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 and Any 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 Any 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Page 1 of 4 First Last Back Next 2 3 4 View All (2 comments) SHARE Is This the Man with His Finger on the Button? Trump likes to add military props and lots of flags to his orations and speak of "his generals," but, beyond that, military affairs are of no evident interest to our tough-talking president who likes to style himself a "war president." Tuesday, September 15, 2020Trump likes to add military props and lots of flags to his orations and speak of "his generals," but, beyond that, military affairs are of no evident interest to our tough-talking president who likes to style himself a "war president." SHARE Trump's Kool-Aid President Donald Trump has clearly gone off the rails with his crazy suggestion that the public might try injecting potent disinfectants to combat COVID-19. Where did the world's most powerful elected official who now threatens war against Iran and Venezuela get this loopy notion? Sunday, April 26, 2020President Donald Trump has clearly gone off the rails with his crazy suggestion that the public might try injecting potent disinfectants to combat COVID-19. Where did the world's most powerful elected official who now threatens war against Iran and Venezuela get this loopy notion? SHARE Lies Won't Stop Covid-19 As the bodies of COVID-19 victims pile up from New York to New Zealand, politicians are waging a furious blame game over the pandemic. At first, President Donald Trump dismissed COVID-19 as a simple cold or flu and, in the best dictatorial tradition, scared into silence scientists and politicians who disagreed with him for over a month. Sunday, April 19, 2020As the bodies of COVID-19 victims pile up from New York to New Zealand, politicians are waging a furious blame game over the pandemic. At first, President Donald Trump dismissed COVID-19 as a simple cold or flu and, in the best dictatorial tradition, scared into silence scientists and politicians who disagreed with him for over a month. SHARE A Foretaste of the Horror of Biological Warfare The world is getting a grim foretaste of what biological warfare would be like. Those not cowering in terror in their homes would likely be amazed to learn that some of their governments are still churning out highly toxic chemical and biological agents in hidden factories. Sunday, March 29, 2020The world is getting a grim foretaste of what biological warfare would be like. Those not cowering in terror in their homes would likely be amazed to learn that some of their governments are still churning out highly toxic chemical and biological agents in hidden factories. (1 comments) SHARE Payback By Mother Earth? As the coronavirus spreads, our self-proclaimed "War Leader" has drawn his sword to defend endangered America. But Trump can't decide if he is waging war against a vicious virus or fear itself. For the first two weeks of the epidemic he dismissed it as a "hoax" spread by lefties. Sunday, March 22, 2020As the coronavirus spreads, our self-proclaimed "War Leader" has drawn his sword to defend endangered America. But Trump can't decide if he is waging war against a vicious virus or fear itself. For the first two weeks of the epidemic he dismissed it as a "hoax" spread by lefties. SHARE Trump Does The Taj President Donald Trump's 36-hour whirlwind visit to India this past week was designed to show Americans just how adored abroad their president really is. Unluckily for Trump, his campaign stop at this behemoth nation of 1.3 or 1.4 billion proved a fiasco. Sunday, March 1, 2020President Donald Trump's 36-hour whirlwind visit to India this past week was designed to show Americans just how adored abroad their president really is. Unluckily for Trump, his campaign stop at this behemoth nation of 1.3 or 1.4 billion proved a fiasco. (1 comments) SHARE The Man Who Would Be King Last week, the Senate voted 55/45 for a new bipartisan War Powers Act to constrain military action against Iran. The Congress voted a similar act. Both are designed to start returning the right to make war to Congress, as the Constitution clearly intended. The president is not the Warlord-in-chief in spite of what he thinks. Saturday, February 15, 2020Last week, the Senate voted 55/45 for a new bipartisan War Powers Act to constrain military action against Iran. The Congress voted a similar act. Both are designed to start returning the right to make war to Congress, as the Constitution clearly intended. The president is not the Warlord-in-chief in spite of what he thinks. (2 comments) SHARE Grand Theft Property Under Trump's "deal," Israel is to formally annex about 30% of the West Bank, the Arab area it conquered in the 1967 war. This will include all Jerusalem and an archipelago of Jewish settlements on the West Bank that were implanted to thwart any possible creation of a viable Palestinian state. Saturday, February 1, 2020Under Trump's "deal," Israel is to formally annex about 30% of the West Bank, the Arab area it conquered in the 1967 war. This will include all Jerusalem and an archipelago of Jewish settlements on the West Bank that were implanted to thwart any possible creation of a viable Palestinian state. (3 comments) SHARE The Plagues From China A new plague threatens the West: the Wuhan Coronavirus. Officially named 2019-nCoV, the new virus has so far infected over 800 people in China. This latest plague erupted in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, population 11 million, which is located on the Yangtze River and is an important hub for national communications. Sunday, January 26, 2020A new plague threatens the West: the Wuhan Coronavirus. Officially named 2019-nCoV, the new virus has so far infected over 800 people in China. This latest plague erupted in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, population 11 million, which is located on the Yangtze River and is an important hub for national communications. SHARE Ike Was Right As General Eisenhower warned, military spending has engulfed the nation. A trillion annual military budget represents just about half the world's military expenditures. The Pentagon is bustling with activity as if the nation was on a permanent war footing. Sunday, January 19, 2020As General Eisenhower warned, military spending has engulfed the nation. A trillion annual military budget represents just about half the world's military expenditures. The Pentagon is bustling with activity as if the nation was on a permanent war footing. (2 comments) SHARE How the US Runs Iraq Never in the past half-century have we seen the Arab states so pathetically feeble. Never have we seen Israel so strongly guiding US Mideast policy, including the murder of Gen. Soleimani. Sunday, January 12, 2020Never in the past half-century have we seen the Arab states so pathetically feeble. Never have we seen Israel so strongly guiding US Mideast policy, including the murder of Gen. Soleimani. (2 comments) SHARE Afghanistan: Graveyard of Empires America's media, with a few small exceptions, has promoted the Pentagon's war against the Afghan people and totally covered up its atrocities and egregious lies. This war has become a giant, money devouring killing machine that boosts politicians and military contractors. Sunday, December 15, 2019America's media, with a few small exceptions, has promoted the Pentagon's war against the Afghan people and totally covered up its atrocities and egregious lies. This war has become a giant, money devouring killing machine that boosts politicians and military contractors. SHARE Frenchmen. To Arms! Trump does not know or care that France saved America from British mis-rule. He wants revenge because France which taxes nearly everything seeks to tax US IT firms like Google and Amazon. Trump considers this a personal affront. Saturday, December 7, 2019Trump does not know or care that France saved America from British mis-rule. He wants revenge because France which taxes nearly everything seeks to tax US IT firms like Google and Amazon. Trump considers this a personal affront. (3 comments) SHARE Plundering Iraq Iraq remains a US-occupied nation. We hear nothing about the billions of dollars of Iraqi oil extracted by big US oil firms since 2003. For the US, Iraq was a treasure house of oil with 12% of world reserves. It was OPEC's 2nd largest producer. Monday, November 18, 2019Iraq remains a US-occupied nation. We hear nothing about the billions of dollars of Iraqi oil extracted by big US oil firms since 2003. For the US, Iraq was a treasure house of oil with 12% of world reserves. It was OPEC's 2nd largest producer. SHARE Turkey Beats The War Drums Trump rightly calls the fracas in Syria "a stupid war." But many pro-war forces play on this tired, confused president who has gotten himself deep into the Syrian morass, a problem of largely American but also Turkish making. Saturday, October 12, 2019Trump rightly calls the fracas in Syria "a stupid war." But many pro-war forces play on this tired, confused president who has gotten himself deep into the Syrian morass, a problem of largely American but also Turkish making. (1 comments) SHARE Who Launched That Mystery Attack? Attacking Iran, even if just from the air, risks a much wider Mideast war just as the Trump administration which originally campaigned against "stupid" Mideast wars faces next year's elections. But the administration is under intense pressure from its pro-Israel base to go after Iran. Sunday, September 22, 2019Attacking Iran, even if just from the air, risks a much wider Mideast war just as the Trump administration which originally campaigned against "stupid" Mideast wars faces next year's elections. But the administration is under intense pressure from its pro-Israel base to go after Iran. SHARE It's Time to Liberate Afghanistan America faces historic defeat in Afghanistan. By not winning, it loses. How this loss would affect the rest of America's empire remains to be seen. But the sooner America ends this shameful colonial war the better. Monday, September 2, 2019America faces historic defeat in Afghanistan. By not winning, it loses. How this loss would affect the rest of America's empire remains to be seen. But the sooner America ends this shameful colonial war the better. (1 comments) SHARE Burn the Amazon! Cut down the trees. Kill the wild animals. Burn the bush. Pollute the rivers. Pave over the grass. Raise more beef, pigs and poultry in cages. That's the credo of the new right. Hatred of Nature is an integral part of its politics. President Donald Trump is the high priest of such environmental vandalism. In his narrow land-developer mind, Nature is a left-wing liberal conspiracy. Sunday, August 25, 2019Cut down the trees. Kill the wild animals. Burn the bush. Pollute the rivers. Pave over the grass. Raise more beef, pigs and poultry in cages. That's the credo of the new right. Hatred of Nature is an integral part of its politics. President Donald Trump is the high priest of such environmental vandalism. In his narrow land-developer mind, Nature is a left-wing liberal conspiracy. (2 comments) SHARE Hong Kong: Don't Provoke the Dragon This week, Hong Kong airport was besieged and shut down by thousands of young local demonstrators protesting China's attempt to impose a new extradition law on Hong Kong that would allow Beijing to arrest Hong Kong residents for "anti-state" activities. Sunday, August 18, 2019This week, Hong Kong airport was besieged and shut down by thousands of young local demonstrators protesting China's attempt to impose a new extradition law on Hong Kong that would allow Beijing to arrest Hong Kong residents for "anti-state" activities. SHARE High-stakes Chicken in Kashmir Two of the world's most important powers, India and Pakistan, are locked into an extremely dangerous confrontation over the bitterly disputed Himalayan mountain state of Kashmir. Both are nuclear armed. Saturday, August 10, 2019Two of the world's most important powers, India and Pakistan, are locked into an extremely dangerous confrontation over the bitterly disputed Himalayan mountain state of Kashmir. Both are nuclear armed. Page 1 of 4 First Last Back Next 2 3 4 View All By Kathryn Hickok Last week the Oregon State Senate passed an extension of Oregons open enrollment law, Senate Bill 1566. The bill extends for three more years the sunset provision of a 2011 law which allows students to attend public schools in different districts from their home residences, as long as the receiving district is accepting transfers. The bill is expected to pass the House before the end of the session. Oregons open enrollment law is a victory for parents, because it gives them more power to choose among Oregon public schools without requiring transfer permission from their local school districtpermission that was often denied. Other winners include rural district schools which have worked hard to attract incoming transfer students by focusing on strong academics. Instead of more bureaucracy, Oregon needs effective accountability in K-12 education by empowering every parent to hold his or her childs school accountable and to ensure that their children are getting the education they deserve. Oregon legislators should be commended for supporting the Oregon open enrollment law, a relatively easy way to promote accountability and continuous improvement within the public school system. When parents can choose the schools that are best for their children, students have better chances to learn and succeed; and school districts have both the incentives and the opportunities to shine. And that can only be a plus for education in Oregon. Kathryn Hickok is Publications Director and Director of the Childrens Scholarship Fund-Portland program at Cascade Policy Institute. Oregon has #1 tourist tax city No new Lodging Tax! By Taxpayer Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Help spread the word, email, Facebook and Tweet this Infographic: Oregons already has the nations top tourist tax city with Portland Oregon. Now the Legislature is eyeing HB 4146 which would double the statewide lodging tax. In addition to doubling the statewide lodging tax, HB 4146 would also expand the tax beyond its core function of tourism marketing. HB 4146 would add over $30 million in new tourism tax on a state with high tourist taxes and fewer competitive attractions compared to the big states. Rural areas will be the ones left out of this giant new tax. The Portland Tribune quoted local rural lawmakers on this: Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario, said hotel owners in his district do not expect the bill would help them. I talked to many of my hotel operators across my district, and they were uniformly a no, Bentz said. Rep. Gail Whitsett, R-Klamath Falls, said she agreed with Bentz. To read HB 4146 please go to the Oregon Legislative website here House BIll 4146 Note: The Portland tourism tax rating was based on a 2013 report from the Global Business Travelers Association. The tourism tax was totaled by combining taxes on lodging, rental cars and meals by airport vicinity. The report was also reported by USA Today newspaper on December 10, 2013. Through the mentorship of faculty, our orthopaedic surgery residency program offers a resident trainee the opportunity to design a personalized international experience and participate in the practice of global medicine. Flat in Luxor? Apartment in Luxor? Holiday Rental in Luxor? Luxury Accommodation in Luxor? Is this what youve been searching for? The Our Luxor Holiday Apartment isnt on the Side of the Dead, or the on edge of town; no, were right in the middle of the real Luxor where you can see life lived in all its glory! We love to know that we are safe and secure among our caring neighbours in this closely knit community. Come and join us in the best private accommodation available. Christine Lagarde was the sole candidate for the post of managing director of the International Monetary Fund. Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) attends the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, in this January 23, 2016 file photo. Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) attends the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, in this January 23, 2016 file photo. | Photo: Reuters Previous Next Published 20 February 2016 0 Comments Comments We Recommend Christine Lagarde was the sole candidate for the post of managing director of the International Monetary Fund. Despite facing charges of negligence in France, Christine Lagarde was selected Friday to serve as the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a second five-year term. Lagarde was the sole candidate nominated for the post of managing director at the multilateral lending institution. It has been a very enthusiastic experience for me and I am looking forward to actually continuing to serve the membership: to focus on country specific issues and make sure that we are as country-tailored and specific as we can, said Lagarde following the announcement. Lagarde made headlines in December 2015 when her lawyer announced she would face trial over allegations of negligence in France. Lagarde is accused of failing to challenge a controversial payout to business tycoon Bernard Tapie when she was finance minister in France under then-president Nicolas Sarkozy. Tapie, a close associate of Sarkozy, received US$433 million in compensation after he accused a state-owned bank of fraud. France's last court of appeal, the Court of Cassation, eventually ordered Tapie to repay the compensation. As head of the IMF, Lagarde was involved in bailout negotiations with Greece that demanded the country implement harsh austerity programs in exchange for emergency loans. RELATED: Greece Passes New Austerity Measures, Recieves New Debt Loan The IMF is the object of much derision in developing countries, particularly in Latin America, where the organization has often imposed painful structural adjustment programs blamed for devastating economies and causing poverty to skyrocket. Right-wing Argentine President Mauricio Macri recently announced he would submit his country to its first IMF audit in nearly a decade. IN DEPTH: World Bank and the IMF in Peru Lagarde took over as head of the IMF in 2011 following the resignation of Dominique Strauss-Kahn amid scandal. She became the first woman to lead the organization, which is based in Washington, D.C. She will officially start her second term on July 5. The IMF said the decision to reappoint Lagarde was reached by consensus among its executive board. This content was originally published by teleSUR at the following address: "http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Controversial-IMF-Chief-Reappointed-to-Second-Term-20160220-0001.html". If you intend to use it, please cite the source and provide a link to the original article. www.teleSURtv.net/english Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) attends the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, in this January 23, 2016 file photo. Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) attends the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, in this January 23, 2016 file photo. | Photo: Reuters Previous Next Published 20 February 2016 0 Comments Comments We Recommend Christine Lagarde was the sole candidate for the post of managing director of the International Monetary Fund. Despite facing charges of negligence in France, Christine Lagarde was selected Friday to serve as the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a second five-year term. Lagarde was the sole candidate nominated for the post of managing director at the multilateral lending institution. It has been a very enthusiastic experience for me and I am looking forward to actually continuing to serve the membership: to focus on country specific issues and make sure that we are as country-tailored and specific as we can, said Lagarde following the announcement. Lagarde made headlines in December 2015 when her lawyer announced she would face trial over allegations of negligence in France. Lagarde is accused of failing to challenge a controversial payout to business tycoon Bernard Tapie when she was finance minister in France under then-president Nicolas Sarkozy. Tapie, a close associate of Sarkozy, received US$433 million in compensation after he accused a state-owned bank of fraud. France's last court of appeal, the Court of Cassation, eventually ordered Tapie to repay the compensation. As head of the IMF, Lagarde was involved in bailout negotiations with Greece that demanded the country implement harsh austerity programs in exchange for emergency loans. RELATED: Greece Passes New Austerity Measures, Recieves New Debt Loan The IMF is the object of much derision in developing countries, particularly in Latin America, where the organization has often imposed painful structural adjustment programs blamed for devastating economies and causing poverty to skyrocket. Right-wing Argentine President Mauricio Macri recently announced he would submit his country to its first IMF audit in nearly a decade. IN DEPTH: World Bank and the IMF in Peru Lagarde took over as head of the IMF in 2011 following the resignation of Dominique Strauss-Kahn amid scandal. She became the first woman to lead the organization, which is based in Washington, D.C. She will officially start her second term on July 5. The IMF said the decision to reappoint Lagarde was reached by consensus among its executive board. This content was originally published by teleSUR at the following address: "http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Controversial-IMF-Chief-Reappointed-to-Second-Term-20160220-0001.html". If you intend to use it, please cite the source and provide a link to the original article. www.teleSURtv.net/english Despite facing charges of negligence in France, Christine Lagarde was selected Friday to serve as the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a second five-year term.Lagarde was the sole candidate nominated for the post of managing director at the multilateral lending institution.It has been a very enthusiastic experience for me and I am looking forward to actually continuing to serve the membership: to focus on country specific issues and make sure that we are as country-tailored and specific as we can, said Lagarde following the announcement.Lagarde made headlines in December 2015 when her lawyer announced she would face trial over allegations of negligence in France. Lagarde is accused of failing to challenge a controversial payout to business tycoon Bernard Tapie when she was finance minister in France under then-president Nicolas Sarkozy.Tapie, a close associate of Sarkozy, received US$433 million in compensation after he accused a state-owned bank of fraud. France's last court of appeal, the Court of Cassation, eventually ordered Tapie to repay the compensation.As head of the IMF, Lagarde was involved in bailout negotiations with Greece that demanded the country implement harsh austerity programs in exchange for emergency loans.The IMF is the object of much derision in developing countries, particularly in Latin America, where the organization has often imposed painful structural adjustment programs blamed for devastating economies and causing poverty to skyrocket.Right-wing Argentine President Mauricio Macri recently announced he would submit his country to its first IMF audit in nearly a decade.Lagarde took over as head of the IMF in 2011 following the resignation of Dominique Strauss-Kahn amid scandal. She became the first woman to lead the organization, which is based in Washington, D.C.She will officially start her second term on July 5.The IMF said the decision to reappoint Lagarde was reached by consensus among its executive board.Source: http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Controversial-IMF-Chief-Reappointed-to-Second-Term-20160220-0001.html Turkey has called for a joint ground operation in Syria with its international allies, insisting it is the only way to stop the country's five-year war. Turkish tanks are pictured in action here in Kobane, Syria, in 2014 A protester holds a placard in 2015 reading 'Killer Russia! Get out from Syria' (L) while others shout slogans in front of the Russian Istanbul consulate during a demonstration against Russia's Syria policy in Istanbul Russian pilots stand outside their Su-30 jet fighter, armed with air-to-air missiles, before a take off at Hmeimim airbase in Syria last year But Russia, which has been carrying out air strikes in support of main regional ally Bashar al-Assad, has voiced its opposition to the operation. It also called on the Security Council to press Turkey to halt its shelling of Kurdish forces in northern Syria - but it was rejected. Turkey's plan was based on the assumption that, in case of conflict, the country could invoke Article 5 of the NATO treaty, the collective defence clause if any member state is attacked. But Luxembourg foreign minister Jean Asselborn told German magazine Der Spiegel that the Turkish government cannot count on Nato 'NATO cannot allow itself to be pulled into a military escalation with Russia as a result of the recent tensions between Russia and Turkey,' he said. Asselborn also stressed that Article 5 can only be invoked when a member state is clearly attacked. A German diplomat echoed Asselborn's stance and said: 'We are not going to pay the price for a war started by the Turks.' On Friday, French President Francois Hollande also said that Europe needs to prevent a conflict between the two nations. 'There is a risk of war between Turkey and Russia,' he said in an interview with France Inter radio. Source: But Russia, which has been carrying out air strikes in support of main regional ally Bashar al-Assad, has voiced its opposition to the operation. It also called on the Security Council to press Turkey to halt its shelling of Kurdish forces in northern Syria - but it was rejected.Turkey's plan was based on the assumption that, in case of conflict, the country could invoke Article 5 of the NATO treaty, the collective defence clause if any member state is attacked.But Luxembourg foreign minister Jean Asselborn told German magazine Der Spiegel that the Turkish government cannot count on Nato'NATO cannot allow itself to be pulled into a military escalation with Russia as a result of the recent tensions between Russia and Turkey,' he said.Asselborn also stressed that Article 5 can only be invoked when a member state is clearly attacked.A German diplomat echoed Asselborn's stance and said:'We are not going to pay the price for a war started by the Turks.'On Friday, French President Francois Hollande also said that Europe needs to prevent a conflict between the two nations.'There is a risk of war between Turkey and Russia,' he said in an interview with France Inter radio.Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3455934/Nato-warns-Turkey-t-count-support-conflict-Russia-tensions-escalate.html European diplomats have warned the Turkish government that it cannot count on the NATO support should the conflict with Russia escalate into an armed conflict, according to German media.Ankara has called for a joint ground operation in Syria with its international allies, insisting it is the only way to stop the country's five-year war. Saudi Arabia has said it would be ready to take part in an international force to be deployed in Syria. Deplorable role of our politicians 22 February, 2016 By Asif Haroon Raja Related News Govt finalises draft of national security policy: Nisar Govt okays targeted action in Karachi Related Articles Horde of Enemies surrounding Pakistan By By Asif Haroon Raja Dirty role of International NGOs in Pakistan By By Asif Haroon Raja Related Speakout More on this View All Govt determined to transform Pakistan into truly democratic society: Rasheed Govt finalises draft of national security policy: Nisar Govt okays targeted action in Karachi Karachi violence: 10 more killed Int'l aid can help Pakistan be anchor of stability: FoDP Pakistan's existence not jeopardised at all: FM Qureshi Pakistani state is not going to collapse, says Zardari Related News Poll Are you in support of amending the law to raise the strength of the Supreme Court to 27 from 17? Irresponsible behavior of our political leaders is causing irreparable damage to the nation. Their myopia has caused deep anguish to the people. Their selfishness broke the country into two. When Mujibur Rahman and 22 co-accused were arrested on charges of treason and secession in 1968, the politicians bailed them out. When Ayub Khan who had uplifted the fortunes of Pakistan sky high, agreed to all the demands of the opposition and called the Round Table Conference to find a political way out, power hungry ZA Bhutto failed the conference. While Gen Yahya gave all the political concessions and allocated heaviest development outlays for the eastern wing to appease the Bengalis, Mujibur Rahman chose to play the Indian game to become PM of Bangladesh and not of united Pakistan. ZA Bhutto added fuel to fire since he wanted half of the cake of power at all cost. Their obduracy and Indias disgusting role led to the break of Pakistan. Bangladesh broke away to become independent but has become a satellite of India. Egotism and greed of nationalist politicians from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh, later joined by Baluchistan nationalists blocked the construction of Kalabagh Dam (KBD), vital for the survival of Pakistan. Who doesnt know that India was behind the ones opposing KBD and had doled out large amounts to achieve her sinister design? Today when India has built well over 60 dams on the three rivers flowing into Pakistan from occupied Kashmir and is hell bent to make Pakistan a water scarce country and a barren land, no one is holding the opponents accountable. India is now in a position to flood our rivers during flood season each year and control water during seeds sowing season. This strategy has been devised to bend nuclear Pakistan and force it to give up Kashmir and accept Indian hegemony if it wants to survive. But for the avaricious politicians who have sold their souls to the devil, India could never have succeeded in her designs. Thanks to Ayub Khan who constructed Tarbela and Mangla Dams and laid a network of irrigation canals, otherwise Pakistan by now would have been a drought stricken country and couldnt have possibly pursued its nuclear program or maintained strong armed forces. We know the architects of NRO and what price the beneficiaries had agreed to pay to get cleansed from criminal and corruption charges and secure power. We know the dream team of PPP-MQM-ANP-JUI-F formed by the US in March 2008 and how this chosen team went about giving Pakistan on contract to the adversaries of Pakistan. While all the PPP leading lights involved in mega scandals were given a clean chit, 8000 MQM leaders involved in heinous crimes were let off. This team played havoc with Pakistan in its 5-year rule. Besides minting money and reducing Pakistan into a carcass, the MQM in its bid to gain total control over Karachi and other urban centres of Sindh let loose a reign of terror in Karachi with the help of its target killers, extortionists, kidnappers. Railway was almost grounded by ANP minister. While all the economic indicators had gone into negative, all profit earning state corporations ran on oxygen, economy almost collapsed and debts doubled. Country was run by taking loans from IMF, World Bank, local banks and printing notes. PML-N tied to charter of democracy looked the other way. Pakistan was seen as a breeding ground of terrorism, the most dangerous country in the world and a failing state. An impression had been built that Pakistans nukes were unsafe and likely to be snatched by militants and hence must be taken in safe custody. Pak Army and ISI were ridiculed by propagating that they were either in league with terrorists or were inefficient and were repeatedly asked to do more. Every Tom, Dick and Harry could whip Pakistan and our leaders took the insults and whips without a whimper. No country was prepared to invest even $ 100 in Pakistan and foreign investment had dried up. Pakistan suffered worst energy crisis and people had to endure 18-20 hours load shedding. There was acute shortage of gas, fuel and commodities. Corruption scaled new heights and was institutionalized. Nepotism was adopted and merit discarded. Cheats and crooks were preferred over honest people. Accountability was in name only since no one was held accountable under the name of national reconciliation. Even those sentenced to death were not hanged because of moratorium. Over 4000 terrorists arrested by the Army soldiers in combat zones were freed by the law courts. No criminal in Karachi involved in hundreds of murders was convicted and punished. We remember how merrily our leaders accepted the Kerry Lugar Bill which in the garb of aid was designed to control Pakistans premier institutions and strategic assets. We also remember the Memo scandal and the devious role of our ambassador in Washington who had authored it at the behest of the top leaders in Pakistan. Hussain Haqqani had pushed in 7000 CIA and Blackwater operatives without seeking clearance from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ISI. Rahman Malik as Interior Minister served the vested interests of his local and foreign masters submissively and enabled Blackwater to establish itself in major urban centres. It has now been established that while MQM is closely linked with RAW, PPP leadership is involved in financial terrorism in Karachi and ANP connection with the Indian Congress is no secret. BLA, BRA, BLF are creations of MI-6, CIA, RAW and are serving their agenda to detach Baluchistan from Pakistan. Their absconding leaders are leading a luxurious life in London, Geneva and Washington. TTP is also a creation of foreign agencies and its top leaders are hosted by Afghan intelligence in Kunar, Nuristan, Nangarhar and used by RAW against Pakistan. Instead of building institutions and focusing on alleviating the sufferings of the poor, the politicians got involved in filling their coffers. While the PPP wasted all their energies in glorifying ZA Bhutto and Benazir and in demeaning Gen Ziaul Haq, the MQM and ANP lionized Altaf Hussain and Bacha Khan respectively. PPP and MQM kept fighting in Sindh but slept in one bed. Their insatiable greed and lust for big money and power, and their uncaring habit of displaying their wealth sowed the seeds of materialism and immorality. Their dishonesty stimulated culture of corruption. Their arrogant behavior and their lackadaisical approach and insensitivity towards the have-nots bred intolerance, resentment and further fueled religious extremism and terrorism. Their inefficiency crumbled the economy and accentuated joblessness and poverty. Lacking in vision and patriotism, and preferring self-interests over national interests, they remained engrossed in transferring wealth to Swiss banks and procuring property abroad and took little interest in education and in integrating the society as one whole, which is prone to divisive tendencies due to factors of regionalism, ethnicity, sectarianism, secular-Islamic divide and religious divides. Their corrupt practices became a key factor in disillusioning the youth and in going astray and in fanning provincialism. These glaring anomalies can be attributed to a robber baron but certainly not to a Guardian. One can expect the callous feudal lord to commit such thoughtless acts but cannot be expected from a true leader and a well-wisher. The have-nots have been groaning under the weight of unbearable poverty and crying in pain for the last 69 years, but the ones sitting in the corridors of power and taking turns to loot the national wealth and resources are so smug in their high lifestyle that they either turn a deaf ear to their cries or pretend that they are doing a lot for them. Each time they stand for elections, they reach up to the have-nots and promise them moon, but no sooner they get elected through their votes they get disconnected from them. Having spent millions during election campaign, they consider it their right to plunder the national wealth. They forget the sacrifices rendered by the workers, tillers, farmers, laborers, artisans who keep the economic wheels of the country running irrespective of the odds. Even under such insalubrious circumstances, the Army and ISI remained focused on battling with the foreign agencies supported terrorist groups in FATA and parts of KP and managed to recapture 17 administrative units from their hold in 2009 and retained them since the civil administration expressed its inability to takeover. Over 3000 security personnel embraced martyrdom in Swat and South Waziristan operations while the list of injured was much longer. It is indeed ironic that well knowing that Pakistan has been cleverly trapped into a web of international conspiracy and the security forces are fighting an existential war since 2004, the politicians have brought no change in their behavior pattern and conduct. While the Army is at war and is shedding blood to safeguard the territorial integrity and sovereignty of motherland, and has demolished the last stronghold of TTP in North Waziristan, there is no change in the way of life of politicians. They are still making money, squabbling and indulging in intrigues. MQM followed by the PPP are trying to discredit the Rangers and fail the operation in Karachi since both want the axe to fall on smaller fish only and to spare the big fish. Sindh government is dragging its feet to grant extension to Rangers. They are doing so against the wishes of people of Karachi. Disgruntled politicians in Sindh never hesitate from using Sindh or Muhajir card. There are some envious of progress achieved by Shahbaz, blaming Punjab for lack of development in smaller provinces. Punjab cannot be blamed for plunging the city of lights Karachi into darkness and soaking the streets with human blood. It is PPP which is creating hurdles in the implementation of National Action Plan and is now seeking judicial inquiry of Bacha Khan University terror attack. PPP is building pressure on the government to wind up Rangers operation in Karachi. Look at how some political parties assisted by segment of media are opposing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a win-win project for both Pakistan and China since it helps Pakistan in getting out of the woods and China in developing its western provinces and in getting connected with South Asia, Middle East, Africa and beyond. The ones in the vanguard are Tehreek-e-Insaaf, ANP, PPP, JUI-F supported by Baloch nationalists. They are speaking the language of India which is hell-bent to scuttle CPEC. While the $46 billion project is being viewed by the analysts all over the globe as a game changer for Pakistan as well as for South Asia, India is creating hurdles and has declared that it is unacceptable. Reason is that this project will bolster Pakistans economy and enhance its significance in the world and above all decisively demolish Indias plan to encircle Pakistan and her grandiose plans to become a regional and global power. India knows that politically stable, economically sound and militarily strong Pakistan will quicken the pace for liberation of occupied Kashmir from her clutches and then unravel Indian Union. Like India, the US is equally upset about CPEC since it will jeopardise its ambition to shift its strategic pivot from West Asia to Asia-Pacific, disrupt its plans to encircle its chief rival China and will thwart its plans to harness the mineral resources of Central Asia. Since the CPEC has become a nightmare for India as well as USA because Central Asian Republics and some Gulf Countries have already got attracted towards it, the BJP regime has established a special desk of RAW at Delhi and allocated $300 million to scuttle CPEC at all cost. In addition, ex Afghan President Hamid Karzai has been given $30 million to keep Afghan base active for cross border terrorism in Pakistan. Indian National Adviser Ajit Dowal is the director of the operation and he is using multiple methods to achieve Indias ends. Heating up of LoC/Working boundary, false flag operations, threatening posture, and acceleration in acts of terror in restive zones of Pakistan through which western route passes, establishing a link between TTP runaway leaders and Daesh and straining Afghan-Pakistan relations were part of the gory plan. Having failed to disrupt the progress of CPEC and getting flabbergasted with the outstanding successes achieved by Operation Zarb-e-Azb in northwest, FC operation in Baluchistan and Rangers led operation in Karachi, India seems to have acquired the services of some political parties and anchors/journalists in Pakistan to do what she couldnt do. Their possible linkage with foreign agenda can be discerned from the fact that the first attempt to scare away the Chinese from undertaking this project was made through Dharna politics. People were led astray under the slogan of change. Negative politics delayed the signing of the CPEC deal by six months. Another trick employed was to spoil civil-military relations. After the failure of dharna to achieve its objective, complexion of Pakistan began to improve, and the CPEC project took off. Guided by outsiders, the detractors tried to make it controversial by raising the issue of route under the pretext that Baluchistan and KP provinces would derive least benefits from it. They tried to mislead the people by asserting that original plan had been changed to benefit Punjab whereas the only route in the original plan was western. They insisted upon giving priority to western route over central and eastern routes. And when to their great disappointment this issue was amicably resolved by the PM in the All Parties Conference held in May 2015 that development of western route will be given top priority, they were left gaping and had to shut up for next six months. They then waited for their patrons for the new theme to play up. To pick faults, they stated that the western route which is being constructed by FWO under the supervision and protection of Army is just a road. When they were explained that it was a four-lane Highway in continuation to KKH, they are now saying that a six-lane motorway along with all the allied facilities are required at the outset. KP CM is using threatening language; similar to the language used by ANP leaders about KBD. They fail to realise that CPEC is a 15-year long term project which has been entirely funded by China, and the one investing $46 billion has its own interests and security concerns and would like the venture to be profitable and not a liability. No one has ever invested this kind of money in Pakistan. As far as energy parks are concerned, which would consume $35 billion of the total amount, those would be decided in consultation with provinces and the latter will have to earmark places and acquire land. The opponents in their frenetic hatred for the ruling party to gain political mileage have started to sing the old song of Punjab, which was sung by the Bengalis and it is not difficult to ascertain as to who is the composer of the song. The frustrated politicians know well that operationalization of CPEC and resolution of energy crisis by 2018 will sink their political ambitions to capture power in 2018 elections. To remain relevant and garner support of the public, they are ringing false alarm bells about CPEC and employing all sorts of dirty tricks to make it controversial and to dishearten the Chinese and oblige them to abandon the project. Their bleating impelled China to express its concern. In their mad frenzy, they do not understand that this opportunity that has come our way is a fate changer and if it slips away Pakistan will never be able to get rid of its external and internal debts and to remove socio-economic deprivations of smaller provinces and will continue to lurch from one crisis to another and remain vulnerable to conspiracies and foreign adventures. While I agree that PML-N is not a party of angels and there are quite many feudal lords and crooks in it, the fact is that its performance is far better than the previous regime. It must be allowed to work and complete its tenure. If PPP led regime could be tolerated why not this one which is delivering. Let the people decide its fate in May 2018. Any turmoil in the political setup at this delicate stage when economy is yet to stabilize, energy crisis are yet to be overcome, and our adversaries are getting impatient to denuclearize and fragment Pakistan, will be suicidal. Talk of presidential form of government, national government, or the Army taking over power are unproductive suggestions at this stage. Meaningless tug of war will help our adversaries and not Pakistan. The critics must rationally analyse whether the present government has retrogressed or progressed after it took over. Nawazs softness towards India, although highly unpalatable, may be tolerated. After all, Pakistan cannot afford tension on its eastern and western fronts. It is the duty of the government in power to keep the neighbors placated, particularly when our adversaries are provoking Pakistan intentionally. Pakistans chief focus should be towards improvement of economy. Economic prosperity alone will deter our adversaries. At the same time, ongoing operations in FATA, Baluchistan and Karachi must continue relentlessly and National Action Plan implemented in letter and spirit to achieve conclusive results. Besides the cancer of terrorism, the bigger cancer of corruption must also be cured. All this is possible only if civil-military relations remain harmonious, all institutions to perform at their optimum levels and provincial governments to concentrate on improving the socio-economic conditions of their respective provinces rather than blaming the federal government. The writer is a retired Brig, defence analyst, columnist, author of five books, Director Measac Research Centre, Director Board of Governors Pakistan Thinkers Forum, takes part in TV talk shows. asifharoonraja@gmail.com Evolving Afghan Dynamics & Bearing on Pakistan 22 February, 2016 By Asif Haroon Raja Related News COAS Raheel assures Pak help for peaceful Afghan polls US seeks to ease Pak-Afghan tensions Related Articles Indo-US-Afghan collusion hinders peace By By Asif Haroon Raja Prospects of Taliban-US peace talks By By Asif Haroon Raja More on this View All COAS Raheel assures Pak help for peaceful Afghan polls US seeks to ease Pak-Afghan tensions Kabul I Love You brings Afghan woes to the big screen Defence lawyer: Diyani's case not processed properly Panetta, Hammond discuss Afghanistan Zardari calls for all-inclusive dialogue on Afghan conflict Afghan schools shut down over swine flu Afghanistan is connected with South Asia, Middle East and Central Asia. It shares 1400 km border with Pakistan and its 42% of Afghan Pashtuns share religious, ethnic, linguistic and cultural ties with 15.2 million Pakistani Pashtuns. Pashtuns living in close vicinity of Durand Line have blood relations and the border has never acted as a barrier in their cross border movement. Pashtuns from both sides have been jointly fighting all foreign invaders and are doing so even now. Afghanistan has traditionally remained friendly to distant neighbor India and unsympathetic to next door Pakistan since 1947. It opposed Pakistans membership in the UN, laid claim on Pakhtun populated areas of Pakistan and raised the stunt of Pakhtunistan, and also questioned the validity of Durand Line. It has been off and on carrying out border violations and has been giving shelter to Baloch rebels. The only time it was friendly with Pakistan and unfriendly with India was during the five-year rule of Taliban from 1996 till 2001, but the Taliban also refused to recognize Durand Line and laid claims on Mohmand agency. Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship has been a prey to differing interests. The two have never been at ease with each other and deep doubts have persisted in bilateral ties. Pakistan has never exploited its vulnerability of being land-locked and has considered it as its natural ally. It played a key role in pushing out Soviet forces from Afghanistan and has been hosting over 3 million Afghan refugees since 1979. But its wish for a friendly government in Kabul has never materialized. Pakistan has behaved maturely despite Afghanistans provocations and extended all kinds of support. Incident of 9/11 Blown up. 9/11 was projected as the biggest catastrophe ever happened and Al-Qaeda blamed for the vile act. Whole world shed tears of sympathy and condemned the perpetrators against whom no proofs had been gathered. Force mobilized to invade the most impoverished, war torn and sanctioned country far exceeded the threat. Afghanistan was encircled by establishing military bases in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan in the north, making Pakistan a coalition partner and frontline state, taking China, Russia, Iran and Arab world on board and obtaining UN approval. India offered all out support. War was justified to fight terrorism but terrorism was never defined. US Stated Objectives. The US stated objectives of invasion of Afghanistan included: Rooting out terrorism by killing/capturing Osama bin Laden, disrupting, defeating and eliminating Al-Qaeda network; destroying Taliban or making them ineffective; democratization of Afghanistan; empowerment of women. US Hidden Objectives. The hidden objectives were to assert American dominance in the regions surrounded by energy-rich Eurasian region, consolidate Afghanistan as a neo-colonial US protectorate and a staging post for further intrigues in Central/South Asia, Middle East, contain China, make India bulwark against China, a key player in Afghanistan, and stem resurgence of Russia. Pakistan Specific Objectives. Initially befriend Pakistan to occupy Afghanistan. Later, work towards destabilization, de-Islamisation, de-nuclearisation, and balkanization of Pakistan and making it a vassal state of India. Installation of Puppet Regime. Drums of victory were beaten in November 2001 and a puppet regime of Northern Alliance under Hamid Karzai installed in Kabul. During his over 13 years rule, Karzai allowed the occupiers to ruthlessly persecute the Afghan Pashtuns. He adopted pro-India and anti-Pakistan stance and permitted Afghan intelligence agency (NDS) grouped with five foreign agencies to use Afghan soil for undertaking massive covert war against Pakistan in FATA and Baluchistan. Resistance War by Taliban. Taliban regime under Mulla Omer was wrongly removed from power and then consistently hounded and oppressed. The Taliban after carrying out a tactical withdrawal to regroup, started guerrilla war to free their homeland from foreign occupation. No amount of force could break the indomitable will of Afghan Taliban or divide them. By 2008, resistance forces were running shadow governments in 33 of Afghanistans 34 provinces with core fighters of about 30,000 and potential fighters 500,000. ISAF suffered heaviest casualties in 2009 and there on, number kept increasing. 2015 was the most costly year for Afghan forces and the people. Stalemate - Victory of Taliban Failing to defeat the Taliban in the longest war after spending billions of dollars and using excessive force/torture as well as underhand tricks to divide the Taliban, the US was left with no other option but to call it a day. Operation Enduring Freedom which commenced on 07 October 2001, ended on December 28, 2014 and Armies of 35 countries exited without achieving any of the stated and hidden objectives. Learning a lesson from its unwise decision of abandoning Afghanistan in 1989, the US has left behind a Resolute Force Group of 12000 under Bilateral Security Agreement till end 2016 to give heart to Afghan forces. Stalemate was victory for Taliban since Taliban could continue fighting and occupiers could not. Unlike in 1980s when the Afghan Mujahedeen fought and defeated the Soviet occupying forces duly helped by Pakistan and the free world, this time the Taliban under Mulla Omar performed the miracle single-handedly and under much adverse conditions. Mistakes made by USA. Major mistakes made were insincere designs, distrusting Pakistan, relying on India, weak military leadership, drug trafficking, marginalization of Pashtuns, opening of torture chambers, dependence upon corrupt/inept Karazi regime and non-Pashtun heavy security forces, hiring of greedy NGOs/security contractors in thousands; bending situation according to its own whims, farcical political prong aimed at dividing Taliban, keeping Taliban out of peace talks till 2013. Last but not least opening 2nd front in Iraq. Afghan Unity Government. The incumbent unity government was formed in October 2014 after controversial elections, which is more inefficient and corrupt than warlord heavy Karzai regime. The flaw in this setup is the forcible marriage of convenience mid-wifed by John Kerry between President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah after their prolonged estrangement. Abdullah heading Northern Alliance is heavily tilted towards India and he controls 50% of cabinet ministries including NDS. As a result, influence of Indias RAW in Afghanistan has not diminished. RAW and NDS patronise Tehrik Taliban Pakistan (TTP) runaways Fazlullah and Omer Khalid Khurasani based in Kunar and Nangarhar respectively. Ghanis Pro-Pakistan Stance. To start with, Ashraf Ghani tilted towards Pakistan as a result of outstanding success achieved by Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan (NW) which not only pushed out anti-Pakistan militants, but also Haqqani network (HN) and Hafiz Gul Bahadur militant group. The other thing was Pakistan going an extra mile in removing Kabuls security concerns. Ghani was also mindful of his weaknesses because of lack of political roots. Understanding with resurging Taliban was the only way for him to survive. Reasons behind Patch up with Taliban. One reason behind frantic efforts to negotiate with the Taliban is not-so-happy operational preparedness of the US-UK trained and equipped Afghan National Army (ANA) to confront the Taliban challenge. It may not be possible for the US to continue dishing out $4.1 billion per year for the upkeep of Afghan security forces for long, particularly if they fail to deliver. Other reason is inherent weakness of unnatural unity government engaged in power tussle. Most of cabinet ministers including four women are pro-west and have little experience of governance. Ghani leaned on Pakistan hoping it will persuade Afghan Taliban to talk and reach a political settlement. Ghanis Changed Foreign Policy. With these considerations, Ghani while enumerating his foreign policy priorities, placed Pakistan, Iran and China well above India. He undertook his maiden visits to China and Pakistan. He also cancelled arms deal and military training agreements with India and instead sent cadets to PMA Kakul for training for the first time. ISI-NDS intelligence cooperation deal was inked. Both sides took practical measures to improve defence cooperation and intelligence sharing to tackle common threat of terrorism. Pakistan arranged meetings of Taliban and representatives of Ghani regime in Beijing and other countries. Indian Anxieties. Fast improving Pak-Afghan relations, Chinas decision to invest $46 billion in Pakistan for the construction of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and energy projects and Pakistan sailing past the turbulent patch worried India immensely. India is getting highly vexed since her sinister plans set against Pakistan are falling apart like nine-pins. Her plan to fill up the security vacuum left behind by the withdrawing US-NATO troops and to complete encirclement of Pakistan is in jeopardy. Her strategic alliances with Afghanistan and USA are becoming inconsequential. All the three conniving partners in crime today find themselves in hot waters. Kautilyas book offers no remedy to the prevailing situation since all games of intrigues, coercion and bloodshed have failed to cow down resilient Pakistan. RAW Activated. In desperation, India allocated $300 million to its notorious intelligence agency RAW and mandated it to further destabilize the troubled regions of Pakistan and to scuttle CPEC at all costs. Hamid Karzai was given $50 million to rejuvenate cross border terrorism from Afghan soil and to keep weak-willed Ghani under pressure and force him to shift his tilt from Pakistan to India. Karzai has teamed up with RAW influenced NDS, Abdullah and Northern Alliance heavy Afghan Parliament as well as ANSF to spoil Afghan-Pakistan relations. Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is personally pursuing anti-Pakistan agenda. Ghanis Dilemma. Ghani is caught between the rock and a hard place. On one hand, he has to bear the pressure from segment of his government led by Abdullah and backed by Karzai led faction of Pashtuns, and on the other is the surging Taliban who enjoy influence over 80% of Afghan territory. After their ouster from NW, HN has intensified activities in northern Afghanistan where eight provinces are under its control. Most of Helmand province is also in control of Taliban. Talibans 2015 spring offensive has rapidly changed the situation in their favor. 2016 Spring Offensive in April may decisively turn the tide. Under pressure from the US, unity government is trying to patch up with Pakistan. It has taken resignation from the NDS head Nabeel and sacked 8 officials in NDS. Some improvement in Pak-Afghan military relations is discernible. Obamas Second Thoughts. The US military felt that with the dismantlement of safe haven in NW, it had become easier for the Afghan National Army backed by US airpower/intelligence support to deal with the militants in eastern Afghanistan and thus defeat them. However, when no success could be achieved at their end and the Taliban continued to strike targets at will in all parts of the country, the option of dialogue was renewed. To appease Taliban, Obama struck off Afghan Taliban from the category of terrorists and termed them as insurgents fighting for their rights. He also declared that US troops would not fire at Taliban unless provoked by them. These reconciliatory moves were aimed to induce the Taliban to negotiate and arrive at a political settlement. Obama had announced that by mid-2015 he would withdraw 50% of residual force, but now the US seems to be having second thoughts on gradual reduction of troops on account of Pentagons pressure and Daesh (ISIS) threat. Two Pronged Negotiations. The US was forced to patch up with the Taliban whom it had all these years been projecting as uncivilized, crude terrorists deserving no mercy. Initial effort to induce Taliban for talks was based on two prongs, one prong led by Ghani and the other by the US and in both cases, Pakistan was asked to assist. China was also given a green signal to play its role in restoring peace in Afghanistan. Ghani kept urging the Taliban to join the unity government, and this was one reason of 106 days delay in forming the 16-member cabinet duly approved by Afghan parliament, but the Taliban didnt agree. Presumed Pakistans Influence over Taliban. Both the US and Afghan regime carry the impression that Pakistan is in a position to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table. While it is true that Pakistan does have some influence over Taliban leaders since quite many were in its custody all these years, it doesnt control them and is not in a position to make them agree to the terms sought by the US. It can also not give any guarantee to the Taliban that Afghan regime will abide by the terms of agreement arrived at. Pakistan and China are however trying hard to create conducive conditions for talks. Pakistan is playing a key role in creating goodwill space for China in Afghanistan and in mending its relations with Taliban. Peace Talks. As a consequence to these silent efforts, the wheels of talks started to churn slowly in Doha and the Taliban in principle agreed to open their political office there for the initiation of formal political dialogue. Murree talks held on July 7, 2015 between representatives of Taliban and unity government, and US and Chinas representatives sitting as observers raised hopes of a settlement for the first time. On July 29, eight members of Taliban Shura had reached Islamabad to participate in second round of talks on July 31 to further speed up the reconciliation process. Death of Mulla Omar Exploited Ill-motivated and ill-timed announcement of death of Mulla Omar by the National Directorate of Security (NDS) on July 29 was aimed at derailing peace talks, straining Pak-Afghan relations and dividing Taliban. The news was later confirmed by Taliban Shura. Election of Mulla Akhtar Muhammad Mansour as next Ameer was announced by Afghan Rahbari Shura on July 30. Sirajuddin Haqqani and Haibatullah Khanzada were appointed deputies. Mullah Omars departure from the scene has altered the whole dynamics of nascent peace negotiations with the Taliban. His deputy Mulla Mansour was part of the Taliban movement from the start and has effectively been in charge as de facto commander since 2013. He faces a huge challenge in trying to unite a movement that is already showing signs of fragmenting and questions about his legitimacy at the highest echelon of the Taliban has made his position awkward. Rifts in Taliban Two rival camps got engulfed in war of succession; one led by Mansour and the other by Omars brother Mulla Abdul Manan and Omars 26 years old son Mulla M. Yaqub backed by Mullas Mansur Dadullah, Hasan Rahmani, Abdul Razaq, Rasool Akhund and Qayum Zakir. Fadayee Mahaz headed by Haji Najibullah is another opponent of Mansour who accused him of poisoning Omar to death. Head of Taliban political office in Doha Tayyab Agha resigned, but has so far remained neutral. Taliban are also divided on the issue of talks, one faction favoring and the other opposing it. Sinister Objectives of Detractors Accomplished. Spoilers sprang into action to accentuate the rift and succeeded in achieving their sinister objectives by disrupting peace talks. Several woven stories about circumstances, place and date of Omars death created tension among rank and file of Taliban and impacted their unity. This internal rift is to the liking of India and other spoilers who are busy widening the rift by supporting the opponents of Mansour. The US is also a spoiler. It is not in favor of Pakistan mediated agreement since it will benefit Taliban and Pakistan. It has made the position of Pakistan and Mansour favoring talks difficult. Pak-Afghan relations that had begun to improve have again become frosty. However, the biggest loser is Kabul itself. Efforts to Heal the Rift Five members of Council of senior Taliban Ulema tried to bridge the rift. They met on August 21, 2015 to resolve the differences, but Mulla Yaqub and Manan refused to contest the post of Ameer since they knew they didnt enjoy popular support among the Taliban. Had Mansour not met them, the Council would have appointed Maulvi Muhammad Ahmad from Kandahar belonging to Kakar tribe as next Ameer. Currently Mulla Rasool is the main opponent of Mansour and is anti-peace talks. Mullah Mansours Assertiveness In order to consolidate his position and to win over support of opponent camp, Mansour stiffened his stance by asserting that there will be no talks without meeting their basic demands of complete withdrawal of foreign troops and replacement of US tailored constitution with Islamic constitution. He also stepped up attacks in all parts of Afghanistan and raised his stature after capturing Kunduz. He did this to dispel the over optimistic impression that after the death of Mulla Omar, Taliban are in disarray and resistance has weakened, and that Taliban will be negotiating from position of weakness. Taliban hold sway over 127 districts of the country. Latest news is that on February 12, the opponents of Mulla Mansour have decided to forge unity and reunify the Taliban movement. Negotiated Political Settlement Negotiated political settlement leading to broad based government with Taliban, given representation as per their demographic strength will be an ideal arrangement since it will prevent civil war and benefit Afghan Pashtuns, Pakistan and China but may not be that beneficial for non-Pashtun Northern Alliance since its power base will shrink. It will also not suit India since balance of power will shift towards Pakistan friendly Afghan Pashtun. Iran and USA will also not be happy. While Pakistan and China are playing an active role in making Afghanistan peaceful, both are clear that arm twisting of Taliban will prove counterproductive. In case a settlement is reached without giving a bigger share in power to the Taliban, the implication is that there will be strong resentment among the rank and file of the Taliban and other resistance forces. It will become very difficult for Mullah Mansour who has become controversial to control the dissenters. Threat of Daesh. Daesh (ISIS) has gained toeholds in Nangarhar and Farah provinces and has also colluded with Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) in Northern Afghanistan. India and probably USA are discreetly facilitating their entry. Weakening of Taliban will create more space for Daesh in Afghanistan, which will be more hazardous for the whole region, since Daesh is vying to re-establish ancient Khurasan State comprised of parts of Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. Collusion of Daesh with TTP leaders based in Afghanistan assisted by RAW and making Nangarhar as main base of operation is a dangerous development. Extension of hand of friendship by Al-Qaeda chief Zawahiri to Mulla Mansour if reciprocated will add to the complications of regional security. It will result in prolonged bloodshed and destruction spread over decades, as predicted by Obama. Iran-Saudi Tiff. Growing tiff between the two ideological rivals is casting its shadow on Syria and Afghanistan and if not defused in time will have bearing on Pakistan as well. Indian Military Involvement in Afghanistan. Indian military which had refused to join the US led coalition in Afghanistan to fight terrorism in 2001 has now decided to barge into Afghanistan. India has renewed its defence deal with Afghanistan and is now supplying arms and ammunition to ANA since last January. Indian Military Attache in Kabul Sojeet Narain stated that India has started assisting the Afghan military in their fight against militants and this support will continue till victory. 400 trucks carrying arms have been transported to Kabul for ANA via Chahbahar. It includes MGs, LMGs, rocket launchers, grenades and ammunition. Indias Russian built MI-35 attack helicopters flew from Bagram air base to support ANAs ground operation in Helmand on January 20. Gen John Campbell appreciated Indian effort. On February 1, Indian military cargo planes unloaded weapons and equipment at Kabul airport. India is already imparting training to Afghan police and is now likely to train ANA. During Modis last visit to Kabul, an agreement was signed allowing Indian citizens to travel to Afghanistan and back without visa. Taking advantage of this facility, India has inducted large numbers of retired armed forces officers and undercover officers in Afghanistan in order to consolidate Indian militarys presence and to keep western border hot and to gain control over Wakhan corridor. This ingress will help India in interfering with CPEC. Fallout of Turmoil in Afghanistan Negative fallout of the disarray in the Taliban ranks is not good news for the peaceniks including President Ashraf Ghani, Washington and Islamabad. Another obvious corollary of the disharmony in Taliban ranks is that erstwhile Taliban factions will join Daesh in bigger numbers and pave the way for Daesh to emerge as the most powerful entity. Turmoil in Afghanistan will be to the big disadvantage of Pakistan, since there will be spillover effect. Pak Army is already tired fighting the war for 13 years and cannot afford to further prolong it. It will also adversely impact Chinas economic aggression in the region and its plan to connect Gwadar with Afghanistan. Preventive Act. In order to prevent the chaos, US, China, Pakistan and Iran should collectively help the intra-Afghan dialogue to proceed smoothly till comprehensive political settlement benefiting all factions of Afghans irrespective of ethnic divisions. Role of unity government is however critical since Taliban offensive has rattled Ghani, and he has begun to speak Karzai and Abdullahs language. War lords are once again getting stronger and cases of desertions from ANSF to private militias are increasing as had happened in 1990/91. Quadrilateral Talks Three sessions of quadrilateral talks have been held in Islamabad and Kabul in which representatives of Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and the US took part to evolve a roadmap for peace talks. Afghan unity government has prepared a draft for next meeting in Kabul on February 23. So far no breakthrough has been achieved since the Taliban have not joined it. However inclusion of two heavy weights and Russias support has given strength to peace process. Russia favors striking off names of Taliban from UN black list. Pakistan is insisting that spoilers should be restrained, Afghan regime should cooperate, and all factions of Taliban and Hizb-e-Islami should be invited and use of stick avoided. Afghan government wants use of force against those refusing to hold talks. Taliban, HN and Fidai Mahaz have been asked to prepare their list of demands, while Hizb-e-Islami is also being approached through elders of tribes in Paktia. The four have urged the Taliban to attend the next meeting in Kabul on February 23 but the Taliban have made their participation subject to fulfilment of their demands hereunder: A. Take off Taliban leaders from the UN list of terrorists. B. Release of prisoners. C. Remove restrictions on travel. D. Unfreeze their accounts in foreign banks. E. Intimate exact date of departure of Resolute Support Force. Determinants Although analysts are busy painting doomsday scenario, saying it marks the end of Taliban movement, but knowing their resilience and unmatched sacrifices, it will not die down and someone else will carry forward the baton; although none will fit in Mulla Omars shoes. Their position has eroded a little due to internal rifts, but Mulla Mansour commands the largest and most powerful faction. Yet the 36 years war has fatigued them and their 3-4 generations have got affected. They also want the war to end. The country too badly needs a break. Pakistan has suffered the most on account of instability in Afghanistan. Pak-Afghan security is inter-linked and it is a geo-strategic compulsion for both to remain friendly. While Pakistan realizes it, Afghan leadership doesnt. Earlier the Afghan leaders recognize this reality and take practical steps to restore peace, better it will be for the region. Till such time anti-peace elements led by India, Abdullah and Rashid Dostum are reined in, and the US stops its double game, peace will not return in Af-Pak region. Unless Kabul gets out of perverse influence of India, cooperate rather than distrust Pakistan, and opts for a home-made formula, sooner than later unity government would crumble and ANA would splinter and pave the way for dreaded civil war. In real-politick terms, stability in Afghanistan and regional harmony among all countries surrounding it would contribute in the fast-paced development of the region. Implication is that this region cannot develop economically as long as Afghanistan remains unstable. With hostile India on its east, Pakistan can ill-afford to have pro-India and anti-Pakistan regime in Kabul posing a twin threat to its security. History of Afghanistan teaches an important lesson that peace and stability in Afghanistan is possible only after complete withdrawal of foreign troops. And all stakeholders within the country are ready to accept each other and arrive at a common arrangement. This was true in the past and is valid today. All depends whether the US after abandoning Afghanistan would forsake its declared and hidden objectives for which it came, spent trillions and suffered heavy casualties besides losing face and prestige as a sole super power, or indirectly continues with its proxy war? The US having lost the war, would like as a minimum to have friendly government in Afghanistan to be able to pursue its mercantile interests in Central Asian region. Only joint and collaborative efforts can tackle terrorism and not blame-game. Ultimate solution to Afghan imbroglio will have to be found by the Afghans themselves. Others can at best facilitate dialogue. Lastly, key to peace is with Taliban and none else. Best course for people of Afghanistan is to honor the colossal sacrifices of the Taliban and let them form the future broad based government without outside interference. Recommendations Pakistan should grant Most Favored Nation status and land access to India through Wagah border with due prudence. This should be linked with resolution of core issues. Pakistan should assert and exert its geo-strategic position and significance and extract its due share rather than following a self-defeating policy of appeasement. Pakistan should continue to convince the US and Afghan government to limit Indias role in Afghanistan since it is the chief trouble maker. Concerted efforts be made to counter Indian propaganda in Afghanistan aimed at poisoning the minds of Afghans against Pakistan and remove their misperceptions. Imaginative themes should be coined to win back friendship of estranged Afghan public, particularly Afghan non-Pashtuns. Pakistan should be mentally and physically prepared to handle post 2016 explosive scenario in Afghanistan. Pakistan should help China in further expanding its influence in Afghanistan to neutralize Indian influence. At behest of USA, Pakistan betrayed Afghan Taliban and suffered a great deal. They must not be ditched again. Conclusion To conclude I would say that Pakistan has remained under the deceptive magic spell of the US for too long without any gains. Pakistan helped the untrustworthy USA to occupy Afghanistan and remove a friendly regime and replace it with anti-Pakistan regime. It has been ceding ground to win the friendship of India but couldnt change the mindset of Brahman rulers who have not reconciled to Pakistans existence and has missed no opportunity to harm Pakistan. Unity government in Kabul is wholly in the grip of USA and India and will continue to prefer India over Pakistan. It is continuing to help India to destabilize Pakistan. Notwithstanding the need to maintain friendly relations with all the three, this fatal affection must not be at the cost of national interests and dignity of the nation. Policy of appeasement should be replaced with policy of upholding our self-esteem. It is Pakistans strategic compulsion to have a friendly government in Afghanistan and it must strive hard for it using all its diplomatic skills. The writer is a retired Brig, war veteran/defence analyst/columnist/author of five books, Director Measac Research Centre, Director Board of Governors Thinkers Forum Pakistan. asifharoonraja@gmail.com Indian pretense of friendship 22 February, 2016 By Asif Haroon Raja 120 seconds pep talk between Nawaz Sharif and Narendra Modi at Paris on November 30, followed by meeting of National Security Advisers Ajit Doval and Lt Gen Nasser Janjua at Bangkok on December 6 melted the ice and set the ball rolling. Indian external affairs Minister Sushma Swarajs visit to Islamabad to attend Heart of Asia conference two days later and her announcement that Indo-Pak talks would be soon resumed and flying visit of Modi to Lahore on December 25 made our political leaders, media and intellectuals euphoric. It was widely anticipated that the ground has been smoothened to end the era of antagonism. None took into account that nothing special had happened which made India to push aside its policy of antipathy and to send friendly gestures after prolonged bout of belligerence in response to Pakistans consistent efforts to defuse the heat along the LoC and working boundary since last August and to resume stalled peace talks. Short of war, India has applied all tools of coercion and slander to browbeat, defame and isolate Pakistan. Indias covert operations in FATA, Baluchistan and Karachi are still continuing and Indian media is still aggressive. It will be puerile to think that there is a genuine change of heart and India has overcome its desire to undo Pakistan, or to reduce it to a vassal state as in the case of Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Hoping that India will amicably settle Kashmir issue in the light of UN resolutions and give right of self-determination to the Kashmiris amounts to chasing rainbows. By just renaming composite dialogue as comprehensive dialogue doesnt mean that India would now change its age-old practice of dilly dallying tactics to buy time and keep the resolution of the conflict in pending tray for times to come. India has been playing Baluchistan card to equate it with Kashmir issue and keep it as a bargaining chip to trade off Kashmir in return for pulling out from Baluchistan. India began to hammer Pakistan on charge of cross border terrorism in occupied Kashmir from 1990 onwards and after 9/11 intensified the use of hammer more fiercely. After Mumbai attacks in November 2008, India has made the incident into an excuse to pin down Pakistan on the charge of terrorism and project the issue of terrorism more important than Kashmir issue. This stance helps India in keeping Pakistan on the defensive and releases pressure on India to resume dialogue and resolve issues. This stance was reiterated during Ufa meeting between Nawaz and Modi last year. India hypocritically drums up the issue of terrorism and portrays itself as the biggest victim of terrorism, not realizing that it is the architect of cross border terrorism in South Asia and all the seven states of South Asia are its victims. In the ongoing war on terror in which Pakistan has been acting as the frontline state, it has suffered the most and has produced much better results in counter terrorism than any other country. Can we ignore seven decades of baggage of animosity and distrust? How can people of Pakistan forget that Pakistan was cut into two by India in 1971 and since then has suffered thousands of cuts on its body? How can India be trusted and declared as a reliable and trustworthy friend and get complacent that she will refrain from causing harm in future when practically it has never done anything good for Pakistan and is always scheming to undo Pakistan? RAW has not winded up its terror networks in conflict zones of Pakistan and is still using Afghan soil for exporting terrorism into Pakistan. Indian brutes are continuing to persecute the Kashmiris in occupied Kashmir ruthlessly. Indian leaders are still talking of breaking Pakistan into eight quasi states. They say CPEC is unacceptable and are employing various tactics to scuttle it. RAW is still supporting banned terrorist groups TTP, BLA, BRA, BLF and is in league with certain political parties to damage Pakistan. India has no intention to resolve Kashmir dispute and may resolve Siachin and Sir Creek disputes if Pakistan agrees to give land access to Afghanistan and Central Asia through Wagah border and to accept LoC as a permanent border. India is desperately looking for an opportunity to disable Pakistans nuclear program so that it could establish its regional hegemony. India opts for talks only to buy time or to get out of difficult situation and not otherwise. It would always like to sit on the negotiating table from position of strength. It has all along sought one-sided concessions and never given anything in return. It wants peace and trade on its terms only. Pakistan has traditionally been sweet talked by India whenever it was in a better position to talk and bargain. Our leaders get carried away by the farfetched enthralling offers of cooperation, two way trade and prosperity and quickly forget that Indian leaders believe in Chankyan tactics of Baghal mein Chhuri, moun mein raam raam (cloak and dagger policy), and on the first available opportunity stab us in the back. They have been pursuing these immoral practices since the inception of Pakistan but for unknown reasons our leaders remain in their magic spell. Dont we know that Cold Start doctrine is Pakistan specific and two-thirds Indian military is poised against Pakistan? So what Modi who proudly talked of Indias and his personal role in liberating Bangladesh has done which has made our leaders draw fanciful conclusions? It is not difficult to discern that both India and her chief patron USA are on the back foot in Afghanistan and Pakistan after remaining in hot soup for a very long time is gradually recovering and regaining its health and credibility. Thanks to the laudable efforts of the military and ISI, series of conspiracies and plans hatched from 2002 onwards by the strategic partners based in Kabul to destabilize, denuclearize, de-Islamise and balkanize Pakistan through covert operations while pretending as friends, Pakistan has survived and mercifully has sailed past the rough patch. The security forces have been fighting the ideologically motivated fanatics with extraordinary grit and determination. After Operations Rah-e-Raast and Rah-e-Nijat, the decisive sledgehammer was struck by Operation Zarb-e-Azb which has ultimately broken their back. Their command and communication centres, training centres, logistic bases and safe havens have all been destroyed. All the 18 administrative units in the northwest that were in their control have been recaptured and writ of the state re-established. The military has gained a conclusive edge over the militants wanting to destroy Pakistan to fulfill the agenda of adversaries of Pakistan. The foreign paid militant groups funded, equipped and trained by foreign agencies have been flushed out and they are no more in a position to carryout organized attacks from Pak soil. They are now carrying out random attacks using Afghan soil under the patronage of their mentors to keep the pot of terror simmering. National Action Plan has the capacity to root out terrorism and in this regard the government and Army under Gen Raheel Sharif have pledged to take the ongoing operations in FATA, Baluchistan and Karachi to their logical end. This pledge is giving nightmares to the enemies of Pakistan since their billions of dollars of investment will go waste. It is owing to outstanding results achieved by the military and the resilience shown by the people of Pakistan to withstand the onslaughts of terrorism, insecurity, joblessness, poverty, and miraculous economic recovery which has impressed the world. Construction of $46 billion worth CPEC has the capacity to upturn the fortunes of Pakistan. Pakistan has become relevant and is today looked at with awe, admiration and respect. The hackneyed theme sung by Indo-US-West-Israel nexus that Pak military is either complicit or inefficient has lost its appeal. Another propaganda plank that instability in Afghanistan is owing to cross border terrorism emanating from North Waziristan has also gone stale and so have several other suchlike cockeyed themes to portray Pakistan in poor light. The reason behind this change in outlook of the world comity is that Pakistan is the sole country which has fought terrorism from the front, rendered largest sacrifices and turned the corner. This accomplishment has become all the more praiseworthy when seen in context with the fact that the ones pressing Pakistan to do more against terrorists were aiding the same terrorists. Pak soldiers fought with the faceless enemy for over a decade with meagre resources and didnt get fatigued or demoralized. They have become more hardy, battle inoculated and fearless. It is now rated as the best Army of the world, while ISI is rated as number one among the top ten intelligence agencies of the world. Gen Raheel has earned the distinction of being the most popular military leader among the top ten military leaders of the world. All other countries involved in counter terrorism in Afghanistan and in Middle East, with huge resources at their disposal and with no limitation of damage control, failed in their mission and had to pack their bags and quit. They are now at the receiving end. So much so, that Pakistan is being pampered to help in restoring peace in Afghanistan. India and Afghanistan are the only two spoilers playing the old tunes and putting spanners in the way of peace talks. They dont want peace talks brokered by Pakistan since they know the outcome will be to their disadvantage and to the advantage of both Taliban and Pakistan. Yet Afghan unity government is seeking Pakistans help and Pakistan is doing its bit to restore peace in war-torn Afghanistan. The fast changing regional and global dynamics is shrinking space for Indias anti-peace activities from Afghan soil. It cannot resort to open war since Pakistan has geared up its minimum nuclear deterrence to full spectrum deterrence. Pakistans short range missiles like Nasr have buried the Cold Start doctrine while the long range missiles can reach up to Nicobar and Andaman Islands to tackle with Indias second strike capability. Cruise missiles have been matured after a dozen successful tests. PAF and Pak Navy are also constantly improving and upgrading their offensive/defensive capacities. Pakistans conventional and non-conventional capabilities have made the Indian leaders sensible. CPEC towards which countries of Central Asia are getting attracted and all ASEAN states and South Asian states are vying for peace and friendship and are in favor of Chinas concept of connectivity have left Hindutva loving India isolated in this critical age of geo-economics. Insatiable thirst for energy is another compelling reason for India to set aside insanity and sit and talk since she knows that her thirst can be quenched by Central Asia and the route to it passes through Pakistan. India also wants Pakistan to tone down its opposition to her quest for earning a permanent seat in UNSC. India was therefore compelled by circumstances to silence her guns along the LoC and Working Boundary and to mend fences with Pakistan. Sushma Swarajs visit to Islamabad and to agree to resume stalled talks was a bitter morsel she had to chew and swallow. Modis visit to Lahore was the result of American pressure to let Afghan peace process move forward and improve ties with Pakistan. However, these initiatives were not taken out of sincerity and noble intentions, but with devious intentions. A message had to be given to the world that India is a peace loving country and desires peace with neighbors. No sooner the message was given and dates for talks fixed for January 15, another false flag operation was enacted in Pathankot and Pakistan blamed. Some proofs have been handed over to Pakistan. To give a further proof that Modi is a good boy, the BJP government behaved sensibly and accepted Pakistans proposal of carrying out a probe while Indian media kept up its tradition of going berserk. Sensible behavior however was short-lived and Indian leaders once again exposed their true face. Indian Defence Minister hurled open threats that pain will be responded with pain and India will chose the time and place to cause greater pain. Within three days of his offensive statement, attack on Bacha Khan University in Charsadda took place on January 20 in which 20 students were martyred and 35 injured by four terrorists. It has been established beyond an iota of doubt that the attackers (all killed) and their four facilitators who have been arrested came from Afghanistan and were in communication with their sponsors in Afghanistan. It has also been established that RAW in league with Afghan NDS masterminded the attack and the attackers were trained and briefed in Jalalabad and Rs 30 crores were spent on this operation. TTPs leader Umar Mansoor based in Kunar has declared that many more attacks on educational institutes will be launched. He had also initiated gruesome attack on Army Public School Peshawar on December 16, 2014. First fallout effect of Pathankot incident is the postponement of talks without giving fresh date. It seems India is making the resumption of talks conditional to progress shown by Pakistan as had been the case after Mumbai attacks. Coming weeks will show whether Indian leadership opts for sanity by living and letting others to live or insanity. The writer is a retired Brig, defence analyst, columnist, author of five books, Director Measac Research Cente, Director Board of Governors Thinkers Forum Pakistan. Takes part in TV talk shows and delivers lectures. asifharoonraja@gmail.com India agreed to receive Pakistani investigators: Nisar Ali 22 February, 2016 Related News Imran Khan distributed loan cheques under Kamyab Jawan Programme PTI govt to face all challenges coming its way: Imran khan More on this View All Tips for Taking Incredible iPhone Travel Photos Top 2021 Accessories We Know You Will Love Types of Casino Payment Methods Best Poker Hands ever played on a Casino Are Slot Developers Important for players? Hand Wash and Toiletries in Pakistan And the Role of DUPAS in Reshaping the Industry Woke Bingo ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has said that India has agreed to receive Pakistani investigators for probing its allegations about the involvement of some groups or people from Pakistan in last months Pathankot airbase attack. Speaking at a news conference at the Punjab House here on Sunday, he said the only condition India had made was that it should be informed at least five days before the visit of the Pakistani investigators. Chaudhry Nisar provided the information in reply to a question about the registration of an FIR in Gujranwala over the Pathankot incident. Our SIT (Special Investigation Team) will visit India in the next few days. India has already been informed through a letter by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the SIT visit. India has agreed to it, he said. Chaudhry Nisar did not answer when asked if India had also agreed to allow the Pakistani investigators to visit the Pathankot airbase as there were reports that New Delhi would not let them enter the base. He was of the opinion that the registration of the FIR was necessary to fulfil certain legal requirements to hold investigations and verification of the information shared by India with Pakistan. He said the FIR was also needed to acquire data from service providers of those telephone numbers through which India claimed the attackers had talked to someone in Pakistan from inside the Pathankot airbase. These (phone) numbers have been made part of the FIR, he said. Further investigations will be held on the basis of this FIR. The minister recalled that an FIR had also been lodged in Pakistan following the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He said some arrests had been made in connection with Pathankot incident, but investigations were still on to establish their links with the telephone numbers or with those people whose names had been provided by India. He refused to give details about those arrested, saying it was a sensitive matter. He urged the media to avoid speculations on the matter. The minister regretted that some TV channels had aired wrong information about the arrested men which provided an opportunity to some others to go underground. He said the government would move ahead with complete responsibility and all decisions on the case would be taken in accordance with law and facts and on the basis of evidence which would be shared with the media. Chaudhry Nisar reiterated his offer to constitute a judicial commission to look into the allegations that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) was exceeding its mandate and carrying out actions on political grounds. He said the Sindh government had issued a statement that it would formally request the centre to constitute a judicial commission to examine the FIA actions vis-a-vis seizure of record of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) in connection with some land scams. He said a judicial commission should not be formed to investigate only one case, adding that if the Sindh government had any complaint against the FIA, it could go to courts. The minister said he was ready to give briefing not only to the PPP but also to all opposition parties on all the actions taken by the FIA during the present governments two and a half years tenure. He asked the opposition parties to suggest the names of serving or retired judges of superior courts for the commission. Chaudhry Nisar had made the offer on Wednesday in a rejoinder to PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardaris claim that the FIA was following the footprints of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in exceeding its mandate. He said the FIA was investigating a number of mega corruption cases such as EOBI, Evacuee Trust Property Board, new Islamabad airport, PIA and Haj scams. All these cases, he added, were under investigations before he had taken over the charge as interior minister. He praised the FIAs role and said he had been trying to increase the salary and perks of its officials because he wanted to see it as a premier investigative agency of the country. In reply to a question, he said that he would soon share with the media the progress made so far by the FIA in the Asghar Khan case on the directive of the Supreme Court. The minister said the PML-N government had no plan to clip the wings or reduce powers of the National Accountability Board (NAB). The government was not afraid of NAB, he said, adding that the bureau had been used by the two previous governments to victimise the PML-N leadership, but it could not find anything. He claimed that former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf had in fact constituted NAB only to target PML-N. He clarified that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had issued the statement about NAB only after receiving complaints from some investors and businessmen. Our Correspondent from Taxila adds: Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said the government had no plan to clip the wings of any institution, but added that if someones nails grow in size they have to be filed. Talking to reporters in Taxila, he said the prime minister had in his speech taken the names of some other institutions as well besides NAB, clarifying that the governments reservations were not confined to any specific institution. Suicide bombings in Syria killed 150 ppl SAYYIDA ZAINAB: A string of suicide bombings near a Shia shrine outside Syria's capital and in Homs claimed by the militant Islamic State (IS) group killed more than 150 people Sunday, as Washington and Moscow worked to secure a ceasefire. Near Damascus, a car bombing followed by two consecutive suicide attacks ripped through the area of the shrine of Hazrat Zainab (RA) and killed 96 people according to The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Syria's official news agency SANA, quoting a police source, said 178 people, including children, were among the wounded. An AFP reporter said the blasts struck about 400 metres from the revered shrine containing the grave of a granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him). A January attack in the same area also claimed by IS killed 70 people. The Observatory also reported that two car bombs killed at least 59 people and wounded dozens in the pro-regime district of Al-Zahraa in the central city of Homs. IS said online that two suicide bombers struck in Sayyida Zeinab and two others drove explosive-packed cars into crowds in Homs. United Nations special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura "strongly condemns" the attacks, his spokesperson said in a statement. State television footage from Homs showed emergency workers carrying a charred body on a stretcher past devastated shops and mangled cars and minibuses. Al-Zahraa has been regularly targeted. United States (US) Secretary of State John Kerry said a provisional deal had been reached on the terms of a truce in Syria's brutal five-year conflict, only for the bloodshed to intensify on the ground. World powers, which have been pushing for a halt in Syria's nearly five-year war, had hoped to see a truce take effect on Friday but have struggled to agree on the terms. On Sunday, Kerry spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at least three times to try to nail down a truce. "We have reached a provisional agreement, in principle, on the terms of the cessation of hostilities that could begin in the coming days," Kerry said in Amman after one round of talks. The Russian foreign ministry later said Lavrov and Kerry held two more telephone conversations and finalised the ceasefire terms to be submitted to their respective presidents. World powers proposed the truce just over a week ago as part of a plan that also included expanded humanitarian access, in a bid to pave the way for peace talks to resume. The talks, which collapsed earlier this month in Geneva, had been scheduled to resume on February 25, but the UN's Syria envoy has already acknowledged that date is no longer realistic. Key opposition umbrella group the High Negotiations Committee said at the weekend it would agree a temporary truce only if regime backers halted fire. HNC chief Riad Hijab said any ceasefire must be reached "with international mediation and with guarantees obliging Russia, Iran and their sectarian militias and mercenaries to stop fighting". Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, meanwhile, told Spain's El Pais newspaper he was "ready" for a ceasefire, but that it should not be exploited by "terrorists". Moscow is a key architect of the proposed ceasefire, but has shown little sign so far that it plans to rein in the air campaign it began in September in support of Assad's government. Regime forces backed by Russian strikes were advancing on Sunday east of Aleppo city against IS, consolidating their control over a stretch of highway from the city to the Kweyris military base. The Observatory said at least 50 IS fighters had been killed in clashes and Russian strikes since Saturday morning. Tensions have been rising between Moscow and opposition-backer Ankara, alarmed by both the regime's Russian-backed advances and a major operation by Kurdish-led forces in Aleppo province. The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and their Arab partners have seized key territory from rebel forces in Aleppo province, prompting Turkey to shell their positions. Ankara considers the YPG to be an affiliate of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, which has waged a decades-long insurgency against Turkey. It fears the Kurdish advances are intended to link areas in north and northeast Syria to create a contiguous semi-autonomous Kurdish zone along the Syrian-Turkish border. On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan defended his country's fight against the YPG as "legitimate defence" after international calls for Ankara to halt its military action in Syria. From Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As... It has taken a watchdog outside group, the Parents Coalition of Montgomery County, to ferret out this waste. The coalition, driven by its sharp curiosity, frequently uses the Maryland Public Information Act to request public records and keep track of district decisions and spending. We commend the coalition for its important work on this front. It is saving county residents money as inappropriate spending has been uncovered. July 16, 2014 The Window This is the Means of Grace Window that is above the altar of Grace Lutheran Church where I serve. It reminds us of the keys (confession and absolution), the wheat(the bread which is the Body of Christ), the cup (which is His Blood), the Word (Scripture), and the Pastoral Office (the red stole). In this one wonderful window we see the treasures of the Church in the Word and Sacraments and I love that it is available for all to see. I realize that this image has been stolen all over the internet but it is a real window, a copyrighted image, belonging to Grace Lutheran Church, Clarksville, Tennessee, which has kindly allowed my use of it... PHUKET, Thailand Royal Phuket Marina unveils Kids Mania at RPM, a multi-purpose childrens play zone comprising indoor and outdoor areas that targets the growing number of resident and visiting families to Phuket. Conveniently located in the centre of the island Kids Mania at RPM offers a safe and fun environment with professional, trained staff for toddlers and children upto eight years old. Whos in? Kids Mania at RPM is something new for Phuket a fun play area for children that is designed and managed by professionals. A stand alone facility that is open to the public, Kids Mania at RPM will cater to the growing number of families that live in and visit Phuket, and complements our expanding facilities and destination status, said Mr. Michael Ayling, Managing Director, Royal Phuket Marina. The islands number one choice for families and children, Kids Mania at RPM is a kids paradise with its air-conditioned indoor soft play area full of toys and ball pools, a large adjacent outdoor shaded play ground with climbing frames, play apparatus, swings and more, and three private indoor activity rooms. We have worked with specialists from overseas to design and develop the best kids zone on the island and with professional, trained staff, parents can be safe in the knowledge their children will receive the best care and attention while having a lot of fun, added Mr. Ayling. Kids Mania at RPM offers day rates and monthly memberships, caters for private parties, and is open 9am 6pm on weekdays and 9am 7pm on weekends. Kids Mania at RPM is having a Grand Opening on Saturday 27th February. About Wyvern Oaks Wyvern Oaks is a tiny "farmlet" on 2 acres just 6 miles south of downtown Austin. We back to a greenbelt on two sides, and walking out our back gate puts you on miles of horse-friendly trails. The property is unrestricted, so we can have our horses, dogs, chickens, a garden... you name it. This blog chronicles our journey. Managing and Securing Mobile Devices across Multiple Form Factors at #mwc16 SOTI Demonstrates Expertise in Managing and Securing Mobile Devices across Multiple Form Factors at Mobile World Congress Booth 5B40 MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS 2016, BARCELONA, SPAIN February 22, 2016 At Mobile World Congress, SOTI Inc., will showcase mobilitys significant impact on the enterprise in todays connected world where continuous innovation, shifting demands and increasing complexity is driving the need to manage more than just personal computers and mobile devices. SOTI has focused on unified endpoint management (UEM) for many years and continues to evolve its management solution for the next generation of mobility. As smart connected devices gain ground whether the communication is person to machine, machine to machine, or person to person security and administration will naturally require different management policies. Industries will require unique levels of management, from security, to data access, user control, and remote help. How SOTI is paving the way to a UEM future for enterprise mobility across global industries Mobile Friendly Retail Ecosystem: Retailers continue to tackle multiple technology management solutions, from warehouse and inventory data, to storefront technology, and business administration processes in head offices. Consumerization is driving the need for mobility across all retail endpoints (such as inventory management, digital signage, mPOS and more). In seeking a seamless technology experience for their customers, those retailers that focused on mobility integration have seen enhanced revenue, sales and customer retention. Mobility continues to change the retail landscape by impacting consumer shopping experiences across all aspects of the retail ecosystem. With one unified solution, SOTIs flagship product, MobiControl enables top global retailers to streamline their retail operations, incorporate more purpose-built and consumer-grade mobile devices, protect regulated data, and empower employees to keep pace with changing customer demands, while supporting retailers overarching omnichannel strategy. Improving Guest Satisfaction in Hospitality: To remain competitive in todays connected world, the hospitality industry is starting to incorporate an end-to-end mobility experience that exceeds their guests customer service expectations. SOTI enables the hospitality industry in deploying technology across all endpoints to ensure a personalized experience. For example, SOTI MobiControl is used to manage all of Peninsula Hotels in-room mobile devices in its Hong Kong, Paris, Chicago and Beverly Hills properties, and one of the biggest benefits has been the public response to in-room tablets. According to Christopher Chan, General Manager, Research & Development at Peninsula Hotels, In-room control features are proving to be very popular with guests. This has increased our guests hotel experience immensely. Managing, monitoring device usage and controlling what content is accessed and by whom is made easy with MobiControl. In addition, the devices can be secured and tracked, decreasing the instances of theft or loss of devices. Anticipating the market needs of mobility, SOTI continues to forge ahead on its path of research, innovation and digital disruption for seamless mobility management. For more information on how SOTI can take mobility to endless possibilities with one solution, SOTI MobiControl, visit the SOTI Team exhibiting at Mobile World Congress located in Booth 5B40. About SOTI Inc. SOTI is the worlds most trusted provider of Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solutions, with more than 15,000 enterprise customers and millions of devices managed worldwide. SOTIs innovative portfolio of solutions and services provide the tools organizations need to truly mobilize their operations and optimize their mobility investments. SOTIs flagship product, MobiControl, allows enterprises to enable, optimize and secure their mobile workforce across all platforms to support corporate-liable and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies. SOTI extends secure mobility management to provide a total, flexible solution for comprehensive management and security of all mobile devices and connected peripherals deployed in an organization. For more information, visit www.soti.net. Other Point of sale news: Welcome Welcome to Conservative Musings. The purpose of this blog is to discuss with everyone (conservatives, moderates, independents and progressives) the issues of the day in an intelligent discussion. We believe that discussion can lead to agreement or an agreement to disagree but it must be held in a mutually respectful environment. We learn nothing from name calling or argument for argument's sake therefore we will not allow that to happen here. We will post our point of view and want a spirited discussion of the issues. Please express your opinions, hopefully we all can learn. Six Washington County villages and one in Saratoga County will be holding elections March 15, but the contests promise to be anything but exciting. In five of those seven villages, there is no competition for any seats. And the same is true in all four mayoral races. I am not really sure what the reason is, said Hudson Falls Mayor John Barton, who faces no competition for his four-year term. I do not know if I want to say its apathy. I think part of it is that you dont have people living in specific places for their whole lives anymore. People move around more. Argyle Mayor Wes Clark said he is running again and knew fairly early on that he would not face any competition. Someone has to do it, and I am in place, said Clark, who noted he does enjoy the job. He is also the business manager for the Greenwich school system. Town elections have fared slightly better, with competition for three of the 17 supervisor positions in Washington County and several supervisor races in Warren and Saratoga counties. On the state and federal levels, races have been shaping up far ahead of November for seats in the state Legislature and U.S. Congress. Bartons Hudson Falls Village Board is expected to include one familiar face and one new one. The only candidates on the ballot for village trustee are incumbent James Gallagher and newcomer Joelle Timms. In all, six Washington County villages will hold elections March 15, and the mayors office will be at stake in Hudson Falls, Greenwich and Argyle. Corinth is the only Saratoga County village that has elections this year, and Mayor Dennis Morreale is unopposed. Two Washington County villages Fort Edward and Granville do not have any positions open, and Salem will not hold elections because the village is dissolving. Village Trustee Pamela Fuller is the only candidate seeking to replace Mayor David Doonan in Greenwich. Mary Katherine Brown and Lyle Hayes, both incumbents, are running for trustee. With Fuller running for mayor, that leaves one trustee position open. Fuller will be able to appoint someone to serve out the rest of her term, according to village officials. Justice Barbara Roberts is the only candidate for her position. Whitehall will have a contested election, and the winners will get a year more than usual on their terms. Incumbent Walt Sandford and Patrick Roche are running as Democrats, and Republican David Chaplin is also on the ballot. There are two seats open, and rather than the usual two-year terms, they will be for three years as the village transitions to four-year terms for its trustees and mayor. Incumbent Michael LaChapelle is not running for re-election. In Argyle, the seats held by Clark and trustees Jonathan Mackenzie and Cher McCotter are up for election. All are two-year terms and all are unopposed. In Cambridge, Stephen Robertsons and Scott Luceys trustee positions are also up for election. Luceys is a one-year position and Robertsons is for two years. Robertson has filed, but he is the only person running for the two seats. Village Clerk Lance Wang said there was some talk of a write-in candidate, but he had not heard anything specific yet. In Fort Ann, Roy Steves trustee seat is up for election, and he is the only candidate. Quiet in Saratoga County There are no elections this year in South Glens Falls, Schuylerville and Victory. Its a quiet year, said John Marcellus, deputy commissioner of elections for Saratoga County. In Corinth, Mayor Morreale is running unopposed for his second four-year term. Trustee Timothy Halliday is also running for his second four-year term. Trustee Mitchell Saunders term is up, but he is not running for re-election. Two new candidates are also on the ballot. Maureen Granger Kelly and Daniel Lescault Jr. are running for their first terms. Neither has held village office before. There are no seats up for election in Lake George, the only village in Warren County. Post-Star reporter Kathleen Moore contributed to this article. CAMBRIDGE Even as ICC Management & Consulting planned to move its first 10 assisted-living residents into the former Cambridge Hotel on Monday, Chief Operating Officer Kristen Batchelder said the companys local expansion is not yet complete. Batchelder, whose company now owns two assisted-living residences in the village, said Sunday that the Department of Health recently awarded it a $300,000 grant for 10 special needs beds at its other facility, which was called the Cambridge Rest Home and is now known as The Mansion at South Union. When the expansion of that building is complete, The Mansion and the newly renovated hotel, now known as The Cambridge: An Assisted Living Residence, will have a total of 84 beds available 44 at The Cambridge and 40 at The Mansion, including the 10 special needs beds. I am really thrilled with the new beds because I worked for the Alzheimers Association and this is my wheelhouse, Batchelder said. The new beds at The Mansion will be a mix of Medicaid beds and privately purchased beds. The rest of The Mansions residents will be Medicaid patients, and those at The Cambridge will be patients who are paying for the residences. This is the first time in a long time that low-income beds have been available in Cambridge, Batchelder said. She and The Cambridges first residents were looking forward to Mondays move. We have been moving things all weekend to make sure The Cambridge was ready for its first guests Monday, and thats when we will move them over, Batchelder said. We are so excited to be able to do this, and the residents are thrilled. One of the most important aspects of the move will be the residents ability to walk to downtown businesses, such as Round House Cafe, the Cambridge Co-op and Battenkill Books. Were glad we can finally do this, Batchelder said. People were getting anxious because the hotel had been closed for several years. The Cambridge will be an assisted-living facility open to all, and Batchelder said new state regulations allowing enhanced services at such facilities will enable those living there to age in place. Batchelder said that ICC, which bought the former hotel in 2014 but just acquired its license recently, will be able to offer all programs available for assisted-living residences at one site or the other. She said the company has already hired 15 new employees and will be hiring more. With the enhanced options that will be available, such as giving medication or providing transportation, it will allow them to stay there and not have to go on to a standard nursing home, she said of the facilities residents. Cambridge Mayor Carman Bogle said last week that the opening will be an important time for the village. This is going to be a good thing for the village, she said. The hotel was originally built in 1885 and was purchased and renovated by a group of local residents in 1999. It closed unexpectedly in 2006, was re-opened a year later, but closed in 2012 and was purchased by Glens Falls National Bank at auction in 2012. It was later purchased by ICC. Russell Porreca will renovate his 162 Glen St. restaurant space for a quick-service fried chicken restaurant. Im going to butcher my own chickens and its going to be done right, said Porreca, who relocated his Rauls Mexican Grill from 162 Glen St. to larger space next door at 164 Glen St. in downtown Glens Falls. The new restaurant will serve fried chicken, sandwiches and salads, and will have seating but will not have table service. Food can be purchased at a counter for takeout or eating in. New owner 132 Glen Street Bistro, across from Glens Falls Civic Center, is under the new ownership of Rocco Intiele, who bought the building and business from longtime owner Kevin Bethel, who retired. Roccos 132 Glen Street Bistro features Italian-American cuisine including pasta, fish, steaks, subs, salads and pizza (including gluten-free crust pizza). Intiele said he has about 35 years of experience in the restaurant industry and previously operated restaurants in Queensbury, Corinth and Hudson Falls. Intiele said he had been considering a downtown Glens Falls venture for about 10 years. This is the right time now, he said. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Book sale The Friends of Crandall Public Library book sale is this weekend in the library basement. Hours are: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Civic Center seats Glens Falls Civic Center Foundation has crossed the 440 mark toward a goal of selling naming rights to 750 seats at the Civic Center, said Jeff Mead, the arenas general manager. A $100 tax deductible contribution to the foundation gets your name on a nameplate on a seat of your choice, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call 798-0366 for more information. Snowshoe hike Queensbury Land Conservancy will conduct a guided snowshoe hike of VanDusen Preserve at 1 p.m. Sunday. The preserve is located on the west side of West Mountain Road, just south of the intersection with Mountain View Lane. The hike is open to the public free of charge. Film forum Crandall Public Librarys African American Film Forum continues with the showing of The Throwaways at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the community room in the library basement. The documentary profiles the activism in Albany of Ira McKinley, a homeless filmmaker, after he was released from prison. The showing, presented in collaboration with Glens Falls NAACP branch, is open to the public free of charge. The five-day event, will take place between March 7 and 11 in Navarra with tours to agri-input, manufacturing and packaging industries, as well as visits to agric-oriented financial and educational institutions, and farmer-based organisations as key highlights. The event will also feature meetings involving Ghanaian and Spanish companies, the Counsellor of Agricultural development in Spain and commercial agricultural companies, besides visits to key historic sites in Spain. READ MORE: FAGRO unveils calender aimed at developing agric Players in the Agric sector in Navarra are excited about this opportunity and we believe that both countries stand to benefit immensely from this programme, Raul Arce, a Director at Naxan said; adding our company is happy to be part of this laudable initiative aimed at sharing best practices between both nations Officials of the FAGRO Secretariat will lead a delegation of 15 Agric-oriented companies in Ghana to Spain to explore trade and investment opportunities within the host nations Agric sector while availing their counterparts there of same in Ghana. The event will also serve as a bilateral platform and expert discourse hub on agriculture and agro-based technologies. It will examine critical issues and innovations in the sector and their implications for development. She also asked the Ghana government to intervene in the impasse between illegal miners and AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) so as to save lives and investments in Obuasi. She said: "We are urging the government to intervene with the Military to save more lives, to restore law and order, and also to protect the high investment that has been made by AngloGold Ashanti . They have made about 2 million dollars investment in that mines." READ MORE: SA High Commissioner joins calls for troops protection in Obuasi "We would like to see more investors come to Ghana which will create a number of jobs for Ghanaians and grow both of our economy," she added. The President of the Chamber, Ashley Rix, said the Chamber's goal is to facilitate mutual trade ties between Ghana and South Africa. He added that the Chamber offers members leverage to connect with other businesses. Rix said: As a non-for-profit organisation, our primary objective is to facilitate the building and nurturing of mutually beneficial relationships between Ghana and South African Businesses. With members participation, the depth of knowledge is also leveraged while offering another communication channel to broadcast message and brand attributes, he added. Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! According to the Director-General of GES, Mr Jacob Aaworb-Nang Maabobr Kor, the Education Ministry identified the culprits and according to him, the number is likely to increase because more than 200 of them were identified in one district. Addressing the press on Friday, February 19, 2016, Mr Kor said 14,575 input forms that were initially submitted by teachers for processing and payment, only 6,268 were found to be attached with genuine supporting documents. Read more: GES to hand over teachers with fake certificates to BNI He said out of the remaining 8,307 input forms, some were queried by the Audit Service on the grounds of non-inclusion of certificates, establishment warrants, assumption of duty letters and acceptance letters. But the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) said the admittance of recruitment of fake teachers is an indictment on the GES. "Is the Director General is admitting that the Ghana Education Service has been recruiting teachers with fake certificates all these years?" asked the Vice President of NAGRAT, Angel Cabonu in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM. He said, "if it is so then the Director General and the Ghana Education Service stand indicted because for a service to agree that it has recruited people who are not certificated and they are so many to the extent that when we are talking about 3,000 teachers owed arrears, Director General is saying after paying a paltry 600 then the rest are people with fake certificates." Meanwhile, the GES said it has handed over 400 teachers who presented fake certificates for employment to the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI). According to a Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Tertiary, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, his outfits attention has been drawn to the existence of the material, adding theyve reported the issue to the security agencies. In a Facebook post, he said, "We have drawn the attention of the security to help locate and stop the company behind these exercise books which appears to be targeted at our school children." "We have drawn the attention of the security to help locate and stop the company behind these exercise books which appears to be targeted at our school children. While asking for leads from the general public, we urge parents and teachers to protect our children from such inappropriate materials." Two former Presidents have shared their thoughts on the electoral process, underscoring the need for all measures to be put in place for peaceful elections in 2016. EC, POLITICAL PARTIES FIRGHT OVER FUTURE OF ELECTION STEERING COMMITTEE The controversy surrounding the setting up of an Election Steering Committee by the EC appears not to be ending. KONADU OPENS UP: WHY I CONTESTED MILLS Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings has finally told the story about why she decided to contest President John Evans Atta Mills for the flagbearer position of the NDC in 2011 ahead of the 2012 polls. 5 FIGHT FOR JBS SEAT The Electoral Commission has set April 5, 2016 for the conduct of a by-election in the Abuakwa North Constituency of the Eastern Region to elect a new MP. EC MAKES U-TURN ON STEERING COMMITTEE The Electoral Commission appears to be unyielding regarding the setting up of the National Election Steering Committee, as it has asked the public to disregard media reports that the Commission had dropped plans to use the controversial committee for the November general elections. $18M WORTH OF GOLD IMPOUNDED Security officials at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Wednesday busted a syndicate attempting to smuggle 12 boxes of gold weighing about 480 kilograms out of the country. GOOD NEWS FOR GHANAIAN BUSINESSES The South African High Commission has announced plans to grant 10 years visa to Ghanaian businessmen and women for whatever business transactions they intend to carry out in that country. CDD OFFERS EC ADVICE The Head of Research and Programmes at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), Dr Franklyn Oduro, has urged the EC to take useful lessens from the controversy surrounding the setting up of the election steering committee to broaden consultation. PRESIDENT PROMISES FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS President John Dramani Mahama has said his administration would do everything under his purview to ensure that the November 7 general election is free and fair. ADB APPOINTS DANIEL ASIEDU AS NEW MD Mr Daniel Asiedu has been appointed the new Managing Director of Agricultural Development Bank Limited (ADB). MAHAMA ANNOUNCES GHC100,000 SUPPORT FOR ACCIDENT VICTIMS President John Mahama is in the Brong Ahafo Region capital, Sunyani, visiting survivors of last Wednesdays deadly bus accident in which 63 passengers perished. GOLD SMUGGLING SPIKES AS GRA SEIZES $18M WORTH OF THE COMMODITY Concerns about gold receipts to the country have further heightened following the detection and seizure of a large amount of gold bullion meant for export without declaration and proper documentation. FIVE POLYTECHNICS ASSUME VARSITY STATUS THIS YEAR Five polytechnics in the country are lacing up their boots as they prepare to change their status to technical universities come September this year. DANIEL ASIDU MOVES TO HEAD ADB PASTOR OTABIL IS NOT AN NPP MEMBER NPP According to Dr. Manteaw, the biggest bane of TOR is the unbridled political interference in its operations by government. In an exclusive interview with Pulse Business, Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), Dr. Steve Manteaw charged government to privatize non- performing public institutions like the Tema Oil Refinery. " The solution is for government to relinquish ownership in the refinery, and leave shareholders to appoint a governing board and the management of the company. They will be in a much better position to fire management if they feel they are not working well enough" he stressed. He therefore called for government to float its stake on the Ghana Stock Exchange for private Ghanaians to buy. However speaking to Citi FM, the Communications Director of the Petroleum Ministry, Edward Bawa said government will not float its stake on the stock exchange. " We should learn from what happened in our mining industry, that if we don't have a controlling stake in the sector, we will not get the full benefits from the resource. And the only way we can compete with the IOCs is to have control of the major institutions in the sector." Edward Bawa disclosed some of government's plans to make the state- owned institutions to make them more efficient and viable than they are. "For the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation we are looking at making it a stand- alone operator, which means they will develop their own fields, produce and sell. This will be in seven years." On the idea of floating government's stake in the Tema Oil Refinery on the stock exchange, the Communications Director of the Ministry said the refinery must be made more viable in order to attract investors. Dr. Bawumia outlined these in a lecture on the topic "The Role of Financial Discipline and Investment In National Development", at a National Financial Literacy and Investment Summit organised by the University Students Association of Ghana (USAG), at the University for Development Studies, Wa Campus. He has also rubbished claims by the government that it has transformed the country by undertaking a number of projects. Where is the rest of the money and what could it have done? Bawumia asks and answers Dr. Bawumia pointed out that the NDC had increased Ghanas debt in seven years by GHC90 billion, from GHC9.5 billion at the end of 2009 to some GHC99 billion currently; an equivalent of some 37 billion dollars at the time of borrowing. First, If you sum the cost of all the loan financed projects listed in the green book (even including those with artistic impressions, it is less than $7 billion. Meanwhile, the government has borrowed the equivalent of $37 billion so where is the rest of the money? Indeed, given the resources at its disposal one should expect at least four times the quantum of investment that the NDC claims to have undertaken, Dr. Bawumia said, as he began listing the six reasons. He proceeded to list a number of things the over 30 billion dollars from borrowing the NDC cannot account for, could have done, which proves that contrary to the claims, the NDC has done a bad job at giving Ghanaians their due after undertaking unprecedented borrowing in the last seven years. The close to $30 billion of borrowing that was not used for projects could have inter alia: Developed the Rail network from Accra to Paga and transformed many parts of the country just by this investment. Solved the water problems in Ghana Solved the energy problem and not put the country through 4 years of dumsor at the cost of human lives and collapsing businesses and unemployment Put in place at least 1000 kilometres of asphalted roads in each region. There will be no major road problem left in any region after this. Transformed Agriculture in the Northern regions, Afram Plains and Ghana through investment in machinery, irrigation and dams Put in place one world class hospital in each region Buy at least 1000 ambulances for the Ghana Ambulance service Set up factories with the private sector across the country to add value to our raw materials and create jobs. On the issue of jobs, the question is, if the government has taken a whole 4 years to solve a basic problem like Dumsor, how long will it take to address unemployment? At this pace, many of the unemployed youths will be over the pension age before the NDC finds a solution to the unemployment problem. Equip our existing health and education institutions with state of the art facilities Build an additional 600 of the Senior High Schools the government is currently trying to build, he said. Fact: Investment to GDP has declined and affected Economic Growth The second reason, according to Dr Bawumia, is the fact that the data shows that contrary to all the claims of the NDC, infrastructure spending as a proportion of GDP has declined from an average of 11% between 2001 and 2008, when Ghana had no oil, to 5.7% between 2009 and 2015. To explain this point, if a person tells you they have invested GHC 1000 in the education of their children and another tells you they have invested GHC 2000, you cannot conclude that the second person has invested more in his or her children if you do not compare it against the number of children in the family. If the first person has one child and the second has 10 children, then the investment of the person with one child will be higher (i.e. GHC1000 per child compared to GHC200 per child for the second person). It is in this context that when we measure the impact of investment, we look at it relative to the GDP of a country. If as a country, your investment in infrastructure relative to GDP is declining, then your growth is likely to decline. This background is very important to understand what is happening in Ghana today, he said Overpricing of projects and resort to mediocrity The third reason why I say the NDC is attempting to hoodwink Ghanaians with claims of massive infrastructural investments is that most of these projects are over-priced as a result of the single source procurement method, which has become the procurement method of choice for this government, as we saw in the SADA, GYEEDA, KARPOWER, SMARTYS bus branding etc.. I would like to see for example the government explanation from the government quantity surveyors of the costing on the Kumasi airport runway for $23.8 million. However, you and I know that they would not explain because they cannot explain, Dr. Bawumia noted. For the fourth point, he stated that since all governments undertake infrastructural products, it is disingenuous for the NDC to claim that as unprecedented, especially when compared to resources accrued, the NDC has done far less investments in infrastructure compared to the NPP government under former President John AgyekumKufuor for example, which had less than ten times the resources the NDC has had in seven years. The nations road network increased by 18,736 km and 29,970 km during the four (4) and eight (8) years of NPP-led administration respectively. At the end of year 2008, the network size met as at the end of December 2000 had been increased about 80%. In contrast, the NDC government has thus far added only 3,772 km to Ghanas road network. This means that the NPP constructed 8 times more roads (km) than the NDC even though they had 10 times more money. Yet when you listen to Government propaganda, they will tell you of the massive road investments they are making. Unfortunately for them the facts completely disprove their attempt to hoodwink Ghanaians. Indeed, it was His Excellency President Mahama who told us that any government touting projects as achievements is conducting an exercise in mediocrity, So what has changed? The real fact is that the NDC has no real achievements to point to outside the undertaking of some projects hence their resort to mediocrity, he said. So-called massive investments have not translated into job creation & production The fifth reason why I say the NDC is attempting to hoodwink Ghanaians with claims of massive infrastructural investments is that infrastructural investment is not supposed to be for its own sake but to increase productivity and production in the economy. The proof of the pudding, as they say, is in the eating. If you have indeed undertaken massive and unprecedented infrastructural investment, then why is the economy collapsing? Why is the NHIS in trouble? Why is unemployment on the increase? Why are businesses collapsing? Why is agricultural growth stagnant? Why is manufacturing growth negative? Why is the government having difficulty meeting statutory payments? he queried. The facts therefore show that the impact of the NDC infrastructure investments have not translated into increased output, job creation and better living conditions for the people of Ghana, Dr. Bawumia added. Ghanaians can relate to a worsening in social services and conditions The sixth and final reason why the NDCs claims of projects should be rejected, according to Dr. Bawumia, was the fact that the so called massive investments being claimed by the NDC have not translated into an improvement in social services. Dr. Bawumia touched on vital areas like Water, Health and Education to explain that despite the huge claims of the NDC, the ordinary Ghanaian cannot relate to an improvement in services and relief. The NDC claims to have put in over a billion dollars in the area of water infrastructure. Yet, today many places across the country are seeing the worst shortages of water in decades. So what is the essence of the claims being made by the NDC with respect to investments in water when after seven years, the people are rather seeing worse shortages than they were before these so-called investments? he asked. Touching on Health, Dr. Bawumia pointed out that despite the claims of huge investments, the reality for many Ghanaians was the fact that the NHIS is failing. He also noted that despite the claims of massive investments, many existing hospitals are crying for basic equipment to deliver health care to the people. What Ghanaians can relate to is the many illnesses and drugs which have been taken out of the NHIS care lists, the Capitation policy and the situation where patients seeking to be treated on the basis of possession of the NHIS Card are turned away in favor of patients with money. For many Ghanaians, the sad reality is that the killer Cash and Carry program, which the NPP worked to cancel, has been technically introduced back as a result of the failure of the NHIA. Again, despite these huge claims of investment, our Hospitals across the country, keep crying over very essential equipment and facilities. I had this sad reality hit home when a close relative passed away last year as a result of the lack of oxygen at Tamale Teaching Hospital. The recent closure of certain departments in Korle-Bu also re-emphasizes this point, he noted Dr. Bawumia cited the recent gory Kintampo accident as another example of how despite the huge claims of investments in Health, the Ghanaian people cannot relate to an improvement in healthcare. So again, what is the point in the claims of massive investment in the Health Sector when after seven years and with over 200 billion in Resources, we cannot sustain the Health Insurance Scheme which was functional when Ghana had less than 10 times the resources this government has had; and cannot provide vital logistics for our existing Hospitals and service our Ambulances to save the lives of our countrymen?, he probed. Is every investment necessary or prudent? Ending his dissection of the NDC claims of massive investment, Dr. Bawumia stressed that investments must be assessed critically on the impact it makes to productivity and lives and not just on the basis of numbers that are bandied around. It is therefore clear that despite the huge claims of investment, the reality for many Ghanaians is that livelihoods have worsened and social services are not functioning. Credit: Office of Bawumia The EC has come under pressure from some political over the composition of an 18-member election steering committee meant to help the election management body conduct smooth elections in November 2016 polls. Some parties and pressure groups raised concerns about the membership of the committee, some of whom were said to be members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). The EC after an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held on Friday, agreed to suspend the election committee for broader consultation to take place. However, the EC has denied suspending the 18-member National Election Steering Committee. See related:Kufuor charges EC to be truly independent A statement signed by the ECs acting Director of Public Affairs, Christian Owusu Parry said the report making round in the media is untrue and must be disregarded by the general public. Mr. Owusu Parry however, said "the committee remains in place until a contrary decision is made." But Dr Darko who spoke to Accra-based Class FM argued that, "We need to be careful not to demonise the very institution we have put in place. If we denigrate the institution and if we dont support the institution to grow, then its a wasted effort. That is not to suggest at all that if the institutions are perhaps under performing, we should not interrogate them." According to him, he has now decided to aggressively campaign in all settler communities across the country, so as to dispel this false notion, with barely 8 months to holding of the November elections. Addressing Moslem clerics and Chiefs of Settler communities in Derma, in the Tano South constituency, in the Brong Ahafo Region, on Sunday, February 21, 2016, Nana Akufo-Addo explained that the NPP, traditionally, has not done well electorally in settler communities across the country, largely because of the deliberate tagging of the NPP as an anti-Northern party by political opponents. "This year, try me too. Give me the chance to show you what I can do. Four years is not so far away. If I come and I dont succeed, kick me out. God knows my heart and I can assure you that I wont disappoint you. Progress and prosperity are what I am offering the people of Ghana." He continued, "In my attempts at the Presidency, I have stuck with my running mate, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who comes from Walewale and is also a Muslim. President Kufuor, before he won the 2000 election, and during the entire tenure of office chose a running mate from North, in the person of the late Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who hailed from Yendi. So if somebody says the NPP hates Northerners and Moslems, it can never be true. The records do not show that." See also: NPP flagbearer urges Christians to pray for GhanaNana Akufo-Addo told the Chiefs that "this type of anti-NPP sentiments only surface during elections," adding that "when there are no elections, we live in this country peacefully and harmoniously. These are done purely for electoral advantage." Boateng was arrested by security operatives for allegedly impersonating the National Security office, and claiming favours from unsuspecting persons. Reports say the former presidential candidate hopeful was arrested on Sunday afternoon and later handed over to the Airport Police in Accra who are said to be investigating the matter. Prior to the NDC primaries, the General Secretary of the NDC Johnson Asiedu Nketia described him as him as someone in need of psychiatric help for daring to challenge the President in the primaries. According to him, "In spite of their [NDC] so-called unprecedented projects, the people of Ghana are suffering. There is suffering everywhere because of they have mismanaged the Ghanaian economy." Addressing Moslem clerics and chiefs of settler communities in Derma, in the Tano South constituency, in the Brong Ahafo region, Alan Kyerematen noted that the NPP, under President John Agyekum Kufuor, had a vision of making oil palm a cash crop, and a major foreign exchange earner for the country. To this end, 11,000 acres of oil palm were cultivated in four communities in the Tano South constituency Derma, Ankaase, Ada and Sesekpo. "This was an unprecedented feat by the NPP. If this government, as usual, had not played politics with it and continued with this initiative, all of you here, as oil palm farmers, would have been rich by now," he said. He said "This factory, located in the North, has collapsed under John Mahama. His government did not pay attention to this factory, which has the capacity of processing 25 truckloads of tomatoes every day. If the NPP had continued in office, the processing of tomatoes alone would have also made tomato farmers rich," he added. He, therefore, assured the gathering that the oil palm industry and the Pwalugu tomato factory will be all revived under the next NPP government, led by Nana Akufo-Addo. "When the NPP came into office from 2001, we brought so many job opportunities for which the populations of Derma and Tano South were major beneficiaries. We will do it again under Nana Akufo-Addo," he said. Mr Kyerematen continued, "It is because of the change he wants to bring to the people of Ghana that is why he is contesting for the Presidency of this country. When he comes into office, he will revive all these businesses so that prosperity for all is achieved." Vodafone announced last year that it had invested US$1.7 billion to strengthen its operations. Mr. Ebenezer Amankwah, the Corporate Communications Manager, said this basically involved upgrading of network infrastructure. Vodafone, with a 23 per cent market share, employs 1,500 permanent workers and another 300 people engaged on contract basis, according to the GNA. READ MORE Vodafone has complained that sluggish consumer spending, as a result of the wide range of taxes introduce by the government this year, has put a strain on consumers spending on telephony services. According to the Finance Director of Vodafone Ghana, Ken Gomado, the current economic environment is putting a strain on people's ability to spend. He told the B&FT in an interview that: The first and the most important is consumer spending and the fact that the environment is now beginning to put a strain on consumers ability to spend." According to him, the industry suffers when consumers "do not have a lot of money to spend [on recharge cards]." We need to put our growing population to good use by increasing local production of food crops. There is an urgent need for us as a country to grow more food crops in order to meet the demand of our growing population. This is why we are seeking more support from the international community towards the sustainable development of our countrys agricultural sector, Ogbeh said. He emphasized that the presidency was working towards improving the standard of living for the people was poised to take life back to the rural areas and improve the living standard of the people. Other areas the government is working towards standardization in the agricultural sector of the economy includes Cattle breeding improvement, climate change, standardisation and certification of food products, seed development and improvement and capacity building. Ogbeh said that the ministry of agriculture have also collaborated with other ministries like Ministry of Works, Environment, Water Resources and Industry, Trade and Investment to grow and develop the sector. It was gathered that the 37-year-old Abdullahi, an indigene of Adamawa State, was nabbed while on his way to Lekki to raise money for the wedding which is supposed to come up on March 27. Abdullahi, who rode a motorcycle, was accosted by the police around the tollgate area after he had allegedly presented a fake Navy identity card. It was learnt that the police were about to let him go when someone hinted that the identity card was card and that Abdullahi was impersonating and had been on the navy wanted list. The suspect was thereafter searched properly and two other fake identity cards recovered from him and he was subsequently arrested. In his confession statement to the police, Abdullahi reportedly said he got the fake card from a friend in Abuja after paying him a sum of N1,000, which he uses to protect his motorcycle from traffic officials, including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and policemen. I am not a robber, but it is true that I impersonated a naval officer. I started impersonating in December 2015. I am a motorcyclist, and I wanted to be able to move on roads without any restriction. I wanted to avoid trouble from area boys, LASTMA officials and policemen. I came to Lagos last year and I am preparing for my wedding in Adamawa State. My bride, , and my parents do not know that I have been arrested. The police did not allow me to call them. It is only my neighbours in Obalende, where I stay, who know. According to the Country Manager, Huawei Consumer Business Group Nigeria, Mr. Leo Jiang, The Huawei G-Power is a mid range smartphone that is the best life and work partner for consumers all day long. The G-Power smartphone provides about 90 hours of light usage, 48 hours of heavy usage, 39 hours of call time and 15 hours of web surfing. The Huawei G-Power is the ideal and affordable smartphone which helps strike a perfect balance between simplicity and usability and represents the on-the-go lifestyle, youthful spirit and positive attitude of consumers. Speaking further he added, Through a deeper understanding of smartphones and the consumers needs, Huawei G-Power is created with a power saving technologies 3.0. Its 5-megapixel front-facing camera creates a fun-filled selfie experience and the 13-megapixel rear-facing camera makes its possible to take crystal clear, professional quality, beautiful photos during the day and night. Its 1.3 GHz quad-core processor gives higher processing speed to enable consumers achieve faster while multi-tasking. This new device also reflects Huaweis continued dedication to bringing the latest innovation and style to our consumers at all levels. The G-Power features a sleek, simple and elegant design, dual sim compatible with a stunning 5 HD IPS touch screen display with 296 PPI to give users a clear and comfortable experience. The smartphone is available in white, black and gold colors and shaped in Bezier curve to offer users the most comfortable grip while handling. Its exquisite carving technique on the back cover creates a ripple grain with 5176 different facets forming light and shadow effects at any angle. The BOX integrated sound chamber and bottom speaker design increases volume to 150 per cent and is equipped with the special LDS antenna technology to ensure high signal sensitivity. The Huawei G-Powers ultra snapshot function helps users capture spontaneous moments before it is too late and a 10 minutes charge supports 3-hours of talk time for consumers. The new Huawei G-Power smartphone will be available in Huawei retail partner stores in February 2016. Huawei made a second consecutive appearance among the top 100 Best Global Brands analyzed by Interbrand. Being the first Mainland Chinese brand to be included in the list in 2014 where it ranked 94 was a proud achievement, but Huawei proved to be one of the fastest rising brands in the technology sector by climbing from #94 to #88 in ranking. The October 2015 release shows Huawei proudly at number 88 with an impressive increase of 15 per cent in brand value (approximately 5 billion US dollars) within 12 months. This places the company ahead of top global players such as Smirnoff and PayPal. Huawei is truly committed to constant improvement. Best 100 Global Brands: http://interbrand.com/best-brands/best-global-brands/2015/ranking/ About Huawei Consumer BG Huaweis products and services are available in more than 170 countries, and are used by a third of the worlds population, ranking third in the world in mobile phone shipments in 2014. Sixteen R&D centers have been set up in the United States, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India, and China. Huawei Consumer BG is one of Huaweis three business units and covers smartphones, mobile broadband devices, home devices and cloud services. Huaweis global network is built on 20 years of expertise in the telecom industry and is dedicated to delivering the latest technological advances to consumers around the world. For more information, visit Huawei Consumer Business Group online: consumer.huawei.com/en/ For regular updates on Huawei Consumer Business Group (Nigeria), follow us on: Facebook: facebook.com/HuaweimobileNgTwitter: twitter.com/huaweimobilengInstagram: Instagram.com/HuaweiMobileNGYouTube: youtube.com/HuaweiDeviceNigeria Their nemesis was in the form of Ogaga Pemu, the leader of the gang that robbed the shop, after he was arrested following a tip-off received by the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB), of the State Police Command, that a he had arranged with someone to service his operational German pistol, as well as provide magazines for the weapon. Pemu was tracked and arrested at Joe Baddy Hotel in Mende, Maryland and while in custody, he reportedly confessed to a series of armed robberies in the including the attack on Jumia where the gang looted N1.2 million cash, phones, laptops and clothes. Pemus confession led to the arrest of the Daniel brothers. According to Pemu, the brothers gave them all the inside information his gang needed and also led them to the warehouse. We were six that participated in the robbery. Myself, Daniel the store keeper and his older brother, Hosea, , and another guy. We got N1.2 million. I gave Hosea N400,000 for him and his brother. Their share was N200,000 each. I took N250,000, gave Don and Chris N200,000 each and gave the other guy who was a new person N150,000. That operation was my fourth. I was arrested first and then I told the police how to get them and they were also arrested. But the other members have fled. It was gathered that the boy who was a pupil of Fasok Nursery and Primary School, who lost his father five years ago and was living with a relative, Julius Adeniyi, was declared missing after he could not be found by his guardian, only for his dead body to be recovered in the latrine. He was said to be walking out of the house in the evening of Wednesday, February 17, when he slipped and fell into the toilet and the discovery has sent the tenants into panic as they are said to have fled the compound after policemen from the Alapere Divison the caretakers of the house. The boy's corpse was later discovered at about 5pm the next day, after a bricklayer had sealed up the pit without knowing that he was trapped inside. His guardian, Adeniyi, who was said to have fainted when he was told of the news, explained that Kehinde and his twin sister, Taiye, as well as an elder brother, Seun, started living with him after their father died. Their mother is a trader, but she stays in the Seme, Badagry area of Lagos State. The three children live with me. On Wednesday, Kehinde returned from school and started doing his homework along with his classmates. I later went out to see a friend and when I returned around 7pm, Seun told me that his brother was missing. The family began looking around for him and when it was 10pm, we decided to alert the police to the development. I informed his mother, who started crying. I was also confused because we could not tell what had become of him. His mother left Seme for our hometown in Ipokia, Ogun State, and after our family members there made some consultations, they were assured that the boy would be found, he added. The spokesperson for the state fire service, Amodu Shakiru, who confirmed the incident, said: "At about 6pm, we received a call to a house on Alapere Street, Ketu. A boy of about eight years was recovered dead from a latrine of about 25-feet deep on the premises of a two-storeyed building. An official report on Monday in Phnom Penh stated that 10 people have been diagnosed HIV-positive in the past two weeks out of a population of 1,000 in Peam village, around 35 kilometres from Phnom Penh. It said that the unusual profile of the patients, such as old age and monogamy, raised a red flag with provincial health authorities. Meanwhile, Health Minister, Mam Bunheng, who declined to discuss details, said it would only create chaos. He said necessary actions would be taken. The residents in their reactions blamed contaminated needles used by a local doctor. The preference for medication administered by injection and poor medical training raises the risk of HIV transmission in local medical facilities. He added that the government is progressing in curtailing the outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria. We have been trying to curtail Lassa fever, which is going down now and Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital is one of the centres of excellence. I came to see the status and how well they are coping. This hospital is one of the centres with special facilities and I came to see how well they are coping. I have seen the equipment and the challenges and we are looking at ways to make sure Lassa fever does not become a yearly occurring problem, he said. According to Premium Times, Magu said what matters first and foremost is for everyone involved in the arms deal scam to return the money he or she may have collected. That does not preclude such suspect from facing prosecution. He said politics in Nigeria has become too attractive, that is why politicians want to make wealth at all cost. Adding that This encourages a rat race of sorts. Also, the judiciary, which is the last resort, has allegedly been complicit, making civil servants who have been found guilty of corruption feel confident to poke the law in the face and go scot-free. Magi also said There should be a national outrage by now There is something wrong with our values. Corruption has been celebrated over the years. In a statement signed by the group's leader, comrade Uchenna Madu, he said Buhari's administration is deceptive on its call for dialogue regarding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB). The Federal Government through her several agents has clamoured for a peaceful dialogue to effect the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whose arrest and detention has exposed and battered deteriorated image of Nigeria before the International communities since October 2015," Madu said. Though many groups and persons, which claim to represent the Biafra agitators in the dialogue have failed because of their selfish and group interest, what of the meeting the real leadership of Biafra agitators held on December 22, 2015 in Enugu, in the house of a prominent and respected Igbo leader, with representatives of Federal Government, with the Directorate of Military Intelligence Abuja and other Igbo Leaders, who are genuinely rooted in Igbo course? The FG representatives assured us that based on their findings, observations, interactions, feelings and grievances of Ndi Igbo during the week long tour, which climaxed with meeting of the leadership of Biafra agitators, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will be released to an Igbo leader of our choice after their report and intimate meeting with the presidency. Two months after the meeting, instead of heeding to our agreement of releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, which will reduce the political tension and uprising in Biafraland, Nigeria Government continued to unleash terror on our people and deriving Joy in killing of our non-violent Biafran agitators. He added that, We know that freedom can never be achieved on a platter of gold and calculations can never make a hero. MASSOB has vowed that the gruesome murder of over forty non violent Biafran agitators by Nigerian security agents at Aba will not be wished away. "Their death has become a motivational force, a quick reminder and a Biafra cross on Golgotha for the undying spirit of Biafranism. MASSOB hails Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State for his staunch support for the defense of Nnamdi Kanu and non violent Biafran agitators. Governor Fayoses sympathy on Biafra and outburst against Buhari led wicked administration, which exhibited religious, ethnic and personal hatred has proved him as a true nationalist, who has the interest of the people at heart. He worth more than some Igbo Governors. MASSOB also condemned the silence on Igbo Governors and Senators on the plight of Nnamdi Kanu and other Biafran Agitators. Some Igbo Governors and senators are stooges and cowards, we doubt if Igbo blood is running in their veins. The northern and western Governors/senators openly and secretly collaborate and work with Boko-Haram and Odua Igbo Peoples congress (OPC) respectively for the interest of their ethnic block but their Igbo counterparts are always shying away as cowards. MASSOB is elated that some Niger Delta groups have joined the Biafran struggle. We support every group with genuine mission, mind and position on Biafra actualization, no matter the system they apply. The rising of more south-south groups for Biafra, with the existing ones from south-east shall spell more doom for Nigeria unless Nnamdi Kanu and other agitators are released, which will soften the tempo of the current agitation. MASSOB under my leadership will continue to maintain our non violent principles and work in collaboration with other genuine Biafran groups both at home and in Diaspora and other relevant international organizations in preparation of Biafran referendum, which the major part have been achieved. Citing a reliable source at the EFCC, the report said Moro was arrested today, February 22, in connection with the 2014 immigration recruitment scam. At least 20 job seekers were reported dead across the country in the March 15, 2014 recruitment exercise. Abba Moro is currently with us, the source was quoted to have said. "And most likely he will be charged to court. According to Premium Times, a former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Anaesthesia Nwaobia, and a deputy director who allegedly facilitated the scam, were also arrested. Report says they will be arraigned on a 12-count charge in the Federal High Court Abuja tomorrow, February 23. The charges against Moro and the two other former staff of the ministry include, obtaining by false pretence, procurement offences, money laundering and other corrupt practices. Following the tragedy, Nigerians had demanded the resignation or dismissal of Moro and the Comptroller-General of Immigration, David Parradang, as well as their criminal prosecution for involuntary homicide. On Friday, February 19, Fayose had said the Federal Government should perish the thought of imposing the TSA on states, claiming the policy is not even working for those who introduced it. The APC Publicity Secretary in Ekiti, Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement on Monday, February 22, said for the Governor to oppose a policy that would ensure financial accountability indicates an ulterior motive of fraud. TSA is aimed at ensuring that all government earnings are paid into a single account to ensure accountability and check fraud unlike in the past where several governments accounts were scattered in many banks to perpetrate frauds", Olatunbosun said. For a governor who describes himself as a friend of the poor to oppose a policy that will make the same poor people enjoy the benefits of transparent governance is the height of irresponsibility and a confirmation of allegations of fraud against the governor in his handling of financial issues. We can now see the reason why the governor has opened several channels of revenue collections to be paid into several phoney accounts that revenue collection officers are describing as opaque, he added.' The spokesman alleged that Fayose opened a secret account, without the knowledge of the state's treasury, into which taxes and fines forced on Ekiti people are paid. He mentioned some of the fines as "traffic offences and suffocating taxes he imposed on poor traders that he deceived with abundance of life during campaigns. After sacking thousands of workers in youth empowerment scheme and permanent secretaries; after cutting monarchs and workers allowances and running grants and after stopping funds for social security scheme for the elderly and security agencies but increasing his personal monthly security vote from N100m to N250, Fayose hired less than 200 political appointees as against over 800 appointees by Governor Kayode Fayemi, yet he tells Ekiti people that he pays the same N2.6 billion that Fayemi paid as salaries and allowances to workers monthly. Olatubosun said there is no way Fayose would have been paying the same bill Fayemi paid as monthly wages to workers. Fayose has no explanation to make to Ekiti people on how he spent N22b refund on federal road projects, the N2b ecological fund, several billions of naira statutory allocations to the state and LGAs and N9.1 bailout cash, among others. Fayose has not said anything about the Internally Generated Revenue of the state, which he has embarked upon with an aggressive drive thereby bringing untold hardship on the citizens. What of the school fees he introduced in primary and secondary schools, including high fees in tertiary institutions? he queried. He also alleged that the Fayose government runs several fictitious accounts, calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Central Bank of Nigeria and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to look into the various fictitious accounts. We are confident that the findings of these agencies will reveal the reason why Fayose is opposed to the TSA policy, Olatunbosun added. He also described the plan to bring in witnesses with masks to testify against the IPOB leader in court, as a mockery of democracy. Fayose said it is shameful that the Federal Government could approach the court for witnesses in a criminal matter it is prosecuting to wear mask and be seen through screen. He also said They want Kanu tried secretly. They also want the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd) tried secretly. What are they afraid of? How can the Federal Government ask the court to allow ojuju calabar (masquerade) as prosecution witnesses when we are not under military rule? How would such witnesses be cross-examined by defence lawyers and can their real identity be ascertained? Should anyone make allegations that he cannot be bold enough to defend in the law court? Why are the witnesses afraid to testify in an open court if truly they are witnesses of truth? Clearly, this is mockery of democracy and the rule of law and Nigerians should know that it is their duty to purge President Buhari of dictatorship, Fayose said. He told the EFCC that Jonathan's former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, Waripamowei Dudafa, should be held responsible for the cash. According to the newspaper, the ADC said when the suitcases containing the cash were brought as messages for the President, he merely handed them over to Dudafa, pointing that military law does not permit him to open any message meant for the President, unless directed otherwise. The ADC has spoken with investigators. He said when the suit cases containing the N10billion were brought as messages for the ex-President, he did not open them but he handed over the items to SA Domestic Affairs," the newspaper quoted a source at the EFCC. The source continued: He said as ADC, the military law forbids him from opening any message meant for the President, unless directed by the C-I-C. So, it is only the SA Domestic Affairs, who has sneaked out of the country, who will need to provide the list of beneficiaries. This is the status of the case. If Dudafa does not show up, we may declare him wanted in connection with the N10billion cash or seek the courts permission to attach his property. We are exploring mutual legal assistance with some countries to fish out Dudafa wherever he is hiding abroad. In his statement, Dasuki had said he handed over the N10billion given to the delegates to Dudafa and the ADC. Similarly, one of the Army officers being questioned over the $2.1 billion arms purchase scandal, Col. N. Ashinze , the former Special Military Assistant to the ex-NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), was not able to resume in his new posting as the nations Military Attache to the Nigerian Embassy in Germany. Mr Volker Turk, UNHCRs Assistant High Commissioner on Protection, made this appeal during a visit to the Deputy Governor of Adamawa, Mr Martin Babale, in Yola. Turk led the UN delegation to the North East states most devastated by insurgency. He explained that protection is the core responsibility of a state or a nation to ensure that its citizens, either vulnerable or not, enjoy their fundamental rights.He said that if protection policies are put in place by nations governments refugees, IDPs and other persons of concern would be able to enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination. According to him, the focus must be permeated on interactions with persons of concern to design ways of addressing their plights. "Part of that means providing prompt quality services, such as care to victims, legal assistance and supporting the voluntary return of refugees to their homes. "It also means advocating for and intervening on behalf of refugees and other persons of concern when they are at risk, for example when in detention or in danger. "UNHCR is committed to exercising its continuous supervisory role in relation to state and the North East at large," Turk said. Earlier, Babale who received the UN delegates on behalf of the Gov. Bindow Jibrilla, noted that the state was the second most affected state by the insurgency in the North East region. Jibrilla said that the state is an entry point for most of the returnees, where most of them are registered, profiled and returned to host communities or camps. He said the registration and profiling of the returnees, who are mostly women and children at Sahuda boarder town in Adamawa, is done by stakeholders. jibrilla said the state had recognised efforts of partners and agencies that are helping to alleviate the plight of IDPs. "Adamawa State Government appreciates the efforts of agencies and organisations towards alleviating the problems brought on our people by the insurgency. "We assure you that we are supporting their efforts as what they are doing is a source of great encouragement to us as government," he said. However, the governor noted that some IDPs being harboured in the camps in the state were not indigenes of the state or Nigerians, adding that some came from Cameroon. The Chief of Naval Training and Operations, Rear Adm. Henry Babalola, told journalists that the suspected pirates were arrested around Sao Tome after the gang had hijacked the vessel off the coast of Cote d'Ivoire. ''Before the security forces got to the hijacked vessel, two crew members, an Indian and a Pakistan, had been kidnapped and taken away by two of the gang members. ''The hijackers, after sighting the naval ships, refused to surrender, shut downfall the oil tanker and opened fire on the security agents. ''It was at that point the deceased pirate was gunned down because he came out of the ship to confront the boarding party,'' he said. The Naval chief said that the operation was coordinated from the naval headquarters in Abuja and commended navies in the neighbouring countries for their cooperation. Babalola warned pirates to desist from such illegal acts or face the consequences. The captain of the hijacked tanker, Capt. Prilliea Krishna, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for coming to the crew's rescue. He pleaded with the navy authorities to help find the two crew members being held hostage by the gang. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the pirates had hijacked a Saudi Arabian tanker, MT MAXIMUS, chartered by a South Korean company. NAN also gathered that the vessel, which was renamed MT ELVIS-5 by the hijackers to conceal it, was loaded with 4,700 metric tons of diesel. Amadi, in an interview said the Senate did not have the constitutional right to give such orders. He said Until a new Commission has been reconstituted to consider whether to review or totally suspend the order, nobody anywhere can validly review or suspend the current tariffs. Reacting to his comments, the NLC President said What else do we expect from a Chairman who not only compromised the Commission, but surrendered willy nilly its functions to the successor-companies in the power sector for God-knows why. He said We also demand that if any DISCO (distribution company) or GENCO. (Generation company) does not have the requisite capacity, it should honourably surrender its possessory and proprietary rights to government as was the case with the Yola Electricity Company. The Yola company was honourable enough and reasons adduced by it, genuine. Wabba also said We will not fold our hands while a few individuals or companies or institutions further plunder and plunge this country into abyss. The warning is contained in a statement issued by Mr Ohi Alegbe, the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, on Sunday in Abuja. The statement quoted Alegbe as cautioning the public to be wary of fraudsters sending letters to unsuspecting individuals inviting them for the second process of recruitment.'' He said the invitation was a scam as the corporation was currently not recruiting. He, therefore, urged the public to discountenanced the invitation directing recipients to pay N21,500 into an account with Zenith Bank, saying ``anyone who entertains such invitations or deals with peddlers of such invitations does so at his or her own risk.'' This is coming on the heels of The Ooni was installed at a ceremony marking the 45th convocation of the institution. In his acceptance speech, the Ooni said I want to challenge all my fellow youth to pursue their dreams vigorously and with God on your side, you will all attain all your goals. If you do things in a forthright manner, your efforts will not go in vain for God himself will continually bless you. I promise to support the youth, beginning from Nsukka here, in achieving their dream as well as to improve them to become a formidable force towards making Nigerian a great nation and I will not. fail in the discharge of my duties as the Chancellor. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja 11, has disclosed plans to build a N7.6billion Grand Resort. According to a statement released by his media aide, Laolu Akande, the Vice President said: I have had several long discussions with President Buhari, the key issue always is finding the right persons for any task; a tough task indeed in a corrupt system. This is a system where the norm is corrupt behaviour across all arms of formal systems of governance. In such a system, the private sector is a strong collaborator. The fight against corruption is then a fight against the system. When you look at any list of alleged perpetrators of a heinous case of corruption, all tribes, ethnicities and religions are well represented. In other words, high-level corruption knows no religion or ethnicity. Such perpetrators and conspirators are in governments, the legislature, the judiciary and the press. They are united, they protect one another, they fight for one another and they are prepared to go down together. They are one tribe and indivisible, regardless of diversity. It is this tribe that confuses the arguments for change in society. Find out what is making headlines all over the country from the covers of The Punch, Vanguard, The Guardian and more. For today, Monday, February 22 2016: VANGUARD NEWSPAPER Banks struggle with excess N1.5trn depositsLAGOS Excess liquidity in the banking system rose to about N1.24 trillion, last weekend, following huge backlog of unmet foreign exchange demand for which the Central aBank of Nigeria, CBN, returned the Naira back-up funds to the banks on Friday. READ MORE Buhari in diplomatic shuttle to stabilise oil priceABUJA President Muhammadu Buhari jets out to Saudi Arabia and Qatar today to engage officials of both countries in further talks to ensure stability of oil prices. Nigeria, yesterday, agreed to freeze the countrys crude oil production at 2.2 million barrels per day this month, same as the level recorded in January, in a bid to address the declining price of crude oil in the international market. READ MORE FG to tackle herdsmen over security threat DambazuaASABAMinister of Interior, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd), weekend, said that the Federal Government would continue to tackle the security threat posed by Fulani herdsmen in the country. READ MORE _______________________________________ BUSINESS DAY NEWSPAPER PH, Warri, Kaduna refineries may become obsolete by 2018Nigerias refineries will soon be faced with extinction if they are not immediately upgraded in the face of impending competition from emerging ones, studies carried out on the countrys refineries, pipelines and depots indicate. It is however estimated such upgrade would cost between $7 billion and $9billion for all existing refineries currently in the control READ MORE High networth individuals seek cover in fixed income to beat uncertainty United CapitalUnited Capital Plc, a Nigerian-based financial and investment services company says its high networth clients are shunning equities and moving assets into fixed income to beat market uncertainty. Most high end clients are playing the fixed income space due to the need for asset preservation and to its inherent liquidity, Chief Executive Officer, Oluwatoyin Sanni READ MORE Nigeria backs Saudi oil freezeNigeria backed Saudi Arabia and Russia in freezing oil production while giving Iran and Iraq a way out to regain some of their lost market share due to sanctions and war. The biggest oil producer in Africa supports a production freeze, Nigerian Energy Minister Minister of Petroleum Emmanuel Kachikwu told reporters in Doha on Sunday. READ MORE _______________________________________ THE NATION NEWSPAPER Jonathans ADC states role in N10b gift for PDP chiefsFormer President Goodluck Jonathans detained ex-Aide-de-Camp (ADC) Col. Ojogbane Adegbe has passed the buck on the N10billion gift for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) delegates. READ MORE Olubadan to be installed March 4The Olubadan-Designate, High Chief Saliu Adetunji, will be installed on March 4. Adetunji broke the news at the weekend when Juju music maestro Ebenezer Fabiyi Obey visited his Popoyemoja, Ibadan home. Adetunji said the date was arrived at after extensive consultations with stakeholders. READ MORE EFCC begins probe of $2b Malabu Oil dealThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has initiated a discreet probe into the $2billion Malabu Oil deal to ascertain whether the country was short-changed. READ MORE _______________________________________ THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER EFCC links ex-CDS Badeh to N4.4bn NIMASA fraudThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched a fresh investigation into the alleged diversion of N4.4bn from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency into the accounts of top officers of the Nigerian Air Force. READ MORE PDP: Wabara, Shagari, Juta ask Sheriff to resignThe new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has been asked to resign immediately. READ MORE Corrupt persons in legislature, judiciary OsinbajoVice-President Yemi Osinbajo has said that because of the level of corruption in Nigeria, he and President Muhammadu Buhari have been finding it extremely difficult to get right persons that could handle nation-building tasks for the present administration. READ MORE _______________________________________ THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER Govt diverts N813.6b to fund joint venturesAS a further indication of the oil and gas sectors loss of its status as the nations cash cow, the Federal Governments revenue of $3.191 billion or N628.6 billion (at the rate of N197 per dollar) from exports in the industry, which was supposed to be retained from April to December 2015, has been used to meet Joint Venture (JV) Cash Calls obligation. READ MORE For Mark, its victory on three frontsFOR former Senate President David Mark, it was triple sweet victory yesterday .He was in the early hours of yesterday declared winner of the Benue South senatorial district rerun election by the Independent National Election Commission, (INEC) Returning Officer, Prof. Ishaku Eneji. READ MORE This is coming on the heels of an accusation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleging that Tarfa of bribed Justice Yunusa with the sum of N225,000. SERAP asked Pinto to compel the National Judicial Council (NJC) to suspend the two legal luminaries. An excerpt of the petition dated February 19, 2016, which was signed by the groups Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, and obtained from Premium Times, reads SERAP is concerned that despite these serious allegations of bribery and corruption, the National Judicial Council has failed and/or refused to suspend the judge involved pending any investigation and/or trial of the judge. Similarly, the Nigerian Bar Association has failed and/or refused to ask the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to suspend the senior lawyer involved pending the final determination of the case against him. The statement also said SERAP is concerned that the allegations of bribery and corruption such as the alleged payment and receipt of N225,000 threaten the very essence of the independence of the judiciary and the actors in the legal profession. Adding that Such allegations also severely undermine the rule of law, the publics confidence in the judiciary, raise the cost for judicial services because litigation is driven by corruption instead of by the legal process, discourage people from resorting to the formal justice system, and ultimately victimise the most disadvantaged sectors of the population who do not have the means to play by the informal rules set by a corrupt system. The allegations also undermine fair competition and economic growth, as there is a clear correlation between the level of economic activity in a country and an effective judiciary combating corruption. We have come to a point where there is no turning back for there is nothing worthy of the sacrifices so recently made to turn back to, he said. We have reached the juncture at which we must reform our institutions, rid our country of corruption or admit that we have mortgaged away the good future due us. The infrastructural decay of past decades, the unemployment time bomb, the challenging security situation make a compelling case for us all to join with this government to embrace a new politics that will help build a new country, he added. Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, in congratulating Tinubu on the award, said that the APC leader had recorded success in the area of historic merger that brought about the party and the change that Nigeria had experienced. ----------------------------------------- The court granted an order for Tompolos arrest at the instance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after he failed to appear to face money laundering charges. The EFCC has accused the former militant and nine others of looting about N34 billion in funds belonging to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Tompolo is asking the Appeal Court to set aside the warrant due to a lack of evidence that he had been rightfully informed of the charges against him and subsequent court proceedings. The EFCC had earlier stated that it could not locate Tompolo after he defied an order to appear in court for his trial. -------------------------------------- It reads: We wish to state categorically that the said publication is not from Tompolo, rather it is the work of those that have sworn to kill him by all means, but Jehovah God forbid. Tompolo has stated before now, that he will not resort to violence or destroy oil facilities because of the issue he is having with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. No amount of provocation and persecution can make him to destroy the country that he has helped to build in recent time. He will wisely continue to pursue his course legally. It is his (Tompolo) prayer for those that are pushing for his death to have a re-think as he believes fervently in Jehovah God, Who sees the heart of every human being, knows that he has no evil intention against Nigeria or any individual. Therefore, he will come out stronger in the face of these temptations and trials. The group, under the aegis of PDP Rescue Group led by Amb. Wilberforce Juta, who also contested for PDP chairmanship, made the call during a news conference on Sunday in Abuja. He said ``most PDP members did not see in Sheriff a model of impeccable integrity that the party badly needed to lead it at this critical moment. ``We are upset by the decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party in appointing Ali Modu-Sherrif as national chairman. ``We are convinced that this decision is against the will and wish of the generality of members. ``We know for a fact the North-East Zonal wing, having been directed by the National Caucus of the party to forward nominees from the zone, did not nominate Modu-Sheriff for the position of national chairman. ``Consequently, Modu-Sheriff should do the needful by stepping down honourably as it is evident that party members nationwide have overwhelmingly rejected him. He said that the current leadership crisis in PDP was a challenge to every Nigerian. He emphasised that ``having the PDP destroyed by acts of error of judgment as being witnessed now is denying Nigeria of a strong opposition party that is badly needed if Nigerias democracy is to be strengthened and all tendencies toward civilian dictatorship checked. ``The crisis must challenge all party members to action to halt the party from further drift. The plan of PDP Rescue Group is to mobilise party members and leaders to help attain this noble goal. ``It is, therefore, critical if the PDP must come back to national reckoning, that we remodel its leadership on the platform of honesty as required by the party manifesto. He then urged all party organs to rise to the challenge by insisting on the removal of Modu-Sheriff. Juta also urged the different organs, as well as past and present leaders to commence the search for persons with high integrity, strategic insight and fear of God Almighty to lead the party. ``It is our considered view that we endeavour to elect only those with discernible traits," he said. He called for early Congresses and National Convention of the party to elect new leaders as the term of the current leadership was due to end in March 2016. He said ``under no guise should the tenure of the current leadership of the party be extended, if we must make the needed fresh beginning." While answering questions, former President of the Senate, Adolphus Wabara, who is the Deputy Chairman of the group, said Modu-Sheriffs appointment was imposed on the party. A former Deputy Governor of Sokoto Sate and Secretary of the group, Alhaji Mukhtari Shagari also called on Modu-Sheriff to resign.Shagari added that leaders of the party could not sit down and allow the party to die. Sheriff has held meetings with former Minister of Transport, Chief Ojo Maduekwe and other major players in the party to prevent a mass exodus from the PDP, The Nation reports. Sheriff has met with ex-National Secretary of the party, Chief Ojo Maduekwe and other leaders begging them not to leave the PDP. He is worried that his emergence has caused division within the party, a source said. Again, he met with the Chairman of PDP Ministers Forum, Tanimu Turaki(SAN) to prevail on his members to shelve the Tuesday session which might embarrass him as a leader. As I am talking to you, both Governor Olusegun Mimiko and National Secretary Prof. Wale Oladipo, have been reaching out to most leaders of the party to convince them to accept Sheriff, the source added. Sheriff is also expected to meet with former President, Goodluck Jonathan to seek his intervention in the matter. The Nobel Laureate is said to have made the comments during an interview on British Television station, Channel 4. This is what is happening right now: in Nigeria, and I think that many people are admitting it today, there were politicians who actually supported what Boko Haram was doing, Soyinka said. They supported them for various reasons because in their lust for power and pursuit for power, they were ready to sacrifice anything or to ally with anything, and of course they found that they have been turned against (by) the very forces that helped them. This is how Boko Haram really acquired its power, its nuisance value, and its effect on the society, because it had backing from even what we call mainstream Islam. That is not the situation today: most people are beginning to realise that we are dealing with a party of death, their ideology is death and there is only one way to deal with people like that. If you say you disagree with their ideology, you ensure you hit them before they hit you, he added. The Governor made this comment, following reports that the government was planning to try Fayose said As it is now, only the judiciary can save Nigeria from the full-blown dictatorship that this Buhari-led APC government has become. Interestingly, they are not even sparing the bench from their regime of blackmail and dictatorship, and it has become necessary for our men of the bench to continue to stand firm against enemies of democracy and rule of law. The Ekiti state Governor also wondered why the prosecution will suggest that all witnesses slated to testify against the IPOB leader should wear a mask. He said "How can the Federal Government ask the court to allow ojuju calabar (masquerade) as prosecution witnesses when we are not under military rule? How would such witnesses be cross-examined by defence lawyers and can their real identity be ascertained? Should anyone make allegations that he cannot be bold enough to defend in the law court? Why are the witnesses afraid to testify in an open court if truly they are witnesses of truth? Clearly, this is mockery of democracy and the rule of law and Nigerians should know that it is their duty to purge President Buhari of dictatorship, Fayose said. This is contained in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, on Sunday in Abuja. He described Mark as a valuable statesman and national leader intensely needed in the Senate. He also commended Nigerians for their renewed support for the PDP and its candidates as demonstrated in recent elections across the country. He noted that ``it is instructive to note that the PDP had won 70 per cent of all the polls conducted since May 29, 2015. "This is a development that underlines the fact of PDP deep roots and popularity as a brand, irrespective of the transitory setback of the 2015 general elections.'' Modu-Sheriff, therefore, urged members of PDP to respond to the gesture by Nigerians by uniting behind the ideals of the party and visions of its founding fathers. He said this was important to reposition the party for the challenges ahead. In this regard, Modu-Sheriff said that the leadership of the party were working very hard to ensure that "we have a strong party poised to regain power in 2019. Finally, we reiterate our call to all PDP elected and appointed office holders across the country to reciprocate the renewed support by Nigerians. He said "With the gap between the official rate of N199 and open market rate of over N400 to one dollar, the Naira has already been devalued. Therefore, President Muhammadu Buhari must stop deceiving himself and short-changing Nigerians, especially States and Local Councils in the country with his Forex Policy. He also advised Buhari to sit back at home and solve the current economic situation in the country, rather than spending over $1m on travels. The Sun reports that Fayose said President Buhari has travelled to 24 countries in eight months, and will be spending 16 out of the 29 days in February outside the country, with over $500,000 being spent on estacode while the Presidential Air Fleet, which includes fueling of the planes and allowances for crew members is said to be in the range of $500,000. The Presidents entourage obviously collect their travel allowances in dollars on official rate of N199 and come back to Nigeria to change it at the open market rate of N400. That must be the reason they encourage the President to be junketing abroad when life is becoming unbearable for Nigerians. He also said The situation is such that Nigeria gets say $2 billion revenue in a month, calculates the $2 billion revenue on the basis of the official CBN rate of N199 and share the revenue among the three tiers of government. In elementary economics, the implication is that when revenue is calculated based on N199 to one dollar and the federal government will be declaring say revenue of N400 billion to be shared by the three tiers of government, the value of revenue that should have been shared will be over N800 billion at the open market rate of N400 to one dollar. The Ekiti Governor said Meanwhile, the three tiers of government pay salaries to workers on the basis of N199 per dollar while the workers pay for goods and services where prices are determined by the open market rate of N400 to one dollar. Also, Nigeria is now faced with a situation whereby funds are obtained from the official forex market (at lower rates) and diverted to other markets and sold at a higher rate by forex dealing banks and users, who make billions of naira profit just for doing almost nothing. Therefore, the reality that we must all accept is that we must allow the forces of demand and supply to determine the value of our currency, not administrative fiat. Most importantly, the government does not have the reserves to keep the naira-dollar rate at its official level. The Naira must therefore be devalued. Anything other than this will mean that we are deceiving ourselves with forced foreign exchange rates and it is my position that this regime of deceit must stop, Fayose said. Comrade Abdullahi Adeka, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Nasarawa State has alleged that the state government under Umaru Tanko Al-Makura led administration sacked over 7000 Local Government staff, over 100 staff of Nasarawa on the Move and also sacked Staff of Lafia Hotel. He said over 70 of the staff were left redundant in Nigeria Newsday in addition to 27 Permanent Secretaries fired. But the state government has denied the allegation, saying that no worker was sacked. A government official, Aliyu Bello, told Pulse that all the people mentioned to have been sacked are receiving their salaries. The government is paying their salaries, Bello said. Some of these workers are just been redundant. If you are talking about Nasarawa Newsday, all the staff are been paid their salaries because my wife works there. Bello said the State Transport Company, Nasarawa On The Move, is a limited liability company adding that the governor, Al-Makura when he assumed office, found the company in comatose but did not decline paying staff their salaries.It is not in the schedule of government. The staff on these organizations are not permanent ones. They are not pensionable employees of government, Bello added. You cannot just sack permanent staff. What the Labour leaders are saying is ridiculous. If they are sincere about what they are saying, why didnt they include that aspect in their demand sent to the government? Bello asked. See excerpt from the interview below. On Buharis performance: Its too early to judge Buhari, going by what weve seen in the past governments. But so far, Buhari has done very well. Buhari has succeeded, Kudos to him, no matter how other people are seeing in him, they must learn to see the good part of him. For me, its a rape of the economy. The past governments raped Nigeria. All of them should be kneeling down with their hands up, apologizing from morning till night that they should be pardoned. They raped our morality, they raped our economy, and they raped our security, they raped our spirituality because they gathered even the men of God to be singing for them, and they were giving them money. It is a holistic rape of a country. On his visit to presidential villa: Buhari assured me of good governance but his worry is democratic bureaucracy. If not for democratic bureaucracy, this country could have been a country for which everybody will say Nagode Allah (I thank God), Masha Allah (thank God for what this man has done), Insha Allah (by the grace of God). But now, he has to pass through the Senate and the House of Reps. So, its no longer like when he was Buhari the military Head of State with Tunde Idiagbon. But Buhari still has the same spirit, the same enthusiasm, the same forcefulness, the same will power, the same determination to put Nigeria on the platform of excellence, but there is bureaucratic bottleneck. So, with an oath, Buhari assured me of giving Nigeria good governance. On collecting money from Goodluck and Patience Jonathan: In the case of Jonathan and his wife, God in heaven knows that apart from the offertory the woman gave on the altar, which I knew the amount, I took that amount and put back inside the same bag that one of the former aides of Jonathan brought - small bag filled with dollars in appreciation of, not as bribe.But the Holy Spirit said, send back this money. She didnt give it to me directly. She gave it through somebody and I returned the whole money plus the one she used for offertory, all of them were returned. There is no kobo of Mrs. Jonathan or Jonathan in my hand; the Holy Spirit rejected all of them. When the saga was going on, I put my hands on the altar and swore an oath that if I ever touched Jonathans one kobo, may he win the election, but if I never did and I am being accused of it, God knows he will fail the election. I demanded the telephone number, not for any personal encounter but so that if any message comes I can give to her privately. Some prophecies should not be made public, but when the person that should receive it privately inhibits the opportunity of giving it to him or her privately, God may force you to air it publicly because the thing burns like fire in your life. I dont take bribe from anybody. God blessed me o. The challenges that publishers face in this regard, as well as the steps which they could take to overcome those challenges, were some of the issues which the panel on The Future of Africa's Media in a Platform-Agnostic Age at the Social Media Week Lagos dealt with. The panel included Tosyn Bucknor, CEO s.h.a.r.e social media and networking; Seyi Taylor, CEO & Co-founder, Big Cabal Media; and Perez Tigidam, Founder, TheNerveAfrica.com. The panel was moderated by Yinka Adegoke, Editor of QuartzAfrica. Panelists spoke on the challenges facing digital publishers in this new age, and how they have had to combat the issue of converting from a paper-based media setup to a digital based setup. They also spoke on the need for digital publishers to differentiate their monetization models and develop new monetization models that differ from the traditional banner ad model. Digital publishers were advised to place user experience first, followed by value creation focusing on monetization. The panel was moderated by Peace Hyde, CEO Aim Higher Consulting, with the panelists being Teju Ajani, Head Content Partnerships, Youtube, Google; AdetomiwaAladekomo, Nigerian Breweries, Senior Digital Manager; and Tolu Ogunlesi, Senior Special Adviser to the President on New Media. The panelists discussed ways in which Nigerian's could leverage technology and all the new social media platforms to help in business and personally. They also spoke about the challenges facing the Nigerian new media industry, especially with the state of the micro-economy and the dwindling fortunes of the Naira. "I see this job as a way of getting people to engage with the government. I hope to disappoint people that think this position is all about hashtags," said Tolu Ogunlesi, commenting on his role as the newly appointed adviser to the president on new media. The panelists emphasized on the fact that Nigerians have to be ready to put in the work if they are to utilize new media to the best of their advantage. "There is money in video, but if people want to make headway in video, people have to be ready to put in the work," said Teju Ajani. They also listed monetization, cost of Internet, amongst other things as part of the challenges facing new media in Nigeria at the moment. The Libyan National Army said it had also taken control of the town of Ajdabiya, about 150 km (90 miles) south of Benghazi, another city where it has been battling Islamist groups. Libya has been riven by conflict since the 2011 uprising against Muammar Gaddafi, as armed factions supporting rival governments in Tripoli and the east have fought for power and a share of the country's oil wealth. Islamist fighters have used a security vacuum to expand their presence, and militants loyal to Islamic State control of the city of Sirte, to the west of Ajdabiya. Benghazi, Libya's second-largest city, has seen some of the worst fighting, with violence escalating when military commander Khalifa Haftar launched a campaign in 2014 against Islamists and other armed groups. Munthir al-Khartoush, a spokesman for the army's Battalion 309, said that as well as Marisa port, the army had taken control of the nearby neighbourhood of Al-Halis, and had advanced in the district of Boatni, which also saw heavy fighting on Saturday. At least three soldiers and 15 Islamist fighters were killed in Sunday's clashes, the military said. Marisa would be a significant gain for the army as the groups it has been fighting have been receiving weapons deliveries through the port. In Ajdabiya, military spokesman Akram Bouhaliqa said the army had forced Islamist fighters from the area around Galouz Street and the industrial zone, the last positions they held. A resident also confirmed to Reuters that the army was in control of the city. Three soldiers were killed in Sunday's clashes, Bouhaliqa said. A hospital source in Ajdabiya said 65 people had been killed and 140 wounded in fighting there over the past two months. The violence comes as a unity government nominated under a United Nations-backed plan is trying to win approval from Libya's internationally recognised parliament in the east. Fida lies south-west of the oil terminals of Es Sider and Ras Lanuf, where militants launched repeated assaults and inflicted major damage last month. "If there is no new government I think the situation will get worse. I believe there will be more attacks on the oil facilities," Sanalla said. Libya has been mired in conflict following an uprising that toppled veteran leader Muammar Gaddafi five years ago. Two rival governments, backed by loose alliances of armed groups, are now vying for power and a share of the OPEC member's oil wealth. Islamic State militants have taken advantage of the security vacuum to establish a foothold in Libya, seizing Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte and launching attacks in several other cities. A unity government is trying to win approval from Libya's internationally recognised parliament in eastern Libya, known as the House of Representatives (HOR). But the government remains plagued by divisions and has faced opposition from hardliners on both sides of Libya's political divide. "We are urging the HOR to approve this government to put an end to these troubles we have regarding security in the oil industry," Sanalla said. UNIFIED SECURITY FORCE Total current production generally stands at 360,000-370,000 barrels per day, Sanalla said, though sometimes production drops to around 300,000 bpd because of technical problems. That is less than a quarter of the 1.6 million bpd that Libya was producing before the 2011 uprising. About 100,000 barrels per day are refined locally for domestic consumption, with the rest exported. Sanalla said the NOC in Tripoli faced a "daily battle" to prevent authorities in eastern Libya from selling oil through parallel structures. But Sanalla said he was "optimistic" that Libya's total production could recover quickly under a unity government, with an additional 400,000 bpd or more coming on stream from fields at El Sharara and El Feel in south-western Libya. Sanalla said a unity government should set up a unified security force to protect facilities. This could incorporate the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG), a largely independent brigade that controls the area around Ras Lanuf and Es Sider, he added. Finding Peace of Mind: Discover These Five Places in Europe to Unwind The Witch will haunt you long after you leave the theater. Every moment of this relatively brief film, which was a hit at Sundance, incidentally, is filled with an atmosphere of dread. I would be remiss if I didnt tell you upfront that, although this is based on actual writings (including court documents and diaries) from the 1600s, its fiction. But because its origin is what people at that time believed and reported to be real, it is incredibly disturbing and certainly not for children nor for squeamish adults. Its subtitle is A New-England Folk Tale. The setting is Massachusetts in the 1600s, some decades before the Salem Witch Trials. We see a family of parents with several children who stand before a kind of community council in the plantation where they live as part of a community. The family is asked to leave because of the beliefs or teachings supported by William, the father (Ralph Ineson, televisions Game of Thrones). He and his wife Katherine (Kate Dickie, also from Game of Thrones) pile their meager belongings and their family on a wagon, and they go to a farmstead that is surrounded by a forest. Almost immediately, unusual occurrences begin to take place. We watch as the oldest daughter Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy, televisions Atlantis) plays with her infant brother and the child disappears literally from under her nose. As more odd situations arise, deceptions are revealed, and family members begin to blame each other for the downward spiral of their lives. Could a malevolent presence be among them? And if there is some kind of evil presence lurking about, in whom does it lurk: The rabbit that seems to be watching the family? Black Phillip, the goat who occasionally becomes rambunctious? The two youngest children who dont always mind their parents or older siblings? The oldest son who often turns an unhealthy eye on his sister? Director Robert Eggers carefully researched the authentic language and look of the time. The grim setting is enhanced by dialogue sprinkled with thee and thou. Rounded out the chilly environment is Mark Korvens eerie score that includes unusual instruments such as the Swedish nyckelharpa and the waterphone. This is a picture that takes its time, gradually building up the feeling of a sinister presence with sequences set in near-darkness and glimpses at, but not always into, the nearby woods. If youre looking for sudden Gotcha! moments that make you jump in surprise, this isnt the movie for you. If you appreciate nonconventional approaches to horror (think The Babadook and It Follows) this one will haunt you. Roy Booker Follow Roy Booker Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Q. Back when the Brady Street Chop House was in the Davenport Radisson, they made a soup called Kansas City Steak Soup. I grew to be quite a fan of it since I worked right across the street. I'm in a new job now, so don't get there very often, but I know this soup is no longer on the menu. I've combed the Internet for a similar recipe, but they don't compare. This had slices of steak, fresh vegetables and a red wine/roux base that tasted like steak sauce. I would love to get the recipe so I could make it at home but don't know who to talk to. Can you help? Deb A. We contacted the Radisson Quad-City Plaza. Harry Mullen, restaurant and lounge manager, responded: "Kansas City Steak Soup "This entire process is completed in a single sauce pan on the stove top and each portion is made to order. This recipe will make 2 portions: "First, saute raw beef tenderloin tips (small pieces) or sub sirloin tips (approximately 4-5 oz). Cook to desired temperature. Next, saute in fine diced onion, celery and carrot, and corn (about 1/2 cup total). Next, deglaze with red or Marsala wine (approximately 2 oz). Finally, add demi-glace (beef/veal preferred) and reduce to desired thickness. Note that you may purchase demi powder or make your own stock using a beef or veal bone. Remove from stove and enjoy!" Q. When will 67th Street open? It's taking forever. How can the bridge work take that long? RG A. We contacted the Iowa Department of Transportation to find out. Mark F. Brandl, P.E., responded: "The Iowa Department of Transportation administered the 67th St./Veterans Memorial Parkway project over I-74. This project is complete for the most part (just some minor work on the detour signing and end barricades remain and should be done next week). However, the city of Davenport will soon start a project to the east of our project to extend the roadway to Bettendorf. Because of this, the city has chosen to keep our project closed until they can open up the new roadway (or portions of it)." We also contacted the city of Davenport. Brian Schadt, city engineer responded: "The city has awarded the contract for the paving of Veterans Memorial Parkway from the new bridge east to Utica Ridge Road. The roadway was kept closed after the bridge was completed to save the cost of the temporary roadway required for the short time period of usage prior to reclosing the road for full construction. "Brian added that at this time, the public is used to the roadway being closed. If it had been reopened for a short time period, staff felt there would have been unnecessary confusion when the road was closed again for the construction. "The road is expected to reopen this fall." Bettendorf school administrators who watched Most Likely To Succeed, a documentary film that encourages project-based learning in public schools, felt affirmed Sunday. Project-based learning has been used for five years in Bettendorf Middle School, where Principal Lisa Reid praised the approach and the film. The movie focuses on High Tech High, a charter school in San Diego that uses the method. About 75 people watched the movie Sunday afternoon in Bettendorf High School Performing Arts Center. It really supported the work that we are doing, said Reid, who has visited High Tech High three times. Teachers at the middle school also have visited High Tech High. A group of newer BMS teachers will visit Thursday and Friday. We need to get more people involved in the discussion, said Reid. Using project-based learning in the classroom involves a lot of pressure and hesitation in making changes without knowing parents will be supportive, she said. After project-based learning was embraced in BMS, Reid saw a dramatic changes in the quality of work from students. She said the approach also bolsters their motivation, and students are willing to go the extra mile. One eighth-grade project required students to read Tuesdays With Morrie, a non-fiction book in which author Mitch Albom describes his weekly visits with his former college professor. The Bettendorf students each connected individually with a resident at Senior Star senior living complex in Davenport, and completed a project that included interviews with the residents and presentations about them. Over the winter break, 20 students visited their residents, which was not part of the assignment, Reid said. Students learn to communicate, collaborate and apply concepts in the projects, Reid said. The consideration of project-based learning is such a critical conversation, said Shane Williams, student engagement coordinator for the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency, based in Bettendorf. The film focuses on how to equip students for the 21st century, he said. School needs to be different, he said, focusing on non-academic skills such as collaboration and communication, with less focus on hard academic skills and more on soft skills. The question is, he said, how to make learning more personalized to meet every students learning needs, not only in their abilities but also their future professions, Bettendorf Superintendent Theron Schutte said. Those in attendance seemed to think the suggested change in traditional education was a good idea, he said. We have tried to infuse what weve seen at High Tech High, at Bettendorf Middle School with a traditional curriculum being taught in such a way that students must apply what theyve learned. Students present their projects on two exhibition nights each year, he said, so they must have the ability to explain their work. Its something to be seen, Schutte said. Im extraordinarily impressed with the work that is being completed according to state standards, he said. Steve Sink of Moline, who home-schooled his now-grown children, said he liked the film, which he called very honest, and said that project-based learning meets the needs of the changing workforce. Project learning, he said, is more inherently built into home-schooling, where there are so many approaches a parent can take to education. DAVENPORT Scott C. Bohannan, 44, of Davenport, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016. His family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23 at Weerts Funeral Home, Kimberly at Jersey Ridge Road, Davenport. Scott was born in 1971 in Illinois to Jerry and Linda Lorenz. He married Karry Simmons on Aug. 4, 1990, in Davenport. He earned his associate's degree in business and he devoted his time and talents, serving as president and volunteer for Speedway Fire Rescue (SFR) for the past 16 years. He spent all his time with his family, and he loved camping with his family. He also enjoyed doing the Quad-City Airshow every year. He was a Very Devoted Pawpaw to his grandkids; they were his pride and joy! Survivors include his wife, Karry; daughter, Amber Bohannan, and her fiance Brad Shimkus; son, Brent Bohannan; grandchildren, Hunter Shimkus and Sophia Brown, and one on the way; father-in-law, Jan Simmons; and his uncle, Bill Jasper; seven sisters and four brothers; and his large, extended SFR family. He was preceded in death by his parents. Online condolences may be expressed to Scott's family by visiting his obituary at www.WeertsFH.com. DES MOINES Legislative leaders are exchanging ideas regarding tax law changes that would yield $96 million in tax relief for certain Iowans but also would mean that much less money in the states coffers during a tight budget year. The state is faced with deciding whether to couple with recent changes in federal tax laws. What it boils down to: If the state couples for tax year 2015, some Iowa taxpayers who bought supplies or equipment for business use will receive $96 million in tax relief. It also means that $96 million would not be collected to the states general fund, the pie that feeds the states $7 billion-plus budget. If the state does not couple, that tax revenue is collected and the state budget gets $96 million healthier, but those taxpayers are hit with an unexpected tax expense. Leaders from both political parties are exchanging proposals with a deadline fast approaching: Farmers must file their taxes by March 1. Republicans have been pushing for coupling to provide that tax relief. Democrats have been hesitant to embrace coupling, given that they are pushing for more funding for the states public schools. Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, the Statehouses top Democrat, said Monday he is willing to support coupling if legislators can make the revenue balance. Ive made a good-faith offer to the Republicans that we felt provides some countervailing revenue measures. So, were open to considering it, Gronstal said. I would rather do the coupling than some of the other things that are on the table. House Republican leaders held a news conference Monday at the Capitol with Iowa farmers, a teacher and a tax professional, all advocating for coupling. The farmers told stories of how they will be hit with an unexpected tax bill on recent equipment purchases, and the teacher told a similar story regarding supplies she bought for her classroom. Im sure Im not the only farm family example. Its definitely hitting home for me, said Laura Cunningham, a grain farmer from Nora Springs, Iowa. Cunningham said that without coupling, she will get hit with an extra $62,000 in taxes on a new grain bin. Wendy Garton, a first-grade teacher from Bondurant, Iowa, said she uses the tax rule in question to lessen the cost of supplies she buys for her classroom. Garton said teachers already do not feel supported by the state and failure to approve the tax relief would reinforce that perception. We need the tools, and we need to be able to support ourselves and our students, Garton said. The only individuals being hurt by this are the students. Gov. Terry Branstad on Monday expressed his support for Republican-supported legislation on coupling. Previously, Branstad included in his budget plan partial coupling that would not have included relief for business purchases. The governor supports (the Republican legislation) given we can still fund the budget priorities of Iowans. Those priorities were clearly laid out in the budget the governor proposed: on-going education funding, fully funding the property tax and teacher leadership commitments, and not underfunding Medicaid, Ben Hammes, the governors spokesman, said in an emailed statement. The governor believes this is possible and will work with the House and Senate through the budgeting process. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, the leader of the Senates tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, on Monday issued a statement that expressed doubt in the states ability to afford the tax change. The governor and his budget director have both publicly stated that if we provide adequate funding for education, the state cannot afford to couple this year. In a perfect world, we could do both, Bolkcom said in the statement. However, unless Gov. Branstad has a new, specific proposal to provide adequate funding for education as well as coupling, Im afraid that the Governor is just playing a game with these important issues. Rep. Tom Sands, R-Wapello, who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, said the state historically has provided the tax break for business purchases, and he thinks doing so again this year should not be subject to partisan negotiations. All of a sudden now, for the first time ever, the state is not going to couple, Sands said. This bill has never been partisan in the past, and it has never been one up for debate. The winners and losers of this bill are the taxpayers of Iowa. NATION Six killed in shooting rampage KALAMAZOO, Mich. A gunman who seemed to choose his victims at random opened fire outside an apartment complex, a car dealership and a restaurant in Michigan, killing at least six people during a rampage that lasted nearly seven hours, police said. Authorities identified the shooter as Jason Dalton, a 45-year-old Uber driver who police said had no criminal record. They could not say what motivated him in the Saturday night shootings to target victims with no apparent connection to him or to each other. "How do you go and tell the families of these victims that they weren't targeted for any reason other than they were there to be a target?" Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting said Sunday at a news conference. Dalton, who was arrested in Kalamazoo following a massive manhunt, was expected to be arraigned today on murder charges. Bill Cosby's wife files emergency motion SPRINGFIELD, Mass. Lawyers for Bill Cosby's wife have filed an emergency motion to postpone her deposition while she appeals a magistrate judge's order. The motion filed late Saturday says the 71-year-old Camille Cosby's deposition scheduled for Monday should be delayed because she "has had no involvement with the facts or allegations underlying this case." It argues that her public testimony would create "an unnecessary media circus and personal security threat that serves no purpose other than to harass and embarrass her." Camille Cosby is slated to answer questions under oath in a defamation lawsuit brought against her husband by seven women who say he sexually assaulted them decades ago. Lawyers for the Cosbys attempted to quash the deposition subpoena. A federal judge ruled Friday that Camille Cosby's deposition must proceed today. Search continues after small plane crash PORT JEFFERSON, N.Y. Fighting frigid water temperatures and racing against the clock, officers grabbed anything they could to try to rescue three men who were aboard a small plane that crash-landed in the Long Island Sound, less than a mile off the New York shoreline. The search continued Sunday for one person who was still missing. It was around 11 p.m. Saturday when the Piper PA-28 landed in Port Jefferson Harbor, about 60 miles east of New York City, authorities said. When officers responding to a 911 call made their ways to the shoreline, it was pitch black. "When we came up, we heard them yelling," said Suffolk County Police Officer Matthew Merced, who helped rescue the men. "We decided the only way we could get to them is to take the kayaks out there and see if we could support them so they could survive." And that's what they did. The officers commandeered kayaks from houses along the shore and began paddling out into the harbor, using their flashlights to guide them toward the voices crying for help. Four people were aboard the plane. Three made it to the shore. WORLD Snowden: Would return to U.S. with guarantee of fair trial MANCHESTER, N.H. Speaking via Skype from Russia, Edward Snowden told an audience of supporters in New Hampshire on Saturday that he is willing to be extradited to the United States if the federal government would guarantee he would get a fair trial. The former National Security Agency contractor in 2013 leaked details of a secret government eavesdropping program and left the country. He faces U.S. charges that could land him in prison for up to 30 years. Snowden spoke Saturday at the New Hampshire Liberty Forum, heavily attended by libertarians. WMUR (http://bit.ly/1KzViUd ) reported that forum organizers did not allow the media to video record his remarks. "I've told the government I would return if they would guarantee a fair trial where I can make a public interest defense of why this was done and allow a jury to decide," Snowden told his audience. Hezbollah domination spurs resignation BEIRUT Lebanese Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi resigned from the Cabinet Sunday, saying the militant Hezbollah group dominates the government and is harming Beirut's relations with Arab countries. The resignation of Rifi, a longtime critic of the Shiite Hezbollah, comes two days after Saudi Arabia halted deals worth $4 billion aimed at equipping and supporting Lebanese security forces. The move came after Lebanon failed to back the Sunni kingdom in its spat with Shiite powerhouse Iran, the leading backer of Hezbollah. The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council backed the Saudi decision, raising concerns it could have repercussions for thousands of Lebanese living in Gulf countries. Lebanon has a sectarian divide that reflects the wider regional split between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and has long been a battlefield for the region's proxy wars. Associated Press That is the lesson taught by Rabi Shimon bar Yochai, who espouses the opinion that. Inside every one of us, there is a measure of royalty,s. We all have within us the ability to make a difference, to take responsibility and master a mission. We all know what we should be doing. We all know that there are people who desperately need help. Some need a shoulder to cry on and some need a listening ear, a friendly message and brotherly warmth. We can do it. We can be the soldier who performs that task. Or we can shirk the responsibility, make believe we didnt notice, and be too busy and too involved with ourselves to bother with others. We can either rise to the occasion or slither away. Its up to us whether we claim the mantle and rise or sink into selfish oblivion. South Dakota is home to more than 72,000 veterans who have bravely and selflessly served our country. Making sure each veteran is cared for and receives top-notch health care has been a priority for me while working in the Senate. While there are many problems plaguing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), addressing mental health reform is among the most important. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 10 to 20 percent of veterans returning from Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and more than 150,000 veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD in the last 15 years. Many returning veterans struggle with the invisible wounds of war long after they leave the battlefield. While the most recent available numbers on veterans suicide have shown improvement in recent years, even one veteran taking his or her life due to the mental and physical stresses caused by service to this nation is one too many. Physical injuries can be seen and treated, but too many veterans are suffering in silence from mental health issues that are often not visible on the surface. Early last year, Republicans and Democrats in Congress came together to pass the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act. It was one of the first bills I cosponsored as a senator, and it was signed into law by the president. This law focuses on establishing programs to help veterans with PTSD and bring more mental health care specialists into VA facilities. Still, there is much more that needs to be done to take care of our nations heroes once they return home. The Department of Health and Human Services says that surveillance is the first step in solving the problem of suicide at large. Accurate surveillance must then be followed by identifying risk and protective factors, which is followed by intervention strategies. Currently, there is no nationwide surveillance system in place to monitor suicide among all veterans. With the majority of veterans not enrolled in Veterans Health Administration, accurate data is hard to find. While the VA has done a decent job gleaning data from the National Death Index and developing data sharing agreements with all 50 states, surveillance still needs to be a top priority. Many veterans today do not have access to mental health services when they need it most. I hear from veterans all across South Dakota who have trouble getting appointments at VA facilities. In fact, about 60 percent of my offices casework stems from veterans requesting help. When a veteran is struggling with PTSD and seeks mental health help from his or her VA provider but is forced to wait weeks to see a doctor, we have a major problem on our hands. I am committed to working with my colleagues on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee as well as VA Secretary Robert McDonald to address these critical issues. The VA and our committee are committed to addressing the heartbreaking issue of veteran suicide and making sure each and every veteran gets the care he or she deserves. Last spring, students at the University of Montana approved a referendum that called on the UM Foundation to divest from fossil fuels and students backed it by 80 percent. In September, the board of trustees at the UM Foundation, the fundraising arm of the institution, decided against divesting in a unanimous vote. This year, Reinvest Montana, the campus group calling for the university to join the international movement to stop investments in fossil fuels and redirect money to "environmentally and socially responsible enterprises," is more committed than ever. "It has made us buckle down and become frustrated, angry, determined, passionate," said Simon Dykstra, co-president of Reinvest Montana, in an interview last week. "... Our core is stronger now than it ever has been." Reinvest students see the foundation as inaccessible to them and lacking transparency, and they plan to continue taking actions that demonstrate their commitment to change. Seven or eight members make up the core group, but at least 200 show up to planned actions. In November, the group took ribbons to President Royce Engstrom's office where people wrote down the things they had to lose in the face of climate change. One student named homes in the Bitterroot Valley endangered by wildfires. Later this month, Reinvest Montana plans to hold a wedding ceremony tying the knot between the UM Foundation and the fossil fuel industry. "It is symbolic," said Jess Moore, co-president of Reinvest Montana. "And it's forcing institutions that have power to take a stand on climate change, and that is going to contribute to a larger movement." If the UM Foundation's board of trustees is married to anything, though, it's devoted to its mission to "provide the best possible returns for the University of Montana," said Melissa Wilson, vice president for marketing and communications at the UM Foundation. "They take that goal seriously and feel that, to do so, they must have freedom in their investment strategies," Wilson said. "They don't feel it's their role to use the endowment for social or political activism." *** At the end of the 2015 fiscal year, the UM Foundation's endowment was at $172.8 million, with roughly 8 percent to 10 percent of the money invested in "energy," Wilson said. "That can encompass fossil fuel companies as well as alternative energy companies, like wind or solar," said Wilson, who provided information via email and an interview. The exact amount invested in fossil fuels is difficult to identify for a variety of reasons, including the different types of companies conglomerates hold, she said. The foundation and students have different perspectives on the significance of divesting. As Wilson sees it, even if as many as 30 colleges and universities across the country have chosen to divest so far, that's still fewer than 1 percent of the 5,300 institutions in the U.S. And the money UM invests in fossil fuels doesn't undercut its commitment to sustainability, she said. In fact, she said, it supports conservation measures on campus as well as the students' opportunities to learn about environmental issues (see sidebar). "Students can get directly involved in science that's identifying problems related to climate change and developing innovative solutions to those problems," Wilson said. *** The students are indeed learning about climate change, and the generation enrolled at UM has been hearing about the issue since grade school, said the Reinvest presidents. What they've learned tells them the matter is urgent, both morally and financially. For instance, communities in Alaska are relocating, Moore said. The moves are expensive, she said, but so is the cost of disaster relief and public services for communities hit by the effects of climate change. "The longer we wait to address climate change, and the worse it gets, the more it's going to cost us," she said. Both Dykstra and Moore talk about the movement in terms of their "stake" in it. Dykstra had been in an emotionally abusive relationship, and he felt dis-empowered in the relationship the same way he did in other areas of his life. "Joining the divestment movement empowered me and made me feel like I had the ability to enact change, the kind of change I want to see in the world," he said. Knowing the group on campus is connected to a larger national movement amplifies his feeling that he can use his social position to help those most affected by climate change people of color, those who earn low incomes and indigenous communities, he said. "As someone who is relatively privileged and has access to power, I should use that to get behind frontline communities and do what I can to address the crisis that's destroying their lives," Dykstra said. Moore wants to be able to look back on her life and know she took action, even if it felt like it was already too late. "It's really easy to feel dis-empowered because it's such a huge issue," she said. *** Still, the students are making demands of their university. In a resolution relating to divestment last spring, the Associated Students of the University of Montana urged the UM Foundation "to create ... mechanisms to incorporate student input into their decision-making process as it pertains to divestment and reinvestment." The resolution called for student representation on the board, communication from the foundation with interested students, and open meetings. "They've been extremely opaque toward us. Transparency has been a huge issue," Dykstra said. "It touches on the fact that students feel we have limited power to make change within the institution we uphold, the university." At President Engstrom's recent midyear update, Moore asked if the stance against divestment, one largely against student opinion, she said, made sense given UM's need to increase enrollment. The president said divestment was an ongoing conversation, and in a state like Montana, he noted students and donors weren't all aligned on the issue. While the percentage of colleges and universities that have chosen to divest of fossil fuels may be small, Reinvest sees the amount of dollars it represents as significant and growing. According to Fossil Free, which bills itself as "an international network of campaigns and campaigners working toward fossil fuel divestment," the divestment effort represents $3.4 trillion to date, with faith institutions making up the largest group at 27 percent, and universities and schools accounting for some 12 percent. Moore has read about students who are choosing an educational institution based at least partly on its stance on fossil fuels, and she knows UM has been a leader in other areas of conservation. Reinvest's divestment proposal (see sidebar for excerpt) references professor Steve Running, who shared in a Nobel Peace Prize for his work on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2007. "Students want to be in a learning environment where their opinions and their values are upheld," she said. *** Wilson said the UM Foundation is open to students, and trustees remain open to discussing their ideas, but board representation may not be realistic. The foundation places demands on trustees that students may not be able to meet in terms of financial expertise, time and fiscal responsibility, she said. "These are very successful business people who have years of expertise and experience and time to help focus on this," Wilson said. At the same time, she said, the group has been open to talking with the students, but the trustees researched the issue when it came before them, and at this point, they determined divestment is not the right decision for the foundation's mission to financially support UM and its students. The students and the board of trustees disagree on the financial effect divestment would have on UM, and they may disagree on how frequently their conversations should take place, too. If energy represents 10 percent of the foundation's endowment, the board also has to manage the other 90 percent of its $172.8 million. Dykstra, though, said another record-setting wildfire season isn't going to wait for the foundation. "The time to act is now," Dykstra said. "It's an ongoing problem. The earlier we act, the better the outlook is for the future." HELENA - The county coroner says brothers Robert Alan Mishler, 40, and William Andrew Mishler, 42, were fatally shot in a Helena apartment building Saturday night. Lewis and Clark County Coroner Mickey Nelson released the names of the victims Sunday afternoon. The 43-year-old man accused of killing the brothers, Tilmon R. Nungesser IV, was booked into jail at 3:40 a.m. Sunday. Authorities responded to a report of shots fired at the Sherwood Apartments, 301 W. Lawrence St., at 9:13 p.m. Saturday. Officers found the bodies of the Mishler brothers in a hallway of the main floor, police said. Officers located Nungesser in the basement of the complex and arrested him on suspicion of deliberate homicide, police said. The firearm believed to be used in the shooting has been recovered. All three men lived in the building. Helena Police Chief Troy McGee said further details will be released Monday when charging documents are filed in court. BILLINGS (AP) Federal judges have suspended lawsuits that challenged coal mining projects in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico after government attorneys asked for time to negotiate potential settlements. The judges' rulings give the U.S. Justice Department until April 1 to negotiate with New Mexico-based environmental group WildEarth Guardians. The sides also are seeking to settle a lawsuit involving coal lease in Utah. WildEarth Guardians prevailed in similar cases against coal mines in Montana and Colorado. The group did not stop mining but forced the government to re-analyze its environmental impacts. The move to settle the group's remaining lawsuits comes after Interior Secretary Sally Jewell last month blocked new sales of taxpayer-owned coal reserves. Jewell wants to review the program's contribution to climate change and whether mining companies are paying a fair price. 1975 Reviewed by Marianne from Let's Read I try to read the latest Nobel Prize winner for Literature and at least one former one every... Revenue declines, the pandemic, and rising competition create new realities in higher education. Bill Tinsley has served as pastor, church planter and missions leader in Texas,, Minnesota and Wisconsin. He has international experience in S America, Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe. He lives in Fort Collins, Colorado with his wife, Jackie where he coaches church planters. Bill has written 12 books available on his web site www.tinsleycenter.com.Email bill@tinsleycenter.com Sagarmatha Network Pvt. Ltd. is the organization dedicated in the field of printing, publishing service since 2001. As part of media, we've been publishing Review Nepal, an English medium weekly registered at District Administration Office (DAO) Kathmandu with registration number 130-162-163 and reviewnepal.com as an online digital newspaper, with registration number 849-075-076 at Department of Informational and Broadcasting (DIB) from Kathmandu, Nepal since 2003. Experience suggests that Washington often says one thing and does another, using beautiful concepts as their brand of bullying and forcefully reshaping the meaning of those concepts. For example, Washington often talks about "rules," but the world has seen the US consistently commit the most brutal violations of the rules on which the United Nations system is based. The rules they talk about are actually a framework for protecting the interests of the US and its major allies. They are also a behavioral norm to force other countries to maximize those interests. I have been doing the Royal Musings and Royal Book News blogs since 2008. I do not have a paywall or charge for reading articles. I enjoy writing and researching and reading. I devote a fair amount of time to the blog. No expectations or obligations when reading Royal Musings or Royal Book News - but if you enjoy either or both blogs, feel free to make a donation. Or not, course. Thank you very much. I still have the Amazon adverts. I make pennies off any Amazon sale (not just books) if you enter through one of my book links or the search boxes on the right side of the blogs BY RUDDY R ALLEN Observer staff reporter ruddy.allen@gmail.com Monday, February 22, 2016 The Jamaica Cancer Society, Black River Hospital and children with cancer across the island will benefit from over $43 million raised through this years Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run which took place yesterday. Kirk Brown crosses the line first in the mens category at the 18th staging of the Sagicor Sigma 5K Run/Walk in New Kingston yesterday. Ingrid Card, vice-president of Group Marketing at Sagicor, made the confirmation yesterday. Sagicor is truly grateful for the overwhelming support we received for the beneficiaries. 2016 is a record year; the largest amount raised in a single staging. We will now be able to purchase the mammography machine for the Cancer Societys mobile unit to conduct breast cancer screenings in the most rural areas of Jamaica. The Black River Hospital will also get some crucial equipment needed for its Paediatric unit and we will be able to assist with life-saving equipment and supplies for children with cancer across the island. Dr Michelle Reece Mills, Paediatric Oncologist at the University Hospital of the West Indies, said the funds raised through the charitable event will be far reaching for children with cancer. The funds raised will definitely have a significant impact on the care of children with cancer in 2016. This will go a far way, allowing them to stay on treatment. Also, the use of CTs and MRIs will help us to make the administration of chemotherapy less painful with chemotherapy pumps and central IV lines. Approximately 24,000 individuals registered in support of this years Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run charities Jamaica Cancer Society, Black River Hospitals Paediatric Unit and children with cancer across the island. The 5K Run, Walk and Wheelchair raised the record amount through donations and registration fees. Karlene Blagrove (right), winner of the womens Open run, collets her trophy from national 400m runner Novlene Williams-Mills during the presentation ceremony at the end of the Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run yesterday. Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run maintains its rank as the largest 5K road race in the Caribbean and is one of the largest charitable movements locally. Approximately 24,000 registrants amassed just under 300 corporate, non-corporate, tertiary, high and primary school teams and individuals who signed up to Walk, Run or Wheelchair. Meanwhile, Karlene Blagrove and Kirk Brown were victorious in the female and male open run. Blagrove, who was second in the event last year behind Juliett Dinnal, won the event in 23 minutes and 05 seconds ahead of Jozanne Harris in 23 minutes and 23 seconds and Janetta Robinson, who clocked 24 minutes and 22 seconds. Blagrove said that she dedicated the victory to her daughter Samantha Kelly. This one is for my daughter as she told me that I shouldnt come home without the title and I am going home with it. Overall I am happy with my run, however I was bit surprised when everyone was congratulating me on the victory as I thought I came second because a lady finished ahead of me but apparently she got disqualified, Blagrove told the Jamaica Observer. She said she is now targeting the Reggae Marathon which is scheduled for December. This was my best chance of winning as Juliett Dinnal who won this event last year was not competing so I backed myself to win. With the victory I got an entry to the Reggae Marathon and so that is where I am focusing on now, she said. [updated on 14 May 2016] The Indian Express Government policies have become an assault on Delhias architectural heritage Our society has an ambivalent attitude towards the protection of architectural heritage Written by A G Krishna Menon Our society has an ambivalent attitude towards the protection of architectural heritage. On the one hand we are justifiably proud of the diverse and abundant evidence of our ancient civilisation, on the other we often prevaricate unjustifiably when it comes to protecting it. The most common rationalisation against conservation pits the imperatives of development against those of conservation, but there are other, more insidious, prejudices rooted in majoritarian political or cultural ideologies that determine which buildings should be protected. Of course, one could argue that in an economically developing and culturally transforming society such contestations are to be expected, but in the last year in particular, the anti-conservation attitudes have hardened and government policies have become a veritable assault on architectural heritage. Given our past commitment to conserving our historic monuments and the plural nature of what was conserved, this was hardly expected. In May 2015, the Central government summarily withdrew, without consulting the project proponents, the government of Delhi, the application it had submitted to nominate Delhi to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Cities. The state government had viewed the nomination as a strategy to boost tourism and strengthen the economic base of Delhi while simultaneously enhancing its image as the iconic capital of India. The newly elected Central government, however, viewed it, naively, as anti-development. Perhaps the withdrawal also addressed other unstated political agendas like demonstrating the primacy of its political powers to the provocative posturing of the state government while appeasing its electoral constituency by overtly opposing the historic significance of the two particular sites that were identified for nomination, the Mughal city of Shahjahanabad and the colonial imperial city of New Delhi. Since the withdrawal of the nomination, the Central government has reinforced its opposition to the significance of architectural heritage of the city by introducing three policy initiatives in the guise of promoting adevelopmenta . First, it instructed the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) to review the protection mechanism of the erstwhile imperial city, the so-called Lutyens Bungalow Zone (LBZ) and propose fresh guidelines for its re-development. This initiative catered to the sentiments of both the anti-colonial and the pro-development lobbies to justify what would otherwise be considered an act of vandalism anywhere else in the world. The new DUAC guidelines have been cleverly formulated with a nod to legal procedure but following the ubiquitous bureaucratic traditions of opacity in decision-making. These guidelines would effectively transform the architectural heritage of the LBZ that professional bodies of architects, urban designers, landscape architects and conservation architects had strongly petitioned the DUAC to protect. Second, the Central government has become adamant in wanting to demolish the Hall of Nations in Pragati Maidan to build a aworld-classa convention centre. The Hall of Nations is internationally recognised as an extraordinary example of modern Indian architecture. It is among the buildings that the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has proposed to the DUAC and the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) for recognition as the modern architectural heritage of Delhi. All over the world there is a realisation that if significant examples of modern architecture are not protected then the modern segment of the historical narrative of architectural development would be lost to future generations. In India, INTACH proposed that the important examples of modern Indian architecture of Delhi should be protected, particularly because Delhi has been a fertile site of post-Independence architectural development, critically appreciated not only in India but internationally. Sixty-two buildings, including Akbar Bhavan, Sri Ram Centre for Performing Arts, Crafts Museum, Bahai Temple, Hall of Nations and Nehru Pavilion, were on the proposed list. Both the DUAC and the HCC, who are answerable to the Central government, are however dragging their feet, perhaps as a disingenuous strategy to enable the development of the new convention centre at Pragati Maidan to become a fait accompli. Third, the Central government now proposes to bypass all existing processes and civil society actors who are involved in conserving the architectural heritage of Delhi by empowering the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), an institution unambiguously controlled by the Central government, to take charge. The DDA issued a public notice on March 30, 2016, in which it announced that it has set up the Delhi Urban Heritage Foundation to arecommend for alteration, modification or relax provision of existing regulationsaa on matters related to Delhias architectural heritage thus making it the final arbiter on the subject. Independently, each policy initiative does not appear threatening, but seen together a pattern emerges that is an assault on the architectural heritage of Delhi. Perhaps in the context of the many other important issues confronting the city and civil society, this assault does not grab the attention of the media or the stakeholders, but the point I would like to highlight is it is symptomatic of the larger absence of public discourse in the formulation of public policy that has become worrisome. And as far as architectural heritage is concerned it makes official our societyas incipient ambivalence towards its protection. The writer is convenor, INTACH Delhi Chapter o o o The Architectural Review Outrage: aTo destroy Indiaas Hall of Nations is an attack on societya 13 May, 2016 By Sadiq Zafar The preservation of buildings of historic importance needs awareness in India, where many still struggle with basic needs Cultural cleansing of historically rich regions is one of the most devastating actions taken in any contemporary civilised society where culture and history are intrinsic to the social fabric of society. Radicalism can lead to the eradication of history, that history whose traces reveal the cultural identity of the place and the symbols of power. Contrary to the theory of radicalism, today India a among many other developing nations a is struggling with a vague idea of development, smartness and modernisation and in many cases historical facts are erased by the demolition and destruction of culturally rich monuments and iconic structures in the name of utopia. Iconic structures and monuments represent not just cultural identity but also a statement in power, a symbol of dominance and supremacy. The Indian subcontinent is full of such examples where structures came to represent the portrayal of strength. From Qutub Minar of the slave dynasty in Delhi to Asafi Imambara of the Nawabs in Lucknow and the structures and gateways of British colonial architecture, whatever emerged on the ground gave a strong message of the arrival of a superpower and cast a shadow of strength over resistance. These are the structural examples from a pre-Independence India. But post-Independence, Nehru, the first Indian Prime Minister, set the precedent of a Modernist theory and hence India, a newly born independent state, saw its first modern structure in Chandigarh designed by Le Corbusier. Since then, architecture has been a tool to demonstrate the supremacy of this growing independent nation. Out of many such examples, the Hall of Nations a an agglomeration of exhibition spaces designed to celebrate the 25th year of Indian Independence a became a prominent symbol of Delhias skyline in 1972. aA space-framed built form poured in concrete, with column-free exhibition halls of spans of around 82m, was constructed probably for the first time in India and the worlda An AA-trained architect Raj Rewal, associate of the RIBA, along with a Minnesota and Columbia-trained civil engineer Mahendra Raj, strove to define architectural liberation in India. The duo worked on a masterpiece to portray Indiaas strength and growing power with limited resources. The end result became an architectural marvel, a landmark in the country and is seen as a symbol of Modernism reflecting Nehruvian modern theory. A space-framed built form poured in concrete, with column-free exhibition halls of spans of around 82m, was constructed probably for the first time in India and the world. The criss-cross ribbed structure portrays a strong bond shared between the diverse communities of the nation and its pyramidal form is the definition of Nehruas idea of economic prosperity of a developing nation. hall of nations interior The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi wanted to host an International Trade Fair under the roof of a structure that would epitomise the power of a young independent state: the Hall of Nations. Incorporating the Hall of Industries and a memorial to Nehru, the Hall of Nations, conceived by the architectural and structural genius of its time, is a remarkable architectural achievement with minimal resources. The design of the complex displays passive cooling devices with the use of perforated patterns known as traditional jaalis, and ribs work as sun-breakers providing shade from Delhias harsh sun, allowing the circulation of air and natural ventilation. With huge exhibition halls, since its construction the Hall of Nations has played host to enormous exhibitions, performances and related activities, including a World Trade Fair, Auto Expo and World Book Fair. The memorial is a display of Nehruas personality showcasing his Modernist theories and strong leadership abilities. Click here! aThe structure, seen as the symbol of Modernism and architectural liberation in India, today faces a threat of destruction in the name of facelift and world-class facilitiesa In contemporary India, the Hall of Nationsa architectural form and structural beauty is studied by architecture and structural engineering students. But at the same time, the structure, seen as the symbol of Modernism and architectural liberation in India, today faces a threat of destruction in the name of facelift and world-class facilities. The India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), which looks after the Hall of Nationsa affairs, has suggested a makeover for the Hall of Nations, Halls of Industries and the Nehru memorial, making way for a world-class convention centre, exhibition halls and underground parking facilities. The proposal is with the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) and the final call for the demolition of these iconic structures lies with the heritage conservation committee of the ministry. So several campaigns to save the Hall of Nations are being carried out online and on the ground by architects, thinkers and activists who see the destruction of a landmark in the name of facelift as a theft of ideas and thoughts. Last year on 31 March 2015, a similar event was organised by the faculty of architecture, Jamia Millia Islamia, in Delhi. In the seminar, Ram Rahman, a renowned architectural photographer, suggested movements to make the society aware of the cultural thefts happening in the name of facelifts. Recently, SAHMAT, an NGO working for the cause of arts, literature and culture, organised a talk at the India International Center, Delhi in which the architectureastructure duo sat together and discussed the hardships and challenges they faced while coming up with such a design. It concluded with an emotional statement from engineer Mahendra Raj: aDestruction of a building designed by me in front of my eyes will be like seeing my child getting hacked in front of me.a India is a nation where the masses still struggle for their physiological needs. With that as a backdrop, the idea of the preservation of iconic structures and buildings of historic importance needs awareness at the grassroots and campaigns need to be organised to let people know that history is the part of a civilisation which reveals the struggle, strength and supremacy. Eradication of history should be seen as an attack on society. Destruction can raze a structure, but a landmark can never be erased from the social fabric of a progressive nation. Sign a petition to the Indian Prime Minister to save the Hall of Nations o o o The Wire Of Icons and Iconoclasts: Saving Delhias Modern Heritage by Narayani Gupta A truly world-class city is not one that destroys to build, but one where icons from different pasts live together happily. Hall of Nations, Pragati Maidan. Credit: Kprateek88/CC BY-SA 3.0 Dhruva Chaudhuri has described how, one day in 1951, he heard the noise of an explosion and when he looked out of the window of his Kashmiri Gate home, he found the skyline looking different. It took him some minutes to realise that the nearly-century old clock tower in Chandni Chowk had collapsed. Dilliwalas have just been given advance warning that one day before this year is over, the skyline near Purana Qila will suddenly look different. The Hall of Nations, the Hall of Industries and the Nehru Pavilion, to which we Dilliwalas have gravitated every winter for over 40 years, as surely as we gravitated to India Gate to eat ice-cream on clear summer nights, will have become things of the past. Wake up, people! Do we want a convention centre (sorry, a aworld-class convention centrea) to be built on the rubble of our world-class architecture? The older generation will recall the 1970s, when the Trade Fair complex took shape, and the Hall of Nations soared into the sky. It has worn well. As we wander through it, it has a quality of elegance and majesty that is unmatched. Are we going to let this go, or are we going to form a human chain around it to save it? The idea of the human chain was suggested in 1989, when the government announced that they proposed to demolish (they said adismantlea but it is all the same in the end) the exquisite canopy at India Gate so that a large statue of a seated Gandhiji could sit there comfortably. Architecture students actually camped there with flasks of coffee to ensure that the CPWD did not quietly take it apart at night. The canopy is still there. The same spirit is manifest now. The Cassandras who have been saying that no-one is bothered are wrong. Look at the more than 3,000 signatures on the petition sent to the prime minister. Or the letters sent from various national and international architectural bodies, including the Indian Institute of Architects. There is hope. But more is needed. Letter sent by the Indian Institute of Architects A city does not grow by demolition but by accommodation. The art of building a livable and beautiful city is not imbibed simply by learning by rote the dauntingly unreadable Building Bye-laws and Building Development Control Regulations as per Master Plan for Delhi 2021 but by working out how to adjust (oh that favourite Hinglish word!) the new within the old. The architect is a or should be a also an artist. And his artistic sensibility should not be limited to the building he designs, but to the area around. Truly lovely urbanscapes are ones which have the patina of age as well as the clear gleam of the new. Take a lesson from Godas architecture a every tree is different, and the sum total is beautiful. There is something mesmerising about the term aworld-classa. Politicians in India, over the last 15 years or so, have loved using it. When they do, there is invariably an obsession with ainfrastructurea, particularly aparkinga. In fact, the proposed demolition of the Pragati Maidan monuments are to accommodate a driveway and underground parking. So is that all there is to it? Does New York qualify as a world-class city? Maybe not, because it is so exuberantly pedestrian. Does Paris? Maybe not, because it is not cars as much as the superb metro that takes people to its museums, and its beauty is best seen if you walk down its boulevards. London? Where people leave their cars behind if they want to spend time in the city. Actually, discussions on world-class cities have for some time now been much more thoughtful, concentrating on ways to make cities more inclusive, with affordable housing, connectivity, safety, and basic services for all inhabitants. The proposed convention centre, to be built at mind-boggling cost, and at the cost of the cityas heritage, is not going to make Delhi a more inclusive city in any way. Another favourite phrase is astate of the arta. This translates as athe highest level of general development, achieved at a particular timea . But given the rate that technology races forward, todayas state-of-the-art will be old-fashioned in a few years. Good architecture and design is timeless, and in this case, my vote will go to whoever can design a workable convention centre in the space available a over 100 acres a and showcase the 7 acres adjacent (which hold the Halls and the Nehru Pavilion), along with the Crafts Museum and the Nehru Science Centre, as a democratic peopleas precinct, overlooked by the Purana Qila complex of five centuries earlier. Nehru Pavilion The Purana Qila is protected by the Archaeological Survey, and therefore not threatened by demolition. A thousand other structures are also, nominally, safe by virtue of Section 23 of the Building Byelaws referred to above. This needs explanation. In 2000, INTACH published 2 volumes listing structures in Delhi built before independence, which deserved the label aheritagea. Some 170 were owned and therefore aprotecteda by the Archaeological Survey, the rest in the list were anotifieda by the local municipal bodies in 2010, other than a few which had been demolished by their owners in the intervening decade. But architecture did not stop in 1947. Far from it. After independence, India acquired its first home-grown, if foreign-trained, architects. Edwin Lutyens, Herbert Baker, Walter George, Otto Koenigsberger, Le Corbusier, gave place to Habib Rahman, Achyut Kanvinde, Mansingh Rana, Cyrus Jhabwala, Charles Correa; they were succeeded by the next generation among whom was architect Raj Rewal and engineer Mahendra Raj (who designed the Hall of Nations). Delhi has been fortunate in that it is home to many landmark buildings designed by the countryas finest architects. For the sake of convenience and because time was short, the INTACH list stopped short of independence. What should have been done was to continue listing buildings that came up subsequently. Both official agencies and INTACH did not get around to doing this. This should have been adopted as a continuous process, keeping a distance of, say, 20 years from the present. If this had been done, we would now have a published list of heritage buildings constructed in India before 1996. Official controls and responsibilities are as tangled as they can possibly be. The Archaeological Survey is a small section of the Ministry of Culture, the Delhi Urban Art Commission is an autonomous body established in 1974 by an act of parliament, and the Heritage Conservation Committee (set up in 2004) is under the Ministry of Urban Development. To put heritage conservation under urban development either suggests a very enlightened frame of mind, or a cynical sense that heritage will never have dedicated champions anyway. One person who repeatedly drew attention to the need to recognise deserving buildings of the last 70 years as aheritagea is the architect A.G.K. Menon. In 2013 he submitted to the DUAC and to the HCC a list of 62 aiconica buildings and precincts. Neither body followed up the matter. At present, therefore, the iconic buildings can be partly or wholly demolished without violating any law (specifically bye-law 23). There is a possibility of many more Mandi Houses (Mandi House, a perfectly good monumental building, was demolished in the 1970s to build the offices of Doordarshan. Only the name survives). The one way to avert this, in the case of Delhi, is for the DUAC and the HCC working together to quickly compile a list of heritage buildings with a cut-off date of 20 to 30 years before the present. Until such time as the list is finalised and the buildings notified by the municipalities, no proposal to demolish them should be considered. Commissions, committees, bye-laws, sanctions make sense only if they are backed by an educated and enthusiastic public opinion. The people of Delhi have a very important role to play in the welfare of the city they have inherited. A truly world-class city is not one that destroys to build, but one where icons from different pasts live together happily. o o o The Times of India Architect wants buildings saved TNN | Jan 30, 2016, 12.14 AM IST New Delhi: Leading architect Raj Rewal, who designed Pragati Maidan, is highly miffed at the proposal to raze most of the existing structures. "This is outrageous. We had heard of these plans and had written to the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation chairman and minister but since we did not hear back, I presumed the matter was under consideration. However, if the plans have been finalized, it comes as a surprise to me," said Rewal. Credited with the landmark Hall of Nations inside Pragati Maidan, which is also set to be razed, Rewal said that several eminent architects and historians have demanded that certain structures within Pragati Maidan be preserved as Delhis heritage. "Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC) and Intach have written to say that iconic structures like the Hall of Nations and Hall of Industry should be preserved. The Pragati Maidan complex has been built over an area of 115 acres. Buildings like the Hall of Nations, Nehru Pavilion, Handicrafts pavilion, etc. barely occupy 5-10% of the total area. Why cant they preserve these and build around them. There is no need to tear everything down," Rewal added. tnn o o o The Times of India When blueprints were manifestos Amulya Gopalakrishnan | TNN | Apr 26, 2016 If the Centre and the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation stick to their plans, history will be overwritten in Delhis Pragati Maidan. The landmark Hall of Nations and the Nehru Pavilion, built 25 years after Independence to show off the dynamism of a young nation, will be razed and replaced with an up-to-date venue for events and exhibitions. "We have no problem with a new convention centre, but not by wantonly destroying something valuable", says Raj Rewal, the architect of these buildings. The Hall of Nations, which cemented his global reputation, has also featured in Indias postal stamps. Architects, global museums and urban activists have urged the government to keep the buildings intact, as a marvel of structural engineering and a reminder of Indias pioneering spirit. They occupy barely 2 per cent of Pragati Maidan, these petitions point out. The Hall of Nations is the largest-span concrete structure in the world, fashioned out of uniquely Indian capacities and constraints. "Anywhere in the industrialised world, the space-frame is made with steel joints. In India at the time, we didnt have enough steel. So we improvised, made it in concrete, hand-poured and cast on site," says Mahendra Raj, the structural engineer of the project. "The architect Buckminster Fuller called it a space-age building made with bullock cart technology," says conservation architect Intach convenor AGK Menon. "That sounds disparaging, but it was also an acknowledgment of the achievement, he says. The Centre Pompidou in Paris featured it in an exhibition on parallel modernisms, New Yorks Museum of Modern Art has called it a seminal structure, an architectural masterpiece. "We forget just how heroic that modern period was. It was about achieving great things in a scarcity economy," says Ranjit Hoskote, one of the curators of the recent State of Architecture exhibition in Mumbai. In those nation-building decades, architecture had a sense of utopian mission, blueprints were virtually manifestos. Modernist buildings were a clean, conscious break with the past ""It hits you on the head and makes you think", as Nehru famously said about Chandigarh. Architects trained under Walter Gropius, under Le Corbusier, were making vivid arguments about how to live together, about technology, about egalitarianism. "Delhi is actually a laboratory of architectural experiments. You see it all as bland sarkari architecture, but if you disaggregate it, there are actually very different styles and experiments going on," says Hoskote. Not all are significant, some have been disfigured by thoughtless "renovations" and bad paint jobs, but it is important to know what one is reckoning with, before destroying a building. By 1972, when the Hall of Nations was built, that impulse of universal modern ambition had subtly changed, to an accommodation of Indias own social and economic realities, explains Amit Srivastava, an architectual historian at the University of Adelaide - what he calls the modern socialist aesthetic. The use of exposed concrete, for instance, was part of a "truth to materials" philosophy, meant to convey an honesty of purpose. The quiet radicalism of that period is hard to explain to people used to the blahness of glass-and-steel, to "globalised consumerist architecture", says photographer Ram Rahman, whose father Habib Rahman was a modernist pioneer. "There are very few distinguished buildings in Gurgaon", he points out. So what are the classics of the postcolonial period? Intach has drawn up a list of 62 buildings that qualify as modern heritage, according to clearly defined criteria, but the proposal is still pending with the governments Heritage Conservation Committee."There is no restriction on development around these buildings, it is to make sure that they are not destroyed, says Intach convenor AGK Menon. But we also need a more comprehensive approach to modern heritage, says Srivastava "Can they be adapted or reused? Can they be changed structurally?" The core problem for modern architecture in India is simply the lack of familiarity and public conversation around it, says Nalini Thakur, professor of architectural conservation at the School of Planning and Architecture. "People dont care, because they dont know what to care about." We need lessons in noticing, and need a vocabulary to express our thoughts about buildings. "Signposting these buildings is essential, and pointing out their distinctive features, their intentions and histories", says Shruti Narayan, an architect who leads walks around post-Independence landmarks, through a project called Delhi Narratives. It doesnt help that many of these modern classics are institutional buildings, not welcoming of the general public. "Think of events like Open House London, where important architectural venues are thrown open for anyone to walk in and explore - can you imagine that happening in our official buildings?" asks Menon. "We need a discourse around modern architecture, not at moments of crisis like this, when we fear something is being written out of history, but a genuine and sustained one", says Srivastava. o o o [From Hindustan Times] o o o The Times of india Call to save Pragati Maidan hall Richi Verma | TNN | Apr 14, 2015, 03.19 AM IST NEW DELHI: When Hall of Nations, one of Delhis iconic structures, was inaugurated in 1972, it became a symbol of Indias rapid progress and modernity. For decades, exhibition halls at Pragati Maidan, including Hall of Nations, Handloom Pavilion and Nehru Pavilion have hosted millions of visitors. A number of films have been shot with these iconic structures in their backdrop and postage stamps with image of these buildings released. However, the proposal by India Trade Promotion Organization to raze all the structures to make space for a new, world-class convention centre has drawn sharp reactions from architects and urban planners. According to the architect behind the project, Raj Rewal, the buildings represent a sign of what India achieved in an era when "we were not so industrialized". "Its become a part of Delhis history... people look at a picture of the Hall of Nations and automatically associate Delhi with it. Lakhs of people have seen exhibitions here and have fond memories. Hall of Nations is equivalent to Londons Crystal Palace or the great palace in Paris, he said. Hall of Nation, Indias first pillar-less building, was constructed to commemorate 25 years of the countrys independence. Rewal and structural engineer Mahendra Raj who designed these buildings said they were prepared to fight till the end to save the structures. "Even today, the building is one-of-its-kind. When we worked on this project in the early 1970s, we completed it in record time. Hall of Nations has been featured in international architecture magazines, but in our own country, we want to get rid of it, said Mahendra Raj. According to ITPO officials, the exhibition halls have outlived their lifespan. "The proposal is to redevelop Pragati Maidan in phases. The old buildings have to be dismantled to make space for a new convention centre. But till the project is approved by the ministry of commerce and industry, we cannot proceed. The complete proposal, which outlines demolition of all old buildings has been sent to the ministry. We need funding support from the ministry. Once the approval comes, we will invite tenders, said a senior ITPO official. Officials said the buildings were old, lacked modern facilities like air-conditioning. However, architects are not convinced. Senior architect Kuldip Singh said: "The buildings represent modern architecture in Delhi and they were considered icons at the time of construction. Effort should be made to uses such buildings as museums rather than tearing them down. It would be a huge loss for Delhi," he said. Intach Delhi chapter convener A G K Menon called any move to demolish the Pragati Maidan exhibition halls as a disastrous: "Society should value heritage. Symbolically, it showcased Indias potential as a modern, thriving nation when it was made and we are ready to just wipe that history out. If any nation has aspirations for the future, you must preserve the past. You can have the convention centre anywhere in Delhi. Pragati Maidan exhibitions function only certain weeks in a year, a convention centre would function 365 days. It would lead to huge traffic snarls, he said. Intach has also sent a list of these contemporary buildings to DUAC, saying these structures need to be protected. Hall of Nations figures on the list. The commission has indicated that iconic buildings, which were constructed in the post-independence period, need to be conserved and that the Intach/HCC need to take up the exercise for identifying such buildings. o o o Shanghaiing Indraprastha? With Pragati Maidanas iconic buildings all set to give way to new structures, India will lose a slice of its architectural heritage by Priyadarshini Sen (14 March 2016) http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/shanghaiing-indraprastha/296751 Fall of the hall: losing a part of Indiaas history by Namrata Kohli (April 18, 2016) http://www.hindustantimes.com/real-estate/fall-of-the-hall-losing-a-part-of-india-s-history/story-LaAIO0ZvE0o7lOj3xOsv0K.html SAVE HALL OF NATIONS, HALLS OF INDUSTRIES AND NEHRU PAVILION at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi India from demolition and allow these buildings to be put to active public use Sign the Electronic Petition to The Prime Minister of India https://tinyurl.com/hfv446g o o o The Hall of Industries by Raj Rewal 1972 (Photo by Ram Rahman, Nov 2015) Photo 2 The Hall of Industries by Raj Rewal 1972 (Photo by Ram Rahman, Nov 2015) Photo by Tribhuvan Tiwari in Outlook Magazine - 14 March 2016 Photo by the late Madan Mahatta (added on Facebook by Ram Rahman) [https://tinyurl.com/jzevovk] Reject the Demolition of Hall of Nations - A Letter to the Government by Indian Institute of Architects Human Rights Watch - 20 February 2016 Bangladesh: Charging Editors Is Dramatic Backslide Repeal Abusive Criminal Defamation and Sedition Laws (New York) a Bangladeshi authorities should immediately withdraw all criminal charges filed against the editors of the Daily Star and Prothom Alo, the countryas leading newspapers, Human Rights Watch said today. Bangladesh should repeal its criminal defamation and sedition laws, which violate international standards. As of the time of writing, the editor of the English-language Daily Star, Mahfuz Anam, faced a total of 54 criminal defamation cases and 15 sedition cases, largely for publishing corruption allegations from military sources several years ago. On February 16, 2016, a court in Narayangunj issued an arrest warrant against Anam in a case filed by a private lawyer. Fifty-five cases have been filed against Matiur Rahman, the editor of Prothom Alo, Bangladeshas highest circulation Bengali-language daily newspaper (and the sister paper of the Daily Star), as well as against the newspaper and some journalists associated with the paper, for criminal defamation and ahurting religious sentiment.a Each criminal defamation charge allows for two yearsa imprisonment, and each sedition charge for three. aCriminal charges against editors of the leading newspapers in Bangladesh are a clear attempt to intimidate all media in the country,a said Brad Adams, Asia director. aA government controlling almost all seats in parliament and all national executive authority has to be particularly protective of a free press a or risk turning Bangladesh into an authoritarian state.a The cases are part of a larger, organized assault on independent media in Bangladesh over several years. Bangladeshi authorities have closed critical media houses, jailed editors, tried bloggers, and charged journalists with contempt of court for reporting unfavorably on government actions. The editor of Amar Desh newspaper, Mahmudur Rahman, has been jailed without trial since 2013 on charges of sedition and unlawful publication of intercepted conversations. The editors of the Daily Star and Prothom Alo were among a significant segment of public opinion backing the aminus twoa effort by the military when it effectively took power and installed a caretaker government from 2007 to 2009. The military and segments of Bangladeshi society backed a move to remove Sheikh Hasina, the leader of the Awami League and current prime minister, and Khaleda Zia, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and a former prime minister. Both were accused of corruption. The charges against Anam and the Daily Star are related to corruption allegations against Sheikh Hasina and other current government officials based on information provided by the countryas military intelligence service, the Director General Forces Intelligence (DGFI). At the time, the DGFI was leading the aminus twoa effort and routinely threatened and intimidated the media and civil society. DGFI was also responsible for extrajudicial killings, torture, and disappearances. The allegations were published in 2007, but the current assault against Anam came about as a result of a February 3, 2016 admission on his part that he relied on uncorroborated information from DGFI when he published the stories. Anam said he regretted having published material without sufficient corroboration. The charges against Matiur Rahman of Prothom Alo stem from a series of articles the paper ran on alleged irregularities in the purchase of power tillers by a local government office, as well as for running a cartoon in the paperas political satire section. Rahman surrendered at the Jhalakati jail following an arrest warrant issued in January 2015. He was granted bail and given permission to be physically absent from further hearings in the cases. The cases have not yet been resolved. Criminal charges against editors of the leading newspapers in Bangladesh are a clear attempt to intimidate all media in the country. Brad Adams, Asia Director Both the Daily Star and Prothom Alo have faced government retaliation for their reporting. Media personnel have alleged to Human Rights Watch that this includes a ban on advertising by large private companies in the two papers. Several corporate sources speaking anonymously stated that they had received these instructions in an article published by Al Jazeera in October 2015. aDefamation should not be treated as a crime,a Adams said. aIf a newspaper intentionally publishes false information that harms an individualas reputation, then a civil defamation case is the proper remedy, so long as a fair and impartial trial can be assured. But Bangladesh should not be in the business of jailing journalists for what they write.a Human Rights Watch called for repeal of the sedition law, which is overly broad and vague. The law states that anyone by show or use of force or aany other unconstitutional meansa who asubverts or attempts or conspires to subvert the confidence, belief or reliance of the citizens to this constitution or any of its article, his such act shall be sedition and such person shall be guilty of sedition.a Anam faces at least 15 sedition charges. Bangladeshas sedition and criminal defamation laws are contrary to the countryas international human rights obligations. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Bangladesh ratified in 2000, prohibits restrictions on freedom of expression on national security grounds unless they are provided by law, strictly construed, and necessary and proportionate to address a legitimate threat. Such laws cannot put the right itself in jeopardy. The United Nations Human Rights Committee, which interprets the ICCPR, has said that states parties should move toward abolishing criminal defamation and that no one should ever risk imprisonment for defamation. Human Rights Watch said that laws imposing criminal penalties for peaceful expression are of particular concern because of their chilling effect on free speech. The UN special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression has stated that with such laws in place, individuals face the constant threat of being arrested and subjected to criminal trials, fines, and imprisonment, as well as the stigma of having a criminal record. The assault on speech affects not only the media, but also critical civil society. Journalists report engaging in self-censorship. Activists and human rights defenders have faced charges, arrest, and intimidation. Bloggers who have expressed atheist sentiments have been killed, yet others have faced charges of insulting religious feelings. A 2014 media policy banned speech that is aanti-state,a aridicules the national ideology,a and ais inconsistent with Bangladeshas culture,a and would restrict the reporting of aanarchy, rebellion, or violence.a The government is currently drafting an onerous and overly broad law on publishing in electronic media. aThese criminal charges are clearly a form of retribution against political enemies of the government,a said Adams. aAnd while it is going after journalists, the government has taken no action to hold members of DGFI accountable for the extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and torture that took place during the caretaker period. Bangladeshas sedition and criminal defamation laws need to be repealed, and charges against all media and other critics withdrawn immediately.a sacw.net - 23 February 2016 Remember your humanity and rebel! - Slogan on the walls of Paris, May 1968 Indignation is a bad counselor a Leo Strauss, 1953 What you run away from runs after you a Roumanian proverb This comment engages with the issues raised in the current debate about justice and nationalism. The agitation was sparked off by an event in JNU highlighting the plight of the Kashmiri people. I will begin with two names and a question which (to my mind) are as significant as the grievances of Kashmiris and non-Kashmiris about the Indian justice system. The two names are Mohammad Maqbool Sherwani (aged 19, died 1947); and Ravindra Mhatre (aged 48, died 1984). The question concerns the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from their homes in the Valley. Why are they not a part of left-wing concerns about Kashmir? Sympathizers of Maoist revolutionary politics may consider four names - Francis Induwar (died 2009), Kenduka Arjun, (died 2010), Lucas Tete (died 2010) and Niyamat Ansari (died 2011). What happened to them and why did they die? These names and the question signify an experience of injustice. For that reason alone, they deserve the attention of the defenders of democracy. Now let us take a look at what is happening in Delhi Police protection, Delhi version The most striking image of the times we inhabit is the photograph of a young accused person being brutally assaulted in the premises of a prominent court in New Delhi. He was in the custody of the police, hence under the indirect protection of the court. His assailants were lawyers, who have bragged about their deeds, and are known for their proximity to senior leaders of the BJP. Most of them have not been charged for what is a clear offence under the IPC Sec 325. Spokes-persons of the ruling party routinely deploy the platitude that the law will take its course. Typical of its behaviour in matters such as the murder of Professor Kalburgi, they make a perfunctory disapproval of hooliganism, and then produce belligerent justifications for their violence. None of them show the slightest remorse or compunction for what even a village constable would recognise as a criminal offence. We are being intimidated in broad daylight by persons who do not care a whit for reasoned speech a let alone the law. All we hear these days is a reminder of the heavy price we shall pay for opposing Modi, the Sangh and their adevelopment agendaa. The Delhi police operate under the Union Government, and was responsible for the raids on the JNU campus as well as the acts in the court premises. Some of its decisions have now been shown to have been taken on doctored evidence. The National Human Rights Commission has declared the assault on Kanhaiya to have been planned. The Home Ministeras utterances were akin to those of a con artist, so we need not be surprised by those of his followers. We may also assume that these acts have the approval of the Union Cabinet, and that we are now under the grip of a government that has no respect for the rule of law. The situation will worsen, because the private army that controls the government is bent upon revising the foundational statutes of the Indian Republic. It also adheres to an ideology that justifies violence in the name of patriotism. Violent attacks, disruptions and dire threats by Hindutva-oriented vigilantes and legislators are occurring on a daily basis across India. The ruling party has shown itself to be no different from the Maoists whom it routinely condemns. But whereas the Maoists have proven incapable of capturing state power, the Hindutva ideologues believe they have done so. Let us see if the Indian public will endorse this belief. This is serious enough to bear repeating: the Government of India is enabling, condoning and encouraging vigilante violence and hooliganism. Controlled mobs now operate under state protection. aAnti - nationalisma etc Most of the slogans heard on the JNU campus expressed unobjectionable left-wing and feminist demands. However there were some that spoke of a long war for the break-up of the country. There were other calls that could be confusing to anyone not familiar with the term aoppressed nationalitiesa which has been part of communist vocabulary since 1917. So the current political agitation marks the intersection of many controversial themes, ranging from definitions of the nation to constitutional and legal matters. Some bare facts need recapitulation. Some students attracted to Maoism and including those who believe in aself-determinationa for Kashmir, and were agitated over the execution of Afzal Guru, held an event to commemorate the latter. Denied permission due to objections from one student group, they used the good offices of the union, whose president belongs to the AISF, student wing of the moderate wing of the communist movement, the CPI. This is the party of the late Satyapal Dang, one of Indiaas staunchest secularists and fighters against terrorism in Punjab in the 1980as and 90as. (I wonder if our Home Minister has heard of him). As the event unfolded some began shouting belligerent slogans a let us leave aside the question of who started it. As often happens, when ideologues wish to hurt each other by methods short of physical assault, they say things designed to cause maximum emotional pain. Both sides - the ultra-nationalists and those rooting for aself-determinationa proceeded to do this. Some persons alleged to be outsiders also shouted the objectionable slogans referred to above. The ultra-nationalists used their contacts in the central government to facilitate police intervention. Some of them now regret the consequences of what has ballooned into a nasty confrontation. I appreciate the fact that the three ABVP office-bearers who resigned from their posts disagreed with the habit of painting all left-wing students with the same brush. Similarly all people who object to slogans calling for the break-up of India also cannot be painted with the same brush. I too object to such a slogan a although I donat think it calls for police action unless there is a direct incitement to violence. We know many people calling for and indulging in violence who seem to have no fear of police action. Something similar took place at the Press Club, where persons who stand for Kashmiri self-determination used the good offices of a lecturer who booked the venue for them, but who does not share their political vision. He is now been targeted a along with three other retired teachers from DU a for collusion with so-called anti-national elements. In both cases, persons of democratic persuasion were used to facilitate expressions of extreme beliefs. As far as I can tell, they had no idea of what was about to transpire, and their own statements at these gatherings were attempts at lowering the pitch and calming the atmosphere. A kind of verbal aguerilla actiona was undertaken by some radical activists who a it would appear a were unconcerned with the repercussions. They did not care that people who do not support their politics, but helped them because of their commitment to free expression, would be paying the price. To use well-meaning people for your purposes via subterfuge can bear terrible consequences. It is unfair to those well-meaning people, and typifies the belief that the end justifies the means. Some of us are so consumed by anger that we feel justified in doing this, but it is not an ethical course of action, and brings your politics into disrepute. It is similar to what happened in Kandhamal in 2008, when the Maoist party murdered the VHPas Swami Laxmanananda and left the common people to face the communal violence unleashed by the Sanghis, who blamed athe Christiansa for the murder. In the spiral of violence unfolding in so-called insurgent districts, the state utilises the opportunity provided it by extremists to suppress opposition from all quarters. It targets all democratic protest for being anti-national, seditious, etc. This is what is happening now in Indiaas capital. Unscrupulous TV anchors are adding fuel to the fires of apatriotica indignation a some of them behaving as flag-bearers for a hysterical version of nationalism. As an SC bench said recently, amoderation is a forgotten word today in all spheres of lifea. Self-determination and violence There is also the tangled issue of aself-determinationa, a term many people use as if it were an axiom. It is not. The idea of democracy is linked to the concept of identity. aDemosa is the term for athe peoplea in athe rule of the peoplea. The slogan of aself-determinationa carries the implicit presupposition that we know who athe peoplea are before we speak of their right to aself-determinationa. Ideologically defined boundaries of the aselfa are presupposed in the practice of democracy. This issue is related to the birth of the nation-state and the notion of sovereignty. Let me add here that the multiplication of sovereignties is not a solution to the violation of human rights, nor should it be conflated unquestioningly with the concept of democracy. In some cases it might worsen the situation. Identity is a matter of power, interest and definition. For example, the slogan that Kashmiris have a right to self-determination implies that the identity of Kashmiris is self-evident. The moment the identity of Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs, Ladakhas Buddhists and Jammuas Dogras, Gujars and Bakerwals, is brought into the argument, the presumptive nature of unilateral definitions becomes evident. Who is included in, and who is excluded from the aselfa, and why? Is it all very clear to us, or does it deserve a discussion? Given that this agitation has highlighted the plight of the Kashmiri people, let us examine some facts that tend to get left of out leftist concerns. Some amongst us remain aggrieved by the execution of Maqbool Butt on February 11, 1984. They need to remember the kidnapping and murder of the Indian consular official Ravindra Mhatre, in Birmingham, on February 6 the same year. It does not behoove a state to make vengeful decisions, but it does not help matters if we forget significant facts. We may also mention in passing the names of BJP politician Tikka Lal Taploo, Judge NK Ganjoo (who had tried Maqbool Butt); and journalist, PN Bhat a all three murdered in late 1989 by warriors of Kashmiri self-determination. I have often reiterated my belief that the question of violence is a or should be - the crux of political debate. Militarism has emerged as the ground shared by enemies. The militarist appropriation of martyrdom is a deeply patriarchal gesture. Violence is a never-ending spiral. The best metaphor for violence is a black hole a the place that swallows up everything in its vicinity. Once again, therefore, I will remind all ardent supporters of political causes that violence feeds on itself. Apart from their other numerous aactionsa, the Maoists murdered two policemen who were in their custody, both of them tribals a Francis Induwar (beheaded in 2009) and Lucas Tete (shot in 2010). Kenduka Arjun, secretary of the Chasi Muliya Adivasi Sangh in Orissa, was murdered by Maoists in 2010. They also beat to death Niyamat Ansari, a NREGA activist, in front of his family in 2011. I will not go into the implications of the derailment of the Jnaneswari Express in 2010, which cost 148 lives. On communal issues, let us remember Taslima Nasrin, the author who defended religious minorities in Bangladesh, and was hounded out of Kolkata in 2007 by fanatics who browbeat the Left Front government. Perpetually under threat, she finally had to leave India. On the price paid for dissent, let us remember TP Chandrashekharan, a dissident CPI (M) leader in Kerala murdered in 2012 for setting up an alternative left group. A week ago, on February 15, an RSS cadre named Sujith was murdered inside his house in front of his parents. The accused in both these cases belong to the CPI (M). There are many more examples, cutting across party lines. Whatever we might think of our political opponents, do not such actions undermine democracy? Do they not indicate that we live in a dangerously authoritarian culture? As regards Afzal Guru, like many others, I too felt that the trial process and submission of evidence raised several disturbing questions; that life imprisonment would have been a fairer sentence, and that he should not have been executed. I was severely perturbed by the phrase acollective conscience of the nationa appearing in a court judgment sentencing a man to death. I wrote about this well before the execution, and about the death sentence, which I oppose in principle, whether it is handed out by judges or revolutionaries, sanghis or jehadis. People have every right to criticise judgments without being accused of contempt a have not the ultra-nationalists also criticised judgments they did not like? Such criticism should be couched in temperate language, but we remain within our rights to make it. The Pandit issue Going on from this, doesnat the plight of Kashmiras Pandits also deserve consideration in a debate about Kashmir? At the time of their enforced exodus from the Valley, concerns were expressed by some human rights activists and leftists. On the whole however, the so-named aleft and democratica bloc has remained silent about that enormity. I do not believe the aJagmohan did it theory on this although I am aware of Jagmohanas role in Sanjay Gandhias slum-clearing activism during the Emergency. A great deal of evidence has been supplied by those who experienced the exodus a evidence that needs serious debate, not outright rejection. All Kashmiri Muslims cannot be blamed for the plight of the Pandits, nor for desiring their exodus. But neither are all Hindus supporters of Hindutva. Acknowledgement of injustice is the first and essential step towards reconciliation a this is as true for the Valleyas Pandit population as it is for its Muslims. Activists for human rights should also note the presence of a large number of migrant labourers in the Valley anumbers of whom have been victims of terrorist acts. Be that as it may, conflicting views on what caused the Pandits to depart need an airing, not silence. Why have the victims of the largest (the number could be 3 lakhs) communally-driven migration in independent Indiaas history been the target of barely-concealed animus from leftists? Kashmirias have undergone terrible suffering ever since militancy began, and they include Pandits as well as Muslims, residents of the Jammu region as well as those of the Valley; Kashmiri speaking people as well as others. Apologists for the status quo ask us to stop talking about caste-based discrimination a as if it will go away by pretending it does not exist. The same attitude has been exhibited by many of us with regard to Kashmiri Pandits a as if we can get rid of a mountain of pain and injustice by looking the other way. If we stand for giving voice to suffering humanity, we must stand for all the victims of oppression in the Valley, regardless of their faith. If we stand for free expression and dissent we must ask why the Pandits have been treated with indifference and worse, by leftists (given some honourable exceptions). Failure to conjoin the plight of the Pandits with all other victims of insurgency and state repression is a betrayal of our humanity and weakens our political integrity. Furthermore, it drives victims to other kinds of extremism, or to cynicism and despair. Why should we abandon good causes to bad politicians? Defending democracy and the constitution Indian politics has entered a phase of extreme danger a from the standpoint of the laboring citizens who need democracy the most. It is disturbing to see a section of Indiaas ruling class seeking to bypass and undermine constitutional rule by validating a politics of hatred and intimidation. Hindu Rashtra and Akhand Hindustan are mutually contradictory ideals: if you want one you will automatically rule out the other. The relentless tirade against Muslims, Christians and Communists by the Sangh Parivar will produce the contrary of what they wish for (or say they do). The theories of Savarkar, Hedgewar and Golwalkar are recipes for Indiaas disintegration. Extremism feeds on itself by appearing in different forms. Whatever be its flaws, the Indian Constitution is the best consensual statute upon which to base a defence of democracy. Revolutionaries should consider the possibility that a section of the Indian ruling class is already bent upon doing away with democracy. So rather than a violent revolution to overthrow the constitution, we need a non-violent mass awakening to defend and implement it. But that will require serious re-thinking on socialist politics. Since the ongoing student movement is committed to defending the freedom of thought, there should be no problem with this. The current student movement in JNU has received welcome support from students and academics all over India and the world, in addition to the support of many political parties. It can make a difference to Indian politics, but politics is too important to be left to specialists of revolution. Authoritarianism and hatred of dissent may be witnessed across the political spectrum - right, left and amarketista. It would be best if students made up their own minds about political issues, and inaugurated an open dialogue with society. Incidentally, the term arevolutiona means the completion of a circle. If you want transformation, close the circle and get out of it. The only answer to extremism is moderation, truthful speech and non-violence. Jai Ho. Dilip Simeon Afzal Guru, convicted of conspiracy to wage war against India and murder in December 2001, was hanged on February 9, 2013, has reemerged as a martyr. The Democratic Students Union (DSU) had decided to hold a cultural meeting inside the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to protest against what they called athe judicial killing of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhata and in solidarity with athe struggle of Kashmiri people for their democratic right to self-determination.a The University having given permission for the event earlier, decided to withdraw it about 20 minutes before the meeting was to be held. This was done apparently, under pressure of the ABVP, the studentsa body of the BJP. What happened next is well known. The police arrested the JNUSU president, Kanhaiya Kumar on charges of aseditiona . Several others have also been taken into custody and the police are still looking for more students. The prompt police action against aanti-nationala students and its deliberate inaction in the case of assault on JNU students, teachers and journalists inside the Patiala House court and the statements by the Home Minister and other members of the government and ruling party alleging links between JNU students and Pakistani Jihadi organisations, clearly shows that the government believes that the students of the JNU were indulging in activities aimed at destroying the integrity and sovereignty of the country. Clearly, in this atmosphere of heightened indignation of the self-righteous nationalists, some of whom have said they would not hesitate to kill people who raised anti-national slogans, the JNU students have little chance of escaping being sacrificed at the altar of nationalism. Let me move away from what is happening and the debate about whether the JNU students should be charged with sedition. Let me get back to the issue of the protest against the execution of Afzal Guru. More critically why is the execution of Afzal Guru still seen as unjust by so many people of this country, and not just only Kashmiris. The slogan, "Tum kitne Afzal maaroge, har ghar se Afzal niklega!" (How many Afzals can you kill, Afzal will be born in every home) is significant as it shows that in the eyes of several people Afzal become a martyr. Afzal was convicted by the highest court of the land. His mercy petition filed by his wife, Tabassum was rejected by the President of India. The information about the rejection of the clemency petition was not communicated to Tabassum in time, denying Afzal the opportunity to appeal for a review of his case, a right granted to convicted persons by the judiciary of India. The government executed Afzal without informing his family and his lawyers. The clandestine execution of Afzal violating all procedures and even the law as laid down by the Supreme Court of the land has been seen by many as desperate attempts of ruling parties like the Congress and the BJP to pander to the frenzy of jingoism and appeal for votes. Afzal was too poor to be able to afford a lawyer, and had asked for legal aid from the state and the court. The Supreme Court has held in 1956 that the every accused has an inalienable right to be defended by a lawyer of his choice, and such representation and defence must be aeffectivea (Hansraj and Ors vs State, AIR, 1956, p. 641). Afzal never got a lawyer of his choice. The court appointed lawyers, Seema Gulati and then Niraj Bansal. At the very beginning of the trail, Seema Gulati conceded that the prosecution had prima facie evidence to frame charges. She admitted all the crucial documents and recovered items presented by the prosecution without demanding any formal proof. Later, all these were used as the basis for Afzalas conviction. After Gulatias departure midway through the trial, the court appointed Niraj Bansal, Gulatias junior as Afzalas lawyer. Afzalas repeated plea to the court that he did not have confidence in Bansal were ignored. It is evident that Niraj Bansal made virtually no efforts to oppose the prosecutionas case either on question of facts and law. The importance of the right to effective counsel was underlined by the Supreme Court when it said ajudicial justice with procedural intricacies, legal submissions and critical examination of evidence leans upon professional expertise; and a failure of equal justice under the law is on the cards where such supportive skill is absent for one sidea (Madhav Hayawadanrao Hoskot vs State of Maharashtra, AIR 1978, SC 1548, para 3). The manner in which the court appointed lawyers had defended Afzal, leaves little doubt it was a case of failure of equal justice. As Afzal had said, aI am Afzal for Kashmiris, and I am Afzal for Indians as well, but the two groups have an entirely conflicting perception of my beinga . He was a Kashmiri Muslim in Delhi, liable at any point of time to be confronted, attacked, tortured and imprisoned. Death penalty has little to do with guilt or deterrence. Prosecution of conspiracy cases which involve allegations of attempts to overthrow the government by waging war against the state is essentially a political trial. Justice in such political trials is not always guided by criminal procedure or substantive law, it is often influenced by majoritarian political considerations dressed in the garb of ademocratic valuesa . The Supreme Court of India while ruling in Afzal Guruas case confirmed this when it decided that a life had to be sacrificed to satisfy the acollective conscience of the peoplea . After the terrorist attack on the Indian parliament the nation needed a sacrifice for safeguarding itself against its enemies, particularly after the Operation Parakram, Indiaas first attempt at using military coercion against Pakistan, achieved only limited success. Afzal Guru embodied the perfect enemy. And the media, the military, the intelligence establishment and the politicians a all were agreed. He was a Kashmiri Muslim, a self-confessed failed militant, who had refused to become an informer for the security agencies. A lonely figure who was trying to make a living out of small business and feed his family a a virtual nobody. The court dispensed with its own rules and convicted him on the basis of circumstantial evidence. In anthropological theory, asacrificea , is ritualized violence concerned with marking and safeguarding social boundaries. The sacrifice is also of course a scapegoat. It is the ideal cultural spectacle for the disposal of bodies which threatens the edifice of the community itself. In modern times the community has been substituted by the anation statea . As if in recognition of the importance of rites of sacrifice, the Supreme Court in 2006 had declared that Afzal Guru was to be executed on the day of the Hindu festival of Diwali, when the Hindus in north India celebrate the triumph of Ram over Ravana by burning his effigies. Annoyed by the appeals that were filed against the execution order and its stay, Swapan Dasgupta, an ideologue of the Hindu nationalists, wrote, athis is the time of the year when India celebrates the triumph of good over evil a a it is ironic that this should be the time when the country was confronted with disagreeable demand aimed at puncturing our sense of Dharmaa . Execution of the evil is necessary to uphold Dharma. Already a line has been drawn between the people who are for upholding the Dharma and those who are against the Dharma. The death penalty has become the quintessential expression of the power of the nation and destruction of its enemy. In this scheme of things, the judicial system and the media have taken on the role of identifying the terrorists, who threaten the sovereignty and integrity of India. The Indian state sees the movement in Kashmir as Pakistanas proxy war. It refuses to accept that there is popular support for the movement for self-determination in Kashmir. Yet it has tied down nearly half a million members of its armed forces in crushing the movement in the valley for more than two and a half decades. All popular struggles for freedom have a deep moral core. In these movements there is a strong tradition of self-sacrifice for the cause of freedom. Through his execution, Afzal Guru, the failed freedom fighter has returned as a martyr. We are witnessing the unfolding of story of his martyrdom. It is the martyrdom of Afzal that has given birth to the slogan, "Tum kitne Afzal maaroge, har ghar se Afzal niklega!" (How many Afzals can you kill, Afzal will be born in every home). The Polisario leaders were starting to believe that the winds were blowing in their favor in the Iberian Kingdom, when the unexpected turnaround of the Spanish extreme leftist party, Podemos of Pablo Iglesias, distraught them. Podemos was so far a fervent supporter of the Polisarios separatist thesis. However, after Podemos entered the Parliament and is about to share executive power with the Socialists, it reportedly made a complete turnaround in its stand on the Western Sahara conflict. The young party, which has been asked by the Socialist Party (PSOE) of Pedro Sanchez to participate in a coalition government, released on Thursday its program for a stable government in Spain. In this 100-page program, the party makes no reference whatsoever to the Western Sahara issue or to the Polisario that it was supporting not so long ago. It seems that Podemos which is about to take power has finally understood that the supreme interests of Spain and Spaniards are with Morocco and not on the side of the Tindouf camps. Also, the small extreme leftist party has apparently reconsidered its position on the Moroccan Sahara issue and on the Polisario, following suit to the two other major parties in the country, the left-leaning PSOE and the conservative Peoples Party, which ended up realizing that the Sahrawi Republic (SADR) is a mere mirage in the Algerian desert. Moreover, in its program, Podemos makes no mention of the rejection of the Madrid Accords signed on November 14, 1975 between Morocco, Spain and Mauritania and that allowed Morocco to retrieve its Saharan provinces that were under Spains dominion. However, Pablo Iglesiass party, which ranked third in the legislative elections of last December 20, with 69 seats, said in its program that it was determined to recognize the State of Palestine and urged for the holding of a self-determination referendum in Catalonia, even if the PSOE continues to reject such a project. The Polisario representative in Madrid and other front leaders could not hide their disappointment, calling the partys stand treason. This is a new blow to the separatist Polisario after the about-face from the Swedish government which decided not to recognize the puppet Sahrawi Republic proclaimed by the Polisario and endorsed by Algiers. Hello beauties, welcome to Asoebi fashion Friday!! We refuse to let you go into this weekend without looking glamorous and fabulous in your... Click On Our Advertisers Ads Most of our ads have links to take you directly to their Websites. Just click on an ad and away you go. The State That Pulled The Plug On Computer Testing NPR: Nearly two-dozen states have moved to online exams, many with the PARCC and Smarter Balanced consortiums. And Scherich says many have run into trouble. Florida's rollout was particularly rough. But Tennessee is unusual for abandoning computer-based testing for the year. In the age of Common Core, states are still defining proficient differently Washington Post: A new study says that PARCC tests are scored much more rigorously than Smarter Balanced. How Chicago Teachers Union spends its money Sun-Times: With more than $25 million a year in dues coming from 28,000 teachers and other school employees, CTU president Karen Lewis and her 77-member staff are a well-funded adversary for the mayor and his schools chief, Forrest Claypool, a Chicago Sun-Times examination of the unions financial filings shows. California court to rule on suit to scrap K-12 funding system KPCC: Creating a funding system around what it costs to prepare each student for college or a career would ensure every student can succeed in the work force and succeed as an engaged citizen in our democracy, Affeldt said. But the county court dismissed that claim, saying that the state legislature can fund schools how it chooses and the constitution does not demand that schools meet any bar for excellence. And beyond the constitutional issues, the case also raises questions about what it means for schools to prepare students for college and to participate fully in civic life, and how much that costs. Young Students Call for More School Diversity WNYC: The goal would be to distribute students more evenly among the schools by setting aside seats for low-income students. It's a topic of great interest for adults but one that most profoundly affects children which is why WNYC convened a small group of third graders from East Village Community School. Why Science Teachers are Struggling with Climate Change NPR: Roughly 3 in 4 say they talk about global warming in class, though typically only for an hour or two. But the study's lead author, Eric Plutzer of Penn State, says barely a majority are getting the science right. Got an A in Algebra? Thats Worth $120 NYT: Raise.me, a three-year-old start-up, allows students to accrue incremental scholarship credits by entering their high school achievements on a website. Teaching Bronx Students the Language of Computers NYT: A growing movement in the borough seeks to equip young people with the knowledge and the skills to write code so that they can navigate an increasingly digital world. City data shows number in Absent Teacher Reserve remains steady Chalkbeat: The latest numbers show that 1,083 teachers were collecting salaries and benefits without holding full-time positions in schools last month, compared to 1,102 in January 2015. Mayor Bill de Blasio and the city teachers union have pledged to reduce the size of the pool, which swelled under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and costs the city millions of dollars each year. Despite new requirements, L.A. Unified's projected graduation rate soars LA Times: For years, Los Angeles school officials have suggested that miracle academic turnarounds would be unsustainable and even suspect, and that real and lasting gains for the academically lagging school system would be a step-by-step journey. On Friday, that gospel changed. Seattle Public Schools sends test results to wrong families Seattle Times: School district officials blame a database error and ask those who mistakenly received the 348 confidential letters to please return them unopened. Inaugural rhetoric about freedom and liberty in prison nation | Main | The Obama Administration moves forward (on-line) with its "change" agenda for criminal justice January 20, 2009 Is it too early to start demanding President Obama use his clemency power? Barack Obama has been President of the United States for barely an hour, but he has already issued his first official proclamation. Here are some notable snippets: On this Inauguration Day, we are reminded that we are heirs to over two centuries of American democracy, and that this legacy is not simply a birthright -- it is a glorious burden. Now it falls to us to come together as a people to carry it forward once more. So in the words of President Abraham Lincoln, let us remember that: "The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature." NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 20, 2009, a National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation, and call upon all of our citizens to serve one another and the common purpose of remaking this Nation for our new century. Sounds good to me. And if the new President really is committed to renewal and reconciliation, if he is really committed to the belief in the ability of everyone, even those who have committed crimes in the past, to be "again touched ... by the better angels of our nature," he ought to celebrate today by using his clemency power aggressively to help many of the offenders who got an undeserved cold shoulder from former President George W. Bush. January 20, 2009 at 01:02 PM | Permalink TrackBack TrackBack URL for this entry: https://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451574769e2010536e814dc970c Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Is it too early to start demanding President Obama use his clemency power?: Comments Doug, do you really think that Barack Obama is dumb enough to put his agenda at risk by releasing bunches of criminals into society? What, pray tell, do you think happens if one of those guys decides to kill someone? Obama gets blamed, and it will impact his agenda. That's the reality, and you know what, it is fair to hold the executive accountable for pardons. I agree that the pardon/clemency power is not used enough. But there are political realities to its use, and you cannot be blind to them. Governor Ehrlich of Maryland was a good model. Perhaps Obama can learn from him. Posted by: | Jan 20, 2009 1:10:07 PM There are thousands (perhaps tens of thousands) of federal offenders in prison for non-violent offenses who may be less likely than many readers of this blog to kill anyone. Notably, President Obama's proclamation speaks of "the courage and decency of the American people," and I think he could and should show a little courage and decency by finding at least one of those offenders he can trust to show just a hint of mercy today. I would like to believe our new President is smart enough to understand that there are people right now in prison who have done less terrible things that the President himself admitted to doing in his autobiographies. Posted by: Douglas A. Berman | Jan 20, 2009 1:18:43 PM Doug is absolutely correct. The alleged political "risk" of clemency is almost certainly overstated. I know of several clemency recipients of Reagan and Clinton who reoffended after receiving a commutation or a pardon. One benighted person actually murdered his wife, albeit 20 years after Reagan commuted his sentence for a bank robbery conviction. The fact that you've likely never heard about these cases makes my point. The Willie Horton episode was simply a deplorable and dishonest campaign tactic. It's become a part of the "received wisdom" and should be put in proper context. If the Pardon Attorney's Office does its job properly, and actually makes an effort to single out deserving cases, we would have about as much reliability as is reasonably possible, accepting that no human process is going to be perfect. Prosecution and sentencing decisions aren't perfect either, but I don't see anyone wringing their hands about that. The best way for Obama to take the political sting out of the pardon process is to make it a routine house-keeping part of the presidency. I would agree that he shouldn't start by, say, commuting thousands of drug cases at once. But he could restore public confidence in the pardon system by regularly and responsibly exercising the power in deserving cases. Posted by: anon | Jan 20, 2009 1:38:27 PM George W. Bush reduced or eliminated sentences of persons already serving prison sentences in just 11 instances over eight years (the remaining cases simply removed the collateral effects of felony convictions already fully served). It is safe to guess that Obama will ultimately be more generous. Posted by: ohwilleke | Jan 20, 2009 2:46:52 PM Doug, when you say "non-violent", you probably cover up for a lot of sins. In any event, I think you should be forthright in that regard. Putting that to one side, Doug, you hit the nail on the head when you talk about the numbers. Lets say Bush, instead of reducing sentences in 11 instances did so in 150 instances. That would certainly make you guys think him better, but the reality is that it would be a drop in the bucket. It wouldn't fundamentally alter our incarceration policies one bit, nor, on the macro scale would it change things much--there would still be thousands in the pokey. What you're looking for, unless you are satisfied with tokenism, is a muscular use of the clemency power to deal with those thousands of "non-violent" offenders. And if you think for a second that Obama would not suffer politically for what these guys do, you are simply naive. I am of the firm opinion that a prison bed is a scarce resource and that clemency has a role in maximizing the value we get from that scarce resource. But there are political realities that need to be considered. And making a meaningful dent in the incarceration of thousands presents a lot of risk. Why this is a hard concept is beyond me. Anon talks about Willie Horton--can someone please explain why a first-degree murderer should be given weekend furloughs in the ordinary course? Posted by: | Jan 20, 2009 3:36:17 PM My husband along with thousands of other first time non violent offenders inmates were hopeful and filed for commutation from President Bush, only to have their hopes dashed one again. I cannot understand how you can serve 55 years in prison for a small amount of marijuana or be sentenced to 8 years one month in prison for lobster tails as my husband did. He has already been in prison going into five years . It's obsured. I am happy for the "border agents" that President Bush commutated them . I feel their sentence was not just either. But their families are not the only ones suffering. We all are. Because we don't have the connections to contact the US pardon Attorney directly like the "border agents" lawyer did I do not feel that this is fair or right either. For all of you who comment and feel like all first time non violent offenders deserve to be in prison. i hope that you are never the target of proscution, because you will know first hand what the stystem is really llike. Posted by: | Jan 20, 2009 4:36:54 PM 3:36:17 PM, I think you're correct that Obama would pay a heavy political price if he suddenly commuted thousands of sentences, but no one is being naive about this. I advocated a measured case-by-case approach to clemency precisely to reduce the risk inherent in clemency. I never supposed that this would "fundamentally alter our incarceration policies" by itself. But it could be used as a tool to illustrate the need for legislative change, and a powerful one at that, if Obama wants to take on the issue of criminal justice reform. That is not merely "tokenism." Posted by: anon | Jan 20, 2009 4:47:03 PM Anon, I wrote that one. When I said "tokenism", I was talking about releasing a few people out of the thousands. And since Doug said the number was in the thousands, then I think you're naive if you believe that Obama is going to do anything but a few symbolic clemencies. Most people agree that the crack-powder distinction is too much. Having lived thru the crack epidemic, I am not sure that a 1:1 ratio is the right answer either. Crystal meth and crack seem to be about the same on the destructiveness scale--is there much of a disparity between the two? I believe 4:36:54 was talking about a Honduran named McAn. His case was deserving of executive clemency. It's unfortunate that did not happen. Hopefully, President Obama will see fit to release him. Posted by: federalist | Jan 20, 2009 5:20:19 PM For the record, 3:36:17 PM, for right now I would be quite "satisfied with tokenism." In light of all the forces that push toward sentencing severity, even a clemency token --- dare I say a token of sentencing justice --- would be a welcome symbol that the "politics of fear" really might get replaces with the "practice of hope" in the operation of the federal criminal justice system. Posted by: Douglas A. Berman | Jan 20, 2009 5:26:46 PM 4:36:54 PM, you don't seem to be taking advantage of the most selfish amendment, the First Amendment. Gather up the kids if you have any, get your local reporter to stop by and pull the heart strings. The story has to be about 90% emotional and you have good cause. No kids? Figure another angle. The story has to "have legs," meaning it has to develop a momentum of its own. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. It has to have just the right touch to kick it off, so if the first or second reporter doesn't do the trick, try a third. Try contacting Huckabee and getting on his show. He's a real Republican. Try contacting Nancy Grac... no, skip that. The media has to have conflict and drama. Give them a story. Send brief but effective letters to the editors saying what your wrote here. Make this tragedy the talk around water coolers. Posted by: George | Jan 20, 2009 8:02:15 PM You want to make a REAL systemic impact? Instead of pardoning/commuting a hundred or so offenders or sentences, go ahead and increase the good time rate for federal inmates (retroactively, of course). Double the rate from 54 to 108 days, and you effectively cut ALL (or at least the vast majority) of sentences by another 13 or so percent. It would result in the immediate release, most likely, of a few hundred offenders, (who would not be pardoned, but would immediately begin serving their terms of supervised release) and have a long term dampening effect on the 200,000 figure we've become accustomed to in federal prisons. In my humble opinion, it's a MUCH more politically palatable (i.e. possible) resolution than large-scale pardons. Posted by: | Jan 20, 2009 10:56:49 PM For a start - release non violent marijuana offenders over 60. This would soften the "Willie Horton" fear. George is right. when all else has fails you still have the right to launch a first rate PR campaign. It's just pathetic that that's the only way to justice. I'm familiar with 4:36 husband's case and it is painful. He should not be in prison. Posted by: beth | Jan 21, 2009 12:11:20 AM federalist, With all due respect, if you think it wouldnt have been a big deal if Bush had granted 150 commutations, then you are the one who is being politically naive. It would have been a huge deal. It would have given the reform movement an incredible shot of momentum by illustrating, in a vivid way, the problems with the current punishment system. I think we all more or less agree that systematic legislative reform is the ultimate answer. The question is how to make that happen, and I think clemency can be a trigger. So, no, Obama isnt going to solve the problem of mass incarceration with a relatively few commutation grants. By the same token, its cynical rather than realistic to suggest that the responsible use of the clemency power would be merely symbolic in its effects. I would also remind everyone who worries (reasonably enough) about the Willie Horton syndrome that the opposite is also possible. For example, at least thus far, recent federal commutation grantees have acquitted themselves quite well. To my knowledge, none have reoffended and many are flourishing. My personal favorite is Serena Nunn, who was commuted by Clinton in 2000 after spending about a decade in prison for a non-violent drug offense. She has since finished college, started a family, hosted a talk radio show, finished law school, and recently sat for the bar. Was her grant a meaningless drop in the bucket merely because there are thousands of others who might also deserve a second chance? How many lives do you think her commutation has effected in a positive way? As Hugo Bedau put it, The underlying principle ought to be this: It is better to risk some social cost in order to extend mercy to an offender than to risk unnecessary punitive deprivations by withholding mercy. Posted by: anon | Jan 21, 2009 2:39:49 AM My point, which seems to have been lost, is that, as a practical matter, if one thinks that there are thousands or even tens of thousands of prisoners languishing in federal prisons, it is naive to think that a president is going to risk his presidency on reducing that number in a significant amount via the pardon power. There is little doubt that Barack Obama is sympathetic to criminals. His commentary on the Jena Six removes all questions about that. A six-on-one racially motivated stomping of an unconscious victim was described by Barack Obama as a "schoolyard fight". (One wonders, of course, if the races had been reversed whether Obama would have been quite so charitable to the assailants.) But Obama is also sympathetic to a lot of other people, and is smart enough to realize that letting lots of criminals go can have a lot of political fallout if some of them wind up causing significant harm. Clinton's grant obviously was a good one, and I think I;ve made myself clear that I think that the clemency power can be a tool to ensure that we are making the best use of a scarce resource. I also think that there are people who are suffering needlessly cruel sentences, and executives should use the pardon power to deal with these issues. However, different people have different views on the subject. I wonder if Mr. Bedau has to live in areas where there are a lot of ex-cons. Posted by: federalist | Jan 21, 2009 11:22:03 AM federalist, Your crack about Bedau is a cheap shot. And, for the record, I'd rather have Serena Nunn as my neighbor than someone with a smug attitude of moral superiority. Moreover, you are being deliberately obtuse when you suggest that we seem to have missed your point. Rather, your argument is a non-sequitur, because no one is disagreeing with you on that particular point. For the third time, you are correct that Obama isn't going to throw open the prison doors via the pardon power, for just the sorts of reasons you suggest. But it doesn't follow that the pardon power can't be used as a tool in shaping sentencing policy, in addition to providing relief in individual cases. Posted by: anon | Jan 21, 2009 12:25:00 PM It wasn't intended as a cheap shot. It was intended as a means to evaluate Bedau's statement. It's easy to be "enlightened" with other people's safety. And maybe you'd rather live next door to Ms. Nunn than me, and that's cool. But that's not really the issue. I have zero issues with the pardon, and I suspect that most people would agree with me. Would you rather live next door to a random drug crime pardonee? With respect to my being obtuse. I suggest you re-read the original post. Doug was talking about "many" of the offenders who got a cold shoulder from Bush--that's not an insignificant number. In the spirit of not talking past each other, I'll leave you with this. On the macro level, when it comes to pardons, there necessarily isn't going to be a whole lot of "delta" between Bush the parsimonious and Obama the generous. You guys are looking, it seems to me, at symbolism. I am saying that symbolism aside, if you think that thousands of people are unjustly imprisoned, whining about Bush's parsimony really misses the point. Posted by: federalist | Jan 21, 2009 2:47:23 PM It was a cheap shot. Bedau is a respected scholar who has written about these issues for many years. To speculate that he is a hypocrite (i.e., do as I say, not as I do) is unfair. If you intend to "evaluate" his statement, then make an argument. With respect to the average pardonee convicted of a drug crime, I've met several and I'd be comfortable living next door to any of them. Posted by: anon | Jan 21, 2009 5:20:59 PM The question is not the current pardonee, the process is tight enough that anyone who gets through on merit is likely to be highly deserving. Instead the question is how comfortable you would be if that process were made looser. Also, I doubt that 150 commutations spread over 8 years would have made any difference to how people view the federal CJ system. 150 a year perhaps, but not 20. Posted by: Soronel Haetir | Jan 22, 2009 12:32:57 AM Post a comment Are more video court appearances (and eventually cyber-courts) inevitable as cost-cutting innovation? | Main | Notable Sixth Circuit opinion on resentencing requirements May 10, 2011 Updated numbers on President Obama's disgraceful clemency record Thanks to this post by P.S. Ruckman over at his Pardon Power blog, we now have these updated statistics on how disgracefully stingy President Obama has been in his use of his clemency power. Here is the data: The last 12 presidents have, on average, waited 248 days (.7 years) before granting the first act of federal executive clemency. President Obama waited 682 days (or 1.9 years) before granting a mere 9 pardons. The last 12 presidents have, on average, waited 338 days (.9 years) before granting the first commutation of sentence. President Obama, who has yet to grant a single commutation of sentence, has waited 834 days (or 2.3 years). No president has been slower to grant a commutation of sentence save George W. Bush! Obama has received almost 4,000 requests for commutation of sentence and has rejected 1,157. These numbers would be discouraging even if the federal prison population and the federal budget deficit were not at historic highs. But I find especially disgusting the failure of the Obama administration to even grant a single commutation to any of the many thousands of persons serving extra-long crack sentences based on the old (now-repealed) 100-1 sentencing ratio that the Obama Administration itself has repeatly said are unfair. Maybe it is time for those interested in real hope and change in criminal justice policies and practices to start rooting for Newt in 2012. Some older and newer related posts: May 10, 2011 at 09:34 AM | Permalink TrackBack TrackBack URL for this entry: https://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451574769e2014e88588984970d Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Updated numbers on President Obama's disgraceful clemency record: Comments Sure, he should grant clemency so the Republicans can crucify him with a Willie Horton or two? Doug, face it; the pardon power is effectively dead for our generation. Posted by: anon1 | May 10, 2011 10:01:53 AM Why post such a BIAS and self-promoting agenda driven blog? Gee, you think the author has a personal vendetta against crack cocaine sentences? He thinks every one of them should get clemency, to hell with the Jury verdicts, Judges decisions, and Congress' will. Posted by: DeanO | May 10, 2011 10:30:51 AM "to hell with the Jury verdicts, Judges decisions, and Congress' will" Issuing a sentencing commutation has nothing at all to do with jury verdicts. The person still has a conviction. Issuing a sentencing commutation in a crack case subjected to 100:1 has nothing to do with a judge's decision. Judges' sentencing decisions were subject to mandatory minimum constraints, and pre-Kimbrough they were forced to follow even the Guidelines. Issuing a sentencing commutation to reflect the new 18:1 ratio would actually FURTHER Congress's will. Finally, DeanO, I'm not sure if "vendetta" is the correct word, but, speaking for myself, I do have a very big problem with crack sentences. What's wrong with that? Virtually EVERYONE agrees that 100:1 was wrong and unjust. And it was a good start to implement 18:1. There are too many people currently in prison under the 100:1 ratio who have already served an unduly long sentence. Any attempt to remedy that problem should be welcomed. Posted by: DEJ | May 10, 2011 11:37:30 AM Regardless of one's position on Obama's policies, I think there's no doubt that, thusfar, it has been a presidency in a petri dish: policies so carefully ultra-calibrated to not disturb the status quo such that there is very little rippling effect in any direction. His decision to do extremely little in the way of pardons is another example of this, and I think shows a serious lack of political courage. Posted by: anonymous | May 10, 2011 11:53:30 AM I imagine that clemency and commutation power, as originally envisioned, was meant to correct individual instances of injustice. However, with a federal criminal justice system as large as it is today and with so many individual petitions to sort through, it's difficult for a President to identify individual injustices that warrant exercise of the power. That's not a justification for Obama's failure on this front, but it may help explain it. That being said, perhaps the most effective (practical?) use of the clemency and commutation power in modern-times is to generally right the wrong of wide-spread instances of injustice. And on that front, the 100:1 crack sentencing epidemic is tailor made for commutation decisions. Putting together the desire to analyze every case individually, with the practical end of correcting wide-spread injustices, let me suggest the following example: It would be a warranted exercise of the commutation power for a President, as a start, to commute the sentence of every crack defendant who was given a 2-level reduction under 3582(c)(2) due to the Commission's crack amendment, and the new sentence after commutation would reflect an 18:1 ratio. In doing so, there would already be an individual determination by an Article III judge that a) the defendant's sentence was driven by the harsh 100:1 ratio, and b) the individual defendant warranted a reduced sentence. Simultaneously, the President would be using his power in a large-scale correction of a wide-spread sentencing problem. Would this ever happen? Almost certainly not. But, IMO, it would be a nice start. (BTW, anonymous, I don't agree Obama lacks political courage. He uses his political capital on things he values highly and doesn't choose to do so on things he values less. Any President does that. One may disagree on what is worth (or not worth) spending the capital on, but it's not the case that he doesn't engage in spurts of courage). Posted by: DEJ | May 10, 2011 12:15:34 PM DEJ, With all respect I disagree that difficulty in sorting through the sheer number of applications explains in any way the Obama's decision not to act. I believe his administration and staff are fully capable with the logistics of dealing with applications for clemency. In terms of political courage, I refer to Obama's own unfulfilled promises that he himself originally identified during his campaign and even in the first few months of his candidacy. Specific policies and overall change he advocated for has gone unfulfilled in many aspects, and he has even backed off altogether on some policies. If he had advocated and run on a program of staying the course, that would have been different. But he ran on a platform of change, and his actions as president on the whole do not show the political courage to carry those forth, in my opinion. And, may I add, I think is very apparent not only on a policy level, but in his power to affect public discourse and debate. Posted by: anonymous | May 10, 2011 1:11:07 PM I find nothing disgraceful about it. Although George W. Bush exercised the power sooner, most of his pardons/commutations were in the most minor, practically meaningless (in the eyes of the public) cases. When he chose to exercise it in a non-trivial case, it was to help out a crony, Scooter Libby. It is well known that on leaving office, Bush specifically told Obama that he thought the pardon process was broken. How right he was! Pardons are a presidential prerogative, but not an obligation. It is one of many things a president may do, but is not required to do. It would be fine with me if he leaves office having pardoned nobody. Posted by: Marc Shepherd | May 10, 2011 2:26:48 PM "Specific policies and overall change he advocated for has gone unfulfilled in many aspects, and he has even backed off altogether on some policies." I absolutely agree. I view this as more about the ability to compromise and know what is realistic, and less about political courage. Being a pragmatist on some issues does not mean one lack's political courage. So you know where I am coming from, I am disappointed in many of the compromises Obama has made. But perhaps a pragmatist makes a better President than most give them credit for. I think the un-fulfillment of promises comes from a desire to get *something* accomplished, even if it's less than his ideal. Political courage, however, has little to do with it. "his power to affect public discourse and debate" Sadly, I don't believe even the most skilled politician, nor any amount of political courage, would have accomplished that in our modern-day environment. Posted by: DEJ | May 10, 2011 7:12:55 PM Lets face it, politicians, even Obama isnot going to appear weak on crime.. Its the fastest and surest way to leave office....Or is it....The time is right and the federal budget needs trimming, I would think communting all that got the 2 level drop about now, would be viewed as gutsy...Similar to wacking Usama...Which in my view, really raised Obamas score and in general most Americans....Annon may be right, commutations might be done, but I would hope they aren't.... I would think the 7 extra days of good time credit and HOPEFULLY additional credits of meaning full value could happen.. But I think its too little too late. Politicians, Bill, Federalist, DEJ and Kent would sooner see 90% of the nation rot in prison.... All except for Judge Jack Camp isn't that right.. Hes extra special.... Posted by: Josh | May 10, 2011 10:28:02 PM i was thinking the same thing DEJ and josh a quick one page order ordering the releae of anyone in this position to take effect immediately would be a bell ringer and would open a lot of eyes as to just how bad it was once the total number of those relased hit the public! Posted by: rodsmith | May 10, 2011 10:50:42 PM Josh, What would ever cause you to believe and/or assert that I "would sooner see 90% of the nation rot in prison"? That's so far from who I am or the views I hold that it's laughable. Similarly, what in this thread, or any comment I've ever made, would cause you to imply that I would be opposed to 7 more days of good time credit? Or that I supported Jack Camp?! I was and am quite upset at what happened in the Camp case. If you read my comments, you would see that I actually suggested a mass sentencing commutation of those currently imprisoned who received a crack reduction under 3582 -- an action you described as "gutsy." I've called the 100:1 sentencing scheme unjust and said that 18:1 is just a start in the right direction. Your inclusion of me in that list of names is so absurd and out-of-place that it *almost* doesn't warrant this reply. Posted by: DEJ | May 11, 2011 2:59:20 AM DEJ -- It cracked me up, so to speak, to see that you had joined the Neanderthal Club. You tend to speak in moderate tones, generally steer clear of ad hominem stuff, and reason rather than snarl, and to that extent I am happy to be grouped with you. But Josh's idea that you view criminal justice as Kent, federalist and I do is, not to put too fine a point on it, crazy. Posted by: Bill Otis | May 11, 2011 9:59:37 AM DEJ-- Sorry, I did include you with the G-Men crew (government view Only) didn't I....I made an assumption without enough background on you....So your in the clear and I really am not for dong so....Have a nice day..I was wrong. Posted by: Josh | May 11, 2011 7:21:41 PM Thanks Bill! We don't often agree, but it's always a good time exchanging comments with you. I would never title that group the Neanderthal Club, but nonetheless it certainly was a case of "one of these things don't belong here." And thanks Josh for your acknowledgment. Posted by: DEJ | May 12, 2011 8:38:01 PM Post a comment Notable new talk of death penalty repeal efforts in New Hampshire | Main | "Have We Lost the War on Drugs?" Barack Obama has rarely exercised presidential clemency to grant pardons and restore the civil rights of convicted criminals, a power that Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt and other presidents used with dedication to correct injustices in the legal system. Mr. Obama has pardoned only 22 people, fewer than any president since the modern era of pardons began in 1900. He has granted a pardon for 1 out of every 50 applicants, compared with 1 out of 33 for George W. Bush, 1 of 8 for Bill Clinton and 1 of 3 for Ronald Reagan. In part, this has been a reaction to Presidents Clinton and Bush, both of whom compromised the pardon power with cronyism. But the basic problem may be that Mr. Obama allowed himself to be crippled by the pardon process itself. That process is managed by the Justice Department, which receives applications for clemency and makes recommendations to the White House. Presumably, the president is willing to use acts of clemency to right the wrongs of the sentencing and judicial systems. Yet the same cannot be said of the Justice Department, which has a prosecutorial mind-set. It has undermined the process with huge backlogs and delays, and sometimes views pardons as an affront to federal efforts to fight crime. Over the years, too, the process appears to have been tainted by racial bias. As ProPublica documented in an analysis of Bush administration pardons, whites benefited from pardons four times as often as members of minority groups, even though blacks alone made up 38 percent of the federal prison population. That report prompted a continuing Justice Department review by its Bureau of Justice Statistics. In addition, the departments pardon office is run by a Bush-appointed lawyer, Ronald L. Rodgers, whose professional conduct has been excoriated by the Justice Departments own inspector general and referred to the deputy attorney general for possible administrative action. In 2008, in transmitting a proposed pardon to the White House, Mr. Rodgers misrepresented the views of both the United States attorney who made the recommendation and the judge who seconded it. The prisoner was denied a pardon. One simple and immediate way for the president to reinvigorate the pardons process is to choose a person of stature and energy say, a federal judge to steward his administrations pardon duties. At the same time, he can end the departments conflict of interest by replacing the pardons office with a new bipartisan commission under the White Houses aegis, giving it ample resources and real independence. There is much good to be done, for the sake of justice as well as mercy. Many federal inmates are serving egregiously long prison terms under mandatory minimum sentencing schemes. Mr. Obama could use the pardon power to grant clemency to some long-term prisoners, until Congress reforms those laws. He could also use that power to spare some federal offenders who have completed their prison terms from the legal restrictions that have kept them from getting jobs, places to live, business licenses and the chance to vote. And he could address the unfortunate consequences of the nations unfair drug sentencing laws. As of November 2011, there were at least 5,000 federal prisoners serving sentences for crack cocaine who deserved consideration for reduced sentences after a major reform of federal drug laws in 2010. Those prisoners were sentenced when the penalty for crimes involving crack was far more severe than for crimes involving powder cocaine; in 2010, Congress reduced that difference, but the older sentences remained unchanged. In 2003, Justice Anthony Kennedy observed that the pardon power had been drained of its moral force. The Constitution grants the president alone the power to grant pardons for offenses against the United States. It is time for Mr. Obama to vigorously exercise this august and singular responsibility. Lots of notable support for work of federal Over-Criminalization Task Force | Main | Is an execution-free, state death penalty system better or worse than no death penalty at all? July 21, 2013 "Clemency Reform: We're Still Waiting" A year ago, The Washington Post and ProPublica reported that the Obama administration was set to reverse its poor record on clemency. At the time, President Obama was coming under growing pressure from sentencing law experts, sentencing reform groups, and civil rights organizations for granting fewer commutations and pardons than any president in modern history. Frustration was high because, in 2008, then-candidate Obama had railed against lengthy mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent offenders, a growing population within the federal prison system. In an apparent attempt to address this frustration as Election Day 2012 approached, an unnamed administration official told the Post-ProPublica, "There will be 76 days between the election and inauguration for the president to exercise his [clemency] power." Advisers said he planned to act whether he won or lost the election. It didn't happen. Since winning reelection, President Obama has not commuted a single sentence. Instead, during the first nine months of fiscal year 2013, the president has denied 2,232 requests for commutation, more than any other president in history denied in a single year. Last week, the Justice Department sent a letter to the U.S. Sentencing Commission warning that the growing federal prison population was causing severe budgetary problems. The Department said policymakers were confronted with a stark choice: either "reduce the prison population and prison spending" or be prepared for "fewer prosecutors to bring charges, fewer agents to investigate federal crimes, less support to state and local criminal justice partners, less support for treatment, prevention and intervention programs, and cuts along a range of other criminal justice priorities." Rather than jeopardize public safety by cutting investigators and prosecutors, the Department recommended that the Sentencing Commission (and Congress) reduce drug penalties for low-level offenders and "focus severe penalties on serious and repeat drug traffickers." The question our country faces, the Department wrote, is "how will those involved in crime policy ensure that every dollar invested in public safety is spent in the most productive way possible?" If the administration wants to make certain every dollar of our nation's public safety budget is spent productively, as it should, President Obama should begin to exercise his executive clemency authority. For starters, he might look at the 2,000 individuals serving sentences of life without parole for drug crimes. He also should look at the 8,800 individuals serving lengthy crack cocaine sentences that were based on a formula that was repudiated by Congress when it passed the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010.... The pardon power can't fix 30 years of flawed policy, but it can provide meaningful -- and best of all, immediate -- relief to thousands who have already served long sentences and who pose no threat to public safety. It has been a year since the White House said it would get moving on clemency. We're still waiting. The title of this post is the headline of this recent commentary by Julie Stewart, the President of Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM), appearing at The Huffington Post. Here are excerpts: I believe Julie wrote this commentary before the President made his remarks about the Martin/Zimmerman case on Friday. But Prez Obama said just days ago that the "African American community is also knowledgeable that there is a history of racial disparities in the application of our criminal laws -- everything from the death penalty to enforcement of our drug laws." Rather than simply talk about what he views as "history of racial disparities in the application of our criminal laws," perhaps Prez Obama might think about actually doing something about them by, for example, granting at least a few commutations to at least a few federal prisoners still serving extreme crack sentences under the pre-FSA 100-1 drug quantity sentencing ratio. Sadly, it seems yet again that our nation's first African-American President (as well as its first African-American Attorney General) are far more eager to talk the talk than to walk the walk when it comes to criminal justice reform. UPDATE: I have just seen that Mark Osler has forcefully argued that the Obama Administration should be getting to work on crack clemencies rather than fly-speck the Zimmerman case in this commentary at MSNBC headlined "The speck in Floridas eye, and the log in DOJs." Here is one key paragraph from Mark's commentary: For this administration to re-open the Zimmerman case, with all the resources that will take, would be the equivalent of pointing at the speck in Floridas eye while ignoring the log in its own. While the Trayvon Martin case involved one tragedy, more than 5,000 African-Americans remain in prison under lengthy federal sentences under a sentencing regime which has now been rejected by all three branches of government. That scheme which sentenced defendants to the same mandatory minimum term for either 500 grams of powder cocaine or just 5 grams of crack was rejected by the administration, by the courts, and finally in 2010 by Congress, which reduced the ratio from 100-1 to 18-1. July 21, 2013 at 03:40 PM | Permalink TrackBack TrackBack URL for this entry: https://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451574769e201910455e697970c Listed below are links to weblogs that reference "Clemency Reform: We're Still Waiting": Comments Doug -- "Rather than simply talk about what he views as "history of racial disparities in the application of our criminal laws," perhaps Prez Obama might think about actually doing something about them..." Two questions. First, are you suggesting that the President consider race in deciding whether to grant clemency? Second, do you believe sentencing judges should consider race in deciding the length of the original punishment? I have some other questions, too. We have often heard right here that it's better that a hundred guilty men go free than that one innocent one be convicted. Do you believe that? Do you think it applies to George Zimmerman (even assuming Zimmerman were guilty)? Can you think of any reason why not a single liberal, not a single officer of the Justice Department, and (for that matter) not the President, has repeated this oft-invoked saying, one we frequently hear in criminal law debates but that, it seems to me, is completely absent from liberal lips in the present context? Where has it gone all of a sudden? Posted by: Bill Otis | Jul 21, 2013 4:08:27 PM Many "liberals" have voiced support of the verdict (the blog TalkLeft was strongly supportive; not sure if they are "liberals" though!), in part because as a whole in the long run, a respect for "beyond a reasonable doubt" etc. would promote ends they are concerned about. The ACLU also officially noted they reject federal prosecution, saying they believe (noting current precedent is different) it is a sort of "double jeopardy." Again, not sure if they are "liberal." A defense attorney with liberal leanings at Prawblawg even provided a follow-up to previous remarks to make clear she felt the verdict was correct. I am not sure if the "100 people guilty" concept has to be specifically cited here. As to "Prez" Obama, he has done something, including regarding drug courts and addressing differentials in drug sentencing. He also supported drug treatment. Our "first AA President" has done a few things to deal with criminal justice reform. Very well might do more, though w/o the Congress, there is just so much "Prez" Obama can do. Of course, he is not that "left," more moderate. Posted by: Joe | Jul 22, 2013 11:21:14 AM Joe -- After years of hearing the nose-in-the-air liberal anthem, "Better that 100 guilty men go free...!!!" -- and hearing it hundreds of times -- one might think we'd hear it at least once in the midst of all the commentary that has gone on with Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin. But I haven't. Have you? If so, you don't mention it. So where has it gone? Why doesn't someone pipe up with it at any of these many Al Sharpton marches? The answer is that the Lefties never before had an objection to an erroneous acquittal. To the contrary, such things were to be celebrated as the triumph of the beaten down defendant over the Big Bad Government. Liberals discover their outrage only now, WHEN THE GRIEVANCE GROUP MEMBER DU JOUR IS THE HOMICIDE VICTIM. Then, but only then, does the Left show its true colors. As I'm sure you have seen, there is suddenly talk on the Left of doing away with the BRD standard, and there is new enthusiasm for the dual sovereignty doctrine so that Zimmerman can be prosecuted in federal court based on the same facts. Of course not a word of that newfound "tuff on crime" mantra (as Grits would say) was uttered when Casey Anthony got away with offing her two year-old so she could go back to party time. Not a single one of the many liberals who comment on this site said anything like, "This verdict is an outrage!" Nope, it was all, "Hey, look, this is how our system works, and it's the pride of America." Unlike Casey Anthony, Zimmerman actually was not guilty of criminal homicide, and thus his acquittal was correct (as I believe you previously acknowledged). But instead of this correct verdict being "the pride of America," it is, according to the Outraged Left, the shame of America. We're all bigots! Jim Crow never went away! It's a gussied-up lynching!! You can deny the Left's mind-bending hypocrisy all you care to, but it won't do any good. It's on MSNBC, among numerous other outlets, every night. P.S. By contrast, when the Casey Anthony acquittal came down, did I or any other conservative call for abandoning the BRD standard? Not that I recall, but if you have an example, by all means show it. Posted by: Bill Otis | Jul 22, 2013 1:03:01 PM personally i think duel soverign is about as much illegal bullshit as the one on state secrets and soverign immunity! If the feds want to try him. take over the case and do it. You don't get to get a do-over! just becasue you don't like the verdict of the first court! Posted by: rodsmith | Jul 22, 2013 4:11:25 PM A lot of verbiage there Mr. Otis. As noted, many on the left supported the verdict, in part because it is correct under the system they support as a whole for criminal defendants in general. I don't know why one specific aspect of this system concerns you so much now. If they support the system, they support the 1/100 metric too unless otherwise noted, which is part of the logic behind BRD. Posted by: Joe | Jul 22, 2013 6:38:40 PM Joe -- "A lot of verbiage there Mr. Otis." Is that YOU talking?? "As noted, many on the left supported the verdict..." No they didn't. They ACCEPTED it with a bunch of sourpuss looks, which is different from supporting it. And you wisely don't deny that a lot of them neither supported nor accepted it, and instead are still calling for Zimmerman's white scalp, because Zimmerman is -- now how shall I say this? -- a "bad ass cracker." Now there's principle for you!!! No wonder Holder puts his arms around Al Sharpton. P.S. Since you didn't answer, I'll ask again: When the Casey Anthony acquittal came down, did I or any other conservative call for abandoning the BRD standard? Posted by: Bill Otis | Jul 22, 2013 9:16:09 PM Post a comment Senator Rand Paul blames ugliness of Ferguson on the ugliness of big CJ government | Main | Texas Gov Rick Perry facing two felony charges carrying significant mandatory minimum prison terms August 15, 2014 "Restructuring Clemency: The Cost of Ignoring Clemency and a Plan for Renewal" The title of this post is the title of this notable and timely new article by Rachel Barkow and Mark Osler. Because I admire and respect the work of both these folks so much, I am going to make sure I read this joint-effort even on a sunny summer Friday afternoon. Here is the abstract: Over the past three decades, the pardon power has too often been ignored or used to create calamities rather than cure them. Our most recent Presidents seem to realize the system is not working only at the end of their time in office, when they feel safe in giving grants but become aware of the fact that the system does not produce many recommendations for doing so even when asked. As a key constitutional power, clemency deserves to be more than an afterthought to a presidential term. The use of the pardon power is a necessary element in a fully-functioning system of criminal law. Recent presidents, however, have largely ignored this powerful tool, even as some have sought to expand the power of the office in other ways. This essay seeks both to describe the costs of this trend and to propose important structural reforms to reverse it. Specifically, we advocate for the creation of an independent commission with a standing, diverse membership. While this commission should have representation from the Department of Justice and take the views of prosecutors seriously, the commission itself should exist outside the Department and its recommendations should go directly to the White House. This new model of clemency should also pay attention to data both to create uniform standards and to focus the use of the pardon power on policy as a management tool. An emphasis on data will also help the new pardon commission make evidence-based decisions about risk and reentry. It is time to view clemency reform as a priority for the office of the presidency no matter who holds the position. This is the time to create a better machine of mercy. August 15, 2014 at 01:52 PM | Permalink TrackBack TrackBack URL for this entry: https://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451574769e201b7c6ccc443970b Listed below are links to weblogs that reference "Restructuring Clemency: The Cost of Ignoring Clemency and a Plan for Renewal": Comments I tend to see the non-use of the clemency power as a political calculation rather than the system being broken as such. The lesson that clemency decisions can turn around and bite hard has been well learned, and so it is no coincidence that the power is not used while someone has to retain their seat or aspires to a still higher office. There may well be plenty of inmates who are fully deserving of clemency and would cause no further harm if released; but sorting those prisoners from the even larger number who would see a loosened clemency system as yet another con to pull is a Herculean task. Posted by: Soronel Haetir | Aug 15, 2014 2:44:27 PM Soronel, which is precisely why a quasi-independent board is highly desirable. As has been suggested before a five member board is readily available though its membership will provoke howls from all sides. A 3-2 vote for commutation or pardon goes directly to the President: 1. Federalist 2. Bill Otis 3. Michael R. Levine 4. Justice Dept. Representative 5. Prof. Douglas Berman Posted by: anon | Aug 15, 2014 6:09:17 PM Isn't this just a fancy way of saying that we should restore the role of the Parole Commission? Posted by: Observer | Aug 15, 2014 9:42:18 PM SH: Low hanging fruit for Clemency. All violators of mala prohibita, and regulatory crimes. Out. All marginal conspirators in the drug business, girlfriends that took phone messages, charged with conspiracy, but really not involved, except fictitiously. Out. All child porn downloaders. The production of child porn is child abuse. The viewing is nothing, and is actually associated with big decreases in actual child sexual abuse, as adult pron legalizaton was associated in drops in the rate of adult rapes. I have watched violent crimes on Youtube without suborning them. All victims of prosecutorial over-reaching, after trying to defend themselves against the lawyer client, the criminal. People with weapons charges who tried to defend themselves or others. People who threatened the life of the President. His life is not worth more than that of any one else. It is a crime to threaten others only if imminent and prepared to go at the time. You get the idea. Correct the stupidity of a law, of its enforcement, of its sentencing. Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Aug 15, 2014 11:16:42 PM Anon: You forgot a guy. The crime victim, aghast at the pro-criminal loading of your Commission. All your members are appalling lawyer rent seeking members of the criminal cult enterprise, intelligent people whose intellect has been totally devastated by the law education indoctrination. They all believe in supernatural legal doctrines. They believe in lawless judicial review. They are all criminal coddlers. Why? The criminal generates massive government make-work jobs. The crime victim generates nothing and may rot. Federalist is a transactional lawyer, who may enjoy dealing with people problems instead of shuffling papers, and generating impenetrable gibberish to hide his clients' real intent. He is the only one without a conflict of interest, in not benefiting from more crime. Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Aug 17, 2014 9:03:22 AM Post a comment "Is Hillary Clinton ready for marijuana's 2016 push?" | Main | "Cities Look for Ways to Get Free of Empty Jails" October 17, 2014 ProPublica urges next AG to "Fix Presidential Pardons" The title of this post is drawn from the headline of this strong new piece from the Editor-in-Chief of ProPublica. The full headline and subheadline provides the basics: "For the Next Attorney General, a Modest Suggestion: Fix Presidential Pardons; More than two years ago, a ProPublica series showed that white applicants were far more likely to receive clemency than comparable applicants who were black. Since then, the government has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on a study, but the pardons system remains unchanged." And here are a few excerpts from a piece that is styled as an open letter to the next Attorney General: Dear Possible Attorney General Nominees (You Know Who You Are),... More than two years ago, ProPublica reporters Dafna Linzer and Jennifer LaFleur revealed that white applicants were nearly four times as likely to receive a presidential pardon as were comparable African Americans. The story appeared on the front page of The Washington Post, our publishing partner. I know, I know, this seems improbable but LaFleur spent many months doing a statistical analysis that eliminated every other factor we could imagine that might explain this disparity. We sent our findings and methodology to several leading experts in the field. All agreed that race was the only factor driving the vast difference. We published our methodology and you can read it here. Linzer's reporting on the pardons process suggested that it was far more subjective than you might have thought. We wrote about how race creeps into decision-making even when no one is overtly biased. It's worth a look. Given the starkness of these findings, we at ProPublica thought, naively, that your predecessor and his boss would move immediately to address this problem. As I'm sure you're aware, a president's authority to grant pardons is one of the only unchecked powers in our constitutional system of checks and balances. When it comes to pardons, President Obama can do whatever he wants. We were told by several political insiders that the pardon stories did not prompt reform because of their timing. They appeared in late 2011, just as the president was gearing up for what was expected to be a bruising campaign for a second term. It was not considered the politically ideal moment for the nation's first African-American president to make the justice system fairer for people of color. And so the government did what it so often does in such circumstances: It commissioned a study to see if our findings were correct.... If history is any guide, you'll be getting a tsunami of pardon requests in the last months of the administration. It might be nice to have come up with some serious reforms by then to fix a process that is so demonstrably flawed. There are lots of ideas about what could done, from setting up an independent pardons commission to taking the pardons office out of the Justice Department. Good luck with the confirmation hearings. And remember, two years can fly by a lot quicker than you'd ever imagine.... Best Regards, Stephen Engelberg/Editor in Chief, ProPublica October 17, 2014 at 12:18 AM | Permalink TrackBack TrackBack URL for this entry: https://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451574769e201bb079a279d970d Listed below are links to weblogs that reference ProPublica urges next AG to "Fix Presidential Pardons": Comments Well, despite the (maddeningly) slow pace of the new Clemency Project 2014, have the authors of the article even heard about the new guidelines announced about 6 months ago? Posted by: anon | Oct 17, 2014 4:15:55 PM Pro Publica is a notorious left wing hate speech site. It has the credibility of the David Duke site. It is worthless trash. One wonders if they examined campaign donations as a factor accounting for the racial disparity. As a group, black are stingy in campaign donations. Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Oct 17, 2014 7:10:45 PM S.C. Do you think a President should exercise his constitutional power of clemency at all? If so, do you think that excercise should be entirely arbitrary. or should it be guided by criteria? If the latter, what criteria would you suggest? Posted by: anon | Oct 17, 2014 8:01:25 PM As you may know, I follow utility. I believe the only mature purpose of the criminal law is incapacitation to enhance public safety. So a murderer may go home, and a shoplifter gets executed (if a mass murdering drug kingpin). Retribution is from the Bible, and reflects the culture of the Iraqi tribesmen that wrote it. They lived short miserable lives, they were and are animals. Rehab is a joke. Because repeat offenders commit hundred of crimes a year, each, the damage they do is several orders of magnitude that of the cost of incarceration. To give a small example. One moves in next door. The real estate value of the entire block has just fallen by $millions. The adjudicated charge in 95% of cases is fictitious. So the sole reliable guide is the character of the prisoner. Character is the long term behavior pattern, and the way he reacts to things. Furthermore, many criminals do great in the structured setting of prison, fall apart on the outside. So the criteria must be, will physical public safety be at risk? Will this person contribute more inside or outside prison? Will his damaging everything around exceed the cost of incarceration? Would I keep an innocent person in prison if he was going to cause damage after release? I would want to do an extra careful analysis of the first two questions on that person. Should clemency be used as a safety valve to release people wrongfully convicted, perhaps 10 to 20%? It should if the standard of no doubt whatsoever" is met, as in DNA exoneration. Should such innocent people get compensated? Yes, from the malpractice insurance of the judge and of the prosecutor. Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Oct 18, 2014 1:21:17 AM Post a comment "The Neuroscientific Case Against Retributive Justice" | Main | Senator Rand Paul links Ferguson tragedy to harms of the modern drug war November 26, 2014 Nearly a year into clemency initiative, turkeys remain more likely to get Prez Obama pardon than people As detailed in this AP story, headlined "Obama Defends Legal Authority to Pardon Turkeys," there was much jocularity at the White House today as President Obama continued the White House tradition of giving executive grace to a couple of feathered friends: President Barack Obama has issued an executive action that some of his Republican opponents may be hard-pressed to disagree with sparing Thanksgiving turkeys from the dinner table. In the spirit of the holiday, Obama on Wednesday took "action fully within my legal authority, the same kind of action taken by Democrats and Republican presidents before me," to pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey, a 49-pound bird named Cheese. He also spared an alternate turkey, a 47-pounder named Mac. Both came from Cooper Farms in Oakwood, Ohio. "If you're a turkey, and you're named after a side dish, your chances of escaping Thanksgiving dinner are pretty low," Obama said at the annual event, which drew international media coverage. He was accompanied by his daughters, Malia and Sasha, who declined his invitation to pet the birds. "No," Malia said.... "So these guys are well ahead of the curve. They really beat the odds," he said of Mac and Cheese. Obama last week announced a series of highly anticipated executive actions immigration that have left Republicans crying "fowl." Joking about his poultry action, Obama said: "I know some will call this amnesty. But don't worry. There's plenty of turkey to go around." Later Wednesday, Obama took his family to a neighborhood food pantry to donate a pair of turkeys "that didn't make the cut."... At the pardoning ceremony, Obama referenced news reports that questioned the wisdom of the turkey pardon tradition and said "it is a little puzzling that I do this every year." But Obama said he enjoys the tradition because "with all the tough stuff that swirls around in this office, it's nice once in a while just to say 'Happy Thanksgiving,' and this is a great excuse to do it." Presidents as far back as Abraham Lincoln spared turkeys, according to the White House. President George H.W. Bush granted the first turkey pardon in November 1989. At the risk of being a holiday party pooper, I cannot help but note that it has now been a full 10 months since the Obama Administration publicly announced (as detailed here) that it was eager to identify low-level, nonviolent drug offenders for possible clemency relief. Since that time, however, the President has granted clemency to a grand total of one prisoner and now to two turkeys. Thus, as I have said often in the past and will continue to say unless things change dramatically, President Obama's clemency record to date to be not merely disappointing, but truly disgraceful. A few of many recent and older posts concerning federal clemency practices: November 26, 2014 at 07:23 PM | Permalink TrackBack TrackBack URL for this entry: https://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451574769e201bb07b62a7f970d Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Nearly a year into clemency initiative, turkeys remain more likely to get Prez Obama pardon than people: Comments As a whole, especially given the number of turkeys raised for slaughter in this country, not quite -- http://www.justice.gov/pardon/index.html His policy here is worthy of strong criticism & some senators (perhaps blog fav Rand Paul) should use the nomination of the new A.G. to bring it up in part because if there was more public pressure, it might be more likely to change this situation. One that probably is a result of not simply Obama just being a hard-hearted sort. Posted by: Joe | Nov 27, 2014 11:47:23 AM Obama (or more likely, his handlers) is a tactitian first and foremost. If he releases anyone well before he leaves office, and said person commits an atrocity, that would look bad on him and perhaps affect his performance while he's still in office. Therefore, he will wait until 2017 just prior to leaving office for good. If a GOP president is elected and Congress stays completely in control of the GOP, look at Obama doing a blanket release of thousands of inmates in January 2017 prior to the inauguration, then getting the press to spin the blame on the GOP. If a Democrat is elected president, probably a lot less will be released, and only those who can help, not hinder, the Democrat agenda. Posted by: Eric Knight | Nov 29, 2014 11:55:57 AM "only those who can help, not hinder, the Democrat agenda" A few people were already granted relief. Some more will probably next month and upcoming years. As these things go, the end of the term is likely a period where more than before would be added to the mix. Not all of these will simply be a matter of what is "hindering" or not a certain "agenda." Anyway, there are enough potentials that for which there is an about zero chance of them committing some "atrocity" among the thousands of people he can commute their sentences or pardon. It is a special case, but one person I'll be looking for in 2017 is Chelsea Manning. Keeping her in prison past 2017 would be to me gratuitous. I'm not with some of my brethren at being appalled he was convicted. But, the length of the sentence, yes. Posted by: Joe | Nov 29, 2014 12:19:42 PM Note: the pronoun use was advisable. Wikipedia notes the day after sentencing was the time a press release was released regarding "Chelsea" Manning. If it was known before the conviction, I duly note that, but as a mere member of the public, I'll use the former marker. Posted by: Joe | Nov 29, 2014 12:23:36 PM To: Whom it may concern, *(Regarding Humans and Post Conviction Relief / Rights Restoration of the Unexoneratables) Full Pardons - for / based on Innocence (despite being Presidential and / or Gubernatorial) are not worth the paper they are printed on when devoid of: a verbal & published public apology addressing the wronged and those documented as being responsible for the Team Effort, listing their full names. When the Applicant 'is' and can show / prove that he / she is 100% Not Guilty (that's Innocent for the snarks), good luck locating an: attorney / lawyer / professor / project / senator / state Rep. / mayor / president that's willing to assist you in righting the wrong if your claim (Application) is classified as: Non-DNA, Non-Death Row related & considered Closed / Inactive. When one takes into consideration the Applicant must have exhausted all direct appeals prior to seeking help, it's just not happening, due to the majority of the wronged having cases disposed of via: The TapOut (stopping and / or avoiding a jury trail all the way to verdict in order to Take the Plea). Once it's swept under the (DCC) - Doesn't Qualify Carpet, you have basically lost 6 months to a year of your life providing everyone information that they are already in possession of (Criminal History Reports, Finger Prints, Police Incident Reports, Police Booking Photos, Certified Case files). For those that have never had the opportunity to take a peek under the Rigged carpet, you are are in for a treat if you explore Texas's Board of Pardons & Paroles (Clemency Section) Rules). Rules designed to discourage and prevent Applicants from the very moment of requesting an Application all the damn way to being required to obtain Letters of Recommendation(s) with unanimous decisions of the three original trial officials (Sheriff, DA, Judge). Three individuals having absolutely no incentives or duty to reply much-less agree in writing that they and / or their predecessors engaged in a conspiracy, where a false arrest was allowed to morph into a wrongful conviction. You are out of your frigging mind if you believe that the Rs' will jump at chances to right wrongs committed by Ds'. You are out of your frigging mind if you believe that the Ds' will do the same. As for the Ls' & Inbetweeners, they are simply R's & D's in place to fake-out the voting public and make or break bills. *If any good can come from decades of mandatory participation in a Rigged Game, one can only hope & pray that the Pardon is reserved for the Guilty as Hell and the Public Apology is automatic for those vetted and shown to be Not Guilty despite a Team Effort to obtain convictions that utilize juries on the front end, only to release them at lunch recess with a: Thank you for your service and a check. *In closing: Fuck a Pardon. If you are Not Guilty and can prove it and apply to receive a piece of paper issued from a politician that's devoid of an apology, you are in possession of a worthless yet framable piece of paper. If the issuer just happens to be connected to corruption, you will be in possession of a damn joke. And for that, I am very thankful that Bush-Wacker 2 & Perry the Puppet-Master both denied me Full Pardons - for / based on innocence and Regular Pardons (filed on my behalf by the Clemency Section staff). I wouldn't accept either form even if the President were to personally delivered it, 'if' it was not accompanied with a published public apology and named names. Thanks. Thomas R. Griffith PNG: of Texas Team Member Posted by: Thomas R. Griffith | Nov 30, 2014 2:25:15 PM Post a comment "What Death Penalty Opponents Dont Get" | Main | Justices struggling in Elonis argument with free speech and Facebook threats Over the holiday weekend, Professors Rachel Barkow and Mark Osler renewed their call for reform of the federal clemency process through this Washington Post opinion piece. Here are excerpts from the start and end of the piece: In the run-up to Thanksgiving, it was a sure thing that a turkey would get an efficient reprieve from President Obama. But thats only because the turkey did not have to go through the normal pardon process. If it had, it would likely have waited more than four years and have had several layers of government bureaucrats nit-picking its case. The federal clemency process for humans, at least is broken, and Obama should act now to fix it for the benefit of his and future administrations. Since the 1980s, presidents have utterly failed to use their constitutional pardon power as a systemic check on federal laws and prosecutors that go too far. As a series of ProPublica reports published in The Post revealed in 2011, recent presidents grant pardons and commutations rarely and arbitrarily, largely giving relief only when it is requested by members of Congress or other influential people. Obama has been among the worst of the lot.... What is broken is no mystery. The key gatekeepers for this process are in the Justice Department the same agency that prosecutes federal crimes. Unsurprisingly, the department has been reluctant to second-guess its own decisions and rarely recommends that the White House approve a clemency petition. Moreover, each petition must pass through as many as seven levels of review prior to approval, and many of those doing the reviewing (such as the deputy attorney general and the White House counsel) have plates already full with other duties.... Its easy to envision a better method. As in countless other areas of law, from communications and securities regulation to establishing sentencing guidelines, a dedicated agency comprising experts could address the problem efficiently and effectively. The president should appoint a bipartisan commission of Democrats and Republicans with expertise in criminal law to consider all applications and track data on recidivism and other outcomes. The agency can work with the presidents reentry council to coordinate prisoners transitions back to civil society. And because the commission would be politically balanced, the president would not need to worry about being exposed to Willie Horton-style attacks, should a convict commit some new crime after being freed; these will be cases that people of all political stripes agreed deserved relief. President Gerald Ford used this device in 1974 when he created a temporary board to quickly process about 21,000 Vietnam-era draft evasion and deserter cases. One reason we know the Ford plan was a political success is because so few people remember it. With a small but dedicated staff, such an agency would shrink the relevant levels of review to just three. There is a simple reason that states almost uniformly use such boards rather than the federal approach of sending the review through layers of prosecutors: It works. Such a common-sense reform would provide the president with a lasting legacy that his successors would surely appreciate: a pardon process that works not just for turkeys on Thanksgiving but for everyone, all year long. Should ALL federal marijuana sentencings be postponed now that Cromnibus precludes DOJ from interfering with state medical marijuana laws? | Main | DPIC year-end report highlights "death penalty decline continues in 2014" December 17, 2014 President Obama (aka clemency grinch) grants a few holiday pardons and commutations Following the holiday script he first wrote with a few clemency grants last year the week before Christmas (as reported in this prior post), President Obama this afternoon granted 20 clemencies in the form of 8 commutations and 12 pardons. This AP story provides the basics and some background: President Barack Obama on Wednesday cut short prison time for eight drug convicts as part of his new initiative to reduce harsh sentences under outdated guidelines, a step that could lead to a vast expansion of presidential clemency in his final two years in office. The president also is pardoning 12 convicts for a variety of offenses. But the commutations are particularly significant because they are the first issued under new guidelines announced earlier this year designed to cut costs by reducing the nation's bulging prison population and grant leniency to nonviolent drug offenders sentenced to double-digit terms.... The White House said the eight new commutations Obama granted were for prisoners who likely would receive a substantially lower sentence today and would have already served their time. For example, they include Barbara Scrivner, who was sentenced to 30 years in 1995 when she was 27 years old for a minor role in her husband's meth ring. Obama ordered her sentence to expire June 12, while others will expire April 15. Administration officials say they expect Obama to grant more clemency petitions in his final two years in office under the changed policy he ordered from the Justice Department. The White House said 6,561 people already have applied in the past year, compared to 2,370 the year before. "I think there is an awareness out there that this president is interested in granting clemency on these kinds of matters," White House counsel Neil Eggleston said in an interview. The clemency policy changes aren't limited to drug offenders, who comprise about half of the roughly 216,000 federal prisoners, but the criteria makes it clear they are the main target. To be eligible, inmates must have already been behind bars for at least 10 years, have a nonviolent history, have no major criminal convictions, have a good behavior record in prison, and be serving a sentence that, if imposed today, would be substantially shorter than what they were given at the time.... In his first term, Obama commuted just one drug sentence and pardoned 39 people, causing prisoner advocates to accuse him of being too stingy with his power. Obama aides said it was because he wasn't receiving more positive recommendations from the Office of the Pardon Attorney so he directed the Justice Department to improve its clemency recommendation process and recruit more applications from convicts. Deputy Attorney General James Cole, who in April announced the clemency policy changes, said the sentence commutations reflect a "commitment to bring fairness to our criminal justice system." "While all eight were properly held accountable for their criminal actions, their punishments did not fit their crimes, and sentencing laws and policies have since been updated to ensure more fairness for low-level offenders," he said in a statement.... The White House noted Obama now has commuted 18 sentences, compared to 11 under President George W. Bush and three in the first six years of the Clinton presidency. Clinton eventually commuted 61, most in a controversial action on his last day in office. The full list of the lucky receipients of this act of presidential grace can be found here via the White House. And this link provide the full text of Deputy AG Cole's statement about these clemency grants. I expect the folks who follow the ins-and-outs of clemency even more closely than I do will have a lot to say in the days ahead about what might be special about the folks on this clemency list. Though I do not want to criticize the President too much on a day in which he finally saw fit to make some minor use of his constitutional clemency authority, I will still think of him as a clemency grinch until he begins more regularly granting commutations to a whole lot more offenders still stuck serving severe (and now repealed) crack sentences. There are, I believe, thousands of federal prisoners still serving time for crack offenses based on the old 100-1 crack/powder ratio, and there are surely many thousands more low-level drug offenders arguably just as deserving of clemency consideration. President Obama would have to grant eight commutations every single day over the two years remaining in his presidency to even start to make a serious dent in federal prison population. December 17, 2014 at 05:02 PM | Permalink TrackBack TrackBack URL for this entry: https://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451574769e201b7c7224425970b Listed below are links to weblogs that reference President Obama (aka clemency grinch) grants a few holiday pardons and commutations: Comments There are so many nonviolent drug offenders serving life sentences or de facto life sentences in federal prisons that it does seem as if these few commutations don't ripple the water. Perhaps the President is just testing the temperature before actually doing something that will be just and fiscally responsible. I certainly hope this is the case. Posted by: beth | Dec 17, 2014 10:12:43 PM Obama also was part of other things, including health care developments, that helped the participants in our criminal justice complex. I will continue to remember this too, including that I'm doubtful the more clemencies under Bush or Clinton made it better overall for them. Posted by: Joe | Dec 17, 2014 10:51:41 PM Post a comment More than three decades after crime, SCOTUS decides it still needs to stay Texas mass murderer execution | Main | Bipartisan Recidivism Risk Reduction Act introduced in US House This lengthy USA Today piece, headlined "The 50-year-old pardon: Obama picks safe clemency cases," provides yet another review of the now-too-familiar story of President Obama awful record on his use of his clemency authority. Here are excerpts: Of the 64 pardons President Obama has granted over six years, half are for offenses that happened before 1989. Six are from the 1960s. On average, 23 years have elapsed between the sentencing date and the day Obama has granted a pardon or commutation an all-time high. A century ago, three or four years was the norm. It's part of a decades-long trend toward presidents being more cautious in their pardon power, picking older and safer cases for clemency. But Obama has been the most cautious of all, and some critics say he is shirking his constitutional power some say duty to "grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States." "'Safe' is being nice. I would almost say irrelevant. The people who are being pardoned are people on Social Security," said P.S. Ruckman Jr., a political scientist who studies pardons. "The people who need pardons are young and need to establish themselves and get a job, get a Pell grant and go to college."... Many of Obama's pardons are for old, obscure and sometimes trivial crimes: Ronald Lee Foster, of Beaver Falls, Pa., was convicted of mutilating coins in 1963. He had shaved the edges off pennies to fool vending machines into thinking they were dimes. He was pardoned in 2010 at the age of 66. David Neil Mercer of Grand Junction, Colo., was convicted in 1997 of violating the Archaeological Resources Protection Act by disturbing Indian artifacts in Utah. He now owns an automotive business and was pardoned last year at the age of 56. Bobby Gerald Wilson, of Summerton, S.C., was convicted in 1985 of aiding and abetting in the possession and sale of illegal American alligator hides. He was pardoned in 2011 at the age of 61. Obama has issued fewer pardons than any president since James Garfield, who served just 199 days in office, and fewer than any two-term president since George Washington, according to Ruckman, a Rock Valley College professor who tracks clemency trends on the blog Pardon Power. The few pardons Obama is granting often come late in life sometimes to people on their deathbeds. Albert Byron Stork, a defense attorney from Delta, Colo., was convicted of tax evasion in 1987, when he took money from his fugitive brother for the down payment of a house. He received a pardon the same day as Auvil and died of brain cancer two weeks later. The White House said the president has an "ongoing commitment" to granting clemency. "The president believes strongly that a critical component of our criminal justice system is for deserving and qualified applicants to have the ability to petition for clemency," said White House spokeswoman Brandi Hoffine. She said Obama "looks forward to reviewing additional requests for clemency in the coming months." The Office of the Pardon Attorney, in the Justice Department, is responsible for sifting through the hundreds of applications received each year.... Pardon Attorney Deborah Leff's recommendations go to Deputy Attorney General James Cole, then to White House Counsel Neil Eggleston, and ultimately to the president. That's how it works in principle. But in practice, the Justice Department is run by career prosecutors who are often hostile to those seeking pardons, defense attorneys say. "They churn out a steady stream of no," said Sam Morison, a lawyer specializing in pardon cases who worked in the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the Clinton, Bush and early Obama administrations. "That doesn't mean that the president has to do what they say. But the president almost always does what the Justice Department recommends, even when he doesn't agree with what the Justice Department recommends." But the Justice Department has to recommend some favorable applications, and they tend to be older, easier cases, he said.... Delegating the decisions to the Justice Department helps to depoliticize the pardon power, but it's also led to its own problems. An internal Justice Department investigation found that President George W. Bush's pardon attorney withheld information from the White House about a commutation he opposed. And in 2010, the nonprofit news organization Pro Publica published an investigation in the Washington Post revealing that, under Bush and Obama, white criminals were four times more likely to get a pardon than black offenders. Last year, the Justice Department announced a clemency initiative in an attempt to rectify some of the inequities in the system. Inmates who would have gotten lighter sentences under current federal guidelines were encouraged to apply to have their sentences commuted, or reduced. But the Justice Department says that's a separate issue from pardons. Via similar 7-2 rulings, SCOTUS narrows reach of federal criminal and deportation statutes in Elonis and Mellouli | Main | "The Missing Statistics of Criminal Justice" June 1, 2015 Has the approach and administration of Clemency Project 2014 actually made the federal clemency process worse? The depressing question in the title of this post is prompted by this depressing new USA Today article headlined "Obama administration clemency push gets slow start." I have long tried to avoid being too pessimistic about what has been unfolding on the federal clemency front over the last 18 months, in part because I sincerely believed it would be nearly impossible to make the modern federal clemency process and products even worse. But this USA Today piece has me fearing that my own pessimistic instincts perhaps should now turn even darker (based on the statements and data points I have highlighted below): A Justice Department push to shorten long drug sentences through President Obama's clemency powers has gotten off to a slow start: Obama has commuted the sentences of just two of the tens of thousands of federal inmates who have applied through the program. Lawyers involved in the effort say the year-old clemency initiative has been hampered by the complexity of the cases and questions about the eligibility criteria, which may still be too strict to help most of the prison population. The result is a system that appears even more backlogged than it was before the initiative began. "The criteria basically suggest that a whole bunch of good citizens who committed one little mistake got significantly more than 10 years in prison, and fortunately that's pretty rare," said Johanna Markind, a former attorney-adviser in the Office of Pardon Attorney who left in March. "I think they've kind of belatedly realized that people are doing their jobs, and those perfect cases they think are there don't really exist," she said. "For all the sound and fury about the commutations, the clemency initiative has only come up with a handful of cases that fit" the criteria. The clemency initiative was intended to help federal inmates who would have received shorter prison terms had they been sentenced today. That applies mostly to drug offenders after Congress shortened sentences for crack cocaine in 2010. To be eligible, inmates must have already served 10 years of their sentence. Last year, a record 6,561 federal prisoners three times the usual number filed petitions with the Justice Department's Office of Pardon Attorney, which advises the president on all requests for clemency. Under the constitution, the president has the absolute power to grant pardons and commute sentences. More than 30,000 federal inmates applied for representation through the Clemency Project 2014, a consortium of lawyers who have volunteered to help eligible inmates through the often complicated and time-consuming process of seeking a commutation. But 13 months later, those lawyers have submitted just 31 petitions. And while Obama has used his pardon power to shorten the sentences of 43, most of those cases predate the clemency initiative. Over six years, Obama has granted just 0.2% of the commutation petitions submitted. The Justice Department says it expects to recommend more commutations to Obama as it reviews the petitions. But that could take a while: In its 2016 budget request to Congress, the department said the deluge of clemency applications is too much for the current staff to manage. "As OPA's existing staff has discovered, expending the substantial resources required simply to manage such a volume of clemency requests significantly decreases those available for analyzing and evaluating the merits of individual applications and preparing the appropriate letters of advice to inform the president," the Justice Department said in its congressional budget justification. Obama has proposed a 66% budget increase for the Office of Pardon Attorney in 2016, and is seeking twice as many lawyers to process all the paperwork. And that paperwork can be daunting, requiring an examination of trial transcripts, the pre-sentence report (which is often sealed) and Bureau of Prisons files. To be eligible under the program, inmates must be low-level offenders with no ties to gangs or cartels. They must have demonstrated good conduct in prison, have no significant criminal history and no history of violence. "There are gray areas, What is 'demonstrated good conduct in prison,' for example? Is that a pristine record?" said Cynthia Roseberry, a career public defender who now manages the Clemency Project 2014. Without knowing how the Obama administration will apply those vague criteria, it's impossible to know how many could be eligible. "My hope is that thousands of those will meet the criteria, but I just can't speculate." Roseberry said. She said she expects the numbers to increase as the Clemency Project continues to screen for likely candidates for commutation. A Clemency Project screening committee has already notified more than 3,000 inmates it won't be accepting their cases. Once a case is accepted, it's parceled out to a volunteer attorney such as Mary Davis. Davis represents Byron McDade, a Washington man sentenced to 27 years for cocaine trafficking even as his co-conspirators who testified against him got no more than seven. In 2009, after McDade had served his first seven years, the judge who sentenced him urged Obama to commute his sentence. "While the Court is powerless to reduce the sentence it was required by then-existing law to impose, the president is not," U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman wrote in another opinion last year, So Davis assembled a 168-page petition with the help of two West Virginia University law students Laura Hoffman and Amanda Camplesi who spent a combined 122 hours on the case, collecting paperwork and visiting McDade at a federal prison in Pennsylvania. Davis said the work was complicated, even as a veteran federal defense attorney specializing in sentencing appeals. "I know there were attorneys signing up for this who don't do criminal defense work, and I would think it would be extremely difficult," she said. McDade is an unusual case: Before being convicted in 2002, his only offense was a minor misdemeanor with a $10 fine. Markind, who worked on commutation cases as a Justice Department lawyer, said the clemency initiative did not relax Obama's "three strikes" policy making anyone with three or more criminal convictions ineligible for clemency. "Criminals with a record do not make the most appealing poster children," she said.... Mark Osler, a law professor at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis and a former prosecutor ... said the clemency process is already too bureaucratic and too distant from the ultimate decision-maker: the president. The Clemency Project hopes to cut through the process by helping to provide the Justice Department with better, more complete case files to review. But that solution has also led to criticism from Capitol Hill, where Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, says that the administration is outsourcing a government responsibility. "We've failed the same way through different kinds of administrations, and the problem isn't the administration, it's the process," Osler said. "The sad thing is, every president recently has gotten to the end of their term and said, 'Hey, where are all the good clemency cases?' I sure hope that will change, but it's going to be a furious last year as these things start to come in even greater numbers." It is hard to fault, and I am very disinclined to criticize excessively, all of the well-meaning and dedicated lawyers and administrators operating now in a system taking on Rube-Goldberg-quality with seemingly too many elements, criteria and moving parts. Still, by now having so many more people applying for clemency, along with so many more lawyers trying to figure out the meaning and importance of so many vague criteria, it is not surprising that the clemency push/project has been most successful in producing a lot more paperwork and so many more questions about what this system is seeking to achieve. I have long believed that President Obama could and should create an independent commission or task force or working group that would be tasked with making federal clemency reform a priority in a very short period of time. Notably, as highlighted here, such a proactive approach to policing reform achieved a whole lot in just a matter of months: On December 18, 2014, President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order establishing the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The Task Force Members sought expertise from stakeholders and input from the public as they worked to identify best practices and make recommendations to the President. The Task Force submitted an initial report to the President on March 2, 2015 and released the final report on May 18, 2015. Especially in light of all the new troubles and costs that the current approach is generating, I would urge the President to sign an Executive Order ASAP establishing the President's Task Force on 21st Century Clemency. The Task Force Members could seek expertise from stakeholders and input from the public as they worked to identify best clemency practices and make recommendations to the President no later than December 1, 2015. That would still give Prez Obama a full year to implement an improved clemency process and would leave truly helpful legacy and structure in place from whomever becomes his successor. Some prior related posts: June 1, 2015 at 11:39 AM | Permalink Comments Key statement. "Obama has proposed a 66% budget increase for the Office of Pardon Attorney in 2016, and is seeking twice as many lawyers to process all the paperwork. And that paperwork can be daunting, requiring an examination of trial transcripts, the pre-sentence report (which is often sealed) and Bureau of Prisons files." Nothing has gotten done, not because of governmental laziness, but because, as always, "more money is needed." Out of all this procedure, none has any validity. Decisions based on adjudicated charges are based on fiction. The true charges lay within the indictment. Everyone should be forced to weigh the indicted and true charges. These are unlikely to have been brought frivolously, due to the overwhelming number of crimes. So the lawyer has no shortage of choice, tightly evidenced cases to bring up for indictment. Nor is prison behavior any guide. In prison, the the structure may make the person achieve and shine. On the loose, back in the hood, he will pick up where he left off, individually causing $millions in damage to the economy and the people around him. Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Jun 1, 2015 6:59:12 PM Post a comment "Equity, Not Mercy" | Main | "The Use of Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 35(b)" to reward cooperators after initial sentencing February 21, 2016 Will Pope's call for world-wide moratorium on death penalty halt any executions anywhere? The question in the title of this post is prompted by this news from CNN headlined "Pope Francis calls for one-year moratorium on death penalty." Here are the basic details: Pope Francis, who has repeatedly called for an end to the death penalty, on Sunday proposed that Catholic leaders suspend the practice for a year to mark the Holy Year of Mercy. "I make an appeal to the conscience of all rulers, so that we can achieve an international consensus for the abolition of the death penalty," the Pope said in his Sunday address in St. Peter's Square. "And I propose to those among them who are Catholic to make a courageous and exemplary gesture: that no sentence is executed in this Holy Year of Mercy." The Pope launched the Jubilee Year of Mercy on December 8. The church's formal yearlong push for mercy and forgiveness is set to continue through November 20, when the feast of Christ the King will be celebrated. Francis voiced his support Sunday for an international conference taking place on Monday in Rome called A World Without the Death Penalty, saying he hoped the conference would bring renewed energy to the mission to end capital punishment. The Pope underlined the possibility of redemption for offenders and a "criminal justice open to the hope of reintegration into society." "The commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' has absolute value and applies to both the innocent and the guilty," he said on Sunday. February 21, 2016 at 10:21 PM | Permalink Comments INDICATION: Just Another Guy The Pope used the word kill As I understand , a more reasonable word is murder. Many thugs have been killed , though not murdered , for the simple reason that it was the ONLY way to stop a predatory evil attack intended to harm or kill an innocent Respectfully , yet Nemo Me Impune Lacessit ! Posted by: Docile Jim Brady the Nemo Me Impune Lacessit guy in Oregon | Feb 22, 2016 1:44:08 AM Post a comment My travels in Serbia through Princeton's Bridge Year Program and Dale Fellowship I am hopelessly and helplessly condemned by my own lust for literature that I recklessly and depravedly buy books with remorseless abandon. My day job is the ever more practical occupation of freelance musician. I'm not rich. Which makes my licentious book purchasing all the more irresponsible. Reading 106-Year-Old Virginia McLaurin is everything. Virginia McLaurin was born in 1909 in South Carolina and now lives in DC. She visited the White House to celebrate Black History month and was treated to a private audience with the President and First Lady. Age hasn't stopped her a bit. As soon as the President appeared, Virginia greeted him with a big "Hi!" She, then, hustled over to the First Lady and a mini dance party ensued. The entire encounter was a joyful one. We're with First Lady Michelle. We wanna be like Miss Virgina when we grow up. SINGAPORE 60's: ANDY's POP MUSIC INFLUENCE IS A PERSONAL MUSIC, MEMORY TRAIL. BLOGGER DOES NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO VIDEOS, AUDIO TRACKS AND IMAGES. THEY ARE UPLOADED FOR FUN, EDUCATIONAL, ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES AND HAVE BEEN CREDITED. BLOG IS NOT SPONSORED IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER. INFORM BLOGGER OF COPYRIGHT ISSUES AND POST WILL BE DELETED IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT COPY THE POSTS; GET PERMISSION N CREDIT ME IF YOU DO. ANDY LIM LA (NOVEMBER, 2008) - () WASHINGTON | Some victims and affected families in the mass shootings in southern California will file documents in support of a U.S. magistrate judge's order that Apple Inc. help the FBI hack into a locked iPhone as part of the terrorism investigation, a lawyer said Monday. A Los Angeles attorney, Stephen Larson, said he represents at least several families of victims and other employees he declined to identify but who were affected by the shootings. He said the U.S. attorney in the case, Eileen Decker, sought his help. Larson said he will file a brief supporting the Justice Department before March 3. The victims "have questions that go simply beyond the criminal investigation ... in terms of why this happened, how this happened, why they were targeted, is there anything about them on the iPhone things that are more of a personal victim" view, Larson said. George Valasco, whose 27-year-old niece Yvette Velasco was killed in the shooting, said his brother Yvette's father has agreed to have his name included in the brief. "Frankly it's difficult to understand why Apple would not jump at the opportunity to help uncover whatever information the phone may contain," according to a family statement. "We're not talking about an ordinary case here this is an act of terrorism, where 14 Americans lost their lives, and many more were seriously injured. It's potentially a matter of national security, where other Americans' safety could be at risk." The family statement said that they want to ensure justice is served "and (that) the contents of the cellphone could contain critical information needed to ensure that." An appeal by victims in the case gives the Justice Department additional support in a case that has sparked a national debate over digital privacy rights and national security interests. Magistrate Judge Sheri Pym in California ordered Apple last week to assist investigators by creating specialized software that would let the FBI rapidly test random passcode combinations to try to unlock the iPhone and view data stored on it. The county-issued iPhone 5C was used by Syed Farook, who with his wife, Tashfeen Malik, killed 14 people at an office holiday party in December before they died in a gun battle with police. The government said they had been at least partly inspired by the Islamic State. The couple physically destroyed two personal phones so completely that the FBI has been unable to recover information from them. Farook had worked as a county health inspector. Larson said the government has a strong case because of Farook's diminished privacy interests as a "dead, murderous terrorist" and because the phone was owned by his employer, the county government. "You're weighing that against the interest of enforcement in an investigation and the victims and their interest in obtaining this knowledge," he said. Gregory Clayborn, whose 27-year-old daughter Sierra was killed in the attack, said he hasn't been contacted to join the federal filing but thinks Apple has an obligation to unlock the phone. "This makes me a little bit angry with Apple," Clayborn said. "It makes me question their interest in the safety of this country." Clayborn said he owns Apple products and understands why the company wouldn't want the FBI to have the software to access anyone's phones but unlocking one for the agency is "as simple as it gets." Larson, a former U.S. district judge, said he knew Pym, the magistrate, and described her as an "extraordinary jurist" when she argued in his courtroom as a then-federal prosecutor. Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook acknowledged in a letter to employees earlier Monday that that "it does not feel right" to refuse to help the FBI, but he said to do so would threaten data security for millions by creating essentially a master key that could later be duplicated and used against other phones. "We have no tolerance or sympathy for terrorists," Cook wrote in an early morning email. "When they commit unspeakable acts like the tragic attacks in San Bernardino, we work to help the authorities pursue justice for the victims." Cook's email came hours after FBI director James Comey said in an online post that Apple owes it to the San Bernardino victims to cooperate and the FBI "can't look the survivors in the eye, or ourselves in the mirror, if we don't follow this lead." Apple's supporters are planning to turn out to back the company in protests against the FBI in the case, planned Tuesday evening outside Apple's stories in about 50 cities in the U.S., the U.K., Germany and Hong Kong. In Washington, people are being asked to express their displeasure outside the FBI's headquarters. According to Pew Research Center, 51 percent of Americans say Apple should unlock the iPhone to assist the ongoing FBI investigation, while 38 percent say Apple should not to ensure the security of other users' information. Eleven percent gave no opinion. The survey was conducted from Feb. 18 through Feb. 21 among 1,002 adults. It may seem like the Sioux City area doesn't get much love when it comes to beer launches and brand debuts, but beers from two midwest breweries were kind-sorta launched in Sioux City last weekend. Fuzz Peach Kolsch from Millstream Brewing Company in Amana, Iowa, made its first appearance during a "tap takeover" event Friday night at 21st Amendment in Sioux City and was also tapped during Steins & Vines in Sioux City on Saturday. The light bodied, peach-infused beer was the first (and only) of Millstream's five 1/6 bbl. kegs at the festival to kick. Besides the Sioux City kegs, the beer was bottled for distribution on Tuesday and is the first Kolsch-style beer that Millstream has produced. Also served Saturday at the Steins & Vines event was Us & Them, the 21st beer(s) in Summit Brewing Company's Unchained Series. Rick Ferrell, a Des Moines-based market manager for the brewery, had the beers at his booth Saturday, the same day as the beers' official launch events were held at the St. Paul, Minnesota, brewery. Us & Them is a mixed six-pack beer containing three bottle of an American IPA and three bottles a Session IPA. The beer, by Summit brewer Gabe Smoley, is described in press materials as the deconstructed mash of a classic Summit recipe brewed "into two unique "threads" to forge two distinct beers: a hoppy and intense American IPA and a complex, but subtle Session IPA." SIOUX CITY | When four business-minded students traveled to Tanzania, they were expecting to talk about baskets, not chickens. Three years earlier, Briar Cliff Universitys Enactus team worked to establish a business cooperative that provided funding and training in basket weaving to six women in the village of Mbuguni. They formed the Zidisha project, which is Swahili for business success, in partnership with Siouxland Tanzanian Educational and Medical Ministries. About twice a year, theyd receive shipments of baskets, sell them locally and return the proceeds to the women, which accounted for more than 40 percent of their annual household income. It seemed to be going well. In January, Clare Hollman and three other Enactus officers went to Tanzania to work with the Zidisha basket weavers for the first time. During their 12-day trip, they were planning to talk about project growth, recruitment and market expansion. We went in with the idea of telling them which baskets sold better, which ones were popular, and finding out which ones were easier for them to make, Hollman said. Instead, we started talking about chickens. They discovered basket weaving was not part of the regional culture and that the women didnt really enjoy the craft. They were also faced with the reality that they were marketing a one-time-purchase product with a feeble business model. If, for some reason, participation in Enactus would drop, that would put the project in peril and threaten the livelihood of the women involved. We knew we needed to change something with the program, said Jeraldo Montejano, an Enactus member who went to Tanzania. Us selling baskets in the states is not really something that can go on forever for them. We needed to shift focus and empower them and create something more sustainable. The women already had a project in mind: raising chickens. What made it an attractive new venture is that theres a market for poultry products right in their village. When you get to affect the life of a family halfway around the world, thats life-changing for these students, said Judy Thompsons said, the Enactus adviser and professor of business administration. Hollman, a sophomore, and another Enactus member will be researching microloans in order to establish a workable solution to move forward. At least one woman will continue making baskets, and the plan is to use profits to finance the microloan program. As a group, were always looking at how we can better ourselves, Montejano said. Whether its improving our existing projects or finding a new one, the way Enactus works is ... by using that entrepreneurial spirit, working side-by-side with the community to create sustainable (economic growth) to better their lives and the lives of the people around them. Before we wade into the percolating political fight over how the late Antonin Scalia should be replaced as a justice of the United States Supreme Court, we first lament the loss to our nation of a remarkable man and brilliant jurist who leaves to this and future generations a significant legacy of deep legal influence. Scalia, who served the nation's High Court for three decades, was found dead of natural causes on Feb. 13 at a resort in Texas. He was 79. Perhaps fittingly for a towering figure of Scalia's consequence, a supreme battle quite unlike anything we have seen before looms in partisan, election-year Washington over filling the vacancy created by his death. President Obama said he will nominate a successor to Scalia. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the Senate will ignore the nomination, instead leaving the decision to whoever wins the election for president in November. In our view, both President Obama and the Senate should fulfill their duties under the Constitution. In other words, Obama should nominate a man or woman to the court and the Senate should exercise its "advice and consent" responsibility, including a full, fair vetting of the nominee by the Judiciary Committee. Given political realities, we understand moving forward with a nomination this year likely means Obama's nominee (or nominees) would be defeated in the Republican-controlled Senate, but the Senate should proceed nonetheless. In our view, refusal even to take up an Obama nomination disrespects the Constitution. In the end, individual senators should have to explain to Americans why they oppose or support a court nominee. We believe one valuable byproduct of this divided debate will be elevated importance of Supreme Court nominations to American voters. Because of the influence High Court justices wield over the lives of all Americans and the fact they are appointed for life, the question of who gets the powerful constitutional right to fill court vacancies should be an important consideration for voters in every presidential election. For today, though, the current president and current Senate should deal with the current court opening. Finally, we share a reflection on the life of Scalia. The fact the conservative Scalia was closer in friendship to liberal Ruth Bader Ginsburg, with whom he likely agreed on few legal matters, than to any other justice on the Supreme Court testifies to the fact we can indeed disagree with one another, even profoundly, without being disagreeable. It's one more valuable Scalia lesson from which all of us - perhaps, most important, our political leaders - can learn. DES MOINES | Measures that would address the growing use of body cameras in Iowa are not expected to impact law enforcement agencies this year, but their introduction to the Legislature this session showcases looming challenges for state officials. Several lawmakers agree legislative action is needed soon as more Iowa authorities use body cameras to counter allegations of excessive force. In Iowa and around the country, legislators are scrutinizing their existing laws and using task forces to figure out the storage, public inspection and confidentiality of body camera footage. "This is definitely a hot topic for state legislatures and for good reason," said Nancy La Vigne, director of the Washington-based Justice Policy Center at the Urban Institute. "Police agencies are deploying this technology very rapidly and it's being deployed well ahead of policy development and clarification around how the cameras can be used." Supporters say body-worn cameras often the size of a cigarette pack and clipped to an officer's uniform restore transparency and trust in law enforcement. They also create questions about how to maintain the data while balancing the public's right to recorded footage and the privacy of people on the other end of the lens. An individual's age, mental health and other private details may be superseded if a state's public records law doesn't clearly address the emerging technology. "There's agreement about the need to wear them and the need to retain footage," said Jeremy Rosen, executive director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa. "We're down to the question of how long can it be retained for and in which cases is it a public record and which cases would it not be." A handful of states had legislation before 2015 that addressed body cameras, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. More than 30 states considered legislation last year. In Iowa, bills last session that proposed requiring authorities to use body cameras did not advance far. The Urban Institute will release a report soon that describes how state legislatures are tackling the issue. Their snapshot shows cases where some states may update public records laws. La Vigne noted Iowa's law gives authorities jurisdiction to withhold material that's part of an ongoing investigation. But the language also specifies that immediate facts and circumstances surrounding a crime or incident shall not be kept confidential, except in "unusual circumstances" where disclosure would plainly and seriously jeopardize an investigation or pose a clear and present danger to the safety of an individual. That wording is at the heart of cases in Iowa where law enforcement officials have challenged requests for recorded video. The family of a Burlington woman who was shot and killed last year by a police officer has taken legal action to try to access body camera footage and dash camera video, and other materials regarding her death. La Vigne said Iowa's law "creates a big gray area, and a lot of states are experiencing this gray area." At least eight legislatures passed laws recently to create commissions or study groups to explore the issue. In Iowa, a bill this session that would have required authorities to maintain body camera footage for up to two years in cases involving any use of force did not move past a procedural deadline. Sen. Steven Sodders, D-State Center, said he deferred the bill to a separate measure that would create interim legislative committees to examine the confidentiality of law enforcement records and investigate body cameras similar to other states. Sodders said the body cameras committee should involve interested parties who can "sit down and say, 'What is best for Iowa? What should the perimeters be that all the departments can live with and can do?'" It's unclear how many law enforcement agencies in Iowa deploy body cameras. Several of the largest agencies including in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City have either started using cameras or intend to do so soon. For now, local authorities have developed their own polices on body cameras. Rosen, with the ACLU, said he commends their efforts, but he would like to see a uniform system across Iowa in case there's an incident involving a police chase or an officer-involved shooting. "It's not ideal if there's one rule that allows you to get it if it happened in Des Moines then if the same thing happened in Iowa City," he said. For some of us at least, to be a Calvinist today also means that we will have to work at keeping alive the memories of older sayings and teachings in the hope that there will soon come a day when many others will want to learn such things again. Richard Mouw. Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport. Gary Vaynerchuk is the Belarusian business mogul who transformed his fathers $3 million wine business into a $60 million empire. He used YouTube to start Wine Library TV which now has over 15,500 subscribers. His love of video marketing and staying on top of the latest Internet advances led him to create Vayner Media; a social-first digital shop that focuses on storytelling across platforms. Vaynerchuk loves to share his knowledge about entrepreneurship and growing your small business using content marketing, creative campaigns and social media. Here are 14 of his most inspirational business quotes for entrepreneurs. 1. Im a counter puncher in a world where everyone wants to be an aggressor. This is the opening phrase from Vaynerchuks website and sets the tone for the rest of the content on the page. Its a bold statement that instantly gives you an impression of who he is and what he stands for. Vaynerchuk recognizes his uniqueness and personality in one simple sentence; can you do the same on your website? 2. You need to bet on your strengths and dont give a **** about what you actually suck at. Whilst presenting an Entrepreneurship Keynote at USC, Gary spoke (language in this video may not be work-friendly) about growing up poor and struggling at school. This gave him a strong sense of belief in himself and his strength. He recommends that you audit who you actually are in order to grow your own sense of self belief, which will further your belief in your company and supercharge your drive to make it a success. 3. You have to understand your own personal DNA. Dont do things because I do them or Steve Jobs or Mark Cuban tried it. You need to know your personal brand and stay true to it. Its easy to become obsessed with the latest and greatest entrepreneurs or motivational speakers. Vaynerchuk urges small business owners to use experiences and advice as a guide, not a mantra. Find your own style and methodologies for success. 4. You need to spend all your time and energy on creating something that actually brings value. Focus your efforts on quality over quantity. Whats the point in pushing out 10 short blog articles or five press releases if nobody reads them? Wouldnt it be better to spend the time crafting one in-depth, detailed article that gets shared hundreds of times on social media and brings thousands of visitors to your website? 5. People are chasing cash, not happiness. When you chase money, youre going to lose. Youre just going to. Even if you get the money, youre not going to be happy. This message will resonate with many small business owners. All too often we end up chasing the next invoice, the next sale, the next pay check when instead we should be focused on creating a happy, fulfilled life for ourselves through our business. 6. Surround yourself with people who give you permission to [] take risks Gary says that the ability to stay focused on your goals should come from deep within yourself. However, we all need some level of social acceptance from those closest to us. He recommends that you surround yourself with people who give you permission to take risks. These people believe in you; that helps you to believe in yourself and your business. 7. You need to be wherever your customers are paying attention. Social media is huge. Theres the big boys like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram, but also the new kids on the block like Snapchat and Periscope. Rather than try to cover all the social networking platforms, do some research into which ones are used most frequently by your target market and focus on those. 8. Ignoring platforms that have gained critical mass is a great way to look slow and out-of-touch. Do not cling to nostalgia. Do not put your principles above the reality of the market. Do not be a snob. You should always be looking for the next opportunity to grow and market your business. In the past few years, thats expanded from simply having your own website to being found on Google, growing your social media accounts, building a mobile app, creating video content on YouTube and countless other online opportunities. Dont be afraid to embrace the changes in the marketing landscape to ensure you stay ahead of your competitors in an ever-crowded digital marketplace. 9. A broad trend Im completely obsessed with is mobile commerce. Like completely. Im completely convinced that everybodys going to be buying from their mobile devices. See Also: 6 Killer Ways to Use Automated Marketing for Your Small Business We hear you Gary, and we totally agree! 2015 was the first year that mobile browsing overtook desktop browsing. Smartphone and tablet usage is still on the rise ignore responsive design and mobile apps for your small business at your peril. If youre looking for an easy to use app maker check out Bizness Apps. 10. If youre in business, first and foremost, you have to be nice. Show your customers that you care. This again links to the rise in social media and the importance of customer relations. These days, a negative review on Twitter or Facebook can be devastating. Treat your customers with respect, praise them, appreciate them and theyll do the same for you. 11. Be reactionary. React to what the market wants. And the market wants one-on-one real time engagement. Customers dont just want to purchase your product any more. They want to experience it. They want to know the story behind it, your vision for your small business, your inspiration and your goals. Share your journey with them and interact when they ask questions; theyll reward you with loyalty to your brand or business. 12. All your ideas may be solid or even good But you have to actually EXECUTE on them for them to matter. How many times have you jotted down a product idea or marketing plan on a piece of paper, only to bury it in a drawer a few days later and forget about it? You can spent all the time in the world planning how to grow your small business, but without following those ideas through, you will stay exactly where you are now. 13. Im just always looking forwards. I spend very little time, looking backwards It can be highly demotivating when you put a plan into action and nothing comes of it. Maybe youve spent hours writing an eBook that nobody buys, or have just launched a new product line that hasnt gotten the sales you were expecting. Dont sweat it. Look forwards; not backwards is there a new way to market the products that might resonate better with customers? Could you offer your eBook as a free download when people subscribe to your mailing list? Think of future possibilities and opportunities rather than wallowing in self-pity when things dont quite go how you expected them to. A penguin cannot become a giraffe, so just be the best penguin you can be. Lastly, remember that its your purpose and goals that set you apart from everybody else. Dont try to copy competitors (or even the businesses that inspire you) just for the sake of trying to fit in. Embrace your own individuality thats the best way to make your small business shine. There are many fitness goals out there that we desire. Some of us want to be leaner and others wish to put on muscle mass. The thing is, for you to achieve your fitness goals, you need to Police in Bremen, Germany are shown detaining four young North African criminals who have been terrorizing local shopkeepers. (Image source: ARD video screenshot) "Even the smallest issue can quickly lead to aggressive offensive and defensive behavior. The youths come together in groups to stand up for each other and also to fight each other... "When dealing with others, the youths are often irreverent and show a lack of respect for local values and norms. The youths congregate mainly in the downtown area, where they can be seen almost every day. During the daytime, they hang out mostly in the St. George district, but in the evenings they carry out their activities in the Binnenalster, Flora- and Sternschanzenpark and St. Pauli [all across central Hamburg]. They usually appear in groups; up to 30 youths have been observed on weekend nights in St. Pauli. The behavior of these highly delinquent youths towards police officers can be characterized as aggressive, disrespectful and condescending. They are signaling that they are indifferent to police measures... "The youths quickly become conspicuous, mainly in the domains of pickpocketing or street robbery. They also break into homes and vehicles, but the crimes are often reported as trespassing or vandalism because the youths are just looking for a place to sleep. Shoplifting for obtaining food is commonplace. When they are arrested, they resist and assault [the police officers]. The youths have no respect for state institutions." "For years the policy has been to leave the [German] population in the dark about the actual crime situation... The citizens are being played for fools. Rather than tell the truth, they [government officials] are evading responsibility and passing blame onto the citizens and the police." Soeren Kern is a Senior Fellow at the New York-based Gatestone Institute. He is also Senior Fellow for European Politics at the Madrid-based Grupo de Estudios Estrategicos / Strategic Studies Group. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter. His first book, Global Fire, will be out in 2016. Migrants committed 208,344 crimes in 2015, according to a confidential police report that was leaked to the German newspaper,. This figure represents an 80% increase over 2014 and works out to around 570 crimes committed by migrants every day, or 23 crimes each hour, between January and December 2015.The actual number of migrant crimes is far higher, however, because the report, produced by the Federal Criminal Police Office (), includes only crimes that have been solved (). According to Statista , the German statistics agency, on average only around half of all crimes committed in Germany in any given year are solved (). This implies that the actual number of crimes committed by migrants in 2015 may exceed 400,000.Moreover, the report -- "Crime in the Context of Immigration" () -- includes data from only 13 of Germany's 16 federal states.The report does not include crime data from North Rhine-Westphalia, the most populous state in Germany and also the state with the largest number of migrants. North Rhine-Westphalia's biggest city is Cologne, where, on New Year's Eve, hundreds of German women were sexually assaulted by migrants. It is not yet clear why those crimes were not included in the report.The report also lacks crime data from Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany, and Bremen, the second most populous city in Northern Germany.Further, many crimes are simply not reported or are deliberately overlooked: political leaders across Germany have ordered police to turn a blind eye to crimes perpetrated by migrants, apparently to avoid fueling anti-immigration sentiments.According to the report, most of the crimes were committed by migrants from: Syria (24%), Albania (17%), Kosovo (14%), Serbia (11%), Afghanistan (11%), Iraq (9%), Eritrea (4%), Macedonia (4%), Pakistan (4%) and Nigeria (2%).Most of the migrant crimes involved theft (): 85,035 incidents in 2015, nearly twice as many as in 2014 (44,793). Those were followed by property and forgery crimes (): 52,167 incidents in 2015.In addition, in 2015, migrants were involved in 36,010 reported cases of assault, battery and robbery (), roughly twice as many as in 2014 (18,678). There were also, in 2015, 28,712 reported incidents of fare evasion on public transportation ().There were 1,688 reported sexual assaults against women and children, including 458 rapes or acts of sexual coercion ().According to the report, migrants were accused of 240 attempted murders (), in 2015, compared to 127 in 2014. In two-thirds of the cases, the perpetrators and victims were of the same nationality. There were 28 actual murders: migrants killed 27 other migrants, as well as one German.Finally, the report said that 266 individuals were suspected of being jihadists posing as migrants; 80 of these were determined not to be jihadists; 186 cases are still being investigated. The infiltration of jihadists into the country, according to the report, is "a growing trend."The report leaves far more questions than answers. It remains unclear, for example, how German police define the term "migrant" () when compiling crime statistics. Does this term refer only to those migrants who arrived in Germany in 2015, or to anyone with a migrant background?If the report refers only to recently arrived migrants -- Germany received just over one million migrants from Africa, Asia and the Middle East in 2015 -- this would imply that at least 20% of the migrants who arrived in Germany in 2015 are criminals. But if the number of crimes committed by migrants is actually twice as high as the report states, then at least 40% of newly arrived migrants are criminals. Yet the report asserts: "The vast majority of asylum seekers are not involved in criminal activity."Also, for reasons that are not given, the report fails to include offenses committed by North Africans, long known to be responsible for an increase in crimes in cities and towns across Germany.In Hamburg, police say they are helpless to confront a spike in crimes committed by young North African migrants. Hamburg is now home to more than 1,000 so-called unaccompanied minor migrants (), most of whom live on the streets and apparently engage in all manner of criminal acts.A confidential report, leaked to, reveals that Hamburg police have effectively capitulated to the migrant youths, who outnumber and overwhelm them. The document states:The paper reports that German authorities are reluctant to deport the youths back to their countries of origin because they are minors. As a result, as more unaccompanied minors arrive in Hamburg each day, the crime problem not only persists, but continues to grow.Meanwhile, in a bid to save the city's tourism industry, Hamburg police have launched a crackdown on purse-snatchers. More than 20,000 purses -- roughly 55 a day -- are stolen in the city each year. According to Norman Gromann, the director of the federal police inspector's office in Hamburg, 90% of the purses are stolen by males between the ages of 20 and 30 who come from North Africa or the Balkans.In Stuttgart, police are fighting a losing battle against migrant gangs from North Africa who are dedicated to the fine art of pickpocketing.In Dresden, migrants from Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia have effectively taken control over the iconic Wiener Platz, a large public square in front of the central train station. There they sell drugs and pickpocket passersby , usually with impunity. Police raids on the square have become a game of "whack-a-mole," with a never-ending number of migrants replacing those who have been arrested.German authorities have repeatedly been accused of underreporting the true scale of the crime problem in the country. For example, up to 90% of the sex crimes committed in Germany in 2014 do not appear in the official statistics, according to the head of the Association of Criminal Police (), Andre Schulz. He said In an apparent effort to defuse escalating political tensions, Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees () on February 16 said it was expecting500,000 new migrants to arrive in the country in 2016. In December 2015, however, BAMF director Frank-Jurgen Weise told that "this figure [500,000] is only being used for 'resource planning' because at this time we cannot say how many people will come in 2016."On January 1, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated that 1.3 million asylum seekers would enter the European Union annually during 2016 and 2017.In a January 9 interview with, Development Minister Gerd Muller warned that the biggest refugee movements to Europe are still to come. He said that only 10% of the migrants from the chaos in Iraq and Syria have reached Europe so far: "Eight to ten million migrants are still on the way."Adding to the uncertainty: On February 18, senior security officials from Austria, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia all countries along the so-called Balkan Route, which hundreds of thousands of migrants are using to enter the European Union agreed to coordinate the joint transport of migrants from the Macedonia-Greece border all the way to Austria, from where they will be sent to Germany. The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless. The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well. By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism. Free Smoke Alarms The American Red Cross estimates that everyday seven people die in a home fire. To help lower that number, the organization will install free smoke alarms for Wilton Manors residents. The alarms are part of a nationwide program and can be installed Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To obtain one, call Karen Davis at 954-797-3803 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The program is first come, first served. Free Hazardous Waste Collection A free hazardous materials drop off will be held on Sunday, Feb. 21 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Municipal Complex, 2100 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Accepted items include paint and thinner cans, drain cleaners, insecticides and pesticides, used motor oil, household cleaners, propane tanks, automobile batteries, tires, lawn and pool chemicals, fluorescent lights and fire extinguishers. Unacceptable items include explosives, medical/biohazardous waste and business-generated waste. Only residents of Wilton Manors, Cooper City, Dania Beach, Hollywood, Lighthouse Point, Margate, Parkland, Pembroke Park, Sea Ranch Lakes, West Park, Weston, and unincorporated Broward County can drop off items. Proof of residency is required. Toilet Rebates Rebates are being offered by the City of Wilton Manors Emergency Management/ Utilities Department towards the purchase of up to two ultra-low flow (1.28 gallons per flush or lower) WaterSense certified and labeled toilets. Those who qualify can get up to $50 for each toilet. Applicants must be Wilton Manors residents and applications must be approved before the purchase is made. Toilets purchased before an application gets approved will not be eligible for a rebate. Call 954-390-2190, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. Yellow Dot Pamphlets Now Available Broward Countys free Yellow Dot program is now available for the public to utilize. Individuals with special medical needs can fill out a Yellow Dot pamphlet with the corresponding information and place it in their glove compartment. Then, place the Yellow Dot sticker on the bottom left of the rear windshield or on a prominent location on a motorcycle. If a person is in a motor vehicle accident and cant communicate with first responders, personnel will see the sticker and know to look for the pamphlet. Pamphlets and stickers are available at city hall, 2020 Wilton Drive; Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive, and the library, 500 NE 26 St. Visit Broward.org/YellowDot/AboutUs to learn about other locations where pamphlets are available. Apollo Command Module NASA Recent news stories claim that Apollo astronauts reported hearing strange music during their mission. NASA has debunked this claim with a statement issued today. While listed as confidential in 1969 at the height of the Space Race, Apollo 10 mission transcripts and audio have been publicly available since 1973. Since the Internet did not exist in the Apollo era, NASA has only recently provided digital files for some of those earlier missions. The Apollo 10 audio clips were uploaded in 2012, but the missions audio recordings have been available at the National Archives since the early 1970s. As for the likely source of the sounds questioned in the television program, Apollo 10 Lunar Module Pilot Gene Cernan told NASA on Monday, I dont remember that incident exciting me enough to take it seriously. It was probably just radio interference. Had we thought it was something other than that we would have briefed everyone after the flight. We never gave it another thought.' Transcript: http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/history/mission_trans/AS10_LM.PDF Audio: http://history.nasa.gov/ap10fj/audio/a10o-1021010.mp3 and https://archive.org/details/Apollo10 Cernan told NASA PAO staff that the only music the crew had were tapes they played on a cassette recorder they took with them on the flight. There are now four spacecraft docked to the International Space Station after the Cygnus left Friday morning. The next spacecraft to leave will be the Soyuz TMA-18M docked to the Poisk module on March 1. Credit: NASA. NASA The Expedition 46 crew took out the trash today when it released the Orbital ATK Cygnus spacecraft from the grips of the International Space Stations Canadarm2 robotic arm. In less than two weeks, another spacecraft will leave returning three crew members back to Earth. The Cygnus was filled with trash and discarded gear over the last few days before the hatches were closed Thursday. Ground controllers then remotely guided the Canadarm2 to grapple Cygnus and detach it from the Unity module. NASA astronauts Scott Kelly and Tim Kopra commanded the Canadarm2 to release Cygnus today at 7:26 a.m. EST when it began gracefully departing the vicinity of the station. Orbital ATK controllers in Virginia will guide Cygnus into the Earths atmosphere Saturday morning where it will safely burn up high over the Pacific Ocean. Kelly and a pair of cosmonauts Mikhail Kornienko and Sergey Volkov now turn their attention to their March 1 homecoming. They will be packing the Soyuz TMA-18M with science experiments and personal items for the ride home. Kelly and Kornienko will be completing 340 consecutive days in space, while Volkov will be wrapping up 182 days in orbit. On-Orbit Status Report Cygnus Departure: Today, Robotics Ground Controllers used the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) to unberth Cygnus from the Node 1 nadir berthing port and maneuvered the spacecraft to its release position. Kopra and Kelly subsequently released Cygnus at 6:26 am CST and monitored its nominal departure. Cygnus is scheduled for a destructive re-entry tomorrow, February 20th. Cygnus was berthed to the ISS for 72 days. Biological Rhythms 48 Hours: Today, Kelly completed his third and final Biological Rhythms experiment, removing the Holter Electrocardiogram and transferring data from the Holter and Actiwatch to the Medical laptop. This Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) investigation studies the effects of long-term microgravity exposure on heart function by analyzing an astronauts electrocardiogram for 48 hours. While the ISS schedule follows Greenwich Mean Time, it is not known whether a separate biological rhythm is imposed on long-term flight crews. To study this, astronauts wear an Actiwatch and a Holter electrocardiograph. Multi-Purpose Small Payload Rack 2 (MSPR2): Peake performed troubleshooting for an issue with the Workbench locking mechanism on the JAXA MSPR2. RADI-N: Kopra completed the final Canadian Space Agency (CSA) RADI-N run for Increments 45 and 46. He collected the 8 detectors that were deployed in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) and handed them over to Russian crewmember Malenchenko. The objective of this investigation is to better characterize the ISS neutron environment and define the risk posed to the crewmembers health and provide the data necessary to develop advanced protective measures for future space flight. Ocular Health: With Peake acting as Chief Medical Officer, Kelly performed his last testing for the Ocular Health investigation by completing an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) test today. OCT is used to measure retinal thickness, volume, and retinal nerve fiber layer, and the fundoscope is used to obtain images of the retinal surface. The Ocular Health protocol calls for a systematic gathering of physiological data to characterize the risk of microgravity-induced visual impairment/intracranial pressure in ISS crewmembers. Researchers believe that the measurement of visual, vascular and central nervous system changes over the course of this experiment and during the subsequent post-flight recovery will assist in the development of countermeasures, clinical monitoring strategies, and clinical practice guidelines. NeuroMapping: Kelly completed his Flight Day 330 NeuroMapping neurocognitive test on a Human Research Facility laptop. The Neuromapping experiment studies whether long-duration spaceflight causes any changes to the brain, including brain structure and function, motor control, and multi-tasking; as well as measuring how long it takes for the brain and body to recover from those possible changes. Previous research and anecdotal evidence from crewmembers returning from a long-duration spaceflight suggests that movement control and cognition are affected in microgravity. Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Water Conductivity Test: Kelly tested the conductivity of water samples obtained earlier this week from EMUs 3003 and 3010. The results will be downlinked for ground teams to review. Crew Departure Preparation: Kelly packed his personal items for return to the ground. The items will be split between Soyuz 44, SpaceX-8, and SpaceX-9 vehicles. Sidekick Checkout: Kelly worked with ground controllers to prepare Sidekicks Microsoft HoloLens devices for this weekends initial checkout of the on-board and ground components of the system. The goal of Sidekick is to investigate the use of this new technology to increase the efficiency of crew activities related to the daily execution of science, maintenance, and other ISS operations. Todays Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Biochemical Urine Test Closing USOS Window Shutters Eye Imaging (Ocular Health) OCT Setup URISYS Hardware Stowage Microbial Removal Filter (MRF) Purge Vestibule Depress. Cygnus/Node 1 Vestibule Depress and Leak Check ISS crew and ???? (RSA Flight Control Management Team) weekly conference Closure of window shutters 6,8,9,12,13,14 IMS Tagup Cygnus PCS Command and PROX Link Verification Progress 431 (DC1) Transfers and IMS Ops Camcorder Setup to View LAB RWS Monitor 3 MSPR Laptop Hard Drive Exchange EMU Conductivity Test MSPR Laptop Setup Node 1 CBM docking port Detachment MSPR Laptop Activation LBNP Exercise (PRELIMINARY) MICB Photography BLR48 Cygnus/Node 2 terminate vestibule depress MICB Samples Insertion into MELFI Water separation through Separation Assembly Microbial Removal Filter (MRF) Purge NMAP Experiment Test PILOT-T. Experiment Ops ??? Maintenance SSRMS Cygnus Grapple Release MSPR Components Deactivation Verification of ??-1 Flow Sensor Position Water separation through Separation Assembly PHS Evaluation Setup Stow Syringes used in ?2? Conductivity Test Periodic Health Status Subject Health Maintenance System (HMS) Periodic Health Status (PHS) CMO Water Sampling Periodic Health Status (PHS) Data Entry and Stowage of All Hardware Used in PHS Terminate transfer of water to water storage tank via MRF filter Pre-pack cargo items for return or disposal via Soyuz 718 COSMOCARD. Closeout Ops Cygnus PROX Power OFF HAM radio session from Columbus MATRYOSHKA-R. BUBBLE-dosimeter gathering and measurements Food Frequency Questionnaire Water Recovery System (WRS) Drain Waste Water Tank, initiate Retrieval of ECCO containers On-orbit Hearing Assessment using EARQ PILOT-T. Experiment OpsTransfer of thermal container MiniEcco No.3 to the RS and change the barcode to Russian barcode Handover of thermal container MiniEcco to Russian crew RADIN Detector Removal MATRYOSHKA-R. Photography of BUBBLE-Dosimeter During gathering and measurements MATRYOSHKA-R. Receiving BUBBLE-dosimeter detectors from USOS RADIN Handover of Detectors to RS Water Recovery System (WRS) Drain Waste Water Tank, initiate Crew Departure Prep RWS Power Down Water Recovery System (WRS) Drain Waste Water Tank, terminate IFM Temporary Removal of Pivot Fitting PILOT-T. Closeout Ops WRS Maintenance Big Picture Words SHD Weekly Questionnaire IMS Delta File Prep HAM radio session from Columbus MSPR2 Friction Adjustment Transfer of ELF P/L Laptop NAPOR-miniRSA. Cleaning ???-? vents WRS Maintenance Big Picture Words PCS Laptop Relocation Completed Task List Items None Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. System commanding associated with Cygnus departure Three-Day Look Ahead: Saturday, 02/20: Cygnus Re-entry, Crew Off Duty, Weekly Cleaning Sunday, 02/21: Crew Off Duty Monday, 02/22: WPA CAT Reactor R&R Prep, Soyuz OBT, 44S Prepack, CARDOX, ACE H2 Samples QUICK ISS Status Environmental Control Group: Component Status Elektron On Vozdukh Manual [???] 1 SM Air Conditioner System (SKV1) On [???] 2 SM Air Conditioner System (SKV2) Off Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab Override Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 Operate Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 Operate Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Process Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Standby Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab Off Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 Full Up WITH the recent tax fraud allegations he made against an opposition politician, Prime Minister Robert Fico is again seeking to raise suspicions against his political rivals as a pre-election tactic. Font size: A - | A + But much like previous cases this one is unlikely to end up having substance, says analyst. Fico alleges Igor Matovic, leader of the Ordinary People and Independent Personalities (OLANO), avoided a tax audit by selling his Region Press company for the equivalent of about 4 million to one of his employees while keeping the companys money on his personal account and later withdrawing from the contract. Since Fico informed about the case on February 5, both he and Matovic have repeatedly accused one another of lying. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Political analyst Grigorij Meseznikov, president of the Institute for Public Affairs (IVO), sees the clash as a familiar part of Ficos campaign strategy. The whole case was prepared to discredit a political rival, Meseznikov told The Slovak Spectator. Fico probably chose Matovic as target for previous clashes, he added. Back in August 2015 Matovic made allegations that Fico and his wife had a fortune deposited in a bank account in the tax haven Belize. The allegations came after a raid was carried out in Matovics company in Trnava on August 12 by the National Crime Agency (NAKA). The police seized servers after the operation was ordered by the Special Prosecutors Office. The police confirmed in October 2015 that Fico does not have a secret account in Belize. Read also: Read also: Matovic hands over 60 boxes of documents Read more Fico targets Matovic In early February, Fico convened a press conference to publicly release documents that several experts have since said are subject to tax secrecy laws. Fico alleges the documents prove that Matovic has committed tax fraud in the past. The case that Fico pointed to, however, is not completely new and Smers top regional politician in Trnava, Renata Zmajkovicova, had used it against Matovic, who lives and had his business based in Trnava, in 2010. Matovic sold his Region Press company to one of the companys employees, Pavol Vandak, for 122 million Slovak crowns (about 4 million), in order to avoid a tax audit, according to Fico. He claims that on the day of the sale, 121 million crowns were transferred from the companys account to Matovics personal account and the remaining 1 million was kept in the company in cash. Vandak, who is self-employed and worked as a newspaper delivery man, was practically Matovics employee, as Fico put it. He allegedly bought the company one day before the planned tax audit in August 2008. Two months later, Matovic backed out of the contract, according to Fico. The documents that Fico showed journalists to back his claims are photocopies of the contract between Vandak and Matovic and other documentation surrounding the sale. That includes the statement of Vandak in front of the tax authorities where he confirms that the books of the company ended up in the paper waste, Fico said. The prime minister refuses to say where he obtained the documents. He only said during the political talk show broadcast by the private TA3 news channel on February 14 that he received it from a private person. He will reveal his or her name only after the matter is investigated. Matovic meanwhile confirmed the documents Fico exposed were authentic but said he did not remember backing out of the contract two months after it was sealed. Despite that, he labelled Fico a liar. Fico in turn labelled Matovic a liar too. Matovic lied when he said he did not remember whether he backed out of the deal, according to Fico. Read also: Read also: Matovic asks Fico to have polygraph test Read more Vandak speaks out Meanwhile, the police started dealing with the case and by February 8 Vandak was called in to be heard as a witness. The police did not disclose information about the meeting but Vandak provided the records of his hearing to the SITA newswire. Vandak did not discard the books of the company after he purchased it from Matovic, but Matovic did, he said. He also claimed in front of the police that he only signed papers that Matovic presented to him, without knowing what he was actually signing. He said he trusted Matovic because they grew up together, SITA reported. Matovic allegedly promised Vandak a lifelong rent payment of 1,500. Pavol Vandaks statement unfortunately contains a pile of nonsense, lies, and half-truths and I will, of course, react accordingly, Matovic told SITA and added he was sorry that Vandak allowed himself to be politically abused. Matovic talks with police Matovic handed in more than 60 boxes of documents related to the Region Press company to NAKA on February 15. The documentation relates to 1997-2008 excluding the years 2002 and 2004. The handover of the documents took place in the presence of Daniel Lipsic, who is his lawyer but also the leader of NOVA, which has members on the OLaNO slate for the upcoming general election, the TASR newswire wrote. Matovic claims that the boxes with documents are evidence that no tax fraud took place during the sale of Region Press. A NAKA investigator collected the documents in front of Matovics grandmothers house in Borova (Trnava Region) where they were being stored in the loft. As the house owners, Matovics family members wouldnt allow him to enter the house, he agreed that the documents could be carried down and put in front of the building. Matovic and Lipsic were surprised that an investigator was collecting, packing and sealing whole boxes rather than individual documents. They claimed that the security of the delivered documentation is not guaranteed and that it could be manipulated, as reported by TASR. They also alleged there might be political influence on the investigation. Police Corps President Tibor Gaspar however responded that the police are investigating the case in compliance with the Criminal Code, without being influenced from the outside. Id like to respond to the lies and half-truths regarding the approach of the police in this case, Gaspar said of his decision to make public statement, as quoted by TASR. He added that this will be the final police statement on the case prior to the March 5 general election. Read also: Read also: Campaign: Tax fraud allegations fly Read more Matovic testifies Matovic was meanwhile invited to testify before police on February 17. I dont have anything to hide; Ive come to repeat it, Matovic said, as quoted by TASR. If youre interested in my personal feelings, then Im going there with a sentiment of someone standing against an absolute power play. He eventually spent four hours with the police investigator. As for the course of the questioning, I think that it was carried out appropriately by both the investigator and the prosecutor present, Matovic said after the hearing, as quoted by TASR. It was an 11-page testimony. I didnt say anything new apart from what already had been said in the media. Impact questioned Meseznikov compares the case with the campaign led by Fico before the 2014 presidential elections against his rival Andrej Kiska. He kept accusing him of usury, referred to some controversial cases and even searched for some victims. It seemed like an intelligence operation, he said. The accusations however have not resulted in any criminal investigation, and this is likely to happen also with the allegations against Matovic, Meseznikov added. He also does not think that the suspicions will have any significant impact on the voters support of OLaNO. People who still support Matovic despite various scandals he has been connected to will remain loyal to him, Meseznikov suggests. Sociologist Pavel Haulik of MVK polling agency even predicts that the case may, paradoxically, increase the support for OLaNO movement. A Slovak voter does not perceive the arguments brought by similar conflicts as relevant, Haulik told The Slovak Spectator. Changes to education necessary to fix high structural unemployment Font size: A - | A + With a gradual decline in the unemployment rate and a steady rise of the number of jobs to choose from Slovakias labour market experienced a successful year in 2015. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement But the new situation on the market has underlined the paradox that employers struggle with: despite its gradual decline, the unemployment rate remains high, while employers complain about the shortage of qualified and skilled labour. Companies now pin their hopes on new legislation that introduced elements of dual education. Analysts see the economic development in countries that are Slovakias major trading partners as the key factor for the development on the local labour market. (Source: TASR) Back to the pre-crisis level Branch managers of Grafton Recruitment agree that the year of 2015 was turbulent, with the IT sector expanding and increased demand for workers for the production sector reaching pre-crisis levels. The labour market experienced a significant revival, said Michal Batis, Grafton branch manager in Bratislava. Under the influence of new investments and projects, regions reported higher demand for specialists for technical positions, IT, HR, accounting, administrative workers with a good knowledge of languages, and workers to take care of clients - among other fields. There is a significant lack of IT specialists, especially developers of concrete programming languages, but also technical specialists and qualified manufacturing workers, Dana Blechova from Blechova Management Consulting told The Slovak Spectator, adding that truck drivers and warehouse workers have been missing from the labour market for a longer period of time, too. Companies mostly search for graduates from technical schools, either secondary schools or universities, according to Blechova. This reflects the need of the labour market where workers for the production sector, IT but also service shared centres (SSCs) are being sought, said Blechova, adding that in terms of the latter the knowledge of one or even more foreign languages is more important than even general education level. Graduates of universities with an economic focus also have a good chance for employment, said Blechova, while employers choose graduates also according to evaluation rankings and the reputation of schools. There are schools that are known for their low quality of studies and their graduates often end up at labour offices after graduating, said Blechova. This is why it is important for students not only to choose the right study field but also a quality university. But a look at statistics from the end of October 2015 indicates that pupils or their parents have hardly taken recommendations of HR experts to heart. Based on data of the Education Ministry, only 39,686 people study in fields focusing on natural sciences and technical sciences and out of a total of 162,568. On the other hand, more than double, 89,305 studied social sciences and related disciplines. In the case of secondary schools, out of 230,761 students, 65,944 studied fields focusing on natural sciences and technical sciences and disciplines, as compared to 138,964 studying social sciences. Slovakias paradox A poor choice of school is one reason that unemployment remains particularly high in some regions, and some businesses in the country have problems finding a skilled labour force for the positions they need to fill. This paradox exists in Slovakia perhaps even more than in other countries of our region, due to archaic methods of schooling, untargeted education in sectors that have no application in Slovakia, Pavol Strapac, country finance manager at Adecco, told The Slovak Spectator. Slovakias labour market stops functioning at the unemployment rate around 9 percent, Lubos Sirota, CEO and general director of McROY Group, pointed out while this is approximately double the rate that is common in more advanced economies. The reason is the bad structure of Slovakias unemployed, in combination with low mobility of the work force, said Sirota. Slovakia is a country where automotive and machine industries are expanding, but the education is not able to produce a sufficient number of engineers. Another sector that struggles with the lack of qualified labour force is IT, say HR experts. There the main reason is the inappropriate structure of the Slovak university education, which produces too many graduates in sectors like social work or pedagogy, while technicians are missing, Sirota told The Slovak Spectator. Strapac also noted that there are too many people unable to find a job in the area of humanities. The solution would not just be declared, but really close cooperation between the real market and schools, Strapac told The Slovak Spectator. Another related problem is the unwillingness of Slovaks to travel for work. A well-functioning system of connections between schools and companies, and a bigger support for commuting for work on the part of employers and the state could help, Miroslav Garaj, country manager for Grafton Recruitment Slovakia, told The Slovak Spectator. Companies in the most industrially advanced regions of Slovakia (Bratislava, Trnava, Trencin, Zilina, Kosice) are the most affected by this. There is a very high portion of people who lack almost any working skills and are therefore almost unemployable, according to Mario Fondati, partner of Amrop. SSCs are also operating on a highly competitive market for a qualified labour, he noted. Many companies therefore have to hire people that need a lot of additional training or are trying to attract people from outside of Slovakia, Fondati said. Expectations are prospective Economic forecasts are optimistic and count on keeping the economic growth that is significantly higher than the average of the euro area countries, Ivana Molnarova, executive director of the biggest job portal in Slovakia, Profesia.sk, told The Slovak Spectator. It is thus possible to expect that the positive development in the labour market will continue also during 2016, she said. Molnarova described 2015 as an exception when the number of new work places increased by almost one-third compared with 2014 and the jobless rate reached the lowest levels since 2009. She believes that it will be easier for job seekers to get a job while those who are employed but eager to change their job will have more opportunities to do so. On the other hand, the situation for companies will be more complicated as for them it would become more difficult to fill their vacancies with suitable people as well as to keep their employees. Competition between companies will sharpen significantly, said Molnarova, adding that this will happen especially in sectors which already report labour shortages and which require high qualifications. In terms of what positions will be required in 2016, Grafton expects the year to mimic 2015. We assume that several companies will have a tendency to innovate the production process with the aim of reaching a higher automation of production with stress on lean production and optimised processes, said Marian Mitosinka, branch manager in Trencin. Thus we expect a demand for process engineers, quality controllers or project managers. Personnel professionals for Grafton in the Bratislava Region expect that the IT sector will be on the upsurge while there will be a persisting demand for .NE, iOS and Android developers. SSCs and business process outsourcing keeps growing and firms will look for leaders and language specialists. In production, they assume more positions in R&D while employers in eastern Slovakia are looking for such workers too. Candidates with little chance of getting a job include those with non-technical education without knowledge of at least one world language. Graduates of non-preferred study fields like social work, environmental management, security management, leisure time animators, tourism, public administration or mass media communication will have difficulties. There is a persisting problem with the number of graduates in the legal and psychological fields, according to Grafton. We often meet with candidates without a chance to find an appropriate job, said Anna Ricanyova, regional manager of Grafton Recruitment in Kosice, adding that this is true mostly for graduates of managerial programmes, lawyers, teachers, translators, graduates of political sciences and international relations. In case of these graduates we build many times on the knowledge of foreign languages and they find jobs, for example in client service. But Jana Simkova, the manager of the division of finances and banking at Grafton Recruitment, added that it is not enough to study the proper field when employers often require candidates with experience. Employers also welcome language studies, trainings and internships at employers abroad. A significant benefit is their participation in various programmes, competitions and participation in projects and activities outside school, said Simkova. Slovaks abroad as a resource The education sector and the unemployed are the most often mentioned untapped resources on the labour market. Drawing Slovaks back from abroad and employment of older people are other possibilities. Companies searching for qualified workers are already actively searching for and addressing candidates among Slovaks living abroad, according to Blechova. Most of them are satisfied on their with place of work, said Blechova, adding that those with family contacts back in Slovakia or those who are not so successful abroad may be responsive. Sirota sees luring Slovaks back home from abroad as a very complicated goal because such people do not have any relevant reason to return, other than homesickness. Martin Krekac, chairman and owner of Jenewein Group and senior partner of Amrop, cites the global index of competitiveness of talents, in which Slovakia ranks in the top third out of more than 100 countries. Krekac believes Slovakia cannot get by without hiring workers from abroad for certain positions. In this sense immigrants may be a chance for Slovakia, if they as well as we will manage to set up mentally for this process. Employment of foreigners is showing to be only a temporary solution because after these people find out what the situation in Slovakia is, they move westward for higher earnings, according to Sirota. Employing foreigners, because of the lack of a qualified labour, will be inevitable unless an economic crisis occurs again, Rastislav Machunka of the Federation of Employers Associations (AZZZ) told The Slovak Spectator. Plenty of unused sources Blechova also sees a so-far unused potential in hiring older people, as companies often prefer younger candidates who are less loyal and experienced and often more expensive. I know many qualified older candidates for higher managerial positions who were not able to find a job in Slovakia for more than half a year and nobody even invited them for a job interview and now they have even more interesting jobs in Austria, the Czech Republic or Germany, said Blechova. Sirota believes that there is a plenty of unused resources on the labour market. But the problem is that many of those people do not want to work [under real conditions], he said. About 100,000 unemployed only have primary school education and the labour productivity of many of them would be so low that it would not be advisable for employers to employ them even for minimum wage. Scrapping the minimum wage and introducing a concurrence of salary and social benefits would help these people to find a job, according to Sirota. Sirota also pointed to the low mobility when people from so-called hunger valleys with high unemployment rates do not want to commute or move for work, while on the other hand, they often have nowhere to move. For example, a seller will get less than 20,000 for a three-room apartment in Rimavska Sobota [in a hunger valley], a sum for which he cannot acquire his or her own housing in western Slovakia, said Sirota and suggested that more intensive construction of rental housing would help. Dual education and more targeted education of students tailor-made to the needs of employers is a solution that could bring additional resources to the labour market, according to Krekac, as currently many graduates end up unemployed. Molnarova of Profesia.sk says that academia is not interconnected with practice. Young people often study fields that will not help them find a [proper] job on the labour market, said Molnarova. As a consequence also companies are unable to find employees with a suitable profile, which forces them to search for employees outside Slovakia and motivate them to move in. Employers also see the education sector and flexibility of labour market as areas for improvement. Decreasing unemployment Slovakia closed 2015 with the registered unemployment rate, the rate of those who were prepared to take a job immediately, at 10.63 percent. In annual terms, the jobless rate fell by 1.66 percentage points. The average registered unemployment rate in 2015 amounted to 11.50 percent, which was 1.29 percentage points less than in 2014, the Central Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family (UPSVaR) announced in mid-January. If we sustain this pace, we can attack the magical 10-percent threshold as early as the summer, said Prime Minister Robert Fico. Labour Minister Jan Richter added that for the first time since 1990, the number of jobless in December was not higher than that registered in November while he put the economic development as the key factor for this. In absolute numbers, the number of jobless ready to take a job immediately stood at 286,825 in December 2015, down by 44,908 people compared to December 2014. (Source: SME) The total unemployment rate in December 2015 was 12.40 percent, down by 1.45 percentage points in annual terms. The labour offices registered a total of 334,379 jobseekers, a drop of 39,375 people year-on-year. Bank analysts ascribe the decline in jobless rate to favourable developments in Slovakias economy, with growth dynamics in 2015 that were the highest since 2010. Dominika Ondrova, an analyst with Postova Banka, indicated that spending last EU funds from the 2007-2013 programming period and a milder winter might be behind the faster decline of unemployment. In spite of the positive development the unemployment rate in Slovakia still ranks among the highest within the whole EU, Ondrova wrote in her memo, when only seven members of the EU reported a double-digit jobless rate in November 2015. Vladimir Balaz from the Institute for Forecasting of the Slovak Academy of Sciences points out that while the jobless rate in Slovakia, compared with other EU countries, is quite high, most of these unemployed are unemployable. He estimates the natural rate of unemployment in Slovakia at between at 8-8.5 percent. Even when the Slovakias economy grew 10.4 percent in 2007, the unemployment rate was 11 percent. We are close to this bottom [of the natural rate of unemployment], Balaz told The Slovak Spectator. Such a rate includes people who have low education or do not have it at all, and these people simply will never work and can only transition into retirement. Such unemployment simply cannot be reduced. Bank analysts expect that unemployment would continue to decrease in 2016 while the registered unemployment rate may decrease below 10 percent. They expect positive effects from the arrival of the fourth carmaker to Slovakia, too. The British carmaker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plans to build a brand new plant near Nitra and employ around 2,800 people in the new facility, while thousands of jobs are expected to open with subcontractors. We assume that the positive trend on the labour market will continue also during 2016, said Ondrova as cited by the TASR newswire. This is because the Slovak economy should continue to grow at a solid pace; conditions for the growth of consumption should persist. According to McRoy Group, the growth of employment should be supported especially by increasing performance of the Slovakias economy and the growing demand for Slovak products on Slovakias export markets. Thus industrial production, specifically the sectors of automotive and machine engineering, should generate the most new jobs. Traditionally, the strongest growth is expected for the regions of Bratislava, Povazie and Kosice. Later we expect also a significant increase of employment in Nitra and its vicinity; the reason will be the announced investment of JLR, said Sirota. But this will happen only after 2016 because the construction of the plant and induced arrival of subcontracting companies will take time. Lubomir Korsnak, an analyst with the UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia, warned that the structure of unemployed may slow the decline in unemployment as there are still many long-term unemployed without work experience or qualifications. Long-term unemployment Slovakia keeps registering high long-term unemployment and those without a job for more than one year made up 51.7 percent of all the unemployed. Ondrova of Postova Banka sees the low or unsuitable qualifications of these people as preventing them from finding a job. Another factor is that we will find long-term unemployed especially in districts with a high jobless rate where it is in general difficult to find a job, Ondrova wrote in her memo, adding that the longer a person is jobless the more difficult they find it to get a job. This is because employers are afraid of lack of work habits in the case of these people and thus they avoid hiring them. Molnarova of Profesia.sk traces long-term unemployment back to the1990s when, as a consequence of the economic transformation a lot of people lost their jobs and afterwards they failed to establish themselves on the labour market under new conditions. Sirota of McROY Group sees the bad structure of the unemployed behind the high long-term unemployment, who have a low qualification and in case of part of them it actually cannot be found out for what positions they would fit as they have not yet worked at all. Apart from this such people have practically no work habits and they do not search for job actively, Sirota told The Slovak Spectator, adding that some subsist on social benefits while earning extra money via short-term contracts and are not interested in full-time work. TWO analyses by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) indicate that Slovakia should spend more money in the education system, OECD representatives said on February 19. Font size: A - | A + Slovakia should also focus on expansion of pre-school education and on raising salaries of teachers and other leading employees of the education system, says the OECD Reviews of School Resources: Slovak Republic 2015 . Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement OECD experts have positively evaluated the current system of financing. They consider it transparent, well established, and say that it provides schools with a high degree of financial autonomy. Meanwhile, the downside is the low amount of money spent, the TASR newswire quoted. The analysts, for instance, recommend strengthening cooperation between administrators of smaller schools to share common equipment such as classrooms and sports grounds, as well as teachers. They suggested setting a minimum size of classroom or adjustng the compensation system for schools with less than 250 pupils. When it comes to pre-school facilities, the OECD suggested transferring financial responsibility from towns to the state and to create adequate conditions for all pre-schoolers. Slovakia also has insufficient inclusion of children with special needs and of children from socially disadvantaged environments, the OECD claims. Angel Gurria, secretary-general of OECD, highlighted the Roma community as the biggest challenge facing the Slovak education system, recommending the country to focus on equal accessibility of education, keeping it at the centre when conceiving education policy, the SITA newswire wrote. On the other hand, the awareness of the critical situation faced especially by social groups stricken by social deprivation and poverty is growing in Slovakia, the OECD adds. The country belongs among those in which the socio-economic position of parents has one of the strongest impacts on students results. The government should also re-evaluate its policy providing state and private schools the same amount per pupil, as private schools can charge admission fees. The analysts commended the autonomy of schools in hiring new teachers, but suggested improvements in the preparation of future teachers. We welcome initiatives in the area of vocational education, Gurria said with respect to dual education, as quoted by TASR. But they still need to introduce more venues for practical education and to carry it out directly in the facilities of individual companies. Education, Science, Research and Sport Minister Juraj Draxler said that both studies showed the pros and cons of the Slovak education system and that both are equally important. Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak, Finance Minister Peter Kazimir and Education Minister Juraj Draxler met with Gurria. Following the meeting, Lajcak appreciated the long-term and intensive cooperation between Slovakia and OECD, which represents an elite club of the 34 economically most developed countries that share their expertise from areas of the economic development, financial markets and employment policies. Lajcak and Gurria talked about the priorities of their mutual cooperation such as taxes, education and regional development as well as foreign policy issues. They also spoke about the situation in Ukraine, where Slovakia actively participates with the OECD in reforming and modernising the eastern European country. He also presented Slovakias preparations for the presidency of the European Union in the latter half of this year. They also discussed the migration crisis and measures to be taken in order to alleviate its consequences. OECD studies migration in terms of its impact on economic development and publishes recommendations regarding the integration of migrants in host communities, on the labour market and in the education system. A GROUP of hackers managed to steal passwords from the Slovak website SkTorrent, a site related to downloading and uploading files. Font size: A - | A + People using it should quickly change their passwords as hackers obtained the identities of 118,000 users. More than one-third of them also open access to the email addresses at Seznam.cz and Email.cz domains. If attackers obtain access to email, they can get also to other services which can reset the original password. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement SkTorrent saved passwords in an uncoded form. People should use different passwords for different services, expert in cyber security Peter Kosinar told the Sme daily, adding that effective tools are a password administrator and a two-factor identification. He was joined in this opinion also by Zuzana Hosalova, spokeswoman of the cyber security company Eset, who added that in Slovakia, the legalisation that would order online service to inform their clients on security incidents is missing. SkTorrent failed to inform its clients about the attack. The website has, however, been long been suspected of stealing data from its rivals and spying on registered users. Moreover, background infromation suggest that saving the passwords as uncoded could have been intentional, as the system on which the service is operating is set to code them by default. Companies which care about safety of data do not save passwords on their servers, Sme wrote. AT THE recent European Union summit, some changes in internal rules were approved, as proposed by Great Britain. The compromise agreement defines relations between the EU and the UK based on the requirements of British Prime Minister David Cameron. Some of the agreements concern Slovaks in the UK. Font size: A - | A + In the UK, the referendum to take place June 23 threatens to send the country outside the EU, and thus British Prime Minister David Cameron travelled to Brussels for February 18-19 with a set of drafts for various measures. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Among other steps, the agreement signed enables the UK to restrict paying child benefits to people from other countries of the EU who work in the country but whose children are raised elsewhere, the Sme daily wrote. This measure also involves Slovaks and, according to new rules, they will be paid the amounts they would receive as child benefits in their homeland (usually much lower sums than currently paid in the UK). This currently goes only for those Slovaks (and other central and eastern European nationals) who arrive in Britain starting now. From 2020 on, the rule will be applied flatly, to all Slovaks working there. The monthly child allowance in Slovakia is 23.52, in the UK it amounts to 82 at present, the TASR newswire wrote. Currently, 2,000 Slovaks receive this benefit, and after the four-year transitory period is over they will lose it. The proposal still has to be approved by the Council of the European Union and will also be discussed in the European Parliament. In the form of agreement, the European Union has given the United Kingdom a second chance to remain in the EU, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said after the two-day EU summit, as quoted by TASR. Fico added that the possibility of a double-track EU has been officially conceded: Because one pace of development will be seen in the eurozone, where we are all in favour of a higher rate of integration, linking and cooperation, with another pace for non-members, he said. The agreement is worth it in order to keep the European Union intact. It would be very bad if at a time when there are differing stances on migration, signs emerged that we arent even capable of sticking together. SHORTLY before the Slovak general election, the INEKO economic think-tank examined the election programmes of political parties concerning health care. According to its evaluation, Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) and Christian-Democratic Movement (KDH) have the best, along with those of Most-Hid and Siet. Font size: A - | A + We appreciate that all these parties, including Ordinary People-Independent Personalities (OLaNO-NOVA), adopted several of the ideas asserted by INEKO in their programmes in the long term, INEKO analyst Dusan Zachar informed. The plans of Slovak National Party (SNS) in health care were assessed by us as the least beneficial. [The ruling party| Smer has not prepared any programme for voters whatsoever, Zachar concluded. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Many parties are aware of the considerable politicising of the health-care sector and some push for managers in state health-care facilities and other public institutions to be responsible for their decisions and evaluated according to their results(OLaNO, Siet), the INEKO institute point out at its blog on sme.sk website. It cites, for example, KDH is suggesting that in case of poor management of a hospital, a recovery plan and forced administration be obligatory. OLaNO-NOVA drafted the rule three times is enough: if a hospital shows loss for three consecutive half-years, the management would be sacked this is deemed too strict by INEKO, though. One of the most difficult but inevitable points of health policy, from the point of sustainability, is defining the basic package of insurance (and treatments), and introducing the element of social sensitivity, and the option of regulated financial participation of patients in treatment. SaS and KDH are most clear about basic entitlements, while Most-Hid is more vague. Even SNS mentions the possibility of additional insurance. OLaNO-NOVA wants the state to define and publish the patients entitlements as defined by law. Privacy statement: This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do we store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. We are not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without our permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on January 1, 2017. If you have any questions feel free to contact Springfield Vermont News directly here: ed44vt@gmail.com Kees van der Westen is a Dutch brand known for high-end, high-precision espresso machines that are as elegant in their retro-sleek design as they are edgy. In the US, the allure of the cult-status machineswith suitably mystical-sounding names, such as Mirage and Spiritboomerangs back to their maker, a faraway industrial-design genius with a reported penchant for driving a 1962 Cadillac and a preference not to be photographed. But to the Dutch he is just Kees from Brabant, a friendly businessman from the Netherlands province of North Brabant who will likely visit a coffee bar if it bears one of his handcrafted creations or will just as well receive a local wanting a look-see at his headquarters. Earlier this year, feeling rather like an Oz-bound Dorothy, I traveled from Amsterdam to Eindhoven to meet Van der Westen. Except for the Cadillac, which had broken down and was apologetically substituted with a Jeep, all of the aforementioned preconceptions became manifest. And in a Wizard-like revelation, so did the paradox of Van der Westen; he is a contemplative speed freak, an off-the-wall pragmatist, and a down-to-earth visionaryall at once. Plus, he is really easy to talk to. Officially known as Kees van der Westen Espressonistic Works, his workshop and warehouse are contained in side-by-side industrial units in the small town of Waalre, a 10-minute drive from Eindhovens rail station. Vintage Faema pieces and framed archival photos add character to the place. The staff, 25 in total, whistle while they work. But the interior is otherwise nondescript. There is no doubt that the machines are what matter most here, that all creativity and concentration are devoted to perfecting the process of making espresso. Van der Westen said this much in reply to 20 questions inquiring about his career history, the coffee he drinks nowadays, and a completely new machine currently in his head but which he soon expects to be at his, and, eventually, the worlds fingertips. Were you interested in coffee before you began making espresso machines? No, not really. I drank coffee, but that was mainly to stay awake when working late on projects at school. Just for the caffeine. How did building espresso machines become your thing? As a young pig-headed student at the Stedelijk Hoger Instituut voor Industriele Vormgeving [an institute for industrial design in Belgium], I decided to show the Italians the proper way [laughs]. So I started and, well, the first machine gave me a lot of trouble. It exploded a couple of times. But the second one, I really got the hang of. During that year, as I became genuinely interested, I bought a really old one-group machine, restored it, and made my own machine out of it. With that I was actually able to prepare coffee at the schools end-of-year exhibition where you show your work. I could sell it on the spotwow. The buyer was a discotheque in Leuven (I dont remember the name). For them it was more just a piece to talk about, because discotheques usually operate at night, so more cocktails than coffee there. It sold for 3,500 guilders, about 1,700 euros. You know, being a student youre always short on cash. All of a sudden I made some money doing what I liked, so that made me think. After graduating I bought another old machine. I did the same trick but, well, these were the 80sI finished school in 1985. During those days, espresso culture in Holland was really nonexistent. There were espresso machines, but everybody was pulling long shots, lungos, nothing else. I kept on trying, and I did all kinds of other jobs in between. I did interior designs of hair salons, I drove a truck, did furniture pieces, etc. But every once and in a while, I would return to the espresso machine. I finally got a commission, and then another. These were all one-off machines. I would do the design, come to an agreement about the price, and start to build it, install it, do the servicing. That soon proved to be a very tedious way to work. Where did you do the work back then? My girlfriend and I had an apartment in Eindhoven. I used a room to spray-paint therethat room looked awful, we had great trouble with the landlord when we left. But the rough work (the welding and the grinding) was done in a small shed behind my parents house. I would come there in the morning, drag out all the bikes, do my work, put back all the bikes in the evening. Soon we found a house with a garage. It looked like a palace at first, but it quickly became crowded. Then we went to a larger workshop and, in 2007, we moved to our current workshop. About a year and a half ago, we added the second unit, and thats already becoming a bit tight. How did you begin making espresso machines in series? In the early 90s, I came into contact with Kent Bakke. Hes the main American owner of La Marzocco, and of course one of the pioneers of the specialty coffee movement. He bought a machine from me, one of those one-off machines, and paid with two Lineas [the La Marzocco model today known as a Classic], and said: Well, why not be a distributor in the Netherlands for La Marzocco? That was a good idea. It came at exactly the right moment, because doing those one-offs, like I said, its very tedious. Youre working about two months to finish a machine, and all that time youre already having to think about the next commission. Every time I finished a one-off machine, I thought: If I would build this one again, it would be much better, because this is not entirely perfect, that could be better, etc. They were prototypes really, and it was difficult to build just one and start a completely different model and design every time. It can be done and its fun; its also time-consuming and not very cost-effective. So working officially with La Marzocco components, I was finally able to buy boilers and all the [things] I needed to build my own machines in a small series. Before that, I did try to find boilers in Italy, but everybody refused when I asked for 10 or more. They realized, He might be doing a complete espresso machine instead of just servicing machines. You could buy all kinds of parts to service and maintain machines, but not to build complete machines. A boiler is not a piece that you usually need to maintain machines. [But] the ability to order whatever component I needed made it possible to build my own production machine, and I created the Mistral. These photos [points to office wall] taken in 1999 for a fair in Barcelona depict our Mistral. The very last Mistral we did was a five-group for Duane [Sorenson, founder of Stumptown Coffee]. That was the grand finale of the first series in 2004. In about 2002 or 2003, when I started to design a new Mistral, I explained my project to La Marzocco, and they were very interested. They immediately proposed to build that new Mistral. That was a good solution for the problems we had because, back then, we were in a tiny workshop having to build two very different machineswe started the Mirage with the E61 system in 2001with three people bumping into each other all day. They paid for the design and the prototypes we did, and I got some money for every machine they sold, so it was perfect. In 2004, the distributorship went to somebody else because that was no longer my interestI really like to build and create new machines. We stopped using La Marzocco components and never did anything together again, but are still very good friends. I like them and they seem to like usif we dont become too important anyway [laughs]. How many machines are you producing these days? There are 52 weeks in a year, but everyone is entitled to six weeks of holiday in the Netherlands, and then some extra days like Christmas and Queens Day. So we count 45 production weeks in a year. Were now approaching 20 machines a week, so that would be 900 a year. Do you take special orders for machines outside the Mirage, Speedster, and Spirit series? Not a complete bare machine for just one client, like I did with the one-offs. But we are quite interested in doing customizing. We already have a list with several standard optionsfor example, all kinds of finishesbut for special one-off customs, weve organized the workshop in such a way that we can do 20 to 24 machines a week easily, and still have time to do projects. Its important that the technicians have fun, that they keep on finding pleasure in their work. It might become boring if they always had to assemble the same thing day in, day out. All of them are very good technicians with valuable ideas. So, they either help the R&D team with testing out products and ideas, or create a custom design based on their own ideas, just for fun. Do you visit your clients cafes? I like to go to cafes that have our machines. I like to see whats going on. We are fond of feedback, especially about things that are not considered correct. Thats the only way to keep on improving: hear about things customers do not like and try to find a solution. So I like to do that, but these days its difficult to find the time. Before our marketer, Joris Kingma, came along, I had become a professional e-mailer. Thats the terrible thing: you start a company, you have fun building machines, with wild ideas and all that, but after many years you find yourself at the computer all day. Thats another reason for our recent expansion: to be able to create again. We now have a small, dedicated team to do research and development, to assist me. Before this, everything came from my headit still doesbut now people can draw on computers, for example. I never did that. At home, I still work on one of those old big drafting boards, with paper and pencil. The dimensions are one-to-one; its the actual size, and I like that very much. Can we expect future modifications to the Spirit? Yeah, well, options, actually. You know, we started development of the Spirit based on the Speedster, with the double boiler. The Spirit is equipped with the so-called multiple-boiler system: one large steam boiler and separate coffee boilers per group. Many people think that if you do specialty coffee, you need at least a double- or, preferably, a multiple-boiler system, but they think that largely without any knowledge of why that it is. When we stopped with La Marzocco, we only built the Mirage with its thermosyphon heat exchangers, and eventually realized we were never going to be ablefrom here, from Waalreto convince the rest of the world that this is a pretty good machine with a technically elegant and efficient system. So we eventually decided, well, why not do a very good single boiler and a very good multiple or double, and customers can choose what they prefer? When we started to develop that Spirit, we already had experience in Australia, where a proper espresso bar is doing at least a thousand cups a day, some even toward 2,000, and thats before two oclock in the afternoon. So we tried to create a machine that could easily handle those quantities. This means that a barista needs proper feedback from the machine and can work efficiently and ergonomically to produce that number of coffees. On the other hand, there are a lot of baristas who like to be able to play, adjust, and taste in the slow way, and thats not something the Spirit is best forits built as a strong, dependable workhorse, but very precise, with very high capacity. So thats what we are going to add: the ability to adjust more parameters in order to offer both qualities in one machine. But the things to adjust should, after adjustment, function automatically. What I dont think is favorable in an extremely busy surrounding is that you have to monitor each extraction process, each shot, manually. If baristas do over a thousand cups a day, then they should be able to activate the group in one bold move, and the complete shot should be done perfectly by the machine, just as the barista had adjusted for when he or she started the shift. We want to be able to prime and adjust everything, but then allow for banging out several shots simultaneously for hours on endthat needs to be one continuous fluid process without any interruption. You mentioned some new projects in the works. Care to say more? We are constantly working on lots of projects, but most only started a couple of months ago, so not much is finished yet. Thats a bit of a frustration; things seem to take longer than when I did everything myself [laughs]. I can tell you a little bit, but the tricky part is, if you talk about something, people tend to withhold their orders until it is available. We experienced that in the past when we talked about the Spirit coming along in 2012, and sales of the Mirage dropped immediately. We have projects to investigate insulation underway. Whats the effect of insulation? This is something we are measuring with logging devices. We have several types and are comparing our findings to types without the insulation. The Spirit is built for super-high capacity, and yet it remains very precise at all parameters: temperature, pressure, quantities, infusion. Temperature, pressure, and quantities can all be adjusted per group and on the fly. We now are going to offer more and easier ways to adjust the infusion. An example is a project to develop the possibility to easily switch between different sizes of jets. We are thinking about a system that can have three jets; the jets are quite important for pre-infusion to develop properly. Yet another project entails ideas to improve on progressive pre-infusion, adjusting the amount of water, time, and/or pressure during infusion. Infusion is super important. Theres been hype in the last couple years around pressure profilingI dont believe in it much. Of course the first part of the extraction, the pre-infusion, is actually a kind of profiling, though only at the initial part of the extraction, the first 15 seconds max. Pressure profiling is one hype that came down to not much. The current hype is scalesthis one might indeed go through. Scales actually offer a worthwhile addition for the guy behind the machine that might help quite a bit, to get real consistency in the end product. This may be something we start work on as well. But if you think about an improvement and you invest a lot of energy, months of work and a lot of money to bring it to market, and it then turns out to be a flop, youve lost a lot. That can be a tricky thing for a small company, so our strategy is to see whats going on, and if something really catches on, we jump onboard as well. We try to catch the wave as early as we can. Are all the new projects for the Spirit? No, we are also working on ideas for a completely new machine with a promising new technical setup. It will be really different, with very good heat capabilities and much less energy consumption, all that. The new machine, I can tell you, will have clear family resemblance to the rest of our machines. You will see it and immediately recognize it as our work. Several styling features will be combined, the good ones of course. It cannot be low cost, but it will not be as expensive as the Spirit. Being at a lower price scale, it will probably not have many options. The big difference is with the Spirit, you build a machine thats as complete as possibleyou dont have to order anything, its already all there. The new one will be more basic. We want a good-looking machine, strongly built, performing very precisely, with only some of the more important options. And thats it. However, even if all goes well, we dont expect to offer anything new before way into 2017. Some of those smaller projects for the Spirit will hopefully become available this year; 2016 looks to be a very exciting year for us. Contemporary Dutch design is often thought of as straightforward and sober. How did your designs come to defy that? Theres more to it, you know. When I was at school in the early 80s, there was a movement in Italy by people like Ettore Sottsass (from the Memphis Group), Alessandro Mendini (from Studio Alchimia) and many others. These designers were getting sick of those mandatory clean lines, the Bauhaus style. They wanted more energy and creativity, and were inspired by Pop Art. They went way beyond everything that was accepted: strange colors and shapes, low-cost materials, low culture made into high culture. It was a big movement when I was at school. I like Bauhaus, but not for my machines. Espresso machines should look speedy; espresso is, after all, a fast coffee. One of the problems is that we are in the Netherlands. Here, whatever machine you build, it will always be more expensive than if youre in Italy. The only thing we can do is make up for that extra in price by having a better-looking machine, a stronger-built machine, with higher capacity. Sometimes people come to me and admit theyve always thought our machines are elegant-looking but therefore surely cant be very strong. Similar to the old idea of a Ferrari: very fast but easily breaks down. Of course, thats not the case with our machines. We intend to have Land Rover-quality strength with the looks and performance of a Ferrari. Is there one machine you enjoy making more than others? Enzo Ferrari was once asked: Of all the cars youve created, what car do you like the most? He replied: The next one! I still like this one [points to a Spirit being used for R&D]. I still like the Mirage. I love them all, but Im most enthusiastic about the next one, the one youre working on, the one thats in your head all the time. Where is your biggest market? The Australasia region, it is really huge. Its actually an area where, for centuries on centuries, they were drinking tea. And now they all switched to coffee because its the hip thing to do. I just visited Tokyo and Seoul; they are like Germans but more elegant, and maybe even better, strictly focused on high quality. If they do it, they do it properly. What about the Netherlands espresso history? Espresso machines were introduced in the 60s here, I know some of the guys who sold them. They used to sell jukeboxes in the 50s and start of the 60s, and that demand went down, so they said: Well, why not espresso machines? But they werent persuasive enough to, along with selling espresso machines, also sell the culture of the espresso from Italy, the small cups and the proper cappuccinos and all that. So what happened is everybody bought an espresso machine, but they kept on doing the familiar long cups, lungos only. Of course, things improved by having every cup made freshly, some crema evenyou could have something that looked like cappuccino, with just some fluff on top. Sadly, doing lungos for 30 years and then switching to specialty coffeehaving bright blends and shorter shotshas proven to be a difficult change for many. In the States, they had more luck. They just had those long cups; you could see the bottom, the second was for free, it was not exactly high quality. Then espresso came along and that was introduced as a specialty coffeea gourmet type of drink, a completely different thing from the stuff Americans were used to. That was a much better way to persuade everybody to try it. Here you have to turn around the attitude, and I think that is one of the reasons we, all over Europe, have been very slow to adopt the new wave thing. Specialty coffee: its just young people, eh? Have any of your machines appeared in surprising places? Several years ago, Google ordered a couple of Spirits, and on the illuminated panel they asked for it to read Android [laughs]. Sometimes our machines appear in the movies, thats fun as well. On a plane ride I just saw The Intern, with Robert De Niro getting his coffee from a Spirit. Do you ever tour the US? Yeah, in the last couple of years I started doing the occasional trip with the family, with the girls. These trips offer pleasure in business. In 2014, we went to Seattle, visited Slayer, visited La Marzocco and Synesso. We went to a lot of cafes. After that, to San Francisco. We try to see and talk to as many people as possible. It is very inspiring. How many daughters do you have? Three, aged 24, 23, and 21. They are still in school, and live across Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. They have all worked as baristas and got their barista certifications on their own. Slowly, they are starting work here, one day a week. Well see. If you start pushing, it will go the opposite way you want it to. Is their mother involved in coffee? Yeahdrinking it every morning [laughs]. Coffee is essential at home; I have several machines there. Im currently using an old prototype Speedster. I try to be the barista at home. What coffee does Kees van der Westen Espressonistic Works drink in-house? Well, we have to use the coffee that most guys in the shop like. We usually have Blanche Dael in the hopper, a specialty roaster from Maastricht, but not always. My personal preference in the morning is a double espresso with just a touch of sugar, to start upits quite like a fluid bonbon, a chocolateand later I will drink cappuccinos and straight espressos. We are using their Ristretto blend, thats a real southern Italian type [laughs]. Next to the occasional adventurous fruity bright coffee, I generally am still fond of the nutty, earthy, and chocolatey type. Im 60, Im really old-school. Visit the Kees van der Westen Espressonistic Works official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram Karina Hof is a Sprudge staff writer based in Amsterdam. Read more Karina Hof on Sprudge. Factory photos courtesy Kees van der Westen Espressonistic Works. After the voting, "Batkivshchyna" and "Self Help" political parties left the coalition. The move actually means the dissolution of the coalition with the president having the right to dissolve the parliament and call early elections if the deputies are not able to create a new coalition within 30 days. The possible election of a new coalition in Ukraine may lead to the freezing of financial aid from the West, which would have a major impact on the situation in the country, Austrian columnist Jutta Sommerbauer wrote for Die Presse. "Ukraine seems to have the choice between plague and cholera. Hard to say what is more destructive: the current profiteering of political staff which has long lost its prestige, or the new elections, which would paralyze the country for months and freeze financial aid?" the newspaper wrote. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Last week, Cameron and 27 of his European colleagues secured a deal to grant the United Kingdom special status within the bloc, ahead of the Britain's in/out referendum scheduled for June 23. The list goes on, but David Cameron did not even ask the EU to change these things. It would have been a waste of time, because the EU is simply incapable of genuine reform, Jack Montgomery said. Montgomery stressed that what David Cameron reached at the EU summit is insufficient and fails on a number of issues, ranging from legislation to trade. According to classified documents, it all started back in 2006 right after Morales was elected as the President of Bolivia. "There were cables from that period that clearly indicate that the United States was trying to practically blackmail Evo Morales into changing Bolivia's economic policies," Vold told Radio Sputnik. When Morales sought to nationalize Bolivia's petroleum resources, the US government threatened Morales in private telling him that it would cut the financing of Bolivia by influencing policies of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Bank. The airstrikes came as part of an ongoing offensive by the government forces and National Defense units in the eastern part of Homs city, Irans Fars news agency reported. In a parallel development, the government forces flushed out al-Nusra militants holed up in the northeastern part of the strategic city. Also on Sunday, Syrian air force jets destroyed a number of Daesh positions in Homs province inflicting heavy losses on the enemy both in manpower and military hardware. According to battlefield sources, a number of al-Nusra positions in the villages of Tir Ma'ala, al-Jassemiyeh and al-Ghajar and in Talbiseh town were pulverized in a series of airstrikes by Syrian air force jets. The terrorist group also eulogizes its kid conscripts who have died in battle or blown themselves up in suicide missions. According to the report, of the 89 cases, 39 percent died upon detonating a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device against their target. Thirty-three percent were killed as foot soldiers in unspecified battlefield operations, 6 percent died while working as propagandists embedded within units, and 4 percent committed suicide in mass casualty attacks against civilians. The final 18 percent died during marauding operations where a group of fighters infiltrated and attacked an enemy position using light automatic weapons before killing themselves by detonating suicide belts. Roughly 60 percent of the victims, most of them Iraqis and Syrians, were categorized as adolescent, meaning ages 12 to 16. Others came from Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Libya, the United Kingdom, France, Australia and Nigeria. The rate of child casualties is accelerating. Last January, six children died in suicide operations and this January the toll rose to 11 children. The number of suicide bombings involving children tripled from a year ago and this disturbing trend is likely to continue, the authors warned. Children are fighting alongside, rather than in lieu of, adult males, the study said. The use of children and youth has been normalized under the Islamic States [Daesh] rule, the report said. Even if Daesh terrorists are eventually crushed by military force, reintegrating a whole generation of brainwashed children could take a while, the authors noted. "Arms on order include 150 combat aircraft and thousands of air-to-surface missiles and anti-tank missiles from the USA, 14 combat aircraft from the UK and an undisclosed but large number of armored vehicles from Canada with turrets from Belgium," the report stated. Humanitarian Disaster The London-based Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) says the UK government has licensed US$9.5 billion (6.7bn) of arms to Saudi Arabia since David Cameron took office in 2010, including US$4 billion (2.8bn) since the bombing of Yemen began in March 2015. "The humanitarian situation is getting worse and the UK government has been complicit in it. We agree that arms sales need to stop, but they should never have been allowed in the first place. Saudi Arabia has a terrible human rights record and has been supported by governments of all political colors for far too long," said Andrew Smith of CAAT. In January 2016, Law firm Leigh Day, representing CAAT, issued a pre-action protocol letter for judicial review challenging the government's decision to export arms to Saudi Arabia despite increasing evidence that Saudi forces are violating international humanitarian law in Yemen. At the time of writing the government was yet to respond. "The [UK] government is always telling us how rigorous and robust its arms export system is. This is further evidence that nothing could be further from the truth. The UK has continuously armed some of the most abusive regimes in the world," said Smith. A recent study by Opinium LLP for CAAT found that 62% of UK adults oppose arms sales to Saudi Arabia, with only 16% supporting them. Talking about the potential ceasefire deal in Syria, the official said that he is not optimistic about the ceasefire , noting that the document actually says the cessation of hostilities. The Syrian army with the backing of Russia and Iran is operating very effectively and retaking significant swats of territory from the terrorists and pushing them towards Turkey. I dont see why Syria would go for the ceasefire now when the situation is working out to their advantage, Johnson said. He further spoke about the various possibilities in which the ceasefire may be applied and how it can be implemented if the terrorists dont exploit it. Mentioning the other groups the official said that negotiation is not part of what they do. From their standpoint they are embarked on a religious mission, a holy mission designated by God therefore they dont have a choice, so there is no deal to be cut its basically repent or die. Johnson further spoke about how Russia is the only country that had the courage and wisdom to realize the threat that Daesh posed and has done something about it. Earlier in the day, the US and Russia agreed the terms of the Syria ceasefire deal, according to which Syrian government forces and the country's armed opposition are set to cease hostilities staring February 27. Military action, including airstrikes conducted by Syria, Russia and the US-led coalition will continue against Daesh, al-Nusra Front, as well as other UN-designated terrorist groups. KHARTOUM (Sputnik) Sudan is part of a 34-nation Saudi-led coalition set up to fight terrorists operating in the Middle East and North Africa. Saudi Arabias top diplomat paid a short surprise visit to the Sudanese capital of Khartoum on Monday for talks with the nations president and foreign minister. "The topic of military intervention in Syria is premature and off the table at the moment, but Sudan remains committed to its obligations within the Islamic Alliance," Ghandour said during a joint press conference with his Saudi Arabian counterpart Adel Jubeir. During the press conference in Khartoum, the Saudi foreign minister stated that he had discussed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the situation in Syria, Yemen, Somalia and Libya. The Sudanese and Saudis see eye to eye on these issues, Ghandour said, adding that the two countries coordinated closely over them. The Pentagon has asked Congress to allocate a budget for 2017 in the sum of $434 million, directing it for the update of 250 Tomahawk cruise missiles. However, according to the US Naval Institute, even that amount will not be enough to modify all of the Tomahawks, RT reported, citing data from the US Naval Institute. This type of missile has one of the longest ranges at 1,852 km. Moreover, the US Navy is seeking to adapt another Standard 6 (SM-6) missile for use against ships. If this modification is successful, according to US Defense Minister Ashton Carter, the range of the SM-6 will be increased from 249 to 370 km. "In this case, NATO Allies and Partners will help Serbia build up its technical facilities at Kragujevac for safely disposing of surplus ammunition. The agreement provides the overall legal framework to allow NATO staff to manage this project on the ground in Serbia and to assist Serbian authorities in the safe disposal of their surplus ammunition," the official added. On Friday, Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic signed a confirmation of the countrys cooperation plan with the alliance. Serbian lawmakers ratified a diplomatic immunity agreement and logistical support for NATO representatives on February 12. "NATO and Serbia have good relations. We fully respect Serbias policy of military neutrality and we work together to mutual benefit. We have good practical cooperation and a growing political dialogue. The Trust Fund project should help strengthen our relations," NATO official said. According to the official, the latest deal is a standard agreement concluded with all partner nations who have the so-called Trust Funds with NATO projects in which NATO allies and partners "join together voluntarily to assist a country in addressing a particular challenge," the official added. "The Chinese until ten years ago were only able to offer low tech equipment. That has changed," said Siemon Wezeman, Senior Researcher with the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme. The equipment that they produce is much more highly advanced than ten years ago, and attracts interest from some of the bigger markets. That growth follows the investment of billions into its arms industry. The 2015 defense budget in the country of some $141.45 billion, is a 10% increase over the previous year. According to the report, defense spending is partially driven by the conflict in the South China Sea, where the United States has escalated tensions over Beijings construction of artificial islands in the Spratly archipelago. Most Chinese weapon sales are going to the countrys neighbors and regional allies. Bangladesh and Myanmar, for instance, are major customers, but the vast majority of Beijings exports go to Pakistan, accounting for some 35%. The worlds third-largest arms exporter, China still trails far behind the United States and Russia, accounting for about 5.9% of the global market. Still, Beijings growth greatly outpaced the US, which saw a 27% increase during the same period. The SIPRI report also found that Saudi Arabia has become the largest arms importer SHAKHTARSK (Sputnik) On Sunday, Hanna Hopko, the head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Ukraines Verkhovna Rada proposed to hold another Normandy format talks in Donetsk "We consider any options, if they are useful. We see the complicated situation in Kiev, discord in the government. They are primarily worried about their political future, and in no way think how to implement the Minsk deal," Pushilin told reporters. He added that the Minsk Agreements for the DPR are, on the contrary, crucial, since "the alternative immediately leads to shelling of our territory." However, according to the expert, such countries as France and Germany don't want to be bound to the US' policy and are willing to pursue a more independent strategy. Officially both countries stated that they fear NATO's involvement may increase tensions between Russia and the North Atlantic alliance, but in fact it is rather a pretext which they use to avoid the US' control. "They don't want to be bound to having the same policy as the US," Naiman said. "So it is more convenient for them to try to distract attention by saying: Oh, well, we don't want to offend the Russians.'" Replying to the question of whether NATO's involvement will change the situation in the Middle East for the better, the expert said that NATO's participation is unlikely to make a big military change to the situation, but rather a political one. Ankara views this as a nightmare scenario, which, in Erdogan's opinion, is becoming more real. For this reason, Turkey has intensified its anti-Kurdish campaign at home and in northern Syria, which could end in Ankara sending ground forces across the border. Should this happen, the AKP would likely claim that its operation is ostensibly aimed at creating "a safe haven for refugees or a buffer zone, but in fact [it would be meant] to halt the military progress of the Syrian Kurds," the media outlet explained. These efforts would be detrimental to the counterterrorism operation in the region, plagued by sectarian violence. But Ankara, in the Guardian's opinion, needs to do more than merely refrain from launching a ground offensive. "The immediate danger of cross-border fighting may be averted. But until Turkey radically realigns its policies around the pursuit of peace with its own Kurds, it will continue to add to the region's troubles rather than help to contain them," the media outlet observed. According to Nuray Mert of the Turkish Hurriyet newspaper , "Turkey is in a de facto war-like situation, even if it is not de jure yet." Mert expressed her concerns that Ankara's foreign policy approach may alienate its partners portraying Turkey "as trouble maker that is doing everything to complicate matters for its allies and hinder the fight against ISIL [Daesh]." "In short, Turkey's rulers seem to have too many wars to fight against too many enemies. It seems that we who live in this country will lose, regardless of who wins these wars," the Turkish journalist emphasized. Citing American political scientist David Goldman, Berger assumes that Turkey may become a failed state given its assertive and irresponsible policies. According to Berger, Erdogan's recent actions towards Kurds in Turkey and in Syria can be labeled as a "veritable genocide" that the international community is unlikely to approve. To make matters even worse, Western military analysts believe that if there is no change in the political course of the country, Turkey won't be able to preserve its own borders and the Kurdish separatism instigated by Ankara's ruthless suppression will become the beginning of the end for the country's integrity. In the event of a political collapse in Turkey, Recep Erdogan would have only himself to blame. MOSCOW (Sputnik) On December 2, an Islamic couple US-born Syed Rizwan Farook and his Pakistani wife Tashfeen Malik attacked the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino killing 14 people and injuring more than two dozen others. On February 16, a California judge ordered Apple to help the FBI break into the Farook's phone despite Apple's resistance. "We feel the best way forward would be for the government to withdraw its demands under the All Writs Act and, as some in Congress have proposed, form a commission or other panel of experts on intelligence, technology, and civil liberties to discuss the implications for law enforcement, national security, privacy, and personal freedoms," Apple said in a public answer to customers' questions. The company said it "would gladly participate in such an effort." Penn put forth another monster effort in Miami Valley Raceways $20,000 Open Trot on Sunday afternoon (Feb. 21), notching his fifth straight triumph in southwest Ohio over the last 10 weeks. Trainer Bobby Brower is racing the six-year-old gelded son of Master Glide sparingly in an effort to keep him sharp through a long 2016 campaign he has charted out for him. To date, the plan is working to perfection. Despite a four-week respite prior to his latest victory, Penn was fired out from behind his assigned outside post position behind the gate by leading driver Josh Sutton. Despite being three-wide much of the first quarter, Penn collared Blackwolf Run (Randy Tharps), who had left alertly, as the quarter was reached in :27.3 and crossed over to the front just steps thereafter. Sutton was then able to steal a relatively pedestrian :58.2 middle half before sealing the deal with a :28.4 closing panel for the 1:54.4 victory. The even-money favourite did get quite a scare from the only mare in the field, longshot Dancing Dynamite (LeWayne Miller), who made a valiant stretch bid that fell just a head short. Martz Time (John DeLong), who was last weeks feature race winner, rallied for the show spot ahead of Ohio newcomer Cimeronken (Kyle Ater) and Blackwolf Run (Randy Tharps), who picked up the minor spoils in the full field of 10. Penn returned $4.00 to his faithful with a $2 win ticket; the $2 exacta returned a healthy $58.00; and correct $2 trifecta tickets paid a handsome $300.80. Barkley Counts of Tennessee owns Penn, who now boasts 31 career triumphs and $241,294 in earnings. (Miami Valley Raceway) Tom Bain of the Lakeshore Horse Raceway Association has gone on the record as saying that he is relieved that race contracts for the region will be honoured, and that his Lakeshore group will use the next three years to prove that its racing operations are sustainable and should be allowed to operate live racing after the period has elapsed. As an article by Blackburn News explains, Bain has said that his group is relieved that they will be able to race beyond this year. The Lakeshore group currently operates live racing at Leamington Raceway. According to the article, Bain has been given assurances that current race contracts for the area will be honoured, even though the industry could face a potential shake-up in the area. Bain told Blackburn News that industry stakeholders in the area will have a say in the future of the area. The article has quoted Bain as saying, To know that weve got three years, we can use those three years to show that well be sustainable and we should be left open after that. He went on to say that it certainly is a relief when you think youre going to be on your final year of racing. (With files from Blackburn News) Related Stories London Hosts First Info Session Amy L. Gerber, 65, of Jackson, passed away on Monday, February 15. Gerber worked for the State of New Jersey as senior veterinarian at Freehold Raceway for over 25 years. Gerber was an active member of the Jackson Township Chapter of the Lyme Disease Association. Born and raised in Philadelphia, she lived in Lakewood before moving to Jackson 1987. She is survived by two step sons, Matthew and Christopher Manger; a brother, Charles Gerber and his wife Denise; her long time companion, Kevin Manger; cousins, Felice Katz, Peter and Jon Dissan; and her dear friend Nancy Modiano. A memorial gathering will be held to celebrate Amy's life on Thursday, February 25, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Kedz Funeral Home, 1123 Hooper Ave., Toms River. In lieu of flowers, donations to the John Drulle, MD, Memorial Lyme Fund, 702 Brewers Bridge Road, Suite 2, Jackson, NJ 08527-2343, in her name would be appreciated. Letters of condolence may be sent by visiting kedzfuneralhome.com. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Amy Gerber. (Kedz Funeral Home) Applications for the Harness Horse Youth Foundations extensive 40th anniversary summer program schedule are now available online. To access the applications, click here. The HHYF has just added a one-day camp in Van Wert, Ohio, on August 10. The application for that camp will be available shortly. The popular five-day overnight camps, for students 12-14, will be held June 18-22 at the Delaware, Ohio Fairgrounds; at Vernon Downs in New York from July 12-16; at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes Barre, PA from July 19-23. A five-day non-overnight camp at Gaitway Farm in New Jersey will be held July 25-29. These camps culminate with driving exhibitions. One participant from each location is invited to participate on Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands Racetrack on August 6. The leadership program for high-school-age students with previous HHYF experience is set for Goshen Historic Track and the Harness Racing Museum from July 5-9. All events feature hands-on experience, including driving the organizations stable of Trottingbred horses as well as field trips and guest speakers. In addition to Van Wert, introductory programs for children ages 11 and up are scheduled for Ahoskie, North Carolina on June 25 and 26; Ocean Downs in Maryland on June 28; Rosecroft Raceway, also in Maryland, on June 30 and at Ohios Scioto Downs on August 9. Check the HHYF website for possible additional public programs. A number of closed programs for interested groups (4-H, scouts, etc.) are scheduled and a few dates remain available for additional programs for similar organizations. (With files from the HHYF) Purnima Gaddam remembers a day in May 2012 when everything seemed to be going just right. Three months pregnant with her first child, she walked home from a long day at work and lay down on the family-room sofa to joyfully contemplate her life. We had made all these plans that seemed like they would come to fruition so naturally, Gaddam says. She and her husband, Jishnu Menon, were ready to become parents: Both had jobs they loved, her pregnancy was going smoothly and they were preparing for a kid-friendly house remodel. They were choosing a pediatrician, considering baby names and reading up on cloth vs. disposable diapers. I was so happy and so content, Gaddam says. She pauses. Its a feeling I was never able to recapture. On July 14, 2012, Gaddam and Menons eldest son was born just over halfway to his due date, after 22 weeks and five days of what should have been a 40-week pregnancy. He lived only a few hours. His parents were blindsided. They grieved and they felt deeply frustrated. Gaddam, then 32, was perfectly healthy. She had gone to every prenatal check-up, taken her vitamins and followed her obstetricians advice. How could such an ideal pregnancy have ended in disaster? An intractable problem Its a question that occupies hundreds of scientists at Stanford Medicine and across the country. The nations preterm birth rate began rising in the early 1980s, peaking in 2006, when one in every eight babies arrived at least three weeks early. Nearly half a million families across the country are still affected each year, and although most U.S.-born preemies survive, many have lifelong disabilities. In about half of premature deliveries including Gaddams doctors never learn why the baby came early. And while some early births are necessary to protect the health of the mother or child, in many cases continuing the pregnancy to term would be better. Preterm birth remains an intractable problem, and one that is very poorly understood, says David Stevenson, MD, principal investigator of the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Stanford University. Yet the need to understand it is urgent. Prematurity recently surpassed infectious disease to become the No. 1 cause of death in young children around the world. Thats the bottom line, Stevenson says. It is now the main killer of kids through age 5. In the United States, the most common causes of preemies deaths are extreme immaturity, breathing problems, brain injury, infections and the bowel disease necrotizing enterocolitis. About 40 percent of these deaths occur in the first 12 hours of life; 95 percent happen before the baby is 3 months old. In less-developed countries, where preemies chance of survival is far worse, they die for lack of basic medical care such as adequate warmth, breastfeeding help for their mothers, low-tech respiratory support and antibiotics. Providing such measures could save three-quarters of these infants, the World Health Organization estimates. But predicting who is likely to have a preterm baby and preventing early labor would be even better. Stanfords prematurity research center, founded in 2011 with a 10-year, $20 million grant from the March of Dimes, was the first of five such centers now in operation across the country that are working to illuminate the biology of preterm birth. The foundation wants to unite scientists from many disciplines to answer one of the most basic questions about childbirth. Its a very simple question, says Joe Leigh Simpson, MD, March of Dimes senior vice president for research and global programs. What causes labor? The embarrassing fact is that we dont know. The human birth process is unusual, rendering animal models of labor mostly useless. In most mammals, a drop in the pregnancy-maintaining hormone progesterone precedes and triggers labor, whereas in humans, whose babies are relatively immature at birth, progesterone levels are at their highest at delivery. But new scientific tools, including several noninvasive techniques emerging at Stanford, are finally giving researchers safe ways to ask what brings human pregnancy to a conclusion. Stevenson and his colleagues hope their discoveries will help predict and prevent preterm deliveries. There was really nothing we could do On the morning of July 13, 2012, Gaddam felt fine. By afternoon, something was off. Id had a stressful week at work, and I thought it was my body telling me it had had enough, she recalls. Her back ached. She felt vaguely unwell. I thought, Ill rest and Ill be OK. That evening at home, she tried sitting and lying down in different positions, taking a shower, relaxing. Nothing helped. Throughout the night, the feeling of not feeling well intensified, but I never had anything that felt like a contraction, she says. I thought I was just having a hard moment in my pregnancy. The next morning, Gaddam and Menon went to their local hospital in Mountain View, California, so she could be checked. I was 4 centimeters dilated, she says. There was really nothing we could do at that point. Their baby boy was born that afternoon, arriving two days before what doctors call the threshold of viability, the 23-week pregnancy milestone generally considered the earliest a baby can survive premature birth. Gaddam and Menon both held their son before he died, as did their parents and Gaddams brother, all of whom rushed to the hospital. When I think back to holding our baby, knowing he was barely alive, it just didnt feel real. It felt like it was happening to us rather than anything we were participating in. The loss was so intense it was almost impossible for the bereaved couple to take in. When I think back to holding our baby, knowing he was barely alive, it just didnt feel real, Gaddam says. It felt like it was happening to us rather than anything we were participating in. It was horrifying but also very hard to believe that it actually happened, Menon says. In the months afterward, they leaned heavily on family and friends for support. I didnt force myself to get over it, Menon says. Theres a part of me that doesnt really want to. Gaddams thoughts often returned to the most consoling words she heard on the day of her sons birth and death. My father said, Hell come back. Her voice breaks as she recalls her dads clear faith. Even though Im not very religious, it was a really comforting feeling to think that our baby would come back. But that meant Gaddam and Menon would have to face another pregnancy. Who delivers early When Stanfords prematurity research center launched in 2011, one early goal was to better understand womens risk factors. Some were well-known, including pregnancy during the teen years or after age 40, African-American ethnicity, carrying twins or other multiples, certain infections, poverty, stress and lack of prenatal care. Maternal illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure and the obstetric complication pre-eclampsia raise prematurity risk, too. But there were others. Stanfords first new findings appeared in 2014 when a team led by Gary Shaw, DrPH, professor of pediatrics, used a database of nearly 1 million California births to learn that maternal obesity substantially raised the risk of delivery before 28 weeks of pregnancy. Soon after, researchers from Stanford and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported a connection between preterm delivery and maternal post-traumatic stress disorder. The researchers studied 16,000 births, including about 1,900 to women who had PTSD diagnosed in the prior year. This groups risk of spontaneous preterm delivery was elevated by 35 percent. Patients with PTSD do have high rates of other psychiatric conditions and unhealthy behaviors that other studies have associated with preterm delivery, notes the studys senior author, Ciaran Phibbs, PhD, associate professor of pediatrics. But we found that the effect of PTSD was independent of, and much larger than, these other factors, he says. In August 2015, a team led by David Relman, MD, professor of medicine and of microbiology and immunology, found another striking relationship, a pattern of vaginal bacteria linked to preterm births. Among the 49 pregnant women in their study, the researchers observed four low-risk patterns of vaginal bacteria, all dominated by lactobacillus, a bacterial genus previously associated with health in women. But a fifth pattern, characterized by more bacterial diversity and different predominant bacteria such as such as gardnerella and ureaplasma raised the risk of preterm birth. The longer a woman had the pattern, the greater her chance of delivering early. The researchers were also intrigued to learn that the high-diversity pattern appeared in nearly all women after they gave birth, and persisted for as long as a year, possibly explaining why closely spaced pregnancies increase prematurity risk. Encouragingly, the vaginal microbiome may be amenable to treatment during pregnancy. Its still total speculation, Relman cautions. But he hopes for a future in which the expectant moms microbiome is tracked the way a park ranger keeps tabs on an ecosystem, monitoring for invasive species, pruning them away, ensuring the environment gets the right nutrients. A matter of trust Its really hard to trust your body again when its failed in such an immense way, Gaddam says. After their sons death, she and Menon were referred to high-risk obstetrician Jane Chueh, MD, at Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital Stanford. They still wanted a child, and they wanted to know how they might get through another pregnancy. Chueh explained the treatments that could help reduce the chance of another premature delivery: progesterone supplements starting at 16 weeks of pregnancy, frequent monitoring and a minor surgical procedure called cerclage to temporarily stitch Gaddams cervix closed midway through gestation. (The cervix, the muscular opening of the uterus, must stay tightly closed until near delivery. Some very premature births may be due to a weak cervix, which doctors try to support with cerclage until near the due date.) Gaddam, who manages business development for the global literacy program at the nonprofit Benetech, and Menon, associate general counsel and head of legal at Mozilla, felt somewhat reassured. Dr. Chueh, from the very beginning, was sure that she could help us have a healthy baby, Menon says. She would never promise, but her attitude was so amazing. It changes the way you feel about the process, because even getting pregnant again was scary. But Chuehs well-honed bedside manner masked her vexation over the fact that the techniques for predicting and preventing preterm labor have not improved in decades. Similarly, when women come to the hospital in premature labor, doctors tools are rudimentary: drugs that only sometimes, temporarily, stop contractions maybe buying enough time for a few doses of other medications that temper the effects of prematurity on the babys brain and lungs. Gaddam thought a lot about the possibility of a second tragedy. It was really hard, knowing it was likely that my body wouldnt be able to sustain a pregnancy to term, to be aware that it was my responsibility to gauge what was happening internally and communicate it to the medical team, she says. I felt like I had no idea what was happening in the first pregnancy, and it was hard for me to believe that I would be able to tell if something happened again. Asked about her wish list for preventing prematurity, Chueh is succinct: She wants tools that reduce the guesswork for expectant moms and their doctors. It would be really nice to have a test we could use in the first part of pregnancy to identify people at risk for prematurity, she says. And we would love to have an etiology, something we could treat. The role of inflammation Several scientists are trying to understand the exact molecular path connecting risk factors such as maternal obesity or PTSD to early contractions of the uterus. Their working hypothesis: While myriad genetic and environmental factors play into prematurity risk, one major biologic mechanism must translate these into a delivery trigger. Mounting evidence suggests inflammation is key. Think of pregnancy as a state of immune tolerance that suppresses inflammation, says Martin Angst, MD, professor of anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine. As long as the mothers immune system accepts the immunologically foreign fetus, the pregnancy continues. But at some point, her body is no longer immune-tolerant; instead its now more in a pro-inflammatory state. Inflammation is the immune systems and bodys way of getting rid of potentially harmful material. Its also associated with obesity, stress, infections and diabetes a litany of prematurity risk factors. Angst and his collaborators published a study comparing immune cells from the blood of mothers who had preterm deliveries against similar cells from mothers who had full-term pregnancies. The researchers used a relatively new technique, called cytometry by time-of-flight mass spectrometry, to test the inflammatory response of specific immune cell subsets. The technique lets scientists take a simultaneous look at all immune cell subsets represented in blood. They wanted to see if, under lab conditions, immune cells taken from women who had had a preterm birth were more sensitive to an inflammation trigger. Indeed, immune cells called monocytes from women who had given birth prematurely responded differently when the researchers induced inflammation in the lab. In particular, certain components of the toll-like receptor 4 pathway, which acts like the stone that starts the avalanche of the inflammatory response, were more readily activated in these mothers monocytes. There is a change in the immune disposition of these people and we can see it, Stevenson says. A future in which at-risk women receive targeted immunotherapy to block the pathways involved in preterm birth now seems possible, he adds. We can probably understand not just the biomarkers of preterm birth but also the associated changes in gene expression its a really interesting story. Stevenson is alluding to work by another Stanford researcher, Stephen Quake, PhD, professor of bioengineering and of applied physics, whose team has developed a technique to track RNA in the maternal blood that may function as a molecular stethoscope to detect the signature of impending prematurity. RNA, the message genes send as they act, is released in tiny amounts by dying cells. Quakes team now has the ability to read these signals not just from the moms cells but also from the fetal cells that make their way into the mothers blood. They can detect physiological changes in the tissues and organs of both the mother and the baby, and hope to use this information to measure genetic programs of distress that they think will accompany premature delivery. It gives you this unparalleled window into the whole process of pregnancy, from the point of view of the pregnancy and also of the mom, Quake says. There is exquisite specificity to what youre measuring. RNA, microbial, immune and other biomarkers will soon, the researchers hope, give obstetricians the specific predictive and preventive tools they now lack. The goal is to try to find a simple blood test to alert us to which women are at risk so they can be appropriately cared for, Quake says. Hopefully that will give them a safer and more comfortable pregnancy, both physically and psychologically. Happy outcomes Purnima Gaddam had two pregnancies after her premature sons death. They were neither physically nor psychologically comfortable, but they did have happy outcomes. Gaddam and Menons second son, Arcadius, was born in August 2013, about four weeks early, and is now a healthy 2-year-old. His little sister, Seetha, arrived in August 2015, only 2 weeks before her due date; Gaddam felt signs of labor a few weeks earlier, but quickly went to the hospital, where medications stopped her contractions. Now that they are past the difficult wait through Gaddams pregnancies, the couple is enjoying their children. Menon relishes the new perspective theyve brought him: As an adult, youve seen, say, a car over and over, he says. Arcadius, however, thinks cars are exciting, and his excitement is infectious. Even the most basic things become great again in a new way. Gaddam, an avid reader, jokes that Arcadius managed to start a book club before she did: At his small day care, he makes the other children sit and look at books with him, becoming upset if they lose interest too quickly. Theres one other baby who always follows him around, and while he turns pages and babbles on, she will stay, she says, laughing. He has one really devoted attendee. In a more serious vein, she reflects on how the death of her first child changed her outlook. When youve been lucky enough to have things happen the way you hoped, you feel agency and control that if you work hard you can get what youre working for, she says. But when something like this happens, it makes you realize that nothing is ever promised. After her loss, a different, bittersweet promise was realized: her fathers belief that her son would return. We did have a son, she says. We always have felt he was coming back to us. The elderly gentlemans screams echoed down the halls of the transitional home for the mentally ill, the voices in his head torturing him. His only relief came when he held a transistor radio, tuned into static, tightly clamped to his ear. The voices were not quieted by medication, says Leanne Williams, PhD, a Stanford neuroscientist who vividly remembers her patient from nearly three decades ago, when she was training to become a therapist in Australia. Many of the patients she cared for during those three years in her 20s had been institutionalized for years some for decades. An older woman who believed she was constantly about to give birth, tortured daily by labor pains. A severely depressed young man whom Williams and her co-worker found one morning hanging lifeless from the back of a bathroom door, the depression finally too much for him to bear. The experience was frustrating, Williams says. As a therapist, she believed that by understanding the psychology of human behavior she could treat these severely mentally ill patients. But she soon realized she simply didnt have enough tools to understand what was going on inside their brains. Instead, she began to learn from her patients. It struck me that the man who heard voices was using the sound frequencies on his radio to modulate his brain activity, yet we were bereft of treatments to do anything similar, she says. I finished up these work experiences with 100 percent clarity that I needed next to go into research. I wanted to understand brain dynamics and how this understanding could be connected to the real-world experience of mental disorder. From then on, I was on a mission. Mindless neuroscience, brainless psychiatry The past quarter-century has seen a wealth of advances in neuroscience, from neuroimaging techniques that make it possible to see inside the live human brain to noninvasive electrical brain stimulation to selective activation of neurons using laser light for research in animals. The popularity of the field has exploded, with membership of the Society for Neuroscientists steadily climbing from its founding in 1969 to 40,000 members today. Yet little if any of this activity has resulted in improvements in clinical care for the mentally ill. We havent yet seen the progress toward improved clinical care that we would have hoped, says Sarah Morris, PhD, acting director of the National Institute of Mental Healths Research Domain Criteria Initiative, a program begun five years ago to accelerate the translation of basic neuroscience research into new models for mental disorder and treatment. This gap, often caricatured as mindless neuroscience versus brainless psychiatry, must be bridged if modern neuroscience is to bring help to the mentally ill, wrote Thomas Insel, MD, in May 2015 in Directors Blog, the blog he produced as director of NIMH. The disconnect can, in part, be explained by the lack of a working biomedical model of mental illness, many in the field say. The current model of mental health treatment, in use since the days of Freud, is based solely on observation by clinicians and the reporting of symptoms by patients. The new model combines these traditional methods of diagnosis and treatment with the biological concept of the brain as a network of circuits. The circuit, or network, approach focuses on how the billions of neurons in the brain communicate with one another via electrical signals. It cuts across the current broad diagnostic categories like anxiety or depression, with the hope of creating a new understanding of exactly what mental illness is. The circuit approach, Williams says, provides a scientific path toward more accurate disease diagnosis and treatment while helping eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness as a personal failing or weakness. You boil it down to the superhighways of the brain, which are the routes where most of the neuronal traffic is going for the primary functions of the brain, Williams explains. Imagine the road system. There are all these little hiking trails, then youve got the big superhighways where most of the traffic occurs. These brain circuits are explaining those main routes. Almost daily, new studies are published mapping these circuits and explaining what they do. Or what they dont, when altered or destroyed. Right now in psychiatry we dont think about the brain at all when we are making a diagnosis or planning a treatment. Leanne Williams wants to bring personalized neuroscience into the clinic. Its been nearly 30 years since Williams moved on from her career as a therapist and entered the world of brain research. And shes getting restless. Personalized neuroscience, a form of precision health that provides the best treatment for each individual patient, has the potential to change lives now, she maintains. Im shocked so little of this research has bridged this gap, says Williams. She is running a clinical neuroscience study called the Research on Anxiety and Depression, or RAD, project. Funded by NIMH to develop the Research Domain Criteria Initiative approach, hers is one of the first studies to test a step-by-step process that combines neurobiological tests, such as brain scans, with measures of real-world function, such as occupational and social well being, to diagnose and treat patients. She describes it as a pragmatic research design that mirrors what would happen in an actual mental health clinic using this approach. By making it comfortable and practical for participants, she has designed a prototype for use in the real world. The trial is an attempt to find an array of biological markers to classify anxiety and depression in new ways. It draws on the new model emerging from neuroscientists and psychiatrists one that incorporates an examination of the brain as an organ much like a cardiologist examines the heart. We take it for granted in other areas of medicine that the organ is relevant, Williams says. When you go to see the heart doctor with a heart problem, you would expect them to run tests. Right now in psychiatry we dont think about the brain at all when we are making a diagnosis or planning a treatment. Its time we did, she says. Checking the circuits Noreen Ford, a 59-year-old middle school teacher who lives in Belmont, California, is lying on her back inside a brain scanner a functional magnetic resonance imaging machine located in a lab in the universitys Main Quad. A mechanical chunk-chunk-chunking noise startles her at irregular intervals. Shes suffered mild depression on and off and had panic-like symptoms, but primarily she signed up for the RAD trial because, like many of the other participants, she was interested in seeing inside my brain. On a screen in front of her face flashes a series of photographs of smiling and terrified faces. She is supposed to push one of two buttons one to indicate happy, the other to indicate fearful. This is one of several tests she will take during the hour or so spent inside the machine, each triggering a different brain circuit associated with depression and anxiety. Williams sometimes seems as much a clinician as a brain scientist: Dressed more formally than the typical researcher, she drops by the lab regularly to check in and offers her lab assistants quiet encouragement. Williams describes the multiple fMRI tests that participants take as akin to exercise for the brain. Over the past two years, Ford and about 160 other participants with either anxiety or depression or a combination of the two have participated in RAD. They each spend a day on the Stanford campus for testing. They donate a swab of saliva for a genetic test that can help pinpoint antidepressant effectiveness and the influences of genetic variations on brain circuits, and they take a battery of brain tests while inside the fMRI machine for about an hour. After a walk across campus from the lab to the psychiatry building, meant to provide a relaxing break, participants eat lunch and then undergo a traditional symptom-based psychiatric evaluation. Williams reads and interprets the resulting brain scans, searching for any abnormalities in those circuits. In an optional feedback session, Williams, the patient and the patients therapist meet together in a comfortable therapy room to discuss how the patients brain is functioning and possible treatment options, such as drugs, psychotherapy or brain stimulation. All participants also take a follow-up survey 12 weeks after the initial testing. The researchers plan to continue the trial through 2017. The results provide a lot more detailed information about what is going on with our clients, says clinical psychologist Nancy Haug, PhD, the research director at the Gronowski Center, a community mental health clinic and a collaborator with the RAD study. A lot of times, the information confirms what our therapists already know and are already doing; other times it might suggest different treatment alternatives. Often the feedback sessions are very helpful. Into the clinic Globally, 405 million people experience depression and 274 million experience anxiety disorder. These disorders are the main causes of disability and lost productivity, with an economic cost of about $50 billion per year, according to a study published in a 2013 issue of The Lancet. The current treatment model relies on finding a treatment through a process of elimination. There is no objective way of saying which treatment will work best for which patient, Williams says. Thirty percent of the time it will work. The other 70 percent of the time it fails. It can take a few years of trial and error. What is happening to your brain in the meantime is that it is becoming more and more unwell. There is no objective way of saying which treatment will work best for which patient. It can take a few years of trial and error. Patients grapple with new side effects each time they try a new drug, or withdrawals each time they change drugs. They jump from drugs to talk therapy to combined treatments and back again, searching for what works for them. Sometimes they never find it. To get people better faster, or to get a higher percentage of people better, new drugs are crucial, says Amit Etkin, MD, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford Medicine. But the psychiatric drug pipeline has virtually dried up. There is a huge concern about a lack of new drugs, says Etkin, who is also turning to neuroscience for improvements in mental health care. Amit Etkin says brain scans show promise for psychiatry. RDoC, the NIMH project, has succeeded in increasing the pace of research bridging neuroscience and new clinical models, funding about 30 grants that each average $400,000 per year over four to five years. All of these are still in process, so they have not yet resulted in changes to clinical care. Some neuroscience-based methods of treatment are close to cracking the clinical door, Etkin says. Brain stimulation methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation or deep brain stimulation, which activate various brain circuits, have shown promising results as treatment for emotional disorders. Its a very active area of research right now, he says. Hes also optimistic about the prospect of using brain scans for the early detection of mental illness and getting patients into treatment prior to the onset of symptoms. Think of it like a cancer screening test, he says. A routine fMRI scan would be part of a preventive-care treatment plan. If you wait for symptoms, youve waited too long. An ongoing national clinical trial called EMBARC is another effort to use the personalized approach. Launched three years ago by psychiatrists at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, the trial much like RAD and Williams previous trial, iSPOT-D is attempting to find biological markers that can better predict how people with depression will respond to medication. Helen Mayberg, MD, a professor of psychiatry at Emory University, made headlines recently with a study that identified a biomarker in the brain that predicts whether a depressed patient will respond better to psychotherapy or antidepressant medication. Clinical trials are urgently needed to evaluate the efficacy of neuroscience-based treatments in clinical care, Mayberg says. She, like Williams, is an advocate for moving neuroscience research into the clinic now. Patients just cant wait for all the scientists to solve all the riddles of the brain, Mayberg says. Every few months, theres another discovery of another tool to get at another aspect of how the brain is working. The hard part now becomes, how much do you need to know before you can do something practical with it? Seeing inside the brain The trajectory of Williams career has mirrored these developments in neuroscience. After studying behavioral psychology as an undergraduate and working as a clinical therapist for those three years in her 20s, she received a British Council scholarship to study for her PhD in cognitive neuroscience at Oxford University, which she earned in 1996, and began a career as a research scientist. I wanted to go to Oxford because of their history of innovative work linking clinical symptoms of mental illness to underlying physiology, Williams says. This was before the days of brain imaging, and the measures we used included performance on behavioral tasks, physiological recordings and eye-movement recordings. Understanding the brain as an organ became her new focus, and as technology advanced, functional magnetic resonance imaging became her new research tool. The more I wanted to understand what was really going on in the human brain, the more I knew Id have to understand the neurobiology of the brain, she says. The advent of new imaging tools like positron emission tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging has been key to advances in modern neuroscience. A PET scan uses radioactive tracers to look for disease in the body. An fMRI measures changes in blood oxygen levels, which can indicate brain activity. In 1999, Williams was recruited to the University of Sydneys psychology school and in 2004 to its medical school, where for 12 years she was the director of the Brain Dynamics Center, which aimed to help create a new neurobiological model of the brain for understanding mental illnesses. Thinking of mental illness in these types of brain terms seemed more reasonable than the concept of mental illness being someones fault or a lack of trying hard enough. For Williams, the RAD study is a benchmark in her career. Finally, findings from her years of brain research are being tested in clinical care. To design the study, she has drawn on data from the iSPOT-D trial, which included more than 1,000 people with depression and revealed biomarkers brain circuit patterns and genetic profiles that appear to predict treatment response. Williams was the lead academic researcher of the industry-sponsored trial from 2008 to 2013. For example, her report, published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, indicated that participants whose fMRIs showed low reactivity in the amygdala a small structure in the brain that plays a key role in processing emotions would respond better to the SSRI class of antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft than to SNRIs like Cymbalta or Effexor. It was this trial that initially brought Williams to Palo Alto. She came to Stanford, which was one of the studys 12 sites, in 2011 as a visiting professor. In early 2013 she joined the faculty as a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences with a joint appointment at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Shortly thereafter, she was awarded the RDoC grant and began recruiting for the RAD trial. Tailoring the treatment The RAD study envisions a future in which a physician with an anxious or depressed patient would order various neurobiological tests, such as an fMRI brain scan, to help make a more precise diagnosis and to guide treatment choice. Currently, the diagnostic categories are extremely broad, Williams says. Patients with anxiety or depression could have widely varying symptoms, and the cause could be very different, yet the first-line treatment is often the same. The model she is developing breaks down these broad diagnostic categories into types based on brain circuit dysfunctions. Matching each type of depression or anxiety with the best evidence-based treatment is the ultimate goal. In the study, researchers scan six of the large-scale neural circuits that most neuroscientists agree are associated with anxiety and depression. These circuits are evoked during different tasks like the one Ford underwent in the fMRI machine. The intrinsic architecture of these circuits is also scanned when the patient is at rest inside the machine. The six brain circuits are mapped out for each of the participants, then compared with how the circuits should look in a healthy brain. Any deviations faulty connections that are generating too little or too much communication between brain regions are used to diagnose a specific brain-based type of anxiety or depression. For example, the threat circuit, which follows a circular path of neuronal activity from the amygdala to several other parts of the brain and back to the amygdala, is involved with how we react to threat or loss. Terrifying facial expressions, like those in Fords fMRI brain test, trigger this circuit. A breakdown in the threat circuit can result in a type of depression Williams refers to as the negativity bias. In depression, you will see some people get stuck in one of those circuits for negative emotion, she says. Theyll say they feel bad, that everything feels bad. Trying to concentrate and switch to a different mode a different circuit can be really hard, almost impossible. In this case, a clinician should pick a treatment that will help get the patient unstuck. There is evidence certain antidepressants work well for this because the action of the medication matches the function of the circuit, she says. We are trying to link all this science to the real world, Williams says. We talk to participants about their symptoms, their work experiences, their quality of life, how they cope, how they regulate their emotions. All the things that could be pertinent to how your brain functioning relates to your experiencing the world. Personalized psychiatry As a neuroscientist conducting clinical research, Williams says it has been important to build strong partnerships with clinicians. Since she is no longer a therapist, she needs this pipeline for study recruitment, but she also believes communication with patients and therapists is essential if she wants to know how best to translate her research into clinical care. I always think, how can we translate this back to the patient? she says. I talked to one software engineer who was finding it hard to concentrate at work, she says. He was needing to take a nap in the afternoon. Using mappings of the engineers brain circuits, Williams explained how his default mode circuit was in overdrive even when he was at rest, which put him into a state of rumination about his negative thoughts. This disruption meant the man, who was depressed, had problems engaging his cognitive control circuit and dampening down the ruminative thoughts in order to focus. Instead, his brain was stuck in overdrive, making it difficult to concentrate at work. When she talks to participants stuck in this state of rumination and dysregulated circuits, she asks: When you wake up in the morning is your brain immediately overwhelmed? Are you like Oh my God, Ive got this to do, that to do, and I cant see a way through? When I give the feedback, I tell them to try things that will help shift them out of that state of overdrive. I think of analogies from heart health where the best current evidence suggests combining new interventions, drugs and lifestyle changes. As a lifestyle change, try really fast walking, or listening to music, something that will get your brain into a different kind of rhythm because you cant ruminate while walking really fast or while dancing, for example. The software engineer told her that he enjoyed Latin dancing, so she recommended he try that as a way to break out of rumination and over-firing of his default mode circuit. A complementary option was transcranial magnetic stimulation, which can help regulate the default mode circuit and the way it interacts with the cognitive control circuit. So thats the concept of the personalized approach, she says. Thinking of mental illness in these types of brain terms seemed more reasonable than the concept of mental illness being someones fault or a lack of trying hard enough. While its not yet clear how to deploy these individualized treatments on a broad scale, Williams says, she believes its time to try. I dont understand why we cant do it now. Its not unsafe. We are still giving the same treatments. Its hard to see a bad outcome. Why not try it? Stanford palliative care expert V.J. Periyakoil , MD, tells the story of a recent patient in his 60s who was dying of a brain tumor and whose wife was desperate to keep him alive. A gifted cook, the wife had always shown her love for her husband by serving him well-prepared meals. As his tumor progressed, he became confused and developed swallowing difficulties. He became unable to eat, so she asked that he be fitted with a feeding tube that would nourish him and allow her to spend more time with him, even though he had indicated he did not want to be tube-fed. The tube, inserted in the nose and down the esophagus into the stomach, soon began to cause complications, sucking material from the patients stomach into his lungs, where it threatened to cause a fatal respiratory infection. The man was uncomfortable and tried to pull it out; the wife designed a beautiful and innovative restraint that left his hands free but prevented him from removing the feeding tube. Periyakoil gently refused to restrain the dying man and counseled the wife to let clinicians withdraw the tube. The wife ultimately relented, when reminded that her husband was a proud and dignified man who had told Periyakoil he wanted to die gently. He died peacefully that night. Its a typical end-of-life tale, in which loving, well-intentioned family members opt for ineffective and burdensome treatments, rather than allow loved ones to pass away peacefully, as many patients say they would prefer. I tell people that proxy decision-making is one situation where those who love you can hurt you, says Periyakoil, a clinical associate professor of medicine and director of the Stanford Palliative Care Education & Training Program. They do it out of love and misguided good intent. Because out of love or duty, they may end up doing things that will harm you. We see this all the time. Your doctors wont be able to help you in a situation like this unless you speak your mind and document your wishes. To help patients do just that, last year Periyakoil launched the Stanford Letter Project, designed to encourage people at all stages of life to express their end-of-life wishes to their physicians and loved ones. The effort gives patients a voice in how their last days are lived one way that Stanford is elevating the doctor-patient relationship as part of its focus on precision health. The Letter Project provides individuals with templates in which they can check boxes for example, I do not want to be on a breathing machine and answer simple questions to create their letters, which they can send to their physicians. Periyakoil also encourages individuals to share their letters with family members as an entree to these difficult conversations. The goal here is to empower patients and families to have these conversations within their family, at their own leisure when they are most comfortable, Periyakoil says. What we find from patients is that one of the barriers is their own family members, because its such an awkward, uncomfortable topic. In some cultures, for instance, death is a taboo subject, and people feel that they are invoking death by simply talking about it, she says. Others feel that end-of-life issues are the province of the divine. For those, it seems presumptuous of humans to go beyond their scope of practice to divine territory, she says. Every year, some 2.6 million Americans face death, but data suggest that before they pass on, most never have a heart-to-heart talk with their doctors about how they want to finish out their days. The result is untold suffering, as doctors fall back on aggressive, costly and sometimes harmful treatments that may lead to an end that lacks dignity and comfort, she says. Our research has shown that most doctors are uncomfortable conducting end-of-life discussions with their patients, she says. We need a role reversal in the conversation on dying. Instead of holding their breath and waiting for their doctors to initiate this conversation, patients need to lead this conversation. But most patients do not know how to do this or what to ask for. So we decided we needed to come up with a format that patients and families can use. Its about how people want to live The initiative differs from physician-assisted death, which in the United States is available to a small number of terminally ill patients in certain states who have followed a detailed legal process to obtain medication to help them die. The Letter Project, in contrast, focuses on how they want to experience their last days and helps them make the most of the time they have left. Physician-assisted suicide is about not living anymore, Periyakoil says, whereas this, the Letter Project, is about what matters most to each patient. It is not about death, but about life and how people want to live. In developing the project, Periyakoil says she was motivated in part by the cost of end-of-life care, which consumes a major portion of the nations health-care budget. Some 20 percent of Medicare dollars are spent in the last year of life, with half of Medicare recipients visiting an emergency department and one in three admitted to an intensive care unit during that final year; one in five have surgery in the last month of their lives, studies show. These interventions are not only costly but may interfere with a persons ability to function and enjoy life, and in some cases, may hasten the end, Periyakoil says. That stands in stark contrast with what polls show people want at the end of their lives: to die gently and comfortably, surrounded by family members. Yet many fail to express their wishes to doctors or family members. In California, only 13 percent of adults have completed an advance directive, a legal document in which people can spell out their end-of-life decisions ahead of time. And doctors say they are hesitant to broach the topic with their patients. In a study published in April 2015 in PLOS ONE, Periyakoil found that more than 99 percent of the 1,040 physicians queried at Stanford Health Care and the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System said they were reluctant to start these end-of-life conversations with patients because of cultural, religious, ethnic, language or other barriers. We are trained, we are rewarded, for doing. We are not trained to communicate, and we are not trained to stand by and support. So everything in our medical genome is geared toward doing more and more. With this huge communications gap, decisions about end-of-life care typically fall to physicians, whose training and instinct is to keep patients alive no matter what through all-out interventions. Yet 88 percent of physicians would not choose this high-intensity approach for themselves, Periyakoils research shows. As physicians, she says, We are trained, we are rewarded, for doing. We are not trained to communicate, and we are not trained to stand by and support. So everything in our medical genome is geared toward doing more and more. If you do one more procedure or one more thing, you are keeping them alive longer, because your goal is to save lives. Moreover, family members who serve as a proxy for incapacitated patients often opt for end-of-life heroics. Periyakoil tells the story of one patient who had suffered a stroke. He later went into respiratory failure, and doctors told his wife he needed an urgent tracheostomy, a tube implanted through the neck into the throat to create an airway. She agreed to the procedure. She felt terribly guilty because the decision made him live a life of misery for 10 more years, Periyakoil says. She told me, If I could turn back time and choose again, I would never let the doctor cut open a hole in my husbands throat. After that, he suffered so much. When someones life is ending, we should let them go through that period as easily as possible. In helping families assuage their guilt, David Magnus, PhD, director of the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics, says he counsels them to imagine what course their loved one would choose not to make the judgment for them. We frame the conversation by asking, What would your loved one say if they were here? We do it to relieve the burden on the family of making this decision and make them feel like it is their loved one making the decision, he says. Unfortunately, he says, families dont really know what patients want, with studies of paired responses between patients and designated decision-makers showing that the decision-makers get it right only two-thirds of the time all the more reason for individuals to make their desires clear. Periyakoil says many people are galvanized to write a letter following the death of a family member, which prompts them to consider their own wishes and preferences. That was true for Anthony Milki, a 20-year-old Stanford junior, who was motivated to write his letter after his beloved cousin, just 22, died suddenly in 2014 of flu-related complications. I think her dying made me get to another level of thinking about it thinking about what I would want, he says. He understands that families will reach for high-tech interventions at the very end, clinging to the faintest hope of a miracle and fearful of letting go. I dont blame families, but its objectively harmful. I would not want that for myself, he says. Periyakoil says the Letter Project already has amassed more than 2,000 letters from individuals like Milki who have consented to be included in her research and have their letters shared. Many others across the country also have written letters as other practitioners begin to adopt the model, she says. She recently won an innovators award from the American Medical Association, which recognized the project as an excellent example of a transformational medical practice solution. She says she plans to work with the AMA to help expand use of the letter. She believes the new Medicare policy of reimbursing physicians for time they spend discussing end-of-life decisions with families will spur more people to engage in the process. When the system gives you money to do something, it means its something that the system values, Periyakoil says. Her goal is to develop a bank of some 20,000 to 25,000 sample letters of people from all ages and backgrounds, as a kind of crowdsourcing of ideas for future letter writers. Individuals can choose to write their letters at any time in their lives, she says, though she encourages them to consider it when they have reached voting age. I tell all my patients who are eligible to vote to weigh in on your own fate before you weigh in on the fate of the nation, she says. Sample letters can be viewed at the Letter Projects website. The Stanford Letter Project mobile app is available at the iTunes store and at Google Play Store. An app that will convert the letter into a pre-filled advance directive is under development. Gay F. Thielen age 65 of Clewiston passed away on October 17, 2022 at home. Gay was born in Hialeah, Florida on March 29, 1957 to the late ... I had been wanting to visit Roc des Anges for a while now, after tasting Marjorie and Stephanes wines at various events in both France and London, and I was not disappointed. They now have a smart new cellar close to the village of Latour de France, so we admired lots of concrete vats of various sizes, to accommodate their numerous different parcels of vines. Altogether they have about 100 plots in just 35 hectares. 60 ares is a big plot for them. Virtually all their vines are in Montner, with a few in Tautavel and also close to Calce; the vines by their cellar are not theirs. Montner has very poor schist soil; and yields are low. And they also have a vineyard in Tautavel, Terres de Fagayra, for Maury, We talked about their vinification methods, they try to leave the berries as in tact as possible, while removing the stems, so they use an egrenoir, which drains, as opposed to an egrappoir. Carbonic maceration starts inside the berries, making for more precoce, earlier drinking wines. This is something they have done since 2008. There is an extensive underground barrel cellar which Marjorie observed was a significant part of the cost of the building. However the amount of ouillage has been significantly reduced. 2011 was the first vintage in this cellar. They have Grenache Gris, Macabeo which have been replanted by massale selection, as well as Carignan Gris, Carignan Blanc and Grenache Blanc, and for reds, Carignan Noir, which they have also replanted, and also Grenache Noir and Syrah, as well as a little Cinsaut which they planted in 2015. Marjorie thinks that Cinsaut may give them more elegance, and they are certainly moving towards more finesse; The soil here gives elegance. She admitted that they would not replant Syrah; the truly Mediterranean varieties work best'. Ninety percent of their vineyards are on grey schist, with a little limestone, as well as granite and some galets roulees. Their highest vines are at 300 metres and north facing, and closer to the mountains than to the sea, so that they enjoy the effect of cool air, but no maritime influence. The average age is 65, but a lot have been replanted. They have been certified organic since 2010, and have worked biodynamically since 2011. It has been a long process of adaptation; the vines suffered initially. They created the estate in 2001, when Marjorie graduated from Montpellier at the age of 23. She had met Stephane who then got a job working at Mas Amiel, so looking for vines in Roussillon was the obvious decision, even though she comes from the northern Rhone. Cote Rotie would have been much more expensive; 'but here in Roussillon everything is possible. And the schist is the same as in Cote Rotie, but the climate is different'. The harvest in 2015 was going well. They began on 10th August with Grenache Gris and finished on 26th September, a full seven weeks, with various pauses, all handpicked. They are always the first to pick their whites. We are settled down to taste in their comfortable tasting room: 2014 Llum 18.50 Meaning light in Catalan. A blend of 13 different plots. Grenache Gris, Blanc and Macabeo. 80% are old vines, meaning 40 years or more. Marjorie observed that you see a change in the profile of the grapes when the vines are about 40 years old. The soil is poor so the roots take time to grow deep. The roots are tortuous with a long chemin de seve, a path of sap. 2014 is a complete contrast to 2015. It was not a hot year. They decide their picking date by tasting the grapes. Acidity is not important. The ph is low, indicating real freshness; that is the crucial thing. And the wine had a little colour, with a delicate herbal nose. There was fresh firm acidity on the palate. It was youthful and tight knit, with almost green note. The wine is fermented in wood, mostly old wood, with just 5% new wood, and stays in wood for nine months. They buy old barrels from Burgundy. The oak in nicely integrated and the wine concentrated but not heavy. They bottle early. In Burgundian terms, this is their village wine. 2014 Iglesia Veila, Cotes Catalanes 36.00 One plot, meaning Old Church their grand cru. From Grenache Gris planted in 1954. All their white grapes are vinified in the same way so they can see the different nuances. The character of the vintage decides the length of cuvaison. The oak was more apparent, making for a youthful tight knit wine, with firm acidity, and structure. It was more powerful but not heavy, and it will take longer to be ready for drinking. 2014 lOca 36.00 Meaning oie or goose. The vineyard is in the shape of a goose on the cadastre. From Macabeo planted in 1957. A little red clay, as well the schist. The red clay makes it quite ferrique. Light golden; more rounded with lots of nuances. Very good acidity; textured, a little fuller, elegant and restrained. Marjorie observed that their wines do not necessarily do very well in blind tastings; they reveal themselves a table. And commenting on Macabeo, she observed that it is more delicate than Grenache Gris, with an aromatic purity. It can be quite neutral. You need to pick it at the right moment, not too late nor too early. It really talks of the soil, with very little varietal aroma. Grenache Gris has more personality. It is easier to tell when to pick. It has structure and minerality; its a great variety. We like it a lot. Macabeo is more delicate, whereas Grenache Gris is more forgiving of mistakes. 2014 Segna de Cor = Roc des Anges backwards. Cotes du Roussillon Villages. 14.00 A blend of their youngest vines, that is, less than 40 years old. Lots of Grenache, with some Syrah, Carignan and Mourvedre. The wine develop quicker and is quite different from the old vines. Kept in a cement vat and bottled in June. It has lovely spicy cherry fruit. Medium weight with a certain freshness. 'Very 2014', observed Marjorie. The grapes were very large, but there was nothing in them- they were maigre, nothing dans le ventre, but the wine has turned out very well, with some elegant cherry fruit and a streak of tannin. Some blending in vat and before elevage, and final blend before bottling; its a gradual process. Some vats of whole bunches add extra nuances; the carbon dioxide comes of its own accord and the grapes are neither destalked nor crushed, so that you have an inter-cellular fermentation, as you do in Beaujolais. 2013 Reliefs 25.00 A blend of old plots, Carignan is the dominant variety, with some Syrah and Grenache, kept in both cement and foudres, and then in bottle for 6 months before sale. Montner is very vallonne with lots of different aspects and relief. Good young colour. More substance than Segna de Cor. Rounded and ripe; more nuances with ampleur, but not heavy. Spicy cherry fruit. Quite structured. Se revele avec lair; or develops in the glass. We talked the flavours and trends of Roussillon. Everyone is now looking for freshness and drinkability since the last ten years. However, some areas are better when the grapes are riper. There are two currents or styles, the oaky concentrated powerful wines, possibly fuelled by the Wine Advocate, and the more elegant wines. Vineyards in Roussillon are influenced either by the mountains or by the sea. The other trend is the improvement in quality; 'we are not standing still, and we are avoiding excessive extraction and wood, and learning to maitrise terroir and concentrate on finesse'. Marjories wines are certainly all very elegant and light in alcohol, at around 13.5 2013 Carignan 1903, C o tes Catalanes 36.00 36.00 Pure Carignan. This wine has been made since their first vintage. They pulled up one of four plots in 2013 and replanted by massale selection. Part is aged in vat; part in foudres. A certain richness and power, but not heavy, with freshness on the finish. A tannic streak. Very mineral. Very Carignan and long. Marjorie admitted that it used to be 15.5 and aged in new wood: on sy retrouve plus. Their wine style changed, the whites in 2010 and the reds in 2011, initially by accident. They thought they had picked too early, but you can learn by your mistakes. Their aim is to have a style that is unique to their estate; their style maison. 2013 Las Trabasseres, Cotes Catalanes. 50.00 12 The name of the lieu-dit; it means traversee par un chemin, or crossed by a path. Schist and stony, with virtually no soil; most of their vineyards have no more than 50 cms of soil. Quite a deep young colour. Marjorie made comparisons with Burgundy; the hautes coteaux are more mineral and the mi-coteaux more powerful. Very intense sour cherries. Quite solid, quite intense youthful fruit. A firm streak of tannin. Quite powerful; not heavy and plenty of nuances. Only in vat. 2014 Maury, Fagayra rouge 28.00 Apparently Fagayra means resistant in Arab, and Moors were of course in the region in the 8th century. Or it could mean fougeres or heather, but there is not much of that in the area. 2008 was their first vintage of this cuvee, and as a Maury it has to be vinified in Maury. Grenache noir on calcaire and schist. Red fruit. Very rounded ripe and quite sweet with black and red fruit 16.5 and 88 gm/l of residual sugar. Picked early. Mute sur grains. Indigenous yeast with a slow fermentation for half the wine. Maceration of fruit rather than alcohol. Very fresh; very garrigues. 2013 Maury Grenat, Op Nord 32.00 32.00 Grenache with 5 15% Carignan depending on the vintage. On pure schist. The same vinification as the previous wine, but more concentrated with more depth, but not heavy. A lot of fruit, and the same amount of sugar. The differences come from the soil, rather than from the effect of the addition of Carignan. Marjorie commented that Maury Sec is doing well, and is seen as a cru of the Cotes du Roussillon Villages. It was indeed one of the villages before obtaining an appellation in its own right. Maury is a great terroir for Vin Doux. There is a risk that Maury Sec will kill Maury Doux. If the best plots are used for Sec, that could weaken the Doux. Will Maury Doux still have the same quality in ten years time? Personally I do sincerely hope so. 2014 Maury Blanc -28.00 A blend of Grenache Gris and Blanc, with some Macabeo and a little Carignan blanc, which should not be in there, but never mind. Initially picked separately, but now all picked together, depending on the ripening of the earliest variety. Peachy nose and more pineapples on the palate. Fermented in vat no wood. A mineral note. Some acidity. A salty note. The alcohol is nicely integrated. 108 gms/l residual sugar. The ph drops with concentration. And then we chatted over a delicious lunch of local charcuterie and a variety of cheeses. Stephane comes from Normandy, which is not known for its wine, and he drank his first wine at the age of 24. Roussillon is a diversity of terroirs, with an equal diversity of vignerons. It is not just vins de soleil. Roussillon has been moving and developing for fifteen years, it really only has 15 years of history. And we finished with a 1969 Rivesaltes, made before Marjorie was born. They bought the barrels two years ago, one 120 litres and one 225 litres, after tasting them and bottled the wine in November 2014. It was absolutely delicious; I adore this sort of wine and cannot understand why not more of it is drunk. There were dry figs and nuts, with lots of subtle nuances, balanced by a firm biting acidity, a wonderful energetic drink. The Sea Hawks use a strong serve and balanced attack for a commanding win in the opening round of the Division 2 playoffs. WASHINGTON At a school in poverty-stricken East Oakland, Calif., Emilio Ortega asks the teenage boys he counsels how it would feel to see their mother, or sister, abused by a husband or boyfriend. He knows they see people they admire on TV, in rap songs, and sometimes even at home channel their anger into aggression. Some of the boys, he said, have come to think that hitting or verbally abusing a romantic partner is normal even funny. They dont understand that its not funny, that its not real life, said Ortega, who runs supportive programs at the K-10th grade Madison Park Business & Art Academy. In middle and high schools across the country, counselors and teachers like Ortega are quickly becoming the front line of defense for state officials looking to prevent teen dating violence, and the cycle of violence that follows. Research shows that teenagers who experience violence either as victims or as abusers are more likely to be involved in it later in their lives, which leads to more people in hospitals, behind bars and receiving welfare. States hope that investing in education programs now will help prevent those negative, and expensive, outcomes down the road. About 1 in 10 high school students who dated in 2013 reported being physically or sexually abused by a partner during the past year, according to the most recent survey of high school students by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The percentages have fluctuated over time, but the 2013 figure is the highest ever recorded. In recent years, sexual abuse incidents on high school and college campuses and heated debates over sexual consent policies have heightened public awareness of the issue. In addition, the Obama administration has emphasized that under Title IX, all schools from elementary schools to colleges that receive public funding are obligated to take steps to prevent sexual violence. Last week, the president called teen dating violence a serious violation that can affect a young persons safety, development, and sense of comfort and called for support for programs that help young people develop healthy relationships. This year, lawmakers in at least five states Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and South Carolina are considering bills that would encourage or require schools to discuss dating violence prevention with students in middle school or high school. Georgia approved the first such law in 2003, and since then 21 states have followed suit. Education dollars are tight in most states. But Laila Leigh, managing attorney with Break the Cycle, a national nonprofit focused on the issue, said spending money on classes designed to prevent dating violence is much less expensive than paying for its aftermath. Domestic violence costs the nation more than $8.3 billion every year, including medical care, mental health services and lost productivity, according to a 2004 study, the most recent available. In comparison, schools can find free class materials online, pay a couple of hundred dollars for curricula, or pay a few thousand dollars for training sessions for teachers. But research on the effectiveness of prevention programs is spotty, and some state lawmakers are wary of placing another burden on schools. South Carolina state Sen. Thomas Alexander, a Republican, introduced a bill last year to make February Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. But Alexander said he hasnt decided whether to support a bill that would require dating violence education in schools. I agree with the concept, he said. But we are putting so much on our schools. Dr. Phyllis Niolon, a CDC behavioral scientist, said the devastating impact and the prevalence of violence among romantically involved teens should concern every state. Teenagers who are abused in romantic relationships are more likely to become heavy smokers or drinkers, be depressed or have suicidal thoughts, and to experience domestic violence as adults, according to a 2013 study. In a survey of adults who had experienced stalking or dating violence as adults, the CDC found that about 1 in 4 women and about 1 in 7 men first experienced such violence between 11 and 17 years of age. When Ortega teaches about dating violence, he tries to knock down gender stereotypes, telling students that men dont have to be aggressive. And he makes them understand that the abusive behavior they often see dramatized on television could land them in jail. The Madison Park Business & Art Academy is one of 10 Oakland-area schools involved in Dating Matters, a CDC program that teaches students how to detect a troubled relationship their own or somebody elses as well as how to prevent violence, and how to help somebody who has been abused. Students are taught to recognize behavior that is demeaning, controlling, overly jealous, isolating or possessive, such as repeatedly pressuring someone to have sex or checking cellphones, emails or social media accounts without permission. Ortega and other educators are trained to recognize and understand potentially dangerous teenage relationships. They learn how to listen to and respond to troubled teens, and how to connect the students with help. The CDC also has helped local health departments to create policies for education programs and has created student-run communications campaigns in which students set up Instagram accounts with messages about healthy relationships and organize events, such as a themed skating event. Its very unlikely children are having these conversations at home, Leigh said, so there is space for educators to step in and offer the prevention education. "We have followed the history of Marie Antoinette with the greatest diligence and scrupulosity. We have lived in those times. We have talked with some of her friends and some of her enemies; we have read, certainly not all, but hundreds of the libels written against her; and we have, in short, examined her life with if we may be allowed to say so of ourselves something of the accuracy of contemporaries, the diligence of inquirers, and the impartiality of historians, all combined; and we feel it our duty to declare, in as a solemn a manner as literature admits of, our well-matured opinion that every reproach against the morals of the queen was a gross calumny that she was, as we have said, one of the purest of human beings."~from History of the Guillotine by John Wilson Croker, 1844 tech2 News Staff The Rs 251 smartphone has gripped the nation, and how. Ashok Chadha, the President of Ringing Bells, the company that builds the smartphone has claimed over five crore registrations already. Now, the smartphone is in news as some malicious minds have reportedly started selling vouchers across Noida that promise the delivery of the device soon after the launch. Chadha told The Times of India that he is unaware of such coupons, and the company is taking orders only online. The company has also made it clear that it will be shipping the device by courier to only the first 25 lakh who pay up for the phone and those consumers registering for the phone after that will not get the device. The distribution will begin on April 10 and all devices will be shipped in roughly three and half months from now by June 30. In the press release, Cadha also spoke about the controversy around all the icons of the built-in app being almost a replica of Apples iOS icons. He said these are just samples during the launch and were from some other brand, but the final units will adhere to all the promises made by the company. The Freedom 251 site crashed even before the company started taking orders. On day 1, it managed to take only 30,000 bookings, in spite of the claimed 6 lakh hits per second. While the Freedom 251 is a novel idea to pave way to a Digital India, it has just too many creases to iron out. The mobile industry body ICA had reportedly written to Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to get into depth of the issue asking the rate could not be below Rs 3,500 even after a subsidized sale. Chadha has already cleared the air about the subsidy and also put forth the plan how the company plans to achieve the Rs 251 pricing. (Also read: Here's why the Freedom 251 costs only Rs 251) The company has made some tall claims stating they want to capture nearly 30 percent of the smartphone market by the end of the year. The company apparently has two pilot plants in Noida and Uttarakhand, claiming a capacity of 5 lakh phones and they are looking at an investment of Rs 230-250 crores on these plants. Check out the Freedom 251 first impressions, to know more about the device. Naina Khedekar Back in 2011- 2012, the government's ambitious pet project Aakash was almost synonymous to creating a Digital India, and so it's not very surprising that parallels are being drawn between the budget tablet and uber-cheap Freedom 251. However, this hasn't gone down well with Datawind, the makers of Aakash. The success of Datawind and growth of the tablet market proves that Rs 251 phone is nothing like the Aakash tablet, Datawind chief Suneet Singh Tuli states. He calls the 251 a consumer offering, and the subsidized price is a marketing promotion. On the other hand, Aakash was never a consumer offering. It was a 100,000 units government project for educational purposes, he adds. Ringing Bells was an unknown company until 15 days ago. Well, Datawind also wasn't that popular until it bagged the tender to build the tablets. However, Datawind was still decently popular for its cheap tablets. It is not a company that cropped up overnight and considered among the top 50 smart companies and successfully delivered 100000 units to IIT Bombay. It also paved way to a plethora of cheap tablets from BSNL, Micromax, and so on. Moreover, Aakash was an educational project to judge low cost devices' viability in the education sector, he states. (Also read, Freedom 251 first impressions) Now, one of the most obvious questions lingering on everyone's minds is how feasible it is to build the device. In a presentation made by the Datawind chief, he states that even the basic memory for the device costs over Rs 251. So, how is it possible to build and sell a complete device at the said price? In the presentation, Tuli states that Aakash tablet was a 'real product' and larger quantities were made and delivered, which had a huge impact on the industry. Freedom 251 is a marketing promotion of an existing Chinese Chinese product already being sold in Nehru Place, he states. According to him, consumers are being misled as it is not possible to make the device at that price. Meanwhile, Ringing Bells director Mohit Goel goes on to claim that the company will make Rs 31 profit on each unit sold. President Ashok Chadha has said that the price per unit is around Rs 1500, and not Rs 2500 disclosed during the launch. In an interview with The Times of India, Goel has said, Has there ever been a case of income-tax evasion against me or my company, or has there been an FIR filed against me in any police station? Why am I being called a bhagora (wholl run away with the money)? I intend to do a valid business, just like any other startup, and I have a business plan ready." Ringing Bells successfully caught the country's attention with the launch of the Freedom 251 at the ridiculously low pricing of Rs 251. Goel also states that the delivery will begin on April 15. Well, only time will tell. The mobile industry body ICA had reportedly written to Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to get into depth of the issue asking the rate could not be below Rs 3,500 even after a subsidized sale. Chadha has already cleared the air about the subsidy and also put forth the plan how the company plans to achieve the Rs 251 pricing. (Also read: Heres why the Freedom 251 costs only Rs 251) Naina Khedekar The Unpacked event is when Samsung expects undivided attention for its flagship devices. But this year's been different. It let its upcoming flagships, which pretty much decide the company's fate, share stage with another tech category Virtual Reality. The company not only decided to bundle the $99 Gear VR for some regions, but also announced a new VR camera the Gear 360. That's not all. The real surprise was Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg showing up at the event. Now, that's a big deal. Here's why! Zuckerberg spoke about VR as the 'most social platform'. Soon after Zuckerberg delivered a small speech, Samsung's mobile chief DJ Koh re-entered the stage and almost stopped Zuckerberg for a quick photo-op. So, Samsung finding a new BFF in Zuckerberg isn't entirely strange. Given the most recent events and the manner in which the year has been for both, we believe that's the most practical thing to do. Zuckerberg's Free Basics plans have gone kaput, at least in the Indian market for now. The way forward ought to be expanding its user base. Or, bringing a new innovative experience in the most popular social network on the planet. In comparison, Samsung spent quite a while trying to bounce back to the dominant position it once shared. Anshul Gupta, Research Director at Gartner India tells us, "Samsung is at a juncture where it needed a device which can turn around its fate of slowing smartphone sales. Its new Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are much better and a refined version of its previous version. There are some really nice enhancements like camera, dual SIM/ expandable memory. However with similar look & feel and changes mostly inside it will be difficult to draw customer to retail for replacement. In this highly competitive and tough economic environment, customer expect more innovation per extra dollar spent. Trick is in emphasizing the benefits of enhancement to end users." After years of ground work, it seems the battlefield for VR is finally gearing up as Google, Samsung and Facebook are racing to be the first in this new and promising category. Microsoft has already wowed many with the Hololens, and others such as HTC are all set to put their best foot forward as well. Besides, Apple is thought to be building its own armour for the VR battle as well. Soon after reports around its first sales drop in over a decade, analysts predict it may phase out iPhone for virtual reality devices. With markets betting big on VR, both Samsung and Facebook are set out on a new journey to take on this next-gen technology. Evidently, VR is still at a nascent stage and nothing exceptional is expected this year. Considering the probable shift in pattern in the coming years, it is the right time to watch each other's back. "As Samsung has a huge marketing budget and wants to maintain leadership in the smartphone high-end segment, it will invest a lot more than its competitors on promoting Virtual Reality. No doubt it will help to create buzz among media, gamers, and the niche audience demanding immersive experiences. But will it offer consumer benefits for the masses? The short answer is: no. In 2016, reach for VR platforms will remain more than limited," said Forrester consumer mobile analyst Julie Ask. Zuckerberg was out there to promote how VR can help deliver social experience such as 'hanging out with friends anytime you want', 'holding a group meeting or event anywhere in the world' and so on. He also announced to bring dynamic streaming technology for 360 video to Gear VR. The technology enhances the performance by playing back only what's in the view, and not the entire 360 degree sphere of the video. He also spoke about reducing the bandwidth while still delivering high quality 4X videos. Samsung's hardware capabilities and Facebook's outreach and popularity could help drive in VR content extend the horizon for this new category. It should be noted that Samsung and Facebook had teamed up to launch the Gear VR soon after Facebook acquired Oculus for around a hefty $2 billion in 2014. In fact, a VR headset at $99 was the first step towards upping the proposition of a VR device going mainstream. But looks like, putting on a headgear, and being transported into a different world hasn't been extremely appealing to masses yet. There has been concern over huge VR headsets going mainstream, and Samsung just pulled out the best trick to combat that. What could be more feasible than a small, circular, GoPro-like camera that can easily go mainstream over a huge, bulky head gear. It also turns out to be the great step towards creating immersive content as the camera, available in two models, allows complete 360-degree videos or traditional videos in 180-degree using a single lens mode. There's NFC, Wi-Fi Direct support to enable quick interaction with Galaxy smartphone, PC editing, stitching panoramic views and also sharing on social media platforms. "The VR experience feels a little like Wi-Fi in the early days sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. My VR headset experience didn't work at all. Seems super cool; when or if working. It wasn't until Mark Zuckerberg got on stage that the energy picked up in the room," adds Ask. The whole event was an example of how serious Samsung is about VR. As one entered the conference hall, a VR headset was attached to each chair. It looked like a gigantic dark chamber with thousands glued to the headgear as Samsung unveiled its new smartphones Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge in VR for an immersive experience. The company event launched the Unpacked 360 View app so that people across the world could feel they are right there. Some others also believe that the new Galaxy flagships - which saw a big overhaul last year had a little to deliver this and the new devices are just to divert the attention from its flagships. tech2 News Staff DeitY (Department of Electronics & Information Technology) is reportedly looking to summon the Noida-based company Ringing Bells for a meeting, which claims to sell the world's cheapest smartphone Freedom 251 at a price tag of only Rs 251. Many doubts have been raised regarding the price tag which is said to be "too good, to be true." The meeting is likely to happen this week. According to a report by the The Economic Times, Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had asked IT Secretary Aruna Sharma to check the credentials and claims of the company, Ringing Bells, after it made the offer. The ministry has asked Sharma to seek help from state chief secretaries wherever needed as well. BJP MP Kirit Somaiya believes that the Freedom 251 is a huge scam. Somaiya has said that there is a huge scam involved in Freedom 251. After going through all papers of the company, he found out that the Freedom 251 doesnt even have a licence. The BJP MP has approached telecom ministry, telecom regulator Trai, Consumer Ministry, SEBI, Corporate Ministry Finance Ministry, RBI and state governments to check various concerns that he has on the company offering mobile phone at Rs 251 which is the worlds cheapest. Ringing Bells President Ashok Chaddha had earlier said manufacturing cost of the phone is about Rs 2,500 (now claimed to be Rs 1500), which will be recovered through a series of measures like economies of scale, innovative marketing, reduction in duties and creating an e-commerce marketplace. By going for Made in India components, we can save on the 13.8 per cent duty. Also, we will be selling online first and thus save the costs incurred on large distribution network, he said. Chaddha also rejected speculations of the handset being subsidised by the government. The phone will be manufactured in Noida and Uttaranchal. Two plants will be set up for Rs 250 crore each with a capacity of 5 lakh phones. The money will come in the form of debt and equity (1.5:1), he said. Khaleda repeatedly obstructed on her way to Shaheed Minar: BNP UNB, Dhaka: BNP on Sunday alleged that its chairperson Khaleda Zia was repeatedly obstructed by police on her way to Central Shaheed Minar to pay homage to the Language Movement heroes early Sunday. Speaking at a press briefing at BNP's Nayapaltan central office, party joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also claimed that over 50 leaders and activists were injured in an attack by police near the Shaheed Minar. "Letters had been sent to the chiefs of police and Rab requesting them to ensure security of the BNP chairperson while she would be paying homage at the Central Shaheed Minar. But, police repeatedly blocked her motorcade on her way to the Shaheed Minar from her Gulshan residence," he said. The BNP leader said Khaleda's motorcade was first obstructed in front of her Gulshan residence. "As she reached near the Central Shaheed Minar leaving behind all the barriers, police obstructed her twice there." He also alleged that police attacked BNP leaders and activists without any provocation, leaving over 50 of them seriously injured. "We strongly condemn and protest the obstruction to our BNP chairperson and attack on our leaders and activists." Rizvi also alleged that ruling party men brutally killed their Noakhali's Chatkhil leader Alamgir on his way to a local Shaheed MInar to pay respects to the martyrs. He further alleged that their party-nominated chairman candidates were being obstructed from collecting and submitting nomination papers across the country. "Our candidates are being intimidated." Syria conflict: Homs and Damascus bomb blasts kill 140 The Homs attackers struck on Sunday morning BBC Online: Bomb blasts in the Syrian cities of Homs and Damascus have left at least 140 people dead, monitors and state media say. At least four blasts struck the southern Damascus suburb of Sayyida Zeinab, killing at least 83 people, state media said. Earlier in Homs, 57 people, mainly civilians, were killed in a double car bombing, a monitoring group reported. So-called Islamic State (IS) said it carried out the attacks in both cities. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State John Kerry has said a "provisional agreement" has been reached with Russia on a partial truce in the conflict. Both of Sunday's attacks targeted areas dominated by minorities within Islam reviled by the Sunni Muslim radicals of IS. In Damascus, at least four explosions were reported in Sayyida Zeinab, the location of Syria's holiest Shia Muslim shrine, said to contain the grave of the Prophet Muhammad's granddaughter. The state-run Sana news agency reported at least 83 dead and 178 wounded. Image copyright AP Image caption Dozens were killed in the blasts in Sayyida Zeinab The Amaq news agency, which is linked to Islamic State, said IS militants had detonated a car bomb and then blown up explosive belts. The district was hit by suicide attacks last month that left 71 people dead and which IS fighters also said they had carried out. In Homs, the blasts happened in a predominantly Alawite district, the sect to which President Bashar al-Assad belongs. Syrian state TV footage showed debris and mangled vehicles. One of the early centres of the uprising against President Assad, Homs was once dubbed the "capital of the revolution". But rebels left the city late last year under a ceasefire deal, leaving the city in government hands. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group also said that at least 50 Islamic State fighters had been killed in an advance by government troops, backed by Russian air strikes, east of the northern city of Aleppo in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, Mr Kerry spoke optimistically about progress towards a possible ceasefire. He had spoken to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, he said, and they had agreed on terms but details still needed to be worked out. Earlier this month, world powers involved in Syria agreed to seek a "cessation of hostilities" but the Friday deadline has come and gone. 10 bus passengers suffer burn injuries as gas cylinder explodes in Manikganj At least 10 people including minors and women suffered burn injuries as the gas cylinder of a passenger bus exploded in Tora area on Dhaka-Aricha Highway in Ghior upazila on Monday. Officer-in charge of Ghior Police Station Mizanur Rahman said the gas cylinder of an Aricha-bound bus of Nabinbaron Paribahan from Dhaka went off with a big bang in the area around 11.45am and a fire soon engulfed the bus immediately afterwards. Beside, the bus collided against a roadside tree as the driver of the bus left the driving seat after the explosion. The incident left 10 people with burn injuries while five others also received injuries due to the collision against the tree. The identities of the injured could not be known immediately. Being informed, two fire fighting units from Manikganj rushed to the spot and doused the blaze after half an hours frantic efforts. The injured were sent to Manikganj Sadar Hospital and Munnu Medical College Hospital. Vehicular movement on Dhaka-Aricha Highway was disrupted for 40 minutes due to the incident, said the OC. -- Manikganj, Feb 22 (UNB) ATM fraud: Main accused held Detective Branch (DB) of Police has held Thomas Pitar, the key accused in the money stealing incidents from ATM booths by creating duplicates. Police held the person from the capital on last Tuesday. On Wednesday at a press conference, Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Md Monirul Islam said four to five persons have been detected in the incident of ATM card fraud. They are now under surveillance. Monirul Islam said, The newly formed Counter Terrorism Unit members have started to investigate officially. Police have already collected video footage and others necessary papers from the bank. Already police have identified 4/5 suspected fraud and the law enforcers will detain them soon, he added. FOREIGN POLICY OF KUWAIT The cardinal principle on which the foreign policy of Kuwait is based had been enunciated by the late Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, when he declared that, "Kuwait lives under the protection of Islam as its religion, Arabism as its homeland, cooperation as its strategic path, tolerance as its motto, fraternity as its guidance, constitution as its modus operandi, justice as its rule, progress as its responsibility and peace as its goal". The objective of Kuwait's pursuit of diplomacy is based on a pragmatic and balanced approach and is conducted in accordance with the government's philosophy and the interest of the State. Kuwait adheres to a policy, which is characterised by clarity, straightforward and quiet diplomacy. It strives to strengthen constructive cooperation with all countries on the basis of mutual respect and non-intervention in the internal affairs of other States in accordance with the principles of fairness and justice. It advocates the use of peaceful means in resolving all problems between States in accordance with the principles of right and justice, away from conflicts, sphere of influence and International blocs. His Highness the amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, while outlining the salient features of Kuwait's foreign policy, said that 'one of the main objectives of Kuwait's diplomacy is to cooperate with all countries to maintain world security and stability as well as reach sustainable development of societies. Kuwait endeavors to promote peace among nations and enter into partnerships with brotherly and friendly countries for the development of societies. At the same time, Kuwait's policy is concerned with the safeguard of her independence and sovereignty and her freedom of political decision. His Highness the amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah asserted that the pursuit of Kuwait's diplomacy is the first line of defence of the State's security and interests. Kuwait is an ardent advocate of Pan Arabism and its policy and interest in the Arab world is motivated by its strong adherence to the principles of Arab nationalism. It is an active and vocal member of the Arab League where it realizes its belief in a common Arab destuny by enhancing its relations with the Arab States. Kuwait plays a leading role in promoting economic prosperity in the region. In its pursuit of economic diplomacy, His Highness the Amir said that the loans and grants provided by Kuwait Fund as well as the Kuwaiti donations for other International funds are a testimony of Kuwait's effective role in building bridges of friendship and cooperation by financing development projects in the four corners of the globe. Kuwait is vocal in its demand for withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from all Arab lands illegally and forcibly occupied by Israel. In response to the United Nations appeal for humanitarian assistance for Syrian war victims, Kuwait twice hosted a donor countries summit meeting, the first in January 2013 and the second in January 2014. Philanthropy and benevolence is an integral part of Kuwait's diplomatic pursuit. His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir referred to an initiative taken by His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in 1988 whereby interest on soft loans to numerous developing countries was waived, thereby setting a precedent which initiated a quantum leap in the assistance methods of Kuwaiti diplomacy. This can be discerned from statistics that show 86.4% of Kuwait's official humanitarian assistance was spent in fragile states. Further, Kuwait doubled its contribution to various international Organizations and has been playing a leading role in support of the humanitarian work globally. In recognition of Kuwait's diplomatic thrust in bridging the differences between countries through its humanitarian service and support, the UN Secretary General presented His Highness the Amir a Certificate of Appreciation in 2014. The citation described His Highness the Amir as the exemplary Humanitarian Leader. This presentation underscores the achievement and success of Kuwait's foreign policy pursuit. From this perspective, His Highness the Amir summed up the goals and objectives of Kuwaiti diplomacy when he categorically outlined the foundation of Kuwait's foreign policy, since the dawn of its independence, based on humanitarian assistance to all countries regardless of their geographic location, religious beliefs or ethnic origin. Being a Gulf State, Kuwait played a pivotal role in bringing about the unification of the Gulf Emirates. The formation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a brainchild of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, was perhaps one of the most important landmark of Kuwait's foreign policy. The formation of the Gulf Cooperation Council is an expression and extension of Kuwait's primary foreign policy goals. His Highness the Amir of Kuwait conceived such a forum to promote cooperation and co-ordination amongst the member States in all spheres not only for their mutual benefit but also for the whole Arab nation. Kuwait was the host of the 34th summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council in December 2013 which focused on the unified political stance of the member States on matters of regional and international concerns. The conference also laid emphasis on striving to attain economic integration. Since the dawn of Kuwait's independence, Kuwait exerted strenuous efforts, to fulfil Kuwait's strong commitment to the welfare and progress of the Islamic Ummah. This was aptly reflected when it hosted the 5th. OIC Summit meeting in January 1987. On the International plane, Kuwait's foreign relations have always been balanced and based on openness. The recent hosting of the Asian Cooperation Dialog Summit by Kuwait testifies Kuwait's eagerness to buttress cooperation among the Asian countries. As part of Kuwait's role in pursuing a dynamic and pro-active foreign policy, Kuwait hosted the third Arab-African Summit in November 2013. As an active member of the Arab League, Kuwait hosted the 25th Arab League Summit in March 2014 which focused on Arab integration, cooperation and coordination as well as the latest Arab developments. This candid approach in the conduct of its relations with other countries, based on cooperation, understanding and continuity, is not a mere coincidence or a passing phase that might be altered with a change of faces in the government. Rather, it is a philosophy felt deeply by the government and is based on self-confidence and mutual trust between the citizens and the government of Kuwait. Kuwait aspires to a new approach in International Relations moulded by a New World Order, which is based on international legitimacy and a rejection of the principles of using force, terrorism and aggression to alter the status quo. Kuwait is currently in the midst of a transformation, as it considers its place in the era of globalization. The Kuwaiti people recognize the nexus between domestic and foreign policy, and have undertaken tremendous political and economic decisions that prepare the country for sweeping reforms. In recent years, Kuwait has deepened its commitment to democratic progress. Kuwait's strong adherence to what it regards as the basic principles of her external policy has been put to severe tests on a number of occasions. Kuwait does not compromise its principles and honour. His Highness the Amir had once said in October 1985 that 'our decision will remain free and we will not yield to blackmail, terrorism and emotionalism". Kuwait has strong conviction that World peace in general and regional peace, stability and prosperity can only come through a rational approach to divisive issues which could be and should be resolve amicably through discussions. In this aspect, it has tremendous faith on the United Nations and its principles and charters, as a means of sustaining international legitimacy, peace and security of all the countries. ASSALAMU ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAH WA BARAKATUH. His Excellency Mr. Adel Mohammed A H Hayat Ambassador of the State of Kuwait in Bangladesh Dear Friends : As we get together to celebrate the twin occasions of the National Day and Liberation Day of the State of Kuwait, I would like to pay special tribute to our leadership and the people. My Friends, it is because of the pragmatic leadership that Kuwait is endowed with, so fortunate to have, we have successfully made our presence appreciated in the global arena. Today, Kuwait is poised to play an active role in the Gulf region by harnessing its resources to promote peace and stability. In light of the Quranic teaching, the Kuwaiti society has been in the forefront when it comes to sharing its wealth and resources. This benevolent policy is effected in three ways: through Kuwait Fund, through Kuwaiti NGOs and by private philanthropists. Kuwait's philanthropism has aptly been recognized in the International comity. I am happy to note that Kuwait is a proud partner in this country's endeavor to attain economic growth and social justice. Since the time Kuwait established diplomatic ties with Bangladesh in 1973, Kuwait Fund has been very keen in providing necessary loans and grants in 24 core infrastructural development areas like energy, communications, and electrification. The Kuwaiti NGOs in collaboration with local administrations in the rural areas, have played commendable roles in reducing poverty and ensuring social justice. A number of Kuwaiti philanthropists have set up educational institutes in some parts of Bangladesh to make education affordable and accessible for underprivileged children. Friends, I feel honored to recall once again on this momentous day the principled stand of Bangladesh during Kuwait's ordeal in 1990. This role will remain emblazoned in the annals of Kuwait's history. I am happy to see that this cooperation and coordination of our resources and skills are continuing till today. Friends, our two countries are strategically placed to play a cooperative role in global issues in general and regional issues in particular. Thus, I take satisfaction in the fact that our two countries have shared perceptions and views and commonality of approach on most matters of International and regional significance. As members of the UNO, OIC and the non-Aligned Movement, our two friendly countries have forged a unified stand and lent a unanimous voice on various issues and problems. Friends, one of the cornerstones of Kuwait's foreign policy is to promote International peace and stability by building bridges of friendship and cooperation. His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah who is the architect of Kuwait's foreign policy, envisions a World of peace, cooperation, friendship and fraternity. It is this lofted perception that serves as the impetus in shaping Kuwait's relation with its neighbors in particular and the world at large. Friends, the vision of the dynamic Kuwaiti leadership is backed by a responsible sharing of Kuwait's resources with its friends globally without differentiating among the recipients. This practice has been persistently adhered to by successive Kuwaiti leadership and the people of Kuwait since time immemorial. This is indeed a reflection of the globally acknowledged philanthropic principle and practice imbued in the Kuwaiti society. Friends, this balanced approach of Kuwait in its pursuit of a proactive foreign policy is based on rationality and practicality and like Bangladesh, it believes in the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty of all countries irrespective of their size, location, religion and race. Kuwait like Bangladesh, has taken a principled stand against terrorism and violent extremism. Friends, I would like to avail myself of this joyous occasion to specifically convey the profound feelings of my country and its people for the friendly people of Bangladesh and for the highly commendable performance of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Kuwait. There are close to 3,00,000 Bangladeshis involved in different trades in Kuwait. Their concerted endeavour in different sectors is deeply appreciated in Kuwait. The strong and growing presence of the Bangladeshi community in Kuwait is a reflection of the wisdom, pragmatism and foresight of the successive leaderships of the two countries that have been developed and nurtured over four decades of relationship between the two countries. Friends, an important step in foreign and consolidating further our friendly relations, is to encourage and initiate fruitful interaction in the form of exchange of visits of Government officials, political leaders, businessmen and scholars. I would be happy to facilitate socio-economic interaction between the two countries. I see bright scope for Bangladesh to improve the two way trade in its favour by diversifying its export basket that may help increase the revenue earning by Bangladesh from Kuwait. Friends, I am highly optimistic that our friendly relations will further be deepened, expanded and consolidated in the years to come under the sagacious leaderships of our two countries. Long live Kuwait-Bangladesh friendship. His Excellency Mr. Adel Mohammed A H Hayat Ambassador of the State of Kuwait in Bangladesh Seminar on Global Health Threats and Prevention held Speakers at a seminar on \'Global Health Threats and Prevention\' at Dhaka Community Hospital on Monday. Educating the community to understanding and take simple precaution along with well motivated and trained public health personnel can prevent most of the global health threats. In the past, vaccination for polio, hepatitis B, tetanus, small pox etc. guaranteed safety of health. The scientist will bring similar preventing measures against some of the recent virus causing serious threat globally. Specialists and researchers expressed their opinion on the global health threats and prevention in a seminar held in Dhaka Community Hospital on Monday. It was organized by Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Bangladesh, Boston Children Hospital and Dhaka Community Hospital Trust. Papers and discussions were placed on different topics related to Global threats. Main paper of the seminar on "Capacity building for Research in developing countries in action of global health risk" placed by Prof. Maitreyi Mazumdar, Assistant Prof. Neurology and Assistant Prof. Environmental Health, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children Hospital, USA. She said about her experience of a research-work on the impact of arsenic on Neuro-development of Bangladeshi children. She stressed on the importance of building capacity of research of the developing countries to know the roots of health risks and to prevent them. Other topics were "Global impact of Swine flu virus disease: control and prevention", "The role of public health in preventing Sexual Transmission Disease (STD) and AIDS approach", " Zika virus management globally : Symptoms, diagnosis & treatment", "Health issues of garment workers and migrants people", "Possible preventions of global health issues" etc. The presenters, discussants and facilitators were Prof. Zahidul Hasan, Consultant Microbiology and Head of Infection Control , Square Hospital; Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Medicine & Cancer Specialist, DCH Trust; Ali Ahmed Zia Uddin, Researcher & Activist in Bangladesh; Dr. Md. Ahsan Kabir, Lecturer, Dept. of Anatomy, DCMC; Dr. M. A. Malek, Registrar Medicine, DCH Trust; Dr. Shayela Farah, Asst. Prof. Community Medicine, DCMC and Dr. Farzana Mahejabin, Associate Prof. Community Medicine, DCMC; Dr. Fuadul Islam, Physician Industrial Health, Community Initiative Society (CIS); Dr. Salamat Khandker, Daffodil University and Taslima Akter, Co-Ordinator, Bangladesh Garment Workers Solidarity (BGWS). In the opening of the seminar Prof. Mahmuder Rahman, Co-Ordinator, DCH Trust, presented welcome address and Prof. Quazi Quamruzzaman, Chairman, DCH Trust, gave the votes of thanks at the end of the program. Akshay backs Smriti Iranis decision Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has hailed the decision to hoist the national flag in all central universities in the country, saying the tri-colour inspires Indians to soar high and reach new heights. The actor took to Twitter recently to express his views on the human resource development ministrys directive to all central universities in the country to fly the national flag. Totally with the decision of the tricolour being hoisted at all central universities and why not it brings out the best in us, inspires us to soar high, Akshay tweeted. The decision to have the national flag atop all the varsities came at the meeting of vice chancellors of central universities chaired by HRD Minister Smriti Irani. Akshay, son of an Army man, is known for featuring in films running high on patriotic sentiment, with his last Bollywood outing being Airlift, which revolves around the evacuation of Indians from Kuwait during the 1990 Iraq-Kuwait war. One of the highpoints in the film is when the national flag is unfurled, evoking patriotism and a twirl of emotions among the cine-goers. Refugee children must be protected Ester Asin Martinez : The first two months of 2016 have been a deadly period for migrants and refugees making desperate journeys to start a new life in Europe. The UN says 80,000 people arrived by boat during the first six weeks of the year, and more than 400 have died trying to cross the sea, including dozens of children. As senior European politicians meet again today (18 February) to discuss the crisis, hundreds more people will likely make the perilous sea-crossing. Despite the worsening winter weather, the numbers are growing, with crossings up 150% on the same time last year. The dangers do not end on arrival in the EU. Last month in Lesbos, the Red Cross reported that two women and a five-year-old child died of hypothermia. Without action, further tragedy is inevitable. Of the more than one million people who crossed the Aegean and Mediterranean in 2015, most were from countries wracked by conflict, poverty and political repression - mainly from Syria and Iraq, but also Afghanistan, Eritrea, Sudan and Nigeria. One in three of the people seeking asylum last year were children, who face unique vulnerabilities on their journey - from drowning, to exploitation and abuse by smuggling gangs, to separation from their parents. Only a collective European response can properly protect children caught up in the biggest refugee crisis to face the continent in decades. But as Europe's leaders prepare for their high-level meeting, the signs of such a response are not encouraging. It is almost a year since member states agreed on an agenda for migration which so far has yielded few results. Commitments on relocation, resettlement, funding and 'hotspots' have not been fulfilled. Some member states have stepped up, but many more have not. The European Council meeting in Brussels must not be another wasted opportunity. For any plan to work it must be based on three essential pillars. First, a relocation and resettlement programme is needed which prioritises children - whether travelling unaccompanied or with their families - and other vulnerable groups. This will reduce the incentives for people to undertake dangerous sea crossings, and take the bottom out of the people smugglers' market. Secondly, Europe must make a concerted attempt to tackle the refugee crisis at source. Ultimately, this will require diplomatic efforts towards durable peace agreements in the Middle East and Afghanistan, as well as greater stability in many African countries. But in the near term, Europe must invest more aid in the services and livelihoods children and their families need if they are to see a future for themselves in their regions of origin. At the moment, three million child refugees from Syria and Iraq have dropped out of school, risking a lost generation. The London Syria conference earlier in the month made an important start by committing to get one million of these children into school by the end of 2017. Thirdly, a European response needs to recognise our humanitarian obligations to people arriving on our shores, in line with the 1951 Refugee Convention and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This means properly resourced search and rescue operations in the Aegean and Mediterranean with the mandates of saving all lives. It also requires reception and transit facilities that are equipped for the winter, protecting children from sexual abuse and violence. At the moment, the absence of a properly thought out European plan is creating a vacuum where public unease about an unmanaged crisis has grown, and where governments have resorted to unilateral responses. Some recent steps taken by EU countries, such as plans to seize cash from arriving refugees and placing new restrictions on the rights of families to be reunited, not only risk adding to the misery already faced by refugee children, but also risk poisoning the public mood and raise serious questions about adherence to international law. Europe's response to the current refugee crisis is nothing less than a test of its founding principles, which were cast from the fires of the Second World War. In 1939, on the eve of that continental crisis, Dorothy Buxton, the co-founder of Save the Children, wrote: "Some exercise of constructive imagination in dealing with a problem that involves the lives of millions, and perhaps the fate of Europe, some show of the diviner faith and the humane principles which perish at the hands of Fascism - how greatly would this raise the hopes of a whole world of tormented and despairing people?" That same ambition and moral clarity is needed now. The solution to the current crisis is not to add obstacles, danger and uncertainty to the journey of some of the world's most vulnerable children, but to plan swiftly and at scale so that European governments and those in countries hosting large numbers of refugees work together to manage the crisis effectively and humanely. If Europe fails to rise to this challenge, we risk undermining not just the foundations of international refugee and human rights law, but also the foundations of the freedoms and prosperity that Europeans have created for themselves. (Ester Asin Martinez is Director and the EU representative of Save the Children). Question is why govt is not succeeding THE KILLING of a Hindu priest at a temple at Debiganj in Panchagarh district in which a devotee also received critical bullet injuries proved once again the delicate law and order situation and a serious social malady beyond. We condemn and protest the incident and make the point once again whether the government will be able to reign in the situation and stop recurrence of such incidents without people's help. It needs strong social voice and public resistance but the leadership is not in sight as local terrorists and criminals are taking advantage of the government's isolation from the people. Where democracy can't work, people's voice remains shut and criminals dominate the scene, terrorists feel free to hit any target. It is more true, when government is using police on political purpose instead of fighting criminals. Terrorist groups are spreading their wings in such a situation when the global community which is very sensitive on the presence of IS terrorists in Bangladesh may exploit such attacks to establish their claim that IS exists in Bangladesh. In fact, some online portals have already blamed the attack on the IS outfits and it may be seriously damaging the country's image. As it appears, every week we are witnessing gruesome killing of innocent people including children and it appears that in attack on religious places or killing of innocent children criminals show they are quite fearless and not bothered about the presence of the government. Confessional statements of two killers of four teenage boys in Habigonj showed they never had thought of facing justice. It is in fact utter failure of our system of governance to at least give the feel in the unruly people that people watch their criminal activities and nobody can escape punishment. Contrary to it, a sense of impunity is at work at all level because of impunity enjoyed by political leaders and workers. Since the four murders in Habigonj about a dozen killings have already taken places in the country over the past week showing serious breach of public safety at all level. Escalating terrorism and intolerance are poised to destroy religious harmony in the country and the mindless killing of children and adults are emerging as the biggest threat to the country's peaceful social fabrics. Terrorists earlier attacked Kantaji temple in Dinajpur, a Shiite mosque in Bogra and Hossaini Dalan in the capital. They killed two foreigners and raided priests on churches. In our view the situation can't be simply explained by a breakdown of law and order, it requires comprehensive approach to face it. It is not simple police case but a malady of both criminal and social nature. But the tragedy is that a political leadership that rely only on police power cannot be able to sort it out. Foreigner, 3 bank officials held: Put on 6-day remand A foreigner, identified as Piotr Szczepan Mazurek carrying fake police passport was arrested in city along with two bank employees (seen) on Monday allegedly in connection with recent cases of ATM fraud in Bangladesh. Ehsanul Haque Jasim :Police have arrested a foreigner and three other bank officials for their suspected involvement with the recent ATM card scam in Dhaka in which miscreants swindled out money from the booths by using duplicate cards.A squad of Detective Branch (DB) of police arrested the four persons from Gulshan area in the city on Sunday night. The arrestees have been identified as Polish citizen Piotr Szczepan Mazurek and three officials of City Bank Moksed Ali Maksud, Rezaul Karim Shaheen and Refaz Ahmed Rony.With the arrest of the foreign national on Sunday night, two foreign nationals have so far been detained over the ATM card scam. Earlier on February 18, police detained another foreigner from a European country in connection with this fraud. A Dhaka court on Monday granted six days remand for each of four arrestees over the ATM scam in Dhaka in which at least Tk 20 lakh was reportedly swindled out from various booths. Metropolitan Magistrate Md Mazharul Islam passed the order after police produced them before the court with a 10-remand prayer for each of them.DB Police's Sub-Inspector Sohrab Hossain, also the investigation officer of the case, said that the arrestees are directly involved with the ATM card scam. They need to be remanded to find out whereabouts of others involved with the incident, he added. Deputy Commissioner (media and public relations) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Maruf Hossain Sardar said that the foreigner was held after watching video footage captured in the closed-circuit cameras of ATM booths.Alongside with arrest of the foreign national, the DB police also seized a Polish passport and a German national identity card from Piotr. The passport was fake, while the authenticity of the German identity card was being doubted by law-enforcers. The foreign citizen entered Bangladesh using a false name, according to police. During primary interrogation, Piotr said that he was born in Ukraine, but he is a Polish citizen and his real name is Thomas. He became Piotr after stealing a passport of a German citizen named Piotr.Police said that Piotr also confessed that an international gang was involved in the debit card forgery and the gang is active in Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Poland in East Europe. Piotr had planned the theft along with another Ukrainian and a Bulgarian national.It was the first of its kind of ATM card scam in Bangladesh. Using forged cards, the gang looted a large amount of money from ATM booths of UCBL (United Commercial Bank Limited), City Bank and Eastern Bank Limited in the city on February 7, 8 and 9.Later, police identified four to five foreigners suspecting them involved with the incident. The suspected foreigners are from an east European country. Earlier, police arrested a foreigner from a European country on February 18. Passport of several countries were seized from his possession. Latest of such incident was tracked at an ATM booth of Eastern Bank Limited at Shewrapara of Mirpur in city. The central bank was prompted to order EBL to reimburse all the affected clients. It also told all banks to install anti-skimming devices and take necessary steps to avoid such incident in the future.In a complaint filed with Banani Police Station on February 12, the UCBL authorities said that at least Tk 1.26 lakh was misappropriated through ATM card forgery. City Bank also filed a complaint with police. IS blasts kill over 150 as US, Russia press Syria truce Syrian firefighters spray water on burning car at the site of a double car bomb attack in the central Syrian city of Homs Internet photo AFP, Sayyida Zeinab : A string of suicide bombings near a Shiite shrine outside Syria's capital and in Homs claimed by jihadists killed more than 150 people, as Washington and Moscow worked to secure a ceasefire. The Islamic State group said it was behind the carnage. US Secretary of State John Kerry said a provisional deal had been reached on the terms of a truce in Syria's brutal five-year conflict, only for the bloodshed to intensify on the ground. Near Damascus, a car bombing followed by two consecutive suicide attacks ripped through the area of the Shiite shrine of Sayyida Zeinab and killed 96 people according to The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Syria's official news agency SANA, quoting a police source, said 178 people, including children, were among the wounded. An AFP reporter said the blasts struck about 400 metres (yards) from the revered Shiite shrine containing the grave of a granddaughter of the Prophet Mohammed. A January attack in the same area-also claimed by IS-killed 70 people. The Observatory also reported that two car bombs killed at least 59 people and wounded dozens in the pro-regime district of Al-Zahraa in the central city of Homs. IS said online that two suicide bombers struck in Sayyida Zeinab and two others drove explosive-packed cars into crowds in Homs. UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura "strongly condemns" the attacks, his spokesperson said in a statement. State television footage from Homs showed emergency workers carrying a charred body on a stretcher past devastated shops and mangled cars and minibuses. Al-Zahraa-whose residents are mostly from the same Alawite sect of Shia Islam as Syria's ruling clan-has been regularly targeted. World powers, which have been pushing for a halt in Syria's nearly five-year war, had hoped to see a truce take effect on Friday but have struggled to agree on the terms. On Sunday, Kerry spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at least three times to try to nail down a truce. "We have reached a provisional agreement, in principle, on the terms of the cessation of hostilities that could begin in the coming days," Kerry said in Amman after one round of talks. The Russian foreign ministry later said Lavrov and Kerry held two more telephone conversations and finalised the ceasefire terms to be submitted to their respective presidents. World powers proposed the truce just over a week ago as part of a plan that also included expanded humanitarian access, in a bid to pave the way for peace talks to resume. The talks, which collapsed earlier this month in Geneva, had been scheduled to resume on February 25, but the UN's Syria envoy has already acknowledged that date is no longer realistic. Key opposition umbrella group the High Negotiations Committee said at the weekend it would agree a temporary truce only if regime backers halted fire. HNC chief Riad Hijab said any ceasefire must be reached "with international mediation and with guarantees obliging Russia, Iran and their sectarian militias and mercenaries to stop fighting". Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, meanwhile, told Spain's El Pais newspaper he was "ready" for a ceasefire, but that it should not be exploited by "terrorists". Moscow is a key architect of the proposed ceasefire, but has shown little sign so far that it plans to rein in the air campaign it began in September in support of Assad's government. Regime forces backed by Russian strikes were advancing on Sunday east of Aleppo city against IS, consolidating their control over a stretch of highway from the city to the Kweyris military base. The Observatory said at least 50 IS fighters had been killed in clashes and Russian strikes since Saturday morning. Tensions have been rising between Moscow and opposition-backer Ankara, alarmed by both the regime's Russian-backed advances and a major operation by Kurdish-led forces in Aleppo province. The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and their Arab partners have seized key territory from rebel forces in Aleppo province, prompting Turkey to shell their positions. Ankara considers the YPG to be an affiliate of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, which has waged a decades-long insurgency against Turkey. It fears the Kurdish advances are intended to link areas in north and northeast Syria to create a contiguous semi-autonomous Kurdish zone along the Syrian-Turkish border. On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan defended his country's fight against the YPG as "legitimate defence" after international calls for Ankara to halt its military action in Syria. 6 killed in Michigan shooting Al Jazeera News :Authorities trying to piece together an hours-long weekend rampage that left six people dead in western Michigan have said they are investigating a report that the suspect picked up at least one fare for taxi service Uber between shootings. Jason Dalton, a 45-year-old Uber driver and former insurance adjuster who police said had no criminal record, was arrested in connection with the shootings after a massive manhunt.Dalton was expected to be appear in court on Monday. Authorities could not say what they believed motivated the suspect to allegedly target victims with no apparent connection to him or to each other in the Saturday night shootings. "How do you go and tell the families of these victims that they weren't targeted for any reason other than they were there to be a target?" Kalamazoo County prosecutor Jeff Getting said at a news conference on Sunday.Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas described a series of attacks that began about 6pm on Saturday outside the Meadows apartment complex on the eastern edge of Kalamazoo County, where a woman was shot numerous times. She was expected to survive. About four hours later at a car dealership 24km away, a father and his 17-year-old son were shot dead while looking at vehicles.Shortly afterwards, five people were shot in the car park of a Kalamazoo restaurant, Matyas said. Four of them died. "These are random murders," Matyas said. Dalton was arrested without incident at about 12.40am on Sunday after a policeman spotted his vehicle driving through downtown Kalamazoo after leaving a bar parking lot, authorities said. Matyas declined to disclose anything found in the vehicle except for a semi-automatic handgun. By noon, authorities were investigating a Facebook post that indicated the suspect was driving for Uber during the manhunt and had taken at least one fare, Getting said.A spokeswoman for Uber confirmed that Dalton was a driver for the company, but she declined to say whether he was driving on Saturday night. Dalton's wife and children were unhurt, authorities said.The suspect was in contact with more than one person during the rampage, authorities said, but they would not elaborate. Prosecutors said they did not expect to charge anyone else.Authorities were interviewing Dalton and reviewing his phone. They did not know if the handgun belonged to him, Getting said. "This is every community's nightmare - when you have someone going around just randomly killing people, no rhyme, no reason," Getting said.The four people killed outside the restaurant were identified as Mary Lou Nye, 62, of Baroda, and Mary Jo Nye, 60, Barbara Hawthorne, 68, and Dorothy Brown, 74, all of Battle Creek.The two victims killed at the car dealership were identified as Tyler Smith and his father, Richard, who was 53.A 14-year-old girl wounded at the restaurant was treated in hospital and was in a critical condition.Meanwhile, several hundred people gathered for a church service in Kalamazoo on Sunday to remember the victims of the shooting. Police van kills varsity student in city Staff Reporter : A university student was killed and another biker also injured when wrong-trucked police-van allegedly rammed a motorcycle in the city's Banani area on Monday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Ashraful Islam, fourth year student of ASA University. The local private university students blocked the Airport Road and vandalized at least ten vehicles. They protested the death and sought justice of the driver. The demonstrators also have called to ban the plying of any vehicles on the wrong side, police said. Banani Circle (Patrol) Inspector Md Salek said that police went to spot being information and took the control of the situation after an hour. Additional police members were deployed in the area to avert any untoward situation, the police official said. The body was sent to the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) morgue for an autopsy. Hindu priest murdered in Panchagarh 3 held, IS claims responsibility Staff Reporter :Police on Monday arrested three suspects in connection with the brutal murder of a Hindu temple priest in Deviganj upazila of Panchagarh district.A gang of criminals slaughtered the priest Jogeshwar Dasadhikari Roy, 50, while arranging his offerings for morning puja at Sri Sri Shonto Gaurio temple of Shonapota around 6:30am on Sunday.The criminals fled the scene by firing shots and exploding homemade bombs, which injured two other devotees.The bullet injured devotees were identified as Gopal Chandra Roy, 35, and Nitai Pod Das, 40. Gopal is now undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital while Nitai at Debiganj Upazila Health Complex. The arrested three suspects have been identified as Khlilur Rahman, 55, Babul Hossain, 28, and Jahangir Hossain, 25. "The two arrestees are the active members of Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and the rest is an activist of local Islami Chhatra Shibir," Babul Akhter, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Debiganj Police Station told journalists. However, the Islamic State (IS) on Sunday claimed responsibility for the murder of priest Jogeshwar Dasadhikari Roy, said SITE Intelligence Group. The SITE Intelligence Group published the news of IS claim regarding the murder in its website on Sunday night. "IS claimed the murder of Hindu priest Jogeswar Dashadikari Roy, the principal of the Sri Sri Shantu Santo Gaurio monastery, in northern Bangladesh," the SITE said The SITE Intelligence Group had earlier reported that IS claimed responsibility for the murder of Italian aid worker Cesare Tavella in Dhaka, Japanese national Kunio Hoshi in Rangpur, attack on a Shia procession in Dhaka, and also attack on a Shia mosque in Bogra and killing of the mosque's muazzen. According to police and witnesses, a gang of criminals riding a motorbike came to the temple and set off several crude bombs at Sonto Gourir Moth on the western side of the river Karatoa in the upazila headquarters around 6:00am on Sunday.As priest Jogeshwar Dasadhikari came out of the temple, the miscreants swooped on him and hacked him to death with a sharp weapon. They also fired gunshots on Gopal Chandra Roy, a devotee, when he tried to protect the injured priest.Another devotee, Netai Pod Das, also suffered injuries as the assailants hurled crude bombs at him when he came forward in aid of the priest. Victim's brother Rabindra Chandra Roy filed a case in this connection. A top official of Panchagarh police denied that there was any presence of the terror outfits like IS in the district. "Yet, we will verify the claim." Meanwhile, European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Pierre Mayaudon has urged all relevant official authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the killing of Hindu priest and bring the perpetrators to justice. He strongly condemned the murder of priest Jogeshwar Dasadhikari from Panchagarh and the attack on Gopal Chandra Roy and Nitai Pod Das who received injuries while trying to save the priest. In a statement on Monday, Ambassador Mayaudon conveyed his condolences to the family of the deceased and wished a prompt and full recovery of the two devotees. Ambassador Mayaudon observed that an attack on any religion is an attack against all religions.Members of different law enforcement agencies, including police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) have collected evidence from the spot. Giasuddin Ahmed, superintendent of police in Panchagarh, told media that they have formed a committee to probe the killing while CID, the Special Branch, and Rab are assisting them. Replying to a query on whether it was a planned attack on the religious minority, the SP said that they are investigating the incident keeping two to three aspects in mind. "Jama'atul Mujahidin Bangladesh (JMB) is also in our list of suspects," the SP said.Several hundreds of people from Hindu community under the banner of Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote on Monday demanded exemplary punishment of the killers through a fair investigation into the brutal murder from a human chain and demonstration held in front of the National Press Club in the city. Dip engineers start agitation Staff Reporter The diploma engineers started agitation programme from Monday across the country to put pressure on the government to accept their various demands. Their demands, among other things, include an immediate amendment to the 8th National Pay Scale in order to remove disparity in salary between the Diploma and B.Sc engineers. They claimed that a big discrimination has been created in the pay scale between the B.Sc and Diploma Engineers. At a press conference held in Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) on Monday, the leaders of the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (IDEB) disclosed different demands, including silent processions, across the country till February 29. After that, the IDEB will submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister through divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners. If the discrimination of salary is not resolved within the period, they will announce a harder agitation programme through another press conference in the city. President of IDEB Engineer AKMA Hamid said that though the government had assured the diploma engineers of increasing and expanding their existing facilities, no initiative has yet been taken. So, frustration has caught the diploma engineers who have no second option rather than starting movement, said a leader on condition of anonymity. IDEB President said, a diploma engineer on appointment as Sub-Assistant Engineer will get Tk 16,000 as salary. After 10 years in service, he will be entitled to Tk 22,000 in the ninth grade and then Tk 23,000 after 16 years in the 8th grade. Contrarily, a B.Sc engineer on appointment as assistant engineer will get Tk 23,000 as salary. After 16 years, he will be getting Tk 50,000 in the 4th grade. This is really sorrowful, he said. General Secretary of IDEB Md Shamsur Rahman in his written speech at the conference said, the diploma engineers are quite frustrated. Fifty thousand diploma engineers are always contributing to the development of the country. They want justice. Meanwhile, agriculture, livestock and diploma nursing have expressed their support to the programme of diploma engineers. Mahfuz should quit if he has guts: PM Coming down heavily on The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam for publishing DGFI-supplied reports during the army-led caretaker government, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said he should quit after his confession if has a little bit of self-dignity."This editor has confessed to making a mistake by publishing those DGFI-supplied reports, but people, Awami League leaders and activists, the business community, students and teachers and me and my family had to pay the price for that mistake. Why didn't he show the courage by resigning? If he has the guts then he should resign," she said. The Prime Minister was addressing a discussion meeting organised by Awami League marking Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital. Hasina wanted to know why those news items provided by the DGFI were published. "A newspaper like The Daily Star should carry the news as supplied by the DGFI? Who is that mad there to believe that? The Daily Star is very much choosy about English. It proves that DGFI people are more knowledgeable than The Daily Star," she wondered.She recalled a recent incident in the BBC which carried false news items on British MPs and Ministers. "When the report was found false, the BBC offered apology and the people involved in that story all resigned," she said. Hasina said, what the editor has so far written with the pretence of honesty all are fraudulences and untrue which were aimed at destroying the country.Hasina said the truth cannot be long hidden as it will ultimately surface. "The Daily Star editor's original face has got exposed," she said. In the wake of the recent confession of The Daily Star editor, the Prime Minister asked some questions - "What is the fearless journalism? What was his relationship with DGFI men Brig Amin and Bari? Was he sold out to them and for that he published all what they supplied! Were the two editors involved in the conspiracy of the minus-two formula? "Which one is true? If you have the courage then admit!"But she mentioned neither the name of another editor nor that of another other than the Daily Star editor.In a recent talk-show, Mahfuz Anam admitted that running reports on Awami League President Sheikh Hasina based on information provided by DGFI without any scrutiny was his biggest mistake in his editorial judgement. Hasina also said if the editor confesses to publishing or writing those reports out of fear then he cannot do fearless journalism. "I don't have anything to say if you [Anam] were sold out and wrote on the basis of [your] relations," she said. The Prime Minister also said if the editors were involved in the conspiracy of prolonging their [then military-backed govt] power by killing democracy, obstructing the democratic rights of people then you will be tried one day like the trial of war criminals. "Which path will you choose?" she asked.Hasina recalled that Mahfuz Anam's hectic effort was there to prove her corrupt, but the fact is that the World Bank even could not prove that. The Prime Minister also sharply criticised those demanding withdrawal of the cases filed against the Daily Star editor.She recalled the horrible days during the caretaker government when her house was searched twice without any search warrant. "They even pushed down my ill husband on the floor we didn't say anything about those who instigated it."The Prime Minister asked those who demand the withdrawal of cases to feel the pain of the solitary confinement she suffered for 11 months, when she was not even allowed to meet her relatives during the Eid time. Praising those Awami League leaders who raised their voice against the false news of The Daily Star, she regretted that many leaders are still mum. "Why there is so fear just to tell the truth," she asked.Hasina also questioned about the contributions of Mahfuz Anam to the Liberation War. "We were also university studentsour academic activities were hampered due to the Liberation War, but that editor went to Pakistan (then West Pakistan) so that his study does not get hampered." She also said he, however, went to Kolkata and got assigned to write materials in English as he knows a bit of English. "And this is his Liberation War and this is how he is a freedom fighter." Chaired by Deputy Leader of the House Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, the function was addressed, among others, by Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury, Public Administration Minister and AL general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam, Mahbubul Alam Hanif, MP, Relief and Disaster Management Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, MP, Abu Sayeed Al Mahmud Swapan, MP, SM Kamal Hossain and Kamal Ahmed Mazumder, MP.Awami League Publicity and Publication Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud and Deputy Publicity and Publication Secretary Ashim Kumar Ukil conducted the discussion. At the outset of the discussion, a one-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the memories of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, four national leaders, martyrs of the War of Liberation and Language Movement. . NEWS AND VIEWS THAT IMPACT LIMITED CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT "There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty." - - - - John Adams If you are looking for the new Immoral Minority posts, you should know that they can be found here at our new home Please stop by to get caught up on politics, join the conversations, or simply check out the new digs. Monet rahapelien ystavat ovat viime vuosina loytaneet netticasinot ja olleet ihmeissaan. Verrattuna kotimaisen Veikkauksen kivijalkarahapeleihin puhutaan aivan eri tason palautusprosenteista ja lisaksi pelaaminen on aarimmaisen helppoa ja turvallista. Netticasinoiden maara on tana paivana todella suuri ja niita loytyy jokaiseen lahtoon, suurin ongelma aloittelevalla pelaajalla onkin tehda valinta siita, minka netticasinon valitsee. Kaikkien netticasinoiden mainospuheet naet lupaavat kauniita asioita ja niiden lapinakeminen on tietysti tarkeaa. Nyrkkisaantona voidaan kuitenkin jo kattelyssa todeta, etta jos valitsemasi netticasino on lisensoitu ETA-alueella, sen kanssa ei tule olemaan ongelmia, ellei niita itse jarjesta. Kay tutustumassa parhaisiin netticasinoihin osoitteessa www.ilmaiskierroksia.info! Ensimmainen nyrkkisaanto on siis varmistaa, etta valitsemallasi netticasinolla on ETA-alueen lisenssi. Suurimmassa osassa tapauksista se on Maltan eli MGA:n lisenssi. Myos Viron, Englannin ja Gibraltarin lisensseja nakyy ja naissa valvonta on jopa Maltaa tiukempaa. Lopputulema on kuitenkin se, etta ETA-alueen lisenssi takaa suomalaisille verovapaat voitot seka sen, etta niita valvotaan kontrolloidusti. Maailmalla on iso nippu Curacaon lisenssilla toimivia netticasinoita ja niistakin suurin osa on laadukkaita. Ne eivat kuitenkaan ole suomalaisille asiakkaille verovapaita, joten emme suosittele niita. Tana paivana markkinoille on ilmaantunut paljon ETA-alueella toimiva netticasinoita ilman rekisteroitymista. Jos tarkoitus on vain pelata yksittaisia pelikertoja, on varsin helppo suositella naita. Netticasinot ilman rekisteroitymista tarjoavat palvelun tunnistautumisen verkkopankin avainlukulistan avulla ja saman palvelun kautta tapahtuvat talletukset ja mahdolliset voittojen nostot silmanrapayksessa. Normaaleihin netticasinoihin pitaa asiakkaan rekisteroitya, tehda talletukset ja tunnistautua dokumenttien avulla. Tama on lisenssiehtojen mukainen kaytanto, eika kovinkaan monimutkainen, mutta silti monet asiakkaat haluavat yksinkertaista ja nopeaa palvelua. Toki normaalit netticasinot tarjoavat usein asiakkailleen laadukkaita talletusbonuksia ja erilaisia kampanjoita, joten kannattaa tarkkaan punnita, kumman ratkaisun valitsee. Kannattaa myos muistaa, etta tunnistautuminen tehdaan vain kerran, joten mikaan jatkuva riippakivi se ei ole. Suomalaiset asiakkaat ovat netticasinoille tarkeita, joten kaikilla vahankin laadukkailla netticasinoilla on suomenkieliset sivut seka suomenkielinen asiakaspalvelu suomenkielisyys kannattaakin ottaa netticasinoa valittaessa nyrkkisaannoksi. Vaikka tana paivana englanninkielisyys on harvoille ongelma, on suomenkielisten netticasinoiden maara niin valtava, etta suosittelemme niiden kayttoa. Rahansiirrot ovat tana paivana niin hyvassa mallissa, etta niiden kanssa tuskin tulee mitaan ongelmia. Kolme tarkeinta segmenttia: Suomalaiset verkkopankit, luottokortit (Visa, Mastercard) seka nettilompakot (Skrill, Neteller) loytyvat jokaisesta laadukkaasta netticasinosta. Viime vuosien trendiksi noussut verkkokauppa on kehittanyt rahansiirrot niin laadukkaiksi ja nopeiksi, etta niiden suhteen ei ole enaa vuosiin ollut ongelmia. Luonnollisesti netticasinot kayttavat naita samoja palveluita ja hyotyvat kehityksesta. Naiden isojen linjojen jalkeen netticasinon valintaan vaikuttavat luonnollisesti tarjottavat tervetuliaisbonukset uudet asiakkaat saavat tana paivana kovan kilpailun myota merkittavia etuja netticasinoilta ja niita kannattaa luonnollisesti vertailla. Erilaiset talletusbonukset, ilmaiskierrokset seka ilmaiset pelirahat tuovat suuriakin rahanarvoisia etuja ja niiden vertailu on ehdottomasti kannattavaa. Myoskaan useampien tilien avaaminen ja tervetuliaistarjousten kayttaminen ei missaan nimessa ole huono idea. Kun edella mainitut asiat ovat mieleisia ja vaihtoehtoja on vielakin jaljella, mennaan jo nyansseihin. Toki pelivalikoima on yksi kriteeri, mutta taman paivan netticasinoissa tamakin asia on paasaantoisesti varsin samanlainen. Toki useamman samantasoisen netticasinon vertailussa kannattaa yleensa valita se, jossa on eniten peleja tarjolla. Vaikka omat suosikit loytyisivatkin useammasta, voi tulevaisuudessa mielenkiinto nousta joihinkin muihin peleihin ja silloin on tietysti mukavampaa, etta ne loytyvat valikoimista. Viimeisena voidaan nostaa esiin kaytettavyys joidenkin netticasinoiden sivut ovat vilkkuvia, valkkyvia ja epakaytannollisia. Omaan silmaan ja kaytettavyyteen sopiva sivusto on luonnollisesti aina se paras valinta. Tarjonta netticasinoissa on tana paivana valtava ja jokaiselle loytyy varmasti se oma netticasino onnea matkaan! Pre-purchase property inspection is a relatively new thing in the United Kingdom. Its not something that most people have heard about, but it has become increasingly popular over the last few years with the rise in property prices and increased demand for high quality homes. What are the benefits of pre-purchase building inspection? What can you expect to find out when you pay someone else to inspect your home before you buy it? And what should you look for during an inspection? Many people want to know if theyre buying a house thats been well maintained or if its had any serious problems. If youve found a place on the market that seems attractive, but then discover some issues after moving in, you may not be as excited about buying it as you thought you were. Its important to do your due diligence when looking at properties. A lot goes into making a property appealing to potential buyers, from the landscaping to the flooring to the kitchen appliances. The same applies when inspecting a property there are many things that need checking over to make sure everything is running smoothly. Here are some of the benefits of performing a pre-purchase inspection: You get to see exactly what will happen to your money When you go shopping for a new car, youll probably be shown several different models. You might even be shown one that looks like a great value, but doesnt fit around all of the extra features that you want. When it comes time to actually buy the vehicle, however, you wont have seen how your money will be spent on it once you drive it off the showroom floor. Likewise, when you shop for a new home, you dont really know what youre getting yourself into until you move in. In order to get a feel for whether the home youre considering is what you want, you normally have to spend quite a bit of time inside it. This allows you to learn more about everything that youre going to be spending your hard-earned cash on. A pre-purchase building inspection gives you much the same kind of experience without having to spend thousands of dollars. Since youre paying for the service, you can expect to see exactly what youre paying for, instead of just seeing a vague idea of what you might end up with. You find out about potential major repairs Some buildings are very expensive to maintain, which means that owners often neglect them for the sake of saving money. While youre paying for a building inspection, youre also paying for a professional who knows how to spot signs of trouble and repair work that needs doing. If you notice that a particular area of your new home needs fixing right away, you can call in an expert to take care of it quickly. If you find that theres something wrong with your boiler, you wont have to wait weeks for a plumber to come over and fix it. Instead, youll have access to a solution immediately. You can save hundreds of pounds by finding out about potential problems early on One of the biggest expenses when you first buy a home is the cost of moving in. Many people dont realize this until its too late. Buying a home involves not only paying for the actual house, but also for moving costs, furniture, and other items that have to be moved along with the home. Having a good idea ahead of time of what youre likely to encounter can help you avoid these kinds of costs. If you know youll need to replace the plumbing system, for example, youll be able to put together a budget for the expense and plan accordingly. You can protect your investment by finding out if the homes been well cared for While there are plenty of people who think that houses always look better when theyre newly built, youd be surprised at how well maintained older residences can still look nice. Sometimes, though, those homes need some additional maintenance to keep them looking their best. This could involve repairs that arent so noticeable or small improvements that you wouldnt consider otherwise. Even worse, some houses have fallen into disrepair without anyone noticing. This is why having a professional perform a building inspection prior to purchasing a home is such a big benefit. Not only will it give you insight into the state of the property, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing youre not getting taken advantage of. As long as youre aware of the potential pitfalls, youll have less reason to worry about the state of your new home. You can use information gathered during a building inspection to negotiate a lower price If youre worried about buying a home because you suspect that it may need extensive renovation work, you may already have a rough idea of how much work youll need to do to bring it up to scratch. That knowledge can come in handy if you decide to buy the home. You can use all of the details that you gather during a building inspection to present a realistic picture of what the home is worth to prospective buyers. If a potential buyer thinks that the home is worth more than what you paid for it, you can try negotiating a lower price. You can sell your home faster and for more money If you decide to list your home on the market soon after buying it, youll need to price it accurately in order to attract buyers. But if youve already done a thorough building inspection, youll know exactly what work is needed and what the current market conditions are. In other words, youll be able to make a more accurate estimate of the amount of money youve invested in the home and how much its worth. If you find that youre selling your house for close to its full market value, you can use this information to convince the potential buyer that your home is worth the asking price. Even if youre planning to stay in the home for a while before you decide to sell, the fact that you did a thorough building inspection will give you more confidence when listing it. Prospective buyers will know exactly what theyre paying for. Your home will hold its value longer As mentioned earlier, the value of a home depends heavily upon the condition of the building itself. If your home is in bad shape, potential buyers wont be interested in buying it. On the other hand, if youve performed a thorough building inspection and know what sort of repairs are necessary, you can offer your prospective buyer a compelling reason to invest in your property. When you buy a home, youre essentially agreeing to have it inspected periodically to ensure that it stays in top shape. Not only does this allow you to avoid expensive repairs down the road, but it can also increase the value of your home. You can make smart decisions about property investments Buying real estate isnt as simple as just driving a couple of minutes to pick up a house. There are lots of considerations involved, ranging from location to cost. The same is true when youre investing in property. If you find a house that meets all of your requirements, youll want to make sure that you have a solid understanding of where it stands with regards to the rest of the market. If you havent spent enough time researching the area, you could inadvertently end up with a bad deal. There are lots of resources available online that can help you determine the overall level of competition in your area. They can also help you figure out if there are any properties that meet your requirements that you didnt know about. If you own rental property, you can use the information to identify tenants who might cause damage If you own rental property and youve noticed that certain tenants consistently cause damage, you can use the results of a building inspection to identify them. You can then contact them directly to let them know that youre watching them closely and that you dont appreciate the problem theyre causing. They might start taking better care of their homes, which would be good news for everyone. It could also be the case that youll find out that theyre responsible for previous damages that werent caught during a previous visit. You can make smarter decisions about hiring contractors If youve hired contractors to build or repair your home, you might want to ask them for references. However, unless you perform a thorough building inspection, you might not know exactly what to look for. For instance, maybe you only checked the roof for leaks or the walls for cracks. You might not have looked underneath the foundation for anything that could cause a future issue. By performing a building inspection, you can ensure that you hire reputable contractors who will be trustworthy with your money. You can avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition Of course, the main benefit of structural inspections perth is that it helps you avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition. Before you make the decision to buy a home, you should do whatever you can to find out about the state of the building. You can also ask your realtor about what sorts of inspections are typically recommended. Some agents say that its standard practice to check the heating system, the roof, the electrical wiring, and the floors. Others will tell you that they recommend that you check the entire structure. Either way, if you choose to hire an inspector, youll find out exactly what needs to be fixed and how much it will cost to do so. As a result, it can be concluded that a pre-purchase building inspection is highly important for the buyers because it provides transparency regarding the current conditions of the structure. Additionally, the building owner is made aware of any upgrades or repairs that are required, which could lead to a fair deal throughout the purchasing and selling process. Follow the Blog Two Steps: After submitting this form, check your inbox (and spam and trash folders) for an email from @follow.it. You have to verify or else you're not subscribed. Name a successful Communist country! By Ranting Panda 2 November 2019 Marxism didn't fail ... but it was betrayed! One of the com... Alan Maki A favorite book... A working class point of view Researcher, Writer, Activist Blue Bonnets in Texas Hill Country Texas Longhorn Uniting People... Cactus An "Open Letter" to Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton and the DFL on the Minimum Wage http://thepodunkblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/an-open-letter-to-minnesota-governor.html Community activist Liane Gale stands up for a living--- non-poverty--- Minimum Wage http://thepodunkblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/green-party-community-activist-liane.html Climate change and the military-industrial complex: By: Alan Maki http://canadiandimension.com/articles/5890/ Writing a "Letter to the Editor." Write, and write often. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number where you can be reached for verification that you wrote the letter. If one newspaper won't publish your letter send it on to the next newspaper. http://let2editor.blogspot.com/ A number of people have asked me to expand my thoughts about "Letters to the Editor" and how to use them more effectively... do you have additional ideas?Write, and write often.Be sure to include your name, address and phone number where you can be reached for verification that you wrote the letter.If one newspaper won't publish your letter send it on to the next newspaper. Contact info: Alan L. Maki 58891 County Road 13 Warroad, Minnesota 56763 E-mail: red_finn@live.com Cell phone: 512-517-2708 Blog: There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at the typewriter and bleed. Ernest Hemingway More working people need to sit down at their keyboards and "bleed" on blogs, FaceBook, leaflets and rank-and-file newsletters. 58891 County Road 13Warroad, Minnesota 56763E-mail: red_finn@live.comCell phone: 512-517-2708Blog: http://thepodunkblog.blogspot.com/ There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at the typewriter and bleed.Ernest Hemingway Full Employment Now! Full Employment We need a "21st Century Full Employment Act for Peace & Prosperity. We need a *21st Century Full Employment Act for Peace & Prosperity*. The time has come to fulfill the dreams and promises that were intended to be part o... 9 years ago I was asked a question; this was my answer. At a recent forum in Thief River Falls, Minnesota where I was on a panel discussing Minnesota's financial woes, I was asked what I would do if I was governor. This is a fair question. This was my answer: Please keep in mind as I proceed with my thoughts that there is a "fare" and a "fair." One is spelled "f-a-r-e" and means something completely different from "fair" spelled "f-a-i-r." If I were elected governor of Minnesota the very first reforms I would implement to solve the state's budget problems would be: 1. A hefty tax on the rich like Mark Dayton promised as he campaigned for election but reneged on once elected. 2. Substantially increase the taconite tax; the mining companies are robbing us blind leaving us with poverty and pits filled with pollution while they abscond with the profits. This has to end. 3. Place a really hefty tax on the forestry industry in the form of stumpage fees; cut down any tree and you pay what the tree is really worth. 4. I would place toll booths at the entrances to each and every casino in Minnesota charging the exact same fee Minnesotans are charged to enter our State Parks. Anyone who can afford to gamble can afford such a fee. I would also initiate a "gambling license" on all gamblers. Just like a fishing license Like most of you, I am fed up with this "circus in the Cities." Democrats and Republicans don't know the difference between the words "f-a-r-e" and "f-a-i-r;" we should give them all a dictionary not our votes. I think most Minnesotans would agree with these four solutions. So, what kind of democracy do we have where politicians won't do what people want and expect? It's just like the priorities at the national level... like they say in the Navy--- it's a SNAFU. If you don't know what a S-N-A-F-U stands for, look it up in the Urban Dictionary on your computer when you get home. If the United States government would stop spending our tax dollars on this insane militarism and all these dirty imperialist wars we would have the money to put people to work solving the problems of the people. I recently read this little book by former Democratic Vice-president under FDR, Henry Wallace, "Sixty Million Jobs." I would encourage everyone to read this book because it was in 1945 when this book was published to support the Full Employment Act of 1945 when Democrats and Republicans--- at Wall Street's insistence--- decided not to take Henry Wallace's advice provided in this book that our country began going way off track. Henry Wallace pointed out that Peace will put everyone to work which will solve just about every major problem we have in this country. "If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people." Tony Benn Can the Penokees be saved by people attacking workers' rights? The struggle to save the Penokees and worker's rights Question... Who gave their consent to make this a "two-party system" where only one class gets representation? How capitalism works... How capitalism works explained from a worker's perspective... Abba Ramos, a veteran organizer in the International Longshore and Warehouse Union: "If they can get a trained monkey to unload that boxcar tomorrow morning, rest assured, they'll have them over there and they'll have some bananas for lunch, and you'll be out on the street looking for work. Simple as that. You've got to remember, they follow only one rule of economic law, and that's that maximum production-minimum cost yields the greatest amount of profit. They don't deviate from that." Helpful tip Notice: You can make the picture or writing on my blog bigger or smaller on your monitor simply holding down your "Ctrl" key while hitting your "+" key to enlarge size or your "-" key to reduce size. A new banner to promote my blog My computer; a billboard for peace that travels with me Video: Dirty Jobs Summit and Affirmative Action Nicole Beaulieu, Curtis Buckanaga, MNDFL State Representative Joe Mullery and Alan Maki For good jobs with real living wages provide the American people with free health care For Peace, Job and Justice MNASAP Minnesota Arms Spending Alternative Project Me and Howard Dean... not exactly "old chums" Keep True, a life in politics by Howard Pawley Taking it to the streets... Obama has to go. A program for real change... * Peace--- end the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya and shutdown the 800 U.S. military bases on foreign soil. * A National Public Health Care System - ten million new jobs. * A National Public Child Care System - three to five million new jobs. * WPA - three million new jobs. * CCC - two million new jobs. * Tax the hell out of the rich and cut the military budget by ending the wars to pay for it all which will create full employment. * Enforce Affirmative Action; end discrimination. * Raise the minimum wage to a real living wage * What tax-payers subsidize in the way of businesses, tax-payers should own and reap the profits from. * Moratorium on home foreclosures and evictions. * Defend democracy by defending workers' rights including the right to collective bargaining for improving the lives and livelihoods of working people. * Roll-back and freeze the price of food, electricity, gas and heating fuels; not wages, benefits or pensions . * Wall Street is our enemy . Let's talk about the politics and economics of livelihood for a real change. Search This Blog Follow and support the important working class' victory at the polls in Canada Canadian workers and their New Democratic Party are blazing the path of independence from the big-business controlled political parties. Manitoba will be having elections in the fall. Workers here in the United States should be paying attention to Canadian politics as there is a lot to learn. Ask your union to link its websites to the Canadian Labour Congress, New Democratic Party and Manitoba NDP. Also, I would encourage you to paste this into your own personal blogs, web sites and FaceBook and other social netwoking sites. Here are the links: Canadian Labour Congress--- http://www.canadianlabour.ca/home New Democratic Party--- http://www.ndp.ca/ Manitoba NDP--- http://todaysndp.ca/ Also, check out Howard Pawley's new book--- "A Life in Politics, Keep True" available through: http://msupress.msu.edu/bookTemplate.php?bookID=4250 Check out my blog: http://thepodunkblog.blogspot.com/ Contact info... Phone: 512-517-2708 E-mail: red_finn@live.com About Me Alan Maki United States I have been involved in the peace, labor, civil rights, and environmental movements for over 30 years, and I am a socialist. I would encourage everyone to get involved in promoting the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which came into existence on December 10, 1948; we should strive to use the yearly anniversary of this document to popularize it. We need to struggle to create a more progressive, socially just society where all working people receive real living wages and have a voice at work, and in their communities. I have worked with casino workers across Minnesota who are trying to organize a union. I have worked with people in northern Minnesota struggling to save the Big Bog, the primary freshwater aquifer--- this bog is being mined for peat. In my spare time during the spring and fall you can find me fly fishing on the Dark River, a pristine designated trout stream;in the winter ice fishing on Lake-of-the-Woods. I look forward to hearing from you. Nothing human is alien to me. View my complete profile Martin and Malcolm... My dog Fred... Vote for Mark Dayton to "tax the rich" and enforce affirmative action General McCrystal... please don't leave me alone like a Rolling Stone with no way home... Barack Obama and the greedy Wall Street pigs he represents A note from Governor Pawlenty This blog is proud to be a part of the ever growing and expanding People Before Profit network . Question... Could Minnesota's debt be eliminated by modestly taxing the Indian Gaming Industry in Minnesota? If, so, why haven't any of the Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor Party candidates for governor brought this idea forward as part of their campaigns? Other businesses and industries are faced with a myriad of taxes... shouldn't there be a level playing field in taxation? Wouldn't such a tax on gaming revenues amounting to tens of billions of dollars provide working people and small business owners and the middle class with a little much needed tax relief? Suggestion: Ask this question at a "meet the candidates forum;" no one else will ask this question if you don't. Comment: We have toll booths at the entrances to all Minnesota State Parks; put up toll booths on the public roads going into all casinos--- budget problems solved. Most red ink ever: $9 trillion over next decade Ideas and Opinions Health care reform Health Care Real health care reform creates jobs Our organization is distributing this in union circles and beyond in preparation for the AFL-CIO's National Convention in September: Sisters and Brothers, ... Important Notice... Due to recent budget cuts and the cost of electricity, gas and oil, as well as current market conditions and the continued decline of the economy, The Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off. We apologize for the inconvenience. Ideas and Opinions Ideas and Opinions Two views. Which way for organized labor and the working class. Listen to this. Richard Trumka's main speech to the AFL-CIO's National Convention: http://ww... 9 years ago Senator David Tomassoni Global capitalism in crisis... Capitalism on the skids to oblivion... Galbraith on the failed president, which side is he on? Galbraith on the failed president, which side is he on? James K. Galbraith Economist, Author Posted: December 6, 2010 10:48 AM Whose Side Is the White H... 11 years ago Health Care Reform... a real proposal for change Roger Jourdain Rudy Perpich Floyd B. Olson Elmer A. Benson Memorial Public Health Care System Act Building a new era of justice and peace Post from Alan Maki's Blog Building a new era of justice and peace The United States has 800 military bases on foreign soil... What we need--- instead--- is 800 public health care centers spread out across the United States where people can universally access, for free, all their health care needs from pre-natal care, to general health care to eye, dental and mental care right through to burial. Instead of moving in this progressive direction, President Barack Obama and the United States Congress are moving in a most reactionary direction towards establishing military bases in outer space as they seek to insure the profits of both the merchants of death and destruction and the profit-driven health care industries... talk about skewed priorities and your wacky ideas which will execerbate the problems surrounding the failing capitalist economy, and ideas devoid of common sense. In addition to these 800 U.S. military bases on foreign soil, Barack Obama and the United States Congress continue funding--- with our tax-dollars--- the Israeli killing machine to the tune of tens of billions of dollars. Where is the "change?" This is the change Americans want, and the change we need: A network of 800 public health care centers spread out across the United States would create over four-million good-paying, decent jobs--- talk about your "economic stimulus" package! We would be redistributing the wealth as we are planting the seeds of socialism while helping to eradicate poverty by keeping people healthy and getting them well when sick. Think about this kind of solution in relation to what Barack Obama, the U.S. Congress and the Wall Street bankers and coupon clippers are offering the American people, and the peoples of the world... just what is the reason for bailing out the banks and AIG and maintaining more than 800 expensive U.S. military bases of foreign soil? The Mt. Carmel Clinic in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada offers us a glimpse at what militarization and wars continue to rob us of. The problems created by Wall Street will not be solved as long as the military-financial-industrial complex is allowed to squander human and natural resources on militarism and wars... we might just as well be dumping these resources out into the ocean... at least no one would die in wars. These merchants of death and destruction must be stopped if humanity is to survive in a livable world. The time has come to talk about working class Marxist politics and the economics of livelihood... capitalism has failed humanity miserably and left us a real mess to clean up. Capitalism is on the skids to oblivion and unless we take a "left turn" we will continue down this road to perdition. Something for working people to think about and discuss around the dinner table... the capitalist sooth-Sayers certainly are not going to broach such solutions to the problems of working people as they hide behind the skirt of Rosy Scenario as this global capitalist economic depression intensifies while wars rage on. The times and conditions call for "building a new era of justice and peace;" this is one step in that direction; this is the change the American people voted for. Alan L. Maki Founder, Frank Marshall Davis Roundtable for Change A gift returned... Dear Mr. Ambassador, Thank you for the 3 bottles of wine that you sent me as seasons greetings. I wish to you, your family and everybody in the Embassy a happy new year. Good health and progress to you all. Unhappily, I noticed that the wine you have sent me has been produced in the Golan Heights. I have been taught since I was very young not to steal and not to accept products of theft. So I cannot possibly accept this gift and I must return it back to you. As you know, your country occupies illegally the Golan Heights which belongs to Syria, according to the International Law and numerous decisions of the International Community. I take the opportunity to express my hope that Israel will find security within its internationally recognized borders and the terrorist activities against Israel territory by Hamas or anybody else will be contained and made impossible, but I also hope that your government will cease practicing the policy of collective punishment which was applied on a mass scale by Hitler and his armies. Actions such as those of these days of the Israel military in Gaza remind the Greek people of holocausts such as in Kalavrita or Doxato or Distomo and certainly in the ghetto of Warsaw. With these thoughts allow me to express to you my best wishes for you, the Israeli people and all the people of our region of the world. Athens, 30/12/2008 Theodoros Pangalos, Member of Parliament (Greece) Auto workers fight for union recognition 1930's Labor Journal Labor A National Approach for Making the Minimum Wage a Living Wage A National Approach for Making the Minimum Wage a Living Wage *Join Us for a 2-Hour Conference Call Discussion* Sunday, April 27, 2014 8-10pm ET / 7-9pm C... 8 years ago Capitalism on the skids to oblivion... Capitalism on the skids to oblivion... The crisis of working class family debt Economics for working people: Real solutions to the mortgage crisis Ray Stevenson, working class legend We are fed up! Boycott Mobil/Exxon/Esso Stop the robbery at the pumps Coleman Young... a politician who brought forward real solutions to the problems of working people Coleman Young testifies before House Un-American Activities Committee A great YouTube video from Virginia Beach... Karl Rove on Trial Introduction Karl Rove on Trial Everybody knows... Everybody knows the boat is leaking. Everybody knows the captain lied.... Everybody knows the plague is coming. Everybody knows its moving fast. Everybody knows ... Leonard Cohen Historic victory AKEL anti-fascist, anti-imperialist elected Eleni Mavrou It takes a struggle to win... Education Organization Unity Action Madam Labor Secretary International Womens Day http://internationalwomensdaymarch8.blogspot.com/ Ann Holdreith Autumn Sky By: Ann Holdreith On the ride home from Toledo, from a worn out school resurrected for good honest men, for men with kids and grandkids, guys who eat sugar doughnuts and wink while they hammer-out fenders and hurl the carcasses of metal beasts, against autumns haunted sky, I wonder if they remember the grip of thighs around engine-less muscle and sweat, ragged dirty hair assaulting the wind, buttocks and back pounding with hooves that know exactly where they belong on this earth. On the way from Toledo, a pulsing cloud of blackbirds hurls its wings against the dying blue; dark umbrellas opening to summers last ride. Carlton, Minnesota Help Stop Sulfide Mining in Michigan's Upper Peninsula... urgent action needed http://www.yellowdogwatershed.org/index.htm Along the North Shore of Lake Superior "Peace Bridge" demonstration Democratic majority in the Michigan House abandons casino workers... Wednesday, August 8, 2007--- Lansing, Michigan. By a shameful vote of 63 to 41... not a single Michigan Legislator--- with the exception of one lone Republican--- would take a stand in defense of the rights of casino workers to be employed in a workplace free of second-hand smoke. Not one single Michigan Legislator would take a stand for casino workers being paid real living wages protected by state and federal labor laws along with the right to organize for collective bargaining. House Democratic Floor Leader Steve Tobacman and Democratic Representative Barbara Farrah did this dirty work for the Fertitta Family and the Kansas City mob which will "skim" the profits from the Gun Lake Casino like they have done in all the other casinos managed by the Fertitta Family. The United Auto Workers union leadership, fearing estrangement and being shunned by the Democratic Party, dropped its feeble opposition to this legislation giving a hint as to how they intend to abandon autoworkers in the present contract negotiations with the "Big Three." Minnesotans give Bush a piece of their mind... Lake Michigan A thought... Dogs have fleas, society capitalists. The fleas are not good for the dog nor the capitalists for society. Both live on their hosts. Wisconsin homestead on a fall day Blog Archive What's in the clouds? Perhaps some harmless water vapor? This Land Is Your Land music video Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie A bomb threat closed a Southern Illinois school Monday. Sesser-Valier Community Unit School District 196 was closed Monday. School will resume Tuesday. A statement released by the district Monday morning said that a phone call was received Sunday evening by the Franklin County Central Dispatch Center indicating a specific bomb threat against the school on Feb. 22. School officials and law enforcement met Sunday to address the threat, conduct a sweep of the school, and investigate the threat. Secretary of State investigators, K-9 units and school staff members conducted a sweep Sunday and did not find any bomb, incendiary device, or suspicious item, the statement said. Officials decided to close the school Monday to allow law enforcement time to investigate the threat further and take any other necessary action. "Although this threat appears to be a hoax, we take all threats seriously and are working with law enforcement officials to protect the safety of our students, staff members and parents," District Superintendent Jason Henry said. Henry said later Monday the he believes a perpetrator will be brought to justice. He said Sesser Police are investigating, but no arrests had been made. Henry said 688 students and 89 staff members were disrupted thanks to the threat. "Threats like this are an intolerable violation of the public trust and the sanctity of the schoolhouse," Henry said. "We deeply appreciate all law enforcement officers who have worked this case, and encourage members of the public to direct any helpful information to the Sesser Police Department at 618-625-2341 or 618-724-2424. The Southern VIENNA When Gov. Bruce Rauner gave his budget address on Feb. 17, Joshua Stafford, superintendent of Vienna schools, was in the audience as a guest of the governor. Stafford does not really know how his name got on the guest list, but suspects the invitation was related to a recent speech he made to the state board of education about the importance of fully funding the state formula for educating a student. The state has a primary responsible for financing public education in Illinois. Unfortunately, the state is not doing that, Stafford said. Illinois Education Funding Advisory Board says it takes $8,899 per students per year to adequately educate a student. The foundation level, or the amount the state will fund education, is $6,119 per students per year. The difference is $2,780, but in reality, the difference is more. Since 2011, payments have been prorated. The General Assembly has not funded the amount they passed as the amount necessary to fund the education of a child -- $6,119. Proration alone has reduced funding to our school to $600,000, Staffird said. Thats why we have had to respond with cuts and reductions. Vienna School District has reduced its expenditures by more than $600,000 since 2011 by cutting expenses, reducing bus routes, reducing the number of teachers and staff, deferring bus replacement and looking at coaches. The district negotiated a salary freeze with teachers and other staff members, and eliminated home economics and food and nutrition classes. Locally, our efforts to reduce expenses have been in line with buoying things that directly impact students, but that was not completely possible, Stafford said.. Stafford said without some relief from the state, the district board will soon have to make decisions about programs like CNA nursing, agriculture, welding, business, industrial arts, drafting, arts, music, band and dual credit classes through Shawnee Community High School. Those things arent mandated by the state. The dual credit classes, for example, provide major value to our students post-high school. We had multiple students graduate with their associates degree. To see that program eliminated would be devastating to our students, as it would be with any of our programs, Stafford said. Stafford said the capitol building was full for the budget address. While sitting in the gallery, he heard chants from groups in the rotunda of no peace, no budget and save our school. Stafford was able to meet Gov. Rauner and visit with him. I told him I appreciated his efforts for fully funding education and support for funding formula to be revamped, Stafford said. Stafford sat with State Superintendent of Schools Tony Smith and Illinois Secretary of Education Beth Purvis. It is all related. While I am thrilled that schools are being fully funded, we have to get to a point that social services, along with colleges and university, are funded in a way that is sustainable, Stafford said. "Though defensive violence will always be 'a sad necessity' in the eyes of men of principle, it would be still more unfortunate if wrongdoers should dominate just men." - St. Augustine "A new idea is first condemned as ridiculous, and then dismissed as trivial, until finally it becomes what everybody knows." - William James "This is the real task before us: to reassert our commitment as a nation to a law higher than our own, to renew our spiritual strength. Only by building a wall of such spiritual resolve can we, as a free people, hope to protect our own heritage and make it someday the birthright of all men." -- Ronald Reagan A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government." -- Edward Abbey "A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government." ~~~George Washington"Conservatives are enemies of the government. Liberals are enemies of the nation because they are not enemies of the government."Aristotle the Hun"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain." ANONA nation that substitutes emotion and empathy for rational thought will eventually digress into the Dark Ages,Congressman Steve King (R-IA),Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies.The robber barons cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.They may be more likely to go to Heaven for good intentions yet at the same time likelier to make a Hell of earth. This very kindness stings with intolerable insult. To be cured against ones will and cured of states which we may not regard as disease is to be put on a level of those who have not yet reached the age of reason or those who never will; to be classed with infants, imbeciles, and domestic animals.~ C. S. Lewis Eight from S.C. named to NCC leadership posts MEMPHIS, Tenn. Eight South Carolina cotton industry members have been elected to leadership positions in the National Cotton Council for 2016. Re-elected as a NCC vice president was David Hastings, a Mauldin textile executive. Re-elected to the NCC Board of Directors was Levin Lynch, a Bennettsville ginner; Jordan Lea, a Greenville merchant, and Robert H. Chapman III, an Inman textile executive. Kendall Wannamaker, a St. Matthews producer, was elected as a NCC director. Elected as a NCC Board adviser was Drake Perrow, ginner, Cameron Wannamaker was elected as a producer director of the American Cotton Producers (ACP), representing the Southeast. Serving as ACP South Carolina chairmen are William Bull, Cameron, and Gill Rogers, Hartsville. Wannamaker also was re-elected as NCCs South Carolina state unit chairman, Lynch re-elected as unit vice chairman and Perrow re-elected as unit secretary. Crop insurance deadline nears in S.C. VALDOSTA, Ga. -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency reminds South Carolina corn, cotton, flue-cured tobacco, grain sorghum, peanut, and soybean farmers the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage is Feb. 28. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the Feb. 28 sales closing date to do so. Crop insurance provides protection against a loss in production due to natural perils, such as drought or excessive moisture. Coverage is available for corn, cotton, grain sorghum, peanuts, and soybeans in many South Carolina counties. Farmers are encouraged to check with their crop insurance agent to learn if their crops are covered in their counties. Clemson Extension holds CAMM training Clemson Extension will hold a training for Confined Animal Manure Management on March 7. The meeting will include a presentation by Dr. John Chastain on Conventional and Minimum Ventilation: Control of Indoor Environment, Performance, and Energy Use. The meeting will begin at the Dorchester Clemson Extension Office in St. George at 6 p.m. and conclude by 8:30 p.m. A sponsored dinner will be provided. RSVP is required by March 3. Contact Clemson Extension Agent Rebecca Hellmuth at 843-563-5777 or rhellmu@clemson.edu to reserve your spot. Class size will be limited to 30 people. Training dates for Farmers Market Nutrition Program COLUMBIA -- Farmers seeking authorization to participate in the South Carolina Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) can now register for training. The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires training for all farmers wishing to take part in the FMNP. This program allows farmers to take Women Infant and Children (WIC) Vouchers as well as Senior Vouchers at authorized farmers markets and roadside stands. Training dates and sites include: March 19 -- State Farmers Market, Phillips Market Center, West Columbia March 15 -- St. George Town Office, St. George This year, only farmers new to the program are required to attend training. If a farmer attended the 2015 trainings, he or she will receive 2016 information in the mail by mid-March. Farmers are asked to come prepared with their 2016 crop plan. All sessions will run from 9 a.m.-noon. To register, call the South Carolina Department of Agriculture at 803-734-2210. COLUMBIA South Carolina peach farmers are looking forward to an excellent peach crop in 2016 in spite of the challenges they faced last year, according to the S.C. Department of Agriculture. Favorable growing conditions have given growers a positive outlook for a fruitful crop of everyones favorite summertime treat. After delays from heavy rains in the fall, growers immediately began working on the upcoming season. Planting new trees, installing irrigation lines, and pruning established orchards keep South Carolina growers busy year round. Countless hours of hard work are required in the fall and winter to set up ideal conditions for the spring and summer. We are off to a good start for the 2016 peach crop, said Matt Forrest, president of the S.C. Peach Council and co-owner of Dixie Belle Peaches. After a late start to winter, we now expect to accumulate more than enough of the necessary chill hours and are anticipating a normal bloom date in a few weeks. With an unusually warm fall, growers have been monitoring weather stations daily. Peach trees require between 600-1,000 chill hours, depending on variety, to overcome dormancy. Farmers choose plant varieties that coincide with their location based on these figures to ensure the highest quality fruit. As the weather has finally turned cool, these hours below 45 degrees are steadily accumulating and South Carolina peach farmers feel confident that these requirements will be met. Although we had a late start to our winter season, once the cold temperatures arrived, we have been in an excellent position to accumulate chill hours with very consistent temperatures and highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s, said Chalmers Carr, president of Titan Farms. We are well-beyond the minimum chill hours necessary and look forward to a great spring leading into an even better peach season. With a firm foundation already laid for the 2016 peach season, South Carolina farmers are anticipating a successful season. As the top peach-producing state on the East Coast, and second in the nation only to California, South Carolina represents a large percentage of the nations peach crop. SANTEE County, state and federal emergency services officials are calling on faith-based and nonprofit organizations to step up to the plate to help those in the area still struggling with flood recovery. We feel like a lot of the cases now are falling back on the churches in the community, Orangeburg County Emergency Services Director Billy Staley said Friday morning. Staley spoke during a long-term recovery workshop at the Santee Conference Center. We dont want the churches bearing the burden, he said. Staley said the historic October flooding dropped significant rainfall on the region, leaving in its wake major damage to properties. Some parts of the county saw nearly 20 inches of rain between Oct. 1 and Oct. 6. The Holly Hill area recorded about 20 inches while the Orangeburg Airport received about 11 inches. St. Matthews got about 13 inches, and Bamberg received about 8-1/2 inches. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration helped provide some relief to T&D Region residents, there are still some severe unmet needs, Staley said. He said about 67 percent of residents who applied for FEMA assistance in Orangeburg County were denied help. That sounds high, but in a lot of areas, it is not. Out of those, there was a high percentage of people who had deferred maintenance and what FEMA would classify as insufficient damage, Stanley said. This means my roof has been leaking for a long period of time and I never fixed it, and now I have 20 inches of rain and there is a mess. Case management statistics indicate there are at least 80 cases in Orangeburg County where severe flood needs exist, he noted. We know that everyone who is not in that 80 is going somewhere, Staley said. We think there are an isolated number of people who still have a need who are reporting it to their churches. He said shortly after the flooding, FEMA estimated potentially 6,000 people were impacted. Staley said Fridays workshop was intended to inform churches about the current long-term recovery committee in place in the region and to encourage them to join the Long-term Recovery Committee. Approximately 20 people, representing federal, state and local government agencies, attended. Churches participating were Orangeburg Lutheran Church, Cornerstone Community Church, New Life Temple Church of God in Christ and the South Carolina Baptist Convention. The LTR was formed in December through the partnership of the South Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, the South Carolina Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Currently, groups such as the Salvation Army, Samaritan House and the Edisto Chapter of the American Red Cross are part of the committee but more members are needed. Staley said being involved in the LTR enables churches to leverage resources, coordinate home repair/rebuild efforts and collaborate on case management in an effort to reduce duplication of services. The system is here, and we need to track these cases, he said. Being a part of the LTR also enables churches to have access to the One SC Flood Relief Fund, Stanley noted. Gov. Nikki Haley set up the fund after the October flooding so corporations, foundations and individuals can donate to the flood relief efforts. The purpose of the fund, which can be accessed at yourfoundation.org, is to help bridge the funding gap in order to rebuild the state and help citizens resume their lives. If a need is identified, a church can apply to the fund for financial assistance, Staley said. Louis Carrow, FEMA Voluntary Agency liaison, said there are currently 26 volunteer agencies helping with flood recovery in the state and training is available for people who do not have the skill sets but would like to help. This is not something that is going to be done in a month or two, Carrow said. It is going to be ongoing. The more people we can get into this thing, the stronger the community is and the quicker the community can come back. A meeting with the faith-based and business communities is scheduled for Wednesday, March 16 at the Santee Conference Center. The event is free and open to nonprofit groups, churches and businesses. Bishop Dr. Richard Copeland of Orangeburgs New Life Temple Church of God in Christ said a handful of people have come to the church seeking assistance for flood damage over the past few months. I want to find out how I can help and see if I can provide assistance to people in need, Copeland said. Ken Westbury, chairman of Calhoun County Cares Board, said his county was not hit as hard by the flooding as its neighbors in Richland and Orangeburg counties. But, his organization is there to help, he said. Certainly if people come to our doors, we dont know what their needs are, Westbury said. We dont do repair projects, but we guide people to those types of people. Those who are still struggling with severe flood recovery needs are asked to call 211 or an organization such as a church or the Red Cross for assistance. For more information about the long-term recovery efforts, area churches and organizations are asked to contact Pastor Kary Poinsette at kareypoinsette@aol.com; Mike Patterson, South Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster chairperson, at mike.patterson@usa.salvationarmy.org or Joane Miller, South Carolina State Voluntary Agency liason, at jmiller@emd.sc.gov. CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) Small Nevada population 3 million became one of the first four states in the presidential nominating process thanks to an effort a decade ago to add more diversity to the early voting calendar. Nevada is now a frequent stop for candidates in both parties, though not nearly as popular as Iowa and New Hampshire. Here's how the Nevada caucuses work and a little history about the event, which happens for Democrats on Saturday and for Republicans on Feb. 23. ___ HOW IT STARTED Eleven states applied to the Democratic National Committee in 2006 for early-state status. Nevada's delegation pitched the state as a reflection of the country's changing population and it sure didn't hurt that Harry Reid, the highest-ranking Democratic senator, lobbied for his home state. Ultimately, Nevada and South Carolina won out over Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, West Virginia and Hawaii. "We're now having a caucus here on Saturday in a state that's representative of what America is," Reid said. More representative than mostly white Iowa and New Hampshire, for sure, but not spot on with the nation. About one-quarter of Nevada's population is Hispanic, and one-quarter of South Carolina's is black. The U.S. population is less diverse: 12.4 percent black, 17.4 percent Hispanic, 8.2 percent Asian or other minorities, and 62 percent non-Hispanic white. Nevada is a swing state, with a slight Democratic registration advantage but a Republican-dominated state government. ___ HOW IT WORKS Unlike a primary, which involves quick and solitary voting, caucuses generally involve a more public pronouncement of presidential preference. Caucus-goers mainly meet in schools, community centers and places of worship in Nevada's 17 counties, and give speeches to try to persuade their undecided neighbors. Democrats have divided the state into about 1,700 precincts meeting at more than 200 caucus sites. Six are at Las Vegas Strip casinos so housekeepers, blackjack dealers and others with weekend schedules can attend. Republicans have more than 1,700 precincts and more than 130 caucus locations. The late-morning Democratic caucuses are third in line for the party; the weeknight Republican caucuses are fourth for the GOP, behind South Carolina on Saturday. ___ FOR DEMOCRATS Nevadans don't need to be registered as Democrats or registered at all before coming to the caucus. The same-day sign-up option helped the party register 30,000 new Democratic voters in 2008. Caucus-goers break into groups that declare their support for a candidate. If the number of people in any group is under 15 percent of the total at the caucus, they can either choose not to participate or join another candidate group. The caucus is advertised as starting at 11 a.m., although people can participate as long as they get in line by noon. And they are expected to end by early afternoon, though there is not a set time. Pause Current Time 0:00 / Duration Time 0:00 Loaded : 0% Progress : 0% 0:00 Fullscreen 00:00 Unmute The results are the first step in determining delegates who are expected to support candidates at the national convention. Democrats will send a total of 43 delegates to the national convention, but only 23 are directly tied to the results of the Saturday caucus. Eight Democratic party leaders and elected officials are "superdelegates" and can vote for any candidate they like at the national convention. Three declared for Hillary Clinton, one for Bernie Sanders and four haven't said. An additional 12 delegates are "at large" and will be decided by a vote at the state convention. ___ FOR REPUBLICANS Republicans must register 10 days in advance of the caucus. Their process is simpler: They'll mark their favorite candidate on a ballot, no need for speeches. GOP caucuses must start any time after 5 p.m. and end before 9 p.m. Nevada sends 30 delegates to the Republican National Convention, and they're awarded proportionally based on how each candidate performs Feb. 23. ___ IS NEVADA A BELLWETHER? In the short history of early and contested Nevada caucuses, voters favored two nomination losers (Hillary Clinton and Mitt Romney in 2008) and one winner (Romney in 2012). The state is the first substantial test of candidates' support with Hispanic voters. ___ A ROCKY ROAD Unlike in Iowa, caucuses are not a part of the political fabric of Nevada and political operatives must educate voters on how to participate. Campaigns and parties are holding many training sessions so voters won't be intimidated by the process. Hostilities between the Clinton and Barack Obama camps created tension in Democratic caucuses in 2008, although the competition swelled turnout to 118,000. Republican turnout was paltry in 2008 and worse in 2012, when only 33,000 voted. That's a far cry from the 182,000 Republican caucus participants this month in Iowa, which is about the same size as Nevada. If the state continues to post unimpressive turnout numbers, its coveted "first in the West" status could be in jeopardy. Asked whether Nevada will keep the prize he fought so hard for, Reid said: "I hope so, if I have anything to say about it." ___ Follow Michelle Rindels on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/RindelsAP Calhoun County Sheriffs Office A resident of Monarch Road near Swansea reported Feb. 12 that he observed someone driving a gray Kia minivan with a paper tag pull up to his and his neighbors mailboxes and remove mail. He told deputies he followed the suspect to a location outside of Swansea but lost him. In other reports: A resident of Frontage Road near Gaston reported Feb. 15 that someone broke into his business. He said items stolen included an iPhone valued at $500, a roll of fake money, 12-gauge shotgun shells valued at $20, two neoprene camouflage waders valued at $250 and an Alaskan jacket valued at $800. According to the incident report, the exterior lights at the business were broken out, the tin was pried off the building and sheet-rock was damaged. Total loss was estimated at $5,150. The owner of a business on Bellinger Lane near Swansea reported Feb. 14 that someone had broken into his business by breaking out a window. A flatscreen TV taken from the business was left on the ground outside, the report states. The owner said nothing appeared to be missing. Damage was estimated at $600. A resident of Ridgelake Circle near St. Matthews reported Feb. 14 that a 50-gallon Carolina Propane tank was stolen from the Unique Sensations Social Hall at 556 Bridge St. The tank was valued at $300. A resident of Bagnal Drive in Columbia reported Feb. 11 that someone stole the vehicle license tag (DC752) from his 1995 Ford F-150. The vehicle was parked on Wilson Lane near St. Matthews at the time of the theft, the report states. A resident of Wild Rose Road near St. Matthews, reported Feb. 14 that an unknown vehicle struck her fence, destroying five fence posts. Damage was estimated at $500. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. If the shoe fits, wear it: "... in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt." -- Bertrand Russell "There's no firewall for stupidity." -- Mike Hamilton "I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said." -- William F. Buckley, Jr. "There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true." -- Sren Kierkegaard By Aynur Karimova Bilateral relations between Iran and Azerbaijan, the energy-rich neighbor countries, have deepened following the nuke deal and the lifting of international sanctions against Tehran. These developments promise new opportunities and prospects for economic cooperation between the two countries, in particular in the energy sector. Hamid Chitchian, Irans Energy Minister, believes that development of ties will be beneficial for both countries. Speaking at a meeting with Azerbaijan's Economy and Industry Minister Shahin Mustafayev in Tehran on February 21, Chitchian said Iran is keen to boost cooperation with Azerbaijan in the water and electricity sectors, Tasnim news agency reported. Touching upon the project on construction of the Khoda Afarin dam on the Araz River, he said the problems hindering the implementation of the project, will be settled soon. The minister further added that Tehran and Baku have held talks over construction of geothermal and wind power plants in Irans Meshkin Shahr and Khaf cities respectively, and the projects are said to kick off soon. Iran is already constructing its first geothermal zone in northwestern Meshkin Shahr city with a to-be output of 50 megawatts. The power plant is expected to come on stream in two years. Irans power plants are mostly hydro or fossil fuel-powered. Renewable energy makes up less than one percent of energy used in Iran. Chitchian further referred to the issue of the linking the electricity networks of Iran, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russia saying all parties will get their benefits from the project. "The peak electricity consumption in Azerbaijan, Russia and Georgia is in winter, meanwhile Iran experiences peak consumption in summer," he noted adding that the parties can swap electricity, in order to avoid costs for construction of new power plants. Iran and Azerbaijan inked a MoU last December which covers cooperation in 12 various sectors, including in the energy field. Based on the signed document the two parties will cooperate in construction of power plants at Khoda Afarin and Qiz Qalasi dams on Araz river and following the issue of agreement on the construction of Ordubad power plant on the Azerbaijani side and Marazad power plant on the Iranian side, as well as implementation of joint guideline on border rivers water management. Transport During his Tehran visit, Mustafayev and Iran's Transportation Minister Abbas Akhoundi discussed the issues of abolishing visa for drivers, implementation of the giant North-South Corridor, as well as the two countries' cooperation in the civil aviation sector. Noting that Iran has already removed the visa requirement for drivers from Azerbaijan, Akhoundi called on Baku to mutually abolish visa requirements for Iranian drivers, IRNA news agency reported. He also touched upon the plans for connecting the railways of Iran and Azerbaijan saying Tehran has taken measures to speed up the process for connecting the railways. The Iranian minister said Iran, Azerbaijan, as well as Georgia share common interests in connecting the Black Sea to the Persian Gulf. Akhundi also called for increasing the number of weekly flights between Iran and Azerbaijan, which currently stands at 10 flights per week. Azerbaijan and Iran have created favorable conditions for increasing transit cargo transportation through the territories of the two countries. The two countries are located in very favorable strategic positions that create great opportunities for benefiting from the bilateral ties. Iran, which is situated in the Middle East region, has land borders with the South Asian, Central Asian, and Middle East countries, with access to the Gulf and Indian Ocean. Azerbaijan, in the cradle of the Caspian Sea is settled in between the West and East. The country plays a gateway role between not only the east and west, but also the north and south. The Land of Fire is positioned on one of the most important trade and transit routes to Europe. In this regard, the transportation sector is one of the main areas of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran. Azerbaijan lacks a railway link with Iran and implements the vast majority of cargo traffic with this country by road transport. That greatly limits the possibilities of development of trade and economic relations between the two countries and their transit potential. The construction of Iranian portion of the North-South railway, which is a part of the North-South corridor, will become an important step towards the realization of the North-South project. Its construction will be completed by the end of 2016. The North-South railway, with a length of 8.5 kilometers, is expected to serve as a bridge to connect the railways of Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia as well. The North-South corridor, from India to Helsinki, is one of the most important routes for the region. It is a multimodal route for transportation of passengers and cargo from Russia's St. Petersburg to the Mumbai port. It is designed to carry transit cargo from India, Iran and other Persian Gulf countries to the territory of Russia (the Caspian Sea) and further - to Northern and Western Europe. The North-South corridor with a length of 5,000 kilometers is designed to carry more than 20 million tons per year, which is quite a significant figure to make it significant. Tehran and Baku have recently intensified bilateral relations with an expectation to further deepen the all-out cooperation between the two close neighbors. In 2014, the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $186.6 million. Iran's export to Azerbaijan during the first half of 2015 decreased 55.36 percent to $42.52 million year-on-year. Azerbaijan's export to Iran also decreased 67.11 percent to $11.16 million during that period. /By Trend/ /By Azernews/ By Aynur Karimova Turkmenistan, an energy-rich Central Asian nation with abundant oil and gas reserves, intends to realize its plans on developing huge hydrocarbon resources in its own sector of the Caspian Sea. Turkmenistans state concern Turkmenoil will deal with implementing the development of the Turkmen shelf in the Caspian Sea, the reserves of which are estimated at 12 billion tons of oil and 6.5 trillion cubic meters of gas. Turkmenistan, with its 265 trillion cubic feet of proven gas and 600 million barrels of proven oil reserves (EIA, January 2015), is actively implementing an energy strategy aimed at increasing exports of natural gas and diversifying its supply routes to the largest global markets, where the demand for energy resources is growing. Bruce Pannier, an expert on Central Asia, and the Senior Correspondent at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, believes that Turkmenistan will use all the oil and gas produced at the Caspian shelf to for export. "Turkmenistan will be dependent on a Caspian neighbor in order to export its oil and gas further west or south. And all those Caspian neighbors Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Russia are exporting their own oil and gas," he told Azernews commenting on future destination of these resources. Being one of the key players in the gas market of the Caspian Sea region and Central Asia, Turkmenistan produces about 70-80 billion cubic meters of gas a year. Currently, Turkmenistan exports its natural gas to China, Iran, and Russia. There are also discussions on gas supply to Europe through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan and Turkey. Turkmenistan plans to increase gas extraction to 230 billion cubic meters by 2030, some 180 billion cubic meters of which will be exported. These volumes will allow meeting the increasing domestic and external demands in Turkmenistan's blue fuel, providing the gas-chemical complexes of the country with necessary raw material. The development of the Caspian shelf will become Turkmen oil workers' great success in making their first steps in the development of offshore hydrocarbon reserves for the first time ever in the Turkmen oil and gas industrys history. A deep drilling is already underway at the North Goturdepe and Altyguyi fields. Results of the drilling work indicate to great prospects of the fields. Turkmenistan's Oil and Gas and Natural Resources Minister Muhamentnur Halylov said earlier that the development of oil and gas resources in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea is a priority area for investments in the country's oil and gas industry. The Turkmen section of the Caspian Sea has been divided into 32 licensed blocks. Halylov said large enterprises show significant interest in making investments in these licensed blocks and are ready for technological cooperation. Petronas, Dragon Oil, Buried Hill, RWE Dea AG, Itera and Eni companies are involved in the development of the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, while negotiations with the companies of Europe, the U.S. and Persian Gulf are currently underway. In 2015, the total investments of contractors working in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea are estimated at more than $3.5 billion. /By Azernews/ By Aynur Karimova Azerbaijan as a transit country can get dividends for transmission of electricity, country's Energy Ministry believes. Zamina Aliyeva, the spokesperson of the ministry, told Azernews that linking the electricity systems of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia will enable Baku to carry out electricity export-import operations. "Azerbaijan will strengthen its position as a transit country and exporter of electricity," she said commenting on prospects of establishing the Russia-Azerbaijan-Iran electricity corridor. On February 21, Iran has again expressed interest in linking the electricity networks with Azerbaijan and Russia. The Islamic Republic's Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian said at a meeting with Azerbaijan's Economy and Industry Minister Shahin Mustafayev in Tehran that all three countries will benefit from linking the electricity networks. "The peak electricity consumption in Azerbaijan and Russia is in winter, meanwhile Iran experiences peak consumption in summer," he said adding that the sides can swap electricity for avoiding costs for construction of new power plants. Aliyeva said that synchronization of the energy systems of the three countries was a topic of discussions for several years and this issue is currently at the stage of negotiations. "The reality is that linking the electricity systems of the three countries was the initiative of Russia and Iran, but no real actions have been taken by these countries yet," she stressed adding that several issues in this regard remain unresolved. In particular, the protocol of the 45th meeting of the CIS held in Baku on April 25, 2014 to discuss the ways of linking the energy systems of Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran, was signed by Azerbaijan, but Iran has not yet put its signature under the document. During this meeting it was decided to develop the draft of the feasibility study of expediency of connecting the energy systems of the three countries. However, Russia has not yet developed such a feasibility study. Despite that Russia was empowered to develop a draft agreement on joint study of expediency of the electricity network, Moscow has not implemented this task. "That is the current state of affairs in this regard," Aliyeva noted. "Azerbaijan's energy system is technically ready to be linked with the Iranian and Russian energy systems. Azerbaijan enjoys the relevant infrastructure for transmission of electricity. To this end, all the necessary powerful production facilities are available both for the Darband-Yashma and Imishli-Parsabad power transmission lines. Baku also enjoys an experience of working with the Russian energy system in a parallel regime, as there was a unified [energy] system in the Soviet period." In November 2015, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak confirmed the interest in linking the energy systems with Azerbaijan and Iran. We also confirm the interest in continuing to examine the issue of linking the energy systems of Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan, and we consider it reasonable to resume the tripartite working group, Novak said. In response, Azerbaijan confirmed the interest and readiness for resuming the meetings as part of the tripartite working group. Azerbaijan's Energy Minister Natig Aliyev told journalists in February 2016 that Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia are working to create the North-South energy corridor among the three neighbor countries. He said the removal of the international sanctions from Iran will play a significant role in the development of Baku's relations with Tehran. "The North-South corridor is being established not only in the transport, but also in the energy sector. It envisages the export of electricity from Russia to Azerbaijan and further to Iran. A special working group has been established. The energy ministers of three countries are working on this issue," he said. Azerbaijan's electricity production capacities also allow the country to be an electricity exporter. Aliyeva told Azernews that as a result of taken measures, the capacity of Azerbaijan's energy system has reached 7,129 MW, thus, paving the way to ensure the energy security of the South Caucasus nation, as well as become an electricity exporter. "In 2015, Azerbaijan produced some 24.7 million kilowatt / hours of electricity, while the country's electricity consumption amounted to 19.7 million kilowatt / hours," she said. "Azerbaijan, which managed to ensure its energy security, exported some 260.6 million kilowatt / hours of electricity, while imported some 107.4 million kilowatt / hours in 2015, thus, achieving current electricity export potential of 6 billion kilowatt / hours." The Energy Ministry plans to commission new facilities with a capacity of 2,800 MW by 2020. /By Azernews/ By Nazrin Gadimova Azerbaijan, a country leader in the region for the development of the IT sector, has launched work on designing Azerspace-2 telecommunication satellite. Dunay Badirkhanov, Satellite Engineering and Operations Manager at Azercosmos, said that the companys employee is visiting the American Space Systems Loral (SSL), which designs and builds satellites and spacecraft systems for commercial and government customers around the world, for this reason. Azerspace-2, geostationary satellite, is designed to provide digital broadcasting, Internet access, data transmission, creation of VSAT multi-service networks, and etc. The second satellite program will be financed by the Export Development Canada export credit agency. Noting that the launch of the satellite is scheduled for 2017, Badirkhanov said Azerspace-2, whose service area will cover Europe, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa, will be placed at the orbital position, leased from the Intelsat international satellite communications organization. Today, Azercosmos provides telecommunication services through the Azerspace-1 satellite, launched on February 8, 2013. Eleven days later the satellite reached its target orbit - 46 degrees east longitude, used in conjunction with the Malaysian Measat Satellite Systems company. Service area of ??Azerspace-1 includes Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East. Such countries as Malaysia, Russia, Germany, Ukraine, Egypt, Georgia, UAE, Lebanon, Cameroon, the United Kingdom, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Estonia and Belarus use Azerspace-1s services. The central control center of the satellite is located on the 37th kilometer of the Baku-Shamakhi highway, while the backup control center on the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Badirkhanov earlier told Trend that Azerbaijans Ministry of Communications and High Technologies has conducted serious work for training of skilled personnel in satellite management. Stressing that the main emphasis is put on internal staff capacity, he said at the moment the satellite is controlled exclusively by local staff. Along with this, we attract foreign experts to improve the capacity of our staff, he added. Badirkhanov further noted that a special technical group is watching low-orbit satellite Azersky. The group is responsible for planning the mission and processing of the images received from the satellite. "Azersky resources intended for modeling of digital maps, transport infrastructure monitoring, environmental monitoring, urban planning, crops monitoring, evaluation of pollution, safety, military use and many other things," he noted. In 2014, Azerbaijan and France signed an agreement that gave Azercosmos permission to provide commercial services on remote Earth sensing through the Azersky. Manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space, the low-orbit satellite is expected to operate for 12 years. Azersky allows to survey the 6-million square kilometers of Earth's surface daily. In fact, it means that Azerbaijans territory is being monitored every day. Moreover, Azercosmos has a call-center to support customers, who can apply regarding different issues on the services provided by satellite operator. Azercosmos is the first satellite operator in the Caucasus. The company's strategic development plans include the launch of a second telecommunications satellite Earth observation services in the coming years. Azerbaijan Britain Students Network has organized a march in London to commemorate the 24th anniversary of Khojaly Genocide, which was committed by Armenias armed forces against the Azerbaijani civilians in 1992. It started on Trafalgar Square in front of the National Gallery, and continued on Old Palace Yard, opposite the Houses of Parliament. The march involved Azerbaijani and foreign students studying at British universities. Aimed at ensuring that Azerbaijan`s voice of protest resonate throughout the Parliament Square, the UK and the rest of the world, the annual London Khojaly March has seen great success over the years. Azerbaijani diaspora activists have held a rally outside Armenia`s Embassy in Stockholm to commemorate the 24th anniversary of Khojaly Genocide, when the Armenian armed forced killed innocent Azerbaijani civilians. The rally aimed to condemn the genocide and increase the Swedish society`s awareness of it. The diaspora activists urged the international community to recognize the genocide and make the perpetrators face the full force of the law. /By Azertac/ Azerbaijans Consulate General in Aktau, Kazakhstan, is holding an art competition for children and young people. The Consulate General told Trend that the competition, titled We Want Justice, has been organized as part of the Justice for Khojaly campaign, held under the supervision of Leyla Aliyeva, head of the Heydar Aliyev Foundations representative office in Russia and general coordinator for intercultural dialogue at the Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation. About 300 pupils of five art schools in Aktau and the surrounding areas are taking part in the art competition. The competition jury includes members of Kazakhstans Union of Artists and Azerbaijans Consul General Elkhan Zeynalov. A grand prize will be awarded for the best picture. Winners will also be awarded with diplomas, books and other prizes. On Feb. 25-26, 1992, the Armenian military, together with the 366th infantry regiment of Soviet troops stationed in Khankendi, committed genocide against the population of the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly. Among those 613 killed in the massacre, there were 63 children, 106 women and 70 old people. Eight families were totally exterminated, 130 children lost one parent and 25 children lost both. A total of 487 civilians became disabled as a result of the onslaught. Some 1,275 innocent residents were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 people still remains unknown. The event became the largest massacre in the course of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the US are currently holding peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented the UN Security Council's four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions. /By Trend/ /By Azernews/ By Nazrin Gadimova Azerbaijan hopes that Armenian terrorists, who were involved in the Khojaly genocide, will be prosecuted. Countrys Human Rights Commissioner Elmira Suleymanova made the remark in her statement issued on the eve of the 24th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide. Suleymanova stressed that basic human rights, especially the right to life, have been grossly violated by the Armenian vandals. Back in February 1992, Armenian armed forces supported by the 366th infantry regiment of the Soviet army attacked the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly leaving hundreds of people dead. 613 civilians mostly women and children were killed in the massacre, and a total of 1,000 people were disabled. Eight families were exterminated, 25 children lost both parents, and 130 children lost one parent. Moreover, 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, and the fate of 150 of them remains unknown. We hope that Armenian terrorists, who were involved in the Khojaly genocide and pursued aggression policy against Azerbaijan, will be prosecuted, while the country-aggressor Armenia will be sanctioned by international bodies, Suleymanova said in her statement. The ombudsman further noted that the invader Armenian troops should free the occupied territories of Azerbaijan; Armenia must renounce its groundless territorial claims against Azerbaijan and follow the requirements of the international documents adopted over the conflict. The territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be restored, while the Azerbaijani IDPs have to return to the homeland. In this regard it is of great importance to bring the truth about Azerbaijan and vandalism of Armenia to the world community, the statement reads. The statement was sent to UN Secretary General, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, European Commission, OSCE, the Council of Europe, Institute of International and European Ombudsmen, Asian Ombudsman Association, International Peace Bureau, Universal Peace Federation, human rights commissioners of various countries, Azerbaijani embassies in foreign countries, embassies of foreign countries in Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani Diaspora organizations. The legislative bodies of many countries have already adopted resolutions recognizing the crime committed by Armenians against the peaceful people in Khojaly as genocide. Meanwhile, the Congress of European Azerbaijanis has sent statement regarding the Khojaly genocide to the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights. The statement gives information about the Khojaly genocide and the Justice for Khojaly campaign, launched by Leyla Aliyeva, General Coordinator of the OIC Youth Forum on Intercultural Dialogue. The campaign kicked off in 2008 aimed to spread the realities about the Khojaly genocide, the recognition of this tragedy as genocide committed against the Azerbaijani people. So far, events dedicated to this tragedy, have been held in over 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America. Protests and rallies in front of the parliaments and government agencies of various countries, as well as seminars and conferences were held as part of the events. /By Azernews/ By Nazrin Gadimova By placing terrorists from the PKK and other organizations in the occupied territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia is trying to gain an advantage. Goksel Gulbey, head of the International Association to Fight Unfounded Armenian Allegations (AS?M-DER), believes that PKK terrorists have relocated their base from the Iraqi city of Kandil to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan as a result of operations conducted by the Turkish security forces. "Being in need of the power of these armed groups, Armenia gave permission to the PKK terrorists to use the territories, occupied with a Russian support, as a base," Gulbey added. He emphasized that Armenia is ready to shelter other terrorist organizations in the occupied territories of Nagorno-Karabakh in order to take advantage of their help in case of need. He stressed the fact that the Armenian families do not send their children for military service in this region. The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by several states and organizations, including NATO and the European Union. Azerbaijan, which has suffered from Armenian terrorist activities, also recognizes PKK as a terror organization and at the same time cooperates with Turkey, its strategic partner, in the fight against terrorism. Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated that Armenia uses the Nagorno-Karabakh territory as a testing ground for terrorist activities, as well as for drug trafficking. A military doctrine, adopted by Azerbaijan in 2010, emphasized that the occupation of the Nagorno-Karabakh territory by Armenia not only causes damage to the national security, but also have a negative impact on regional security. The Turkish official said the Azerbaijani army is ready to return back the occupied territories. Armenia captured Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions from Azerbaijan in a war that followed the Soviet breakup in 1991. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and nearly 1 million were displaced as a result of the war. The peace talks have been largely fruitless so far despite the efforts of the co-chair countries over 20 years. Some 14 people were arrested proceeding from the criminal case over the terrorist attack in Ankara, Anadolu agency reported Feb. 22. Some 21 people have been recently arrested on suspicion of involvement in the terrorist attack in Ankara. Seven of them have been released due to a lack of evidence. A terror attack was carried out in Ankara Feb. 17 near the buildings of the Turkish parliament, the general staff and a military dorm in the city. The explosion killed 28 and injured 61. Reports suggest that a car bomb was detonated. Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said that the Syrian wing of the terrorist organization Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) - Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) stands behind the terrorist attack in Ankara. Earlier, Turkeys National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has warned the country of the possibility of new terrorist attacks, according to the Haber 7 newspaper's reports citing a source in the intelligence agency. Some members of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant groups are preparing terrorist attacks in Turkeys international airports, according to MIT. /By Trend/ The crisis in Ankara-Moscow relations will not lead to decrease in the number of Russian tourists visiting Turkey, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Feb. 22. He noted that it is not the first year the Russian tourists visit Turkey, TRT Haber TV channel reported. Turkey will make every effort to increase the number of tourists visiting the country, according to the prime minister. It was earlier reported that the number of Russian tourists visiting Turkeys resort province of Antalya in January 2016, decreased by 81.14 percent compared to January 2015. As many as 2,427 Russian tourists visited Antalya in January 2016. The number of German tourists visiting Antalya dropped by 16 percent and stood at 44,262 in January 2016. This is while the number of tourists from Israel visiting this resort province increased by 122 percent during the year, and totalled 4,475 in January 2016. These are the travels of the life Tina and Tom share. Please feel free to join us on this journey, share your thoughts and feelings ... or just view it at your leisure. Either way, it's our pleasure to share it with you. Religion clean and undefiled before God and the Father, is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their tribulation...(James 1:27) Dubai Exports has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Business France, the national agency supporting the international development of the French economy, aimed at enhancing business and trade between the two countries. Dubai Exports, an agency of the Dubai Department of Economic Development, is the official trade promotion organisation of the Government of Dubai. The agreement was signed by Saed Al Awadi, chief executive officer of Dubai Exports, and Henri Baissas, deputy CEO of Business France; in presence of Michel Miraillet, ambassador of France to the UAE; Marc Cagnard, Business France director in the Middle East; and Sophia Salmi, head of agribusiness department. The MoU was signed on the French pavilion at Gulfood trade show yesterday (February 21), to establish a framework of cooperation in order to develop and strengthen links in the field of trade promotion between Dubai & France, said a statement. Dubai Exports and Business France will form a team to manage their upcoming joint projects, such as improve joint trade events and activities participation, it added. Al Awadi said: We are delighted to work closely with a French government agency such as Business France to enhance businesses in the UAE. We welcome this very fruitful partnership to begin a long run relationship and to extend French presence in Dubai and the UAE. Baissas added: France UAE relations date back to the founding of the federation in 1971. The leadership of the UAE and France are committed to supporting and strengthening bilateral relations for the benefit of both countries. We are honoured to work closely with Dubai Exports to improve the exchange of experiences and expertise and boost export growth from Dubai as well as French exports, he added. TradeArabia News Service US auto safety regulators are examining whether an additional 70 million to 90 million Takata Corp airbag inflators should be recalled because they may endanger drivers, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. That would nearly quadruple the 29 million inflators recalled so far and linked to nine deaths in the US. In all, as many as 120 million Takata inflators in US vehicles contain the same volatile chemical - ammonium nitrate - used in inflators that automakers have recalled, according to company documents reviewed by Reuters and verified by two former Takata managers. The total number has not been previously reported. The Japanese supplier, one of the world's largest airbag manufacturers, has said some inflators can rupture and explode with excessive force, spraying metal shards at vehicle occupants. The number of vehicles affected remains unclear because many have more than one inflator, and not always from the same manufacturer. Before recent recalls of 5.4 million inflators, federal regulators said about 24 million defective Takata inflators were used in about 19 million vehicles that have been recalled since 2004. The former managers described "chronic" quality failures at Takata's North American inflator plants, an assessment reflected in dozens of company emails and documents dating back to 2001. Those problems, the former managers said, make it difficult for the company and regulators to pinpoint which inflators among tens of millions pose a danger. "You have no way of knowing," said one of the former Takata managers, who has direct knowledge of the company's history of manufacturing problems. The former Takata managers, who still work in the industry, spoke on condition of anonymity. Takata declined to comment when asked about the possibility of massive additional recalls and whether another 70 million to 90 million inflators still in vehicles could endanger drivers. A torrent of new recalls could cost the company billions of dollars and add years to the replacement process. The company said in a statement that it is "cooperating fully with regulators and our automotive customers and continues to take aggressive action to advance vehicle safety." Takata cited its agreement with regulators in November to pay a $70 million penalty to NHTSA in a settlement that included its commitment to stop making inflators that use ammonium nitrate by 2018. It also pledged to declare all remaining ammonium nitrate inflators defective by 2019 unless it can demonstrate they are safe. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration continues to investigate all Takata inflators using ammonium nitrate, but it has not yet found sufficient evidence to direct automakers to recall the remaining inflators, said spokesman Gordon Trowbridge. "This issue will take years to resolve," Trowbridge said. MANUFACTURING FAILURES Takata produced between 260 million and 285 million ammonium nitrate-based inflators worldwide between 2000 and 2015, of which nearly half wound up in US vehicles, one of the former Takata managers told Reuters, citing the company's production records. Takata supplied those inflators to more than a dozen automakers, according to company documents reviewed by Reuters. Its single largest client was Honda Motor Co, which still owns a minority stake in Takata and has recalled more than 8 million defective Takata inflators in the US. Takata produced most of the inflators that regulators are now investigating at its main inflator plant in Monclova, Mexico or at plants in Georgia and Washington state, according to company documents. The documents noted persistent quality failures at those plants, which a former Takata official said contributed to inflator ruptures. Last month, Takata told NHTSA in a filing that "manufacturing variability" may have contributed to the ruptures. The manufacturing problems are detailed in dozens of internal Takata emails, spreadsheets and presentations reviewed by Reuters. The records show the problems are more pervasive and continued for a longer period than those previously reported. They extended beyond the Mexican plant to the factories in Georgia and Washington state, and they continued until at least 2014, company records show. Among the issues: metal shavings inside some inflator parts; improperly welded inflator casings; bad propellant wafers, and bent or damaged parts. Those problems eventually could allow moisture to contaminate the ammonium nitrate propellant, which in turn could lead to an inflator rupture, one of the former Takata managers told Reuters. A 2006 internal log of quality issues noted problems with inflators sold to Mazda Motor Corp, Ford Motor Co, BMW AG, Honda Motor Co, Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota Motor Corp. The log listed problems including metal shavings and contamination, broken or missing clips, and deformed or misaligned parts. In a 2010 memo, a Takata manager expressed concern about "how to control moisture" in some inflators and worried that the company would not be able to assure the safety of the devices. In an email the same year about pre-production quality testing of inflators built at the Monclova factory, a Takata manager expressed confusion to colleague about the causes of pervasive defects. "I do not understand why we are failing every lot," he wrote. In company documents, Takata engineers referred to the failures when exploding inflators ruptured into metal fragments as "ED," for "energetic disassembly." RECALL TRIAGE The long-running scandal has overwhelmed the company's ability to furnish replacement parts as fast as automakers are forced to recall vehicles. A Takata competitor, airbag supplier Autoliv Inc, is also making replacements for recalled Takata inflators and recently told investors it expects to continue making those parts through 2017, one year longer than originally planned. More recalls would add more delays. Regulators have so far tried to direct replacement inflators to older vehicles that were operated in hot, humid parts of the country, because ammonium nitrate becomes unstable when contaminated by moisture and can cause the inflators to rupture. NHTSA officials have said the agency prioritizes recalls for the inflators it believes are most dangerous because the company has limited capacity to replace them. Customers often wait months to get the vehicles fixed after a recall notice. The inflators already recalled are considered among the most dangerous because they do not contain a drying agent, NHTSA officials have said. All nine US deaths linked to Takata airbag failures so far have involved those highest risk airbags, according to NHTSA records. Takata chief executive Shigehisa Takada last year apologized to victims and claimed responsibility for the dangerous defects. The most recent death report came on December 22, when Joel Knight, 52, drove his 2006 Ford Ranger pickup into a cow on a rural road near his home in Kershaw, South Carolina. He died after shrapnel from a ruptured airbag inflator pierced his neck, the family's attorney wrote in a filing with NHTSA. In a regulatory filing, Takata confirmed the inflator ruptured in the crash and that it was made in Monclova in 2005, but the company did not specifically link the failure to Knight's death. Shortly after the crash, the company declared 5.4 million more inflators defective. - Reuters Iraq plans to increase oil output to more than 7 million barrels per day over the next five years, and export 6 million of that, Oil Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi said. Oil production in Iraq hit a record high of 4.775 million bpd in January, ministry spokesman Asim Jihad told Reuters earlier this month. In a statement on the oil ministry's website, Abdel Mahdi also said Iraq would use all its gas production to supply the electricity grid and industry, requiring investments of $300 billion over the next 15 years. Abdel Mahdi made the comments during a visit to Japan where he discussed opportunities to invest in and finance Iraqi energy infrastructure, the statement said. -Reuters Within weeks, two low-profile legal disputes may determine whether an unprecedented wave of bankruptcies expected to hit US oil and gas producers this year will imperil the $500 billion pipeline sector as well. In the two court fights, US energy producers are trying to use Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to shed long-term contracts with the pipeline operators that gather and process shale gas before it is delivered to consumer markets. The attempts to shed the contracts by Sabine Oil & Gas and Quicksilver Resources are viewed by executives and lawyers as a litmus test for deals worth billions of dollars annually for the so-called midstream sector. Pipeline operators have argued the contracts are secure, but restructuring experts say that if the two producers manage to tear up or renegotiate their deals, others will follow. That could add a new element of risk for already hard-hit investors in midstream companies, which have plowed up to $30 billion a year into infrastructure to serve the US fracking boom. "It's a hellacious problem," said Hugh Ray, a bankruptcy lawyer with McKool Smith in Houston. "It will end with even more bankruptcies." A judge on New York's influential bankruptcy court said on February 2 she was inclined to allow Houston-based Sabine to end its pipeline contract, which guaranteed it would ship a minimum volume of gas through a system built by a Cheniere Energy subsidiary until 2024. Sabine's lawyers argued they could save $35 million by ending the Cheniere contract, and then save millions more by building an entirely new system. Fort Worth, Texas-based Quicksilver's request to shed a contract with another midstream operator, Crestwood Equity Partners, is set for February 26. The concerns have grown more evident in recent days, raised in law firms' client memos and investment bank research notes. Last week, executives from Williams Companies and Enbridge, two of the world's largest pipeline operators, sought to allay growing investor fears, saying they were reviewing contracts or securing additional credit guarantees to minimise the impact of the biggest oil bust in a generation. MORE VULNERABLE So far, relatively few oil and gas producers have entered bankruptcy, and most were smaller firms. But with oil prices down 70 per cent since mid-2014 and natural gas prices in a prolonged slump, up to a third of them are at risk of bankruptcy this year, consultancy Deloitte said in a February 16 report. Midstream operators have been considered relatively secure as investors and analysts focus on risks to the hundreds of billions of dollars in equity and debt of firms most directly exposed to commodity prices. That's because firms such as Enterprise Products, Kinder Morgan and Plains All American relied upon multi-year contracts -- the kind targeted in the two bankruptcies -- that guarantee pipeline operators fixed fees to transport minimum volumes of oil or gas. Now, with US oil output shrinking and gas production stalling, many of the cash-strapped producers entering bankruptcy will be seeking to rid themselves of pricey agreements, particularly those with so-called minimum volume commitments that require paying for space even if it is not used. "They will be probably among the first things thrown out," said Michael Grande, director for US midstream energy and infrastructure at Moody's. RUN WITH THE LAND In bankruptcy court, Sabine's lawyers argued for undoing a pipeline and gathering contract with Cheniere unit Nordheim Eagle Ford Gathering that is worth tens of millions of dollars in coming years. Instead, a different midstream operator would be hired to build a new system that Sabine's lawyer told the bankruptcy court would literally "wrap around" Nordheim's existing infrastructure. If Sabine gets the ruling it wants, it would immediately save the $35 million owed to Cheniere as a "deficiency fee" for failing to meet minimal volume commitments since the gathering system went into effect in September 2014. Ryan Bennett, a Kirkland & Ellis attorney representing Sabine, told Bankruptcy Judge Shelley Chapman at a February 2 hearing that Sabine had plenty of options once it shed the Cheniere contract. "Maybe we do renegotiate with Nordheim. Maybe we buy their gathering system after this is all over," he told Chapman. Nordheim, like many midstream operators, has long considered its gas gathering and transportation agreements to be nearly bankruptcy-proof. The Cheniere affiliate argued the contracts with Sabine went beyond a typical commercial agreement and transferred to Nordheim Sabine's ownership right to collect and transport the gas collected within a certain area. The midstream operator's lawyer compared it to a property deed restriction that forever limited the height of building. Such restrictions are said to "run with the land," and generally cannot be rejected in bankruptcy. Sabine's lawyers seemed to sway the judge when they countered that the contract language never transferred ownership rights, and if it did, it applied to mineral rights, not land rights. Judge Chapman did not say when she would rule but told the hearing she was "inclining" toward ruling in Sabine's favour. She encouraged the parties to reach a deal. PAIN SPREADING The infrastructure that midstream firms have built remains in high use so far, including the more than 12,000 miles of new pipelines commissioned since 2010. US oil production is expected to fall only modestly, and most analysts expect prices to rebound somewhat in coming years. Still, the pain is accruing already. Plains All American said this month that it expected a default from one unidentified customer who contracted for 10 percent of its BridgeTex pipeline, which transports crude from west Texas to the Houston area. Reuters later identified the customers as a little-known, privately held merchant called Stampede Energy. Analysts at Credit Suisse said Williams Partners could lose up to $400 million in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, or EBITDA, if Chesapeake Energy Corp, the second-largest US natural gas producer, uses creditor protection to shed its minimum volume agreements. While Chesapeake has denied any plans to file for bankruptcy, the head of the general partner of Williams took time on Thursday to explain to analysts and investors why he believed their deals were bankruptcy-proof. "We believe gathering contracts such as ours are not the type of contract that would be rejected," said Alan Armstrong, president and CEO of Williams Companies. But he also said they were following the Sabine case closely. - Reuters United Foods Company (UFC), a leading Emirati food company, has introduced new products under its flagship Aseel brand at the Gulfood 2016, currently under way in Dubai, UAE. Gulfood, an annual food and hospitality show, kicked off yesterday (February 21) and will run until February 25 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. UFC launched Aseel Trans Fat Free Ghee to offer its consumers with more healthier food options, and also extended into the Arabic traditional food market with Aseel Tahina, said a statement from the company. The companys latest products are targeted at business-to-business and business-to-consumers, it added. UFCs flagship brand Aseel is a leading ghee brand in the Middle East. Following the launch of Aseel Extra Virgin Olive Oil last year, the company has introduced the Aseel Trans Fat Free Ghee in line with its continuous efforts to bring out healthy and tasty products that effectively addresses the growing health concerns of the region, it said. The product has been developed to resonate with consumer sentiments of health and wellness. A new generation product with premium buttery flavour and significant health benefits is available in two variants which are Aseel Trans Fat Free Ghee with the goodness of Sunflower Oil and Aseel Trans Fat Free Ghee with Canola Oil rich in Omega 3 and known to be heart healthy, said the statement. Fethi Khiari, CEO, UFC, said: We are proud to mention that our company is the leading ghee brand in the UAE and other markets in the region. Aseel Ghee owns more than 70 per cent volume market share in UAE and has a strong leadership in other countries. Gulfood is global food and hospitality marketplace which will be attended by industry professionals in huge number and an ideal platform to promote our new products. We are confident of taking our company to new heights with the launch of these new products, he said. TradeArabia News Service Oman Air and Luxembourg-based Cargolux Airlines will introduce a new destination in India with two flights per week to Mumbai from March 8. The move is in line with a joint venture agreement signed by the two airlines in April of last year and follows the successful launch of joint cargo flights to Chennai. Flight CV6102 leaves Luxembourg on Tuesdays at 12.25 am and is routed via Bahrain where it arrives at 8.05 pm (all times local times). Leaving Bahrain at 10.05 pm, the flights arrival in Mumbai is scheduled for 4.05 am on Wednesdays. The return flight, CV6113 leaves Mumbai on Wednesday mornings at 06.05 am and arrives in Muscat at 07.00 am before continuing to Luxembourg where it arrives at 12.40 pm. The second service, CV6105 leaves Luxembourg on Fridays at 02.15 pm and is routed via Kuwait where it arrives at 10 pm Leaving at 11.30 pm, It arrives in Mumbai on Saturday mornings at 05.40 am and goes on to Muscat at 8 am as CV6116. Arrival in Muscat is set for 08.55 and the flight arrives back in Luxembourg on Saturdays at 14.35 pm. Abdulrahman Al Busaidy, chief operating officer of Oman Air, said: We are pleased to announce that Oman Air and Cargolux will offer a new twice-weekly cargo service between Luxembourg and Mumbai, starting from March 8. The new service builds on the success of the second frequency to Chennai that we launched together in August last year. The new service will enable us to further strengthen our presence within the Indian market. Our product advantages include the carriage of project cargo, livestock, cargo aircraft-only freight, odd size cargo, vehicles and aircraft engines. And, importantly, the new service will make an even greater contribution to the development of Oman as a global cargo hub. The Sultanates geographical location and superb infrastructure, together with the partnership between Oman Air and Cargolux, ensure that it is rapidly becoming the first choice for transportation of cargo between India, the Middle East and Europe. We are happy to see our successful cooperation extend further, adds Niek van der Weide, Cargolux executive vice president sales and marketing. Customers in Europe, as well as in Oman, have welcomed our service to India and can now enjoy our proven reliability and dedication to excellence in an even wider market. With Indias growing importance as a manufacturing nation, we see a lot of future potential and possibilities for both our companies. Oman offers an attractive geographical location with established airports, increased cargo handling facilities and newly constructed sea-ports. The agreement provides Cargolux with access to the belly capacity of Oman Airs passenger fleet, which operates to 11 destinations in India, as well as to destinations in East Africa. This gives the Luxembourg airline opportunities to feed consolidated freight to Oman from a number of larger markets. In addition, it enables Oman Air to further expand its cargo operation and build on the range of cargo initiatives and innovations the airline has introduced over recent years. TradeArabia News Service RailJet Sandwich. 1216-234 is sandwiched between two RailJet sets. I took this train to Wien Hauptbahnhof from the airport. Upon arrival the RailJet set atattched to another for the onward journey. One of the main purposes of the trip was to catch up with some of OBB's fairly elderly class 1142's. Here 1142-661 is seen at Wagram-Grafenegg with the 15:04 from Wien Franz Josefs Bahnhof to Krems an der Donau. 1063-029 shunts in the station at Krems an der Donau. 2016-030 at Krems an der Donau with the 16:23 to St Polten. 1142-658 at Linz Hauptbahnhof. The famous 'Twenty Schilling' view over the Semmering pass. A pair of OBB 1144 locos can be seen with a freight train. My smart Czeck RailJet train at Wiener Neustadt. The weather was not looking great for a day of photography in the mountains! 1142-664 leads 1144-065 across the Katle-Rinne Viaduct in a patch of sunshine. 2016-006 crosses the Viaduct with some sort of test/special coach. These locos may not be particularly noisy but it could certainly be heard making it's way up the Semmering pass! An unidentified class 1144 banks a steel train on the 'Fleischmann Bruck' viaduct. One of the older style trams on the Vienna 'inner loop'. 1144-074 and 1116-254 lead a long PKP coal train across the Krauselklause Viaduct. On the rear of the train were two further banking locomotives 1144-258 and 1144-290. 1144-087 leads 1116 -088 through the snow with an attractive front load over the Katle-Rinne Viaduct. A short trip to Austria because I could and because I had not visited properly before. Having worked now for a year on the railways it was also time to celebrate the arrival of my first set of FIP coupons. The aim was not necesarilly to score lots and lots of locos in Vienna but to have a few good runs on the Austrian network and hopefully come home with a few decent photos as well.Thursday 4th February-It was an early start for the first train to Gatwick- My EasyJet flight at 08:20 potentially cut it slightly fine but was made with ease- I was even able to enjoy a Gatwick 442 from Clapham Junction to East Croydon (perversely it didn't stop at the airport!). In another first for me I went for a big carry-on bag (as I got a suitable one for Christmas) and this turned out not to be too much faf on the plane and did ensure I was out of the airport at Vienna with the minimum of fuss.On arrival at Vienna you are very much pointed in the direction of the CAT (city airport train) to reach the centre of town, but at 13 euros single (and no FIB discount) I elected to take an equally comfortable RailJet with 1116 234 to Vienna Hauptbahnhof for an S-Bahn on to Mitte, which was near where I was staying. Had I not been bothered about traveling in comfort an S-Bahn would also have done the trip for 2.20 euro (or on FIP). Passing a large yard en-route to the city I passed the only old liveried orange loco I would see for the whole trip- a class 1142.Having dropped my bags off it was off to search for some 1142's which was the primary purpose of the trip. The line with the largest concentration of workings in the Vienna area was that to Krems an der Donau so I set off to Franz Josefs Bahnhof for the 14:05 to Krems. The station can hardly be described as nice, and certainly not photogenic! It did however provide me with some lunch and then the somewhat unexpected sight of MAV 370006 sitting on some OBB double deck stock.Shortly before departure time 1142 624 rolled in with the 14:05 to Krems which I took as far as Wagram-Grafenegg as this looked like a reasonable place to get a photo and drop back to the next train. The following train into Vienna produced 1144-059 vice a 1142 and as I didn't run fast enough back to the station from my photo spot I missed it- 50 minutes to explore this tiny village then before the next 1142 to Krems! Fortunately this all worked well as the sun re-appeared just in time for a nice picture of 1142-611 arriving- and I managed to get on the train this time for the short run to Krems. It was a quick connection, but with just enough time to photograph a railcar and 1063-029 shunting before I boarded 2016-030 on the 16:23 to St Polten. Shortly after leaving Krems diesel 2143-037 was seen on shed. I wasn't aware that these locos were still in use with OBB but it certainly looked serviceable and I also saw another example later in the week parked in the Vienna area. I'm a big fan of OBB intercity loco hauled trains, and it was one of these with 1116-093 which took me on from St Polten to Linz for dinner and a few 1142 night shots.I had a great dinner in a cafe in Linz, where the very astute waiter weirdly wished me a pleasant stay in Austria but also warned me to 'be careful- Austria is famous for it's sausage' (not quite sure what to make of that!!!). By the time I was back at Linz Hauptbahnhof for a RailJet back to my Vienna hotel it was starting to get a bit late. CD 380015 arrived shortly after I did into Vienna Hauptbhanhof with the overnight to Prague/Warsaw- it's really difficult to take photos under those LED lights!Friday 5th February-I hadn't really had many thoughts on where I was going to go around Vienna photographically in advance of the trip, and it was only a few days before flying that I started looking into locations. The Semmering pass shone out as being both close to Vienna and an area with spectacular scenery, as well as being busy for both passenger and freight trains. The only problem was the fairly infrequent local train service.After breakfast it was off to Wien Mitte to take 1144-125 the short hop to Miedling. I had woken to see some sunshine in the sky, but by the time of arrival at Miedling this was very much rain, which shortly turned to sleet. Conditions were far from ideal for photography but at least I had a small glimmer of hope that there may be some snow up in the mountains. 1216-236 was my next train with a Czeck RailJet (no wifi on these ones at the moment) to Wiener Neustadt Hbf, here I picked up a suburban train again (which I could have taken all the way on a slower journey) with 1144-106. As we started to climb into the mountains a thin layer of snow started to appear on the ground and by the time of reaching Payerbach-Reichnenua, to change onto a Talent EMU, it was clear that there would definitely be snow over Semmering. I got off the train at Breitenstien and immediately regretted my lack of planning. I hadn't seen any particularly viable photo location up to this point (or passed any freight trains) and I didn't really know where to go looking. I probably wasted an hour aimlessly wandering trying to find somewhere to shoot the trains (and throwing the occasional snowball at trees), before I headed off on a somewhat blind walk down towards the Katle-Rinne viaduct. This didn't turn out to be too far to walk (30 mins tops) and after a scramble up the mountainside I found myself level with the viaduct. What's more some freight trains started to appear and the sun even made an appearance for a few of them!I spent a good hour or so here and saw around 7 trains by which time I really felt cold. Having clambered back down the mountain I was pleased to find a path up to the Krauselklause Viaduct where I spent another hour and a half. Traffic initially had dropped off somewhat, but picked up again before I left with a total of 12 trains in this time.There wasn't another train at Breitenstein for a little while, and having realised that the RailJets stopped at Semmering I decided to commence the scenic walk there. Signposts said this was around 2:35 hours and I reckoned I could do it quicker than that, the map didn't seem to show it as much further than I had walked already. I was prepared to ignore the fact that I had found nowhere for lunch and a had just a bar of chocolate and some lemon cake left from my emergency rations from the Spar in Vienna. The walk was spectacular- especially with several inches of snow on the ground and I barely saw another soul as I went. It quickly became apparent however that the walk was going to take that full 2 1/2 hours, especially if I stopped occasionally when I found a nice view of the railway to wait for a train. Some two hours into the walk, from high up in the mountains you reach the '20 schilling' viewpoint looking right across the Semmering valley. It is a spectacular view an I clearly had to wait for a few trains here, despite becoming increasingly concerned that it would be dark before I reached Semmering! Eventually the path began to descend and I saw a welcome 'OBB' sign. This however wasn't Semmering, it was the infrequently served station before, Wolfsburgkogel, and it was definitely getting dark. Fortuitously I found a timetable and there was a train in 15 minutes- that'll save the final 30 minute walk to Semmering I thought. Sadly not. I was using UK time on my camera so of course the train had been and gone! It was definitely getting dark now and there was just enough light to get me through to Semmering, where I then had a 45 minute wait for a RailJet back to Vienna. The walk had taken me just short of 3 hours with some photo stops- but was well worth doing.The plan was to have traveled over the entire Semmering route to finish the day, but given it was dark, I had still not had lunch, and that it required a tight connection to get the last train back to Vienna I did the sensible thing and went straight back by RailJet, OBB liveried 1216-210 being provided on another Czech set. I headed to the restaurant car for some slightly disappointing sausage with ketchup and mustard- I had decided that the full meals were a bit on the pricey side unless you happened to be eating during 'happy hour'.Back in Vienna I waited for a Regional train back to Mitte, which produced 1144-125, just as the day had begun. It was then off to a very nice restaurant near the guesthouse for some well-earned Vienna Schnitzel.Passenger traffic over the Semmering route was almost exclusively RailJets (both CD and OBB examples), though I did see one northbound IC and the Talent unit which was providing the local service.Freight traffic was more varied with a mix of Taurus, 1142 and 1144 locos in use in various combinations, usually double headed, 1144's probably being the most common traction. Loco movements were common and a very small handful of trains also had banking locos on the rear.Saturday 6th February-A morning for some finishing off before heading back to the airport.I went off to explore Vienna on the trams- finding the nice 'old' style trains quite hard to come by. I completed most of the inner city 'loop' and then headed off on a route '1' tram down towards Wien Miedling, because it was an old one and I wanted a ride on it. 1116-165 took me back to Mitte for a quick dash round the city centre with my camera and a hunt to find some chocolate, having missed a photograph with orange and cream liveried 1144-117 at Wien Miedling. I had to settle for an EMU for my final journey to Hauptbahnhof (they are at least loud with opening windows) before taking my final Austrian train, an IC behind 1116-226 where I enjoyed a compartment to myself for the run to Flughaven. On the flight home I got luck in having a seat on possibly the only row of 3 in the whole plane which didn't have a middle occupant. Even better the young lady sitting in the other seat was one of the rare variety that actually spoke so we had a nice chat about Vienna and London.Conclusions- An excellent trip but obviously too short. I would like to spend some more time in Austria when not limited quite so much by the short days. Having said that seeing some snow up in the Semmering pass was fantastic and I would definitely like to re-visit this line again. There is plenty of loco-hauled action in this country and while I didn't see a lot away from Semmering must be a fair quantity of freight traffic also. About us transpress nz An international retailer of books, magazines, DVDs and postcards since 1985 and publisher of them since 1988 based primarily in Wellington, New Zealand. Comments on blog posts are welcome, but spam solely intended to promote your website will not be published. Any comments that contain embedded hyperlinks to websites other than blogspot are automatically discarded as spam. We do not publish unsolicited book or video reviews. You are welcome to make non-commercial web use of pictures on here provided you link back to us. View my complete profile All at Sea: stories of New Zealand seafarers NZR Memorabilia Voyage to Gallipoli Blog Archive Amber Bermudez remembers seeing the pickup truck run the red light, slamming on her cars horn and hearing the ear-splitting crash. And she remembers the words of the paramedic as she frantically tried getting to her 3-year-old son. Who installed your sons car seat? he asked. Bermudez, 25, felt her heart sink. I did, she replied. You saved his life, the paramedic responded. You did everything properly. Your son is not hurt, hes fine. Hes perfectly fine. Bermudez burst into tears of relief. The accident scene was a mess of broken glass and tangled metal. Bermudez could not move. Her back had locked up and her wrist and hand had been crushed. Her mother, in the passenger seat, was pinned against the dashboard, and her husband, in the back seat, had a severely injured arm. All three adults had to go to the hospital, but 3-year-old Luis, firmly strapped in a rear-facing car seat, was unscathed. Not all children in car seats go uninjured when theres a crash. A federal study released in May found installation errors in 46 percent of car and booster seats being used for infants and children ages birth through 8. Other experts place the misuse even higher. In my personal experience as a car-seat technician, I see maybe two in 10 that are correctly installed, said Officer Danny Peralta, who is the car-seat coordinator for the Tucson Police Department. Three months before the crash, Bermudez had taken a car-seat safety course after watching a Kristis Kids segment on KVOA News Channel 4. The class was funded by the Governors Office of Highway Safety in a partnership with Tucson police and Tucson Medical Center. Bermudez receive a free car seat when she completed the class and installed it herself. Peralta was her instructor. Peralta has been to numerous traffic collisions where infants and children were injured because of improperly installed car seats. He remembers one where a child died. If it had been installed correctly, it could have prevented the death, he said. Some of the common mistakes he sees are car seats that are too loose or are not suited to the childs height and weight. I have seen a lot of older children in seats designed for infants, he said. Peralta said parents dont have to spend $300 to get a good car seat all are assessed for safety the same way. But parents should never get a car seat thats secondhand, and they should always check to make sure the one they own has not been recalled, said Valerie Vinyard of AAA Arizona in metro Tucson. Anyone who wants to see whether their car seat has been recalled should go to safekids.org Vinyard, who is a certified child-passenger safety technician, says toys and other items that parents sometimes attach to car seats, as well as items like computer tablets and books that are loose in the car, can become extremely dangerous to children during a crash. A 10-pound gym bag can be like a refrigerator at 35 miles per hour, she said. One problem she sees is car seats that are too loose they should never move more than an inch. Bermudez said she installed her car seat after taking Peraltas course and learned that she shouldnt be using both the seat belt and the LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system to install a car seat. Its considered best practice to use either one or the other, but not both. Bermudez uses the LATCH system only. And Peralta said Bermudez was smart to keep Luis rear-facing, something she also learned in his class. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants ride rear-facing, starting with their first ride home from the hospital. Also, all infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat until they are at least 2 years old or, preferably, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car-seat manufacturer, pediatricians say. Most convertible seats allow 30 to 40 pounds. Luis is 30 pounds and well within the weight limit on his seat. Keeping a child rear-facing as long as possible helps protect childrens heads, necks and spines in a crash as they cocoon into their seat, said Kimberly Romo of Tucson Medical Center. Bermudez recently had her right hand and wrist reconstructed, and both her husband and mother continue to recover from their injuries. My husbands arm was broken so badly they needed a metal plate to fix it. It snapped completely in half, she said. My mom had nerve damage and she still has a lot of trouble walking. But she was so grateful that Luis was unscathed that about a week after the Dec. 1 crash she tracked down Peralta to thank him. It was completely rewarding to know that the service I provided helped saved the life of a young child, Peralta said. To hear Amber say those words to me on the phone solidified the exact reason I became a police officer. DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. Only the sounds of muffled weeps can be heard in the chapel. Six Airmen remain sharp, crisp, and motionless while they wait for their queue to begin. The funeral director gives a nod and the team begins to walk slowly to the front. The command halt is called, centering them on the urn. The team faces one another and begins to fold a flag. Once it is folded, the Airmen disband to their designated areas. Performing flag folding ceremonies at funerals is one of many jobs the D-M Honor Guard Team performs. "Our main mission is to provide military funeral honors for members of the Air Force or its predecessors," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Troy Agustin, 355th Force Support Squadron honor guard superintendent. "It's also part of our customs and traditions to support retirements to show our appreciation for the retiree's multiple years of service." The base honor guard's area of responsibility is 49,602 square miles. "We cover all of Tucson, to the border of New Mexico, west to Ajo Arizona, and south to the border of Mexico," Agustin said. The team completes an average of 40 details per month and 60 details during their busier months; July, September and November. "I try to equally disperse the details," Agustin said. "Each member can expect to complete around 70 details for their entire contract." The contract locks in an Airman for six months of honor guard duty over the span of a year. Most members will alternate months between honor guard and their primary work center. When not at a detail, the Airmen are in their training room perfecting their skills. "They are in here training for seven to eight hours a day, and if they aren't in here or at a detail, then we are at the gym," Agustin said. As honor guardsmen, the Airmen are held to a higher standard. "We uphold ourselves to that standard based on how we conduct ourselves at work and in the community, also by how we dress," said Senior Airman Iiae Hess, D-M Honor Guard flight sergeant. "We take the time at home or come to work early to ensure our uniforms are pressed and our hats are blocked." As an incentive to work harder each month, Agustin gathers the team's flight sergeant, trainers and the NCO in charge to discuss who earned Honor Guardsman of the Month. "By earning Honor Guardsman of the Month, the Airmen can receive the Air Force Achievement medal," Agustin said. "Once selected for the month, they compete for the quarter and then the year." The Airmen can also earn the medal by becoming the flight sergeant or a trainer. No matter how much the Airmen train themselves and prepare, there will always be challenging times during a detail. "My most memorable detail was when I first got here. It was an active duty funeral and I had to hand the flag off to the Airman's wife and two sons, who were three and two years old," Agustin said. "It got me very emotional because I have a daughter of my own." At the end of each day, the honor guardsmen gather in a circle to recite the Honor Guard Creed, which begins as a reminder that they represent all Air Force members. DOUGLAS The barren, dusty dirt road just west of the port of entry here became a temporary church Sunday. Hundreds of people gathered for a special Mass performed simultaneously on both sides of the border fence in the sister cities of Douglas and Agua Prieta, Son. Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, of the Diocese of Tucson, and Bishop Jose Leopoldo Gonzalez Gonzalez, of Nogales, Son., crossed the border to perform the service together in each others dioceses. Bishop Jose Leopoldo and I are brothers, bishops next door to each other, Kicanas said. And our people are neighbors and family as well. So thats what we want to celebrate today. Despite the wall, we share a common faith. Gonzalez, who became the bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Nogales nine months ago, says connections across borders are nothing new, but demonstrate the unity of the church. Its a symbol that in the church there are no barriers, Gonzalez said. There are no lines. There are no borders. We are one. The Mass was a powerful message about building bridges, said Sister Gladys Echenique, the Diocese without Borders representative from Tucson. "Did you see when the Bishops held hands through the fence?" she asked. "It was just so beautiful." People in Douglas and Agua Prieta circled around the bishops, standing or setting up folding chairs under the shadow of the border fence and holding umbrellas to stay cool in the desert sun. Julio and Evelia Diaz, of Douglas, said they came to show their support for the diocese and immigrants. To show them that we care for the migrants, Julio Diaz said. Im not in favor of all this Trump businesses. The Diocese without Borders organized the event.The group which has representatives from the Tucson, Phoenix, Hermosillo and Nogales dioceses launched in 2001 to bring solidarity across the border. The relaxed smiles in a 2005 Minarik family photo taken in Hawaii were, in retrospect, the calm before a storm of illness to come. Mary Kay Minarik Bush chose Hawaii in part because she knew that her middle child, Beth Minarik, liked the beach. Mary Kay wanted a place the whole family could enjoy. Somewhere deep in the back of her mind, Mary Kay suspected something might be wrong with Beth, who had recently moved back to Tucson from Denver. Her daughter hadnt given a reason for moving home after just two years in Colorado, where shed relocated to be closer to friends. By all accounts, shed loved it there. She lived downtown, rode her bike everywhere and had a good job teaching high school. I think she came back from Denver because she thought something was wrong, her mother said. She had to have felt it. But it wasnt evident on the Hawaii trip, which Mary Kay paid for. After her husband Smitty Minarik died of Alzheimers disease at the age of 51, she was able to get the familys finances on track, selling some of the real estate that Smittys father had left to them. Smittys mother had died in a sanitarium in Phoenix at the age of 46. Its now assumed she had Alzheimers disease, too. The disease is rampant in the Minarik family. Anyone whose parent had the mutation that causes early onset familial Alzheimers disease has a 50-50 chance of having it, too. And virtually everyone with the mutation will get dementia, usually in their 40s. In the worst possible roll of genetic dice, all three of Mary Kay and Smittys three children inherited the mutation. Gingerbread homes and warm memories Born in 1963, the middle of the three Minarik children, Beth was the first to get sick and the first to die. She was self-confident, romantic and a daddys girl. When she bought a house on Tucsons east side, she found the gate code easy to remember because it was 3335. Like her dad, she saw the number three as a way to say I love you. And five was for the Minariks Mary Kay, Smitty, Cheryl, Beth and Steve. She loved to have her nieces over for girls nights sleepovers at her house, where every Christmas shed made a gingerbread house that was the definition of sophisticated perfection. She was my favorite aunt, Krista Baril Buelna said. She was all glamour. Always physically fit, Beth was a competitive swimmer who showed her strength in her favorite event the butterfly. When she became a teacher, she helped a group of students from Pueblo High School fundraise and then took them to Greece, to take them out of their comfort zone, she told her family. She started a swim team at Pueblo when she found out the low-income school didnt have one. When several students said they were interested but couldnt swim, she taught them how. She also taught at Tucson High and Doolen Middle School. Desperate search leADS to neurologist A few months after the family returned from Hawaii, Beths duties at Tucson High switched from teaching physical education to teaching health, a position that required more paperwork. Thats when things began to unravel. She asked me to help her correct papers and she opened her car trunk and these tests were all over the place, her mother said. She told me she was hearing comments that they were going to fire her. Beth had become forgetful. Then she accused a close friend of stealing her purse and called the police. It was increasingly apparent something was wrong. Administrators at Tucson High placed Beth on assignment to home and referred her to a doctor. The first evaluation did not go well and neither did subsequent doctors visits. I remember a lot of fights, Mary Kay said. Beth started carrying a butcher knife in her purse and put a lock on her bedroom door. Desperate for help, Mary Kay contacted the Pima Council on Aging, and officials there connected her with a nurse at Tucson Medical Center. The nurse told her the person she needed to see was University of Arizona neurologist Dr. Geoffrey L. Ahern. By that time, genetic testing for mutations that cause hereditary Alzheimers was available. On March 1, 2006, a blood test confirmed Beth had a disease-causing mutation. For the first time, the Minarik familys gene mutation was identified Presenilin 1, codon 173, nucleotide position 519, DNA variant 1, with a specific amino acid change from leucine to phenylalanine. Ahern gave Beth a diagnosis: autosomal dominant Alzheimers disease from a Presenilin 1 (PSEN1) mutation. She was 42 years old. In cases like this, the genetic code is misspelled, said Dr. Pierre Tariot, a geriatric psychiatrist who is director of the Banner Alzheimers Institute in Phoenix. If have a mutation such as this, you are virtually certain to experience early-onset Alzheimers disease. A weeping woman walks the streets Like her dad, Beth never talked about Alzheimers disease. But unlike him, she did not implicitly trust Mary Kay. Sometimes she turned her frustration on her mother. She lived on her own for a few years, but eventually failed to pay her mortgage and other bills, and would put random household items in her car and drive around Tucson. When Mary Kay offered to build her daughter a casita on her property, Beth agreed and helped design it. But on the day she was supposed to move in, she locked herself in her house. She never accepted being in the casita and would not let me sell her house and it was a really good market. But I couldnt sell it without power of attorney, Mary Kay said. Beth starting having panic attacks and got lost frequently. She stopped putting sheets on her bed and began sleeping on a bare mattress on the floor. Mary Kay went over one day and there was blood all over the mattress and the house. Beths disease was affecting her ability to use feminine hygiene products for her periods. The neighbors called Mary Kay to say Beth was walking up and down the streets of her gated community, crying. She threatened a neighbor and then scared her mother so badly that Mary Kay locked herself in a room and called Mark and Cheryl for help. young and strong and disruptive Mary Kay contacted a lawyer, who advised her that since Beth was a danger to herself and others, her mother needed to act. Mary Kay called police, got a neighbor to assure Beth that shed look after her Weimeraner, Tango, and had Beth admitted to the psychiatric unit at Banner University Medical Center South, then called Kino Hospital. Mary Kay got conservatorship and power of attorney so that she could sell Beths house and handle her finances and medical care. Beth lived with her after getting out of the hospital, but she grew combative. Her beloved niece Krista, living with Mary Kay part time while her husband worked in Ajo, became fearful of Beth. Thats when Terri Waldman got involved. Waldman at the time was executive director of Pacifica, a 70-bed assisted-living memory care facility comprising five cottages with 14 people in each one. Since Beth was younger than most people with Alzheimers disease, a lot of facilities wouldnt take her. Waldman said she would. It was a risk because she was young and strong, said Waldman, who is now the geropsych director at Tucson Medical Center. I felt we could manage her with a team approach we contracted with a geriatric psychiatrist to find the best and safest environment for her. Beth did well at Pacifica, but her youth posed a challenge. She would go in and out of the cottages slamming the doors and running very fast. The average age was 77 so to have a 48-year-old yelling loudly and slamming doors it was not hurting anybody but most people would want to stop it, Waldman said. She stayed for 3 years at a cost of more than $200,000 $5,000 a month plus prescriptions and diapers. By the time Mary Kay tried to get her daughter long-term-care insurance, her symptoms had progressed and Beth was denied. Mary Kay was able to pay for Beths care with a combination of Beths disability and Social Security payments, her savings and proceeds from the sale of her house. Eventually, Beth began having trouble walking and feeding herself. One day she could do neither. She needed a wheelchair and soon began sliding out of it. At that point, Mary Kay put a hospital bed in her guest room and brought Beth home. Beth lived for another month. In her final days, she had a seizure and fluid began building up in her lungs. She could no longer make eye contact. The person we cared for wasnt there anymore, Mary Kay said. Her body was just doing what it automatically does it was breathing as long as it could. Beth died on April 1, 2014. She was 50. By then, Beths siblings Steve and Cheryl had both been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. Francis Owen Holaway Elementary School in the Amphitheater School District won a gold award in an improvement initiative for schools with low-income and minority-intensive populations to overcome obstacles. Beat the Odds is a multi-year school improvement program based on establishing a clear bottom line, conducting ongoing assessments, strong and steady principals, collaborative solutions, sticking with the program and customizing instruction and intervention. It is an initiative of the Center for the Future of Arizona, an organization that advocates for equity in education. Student performance at Holaway went from a D grade in 2012 to a B in 2013. Six other Arizona schools won gold awards in the Beat the Odds initiative. Holaway, which is led by Principal Chris Gutierrez, was the only Tucson school to be chosen. Basis North teams head to MathCounts A team of students from Basis Tucson North is preparing to test its skills in the state MathCounts competition next month. The team of Tom George, Michael Zhang, Joseph Wang, Emmanuel Zerefa, Aravind Ramaswami, Dakota Koukhamsay, William Allen, Michael Wang and Anunth Ramaswami took first place in the Southern Arizona chapter contest Feb. 6. MathCounts is a national middle-school program that promotes math achievement through a series of bee style contests. Estes Elementary gets new leader Colleen Frederick has been named the new principal of Estes Elementary School. The Marana Unified School District Governing Board unanimously approved the appointment earlier this month. Frederick currently serves as the schools associate principal and has been at Estes since 2000. She will step into her new position on July 1. Foundation seeks top teachers, librarians The Educational Enrichment Foundation is seeking nominations for outstanding K-3 teachers and librarians in the Tucson Unified School District. Candidates for the Evelyn Jay Excellence in Education Awards must inspire a lifelong love of reading and books. First place is a $1,500 cash award plus $600 for classroom reading materials. Two honorable mention awards will also be handed out, worth $750 each plus $600 for classroom reading materials. The deadline for nominations is April 4. For more information, go to eeftucson.org/evelynjay.html The Arizona Department of Transportation brought its roads show to Tucson last week, gathering input about long-term transportation plans. The ideas could find a place in ADOTs upcoming Long-Range Transportation Plan, which sets goals, provides direction and establishes benchmarks in transportation planning. Asking the people who fund government activities how they expect their money to be spent is a good idea, especially on a vital function like transportation. But there are also some drawbacks to involving the public in planning and policy-making. For last weeks meeting, ADOT officials divided participants into four groups. Each group was tasked with discussing various scenarios, including momentum, global chaos, technology and leaving a gentle footprint. Each of these groups was to discuss five overarching topic areas as they relate to the four scenarios: the economy, technology, politics, society and the environment. Similar to events held across the state, the object was to establish some goals high-altitude stuff rather than specific projects. Some productive comments came from these discussions. A few that stand out were the need to recognize the importance of transportation networks in terms of economic development. As one workshop participant said, transportation is the lifeblood of the economy. You dont have to look too far to see this in action. Just take a drive down Tucsons interstates and start counting the semis carrying goods across the country. Theres so many youll quickly lose count. Pima Countys effort to gain federal funding to build the Sonoran Corridor connection between Interstates 10 and 19 speaks to the same issue of transportations role in the economy. County officials have made expansion of the transportation network the key aspect of an economic-development plan. Thats because some county leaders see the proposed highway south of the airport as a prime location for import, logistics, manufacturing and defense-industry development. Another point made at the meeting was about funding. A participant observed that it wont matter what the vision and goals for the states transportation network become if there isnt money to pay for them. The Legislature hasnt increased the gas tax since the early 1990s. On top of that, transportation-funding programs such as the states Local Transportation Assistance Fund, which was funded through lottery sales, have been cut or eliminated. Other hits to transportation funding have come over the years as gas taxes through the Highway User Revenue Fund got diverted to other state departments and to balance the states general fund. Some of the discussions wandered into the area of walkable communities. A participant noted many Northeastern cities have developed close, urban cores that make life easy for pedestrians. Walkable communities are important, for sure. But Im uncertain what exactly ADOT can do about that. Creating urban cores is more of a local zoning issue, not a state highway planning matter. Other discussions focused on water usage and shortages. Exercises like the one last week expose the need to find the balance between public involvement and allowing the experts weve tasked with running government agencies to do their jobs. If we cede all the power to bureaucrats, conflict and controversy will plague every decision. Excessive public process, however, empowers the single-issue activists, NIMBYs and interest groups of all stripes. Theres an adage that says a camel is a horse designed by committee. Lets hope ADOT isnt forced to make a camel out of this long-range plan. For more information and to comment go to http://azdot.gov/planning/CurrentStudies/state-long-range-transportation-plan/overview Down the road Beginning Monday, city contractors plan to begin improvements to the Tanque Verde Road-Wilmot Road-Pima Street intersection. Work hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Work includes addition of a second left-turn lane on northbound Wilmot to westbound Pima. Additionally, the two triangular islands on the west side of the intersection will be removed and Pima will be reconfigured to accommodate the two lanes of traffic. Pima eastbound will have two designated left-turn lanes and one right-turn lane. Surface improvements also will be made. Two lanes will remain open in each direction on Wilmot and Tanque Verde during construction. Just one lane in each direction will remain open on Pima. The project is scheduled to be complete in about 60 days. Reader question A reader asked about east-side work on the loop along the Pantano Wash between Speedway and Broadway. The reader wants to know when a connection on the east side will be completed. Pima County officials told Road Runner that construction is underway and a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge is in place. The work is expected to wrap up sometime in March. Cheryl Minarik Baril would have made a great politician. She is an extrovert and a hugger. She adores children. By the time she was 6, Cheryl would greet strangers with a smile, say hello and stick out her hand for a handshake, just like her politically savvy grandfather, Frank Minarik. Now, her four adult kids use words like vivacious and charismatic to describe her. Cheryl, born in 1960, is the eldest of three siblings. She is the only one still alive. Her brother and sister like their father, their grandmother and their great-grandmother died of early-onset familial Alzheimers disease. Everyone in their gene pool has a 50-50 chance of inheriting the mutation that causes it, and and those with the mutation are virtually guaranteed to get the disease, probably in their 40s. I am lucky. I have lived a long time, longer than the others, she said recently. It is kind of scary. At 55, Cheryl has been living with Alzheimers for nearly eight years officially. Her family suspects the drugs she takes for rheumatoid arthritis may have a suppressive effect on her Alzheimers, although no scientific evidence backs that up. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease., and one theory is that Alzheimers has an inflammatory component as well. Its possible that powerful agents like methotrexate or Enbrel may have held back Cheryls Alzheimers, said Dr. Geoffrey L. Ahern, her neurologist at Banner-University Medical Center Tucson. But it could be the other way around Ahern said people with rheumatoid arthritis seem to have a lower incidence of Alzheimers. There may be something about rheumatoid arthritis that is inimical to Alzheimers, he said. Wink and a marriage It is not apparent at first that Cheryl has Alzheimers disease. Only after she repeats things and asks the same questions, sometimes three or four times, does it become obvious that her short-term memory is severely impaired. Its common for people with Alzheimers to believe they are living in their long-term memories. Theyll think people who are long dead are still alive. Thats not Cheryl. Her long-term memories are intact, and so is her sense that they are memories and not her current life. She knows that both her siblings, Beth and Steve, have died from Alzheimers disease. She remembers precise details from her youth, including the moment when she met her husband, Mark Baril. They were both students at Northern Arizona University. Mark was studying engineering and Cheryl, who had recently broken off an engagement, was studying sociology. They were at a Campus Crusade for Christ retreat. Mark, who is 6-foot-4, was playing guitar and Cheryl winked at him. More than once. Id never had a girl do that before, Mark said. She decided shed found the boy she was going to marry, unbeknownst to me. They were opposites. Mark is an introvert, logical and good with details. Cheryl loves being around people, being on the move. Those differences took some getting used to for both of them. Four children When they began dating, Mark was aware that Cheryls dad, Smitty, was sick, but no one understood yet the magnitude of disease that had gripped the Minarik family. Cheryl wanted children and Mark, who is one of 10 kids, wanted the same. Krista was born in 1983, Kyle in 1986, Derek in 1989 and Kaila in 1992. Cheryl home-schooled them for nine years, helped lead a local association of homeschooling parents, and was later president of the Parent Association Committee at Desert Christian High School, which her kids attended. Full of energy, she loved to clean and organize. In her spare time she cleaned houses to earn extra money. When her oldest son, Kyle, was a high school freshman, Cheryl did a few things that, in retrospect, might have been early signs of Alzheimers. She sometimes forgot to pick up Kyle from school, and when the family would give her a list of what to buy at the grocery store, shed come back without the groceries theyd requested but with many items they didnt need. Concerned about her forgetfulness, Cheryl began taking vitamin B12 and started writing everything she needed to do in a daily planner. But the memory lapses persisted. In 2007, a little more than a year after her younger sister Beth was diagnosed with Alzheimers, Cheryl and Mark visited Dr. Ahern, the neurologist who had treated Beth. She was 46 years old. Not the mom they knew Though Cheryl was not officially diagnosed through a blood test for another year, after that first visit with Ahern they knew it was Alzheimers. We had a family meeting and it was traumatic, Mark said. The whole family went on a trip to Mission Bay in San Diego. They decided the best way to handle the diagnosis was to come together, and thats what theyve tried to do ever since. But there have been struggles. I took on a lot of responsibility in high school, said Kaila, the youngest. Watching Beth and Cheryls brother Steve decline, the Barils expected Cheryl to follow the same course. Steve was diagnosed two years after Cheryl, but his symptoms progressed quickly by comparison. He died six years after his diagnosis. Cheryls illness stayed at bay for a long time. When her grandmother died in 2012, Cheryls mother Mary Kay wrote a eulogy and asked the minister to read it. Cheryl insisted that she would read it and she did. Mark stood behind her but she didnt need his help. She was completely articulate, Kyle said. It was flawless. But she is not the same mother her children grew up with. The chatty, bright person that was once my mother; the woman who could make a grouch smile with ease, has begun to fade, Derek Baril, 26, wrote a few years ago in an essay about his mother, My Inheritance. It is written from Kailas point of view but speaks to what hes experienced, too. It is as if her sharp tasting personality has been heavily watered down, and the process has taken a toll on her spirits as well as ours, he wrote of Cheryl. Sometimes it is difficult to recall who she was before the disease, and indeed, the battle of loving her and hating the disease is constant. During those moments when my patience does wear thin, it is easy to be tricked into channeling my frustration at my mother. I am going to die The changes in Cheryl are accelerating. Mark, who works from home, no longer leaves his wife alone. Her balance is off, as is her hand control. She makes jerking motions, caused by multiple neurons firing at once. Eating on her own is getting difficult. Cheryl spends a lot of time with Mary Kay, with Mary Kays friends, and also with her own close friends a group of women shes known since the 1980s. At her last appointment with neurologist Ahern, her performance on her annual Mini Mental State Exam dropped significantly for the first time. The test, among other things, asks the patient to count backwards, spell backwards, recall words, read, write and copy a drawing of intersecting pentagons. Mary Kay brings Cheryl to her weekly game mornings at Immanuel Presbyterian Church. Cheryl doesnt play, but goes from table to table socializing. She walks a lot and doesnt like sitting for long. Her attention span for movies and television shows has waned. She is an open book, always interested in talking about hope for treatments and cures for Alzheimers. Shell ask Mark about her condition, whether its worse than before, and she accepts whatever he says. They still look at one another with the knowing recognition of romantic love. I have accepted that I am going to die, she said. But I want something in place for my kids and my grandbabies, my beautiful grandbabies. Mark recently told her that people with Alzheimers can get suspicious and hoard things they like. Sometimes you do that, like with candy, because you like candy, he said. Cheryl looked at him, nodded, and smiled. Then she laughed. I guess I would do that with candy, she said. Like her father, Cheryl doesnt complain about being sick, has complete trust in her spouse, and is almost always smiling. She used to love to drive up Mount Lemmon when her kids were younger. One of the last times she drove, a policeman pulled her over. She told him she had Alzheimers and asked him to call her mother. She doesnt drive anymore. Laughter rings Mark has a favorite line from the film The Shawshank Redemption: Get busy living or get busy dying. He says the family gets strength from their belief in God. They also rely on one another and on the support they receive from Calvary Chapel, which Mark and Cheryl attend, and from Mary Kays church. Its really important were not going through this alone, he said. Thats what true love for one another is. It is a huge blessing to have a support system. It would be easy to get lost in the pain, to be consumed by anger. They choose not to. Go to any of their family gatherings and its nearly impossible not to hear laughter. You can feel sorry for yourself, but everyone has something. Our kids have friends who have already lost a mom or dad, Mark said. We feel fortunate. We are not a sad family. OPINION: "Pima Community College belongs to the entire Tucson community. The governing board is the communitys way to hold the college accountable and to steer the institution toward best serving the greatest number of people. Help secure the brightest future for our community college and join us in supporting Theresa Riel for the District 2 seat on the PCC Governing Board," writes Makyla Hays, president of the Pima Community College Education Association. PHOENIX Dreamers are here legally and entitled to the same lower tuition as other Arizona residents, an attorney for the states largest community college system is arguing. Mary OGrady is asking the state Court of Appeals to dismiss a claim by state Attorney General Mark Brnovich that the Maricopa Community College District is violating a voter-approved law that says only legal residents get in-state tuition. She told the judges that the decision by the Obama administration to allow Dreamers undocumented immigrants brought here as children to stay and work means they qualify. While this case involves only the Maricopa system, what the courts ultimately decide will affect the policies of community colleges statewide. And it also will determine the legality of what the Arizona Board of Regents has done in offering in-state tuition to Dreamers at the three state universities. Central to the fight is a 2006 ballot measure that limits in-state tuition to citizens and legal residents. It also denies waivers of tuition or fees, grants, scholarships, financial aid, tuition assistance or any other type of financial assistance that is subsidized or paid in whole or in part with state monies to those who are in the country without lawful immigration status. Despite that, the Maricopa system board decided to grant resident tuition at its 10 colleges, two skill centers and several education centers to Dreamers those accepted into the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Pima Community College in Tucson also grants DACA recipients in-state tuition. That allows people who arrived in this country illegally as children to remain without fear of deportation if they meet other conditions, a process that gets reviewed every two years. They also are issued Employment Authorization Documents allowing them to work legally. In 2014, Tom Horne, then the state attorney general, filed suit to have the colleges policy voided. He said that DACA, which is simply a policy decision of the administration, does not mean the students are lawfully present, as the 2006 law requires. A trial judge ruled against the state. And now Brnovich, Hornes successor, is attempting to get the appellate court to rule otherwise. But OGrady, in new filings, said the attorney generals arguments miss several crucial points. One, she said, is that after the 2006 ballot measure was approved, there was some uncertainty about how state and local agencies and governments should determine who is in the country legally. The result, OGrady said, was a new law which said an agency may rely on a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment authorization document as sufficient for demonstrating lawful presence in the United States. DACA recipients get such documents. OGrady conceded that DACA does not provide a particular immigration status for those in the program. Nor does it create a path to citizenship. But she quoted federal documents that say a DACA recipient is not considered to be unlawfully present and that such a person is authorized ... to be present in the United States. As a matter of federal law, a DACA recipient is lawfully present, she told the judges. And as a matter of Arizona law, MCCCD (the Maricopa district) may rely on an employment authorization document to verify lawful presence. And she said that means Arizona did not need a special law to give DACA recipients the lower rate. OGrady already has won the first round. In a ruling last year, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Arthur Anderson rejected the states argument that DACA recipients are ineligible for in-state tuition. Anderson said the Department of Homeland Security considers DACA recipients to be here legally. And he specifically cited the Employment Authorization Documents permitting them to work, pointing out that state law says these are permissible identification for certain benefits. The state cannot establish subcategories of lawful presence, picking and choosing when it will consider DACA recipients lawfully present and when it will not, the judge wrote. Anderson also pointed out that the 2006 law failed to define the terms citizen, legal resident and lawful immigration status. But the judge said the way he reads federal law as well as the voter-approved measure, the exclusion from in-state status applies only to those who are not lawfully present. Thats not up to the state to determine, he wrote. Federal law, not state law, determines who is lawfully present in the U.S. The amount of money at issue is significant, at least for the individuals involved. In the Maricopa college system, a student seeking an associate degree would save about $13,800 by being granted in-state status. DACA recipients at PCC pay the in-state rate of $75.50 per credit hour for basic courses there are higher fees for some programs which translates to $4,530 for someone seeking an associate degree. One of the best producers of copper in Northern Arizona was the Grand Gulch Mine, located on the edge of the Grand Wash Cliffs in the western part of the Arizona Strip. This remote desert region north of the Grand Canyon, while within Arizona, has historically served as an extension of Mormon settlement in southern Utah. A member of the Shivwits band of Paiute Indians told Samuel L. Adams, Joe Cunningham and Richard Bentley about a vein of rich copper ore running as high as fifty percent. In 1874, they journeyed in from St. George, Utah, to northwestern Arizona to work what would become known as the Adams Lode, or Grand Gulch Mine, in the Bentley Mining District. Adams, a local blacksmith, took the greatest initiative in registering the claim, spending $100 a year on labor and materials with which to improve the mine as stipulated by federal law. Pigeon Spring, located 8 miles east of the mine, supplied the camp with water. Lumber from pine trees cut on the Shivwits Plateau was milled at Oak Grove and shipped to the mine. A 40-pound mass of copper impregnated with silver from the mine was given to Brigham Young, president of the LDS church. A stone and adobe-brick smelter was erected in 1878. It was overseen by the Grand Gulch Copper Mining Co., which incorporated at St. George by Adams and Bentley on September 15, 1874. By 1881, several tons of copper bullion had been extracted from the mine. The ore included azurite, malachite and chalcocite. There were also small amounts of silver, some of which amounted to 16 ounces per ton. Ore was shipped from the mine to St. George and then on to Milford, Utah, the nearest railhead. It was then taken by the Utah Central Railroad to Salt Lake City. There it was sold to Pope, Cole & Co., a Baltimore copper refiner, for 14.5 cents a pound. Rising shipping expenses caused the mine to close in 1882. As a result, the 21 acres of patented land then known as the Adams Mine was sold for delinquent taxes and redeemed by C.C. Bradley. The Jennings brothers, who lived in Salt Lake City, acquired the majority of the mines shares, and reopened in 1899. Several structures, including a powder house, blacksmith shop and bunkhouses were built on-site during the next decade. In 1905, a 40-mile road was created to reduce haulage costs to the St. Thomas, Nevada, railroad. Freighting outfits included up to 10 horses, hauling between 8 to 12 tons of ore valued at $13.50 per ton. Nearby mining operations included the Savanic Mine, or Bronzell Mine, operated by Harry Gentry and Levi Syphus of St. Thomas. Nevada, which produced more than $2 million pounds of copper between 1906 and 1919. The Grand Gulch Mine averaged 17 employees, gradually increasing to 75 by 1916. Most of the laborers came from St. George, Utah. The principal shaft encompassing several levels went 500 feet in depth and produced 4.5 million pounds of copper during its operation. It closed in 1919 due to a fall in the price of copper, coupled with a depletion of the mines ore reserves. Subsequent attempts to work the ore dumps proved marginal, with ore hauled for processing to Hurricane, Utah. A Fairbanks-Morse truck was used to haul ore. However, it later proved inadequate because its wheels would sink into the sand. According to the Bureau of Mines, the mine shipped 15,701 tons of ore between 1901 and 1951, which included 6.6 million pounds of copper, along with 24,349 ounces of silver and 715 pounds of lead. Though in private ownership today, the mine encompasses part of the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, which is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service. Help India! By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter, Latur (Maharashtra): The family of a Muslim policeman who was beaten up badly and paraded in the streets by a mob in Latur District of Maharashtra is under a tremendous trauma and is demanding strong action against the mob. Support TwoCircles On Friday ASI Shaikh Yunus Pashamiya, 56, was beaten up by 200 men after he opposed a group from tying saffron flag in Ambedkar Chauk sighting superior officers orders of not allowing flags in sensitive areas after which he was beaten up badly and asked to hold saffron flag, parade and dance. Dyaneshwar Chavan, Superintendent of Police from Latur visited Pashamiya on Saturday and assured the family of stern action against the perpetrators. However there is no official communique from police on any arresting or detention. Pashamiya is a resident of Udgir which is 50 KM away from Renapur town where he is stationed on duty. On the occasion of Shivajis birth anniversary on Friday he was deployed to Pangaon police chauki along with ASI K Awaskar when the incident took place. He has two sons and three daughters. His family lives in Udgir and he used to stay alone in Renapur. Once in a week he would visit home at Udgir. Imran Shaikh, 26, son of Pashamiya broke down while speaking with TwoCircles.net and said, We are completely shocked. My father is a simple and calm person. How can people beat a person like him who is elderly? Imran is employed in a company at Pune and he left for Latur once he was informed of the unruly incidence. If people in uniform are treated like this then what will happen with us? he questioned. He said his father, who is not able to move from bed told him how he was beaten, paraded, his beard was grabbed and how he was asked to raise slogans Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji. He is so much scared that he is still experiencing the same environment. 10 stiches are applied to his head and his whole body was beaten with sticks. Once he recuperates we shall take him to home, Imran said. He says the town is a strong hold of Maratha that has only ten percent Muslim population and riots had taken place here for couple of times. He was on duty in Renapur but was asked to go to Pangaon for bandobast. There were only two policemen at the chauki in Pangaon. He should not have been sent to already sensitive town by superiors considering a fact that it was riot prone and he is a Muslim, he says. On questioning if security is provided to him at hospital, he said, There is no security here and possibility cannot be discarded of repeat of the attack. Even after repeated calls SP could not be reached for comment on the incidence or status of investigation. Related: Muslim policeman at duty beaten up and paraded in Maharashtra Help India! By TCN News, New Delhi: The JNU campus was enlighten on Sunday night when Umar Khalid, an accused of raising anti-national slogans, returned to the university along with four other absconding students. Support TwoCircles A large number of students had gathered outside the administrative block and shouted slogans in support for Umar Khalid and others. In his 14 minutes speech Khalid criticized media and government for brandishing him as a terrorist. In the last seven years in campus I never felt I was a Muslim and in last 10 days I was made to feel, I was a Muslim. I am Umar Khalid and Im not a terrorist, said Khalid, who fled the campus after the incident. Khalid told the gathering: No, I did not make any calls to Kashmir or the Gulf (as was reported by a section of the media). I know what my parents and sisters went through. I saw the filthy threats on my sisters Facebook wall. They would say Bharat Mata ki jai. It reminded me of how nuns were raped in Kandhamal by goons who said Bharat Mata ki jai. Talking on the allegations of raising anti-national slogans, he said, Our slogan was for the right to self-determination. We dont agree with, nor did we raise, the other slogans that have been reported. At the end, I want to say that I dont believe in any nationalism. I dream of a world without nations or boundaries. It is up to us to create that world, he concluded. Help India! By Ayesha Minhaz for Twocircles.net Hyderabad, February 22: When Mohammad Muqtar returned home to Doma village of Ranga Reddy District (Telangana) on Friday night, his family was elated. Almost a year ago, Muqtar had gone missing, and the reason behind his missing is precisely why his family is worried. He might be framed in false cases, said Mohammad Mustafa, brother of Muqtar. Support TwoCircles Mustafa is referring to the incident on March 15, 2015 when Muqtar was named accused in the missing case of a minor girl Lakshmi (name changed), then 17 years old. A case was booked against Muqtar under IPC 376 (for rape), 363 (abduction) and section 3/4 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. The girl Lakshmi and my brother knew each other for some time. Around a month after both Muqtar and Lakshmi went missing, the girl returned home, but Muqtar didnt, recalled Mustafa. Fearing for Muqtars safety, Mustafa and the rest of Muqtars family had been running from pillar to post for a year. In fact, in the second week of February 2016, the family of Muqtar had spoken to this reporter and informed her that they plan to approach State Human Rights Commission once again. A week later, Muqtar contacted his family and surrendered. The reporter met Muqtar on Saturday, which had been a long day for Muqtar. He had surrendered that day, first before the Minority commission. Then, he was taken to the Ranga Reddy SPs office who asked them to go to the Parigi Police Station. During this process, he was accompanied by Amjedullah Khan, an ex-corporator. In the past one year, Muqtar kept in touch with his friends and spoke to them a few times for updates, but he chose to not to name them (friends) to avoid them any trouble. It was after his friends tipped him about the rape case that he fled to Mumbai. Muqtar denies the allegations of kidnapping, but accepts that he was aware that it was punishable to get married to a minor. We loved each other. I didnt kidnap or force her to come with me. The entire episode of how I took her to Hyderabad was concocted. She came to Hyderabad on her own and called me. This was the third time she had left her house and come to me. We stayed in Visakhapatnam for a few weeks, but after her father contacted us and gave assurance, I sent her back, claimed Muqtar. Initially, I drove a taxi and then became a worker in the construction sector in Mumbai. All the while, I have wanted to come back Muqtar said. On what or who prompted him to surrender a year after he went missing, Muqtar remains silent. Instead, he keeps reiterating that he loves the girl and wants to marry her. Even the girls father had given an assurance that they will marry us off. However, the sub-inspector Prem Kumar of Doma Police Station and a few other relatives of Lakshmi didnt want the wedding and added a communal and criminal colour to a simple love story, claims Muqtar. When Lakshmis father K Venugopal was asked if he gave assurance to Muqtar about marriage, he sounded helpless. After my daughter went missing, I did tell him that I will accept the marriage proposal if my daughter returns home. That was the only option we had. I wanted my daughter back. But Muqtar isnt our relative, neither is he a neighbour. How can I marry my daughter off to anyone who claims to love her? Talking to Muqtar and Venugopal made it clear that both of them were in touch while the Doma PS continued investigation on the lines of a missing case (Lakshmi). However, the conversations between Muqtar and Venugopal havent been mentioned in police records. Inconsistencies in investigation A part of the information sent by the police department to the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) reveals that they submitted information which contradicted their own records. In the enquiry report to the SHRC (dated 13-06-2015), the SP of Ranga Reddy district wrote that As such on 14-02-2015, her father K. Venugopal approached the Doma PS and lodged a complaint suspecting Muqtar @ Chotu in the missing of Lakshmi (name changed) as he too found missing since then. However, the initial complaint filed by K.Venugopal on February 14, 2015 had no mention of Muqtar being involved in the missing of his daughter. It was only after his daughter returned on March 14, 2015 that the case was altered and Muqtar was named as the accused. While the official complaint against Muqtar came in the latter half of March, 2015 the alleged harassment of Muqtars family at the hands of the Doma Police began quite early. Family and friends were being summoned every day soon after the first case was lodged. We were threatened to disclose whereabouts of Muqtar, about which we had no clue. We were worried sick about Muqtar as some relatives of Lakshmi were spreading rumours that they had killed my brother, Mustafa, Muqtars brother, alleges. Raheema Bee and her family wanted to file a complaint about missing of Muqtar, but police avoided the same. On March 3, 2015 she eventually approached the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) pleading them to take necessary steps. Another request was made by Raheema Bee on March 23, 2015 (after Lakshmi returned home) requesting the SHRC to direct police to trace Muqtar. Even after two successive petitions at the SHRC, the complaint about missing of Muqtar wasnt taken by the Doma Police and as a result, Raheema Bee consumed poison and succumbed on April 3 The police and Raheema Bees family offer different versions about her death. The SP of Ranga Reddy noted in a letter to SHRC that Raheema Bee committed suicide in front of the panchayat and village elders due to attitude of her son and their involvement in a criminal case. However, the family claims that they were harassed and hounded by the investigating officer. After two successive petitions at SHRC, the harassment of sub-inspector Prem Kumar increased and he implicated our family in a petty case (fight with neighbours). On March 29, 2015, we were called to the station and insulted once again. The same day, my mother consumed pesticide in front of the sub inspector Prem Kumar, Mustafa said. The SP of Ranga Reddy in his letter to SHRC wrote that No evidence could be established about harassment of Raheema Bee by sub-inspector Prem Kumar. Another glaring inconsistency is how the dying declaration of Raheema Bee was never taken. Even though a medico-legal case was registered on March 29, 2015, neither the Afzal Gunj Police Station (under which the Osmania General Hospital falls, where Raheema Bee died) nor the Parigi Police took the dying declaration. The declaration, if taken, would have served as an evidence of what forced Raheema Bee to commit suicide. The final rites of my mother were rushed by the cops. We werent allowed to take her body back to village and had to bury her here, recalled a teary-eyed Mustafa. Now that he is back, the family of Muqtar demands proper investigation into the entire case and justice. When asked if he was guilt-ridden for not contacting his family for one year, Muqtar became silent for a while. I got to know about my mothers death a few weeks ago from a friend. I also got to know that the rest of my family was unwaveringly trying to trace me. I decided to come back and contacted my brother who arranged for the surrender, said Muqtar. Muqtar has surrendered, but we havent taken him into remand yet. The confession note is being taken and the investigation will continue after that, the investigating officer said. The Ranga Reddy district SP has assured a fair investigation into the case. As it stands today, a year after the incident: Muqtar and his family waits for what happens next. Meanwhile, Lakshmi, who turned 18 last September, discontinued college. Also, several questions remain unanswered about the way the case was handled by cops, which are likely to remain so if not probed into. Ayesha Minhaz is a freelance report based out of Hyderabad. (She Tweets at @ayesha_minhaz) https://twitter.com/ayesha_minhaz By Sunny Ikhioya It is said that no matter how far you have journeyed on the wrong route, it is never too late to turn back, otherwise yo... Third batch of free trade zones to be finalized shortly Updated: 2016-01-25 13:56 (chinadaily.com.cn) Fujian Pilot Free Trade Zone is looking to innovation, March 6, 2015. [Photo/IC] The third batch of free trade zones (FTZs) is expected to be finalized shortly, with inland areas and provinces along the Belt and Road getting priority, China Securities Journal reported on Monday. As an important measure to promote regional economic development, applying for FTZ and taking part in the construction of the Belt and Road have been put forward at local governments' two sessions since the beginning of the year. Last month, the State Council issued the Opinions on Speeding up the Implementation of Free Trade Zone Strategy, which proposed to further optimize the construction layout of the free trade zones and quicken the implementation of the FTZ strategy. Henan CPPCC Chairman Ye Dongsong put forward the construction of Henan FTZ for the first time at the central province's two sessions on Saturday. Ye said the provincial government will intensify efforts to improve the construction and competitive edge of Zhengzhou Airport Comprehensive Economic Experimental Zone, apply for Henan Free Trade Zone, and build Zhengzhou Cross-border E-commerce Pilot Zone. Shaanxi, a major province along the Belt and Road, has called for FTZ construction in northwestern province. Shaanxi governor Lou Qinjian said on Sunday that the province will actively try to build Shaanxi Pilot Free Trade Zone, promote trade facilitation, and establish cooperation with 13 domestic port cities. In August 2013, China established the first pilot FTZ in Shanghai. In April last year, three more FTZs were established in the southern province of Guangdong, the Tianjin municipality in the north and another in the southeastern province of Fujian. Are we at risk from the robots? Updated: 2016-02-22 14:03 By Craigm Cintosh(China Daily USA) Expert warns of mass unemployment as technology advances, but machines won't steal every job apparently They are already making our cars, vacuuming our floors and serving our food, and during this year's Spring Festival Gala we saw dozens of them dance in unison to some annoying song. Face it: Robots are everywhere. It feels to me like those science fiction movies I watched endlessly as a child (and still do today) are slowly becoming a reality. But which movie plot are we heading toward? Bicentennial Man, in which we have pleasant robot butlers that form emotional attachments and can bake, or The Terminator, where basically we build killing machines so intelligent that they end up trying to destroy anything without an off-switch. I'm hoping for the former, but I fear it could be the latter due to the fact there are already refrigerators that are smarter than me. Anyway, forget the long-term fantasy; let's be pragmatic and focus on the question I think we should all be asking ourselves: Will a robot steal my job? According to some, the answer is yes, they certainly will. Moshe Vardi, a computer scientist with Rice University in Texas, has forecast that machines will be capable of doing almost any job a human can within 30 years - leading to a global unemployment rate of more than 50 percent. "I believe that society needs to confront this question before it is upon us: If machines are capable of doing almost any work humans can do, what will humans do?" he said in a speech at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington this month. "I believe that work is essential to human well-being," he said. "Humanity is about to face perhaps its greatest challenge ever, which is finding meaning in life after the end of 'In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread'. We need to rise to the occasion." But is everyone's job really at risk? According to researchers at Oxford University and Deloitte, roughly 35 percent of jobs in the United Kingdom alone are at high risk of computerization over the next two decades. Using this research, the BBC website devised a handy search engine to determine which jobs will likely be carried out by automatons in the future. Thankfully, for journalists like myself there's only an 8 percent chance of that happening (phew). Social workers, nurses, therapists and psychologists are also among the low-risk group because empathy (not accomplished in artificial intelligence so far) is a crucial part of assisting and caring for others. And if your work requires having good negotiating skills or coming up with original and creative ideas, you will probably be safe from the rise of the robots, too. Perhaps surprisingly, the least likely positions to be usurped by androids in the next 20 years are people who run pubs and hotels and education advisers - all on 0.4 percent. Bad news for telemarketers, bank clerks, receptionists, market traders and skilled manual workers, however: Your chances of one day being replaced by a machine is 94 percent or higher, according to the research. Thanks to developments in algorithms, office workers such as bookkeepers, legal and financial secretaries, and local government workers are also around the 90 percent mark. There's no guarantees any of this will ever happen, of course, but to hedge my bets I'm being nice to my smartphone just in case. craig@chinadaily.com.cn (China Daily USA 02/22/2016 page9) Excuses for HK riot defy common sense Updated: 2016-02-22 07:56 By David Wong(China Daily) Representatives of six major business chambers urge the public to speak out against filibuster in the legislature and violent acts at a media briefing in the building of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong on Friday. [Photo by Parker Zheng/CHINA DAILY] The illusion of a peaceful "Occupy" movement was shattered by the Mongkok riot recently. Many in Hong Kong were always strongly opposed to the "Occupy" movement for fears that it would not be peaceful. The reason is simple: Even if some of the occupiers genuinely intended to stage a peaceful protest, once a precedent is set for legitimatizing illegal and even criminal activities on the pretext of "civil disobedience" some people will further twist and distort this flawed logic. In the end, some of the participants will become radicalized and use the pretense of "civil disobedience" to mask the true violent nature of their actions. From video footage of the riot shown on various television news channels and media outlets, everyone could see what happened that night. An aggressive mob attacked police officers with bricks removed from the pavement and started fires on the streets. As the commissioner of police noted, throwing bricks at people can be fatal. One has to wonder where all those youngsters on the streets came from and how they became radicalized. Since the illegal "Occupy" movement failed in 2014, some of the occupiers felt their voices were not heard and their demands not met. Through online social media, some political groups have systemically stirred up people's anger and brainwashed them into believing that more drastic and violent acts were needed. They repeatedly promote anger at the government and, more importantly, hatred against the police. All their propaganda and the mobilization of their campaign occur onlineand sometimes within private chat groups. This explains why the public was surprised so many of these thugs suddenly gathered on the streets. These people wore face masks; they held hand-made weapons and shields. They then repeatedly attacked the police. Clearly the vast majority of the community were appalled by the violent acts and crimes committed during the riot. Residents in the special administrative region have been further polarized by the riot. And the economy, especially the tourism industry, has surely suffered another blow. Everyone who loves Hong Kong should condemn the violence and work hard to help our community regain a sense of solidarity. Even supporters of the "Occupy" campaign have found it difficult to rationalize their actions. They soon began trying to divert attention elsewhereand some ludicrous theories began to appear online. Several of these were just biased rumors. But they have continued to spread and still attract support today. First, they tried to portray the incident where a police officer fired warning shots to protect his injured colleague lying on the ground from continued attacks by the mob as the only thing which happened that night. Ridiculous as this sounds; some people keep trying to blame the police for the riot. Second, law enforcement actions against illegal hawkers have been turned into an excuse for the riot. There was even a cartoon depicting people wanting to eat fish balls but ending up having a police gun pointing at them. Third, Western media started labeling the riot a "fish ball revolution" within hours. This was in an attempt to glorify it. Other absurd conspiracy theories floated by supporters of the riot include: The lack of police officers with anti-riot gear on the streets during the Chinese New Year Day was a deliberate tactic. This was to encourage protesters to attack them. Why did the chief executive stay in Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year holidays; had he organized the riot? These thugs must really be foreign imposters trying to tarnish a peaceful protest. All of the excuses and lies mentioned above defy common sense. But the organizers and participants of the riot, as well as their supporters, are likely to continue their self-delusional fantasies and remain unrepentant. After all, few of the organizers and participants of previous "Occupy" activities were prosecuted. Even when some were convicted, they only faced a modest fine or a short community service sentence. The penalties handed out simply lacked any power to deter. From the point of view of these thugs, breaking the law often has few serious consequences. It provides them with an opportunity to become famous. So why not do so again? The author is an executive member of the New People's Party and a former civil servant. Panorama China will premiere 20 Chinese films in US Updated: 2016-02-22 06:35 By MAY ZHOU in Houston(China Daily USA) Hunter Todd (second from left), CEO and founder of WorldFest Houston, introduces the upcoming Panorama China program on Feb 19 in Houston along with Chinas Consul of Culture Yang Song (right), Panorama China Chairman Ray Jiang (left) and WorldFest Director Kathleen Haney. MAY ZHOU / CHINA DAILY Panorama China will make up part of the 49th WorldFest Houston the international independent film festival where famous directors such as Ang Lee, the Cohen Brothers and Steven Spielberg were first honored prior to their wide recognition the organizers announced on Feb 19. "Last year we had our first introductory Panorama China," said Hunter Todd, founder and president of WorldFest. "This year we expanded it to be a major spotlight of Chinese cinema for all of North America. We will premiere 20 new films from China, which will open a window to the world of the incredible capabilities of China filmmaking. "I love to tell people that, if you see a film from China and see 10,000 horsemen in costumes and spears, it's not CGI (computer-generated images), it's 10,000 real horsemen on horses. The Chinese make amazing movies," Todd said. Todd said that after premiering 20 films in the US this fall, he will bring 20 of the finest films with their directors from the world to China. Last year, five Chinese films were presented at the WorldFest. China's Walking to School was well received and won the top prize. According to China's Consul of Culture Yang Song, Todd was invited to attend the Shanghai Film Festival and had extensive contact with the Chinese film industry after last year's Panorama China. That led to the expansion of the Panorama China program for this year. "I believe that people can get to know about a country, its people and culture through film-watching. This will help foster mutual understanding. We are hoping that Panorama China will become a regular program and the largest platform for Chinese films to be premiered in North America," Yang said. Ray Jiang, chairman of Panorama China, said that more than 100 Chinese filmmakers will attend the WorldFest. "We will help to promote the Chinese art and culture through a film lens to the world. The WorldFest has discovered a few star directors in the past. We hope the next Chinese star director will be born here," Jiang said. This year, more than 100 films from China were submitted to the program. According to Qi Dan from Dream River Studio, so far 11 films have been selected, and the committee is continuing to screen the submissions. The Compact Density of Stone, a film about China's former leader Deng Xiaoping, will be the opening film for Panorama China. Chinese actress Lily Chen Foster said that she was there when Ang Lee's Pushing Hands was showcased at WorldFest in 1992. "Over the years, China has changed socially and economically. I have seen more and better films from China. This also provides a platform for our next generation to get to know China better. So, people, buy tickets, watch films," Foster said. According to Todd, the WorldFest, scheduled for April, will present a total of 60 films from around the world. One screening theater will be dedicated to Panorama China at the AMC 30 Studio on Dunvale. "Parachute kids" the nickname given to Chinese children who are sent to the US for study at probably too young an age have been making a lot of not so good headlines recently. Some observers blame the bad news on the kids' psychological immaturity, their ignorance of local laws and codes of conduct or their ingrained waywardness and disrespect for parents and teachers. Whatever the root cause, members of this group have been behind too many tragedies. As sending young children to the US for school becomes more and more fashionable in China, wealthy parents should think carefully about one question before they rush to follow the fad: Is your child really ready to live in a foreign country and assimilate to a completely unfamiliar culture without proper supervision and hands-on guidance? On Feb 17, three 19-year-old students from China who had been studying in a private school in southern California were sentenced to multiple years in prison after being convicted of kidnapping and assaulting two classmates last March. Yunyao "Helen" Zhai was sentenced to 13 years; Yuhan "Coco" Yang got 10 years; and Xinlei "John" Zhang got six years. Zhai, the ringleader in the case, apologized for her actions in a letter of repentance read to the court. "I hope they (the victims) do not carry the wounds from what I did for the rest of their lives," she wrote. The three were charged with assaulting an 18-year-old classmate by kidnapping her and taking her to a park where she was stripped, beaten, punched, kicked, spat on, burned with cigarettes and forced to eat her own hair during a five-hour assault. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Thomas C. Falls said at an earlier hearing in the case that it reminded him of Lord of the Flies, William Golding's 1954 novel about boys stranded on a deserted island without adult supervision who become bloodthirsty and savage enough to kill each other. "This is a wakeup call for the 'parachute kid syndrome,'" said Yuhan Yang, in a statement read to the court by her attorney. "Parents in China are well-meaning and send their kids thousands of miles away with no supervision and too much freedom. That is a formula for disaster." The case has attracted widespread attention back in China, heightening concerns among parents with children studying abroad. According to the Institute of International Education, more than 23,000 teens from China are currently enrolled in middle and high schools across the US, most hopeful of bettering their chances of getting into an American college. The majority of these "parachute" teens are alone, their parents remaining back in China. In her statement, Zhai said living so far from her parents affected her in many ways. "They sent me to the US for a better life and a fuller education," she said. "Along with that came a lot of freedom, in fact too much freedom. Here, I became lonely and lost. I didn't tell my parents because I didn't want them to worry about me." "I'm sure they suffer loneliness," Rayford Fountain, Yang's attorney, said of parachute kids. "So they bond with other kids in the small Chinese circles with no supervision, no one to turn to for assistance. So these things can get out of control." Xinlei "John" Zhang's father said he deeply regretted sending his son to the US at such an early age. "This was a wrong decision we made several years ago and now it's a tragedy for the whole family," he said, adding that he had spent $400,000 on legal fees and travel back and forth for hearings. "Chinese parents who want to send their young children abroad should learn a lesson from our case," he said. Contact the writer at junechang@chinadailyusa.com. 20 Chinese films head to Houston Updated: 2016-02-22 11:51 By May Zhou in Houston(China Daily USA) Hunter Todd (second from left), CEO and founder of WorldFest Houston, introduces the upcoming Panorama China program on Feb 19 in Houston along with China's Consul of Culture Yang Song (right), Panorama China Chairman Ray Jiang (left) and WorldFest Director Kathleen Haney. May Zhou / China Daily Panorama China will make up part of the 49th WorldFest Houston - the international independent film festival where famous directors such as Ang Lee, the Cohen Brothers and Steven Spielberg were first honored prior to their wide recognition - the organizers announced on Feb 19. "Last year we had our first introductory Panorama China," said Hunter Todd, founder and president of WorldFest. "This year we expanded it to be a major spotlight of Chinese cinema for all of North America. We will premiere 20 new films from China, which will open a window to the world of the incredible capabilities of China filmmaking. "I love to tell people that, if you see a film from China and see 10,000 horsemen in costumes and spears, it's not CGI (computer-generated images), it's 10,000 real horsemen on horses. The Chinese make amazing movies," Todd said. Todd said that after premiering 20 films in the US this fall, he will bring 20 of the finest films with their directors from the world to China. Last year, five Chinese films were presented at the WorldFest. China's Walking to School was well received and won the top prize. According to China's Consul of Culture Yang Song, Todd was invited to attend the Shanghai Film Festival and had extensive contact with the Chinese film industry after last year's Panorama China. That led to the expansion of the Panorama China program for this year. "I believe that people can get to know about a country, its people and culture through film-watching. This will help foster mutual understanding. We are hoping that Panorama China will become a regular program and the largest platform for Chinese films to be premiered in North America," Yang said. Ray Jiang, chairman of Panorama China, said that more than 100 Chinese filmmakers will attend the WorldFest. "The WorldFest has discovered a few star directors in the past. We hope the next Chinese star director will be born here," Jiang said. This year, more than 100 films from China were submitted to the program. According to Qi Dan from Dream River Studio, 11 films have been selected, and the committee is continuing to screen the submissions. mayzhou@chinadailyusa.com Deadly blasts kill 107 in Syria, IS claims responsibility Updated: 2016-02-22 09:02 (Xinhua) Damaged buses are seen at the site of two bomb blasts in the government-controlled city of Homs, Syria, in this handout picture provided by SANA on February 21, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] DAMASCUS - The Islamic State (IS) militant group has claimed responsibility for the deadly bombings, which rocked the central province of Homs and the capital Damascus on Sunday, killing over 107 people. In online statements, the IS group said it had carried out the bombings in the 60-Street at the al-Zahra' neighborhood in the central province of Homs, which killed over 57 people and wounded tens of others. Al-Zahra' is inhabited by people of the Alwaite minority, to whom the ruling elite in Syria belong, which explains why it was targeted by the IS group, which showed zero tolerance to other sects, let alone the sect that is accused of supporting the government of President Bashar al-Assad. The oppositional Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 39 of those killed in Homs were civilians, including a child and 11 women. The UK-based watchdog group said the families in al-Zahra' kicked the governor of Homs, Talal al-Barazi, and the Interior Minister Muhammad al-Sha'ar, who wanted to visit the hard-hit neighborhood, in an apparent resentment over what the people may deem as government inaction toward tightening the security measure in al-Zahra', which seen several previous bombings, the latest of which took place last month when two bombings claimed by IS killed over 30 people. London mayor says to support Brexit in EU referendum Updated: 2016-02-22 09:12 (Xinhua) London Mayor Boris Johnson speaks to the media in front of his home in London, Britain February 21, 2016. Britain will hold a referendum on European Union membership on June 23. [Photo/Agencies] LONDON - London Mayor Boris Johnson, a heavyweight conservative, announced Sunday that he will back the call for Britain to leave the European Union in a national referendum on the country's EU membership. The announcement was regarded by the British media as a blow to Prime Minister David Cameron's efforts to keep Britain in the EU as Johnson was an eloquent speaker and popular among voters. Cameron announced Saturday that Britain would hold a referendum on June 23 to decide whether to stay or leave the European Union and recommended British people to choose remaining inside the EU, following a deal with leaders of other EU countries which gives UK a "special status" in the community. Johnson, who Cameron had sought strongly for support, said that he came to his decision after a "great deal of heartache" and he wanted "a better deal for the people of this country". He said that the prime minister had done "fantastically well" to reach agreement with other EU leaders, but no one "could realistically claim that this is fundamental reform of the EU". "I will be advocating Vote Leave ... because I want a better deal for the people of this country to save them money and to take back control," Johnson said. Cameron is scheduled to speak in the British parliament Monday to kick off the campaigns before the referendum. Opinion polls have shown that the British public is almost evenly divided while many ruling Tory politicians, including six cabinet members, will side with the so-called "Brexit" camp. Chinese-American experts express concerns over conviction of former policeman Updated: 2016-02-22 09:28 (Xinhua) About 10,000 protesters, many of them Chinese-Americans, rally in New York on Saturday in support of former police officer Peter Liang, who was convicted of the 2014 fatal shooting of an unarmed man in a public housing building. XIE YUNAN/FOR CHINA DAILY LOS ANGELES - Three Chinese-American legal experts have expressed serious concerns over the recent conviction of a Chinese-American policeman for accidently shooting dead a black man in New York that has sparked strong protests in the Chinese-American community. In separate interviews with Xinhua, Attorney David Qinghua Cao in Houston, Attorney Hugh H. Mo in New York and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Lieutenant Yin Leung all raised objections to the Feb 11 conviction of Police Officer Peter Liang. At the trial held in the Kings County Supreme Court in Brooklyn, 10 out of 12 members of the jury voted for the conviction of Liang. The 28-year-old officer with the New York Police Department (NYPD) was found guilty for fatally shooting unarmed Akai Gurley while patrolling with his partner on the darkened eighth floor of the Pink Houses in the borough of Brooklyn. One bullet was shot out of Liang's service gun, ricocheted on a wall and killed Gurley. Liang, working for the NYPD for only 18 months, was convicted of second-degree manslaughter, becoming the first policeman from the NYPD to be convicted of homicide for shooting a civilian since 2005. In response to the conviction, a huge demonstration crowd of approximately 10,000 people protested around Los Angeles City Hall on Saturday against the conviction of Liang, amid rallies by tens of thousands of people in more than 30 US cities. In his interview with Xinhua, Attorney David Qinghua Cao saw the verdict as "very disturbing," saying that "the evidence was mishandled, resulting in the jury's misled and, accordingly, unjustified verdict." "For example, as juror Carlton Screen told the media, only 10 of all 12 jurors voted for conviction, and it was only after every juror tested the trigger of officer Liang's service pistol that they unanimously agreed that Liang was guilty as charged, because they felt the trigger was too hard to pull," Cao said, "In other words, Officer Liang must have voluntarily and consciously fired the gun." The attorney also questioned the conditions the jurors faced, which were different from what Liang had encountered. "How can jurors, with different individual constitutions and most having no experience with firearms, determine in a safe courtroom whether the trigger was too hard to pull for a robust young officer, who must have fired hundreds, if not thousands, of rounds through that gun during his training, on a highly stressful situation like that dark stairwell in a high-crime area?" he said, "That was doing officer Liang injustice." China backs integration within Europe Updated: 2016-02-22 21:37 By Wang Qingyun(chinadaily.com.cn) China has consistently supported the process of integration within Europe and is willing to see Europe play a larger role in the international community. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the remarks on Monday after British Prime Minister David Cameron said the country will have a referendum on June 23 about whether to stay in the European Union. Cameron made the announcement on Saturday. "Leaving Europe would threaten our economic and our national security," he said, describing the country leaving the EU as "a leap in the dark". On the other hand, he emphasized that Britain "will never join the Euro", "will never be part of Eurozone bailouts", and "will never be part of the passport-free no borders area, or a European Army or an EU super-state". Among other objectives achieved through negotiations during the European Council meeting from Thursday to Friday that were listed in another statement, Cameron said he had secured new measures for his country to deal with migration, including "a breakthrough agreement for Britain to reduce the unnatural draw that our benefits system exerts across Europe". The European Union said EU leaders, "following intense negotiations" during the meeting, "achieved a deal which strengthens Britain's special status in the EU", emphasizing the deal is "a legally binding and irreversible decision by all 28 leaders". Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, said Britain and the EU need each other: "To break the link now would be totally against our mutual interests. We have done all we could not to let that happen." More than 1,500 people attended a rally in Houston on Feb 20 in support of Peter Liang, convicted of manslaughter. May Zhou / China Daily Thousands of people rallied across the country over the weekend to protest the conviction of Peter Liang, a former New York City police officer who was convicted of second-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of an unarmed black man. The protesters primarily Chinese Americans gathered in 40 cities across the US to demonstrate what they see as an unfair conviction of Liang, now 28, who was a rookie cop on patrol in a Brooklyn housing project in 2014 when he fired his gun. A stray bullet ricocheted off a wall, fatally striking Akai Gurley, 28, on a lower floor. Many protesters in New York which saw a turnout of approximately 10,000, the largest rally in the country expressed support for both Gurley and Liang, both of whom they saw as victims of a tragedy. The protesters carried signs that read, No Scapegoating, One Tragedy, Two Victims and Condolences to Akai Gurley, Justice for Peter Liang. Last weeks conviction of NYPD officer Peter Liang in the accidental shooting of Akai Gurley has ignited a vigorous debate across New York City and throughout the country. But one thing is clear in this tragic case the system failed. It failed both Peter Liang and Akai Gurley, said US Congresswoman Grace Meng at the New York rally on Feb 20. The elevator in the Pink Houses should not have been broken; the lights should not have been out in the stairwell, Meng said. Two rookie cops should not have been patrolling by themselves in New York City, and public housing residents should not have to deal with crime that makes these police patrols necessary. These systematic failures make me so angry and must be addressed. Another tragedy like this must not be allowed to occur ever again. Liang, who was convicted on Feb 11, could face up to 15 years in prison on the manslaughter count. Sentencing by Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun is scheduled for April 14 in Brooklyn. Members of the Chinese community said after Liang was charged that they believe he was being scapegoated for past instances of fatal police actions around the country, and that Liang had not intended to kill Gurley and should not have been placed on patrol at the housing project as a rookie officer. John Chan, president of the Coalition of Asian-Americans for Civil Rights and one of the organizers of the nationwide rally, said Liang was a victim of the selective prosecution that failed to resolve the long-standing distrust and tension between US minority communities and law enforcement. Sacrificing Liang is not the correct way to resolve systematic problems of the government, Chan said. Justice for all means justice for everyone. Chan appealed to Chinese Americans to fight political manipulation, selective prosecution and scapegoating. Vivien Chiang, another rally attendee, said she had never met any Chinese individuals calling for civil rights in public during her three years living in New York, and it was the first time she witnessed such unity in the Chinese community. Chinese Americans were thought to be a politically passive group, she said, This time we really voice the deep feelings of ourselves and let the society know our need for equal justice. I believe everything that Peter says, and I think he was let down by everyone, starting with his partner, said Gia Vita, a stylist from Harlem. What kind of coward is he? Ive never felt this strongly about anything else. Photos show 1930s China through American eyes Updated: 2016-02-22 11:00 By Chen Weihua in Washington(China Daily USA) Chinese Embassy receives gift from retired US Foreign Service officer that is treasure trove of a bygone era The Chinese Embassy in Washington received a special gift from a retired US Foreign Service officer on Feb 19. It was a set of 24 photos taken in China in the 1930s, presented to Wu Xi, deputy chief of mission of the Chinese Embassy, by Richard Garrison of Arlington, Virginia. The photos, which depict street life and scenes in major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macao, were remnants left by his mother, Stella Garrison, who passed away more than 10 years ago. Each photo carries a description about 300 words long. A photo of a then-modern street in Canton (now called Guangzhou) describes the city's population and how automobiles were introduced into the city. The other, a stunning view of the Great Wall, tells the history of the wall, including how it was used to defend against "barbarians" and then became useless and fell into decay. Still another, about a man operating a hand mill to grind soybeans, talks about how important soybeans are to Chinese as a source of protein, fat and calories, calling it "poor man's meat and poor man's milk". There is a vivid scene of Chinese peasants working in rice paddies, and another showing the ruins in Shanghai's Zhabei area following an attack in January 1932 by the Japanese Imperial Army. All of the photos were made by the Keystone View Co, a major distributor of stereographic images in the old days. Richard Garrison did not remember seeing the photos as a child. "I think she must have kept them because she enjoyed looking at them," he said of his mother. Stella Garrison, who first became a teacher in a country school near Tecumseh, Nebraska, about 70 miles south of Omaha, and then at schools in other parts of Nebraska, had the photos for decades after she had got them from the state superintendent's office. She and her husband finally got to visit Asia in the mid 1980s, a trip that took them to Beijing, Hong Kong and Thailand. "My mother said she was surprised, shocked and pleased when my father said, 'Let's go to China,' " Richard Garrison recalled. "They enjoyed it." The parents took a side trip to visit a Chinese school. They also told Richard how intensive agriculture is in China. "Every part of the land is used, nothing seems to be wasted," was how Richard recalled his mother's words. He thought about giving the photos to Smithsonian museums but realized that they may already have had similar ones. He is glad the pictures have found a home at the Chinese Embassy. As a Foreign Service officer, Richard traveled four or five times to China. He marveled at the changes, in contrast to the scenes in the photos, and said he was glad to learn that China will be featured in the upcoming tourism fair at the Walter Convention Center in Washington. While it took a long time for Richard's mother to finally travel to China, the situation is quite different now. Every year, there are about 5 million people traveling between China and the US, averaging more than 13,000 people a day. The 2016 China-US Tourism Year announced by President Xi Jinping and US President Barack Obama last September is aimed at giving a boost to bilateral exchange through tourism. chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com The Bund and Huangpu River of Shanghai photos provided to China Daily A caravan of camels outside the city walls of Beijing Transplanting rice in China The Great Wall of China Marble Boat in the Summer Palace Grinding soybeans with a hand mill A picturesque thoroughfare in Hong Kong (China Daily USA 02/22/2016 page6) UN chief hails US-Russian accord on Syria Updated: 2016-02-23 01:25 (Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday welcomed the agreement announced earlier in the day by US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the terms of a nationwide cessation of hostilities in Syria scheduled to come into effect on Feb 27. "The secretary-general strongly urges the parties to abide by the terms of the agreement," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman. Earlier Monday, Kerry and Lavrov reached a provisional agreement on terms of a cessation of hostilities in Syria, where more than 250,000 people have been killed since March 2011. The two foreign ministers are co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) Ceasefire Taskforce formed in Munich, Germany. "Much work now lies ahead to ensure its implementation, and the international community, the ISSG and the Syrian parties must remain steadfast in their resolve," the statement said. The ISSG, comprising the Arab League, the European Union, the United Nations, and 17 countries including the United States, Russia and China, laid the groundwork for the intra-Syria talks at a meeting in Munich in November 2015. "Aware of the lengthy and detailed discussions that preceded this announcement, the secretary-general believes the agreement, if respected, would constitute a significant step forward in the implementation of Security Council resolution 2254 (2015)," the statement said. "It demonstrates the commitment of the ISSG to exert influence on the warring parties to bring about an immediate reduction in violence as a first step towards a more durable ceasefire," the statement said. "It further contributes to creating an environment conducive for the resumption of political negotiations." "Above all, it is a long-awaited signal of hope to the Syrian people that after five years of conflict there may be an end to their suffering in sight," the statement added. The Office of the Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, "stands ready to support implementation of the agreement, both on the ground in Damascus and in Geneva," the statement said. "The United Nations further counts on the cooperation of ISSG members as all stakeholders jointly set the implementation mechanism in motion." Bombings kill more than 150 Updated: 2016-02-23 04:17 By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE in Sayyida Zeinab, Syria(China Daily) A woman carries an injured boy inside a hospital after multiple suicide bombings claimed by the Islamic State group struck near Syria's capital and the city of Homs. SANA via REUTERS The Islamic State group has said it was behind a string of suicide bombings near a Shiite shrine outside Syria's capital and in Homs that killed more than 150 people on Sunday, as Washington and Moscow worked to secure a cease-fire. The bombings occurred as US Secretary of State John Kerry said a provisional deal had been reached on the terms of a truce in Syria's brutal conflict. Near Damascus, a car bombing followed by two suicide attacks ripped through the area of the Shiite shrine of Sayyida Zeinab and killed 96 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Syria's official news agency, SANA, quoted a police source as saying that 178 people, including children, were among the wounded. An AFP reporter said the blasts struck about 400 meters from the revered Shiite shrine containing the grave of a granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad. The human rights group also reported that two car bombs killed at least 59 people and wounded dozens in the district of Al-Zahraa in the central city of Homs. IS said online that two suicide bombers struck in Sayyida Zeinab and two others drove explosive-packed cars into crowds in Homs. UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura "strongly condemns" the attacks, a representative of de Mistura said in a statement. Al-Zahraa, whose residents are mostly from the same Alawite sect of Shiite Islam as Syria's ruling clan, has been regularly targeted. World powers, which have been pushing for a halt to Syria's nearly five-year war, had hoped to see a truce take effect on Friday but have struggled to agree on the terms. On Sunday, Kerry spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at least three times to try to nail down a truce. "We have reached a provisional agreement, in principle, on the terms of the cessation of hostilities that could begin in the coming days," Kerry said in Amman, Jordan, after one round of talks. The Russian Foreign Ministry later said that Lavrov and Kerry held two more telephone conversations and finalized the cease-fire terms to be submitted to their respective presidents. World powers proposed the truce just over a week ago as part of a plan that also includes expanded humanitarian access, in a bid to pave the way for peace talks to resume. Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Loading... Checking your browser before accessing the website. This process is automatic. Your browser will redirect to your requested content shortly. Please wait a few seconds. - Aimee Travel vicariously with me! When I go on a trip, I'll post about my adventures. In these posts you can read about trips to England, Guatemala, Kenya, trips closer to home, and soon: Peru! The Vatican Information Service is a news service, founded in the Holy See Press Office, that provides information about the Magisterium and the pastoral activities of the Holy Father and the Roman Curia...[ ] Variable Zero Productions 2010 All reviews, blogs, various writings & projects are the property of Variable Zero Productions. All other copyrighted images & material within said blogs and reviews are the property of their respective owners, and are used merely for informational purposes only. GAMERA is property of DAIEI Motion Pictures. Percy Mistry, chairman of the committee which drafted the report on developing Mumbai as an International Financial Centre (IFC), has opposed Narendra Modi governments proposal of following Gujarats GIFT City model in Mumbai without regulatory ring-fencing and basic infrastructure. Replying to a query on promotion of GIFT City, near Ahmedabad and Mumbai, as IFC during Make in India Week last week, Mistry said this kind of emotive exuberance is obscuring the fundamental underlying policy failures and foundational deficiencies in the Indian economic and financial system with advertising slogans and mega events that distract attention from real problems. The GIFT is just another Modi vanity project like Make in India, Digital India, Clean India, Connect India, Support Start-ups and all the other slogans and schemes that have become gospel over the last few months. GIFT is a non-starter; unless, of course, many arms are sorely twisted and domestic as well as foreign financial institutions are forced to do things that they really should not be doing (like leasing space in GIFT which is going to be left empty for a very long time), in order to please the authorities to avoid awkwardness in their daily business and tax dealings, he said in an email, responding to a query. During Make in India Week, both Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel tried wooing investors to their respective IFCs triggering a competition of sorts between Mumbai and GIFT City. Mistry, however, said that given the problems with regulations in India, and the manner in which any opening for regulatory arbitrage (especially in the financial system) is instantly exploited, this kind of approach may lead to chaos. It will be the kind of madness that the RBI will not be able to contain or manage. Neither will Sebi, which has many profound difficulties of its own, be able to handle this. The RBI has not been able to manage even its own simple business of banking regulation/supervision. Its gross regulatory/supervisory failures from 2010 onwards are now visible for all to see, in the egregious level of non-performing assets (NPAs) that have emerged in the state-owned banks, he said. What was the RBI doing when the SOBs were reporting huge fictitious profits and paying out large amounts of dividends and taxes which they should have retained to meet their provisioning and capital needs? These gross failures of the RBI are now being covered up by draconian, but hopelessly belated, measures for accelerated provisioning and write-downs which are over-stretching the fragile balance sheet elasticities of all public banks. And this (is happening) at a time when the governments capacity to recapitalise them is in serious question. It amazes me that people still think the RBI is doing a great job with a great Governor who should have seen the rot in bank portfolios immediately upon taking office three years ago, he said. Mistry said things at market regulator Sebi are also in bad shape. Though its ambitions are commendable, its capabilities are severely limited. Its management and staff capabilities are already hopelessly over-extended as it attempts to deal with too many issues of malfeasance by too many players on too many fronts all at the same time. It seems unable to pick and choose its battles carefully and fight them to win even to the very bitter end, Mistry said. He said neither of the two regulators will be able to deal effectively with arbitrage problems which GIFT will generate. In 2007, the MIFC report had explicitly argued against the emergence of an onshore Offshore Financial Centre or OFC in India like Dubai, the Cayman Islands or Mauritius. Yet, that is precisely what GIFT aims to do. To add to that nonsense, the door has been opened to having several quasi-GIFTs in different parts of the country in which financial institutions can operate in an offshore financial regime which will be differently regulated from the domestic regime, he said. We have a two-thirds open, one-third closed capital account; and a partially tradable currency with an exchange rate determined by a (badly) managed float. Retaining such a daft system, and trying to offset its many disadvantages and limitations of that dogs breakfast by creating loopholes through absurdities like GIFT is hardly rational or logical, said Mistry. But because Modi created GIFT, everyone now wants to come up with ideas on how to make it work, he said. That only confirms the notion that India is inhabited by far too many unctuous, sycophants vociferously competing with one another in claiming how brilliant GIFT is and how it can be made to work. To my mind, the opposite is true: GIFT is perhaps the perfect physical manifestation of the story about the Emperor having no clothes, which a small child could see, but sycophantic courtiers could not, he said. On making Mumbai an IFC, Mistry said Fadnavis never misses an opportunity to trumpet how much he is doing to make Mumbai a pre-eminent IFC. But from what he says, I can see he has no idea of what an IFC really is or what it really does. Like every other CM before him, Fadnavis seems to think that an IFC is a smart set of buildings in which nicely dressed people go to work and do all kinds of complicated things involving incomprehensible mathematics, about which he has got no clue, said Mistry. According to Mistry, who earlier worked with the World Bank, Mumbai is not likely to become a functional, viable IFC any time soon for two reasons: Firstly, the Indian financial system is not evolving the way it should; i.e. in consonance with Indias rapidly growing needs for sophisticated finance and financial engineering; nor is it developing the characteristics which would enable an IFC (whether in Mumbai or elsewhere) to be globally competitive and viable. Secondly, the local politics that influences Mumbais ability to function as a cosmopolitan global city which is a fundamental pre-requisite for any IFC to be viable and usable are unconducive to its becoming the kind of city that global citizens from all around the world would ever feel totally comfortable and secure living in. He said the rise of intolerance, mindless exertion of politically motivated violence, bans/constraints on performances by foreign artistes, foods, bars, restaurants etc in Mumbai are few reasons why the city is unable to become an IFC. Mumbai, he says, has regressed relentlessly since the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s with the emergence of a brand of politics involving lumpen, mindless violence to make its points and achieve its myopic, counterproductive ends. Unless those regressive, unfortunate trends can be reversed, and unless the ground that Mumbai has lost in terms of its cosmopolitan reputation can be regained, the future of Mumbai as an IFC will remain an imaginary one. Karnataka plans to set up a holding company on the lines of Singapores Infocomm Development Authority (IDA), with participation of corporate leaders, to attract investment. We not only need help in getting investments, but also in promoting government-industry relations, said R V Deshpande, Karnataka Industries Minister, on Monday. With participation of industry leaders, the proposed body would expand the role of Karnataka Udyog Mitra, existing state-run agency to promote investment. Earlier this month, Karnataka claimed it received investment proposals worth Rs 1.77 lakh crore at an investment summit organised by the state government. The memorandums of understanding are statement of intent. We are pursuing with the companies to translate them into commitment within three months or we will strike them off the list, said Deshpande. In the past, investment commitments worth Rs 30,000 crore by ArcelorMittal did not materialise. In an effort to cut red tape and boost transparency, Deshpande said, Udyog Mitra would deal directly with revenue department for land clearance, doing away with the need for companies to interact with several agencies. It took six years for Apple to persuade China's largest wireless carrier, China Mobile, to sell the iPhone. Apple's chief executive, Timothy D Cook, made repeated trips to China to meet with top government officials and executives to woo them personally. The persistence paid off. In 2013, China Mobile relented, a moment Cook later described as "a watershed day" for Apple. Today, China is Apple's second-largest market after the United States - Chinese consumers spent $59 billion on Apple products in the last fiscal year - and the iPhone, the company's top seller, has become both a status symbol and a form of personal security, given how difficult the device is to break into in a country where people increasingly worry about hacking and cybercrime. Apple's success in China helps explain why it is now in a standoff with the United States government over whether to help officials gain access to the encrypted iPhone of one of the attackers in the San Bernardino, California, mass shooting last December. The company is playing the long game with its business. Privacy and security have become part of its brand, especially internationally, where it reaps almost two-thirds of its almost $234 billion a year in sales. And if it cooperates with one government, the thinking goes, it will have to cooperate with all of them. "Tim Cook is leveraging his personal brand and Apple's to stand on the side of consumer privacy in this environment," said Mark Bartholomew, a law professor at the University at Buffalo who studies encryption and cyberlaw. "He is taking the long view." Cook, who has called privacy a civic duty, said as much in a letter to Apple customers on Tuesday. He described how the United States government was asking for a special tool to break into the San Bernardino attacker's iPhone and said, "The government suggests this tool could only be used once, on one phone. But that's simply not true. Once created, the technique could be used over and over again, on any number of devices." An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment beyond the remarks in Cook's letter. The business advantage Apple may get from privacy has given critics an opening to attack the company. In a court filing on Friday, the Justice Department said Apple's opposition to helping law enforcement appeared "to be based on its concern for its business model and public brand marketing strategy." Apple senior executives responded that their defiance was not a business choice. They said there had not been any business fallout and that Cook had received supportive emails from customers across the country. In fact, Apple has not made a point of advertising data security and privacy. The company has quietly built privacy features into its mobile operating system, known as iOS, over time. By late 2013, when Apple released its iOS 7 system, the company was encrypting by default all third-party data stored on customers' phones. And iOS8, which became available in 2014, made it basically impossible for the company's engineers to extract any data from mobile phones and tablets. Cook has also been vocal about how Apple is pro-privacy, a message that he discussed more widely after revelations from the former intelligence contractor Edward J Snowden about government surveillance. Cook argued that the company sold hardware - phones, tablets and laptops - and did not depend on the mass collection of consumer data as some Silicon Valley behemoths, such as Google and Facebook, do for their advertising-oriented businesses. At a conference in October, Cook called privacy a "key value" at Apple and said, "We think that it will become increasingly important to more and more people over time as they realise that intimate parts of their lives are sort of in the open and being used for all sorts of things." For Apple, cooperating with the United States government now could quickly lead to murkier situations internationally. In China, for example, Apple - like any other foreign company selling smartphones - hands over devices for import checks by Chinese regulators. Apple also maintains server computers in China, but Apple has previously said that Beijing cannot view the data and that the keys to the servers are not stored in China. In practice and according to Chinese law, Beijing typically has access to any data stored in China. If Apple accedes to American law enforcement demands for opening the iPhone in the San Bernardino case and Beijing asks for a similar tool, it is unlikely Apple would be able to control China's use of it. Yet if Apple were to refuse Beijing, it would potentially face a battery of penalties. Analysts said Chinese officials were pushing for greater control over the encryption and security of computers and phones sold in the country, though Beijing last year backed off on some proposals that would have required foreign companies to provide encryption keys for devices sold in the country after facing pressure from foreign trade groups. "People tend to forget the global impact of this," said Raman Jit Singh Chima, policy director at Access Now, a nonprofit that works for Internet freedoms. "The reality is the damage done when a democratic government does something like this is massive. It's even more negative in places where there are fewer freedoms." Governments in Russia, Britain and Israel also have robust surveillance operations. Some governments have tried to use technology to gather intelligence on citizens at home and abroad. Apple's resistance to the United States government's demand has been polarising. Apple supporters have held protests in cities like San Francisco in recent days to show their support of the company and have used hashtags on social media like #freeapple and #beatthecase. "We're fighting to maintain even the assumption that companies should protect us," said Evan Greer, the campaign director at Fight for the Future, a civil liberties group that is organising protests nationwide on Tuesday to support Apple. "Apple is doing what every company should be doing." Others, including the Republican presidential candidate Donald J Trump, have criticised Apple, and Trump has suggested boycotting its products. Around the world, people are aware of the impasse but many say it does not affect their decision to buy iPhones and the company's other products. In Rome on Friday, Simone Farelli, a 34-year-old history teacher who was browsing for a new iPhone at an Apple Store, said she "didn't see why" the company's standoff with the Federal Bureau of Investigation "would change my mind about buying a new phone." In China, the iPhone continues to hold a special place as a symbol of middle-class status. Wen Shuyue, a 35-year-old consultant, who on Friday was waiting outside the Apple Store in Beijing's upscale Sanlitun district, is one of Apple's millions of Chinese users. He said he liked the iPhone because it was simply better than models made by Chinese companies such as Xiaomi and Huawei. "I've never used Xiaomi or Huawei, because I think their designs are rough and not all that personal," he said. Apple's shareholders have so far been quiet. In the past, investors who complained that some of Apple's socially driven initiatives were superfluous to the company's core business were quickly subdued. At a 2014 shareholders' meeting, Cook told investors that if they wanted him to make decisions based only on the bottom line, "then you should get out of the stock." But data privacy may eventually motivate investors - and ultimately more customers - to vote with their wallets because "it's an issue that speaks directly to the business," said Michael Cusumano, a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management. "Right now people buy phones regardless of encryption issues, but we have to wait and see how bloody this fight gets." 2016 The New York Times News Service Saudi Arabia said its accord with Russia to cap oil production was "the beginning of a process," but the path from a freeze to the output cuts needed to eliminate a global surplus is far from clear. When Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi suggested that the agreement in Doha was a prelude to "other steps," he fanned hopes that the kingdom's resistance to production cuts was finally weakening. Oil's recovery from a 12-year low last month was fuelled by speculation that major producers were finally building a coalition that could work to end the glut. The problem with ... Handset manufacturer Lava Mobiles is looking to raise $100 million from strategic partners to fund its expansion in the country. We are looking to dilute our equity to strategic partners...we are looking to raise $100 million and it will take around six-eight months to finalise, the company's Chairman and Managing Director Hari Om Rai told PTI on the sidelines of the Make in India Week held here last week. He said the company is already in talks with a couple of strategic investors, including foreign companies interested in investing in the country. Rai, however, declined to share any details regarding the valuations which the company, founded in 2009, is expecting. He added the entire equity was currently held by founders and employees. Speaking about venture capital firms, he said their focus is on software rather than hardware. One of the challenges is finance. There is a lot of traction on the software side of things among the VCs and PEs. But on the hardware side, the traction is a little less. People believe that it is a commodity market. I believe it is not so. There is a great chance for India, he said. The company has prepared a plan to increase its overall capacity to 200 million units in the next seven-10 years, which will entail an investment of Rs 2,615 crore, of which Rs 500 crore will be invested over the next two years. At present, the company has a plant in Noida with a capacity of 28 million phones a year, which it plans to double over the next 3-6 months, he said. It has also bought a land parcel in Tirupati and is scouting for locations to set up units in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, he said. The capacity ramp up is part of its strategy to decrease dependence on China for manufacturing of phones and shift those jobs to India, he said, adding that the number of employees at its manufacturing facilities will almost double to 8,000 in a year as more capacity gets created. Apart from serving the large domestic demand, Lava is also looking to export phones to markets like Africa and Indonesia, Rai said. Coroners tragic conclusion on mystery disappearance of teen backpacker A coroner has handed down her findings on the Belgian backpacker who disappeared almost without trace in an idyllic New South Wales tourist town more than three years ago. Jim Chalmers warns disaster floods will weigh on GDP growth Treasurer Jim Chalmers has revealed the "initial estimate" the recent flooding would have on the economy but warns costs associated could be "even more significant" ahead of his first federal budget on Tuesday. Limited value: Liberal Senator against royal commission into COVID Liberal Senator Jane Hume acknowledged the long-term effects of lockdowns and school shutdowns but said Australia fared well compared to other countries. Heavy rain, hail and more flood warnings for four states this weekend Millions of residents along the east coast have been told to brace for more wet weather this weekend, with warnings of large hailstones for Friday and severe thunderstorms bringing heavy rain to already flooded river systems. DECORAH Jury selection was scheduled to begin this morning in a murder case attracting attention across the state. Authorities allege Alexander Fazzino, 41, killed his wife, Emily, more than four years ago. She died Jan. 29, 2012, in the couples home in Boone, victim of either an accidental drowning in her bathtub or strangulation and perhaps intentional drowning. The trial moved to Winneshiek County after Judge Michael Moon granted a change of venue. Moon based his decision, in part, on extensive media coverage the case has received from the outset. Defense attorneys also argued Emilys family members enjoy quasi-celebrity status in and around Boone County. Emily Fazzinos maiden name was Beckwith, a prominent family in Boone County that founded and continues to operate Fareway Stores. Rick Beckwith, Emilys father, is chairman of the board of directors, according to the companys website. Emilys uncle, Scott Beckwith, is senior vice president of Fareway. Alexander Fazzino is represented by West Des Moines attorneys William Kutmus and Trevor Hook. Assistant Iowa Attorney General Scott Brown and Daniel Kolacia, Boone County attorney, are prosecuting the case. The eventual jury will be culled from an initial pool of 120 Winneshiek County residents, which is considerably more than the usual number summoned for service. For a typical trial that is going to last a day or two, 40 to 60 depending on what the judge recommends, Clerk of Court Elizabeth Nuss said. Attorneys have already taken a contentious tone in court documents and hearings leading up to the trial. Judge Moon in October 2014 reminded lawyers in the case they must abide by rules of professional conduct. This court will not tolerate antics by counsel that interfere with or impede the fair trial protections mandated by the federal and state constitutions, Moon wrote. Since then, Kutmus referenced fictitious serial killer Hannibal The Cannibal Lecter in court documents, accused prosecutors of classic Orwellian doublespeak and dismissed a prospective state witness as a narcissist and purveyor of junk science. Brown in court documents once characterized some of the defense attorneys claims as mean-spirited, speculative and inappropriate and has accused Kutmus of reacting with the usual hyperbole and thesaurus in hand. Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx on Sunday expected to finalize what security measures will be in place during the trial. The issue surfaced after Kutmus argued against creating an armed camp at the courthouse and said the court should decide what is appropriate, not a bunch of overwrought and jittery county officials. Marx said officials in Winneshiek County have for years been discussing courthouse security, which may include armed officers in uniform and metal detectors. A lot of the security measures were being put into place long before this trial and have nothing to do with this trial. Were trying to get up to pace with other courthouses, Marx said. Even with the amount of security were going to have in place with this trial it is still just the kind of security a lot of other courthouses have on a daily basis, Marrx added. Kutmus claims fall short, according to the sheriff. He put his ignorance on display ... by the comments he made, Marx said. Marx again suggested visitors to the courthouse be aware a large trial is underway. It has nothing to do with security. It has everything to do with parking, he said. Weve put some special parking provisions in place for the duration of the trial, hopefully to help with congestion, Marx added. He noted every office in the courthouse will remain open and residents can conduct their business. Im not asking people to delay it. But just be aware youre probably not going to be able to park right next to the door, Marx said. Some of the additional vehicles at the courthouse will be affiliated with news crews. Dateline NBC also is following Fazzinos case. DECORAH Court officials and attorneys on Monday began trimming a large field of potential jurors, cutting the number down to those who will evenutally weigh evidence and testimony in Alexander Fazzinos murder trial. The process is taking a bit longer than expected, and the session concluded for the day without quite reaching that goal. Of those summoned, 86 people appeared for possible duty at the Winneshiek County Courthouse in Decorah. Prosecutors Scott Brown and Daniel Kolacia allege Fazzino killed his 32-year-old wife Jan. 29, 2012, in the couples home in Boone. The trial will last at least two full weeks and may go into a third, according to Judge Michael Moon. Because of that fact, attorneys and Moon will eventually seat 15 in the jury. They will all hear the case, but only 12 people will deliberate and reach a verdict. Three are alternates and will be dismissed if not needed for deliberations. They do not know who they are because, as Judge Moon said, we want everyone to pay attention. Moon apologized in advance for court officials who might mispronounce potential jurors names. He noted folks from Boone County are more familiar with Swedish and Finnish names. Decorah, however, is known for its strong Norwegian heritage and family names. There are some combinations (of letters) here Ive never seen before, Moon said. Brown later acknowledged the mood in the courtroom may at times not match the serious nature of the alleged offense. Jurors should not interpret those lighter moments as trivializing the case, he said. We charged Mr. Fazzino with first-degree murder. We make no apologies for that, and we intend to prove hes guilty, Brown added. Defense attorney William Kutmus, though, later emphasized what he described as a core value in the American judicial system: His client, Alexander Fazzino, is innocent until the state proves otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt. Presumption of innocence sticks with him all the way to the jury room, Kutmus said. During examination of a 37-person panel called forward in the courtroom, Brown questioned the group and individuals about their exposure to information related to the case. He also asked where they got the information. Many of the potential jurors had heard about a murder case out of Boone County moving to Winneshiek County. A few had discussed the case with friends or colleagues, and others had read news accounts more thoroughly, they said. One man said he had done a Google search for information Sunday. Brown during questioning also revealed who the jurors may eventually meet. Witnesses for the state may include Boone police officers, medical examiners and agents with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Jurors also may hear from Rick Beckwith, Emily Fazzinos father; her sister, Ammie Dighton, and Ammies husband, Jeff Dighton; and Jody Beckwith, Emily Fazzinos aunt. Based on Browns questions, the state will apparently also raise the issue of domestic violence. He asked potential jurors if such an issue had ever touched them or anyone close to them. According to court records, Boone police responded to Emily and Alexander Fazzinos home Jan. 22, 2012, because of a domestic dispute. They made no arrests and no one reported any physical assault. Emily Fazzino filed for divorce the next day, according to court records. That week, Alexander Fazzino allegedly took the couples three children out of the state without his wifes knowledge or permission, according to an affidavit filed by investigators with Fazzinos arrest warrant. Fazzinos family lives in Missouri. Fazzino returned to Iowa on Jan. 24, 2012, after being served a court order from Emily Fazzinos attorney. Emily Fazzino spoke to her father, Rick Beckwith, at 5:10 p.m. on the day she died, Jan. 29, 2012, according to court records. Beckwith told investigators his daughter said she was afraid to go home. Alexander Fazzino placed a 911 call about 8 p.m. telling a dispatcher his wife was attempting to kill herself by drowning in the bathtub, according to the affidavit. Kutmus also provided a list of potential witnesses for Fazzinos defense. They include Fazzinos parents, Nick and Joanne Fazzino, and several siblings. Kutmus also listed Emily Fazzinos parents. The courtroom Monday morning was nearly filled to capacity. Fazzinos brother, Nick Fazzino, was among the crowd, and the two brothers spoke several times during recesses. Alexander Fazzino previously posted bond and has not been in police custody since 2013. He left the courtroom Monday with his attorneys and his brother. WATERLOO -- A search in Waterloo for man wanted in the killing of a grade schooler in Chicago as part of a gang retaliation turned up empty Friday, but authorities did find a man wanted in Texas. Chicago police are looking for 22-year-old Kevin Edwards for his role in the November 2015 shooting death of 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee. Officials said Tyshawn was lured away from a park and killed by a member of the Bang Bang Gang/Terror Dome Faction of the Black P Stone street gang in response to an Oct. 13 shooting. That shooting left 25-year-old Tracy Morgan dead and injured Morgans mother. Tracy Morgans brother, Cory Morgan, 27, vowed revenge, stating that since his brother was killed and his mama was shot, he was going to kill grandmas, mama, kids and all. Court records allege Cory Morgan, Edwards and another man were seen around Dawes Park in Chicago where Tyshawn was playing on Nov. 2. One of the men took the child to a nearby alley where he was shot a number of times at close range. Cory Morgan was arrested in November in Tyshawns death. Agents with the U.S. Marshal's Service said Edwards is also wanted on homicide charges in connection with Tyshawns slaying. On Friday afternoon, the search for Edwards led marshals and officers from Chicago and Waterloo to a home at 411 Randall St., said Capt. David Mohlis with the Waterloo Police Department. Edwards wasnt located, but police detained Ryan Edward Ellis, 24, Mohlis said. Ellis was wanted on an unrelated arrest warrant for theft out of Dallas County, Texas, according to officials at the Black Hawk County Jail, where he remains in custody. Marshals said Edwards has known ties throughout eastern Iowa, and they are offering $5,000 for information leading to his arrest. Edwards is described as a 22-year-old black male, about 6 feet 1 inch in height and weighing 200 pounds. Authorities believe he recently cut his hair. He should be considered armed and dangerous, according to the Marshal's service. Anyone with information is asked to call the Marshal's Service communication center at (800) 336-0102. The Randall Street address the scene of a shooting on Feb. 6. A gunman showed up at the home around 10 a.m. and began chasing a person in the house, firing a number of shots outside. No injuries were reported, and no arrests were made. WATERLOO Federal gun charges have been filed against a Waterloo woman who broke out a window with a rifle following an October argument with a neighbor over their children. A grand jury handed up an indictment charging Taylor Trinity Marie McHatten, 24, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition Feb. 3. The case was unsealed last week. Court records allege McHatten is prohibited from handling firearms because of a Chicago-area stolen vehicle conviction in 2009. On Oct. 17, McHattens child and Lakesha Martins child had a problem, and Martin allegedly corrected McHattens child, court records state. McHatten took offense at this and became involved in an argument with Martin that lead to a fight, records state. After the fight, McHatten returned to her West Mullan Avenue home, retrieved a .22-caliber GSG-522 semi-automatic rifle and began beating on the glass of Martins front door with the weapons butt, records state. McHatten then attempted to unlock the door. When police arrived, they found the rifle behind a nearby house. FAIRBANK Holly Frost Giroux volunteered to go to Afghanistan. Not once, but twice. Shes committed to the U.S. and international mission there, and to the Afghan people. I believe in the mission here and I believe in the people of this country. Theyre very deserving of our help, said Giroux, a 2003 graduate of Wapsie Valley High School, a U.S. Air Force captain working in military intelligence, said in a phone interview from Kabul. Theyre more than worthy. Theyre committed, Giroux said of the Afghan forces she works with. Its the right thing for Afghanistan, its the right thing for the region, but also for their families. Its a poor region. While the winter has been mild compared to past years, air pollution is high from open bonfires burning at night as people try to stay warm. Giroux, 30, a 2007 graduate of the University of Iowa, works in Kabul city at the headquarters of Operation Resolute Support, a NATO-led mission launched Jan. 1, 2015, to provide further training, advice and assistance for the Afghan security forces and institutions. I am military assistant to the deputy director of intelligence in Afghanistan, Giroux said. I control his calendar and make sure he has everything he needs to do his job. Shes been there since early November and will be there through October. She was married in September 2013 and her husband, Jason, also an Air Force intelligence officer from Arizona, also is on deployment in another location. The main mission now is to help the Afghans secure their country, work with them on improving their systems processes, their intelligence operations, the whole gamut of things, she said. The headquarters, consisting of about 2,500 service personnel from multiple countries, is near the U.S. Embassy, a target for periodic attacks by terrorist insurgents trying to be disruptive. Unfortunately, theres terror everywhere. We do our best to fight that as best we can, she said. A multi-sport athlete at Wapsie Valley High School, Giroux enrolled at Iowa as an open major. Her parents, Fred and Leslie Frost, suggested she check out ROTC. I definitely have to thank my parents, she said. It was a perfect fit, and she found a support network among her fellow ROTC cadets and later on in military life. She graduated from Iowa in 2007 commissioned as a second lieutenant. Having majored in political science and psychology, she chose the intelligence field. After six months training in Texas, she was assigned to at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, from 2008-11. But from January-July 2010 she served at Kandahar Air Field in Afghanistan near a Taliban stronghold and subject to daily rocket fire. She was the officer in charge of a six-person intelligence team supporting forces outside the base. She moved to Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina and in 2011-12 was deployed from there to a U.S. air base in Southwest Asia, serving as chief of intelligence for a wing of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter planes supporting Operation New Dawn in Iraq. She returned to Shaw and became executive officer to the operations group commander. She and Jason moved to Washington, D.C., in January 2014 to work in the Pentagon on Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, prior to their current separate deployments. They stay in contact via email and FaceTime on the computer. While she and her comrades are constantly busy, Giroux admits the importance and consequence of their service sometimes awes her. I say, This is really my job? I get paid to do this? She also noted her particular duty allows her to see the impact she and others are having on a grand scale from the farm fields near Fairbank where she grew up to the bonfires of the Afghan people, striving for freedom and a better life.. At first, in the summer of 2015, it seemed like a joke. Then a novelty. Then a bubble that must surely burst. Then a spectacle, overshadowing all the earnestness and experience of the Republican presidential field. Now Donald Trump seems on the verge of primary victories concentrated in the South that would establish him as a formidable front-runner. And this has happened in spite of a series of disqualifying comments ridiculing a war hero, employing misogynist humor, mocking a disabled reporter, displaying ignorance on basic policy matters, slandering the last Republican president that were not disqualifying at all. Why has this happened? Trump is not leading because he has masked his ideas, which have been consistent and forthright. He would (he says) build a Mexican-funded wall across the continent, expel 11 million undocumented immigrants, blow up the global trading order, send Syrian refugees back into a war zone, ban the immigration of Muslims to America and consider a Muslim registry. No one who supports Trump can say they didnt know the ethnically and religiously charged content of Trumpism. Yet it is Trumps style, his defiance of convention and political correctness, which seems to explain the intensity of his support. Were voting with our middle finger, explains a Trump supporter in South Carolina. All the institutions that have failed failed to stop Barack Obama, failed to save America from adulteration, corruption and destruction should be overturned. Burn, baby, burn. This approach to politics has not normally been associated with conservatism, which teaches prudence, proportion and respect for institutions, even if they require reform. Stepping back a moment, it is necessary to say America, even after seven years of Obama as president, is not North Korea. And American political structures have not failed like those of Weimar Germany. Even as there is much to improve about our country, there is much more to love. And there is much to fear in faces that would appear eager and exhilarated when lighted by the bonfire of American institutions. The political philosophy of the middle finger captured by Trump in all its vulgar, taunting, divisive glory requires an ethical leap. It assumes practices we know are wrong in our private lives contempt, mockery, cruelty, prejudice are somehow justified in our political lives. It requires us to embrace views and tactics we would never teach our children but do, in fact, teach them through an ethically degraded politics. Imagine your teenage son (or daughter, for that matter) calling a woman a fat pig, dog, disgusting animal or bimbo. Imagine your child labeling someone he or she knows as a loser, moron or dummy. This is the evidence of poor character, in any context. For Christians, the price of entry to the Trump movement is to abandon their commitments to kindness and love of neighbor. Which would mean their faith has no public consequence at all. And Trumpism is an existential threat to conservatism. It is not a theory of limited government. It would use government, with augmented powers, to enforce a vision of ethnic nationalism, constructing a wall visible from space and conducting one of the largest forced expulsions in history. Our circumstance is sometimes compared to William F. Buckley Jr.s public shunning of the John Birch Society the extreme conservatives of their day. But we have moved well beyond that precedent. No Bircher contended seriously for the Republican nomination. Until recently, nativists like Tom Tancredo (who referred to Miami as a Third World Country and proposed to send Obama back to his homeland in Kenya) seemed like a fringe element. Now this extreme threatens to become the dominant voice and face of the Republican Party. Many Trump supporters believe Obama has changed the country in destructive ways which I believe is true. But they also would change our country, in ways that should make us sick to the heart. For all our faults, we are a nation that prizes civility and respect. We give our neighbor the benefit of the doubt. We stand up for the little guy. We are grateful for our flawed and wonderful country. And we know our flag stands for shared ideals, not someones idea of shared bloodlines. All this is now at stake. It is time to stand up, to leave nothing that is necessary unsaid or undone, and to give our children an example of braveness and boldness in defending the decent, honorable, generous soul of our nation. Some members of the Black Hawk County Gaming Association held their noses and voted to give $750,000 in casino money toward renovating the covered walkway along the Fourth Street Bridge last week. Were glad they did. Because many who have used the bridge and make no mistake, many do use it have felt like holding their nose as they actually walk across it. The covered bridge has had a checkered maintenance history since it was built in the mid 1970s along with downtown improvements such as the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, then ConWay Civic Center. ConWay, as longtime city residents will recall, was supposed to stand for the connecting way between east and west Waterloo, symbolically bridging economic, cultural and racial divisions in the city. The covered walkway, part of the then-new Fourth Street Bridge, was part of that. Other private improvements followed including construction of the riverfront National Bank Waterloo building now occupied by Regions Bank and BerganKDV. Former Waterloo Mayor Leo Rooff, under whose administration the bridge was finished, privately grimaced at the criticism of it over the years, but maintained, It will be used. It is used. Anyone whos tried to walk across the Cedar River appreciates the partial respite the canopy gives pedestrians from inclement weather. In past years, paneling on the upstream, windward side provided a welcome windbreak from icy cold blasts surging down the waterway. Wed like to see the city consider re-installing those panels. And while the walkways shoddy appearance and disrepair leaves something to be desired at times, gaming association members correctly realized it is a symbolic visual centerpiece of downtown Waterloo as well as a functional one. I hate that thing with every piece of my body, but I will grudgingly say yes, said board member Geoff Grimes of Waterloo and a retired architect. Its the worlds longest urinal, in my experience. That its become an icon of our community is a sad commentary. Do you want to maintain this image of Waterloo? Like it or not, it has become that image, said board member Joe Vich of Waterloo. Im not a big fan, but I think we have to recognize it has become a symbol for our community. Grimes and Vich are both former residents of Cedar Falls, as is former Waterloo Mayor Tim Hurley, commission president. Whether you ever liked that canopy or not, it has become iconic for Waterloo, said Hurley, who did not vote. In my mind, this is very much worth it. If commissioners didnt like it, they needed to put up or shut up. They did the right thing and put up. Improving community image is a cornerstone of new Mayor Quentin Harts administration. In fact, he was walking across that very bridge when he received the news of his election. Substantial public and private improvements have been made all around it on both sides of the river, and more are forthcoming. We can think of no better gesture, symbolically and substantially, to improve the citys image than giving a heavily used major public facility smack in the heart of the city a much needed overhaul. It will be noticed and appreciated. Waterloo Legion schedules meal WATERLOO American Legion Post 138 at 728 Commercial St. will serve loose-meat hamburger and coleslaw from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday. Veterans and the public are welcome to attend. Quota to hold meeting Tuesday WATERLOO Quota of Waterloo, a nonprofit service organization dedicated to providing service to disadvantaged women and children and deaf and hard of hearing people, will have its monthly meeting Tuesday. Visitors are welcome to join the meeting in the Cedar Room at Clarion University Plaza at 6:30 p.m. Speaker will be Mary McInnis Meyer, yoga teacher, writer and mechanical engineer. She has taught more than 500 therapeutic private sessions as well as group classes and workshops. New members are always welcome. For more information, go to www.waterlooquota.com. Button Club plans meeting WATERLOO The Black Hawk Button Club will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. Pauls Methodist Church, 207 W. Louise (two blocks behind Allen Hospital). Two club members will help members and guests make a button necklace out of 100 sew-through buttons. Bring your own buttons for your necklace. Call Anna at 415-7550 with any question. Anyone interested is welcome. Fredericksburg fundraiser set FREDERICKSBURG Fun in the Son Day Care and Preschool is having a dinner, silent auction and bake sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at the Fredericksburg Community Center. The menu includes lasagna, garlic bread, salad, desserts, and beverages. A freewill offering will be taken for the meal. The silent auction consists of items contributed by local businesses and individuals. Anyone wishing to contribute an auction item or baked goods for the bake sale should contact Kathy Langreck at (563) 237-6117. Boxes are at St. Pauls church and Fun in the Son for collecting labels and lids from Campbells, Milk Moola, Swiss Valley, Fast Fixins, Tysons Project A+ and Foremost Farms Milk and pop cans, used printer cartridges and old cell phones. Proceeds from fundraisers are used for building maintenance and day care and preschool programming and supplies. Legion to hold several fish fries GILBERTVILLE The Gilbertville American Legion will serve a fish fry from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Cost is $8 for adults, $3.50 for children ages 6 to 9 and free for children ages 5 and younger. There also will be a fish fry on March 4 and 18. Society to hold pie social SHELL ROCK The Shell Rock Historical Society is hosting a pie social at 2 p.m. Sunday at Shell Rocks Boyd Building. Admission will be a pie, giving people a chance to taste someone elses pie. Pies will be auctioned to the highest bidder. The historical society will furnish coffee, tea and hot chocolate. By West Kentucky Star Staff Feb. 21, 2016 | 11:18 AM | REIDLAND, KY A Reidland woman was arrested Saturday on theft charges. According to the McCracken County Sheriff's office, deputies responded Saturday morning to a reported burglary at the home of Tiffany Comer on Reid Circle. Comer told deputies she left her apartment on Friday night and when she returned, she discovered several items, including electronics, jewelry and cash, stolen from her apartment. Later that day, Comer discovered her neighbor, 26-year-old Sarah Ledgerwood, had placed an ad on Facebook trying to sell her stolen camera. Detectives obtained a search warrant, and during the search, detectives found Comers stolen property inside Ledgerwoods apartment, along with property belonging to others. Ledgerwood was arrested on a charge of receiving stolen property over $500 and booked into McCracken County Jail. By Joe Jackson Feb. 17, 2016 | 09:48 PM | GOLO, KY Six people were arrested on drug, theft and gun charges Wednesday in Graves County. According to the Graves County Sheriff's office, drug detectives got a tip of illegal drug activity taking place at a home on State Route KY 564 in the Golo community. Deputies searched the home and located evidence of methamphetamine and prescription drug trafficking. Deputies also located stolen property inside the home. Those arrested were 55-year-old Steven Burnett of Golo, 37-year-old Jennifer Misiewicz of Grand Rivers, 55-year-old Anthony Augustino of Grand Rivers, 52-year-old Thomas Downs of Paducah, 28-year-old Nakesha Reed of Mayfield and 29-year-old Cheryl Palmer of Louisville. Burnett was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of meth, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and receiving stolen property under $500. Misiewicz was charged with trafficking Methadone, possession of drug paraphernalia, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, complicity to giving an officer a false name and complicity to theft of identity of another without consent. Augustino was charged with trafficking Methadone, theft of identity of another without consent, giving an officer a false name and possession of drug paraphernalia. Downs was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, tampering with physical evidence, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substance and possession of methamphetamine. Reed and Palmer were each charged with possession of meth, possession of controlled substance, prescription not in the proper container, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. All six were lodged in the Graves County Jail. Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. US and NATO Forces Are Butchering Civilians en Masse in Iraq and Syria... by Martin Berger, New Eastern Outlook : As its been recently noted, the latest mass-casualties inflicted by US and NATO airstrikes i... 10 Dead, 50 Injured After Briefcase Bomb In St. Petersburg Metro; Second Device Found & Disabled - Live Feed A St. Petersburg Metro train has been hit by an explosion this afternoon. The entire transit system is shutdown. Preli... Trump Warns Germany "Owes Vast Sums To US... Must Be Paid For Defense" " Germany owes vast sums of money to NATO & the United States must be paid more for the powerful, and very ... In recent years, Marvel has begun to alienate their most loyal fans as they look to grab the attention of the casual readers who get to know their characters through the movies. As a publisher, they're doing a lot wrong right now , but perhaps the most infuriating thing they're guilty of is the way they've allowed the big screen adventures of their characters to vastly change the comic book universe. Despite obviously being part of the same company, it's important to note that Marvel Comics and Marvel Studios are very separate. Kevin Feige isn't calling the shots on The Avengers each month any more than Editor in Chief Axel Alonso is dictating what should happen in Captain America: Civil War. However, seeking to capitalise on the success of all those Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, the comic book division is constantly ripping off their ideas and bringing them into the classic Marvel Universe. While you can't blame them for wanting to make the comics more inviting to newbies, many of the changes they've made over the years have become as infuriating as their never ending stream of new #1 issues! These are the eight most significant examples of the many ways the MCU has forever changed the comics. These are all as infuriating as they are baffling, and with Marvel making so many of their characters poor imitations of their big screen counterparts, it's really no wonder that DC Comics has started creeping up the sales charts each month... Ahead of the release of their latest issue, Empire Magazine have released a tidbit of info from their feature on Captain America: Civil War. Namely, that Martin Freeman will be playing a character named Everett Ross (whether there'll be a relation to William Hurt's General Ross in the film remains to be seen). Fans of Black Panther comics may be familiar with the character as a U.S. attache based in Wakanda, the fictional African nation of which the Panther is the monarch. In the comics, Everett has proven to be a consistently reliable ally for T'Challa, even going so far as to be installed as the Regent in his absence. Having Freeman inhabit this character serves as a natural bridge for Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther to appear in Civil War, and will no doubt be scheduled to appear in that character's solo film when it hits in February of 2018. For the time being, you can look forward to seeing the character in a few scant months, where he'll be featuring as part of the 'Joint Counter Terrorist Centre', alongside Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp) - as evidenced by the new production still above, and what's already been glimpsed in the trailers. Captain America: Civil War is released in the UK on 29th April and in the US on 6th May. It's difficult to come to terms with what I've just seen. The Walking Dead went nuclear in the mid-season premiere, threatening doom for the survivors, but Episode 10 offered up a cosy, new version of the world and 'Richonne' officially made it beyond social media fan dreams and into the show itself. The episode was an overall surprise, not on a 'the kids are dying, Jessie's gone and Carl's had his face blown off' scale, but for the fact that nobody saw any of these events coming so soon after the chaos at Alexandria. We don't know how long it has been since the walker herd, but long enough has passed for the streets to be utterly cleansed of the death, walls fortified back to a safe level, Carl to be allowed out of the house, and Rick to get over Jessie. The group are living how they wanted to live when they first arrived in Deanna's settlement, and that's a good sign of longevity. They're staying put. But with an episode like this where we've jumped ahead in time, a lot of loose ends were ignored and multiple characters were once again left out of proceedings, a million talking points have sprouted. Here are 10 of the most pressing questions we're asking about 'The Next World'. If one was trying to understand why Republicans should never be allowed to manage anything more complicated than a Dairy Queen, all that would be necessary would be a comparison between my home state of Minnesota and neighboring Wisconsin. The differences could hardly be more stark or the impact more distressing. While Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has done the bidding of the Koch brothers - dismantling union rights, erecting obstacles to reproductive health care, and erecting obstacles to voting- Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has taken the opposite tack. Gov. Dayton may be by some estimates a world-class nerd , but hes presided over a state government success story that stands in stark contrast to the growing disaster that is Scott Walkers Wisconsin. For a man who has won a competitive US Senate race and secured his second term as governor in November, Mark Dayton is a terrible retail politician. Hes very shy and hes an introvert, Ken Martin, the chair of the state party and a friend of Daytons, told me unprompted earlier this month. Hes not a typical, backslapping politician, Martin continued. Hes not very articulate; hes kind of jerky, Tom Bakk, the Democratic Senate majority leader, says of his allys style. When Dayton first ran for his current job, in 2010, The New Republic dubbed him Eeyore for Governor. Not exactly a ringing endorsement of Gov. Daytons personality, but in a results-oriented business, he stands out heroically when compared to Gov. Walkers Right-wing cluster next door. Think of Dayton as Scott Walkers mirror image. With the help of GOP-controlled legislatures, Walker passed wish lists of conservative policies and touted their states as laboratories that demonstrate the benefits of conservative governance. Walker, the governor of Wisconsin, has parlayed that hype into a potential 2016 presidential run. And across the border in Minnesota, Dayton seized a brief moment of unified Democratic control to create the liberal alternative to Walkers Wisconsina blue-state laboratory for demonstrating the potential of liberal policies. Dayton didnt set out with the objective of one-upping Walker in mind, he told me after the Eagan event. But the contrast, he notes, is obvious. If youre going to tout the benefits of conservative governance, it would stand to reason that youd have some actual benefits to claim. Of course, if you believe suppressing unions, curtailing access to the ballot box, restricting access to reproductive health care, and sluggish economic growth to be benefits of conservative governance, I suppose you have much to celebrate. From where I sit, its difficult to see how those things could be considered benefits in any sense of the wordbut then I (thankfully) dont live in Wisconsin. What makes Gov. Walkers dismantling of the Badger State even more depressing is that not only has he been re-elected- hes survived a recall election. If you believe that voters get exactly the quality of leadership they deserve- and I do- its difficult to fathom how the standards of Wisconsinites could be so abysmally low- especially when they can look next door to see what Mark Dayton has been doing to lift Minnesota up. As November approaches and you find yourself trying to decide between Republicans and Democrats, might I suggest you compare Minnesota and Wisconsin side by side? If that doesnt make up your mind for you, Im not certain what would. Over the years, Ive discovered I enjoy marijuana far more than alcohol. I dont partake much, but given the choice between the two, Id prefer to light up. I can wake up the next morning still feeling on top of my game. Now that the Devils weed is legal in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Oregon, I can admit to that without worrying such an admission in writing would get me into trouble with employers (actual or potential) or those friends and acquaintances who disapprove of breaking the law. Its still against federal law, but as in Colorado and Washington, the feds have chose to look the other was once Oregon voted to legalize recreational marijuana. Oregon has chosen to regulate marijuana through the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC), with the result that the OLCC model used to tax and regulate alcohol has been applied (as much as is practical) to marijuana. The process hasnt been seamless nor without its challenges, but considering that the state created a regulatory framework largely out of thin air, the process has worked pretty well. Im not much of a drinker; it seems the older I get the less alcohol likes me. Revulsion over the feeling of waking up and realizing I had too much to drink the night before far outweighs any enjoyment I might get out of whatever I may have indulged in. Im not a teetotaler or morally opposed to drinking- I actually will enjoy a drink (generally one and only one) now and then- but more than one drink usually succeeds only in putting me to sleep. Yeah, Im a real party animalif that animal is a hibernating bear. One of the things that Ive marveled at is that Ive never paid for weed- not a dime in more than 30 years. Ive always been blessed with friends who have an oversupply or are willing to share, and every now and again I get to be the beneficiary of their largesse. The result is that I have NO idea how much marijuana costs on the free (and legal) marketand I probably wont for some time, since I have enough to keep me going for quite awhile. For some, theres still a stigma of immorality (remnants of the Reefer Madness mentality, I suppose) associated with marijuana. From my perspective its no difference from enjoying the occasional social drink. Its a way to relax and unwind, and its easy to stay within my limits, which means I dont wake up the next morning with a hangover. Attitudes here in Oregon are still evolving, but people are beginning to recognize and understand that marijuana, at least in the global sense, is far less destructive. After some initial projections of disaster by those who opposed legalization, the early returns have shown that legalized marijuana has had little, if any, deleterious effect on the collective health and well-being of Oregonians. Combine that with the live-and-let-live ethose prominent in much of the Beaver State (particularly in the Portland area), and the collective moral health of Oregonians is largely what it was prior to legalization. Not only that, its one less victimless crime police have to worry about dealing with. Medical marijuana has been legal in Oregon for several years, so there was already a network of dispenaries licensed by the state. Many of these have adapted with little trouble to the new legality of Satans Succotash. Given my constant oversupply thanks to my friends, Id never had reason to go to a dispensaryuntil this week. While getting ready for a long weekend at the Oregon Coast, I discovered that while I had plenty of product, I had nothing to convert said product into a readily enjoyable form. I had to run some errands, so I stopped at a place called Greeley Gallery a couple miles from home. From the outside, it looks like any other business in a strip mall. As soon as I walked in the front door, though, it was clear that this was unlike any other business Id frequented. A woman behind a bullet proof window greeted me and asked for my ID. Once shed logged me into their system, she press a buzzer, another door audibly unlocked, and I was able to pass through into the sales area. When I was in college weed was weed. We were happy for whatever we could get, and never did we suspect there was more out there than the Minnesota Ditchweed we lit up. As I looked at the display cases arrayed before me, it was clear Id entered a different world. Just as with the transformation coffee underwent during my 20s, there was a plethora of facing me, and I could consult with the budtender about what would best suit my needs. I was impressed at the range of options before me, and though I didnt purchase any weed (I was there for other things), I left with much to think about for my next visit. Oh, and the security? Its understandable once you consider that banks have so far refused to open merchant accounts for marijuana-related businesses. Banks are governed by federal law, and since marijuana is still considered illegal by the feds, no financial institution has thus far been willing to assume the risks they see as associated with having marijuana-related businesses as merchant customers. This means that marijuana sales in Oregon are still cash-only, making these businesses easy targets for criminals. Suddenly, the bulletproof glass and the electronic door lock made more sense. Its a brave new world here, and while many states and the federal government remain firmly mired in a Reefer Madness mentality, Oregon (along with Washington and Colorado) have listened to their residents and legalized marijuana. Time will tell what the long-term impact will be, but the early returns are exceedingly positive. For those of us for whom alcohol no longer does it, this is a very good thing. Before long, taking a few tokes will have no more social stigma than sipping on a gin and tonic. 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Edinburgh. View from Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle. 1 o'clock gun, Edinburgh Castle. Grand Gallery, National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh. Phone booth, Edinburgh. Glen coe, on the way to Loch ness. Urquhart Castle. Urquhart Castle. Loch ness Loch ness Loch ness, on board the ferry. Loch ness monster ;) Edinburgh, Christmas Markets On the evening of the 19th we arrived into Edinburgh via train from Durham. I spent the next couple of days here, including a day trip to Loch Ness on the 22nd of December.Edinburgh is an amazing city, with the old town and new town on different sides. The old town has buildings which are more than 300 years old! You could say the entire town is an antique.Loch ness was a trip that I wish I was better. There were just way too many people on board the bus. Urquhart castle was the highlight of the trip, being on loch ness itself wasn't that great. The weather was frankly quite awful that day. But I did however spot Nessie!Scotland would be my final stop in the UK after which I would fly to Berlin in Germany. If youre looking to try out an online casino, there are several things that will help you make a decision. Heres what you should look for when choosing an online casino Are they regulated? A lot of the larger ones have licenses issued by the authorities in their respective regions, so its worth checking this first. Do they offer games from different software providers? Some casinos just use one software provider and limit your selection. This is fine if you like playing those types of games but you may want to check other casinos as well. What does their payout percentage look like? The payout rate refers to how much money you can expect to win after every bet. A high payout rate means youll be able to play more often without having to worry about losing all your money. Its also important to know the minimum and maximum bets allowed on each game. 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Countless patients suffering from complex conditions, from unusual fractures to life-threatening heart complications, have already benefitted from 3D printed surgical models that enable surgeons to carefully prepare the upcoming procedure. Finding inspiration in sectors such as the automotive and aviation industries, Turkish medical implant manufacturer TST Tibbi Aletler has now found a new way to benefit from 3D printing: the prototyping of unique orthopedic and arthroplasty implants. To do so, they are using the unusual Blueprinter SHS (Selective Heat Sintering) 3D printer. Of course, several 3D printed titanium implants have already been used in rare cases, but the fast majority of medical implants are still made with cheaper traditional milling and crafting techniques. But even those techniques, TST Tibbi Aletler proves, can benefit from 3D printing. TST Tibbi Aletler San. Ve Tic. Ltd.Sti., to give the companys full name, is a major player in the Turkish medical industry. Founded back in 1997 by Ahmet Fethi Polat and now employing 105 people, they are one of the foremost Turkish producers of orthopedic and arthroplasty implants. That means they especially cater to patients suffering from fractures or invasive tumors. As TST Medical Devices, they also sell numerous instruments and tools worldwide. Their products obviously need to be perfect fits for each and every patient they serve, and as Project and Business Development Manager Orcun Polat explained, this led them to adopt 3D printing for the design process specifically to produce high quality prototypes and to check their anatomical structures. Previously we bought a 3D printer from another company, but the prototypes from those printers were not of a quality that we could use. The prototype implants were breakable and not strong enough, Polat says. Unsatisfied, they turned to Blueprinter ApS, a Danish company who have developed a very interesting variation on the well-known selective laser sintering 3D printing technology. Called Selective Heat Sintering, their technique replaces the laser beam with more affordable thermal printheads. [This variation] makes this technology affordable for engineers, designers etc. Blueprinter 3D printer creates flexible yet tough models from nylon powder, suitable for snap and fit functions, design verification, new products development. The SHS technology does not use supports, which makes it ideal for creating complex parts very easily, the Danish engineers say. Polat revealed that they were very pleased with the results from this Blueprinter. we save time because its faster than our previous 3D printer, and the resulting printed models are stronger, he said. The machine is currently frequently used throughout the research and development stages of their products. With a 3D printer, we can see the diameters of the prototypes, and set a better feel. It is easier to have it on hand, than to check on the computer, because the prototype is the basis for the real implant, says Polat. As he went on to explain, they can even use the 3D printed prototypes during mock surgeries, where they try to implant them into bone models. If revision is needed, we redesign and print it again. When it is approved, we produce the titanium implant. When producing implants, we start with the CAD design, and then CAM programing for CNC machining. We make titanium implants two to three times per month, he further said. Upon completion, a doctor rigorously tests the results before being implanted. But aside from the quality results, they were also happy with the Blueprinter for being inexpensive in use. A 3D printer uses a lot of powder. For that reason, we chose a 3D powder printer from Blueprinter, because the leftover powder in the chamber can be reused for the next print. This reuse of powder makes Blueprinter very cost effective, says Orcun Polat. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Pilgangoora Lithium Mining Study - Supplementary Information Perth, Feb 22, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Altura Mining Limited ( ASX:AJM ) is pleased to provide the following information in relation to its announcement "Pilgangoora Lithium Update: Independent Mining Study Demonstrates Robust Financial Returns and 19 Year Mine Life" released on 11 February 2016. Clarification Altura wishes to clarify that the information in the announcement relates to a mining study that has been completed to a prefeasibility study level, and that the mining study is not a full project prefeasibility study. Any references to a "mining preliminary feasibility study" or a "pre-feasibility mining study" should be read as a "mining study". The results of the mining study will nonetheless be a significant input to a full project feasibility study which is currently being prepared and is expected to be delivered by the end of March 2016. As noted in the previous announcement, Altura has commissioned Orelogy to further develop the scope of the current mining study to a "definitive feasibility level" with completion also expected y the end of March 2016. Additional Material Assumptions Relating to the Production Target Mineralisation The Pilgangoora pegmatites have been shown by drilling to extend down dip for up to 200 metres depth and they are open below this depth. The local structural evidence would indicate that the regional north to northeast faulting and shearing are the overriding structural controls for the emplacement of the pegmatite dykes. Also known to be one of the controls for the pegmatite mineralisation is the distance from the granite source, which at Pilgangoora is interpreted to be the Carlindi Granite Complex located immediately to the west of Pilgangoora and some 2-3km from the greenstone - granite contact. The inherent lithium grade reported within each dyke is relatively consistent over the area drilled. No significantly high grade localised lithium concentrations were observed. The spodumene distribution within each dyke is therefore thought to be relatively homogeneous. (Hyland.S, Pilgangoora Mineral Resource Estimate, Aug 2015). Pit Optimisation A pit optimisation study has been undertaken by Orelogy (utilising WHITTLE(TM) software) in order to identify and quantify potential mining inventories and to create pit shells that can then utilised as a basis for design and LOM scheduling purposes to determine the overall potential for advancing the project to higher study levels. The 2012 scoping study conducted by METS did not include a pit optimisation and assumed all mineralisation above 0.8% Li20 would be recoverable though open pit mining methods. Therefore an initial pit optimisation was undertaken using high level assumptions and disregarding tenement boundaries in order to identify the maximum potential pit limit. The optimisation parameters were based around a plant processing rate of 830 Ktpa in line with the 2012 Scoping Study. A l.O Mtpa process rate was expected to have similar fixed and variable operating costs. In order to evaluate the economic potential of the total resource, the pit optimization was generated using Measured, Indicated and Inferred resources. The parameters used were based on comparable benchmarks, deposit specific metallurgical test work and cost estimates based on the deposit geological characteristics. Mining Method It was assumed that mining will be undertaken by Altura as an owner mining model employing selective mining methods utilising 130t hydraulic excavators, 90t rigid body dump trucks and drill and blast coupled to a ROM stockpile. A conventional production support fleet will be used to support load & haul operations. Other key mining assumptions were, 6m bench height, 102mm diameter blast holes, approximate burden spacing of 3.5m x 4.0 respectively, average penetration rate of 25m/operating hour. Overheads and Ore Mining Costs Based on experience and the Orelogy database for similar projects, the following parameters and assumptions were used to define the additional mining costs: - Mining overheads including staff, consumables, IT, equipment hire and consultants services - Grade control was based on l m sampling on a 10m x 10m pattern using a dedicated contract rig with a provision of an extra 5% being redrilled - Crusher feed using a Cat 980 FEL tramming an average 100m - An allowance of 10% for re-handle from remote stockpiles using Cat 980 FEL and 50t dump trucks - Provisions for pit dewatering based on sump pumps within the pit Processing Method The plant consists of a four stage crushing circuit producing a -3.35mm product from ROM ore at a rate of l Mtpa. The crushing plant runs day and nights shift providing feed to a crushed ore stockpile and/or crushed ore bin which feeds the beneficiation plant on a continuous basis. The beneficiation plant consists firstly of a reflux classifier for mica removal then a three stage Dense Media Separation (DMS) circuit. Secondary DMS floats are sent to a classification cyclone before being fed into a ball mill for milling to 106 microns in preparation for the flotation circuit. The flotation circuit is a three stage process followed by concentration thickener and filtering. Coarse and fine products are stockpiled separately on site before being combined for road transportation to Port Hedland Port. The mining study has determined that the plant would produce recovered spodumene @6% Li2O over the life of the mine. Proportions of Mineral Resources Underpinning the Production Target Further, the previous announcement included a revised mineral resource estimate and referred to the levels of inferred mineralisation in the mill feed for the plant. The table below sets outs the relevant proportions of indicated mineral resources and inferred mineral resources that underpin the production target. Altura Pilgangoora Lithium Mineral Resource Estimate & Production Target Percentages JORC Cut-off Tonnes Li20 Contained Production Category Li2O(%) (Mt) (%) Li2O target (tonnes) (Mt) ---------------------------------------------------- Measured 0.40 Indicated 0.40 26.70 1.05 280,000 17.73 Inferred 0.40 9.00 1.02 92,000 1.19 Totals 0.40 35.70 1.05 372,000 18.92 ---------------------------------------------------- For further information on the mineral resource estimate, please refer to the ASX announcement of 11 February 2016. About Altura Mining Ltd Altura Mining Limited (ASX:AJM) is building a leading position in the independent supply of lithium raw materials, with a world class lithium project at Pilgangoora ready to set the platform and be the first new hard rock lithium product supplier in 2017. The Altura team has a track record of delivering mining projects with Pilgangoora the most advanced stage, near term producing lithium project; solid offtake partners and a market providing substantial growth opportunities to ensure positive shareholder returns. ACAs library of educational tools help members improve their business practices. ACA also holds the most popular industry conferences and offers credentialing for collectors, attorneys, and more. ACAs Training Zone subscription gives agencies access to almost all of our education for one low cost. (Bloomberg) Google saved $2.4 billion in worldwide taxes in 2014 by shifting 10.7 billion euros ($12 billion) in international revenues to a Bermuda shell company, Alphabet Inc., the parent of the Web-search provider, regulatory filings show. The amount Google moved through its Dutch subsidiary, Google Netherlands Holdings BV, and then on to Bermuda represents the bulk of its profits overseas. The amount transferred to Bermuda was 16 percent greater than the prior year, according to documents the subsidiary filed with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 4 and made available this week. The filing was first reported by the Dutch magazine Quote. The revelation comes as Google faces outrage in Europe over the small amount of tax it pays in the region. Last month, after Google reached a controversial 130 million pound ($187 million) settlement with the U.K. government over an audit covering 10 years of accounts, critics called the amount "derisory." The deal spawned parliamentary hearings, a government audit and scrutiny from the European Union. France and Italy are also reportedly in discussions with Google to settle ongoing tax disputes. Outside of Europe, legislators in Australia have in recent weeks questioned whether the company is paying a fair share of tax there. "Google complies with the tax laws in every country where we operate," the company said in an e-mailed statement. Dutch Sandwich Googles Dutch subsidiary is the heart of tax structures known as a "Double Irish" and a "Dutch Sandwich" because it involves moving money from one Google subsidiary in Ireland to a Google subsidiary in the Netherlands before moving it out again to a different Irish subsidiary, physically based in Bermuda, where there is no corporate income tax. This movement of cash enables Google parent Alphabet to keep the effective tax rate on its international income in the single digits. For 2015, Alphabet reported its average tax rate outside the U.S. was just 6.3 percent, according to a calculation using the income from foreign operations and the foreign income tax reported in its U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Figures for 2015 revenue moved through Googles Dutch subsidiary arent available. Tax Structure The company says this calculation does not reflect the methods actually used to determine its international taxes in any jurisdiction. Those methods involve transfer pricing, where payments between various international subsidiaries are used to attribute profit to the geographies where economic value is deemed to have been created. The amount of these payments is based on estimates of what similar transactions with an unrelated company would cost. Google attributes most of the economic value of its products to its research and development operations in the U.S. and, in the case of its overseas sales, to its Bermuda-based subsidiary, which holds the international licenses for Googles intellectual property. The Irish tax loophole that makes the "Double Irish" possible was closed by the Irish parliament last year. But companies already using the structure can continue to employ it until the end of 2020. Last week, Tom Hutchinson, Googles vice president for finance, defended the companys tax arrangements before a U.K. parliamentary committee. Noting that its average global tax rate for the past five years was 19 percent, Hutchinson said Google paid "a fair amount" of tax worldwide. He also said that the complex structure through which Google moves most of its international profits through its Dutch subsidiary and then on to Bermuda "made sense" given that the U.S. government taxes companies on their foreign income if they bring it back into the U.S. This gives multinationals an incentive to keep those profits overseas and in locations with little or no corporate tax. At the end of 2015, Alphabets foreign subsidiaries were holding $43 billion in cash untaxed by the U.S., according to the companys SEC filings. Discovery Tamil presents a gripping line-up of real life action bringing together renowned survival specialists from across the world who will have the viewers on the edge of their seats from 10 pm to 11 pm every night in March. Discover Real Heroes will showcase the determination, the spirit of adventure and the zeal to overcome all obstacles displayed by these unrelenting thrill seekers at the planets most unforgiving terrains. 'Baahubali' star Rana Daggubati will present these extraordinary and unbelievable actions on Discovery Tamilevery night from 10 pm starting March 1. These include Bear Grylls, Les Stroud,Ed Stafford, Joel Lambert and many more who will share the tips and tricks to survive in the unforeseen situations. Commenting on the series Rahul Johri, EVP & GM South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, Presenting the most inspiring and action based journeys, Discoverys Real Heroes will showcase the art of survival inextreme wilderness. This brigade of survival experts is a perfect example of outstanding endurance and smart thinking. The journey of Discovery Real Heroes will begin on Tuesday with the programme, Dual Survival, which will present Matt Graham and Joe Teti, who will show how to devise extraordinary ways to survive in the remote corners of the world. Viewers will follow Les Stroud who has returned to the most captivating and tough wilderness settings as he survives with little food, no water or gear, and no safety or camera crew in Survivor Man - Classics & Legends. The well-known survival expert Bear Grylls will show the viewers how to survive the most visited environments on the planet by putting himself in the position of a stranded tourist. The week will be packed with more action from Bear Grylls as he will be seen in two more exciting series Bear Grylls: Mission Survive that will have Bear Grylls takeeight celebrities on a 12-day survival mission who will be tested on fundamental principles of survival and have to navigate through difficult terrains; Runnin Wild with Bear Grylls, which will see Bear Grylls taking celebrities into the most pristine locations around the world for a 48-hour journey. Together, they will tests their survival skills and mental and physical limits as they enter into uncharted territory and wilderness. Viewers will follow Joel Lambert in the series Manhunt with Joel Lambert as he puts himself against the challenges that are a mix of indigenous hunting and tracking forces as well as law enforcement units, executed in some of the most hazardous environments on earth. Another lineup, Ed Stafford: Into The Unknown will uncover the truth about mysterious satellite images of Earths most remote locations. In a thirst for discovering the unknown, Stafford will self-film each episode investigating inexplicable markings that have baffled scientists until now. In Man, Woman Wild Mykel Hawke and Ruth England will be seen surviving with limited supplies in wild and inhospitable locations around the world. With only knife and clothes in their backs, their will and marriage will be up for an extreme test of survival in some of the wildest places on the earth. Join the real action every night at 10 pm with Discovery Real Heroes and be part of the most gripping adventure tale ever. Conde Nast India, the media company producing some of the highest quality magazines, websites and digital content nationally, has associated with the Government of Indias prestigious Make in India Week. To amplify the Make in India message and help promote the country as a preferred destination for global investment and manufacturing, Conde Nast India has created the official Make in India magazine, a special edition which launched on Feb 17 as part of the Make in India Week, Mumbai. The 200-page glossy tells the inspiring stories of some of Indias most dynamic entrepreneurs and companies, and showcases the energy sweeping across the nation in various sectors. The magazine was launched at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai amongst government dignitaries, key social influencers, industrialists and others, including the drivers of the initiative, Mr. Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP)-Government of India and Mr. V. Sunil, Director, Motherland Joint Ventures And Creative Director, Make in India programme. The event was partnered by Welspun Group, Serum Institute of India Private Limited, UPL Limited and Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces As Mr. Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion and a key driver of the Make in India initiative stated in his editorial in the MII magazine, Indias manufacturing lion is steadily on the move, backed by a vast range of policy measures converging initiatives on innovation, skill development and smart manufacturing. If India has to grow at rates of eight to nine percent per annum over the next three decades and create jobs for its young population, the manufacturing sector must grow at 14 to 15 percent per annum on a sustained basis. Make in India can and must succeed. The direction is right. We are happy to spread awareness about this initiative through Conde Nast India. Speaking about being a key participant at Make in India Week, Mr. Alex Kuruvilla, Managing Director, Conde Nast India said, The Make in India mantra resonates within Conde Nast India, a brand which successfully encapsulates many iterations of Make in India since its inception 10 years ago. Whether it was Vogues Renaissance Project, where the worlds top designers were asked to fashion clothing using Indian textiles and weaves, or Architectural Digests AD 50, an annual roundup of the best design talent in the country, we thrive on celebrating the environment we feed on. Conde Nast Travellers Journeys of a Lifetime initiative showcases the incredible culture and diversity of India through print, digital, events and films. In the last decade, we have not only lived up to the high editorial and production standards set by our counterparts across the world, but are continuing to create a brand that India can be proud of. Conde Nast India is not simply Made in India; its Made for India. Its also Made for the World by India. Most pertinently, its Made to Celebrate India. Ms. Divia Thani Daswani, Editor, Make in India magazine said, At a macro level, the Make in India initiative is clearly about driving growth and creating jobs but on the ground, it comes down to people, to individuals. Behind every brand, every label, every product or service, is a person with a vision of creating something new and transformational. These are the true stories of people making in India. We hope to telland re-telltheir stories for years to come. Mr. Chinmai Sharma, Chief Revenue Officer, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces said, Taj has been the custodian of Indian hospitality for over a century. Tajs legacy of world-class service, rooted in the nobility of Indian heritage and traditions has evolved as a unique brand that resonates the ethos of Make in India". Spread across the world our hotels seamlessly blend traditional hospitality with modern amenities. From royal palaces that captivate ones imagination, idyllic beach resorts that entice a traveller and contemporary luxury that the Vivanta and Gateway hotels offer, Taj embodies the rich qualities that India stands for. We are very proud to be a part of the launch of the Make in India magazine. At a time when the world is looking towards Asia, Make in India is a big step in the right direction and has reinstated the importance of our growing economy. We thank Mr. Amitabh Kant and Conde Nast India for partnering with us to launch it. Highlights of Make in India magazine: Editorials by eminent personalities like Amitabh Kant, Anand Mahindra, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Sanjay Vijayakumar and Nikesh Arora to name a few Insightful features on Ahmedabad being the centre of innovation design, Bengaluru being the Start-Up Capital of India and Pune emerging as a prime location for leading manufacturers, making Conde Nast Indias Make in India magazine a definitive bible for all industry behemoths. Profiles of some of the most creative, dynamic and successful entrepreneurs and companies who are proudly showing off their Made in India labels. Names like Aditya Ghosh (Indigo), Kunal Bahl (Snapdeal), Deepinder Goyal (Zomato), Siddhartha Lal (Eicher Motors), Vikas Oberoi (Oberoi Realty), Ritesh Agarwal (OYO Rooms), Deep Kalra (MakeMyTrip) are featured alongside popular figures like Shah Rukh Khan, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Naeem Khan and several others. Brands like Indian Accent, Fabindia, Amrapali, Sula Vineyards, Forest Essentials, Ddecor, Nappa Dori, SAIL, NTPC, BHEL, Sun Pharma, Good Earth, Hidesign, Park Hotels and many more find their way into this comprehensive guide to Indias shining stars. Additional pieces on the women of ISRO, the evolution of the animation industry in India, the sophistication and beauty of boutique hotels in the country, rural tourism in Odisha, the unparalleled charm of Indian textiles and crafts, the making of Terminal 2 at Mumbais International Airport, are just some of the other highlights which make Conde Nast Indias Make in India magazine a collectors delight. Follow conversations at #MakeinIndiaMagazine Besides the Make in India Magazine, Conde Nast India has been actively involved in the Make in India Week line-up. Vogue India joined hands with the Ritu Beri-founded Luxury League on 15th February for The Global Design and Innovation Session 2016, where Ms. Bandana Tewari, Vogue Indias Fashion Features Director, moderated two sessions. Architectural Digest India lent its expertise to Empowerment through Design (A forum on rethinking contemporary design practice against the backdrop of manufacturing, promoting India as a global centre of design). Ms. Manju Sara Rajan, Editor-at-Large at Conde Nast India moderated the session on Empowerment Through Design, held on 17th February 2016. And Conde Nast Traveller supported key initiatives of the Experience India Society during the week. The Mission Hospital, the first super specialty corporate hospital in Eastern India, outside Kolkata, has rolled out its maiden campaign. Conceptualised by Ogilvy Kolkata, the campaign comprises four digital only films that were released last week. The films reflect the real life healthcare concerns of suburban residents, and how they are addressed by The Mission Hospital. The message in these films is simple top-quality affordable and dependable healthcare is now close at hand. The films The first film, Emergency, is set inside a humble Bengali household and documents the fears of a wheelchair-bound lady coping with her husbands heart attack. As the film progresses, she reveals that had it not been for The Mission Hospitals emergency ambulance services, she would have been utterly helpless. Emergency: https://youtu.be/guSeYW4ebrI Kite Runner, the second film, follows the journey of a wistful child as he recalls how he could never keep up with the kids in his neighbourhood when they played outdoors. The film ends on a positive note, as the child demonstrates his new found vigour, thanks to the heart surgery performed on him at The Mission Hospital. Kite Runner: https://youtu.be/e99kIuCWFy4 In the third film, we are introduced to an anxious man traveling home in a taxi. Having just landed in India from the US, his intent is to take his father back to the US for treatment where he believes there are better surgeons. Much to his surprise, he finds his elderly father enroute, jogging and active after knee replacement surgery at The Mission Hospital. Morning Walk: https://youtu.be/kR_4hXv1_iY The fourth film, Wedding, opens on an elderly father. He is in a tizzy about how he will be able to organise his daughters wedding owing to his need for an angioplasty. Hes mulling over the extensive recovery period that will render him bed-ridden, but only until he was assured that the angioplasties performed at The Mission Hospital are minimally invasive with a rapid recovery time. Wedding: https://youtu.be/E10m5Eny16U There is a thread that runs through all the films an impending sense of helplessness which by the end, has noiselessly transformed into determined hope. According to Sujoy Roy, Creative Director Ogilvy, Kolkata, The result is a sense of gritty realism that instantly strikes a note with the audience. And just as the language and stories are localised, so is the media plan. Keeping in mind the TG of Kolkatas suburbs, instead of a national media plan, the rollout is contained to digital and single theatre releases in the region, aimed at catching the eye of The Mission Hospitals target audience. Elaborating on this, Roy said, Because they are a local hospital, they are not going to release on national or even regional television because they dont have that kind of money. However, we are doing specific digital targeting for people from Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Eastern part of India. We will do digital push to them from the YouTube channel. Besides, we are going on single screen theatres across Bengal with a Bengali version of the films. Our mission is to decentralise super specialty healthcare, and deliver it to every doorstep in Eastern India, beyond the metropolis, and heal patients with dedication, honesty and tender loving care. These films are an assurance of that, Dr Satyajit Bose, Chairman, The Mission Hospital Durgapur. The brief Speaking on the brief received from the client, Roy said, Dr Satyajit Bose, who runs the hospital, believes in ethical medical practice. He set up The Mission Hospital with the single goal of catering to the patients in every sense of the term rather than merely treating them. He believes in transparency. He runs a clinic called the Second Opinion Clinic, where reports of other medical practitioners are evaluated and patients are advised whether they require to go through a particular medical procedure or not. Dr Bose does not want to fabricate anything about healthcare. He wants to talk about true cases of people who had come to the hospital and got cured. Although these are real stories, we have not used the actual people involved but actors. The creative ideation A series of discussions took place before selecting the four cases on which the films were made. Roy elaborated, We took stories that touched peoples lives and made a difference there is a woman on a wheelchair who calls an emergency ambulance, theres a kid who wants to be like any other normal kid, theres a father whos daughters wedding is upon him and hes got a heart condition that requires angioplasty and because of the advanced technology available at The Mission Hospital Durgapur they all got timely medical treatment. We brought to life these little quotients that we tackled in these films to connect to a larger audience and got them to relate to their everyday life, where medical science makes a big difference in their lives rather than just curing. Throughout all the films, the people are already in a cured state and they recall how The Mission Hospital came to their aid. It is more from the patients perspective. At no point is any desperation shown. If you look at other hospital advertisements, they either speak about having the best of facilities and show doctors and clinics and equipment, but we have shown none of it. It is actually about making a difference in somebodys life and that is what a hospitals role should be. Thats how Dr Bose envisages the entire way its about community service. Its not a hard sell in terms of the hospital, Rod added. While agreeing that most hospital ads are woven around the same elements of problem and solution, illness and cure, Roy felt that there was also need to keep in mind the apprehensions and fears that people had. He noted, Medical advertising has been very functional where they talk about the facilities, the doctors or being the best. It took a very brave client to put out a campaign like this because the hospital is not seen anywhere in the ads. At the end of the day, a hospital is about curing. Its not just about which hospital has the best facility, sometimes its also about proximity. Creative Credits: Client: The Mission Hospital Creative agency: Ogilvy Kolkata Director: Aditya Vikram Sengupta Producers: Avishek Ghosh, Jonaki Bhattacharya Production House: HecticContent Advocating the need for more content in Indian languages to propel internet penetration, a report titled Proliferation of Indian Languages on Internet finds that enabling local language content on the Internet will lead to a growth of 39% in the current Internet user base. 75% growth will be from the rural users while only 16% growth will come from urban India. The report, published by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), finds that English language still accounts for 56% of the content on the worldwide web, while Indian languages account for less than 0.1%. However, while Internet in India is predominantly English, there is high potential for regional language content. According to the report, in the last year alone, Hindi content on the web has grown by about 94%, whereas English content has grown only at 19%. The report further asserts that there is significant scope for various stakeholders to benefit financially while addressing the needs of the local language content consumers. If the Indian language book publishing industry moves online, it can create a digital opportunity worth nearly US$ 7 billion for both the content providers and technology players. The report recommends: Device manufacturers should adopt standardized tech parameters to provide ease of use for the consumer Reliable Broadband connectivity is a pre-requisite for realizing the Digital India dream Government to be the catalyst in bringing together the various stakeholders currently working in silos According to the report, accessing the internet in local language broadly has two challenges. 1. The first challenge is to generate content in local languages and popularising such content for broader adoption 2. The second challenge is on the technical front, pertaining to availability of Indian scripts for generating digital content Currently, local content availability is restricted largely to news agencies as other forms/sources of content generation are extremely limited. User generated local content is still very low, as adoption of local language usage in social media and other such fields are still restricted. The report cites some of the following initiatives that can help increase public awareness and engagement in local language content. 1. Development of websites in local languages and providing a user-friendly interface for local language user can be an integral part of e-governance initiatives by the State Governments. 2. Media companies should adopt digital media as a separate entity from print media and actively expand their e-presence. Currently, the former is seen as merely an extension of the latter. 3. Increased spending on online advertisements in local languages would help the companies generate higher revenues through online content in local language. 4. Digitalization and online release of the various local language archives and books in various libraries and universities across the country can be undertaken to increase local content availability 5. Social media companies need to support local languages and promote their availability. The interface has to be user friendly to provide easy interaction for the users. The Government and the Industry has to work closely to create an ecosystem that encourages the use of Indian languages on the internet. This would help in improving the end users experience and subsequently increase its usage. The report emphasizes on the criticality of proliferation of Indian Languages on the internet if the dream of a Digital India is to be achieved. iTV Network, the fastest and the youngest growing news network in India, has elevated Vikas Khanna to the post of National Sales Head of India News, the national Hindi news channel of the network. Prior to this, he was Senior Vice President at India News. In his new role, Vikas will be responsible for driving the all India ad sales revenue of India News National. He will continue to report to Varun Kohli, CEO, India News. Commenting on the elevation, Kartikeya Sharma, Managing Director, iTV Network said, We are delighted to elevate Vikas as the National Sales Head of India News. This elevation is in line with our commitment to growth. His skills and wide experience will surely help India News reach the next level of growth. Varun Kohli, CEO, India News said, Vikas has played an important role in India News sales and with his elevation as National Sales Head, India News, he will take on a wider role. His strong track record of delivering growth and his understanding of the industry will help us move forward on our path of continued success. I am delighted and honoured to have been given the responsibility of driving the ad sales revenue of India News National. In this fiercely competitive market, I shall strive to further strengthen the various revenue streams of India News and achieve a robust growth in the coming year. said Vikas Khanna, National Sales Head, India News. Prior to joining iTV Network, Vikas Khanna worked with Network18, where he was responsible for the advertising sales of IBN 7 (North Region). He started his career with the India Today Group, where he spent nearly six years. He then moved to the Times of India and thereafter to NDTV Media in 2005, where he handled brands such as NDTV India, NDTV 24x7, and NDTV Profit. Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the 2016 USO Service Member of the Year award.The award, sponsored by the USO, recognizes specific acts of heroism by E-5 or below enlisted members from each branch of the military.Organizations and base-level personnel must contact their major command, field operating agency, direct reporting unit or major command equivalent for suspense dates and nomination procedures.Each MAJCOM, FOA and DRU may submit only one nomination, and nominations are due to Air Force Personnel Center by April 4.For more information about Air Force personnel programs go to the myPers website . Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following the instructions on the Air Force Retirees Services website Minot tests Minuteman III with launch from Vandenberg AFB A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen from the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, and the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, aboard the Airborne Launch Control System, launched an unarmed LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test reentry vehicle Feb. 20 from Vandenberg AFB. The ICBM's reentry vehicle, which contained a telemetry package used for operational testing, traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Test launches verify the accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure a continued safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent. All Minuteman III test launches are supported by a team from the 576th Flight Test Squadron at Vandenberg AFB. "The flight test program demonstrates one part of the operational capability of the ICBM weapon system, said Col. Craig Ramsey, the 576th FLTS commander. When coupled with the other facets of our test program, we get a complete picture of the weapon system's reliability. But perhaps most importantly, this visible message of national security serves to assure our partners and dissuade potential aggressors." Minot AFB is one of three missile bases with crew members standing alert 24/7, year-round, overseeing the nations ICBM alert forces. "It has been an amazing experience for the operations and maintenance members of Team Minot to partner with the professionals from the 576th FLTS, 30th Space Wing and 625th STOS, said Maj. Keith Schneider, the 91st MW Task Force director of operations. Everyone involved has worked hard and dedicated themselves to the mission. The ICBM community, including the Defense Department, the Energy Department and U.S. Strategic Command uses data collected from test launches for continuing force development evaluation. The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational credibility of the Minuteman III and ensures the United States ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and partners. Alaska Reserve Maintainers hang with the HIANG Maintainers from the 477th Maintenance Squadron recently returned from Hawaii where they were working with the active duty and Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 maintainers to help increase sortie generation during the deployment of the Hawaiian Raptors. "The primary purpose of our being there was to provide added manning in their respective AFSC's to facilitate the execution of both the aircraft maintenance and flying schedules," said Chief James Pineault, 477th MXS, chief enlisted manager. "This effort made it possible for the HIANG pilots to maintain their currency." The Reserve brought much needed five and seven level aircraft maintenance experience from flight supervision, aircraft production supervision, flight line avionics, crew chief, weapons and supply specialists to name a few. "Our maintainers love to teach, mentor, train, and generate sorties," said Capt. Kinsey Jacobs 477th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, director of operations. "We were able to seamlessly integrate ourselves into the HIANG work flow within 24 hours of being on the ground." Integrating maintainers from two different commands could have been challenging but any adversity was easily overcome. "The 154th welcomed the 477th in, made us feel needed and a part of their team. From our first day on the 154th flight line to our last, it had seemed that our two commands have been working jointly together as one maintenance group for years," said Kinsey. "The effort provided the 154th MXG to operate and manage two maintenance shifts and flying schedule." During their three weeks together the combined units were able to fly 97% of the sorties scheduled and increase the mission capable rate by 20 percent. This Account has been suspended. Contact your hosting provider for more information. At least 33 Taliban militants were killed in week-long infighting between the supporters and opponents of Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor in Afghanistan. The clashes occurred in Nawa district of the eastern Ghazni province, Xinhua quoted provincial police official as saying on Monday. The clash which erupted between supporters of Mullah Mansoor and his rival Mullah Mohammad Rasoul over the control of Nawa district have left a total of 33 people killed from both sides, he said. Rasoul`s supporters finally evicted Mansoor`s men from Nawa district on Sunday, the official said. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in contact with media rejected the report as baseless, saying there was no fighting among Taliban militants. Taliban has ruled the mountainous Nawa district over the past few years. Fiji began a massive cleanup on Monday after one of the most powerful storms recorded in the southern hemisphere tore through the Pacific island nation, killing 17 people, flattening remote villages and cutting off communications. Aid agencies warned of a widespread health crisis, particularly in low-lying areas where thousands of Fijis 900,000 people live in tin shacks, after crops were wiped out and fresh water supplies blocked. Almost 8,000 people remained hunkered down in hundreds of evacuation centres across Fiji where they had headed before tropical cyclone Winston hit late on Saturday with winds of up to 325 kph (200 mph). The death toll from Cyclone Winston continues to rise and reports of widespread damage are coming in from across Fiji, said New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully. It is clear that Fiji faces a major cleanup and recovery operation. McCully said a New Zealand Defence Force C-130 would leave for the Fijian capital, Suva, later on Monday with relief supplies and an emergency response team. The majority of the fatalities were along the western coast and were caused mainly by flying debris and drowning in storm surges, authorities said. There were also fears for seven fishermen believed to be missing at sea. A 36-hour curfew was lifted early on Monday, allowing the Fijian military to ramp up efforts to reach the more remote parts of the archipelago of about 300 islands. The Fijians are desperately trying to repair severed lines of communication, but they hold grave fears that the news waiting for them will be dire, said Raijeli Nicole, Pacific regional director of aid group Oxfam. Given the intensity of the storm and the images we have seen so far, there are strong concerns that the death toll wont stop climbing today and that hundreds of people will have seen their homes and livelihoods completely destroyed. Aerial footage of outlying islands taken by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and posted on the Fiji governments official website, showed whole villages flattened and flooded. Aid agencies were told at a meeting of Fijis National Emergency Operations Centre on Monday of potential catastrophic damage to Koro Island, Fijis seventh-largest island. The aerial survey suggested the runway looks OK so they are going to land on this later this afternoon with emergency personal and some supplies, said Anna Cowley of CARE Australia. Fiji also reopened its main airport at Nadi. Violence continued to rage in Haryana on Monday with stone-pelting mobs attacking security personnel trying to clear a road blockade and torching government vehicles even as the death toll in the nine-day old Jat quota stir was put at 16. As protesters continued to block some roads including the arterial Delhi-Ambala Highway, the Centre directed security forces to use force to clear blockades. The security forces were asked to use force to clear all the places where the protesters were squatting affecting communication network and water supply, a Union Government official said in Delhi. The All India Jat Aarakshan Sanghursh Samiti (AIJASS) on Monday evening announced lifting of its dharnas on national and state highways in view of the BJP setting up a committee under a Central minister to examine the quota demand for the Jat community. Besides Sonipat, fresh incidents of arson and violence erupted in several districts including Rohtak, Kaithal and Hissar. Sonipat Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Rattan said personnel of Army, paramilitary forces and the police who were trying to clear a road blockade in the district were attacked by the mob which pelted stones on them and also used lathis. Some security personnel were also injured. Yes, there are casualties, may be one or three, but I cant give any exact figure immediately, he said. The mob went berserk setting on fire government vehicles, indulging in vandalism and attacking the security forces, the DC said, adding there was tension in the entire area. The latest incident came within hours after two columns of the Army comprising around 150 personnel, besides CRPF and Haryana Police contingents took control of the Munak canal at around 4 AM today from protesters who had cut off the water supply to Delhi, from Akbarpur-Barota in Sonipat. Following fresh incidents of arson and violence, curfew was reimposed in five villages of Hansi sub-division, Hissar city limits and Kaithal. Curfew was imposed in five villages of the district and shoot-at-sight orders issued following a face-off between Jats and other community members. Preity Zinta had rubbished news of her marriage recently. But the speculations just refuse to die down. The actor is reportedly gearing up for her marriage to her Los Angeles based boyfriend Gene Goodenough. The dimpled actor will be exchanging vows with Gene in April, reports suggest. According to a report in DNA, Gene is a management graduate from Marshall School of Business and is posted as a Senior Vice President of Finance with an US-based hydroelectric power company called NLine Energy. Preity has maintained stoic silence about her wedding and hasnt spoken a word about it as yet. However, media reports suggest that the actress will be auctioning her wedding pictures for charity. The private wedding ceremony will be held in the US with just a few friends and family in attendance. Later, the actor will throw a bash in Mumbai for her friends from the film industry. Ever since the private dairies have made a foray into the market, farmers have to sell their products at cheap prices and are incurring heavy losses. The state dairies are facing severe financial crisis due to the governments indifferent attitude. Seven thousand dairy workers, dealers, transporters are facing huge hardships due to the governments apathy towards dairy sector. Since there is a shortage of milk and milk products people have to rely on private dairies. Earlier consumers used to procure milk from the government dairy and milk producers used to get better price for their product due to the absence of middle men. Ever since the private dairies have made a foray into the market farmers have to sell their products at cheap prices and are incurring heavy losses. As a result of this, farmers are finding it difficult to run dairy business and many of them have committed suicide since last three years. On 4th March 1951 the government had established Aarey Dairy for processing and packing of milk collected from Aarey Milk Colony. Later on dairies were established at Worli, Kurla, Vidharbha and Konkan region of the state. Milk producers are not getting better price for their produce. Milk used to be supplied to various hospitals, airlines and many companies in the state. However, some private dairy operators have started monopolising the business since last 15 years. They have rights to fix the price of milk hence consumers have to bear the brunt of rising milk prices. The government had also transferred the dairy board employees to other departments after they had raised their voice against the administration. They had also vandalised 400 milk delivery vans and sold those in scrap. They have stopped the functioning of machinery worth crores of rupees. Yashwant Bhosale, President of Rashtriya Sharmik Aghadi said the government must intervene to revive the dairy sector. He said, On one hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is promoting Make in India campaign aggressively and on the other side farmers are committing suicide in the state. The government should take steps to bail out the dairy sector from financial crisis. They should regulate the functioning of private dairy establishments which are earning profits by taking customers for a ride. A session is being held under the leadership of Yashwant Bhosale on 25th February, 2016 at Dadar appealing the government to revive the dairy sector which is facing financial crisis. They have also invited Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse to this function. Several employees from the dairy department from Aarey, Worli, Goregaon, dealers and milk transporters are expected to remain present in the session. Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock, who will co-star with Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra in her Hollywood debutBaywatch, shared a picture featuring the entire cast of the movie on February 22 on Instagram. The group photograph shows stars like Alexandra Daddario, Zac Efron, Kelly Rohrbach, Ilfenesh Hadera and Jon Bass sharing a meal with Priyanka and the 43-year-old star. Priyanka, seated beside The Rock, was photographed in a fit of laughter. Priyanka, who will play antagonist Victoria Deeds in the beachside movie, too shared the same on Instagram along with a message for the Baywatch team, which starts shooting on Tuesday: Good luck for Tom #Baywatch Squad! Play while the cats away!! C u soon. Priyanka, who is currently busy with American TV series Quantico in which she plays FBI recruit Alex Parrish, will start shooting forBaywatch soon. Priyanka had earlier revealed the details of her nightmare schedule in an interview to mid-day: As soon as the Oscars wrap up on February 28 night, I leave for Miami. I begin shooting for Baywatch the very next day, even though the unit starts earlier. I will be juggling Baywatch and Quantico until April. So, it will be a lot of travel between Miami and Montreal. Makers of both have allowed me to do the balancing act. It is going to be crazy. I have a nightmare schedule ahead. It is so much fun to play a negative character because you have the liberty to go out of your comfort zone and do anything. Victoria is a very mean character, Priyanka had told PTI. Priyanka, who last appeared in 2015s Bajirao Mastani, has Prakash Jhas Jai Gangaajal coming up. I dont know whether it is right or wrong, but I refuse to call the JNUs students guilty of anything which they have not done, until judiciary gives its verdict. All five students came back and asked Delhi Police chief to arrest them, but surprisingly BS Bassi said them to surrender and to prove their innocence they join the probe. According to law Mr. Bassi, the burden of proving guilty or innocence lies with you (police) either prove JNU students are guilty or apologise to the nation, be fair. If they say they are innocent then they should present evidence of their innocence, whereas Bassi has no evidences to prove them wrong. Here, we can conclude that spineless Delhi police is acting on the instructions of their masters. Moreover, Bassi is retiring from the services this month end and his future depends on BJPs steps. He will not leave any stone unturned to encash this opportunity. The students Umar Khalid, Anirban, Ashutosh, Rama Naga and Ananth Prakash have been accused of organising an event at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on February 9 to mark the anniversary of the execution of terrorist Afzal Guru, during which anti-India slogans were raised. However it is yet not clear that who raised slogans. Blame game arises with campus politics. Media trials began without any proof. There were social media trial too and finally two days after the incident, Kanhaiya Kumar, the JNU students union president, was arrested on sedition charges, for allegedly making anti-national statements. He is in Delhis Tihar jail till March 02. As these five surfaced on the campus late on Sunday night, they were joined by scores of students and teachers in a dramatic all-night sit-in as the police waited outside the gates. Umar Khalid, who is accused of being the chief organizer of the Afzal Guru event, rubbished the charges against him as he addressed the gathering. For the first time in seven years, in the last 10 days, I was made to feel like a Muslim. I was reduced to my identity and it is shameful These people are telling us about patriotism They may have majority but they are scared of us they are scared of our struggle, they are afraid of us because we think, Umar Khalid said to cheers from supporters. JNU students and faculty members urged Vice Chancellor Jagadesh Kumar to back the accused students. The students were in hiding because they feared mob-lynching and have returned when (they) believed that some normalcy has returned. They want the Vice Chancellor to take a stand like Jadavpur University that police will not come on campus. The arrest of 28-year-old Kanhaiya Kumar and the violence by a group of lawyers at two court hearings last week have provoked a nationwide debate. Protest marches have been held in the students support as well as by those who allege Anti-national activities at JNU. Country has become restless because of this. Everywhere hate is spreading against each other. Sometimes, I am forced to believe that we are not in a civilized world. In India, violent protests are becoming normal. People are looking out for excuses for riots; particularly political parties. They are keeping such goons who are specialized in rabble rousing. What is the point of having a Constitution, which is disobeyed by its own citizen? Yes, there is Freedom of Speech given to us by our Constitution, but within a permissible limit. JNU students are consistently providing voice to the voice less marginalized sections, such as tribals, Dalits, rural, women and minorities. These are the sections that are being crushed under the juggernaut of Development. JNU students are posing crucial questions? Umar rightly said that the government is scared of them because they can think. They can argue and they can protest also. They refused to be blind followers or they dont want to give up. They want to fight against all odds not for themselves but for the society at large. That could be the main reason for the Right wingers to attack them. Khalids speech gave reasoning; it gave a substantial evidence that left ideology is not died. Before he began his speech, Khalid was cheered with slogans of We salute you, comrade, from the gathering, to which he responded by cheekily remarking that his name might be Umar Khalid but he is not a terrorist. Umar Khalid is a student of PhD in JNUs Centre for Historical Studies. It was him who conceived the idea of a cultural evening to commemorate Afzal Gurus death anniversary. The 28-year-old resigned from the post of Democratic Students Union (DSU) leader in November 2015. He did his M.A. in history and M.Phil from JNU and has been doing field work in Jharkhand. He is one of the applicants who sought permission for organising the event on JNU campus. He is the son of Syed Qasim Ilyas, who was once the leader of Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) before the organisation turned radical, and was banned in 2001. Umar is communist and atheist not an Islamist according to his friends at JNU. Delhi Police had been looking for Umar since February 11 after he was charged with sedition. Police had issued a lookout notice for Khalid, as well as four other students Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga, Anirban Bhattacharya, now when they informed police that they are returned, no one could dare to go inside the campus and arrest them, but rather asking them to surrender. Lets see, where this tug of war is going to end and how the students movements take shape. February 19, 2016, Arizona Republic: We love autistic children - until they grow up, By John Donvan and Caren Zucker By Anne Dachel The spin never stops. These stories are proof that as the autism population ages out of school, we're going to convince ourselves that it's nothing to worry about--we've just never recognized autism in adults. John Donvan and Caren Zucker, those two compassionate advocates for the autism community are spreading this message far and wide. We didn't hear about autism until parents started to demand services and education. (The discredited claim that the MMR vaccine caused autism also helped publicize the disorder.) Donvan/Zucker are everywhere telling people autism is genetic and we can't tell if there's really more autism out there. February 19, 2016, Some Autism Symptoms May Be Reversed By Gene Editing, Scientists Suggest February 1, 2016, WBIR Knoxville TN: Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville allows adults to live independent lives January 31, 2016, Buffalo News: Another Voice: Loner adults may be exhibiting signs of autism Spectrum News Fifty years ago, few people had heard of the term autism, let alone known anyone with a diagnosis. Not surprisingly, many adults with autism over the age of 50 have never been diagnosed; others received their diagnoses late in life. In either scenario, these adults enter old age facing a loss of independence that comes with unique challenges ones that society is ill-prepared to address. An article I wrote last year highlights how little we know about aging with autism. Since then, however, there have been a smattering of studies aimed at better identifying and understanding autism and aging, along with a spate of editorials about how sorely such studies are needed. Santa Fe New Mexican A parent survey released last November suggests 1 in 45 children in the U.S. falls somewhere on the autism disorder spectrum. The official prevalence rate, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is 1 in 68. Whatever the number which has been rising it includes people with a wide range of developmental disabilities and significant social, communication and behavioral challenges from a child who cant speak at all to eccentric, antisocial geniuses, such as the writer and animal scientist Temple Grandin. Some have suggested there is an autism epidemic, but that claim is in dispute, in part because the definition of autism has changed over time. The disorder is genetic, although other factors may be involved. ... The disorder has received a lot of attention in recent years as parents have fought for the rights of their autistic children to be schooled. The disorder also got a lot of press when a British gastroenterologist connected autism to the MMR vaccine in an article in The Lancet in 1998. The article was later retracted and the physician sanctioned. Arizona Republic Between now and 2026, some 500,000 younger Americans with the diagnosis will cross into adulthood, set at age 21. Some will be capable of living fully independent lives, but a significant percentage will need support that mostly does not exist the kind that would allow people like Nick, with moderate and even severe impairment, to hold jobs, live someplace nice, and pursue, to the maximum extent possible, the kind of fulfilled life most of us want out of our adult years. As is said in the autism community, 21 is when a lot of autistic people fall off the cliff.... In itself, this is a rather recent development, hard won by parents only during the last third of the last century, and still a work in progress in some settings and communities. But still, we have come a long way since the days when parents were under enormous social and professional pressure to keep their autistic children invisible hidden at home, or locked away in institutions. Key to the change in attitude was parents successful campaigns starting in the 1970s for legal mandates requiring public schools to educate their children, while addressing their specific challenges challenges these same schools previously used to bar enrollment entirely. WBIR Video: "I want to know my child is going to be taken care of when I'm no longer here. And that's a big thing. A big thing. Buffalo News Some research reports that today, one in 68 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Assuming a similar number of people would have carried the diagnosis in the past, had it been available, it is likely that today we all interact frequently with older adults who, like McNulty, are limited in their ability to engage with others.... Coleen Hanna, Ph.D., is a retired licensed psychologist with Constellation Energy in Baltimore who worked with adult employees on the autism spectrum. Experiments carried out for four years in adult mice subjected to mutation of the gene showed for the first time that it is possible to reverse two of the main symptoms of autism: lack of social interaction and repetitive behavior Web Toolbar by Wibiya Web Toolbar by Wibiya We like to believe that the police remain impartial and uphold the law, but as can be seen from the case to be brought against Detective Robert Griffin, this is not always true. In fact, the behaviour of this officer could be compared to that of the dirty cops we see in movie dramas. The plaintiff laying the charge against Detective Griffin, Mr Raymond Carby-Samuels, is currently appealing to members of the public to come forward in support of his case if they have experienced similar treatment on the part of this police officer. On the wrong side of the law in a family dispute When police take sides in a family dispute, we assume that they are doing so in order to protect the real victims. In a shocking case of neglect and abuse, Mr Carby-Samuels was denied access to his invalid mother for whom he had been acting in the capacity of caregiver. What terrible thing had Mr Raymond Carby-Samuels done? He had certainly disparaged his fathers neglect of his ill wife, Dezrin Carby-Samuels, a step any right-thinking individual would have taken. During the ensuing months when caregiver access was denied to Mr Raymond Carby-Samuels, and while he attempted to gain adequate care and reasonable access to his mother, the obvious and shocking deterioration in her health spoke of neglect. Worse yet, Mr Carby-Samuels received a distressing note from his mother, now unable to speak owing to her condition, in which she alleged that Dad abuses me. What police officer in his right mind would support such a state of affairs? As we will see, Detective Griffin is such an officer. The real victim justice served? The level of desperate worry experienced by Carby-Samuels as he frantically tried to regain access to his mother so that she could at least be assured of proper meals, while hearing reports from social workers and neighbours regarding Dezrins rapidly declining condition, can only be imagined. Dezrin herself repeatedly requested daily or at least weekly access to her son, but being disabled, was unable to leave the family home from which her son had been barred in order to do so. Raymond Carby-Samuels turned to the courts in a quest for social justice, and the result of his legal action speaks for itself. The court ordered that Carby-Samuels should be given daily access to his mother in order to provide her with at least one healthful meal every day. A happy ending? Justice done? Absolutely! If only Detective Griffin were willing to respect this judgement and cease intimidating Carby-Samuels while being an accessory to the neglect and abuse of Dezrin. Threats against Carby-Samuels for taking action Detective Griffin currently faces charges of assault, battery and illegal interference laid by Carby-Samuels owing to his continued support of Mr Carby Samuels father in excluding Dezrins son from access contrary to her wishes. It would be logical to assume that Griffin has sided with Dezrins husband in a family dispute, despite the courts judgement in favour of Carby-Samuels. Why would a police officer do such a thing? It would be fair to wonder why he is colluding with Mr Carby-Samuels Senior in obstructing the ends of justice as reflected in the Court Order. Is there some special relationship between the two men? Appeal to members of the public Allowing police corruption to continue is simply not acceptable. Member of the public who may have experienced similar aberrant treatment at the hands of Detective Griffin are asked to step forward, either anonymously, or as witnesses to case 15-SC-13648 against Detective Griffin. In doing so, they would not only be assisting the cause of justice, but also taking action against a rogue cop who is a stain on the otherwise excellent reputation of the men and women of the Ottawa Police Force. Readers who believe they may be of help are asked to contact The Canadian with information, particularly if this relates to witness intimidation and harassment. WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2016 The United States and Canada have agreed to develop plans that would reduce the amount of phosphorous pollution entering Lake Erie by 40 percent, based on 2008 loading levels. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy says the targets that she and Canadas Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna have committed to will curtail the incidence and severity of low oxygen dead zones in the water which kill aquatic creatures that require oxygen and toxic algal blooms, which pose serious human health concerns. The agreement announced today is a re-up on the countries 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, which set out to curb the amount of toxic and nuisance algae in Lake Erie. Canada and the U.S. will both develop domestic action plans by February 2018 to ensure the new targets are met. To protect public health, we must restore the Great Lakes for all those who depend on them, McCarthy said in a release. The first step in our urgent work together to protect Lake Erie from toxic algae, harmful algal blooms, and other effects of nutrient runoff, is to establish these important phosphorus limits. But, establishing these targets is not the end of our work together. We are already taking action to meet them. Although not necessarily harmful to humans or aquatic life, algae have created a number of public health and environmental concerns in Lake Erie since the 1990s. In 2011, toxic algae, containing microcystin, rendered 400,000 residents around Toledo, Ohio, without clean drinking water for days. Last summer, the lake saw the largest bloom recorded during this century. Did you know Agri-Pulse subscribers get our Daily Harvest email and Daybreak audio Monday through Friday mornings, a 16-page newsletter on Wednesdays, and access to premium content on our ag and rural policy website? Sign up for your four-week free trial Agri-Pulse subscription. Scientists say harmful algal blooms are more common, particularly in western Lake Erie, because of phosphorous pollution flowing into the lake from farms. Sewage treatment plants and stormwater drains also contribute to the problem, experts say. To determine the reduction targets, more than 40 experts from the U.S. and Canada used models to graph changes in phosphorous levels against levels of algal growth. Public comment on the goals was elicited last summer, and more than 50 government and academic reviewers in Canada commented on the proposal. #30 For more news, go to: www.Agri-Pulse.com Preisinfo in weniger als 24 Stunden Fulle einfach das folgende Formular aus. Einer unserer Experten fur Domains wird dir innerhalb von 24 Geschaftsstunden einen Preis nennen. German Pancake Soup Flaedlesuppe Thats right Im back with Part 2 of my German series check out Part 1 here, the German Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies. Even though Ive been back from Germany for a few months now, Im still thinking about all the amazing food I ate there and enjoying recreating some of my favorites. Which brings us to German Pancake Soup! Also known as Flaedlesuppe/Fladlesuppe it is a very special dish and both unique in its appearance and taste. Fladlesuppe, is a serious comfort food for many who come from Southern Germany, more specifically the Swabian region. Before I tried it, I wondered how satisfying such a simple dish could be, but its simplicity is what warms you up and fills you without being heavy. A traditional Southern German comfort food, Fladlesuppe is a vegetarian soup made of broth, vegetables and noodles made out of pancake-like crepes. A delicate broth is poured over handmade noodles (which are really pancakes or crepes cut into strips) along with a garnish of herbs or julienned vegetables (I use carrots). The recipe couldnt be simpler to make and the wonderful thing about the pancakes is that they freeze beautifully. And at well under 200 calories a serving, its surprising how filling and satisfying the soup is serve it with bread, a side dish or just on its own. I currently have a container full of frozen Fladle (German for those crepe-like pancakes) in my freezer, ready to go whenever I need a warm, comforting bowl of soup. My recipe was adapted from Taras Multicultural Table visit her page to read her story about her visit to Bavaria and Schloss Neuschwanstein. As Tara says, the broth really shines in this soup so find the best one you can, or better yet use homemade broth. It really speaks to the power of food when you see how each culture and region have such different yet wonderful comfort foods. As a child, mine was a big heaping of Ghormeh Sabzi with Persian Rice and tahdig or perhaps a steaming bowl of Aash. In Germany I found Flaedlesuppe or Spaetzle to be a homey favorite. Whats your go-to comfort food? German Pancake Soup - Flaedlesuppe Author: Ahu Shahrabani Nutrition Information Serves: 6 Serving size: 1 cup (1/6th recipe) Calories: 138 Fat: 4 Carbohydrates: 18 Sugar: 2 Sodium: 345 Protein: 7 Recipe type: Soup Cuisine: German Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 25 mins Total time: 40 mins Print A traditional Southern German comfort food, Fladlesuppe is a vegetarian soup made of broth, vegetables and noodles made out of pancake-like crepes. Ingredients 1 scant cup of flour (1 cup minus 2 tablespoons) 2 eggs 1 cups milk 4 cups (32 oz) vegetable broth 1 tablespoon cooking oil 2 carrots, julienned Ganish of choice (parsley, chives or cilantro, etc) Salt and pepper to taste Instructions Prepare the batter by mixing the eggs, milk, flour and teaspoon of salt. Whisk the ingredients together until the batter is smooth - then let the batter come to room temperature. Heat the oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat and ladle enough batter to cover the pan thinly. Cook for about 90 seconds (until the pancake looks dry and the edges separate easily) then flip over. Cook for another 90 seconds until both sides are a light golden brown. Stack the pancakes (separate each one with a paper or napkin to keep them from getting soggy) while they cool off. While the pancakes are cooling, bring the broth and carrots to a simmer in a large pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper. While the broth simmers, cut the pancakes by rolling them up and then slicing them into thin strips about inch each. You can freeze them at this point in a tupperware. You'll end up with a bunch of pinwheel like strips of 'flaedle'. Once the soup has come to a boil and you're ready to serve - place a small number of the pancakes in each bowl and pour the hot soup over them. Garnish and serve immediately. Wordpress Recipe Plugin by EasyRecipe 3.5.3208 Want to stay connected & up to date with Ahu Eats? Dont forget to follow on Facebook Instagram , & Pinterest February 19, 2016 GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip More than 100 dog breeders gathered in the Gaza Strip on Feb. 5 for a dog show. This event was the first of its kind in Gaza. Hundreds of Palestinian citizens attended the event for dogs and their breeders, which was held in al-Kuteiba Park, west of Gaza City, and was promoted through the Facebook group German Shepherd Dogs in Gaza. The group includes more than 25,000 dog breeders and dog lovers in the Gaza Strip. Maher Jaber, one of the organizers of the event, told Al-Monitor, We came up with the idea after thousands of people joined the group. We conducted a survey regarding the event and where to hold it, and the active members in the group were highly responsive. Jaber added that everybody agreed on al-Kuteiba Park as a venue for the event. Every Friday night, many citizens stroll around the park. He noted, After getting the approval of the Ministry of Interior to organize the event, we went through with it. More than 100 dog breeders participated, along with hundreds of citizens who watched the dog show. Many people insisted on taking photos with the dogs. Jaber said that they learned how to deal with dogs by communicating with dog breeders in several Arab countries via the Internet. They also taught their dogs some skills out of personal experience. Khaled al-Homs, a member of the board of El Wafa Club and School Training and Care for Dogs and head of the Animal Care Association in Gaza, said that caring for dogs is not something new, but that recently it has received media attention because of the dog show. Homs told Al-Monitor that there are plans to form an official dog breeders committee in a month that would include 1,500 members, trainers and veterinarians. Homs said that most dogs in Gaza are local hybrids, and that dogs are rarely imported from abroad because they are pure bred, which pushes their price higher. Prices could exceed $3,000 for one dog. He added, If dogs enter through the crossings, they are sold to well-off people in Gaza who use them to guard their houses or companies. The most common breeds are German shepherd, Doberman, Malinois or American Staffordshire terrier. Chadi al-Daes, a dog trainer at El Wafa Club and School Training and Care for Dogs and a participant in the dog show in Gaza, said that he has been a fan of dogs since his childhood. His bond with them developed with time, and he sees dogs as smart creatures that do not take much time to learn. In an interview with Al-Monitor, he highlighted the main skills that dogs are taught, such as obedience and defense. Dogs excel in these skills, which encourages dog lovers and breeders to gather and to organize activities in public places where people can watch without being afraid of them. Veterinarian Mohammad Abu Kheir, who is the medical expert in charge of the gathering, said that he joined the group to treat dogs, especially since the gathering includes many dog breeders. He added, I found in this gathering a place to help dogs medically. He noted that there are only a few dozen veterinarians in the Gaza Strip; he said many veterinarians in Gaza see dogs as impure animals, according to some Islamic sects, and refuse to treat them or touch them. This compelled me to study online dog-related health topics and diseases and explore ways to treat them. I benefited a lot and treated many dogs suffering from potentially fatal diseases, such as the parvovirus. Abu Kheir added that many dog breeders visit him at home to treat their dogs, and he does it for free, except in some difficult cases that require several treatment sessions and expensive medication that is imported. Moreover, vaccines cost $13. But dogs whose owners are members of the gathering enjoy a special price of $8 for the vaccine. Dog breeders and trainers blamed the Ministry of Agriculture in Gaza, specifically the Veterinary Department, for not helping them with a treatment and health plan for dogs. Dog breeders and trainers bear the treatment and medication expenses personally. Abu Kheir and Jaber agreed that this was the case. Al-Monitor contacted the head of the Veterinary Department at the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture in Gaza, Zakaria al-Kafarna. He asserted that his ministry was able to provide vaccines against rabies a few years ago to protect the public interest. Dog breeders would deal with the other diseases personally at the veterinary clinic. But the state money allocated for the purchase of vaccines has dried up. He added, There havent been any vaccines at the ministry for five years due to lack of operational budgets, which the consensus government in the West Bank stopped disbursing to the ministries in Gaza. Hamas had appointed its own employees to work in these ministries, following the split in 2007, while the consensus government refuses to recognize or deal with them. He noted that they asked the government for provision of budgets for public expenses or vaccines several times, but in vain. Kafarna warned that the problem in the Gaza Strip does not have to do with dogs that are home-bred, but rather to stray dogs; he said a budget, big teams and a special program are needed to get rid of them. He noted that Israel has refused to supply lethal products to kill stray dogs for 10 years, after animal rights groups in Israel objected to the killing of stray dogs in Palestinian territories and in Israel. Organizers of dog-related gatherings and initiatives hope that such activities will find a sponsor and will be able to group dog lovers and breeders under their umbrella. Perhaps this will promote the culture of animal care in Palestinian territories. February 22, 2016 Iranian politics are often described as a battle between Reformists and conservatives. But since there are no official political parties in the Islamic Republic of Iran, this view is highly simplistic and sometimes inaccurate. In Iran, major political power brokers align among fluid and sometimes blurred factions and groupings. Major political events often dictate the platform of these factions rather than the reverse. With an economy stabilized but not yet recovered and many campaign promises still unfulfilled, President Hassan Rouhani is hoping that the Feb. 26 elections brings about a grouping of parliamentary factions that will cooperate with rather than hinder his policies. Whereas in the United States, campaign season feels like an unending affair, in Iran, the window for official campaigning in which candidates can hold rallies and advertise is very short. This year, campaigning began Feb 18. It will end just one day before the elections, on Feb. 25. One week of campaigning offers new candidates and lesser-known political figures very little time to create the momentum and publicity necessary to attract a high number of votes. Perhaps due to the narrow campaign window and the sheer number of candidates approximately 6,200 this year parliamentary elections rarely have the same weight and enthusiasm as presidential elections. The presidential elections of 2013 saw a nearly 73% voter turnout. The 2012 parliamentary elections, which many Reformists boycotted in the wake of the contested 2009 presidential elections and the subsequent crackdown on protests, had a reported 64% voter turnout. However, that figure was questioned by non-Iranian media outlets, which pointed to a delay in reporting by the Interior Ministry. Many Iranians will decide to vote at the last moment based on lists that are often headed by a single popular figure. Despite many of their most accomplished members being disqualified, in prison or exiled, the Reformists are still pushing for a large turnout in the elections. The best-known Reformist figure in the country, former President Mohammad Khatami, is now banned from appearing in the official Iranian media. He released a video message encouraging voter participation and asking Iranians to vote for the candidates on the Reformist list to help the president fulfill his political, cultural and economic campaign promises. In Tehran, one of the major electoral battlegrounds, 1,121 candidates are vying for 30 seats. Mohammad Reza Aref, who was Khatamis vice president from 2001 to 2005, heads the Reformist list in Tehran. Before holding office with Khatami, the Stanford-educated Aref was the minister of technology from 1997 to 2000. At the urging of Khatami, Aref withdrew from the 2013 presidential elections in favor of the moderate Rouhani so as not to divide the Reformist votes. Aref, like most other Reformists in the running, is a moderate. During his political life he has kept his distance from the more radical Reformist positions. Therefore, his 30-person list for Tehran predictably also includes moderate conservatives, Iran's Principlists. One name that surprised many was that of outspoken parliamentarian from Tehran Ali Motahhari. While Motahhari has earned the praise of Reformists for his criticism of the five-year house arrest of the Green Movement leaders, he is admittedly a conservative on social issues, particularly the never-ending battle over the enforcement of the countrys hijab laws. Motahhari also heads his own lesser-known but more conservative list of candidates called the Peoples Voice. Another name on the Tehran Reformist list that surprised some observers was that of Kazem Jalali, a member of the conservative Followers of the Leadership parliamentary faction. His inclusion is a prime example of the fluid and often ephemeral factional labels of politicians in Iran. Like most members of the Followers of the Leadership, Jalali supported Rouhanis efforts to cut the nuclear deal. However, his position on the 2009 protests, that all individuals involved including the Green Movement leaders should have their charges reviewed, runs contrary to the current Reformist platform. In todays political climate, however, there is no doubt that the Reformists, supporters of the administration, moderate conservatives including parliament Speaker Ali Larijani and members of the Followers of the Leadership faction seek to prevent hard-liners from dominating the next parliament. Differences over the events of 2009 and cultural policies are overlooked in the interest of a political alliance that serves the interests of all those involved. Despite reports of competing lists, conservatives have presented their own coalition in provinces across the country. Gholam Ali Haddad Adel, who has been a member of parliament since 2000 and was the first non-cleric to head it when he was speaker in 2004, leads the 30-candidate conservative list for Tehran. Haddad Adel is an adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and their families are close. His daughter is married to Khameneis son Mojtaba. Rumor has it that Haddad Adel would like to take back the speaker of parliament position from Larijani, who has decided to run as an independent. The conservative list, populated by traditional conservatives such as Ahmad Tavakoli, also includes a surprising number of hard-liners: Hojat al-Islam Morteza Aghatehrani, former ethics adviser to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and secretary of the hard-line Endurance Front; Mehrdad Bazrpash, former adviser to Ahmadinejad and editor of the hard-line Vatan-e Emrooz, which staunchly opposes Rouhanis policies; current parliament member Alireza Zakani; Ismail Kowsari, an influential member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission; and Seyyed Mohammad Nabavian, a member of the Endurance Front. First Deputy Speaker Seyyed Mohammad Hassan Abourarabi Fard is also on the list. Though there are only nine women in the current parliament, 586 women are running in the parliamentary elections. Haddad Adels conservative Tehran list includes six female candidates. Arefs list includes eight. These elections will not change Irans foreign policy, nor will they jeopardize the nuclear deal. A cooperative parliament can, however, allow Rouhanis ministers to focus on the difficult challenges ahead of them rather than being constantly summoned to parliament, as they have been in record numbers. In one of the more extreme cases, for example, the foreign minister was summoned for taking a stroll with the US secretary of state while conducting the nuclear negotiations in Europe. If Rouhani intends to run for a second term and win, he will need a cooperative parliament to help him fulfill his campaign promises, such as more open universities. February 22, 2016 TEHRAN, Iran Prior to his recent trip to Russia, Iran's Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan announced that he will discuss the long-stalled transfer of the S-300 air defense system as well as the possibility of reaching an agreement on the purchase of multirole Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets. While in Moscow, he met with senior Russian officials, including his counterpart, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, and President Vladimir Putin. After the Feb. 16 visit, Russian media outlets reported that the first batch of S-300 missiles had been shipped Feb. 17 via the Caspian Sea, from Astrakhan in Russia to Bandar-e Anzali in Iran, and had officially been delivered in the presence of Dehghan himself. Sputnik News Agency quoted Russian sources on the latter and later published an interview with Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Maj. Gen. Mostafa Izadi, in which Izadi confirmed that Russia has indeed delivered the first shipment of the missiles. However, in spite of widespread expectations in Iran that Russia would take the first step toward implementing the S-300 deal, in order to rebuild trust, the Putins spokesperson suddenly announced that the missiles will not be delivered since Iran has not yet paid for them. The Russian reasoning was that it is therefore too soon to deliver the missiles. Although the reasons for Moscows sudden turnaround are not wholly clear, it can be argued that it has further increased Iranian distrust of the Russians. In regard to the possibility of Iran buying new fighter jets from Russia, Dehghan announced, We know how many Sukhoi Su-30 fighters we are planning to buy. However, for now, we shall not announce the number. Previously, some sources had mentioned the possibility of Iran buying Chinese J-10 fighters or French Mirage fighters. However, both of these possibilities were denied by Iranian military officials. Indeed, in a recent interview, Dehghan noted, I have seen these fighters myself, but we are not planning to purchase the Chinese fighters. Some Russian reports suggest that Tehran is likely to sign an $8 billion contract with Moscow for the purchase of military equipment. If this is true, the question is which kind of changes to Irans military capabilities the procurement of Sukhoi Su-30 fighters and the S-300 air defense system will bring about. What are the advantages of these weapons systems compared to those used by Irans regional rivals? Will purchasing military equipment from Russia enable Iran to fill the gap in its capabilities compared to rivals such as Israel, Turkey and some Arab states? Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, sanctions were imposed on the Iranian air force. The Islamic Republic was thus only able to purchase a limited number of J-7 fighters, MiG-29, Sukhoi-24 and Sukhoi-25 for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Forces. Consequently, the backbone of the Iranian air force is made up of old American fighters such as Phantoms, Tigers and Tomcats. Meanwhile, Irans regional rivals have rapidly developed their air forces, with all of them currently in possession of advanced fighters such as the F-15, F-16, F-18, Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale. These countries are additionally slated to be equipped with the fifth-generation F-35 fighter over the course of the next decade. A mere cursory glance at electronic war capabilities, active phased array radars, armament systems, maneuverability, endurance and radar cross sections shows that the Sukhoi Su-30 is not capable of successfully confronting the aforementioned Western warplanes in a heavy aerial battle. Admittedly, compared to the Western fighter jets, the Sukhoi Su-30 has two relative advantages; namely, a long-range high-resolution radar and animated engine output, which helps its high agility. However, in other areas, and especially considering the weaknesses of Russian-made electronic armor and its very large radar cross section, Sukhoi fighters will not stand much of a chance against highly advanced radar and anti-radar systems or fourth and fifth generation fighters, many of which are currently in operation in the region. Nonetheless, the S-300 air defense system is still capable of dealing with rather advanced fighters, and it can partly compensate for weaknesses in Irans defenses. In terms of offensive capabilities, Iran is facing serious technological problems. In this vein, Russian failures in post-sale services and upgrade operations should also be added to the list of problems. For instance, the Iranians continue to face plenty of issues with the repair and maintenance of their Sukhoi-24 and MiG-29 fighters. President Hassan Rouhanis administration is aware of these problems and is looking for an alternative to buying military equipment from Russia. Some rumors in Tehran have it that Iran is desperately trying to gain access to the technology necessary for designing and manufacturing these advanced fighters on its own. Perhaps the Russians have gotten the point, as soon after Dehghans return from Moscow, Shoigu appeared in Tehran on an unexpected visit. Reports say the Russian official brought a special message from Putin to Rouhani and discussed Syria as well as bilateral matters. If anything, it seems as if Moscow is seeking to keep Tehran as a customer by resorting to engaging in symbolic measures. For instance, while failing to live up to his commitment to deliver the S-300 missiles, Putin is, through measures such as personally bringing a special gift to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dispatching an envoy to Tehran with a special message, trying to tell the Islamic Republic that he is a strategic ally of Iran. This is while the Rouhani administration is becoming increasingly pessimistic about Putins measures because of his failure to live up to his commitments. Indeed, Iran has expressed a desire to forge constructive cooperation with any country, and especially those of the West. In this vein, if the sanctions on arms deals are lifted as scheduled in the next five years, Iran will more than likely look to expand research and development cooperation with international companies in order to obtain the technology necessary for designing advanced fighters that are capable of dealing with threats to Iran. The fact that the Iranians continue to buy equipment from Russia, while fully aware of the problems it entails, only goes to show that Western countries remain reluctant to sell conventional military equipment to Iran. Ultimately, the outcome of the latter is that the Russians are bound to generate tens of billions of dollars in arms sales while their Western rivals will be deprived from such revenues. February 22, 2016 DIYARBAKIR, Turkey In pitch dark one night in 1991, some 50 people marched from Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq toward the Turkish border, unarmed and clad in traditional local attire. As they approached the frontier, a Turkish reconnaissance helicopter began to hover in the area, complicating their plan to sneak into Turkey. Only one woman marched among the men 19-year-old Amineh Kakabaveh. She kept calm despite the building tension. Evading the helicopter and the border guards, the travelers managed to reach the Turkish border town of Silopi around midnight. The young Kakabaveh could have hardly imagined she was on a journey to a bright political career in Europe. An Iranian Kurd, Kakabaveh belonged to the Revolutionary Society of Iranian Kurdistan's Toilers, better known as Komala. She had joined its armed wing as a child to become a peshmerga, or a Kurdish guerrilla fighter. A member of the Swedish parliament today, Kakabaveh was in Diyarbakir last week to observe firsthand developments in Turkeys ongoing crackdown on urban Kurdish militants. In an interview with Al-Monitor, she shared her remarkable life story, which began in an impoverished Iranian Kurdish family 44 years ago. Born in Saqqez, western Iran, Kakabaveh was one of eight children. To help her parents make ends meet, she began working at an early age, selling handmade items or toiling at the farms of wealthy families. As several people around her joined Komala, the young Kakabaveh became interested in politics. For the first time in Iran, Komala was recruiting female peshmergas. For me, this was utopia. Women fighting for freedom was like a dream since women in our region were simply married off and had children. Thats why I got interested in Komala, Kakabaveh told Al-Monitor. Defying her parents, the 13-year-old Kakabaveh joined the group and became a peshmerga. She left Iran for the Komala camps in the mountains of neighboring Iraq, where, deprived from schooling until then, she learned to read and write in Kurdish and Persian. She also received military training as the Iran-Iraq War raged on. In March 1988, in the closing days of the war, Saddam Husseins regime dropped chemical gas bombs on Halabja, a Kurdish town near the Iranian border. Soon, the Komala camp near Ranya also came under a chemical attack, which claimed the lives of 37 group members. Kakabaveh, who was in a nearby area at the time, rushed to help her comrades but was injured from the poison gas herself. She lost 72 other comrades in a second chemical attack that struck Komala members in the Sirvan region. During her six years with Komala, Kakabaveh had many brushes with death, as she was caught up in numerous air and ground attacks as well as clashes between rival Kurdish groups. As the Kurds took control of northern Iraq, Iran began interfering in the region. Kakabaveh and her comrades had to leave. Their destination this time was Turkey. Recounting her departure from Iraq, Kakabaveh said, After Saddam withdrew from the Kurdish region, an intensive Iranian meddling began. They sent hired hitmen to assassinate or poison our comrades. We lost a lot of comrades in those days. There were also internal problems within Komala. I was among 500 people who decided to quit the organization and cross to Turkey. After their perilous march across the border to Silopi, Kakabaveh and her comrades boarded a bus to Ankara, a trip that opened her eyes to the extent of oppression Turkeys own Kurds faced in those years. We had neither passports nor ID cards. The police stopped us on the way. I told them my family was of Azeri origin. They got very angry when I said my family lived in [Iranian] Kurdistan, Kakabaveh recalled. I didnt know at the time they [the Turkish authorities] were so sensitive to the word Kurd. Saddams regime and Iran were dictatorships, but even they did not mind the word Kurd. This was something new for me. In Ankara, the group went to the United Nations office, seeking international asylum. We told the UN we were peshmergas and explained to them what we went through with Saddam and Iran. Three months later, we received a refugee status, along with ID cards and financial aid, Kakabaveh said. We rented a home. The Turks were very helpful once they knew we were refugees. We lived together, 50 people in one house. We lived in Ankara, Kayseri and Kirsehir, and everywhere we went we were treated very well. After an 11-month stay in Turkey, the door to a new life opened for Kakabaveh when a Swedish delegation arrived to take 500 refugees. In Sweden, the once illiterate Kakabaveh studied social sciences and philosophy and even got a post-graduate degree. Komala was now a thing of the past, but Kakabavehs political activism continued. She joined the socialist and feminist Left Party and worked at the Stockholm municipality and radio station called Womans Voice. The field of womens rights was her special focus. In 2008, she assumed her first parliamentary seat, replacing a colleague who had to quit for health reasons. She retained her seat in the 2010 and 2014 elections. Kakabaveh has never been back to Iran, reuniting with her family only once in Iraqi Kurdistan. My family is still in Iran. We talk on the phone. Ive never been back to Iran, Kakabaveh said. Iran wanted to kill me when I was 13 years old. So why go? As a human rights activist, Im still criticizing the regime. They could arrest me if I go. The bloody clashes in Turkeys mainly Kurdish southeast are also on Kakabavehs radar these days. She said she had recently submitted two parliamentary questions to the Swedish government on the issue. In the first one, she asked what Sweden was doing to press Ankara and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to return to the negotiating table. The second one inquired what Sweden was doing to get the PKK off the European Unions list of terrorist organizations, given that the terrorist label constituted a stumbling block for negotiations. Back in Sweden, Kakabaveh has plans to meet with the parliaments EU affairs commission and argue that European countries should issue warnings to Turkey regarding the Kurdish problem before granting it money as part of efforts to stem the refugee wave to Europe. February 22, 2016 The faint drumbeat of war could be heard in the Jordanian capital after Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates announced Feb. 4 and Feb. 7, respectively, that they would be willing to participate in a coalition ground offensive in Syria to take on the Islamic State (IS). A Turkish official was then quoted Feb. 16 by Reuters as saying Ankara would like to see a ground operation if a consensus can be reached. Pundits in Amman, however, have expressed concerns about Jordan being dragged into a land war in Syria, warning that it would not be in the kingdoms interest to join a US-led campaign there. The mood in Jordan is driven by the fear that Saudi Arabia, a close ally of the kingdom, is pressuring Amman to supply troops or open its borders for a land incursion into southern Syria or both. Political commentator Mohammad Abu Rumman told Al-Monitor that at least three influential Saudi columnists had criticized Jordans low-key response to the Jan. 2 attack against the Saudi Embassy in Tehran, following the execution of the Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr. One Saudi columnist, Jamal Khashoggi, criticized unnamed Arab countries in the Jan. 9 edition of Al-Hayat, charging, You are either with us or against us. Abu Rumman believes that Khashoggi's message was directed at Amman, and that such criticism of Jordan, which relies heavily on Saudi financial assistance, is an indicator of the tepid relations between Amman and Riyadh, especially over the Syrian crisis. Since the Syrian conflict began in March 2011, Jordan's King Abdullah II has tried to keep his options open. Although he criticized Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and called on him to step down, he did not sever diplomatic relations with Damascus and has insisted on a political solution to the crisis. In contrast, the Saudis openly called for Assad's removal by force and began backing rebels challenging the regime. Abdullah did, however, take a hard line against the growing threat of IS, whose members he described as outlaws, at a time when Saudi Arabia was focusing its military efforts on Yemen. Jordan was the first Arab country to join the US-led air campaign against IS launched in September 2014. Abdullah referred to the offensive as our war, meaning Arabs and Muslims, but at no point has Jordan contemplated sending ground troops into Syria, even after IS captured and gruesomely killed a Jordanian pilot, Muath al-Kasasbeh, in February 2015. The Saudis' strategy on Syria began to change after Russia intervened militarily in September, greatly altering the fortunes of the regimes fight against the rebels. Although never officially acknowledged, Western reports confirmed that Jordan had trained members of the Free Syrian Army and was instrumental in supplying it with weapons, especially in the south. By backing moderate rebels, Amman sought to maintain stability to stem the flow of refugees in southern Syria and sustain a buffer between the kingdoms borders and IS fighters. Several parliamentarians have warned against succumbing to what they believe to be Saudi pressure to join an allied land offensive. The government has never commented on such a possibility and was quick to refute reports that it was ready to open its borders for positioning Saudi troops to move into southern Syria. Jordanian forces are participating in multinational war games in Saudi Arabia this month and is a member of a 34-country Islamic military alliance that Riyadh formed in December. Samih al-Maaytah, former minister of information, wrote Feb. 18 on Ammonnews.net, Jordanians are growing anxious about the possibility of a land war in Syria. He noted that many of the parties in Syria have their own agendas, saying, We are surprised that some countries now want to fight IS although it has been in control of areas in Iraq and Syria for years. Maaytah stressed that Jordan had warned against the threat of IS from the start and is conducting its own strategy to combat it. These countries want their own war for their own reasons, and we have our own war against terrorism, and the two should not be mixed, Maaytah wrote. Political commentator Orieb al-Rintawi agreed. He wrote Feb. 10 in Addustour that Jordan should not cave to external pressures to join a land war in Syria, asserting that being involved in gambles outside our borders will prove to be a costly choice for Jordan. Rintawi also wondered whether Jordanian soldiers might end up fighting the Syrian army or engaging in confrontations against Hezbollah or Iranian militias. He said that Saudi Arabias proposal seeks to restore the military balance between the regime and the rebels, not to fight IS, emphasizing, This is precisely why this is not our war. The cost to Jordan for resisting Saudi pressure could be high. In 1990, Jordan's King Hussein had declined to join the multinational coalition assembled to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait and was punished for it financially and politically. Political commentator Hussein al-Rawashdeh is worried that Jordan now finds itself faced with bad choices. He told Al-Monitor that the situation today is as bad as it was in June 1967, when Jordan was dragged by Egypt into participating in the war against Israel. According to Rawashdeh, if Amman rejects a Saudi request to open its borders for a land offensive, it will in essence be siding with Russia and the Assad regime. He said about Jordan, Another choice is to maintain its positive neutrality and keep its lines open with all parties, as it did in the last five years, but will this be acceptable to others who are telling us that you are either with us or against us? Adib al-Sarayrah, a retired general, told Al-Monitor that it is unlikely that a regional land war will develop over Syria. That said, he added, Jordan could be part of a coordinated military effort to fight IS by providing logistical support, training and military expertise. Sarayrah said that Jordan has well-trained special forces that could carry out qualitative operations inside Syria. Sarayrah believes that it is in Jordans interest to prevent militants from threatening its northern border and that only such a threat will force it to intervene militarily. Abu Rumman thinks the Saudis' stated readiness to join a land campaign in Syria is merely a tactic. He told Al-Monitor that a joint Saudi-Turkish intervention in Syria would trigger a regional war and that Jordan would do well not to slip into a military adventure in Syria. He added, For Jordan, the situation in southern Syria is a priority, and dealing with the changing military reality there is what we should be worrying about. Although there is no official reaction pointing toward the possibility of a regional land war in Syria, in the midst of the military and political escalation there, it is clear that public opinion in Jordan is overwhelmingly against any involvement in what many view as not our war. FMS collage III.jpg Attendees at Food Media South 2016 in Birmingham, Ala., enjoyed fried chicken, collard greens and pinto beans from Little Donkey restaurant, left. In the top right photo, Alabama Tourism director Lee Sentell, left, and Southern Foodways Alliance director John T. Edge attend an opening night party at the Time Inc. Food Studios. (Left photo of Lodge Cast Iron; top right photo and bottom right image courtesy of the Southern Foodways Alliance) Food journalists from around the South left Birmingham with a good taste in their mouths -- literally and figuratively speaking -- following the second Food Media South conference hosted by the Southern Foodways Alliance this weekend. One hundred and fifty food writers, storytellers, videographers, bloggers and assorted other media professionals from Atlanta, Houston, Louisville, New Orleans, Charleston, S.C., and elsewhere around the South attended the food-centric symposium. The menu included discussions on such weighty issues as "Race & Racism at the Table and in the News" and a lively "Chef Meets Critic" exchange with Eater national restaurant critic Bill Addison and Highlands Bar and Grill chef Frank Stitt, as well as sessions about such practical matters as visual storytelling, building a brand and recipe sharing in the digital age. "At the core of what our organization does is we use food as a way of exploring Southern culture and the issues that undergird Southern culture, both good and bad," Southern Foodways Alliance director John T. Edge said. "And that means racism and its impact on the region. That means class difference. That means gender inequality. All of those things are what the SFA has been tackling for almost 20 years now, from its very beginning." There also was food to be eaten. Before, during, and after Saturday's day-long seminar at WorkPlay, the Food Media South guests grazed at a vegetarian charcuterie table at an opening-night party at the new Time Inc. Food Studios, sipped Royal Cup coffee, munched on breakfast sandwiches from Shindigs Catering, lunched on fried chicken and tamales from Little Donkey, devoured hot dogs from Sam's Super Samwiches, and closed out the weekend with cocktails and small-plate dishes at an after-party at Chris Hastings' new OvenBird restaurant. "We're really happy with Birmingham as a host," Edge said. "This year, I would say half these people had never been to Birmingham and had heard perhaps about Highlands or about Hot and Hot (Fish Club), but didn't know the food scene in Birmingham. So that part of it, I'm hearing lots of positive feedback about." Georgia native Nicole A. Taylor, author of "The Up South Cookbook" and host of the podcast "Hot Grease," said she will go back to Brooklyn, where she now lives, with a notebook of new ideas and a network of new friends. "I mean, it's always great when you get a bunch of Southerners in a room, right?" Taylor said. "All of the anecdotes, the great food, the laughs -- it's good to be around the Southern table talking about food and the things people love. . . . "When I walk away from this event, I walk away inspired," she added. "I walk away with a new network of people who are from Birmingham and who are from other places in the South that I can lean on when I need some advice or encouragement." Here's a sampling of what some of the Food Media South attendees, hosts and guest speakers had to say about the weekend on social media: From Lodge Cast Iron in South Pittsburg, Tenn.: From Corby Kummer, senior editor at The Atlantic: .@foodculturist on being a freelance writer married to a designer in Bed-Stuy: we have a hustle household. #sfamedia Corby Kummer (@CKummer) February 20, 2016 From barbecue pitmaster Jonathan "Rusty" Tucker of Rusty's Bar-B-Q in Leeds: From the Polished Pig Media public relations firm: Is there another way to network other than over platters of friend chicken? Doing it right at #sfamedia pic.twitter.com/wBmWwbrZev Polished Pig Media (@PolishedPig) February 20, 2016 From Birmingham food and travel writer Jennifer V. Cole: From Louisville food and beverage media company Estes Public Relations: "I'll take a wild guess and say someone in this room will take a picture of their food today." -- @mslagle #busted #SFAMEDIA EstesPR (@EstesPR) February 20, 2016 From John T. Edge, director of the Southern Foodways Alliance: From Tina Antolini, host and producer of the Gravy podcast: Somehow I've had @PostOfficePies twice in one 48-hour visit to Birmingham. Doing something right. Tina Antolini (@tinaantolini) February 21, 2016 From Bill Addison, national restaurant critic for Eater: Got into trouble with the @southernfoodways staff at an event last year when I took more than my allotted share of fried chicken. Just one piece this year! Though I may go later to @littledonkeymex for more. #eater #sfamedia A photo posted by Bill Addison (@bill_addison) on Feb 20, 2016 at 11:14am PST From Jacksonville, Fla., food photographer Kristen Penoyer: From Lafayette, La., food blogger Tiffiany Decou: About 35 to 40 people gathered at the Monroeville First United Methodist Church on Saturday for the funeral of Nelle Harper Lee, author of "To Kill a Mockingbird," who died Feb. 19 at 89. Southern historian Wayne Flynt, a retired Auburn University professor and a friend of Lee's for decades, gave the eulogy as she had requested. In 2006, Lee visited Birmingham and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Birmingham Pledge Foundation. Flynt gave the speech that night, at the Alys Stephens Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Alabama at Birmingham campus, with Lee in the front row. "She said, 'Hang on to this speech, and do this as my memorial,'" Flynt recalled. "'I'll have someone else read it if you die first.'" At Harper Lee's request, historian Wayne Flynt delivered her eulogy on Feb. 20, 2016, at Monroeville First United Methodist Church. So Lee had heard her funeral sermon more than five years before she died. "There were some things that just had to be changed, a few words," Flynt said. After the funeral, a hearse picked up her casket and took it to the graveside of her father, A.C. Lee, the model for the fictional Atticus Finch, and her oldest sister, Alice Lee, in the cemetery next to the church. "She's buried right beside them; they were the two most important people in her life, along with (middle sister) Louise (Conner) and (older brother) Ed," Flynt said. "The two transcendent figures in her life were her father and sister Alice." For years, Lee had lived in an apartment in New York City and traveled by train to visit Alice in Monroeville for part of the year, before moving back to Alabama permanently the last few years of her life. Flynt said Lee would have preferred to die in New York. "She said, 'If I die in New York, I want to be cremated and have my ashes scattered around the four corners of Manhattan. I hope I die in New York City,'" he said. "'If I die in Monroeville, I want you to do this eulogy and I don't want any other preachers there.'" Flynt is an ordained Baptist minister, a point which Lee always made fun of. "She said, 'You're too smart to be a Baptist.'" For Alabama, it meant a lot that the state's most famous author died where she was born, Flynt said. "Her head belonged in New York and her heart belonged in Monroeville," Flynt said. Flynt and his wife, Dorothy, last visited Lee on Feb. 9, and she was in lively form. "We were there on Fat Tuesday," Flynt said. "She was just as firm and contrary, independent, funny and alert as ever. Even her hearing was better." Although the funeral was small and private for a few family members and friends, Flynt agreed to allow AL.com to publish his eulogy for Lee, which follows below: "Atticus's Vision of Ourselves" Eulogy for Nelle Harper Lee We gather today to honor a person, a writer, her father, family, and novel. That is a bit more than I can manage in fifteen minutes, so I will stick with the novel. But it might help us all to remember that we are honoring both a person and a writer, and they are different. Persons have a right to be persons separate from being writers. Every book, be it fiction or non-fiction, is the projection of the writer's vision and values, so in some sense we cannot separate them. A work of fiction might seem an exception to this generalization, but I don't think so. As writer/story teller Garrison Keillor once said, fifteen minutes after an accident, no two people can agree on the details of what happened. If it were not for the truth of fiction, there wouldn't be any truth at all. So, what truth have people around the world teased from the pages of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD? Racial Justice (1) Racial justice. The fate of Tom Robinson is a story of three centuries of apartheid and injustice toward African Americans. Don't expect me to accomplish in a few minutes what ethicists, philosophers, sociologists, psychologists, theologians, and historians have not been able to explain in the past three centuries: unravel the complex tapestry of racism in the world. Harper Lee could not figure it out. Nor could Atticus Finch, who asks in the novel: "Why reasonable people go stark raving mad when anything involving a Negro comes up, is something I don't pretend to understand. . . ." But there is a difference between Atticus and many of us. The inability to explain is not an excuse for spiritual amnesia. Just after his troubled query about racism, Atticus adds: "I just hope that Jem and Scout come to me for their answers instead of listening to the town." Beyond our embedded love for our communities and families, Lee seems to be saying, is our obligation to follow our own internal moral compass. "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule," Atticus explains, "is a person's conscience." And that is precisely why Atticus emerged as such a profoundly important figure in American literature. If the jurors represent us at our cautious, timid, fearful, worst, Atticus is humanity at its best. And that is one reason the novel endures. In an age of anti-heroes--political and corporate corruption, excesses of all kinds by celebrities and athletes--Americans have lost their pool of real life heroes. So they seek them now in literature. And in Atticus Finch, they found their favorite hero, the person more than any other they aspire to be like and they want to represent them at their best. Miss Maudie explais all this to Jem: "I simply want to tell you that there are some men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your father's one of them." Class (2) Class. Although the year that the book was published, 1960, ushered in a new and violent age of civil rights upheaval in America and primed the reading public to understand the work as a race novel, I believe it is just as much about class. Lee describes two poor white families, the poor but proud Cunninghams, and the poor but not proud Ewells. The Cunninghams are the deserving poor whom we can and should help. Scout explains the difference by telling her first grade teacher about her friend, Walter Cunningham: "The Cunninghams never took anything they can't pay back--no church baskets and no scrip stamps. They never took anything off anybody, they get along on what they have. They don't have much, but they get along on it." Not everyone in her family has Scout's insight or compassion. Her Aunt Alexandra thinks differently, in conjunction with the traditional social and class distinctions so deeply rooted in America: "The thing is you can scrub Walter Cunningham until he shines, you can put him in shoes and a new suit, but he'll never be like Jem. Besides, there's a drinking streak in that family a mile wide. Finch women aren't interested in that sort of people." Then there are the "white trailer trash" Ewells. They are the historic undeserving poor, regarded with disdain and contempt even by Maycomb's blacks. They are the legendary "po' white trash" who fill the pages of Erskine Caldwell's novels, not just economically indigent but also morally degenerate. In Act 1 of the play, Miss Maudie tells the audience" "Everyone in Maycomb knows what kind of people the Ewells are." That line is always comforting to the audiences because now it means they can sit back, relax, and enjoy the play. It is not about them, it is about the Ewells, all those undesirables who joined the KKK and lynch mobs. Trouble is that is not the way Harper Lee sees the matter. Bob Ewell is no more her chief villain, the moral cripple in the story, than are the twelve men good and true who make up the jury. They could have acquitted Tom Robinson had they chosen to weigh the evidence instead of succumbing to Maycomb's racial taboos. Though at the end of the play some audiences actually boo Ewell when he take his bow on stage, the novel demands that we look for the villain inside ourselves. Ultimately it is all the good people of Maycomb who watch in silence as the drama plays out who murder Tom Robinson. Differences (3) Differences: One of the most important themes of the novel for our times is tolerance for people unlike ourselves. Boo Radley may be a minor character to some, but not to homosexuals, who often see themselves in him, locked behind four walls by people who fear anyone who is different. Nor is he a stranger to private people who are constantly under scrutiny from extroverts who wonder if they are failures, afraid of life, mentally deficient, or just socially inept introverts who are painfully shy? Do they have dark secrets to hide? Are they Muslims? Jews? Pentecostals? Neoevangelicals? Evolutionists? Is some places, maybe even fundamentalist Baptists? Of all people who are different for any reason, Atticus reminds his children: "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." Community (4) Community: At the beginning of the novel, Jem and Scout debate when the story began. Jem insists it began when their new friend Dill came into their lives and excited curiosity about Boo Radley. Scout disagrees, believing the story began when their ancestors chose to settle in Maycomb County, Alabama. Maycomb is a specific name but not a specific place. In fact, many readers of the book insist it is a story about their town and the people who live there. They can and do give the characters the names of local people. Having lived in Sheffield, Gadsden, Anniston, and Dothan, Alabama, while growing up, I can tell you the novel could have been set in any of those places. As in Maycomb, every day lasted 24 hours but seemed much longer. But each of those days was filled with exceptional people and extraordinary events that turns all of us Scouts into Jean Louises when we grow up. The point is that what happened in Maycomb could have happened in Fort Payne, Albertville, Demopolis, Brewton, Fairhope, Alabama, and all places in between. What happened in Maycomb could have happened anywhere. What happened in Maycomb did happen everywhere. In the 1930s and 1940s to Jews in Prague and Vienna; to homosexuals in Berlin; to Gypsies in Romania, Pentecostals in Russia, Muslims in Serbia. And it also happened to Oakies and Arkies in California's Imperial Valley in the 1930s, to Appalachian white migrants in Detroit during the 1940s, and even to people from Birmingham moving to New York City and Los Angeles in the 1960s. It happened to all people everywhere who talk funny, look strange, have a different skin color, worship God differently or not at all, people who stay in houses and refuse to come out to satisfy their neighbors' curiosity or so they can stare at them. It happens to the different, to the stranger, to the "other". That is the reason the novel continues to sell a million copies annually worldwide nearly a half century after its publication. That is why it is required reading in so many Irish, British, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Austrian, Dutch, Czech, and German schools, why it has been translated into more than 40 languages: Because it continues to ring true; because it is a story of the human experience; not because it is the story of what happened long ago in Maycomb, Alabama. Values education (5) Values education. The endurance of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD resides also in the intense half century debate we have had in American education about moral values. Should public schools teach values? If so, what values? Whose values? Actually tens of thousands of American teachers resolved that debate long ago. They decided to teach Atticus Finch's values. Or, more accurately, Harper Lee's values. They teach the moral values embedded in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. And at our best, I like to think they teach MY values, OUR values, core Judaic-Christian, American, democratic values: tolerance; kindness; civility; charity; justice; the moral courage to face down a community or a family when they are wrong and the compassion to love them despite their flaws. Incidentally, I am not telling you anything you don't know already because the evidence is everywhere. A survey of English teachers in 1989 determined what fiction they assigned their students. In Catholic schools, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD was the 4th most frequently assigned book. In public schools the novel ranked 5th, in private schools, 7th. An estimated three out of four American high school students read the novel, ranking Lee behind her beloved William Shakespeare, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Mark Twain. And she was the only living author in the top 10. A 1991 Library of Congress survey of 5,000 patrons asked what book had made the biggest difference in their lives. The BIBLE and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD ranked at the top. The BBC World Book Day poll of books the British people could not do without ranked Harper Lee's work just behind her own favorite writer, Jane Austen, J. R. R. Tolkien, Charlotte Bronte, and sometimes ahead of the BIBLE. As the century ended, American librarians voted her novel the best written in the Twentieth Century. The American Film Institute rated the film adaptation the 34th best film ever made, and in 2003, they chose Gregory Peck's portrayal of Atticus Finch as the greatest hero of American cinema. In 1999 TV GUIDE rated the movie 5th all time. The Library of Congress claims that the novel is the most popular selection for city-wide programs that ask residents to read a common novel during the year as the basis for a community conversation about democracy, justice, and community values. In fact, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD may well be the single most unifying icon for an entire generation of Americans, the one place where common knowledge and experience allows a rational conversation about what it means to be an American. In one of the fine moments of irony for which Alabama is renowned, a novel written by a woman, a woman from the tiny town of Monroeville, on the southern edge of the state's infamous and violent Black Belt, has become the primary literary instrument worldwide for teaching values of racial justice, civility, reconciliation, and tolerance for people different from ourselves, and the necessity for moral courage to confront community prejudice and ostracism. Wayne Flynt Distinguished University Professor Emeritus Auburn University It has been five weeks since Lamar Putnam's truck was found under a bridge in Cleburne County, and several searches have yet to turn up any trace of the missing Georgia man. This weekend, volunteers again fanned out on the ground and along the Tallapoosa River in search of Lamar Allen Putnam, 79, who was last seen by friends around noon Jan. 16 in Carrollton, Ga. His black 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer was found later under the Tallapoosa River bridge on U.S. 431 more than a mile south of Hollis Crossroads. On Sunday, the Bremen (Ga.) police, a K9 unit, the Lake Martin Search and Rescue Team, Hollis Volunteer Fire and Rescue, the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office and volunteers were out for most of the day looking for anything that might bring an end to the search. Cadaver and search dogs were used as crews fanned out over a five-mile area from 8 a.m. to about 3 p.m. Dan Hopkins, chief of Hollis Fire, said eight searches over five weeks haven't turned up anything. "We're leaving it up to the family on what to do next," he said. In a statement at the "Bring Lamar Putnam Home" page on Facebook, members of the missing man's family expressed gratitude for the work done by officials and volunteers on their behalf. "We are humbled by their professionalism, compassion, and commitment to finding Daddy," the statement read. "While we still have not found him, we aren't giving up... We will continue to canvass the area around where his car was found, but we need your help in raising awareness throughout the country." When Putnam went missing, investigators tracked his cellphone to the area around the Tallapoosa bridge, where they found his vehicle parked underneath. Police canvassing the area turned up surveillance footage at a service station near Roanoke that showed Putnam. Family members say Putnam may have been suffering from dementia, as he appears confused on the video. He had told friends he was going into Alabama to look at cattle, reports said at the time. Based on surveillance footage from that day, Putnam was apparently wearing a brown plaid long-sleeved shirt, jeans, brown Merrill shoes and a camouflage hat. He stands about 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 172 pounds. Classes continued at Gadsden State Community College's Wallace Drive campus this morning as students were told to shelter in place as a manhunt went on nearby. However, within an hour, students and faculty received an "all clear" message. Sgt. John Hallman of Gadsden police said the incident began about 7:20 a.m. when Alabama State Troopers stopped a vehicle on the parkway that leads to Interstate 759 near the GSCC campus. The driver apparently had active warrants for his arrest and fled, heading in the direction of campus. The school immediately went into its "shelter in place" protocol. For the rest of the hour, multiple police cars were in the area of Interstate 759 and the campus, as officers were on the lookout. The school sent out a "Cardinal Alert" at 7:54 a.m. to students advising the shelter in place. However, by 8:39, a second advisory stated "The emergency has passed. ALL CLEAR! Resume classes as normal." There has been no official comment yet on whether the person sought has been captured. Two north Alabama law firms are offering free trigger locks to gun owners. Lawrence T. King and Lindsey Simmons, of Birmingham's King Simmons, P.C., and the Gadsden firm of Rhea, Boyd & Rhea say they are offering the gun locks to anyone, no questions asked and no strings attached, according to a statement from the two firms. The firms say they'll even pay the postage. King stated he was motivated by legislative stalemate on better gun safety. "Frankly, I am tired of the idea that 'we just can't do any better,'" King said. "Every time I read some politician tweet out thoughts and prayers after more senseless shooting deaths, it makes me want to puke. I decided to actually do something, since our elected leaders refuse to do anything at all," he stated in the press release. Don Rhea, of the Gadsden firm, stated that in 2014 the medical journal Pediatrics published statistics showing that 10,000 children are injured or killed in America each years by guns - nearly a third from accidental shootings. "It happens in Alabama too much, and we should all be outraged by this," he stated in the press release. Simmons stated that if she has to "handle another senseless gun-injury case, it will still be too soon." "Instead of seeking compensation for victims without actually doing something better to make my child and the world around him safer, we came up with this idea to try to make a difference, if even in a small way," Lindsey stated. The lawyers stated that offering trigger locks won't stop gun violence or make all children safe but believe it's a step towards getting gun owners and elected officials to think more about gun safety. Those wanting a trigger lock can call King Simmons in Birmingham at (205) 871-1310, or Rhea, Boyd & Rhea in Gadsden at (256) 547-6805. North Korea hopes to reap large profits from its new Angkor Panorama Museum in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Siem Reap, Cambodia Visitors to the Angkor Panorama Museum are greeted by a huge painting of a smiling Buddha a life-sized reproduction of one of the stone faces that adorns the Bayon temple, near Cambodias famous Angkor Wat. But this massive image, stretching 11 metres from floor to ceiling, pales in comparison to the museums main attraction a gigantic panorama which immerses visitors in the glories of the 12th-century Angkorian Empire. In one section of this 123m-long painting, swarms of workers haul rocks to build the Bayon temple. Nearby an idyllic landscape of forests and lakes gives way to a frenzied battle scene complete with gory disembowelments. In total, the painting includes more than 45,000 human figures. You stand here like you are on a mountain, said Yit Chandaroat, the museums director, gazing out towards a distant blue horizon where the five towers of Angkor Wat rise from the plain. Chandaroat said 63 artists toiled for more than a year to complete the panorama, which he claims is the largest painting in East Asia. But the painters werent Cambodian; rather, they came from North Korea, which designed, built and bankrolled the $24m project. Size matters The Angkor Panorama Museum, which opened its doors in December, is just the latest international project to be completed by Pyongyangs Mansudae Art Studio one of the largest art production centres in the world. Founded in 1959, Mansudae is mostly responsible for producing state propaganda and official statues of the countrys reclusive leaders, including current Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un. Pier Luigi Cecioni, Mansudaes representative in Europe and the United States, said that the studio employs some 4,000 people including around 900 artists at its Pyongyang headquarters, a sprawling campus filled with workshops, studios and foundries. They are the best in the country, he said. Its a great, great honour to work with Mansudae. In recent years Mansudae has started taking its gargantuan socialist-style monuments abroad. The studios export wing, known as the Mansudae Overseas Project Group, has completed dozens of overseas projects, including statues of Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe, a war memorial in Namibia and a huge embroidered map for the fashion designer Luciano Benetton. Perhaps its most famous project is the African Renaissance Monument in Senegal, a bronze structure that stands taller than the Statue of Liberty. Size is important, said Cecioni. They are proud that they can do such gigantic things. Money maker Michael Madden, an analyst who edits the North Korea Leadership Watch blog, described Mansudaes overseas projects as one of Pyongyangs few competitive exports, and an important source of revenue for the isolated regime. They are the only ones that are still doing these kinds of things. Theyve sort of cornered the market, he said. But the Angkor Panorama Museum, which sits on a dusty road a few kilometres from the Angkor temple complex, may be unique: unlike Mansudaes other overseas commissions, the museum was conceived of and funded by the North Koreans, who have stayed on to manage the project. Normally they build the project and then go home, but this time theyve kept their staff here, said a Phnom Penh-based official who is familiar with the project. Yit Chandaroat said the museum was being jointly run by Mansudae and Apsara, the Cambodian body which manages the Angkor temples. For its first 10 years of operations, the profits will go to the North Koreans. For the next 10 years they will be split 50-50 with Apsara, before the museum reverts to Cambodian government ownership. In addition to the panorama, the museum includes a 204-seat movie theatre, a VIP reception room, and scale models of the sprawling Angkor temple complex. A cafe sells Korean-made Insam tea. Nearby, paintings by North Korean artists are on sale. Chandaroat said 20 North Koreans were currently employed at the museum, including five artists to help to maintain the panorama. He insisted that the project was not intended as a political statement. The role of this museum is to preserve our culture, he said. Not many countries are investors in culture, but North Korea was interested in that. This unique joint-venture hints at the historically close ties between Cambodia and North Korea an outgrowth of the personal friendship between North Korean President Kim Il-Sung and Cambodias Prince Norodom Sihanouk, who met at an international summit in 1965. As a gesture of friendship, Sihanouk broke off relations with South Korea. In 1970, when the prince was overthrown in a coup, Kim built him a palatial residence north of Pyongyang. Between 1991 and 2004 Sihanouk was also protected by a squad of granite-faced North Korean bodyguards another gift from Kim. The relationship has faded since the death of Kim in 1994 and Sihanouk in 2012, but an echo remains. The North Korean embassy still occupies a prime plot in Phnom Penh next door to a mansion belonging to Cambodias prime minister, Hun Sen. North Korea also operates a chain of restaurants two in Siem Reap, four in the capital which generate hard currency for the government in Pyongyang. Given the unique relationship of the two countries, Madden said it was unsurprising that North Korea would choose Cambodia as a testing ground for a new type of business venture. It might be a legacy thing for the North Koreans to do this, and make them some money, he said. The unprecedented nature of the museum project also suggests that it enjoys backing at the highest echelons of the North Korean government. You would have to be within the personal apparatus of the Supreme Leader in order to make something like this actually happen, and have it be effective, Madden said. Who benefits? It remains unclear where the revenue from the museum will go, with human rights groups raising concerns that it will help circumvent international sanctions and prop up one of the worlds most repressive governments. READ MORE: Holiday in North Korea? The official with knowledge of the project said that when it was being negotiated, the North Koreans wanted to incorporate the museums $15 admission price into the day-passes tourists buy to access the Angkor temples, but Cambodia declined. If that happened they wouldve got huge amounts of money, the official said. Around 2.1 million people visited Angkor last year, according to Apsara. Cecioni said Mansudae enjoys a fair amount of autonomy in terms of money and that income would be managed directly by the studio. But according to Madden, Mansudaes income will likely go towards fulfilling the revenue targets of its parent institutions, the Ministry of Culture and the Korean Workers Partys powerful Department of Propaganda and Agitation. As is the custom in North Korea, around a quarter of this money would then go directly to the Kim family. READ MORE: North Korean lavish exhibition celebrates the 74th anniversary of late leader Kim Jong Ils birth But for now, the museum seems to be struggling to attract tourists. On a recent visit, lights were switched off to conserve power, while bored staff padded across the marble floors. Outside, a poster advertised half-price admission for Cambodian visitors. In the empty cafe, a young North Korean woman manned the cash register. When asked if the museum could turn a profit, she responded in fluent, American-accented English. There are not so many visitors because weve just opened, she said, but soon people will learn about us. Jonah Pesner, one of the most influential rabbis in US, talks about religious duty to combat anti-Muslim hate crimes. The West has seen an increase in Islamophobia and hate crimes against Muslims following attacks in Europe and the US that have been blamed on supporters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. But, in response, some non-Muslim political and religious leaders have stepped up efforts to tackle discriminatory treatment and violence. In a recent example, Bernie Sanders, a popular US presidential candidate who is Jewish, launched a campaign known as #AmericaTogether, in which he posted a tweet in Arabic saying: America becomes a greater nation when we stand together and say no to racism, hatred and bigotry. #AmericaTogether pic.twitter.com/evFEIRWTSx Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) February 19, 2016 Jonah Dov Pesner, the director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism who has been described as one of the most influential rabbis in the US, has taken part in initiatives across North America to speak out against Islamophobia and support Muslim refugees. Pesner talks to Al Jazeera about why he considers that a religious duty. What were the key factors that motivated you to speak against Islamophobia? As a rabbi of the Reform Jewish Movement and a faith leader, I see it not only as my job but also as my religious duty to foster interfaith dialogue and understanding, as well as break down stereotypes about race and religion. Before my time as the Director of the Religious Action Center, I witnessed attacks on the Islamic Society of Boston from members of the Jewish community. They tried to label members of the Muslim community as terrorists and used every possible method to condemn the mosque, including speaking out against a rabbi who stood with a Muslim leader. It was unacceptable for me to witness members of my own community attack our Muslim neighbours, and furthermore criticise a rabbi for showing support to the Muslim community. In response we gathered nearly 100 rabbis to share the message that for Jews to attack a rabbi for standing with a Muslim is unacceptable. This moral calling has been particularly affected by the recent increase in anti-refugee and Muslim rhetoric by state and national politicians. At a recent speech I gave at the Islamic Center in Tennessee, hundreds of people from the Muslim community came to hear me stand up against Islamophobia, which was a reminder of how much they are feeling under siege. READ MORE: Donald Trump calls for halt to Muslims entering the US Therefore, I feel it is my duty to stand up against this hateful rhetoric and convey the Reform Jewish response, which is that of understanding and community building. Have you come across any serious hurdles or opposition in your mission? In our effort to combat negative stigma currently associated with those of the Muslim faith, we continue to see those who are bigoted against those of particular religions. Even before joining the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, I witnessed individuals of my own religious community holding these hateful views. However, if were going to be the family of Abraham, we must work together to call out Islamophobia. As I said at a mosque in Tennessee last month, we have to beat back the forces of bigotry, whether its anti-Jewish bigotry, anti-Muslim bigotry or bigotry in any form in America. Do you feel there is any religious connection between Judaism and Islam that needs to be highlighted? In the book of Genesis during the binding of Isaac God says Take your son, your only one, the one you love, Isaac. There is a Midrash from the classical commentator Rashi who says that Abraham responded to Gods commandment to take his son by saying, I have two sons, referring to both Isaac and Ishmael. When God says the one you love, Abraham responds by saying, I love both sons. It is not until God says Isaac, that Abraham is sure which son. This Midrash shows the close connection Jews and Muslims have as cousins, and that God loves us both. All religions hold a message of tolerance and acceptance of others, of which I believe Judaism and Islam share. Perhaps just as importantly, there is so much brokenness in our society, from our treatment of immigrants to climate change to racial injustice, and we must work together as religious communities to repair the world. We can only do this if we come together as people of different faiths toward a common goal. We must also work as an interfaith community to stand up against religious bigotry, because an attack on one faith is an attack on all faiths. How has the Jewish community in the US generally reacted to the rise in Islamophobia? Speaking for the Reform Jewish community, congregations across North America have been working diligently to uphold our moral call to welcome the stranger by welcoming Syrian refugees into their houses of worship and their communities. Particularly, Reform congregations in Canada have taken great strides in their response to this crisis. Due to different laws in Canada that allow individuals and groups to privately sponsor refugees, Reform congregations in Canada have committed to resettle at least one Syrian refugee family as they arrive in Canada in the coming months. READ MORE: We have the same God: A priest helps Syrian refugees Additionally, as a Reform Jewish community we have and will continue to advocate for refugees of all religious backgrounds to be welcomed to the United States. I believe there could always be more support behind the efforts to combat religious intolerance, but I have been very impressed with how Reform clergy have been united on this issue and have a clear message that we will not stand for Islamophobia in any form. What are your future plans in combating this problem? Our congregations will continue to engage others in their communities and be a welcoming place for refugees and those of Muslim faith. And wherever and whenever possible, I will continue to engage the religious leaders I meet with to make this issue a priority. The general weariness of the Afghan conflict provides the necessary push for finding a viable peace settlement. On February 23, diplomats from Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the United States will meet in Kabul for the fourth round of talks aimed at bringing respite to a troubled land. This quadrilateral process is the latest effort in the long and arduous journey towards an Afghan peace settlement. The pursuit of peace is almost as old as the Afghan conflict itself. In January 1980, the United Nations General Assembly called for a political settlement to the conflict, which has never been finalised over the past 36 years. Despite the overwhelming consensus on the need for a peaceful Afghanistan, there remain fundamental questions over the shape of an eventual settlement and the way forward. The quadrilateral process is overshadowed by Washingtons war-weariness, Kabuls desperation, Beijings ambitious geo-economic regional projects and the overconfidence of Pakistani generals in the Talibans military prowess. Attaining consensus for an eventual settlement and for the principles on which it is based are the key requirements for success. To this end, there have to be greater efforts to reach an understanding on the nature of the Afghan conflict, before agreeing on a conflict resolution plan. Divergent views At this stage, Beijing sees the Afghan conflict as a typical civil war, a position that is closer to some United States pundits and British diplomats who describe the Afghan conflict as tribal warfare among the unruly Afghans. Meanwhile, Pakistan blames the conflict on the Pashtuns exclusion from power, a grievance fuelled by India. The Afghan government characterises it essentially as a war imposed by Pakistan, whereby poor, illiterate and rural Taliban are being manipulated by Islamabad. Pakistan's Taliban strategy is transform the group into a political and military entity with total control over a number of Afghan provinces, similar to Hezbollah in Lebanon. This would mean a de facto partition of Afghanistan. by Among the Afghans, there are also divergent views on the nature of the Taliban. While there is an overwhelming consensus about the primary role of Pakistan in the Afghan conflict, there is less clarity and agreement over the degree of Taliban independence and responsibility. There is hardly any sympathetic voices among non-Pashtun political elites about the Taliban, whereas the views among a significant number of Kabul-based Pashtun political elites range from sympathy and justification to silence. Former President Hamid Karzais favourite characterisation of the Taliban is my upset brothers. His successors view of them is as his political opponents. The Taliban apologists are mocked as necktie-wearing Taliban. And while Afghanistans growing civil society and democratic constituencies despise the Taliban, a large number of clerics remain silent, with the exception of a few, such as Sayyaf, a prominent Mujahidin leader and a religious scholar. For the more informed observers, the Afghan conflict is a hybrid one, involving internal drivers (elite polarisation, weak state institutions, and drug/war economy) and external drivers (great/regional powers geostrategic competitions, Pakistans hegemonic objective and the rise of Islamist movements). Therefore, a viable settlement has to address both these internal and external drivers. Pinprick solutions would only lengthening the Afghan conflict. OPINION: Taliban peace talks first empower the minorities Embracing democratic politics is the only answer to elite polarisation. Neither violence nor ethnic entitlement should be justified as a path towards political power. Contrary to his Western lobbyists, Ashraf Ghani, the Afghan president, continues to be haunted by his original sin, which was his failure to win a democratic mandate, thanks to Karzais manipulation of the electoral process. Electoral reform, and the taming of his ethnic and authoritarian impulses can partially redeem Ghani. The recent warning by James Clapper, the US National Intelligence director, over the risk of a political breakdown during 2016 in Afghanistan reinforced the primacy of political stability over any hasty peace process. Despite efforts to create a new political identity, political space and legitimacy for the Taliban, the group after all is an integral part of Islamist radical movements, and incompatible with constitutional and democratic politics. It meets every definition of terrorism. Immediate challenges Pakistans Taliban strategy is to transform the group into a political and military entity with total control over a number of Afghan provinces, similar to Hezbollah in Lebanon. This would mean a de facto partition of Afghanistan. Washington and Beijing seem to be comfortable with such an arrangement, as long as their core geostrategic and geoeconomic interests are safeguarded. With other Afghan political groups, however, the only viable path for Talibans political power has to be democratic politics and mainstreaming. OPINION: Afghanistan War must end but not at any cost However, the emergence of the latest generation of radical groups in the region, namely the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and the death of the Talibans demagogue leader Mullah Omar are changing the Taliban from a coherent, ideologically driven military group into factions of fragmented militias. The unending terrorist attacks in Pakistan and President Barack Obamas prediction of growing instability in Afghanistan in coming years should awaken Pakistanis military establishment to the dangers of playing with radical groups. The policy of managed instability in Afghanistan will only accelerate the crippling process of Talibanisation of Pakistan. In addition, Chinas grand initiative of One Belt, One Road could only be realised in a peaceful neighborhood. One also hopes that Washington has learned the harsh lesson that wars do not end on schedule, through bureaucratic benchmarks and Washingtons electoral cycle. The weariness generated by the Afghan conflict, coupled with the fear of a regional spillover similar to the Middle East, provide the necessary momentum to push for a viable peace settlement. As many other conflicts have shown, an enduring peace is attained only from the position of strength rather than desperation. Davood Moradian is the director-general of the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies, former chief of programmes in President Hamid Karzais office and chief policy adviser to Afghanistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Media in the age of Google, iPhone and Facebook. During these exciting times, hard times, uncertain and confusing times, I find refuge in the wisdom of Marilyn Monroe. Everything happens for a reason and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. I totally embrace Marilyns hopeful insights about change; after all, life is change. But I remain mindful of the fact that sometimes they do; other times they dont, alas. Sometimes good things fall apart but worse things fall together. Sometimes they fall apart for some, for example Tower Records, just as they come together for others, eg, iTunes. Bearing that in mind, I wonder what will happen as technology transforms the media landscape, rendering old News models and structures obsolete. Will journalists and new media fall together or fall apart? Exciting times During the past month, I spoke to hundreds of thousands of people around the world using with the help of two bright community managers no more than a smartphone and Facebook. An additional couple of hundred thousand are expected to watch. Taking questions and comments from every corner of the world and engaging in a global conversation about the complex and controversial issues on the international agenda is an unmatched privilege. READ MORE: Viral Syndrome the disease infecting journalism The fact that such uncensored, unedited, improvised indeed unbound global conversations could take place any time and from anywhere with minimum effort is testimony to the limitless potential of the internet. The fact that such uncensored, unedited, improvised - indeed unbound - global conversations could take place any time and from anywhere with minimum effort is testimony to the limitless potential of the internet. by The technology and digital revolutions have allowed more voices to be heard and more images watched from more places than ever before. And they have hence allowed people greater choice for more perspectives than they could ever consume. Theyve also allowed for social and political mobilisation like never before. (Watch EMPIRE here about social networks and social revolutions.) Theyve also allowed journalists better, easier and faster access to news and information thanks to fast communication, vast news gathering, and better archiving. It allows them countless means and platforms to share their stories and analysis. From Twitters Periscope to YouTube channels and Facebook lives, Medium etc, the production, dissemination and consumption of news, information and analysis are changing and evolving so rapidly that it is premature not to say hasty to try to assess their real long-term effect. One could argue that the online revolution has allowed for more open and healthy global dialogue and a greater freedom of expression. But the digital revolution that helped to even the playing field between people and power is neither democratic nor egalitarian. Digital powerhouses Like the Industrial Revolution, the digital revolution did away with old, traditional models and structures, but it also led to the rise of new, powerful entities. Where everyone can speak out, some are much, much louder than the rest. And those with resources have far greater both quantitatively and qualitatively influence online as they do in real life. The new digital conglomerates are like nothing weve seen before in publishing, broadcasting, distributing or marketing, etc. They are throwing their weight in all directions and, in the process, redefining the nature of culture, communication, media and journalism. One is enticed to compare the influence of Facebook on our lives with, say, that of the Pentagon, of Google or The New York Times and all other influential papers. (Lets just say for now, they are far more diversified, with more direct influence). They own platforms, man websites, distribute products, generate content, control access, and try to monopolise marketing and advertisements. READ MORE: What future for television (and Al Jazeera)? Digital conglomerates profit more from the countless individuals or citizen journalists, who produce free content and generate traffic, than professional journalists. Its a great challenge for any news organisation to reach its consumers without passing through these giants who are also their competitors. They increasingly control the digital highways, the tollbooths, and almost all of the relevant directions and redirections. They guide, aggregate, and entertain. And they slowly but surely determine why we know what we know and how we communicate it. They know more about us than do governments; they make billions and are worth trillions. Their influence over the production, consumption and dissemination of culture, information and news is great and is growing with every damn click. That doesnt make me nostalgic for the so-called good old days. After all, before the online revolution, only a few newspapers, radios and TV channels which defined the nature of journalism through a handful of elitist reporters and anchormen were the trusted face of News. What the internet takes, the internet gives away In this vast digital world with its mega-powerful monopolies, a journalist is a very small and perhaps dispensable player in a mammoth spectacle. As News organisations are forced to cut budgets and reduce staff, they rely on fewer journalists and (underpaid and insecure) freelancers to do more. Increasingly, journalists are expected to act like a one-man circus juggling investigation, writing, shooting, blogging, editing, publishing and, of course, arousing attention, all at the same time. And they must do all of that while meeting the challenge of an ever more complicated reality, and the spectre of a more menacing world in which more journalists are intimidated, killed or imprisoned for doing their job. In this vast digital world with its mega powerful monopolies, a journalist is a very small and perhaps dispensable player in a mammoth spectacle. by In short, journalists & co are the new assembly-line workers of digital manufacturing. Unless they generate a certain number of clicks or page attentions, they are likely to be shown the door. Will journalism or journalists survive the digital jungle, the survival of the fittest, or, should I say, fattest? Or will they adapt and redefine their mission in a new world endowed with endless possibilities? Enter the managers earning the big bucks. Media and Journalism In the so-called good old days, the division of labour between editors and publishers/broadcasters was clear with two different priorities, the public good and revenues/profit. As with the interdependent relationship between, say, science and technology, or even government and business, one is destined to fail without the other in a modern society. And in any attempt by one to dominate the other, as in placing profit above the public good, the result has been catastrophic. But if success is measured by their ability to balance the two priorities, ie, to preserve journalism while generating revenues, todays media generals and foot soldiers are expected to embody both priorities. That could be terribly confusing, but manageable nonetheless . In other words, to stay ahead, they must at once be news mavericks that respond instantly to any crisis, and digital visionaries who foresee challenges and opportunities and act pre-emptively to stay ahead of the curve. Easier said than done, perhaps. But once again, I take comfort in Marilyns wisdom: This life is what you make it. No matter what, youre going to mess up sometimes, its a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how youre going to mess it up Marwan Bishara is the senior political analyst at Al Jazeera. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. The conflicts in Iraq and Syria have enabled Kurdish forces in both countries to make significant territorial gains, with the help of weaponry and air support from various foreign powers. Besides the Iraqi government, the Kurds are the only party to the multi-layered conflicts in both countries that enjoys the support of key members from both coalitions. The impetus behind Western military aid to Kurdish forces besides long-standing close ties between the United States and Iraqi Kurdistan is their reliability and organisation, making them effective against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). More recent Russian support, particularly in the form of air strikes in Syria, stems from tensions between Moscow and Ankara sparked by the latters downing of a Russian warplane over Turkish airspace in November. As such, the reasons for Russian support and that of the Syrian regime differ from those of the West in that they are meant to stick the Kurdish thorn deeper into Turkeys side, and to nurture another allied ground force against Syrian rebels. Domestic implications The strategy so far is proving effective on both counts. Syrian Kurds, having initially focused on fighting ISIL, are now making gains against rebel groups in the north of the country. This has infuriated Turkey, which says that it will not accept Syrian Kurdish control of the border, but has backed off from initial threats of a ground intervention. ANALYSIS: Is Sinjar the new Kobane? However, in their fervour to support Kurdish forces in Iraq and Syria, parties from both coalitions are overlooking two issues that have major regional as well as domestic implications. While parties supporting Kurdish forces insist on the territorial integrity of Syria and Iraq, that very support is emboldening separatist sentiments and actions among Kurds in both countries... by The first is the catalogue of abuses, including war crimes, committed by those forces against civilians in captured territories, documented by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the United Nations and other organisations. The second issue, which has potentially wider ramifications, is that while parties supporting Kurdish forces insist on the territorial integrity of Syria and Iraq, that very support is emboldening separatist sentiments and actions among Kurds in both countries, who have expanded into hotly disputed territories and those beyond their traditional heartlands. This is of great concern not just to Iraq and Syria, but also Iran and Turkey, which have sizable Kurdish minorities, and are wary of a domino effect should Syrian or Iraqi Kurds gain independence. Ankaras concerns have been heightened in recent months by the resurgence of Kurdish militancy in Turkey. Syrian Kurds in the oil-rich northeast have had de facto autonomy since the early days of the revolution against President Bashar al-Assad. They declared autonomy in November 2013, and again in January 2014. Referendum on independence This month, Masoud Barzani, president of Iraqi Kurdistan, reiterated a call for a referendum on independence that he initially made in July 2014. Its the right of Kurdistan to achieve independence, he said at the time. From now on, we wont hide that thats our goal. Iraq is effectively partitioned now. The Kurdish issue is causing tensions within the US-led anti-ISIL coalition. US support for Syrian Kurdish forces has angered Turkey, a major regional ally and coalition member. Ankara, which earlier this month started shelling the same forces supported by Washington, on Sunday called on the US to give it unconditional support in this regard. US backing of Syrian Kurdish forces has also angered rebel groups, including those directly backed by Washington. US military support to Iraqi Kurds has caused unease in Baghdad another major ally and coalition member where there are suspicions that such aid may eventually be used in pursuit and defence of independence. ALSO READ: A big win for Kurds at the White House Moscow and Damascus see an immediate benefit in bolstering Syrian Kurdish forces. However, they may be creating a momentum that they will be unable to contain if Syrian Kurds cement or expand their autonomy, or press for independence. Rejection of either scenario is one thing that both the regime and opposition groups largely agree on. Partnership with Assad How will Syrian Kurdish forces square their partnership with Assad with his vow earlier this month to retake the whole country? Will they seek comfort from Moscows rebuke of this vow as not in accord with the diplomatic efforts that Russia is making? Similarly, Barzani may be banking on Americas blessing for Iraqi Kurdish independence, but the US is highly unlikely to support a move that would so antagonise major allies in the region. Heightened concerns over Kurdish nationalist ambitions, and the military support that may inadvertently realise them, may complicate and potentially hinder the fight against ISIL if the jihadist group is seen, or portrays itself, as a vanguard against those ambitions. Just as the Kurds in Syria and Iraq have their agendas in seeking military support, so too do their benefactors in providing it. That both sides seem to be overlooking the divergences in these agendas for immediate gain is short-sighted, because such a strategy is simply putting off, and potentially aggravating, an almost inevitable clash of interests that could lead to direct conflict. This regional game of chess being played in Syria and Iraq is all the more complex and dangerous because of the number of pieces that are both pawns and kings. Sharif Nashashibi is an award-winning journalist and analyst on Arab affairs. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. To stabilise Somalia, donors and friends must calibrate their policies. Chief among them is the United States. The US is no longer on the fence regarding Somalia. On May 5, 2015, Secretary of the State John Kerry visited Mogadishu. The Obama administration also announced that US boots were on the ground and that the president had appointed a new ambassador, Stephen Michael Schwartz, to Somalia. Moreover, Washington plans to spend more than $1.5bn over the next two years, of which nearly $800m will be spent on security. Despite these positive developments, nothing much will change until US policy toward Somalia and the narratives that inform this policy are reassessed. Only then could progress towards peace-building, reconstitution of a functioning state, and robust bilateral relations be achieved. Destructive narratives The US approach has largely been conceived on the basis of a destructive narrative spun by certain domestic and foreign elements. This narrative would suggest that Somalis are too corrupt, too incompetent, or too clannish to form a viable state, and that key political actors belong to sinister Islamist groups. READ MORE: Somalia spectre of political meltdown Indeed, like other failed states, corruption is rampant, capacity deficiency is by and large factual, and tribal identity is strong within society. Somalia has also various Islamist groups ranging from moderate to radical. But, relentlessly advancing the same old pattern of unsubstantiated narratives is neither objective nor constructive. If this narrative is to be believed, Somalis cannot be trusted and donors are justified in adopting policies that bypass or undermine the will of the Somali people. This means, for example, granting all hefty contracts related to security, humanitarian and development to external actors. Forces perpetuating the status quo Somalias sectarian political class, neighbouring states as well as international organisations have perpetuated these destructive narratives for different reasons. The political elite contributes to this through its zero-sum political competition that is nothing but a selfish race to the bottom. They are engaged in widespread corruption and divisive politics. This underlines why the Somali political class have collectively failed to offer viable alternatives. Somalia's sectarian political class and neighbouring states as well as international organisations have perpetuated these destructive narratives for different reasons. by Frontline states Ethiopia and Kenya are determined to keep the country fragmented into sub-clans and family-owned territories that are wholly dependent on them. They consider the prospect of a united and functioning Somali state as a strategic threat. Ethiopia and Kenya have hijacked the AMISOM peacekeeping operation. They are busy creating their own proxy clan politicians and militias on the ground. Ironically, Washington and other donors finance the policies of hostile neighbours that are at odds with the strategic interests of the US, Europe and the Muslim world. Finally, international organisations and NGOs exploiting the vacuum created by the absence of state authority and often motivated by the next big project present themselves as credible entities more capable of delivering public services. Accordingly, most of the functions of the state have been outsourced to them. Donor nations have followed policy prescriptions that stem from these destructive narratives for more than 20 years at which point more than $55bn was spent on Somalia with nothing substantive to show for it. Ironically, there is little development in the areas of security, economy and political institutions. This approach has neither reduced corruption nor enhanced capacity. To the contrary, it has perpetuated negative stereotypes and made donor nations more apprehensive. Adopting these narratives has also undermined efforts to build a strong state that is based on inclusive citizenship and democratic governance. READ MORE: Somalias year of delivery Instead, it empowers external actors and legitimises sectarian politicians who are determined to divide the country into clan-based property where some are privileged as owners and others are marginalised as subjects. Alternative approach If the objective of Washingtons current policy is a united, peaceful and democratic Somalia an objective that most Somalis aspire to the US and other donors must re-assess the current arrangement and critically scrutinise prevalent narratives and the policies that they inspire. Granted, this may require taking some measured risks in trusting the Somalis and investing in Somali institutions while installing robust mechanisms of accountability and transparency. And this certainly hinges on the competence and vision of the anticipated new leadership in August 2016. Washington should encourage policies and practices that support inclusive citizenship. by The new US policy should incorporate these three critical objectives. First, helping to develop an inclusive, well-trained and well-equipped Somali national army is necessary, as the prolonged reliance on external forces has not delivered sustainable security. This is the only way the defeat of al-Shabab and other violent non-state actors in the country can be ensured. Second, to help build democratic institutions and expand the participation of citizens, women, groups and clans. Since its inception, the UN-engineered constitution has been source of political discord. While the Somali parliament is the body responsible for fixing this, an arbitrary body, led by few individuals, replaced it. If unchecked, the few unelected politicians that assumed power will institutionalise a system dominated by two clans, thus generating new grievances. The parliament must lead the process of the transition. Lastly, Washington should encourage policies and practices that support inclusive citizenship. The current approach that encourages clan-owned territories is utterly misguided and likely to re-ignite civil war. A sustainable political solution lies in the creation of a Somali-negotiated decentralised unitary state with informed and empowered citizenry. The arbitrarily established administrative districts and regions that the military government left behind, or those that the neighbouring countries designed, cannot become political units as this would exclude many communities. In other words, the current approach of gerrymandering political districts and regions must stop. In short, the US administrations sustained interest in Somalia is a positive first step. Kerrys visit to Mogadishu sent a strong message to the forces that have perpetuated the status quo that Somalia was not an appendix to Nairobi and Addis Ababa. The new policies should not be merely symbolic. Substantive change in dealing with Somalia is long overdue. Such a change starts with considerate respect for the Somali people and support for united, citizen-based democratic institutions. Afyare Elmi is an assistant professor at Qatar University and the author of Understanding the Somalia Conflagration. Abukar Arman is the former Somalian Envoy to the United States and is an analyst and writer. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. People have the power to bring about change, but first they need a unified message. Rachid Elbelghiti, a freelance journalist from Morocco, told his story to Al Jazeeras Ahmed El Amraoui. To me, the Arab Spring was a peaceful civil movement by young people who had grown tired of political, economic and social stagnation. Through different creative forms of protest, they demanded freedom, dignity and social justice. The movement went beyond ideological differences. To achieve success, one must first forgo the illusion that everything is under control and that there is no way for the people to bring about change. The failure of Moroccos uprising stemmed from the mentalities of certain communities rather than the nature of the movement itself. Illiteracy and poverty were stumbling blocks in delivering the discourse of the Arab Spring in Morocco and mobilising people around it. READ MORE: Moroccos Spring, gone but not forgotten I remember a photo of a Moroccan girl in one of the marches in Rabat; she was hoisting a banner that read, Long Live the King We want to live with him, too. It seems Moroccans from all walks of life have learned lessons from what happened with other revolutions in other Arab countries. by Like this one, a number of slogans carried confusing and disparate messages. They were elusive and unclear about the nature of the change that people envisioned, opening the door to internal squabbles that ultimately cannibalised the movement. The Moroccan political establishment learned from what happened in Tunisia and Egypt, and was able to avoid the same kind of violent confrontations with demonstrators. Morocco was quick to contain the popular movement through political initiatives that responded to the demands of the street. The Moroccan people succeeded in breaking the wall of fear and stripping away the holiness of political actors. But we failed in achieving the ultimate goal: To position Morocco on the path towards democracy. As left-wing and right-wing radical ideologies within the Moroccan movement failed to seek common ground, the state took advantage of the discord to eradicate the youth protest movement. But as the old saying goes, there is hope as long as there is life. I hope that my children have the opportunity to live as citizens in a country where there is respect for individual freedoms and collective liberties, and a full separation of powers judicial, legislative and executive. READ MORE: Thousands in Morocco call for poll boycott I hope for a country where responsibility is intertwined with accountability where residents are guaranteed a good education and a good healthcare system, and where the rule of law prevails. I still have faith in my beliefs, and I support those beliefs through my commitment to my work as a journalist, shining a spotlight on controversial issues and giving voice to the marginalised regions of Morocco. At the end of the day, it is time for us to stop talking about the 20 February Movement. Moroccan activism is dynamic and started long before the Arab Spring. A similar uprising could emerge at any time, but it seems Moroccans from all walks of life have learned lessons from what happened with other revolutions in other Arab countries and for now, they prefer to talk rather than to rise up. Current and ex-prime ministers pledge good ties with Riyadh after Saudi threat to halt grant to security forces. Lebanon vowed to support Arab countries and maintain its Arab identity days after Saudi Arabia decided to halt a $4bn grant for the Lebanese security forces in a diplomatic dispute. Prime Minister Tammam Salam said on Monday that Lebanon should maintain good relations with Saudi Arabia and that Arab countries must garner a unified response to all obstacles that they face. Lebanon will not forget Saudi Arabias role in helping it rebuild the country after the [1975-1990] civil war, Salam said after a cabinet session. Also on Monday, former prime minister Saad Hariri expressed loyalty to the kingdom. READ MORE: Lebanon minister quits over Hezbollah domination Loyalty to the kingdom means loyalty to Lebanon and offending the kingdom means offending Lebanon, Hariri said at a ceremony attended by politicians, journalists and businessmen. We tell the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its leadership and the leaders of the Arab Gulf that the rogue voices attacking you do not speak in the name of Lebanon and the Lebanese, and [they] do not represent them. These are the voices of those who turned against Arabism and withdrew from the national consensus. We will not give them the chance to seize the Lebanese Republic regardless of the challenges. On Friday, Saudi Arabia said that it was halting the military aid programme over Lebanons failure to support the kingdom in its recent row with Iran and for what it said were hostile political and media positions led by the so-called Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Saudi announcement affects two deals: one for $3bn in military hardware for the armed forces and another worth $1bn in aid for the police. Saudi Arabia broke off diplomatic relations with Iran last month after the kingdom was angered by the Islamic Republics criticism of its execution of Shia religious leader Nimr al-Nimr and by a mob attack on its embassy in Tehran. Iran and Hezbollah are also staunch supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, committing troops to help his forces against the rebels and hardline groups, such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group. Saudi Arabia has been a key backer of the Syrian opposition since the beginning of the uprising against the Assad regime in 2011. A suicide bomber targeting a police commander has killed at least 13 people, including nine civilians, in Afghanistans northern Parwan province, an official said. The attack on Monday happened near a clinic and a bazaar in an area 60 kilometres northwest of Kabul, said Zaman Mamozai, the provincial police chief. Four local police were among those killed, and another 19 people, including 17 civilians, were wounded, he said. Widespread corruption in Afghanistan despite reform promises The police commander who was targeted in the attack was among those wounded. Once again, a Taliban suicide bomber attacked innocent civilians, Mamozai said, adding that the bazaar was packed with shoppers and that people were waiting outside the clinic for treatment. The Taliban claimed responsibility in an email sent to media. The United Nations mission in Afghanistan reported earlier this month that most of the 11,000 civilians killed and wounded in 2015 were the victims of insurgent attacks. A total of 3,545 civilians were killed last year as a result of the war, the UN report said, with another 7,457 wounded. READ MORE: Afghan peace process desperation versus strength The figures mark a 4 percent drop in civilian deaths from the previous year, but a 9 percent rise in civilians wounded. Taliban fighters regularly target Afghan security forces, often killing civilians in the process. Army retreated Elsewhere, in the countrys south, Afghan troops have retreated from two districts in the Helmland province, officials said on Monday, a move which highlights the challenge from Taliban fighters in the opium-producing region. The Afghan army retreated from two army bases in Musa Qala and one base from Nawzad district on Saturday, provincial governor Khan Rahimi told AFP news agency, leaving no troops anywhere in those districts. UN: More than 11,000 Afghans killed in 2015 He said the soldiers had moved to other parts of Helmand such as the heavily contested districts of Lashkar Gah and Sangin, adding: We have no concerns regarding this step, but we have plans to ensure security in other vulnerable areas. But the decision was criticised by Abdul Majeed Akhundzada, deputy chief of the provincial council. Retreating from Musa Qala looks to me like ignoring the deaths of Afghan security forces and the civilians, Akhundzada said. Helmand has seen some of the fiercest battles of the Talibans battle against local and foreign forces that began in 2001. Serbian and Macedonian moves to block passage of Afghans have resulted in a build-up of refugees in Greece. Greece has said it is taking action to persuade Macedonia to take in Afghan refugees, as thousands remain stranded at the border and Athens main port. We have begun diplomatic moves we believe the problem will be resolved, Yiannis Mouzalas, the junior interior minister for migration, told parliamentary television on Monday. He said in another interview that Athens was seeking to exert pressure at the European and bilateral level, without specifying what steps it was planning. About 5,000 refugees are stuck at the border with Macedonia after the neighbouring non-EU state on Sunday refused to allow passage for Afghans police said. Over 400 Afghans staged a sit-down protest in no-mans land, holding makeshift signs that read: We cant go back and Why racism? Dozens of Afghan children held other signs reading Help us cross border. Die here or go on We cannot go back. We will either die here or go on, said 20-year-old Mohamed Asif. We have paid so much money to get this far. Germany said it would accept refugees. What has changed now? READ MORE: Afghan refugees arent fleeing by choice Another 3000 people were blocked in Athens after landing at the port of Piraeus from the Aegean islands, a government source said, adding that officials were scrambling to find room for them. We do not expect a [diplomatic] solution today, the source told AFP adding: We will accommodate the Afghans while trying to prevent overcrowding at any of the facilities available. Officials said they would open a newly completed relocation camp near Piraeus to handle the emergency. The arrival last year of more than one million refugees and migrants in Europe, many fleeing war poverty and persecution, has caused a chain reaction of border clampdowns among several European Union states. Mediterranean crossings missing refugees remain uncounted As the main gateway into the EU, Greece has been struggling to cope with the new arrivals and the country fears new restrictions by other EU member states will leave tens of thousands of people stranded on its territory. Despite strong objections from the EU, Austria on Friday introduced a daily limit on asylum seekers entering and registering in the country, triggering fears of a domino effect along the Balkan route. It was the latest example of unilateral action taken by an EU country to stem the migrant flow as the bloc struggles to cope with the continents worst migration crisis since World War II. READ MORE: Macedonia border closures leave refugees with no hope Hungary on Monday reported a sharp rise in the numbers of refugees and migrants breaching its southern borders in February, the first significant surge since the frontiers were sealed last year. Around 1500 migrants tried to enter the EU member state illegally from Serbia this month, with 500 alone caught between Friday and Sunday, police said in a statement. Serbia, Slovenia, Austria, Croatia and Macedonia signed on Thursday a joint statement announcing new tightened restrictions on refugees and migrants passing through those countries. Though the statement did not address whether Afghan refugees would be allowed to continue, it did note that longer residence in a safe third country could be grounds for rejecting asylum seekers, citing as an example Afghan national[s] who for a longer time stayed in Turkey or Iran. Serbian borders Dejana Nedeljkovic, Macedonian interior ministry spokesperson, said: Since February 19 Serbia has only accepted those coming from Syria and Iraq. On Friday, 367 Afghan refugees were blocked from entering Serbia from Macedonia, Nedeljkovic told Al Jazeera, adding that in contrast, Macedonian authorities have not differentiated between Syrians Iraqis and Afghans. Nedeljkovic said that for Macedonias part, there are 617 people from Afghanistan in Macedonia who are not allowed to enter Serbia and are now at a refugee transit centre in Macedonias Tabanovce. We still dont have an official statement from the Serbian government about why this is the case, she said, adding that it was unclear if the entry denials indicated a change in Serbian policy. According to UN refugee agency UNHCR, more than a million refugees and migrants reached European shores by boat last year. Since the beginning of 2016 more than 101,000 people have made the trek across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. Of this total, at least 27 percent are from Afghanistan according to UNHCR. Authorities in the state of Haryana say they expect to restore order following riots that killed at least 12 people. Indian protesters demanding better conditions for their caste say they have accepted a state government offer, as troops established control over a canal that supplies much of the capitals water. Authorities in the northern state of Haryana said on Monday they expected that order would be restored after apparently reaching a deal with leaders of the Jat caste, who said they were discussing whether to call off violent protests that have lasted more than a week. Police say that at least 12 people have been killed in rioting by members of the Jat community, who had called for caste-based quota systems. The violence in the north Indian state of Haryana on Saturday and Sunday also affected water supplies in the capital New Delhi as protesters cut off canal gates feeding treatment plants that supply a reported 60 percent of the citys tap water. Officials said that the state began lifting a curfew in key towns as protesters removed roadblocks. Thousands of troops with shoot-on-sight orders had been deployed to Haryana to quell the violence. The week-long demonstrations turned violent on Friday with protesters setting fire to homes, shops and government buildings, as well as blocking motorways. Authorities had urged people to ration water and Delhi schools were ordered to be closed before the security forces flushed out thousands of protesters overnight. However, the crisis appeared to ease after the state government on Sunday agreed that the Jat community should be given quotas for highly sought-after government jobs and university places under Indias caste-based quota system. On Monday, a Jat representative told the AFP news agency that the community had accepted the governments offer. Jats are the single largest community in Haryana, with nearly eight million members, and are traditionally a farming community. They were angered by comments in recent weeks from a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which rules the state and the nation, who opposed quotas for them. India already sets aside a proportion of jobs and university places for Dalits, known as untouchables, and for other so-called backward castes, under measures intended to remedy centuries of discrimination. Fighting in town of Pampore leaves nine dead, including three fighters, with authorities blaming Pakistan-based group. A three-day-long standoff between security forces and fighters in Indian-administered Kashmir ended with a firefight that left all the attackers dead. The assault on the training insitute in the town of Pampore on Monday left two fighters dead, with another killed a day earlier. The clashes began on Saturday when three gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying police officers, and then captured the five-storey state building. Three soldiers, two policemen and a civilian died in the fighting, and more than 100 people were inside the training institute when it was taken over by the gunmen. More than a dozen soldiers were injured in the attack, the DPA news agency reported. Broadcaster NDTV reported that the forces had cornered the gunmen in one part of the building before launching the final assault. TV footage showed security forces firing mortar shells and rockets on the building. The Times of India newspaper, citing security officers, said the attackers were foreign members of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. The attack comes shortly after a raid by separatist fighters on an Indian air base that stalled bilateral talks between neighbouring India and Pakistan. Kashmir is divided into two parts, separately administered by India and Pakistan. The countries have fought two wars over the region and more than 45,000 people have been killed since a secessionist movement took hold in the 1980s. India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of aiding Kashmiri separatist groups. Three arrests after Al Jazeera investigation reveals villagers have been selling their kidneys for around $5,000. Three members of an organ-trafficking syndicate have been arrested and doctors at a government hospital questioned by police after Al Jazeera uncovered an illegal organ-trading operation. People from a village in West Java, which has a population of 30, sold their kidneys for around $5,000, the exclusive investigation revealed. Police said that they had questioned six doctors so far for possible collusion with organised criminals in the trade. I was in a really bad situation. I had huge debts and didnt have a house I couldnt pay my rent for four months, one of the kidney sellers, Edi Midun, told Al Jazeera. Selling organs is illegal in Indonesia, but people can donate them to friends and relatives. To sell his kidney, 39-year-old Midun had to pretend that he knew the recipient of his kidney well, acting as a donor. A middleman changed his age to 25 to increase his chances of being accepted. Further investigation needed A government hospital accused of helping the traffickers has denied any involvement, but its director says the screening process is designed to weed out any cases of organ trading. If we find the [organ trading] syndicate works together with the hospital, of course the doctors will be prosecuted, Arie Dharmanto, a police investigator, told Al Jazeera. We need to look at the issue case-to-case. This needs to be further investigated. If there are possible mistakes which could be the case then this should be part of the investigation, Czersna Soejono, the director of the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, said. According to Indonesias health ministry, 150,000 Indonesian kidney patients need a transplant. In an effort to stop the kidney trade, MPs have urged the government to establish a donor bank, where organ donation will be regulated and donors properly screened. Residents of the West Bank town say they are being collectively punished for the actions of a few. Qabatiya, occupied West Bank After Israeli forces lifted their siege of Qabatiya earlier this month, the West Bank town came back to life. Families roamed the streets on their way to dinner at relatives homes, while men lounged around in large groups at open-air cafes, smoking shisha and drinking spiced Arabic coffee. The streets bustled with laughing children and shouting fruit-sellers. Residents say that Qabatiya, which is home to about 25,000 people, is usually a quiet, simple place to live. Today, the only signs of this months blockade are the large patches of dark earth smeared across the roads leading into Qabatiya, left over from the dirt mounds used by Israeli forces to block the entrances. During the blockade, which lasted for three days, Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets and live ammunition at protesters, who threw rocks and Molotov cocktails. READ MORE: Petition pushes for end to Israels Gaza blockade The unrest began on February 3, when three young men from Qabatiya sneaked into Israel and shot dead a 19-year-old border police officer in occupied East Jerusalem. Another Israeli officer was seriously injured during the attack, and all three Palestinians Ahmad Zakarna, 19, Muhammad Kamil, 19, and Najeh Abu al-Roub, 22 were shot dead by Israeli forces. The incident was part of a broader upheaval that broke out last October, in which more than 170 Palestinians were shot dead and at least 27 Israelis killed. After the incident, Qabatiya was completely locked down, and no one was permitted to enter or leave. Israeli forces closed all seven roads leading into the town. Residents told Al Jazeera that during the blockade, violent clashes between Palestinian youths and Israeli forces continued day and night for three days, until the roads were opened and Israeli forces evacuated the area. Abudullah Nasaar, a 24-year-old strawberry seller who works in Qabatiya, said he was unable to work during the blockade. I was happy to hear that the blockade lasted for only three days, instead of the month we were first told, Nasaar said. We stick together... and if they destroy our home, my community will continue to support us. by Fayida Zakarna, Palestinian citizen from Qabatiya I passed the village once during the closure. As we drove by, we could see black plumes of smoke rising at different points all around the village. It was weird: Qabatiya is such a busy, wonderful, bright place, but during the closure all my friends here said no one was on the streets but boys clashing with the Israelis. After the blockade was lifted, Israeli authorities revoked Qabatiya residents permission to work in Israel. Muhannad Zakarna, 42 who is not related to Ahmed Zakarna, one of the attackers said he had not been allowed to enter Israel to go to his construction job since the deadly attack. By the time they opened the entrances and it was possible to go to work, people started saying we wouldnt be allowed through the checkpoint, but I was not sure if it was true at first, he told Al Jazeera. So I went to the checkpoint anyway to try to go to work, and they werent even waiting for us to get to the front. The Israelis said on a loudspeaker that anyone from Qabatiya needed to leave. Zakarna said that he had not contacted his boss, because after a week of missed work he was certain he had no chance of keeping his job. I dont think the Israelis care: We are completely expendable. Only a small percentage of Palestinians are allowed work permits, but there are thousands of people standing behind each guy who does have one waiting to replace him. A spokesperson for Israels Civil Administration confirmed that Qabatiya residents were currently barred from working in Israel, without providing details as to how long the measure would continue. READ MORE: Palestine Still key to stability in the Middle East Its a bad decision on Israels part, Zakarna said. If people dont have work, then the unrest is only going to strengthen and things will get worse for them. But us, we can handle it this is life under occupation. Fayida Zakarna, the mother of one of the young men who committed the February 3 attack, said her son was not political. He took part in clashes, like most teenagers in the occupied West Bank, but was not affiliated with a political party, and was mostly interested in saving money to build a home so he could prepare for marriage, his mother said. She said she had no idea that her son was planning anything. Nevertheless, Israeli forces have taken measurements and photos of her home, informing residents that the family homes of all three attackers will be demolished. Israeli rights group BTselem considers such punitive demolitions a clear form of collective punishment, and has referred to the practice as organised barbarity. Israel carried out punitive demolitions of Palestinian homes from 1967 until 2005, when the practice was discontinued because of its perceived ineffectiveness as a deterrent. According to BTselem, Israels defence minister at the time discontinued the practice on the recommendation of a military commission that found no proof it was effective. Instead, the commission concluded that such demolitions could actually encourage more attacks. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently reinstated the policy of punitive demolitions after an increase in Palestinian attacks on Israelis. Since October, BTselem has documented more than two dozen punitive home demolitions, which have left dozens of people homeless. Although her home may be destroyed, Fayida Zakarna said Palestinians were never homeless because they can lean on one another. My family and the other families are being held responsible for something we had no control over, but if they destroy our house God will look after us, so we are not worried about a demolition, she said. We stick together. Even through all this, my community supports us and if they destroy our home, my community will continue to support us. Additional reporting by Abel al-Qaisi Opposition leader taken away as supporters plan march to electoral commission to demand proof of election result. Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been bundled into a van outside his home by police as his supporters planned a march to protest against the results of a presidential election. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party leader had been under heavy police guard since he was placed under house arrest on Saturday, shortly before the election results were announced. President Yoweri Museveni, who seized power as the leader of a rebellion in 1986, was returned to power with 60.8 percent of the vote. Besigye secured 35.4 percent, according to the electorial commission. Besigye left his house in his car but road blocked by police, then taken away in a police van #UgandaDecides pic.twitter.com/e0FpPoUOcF Malcolm Webb (@MalcolmWebb) February 22, 2016 Besigye was also arrested on election day last week as he tried to show journalists what he said was a vote-rigging operation in a suburban house. He was arrested on a separate occasion during election week when he tried to hold a rally in the centre of the capital, Kampala. Besigye had been expected to be released from house arrest on Monday, and had planned what his party said would be a peaceful march to the electoral commission to demand a transcript of last weeks results, which he has dismissed as fraudulent. Al Jazeeras Malcolm Webb, who followed the van, said Besigye had been taken to a police station. Weve seen a couple of vehicles leave since he was taken here but as far as we know he wasnt inside any of them so he looks to be still in the police station at the moment, Webb said. Preventative measures have been taken against Dr Besigye and he is in safe hands, Siraje Bakaleke, a police commander, told journalists outside the police station. We got intelligence that Besigye and some people were mobilising others to come and cause havoc in Kampala and that is unacceptable. We cannot have business at a standstill and we are trying to prevent that. Earlier on Monday, Besigyes Forum for Democratic Change party tweeted: We are leaving Kasangati now to walk peacefully to @Uganda EC HQ. Join us on this peaceful walk to the UgandaEc. Following the opposition leaders arrest, police issued a statement saying that he had planned to form a procession from his house to the electoral commission, but he needed prior permission to stage such an event. The FDC has called on its supporters to reject the election result. With additional reporting by Tendai Marima in Kampala. OPEC+ group has agreed to its deepest cuts to oil production since the coronavirus pandemic, and the US is not happy. The case against Assange is as political as it is legal; where does it go from here? Plus, Kenyas election influencers. Klimaforandringer (climate change) is a new project from experimental guitarist Lars Bech Pilgaard. Throughout his career, he has moved in many different musical directions, but this project is perhaps his most accessible yet. Here, he has enlisted the talent of drummers Rune Lohse and Anders Vestergaard, bassist Peter Skibsted, fellow guitarist Taus Bregnhj Olesen and keyboard-player Rasmus Kjr Larsen. Lil Lacy also contributes with her ethereal voice and cello.Ander (Spirits) is an album that relies on layered guitars, multiple percussion patterns and simple vocal lines. There is a clear inspiration from African music, for instance the arabesque guitar riff on "Masker/Rd Jord" (Masks/Red Clay), but also heavy distortion and psychedelic sounds.However, the experiments with sound are driven by catchy melodies and rhythms and a clear joy of playing. The group understands both meanings of the word "play" and while it is certainly artful music, it is also a fun and varied album where the wonder of perception becomes a theme. The haiku-like poetry is poignant and the sounds change from solid stoner rock with lively percussion to spacy synthesizer soundscapes.While this is an album that is closer to rock than jazz, it has some of the hallmarks of the genre: sophisticated interplay, varied texture and complex, but accessible structures. It once again proves that a new generation of Danish musicians are not that concerned with the boundaries of genre. It's no secret that music is something that can dissolve borders, transcend cultures, and speak with a language understood by all. That the decreasing size of the world has made it possible for artists from disparate countries to collaborate and create music that is truly greater than the sum of its partsimbued not just with the qualities that each musician brings from his/her own culture, but from ones beyond their own as wellis also a given in the 21st century. But cross-cultural music was not such a common occurrence when ECM Records first opened its doors in 1969. Throughout the 1970s, the label brought together musicians from Norway, the USA and Germany (guitarist/pianist's Solstice), Norway, Sweden and the USA (pianist's "Belonging" group) and Germany, Norway, England and the USA (bassist's Colours quartet), to name but three. Throughout the ensuing four-plus decades, the label as continued to not only support such collaborations, but to engender them.But here, in the new millennium, it's just as common for cross-cultural groups to come to the label fully formed, with Michel Benita's group, Ethics, a perfect example. The Algiers-born/Paris-resident bassist's quintet includes Norwegian guitarist, whose deeply personal use of electronics to create distinctive sound worlds can not only be found on his own series of recordings including Dream Logic (ECM, 2012), but also in ECM-recorded projects belonging to saxophonist's Quartet (2015's Surrounded by Sea, which also includes Benita in its lineup), trumpeter(2008's Cartography ), bassist(2005's Electra ) and Fourth World trumpeter(2009's Last night the moon came dropping its clothes in the street ); Swiss-born flugelhornist(last heard by ECM fans on singer's wonderful 2013 album, The Gift ); Japan-born, Parisian resident koto player; and French drummer Philippe Garcia.That Ethics has six years of shared history together only makes its long overdue sophomore recording and ECM debut, River Silver, an even deeper, more profound experience than the harder-to-find (but worth the trouble) 2010 debut, Ethics (Zig Zag Territories). River Silver's nine-song repertoiresix by Benita, one by Miyazaki, one by Norwegian composer/keyboardist Eyvind Alns (1872-1932) and one by Northumbrian small pipes player and fiddler Kathryn Tickellnot only demonstrates Ethics' ability to transcend culture, but to transcend genre and time to become a near-spiritual experience. Ethics' remarkable joined-at-the-hip interaction also yields a bevy of surprises throughout River Silver, though never in ways that are overt or obvious. Instead, Ethics is a group that truly sounds like no other; its improvisational elan feels like it takes place at a sub-molecular level, where the collaborative empathy of its members is so deep, so pure that it's often difficult to tell what is scripted and what is not.Miyazaki's "Hacihi Gatsu" is, perhaps, the best example of the kind of deep connection shared by Ethics' players, if only because it's a koto/double bass duo and, therefore, with its sparer context, more readily discernible. Miyazaki's sweeping koto is grounded by Benita's dark-hued bass, its rubato introduction a remarkable example of two musicians speaking with a single voice before its theme emerges, with time elastic still, as there duo continues to move in and out of tempo with remarkable synchronicity. The two also shuffle effortlessly between collective interplay and individual soloing, with each player moving seamlessly between supportive and featured roles.Alns' "Lykken" follows "Hacihi Gatsu" with astute sequencing, segueing naturally with an opening solo from Benita that gradually pulls the rest of the group in, first with Michel's warm flugelhorn delivering its theme as Aarset creates an ethereal cushion of sound that has become something of a signature since he first came to international attention on albums including fellow Nordic trumpeter's classic Khmer (ECM, 1997) and Danish percussionist's Small Labyrinths, released by the label the same year. Garcia's support is delicatemore textural than temporal on a composition where time is, once again, fluid. By the time Miyazaki joins in the entire group is improvising collectively, albeit over a defined context. Still, as she begins to play a repetitive figure and the group gradually dissolves, leaving just koto and double bass, its position on the recordingfollowing, as it does, "Hacihi Gatsu," makes even more perfect sense.Tickell's tradition-informed "Yeavering" references Benita's early days as a Bert Jansch/John Renbourn-inspired acoustic guitarist, before he left the instrument behind for double bass. Given the complexion of Ethics, it's considerably distanced from the fiddle-centric version on Tickell's Instrumental (Park Records, 2007) and yet, it still somehow retains the spirit of the original, even if it's flugelhorn and koto that deliver the singable melody, supported by Benita and Garcia's rubato support and Aarset's ethereal soundscaping.Benita's six compositions are even more diverse. "Snowed In" closes the record on a more distinctly oriental note, with Benita and Miyazaki delivering a repetitive motif in unison, as Garcia's malletted toms and cymbals add both rhythm and color while Michel soars over Aarset's sweeping, swelling, ebbing and flowing changes as the piece assumes even more lyrical form towards the end of its six-minute run. By contrast, the opening "Back from the Moon" is one of River Silver's most propulsive and clearly structured tracks, as Garcia's near-military snare and Benita's "filling in the blank" support drives a singable theme doubled by Miyazaki and Michel, revolving around a harmonically shifting sequence of quadruplets, each series completed with two ascending notes, while Aarset, in addition to creating a paradoxically celestial harmonic foundation, adds brief fills that demonstrate his keen ears and astute in-the-moment judgement.River Silver is not without its outre moments, though they occur less often than the melodism that imbues the majority of the recording. "Toonari" begins with a harsher, more jagged series of swelled chords and near-surf style lower register notes from Aarset, with Miyazaki's koto providing a series of bent chordal harmonies over Garcia's hand-driven drums. Anchored unshakable by Benita, Michel delivers some of his most angular playing of the set, but remains linked to the rest of the album by his complete avoidance of pyrotechnics: a modus operandi for a group with plenty to say but nothing to prove.Beyond the material and the group's ability to lift it off the page and bring it to captivating life, mention must be made of the recital room ambience of Lugano's Auditorio Stelio Molo, one of a number of recording spaces that the label regularly employs. Given the way that ECM mixes its recordings, creating sonic spaces that are unlikely to be created naturally (while, at the same time, never feeling anything less so) it's difficult to know how closely what is heard on River Silver reflects what actually went down at the session. What is certain, howeverbased on a number of recordings made in the room, including Andy Sheppard's Trio Libero (ECM, 2012) and Surrounded by Seais that it's a room which encourages deeper listening and attention to details that often get lost elsewhere; Aarset's extreme upper-register harmonics, which soar stratospherically above the rest of the group on "Yeavering," for example, are so subtle that they could easily get lost, but clearly help shape a modernistic yet reverent look at this song steeped in tradition.It is, in fact, Ethics' ability to allow individual instruments to come to the fore only to dissolve, once again, into the background so naturally that speaks to the clear connection shared by these five musicians. This is music that reaches deep into the soul in the subtlest of fashions; music largely possessed of calming quietude, its ability to mine such a subdued space for fifty minutes while remaining thoroughly captivating throughout is but one of River Silver's many charms. There are few groups that possess such a distinctive collective identity and unique language, but Benita's joining together of instruments from antiquity with those predicated on a most organic use of 21st century technology, and the bassist's collecting of musicians from so many disparate cultures to create music that is at once timeless, borderless and stylistically unfettered is what makes Ethics such a remarkable group...and River Silver such a wonderful, even more successful followup to its 2010 debut. Hopefully less time will pass before Ethics returns for a third recording. UF students sailed their first self-steering boat across Lake Wauburg on Saturday. Zach Goins and his team of nine students started building the robot about six months ago, working on it at the Machine Intelligence Lab at UF on Gale Lemerand Drive. The boat, called the NaviGator, senses its environment using radar and makes navigation decisions based on what it detects, without any human interaction. The lab received $250,000 in funding to build the NaviGator along with two other robots, which are still being built, said Eric Schwartz, the project coordinator for the NaviGator. Funding comes from Harris Corporation, a technology company, as well as UFs College of Engineering, he said. With this funding, the NaviGator uses computer vision methods to analyze its surroundings and chart a course while in the water. We have to teach the robot to think like humans do and react to its environment like we would, said Goins, a UF finance senior, said. Theres a lot more that your brain does that you dont realize, and we had to make the robot think like a brain would. The groups will enter the robot in its first competition, the Maritime Robotx Challenge, in December, the 22-year-old said. The team of 10 will travel to Hawaii to compete. Schwartz said the boat is the biggest robot UF students have ever built. You hear about (the Massachusetts Institute of Technology), but Ill put our students against MIT students for building something, and we would win, Schwartz said. Our students can get their hands dirty. He said he thinks the group will win the competition. This is something that can make (UF) more noticed than it already is, Schwartz said. He said students who worked on the NaviGator, as well as other projects he supervises, learn a lot from working in the Machine Intelligence Lab. A lot of the guys at my lab, they leave and get whatever job they want, he said. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now He said students have submitted submarines to Robotx challenges in previous years. Last year, a submarine won second place. Over the last 18 years, students have claimed first place three times. Its a great job to be an engineer, he said. Andy Gray, the student lead of the lab and a 32-year-old second-year electrical and computer engineering graduate student, said he learned a lot by working in the Machine Intelligence Lab. Traditionally in class youre taught the theory, but with this, you take it to the next level, he said. NaviGator, a self-steering boat built by a team of 10 UF students, cruises on Lake Wauberg on Saturday. Built at the UF Machine Intelligence Lab with a $250,000 grant, the boat senses its environment using radar and makes navigational decisions based on what it detects. Art and science will find a place on the same stage Tuesday. The Gainesville First United Methodist Church will host the Crossroads Project: Rising Tide from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. the international projects debut in Gainesville. Musicians and artists will collaborate to show the relationship between humans and the Earths sustainability, said Robert Davies, a physicist and educator at Utah State University. People can reserve tickets for the free event on the Eventbrite website. Davies said he started the project to help people form an emotional connection to science. He collaborated with the Fry Street Quartet to develop the performance. Each chapter is a form of a poetic science lecture, combined with very compelling imagery, then followed by a movement of music by a string quartet that serves as a contemplative space for the information and imagery youve just seen, Davies said. In May, Aaron Colverson said he started an effort to bring the project to Gainesville. Colverson, a UF musicology and ethnomusicology graduate student, said he hopes the event will help people gain an understanding of how their actions impact the Earth. It can cause a greater ability to reflect upon a daily routine and habitual actions, he said. Liza Allison, a 22-year-old UF tourism and recreation senior, said the event conveys an important message. For those of us that live at the top of the food chain, it doesnt necessarily feel like being on the edge, but yet here we are, she said. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now When I first saw the Politico breaking news alert informing me of the death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia last week, I felt like someone punched me in the gut. For conservatives in the U.S., Scalia was more than an intellectual, consequential jurist and opera buff Scalia was someone who championed the Constitution and our founding principles to their rightful extremes. The news of his death was tough for me. In the middle of the 20th century, the Supreme Court was filled with justices who, in essence, made up Constitutional rights, the product of interpreting a living Constitution. Scalia quickly changed that. He advocated an original and in my humble opinion, correct interpretation of our founding document. Constitutional rights come from the principles our founders prescribed in the document. If theres an issue thats not expressly dealt with in the document, let the political process address it, not the judiciary. Not only that, but Scalia also played the long game well. Id say his legacy doesnt lie with his Supreme Court majority opinions. Truth be told, he was not a justice who was consensus-minded. He tended to have a my-way-or-the-highway judicial outreach. His dissents are more well-known than his majority opinions. Scalia helped set up more than 200 Federalist Societies in law schools across the country that preach the gospel of judicial restraint and original interpretation ensuring originalist thoughts will be preserved for generations to come. He also wrote his opinions for law students, again ensuring his views are preserved with new lawyers. America lost a lion on the Supreme Court. Scalia was one of the greatest Supreme Court Justices in history a fact that cannot be disputed. He will be missed, but not forgotten. As a person who has actually read the Constitution, I cant find the section that says Congress must confirm the nominations of the President. So, Im not persuaded by the argument that Congress must reflexively do everything Obama says. Congress doesnt have to entertain Obamas Court pick. And do you know who agrees with me? President Obama, or to be more precise, Sen. Obama. He not only voted against confirming Chief Justice John Roberts to the court, but he also filibustered Justice Samuel Alitos confirmation. Obama sounds like a Congressional Republican to me. President Obama and Sen. Obama disagree with each other. But in the last year of his presidency, this isnt the first time he differed with himself. The fact of the matter is, Congressional Republicans dont have to confirm or hear Obamas nomination. Its not gridlock; its checks and balances. Its prescribed in the Constitution. I would hope our Constitutional law professor-in-chief would know this by now. But then again, he might have changed his mind. Like many college students and young people, I like reading right-leaning opinion magazines. Publications like National Review, National Affairs and The Weekly Standard give fantastic arguments and analyses of todays news and events. They also give historical perspective. A common feature of all of these magazines is a desire to get behind a rock-ribbed conservative presidential nominee. Someone like a Barry Goldwater or a Ronald Reagan. Someone who is conservative to the bone and champions free markets and a small federal government. For some, Ted Cruz is this conservative. He has successfully defended the Constitution in the Supreme Court and champions conservatism. I dont think many of my liberal friends appreciate how good Ted Cruz is on paper, policy-wise. His theatrics and presentation could be better. But I have to say I agree with his views on a majority of issues. Not only that, but I also know he will be a conservative lion in the White House. In an age in which sort of self-loathing conservatives McCain and Romney win the nomination crown, Im happy to see a person like Cruz resonating with a lot of voters. Michael Beato is a UF political science senior. His column appears on Mondays. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now 2005 .. Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia's death has been a tragedy, at least for conservatives. Less obvious, though I would argue of ultimately greater importance, is that this outpouring of feeling and machinations regarding his replacement exposes a second tragedy that the United States now edges on becoming a kritarchy, a government of judges. How else can one possibly explain the wall-to-wall media coverage on how his death might transform 5-4 victories into 4-4 stalemates or, worse, 5-4 defeats if Obama picks the next associate justice? The political influence of judge-made law is clearly visible in everything from Obamacare to gun control, same-sex marriages, abortion, redistricting, the death penalty, immigration, campaign finance, and racial preferences in higher education. It is no exaggeration to say that the highest laws of the land now reflect the views of at least five unelected officials who are 99.9% immune to public pressure. And this power seems to be growing. Hard to believe that Scalia's nomination to the Court was so uncontroversial that it passed the Senate by a 98-0 margin. If one's side has sympathetic judges, the kritarchy temptation can be irresistible, but evaluated against democratic criteria, the liabilities far outweigh the benefits. Let me offer some of the key anti-kritarchy arguments prior to discussing reversing this dangerous drift. First, courts, regardless of whose ideology dominates, have scant control over their agenda, so those dependent on judge-made law may never have the chance to be victorious, even if one's side enjoys a 9-0 majority. A virtual perfect storm is necessary to put an issue before a court, and even then, not necessarily in a way that permits a decisive outcome. Opponents of Roe v. Wade (1973) may never live to see it totally overturned, since abortion cases inevitably concern a variety of administrative details, not the core up-or-down issue. By contrast, fighting the battle legislatively permits an unambiguous victory (or defeat). Kritarchy is wonderful only for those possessing the resources to find a good case and then shepherd it through costly legal multi-year battles with the hope that the version that ultimately comes before one's judicial allies can bring the desired success (think same-sex marriage). Not exactly the most practical solution to satisfying a political aim. Second, since nearly all federal judges serve for life, they are unaccountable save for being impeached, and even removing them (an exceptionally arduous task) does not undo their unpopular behavior. To be sure, a hated decision may be reversed by a legislature, but this solution is far more cumbersome than simply throwing out incumbent legislators (and legislators know that legislatively reversing a judicial decision can, in turn, be reversed by judges). In effect, the Supreme Court's 7-2 majority that existed in 1973 on Roe v. Wade is nearly impervious to reversal, no matter how strong the public's shift on abortion. Of course, this is great news for those who achieved this 1973 victory, but it is clearly a risky strategy if you lose, it may be forever. Third, say what you want about disorderly, often theatrical legislative debates, but they can raise almost any issue imaginable and these debates are generally open to public scrutiny and thus serve a didactic purpose. The current brouhaha over immigration among GOP hopefuls perfectly illustrates this point both Cruz and Rubio relish pointing to each other's legislative record on amnesty. Matters are entirely different with far more secretive judicial deliberations. Few ordinary citizens and non-experts can follow judicial debates, let alone grasp terminology like "strict scrutiny." Moreover, not only are cameras banned in the Supreme Court, but the whole deliberative process is more obscure than the sausage-making of the local butcher shop. Lastly, kritarchy is a risky political strategy: winning coalitions can easily be undone by the uncontrollable vagaries of life. Yes, you may appoint a strict law-and-order justice, but who would have predicted the path taken by Earl Warren, a one-time tough prosecutor who became famous as the chief justice adamantly soft on crime? Then there's the uncertainties of the specific lower courts that decide a case identical cases are often decided differently by different courts, a situation promoting "judge shopping." Indeed, kritarchy rule by judges can merge into gerontocracy rule by elderly, perhaps demented judges. This is hardly an appetizing outcome. How can kritarchy be avoided? The easy answer is to insist that all judicial appointees swear an oath that they will not invent laws of out of thin air or rely on crackpot social science theories, a judicial philosophy called strict constructivism. It is an admirable approach in the abstract, but problems often emerge when scrutinizing century-old laws. More importantly, how can sitting judges be held accountable if they reject this philosophy once appointed? Fortunately, a realistic solution exists that begins by acknowledging that the kritarchy can flourish only where the elected branches of government abdicate their governance responsibilities. Kritarchy exists in a power void. Consider the troubled, often confused history of racial preferences in higher education. Title VI, section 601 of the 1964 Civil Rights Act is crystal-clear: "No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." Nevertheless, within a decade, the Supreme Court began issuing decisions that clearly violated Title VI, section 601 (see here). In multiple instances, the judges, often with the slimiest majorities, creatively overruled "no racial discrimination" by concocting principles for example, American society's "compelling" need for racial diversity. In fact, even a half-century beyond the 1964 law, the Supreme Court is still trying to navigate all the exceptions and the legal underbrush. What if the U.S. Department of Justice had from the get-go instead issued arrest warrants for university administrators who violated Title VI, section 601? That is, arrest them, put them in orange jumpsuits, and haul them into court, and let a jury decide that the 1964 law really said "no racial discrimination except where such discrimination promotes diversity." And if a jury was stymied, Congress could amend the 1964 law to prohibit the "diversity defense" (or any other exception), so the landmark Civil Rights law could remain true to its original aim. Racial preferences is only one of many examples of today's kritarchy. The larger point is how judges regularly fill a power vacuum when Congress and the president fail to exercise their responsibilities. If Congress wanted to amend the 1964 law by authorizing multiple exceptions, that should have been openly debated and not decided by a tiny handful of ingenious judges. Hopefully future courts will not need another Antonin Scalia, a jurist whose singular accomplishment was battling kritarchy. We should live under democratically enacted laws, not make-it-up-as-you-go-along jurisprudence. In his provocative article in the Wall Street Journal of February 17, 2016, Joseph Epstein, referring to current presidential candidates, ridiculed the "lunatic politics" of people with only one idea and one idea only, a phrase he took from a poem by Wallace Stevens. Such lunatic politics purports to make life simple: all other ideas or rational analysis are irrelevant to understand complex ideas. This may be a harsh and incomplete assessment of presidential candidates, but it is perfectly applicable to those who are anti-Semitic and call for the elimination of the State of Israel and the destruction of the Jewish people, either by violent action or by using boycott, divestment, and sanctions as a starting point. They live in a fantasy world, in which stereotypes of Jews with long noses and demonization of Israel as imperialist, colonialist, racist nation take center stage. Probably the supreme leader of the list of "lunatic politics" is Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who on February 17, 2016 declared that the policies of the United States and many European countries are dominated by the "global Zionist network." Khamenei had in 2015 been rehearsing for the medal of exceptional merit for lunacy by telling us that Israel would not exist in 25 years, and in January 2016 by presenting a video that denied the Holocaust. Only a little lower in the malicious hierarchy of lunacy is Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezb'allah , who in a television broadcast of February 2016 threatened to blow up the ammonia plant near Haifa, an equivalent in destructiveness of a nuclear bomb, causing 800,000 casualties. Forgotten in this foolishness is the fact that more than 10 percent of the population in the area is Arab and that it contains the UNESCO Baha'i World Heritage Site. The lunatic politics is one of hate, taking a variety of forms political, economic, ideological, and academic. At its most absurd, it equates Israel or "Zionism" or Jews with Nazism and racism. It is astonishing that a recent European Union report finds that 40 percent of Europeans believe that Israel is behaving like Nazis. If not all of those can be considered part of lunatic politics, many accept the existence of an "international Jewish conspiracy." The politics of discrimination has lost any mental equilibrium. U.S. ambassador Samantha Power put it well in a speech in Tel Aviv on February 15, 2016. Bias, she said, has "extended well beyond Israel as a country, Israel as an idea Israel is just not treated like other countries." This bias and lunacy of hate are becoming more pronounced, among many other places at colleges and universities, throughout the democratic world. Academic behavior and research have open and free discussion and honest analysis as their basis. Open dialogue and exchange of differing views are expected; preventing or censoring speech by those with whom one disagrees is not expected. The latter behavior, expressed both physically and orally by anti-Jewish bigotry, has become the flavor of lunatic politics. It is sad to record this lunatic politics in British universities, most recently at Oxford and London. At King's College, London, on January 19, 2016, a mob of pro-Palestinians prevented Ami Ayalon, the former head of Shin Bet, from speaking. Using tactics not usually employed at universities, the mob stopped the speech by breaking windows, throwing chairs, setting off fire alarms, and shouting abuse at Jewish students, who were made uncomfortable there as they been at other British universities, including Edinburgh and St. Andrews. At Oxford, the hatred of Israel was exposed on February 15, 2016 by a young man named Alex Chalmers, an undergraduate at Oriel College, Oxford, who was the co- chairperson of the Oxford University Labour Club. He resigned this position because the Club supported Israel Apartheid Week at Oxford. Some of the club members expressed sympathy with the terrorist group Hamas and gloried in the Hamas rockets aimed at Tel Aviv. Many of the members are said to be guilty of singing anti-Semitic song and using slurs, such as the words "zio" and "filthy Zionist." It is some consolation that King's College has reinvited Ami Ayalon to speak and that the British Labour Party is investigating the behavior of the Labour Oriel students. This is necessary but insufficient. Stronger measures should be, and are now being, used to counter lunacy. High priority should be given to legal action. It is time for anti-Semitic behavior to be punished. The particular students at King's College and at Oriel who caused problems should, as a minimum, be reprimanded by college authorities at least, or expelled for their anti-academic behavior. Legal action should be employed, and the Jewish Human Rights Watch in Britain (JHRW) is doing so. The group is suing, or planning to sue, three local councils, Leicester, Swansea, and Gwynedd, because of their motions to boycott goods produced in Israeli settlements in the disputed areas of the West Bank. It is not clear in general why British local councils get involved in Middle East politics rather than concern themselves with local issues such as housing, employment, schools, and road safety, but it is clear in the case of Leicester. Its city council is composed of 53 Labour members, one Conservative, and one Liberal Democrat. The anti-Israeli motion was introduced by a Labour councilor named Mohammed Dawood. One other thing might be made clear. Boycotting Israel is anti-Semitic because this activity, whether related to produce or university restrictions, is confined to Israel, not to any other countries, especially those that oppress their own populations. It is gratifying that a British court and the government are trying to deal with the issue of the boycott and the suing of the local councils. A High Court judge in February 2016 granted permission for a legal review of the Leicester motion to boycott. Courageous action has been successful. The JHRW was planning to take legal action against the Swansea city council that passed a similar motion to that of Leicester. That Welsh council offered to rescind its motion if the legal action was withdrawn. The British government said on February 15, 2016 that it was issuing guidance to public authorities stating that locally imposed boycotts are "inappropriate" unless formal legal sanctions or embargoes have been put in place by the government. A speech by Matt Hancock, Minister for the Cabinet Office, warned that boycotts risk breaching the World Trade Organization agreement, signed by the EU and Israel, which requires equal treatment for suppliers from all signatory nations. Those who decide to go ahead with a boycott risk being taken to court and fined with severe penalties. Boycotts, he said, fuel anti-Semitism. Political lunatics, the anti-Israeli bigots, and anti-Semites in Britain, at any rate have been warned. Now the Obama administration and U.S. courts should issue the same warning and act in similar fashion. Ted Cruz's moment was October of 2013. At his urging, the House refused to fund Obamacare, prompting a presidential budget veto and a short government shutdown. This was his Rubicon. After ten months in office, his career in the Senate was now effectively over. He was running for president, and he would use the notoriety of the shutdown to begin building an army of true believers across the country, an army that sustains him to this day. Of all the leading Republicans in Washington, he alone was willing to stand and fight for the constitutional principle that is the centerpiece of the separation of powers: the congressional power of the purse. When a congress surrenders this to a president, it betrays centuries of political progress that began as parliament against king. This is the road to serfdom. His timing was impeccable, even if somewhat fortuitous. He didn't pay much of a price, politically, outside the Beltway, since the country was immediately exposed to the fiasco of the Obamacare website. The shutdown was quickly forgotten. Cruz could not have foreseen this, but it came at the perfect moment. Very smart analysts like Avik Roy and James Capretta had been predicting for years that the entire Rube Goldberg structure of Obamacare just simply couldn't work. It soon became clear that they were right all along. It wasn't just bad public policy. It was a mess. The political implications became clear immediately, causing top-flight Republican Senate candidates like Gardner, Ernst, Sullivan, and others to take the plunge. What it meant was that the entire Democratic Party had joined Barack Obama in lying, insistently and repeatedly, about the nature of this dog's breakfast. You couldn't keep your doctor. You couldn't keep your health insurance. You weren't going to see your premiums go down. Lies, all lies premeditated, politically calculated lies. The Democrats are still paying the price for these lies, and they're not done yet. Over time, the lies will be forgotten, but one lasting result of this entire exercise is that for a generation, the American people are not going to believe that a big new federal program is the answer for anything. The federal government is not the answer, it was clear. It's the problem. If Ted Cruz is able to capitalize on this moment, the opportunity it presents is historic. This can be the moment when a fourth political era in our history begins. The first was the Jefferson-Jackson expansionist era, which lasted until the Civil War. The second was the Republican era of laissez-faire capitalism, which ended in 1932. The coalition Franklin D. Roosevelt formed survives in much altered form today. If Cruz wins, it's gone, and a new era begins. For with his victory, Cruz will have earned a mandate, and it is a commission for a stark, fundamental change in our direction as a nation. If you want to know what he's got in mind, he'll tell you. It's nothing less than cutting the federal government down to size. For a taste of what could be in store for us, look to Nevada right now, where he's running ads promising that he will work night and day to transfer the 85% of Nevada that's owned by the federal government to the state and the people. This message resonates powerfully across the West. From Montana south to New Mexico, and all points west, the federal government is a huge and unwelcome landlord. This message will virtually guarantee caucus or primary victories in Alaska, Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah. It will be a major boost in Colorado, Arizona, Montana, and New Mexico. It will even help in the eastern parts of Washington, Oregon, and California. An enduring part of the Cruz legacy will be a Balanced Budget Amendment. He'll be no more able to pass it in Congress than Reagan was, and he knows it. So, like Reagan, he's turned to the states, and their power under Article V. In signing a pledge from the Balanced Budget Amendment Task Force to support Article V, he said, "It is clear to me that only the states can fix this problem." A successful Article V BBA Convention will do more than just draft and submit for ratification a BBA. It will unlock the door to Article V, with the potential, in subsequent Amendment Conventions, of even more fundamental reforms, as outlined in Mark Levin's The Liberty Amendments. In one of his last political acts, over 20 years ago, Reagan wrote an endorsement letter to Lew Uhler, the founder of the Article V BBA movement. These were the final words: "If not us, who? If not now, when?" The man to do it is Ted Cruz, and the time is now. The man and his moment have met. At long last, all the stars have aligned. Fritz Pettyjohn was chair of Reagan for President, Alaska, in 1979-80; is a co-founder of the Balanced Budget Amendment Task Force; and blogs daily at ReaganProject.com. So far, Josh Kraushaar over at the National Journal has the best analysis of the S.C. results. He writes: As diminished as the establishment is within the GOP, its three favored candidates (Rubio, Bush, John Kasich) outdistanced Trump, 38 to 33 percent. Rubios goal will now be to perform strongly in the suburban, college-educated elements within the Super Tuesday SEC states (in Nashville, Northern Virginia, and the Atlanta suburbs, to name a few). Its the constituency that propelled Mitt Romney to victory in 2012. If Rubio can hit enough Southern delegate thresholds on Super Tuesday (a growing possibility given the South Carolina results), hed be positioned to take the delegate lead two weeks later with wins in his home state of Florida and other swing states holding primaries that day. Trump may be the front-runner, but Rubios odds of winning the nomination have also never been higher. We can base the predictions, below, on these four political facts: (1) the USA is not "very conservative" (while Cruz is); (2) a majority of Republican primary voters can see that America is not very conservative, and they want to win; (3) seventy percent of these voters don't like Trump; (4) tone and imaging count more than substance in the day of the Selfie Voters. So here are the easy predictions that will happen over the next three to five weeks: 1. The time limit on Trump's boorishness and assault on conservative principles will run out; no man can say what he says and get away with it forever in our America. He has stayed in this long only because the votes have split. He will fade, but not completely, for his TV ego won't let him drop out. 2. Kasich and Carson will eventually drop out, and their supporters will go nowhere else than Rubio. Kasich's and Carson's tone and imaging match better with Rubio than with Trump or Cruz. 3. Bush voters will also go to Rubio (tone and image again). 4. As Kraushaar notes elsewhere in his piece (not quoted above), Cruz can't seem to get out of the "very conservative" lane; the age of social media won't let him. I add that his shutting down the government in his Gang of One didn't help his cause. Cruz has always been unelectable due to his substance and his tone and imaging. Sorry to his supporters. 5. So here's my easy prediction: Rubio will win the nomination (as Kraushaar also more cautiously predicts). It's not a bad thing to have a winsome and friendly (tone and image) conservative (substance) to be the nominee. And it's not a bad thing to have someone who can speak to Hispanics and other minorities about conservative principles. 6. Then he can easily beat compromised Hillary. 7. But somewhere in the process there will be chaos and confusion, probably coming from Trump. James Arlandson's website is Live as Free People, where he has posted Five reasons not to vote for Ted Cruz, Ten reasons not to vote for Trump, Twelve reasons to vote for Sen. Rubio, and How conservatives can finally read America accurately (for a change). In settlement talks with the German auto maker Volkswagen over their cheating on emissions tests by including a gadget that could fool the government, the EPA is trying to force the company to subsidize the American electric car industry to "atone" for its sins. Washington Times: According to the report Sunday, the EPA wants VW, the worlds largest automaker by some measures, to produce electric cars at its U.S. manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, Tenn. It also is using settlement talks with the German giant, to get help in building a network of charging stations throughout the U.S. the main practical problem with electric cars, given their short range. The German report did not specify its sources, according to multiple accounts in the English-language press. Talks with the EPA are ongoing and we are not commenting on the contents and state of the negotiations, a spokesman for Volkswagen said. EPA refused to comment to Welt am Sonntag. Whether the report is accurate or not isn't the point. The point is, it's entirely believable. Perhaps more than any other agency in government besides the IRS, the EPA loves to throw its weight around, threatening and bullying companies large and small. How many individual lives have been ruined by this agency's arrogance and disregard for procedures and the law? No doubt, what Volkswagen did is despicable. It sought an unfair competitive advantage over its rivals by thumbing its nose at the law. Punishment should be severe, and the company should be forced to make changes to the engines in every auto and truck that is in violation of emissions standards. But the EPA has no business forcing the company to subsidize the American electric car industry, which can't sell the American people on its underpowered, overpriced lemons. Samuel Willenberg, the last surviving participant in the Treblinka death camp revolt during World War II, died on February 19 in Tel Aviv, Israel, aged 93. His death is significant not only because of his role in that difficult and heroic episode of anti-Nazi resistance, but because with his passing goes the last living eyewitness to the event. In different circumstances, this might not be tremendously important, given that the Treblinka revolt is fairly well documented in World War II history, though perhaps not as well as other significant events. However, with rising international anti-Semitism, and increasing acceptance of Holocaust denial, the loss of living witnesses means a bit more. Treblinka, like its sister camps of Sobibor and Belzec, was intentionally kept secret by the Nazis in order to hide the scale of the genocide they were perpetrating and also the evidence of it should things go badly for the regime in the end which, of course, was the case. The revolt occurred in August 1943, and the Nazis dismantled the camp shortly thereafter. Today it is little more than an archeological site, like Belzec and Sobibor. All were razed before the arrival of Soviet forces in Eastern Poland in 1944. Perhaps 300 prisoners escaped during the uprising, but most either were hunted down by the Nazis or died while on the run before the end of the war in spring 1945. In the end, fewer than 100 survived the war. A Google search will reveal many online accounts of the revolt and also the one at Sobibor, which occurred a couple months later and was modestly more successful. An article I wrote for World War II History magazine several years ago is worth perusing if you can get it as a back issue (not available online). My fanciful novel Upfall has a historically accurate description of the camp before the revolt, and an alternative history and more successful version of its overthrow. Hillary forces are trying to undo some of the damage she suffered when the AFL-CIO announced that it would not vote during its executive council meeting this week on whether to endorse a candidate in the Democratic presidential primaries. That move was widely seen as a setback to Hillary Clinton, who has made labor union support a keystone of her coalition. Noam Scheiber of the New York Times First Draft blog describes the jockeying underway as Hillary seeks to recover her dignity and squash the Sanders campaigns nascent support among labor unions: a group of more than 20 unions representing more than 10 million workers is releasing a statement on Monday reaffirming support for Mrs. Clinton. Secretary Clinton has proven herself as the fighter and champion working people and their families need in the White House, the statement says. That is why, of all unions endorsing a candidate in the Democratic primary, the vast majority of the membership in these unions has endorsed her. Unfortunately for Hillary, she does not have quite enough support for the union federation to make an official endorsement, so this trumped up (pardon the expression) consolation prize statement will have to do for now: To win an endorsement, a candidate must get the support of unions representing at least two-thirds of the federations 9.3 million members. Mrs. Clinton was roughly one million votes shy of this total at the time the federation decided to abandon the process last week, according to two sources briefed on the decision. The hard fact the union bosses must face, no matter how cozy their relationship with Hillary, is that she is losing support among union members in parallel with her general drop in support: Exit and entrance polls from the Iowa and Nevada caucuses showed voters from union households favoring Mrs. Clinton over Mrs. Sanders by a roughly 10-point margin greater than the margin by which Mrs. Clinton won those contests overall. Still, that 10-point margin assuming it is correct, which is not necessarily assured may reflect a narrowing of the gap between the two candidates among union members since last fall. In the three polls that AFSCME conducted between last May and October, more than 60 percent of its Democratic members consistently backed Mrs. Clinton, versus no more than 20 percent who backed Mr. Sanders. It is impossible to know the margins by which members of specific unions voted for Mrs. Clinton in this years early primary contests, but other evidence suggests significant pockets of support for Mr. Sanders. The AFSCME council in Washington State endorsed him in January, and a prominent service employees union local in New Hampshire endorsed him in November. AFSCME is one of very few unions that is growing, since it represents government employees. Bernie Sanderss plans to vastly increase the size and scope of government would be an obvious boon to the union bosses, who stand to collect mandatory dues payments from more members forced to join. The old-line industrial unions supporting Hillary continue to shrink, having made their employers uncompetitive in world markets. That Hillarys support is concentrated in the older, shrinking sector of unions is a telling point, not lost on all union bosses. In the end, if Hillary muscles her way to the nomination, the AFL-CIO will back her, undoubtedly. But in the meantime, she is trying to save as much face as possible as Sanders continues to eat her lunch. AT&Ts Strategy Chief, John Donovan was speaking in Barcelona today at Mobile World Congress and had some pretty interesting things to say. Some of the more interesting parts of his visit included the fact that by buying DirecTV, his company now has an edge over Verizon in deploying 5G technologies. Now, Verizon has already started field trials for 5G, as was announced today by the company, and they expect to be testing it in larger markets by the end of the year. AT&T has been pretty quiet on 5G so far compared to their rival, Verizon. DirecTV was acquired by AT&T for $48.5 billion in 2015. Its now clear that AT&T had more in mind then just cable television. 5G wireless networks are going to have much larger capacity when compared to 4G LTE networks, in fact its supposedly going to have around a thousand times the capacity. This means the networks will be able to connect to at least 100 billion devices, also download speeds are expected to reach around 10 Gigabits per second. Thats a huge improvement, considering most heavily populated areas now see speeds of around 10 megabits per second some more dense areas around 100Mbps. Advertisement Now to get that kind of capacity and speed, these networks are going to need to be supported by existing fixed-line infrastructure. DirecTV already has a pretty widespread fixed-line network, and that will be a huge boost for AT&T when it comes to 5G. Donovan stated, we are in a better position because we have a fixed line proposition which is becoming much more interesting now with 5G. To counter the statement from Donovan, Verizons spokesman Jim Gerace stated AT&T has followed us in every turn of technology wireless and wired and they will again with 5G. While Verizon is already doing field tests of 5G, and AT&T is looking to start theirs later this year, the global telecom industry is not planning to release official standards for 5G until around 2018. Well likely see other carriers in the US and other countries, also beginning their field trials for 5G before the standards are officially set for 5G. Hopefully they dont run into the issues that Sprint did by adopting WiMax as 4G, before everyone else jumped on the LTE bandwagon. Vivo is a Chinese smartphone manufacturing company you have probably heard of by now. This company is mainly doing business in Asia though, so if you havent really familiar with them, thats why. Anyhow, weve been hearing tons of rumors regarding the companys upcoming Vivo XPlay 5 flagship, some of which even reported that the phone will include 6GB of RAM, which seemed crazy at the time, but is it? Read on. The 6GB of RAM rumors seemed a bit off, but then Vivo decided to release a teaser image for the Vivo XPlay 5 flagship on their official Weibo (Chinese social network) page, and basically confirm that the device will not only be fueled by the Snapdragon 820 64-bit octa-core SoC, but also ship with a whopping 6GB of RAM on the inside. Now, this smartphone will be introduced on March 1st in Beijing, and it will probably be the worlds first smartphone to pack in 6GB of RAM, unless something crazy happens and Xiaomi releases a 6GB RAM variant of the Xiaomi Mi 5. Now, Vivo has already confirmed that the XPlay 5 will ship with a dual edge display, and thats pretty much it as far as official info goes. Advertisement Now, as for the rumored specs, the Vivi XPlay 5 might sport a 6-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) panel up front, and a 4,300mAh battery on the inside. The 16-megapixel snapper will allegedly going to be located on the phones back, and an 8-megapixel shooter will be available up front, presuming the rumors are accurate. The fingerprint scanner has also been mentioned quite a few times thus far, and 4G LTE connectivity will be included as well. Knowing Vivo, the company will quite probably release more info about this device before they announce it, they tend to share quite a bit of info via Weibo before their announcements. That being said, the Vivo XPlay 5 will quite probably be made out of metal as well, and as soon as the company decides to share some additional info about this phablet, well make sure to let you know, stay tuned for that. This years edition of Mobile World Congress is going on in Barcelona, Spain, and since it is one of the largest consumer technology shows in the world, several tech companies announce some of their best products for the year. This is a special date for Android fans since Samsung, LG and other big players release some important smartphones. This year the stars were the Galaxy S7 & S7 Edge and the LG G5, but theres much more than LG and Samsung in the show. Gionee, a Chinese phone maker famous for its sleek, thin metal Android smartphones has just announced its latest flagship, the Gionee S8. The device features an all-metal body with invisible antenna lines and thin bezels to give it a nice look. Theres a 5.5-inch Full HD (10801920 pixels) resolution AMOLED display and it is pretty thin for its size, at only 7mm thick. Despite the low screen resolution, the hardware is on par with flagship phones. Powered by an octa-core Helio P10 SoC by MediaTek, the S8 has 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. The main camera comes with 16 megapixels, a phase-detection autofocus coupled with a laser sensor, and an LED flash. The home button has a built-in fingerprint scanner and to juice up everything, theres a generous 3000 mAh battery, which should offer respectable battery life since the screen resolution is not that high. Additionally, the S8 has 4G LTE dual-SIM functionality capable of global roaming. Advertisement On the software side, the handset is powered by Android Marshmallow with Gionees Amigo OS 3.2 Android overlay on top. The company put some interesting features there, including dual WhatsApp and dual WeChat, which allows two instances of WhatsApp and WeChat to run on the phone, meaning you can have two accounts at the same time of these services. The Camera app also got a revamped interface and now theres optical image recognition (OCR), which can detect text from images although only tests will tell how well it performs in real life. Additionally, the device comes with 3D Touch (yes, the same name Apple uses), which offers pressure-sensitiveness for the display. Priced at $494 (a449), the Gionee S8 will be available in several markets, arriving in Europe and India by the end of March. Every major version of TouchWiz to date has featured some renewed visual tweaks whether it launches with a new version of Android or a brand new flagship phone. Last year Samsung gave TouchWiz, the visual overlay it places over top Googles Android OS, a significant visual overhaul that featured a brand new look to its icons, menus and even the camera UI. This overhaul coincided with the launch of Googles Android 5.0 Marshmallow, another significant visual overhaul announced by Google at their yearly conference in late Spring, and this year Samsung is launching another new version of its UI packed on top of Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Along with that would normally come a refresh of its camera UI, however it seems that Samsung was content with user feedback on its previous version and hasnt changed anything significant visually. Rather than change things visually Samsung has included a few new features designed to make taking pictures just a little bit more interesting. When holding the phone horizontally as you would normally hold a camera, the left side of the UI features a row of buttons that allow you to quick toggle features like camera resolution and aspect ratio, HDR, flash, timer and any additional ones you want to change out. As this is customizable you can switch out any buttons for ones that you would normally use more often, making the camera interface more useful to your personal needs. Advertisement As the sensor on the Galaxy S7 is different from the one on the Galaxy S6, its 12-megapixel resolution is actually a more standard non-widescreen picture aspect ratio, and as such youll notice black bars on both the left and right sides of the screen. This isnt present in every mode though, as can be seen in the panorama mode where it changes to a more widescreen aspect ratio to fit everything into the wider frame. On the right side youll find dedicated shutter and record buttons to quickly take a photo or start a video recording without having to switch modes, as well as a switch camera button for moving between front and rear cameras. Lastly checking out the modes section found via the button next to the shutter we see that Samsung is once again only including a few modes pre-installed with the phone, while additional modes will be available as optional downloads. Dont forget to check out all our Galaxy S7 coverage and even some of the cooler accessories from Samsung like the lens cover. Both Korea-based tech giants introduced their flagship offerings yesterday in Barcelona as part of the Mobile World Congress (MWC). Samsung has introduced the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge phones, while LG has introduced their modular G5 flagship. That being said, LG has also introduced various additional accessories during the show, including various modules for the G5, 360 CAM, and the companys Virtual Reality (VR) Headset. Now, weve talked about each of these devices already in detail, but as the Mobile World Congress (MWC) is moving along, we were able to get some really nice hands-on images with the companys all-new Virtual Reality headset, the LG 360 VR, which were going to share with you now. If you take a look at the gallery down below, youll get to see this the LG 360 VR in full glory. This headset is significantly smaller, and perhaps even better designed than the competition, but well leave that up to you to decide. Now, the LG 360 VR actually doesnt need your smartphones display in order to function, like the Gear VR, for example, but you do need to hook it up to your handset in order to function. The LG 360 VR features a 1.88-inch 960 x 720 display, which comes down to 639ppi. The headset is relatively light as well, so it can be suitable for pretty much everyone. Considering it doesnt need to hold your smartphone as well, this headset weighs only 125 grams, and it measures 164.07 x 185.61 x 45.9mm. The LG 360 VR is actually compatible with both Google Cardboard and YouTube, and you connect it to the LG G5 using a Type-C cable, and it should work with other handsets out there as well, but we cannot confirm that at the moment. Advertisement Looking at the images down below, youll get to see how compact this device really is, which is always a good thing when were talking about a portable headset, especially if you plan to take it out of the house more of then than not. There you have it, a closer look at the LG 360 VR. Stay tuned for further coverage, well report back if any new info surfaces. Virtual Reality has become a recurring theme throughout 2016 already, and weve not finished February yet. During CES 2016, Oculus made waves by putting up the Rift for pre-order, and HTC, with their partner, Valve, will be doing the same for the Vive before the month is over. Theyre not the only people to get involved in VR however, as LG announced a new, lighter headset over the weekend, while Alcatel took a more conservative approach (pictured above). It seems like theres no shortage of VR hardware out there these days, and firms like LG and Samsung are even producing small cameras capable of creating the content. To hit the mainstream however, big broadcasting names will be required to make people see the platform has genuine potential, and thats just what IM360 and ABCs Good Morning America hope to achieve. Come Tuesday, February 23rd, Good Morning America will be broadcasting a Virtual Reality report at the same time as the standard broadcast is live on ABC. The broadcast will be from 7:00 AM EST to 9:00 AM EST, and people will be able to immerse themselves in the report by downloading the IM360 app from the Play Store. The report, presented by Amy Robach, will come from the Crater Lands in Tanzania, as part of the shows GMA on Safari feature. This VR feature will give users the opportunity to view the Ngorongoro region like never before, and will presumably highlight one of VRs biggest uses; education. Google has been using their affordable and flexible Cardboard virtual reality solution in classrooms for some time now, and while it seems to be just a trial at this point, it could become an effective teaching tool in the future. Advertisement Over the past year, virtual reality has gone from something that had us thinking it was the reserve of geeks and nerds the world over, to something that has genuine potential to entertain, educate and help people experience things they might not get a chance to. As we noted above, Android users can tune in so to speak to Tuesdays broadcast by downloading the IM360 app from the Play Store here. Today at Mobile World Conference, we got to see two of the most awaited smartphones finally arrive on the big stage. The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge made their debut shortly after LGs new G5 made an early morning appearance. Along with the Galaxy S7 series, LGs beautifully crafted LG G5 was the talk of the town. Not only did LG bring back a microSD card slot, but they introduced a feature that many smartphone manufacturers should take note of. Along with a Snapdragon 820 processor and dual cameras, LG decided that for their device, a 2,800 mAh battery would be plenty. The reason for this is that LG made the battery removable so the user can replace it when low on charge. Now of course with the latest and greatest from Samsung, you cant exactly remove the back plate and replace the battery if needs be. LG however, not only included a removable battery but also thought of a better way to remove it. On the LG G5 you can pull down on the bottom which will release the battery. From there you just add your new battery and slide the contraption back together. With the LG G5 replenished with new hardware and features, the company took to twitter today and shot off a few warning shots at Samsung. The first tweet the company started off with was a picture of the LG G5 with its microSD card slot extended out and the user placing one in. The tweet said Welcome back to Team microSD, with Samsungs handle attached while hailing the hashtag #TheNextGalaxy. That tweet of course was to poke fun at Samsung for removing expandable storage from their Galaxy S6 last year and bringing it back with the S7. If that wasnt enough, LG charged at Samsung again by replying to a tweet of the Galaxy Note 4 and how you can exchange the battery. This time LG tweeted RIP with a skull emoji, boasting about how much easier it is to replace the battery in the G5. While these two are direct competitors, it is always good to see the light-hearted exchanges between them. Advertisement Chipset business, MediaTek, have enjoyed considerable success with their System-on-Chips in recent years. Originally, MediaTek developed unbranded feature phones that could easily be manufacturered and sold under a particular brand. The company moved into chipsets, first with a range of products biased towards the tablet market and in later years the chipsets started seeing service in smartphones. MediaTek redesigned their chipsets to include modems, known as basebands, which simplifies the task of the system builder. Incorporating a modem into the chipset reduces power consumption for the device and saves space; manufacturers often only need to consider the antenna arrangement. In the last couple of years, MediaTek have innovated their product range: they were one of the first mobile chipset manufacturers to produce an octa-core chipset and have since moved into using ten processor cores, arranged into three tiers, into their high end chipsets in order to reduce power consumption. Today, MediaTek and Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo have announced a partnership for the development of 5G network technologies. MediaTek will concentrate on developing the chipsets, having been selected by NTT DoCoMo as a partner. For their part, NTT DoCoMo will concentrate on developing the new 5G air interface. NTT DoCoMos Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Seizo Onoe, explained: The opportunities for how 5G will enable people and things to connect to each other are endless as 5G technology will drive new innovations and improve the user experience for consumers and businesses alike. Kevin Jou, Senior Corporate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of MediaTek, said this on the matter: We are pleased to collaborate with NTT DoCoMo on developing the best possible standard as well as user terminals for 5G cellular systems. We plan to use our advanced signal processing and circuit technologies to design solutions in order to ensure a successful service launch in the 2020 time frame. Advertisement The partnership aims to have experimental indoor and outdoor equipment working at some point in 2017, with new wireless interface and chipset development taking place from 2018. Furthermore, this partnership follows the recent trend of Japanese businesses being far more cooperative with Chinese businesses as we have seen with Sharp. Clearly, NTT DoCoMo recognize MediaTeks expertise and skillsets. As for MediaTek, this partnership underpins the respect that the business has gained in recent years and the experienced gained through working closely with a carrier partner should prove beneficial in the coming years. When it comes to good Android development studios, the first names that come to mind are likely Google, Noodlecake, Mediocre and hundreds more, but Microsoft may not be one anywhere on that list for most folks. Thats because Googles ecosystem has long been devoid of Microsoft developed apps thanks to their focus on Windows Phone and all the apps that need to power that OS. With the slow demise of Windows Phone, however, Microsoft has begun looking elsewhere and has continued to expand outside its own Windows platform, developing heavily for Android in particular. This includes not only developing tons of really interesting and unique apps, but also partnering with huge names in the industry like Samsung and Cyanogen, Inc. Microsofts garage studio in particular though, has been dropping new apps left and right, and while Next Lockscreen isnt a new app by any means it has received a significant update to its functionality today. This brand new functionality brings fingerprint unlock support with it for devices that have such a hardware mechanism, meaning if youre a user of Next Lockscreen or were considering trying in out and not a fan of having to constantly type PIN codes or swipe in patterns, youre in luck. Youll have to disable the system lockscreen in order to make this work, meaning youll also have to redo all your stored fingerprints, but once thats done, the joys of Microsofts highly rated and well-designed lockscreen are all yours. Advertisement In addition to this massive update youll have access to all the cool, and in some cases brand new features of Next Lockscreen. This includes things like smart contacts, which learns from your device usage who your most reached contacts are and prominently displays them for quick access. There are also plenty of location-based features too, like setting removing the passcode for home and work but keeping it everywhere else you go for extra security, and of course, those handy location-based wallpapers are back to define your mood for home, work or wherever you are. Next Lockscreen is totally free but will ask for access to your device in order to properly and securely lock it, so be sure to follow those security prompts when asked and enjoy Microsofts latest garage project. Motorola has been an important part of the mobile industry for decades, starting in 1973 with the release of the first handheld mobile phone, the DynaTAC. During the following decades, the company served the market with amazing devices, including the highly successful RAZR series that with over 130 million units sold, are the best-selling clamshell mobile phones in the world. However, in the last few years, things didnt go well for the company and their smartphone division ended up being sold to Google and then to Chinese giant Lenovo. Nobody knew exactly what would happen to the Motorola name and brand since Lenovo also has its own branding for smartphones and they could end up competing with each other. About that, earlier in January, we got a clue of what might happen to the American brand as Lenovo announced that they were looking to phase out the Motorola name, but no details were given. Today we got more information about what to expect in the future, as Motorola president Rick Osterloh gave some details to Re/Code. First of all, the Motorola name will be phased out indeed, and they will be focusing on the Moto name and the well-known Bat Wing logo instead. However, they will continue to operate as a Lenovo subsidiary, designing and manufacturing phones. It is important to note that the company hasnt been using the Motorola name in its products since the release of the Moto X in 2013. As for the devices, with a few exceptions, the Moto brand will be used for higher-end smartphones, while Lenovos Vibe will be present on entry-level and mid-range devices. As an exception, Lenovo will keep the Moto G and Moto E brands, which are very successful in several markets. Another exception is that the company will be in talks with Verizon to define the future labeling of the Droid phones, which are historically labeled as Droid by Motorola. Advertisement Both Vibe and Moto will be different brands, but the companies will try to share as much under the hood technology as possible, with more common software and testing practices. It is yet to be seen if Motorola will put aside the vanilla Android experience to adapt to this new reality. Another important information is that the Vibe brand has no presence in the U.S., and contrary to what was previously believed, there are no plans to bring it to America, so Moto is likely to be the sole brand from the Chinese giant over here. As for other devices, Motorola wont give any additional focus to Bluetooth headsets such as the Hint, citing shrinking market mainly thanks to car manufacturers focusing on their own smartphone connections. Finally, regarding world markets, Mr. Osterloh pointed large share gains by Lenovo in markets such as Brazil, Mexico, India, Argentina, and Russia, which are important for the company so they are not as dependent on the Chinese market. Nokia has been the number one cellphone manufacturer back in the day. Some of the companys old cellphones are still very well-known, people tend to mention the Nokia 3310 and the great build of that handset to this day, and it has been 16 years since Nokia introduced that cellphone. Nokia didnt really adapt to the smartphone world in time, they made quite a few mistakes along the way (including an exclusivity agreement with Microsoft) which resulted in serious financial losses, so the company was basically forced to sell their Devices and Services businesses to Microsoft. This almost destroyed the company, but Nokia managed to get back on their feet, at least to an extent. The company has introduced the Nokia N1 Android-powered tablet back in 2014, and has to this day worked hard in order to grow. This Finland-based company has acquired Alcatel-Lucent, and has sold Nokia HERE Maps in the meantime. There were tons of rumors out there saying that Nokia plans to re-enter the smartphone world, and the company did throw a few hints our way last year when they said they dont have an official partner to even consider manufacturing smartphones, but nothing was officially confirmed, until now. First and foremost, let me say that the company was actually forbidden to make smartphone until this year, as per their agreement with Microsoft. That being said, the companys CEO, Rajeev Suri, has said that Nokia has no intention of making a department inside of the company similar to the one they sold to Microsoft. He did say the following though: We dont want to just put logos on somebodys devices. It needs to feel like Nokia, what Nokia was known for. He has also said that theyre not in a hurry to manufacture smartphones, and along with that, he said that they might manufacture a smartphone this year, but on the other hand, it might even happen later on. Advertisement So, as you can see, Nokia certainly has plans to release a new smartphone, but that wont happen that soon. It seems like they havent even started working on the device just yet, so even if they do release it this year, we wont see it until the second half of the year. It is quite probable, however, that if they do release a smartphone, that it will ship with Android OS. Thats pretty much it, stay tuned for additional news, well report back as soon as Nokia releases more info. Microsoft bought the Nokia cell phone business in what now looks like a failed attempt to ensure that at least one manufacturer was still making Windows Phone devices. Although Nokia are forbidden from manufacturing and selling their own smartphones until later this year, the business is still going and indeed has been working on various prototype smartphone devices. However, there are other sides to Nokia beyond the smartphone: it is one of the leading cellular network infrastructure businesses on the planet today, having bought Alcatel-Lucent in order to stay competitive against Ericsson and Huawei. One of Nokias businesses is in investing in technologies and one of the way it does this is via Nokia Growth Partners, known as NGP. The Nokia Growth Partners business is in actual fact a global venture capital fund, sponsored by Nokia but independently managed. The venture capital fund invests in growth stage mobile technology businesses and has around $700 million under management from offices in North America, India, China and Europe. Weve news today that the Nokia Growth Partners has raised a $350 million fund, earmarked for investing into the Internet of Things. This fund is again sponsored by Nokia and when added to the existing $700 million, brings the NGPs total assets under management to over $1 billion. The venture capatalists explain that their four primary subsectors for their investment will be the Connected Enterprise, Consumer Solutions, Connected Car and Digital Health areas. There will also be a focus on big data capabilities, that is, on using technology designed to handle massive amounts of raw data and use this in a meaningful way. Advertisement Nokia isnt supporting the venture capatalist fund from the goodness of its own heart, as in return for providing investment the business is seeking a return. As such, the Internet of Things fund will support Nokia in future business ventures and provide some of the technical foundations for the IoT market, which is expected to grow very quickly over the coming few years. Nokia will be able to combine its cellular and fixed network infrastructure technical knowledge with new up and coming Internet of Things technology, including distributed cloud computing and new IoT platforms that include applications, analytics and individualized services. Nokia, along with the rest of the industry, believe that the Internet of Things will create new industries and opportunities in smart, connected homes, healthcare and even cities. Nokias President and Chief Executive Officer, Rajeev Suri, said this regarding the investment: The $350 million Internet of Things investment fund, tasked with finding and funding the best entrepreneurs across the world, reflects our strong intent to be a leader in the technologies that connect people and things, while establishing successful partnerships for both Nokia and the investee companies. As Samsung takes the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge from the land of explosive leaks to a jam-packed official status, more and more accessories are cropping up for the iconic pair of flagship handsets. With Spigen having made the big reveal for their line of cases before the start of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, other accessory makers had a fairly high bar to reach for. In order to help them reach that bar for their biggest foray yet into official handset accessories, LINE Corporation, maker of the world-famous LINE messaging app, has partnered directly with Samsung to produce a line of accessories for the newly announced Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. LINEs accessories so far include a clear cover for the phones, a battery pack made to fit both phones and a matching set of stand-up wireless chargers, allowing users to take advantage of the Galaxy S7 lineups always-on feature while the phone is charging. The accessories feature LINEs avatars, Line Friends. Line Friends, according to LINE, each have their own personality and are featured heavily in their products, primarily as stickers, emoji and mascots for the LINE app. The LINE accessories will be produced in conjunction with Samsung as official accessories for the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, meaning that worries such as if the chargers or battery packs offer the right voltage and amperage will not be an issue. Advertisement These official accessories from Samsung and LINE have not seen an announcement as far as release windows and regions or availability for additional designs and different types of accessories. Since LINE is fairly popular in Asia, mainly China and Japan, its safe to assume theyll likely see release there in the first wave, if not as the very first release regions. Thanks to Disneys fairly popular TSUM TSUM game, among other apps, LINE has seen a surge of popularity worldwide and in bigger markets such as the United States, as well, making a worldwide release over time fairly likely. These official accessories will also be available in more plain variants that dont feature LINE characters, lending a more conservative and traditional design. Xiaomi has introduced quite a few smartphones last year, but they did not announce the Mi 5 flagship. That handset will be unveiled in only two days both in Beijing and Barcelona, and while we wait for that to happen, we do have some new India-related Xiaomi news to share with you. This China-based smartphone manufacturer has introduced a rather compelling mid-ranger last month, the Redmi Note 3 Pro. We did not have any news regarding its availability in India thus far, but the company has now finally released some info about it, read on. Xiaomi has confirmed that the Redmi Note 3 Pro will be released in India on March 3rd as the Redmi Note 3, just in case youre interested in the device. The Redmi Note 3 (Pro) features a 5.5-inch 1080p (1920 x 1080) IPS display, along with 2GB / 3GB of RAM and 16GB / 32GB of internal storage. The 2GB RAM model ships with 16GB of native storage, and the more expensive 3GB RAM variant comes with 32GB of native storage. This smartphone is fueled by the Snapdragon 650 64-bit hexa-core SoC, along with an Adreno 510 GPU for graphics. The 16-megapixel shooter (PDAF, f/2.0 aperture) is placed on the back of this phone, along with a dual-LED, dual tone flash. The 5-megapixel snapper can be found up front, and a 4,000mAh battery is placed on the inside as well. The phone comes equipped with an infrared sensor, and there are also two SIM card slots available here. Android Lollipop comes out of the box, and on top of it, youll find Xiaomis proprietary MIUI 7 OS. The device measures 150 x 76 x 8.65mm, while it weighs 164 grams. Advertisement Now, this device has originally been announced in Dark Grey, Silver and Champagne Gold color variants, and all those variants will probably going to be available in India as well. The phone is priced at 999 Yuan ($153) in China, and it is probably going to sport a similar price in India, though it will almost certainly going to be a bit more expensive than that. Xiaomi will introduce the device in New Delhi at 4:30 PM (India time) on March 3rd. In case youre interested, you can register for the event if you follow the source link down below. Mobile World Congress is officially open ints doors today and now that LG and Samsung have had their fun over the weekend, its time for the rest of the mobile industry to have their fun. Sony has always made a go of it during Mobile World Congress events in the past, with examples being the launch of the Xperia Z2 line back in 2014, among others. This year however, Sony are doing something a little different and while everyone was expecting the launch of the Xperia Z6 line of devices, the firm is introducing a whole new line of Android devices this year; the Xperia X line. The Xperia X and Xperia XA are being introducing in Barcelona as mid-range devices that channel a lot of what make the Xperia Z line so popular. More than just a different letter, the Xperia X series features a new sort of design language for Sony, subtly changing what weve come to expect from the Japanese brand. Theres a curved glass display that runs over and around the rear of both devices giving what Sony calls a continuous frame for a familiar form. Both the Xperia X and Xperia XA smartphones share common DNA, such as the Snapdragon 650 CPU under-the-hood, expandable storage and two-day battery life. As well as long-lasting battery life, these new smartphones are said to be quick chargers as well as featuring longer-lasting batteries thanks to the Qnovo Adaptive Charging technology that Sony has put into these new handsets. These new smartphones are designed with the best of Sonys camera hardware, with the new Predictive Hybrid Autofocus having been designed with the help of engineers from Sonys popular Alpha line of digital cameras. This new technology allows users to touch an object, perhaps a moving car or person on stage, and then the software will predict where the object is heading to focus there and get a nice sharp image. In terms of specs, the camera inside of the Xperia X feature a 23-megapixel sensor while the Xperia XA will feature a more conservative 13.0-megapixel camera. Taking things further however, and somewhat confusingly, theyve also announced the Xperia X Performance. Keeping the same 5.0-inch Full HD form factor, the X Performance model features Qualcomms latest Snapdragon 820 processor, giving it flagship performance in a fairly compact form factor. We guess we could call this the Xperia Z5.5 Compact? Advertisement The Xperia X will feature a 5.0-inch Full HD display, while the Xperia XA will feature a curved 5.0-inch Full HD display. Both feature a design thats very similar to the Xperia Z3 line from 2014, rather than the more angular looks of the Xperia Z5. That Qnovo adaptive charging means the batteries inside of the Xperia X and Xperia XA rated at 2,300 mAh and 2,620 mAh, respectively should last twice as long as most batteries do across their lifespan, while running for two days on a single charge. Photos of the Xperia X can be found below. Available in White, Graphite Black, Lime Gold and Rose Gold both devices will have a range of Sonys trademark Style Covers available, and will be available starting Summer 2016 according to Sony. Below are some images of the Xperia XA. Earlier today, during their Mobile World Congress press event for 2016, Sony had new smartphones to announce in the form of the Xperia X range, including the Xperia X, Xperia XA and Xperia X Performance. They also had their rumored Moto Hint competitor to show off as well as some interesting Xperia Concepts, these include a portable projector of sorts, a wearable camera and perhaps most interesting the Xperia Agent. These new concepts seem to represent a push of Sonys to use the Xperia branding for more than just smartphones and tablets. We took a look at the Xperia Projector earlier and have all the info on the Xperia X line here, but lets take a look at the Xperia Agent. Essentially a sort of smart house assistant, the Xperia Agent will remind people of the Amazon Echo, but with a face as well as a sort of display, too. On stage at their event, Sony didnt have much to say about the Xperia Agent, and while the video below does an okay job of quickly highlighting its uses, its unclear what Sony have planned for it more than the usual menial voice-command tasks. Still, it looks as though Sony is looking to branch out further into the wearable space and IoT area, and these concepts are Sonys way of doing things. Its likely that the Xperia Agent will be similar to the BSP60, a smart Bluetooth speaker that looked like an oldschool alarm clock Sony released some time ago. The BSP60 could respond to voice commands as well as function as well, an alarm clock. Advertisement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0B_lGEqTy4 Hopefully, well learn more about the Xperia Agent soon, but right now Sony is promising something that will provide you with useful information, communication assistance and home appliance controls and are calling it their vision for a personalised assistant. Whatever the end product actually ends up being called, it is nice to see Sony branching out and exploring new areas once again, as there are too many companies out there simply offering the same thing these days. Wed assume that Amazon would be more than happy to remind Sony that they were first with the Echo, though. The Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona is currently ongoing, and weve already seen plenty of great tech being introduced by various tech companies. LG has introduced their new G5 flagship smartphone yesterday, and Samsung has done the same with their Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge handsets. Plenty of other companies like ZTE, Haier, Huawei any many other have also showcased their offerings at the trade show, and Sony actually held a press conference recently as well, during which theyve introduced quite a few devices, read on. The company has introduced their Xperia X and Xperia XA smartphones, while theyve also released the Xperia Ear, and Xperia Eye accessories. Well, thats not all though, the company has also showcased the Xperia Projector concept, which is essentially a rather interesting projector. The company didnt release all that many details when it comes to this product considering this is just a concept, but they did show it in action through a video presentation. This projector is essentially capable of projecting images on basically any clear surface, much like the regular projector. Well, the Xperia Projector is quite special in this regard, because it will respond to touch, voice and gestures, so you can essentially use the projected image as your smartphones touch panel. Now, Sony has also talked about the Xperia Agent, which is a concept personalized assistant which would let you use Xperia-branded devices through voice and gestures, such action would be available for the Xperia Projector as well. Advertisement That is pretty much it, everything we know about the Xperia Projector. Once again, this is only a concept project at the moment, and Sony has no idea when will it be available. This is a really interesting idea, and could be useful if it works right, well definitely make sure to let you know as soon as Sony releases more details. If youd like to take a look at the Xperia Projector images, take a look at the gallery down below. As you can see, the device isnt all that big, and its design is quite interesting. Boris Johnson knifes Cameron as Labour woos patriots Boris Johnson has electrified the referendum race by backing the No vote to take Britain out of the European Union, says the Times. The mayor of London stood on the steps of his London home and told vast ranks of media: After a great deal of heartache I dont think theres anything else I can do: I will be advocating Vote Leave because I want a better deal for the people of this country, he said. To save them money and to take back control, thats really, I think, what this is all about. Earlier in the day, David Cameron had told the BBCs Andrew Marr Show: I think the prospect of linking arms with Nigel Farage and George Galloway and taking a leap into the dark is the wrong step for our country and if Boris and if others really care about being able to get things done in our world then the EU is one of the ways in which we get them done. Johnson counters in his Daily Telegraph column: We will hear a lot in the coming weeks about the risks of this option; the risk to the economy, the risk to the City of London, and so on; and though those risks cannot be entirely dismissed I think they are likely to be exaggerated. We have heard this kind of thing before, about the decision to opt out of the euro, and the very opposite turned out to be the case We will be told that a Brexit would embolden Putin, though it seems to me he is more likely to be emboldened, for instance, by the Wests relative passivity in Syria. The Mirror says Boris is a RAT who has humiliated his old Eton chum David Cameron. It is a cynical bid to become Tory leader when Cameron stands down. Cynicism in politics? Never! Over two more pages, the Mirror says Boris has stuck a dagger in Cams heart, heaping humiliations on the PM. The Mail agrees. Boris Johnson dealt a dagger blow to David Cameron, the paper states at the top of on the front page. Knife-crime remains rife in Broken Britain. The Mirror invites Labour stalwart Alan Johnson to write in favour of staying in Europe beneath the headline, A vote to Remains is the real patriotic choice. In the Express, Boris for No is a big boost for the Daily Express crusade. It is your patriotic duty to vote No. Boris is the most popular politician in the country. He is backing the Express bid to leave the discredited Union. The Star says indelible UKIP leader Nigel Farage is having the last laugh. He most likely had the first laugh, too. Farage likes laughing in public, belching that big braying easy-geyser guffaw whenever a camera hones into view. The Sun says Boris is the Blond Bombshell, who has delivered a massive blow to Camerons vision. It is the PMs WORST NIGHTMAYOR. One page on and David Camerons deal with Europe sees him mocked up as PINOCCHIOEU. One thing is clear: Johnson has managed to get the Sun on his side. And when it comes to winning a General Election, thats no bad thing. Vote now and vote often! Anorak Posted: 22nd, February 2016 | In: Politicians, Tabloids Comment (1) | TrackBack | Permalink (ANSA) - Rome, February 22 - Abolishing the death penalty is a historic battle and Italy and Europe are "on the front lines", President Sergio Mattarella told participants in an anti-death penalty conference Monday. Abolishing it is "a duty and a fundamental cultural commitment", he said. Prisons must be reformed following "principles of humanity, allowing detainees a dignified life by giving them the possibility of making future projects after paying for the mistakes they have made," Mattarella added. (ANSA) - New York, February 22 - The Italian government in January agreed to let armed American drones take off from a base on its territory for military operations against the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) fundamentalist militia in Libya and across North Africa, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday. The deal came after over a year of negotiations, the US financial paper said. The green light arrived from Rome on the condition that the drones be used only "for purposes of defence, to protect US special forces operations in Libya," the paper reported. (ANSA) - Rome, February 22 - Premier Matteo Renzi said Monday that his criticism of the European Union was aimed at contributing to real change of the bloc and not to win concessions for Italy. "Either Europe changes or the greatest operation of political institution building will be neutralised," Renzi told foreign reporters on the second anniversary of him becoming premier. "At the moment, the EU is not working. Italy is working to put things on course, not to get a few crumbs of compensation, but to reconstruct the European ideal". Renzi on Monday reiterated his threat to push for cuts in EU funding to member States who refuse to help out with the refugee-migrant crisis. "Every year we put in 20 billion euros (to the EU budget) and we get 12 in European funds, so we are net contributors," Renzi told foreign reporters. "At this point, you either do like (former British Prime Minister Margaret) Thatcher and say 'I want my money back' or, (if you are) like us, you are willing to put in more money if there is a community ideal. "Solidarity in Europe cannot be a one way and my opinion is clear that when it will be time to discuss funding planning, it will be impossible not to take account of the fact that some see solidarity as being one way". When Renzi expressed similar sentiments at last week's European summit, Hungary accused him of attempting "political blackmail". (ANSA) - Milan, February 22 - Italy is set to bid farewell to world renown writer and academic Umberto Eco with a short non-religious funeral at Milan's Castello Sforzesco on Tuesday. The ceremony will be broadcast live on RAI public television, the Milan city council said Monday. The ceremony is to be held in the courtyard of the 15th-century castle beginning at 15:00 local time. The press will have access to the courtyard from 13:30 while mourners will be allowed in starting at 14:30. The author, novelist, essayist, literary critic, philosopher and semiotician who shot to international fame with the Medieval monastery thriller The Name of the Rose three decades ago, died on Friday at the age of 84 after a battle with cancer. (ANSA) - Venice, February 22 - A 19-year-old woman of Moroccan who left a town near Padua for Syria to allegedly join ISIS last July has called her family in Italy wanting to desert the terrorist organisation and return home, Italian daily Il Gazzettino reported. The phone call reportedly took place a month ago and was intercepted by Italian anti-terrorist police who have engaged international protocols in an effort to protect both the woman, Meriem Rehaily, and her family. Police said they believe Rehaily boarded a plane in Bologna in July headed for Turkey, where she then made her way to Syria. Iran:Syria truce needs discussing don't bolster 'terrorists' Zarif, always thought crisis has no military solution (ANSAmed) - TEHRAN, FEBRUARY 22 - A "cease-fire" in Syria must not be to the advantage of the "terrorists" and any plan for a "truce" must be discussed, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Monday at a press conference after a meeting with his Bosnian counterpart Igor Crnadak. Iran is a key player in the Syrian crisis through its open support for President Bashir Assad and the direct involvement, even if oficially only through military advisors, in the fighting against the different Jihadist and opposition groups all classed as "terrorists" who Tehran says are supported by Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Zarif underlined that Iran always has always urged a truce in Syria but added that "the details of such a plan must be discussed". Iran always has thought that "the crisis in Syria has no military solution" and has stressed the need for humanitarian assistance, Zarif said. (ANSAmed). Art: Horizon 2, in Salerno culture 'overcomes Europe walls' Greek artist donates sculpture for university campus entrance (ANSAmed) - NAPLES, FEBRUARY 22- The artist defines his work as "a child" that has been sown "in a geographic point of the earth" to which he feels inextricably tied. This is how the Greek artist and architect Costas Varotsos presented Monday in Salerno 'Horizon Two," a long and sinuous strip of steel and glass that from Monday will welcome students in one of the entrances to the university campus of Fisciano. "The work represents the bridges of culture, to make it flow and avoid the raising of walls in this special historic moment of Europe," Varotsos added. "They are two horizons but also two communicating vases to transport the notion, the culture, of one element to the other. I believe that conceptually and physically this work is perfect for the campus". The Greek artist donated the sculpture, measuring 14 metres long and 10 M high, to the university in Salerno as part of the national project entitled "the greasy pole. Nourishment of art" curated by Achille Bonito Oliva in all Italy with the patronage of Expo 2015 and the collaboration of MiBact. In Campania this already led to several works being installed in Naples including by Marco Bagnoli at the Madre Museum, by Maurizio Elettrico at the Castel Sant'Elmo, Luigi Ontani at the National Archaeological Museum and Paul Renner at the Vigna of San Martino. (ANSAmed). Cinema: double triumph in Berlin for Tunisian "Hedi" Generational work by Mohamed Ben Attia on thirty year olds (ANSAmed) - TUNIS, FEBRUARY 22 - The two prices awarded to the Tunisian film ''Hedi' (Inhebbek Hedi) by Mohamed Ben Attia were celebrated in the country with the main newspapers and other media devoting headlines to the event. The film won two prizes best first film and best actor. No Arab movie had participated to the festival in twenty years. ''The entire jury was moved by his tender and sensitive performance, his interpretation was totally captivating'' said British actor Clive Owen. From the stage, actor Majd Mastoura, thanked his people ''Thank you people of the Spring, people of the revolution, I hope we shall continue to be free, it is thanks to you that this film was possible''. The movie tells the story of a young Tunisian business-agent torn apart by his love for a girl while his mother has already arranged a marriage for him with another woman. Producer Dora Bouchoucha thanked cinema because it gives back ''humanity to a world that is increasingly de-humanised and filled with fear. Thank you for uniting us all'', she said. This triumph in Berlin confirms the value and vibrancy of new Tunisian cinema. Morocco and Lombardy trade 300 mln first 9 months 2015 Casablanca mission for foodstuffs increasingly on Lombard tables (ANSAmed) - RABAT, FEBRUARY 22 - Trade between Morocco and the region of Lombardy was worth more than 300 million euros in the first nine months of 2015, officials said Monday. While exports from Italy declined by 13% imports from Morocco were up by as much as 31%, according to figures released by the Milan Chamber of Commerce based on data from the Istat state-run statistics institute. The agro-foods sector alone represents more than one third of imports (36.6%), increasing by 12.5% and worth more than 21 million euros. Conserved fish and shellfish increasingly is being eaten in Lombardy, representing 78% of the total in the agro-food sector, an increase of 12.8% compared to 2014. But imports of meat and meat-based products also are on the increase in the northern Italian region (7.5% of the total, up 9.4%) as well as fruit and vegetables (6.6%, up 49%). Exports from Lombardy to Morocco are mainly machine products (20% of exports) as well as chemical products (18%, up 13.6%) and textiles (12%, up 2.3%). The Milan Chamber of Commerce has opened registration for those interested in the Moroccan agro-foods market to go on a trade mission to Casablanca from March 7 to 9. (ANSAmed). Second Exchange of Italian-Arab companies in Cagliari 100 Italian companies and 30 foreign ones meet on Feb 26-27 (ANSAmed) - ROME , FEBRUARY 22 - Over 100 Italian companies and 30 foreign ones representing Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Iran will hold over 400 planned business meetings during the second edition of the International Exchange of Italian-Arab companies that will take place in Cagliari on February 26 to 27, hosted at the European Institute of Design. The novelty of this edition will be the presence of Iranian companies: for the first time since the end of sanctions, Teheran participates to a commercial Bourse in Italy. It is an important participation stress organisers because it widens the activities of the chamber outside the 22 countries of the Arab League. During the two-day meeting in Sardinia, Italian companies will interact with operators from the Arab and Iranian market with the objective of exporting products and services in the food and agricolture, building, carpentry, metallic and ICT sectors to those countries. The presence of stone and building materials importers is going to be large and they are expected to meet Sardinian marble and granite producing companies. The Bourse will be opened on Friday, February 26 at 10 A.M by a conference called:"Sardinia and the Arab markes: the internationalisation of companies in the Mediterranean''. Among the participants, undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, Vincenzo Amendola, MEPs Khalid Chaouki and Romina Mura, council member for public works Paolo Maninchedda and the director general of the Banco di Sardegna, Giuseppe Cuccurese. Several seminars - among which one dedicated to the economic and commercial opportunities offered by Algeria to Italian companies - will take place on February 27, and they shall be attended by university representatives and personalities from the worlds of economics, banking and the production sector. An internationalisation office will also be open for the duration of the conference. Heavy fighting between Syrian forces and Isis north Syria Combat for control of only communication line from Aleppo (ANSAmed) - BEIRUT, FEBRUARY 22 - Heavy fighting was under way Monday between Syrian government troops backed by Russian warplanes and Isis islamist militia gunmen along the only communication route between the city of Aleppo and areas under government control in the rest of the country, local sources said. Isis launched an attack along the road from Ithriya to Khanaser, southeast of Aleppo, trying to seize control of the village of Rasm an Nafal, said the sources, confirming a report by the national Observatory for human rights (Ondus). Russian and Syrian warplanes provided support for loyalist forces, the sources said. (ANSAmed). Libya: Intelligence service alarm, Isis 'caliphate' growing NYT, 'institutions' financed by migrant trafficking (ANSAmed) - NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 22 - Isis is entrenching itself increasingly in Libya with the aim of creating a new 'caliphate' on the model of what has been done in Syria, using para-state 'institutions,' financed mainly with the proceeds of migrant trafficking, Western intelligence services say. Proceeds from people smuggline are vital for Isis in an area where it doesn't control oilwells, the intelligence sources quoted by the New York Times say. Part of Isis' revenue comes from taxes imposed on the population and from extortion as in Syria and Iraq. Also worrying for the intelligence officers is the arrival of a great many recruits for Isis in Libya from different African countries ranging from Nigeria to Senegal, Chad to Sudan and passing through Mali. Most of the Jihadists killed in the recent US air raid on Isis' training camp at Sabratha were from different African countries, the sources said. Many Isis leaders have come to Libya from Syria and Iraq to flee air raids by the US-led coalition. While the number of ISIS fighters has fallen to 25,000 from 31,500 in Syria and Iraq over the past few months, due to the air campaign, the number of fighters in Libya has more than doubled to some 6,500, msot of the concentrated in the Sirte area. Against this background there has been icnreasing discussion of the need to step up the military campaignagainst Isis in Libya with President Obama ready to make a greater commitment as long as the Libyan national unity government starts to function and so long as allies such as Frane, Italy and the United Kingdom play their part, the New york Times said.(ANSAmed). Turkey: new Cumhuriyet scoop, army collaborating with ISIS For frontier management, newspaper editor in prison for 3 months (ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, FEBRUARY 22 -- The Turkish army and ISIS are cooperating actively on the Turkish-Syrian border, the opposition Turkish daily Cumhuriyet reported Monday in an exclusive story headlined: "They managed the border with an Isis emir". The newspaper's editor-in-chief Can Dundar and news editor Erdem Gul have been in prison for nearly three months after publishing in May an investigation into lorryloads of weapons crossing the border from Turkey to Syria with the help of the Turkish secret services. The latest scoop is based on telephone interceptions going back to November 2014 that emerged during an investigation by the Ankara public prosecutor's office that susbsequently was transferred to the prosecutor's office in Gazantiep on the frontier with Syria, in which Turkish officials have a friendly dialogue with Mustafa Demir, a Turkish jihadist considered to be in charge of Isis's management of the border. The conversations indicated frequent contacts with Turkish officials allowing fighters to cross the border as well as explosives then used in terrorist attacks in Turkey. Among 27 people involved in the inquiry are Ilhami Bali, considered the mastermind of the suicide attack on a peaceful Kurdish demonstration at Ankara station October 10 in which 102 people were killed. (ANSAmed). (ANSAmed) - ANKARA, FEBRUARY 22 - "The situation in Syria is extremely serious on the humanitarian front and very difficult on the strategic one. On the other hand, for Italy it is essential to join hands against Daesh and believe in the opportunities the international group has opened up. The outline of agreements Kerry has told us about are encouraging and must be supported'', said Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni at a press conference in Ankara with his Turkish colleague Mevlut Cavusoglu who stressed: "We 're on Italy's side stressing the need for a ceasefire and a political transition in Syria. We have no secret agendas". "There is very useful bilateral co-operation between Italy and Turkey. We certainly expect that in the next few months this co-operation decided with the EU will bear the expected fruits to improve the conditions for refugees and govern refugee flows better" explained Gentiloni. "The road to get Turkey closer to EU has been frustrating at tims, but Italy always supported this process and it will continue to do so also because opening certain dossiers shall prove fundamental for the stability of this country consolidating values such as freedom of expression and opinion in Turkey'' said Gentiloni. Cavusoglu thanked Rome for its constant support "regardless of the government of the day". The Italian minister of foreign affairs also expressed Italy's ''solidarity'' to the Turkish people for the terrorist attacks that ''hit it also recently''. Syria: pro-Riyadh opposition, yes to truce in principle But Damascus, Russia and Iran should stop attacks. (ANSAmed) ROME, FEBRUARY 22 - The chief negotiator of the Saudi-backed Syrian opposition, Riad Hijab, has said that the rebels accept "in principle" a temporary cease-fire meadiated by the international community. Hijab appealed to Russia, Iran and Damascus to end their attacks, to allow free passage and free prisoners, but has not given details of the terms of the truce agreed by Russia and the United States, which envisages a stop to hostilities from Saturday, but without interrupting attakcs against Isis and pro Al-Qaeda groups. (ANSAmed). ANKARA - "Air-attacks alone are not enough against Daesh in Syria. There is the need for a strategy together with air-raids, a ground effort is needed" said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu during a press conference with his Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni stressing that the idea of a ground-force intervention with Saudi Arabia is ''faulty information''. "Turkey shall not act alone, nor alone with Saudi Arabia. There must be a united decision''. "Turkey and Saudi Arabia do not intend to intervene in Syria and would do so only if decisions in that respect were to be taken by the coalition'' confirmed Italian foreign minister Paolo Gentiloni speaking to the press during his official visit to Ankara. Such decisions, stressed the chief of Italian diplomacy, "have not been taken yet''. "The coalition and the Syria support group are betting on the diplomatic route'' added Gentiloni. Syria: US-Russia cease-fire accord from Saturday February 27 'Hostilies end' will not affect attacks on Isis, Nusra (ANSAmed) - NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 22 - The United States and Russia have reached an agreement on a plan for a cease-fire in Syria starting from Saturday February 27, US officials were quoted as saying Monday. The accord regards terms and condition for the "end of hostilities," media reports quoted the officials saying. The truce excludes attacks on Isis and the Nusra Front, the local Al Qaeda affiliate. An official announcement of the cease-fire is expected after a telephone conversation between US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (ANSAmed). ISTANBUL - A plan worth 225 million Turkish Lira (about 80 million Euros) to support the Turkish tourism sector, at risk of another blow this year after the crisis with Russia and security alerts following the recent terrorist attacks in Istanbul and Ankara was established, Turkish Premier Davutoglu announced adding that he was certain there would no be no further losses for the sector. "We believe Russian tourists will return to Turkey'' despite Moscow's measures to discourage them, Davutoglu said. The fall in Russian tourists is hitting the coastal areas hard, in particular resorts around Antalya. Support for the sector includes incentives to the purchase of fuel geared towards airlines including the ones flying to and from Russia. "I stayed for this debate out of the respect that I have for a democratic institution of Romania. I treat this case in good faith, in the letter and spirit of the law, but let me do it in a lucid way to find the best solutions. You have suggested here too that I should amend some laws through government emergency orders. Do not ask me however to repeat the mistakes that have been made before. We searched and searched for solutions to allow freedom of expression to the Antena television group. But they need to be done within the law.I want to differentiate in the way NAFA acted and which I decry in front of you. And I drew the attention of the interim head of NAFA that these reflexes must disappear not only from NAFA but from all institutions working with citizens. It takes respect.There is one thing about the way they acted and the other thing is the substance and the basis on which they acted. NAFA complied with the law. This court judgment has been delivered since 2014. The complaints were made last year too when Mr. Teodorovici was finance minister.The five days term: they are provided by law. There are five days for a voluntary evacuation. That does not mean that after five days they will be forcibly evicted. NAFAs request may be challenged, there is no question that physically the antennas cannot leave the building in five days. If there are solutions to facilitate the transfer from one building to another, we will accept it. As for renting, the same law provides that a confiscated property can be exploited only by sales. The Legislature may amend the law, but it cannot interpret the law ", said Dacian Ciolos in his final word before the Senate during the hearing on NAFA summons for the antennas to evacuate the premises.I also want the Antennas to keep broadcasting.You have referred to TVR, I am glad this topic is making a comeback in the Parliament, the board of administration is appointed by the Parliament.Dacian Ciolos spoke Wednesday in the Senate plenary, on the state of Intact television stations headquarters. The prime minister said he has asked the new management to reconsider how NAFA operates so that staff attitude should be one of respect for the citizens and for taxpayers."As the Parliament represents the states legislative power, the Government is the executive power and the judiciary, the justice power . In the case you have proposed today, an institution subordinated to the State and the Government decided to implement a final court decision. It is not about an attack on the right to free speech or freedom of the press that the Government I lead I can assure you that we fully observe. Furthermore, I must say that the decision does not interfere with the work of journalists.Broadcasters do not lose their licenses. Termination of broadcasting is always the prerogative of CNA. The televisions will broadcast months from now including from the offices in question simply because we are just at the beginning of a legal process of taking possession of property of the state that could last for another good month, " the Prime Minister said."The Romanian Government complies with the laws and thus with judgments and NAFA has enforced a final court judgment. NAFA acted under statutory powers, as the organ of enforcement actions being taken in order to exploit these assets. On February 8, 2016, in the meeting headed by former President of NAFA, it was decided to implement a final judgment. Evacuation notification was sent on February 15. I was not informed of this decision, but I did not have to be informed ", said Dacian Ciolos."I requested the NAFA to re-examine how it relates to the taxpayers in their duties. Representatives of state institutions should not display an attitude of intimidation or repression, "the premier stressed"The term given to voluntary evacuation is stipulated by the Code of Civil Procedure and is not determined by NAFA. It is five days, according to the law, and it applies to all legal entities for eviction. There are no different deadlines for other activities, nor for television stations. Currently, the only method of recovery of state assets is regulated by the ordinance which only requires the sale of goods as a form of recovery, "said Dacian Ciolos.The Senate decided on the proposal from President Calin Popescu Tariceanu to ask Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos to come Wednesday in plenary to explain the action of the institutions subordinated to the Government in the case of the Intact television outlets.The decision was made Tuesday by the Senate with 70 votes in favor, two against and three abstentions. All parliamentary groups have expressed support of the proposal of the President of the Senate.The buildings in which the television stations Antena 1 and Antena 3 operate must be evacuated within five days following notification received on Monday by the Directorate General for Regional Public Finance Bucharest, which enforces the criminal sentence ruled in 2013, which became final .Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos confirmed he would come Wednesday in the Senate, but said neither he nor the Minister of Finance were not asked by NAFA anything about the Antennas. Antena 3 TV station, part of the Intact media group, decries the abusive action of February 15, 2016 by the special cases Enforcement Directorate within NAFA, which ordered the eviction within five days, of several buildings , including the headquarters of five television stations belonging to Intact group. We believe that the action organized in the form of a raid, which involved devices and unprecedented forces, directly threaten the freedom of expression, by endangering the broadcasting of Antena 3 Antena 1, Antena Stars, Zu TV and Euforia TV. Article 30 of the Constitution clearly states at point 1 that "Freedom of expression of thoughts, opinions, or beliefs, and freedom of any creation, by words, in writing, in pictures, by sounds or other means of communication in public are inviolable "and in paragraph 4" no publication may be suppressed ", consistent with the Charter of fundamental rights of the European Union. By the mode of action - including by intimidating employees, visitors and staff in the headquarters, who were legitimated, photographed, interrogated - it reveals the clear intention to suppress media outlets, to hinder the journalistic work, making it impossible, in technical, logistical and human terms to perform a move out in five days of all five television stations facilities. We deem abusive the approach of 15 February 2016, because Intact media group companies were denied the right to a fair solution after the sentence of 8 August 2014: they were not allowed to even rent the premises for which, moreover, the law and the courts of Romania have recognized even the preemption right over them, nor have they been proposed a reasonable timetable for releasing the confiscated spaces. Antena 3, through their legal representatives, will continue efforts in court to end such an abuse, confident that in a state of law and democracy, the judiciary alone can administer justice and freedom of expression cannot be neither restricted nor eliminated. We would like to thank the tens of thousands of Romanians who have sent in their messages of support and solidarity and assure them that we will continue to do our job of journalists, in all fairness and diligence. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Guangzhou will be RJs second Chinese destination and the fifth in the Far East. The others are: Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. Operating flights to Guangzhou, China's third largest city and the largest in the south-central region of the country, is bound to serve the active trade and commerce traffic between Jordan and China. In 2014, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport was China's second busiest and the world's 16th busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic; it handled over 55 million passengers that year. RJ President/CEO Captain Suleiman Obeidat said that adding Guangzhou to the route network is in line with the strategy that RJ is now implementing; one of the pillars of this strategy is to review the route network and open new, profitable markets. Captain Obeidat said that Guangzhou, the 56th destination on the RJ network, will be an added value to the network, meeting the demand of the traders and businessmen of the two countries, as well as to tradesmen from different neighbouring countries, such as Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Palestine, especially since Guangzhou serves as a significant national transportation hub and trading port. RJ will run flights to Guangzhou via Bangkok on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, using its wide-body Boeing 787 or Airbus 330 aircraft. The planes take off from Queen Alia International Airport, Amman, at 2:30 and reach Guangzhou at 20:15; they depart Guangzhou at 22:05 and land in Amman at 05:25 the following day, according to the winter flight schedule, with a short stop in Bangkok both ways. All the latest Ashbourne news. Ashbourne is an historic market town in Derbyshire. Situated on the southern edge of the Peak District, it is known as the 'Gateway to Dovedale' and the 'Gateway to the Peak District'. Ashbourne is famous for the annual Royal Shrovetide Football Match, which has been played since at least 1667, although its origins may date back centuries earlier. Ashbourne became a Fairtrade town in March 2005. The popular Tissington Trail, which follows the route of the former Ashbourne to Buxton railway, starts on the edge of town. Keep up to date with the latest news from the town by signing up for our newsletter. by Sergei Chapnin The embrace between the Pope and the Patriarch of Moscow shows desire for common witness. Strong resistance from conservative orthodox who accuse the "patriarch of heresy." Mediation on uniate issue. Deepening of theological dialogue and collaboration on "joint projects. Call for more regular meetings between Rome and Moscow. Moscow (AsiaNews) - The symbolic significance of the meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill is not difficult to interpret: the desire to bridge the gap between the Churches of East and West and bear common witness to the unity of the Christian world. The very fact of the meeting testifies to this. Words are not needed, just a fraternal embrace. However, something more happened: the Pope and the Patriarch signed a joint declaration, which contains serious intentions on the part of the two Churches, and that opens perspectives for future collaboration. Perhaps, this was the most unexpected thing. It had seemed that the two-hour Cuban airport meeting could not bring any significant results. Everything had been done to lower the status of the meeting: no religious nor political leaders, had ever conducted a meeting, in so random and openly "technical a context. Ecclesiastical protocol provides for high-level meetings in cathedrals or large monasteries, residences, shrines and places of pilgrimage. However, Patriarch Kirill suddenly broke with normal procedures and chooses an unexpected place: Cuba. Moreover, the meeting was held in a neutral location, an airport, but even here one cannot escape the symbolism. The airport is named after Jose Marti: the modernist Cuban poet and revolutionary leader of the liberation movement. They still call him "the apostle of independence." Is it a coincidence or does the patriarch wanted to say something? Perhaps in Latin America a similar gesture arouses more understanding and empathy, but for the Orthodox in Russia seems more than a little strange. In the comments made by official representatives on the eve of the encounter, it was pointed out more than once that the Pope and the Patriarch would not recite common prayers and would not discuss theological issues. On the one hand this is understandable: the parties decided not to disturb the Orthodox fundamentalists, who see a distancing from orthodoxy and deviation towards heresy in everything. Anyway it is a weak position: it is strange and unnatural that the primates of the churches, professing one faith in the Holy Trinity, which is manifested not least through prayer, refused in advance to pray together during the meeting. However, at the beginning of the joint statement both parties "deplore the loss of unity" and speak with regret that, despite the common Tradition of the first 10 centuries, Catholics and Orthodox, for nearly 1000 years, have been deprived of Eucharistic communion. This problem is merely observed, there are no subsequent steps, but the visible recognition of the lack of Eucharistic communion between the churches is an important statement and in it there is a clear theological context. In this I see an accurate reference to the fact that the theological problem in Catholic-Orthodox dialogue remains as is and can not be ignored. The Joint Declaration and the Uniates The declaration that was adopted is a complex document and far broader than might be expected. It contains a balance of interests and it is evident that the churches have made mutual concessions to reach a written agreement. The first thing to notice is the soft and even ambiguous wording regarding the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church (UGKC). In fact, it was precisely the conflict between orthodox and Greek-Catholics in western Ukraine that was indicated by the Moscow Patriarchate, for many years, as one of the main obstacles to the meeting between the Pope and the Patriarch. The Moscow Patriarchate has held a rigid and, in fact, unconstructive position, demanding the condemnation not only Uniatism as instrument of unification, but also of the Greek-Catholic community. For the Vatican it was unacceptable, because the Greek-Catholic Church as part of Roman Catholicism and is difficult to imagine how one can condemn it. The list of charges against the UGKC is quite long: proselytism among the Orthodox, anti-Russian rhetoric, contacts with schismatics of the 'Patriarchate of Kiev' and the intention to recognize their baptism, their unilateral declaration of being a Patriarchate, etc ....[i] However, the Moscow Patriarchate has significantly softened its position: the long standing conflict between Orthodox and Greek-Catholic was more softly referred to as "tensions". The parties have recognized that the method of unitarism (obedience to the bishop of the Orthodox community to Rome, while retaining their own rite and legal and ecclesiastical institutions) does not represent the "way to restore unity". As rightly noted by the vice-rector of the Kiev spiritual academy, Vladimir Bureg, it is practically the word-for-word repetition of the agreement of Balamand of 1993[ii]. There is another important concession later on in the text, also associated with the Balamand document, but rarely ever referred to: " e ecclesial communities which emerged in these historical circumstances have the right to exist and to undertake all that is necessary to meet the spiritual needs of their faithful, while seeking to live in peace with their neighbours. This paragraph has already aroused dissatisfaction on both sides: that of the Orthodox fundamentalists in Russia, and that of the Greek-Catholics in Ukraine. However, there is potential for cooperation in this compromise formula. It contains major theses, in relation to the testimony of Christians in the modern world. The Churches are not only united by the past but also by the present. First of all by the modern Christian martyrs. The testimony of Christ in the contemporary world is tied to being ready to die for ones faith. It's terrible, but unfortunately it is an entirely justified statement. The analysis of the issues raised in relation to the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East are deserving of their own separate analysis. It is noteworthy that there is no mention of military action as a possible method for the solution of problems. Earlier, the Russian Orthodox Church had advocated in support of Russia's military actions in Syria. Here, there is no mention of this, while only mentioning humanitarian aid. It can be said that the patriarch approve the Pope's position. At the same time, there are only vague and softer tones references to the conflict in Ukraine. The problems of the family, social justice and bioethics are solved in the traditional way and recalled, most likely, to ensure space for further dialogue. A "heretical" Patriarch? How would one describe the new configuration of the relationship between Catholics and Orthodox? We should remain prudent in making estimates. The Pope called the document a pastoral letter, despite the fact that addresses both social and political issues. The meeting of Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill gave hope to some, while for others it has become the symbol of the "defeat" of Russian Orthodoxy and even a pretext to accuse the patriarch of heresy. The voices of those who have spoken out against the meeting between the Patriarch and the Pope and against the joint statement resonate strongly. These detractors come from a broad base and include the monks, who live on Mount Athos, priests and lay people, leaders of fundamentalist groups and even the professor of an important Russian university. The situation is complicated by the fact literally ten days before the meeting Patriarch Kirill had insisted on the canonization of Archbishop Seraphim (Sobolev) who in the middle of the twentieth century had a highly anti-ecumenical position: "In the ecumenical question, we must not lose sight of the fact that at the beginning of the ecumenical movement in front of us there are not only the ancestral enemies of our Orthodox Church, but the father of all lies and perdition, the devil. In the last century, arousing every heresy in the Church, he wanted to destroy the Holy Church through the mixture of the orthodox with the heretics. This time he does so by means of ecumenism, with its inexhaustible Masonic capital". [iii] Patriarch Kirill handed his critics he perfect opportunity to use the texts of the new Saint against him. Why would the Patriarch insist on this canonization on the eve of meeting with the Pope? Was it random or was he sending a signal to Catholics: we also take into account the critics of the ecumenical movement. Starting "joint projects" Finally, the key question: what is the status of the signed document? The answer depends on the fate of the Catholic-Orthodox dialogue. For Catholics, the status is clear: it is a document signed by the Pope and expresses the position of the Roman Catholic Church. But it is not as clear in terms of the Statute of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Patriarch speaks on behalf of the Church, when he has the authorization of the Council of Bishops or at least of the Holy Synod. However, neither the Council nor the Synod gave their consent to this meeting nor discussed the draft declaration. In addition, the Patriarch Kirill did everything possible to keep all knowledge of this meeting from the Council of Bishops and the announcement was made two days after the conclusion of the same council, when most of the bishops had already left. Commentators from the fundamentalists field claim that the patriarch has signed this document in his own name as a private entity. But this is certainly not so. More likely, he will use the common practice in such cases: the members of the Synod will approve both the meeting and the joint statement in their next meeting. Which of the two will become the main theme: the socio-political or the purely ecclesiastical? For the Patriarch, ecclesiastical matters are not of primary importance. But this comes into serious conflict with the interpretation of both Catholics and Orthodox fundamentalists. Paradoxically, their positions are similar: both the fact of the meeting as well as the signing of the declaration suggest theological dialogue cannot be avoided and speeches on closer bonds be limited to socio-political issues. The difference is that Catholics assess the situation in a positive way, while the fundamentalists will view it with apocalyptic tones. Further steps are needed. In particular, a more detailed account of what these "joint projects" ARE, which the Pope briefly mentioned in Havana. If these have already been Planned then they must be launched, but if not, they need to be urgently prepared and at least clearly identified. The joint statement will remain only on paper if it is not followed by a broad and open development of the relations between Catholics and Orthodox at all levels: at an official Church level, among dioceses and individual parishes and at the level of personal relationships between members of the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. Whats more, there is a need for regular meetings between the Pope and the Patriarch. [i] Russia and the Orthodox Churches scuttling of Uniates cannot help dialogue between our Churches. URL: http://www.interfax-religion.ru/?act=interview&div=397 (in Russian) [ii] Vladimir Bureg. Ukraine through teh eyes of Poep Francis and Patriarch Kirill. URL: http://society.lb.ua/life/2016/02/16/328040_ukraina_glazami_papi_frantsiska.html (in Russian) [iii] Arcbishop Serafim (Sobolev). Does teh Russian Orthodox Church need to take part in ecumenical dialogue? Discourse to Moscow pan-Orthodox conference, 1948. URL: http://azbyka.ru/otechnik/Serafim_Sobolev/nado-li-russkoj-pravoslavnoj-tserkvi-uchastvovat-v-ehkumenicheskom-dvizhenii (in Russian) by Christopher Sharma Christians and non-Christians testify to a real improvement in living conditions thanks to the gift of mercy. A Catholic caterer was "terrified" by the consequences of the earthquake on its activities, but with "prayers and retreats every difficulty has been resolved." Missionary of Charity: "The god of money against spiritual values." Kathmandu (AsiaNews) - The Year of Mercy "is really important for Nepal. Mercy is working hard to resolve problems. Unlike other countries, Nepal is facing major difficulties than in the past. So Gods mercy and prayers are critical in this, says Binod Gurung, lay leader of the Catholic Society of Nepal. He spoke to AsiaNews about the real value of the Jubilee Year for the country devastated by the earthquake and hit by the Indian embargo on exported goods, only recently lifted. The opinion of the Catholic leader is shared by many other Nepalese, Christian and non, who testify to a real improvement in living conditions through relying on divine mercy. Paul Uparkoti, a Catholic who runs a restaurant, says: "I'm observing this Holy Year with prayers and retreats. God has given me His mercy to find the solution to all my problems. " "The country has suffered a lot due to the devastating earthquake he explains - and for several months has also faced a severe lack of fuel. But my business survived and I can organize all the basic necessities. The Year of Mercy has great meaning for me and I can assure you that if people observe this period in a serious way, they will be successful in all fields ". The restaurateur adds that he was "terrified of the consequences that the earthquake could have had" on his business, but "any difficulties" have been smoothly. Resolved Sister Cluny Tamang, the first consecrated the Tamang community, says she is happy to start her mission during the Jubilee Year. "It was God's grace that brought me to mission - she told AsiaNews -. I saw so many minorities who suffered. Many because of the earthquake, many because of the embargo. Many people chasing the god of money and ignoring spiritual values. But faith and religious values, he adds the nun who joined this year the Missionaries of Charity, "have great significance in a person's life. The roots of happiness and peace reside in the real practice of faith. Thus the Year of Mercy means bringing these values to all communities in the country. I believe that Catholic values are really important for all of society". Asia-Pac leads growth in power, utilities deals There was a 13 per cent rise in deal activity in the power and utilities sector in 2015 compared to the previous year. Figures from EY show that global deals totalled U$200 billion, with investment in renewables accounting for 50 per cent of the deals. The 6-year high for the sector comes as companies seek to comply with regulations and reduce exposure to volatile commodities.Asia-Pacific led transaction activity with domestic and outbound deals in China and energy reforms resulting in a 100 per cent increase in regional deal value over 2014. Deal activity in China is expected to remain strong despite the economy showing signs of a slowdown. The country accounted for US$51.7b and 69 per cent of total regional deal value in 2015.King & Wood Mallesons revenue from Australia and China was hit by variations in currency and overall global revenue was down 1 per cent to U$1.02 billion in 2015. The Australian dollar was down 17 per cent against the US dollar last year and the firm says global revenue would have been up 8 per cent on a constant currency basis. Global managing partner Simon Fuller has said that one of the firms priorities is a full-service US presence which may involve a merger.Sir Nigel Knowles is to retire as senior partner global co-chairman of DLA Piper after almost 40 years at the firm. For the past two decades Knowles has been part of the firms management and is credited for his role in expanding the UK-based firm into an international law brand. He will remain links with the firm in a consultancy capacity.Employment laws in France are set to include a right for workers to ignore emails outside of their normal working hours. The standard working week is 35 hours in France but figures show an increase in the number of managers working unpaid hours in the evening for fear of losing their jobs. The government is keen to ensure that a work-life balance has protection under the law. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), which allows machines to learn and become an expert in any field, will pose a big challenge for the legal profession. This is the view of Benjamin Liu, commercial law lecturer from the University of Auckland, who told the NZ Herald it is a near certainty that AI will replace lawyers, at least in some areas. Rapid advances in technology already mean that software can effectively do the job of in-house lawyers within certain organisations. For instance, IBMs Watson is predicted to pass the bar exam this year. The issue hasnt escaped the attention of mainstream publications such as Fortune magazine which included lawyers amongst white-collar professions already being taken over by robots. The Future [Inc] Report by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand predicts that a total of 885,000 (or 46% of) New Zealand jobs will be at risk of automation over the next 20 years. While qualities such as the ability to understand the human condition or navigating the subtleties of legal argument may still remain within the realm of human lawyers, AI can step in and replace some of the more data-based responsibilities, Liu said. I have been practising for a number of years and I know you cant say a lawyer has some magical power. Lawyers make mistakes and often make decisions based on a few simple steps. While machines also make mistakes, their accuracy levels are much higher. Since the emergence of AI is almost a certainty, the question shifts from whether AI will be utilised in the legal profession to what limits should be set for its use. In many fields, AI will certainly benefit humanity. Self-driving cars are much safer than cars driven by humans, and a robot surgeon can far outperform a human doctor, Liu said. He said there should be nothing wrong with letting machines give free legal advice to those who cannot afford a lawyer. It is a completely different story to let AI decide a case however. Arguably, it is a basic human right to for a person to have their fate decided by fellow human beings, not a machine. We do this already, for instance, with the current jury system, we dont let the judge, a legal expert, make the decision over whether a person is guilty or not in a jury trial, we let common people do that. Other areas could be left to the robots however, Liu added. For instance, AI can conduct transactional work, due diligence in takeover deals, or the drafting of vanilla documents. According to Fortune, new legal software is already undertaking such tasks, being used for both discovery work (searching through thousands of documents) and quantitative prediction (looking into legal arguments, precedents and even the idiosyncrasies of judges). Figures obtained by The Advertiser reveal that court suppression orders in South Australia has increased by almost 50 per cent in a 12 month period, surging to the highest number in six years. The rise, to 206 publication bans from 140 the previous year has prompted concern that courts are haphazardly gagging public discussion of crime and justice issues. The findings come as a court reconsiders a gag on the identity of the alleged Salt Creek backpacker sex predator who is charged with kidnapping, rape and attempted murder. Critics warn that suppressions dont stop information and speculation from crossing state borders, where the orders are expired, and that the orders themselves are more common in SA than in other states. There is an urgent need to seek explanations for these rollercoaster fluctuations, Dr Joseph Fenandez told The Advertiser. He said that from an outsiders perspective, the State Government should review the 206 orders issued last year. It seems to me there is a certain degree of arbitrariness, by individual members of the judiciary, in terms of what is open justice and what is not, Fenandez said. Are these statistics a reflection of whim and fancy? Until these orders are forensically examined, its difficult to know. Victims Rights Commissioner Michael OConnell told The Advertiser that the increase was curious. The courts have to strike a difficult balance between open justice and protecting privacy, he said. There is a constant tension between an individuals right to privacy and the publics right to know about the processes of their judicial system. Back in 2007, the Evidence Act (1929) was amended to reduce the number of orders issued by courts, causing a steady decline, at least between 2011 and 2014. The Magistrates Court saw the largest increase, with orders almost doubling from 66 to 115. The District and Supreme courts remained relatively stable with only a slight rise. Only 29 suppressions were lifted in the annual review or existing orders. Yeah that's true and sometimes It can be a headache sorting out issues through a 3rd party booking site for things.I just had silly experance 2 weeks ago. Booking a ticket though a 3rd party (french website) for a flight to Paris. (I normally always book direct through airline, this time though this 1 airline would not accept australian debt card) .. anyway i got nom and prenom mixed up on both tickets. The headache was changing that around.. a charge for that + "administration charge" (the chrage was more then the charge I would have got direct through the airline) .. in the end the charges added up to soo much on a cheap flight it was cheaper to book 2 more tickets, which we did.For long haul it would not be cheap.. deffaintly if you can book through the airline direct and check the ticket conditions for changes which they are normally upfront about. All five motorcycles are equipped with special, high-performance parts that aren't usually available in the regular motorcycles, nor as a factory option. The upgrades list includes upgraded suspensions, exhaust systems, better finishes and special graphics, with input from factory mechanics.One of the main upgrades is represented by the WP forks. All the Factory Edition models are equipped with 48mm sealed-cartridge 4860 MXMA forks, with the settings tweaked by Sherco's factory mechanics. More common features include blue anodized rims, a translucent fuel tank and the exclusive factory saddle with DG3 (Double Grip 3) cover.Also on the list of upgrades that are common across the five modes, we must add the bicolor Sherco grips, the AXP engine guard, and the full racing rear disc brake.The two types of motorcycles come with different exhaust systems. The 2-stroke 2016 Sherco 250/300 SE-R Factory are equipped with FMF racing exhausts, whereas their 4-stroke 250/300/450 SEF-R Factory counterparts boast Akrapovic racing silencers.The rear suspension units also come from WP and have a 330mm (13 inches) travel, with multiple adjustment options available and race-class performance. All bikes have 6-speed transmissions and Brembo hydraulic brakes at both ends.The lightest of the 2016 Sherco Factory machines, the 4-stroke quarter-liter, tips the scales at 102 kg (225 lb), while the 450 SEF-R is a 109 kg (241 lb) affair.Sherco made no mentions as to whether these machines will be only available in Europe or worldwide, and neither were any prices mentioned. However, if you fancy throwing a leg on a factory-spec Sherco, contacting the nearest dealer is, as always, the best idea. SUV AWD The C-HR first stepped into the limelight as a concept car at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. A Scion-branded C-HR concept car was shown at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, but that will not happen because Scion will breathe its last breath later this year. A common feature of the Scion and Toyota-branded C-HR concepts is their 3-door design. Still, the production-ready C-HR that will debut in Geneva will assuredly be a 5-door take on the concept.As the newest entry in the minisegment, Toyota C-HR has to be a 5-door if the Japanese manufacturer intends to sway customers away from the 6-year-old Nissan Juke. From the clues offered by the teaser image featured above, we can see that the concepts exterior design has been toned down for the production model without making it a boring piece of number two. The interior design, on the other hand, will be just another day at the office for Toyota, as its more focused on space and functionality.Set to be built by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey in Arifiye, Sakarya, the 2016 Toyota C-HR will be offered as an eco-friendly hybrid from the get-go. As expected, the first hybrid in the segment uses the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) modular platform of the 2016 Toyota Prius. Its not known if the Japanese automaker will offer the C-HR exclusively with a conventional powertrain, but that will most certainly be the case. The most likely candidate to motivate the C-HR is the 1.2-liter turbo of the Auris compact hatch.The mini SUV is the latest must-have in Europe, so it was to be expected from Toyota to make the C-HR as good as it can be in terms of design and engineering. The 2016 Toyota C-HR will be offered in front-wheel- andconfigurations, and it will undoubtedly be an instant hit with the younger audience. Why would somebody take a real C6 'Vette, not a scale model or a toy, down the R/C route? We're not really sure of the answer, but we can confirm this man has done it.The proof lies in the videos below, which show the Chevy in action. We can see the man... driving shotgun in his creation, which gives us a good opportunity to check out the controller.Returning to the R/C Corvette itself, an important part of the magic comes from the glovebox, where the control unit has been placed. This holds the receiver, as well as controllers for the motors that handle the car's controls.There's a second video that shows the guy pulling a few tire-smoking moves, but don't expect anything too elaborate. As he explains, playing with a 3,240 lb toy isn't exactly easy."I know it looks easy, but it's pretty hard driving in a straight line," the builder explains.Which brings us to the problem - the third video. This clip shows the guy parking his creation and "driving" it on the street in the process.While he explains the fail-safe procedures have been doubled, stating the car slams on the brakes if it goes out of range, for instance, playing in such a manner on the street simply isn't acceptable.Sure, there are harmless full-size R/C contraptions out there, such as the trash can we showed you yesterday, but that can't act like too much of a weapon if it gets out of control, at least not an effective one.Let's just hope this guy's otherwise remarkable building skills don't get people in trouble, himself included. As per a report published by The Sun , Tamara is worried that Bernies son-in-law could be jailed. She got engaged to former banker Jay Rutland a month after they met, then married in 2013. The couples pride and joy is their daughter Sophia Ecclestone-Rutland, born in March 2014. Before marrying Rutland, Tamara had a relationship with Derek Rose, who tried to sell secrets about her to a tabloid newspaper. He was accused of blackmail and trialed.On the other hand, 34-year-old Jay Rutland was arrested and charged with assisting 66-year-old James Tarrant, a big-time drug trafficker who hightailed while awaiting trial for drug charges in 2010. Jay Rutland is accused of helping Tarrant evade capture when the guy was on Great Britains most-wanted list. If proven guilty, Jay faces up to seven years in prison for helping Tarrant go scot-free.Rutlands spokesman told the British publication that Mr. Rutland voluntarily attended a police station and assisted the police with their inquiries, though he denies the charge and will defend it vigorously. Back in 2002, Rutland was caught selling cocaine to an undercover reporter at a pub in Essex. He was subsequently sacked by Deutsche Bank the morning after the incident happened.The prospect of leaving the comfort of a 70 million ($99.1 million) London home for a 6 by 8 foot prison cell isnt exactly an optimistic outcome for the husband of Tamara Ecclestone. Its a given that nobody can escape the long arm of the law, but then again, Formula 1 head honcho Bernie Ecclestone is said to have offered his support over the investigation. Since many of us were not exactly in driving condition, or even around, at the time, we wanted to show you just how delicious things were when a mass of early Neunelfers hit the track.Fortunately, the Goodwood Members' Meeting, which recreates the atmosphere and camaraderie of the original BARC (British Automobile Racing Club) Meetings held at Goodwood through the 1950s and 1960s, has an event dedicated to just such a purpose.The John Aldington Trophy, named after the man credited with having brought the Zuffenhausen brand into the UK, is the kind of battle that sees pre-1967 Porsches racing.And while we are now less than one month away from the 2016 edition of the event, the clips below show you what happened last year.The first video is for those of you who are extremely short on time, focusing on the drifting moments of the race. As for the second piece of footage, this offers us the complete event.And as you've figured out by now, the fact that BTCC racer Andrew Jordan took the win doesn't mean the rest of the drivers went down without a fight. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this race is the fact that owners act like they're driving everyday cars, not collectible Porsches.Those of you willing to take part in this year's edition of the Members' Meeting, the 74th, can check out the full schedule on Goodwood 's website. Spoiler alert: from 80s touring cars to 1920s Edwardian racing metal and ground-effect F1 cars, the Goodwood Motor Circuit will host quite a bang this year. The need to carry the cars key fob around is an acknowledged nuisance. To make matters more bearable, some manufacturers have turned them into small artistic objects - see the car-shaped Porsche remotes - while others stopped just short of turning them into a smartphone-rivaling technological gadget - were thinking about the BMW i8s spectacular key.Volvo, on the other hand, plans to skip these phases altogether and offer its future customers the option of ordering a new car without any sort of key. At this point, youre probably hoping for a fingerprint reader or a retina scanner, but the Swedes have something even better in mind.These futuristic systems have one major flaw: you can add several peoples details so that your wife wont have to chop off your finger and wear it around her neck every time she goes for groceries at the supermarket, but you still might face the situation where asking one of your friends to fetch something from the car is impossible. So Volvo is thinking about a system that will allow the owner to grant other people access to their vehicle quickly and easily.But thats just one of the aspects of Volvos truly key-less car. Instead of the salesperson handing you over the key after the contract has been signed and the money entered the dealers account, you will instead receive a digital one in the form of a smartphone app. The application will act just like a regular, physical key, unlocking the doors or the boot or starting up the engine.This system opens up a number of possibilities, most notably being the way it would change procedures regarding car renting. All youd need to do is choose a car, make the payment online and then use your phone to navigate to your new rental, unlock it with the digital car key that was sent to you and youre on your way.Alternatively, sharing access would also be easy, but also more customizable. For instance, youll be able to allow your kids access to the car, but they wouldnt be able to start up the engine as well, thus making sure the lamp post near your driveway remains in its erect position and the little ones dont get grounded for life.It seems like a small advancement and something that all manufacturers should do, but if Volvos plans go through and the company introduces this feature by 2017, the Swedish marque will become the first carmaker in the world to offer such a service. Photo of Lexus RX 350 courtesy of Lexus. Toyota is recalling 5,070 2016 model-year Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h SUVs because the drivers knee air bag may not deploy properly during a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recalled vehicles were manufactured from Nov. 16 to Dec. 23 in 2015. Because of an improper weld, the gas needed to inflate the drivers knee air bag may escape from the inflator, NHTSA said. Toyota dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the knee air bag assembly. There will be no charge for this service. The recall is expected to begin March 27. Vehicle owners can reach Toyota customer service at (800) 331-4331. Toyotas ID for this recall is GLA. Police said a man was arrested in Paphos, Cyprus, on suspicion of trying to sell a rental car, according to a report by Cyprus Mail. The suspect rented the car on Dec. 19, 2015, and was supposed to return it on Jan. 18. On Feb. 5, the man went to the rental company and said that he wanted to keep the car until Feb. 13, says the report. Two weeks ago, police said the suspect tried to sell the car for 3,200 euros, telling the buyer that the rental company wanted to sell it, says the report. The buyer paid the suspect 2,200 euros, and the two parties agreed that the balance would be paid after ownership was transferred, says the report. The buyer contacted the rental company after a delay, and the rental company told him that the vehicle was not for sale. Click here for the full Cyprus Mail report. Flight Design GmbH, based in Germany, said in a news release it has applied for a planned receivership which allows for reorganization of the company. The filing will enable the company to deal with a liquidity crunch.The crunch is driven mainly by one international customer that has not settled a bill of over seven digit Euros, the company said.The contract was for engineering services.An attorney appointed by the court, Knut Rebholz, said the most urgent task is to start negotiations to fund continuing operations. The order situation of the company is good and the products have a very good international reputation in the market, Rebholz added.CEO Matthias Betsch told a German news site, Sachsische Zeitung, The company will continue to run normally. Customers will receive the usual service, deliveries proceed. Tom Peghiny, CEO of Flight Design USA, told AVweb that his company is separate and independent from Flight Design GmbH, but the situation in Germany does have an impact.We couldnt get aircraft from [Germany] for nearly two years, he said. We negotiated to be able to buy our airplanes and parts from AeroJones [a Taiwanese company operating in China]. Those negotiations were successful, and we expect to take delivery of the first airplanes from China next month. AeroJones will be able to meet his needs for U.S. deliveries of two to three CTLS series aircraft per month, Peghiny said, and also can supply parts for the current fleet. Peghiny added that he has orders and deposits in place for airplanes from Germany, so we are actually creditors of Flight Design GmbH. He said none of those airplanes on order were destined for U.S. customers, but were to go to the U.S. dealer network.Flight Design GmbH employs about 20 workers in Germany and about 100 at its production plant in Ukraine. The company was founded in 1988 and has delivered about 1,500 aircraft. A former Alaska Airlines captain has pleaded not guilty to flying while under the influence of alcohol after appearing in a federal court in Los Angeles last week. David Arntson, 60, is alleged to have flown two legs between California and Oregon in 2014 while well over the blood alcohol limits for driving and flying. According to documents filed by federal prosecutors, Arntson recorded blood levels of .134 percent and .142 percent when he underwent a random drug and alcohol test after landing at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif., on June 12, 2014. Earlier that day hed been in the cockpit for a flight from San Diego to Portland before commanding the flight from Oregon to Orange County in a Boeing 737. Although the alleged offence happened in 2014, Arntson, who lives in Newport Beach, Calif., wasnt arrested until Jan. 21, 2016, and he was released on $25,000 bond. His trial is set for April 5. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. Arntson didnt cooperate with the airlines investigation of the alleged incident and apparently quit before he could be fired. Mr. Arntson left the company before we were able to complete an investigation that would have led to his termination, the airline said in a statement last month, according to Fortune. The controversial FAA reauthorization bill that would create a private air traffic control organization will not be introduced in the full House this week as originally scheduled, according to Politico. Quoting unnamed sources, the Washington political publication says it was told by a leadership aide that the House Transportation Committee, which approved an amended version of the original bill last week, is putting off presentation to the full House. The sources reportedly told Politico that block opposition from the Democrats and grumblings from within the Republican ranks, not to mention vocal opposition from numerous industry groups, prompted the bills champion, Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Shuster, R-Pa., to delay introduction while he consolidates support. That likely means more changes are coming to the bill, whose centerpiece is the formation of a federally chartered not-for-profit corporation to take over air traffic services. Its not clear how long the bill will be delayed. EAA kept the heat up on the bill last week with a point-by-point analysis it says shows GA access and services will be hurt by the changes. Lets lay out the facts on this: moving to a privatized ATC system would not increase efficiency or safety, nor would it save any significant money, said EAA President Jack Pelton. What it would do is create an additional aviation bureaucracy, since FAA would still remain, and also create a government-approved monopoly on air traffic services that is dominated by airlines and commercial aviation interests. This will hurt the safest and most complex aviation system in the world, which is why EAA is unequivocally opposed. Pelton urged members to contact their congressional representatives to voice their opposition to the bill. Even Capt. Chesley Sullenberger got into the fray, telling Politico hes concerned about the amount of power the airlines would have over the new ATC organization. We cant really disadvantage the vast majority of users to benefit the few largest airlines, he said. Its worth noting that Delta Air Lines has stepped out in opposition of the privatization, saying it will increase costs and lead to higher fares. 22 February 2016 17:35 (UTC+04:00) By Nazrin Gadimova By placing terrorists from the PKK and other organizations in the occupied territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia is trying to gain an advantage. Goksel Gulbey, head of the International Association to Fight Unfounded Armenian Allegations (ASIM-DER), believes that PKK terrorists have relocated their base from the Iraqi city of Kandil to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan as a result of operations conducted by the Turkish security forces. "Being in need of the power of these armed groups, Armenia gave permission to the PKK terrorists to use the territories, occupied with a Russian support, as a base," Gulbey added. He emphasized that Armenia is ready to shelter other terrorist organizations in the occupied territories of Nagorno-Karabakh in order to take advantage of their help in case of need. He stressed the fact that the Armenian families do not send their children for military service in this region. The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by several states and organizations, including NATO and the European Union. Azerbaijan, which has suffered from Armenian terrorist activities, also recognizes PKK as a terror organization and at the same time cooperates with Turkey, its strategic partner, in the fight against terrorism. Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated that Armenia uses the Nagorno-Karabakh territory as a testing ground for terrorist activities, as well as for drug trafficking. A military doctrine, adopted by Azerbaijan in 2010, emphasized that the occupation of the Nagorno-Karabakh territory by Armenia not only causes damage to the national security, but also have a negative impact on regional security. The Turkish official said the Azerbaijani army is ready to return back the occupied territories. Armenia captured Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions from Azerbaijan in a war that followed the Soviet breakup in 1991. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and nearly 1 million were displaced as a result of the war. The peace talks have been largely fruitless so far despite the efforts of the co-chair countries over 20 years. -- Nazrin Gadimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @NazrinGadimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 18:00 (UTC+04:00) By Nazrin Gadimova Armenian lobby exerts strong pressure upon the co-chair countries of the OSCE Minsk Group. Former Turkish Ambassador to Russia, Halil Aknc made remarks in his interview to the dailykarabakh.com website. Aknc stressed that Russia should make a sincere support to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. The OSCE Minsk Group has been criticized by Azerbaijan repeatedly. Established in 1992 for the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the organization failed to solve this long-lasting issue. Thus, Armenia controls over Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions for over 24 years, using the resources of these rich lands. The efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group on resolving the problem were ineffective from the very first day, Aknc believes. Participation of such regional powers as Russia and Turkey is needed to resolve the problem. At the same time, serious support of Iran is needed to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, the diplomat noted. Aknc stressed that Turkey provides necessary assistance to resolve the problem. Nagorno-Karabakh conflict evolved in 1988 after Armenia territorial claims to neighboring Azerbaijan, whose 20 percent of lands it occupied in an unneighborly way. The OSCE Minsk Group acted as the only mediator in resolution of the conflict, proceeding talks based on the renewed Madrid principles. The statements promising a sincere contribution to the peaceful resolution of the conflict have become frequent, but declarative in essence. That, unfortunately, ruined confidence in success of the mediators representing the U.S., Russia and France. -- Nazrin Gadimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @NazrinGadimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 15:38 (UTC+04:00) Op-ed by U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Robert F. Cekuta One year ago, I had the great honor of presenting my credentials to President Ilham Aliyev as U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan. In one of my first meetings afterward with other government officials, I was asked a straight-forward question, Are we friends, or not? I instantly answered yes, however the question is a reminder to me that relations between countries, just like relations between individuals, need continued effort and attention. With that in mind I would like to report on my activities over this past year and review how relations between the United States and Azerbaijan are growing. Over the last year, I have enjoyed learning about the natural beauty, fascinating history, and cultural traditions of Azerbaijan. My wife, Anne, and I have visited many parts of the country, exploring sites both on and off the beaten path. Whether at the ancient rock carvings at Gobustan, the Palace of the Sheki Khans, or hiking in Azerbaijans countryside, I find there is so much to see and learn I feel that I am barely scratching the surface. My engagements are wonderful opportunities to interact with Azerbaijanis and to learn about their concerns and expectations. Some of the most moving encounters have been with communities of internally displaced persons (IDPs), where I have heard firsthand about the hardships they still face and the pain they feel at being separated from their homes. These encounters have given me a clear understanding of what people care about, where the country is headed, and also of what they think about the United States. As I have said many times, there are three main fronts in our relationship security, democracy, and economy/energy and I say those in no particular order. They cannot be placed in order because they cannot be separated. A healthy economy is basic to a countrys security. Economies reach their fullest potential when rule of law and respect for the individual are guaranteed, and democratic societies flourish when citizens feel secure. All of those ingredients are necessary for Azerbaijans long term stability and prosperity. The United States has always firmly supported Azerbaijans long term stability and prosperity. Moreover, Americans want a long lasting relationship with Azerbaijan and are with Azerbaijanis for the long haul. A stable and prosperous Azerbaijan is essential for advancing those same goals of stability and prosperity regionally and globally, whether in terms of fighting terrorism, building corridors of trade and economic prosperity along both new and old routes, or working to increase the stability and diversity of global energy sources and supply routes. In a region that is seeing rapid change in very uncertain times, Azerbaijans importance as an anchor of stability is as crucial as ever. Helping Azerbaijanis strengthen that stability and prosperity is one of the most important aspects of the U.S. relationship with Azerbaijan. How we have done that over the last 25 years has changed as Azerbaijan has changed, as the country has become more prosperous and has come to face new challenges. Twenty-five years ago our assistance focused on direct humanitarian aid to a country in conflict. Today we are working with Azerbaijanis in helping women and youth become more successful entrepreneurs and to support the countrys efforts to boost agricultural production and other paths to increased economic diversification. Through one of the U.S. Agency for International Developments, (USAID), programs, the Socio Economic Development Activity, (SEDA), for example, we are working with the Azerbaijani government to support community-based projects joining local governments, citizens, and NGOs to identify local challenges and find solutions to them. Among the 59 projects completed are actions to bring potable water to villages, to rehabilitate roads, and to build medical clinics in 52 communities. Over 85,000 Azerbaijanis in the last three years benefitted, and have gained the skills to address their own social and economic needs in partnership with their government representatives in future. Other parts of the U.S. government are active on this front as well. The U.S. militarys European Command expertise has benefited numerous communities, including IDP settlements in the Barda and Aghjabadi districts, with programs to help improve water supplies and rebuild local schools. In fact, the United States has provided over $115 million in support for IDPs since 1993, and remains committed to this segment of Azerbaijani society, just as we remain committed to working through the Minsk Group process to help realize a lasting peace in Nagorno-Karabakh that will enable all IDPs and refugees to return to their homes and open the door for further prosperity and stability in Azerbaijan as well as for the entire region. The original text was published at Trend. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 10:33 (UTC+04:00) The Jewish Journal published on February 19 an article by Azerbaijans Consul General in Los Angeles Nasimi Aghayev concerning the Khojaly massacre, which was committed in Feb. 1992 by Armenias armed forces against Azerbaijani civilians resulting in the killing of 613 persons, including around 300 children, women and elderly. Published in Los Angeles, the Jewish Journal is one of the largest and most influential Jewish newspapers in the United States. Consul General writes: The town of Khojaly in Azerbaijan's Karabakh region might sound unfamiliar to some. But Khojaly was the scene of one of the most horrific tragedies in modern European history. The Khojaly massacre was an unabashed campaign of ethnic cleansing, in no uncertain terms, Aghayev notes. Stressing that this policy of ethnic cleansing and terror was even braggingly acknowledged by the very men in charge of it, the Consul General mentions specifically the current president of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and defense minister Seyran Ohanian, who were in charge of Armenian troops committing this horrendous crime in Khojaly. Since 1992, Azerbaijan has worked hard to make sure the perpetrators of these crimes, the mass murder of innocent people, were condemned. And the world has responded: countries from Mexico to Slovenia and from BosniaHerzegovina to Peru, as well as nineteen U.S. states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and others have all condemned the Khojaly massacre, Aghayev further writes. Noting that the illegal occupation of Azerbaijans lands has not brought any benefits to Armenia on the contrary, it has only weakened the country and significantly reduced its sovereignty and independence making it over-reliant on external help, the author highlights the tremendous transformation Azerbaijan has undergone since restoring its independence: In a powerful contrast, Azerbaijan has become the regions largest economy, pursuing and succeeding with a truly independent foreign policy and promoting interfaith tolerance and harmony in a difficult neighborhood. In conclusion, the Consul General calls on the U.S. Congress to condemn thr Khojaly massacre: Azerbaijan will continue its fight for justice for the Khojaly victims. And we would like to see the U.S. Congress join this struggle. A Congressional condemnation of the Khojaly massacre would be the first step in the right direction. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 16:00 (UTC+04:00) By Nazrin Gadimova Azerbaijan hopes that Armenian terrorists, who were involved in the Khojaly genocide, will be prosecuted. Countrys Human Rights Commissioner Elmira Suleymanova made the remark in her statement issued on the eve of the 24th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide. Suleymanova stressed that basic human rights, especially the right to life, have been grossly violated by the Armenian vandals. Back in February 1992, Armenian armed forces supported by the 366th infantry regiment of the Soviet army attacked the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly leaving hundreds of people dead. 613 civilians mostly women and children were killed in the massacre, and a total of 1,000 people were disabled. Eight families were exterminated, 25 children lost both parents, and 130 children lost one parent. Moreover, 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, and the fate of 150 of them remains unknown. We hope that Armenian terrorists, who were involved in the Khojaly genocide and pursued aggression policy against Azerbaijan, will be prosecuted, while the country-aggressor Armenia will be sanctioned by international bodies, Suleymanova said in her statement. The ombudsman further noted that the invader Armenian troops should free the occupied territories of Azerbaijan; Armenia must renounce its groundless territorial claims against Azerbaijan and follow the requirements of the international documents adopted over the conflict. The territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be restored, while the Azerbaijani IDPs have to return to the homeland. In this regard it is of great importance to bring the truth about Azerbaijan and vandalism of Armenia to the world community, the statement reads. The statement was sent to UN Secretary General, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, European Commission, OSCE, the Council of Europe, Institute of International and European Ombudsmen, Asian Ombudsman Association, International Peace Bureau, Universal Peace Federation, human rights commissioners of various countries, Azerbaijani embassies in foreign countries, embassies of foreign countries in Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani Diaspora organizations. The legislative bodies of many countries have already adopted resolutions recognizing the crime committed by Armenians against the peaceful people in Khojaly as genocide. Meanwhile, the Congress of European Azerbaijanis has sent statement regarding the Khojaly genocide to the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights. The statement gives information about the Khojaly genocide and the Justice for Khojaly campaign, launched by Leyla Aliyeva, General Coordinator of the OIC Youth Forum on Intercultural Dialogue. The campaign kicked off in 2008 aimed to spread the realities about the Khojaly genocide, the recognition of this tragedy as genocide committed against the Azerbaijani people. So far, events dedicated to this tragedy, have been held in over 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America. Protests and rallies in front of the parliaments and government agencies of various countries, as well as seminars and conferences were held as part of the events. -- Nazrin Gadimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @NazrinGadimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 16:07 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijans Consulate General in Aktau, Kazakhstan, is holding an art competition for children and young people. The Consulate General told Trend that the competition, titled We Want Justice, has been organized as part of the Justice for Khojaly campaign, held under the supervision of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and general coordinator for intercultural dialogue at the Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation. About 300 pupils of five art schools in Aktau and the surrounding areas are taking part in the art competition. The competition jury includes members of Kazakhstans Union of Artists and Azerbaijans Consul General Elkhan Zeynalov. A grand prize will be awarded for the best picture. Winners will also be awarded with diplomas, books and other prizes. Khojaly, the second largest town in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, came under intense fire from the towns of Khankendi and Askeran already occupied by the Armenian armed forces in 1992. 613 civilians mostly women and children were killed in the massacre, and a total of 1,000 people were disabled. Eight families were exterminated, 25 children lost both parents, and 130 children lost one parent. Moreover, 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, and the fate of 150 of them remains unknown. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the US are currently holding peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented the UN Security Council's four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 13:05 (UTC+04:00) By Aynur Karimova Bilateral relations between Iran and Azerbaijan, the energy-rich neighbor countries, have deepened following the nuke deal and the lifting of international sanctions against Tehran. These developments promise new opportunities and prospects for economic cooperation between the two countries, in particular in the energy sector. Hamid Chitchian, Irans Energy Minister, believes that development of ties will be beneficial for both countries. Speaking at a meeting with Azerbaijan's Economy and Industry Minister Shahin Mustafayev in Tehran on February 21, Chitchian said Iran is keen to boost cooperation with Azerbaijan in the water and electricity sectors, Tasnim news agency reported. Touching upon the project on construction of the Khoda Afarin dam on the Araz River, he said the problems hindering the implementation of the project, will be settled soon. The minister further added that Tehran and Baku have held talks over construction of geothermal and wind power plants in Irans Meshkin Shahr and Khaf cities respectively, and the projects are said to kick off soon. Iran is already constructing its first geothermal zone in northwestern Meshkin Shahr city with a to-be output of 50 megawatts. The power plant is expected to come on stream in two years. Irans power plants are mostly hydro or fossil fuel-powered. Renewable energy makes up less than one percent of energy used in Iran. Chitchian further referred to the issue of the linking the electricity networks of Iran, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russia saying all parties will get their benefits from the project. "The peak electricity consumption in Azerbaijan, Russia and Georgia is in winter, meanwhile Iran experiences peak consumption in summer," he noted adding that the parties can swap electricity, in order to avoid costs for construction of new power plants. Iran and Azerbaijan inked a MoU last December which covers cooperation in 12 various sectors, including in the energy field. Based on the signed document the two parties will cooperate in construction of power plants at Khoda Afarin and Qiz Qalasi dams on Araz river and following the issue of agreement on the construction of Ordubad power plant on the Azerbaijani side and Marazad power plant on the Iranian side, as well as implementation of joint guideline on border rivers water management. Transport During his Tehran visit, Mustafayev and Iran's Transportation Minister Abbas Akhoundi discussed the issues of abolishing visa for drivers, implementation of the giant North-South Corridor, as well as the two countries' cooperation in the civil aviation sector. Noting that Iran has already removed the visa requirement for drivers from Azerbaijan, Akhoundi called on Baku to mutually abolish visa requirements for Iranian drivers, IRNA news agency reported. He also touched upon the plans for connecting the railways of Iran and Azerbaijan saying Tehran has taken measures to speed up the process for connecting the railways. The Iranian minister said Iran, Azerbaijan, as well as Georgia share common interests in connecting the Black Sea to the Persian Gulf. Akhundi also called for increasing the number of weekly flights between Iran and Azerbaijan, which currently stands at 10 flights per week. Azerbaijan and Iran have created favorable conditions for increasing transit cargo transportation through the territories of the two countries. The two countries are located in very favorable strategic positions that create great opportunities for benefiting from the bilateral ties. Iran, which is situated in the Middle East region, has land borders with the South Asian, Central Asian, and Middle East countries, with access to the Gulf and Indian Ocean. Azerbaijan, in the cradle of the Caspian Sea is settled in between the West and East. The country plays a gateway role between not only the east and west, but also the north and south. The Land of Fire is positioned on one of the most important trade and transit routes to Europe. In this regard, the transportation sector is one of the main areas of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran. Azerbaijan lacks a railway link with Iran and implements the vast majority of cargo traffic with this country by road transport. That greatly limits the possibilities of development of trade and economic relations between the two countries and their transit potential. The construction of Iranian portion of the North-South railway, which is a part of the North-South corridor, will become an important step towards the realization of the North-South project. Its construction will be completed by the end of 2016. The North-South railway, with a length of 8.5 kilometers, is expected to serve as a bridge to connect the railways of Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia as well. The North-South corridor, from India to Helsinki, is one of the most important routes for the region. It is a multimodal route for transportation of passengers and cargo from Russia's St. Petersburg to the Mumbai port. It is designed to carry transit cargo from India, Iran and other Persian Gulf countries to the territory of Russia (the Caspian Sea) and further - to Northern and Western Europe. The North-South corridor with a length of 5,000 kilometers is designed to carry more than 20 million tons per year, which is quite a significant figure to make it significant. Tehran and Baku have recently intensified bilateral relations with an expectation to further deepen the all-out cooperation between the two close neighbors. In 2014, the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $186.6 million. Iran's export to Azerbaijan during the first half of 2015 decreased 55.36 percent to $42.52 million year-on-year. Azerbaijan's export to Iran also decreased 67.11 percent to $11.16 million during that period. -- Aynur Karimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 12:18 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan is switching to automated system of application, review, reception and making decisions on targeted state social assistance. Azerbaijani Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population Salim Muslimov announced about this at a press conference on February 22. In the cities and districts of Azerbaijan, centers of the social welfare public service will no longer be involved in this process [application, review, reception and making decisions on targeted state social assistance], the minister said. In case if within six months citizens apply in paper form and not in electronic form, the staff of these centers will send these applications to the electronic system of the ministry, Muslimov said. He went on to add that citizens will also be able to apply for targeted social assistance via state post offices. The minister noted that as of February 1, 2016, as many as 105,500 people receive targeted social assistance in Azerbaijan. Muslimov said that some restrictions will be removed with the entry into force of the new rules regarding the targeted state social assistance. Previously, if more than half of the average monthly income of a family was directed to pay off credit debt in a bank, the family was denied receiving the targeted state social assistance, Muslimov said, adding that this restriction has been removed. In addition, if earlier a family member studied in paid educational institutions, and if within 12 months the family paid off the amount exceeding the minimum wage by 10 times for his (her) education, that family was also denied receiving the targeted state social assistance, the minister said. This limitation has also been removed, but under a condition that the income of this family will be taken into account when calculating the targeted state social assistance, Muslimov said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 16:53 (UTC+04:00) By Nazrin Gadimova Azerbaijan, a country leader in the region for the development of the IT sector, has launched work on designing Azerspace-2 telecommunication satellite. Dunay Badirkhanov, Satellite Engineering and Operations Manager at Azercosmos, said that the companys employee is visiting the American Space Systems Loral (SSL), which designs and builds satellites and spacecraft systems for commercial and government customers around the world, for this reason. Azerspace-2, geostationary satellite, is designed to provide digital broadcasting, Internet access, data transmission, creation of VSAT multi-service networks, and etc. The second satellite program will be financed by the Export Development Canada export credit agency. Noting that the launch of the satellite is scheduled for 2017, Badirkhanov said Azerspace-2, whose service area will cover Europe, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa, will be placed at the orbital position, leased from the Intelsat international satellite communications organization. Today, Azercosmos provides telecommunication services through the Azerspace-1 satellite, launched on February 8, 2013. Eleven days later the satellite reached its target orbit - 46 degrees east longitude, used in conjunction with the Malaysian Measat Satellite Systems company. Service area of Azerspace-1 includes Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East. Such countries as Malaysia, Russia, Germany, Ukraine, Egypt, Georgia, UAE, Lebanon, Cameroon, the United Kingdom, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Estonia and Belarus use Azerspace-1s services. The central control center of the satellite is located on the 37th kilometer of the Baku-Shamakhi highway, while the backup control center on the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Badirkhanov earlier told Trend that Azerbaijans Ministry of Communications and High Technologies has conducted serious work for training of skilled personnel in satellite management. Stressing that the main emphasis is put on internal staff capacity, he said at the moment the satellite is controlled exclusively by local staff. Along with this, we attract foreign experts to improve the capacity of our staff, he added. Badirkhanov further noted that a special technical group is watching low-orbit satellite Azersky. The group is responsible for planning the mission and processing of the images received from the satellite. "Azersky resources intended for modeling of digital maps, transport infrastructure monitoring, environmental monitoring, urban planning, crops monitoring, evaluation of pollution, safety, military use and many other things," he noted. In 2014, Azerbaijan and France signed an agreement that gave Azercosmos permission to provide commercial services on remote Earth sensing through the Azersky. Manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space, the low-orbit satellite is expected to operate for 12 years. Azersky allows to survey the 6-million square kilometers of Earth's surface daily. In fact, it means that Azerbaijans territory is being monitored every day. Moreover, Azercosmos has a call-center to support customers, who can apply regarding different issues on the services provided by satellite operator. Azercosmos is the first satellite operator in the Caucasus. The company's strategic development plans include the launch of a second telecommunications satellite Earth observation services in the coming years. -- Nazrin Gadimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @NazrinGadimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 17:07 (UTC+04:00) By Aynur Karimova Azerbaijan as a transit country can get dividends for transmission of electricity, country's Energy Ministry believes. Zamina Aliyeva, the spokesperson of the ministry, told Azernews that linking the electricity systems of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia will enable Baku to carry out electricity export-import operations. "Azerbaijan will strengthen its position as a transit country and exporter of electricity," she said commenting on prospects of establishing the Russia-Azerbaijan-Iran electricity corridor. On February 21, Iran has again expressed interest in linking the electricity networks with Azerbaijan and Russia. The Islamic Republic's Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian said at a meeting with Azerbaijan's Economy and Industry Minister Shahin Mustafayev in Tehran that all three countries will benefit from linking the electricity networks. "The peak electricity consumption in Azerbaijan and Russia is in winter, meanwhile Iran experiences peak consumption in summer," he said adding that the sides can swap electricity for avoiding costs for construction of new power plants. Aliyeva said that synchronization of the energy systems of the three countries was a topic of discussions for several years and this issue is currently at the stage of negotiations. "The reality is that linking the electricity systems of the three countries was the initiative of Russia and Iran, but no real actions have been taken by these countries yet," she stressed adding that several issues in this regard remain unresolved. In particular, the protocol of the 45th meeting of the CIS held in Baku on April 25, 2014 to discuss the ways of linking the energy systems of Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran, was signed by Azerbaijan, but Iran has not yet put its signature under the document. During this meeting it was decided to develop the draft of the feasibility study of expediency of connecting the energy systems of the three countries. However, Russia has not yet developed such a feasibility study. Despite that Russia was empowered to develop a draft agreement on joint study of expediency of the electricity network, Moscow has not implemented this task. "That is the current state of affairs in this regard," Aliyeva noted. "Azerbaijan's energy system is technically ready to be linked with the Iranian and Russian energy systems. Azerbaijan enjoys the relevant infrastructure for transmission of electricity. To this end, all the necessary powerful production facilities are available both for the Darband-Yashma and Imishli-Parsabad power transmission lines. Baku also enjoys an experience of working with the Russian energy system in a parallel regime, as there was a unified [energy] system in the Soviet period." In November 2015, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak confirmed the interest in linking the energy systems with Azerbaijan and Iran. We also confirm the interest in continuing to examine the issue of linking the energy systems of Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan, and we consider it reasonable to resume the tripartite working group, Novak said. In response, Azerbaijan confirmed the interest and readiness for resuming the meetings as part of the tripartite working group. Azerbaijan's Energy Minister Natig Aliyev told journalists in February 2016 that Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia are working to create the North-South energy corridor among the three neighbor countries. He said the removal of the international sanctions from Iran will play a significant role in the development of Baku's relations with Tehran. "The North-South corridor is being established not only in the transport, but also in the energy sector. It envisages the export of electricity from Russia to Azerbaijan and further to Iran. A special working group has been established. The energy ministers of three countries are working on this issue," he said. Azerbaijan's electricity production capacities also allow the country to be an electricity exporter. Aliyeva told Azernews that as a result of taken measures, the capacity of Azerbaijan's energy system has reached 7,129 MW, thus, paving the way to ensure the energy security of the South Caucasus nation, as well as become an electricity exporter. "In 2015, Azerbaijan produced some 24.7 million kilowatt / hours of electricity, while the country's electricity consumption amounted to 19.7 million kilowatt / hours," she said. "Azerbaijan, which managed to ensure its energy security, exported some 260.6 million kilowatt / hours of electricity, while imported some 107.4 million kilowatt / hours in 2015, thus, achieving current electricity export potential of 6 billion kilowatt / hours." The Energy Ministry plans to commission new facilities with a capacity of 2,800 MW by 2020. -- Aynur Karimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 10:00 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli If you think about where to go on weekend and how to spend effective time in Baku, then visiting the house-museum of one of the most talented Azerbaijani artist Tahir Salahov would a good idea for you. Born in Baku and living in Moscow Salahov is the world-renowned artist, who sensitively catches the rhythms of life and able to listen and hear the time. Salahov is the master of portraits, landscape pictures, still-life paintings and large many-figured paintings. His masterpieces has an estimated value of hundred thousands of dollars in different world famous auction houses. The three-storeyed museum, which preserves the wonderful atmosphere of peace and harmony, attracts the art enthusiasts with 735 exhibits. Everything including Salahovs original and copy paintings, old carpets with a unique images and even furniture is standing on the same place, in the house, which Salahov left five years ago. Here in the museum you can find old national kitchen utensils, bedding as well as the sewing machines of his mother, which helped her save the lives of five children in the years of repression and hungry years of war. The director of the museum Saadat Mirzoyeva says Tahir Salakhov is a unique personality, which she has never met before. She believes that the origin of the artists collection is historical. Once, walking through the Old City, Salahov saw the tourists buying Azerbaijans folk art masterpieces, which they were taking away to the countries. Then, he decided that he must also purchase these unique patterns in order to preserve them for posterity. I do not think one can see something similar like these carpets in the museum somewhere else. Salahov saved them for us, for our descendants, as they are a part of our lives and history, she said. Its not so difficult to find the museum: If you get to the Shirvanshahs museum and carefully look around, you will certainly see a sign with an arrow, prompting the way to the museum and further at 55/3 Ilyas Efendiyev street you will see the table entitling House Museum of Tahir Salakhov. Here the representative of modern Azerbaijani painting school, lived and created his impressive paintings. Since 2012 the museum is opened for tourists during weekdays from 10:00 to 18:00. Due to quite affordable price, the museum has become a favorite place for students, ordinary Bakunians, and foreign tourists walking through the Old City. Ticket price for adults is 2 manat (about $1.30), for students is 60 kopecks ($0.40), for pupils is 20 kopecks ($0.10). -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 13:55 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova The International Storytelling Festival was held in Turkeys Istanbul from February 16 to 20. The contest aimed to choose the best story among 2500 submitted works. The festival was attended by world-famous writers. Azerbaijan was represented at the event by famous writer Afag Masud, the Translation Centre operating under Azerbaijan's Cabinet of Ministers reported. Addressing the event, Masud stressed the importance of literature in bringing people and countries together. She firmly believes that art has no limits. During the festival, Ihsan Mermerci Anadolu lyceum organized an event entitled The school of stories". A story called "The Sparrows" written by the Azerbaijani writer in Turkish language was read out at the event. Further, the students and teachers held discussions on various topics, including " The Storytelling", " The true story starts here " and " The place of stories in the modern world". Outstanding playwright and novelist Afag Masud, born in Baku in 1957, published her first novel, The Curse, in 1979, and is one of the very few women in Azerbaijan who have succeeded in making a career out of writing. Afag Masud graduated in Journalism from Baku State University in 1979. She worked as an editor and editorial board member for Azerbaijanfilm Studio in 1979-1986 and joined Azerbaijantelefilm Studio as a director in 1986-1988. She was the Chair of the Centre of Translation for Art Works and Literary Relations in 1989-2014. Afag Masud is primarily known for her novels and short stories. She writes in Azerbaijani-Turkish, but her fiction is known throughout the world. It has attracted great attention from scholars and students, and has been translated into other languages, including Russian, English, German, French, and Uzbek. She is also an Honoured Art Worker and a full member of the Peter's Academy of Sciences and Arts (PANI). She is also the author of several plays, including Near Death, He loves Me, Getting to Leave, Woman under a Train, and Kerbala. Two of her plays - Near Death and He loves Me have been staged at the Yug National Drama Theatre, while the play Woman under a Train at the Azerbaijan Academic National Drama Theatre (AzDrama). Five films have been made for television based on her scripts: Punishment (Cza), The Sparrows (Srclr), Night (Gec), The Party (Qonaqlq), and The Death of the Rabbit (Dovsann olumu). She is a winner of the Humay National Academy Award, and the First International Stage Play Contest Awards announced by the Writers Union of Eurasia. Afag Masud is the Director of the Translation Centre under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 11:24 (UTC+04:00) The Turkmen city of Ashgabat will host the 75th meeting of the CIS Border Troops Commanders Council April 21, 2016, according to the website of the CIS Executive Committee on February 22. Ashgabat, referring to the status of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan, recognized and supported by the UN, adopted a decision in 2005 to participate in the CIS structure as an associated member. In 2012, Turkmenistan chaired the CIS and held nearly thirty events in this regard. Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a regional international organization regulating relations between the states that were part of the USSR, was established on December 8, 1991. On December 21, 1991, the leaders of eight former Soviet Republics Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan signed the Alma-Ata Protocol, thus bringing the number of participating countries to 11. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 12:05 (UTC+04:00) Some 14 people were arrested proceeding from the criminal case over the terrorist attack in Ankara, Anadolu agency reported on February 22. Some 21 people have been recently arrested on suspicion of involvement in the terrorist attack in Ankara. Seven of them have been released due to a lack of evidence. A terror attack was carried out in Ankara Feb. 17 near the buildings of the Turkish parliament, the general staff and a military dorm in the city. The explosion killed 28 and injured 61. Reports suggest that a car bomb was detonated. Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said that the Syrian wing of the terrorist organization Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) - Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) stands behind the terrorist attack in Ankara. Earlier, Turkeys National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has warned the country of the possibility of new terrorist attacks, according to the Haber 7 newspaper's reports citing a source in the intelligence agency. Some members of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant groups are preparing terrorist attacks in Turkeys international airports, according to MIT. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 15:21 (UTC+04:00) By Aynur Karimova Turkmenistan, an energy-rich Central Asian nation with abundant oil and gas reserves, intends to realize its plans on developing huge hydrocarbon resources in its own sector of the Caspian Sea. Turkmenistans state concern Turkmenoil will deal with implementing the development of the Turkmen shelf in the Caspian Sea, the reserves of which are estimated at 12 billion tons of oil and 6.5 trillion cubic meters of gas. Turkmenistan, with its 265 trillion cubic feet of proven gas and 600 million barrels of proven oil reserves (EIA, January 2015), is actively implementing an energy strategy aimed at increasing exports of natural gas and diversifying its supply routes to the largest global markets, where the demand for energy resources is growing. Bruce Pannier, an expert on Central Asia, and the Senior Correspondent at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, believes that Turkmenistan will use all the oil and gas produced at the Caspian shelf to for export. "Turkmenistan will be dependent on a Caspian neighbor in order to export its oil and gas further west or south. And all those Caspian neighbors Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Russia are exporting their own oil and gas," he told Azernews commenting on future destination of these resources. Being one of the key players in the gas market of the Caspian Sea region and Central Asia, Turkmenistan produces about 70-80 billion cubic meters of gas a year. Currently, Turkmenistan exports its natural gas to China, Iran, and Russia. There are also discussions on gas supply to Europe through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan and Turkey. Turkmenistan plans to increase gas extraction to 230 billion cubic meters by 2030, some 180 billion cubic meters of which will be exported. These volumes will allow meeting the increasing domestic and external demands in Turkmenistan's blue fuel, providing the gas-chemical complexes of the country with necessary raw material. The development of the Caspian shelf will become Turkmen oil workers' great success in making their first steps in the development of offshore hydrocarbon reserves for the first time ever in the Turkmen oil and gas industrys history. A deep drilling is already underway at the North Goturdepe and Altyguyi fields. Results of the drilling work indicate to great prospects of the fields. Turkmenistan's Oil and Gas and Natural Resources Minister Muhamentnur Halylov said earlier that the development of oil and gas resources in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea is a priority area for investments in the country's oil and gas industry. The Turkmen section of the Caspian Sea has been divided into 32 licensed blocks. Halylov said large enterprises show significant interest in making investments in these licensed blocks and are ready for technological cooperation. Petronas, Dragon Oil, Buried Hill, RWE Dea AG, Itera and Eni companies are involved in the development of the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, while negotiations with the companies of Europe, the U.S. and Persian Gulf are currently underway. In 2015, the total investments of contractors working in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea are estimated at more than $3.5 billion. -- Aynur Karimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 14:20 (UTC+04:00) The crisis in Ankara-Moscow relations will not lead to decrease in the number of Russian tourists visiting Turkey, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on February. 22, TRT Haber TV channel reported. He said this is not the first year, when Russian tourists visit Turkey. Turkey will make every effort to increase the number of tourists visiting the country, according to the prime minister. The number of Russian tourists visiting Turkeys resort province of Antalya in January 2016, decreased by 81.14 percent compared to January 2015. As many as 2,427 Russian tourists visited Antalya in January 2016. The number of German tourists visiting Antalya dropped by 16 percent and stood at 44,262 in January 2016. This is while the number of tourists from Israel visiting this resort province increased by 122 percent during the year, and totalled 4,475 in January 2016. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 16:21 (UTC+04:00) Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has called for establishing ceasefire in Syria. The Islamic Republic of Iran supports any measures helping to stop bloodshed and protect Syrians lives, IRNA news agency quoted Zarif as saying at a press conference in Tehran on February 22. Iran believes that dialogue between Syrian sides, not military solution, will end the Syrian crisis, according to Zarif. The only task of the outsiders, as he said, is to facilitate the talks between the parties in Syria. Zarif added that the outsiders cant put conditions for the talks between the Syrian sides. Calling for a ceasefire in Syria, Zarif urged the countries involved in Syrian crisis to prevent the arming of opposition groups and dispatching fighters there. Zarif also called on the countries sharing borders with Syria to watch their borders in order to prevent terrorist groups from arming themselves. The foreign minister added that although international community has agreed on establishing a ceasefire in Syria, its details arent clear yet. A UN Security Council resolution was approved last December on peace process in Syria. Under the resolution, Syrian government and opposition groups should attend peace talks to find a solution for putting an end to the crisis. So far, the talks between Syrian government and opposition groups have not yielded any positive results, with both sides blaming each other for the collapse of the talks. Over 250,000 people have died and at least 11 million have been displaced in Syria, since the crisis broke out in 2011. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 February 2016 17:45 (UTC+04:00) The Uzbek Cabinet of Ministers has prematurely cancelled additional import fee for Ukrainian goods, the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of the country reported on February 22. Earlier, the country introduced additional import fee for Ukrainian goods starting from July 1, 2015 for a period of one year as a response measure to the introduction of additional import fee by Ukraine in the amount of five-ten percent not depending on the country of origin of the goods on February 26, 2015 for a period of 12 months. In late December 2015, the Ukrainian government decided to cancel the additional import fee starting from January 1, 2016. Ukraine's export to Uzbekistan in 2015 decreased almost twice compared to 2014, to $154.4 million, import from Uzbekistan to Ukraine decreased by 13 percent, to $57.3 million, according to the Ukrainian side. In late January 2016, the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine ratified the protocol on the application of the free trade zone agreement with Uzbekistan. The agreement on free trade zone within the CIS was signed in October 2011 by eight countries - Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan and Ukraine. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3.0 ( - - ): editor [at] bahrainmirror.com Biometrics Track Pedestrians Departing U.S. for Mexico San Diego, California - For the first time, the identities of foreigners leaving the United States through a land border are being checked with high-tech biometric equipment capable of reading faces and irises. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has started screening pedestrians crossing into Mexico at Otay Mesa in a field test aimed a determining how the readers works in a land setting. The new procedures are part of a move by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security aimed at gaining greater information about who leaves the United States. The test, which is scheduled to conclude on April 29, is part of an effort that uses biometrics to crack down on identity theft as well as to keep track foreigners who remain in the United States with expired visas. For the next few weeks, all pedestrians leaving San Diego through Otay Mesa will be subject to screening, but only foreigners will have their identities documented through iris and facial recognition technology. The testing is taking place Monday-Friday, from 7 am to 10 pm. Biometrics measure a person's unique physical characteristics, through methods that include the reading of fingerprints, irises and facial structure. CBP has been verifying travelers' identities through fingerprints since 2004. The new southbound inspections at Otay Mesa began earlier this month, and represent the second phase of a test that was launched in December. The first phase has involved using readers to capture biometric information of non-U.S. citizens entering the United States on foot through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, creating a database for the test. According to CBP, 9,000 pedestrians a day cross into the United States through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, while about 6,000 leave the country. "The majority of the technology is meant to be minimally intrusive on the traveler," said Charmaine Rodriguez, assistant port director at Otay Mesa. The test data is being kept in a local database and not being shared with other law enforcement agencies, she said. Couple Guilty of Smuggling Turtle Eggs from Mexico Los Angeles, California - A Southern California couple pleaded guilty Friday to smuggling 911 endangered sea turtle eggs from Mexico into the United States, federal prosecutors said. Olga Jimenez, 52, and Jose Jimenez, 64, of Hemet, admitted to smuggling the sea turtle eggs by bus from Nayarit, Mexico, in 2014 and concealing them in coolers under layers of fish, shrimp and ice so they could be transported by pickup across the border in Tijuana, according to the U.S. attorney's office. The eggs were harvested from olive ridley and Kemp's Ridley sea turtles, which are protected in Mexico and the U.S. under the Endangered Species Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, prosecutors said. As part of pleading guilty to the charges, which included smuggling, unlawful trafficking of wildlife and conspiracy, the couple agreed to forfeit the eggs and pay the Mexican government up to $9,000 in restitution. Sea turtles are vulnerable to poaching during mass nesting events called arribadas, in which females each lay about 100 eggs and bury them in beach sand. Because sea turtle eggs are considered a delicacy and aphrodisiac, they can be sold for $100 to $300 apiece, according to prosecutors. The couple was ordered to appear before a judge in May to be sentenced on charges that can result in penalties of up to $250,000 and 20 years in prison. Help ANA Furnish Vallarta Police and Fire Substation Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The Amapas Neighborhood Association is helping the Fire fighters and Police of Puerto Vallarta to furnish a Bomberos and Police substation at the second entrance to Conchas Chinas. This substation will help with any incident/accident/fire/medical emergency in less than half the time than the main Police and Bomberos stations would. The area that will benefit will be from Emiliano Zapata to Sierra del Mar. Our goal is to have 24/7 Police/Ambulance/Firefighter personnel right next to our neighborhood. Furnishing this substation with a work room, receiving area, kitchenette, showers and bunks beds is the first step to house these personnel. Join us at Fusion Gourmet on Monday February 29 at 6:00 pm. The restaurant is located at the corner of Pilitas and Amapas across form the Hotel Tropicana on Vallarta's south side. 100% of cash donations and 50% of all food and beverages will be donated to the Casita. For reservations send an email to admin(at)ampaspv.com or call the restaurant at (322) 223-1177. We hope to see you there! Please note that is not necessary for you to stay for dinner. You can have a drink, socialize and go on with your day. If you stay for dinner you are welcome. If you donate some pesos, you are more than welcome! If you would like to donate but cannot make the event, please click HERE to make a donation via GoFundme, and tell a friend! The Amapas Neighborhood Association is the official association of residents and business owners in the Colonia Amapas of Puerto Vallarta. A volunteer and not-for-profit association with about 350 members, the ANA was founded in 2002 to improve the quality of life in Amapas. We work to keep our neighborhood safe, beautiful, desirable and welcoming to tourists and residents from all countries and walks of life. We are also the official "Junta Vecinal" or neighborhood council for Amapas, the legal representative of the neighborhood to the city government. Learn more at AmapasPV.com. Dozens of worshippers gathered outside their burned-out church building Sunday, promising to move forward. The Beraca First Haitian Baptist Church caught fire Tuesday evening. State Fire Marshalls say the fire started in the attic and quickly spread. No one was hurt. The building is a total loss and even too dangerous to enter. Congregants brought their own chairs to worship Sunday. Patio chairs, folding chairs and even dining chairs formed a semi-circle around the church leaders, as they used the hood of a car as a table for their Bibles. We cant leave here without a show of pride for the Haitian community that we love them, God loves them and we continue to survive, said Pastor Fritz Paul. Seven-year-old Ishmael Benoit played drums in the church band. He said it was a dream come true to worship through song and music. I felt happy and surprised, he said. I was surprised I was playing the drums. But now his drum kit is among the charred remains. The church has a temporary home at the Northridge Church in Haines City, but the parishioners wanted to have one more service at their original location. Theyre promising to be back soon. We cannot leave this place because this is a monument for the Haitian community here, Pastor Paul said. Many people who move to Haines City from Haiti find direction and solace in the church, the pastor said. I help them (learn to) survive in America, he said. The church will rebuild, he said, to stay an epicenter for the Haines City Haitian community. While searching through whats left, an adult found Ishmaels old cymbal. Its a start, and hes looking forward to rebuilding his kit while the church rebuilds its home. One thousand percent, he said. The church started a GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/fppa5g9c) page to raise money. For more information, contact Pastor Paul Fritz at fpaul@liberty.edu. This Gofundme.com site is not managed by Bay News 9/News 13. For more information on how the site works and the rules, visit http://www.gofundme.com/safety. GET OUR APP Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here. A Venice couple has been arrested after deputies say they found drugs, weapons and explosives within reach of a 5-year-old child living in their home. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office says deputies were called to a home in the 400 block of North Jackson Road at about noon Friday to assist the Florida Department of Children and Families with a welfare check. When they went inside, they found eight rifles, five handguns, and several boxes of ammunition and almost 330 grams of suspected synthetic cannabinoid, authorities said. Deputies also discovered two pipe bombs and two hand grenades in the master bedroom. The home was covered in dirt and trash and described as deplorable, investigators said. Steven Pace, 23, and Katie Smith, 24, were both arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse. Pace was charged with four counts of possession of an explosive device, deputies said. The SCSO says the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending. These early-career scientists are leading the way in our efforts to confront and understand challenges from climate change to our health and wellness, President Obama said in a press release issued by the White House. We congratulate these accomplished individuals and encourage them to continue to serve as an example of the incredible promise and ingenuity of the American people. Federal departments and agencies join together annually to nominate the most deserving scientists and engineers whose early accomplishments show the greatest promise for assuring Americas preeminence in science and engineering and contributing to the awarding agencies' missions. Grigsby was honored for her research on behalf of the National Science Foundation. McIntyre Professor of Mathematics Solomon Friedberg, department chairman, praised Grigsby as a most deserving recipient of this honor. Eli, a key member of our topology and geometry group, is doing outstanding scholarship, is a devoted and successful teacher at all levels, and is a tremendous contributor to the department, said Friedberg. She is an intellectual and professional leader. I am delighted to see her contributions recognized by this award. Obviously, it is a dream come true to be recognized by the President, said Grigsby. I am thrilled I will have the opportunity to meet the other awardees and learn firsthand about their work. I hope it will give me a better perspective on what my own research priorities should be, moving forward. The Presidential Early Career Awards highlight the key role that the Administration places in encouraging and accelerating American innovation to tackle the nations greatest challenges, according to the release. This years recipients are employed or funded by departments and agencies ranging from the Department of Agriculture to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The awards, established by President Clinton in 1996, are coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President. Awardees are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and their commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education, or community outreach. In 2015, Grigsby was the inaugural recipient of the AWM-Joan and Joseph Birman Research Prize in Topology and Geometry, awarded by the Association for Women in Mathematics for her pioneering and influential contributions." In 2012, she received a CAREER award, the National Science Foundations most important prize for early-career faculty. Grigsby, who teaches courses in linear algebra, advanced calculus and algebraic topology, holds an undergraduate degree in mathematics from Harvard University and a doctorate from the University of California-Berkeley. Prior to joining the University in 2009, she was an NSF Postdoctoral Fellow at Columbia University and held a position at the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute. Jack Dunn | News & Public Affairs JavaScript is not available. Weve detected that JavaScript is disabled in this browser. Please enable JavaScript or switch to a supported browser to continue using twitter.com. You can see a list of supported browsers in our Help Center. Help Center This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Hardin-Jefferson ISD is disputing the claims made by a religious freedom organization claiming a teacher and a student organization within the district are promoting religion to students. "HJISD disputes the claims made by the FFRF," Shannon Holmes told the Enterprise via email. "The District has and will continue to ensure that we act in accordance with federal and state law. In addition, we will provide an environment that protects the rights of all who work and learn in HJISD." Freedom From Religion asked Hardin-Jefferson ISD to address concerns about a Christian-based club and a teacher promoting religious beliefs. The Wisconsin-based group sent a letter to Superintendent Shannon Holmes on Friday with "new information and renewed concerns" about teacher promotion of religion at China Elementary and the continual operation of religious club, Hawks for Christ. Freedom From Religion Foundation attorney Sam Grover first wrote to the school district about Hawks for Christ gathering before class at China Elementary in 2014. Since then, the club has continued to meet "in largely the same format," according to the letter sent on Friday. The letter states that the club meetings, formerly teacher-run, are now being conducted by Hardin-Jefferson High School students affiliated with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Hawks for Christ clubs. This still violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution, according to Grover's letter. The Equal Access Act allows students to form a non-curriculum student group within secondary schools, but not primary schools like China Elementary, the letter contends. The letter also states that a second grade teacher read a "storybook version" of Jesus's birth to her class and then compared the book to biblical text. "For instance, we are told that (she) explained to her students that although the storybook said there were three wisemen (sic), the bible doesn't say how many wisemen (sic) there were," the letter said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate In the first three days of early voting, Jefferson County Democrats cast ballots at a quicker pace than their record-setting primary turnout in 2008, far outvoting local Republicans despite national GOP excitement driving turnout records in earlier states. Jefferson County Republicans aren't far behind their 2012 pace, when primary voters turned out at the highest rate in at least 20 years, but they have so far been outvoted by a 3-1 margin. The ongoing primary is the first stage of an election cycle that will determine the next president and other local seats, while providing a fresh look at the battle between political parties in Southeast Texas' last blue county. Overall turnout through the first three days was up 49 percent from 2012 and 29 percent from 2008, according to the county clerk's tally. Much of that is attributable to Democrats, who filed 75 percent of the ballots in that span, up from 60 percent over the same time in 2012. Bruce Drury, professor emeritus of political science at Lamar University, said the county still is home mostly to Democrats, who are being encouraged to vote in competitive primary races that the Republican ticket lacks. Beaumont Enterprise Republican party leadership expects totals to rise as voters decide among a crowded presidential field. "There are a lot of Republicans that have not made up their minds on their choice for president," said Garrett Peel, chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. "Minds will be made up soon and turnout for the (November) general election should be larger than normal." Early voting, which began this past Tuesday, ends Friday. Primary Election Day is March 1. The Jefferson County primary ballot includes just two Republican races: a commissioners court seat and a lightly discussed congressional race between incumbent Congressman Randy Weber and Keith Casey. Candidates for sheriff, both judicial seats and tax assessor-collector are running unopposed. Democrats, meanwhile, are nominating their candidates for sheriff and the court-at-law judgeship while also picking their party chair, a constable and a county commissioner. Scroll through the slideshow above to see facts about the Texas presidential primary. Read the complete story in the Feb. 21 print edition of the Beaumont Enterprise. EBesson@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/EricBesson_news Healthcare entrepreneurs often have difficulty identifying investors who are comfortable enough with the sector to offer funding. At the same time, physicians, who generally have capital, often seek to diversify their finances beyond their practices and the stock market. To remedy both sides of the equation, teams of physician investors or 'doctorpreneurs' are cropping up to offer a solution, according to Crain's Chicago Business. "There's a camaraderie," Jay Joshi, MD, a Chicago doctorpreneur, told Crain's. "Physicians want to invest in other physician-led startups. It takes out a lot of risk. They are living and breathing the market innovation they're trying to create." Over the last decade, medical and healthcare startup activity has lagged significantly compared to digital startups, at least partially due to a lack of seed-stage funding. While still in his residency, Dr. Joshi decided to launch a startup. His company, called Output Medical, makes a device to automate the monitoring and recording of a patient's urine output. He raised under $1 million from several physicians and a former sales executive at a medical products company. Currently, his product is in the prototyping phase at Insight Accelerator Labs in Ravenswood, Ill., according to the report. While his own venture is under development, Dr. Joshi has assembled a group of about 30 physicians to fund healthcare-related startups in their beginning stages. His group, called MD Angels, is one of two healthcare-focused angel groups that have cropped up in Chicago. Angels, or groups of individual investors, have played an important role in the development of startup companies across the nation. MD Angels, formerly called TiE Angels Midwest, has made investments in a couple of projects since it was launched last year. It meets quarterly and makes modest investments of $100,000 to $150,000 per deal, with each physician investing $10,000 to $15,000, according to the report. Another group called Chicago Capital Partners has about 10 physicians who have done 15 deals over the past three years, according to the report. Physicians are growing increasingly interested in becoming angel investors for several reasons. A main one is the changing nature of their own jobs. As more formerly independent physicians become employed by large groups or hospitals, they have more bandwidth to get involved with outside activities, according to Crain's. And while less risky ventures exist, physician angels are attracted to the idea of investing in what they know. "We can't invest in real estate because we've grown up in a cocoon and have absolutely no idea how the world works otherwise," said Andrew Albert, MD, a gastroenterologist at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago and doctorpreneur who co-founded a software company called Fibroblast, according to the report. The entrepreneurs also benefit from the deep insight of their physician investors. By turning to medical professionals for funding, founders of medical startups "have networks of doctors they can call on, and you can get valuable advice on demand," Sachin Gupta, a member of Chicago Capital Partners, told Crain's. Healthcare is an essential service, but it remains largely difficult for consumers to navigate. The Pioneer Institute released a study of price transparency at 54 hospitals in six different U.S. metropolitan areas. Of the hospitals included, only nine had systems in place to provide price information in a consumer-friendly way. The study covered the Dallas-Fort Worth area; Des Moines, Iowa; Los Angeles; New York City; Orlando, Fla.; and Raleigh/Durham, N.C. In more than 61 percent of the hospitals included in the study, it took three to 11 separate phone calls to get price information or the search was abandoned entirely. In addition to analyzing the time necessary to discover pricing, the study also found wide variation in the cost of services. New York had a 1,000 percent difference between its lowest-priced hospital and highest-priced hospital for a MRI. The lowest price for an MRI was $400 at a Los Angeles hospital. The highest price for an MRI was $4,544 at a New York hospital. The study found the following hospitals provided price information in a relatively consumer-friendly way: Cedars Sinai (Los Angeles) Dallas Regional Medical Center Dr. P. Phillips Hospital (Orlando) Duke University Hospital (Raleigh/Durham) The Iowa Clinic (Des Moines) Mount Sinai (New York) NYU Langone (New York) Wake Med Cary Hospital (Raleigh/Durham) The joint venture between Great Neck, N.Y.-based Northwell Health and Atlanta-based GoHealth Urgent Care plans to add about 20 more clinics in New York this year, in addition to the 21 it already operates, according to Crain's New York Business. Northwell Health offers expertise in clinical care and quality oversight, while GoHealth utilizes its experience in launching new retail locations in the market, said Adam Boll, Northwell's vice president of joint venture operations, according to the report. The Northwell/GoHealth Urgent Care joint venture also benefits from having all on-site imaging interpreted by Northwell radiologists, Mr. Boll added. An important part of expanding the urgent care centers' presence rests in scouting new locations, explained Todd Latz, CEO of GoHealth, according to the report. He said the company usually seeks high-traffic areas, often those in close proximity to grocery stores, popular retailers or day care centers. GoHealth analyzes public demographic data and consults with the health system to identify the areas in the community with the greatest need for retail clinics. Mr. Boll declined to name the exact locations of the new Northwell/GoHealth clinics, but said "a significant piece" of the soon-to-be opened facilities will be in Westchester County. Other locations will be in New York City and Long Island. GoHealth, which also operates in the Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash., areas through a partnership with Portland-based Legacy Health, also recently announced a partnership with San Francisco-based Dignity Health to open 12 clinics in the next 12 to 15 months, according to the report. The retainer-based element of concierge medicine has made it an attractive business model for a growing number of medical practices across the U.S. But could concierge services be a viable option for hospitals? According to Russ Alan Prince, president of consulting firm R.A. Prince & Associates, the answer is yes. Concierge medicine is mostly utilized by physician practices and smaller medical institutions. It has emerged as a preferred option for wealthy consumers because it allows them "expedited access to high-caliber physician talent," Mr. Prince wrote in a recent Forbes article. However, he believes the cash-based business model will be increasingly incorporated into hospitals for its ability to "mitigate the financial pressures felt by a solid percentage of physicians and medical institutions." Here are three reasons hospitals will begin offering concierge medical services, according to Mr. Prince. 1. A concierge business model could yield hospitals parallel economic benefits to those realized by physician practices. It can enable them to maintain a positive financial position, or allow them "to run faster in order to stay in place," Mr. Prince wrote. 2. Central to the concept of concierge medicine are the combined benefits of ultra-convenience and superior medical care. Hospitals' ability to offer state-of-the-art medical assessments and therapies, as well as their increasing adoption of telemedicine will "significantly expand [their] potential to attract wealthy patients," according to Mr. Prince. 3. "Presently, concierge healthcare is one of the relatively few financially vibrant areas in the practice of medicine," Mr. Prince wrote. Many hospitals will be driven by necessity to incorporate concierge medical services to bolster their finances and cultivate a population of wealthy and loyal patients. Despite high resistance from Republican lawmakers, Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead (R) is hoping to expand Medicaid in the state, according to The Hill. Gov. Mead initially was not a fan of the Affordable Care Act. "I opposed the Affordable Care Act and sued to stop it," he said, according to the report. "However, we lost the legal and political battles and now we must deal with that fact." He now believes expansion will be beneficial. "Expansion would help cover healthcare costs for roughly 20,000 Wyoming citizens our friends and neighbors many who are working," Gov. Mead said, according to the report. "It would bring an estimated $268 million of our federal tax dollars back to the state and help with the enormous uncompensated care costs facing our hospitals." Still, many Republican lawmakers are concerned about the cost of Medicaid expansion, as well as the federal government not making good on its promise to pay 90 percent of the cost in the future. Gov. Mead encouraged lawmakers to revisit the idea of expanding Medicaid, and claimed he will support "language that protects [Wyoming] should the federal government renege on their financial promise," according to the report. More articles on healthcare finance: 4 findings on global RCM South Carolina Office of Rural Health chooses Azalea Health for billing, practice management Healthcare price transparency across the US: How did hospitals in 6 cities fare? Almost one week has passed since a federal judge ordered Apple to unlock the iPhone of one of the gunmen in the San Bernardino attack, an order which Apple vehemently opposes. Here are four updates on the developing story. 1. After refusing to comply with the order to unlock the phone for the FBI, Apple has until Feb. 26 to file a response to the order, reports Reuters. The report cites court papers that indicate Apple has hired two free-speech lawyers in this dispute. Apple is expected to invoke the First Amendment's freedom of speech right in its defense, as well as challenge the government's issuance of the All Writs Act of 1789, which permits the government to issue any legal order it deems necessary or appropriate "in aid of their respective jurisdictions." The government issued its order to Apple under the All Writs Act. 2. Apple wants the government to withdraw the order it issued under the All Writs Act, and the company said it has done all it can do to help the government up to this point. In an internal memo to Apple employees obtained by Buzzfeed News, Apple CEO Tim Cook instead suggests forming a commission to discuss implications for law enforcement, national security, privacy and personal freedoms. 3. CNN Money has compiled a list of prominent figures backing the government and those backing Apple. Among others, technology companies are largely defending Apple's fight against the federal order, saying asking the company to develop a master key to break through the encryption presents a security threat to all customers. Those supporting Apple include Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Facebook, former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, businessman Mark Cuban and the New York Times editorial board. Those standing with the government are mostly politically minded groups and individuals, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. 4. On Friday, the Justice Department filed a motion asking a federal court to compel Apple to comply with the order to unlock the phone. According to the motion, the department suggests Apple's refusal to unlock the phone is a marketing strategy over anything else, reports the New York Times. However, Tenable Network security CEO Ron Gula told Politico the argument that this fight is a marketing strategy could go both ways and be used against the government. Mr. Gula told Politico the government may be capable of writing the code to unlock the phone itself but is using the San Bernardino shootings as a backdrop to rally public support for such encryption backdoors. "I'd like to believe my government has the resources, including in the FBI, to do this," Mr. Gula said. "So they're making [the fight] public for a reason." More articles on health IT: Hospital pays $17k ransom to get medical records back from hackers IBM to acquire Truven Health Analytics for $2.6B 20 hospitals, health systems seeking Cerner, MEDITECH, Epic talent Joseph Woodin, administrator of Gifford Medical Center in Randolph, Vt., will leave the organization in May to become president and CEO of Oak Bluffs, Mass.-based Martha's Vineyard Hospital. Here are four things to know about Mr. Woodin. 1. In announcing his resignation, he stressed that the move was for personal reasons. "There is not a single reason why I should leave, or want to leave Gifford," Mr. Woodin said in a prepared statement. "In the last three years I lost my wife, and then my mother, and it has been a time of personal reflection for me. It's the right time for me to move forward in life and pursue another opportunity." 2. Mr. Woodin first came to Gifford in 1999. 3. During his tenure at Gifford, his accomplishments have included the expansion of Gifford's network of community health centers, and the expansion of patient services, including the creation of a hospitalist program in 2006 and the creation of a the palliative care program, according to a news release. 5. At Martha's Vineyard Hospital, Mr. Woodin will succeed Timothy J. Walsh, who will retire after serving for 15 years in his leadership role. More articles on healthcare executive moves: 13 latest hospital, health system executive moves UC Medical Center COO to leave post: 4 things to know Gwinnett Medical Group appoints chief physician executive: 4 things to know The healthcare industry and nuclear industry may have little in common at first glance, but the safety protocols and principles of working with nuclear power are not so different than those hospitals can use to keep patients safe, according to a Forbes article authored by Leah Binder, President and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. To learn more about safety practices used in the nuclear industry, Ms. Binder spoke with Riccardo Chiarelli, senior program manager of the World Association of Nuclear Operators. WANO was created in 1989 in the wake of the nuclear meltdown in Chernobyl, Ukraine, to achieve guidelines for excellence across the industry. Here are five principles of nuclear safety Mr. Chiarelli believes can be applied to healthcare, as outlined by Ms. Binder. 1. Leaders must be held accountable. The inextricable link between leadership and accountability is critical to maintaining safety. Performing root cause analyses and holding leaders at any and every level of leadership responsible for errors is a must. 2. Emphasize outcomes, not processes. Unlike government surveyors and healthcare accreditation teams, WANO reviewers don't use lengthy checklists of safety processes and systems they evaluate safety outcomes and encourage organizations to do so as well. 3. Make safety concerns easily reportable. The Chernobyl accident was due, in large part, to employees who did not raise safety concerns for fear of retaliation. To avoid future problems, nuclear operators set protocols to allow employees to report issues and ensure those problems are addressed promptly. These same systems need to be in place in healthcare settings. 4. Minor errors should never be overlooked. Only a small share of system failures or miscommunications are ever actually brought to the attention of hospital leaders or studied for a root cause analysis. That said, hospital leaders need to know there are no isolated incidents. 5. Go beyond compliance and strive for perfection. The goal of WANO is to push the industry far beyond compliance with basic standards toward top-performing excellence. More hospitals should set aggressive goals for excellence, like aiming to get to zero infections or accidents. More articles on patient safety: Physician links transparency with patient safety, but overlooks adverse events at own hospital Using a multi-pronged approach to fix hospital culture and improve patient safety Joint Commission names Dr. Ronald Wyatt first ever patient safety officer In a time when hospitals and health systems are making physician reviews and patient outcomes publicly accessible, Brigham and Women's Hospital is taking transparency one step further: Publishing a public blog about medical errors. The Boston-based hospital describes some of its medical errors and near-misses online for all to see in its Safety Matters blog, which the hospital hopes educates its staff, as well as patients and healthcare professionals from outside BWH, to prevent future mistakes. Safety Matters has been around since 2011 as a way to address medical errors with all staff members and glean any lessons learned, according to Karen Fiumara, PharmD, the hospital's director of patient safety. However, until recently, only hospital staff had access to monthly editions of Safety Matters in PDF form. Safety Matters became open to the public in the middle of 2015 "in the spirit of full disclosure," Ms. Fiumara says. The blog is now updated once a month and details a medical error or near-miss that occurred at BWH. Choosing the story When selecting stories to share, one of BWH and the Safety Matters blog team's prerequisites is that there are clear benefits to making the story public. Or, in Ms. Fiumara's words, it's worth sharing if "there's an opportunity through education to try to prevent a similar event from occurring." The team also takes patient privacy into account, as they don't want a patient to be identifiable from the featured story. The only time a story would be totally off limits is if a patient or family didn't feel comfortable putting information out there. Previous entries have covered a medication error caused by a breakdown in medication reconciliation, a delayed diagnosis of hyperthyroidism due to missing lab results, and a tubing misconnection error in an infant compounded by lack of communication with the family. BWH's patient safety and public affairs team write the posts. Each post includes a breakdown of what happened, what went wrong and how the hospital is working to make sure the same mistake doesn't happen again. Posts also include a "Just Culture Corner" segment. Just Culture is the term for BWH's safety culture framework, and the segment reviews the story through this lens by discussing if actions align with the Just Culture framework. According to Christian Dankers, MD, medical director for quality and safety at BWH, Just Culture serves two purposes: to help identify and fix vulnerabilities in the system that could cause an error, and to respond to those vulnerabilities in a fair, collaborative way, making staff feel safe about coming forward about a potential problem. The Just Culture Corner segment is included on the Safety Matters blog to reiterate the safety culture framework, Dr. Dankers says. "Hopefully we can help people understand the concepts and how they would be applied [to the situation]." Getting over transparency obstacles As with any attempt at transparency, support must come first from the top. Ms. Fiumara and her team first had to pitch C-suite members on the blog idea, who she says are "completely supportive of our transparency efforts." Being completely public with medical errors has its risks, but "the potential educational opportunities and benefits of being transparent clearly outweighed concerns people may have had," Ms. Fiumara says. She also says that clinicians and staff members at Brigham and Women's have been supportive of the Safety Matters blog and eager to learn from mistakes made at the institution. The blog's future Safety Matters has only been public for a few months, but Ms. Fiumara has hopes for its future. She envisions it becoming a community where healthcare providers and experts use the comment section to share best practices on how to prevent errors. "The end goal of all this is to make the care that we provide to patients safe," she says. "We really do owe it to our patients and families to be transparent with them and to be open and honest about what goes wrong and what we're doing to prevent errors in the future." An online food firm promising to deliver high-end restaurant fare within 30 minutes is creating 50 jobs as it launches in Belfast. Deliveroo will use riders on bicycles and motorcycles to deliver meals to customers within a 2.6km radius of the restaurant. The Dublin-based group promises clients that the ordered meals will be in transit for less than eight minutes before delivery. Deliveroo's launch into Belfast city centre today is its first move into Northern Ireland, following a rollout in Dublin, Cork and Galway within the last 10 months. Just Eat plc - the online food delivery company that bought over Newry-founded Nifty Nosh last November - is thought to be the only active company in the same market in Belfast. But Deliveroo insisted it has little concern about competition. Oliver Dewhurst, the firm's general manager in Ireland, said: "Just Eat has been present in every market that we opened in, for instance in Dublin and in Cork, but we have grown 30% month on month since April, 2015 when we launched in Ireland. "With our app, we offer a range of high-end restaurants that normally don't do delivery and customers can see at a glance when their order has been received by the restaurant, when it has been despatched, and when it is close to delivery. We have a few new exciting restaurant partners coming on at the beginning of March and we will be continuously adding four to five new restaurants each week over the foreseeable future." Around a dozen city centre independent or chain restaurants based in or around the Victoria Square centre have already signed up to the Deliveroo service. Those include chains Wagamama, Kua 'Aina, Prezzo and YO!Sushi, which all have premises in Victoria Square. And Lisburn Road-based Italian Amici, as well as Indian restaurant Archana, are also on its books. It has launched with an initial nine contracted 'drivers' but will recruit a total of 50. "The company said the move is part of its $100m (71m) international expansion phase" Patrick Gray, owner of burger restaurant Kua 'Aina, said that it made "perfect sense" for his restaurant to partner with Deliveroo. "This opportunity allows us to extend our ability to deliver high-quality food to our customers beyond our restaurant, which helps us increase revenue and continue to grow our customer base without having to change a single element of our operation," explained Mr Gray. From left: Rob Heron, partner with EY; Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness; Sean Duffy, EY programme director; First Minister Arlene Foster, and Colm Devine, EY partner Businesspeople eager to follow in the footsteps of captains of industry like Jack Dobson and Dr Peter FitzGerald have been urged to enter a major competition. First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness today called for entrepreneurs from Northern Ireland to enter the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Programme. Previous all-Ireland winners from the province include Brian Conlon of First Derivatives and Dr FitzGerald of Randox, while Mr Dobson of meat firm Dunbia was a category winner last year. The First Minister said: "Northern Ireland has a track record for excellence in innovation and entrepreneurship. "I am confident the EY Entrepreneur of The Year programme will inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to make the most of the opportunities available." The programme is divided into three categories - emerging, industry and international, with eight finalists in every category. And 24 finalists will be picked by an independent panel of judges, before an all-island final in October. The winner of the Ireland competition goes forward to represent Ireland in a global final in Monte Carlo. Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "Entrepreneurial skills and expertise are essential for continues economic progress. Entrepreneurs are the fuel that drives the economy and I commend EY for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016 programme which rightly celebrates and recognises their achievements." Entries to the competition must be made before the deadline of February 29. Mathew Horne is to star as young Mr Grace in Are You Being Served? Sitcom Are You Being Served? is due to return to British screens after more than 30 years. The one-off special is set in 1988 and picks up where the comedy last left off, following the misadventures of the retail staff in fictional London department store Grace Brothers. It is due to be filmed next month in front of a studio audience in Media City, Salford. It will then air on BBC One later in the year. Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft's original comedy first aired in 1972 on BBC One, and ran for more than 10 years. The new special will be written by Derren Litten, who is known for his work on Benidorm and The Catherine Tate Show. "Writing a new episode of Are You Being Served? has been the most fun I have ever had as a professional writer. We have an amazing cast, a brilliant producer and a great director," said Litten. "It was just too exciting an opportunity to pass up," he added. The special follows young Mr Grace (Mathew Horne) as he tries to modernise Grace Brothers but faces problems with Mr Humphries (Jason Watkins), Captain Peacock (John Challis) and Mrs Slocombe (Sherrie Hewson). As well as the old favourites, there are some new additions to the cast, including Jorgie Porter as Miss Croft, and Kayode Ewumi as Mr Conway. Are You Being Served? will be directed by Dewi Humphreys and produced by James Farrell. Shane Allen, who commissioned the show, said: "The Are you Being Served? special is a riot of a script from Derren and has attracted a real comedy pedigree cast to pay homage to this glorious and much-loved show." It was commissioned as part of the BBC's "landmark comedy season", designed to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the television sitcom. Stephanie Davis with Jeremy McConnell outside the Celebrity Big Brother house after she was evicted. The couple have now split up Celebrity Big Brother's Jeremy McConnell said he was unable to handle the high-profile nature of his relationship with fellow housemate Stephanie Davis as he confirmed their split. McConnell and ex-Hollyoaks actress Davis were reunited outside the house just over two weeks ago and were due to appear on Loose Women on Monday for their first joint interview, but have cancelled. A spokeswoman for McConnell, 26, said: "Jeremy won't be able to go on Loose Women with Steph today. "He cares really deeply for Steph; however, the pressure of the relationship was just too much. He really wishes it could have worked out and he wishes Steph the very best for the future." McConnell sparked speculation their relationship was over on Saturday when he posted a now-deleted tweet which read: "I have been the biggest mug. "I'm sorry for the people who tried to warn me. But you live and learn. Onwards and upwards." The pair grew close in the Big Brother house, despite Davis being in a relationship with model Sam Reece at the time. Davis, 22, came runner-up in the reality competition and has gushed in interviews about her "love" for McConnell. The pair sparked engagement rumours when they were spotted shopping for jewellery last week. Davis posted a picture three days ago on Instagram wearing a diamond ring and captioned it "A day without you feels like a year. True love". In a very 21st century confirmation of their break-up, the pair have now unfollowed each other on social media. Davis, who was expected to appear solo on Loose Women to discuss the couple's split, sent in a message to the team to read out on air instead. Her statement read: "I'm really sad not to come into the show today and see all of you Loose Women. "Everything has changed for me over the weekend. I'm very upset and I feel taking a few days to get my head together is the best thing for me to do right now. "Thank you for the continued support as always. Love you all lots and I will see you soon. Steph." The six acts in the running to represent the United Kingdom at Eurovision have been announced - including two former The Voice UK rivals. The performers will now take to the stage for Eurovision: You Decide, where the shortlist of six will be narrowed down to one act who will be sent to Sweden for Eurovision 2016. The acts will perform on BBC Four on Friday in a bid to impress both the professional panel and viewers at home. Having gone head-to-head in 2015, The Voice UK rejects Joe Woolford and Jake Shakeshaft have teamed up to become Eurovision hopefuls Joe and Jake. Woolford was chosen on the TV talent show to be part of will.i.am's team but lost out during the battle rounds. The 21-year-old, from Ruthin in Wales, has since gone on to support The Vamps on their 2015 tour. Shakeshaft, 20, from Stoke-on-Trent, was on Rita Ora's team but was eliminated in the knockout rounds. Bianca Claxton can list The X Factor's Leona Lewis among the co-writers for her entry, titled Shine A Light. The 25-year-old, from Nottingham, was a member of girl group Parade, and has supported Shakira and The Black Eyed Peas on tour. Country pop duo Darline - consisting of Abby Inez, 20, from Worcester, and Cara Beth Beard, 18, from Hertfordshire - will perform a song called Until Tomorrow. The two have previously supported The Shires on their UK tour. Liverpudlian Karl William Lund will perform his self-penned song Miracle. The 29-year-old began writing the song while working in Greece as part of a Beatles tribute act. Ex-buskers Dulcima Showan, 23, and Tomas Twyman, 27, will perform Twyman's song When You Go. The two, who perform under the name Dulcima and Tom, met when they were both busking on the streets of Canterbury. Matthew James was part of 90s boy band Bad Boys Inc, who had a hit single with More To This World. The 44-year-old now performs with his band Madhen. His song is titled A Better Man. The UK selection show will be broadcast live on BBC Four at 7.30pm and is hosted by The Great British Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc. The six competing acts will perform before voting lines open for the public to choose their Eurovision entry. Last year's Eurovision winner Mans Zelmerlow, who triumphed for Sweden, will open the show with a performance of his winning song Heroes. The show will also feature a retrospective of some of Sir Terry Wogan's best Eurovision moments. The broadcaster, who died on January 31, was the BBC's Eurovision commentator from 1971 to 2008, when he passed the baton to Graham Norton. He was famed for his acerbic and witty take on the song contest. McFly drummer Harry Judd has said IVF is "an amazing thing" as he and his wife Izzy introduced their first baby to the world. Lola Rose Emma Judd was born on January 25, weighing in at a healthy 8lbs 2oz. She was conceived via IVF following the couple's fertility struggles. Pop star Judd said it was "mind-blowing". During an exclusive interview with Hello! magazine, the 30-year-old opened up about how it feels to be a father. "Everything we went through was worth it because it has brought us to this moment. IVF is just mind-blowing and such an amazing thing to give us this family. "You are just floating in a cloud of love," Judd told Hello! "Our wedding day was the best day of my life and this was a similar feeling, but times 10. Being a dad just feels right. It feels quite natural. It is the best thing ever." Judd met his wife, a former violinist with Britain's Got Talent group Escala, when she appeared as part of the string section on McFly's 2005 concert tour. They were married in 2012. "It's such a relief when you hear her cry and know she's OK," Mrs Judd added. "We first saw Lola as an embryo on a screen. All babies are miracles, but she fought the race." The self-taught drummer shot to fame when McFly's first single, 5 Colours In Her Hair, went straight to number one in 2004. A year later, Judd and bandmates Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones and Dougie Poynter scooped a Brit Award for best pop act. The star's profile received a huge boost when he won BBC ballroom series Strictly Come Dancing in 2011. Four years later, he returned to the dancefloor and was crowned the winner of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. The Essex-born musician told Hello! that seeing his wife deliver their baby changed his view of her forever. "I've never been so in love and proud of Izzy. To see your wife going through all that for the greater good, doing it for us and our family, it's just incredible." ::Read the full article in Hello! out now. Katie Hopkins said she is undergoing surgery to prolong her life expectancy Katie Hopkins has said epilepsy has "plagued" her life since she was 19 as she prepared for brain surgery to treat the condition. Writing in a column for the Daily Mail, the controversial media personality opened up about the procedure in which surgeons will remove part of her brain. Talking about an outright cure, she wrote: "The odds aren't great." However, the 41-year-old said she is undergoing the surgery to prolong her life expectancy. "One day my epilepsy will get the better of me. And I am not prepared to sit around and wait for that day to come," she said. The star of BBC One's The Apprentice will have her head shaved and spend four to eight hours in the operating theatre, followed by 24 hours in intensive care. Hopkins said she had wanted to be the first female Army general, but her condition saw her "slung out" of the forces after completing the commissioning course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. It is also the reason her arms have dislocated 42 times in three years. The LBC radio host, who has built a media career on her forthright opinions, told her 600,000 Twitter followers in November that she had to have two front teeth removed after a fall caused by her epilepsy. When she was on Celebrity Big Brother in January last year, the Devon-born star had to sleep away from the other housemates due to her condition. Fellow contestant and US TV presenter Michelle Visage discussed the moment she saw Hopkins have an epileptic fit one night during the Channel 5 reality show. Talking on ITV's This Morning last year, Visage said: "She was fitting and I didn't know what to do." The pair had a close friendship inside the Elstree house. In her column, Hopkins said she waited to have the surgery until her three children, who are 11, 10 and seven, were old enough to be "brave and smart". The combative broadcaster sparked controversy in the past when she said she would not employ obese people. She also said certain children's names denoted a lower class . Hopkins said she had no regrets, writing: "When your life could be short you need to live it loud." Television presenter Laura Whitmore has said the guests at the Bafta after-party, including winner Leonardo DiCaprio, had "fun". The I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! Now! presenter sparked speculation in the press about her association with the Titanic star after they were pictured together. Hollywood heartthrob DiCaprio is cleaning up this awards season. He recently added a first Bafta win to his Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild statuette for playing frontiersman Hugh Glass in The Revenant. The 41-year-old is favourite to land his first ever Oscar when the Academy Awards take place on February 28. During an exclusive interview with Hello! magazine, 30-year-old Whitmore refused to comment on the reports linking her to DiCaprio. "Everyone was just having fun - there was a lot of dancing," she said. However, Whitmore did open up to the magazine on the subject of the qualities she is looking for when it comes to finding her ideal man. A sense of humour is high on her list. "Someone who can make me laugh and with whom I can have fun," she told Hello! "I love banter so someone who can keep me on my toes. I don't mind having a few arguments. "I'm not interested in big, over-the-top gestures but little things, like I'll keep the ticket stubs from a gig I was at, or a T-shirt." Born in Wicklow, Whitmore beat 3,000 hopefuls to land a job at MTV in 2008. She has worked on I'm A Celebrity's ITV2 sister show since 2011 and the stars sh e has interviewed include George Clooney, Robert Downey Jr and Justin Bieber. Whitmore will host a surprise leap-year proposal from a woman to her boyfriend during an advert break on ITV later this month. When asked if she would pop the question herself if the situation arose, she said "It depends". "If he wasn't asking and I wanted to get married, I'd be like, 'Hey, let's do this.' I don't see why not in this day and age. Girl power and all that." ::Read the full article in Hello! out now. Nicole Kidman said she suffered from "terrifying" nerves getting back on the stage after 17 years. She won the gong for best actress in a play for her part in Photograph 51, which also picked up the top slot for best new play at the WhatsOnStage Awards. "It's so fulfilling but it was terrifying," she added. "The stage fright was pretty extreme, I had it pretty badly." The 48-year-old said she took the role for her biochemist father Antony, who died last September. "I had an emotional need for this performance because of my dad. "I've had a lot of scientists come and say thank you." She described her character, British scientist Rosalind Franklin, as "unusual, prickly and complicated but very pure". Kidman said she is looking forward to her next role alongside Reese Witherspoon in TV series Big Little Lies, based on the novel by Liane Moriarty. "One of the reasons I'm so excited is it's written by a female," she added. "The five leads are all played by women too." Benedict Cumberbatch was named best actor in a play for his portrayal of Hamlet, which also won in three other categories. The blockbuster production of the Shakespeare classic at the Barbican was also named best play revival, best set design and best lighting design. The winners, decided by a vote of theatregoers and announced at a ceremony at the Prince of Wales Theatre in central London, also included Dame Judi Dench who won best supporting actress in a play for her work in The Winter's Tale. Matt Henry bagged best actor in a musical for Kinky Boots, which was also voted best new musical, while Imelda Staunton won best actress in a musical for Gypsy, which also came top in three other categories. The best West End show went to Les Miserables. Mark Gatiss, who won best supporting actor in a play for his role in Three Days In The Country, said the Sherlock cast are "a family" and described the show as "life changing". "We start filming Sherlock in April, three more episodes," he added. "It will be out next year, so only a year to wait. "We're a family, we've done seven years now - it's a hell of a long time. "It's an incredible worldwide success, it's been life-changing." He said winning the award was "delightful and a complete surprise". Gatiss described Cumberbatch as "wonderful as Hamlet" and added: "The response to it is astonishing." Kim Kardashian shared the first image of her three-month-old son, Saint, to mark the birthday of her late father, Robert Kim Kardashian shared the first photo of three-month-old son Saint on Monday to mark her late father's birthday. The sweet picture shows Saint sleeping soundly with his arms stretched above his head and wearing a white cotton top. Writing on her website, Kardashian captioned the image: "Today is my dad's birthday. I know there's nothing more in the world he would have wanted than to meet his grandchildren. So I wanted to share this pic of Saint with you all." The reality star added a further tribute on her website to her father Robert, who died in 2003 and would have turned 72 on February 22. She wrote: "Happy Birthday Dad! I can't believe you would have been 72 today. So much has gone on in our lives since you've been gone, and I know you have been my guardian angel seeing everything unfold! I love you and miss you so much!" Robert, who died in 2003, has been in the spotlight recently due to a TV adaptation of the murder trial of OJ Simpson, starring Cuba Gooding Jr and David Schwimmer. He was Simpson's defence attorney during the 1995 trial. Kardashian and husband Kanye West welcomed their second child into the world on December 5 but had not released any images of his face until now. She previously shared a picture of two-and-a-half year old daughter North clutching her little brother's finger, captioned: "She said 'He's my best friend." Almost 50m has been spent to teach English to "newcomer" children in Northern Ireland's schools in the last five years, it has been revealed. The sum was paid for pupils who did not have a language in common with the teacher. About 1,000 a year is provided - via the common funding formula (CFF) - to schools for each pupil designated a newcomer. In the last five years the total amount provided to schools was 47m. The figure was released by Education Minister John O'Dowd after an Assembly question from Ukip MLA David McNarry. A Ukip councillor claimed the cash was being diverted from helping locally-born children. Mid and East Antrim Borough councillor Donna Anderson said it was "literally taking money from our own Northern Ireland born schoolchildren to educate the children of immigrants". "No matter what construction you put on it, the money spent to enable these 'newcomer' pupils to be able to speak English is money that is not available to educate locally-born children," she said. A "newcomer" child is defined by the Education Minister as "a pupil who does not have a language in common with the teacher in order to access the curriculum". Ms Anderson added: "Money does not grow on trees and every penny spent in this way is money that is lost to another area. "This is one of the numerous hidden costs of immigration, and when you add the cost of translation services in health and other areas, you end up with a substantial sum. "John O'Dowd says that each school has 1,000 additional money given through the common funding formula for each 'newcomer' child each year. "Therefore, the total amount of 47m spent in this way over five years equates to a total of 47,000 pupils, or 9,400 a year for the last five years. "This is considerably in excess of the total number of foreign-born children supposed to be in our schools. "The 2010 School Census shows that some 7,470 school children have a language other than English as their first language. I have to ask why is this sum so high?" Earlier this month it emerged there were 77 schools with 40 or more children whose native language is not English. At one school in Co Tyrone, 603 of the 847 pupils do not have English as their first language. Mr McNarry had asked the Education Minister if the costs of teaching English to pupils who do not have English or Irish as a first language is met out of schools' delegated budgets; and to detail the costs. Mr O'Dowd said individual schools had responsibility to plan and use their funds in accordance with their own needs and priorities. He said schools can use whatever element of overall budget they deem necessary and appropriate to support newcomer pupils. Mr O'Dowd added: "My department provides an additional factor of about 1,000 per year, via the Common Funding Formula (CFF) to schools, for each pupil designated a newcomer, that is, a pupil who does not have a language in common with the teacher in order to access the curriculum. "Over the last five years the total amount provided to schools in respect of the newcomer additional factor was 47m." British exit from the EU could threaten European grants worth nearly 425m euro in support of peace in Northern Ireland European grants worth almost 425 million euro to support peace in Northern Ireland could be threatened by a Brexit. The money would improve the lives of children and young people and help victims and survivors deal with the legacy of the Troubles under plans announced last month. The EU has worked for years to promote cohesion between Catholics and Protestants as well as economic stability, according to the European Parliament. A European Parliament statement said: "The EU Peace programme is now seen as an example of peace-building policy to be shared throughout Europe and other regions." Europe has paid 1.3 billion euro since 1995 to support peace in Northern Ireland and the border counties in the Republic of Ireland through PEACE and Interreg programmes. It has helped build a peace bridge linking mainly Catholic and Protestant communities in Londonderry and the Skainos Centre in East Belfast. The latest pot of money, 424 million euro from Europe, was announced last month and applications have already begun. The programme is due to end in 2020. The money is coming from the EU's PEACE IV and Interreg programmes and a key plank of the strategy is protecting young people through skills development for anyone up to 24. It is hoped it can be used to support youths who fall out of education and training programmes and are at risk of anti-social behaviour or lives of crime and violence. The entire grant package will be used to fund projects in Northern Ireland, the border region and parts of western Scotland. However, Eurosceptics argue that UK taxpayers get back less than half the amount they "pour into Brussels" in grants and rebate. Former MEP Jim Allister leads the Traditional Unionist Voice, a small party with one seat in the devolved Assembly. He claimed membership of the EU cost the UK over 1 million an hour. "There is the nonsense spun about Northern Ireland being unable to survive without EU handouts. Not only is it our own money we are getting back, but even we are net contributors. "Prosperity and growth, along with the dignity of standing on our own feet and making our own decisions, await us outside the EU. Why are we waiting?" As the only part of the UK to share a land border of 300 miles with another EU member state, the Republic of Ireland, Brexit could have particular implications for Northern Ireland. Irish premier Enda Kenny has claimed Britain leaving the EU could throw Northern Ireland's peace process into turmoil while several high profile figures have raised the prospect of security checks at the border. Ian Paisley MP, son of former DUP leader Ian Paisley, has argued that it is already heavily policed via surveillance cameras and little would change through Brexit. The DUP has confirmed it will campaign for an exit. European funds helped build the River Foyle Peace Bridge, linking mainly Catholic and Protestant communities in Londonderry A Brexit could threaten European grants worth almost 425 million to support peace in Northern Ireland. The money would improve the lives of children and young people and help victims and survivors deal with the legacy of the Troubles under plans announced last month. The EU has worked for years to promote cohesion between Catholics and Protestants as well as economic stability, according to the European Parliament. A European Parliament statement said: "The EU Peace programme is now seen as an example of peace-building policy to be shared throughout Europe and other regions." Read More Europe has paid 1.3 billion euro since 1995 to support peace in Northern Ireland and the border counties in the Republic of Ireland through PEACE and Interreg programmes. It has helped build a peace bridge linking mainly Catholic and Protestant communities in Londonderry and the Skainos Centre in East Belfast. The latest pot of money, 424 million from Europe, was announced last month and applications have already begun. The programme is due to end in 2020. The money is coming from the EU's PEACE IV and Interreg programmes and a key plank of the strategy is protecting young people through skills development for anyone up to 24. It is hoped it can be used to support youths who fall out of education and training programmes and are at risk of anti-social behaviour or lives of crime and violence. Read More The entire grant package will be used to fund projects in Northern Ireland, the border region and parts of western Scotland. Expand Close The Skainos Centre in east Belfast has been praised for its work / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Skainos Centre in east Belfast has been praised for its work However, Eurosceptics argue that UK taxpayers get back less than half the amount they "pour into Brussels" in grants and rebate. Former MEP Jim Allister leads the Traditional Unionist Voice, a small party with one seat in the devolved Assembly. He claimed membership of the EU cost the UK over 1 million an hour. "There is the nonsense spun about Northern Ireland being unable to survive without EU handouts. Not only is it our own money we are getting back, but even we are net contributors. "Prosperity and growth, along with the dignity of standing on our own feet and making our own decisions, await us outside the EU. Why are we waiting?" As the only part of the UK to share a land border of 300 miles with another EU member state, the Republic of Ireland, Brexit could have particular implications for Northern Ireland. Irish premier Enda Kenny has claimed Britain leaving the EU could throw Northern Ireland's peace process into turmoil while several high profile figures have raised the prospect of security checks at the border. Ian Paisley MP, son of former DUP leader Ian Paisley, has argued that it is already heavily policed via surveillance cameras and little would change through Brexit. The DUP has confirmed it will campaign for an exit. Minister Jonathan Bell said the jobs will contribute 345,000 pounds annually to the local economy Sixteen jobs are being created at a Co Tyrone engineering company. The posts, which will have an average basic salary of 22,000, are part of an expansion at Cookstown-based Lagan Engineering, which designs and manufactures custom-built products for the sand, quarry, waste and recycling industries. Invest Northern Ireland has contributed 134,250 worth of assistance. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell, who visited the firm, said: "The new jobs will contribute 345,000 annually to the local economy and expand the manufacturing skills base in the Tyrone area. "They include key management posts that will help guide the company as it moves to the next level." It is hoped the investment will help the company, which currently employs 33 staff, double its turnover in the next two years. The cash boost has helped extend workshop space, install new plant and machinery, undertake marketing activities and strengthen its workforce through the recruitment of key posts and skilled workers. Brian Lagan, managing director of Lagan Engineering Limited, said: "This investment will allow us to expand and diversify over the next two years. With new workspace and an operations manager, a design engineer and a quality manager in place, we are confident that we can achieve significant turnover growth and increase our level of exports. "The support from Invest NI is crucial to enabling us to gear up for new market opportunities and expand our customer base." Eleven of the 16 jobs have already been filled. Three men were arrested after what is believed to have been a gang rape in west Belfast in the early hours of yesterday A deaf woman was allegedly raped by two men in a caravan after arranging a meeting over social media, a court heard today. Police claimed one of the pair had manipulated and coerced her into getting a taxi to the traveller site in west Belfast. The woman has also alleged her drink may have been spiked during the incident on the Glen Road early on Friday. David Spence, 18, and Francis Gavin, 23, appeared before magistrates in the city accused of carrying out the sex attack. Both men deny charges of rape, insisting all contact with the woman in her thirties was consensual. Spence, a trainee joiner from Ardcaoin Avenue in the Dunmurry area, was granted bail on conditions that include a ban on accessing computers. But Gavin, of Glen Road Heights in Belfast, remains in custody while checks are carried out on proposed addresses. A judge was told the woman had been in contact with Spence through a social media site before a meeting was arranged. Describing her as vulnerable, an investigating detective said she made it clear that she was not interested in having sex at the encounter. The officer claimed Spence had ignored requests to come to her house, instead arranging for a taxi to bring her to the Glen Road traveller encampment. Following the alleged attack he said she left the caravan and walked a quarter of a mile down a lane in the dark before reporting the incident at the first house with lights on. Defence barrister Tom McCreanor, for Spence, put it to the officer that his client and the woman had "intimate and suggestive" social media exchanges before meeting. The detective replied: "She does mention she likes sex. However, she is saying that's within a long-term relationship." Photographs were also sent between her and Spence, the court heard. Asked if the woman's vulnerability related to a hearing issue, the officer said: "This lady is profoundly deaf." He also claimed: "From the content of text messages there was bit of manipulation or coercion." But Mr McCreanor argued that his client had been in "consensual and encouraged communication" with the woman. He told the court she willingly got a taxi to the caravan and was never prevented from leaving. Granting bail for Spence to return to court in four weeks, District Judge Fiona Bagnall ordered him to live with his parents under curfew. He was banned from using mobile phones, computers and accessing social media sites, and must not go near either the alleged victim's home or the traveller site. Gavin also faces unrelated charges of common assault, criminal damage to a window and possession of a knuckle duster over an incident on January 25. Defence solicitor Eamon O'Connor stressed his client is not accused of making any of the arrangements to meet the alleged rape victim. "He was at the site when the alleged injured party arrived," Mr O'Connor said. "He made the case in ten interviews that any contact between himself and this lady was entirely by consent." During cross-examination the detective confirmed the woman claimed her drink may have been spiked. Forensic tests are still being carried out to establish if it was. But with police claiming Gavin has used six addresses in the last five years, his bail application was adjourned for further checks on where he might live if released. A father who believes his 13-year-old daughter was murdered by child serial killer Robert Black has said he feels "sorry for the fish" after it emerged that the paedophile's ashes were discarded at sea. John Tate, whose daughter Genette went missing from a rural lane in Aylesbeare, Devon, in August 1978 was speaking after the Prison Service confirmed how Black's remains were disposed of three weeks after his cremation. The 68-year-old sex offender died on January 12 at Maghaberry Prison, where he was serving 12 life sentences for the kidnap and murder of four little children, including nine-year-old Ballinderry schoolgirl Jennifer Cardy. It was likely that Black, who was convicted of murdering Susan Maxwell, Caroline Hogg, Sarah Harper and Jennifer Cardy, was going to be charged with Genette's murder. After hearing what had happened to Black's remains, Mr Tate said he "felt sorry for any fish that swallow his ashes". "I hope they sank to the deepest, darkest, coldest part of the sea," he told a national newspaper. "That would be fitting for such a cold killer - though if there's a Hell that's where he should be. "Decent people would have cut a grave of his out of the ground." Last Friday the Northern Ireland Prison Service said: "No one claimed Robert Black's ashes, which have now been scattered at sea without formal ceremony beyond these shores." Mr Tate revealed he had also unsuccessfully attempted to visit the sex attacker in prison, adding: "I never got an opportunity - he wouldn't see me and we dropped it in the end." The Scottish-born sex fiend stalked the roads of the UK searching for victims. His reign of terror finished in 1990, when police officers caught him red-handed with a barely-alive six-year-old girl in the back of his van in the Scottish village of Stow. She was hooded, bound, gagged and stuffed in a sleeping bag, and she had been sexually assaulted by the notorious paedophile moments earlier. Once in custody detectives were able to link Black to a series of unsolved crimes over the previous decade. There was fresh hope of a prosecution for Genette's murder after he lost an appeal against his conviction for Jennifer's murder. Critically, the appeal court ruled that Black's offending was unique, so bad character evidence could be used to identify the offender at the scene - opening the door for detectives to revisit Genette's disappearance. An attack on an Orange hall has been branded a "blatant attempt to stir up sectarian tensions in Rasharkin". The hall on Main Street in the north Antrim village is thought to have been targeted early on Saturday. Graffiti referring to the 1916 Easter Rising was spotted by a police patrol at around 2.30am. Police in Coleraine say they are treating the incident as a hate crime and are appealing to the public for information. It is the third attack on an Orange hall in as many days following two separate incidents at Strawletterdallon Orange hall in Co Tyrone last week. According to the Orange Order, the hall has been subjected to numerous acts of vandalism. Just three days ago First Minister Arlene Foster visited the hall, near Newtownstewart, after windows and door panels had been smashed. Posting on Twitter, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness condemned the incidents, calling them "an affront to all of us dedicated to Irish republicanism and peace". UUP MLA Robin Swann, a past master of the Orange Order, said it was "sickening sectarian vandalism" and a "blatant attempt to stir up sectarian tensions in Rasharkin". He said: "It is abundantly clear these so-called 'brave' individuals who carried out this vandalism in Rasharkin were inspired by the earlier Strawletterdallon Orange hall attacks in Co Tyrone. "I appeal to the entire community as we near the start of this year's traditional marching season not to allow an irrelevant minority of vandals wreck harmony in the constituency or rise to the bait of retaliation." SDLP Assembly candidate Connor Duncan said the "moronic" incident left him feeling "very disappointed". He said: "This village has moved on and rarely sees disturbances of this nature and is an example of how different communities can live together in mutual peace and respect. "Those behind these attacks need to understand the damage they are doing to the cause they may claim to support. "It is an ambition that can only be realised by improving community relations and assuring unionists that their culture is respected." Grand secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland Drew Nelson called for no retaliation. He said: "The Orange Institution very much hopes the forthcoming centenary of the Easter Rebellion passes off peacefully and without any further sectarian attacks. "The Institution recognises that this is a challenging year and we sincerely hope people will not use the centenary of the Easter Rising in a few weeks as an excuse and smokescreen to attack the symbolic buildings of their Protestant neighbours. "Nonetheless, we would be very confident these attacks on our halls are emanating from a very tiny group of individuals, and are in no way representative of the vast majority of the wider community who are vehemently opposed to such criminality." Police Inspector Samuel McConnell urged anyone with information to contact Coleraine PSNI station on 101, or anonymously through independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Police ignored more than 10,000 motorists caught speeding on Northern Ireland's roads in the past three years. Drivers walked away from fines worth at least 610,000 because they could not be traced. All were non-UK nationals and benefited from a loophole in the law that stops the PSNI pursuing them outside the jurisdiction. On average, police turned a blind eye to 10 speeding drivers every day. It is believed the vast majority of them were from the Republic. TUV leader Jim Allister hit out at the loophole and called for immediate action. "It is absolutely scandalous that local motorists are subject to all the rigours of the law, but if you are from outside the jurisdiction it seems that you have a bye ball," he said. "It is time that the authorities applied the law equally." Details of non-UK nationals' speeding offences were released to this newspaper after a Freedom of Information request. Between 2013 and 2015, a total of 10,227 motorists caught by speed cameras in Northern Ireland could not be traced and went unpunished. The PSNI was unable to provide a breakdown of their nationalities, and as such unable to identify the number of drivers from the Republic. Anyone caught speeding faces a fine of at least 60. It means penalties totalling at least 613,620 have been dodged in the past three years. The most recent statistics, relating to 2014, show a total of 42,429 people were caught on speed cameras across Northern Ireland. Yet in the same year, 3,426 could not be traced and so escaped punishment. Speed remains one of the biggest killers on our roads. PSNI statistics show that during 2014 alone it was the main factor in more than 280 accidents. These resulted in 88 people being killed or seriously injured. A further 425 suffered less serious injuries. The extent of unpunished speeding offences alarmed road safety experts. Road safety charity Brake said: "Speed limits exist for a reason, and it is vital that they are obeyed, no matter what country the driver is from. "That's why we need traffic enforcement to be made a policing priority, with higher on-the-spot fines providing a real and immediate deterrent to risky law-breaking drivers." Neil Greig, director of policy and research at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, described the figures as "startling". "Any suggestion that foreign drivers can get away with speeding or other serious driving offences clearly has a road safety impact," Mr Greig said. "This is particularly important in Northern Ireland, where we have the only shared border with another European country." The PSNI said anyone caught speeding by a police officer would be prosecuted, regardless of their nationality. Inspector Rosie Leech from Roads Policing added: "At the moment, the PSNI does not have the power to enforce motoring legislation or pursue outstanding fines outside of Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom. "However, while drivers from outside Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom do not as yet receive penalty points or fines for speeding offences detected by the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, they do not escape prosecution if detected by police officers. "If detected by police, drivers who are willing to accept and abide by the conditions of a fixed penalty may be dealt with at the roadside, otherwise they face the prospect of arrest, charge and a court appearance." In March 2013, then Environment Minister Alex Attwood launched a public consultation on plans for the mutual recognition of penalty points on both sides of the border. However, the project stalled because of legal complexities. A Department of the Environment spokesperson said: "Work continues to implement the mutual recognition of penalty points on the island of Ireland for speeding, drink-driving, not wearing seatbelts, and use of mobile phones." Contempt proceedings were brought against the PSNI officer by Attorney General John Larkin QC. A serving policeman jailed for trying to arrest one of Northern Ireland's most senior judges has been denied authorisation to appeal to the Supreme Court. Thomas Anthony Carlin failed to secure leave to challenge his conviction because he was held to have established no arguable legal grounds with a reasonable prospect of success. However, his lawyers are now set to make a direct request to the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing. The 43-year-old remains in custody serving a three-month prison sentence imposed for his approach to Lord Justice Gillen. Last week he was found guilty of contempt of court in proceedings brought against him by the Attorney General. Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan and Mr Justice Horner held that he had acted with premeditation and determination. Sir Declan described him as a man driven by self-importance and attention seeking who "revelled in being the spotlight". At that stage he was told that if he seeks to apologise after 28 days the rest of his sentence will be set aside. But the case then took a new twist when it emerged that the policeman intended to challenge the conviction. Belfast-based law firm Madden and Finucane were instructed to represent the interests of an officer who had previously turned down offers of help from professional lawyers. An application for leave to appeal was mounted at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast. However, Sir Declan held today that no arguable grounds had been established. Because of that determination Mr Carlin is not eligible for bail at this stage. Despite the setback, he can still try to take his case to the UK's highest court. His solicitor, Ciaran Shiels, confirmed: "We are going to urgently petition the Supreme Court for permission to appeal Mr Carlin's conviction." Mr Carlin's actions and outburst came at the end of a ruling in an ongoing house repossession case last month. He had been representing himself in the legal battle with Santander bank over claims that he had failed to make mortage payments on a property in Co Antrim. At the end of that High Court hearing he got up and moved towards the bench, holding aloft what appeared to be a PSNI warrant card. He claimed he was going to arrest Lord Justice Gillen, before security and court staff intervened. Police detained him on suspicion of two counts of common assault before he was released without charge. The Police Ombudsman is also investigating into the incident. He faced allegations of having interrupted proceedings without justification, refused to resume his seat, approached the presiding judge, threatened to arrest him without lawful excuse and physically interfered with a court tipstaff. Mr Carlin rejected offers of legal representation during the contempt proceedings and declined to apologise for his actions. The Attorney General argued that he had acted with flagrant illegality by an unreasonable and inexcusable disruption of proceedings. Finding him guilty of contempt, Sir Declan referred to aspects of his "self-importance and attention seeking", adding that inviting his supporters to stand up in court had been aimed at abusing the proceedings and gaining publicity. Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers has decided to back the campaign for the UK to leave the EU Prime Minister David Cameron has defended Secretary of State Theresa Villiers after she came under fire for saying she will be campaigning for the UK to leave the European Union. Nationalist and republican politicians in the region questioned Ms Villiers' position in the wake of her decision to back the campaign for the UK to leave the EU. They have insisted the Conservative MP is not in tune with public opinion in Northern Ireland. Speaking in the House of Commons, David Cameron - who is campaigning for the UK to remain in the EU - backed his cabinet minister. "She is exercising her ability to reach a personal decision and to campaign for Britain to leave the EU and that's absolutely right she is able to do that," he said in response to a question from North Antrim MP Ian Paisley. "I think the key thing is everybody in Northern Ireland should make up their own mind based on the evidence and I look forward to coming to try to help persuade them to remain in a reformed EU." Sinn Fein Stormont Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said Ms Villiers should quit. However, Ms Villiers herself branded calls for her to resign over her Brexit stance "ludicrous". "It is clear that a majority of people in the North place great value on our membership of the European Union and want it to continue," he said. "It's odd that Theresa Villiers should now be advocating withdrawing from the EU when its benefits for the North are quite obvious. "It's not surprising, however, given the fact that she is not elected by and does not represent the people of the North that she should be so cut off from public opinion." SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the Secretary of State should step down if Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU. "As I have told her repeatedly, she does not represent Northern Ireland in this position (EU exit)," he said. "She must not attempt to speak on our behalf." A spokeswoman for Ms Villiers responded: "The Prime Minister has made clear ministers would be free to campaign in a personal capacity ahead of an EU referendum. "The Secretary of State remains totally focused on her ongoing and determined efforts to build a brighter, more secure future for NI. "To suggest otherwise is ludicrous." In Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein, the SDLP and Alliance Party are all campaigning for the UK to remain within the EU. The Democratic Unionists are backing a Brexit. The Ulster Unionists have yet to nail their colours to the mast on the issue. Theresa Villiers told the Commons she will take "very seriously" a request to provide cash for inquests if a "credible" reform package is put together Theresa Villiers has indicated she is willing to release some of the 150 million earmarked for dealing with the legacy of the Troubles. The Northern Ireland Secretary came under pressure from Labour to ensure the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and coroners office receive extra funding to help deal with responsibilities connected to the country's conflict. Ms Villiers told the Commons she will take "very seriously" a request to provide cash for inquests if a "credible" reform package is put together. An agreement on how to deal with the past has not been reached despite progress in other areas of policy. Ms Villiers made the remarks during the second reading of the Northern Ireland (Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan) Bill. The proposed legislation seeks to implement parts of two political deals aimed at protecting Northern Ireland's faltering power-sharing administration. This includes an Independent Reporting Commission on paramilitary activity, changes to ensure Assembly members challenge paramilitary activity and to ensure the amount of UK Government cash required for the Northern Ireland budget is outlined to the Assembly. Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Vernon Coaker, addressing legacy issues, said victims must be at the heart of any agreements. He called for an "urgent look" at the resources available to the PSNI and the coroners service to support investigations and speed up inquests, noting: "More and more delay for victims is unacceptable." Mr Coaker added: "I very much agree with the First Minister and others in Northern Ireland who have pointed out that notwithstanding that agreement has not been reached on how to deal with the legacy issues, the PSNI, the coroners office and others are still required to deal with the consequences of these issues. "And therefore given that the Secretary of State has put aside money pending any agreement, surely it'd be acceptable to give at least some of this money to those bodies to reflect on the continuing work that they have to do in trying to investigate and resolve some of the difficulties they face. "I think that's a perfectly reasonable request that the First Minister has made and I'd ask the Secretary of State, I know she's not going to be able to answer that now, but I think it's something the Secretary of State and the minister of state - with the Government - should consider in order to take forward." Ms Villiers, intervening, replied: " The Fresh Start Agreement does make it clear that the 150 million package to support legacy is linked to the establishment of the new bodies. "But we're listening carefully to the representations made, particularly in relation to inquests. "If a credible reform package for inquests is put together then we take very seriously a request to provide some funding to support it." Mr Coaker welcomed the "helpful" response, adding the implication is Ms Villiers is "open to making money available" both to the PSNI and the coroners service. He said: "I think that is what victims would expect. They know it's difficult to come to an agreement with respect to how to deal with the past, the proposed institutions are there but the agreement is not yet reached. "But at the same time work has to be taken forward." The SDLP's Alasdair McDonnell (Belfast South) said he would attempt to amend the Bill to try to properly deal with legacy issues and to end the " piecemeal approach" to helping victims and survivors move on. Mr McDonnell said the Bill or future moves indicated by Ms Villiers are seen by victims and survivors as the last chance for "meaningful truth or genuine justice" and that many will feel let down by the provisions on the table. "The big absence of this Bill is of course reference to the legacies of the past and particularly issues pertaining to legacy," he said. "We have made our views clear on those - the victims, survivors and their needs must be paramount and vague claims about national security preventing disclosure cannot and must not add up. "There is no degree of honesty or integrity in rolling these out to block every effort to uncover the truth and establish accountability and transparency. "Northern Ireland society cannot, as some would have it, just move on and forget about the past, abandon the hurt and the needs of victims and survivors. "The wounds of the past must be healed and the victims and survivors across our society I believe have waited far too long. "For many of them this Bill, or another Bill if it's coming, we'd like to see it sooner rather than later, is the last real chance for any sort of meaningful truth or genuine justice. "And it's perfectly understandable that so many of these people feel enormously let down by the shortfalls of not just here in this Bill but in other Bills in the past." DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds said progress was being made on all aspects of the Stormont House Agreement and welcomed the Bill's fast tracking through Parliament. He said it was essential that the Bill is passed before the Northern Ireland Assembly is dissolved at the end of March ahead of May's elections. Mr Dodds said: "I am confident that despite the need to fast track this legislation that we will have the opportunity for adequate consideration. "And it is important that a number of the measures that are introduced by this Bill are in place so that when the Assembly elections are held and the results come in, that everything is in place for the new term of the Assembly and the new executive to operate under the new legislation without any hiccup or delay or any question mark over it. "And in particular the provisions in relation to the agreement for a programme for government, extending the period to appoint ministers... the pledge of office and an undertaking for MLAs, those are all absolutely essential that this House deals with those before the Assembly is dissolved at the end of March." Mr Dodds appeared to welcome measures in the Bill to ensure that the Northern Ireland Executive sets sustainable budgets after welfare spending proved a crucial sticking point in the lead up to the agreement. He said: "I deeply regret that even after the Fresh Start Agreement there were still members of this House and members in the Assembly who were opposing the implementation of the agreement. "They didn't seem to recognise that without a budget which actually measures up and is sustainable you just cannot continue with devolution. "I'm glad that there are politicians in Northern Ireland who are prepared to face up to reality, grapple with difficult problems, sit down and through dialogue and agreement come to sensible outcomes." Jeffrey Donaldson, the Democratic Unionist MP for Lagan Valley, accused Sinn Fein of "re-writing the history of the Troubles". He told the House: "We know that their game is about pretending against the reality that of all the deaths that occurred in the Troubles, 90% of those killings were carried out by paramilitary organisations, 90% of them. "Yet if you follow the media coverage, if you read your newspapers, if you look at the amount of money that is spent on investigations and inquests, far more, proportionately far more of that resource and media coverage goes on the 10% of deaths that are attributed to the state. "Many of them, I have to say, are deaths that were the result of the security forces killing people who were engaging in acts of terrorism, but far more emphasis, far more resource, goes on those deaths than on the 90% of people, innocent victims, murdered by paramilitary organisations." Mr Donaldson called for progress on the legacy issue and for additional, non-frontline police funding to be made available to make it happen. He said: "We want to see progress in dealing with the legacy issues. We want to see the historical investigations unit established with full police powers to investigate the unsolved murders." The Bill also seeks to amend the existing pledge of office taken by ministers so they would have to make a firm commitment to ending paramilitarism. But a number of MPs questioned the worth of such a pledge. Tom Elliott, the Ulster Unionist Party MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, said he has "major concerns" about how effective it would be. He said: "If there is a doubt around the pledge or undertaking, if it will make any difference at all, I have to say when some people bombed and murdered in the past I'm not so sure whether taking a pledge of ministerial office or taking an undertaking as assembly members would make much difference to them. "I think if they could do that in the past I don't think this is going to make a huge amount of difference." Northern Ireland minister Ben Wallace, a former soldier who served in the country, said it was important to stress paramilitary groups killed innocent people. He said: "No amount of innuendo and selective leaks and salacious allegations can change that fact. It does not wash away their guilt by trying to move it on. "This narrative that has been growing is very dangerous to the history of Northern Ireland because the reality is it was those groups who chose to go out on nights and kill people, it was those groups that planted the bombs, and we won't let the alternative narrative be planted - that somehow somebody else caused it and therefore they were not guilty of what they did that day." The Bill was given an unopposed second reading. The inquest into Arlene Arkinson's death, finally started nine years after it was ordered An English detective who helped jail the man accused of murdering Arlene Arkinson has expressed dismay at how police in Northern Ireland investigated the schoolgirl's disappearance. Colin Murray, a former chief superintendent with Kent Police, said he considered complaining to the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman after officers refused to act on information that could have undermined the prosecution of Robert Howard. Mr Murray led the Hannah Williams murder hunt for which Howard was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2003. He told Belfast Coroners' Court that shortly before the trial was due to begin, he flew to Northern Ireland to follow up on information that Arlene's body may have been buried in her sister's home. Although he did not believe the tip off, thought to have come from a registered PSNI informant, it could not be ignored. Mr Murrary said: "On the one hand we are alleging that Robert Howard was responsible (for Arlene's murder) and on the other hand (there is) information that Arlene is concealed in a house owned by Kathleen (Arkinson). "We could not go ahead and prosecute Robert Howard ignoring that information. "If there was the remotest chance that information was correct that had to be bottomed out; proved or disproved." Fifteen-year-old Arlene from Castlederg, Co Tyrone, vanished after a night out at a disco across the Irish border in Co Donegal in 1994. She was last seen with Robert Howard, who died in prison last year. He was acquitted of the teenager's murder by a jury that was unaware of his previous conviction for murdering 14-year-old Hannah Williams, whose body was found in an industrial area close to the Thames Estuary. Howard always remained the PSNI's prime suspect in the Arkinson case. Day five of the long-awaited inquest also heard how relations between the PSNI and Arkinson family were "hostile" and that officers did not believe they could secure consent to carry out a technical search. Mr Murray, however, who got on well with the family, was able to obtain consent after visiting the Arkinson home with a military expert. "I was dismayed about that particular issue. They (PSNI) were not with us at all. "He (military expert) came in and very quickly checked technically that there were no voids which satisfied us that there was no possibility of the body being buried." Meanwhile the inquest also heard from Patrick John Heggarty, who had been with out with Arlene Arkinson on the night she disappeared. He said: " Arlene seemed normal. She seemed in good enough form." Mr Heggarty, then aged about 25, was dating the 18-year-old daughter of Robert Howard's girlfriend. Howard, Mr Heggarty, his girlfriend Donna Quinn and Arlene Arkinson all travelled to and from Bundoran together and on the return journey an intoxicated Mr Heggarty and Ms Quinn were dropped off first. Although he had heard rumours about Howard's background and allegations of sex offences, he said he had no concerns about Arlene's safety when she was driven off with him, alone late at night. In the days after Arlene disappeared, at the request of his then girlfriend, Mr Heggarty lied about being in her company but later told police the truth. The case has left him troubled, the court heard. "To be honest I don't know what to think any more or how to make head nor tail of it," he said. Meanwhile, it emerged that the ongoing dispute over the disclosure of sensitive police files has still not been resolved. Coroner Brian Sherrard described it as a "work in progress". The case has been adjourned. Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers has decided to back the campaign for the UK to leave the EU Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers has branded calls for her to resign over her Brexit stance "ludicrous". Nationalist and republican politicians in the region have questioned Ms Villiers' position in the wake of her decision to back the campaign for the UK to leave the EU. They have insisted the Conservative MP is not in tune with public opinion in Northern Ireland. Sinn Fein Stormont Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said Ms Villiers should quit. "It is clear that a majority of people in the North place great value on our membership of the European Union and want it to continue," he said. "It's odd that Theresa Villiers should now be advocating withdrawing from the EU when its benefits for the North are quite obvious. "It's not surprising, however, given the fact that she is not elected by and does not represent the people of the North that she should be so cut off from public opinion." SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the Secretary of State should step down if Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU. "As I have told her repeatedly, she does not represent Northern Ireland in this position (EU exit)," he said. "She must not attempt to speak on our behalf." A spokeswoman for Ms Villiers responded: "The Prime Minister has made clear ministers would be free to campaign in a personal capacity ahead of an EU referendum. "The Secretary of State remains totally focused on her ongoing and determined efforts to build a brighter, more secure future for NI. "To suggest otherwise is ludicrous." In Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein, the SDLP and Alliance Party are all campaigning for the UK to remain within the EU. The Democratic Unionists are backing a Brexit. The Ulster Unionists have yet to nail their colours to the mast on the issue. Police are investigating a possible link between two armed robberies in west Belfast Police are investigating a possible link between two armed robberies in west Belfast. Just before 9pm on Saturday a man armed with a knife went into a bookmakers on Grosvenor Road and threatened a member of staff. He then produced a suspected firearm and threatened a second staff member before making off empty-handed. A man, also armed with a suspected firearm, robbed an off-licence on the Springfield Road just after 10pm. He made off with a sum of money and a quantity of cigarettes from the raid. Police believe he may also have been carrying a knife. A PSNI spokesman said: "Detectives are investigating a possible link between these incidents." Detective Inspector Mark McHaffie is appealing for anyone who witnessed either incident or anyone with any information to contact detectives at Musgrave PSNI station on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Charities have described the almost 150% record jump in homelessness as shocking More than 130 families, including hundreds of children, became homeless last month, figures show. Charities working with those seeking emergency accommodation have described the record jump in homelessness - almost 150% - as shocking. Focus Ireland, which works with the homeless in Dublin, said the figures show the economic recovery has not reached large swathes of the population. Mike Allen, director of advocacy at the charity, blamed the prolonged crisis in private house rentals for the "massive rise" in family homelessness. "The repossession of buy-to-let landlords, often by banks owned by the Irish people, is a growing phenomenon and may account for up to half the recent cases of family homelessness," he said. "There are over 35,000 buy-to-let landlords who are more than a year in arrears on their mortgages and we have been warning government about this impending problem for over three years." The charity said there are 269 children included in the 134 families who became homeless in January, compared with 54 families in the same month last year. Focus Ireland said the highest monthly increase on record was "a timely reminder to voters and the political parties that the recovery has not reached a large number of communities and people". Mr Kenny has insisted he was referring to opponents in Fianna Fail Taoiseach Enda Kenny has held up his hands following two days of controversy over his remarks about "whingers". After initially saying the comment was directed at locals in his home town of Castlebar, Co Mayo, and later claiming he was talking about Fianna Fail, Mr Kenny said he wanted to withdraw the remarks. The Taoiseach had also declined an early opportunity to apologise while on the campaign trail in Co Clare. "Mea culpa," he said. "I accept that I should have clarified my remarks. "This is strictly a local issue." Mr Kenny said it was "nothing to do with any member of the public", and added: "I unreservedly withdraw that." The Taoiseach's remarks at an election rally in Castlebar on Saturday afternoon were criticised by Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, while Tanaiste and Labour leader Joan Burton said "whingers" is not a word she would use. Asked on Sunday if he regretted the comments, Mr Kenny said: "No, I don't. Some of them wouldn't know sunshine if they saw it." And it took him until a Monday morning interview on Waterford Local Radio before he revealed he was aiming his annoyance at Fianna Fail politicians in Castlebar. Mr Kenny took close to two days to hold his hands up over the comments. He continued: "And why wouldn't I? Don't I deal with them for so many years? They are quite entitled to give me their anxieties and their concerns." At the weekend election rally, the Fine Gael leader claimed Castlebar was home to "all-Ireland champions" for complaining, adding: "I mean the whingers that I hear every week saying there's nothing happening." Mr Kenny's Fine Gael is under pressure in the final four days of the election campaign after a series of opinion polls suggested the outgoing coalition with Labour has little prospect of being put back in office. Bookmakers predict a Fine Gael-Fianna Fail coalition is the most likely outcome. Tanaiste and Labour leader Joan Burton said "whingers" is not a phrase she would use, but denied the remarks showed an outgoing government out of touch with people who are not feeling any sense of an economic recovery. "It is not a term I would use, but I think the important thing is the Taoiseach has heard that people have issues and difficulties," she said. Ms Burton said p eople in rural Ireland particularly were waiting to see any sign of the economy bouncing back. "That pinch is definitely still there," she said. "People are entitled to put their views during a general election campaign." The Taoiseach was barracked by a handful of protesters as he visited Eishtec offices in Waterford and o ne elderly woman was knocked over as gardai moved the campaigners away from Mr Kenny's car. In a separate protest, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin was hounded out of some estates in Crumlin, Dublin, by a handful of anti-water charge protesters. Tanaiste and Labour leader Joan Burton during a visit to Shellybanks Educate Together National School in Ballsbridge, Dublin Ireland is facing a "state of paralysis" where power could be handed to civil servants for months because of a schism among voters, Tanaiste Joan Burton has claimed. Opinion polls showing scores of Independents could be returned to the next Dail could herald the country being plunged into a Greek-style crisis with main parties unable to make up the numbers, she warned. The Labour leader cautioned voters to "think twice" about taking a "gamble" on a parliament which is so diverse and divergent that it would be "impossible to form a government". "Is there going to be a government?" she asked at a press briefing in Ballsbridge, Dublin, just days before the country goes to the polls. "Look at countries like Greece, Spain and Portugal, where the process of government-making has been stalled for months. "People are very concerned that progress that has been made (in Ireland) could be either paralysed or stalled, and government will be in a state of paralysis. "In that situation, it would hand over, presumably, to the civil servants." Ms Burton, whose own party has slumped in popularity according to opinion polls over the weekend, said it would be terrible for the country if a stable government could not be formed after Friday. The Labour leader said there was not enough money in the public purse this time around to do a Bertie Ahern-style deal with a small number of Independents. The ex-Taoiseach formed past coalitions with the support of non-party candidates in return for spending packages in their constituencies. Ms Burton said constantly changing demands from a raft of Independents, who could "hijack" the government, would not give the country the stability it needs. A so-called grand coalition of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail - who would have to set aside their historic Civil War-era rivalry - would be unlikely to deliver the reforms needed for the less well-off, the Tanaiste suggested. "That essentially would be would be very right of centre," she said. The Labour leader also dismissed any possibility of a left-led power-sharing administration. "Not at this point in time," she said. "We have a whole series of populist and supposedly left-wing politicians whose main campaign appears to be to have a debate around how left-wing or how populist they all can be. "But what they all shy away from is any kind of decision-making. "Do I think that Sinn Fein at this point in time can lead a government? No, I don't." On her own fate once the ballot boxes open, Ms Burton said she was "very, very confident" of retaining her seat, despite the widespread belief that she will have a fight on her hands in the Dublin West constituency. The tribunal heard that the boy was ordered by the principal to stand against a classroom wall as punishment for not attending a First Communion ceremony with his schoolmates The principal, who is currently on administrative leave, was found guilty of religious discrimination by the Equality Tribunal. The ruling came after the boy's parents lodged a complaint of discrimination on the basis of religion over the way he was treated at the state school. He had attended the school since he was a junior infant, starting in 2004. The tribunal heard that the boy was ordered by the principal to stand against a classroom wall as punishment for not attending a First Communion ceremony with his schoolmates at a local Roman Catholic church, despite being a member of the Church of Ireland. He was also excluded from a "homework holiday" in which the other children who had made their First Communion at the church were rewarded. The children were given a special note from the principal excusing them from doing homework for two days while the boy in question was not, which he found very upsetting, the tribunal heard. The parents, who are not named, said the principal had told them the school was "interdenominational" when they initially enrolled their son in school. However, only Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland faiths would be taught in class. They later complained about a "significant" amount of school time being spent on preparing Catholic children for the their First Communion and Confirmation. The principal told the boy's mother that she "obviously had a problem with religion" and made derogatory remarks about her faith, including references to her Protestant religion as being part of "the rebel crowd," the tribunal heard. After they complained about him, the parents said the principal then started "bullying" their other children attending the school. The principal in question is currently on administrative leave from the school, the tribunal was told. On the day of the Equality Tribunal hearing, the chair of the school's board of management and the school's current principal "made an unreserved apology to the complainant's parents in relation to the alleged treatment by the principal regarding the treatment of their son," the tribunal wrote. "The chairperson stated that she was not in a position to dispute the facts, and takes on board the issues as outlined by the complainant's parents." The tribunal also ordered the board of management at the unnamed national school to review its policies to ensure it complies with the Equal Status Act. By Allison Bray Residents were exposed to noisy aircraft at a rate of up to one per minute, it is claimed Campaigners have called on David Cameron to launch a review and moratorium on controversial new flight path trials amid reports of aircraft noise blighting communities. More than 20 groups from across Britain have signed an open letter to the Prime Minister outlining their concerns about the noise impact of airspace changes. Campaigners told Mr Cameron that some trials of possible new flight paths have taken place without local communities being informed. In some cases, locals have found themselves suddenly living under a busy flight path and exposed to noisy aircraft at a rate of up to one per minute, it is claimed. The letter, co-ordinated by the national NGO Aviation Environment Federation, describes the current approach for making airspace changes as "not fit for purpose". And it calls on Mr Cameron to enforce an immediate moratorium on flight path trials and airspace decisions until a new policy is implemented. Tim Johnson, director of Aviation Environment Federation, said: "We need a clearer policy direction from Government with effective community consultation to avoid any more disastrous flight path trials. "David Cameron needs to know that people up and down the UK are calling for a review immediately, and there is no justification for this to be held up by the Government's deliberations on a new runway." Helena Paul, of Stop Edinburgh Airspace Trial, said last year was a "terrible" summer for thousands of people who found themselves suddenly living under a busy flight path. She said airspace trials led to "constant and unwelcome noise disruption" with readings of more than 80 decibels commonplace in previously quiet rural areas. A Department for Transport spokesman said: "The Government already expects appropriate consultation to take place with communities before noise sensitive flight path trials take place, with a formal consultation necessary before any permanent changes are made. "The Government understands the concerns that communities living near to flight paths have regarding aircraft noise. "This is why we are working closely with industry and local community representatives on how best to mitigate the impact and are looking at whether these processes can be improved. "This will include a possible role for an Independent Aviation Noise Authority as recommended by the Airports Commission." While David Cameron was widely mocked in the British Press for securing what many saw as cosmetic reforms at last week's Brussels summit, newspapers in Europe saw it as profoundly meaningful and wondered if this could lead to further unpicking of the European Union. Even if they were relieved a deal had finally been secured, there was concern about the UK's special treatment, perceived discrimination against fellow EU workers, and fear of damage to the ideals that have driven the European project since the end of the war. French centre-left daily Le Monde said Mr Cameron's victory "amplified the movement towards Europe a la carte", while centre-right Le Figaro called the deal "The kiss of death". In Germany, Bild, noted: "There is no longer a uniform movement at the level of 28 member states." Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung said "it was all about finding formulations that would allow Cameron to score points at home". Der Speigel magazine commented: "While the whole house is threatening to collapse because of the refugee crisis, European leaders are spending hours rearranging furniture over Brexit." Italian daily La Repubblica said that with two million Britons living in the EU, the UK should accept the two-way process of migration and immigration. Romano Prodi, former Italian prime minister, wrote in Il Messaggero that the summit's consequence is "extraordinarily important: Brussels has officially enshrined a multi-speed Europe." In Spain, El Pais said the EU had "paid a high and unjustifiable price to secure the continued membership of a wayward partner". El Mundo said Mr Cameron had behaved "like a true pyromaniac". Poland's coverage focused on Cameron's efforts to cut benefit payments to prospective Polish immigrants, with Gazeta Wyborcza saying "a possible Brexit would make the situation of Poles in the UK far worse, because then their rights would not be defended in Brussels." In Belgium, La Libre Belgique said that "what is considered to be good by London is not necessarily good for Europe". Alliance: Party is "unashamedly a pro-European party", and while it will campaign to remain in, says it is not blind to the reforms needed. A vote to exit Europe would leave the UK weak and divided, it claims. MLA Stewart Dickson said: "What is clear is that Northern Ireland benefits and continues to reap great rewards through membership of the European Union. Not only have we received structural and cohesion funds in excess of what we put in, but businesses benefit from trade barriers being brought down across Europe." DUP: The DUP is eurosceptic and, on balance, recommend a vote to leave the EU but says it is up to individual party supporters to vote whichever way they want to. The party fully expects a range of differing personal views as to what is in the best interests of the United Kingdom. Party leader Arlene Foster said: "At every stage in this European negotiation process we had hoped to see a fundamental change to our relationship with Europe. "In our view, we see nothing in this deal that changes our outlook. Therefore we will on balance recommend a vote to leave the EU." SDLP: The SDLP wants to stay in Europe. Party leader Colum Eastwood described the prospect of the UK's withdrawal from Europe as "the biggest immediate threat to the economy of Northern Ireland and to the island as a whole". Mr Eastwood said the referendum will be one of the most important votes faced by people in Northern Ireland in decades and added: "It is therefore vital that a strong and positive campaign is conducted to remain in Europe." Sinn Fein: The party says Ireland has benefited hugely from European Union membership and should remain within the EU. In particular, the agriculture and agri-food industry have gone from strength to strength. The party's Martin McGuinness said the benefits of EU membership could "be felt daily across all sections of our society". TUV: Party wants out of Europe and will campaign vigorously for an exit. Party leader Jim Allister proclaimed: "We have nothing to lose but our chains." Ulster Unionist Party: The party executive discussed the question of the UK's continued membership of the EU and agreed to return to the matter once the details of any deal are known and at that stage it will make a decision. A British backpacker stranded in Fiji may have to be evacuated by helicopter and abandon his luggage following the catastrophic cyclone that killed 18 people, his father fears. Tony Diver, from Brentwood, Essex, said his son Frazer was stranded on the island with limited food and water. Mr Diver, 50, said his son had texted him saying he had heard he may have to be rescued by helicopter and taken to Suva on the south east of the island. He has only had limited contact with his son over text and Whatsapp since the storm swept across the south Pacific island. Frazer, 19, is part-way through a round-the-world gap year trip and had planned to leave Fiji for Australia on Wednesday after spending a week with his friend and two British girls. The teenager told his father on Friday they had been evacuated from their coastal hostel inland to Rakiraki - a district in the Ra Province on the northern tip of the main island - ahead of the incoming storm. His parents then did not hear from him for 24 hours while he waited in a hotel as Cyclone Winston tore through the island. The next message they received described a situation with "damage all around them, the power off and the phone lines down", with "food and water becoming a bit scarce". Mr Diver said: "They are only 19 so it is a bit of a shock for them to experience something like this. "He was told the only way out for them is through helicopter which means they will have to leave their luggage behind, which is a big problem because they have all their lives in their backpacks. "So it is all a bit of a nightmare for them. "It seems like they are trapped in the hotel because the roads are blocked so they are waiting for people to come to them rather than the other way round. "A national tragedy - they have never experienced anything like that before. I imagine they are all a bit nervous. "My wife is very uneasy - we want to go on a plane and get out there but we can't do that. It is very hard. "Thankfully the storm has gone and none of them were injured." Mr Diver added his son was thinking of going into the Royal Air Force and joked: "If he was in the RAF he would be going into these situations rather than leaving them. It is a life experience you won't forget in a hurry." A bereaved mother has called on Jeremy Hunt to implement a package of measures to improve sepsis care to prevent deaths like that of her son. Melissa Mead , whose son William died after medics failed to spot he had sepsis, said she had discussed the possibility of an awareness campaign about the condition, better training for medics and the sharing of patient records with t he Health Secretary. But she implored him to implement the measures sooner rather than later in order to prevent more needless deaths from sepsis. The comments come after Mrs Mead and The UK Sepsis Trust came out of a meeting with key health officials, including Mr Hunt, to discuss what can be done to improve the care for patients with sepsis. Last month, a report into the death of 12-month-old William criticised GPs, out-of-hours services and a 111 call handler who failed to spot he had sepsis caused by an underlying chest infection and pneumonia. "There was lots of talk about how things can change and what can change but we actually need to make sure now that happens ASAP," she said. Mrs Mead said the sharing of patient records, specialist sepsis training for GPs and other health professionals and a public health campaign were all discussed in the meeting. "He definitely seems to be interested in a public health campaign but it is about tying him down and making sure he follows it through and that is absolutely what I am going to be doing," she said. "I want more, I want him to commit and I want him to commit sooner rather than later. I am happy and I am content that he is taking it on board but it does need to happen sooner rather than later." Mrs Mead, who is meeting Mr Hunt again in two months, added: "This is really important to me. I have got nothing to lose, I have lost my son and I have lost my son to a condition that is easily treatable. "In William's case it was very preventable so it is really important to me to make sure that message gets across. "I don't want to be stood here but I have to be stood here. "We cannot be in a position where there is another mother stood here in a month's time, another apology because of failure in care. There has to be a commitment to change." Since the publication of the report into William's death, Mrs Mead has been contacted by three parents who have thanked her for saving the lives of their children because of the work she had done to raise awareness of sepsis. Dr Ron Daniels, chief executive of The UK Sepsis Trust, added: "While the Secretary of State has committed an agreement in principle to a public awareness campaign, there has been no direct commitment to resourcing and who is going to provide that. "Every day while we wait until that public awareness campaign is in place 120 more adults and three or four more little William's are dying from sepsis. "I am encouraged by the ongoing commitment. Melissa and The UK Sepsis Trust now need to see a concrete time-scale as to when we are going to see change, when we are going to see resource commitment." The charity says that thousands of lives could be saved each year if more was done to combat sepsis, including an awareness campaign, a national registry which tracks progress in sepsis care and better training for health professionals. Dr Daniels said the latest figures show there are 44,000 deaths from sepsis each year but he has estimated that 14,000 lives could be saved each year if the measures were implemented. When the body is in sepsis, its immune system goes into overdrive which can lead to inflammation, swelling and blood clotting. This can lead to a decrease in blood pressure which can mean the blood supply to vital organs is reduced. If the condition is not treated quickly it can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Early symptoms include fever, chills and shivering, a fast heartbeat and quick breathing. Symptoms of more severe sepsis or septic shock include feeling dizzy or faint, confusion or disorientation, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea and cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin. The Health Secretary said: "Sepsis is a devastating condition and patients rightly expect the NHS to be able to recognise it and provide high quality, safe care. "We have already made progress to improve awareness of sepsis among health professionals but there is still much more that can be done. "That is why I will be working with the Mead family and UK Sepsis Trust to put in place a series of measures to improve information and awareness both amongst the public and health professionals and drive down the number of lives needlessly lost from this condition each year." Professor Keith Willett, NHS England's national director for acute care, who met with Mrs Mead, said: "The tragic death of William Mead highlights the vital need for everyone, including GPs, out of hours services and NHS 111, to better recognise the early signs of sepsis. "We are glad the family are so willing to help us and experts from Sepsis UK, and the Royal College of General Practitioners, in working towards reducing the risk of any other family going through such suffering." Winterbourne View was at the centre of an abuse scandal The Government must dramatically improve the protection it gives people with learning disabilities in the wake of abuse scandals, an official report will say. Some 3,500 vulnerable disabled people are still languishing in institutions - 900 more than previously thought - despite a Government pledge to move those inappropriately housed out, the report published on Monday will warn. Promises to move care from asylums to the community came in the wake of the Winterbourne View scandal, when in 2011 an undercover BBC documentary team filmed abuse of patients with learning disabilities at the private hospital near Bristol. However, a report by Sir Stephen Bubb, the chief executive of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, will say the scale of reforms needed are "far more challenging" than originally thought. And he says he is "shocked" by the way "we as a society have condoned poor or abusive treatment" of vulnerable people. He will demand the Government appoint a learning disabilities commissioner to champion the interests of vulnerable patients, and for a charter of rights to be drawn up for people with learning disabilities and their families. Sir Stephen Bubb said: "I am calling for an office of a learning disabilities commissioner to be established. "Just as a children's commissioner was established following the Victoria Climbie Inquiry, there is a firm argument for establishing this post. It would have a statutory duty to promote and protect the rights of all people with learning disabilities and their families. "I have spoken directly to people whose experience of these services goes back far beyond 2011 and Winterbourne View. So this report expresses the views and experiences of the people most affected by change. "I am still shocked by the way we as a society have condoned poor or abusive treatment of some of the most vulnerable people in our society." He said services in England still have "a long way to go before the system can be trusted, and we still have a long way to go in convincing people with learning disabilities that change will happen". Sir Stephen, who launches his report entitled Time For Change - The Challenge Ahead, in central London, said an extra 10,000 staff will be needed to support people with learning disabilities in their own community. And he warned that with at least 1,300 people expected to move out of hospital care by 2019, there is a "critical need" to deliver housing for the vulnerable. Housing for people with learning disabilities should be exempt from proposed housing benefit caps, the report states. Jan Tregelles, chief executive of learning disability charity Mencap, and Vivien Cooper, chief executive of the Challenging Behaviour Foundation, said now is the time to restore people's faith in the system. In a joint statement, they said: "People with a learning disability and their families have endured nearly five years of failure by national and local government, and the NHS to bring about meaningful change for the 3,500 people in in-patient units. "This has left people often far from home in units where they are at increased risk of abuse and neglect, their families fighting to bring loved ones home. "This is taking place as the NHS and local government are spending an estimated 600 million a year on buying the wrong kind of care for thousands of people." They added: "Now is an opportunity to restore faith, where so far there has been repeated failure, and build the community support people with a learning disability and their families want and have been promised." The Prince of Wales said using grammar properly allows the reader to understand what the writer is trying to convey The Prince of Wales declared the importance of using correct grammar as he backed an appeal for funds to ensure great works of literature can be accessed in the National Libraries. Charles recalled being read to as a child by his father the Duke of Edinburgh, and credited that experience with sparking his fascination with language. Writing in the Mail on Sunday's Event magazine he described the moment he first heard The Song Of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow as "electrifying". He said: "Words navigate us through life like pathfinders. As Shakespeare says at one point, 'I shall lose my life for want of language'. I know what he means." Using grammar properly allows the reader to understand what the writer is trying to convey, Charles said. "If we stop using commas, or even full stops, I do wonder how we can hope to make sense of the world. Grammar matters!" he said. Charles is Royal Patron of the Friends of the National Libraries (FNL) charity, which has a fund in his name. Budget cuts have made it difficult for many institutions to keep important collections open to the public, the charity said, as it appealed for donations. Its chairman Lord Egremont said: "If FNL fails to increase, very substantially, the funds that we have to support acquisitions our nation's story will increasingly be lost to the public domain. "The Prince of Wales Fund will ensure we can continue to do so." Charles said: "Our libraries play a crucial role in preserving the letters of writers. Collections include poems, scientific discoveries as they were scribbled down in notebooks, precious bindings and even battle plans." He added: " To let such access wither would indeed make the world an impoverished place." HSBC said it had achieved revenue growth in a difficult market environment HSBC has said it is being investigated by US regulators over whether it has hired people with ties to Asian governments as it announced worse-than-expected profits. Europe's largest bank saw annual pre-tax profits rise 1% to 18.9 billion US dollars (13.2 billion), but fell short of analyst expectations of 21.8 billion dollars (15.2 billion). The lender came in shy of full-year predictions after positing a fourth-quarter loss of 858 million dollars (604 million), partly driven by legal costs and the decision to dispose of its business in Brazil. Shares dropped more than 2.5%. HSBC said in its full-year accounts that it was one of many financial institutions being probed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over whether it had hired people with links to Asian government officials, known as "princelings". It said the investigation focused on the "hiring practices of candidates referred by or related to government officials or employees of state-owned enterprises in Asia-Pacific". HSBC stated that it was too early to say how the investigation would be resolved, or when, but said the impact "could be significant". The bank also confirmed that a monitor - put in place by the US government to assess its anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance - had questioned its progress. It said the monitor found it had "made progress" in its compliance measures but still had "significant concerns" about the speed at which it was moving forward. HSBC was fined 1.2 billion by the US authorities in 2012 in a settlement over money laundering. The report came as HSBC said its full-year performance was hampered by "seismic shifts" in the global economy, triggered by a sharp drop in oil prices, slowing economic growth in China and low interest rates in developed economies. Group chairman Douglas Flint said the challenges caused by the Chinese economic slowdown were likely to persist, stating it "will undoubtedly contribute to a bumpier financial environment". The bank said its adjusted revenue had risen by 1% from 57.2 billion dollars (40 billion) to 57.7 billion dollars (40.4 billion). It also revealed that chief executive Stuart Gulliver was handed a 7.3 million pay deal for 2015. There have been a string of developments at the bank this year, including hints by Mr Gulliver that he may step down in two years' time. After a lengthy review HSBC announced it will keep its headquarters in the UK, although the good news was tempered soon after by a warning that the bank would move about 1,000 jobs from London to Paris in the event of Britain leaving the EU. Commenting on the latest results, Mr Gulliver said: "Targeted investment, prudent lending and our diversified, universal banking business model helped us achieve revenue growth in a difficult market environment, whilst also reducing risk-weighted assets." HSBC rolled back its decision to enforce a pay freeze on staff at the beginning of February, stating it would fund pay rises for 2015 from its variable bonus pool for 2016 after "listening to feedback". The bank announced plans last year to cut 50,000 jobs globally by the end of 2017 in a bid to save five billion US dollars (3.3 billion). Colonel Steve Warren said factors including air strikes by coalition forces were causing a "fraying around the edges of this organisation" Britain is at greater risk of a Paris-style terror attack as so-called Islamic State (IS) loses ground in Syria and Iraq, a top coalition spokesman has warned. IS, also known as Daesh, are "beginning to crack" under the pressure of Western-backed air strikes and attacks on their recruitment and finances. But as they are being "squeezed" in their so-called caliphate, they are more likely to lash out and carry out atrocities in the West to assert themselves, Colonel Steve Warren, spokesman for the anti-IS coalition, said. He said: "As we squeeze them and we begin to see them get chipped away at inside Iraq and Syria, we are going to see them look for other avenues. "We have seen this in Libya, we have seen it in parts of North Africa and Afghanistan, we have seen this through high visibility terror attacks in places like Paris, possibly San Bernardino, Ankara, other places. "What I do know is that we have assessed that as we continue to squeeze this enemy, as this enemy continues to feel that it's back on its heels, our assessment is that one of the responses to that - it really is in desperation, that they are going to want to show the world that they are still viable - and one of the ways they can do that is through a high visibility attack outside of their so-called caliphate borders." He said an attack like the one in Paris, when 130 people were killed in co-ordinated strikes across the city, is not a sign of strength. "We view it exactly the opposite", he said. "We view it as a sign that because of the pressure that has been placed on them, because they are beginning to stumble a little bit, they are trying to either distract or prove that they are not finished yet." Speaking to British journalists at the Foreign Office in London, Baghdad-based Col Warren painted a picture of an increasingly desperate IS. He said the terror group is floundering under the onslaught of air strikes and counter-terror measures, while the flow of foreign fighters into Iraq and Syria is decreasing as would-be jihadis realise "this caliphate isn't all unicorns and rainbows". The group has slashed wages for its fighters, and is resorting to increasingly desperate measures including recruiting child soldiers and hiding bombs in copies of the Koran to keep hold of its territory, he said. Speaking on a trip to Britain, he said: "We believe that Daesh is now beginning to lose. We see them in a defensive crouch." He added: "We are beginning to see the fraying around the edges of this outfit as they begin to crack underneath this pressure." IS has suffered a series of setbacks in recent months and has lost territory to Iraqi security forces. Col Warren said the extremists have resorted to horrific and desperate measures to cling on to power, including booby trapping areas they have been forced out of. He said: "These guys are disgusting, they have left bombs in refrigerators, they have put bombs in toilets, they have put bombs inside the holy Koran - we found that on several occasions in Ramadi." As the tide of foreign fighters streaming into the country has stemmed, IS has resorted to forcing children to take up arms, he warned. He said: "We have seen an increase in enforced conscription. We have seen an increase in the number of child soldiers, which is particularly concerning." Elite forces are also being "farmed out to the grunt units" to beef them up, he added. Col Warren warned that any British jihadis thinking about travelling to Iraq or Syria will probably be killed - either by air strikes or by IS itself. He claimed that message is beginning to get out, with a reduction of foreign fighters pouring into the region. He said: "I would like to attribute that to success - success of our efforts to show that the caliphate is not all the unicorns and rainbows that Daesh wants people to think it is. "That word is starting to get out a little bit. If you move to the caliphate you are probably going to get killed by somebody." But he warned the coalition is "not going to kill our way out" of the crisis, and peace will only be achieved through diplomacy. Shashank Joshi, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) security think-tank, said "the picture is more balanced than the coalition is saying". He said that while forces made several important gains, such as the retaking of the Iraqi city of Ramadi, they have done this by "plucking the low-hanging fruit" - but it will take years to defeat IS, also known as Isis. He told the Press Association: "We are containing them very well, we are stopping them grow, the threat is far less than it was two years ago when we were worried that places like Baghdad might fall. "On the down side I would say what we have been doing is plucking the low-hanging fruit. So it is one thing to contain Isis and one thing to expel them from the city of Kobani in northern Syria, but this is not the same scale of challenge as retaking a major city like Mosul. "That kind of serious, intense urban warfare is ultimately going to be the challenge we face in expelling Isis from Iraq and Syria." He said it will take several years to defeat IS in Iraq and Syria, and warned the coalition could be facing a "whack-a-mole" problem as jihadi fighters wage war in other parts of the Arab world such as Libya and Egypt. He said: "This coalition is not a coalition about Iraq and Syria, it is a coalition against Isis. And Isis is not just a force in Iraq and Syria, it has thousands and thousands of personnel in Libya and in Sinai in Egypt, it has forces in Pakistan and Afghanistan. "You are facing a situation where even if you can weaken Isis in the core of their territory, you have a serious Isis problem that goes well beyond Syria and Iraq. "That's going to mean a sort of whack-a-mole problem develops whereby you can roll Isis back in the middle, but what if you have a new Isis problem somewhere else?" Fire and rescue teams recover an Airbus A320 which went off the runway and ended up on the grass verge after landing at Birmingham Airport. A passenger airliner has gone off the runway and ended up on the grass verge after landing at Birmingham Airport. The Airbus A320, carrying 98 people, "manoeuvred" off the tarmac while it was taxing to the terminal after touching down at about 2pm today, according to airport officials. All the passengers were taken off the plane safely once it had come to rest and there no reports of any injuries, according to a spokesman for the airport in Bickenhill, Solihull. The plane, operated by Small Planet Airlines, had arrived from Paderborn in Germany. The stricken airliner was eventually towed out of the heavily rutted grass at about 4pm, and back onto the taxiway. In a statement, the airport said: "Birmingham Airport can confirm that an A320 aircraft belonging to charter company, Small Planet, has manoeuvred off the taxiway into grass after landing from Paderborn at 1320 today. "Passengers have safely disembarked and have been bussed to the terminal. There are no reports of injuries." The airport's fire engines and emergency teams were on the scene throughout the drama, however Birmingham's single runway was fully operational. A spokesman for the carrier Small Planet, said: "On February 21, Small Planet Airlines flight S5-3260 from Paderborn in Germany ran off the taxiway after landing at Birmingham airport and stopped on the grass. "All 98 passengers safely disembarked the aircraft and there were no injuries." The requests were made when Danny Alexander was chief secretary to the treasury A former Treasury minister has been accused of appearing to "lean" on the independent finances watchdog after MPs found several "concerning" requests to change forecasts were made. The Treasury Select Committee believes some of the Treasury's suggestions to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) which aimed to alter the economic and fiscal outlook were "inappropriate" as they "strayed beyond the factual" in December 2014. These include a Treasury official requesting the watchdog not to describe spending cuts as a "topslice" as it is a "shorthand/slang term", which the committee ruled did not make the document more factually accurate. Evidence showing two requests for changes by then Liberal Democrat chief secretary Danny Alexander is "particularly concerning" while it is also "unacceptable" a number of Treasury requests appear to have been taken on board by the OBR, the MPs added. But the cross-party committee added they believe the changes made by the OBR resulted in "no material difference" to its analysis. It also noted such requests to the OBR appear to have been made "routinely" in the past as it warned the watchdog's independence can be "easily squandered". The criticism emerged after MPs analysed email exchanges between OBR and Treasury officials, prompted by a report in the Times which suggested the Government department had tried to interfere with OBR forecasts. Early sight of the OBR's work is intended to ensure facts are correct and there are no mistakes. But Conservative Andrew Tyrie, the Treasury Select Committee chairman, said it was clear Mr Alexander made requests for non-factual changes to the economic and fiscal outlook. He said: "This looks like a misjudgment. It gives the appearance of a minister trying to lean on the OBR. The OBR's independence is hard-earned and easily squandered. "Little or no damage appears to have been done in this case, but this shouldn't be repeated. The Treasury Committee will do what it can to prevent any further such episodes." Mr Tyrie said a revised memorandum of understanding is needed to make "crystal clear" the reasons for early sight of the OBR's work. He adding: "Any requests or comments which could be construed as going beyond this should be brought to the attention of the chairman immediately and, if necessary, the chairman of the (Budget Responsibility Committee)." The committee's report concluded: "A number of Treasury requests for non-factual changes appear to have been taken on board by the OBR. This is unacceptable. "The removal of words such as 'topslice' to describe spending cuts, and 'complicated' to describe the then Government's fiscal assumption, cannot be held to have improved the clarity of the economic and fiscal outlook, nor did they make it more factually accurate. "Nonetheless, the committee is satisfied that, on this occasion, the changes the OBR made in response to Treasury requests made no material difference to the analysis contained in the final document." The MPs also examined a review of the OBR by Sir David Ramsden, the c hief economic adviser to the Treasury, which the Government labelled independent. They noted Sir David was " manifestly professionally incapable" of conducting an independent review as he is a "reliable, highly competent and loyal" Treasury official, r eports to Chancellor George Osborne, is bound by the civil service code and has a duty to support Government policy of the day. The select committee report noted: "It would have been difficult for Sir David to have reached conclusions that differed substantially from those of ministers. "The fact that the Government accepted his recommendations on the day his review was published, in full and without comment, suggests that he may not have attempted to do so." The committee added it and Parliament as a whole should also further consider the question of whether the OBR should cost proposals from opposition parties. It stated: " The committee is unconvinced by the discussion and conclusion on opposition policy costings in Sir David's review. "First, the review's independence from the Chancellor, whose opinion on this question it reflects in every respect, is highly questionable. "Second, Sir David did not consult the other political parties about it. "Third, even among those whom it did consult, it is far from clear where the balance of opinion lies, or that the views they expressed are accurately represented in the report." A Treasury spokesman said: " In establishing the OBR in 2010, independence and transparency was introduced to economic and fiscal forecasting process for the first time ever, with clear safeguards established to make sure this is protected. "Officials and ministers have acted entirely properly, respecting that independence, at all times. We will respond formally to this report in due course." Trinity Mirror chief executive Simon Fox said he believes people who have stopped buying a newspaper 'can be tempted back with the right product' (Trinity Mirror/PA) A preview copy of The New Day, the first standalone national daily newspaper to be launched for 30 years (Trinity Mirror/PA) Trinity Mirror has confirmed it is to launch the first new standalone newspaper for 30 years - and said it will be an "optimistic" and "politically neutral" title. The paper, to be called The New Day, will hit news stands next Monday. The publisher said the newspaper "will cover important stories in a balanced way, without telling the reader what to think", and stressed that it will be a standalone paper and "not a sister title" to The Daily Mirror. The move comes despite a sharp decline in newspaper sales as readers switch to online websites. The Independent and The Independent on Sunday newspapers are to close next month and go digital-only. But Trinity Mirror insists there is still an appetite for the printed word, and The New Day will appeal to new readers. It will run to 40 pages and be available free from more than 40,000 retailers on its first day, Monday February 29. It will trial at 25p for two weeks and sell for 50p after that. Alison Phillips, The Mirror's weekend editor who will also edit The New Day, said the paper will be a radical departure from other titles on the news stand by being concise, politically neutral and optimistic. She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Whilst we have continued to put newspapers out in a fairly similar way for 100 years, there has been a massive nuclear bomb gone off in the media world with the advent of the internet, and we have created a newspaper which reflects that and understands that. "So, whilst now there is a breaking story and people have got news alerts on their phones all the time, what they quite often want is a ruthless edit of the day - this is what they need to know." She added: "Most people, and we have spoken to thousands of readers over the last year or so, they only want 30 minutes, they only have 30 minutes, everyone is time-poor nowadays." She said the paper will be packed full of comment and opinion from all sides of the political debate, but unlike others it will be politically neutral and will not have an editorial leader column. "We are not having a political line of our own, we will just tell the story straight, we will provide the facts and we will provide opinion from across the argument and then treat our readers like grown-ups who are capable of making up their own minds", she said. "Why should I, as an editor of a newspaper, enforce my opinion on my readers? "I think the whole social media and sharing of news has changed the way people operate, in that people don't in this day and age want some sort of great newspaper on high telling them what they should think. "We are trying to create a mood of optimism and positivity that is lacking elsewhere." The newspaper will have a presence on social media, but it will not have a website. This aerial photo shows debris scattered around damaged buildings at Muamua on Vanua Blava Island in Fiji (New Zealand Defence Force/PA) The death toll from a ferocious cyclone which tore through Fiji over the weekend has risen to 18 as the authorities began to send aid to hard-hit outer islands. They were still having trouble communicating with some islands, including places like Koro Island which suffered some of the worst damage. And more than 6,000 residents across Fiji were staying in emergency shelters after their homes were broken or swamped. Winds from Cyclone Winston, which tore through Fiji over the weekend, reached 177mph, making it the strongest storm in the Southern Hemisphere since record-keeping began. Getting emergency supplies to Fiji's far-flung islands and remote communities was the government's top priority said Ewan Perrin, the permanent secretary for communications. Fiji is home to 900,000 people, and has more than 100 inhabited islands. "The logistics of getting supplies and equipment to remote communities is difficult," he said. "Some have lost their jetties and it's uncertain if airstrips are able to be landed on." Mr Perrin said the authorities were sending a vessel to Koro Island filled with medical supplies, food and water. Crews on the boat would build temporary shelters for those people on the island whose homes had been destroyed. He said the electricity network across Fiji remained patchy, and in some cases power had been deliberately cut to prevent further damage. Mr Perrin said clean water was also a challenge, and people were being asked to boil their water, treat it with chemicals or drink bottled water, but Fijians were taking the disaster in stride. "The people here are fairly resilient and they're accustomed to these things happening," he said. "Most are going about their business or helping clean up. There's been a very well-co-ordinated disaster response and we're deploying quickly." Mr Perrin said most of the people who died in the cyclone were hit by flying debris or were in buildings which collapsed. A handful of people were in hospital with severe injuries, he said. Fijians were finally able to venture outside on Monday after the authorities lifted a curfew that had been imposed on Saturday evening. A 30-day declaration of a state of natural disaster remains in effect, giving police extraordinary powers. "The damage has been widespread, homes have been destroyed, many low-lying areas have flooded, and many people have been left stunned and confused about what to do," said Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in a televised address to the nation. He said the police and military had been brought in to help with rescue operations and the general clean-up, and that government agencies were working overtime to clear roads and restore power. "This is a time of sorrow, but it will also be a time of action," Mr Bainimarama said. "We will stand united in the face of this disaster." Tourism minister Faiyaz Siddiq Koya said all tourists in Fiji were safe and there was no significant damage to the majority of hotels on the main island. Fiji is a popular tourist destination, known for its beach resorts and scuba diving. Cyclone Winston hit Fiji on Saturday and moved westward overnight along the northern coast of Viti Levu. Fiji's capital, Suva, located in the southern part of the main island, was not directly in the cyclone's path and avoided the worst of its destructive power. All schools will be closed for a week to allow time for the clean-up, and three universities will be closed until further notice. The main international airport on Viti Levu has been reopened. Hillary Clinton admitted she has work to do to convince voters she has their best interests at heart, even as she celebrated her weekend win over rival Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders in Nevada. On the Republican side, senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz fought to emerge as the true anti-Donald Trump candidate after the billionaire businessman's resounding victory in South Carolina established him as the party's clear frontrunner. Mrs Clinton was happy with her Nevada win but conceded that some voters are sceptical of her motivations. The former US secretary of state said on CNN: "I think there's an underlying question that maybe is really in the back of people's minds and that is, you know, is she in it for us or is she in it for herself? "I think that is a question that people are trying to sort through." A large majority of black voters supported Mrs Clinton in Nevada, according to polls, an outcome that bodes well for her in next Saturday's Democratic primary in South Carolina. It is also a good omen for so-called Super Tuesday a few days later when primaries are held in several southern states where African-Americans make up a large segment of the Democratic electorate. Working to increase his support among black voters, Mr Sanders visited a Baptist church lunch following services in West Columbia, South Carolina, and talked up the country's economic recovery under President Barack Obama. Mr Sanders, a Vermont senator, acknowledged that while his insurgent campaign has made strides "at the end of the day ... you need delegates". He listed Colorado, Minnesota, Massachusetts and Oklahoma as places where he has a "good shot" to do well on March 1, or Super Tuesday, which offers a large haul of delegates who will choose the party's nominee at the national convention in July. As for Mr Trump, he declined to say the Republican nomination was his to lose, but he quickly went on to declare: "I'm really on my way." C omplete but unofficial returns in South Carolina put Mr Trump way out ahead, with Mr Rubio squeaking past Mr Cruz for second. But with roughly 70% of Republicans in national polls declining to back Mr Trump, Mr Cruz and Mr Rubio tried to cast themselves as the one candidate around whom what Mr Rubio calls the "alternative-to-Donald-Trump vote" can coalesce. Mr Rubio also accused Mr Trump of a lack of specifics on policy. "If you're running for president of the United States, you can't just tell people you're going to make America great again," he said, referring to Mr Trump's campaign slogan. Mr Rubio took note of the smaller Republican field after former Florida governor Jeb Bush's departure from the race. He suggested it was only a matter of time before John Kasich and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson ended their campaigns as well. Indian forces have killed the last three militants holed up for three days in a building in Kashmir, the army said, raising the stand-off's death toll to nine. The troops recovered a huge quantity of arms and ammunition as they secured each floor of the five-story government building, Lieutenant General Arvind Dutta said. Five soldiers and one civilian had been killed over the weekend. Loud explosions and fierce exchange of gunfire rattled the building during the 50-hour stand-off, which was the longest-running attack in five years in the disputed Himalayan region's main city of Srinagar or its outskirts. Fire was also seen in the building, but the flames subsided after a while. "The exchange of gunfire has ended. We're now clearing the huge building room by room," senior police officer Syed Javaid Mujtaba Gillani said. During the day, the army said the last holdout rebels had been cornered in the building. "Our main purpose is to make sure that we don't have any more casualties," Lieutenant General Satish Kumar Dua, India's top army officer in Kashmir, said as the operations were ongoing. The militants had taken refuge in the building after they fired automatic rifles and ambushed a convoy of paramilitary soldiers on Saturday. The rebels allowed more than 100 civilian government employees to leave the building without any harm. Two army captains, two paramilitary soldiers, a special forces soldier and a civilian were killed in the stand-off, and 13 paramilitary troops were wounded. Hundreds of residents in the Pampore area, where the militants had holed up, demonstrated on the streets on Sunday and Monday to support the rebels. Ignoring government orders to stay away from the site, they chanted slogans against Indian rule in Kashmir. Government forces fired tear gas and pellet guns, while the protesters threw rocks. Police said at least 15 protesters were hurt. Anti-India sentiment runs deep in the region, where rebel groups have been fighting since 1989 for either independence or a merger with neighbouring Pakistan. More than 68,000 people have been killed in the armed uprising and ensuing Indian military crackdown. India and Pakistan each administer a portion of Kashmir, but both claim the Himalayan region in its entirety. The rival nations have fought three wars, two of them over control of Kashmir, since they won independence from British colonialists in 1947. The release came after mediation by a Assyrian priest in northern Syria The Islamic State group has released the last of some 230 Assyrian Christians kidnapped a year ago in Syria after receiving millions of dollars in ransom, Christian officials said. Younan Talia, of the Assyrian Democratic Organisation, said that about 40 remaining Christian captives were released early on Monday and are on their way to the north-eastern town of Tal Tamr. He said the release came after mediation led by a top Assyrian priest in northern Syria. The extremists captured the Assyrians, members of an ancient Christian sect, last February after overrunning several communities on the southern bank of the Khabur River in northeastern Hassakeh province. Kidnapping for ransom is a main source of income for the extremists. In November, IS said it killed a Norwegian and a Chinese captive after demanding ransom for their release two months earlier. Mr Talia said IS demanded a ransom of 18 million US dollars (12.77 million) for the Assyrian Christians. He said the figure was later lowered following negotiations. He said he did not know the final amount. Osama Edward, director of the Stockholm-based Assyrian Human Rights Network, said 42 Christians, mostly young women and children, were released. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said 42 were released, including at least 17 women. A Syrian Christian figure said the worldwide Assyrian community launched a campaign for the captives' release shortly after they were abducted. He said a bank account was opened in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil and donations began to flow in from around the world. "We paid large amounts of money, millions of dollars, but not 18 million dollars," said the man. "We paid less than half the amount." The official added that the fate of five Assyrians who went missing during the abductions was still unknown. IS attacked a cluster of villages along the Khabur River, sending thousands of people fleeing to safer areas and capturing the Assyrians over a period of three days. Over the next two days, the extremists picked up dozens more from 11 communities near Tal Tamr. The Hassakeh province, which borders Turkey and Iraq, has become the latest battleground in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria. It is predominantly Kurdish but also has Arabs, Assyrians and Armenians. On Friday, the predominantly Kurdish Syria Democratic Forces captured the IS stronghold of Shaddadeh in Hassakeh, where some of the kidnapped were once believed to have been held. Many Syrian Christians, who make up about 10% of Syria's pre-war population of 23 million, left for Europe over the past 20 years, with the flight gathering speed since the country's conflict began in March 2011. A judge has denied a request by lawyers for Bill Cosby's wife to postpone her testimony in a defamation lawsuit brought by seven women who claim the comedian sexually assaulted them. The judge in Springfield, Massachusetts, ruled that the deposition, scheduled for Monday, can proceed. A different judge had ruled on Friday that Camille Cosby's deposition must proceed. However, defence lawyers filed an emergency motion late on Saturday requesting it be delayed, saying Mrs Cosby, 71, "has had no involvement with the facts or allegations underlying this case". They said her public testimony would serve "no purpose other than to harass and embarrass her". Mrs Cosby is slated to answer questions under oath in the suit that alleges Bill Cosby sexually assaulted the women decades ago. Police meet early Sunday at Kalamazoo Valley Community College after searching for a gunman involved in multiple shootings Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 in Kalamazoo, Mich. A man drove around Kalamazoo shooting people at three locations Saturday, including a Cracker Barrel restaurant and a Ford dealership, leaving six dead and three injured, two of them critically, police said. Police have arrested the suspect in the multiple shootings. (Mark Bugnaski/Kalamazoo Gazette via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT An officer with the Kalamazoo Crime Lab leaves the scene of a random shooting on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 in Kalamazoo. Jason Dalton of Kalamazoo County was arrested early Sunday in downtown Kalamazoo following a massive manhunt after several victims were shot at random. (Bryan Bennett/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT Police investigate the scene after a random shooting on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 in Kalamazoo. Jason Dalton of Kalamazoo County was arrested early Sunday in downtown Kalamazoo following a massive manhunt after several victims were shot at random. (Mark Bugnaski/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT Members of the community pray before the start of the Kalamazoo Community Prayer Service at Centerpoint Church on in Kalamazoo, Mich., Sunday, Feb 21, 2016. A gunman who seemed to choose his victims at random opened fire Saturday outside an apartment complex, a car dealership and a restaurant in Michigan, killing six people in a rampage that lasted nearly seven hours, police said. (Andraya Croft/Detroit Free Press via AP) The exterior of Jason Brian Daltons' residence is seen on the corner of West East Avenue and Douglas Avenue in Cooper Township, Mich. According to police a man identified as Dalton drove around Kalamazoo fatally shooting several people at multiple locations on Saturday. He was arrested without incident at around 12:40 a.m. on Sun. Feb 21. (Andraya Croft/Detroit Free Press via AP) DETROIT NEWS OUT; TV OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT DETROIT FREE PRESS Police tape surrounds the area of a random shooting on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, in Kalamazoo, Mich. Jason Dalton of Kalamazoo County was arrested early Sunday in downtown Kalamazoo following a massive manhunt after several victims were shot at random.(AP Photo/Mike Householder) Police tape is seen outside a Cracker Barrel restaurant Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, in Kalamazoo, Mich. According to police a man drove around Kalamazoo fatally shooting several people at multiple locations on Saturday, including the parking lot of the restaurant. Authorities identified the shooter as Jason Dalton. (Andraya Croft/Detroit Free Press via AP) DETROIT NEWS OUT; TV OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT DETROIT FREE PRESS A makeshift memorial is seen near where people were shot near car dealership Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, in Kalamazoo, Mich. According to police a man drove around Kalamazoo fatally shooting several people at multiple locations on Saturday. Authorities identified the shooter as Jason Dalton. (Andraya Croft/Detroit Free Press via AP) DETROIT NEWS OUT; TV OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT DETROIT FREE PRESS Shooting suspect Jason Brian Dalton, 45, after being arrested February 21, 2016 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Dalton is accused of killing 6 people and wounding 2 others at three locations in Kalamazoo in a seemingly random shooting spree. At least six people have been killed in a series of "random" shootings at a Cracker Barrel restaurant and a Kia car dealership in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jason Dalton, 45, was reported by a local TV station to be an Uber driver who carried passengers between the shootings in Kalamazoo over a seven-hour period on Saturday night. Wood TV said police were investigating reports that Dalton dropped off Uber passengers at a hotel, then went to a nearby Cracker Barrel restaurant and killed four women and seriously wounded a 14-year-old girl. It said a Facebook post by the fiancee of an Uber passenger claimed Dalton had sideswiped a car, run a red light and was driving erratically just before the shootings. It was initially reported that the 14-year-old had died, but police later revised the deathcount from seven to six, as the teenager is still alive, though gravely injured. Police were first called to an apartment complex where a woman was shot multiple times. She was taken to hospital in a serious condition. Dalton was arrested without a struggle and is now being questioned by police. Michigan state prosecutor Jeff Getting said Dalton had been arrested and would face multiple murder and attempted murder counts. This is every communitys nightmare when you have someone going around just randomly killing people, no rhyme, no reason, he said. Police described a terrifying series of attacks that began about 6pm outside an apartment complex, where a woman was shot multiple times. She was expected to survive. A little more than four hours later and 15 miles away, a father and his 18-year-old son were killed while looking at cars at a car dealership. Fifteen minutes after that came the restaurant shootings. Dalton was arrested without incident after an officer spotted his vehicle driving through Kalamazoo after he left a bar. Police declined to say what was found in the vehicle except for a semi-automatic handgun. An Uber representative confirmed that Dalton was a driver for the car-hailing service and said he had passed background checks. The companys chief security officer, Joe Sullivan, said Uber was contacting police to help with the investigation. Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas said: In this particular case, were just thankful it ended the way it did before he could really kill anybody else. Authorities said Dalton had been in contact with more than one person during the rampage but would not elaborate. Prosecutors said they did not expect to charge anyone else. Theres no common denominator with any of these, Mr Matyas said. This person was just waiting in the parking lot of the apartment complex. The one at the dealership, they were looking at cars. The ones at Cracker Barrel, they were just sitting in their cars. There is absolutely no common denominator through race, age, anything. With a population of about 75,000, Kalamazoo is about 160 miles west of Detroit. It is home to Western Michigan University and the headquarters of the popular craft beer maker Bells Brewery. Independent News Service Protestors of India's Jat agricultural community block a road linking New Delhi to Rohtak at Bahadurgarh, Haryana state, India (AP) Authorities in a north Indian state have started lifting curfews in key towns and protesters have gradually removed roadblocks after 12 people died in clashes during demonstrations for government benefits. Government forces also secured a canal in Haryana state, which provides 60% of New Delhi's water needs, easing fears of a shortage in the Indian capital. New Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said engineers were repairing portions of a reservoir damaged by protesters. The situation was improving in Rohtak district, which bore the brunt of attacks by the protesters in the Jat community, who demanded quotas in jobs and educational institutions, said police officer Saurabh Singh. Curfews ended in Hissar and Hansi towns as law and order were being restored after three days of violence which saw mobs burning vehicles, banks, rail stations, shops and petrol stations. Thousands of stranded vehicles still clogged highways in the state, and train services were disrupted by protesters sitting on rail tracks. At least 12 people were killed by Indian security forces firing on protesters, state Home Secretary P K Das told reporters on Sunday. Another 150 protesters have been injured in clashes in various parts of the state. With the state government accepting their demands for 27% job quotas, Jat leaders are expected to hold a meeting and formally end their protests later on Monday. The Jat community comprises nearly 29% of Haryana state's 25 million people India's constitution includes a system of affirmative action for people in the lowest castes to help them overcome discrimination. The government has expanded the number of groups, including the Jat, qualifying for quotas. Shooting suspect Jason Brian Dalton, 45, after being arrested February 21, 2016 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Dalton is accused of killing 6 people and wounding 2 others at three locations in Kalamazoo in a seemingly random shooting spree. A prosecutor has charged a man with six counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder after a series of random shootings in western Michigan, in America. Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting filed the charges against 45-year-old Jason Dalton, of Kalamazoo Township. Dalton is expected to make an initial court appearance later. Dalton was arrested on Sunday in Kalamazoo. Police said the rampage began about 6pm on Saturday outside an apartment complex, where a woman was seriously wounded. A little more than four hours later, a father and son were fatally shot while looking at vehicles at a car dealership. Fifteen minutes after that, five people were shot in the car park of a Cracker Barrel restaurant. Dalton was reported by a local TV station to be an Uber driver who carried passengers between the shootings over a seven-hour period on Saturday night. Wood TV said police were investigating reports that Dalton dropped off Uber passengers at a hotel, then went to the nearby Cracker Barrel restaurant and killed four women and seriously wounded a 14-year-old girl. It said a Facebook post by the fiancee of an Uber passenger claimed Dalton had sideswiped a car, run a red light and was driving erratically just before the shootings. It was initially reported that the 14-year-old had died, but police later revised the deathcount from seven to six, as the teenager is still alive, though gravely injured. Police were first called to an apartment complex where a woman was shot multiple times. She was taken to hospital in a serious condition. Dalton was arrested without a struggle. Michigan state prosecutor Jeff Getting said Dalton had been arrested and would face multiple murder and attempted murder counts. This is every communitys nightmare when you have someone going around just randomly killing people, no rhyme, no reason, he said. Police described a terrifying series of attacks that began about 6pm outside an apartment complex, where a woman was shot multiple times. She was expected to survive. A little more than four hours later and 15 miles away, a father and his 18-year-old son were killed while looking at cars at a car dealership. Fifteen minutes after that came the restaurant shootings. Dalton was arrested without incident after an officer spotted his vehicle driving through Kalamazoo after he left a bar. Police declined to say what was found in the vehicle except for a semi-automatic handgun. An Uber representative confirmed that Dalton was a driver for the car-hailing service and said he had passed background checks. The companys chief security officer, Joe Sullivan, said Uber was contacting police to help with the investigation. Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas said: In this particular case, were just thankful it ended the way it did before he could really kill anybody else. Authorities said Dalton had been in contact with more than one person during the rampage but would not elaborate. Prosecutors said they did not expect to charge anyone else. Theres no common denominator with any of these, Mr Matyas said. This person was just waiting in the parking lot of the apartment complex. The one at the dealership, they were looking at cars. The ones at Cracker Barrel, they were just sitting in their cars. There is absolutely no common denominator through race, age, anything. With a population of about 75,000, Kalamazoo is about 160 miles west of Detroit. It is home to Western Michigan University and the headquarters of the popular craft beer maker Bells Brewery. People gather in the aftermath of a multiple explosive attack in the Sayyida Zeinab area, south of Damascus, Syria (AP) The US and Russia have agreed on a new ceasefire for Syria that will take effect on Saturday. Syria's warring government and rebels still need to accept the deal. The timeline for a hoped-for breakthrough comes after the former Cold War foes, backing opposing sides in the conflict, said they had finalised the details of a "cessation of hostilities" between President Bashar Assad's government and armed opposition groups after five years of violence that has killed more than 250,000 people. The truce will not cover the Islamic State group, the al Qaida-linked Nusra Front and any other militias designated as terrorist organisations by the UN Security Council. But where in Syria the fighting must stop and where counter terrorism operations can continue must still be addressed. And the five-page plan released by the US State Department leaves open how breaches of the ceasefire will be identified or punished. The announcement came after Presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone on Monday, capping weeks of intense diplomacy to stem the violence so that Assad's government and "moderate" rebel forces might return to peace talks in Geneva. A first round of indirect discussions collapsed almost immediately this month amid a massive government offensive backed by Russian airstrikes in the northern Syria. Obama welcomed the agreement in the call with Putin that the White House said was arranged at the Russian's request. The White House said Obama emphasised the key is to ensure that Syria's government and opposition groups faithfully implement the deal. "This is going to be difficult to implement," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest. "We know there are a lot of obstacles, and there are sure to be some setbacks." Putin called the agreement a "last real chance to put an end to the many years of bloodshed and violence". Speaking on Russian television, he said Moscow would work with the Syrian government, and expects Washington to do the same with the opposition groups that it supports. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also welcomed the agreement, saying it is "a long-awaited signal of hope to the Syrian people". But he warned that much work lies ahead for its implementation. The leader of a Saudi-backed Syrian opposition alliance said in a statement that rebel factions have agreed "in principle" to an internationally mediated temporary truce. Riad Hijab did not elaborate but urged Russia, Iran and the Assad government to end attacks, lift blockades and release prisoners held in Syria. Syrian officials said the government was ready to take part in a truce as long as it is not used by militants to reinforce their positions. Both sides have until Friday to formally accept the plan. The launch of the first-ever Jewish manifesto for the Northern Ireland Assembly is a momentous and very welcome occasion. Belfast's vibrant and diverse Jewish community has summarised its aspirations into Ten Commitments and is calling upon candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections to show support for them. Of particular note is the acknowledgement of the role Northern Ireland's Jewish community plays in the promotion of good community relations and the fight against all forms of prejudice and intolerance. It is incumbent upon all those seeking election to the Assembly to join the fight against anti-Semitism and to use their positions to help eradicate anti-Jewish hatred from our society. Support for the celebration of Jewish culture, ensuring access to and provision of kosher foods and allowing flexibility to employment rules that accommodate the Sabbath and Jewish holidays are all very important. Unlike the Board of Deputies manifesto for the Westminster elections, which covered the entire UK, this Northern Ireland manifesto doesn't seem to push any Israel advocacy. This is again a welcome sign. The manifesto calls upon candidates to commit their support for a number of very progressive ideals where the Israel-Palestine conflict is concerned. It asks for candidates to engage in responsible discourse and carefully considered use of language when debating the conflict. There is a crucial point raised about inflammatory commentary and where this can potentially lead. There is much we can all learn from engagement and debate in the pursuit of understanding the nuances and tackling the issues that underpin the continuation of conflict in Israel-Palestine. Northern Ireland has much to offer in this area of peace-building and I look forward to working with those committed to peace in Israel-Palestine. GARY SPEDDING Belfast Theresa Villers has compromised her position as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by declaring her support for Brexit. She may have forgotten, as others have, how important the European Union is to the peace process. When she remembers, she may be aghast to consider the damage she may be doing to it. Then she may seek some consolation from a like-minded Arlene Foster, who as First Minister seems to have lost sight of the need to shore up the United Kingdom while defending British sovereignty. What she is in danger of ending up with is an entrenched English sovereignty and a broken Union. To recap for them both: when John Hume launched his party into the peace process, singing the praises of the European Union, he was not simply using it as an example of peace-making between old enemies, though it was certainly that. Nor was he just reminding us of the goodwill there that would generate cash, though there was that too. More importantly, he was saying that the nationalist angst about identity was assuaged to a great extent by both parts of Ireland being in the European Union. Fears about England trampling on our human rights were lessened by the oversight of a European court. Unionists may feel that British sovereignty is dented by Europe, but that was largely the appeal for nationalists. Laws made in Westminster and Stormont could be overruled. Europe, for instance, forced us to legalise homosexuality. Left to the locals, it would probably still be a crime for a man to bed another man. The question Arlene and Theresa should be asking is: to what extent do they think stability in Northern Ireland relies on Britain staying in the European Union. It shouldn't take them long to work out that if a large number of nominal nationalists are content in the UK, so long as the UK is in the EU, then their attitudes to the Union might change in the event of Brexit. They might be even further unnerved if Scotland was then to leave the UK and leave them only with a Tory-led England to oversee their human rights, in a polity that was always only a compromise. I can see Arlene and Theresa, over a nice cup of tea, suddenly realising that striving for the restoration of British sovereignty might leave them only with England and Wales and Northern Ireland. Then they might wonder just how much they can rely on the de facto unionists who didn't really want a united Ireland very much after all, but might prefer it to what they have been left with. They are smart people, but their focus is in the wrong place. Villiers may have her aspirations for Britain as a sovereign state, but her current job is to keep Northern Ireland stable and that compels her to understand that the most stabilising influence here is the nationalists who waived their aspiration for a united Ireland because the EU was good enough for them. Mrs Foster doesn't live in Gloucester, where none of this would matter. She lives with a neighbouring community which made a deal with her community to govern Northern Ireland together, safe in the confidence that the whole sovereignty issue could be long-fingered. It can't if we come out of Europe into a little Britain governed in perpetuity by the Conservatives. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday joined her son in calling for trials against the editors of two leading newspapers for publishing unsubstantiated corruption stories against her and other politicians nine years ago. Delivering a keynote address at a conference in Dhaka, Hasina said Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam and Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman tried to brand her as corrupt by publishing false stories during the rule of a military-backed government in 2007-2008. The way the war criminal trials are being held, [the editors] should be tried for destroying constitutionality, she said, referring to the controversial trials of men accused of committing atrocities during Bangladeshs 1971 independence war. Four have been put to death so far. The Daily Star and Prothom Alo are the largest-circulation English and Bengali dailies in Bangladesh, respectively. The prime ministers comment came a day after the United States-based Human Rights Watch urged the government to withdraw all criminal charges against the two men. . Defamation, sedition charges In early February, Anam told a television talk show that army intelligence officials had prodded the paper to publish articles containing allegations of corruption against top politicians in 2007 and 2008, when a military-installed caretaker government ruled Bangladesh. A military-backed non-party caretaker government took office on Jan. 11, 2007, amid street fights between Hasinas Awami League and Zias Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). During that time, the military government arrested and imprisoned both women on charges of corruption. They were released about a year later and competed in December 2008 general elections won by Hasina, who has been in power ever since. The Daily Star was among many Bangladeshi news outlets that printed lists with names of allegedly corrupt people during that period. Anams unprecedented admission of what he termed the great mistake in my journalistic career led to a swift call for his arrest from Hasinas son and adviser, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and a flood of legal cases. As of Sunday, 54 criminal defamation cases and 15 sedition cases had been filed against Anam, and 55 cases had been lodged against Rahman and journalists associated with his paper, for criminal defamation and hurting religious sentiment, according to Human Rights Watch. Hasina said Anam admitted that he used to publish whatever the DGFI (Directorate General of Forces Intelligence) provided for publication. His papers slogan is journalism without fear; if so, what is called fearless journalism? she asked. Is this true that he sold out to the DGFI? She asked if Anam and Rahman were involved in executing the so-called minus two formula aimed at removing Hasina and Zia from politics. I have nothing to say if you sold out, Hasina said, adding that those who tried to remove her from politics had also snatched away the democratic rights of the people. Condemnation from rights watchdog On Sunday, Human Rights Watch condemned the government action against the two editors. Criminal charges against editors of the leading newspapers in Bangladesh are a clear attempt to intimidate all media in the country, said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. A government controlling almost all seats in parliament and all national executive authority has to be particularly protective of a free press or risk turning Bangladesh into an authoritarian state. Adams said defamation should not be treated as a crime. If a newspaper intentionally publishes false information that harms an individuals reputation, then a civil defamation case is the proper remedy, so long as a fair and impartial trial can be assured. But Bangladesh should not be in the business of jailing journalists for what they write, he said. Fire attempt at Ekushey Book Fair Also on Monday, police reported a suspected arson attempt at the Ekushey Book Fair in Dhaka. Security is tight at the annual, month-long event where Bangladeshi-American blogger Avijit Roy was hacked to death by suspected Islamists one year ago, apparently for his secular writings. According to the CCTV footage, we have seen that two people including one bearded man were trying to set the heaps of papers on fire behind stall number 478, Abu Bakr Siddique, the officer-in-charge of Shahbagh police station, told BenarNews. The incident occurred after 6 p.m. and no suspects were in custody as of 9:15 p.m., Siddique reported. They fled as people around us smelled petrol, witness Salim Ahmed told BenarNews. Last week, police shuttered a stall at the book fair and arrested three people in connection with a book called Islam Debate that was allegedly harming Muslim sentiment. ein Google-Unternehmen Google-Dienste anzubieten und zu betreiben Ausfalle zu prufen und Manahmen gegen Spam, Betrug und Missbrauch zu ergreifen Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. Mit den gewonnenen Informationen mochten wir verstehen, wie unsere Dienste verwendet werden, und die Qualitat dieser Dienste verbessern. neue Dienste zu entwickeln und zu verbessern Werbung auszuliefern und ihre Wirkung zu messen personalisierte Inhalte anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen personalisierte Werbung anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen Wenn Sie Alle ablehnen auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies nicht fur diese zusatzlichen Zwecke. 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The Kathmandu Post 21 February 2016 FUTURE NEPALI CONGRESS Given the sudden and sad demise of Sushil Koirala, it will be interesting to see the outcome of the 13th General Convention (CG) of the Nepali Congress (NC) that is going to be held in Kathmandu from 3-6 March. Being the oldest and one of the largest party, it cannot shy away from implementing the new constitution, which should be one of its prime agendas (Statute, Madhes to top agenda 17 February, Page 3). Also, the people are expecting to see its clear policy on the Madhesi issue so that the political unrest in the Tarai can be successfully resolved. However, the young leaders have started complaining that the senior leaders do not seem serious about deliberations on the issue due to leadership tussle between the rival factions. Observing closely the ongoing political activities of NC, it does not seem that there will be any major deviation in its policies and programmes. However, its Madhesi leaders seem to be exerting pressure on senior leaders to incorporate the demands of the Madhesis in its constitution which may give rise to differences within the party. We are yet to see how the senior leaders will draft their political documents in the CG. The most obvious thing to observe in their political document will be the partys future course in the changed context. Unless the rival factions sit together and intensively discuss its policies and programmes, the chances of seeing an effective political document appear slim. There seem to be both challenges and opportunity for NC in the days to come. It is yet to be seen as to how the NC will give shape to its future Central Working Committee. Recently, youth leaders Gagan Thapa, Pradeep Poudel and Gururaj Ghimire have unveiled their proposal about the partys ideology and restructuring based on the changed political context. Until its senior leaders continue to engage in rivalry, the NC will gradually lose its charm. Time is ripe for them to abandon their self-centred petty politics, run the party cohesively. Rai Biren Bangdel Maharajgunj. Nairobi will host another round of entrepreneurship events that aim to achieve more progress on the gains made during the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2015. Wanjiku Gitau ,Senior Marketing Executive Resolution Insurance presenting a sponsorship cheque for the SMEFest 2016 to Dorcas Muthoni, the lead organiser of the SME expo. Courtesy/ East African Press Service, Nairobi The confirmed events include the Sankalp Africa Summit and the SME Festival 2016. The Sankalp Africa Summit will be held from 25-26 February, 2016 at the Kenya School of Government, while the SME Festival 2016 will be held between 7 and 9 April, at the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) Nairobi. The sixth Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) was co-hosted by the US and the Government of Kenya in Nairobi, and was the first of its kind to be held in sub-Saharan Africa. The summit brought together over 1,000 entrepreneurs and investors from across the world who participated in outcome oriented sessions, mentoring programmes and had opportunities to showcase their work. Details on the outcome of the GES indicate that more than $1-billion or Ksh100.72-billion was committed by investors to spur investments around the globe. Sankalp Africa Summit, which is in its third edition, is an initiative of Intellecap, a global investment and advisory firm. The registration for the summit tickets it still ongoing here. The Director of Sankalp Forum, Aparajita Agrawal, said the Sankalp Africa Summit will take a comprehensive look at the different strata of society which shape, influence, and stimulate inclusive and high-impact businesses, while also building markets to carry these businesses to scale, enabling them to reach their full potential. Africa has always had a leadership position in ICT and Technology, but increasing activity by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in sectors like healthcare, clean energy, agriculture and financial services is booming. To support the growth of such SMEs, Intellecap, has expanded Sankalp Forum, one of the worlds largest SME focused platforms to Africa, he said. He said over 800 delegates and reputed leaders are expected to participate in the Sankalp Africa Summit together with prominent social impact partners like World Bank Group, USAID, The Lemelson Foundation, Shell Foundation, Kenya Climate Innovation Center, Educate Global Fund, and ICCO Cooperation. On the other hand, the SME Festival 2016 will host a thought leaders conference, a leading SME Expo and growth seminars, that will enable the SMEs to develop local business models that can be exported to other regional and international markets. The SME Festival 2016 is supported by, among others, Kenya Export Promotion Council, Ministry of Industrialization & Enterprise Development, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Export Promotion Council (EPC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and Kenya Investments Authority. We want to keep up the momentum that was set by the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2015. This involves connecting entrepreneurs with the people they need for their businesses to grow. Our plan is to make the SME Festival an annual Africa event, said Dorcas Muthoni, the lead organiser of the SME expo. Muthoni said entrepreneurs should register at www.smexpo.co.ke/ to attend the festival. Agrawal further said Sankalp will recognise high potential entrepreneurs with the Sankalp Africa Award during the summit. Over the last two years, Sankalp has recognized 20 enterprises in Africa and facilitated investments worth US$ 200,000 (Ksh20.38 million) into one enterprise. Globally, Sankalp has supported 500 such businesses and channeled investments worth US$ 120 million (Ksh12.23 billion). This year, 13 enterprises will pitch to the audience at Sankalp to compete for the coveted Sankalp Africa Award, he said. Price collusion in the furniture removal sector is rife and endemic. Some of the seven firms being investigated by the Competition Commission were previously investigated and found to have acted in contravention of the Competition Act. Commission spokesman Itumeleng Lesofe said on Friday the commission had concluded settlement agreements with 17 furniture removal firms and had referred complaints against 11 firms to the Competition Tribunal. "The commission has also raided firms in this sector twice. Currently, the commission is conducting an investigation against seven furniture removal firms," Lesofe said. Collusion in the sector took the form of cover pricing or cover quotes. "A cover quote is a quotation that is meant to disguise as a real quotation." Lesofe said three quotations from different furniture removal firms are required to relocate a client. When the client approaches a furniture removal firm for a quotation, the firm would volunteer to source other quotations on behalf of the client and would then approach other furniture removal firms and request them to provide quotations that are higher in price. "The furniture removal firm that is first to be approached by the client would submit a quotation that is slightly lower than the other two to ensure that it wins the tender. This is the most egregious violation of the Competition Act," Lesofe said. Last Wednesday furniture removal company Key Moves CC reached a settlement agreement with the Competition Tribunal, the last of the agreements rising from the commissions investigation of prohibited practices in the furniture removal sector ending 2013. It emerged during the first investigation that the prohibited practices involving the parties investigated had continued last year. This has prompted a second investigation. Key Moves CC was accused of engaging in two instances of collusion in 2007 with a competitor, Afriworld 142. As well as a penalty of 4% of its annual turnover for 2014, the company agreed to cooperate with the commission in its investigations into furniture removal companies. The commission investigated 69 furniture removal companies between 2010 and 2011 for collusion on tenders issued by various government departments and private sector clients. The collusion appeared to have started in about 2007 and continued into last year, when the commission launched a new investigation. Some of the alleged culprits were previous offenders. The commission has also raided companies in the sector twice and is conducting an investigation against seven furniture removal firms. The local furniture retail unit of Steinhoff International plans to cut 4,110 jobs when it closes stores, as part of structural changes to revamp the ailing retailer, the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) said on Monday. JD Group last week served notice to workers that proposed restructuring was expected to affect more than 4,000 workers, Saccawu said. Steinhoff, which on Friday announced its intentions to buy the UKs Home Retail, moved its primary listing to Frankfurt last year. JD Group and other retailers have been struggling in recent years as consumers battling job losses and high personal debt levels cut back on spending. Steinhoff, which gained a controlling stake in JD Group in 2012, last year bought the rest of the furniture groups shares and delisted it from the JSE. The union says JD Group cut more than 6,000 jobs last year as it pressed ahead with cost-cutting at stores such as Joshua Doore and Russells, which sell beds, cabinets and televisions on in-store credit to low-income customers. The retailer will close 251 of about 1,200 stores as part of the restructuring, the union said. JD Group officials were not immediately available to comment. The PowerTurtle aims to provide a secure, off-grid energy solution for Pheasant Folly Primary, a school in the informal settlement of Palm Ridge. The SolarTurtle will be launched will be launched on 2 March. The first investment from EnergyNets Not Just Talking fund is announced at the South Africa: Gas Options meeting in October 2015, presented by Minister of Energy Tina Joemat-Pettersson. In 2015 the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) was approached with a new way of providing solar electricity to off-grid schools. Other solar projects previously attempted saw their solar panels stolen or vandalised within weeks. With no grid connection, Pheasant Folly Primary School is powered by expensive generators which are not sustainable within the schools financial budgets, given that fuel alone costs more than R2000 per week. This is clearly not an ideal situation for the school or the environment, so a solution was desperately needed to facilitate affordable energy access and continued learning. Container-based design PowerTurtle is a container-based design which allows for security. Morning sunshine triggers the solar panels to roll out and a specially engineered rail system to unfold in minutes. In the evenings, the solar panels slide back into the reinforced six-metre shipping container for safe keeping. This pilot consists of 16x 300W solar PV panels (4.8kW), Freedom Lite lithium batteries and 8.5kW Schneider solar technology. An estimated 2500 off-grid schools in Gauteng require support - typically located in informal settlements across Gauteng. Crime and vandalism have played major roles in the disuse of solar PV power in South Africa. In October 2015, during its South Africa: Gas Options meeting, EnergyNet launched the Not Just Talking Fund for Energy Access with its advisors Impact Brands Africa, Fieldstone and ERM. Beyond-the-grid projects The fund is designed to provide an alternative financing solution for small-scale beyond-the-grid projects across the continent that will contribute positively in communities especially in areas of healthcare, education and female empowerment. Its first investment was made in partnership with the IPP Office of South Africa - awarded by Minister of Energy Tina Joemat-Pettersson - to provide secure electricity for the primary school and its community. James van der Walt of Ugesi Gold and the developer of SolarTurtle commented, PowerTurtle is the first step towards secure, reliable and sustainable electricity for schools like Pheasant Folly Primary School. The unique PowaPod design allows a series of solar panels to unfold from the confines of a secure 6m shipping container, and back again at night. With this extra security, the panels are set to outlast the harsh realities that off-grid schools face. By launching the PowerTurtle in Palm Ridge we hope to show the potential of not only secure electricity for the school but an energy solution for the whole community. I would just like to thank our friends at AMSolar and RexiVista that help bring the PowerTurtle to life. The PowerTurtle launch will take place at Pheasant Folly Primary School in Palm Ridge on 2 March. WWF-SA plans to address climate change as part of this year's Earth Hour campaign, encouraging all South Africans to take action. "We know that awareness leads to action and action leads to change which is why we are throwing down the gauntlet to all South Africans to take individual or group actions that collectively translate into meaningful impact," says the organisation. Local rapper ProVerb, 5FM presenter Catherine Grenfell, businesswoman Lorna Maseko, and Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn have all committed to suporting Earth Hour 2016. To get involved, go to www.earthhour.org.za and state how you intend to play your part in addressing climate change. Collective action is effective and inspiring. The switch off of lights, which this year happens from 8:30-9:30pm on Saturday, 19 March 2016, is a simple act which symbolises unity and a common desire for change. We call on all South Africans to take part, says Morne du Plessis, CEO of WWF South Africa. President Jacob Zuma's State of the Nation address (SONA) and the ensuing debate on it in parliament, show the great emphasis the South African government places on attracting investors and avoiding further downgrades by ratings agencies, Walter Lindner, German ambassador in SA, told Fin24. In his view, this focus by the SA government shows the realisation that economic matters touch all lives. "The emphasis of the SA government on the economic topic is important for us. Of course there is a lot of talk about what is working well in the country and what not. This is fair, because only when governments improve can it lead to greater and greater benefits from implementing that which works," said Lindner. While the European Union as a whole is SA's biggest trading partner, Germany as a single nation is South Africa's second largest trading partner after China. In 2015 bilateral trade between SA and Germany was 15bn. One of the largest investment groups Accordingly, German investors account for one of the biggest investment groups in SA. Apart from investments in the motor vehicle industry, they are also active in, among others, the chemistry and renewable energy sectors. There are about 600 German companies in SA, providing a total of about 100,000 jobs. These companies include global players like Siemens, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen and BMW. There are also many family-owned small- and medium-size enterprises invested in SA over many decades. Lindner emphasised that these companies would not be in SA if they did not see opportunities here. "Investors come and do their own checks and won't come to a country just because a government tells them to," Lindner said. He said many of these businesses are planning substantial increases in their investments in the country. Although there will always be some things that could be improved, this shows how important it is to see the positive aspects of SA, Lindner said. Investors usually want security, easy economic conditions for doing business, infrastructure, a stable working environment, a good legal framework and certainty on what they can expect. The labour union-employer relationship In this environment labour unions also have a necessary role to play, in his view. "A secret to success in Germany is that reason prevails between labour unions and employers. If employees ask for too much, the company will end up having to close. Therefore, one needs a respectable balance between labour and employers," explained Lindner. "Such a balanced view should take into consideration that strikes could lead to a company losing market share to a competitor. One must be aware that you could maybe get more money for a certain time, but then there might not be a company left after a while." To Lindner the German model of having workers represent at least a third of decision makers on company boards is a good one, because it brings a sense of ownership in the decision making process. "Of course there will always be conflicting interests between labour and employers, but the German approach is just a model to show even in the labour sector you need to respect your partners," he said. SA the gateway to Africa As for the view that SA can be seen as the gateway to the rest of Africa, Lindner said this point is still valid as SA is the only industrialised hub in Africa. At the same time no country can afford to rest on its laurels and allow its competition to gain the upper hand. "Governments must ensure a country remains in a good position and perform well," said Lindner. "South Africa is a unique country with a sad apartheid history. Of course this had to be corrected. Germany is supportive of an inclusive economy and supports black economic empowerment. Yes, there have been injustices of the past, but it is still important for both sides to profit." For the future of SA one must invest in training people and he is proud of what some German companies have managed to do in terms of their BEE score cards - especially regarding education and skills programmes. "In a world where commodity prices are down, I think it is also important for SA to look at attracting investors in areas like manufacturing and tourism. Investors are important for growth and the creation of jobs," said Lindner. "Yes, there are challenges in SA, but there are also positive things, otherwise there would not be 600 German companies active in the country. We are here to help overcome them." Source: Fin24 Zimbabwe and its Southern African counterparts may face transport bottlenecks to move more than 10 million tonnes of grain inland with potential congestion at the ports and roads expected given that for the next 18 months the region will not have sufficient grain from its own production and carry-over stocks. Congestion at ports and roads will affect the turn-around time of grain trucks, a trade report has shown. Port capacity in question The latest Trade Intelligence Report produced by The Agricultural Business Chamber said emerging concerns in logistics relate to the potential traffic congestion at the ports and roads considering that 80 percent of all grain transported inland in the region is moved by road. "If the region becomes entirely dependent on deep-sea imports, it brings the important question of whether the port capacity will manage to handle an unprecedented level of grain imports," the report said. "The question of whether infrastructural capacity is sufficient to meet at least 6,2 million tonnes of maize imports, and an additional 5 million tonnes of other grains - such as rice, soybean and soybean oil cake, wheat, among others, is a question that is yet to be answered satisfactorily. It is clear that there is likely going to be a significant amount of maize and other grains that will be imported from outside the region, with the likely sources being Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, the United States of America and the Ukraine," the TIR said. The efficient movement of grain "This point is particularly important if we consider that 80 percent of all grain transported inland is moved by road. The potential problem of traffic congestion could be averted, or at the very least, reduced by the possibility of increasing the use of rail transport as an alternative," the report said. The logistics element could affect Zimbabwe which is importing more than one million tonnes of grain this year. Government and the private sector led by the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe are making efforts to avert the transport bottlenecks. GMAZ has since struck a deal with Mozambique's national rail company, Caminhos de Ferro de Mocambique for the efficient movement of grain into the country. The milling industry expects to move at least 120,000 tonnes per month through Mozambique hence the discussions to ensure smooth movement from Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa in order to assist Government to alleviate food shortages due to the drought the country is going through. To enhance efficient movement of grain throughout the country, the millers have asked Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Jorum Gumbo for a 12-month temporary waiver on the Third Country Rule and the Rule of Cabotage on Road transport. New challenges to an old problem "Vessels laden with 100,000 tonnes of maize are now in transit and expected to berth at Beira and Maputo ports in a fortnight. While we have also engaged the NRZ and the CFM of Mozambique to rail into the country, the quantum of maize is too huge and requires us to procure road transport so that maize is quickly freighted into the hinterland and avoid congesting at the ports. Suffice it to say, however, that the rail is currently struggling in moving our wheat imports," GMAZ national chairman Tafadzwa Musarara said in the letter to the minister. The trade intelligence report said that provisional estimates from Transnet show that out of the 308 waggons in their fleet, there are 108 waggons that are grain containers which have the capacity to transport 7,920 tonnes per day. Southern African, faced with structural changes in national, regional, and global food markets, the region faces what could be an entirely new challenge to what is fundamentally an old problem. Chief among these challenges is determining the level of production and import requirements, according to the report. Opportunities and challenges in the real estate sector and broader built environment of the sub-Saharan Africa market will top the agenda at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Africa Summit 2016, set to take place at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, on 24 February 2016. T.C. Chetty, RICS country manager for South Africa We are excited to be hosting the RICS Africa Summit again, following the success of our inaugural Africa conference last year. The event, which takes the form of a power-packed one-day conference, preceded by a gala dinner the night before, is already fully booked, says T.C. Chetty, RICS country manager for South Africa. RICS is a global professional body that promotes and enforces the highest qualifications and standards in the areas of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. As a public benefit organisation, it operates in all the worlds major financial hubs in delivering international standards and policy influence. Unprecedented growth Sub-Saharan Africa has seen unprecedented growth over the last decade, becoming one of the fastest growing regions in the world. While current global financial conditions may put a dampener on this growth, sub-Saharan Africas emergence as the worlds next big consumer market will remain a huge positive force," comments Chetty. "The interest shown in the RICS Africa Summit 2016 is no surprise. We are set for some robust discussions around the challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa, and importantly what can be done to overcome the challenges to ensure that opportunities are maximised. This years RICS Africa Summit keynote opening session by Stanlibs Emerging Markets economist, Kganya Kgare, will set the tone for conference deliberations. Kgare will speak about investment flows and economic factors that the property sector in the region will need to consider. He will look at sub-Saharan Africas current economic performance and sustaining desired growth, as well as zone in on where investment is coming from and where is it going. Kgare will then join the first panel discussion, which addresses strategies required for long-term, sustainable investment in sub-Saharan Africas real estate market. The panel includes Neville Mandimika, Africa analyst for Global Markets Research at Rand Merchant Bank, and Anthony Lewis, director for sub-Saharan Africa Capital Markets at Jones Lang LaSalle. Panel debate Another highlight speaker is Ada Mwangola, acting director of Social and Political Pillars for Kenya Vision 2030, who will speak on industry best practice and integrating standards and professionalism. Mwangola will then join a panel debate on understanding the current market and those that stand to secure business opportunities. Other panelists will include Mark Walley, RICS regional managing director, EMEA; Francois Viruly, associate professor at the University of Cape Towns Department of Construction Economics and Management; and, Gasant Jacobs, head of Business Development for sub-Sahara Africa at Thomson Reuters. RICS chief executive officer, Sean Tompkins, will also be joining deliberations, together with Wafula Nabutola, RICS director for sub-Saharan Africa, and several members of RICS global leadership. Gugulethu Cele, a seasoned financial broadcaster and anchor at CNBC Africa will chair proceedings at the summit. The Department of Tourism in partnership with SANParks and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), from 18 - 19 February 2016, celebrated the International Tourist Guides Day with a two-day event including activities and programmes ranging from presentations, motivational talks, excursions and workshops in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga. The theme for this years celebrations is Building a Successful and Sustainable Tourist Guiding Sector with the aim to capacitate tourist guides on sustainable tourism trends within the adventure, nature and cultural sub-sectors of guiding. The theme also emphasizes the opportunities for integration across these sub-sectors which could contribute to a more self-sustainable guiding sector. Growth and transformation The deputy director general, Morongoe Ramphele on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Tourism, said that as we celebrate International Tourist Guides Day, we need to continue being the biggest proponents of our brand in order to move South Africa forward. That, in turn, will, of course, bring more tourists to our country and boost our economy. We would also like to commend the significant growth that Tourist Guiding has shown in the past few years. It is worth noting that the number of registered tourist guides increased over the years from 8,657 in 2009/2010 to 11,367 by the end of 2013/2014 financial year which represents a 31% increase. The steady improvement in terms of transformation in the tourist guiding profession is notable given that the proportion of registered tourist guides from previously disadvantaged backgrounds increased from 2,502 in the 2009/2010 financial year to 3,875 guides by the end of the 2014/2015 financial year. This represents an increase of 55% during the said period said Ramphele. Enhancing tourist guiding Ramphele noted that it is essential that efforts are made by the government and other tourism partners to enhance the levels and quality of tourist guiding that is offered across the country. Not only will this ensure the integrity of the tourism sector but it will also result in higher levels of tourist satisfaction whilst ensuring its sustainability. In terms of the legislative programme of the Department, draft regulations have been developed and will be published for public comments during February 2016. Planned consultations will be held in each province to solicit as many inputs from the guiding sector as possible. Tourist guides were encouraged to participate in these consultation process. "Tourist Guides form a pivotal part of the value chain and the Department of Tourism is committed to fulfilling its mandate by extending further opportunities to increase market access and employment opportunities", Ramphele concluded. In June 2015, Ntando Kubheka, CFO and Tumi Marope, CEO, launched Locomute , Africa's first car sharing network. The co-founders met in an MBA class at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School. After receiving positive feedback from lecturers, fellow classmates and industry players, what started as an MBA project they needed to complete to develop a disruptive business plan for their final year module in 2014, soon turned into a legitimate business. Ntando Kubheka They invited their two partners, Sibusiso Xaba, executive chairman and Vuyisile Majola, COO, to join the venture. "They bring with them skills that complement ours and add value to Locomute's operations and strategy as we move forward," says Kubheka. We asked Kubheka to tell us about the Locomute journey, the challenges and the process that makes an innovative transport solution. Why are companies like Locomute important? How are you changing the industry? Ntando Kubheka: Car sharing helps reduce congestion and pollution. Replacing private vehicles with shared ones directly reduces demand for parking spaces. The fact that only a certain number of cars can be in use at any one time may reduce traffic congestion at peak times. Even more important for congestion, the strong metering of costs provides a cost incentive to drive less. With owned vehicles many expenses are sunk costs and thus independent of how much the car is driven (such as original purchase, insurance, registration, annual licensing and some maintenance.) Car sharing options like Locomute in SA, Zipcar in the US and UK and Car2Go in Germany and the UK, reduce driving in the same way as cabs and ride-hailing services like Uber: by enabling people to get around easily even if they dont own a car. For every vehicle that is used in a car sharing fleet, automakers will lose 32 vehicle sales. And if you dont own your own car, you wont take so many car trips. When you have to drop R300 on an Uber or a Locomute rental, you will stop to ask yourself whether this trip is really worth it - and often youll say no. Providing these alternatives is essential to expanding car-free living in areas that are a little less dense and centrally located than, say, Sandton. A lot of people occasionally need to use a car, but with the advent of Locomute, they no longer need to own one. What has been the biggest challenge so far? Kubheka: There have been several challenges, however, launching a multi-million operation on a shoe-string budget has by far been the biggest hurdle we had to overcome. We have had to continuously find ways to make things work in order to keep the lights on. It has been very tough but life has thoroughly trained us to be resilient and keep going despite fierce challenges. We never really grasped how expensive running a business could be. This brings us to the issue of cash flow in a business. There is a saying that goes; "Revenue is vanity, cash flow is sanity, but cash is king." This means that whilst it is good to meet sales targets in growing revenue, the most critical thing in a business is cash flow. There is a continuous need in a business to fund immediate needs like rent, salaries, suppliers, etc. which a business cannot function without. We have had to deal with these challenges on a daily basis and keep afloat whilst we persistently create new ways to acquire new customers. What has been the biggest highlight for Locomute? Kubheka: Locomutes biggest highlight has to be the kind of growth we have enjoyed over the last seven months since our launch. We launched with six vehicles and today boast of running a fleet of over 250 vehicles. We have also enjoyed support from our media partners and corporate clients alike because of the well-sculptured set of mobility solutions we provide, crafted and tailored for each of our customers individual needs. How successful has the project been to date? Kubheka: The project has been successful and many of the pessimists who believed that car sharing would not work in an African context and setting have been proven wrong. The belief that security would be a major issue for our assets which literally live on the street night and day and are exposed to abuse and criminality has diminished. We, like the late Steve Jobs, believe that, As individuals, people are inherently good. I have a somewhat more pessimistic view of people in groups and I remain extremely concerned when I see whats happening in our country, which is in many ways the luckiest place in the world. We dont seem to be excited about making our country a better place for our kids. What role does design and creativity play in the company? Kubheka: Design and creativity coupled with a good dose of risk management play a major role in our business. Our regular design and creativity sessions create the ability for us to come up with new and different viewpoints on a subject. We use these sessions to break down and restructure our knowledge about the subject in order to gain new insights into its nature. We spend hours in this process and which normally results in a decision to go ahead and design new products on top of our base product on an ongoing basis. We have recently designed a new product we call Varsity Rides which is purposed to make available mobility for the youth segment of our society. We move from a premise that access to mobility is a basic human right and should be made affordable and accessible without much capital outlay. This product, for example, has been priced at R899 which buys the student 30 hours of driving on a maximum of two hours per day which include all maintenance costs, insurance, licencing costs and fuel. How do you keep the creative juices flowing and innovation going? Kubheka: At Locomute imagination is everything. We have a hashtag that goes with all our social media posts #weDream #weChase #weLocomute. This is the exact spirit with which we tackle every day at Locomute. What do you see for Locomutes future? Kubheka: Locomute is likely to grow into a sizeable player in the mobility space in South Africa and beyond. We are ready to move the envelope through the introduction of person-2-person sharing and driving our rest of Africa strategy using that approach. If you are in advertising, marketing, media, branding or that sort of thing, you will have heard about the storytelling trend more or less ad nauseam over the past few years. But, never, never, has storytelling taken on so vital a role as in the hand of Design Indaba speaker Alex McDowell, creative director of LA-based 5D Studios, a company at the epicentre of design, tech and disruptive storytelling. Image of Alex McDowell by Terry Levin. One, but by no means the only of McDowells claims to fame, is the futuristic scenarios he created for Steven Spielbergs award-winning 1999 film Minority Report, but more about that later... Actually, his career path itself reads a little bit like a sci-fi plot. As social secretary of The Central School of Art in London in 1974, the job of booking bands for gigs fell to him and his best friend Sebastian Conran, son of former Design Indaba keynote speaker and uber-entrepreneur, Sir Terence Conran. The pope of pop culture As the story goes, a guy came up to Alex outside the art school and said something like Oi, do you want a band to play for free tomorrow night? Responding with the only possible answer of 'yes', begat none other than the Sex Pistols first headline gig, the birth of punk rock proper and the wheels set in motion for all manner of mayhem down at Central, including a complete change in directional style for McDowell and other students, with artworks being ripped up and torn down by lecturers and new collaborations forged with future icons such as Vivienne Westwood, Vogue Art Director Terry Jones, the launch of the disruptive punk iD magazine and the formation of Rocking Russian Design Studio in collaboration with ex-Pistols member Glen Matlock, which also ensured the first job for a young Neville Brody. Neville is apparently on record as saying it was the most chaotic place he has ever worked in, in those glory days of designing album covers and music videos for punk groups such as Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Clash, The Cure and others, in a series if events which saw ultimately saw McDowell relocate permanently to LA to work in the burgeoning music video and commercials industry. In collaboration with David Fincher, designer of Chuck Palahniaks Fight Club, video campaigns for Iggy Pop followed, paving the way for another 30 years of McDowells work in film. There sure is lot of pop culture to catch up on, isnt there, poppets? The story of stories McDowell continues with the story of stories themselves. Of tribes around the fire, how physical reality became myth and metaphor to us humans, the silver disc in the sky, the princess moving across the sky, or whatever. Making sense, creating a human code, the giant mythologies of the Greeks and Romans, in his opinion, were disrupted by the printing press and the point when storytelling started to shift to religious authorities, which led to singular instead of the collective story tellers. He describes the new media as having moved again from linear narrative to spherical space, an entire world space - the biggest disruption since the invention of cinema, the tribal space is back in our hands and probably just at the right moment. McDowell speaks of world building as a design practice and how narrative is embedded in the world around us and is where his current story begins. Imagining 2050 in 1999 In 1999, McDowell was tasked to imagine what the future reality of the year 2050 would look like in the forthcoming Steven Spielberg movie, Minority Report. As there was as yet no script (scriptwriter Scott Frank having been commissioned on the same day), the process began with the highest level scientific research - what urban planning, data, biomimicry and mobility might look like in the future. Around this time, the first practitioners of 3D animation and modelling technologies such as CAD and Maya were also starting to emerge. And so with the design of the film preceding its story, a truly visionary environment, and one which in retrospect looks quite a lot like a blueprint for Indaba speaker Alfredo Brillembourgs vertical cities and elevator transportation, was created. By the way, all those gestural movements that you see in Minority Report were created by John Underkoffler, whose platforms, according to McDowell, are currently in use by no less that 50 of the worlds Fortune 500 companies. Click here for more. Poverty is a social construct A real-life application of imagined virtual futures, can be seen in McDowells Al Baydha case study, whereby an impoverished Bedouin tribe in Saudi Arabia is currently in the process of inhabiting and interacting within a 3D virtual model of a future environment, which allows this otherwise illiterate community full immersion in a new story space, able to educate and test the viability of things like harnessing water from flash floods, agricultural ecosystems, sustainable energy, healthcare and telecommunications embracing high and low tech typologies and elegantly demonstrating how virtual worlds may be used in the creation of future realities. As McDowell so neatly puts it, I have no specific interest in VR, but it gives you a level of access that you cant get any other way, adding, we are only scratching the surface of what storytelling can be. Terry Levin has been covering Design Indaba for 12 years for proud media partner Bizcommunity. Most of the speakers at this year's Design Indaba were inspirational, but there were some who just consumed one with emotion in their quest to do good for society. One that stood out for me was Christian Benimana, architect and programmes manager of MASS Design Group in Rwanda. I had the privilege of chatting to him at Design Indaba and this is his story Christian believes that architecture must go beyond merely the design of a building and into the understanding of how buildings impact the lives of others. For him, exceptional buildings and infrastructure can actually address the health, economic, and social challenges the world faces today. This belief is demonstrated in the remarkable projects that Christian and the MASS Design Group have designed and built. Design, build and advocate for better buildings In Malawi, infant mortality is a major issue. The challenge for Christian and MASS Design was how to better design homes for expectant mothers and reduce maternal mortality. They addressed this issue by building the Maternal Waiting Homes, a facility within easy reach of a hospital or health centre where expectant mothers, after their 36th week, can stay until their delivery. Burera District was one of the last two districts in Rwanda without a public hospital, limiting access to care for a population of over 340,000. So they designed the Burera District Hospital to mitigate and reduce the transmission of airborne disease through various innovative systems, including overall layout, patient and staff flow, and natural cross-ventilation. The hospital was built with the use of local materials such as nearby volcanic rock from the Virunga Mountains and labour-intensive practices to deliver appropriate and sustainable design as well as stimulate the local economy through employment. This approach reduced the cost of the facility to two-thirds of what a comparable hospital would typically cost in Rwanda, saving 2 million dollars in construction fees but also providing over 4,000 jobs. The Butaro Hospital brought together architects, builders, and doctors directly to a community in need, providing a dignified, healing space for its population and solidifying for MASS the value of purposeful, human-centric design. These are just two of the remarkable projects Christian and the MASS Group have designed and built for communities in Africa. Their purpose is for architects to design, build and advocate for better buildings and empower the people who build them. Their challenge to them is: how do your buildings contribute to improving lives? Maybe it was because there is a natural space outdoors for everyone to congregate and less of the exclusive and vast divides of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) where Design Indaba was hosted for the last decade. Maybe it was because it did away with the formalities of the extreme security at CTICC, the guarded rooms and eating spaces. Maybe it was just because Artscape has a piazza where festival goers can naturally overflow into, lured by the delectable food trucks, hot music and people watching. The oh-so stylish crowd, led by the ubiquitous millennials, was a veritable style fest. This is where fashion editors should be feasting. Its definitely more street, remarked another editor. It just felt more creative, less structured, organised chaos. Design Indaba guru and founder, Ravi Naidoo, says Artscape have given permission to take over the space around and outside the theatre and he has big plans for future Indabas. Up on stage, speakers were also given free reign to showcase their total creative side, with great theatre from London duo Nick Finney and Alan Dye from NB Studio, in which the client/agency relationship was dissected and acted out in a play which was rather good; fashion designer and musician Rich Mnisi, whose models strutted their stuff to his first album; and Swedish agency anarchists, Snask, who brought their own rock band and unique presentation style (read: total chaos) to the Design Indaba stage. It was fabulous. Each lunchtime there was a DJ or live music outside the theatre and each evening a performance. Inside, a couple of odd installations came to life, like the Mobile Monster covered in the detritus of mobile phones and their waste. I hope to see more pop-up performance art at future Indabas. The media lounge was buzzing, crowded at all times with local and foreign media, speakers, and a great place for networking and quickie interviews. And there was space for a separate media simulcast room with plentiful power a dream come true. Although tables for our laptops would have made it perfection #JustSaying. Serving up the food trucks, bringing street to a festival like Design Indaba which espouses culture and design empathy and urges mechanisms to change the world through creative collaboration, is exactly where Design Indaba needs to be and I hope to see more street performers, more art and more uncomfortable installations to challenge our preconceived ideas of the world and provoke us to making the necessary change. I am looking forward to Design Indaba 2017! (PS: A cupcake food truck would be nice - they have them in New York. Anyone?) Friday at Design Indaba 2016 showcased a girl power beginning and ending. From motion-charged fashion accessories to ethereal meets tech gesture-controlled gloves, the third and last day was bracketed by creatively powerful women. A common theme running throughout most talks was one of courage and consideration. There is no doubt that if you find yourself on the prestigious Design Indaba stage you must have both - and all the speakers on day three had the metaphorical cojones to create something innovative and exciting, venture into the unknown, dare to be different while all the while not forgetting to have fun and be kind on the way. The speaker who most expressed these ideas was UK-based communication designer and word crafter Naresh Ramchandani. He shared his eight favourite words, which include the words change and grace - the two words he considers the manifesto for both his work and life. Change, a combination of charge and anger crackles with positive energy, while Grace brings charm and finesse to the forcefulness of change. Its having the stupidity and courage to want to Change the world, and having the Grace to call for it decently, says Ramchandani. We are makers of culture,we put ideals into the world, we have the power to creat change - @pentagram #DesignIndaba pic.twitter.com/WGigou5S8G Chris Rawlinson (@ChrisRawlinson) February 19, 2016 The removal of self Number seven on his favourite eight word list was Selflessness, Selflessness is about the removal of Self as much as possible. Listening to a conversation rather than dominating it. Being interested in a point of view thats different from your own. Wanting to help, rather than wanting to be seen as the person who helped. On the topic of selflessness, speaker Christian Benimana - a Rwandan architect - received a standing ovation for his talk, which illustrated the idea of architecture going beyond design and into the understanding of how buildings can have an impact on the lives of others. Can architecture be a catalyst for peace and reconciliation? The answer - a resounding yes. Who builds and how we build matters, says Christian. For more read Ann Nurock's interview with him. From buildings that heal us to builders breaking gender binaries, @christianBenima's humanist architecture is an #inspiration #DesignIndaba Piet Smedy (@PietSmedy) February 19, 2016 The last speaker, and quite possibly the most anticipated, was musician Imogen Heap, an artist who embodies the words, brave, innovative and considerate. From humble beginnings to the creation of her one-of-a-kind looping Mi.Mu gloves, Imogen talked and sang us through her journey as both a musician and creator. Her vision is a music industry that is inclusive and fair. For more on this go to: www.designindaba.com Here's to the courageous and considerate game changers! www.designindaba.com (BMCR) publishes timely reviews of current scholarly work in the field of classical studies (including archaeology). The authoritative archive can be found atThis site was established to allow responses to reviews through the comments feature; all reviews from August 2008 have been posted and comments were allowed from 2008 until 2018. The city of Charlotte, North Carolina is considering an LGBT nondiscrimination ordnance and Governor Pat McCrory is none too happy about it. McCrory reportedly told city council members that if they ban discrimination, he will swiftly call upon the state legislature to bring discrimination back because transgender women may use the women's restroom. (spoiler: they've already been using it) Repeating the popular conservative myth that helped defeat Houstons LGBT protections last fall, McCrory warned in an email that changing basic restroom and locker room norms will somehow put women and children at risk. This shift in policy could also create major public safety issues by putting citizens in possible danger from deviant actions by individuals taking improper advantage of a bad policy. Also, this action of allowing a person with male anatomy, for example, to use a female restroom or locker room will most likely cause immediate State legislative intervention which I would support as governor. I certainly do not mean to make light of the situation by referring to these as "rogue penises," because transgender women should not be reduced to their genitalia and that is the problem here. Governor McCrory considers the presence of a penis in a women's restroom, even if it's attached to a woman, to be a grave threat to public safety which calls for "immediate State legislative intervention!" Governor McCrory has specifically singled out transgender women with "male anatomy" and labeled them as a threat while paying no attention to the existence and presence of transgender men who or may not have a penis. As for what makes male anatomy uniquely terrifying to men like McCrory, we can only speculate. I see their fear of transgender women as an extension of, or a more severe form, of homophobia. Lawmakers who've made it their personal mission to codify discrimination against transgender people are deathly afraid they might be attracted to a transgender woman. Rather than confront their own personal conflicts, they project their worst fears onto the most vulnerable people among us who have virtually no safety or protection wherever they go. Transgender women who are murdered can't even count on police departments to give a shit or rely on the press to not misgender them. I was going to insert a joke here about the legislature having nothing better to do, but tackling discrimination is something better they could doing. Rather than enshrine discrimination, Governor McCrory and the state legislature should support the Charlotte city council. Socially conservative lawmakers pose a much greater threat to public safety than anyone. You're more likely to encounter of one of them in the restroom and, personally, they make me uncomfortable. They're the ones who are hyper-concerned about what's in your pants. NEW DELHI (PTI): Top US and Indian Navy officials have concluded the second meeting of the Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Co-operation as India firms up the design and technology plans for an upcoming 65,000 tonne indigenous carrier. An 11-member delegation from the US side, headed by Rear Admiral Thomas J Moore, Program Executive Officer, Aircraft Carriers (United States Navy), visited various defence and industrial installations in India, including Shore Based Test Facility at Goa, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi. At CSL, the delegation saw the first Indian Indigenous Aircraft Carrier which is under construction. Officials remained tightlipped about the outcome of the meeting. The concluding session of the joint working group meeting, which began on February 15, was held on Thursday and was co-chaired by Vice Admiral G S Pabby, Controller Warship Production and Acquisition and Rear Admiral Moore. "During this meeting, various aspects of cooperation in the field of aircraft carrier technology were discussed and a joint statement signed," a statement by the Indian Navy said. The meeting was attended by members of the joint working group and relevant representatives from the navy, Ministry of Defence, DRDO and Ministry of External Affairs. The working group is part of the larger India-US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI). The intent of DTTI is to reduce procedural obstacles to facilitate broader cooperation in defence production as a component of the strategic partnership. The Defence Ministry here has identified aircraft carrier technology as one of the topics of interest to pursue under DTTI. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (PTI): In a major milestone, ISRO has successfully hot tested 'Cryo CE 20' Engine for a flight duration of 640 seconds, with the space agency Chairman A S Kirankumar describing the feat as a "phenomenal achievement in the shortest time." The test was completed successfully at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri today at 17.15 hrs, an ISRO press release said here on Friday. This engine is identified for Cryogenic stage hot tests for GSLV MkIII, according to the release. The engine has already undergone two short duration tests and demonstrated repeatability of engine ignition characteristics and steady state performance, it said. The test was conducted with Mixture Ratio Controller (MRC) in closed loop mode for the flight duration of 640 seconds, according to ISRO. Kirankumar, in his address to the gathering present at Mahendragiri, described it as "a phenomenal achievement in the shortest time". The Fully indigenous cryogenic engine development is a major step towards the launch of GSLV MkIII in December, the release said. Mahendragiri is in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 22/02/2016 (2433 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. CALGARY Growth in Canadian oil production is likely to slow down or grind to a halt five years from now once projects now under construction are built, the International Energy Agency warns in a report released Monday. The Paris-based organization said it projects Canada to add 800,000 barrels a day of production by 2021, which would bring total output to 5.2 million barrels a day. Most of that growth is expected to come from Albertas oilsands, with bitumen production expected to hit 3.4 million barrels a day. But a number of factors including the expense of producing crude from the oilsands threaten to curtail or put a stop to such growth, the IEA said. Heightened environmental concerns, a lack of pipeline access to new markets and the unknown impact of the victory by the New Democratic Party in Albertas elections last year are causing companies to slow development, it said. As such, we are likely to see continued capacity increases (in) the near term, with growth slowing considerably, if not coming to a complete standstill, after the projects under construction are completed. A number of new developments in Canada recently commissioned or nearing completion will drive growth over the next five years, the IEA said. They include Imperial Oils Kearl expansion project in Alberta, which was completed in June 2015, and the Hebron offshore oil site off Newfoundland set to begin production in 2018. The IEA report, which examined global oil production forecasts up to 2021, said there was a 24 per cent cut in oil investment around the world last year and another 17 per cent reduction is expected this year. Jackie Forrest, vice-president of energy research at Arc Financial, agreed that oilsands development will slow down as companies look to smaller investments and faster returns. There is a lot of uncertainty about future growth and a lot of headwinds coming at the oilsands, said Forrest. Even if you assume a price recovery, theres more of a favour for shorter cycle-type projects, unlike the oilsands which are megaproject investments. A decline in the number of new projects would significantly change the dynamics of the oil sectors workforce from growth to maintenance, the industry-funded Enform organization said last week. It projects that the number of construction jobs will drop by 84 per cent, or about 10,300 positions, by 2020, while the number of operations and maintenance jobs would grow by 9,870. Since mid-2014, crude prices have plunged by 70 per cent. On Monday, oil was trading above US$33 a barrel. Follow @ibickis on Twitter. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 22/02/2016 (2433 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. TORONTO Kit and Ace, the clothing brand launched by the wife and son of Lululemon founder Dennis (Chip) Wilson, has laid off about 10 per cent of its head office staff. In a statement, the company said it laid off 35 people at its Vancouver head office effective last Thursday. The company did not answer questions about how many employees remain with Kit and Ace. JJ Wilson and Shannon Wilson co-founded the venture in 2014. The company has 11 stores in Canada and 33 in the United States, as well as eight international locations in Australia and the U.K. It also has several pop-up shops in those countries and one in Japan. CEO Paul Wilson, who is not related to the founders, said many of the companys startup initiatives have been completed and it now is getting ready to focus on other areas in the year ahead. Wilson said those being laid off will not be replaced this year, although new positions will continue to be posted. Already have an account? Log in here PARIS - Canadian designer Vejas Kruszewski has made the shortlist for the lucrative LVMH Prize for young fashion designers. We need your support! Local journalism needs your support! As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $4.99/month you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 22/02/2016 (2433 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. TORONTO A Progressive Conservative member of the Ontario legislature accuses the Liberal government of putting lives at risk by allowing industrial wind turbines near the Collingwood regional airport. Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson says the eight 152-metre-high turbines will be the tallest structures in all of rural Ontario, and are planned for the community of Stayner, literally right next door to the Collingwood airport. During Mondays question period, Wilson asked why the province ignored the safety of the people, pilots and local municipalities by allowing the project to proceed. Environment Minister Glen Murray says the government extended the consultation period on the wind farm by six months to a total of 30 months, and considered over 350 submissions. Murray says NAV Canada, the private company that owns and operates Canadas civil air navigation service, found no safety concerns from putting the wind turbines near the runway for the Collingwood airport. He says if the province had not approved the turbines after the project met federal guidelines, it would have been open to a lawsuit and had no proper defence. Wilson accused the government of hiding behind NAV Canada. NAV CAN told me a year and a half ago that they didnt have any rules for this sort of situation because they didnt think that any government would be stupid enough to build eight 500-foot wind turbines close to a regional airport, so they dont have any rules, Wilson told the legislature. NAV Canada told you: Dont put the towers there. We dont have any rules to protect you.' A recent study by area municipalities found the wind farm project will have significant negative impacts on the airport and neighbouring lands, added Wilson. Let me tell you if one life is lost, Ill personally hold Premier Kathleen Wynne accountable, he said. Murray said he has asked the federal government to make its guidelines on locating wind turbines near airports into firm regulations. The issue is one of federal regulation, not a provincial issue, he said. Mr. Wilson, as a former environment minister, knows the minister cannot politicize that. This is a director-level decision that I have no ability to interfere with. The Town of Collingwood has decided to appeal the provinces decision to approve the Wpd Canada wind project near the Collingwood airport to the Environmental Review Tribunal, which has the power to confirm, amend or reject the decision. Already have an account? Log in here MONTREAL - A Quebec screenwriter is alleging he was sexually abused at the age of 12 or 13 by film director Claude Jutra. We need your support! Local journalism needs your support! As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $4.99/month you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 22/02/2016 (2433 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA The bloody, sun-baked sand of Syria is a long way from the Canadian Arctic, but Russias use of cruise missiles in the five-year-old civil war has defence planners in both the U.S. and Canada sitting up and taking notice. U.S. Admiral Bill Gortney, the commander of Norad, said multiple strikes on Raqqa the de facto capital of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant show Russian aircraft dont have to leave their airspace in order to deliver lethal effects. The missiles, launched last November, came from Tu-160 and Tu-95 warplanes and warships in the Caspian Sea and travelled thousands of kilometres to hit their targets. Those attacks were followed in December by submarine-based launches of Kalibr cruise missiles. Navy Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, director of the Joint Staff, gives an operational update concerning Libya, at the Pentagon in Washington, Sunday, March 20, 2011. The commander of NORAD says U.S. and Canadian defence planners are taking notice of Russia's use of cruise missiles in Syria, something that could have wide-ranging implications for the West ??? particularly in the Arctic. Gortney tells The Canadian Press that multiple strikes on Raqqa, the de facto capital of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, show Russian aircraft don't have to leave their airspace in order to deliver lethal effects.THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP Photo/Cliff Owen In an exclusive interview with The Canadian Press, Gortney said the message intended for the West was crystal clear. There was no tactical or operational requirement for any of those shots, he said. They were telling us they have this capability and can employ it globally. The Trudeau government is about to embark on a defence policy review, but unlike its Conservative predecessor, which emphasized military preparedness in the Arctic, the issue has barely registered in Liberal policy statements. One of the pressing issues will be replacing the rapidly aging north warning system of radar stations over the next decade. But defence planners in both Washington and Ottawa have in recent years been quietly warning about the threat of a surprise cruise missile attack from the Far North. Most of their research, however, has focused on rogue nations or terrorist threats from converted ships operating in the Northwest Passage. They have warned, however, that the absence in the Arctic of radar protection at low levels below 3,000 metres means there would be very little warning of a cruise missile launch in the region. Gortney said Norad can track ballistic missiles coming over the North Pole, but coverage for low-flying cruise missiles remains a major challenge. American and Canadian planners are together trying to figure out a solution, he said. Against this particular threat, you need the ability to look over the horizon, Gortney said. Does that mean it needs to be airborne or land based? Or a combination of both? The harsh environment poses a bit of conundrum, he added. One possible solution would be an aircraft carrier-based E2D-Hawkeye surveillance plane, which has been fully tested electronically. But Canada has neither the plane nor the ship, and American use of both would depend on weather. Norad planners are also experimenting with the use of static balloons with a load of surveillance gear. Because of the nature of the Arctic, a balloon might not be the best option, Gortney said. The Canadian military has been studying the idea on its own, and has considered the possibility of installing static surveillance balloons at choke points along the Northwest Passage. The aerospace command is also responsible for monitoring maritime approaches to the continent. A number of defence journals and open-source intelligence reports have noted that Russian submarine activity in the North Atlantic has now surpassed Cold War levels something Gortney confirmed. Yves Brodeur, Canadas former ambassador to NATO, recently said Russia has become a more unpredictable actor on the world stage and that the alliance was caught flat-footed by the annexation of Crimea in 2014. We never saw it coming, Brodeur told a defence conference last week. It says something about the early warning systems. We ended up trying to catch up with something we didnt quite understand. Bank of Ireland's interim results for 2015 show that the bank recorded an underlying profit of 1.2bn, an increase of 30% over the previous year. The bank remains Ireland's largest lender, providing 6.9bn of new credit to personal and business customers in 2015. It now aims to recommence dividend repayments during the first half of 2017. The bank's CEO, Richie Boucher, said: "All of our trading divisions are profitable and contributed to our strong financial performance during the period. We continued to be the largest lender to the Irish economy, providing 6.9 billion of new credit to personal and business customers in 2015. "With our strong franchises, we are well positioned to meet credit demand which is recovering as the Irish economy grows and confidence returns. We generated an underlying profit before tax of 1,201 million in 2015, 30% higher than the equivalent figure in 2014 of 921 million. "The Group continues to generate capital at a significant pace, with a 200 basis points increase to 11.3% in our fully loaded Common equity tier 1 ratio during 2015. We have maintained our progress towards dividends and have updated our distribution policy." Mr Boucher said the bank's momentum means they have a confident outlook for their prospects. Bank of Ireland's 2015 highlights: * Underlying profit of 1.2bn, 30% increase over 2014; all trading divisions profitable * Continued to be largest lender to the Irish economy in 2015 * Group new lending up 40% on 2014 to 14.2bn * Group loans grew in 2015; net new lending of 3.9bn in core loan books * Reduced non-performing loans by a further 3.8bn in 2015 * Increased TNAV per share by c.12% to 24.1c * Increased fully loaded CET1 ratio by 200bps to 11.3%; 500bps increase over past 2 years * Redeemed 2009 Preference Shares at the earliest possible opportunity * Restored to Investment Grade by Moodys, Standard & Poors and Fitch * Maintaining progress towards dividend capacity updated distribution policy in place Fianna Fail wants offenders to pay a new victims surcharge, if convicted of a crime. The party is pointing to surcharges in the UK, where criminals have to pay a surcharge of 80 if sent to prison for six months or less. Fianna Fail also wants a Sentencing Commission to be established, which will prepare guidelines on sentencing. Fianna Fails justice spokesman, Niall Collins, says too often the justice system is weighted in favour of criminals. Mr Collins said: "If Fianna Fail is in government, criminals convicted of an offence will be expected to pay a new victims surcharge. "This is a charge to be paid by an offender after they have pleaded guilty or been convicted. The amount depends on the circumstances of the offender and the sentence passed. "It will be separate from any other fine imposed by the court." The junior minister with special responsibility for forestry, horticulture and food safety, Tom Hayes, has been criticised for having some of his election posters nailed to trees around Clonmel. The posters were spotted along the Cahir Road and Sinn Fein's Tipperary candidate, Councillor Seamie Morris, has hit out at the "vandalism and damage" it has done to the trees. Mr Morris says such disregard for natural life from supporters of the outgoing Minister is particularly disappointing as the Minister has special responsibility for forestry, and because some of the trees are ash. Cllr Morris said: "Nailing election posters to trees is a regressive development in a modern election. Most of us have moved beyond thinking of trees as unimportant and near-inanimate objects. "We have moved to understanding that trees provide more than just visual amenity. They clean the air, provide the oxygen we breathe, and are a key component in maintaining a healthy environment. "We have come to accept and care for the natural environment and show regard for trees in particular. It was therefore a major surprise and disappointment to learn that so many trees have been vandalised in this way. Hammering nails into trees stopped being acceptable decades ago." Some of the trees are ash, a species that is under threat from Ash Dieback which has spread across Europe and is already in Ireland. Mr Morris said: "It does this by damaging the layer of bark that transports nutrients to the rest of the tree. "That's also the layer that is most compromised by the hammering in of nails, such as Mr Hayes has done. There are three nails in many of the trees, and therefore three sites for infection." A poster of Tom Hayes nailed to a tree on the Cahir Road, Clonmel. Fine Gael said the party expects all its candidates to respect postering guidelines. We understand that these posters have now been removed. Former TD Seymour Crawford has claimed Sinn Fein has attempted to defame both himself and Fine Gael, by claiming a man who challenged Mary Lou McDonald on her party's pensions policy in Dublin on Friday was his brother. The man was identified as being Fergus Crawford, CEO of the Irish branch of asset management firm Sarasin & Partners. Former Cavan-Monaghan TD Seymour Crawford said both his brothers pre-deceased him, and that Fergus Crawford was not related to him at all. "I was extremely surprised and annoyed, because I think this is an effort to defame my character and that of Fine Gael by the Sinn Fein party. "I had only two brothers, both deceased (John in 1998 and the Reverend Joe in 2014), and have no relation called Fergus Crawford - good, bad or indifferent." An unsuspecting Mary Lou McDonald engages in a not so brief encounter with a member of the public on Grafton Sthttps://t.co/XBplNKFvvN RTE News (@rtenews) February 19, 2016 Sinn Fein deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald accused "concerned citizen" Fergus Crawford of having "some brass neck" after his position emerged. She said: "The bankers, developers, all of the crew who wrecked this place have now regrouped, and they are now sufficiently emboldened to challenge people like me on the streets of Dublin on the basis of, ironically, our ability to protect ordinary people. "There's a big irony in that and I know it isn't lost on anyone. The man is of course entitled to his view." The Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has been defending the Taoiseach Enda Kenny after comments he made at the weekend caused some raised eyebrows. On Saturday, Mr Kenny said some of his Mayo constituents were "All Ireland champions" at complaining who "wouldnt know sunshine if they saw it". Speaking at a rally in Castlebar, Co Mayo, on Saturday evening, Mr Kenny said that, despite local investment, some people continue to criticise him over the failure to stretch the recovery to Mayo. God knows we have some All-Ireland champions here in Castlebar, he said, just five days out from the general election. I dont mean Castlebar Mitchells [the local GAA club]. I mean the whingers that I hear every week saying theres nothing happening. Ms Fitzgerald said it would be completely inaccurate to see this as a general comment about the people of Mayo. She said: "He was obviously referring to a very small group of Fianna Fail politicians who were completely unable to see any benefit in the improving economy and that was the particular point he was making. "So, anyone who knows Enda Kenny knows how he reaches out to people and how understanding he is of particular individual situations. "So to elaborate from the remark he made, to see it as a general comment on the people of Mayo or indeed on anywhere else, would be completely inaccurate." Opposition politicians have continued to attack the Taoiseach's "whinger" remarks, with Renua leader Lucinda Creighton, who is herself from Mayo, saying the comments are "unfortunate". Ms Creighton said: "I certainly don't believe the people of Mayo are whingers, I dont believe people of Ireland are whingers. "Speaking as somebody who hails from the county of Mayo, whose family live in county Mayo and who have every right in a democracy to critique and analyse and express an opinion on the performance of the Government, and indeed on all of the political parties, I think those remarks were extremely unfortunate and ill-advised." Sinn Fein's Deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald has hit out at the Government's Job Bridge scheme. Ms McDonald said it was just an attempt to reduce the Live Register figures and there have been no real jobs for people at the end of it. She also said there was a two-tier recovery in Dublin city where Job Bridge has not worked for many in working class communities. The Sinn Fein TD said: "What people will tell you, if you went out into the streets and into the community, is that Job Bridge is not, in real terms, real work for people. "I think a lot of people feel that they have just been shifted and shunted off the Live Register onto one of these schemes for a few quid in addition to their jobseekers' allowance. "They are not given the kind of training opportunities and pathways that they need to get into sustainable employment." Two men are due in court in Belfast today charged in connection with an alleged assault in Belfast. The 18 and 23-year-olds were charged with rape in connection with the alleged assault on a woman in the Glen Road area of west Belfast early Friday morning. Manchester City are set to travel to Ukraine today, with Manuel Pellegrini hoping his controversial FA Cup selection pays dividends "for England" in the Champions League tie with Dynamo Kiev. City made nine changes and fielded six teenagers - five of them making their full debuts - in Sunday's 5-1 defeat at Chelsea, who next play Everton in the quarter-finals. Pellegrini's men face Dynamo in the Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday and take on Liverpool in the Capital One Cup final on Sunday, so the City boss delivered on his promise to make wholesale changes. "We are forced to do it," he said on BBC1, adding: "I think that if we play on Saturday it's better for us because we have to play for England in the Champions League." Pellegrini denied disrespecting the FA Cup. "If one team respects all the cups, it's this team," the Chilean added. "That's why we are in the final of the Capital One Cup, that's why we won the two previous games in this cup. (At Chelsea) we couldn't because I think we have more important things at this moment." Pressed on why the FA Cup was considered less of a priority than Europe, Pellegrini added: "It's not more important. "I don't think I need to defend (the selection). The FA Cup, yes, of course (is special). (But) we have at this moment seven players injured. It's impossible for us to take the risk to play in both competitions. "We have an option for the first time in our club to try to reach the quarter-final of the Champions League. With 13 players (available), not to prioritise (the FA Cup), it's a sensible decision." City have now lost three straight games, after defeats to Leicester and Tottenham dented their Barclays Premier League title hopes. Just 90 seconds after going behind to Diego Costa's opener, City equalised through David Faupala - one of the five full debutants - and it was 1-1 at half-time before Chelsea's second-half blitz. Willian and Gary Cahill - one of two Englishmen in the starting XIs, with City teenager Tosin Adarabioyo the other - scored within eight minutes of the restart, and Eden Hazard and substitute Bertrand Traore added goals. chelseavmancityfeb2016_large.jpg[#embed1] Chelsea also had a penalty, but Oscar's effort was saved by Willy Caballero. The FA Cup has come under scrutiny which will only continue after Pellegrini's selection. Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink insists the competition must be treasured. "Winning the FA Cup is beautiful. We must be careful not to devalue this," said Hiddink, who won the trophy with Chelsea in 2009, beating Everton in the final, and has a 100 per cent record from six games in the competition. With the Blues languishing in 12th place in the Premier League, the FA Cup and Champions League are now Hiddink's priority. "There's not much left in the league for Chelsea, to be honest," the Dutchman said. Chelsea vowed to support any criminal prosecution and ban any supporter found responsible of coin-throwing after objects were hurled towards City players celebrating Faupala's equaliser. A man was arrested after allegedly throwing a lighter on to the pitch, the Metropolitan Police said on Sunday evening, as enquiries continued. A Chelsea spokesman said: "We condemn such idiotic and dangerous behaviour and if we can identify those responsible then we will ban them from Stamford Bridge." Fiji is counting the cost of a cyclone that has devastated the Pacific island nation and which has been described as the strongest storm ever to hit the southern hemisphere. The death toll from Cyclone Winston, which struck at the weekend, has risen to 18 with the scale of the disaster only just starting to be assessed as the weather starts to clear. More than 6,000 residents across Fiji were reported to be staying in emergency shelters after their homes were battered in the winds, which reached 177 miles per hour. NABOUWALU JETTY DAMAGED According to the Weather Underground website, that made Cyclone Winston the strongest storm recorded in the Southern Hemisphere. The Fijian government has declared a 30-day state of natural disaster and has formally appealed for international assistance to support the relief effort. The lifting of a curfew imposed on Saturday signified the start of the clean-up operation made more difficult by the fact Fijis most outer islands were hardest hit. In a televised address to the nation, Fiji Prime Minster Voreqe Bainimarama said the police and military would be deployed to help begin the clean-up. The damage has been widespread, homes have been destroyed, many low-lying areas have flooded, and many people have been left stunned and confused about what to do, he said. This is a time of sorrow, but it will also be a time of action. We will stand united in the face of this disaster. Fiji has approximately 900,000 inhabitants, spread over 100 islands, and the government said getting aid to the hard-hit remote islands was its priority. The logistics of getting supplies and equipment to remote communities is difficult, Fijis permanent secretary for communications Ewan Perrin said. Some have lost their jetties and its uncertain if airstrips are able to be landed on. In wake of #TCWinston our main concern is for children and pregnant & breastfeeding women https://t.co/M57DfiPlTJ pic.twitter.com/CsuIIrLaUr UNICEF (@UNICEF) February 22, 2016 Perrin said authorities were sending a vessel to Koro Island one of the worst affected islands filled with medical supplies, food and water. He said crews on the boat would build temporary shelters for those people on the island whose homes had been destroyed. He said Fijians were taking the disaster in stride. The people here are fairly resilient and theyre accustomed to these things happening, he said. Most are going about their business or helping clean up. Theres been a very well-coordinated disaster response and were deploying quickly. Perrin said most of the people who died in the cyclone were hit by flying debris or were in buildings which collapsed. A handful of people had also been hospitalised with severe injuries, he said. Tourism Minister Faiyaz Siddiq Koya said all tourists in Fiji were safe and there was no significant damage to the majority of hotels on the main island. Fiji is a popular tourist destination, known for its beach resorts and scuba diving. Islamic State says it was behind deadly attacks in Syria which killed at least 140 people yesterday. Another 200 people were reportedly injured in the series of blasts in Damascus and Homs. Syrian state TV reported that the bombings on Sunday targeted a vegetable market in the afternoon during rush hour. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a triple blast in Sayyida Zeinab, saying two IS fighters set off a car bomb before detonating their explosive belts. Residents said the attack was about half a mile from one of Shiite Islam's holiest shrines and did not damage it. A triple explosion in Sayyida Zeinab killed 45 people last month. The blasts came hours after two explosions in the central city of Homs killed and wounded scores of people. The day of violence follows diplomatic moves aimed at organising a truce. Earlier, US secretary of state John Kerry said a ''provisional agreement'' has been reached on a ceasefire in Syria's five-year civil war. Mr Kerry, who spoke alongside Jordanian foreign minister Nasser Judeh in Amman, Jordan, revealed he had spoken earlier this morning with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, about the agreement. Now, he said, both the US and Russia plan to reach out to the various sides of the conflict. Lawyers for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange have submitted papers to a Swedish court, asking for his arrest warrant to be overturned. The move follows a decision by a United Nations panel that his stay in the Ecuadorian embassy in London amounted to "arbitrary detention". His lawyer, Thomas Olsson, said a number of "new circumstances" had arisen which meant there was reason to review an earlier decision. Mr Assange is wanted for questioning in Sweden over a sex allegation, which he denies, but believes that if he goes to Sweden he will be taken to the United States for questioning over the activities of WikiLeaks. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said earlier this month that Mr Assange should be free to leave the embassy in London. Authorities in Britain and Sweden rejected the UN panel's finding, saying Mr Assange had detained himself by seeking refuge in the embassy. The UK Government says the panel has merely offered an opinion which is not legally binding. Mr Assange has been living in the embassy in central London for more than three years after being granted political asylum by the Ecuador government. Mr Olsson said the legal papers had been submitted to a Swedish court, with no indication of when a hearing might be held to consider the request. The United States and Russia have agreed on a plan that would create a ceasefire in Syria starting on Saturday, according to US officials. The officials said that the two sides have agreed on the terms and conditions for the "cessation of hostilities". The truce excludes attacks on the Islamic State group and the Nusra Front, al Qaida's local affiliate. An announcement is expected after Presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin speak on the matter by telephone. Meanwhile, the Islamic State group has released the last of some 230 Assyrian Christians kidnapped a year ago in Syria after receiving millions of dollars in ransom, Christian officials said. Younan Talia, of the Assyrian Democratic Organisation, said that about 40 remaining Christian captives were released early on Monday and are on their way to the north-eastern town of Tal Tamr. He said the release came after mediation led by a top Assyrian priest in northern Syria. The extremists captured the Assyrians, members of an ancient Christian sect, last February after overrunning several communities on the southern bank of the Khabur River in northeastern Hassakeh province. Kidnapping for ransom is a main source of income for the extremists. In November, IS said it killed a Norwegian and a Chinese captive after demanding ransom for their release two months earlier. Mr Talia said IS demanded a ransom of $18m for the Assyrian Christians. He said the figure was later lowered following negotiations. He said he did not know the final amount. LONDON: Copper prices extended losses on Wednesday as soaring inflation and the prospect of more interest rate hikes... SINGAPORE: US oil may test a support at $83.78 per barrel, a break below which could open the way towards... Pakistans goods exports may have only risen 2.6 percent year-on-year in 1QFY23, but there is enough in it to... RABAT: One volunteer firefighter has been killed and another injured in a forest fire in northern Morocco, where new... LONDON: Liz Truss came to 10 Downing Street vowing to be a disruptor. She U-turned on almost everything else, but... Is inflation even lower than the ABS is reporting? ANZ reckons the current basket of good and services used by the statistics bureau to measure consumer price inflation doesn't fully capture discounting, which impacts over 40 per cent of the items in the basket. "We estimate that the CPI could be overstating annual inflation by around one-quarter percentage point," senior economist Jo Masters says. That doesn't sound like a lot, but considering headline inflation is already running at a low 1.7 per cent rate, that takes it to even more worrying levels for an RBA already fretting about global disinflation and even deflation. Masters also notes that even the sharp depreciation in the Australian dollar over the past years hasn't fired up inflation, despite around 40 per cent of retail goods being imported, which he explains with increased competition from discount retailers such as Aldi or online shops. "A more competitive retail environment is limiting pricing power and encouraging increased use of promotions, sales, discounts, and loyalty programs." He would like the public to believe that all the people camped outside Brisbane's Lady Cilento Children's Hospital since last Friday were simply wasting their time. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton's claim that baby Asha was always going to be moved to community detention rather than sent to Nauru doesn't stack up. At a press conference on Sunday called in response to the extended vigil, Mr Dutton said the hospital's doctors had finished treating Asha and "would be happy for the baby to go out into community detention". Immigration Minister Peter Dutton would like the public to believe protesters like Scotia Monkivitch were wasting their time at Lady Cilento Hospital. Credit:Cameron Atfield "As I say that's what we've proposed all along but at some point if people have matters finalised in Australia then they will be returning to Nauru," he said. When asked why this proposal hadn't been made clear previously, the Immigration Minister told journalists it had "been made very clear" and they'd been "hijacked" by advocates more interested in their own media profile than the baby's interests. He said there were 83 asylum seekers, including women and children, living in the community after travelling to Australia for medical assistance and Asha and her family would add to that number. A senior public servant has resigned after a breach of security at Parliament House last year. In March, security guards mistook a woman for a politician and allowed her to tailgate another vehicle into a private car park within the building. Canberra ranked fourth out of the five Australian cities included on a list of the world's most liveable cities. Credit:Glen McCurtayne According to reports, the woman then walked through the ceremonial entrance of the House of Representatives reserved for politicians without being asked for credentials. The woman, who has not been named, had been invited to attend a function at Parliament House. On Monday, the centre announced a formal partnership with the ANU Centre for the Public Awareness of Science. Alda has been pioneering science communication education through the Alan Alda Centre for Communicating Science, based in Stony Brook University's School of Journalism in the United States since 2009. Now Alan Alda is turning his talents to communicating the value of science and he will do so in partnership with the Australian National University. He is a household name who brought the characters of Hawkeye in M*A*S*H and Arnold Vinick in West Wing to millions of viewers worldwide. The agreement is first international partnership for the Alda Center, which was set up to help promote a wider understanding of science and to help scientists better communicate their work. The centre is now working with 15 other universities across America. Alda will arrive in Australia next month for the World Science Festival in Brisbane and give a series of public talks in Canberra all of which have sold out. His passion for science communication began in the early 1990s when he began hosting a cutting-edge science and medical television series Scientific American Frontiers. "I didn't want to do the show in the usual way, where I was the presenter introducing and reading the off-camera narration. I really wanted to have a conversation with my subjects and to really understand what it was they were doing. I didn't go in with a list of questions, I asked them to tell me in way I could understand, and viewers could understand, and it had a profound effect." Alda understood there was a stereotype that scientists were generally poor communicators, but after interviewing "maybe 700 of them I found them to be funny, engaging curious, present, you just need to give them a chance to connect with you." A group of parents and children from Canberra and south-east NSW staged a "peaceful" sit-in at Parliament House on Monday to draw attention to the plight of asylum seeker baby Asha and all children in detention centres. The protest was organised by a Facebook group as part of the #LetThemStay campaign concerned about the federal government's plans to deport 267 asylum seekers including 37 babies born in Australia back to Nauru. Greens Senate candidates Christina Hobbs and Carly Saeedi with Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Aileen Tong and children Zak, Anya, Rose, Sylie, and Leo involved in the sit-in at Parliament House protesting the treatment of asylum seeker baby Asha. Greens Senate candidate for the ACT Christina Hobbs, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Fenner candidate Carly Saeedi joined the protest. Ms Hobbs said the parents felt "tricked" by Immigration Minister Peter Dutton when he had indicated baby Asha would be sent back to community detention. A Canberra man who has denied shooting another man in the thigh during a neighbourhood dispute in Holt has pleaded guilty to firearm offences. Witnesses reportedly heard a "pop" and watched as the man fell to the ground after Michael Gordon Pallier, 26, allegedly got out of a car and drew a gun on Sunday, January 10, court documents said. Pallier was charged with intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm and unlawfully discharging a gun over the alleged shooting.. Credit:Andrew Meares Pallier admitted to possessing a modified firearm without a licence and possessing 230 rounds of ammunition during a brief appearance at the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday. But the court heard he will fight charges of intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm and unlawfully discharging a gun over the alleged shooting. 9.26am: It looks like two cars are involved in that crash at North Ainslie Primary School . The left lane of Sherbrooke Street is blocked but traffic can flow on Davenport Street. 9.23am: There's been a prang near North Ainslie Primary School on the corner of Davenport Street and Sherbrooke Street. Emergency crews are on scene. 8.42am: Both vehicles are off the road and traffic has returned to normal after an earlier crash on the Barr Smith Avenue entrance to Drakeford Drive at Bonython. 8.27am: There's also reports of heavy traffic from the Glenloch Interchange into Canberra via Parkes Way. 8.26am: There are reports northbound traffic is being affected by a two-car crash on Drakeford Drive at Bonython. 8.21am: A two-car crash is impacting traffic in one lane of Drakeford Drive at Bonython, police say. 8.17am: There's been a crash on the Barr Smith Avenue entrance to Drakeford Drive at Bonython. Emergency services are on the way. If you see any accidents or have any info on the morning commute, let us know whenever it is safe to do so:morningblog@canberratimes.com.au or tweet us @canberratimes. Morshead Drive and Pialligo Avenue will have partial lane closures each night this week until Friday February 26 from 6.30pm to 5am for resurfacing works associated with the Majura Parkway. Work will be conducted on Morshead Drive from the Duntroon roundabout to the Pialligo Avenue and Fairbairn Avenue intersection and in stages along Morshead Drive and Pialligo Avenue with one lane remaining open to traffic in both directions. Learn how to grow fish and vegetables together in your own backyard at Backyard Aquaponics at the Canberra Environment Centre from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Tickets $20. Pianist Kathryn Selby is joined by SSO Concertmaster Andrew Haveron and ACO Principal Cello Timo-Veikko Valve to celebrate the glorious diversity of piano trios and duos in the first of a series of concerts at the James O. Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia from 7.30pm. The Australian War Memorial's Voices from the Front exhibition continues, telling the stories from the First World War through the letters and diaries of those who served. More details here. The National Portrait Gallery's Sideshow Alley exhibition promises to give infamy and the macabre through death masks, post-mortem drawings and other spooky portraits. More details here. See 2015's best political cartoons at the Behind the Lines exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Touch or click through for more David Pope Today: Hot and sunny. Light winds. Max 35. Wednesday: Hot and sunny. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening. Min 18, Max 36. The daughter of former prime minister Malcolm Fraser was awarded a $10,000 contract for interior decoration at The Lodge, in a move a senior public servant has linked to Lucy Turnbull. Angela Marshall, a high-end interior decorator with Melbourne design firm Adelaide Bragg & Associates, lived in the prime minister's official Canberra residence during her father's government and is a councillor of the Australiana Fund, the body responsible for managing historical art and furniture for official Australian government residences. Lucy Turnbull shows off the restored Lodge in Canberra. Credit:Andrew Meares During questioning in Senate Estimates on Monday, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet deputy secretary Elizabeth Kelly said Ms Marshall was awarded the $9900 contract to create a furniture layout for the newly refurbished home as the long-running $11.61 million million renovations came to an end. Ms Kelly said she was introduced to Ms Marshall by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's wife, Lucy Turnbull, who accompanied her to a storage facility in Hume to inspect items of furniture stored for the house since the 1980s. Eleni Glouftsis, the reluctant trailblazer who "just wants to be treated as one of the boys", will become the first woman to officiate as a field umpire at an AFL game on Sunday. The 23-year-old will take control of Sunday's NAB Challenge match between Carlton and Essendon at Ikon Park. Trailblazer: Field umpire Eleni Glouftsis. Umpires coach Hayden Kennedy said it was a proud day for umpiring. "We're really happy to say that Eleni will now make her NAB Cup debut this week," Kennedy told the AFL website on Monday. Qantas will return $500 million to shareholders after lower fuel prices, strong demand for international flights and ongoing cost cutting placed the airline on course to report a record full-year profit. The carrier on Tuesday recorded its best first-half underlying profit before tax of $921 million, at the upper end of its guidance range, and unveiled a $500 million on-market share buyback program. The airline also unveiled plans to roll out free high-speed Wi-Fi on Qantas domestic flights, with trials starting by the end of 2016, and said it would build a new lounge at London Heathrow to open in the first quarter of 2017. The airline's bumper results were assisted by $448 million of savings from the lower fuel price, as well as $261 million in cost savings as part of its three-year, $2 billion transformation plan. Dell says 80 per cent of global attacks are on financial institutions in the United States. The United Kingdom is the next-most-targeted market, then Australia. Attacks in Asia are increasing and cyber attackers are also targeting bank customers as banking moves to mobile. "Threats are becoming more sophisticated, incorporating emerging technologies, advanced cryptography, and resilient infrastructure to resist surveillance and disruption," says the report, published on Friday. Dell SecureWorks, the IT security subsidiary of Dell, found that Australia is the third-most-targeted country from 17 examined in a report on banking "botnets". The term, which combines the words robot and network, refers to internet-linked computers that maliciously launch repetitive tasks designed to damage information systems. C s are increasing attacks on Australian banks and using more sophisticated methods, says a report by computer giant Dell, suggesting heightened cyber-security vigilance and spending by financial institutions and the federal government is justified. "With banks continuously moving to the mobile platform for payment and banking applications, cyber-criminals' interest in targeting mobile banking services has increased." Pallav Khandhar, a senior security researcher at Dell SecureWorks, said one technique growing in popularity involves hackers attempting to lure victims to download and install malicious banking applications while the user thinks they are merely updating their bank application. "This then allows attackers to intercept banking sessions on [the] victim's mobile, allowing them to steal banking account credentials and/or money from their victim's account," Mr Khandhar said. After Commonwealth Bank of Australia's interim results earlier this month, chief executive Ian Narev told Fairfax Media that cyber-security is a matter of national importance and the government is showing a high level of understanding about potential threats. Cyber-security should not be seen as an issue of competitive advantage, he said, and it is crucial for banks, telecommunications companies and government to work together on resilience measures. "Now you can imagine in the same way as there people for a long period of time have unfortunately tried to break into branches, there are always going to be people who want to have a go against all sorts of institutions from a cyber perspective," he said. "Anybody in a big company or public institution will tell you there is an ongoing level of activity ... and we watch that very carefully and make sure we are well positioned to react to that, and we are. Private health insurer nib said it is alert for acquisition opportunities as smaller health funds question their future following the $5.7 billion privatisation of Medibank Private. Group managing director Mark Fitzgibbon said that the renewed assertiveness of Medibank, which recently announced a $100 million profit upgrade and is planning an advertising spree, has changed the local industry. nib reported half-year earnings. Credit:Natalie Grono "There is much more awareness of the competitive threat with the two behemoths, Medibank Private and Bupa. Smaller health insurers are worried about what the future looks likes and consolidation might be something worth revisiting," he said. Mr Fitzgibbon said he had no particular takeover targets in sight, but he is alert to the possibility of a deal. Woolworths' new chief is unlikely to steal the title of Australia's highest paid executive from former Coles boss Ian McLeod, who collected almost $55 million over five years for turning around the once-struggling supermarket chain. However, analysts and investors are in little doubt that Woolworths' chairman Gordon Cairns will have to dig deep to hire a top-notch North American or European food industry executive to restore the fortunes of Australia's largest retailer. Walmart US CEO Greg Foran used to be a top Woolworths executive. Credit:Jim Rice Senior food industry and supermarket executives in the US and Europe generally earned between $3 million and $9 million in 2015, according to Citigroup, compared with the $2.2 million that Woolworths' outgoing chief executive Grant O'Brien collected in 2014-15 after missing performance targets. For example, Marc Bolland, the soon-to-retire chief executive of British department store chain Marks and Spencer, earned $4.2 million (2.1 million) in 2015 after going without a pay rise since 2010, while Grant Froese, the chief operating officer of Canadian supermarket chain Loblaws, earned $4.29 million ($C4.23 million). After speaking out about rampant underpayment and 60-hour working weeks, former 7-Eleven employee Bharat Khanna is helping other international students avoid exploitation, including one who has been allegedly paid as little as 48 cents an hour. Mr Khanna said 7-Eleven workers were still being exploited despite being paid hourly rates of up to $25 on paper. After being paid the correct rate, they were then asked to hand back about $9 per hour in cash to their managers, leaving them underpaid at rates of $16 per hour. More than 20 workers at 7-Eleven franchises in Northern Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast have told Mr Khanna they are still being asked to hand back cash to franchise owners. "It's all done verbally because they don't want to keep any records," he said. "On paper everything is good. When people say no to handing back the cash, they no longer have a job. People are still not getting pay slips or proper breaks." Not too many Canberra homeowners lie awake at night wondering what brand of cabling their electricians used in the roof cavity. They assume, quite rightly, that as long as the wiring complies with relevant safety or building standards and has been correctly installed, brand names are immaterial. However, as this newspaper detailed on Monday, homeowners might want to develop an interest in the otherwise mundane subject of home wiring, and quickly especially if their homes were built or renovated between 2011-13. Infinity and Olsent-branded cables were widely available at that time, and used extensively in homes, apartments and commercial premises in the ACT and across Australia. Far from conforming with safety and design standards, this Chinese-made wiring used cheap plastic insulation which degrades over time leading to it becoming a potential fire hazard, particularly if disturbed. This would be less of an issue if governments and authorities had recognised the threat to life and property and promptly rectified matters. Instead, state and territory governments, and the Commonwealth, have shown little active interest in ensuring the dodgy Infinity cable is systematically replaced perhaps believing it to be an isolated incident or an issue to be dealt with by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission or by the building industry itself. In fact, the "life safety risk" posed by non-conforming building materials or products in Australia is massive, and present. In 2014, a fire started by a cigarette butt on the eight-floor balcony of a Melbourne Docklands apartment complex raced up to the 21st floor in less than 15 minutes the result of the building's exterior being clad in in aluminium composite panes which did not meet minimum fire standards. The same type of cladding, of Chinese origin, has been used in thousands of high rise building around Australia. Imported timber, steel, glazing, solar panels, and fire sprinklers have been implicated in numerous failures and accidents, including at ASIO's new headquarters in Campbell. The collapse of a hangar at RAAF Fairbairn in 2003 was attributed to poor quality imported bolts which split in two, or bent and cracked under load. The rising incidence of product failures has not coincided with any relaxation of actual building standards or product conformity codes. Rather, it's followed the the flood of cheap, imported building materials into Australia and the introduction of privatised building certification standards. Inspecting and assessing imported products to ensure compliance with Australian standards has been woefully inadequate, however. I agree with Labor's Gary Gray that the Turnbull team is very likely to win the next election. As Gray said, history tells us that most Australian governments get a second term. But the mere fact that Monday's Newspoll shows the government and the opposition neck and neck at 50 points each will worry Coalition supporters. Uncertainty about the political prospects of better economic management will do nothing for confidence in the business community. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull likes to say how well the economy is going but that's not how the economy is seen by most people. There are some businesses which are doing well, such as some in the IT and dairy processing industries, but the rising unemployment figures and severe volatility in the stock exchanges tell a different story. Malcolm Turnbull's honeymoon started to slip away over January. He rates well against Labor's Bill Shorten personally but the two party preferred vote is the main game. However Turnbull has a lot going for him. He speaks well, he has worked closely with colleagues, made some good appointments and made the right call in ruling out an increase in the GST. And the innovation statement just qualified as good policy. Prospects are there is going to be a modest approach all the way to this year's election. The priority will be to prevent more spending. On most weekend nights in the '80s and '90s, you could find Ian Lewis in the kitchen of his family home in Lower Templestowe wearing a chef's apron emblazoned with the moniker The Expert. He'd have a tea towel slung over his shoulder and something cheerful thundering out of the stereo, such as Mahler. A glass of Scotch in one hand and a pair of tongs in the other, he would be putting the finishing touches to an elaborate concoction ahead of a party. Friends would come from far and wide for a raucously fun time at Ian and wife Dianne's. The couple's Christmas morning drinks were big on the social calendar. Dianne was a skilled cook too but Ian truly "embraced the process". With him at the helm, a Sunday lunch could be served just before nightfall. His culinary output was impressive and his input wasn't bad either. It was routine for him to return from a three-hat restaurant Glo Glo's, Fanny's, Stephanie's and rustle up a midnight snack. No one was quite sure when Ian's appreciation of life's finer things started. Perhaps it was during 20 years' globetrotting as a sales manager with Qantas. Perhaps it was when he was growing up in Wonthaggi and Leongatha a knockabout childhood tempered by the influence of his mother, Myrtle, a shrewd businesswoman who instilled in Ian the value of hard work, courtesy and kindness. His love of classical music he subscribed to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra may have had its roots in years of boyhood piano lessons. Ian's love of animals was life-long. As a boy during World War II, he saw a newspaper photograph of horses dead on a battlefield and he wept. Later in life, his dogs, miniature schnauzers, stuck to him like Velcro. He named them Otto, Munchen and Lieben (German for "to love"). The Turnbull government is trying to strike deals with half a dozen nations to resettle some of the 1459 asylum-seekers left on Nauru and Manus Island. That's welcome news. Yet when New Zealand offered to resettle 150 detainees including Baby Asha, who has been in Australia for medical treatment the government refused. It reckoned sending detainees to New Zealand would encourage people smugglers to sell that nation as a very acceptable second port of call after Nauru or Manus Island. The minuscule risk of reviving the people smugglers could have been tackled by insisting resettlement in New Zealand was a one-off deal. New Zealand, it seems, is too good for boat people and their children. Based on the rejection of the NZ offer, it is reasonable to assume Australia would never strike a resettlement deal with, say, Canada or the US. By contrast, Cambodia was fine because the government struck a deal there. So, it seems, are Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, with whom the government is negotiating. Options are reportedly being tabled, including bringing the budget forward - which is a great idea! After all, not only is the treasurer not clear about what he's doing, but most of the frontbench are so new they're unlikely to know which key does what, much less the financial situation of the departments they now oversee. Sounds like a recipe for success! So on Monday the PM introduced legislation to change the Senate ballot: a move that will help lock out the independents and microparties from getting onto the crossbench after the next election. Of course, in a double dissolution election the quotas to get into the Senate are halved, thereby massively benefiting independents and microparties - so um Given all this, why might Turnbull be rushing to an early election? Because he may not have much of a choice. Early mark! See, in recent opinion polls Labor has been slowly closing the gap between it and the Coalition, despite leader Bill Shorten still being everyone's tenth choice for PM behind Turnbull, Anthony Albanese, Richard di Natalie, Julie Bishop, Barnaby Joyce, Optimus Prime, the Ghost of John Howard, a potted plant and a sign saying "Not Bill Shorten". But Labor's recent strategies, including an actual economic plan, commitments to education funding, strengthening Medicare and not having a bunch of its leadership team forced to resign over barefaced breaches of professional ethics seems to be resonating with the electorate for some reason. And now, for the first time since Turnbull took over, the government and opposition are neck-and-neck in two party preferred terms in the latest Newspoll. Now, one poll can easily be a statistical blip and the general trend - if there is one - will show itself more clearly over time. However, again, the fact that Turnbull cited bad Newspoll results as a motivation to challenge Tony Abbott for the leadership does mean he can't ignore it quite so blithely. Fortunately Turnbull has the unwavering support of his backbench and Coalition partners - there's definitely been no indication that slighted party members might be plotting to return Abbott to power, for example, or that members of the Coalition have publicly contradicted the PM on recent policy decisions. In fact, he went one step further and made clear that the real problem is you - the selfish people demanding that the state protect injured children. "I think that is absolutely disgraceful," he tellingly said of the #letthemstay movement, before claiming that people were self-harming in detention centres so they could be brought to hospitals in Australia in Parliament on Monday, a claim for which there's no evidence, and for which independent MP Andrew Wilkie and Greens MP Adam Bandt alleged that Dutton was implying "that Baby Asha was deliberately harmed" - over which they attempted to officially censure him. It's a bad look to blame the victim, Duffer. Especially if the victim is, y'know, a baby. The cocktail hour: remember your minister - of comedy! Most of the time the cocktail hour video is a whimsical and playful celebration of joy in order to wash away the taste of politics. But today, let's enjoy this classic clip from Krazy Peter "Ba-Doom-Tish!"s Zany Komedy Korner last September, when he and comedy colleagues Tony "Chuckles" Abbott and Scott "Kneeslapper" Morrison were talking about the sheer hilarity of climate change-led sea level rise (following a conference of Pacific nations in PNG during which the Abbott government confirmed that nah, Australia wasn't about to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions for nobody - and take that, doomed island nation of Kiribati!). And sure, lesser geniuses might think to be a little careful about saying insensitive things when facing a bunch of reporters setting up for a press conference, but Duffer could hardly be blamed for not realising those cameras and microphones literally metres in front of him could be sneakily used for recording images and sound. They were unpaid, overwhelmingly women and experienced similar feelings of isolation and exclusion from their community. "If you're in a caring role, it's hard physical work," Cook says. "Often people don't want to know because it's not exciting, it's not romantic. People don't find it interesting." The show also relates Cook's experience as a foster parent of daughter Chloe, now 24, who has Down syndrome as well as caring for her elderly mother. Like Kelly, Cook has suffered isolation and indignities such as schools refusing to enrol her daughter. "Often people don't want to be around your child if they have a mental health disorder," she says. One in eight Australians is a carer and together they perform 1.9 billion hours of unpaid work every year, according to The Economic Value of Informal Care in Australia in 2015 Report. Cook describes carers as silent workers who keep the country afloat: "If we had to pay a basic wage to everyone who cares for someone we'd quickly go bankrupt." But Cook says Teacup in a Storm is also imbued with love. "We get to hear about transient love or romantic love that's the sort of love that's often portrayed," she says. "But I think this is very real love. It's a commitment and that sort of love is often selfless. I'm not saying everything is a wonderful journey because it's often quite hard." Atkins says the show moves beyond documentary theatre to create what Atkins calls "a heightened poetic style of performance". He says playwright Noelle Janaczewska borrowed archetypal fairytales to extend the carers' stories. "Mixed in with performed interviews, the audience witnesses two women navigating a jungle of bureaucracy, wrangling the day-to-day grind of washing, wringing, repeating and deconstructing popular myths of sleeping beauties, ugly sisters and Cinderellas," Atkins says. Household objects such as a washing machine and mop bucket are endowed with the hopes and memories of the carers whose lives are otherwise circumscribed. "We take objects that are quite utilitarian and attempt to endow them with a little bit of magic," Atkins says. "The hope for me here is that people will be able to not just understand a little more about what it means to be a carer but also feel a little of the love, loss, despair and determination that seems to drive many carers to do what they do." Teacup in a Storm is part of the Joan's contemporary theatre program in Penrith. Atkins says western Sydney is a "space that is under-nurtured" in terms of funding and attention, although representatives from companies including Belvoir St Theatre have made the journey to Penrith to see shows. "But we're still waiting for that to produce tangible outcomes like collaborations, programming and sharing resources," he says. "Developing new work can be a tough gig and doing it out west has its added challenges. Q&A hit its mark on Monday night when it went to the three Rs of modern education: reading, writing and - brace yourselves - radicalisation. No, they are not finally teaching millennials how to use an apostrophe. It's both more and less serious than that, in the sense that no one is quite sure whether the education infiltrating our schools is a dissuasion or an encouragement - or, come to think of it, even which "ism" should properly be applied to the radical danger at hand. Terrorism? Yes. Environmentalism? Maybe. And as we learned in the long distant past, back when the "ism" of the age was communism, black comedy can ensue when you try to warn a young mind off an idea that had never occurred to them in the first place. Australia and its allies did not have a strategy in Afghanistan and are now struggling to find a way out because they never defined their end goals, the former chief of the army, Peter Leahy, has said. The retired Lieutenant-General has written in an opinion article for Fairfax Media that the US-led coalition's determination to get out of Afghanistan "ready or not" has been a failure because despite a 15-year Western military presence, the security situation is once again sliding backwards. "We are still struggling to find an exit strategy," Professor Leahy writes. "Over time, our politicians did not tell us much of our strategy. There is a good excuse - we didn't have one." The National Library of Australia has launched a major review of services, with key programs to be curtailed or cancelled amid staff cuts, as management struggles to deal with the Turnbull government's efficiency dividend. The library expects to shed more than 20 jobs by June 30 with additional redundancies to follow in 2017-18. The library will also reduce the number of international print and online subscriptions available to members. The National Library will be gravely affected by further budget cuts, according to its director-general. Credit:Katherine Griffiths All public education programs are currently under review, with management ceasing publication of the quarterly National Library of Australia magazine. The library's corporate management group has also raised the prospect of outsourcing some duties and further automation of collection services. The library will also cease aggregating content in Trove from museums and universities unless it is fully funded to do so. A man accused of the attempted murder and sexual assault of two backpackers on a remote South Australian beach had answered an advertisement the young travellers had posted on the popular classifieds website Gumtree, police will allege in court. The women, aged in their 20s from Germany and Brazil, had been seeking a ride from Adelaide to Melbourne and had posted separate messages on Gumtree looking for someone to drive them. Police were called to Coorong National Park near Salt Creek following reports two foreign backpackers had allegedly been abducted. Credit:Ten News Police will allege in court that a man, aged in his 50s and who can not be named for legal reasons, answered that advertisement and offered to drive them. Instead of driving the pair to Victoria, he allegedly took them a beach near Salt Creek in the Coorong National Park, south-east of Adelaide, where he raped, assaulted and attempted to murder them on February 9. The details of how the trio were introduced to each other were initially suppressed in the Adelaide Magistrates Court; however media organisations, including The Advertiser in Adelaide, successfully argued against that suppression order, allowing the details to be published for the first time. Crysis was just seven months old when he died in December 2013 at the hands of one who was supposed to be his greatest protector. This is how the family of Crysis Cumming want to remember their bundle of joy not as they saw him last, his tiny body in a bleak hospital bed, hooked up to tubes and machines as his short life ebbed away before them. Warrawong boy Crysis Cumming died after he was violently shaken by his father. Ngariu Cumming picked up his son and shook him three times in a fit of frustration one evening when he wouldn't stop crying. It was quick and violent, according to Cumming's sister, who witnessed the incident and had been the one who calmed her nephew immediately afterwards when it appeared he was having trouble breathing. But the damage was already done. Crysis lost consciousness and stopped breathing just before 4pm the next day. He was taken to Wollongong Hospital, then airlifted to Sydney Children's Hospital in a critical condition. A man has been held in a warehouse and tortured with a gun and tools including a drill, hammers and a metal hook, in a brutal episode lasting three days, a Wollongong court has heard. The man was knocked unconscious and his ear was partially ripped off with pliers in the course of the alleged ordeal in Oak Flats, a suburb of Shellharbour, on the NSW South Coast. A police statement tendered to the court said he was held at gunpoint but, badly bloodied and incapacitated by his injuries, became no flight risk. At one point he begged his tormentors, "Just kill me. I can't take it any more." He emerged with ligature marks across his chest, arms and neck that would remain visible weeks later. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says she is "sick and tired of people playing politics with human beings", while slamming Federal Immigration MInister Peter Dutton over his response to an sick asylum seeker baby released from a Brisbane hospital on Monday. Ms Palaszczuk had previously written to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull offering to house asylum seekers, including 37 babies, already in Australia who had been affected by a recent High Court decision which found off-shore detention was lawful. One of those children, known as 'baby Asha' was being treated at the Lady Cilentro Children's Hospital for accidental burns she received in detention. Doctors had refused to release the child back into off-shore detention. Land clearing has returned to Queensland in a big way. After we expressed concern that policy changes since 2012 would lead to a resurgence in clearing of native vegetation, this outcome was confirmed by government figures released late last year. It is now clear that land clearing is accelerating in Queensland. The new data confirm that 296,000 hectares of bushland was cleared in 2013-14 three times as much as in 2008-09 mainly for conversion to pastures. These losses do not include the well-publicised clearing permitted by the government of nearly 900 square kilometres at two properties, Olive Vale and Strathmore, which commenced in 2015. Land clearing rates in Queensland tripled since 2010. Credit:Bill Laurance Alarmingly, the data show that clearing in catchments that drain onto the Great Barrier Reef increased dramatically, and constituted 35 per cent of total clearing across Queensland in 2013-14. The loss of native vegetation cover in such regions is one of the major drivers of the deteriorating water quality in the reefs lagoon, which threatens seagrass, coral reefs, and other marine ecosystems. The increases in land clearing are across the board. They include losses of over 100,000 hectares of old-growth habitats, as well as the destruction of high-value regrowth the advanced regeneration of endangered ecosystems. A woman will face court next month charged with possession and supply of weapons after police uncovered more than 600 'credit card knives'. Police searched a home in Weeroona Avenue, Beachmere, on Saturday night adn found 629 of the dangerous weapons. A woman will face court after police found more than 600 credit card knives. Credit:Greg Newington A 48-year-old woman was issued a notice to appear on one count of possession and supply of category M weapons and two counts of unlawful supply of weapons (five or more). She is scheduled to appear in Caboolture Magistrates' Court on March 28. In 2015, many tech companies unveiled affordable, consumer-grade virtual reality headsets for the first time. Now 2016 is shaping up to be the year that virtual reality fans will become content creators, as more affordable 360 degree cameras come onto the market. Samsung is not the first in the game, and its Gear 360 freshly unveiled at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona is not the most sophisticated camera either (a Samsung executive admitted it produces "sub HD" footage). But Samsung may just have the brand power and sheer economy of scale to get consumers hooked on the concept. Not to mention it also has Mark Zuckerberg. Charlotte Rose Keen was just three days short of her first birthday when her mother's new boyfriend killed her, a court has heard. Crown prosecutor Susan Borg told the Supreme Court on Monday that Brett Penrose had either struck, thrown or shaken Charlotte in her cot when her mother Renee Jones was out with friends in Wodonga. Baby Charlotte Keen who died in 2004. In her opening address to the jury, Ms Borg said Charlotte had been assaulted either on the night of December 11, 2004, after the baby had been left in the care of Mr Penrose, or in the early hours of the next morning. Charlotte was later taken to the Wodonga Hospital emergency department before she was transferred to Albury Hospital and then flown by helicopter to the Royal Children's Hospital. She died five days later after her life-support system was switched off. A chance meeting with a childhood friend may have led to unbearable heartache for Wishhasad Somawansa. Mr Somawansa, 21, had not seen Sigaragh Baea in more than a decade until they ran into each other late last year. Now, his mother is dead and his primary school best friend has been charged with her murder. Mr Baea was invited to the Somawansas' Hoppers Crossing home for dinner in January, where Prasad Somawansa, 48, lavished him with hospitality. A suspicious fire has ripped through $1 million worth of hay in a barn just north of Geelong. The barn on Geelong-Ballan Road in Anakie was packed with 1500 hay bales, weighing about 6000 tonnes, when it caught fire about 8pm on Sunday. Fire engulfed the hay shed about 8pm on Sunday. Credit:CFA The blaze is expected to burn for at least a few more days, if not weeks, Country Fire Authority duty officer Geoff McGill said. Victorian teachers are asking for a 21 per cent pay rise over the next three years, in a significant test of the Andrews government's promise to make Victoria the 'Education State'. They are also demanding relief from an ever-expanding workload and a reduction in the use of short-term contracts. Teachers are demanding pay increases to reflect their heavier workload and to retain and attract the most talented staff. Australian Education Union Victorian branch president Meredith Peace said the government needed to pay teachers more if it wanted to attract and retain talented staff, and recognise their important work. "This is a significant opportunity for the government to show their support for school staff's day-to-day working lives and conditions," she said. Children as young as two weeks old are sleeping rough on Perth's streets while more than half the city's homeless have experienced violence, a survey revealed. The snapshot study, conducted by multiple agencies over a two week period in February, gathered information from 299 people sleeping rough in Perth's CBD and outer suburbs. People in Perth go through extraordinary measures to find work. Credit:Tanya Lake The people were found by groups of volunteers, team leaders and police officers who scoured public spaces, drop-in centres and crisis accommodation for Perth Registry Week. The groups uncovered 20 children sleeping rough, two without their parents, while the others were part of seven families living without a roof over their head most under the supervision of a single mother. Prominent Perth food reviewer Rob Broadfield on Monday said former My Kitchen Rules contestants Chloe James and Kelly Ramsay should be sacked from their new reviewing job if claims they fabricated elements of their latest review were proved. Ms James and her former MKR partner Kelly Ramsay, now reviewers for The Sunday Times' STM magazine, awarded West Perth's West End Deli nine points out of 20 ("consider takeaway pizza instead") on Sunday. Numerous serious criticisms are presented as coming from both women, but the restaurant has since stated that only Ms Ramsay attended and so to quote Ms James was a 'fabrication'. The restaurant also said in a post on its Facebook page that the meal took place in October, when the menu was substantially different and also that it had chased Ms Ramsay for seven weeks to pay the $260 bill. Beaches, parks and backyards may become drone no-fly zones if councillors at the Town of Cambridge vote to ground the remote aircraft at a council meeting on Tuesday. An average of just one complaint a month has been enough to propel the council into action with its community committee putting forward draconian restrictions on drones. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It's an insidious device that spies on you on your day off. Credit:Luke Bell If the motion succeeds, it is believed Cambridge will become the first local government authority in Western Australia - and only the third in the world after Leichhardt in Sydney and Chicago - to effectively ground drones without a permit. The proposal includes banning drones from: Katy, Texas: The woman opened her car door, stepping out into the pre-dawn darkness of the Harris County Sheriff's Office substation parking lot. She'd been up all night, arguing with her teenage son about what they were about to do. And here they were, watching as a deputy walked over to them to ask if they needed help. The mother spoke first: My son just killed a man, she told the deputy. I'm here to turn him in. A murder suspect's mother drove him to the police station to surrender where he fatally shot himself Credit:Twitter: @MarlaABC13 The deputy went over to the boy, a spokesperson told KHOU, and asked if this was true. "Yes," the boy replied. Kalamazoo: Michigan police are still searching for a motive for the murder of six people on the weekend by an Uber driver who may have taken fares between shootings, as the case raises more questions about how the car passenger service vets its drivers. Jason Dalton, 45, was formally charged on 16 counts, including six of murder, and faces life in prison, the county's prosecutor said. An initial records search indicated Dalton had no criminal record and no known links to extremist groups. He was denied bail on Monday. Prosecutors alleged Dalton randomly shot multiple times at people during a five-hour period on Saturday at an apartment complex, a car dealership and a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Kalamazoo, about 240 kilometres west of Detroit. Police were investigating reports that Dalton also may have driven customers of the Uber car-hailing service the night of the rampage. Two people were wounded in the shooting, including a teenage girl who was initially thought to have died. No motive has been given. Washington: The company that conducted the entrance polls of Nevada's Democratic caucuses showing that Hillary Clinton lost the Hispanic vote is standing by its research in the face of an aggressive pushback by the former secretary of state's campaign. "Like any other poll, each campaign is going to try to pick out data that helps their cause," executive vice-president of Edison Research Joe Lenski said. Entrance polls conducted by Edison indicated Bernie Sanders won the Hispanic vote over Mrs Clinton in Nevada by 8 percentage points, a sign of potential weakness for Mrs Clinton even as she won Nevada overall. Latest News Australia's record property market run comes to an end PEXA NSW sees the largest declines in both property sales volume and aggregate value MFAA offers cybersecurity resources to members Optus data breach a 'wake-up call' for businesses National mortgage broking group MoneyQuest has announced the opening of an industry-first purpose-built film studio in its Melbourne headquarters.The space has been designed to give the companys national network of brokers the ability to create professional video content.MoneyQuest managing director, Michael Russell says video content is now one of the most powerful ways to communicate with audiences. However, the cost of professional video production is prohibitive for most small businesses.MoneyQuest is always looking to help our brokers connect with customers and prospects and weve found that video consistently outperforms traditional mediums. Thats why weve created the studio: to give our brokers the best chance of marketing success without the financial burden, Russell said.MoneyQuest brokers will not be charged any extra fees to use the studio, says Russell.Our brokers dont pay a cent. And the reason is this: MoneyQuest is aiming to become the brand that supports its brokers better than any other. The film studio is just the start of many pioneering initiatives were working on this year to help our brokers grow and take their business to heights theyve only dreamed about.Open during business hours every Monday to Friday, MoneyQuest brokers can book the studio and adjoining editing suite where they can produce up to six unique, high-quality videos in one session.We believe all our brokers will take advantage of this exciting opportunity to expand their reach and improve engagement via their website, social media platforms and email correspondence, Russell said.Todays savvy consumers deserve rich, engaging and up-to-the-minute content. With the support of our studio and production team, our network of brokers will be well-equipped to deliver a quality and consistent message backed by the MoneyQuest brand. A New South Wales woman has appeared in court on four charges, including allegedly dealing with $100,000 that was the proceeds of crime, in relation to self-managed superannuation fund ( SMSF ) property purchases.Sarah Jane Busteed yesterday fronted Sydneys Downing Centre Local Court after she was charged with three counts of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception along with the dealing with the proceeds of crime charge, following an investigation by ASIC.After their investigation into Busteed's conduct in dealing with members of SMSFs which were undertaking property purchases, ASIC alleges that Busteed dishonestly obtained monies from those SMSFs.Busteed is also alleged to have dealt with monies obtained from a SMSF which are believed to be proceeds of crime.Busteed was not required to enter a plea and was granted conditional bail. The matter is listed for return at the Downing Centre Local Court on 12 April 2016.Under the New South Wales Crime Act, the charges of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, while under the Commonwealth Criminal Code the charge of dealing in the proceeds of crime carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment or a $216,000 fine or both.The investigation into Busteeds conduct was carried out by ASICs SMSF Taskforce, which was established in 2012 in response to the growing popularity of SMSFs.The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting the charges against Busteed stemming from the ASIC investigation, while separate charges including dishonestly obtaining financial advantage have been bought against Busteed by the NSW Police and NSW Director of Public Prosecutions. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams Finally, a sexy way to learn your ABCs! A Bedford-Stuyvesant writer has penned a sneakily subversive childrens book that teaches kids the alphabet with dirty double-entendres. But the author of P is for Pussy says that the double-meanings are totally lost on the innocent or at least, they should be. If your children know all these sex and drug references, you have a bigger problem, said Elissa Blount-Moorhead, who will celebrate the launch of her picture book at Dumbos Powerhouse Arena on Feb. 29. The book pairs potentially dirty words with innocent illustrations, such as A is for ass accompanied by an image of a donkey and C is for cock, depicting a guy holding a rooster. She dreamt up the idea while trying to keep her youngsters and herself entertained during a long road trip, and started spouting off a naughty but kid-friendly alternative alphabet to mix up the ho-hum A is for apple. The former Pratt professor and mother of two, who splits her time between Brooklyn and Baltimore, decided the current kids book market could use more low-key adult humor to keep parents laughing while putting the little ones to bed. C is for clueless: Four-year-old Zahara Shabazz is oblivious to the naughty double-meanings hidden behind each letter in her new alphabet book, said Blount-Moorhead making it the perfect book for kids and grown-ups alike. Photo by Jason Speakman I spent a lot of time trying to find more subversive and visually arresting books, and I was completely bored with what was being offered at the time, she said. The adult alphabet book can potentially be read to kids, unlike the similar work Go the F to Sleep, which aped the form of a childrens book while being aimed solely at adults. In addition to the naughty double-meanings, mature female readers may get a kick from the books decidedly sex-positive, feminist voice, said Blount-Moorhead. Many of the words and images, like V is for vixen and the more dicey H is for hoe, were carefully rendered to depict sexually-liberated women in full control of their bodies. Local artist Wangechi Mutu known for her bold, colorful collages of female figures is currently visiting Nairobi, but will join the author at the launch via Skype to chat about feminist themes across their work. P is for Pussy book launch party at Powerhouse Arena [37 Main St. at Water Street in Dumbo, (718) 6663049, www.power house arena.com ]. Feb. 29, 7 pm. Free. Reach reporter Allegra Hobbs at ahobb s@cng local.com or by calling (718) 2608312. photo: Local H @ the Double Door, Chicago, 2014 (more by Kevin Osterhout) Chicago two-piece hard rockers Local H (who last year toured with Failure) are heading out on tour for the 20th anniversary of their album As Good as Dead (featuring their hit "Bound for the Floor"), which they'll be playing in full for the duration of the tour. They'll kick things off with two shows in their hometown before making their way to NYC for a show at Bowery Ballroom on May 3. Tickets for that show go on AmEx presale Wednesday (2/24) and on sale to the general public Friday (2/26). As Good as Dead is being repressed on vinyl this year, a gatefold, double-disc set on colored wax. That's out April 16. (Pre-orders are available.) It comes with a bunch of digital bonus tracks, too, including "Fritz's Corner (Karaoke Demo)" which you can stream, via Vanyaland, below. All dates are listed, along with a stream of As Good As Dead, below. --- Local H - As Good as Dead 20th anniversary tracklist Side A Manifest Density Pt. 1 High-Fiving MF Bound For The Floor Lovey Dovey Side B I Saw What You Did And I Know Who You Are No Problem Nothing Special Side C Eddie Vedder Back In The Day Freeze-Dried (F)lies Fritz's Corner Side D O.K. Manifest Density Pt. 2 Demo's (Digital Download Only) 1. High Fiving Mother Fucker (Million Yen demo) 2. Bound For The Floor (Million Yen Demo) 3. Lovey Dovey (Million Yen Demo) 4. Freeze Dried (F)lies (Million Yen Demo) 5. Nothing Special (Million Yen Demo) 6. No Problem (Million Yen Demo) 7. Eddie Vedder (Karaoke Demo) 8. I Saw What You Did And I Know Who You Are (Karaoke Demo) 9. Back In The Day (Karaoke Demo) 10. Fritz's Corner (Karaoke Demo) The three-legged beast that is Slayer, Testament and Carcass kicked off their tour together on Friday (2/19) at Chicago's Riviera Theatre. Slayer are supporting last year's Repentless (their first album since Jeff Hanneman's passing and Dave Lombardo's re-departure) and they played a few songs off that, and of course also loaded the set with old classics: "Angel of Death," "Postmortem," "Mandatory Suicide," "South of Heaven," "War Ensemble," "Raining Blood" and plenty of others. Testament kept things varied, reaching back for old favorites like "Into the Pit" and splitting things pretty evenly between that era, their '90s era, and the newer stuff. Carcass, the only band on the bill whose newest material is widely acclaimed (2013's Surgical Steel), focused pretty heavily on that but reached back to their early '90s days too. photo: FKA twigs @ Brooklyn Hangar, 2015 (more by Amanda Hatfield) You can browse our full NYC show calendar for all of tonight's shows, but here are some highlights... Tibet House Benefit Concert feat. Sharon Jones, Philip Glass, Iggy Pop, Dechen Shak-Dagsay, Helge van Dyk, FKA twigs, Basia Bulat @ Cargenie Hall The annual Tibet House benefit concert features a wide variety of talent. Where else you gonna see Philip Glass, Iggy Pop and FKA twigs all on the same stage? DarkMatter @ Mercury Lounge (two shows) Last month Darkmatter played the Under the Radar festival and were described like this: "In a queer apocalypse where assimilation and white supremacy reign supreme, DarkMatter imagines alternatives. This trans spoken word duo speaks from beyond the gender binary in an explosion of queer rage, nursery rhymes, and unforgettable instagrammable fashions." Their first show tonight is with TINA-HANAE, Shagasyia Diamond, and DJ Ushka; and the second is with Una Aya Osato (of Brass: Brown Radicalass Burlesque), Shagasyia Diamond, and DJ Ushka. Graham Nash @ Tarrytown Music Hall Legendary songwriter Graham Nash will release his first solo album in 20 years this April. He'll play NYC proper after its release, but tonight he's just outside of the city for this Westchester show. Night Train w/ Wyatt Cenac @ Littlefield All aboard Wyatt Cenac's weekly comedy cavalcade! Tonight's guests include Brooke Van Poppelen, Liz Miele, Lukas Kaiser, Tanael Joachim and more. UPDATE: Tonight's conversation with Pussy Riot has been cancelled. For all of tonight's shows, and tomorrow's, check out our NYC concert calendar. For laughs, check out the NYC Comedy calendar too. ------------- --- Follow @BrooklynVegan on Twitter. Follow @bvChicago for just Chicago stuff. Also follow @bvAustin for just Austin stuff. latest news October 3, 2022 Dee Gambit Hundreds if not thousands of new and returning TV shows and movies are released every month your options of what to watch are endless. Variety, they say is ... After an action-packed winter premiere, The Walking Dead calms down a bit in this episode, The Next World. Its two months later and the community of Alexandria is rebuilding and moving on, hopefully bringing to life the expansion Deanna thought of before her death. Rick and Daryl let their hotheads get the better of them when they head out on a supply run. Maggie tries to understand Enid, who it seems is just trying to figure out her place in this world. And Michonne helps Spencer get some closure. Best Walking Dead Quotes from No Way Out >>> Daryl and Rick Meet Jesus Our favorite pair of walker-killers heads out on a supply run. Before they leave, Denise asks Daryl to pick up some soda pop for Tara. Daryl seems determined to fulfill this request as he and Rick head out. They first encounter a big shed. Inside is a truck filled with food and supplies. They get the truck running and head back out. They then stop at a gas station, where Daryl finds a vending machine with pop. As the two get distracted with the clunky machine, someone jumps them. He seems sketchy but acts innocent. Daryl, of course, doesnt trust him. Rick starts to ask three questions to see if hell be good for the group. The guy says he goes by the name Jesus, a big character from the novels, before he runs off. Jesus sets off fireworks to distract Rick and Daryl in order to steal their truck. However, they manage to run after him, get Denises soda pop and reach the truck. They manage to get it back from him. They leave Jesus tied up on the side of the road, but as they turn off to a farm, they hear Jesus on the roof. After a scuffle with Daryl, including when Jesus saves him from a walker, the truck rolls into a pond and sinks. Despite Daryls protests, they bring Jesus back to Alexandria with them, as he was injured during the scuffle and needs medical attention. Finding Closure During one of her watches, Michonne sees Spencer walking through the woods with a shovel. She follows him, but he wont reveal why hes out there. She continues to follow him, until he explains that he has some unfinished business before he can move on with his life in Alexandria. Its then that walker Deanna comes out from behind some trees, and we see what Spencer wants to do. Together, he and Michonne give Deanna some peace and give her a proper burial. Bratty Teens Enid is still being pouty. And Carl is being Carl. But its good that hes back to normal and in good spirits after losing his eye. Maggie tries talking to Enid to no avail. Enid seems to take to Carl, but after some time together in the woods, she wants to go back to Alexandria. They encounter a walker. She wants to kill it, but Carl doesnt. She runs back, while he lets the walker go. Back at Alexandria, Michonne tells Carl that she saw him let the walker go and asks why. It turns out that the walker was Deanna, and Carl explains that he felt a loved one should have killed Deanna. Then it all makes sense. The Walking Dead: Did the Show Finally Go Too Far with the Latest Death? >>> A New Romance? The banter over toothpaste at the beginning of this Walking Dead episode between Michonne and Rick is foreshadowing of whats to come. After their long days, they reconnect in their home and discuss what happened. Then they hold hands and kiss. And in perhaps, maybe, the third love scene, Michonne and Rick wake up naked in their bed. They both jump up ready to fight, though, when Jesus comes in. Final Thoughts Im pleased that they finally introduced Jesus. Hes a big character from the novels. And it means that were even closer to meeting Negan. Despite the lack of walkers and deaths, the episode was a good way to show how everyone in Alexandria is working together to bring some normalcy back into their lives. Of course, thats tough, but they seem to be doing a good job. And the fact that Michonne and Rick actually let their guards down to each other is a great example of just how normal things can be in crazy times. The Next World is completely different from previous nail-biter Walking Dead episodes, but it is needed after the intense winter premiere. The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9pm on AMC. (Image courtesy of AMC) 1st Congressional District race sees Norcross, Gustafson rematch U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross, D-1, is looking to repeat his win two years ago over Republican Claire Gustafson when voters turn out this November. The century-old is planning to raise around Rs 80 crore to support company's Rs 150 crore investment plan at Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. The soft drink maker also set a target to become a Rs 1,000-crore company by 2020 and to enter nearby markets and ready-to-eat segment. and Bovonto are the two key brands for the company. Other brands include Trio (orange flavour), Solo (Lemon), Ginger, Frutang (Mango) and today launched Vibro (Paneer Soda). Today, of the around Rs 160 crore turnover, around 95 per cent comes from Bovonto. K P R Dhanushkodi, managing director, Kali Aerated Water Works (P) Ltd said that by 2020 the company is targeting Rs 1,000 crore turnover. "We have a very good infrastructure and modern plants that function using the latest technology and equipment. We believe in investing a lot into our infrastructure and provide our distributors with generous margins," he said. J Ramesh, director - finance, Kali Aerated Water said that the proposed investment will be funded through internal accurals and company also in the final stage of closing a deal with private equity investors to raise around Rs 80 crore in the form of equity. N Arun, director, Kali Aerated said that the new facility at Sri City will meet 50 per cent of Tamil Nadu's demands and will also cater to demands from the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Karantaka, where the company is foraying into. Tamil Nadu is the key market for these brands with 95 per cent of the sales coming from the state and amongst the brands. The origins of were at a small village called Virudhupatti currently known as Virudhunagar. In 1916, PVSK Palanaiappan Nadar and his wife Unnamalai Ammal started the venture of. To mark the centenary year, the company launched its latest offering Vibro, a Paneer Soda, a carbonated softdrink with rose flavour, that the company expects to be a big hit. In 2017, it is planning to foray into energy drink. On the anvil are plans to expand to Chittoor, inner Karnataka and Kerala by the end of 2016 ad move into SriCity, Andhra Pradesh by 2017. The company has acquired 11 acres of land and plans to invest Rs 150 crore in the facility. The capacity will cater to Tamil Nadu, new markets in India and also export markets. New flavours, tin containers and ready-to-eat are also being planned for export markets. Though Indian pharmaceutical are fairly successful in growing their global generics business, the technology skills and the cost advantage may not firmly remain on their side as they seek to replicate a similar performance in the much more complex biosimilars field, according Utkarsh Palnitkar, Partner, Head of Advisory, Head-Life Sciences Practice of KPMG India Private Limited. Known to be an authority on Indian life-sciences industry, Palnitkar shares his views with B Dasarath Reddy on what Indian should be doing in the medium to long term to stay ahead of the curve. Excerpts: Despite regulatory setbacks the large Indian generic pharma continue to do well in the US market, which accounts for a major share in their export revenues. How do they manage to grow their sales in these important export markets? Genericisation is pretty large in the US as well, and the product portfolio of many Indian companies is also expanding. Volumes are also growing in many of these products and if you tie it into the number of FDA approvals for their products that they have in the last six months, that has a direct correlation to their market share and growth. Also, what is happening to a certain degree is the concentration of buyer power in the US in which consolidation has taken place in three distributors. There also, in terms of the alliances or the depth that these companies have got is again a reflection of what you are seeing in their growing market share. Interestingly, if you look at any of the large Indian pharma companies two-thirds of their sales come from exports. When you talk of an Indian pharma company, it is a multinational company which is headquartered in India . Whereas the mandate of the other large multinational companies is turning into an Indian company and serving the domestic market. The emerging markets scenario looks quite different and what should Indian pharma companies be doing to grow there as well? As far as the Indian companies are concerned they will still continue to focus on regulated markets where the value realisation is much much higher. In that block the only country that is less penetrated is Japan. Lot of energy will be focused on Japan also. In the other markets the challenges there are in many cases non existent reimbursement policies and aligning with the buyers and the government in terms of making their products more affordable and more accessible. Some of them did it well. In India they will have to look at government procurement. The procurement programme of Tamil Nadu, for instance, is very very good. Rajasthan earlier had started this mass procurement. The companies will have to look at institutional buyers like armed forces or CGHS. So they will have to tailor their programmes on an individual state governments method and they will also have to demonstrate higher efficacy and try and differentiate themselves to become L-1 as tendering comes with wafer thin margins. I don't think one can take a unidirectional approach like we will focus only on one market because sheer volumes in emerging markets still remain very high and they have to sort of balance the equation. Do they need to improvise on their focus in terms of products and product portfolio as compared with their global peers? There will be some degree of consolidation that will be required. On the other hand, if you take Aurobindo Pharma, they acquired a neutraceutical company in the US. So there is a bit of both-in terms of broadening the portfolio as well as rationalising some of it-is required. From the Indian context, the investment that takes to build a community of medical representatives is substantial. It will always help if you have complimentary products. If I have 2-3 products I can in-lincense some or get an alliance in products of other companies. The time medical reps have with doctors is fruitfully spent because he has a basket of products to talk about in paediatric health or womens health etc. And that is something the companies are increasingly looking at.. in terms of where they can get rid of some of the products out-license to somebody else and bring in other products where they require. Many Indian companies are betting big on biosimilars, the next big opportunity in global pharmaceutical business. Will they succeed? If you look at generics it is essentially the same salt or a same chemical entity being manufactured perhaps by a different method. So, it is relatively easy to compare a generic with the innovative product but not so in the case to prove similarity of a biosimilar. The challenge that you face in biosimilars is the quantum of clinical trials that the regulator will ask you to do in various geographies. Let us assume, even if it is a smaller, limited set of trials if you have to do in Europe or the US, that will negate the entire cost advantage that Indian companies have. Then a pot of gold at the end of the day seem like a few coins. Otherwise also, the biggest cost of drug development is clinical trials. Purely in my opinion the innovator companies when they come up with their own similars as follow-on biologics as it was called, will probably stand at an advantage. And it is not just India. The competition is going to be fairly intense with a number of producers in this space across many countries including Korea. The question is how many companies will reach that stage and what will be the margins after you spend huge sums on clinical trials. But you cant ignore biotech products as they constitute 30 per cent of the total products now and that per centage is going on increasing in terms of new product approvals.We have very strong chemistry skills in India while the biology skills are of nascent origin. As the IPR regimes gets further strengthened, the confidence of global players to set up R&D centers in India will rise and that will have a ripple effect in terms of rapidly increasing technology skills. You are looking at a 10-15 year pathway by which you can expect outstanding biotech products discovered from India as well. In the medium term what will these companies have to do to sustain the growth as the existing generics business continue to face margin pressure? So, margins will certainly be under threat. Apart from portfolio rationalisation, they will constantly have to look at ease and performance improvement. We are engaged with a number of Indian pharma companies in terms of their process improvement because the only way that they can work on improving their margins is increasing their own efficiency. A lot of them are focusing on this already. Some companies use different strategies. Some have volumes that others cant match while some have done backward integration also. Clearly it is a highly competitive thin margin kind of industry. Some companies are getting into specialty products and difficult to make products. Overall size may not be large but margins are much better. At least that gives some via media. Can we expect consolidation in the domestic pharma industry? Indian side there are three categories of companies. Large Indian pharma where Dr Reddys, Lupin, Aurobindo, Cadila all of them will come. Then you have the medium pharma of the likes of Ajanta and Aristo. A number of these companies.. they are good brands but not in that size and scale and you have small pharma which are contract manufacturing companies. A lot of these companies are facing a bit of a standing at the edge of a precipice, a chasm or a gap. Further development means significant investment in R&D. So the question on the mind of a lot of these companies is, should we continue?. Some of them may carry forward. There may be a fatigue factor. You might see some consolidation happening there. The others may continue their journey as many of these companies are Indian promoter driven and fiercely entrepreneurial. Forget about the M&As, you rarely see collaborations between Indian companies. I mean, if you start preparing a list of collaborations between Indian companies I dont think even three lines in a page will get filled. It is not uncommon in the US or Europe of collaborations between existing pharma players. Will the Indian companies look at acquisitions as a part of their active growth strategy? As far as overseas acquisitions are concerned I dont think you will have mega kind of acquisitions. You will find small niche acquisitions which are largely used as vehicles of entry into those markets where they have no presence. Indian market is highly competitive. For several products you have more than 50 manufacturers for one product, so it is highly fragmented. Sun-Ranbaxy deal brought about 10-11 per cent market share to one company and completely changed the pecking order. But as far as the upper segment of the Indian pharma are concerned they are more outward focused rather than Indian focused. It is the middle rung that will rather look at further consolidation but their aspirations also lie outside. Cloud-based customer support software firm Freshdesk has acquired Pune-based Framebench, an online multimedia file collaboration platform, for an undisclosed amount. This is the fourth acqusition by Freshdesk, starting from the first acquisition of live video chat firm 1CLICK.io in August, 2015. Framebench offers an online platform that enables teams to share, review, and comment on videos, images, presentations, and documents. With the acquisition of Framebench, support agents can interact with their customers and internal product teams by collaborating on the same file, said Freshdesk. "The acquisition of Framebench presents an opportunity to integrate collaborative capabilities not only into Freshdesk, but also other products like Freshservice," said Girish Mathrubootham, Freshdesk CEO. He added that collaboration plays a critical role in enabling businesses stay on top of delivering customer happiness. With Framebench, the customer support agent can interact with the product team even as the customer sends a screenshot and use the visual communication platform in realtime while working on knowledge base articles, images or even tutorial videos. This would enable multiple individuals to edit, annotate and review creative files. Framebench, launched in 2013, is funded by Blume Ventures and has offered its services to the US Republican Party in its election campaign, according to reports. "Framebench saved us a lot of time in coordinating 260+ campaigns in the state elections and the team totally loves using it." said Vasyl Rabosyuk, former Director of Technology at the Ohio House Republican Organisational Committee. Freshdesk, which acquired 1CLICK.io in August, 2015, acquired Frilp, a social recommendation app, in October and mobile first user engagement platform Konotor in December, 2015. Each acquisition not only brings new capabilities to Freshdesk, but intelligent and creative talent as well, said the company. The company said that it has also opened a fourth office in Sydney, Australia. Launched in 2010, Freshdesk has 50,000 customers around the world, including 3M, Honda, Hugo Boss, University of Pennsylvania, The Atlantic, and Petronas. The flagship product allows organisations to support customers through email, phone, websites, mobile apps, forums and social media. The central government will divest five per cent stake in power giant NTPC through the Offer for Sale (OFS) route on Tuesday, as part of the 2015-16 disinvestment plan. It has fixed the base price at Rs 122 a share. The NTPC shares ended on Monday at Rs 126.85, down two per cent from Friday, as against a 0.3 per cent gain in the benchmark Sensex. The Centre has 74.96 per cent stake in NTPC and will sell 412 million shares, a fifth of these being reserved for retail investors (those putting in up to Rs 2 lakh). The earlier government divestment, a successful one, was late last month in Engineers India. So far in 2015-16 (ending March 31), the government has divested stake in five companies and has raised a cumulative Rs 13,300 crore. NTPCs share sale will be the second-biggest divestment after Indian Oil Corporation, which had helped the government mop up over Rs 9,370 crore. SBI Cap Securities, ICICI Securities, Edelweiss Securities and Deutsche Equities are the investment banker handling the share sale. The NTPC share sale comes at a time when investor sentiment is low. So far this year, the benchmark Sensex is down nine per cent and overseas investors have pulled out nearly $2.5 billion from stocks. Shares of NTPC are down 13 per cent so far this year. The 12-month price target on NTPC is Rs 158, as per the consensus analysts estimates provided by Bloomberg. The stock has total 28 buy recommendations and five sell. NTPC trades at 10.5 times its estimated 12 month earnings and offers a dividend yield of around 2.6 per cent. Retail investors are being offered a 5 per cent discount in the OFS on allotment price. Following a recent rule change, shares in retail category will be auctioned on Wednesday. Non-retail investors will have an option of carrying forward their bids. In an event of shortfall in retail bids and oversubscription in non-retail bids, investors who have carried forward their bids will get a chance of allotment. Kishore Biyani, India's very own Sam Walton, said at a recent retail summit in Mumbai that many online retailers would shut shop in the next six months. Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, the country's answer to Warren Buffett, backed the man behind retail chains like Big Bazaar and Home Store and said e-commerce were attracting too much investment without causing any meaningful disruption. For how long can investors fund loss-making companies, Jhunjhunwala asked. Most of the big globally have been built from internal cash flows and not investors' money, he added. Both questioned the business model of e-commerce and their apparent indifference towards profitability. On top of that, there was disbelief in the stratospheric valuations of e-retailers. Jhunjhunwala said in a lighter vein: "I will consider buying Flipkart's stake if it is valued at $100 million." The numbers tell a different story: Flipkart is valued at $15 billion and Snapdeal at over $6.5 billion, while the three listed offline retailers - Shoppers Stop, Tata's Trent and Future Retail - are together valued at below $3 billion. However, another set of numbers might show that Biyani's argument has merit. All the three companies have reported a smart rise in net sales as well as net profit for the quarter ended December 2015. (See, Showing the way.) Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail too swung to a net profit of Rs 7.43 crore for the quarter, from a loss of Rs 42.78 crore a year ago. In comparison, the losses of the top 22 online start-ups in the country climbed almost three-times to Rs 7,884 crore on a combined revenue of Rs 16,199 crore for the year ended March 2015, as Business Standard reported recently citing a market report. The combined losses of Flipkart, Amazon and Snapdeal, the three top e-retailers, were Rs 4,984 crore during 2014-15. Does that mean it's endgame for the online players while traditional brick and mortar companies would walk away as ultimate winners in the retail game? Not true, say analysts, stakeholders and industry watchers. While it cannot be denied that many have shut shop and several are struggling, the business case for e-retail remains strong. COMPARING THE TWO Flipkart is valued at $15 billion and Snapdeal at over $6.5 billion Combined valuation of three brick and mortar listed retail companiesShoppers Stop, Tata's Trent and the Future Groupis less than $3 billion Future Retail reported three-fold increase in net profit Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail posted net profit at Rs 7.43 crore for Q3 from net loss of Rs 42.78 crore same time in the previous year Losses of the top 22 online start-ups up by 293 per cent at Rs 7,884 crore for a combined revenue of Rs 16,199 crore for the financial year ended March 2015 Heavy advertising and deep discounts by online firms resulting in losses Online companies are setting profit targets even as growth is priority E-commerce growth in 2015 was 129.5 per cent, The Boston Consulting Group said Source: Industry estimates, market reports Rajiv Srivatsa, COO and co-founder of Urban Ladder, among the first startups Ratan Tata funded, says: "The greatest retail companies are built on great customer experience, regardless of channel. Lifestyles are changing and so are the customer's needs. With busy schedules, customers do not have the time to go from shop to shop in the maddening city traffic."E-commerce offers both convenience of shopping from home as well as access to a varied range of products, according to the co-founder of the Bengaluru-based online furniture company. Arvind Singhal, founder of retail consultancy Technopak, agrees with Srivatsa. E-commerce as a model is there to survive, he says. Paucity of time is an increasing phenomenon in urban India and therefore nothing can be better than anytime, anywhere shopping, according to Singhal. Also, penetration of big brands is helping popularise e-commerce in smaller towns as their aspirations rise, he says. Referring to Biyani's comment on many e-retailers shutting down, Singhal says the context is the business model and the deep discounts offered by the players. But he adds that "funding will not collapse for the big players in e-commerce.'' While Amazon India head Amit Agarwal had earlier said in an interview to this newspaper that the company had an open cheque book for India, Singhal says groups like Tata and Reliance Industries are getting into e-commerce in a big way because there's opportunity there. There may be a question mark on whether the likes of Flipkart and Snapdeal will raise the next round of funding at lower value, according to Singhal, but "there can be no doubt that e-commerce will remain and become stronger.'' He adds that while many e-retailers have shut down in the past years, many offline retailers too have lost money which has forced them to down shutters. In the meantime, the hybrid model, or a combination of online and offline, is being talked of as an alternative. Danish Ahmed, CEO of Shopsity, which operates an offline-online model, says the party is not yet over for either side as consumption is growing. As for profitability in e-commerce, he says companies would take long to make money until under-pricing continues. Shopsity is already profitable in less than a year of operation, according to Ahmed as "O2O (offline to online) is opposite of e-commerce''. This model, which is about checking products offline and then buying them online, will disrupt e-commerce, he claims. For now, some numbers do hold a ray of hope for pure-play online players. According to submissions made to the Registrar of Companies and market reports, the combined revenue of Flipkart, Snapdeal and Amazon India grew by as much as 475 per cent in 2014-15 over the previous year. Also, these big players, while bleeding heavily, posted a drop in loss margins, to 158.4 per cent from 197.9 per cent in the previous financial year. On their part, e-commerce majors have maintained they can start making profit whenever they want to but they are focused on growth at this point. As Flipkart co-founder Sachin Bansal pointed out recently, signs of profits are already there. Myntra, a fashion portal that Flipkart acquired in 2014, has already recorded operational profit, for example. And if Goldman Sachs's big number-Indian e-commerce would breach the $100 billion mark by 2020-is a yardstick, online is not dying. Honda Motorcycle and Scooter, which faced a workers' strike at the Tapukara plant in Rajasthan last week, said production has become normal effective today. The plant has a capacity to produce 1.2 million two wheelers a year. "Tapukara factory started operations from the very next day (17th February, 2016) after setting right the damage done to some of the machinery during the illegal strike in plant on 16th February, 2016. Since past five days, more and more associates have started resuming duties in the shifts. Today, production has returned to normalcy", the company said in a statement on Monday. Majority of workers have already resumed work at the plant. Remaining few workers have still not returned to duty and continuing the illegal strike, it said. Workers are pressurising management for the re-instatement of four terminated workers who were fired. The four were fired for creating disturbances in the plant. The plant has a total of 3,000 employees, including management staff, permanent and contractual workers. Ratan Tata, the Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons, is crying foul over an existing aviation policy that requires new airline to fly in India for five years and have a fleet of at least 20 airplanes before becoming eligible for international routes. Tata is right in pointing out that the rule does not make any sense in allowing an airline to bleed in the domestic markets, with 20 aircrafts in tow for a period of five years. Given high competition in the industry, very few older airline companies, operating purely as a domestic player, are profitable. And that is the reason most airlines want to fly on the profitable international routes and cross-subsidise the losses in their domestic operations. But promoter Ajay Singh justifies the rule, saying every airline, including his, had to go through five years of labour pain before being allowed on international routes. While the tussle between Tata and Singh has once again revived the debate on industrial protectionism through government policies, it is clear that older that were made to follow the rules are expecting even the new players to toe the line in the name of level-playing field. Take a peek into history and you will know that on account of the 5/20 policy, some airlines on the domestic sector had to shut down because the losses did not allow them to get anywhere near the threshold of five years. Therefore, Tata is right in questioning the 5/20 restriction. Just because one set of had to bleed and survive, is it necessary that every new company that enters the space has to go through the same pangs? Privatisation of airline industry was at a relatively nascent state when SpiceJet, a low-cost carrier, was launched. Ajay Singh and deserve the credit of creating the no-frill sector and surviving the price war, which resulted in the closure of some airlines and consolidation of others. SpiceJet, IndiGo and Go Air managed to keep their heads above water during the nascent years. The governments logic for introducing the 5/20 rule was that airline industry should serve the domestic sector and make air travel possible in the country. Given a choice, airliners would have liked to keep their Indian operations small by flying only between the metros or other viable routes and prefer to fly as many international flights as possible. However, the government too has a social commitment to provide basic infrastructure services to its population and hence comes up with such rules where companies are forced to fly on routes that can make them bleed. But then such policies should have a carrot and stick approach where if a company is plying on an unviable route, they should be compensated in some way. Forcing socialist policies down a sectors throat will lead to confrontation that we have seen in the case of Ratan Tata and Ajay Singh. In Ratan Tatas case, Ajay Singhs words stick because Tata has partnered with foreign airlines to operate two airlines -- AirAsia India with AirAsia Bhd and Vistara with Singapore Airlines. Both the parent companies are making money by flying internationally, but their Indian entities are bleeding. The Tata group, as the Indian partner in both the ventures, wants to see their operations turn profitable as soon as possible. One way of doing it is by flying Indian passengers to the global partners terminal. Jet Airways has gone through this route in its association with Etihad. Etihad with its investment in Jet Airways made it apparent that it was paying the premium only to tap Indian traffic to the western world. The West Asian airline has smartly used its base to fly in passengers to India who fly to West Asia or use it as a stopover for journeys to Europe or Americas. Infosys was aggressively pushing automation that would see a reduction in its strength of reserved employees, its chief executive & managing director Vishal Sikka said on Monday. As a part of Sikka's strategy to keep employees motivated, Infosys last year launched the 'Zero Bench' initiative, an internal marketplace to provide people on the bench (people without assignments) short-term engagements in clients' and internal projects. "Despite being here (at Infosys) for 18 months, I can't still find an answer around the idea of a bench," said Sikka, a former technology head at German software maker SAP. Infosys has a target of $20 billion revenue by the year 2020 with an operating profit margin of 30 per cent and per employee revenue contribution of $80,000. Addressing a conference organised by Kotak Institutional Equities in Mumbai, Sikka said the company would continue to drive the initiative. At the end of the December quarter, Infosys' staff utilisation was 80.6 per cent. "At 81 per cent utilisation it means 9,000 people are sitting on the bench. This is more than the number of application developers I had at SAP. That's also more than the number of engineers at Facebook. So I said unless you guys are building a Facebook, this is a colossal waste of human potential," said Sikka. Since launching the Zero Bench initiative in July last year, the number of employees who have taken up jobs posted on the internal marketplace has now crossed 10,300. At least 70 per cent of the people who were on the bench had now done at least one job through the portal, Sikka said. The company is planning to give its clients access to this marketplace so that they can see the people who are on the bench and take advantage of that. "This is one attempt to address the disintermediation that is going on," said Sikka. "And there is a deep human dimension to it as well as people on the bench actually hate being on it. Many of them are youngsters who come out of (our training institute in) Mysuru and they are raring to go when they go to the bench. Nobody wants them because they don't have experience," he added. In order to achieve its vision 2020, Infosys has been aggressively embracing automation tools, technologies and platforms, apart from initiatives like 'Zero Distance'. Sikka said the initiative had helped release 1,100 people who had now been redeployed. The initiative covers all the 8,790 clients' projects that are under way. "The shift to automation is inevitable. There is no doubt that it is going to happen. There is no doubt that it is already happening. It is not to make the horses run faster and faster, it is to turn the horse-cart into an automobile," he added. WARMS UP TO THE 'BENCH' Gopal Mittal, a Maruti Suzuki dealer in Haryana's Rohtak, was looking forward to welcoming buyers to the brand new Nexa showroom, due for inauguration on February 28. He won't be able to. Agitating Jats put the two-floor showroom on fire last weekend, pushing back Mittal's expansion plans. Nexa is the dealership of the country's largest car maker, to sell premium cars - its S-Cross and Baleno. "The showroom was damaged and then set on fire. It is completely gutted. There was no help from the state administration and the army. About 50 of the 150 cars at our stockyard were completely burnt, while the rest were severely damaged," said Mittal, who invested Rs 6-7 crore in setting up the Nexa outlet. As the showroom was not operational, it was not even insured. Mittal is worried about the way things will shape from here for businessmen like him. "There is huge tension. I am apprehensive where this will stop. The confidence level of the local business community is deeply shaken," he said. While most are yet to estimate the extent of loss, a total of 250-300 vehicles could have been damaged. Amit Jain, a Hyundai dealer in Rohtak, said the mob looted the accessories at his showroom, and damaged the infrastructure and building. "The windows of cars in the showroom were broken and then petrol was used to burn the vehicles. We are yet to get an idea of the exact damage. They also drove away with a few cars. It will take almost a year to rebuild the dealership," he said. Jain used to sell around 100 cars a month. Jain, however, is not certain about continuing his business in Haryana. "Support from the government has been missing; such instances might reoccur in the future." The events in Haryana will have an impact on sales volume of automobile companies in the region, directly and indirectly. "The law and order disturbance in Haryana has created major challenges for logistics of vehicles to North India. In addition, service and sales have come to a standstill as many dealerships are closed as a precautionary measure. We are constrained to direct the logistic operators to stop the transportation of vehicles at the state borders and advise the dealerships to remain closed till things normalise," said Rakesh Srivastava, senior vice-president (sales & marketing) at Hyundai. Maruti Suzuki, which suspended production at its two Haryana plants on Saturday afternoon, did not resume operations on Monday. It has decided to keep operations suspended till 3 pm on Tuesday. It will take a call on further course during the day. Maruti and other companies in the Gurgaon-Manesar auto hub have been impacted by the Jat agitation, which has crippled the inbound and outbound supply chain at companies such as Maruti and Hero MotoCorp. The combined output from Manesar and Gurgaon plants is currently about 5,000 vehicles a day, implying a loss of 10,000 vehicles so far. The plants remained closed on Sunday. A Hero MotoCorp spokesperson said despatches from all the four plants - Gurgaon and Dharuhera (Haryana), Neemrana (Rajasthan) and Haridwar (Uttarakhand) have been affected due to the ongoing blockade of the national highways and other roads. "Production output has also been partially impacted on Monday at our plants due to the ongoing impasse." Component makers, many of whom operate in the region, were also hit. "We are getting impacted like all the other companies, but there is nothing we can do about it. If an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) is facing production issue, its parts supplier is bound to see a resultant impact," said Ramesh Suri, chairman of Subros, which manufactures AC kits for cars. is offering discounts upto Rs 20,000 on international air tickets and leisure tours and big discounts on hotel bookings in an app-only sale beginning Tuesday. This is the second edition of the portal's app only sale following the first sale last November. Portals including are focusing on hotels business and driving sales through mobile phones and app. The sale titled The Great Indian Getaway (TGIG) is a way to push up bookings. For mobile bookings contribute about 30% of domestic flights-bookings, and nearly 50% of the total online domestic hotel transactions. Its app has seen 12 million downloads in four years. "The first edition of the sale drove tremendous interest from travellers across the country. This has motivated us to bring back and establish TGIG as a half-yearly property. It is our constant endeavor to bring the best possible travel choices and offers to our consumers and catalyze the offline travel booking to online travel booking behavior," said , Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder and CEO-India, MakeMyTrip said. Snapdeal is already ahead of competition, says Rohit Bansal, co-founder and chief operating officer of the Gurgaon-based e-commerce company. Ahead of an industry event in Bengaluru, the city which houses the headquarters of both Amazon and Flipkart, Bansal spoke to Nivedita Mookerji and Raghu Krishnan on the slowing investment scenario, the vision to multiply the number of transacting users on the Snapdeal platform, profitability targets, fundraising, valuation, competition and acquisitions, among other issues. Edited excerpts: What will be the core themes for 2016 at Snapdeal? Year 2015 was all about scaling up the technology team and intensifying efforts on logistics and payments through significant acquisitions. While we'll remain focused on those themes this year, we want to go beyond to make the best of the emerging trends in e-commerce such as micro-consumption on a variety of things because of widespread use of smart phones. If earlier people were consuming internet like lunch, now they are snacking every few hours. What exactly is your company trying to do while capturing the new internet trends? Users should be able to re-order what they have been using often without having to type it out. The company's database should be able to fetch the best option for any user through predictive technology. We are running a pilot of that technology to bring in personalisation in e-shopping, and will make an announcement when we are ready with it. Also, the process of returning goods should be completely frictionless to give you an example. Besides, we are looking at several acquisitions of varying sizes in the technology and logistics space this year. How will that translate into numbers? Our vision and mission is to have 20 million daily transacting users by 2020. Currently, we are at one million daily transacting users, which means the number of transactions could possibly be more. That number, which includes transacting users on Snapdeal, FreeCharge and Shopo, is higher than Amazon and Flipkart put together. How much fund is the company planning to raise and what will it invest to reach the goal of 20 million a day by 2020? The vision is sacrosanct irrespective of investments. We are well-capitalised now, but people keep talking all the time for investment opportunity. But, future investment or fund-raising is not necessary to attain the 2020 vision. Will you be profitable by that time? Yes, most likely we will be profitable by 2020. What about gross merchandise value (GMV) of products sold? When could your GMV be highest in the e-commerce sector? GMV is an outcome of the vision we have. I'm sure it will be much higher than what it is today. I guess we will be the largest. Snapdeal CEO Kunal Bahl had said in an interview a few months ago that by the end of this financial year, Snapdeal would be bigger than Flipkart. People want to know more on that. Your comment? We believe we are the most successful as we have the highest number of repeat visitors. Sixty-five to 70 per cent of them repeat every 30 days. And, as I mentioned, our daily transacting user number is higher than Amazon and Flipkart put together. Have you noticed any change in investor behaviour in e-commerce? I think 2016 will be a slow year from an investment point of view. This will be the third time we'll see this happening after 2008 and 2012. While 2014 and 2015 were active years in investments, the sense one gets now is that this year will be slow. Although consumption is not declining, investment cycle is slowing. Perhaps things will pick up by the end of 2016. Does that worry you? I would say it worries many companies. As for us, we believe in prudence and we are here for the long haul. In a scenario of slowing investment, excessive valuation of e-commerce companies could drop. Right? I cannot talk about others, but we do not spend time thinking over valuation. Do you see plenty of consolidation in 2016? I think the companies that don't have the fundamentals right are in trouble. Consolidation of smaller companies is likely. Amazon is seen as the one driving competition in India because they have deep pockets. Do you agree? I don't think it's correct to say any one player is driving competition. That said, Amazon has been around much longer than all others. And, Amazon's experience is good for us and the market. While Amazon has the resource to offer deep discounts, how long will other e-commerce companies funded by investor money continue to follow the same pattern and bleed in the process? Discounts and promotions are not our top two areas of spend. If it is a perception that we are offering deep discounts, it suits us (Laughs). Recently, Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal was made the CEO of that company while Sachin Bansal took a larger role. Is there a similar possibility at Snapdeal, where you could become the CEO and Kunal Bahl takes a larger role? Not at all. We are happy the way we are. Is an initial public offering likely? It will happen at some point, but not in the next 12 months. The promoters of Bharti Airtel, the Mittal family and SingTel, are looking to acquire an additional six per cent stake in the country's largest telecom firm. The move may lend some support to the company's share price, which has declined 11 per cent over six months. At Monday's market price, the value of the stake is Rs 7,900 crore. The promoters will acquire the additional six per cent stake through Bharti Telecom, which holds 43.96 per cent in Bharti Airtel. The additional stake in Bharti Airtel will make the telco a subsidiary of Bharti Telecom. The Mittal family and Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) are infusing Rs 2,500 crore equity capital into Bharti Telecom through a rights issue to enable the transaction. The acquisition of shares will be funded through debt and equity. SingTel owns a 40 per cent stake in Bharti Telecom, the Mittals own 51 per cent, while Temasek owns seven per cent. The objective of the rights issue was to enable Bharti Telecom to "further acquire equity shares of Bharti Airtel," said SingTel's filing. Other than raising fresh equity capital of Rs 2,500 crore from the promoters, Bharti Telecom also has shareholder approval to raise up to Rs 15,000 crore debt, including non-convertible debentures. Responding to an email query by Business Standard, the Bharti group spokesperson said, "SingTel has subscribed to its portion and thus, maintained its shareholding in Bharti Telecom. There is thus, no increase in its stake in Bharti Telecom. Over time, Bharti Telecom intends to use funds raised to further acquire shares in Bharti Airtel." The reason behind the acquisition of additional stake in Bharti Airtel is not clear, other than the fact that the promoters want to make Bharti Airtel a subsidiary of Bharti Telecom. Taking the stake in Bharti Airtel to over 50 per cent will make Bharti Telecom its holding company. Romal Shetty, partner and head of the telecom practice at KPMG, said, "Promoters tend to hike stakes in companies to infuse confidence." The market has been punishing telecom stocks over the last few months, as operational metrics have deteriorated and fears of heightened competition have increased risks. The move will be seen positively by investors, as it suggests that the promoters see value in the company. Bharti Airtel's stock is down 11 per cent over six months. In a note, an IIFL analyst wrote that Bharti Telecom would be able to service the debt it took on its books through the dividend income it received from Bharti Airtel, which was about Rs 800 crore. "If Bharti Telecom were to fund the acquisition 2:1 by debt-equity, the dividend would be sufficient to service the debt," he added. The acquisition of the additional stake will not happen through fresh issuance. Analysts said Bharti Telecom's AGM notice mentioned it intended to acquire Bharti Airtel shares from Indian Continental Investment Limited, which owns a 6.65 per cent stake. Bharti Telecom might also consider buying shares from the open market, given the fall in the share price, analysts said. Subdued electricity demand has hurt the power sector, including state-owned NTPC. Some comfort: When the plant load factor (PLF, or capacity use) for coal power plants in India was 63 per cent in January 2016 (down 150 basis points year-on-year), NTPC's capacity use was 79 per cent, lower from its January 2015 level of 82 per cent. Of 910 megawatts (Mw) capacities planned to start operations by the March quarter, stage two of NTPC's Barh Super Thermal Power Station for 660 Mw recently started operations. Incremental capacity additions are critical to improve volumes. About 18,000 Mw of new capacities (under construction) are likely to be commissioned by FY20. Kotak Institutional Equities pegs the asset capitalisation against these projects to be around Rs 130,000 crore, implying an incremental annual profit of Rs 6,200 crore for NTPC. While this is in the long term, the December quarter saw NTPC's revenues decline eight per cent; volumes were down a per cent year-on-year. As 'other income' halved to Rs 245 crore due to lack of incentive income, lower interest income and maturity of bonds under one-time settlement scheme, and interest expenses jumped 18 per cent to Rs 825 crore (on higher capital expenditure), net profit fell 19 per cent year-on-year. This pulled down the profit growth in nine months (to 2.4 per cent), versus five per cent in the first half of 2016-17. According to Central Electricity Regulatory Commission rules for FY15-19, NTPC gets an incentive of Rs 0.5 per kilowatt power generated by plants operating at 85 per cent or above PLF. According to Elara Capital, six out of 20 plants (versus five in FY15) operate at a PLF of 85 per cent or more, but overall PLF dipped from 80 per cent in FY15 to 78 per cent in the December quarter. But, the mood around NTPC's stock is positive. Jefferies says, "after the decline in FY14-16, NTPC's earnings should increase at 12 per cent compound annual growth between FY16 and FY18." Deepak Agrawala of Elara Capital says, that even as poor demand is a serious issue, NTPC is a low-beta stock, with less variability in core earnings. "A strong balance sheet gives a lot of comfort to investors with an assured return on equity (15.5 per cent) above global peers," Agrawala says. At 11 times FY17 price-earnings, valuations are supportive. The government is reportedly planning an 'offer for sale' on Tuesday at a four per cent discount to current price of Rs 127. This could lead to some short-term pressure in the counter, providing a good entry. Capital Square Partners and CX Partners, the home-grown private equity duo that bought BPO firm Minacs at $260 million two years back from Aditya Birla Nuvo, and are now in talks with potential buyers to sell it at near double valuation of $500 million. "In the last two years PE owners have been able to improve operating margin of the company by about 500 basis points (bps). This has significantly helped boost the firm's valuation," says an executive at one of the PE firms who did not wish to be identified. Minacs now has annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) of about $55 million, another person familiar with company's affairs said. Minacs, which traces its roots back to 1981, provides technology outsourcing and business process outsourcing with a workforce of about 21,000 across its 35 offices. The company was formed in its current state in 2007, after Kumar Mangalam Birla merged local outsourcing company TransWorks Information Services with North American customer relationship management firm Minacs Worldwide. Minacs has headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, as well as Oshawa, Ontario, and Bengaluru. It also has offices in Germany, Hungary, Jamaica, Mexico, the Philippines and the UK, according to its website. The company said in November that it opened a second site in Richmond, in the US, that can accommodate around 800 employees to support a large US health care provider. CX Partners, founded in 2009, manages about $500 million of assets. Its investments include Barbeque Nation Hospitality, which runs a chain of grilled meat restaurants in India, as well as generic drugmaker Natco Pharma and Karur Vysya Bank. Singapore-based Capital Square Partners has bought stakes in CSS Corp, a provider of technology support services, and data analytics firm Ananto. key takeaways | Minacs was purchased for $260 mn 2 years back from Aditya Birla Nuvo | Operating margin of the company has improved by about 500 basis points in the period | Minacs has annual Ebitda of about $55 million | Minacs has a workforce of about 21,000 across its 35 offices | The company said in November that it opened a second site in the US that can accommodate around 800 employees to support a large US health care provider In a milestone for Indias Tejas light-combat aircraft (LCA), two Tejas fighters travelled from India to performed aerobatics at the Bahrain International Air Show (BIAS-2016) from January 21-23. Business Standard has obtained the first official account of this first international outing, where the Tejas impressed global aerospace experts, taking an important first step towards export in the future. This official account comes from the Indian Air Force (IAF), which is overseeing the flight test programme of the Tejas; and from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the defence research & development (R&D) organisation responsible for the Tejas programme. The proposal for this outing was initiated by the Kingdom of Bahrain, which invited the defence ministry in September 2015, to display the Tejas in BIAS-2016. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar quickly gave the go-ahead for the Tejas, and also the Embraer-mounted Airborne Early Warning System (AEWS), to travel to Bahrain. It required a major organisational effort to get two Tejas fighters, three pilots and a fully equipped maintenance team from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to Bahrain. Only then could the Tejas display its Made-for Bahrain aerobatics, showcasing its performance in vertical climbs, tight turns, high-speed runs and slow flying ability. The IAF detailed one of its giant C-17 Globemaster IIIs to transport the maintenance team and equipment to Bahrain. Two Tejas fighters flew three legs, over three days the first from Bengaluru to Jamnagar in Gujarat (1,800 km); the second to Muscat (1,200 km), and the final leg to Bahrain (850 km). The Indian Navy supported the flight over the Arabian Sea. The pilots were provided sea survival training at the new water survival training facility at Kochi. During the flights between Jamnagar and Muscat, the Navy kept one P8-I maritime aircraft airborne throughout, in case a rescue was needed. Says Commodore (Retired) C D Balaji, who heads ADA: The Bahraini authorities made us extremely welcome. Their minister for transportation personally came to the airport to receive the Tejas fighters when they flew in. The King of Bahrain came to our stall during the exhibition. We gifted him a model of the Tejas. Balaji confirms that the Pakistani light fighter, the JF-17 Thunder, was to come to Bahrain but pulled out at the last minute it has been speculated that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) realised it would be overshadowed by the Tejas. We dont know why Pakistan pulled out the JF-17. But, yes, it was scheduled to be at Bahrain. Its parking slot, which was next to ours, was eventually occupied by the Eurofighter, says Balaji. The Tejas flight displays went off flawlessly, with pilots from the National Flight Test Centre in Bengaluru, having put together a special product demonstration performance, which showcased for potential customers the operational performance that makes it a combat-worthy fighter such as the ability to climb quickly and turn tightly. The IAF, which is traditionally measured in its evaluation of the Tejas, says the fighters control harmony is comparable to the best in the world The intuitive cockpit layout and highly reliable life support systems provide for comfort as well as excellent situational awareness. Authoritatively detailing the Tejas performance parameters, the IAF says: The LCA has a very competitive and cotemporary operational envelope. It is capable of operations up to an altitude of 50,000 feet and a maximum speed of 1.6 Mach at [high] altitudes or 730 knots at low levels. The aircraft [can turn at] +8G to -2.5G (which allows it to U-turn in 350 metres) in operationally clean configuration or +6G to -2.5G with other external stores. The IAF sums up: The LCA Mark 1 was designed as a worthy indigenous replacement to the MiG fleet that has been the backbone of the defence of our skies for several decades. It is a safe and contemporary design with a reliable and efficient engine and many modern features. The aircraft is cockpit friendly, agile and easy to fly. It is this capability that was displayed in the recently concluded Bahrain International Air Show Serial production of the aircraft by HAL has started and it is expected that fighter will be operationally inducted by IAF in 2016. Tribal activist and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said that she fears for her and her children's lives in the wake of Saturday's attack on her, The Hindu newspaper reported on Monday. According to The Hindu's report, Sori told reporters at the Raipur airport that What is happening is not good". "Now I fear for my life and the safety of my kids, she said. She was flown to Delhi on Sunday and would reportedly be treated in AIIMS. According to a NDTV report, three unidentified men on Saturday allegedly hurled an acid-like liquid, suspected to be grease oil, on Soris face when she was returning from a public rally. The alleged attack took place in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district. Sori had reportedly received a threat to her life earlier this month. According to a Catch News report, she received an anonymous letter threatening to burn her alive. Asked about the attackers, Sori told The Hindu that "she received a call at 6.12 pm on Saturday that some people were conspiring to attack her". I told the person that I would meet him today [Sunday]. I was getting constant reminders from the people that the police wanted to eliminate me. But I ignored them. Most of my fight has been against the police department in Bastar, she added. Sori has previously accused the Chattisgarh police of torturing her. In October 2011, she was arrested for allegedly ferrying money from Essar Group to the Maoists in a deal to protect the company's assets in rebel-controlled territories. Sori denied the allegations, as did the Maoists and Essar group. Alleging that the state police had tried to kill her in a fake encounter, she fled Chhattisgarh. She was subsequently arrested in Delhi and transferred back to a prison in Chhattisgarh. In letters smuggled out of prison, Sori accused the police of torturing her while conducting interrogations. The activist went on a hunger strike in prison to protest against the poor living conditions in prison and the alleged withholding of medical assistance by prison staff. A medical report by the NRS Medical College in Kolkata lends credence to some of her claims. The Chhattisgarh police has denied Sori's allegations. On Republic Day in 2012, Ankit Garg, a policeman who allegedly oversaw her torture, was awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry for his bravery in anti-Maoist operations. Garg has also denied Sori's claims. In February of 2014, nearly two-and-a-half years after her arrest, Sori was granted bail by the Supreme Court and was declared as AAP's Lok Sabha candidate from Bastar in March of that year. Sori's candidature had given rise to expectations of a serious triangular contest in Bastar between the AAP, BJP and Congress. However, when the poll results came out in May that year, Sori could secure only 16,903 votes and stood in the fourth position. Referring to the recent attack, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter: "Very painful. Whats happening everywhere? Hope she recovers fast. Chhattisgarh govt should nab culprits immediately." V painful. Whats happening everywhere? Hope she recovers fast. Chattisgarh govt shud nab culprits immediately https://t.co/4sSjOExwrE Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 21, 2016 However, according to The Hindu's report, Dantewada's SP "questioned the sequence of events and circumstances leading to the attack". Speaking to The Hindu he said, There was no attack on her. Wrong vocabulary is being used for the incident. There was nothing like that everyone is lying here. Two of the world's leading newspapers have criticised the government's approach in handling the sedition row at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The New York Times (NYT) said in an op-ed piece: "India is in the throes of a violent clash between advocates of freedom of speech and the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and its political allies on the Hindu right determined to silence dissent." It said the confrontation "raises serious concerns about Modi's governance and may further stall any progress in Parliament on economic reforms." The NYT asked Modi to rein in his ministers and his party, and defuse the current crisis, or risk sabotaging both economic progress and India's democracy. France's leading daily Le Monde said in an editorial "the horizon of Indian democracy has been oddly clouded" since the coming to power of Modi. The arrest of a student leader and a former professor of JNU "is the latest illustration of the authoritarian drift of the Hindu nationalist government determined to silence criticism". It was "paradoxical" to see the Hindu nationalists defend the Indian flag they have long denigrated with their preference for the saffron flag, the editorial said. In Delhi, the Supreme Court on Monday made it clear that it would confine itself to the violence in Patiala House court complex on February 15 and 17 in which JNU students, teachers and journalists were attacked during the hearing of sedition case against JNUSU head Kanhaiya Kumar. "We are not concerned with other incidents. We are only concerned with the episode that had happened on February 15 and 17," a Bench said. The police, meanwhile, was cautious in dealing with five students accused of sedition who returned to the campus on Sunday night. The students said they were ready to be arrested but will not surrender as charges against them were false. Delhi Police chief BS Bassi asked the students to join the investigation. The five - Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya, JNUSU General Secretary Rama Naga, Ashutosh Kumar and Anant Prakash - had gone missing from the campus since February 12 after JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested on sedition charges for allegedly raising anti-India slogans during a controversial event at the campus US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said diversity of "thought and speech" was one of India's great hallmarks which will "propel" it forward. On the JNU incident, he said free speech was an issue that the Indian society will have to resolve, terming universities as "laboratories of thoughts" and identifying them as a "central tenet" that both India and the US hold dear. He also said that with diversity come "different viewpoints". Indian citizens had a higher exposure to average particulate matter than their Chinese counterparts, an analysis of satellite data on particulate matter has shown, environmental group Greenpeace has claimed. It said while Chinas strong measures to curb pollution have contributed to the biggest year-on-year air quality improvement on record, in contrast, Indias pollution levels continued a decade-long increase to reach the highest level on record. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), India is home to 13 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world, with air pollution levels deteriorating during the past decade, particularly in north India. Greenpeace, in its National Air Quality Index (NAQI) ranking report had revealed that as many as 15 of the 17 Indian cities with NAQI stations showed levels of air pollution that far exceeded prescribed Indian standards. The report also revealed 23 of the 32 stations across India showing levels which were more than 70 per cent higher than national standards, putting public health at risk. Indias NAQI network, with 39 operating stations, compares poorly with the 1,500 stations in China. The satellite images until 2005 showed Indias pollution, while serious, was lot lower than eastern Chinas. However, as of 2015, Indias particulate pollution stands higher than of Chinas, after increasing at an average rate of two per cent over the past decade. In China, particulate pollution levels rose an estimated 20 per cent between 2005 and 2011 due to growing dependence on fossil fuels. However, after adopting a comprehensive National Action Plan in 2013 along with strong policies and stricter enforcement, Chinas particulate trend started bending, as 2015 witnessed a fall of 15 per cent as compared to 2014. Looking at the change in particulate levels in the past 10 years, very significant reductions are seen across Eastern and Central China, testimony to the national scale of the key measures to tackle air pollution. In India, while the pollution levels are highest in the north, the trend of worsening pollution levels is seen across the subcontinent, with West Bengal, Bihar, UP and AP displaying the largest increases, and the NCR also seeing a significant increase. Greenpeace has urged the government to issue red alerts during bad air days and take policy decisions in the long term. Air pollution monitoring only covers one quarter of the population in China and only a few percent of the population in India, and in both countries, PM2.5 monitoring networks have only been created very recently, so long-term trends cannot be assessed. The protests by the Jat agitators across Haryana have subsided with the reports of sporadic incidents of violence occurring at some places, the Jat community in Haryana has started retreating from the highways. Talking to Business Standard, Ram Bhagat Malik, State Spokesperson of Akhil Bhartiya Jat Arakshan Sabha said that as the blockades were being removed in different parts of Haryana, the community will assess the actual loss of lives as they do not believe the government reports. The Government of Haryana has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family of those killed during the violent protests, the Jat leaders have demanded a government job for each family too. The fragmentation of landholdings and dwindling returns in agriculture, told Malik, has brought the unemployed Jat youth in the streets and reservation in government jobs for Jats is imminent. The committee appointed under the chairmanship of Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu would safeguard the interests of the farming community. If our demands are not met and Haryana fails to bring a legislation in budget session, we will resume the protests, he added. The Jats in Haryana expect to be included in OBC (Other Backward Classes) quota. The reservation in government jobs in Haryana is over 60%. The Jat leaders want the state to identify the anti-social elements who looted the public and private properties and withdraw the cases against Jats. The failure of the state government to gauge the gravity of the situation translated in the worsening law and order situation and killing 15 persons. While apprehending about the risks to fresh investment activities in the region, Mahesh Gupta, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry said there is a huge loss of the economic activity not only in the state of Haryana but across the Northern States of India. Based on inputs received from various industry stakeholders across the states, PHD Chamber has estimated that these states may face Rs. 34,000 crore loss of economic activity due to Jat agitation during the last few days, said Mahesh Gupta. Disruption in overall transportation activities including railways, roads, passenger vehicles, goods vehicles, drop down in tourists arrivals, loss in financial services, hit to the industrial sector including manufacturing, electricity, and construction; the overall activity has choked and may result in a huge loss in the GSDP of states for the last quarter of FY15-16, said Mahesh Gupta. Violence continued in Haryana on Monday, with stone-pelting mobs attacking security personnel trying to clear a road blockade and torching government vehicles, even as the death toll in the nine-day old quota stir was put at 16. As protesters continued to block some roads, including the arterial Delhi-Ambala Highway, the Centre directed security forces to use force to clear blockades. Read more from our special coverage on "JAT" Army called out as Haryana Jat stir threatens to reach Delhi The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the agitation would lead to losses worth Rs 34,000 crore in economic activity. It said the economic impact on the services sector would be of Rs 18,000 crore and claimed loss of Rs 12,000 crore to the industrial and agri-business activities. The chamber has also estimated Rs 4,000-crore loss because of damage to infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appointed high-powered committee, headed by Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu to examine the demand of Jats for quota in central jobs and educational institutions, held its first meeting on Monday. It has called Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for deliberations on Tuesday. In related developments, the Haryana Cabinet decided to introduce a Bill on the reservation in the forthcoming session of the Assembly. Home Minister Rajnath Singh briefed the PM. The Supreme Court refused to hear a public interest litigation seeking directions to restore law and order in Haryana, saying it had no reason to believe that the government was not taking due action. "We have no reason to believe that the government is not taking action in the matter. We can only say amity and brotherhood be there among all communities. Rest is for government to decide," a Bench said. A Delhi-based lawyer has moved the court alleging "total collapse" of administration in Haryana on account of the Jat quota stir. The death toll in the nine-day stir reached 19. Stone-pelting mobs attacking security personnel trying to clear a road blockade, triggering a clash in which three civilians were killed on Monday. The All India Jat Aarakshan Sanghursh Samiti later in the evening announced lifting of its dharnas on and state highways, in view of the BJP setting up a committee to examine the quota demand. Besides Sonipat, fresh incidents of arson and violence erupted in several districts including Rohtak, Kaithal and Hissar. Sonipat Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Rattan said Army personnel, paramilitary forces and police were trying to clear a road blockade in the district when they were attacked by a mob. The mob went berserk, setting on fire government vehicles, and attacking the security forces, the DC said, adding there was tension in the entire area. The latest incident came within hours after two columns of the Army, comprising around 150 personnel, besides CRPF and Haryana Police contingents took control of the Munak canal at around 4 am on Monday from protesters who had cut off the water supply to Delhi, from Akbarpur-Barota in Sonipat. Underlining the need for objectivity and truthfulness in journalism, Najeeb Jung, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, on Monday said journalists are writing history that researchers in the future will rely on. "Fifty years from now, researchers will be drawing from his reports and quoting from their reports," Jung said while speaking at a function organised to confer the Business Standard-Seema Nazareth Award for Excellence in Print Journalism 2015. Stung by the Amtek Auto episode, Corporate India is taking additional precautions while investing in debt schemes of mutual funds. Investors are now looking at the net worth and profitability of a fund house and digging deeper into the credit profile of individual schemes before making an investment decision. Besides performance, investors in fixed income schemes are now looking at the net worth of the AMC, its profitability, the schemes size and its liability profile, said Himanshu Vyapak, deputy CEO, Reliance AMC. The official of a large corporate house says that his firm first selects the AMC by looking at the AUM, net worth, long-term profitability and the quantum of promoter investment. It then selects the scheme by assessing the credit portfolio. Corporates are now making it a point to interact directly with the fund managers, especially for investments in short-term bond funds and duration products. Also, while the overseas AUM of foreign fund houses was considered a comfort factor earlier, thats no longer the case now, said the official, adding that the firm invests in fund houses with a minimum net worth of Rs 100 crore. At the end of March 2015, nine fund houses had a net worth less than Rs 50 crore and 25 had a net worth of less than Rs 100 crore. In 2014, Sebi had hiked the minimum net worth criteria for mutual funds to Rs 50 crore from Rs 10 crore. For FY15, 17 of the 42 fund houses posted net losses. Investors want more granular data now and are looking at the composition and concentration of investors more closely, said Manoj Napgal, CEO, Outlook Asia Capital. For example, investors want to know if the institutions invested in a particular scheme belong to the same sector. Investors from the same sector will have similar views on the market and can potentially exit at the same time, he said. Investors are also looking at the consolidated exposure of a scheme to a group company and whether the exposure to a particular company is merit-based. A lot of investment in group companies happens because of the promoters personal guarantee. This is where the maximum junk is created in the debt portfolio. While none of these investments have gone bust, investors are questioning fund managers on their investment rationale, said Nagpal. However, experts believe that selecting fund houses based on their net worth and profitability may not prove useful as mutual funds are a pass-through vehicle and fund houses were told by Amfi not to absorb losses about a year ago. In January, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) announced tighter norms for investment in debt securities, reducing single security exposure, sector exposure and group exposure. The limit of investment in securities sold by a single company was reduced to 10 per cent from 15 per cent of the net asset value, or NAV, of the scheme, while the single sector exposure for a scheme was reduced to 25 per cent from 30 per cent. The exposure to housing finance companies within the finance sector has been reduced to five per cent from the earlier 10 per cent. Market regulator Sebi has reportedly put mutual funds' exposure to distressed bonds, especially those downgraded by rating agencies, under scanner. Recently, rating agency Crisil downgraded JSPLs long-term rating from BBB+ to BB+ with a cautionary note that the group's liquidity would deteriorate significantly in the near-term. BEING CAREFUL The Odisha government would raise Rs 1,000 crore from the open market through sale of government securities. The state government is on a fund raising spree this fiscal to finance capital projects. The stock sale of five-year tenure has been notified. The stock would be sold through auction to be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Mumbai on February 23. The proceeds of the loan are to be utilised to finance capital outlay for creation of capital assets, said a government notification. The state government has obtained the consent of the central government to raise this loan as required under Article 293 (3) of the Constitution. The government stock up to 10 per cent of the notified amount of the sale will be alloted to eligible individuals and institutions subject to a maximum limit of one per cent of the notified amount for a single bid as per the Revised Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the auctions of the state government securities of the general notification. Bids for the auction are to be submitted in electronic format on RBI's core banking solution (CBS) system- E-Kuber on February 23. RBI would display the auction results on the same day. Successful bidders are required to make payments on February 24. The investment in government stock would be reckoned as an eligible investment in government securities by banks for the purpose of statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) under Section 24 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. So far, the state government has raised Rs 4,000 crore from the open market. The state government had not resorted to market borrowing since 2006-07. But, resource crunch and an increased need to step up capital outlay had prompted the state government to take the Centre's nod to raise funds from the open market. The overall borrowing target has been pegged at Rs 12,800 crore for this fiscal. The state's loan burden is expected to touch Rs 56,000 crore by the end of this fiscal. Still, it would be a comfortable 17 per cent of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GSDP) and in consonance with the state FRBM (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management) Act, 2005 which mandates debt stock within 25 per cent of the GSDP. As the entities given licences to establish small (SFBs) scurry to beat the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deadline of April 2017, equity fund raising has picked up. In September 2015, RBI had granted in-principle licences to set up 10 SFBs. Jalandhar-based Capital Local Area Bank could be the first to start operation. It has sent the required documents for final regulatory approval to RBI and set April 13 as the deadline for starting operations. The bank has already raised Rs 17.3 crore through a rights issue, and is looking for further capitalisation before May, said Sarvjit Singh Samra, managing director. ESAF Microfinance, which also has an in-principle licence to start an SFB, plans to raise Rs 100 crore through a rights issue. It is also looking to raise close to Rs 200 crore through private placement of equity with foreign investors, "subsequently, for expansion", said K Paul Thomas, chairman. Disha Microfinance has readied plans to raise about Rs 300 crore of domestic equity over the next two months, via private placement, said Rajeev Yadav, group director. SMALL WONDER As the entities given licences to establish as small scurry to beat the Reserve Bank of India deadline of April 2017, equity fund raising has picked up In September 2015, RBI had granted in-principle licences to set up 10 SFBs Jalandhar-based Capital Local Area Bank could be the first to start operation It has sent the required documents for final regulatory approval to RBI and set April 13 this year as the deadline for starting operations APMC Acts should be modified to support a well-functioning system of contract farming Special attention should be given to Eastern and NE states as farmersbe given to Eastern and NE states as farmers Ujjivan Financial Services, a Bengaluru-based micro- entity, has already raised about Rs 300 crore through a pre-Initial Public Offering (IPO) placement. It has filed a draft prospectus for one up to Rs 650 crore. Equitas Holdings is also planning to raise close to 1,200 crore through an IPO. SFBs are required to raise a substantial amount of the needed domestic capital before launch. At present, almost all have foreign shareholding, mostly from private equity funds. According to RBI norms, the initial promoter stake should not be less than 40 per cent, locked in for five years, with domestic shareholding of at least 51 per cent. ECI Hosts Executive Board Meeting of Association of World Election Bodies (A-Web) and Seminar on Leveraging Technology for Transparent and Credible Elections . . ECI Offers to Collaborate with A-Web in Conducting Capacity Building Programmes for Election Stakeholders . . Election Commission of India (ECI) hosted the 4th Executive Board meeting of the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB) in New Delhi today. ECI is currently serving its second term as a member of the Executive Board of the world body. . . The meeting was chaired by Mr. Roberto Rosario Marquez, President of the Central Electoral Board of the Dominican Republic. Romania participated as the current vice-chair of the organisation. Secretary General, Mr. Yong-Hi Kim from Republic of Korea and his team of A-WEB Secretariat helped conduct the proceedings. Besides India, other Executive Board members from Albania, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic and South Africa took part. Delegates from Bosnia and Herzegovina and El Salvador also participated in the meeting as members of the A-WEBs Oversight and Audit Committee. . . In his Welcome Address, Dr. Zaidi recalled that the A-WEB is a comparatively young organisation, launched in October 2013. He stated that while the membership of the Association is growing (currently 102 democratic countries and four International organisations), the organisation has also expanded its activities under the very able guidance of the first Chair, Korea and the current Chair, Dominican Republic. . . The Executive Board approved the proceedings of previous meeting. It also considered and approved the Progress Report, Financial and Audit Reports for 2015 and adopted the Budget and Work Plans for 2016. Dr. Nasim Zaidi, offered to collaborate with A-WEB in hosting some of its capacity building programmes at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM). . . The Board also conducted elections of New Members of the Oversight and Audit Committee. Cameroon, Ecuador and Kosovo were elected as new members of the Committee w.e.f. October 2016. . . The Executive Board meets annually to discuss important issues and report to the General Assembly of the Association which meets every two years. . . Tomorrow (23rd February), ECI will also host a seminar for the delegates on Leveraging Technology for Transparent and Credible Elections". At the seminar, the lead presentation will be made by India, showcasing the use of technology in various electoral processes. Country presentations will also be made by Republic of Korea, Kyrgyz Republic, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Burkina Faso, Kenya, South Africa, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania. . . Association of World Election Bodies was established in 2013 and has 106 members from 102 countries. The members comprise national Election Management Bodies and some regional associations and international electoral organisations. A-WEBs vision is to foster efficiency and effectiveness in conducting free, fair, transparent and participative elections worldwide. Its activities are guided by its mission to identify latest trends, challenges and developments in democratic electoral management and electoral processes and to facilitate appropriate exchange of experience and expertise among members with the objective of strengthening electoral democracy worldwide. . . Election Commission of India . . New Delhi : 22th February ,2016 . . RM/ RS Health Minister gives go ahead for the expansion of AIIMS Trauma Centre. . Health Ministry committed to improve Public Health infrastructure in the country: Shri J P Nadda . . In a bid to strengthen the public health infrastructure and medical education in the country, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri j P Nadda gave a nod for the expansion of AIIMS Trauma Centre attached to AIIMS New Delhi, today. As part of this expansion, AIIMS has also been allotted 15 acres of the land by Delhi Development Authority. The expansion plan includes a Centre for Digestive Diseases, Centre for Endocrinology, Centre for ENT, a Spine Centre, a Bone Marrow Transplant Centre and Kidney Transplant Centre. . . To be built with a capacity of 1841 beds, the total project cost is estimated at Rs 2700 Crore. The total numbers of beds are spread across Trauma (445), Digestive (465), ENT (334), Endocrinology (244), BMT (88), Kidney (63) and Spine (202). . . Union Health Minister Shri J P Nadda said, The expansion of Trauma centre along with the upgradation of AIIMS in the states is a part of the sustained efforts by the Ministry to significantly improve the health infrastructure in the country." . . Shri Nadda further added, The expansion plans of the Government would not only improve medical education but will also provide greater access to world class facilities to the citizens." . . The expansion of the AIIMS Trauma Centre is based on a green building concept and will have efficient management of energy and water resources. The building will further have features like restoration and protection of health environmental quality, reinforcement of natural systems, enhancement and protection of health and indoor environmental quality, analysis of the life cycle costs and benefits of material and methods; and integration of the design decision-making process. . . It will also encourage sustainability practices and will therefore be water and material efficient. The building will have low discharge fixtures, rain water harvesting, dual flushing cistern, use of curing compound and drip irrigation, use of native species of shrubs and tree having low water demand in landscaping, waste water treatment and resuse of treated water for irrigation and cooling towers. As far as material for building is concerned it will have ready mix concrete with more than 30% fly ash content. There will be grass pavers blocks for ground water recharge and will use low voc paints. The building will also consist of dust and noise control along with no smoking zones. . . Through this concept we will be able to lower energy and water consumption thus contributing towards our environment also. This will in turn help us in significantly improving the quality of health care facilities at these institutions, said Shri Nadda. . . President of Indias message on the eve of Republic Day of Guyana . . The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on the eve of their Republic Day (February 23, 2016). . . In a message to His Excellency Brig. (Retd) David Arthur Granger, the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,the President has said, On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency and to the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on the occasion of your Republic Day. . . India and Guyana have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations which have been strengthened in the last few decades through regular exchanges between our two Governments. Your Excellencys recent meeting with our Prime Minister in New York has imparted fresh momentum to our partnership. We look forward to strengthening the bilateral cooperation between India and Guyana for the mutual benefit of both our peoples. . . I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for Your Excellencys good health and well-being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Guyana". . . Uma Bharti Calls for Implementation of PMKSY in a Time Bound Manner . . Jal Manthan-2 Begins . . Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Sushri Uma Bharti has called for time bound implementation mechanism for 46 schemes under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichai Yaojna (PMKSY). Inaugurating Jal manthan -2 convention on the theme Integrated Approach for Sustainable Water Management" in New Delhi today the Minister said 23 schemes have to be completed in the first phase by 2017. The remaining 23 will have to be completed by the year 2020. She urged the experts attending the convention to focus their discussion mainly on PMKSY and inter-linking of rivers. . . The Minister said Unless we identify the bottle necks in the implementation of PMKSY, we wont be able to complete it in time". She told the convention that she has directed her officials to constitute a working group in consultation with the representatives of various states within two days. The Minister said that this group will submit its report to her within 20 days identifying various steps which may be required for completing the 46 scheme under PMKSY in a time bound manner. Sushri Bharti said that she will take up the report of this group with the Prime Minister, Finance Ministry and NITI Aayog so that PMKSY can be implemented as per schedule. . . The Minster also requested the states to identify financial constraints, if any, faced by them in the implementation of PMKSY. She also requested them to suggest changes if any, required in these 46 schemes. The Minister also requested the state to suggest changes if any required in the guidelines framed for PMKSY. The Minister said the focus on Jal Manthan -2 is on implementation aspect while Jal Manthan-1 was based on concept. . . The Union Minister advocated development of various reservoirs and dams as important tourist spots. She said this will give more job opportunities for the people displaced under these projects. She also referred to the problems of contamination of ground water and requested the states to seek maximum public participation to check this menace. . . Sushri Bharti also released four reports of Central Ground Water Board and a booklet on various decisions taken in the 56 review meetings held by her in the Ministry on the occasion. The inaugural session was also addressed by Union Minister of state for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof Sanwar Lal Jat, Irrigation Minister of UP Shri Surendra Singh Patel, Irrigation Minister of Telengana Shri T Harish Rao and Irrigation Minister of Sikkim Shri S A Pudyal . . . The two day event will have consultations and discussions on River Basin Approach for Sustainable development, Ground water, Water security, Principles of allocation of water, innovation in water governance, Water management, Coordination between centre and states, Water conservation and need for a National Legislation on water. Irrigation/ Water Resources Ministers of States, eminent experts in water sector, representatives of NGOs and senior officers of the Central and State Governments are attending the event. It may be recalled that first Jal Manthan was organized in November 2014. . . Samir/jk Top executives at dozens of the biggest UK companies are urging British voters to keep their country in the European Union, giving Prime Minister David Cameron important support as he launches the four-month "stay" campaign in the face of opposition from a third of the British public. Leaders from WPP Plc, Royal Dutch Shell Plc, GlaxoSmithKline Plc and BT Group Plc, among others, signed a letter arguing that the nation is "stronger, safer and better off" as part of the 28-country bloc, according to people familiar with the matter. The letter, said to be signed by ... DERIVATIVE STRATEGIES HUL: BUY TARGET: Rs 839 STOP LOSS: Rs 819 BUY HUL FUTURES at Rs 827 [MACD & STOCHASTICS BUY + ABV 50 & 100 DMA] M&M: BUY TARGET: Rs 1,268 STOP LOSS: Rs ,215 BUY M&M FUTURES at Rs 1,230 [VOLUME JUMP + MACD BUY + ABV PREVIOUS CLOSE] Disclaimer: This report has been prepared by Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services Limited (GBNPP), here in after referred to as GBNPP. GBNPP, a publicly listed company, is engaged in services of retail broking, credit, portfolio management and marketing investment products including mutual funds, life and general insurance and properties. Each recipient of this report should make such investigation as it deems necessary to arrive at an independent evaluation of an investment in the securities of companies referred to in this report (including the merits and risks involved). This document is not for public distribution and has been furnished to you solely for your information and must not be reproduced or redistributed to any other person. Persons into whose possession this document may come are required to observe these restrictions. Opinion expressed herein is our current opinion as of the date appearing on this report only. While we endeavor to update on a reasonable basis the information discussed in this material, there may be regulatory, compliance, or other reasons that prevent us from doing so. Prospective investors and others are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not predictions and may be subject to change without notice. Extending their gains for the fourth consecutive session, benchmark indices ended the session on a firm note buoyed by the rally in global amid gains in international crude oil prices. The S&P BSE Sensex ended 80 points up at 23,789 while the Nifty50 closed at 7,235, up 24 points. In the backdrop of a weak global macroeconomic environment, the Union Budget FY2017 could play a vital role in improving business and market sentiments as it will lay down the government's fiscal consolidation, infrastructure investment and tax reform plans, said Jyoti Vaswani, Chief Investment Officer, Future Generali Life Insurance. Further, Reinvigorating the growth aspirations without compromising on macro stability (fiscal deficit) is the crucial balancing act that the FY2017 budget will have to achieve. Subsidy rationalisation should continue with direct benefit transfer for food and fertilizer subsidies. Other steps like revitalising rural economy by emphasizing on agricultural growth and PSU bank recapitalization on the back of asset quality issues are expected. However, traders remained cautious ahead of the Union Budget 2016-2017, which is due on February 29. Investors are expecting a reform oriented budget that can steer spending in key areas. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu will announce the Railway Budget for the year 2016-2017 on Thursday, February 25. Amid the on-going political controversies, the Parliament will start the new Budget session on Tuesday where the investors would keep a keen eye on the passage of bills such as GST. GLOBAL MARKET Asian ended higher led by China on the hopes that Beijing has stepped up its economic stimulus efforts. Nikkei, HangSeng , Shanghai Composite ended up between 1% and 2.5% each. European equities are also trading firm in spite of the uncertainty over Brexit- exit of the UK from European Union. The major indices are trading up between 1% and 2% each. CRUDE OIL Oil prices climbed higher today supported by a fall of U.S. rig count, but concerns over general oversupply still looms large on the market. U.S. crude futures rose over 3 % to above $30 per barrel, trading at $30.59. International benchmark Brent was also up 2.4% at $33.83 per barrel. KEY STOCKS The rise in oil prices supported the rally in Reliance Industries. The stock gained 2%. Its peers ONGC and Cairn India also gained 1.5% each. The government could significantly raise food subsidies, and spends on MGNREGA in the Union Budget 2016-17. Any increase in rural spending/infrastructure spending/tax exemption, which can put money in hands of consumers, will indirectly benefit FMCG sector. From the pack, HUL, Marico, Kwality, Britannia, all gained between 2% and 4% each. Lupin and Gavis Pharmaceuticals LLC have agreed to divest two generic drugs as part of the US Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) requirement to complete the transaction. Lupin surged over 1.5%. The momentum seemed to pass on to its peers. Sun Pharma, Cipla and Dr Reddys Lab climbed between 1% and 2%. Maruti Suzuki skid nearly 2% after the company said it has temporarily suspended production at its Gurgaon and Manesar plants on account of the ongoing agitation in Rohtak and nearby areas with supplies of certain components being disrupted. ITC slipped nearly 2% on worries that the forthcoming Budget would raise excise duty on cigarettes. Among other shares, Reliance Communications (RCom) has received approval from fair trade regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) to acquire Russian conglomerate Sistema's Indian telecom unit, Sistema Shyam Teleservices Ltd (SSTL). The stock finished 0.5% higher. Shares of BEML surged 8% on the BSE on back of heavy volumes ahead of Union Budget 2016 amid hopes of higher capital outlay towards core defensive services, railways and metros. State-run NHPC today said that its completely shutdown 520 Mw Parbati-III power station in Himachal Pradesh has started generating power. The stock jumped 1.5% Irans return to the global oil market would add supply to an oversaturated market, but the country faced challenges in ramping up production, Moodys Investors Service said in a report released on Monday. While Russia and Saudi Arabia have agreed to freeze their oil output to stabilise prices, that deal doesnt yet include Iran. Moodys has forecast that Iran would add at least 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) to the global oil market in 2016, putting more pressure on prices. However, Iran faced significant hurdles in boosting production meaningfully beyond those levels, said the report, Irans Ability to Boost Oil Production Faces Technical and Political Hurdles. To raise production, Iran has to regain its customer base, attract investment to upgrade its oilfields and successfully navigate a range of political risks. Iran will try to increase exports to China. But, regional rivalries could hinder this effort, with Saudi Arabia currently being Chinas largest crude supplier, said Waheed Sheikh, a Moodys associate analyst. China will likely maintain its crude import policies rather than risk damaging ties with either country. Another hurdle for Iran was its aging oil infrastructure, which experts said required $150-200 billion in capital to modernise. Many integrated oil companies are simply unable to invest right now because low oil prices have weakened their earnings and pushed their cash flow deeper in the red, said Sheikh. Integrated oil companies will need to cut capital spending through at least 2016. In addition, oil companies in the US have been prohibited from investing in Iran, as the US maintains primary sanctions on the country related to terrorism and ballistic missile development. Irans failure to comply with these sanctions or with the P5+1 nuclear agreement signed by China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK, and the US represented a political risk, as do parliamentary elections set to take place in Iran this month. These elections would decide whether hardline conservatives or reformists win, which could influence whether Iran pursues rapprochement with the US. A lot has happened since this column spoke about some extreme, unnamed, examples of auditor conduct and how the system of probes needs an overhaul (https://www.business-standard.com/article/markets/reforms-in-audit-probes-a-new-year-wish-116010400684_1.html). The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has sought to distance itself from such conduct and listed various actions it took in disciplining wayward members. A new president has taken over there and, in a speech right after taking the oath of office, underlined the need for restoring trust in the profession. An experts panel on company law has recommended the formation of a National Financial Reporting Authority, an independent body that would regulate financial reporting. Amid these, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) fired a fresh salvo. In an order on February 17, wholetime member Rajeev Kumar Agarwal prohibited Shashi Bhushan, proprietor of audit firm Bhushan Aggarwal & Co from, directly or indirectly, issuing any certificate required under the securities laws and parts of certain other laws administered by Sebi for a period of one year. This order related to a listed realtor named Ritesh Properties and Industries. Its shares had shot up from Rs 3.52 apiece to Rs 123.50 between 2006 and 2008. The company had recognised a huge amount of revenue, claiming construction of projects. In 2009, it wrote back all of it. The Sebi order explains various irregularities during 2006-08, such as fraudulent omission to disclose the change in the methodology of recognition of revenue, fraudulent inclusion of land as fixed assets, fraudulent omission regarding unsecured loan taken and repaid from related companies and directors, and other discrepancies in the accounting policies ot the company, fraudulently certified by the auditor. These came to light in a special examination conducted by an independent CA appointed by Sebi. The report came to Sebi on November 16, 2010. The false and misleading disclosures in financial statements as found in this case are not only detrimental to the interests of investors but also endanger integrity of the securities markets, the regulator said. This is also a fit case where Sebi needs to send a stern message to professionals who associate themselves with the securities market, so as to prevent them from indulging in such acts of omissions and commissions as found in this case. In a blogpost last week, senior CA and securities law expert Jayant Thakur identified this as the first instance of Sebi debarring an auditor. Adding, It is not uncommon for Sebi to find companies/intermediaries engaging in accounting irregularities. This order may become one of the first of many such orders in the future. Coincidentally, in August 2010, the Bombay High Court had dismissed a petition by Price Waterhouse challenging the jurisdiction of Sebi, saying it was infringing the turf of ICAI. If ultimately any decision is taken by debarring any particular person from auditing the books of a listed company, such direction can always be said to be within the powers of Sebi and that is in the aid of regulating the affairs in connection with investors' interests and the interest of the securities market, the court had then held. By exercising such powers, it cannot be said that Sebi trying to regulate the profession of CAs in any manner, it had said. Despite such clear pronouncements, the Sebi order took more than five years since the CAs report proceedings against the company and related hearings were concurrently on. However, better late than never. The finance ministry has decided that the proposed gold exchange will be regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). In a meeting of all stakeholders in New Delhi on Monday, tardy progress of gold monetisation scheme was also discussed. While a proposal to set up National Bullion Board an umbrella body for gold policies has been delayed, a separate meeting would be held soon on better implementation of gold monetisation scheme. Sources said the finance ministry has already asked Sebi to take the gold exchange issue forward. With this, are expecting all regulations, including ownership related, to be as per Sebi norms. The meeting attended by government officials, banks and bullion industry representatives. Tardy progress of gold monetisation scheme after almost four months of launch was also discussed. Banks, collecting centres and hallmarking centres are largely staying away despite several clarifications from the Reserve Bank of India and the government. Earlier, there were opinions that gold spot market is not regulated and hence gold exchange can not be regulated. On Monday, government said that spot agri are under states but gold is not, therefore Centre can decide about gold trading. Finance Ministry has asked Sebi to consider proposal of Bombay Stock Exchange to set up gold exchange along with Indian Bullion Jewellers Association (IBJA), a source said. Now, the issue is to be decided by BSE and Sebi. The BSE and IBJA had also appointed Ernst & Young to recommend roadmap for the exchange. The consultant has already submitted an interim report, based on which a proposal has been sent to the government. Sebi may consider the proposal soon. A study conducted by Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad on gold exchange was also discussed. However, only Sebi is going to take any final decision in this regard. Sebi officials were not part of the meeting. NIFTY CMP- Rs 7210.75 (19.01.16) Market closed weekly in positive territory. It consolidated in range for last entire week with high volatility. It so far failed to extend on down side for wave-V on daily chart as expecting. All the other indices such as Bankex, midcap, small cap etc also closed weekly in positive territory. Few of the evidences are started to show clue for short term reversal at the end of weekly trading session. It showing sign of end of correction at recent lows of 6869 levels on nifty but I would like to wait for one or two more trading session to get level wise (Price wise) confirmation to finally conclude short term trend reversal. Short term out look for the market remains negative till nifty trades below Rs 7250 levels & expecting targets in the range of 6850-6800 levels in short term. Broader market ( Midcap, small cap Indices) & Bank nifty created negative divergence in short term at the end of weekly trading session., its not a good sign for short term, if market has completed correction. These indices has to also participate in rally if its end of correction. One should also watch out these indices behaviour apart from main index (nifty/Sensex) behaviour to finally conclude short term trend reversal. Medium term out look for the market still remains negative till nifty trades below Rs 7600 levels. Rs 7000/7300 levels on nifty are crucial support & Resistance levels respectively for short term based on derivative option open interest data for this expiry. Market will remain volatile ahead of expiry next week & also followed by Union budget at the end of this month. Momentum indicators daily KST & daily MACD came in to BUY may create volatility in short term. Close above short term reversal levels will lead to sharp rally till 7420-7500 levels in short term one should be stock specific & follow the trend with stop loss levels till it reverses. Stock Picks: M&M: BUY CMP: Rs 1230.75 TARGET: Rs 1270/1280 Stop Loss: Rs 1203 M&M closed weekly in positive territory. Its out performing in short term. Its momentum indicators are in BUY. Risk reward is favourable to BUY at current levels. BHARTI AIRTEL: BUY CMP: Rs 326.30 TARGET: Rs 344 STOP LOSS: Rs 344 BHARTI AIRTEL closed weekly in positive territory. Its out performing in short term. Its momentum indicators are in BUY. Risk reward is favourable to BUY at current levels. DHFL: SELL CMP: Rs 152 TARGET: Rs 147/141 STOP LOSS: Rs 159 DHFL closed weekly in negative territory. It has still wave-V down pending on daily chart. It closed below 20 DMA. Risk reward is favourable to SELL at current levels. Disclaimer: The analyst may have a position in the scrip mentioned above; the views given above are the personal views of the analyst. The author is Portfolio Manager- PRO TECH-PMS at Sharekhan The Indian Army on Monday paid tribute to Captain Tushar Mahajan of the 10 Para Special Forces who laid down his life fighting the terrorists at Pampore in Jammu and Kashmir. The parents of the brave martyr also paid homage to their son. Captain Mahajan was injured on Friday while leading his team in the smoke-out operation. He succumbed to the injuries at 92 Base Hospital last evening. His cremation will take place here today. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Monday asked the Opposition to adopt a positive approach for the upcoming Budget Session. "The Budget Session is very important. The Opposition must adopt a positive approach. Even we are worried on the issues that you are worried. The matters of the JNU and Rohith Vemula are serious and there should be a thorough discussion on them in the Parliament," Naidu said in an all-party meeting held at the Parliament. "Every time people think and hope that this session will be productive, so we need to work towards that. The GST and Real Estate are the two key reform bills which we need to pass. We are ready to discuss all issues," he added. Naidu further stated the government wants a detailed discussion on the JNU row, adding that the people should know what really happened there, what was the cause and what will be the consequence of the act. He also asserted that the government is firmly committed to uphold the spirit of the Constitution in letter and spirit, adding that they are in favour of discussion on Hyderabad University student Rohith Vemula's suicide and the Jat quota stir. Leaders from various political parties, including Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jyotiraditya Scindia, CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI (M) politburo member Mohammed Salim besides others are present in the meeting. The Budget Session will begin on February 23. While the first session will continue till March 16, the second session will take place from April 25 to May 13. President Pranab Mukherjee will address the joint session of the Parliament on February 23. The Railway Budget will be presented on February 25 while the Union Budget will be presented on February 29. The government has been critical of the Opposition for blocking the House proceedings and important legislations. The last rites of Captain Tushar Mahajan, who was martyred while fighting the terrorists at Pampore in Jammu and Kashmir, was performed with full military honours here on Monday. Captain Mahajan of the 10 Para Special Forces was injured on Friday when he was leading a team to smoke-out the terrorists holed up inside a building near Srinagar. He succumbed to the injuries at 92 Base Hospital last evening. Earlier, several top military officials and family members of Captain Mahajan paid homage to the martyr. Former Jammu and Kashmir deputy chief minster Nirmal Singh was also among those who paid their tributes. "Pakistan sponsored terrorists are responsible for conditions like these in Jammu and Kashmir. This is unfortunate that our young soldiers are getting killed. Our soldiers are fighting them bravely, that is the tradition of our army. I offer my tributes to the martyrs," Singh told ANI. Captain Pawan Kumar of Jind and Lance Naik Om Prakash also succumbed to injuries on Sunday in the fierce operation ongoing to flush out terrorists hiding in a government complex in Pampore. According to figures released on 22 February by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Chinese arms exports have jumped dramatically. Chinese weapons exports ballooned 88% in the 2011-15 period compared to 2006-10. This compared with a 14% rise in the overall volume of international arms sales in the same timeframe. This represents major growth for China, although admittedly the country is progressing from a relatively low base compared to traditional arms-exporting states like the USA, Russia, France or Germany. From 2011-15, China still only accounted for 5.9% of global arms sales, although this was much higher than the 3.6% share it had in the preceding five-year period. Especially important, along the way China has dramatically leapfrogged France, Germany and the United Kingdom into third place on the sellers' list. SIPRI calculated that China sold major arms to 37 states in 2011-15, of which 75% went to the Asia and Oceania region. The region saw something of an explosion in Chinese weapon imports, with purchases 139% higher than in 2006-10. Pakistan led the way amongst the regional buyers with 35% of purchases, followed by Bangladesh (20%) and Myanmar (16%). Important Pakistan purchases directly from China that are listed in SIPRI's database include: Type 041 submarines (x8), air-to-air missiles (PL-12, PL-5E), anti-radiation missiles (LD-10), anti-ship missiles (C-802, CM-400AKG), surface-to-air missiles (FM-90, LY-80), guided bombs (e.g. LS-3, LS-6-500, LT-2), ZDK-03 airborne early warning aircraft (x4), Z-10 attack helicopters (x3) and torpedoes (Yu-4, SET-65E). As well as Asia, China has also seen significant expansion in sales to Africa, accounting for 13% of the continent's purchases, which was even higher than the USA's 11% share. Nevertheless, Russia and France led the way ahead of China. Among Chinese sales were five unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) to Nigeria, which are being used in the fight against Boko Haram. However, in terms of Sub-Saharan Africa, China netted 22% of weapon sales there from 2011-15. SIPRI summarized China's performance as follows: "China is increasingly capable of producing its own advanced weapons and has become less dependent on arms imports, which decreased by 25% between 2006-10 and 2011-15. While in the early 2000s China was by far the largest importer, it dropped to third place in 2011-15." China's imports are focused in key areas such as large transport aircraft and helicopters, and engines for aircraft, vehicles and ships. SIPRI highlighted that, in fact, engines accounted for 30% of Chinese imports in 2011-15. Additionally, last year Beijing signed major orders for S-400 air defense systems and 24 Su-35 fighters from Russia, "indicating that China is also not yet self-sufficient in those categories," according to SIPRI. China was also the third largest importer of weapons, scooping up 7.1% of arms exports in 2011-15. Some 59% of these imports emanated from Russia, 15% from France and 14% from Ukraine. Perhaps surprising is France's position on this list, considering a Western arms embargo against China. France's appearance in the database is somewhat misleading, however, as it is due to China's indigenous manufacture of Crotale (HQ-7/HQ-7B) surface-to-air missile systems, Z-9 (based on the Airbus Helicopters AS365 Dauphin) and Z-8 helicopters (based on the Aerospatiale SA-321) and diesel engines for ships (e.g. SEMT Pielstick PA6-STC16 engines in Type 056 corvettes). ANI asked Norbert Ducrot, president and CEO of Airbus Helicopters China, about this issue and he said, "As long as the embargo is in place, we can't sell any military equipment. We can sell civil equipment and this is what we're doing." One could claim that China is building the Z-9 under license, and therefore the helicopter manufacturer is not guilty of breaking the embargo. Germany is also listed as having sold 4,500 Deutz BF8L diesel engines from 1982 onwards for use in Chinese armored vehicles, eight MTU 1163 engines for Type 051C destroyers, and 20 MTU 956 engines for Type 052D destroyers. These are all license-built within China. Another interesting case is that of license-built Cummins diesel engines commonly powering trucks fielded by the PLA. This area of license-built, dual-use components fitted in PLA vehicles, vessels and aircraft is a rather murky one. To help develop arms sales even further, China had a significant presence at the recent Singapore Airshow, held from 16-21 February. Twelve Chinese exhibitors were there, and although their presence was nowhere near as large as the USA, France or Singapore, for example, Chinese manufacturers are now very much a permanent fixture at regional defense shows. However, enormous question marks remain over the openness and transparency of Chinese sellers. Take the case of the "disappearing" UCAV at the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) stand at the Singapore Airshow, for example. Early on the opening day of the airshow, the company removed a scale model of the Wing Loong II UCAV from its display. This was the first time for the turboprop-powered unmanned aircraft to be exhibited outside China, although a model of the first-generation Wing Loong I remained in view. The following is a precis of the conversation ANI had with an official at the CATIC stand. "You only have one UAV model on display this year?" ANI innocently enquired. "Yes," was the response. "I thought you had two UAV models here," ANI asked. "No, we only have one." "Didn't you have two models earlier today?" "No," came the assured reply. "That's interesting because my colleague took a photo of two UAVs on your display," as ANI went for the jugular. The Chinese representative paused less than a heartbeat, "Oh, I don't know anything about that." It is beyond comprehension why Chinese manufacturers routinely lie when talking to media. It is also unclear why Chinese companies have a tendency to show products at the start of a defense exhibition and then quickly remove them. This is a pattern that recurs frequently. One has to wonder whether Chinese companies treat its customers the same way. Despite offering attractive prices, and often generous payment terms, China is not renowned for its aftermarket support for arms equipment. However, improvements are occurring as Chinese manufacturers get used to operating on the international stage. Whereas companies rarely offered details or data on equipment - sometimes not even the product name - that it was promoting at defense exhibitions, it now usually supplies brochures. This is definitely progress. Instead of a shrug or dismissive shake of the head, representatives may now invite journalists to take away a handful of brochures to study for themselves. So, yes, there have been improvements, but Chinese weapon manufacturers remain opaque. Any discussion on whether the People's Liberation Army (PLA) may be using the same weapon system as being proffered for export is quickly extinguished. At the Singapore Airshow, CATIC displayed several interesting products in model form. One was the Hongdu L-15 Falcon. Normally this is a supersonic advanced jet trainer, but CATIC showed a model of it carrying armaments such as SD-10 and PL-5 air-to-air missiles, a precision-guided bomb and KG600 jamming pod that turn it into a multirole fighter. Interestingly, the L-15 competes against the Russian Yak-130 aircraft internationally, with Yakovlev having helped develop the L-15 design. Also on show in Singapore was an FC-20 fighter, an export variant of the J-10 that is in PLA Air Force (PLAAF) service. Chinese exporters are most definitely growing in confidence. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) significantly boosted international sales last year. AVIC announced that sales rose 10% to US$11.5 billion in 2015, of which exports contributed nearly 20% of that figure. Also new in Singapore was the TL-2 air-to-ground missile that can be launched from the ASN-209, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) not usually armed but which has been sold to Egypt as well as the PLA. The TL-7 anti-ship missile was also new, this weapon being capable of launch from the air, ground or ship. Both the TL-2 and TL-7 missiles were debuting at the Singapore Airshow. According to SIPRI, India remained the biggest importer of weapons internationally, despite the previous and current governments' efforts to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Delhi accounted for 14% of the world's arms sales and, alarmingly, imports expanded 90% in 2011-15 compared to the preceding five years, instead of declining as the government would like. India snapped up 39% of Russia's total weapons exports from 2011-15, compared to 11% for both China and Vietnam. In fact, India's imports were three times greater than its regional rivals China and Pakistan. Some 70% of its weapons were acquired from Russia, 14% from the USA and 4.5% from Israel. Importantly, the USA has emerged as a major force in the Indian market, with sales 11 times higher in 2011-15 than they were in 2006-10. These figures clearly show that Indian manufacturers, most of which are state-owned, are still not able to meet the domestic requirements of the Indian Armed Forces, let alone possess the ability to offer competitive products on the international stage. India is sharply lagging behind China in development of its indigenous military-industrial complex. Unfortunately, it just does not have suitable or attractive weapon systems to sell on the global market, which is something of an indictment on the government's efforts to become more self-sufficient. The Delhi traffic police on Monday seized more than 50,000 driving licences in pursuance to direction of the Supreme Court committee on road safety. The traffic police started seizing the licences from December 16 last year. "We have seized more than 50,000 driving licences following the Supreme Court committee's direction on road safety since Dec 16, 2015," Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Muktesh Chander said. "All these licences will be forwarded to respective transport departments for suspension for at least three months," he added. Chander appealed to motorists in Delhi to follow traffic rules in the interest of their own safety as well as for the safety of other road users and in order to avoid their licences being seized. 29239 licences have been seized for red light jumping, 17593 licences seized for over speeding, 2278 licences seized for talking on mobile while driving and 622 licences seized for drunken driving. So far a total of 50636 licences have been seized. Out of these, 33,012 licences belong to Delhi and the rest are from other states. Delhi Traffic Police is probably the first one to implement the directives and is highest in terms of number of licences seized. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Teachers Association president Ajay Patnaik on Monday demanded that the charges of sedition and criminal conspiracy against the students should be dropped and added that a conducive atmosphere should be created so that they can depose before the enquiry committee. "The police should not be given permission to arrest just like that. Internal representative mechanism should be made credible. The university should take steps to get these charges dropped," Patnaik told ANI. "These are very serious charges. Everybody is saying that these charges (sedition and criminal conspiracy) should not be applied like this on the students even if some slogans have taken place. You create a conducive atmosphere so that the students can go and depose before the enquiry committee," he added. Earlier, the JNU Teachers Association had joined the students seeking probe into action against pro-Afzal Guru event that took place on February 9. The JNU also condemned the attack on the teachers in Patiala House Court. The teachers, who were allegedly attacked by a group of lawyers at the Patiala High Court premises, also condemned the act. JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested last week on charges of sedition for the event at the varsity during which anti- slogans were allegedly raised. The Election Commission of India (ECI) today hosted the fourth executive board meeting of the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB) in New Delhi. The ECI is currently serving its second term as a member of the executive board of the world body. The meeting was chaired by Roberto Rosario Marquez, President of the Central Electoral Board of the Dominican Republic. Romania participated as the current vice-chair of the organisation. Secretary General, Mr. Yong-Hi Kim from Republic of Korea and his team of A-WEB Secretariat helped conduct the proceedings. Besides India, other Executive Board members from Albania, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic and South Africa took part. Delegates from Bosnia and Herzegovina and El Salvador also participated in the meeting as members of the A-WEB's Oversight and Audit Committee. In his welcome address, Dr. Nasim Zaidi, Chief Election Commissioner, recalled that the A-WEB is a comparatively young organisation, launched in October 2013. He stated that while the membership of the association is growing (currently 102 democratic countries and four International organisations), the organisation has also expanded its activities under the very able guidance of the first Chair, Korea and the current Chair, Dominican Republic. The executive board approved the proceedings of previous meeting. It also considered and approved the progress report, financial and audit reports for 2015 and adopted the Budget and Work Plans for 2016. Dr. Nasim Zaidi, offered to collaborate with A-WEB in hosting some of its capacity building programmes at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM). The board also conducted elections of New Members of the Oversight and Audit Committee. Cameroon, Ecuador and Kosovo were elected as new members of the Committee w.e.f. October 2016. The executive board meets annually to discuss important issues and report to the General Assembly of the association which meets every two years. On Tuesday, ECI will also host a seminar for the delegates on "Leveraging Technology for Transparent and Credible Elections". At the seminar, the lead presentation will be made by India, showcasing the use of technology in various electoral processes. Country presentations will also be made by Republic of Korea, Kyrgyz Republic, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Burkina Faso, Kenya, South Africa, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania. Association of World Election Bodies was established in 2013 and has 106 members from 102 countries. The members comprise Election Management Bodies and some regional associations and international electoral organisations. A-WEB's vision is to foster efficiency and effectiveness in conducting free, fair, transparent and participative elections worldwide. Its activities are guided by its mission to identify latest trends, challenges and developments in democratic electoral management and electoral processes and to facilitate appropriate exchange of experience and expertise among members with the objective of strengthening electoral democracy worldwide. International Mother Tongue Day was recently observed at the Kamalasagar-Tarapur border haat on the Tripura-Bangladesh border. Array Artists from the state's Sepahijal District and from Brahmanbari district of Bangladesh performed patriotic and folk songs, poetry and other cultural activities. Array "The International Mother Tongue Day celebration gives respect to all languages across the globe and was first declared in 1999. People of India and Bangladesh came together at the border haat to celebrate the event," said poet Akbar Ahamed. Array The Kamalasagar-Tarapur border haat joint management committee organised the programme. Array Hundreds of people, including government officials and security personnel from both sides participated in the cultural programme. Array "We feel that both India and Bangladesh are one nation as it was earlier and still we believe it. Accordingly, we meet each other and our relation has strengthened and on this occasion adds to our relation. I believe this day is being celebrated throughout the globe and on this occation the relation between India and Bangladesh is becoming stronger," said Sahin Mamun a visitor. Array Getting a chance to enter the border haat area on this special day large number of people from both India and Bangladesh also completed their quick marketing in the border market. Array They expressed that though such initiative the people-to-people contact increases and help in further improving the relation between the two nations. Array The shopkeepers at the border haat expressed that compared to other days their business has been more as large number of those who came to attend the programme also bought various items from the market. Array "I am really enjoying marketing as things are very cheap and variety items are available. I came here on the occasion of International Mother Tongue Day and enjoyed the programme and side by side doing little marketing from the foreign shops. The things are very good and buying them. This will surely improve the relation between the two nations," said Nurjahan Ahamed, a Bangladeshi customer. Array "Compared to other days today the business is fur better as large number of people from both Bangladesh and India have gathered here on the occasion of Inter Mother Tongue Day celebration. This is a very good initiative and especially for businessman," said Prantosh Sen, an Indian shopkeeper. Array This day in 1952, police shot dead several persons protesting against the then Pakistan government's decision to impose Urdu as the sole state language on the people of erstwhile East Pakistan. Array Salam, Rafique, Shafique, Jabbar and Barkat died in police firing as they took to the street to intensify the campaign to establish Bangla as the state language of the then Pakistan. Array It sowed the seeds of subsequent movements for the country's independence from Pakistan in 1971. Array This year, the International Mother Language Day is being observed with the theme: 'Quality education, language(s) of instruction and learning outcomes'. Delhi Police Commissioner Bhim Sain Bassi on Monday asked the JNU students, who returned to the university campus last night, to join the join probe and present evidence of their innocence. "I would say if the police is looking for them then they should join the police investigation. And if they are innocent, they should present evidence of their innocence," Bassi told the media here. When asked if the police would enter the JNU campus to arrest the students, the top cop said that his men are competent enough to deal with the situation. "The investigating officer would exercise the best available option. As far as the Delhi Police is concerned, we always aim for maintaining the law and order situation of the city," he added. He further said that the police entering the JNU campus won't deteriorate the situation in the varsity. "I don't want to comment on what the students told the media, the officers of the Delhi Police are competent enough to deal with it," he added. All five students, who were accused of sedition and were absconding, surfaced on the JNU campus last night. Umar Khalid, along with four others Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and Anirban Bhattacharya returned to the university campus last night. The police is waiting for Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar's permission to enter the university campus to arrest the students, who have been accused of raising anti-India slogans during an event at JNU on February 9. All five students had gone missing after JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested and charged with sedition. The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Centre and the governments of Delhi and Haryana with regard to what steps all three were taking to restore operations of the strategically-located Munak Canal, which supplies water to the capital. During the hearing of a petition related to the damage of the canal during the ongoing Jat community reservation row, the apex court expressed its displeasure over the presence of Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra in the court room. The counsel representing the Haryana Government reportedly informed the Supreme Court that water from the Munak Canal would reach Delhu by 5 p.m. this evening. The apex court stricture came even as the army announced that it has taken control of the Munak Canal in Haryana's Sonipat district, and restoired movement of traffic along the busy Highway 1 between Delhi and Ambala. The role of the army was lauded and appreciated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Traffic is also being restored on other highways in the violence-hit districts of Rohtak, Sonipat, Panipat, Jhajjar, Bhiwani, Jind, Kaithal and Hisar. Meanwhile, police sources said that Jat protestors continued to block roads and railway tracks at some places on Monday. Efforts were being made to remove them and restore traffic. The eight-day old Jat agitation has left 11 people dead and over 150 injured, said Haryana Additional Chief Secretary (Home) P.K. Dass. Security forces were able to secure the Munak canal, which supplies water to Delhi, in Haryana's Sonipat district on Monday morning. Water supply to Delhi was disrupted at Akbarpur-Barota by Jat protesters since Friday night. The Supreme Court on Monday criticised the Delhi Government over the Munak Canal matter. The apex court, which heard the AAP Government's petition seeking the Centre's intervention for the uninterrupted supply of water, expressed displeasure over the presence of Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra in the court room and asked him to focus on solving the problems of common people. Stating that this was a conflict between two governments, the apex court also expressed disappointment over the Delhi Minister approaching it on this matter. The Supreme Court also issued notice to the Haryana Government, Uttar Pradesh Government and the Centre. The Manohar Lal Khattar-led Haryana Government assured the court that water would reach the capital by this evening. This matter would be next heard on February 25. The Delhi Government on Monday said operations of the Munak Canal, which has been badly damaged by Jat agitators, would resume after a week to ten days. "The news that is coming in from Haryana is that the army has taken control of the Munak Canal. The doors of the canal however, have still not been opened. It is reported that the protestors have damaged it badly. So, it will take some time to repair," Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra told reporters after attending the meeting at Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residence here. "Secondly there is a sub-branch from which water supply has started and it would take around five-six hours to reach Delhi. Around 400 cusec water has been released but only 300 cusec would reach Delhi through this branch. If this water comes to us without any delay and interruption, we would be able to partially restore water supply by this evening. The Haidurpur plant would be the first to be started," he added. The minister also said that the Delhi Jal Board team has already been sent to the Munak Canal in Haryana to assess and repair it, and it would provide all resources to the Haryana Government whether it is machinery, man power, etc. "The damaged Munak Canal can take around 7-10 days to be repaired and become fully operational. I, therefore, appeal to all the Delhi citizens to use water in an efficient manner and conserve it. Meanhwhile, Delhi Jal Board CEO Keshav Chandra appealed to the people to use water conservatively. "The next 10 days will be crucial. I appeal to people to use water conservatively," Chandra said. The Supreme Court today would be hearing the Delhi government's petition seeking the Centre's intervention for the uninterrupted supply of water. The areas affected due to the closure of plants are West Delhi, North-West, Central, South and part of North Delhi. "Against the total production of 820 Million Gallons per day (MGD) of potable water, only 240 MGD is being produced, because of the disruption of the supply source from Haryana. DJB's tanker fleet has been fully redirected to the water deficient areas. The situation at Wazirabad is being constantly monitored. In this emergent situation, the people of Delhi are requested to use water with the utmost care," a statement by the Delhi Jal Board said. 10 Paramilitary Captain Pawan Kumar, who was martyred in the ongoing encounter at Pampore in Jammu and Kashmir, was honoured with a wreath laying ceremony at the Indian Air Force Base at Pathankot on Monday, from where his body was flown to his hometown in Jind in Haryana. The last rites of the martyred Captain will be conducted with full military honours today at his village in Jind. The 23-year-old Captain was among the three army personnel from elite Para unit who lost their lives in the ongoing encounter with militants in Pampore, Jammu and Kashmir. The Army has appealed to the people of Haryana, hit by Jat quota stir, to extend support in giving a befitting farewell to this brave son of the soil. 'No father can be prouder', said 10 Para Army Captain Pawan Kumar's father Rajbir Singh. "I had one child, I gave him to the Army and to the nation. No father can be prouder," Singh said. "Captain Pawan was martyred while he was leading his troops from the front. Indian Army officers always lead from the front as is evident from the operations here in Kashmir in the recent past. Captain Pawan was a young officer, son of a school teacher. He was a dynamic officer and a true commando. In fact, just last month, he was injured in an encounter in Pulwama just five days after his 23rd birthday. He was advised to go on sick leave, but he declined," Lieutenant General Satish Kumar Dua told ANI. Twenty-three-year-old Kumar succumbed to his injuries yesterday after he led a troop that stormed the EDI Complex on Saturday, in which two to three militants are believed to be holed up. The captain, who hails from Jind, Haryana, is from 10 Parachute Regiment and has been part of two successful operations in which three terrorists were killed. Earlier today, the nation paid tribute to the sacrifices of 9 Paramilitary Army Captain Tushar Mahajan and Lance Naik Commando Om Prakash of 9 Para Regiment, who were also martyred during the ongoing encounter in Pampore as a wreath laying ceremony was held for the bravehearts in Srinagar. 26-year-old Captain Tushar Mahajan, who hailed from Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir was leading his team in the ongoing operation in Pampore when he was martyred. Lance Naik Om Prakash, whose team had closed in on the hiding terrorists, was also injured during the gunbattle and succumbed to his injuries later. He had been earlier awarded with the "Asadharan Suraksha Seva Praman Patra" by the Prime Minister of India on 15 Aug 2013 for gallantry in counter terrorist operations. The 32-year-old late Lance Naik Om Prakash hailed from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh and is survived by his parents, wife and two daughters aged 7 and 3 years. Meanwhile, the gunfight between security forces and terrorists entered the third day on Monday in Pampore, with the death toll reaching to seven till now including one terrorist. The terrorists are holed up inside the multi-storeyed government complex of Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) on the Srinagar Jammu Highway in Pampore and operations are in full swing to neutralise them. The standoff between the security forces and militants in Pampore came to an end this evening nearly 48 hours after the terrorists attacked a CRPF convoy and stormed into the EDI building. "Three militants killed, and a lot of arms and war-like ammunitions have been recovered. They were foreign terrorists and were heavily armed," Major General Arvind Dutta of Victor Force, told the media here. "Immediately when the terrorists rushed the EDI complex, the local RR unit in conjunction with the J-K police and the CRPF they immediately cordoned the area and ensured that the terrorists who have got cornered do not escape," he added. Major General Dutta said there was large number of civilians in that building when the terrorists went inside. "Our main focus was to evacuate them to safety. We launched a joint operation and used bullet-proof vehicles to evacuate 120 civilians from the building. Since the EDI complex is a very big building which has lot of rooms, hence the operation took time to complete," he added. Major General Dutta praised the brave soldiers, who were martyred in the operation. "I salute the martyrs, the bravery they showed was commendable. My heartfelt condolences to the family who have taken on this loss bravely," he said. "As they occupied some of the vantage locations from where they could see our locations but we couldn't see their movement, so at night, we subsequently launched our plan to neutralise the terrorists," he added. Two officers of the rank of captain and a Lance Naik from the elite Para force of the Army were killed while trying to flush out the militants. While Captain Pawan Kumar was killed in a pre-dawn exchange of fire, Captain Tushar Mahajan and Lance Naik Om Prakash sustained fatal injuries in the afternoon on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday humbly denied a PhD degree by the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), saying he is indebted to the people of the holy city. "I want to apologise to the vice-chancellor and registrar. I had received a letter stating that I would be given a PhD degree. I have humbly declined it," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing the centenary year convocation of the BHU. "I am thankful to the vice-chancellor and registrar of the university who considered me for this degree. I have denied because coming to BHU is a matter of pride to me. Secondly, what people of Banaras have given me can't be given by any university and that is why I am indebted to Banaras," he added. Prime Minister Modi also expressed his delight to be present at the convocation ceremony, saying it was definitely special for him. "The people who studied here have contributed through various ways be it as a doctor, a teacher, a civil servant. I congratulate those who were conferred their degrees today. I also convey my good wishes to their parents," Prime Minister Modi added. The Prime Minister stated that 'jigyasa' is important in life. "If there is no 'Jigyasa', there is stagnation and life becomes meaningless," he added. Prime Minister Modi further said that the world today faces several challenges. "We should think about what role India can play in overcoming these challenges," he added. National award winning director Srijit Mukherji has quashed the claims that his movie 'Hemlock Society's Hindi remake is in the pipeline as well as has refuted reports about Alia Bhatt playing the female lead in it, saying that he was quoted out of context. Earlier, it was reported that the 22-year-old actress was roped in for the part of Meghna, originally played by Koel Mallick in the critically acclaimed movie. Clearing the air, the director said in a Twitter interaction with International Business Times India that he just had a casual conversation with a journalist in a different context, regarding the cast of his upcoming project 'Begum Jaan.' He wrote, "It was a casual, hypothetical conversation that too in a different context, namely casting for Begum Jaan. What I said was there is no character in Begum Jaan apt for her (Alia), instead I think she would be an ideal Meghna in HS!" The 'Rajkahini' director also said that neither he has approached the 'Highway' star for any such film and has no plans to do that as of now, nor there are any plans to make Hindi remake of 'Hemlock Society.' Earlier, Mukherji was quoted as saying, "Yes, I have spoken to Mahesh Bhatt saab about a Hindi version of 'Hemlock Society.' I feel Alia would be ideal for the role that Koel Mallick did in the original." Shot in Bengali and touted as a dark-comedy, 'Hemlock Society' revolved around a girl who learns various techniques of committing suicide, from an expert. Interestingly, even though it was based on a serious topic the film featured some humour as well. Amid raging debate over the arrest of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students' union president for allegedly organising an event in which anti- slogans were raised, US ambassador to India Richard Verma on Monday said that student campuses are laboratories of thoughts. Further lauding India's diversity, Verma said that different viewpoints are bound to emerge in a country as diverse as India. "It is hard to find a country more diverse than India. I have had the great honour to travel to 17 states and 44 cities in the last 15 months. That is a great attribute of this country. It is what will propel India forward in the next century is this diversity. With diversity come different view points, and that is also part of both of our democracies," he said. "Particularly on college campuses, it is something both our countries have celebrated and welcomed over years, and these are laboratories of thoughts..Those traditions are important for both our countries," he added. Meanwhile, on Monday the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association (JNUTA) and the Jawaharlal Nehru Students Union (JNUSU) submitted a memorandum to vice chancellor Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, demanding restoration of normalcy on the campus. The associations said they wanted the situation to improve as the atmosphere is unstable. They also submitted a letter to the inquiry committee, saying the associations should be kept in the loop while making any decision. The JNU Teachers Association said all criminal charges like criminal conspiracy, sedition should be dropped. An internal inquiry mechanism is needed, they said, adding that police should not be allowed to enter and arrest any student. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday said the army, which has properly guarded the water head of the Mundak canal, is helping the local administration. "As per my information, the water head of Mundak Canal from where the water gets diverted is properly guarded and the army is properly helping the local administration," Parrikar told the media here. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today expressed his delight over the army taking control of the strategic Munak canal from the Jat quota agitators. "Thank u army, thank u centre for securing munak canal back. Great relief for Delhi. Trying to assess in how much time water wud reach Del n whether any damage done to canal lining. Will keep u updated. Gud news. Army takes control of munak canal gates," Kejriwal tweeted. The Munak canal, which carries 543 million gallons of water per day from the Yamuna to the city, was besieged by Jat protestors demanding reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. At least eleven people, five of them women, were killed and eight others injured when a jeep collided head-on with a truck in Jhansi, police said on Monday. The accident occurred late Sunday night when the jeep loaded with passengers was coming on the wrong side of the road and rammed into the truck. Senior Superintendent of Police Sabharaj told IANS that the accident happened at the Gwalior highway. Five people were killed on the spot while six others died in the hospital. At least 14 people were killed and 11 others injured as a suicide bombing rocked Afghanistan's eastern province of Parwan on Monday, a provincial government spokesman told Xinhua. "The blast took place in Seyyagard District at around midday. The killed and injured were shifted to a hospital in the district, west of provincial capital Charikar city," the spokesman said. The bomber targeted an Afghan local police patrol near the district office building. Those killed included six officers and seven civilians in addition to the bomber, the official added. "Some six police, including a local police commander, and five civilian passersby were wounded," he said. No group has claimed responsibility yet for the attack, but the Taliban insurgent group routinely claims responsibility for such attacks. Two contiguous north Kashmir villages, Kunan and Poshpora, became part of Jammu and Kashmir's complex tale of misery on the night of February 23, 1991. But it also got caught in the vortice of allegations and counter-claims so common to many events in the state. On that night, troops of 4 Rajputana Rifles had cordoned off the twin villages for carrying out a search operation to locate militants there. The militants were never found, but the Valley raged the next morning with allegations that the army personnel had raped 32 women. The Army and state authorities denied the allegations. A team of the Press Council of India, led by journalist B.G. Verghese, which had been asked to investigate said in its report that the "Kunan rape story on close examination turns out to be a massive hoax, orchestrated by militant groups and their sympathizers and mentors in Kashmir and abroad as part of a sustained and cleverly contrived strategy of psychological warfare." The report came under massive criticism from human rights organisations and others, both national and international for having sought to whitewash the incident. The villages are still fighting for justice in different courts of the state. Now, five Kashmiri women have taken up the incident to pen down a book titled "Do you Remember Kunan-Poshpora?" (Zubaan Books; pp : 180; Rs.395) The book talks about reopening the case and documents the legal struggle faced by the survivors. The five authors are Samreen Mushtaq, Ifrah Butt, Essar Batool, Natasha Rather and Munaza Rashid. In 2013, a group of 50 women, consisting of teachers, students, journalists, human rights workers, lawyers, and other professionals filed a public interest litigation (PIL) before the Jammu and Kashmir High Court seeking to reopen the Kunan Poshpora case. "The aim behind filing the PIL was to make the Indian Army answerable and to disclose their real identity in Kashmir. The book came later as part of the battle that the survivors of Kunan Poshpora are fighting and so that we don't forget the allegations of the rapes of Kashmiri women," co-author Essar Batool told IANS in an email interview from Srinagar. Although the high court rejected the petition after three hearings, the legal battle was restated with a series of fresh petitions. "The cover-ups, distortions in the case by the state and the humiliation of the survivors is enough reason to bring forth this case into the public domain to show how the armed forces enjoy complete freedom and are allowed to roam around freely. It is this freedom that we are challenging," Batool added. The book was officially released at the Jaipur Literature Festival last month. It focuses on the torture of the women from the villages, some 130 km northwest of Srinagar city. The book has been divided into seven chapters: "Kashmiri Women and Resilience", "Sexual Violence and Impunity in Kashmir", "The Night in Kunan Poshpora", "Life in Kunan Poshpora", "Inquiries and Impunities", "People Who Remember" and "The Legal Battle". Batool said they had taken up the Kunan Poshpora case because "it is one of the biggest incidents in the history of sexual violence in probably the whole of south Asia," adding she was inspired when a group of Manipuri women protested naked outside an army facility in Imphal more than a decade ago daring the soldiers to rape them too. Asked, about the most difficult part to recount while writing the book, Batool said: "Having the survivors recount the horrors of that night has always been hard, because talking about it would send them back to that horrific night." She said though they had to travel long distances to Kunan Poshpora and the Kupwara court, the hardest part was to include everything and not leave even an ounce of evidence out. "This is the documentation of the bravery of the women and men of Kunan Poshpora, of their strength, she said. Co-author Samreen Mushtaq said it had been a struggle to document all of that "to change the stereotype of their being victims to telling the world that they are fighters" . The writers argue the book is not fiction, but based on truth and was written irrespective of people's opinion. "Honestly we did not write the book for acceptance. Truth is spoken not keeping in mind whether or not people will accept it. Truth should be said especially when the other side has been propagating lies for years together. And when you are speaking the truth, confidence comes naturally," Mushtaq said. "People who have been part of cover ups and distortion of facts should worry about how they will sound," Batool said. "As women, we know how the threat of rape feels, but it is a patriarchal notion that women should not talk about rape since we have attached honour to women. It is this patriarchal notion that has been taken advantage of by the armed forces to use rape as a tool of punishment and reprisal, she added. "The shame," Batool said, "is for the perpetrators of rape not for the victims or for those who write about it or speak against it." (Shamshad Ali can be contacted at shamshad.a@ians.in) At least 33 Taliban militants were killed in week-long infighting between the supporters and opponents of Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor in Afghanistan. The clashes occurred in Nawa district of the eastern Ghazni province, Xinhua quoted provincial police official as saying on Monday. "The clash which erupted between supporters of Mullah Mansoor and his rival Mullah Mohammad Rasoul over the control of Nawa district have left a total of 33 people killed from both sides," he said. "Rasoul's supporters finally evicted Mansoor's men from Nawa district on Sunday," the official said. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in contact with media rejected the report as baseless, saying there was no fighting among Taliban militants. Taliban has ruled the mountainous Nawa district over the past few years. At least 40 militants were killed on Monday when security forces repelled an attack by the Islamic State (IS) terror group in Iraq's Anbar province. The incident occurred when the IS militants attacked a military base in Hamdhiyah area, but were repelled by the troops and air strikes, an official told Xinhua news agency. Ten security personnel were injured, the official added. The head of the government-backed peace body, the High Peace Council (HPC), has been appointed in Afghanistan, a senior official said on Monday. "Pir Sayed Ahmad Gilani has been appointed as the chief of High Peace Council," Xinhua quoted adviser on international relations of HPC, Mohammad Ismael Qasimyar as saying. The Presidential Palace would soon formally announce the appointment of Gilani as chief of the peace body, he said. A former religious figure and moderate Jihadi leader, Gilani has resisted the erstwhile Soviet Union invasion of Afghanistan in 1980s and Taliban onslaught in 1990s to overrun Afghanistan. Since promotion of HPC's previous boss Salahuddin Rabbani to the rank of foreign minister in February 2015, the peace body has been operating without chief. The High Peace Council, established in mid 2010 to provide a platform for peace talks with Taliban and ensuring national reconciliation in the country, but the objective has yet to be materialised. India's anti-trust watchdog has approved the merger of Sistema Shyam's telecom venture with Reliance Communications in a deal valued at Rs.5,000 crore ($730 million, involving both a stock-swap and payment towards spectrum. "Further to our letter dated January 14, 2016 we wish to inform you that Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the transfer of telecommunications undertaking of Sistema Shyam Teleservices Ltd to the company," Reliance Communications (RCom) said in a regulatory filing. One of the most significant aspects of the deal is that Reliance Communications will have licence for spectrum across 22 circles for a minimum of 15 years for the 4G services, stretching up to 20 years in some circles, a source involved with the deal said. Sistema currently operates in India under the MTS brand. "Actually, if we consider the fact that RCom won't have to pay for new spectrum for eight circles where the licence is expiring in the near future, the deal size works out to Rs.15,000 crore -- the company won't have to buy spectrum till 2021 now," the source said. "Only instalments for what has been purchased in the 2013 auctions to be paid -- around Rs.400 crore a year for 10 years," said the source, adding this will give the company's customers flexibility to migrate to 4G while sharing spectrum in 800/850 MHz with Reliance Jio. Industrialist Anil Ambani-led RCom has also initiated talks with the promoters of Aircel -- the majority owner Malaysia's Maxis Communications and Sindya Securities and Investments -- for a potential merger. Once this deal also goes through, RCom-Sistema-Aircel combined will have more than 150 million customers in India, with close to 20 percent of the total spectrum -- highest in the country -- in virtually every band currently available to private players. This apart, RCom also announced last month that it has paid Rs.5,383.84 crore to the government as fee towards spectrum sharing and trading in 16 circles for the 800-850 MHz band. This followed a pact on this with Jio for nine service areas. Based on the existing plan, RCom will pursue spectrum trading in nine circles with Jio and share this scarce airwaves in 17 circles. Eventually the sharing will cover all 22 circles in the 800 MHz band. Captain Tushar Mahajan of the elite Para regiment, who was killed in the gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir's Pampore, was on Monday cremated with full military honours in his hometown Udhampur. A wreath-laying ceremony was organised in Udhampur to accord a ceremonial farewell to Captain Tushar Mahajan, Colonel S.D. Goswami, spokesman of the army's Udhampur-headquartered Northern Command, told IANS. Northern Command chief Lieutenant General D.S. Hooda laid a wreath along with his family members at the solemn function. The mortal remains of the officer were taken to his home in Adarsh Nagar area of Udhampur town. He was later cremated with full military honours. People from all walks of life attended the last rites, as a pall of gloom descended on the area. Captain Pawan Kumar, who was killed in the gunfight with militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Pampore, was on Monday cremated with full military honours in his village in Haryana's Jind district. Hundreds of people turned up to bid adieu to the 23-year-old officer as he was cremated in Badhana village near Jind town. The body of the officer from the 10 Para (Special Forces) was brought to Jind specially by helicopter as the highways in Haryana are still blocked due to the ongoing agitation of the Jat community for job quota in the state. Captain Pawan Kumar was killed in the gunfight with terrorists at a government building in Pampore town near Srinagar on Sunday. The young officer was the only son of his parents and joined the army three years back. "I am proud of the martyrdom of my son. He always wanted to do something for the country," said the officer's father Rajbir Singh, a school headmaster. Beijing is to raise the thresholds for issuing its highest air pollution warnings, two months after smog triggered the city's first ever "red alerts", a media report said on Monday. In future, the highest alert will only be issued when the daily average air quality index (AQI) is forecast to exceed 500 for a day, 300 for two days in a row or 200 for four days, Beijing's environmental protection bureau said. At present, a red alert is issued when the AQI is forecast to exceed 200 for at least three days, the China Daily reported. Schools were closed and outdoor construction work was suspended when thick smog prompted Beijing to issued its first red alert last December. Beijing has issued two red alerts for smog since the start of this winter. The new criteria take effect at the end of March and are designed to standardise pollution alerts across Beijing, the neighbouring port city of Tianjin and four cities in the surrounding Hebei province -- Tangshan, Baoding, Langfang and Cangzhou. It would then expand to a larger area. Liu Wei, deputy head of the emergency response office at the environmental protection bureau, said this would in effect tighten the pollution controls for the outlying regions. At present in Tianjin and Hebei, a red alert is triggered only when AQI exceeds 500 for at least one day. Tianjin and Hebei also issued their first air pollution red alerts in December. Environmental officials admit that China is unlikely to meet the air quality standards set by the state until at least 2030. Beijing last month announced it would close 2,500 small highly-polluting firms this year. Being on guard was the best preparation for a terror threat, Goa's top naval official said on Monday. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a trilateral naval exercise being conducted off Goa's coastline, Indian Navy's flag officer for Goa area Commander Puneet Bahal also said strategies to deal with the threat from terror outfit Islamic State were being worked out at the national level. "Terrorism is something (which) knows no boundaries. A terrorist has no face, he can merge anywhere and therefore it is important for us to be always on our guard and be prepared for any kind of contingency," Bahal said. Three navies -- India, South Africa and Brazil -- conducted joint naval exercises off the Goa coast on Monday as part of the 11-day IBSAMAR (India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime). Asked about the IS threat and what efforts were underway to overcome it, Bahal said: "You specifically said about the IS threat, which is there, as you are aware... and India too, there is a lot of discussion on these things and whatever action has to be taken in terms of being prepared for this threat... one is being taken at the national level." Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday accused the BJP-led government of unleashing its "divisive agenda by generating a wholly unwarranted debate on patriotism and nationalism" and said it was the government's responsibility to ensure that parliament functions. Gandhi's strong attack on the government came at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) here ahead of the budget session of parliament that begins on Tuesday. The party issued a statement after the meeting, saying educational institutions "have not only been a target but high priority in the RSS's nefarious agenda to impose their ideology in the universities and colleges". The Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Haryana of "totally mishandling" the situation arising out of the agitation by the Jats for quota and the central government of "murder" of the Constitution in Arunachal Pradesh. It said the party will raise these issues in parliament in cooperation with other like-minded parties. Gandhi said the Congress wants parliament to function but the government refuses to accept the democratic right of the Opposition to raise burning public issues. Making a veiled reference to the controversies surrounding Jawaharlal Nehru University, the suicide of a Dalit youth in Hyderabad university and the violence in a Delhi court ahead of proceedings concerning JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar, Gandhi said the CWC meeting took place in the "most disturbing circumstances that are causing grave disquiet across the country". "The ruling establishment seems to have lost all sense of balance, and of proportion. It appears determined to undermine all democratic norms. It seems hell-bent to destroy the spirit of inquiry, the spirit of questioning, the spirit of debate and dissent" Gandhi said. She alleged that the government had "muzzled" the party's voice in the Lok Sabha and then "it silenced civil society activists and organisations". "Now is the turn of universities. Universities are places where young people must have the fullest freedom to express themselves," she said. Gandhi said social justice was being demeaned by "callousness to victims of caste discrimination" and the foundations of communal harmony were being systematically eroded. "Professional organisations are becoming the mouthpiece of those in power. Courts are being turned into akharas (wrestling arenas)," she said. Gandhi alleged that no action has been taken against blatant corruption in BJP-ruled states "for which there is clear evidence". "The economy is just not picking up regardless of the government's tall claims. Farmers and rural labour are in a deep crisis. Prices of essential commodities are placing an intolerable burden on crores of families," she said. She said social sector spending was being squeezed. "To cover up its many failures, the ruling establishment has once again unleashed its divisive agenda by generating a wholly unwarranted debate on patriotism and nationalism. "Democratic and liberal value are under severe assault. The freedom to think and speak are being drastically curtailed." In its statement, the party said disturbing developments have taken place in recent months and "these have been engineered by the BJP, RSS and affiliated organisations". It said a totally manufactured debate on patriotism and nationalism was being generated through manipulated news clips to "cover up the government's failures and its heavy-handedness in dealing with student protesters". The statement said the fabric of communal harmony "is being systematically eroded". It said the language used by BJP leaders was objectionable and "an organisation that never took part in the freedom movement" is hardly in a position to hand out certificates of patriotism and nationalism. The statement also said the government has "miserably failed" to ensure that parliament functions normally. President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday greeted the people of Brunei on their national day and said that the country is an important partner in India's 'Act East' policy. "I have great pleasure in extending warm greetings to your Majesty and the people of Brunei on the occasion of your National Day," Mukherjee said in his message to Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the head of state and monarch of Brunei. "Brunei is an important partner in India's 'Act East' Policy," he added. "India and Brunei have long enjoyed close ties of friendship and I am confident that our ongoing exchanges in various spheres will enable an even closer partnership between our two countries and elevate our relationship to greater heights in the years to come." Brunei is located on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. The budget session of parliament starting on Tuesday is expected to be stormy with the Congress and some other opposition raring to target the government on a range of issues including the JNU row, the Jat agitation and the unrest in Hyderabad varsity following the suicide of a Dalit student. The government has prioritised 32 items for the session, which includes 11 bills pending in Rajya Sabha and one in the Lok Sabha. While an all-party meeting to discuss the agenda for the session was called by Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Monday morning, another was called by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in the evening. Naidu said the was the government was concerned about recent incidents in different universities, and will enable discussion all burning issues. "Several parties want discussion on issues such as reservations, JNU and Hyderabad University. We are prepared for it," he said. Urging the opposition parties to cooperate in running parliament smoothly, Naidu said everyone would have an opportunity to raise issues but discussions should take place according to rules. There should be debate, but without disruption, said the minister. Naidu said Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill and real estate bill were key reform legislation that need to be passed in the budget session. He said the government has been trying consistently to make parliament function smoothly, as reflected in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting last week with leaders of political parties. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said that Congress would extend its support to the bills based on their merit. Noting his party would raise issues like the terrorist attack on Pathankot airbase on January 2, JNU, and Hyderabad University, he said generations of Congressmen have been making sacrifices for the country and the party does not need lessons from the Bharatiya Janata Party in patriotism. Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the government has not accepted the party's demands on the GST bill. He said that the bills on which there was a broad consensus could be taken up for consideration in the first phase of session from February 23 to March 16 and other bills during the second phase between April 25 and May 13. Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury meanwhile accused the government of "continuously spoiling the atmosphere in the country". The JNU has been on the boil after a police crackdown on students accused of shouting anti-India slogans. There has also been unrest and violence arising out of demonstrations in Haryana by members of the Jat community to demand reservations in education and jobs. Earlier, Hyderabad Central University had erupted into protests against alleged harassment of Dalit students following the suicide on January 17 of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula. Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday signalled the party's intent to aggressively take on the BJP government, accusing it of unleashing its "divisive agenda by generating a wholly unwarranted debate on patriotism and nationalism." She said it was government's responsibility to ensure that parliament functions. Gandhi's attack came at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party's highest decision-making body. The party issued a statement after the meeting, saying that educational institutions "have not only been a target but high priority in the RSS's nefarious agenda to impose their ideology in the universities and colleges". It said the party will raise various issues in parliament in cooperation with other like-minded parties. Among the bills listed for introduction, considering and passing during the session is the Finance Bill. The government is also keen on passage of Lokpal bill which is pending in the Lok Sabha. The Wildlife Institute of India is considering to set up a captive breeding centre in Rajasthan for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), locally known as 'Godawan' and is the state bird but seeing an alarming decline in numbers. The proposal, which is being taken up on the initiative of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje aims at saving the bird of Rajasthan from extinction. In June 2013, Project Great Indian Bustard was launched by then chief minister Ashok Gehlot to save the bird from extinction, but has so far failed in its objectives. According to wildife experts by the end of 2015, only 13-15 birds were alive in the state, which is almost 30 down from 2014. According to website of Rajasthan forest department, the rapid decline in population of the bird has already alarmed wildlife experts, ornithologists and bird lovers across the world. The main reasons cited for its decline are habitat loss due to conversion of grasslands to other purposes, anthropogenic and related biotic disturbances during its breeding season and frequent poaching of the species as game bird. How to save Great Indian Bustard and other issues concerning wildlife and expansion of green cover was discussed at a meeting of state board for wildlife held here on Monday. Raje, who chaired the meeting, focussed on developing green areas around the sanctuaries, protected areas and national parks. "During the meeting, Raje asked officials to remove encroachments on the government lands in and around the forest areas and ensure sanitation and cleanliness," said an official statement issued here. Aimed at creating awareness on residential buildings outside of the heritage list and the diverse character they represent, a citizens' initiative to stop demolition of old buildings and draw attention to the rapid destruction of architectural gems of the city was formally launched on Monday. Titled "Calcutta Architectural Legacies" (CAL), the campaign aims to adopt a multi-pronged approach to deal with conservation issues. "The campaign hopes to persuade the government and the citizens to act to prevent the disappearance of these neighbourhoods by demonstrating how it is to the city's benefit to continue to use these houses innovatively," said author Amit Chaudhuri, who is spearheading the effort. Stakeholders include INTACH, conservation architect Partha Ranjan Das and other noted citizens who are working without any fee to contribute as much as possible to the campaign. Das, a former member of the West Bengal Heritage Commission, is documenting some of the old neighbourhoods that are dotted with Raj-era structures in need of immediate attention. A two-day programme called 'Triptych' will begin on February 26 celebrating the architectural legacies of two Kolkata neighbourhoods. Artist Atul Dodiya will speak on the rapid destruction of Mumbai's chawls while a group of house owners who do not want to sell their houses will be part of the discussion. Publisher Naveen Kishore, who has frequently used existing old houses for his cultural and art activities, environmental activist Bonani Kakkar and Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India (CREDAI) president Sushil Mohta are the other speakers. Organised with the support of Apeejay Surrendra Group and Oxford Bookstores, the event will be held at the picturesque old Hindustan Park house 'Parna Kutir'. Chaudhari began talking about a dedicated citizens' movement in May 2015, with some distinguished citizens of Kolkata, supported by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen. Homosexuality may not be completely genetically programmed and environment or how one is reared can play a very important role in shaping or even changing one's sexuality, suggests new research. While the findings are based on a study conducted on fruit flies, the researchers believe that some aspects of sexual orientation in humans could have a similar mechanistic basis to that of flies. "Our study offers a conceptual basis to explain how nature and nurture interact in shaping human sexual orientation," said one of the researchers Daisuke Yamamoto, professor at Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan. The scientists discovered that homosexual behaviour in certain groups of male fruit flies can be altered by their environment. Specifically, they showed that the sexual preferences of male fruit flies with a mutant version of a gene known to affect male sexual behaviour can vary depending on whether the flies are reared in groups or alone. The neurons that express the fruitless (fru) gene "basically govern the whole aspect of male sexual behaviour," Yamamoto explained. Normal male fruit flies tap the abdomen of a female to get a whiff of her sex pheromones before pursuing her to mate. In contrast, males with a mutant version of the fru gene show no interest in females. Instead, they set off in vigorous pursuit of other males. Yamamoto wanted to analyse the role of vision in the courtship behaviour of normal and mutant fruit flies. The researchers found that visually induced courtship behaviour in the fru mutant males can be blocked by isolating them right after their emergence from the pupa. The finding that courtship behaviour in mutant flies can change according to how they are reared suggests that experience can shape behaviour Yamamoto said he was "terribly surprised" by the results, because he had previously never doubted that male-to-male courtship in fru mutant males was "solely genetically programmed". The findings appeared in the journal Nature Communications. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will pay an official visit to the US from Tuesday. Wang, who will be on a two-day visit, was invited by US Secretary of State John Kerry, Xinhua quoted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying as saying on Monday. The two sides are expected to discuss bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common concern, Hua said. More than half-a-dozen Congress workers were arrested on Monday in Gorakhpur for planning to show black flags to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, police said. The minister would be arriving in the city to take part in the convocation ceremony of the Deendayal Upadhyaya University. Police rounded up the Youth Congress workers after local intelligence inputs suggested that some people would try and disrupt the convocation. The student leaders were arrested when they were trying to enter the university campus. Black flags were confiscated from their pockets. Security has further been beefed up in and around the university campus for the high-profile visit. For the third consecutive day, train services were disrupted as activists of the Greater Cooch Behar People's Association (GCPA) squatted on railway tracks at the New Cooch Behar station on Monday demanding statehood for Cooch Behar region in northern West Bengal. In Guwahati, an NFR official said at least 57 trains were cancelled and 16 diverted on Monday in view of the Jat agitation, and two rail blockades -- one by Adivasis in Assam's Kokrajhar district demanding ST status, and the second in Cooch Behar. A number of long distance trains were cancelled, short terminated or stranded for hours due to the agitation, as GCPA activists lay siege to the tracks demanding C category state or union territory status for Cooch Behar and seeking dialogue with union home ministry officials to resolve the issue. Movement of all up trains have been stalled in various stations of northern West Bengal, according to an official of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). Local passenger train services were suspended. Meanwhile, GCPA chief Bangshi Badan Barman declared that the agitation would continue. Benoy Thakur, a 29-year-old ailing passenger travelling to Kishanganj by the Kanchanjunga Express, died on Sunday due to lack of medical attention after his train was delayed by over 10 hours. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Sunday had appealed to the squatters to let the trains move unhindered. The Eastern Railway said it has cancelled four trains on Tuesday -- 15959 Up Howrah-Dibrugarh Kamrup Express, 12345 Up Howrah-Guwahati Saraighat Express, 13141 Up Sealdah-New Alipurduar Teesta Torsa Express and 13147 Up Sealdah-New Cooch Behar Uttarbanga Express. In Guwahati, NFR chief public relations officer (CPRO) Pranav Jyoti Sharma said long route trains were diverted through the Bongaigaon-Alipurduar-Siliguri-New Jalpaiguri route. Hundreds of people under the banner of Adivasi National Convention Committee (ANCC) staged a rail blockade at the Kokrajhar railway station on Monday, leading to disruption of train movement in the region. The blockade in Kokrajhar, however, ended in the afternoon. "The blockade at Kokrajhar ended on Monday afternoon but the blockade at Cooch Behar is continuing. Train movement has been severely affected and we have been diverting long route trains through other routes without touching Cooch Behar," said an NFR official. "Security personnel have been deployed in and around the Kokrajhar station to prevent untoward incidents," he said. Dortmund defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos has been ruled out for three weeks following his injury, the "BVB" confirmed in an official statement on Monday. According to Dortmund's club doctor Markus Braun, the Greece international sustained an adductor injury which keeps him sidelined for the next three weeks. The 27-year-old defender suffered the injury in Sunday's 1-0 away victory over Bayer Leverkusen. He had to be replaced by Neven Subotic in the 77th minute as he was unable to continue, Xinhua news agency reported. Borussia Dortmund visit FC Porto in UEFA Europa League's second leg of the last 32 on Thursday before they host relegation threatened Hoffenheim in the 23rd round of Bundesliga on Feb. 28. Thomas Tuchel's men sit on the 2nd place of the Bundesliga standings. They sit eight-point adrift of front-runners Bayern Munich. US Ambassador to India Richard Verma on Monday reiterated that Washington's decision to sell F-16 combat aircraft to Pakistan was to help it fight terrorism. "Our security partnership with Pakistan was made clear," Verma said while answering questions after delivering a lecture on "Indo-US strategic partnership: Present status and future trends" "The tools that were provided were to address a specific counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency threat," he said. The Barack Obama administration's decision to sell eight F-16 combat aircraft to Pakistan earlier this month had riled the Indian establishment. The external affairs ministry said in a statement that India was "disappointed" at the decision of the US to notify the sale of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan. "We disagree with their rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism. The record of the last many years in this regard speaks for itself," it added. Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar also summoned Verma and put across India's concerns candidly. On Monday, Verma also said that the relationship that the US has with India stood on its own. At least four people, including a foreigner, allegedly involved in an ATM skimming scam have been arrested in Dhaka. Ukraine national Piotr Szcdepan Mazurek, admitted his role in one of the country's largest ATM fraud scheme, Detective Branch (DB) deputy commissioner Mahfuzur Rahman said on Monday. As many as 36 customers found their money was stolen from their bank accounts by the skimming card gang since January, bdnews24.com reported. As many as 40 bank cards were cloned to withdraw two million Taka, the police said. Some 10 million cards are used in some 7,000 booths in Bangladesh, it said. Footage captured in the closed-circuit television cameras of ATM booths showed a man who appeared to be a white-skinned foreigner attached devices to the ATM booth of a bank. The instances of ATM card fraud in Bangladesh have forced almost all the 56 banks to take precautionary measures, including temporarily shutting down transactions through the national payment switch (NPS), to safeguard the interests of clients. The army took control of the Munak canal in Haryana's Sonipat district, traffic was restored on the busy NH-1 and curfew was relaxed at various places as Haryana crawled towards normalcy on Monday, officials said here. Army personnel took control of the Munak canal and efforts were being made to restore the water supply to national capital Delhi, police sources said here. "Thank u army, thank u centre for securing munak canal back. Great relief for delhi," tweeted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Reports said that traffic had been restored on National Highway No. 1 (NH-1) between Delhi and Ambala after security forces removed Jat protestors at some places while protestors left the blockade points on their own on Monday morning. Traffic was being restored on other highways in the violence-hit districts of Rohtak, Sonipat, Panipat, Jhajjar, Bhiwani, Jind, Kaithal and Hisar. Police sources said that Jat protestors continued to block roads and railway tracks at some places on Monday. Efforts were being made to remove them and restore traffic. Curfew in Rohtak town was relaxed for one hour on Monday. Curfew was lifted in Hisar and Hansi towns on Monday, officials said. Army personnel and para-military forces, along with the state police and district authorities, continued to patrol and provide security along the NH-1 and other roads to ensure that the Jat protestors did not return. Thousands of people and vehicles were stranded on NH-1 as the protesters laid siege to the highway in Sonipat and Panipat districts in the past three days, cutting off road connectivity to Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh through the highway. Railway officials said that restoration of train traffic on the Delhi-Ambala and Delhi-Bathinda sections could take some more time as the tracks will have to be repaired and inspected thoroughly before plying of trains is allowed. The protesters had uprooted the railway tracks at various places. Nearly 900 trains were cancelled by railway authorities in the region due to the Jat agitation. The state remained on tenterhooks on Monday as security forces moved in to get blockades by Jat protesters removed along highways and railway tracks. No untoward incident, except for the earlier blockades, was reported in the state in the past 12-hours, police said in the morning. Some protesters have started going back to their places early on Monday, the police officials said. With the Bharatiya Janata Party promising to give reservation to Jats and assuring that a bill will be brought in the next session of the Haryana assembly, Jat leaders had appealed to the protesters to end the agitation. The eight-day old Jat agitation has left 11 people dead and over 150 injured, said Haryana Additional Chief Secretary - home P.K. Dass. Security forces were able to secure the Munak canal, which supplies water to Delhi, in Haryana's Sonipat district on Monday morning. Water supply to Delhi was disrupted at Akbarpur-Barota by Jat protesters since Friday night. Hundreds of shops have been vandalised and set on fire in Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jhajjar and other places. A number of government and private buildings and vehicles were also set on fire in the past four days as mob of youth went on the rampage in over 10 districts in Haryana. The state government had to requisition the army and para-military forces to contain the situation. However, the violent protests continued and even spread to other areas of the state. Sources said that Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has called for a cabinet meeting in Chandigarh on Monday afternoon. The meeting will discuss the reservation issue for Jats and the situation in the state. The Haryana government on Monday decided to give full compensation for the damage caused to private property in the state during the violent Jat reservation agitation. The decision was taken by the state cabinet, which met under Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar here on Monday. "Full compensation will be given for damage to private property, whether residential or commercial, and to immediately assess the role of all officers and officials, of both civil and police administration, for any act of omission or commission during the Jat agitation," a state government spokesman said here. The cabinet reviewed the prevailing situation and the steps to defuse the tension across the state at the earliest. "The state government also decided to give an ex-gratia of Rs.10 lakh to the next of kin of those innocent people killed in the ongoing agitation and employment to a member of the family of the deceased. Also, no false case would be registered against anyone," Haryana's Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ram Bilas Sharma announced here. "It was decided that a senior IAS officer shall be deputed as a nodal officer to assess the damage caused to private properties in both urban and rural areas. "A proforma to file claims for compensation for damage to the property would be made available online also in the office of the deputy commissioner and after assessment of the same, compensation would be released within a month," the cabinet decided. Sixteen people have so far lost their lives in the ongoing agitation and 183 were injured, the spokesman said. "(A total of) 320 cases have been registered and 102 people have been arrested," he said. "While blockades at several places have been lifted, efforts are on to remove the remaining 449 blockades on railway tracks and roads," he said. The cabinet meeting was informed that Haryana Roadways suffered a loss of Rs.15 crore as 33 buses were set on fire and 99 buses were damaged. "Out of the 2,370 petrol pumps in the state, 381 have become dry. Out of 387 LPG agencies, 185 are without stock. The state government is trying to ensure its supply through Punjab," the spokesman said, quoting data provided to the cabinet meeting. "Out of 26 petrol pumps damaged during the agitation, eight of these are in Rohtak, five in Bhiwani and six in Jhajjar. However, there is no shortage of kerosene in the state," he said. "The administration and security forces got the Munak canal functional today (Monday) morning by getting the dharna lifted at Akbarpur, but the protesters again blocked the canal at Kabru. "The protesters are now being urged to release water. As an immediate measure, the water of Yamuna canal is being supplied to Delhi through Munak canal," the spokesman said. Trade and industry body Assocham pegged the loss due to the agitation at around Rs.20,000 crore. Some places in Haryana remained tense on Monday, with Jats demanding job quotas indulging in fresh violence and triggering a backlash by other communities, leading to curfew. More security forces were rushed to maintain law and order. The toll in the violence in the nine-day-old agitation by the Jat community mounted to 16. Over 200 people have been injured in the mindless frenzy that has ravaged the state bordering Delhi. The government has decided to give full compensation for the damage caused to private property, residential or commercial, and to immediately assess the role of civil and police officers for dereliction of duty. Fresh firing took place on Monday afternoon in Sonipat district as Jats blocked the Delhi-Ambala national highway (NH-1), hours after traffic on it was restored. Police sources said the Jats fought pitched battles with soldiers by hurling stones and bricks near Ladsoli village, 55 km from New Delhi. The army fired at them, leaving a few injured. Haryana Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma admitted that fresh violence had been reported. "We are hoping NH-1 traffic will be restored soon." Sharma said talks were on with Jat leaders massed near the Munak canal, which the army has taken over, in Sonipat district. The canal supplies water to Delhi. He said water supply to Delhi was restored at 2.30 a.m. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal thanked the army for its intervention. "Thank u army, thank u centre for securing Munak canal," he tweeted. "We've completely run out of water." The Munak canal was shut down after it was vandalised by some Jats. Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra termed the water crisis in the national capital "unprecedented" and warned that the situation might worsen if the supply from Haryana was not immediately restored. A high-powered panel headed by union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu met in New Delhi on Monday to discuss the Jat reservation issue, Agriculture Minister Sanjeev Balyan told the media. The Haryana cabinet also met on Monday to review the situation in the state. After the meeting, Health Minister Anil Vij reportedly threatened to resign after he got upset by a tweet by Agriculture Minister O.P. Dhankar that the government would give compensation of Rs.10 lakh and a government job to families of those killed in the violence. Vij argued that those killed could be rioters and could not be compensated. Rohtak and some other places remained tense due to fresh incidents of violence on Monday. Police sources said Jats continued to block roads and railway tracks at some places. The NH-10 (Delhi-Hisar) was still blocked at Sampla town, 25 km from Rohtak town. "Traffic on the Delhi-Chandigarh rail route has been restored. The Delhi-Jaipur and Delhi-Mathura highways have opened for traffic. Railway routes to other places are also being restored," a Haryana minister said. Some of the violence hit areas in Haryana were meanwhile limping back to normalcy. Curfew in Rohtak town was relaxed for an hour. Curfew was lifted in Hisar and Hansi towns, officials said. Thousands of people and vehicles were stranded on NH-1 in the past three days as the Jats laid siege to the highway in Sonipat and Panipat districts, cutting off road connectivity to Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh. The demonstrators uprooted rail tracks at various places, especially on the Delhi-Ambala section. Nearly 900 trains were cancelled in the region. The protests somewhat abated after Haryana's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party announced on Sunday that Jats would get reservation in jobs. In some places, however, Jat youths continued the blockades saying they won't budge. Jat leaders had earlier called for an end to the agitation. Hundreds of shops, government and private buildings, including schools and other institutions, have been vandalized and set on fire in Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, Kalanaur and other places. A number of government and private buildings and vehicles were set on fire as mobs went on the rampage in over 10 districts. The government sought help from the army and paramilitary forces to calm the situation. The Haryana government will bring a bill in next session of assembly to give reservation to Jats, said Sharma. The bail plea of JNU Student Union president Kanhaiya Kumar, arrested for sedition, will be heard on Tuesday by the Delhi High Court. Justice Pratibha Rani would hear the bail plea at 10.30 a.m. Security would be beefed up in the high court to avoid any untoward incident, in view of the violence seen in the Patiala House courts when Kanhaiya Kumar was produced for hearing. He had moved the bail plea on Friday after a lower court sent him to judicial custody till March 2. Kanhaiya's lawyer had directly moved the the Supreme Court for bail, but the apex court asked his advocate to move the high court for bail, noting that bypassing the high court would set a wrong precedent. The student leader had directly moved his bail plea before the Supreme Court invoking its jurisdiction under article 32, under which a citizen can move the apex court for enforcing his fundamental rights. Besides bail, Kanhaiya Kumar had sought direction for his safety and security from the apex court. Invoking article 21 guaranteeing right to life and personal liberty and pointing to the atmosphere of violence that prevailed in Patiala House Court complex on February 15 and 17, he, in his petition in apex court, had said that the manner in which his physical harassment was allowed to take place was a clear pointer to the violation of his right to access justice delivery system. Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested in a sedition case on February 12 after an event held on the university campus against hanging of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. Pakistan has urged Indian authorities to help Pakistanis stranded in India due to the suspension of bus and train services between the two countries to return home. Radio Pakistan on Monday quoted the Foreign Office as saying that the Pakistani high commission in New Delhi was in touch with Indian officials seeking assistance for the stranded Pakistanis. Foreign office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said the Samjhauta Express train and Dosti bus service were suspended following widespread protests in Haryana that have cut off road and rail links to Delhi. This has created problems for Pakistanis currently in India and intending to return home, the official said. The Indian high commission in Islamabad had also sought help for Indians stranded in Pakistan so that they could return home, the report said. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who is going through a mild body ailment which laid him low, says he is recovering. The 73-year-old thespian on his official blog shared an update about his health to his well-wishers, who he fondly calls his "extended family" or "Ef". "I am in recovery .. though with slow process ! Those that present themselves on this family of Ef, throw intermittent concern on my condition. To them I say, I am well and do not have grave conditions in your mind," Big B wrote on Sunday. The "Piku" star also assured his fans that these "conditions occur often, and shall heal in due course!" The cine icon shared that with the help of a "strong pain killer" he could travel to Chennai "to pay respect to a late friend's death anniversary". He added: "The ceremony was quiet, elegant, filled with the softness of remembrance and poignancy...I spoke... it was appreciated." The fifth edition of the 11-day IBSAMAR naval exercise between Brazil, India and South Africa is currently underway off the coast of Goa, the Indian Navy said on Monday. This is the first time that IBSAMAR, which started on February 19, is being conducted in Indian waters, with all its previous editions being held off the coast of South Africa, an Indian Navy statement said, adding that the primary aim of the exercise is to increase interoperability amongst the three navies, as well as develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations. "Naval cooperation between the three countries epitomizes the strong long-term strategic relationship between the three democracies and vibrant economies. Initiated in 2006, Exercise IBSAMAR is the most visible manifestation of this convergence of democratic values, economic interests and maritime cooperation," the statement said. "The scope and complexity of Exercise IBSAMAR has increased steadily and in its 5th edition in 2016, IBSAMAR has matured into a complex trilateral exercise involving participation of ships, submarine, aircrafts and Special Forces from Brazil, India and South Africa," it further said. The thrust of the exercise this year would be on anti-submarine sarfare (ASW), surface firings, air defence, visit board search and seizure (VBSS), flying operations, search and rescue and tactical procedures, the statement said. During the exercise, the Indian Navy is represented by INS Mumbai, an indigenously designed and built guided missile destroyer, INS Trishul a stealth frigate and INS Shalki, a Shishumar class submarine, along with various fast attack craft, Sea Harriers and MiG-29K fighter aircraft, Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and integral rotary wing helicopters. While the Brazilian Navy has been represented by Brazilian Naval Ship Amazonas and Special Forces, commanded by Commander Alessander Felipe Imamura Carneiro, the South African counterparts are represented by South African Naval Ship SAS Spioenkop with integral helicopter and embarked Special Forces, Commanded by Captain MA Boucher. Both the ships are on return passage after participating in the International Fleet Review which was held at Visakhapatnam earlier this month. India has agreed to receive Pakistani investigators for probing the involvement of any group or people from Pakistan in Punjab's Pathankot airbase attack, Pakistani Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has said. Chaudhry Nisar on Sunday said the only condition India made was that it should be informed at least five days before the visit of the Pakistani investigators, Dawn online reported. He provided the information in reply to a question about the registration of an FIR in Pakistan against the Pathankot airbase attackers, believed to be from Pakistan. "Our SIT (Special Investigation Team) will visit India in the next few days. India has already been informed through a letter by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. India has agreed to it," he said. Chaudhry Nisar did not say if India also agreed to allow the investigators to visit the Pathankot airbase as there were reports that New Delhi would not allow them to enter the base area. He was of the opinion that the registration of the FIR was necessary to fulfil certain legal requirements to hold investigations and verification of the information shared by India with Pakistan. The FIR was also necessary to acquire data from service providers of those telephone numbers through which the attackers had talked to someone in Pakistan from inside the Pathankot airbase. "These (phone) numbers have been made part of the FIR," he said, adding that "further investigations will be held on the basis of this FIR." The minister recalled that an FIR was also lodged in Pakistan following the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He said some arrests were made in connection with Pathankot attack but investigations were still on to establish their links with the telephone numbers or with those people whose names were provided by India. He refused to give details about those arrested, saying it was a "sensitive matter". Fusion rock band Indian Ocean has joined hands with the Walk of Hope, an ongoing 'padayatra' (march), to support the efforts of the social reformer and spiritual guide Sri M in a bid to promote inter-faith harmony. The band will perform at Nehru Park in New Delhi on February 27, read a statement. Bollywood celebrities like Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi and Himesh Reshammiya have extended their support to the march along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Shashi Tharoor among others. The Walk of Hope is a 7,500-km journey by foot from Kanyakumari to Kashmir that spans over 500 days to spread the message of peace and harmony by the Manav Ekta Mission. Led by Sri M, the Walk of Hope was flagged off on January 12, 2015, the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Starting from the Gandhi Memorial Mandapam in Kanyakumari, covering 11 states and concluding in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, this initiative aims to reach out to 10 million fellow Indians. The Delhi leg of Walk of Hope, that started on February 17 and goes on up to till March 3, is a 16-month long affair. "The hope is to erase disparities arising from a misunderstanding of our diverse culture and religions, thus uniting the humanity of India through a spiritual approach proving people can live together despite all differences," says Sri M, founder Manav Ekta Mission. An Indian-origin Sikh officer has been appointed Kuala Lumpur's commissioner of police - the highest police rank achieved by a Sikh in Malaysia, media reports said. Amar Singh will replace Tajuddin Mohamed, who will move to federal headquarters as the deputy director of commercial CID on March 14, freemalaysiatoday.com reported on Sunday. Amar Singh held the position of deputy director of CID when his new appointment was announced last week. According to the Malaysia Samachar website, the highest police rank previously achieved by a Sikh was senior assistant commissioner-I when Santokh Singh became police chief of Selangor state. Amar Singh's father and maternal grandfather were both policemen. His father Ishar Singh joined the Federated Malay States Police in 1939, a year after coming to Malaya from Punjab. His maternal grandfather, Bachan Singh, was a constable who joined the force in the early 1900s. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday urged the Narendra Modi government to get the Munak canal started in Haryana, saying the national capital had "completely run out of water". "We've completely run out of water. I appeal to the Centre with folded hands to immediately intervene and get Munak canal started in Haryana," Kejriwal said in a tweet. The Munak canal in Haryana, which supplies water to many parts of Delhi, was shut down after it was vandalised by a section of Jats demanding quota in government jobs and educational institutions. Meanwhile, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said there was no water supply to his residence on Monday. "So! dry day starts from today (Monday)? No water supply at my home this morning. No hope to get water in Munak canal. Tough days ahead for Delhi," Sisodia said in a tweet. Earlier on Sunday, Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra termed the water crisis in the national capital "unprecedented", and warned warned that the situation might worsen in the next few days if the supply from Haryana was not immediately restored. He informed that the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) had almost run out of water and advised people to use water judiciously. Delhi has nine water treatment plants which together produce 820 million gallons per day (MGD) of potable water. Of these, only two - Sonia Vihar and Bhagirathi - fed by water from Uttar Pradesh are operational. The current production is only 240 MGD. Delhi gets its bulk of water supply from Haryana. A senior Iranian military official on Monday warned the BBC against interfering in the country's upcoming elections, urging the foreign ministry to react immediately. Masoud Jazayeri, deputy chief of staff of Iran's Armed Forces, was responding to alleged recent attempts by the BBC to persuade Iranians not to vote for certain candidates running for the Assembly of Experts elections slated for February 26, Xinhua news agency reported. "The foreign ministry's silence on the British interference in our country's internal affairs raises doubts," Jazayeri said, urging the ministry to show "decisive and proportional" reaction to the British government and its embassy in Iran because of what he described as BBC's "brazen interference" in the country's domestic issues. Iran's Assembly of Experts is a deliberative body of Islamic theologians or Mujtahids, elected for eight-year terms, and charged with electing and removing the Supreme Leader of Iran and supervising his activities. Persian-language satellite channels of the Voice of America and the BBC are regarded as the voice of the opposition groups by Iranian officials. The Islamic republic has banned Iranians from establishing any link with these channels. Rome, Feb 22 (IANS/AKI) The European Union should punish central and Eastern European countries which refuse to take in asylum seekers by cutting their funding, Italian Premier Matteo Renzi said on Monday. "If you don't show solidarity on migration, I think it is legitimate for bigger countries to not show solidarity on (EU budget) contributions," Renzi told journalists at the foreign press club in Rome. He warned that Italy will take a hard line in the upcoming 2020-26 EU budget talks in retaliation for Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary's rejection of an EU plan to redistribute tens of thousands of migrants who have landed on Italian and Greek shores. Renzi raised the issue of regional aid funding cuts to anti-migrant countries at last week's EU summit in Brussels, he said. The so-called Visegrad nations are in the debt of leaders of older EU members who "took risks and sometimes also lost their jobs" to defend their entry to the bloc in 2004 despite hostile public opinion worried by the prospect of "job-stealing Polish plumbers", he said. "You cannot expect Germany, Austria, Sweden and Italy take the burden of migrants and refugees alone and at the same time to give economic aid to all the others," Renzi said. Together with Greece, Italy is one of the main entry points for the influx of refugees and migrants seeking refuge in Europe from conflict, persecution and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Over a million asylum seekers reached Europe in 2015, most of them from war-torn Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. --IANS/AKI vd Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt is all set to be released from the Yerawada Central Jail here in Maharashtra on Thursday morning, an official source said on Monday. The 56-year-old celebrity prisoner will be released after serving the remainder of his five-year sentence for possession of illegal arms in the March 12, 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts case. Dutt is scheduled to step out of the jail around 9 a.m. on February 25 and will be received by his wife Manyata, children and other family members. The jail authorities have rejected a request for a small 'welcome ceremony' planned by the family on security grounds, in view of a large number of the actor's fans and media contingent expected there, said the official requesting anonymity. The release date of Dutt was first announced by his spokesperson in June last year amid speculation that the actor would be reward with an early exit from prison for his good conduct. Of the five-year sentence, Dutt has served more than 50 months in two installments, excluding the parole and furlough he was granted at various times on different grounds. Dutt grabbed headlines when the then Mumbai police commissioner, late A.S. Samra ordered his arrest in 1993 for illegally keeping an AK-47 assault rifle. He spent 18 months in jail as an undertrial before he was granted bail and later, following a Supreme Court order in May 2013, he was sent to the Yerawada jail in Pune to serve the remaining 42 months of his five-year sentence. Relatives of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea plan to call on the government to hold substantial talks with Pyongyang for the return of the victims, the media reported on Monday. The relatives and their supporters gathered in Tokyo on Sunday, public broadcaster NHK reported. The leader of the relatives' group, Shigeo Iizuka, said they regarded 2015 as a decisive year for resolving the issue, but no progress was made. He said their goal is to get the victims back and they want the government to act to help achieve that goal. North Korea agreed with Japan two years ago that it would conduct an investigation into the fate of missing Japanese nationals, including the abductees, but Pyongyang announced this month that it had suspended the probe. The announcement came after Japan decided to impose unilateral sanctions on the country for its rocket launch. The relatives said the agreement was made without substantial discussion on how to ensure the victims' return. They said an environment needs to be created through sanctions and international collaboration so that North Korea will sit at the negotiation table. They decided to urge the government to persuade North Korea to return the victims by offering incentives such as resuming humanitarian aid on the condition that the North deals with the issue in a sincere manner. With the Jat agitation for job quotas continuing in Haryana, Indian industry on Monday said the stir had already caused thousands of crores of losses in north Indian states and a business association demanded the government compensate traders impacted by the violent disruptions. There is a huge loss of economic activity not only in Haryana but across the country's northern states, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry said in a statement here. "Based on inputs received from various industry stakeholders across the states, we estimate that these states may face Rs.34,000 crore loss of economic activity due to the Jat agitation during the last few days," PHD Chamber president Mahesh Gupta said in a statement here. "Overall activity has choked and may result in a huge loss in the GSDP of states for the last quarter of FY15-16," he said. Noting that the running of around 550 trains have been disrupted by the stir, which can impact economies beyond north India, the statement noted that the northern states - Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh _ contribute around 32 percent to India's GSDP. India's biggest passenger car maker Maruti Suzuki has halted production at two facilities in Haryana, which is slated to hold its global investors summit - "Happening Haryana" - on March 7. "The ongoing violent agitation in Haryana has already dealt an estimated blow of Rs.18,000-Rs.20,000 crore by way of loss to public and private property, and halting trade, industry, small business and transport," industry chamber Assocham said in a statement here. "The collateral damage to the economic activities to other states in terms of loss to production, transport and movement of people would add a few thousands crore more to the overall loss to the national economy," it added. Meanwhile, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Monday urged both the union and Haryana governments to declare adequate compensation to affected traders whose shops have suffered damage. It also called for for setting up a joint committee of officials and trade leaders to assess the damage caused in different cities of Haryana. "Trading activities in Haryana have come to standstill in past days due to agitation and supplies to other states passing through Haryana have been greatly affected. Transportation of goods has virtually stopped," CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal said in a statement here. "CAIT has called for immediate steps from both central and state governments for bringing normalcy in business," he added. Army along with RAF secure Haryana's Munak Canal that supplies water to Delhi, site cleared up (Photo: ANI) Fresh firing took place Monday in Haryana's Sonipat district as Jats demanding job quotas blocked the Delhi-Ambala highway, hours after traffic was restored. Meanwhile, the death toll in the nearly 10 days of violence was put at 16. Police sources said the Jat demonstrators fought pitched battles with soldiers by hurling stones and bricks near Ladsoli village, 55 km from New Delhi. The army fired at the Jats, leaving a few injured, the sources said, after they blocked the Highway-1 again. Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma meanwhile said that the Haryana violence had left 16 people dead. He said the cabinet discussed the latest situation in the state. The army also took control of the Munak canal in Sonipat district earlier in the morning. The canal supplies water supply to Delhi, and the supply of water resumed partially to the capital. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal thanked the army for its intervention. "Thank u army, thank u centre for securing Munak canal. Great relief for Delhi," he tweeted. Rohtak and some other places remained tense due to fresh incidents on Monday. Police sources said Jats continued to block roads and railway tracks at some places and the NH-10 (Delhi-Hisar) was still blocked at Sampla town, 25 km from Rohtak town. Former chief minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda was stopped by security forces at the Tikri border (between Delhi and Rohtak) while proceeding towards strife-torn Rohtak town. The violence affected areas in the state were meanwhile limping back to normalcy. Curfew in Rohtak town was relaxed for an hour. Curfew was lifted in Hisar and Hansi towns, officials said. Soldiers and paramilitary troopers along with police and district authorities continued to patrol the NH-1 and other roads to ensure that the Jat protestors did not return. Thousands of people and vehicles were stranded on NH-1, as the Jats laid siege to the highway in Sonipat and Panipat districts for three days, cutting off road connectivity to Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh. Railway officials said restoration of train traffic on the Delhi-Ambala and Delhi-Bathinda sections could take some more time as the damaged tracks have to be repaired. The demonstrators had uprooted railway tracks at various places. Nearly 900 trains were cancelled in the region due to the . The protests somewhat abated after Haryana's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party announced in Delhi on Sunday that Jats will get reservation in jobs, police officials said. In some places, however, Jat youths continued the blockades saying they won't budge till they see "action" by the Haryana government. Hundreds of shops have been vandalised and set on fire in Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, Kalanaur and other places. A number of government and private buildings and vehicles were also set on fire in the past four days as mobs went on the rampage in over 10 districts in Haryana. The state government had to requisition the army and para-military forces to contain the situation. However, the violent protests continued and even spread to other areas of the state. Airline major Jet Airways said on Monday it will expand its operations to Bangkok with the launch of new daily flights from its hubs in Mumbai and Delhi. "By adding more capacity to this key destination from our hubs in Mumbai and Delhi, we aim to provide easy connectivity with convenient schedules linking to our wider domestic network," said Gaurang Shetty, senior vice-president-commercial, Jet Airways. According to the company, it will launch a third daily frequency from Mumbai to Bangkok and second daily service from Delhi to Bangkok from March 27. A retired professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has come down heavily on Vice Chancellor M. Jagdeesh Kumar for letting the varsity plunge into an "unprecedented crisis" and said allowing police inside the campus was a "disaster" by him. "Within two weeks of your taking over as vice chancellor of JNU, the university has been plunged into an unprecedented crisis over an event, which was not very unusual in JNU or any other university," retired professor Chaman Lal, who also studied in the university before becoming a faculty member there, said in a letter to Kumar. He said young students all over the world in liberal universities learn the lessons of their democratic and civil rights, express concern for social or national and international issues. The best examples were of the US, where, in many universities, during the US action in Vietnam, or even recently, the country's policies in the Middle East of exporting "democracy", causing the disasters in the Arab world or elsewhere had attracted students' wrath against their government but none of them was arrested, charged with sedition or termed anti-national, which happened in JNU Chaman Lal said. He also accused the vice chancellor of having failed to protect the rights of students and the university because him being a misfit in the post. "I really feel sorry for you, you should have known JNU better before accepting this challenge. It is better not to wear the shoes which does not fit one's feet," he said. He also expressed surprise that as a guardian of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, Jagdeesh Kumar has not uttered even a word on those "state protected black coated lawyers" who attacked Kanhaiya Kumar. "Professor M. Jagdeesh Kumar, as a scientist, you perhaps have little exposure to social sciences or humanities, whose scholars or students know that in student age, there are rebellious tendencies among youth, even inside home and parents don't kill their children for their rebellious tendencies, over the period by life experiences, youth mollifies," he said. He said that "destroying India" slogan seems to be the handiwork of some vested interests from outside the university to trap JNU students. Chaman Lal also quoted the letter of Vishwadeepak of Zee News, who resigned from the channel citing the reason that how the TV channel conspiratorially trapped Kanhaiya Kumar into the treason charge and planned all stories on JNU with a specific agenda. "As a vice chancellor, you are duty bound to protect the life and limb of all its members - faculty, students and staff. If you cannot, then your moral authority will be greatly affected inside JNU, even if you get full outside support from MHRD and home minister and Delhi Police. Moral authority has a greater force than 'danda' force, sir," Chaman Lal said. Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi on Monday said the five JNU students, who are facing sedition charges for allegedly raising anti-India slogans, should join the probe and prove that they are innocent. "They (the students) should join the probe. If they are innocent, they should present evidence of their innocence," Bassi told reporters. The five students -- Umar Khalid, Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and Anirban Bhattacharya -- returned to the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus on Sunday night. They had disappeared from the campus after the February 9 event held to mark the anniversaries of executions of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front co-founder Maqbool Bhat. Asked if police would enter the campus to arrest the students, Bassi said: "I am confident that my team is competent enough to deal with the matter. "The investigating officer would take the best available option. The world is full of opportunities and options," he said. "Police have proper evidence against the one who is arrested, and in future too arrests will be made only after proper probe," Bassi added. JNU has been on the boil over the arrest of its students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges following the February 9 event. Actor Adivi Sesh says forthcoming Telugu drama "Kshanam", which releases in cinemas on Friday, is the most rewarding and stressful project of his career. "Working on this project has been extremely rewarding and equally stressful. Shot on a tight budget, the film's story shifts between Hyderabad, Vizag and San Francisco. The challenging part was to shoot in popular places and yet not show audiences things they've already seen," Sesh told IANS. "How do you shoot right in front of Golconda Fort, but not give the audience a glimpse of the building? How do you shoot in San Francisco when you're working on a tight budget? How do you shoot a film for 90 days without going overboard on the budget," he asked. Directed by debutant Ravikanth Perepu, the film also stars Adah Sharma, Anasuya Bharadwaj, Satyam Rajesh and Vennela Kishore. For Sesh, what was truly rewarding about the whole experience was that it taught him to be really honest with the audience! Besides playing the lead, Sesh also co-wrote the screenplay with the director. It was a small incident that inspired him to turn an idea into the film. "One day I was driving down Jubilee Hills (in Hyderabad) when a 4-year-old girl stopped me, asking for a ride. She was accompanied by five more kids and they wanted to be dropped at their school. I picked all of them and dropped them, but it got me thinking what if they were taken away by some stranger. Their parents wouldn't have known. Just the thought gave me the creeps, and that became the seed of our story." In the film, Sesh plays an investment banker, who comes to India from San Francisco in search of a missing girl, who happens to be the daughter of his ex-girlfriend, played by Adah. The film is produced by PVP Cinema. A Border Security Force (BSF) trooper was injured on Monday when a landmine exploded near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district. Ujhan Tara was injured while patrolling near the Ragal border outpost in Samba sector around 9.30 a.m, an official said. He was rushed to a hospital in Jammu. The Odisha government on Monday asked banks to increase their credit deposit (CD) ratio and open branches in all Gram Panchayats (village councils) in the state. The villages without banks should be covered either by bank branches or by RBI-mandated "business correspondents" and lending to agriculture and small businesses should be prioritised, Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi said while addressing the state level bankers' coordination meeting here. Credit deposit (CD) ratio is an indication of how much a bank is lending out of the deposits it has collected. A higher CD ratio indicates greater lending out of deposited funds. "We are concentrating on sectors like agriculture, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), fisheries and animal husbandry, so that credit flow to these areas could be improved," Padhi said. The government also sought to provide banking facilities in 75 percent of Gram Panchayats that currently lack them, he said. "Core of banking is advance of credit. Credit flow to entrepreneurs is the lifeblood of the economy. The programmes like Start Up India, employment generation, livelihood enhancement, etc., remain unrealized without adequate credit to agriculture and MSME sectors," the chief secretary said. Commercial banks currently account for only 30 percent of the lending to the farm sector which has been primarily served by the cooperative banks, he said. He urged the commercial banks to catch up with cooperative banks. The government would fund telecom connectivity and provision of office space for banks that would open new branches in unbanked Gram Panchayats of Malkangiri, Nuapada, Nabarangpur and Kandhamal and other backward districts, Padhi said. Available data shows that the total number of bank branches in Odisha went up to 4765 by the end of December 2015, out of which 2604 branches are in rural areas. Ninety nine new branches have been opened in the state from April 2015 to December 2015. The bank deposits in Odisha stood at Rs.2,08,753.59 crore by December 2015, a growth of 9.63 percent over the previous year, said an official statement. On the other hand, bank loans had come down during the same period. The Credit Deposit ratio declined from 76 percent by the end of December 2014 to 72 percent by the end of December 2015, said the statement. However, lending to "priority" sectors including agriculture, increased to Rs.66,072 crore by December 2015, a growth of about 20 percent over the previous year. Rafael Nadal has been eliminated from the Rio Open in the semifinals. Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas defeated the former world number one by two sets to one, and will now meet Argentine Guido Pello for the title, Xinhua news agency reported. After Nadal took the first set 6-7, Cuevas stormed back with set wins of 7-6 and 6-4 to progress in a contest that lasted just under three-and-a-half hours. The South American used the force of his serve to put Nadal on the backfoot. In the end, it proved too strong, with Nadal committing more errors than his opponent. It is the second successive tournament in which Nadal has fallen at the semifinal stage, having done the same at the Buenos Aires ATP 250 last week. Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, on a fence-mending mission, asserted on Monday that the new Constitution of the Himalayan nation was a dynamic document providing inclusivity to all sections of the Nepali society. Assuring once again the disgruntled sections in Nepal -- particularly the Madhesi parties of Nepal's southern Terai region -- about the government having an open mind towards their grievances, if any, Oli said: "We are ready to listen and ready to address if there are any genuine problems." Oli, who arrived at New Delhi on Friday on a six-day visit -- the first state visit by a prime minister from the Himalayan nation since 2011, declared that he has succeeded in clearing up "all misunderstandings" with New Delhi about the alleged discriminatory character of the new statute. "The main mission of my visit was to clear misunderstandings that surfaced in the past few months and to take back our relations to the same level of enthusiasm when (Indian Prime Minister Narendra) Modiji visited Nepal in August 2014," said Oli. The visiting Nepali premier was delivering the 21st Sapru House Lecture at the Indian Council of World Affairs here. Present on the occasion, among others, were Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa. Oli, who is making his first foreign visit after the Himalayan nation adopted a new Constitution in September last year, said, India and Nepal shared a lot in common and their relations were beyond formalities. Nepal, he said, was keen to share in the economic progress achieved by India and wanted to lend impetus to the development of its abundant water resources through India's participation. "We are working on hydro projects with combined capacity of 7,000 MW and their quick and successful completion can be a gateway to Nepal's economic prosperity," Oli said, adding that a just-inaugurated power line would initially provide 80 MW electricity to energy-starved Nepal but within the next two years it would provide up to 600 MW of power. The two countries inaugurated a power transmission line between Muzaffarpur in Bihar and Dhalkebar in Nepal during Oli's visit here. Oli also thanked India for all the support it provided to Nepal over the years for developmental work in various fields, and specially for the spontaneous support after the April 2015 earthquake that claimed 8,800 lives and destroyed property worth crores of rupees. "The support and solidarity shown by our friends from India turns the heads of Nepalese people," he said, adding that "we equally appreciate the support of India in our reconstruction drive". Referring to the contentious issue of the new Constitution and its alleged discriminatory character vis-a-vis the Madhesis and the indigenous groups of the Nepal Terai, Oli said "some of the issues have already been addressed and some others are still being addressed". On January 23, the Nepal parliament approved two amendments to the then four-month-old Constitution in an effort to address the agitating Madhesis' demands for proportionate representation and allocation of seats in parliament on the basis of population. The Madhesi agitation, that continued for almost six months, claimed more than 55 lives in violent protests which erupted following the adoption of the new Constitution on September 20 last year. Crucial entry points from India to Nepal were blocked by the agitators leading to shortage of essential supplies and medicines in the land-locked Himalayan nation. Nepal blamed the Indian establishment for instigating the trouble, a charge New Delhi firmly and constantly denied. Oli said the constitutional amendments were brought within a short span of time and it proved that his government was very flexible and wanted to address genuine demands. "It proves that the Constitution is dynamic, can be changed, amended according to demands," he said. Referring to India nudging Nepal to address concerns of sections of its people concerning the Constitution, Oli said: "The government of Nepal and people of Nepal are ready to address the genuine concerns and we understand the sensitivities of our neighbours. We are always addressing these." External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is also ICWA vice president, described as historic and characterised by emotional bonds rather than geographical proximity. Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Kamal Thapa, who also addressed the gathering, said the main purpose of Prime Minister Oli's visit was to clear the air of mistrust and misunderstanding that had overshadowed bilateral ties in the past few months. "The air of mistrust and misunderstanding has been fully cleared... the relations have come back to normal," he said, adding that it was a new phase in . The protest by the Jat community demanding reservation spilled over to Rajasthan on Monday, with agitators blocking roads and railway tracks in Bharatpur district and setting ablaze a state roadways bus. "There were road and train blockades in some places, mainly between Bharatpur to Mathura, Jaipur and Agra by protestors of the Jat community," a police official told IANS. Efforts were on to remove the blockade through peaceful negotiations, he said. Jats in Rajasthan are classified as Other Backward Classes (OBC), except for Jats of Bharatpur and Dholpur districts. Many trains in the Jaipur, Agra and Mathura sectors were cancelled while train traffic between the important Delhi-Mumbai sector was also affected. The protestors on Monday set ablaze a Rajasthan Roadways bus, and damaged another near Bharatpur city, over 170 km from Jaipur. Roads from Bharatpur to Delhi, Deeg, Alwar and Mathura were also blocked. Almost all markets in Bharatpur remained closed on Monday in support of the demand. In view of the tense situation and to maintain law and order, the district administration invoked Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure banning as unlawful assembly of people at public places. Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje appealed to the Jat community to maintain peace. She directed Social Welfare Minister Arun Chaturvedi to hold a meeting with Jat community leaders to thrash out a solution. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will begin a week-long visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Monday to discuss crude oil prices and market stability, a top official said on Sunday. Buhari would first fly to Riyadh for talks on Tuesday with King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and senior officials of Saudi Arabia, Nigerian presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina said in Abuja, the country's capital city. The ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government and other members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to achieve greater stability in the price of crude oil exports were expected to be high on the agenda of discussions between Buhari and the Saudi monarch, he said. The oil prices will also be on the front burner when President Buhari talks on Sunday with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the spokesperson said. Buhari's other engagements in Saudi Arabia include meetings with heads of international financial organisations and multilateral associations, Adesina said. A six-year-old boy was killed and 38 persons were injured in a grenade explosion in the Philippines province of Sultan Kudarat, authorities said on Monday. Alton John Antonio was killed when an explosion hit a carnival in Esperanza town on Sunday night, Xinhua quoted a Mindanao regional police official as saying. The official said the injured were brought to different hospitals for treatment among whom one was in "serious condition". He added that unidentified attackers lobbed two grenades at the carnival but only one exploded. The other grenade was recovered and defused. Authorities are now trying to establish the identities of the suspects. Pakistan and India must have a treaty to ensure that innocent people do not languish in each other's jails, said a Pakistani daily which noted that civilians are always going to be the victims in the tussle between the two countries. An editorial "The smaller issues" in The Nation on Monday said that the clash between India and Pakistan keeps growing more tentacles and civilians are always going to be the victims. The Maritime Security Agency (MSA) on Saturday arrested 88 Indian fishermen allegedly for fishing in Pakistani waters. "With almost all talks regarding any sort of diplomacy between both countries failing, it is clear that instances like these are not stopping anytime soon," said the daily. The arrests are the third such incident in three months after the two countries agreed in December 2015 to reinitiate the dialogue process when Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Pakistan. "However, the scheduled talks between the foreign secretaries of the two countries were postponed after the Pathankot airbase attack in India last month. In the previous one, Pakistan's marine forces arrested 66 Indian fishermen for allegedly violating the country's territorial waters in the Arabian Sea," said the editorial. It noted that although it is important to ensure the sanctity of borders, these fishermen are usually very poor and mostly lack the equipment to ensure that they are staying within the borders of their own country. "These fishing boats that lack the technology needed to be certain of their precise location and accidentally cross boundaries." The daily added: "All that is needed is a treaty that makes sure that innocent people on both sides do not languish in jails for such mistakes, as bigger issues like the actual demarcation of territory around areas like Sir Creek remain irresolvable." "Poor men in jail, for crimes of omission due to a lack of official clarity, does no country any good," it said. The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met US Secretary of State John Kerry in Amman and told him the Palestinian leadership was working with the international community to hold an international peace conference to find a 5+1 formula and end the conflict with Israel. The meeting on Sunday discussed the latest developments "in depth and detail", Xinhua quoted Abbas' spokesperson, Nabil Abu Rudeinah as saying. Abu Rudeinah said that Abbas stressed the Palestinian leadership's efforts to "go to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to condemn settlement expansion and end it." He added that the president addressed the efforts to form national consensus government to unify the Palestinian land and people, with regards to the latest round of talks between Abbas's Fatah party and Islamic Hamas movement in Doha. Abbas wants Kerry to talk to the Israelis and help release the striking prisoner Mohamed Al-Qiq, who has been on a hunger strike for 90 days protesting administrative detention, and to release bodies of Palestinians withheld by Israeli authorities, said Abu Rudeinah. Kerry said the Obama administration will continue to exert its efforts till the last moment to maintain the two-states solution in order to achieve stability and security in the region. The Palestinian presidency welcomed statements by French Foreign Minister Lauren Fabius in which he said his country would resume efforts to organise an international conference to "rescue the two-states solution." Fabius said shall this initiative fail, "we must undertake our responsibility and recognise the Palestinian state." Israel rejected Fabius' statements, saying it was an ultimatum that Palestinians would use to fail the talks. The Israeli public radio reported that a senior US official said that direct negotiations between Palestinians and Israel are the best way to reach a mutual agreement. The last round of peace talks stopped in April 2014, after nine months of meetings mediated by the US. A wave of unrest broke out between Palestinians and Israel since last October, killing 180 Palestinians, according to the PNA health ministry, and over 30 Israelis. JNU Vice Chancellor M. Jagadesh Kumar on Monday assured the varsity teachers association that the administration would not allow police inside the campus area. "The VC has said that he will respond to the points put forward in the meeting tomorrow (on Tuesday). He also assured that police will not enter the campus," said JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) general secretary Bikramaditya Choudhary, after a meeting in which teachers put forward five demands including not allowing police inside the campus. The others were removal of registrar, reconstitution of the committee to investigate the matter, dropping all charges of sedition and criminal conspiracy against students and release of JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar on unconditional bail. The developments came after five students accused of sedition surfaced in the campus last night. After their appearance, there was strong speculation that police may come to arrest them. The five - Umar Khalid, Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and Anirban Bhattacharya - returned to the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus on Sunday night. They had disappeared from the JNU campus after the February 9 event that was held to mark the anniversaries of executions of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front co-founder Maqbool Bhat. JNU has been on the boil over the arrest of Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges following the February 9 event. Vatican City, Feb 22 (IANS/AKI) Pope Francis on Monday told Vatican officials to tend to their parishioners with generosity and mercy and has urged them to become a "model" for all. "Pastors are first of all required to have God himself who takes care of his flock as a model. "This kind of behaviour is the sign of love that knows no boundaries. It is faithful, constant, unconditional dedication, so that even the weakest may be reached by His mercy," he said during his sermon at mass in St Peter's Basilica as he celebrated the Feast of the Chair of Peter and the Jubilee of Mercy for the Vatican government and its various institutions, the Vatican Radio reported. Pope Francis also urged strong pastoral attitude within the workplace, "especially towards the people we meet every day". "May no one - he said - feel neglected or mistreated, may everyone experience the loving care of the Good Shepherd," he said. The Jubilee Year of Mercy declared by Francis runs until November 30. --IANS/AKI vd The private sector must play its role in disaster management in the country, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said on Monday. "When disaster strikes, the poor are the first to be affected as factories and plants shut down and the economy is hit," Rijiju said at the inaugural session of an international conference on "When mountains move and waters rise: The health and housing dimensions". "The private sector must pitch in for disaster management in our country. I have asked them and the response has been positive," he stated. Organised by the Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research (CNESPR) at the Jamia Milia Islamia university here in partnership with the North Eastern Council (NEC), the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) and the National Centre for People's Action in Disaster Preparedness, the conference is the third edition of a series of conferences called the Eastern Himalaya. These conferences cover issues, concerns and challenges before a vast region that spans five countries and multiple, diverse landscapes and cultures - Nepal, Bhutan, India, China and Myanmar. Rijiju said when it came to disasters in the country, there was just reconstruction work and steps were not being taken for disaster prevention. "I always give importance to awareness among people," the minister, who is in charge of disaster management in the home ministry, said. Though the response to disasters like the Manipur earthquake, the Darjeeling landslide, and the Jammu and Kahmir and Chennai floods has been good, much is still needed to be done, he said. "Our disaster management forces still do not have all the required equipment," he said. "The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is the most important international agreement to come up in 10 years. It has provided an institutional mechanism," Rijiju said. Endorsed by the UN General Assembly after the 2015 Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sendai Framework is a voluntary, non-binding international agreement which recognises that the state has the primary role to reduce disaster risk but that responsibility should be shared with other stakeholders, including local government, the private sector and other stakeholders. Rijiju said India has been given the chance to host the first post-Sendai conference next year. Stating that he was excited about giving more time to disaster management though the home ministry had many other issues to deal with, Rijiju said: "It is better to be prepared to face disaster than face the brunt and think about rehabilitation later." Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said that India's northeast was prone to natural disasters like floods and earthquakes. "It is in Zone 5 of earthquake-prone areas," he said, adding that soil conservation was important as the region was vulnerable to landslides. Lal Thanhawla said that civil society and the media can play important roles in disaster risk reduction. "Stock of medicines and availability of requisite rescue personnel are very important for disaster management in post-event recovery," he said. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday described as a "great relief for Delhi" after the army secured the Munak canal. "Thank you army, thank you centre for securing Munak canal back," Kejriwal tweeted. "Great relief for delhi". Kejriwal had also tweeted about army taking control of the canal. "Good news. Army takes control of munak canal gates." The Munak canal in Haryana, which supplies water to many parts of Delhi, had to be shut down after it was vandalised by a section of demonstrators demanding reservations in government jobs and educational institutions for the Jat community. "We've completely run out of water. I appeal to the Centre with folded hands to immediately intervene and get Munak canal started in Haryana," Kejriwal had said in an earlier tweet. A group of 32 Shias has been put on trial in Saudi Arabia over charges of spying for Iran, media reported on Monday. The defendants who appeared before the Saudi Special Criminal Court on Sunday, included 30 Saudis from the mainly Shia Qatif region of Saudi Arabia's eastern province, Press TV reported. The Saudi Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution presented various charges at the court against the accused people, including the formation of what it said was a spy cell in collaboration with members of Iranian intelligence and passing on sensitive data to Tehrab. Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran last month in response to angry demonstrations in front of its diplomatic missions in the two Iranian cities of Tehran and Mashhad. Some people attacked the Saudi premises in the course of the protests, which were held in the wake of Saudi Arabia's execution of prominent Shia leader Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. Unidentified criminals here on Monday looted Rs.6 lakh at gun point from the staff of a petrol pump who were on their way to a bank, police said. The money belonged to the petrol pump. According to police, eight criminals, who were on motorcycles, blocked the vehicle in which four people, including the petrol pump manager, were going to the bank, looted the money and escaped. Police have launched an operation to nab the criminals. South Korea's top economic policymaker on Monday said the government will make its best efforts to minimise the possible negative economic impact from North Korea's recent rocket launch and nuclear test. The government will "do its utmost to minimise the impact of North Korea issues on the South Koran economy" while continuing to monitor geopolitical developments, Xinhua quoted Yoo Il-ho, deputy prime minister for economic affairs who doubles as finance minister, as saying. Yoo's comments came amid rising expectations that geopolitical risks from Pyongyang's nuclear test and long-range rocket launch may weigh down further on the already struggling South Korean economy. Pyongyang launched a long-range rocket, which outsiders see as a prohibited test of ballistic missile technology, on February 7 after what it claimed was the first H-bomb test on January 6, the fourth of its nuclear detonations. South Korea's exports posted the biggest monthly decline in more than six years in January with an 18.5 percent reduction. The exports, which account for about half of the export-driven economy, are estimated to have recorded a double-digit fall in February as well. Yoo said free trade agreements (FTAs) with China, Vietnam and New Zealand, which came into force last year, would contribute to South Korea's export growth. He noted that China's shift to a more consumption-driven economy will provide South Korean companies with opportunities to export more consumer goods and services to China, South Korea's largest trading partner. Asked whether the heightened geopolitical risks on the Korean Peninsula may affect trade between South Korea and China, Yoo said that those will have little impact on economic relations between the two neighbours. Yoo said that China, South Korea's largest trading partner, is more important than any in restoring Seoul's exports and added that an increase in exports to China will be very necessary for South Korea's economy. South Korea on Monday urged Japan to stop provocations over disputed islets lying halfway between the two countries as Tokyo sent a government official to attend the controversial "Takeshima Day" event. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet has dispatched a vice ministerial-level official to the event for four straight years. This year, Sakai Yasuyuki, parliamentary vice minister of the cabinet office, attended the ceremony, Xinhua reported. The Takeshima Day was launched in 2005 by Japan's Shimane prefecture to lay territorial claims to the disputed islets, known as Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan. Seoul's foreign ministry spokesman Cho June-Hyuk said in a statement that Seoul strongly protests and calls for the prevention of recurrence over Japan's repeated dispatch of a senior official to the Takeshima Day event hosted by a provincial government. The spokesman denounced the dispatch as a defiance of the agreed efforts to open a new bilateral relation through the accord reached in late 2015 for "comfort women", an euphemism for Korean women forced into sexual servitude for Japanese military brothels during World War II. Under the December 28 agreement, Japan renewed an official apology for the wartime sex slavery, pledging to pay 1 billion yen (about $8.3 million) from its state coffers to build a new foundation in South Korea to support the former comfort women. In return, South Korea agreed on a "final and irreversible" resolution on the issue. Cho said that the Dokdo islets are clearly an inherent part of South Korea's territory historically, geographically and by international laws, toward which Tokyo should stop provocations. He strongly urged the Abe cabinet to humbly and squarely face the Imperial Japan's history of disseizing the Korean peninsula. South Korea has said that Japan unilaterally incorporated the Dokdo islets into its territory before and during the 1910-45 Japanese colonial rule of the Korean peninsula. After Seoul's liberation from the colonisation, the Dokdo islets were re-incorporated into South Korea's territory. Seoul's foreign ministry summoned a Japanese diplomat in Seoul to protest Japan's dispatch of a senior government official to the Takeshima Day event. Lee Sang-deok, director-general in charge of Northeast Asian affairs at South Korea's foreign ministry, delivered the government's strong protest against the celebration after summoning Hideo Suzuki, a minister at the Japanese embassy in Seoul. Hundreds of South Korean civic group activists gathered in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, denouncing the Takeshima Day celebrations and calling for Japan to scrap the history-distorting event. The rocky outcroppings have been a major source of diplomatic rows and even emotional battle both between the general public and governments of Seoul and Tokyo. South Korea has deployed security guards on the islets since 1954. Short-coverings, coupled with value-buying and positive global indices, supported the rise of the Indian equity markets on Monday. Consequently, the barometer 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE provisionally closed the day's trade up 80 points or 0.34 percent. Similarly, the wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) ended the day's trade mildly in the green. It inched up by 26.05 points, or 0.36 percent, at 7,236.80 points. The Sensex, which opened at 23,783.47 points, provisionally closed at 23,788.79 points (at 3.30 p.m.) -- up 79.64 points or 0.34 percent from the previous day's close at 23,709.15 points. During the intra-day trade, the Sensex touched a high of 23,855.04 points and a low of 23,674.86 points. The BSE market breadth favoured the bulls -- with 1,398 advances and 1,151 declines. Initially, both the indices of the Indian equity markets opened on a positive-to-flat note, following Friday's losses in the US, as well as European markets. In addition, a weak rupee kept investors unnerved. The rupee opened at 68.63 to a US dollar from its previous close of 68.47 to a greenback on Thursday. The domestic currency markets were closed on Friday. It touched a low of 68.72 to a US dollar, during the intra-day trade. This level was last seen on August 28, 2013. On Friday, the rupee had crashed to a record low of 68.89 to the US dollar in the oversees currency markets. It ended that day's trade at 68.72. "Indian rupee touched a fresh 30-month-low at 68.72 levels on spot, not far from the all time low of 68.85 on spot," Anindya Banerjee, associate vice president for currency derivatives with Kotak Securities, told IANS. "However, alleged hand of RBI (Reserve Bank of India) may have saved the rupee from further losses." According to Banerjee, the RBI may have been active on exchange traded currency futures. However, value-buying and short-coverings which were triggered on hopes of positive budgetary announcements swelled the equity markets. Market participants are hopeful that the central government may increase expenditure, announce tax concessions and pave the way to reduce the NPAs (non-performing assets) levels of the banking sector. Parliament's budget session which commences on Tuesday. Besides, stiffening crude oil prices and positive Asian markets led investors to chase stock prices higher. "Firm oil as well as rising Asian markets tilted Indian stocks' bias to positive, while Nifty and Sensex helped themselves to the highest levels since February 10, 2016," Anand James, co-head, technical research desk with Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services, told IANS. "However, with parliament's budget session beginning tomorrow, buyers were not seen chasing prices higher." Vaibhav Agarwal, vice president and research head at Angel Broking, elaborated that markets traded in the green led by positive Asian cues. "With no other major triggers on the domestic front and low expectations from the budget, markets will continue to look towards global developments for direction," Agarwal cited. "US home sales data is awaited for further indications on the US Fed rate hike. European macro data such as the German and UK GDP and Eurozone CPI figures are set for release this week." Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday said that any ceasefire in Syria should not give an advantage to terrorist groups wreaking havoc in the Arab country. "A ceasefire (in Syria) does not mean allowing IS, al-Nusra Front, and other Al Qaeda-affiliated groups to carry on their activities," Zarif was quoted by Press TV during a joint press conference here. Zarif said that Iran has always supported any kind of truce in Syria, adding, however, that the details of such a plan should be discussed. "Iran has always believed that the crisis in Syria has no military solution," the Iranian minister said, adding, "the plans presented so far have brought about (the issue of) ceasefire, and Iran has emphasized the matter in addition to the delivery of humanitarian aid since the first negotiation meeting in Vienna." The International Syria Support Group (ISSG) agreed in the German city of Munich on February 12 to a "cessation of hostilities" in Syria and to implement a ceasefire in a week. However, acts of terrorism continues unabated in the country. The ISSG said in a statement that the ceasefire in Syria does not include areas held by groups designated as terrorist organisations by the UN Security Council, including IS and al-Nusra Front. The ISSG members also asked the UN to resume the collapsed peace talks between the Syrian government and the Saudi-backed Syrian opposition group known as the High Negotiations Committee. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on February 15 that "a ceasefire means in the first place halting the terrorists from strengthening their positions. Movement of weapons, equipment or terrorists, or fortification of positions, will not be allowed." Syria has been gripped by "foreign-backed" militancy since March 2011. According to a new report by the Syrian Centre for Policy Research, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 470,000 people, injured 1.9 million others, and displaced nearly half of the country's pre-war population of about 23 million within or beyond its borders. Thailand's Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn arrived here on Monday on a three-day visit to boost relations in education and health between the two neighbouring countries. The princess was greeted by Cambodian Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron and other dignitaries upon her arrival at the Phnom Penh international airport, Xinhua news agenct reported. According to the official schedule, Sirindhorn will meet with Prime Minister Hun Sen at the Peace Palace before attending several ceremonies, including the inauguration of a health centre in northeastern Rattanakiri province, the hand-over ceremony of the solar cell building at the Kampong Chheuteal Institute of Technology in central Kampong Thom province, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kampong Speu Institute of Technology in western Kampong Speu province. She is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on King Norodom Sihamoni on Tuesday. In the dead of a cold February night, they grew apprehensive, if not scary, and whispered in hushed tones that police may enter the moonlit campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) that has become a new battleground of a right-to-speak-versus-nationalism debate in India. There were minor disruptions but the student protesters largely stood ground and continued listening to their leaders making speeches, denying what they were fighting for is "anti-national" as alleged by police and right-wing Hindu activists. The "revolution", as many of the protesters called it, turned into the battle of ultimatums with police waiting outside the campus to be allowed in and the student leaders, facing arrest on charges of sedition, refusing to surrender. "My name is Umar Khalid and I'm not a terrorist," said the most wanted student leader who was among the five who surfaced in the campus after days of hiding. Four others who had disappeared were Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and Anirban Bhattacharya, One of their leaders, Kanhaiya Kumar, also accused of sedition, is already behind bars in Delhi. "They fear us, they fear our struggles, they fear us because we think," the 28-year-old PhD student said, reffering to the government and its saffron-allies. As the crowd erupted in loud cheers, Khalid alleged that they were not being hunted down because of a controversial meeting on Kashmir they had organised on February 9. A doctored video clip showed him and other students shouting anti-national slogans in the event. They had not done that. "The attack (on the university) is not because of the program which was organised on February 9, but because the government needs an excuse to attack us," he said. By this time, Delhi policemen in at least four vans had assembled outside the campus to arrest the "fugitives" in one of the premium educational institutions in India which has long been known to be a Left bastion. But a couple of guards at the main gate of the campus towards dingy Munirka neighborhood stopped them and said they wanted to talk to university authorities before allowing them in. "They came and wanted to enter the campus. But we spoke with the authorities who didn't allow them to enter," one of the guards told IANS. Meanwhile, speeches continued as more students, who were sleeping, woke up to join the protesters. The numbers quickly turned into hundreds. "Roughly, 500 to 600," one of the students estimated. "Perhaps more." The energy levels were high and so was the sloganeering even as the apprehensions about a possible police raid continued. Somebody informed the crowd that the policemen have been denied entry and soon the crowd erupted loudly. Though the speeches largely revolved around serious topic like liberty, equality and right to speak, there were burst-into-giggle moments as well. The media also came in for some flak. One of the speakers, mimicked some Indian TV anchors, "shouting, screaming, yelling on the top of their voices", in their noisy news programmes. Khalid also condemned the media trial that branded him as a terrorist. "I have come to know so many things about myself that I myself did not know," he said. "I don't have a passport, but I learnt (from the media) that I've been to Pakistan twice. I felt like laughing about how it would be when Jaish-e-Mohammed (terror group) comes to know that someone like me is being linked with them. Perhaps, they will protest in Jhandewalan against such a charge." As the night grew deeper, the crowd started thinning out. The protests ended around 2.30 a.m. But the protestors stayed around. Soon, the protests gave way to poetry and singing sessions. They scattered in small groups around bonfires. Some were reciting Hindi, Urdu and English poems. Others were singing in hope of a "brighter morning awaiting the dark night". A few of them found shelters under staircases, corridors or even in the campus lawns to sleep. The policemen still outside, perhaps waiting for an order to enter. A little past 6 a.m., as the glow filtered across the sky after a long night, many of them awoke to plan more protests for the day. The brighter morning they were hoping for had not yet dawned. (Archana Rao and Siddhartha Dutta can be contacted at archana.r@ians.in and siddhartha.d@ians.in) At least three militants were killed in a US drone strike launched along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Monday. The strike happened near Kurram Agency, a tribal area in northwest Pakistan, which borders Afghanistan, Xinhua reported. Whether the strike took place on the Pakistani side or the Afghan side was not clear yet. Two vehicles were also destroyed in the strike, said the report. Monday's US drone strike is the second of its kind since the beginning of this year if it took place on the Pakistani side. There is a sharp decline in the number of US drone strikes in Pakistan in 2015 and 2016 compared with the previous years. Pakistan has always opposed US drone strikes in its territory as it said such strikes violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity. At least 20 people were killed in a tropical cyclone Winston, authorities said on Monday. Akapusi Tuifagalele, director of the National Disaster Management Office, confirmed the latest nationwide death toll, Xinhua reported. Meanwhile, officials confirmed to the government-owned Fiji Broadcasting Corporation that at least seven fishermen from the Yasawas group of islands in Fiji's western division were missing at sea. The fishermen went out to sea on Friday and have not been heard from since. Fiji has declared a state of natural disaster for a period of 30 days. A curfew imposed during the cyclone was lifted on Monday morning. China's Ministry of Commerce was working on a plan to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Fiji. Congress leaders in Tripura are sharply divided over a possible alliance the party may forge with the Left parties in the West Bengal assembly elections. Tripura Congress president Birajit Sinha and some others say they will abide by any decision of the central leaders but opposition leader Sudip Roy Barman of the Congress and his father-cum-former chief minister Samir Ranjan Barman are strongly opposed to any alliance with the Left. "We will abide by whatever decision the central leadership takes over the issue," Tripura Pradesh Congress chief Birajit Sinha said on Monday. "The CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist) is a policy-less party, it has no principles. People threw it out from power. Now it is again keen to return to power riding on the shoulder of Congress," Samir Ranjan Barman told reporters. Sudip Roy Barman had sent a note to Congress president Sonia Gandhi arguing against the alliance with the Left in West Bengal, saying it will prove "harmful" to the Congress. "Let us not forget that about 50,000 committed workers and leaders of the Congress were killed mercilessly by the CPI-M during their 34 years rule in West Bengal," Sudip Roy Barman said. His note, made available to IANS, said: "The CPI-M had always tried to tarnish the image of Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi and always put Communism higher than patriotism." But another senior Congress leader, Tapas Dey, said that it was due to the wrongdoing of the Barmans that the Congress was dislodged from power in 1993 in Tripura. The ruling CPI-M ridiculed the comments of Congress leaders. "The CPI-M has urged all democratic and secular parties to forge an alliance in West Bengal," CPI-M central committee member Gautam Das told reporters. He accused Tripura Congress leaders of having propped up terrorist outfits in a bid to oust the Left Front government in Tripura in 1988. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday welcomed an agreement announced earlier in the day by US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the terms of a nationwide cessation of hostilities in Syria scheduled to come into effect on February 27. "The secretary-general strongly urges the parties to abide by the terms of the agreement," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman. Earlier on Monday, Kerry and Lavrov reached a provisional agreement on terms of a cessation of hostilities in Syria, where more than 250,000 people have been killed since March 2011, reports Xinhua. The two foreign ministers are the co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) Ceasefire Taskforce formed in Munich, Germany. "Much work now lies ahead to ensure its implementation, and the international community, the ISSG and the Syrian parties must remain steadfast in their resolve," the statement said. Israel and the US started a joint exercise on Sunday focusing on defence against the threat of ballistic missiles, the Israeli army said. The US European Command and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) commenced the exercise known as Juniper Cobra 16 in an eighth of a series of biennial exercises between the two countries since 2001, an IDF spokesperson said. Overall 1,700 military men and civil contractors are expected to take part in the exercise, which is set to end on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported. "This exercise is part of a planned training schedule that seeks to enhance interoperability between the militaries in the context of exercising defensive capabilities," an IDF statement said. Commander of the Aerial Defence Division, Brigadier General Zvika Haimovich, said the drill is a "significant milestone" in Israeli-US defence cooperation. Although military officials say the drill is not related to any current developments, the US has recently implemented sanctions against Iran over its ballistic missile program, shortly after lifting sanctions over Tehran's nuclear program upon a deal reached in July 2015. Israel is currently at the process of finalising a ten-year memorandum of understanding with the US regarding defence assistance. As one of the largest US aid recipient, Israel receives around $3 billion annually in defence aid from Washington. Whereas both Israel and the US officials stress the strong security-related cooperation, diplomatic relations have been strained in recent years. Most of the tensions have surrounded the different approaches towards Iran's nuclear deal which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vocally objected, calling it a "historic mistake". The US government has also recently deplored Israel for its policies towards the Palestinians in the occupied territories in the West Bank, and for a wave of right-wing legislation against left-wing organisations. India is the only country that the US is supporting as a emerging global defence leader, US Ambassador Richard Verma, who is of Indian-origin, said on Monday. "We are engaged in cooperation here in India that is not only unprecedented for this relationship but is qualitatively different than those we share with any other country in the region, or the world," Verma said while delivering a lecture on "Indo-US strategic partnership: Present status and future trends" organised by the Indian Association of Foreign Affairs Correpondents (IAFAC). "Here in India we are focused on helping Indian forces develop the capabilities and platforms that will allow them to fulfill India's stated goal of becoming a leading power in the region and beyond," he said. Stating that for the US, this partnership was unique, Verma said: "There is no other country in the world that we are supporting as an emerging global defence leader. We have overhauled our approach to defense licensing to India with a presumption of approval for the vast majority of even the most sensitive platforms." According to the ambassador, who is one of only three Indian-origin envoys posted in New Delhi, the US's offers to provide Indian forces with Apache attack helicopters - the most advanced helicopter in the US inventory - Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and M777 howitzers are akin to Washington's defence relationships with its closest NATO allies. "Never in our history have we actively supported the indigenous development of an aircraft carrier program in another country. Yet, we are doing so today - the joint Aircraft Carrier Technology Working Group met here in India this past week," he said. "In the future, I am sure we will soon see US and Indian aircraft carriers operating side-by-side in the region and beyond to maintain the freedom of the seas for all nations." Verma said the US was also eager to partner with India on solutions to its pressing need for modern fighter aircraft. "We are also mindful that India does not simply want to purchase fighters but intends to establish a production line here in India that will provide for the maintenance and supply of its air force. I am hopeful that US companies and technology will play a central role in an arrangement that would see US-designed fighters built here in India in response to India's requirements," he stated. According to the ambassador, India's leadership is crucial to the Asia-Pacific region. "There is no place where India's leadership is needed more sorely that in the Asia-Pacific region," he said, adding that the region was experiencing change at a furious pace with the emergence of new democracies, territorial disputes, the effects of climate change and profound questions over the governance of the commons. Verma stated that American diplomacy in the region demonstrated that "we are here to stay in our efforts to preserve and enhance a stable and diversified security order in which countries pursue their national objectives peacefully and in accordance with international law and shared norms and principles". Stating that India the US could not do this alone, he said: "We look to India to continue to move beyond its historical reservations to seize this moment, to reassert its leadership role in the region in our shared efforts to promote the peaceful resolution of disputes, an open economic order, and a liberal political order that promotes peace and human dignity, based on human rights and the rule of law". According to Verma, it is critical for India to take its rightful place on the world stage. "It is an absolute necessity that the world's largest democracy, and one day soon the world's most populous country, make its voice heard in the international issues in this increasingly complicated and interconnected 21st century," he said. According to the ambassador, the US was committed to ensuring that India not only has a seat at the table, but that it also has the political stature to act as a global leader, through Washington's support for India's role in a reformed UN Security Council and interest in joining Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). As for the future of the India-US relationship, he said that the threat of international terror remains a defining challenge for both our countries. He said the US's counter-terrorism partnership with India will remain a central tenant of the cooperation between the two countries, "sharing sophisticated intelligence, collectively training our special operators in more advanced joint exercises, and ensuring we are both working together to counter the messages of violent extremists". "Improving economic security is also something we can tackle together," Verma stated. New Delhi, Feb 22 IANS) The Supreme Court on Monday reserved its verdict on the petitions challenging Arunachal Pradesh Governor J.P. Rajkhowa's decision to advance the assembly session and direct it to take up a resolution for the speaker's removal first, saying it would put the clock back if it found he had overstepped his jurisdiction. Governor Rajkhowa had advanced to December 16, 2015, the session that was earlier scheduled to meet on January 14, in the wake of dissident activities in the northeastern border state. He had directed that the resolution for the removal of Speaker Nabam Rebia be taken up as item number one and the party composition in the house remain unaltered. Reserving its verdict, the constitution bench of Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, Justice Dipak Misra, Justice Madan B. Lokur, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh and Justice N.V. Ramana said that if they come to conclusion that the governor had exceeded his jurisdiction in exercise of his discretionary powers, then it would put the clock back to the situation prior to December 16. Its stand came as senior counsel T.R.Andhyarijuna, appearing for Rajkhowa, said that if the court comes to the conclusion that the governor could not have advanced the assembly session and directed it to take up the removal of speaker first, then it could quash that decision only and not the recommendation for imposition of president's rule. His response came as Justice Lokur asked that if the governor's exercise of discretion goes but does the promulgation of the president's rule go too. As Andhyarijuna said "No", Justice Khehar said: "Why so. Whatever happens from December 16 (holding of the advanced assembly session) onward all goes except the disqualification of 14 MLAs which is a separate matter before the (Gauhati) high court." In an observation, the court said that "this is a defection which nobody can recognise under the constitution". At the outset, senior counsel Fali Nariman urged the court to hear their fresh plea as how could a governor, who is party to the matter being heard by the court, swear in the new chief minister on Friday while the governor's counsel had told the court that he wants to make some comments. Nariman told the court that two and half hours later, the president's rule was revoked and at a few hours hence, Rajkhowa swore in Kalikho Pul as new chief minister. Justice Khehar, presiding over the bench, said that this would be enlarging the scope of the hearing which has been already going on for so long and would lead to a hotchpotch situation. "We have to compartmentalise it," he said. He told senior counsel Nariman and Kapil Sibal that they would deal with the issues before it in a "piecemeal" manner and they must have "confidence" in the court. Both Nariman and Sibal told the court that it (court) would take its time to pronounce the judgment and in the meantime, they (the opposition) would "purchase" the MLAs and create two-third majority for themselves. But the court said that if they held that the governor has discretionary powers, then all that has happened is in place, "but if we decide that governor has no discretion then everything will go". "Clock will be set back. Somebody should know," said the bench. But as Sibal argued that "if dissolution (of the assembly) happens", then the court can't "put the clock back", the court reassured him. "Why, it can happen (clock will be put back), absolutely it will happen," said Justice Khehar, holding the court was capable of dealing with any situation and could not be confronted with fait accompli. As Andhyarijuna told the court not to go that far as it would land the court in political arena, Justice Ghosh said: "We don't know politics. We know law only." Justice Khehar said that at one stage, the bench had considered the option of concluding the hearing and pronounce the operative order with the reasoned judgment coming in due course, "but we decided otherwise because even though issues before the court have come from Arunachal Pradesh, it will affect every state". Swedish communication technology giant Ericsson, French telecommunications company Orange and US technology giant Intel have successfully conducted the world's first extended coverage trial for Internet of Things (IoT) using EC-GSM-IoT (Extended Coverage-GSM-IoT) technology in Paris. IoT, for a laymen, is a futuristic system where you can control almost everything -- from TV to refrigerator, from air-cooling to coffee machine -- with your smartphone. The trial, conducted in Paris from November 2015 to February 2016, was done for low-cost, low-complexity devices and enhanced network capabilities for cellular IoT. "The results represent a significant step forward for the industry. It demonstrates the viability and cost effectiveness of the technology and paves the way for us to help the IoT ecosystem develop," Alain Maloberti, SVP of Orange Labs Networks, said in a statement on Monday. The trial demonstrated improved indoor coverage and showed that investments could be optimised through new software deployment on top of existing cellular networks. "We are pleased with the results reached during the trial. EC-GSM-IoT is a promising technology offering new opportunities for massive IoT based on 3GPP standard evolutions," added Arun Bansal, head of business unit radio, Ericsson. EC-GSM-IoT (formerly EC-EGPRS) is a new technology that enables new capabilities of existing cellular networks for LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) IoT applications. "Improved indoor coverage is key when it comes to IoT so we are very pleased with the results achieved during the trial," Asha Keddy, vice president and general manager of intel's next generation and standards group, noted. Cellular networks optimised for IoT will be operational in 2017. EC-GSM-IoT is set to be demonstrated at the ongoing three-day Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, that began on Sunday. The government's apparent willingness to capitulate to violent protesters from the Jat community in Haryana is unfortunate. It has been reported that, after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh met some leaders of the protest, the Centre agreed to set up a committee to examine the demand, and that the Haryana state government - also led by the Bharatiya Janata Party - would introduce a Bill to grant Jats the status of Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the state. This followed an agitation in which legislators' houses were burnt down, trains and trucks were attacked, highways in and out of Delhi cut off, and a canal that supplied water to Delhi taken over. The state administration's response has been dilatory and confused. Eventually the Army was called out, and the canal is reported to have been secured, with Delhi's water supply expected to be restored soon. The agitation refused to peter out on Monday, with several roads into Delhi blocked, including National Highway 1. Over the 11 days of the agitation, at least 11 people have died and 150 have been injured. The Bharti Airtel stock gained 7.4 per cent since the announcement of a restructuring in Africa last week. Bharti had on Sunday announced it had deployed India's first commercial long-term-evolution-(LTE)-advanced (4G+) network to deliver mobile data speeds of up to 135 Mbps in Kerala; gradually, similar roll-outs would happen in the rest of India. There has been a surge in 4G (fourth generation) handsets as well as usage, which the company is looking to take advantage of. About 15 million handsets were shipped in the December quarter (current base 12 million). While there is little doubt about 4G growth, analysts are worried about a price war once Reliance Jio Infocomm (RJio) rolls out its services. Analysts at Fitch group's India Ratings say the proposed launch could disrupt data pricing, leading to data realisations softening 30-40 per cent from the current levels in FY17. While consumption volumes are growing at 30-35 per cent annually, a steeper decline in data realisations could lower data revenue per user. The bigger monitorable is voice pricing. As voice continues to bring in 70 per cent of revenues for the sector, Bharti Airtel is experimenting with voice over LTE (VoLTE) trials. RJio, which is expected to launch its 4G services in the second half of 2016, is to offer VoLTE. However, voice growth has been muted even in a seasonally strong December quarter, with data driving revenue. Currently, the cost of an LTE voice call is a fifth of normal voice call. So, RJio's entry is a threat. But, Bharti's VoLTE launch provides some comfort due to its ability to retain customers, if the worse comes true. In Bharti's Africa operations, the recent restructuring should help it gain traction in revenue and cash flow. Bharti is merging its Bangladesh operations with Axiata and monetising its Sri Lanka operations, which should cut losses and improve liquidity. Do you subscribe to the view that Bihar has a negative brand image? If yes, do you know how the state acquired such an image? According to the state's Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, filmmakers such as Prakash Jha should be held responsible for the negative image of the state. While inaugurating the Patna Film Festival last week, he lamented that the 2003 Hindi film Gangaajal, made by Jha, and Bahubali, a television serial aired on Mahua channel, presented the state in a bad light. Incidentally, the film's sequel, Jai Gangaajal, again based in Bihar and directed by Jha, is slated to hit theatres soon. On February 29, observers around the world will be watching as India's government presents its 2016-2017 Budget. They will be looking for signs that India, today the world's fastest expanding major economy, will continue to grow at pace, and help shore up a slumping global economy. But until India is more integrated with the global economy, its potential to buttress domestic as well as global growth will remain limited. The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) community was extremely nervous a day after the arrest of the students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar. The support from other political parties and leaders, including Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, helped in bolstering confidence. The JNU community was keen to have Kejriwal address the students. The Delhi CM was busy with programmes to mark one year of his government. Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury was also approached. He spoke to Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, requesting him to address the students. The Congress leader agreed, even ignoring those within his party who advised against it. They argued that the JNU battle wasn't the Congress' to fight. But Gandhi, spurred by his "conviction" to stand with students, landed at JNU. The only assurance Yechury sought and got from the JNU community was a promise that Gandhi will not be asked to leave the campus or shown black flags. Only students of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad showed black flags to Gandhi. India is an old country but a young nation-state. Sixty-six years is not much in the life of a nation but ours already seems to require geriatric care, if it is to keep its health and live long. The next round of deep regulatory intervention from the judiciary seems to be brewing. It could result in matters for which specific regulators have been created coming in for direct policy-making from the judiciary. Utterances from the bench have indicated that wisdom of will be tested this time. A few weeks ago, lured by the ease of online ordering, I bought several autobiographies of politicians. The one I ordered first arrived last. One or two never arrived at all. PM Narendra Modis acerbic comments about attempts to destabilise his government and his partys strong remarks on the events in Jawaharlal Nehru University indicate another fractious session of Parliament. This is despite the government attempting to deflect possible conflict with Opposition parties ahead of the Budget session, which begins on Tuesday. It is hoping the Opposition desists from disrupting the Presidents Address to the joint session of the two Houses, customarily delivered at the start of the first session of the year. Disruption of this speech rarely happens and would indicate a new low. To meet the opposition halfway, the government was ready to sequence bills in a way that contentious issues like the goods and services tax (GST) were left for the last, and by suspending other matters at hand to take up issues that are agitating the Opposition, like JNU. It was also being careful about not roiling the waters. For instance, although the absconding students of JNU were back on campus, the police was still awaiting instructions on ebign allowed into the campus. BJP leaders who have spoken out of turn were publicly upbraided by seniors. Haryana finance minister Abhimanyu, for example, did not mince words in criticising Kurukshetra MP R K Saini for anti-Jat remarks and the party issued the latter a showcause notice. When CPI leader D Raja drew the attention of parliamentary affairs minister Venkaiah Naidu to the remark of his party colleagues about Rajas daughters involvement in JNU and their advice that Raja shoot her, Naidu instantly went on television to slam the conduct of a man who is a party colleague. All these remarks were being described as the work of over-enthusiastic elements much like the way party leaders slammed the statements of Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti and others. However, it seems the Congress and even the normally responsible Left parties are unmoved. CPI(M) chief Sitaram Yechury warned that if D Raja was arrested (cases have been filed against him in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere), Parliament would not run. After a meeting of the Congress Working Committee, party head Sonia Gandhi accused the government of muzzling the voice of Opposition parties, civil society and students. (They) are hell-bent on destroying the spirit of enquiry, debate and dissent. The BJP-RSS failed to restore the economy and propel growth. It took 21 months for the PM to engage with the Opposition. We want Parliament to function but it is the governments responsibility to make it run, she warned. For the record, other political parties said they were ready to get Parliament to transact business. However, Yechury indicated Left parties view that the government was, by its actions and statements, inviting disruption. All this suggests a disturbed session, with discussion in the government on whether it would be worthwhile to have a second part of the session at all, with assembly elections in five states round the corner. If the decision to scrap the second part of the session is taken, GST will be postponed to the monsoon session. At least 100 companies of central forces are likely to arrive in West Bengal by the first week of March ahead of the assembly election in the state. "We have information that at least 100 companies of central forces are likely to reach here during first week of March ahead of the state assembly polls," sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said. This was indicative that announcement of elections in West Bengal and some other states would be done early next month, the sources said. Preparations are already on in the state since the visit of the full bench of Election Commission in December. Revised electoral rolls are almost ready in the state and work is now in the last lap for deletion of some double entries and names of dead voters from the roll, the sources added. National School of Drama's annual international theatre festival Bharat Rang Mahotsav came to a close in the presence of eminent personalities here. The closing ceremony of the 21-day event last night, which was attended by renowned Hindi writer Mannu Bhandari and famous Pandwani artist Teejan, was followed by a musical performance of NSD Repertory Company's "Swar Yatra". Ratan Thiyam, Chairman, National School of Drama Society called the 18th edition of the theatre festival an "unforgettable experience." "As it concludes, I thank everyone for their wholehearted participation for this edition and hope that the 19th edition in the spring next year is an even better success." NSD Director Waman Kendre said during the past few weeks over 80 plays from 11 countries (apart from India) was performed. The 18th Bharat Rang Mahotsav was held in New Delhi, while the parallel festivals this year took place in Jammu, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar and Thiruvananthapuram between February 3 to 14. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State, Ministry of Tourism & Culture was the Chief Guest for the evening. Key 26/11 plotter Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal's lawyer today informed a court here that he wanted to cross-examine Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley for four days. Also, Judge G A Sanap today directed Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to contact US authorities, check their availability for Headley's second round of deposition and inform the court by February 25. Once the availability is checked, the court will fix dates for Headley's deposition. Meanwhile, Jundal's lawyer Abdul Wahab Khan also moved applications objecting to Headley being made an approver in the 2008 terror attacks case besides making pleas seeking copies of certain documents and CDs. Earlier on February 13, the day on which Headley's week-long deposition ended, the court had adjourned the case for cross-examination by Jundal's lawyer for a future date. Headley, who is serving a 35-year jail term in the US in connection with the terror attacks case, had made some damning disclosures about LeT and al-Qaeda's plans to target India, during his testimony which began on February 8. He spilled the beans on how Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI provides "financial, military and moral support" to terror outfits like LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen and how LeT had planned and executed the 26/11 attacks. He also revealed the role played by him and ISI officials in the attack. He also revealed that LeT had planned an attack at a conference of Indian defence scientists at the Taj Mahal Hotel a year before the 26/11 strikes and had even prepared its dummy. Deposing via a video-link from the US, the 55-year-old terrorist had the court that Ishrat Jahan, who was killed in an alleged fake encounter in 2004 in Gujarat, was an operative of LeT. Headley had also revealed that al-Qaeda was in touch with him to attack Delhi's Defence College and unravelled the plot by LeT and ISI to target Mumbai airport, BARC and the Naval air station here. He also visited the Indian Army's Southern Command headquarters at Pune in 2009 on the instructions of ISI's Major Iqbal, who wanted him to recruit some military personnel to get "classified" information, the court was told. Three persons were killed and nine injured as stone-pelting protestors clashed with army and paramilitary personnel who were trying to clear a road blockade on Ambala-Delhi National Highway at Ladsoli village in this district, taking the toll in the Jat agitation to 19. Efforts to reopen the crucial highway failed with the protestors putting up blockade at several places between Panipat and Delhi. The highway connects Delhi with North India, including Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. Shortly after clearance of the National Highway, protestors gathered on the highway at Ladsoli, between Ganaur and Murthal. The mob attacked personnel of army and paramilitary forces who were trying to clear the road blockade leading to a clash in which three persons were killed and nine others were injured, a police spokesperson said. He said those killed were identified as Sunny (of Gandhi Nagar), Rajesh (Samli), both of Ganaur area and Sandeep (Phansi, Sonipat). The nine injured have been admitted to PGI, Khanpur near Sonipat, the spokesman said. Sonipat Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Rattan said the mob pelted stones on the army and paramilitary person and used batons and other things, leaving many of the security forces injured in the process. The mob went berserk setting on fire government and private vehicles, indulging in vandalism and attacking the security forces, he said adding there was tension in the entire area, but efforts were being made to bring the situation under control. As efforts were on to clear the blockade at Ladsoli, two other blockades were reported from Beeswan Meel near Rai and Kamaspur near Bahalgarh with protestors taking on the security personnel. The police had used force including baton charge, on the protestors at both the places and again later at Ladsoli, where the protestors reassembled. At least five policemen were injured when supporters of a suspected criminal from Himachal Pradesh attacked them with stones in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir today. Three policemen from Himachal Pradesh and two personnel of J&K police were injured when the supporters of Gulzar Hussain, wanted in a theft case, started pelting stones at them, a police officer said. A team of Himachal Pradesh police had come to arrest Hussain in Sarore area of Samba district today, he said. One of the accused has been arrested and a case has been registered against the rest of them, he said. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and working president Omar Abdullah today expressed grief over the killing of five security force personnel including two army officers and a civilian in the Pampore encounter. Abdullah and Omar expressed solidarity with the families of the vctims, saying ivolence is unacceptable and there can never be any acceptable alternative to peace. "I express solidarity with the families of the army officers and security personnel who laid down their lives and the family of the civilian who was killed in Pampore," Abdullah said. Omar said the need for sustained peace cannot be overemphasised and violence in no shape or form was acceptable. I express my sincere condolences and extend my heartfelt solidarity to the bereaved families and pray for peace to the departed souls, he said. The Madras High Court today was appraised by the Additional Solicitor General G Rajagopalan that UGC would take action against those universities which have not yet adopted the UGC regulations in appointment of Vice-chancellors. The submission was on PIL filed by Change India, an NGO, has come up before the First Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana. Additional Solicitor General of India G Rajagopalan, representing UGC, told that UGC would very soon take action in the matter once immediately after receiving the response from the Union of India to the communication sent by UGC. A PIL contended that that advertisements were called by various universities in Tamil Nadu without adopting the regulations of UGC which is against law. The petitioner further alleged that it would not be permissible to adopt different procedures for the selection of VCs to different universities. The bench, which reserved its order for Monday, lambasted the UGC for not taking action against the universities after reminding the repeated submissions of Advocate General A L Somayaji, appearing on behalf of the State Government, that implementing the UGC regulations is under consideration of state government. The Madras High Court here today convicted and sentenced Madurai-based advocate Peter Ramesh to six months simple imprisonment in a contempt of court case. A division bench, comprising Justices V Ramasubramanian and K Ravichandra Baabu before which the suo motu contempt case filed against Ramesh came up, however suspended the sentence for 15 days, enabling him to go for on appeal. The bench also barred Ramesh from appearing in any court in India for six months and directed him to pay a fine of Rs 2,000. It also granted him a week's time to pay the fine. The bench, however, made it clear there was no suspension of fine and with regard to practice before any court of law. On February 16, the Madras HC had held Ramesh guilty of the charges of contempt framed against him, observing that the behaviour of "the contemnor has grown from bad to worse..." Hearing the contempt petition against him, the same division bench had said it was holding him guilty of the criminal charges of contempt framed against him on February 4. It had then directed him to appear before it today to decide on the quantum of punishment. Ramesh had in a memo denied all charges, describing them as "motivated, prejudiced and concocted". The bench had said the contemnor had not categorically denied his behaviour in open court and the challenge he threw against the judges who initiated the procedure. The bench had said it had observed as in their earlier orders that the attitude of Ramesh was one of aggravating the contempt. He had kept shouting in open court and raised irrelevant issues and accused the court. "In fact, his behaviour has grown from bad to worse, whenever the contempt was listed," it had said. The Madurai bench of the HC had already initiated suo motu criminal contempt of court proceedings against Peter, former president of the Madurai unit of High Court Advocates Association, for allegedly disrupting court proceedings on September 16 last and challenging the court to act against him. Afghan troops have retreated from two districts in the southern province of Helmand, officials said today, a move which highlights the challenge from Taliban fighters in the opium-producing region. "The Afghan army retreated from two army bases in Musa Qala and one base from Nawzad district" on Saturday, provincial governor Khan Rahimi told AFP, leaving no troops anywhere in those districts. He said the soldiers had moved to other parts of Helmand such as the heavily-contested districts of Lashkar Gah and Sangin, adding: "We have no concerns regarding this step but we have plans to ensure security in other vulnerable areas." But the decision was criticised by Abdul Majeed Akhundzada, deputy chief of the provincial council. "Retreating from Musa Qala looks to me like ignoring the deaths of Afghan security forces and the civilians," Akhundzada said. Helmand has seen some of the fiercest battles of the Taliban's battle against local and foreign forces that began in 2001. The militants have intensified their campaign in the province since the NATO combat mission in the war-torn country officially ended in 2014. Last October President Barack Obama announced that thousands of US troops would remain in Afghanistan past 2016 in what is officially a training and support role, backpedalling on previous plans to reduce the force and acknowledging that Afghan forces are not ready to stand alone. The US has deployed several hundred troops in Helmand in recent weeks. In August last year Taliban insurgents briefly captured the town of Musa Qala before Afghan forces backed by NATO retook it. Last December a Taliban offensive drove Afghan forces from most of Sangin, a major poppy growing area in in the province. The onslaught raised fears that Afghan forces were too overstretched to fend off the insurgents. "Retreating is something normal," said Moeen Faqiri, army corps commander in Helmand, adding that the areas were not heavily populated. The retreat came days before the fourth round of talks between representatives of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the US to be held in Kabul. The talks do not involve the Taliban but indicated that the insurgents may be willing to return to negotiations six months after a round of direct dialogue collapsed. A suicide bomber targeting a police commander killed at least 13 people today, including nine civilians, in Afghanistan's northern Parwan province, an official said. The attack happened near a clinic and a bazaar, said Gen Zaman Mamozai, the provincial police chief. Four local police were among those killed, and another 19 people, including 17 civilians, were wounded, he said. The police commander who was targeted in the attack was among those wounded. "Once again, a Taliban suicide bomber attacked innocent civilians," Mamozai said, adding that the bazaar was packed with shoppers and that people were waiting outside the clinic for treatment. The Taliban claimed responsibility in an email sent to media. The UN's mission in Afghanistan reported earlier this month that most of the 11,000 civilians killed and wounded in 2015 were the victims of insurgent attacks. A total of 3,545 civilians were killed last year as a result of the war, the UN report said, with another 7,457 wounded. The figures mark a 4 per cent drop in civilian deaths from the previous year, but a 9 percent rise in civilians wounded. Taliban insurgents regularly target Afghan security forces, often killing civilians in the process. "Mob Wives" star Angela 'Big Ang' Raiola's estranged husband Neil Murphy was in attendance at her first funeral service. Raiola's former beau, who was reportedly at the brunette beauty's bedside when she died three days ago, was present at the first of four visitations that took place at Scarpaci Funeral Home in Brooklyn this weekend, reported Female First. The visitations come just two days before the reality TV star will be officially laid to rest at the Basilica of Regina Pacis in her hometown of Staten Island in New York. Raiola passed away on February 18 at the age of 55, following an aggressive battle with throat cancer that had spread to her brain and lungs, following her tragic diagnosis in March 2015. Indicating Centre's firm stand on the JNU row, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh today said that the 'anti-national' sloganeering by anyone would not be tolerated. "It is clear to one and all that 'anti-national' slogans that were raised in the JNU campus last week...We'll not tolerate such things," he told reporters on the sidelines of the 16th foundation day celebrations of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), Eastern Region. Claiming that raising 'anti-national' slogans by anyone comes under the ambit of seditious activities, Singh said that such activities would not be tolerated. On the JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar's arrest on sedition charge, the minister said that no one could be held guilty till completion of trial by the court. Without taking the name of Kumar, a native of Bihar's Begusarai district, Singh said that organizing an event at which 'anti-national slogans' were raised also amounted to commission of seditious activities. Singh also flayed those who are justifying students who raised 'anti-national' slogans on the grounds of freedom of speech and expression saying that one must also take note of a case in Pakistan where a fan of the Indian batsman Virat Kohli was sentenced to ten years imprisonment for hoisting India's flag atop his house in admiration of Kohli. Government-owned Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable Television Corporation, as part of enhancing its services, has created a page on popular social networking site Facebook to provide information about the E-Seva Centres. E-Seva centres run by the Corporation provide an opportunity for people to get details about the government services like getting caste certificates, birth certificates, AADHAR card, voter's identity card besides payment of utility bills. Currently, there were 470 such E-Seva centres operating across the State, an official release said. As part of tapping social networking portals, the Corporation has created a Facebook page giving details about the E-Seva centres along with the fee structure for getting the services. A mobile application on Android operating system was already created and so far over 7,832 people were using the service. The army today bid adieu to Captain Tushar Mahajan who was killed while fighting terrorists in Pampore of South Kashmir's Pulwama district. Senior army officers, including General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Commanding, Lt Gen D S Hooda and several other officers attended the wreath laying ceremony at the Headquarters of Northern Command here. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Udhampur Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, DIG Udhampur-Reasi range, SSP Udhampur besides other officials of the police and civil administration also paid tributes. The family members, including Mahajan's father and mother, were present at the ceremony. "The Army Commander (Northern Command) and other senior officials paid their rich tributes to the brave son of the soil who laid down his life for the country," a Defence spokesman said. He said the last rites of Captain Tushar will be performed with full military honours this evening at his hometown. In fresh trouble for Art of Living's three-day 'World Culture Festival', a Noida-based environmentalist today moved the National Green Tribunal against the foundation's plan to release 'enzymes' into 17 drains joining Yamuna for cleaning the river. Petitioner Anand Arya has referred to reports in which Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of Art of Living, has stated that lakhs of people are bringing "enzymes" which would be released in the dirty drains to cleanse the water. The three-day event will be held from March 11-13 on the west bank of Yamuna flood plains to celebrate 35 years of The Art of Living foundation. The President and the Prime Minister have given their consent to the part of inaugural ceremony. "This proposed activity would be in blatant violation of the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, since it is, basically, introducing foreign elements into the river, without any scientific study or information," Arya said in his plea. He also raised questions with respect to the release of the enzymes and asked whether these "foreign elements" have approval from the central or state pollution control boards. "If so approved, can the results as submitted for approvals from central or state pollution control boards be shared and published in the newspapers by Art of Living," the environmentalist has asked. Earlier, the green panel had issued notices to the Delhi government, Delhi Development Authority and Art of Living Foundation on another plea seeking stoppage of ongoing construction work on the flood plains of Yamuna. It had also constituted an expert committee headed by Water Resources Secretary Shashi Shekhar along with professors Gosain, C R Babu and Prof Brij Gopal from Jaipur and directed them to inspect the site in question. Lawyers for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said today they had asked a Stockholm court to lift a pan-European warrant for his arrest over a 2010 rape allegation. His lawyers were basing their request on a February 5 non-binding legal opinion of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which said Assange's confinement amounted to an arbitrary detention by Sweden and Britain. "I think (the opinion of the UN working group) is an important fact and should be taken into account," Tomas Olsson, a lawyer for Assange, told AFP. "We want them to retry the decision and overrule it," he said. The 44-year-old Australian sought refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London in June 2012 after exhausting all his legal options in Britain against extradition to Sweden over his alleged sex crimes, which he has denied. Appeals to have the warrant dropped were also denied. Swedish authorities want to speak to Assange about the rape allegation dating back to 2010 and whose statute of limitations does not expire until 2020. Assange has lived at the embassy since 2012, in a small office room with a bed, computer, sun lamp, treadmill and access to a small balcony decorated with Ecuador's flag. Assange fears that if he were sent to Sweden, he could be extradited to the United States to be tried over the publication of hundreds of thousands of classified documents. WikiLeaks filed a complaint against Sweden and Britain to the UN working group in September 2014, claiming his confinement in the embassy was unlawful. Both Britain and Sweden have angrily disputed the group's findings. Founded by Assange in 2006, WikiLeaks has infuriated the United States by releasing some 500,000 secret military files on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and 250,000 diplomatic cables. The Odisha government today asked commercial and nationalized banks to increase Credit Deposit (CD) ratio in the state and cover unbanked gram panchayats either through brick and mortar branches or banking correspondents. "The banks need to prioritize loan advance to the agriculture and MSME sectors," Chief Secretary A P Padhi said while addressing the State Level Bankers Coordination (SLBC) meeting. "Core of banking activity is the advance of credit. The credit flow to entrepreneurs is the life and blood channel Of the economy. "The programmes like Start Up India, employment generation, livelihood enhancement and others remain unrealized without adequate credit flow to agriculture and MSME sectors," he said. Stating that around 70 per cent of the credit flow to agriculture sector comes from cooperative banks, Padhi said commercial banks financed only about 30 per cent. He urged upon the banks to improve agricultural financing at par with cooperative banks. Emphasizing on opening of banks in unbanked GPs of the backward districts like Malkangiri, Nuapada, Nabarangpur and Kandhamal, Padhi said that the state government would bear the cost of V-Sat connectivity and provide office space at GP level to the banks that would open new branches in those areas. Earlier, the state government had decided to undertake transaction of GP funds, state grants to GPS and subsidies to people through the bank at GP level. Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, R Balakrishnan emphasized on formation of thematic sub-groups on various sectors for more focused growth strategies. It was resolved at the SLBC to hold the meetings of these sub-groups more frequently to review of the progress and sort out the issues. The total number of banks in Odisha has meanwhile increased to 4,765 by the end of December, 2015, out of which 2,604 branches are in rural areas. Around 99 new branches have been opened in the state during the period from April, 2015 to December, 2015. However, about 75 per cent of the remote GPs in the state do not have branch of any bank. The deposit in the banks in the state has increased to Rs 2,08,753.59 crore by December, 2015 thereby showing a growth of around 9.63 per cent over last year. On the other hand, the credit advance has come down during the period from December, 2014 to December, 2015. The Credit Deposit ratio by end of December, 2014 was around 76 per cent which came down to around 72 per cent by end of December, 2015. Taking note of decline in the CD ratio, Padhi asked The banks to enhance the credit investment in the state. However, the credit advance to priority sector including agriculture has increased to Rs 66,072 crore by December, 2015 thereby showing an increase of around 20 per cent over the last year. Hours after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat batted for forming an apolitical committee to decide on eligibility for reservation, Congress said he has a habit of saying controversial things and people affiliated to him should "reform" him or masses will do so. "He (Bhagwat) always says controversial things. He had earlier said reservation should be reviewed and that it should end. This has been his habit. His people should take care of him or masses will reform him," Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said after an all-party meeting called by the Speaker. In the wake of the Jat agitation in Harayana over quota, Bhagwat today suggested that a non-political committee be formed to decide on eligibility for reservation. "Many people are demanding reservation. I feel a committee should be formed to decide who are eligible for reservation. The committee should be apolitical so that there are no vested interests," Bhagwat had said in Kolkata. The JD(U) also condemned the "repeated efforts" of Bhagwat to abolish the ongoing reservation policy. "This is not for the first time that such a statement to review the reservation policy has been made by the BJP or the RSS leader...Such statements made by BJP and RSS leaders are against the spirit of Constitution," JD(U) leader K C Tyagi said in a statement. At the BHU convocation here, a youth today raised the demand for restoration of students' union at the university and wanted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to listen to him but was detained by police. The youth, who identified himself as BHU's B.A. II year student Ashutosh Singh, started started shouting "Modi ji, please listen to the voice of the students community" as soon as the Prime Minister finished his speech and was getting off the stage. He was immediately whisked away by the police personnel present there. The commotion apparently did not catch sight of the Prime Minister or other dignitaries accompanying him as the visitors' gallery was a few hundred metres away from the stage. While being taken out of the Amphitheatre Ground, where the convocation ceremony was held, the youth told reporters "my name is Ashutosh Singh and I am a student of B.A II year. I wanted to apprise the PM of the fact that the students' union at BHU was banned long ago and varsity authorities have been reluctant to restore the same." The policemen who whisked away the youth said he would be "released soon without being booked for any serious crime." The students' union in BHU was banned about a decade ago after the varsity campus was rocked by violence. The union has thereafter been replaced by a Students' Council, which has office-bearers elected by "representatives" from each class. A section of students has been, however, demanding restoration of the students' union wherein the president and other office-bearers are elected directly. (Reopen DES49) Ashutosh, who was sitting in the Visitors' Gallery, said he had wished to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister with the demand that the BHU students' union be restored but permission for the same was not granted by the varsity authorities. Outside, a number of BSP supporters were chased away by police from the Lanka Chauraha, a few hundred metres from the BHU premises, where they were shouting slogans in protest against the visit of the Prime Minister. Modi's visit came at a time when political temperatures are running high over the issues of Rohith's suicide and JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar being sent to jail on charges of sedition. However, the Prime Minister, who donned a white kurta-pyjama and an orange turban - the attire that students and dignitaries wore on the occasion -- steered clear of making any reference to the contentious issues. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat today accused the BJP of creating an atmosphere of "hatred" and "intolerance" towards its rivals in a "planned manner" and urged democratic forces and intellectuals to oppose it. Referring to a recent statement by a BJP MLA wherein he had called Rahul Gandhi a "traitor" and said he should be "hanged and shot" for siding with "anti-national" elements in JNU, Rawat said he was expecting the party leadership to express regret. "This has not been done and it's regrettable. It seems the BJP wants to take the country back to the stone age. The BJP's model is against the basic principle of democracy," Rawat told a press conference here. He asked the BJP to "behave responsibly" as a ruling party and said, "Earlier they branded JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar a traitor and then they did the same to Rahul Gandhi." "Who has given them the right to declare people traitor? The BJP itself is targeting people and branding them traitor. This way democracy will be in danger," he said. Referring to Pro-Afzal Guru slogans allegedly raised during an event in the JNU he said, "Afzal was hanged when there was UPA government hence such slogans are against us (the UPA). Why the BJP is coming forward against it?" he asked. He said while anybody raising anti-India slogans should not be spared, terming the entire varsity anti-national is wrong. He said that BJP is "pressuring" the Opposition today tomorrow they will do the same with the media. BJP today criticized former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda for his attempt to enter Rohtak, wondering if it is a "political stunt" at a time when the region is "burning" and said such behaviour is not expected of the senior Congress leader. "At a time when Rohtak is burning, Jhajjar is burning and the situation is bad in Sonipat, you (Hooda) claim that you will go there to appeal for peace. "I do not want to say who added fuel to the fire but please do not show such emotions that make people believe that it is a political stunt. This behaviour is not expected of a senior and seasoned politician like him," BJP General Secretary and the state in-charge Anil Jain said. Jain said once peace returns to the state, Hooda and other leaders can go but the administration's top priority was to restore law and order. Hooda was today not allowed to visit Rohtak, the epicentre of the Jat stir for quota, due to the law and order problem. Jain said the situation had "improved" in the state to some extent, noting that blockades and protests at 400 out 450 places have been lifted after the state government "agreed" to the protesters' demands and BJP also formed a committee under Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu in this regard. BJP leaders also saw a larger "conspiracy" behind the Jat stir turning violent and claimed that the concentration of arson in places like Rohtak, Jhajjar, Sonipat and the neighbouring areas, where Hooda enjoys considerably support, was not a coincidence. "Let's wait for the identification of the people behind the violence for things to clear," a leader said. They said violent agitation by formidable peasant communities in various states, like Patels in Gujarat, Kapus in Adhra Pradesh besides Jats in Haryana, pointed to a larger "design" aimed at cornering the Narendra Modi government. Britain's citizens could be left more vulnerable to attacks by terror groups and organised crime gangs if they decide to leave the European Union, the continent's policing agency warned today. "I see a very clear picture of the United Kingdom's dependency on the EU to help protect its security interest," Europol's director Rob Wainwright said in The Hague. Should Britain leave in a so-called "Brexit" it will "no longer have the benefits that it currently has," Wainwright told reporters in The Hague, speaking on the sidelines of a conference on combatting migrant smugglers into Europe. This included "direct access to our database, the ability to involve itself into our intelligence projects and many other areas," he said. Europol's warning follows remarks by British Prime Minister David Cameron over the weekend that a Brexit would offer "risk in a time of uncertainty." Britain would be "safer, stronger and better off" in the 28-member bloc, Cameron said Saturday after announcing June 23 as the date for a referendum on the issue. The issue has deeply divided Britain's ruling Conservative Party with five cabinet members as well as London's outspoken mayor Boris Johnson supporting the "Leave" campaign, and the country's continued security is a key issue. Following Cameron's remarks, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith told the BBC that staying in the EU would make the country more vulnerable to Paris-style attacks. And Justice Secretary Michael Gove, who also backs an exit, told British media that the EU's policies "have become a source of instability and insecurity," which has encouraged extremism. Wainwright however said even if Britain would negotiate an agreement with Europol in the event of leaving "it will not be a full member any longer and will not enjoy the benefits. A Border Security Force (BSF) personnel was injured when a landmine went off along the International Border in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir today. Head Constable Ujhan Bara, who along with others was on patrol duty along the IB near the Regal border outpost (BOP), was injured in the blast, a police officer said. The injured BSF personnel has been admitted to Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital, Jammu. The Budget session of Andhra Pradesh State Legislature will begin in Hyderabad on March 5. Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu will present the state budget for 2016-17 financial year on March 10. Simultaneously, Agriculture Minister P Pulla Rao will present an exclusive budget for the agriculture sector on the same day, Ramakrishnudu, who also holds the Legislative Affairs portfolio said here today. The minister was addressing the inaugural session of the two-day conference of district collectors here today. The budget session is expected to continue till the end of March with 18 working days, official sources said. This will possibly be the last session of the AP Legislature to be held in Hyderabad, the joint Capital of AP and Telangana, as a new Legislature building is being built in Velagapudi village in the state's capital region Amaravati. Prime Minister David Cameron today used trade deals between the European Union (EU) and India as part of his case to convince the British Parliament against so-called "Brexit" from the EU, a referendum for which will be held on June 23. Cameron, who secured a deal on EU reforms at a summit in Brussels last week, asked lawmakers to favour to stay within the EU to prevent the UK losing its "negotiating muscle" in future trade and investment deals in the event of an exit from the 28-nation bloc. "We have secured commitments to complete trade and investment agreements with the fastest growing and most dynamic economies around the world, including the USA, Japan and China as well as our Commonwealth allies India, New Zealand and Australia," Cameron told the House of Commons in his speech to officially table June 23 as the date of the in-out referendum in Parliament. "These deals could add billions of pounds and thousands of jobs to our economy every year... As a result of the negotiating muscle that comes with being part of the world's largest trading bloc. "Country after country have said to me that of course they could sign trade deals with Britain but they also said that their priorities will be trade deals with EU," he said. Cameron's speech can be seen as an indirect reference to a long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) being negotiated between India and the EU. He sought to warn Eurosceptics that the UK's exit would be a "recipe for uncertainty and disaster" for such trade pacts. "By their very nature, these EU deals would be bigger and better and a deal with Britain would not even be possible until we have settled our position outside the EU, which means years and years of delay," he warned. The lines have now been drawn between the 'Leave' and 'Remain' camps for the referendum, with as many as 100 MPs of his own Conservative party saying they would back 'Leave' including his Indian Diaspora champion Priti Patel. The poster boy for the 'Leave' campaign has now emerged as Mayor of London Boris Johnson, seen as a potential successor to Cameron and future prime minister, whose announcement yesterday came as a big blow to the PM. In his Commons statement today, Cameron stressed that the new deal he had negotiated with the EU would give the UK a "special status" within the EU and ensure it never becomes part of a European super-state. It is the first time lawmakers have had the chance to question Cameron since Friday's agreement ahead of the referendum in four months' time. Captain Tushar Mahajan who was killed while fighting terrorists in Pampore of South Kashmir's Pulwama district was cremated with full state honours at his native town of Udhampur this evening. A large number of people from all walks of life, joined the slain soldier's family and the Army to pay their last respect to the 'son of the soil' who laid down his life for the nation. The father of the deceased Captain lit the pyre as the last rites were performed. Senior army officers and officials from the civil and police administration gathered at the Udhampur cremation ground to pay their last respects to the officer. Earlier in the day, senior army officers, including General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command, Lt Gen D S Hooda, and several other officers attended the wreath laying ceremony at the Headquarters of Northern Command. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Udhampur Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, DIG Udhampur-Reasi range, SSP Udhampur besides other officials of the police and civil administration also paid their tributes to the soldier. Home appliances maker Carrier Midea India is aiming for 40 per cent growth in sales this year on the back of good performance by AC segment, which contributes three-fourths of its total revenue, as well as other product categories. The company, a 40:60 JV between US-based Carrier Corporation and China's G D Midea, is also expanding its sales network and would have 3,200 retail outlets selling its range of products by the end of March, 2016. "We are targeting 40 per cent growth in 2016. However ACs, which has a total contribution from 75 to 80 per cent, would come down to 70 to 75. Other categories would grow," Carrier Midea India MD Kishan Sachdev told PTI. At present, Carrier Midea India has an annual turnover of Rs 1,000 crore. Carrier Midea, which has its core presence in AC segment also sells washing machines, water heaters, water dispensers, air purifiers, wine cooler and microwaves in India. "In 2015 we grew approximately 30 per cent and a year before that in 2014 we grew over 40 per cent," he added. Carrier Midea India, as a market strategy has decided not to increase the price of its existing AC models this season as it has been able to keep prices under check due to local manufacturing and localisation. "Almost 100 per cent of our range is manufactured in our factory here. Presently almost 66 per cent of the components are imported (by value) including compressor. Besides this other components are localised," said Sachdev. The company is now manufacturing all models here except some niche ones, which are directly imported. He further said: "Over the last two years, our volumes have increased 90 per cent and we have achieved a certain scale and our factory efficiency has increased. In spite of 10 per cent increase in foreign exchange, we have been able to keep the prices flat". Carrier Midea has a manufacturing unit at Bawal, Haryana with a capacity to role out 7 lakh AC units per year. When asked about exports, Mahajan said: "At the moment, the company is focusing on the domestic market only". This season, Carrier Midea would have a product range of 115 models of ACs, in which 78 would be under Carrier brand and rest 37 are under Midea. "Carrier has majority of volume. Midea is still a new brand in the market here. Of course, the growth rate of Midea is faster due to its smaller base," he added. A stone-pelting mob today attacked personnel of army and paramilitary forces who were trying to clear the road blockade in Sonipat, leading to a clash in which there were some "casualties". "Yes, there are casualties, may be one or three, but I can't give any exact figure immediately," Sonipat Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Rattan told PTI over phone. He said the personnel of Army, paramilitary forces and the police who were trying to clear the road blockade were attacked by the mob which pelted stones on them and used lathis and other things, leaving many of the security forces also injured in the process. The mob went berserk setting on fire government vehicles, indulging in vandalism and attacking the security forces, the DC said. There was tension in the entire area, but efforts were being made to bring the situation under control, he said. The latest incident came within hours after two columns of the Army comprising around 150 personnel, besides CRPF and Haryana Police contingents took control of the Munak canal at around 4 AM today from protesters had cut off the water supply to Delhi, from Akbarpur-Barota in Sonipat. Sonipat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Bhiwani and Hisar have been the worst-hit districts of the ongoing Jat stir. The protesters continued to block some roads including the arterial Delhi-Ambala highway, demanding a written assurance that the community will be given reservation in the state. People in Rohtak protest in front of Home Minister Rajnath Singh residence in New Delhi on Saturday, Feb 20, 2016 PTI The Centre today directed security forces to forcefully clear all blockades put by Jats, whose violent agitations has paralysed normal life in Haryana. The clear instruction was given to the central security personnel, deployed to assist the Haryana administration to bring back normalcy as soon as possible as there is a feeling of a breakdown in the law-and-order situation, a senior government official said. Protesting Jats were squatting on highways, state roads, railway tracks, canals and dams in Haryana, disrupting the normal life. "The security forces were asked to clear all the places where the protesters were squatting, affecting communication network and water supply," he added. As the Highway 1, the lifeline of Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh, was blocked for the third consecutive day, the central government has given top most priority to clear the vital roadlink. Railway links between Delhi and Ambala and beyond was also snapped due to the protests and subsequent violence by the agitating Jats, who have been demanding reservation in jobs. As road and train communication links were disrupted, airfares between Delhi and Chandigarh. The Highway 10 connecting Hisar, Jind and Rohtak with Delhi has also been blocked completely and instruction has been issued to clear the road too. Security forces were also asked to take strong action against anyone who indulges in violence, damaging public and private property. At least 6,500 paramilitary forces besides Army columns were deployed to assist the Haryana government to restore peace after several days of violence. The central government was particularly anxious that despite an announcement of accepting their demands, the Jats were yet to shun violence. Earlier, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had announced that a committee headed by Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu has been formed to look into the demand for reservations in central government jobs for Jats. Earlier, BJP general secretary Anil Jain had announced that the government in Haryana will bring a legislation in the coming session of the Haryana Assembly to give OBC status to the Jats. The Centre today came under attack from non-BJP-ruled states, with Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia accusing it of "murdering federalism" while Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat claimed that states were "suffocating" under the Narendra Modi government. Speaking at a 'Budget Aaj Tak' event here, Rawat said power is so "centralised" in the hands of Modi that even the finance minister cannot assure you that your concerns will be taken care of. Sisodia accused Centre of not letting the Arvind Kejriwal-led government function freely and charged the NDA major of lacking the "right mindset". "When we say let us work, they will say it is the Centre which has powers. When we demand money, they ask us to generate funds on our own," he said. Union Minister of State for Agriculture Sanjeev Kumar Balyan refuted the allegations saying the NDA government has ensured states receive more funds from states, a move, he claimed, is suggestive of strong federal set up. Balyan said had the prime minister not thought of strengthening Centre-state rapport, he would not have increased share of states in central taxes from 32 per cent to 42 per cent. "He wanted to ensure states become independent financially, that they do not rely on Centre for assistance. He would not have increased share of states' if co-operative federalism was not on his mind," he said. The Union minister also said that "if states have problems, Centre too has problems with states" and accused Uttarakhand government of not carrying out public works in constituencies represented by BJP Parliamentarians. Balyan also accused of not keeping its electoral promises and charged Sisodia of "complaining all the time". China's foreign minister Wang Yi will visit the US from tomorrow, his ministry said, as the two powers grapple over weapons systems on the Korean peninsula and in the South China Sea. The three-day trip comes with Beijing and Washington at loggerheads over militarisation in the South China Sea, while at the same time trying to find common ground on how to deal with North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes in the wake of Pyongyang's latest tests. Last week China confirmed that it has "weapons" on Woody Island in the disputed Paracels chain. A US official told AFP that Beijing has deployed surface- to-air missiles on the island, apparently HQ-9s, which have a range of about 200 kilometres. The US is also beginning talks with South Korea on the possible deployment of an advanced missile defence system on the Korean peninsula. China opposes the proposed Terminal High Altitude Area Defence System (THAAD), with foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying warning today that it should not be used as a front to "undermine China's own legitimate (security) interests". The move comes in response to Pyongyang's launch of the Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite, which most in the international community viewed as a disguised ballistic missile test, violating multiple UN resolutions banning it from the use of ballistic technology. The rocket came just a month after the North's fourth nuclear test. Hua anticipated an "in-depth exchange of views" on the issue when Wang goes to Washington for talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry, referencing previous "close communication and coordination" on the matter between the US and China. "After the DPRK's nuclear test and satellite launch, we support the UN Security Council in passing new and effective resolutions against the DPRK," she told a regular briefing, referring to North Korea. Tensions in the South China Sea - through which a third of the world's oil passes - have mounted in recent months after China transformed contested reefs in the Spratly islands further south than the Paracels into artificial islands capable of supporting military facilities. Beijing's military facilities in the area come under "the exercise of self-defence rights granted by international law" and "have nothing to do with militarisation," Hua said. "China deploying necessary national defence facilities on its own territory is no different from the US deploying defence facilities on Hawaii," she added. China controls all of the Paracels, though Hanoi and Taipei have overlapping claims. China's overcapacity in heavy industries is wreaking "far-reaching" damage on the global economy, with steel production "completely untethered" from market demand, the European Union Chamber of Commerce in said today. The Asian giant's steel industry manufactures more than the next four largest producers combined Japan, India, the US, and Russia the chamber said in a report, warning that more than 60% of China's aluminium industry has negative cash flow. And in just two years, its cement production equalled the amount produced in the United States during the entire 20th Century. " has not followed through on the attempts it has made over the last decade to address overcapacity," chamber president Joerg Wuttke said in a statement. Brussels has launched new anti-dumping probes into Chinese steel imports, as producers in both Europe and Asia struggle with global prices that have plummeted in the face of oversupply. "Overcapacity has been a blight on China's industrial landscape for many years now, affecting dozens of industries and wreaking far-reaching damage on the global in general, and China's economic growth in particular," the chamber's report said. The issue has led to trade tensions between the world's second-largest and developed countries that accuse it of dumping in their markets. accounts for half of global steel production but internal demand has slowed sharply along with economic growth, forcing it to look overseas. Its steel exports soared 20% in 2015, according to Chinese Customs data. The EU launched probes this month into imports of Chinese steel, with trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem warning: "We cannot allow unfair competition from artificially cheap imports to threaten our industry." This month, Luxembourg-based world leader in steelmaking ArcelorMittal blamed China for a colossal $8 billion loss in 2015, at a time when thousands of jobs are being cut across the industry. But many Chinese steel firms are also losing money, and Beijing has announced plans to cut production by as much as 150 million tonnes over the next five years. An outspoken Chinese property tycoon sometimes dubbed the country's Donald Trump was blasted by state media today for criticising the Communist Party's tightening media grip and President Xi Jinping's tour of official outlets. Xi visited the official agency Xinhua, state broadcaster CCTV and the ruling party's mouthpiece newspaper the People's Daily on Friday, ordering them to follow the Communist Party line, focus on "positive reporting", and "speak the Party's will and protect the Party's authority and unity", according to Xinhua. Ren Zhiqiang, nicknamed "the Cannon" for his provocative opinions and blunt defences of economic inequality, was the target of twin columns in the state-affiliated portal Qianlong today for questioning on social media whether citizens' money ought to be spent on pushing Party propaganda. "When did the people's government change into the party's government?" the commentary quoted Ren's since-deleted post as saying. "Is their money the party's? ... Don't use taxpayers' money for things that don't provide them with services." One of the Qianlong articles -- headlined "Who gave Ren the confidence to oppose the Party" -- accused the businessman of making capitalist arguments and pursuing Western constitutionalism, arguing that the Soviet Union fell because media failed to uphold loyalty to the ruling party. The other upbraided him for failing to defend the interests of the Communist Party -- of which he is a member -- ominously warning: "Any behaviour that stirs up chaos will inevitably encounter the people's scorn, any attempt to provoke a disturbance and stir up hate will encounter the people's opposition, and netizens' teaching him a lesson in Communism is the best proof." China's Communist Party brooks no opposition to its rule and the country's newspapers, websites, and broadcast media are strictly controlled by the government, while an army of censors patrol social media to delete comments deemed taboo, and many Western websites are blocked within the country. Ren hit back at the criticisms in an oblique Weibo post today, saying: "The board of directors is entrusted by shareholders to manage and run a company. But the company belongs to the shareholders, it doesn't belong to the board of directors. This is common knowledge!" The tycoon's name was the top-ranked censored search item, according to Free Weibo, a website that archives items from social media that have been removed. Ren has previously drawn fire for calling state-run broadcaster CCTV "the dumbest pig on earth" and for his blunt statements defending the high prices of real estate, once angering an audience member so much that they threw a shoe at him. Ren retired from his Beijing-based property company in 2014 and has a Weibo following of 37 million. Aiming to strengthen India-UAE economic ties, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has signed an MoU with Dubai Exports to boost trade and explore business opportunities. CII, a non-government organisation, has signed an memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai Exports, which works with other Dubai Government Departments to simplify the export process. It develops long-term growth strategies to expand businesses and maximise the opportunities given by Dubai's unique position as a natural trade gateway between the East and West. The MoU pledged to maintain frequent and regular contact with each other for mutual exchange of non-confidential, economic and trade information and to suggest and recommend partners for economic and trade cooperation and explore opportunities for business between members of both parties. It will also organise exchange of visits for business cooperation and provide each other with necessary support in terms of organising conferences, mounting business delegations and other activities. and Dubai Exports, within the limits of their competence, will aspire to make coordinated efforts in solving and reducing the impediments caused due to regulatory mechanisms like taxation, customs procedures, visas etc. "Both the Parties will reciprocally support and facilitate investment fact-finding and business development missions," the MoU said. It also paves way for both parties to help each other in organising road Shows for promotion of investment opportunities in both countries. A 32-year-old cleric was today arrested for allegedly molesting a teenaged girl at Vasco, 40 kms from here, police said. Safraj Ahmad, who is a cleric at a local mosque, was arrested this morning after the 13-year-old girl's mother lodged a formal complaint with the police, they said. "The accused allegedly molested the girl in his house on February 15 where she had gone to fetch some utensils. The family of the girl had delivered food for the accused on the earlier day and the victim was sent to collect the utensils," a police spokesman said today. The girl had initially maintained silence over the incident but later confided in her mother. The mother then approached Local NGO 'Savera' led by Tara Kerkar, who advised the family to file a formal complaint against the accused. A case under section 354 and 354-A of Indian Penal Code and section 8 of Goa Children's Act has been registered against the accused, who was immediately placed under arrest, police added. A special court Monday fixed May 23 for hearing a case in which the Supreme Court has stayed summons against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla and others. Special CBI Judge Bharat Parashar deferred the matter as operation of its order summoning Singh, Birla and others as accused in the case, has been stayed by the apex court. The special court on December 16 last year had refused to accept CBI's closure report in the case and directed it to further probe the matter and examine Singh, who was also holding coal portfolio at that time, and other PMO officials. CBI had later filed a supplementary final report in the court, which had on March 11 summoned as accused Singh, Birla, former Coal Secretary P C Parakh, Hindalco Industries Ltd, and its two top officials Shubhendu Amitabh and D Bhattacharya in the case, pertaining to alleged irregularities in allocation of Talabira-II coal block in Odisha in 2005. The Supreme Court had on April 1 stayed the trial court order summoning them as accused and the proceedings before it. In his plea in the apex court, Singh contended that the trial court had exceeded its jurisdiction by attributing criminality in administrative decisions of the Prime Minister. The plea had said that trial court's decision to summon the former Prime Minister was a "grave mistake both in law" and in "understanding of evidence". The special court had, in its March 11 order, said it was prima facie clear that "there was a concerted joint effort" by Parakh and Singh to "somehow accommodate M/s Hindalco in Talabira-II, coal block." It had summoned the six accused for the alleged offences punishable under sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent) of IPC and under provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act. Union minister Birender Singh today appealed to Jat protesters to end their stir and assured them that a "consensual" solution will soon be found out to the issue. "The central leadership has assured me that a consensual solution will soon be reached. I assure you I will stand with you in your fight for your rights. "We can find a solution to this through talks. I pray to you with folded hands to put an end to your struggle and return back to your homes," Singh, a Jat leader from Haryana, said. His remarks came on a day when a high-powered committee set up by BJP to find solutions to the vexed issue held its first meeting here. The committee has called Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for further deliberations tomorrow. The Minister for Rural Development said he was saddened by the "unfortunate and violent" incidents and the only way to find a solution is that everybody comes forward for talks. "My opinion is that there should be positive solutions and strict action should be taken against anti-social elements," he said, adding in a democracy, peaceful agitation for solutions is a constitutional right. He said that when an agitation gets violent, the focus shifts away from the real issue and the feeling of brotherhood and social harmony becomes its first victim as some people create an environment of mistrust and anarchy. Singh also expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incidents of violence during the stir and appealed to the state government to compensate them. A court here today gave a 30-day ultimatum to absconding RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav to surrender in a case of alleged rape and directed the police to attach his properties if he fails to give himself up within that time. Hearing an application of Nalanda police under CRPC sections 82 (provision regarding publishing notice for appearance of persons who are absconding) and 83 (attachment of property of person absconding) against the RJD MLA, Additional District Judge Rashmi Sikha granted the permission to paste a notice of property attachment but gave 30 days time to Yadav to give himself up failing which the property attachment would be executed. Yadav has been on the run for nearly two weeks in a case of alleged rape of a minor girl. The same court had on Saturday last rejected the anticipatory bail application of the MLA in the case. Yadav is MLA from Nawada and also served as a minister in erstwhile Rabri Devi government. Arguing for the absconding MLA, his lawyer sought time to approach the Patna High Court for preventing the property attachment plea of the police. The MLA had been accused by a 15-year-old class ten student of raping her on February 9 at his residence in Biharsharif after a woman, who is her neighbour, lured her to Yadav's home in the name of birthday party and handed her to him after charging Rs 30,000. With the incident bringing bad name for the RJD-JD(U) allaince government in the state, Lalu Prasad's party suspended the MLA. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav has asked the absconding MLA to surrender himself before the law. He said police were in hot chase of Yadav but it would be good on his part to surrender. JD(U) spokesman Neeraj Kumar said the law will definitely catch up with Yadav. A court here today directed the Prosecutor in 26/11 Mumbai attacks case to check with US authorities their availability for a second round of depositon of Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, who had earlier this month made damning disclosures on the plotting and execution of the daring strike during his testimony. The direction was issued by Sessions Judge G A Sanap after lawyer of key 26/11 plotter Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal informed the court that he wanted to cross-examine Headley for four days. The court directed Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to contact the US authorities, check their availability for Headley's second round of deposition and inform the court of the details by February 25. Once the availability of the authorities concerned in the US is checked, the court will fix dates for Headley's deposition. Jundal's lawyer Abdul Wahab Khan also moved applications objecting to Headley being made an approver in the 2008 terror attacks case besides making pleas seeking copies of certain documents and CDs. On February 13, the day on which Headley's week-long deposition ended, the court had adjourned the case for cross-examination by Jundal's lawyer for a future date. Headley, who is serving a 35-year jail term in the US in connection with the terror attacks case, had given insights to LeT and Al-Qaeda's plans to target India, during his testimony which began on February 8. He spoke about how Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI provides "financial, military and moral support" to terror outfits LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen and how LeT had planned and executed the 26/11 attacks and the role played by ISI officials, involving him too. He also claimed that LeT had planned an attack at a conference of Indian defence scientists at Taj Mahal Hotel a year before the 26/11 strikes and had even prepared its dummy. Deposing via a video-link from the US, the 55-year-old terrorist had told the court that --Ishrat Jahan--who was killed in an alleged fake encounter in 2004 in Gujarat--was an operative of LeT. Headley had also stated that Al-Qaeda was in touch with him to attack Delhi's National Defence College and unravelled the plot by LeT and ISI to target Mumbai airport, BARC and the Naval air station here. He also visited the Indian Army's Southern Command headquarters at Pune in 2009 on the instructions of ISI's Major Iqbal, who wanted him to recruit some military personnel to get "classified" information, the court was told. Cuban President Raul Castro announced today that he is dispatching 9,000 soldiers to help keep the Zika virus out of Cuba, calling on the entire country to help kill the mosquito that carries the disease. In a rare front-page message on the state-run newspaper Granma, Castro said Cuba's fight to prevent the arrival of the virus had been hampered by "the inadequate technical quality" of efforts against the mosquito, insufficient work to clean up areas where the mosquito propagates and poor weather conditions. He wrote that the active and reserve military personnel and 200 national police officials would reinforce the Public Health Ministry's efforts to spray neighborhoods for mosquitoes and eliminate breeding spots. He said Cuba has yet to report a case of Zika, which is suspected of causing birth defects in Brazil. Cuba prides itself on its system of free, neighborhood-level health care, which has included intensive efforts to limit the Aedes aegypti mosquito that also carries the tropical diseases dengue and chikungunya. Those efforts include door-to-door fumigation of homes and offices by young army recruits and civilian workers who are supposed to maintain a careful record of places they've fumigated. Castro's didn't elaborate on his criticism of anti-mosquito efforts, but the young workers can frequently be seen marking locations as fumigated even when they encounter no one home, or the residents say they are allergic or asthmatic. The military is widely perceived as more effective and disciplined than Cuba's civilian state workers, who earn about USD 25 a month on average. "Once again, the real protagonist in the fight against the menace of epidemics is our people, so it's essential to be able to count on their conscious participation in order for this important and necessary work to be successful," Castro wrote. Curfew was imposed in five villages of the district and shoot at sight orders issued following a face off between Jats and other community members in the area today. Earlier in the day curfew was lifted from Hissar and Hansi towns of the district even as road and rail traffic from here to various destinations remained suspended. Deputy Commissioner Chander Shekhar Khare issued orders clamping curfew in five villages of Sisai, Pano Bolan, Kali Rava, Sainipura and Dhanipal falling in Hansi sub-division of the district. The curfew has been imposed as a precautionary measure to avert a clash after Jats and other community members came face to face in the five villages, he said. Shoot at sight orders have also been issued, the official order said. The DC said that army and police patrolling in the affected villages has been stepped up and appeal issued to the people to maintain peace and remain indoors. Road traffic on various national and state highways from Hissar to various destinations, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Sirsa, Siwani and Bhiwani is disrupted. Railway traffic from Hissar to various destinations including Delhi, Ludhiana, Bhiwani and Sadulpur also remained suspended. Spokesman of All India Jat Aarakshan Sanghursh Samiti Ram Bhagat Malik said they would hold a meeting later in the day to decide on the future course of action, including lifting of blockades by their supporters at various places. Malik said the Yashpal Malik group of Jats was not called for talks held by the BJP and the Centre yesterday. The death toll from Fiji's super-cyclone hit 29 today, with officials saying the Pacific nation's recovery from the devastating storm could take months. As aid efforts intensified, communications were established with some of the worst-hit remote communities, revealing the scale of the disaster. "The official death toll now is 29, another eight bodies were found on the island of Koro since yesterday," government spokesman Ewan Perrin told Radio New Zealand in a phone interview. "We are expecting it to rise but we're hoping it's going to rise by a very small number." Severe tropical cyclone Winston, the most powerful storm ever recorded in the southern hemisphere, lashed the island nation overnight Saturday, packing wind gusts of 325 kilometres (202 miles) per hour and leaving a trail of destruction. About 8,500 people are still sheltering in evacuation centres and Perrin said some villages had hardly any buildings still standing. "We're still trying to get people on the ground in these areas to do a detailed assessment of the damage. We're just taking it day-by day," he said. "In some places people are going to be displaced for months because they've lost everything." The rising toll makes Winston the deadliest cyclone to ever hit Fiji, according to the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, which said the previous worst was cyclone Eric in 1993. "We haven't been able to make contact with all parts of Fiji, although with the assistance of the New Zealand Air Force we've managed to do aerial inspections across almost all of the islands," Perrin added. "There's considerable damage of course across the top of the main island (Viti Levu) and the island of Koro, which took pretty much a direct hit." The New Zealand Air Force photographs show entire villages flattened by the first category five storm to hit Fiji. Many homes were reduced to piles of kindling, with roofing and furniture strewn about by winds that were strong enough to strip leaves and branches from trees. In one image a lone man stands on the tin roof of his ruined home, apparently waving both arms at the military plane as it passes overhead. "The images emerging from early aerial assessments of affected areas are truly heartbreaking, leaving little doubt about the ferocity of this cyclone," said the UN's Fiji coordinator Osnat Lubrani. "It is clear from these catastrophic impacts that Fiji is facing a long road to recovery." Power is gradually being restored in the main centres and roads cleared of felled trees. The international airport at Nadi also reopened yesterday, allowing international tourists caught up in the disaster to return home. : A large number of devotees from all over Puducherry and neighbouring districts of Tamil Nadu thronged Vaithikuppam coastal village in the Union Territory to offer prayers to processional deities from various shrines on the occasion of 'Maasi Magam' festival today. It is an important festival every yearand occurs on full moon day in the Tamil month of Maasi (February to March). Deities from various shrines within Puducherry and neighbouring Tamil nadu districts were brought to the village for 'theerthavari' (dip in the Bay of Bengal) and performance of traditional poojas. The processional deities of Sri Subramania Swamy from Mailam, Poyyamozhi Vinayakar from Theevanur and Aranganatha Swamy from Gingee (all in Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu) were part of idols installed for the festival on the seashore. People had a holy dip in the sea and offered prayers. The village has traditionally been the venue for celebrating the festival right from French regime in Puducherry and has seen an increase in participation over the years, sans barriers Voluntary organisations and philanthropists distributed free food packets at various points to devotees. suffered a muscle spasm Monday prompting the to include as a back-up for the limited overs skipper just two days ahead of India's Asia Cup T20 opener against hosts Bangladesh. The 34-year-old Dhoni suffered the condition during the team's training session in Dhaka. "India ODI and T20 captain has suffered a muscle spasm in the back during a training session on Monday in Dhaka," secretary Anurag Thakur said in a statement. "The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named as the back-up wicketkeeper for the upcoming Asia Cup, 2016. He will join the team in Dhaka at the earliest." Medium Pacer Jasprit Bumrah did not train on the first day. "Parthiv has been summoned as precautionary measure," team's media manager Nishant Arora said. As far as Bumrah is concerned, he is "little under the weather and advised rest today," Arora said. The 30-year-old left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, Patel plays for Gujarat in the domestic circuit, and has had a good season at home, hitting a century each in Vijay Hazare and Deodhar Trophy tournaments. Patel, who last played for India in an ODI against Sri Lanka in the tri-series at Brisbane, Australia in 2012, had recently expressed a desire to return to the national team, saying he's always motivated to play for India. DigitalOcean, an American cloud infrastructure provider and hosting company, today said it plans to open a data center in India this year, with an initial investment of up to USD 5 million. The company is planning to have an initial investment of up to USD 5 million to build its local facility and operation in 2016, the company's CEO and co-founder Ben Uretsky told reporters here. "We are here to help the booming economy in India continue to grow and succeed," he added. Uretsky said the company has big plans for 2016 and is actively working on a robust storage and a monitoring solution to complement its current product offerings. "Developers in India will have first access to these cutting-edge technologies in our new data centre in Bengaluru," he added. KartRocket, India's leading e-commerce enabler that raised USD 6 million in Series B funding just last month, has been using DigitalOcean's cloud for the past two years. "DDigitalOcean's made it extremely simple for our team of developers to scale our application, as we've gained traction and more customers over the past years. "It is the simplest cloud platform in the market for developers and start-ups to launch their apps on," Co-Founder and CEO of KartRocket, Saahil Goel said. Headquartered in New York City, DigitalOcean has Catered to the developer community by offering on-demand cloud computing resources that can be deployed in seconds at a great price point, Uretsky stated. He further said, in 2015, DigitalOcean became the Second largest hosting company in the world, as per Netcraft, a cloud infrastructure research firm. "Today, India is home to the fastest growing ecosystem of start-ups and entrepreneurs, with approximately 4,000 start- ups launching this past year alone," Uretsky noted. Considering the number of software developers Throughout India will grow to over five million by the year 2018, it is clear that the region is one of the most important technology markets in the world, he said. Egypt's interior minister apologised today for human rights abuses committed by police after a policeman killed a driver with his service weapon in Cairo last week. Magdy Abdel Ghaffar also said that authorities were exerting "huge efforts" to investigate last month's torture and murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni, which media in Italy suspect to have been the work of Egyptian security services. "We apologise to every citizen who has been insulted," the minister said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Sharif Ismail broadcast live on state television. "We apologise for the acts of some policemen, we kiss the head of every citizen subjected to abuse or insult or any unkind act by policemen, " he said, in a rare apology by Egyptian authorities. Policeman Mustafa Mahmud is alleged to have shot dead driver Mohamed Ismail with his police-issued firearm late Thursday in central Cairo after a row over the fare for a delivery. The killing triggered outrage on social media and dozens of people staged a protest outside Cairo police headquarters. A day after the shooting, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said he would ask parliament to amend the law to toughen sanctions for police abuses. Police abuse was a key factor that sparked the 18-day uprising that toppled longtime president Hosni Mubarak in 2011. Five years on, human rights groups are again denouncing the police force after a string of torture and deaths in police stations, arbitrary arrests and the disappearances of Sisi regime opponents. Abdel Ghaffar said the authorities were exerting "huge efforts to reveal (circumstances of) the mysterious" death of Regeni, a Cambridge University PhD student from Italy who disappeared on January 25 in Cairo. His body was found with signs of torture on February 3 in a ditch in a suburb of the Egyptian capital. Italian media has charged that Egyptian security services were involved in his death, a charge rejected by Cairo. Prime Minister Ismail said the image of the police needed to be "transformed" in the eyes of Egyptians. "There will be no laxity and we will not cover up any (violation)" by the police, he said, standing alongside Abdel Ghaffar. "This is a commitment from the police, a firm commitment. If there is any violation from some individuals, they will be held accountable." Over the past year, several policeman have been detained for violence against prisoners and some have been sentenced to jail terms. An All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was forced to return to Kuala Lumpur today due to engine trouble, the Japanese airline said, the latest incident for the aircraft which has been plagued by setbacks. The plane carrying 203 passengers and 11 crew members left Kuala Lumpur airport at 8:09 AM local time but landed back there safely at 9:27 AM as the right engine exhaust temperature jumped, according to ANA spokesman Shoichiro Horii. Horii said the airline was investigating the cause of the overheating problem. The plane was scheduled to arrive at Narita airport at 3:15 PM local time. The Dreamliner, built largely with lightweight composite materials that reduce fuel use, has been hit by a series of problems during development and production as well as since its first commercial flight in late 2011. ANA has been a leader in introducing the plane, becoming the first airline to take delivery as well as to begin commercial flights. In May, the US aviation regulator ordered repairs to correct a software bug that could cause the aircraft to suddenly lose all power. In 2013, the Dreamliner was grounded globally over a separate electrical problem. Early that year several planes experienced problems with batteries overheating that caused a fire on one aircraft. Changes were made to prevent recurrence. The European Union (EU) today gave about 480 million Nepali Rupees to Nepal to help its education sector which was badly hit by devastating earthquakes and Madhesi protests. "The education sector suffered very badly due to the earthquakes and also the agitation later in 2015 and needs specific attention during the reconstruction phase," a statement said. The EU is already providing 650 Transitional Learning Centres and this budget support can further help to bring the sector back on track, EU Ambassador Rensje Teerink said. The 4.1 million Euro payment by the EU is the third fixed tranche of its current budget support to the Education sector totalling 31,200,000 Euros (equivalent to approximately 3.7 billion Nepali Rupees) for the School Sector Reform Programme (SSRP), according to the statement. "The EU's support contributes to poverty reduction and the socio-economic development in Nepal by raising educational access and achievements of the young generation on an equitable basis." The SSRP focuses on improving access to quality education at early childhood, basic and secondary levels, particularly for children from marginalised groups, according to the EU. The Delhi government today said it is expecting to restore by late evening 25 per cent of water supply in the city which was disrupted due to the Jat stir even as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal thanked the Centre and the army for securing of Munak canal. "Thank u army, thank u centre for securing munak canal back. Great relief for delhi," Kejriwal said in a tweet. Kejriwal had said this morning that water was completely used up in Delhi and appelaed to the Centre to intervene immediately and get the supply restored from the canal. After an emergency meeting held at Deputy CM Manish Sisodia's residence to assess the situation, Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra said that 400 cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water was released from Munak subcanal, adding that 25 per cent water supply in Delhi is expected to be restored by late evening. "About 400 cusecs of water has been released from the Kuchha sub-branch of Munak out of which nearly 300 cusecs will reach Delhi in 6-7 hours. A team of DJB is on standy and as soon as it reaches Haidarpur treatment plant, supply will be started," he said. "We hope that by late evening we will be able to restore 25 per cent water supply in Delhi," he said. The canal has a 'pucca' and a 'kuchha' system. The gates of pucca canal are still closed and these have been damaged by the agitators at many points. A special team of DJB has been sent to assess the damage and time required to repair it, the minister said. The water released through kuchha sub-branch will reach Delhi by late evening helping in partial restoration of water supply, he said. "Partial supply of water will be restored but it will take 7-10 more days in repairing Munak canal and till then scarcity of water will exist forcing its supply in limited quantity," Mishra said. He also said that Wazirabad and Chandrawal water treatment plants affected due to high levels of ammonia in Yamuna water were also likely to be started today. "Wazirabad and Chandrawal plants are also being watched for ammonia level. Both plants are likely to be started today," he said. The minister said that the crisis has lessened but it is yet to end as repair of the canal will take time and water will be needed to be used judiciously by the people for 7-10 days more. The Delhi government is also prepared to extended its resources and technical know-how required for repair of the Munak canal to its Haryana counterparts, Mishra said. "We have told the Haryana government that the Delhi government is prepared to provide resources and technical assitance to repair the canal," he said. A four-member team of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) engineers has been dispatched for engineering assessment at Munak canal and it will give its report in a few hours, he said. Exports of over half of the sectors, out of the 30 closely monitored by the Commerce Ministry, were in the negative zone in January due to a fall in global prices and demand. Outbound shipments of as many as 17 sectors, including petroleum products, engineering and leather, dipped last month, according to the ministry data. Exporters' body FIEO said the government should announce incentives in the Budget to boost the shipments. "Inverted duty structure in respect of various items may be given due consideration in the Budget as it not only effects exports but also the manufacturing sector," Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President S C Ralhan said. India's exports declined 13.6 per cent in January to USD 21 billion. The continuous decline in exports is expected to impact jobs and put pressure on the current account deficit. During the month, top two sectors -- engineering and petroleum products -- contracted 27.6 per cent and 35.18 per cent, respectively in January. These sectors make up about 42 per cent of the country's total exports in 2014-15, when it stood at USD 310.5 billion. Agri-products, which constitute over 10 per cent of the country's total shipments, too recorded a negative growth during the month under review. Overall, eight out of 13 main agriculture products slipped into negative territory. Exports of rice, cashew and oil meals fell 33.46 per cent, 24.6 per cent and 77.5 per cent, respectively. Decline in these exports has been instrumental in dragging down India's overall merchandise exports. Due to continuous dip, the total merchandise shipments are expected to reach a figure of USD 270 billion in 2015-16. India has aimed at taking exports of goods and services to USD 900 billion by 2020 and raising the country's share in world exports to 3.5 per cent from 2 per cent. The exports in the past four financial years have been hovering at around USD 300 billion. On the other hand, exports of pharmaceuticals, plastic, carpet, tea and coffee have recorded positive growth in the last month. "With the government there were many of the issues that were related to speeding up of the DGFT processes, prompt release of MEIS scrips, facilitations for SEZ....," Teaotia said. Asked about the export figures expected for full fiscal, she said, "... I don't think we will exceed more than USD 260-270 billion... We still have to get in the last figures and some of them will drag into April, but that would be the best we would do in this year and that also reflects the way the commodity prices have been." On outlook for next year in terms of data, she said, "We are already seeing the prices of petroleum products rising slightly, we are seeing some of the commodity prices strengthening and most countries have been hurt by slowdown in global trade and that is why every one's exports have slipped so they are taking strong measures to protect industry and their exports." "This is going to probably balance out how we do, but we should be stronger next year I believe, those are the trends we can see right now," she added. A CBI court here today convicted a Food Corporation of India official in a disproportionate assets case and sentenced him to three-year imprisonment. 2nd Additional Special Judge for CBI cases, G. Sunitha, found Syed Mahaboob Rahman, the then Manager (Quality Control) posted at Cheepurupalli in Vizianagaram district, guilty of possession of movable and immovable assets which were found to be 127% more at Rs 4,41,981, than known sources of his income, CBI SP R. Gopalakrishna Rao said in a release. The court found Rahman guilty under Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on him. Rahman had registered these assets in the name of himself and his kin during his stint as the manager from January 1, 2007 and March 19, 2008. Fijians were finally able to venture outside today after authorities lifted a curfew but much of the country remained without electricity in the wake of a ferocious cyclone that left at least six people dead and destroyed hundreds of homes. Officials were scrambling to restore services and assess damage in remote parts of the Pacific Island chain. Winds from Cyclone Winston, which tore through Fiji over the weekend, reached 285 kilometers per hour, making it the strongest storm in the Southern Hemisphere since record-keeping began, according to the Weather Underground website. The government imposed the curfew on Saturday night and lifted it at 5:30 am (local time) today. A 3-day declaration of a state of natural disaster remains in effect and empowers police to make arrests without warrants. In a televised address to the nation yesterday, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said many people had been left without power, fresh water or communications. "The damage has been widespread, homes have been destroyed, many low-lying areas have flooded, and many people have been left stunned and confused about what to do," he said. He said that the police and military had been brought in to help with rescue operations and the general cleanup, and that government agencies were working overtime to clear roads and restore power. "This is a time of sorrow, but it will also be a time of action," Bainimarama said. "We will stand united in the face of this disaster." Officials were trying to establish communications and road access to the hardest-hit areas, and said they would not know the full extent of the damage and injuries until then. George Dregaso of Fiji's National Disaster Management Office said that two people on Ovalau Island died when the house they were sheltering in collapsed on them, and that another man was killed on Koro Island, although it wasn't clear how he died. Authorities also said three people on the main island of Viti Levu were killed in the storm, but didn't have more details. Citing global problems of climate change, energy crisis and deadly diseases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked the Indian students to take up the challenge of finding solutions to these through innovation and research instead of merely doing "cut-paste" work. Addressing the convocation ceremony of the Benares Hindu University (BHU) here, he asked students to "keep the mind receptive and eager to fresh knowledge" even after their formal education was complete. "I want to throw this challenge before young men and women of this country. Come up with innovations that may help the world in bringing down temperatures a bit, help the humanity overcome the grave energy crisis it is likely to face if renewable and sustainable alternative sources are not found", Modi told the gathering of BHU scholars and academics. He said students should dream of finding solutions to the problems that are being faced by the country and the world. "Innovation is most important for us... New research, not just to obtain PhDs through cut-paste...," he said. As his remarks drew an amused response from the audience, the Prime Minister quipped he had felt that those at BHU would not be aware of "cut-paste" aspect of research but even if they were, he hoped they did not use it. He said he had in the past consulted Nobel laureates about the prevalence of "sickle-cell disease in tribal families" which is even worse than cancer. But, he felt "our own researchers can find a better solution". Talking about global warming with which the world is struggling to cope with, he said Indians believe exploitation of nature is a crime and see God in plants and mother in a river. "In such a country, can't we find a concrete solution to global warming," Modi asked. In the context of energy crisis, he said a solution could emerge through research on how ethanol could be effectively used as a fuel, which would benefit sugarcane farmers as well. He said research is also needed in making renewable energy increasingly viable. "We need technology that can help us realize the goal of increasing our solar energy output," the Prime Minister said. Speaking about the glory of India's traditions, he referred to yoga and said while it has existed for long, there was a time when "we lived with a mindset that we did not feel that the entire world would take to yoga". Last year, he noted, the UN accepted observing International Yoga Day on June 21 every year and 192 countries joined in celebrating it. Modi also referred to the country's ancient past and said that in the Taittreya Upanishad, the aspects related to holding a 'Deekshant' (Convocation) ceremony is mentioned. "Deekshant (convocation) must not mean sheekshant (end of education), since the real learning begins after one faces the world upon completion of former studies," he said. He said that even Mahatma Gandhi had established Gujarat Vidyapeeth with similar objectives as those of the BHU founder Malviya. He also referred to several school children present on the occasion as his personal guests and said he wanted even poor children to dream and achieve the highest education. Modi, who has declined to accept honorary Doctorate from BHU, offered his "apologies" to the University authorities for this, saying he wanted to keep away from such things. "Please do not mind. The honour you gave me by inviting me on this occasion of the University's centenary is enough for me. But I have always believed that I should stay away from such laurels," he said. Modi, who is Lok Sabha member from Varansi, went on to add that this temple city has already given him something which no university degree can match. "I am already indebted to Varanasi for this," he said. (Reopen DEL36) The Prime Minister lauded BHU founder Madan Mohan Malviya, calling him a "visionary", and said the British during their rule established universities mainly to educate people who would help in their work. Malviya, he said, wanted to nurture individuals who would move towards building the nation while keeping along our glorious traditions. Modi said while BHU alumni are proud of and speak of the glory of the institution, a question sometimes arises whether each and every Indian has a feeling of reverence for the institution. He said the time has come that like Nalanda, Taxila in the glorious past, the world will also take pride in BHU. "It is important to take pride in our traditions with conviction," he said in his 30-minute-long speech, delivered in presence of Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani and BHU Chancellor and former Education Minister Karan Singh, among others. The Prime Minister, who had arrived in his Lok Sabha constituency here late last night, began his day with a visit to the temple dedicated to Medieval era Dalit poet and mystic Ravidas, whose birth anniversary is being celebrated today. At the temple, where he spent 15 minutes, Modi paid his obeisance and partook of "prasad" prepared at the "langar" (community kitchen). He also met the members of the trust that governs the temple and was presented with a framed picture of the Ravidas Mandir, a stick bearing the inscription "Hari" (the name of God) and a headscarf". Four MLAs and one MLC of the YSR Congress tonight defected to the ruling Telugu Desam, dealing a major blow to the main Opposition party in Andhra Pradesh. On a day marked by high drama, the MLAs - Bhuma Nagi Reddy (Nandyal), his legislator-daughter Akhila Priya (Allagadda), Adinarayana Reddy (Jammalamadugu) and Jaleel Khan (Vijayawada West) switched over to the TDP in the presence of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who is also TDP President. Narayana Reddy, YSRC MLC from Kadapa district, the home ground of party chief Jagan Mohan Reddy, also joined the Naidu-led outfit. The YSRC legislators tonight drove to the riverfront residence of Naidu here, where they were formally welcomed into TDP. Several Ministers were present on the occasion. Earlier in the day, Bhuma attended a meeting of the Assembly Public Accounts Committee, of which he was the Chairman, and bid "farewell" to its members. He told them he was stepping down from the post. The TDP chief held a series of talks with his party leaders from Kurnool and Kadapa districts to placate them over the entry of the YSRC legislators. Kadapa TDP leader Ramasubba Reddy had been strongly opposing the entry of his bitter rival Adinarayana into the party though he said he would go by the party chief's decision. For a second time in a week Naidu called Ramasubba, a former Minister, to Vijayawada to "convince" him on Adinarayana's entry into the TDP. Similarly, Kurnool district TDP President Silpa Chakrapani Reddy and his brother Mohan Reddy were opposed to the return of Bhuma to the party. Deputy Chief Minister K E Krishna Murthy, however, earlier said he would welcome Bhuma and his daughter into the party. Naidu spoke to the Kurnool district leaders last week on Bhuma's return to the TDP and asked them to "be accommodative" in the party's interest. He reportedly assured the Silpa brothers that their interests would be protected even after Bhuma's entry. The Chief Minister once again spoke to Silpa brothers here this evening and assured them that their interests would be taken care of. "We are admitting them into the party," the TDP chief told his colleagues from Kurnool and Kadapa. Bhuma was once in the TDP and had been its MP. He, along with his wife Sobha, quit the TDP in 2008 and joined the Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) launched by actor Chiranjeevi. When PRP was merged with the Congress, Bhuma and his wife joined the YSRC owing to their relationship with the YS Rajasekhara Reddy family. Sobha, a contesting candidate from Allagadda, was killed in a road accident days ahead of the 2014 election. Their daughter Akhila Priya was elected to the Assembly from Allagadda in the by-election. In a setback to Jaganmohan Reddy-led YSR Congress, four MLAs and one MLC of the only Opposition party in Andhra Pradesh today defected to the ruling Telugu Desam and claimed more will follow suit. The four YSRC MLAs -- Bhuma Nagi Reddy (Nandyal), his daughter Akhila Priya ((Allagadda), Adinarayana Reddy (Jammalamadugu) and Jaleel Khan (Vijayawada West) -- joined the TDP at the riverfront residence of party president and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The lawmakers said they have joined the TDP for development of their respective (Assembly) constituencies and also the state. "We joined the Telugu Desam for development of not only our respective (Assembly) constituencies but also the state," the four MLAs said in unison here late tonight. Naidu welcomed the YSRC rebels into the party fold by adorning them with yellow scarves. YSRC MLC and elder brother of Adinarayana, Narayana Reddy, also joined the ruling party along with the MLAs. "Only Chandrababu can steer the state on the path of development. This is not just our belief but also that of our constituents and people of the state. We are hence joining hands with him. "We have full faith in Chandrababu's leadership and his capacity to develop the state. We will strengthen his hands," the MLAs said. Bhuma denied he returned to the TDP for a Cabinet berth. "I would not have been in the Opposition for 20 years now if I ever wanted to become a minister. It is only for the sake of development that I returned to the TDP," he said. Bhuma ruled out resigning from his post because of the defection, saying his prime objective was development of Nandyal. "There has been no development in my constituency in the last 20 years as I was in the Opposition," he said. Asked about the opposition from within the TDP to his return, Bhuma said his entry would only strengthen the party. "We all shall work together and strive for development," he said. Adinarayana, who too faced stiff opposition to his entry from his rival Ramasubba Reddy, said he was ready to bury the hatchet and work with all. "Yes, we were involved in faction feud for long but times have changed," Adinarayana, a three-time MLA, remarked. Asked how many more lawmakers of the Jagan-led outfit were ready to jump sides, the defectors Bhuma and Adinarayana said, "This is the first rebellion. Many more will follow suit but it is not good to reveal the numbers at this point. At least four persons, including a foreigner, were arrested overnight in Bangladesh on charges of embezzling millions of dollars by manipulating ATM booths in the capital. "After an intensive investigation we have arrested Piotr Szcdepan Mazurek, who was born in Ukraine, claimed to be a German and carries a Polish passport...He admitted his involvement in the ATM booth frauds along with the detained three bank employees," a police spokesman said today. He, said the passport Mazurek carried appeared to be a fake one and police have gathered "adequate" evidence that he stole a huge amount of money by installing skimming machines at ATM booths in connivance with the three bank employees who worked with City Bank's IT division. The foreigner told the police that he had came to Dhaka on a business visa last year which expired recently but he preferred to stay back and married a Bangladeshi hotel employee. Dhaka metropolitan police, meanwhile, issued a statement saying Mazurek belonged to a gang of international fraudsters including a Ukrainian and Bulgarian who had planned the theft. "The Detective Branch (of police) is investigating the scam," the statement said. Earlier this week police said they suspected an East European involved in ATM forgery, days after a series of frauds rattled banks and customers. "We kept five foreigners with nearly identical appearances under surveillance for the past few days...We are nearly confirmed that at least one of them - an East European -- is one of the culprits," a police spokesman told newsmen. The private Eastern Bank Limited (EBL) on February 12 detected 21 suspicious card transactions after fraudsters with a fake EBL card used one of the ATM booths of another private bank, United Commercial Bank Ltd, which sounded off the alarm in UCBL's system. Bank officials said the fraudsters installed skimming devices on February 7 and withdrew money from personal accounts of a number of people on February 11. The development today came after Bangladesh Bank, three commercial banks and police analysed video footage of four ATM booths which were skimmed off at least Taka 2500,000. Police said the amount could run into millions of dollars. Bangladesh Bank, however, compensated the victims of the fraudulence under a special arrangement. As many as 40 bank cards were cloned to withdraw Tk 2 million, according to media reports citing police sources. At least four people were killed in fresh grenade and gun attacks in Burundi ahead of a visit today by UN chief Ban Ki-moon aimed at ending months of deadly unrest. Ban is due to arrive in the capital Bujumbura from New York at 4:30 PM for talks with Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza tomorrow, after meeting with leaders of political parties and civil society. "This is a very important visit because we hope the UN Secretary-General will bring his weight to bear on President Pierre Nkurunziza so he finally accepts an inclusive and unconditional dialogue with his opponents," a UN official told AFP. Hours before the UN chief's arrival at least two people were killed and nine hurt in two separate grenade attacks in the capital early today by assailants on motorbikes, the latest in a string of such attacks, the city's mayor said. "After the grenade thrown in the Kwa Siyoni market in the Ngagara district that left one dead and seven hurt, a second grenade exploded later in Kamenge market, leaving one person dead and two hurt," Bujumbura mayor Freddy Mbonimpa told AFP. He denounced the attacks as a "terrorist act targeting peaceful citizens". Witnesses and the mayor said the assailants on motorbikes wrapped the grenades in plastic bags before throwing them. Mbonimpa said three men had been arrested in connection with the violence. "The capital had been calm for several days, but these terrorists as usual launch their criminal operations to show they're here just when Burundi is expecting an important guest," he added in reference to Ban's brief 24-hour visit. Bujumbura has been hit by a wave of grenade attacks by assailants on motorbikes, leading the mayor last week to slap a ban on the use of the popular mode of transport in the city. It remains unclear who carries out the grenade blasts, which have increased in the past few weeks. Security forces, rebels and opposition all blame each other for the killings. In a separate incident, two people were killed and two injured yesterday night in the commune of Gisozi southeast of Bujumbura in an attack by "armed criminals", local governor Jean-Marie Nyakarerwa told AFP. Nyakarerwa said it was the fourth such attack in the commune in the last two weeks. Authorities have used the term "armed criminals" to describe many of the rebels attempting to drive Nkurunziza out of office by violent means. Asserting that globally air fares are "unregulated," Union minister Mahesh Sharma today said the government can only request airlines to keep their ticket prices low during an extraordinary situation such as the ongoing Jat quota stir in Haryana. The Minister of State for Civil Aviation also said the government has immediately stepped in and instructed airlines to mount additional capacity as a measure to keep air fares under control in view of the agitation. He was responding to a question on reports that some airlines were "overcharging" and that some travel portals were exhibiting fares as high as Rs 89,000 for a flight to Delhi from Chandigarh. "It was brought to my notice that tickets are being sold at high prices. The ministry immediately contacted all airlines including national carrier Air India and requested them to increase the number of flights (to keep the fares under control," Sharma told reporters on the sidelines of a tourism event here. Domestic carriers including Air India operated additional flights to Chandigarh, Amritsar and Jaipur to enable people reach their destinations, who were stuck due to the rail and road transport services coming to halt due to agitation. Sharma said the carriers responded "positively" to the Civil Aviation Ministry's request for additional flights with Air India even keeping its ticket prices below Rs 4,000. On the fares issue, he, however said, "Since globally air fares are not regulated, we can only request and suggest (domestic) airlines to keep fares low in a situation like this (agitation). The Union Health Ministry today gave its nod for expansion of the trauma centre at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the national capital which will come up on 15 acres of land. AIIMS has also been allotted 15 acres of land by Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for expansion and the facility will have a capacity of 1,841 beds and will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 2,700 crore, the ministry said in a statement. "In a bid to strengthen the public health infrastructure and medical education in the country, Union Health Minister J P Nadda gave a nod for the expansion of AIIMS Trauma Centre attached to AIIMS, New Delhi, today," it said. The facility will have a centre for digestive diseases, endocrinology, ear-nose-throat (ENT), spine, bone marrow transplant and kidney transplant, it said. The beds which will be spread across the various centres include 445 for trauma, 465 for digestive, 334 for ENT, 244 for endocrinology, 88 for BMT, 63 for kidney and 202 for spine. "The expansion of trauma centre along with the upgradation of AIIMS in the states is a part of the sustained efforts by the ministry to significantly improve health infrastructure in the country. "The expansion plans of the government would not only improve medical education but will also provide greater access to world class facilities to the citizens," Nadda said. The expansion of the trauma centre will be based on a green building concept and will have efficient management of energy and water resources, the ministry said. Underscoring sustainability practices, the building will have low discharge fixtures, rain water harvesting, dual flushing cistern, use of curing compound and drip irrigation, use of native species of shrubs and trees having low water demand in landscaping and other such features, it said. The material for building will comprise ready mix concrete with more than 30 per cent fly ash content while there will also be grass pavers blocks for ground water recharge and will use paints with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). "Through this concept we will be able to lower energy and water consumption thus contributing towards our environment also. This will in turn help us in significantly improving the quality of health care facilities at these institutions," Nadda said. As workers unions of Coal India have threatened to go on strike, government has sought their cooperation in combating "difficult situation" the sector is passing through due to fall in global commodity prices. "Coal Minister (Piyush Goyal) invited cooperation and support from 5 CTUs/coal workers to combat difficult situation the coal industry is passing through," Indian National Mineworkers' Federation (INTUC) said. The coal industry is passing through difficult situation "due to deep recession globally and also internally in India there is loss of coal in power, steel, cement and other sectors. The stock of coal in power houses of states/NTPC and also in CIL/Subsidiaries is piling up," it added. The five operating CTUs which held a meeting with Goyal today assured the government full cooperation in combating the adverse situation. "However, in order to have positive result the representatives of five CTUs submitted few suggestions like increase the frequency of consultation with one of the most important stake holder i.E. Coal workers/CTUs particularly in matter of policy related issues including disinvestment, re-structuring, coal pricing mechanism...And welfare related issues," it said. The minister assured to meet the representatives of CTUs again in March-April, 2016, it added. As for now, the notices by four CTUs for agitation (Work to Rule) from March 7-10, and one-day strike on March 29, 2016, the union said. Amid a controversy over Rs 14,200 crore tax reminder notice to Vodafone for an issue under arbitration, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today said the government is trying to resolve the issue. "When an Indian company goes to England, it pays taxes. Pharma companies pay taxes in the US. The Prime Minister has said taxes cannot be levied on retrospective basis. But tax liability issue still remains. They are saying the case is in arbitration. We are trying to find a way to resolve this issue," he said at an Aaj Tak event. He added that it was not right to gauge the country's economic capability by limiting it to the Vodafone case. On February 4, the I-T department issued Vodafone a reminder over its Rs 14,200-crore tax demand and threatened to seize assets in the case of non-payment. The notice, sent to Vodafone International Holdings BV, said the dues are in relation to its USD 11 billion acquisition of Hutchison Whampoa's India telecom business in 2007. The British telecom major has disputed the tax demand over its acquisition of 67 per cent stake in Hutchison, now called Vodafone India, arguing that no tax was due as the transaction was conducted offshore. But the tax department's contention is that capital gains were made on assets in India. The issue is under international arbitration. Vodafone strongly reacted to the tax reminder saying it represented "a complete disconnect between the government and the tax department" and ran contrary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise of tax-friendly environment for foreign investors. "The Indian government stated in 2014 that existing tax disputes, including ours, would be resolved through the existing judicial process," Vodafone had said. The government had defended the reminder notice as "a routine exercise of sending collection notice to all those whose dues are not stayed by any Court." "The party (Vodafone) can always approach assessing officer with a request to stay the demand as per law. In case assessing officer does not agree, party can go to next higher authority and get a stay," Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia had said. Talking about the economic affairs, Prasad said the government is working towards an "enabling environment for growth". "There is tension on the global economic horizon. Despite that India is growing at a consistent rate of 7 per cent plus. India is receiving high FDI," he said. Prasad added that India is progressing at a fast pace and all economic parameters indicate towards India emerging as a strong global economic power. Various policy initiatives taken by Modi are aiding in strong and robust growth and generation of jobs in the country, he said. "Our government is working for poor, farmers and other marginalised sections of the society. We have taken several progressive steps that would uplift and empower all sections of our society," he said. Prasad said organisations like BSNL have again become profitable and Department of Post was helping in financial inclusion of the poor. "India now has 100 crore mobile subscribers and 40 crore Internet subscribers and growing, electronic manufacturing is also doing good with over 10 crore mobiles being made every year and new jobs being created. Similarly, E-commerce sector is growing at over 67 per cent and is also the largest employment generator today," he said, adding that the focus is on building a new India through digital connectivity. The budget session of the Gujarat Assembly today commenced on a stormy note as Congress MLAs rushed to the Well of the House during the speech of Governor O P Kohli and shouted slogans against the BJP-led state government. As soon as Kohli started reading out his speech, Congress MLAs stood up from their seats and started shouting slogans and showed placards in the House. Even as Kohli continued reading his speech, these MLAs gathered near the Well and demanded resignation of Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, alleging her failure on several fronts. The Congress MLAs raised slogans on the issues of police action against Patel quota agitators, alleged favours to the business partners of CM's daughter in land allotment, illegal sale of liquor, rampant corruption, scarcity of water, among others. Amid the slogan-shouting and raising of banners in the House, Kohli continued his speech for almost 20 minutes. Later, when Congress MLAs rushed near the Speaker's chair, Kohli stopped his speech midway and left the House. The state budget for 2016-17 will be presented tomorrow by Finance Minister Saurabh Patel. The session will end on March 31. In his speech, Kohli mentioned several initiatives taken by the the BJP government in recent times. He also mentioned about Mukhyamantri Yuva Svavlamban Yojna, a scheme launched recently to provide financial assistance to the students of Economically Backward Class (EBC). Kohli also apprised the House about the bills to be tabled in this session. In total, seven bills will be placed in the House in coming days. These include Gujarat Land Revenue (Amendment) Bill, The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, Gujarat Stamp (Amendment) Bill, among others. A village in Mehsana district of Gujarat has banned minor girls from using or owning mobile phones claiming that the gadget distracts them from studies. A fine of Rs 2100 will be imposed on girls who disobey the rule. The girls will only be allowed to use the mobile phones of their parents inside the house. The ban was implemented recently by the panchayat of Suraj village in Kadi taluka of Mehsana. According to village sarpanch Devshi Vankar, the decision was taken unanimously by the panchayat as the majority of villagers felt that mobile phones are creating problems for girls and their parents. The village panchayat also saw cell phones as a tool used by lovestruck youngsters to elope from homes. "All the villagers have agreed to ban mobile phones for school girls who are under 18 years. Members of all the communities, be it Dalit, Patel, Thakor or Rabari, have agreed on it," Vankar said. "Girls are allowed to use mobile phone of their parents inside their house and under their supervision. But they cannot move around in the village carrying mobiles," he added. The ban is only limited to school girls and women attending college have been spared by the panchayat. "College girls are mature enough to differentiate between good and bad. Further, they also need mobile phone to stay connected with their parents as colleges are located in nearby cities not in our village," Vankar said. Justifying the ban for minor girls, he stated that the rule was necessary to "save" girls from this technology. "Everyone knows what happens in today's world due to mobile phones. This is Kalyug. This is an era of Whatsapp, where people secretly talk with each other. We have to save girls from those who acquire their number and harass them or try to lure these innocent girls," Vankar said. "We have also found that school girls are getting distracted due to mobile phones, as they play games on it and do not concentrate on studies. Their poor parents have to bear extra burden of recharging these mobile phones," added Vankar. Former sarpanch Ramaji Thakor claimed that incidents of minor girls eloping with boys have increased in recent times, mainly due to mobile phones. "I have been witness to several such incidents in recent times. During the panchayat meet recently, villagers expressed concern about how mobiles are being used by boys to contact girls. Due to such facility, they plan to elope together," Thakor said. "Thus, all the villagers unanimously came to a conclusion that minor girls should be barred from using mobile phones," he added. Haryana's Health Minister Anil Vij today got upset over some issue when he, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and some of their cabinet colleagues were having an informal discussion on the situation in the state in the wake of the ongoing Jat agitation. The Chief Minister had summoned a cabinet meeting here in the afternoon to take stock of the situation. After the meeting was over, the group sat down for an informal discussion, sources said. During the discussion, Vij reportedly got upset over some issue and even offered to resign but was calmed down by Khattar, who later called him to his residence to pacify him. After the meeting with the Chief Minister at his house, Vij left for his Ambala residence. Asked about the issue when he reached Ambala Cantt, Vij, who clearly looked off mood and upset, merely said, "I met Chief Minister, there is nothing more to say." Before leaving for Chandigarh from Ambala earlier in the day, Vij had in a tweet said "today, I will meet the Chief Minister and talk to him about those who have suffered heavy loss due to the Jat agitation and will also seek action against the culprits (behind the violence and arson)". Sources said Vij made a mention of the issue in the informal discussion with Khattar and cabinet colleagues. Haryana Cabinet today decided to introduce a bill on the Jat reservation in the coming session of the state Assembly. "A bill will be brought in the coming session of Haryana assembly," state's Education and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ram Bilas Sharma told reporters after a cabinet meet. Read more from our special coverage on "JAT STIR" Jat stir: Railways to give full refund for cancelled trains The meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar took stock of the prevailing situation in the state due to the ongoing Jat quota stir. Sharma said the date of the Assembly session was yet to be decided. With violence continuing in the state, the minister said 16 people have died in the agitation. He made a reference to the recent all-party meeting, which had been called by Khattar in the wake of the Jat quota stir. "In the all-party meeting, the chief minister had told Congress and INLD members that the two parties should sit together and come out with a draft (on the reservation issue). "We had said that from the government side we will bring a bill in the Vidhan Sabha after taking into consideration their draft," said Sharma, who holds portfolio. Sharma said that his party had yesterday announced setting up of a five-member committee under a senior union minister to examine the quota demand for Jat community in government jobs. A committee headed by Union minister Venkaiah Naidu has been formed to look into the demand for reservation. The committee under Naidu will have BJP vice-presidents Satpal Malik and Avinash Rai Khanna, besides Union ministers Mahesh Sharma and Sanjeev Balyan. Regarding the situation in Haryana with reports of fresh incidents of violence in different parts, Sharma said "the cabinet took stock of the situation prevailing in Haryana". Sharma said, "as far as road transport is concerned, that is normalising." "Rail traffic on Delhi-Chandigarh track has resumed from Delhi to Rewari, Mahendergarh, Loharu, Bikaner, Alwar, Jaipur normal," he claimed. Asked that the financial loss due to the ongoing agitation that had been pegged at Rs 20,000 crore, Sharma said the state government has sounded the Centre about it. "Exact figure can be arrived only once different departments will make full assessment about the damage, which will take some time," he said. On incidents of Jat versus non-Jat clashes being reported from some places, he said "whatever happened was unfortunate." Asked if the state government had "failed" to bring the situation under control, he said the government is taking steps while exercising restraint. About clash between security forces and protesters in Sonipat district, he said, "It is true that in village Ladsoli in Sonepat, close to where water supply from Munak Canal head has been resumed to Delhi, a clash took place. We are talking to those who have blocked the national highway. IG, Paramjit Ahlawat, the Sonepat Deputy Commissioner and the Army is present there, they were trying to persuade the protesters. The "despicable act" of honour killing has nothing to do with religion, Pakistan Prime Minister said today after viewing an Oscar- nominated documentary about the issue. Speaking here at the launch of the documentary by Oscar- winning film-maker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Sharif expressed his firm resolve to build a progressive Pakistan by giving an equal and respectable status to women. Titled 'A girl in the river: The price of forgiveness' - which has been nominated for 88th Academy Awards, was screened at the Prime Minister's Office on his personal initiative to highlight the issue of honour killing in the country. "There is no honour in honour killing," Sharif said, adding, "the issue has nothing to do with religion". The prime minister said he was proud that a "daughter of Pakistan" through her art of film-making was contributing towards the betterment of society. Sharif said he was keen to provide women a level-playing field in accordance with the vision of Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah for the development and prosperity of the country. "Society's mindset about honour killings must be changed," he told reporters after watching the film. The issue needs to be highlighted at various platforms to create awareness among the masses, he said. The event was attended by senior ministers including Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif, foreign envoys, human rights activists and Maryam Sharif, the Prime Minister's daughter. Former Chief Minister of Haryana Bhupinder Singh Hooda was today not allowed to visit Rohtak, the epicentre of the Jat stir for quota, due to the law and order problem. Hooda was stopped at Bahadurgarh in Jhajjar district and requested not to proceed further in view of the prevailing situation. "I am a Jat. I am deeply hurt with the ongoing agitation. I request the state government to announce compensation for everyone who has suffered loss in the agitation," Hooda said. Hooda, who represents Garhi Sampla Kiloi assembly seat in Rohtak, also appealed to Jat protesters to maintain calm and peace in the state. An official of Jhajjar administration said, "We requested the former Chief Minister not to visit Rohtak because of law and order problem." Hooda and a number of other party leaders sat on a fast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi yesterday and urged for calm and amity. "My appeal is to restore peace and amity. I have also asked all our party MLAs and former MLAs to hold peace meetings in their respective constituencies," he said yesterday. Hooda, however, refrained from blaming anybody and declined to go into the reasons for the stir, saying "This is not the time to do so". "Priority of the hour is peace. I appeal to all not to engage in violence and bring peace," he said. Armed with "sufficient evidence", Indian tax authorities have issued notices to global banking giant HSBC, warning of prosecution against its Swiss and Dubai arms for allegedly abetting tax evasion by four Indians and their families. The UK-based HSBC, which also disclosed today ongoing probes by tax authorities from various countries in connection with alleged abetment of tax evasion and money laundering through its Geneva branch, said it is cooperating with the relevant authorities and cautioned of "significant" financial impact as a result of these investigations. Read more from our special coverage on "HSBC" HSBC 2015 profit nearly flat, sees bumpier environment ahead has been under scanner ever since a leaked list of hundreds of Indian clients of its Geneva branch found its way to the Indian tax authorities. Similar lists made their way to tax authorities in various other countries, prompting probes. Indian government has stepped up its fight against black money, allegedly stashed in Switzerland, in recent years and there have been apprehensions that the so-called illicit wealth might have got shifted to other places such as Dubai. Without disclosing the names of the Indians who indulged in the alleged tax evasion through its Swiss or Dubai units, said while announcing its annual results that it had first issued summons in February 2015 from Indian tax authorities, while fresh notices were issued in August and then in November. The bank today reported revenue of $1.84 billion from India in 2015, up from $1.74 billion in 2014. Its profits from India operations stood at $606 million, largely from global banking and market businesses. For India, its customer accounts had balance of $11.8 billion at the end of 2015, up from $11.7 billion in the previous year. "In India, in February 2015, the Indian tax authority issued summons and request for information to an company in India. "In August 2015 and November 2015, HSBC entities received notices issued by two offices of the Indian tax authority, alleging that the Indian tax authority had sufficient evidence to initiate prosecution against HSBC Swiss Private Bank and its Dubai entity for abetting tax evasion of four different Indian individuals and/or families and requesting that the HSBC entities show why such prosecution should not be initiated," the bank said. It further said the bank is "cooperating with relevant authorities in a manner consistent with relevant laws" with respect to each of the ongoing matters. HSBC listed out probes in countries like Argentina, Belgium and France in connection with "allegations of tax evasion or tax fraud, money laundering and unlawful cross-border banking solicitation". It said there were "many factors that may affect the range of outcomes, and the resulting financial impact, of these investigations and reviews, which could be significant. "In light of the media attention regarding these matters, it is possible that other tax administration, regulatory or law enforcement authorities will also initiate or enlarge similar investigations or regulatory proceedings." With regard to another probe in the US relating to Indian- origin clients, HSBC said it is cooperating in ongoing investigations by the Department of Justice and the US Internal Revenue Service. This probe relates to "regarding whether certain HSBC companies and employees, including those associated with HSBC Swiss Private Bank and an HSBC company in India, acted appropriately in relation to certain customers who had US tax reporting obligations". The bank said its Swiss arm has produced records and other documents to the DoJ. In August 2013, the DoJ had informed HSBC Swiss Private Bank that it was not eligible for the 'Program for Non-Prosecution Agreements or Non-Target Letters for Swiss Banks' since a formal investigation had previously been authorised. Meanwhile, the banking major said hiring practices is being investigated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The SEC is "investigating multiple financial institutions, including HSBC, in relation to hiring practices of candidates referred by or related to government officials or employees of state-owned enterprises in Asia Pacific", it said. "HSBC has received various requests for information and is cooperating with the SEC's investigation. Based on the facts currently known, it is not practicable at this time for HSBC to predict the resolution of this matter, including the timing or any possible impact on HSBC, which could be significant," it added. JNUSU leader Rama Naga, who is one of the five students accused of sedition, today said he is being targeted not for indulging in any "anti-national" activity but because he is a Dalit. "The issue of slogans on February 9 is merely a pretext. It is not just 'Afzal ki baat' but 'Ambedkar ki baat' too that is leading to sedition charges. I am being targeted not because of indulging in any anti-national activity but for being a Dalit," the JNU Students Union General Secretary said. "We know that yesterday in Gwalior JNU teacher Vivek Kumar was fired upon and copies of Constitution were burnt when he was delivering a talk on Ambedkar," he said. Naga along with Umar Khalid, Anant Prakash, Ashutosh Kumar and Anirban Bhattacharya had last night returned to the JNU campus after being in hiding since February 12 following the arrest of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges. The student leader also said "the Vice Chancellor (of JNU) will take a call" on whether they will surrender to police. A JNUSU statement meanwhile said: "We as JNUSU office bearers are committed to defend freedom of expression of students and will fight criminalisation of dissent. "We are the ones fighting against 'bharat ki barbadi' at the hands of communal and corporate fascism. Declining to describe himself as an "atheist", Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today said he has been "branded" as a non-believer due to his stand against superstitious practices. "I am not an atheist, because, even before I joined school, I was made to practice Veera Makkala Kunita (a traditional folk dance), so I had to perform in front of temple on all festivities. How can I be atheist then?" Siddaramaiah asked. "One thing that I have adapted in my life is to look at everything scientifically and thoughtfully," Siddaramaiah said in his address at the valedictory function of Kumbhmela at T Narasipura near here. Claiming that he was not against beliefs, the Chief Minister said, "I am against superstition and superstitious practices." "So, whenever I spoke against certain things, some people have branded me as an atheist, and said I was against religion and beliefs." Reiterating that he was not an atheist, Siddaramaiah said he visits temples and believes that there is one god. "I go to Tirupati, also to Mahadeshwara Betta (Shrine of MahadeshwaraSwamy in Chamarajanagara district), but I don't go in search of specific temples for salvation," he said. "I believe that god is everywhere and he is one, but I don't believe that one can attain salvation by visiting god in remote areas of Himalayas," he added. Earlier too Siddaramaiah had clarified on the issue while reacting to a legislator's comment in the Assembly last year. "I never said I was an atheist. This doesn't mean I visit temples every day with camphor and coconut in hand," he had said. The craze among Indians for a memorable wedding is one of the factors that contributes to country's burgeoning 'make up' industry which is growing at a rate of 20 per cent annually, an expert said today. "People in India are spending more than those in countries like the US on make-up. The Indian weddings are one of the major boosters for this industry which has evolved in a big way," Vivek Bharti, heading the Bollywood Hollywood International (BHI) Make Up and Hair Styling Academy in Mumbai, told PTI. He was speaking on the sidelines of an international workshopin Mumbai which began today where Hollywood celebrity makeup artist Donald Simrock is the guest. "In USA, around 150-200 dollars are spent on bridal make up, but in India spending Rs 14,000-Rs 15,000 on bridal make up is not a big thing. There are some weddings where more than a lakh is spent on it. We always want to make the weddings memorable," Bharti said. He said since wedding is an elaborate affair in India, so much of importance is given to dressing-up and styling. "If girl looks super beautiful, that picture is kept for generations. It is always treasured," he pointed out. Bharti said the make up industry has been picking up at a pace of 20 per cent annually and awareness about it (make up) is growing at the rate of 50 per cent. "You can see this from the booming salon industry in India," he said. The expert said that the perspective of people towards make up industry has also changed. "In past it was only uneducated people who were into this trade. Now the children from best of the families take up this as a full-time profession," he said. "It has become a highly paid profession. A good make up artist can earn more than the salary of a corporate company's vice president," he claimed. Indonesia sank 27 impounded foreign boats today, a minister said, as the world's largest archipelago nation stepped up a campaign against illegal fishing in its waters. The empty vessels from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Myanmar were blown up or scuttled at five separate locations across the country, said Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti. The boats had been all caught fishing illegally in the archipelago of more than 17,000 islands. Four Indonesian boats were also sunk after they were caught fishing without proper documentation. "The government is taking stronger and firmer action to enforce regulations to keep our waters safe," Pudjiastuti, a key figure in the campaign against illegal fishing, told journalists. Indonesia has sunk foreign boats on several occasions since the government launched the drive to combat illegal fishing, with President Joko Widodo claiming the practice costs the country's economy billions of dollars annually. However, the campaign has caused tensions with other countries in the region. China last year expressed concern after a Chinese boat was blown up. In a string of suicide bombings near jihadists occupied Shiite shrine outside Syria's capital and in Homs have claimed more than 150 lives, as Washington and Moscow worked to secure a ceasefire. The Islamic State of Iraq & Syria group said it was behind the carnage. Read more from our special coverage on "ISIS" Islamic States reach on Twitter dwindling: Report US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Sunday, a provisional deal had been reached on the terms of a truce in Syria's brutal five-year conflict, only for the bloodshed to intensify on the ground. Near Damascus, a car bombing followed by two consecutive suicide attacks ripped through the area of the Shiite shrine of Sayyida Zeinab and killed 96 people according to The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Syria's official news agency SANA, quoting a police source, said 178 people, including children, were among the wounded. An AFP reporter said the blasts struck about 400 metres (yards) from the revered Shiite shrine containing the grave of a granddaughter of the Prophet Mohammed. A January attack in the same area, also claimed by ISIS, killed 70 people. The Observatory also reported that two car bombs killed at least 59 people and wounded dozens in the pro-regime district of Al-Zahraa in the central city of Homs. said online that two suicide bombers struck in Sayyida Zeinab and two drove explosive-packed cars into crowds in Homs. UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura "strongly condemns" the attacks, his spokesperson said in a statement. State television footage from Homs showed emergency workers carrying a charred body on a stretcher past devastated shops and mangled cars and minibuses. Al-Zahraa - whose residents are mostly from the same Alawite sect of Shia Islam as Syria's ruling clan - has been regularly targeted. World powers, which have been pushing for a halt in Syria's nearly five-year war, had hoped to see a truce take effect on Friday but have struggled to agree on the terms. Kerry spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at least three times to try to nail down a truce. "We have reached a provisional agreement, in principle, on the terms of the cessation of hostilities that could begin in the coming days," Kerry said in Amman after one round of talks. The Islamic State has claimed the gruesome killing of a Hindu head priest in Bangladesh using guns and cleavers at a temple in an area bordering India, the first attack by the dreaded group against a Hindu in a series of similar assaults on religious minorities. US-based private SITE Intelligence Group published the report after the execution-style killing of 50-year-old Jagneshwar Roy at Sonapota village yesterday in a pre-dawn attack in northern Panchagarh district's Debiganj Upazila, some 494 km from here, that also injured two devotees. The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors online jihadi activity, said the claimed responsibility for killing Roy in a communique posted by the IS-linked Amaq News Agency on Twitter. The claim could not be independently verified. Motorbike-borne assailants, said to be over three in number, pelted stones at the house of Roy in the premises of the Santagourhiyo Temple which prompted him to come out following which the killers pounced on him and slit his throat, according to a devotee in the neighbourhood said. Roy founded the temple in 1998 and served as its principal and chief priest since then. His murder is the first attack on a Hindu priest and the fifth attack on minority religious communities including Shia Muslims and liberal Sufi preachers in the past six months by suspected Islamists. However, a senior police officer overseeing the investigation questioned the authenticity of the claim and said the initial investigation found that the banned Jamaatul Mujahideeen Bangladesh (JMB) and fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami could be linked to the murder. "In the past several cases of such clandestine murders, we heard about the IS involvement, but our investigations found those claims to be unfounded... Rather locally brewed militant or Islamist groups were found to be directly involved in the killings," the officer told PTI requesting anonymity. Panchagargh's police chief Giasuddin Ahmed also questioned the claim, saying "the statement issued in the name of Islamic State is entirely bogus". Officer-in-charge of Debiganj police station in Panchagargh Babul Akhtar told reporters that in an overnight raid, police arrested two suspected JMB operatives and an activist of Jamaat's student wing suspecting their links to the murder. The SITE had earlier reported that ISIS claimed responsibility for the murder of Japanese national Kunio Hoshi at Rangpur, the attack on a Shia mosque in Bogra and another on a Shia procession in Dhaka. But law-enforcing agencies and the government had dismissed the claim, saying the Middle- East-based radical group had no presence in Bangladesh. The Islamic State today claimed the brutal killing of a head priest in Bangladesh at a Hindu temple in an area bordering India, the first attack by the dreaded terror group targeting the community amid a series of similar assaults on religious minorities. US-based private SITE Intelligence Group published the ISIS statement in Arabic after the execution-style killing of 50-year-old Jagneshwar Roy at Sonapota village yesterday in a pre-dawn attack in northern Panchagarh district's Debiganj Upazila, some 494 km from here, that also injured two Hindu devotees. "In a security operation, soldiers of the Caliphate liquidated the priest - the founder and head of the Deviganj temple that belongs to the Hindus," read the English translation of the IS statement. It added: "One of his companions was hurt after being targeted with light weapons in the area of Panchagar in Northern Bangladesh, and the Mujahideen returned to their positions unharmed." The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors online jihadi activity, said the ISIS claimed responsibility for killing Roy in a communique posted by the IS-linked Amaq Agency on Twitter. The claim could not be independently verified. Motorbike-borne assailants, said to be over three in number, pelted stones at the house of Roy in the premises of the Santagourhiyo Temple which prompted him to come out following which the killers pounced on him and slit his throat, according to a devotee in the neighbourhood. Roy, who founded the temple in 1998 and served as its principal and chief priest since then, was preparing for the morning prayers, when stones were hurled at the temple. A blood-stained cleaver was recovered from the spot, authorities said, adding that the motive for the killing was not clear. A probe was launched in to the attack to nab the assassins who fled the scene on a motorbike, firing gunshots and hurling crude bombs to avoid being chased, injuring two including a neighbour who had rushed to the spot to save Roy. His murder is the first attack on a Hindu priest and the fifth assault on minority religious communities including Shia Muslims and liberal Sufi preachers in the past six months by suspected Islamists. Hindus make the Sunni-majority country's largest minority with nearly 10 per cent of the total population of 160 million. However, a senior police officer overseeing the investigation questioned the authenticity of the ISIS claim and said the initial investigation found that the banned Jamaatul Mujahideeen Bangladesh (JMB) and fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami could be linked to the murder. "In the past several cases of such clandestine murders, we heard about the IS involvement, but our investigations found those claims to be unfounded... Rather locally brewed militant or Islamist groups were found to be directly involved in the killings," the officer told The Jat agitation in Haryana today had its echo in eastern Rajasthan where protesters damaged two buses and blocked railway tracks and highway, prompting the district administration to impose prohibitory orders. The protesters in the morning burnt a roadways bus near Dhormui oil depot and damaged another bus in Sewar area. "Deeg, Jaipur and Mathura highways and Jaipur and Mumbai railway tracks are closed," Additional SP Bharat Lal Meena said. IG Alok Vashistha said prohibitory orders have been imposed in the district to maintain law and order and additional police force has been rushed to the affected areas. "The protestors blocked the highway last night.Efforts are on to control the situation," another police official said. Senior police and district administration officials are monitoring the situation. Taking note of the violence, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has appealed to the Jat community members of Dholpur and Bharatpur districts to maintain peace and communal harmony. Raje said in a statement that her government has already constituted OBC Commission and EBC Commission. She said Jats in Dholpur and Bharatpur should maintain peace and law and order, so that the OBC commission can present its report on reservation to Jats. Violence continued unabated in Haryana today with stone-pelting mobs attacking security personnel trying to clear a road blockade triggering a clash in which three civilians were killed raising the death toll to 19 in the nine-day old stir. Besides the clash in Sonipat which also left nine people injured, fresh incidents of arson and violence erupted in several districts including Rohtak, Kaithal and Hissar. As protesters continued to block some roads including the arterial Delhi-Ambala Highway, the Centre directed security forces to use force to clear blockades. "The security forces were asked to use force to clear all the places where the protesters were squatting affecting communication network and water supply," a Union Government official said in Delhi. The All India Jat Aarakshan Sanghursh Samiti (AIJASS) later in the evening announced lifting of its dharnas on national and state highways in view of the BJP setting up a committee under a Central minister to examine the quota demand for the Jat community. Sonipat Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Rattan said personnel of Army, paramilitary forces and the police who were trying to clear a road blockade in the district were attacked by the mob which pelted stones on them and also used lathis. Some security pesonnel were also injured. A police spokesman in Sonipat said the three killed in the clash were identified as Sunny (of Gandhi Nagar), Rajesh (Samli), both of Ganaur area and Sandeep (Phansi, Sonipat). The mob went berserk setting on fire government vehicles, indulging in vandalism and attacking the security forces, the DC said, adding there was tension in the entire area. The latest incident came within hours after two columns of the Army comprising around 150 personnel, besides CRPF and Haryana Police contingents took control of the Munak canal at around 4 AM today from protesters who had cut off the water supply to Delhi, from Akbarpur-Barota in Sonipat. Following fresh incidents of arson and violence, curfew was reimposed in five villages of Hansi sub-division, Hissar city limits and Kaithal. Curfew was imposed in five villages of the district and shoot-at-sight orders issued following a face-off between Jats and other community members. Senior Haryana Minister Ram Bilas Sharma told reporters after a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar that 16 people have died in the ongoing Jat agitation. Making a fresh appeal for an end to the agitation, Sharma said a Bill will be brought in the coming Assembly session of on the Jat reservation issue. When asked what will be the shape of the Bill, he said the date for the commencement of the assembly session was yet to be decided and did not elaborate on the details. The Jat protesters also continued to block some roads including in Rohtak, Hissar and Bhiwani districts. Road traffic on various national and state highways from Hissar to various destinations, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Sirsa, Siwani and Bhiwani remained suspended. Railway traffic from Hissar to various destinations including Delhi, Ludhiana, Bhiwani and Sadulpur also remained suspended. Violence continued to rage in Haryana today with stone-pelting mobs attacking security personnel trying to clear a road blockade and torching government vehicles even as the death toll in the nine-day old Jat quota stir was put at 16. As protesters continued to block some roads including the arterial Delhi-Ambala Highway, the Centre directed security forces to use force to clear blockades. "The security forces were asked to use force to clear all the places where the protesters were squatting affecting communication network and water supply," a Union Government official said in Delhi. The All India Jat Aarakshan Sanghursh Samiti (AIJASS) later in the evening announced lifting of its dharnas on national and state highways in view of the BJP setting up a committee under a Central minister to examine the quota demand for the Jat community. Besides Sonipat, fresh incidents of arson and violence erupted in several districts including Rohtak, Kaithal and Hissar. Sonipat Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Rattan said personnel of Army, paramilitary forces and the police who were trying to clear a road blockade in the district were attacked by the mob which pelted stones on them and also used lathis. Some security pesonnel were also injured. "Yes, there are casualties, may be one or three, but I can't give any exact figure immediately," he told PTI. The mob went berserk setting on fire government vehicles, indulging in vandalism and attacking the security forces, the DC said, adding there was tension in the entire area. The latest incident came within hours after two columns of the Army comprising around 150 personnel, besides CRPF and Haryana Police contingents took control of the Munak canal at around 4 AM today from protesters who had cut off the water supply to Delhi, from Akbarpur-Barota in Sonipat. Following fresh incidents of arson and violence, curfew was reimposed in five villages of Hansi sub-division, Hissar city limits and Kaithal. Curfew was imposed in five villages of the district and shoot-at-sight orders issued following a face-off between Jats and other community members. Senior Haryana Minister Ram Bilas Sharma told reporters after a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar that 16 people have died in the ongoing Jat agitation. Making a fresh appeal for an end to the agitation, Sharma said a Bill will be brought in the coming Assembly session of on the Jat reservation issue. When asked what will be the shape of the Bill, he said the date for the commencement of the assembly session was yet to be decided and did not elaborate on the details. The Jat protesters also continued to block some roads including in Rohtak, Hissar and Bhiwani districts. Road traffic on various national and state highways from Hissar to various destinations, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Sirsa, Siwani and Bhiwani remained suspended. Railway traffic from Hissar to various destinations including Delhi, Ludhiana, Bhiwani and Sadulpur also remained suspended. A delegation of Haryana's main opposition Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leaders today met Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, seeking dismissal of BJP-led Manohar Lal Khattar government over its alleged failure in controlling law and order in the state which has 'worsened' in view of the Jat stir. The delegation led by INLD's senior leader Abhay Singh Chautala also sought a judicial probe into the "untoward happenings" during the ongoing stir. "Precious lives have been lost and the state had to suffer loss worth thousands of crores of rupees..The government has completely failed to control the situation," a memorandum submitted by the party to the Governor said. The party has sought Rs 25 lakh compensation for kin of those killed in the agitation and employment to one member of the family. It also favoured compensating the loss of private properties. Chautala, a prominent Jat leader himself, alleged BJP MP Raj Kumar Saini had been making anti-Jat quota statements for past several months but the party failed to rein him in. "He had been inciting people with his remarks. However, BJP took no action against its MP and overlooked the fact that he was spreading poison in the society with his outbursts," Chautala charged. Violence continued unabated in the state today with stone-pelting mobs attacking security personnel trying to clear a road blockade triggering a clash in which three civilians were killed raising the death toll to 19 in the nine-day old Jat stir for reservation. Life in violence-torn Haryana is limping back to normal today with Jat protesters starting to lift blockades in various parts of the state after the BJP government announced the setting up of a committee headed by Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu to examine the quota demand for the community. After remaining on the edge for several days, normalcy was returning to some cities like Kaithal and officials expect the situation to improve considerably in other affected areas today. Authorities had lifted curfew from Kaithal and its nearby town Kalayat yesterday. However, in Rohtak, the epicentre of pro-quota Jat agitation, curfew remained in force even as there was no report of any incident of violence and arson in the last 24 hours. "There is no major incident in the last 24 hours in Rohtak and last night was peaceful," a senior Rohtak Police official said today. However, he said, though there are road blockades at few places in Rohtak, the situation is likely to improve during the day. "There are blockades in some places in the outer areas of Rohtak but the situation in the city was normal. Protesters have returned to their homes," another senior official in Rohtak district administration said today. "But at Maharishi Dayanand University (MDU) the protesters are still sitting and we hope they will also soon go back to their homes," the official said. Rohtak and other areas had witnessed major damage to public and private property after the Jat protest turned violent. Following the incidents of violence and arson, curfew was imposed in Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, Jind, Hissar, Hansi, Sonipat and Gohana town of Sonipat. Blockades from some and state highways including Saharanpur-Ambala at Yamunanagar, Paonta Sahib-Yamunanagar, Ambala-Kaithal, Saharanpur-Pipli-Kurukshetra, Zirakpur-Parwanoo and Ladwa-Shahbad were lifted late last evening. Reports pouring from other areas said the road blockades from the Delhi-Panipat Highway are being cleared for restoration of traffic. According to reports blockades were also lifted in Kurukshetra and Jhajjar areas. Traffic was yet to be fully restored on various and state highways while train services will not be restored today as railways has announced cancellation of trains for today and tomorrow. Yielding to pressure from agitating Jats, BJP last night announced setting up of a five-member committee under a senior Central minister to examine the quota demand for the community in government jobs. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said that a committee headed by Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu has been formed to look into the demand for reservation in central government jobs for Jats. "I would like to make things clear regarding the ongoing protest. Just now, we have formed a committee which will be headed by our senior Cabinet minister Venkaiah Naidu. The committee has been asked to file a comprehensive report to find the solution of the issue as soon as possible," he had said. Sporadic incidents of arson were today reported as life in violence-torn Haryana limped back to normalcy with curfew being lifted gradually and Jat protesters starting to lift blockades after BJP announced setting up of a committee to examine the quota demand of the community. Spokesman of All India Jat Aarakshan Sanghursh Samiti Ram Bhagat Malik said that they would hold a meeting later in the day to decide on the future course of action, including lifting of blockades at various places. Normal supply of water to Delhi from Haryana, which had been disrupted due to the Jat stir, is likely to be restored by this evening as security forces have taken control of the Munak Canal after evicting Jat protesters, officials said. Curfew, which had been clamped in in towns in view of the volatile situation, are being lifted gradually. Curfew was last evening lifted from Kaithal and Kalayat while this morning it was lifted from Hisar and Hansi and one-hour relaxation was given in worst-affected Rohtak town. To take stock of the situation, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had called a Cabinet meeting here later in the day. Sporadic incidents of violence were reported today that included setting on fire of a government vehicle in Meham in Rohtak district. The protesters continued to block some roads including the arterial Delhi-Ambala Highway, demanding a written assurance that the community will be given reservation in the state. The Jats also continued to block some roads including in Rohtak, Hisar and Bhiwani districts. Road traffic on various and state highways from Hissar to various destinations, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Sirsa, Siwani and Bhiwani remained suspended. Railway traffic from Hissar to various destinations including Delhi, Ludhiana, Bhiwani and Sadulpur also remained suspended. Traffic on Ambala-Pipli route had been restored and State Roadways was also plying buses on the route, but beyond that movement on the Pipli-Karnal-Sonipat-Delhi Highway was yet to be restored, officials said. After remaining on the edge for several days, normalcy was returning to some cities like Kaithal and officials expect the situation to improve considerably in other affected areas today. However, road blockades were still in place at few places in Rohtak, but the situation is likely to improve during the day, an official said. "But at Maharishi Dayanand University (MDU) the protesters are still sitting and we hope they will also soon go back to their homes," the official said. Rohtak and other areas had witnessed major damage to public and private property after the Jat protest turned violent. Following the incidents of violence and arson, curfew was imposed in Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, Jind, Hissar, Hansi, Sonipat, Kaithal, and Gohana town of Sonipat. Blockades from some and state highways including Saharanpur-Ambala at Yamunanagar, Paonta Sahib-Yamunanagar, Ambala-Kaithal, Saharanpur-Pipli- Kurukshetra, Zirakpur-Parwanoo and Ladwa-Shahbad were lifted late last evening. Reports pouring from other areas said the road blockades from the Delhi-Panipat National Highway are being cleared for restoration of traffic. According to reports blockades were also lifted in Kurukshetra and Jhajjar areas. To clear the rush of passengers, the Railways would be running a special train from Chandigarh to Delhi at 4 PM today. The train would run from Chandigarh to Anand Vihar station in Delhi and it would be diverted from Ambala on to Saharanpur route to reach the national capital since the other route has still not been cleared for rail traffic, a Northern Railways spokesman said. Yielding to pressure from agitating Jats, BJP last night announced setting up of a five-member committee under a senior Central minister to examine the quota demand for the community in government jobs. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said that a committee headed by Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu has been formed to look into the demand for reservation in central government jobs for Jats. All India Jat Aarakshan Sanghursh Samiti (AIJASS), a group that played a prominent role in the Jat agitation, today said that it will lift dharnas on highways after the government announced setting up of a committee to examine the quota demand. "We have decided to lift the protest dharnas on various National and State Highways in Haryana after a samiti meeting this afternoon," AIJASS Spokesman Ram Bhagat Malik said. However, the decision to end dharna at Mayyar village on Delhi-Hissar railway track will be taken by the Sampla Sanghursh Samiti, another Jat organisation, he said. A meeting, presided over by the group's chief Yashapal Malik, also demanded registration of a case against BJP MP Raj Kumar Saini "as he is responsible for the incidents of arson and violence", Ram Bhagat said. His "provocative statements" against the community in the past one year and the failure of the BJP to take action against him led to the present situation, the spokesperson said. The meeting also demanded that all the officials responsible for the deaths of "innocent" persons during the Jat agitation should be booked, he said. The Samiti also demanded that all cases registered against Jat protesters during the current and previous agitations be withdrawn immediately. The army has been allowed access to Jaipur civil airport to conduct its services in view of the road and rail blockades in neighbouring Haryana by Jat agitators demanding quota in government jobs. Jaipur Aiport (AAI) Director B K Tailang told PTI here that army was allowed to make use of the Jaipur Airport located in Sanganer for its chopper or aircraft services to desired locations and destinations. Read more from our special coverage on "" Now, posters in Jadavpur demand freedom for Kashmir, Manipur, Nagaland Since Jaipur is close to Delhi and Haryana, the Jaipur Civil Airport has allowed the army to use it on the direction of the Centre, he said. He refused to disclose the number of sorties undertaken by the army citing confidentiality. Private airlines were also encouraged to introduce extra flights to ease passenger load, Tailang said. SpiceJet announced an extra flight to Delhi, while Air India also planned one more flight to the national capital in the evening, he said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Special prayers and celebrations were held today by ruling AIADMK party workers across Tamil Nadu on the occasion of the 'star birthday' of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. The celebrations are expected to be on till the weekend while she would turn 68 on February 24, according to the Gregorian calendar. Today being "Maasi Magam" (Tamil month 'Masi' star 'Magam') the birth star of Jayalalithaa, ruling partymen, from state Ministers and top party functionaries to ordinary party workers offered prayers in places of worship across the state. As she turns 68, party workers are organising everything to sync with the number 68, like 68 special medical camps and the initiative to plant 68 lakh saplings across the state, recently launched by Jayalalithaa herself. On behalf of AIADMK party wing Puratchi Thalaivi Amma Peravai "Go Puja" (Cow Worship) and "Go Dhan" (Cow Donation) were held in 50 party districts, including Chennai,Villupuram, Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Virudunagar, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Karur, Coimbatore and Nilgiris. Likewise, functionaries are organising distribution of welfare assistance like giving away dhoti-saris, sewing machines to beneficiaries, notebooks for school children and organising community lunch (Anna dhanam). In addition, social service activities like organising blood donation camp are being held. AIADMK women's wing functionaries are also holding "Pal Kudam Vazhipadu" (carrying milk pot on head and completing prayers in temples) and "Thiruvillakku Puja". A party advertisement said the special prayers are being organised seeking long life for Jayalalithaa and continuation of her good governance by winning the coming assembly polls. Prayers were held today in 122 ancient temples under the ambit of Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, besides a slew of other places of worship. Meanwhile, Jayalalithaa launched distribution of 6,888 solar table lamps for students at the Secretariat by giving away the lamps to five students. On the occasion of her birthday, lamps are being distributed by South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce chairman C Kalyan, a government release said. An inexplicable craving for Italian language compelled Indian American author Jhumpa Lahiri to go live in Rome, moving home to Italy from Rhode Island in the US. The Pulitzer winning writer who shot to fame with her simple yet pathos ridden style of storytelling in English has in fact put her authority as an accomplished author at stake with her latest autobiographical account, "In Other Words" (In altre parole) that she penned originally in Italian. The barely 200-page-long book translated by Ann Goldstein, that bears a picture of the bemused author most likely in "a library in the ghetto in Rome" on the cover is the first book that she has written in the "adopted, desired" language. "My Italian is still limited compared with my English. And yet it is the sole language in which I continue to write. Writing in Italian is a choice on my part, a risk that I feel inspired to take," Lahiri writes. That the author is an amateur in Italian is conspicuous in her linear trail of thoughts reflected in equally crisp sentences. But what stays on with Lahiri as a writer at heart is her impeccable use of metaphors where she personifies the language, first as her lover and then as her newborn child. She is impatient in revealing her secret crush on Italian and confesses her desperate love for the language even before she barely reaches the twentieth page. She says, "It (Italian) seems like a language with which I have to have a relationship. It's like a person met one day by chance, with whom I immediately feel a connection, of whom I feel fond...What I feel is something physical, inexplicable. It stirs an indiscreet, absurd longing. An exquisite tension. Love at first sight." It is only much later in the book, when she is assigned the reluctant task of translating one of her own Italian pieces into English to be presented at a literary festival in Capri, does her initial infatuation transforms into a motherly affection seeeking to protect her newborn from his dominating and stronger elder "brother," English. "Now, as I translate myself, I feel like the mother of two children...I feel split in two...I know that Beckett translated himself from French to English. That would be impossible for me, because my Italian remains much weaker. They aren't equal, these two brothers, and the little one is my favourite," she writes. What is strikingly beautiful about Lahiri's latest is the way it documents the evolution of the author's relationship with the language without camouflaging the blemishes. It chronicles the rebirth of a writer and reasons with the readers and the writer herself as to why she takes up the perilous experiment in the first place. "I'm aware of a state of deprivation. And yet, at the same time, I feel free, light. I rediscover the reason I write, the joy as well as the need," she says. But why would a writer as affluent as Lahiri not translate the book herself? She answers even before the book begins. "Returning to English was disorienting, frustrating, also discouraging. It made me acutely aware of how limited ny Italian was compared with my English. It made me question the value of the experiment I had undertaken." Her reasoning seems to stem from a pervading sense of infidelity she associates with her resuming writing in English - as if she would betray her lover. "Translating the book myself would have meant re-engaging intimately with English, wrestling with it, rather than with Italian." "In addition, had I translated this book, the temptation would have been to improve it, to make it stronger by means of my stronger language. But I wanted the translation to render my Italian honestly, without smoothing out its rough edges, without neutralising its oddness, without manipulating its character," she says. However, despite her nascent, limited and immature Italian, Lahiri's writing never ceases to create the effect of the impressionist litterateur she has been in "The Namesake" and "The Interpreter of Maladies" and evokes an immense sense of emancipation in anyone who wishes to set out to conquer a challenging dream. The special women's court here today criticized the prosecution in actress Jiah Khan suicide case for delaying by not opening its case against accused Sooraj Pancholi and seeking an adjournment instead. "This shows nobody wants to proceed with the trial and the agency is not prepared in spite of holding all the documents....Unwillingness on part of the prosecution agency is going to delay the proceedings," the judge A S Shende said. As the hearing started, the court directed the special prosecutor Dinesh Tiwari to open the case but he sought some time saying CBI had not handed over certain documents. Under section 226 of Criminal Procedure Code, the prosecutor opens the case by describing the charge against the accused and the evidence he/she proposes to put forth. "It is surprising that you always come and complain. It seems prosecutor doesn't want to rely on charge sheet but wants to bring some new documents," the court observed. When the court asked Jiah's mother Rabiya Khan's lawyer Swapnil Ambure to open the case, he said he had filed a writ petition in the Bombay High court and sought adjournment. But to the court's question, Ambure said the HC had not stayed the trial. The court also expressed displeasure over the absence of investigating officers either from CBI or Mumbai police before adjourning the hearing to February 25. On the next date, the prosecution will have to open its case and the charges will be framed, it said. Sooraj (25), who made his Bollywood debut recently, has been charged by CBI with abetting the suicide of Jiah Khan with whom he allegedly had a relationship. The charge sheet says that on the morning of June 3, 2013, Jiah left Sooraj's house where she was staying for the previous two days. Later that day, she was found hanging at her residence. Forensic analysis of Sooraj's statements "established that he was concealing relevant information about actual reason behind the incident," it says. Sooraj, son of Bollywood couple Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab, refused to undergo polygraph or brain-mapping tests, according to CBI sources. Jiah's three-page suicide note narrates her intimate relationship with Sooraj and physical abuse and mental torture by him, CBI says. In October 2013, Rabiya Khan had moved the Bombay High Court alleging that Jiah had been in fact murdered and sought a CBI probe. The agency, however, said it was a suicide. Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers (JKNPP) Party today accused BJP of indulging in "unscrupulous practices to lure" PDP for forming a government in the state. "The BJP seemed to be desperate for cobbling up once again with its ex-ally by hook or by crook without realizing the trauma which the people of Jammu were going through," JKNPP Chairman Harshdev Singh told reporters here. "The saffron party has indulged in unscrupulous practices to lure' PDP for forming a government in the state," Singh said. He charged that "returning to power" was the only objective of the BJP as it was conscious of its eroding mass base in the region due to persistent acts of "betrayal, treachery and subterfuge". Singh said since the PDP was reluctant and had expressed its antipathy to form the government, BJP was allegedly resorting to horse trading, offering allurements and other corrupt practices to woo its former partner. The Delhi High Court will tomorrow hear the bail plea of JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar, charged with sedition, in which he has contended that he was 'falsely implicated' in the case as he had not raised any anti- slogan. The plea is listed for hearing before Justice Pratibha Rani at 10.30 am. In his bail plea, Kanhaiya has claimed that he was wrongly arrested on the basis of an FIR which was devoid of evidence to book him under such a serious charge. His counsel has said that the petition is limited to bail for Kanhaiya who was arrested on February 12 and remanded to judicial custody on February 17, amid violence at Patiala House courts which was the scene of attacks on the student leader and journalists by a group of unruly lawyers. In the plea, he has also claimed that no case is made out against him as there was no evidence as he had never raised any anti- slogan during the event organised in the Jawaharlal Nehru university (JNU) on February 9. He had moved the high court after the Supreme Court refused to hear his bail plea on the ground that it will set a "dangerous precedent" and asked him to approach the high court. Kanhaiya, who is in judicial custody till March 2, had approached the apex court directly seeking bail on the ground that his life was under threat in the Tihar Jail. He was arrested on sedition charge following a controversial event at JNU campus where anti-India slogans were allegedly raised. JNU students and teachers today appealed to the Vice Chancellor to take a stand in favour of the five students who were being looked for by the police in a sedition case and have now surfaced on the campus after being on the run for over 10 days. "The students were in hiding because they feared mob- lynching and have returned when (they) believed that some normalcy returned on the campus. We want the university VC to take a stand like Jadavpur University and AMU that police will not come on campus," JNU Students Union Vice President Shehla Rashid Shora said while addressing a press conference here. "The VC should also demand from Delhi Police that all charges against the students be dropped as it vitiates academic atmosphere," she said, adding a letter has been submitted to the VC in this regard. The students union also said the administration has not approached them for a meeting. "If they want us to share responsibility of handing over these students to police, we will not abide by that," she added. The JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) in an emergent meeting held today passed a resolution demanding that the "internal mechanism of the university should be allowed to work but only after re-construction of the inquiry panel. We also appeal the administration to maintain a conducive atmosphere to help students appear before the panel." JNUTA president Ajay Patnaik told reporters, "Even legal luminaries have said that the sedition charge cannot be imposed frivolously, that too on students for mere shouting of slogans. We want the university to take a stand and get these charges dropped." Meanwhile, a meeting of top varsity officials called by Vice Chancellor Jagdesh Kumar is underway in which the future course of action is likely to be decided. Police sources said they will ask the VC to hand over the students to them rather than having a crackdown on the campus. JNU Teachers Association today demanded that the varsity's Registrar Bhupinder Zutshi be sacked for alleged mishandling of the row at the university over an event against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. Vice Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar today met a delegation of over 300 teachers, who submitted before him a memorandum detailing four demands. "We have demanded that the Registrar should be sacked over mishandling of the row and supporting police crackdown on campus. We have also asked that the VC should approach police requesting dropping of sedition and criminal conspiracy charges against the students," JNUTA President Ajay Patnaik said during a press conference. "The other two demands include not allowing police entry into campus and expanding the composition of the high-level enquiry instituted to probe into the event," he added. The varsity has already turned down the demand of adding more members to the high level committee saying it has full faith in it. The VC told teachers that their demands will be looked into and varsity will take a call on it soon. Earlier in the day, in an emergent meeting JNUTA passed a resolution demanding that the "internal mechanism of the university should be allowed to work but only after re-construction of the inquiry panel. We also appealed to the administration to maintain a conducive atmosphere to help students appear before the panel." "Even legal luminaries have said that the sedition charge cannot be imposed frivolously, that too on students for mere shouting of slogans. We want the university to take a stand and get these charges dropped," Patnaik said. Popular "Sankupoonja-Devupoonja Jodukare Kambala' (buffalo race in marshy fields) was held at Thiruvail Guthu near Amrutheshwara temple in Vamanjoor here with much fanfare. The Kambala, organised by Vamanjoor Thiruvail Guthu Sankupoonja and Devupoonja Jodukere Kambala committee, was inaugurated by chief priest of Amrutheshwara temple Gopalakrishna Bhat yesterday. The district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai, who was present, said Kambala was our traditional sport and it would go on till the sun and the moon existed. He said despite opposition from animal rights activists, the people should work together to ensure its continuity. Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo congratulated the organisers for holding the event every year to help maintain the popularity of the traditional sport. A total of 115 pairs of buffaloes took part in the event. Family members of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, lodged in Tihar Jail in a case of sedition, today met him in the jail and delivered his mother's message, which said he should neither worry nor give any explanation to prove his innocence. Kanhaiya's elder brother Manikant and his uncle Rajendra Singh met him and enquired about his well-being. Manikant said his mother Meena Devi was concerned about Kanhaiya after the attack on him at the Patiala House court complex and wanted to ensure that he was doing well inside the jail. "My mother was concerned after the Patiala House court incident but she asked Kanhaiya to not to worry about all this, as she believed that he had not done anything wrong and that he did not need to explain anything," Manikant told PTI. "We also told him that the whole family as well as his village supported him and believed that he had not done anything wrong," he said. Kanhaiya, according to his brother, asked the family not to worry about him and consoled them when they tried to enquire about his well-being. "Kanhaiya is strong and instead of we consoling him, he asked us not to worry," his brother said. Tihar officials said Kanhaiya met his brother and uncle for about half-an-hour in the afternoon. Kanhaiya who was arrested by Delhi Police in connection with the case of sedition for allegedly raising anti-India slogans during a controversial event held at JNU, was brought to Tihar Jail on February 19. The jail officials said that he was being kept in a separate cell where he devoted his time reading and writing a diary on his experience in the jail. Martin Guptill fell without scoring as New Zealand set out after Australia's 135-run first-innings lead after bowling the tourists out for 505 on day three of the second Test on Monday. Home bowler Neil Wagner claimed his first six-wicket haul as Australia's tail folded, losing their last five wickets for 41 after lunch at Christchurch's Hagley Oval. At tea New Zealand, chasing a series-levelling win in the second and final Test, were 43-1 in their second innings with Guptill out for a duck, nicking a James Pattinson delivery on off-stump to wicketkeeper Peter Nevill. However, early demons appeared to have long gone from the wicket and Tom Latham was not out 33 with Kane Williamson on 10. Wagner, who removed Joe Burns (170) and Steve Smith (138) late on Sunday, completed his sweep of the Australian dangermen when he had Adam Voges caught for 60 in the second over after lunch. The innings ended soon after but Australia had already batted themselves into a commanding position at the midway stage of the Test. Voges, who had crushed New Zealand with his 239 in the first Test, looked set for another special score as he chalked up his fourth 50 to go with five centuries from 20 Test innings. But his timing deserted him trying to pull a short Wagner delivery to the boundary. He was unable to get over the ball which flew off the top of the bat and was claimed by a leaping Latham at square leg. It was 36-year-old Voges' lowest score in five innings and while it brought his average down, it still stands at a remarkable 94.78. With the West Australian out of the way and Nathan Lyon already dismissed by Williamson before lunch, New Zealand increased the pressure. Wagner persisted with his short-pitched deliveries and continued to be rewarded when Mitchell Marsh joined the stream of Australians pulling the ball into the hands of fielders. Marsh made 18 before he was caught by Henry Nicholls at mid-wicket. Corey Anderson tempted Pattinson on the off-side and had the Australian quick caught by Trent Boult at point for one. Wagner came back to finish off Nevill and Josh Hazlewood, both for 13, to return figures of six for 106 off 32.1 overs. His previous best was five for 64 against Bangladesh in Dhaka three years ago. After Australia won the first Test by an innings and 52 runs, they only need to draw the second to win the series and reclaim the number one world ranking. Though Kolkata's police-population ratio is less compared to other metros, it is still the most livable city in India, former city Police Commissioner Surajit Kar Purkayastha said today. Quoting a 2014 survey done in over 50 cities in the country, Purkayastha, who is currently the DG and IGP of CID West Bengal, said "the Bureau of Police Research and Development recommends there must be one policeman for 568 people, which means 176 police for one lakh population. "The United Nation suggests there must be minimum of 222 policemen for one lakh population... While Delhi has 441 policemen for one lakh people, we (Kolkata) have 186 for the same population... Still Kolkata is adjudged as the safest city in the country." "It's the culture of the city, how the people of the city interacts with the police... So it's the combined effort of the people and the police that has made Kolkata the most livable city in the country," he said. Purkayastha was speaking at an interactive session on "Building safe and secure city and society - the role of government and the public" organised by the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce here today. The city's former top cop stressed that "community policing" should be a part of the modern day police system. "It is internationally accepted that community policing is very much required in today's time. If you do not have community policing in your agenda, your force is incomplete," he said mentioning some of Kolkata Police's programmes such as "Probaha" (blood donation camp by the policemen), Nabadisha (education project for street and working children by the Kolkata Police). He also emphasised that with changing time, the Force should also be "modernised." "In tune with what is happening globally, the police force has to be modernised. One cannot work in isolation. We have to modernise it," Purkayastha said. South Korean tech giants Samsung Electronics and LG showed off their new flagship smartphones on Sunday as they fight for consumer affections with new features at a time of slowing global smartphone sales. Samsung launched two versions of its new premium phone, flat screen Galaxy S7 and the curved screen Galaxy S7 edge, in Barcelona where the industry is gathered for the start of the Mobile World Congress today, in its latest attempt to remain ahead of Apple. While the new models included a better battery and a card slot to expand memory for pictures and other media, analysts said the upgrades may not be enough to revive sales. Forrester consumer mobile analyst Thomas Husson said the new Galaxy devices "offer mostly incremental value to consumers via more advanced technology specifications." Rival South Korean tech firm LG sought to steal Samsung's thunder by unveiling its new premium handset, the G5, its first modular smartphone which is made using different components that can be independently or replaced such as a removable battery. The G5 comes with several accessories such as a sound system developed by Danish firm Bang & Olufsen and a virtual reality headset which will allow it to compete with a the headset launched by Samsung late last year, the Gear VR. "With its modular design, to change batteries and add accessories, LG's new flagship smartphone is renewing LG's portfolio and a smart attempt to challenge its eternal Korean rival," said Forrester analyst Thomas Husson. The product launches at this year's congress come as the industry finds itself in an uncomfortable position: Samsung was only able to boost its market share moderately and Apple saw iPhone sales fall for the first time on an annual basis in the final quarter of last year, according to Gartner. The market research firm said that the 9.7 percent increase in smartphone sales in the final quarter of last year over the same period in 2014 takes the industry all the way back to 2008 when the global economy was in crisis. LG's parent company LG Electronics' net profit halved last year on the back of a global economic slowdown and increased competition in the mobile sector but LG CEO Juno Cho remained optimistic. "We think smartphones' best days are still ahead," he said at the presentation of the new phone. Analysts said handset makers face a tough choice. Focus on the low-price segment, where sales volumes are large but margins become thin. Or focus on features which can differentiate their phones. "We are moving towards a logic of segmentation and improvement, with a better camera or more autonomy for example, maybe some advances in virtual reality, but there will unlikely be any major innovation," said Thomas Husson, an analyst at Forrester. With Railway budget scheduled to be placed on February 25, RJD President and former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today criticised the BJP government at the Centre for pushing it to "serious crisis". Prasad, who served as Railway minister in the UPA I government, in his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted two "recent flawed policy moves of Railways". "The decision to recklessly increase financial leverage manifold by signing MOUs for borrowing of USD 40 Billion from institutions like LIC and JICA, that too for un-remunerative and cash guzzling projects like Bullet train is likely to prove suicidal, particularly when Railways is not generating enough cash to meet its operating expenses," he said. "Secondly, Railways has set up many committees whose denominator focused prescriptions of cost cutting, unbundling and privatisation is playing havoc with the already low morale of Railways employees. It is fuelling all kinds of scare mongering about job losses and the very future of Railways as a government entity," Prasad said. Such speculation should be nipped in the bud as "Railways is a web of life that weaves people and markets into a diverse yet unified India," Prasad added. Likening Railways to a "Jersey cow", a breed of dairy cattle, he said it was not in good health at present. "Your (Modi's) government has neither milked nor taken good care of it. It has fallen sick. "If your government does course correction by reversing anti-poor and employee unfriendly policies, the Jersey cow (Railways) can be restored to sound health and start giving plentiful milk (returns)," he said. As corrective measures to come out of financial morass, Prasad said it would require unwavering commitment of the top leadership in monitoring of trains, the core operating performance, "rather than monitoring twitter." "Leadership has to act here and now, not in TV studios and seminars, but in FOIS control room and marketing and investment strategy sessions," he said in his letter and added it has to play a catalytic role in galvanising its internal strengths by balancing commercial objectives with its social obligations. NASA researchers are working on a technology that could harness the power of light and may be the key to cutting down travel time to Mars from months to as little as three days. Philip Lubin, from the University of California, Santa Barbara, is developing the 'photonic propulsion' system where lasers can propel spacecraft with giant sails to the Red Planet. The system relies on the momentum of photons - particles of light - to move forward. However, instead of photons from the Sun's rays, Lubin's design would be given a push by giant Earth-based lasers. In a video for NASA 360, Lubin explained that the technology is very much readily available, and that the system could easily be scaled up. With our current technology, it is estimated it will take humans around five months to reach Mars, 'ScienceAlert' reported. "There are recent advances that take this from science fiction to science reality," said Lubin. "There is no known reason why we can not do this," he said. When a spacecraft is launched, the thrust comes from burning a chemical, such as rocket fuel. This fuel weighs down the spacecraft. It is an inefficient system when compared to using light or other electromagnetic radiation to accelerate objects. "Electromagnetic acceleration is only limited by the speed of light while chemical systems are limited to the energy of chemical processes," Lubin wrote in a report describing the technology. However, electromagnetic acceleration requires complicated and expensive equipment that is not easy to scale up to the size required for space travel. Despite not having any mass, photons have both energy and momentum, and when they reflect off an object, that momentum is transferred into a little push. With a large, reflective sail, it is possible to generate enough momentum to gradually accelerate a spacecraft, researchers said. While the researchers have not yet tried out their system, their calculations show that photonic propulsion could get a 100-kg robotic craft to Mars in just three days. The system is not designed to send humans across interstellar distances. Instead, Lubin proposes wafer-thin spacecraft that can get close to the speed of light. A local journalist had a narrow escape when he was allegedly shot at by two unidentified assailants here. According to a delegation of journalists who met District Magistrate Vimal Kumar Sharma on the incident, two miscreants on a motorcycle allegedly fired upon Ghaziabad-based journalist Rahul Sharma when he was going to a market on his bike on Saturday. They said the journalist had a narrow escape A magisterial inquiry has been set up by the District Magistrate into the incident. Additional District Magistrate Preeti Jaiswal will head the investigation, district information officer Surendra Sharma said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appointed as many as eight external staffers as Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), an RTI query has revealed. RTI activist Anil Galgali had, under the Right To Information (RTI) Act, sought information from the state government about the appointments of external staffers as Officers on Special Duty in Maharashtra CMO and their salary details. The reply, furnished by Under Secretary, state General Administration Department (GAD), revealed that eight OSDs have been externally appointed by Fadnavis, who are collectively drawing Rs 7,69,108 per month, including their salaries and perks. Seven of these staffers are being paid an additional lump sum amount of Rs 15,000 per month, the reply further said. Galgali, stating that externally appointed staffers are inexperienced to handle the work, bemoaned that over Rs 7 lakh of salaries being paid to these OSDs is a huge drag on the state exchequer. (REOPENS BES 28) Meanwhile, in a statement issued here this evening, the Chief Minister's Office said "The claim that this is the first time private persons are being appointed in the state, is based on incomplete information". "At least 19 such persons were working in the previous government, including those in offices of the then CM, Dy CM and ministers. "The appointments are as per rules. There are still two vacancies in the sanctioned posts in CM's establishment," the statement added. Mahindra South Africa, a subsidiary of the Indian motor manufacturer, has initiated a social responsibility program in the country to assist thousands of students in their final year of schooling. The programme, planned in conjunction with Rotary South Africa, involves the donation of a solar power and battery- operated lamp together with stationery to ensure that meritorious students from disadvantaged communities have adequate light to study after dark. "This will assist students to study effectively during day and night in order to achieve their education objectives, and to acquire vital skills and knowledge," said Sanjoy Gupta, chief executive officer of Mahindra SA (MSA). The company will supply 5,000 lamps and stationery bags to matric-level students at selected schools countrywide. The handover will be facilitated by Mahindra's national dealer network, together with Rotary South Africa clubs in each area. "Our driving purpose is epitomised by the word 'Rise'. It's a call to action, a commitment to assisting communities to advance, and to drive positive change," Gupta said, as he explained that the campaign, which kicks off in late February, is aligned with Mahindra's ethos and values. "Education is at the very core of nation building, and it is vitally important that all young people are given every opportunity to study towards a career, and a future," Gupta added. "By supplying meaningful assistance, we believe that Mahindra SA and its dealers can make a very real difference." Commenting on behalf of Rotary SA, the organisation's Past District Governor, Greg Stathacopoulos, said the support of the initiative by Mahindra SA was invaluable. "We depend heavily on the contributions of corporates to implement meaningful projects such as this, and Mahindra SA's assistance is a shining example of how companies can improve the lives of disadvantaged South Africans," Stathacopoulos said. Indian beer makers have demanded that all the state governments should delink the beverage from hard alcoholic liquors as far as levying taxes is concerned. All India Brewers Association Director-General Shobhan Roy said the current policies pertaining to alco-bev sector in India are driving people towards consumption of hard spirits. "There is a strong need to delink beer from hard spirits and rationalisation of taxes as per actual alcohol content to bring a slow but definite change in consumption pattern. Just like other parts of the world, the emphasis will then shift to not only controlling consumption but to reducing intake of more hard spirits," Roy said in a statement. Additionally, the reach of low alcoholic beverages needs to improve keeping social objectives in mind and it is imperative to create better retail environment with focus on having beer only at outlets/restaurants and rationalise the number of outlets to commensurate with population, he said. "It is time beer should be delinked from hard liquor in terms of perception, taxation, availability and distribution," he said. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in the country has been historically skewed towards hard liquor (spirits and country liquor) as against low alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine, the statement said. Claiming that beer has much lower content of alcohol compared to IMFL and country liquor, the AIBA said its "moderate consumption" as against other forms of alcohol products may lead to reduction in the level of intoxication and hence positive societal impact. "Current policies of individual state governments are indiscriminately aimed at raising revenues from the alcoholic beverage sector without differentiating the categories of low alcoholic beverages. These policies overlook social needs and objectives and are thus driving people to consume hard liquor," it said. In Telangana, 515 lakh cases of IMFL are sold annually as against 500 lakh cases of beer. In terms of absolute alcohol, 1,983 lakh litres of IMFL and just 234 lakh litres of beer is being consumed annually, AIBA said. The AIBA further said there is only one outlet for 18,000 people compared to 300 in China. Most of the countries in the world, except India, recognise that there are essential differences between high alcohol content drinks and lower alcohol content drinks like beer and therefore, spirits are taxed at a significantly higher rate. The world over, beer accounts for 80 per cent of the market where as in India it is a meagre 35 per cent and on absolute alcohol content basis it is less than 18 per cent, it said. Two unidentified motorcycle-borne youths looted Rs 25 lakh from a man at gun point in Jaunpur district today, police said here. The incident took place at Shahganj area when Rajendra Prasad, an employee of a flour mill, was on his way after withdrawing Rs 25 from a bank, they said. An FIR has been lodged in this connection and probe is on to nab the culprits. Actors Manoj Bajpayee and Radhika Apte are set to star in filmmaker Shirish Kunder's upcoming debut short film "Kriti", which will be a psychological thriller. The 15-minute film will also star actress Neha Sharma. Shirish, who made his directorial debut with "Jaan-E-Mann" in 2006, feels short movies have more scope to tell edgy stories than full length commercial films, which takes time to make. "Yes I am making a short film. I decided to do it as I am very much interested in the digital space. Feature films take time to make and then to finally release," Shirish told PTI. "Short films involve telling exciting and edgy stories. They are also watched a lot today. The length may be less but they have tremendous exposure." The 42-year-old director said the movie will have an all-film crew working on it to give it a feel of a feature. Interestingly, both Bajpayee and Radhika have featured separately in short films earlier. While the "Aligarh" actor was there in "Jai Hind "and "Taandav", the "Badlapur" actress starred in Sujoy Ghosh's "Ahalya". Shirish said he cast both of them because he needed strong actors to play the part but the fact that they had done short films did help. "I needed good actors for the role. Since they had already done short films before so they were open to my idea, the convincing part was easy. "I had to only approach Radhika because it was Manoj, who had asked me to make it. I am changing gears with this one. I have done lighter stuff earlier but this is intense and dark. So I needed actors like them who work from the inside and give it their best shot," the director said. The movie will go on floors by the end of this month and is scheduled to release on April 22. Shirish is also working on his next feature film which will be a women-centric crime thriller, set in a small town. He last made "Joker" starring Akshay Kumar in 2012. "The short film is like a prelude to my feature, announcing my ability to make a film in this space. I made a debut in a romantic film so you tend to get stereotyped in that. I am currently in the casting process and in talks with a few people. I need a strong female performer for the role." The film is scheduled to go on floors in Novemeber as it is set in winter and the directors needs to show snow. Noted Marathi stage and film actor Sharad Ponkshe was today target of a diatribe by Mumbai BJP president Asish Shelar over his remarks about RSS. "Sharad Ponkshe joined Shiv Sena after being in RSS for a long time. He is free. But hope he acknowledges what he got from RSS," Shelar said. The BJP leader was reacting to comments by the actor during an interaction at the all Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Sammelan (National Drama Meet) which concluded yesterday in neighbouring Thane city. "They teach you to use sticks in RSS but when it comes to fighting, they take 'baudhik' (intellectual discourse)," Ponkshe had said. "Ponkshe did a childish analysis of RSS," Shelar said. Noted writer and translator Jerry Pinto has said that Marathi deserves to be a "global language" and needs many more translators. Pinto's translation of the trend-setting Dalit autobiography 'Baluta', published last year, has won plaudits from the critics. Speaking at the LIC Gateway Litfest in the city last evening, Pinto, whose debut novel 'Em and the Big Hoom' won Hindu Literary Prize in 2012, said it was highly regrettable that Baluta, written by Dalit poet-writer Daya Pawar, was translated into English only last year, decades after the original book came out. "It should have been translated in 1978. It is a shame (that it took so long)," he said. Pinto also said it was wrong to say that the book became global because of its translation. "To think the translation made it global is stupid," he said, stressing that it had already reached a very wide audience and even its pirated versions were sold (indicating the popularity). Unfortunately, he remarked, "worst-possible" books are getting translated into Marathi these days which do not strengthen the "ideation base" of the society. "This is a problem," he said. Pinto also said there weren't enough bilingual translators (who can translate both ways) for Marathi, and those who translate are only concerned about personal gain, while the situation was different in the 19th century when people wrote or translated with a higher motive. "Where is that spirit gone from Marathi?" he asked. There was a time when Marathi was a national language and was spoken from Delhi to Cochin, he said, quoting historian Jadunath Sarkar, and added, "It deserves to be a global language. Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, named by India as the mastermind of the Pathankot attack, has been under "protective custody" since January 14, Pakistan Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz has said. He also said it was for India to decide on dates for Foreign Secretary-level talks, postponed in the wake of the terror strike. Aziz said a Special Investigation Team from Pakistan may visit Pathankot in the first few days of March to probe the attack and that his country was pursuing the investigation seriously. He said one of the mobile phone numbers linked to the attackers was traced to the terror group's headquarters in Pakistan's Bahawalpur and called the lodging of the FIR in connection with the Pathankot assault as a "logical and positive step" in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Aziz told Karan Thapar of Headlines Today that Azhar, along with a few other operatives of the JeM, has been kept under protective custody and that some of the terror outfit's premises have also been sealed. He said action will follow against Azhar and the moment evidence becomes available. This is for the first time a top functionary of the Pakistan government has confirmed that Azhar is in custody in that country though there were earlier reports to that effect. Aziz said the FIR filed four days back in the case has created legal basis for a Special Investigation Team of Pakistan to visit India to collect evidence. He said India has agreed to the SIT visit. Asked about Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's comment that SIT will not be allowed to go inside the IAF base in Pathankot, Aziz said access to crime scene always helps the investigators. On holding of the Foreign Secretary-level talks between the two countries, Aziz said the "ball is in India's court". "The answer to it lies entirely with India," he said, adding he hoped prime ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif will meet on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington next month. Pakistani authorities had lodged an FIR in connection with the on February 18, without naming Azhar. The FIR was filed against "unknown persons" after weeks of probe into the terror assault that had led to the postponement of Foreign Secretary-level talks. It was registered at Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) centre in Gujranwala, Punjab province. Asked about Pakistani-American LeT operative David Headley's revelations about the Mumbai attack during his deposition through video conference to an Indian court, Aziz said he was "a double agent who cannot be trustworthy". He rejected suggestions of taking Headley's version on record in the ongoing trial in the Mumbai attack case in Pakistan. Aziz said talks between the two countries and the probe into the attack may go on parallelly, noting both Modi and Sharif share "very good chemistry". Modi's attempts to improve ties with India have been visible, he said but insisted that more was required to be done to wipe out his earlier image of having a "strong" position on Pakistan. The two Prime Ministers should not allow derailment of the talks by non-state actors, he said, adding Modi's visit to Lahore on December 25 last year was "very well received". Favouring resumption of comprehensive bilateral talks as soon as possible, he said India has been held hostage to the "narrative of terrorism" which was unfortunate. He noted that the importance of dialogue is growing by the day. On Pakistan's SIT's visit to India, Aziz said the team will go "as soon as possible", maybe during the first few days of March. He said Pakistan was examining all the evidences including the phone numbers given by India in case and that the NSAs of the two countries are in regular touch. Aziz said the investigators are also trying to establish links of the perpetrators and weapons used in the attack. On Siachen, Aziz said Pakistan was for withdrawal of forces by the two sides and has put forth its proposal before India again and claimed both sides were close to an agreement for many years. The US state of Massachusetts is planning to set up a colony of venomous rattlesnakes on an uninhabited island, sparking fears that the dangerous serpents could escape and attack people. The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife wants to make a Quabbin Reservoir island home to the venomous timber rattlesnake, which is indigenous to the state. Governor Charlie Baker is on board for using the unpopulated island for that purpose. He calls the project "fairly short money" at a few hundred thousand dollars, and said he thinks it is important to preserve indigenous species. "By creating a colony on an island like that, they are far less likely to run into people who are on the trails and working their way around Quabbin reservoir than they would be if we did nothing," Baker was quoted as saying by CBS . He downplayed safety concerns among locals, some of whom are worried the snakes could get off the island and attack people in the area. "If they swim off the island, first of all, it's a long way from the islands being discussed to get to shoreline anyway. And secondly, if they do, their likelihood of survival is pretty small," Baker said. The state's plan to revive a native endangered species on a remote island, however, does sound like a horror movie -- breed and raise 150 venomous timber rattlesnakes until they are good and strong, then turn them loose on protected land in the middle of the Quabbin Reservoir. "Well, they (the snakes) swim," Peter Mallett, president of the Millers River Fishermen's Association, who opposes the plan, was quoted as saying by the Boston Globe. The state Department of Fisheries and Wildlife has offered assurances that a small island full of rattlesnakes would pose no threat. Any that escape the island will die during the following winter, unable to make it back to their nest, said Tom French, assistant director of the department. And in reality, rattlesnakes are shy creatures who bite people only when threatened, he said. "People are afraid that we're going to put snakes in a place of public use and that they are going to breed like rabbits and spread over the countryside and kill everybody," he said while representing the state at a public meeting Tuesday to address the concerns. Timber rattlesnakes once slithered through forests and feasted on mice and chipmunks all over Massachusetts. But deforestation over the last two centuries left little habitat that allowed for their deep underground nests in winter. Today, only a few isolated populations remain in the Blue Hills, the Connecticut River valley, and Berkshire County. Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain's security has been stepped up in the wake of a decision pending with him on the mercy petition filed by former Punjab governor Salman Taseer's killer last month, officials said today. Former police commando Mumtaz Qadri, deputed on the security of Taseer, had killed him in Islamabad in 2011 for allegedly criticising blasphemy laws. The self-confessed killer was arrested and was handed down death sentence the same year by an anti-terrorism court. His appeal against the sentence were successively rejected by the Islamabad High Court and the Supreme Court last year. The final review petition was also thrown out by the Supreme Court in December, 2015, leaving the killer with the last option of filing a mercy appeal with the President who in certain cases can condone the death sentence. Qadri filed mercy petition last month. It is under process, said an official of the interior ministry, which handles such petitions. With the decision on the mercy petition pending with the President, the security of his family has been strengthened fearing a backlash if he rejects the petition. The President has three sons. Some members of his immediate family live in Karachi, his home city, but they have been moved to the President's house in the capital, officials said. Hussain's own security has also been heightened, they said. Only family of the victim can forgive a killer but in crimes against state like the killing of a governor, the head of the state can also intervene. However, observers say the chances of Qadri being saved from the gallows are slim with the government declaring zero tolerance against militancy. Qadri was convicted on terror charges. Radical religious groups have been demanding that Qadri should be forgiven as he killed a "blasphemer". Taseer, who died aged 66, had termed the blasphemy regulations as "black laws" drawing the ire of extremists. The laws were introduced by Pakistan's military ruler Zia-ul-Haq in 1980s. Eight protesters, including six migrants, were due in a French court today after breaking through a barrier and boarding a ferry in Calais, as the government hardens its position on refugees in the so-called "Jungle" camp. Around 2,000 people took part in the protest on January 23, including supporters from several European countries, calling for Britain to allow asylum-seekers to enter the country. Towards the end of the protest, a group of 150 people broke through a barrier around the port and about a third made it on board the "Spirit of Britain" ferry. They were removed by police after three hours, with 24 migrants and 11 members of the No Borders activist group arrested. Eight of those will receive a verdict from a court in Boulogne-sur-Mer today. Local authorities estimate there are 3,700 people living in the "Jungle" migrant camp on the outskirts of Calais in northern France, hoping to smuggle themselves aboard lorries crossing the Channel. The incident in January once again raised questions about security at the port, which has been tightened in recent months with money from the British government. The French authorities appear determined to finally get rid of the Jungle, moving the residents to proper centres elsewhere in France and away from the filthy camp in Calais, which was set up on a former toxic waste dump. However, many of the residents have family or community ties to Britain and are reluctant to give up their dream of crossing the Channel. A campaign in Britain spearheaded by celebrities such as actors Jude Law and Benedict Cumberbatch has called on the British government to let children from the camp be reunited with families in Britain and take responsibility for the "humanitarian crisis" in the Jungle. Law was among a group of celebrities giving a one-off performance yesterday in the makeshift theatre in the Jungle. The storming of the ferry came around the same time as the authorities had cleared out a ring around the edge of the camp, forcing hundreds of migrants to move their makeshift shacks in freezing conditions. The next stage was an order to vacate the entire southern half of the camp, affecting between 1,000 and 2,000 residents. Demolition of the section could begin as early as tomorrow, although it is being challenged by several charities in court. Government today launched a mobile app which will enable travellers to send pictures of dirty spots at tourist places to the authorities for "immediate action" as part of Clean India Mission. The 'Swachh Paryatan Mobile App', launched by the Union Ministry of Tourism, has been made available for 25 heritage monuments, including Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar, Red Fort, among others. The ministry plans to extend the App to include other tourist destinations across the country, Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma said at the launch function here. "People can send the picture of dirty places on which immediate action will be taken. Besides, people can also send their suggestions in bringing improvement at the tourist places," Sharma said. He said nodal officers have been appointed to take immediate action to clean up the place shared by the tourists. "The cleanliness of the place would be restored in 1-2 hour duration. If the nodal officer fails to perform, action will be taken against them," Sharma said. Tourists have many suggestions for improving the places they visit but they do not know how to put it across to the officials, he said, adding, "now they can share the suggestions with us through the App." Initially available on android phones, it will be accessible on Apple and Microsoft also. This mobile app shall be monitored by the project monitoring unit of Swachh Bharat Mission in Ministry of Tourism, an official statement said. Sharma also said the 24-hour multi-language information service 'Infoline' launched by his ministry early this month has received a good response, getting an average of 11,800 calls per day. The toll-free Infoline service, available in 12 languages including English and Hindi, provides information relating to travel and tourism in India to domestic and international tourists/visitors. It also assists the callers with advice on action to be taken during times of distress while travelling in the country and if need be alert the concerned authorities. Modulex India today said it is going to invest Rs 100 crore to set up a modular steel factory in Pune. Incubated by Red Ribbon Advisory Services, the firm will invest Rs 100 crore to set up a modular building construction factory which is expected to be operational by March 2017, the company said in a statement. "The Indian construction market still has a long way to go in comparison to the global scenario. We aim to take India to the next stage of real estate development by providing a jump-start to the construction industry and bridging the demand-supply gap created by acute shortage of construction," Modulex Modular Buildings Country Head Ajay Palekar said. The company has evolved from the traditional methods of construction by offering clients with numerous advantages, not limited by cost, time and savings, he added. "We aim to become a leading manufacturer of permanent steel-framed modular buildings by working with a diverse range of markets including hospitality, education, health, residential, defence and many more," Palekar said. Modulex UK Chairman Suchit Punnose said, "India has the potential to become a great manufacturing hub and through Modulex we hope to bring in highly advanced and sophisticated technologies from the developed part of the world and apply them here. The mother of a man who shot four Mississippi state troopers and was killed by police said police refused to let her talk to her son during nearly six hours of negotiations. Katherine Hudson of Iuka said she thinks family members could have convinced Charles Lee Lambert, 45, to leave without bloodshed. Lambert had holed up in a house near Iuka in northern Mississippi. Police stormed the house early Saturday. Lambert began shooting. James Lee Tartt, 44, an agent in the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, was killed and three other officers were wounded in the shootout that followed. A preliminary autopsy report indicates that Tartt was hit in the left shoulder by a single bullet from an assault rifle, and the bullet ricocheted within his body, Tishomingo County Coroner Mack Wilemon said last night. He said he thought Saturday that Tartt had been hit by more bullets, but was mistaken. Lambert also was killed; his autopsy has not yet been performed. "We could have talked to him and everything would have been all right," Hudson told The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. Department of Public Safety spokesman Warren Strain said the officers are trained, and their first goal is keeping people alive. The family is entitled to their opinion on how the incident was handled, he said, and declined further comment. He did not respond yesterday to The Associated Press's emailed and phoned queries about Hudson's comments and the names, conditions and other information about the three wounded officers. In a statement late yesterday Sheriff John Daugherty said that the names of the wounded officers could have ended up on the agency's memorial monument but that, "Fortunately, all three have good prognoses and should recover." He did not name the wounded officers. Jasper County Sheriff Randy Johnson identified the most seriously wounded officer, who was hospitalised in Corinth, as Trea (TRAY) Staples. Strain said Saturday that officers had exhausted negotiations when they stormed the house. He described Tartt as a decorated officer who had been in law enforcement for 22 years. He joined the narcotics bureau in 2000 and in 2011 had been honoured as agent of the year, Strain said. Madhya Pradesh Assembly's budget session will commence here tomorrow where the Opposition Congress will take on the state BJP government over the issue of compensation to farmers. The session will begin with the customary address of Governor Ram Naresh Yadav. State Finance Minister Jayant Mallaiya will present the state budget for 2016-17 during the session, which will last till April 1. Deputy Leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP), Bala Bachchan said that Congress will try to corner the government on the issue of farmers who have not yet received any compensation despite tall claims by the government. "Though the state government had claimed during farmers' convention recently that it has given record compensation to all the affected farmers, it is hollow and we will corner the ruling party on the issue," he said. "Neither their interest on loans were waived off, nor their power dues. Instead they were getting hefty bills for their electricity connection," Bachchan alleged. The Congress is also likely to raise the issue of alleged scam in district co-operative banks in many districts. The party will also raise the issue of derecognition of nearly 1,600 private schools by the government affecting more than two lakh students in the state. Assembly's Principal Secretary Bhagwan Dev Israni told PTI, "We have made all preparations for running the budget session in a smooth manner." "So far, we have received 6,500 questions and nearly 100 notices for call attention motion from the members of the House," he added. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today announced free education for Scheduled Caste students in government colleges including, engineering and medical institutions. He announced the decision at a function in Maihar town on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas. He visited Maihar to thank the voters of the constituency who gave the BJP candidate Narayan Tripathi a convincing victory by a margin of over 28,000 votes earlier this month. A Congress bastion, it was wrested by BJP by fielding Tripathi who had earlier won from the seat on Congress ticket in 2013 Assembly polls. Later he joined BJP and resigned from the Assembly, to be reelected on BJP ticket. Chouhan on this occasion also said that 'Mahakumbh' would be organized on the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti at Maihar every year. Ravidas's birthplace Varanasi will be linked with the Mukhya Mantri Teerth Darshan Yojna (Chief Minister's Pilgrimage Scheme) so that people can visit the place free of cost, he said. Sending a message that money alloted for the smart city projects cannot be used for other purposes, Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today asked the 20 selected cities to get the projects off the ground by June 25, the day Smart City Mission completes one year of its launch. The Minister emphasised that there was no politics in choosing Smart Cities as many BJP-ruled states do not figure in the list, so do the constituencies represented by many VIPs. Addressing a workshop 'India Smart City Mission: Next Steps', attended by senior officials from states and UTs and municipal commissioners of the 20 smart city winners and 23 cities participating in the Fast Track Competition, Naidu called for cooperation from the people for the success of the project. "Narendra Modi does not have an Alladin's djin with which he can make every city smart. It requires public participation Smart cities require a smart leader in action, vision, and implementation. (How can) a city be smart if people don't cooperate with the administration. "Everything will be observed and everything will be watched. Money cannot be spent for other purposes," Naidu said. The Minister asked the 20 cities selected for the Smart City Mission to begin the ir projects by June 25. "You got to get your Special Purpose Vehicles quickly in place and get them going about formulation of projects and getting them off the ground. I would like these 20 projects off the ground by June 25 this year, marking the one year of launch of the Smart City Mission by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Naidu said. Smart City Competition was completely city neutral, neither favouring nor discriminating against any participant city, he said adding that it was good if competition brought pressure on political leadership. "Several political leaders met me and said the competition based selection of cities, based on a set of rules is all fine but it brought pressure on them with people asking why not a single city from their states made it to the top 20. "If competition could make political leadership at various levels focus on urban planning and governance, it is a positive outcome since urban governance can no longer be business as usual," he said. (Reopens DEL81) Naidu asked the 23 cities participating in the Fast Track Competition like Warangal, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bhagalpur and Dehradun to improve their proposals by learning from the experience of the first batch of 20 cities. The Minister said his own city could not make it to the first list of cities selected under the Smart Cities project. "In development, there is no politics and discrimination. That is the basic philosophy of this government. I have always said that my cooperation depends upon your cooperation. Otherwise there is separation. "There is no question of politics here. BJP-ruled states like Chhattisgarh, Goa and Jharkhand could not make it. Constituencies represented by many important people are not there. Because I don't expect an MP to make a Smart City. It is the duty of the mayor and the municipal commissioner," Naidu said. The five-member committee set up under the chairmanship of Union Parliamentary Affairs minister M Venkaiah Naidu to examine the quota demand of Jats in government jobs, today held its first meeting here. The committee took stock of the situation and discussed as how to move forward in the matter. Other members of the committee - Mahesh Sharma, Sanjeev Baliyan, both Union Ministers and BJP leaders Satpal Malik and Avinash Rai Khanna, attended the hour-long meeting. The committee is likely to talk to Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and other state ministers tomorrow for ascertaining the state government's views on the subject, according to a close aide of Naidu. Yielding to pressure from agitating Jats, the Centre had last night announced setting up of the committee under Naidu to examine the quota demand for the community in government jobs. Meanwhile, life in violence-torn Haryana was limping back to normalcy with Jat protesters starting to lift blockades from various parts of the state after the announcement of the committee. The US Navy's 7th Fleet's commander said today he is wary of the situation in the South China Sea being painted as a battle between the US and China, but added the presence of a Chinese missile system on a disputed island will not stop the US military from flying over the region. US Navy Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin's comments come a week after it was revealed that Beijing had deployed surface-to-air missiles on an island in the fiercely contested region. The US said the presence of missiles provided increasing evidence of militarisation of the area by China. China subsequently accused the US of militarising the region, saying patrols by US Navy vessels and military aircraft had escalated tensions and raised concerns about stability in the area. Last month, a US warship deliberately sailed near one of the Beijing-controlled islands in the Paracel chain in a so- called freedom of navigation exercise. China, Taiwan and Vietnam have overlapping claims in the Paracels. Aucoin, whose Japan-based fleet covers a region from India to the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean, said the US is not making such maneuvers to single out any country, and wants all nations that are reclaiming land to stop. "I wish it wasn't portrayed as US versus China," Aucoin told reporters in Sydney, one of his stops on a visit to Australia to meet with defence officials. "This shouldn't seem provocative. What we're trying to ensure is that all countries, no matter size or strength, can pursue their interests based on the law of the sea and not have that endangered by some of these actions." Last week, US and Taiwanese officials confirmed commercial satellite images showed anti-aircraft missiles had been placed on Woody Island in the Paracel chain. China has not denied the appearance of the missiles, but says it is entitled to defend its territory. Aucoin said the missiles had provided a "destabilising effect" across the region, and urged China to be transparent about its intentions. Asked whether the presence of the missile system would affect US preparedness to fly over the area, Aucoin said no. "We will fly, sail, operate wherever international law allows, including those areas," he said. Aucoin also expressed concerns about North Korea's recent nuclear test and rocket launch. Nearly one fifth of Finland's endangered wolf population was killed in a controversial month-long cull which ended, authorities said today. Authorities gave permits to licensed hunters to kill 46 of Finland's estimated 250 grey wolves in a cull intended to curb illegal pouching that ended yesterday. "The catch was altogether 43 wolves... Meaning that three permissions were left unused," Sauli Harkonen, a senior official with the Finnish Wildlife Agency, told AFP. The hunt was the second part of a trial cull launched in 2015 to reduce illegal poaching in rural areas. It was the first time a cull had been authorised since 2007, after the European Commission accused Finland of breaching EU protection rules on the endangered species. Finland's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will now assess the impact of the hunt on the wolf population and on poaching before deciding if hunting should be continued in 2017. Environmentalists worry that culls might destroy the wolves' genetic diversity. "The hunt was very extensive since the ministry authorised (hunters) to kill 20 per cent of Finland's wolf population and in addition to that, there have been exceptional permits granted by the police," said Sami Saynevirta, leader of the Finnish Nature League. In addition to the 43 wolves killed in the cull ending yesterday, another 25 were killed in August by hunters given special permits to track down wolves that habitually roamed near homes, or which had attacked pets or livestock. Hunting is a widespread tradition in Finland. About 300,000 people register each year for permits, one of the highest per capita rates in Europe. Environmentalists have expressed the need to conduct a scientific study behind the "unusual deaths" of whales after at least four carcasses were washed ashore on Odisha coastline this month. The body of the last whale was found near Purunabandh off Ganjam coast, 50km from here, on February 11. Forest officials said the carcass might be of a porpoise whale. The six-feet-long whale was washed ashore in a decomposed condition. The whale might have died in the deep sea about four to five days ago before the carcass was spotted, divisional forest officer, Berhampur, A K Behera, said. A 66-feet and another 50-feet dead whales were recovered at Chinchiria and Motagaon in Kendrapada and Puri districts on February 5 and February 9 respectively. On February 3, forest personnel had recovered a 33-feet dead sperm whale near Podampeta along Ganjam coast. "We have written a letter to the Union Ministry of environment, forest and climate change urging it to conduct a study by the experts on the unusual death of the whales," Chief Wildlife Warden, S S Srivastav, said. He said movement of ships and fishing trawlers in deep sea in this region was negligible. The mammals might have died due to something that happened in the deep sea. Experts should find out the reasons, Srivastav said. Climate change, which affects the sea, might be the cause of the death of whales, Professor at marine science department in Berhampur University, K C Sahu, said. Apart from Odisha coast, several dead whales were also washed ashore recently in Tamil Nadu, Mumbai and Goa recently. "The phenomenon is very unusual," Sahu added. Nepalese Prime Minister K P Oli today celebrated his 65th birthday in the middle of his maiden trip to India, the first country he had chosen for an official visit after assuming the top post. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended best wishes and felicitation to the Nepalese premier on the occasion, Oli's press adviser said. "Wishing the PM of Nepal, Shri KP Oli on his birthday. May Almighty bless him with good health & a long life," Modi tweeted. Modi also sent a bouquet of flowers through National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to Oli on the occasion. The Nepal prime minister expressed gratitude to his Indian counterpart. During a programme organised by Indian Council of World Affairs today External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also extended best wishes to Oli. Power Minister Piyush Goyal also called on the Nepal prime minister. In his first overseas trip after assuming office in October last year, Oli, accompanied by a 77-member delegation, arrived here on Friday with a major focus on mending bilateral relations hit by issues relating to the Himalayan nation's new Constitution. Ties between the two countries had soured in the wake of agitation by the Madhesi community opposing Nepal's new Constitution which they said failed to address their concerns over representation and homeland. Seeking attention of Indian businesses, Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli today said his government is committed to economic reforms and will extend all necessary support to investors approaching the Himalayan nation. Addressing a business meeting organised by Ficci here, Oli said: "Our common future lies in our shared prosperity. There is no alternative to cooperate and collaborate for mutual benefits." "We invite the private sector, domestic and foreign, to invest resources, produce goods and services and create jobs. My government is committed to reform policies and expect the private sector to invest. My government will extend all needful support to facilitate your investments in Nepal. Outlining the areas of economic cooperation between the two countries, the Nepalese Prime Minister said : "Our doors are open for investment in almost every sector. These include manufacturing, hydropower, tourism, services, IT, mining and agro based industries. Hydropower could be a prime choice... Solar and biomass also have good possibility. Sharing his government's plans for Nepal's development, Oli said, "We have planned to set up special economic zones and industrial estates in major business hubs of the country. Most of these will be established in the plain land next to India-Nepal border." He said Nepal aims to enter the league of developing nations by 2022. "We are also working closely with India, Bangladesh and Bhutan to improve trade, transit, connectivity and cooperation at the sub-regional level," he added. Pointing out that Nepal has signed a Power Trade Agreement with India, Oli said: "I have been informed that Government of India is reviewing its policy and is promoting public private partnership including in large scale infrastructure projects." Terming India's progress as inspiring, he said: "As a close neighbour, we want to benefit from your success. Counting has begun in Niger's presidential poll in an election that has seen incumbent Mahamadou Issoufou promise a first-round "knockout" blow to his opponents, who are already crying foul after a tense campaign. A vast nation endowed with an abundance of uranium, gold, coal and oil but among the poorest on the planet, Niger is electing a head of state, as well as a new parliament, with Issoufou hoping for a second five-year term. "Everything has gone well in an atmosphere of calm and serenity. There are some shortcomings but Ceni (the electoral commission) is taking measures to allow voters to exercise their right to vote," commission president Ibrahim Boube said yesterday, adding that voting in some areas had been pushed back to today after electoral material did not arrive in time. A total of 7.5 million people were eligible to vote at 25,000 polling stations across the country on the edge of the Sahara desert, where security is a growing concern after attacks by jihadists from neighbouring Nigeria, Mali and Libya. The election results are expected within five days. Security was tight with forces on patrol across the country, including the capital Niamey, where voting got off to a delayed start in many parts of the city due to the late delivery of ballot papers and other materials. Interior Minister Hassoumi Massaoudou said earlier yesterday that the vote was going smoothly "especially in Diffa, where voting material arrived on time", referring to a border region that has been hit by frequent Boko Haram Islamist violence, and where some 200,000 displaced people were eligible to vote. After voting in Niamey, Issoufou said "there will be only one winner, and that will be Niger", saying he hoped the election would reinforce the country's democratic structures. In an interview with AFP on Thursday, the 63-year-old said he was "absolutely" confident of victory. Issoufou said he had met his pledges on boosting growth and infrastructure, while shoring up security in the face of jihadist attacks. Defence remains a top budget priority in Niger, with the remote north threatened by jihadists operating out of Mali and Libya while the southeast tries to fend off attacks by Nigeria-based Boko Haram. In December, the government said it had foiled an attempted military coup. Known as the "Zaki" or "Lion" in Hausa, the majority language in Niger, the former mathematician and mining engineer faces 14 competitors, including an ex-president. Should he fail to win a first-round victory, his rivals, who have accused him of planning to rig the result, have agreed to unite behind whoever scores highest among them for the second round. Niger's opposition denounced the election late yesterday as "grossly unfair", saying there had been vote rigging and a problem with duplicate voter cards. has received capital markets regulator Sebi's approval to raise an estimated Rs 350 crore through its initial public offering. Pune-based Nihilent is a global consulting and solutions integration company. The firm has experience in international consulting, IT outsourcing and services. The company, which had filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with Sebi on December 23, for launching the IPO, obtained clearance from the regulator on February 16, according to the latest update. The IPO comprises fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 140 crore and an offer for sale of up to 24,38,199 scrips by existing shareholders. According to sources, the company is expected to garner a total of Rs 350 crore through the IPO. The proceed of the issue will be utilised towards acquisitions and other strategic investments, development of new software platforms, repayment of loans and other for other general corporate purposes. Nihilent, which had recently acquired 51% stake in Intellect Bizware Services, said net the proceeds will be used "to acquire the balance 49%t stake in Intellect." After completion of the issue, promoters and significant shareholders will own about 79.28% of the company's outstanding equity shares. Led by L C Singh, the company has operations in North America, The United Kingdom and Ireland, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and Asia. The book running lead manager to the issue is Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors and the shares are proposed to be listed on BSE and NSE. Finnish telecom giant Nokia has said 5G will happen faster than expected and it is planning to dramatically increase its investments in the new technology. "We are planning to dramatically increase our investment in 5G this year and unleash the power of our massive innovation engine," Nokia President and CEO Rajeev Suri said during a media and analyst briefing yesterday here. During the occasion, Suri also announced a new 5G-ready radio access product, which supports any technology, from 2G, LTE and 5G when it arrives. It also includes a new base station with future-ready baseband that will give customers a better connectivity experience and also uses less energy. "We are already at the forefront of making 5G a reality and enabling massive capacity and massive connectivity - this is an integral part of our vision. 5G must happen fast because important IoT use cases demand it. If we know that 5G can help save lives, improve our environment, and make our lives better, we need to move faster, not slower," Suri said. Suri also announced Nokia's acquisition of Nakina, a Canadian software company that specialises in preventing, identifying and eliminating security threats. Nokia said the acquisition, expected to close in the first quarter 2016, is part of its priority to have the best network security in place to enable 5G and Internet of things (IoT). The company also launched a USD 350 million IoT investment fund through its private venture firm, Nokia Growth Partners. The fund will invest in promising companies primarily around the connected enterprise, consumer IoT, connected car, digital health as well as technologies with a focus on capabilities in big data and analytics. Nokia said the fund will support it in defining future business opportunities and the technical underpinnings for the rapidly growing IoT market. In a call initiated by Kremlin, US President Barack Obama today spoke with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss efforts to establish a nation-wide "cessation of hostilities" between the Syrian regime and its armed opposition, the White House said. During the call, Obama welcomed that an understanding was reached between the US, Russia, as well as other partners in the International Syria Support Group on the terms and modalities for such a cessation of hostilities in the war-torn country from February 27. "Obama emphasised that the priority now was to ensure positive responses by the Syrian regime and armed opposition as well as faithful implementation by all parties in order to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, galvanise UN-led political process, and focus on defeating ISIL," the White House said. Obama also stressed the importance of the fulfilment by combined Russian-separatist forces in eastern Ukraine of their obligations under the Minsk agreements, particularly honouring the cease-fire and permitting the Special Monitoring Mission of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) full access to the conflict area including the international border, the White House said. Obama underscored the importance of quickly reaching agreement on modalities for holding free and fair elections in eastern Ukraine that meet OSCE standards, the White House said. In a landmark announcement, the US and Russia today said that the Syria ceasefire would begin at midnight Damascus time (2200 GMT Friday) and would apply to parties to the conflict that have committed to the deal - but not to the Islamic State group or Al-Nusra Front, an Al-Qaeda affiliate. US President Barack Obama today supported India's massive energy needs necessary for its economic growth to address the challenges of poverty, while stressing on the need to pass on clean coal technologies to fight climate change. "In order to grow the economy, we have got to have energy. In fact, there are countries like India where it is even more desperate," Obama said in his address to the Democratic Governors at the White House. "They (Indians) do not have electricity," he said, adding that India needs access to energy in order to develop. "And if we are not giving them options, if the only message we have for them is, 'Stay poor,' the we are not going to solve the problem," Obama said. Observing that this is not an either/or issue, Obama said: "We have got to grow the economy, which means we have got to produce energy and we've got to deal with climate change. "The good is that technology and research and development are accelerating rapidly, and because of the Paris agreement this would be going to accelerate progress even more," he said. In his speech, Obama stressed the need of passing on the clean coal technologies to countries like India. "I want India and China to know how to use clean coal, because they're going to be building coal plants anyway. And if we've got technology that can help make sure that it is not emitting huge amounts of carbon, all the better," Obama said. After coming into office, Obama said his administration has invested in technologies to capture carbon from coal-fired plants. "The technologies are there, the problem is that they're just really expensive right now. And so given relative prices to natural gas and other options, they haven't been deployed," he said. The Odisha government today appealed to the Centre to declare the Biju Patnaik International Airport here as the embarkation point for the Haj pilgrims instead of the NSCB International Airport in Kolkata. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister A Gajapathi Raju said Haj pilgrims of Bihar and Jharkhand were allowed to use Gaya airport as the embarkation point. Similarly, Haj pilgrims of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra use airports in their respective states. "This year about 600 persons from Odisha are expected to undertake the pilgrimage. It will help the pilgrims if their journey can be done directly from Bhubaneswar," Patnaik said in the letter. Oil prices recovered in Asia today after a steep fall in the previous session, with US crude back above USD 30 a barrel as traders mulled the impact of a potential freeze by key producers. Oil spiked sharply last week after major exporters held talks on a potential agreement to reduce a global supply glut that has dragged prices to their lowest levels in nearly 13 years this month. Saudi Arabia and Russia, the world's top crude producers, have agreed to limit production if others followed suit. But crude resumed its downtrend Friday as traders fretted the deal would not gain traction, with analysts cautioning Iraq and Iran, which is ramping up output after sanctions were lifted, had shown little support. commercial oil stockpiles in the US, the world's top oil consumer, continued to build up added to the pressure. At around 0335 GMT (0905 IST) today, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for delivery in March was up 50 cents, or 1.69 per cent, at USD 30.14. Global benchmark, Brent, for April advanced 43 cents, or 1.30 percent, to USD 33.44 a barrel. Sanjeev Gupta, who heads the Asia Pacific oil and gas practice at EY, predicted prices would remain under pressure and said he sees "little evidence of any relief from the oversupply". The market will now be "looking for clues on the outlook for crude oil demand from the manufacturing and service sector data from the US and Europe that will be released this week," he added. Still, Capital Economics said even if the producer talks did not lead to an agreement "they may be the first indication of willingness to act to prevent prices falling further". "A sustained recovery may require something more substantial, but for now at least oil prices appear to have found a floor," it said. Noting that as many as 14 Bills concerning the Labour Ministry are pending before Parliament, Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya today said the Opposition parties should let the Parliament function smoothly in national interest. Some of the important Bills include comprehensive amendments of Factories Act, participation of workers in management, Child Labour Amendment Act, Mines Amendment Bill and Bills concerning inter-state migrant workers, building and other construction workers, Dattatreya, Minister of State (independent charge) said. "Minimum Wage Act is there. Workers need minimum wage, all over the country. But labour is in concurrent list. At the national level, national floor level minimum wage is there. It is only recommendatory. Once, it will be an Act in Parliament. Equal and minimum wage is to be given for workers wherever they are in the country," he said. National minimum wage, when come into force, would bring light in the lives of workers, he said. Trade unions have also shown enthusiasm on the minimum wages. He said he got the bonus amendment act passed in Parliament earlier though there were disturbances. The government is trying to get 44 Acts simplified into four codes (wages, industrial relations, safety, social security), he said. The Opposition parties have every right to spread their ideology, but they should not stall Parliament, Dattatreya said. Congress, which had been in power for almost 60 years, has a bigger responsibility to let the Parliament function, he said. "Mainly, Congress is acting in a narrow-minded way. It is not fair. Congress says it has made made sacrifices for the country. It is a party that ruled for 60 years. Left also needs to re-think. They should not go on the path of Congress. They should think of national interest. Whatever is your ideology. Government is different and party is different. Congress and Left need to take note of that," he added. Origo Commodities India today said it has tied up with State Bank of India to offer post-harvest credit facility to farmers across the country against warehouse receipts. Origo Commodities, which provides post-harvest management solution, currently manages 35 lakh tonnes of agricultural produce across 15 states in 500 warehouses. "We are pleased to tie up with State Bank of India to reach out to farmers to ensure they understand and avail short-term finance against the warehouse receipts. "Through the years and our work, we have seen farmers earn close to 15-20 per cent more on their produce by avoiding distress sale," Origo Commodities Director Sunoor Kaul said. Origo Commodities is an implementation agency mandated by NABARD to promote Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (NWR) at farmers' level through Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACs) and co-operative banks. Warehouse receipt financing is an essential financial tool for farmers to avail loans by storing crops in warehouses. The company said that this segment is expected to grow up to Rs 1 lakh crore in the next five years from Rs 35,000 crore business currently. Authorities in Pakistan's financial capital here have decided to take strict measures to ensure that anti-polio vaccine teams are allowed to conduct vaccinations in schools, days after they were barred by some private schools on their premises. An official of a private school in the Azizabad area said on condition of anonymity that deputy commissioners of three districts in Karachi had sent letters to some schools in their respective jurisdiction giving the new instructions. "They have said that if parents of any students don't allow the school administration and polio vaccine teams to immunise their children, strict action should be taken against them," he said. He said the instructions was that schools should cancel registration of such students after issuing warning to the parents. The matter has come to an head in some areas of the city after anti-polio vaccine teams were not allowed to enter some private schools in some areas as part of a nationwide immunisation drive last week. In some cases, the school administration had refused to allow the polio vaccination workers to enter their premises insisting that parents were not comfortable with getting their children immunised in such drives. The government has made refusal to allow immunisation against polio a criminal offence since last year when nearly 4000 people in Quetta, Pishin and Killa Abdullah districts in Baluchistan province refused to allow their children to be vaccinated. The World Bank has given USD 180 million to Pakistan for routine immunisation of children in the country and the government has started a three-year emergency plan for polio eradication in the country. Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan are the only two countries in the world where polio remains endemic. Pakistan's polio cases are declining, with just 54 cases of wild polio virus reported last year, down more than 80 per cent from 2014. Scores of health workers in Pakistan have been killed in the last two years as a result. Polio workers have long been targeted in the country by Islamist groups including the Taliban militants which claim that the polio immunisation drive is a front for espionage or a conspiracy to sterilise Muslims. The most recent deadly attack came in January when at least 15 people, mostly security officials, were killed and over 20 others injured when a Taliban suicide bomber blew himself up outside a polio vaccination centre in restive Balochistan's capital Quetta. Pakistan would like a liberalised visa regime with India to facilitate pilgrimages across the border and boost religious tourism, according to Abdul Basit, Pakistan's High Commissioner to India. "We would like to see our visa regime liberalised in the context of religious tourism so that people can visit easily and freely from both sides," Basit said here today. The Pakistani envoy was speaking at the launch of a book "Lost Heritage: The Sikh Legacy in Pakistan" by Singapore-based author Amardeep Singh. According to Basit, religious tourism is scheduled to be one of the major talking points once the two countries resume dialogue, in an attempt to enable more Indians to travel to the neighbouring country for pilgrimage. "There have been many proposals as to how to facilitate more Sikh pilgrims going to Pakistan and in this context I can tell you that recently the two governments agreed that they will have religious tourism as one of the main subjects of the dialogue process. "So, we hope as and when our dialogue resumes, religious tourism will become an important subject of our discussions. The two sides will be able to take concrete steps towards promoting religious tourism because there is deep mutual desire to facilitate religious tourism," he said. Referring to several failed attempts towards having a "corridor" for easier travel of citizens across the border, the Ambassador said it could materialise only if the two countries "stick together and work together". "Unfortunately for decades now, we have been reflecting on this but so far we have not been able to move ahead into implementing the proposal of having a corridor," he said. Urging for support from India, he said, "I can assure you that our incumbent government under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is very much committed towards doing this. Now it takes two to tango. Smoke is seen billowing out of the ground and first floor of the Taj Hotel in south Mumbai during security personnel's "Operation Cyclone" following the 26/11 terror attacks in 2008. Photo: PTI. File photo Pakistan government on Monday challenged in the Islamabad High Court, the rejection of the 2008 Mumbai attack case prosecution's plea by the trial court to form a commission to examine the boat used by LeT terrorists to reach the Indian coast. "We have challenged the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Islamabad's decision to reject our plea regarding formation of a commission to examine the boat - Al-Fauz - used by alleged terrorists of Mumbai attacks in the Islamabad High Court," Prosecution Chief Chaudhry Azhar told PTI. He said the court office would fix the date of hearing. According to the petition, the boat should be made "case property". "A government commission should be formed to examine the boat which is in custody of the authorities in port city of Karachi is an essential part of evidence against the seven accused" against whom the trial is underway, it says. The ATC on January 13 had dismissed the plea of the prosecution to form a commission to examine the boat. Al-Fauz is in the custody of the Pakistani authorities in the port city of Karachi, from where the 10 militants, armed with AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades, had left for India to carry out the Mumbai attack in 2008. According to the Federal Investigation Agency, the 10 militants - armed with AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades - used three boats including Al Fauz to reach Mumbai from the port city of Karachi to carry out the attack in 2008. It said the security agencies had also traced the shop and its owner from where the culprits bought the engine and the boat, while a bank, and a money exchange company were also traced which were used for the transaction of money. The 10 LeT militants had left Karachi on the boat on November 23, 2008. En route, they hijacked another boat, killing four of its crew. They allegedly forced the vessel's captain to take them close to the India shores. The captain was killed when the vessel reached Mumbai's coast. On November 26 that year, the gunmen left their vessel, moored off the coast of Mumbai in inflatable boats and docked in an area of fishing shanties. They broke up into smaller groups to carry out the attack that killed 166 people. Nine of the gunmen were killed during the attacks, while the lone survivor identified as Ajmal Kasab was executed in India in November, 2012. Pakistani authorities have arrested seven LeT members involved with the planning of the attack including the terrorist group's operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, said to be the mastermind of the Mumbai attack. The other arrested LeT men are Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Sadiq, Shahid Jamil, Jamil Ahmed and Younas Anjum. Lakhvi, 55, has been on bail since last April and is enjoying his freedom at an undisclosed location. A judicial magistrate today sent 88 Indian fishermen to jail here, two days after they were arrested by Pakistani authorities for allegedly fishing in the country's territorial waters. A police official at the Karachi Docks police station said the arrested fishermen were handed over to the police and presented before a magistrate as per procedure. "The magistrate has sent them to judicial remand in Malir jail," the official Hamid Khan said. Hundreds of Indian fishermen are languishing in the Malir and Landhi jails in Karachi after being arrested for allegedly transgressing into Pakistani territorial waters. An official of Pakistan's Maritime Security Agency (MSA) said the fishermen were arrested and 16 fishing boats seized early on Saturday from the Arabian Sea near the Karachi coast. "The Indian fishermen were arrested by the MSA while they were fishing in Pakistani waters of the Arabian Sea," he said. He dismissed Indian media reports that the Indian fishermen were taken into custody from near the Gujarat coast. Although in December, India and Pakistan had agreed to revive the dialogue process when external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj visited Islamabad for a summit, but the same month 66 Indian fishermen were arrested by the MSA while last month another 45 were arrested. Pakistan and India regularly arrest fishermen who venture into their waters due to a poorly-marked maritime boundary. Some of them spend years in jail before being repatriated. In the past the two nations have released each other's fishermen as goodwill gestures. Pakistan police today killed at least 12 militants involved in target killings and seized a large cache of arms in the country's biggest city here. "Eight suspected militants were killed in the Pipri area while four others were latershot dead in Gadap on the outskirts of the city," Senior Superintendent of Police in Malir district, Rao Anwar told reporters. "They all belonged to outlawed militant outfits and opened fire on the raiding parties of police when they raided their hideouts oncreditable tip-offs," Anwar said. "In Pipri, the militants were heavily armed and opened fire after which the police retaliated and killed eight of them," he said. He said four other militants fled the scene in the cover of darkness but were chased down to Gadap where another encounter took place and they were also killed by the police. Anwar said five of those killed had been identified as Sohail, Khalil, Bilal,Talha and Abdul Salam. The police official said that the raids were conducted after information provided by two recently arrested high profile terrorists, Naeem Bukhari and Farooq Bhatti, adding that the deceased men belonged to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent and Lashkar-i-Jhangvi (LeJ). He said police had recovered heavy cache of suicide vests, explosives and hand grenades from the hideout in Pipri. Two policemen were wounded in the exchange, he added. Karachi, a city of over 20 million and Pakistan's financial hub, is one of the most unsafe cities in the country and is frequently the scene of religious and ethnic violence. Pakistan's literary scene is seeing a spirited revival, with packed festivals attracting tens of thousands in a rock concert-like atmosphere that defies security threats in a growing cultural renaissance. Events such as the raucous Lahore Literary Festival, held over the weekend, are reclaiming the 'cultural space' that has shrunk significantly in the conservative Muslim nation in recent years amid a raging Islamist insurgency. The festivals -- platforms for all forms of cultural expression, from architecture to film to food writing and feminism, as well as poetry and a recital by Central Asian musicians -- are becoming a forum for exchange of liberal thought across the Muslim world. "It's great -- one of the saddest things when you keep talking about Islam, the Muslims, the Ummah (the brotherhood of Muslim countries) is we don't know what their writers are, we don't know what their stories are," said Mohammed Hanif, whose internationally renowned 2008 novel "A Case of Exploding Mangoes" weaves a dark comedic narrative around the death of dictator Zia ul Haq. "And there is very little that gets translated from these languages. So it's great to have Palestinian writers, Egyptian writers," he told AFP at the Lahore festival. The event began with an interview with veteran Indian actress Sharmila Tagore, who received a standing ovation after discussing her storied career in Bengali and Bollywood cinema. She hailed the cross-pollination of artists across the two rival countries' borders as an important part of "cultural diplomacy". Other top-billed speakers included outspoken Egyptian-American feminist Mona Eltahawy -- whose vociferous denunciations of patriarchy and the politics of the hijab gave the festival some of its most energetic and controversial moments. "When we talk about the Global South, when we talk about women of colour, the issues that we talk about... It's very important for me to be able to come to Lahore and say, 'Look, the issues that I have written about in my book are very similar to issues in Pakistan that feminists are fighting over'," she told AFP. "I want to talk about how as Muslim women we are reduced to what's on our heads and what's in between our legs and I want to talk about the sexual revolution." Critics say successive Pakistani governments, influenced by the religious right, have done little to encourage artistic expression or have even curtailed it -- including banning Lahore's spring kite-festival of Basant in 2007, which Islamists accuse of propagating Hindu thought. The Pampore attack in Jammu and Kashmir "appears to be" the handiwork of Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) terror outfit, CRPF Director General Prakash Mishra said today here. He said initial inputs of the encounter, in which five security personnel and a civilian have been killed till now, suggest that the modus operandi adopted by the militants bore similarity to attacks that had occurred in Udhampur in J-K and Gurdaspur in Punjab recently where security personnel were targeted. "Lashkar (LeT) appears to be behind this...The operation is still on. It is suspected that there could be 3-5 militants who are involved in the attack. The assault by security forces is in its final stages," Mishra told journalists here. He said it is understood that the militants are heavily armed with weapons like AK-47 assault rifles and grenades and "certainly" came prepared for a long operation given the huge cache of arms and ammunition they hold. Mishra, who had recently toured the Kashmir valley, said the area where the attack took place is a "volatile" zone as sometime back also militants had attacked a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) squad around here. The paramilitary force chief said security forces are "always" on alert while making their movement in these areas as he refused to go into the specifics of any intelligence input being received in this regard. Officials said while an Assistant Commandant-rank officer of CRPF Rakesh Raman was critically injured and admitted to a hospital ICU, area commander of the force and Inspector General (Kashmir zone) Atul Karwal and an another trooper have received minor injuries while tackling the militants holed up in the EDI building. The assault inside the building was later taken over by the army which has lost two Captain-rank officers and a Lance Naik from the elite PARA (Special Forces) unit. Two CRPF men were killed on Saturday when militants attacked a 300-personnel strong bus convoy of the force while they were traveling from Jammu to Srinagar. Nine CRPF personnel on the bus were injured during the attack. Mishra said it is suspected that the militants came to attack the convoy of the force and may not have a plan to take hostages in the EDI building. The CRPF DG said the escort party of the convoy that came under attack mounted an effective retaliation and hence the militants fled and hid in the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) building. The army today said it was in no hurry to flush out the militants holed up in a government building in Pampore area on Srinagar-Jammu Highway as the main aim is to avoid further casualty to security forces. As the operation against the ultras entered the third day, General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, Lt Gen Satish Dua, told reporters here, "There is no time limit. There is no hurry. Our main purpose is to make sure that we do not have anymore casualty. We will take as long as it takes to clear the building." The army commander said the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) is a vast campus and it requires specialised forces to clear the holed-up militants. "Two main buildings have been cleared and now the terrorists have taken position in the (third) building. It is a huge campus of 15 acres. It has three main buildings apart from a couple of other ancillary buildings. "This main building is four floors and a cafeteria or a canteen on top. It has 40-50 rooms, not counting the smaller rooms and toilets, and an area of 10,000 square feet. So, each of the floors has to be cleared room by room. So, specialised units are required to clear it," Dua said. "As the operation is in progress, I will not be able to say anything more on it except that our specialised units are having complete synergy with the CAPFs (Central Armed Paramilitary Forces)," he said. So far, the paramilitary has suffered two fatal casualties and nine other personnel have been wounded, Dua said, adding, the army lost three bravehearts, all of whom were from special forces. He said all civilians have been evacuated. The Corps Commander said the army does not have any identification of the holed-up militants. "As of now, we do not have any identification. It is still a work in progress," he said. Earlier, the army paid floral tributes to the two army men killed in the encounter yesterday. The wreath laying ceremony was held at the army's Badami Bagh headquarters here, where the army commander, along with Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, K Rajendra, paid floral tributes to the brave hearts. "Lance Naik Om Prakash and Captain Tushar Mahajan fell to the militants' bullets yesterday. It only goes to show that our young officers are brave young leaders who always lead from the front. We are sad at the loss but these young lads have done the army and the nation proud," Dua said. He said when the army contacted their parents, they felt very proud about the sacrifice made by their sons. "Both the fathers are school teachers and they were very proud of their sons. To get such a reaction from a father when he gets such news, is something that does the nation proud and we can see where these young leaders got the genes of bravery from," the army commander said. The fierce gunbattle on the outskirts of Srinagar ended today with Army's elite Special Forces killing all the three terrorists, suspected to be Pakistanis belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), in a 48-hour operation that also left six securitymen and a civilian dead. The heavily-armed terrorists, apparently a "suicide squad", were holed up in a multi-storey government building of Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) in Pampore, along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, since Saturday afternoon. "The encounter has ended and three militants who had taken refuge inside the building have been killed," a police official said. "We have killed three militants of whom we had the information," Major General Arvind Dutta, General Officer Commanding of Victor Force, told reporters. He said the identity of the slain terrorists is being ascertained but added they appeared to be foreigners. To a question, he said by saying "foreigners", he meant they had come from "across the border", hinting at Pakistan. In Delhi, CRPF Director General Prakash Mishra said the attack "appears to be" the handiwork of Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) terror outfit. Maj Gen Dutta said 'war-like' stores, including large quantity of arms and ammunition were recovered from the site. A combing operation was underway to sanitise the building which has 44 rooms plus lobbies, washrooms and a restaurant on the top floor, he said. The operation, which began on Saturday evening, saw five security force personnel including two Captains of elite commando units laying down their lives while battling the terrorists, suspected to be of foreign origin. A civilian was killed in the crossfire between the two sides while 120 civilians were evacuated safely. As the operation entered the third day today, the Special Forces of the army maximised the force, using mortar shells to flush out the terrorists, the officials said. Maj Gen Dutta said the building appeared to be a pre-determined target where they rushed into after attacking a CRPF convoy on the highway. "They were carrying a large quantity of arms and ammunition... They were seen running into the building with big bagpacks," the army officer said. A defence lawyer seeking bail for one of the accused in the builder Suraj Parmar suicide case today alleged that Parmar was slated to meet a Shiv Sena corporator on October 7, 2015, the day he shot himself. Parmar had, in his suicide note, alleged that there was a nexus of some corporators and officials of Thane Municipal Corporation who were harassing him for bribes and blocking the approvals for his projects. Advocate Hemant Sawant, appearing for the arrested corporator Sudhakar Chavan (MNS), told the Additional Sessions judge V V Bambarde that the Shiv Sena corporator had business relations with Parmar and the two had entered into agreements for land development. One such venture failed and the corporator and Parmar were to meet that day but the corporator later told police that the meeting did not take place, advocate Sawant said. The lawyer also named a senior NCP leader from the city, alleging that he was conspiring to finish the political career of his client. The four corporators, including Chavan, who were arrested in the case, were being made the scapegoats, he said. The other arrested accused in the case are Hanumant Jagdale (NCP) and Vikrant Chavan (Congress), besides Najeeb Mulla (NCP) who has got bail. The lawyers of Jagdale and Vikrant Chavan said they had raised the issue of irregularities in the projects of Parmar's group only out of the sense of civic duty and not to harass him. The hearing would continue tomorrow. India is yet to receive a formal communication from Pakistan about a proposed visit by a team of investigators from that country to inspect the site of the Pathankot terror attack, a senior government official said today. "No formal communication has come yet from Pakistan about the visit of the Pakistani investigators," the official said. Asked whether India will allow the Pakistani investigators to visit the Pathankot airbase, the official said no decision has been taken on that yet. "We have to look into various aspects. As and when the Pakistani team comes, we will take a decision," he said. According to the official, there has been little information about the findings of the Pakistani investigators in that country. "We don't know what action they have taken to the inputs we have provided about the perpetrators and conspirators of the terror attack," the official said. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had ruled out allowing Pakistani investigators access the Pathankot airbase. "None is coming. Nobody can come without any information to us. Rather, India should be allowed access to places in Pakistan from where perpetrators had come to our land," he had said. Yesterday, Pakistan's Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan said that India has asked Pakistan to inform it at least five days prior to a visit by Pakistani investigators to inspect the site of the Pathankot terror attack. Seven security personnel were killed when suspected terrorists of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad stormed the Pathankot airbase on January 2. Coming down on the opposition, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today said many people and political parties are still not in the mood to accept Narendra Modi as Prime Minister. "What my feeling is that there are lot of people in the country who are not in a mental position to refute that Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister...," the Road, Transport and Highways Minister said. "And because of lot of their convictions may be some Left parties, Socialists they have some anti-BJP approach, they are not in mood to accept Narendra Modi as Prime Minister," he said at the event 'Off The Cuff' hosted by noted journalist Shekhar Gupta. He further said: "Second, is in media also, I don't want to blame them, but they are all interested in negative . I am doing hundreds of positive things, but nobody is interested in asking me about it. They are interested in creating more controversy and think it is part of their TRP, I don't know what it is..." He then questioned Gupta on why is the media not covering positive or events. "People may not have support with our ideology, it is a democracy, but I can't understand one thing, I am a pure RSS man, I am very proud of it and RSS is a part of my life and I am never going to bother about it. "If suppose anyone is doing a good job and he is either Communist or from the Congress or with BJP or any other party, why are they not recognised?," he questioned. At the time when Narendra Modi became Prime Minister the GDP growth was 4.5 per cent and now it is 7.6 per cent so somewhere things are moving fast, they are changing and BJP's emphasis is to enhance the potential of the economy, Gadkari stressed. "So the way in which 'Make in India', 'Made in India' is going, the way in which innovation, technology are increasing, the way in which we are trying to lower our logistics cost, we are going to encourage new technology in the country, I think that there is good atmosphere," he added. When asked why is BJP entangled in issues such as eating beef, sloganeering in universities, Gadkari said in a lighter vein: "We have some manufacturing defect. What experience we have is that when I entered politics I was a student leader so we used to burn effigies, court arrest, show black flags. "So many people in our party are disturbed because we are made for opposition party. Our DNA is of opposition party..." He further said: "Unfortunately we have not adopted the mentality of a ruling party. Now people whom you show on TV, I was the party's President and I have never seen them. "I want to ask you, Modi is speaking, Arun Jaitley, Rajnath Singh, I am speaking and some former presidents are also speaking, then you should take it seriously. But someone who has no relation to RSS or VHP speaks and you go about pouncing on the party," Gadkari, a former BJP President said. "I feel it will take time for us to accept mentality of a ruling party. We have so much experience of opposition party... We are such a democratic party that everybody speaks," Gadkari joked. On the role of bureaucracy and political leadership in the reform process, he said it is the role of the political leadership to initiate administrative reforms. The Minister said that he has announced formation of an Empowered Group of State Transport Ministers to advise on policy issues to make the country's transport sector modern, efficient and transparent. He said the government is also seriously working towards solving the issues related to land acquisition. The pace of land acquisition for highway projects has jumped manifold after enhanced compensation with the new law proving a boon in disguise, he added. He said with the pace of acquisition gaining momentum, projects were being implemented in full swing. Even farmers who had parted with their land for the projects earlier are to get enhanced compensation under the new land acquisition law in case they are yet to be compensated under the old legislation, the Minister added. Gadkari said the Inland Waterway Bill will shortly get the Rajya Sabha nod, paving the way for of 111 river ports. "We have already initiated investments worth Rs 80,000 crore for mechanisation, modernisation and computerisation of ports under the Sagarmala project," he added. Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the proposed bridge across the Ganga in Sahibganj next month. "Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone in March," Das said after inaugurating 'Maghi Purnima Mela (fair)' on the banks of Ganga in the district's Raj Mahal sub-division, an official release said. Union Transport Highways and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari had said in Ranchi on January 27 that Sahibganj would be made a multi-modal district with a total Rs 534 crore being earmarked for its development, making it a growth engine for Jharkhand. The Centre today said police will act as per law against five students, being looked for in a sedition case and who have now surfaced on the JNU campus after being on the run for over 10 days. "Police will take action as per law," Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told reporters here. He was replying to a question about the resurfacing of the five JNU students. Asked about the students, including Umar Khalid, addressing a gathering at JNU after their resurfacing, Rijiju said he was not bothered by their latest act and reminded that the country runs as per law. "I don't know who is saying what. We are not bothered, the country runs as per law," he said. Police have been looking for all the five students since February 12, the day JNU Students' Union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested in the sedition case registered over a controversial event on the campus. Earlier, Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi said if the students were innocent, they should produce evidence. "Police are looking for them, they should join the investigation. If they are innocent, they should produce evidence of their innocence. "Delhi Police is a law abiding body and we do not indulge in any injustice against anybody. One should also remember that the police comes first in the ladder of justice," he told reporters. The JNU administration called a meeting of top varsity officials today to discuss the resurfacing of the five students. Police officials, who have been positioned outside the varsity campus since last night after they got inputs about their presence on campus, said they will talk to the Vice Chancellor after the meeting and ask him to direct the students to surrender. Uncertainty over Britain's future in the European Union sent the pound plunging today, as Prime Minister David Cameron tried to shore up support for remaining in the bloc when the UK holds a referendum in June. The pound fell 1.7 per cent to USD 1.4166, and also sagged 0.5 per cent to 1.28 euros, as bookmakers shortened the odds on a vote to leave though betting markets still favor a "remain" victory. Simon Smith, chief economist at FxPro, said the next four months "won't be a fun time" for the pound, which has weakened in recent months. "It's more the uncertainty that will weigh on the currency, rather than investors taking a view on the outcome and the implications for the economy, which are hard to argue either way," he said. Many big businesses have warned that leaving the EU with its open internal market of 500 million people would hammer the British economy. But London Mayor Boris Johnson, a high-profile supporter of an "out" vote, said fears of economic catastrophe were "wildly exaggerated." He likened he warnings to those who had said that if Britain did not join the euro single currency, London's City financial district would suffer and "great mutant rats would gnaw the faces of the last bankers." "It didn't turn out to be true. On the contrary, the City of London is overwhelmingly the preponderant financial center here in this part of the world, indeed it is the biggest on earth," Johnson said during a question session at City Hall. The rhetorical stakes shot sky-high as politicians began a four-month battle to sway British voters ahead of the June 23 referendum, with the opposing sides battling over whether EU membership made Britain more or less safe from terrorist attacks. Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith said yesterday that the EU's "open border," and the inflow of millions of migrants from the Middle East and Africa, made it more likely terrorists could slip into the UK even though Britain is not part of the EU's borderless Schengen zone. But Defense Secretary Michael Fallon argued that EU membership made the UK safer. "It is through the EU that you exchange criminal records and passenger records and work together on counter-terrorism," Fallon told the BBC today. "We need the collective weight of the EU when you are dealing with Russian aggression or terrorism. You need to be part of these big partnerships." Cameron was due to make his case in the House of Commons today, arguing that a deal he struck Friday with 27 other EU leaders gives Britain "special status," exempting the UK from ever-closer political bonds with the bloc and protecting the rights of the pound against the euro single currency used by 19 EU countries. Looking to auction large-capacity thermal energy plants, the Power Ministry will seek Cabinet's approval to final bid document for domestic coal-based ultra mega power projects (UMPP) of 4,000 MW capacity each. The ministry plans to auction three UMPPs, entailing an investment of over Rs 80,000 crore, by the end of this fiscal. "The bid document of the UMPPs based on domestic coal has been sent for inter-ministerial consultations. After receiving the comments from all ministries, it would go to Cabinet for approval," Power Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters here. The three ultra mega power projects would be set up in the states of Bihar, Odisha and Tamil Nadu. Earlier this month, Power Secretary P K Pujari had said that auction of three UMPPs would be conducted definitely "by March". The three projects are Banka in Bihar, Bedabahal in Odisha, and Cheyyur in Tamil Nadu. On UMPPs based on imported coal, Goyal said, "The Pratyush Sinha committee has not given its report on the bid document for UMPPs based on imported coal. As soon as they submit it, we will send it to the Cabinet." The committee has sought public comments on the draft bid document for UMPPs on imported coal to be submitted by January 15, 2016. Earlier, Pujari had also said that the Cheyyur UMPP was based on imported coal but there was a possibility of putting the project on the block. The project cost of an UMPP of 4,000 MW has been revised upwards from Rs 20,000 crore to about Rs 27,000 crore recently on basis of rise in the price of coal and land. Thus the three projects would entail an investment of over Rs 80,000 crore. The Supreme Court today asked the Maharashtra government to look for an alternate arrangement to house jailed Delhi University professor G N Saibaba at Gadchiroli in the state where he is facing trial for his alleged Maoist links. "We want you (state) to make him comfortable. Tell us how you will make him comfortable. You cannot have him in solitary confinement," a bench comprising Justices J S Khehar and C Nagappan said, while also directing the state to provide sufficient medical facilities. The bench also asked the counsel for wheelchair-bound Saibaba to move an exemption plea before the trial court and fixed the matter for further hearing on February 29 when the Maharashtra government will have to inform it about the residential facility to be provided to the jailed professor. Saibaba is currently lodged in the Nagpur jail. During the hearing, the counsel for the state government said it would conclude the trial in a period of two months and the jailed professor was not kept in solitary confinement. On the other hand, the counsel for the accused said Saibaba was wheelchair-bound and is kept in Nagpur jail which was nearly 170 kms away from the place where the trial was being conducted. Earlier, the apex court had refused to stay a criminal contempt notice issued by the Bombay High Court against author Arundhati Roy for her article in a weekly magazine questioning the continued incarceration of Saibaba. The Bombay High Court had on December 23, 2015 issued the contempt notice against the author, for her views on Saibaba's arrest and rejection of his bail plea early last year. Gadchiroli Police had arrested Saibaba in 2014 for his alleged links with Maoists. He has been on bail since June last year. Roy had expressed her views on the arrest in an article published in a weekly magazine last year. A section of public sector banks' officers have given a call for strike on February 29 to protest termination of P V Mohanan, General Secretary of Dhanlaxmi Bank Officers' Organisation. Strike, if happens, will coincide with the unveiling of Budget for 2016-17 in Parliament. According to All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC) General Secretary Havinder Singh, its members will go on a one-day nationwide strike on February 29 as Mohanan, who is also AIBOC, Kerala State President, was terminated from the services of Dhanlaxmi Bank invoking draconian clause. Dhanlaxmi Bank is an old generation private sector bank based out of Kerala. "Since conciliation meeting failed with the management to resolve the issue despite all efforts. So there was no alternative but to go on strike," he said. He claimed that the association has about 2.75 lakh officers as its members. Many banks including Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank and Andhra Bank have already issued advisory informing about strike call and inconvenience to customers if it materialises. The bank is taking all necessary steps for smooth functioning of bank branches on the day of strike, if it materialises, Bank of Baroda said in a statement. According to Canara Bank "a strike call given by All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC) is at industry level and not for bank level issues. In our Bank, only one Association ie., Canara Bank Officers' Association is affiliated to AIBOC. India will register a higher rabi crop output this year despite drought in large parts of the country, Union Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh said today. "We have received a second survey report, on the basis Of which it has been projected that the rabi crops output will be higher this year than last year despite drought and related problems, he said at the 16th foundation day celebrations of the ICAR, eastern region, here. Agriculture scientists had developed 93 varieties of high yield drought-resistant crops which were distributed among farmers for cultivation during the current rabi season, he added. The minister said that the NDA government had taken up a project to improve soil fertility and irrigation facilities in order to increase cultivation. For the purpose, the Centre has launched two schemes - the Pradhan Mantri Sichai Yojana (PMSY) and soil health card, he added. The states have already sent 80 lakh samples of soil for test at different laboratories and one lakh farmers have been given soil health card against a target of 14 crore farmers identified for the purpose by March 2017, Singh said. He, however, rued the fact that Bihar was a laggard in both these aspects. While the states like Andhra Pradesh have sent excess soil samples, Bihar has lagged behind in drive to renew soil, he pointed out. Observing that the Bihar government appeared to be pursuing an agenda different from the Centre's national agenda for soil renewal, Singh pleaded with the state government to showcase sincerely in implementation of the soil health card project as the land belongs to the country and not to an individual. The Centre under the PMSY has set apart a corpus of Rs 50,000 crore for irrigation facilities for all farmland in the country under the theme 'per drop, more crop', he said, and urged the state governments to avail funds by sending proposals finalized by the district and state level selection committees for irrigation requirements for farmland under its jurisdiction. With organic food becoming a fad among the people, Singh said that the Centre had set aside Rs 300 crore for distribution among states to promote organic farming. Observing that the cultivation of traditional crop has become less remunerative for the farmers due to droughts and unseasonal weather patterns in recent years, Singh said that the Centre had taken note of putting more money in the hands of those depending on farming as primary source of livelihood by suggesting them to undertake dairy, fishing and related activities. Singh also hailed the scientific work being carried Out by the ICAR, eastern region, to develop new seeds of paddy, wheat, pulse and oil seeds, besides crop diversification, animal husbandry and fisheries. The eastern states are blessed with fertile land and adequacy of water to meet not only the foodgrains requirement of this region, but also for the country for which it has been touted as harbinger of second green revolution, Singh noted. Railway services were today affected due to blockades on separate issues at Cooch Behar in West Bengal and Kokrajhar in Assam with long distance trains diverted or stranded at several stations. While the Greater Cooch Behar People's Association (GCPA) activists were squatting on the tracks for the third day at New Cooch Behar railway station, Adivasi Convention Committee members began a five-hour railway blockade at Kokrajhar railway station from 8 a.m. As a result of Kokrajhar blockade, all down trains including Rajdhani Express have been controlled at New Bongaigaon station in Assam while all up trains have been held up in different stations of North Bengal including Alipurduar, an Northeast Frontier Railway zone spokesman said in Guwahati, the NFR headquarters. The GCPA is demanding union territory status or C-Category statehood for Cooch Behar and the Adivasi Convention Committee protested in supported for an immediate ST status for Adivasis of Assam. The GCPA stir, which began from 6 a.m on Saturday, at New Cooch Behar station on the Cooch Behar-New Jalpaiguri section, was still on with it's chief, Bangshi Badan Barman, sticking to his stand. "We are staying at New Cooch Behar for three days but no one came to talk with us. On the other hand, they cancelled the inaugural journey of a new train yesterday. This is nothing but a fresh example to dishonour to the people of Cooch Behar," the GCPA leader said. Barman vowed to continue the stir and said that the "Union Home Ministry should send representatives here to talk over the issue or we will not withdraw our agitation". The NF Railway spokesman said that passenger train services along Cooch Behar-New Jalpaiguri section remained suspended while several long distance trains were diverted. The Dibrugarh-Delhi Brahmaputra Mail, however, has been cancelled due to the agitation in Cooch Behar while Awadh-Assam Express bound for Rajasthan was cancelled due to the Jat protests in Haryana, the spokesman said. However, several other major long distance trains have been diverted via New Bongaigaon-Samoktola, Alipurduar, Siliguri and NJP junction routes, the spokesman said. When asked about a proposal to sit for talks with the Cooch Behar district administration, Barman said he "would think over it". A young passenger had died inside a train, which was stranded for several hours, in Cooch Behar due to the 'Rail Roko' movement yesterday. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had yesterday appealed to the protesters in Cooch Behar and Haryana not to block railway lines or harm railway properties as it caused inconvenience to the common man. Ficci has asked the government to raise the import duty on all steel products to 25 per cent in the upcoming Budget, as demand slows down in China, the world's largest steel producer and consumer. With demand slowing down in China, it is dumping steel products in India at cheaper prices, the industry body said. "Import duty on all steel products should be raised to 25 per cent in the Union Budget 2016-17. "As an interim measure, we suggest that the customs duty on all steel products be immediately increased to 15 per cent," the industry body said. It said the tariffs on both Long and Flat Products need to be increased to provide a level playing field to the domestic industry, which has been severely hit due to rising imports. Customs duty on import of Steel Long Products is 10 per cent and on Flat Products is 12.5 per cent. In Budget for 2015-16, the government had increased the tariff rate on steel products (Long & Flat Products) to 15 per cent; however the duties are still only 10 per cent on Long Products and 12.5 per cent on Flat Products. During 2015-16, after numerous representations and meetings, Ministry of Finance gradually increased the import duties to their current levels. However, both the interim measure and Union Budget 2016-17 request are under consideration by the Ministry of Finance. During April-August, India imported 4.5 million tonnes steel compared with 2.9 million tonnes during April-August 2014 registering a massive growth of 51 per cent. The country's steel industry is operating at around 80 per cent capacity utilisation with huge hit from imports from countries like Japan and Korea under FTAs (free trade agreements). "FTAs have not benefited domestic steel producers; they rather proved to be detrimental. Thus in future any FTA or CEPA (comprehensive economic partnership agreement) including RCEP (regional comprehensive economic partnership) should exclude steel products from its ambit," Ficci said. Noting that FTAs have resulted in huge imports of steel into the country, increasing from 5.4 MT in 2013-14 to 9.3 MT in 2014-15, the chamber pointed out that Japan and Korea together constituted 35 per cent of total import and if China is added, it is 71 per cent of total imports during 2014-15. "There is a definite case of reviewing the inclusion of steel in FTAs with Japan & Korea," Ficci said, adding that China, Japan, Korea are all steel surplus countries while India is a growing market so India needs to be wary of surplus gushing into the country. The recommendations, submitted by the industry chamber to the Finance Ministry and Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion recently, are part of a paper titled 'Executive Actions to enable Make in India'. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has proposed to set up a captive breeding centre to protect the Great Indian Bustard, the state bird of Rajasthan from extinction. The matter was taken up by WII with Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, an official spokesman said. Officials from various departments of the state wildlife board were also present at the meeting, he said. The Chief Minister asked the officials to study the Maharashtra model for arranging additional financial resources for wildlife conservation. Along with a slew of measures, she directed the Forest and Environment Department officials to make special arrangements for eradication of catfish in Keoladeo National Park of Bharatpur. She also directed for developing green areas around the sanctuaries, protected areas and national parks as well as prepare plans to develop hilly terrains near the urban centres as green region. Raje asked the officials to remove encroachments on the government lands in and around the forest areas and ensure cleanliness, the spokesman said. She said the Forest Department should coordinate with the local-self government and Urban Development departments as well as partner with the local people for the initiative. The CM directed the officials to set up an Executive Council to ensure time bound implementation and monitoring of the decisions taken by the Wildlife Board.. It was further decided that separate committees be set up for protection and management of wetlands and closed areas around the forest regions. The members of Board gave their approval for installation of a second rope way at Sunda Mata temple in Jalore district as well as broadening the Sawai Madhopur-Shivpuri Road passing through Ranthambhore National Park, the spokesman added. Reliance Communications (RCom) today said fair trade regulator CCI has given nod to its deal to acquire Russian conglomerate Sistema's Indian telecom unit, Sistema Shyam Teleservices Ltd (SSTL) that operates under the MTS brand. "We wish to inform you that the CCI has approved transfer of telecommunications undertaking of SSTL to the company," Reliance Communications said in a BSE filing. In November, India's leading telecom operator RCom announced acquisition of Sistema's Indian telecom unit in an all-stock deal that will create an operator with 118 million subscribers. According to the deal, SSTL will hold about 10% stake in RCom and pay off its existing debt before closing the deal. Russian tycoon Vladimir Evtushenkov-controlled AFK Sistema currently holds 56.68% stake in SSTL while the Russian government owns 17.14% interest. Shyam Group has 23.98% stake and the rest is owned by small investors. SSTL offers mobile telephony services under the MTS brand across nine telecom circles in the country. The deal will give RCom access to spectrum or airwaves in the 850 Mhz band that can be used for 4G services which it plans to start by the year-end. Also, it will be able to extend the validity of its licence by 12 years in eight high revenue-generating circles of Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Kolkata, UP (West) and West Bengal. While SSTL will pay off its existing debt, RCom will assume the liability to pay the government instalments for SSTL's spectrum, amounting to Rs 392 crore per annum for the next 10 years. Sistema had ventured into the Indian telecom space in 2007 when it bought 10% stake in Shyam Telelink by paying $11.4 million. The stake was raised subsequently. The merger will not just help RCom compete with the existing players but consolidate its position ahead of Mukesh Ambani's foray into the sector with 4G services under the Reliance Jio brand later this year. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has asked all its employees, including nurses, to refrain from taking part in the agitation announced by the All India Nurses Federation. The AIIMS administration also made it clear that casual leave will not be sanctioned in case of nurses suspending work on February 26, the scheduled date of the one-day strike. "It has come to the notice of the administration that at the behest of All India Nurses Federation, the AIIMS Nurses Union is resorting to strike at the institute on February 26 by way of observing one-day mass casual leave. "In this regard, it is notified for the information of all concerned that striking the work in any form that includes insisting the other working employee to desist from work, is against the very definition of conduct rules. All the employees of the institute are therefore warned to desist from taking part in the agitation announced by the All India Nurses Federation," the notice issued by the Chief Administrative Officer, AIIMS, said. The notice said if a case of any nurse being stopped forcibly from working in AIIMS comes to the notice of faculty, they can inform the Deputy Chief Security Officer or the Security Control Room. The All India Nurses Federation has threatened to go on a mass casual leave on February 26 as part of its ongoing agitation for a hike in their salaries and other allowances. The Federation has warned the government that work would be halted in every public hospital from March 15 onwards if their demands are not met. AIIMS nurses' union has also extended support to the strike. Federation members said they wanted to discuss the issue with the government but were not being given an appointment. "We have been trying to get appointment with the Health Minister but are not being given time. Also, they themselves have never tried to contact us over the issue," Federation's Secretary General G K Khurana said. "We are protesting against the retrograde recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission. We are demanding that the entry pay grade for staff nurses should be enhanced to Rs 5,400 from the existing Rs 4,600. Also the nursing allowance should be enhanced by Rs 7,800. Risk allowance and night duty allowances should be given to all nurses like all other government employees. "We deal with the deadly infections daily but we are not provided enough risk allowance. If the demands are not met, we will go on an indefinite strike from March 15," Khurana said. Nurses across the country are already on a relay hunger strike since February 12 which will conclude on 27 of this month over the issue. Seeking priority sector lending for highways sector given its multiplier effect on economy, NHAI today urged RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan to relax lending norms for road developers. "We had a detailed an hour-long meeting with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor. We sought his intervention into the trouble points in road sector lending including inclusion of projects lesser than Rs 500 crore in its 5:25 scheme," NHAI Chairman Raghav Chandra told PTI. RBI has extended its flexible refinancing and repayment option for long-term infrastructure projects to existing ones where the total exposure of lenders is more than Rs 500 crore. The 5:25 scheme at present allows banks to extend long-term loans of 20-25 years to match the cash flow of projects, while refinancing them every five or seven years. Chandra said Rajan was also requested to reconsider external commercial borrowing (ECB) norms to allow foreign currency debt to infrastructure sector for medium term also. Also, the Chairman was requested that lending can continue with NPAs besides converting debt into equity if the valuation of equity is done as per SEBI's guidelines. NHAI Member Finance Satish Chandra, who also accompanied the Chairman in the meeting, said, "The meeting was quite fruitful and we are expecting some positive outcomes." The meeting assumes significance as projects entailing investment of about Rs 30,000 crore are still stuck in the highways sector due to factors like equity crunch and regulatory hurdles. According to the RBI's priority sector norms, banks have to necessarily provide 40 per cent of their total lending to the sectors so classified. The RBI governor was also asked to allow banks to provide more funds for projects facing cost overruns due to delays. About 14 highway projects worth Rs 30,000 crore are still stuck despite a series of meetings of bankers and developers. The projects are stuck due to various issues such as land acquisition, forest and environment clearances, railway over-bridge problems, utility shifting, litigations, delayed decisions and financial problems. When the Modi government took reins of the government, there were as many as 384 stuck highway projects on account of issues like land acquisition, delay in forest and environment clearances, litigations, equity crunch etc. "Our efforts led to rolling out of majority of the 384 projects while we had to terminate 41 schemes. Of the remaining 21 languishing projects, issues have been solved for seven while we are confident to resolve issues with remaining 14 soon," Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari had said. The stuck projects belong to players like Larsen & Toubro, HCC, Gammon, Madhucon, Soma and Essel Ifra, among others, while the list of lenders includes top names like SBI, Punjab National Bank and Bank of India. Rocker Ronnie Wood's pregnant wife Sally Humphreys has returned home to London from the Rolling Stones tour in Brazil due to fears she could contract the Zika virus. Wood, 68, took to Twitter to tell concerned fans that Humphreys is back in London because they were worried she might get infected by the disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and similar to the deadly dengue fever, in Brazil which could've affected their unborn twins, reported Female First. "My wife @sallywood has not been 'sent home' from the @rollingstones tour! Our twins come first and we decided the Zika virus & excessive flying was too dangerous for them. (sic)," his tweet read. The Stones have been staying in the luxury Copacabana Palace hotel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for their 'America Latina Ole Tour', and performed in the South American city on February 20. The rockers have three further gigs in Brazil before moving onto Peru, Colombia and finally Mexico, where the 13-date tour will come to an end on March 17. Wood and 38-year-old Humphrey's twins will be their first children together. He has four kids from previous relationships. The Bombay High Court today said the Maharashtra government can take the help of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to upload the state-published Acts on its website for the benefit of litigants and courts. A bench, headed by Justice Abhay Oka, made the suggestion while hearing a petition filed by the High Court administration seeking certain facilities for the courts. Government Pleader Abhinandan Vagyani said the state government was proposing to appoint a consultant by floating a tender to upload the state Acts on the government website so that they can become readily available. The court remarked that this process might take more than six months, so the government can rope in experts from IIT-Bombay instead. On behalf of the High Court administration, senior counsel S R Nargolkar argued that the government has its own panel of experts for software development from which it can appoint the consultants for this task. Nargolkar said copies of the Acts published by the government are often not available in the courts and the judges cannot rely on privately-published Acts because they may contain mistakes. The petition also seeks separate enclosures for the minors who are examined under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Currently, a minor witness/victim has to depose while facing the accused. This can put the child under pressure and inhibit him or her from telling the truth, Nargolkar said. The petition also demands round-the-clock security in every court, saying that documents and seized evidence material are stored in the courts which must be guarded. The government said steps were being taken to provide 24-hour security. CCTV cameras were installed in Bandra court in Mumbai and there was a proposal to provide them in other courts too. The next hearing would be on February 25. Russia will do "whatever is necessary" to ensure that Damascus respects a Syrian ceasefire agreement that Moscow and Washington say will take effect on February 27, President Vladimir Putin has said. "We will do whatever is necessary with Damascus, with the legitimate Syrian authorities," Putin said yesterday during a televised address after speaking by phone with US President Barack Obama. "We are counting on the United States to do the same with its allies and the groups that it supports." Putin said the United States and Russia were "ready to put in place an effective control mechanism" to ensure respect of the ceasefire, adding that a "direct line of communication will be created as well as, if necessary, a working group to exchange information". "Finally a real chance to bring an end to the years of bloodshed and violence is emerging," Putin said. The Russian president said the ceasefire agreement had come out of "intense work by teams of Russian and American experts", made easier by the "positive experience" of a US-Russian deal on the dismantling of Syria's chemical weapons arsenal, signed in September 2013. "All fighting groups should confirm to us, or to the United States, their commitment to this truce," Putin said of the deal signed between Moscow and Washington yesterday. "The Russian and American militaries, together, will define the territories on which these groups are operating. There will be no military operations against them." But "with regard to the Al-Nusra Front, the Islamic State and other terrorist groups recognised as such by the UN, a ceasefire is totally excluded. The strikes against them will continue," he added. Russia and the United States said in a joint statement that the partial truce would come into force at midnight Damascus time on Saturday. The special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court here today extended the judicial custody of NCP leader and former MP till March 7. Samir, nephew of NCP leader and former Maharashtra PWD minister Chhagan Bhujbal, has been arrested in the case registered by Enforcement Directorate over alleged illegal transactions of more than Rs 800 crore. ED, in its remand application today, said Samir had promised to cooperate with the investigation and submit documents about funds received from Balwa group, DB Realty, Sanjay Kakade group, Universal Development Corporation and others. He had also promised to give details of source of funds used for "Bandra, Santacruz and Kharghar projects". The investigation had shown that he was the mastermind behind remission of Rs 25 crore to Indonesia under the guise of investment in coal mines, it said. ALSO READ: Samir Bhujbal held on money laundering charges "Though the accused has admitted to have made overseas investment, he has till date failed to submit the details of the bank accounts along with account statements and necessary agreements of foreign subsidiaries like Armstrong Global Holding, Armstrong Global Energy and Armstrong International Energy, all based in Singapore," the remand application said. This was hampering the investigation, it said. ED also said the investigation had led to "discovery" of criminal proceedings of more than Rs 25 crore." Proceeds of such transactions have been channelled to Parvesh Constructions in the guise of real estate investment," it said. ED has registered two cases against the NCP leader. The first case pertains to Maharashtra Sadan scam and Kalina land allotment case while the second relates to a housing project at Navi Mumbai. Technology giant Samsung has unveiled two new flagship devices -- S7 and Galaxy S7 edge -- as it looks to bolster sales to buck the slowdown in smartphone industry growth. The smartphones, featuring sleek design and advanced camera features, are expected to hit the Indian market in the second week of March, according to sources. The South Korean tech giant, however, did not mention the prices. It will start rolling out the handsets starting mid-March. India is an important market for handset makers as it is witnessing strong sales growth rates at a time when global sales are waning. According to research firm IDC, the global smartphone market saw shipment growing 10.1 per cent to 1.43 billion units in 2015 from 1.30 million units in 2014. Shipments in India grew 28.8 per cent in 2015 to 103.6 million units over the previous year, making it one of the world's fastest growing markets globally. Samsung is a leader in both global and Indian market. At the end of December 2015 quarter, it had a global market share of 21.4 per cent, while in India it had 26.8 per cent share. "We believe in a world that's brighter, sharper, more convenient, and more fun. We strive to deliver on that vision with the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge by marrying elegant design with functionality and providing a seamless mobile experience," Samsung Electronics President Mobile Communications Business DJ Koh said. With Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, Samsung has introduced the first dual pixel camera on a smartphone, which delivers brighter and sharper images, even in low light. The 5.1-inch Galaxy S7 and 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 edge are constructed with 3D glass and metal and are water and dust resistance. The hybrid SIM card tray allows users to insert a microSD card for up to 200GB of additional storage and in some select countries, the tray can be used with a dual SIM card. Thirty Saudis from a Shiite-majority region of the kingdom have gone on trial for allegedly spying for Iran, local media reported today. An Iranian and an Afghan are also accused, the reports said. The allegations come after Saudi Arabia and some of its allies cut diplomatic ties with Tehran in January during a crisis between the regional rivals. The decision came after demonstrators burned the Saudi embassy in Tehran and a consulate in Iran's second city of Mashhad to protest the Saudi execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr, a native of the Qatif area. The trials are taking place before a special criminal court in Riyadh, the Saudi Gazette and Al-Arabiya channel's website reported. The 32 suspects allegedly committed high treason against the Sunni-dominated kingdom by collaborating with Iranian intelligence. They divulged defence secrets, sought to commit sabotage, tried to recruit moles in government departments to send coded information, and supported "riots" in Qatif, the reports said. They added that some suspects met Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The executed Shiite cleric Nimr was a driving force behind protests that began in 2011 among the kingdom's minority Shiites. Those protests later developed into a call for equality in the kingdom where Shiites complain of marginalisation. Saudi Arabia alleges that Iran has a 37-year record of spreading "sedition, unrest and chaos" in the region. During an interview last week with AFP, Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir accused "elements of the Iranian regime" of complicity in the January attacks on Saudi diplomatic facilities. He alleged Iran has "spy cells... That are conducting sabotage operations or terrorism". The Supreme Court today paved the way for pronouncement of judgement by an Ahmedabad trial court in a case pertaining to the 2002 Gulberg Society massacre in which former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri and 67 others were killed. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India T S Thakur said there was no restraint on the trial judge to pronounce the verdict, and granted him three months for it. The apex court had on August 5 last year also granted an extension of three months to wind up the proceedings in the case. It had also declined to give bail to the accused who had sought relief on the ground that since trial of the case has been dragging, they were entitled to be released from jail. While District Judge P B Desai had requested the apex court to grant three more months to complete the trial in the case, the accused persons had written to it that due to delay in completing the proceedings, they should be granted bail as they have been in jail for 10 years. The apex court had in 2014 expressed satisfaction over the progress of nine cases of post-Godhra riots in Gujarat probed by the SIT. It has been monitoring nine sensitive cases after the National Human Rights Commission and various NGOs termed the investigation into these as shoddy and unreliable. The cases related to the riots in Gulberg Society, Ode, Sardarpura, Narodao Gaon, Naroda Patya, Machipith, Tarsali, Pandarwada and Raghavapura. An estimated 2,000 people were killed in post-Godhra riots in 2002. The Supreme Court today made it clear that it would confine itself to the violence in Patiala House court complex on February 15 and 17 in which JNU students, teachers and journalists were attacked during the hearing of sedition case against JNUSU head Kanhaiya Kumar. "We are not concerned with other incidents. We are only concerned with the episode that had happened on February 15 and 17," a bench comprising Justices J Chelameswar and A M Sapre said when a Karkardooma District bar body sought itself to be impleaded as a party. The terse response of the court came when the counsel for the district bar body referred to the cultural programme at JNU campus alleging that anti-national slogans were raised there and the execution of Parliament Attack case convict Afzal Guru was termed as "judicial killing". "It is not the subject matter of the case here. We are sorry," the bench said, adding, "You (Karkardooma bar lawyer) come from different bar and you are not an interested party." The bench also said it was not concerned with subsequent events and will not broaden the scope of hearing. R P Luthra, a lawyer who had sought intervention in the case, said the same Patiala House Court has heard and decided the bail plea of former Delhi University lecturer SAR Gilani and that an atmosphere has been "created". "Do not settle personal score," the bench asked Luthra. During the hearing, the bench perused reports filed by Delhi Police, Bar Council of India, Delhi High Court Registry and the six-member lawyers' panel formed by the apex court. "There are allegations and counter-allegations" and the reports be exchanged and the objections be filed, before the matter is heard on March 10, the bench said. Apex bar body Bar Council of India (BCI) sought the court's response as to whether it should proceed with the proposed inquiry against lawyers who had allegedly participated in the violent incidents in Patiala House on February 15 and 17 when jailed Kanhaiya Kumar was being produced in connection with the sedition case. "Let all the concerned receive reports. Today we are not saying anything on it," the bench said. The BCI said it has decided to set up a three-member panel which would also have a former Judge of the High Court and senior advocate M N Krishnamani. During the hearing, Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre and Delhi Police, asked the court that contents of the reports should not be made public for the time being as it may influence the hearing of the bail application of the accused, which will come up before the Delhi High Court tomorrow. Senior advocate Ajit Kumar Sinha, representing Delhi Police, also endorsed the view of the law officers. Referring to various reports, the bench said there were conflicting views in them and "let all the parties examine all the reports" before any further hearing. The bench, in its order, referred to the names of lawyers who would be getting various reports in the matter and will be entitled to file their objections, if any. The apex court had on February 19 transferred Kanhaiya's bail plea to Delhi High Court while declining to entertain the petition, saying its direct intervention will be a dangerous proposition. Kanhaiya's lawyers then immediately moved the high court with the bail petition. It had also asked the high court to expeditiously deal with the matter. While transferring the bail plea, the bench had taken an assurance from Solicitor General that in the "prevailing extraordinary situation" pertaining to this matter, the Government and the Delhi Police Commissioner would provide adequate safety and security to the accused and the stream of lawyers who will be appearing in the high court. It was not in agreement with the arguments advanced by a battery of senior advocates, including Soli Sorabjee, Raju Ramachandran and Rajeev Dhawan that an extraordinary law and order situation, threat to life of the accused and his counsel, hostile environment at the lower court and the simmering situation had compelled them to rush directly to it. Kanhaiya had on February 18 directly moved the apex court seeking bail while claiming threat to his life in Tihar jail. In the petition, filed through advocate Anindita Pujari, Kanhaiya, who was also attacked in Patiala House court complex by a group of lawyers, has claimed innocence. Kanhaiya was arrested on February 12 on sedition charge following a controversial event at JNU campus where anti-India slogans were allegedly raised. The student leader was produced in the court on February 17 after expiry of his police custody, where a group of men dressed in lawyers' robes unleashed a brazen attack on him and others including journalists present there. Kanhaiya had sought the apex court's intervention, saying no purpose would be served by keeping him in the jail and the police was finding it difficult to even produce him in the court. The winning momentum in markets continued for the fourth straight day as the Sensex edged up nearly 80 points to over a two-week high of 23,789 on the back of a rebound in crude oil prices and hopes of reforms in the Budget to be announced next week. There were widespread gains, with oil and gas stocks in the lead, amid a firming trend in the global market. Oil took back some of the lost ground in Asia today after a steep fall in the previous session, with US crude back above USD 30 a barrel, as traders weighed the impact of a potential freeze by key producers. Global benchmark, Brent, for April advanced 43 cents, or 1.30 per cent, to USD 33.44 a barrel. All eyes are now on the upcoming rail budget (Thursday), the economic survey (Friday), and the Union Budget, which is due to be presented on February 29. There are expectations among investors that the Budget session, which starts on Tuesday, will yield some positive results amid worries over the fate of the long-delayed goods and services tax (GST) Bill. Trading stayed in the positive zone for the better part of the day. The Sensex ended higher by 79.64 points, 0.34 per cent, at over a two-week high of 23,788.79. The 30-share Sensex had gained over 517.18 points in the past three sessions. At the close, the NSE Nifty was up 23.80 points, or 0.33 per cent, at 7,234.55. "Markets started the expiry week on a positive note led by strong global markets. Hopes of reform measures in the Budget session (helped)... Upsurge in commodity prices too lifted sentiment," said Gaurav Jain, Director, Hem Securities. Investors were more sure-footed after a Shanghai-led rally on Asian bourses following reports that China has replaced the head of its securities regulator. A total of 18 stocks rose out of the 30 in the Sensex pack. Hindustan Unilever led from the front as it surged 4.02 per cent while RIL was 1.90 per cent up on gains in crude oil. Other major gainers were Sun Pharma, Asian Paints, Lupin, Cipla, ONGC, Dr Reddy's, Bajaj Auto, Axis Bank, Bharti Airtel, Tata Steel, M&M, Coal India, Tata Motors, HDFC Bank, TCS and SBI, rising up by up to 2.16 per cent. Maruti, the country's biggest carmaker, dropped 1.61 per cent after it suspended operations at its two plants in Gurgaon and Manesar due to Jat agitation over job quota. Others that lost were NTPC, ITC, Adani Ports, GAIL, Wipro, BHEL, Hero MotoCorp, Infosys and TCS. The BSE healthcare index gained the most by rising 1.10 per cent followed by oil and gas 0.97 per cent, realty 0.71 per cent, metal 0.56 per cent and banking 0.49 per cent. Broader markets too kept their head above water, with the mid-cap index rising 0.75 per cent and small-cap gaining 0.46 per cent. Meanwhile, foreign investors net sold shares worth Rs 191.73 crore on Friday, showed provisional data. Overseas, most Asian markets closed higher and European indices were in a better shape in early deals. "A rise in oil prices and signs of stabilisation in global market is providing a relief rally to the Indian market. The upcoming economic survey and Union Budget will portray the market direction further," said Vinod Nair, Head-Fundamental Research, Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services Ltd. Equities extended the last week's sharp rally as the gains came in most sectors. The Sensex on Friday had logged the best weekly gain since October last year by surging 3.14 per cent. Trading in US index futures pointed to a higher opening of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The market breadth remained positive as 1,390 shares advanced, 1,158 lost while 153 ruled steady. The total turnover moved up to Rs 1,928.99 crore, from Rs 1,907.05 crore last Friday. "Overall, in the near term, we believe the markets would continue to remain weak in upcoming trading sessions and remain between 7,100-7,500 talking about medium term for the Nifty," said Achin Goel, Head, Wealth Management & Financial Planning, Bonanza Portfolio Ltd. Actor Shia LaBeouf, who spent 24 hours in an elevator at Oxford Union, punched a fan in the face in the middle of the social experiment, at the student's request. The Oxford student, who waited in line for hours to get into the elevator with the 29-year-old "Fury" actor, claimed to be a performance artist himself who wanted a punch from LaBeouf for a project of his own, reported New York Post. A short video of the incident has surfaced online. "I'm a performance artist. Can you help me with completion of my next piece by punching me in the face?" the student asked. "Oh man, you want me to punch you in the face?" LaBeouf replied. "I don't want to punch you very hard!" The actor continued to balk at the request. "I don't like doing it though... I just met you." The doors of the elevator soon close, though the punch is audible. Six persons, including a woman, were today killed and two others injured when the van in which they were travelling collided with a truck at Bichwal area here. The incident occurred when the victims were on their way to a nearby place, police said. They were rushed to PBM government hospital where six persons were declared brought dead, police added. The injured are undergoing treatment and their condition is stated to be critical, they said. As the doctors at a Delhi hospital said the condition of tribal rights activist and AAP leader Soni Sori was stable and there was no threat to her life, Chhattisgarh police here denied that they had any role in the attack on her. Sori was flown to Delhi after the attack in which some persons rubbed acid-like chemical on her face. "This is not an acid attack. Someone threw black ink or grease on Soni Sori's face in Dantewada. She is suffering pain because the black material rubbed on her face made scratches," Special Director General of Police (Anti-Naxal operations) D M Awasthi told PTI here. "An FIR has been lodged and we trying to locate the mischief-mongers. Police are actively searching for them," he said. Rejecting allegations of police's involvement in the incident, Awasthi said, "Police has no role in the incident which is a bodily offence. The incident is deplorable and we condemn such an incident taking place with any individual, whatever be their leanings or affiliations. Sori is entitled to all rights and protection like any other citizen." On February 20,three unidentified motorcycle-borne youths attacked the teacher-turned-politician with an acid-like black chemical near Jawanga village in Dantewada. Yesterday, she was flown to Delhi by AAP and was admitted at Indraprashta Apollo Hospital as local doctors couldn't identify the substance smeared on her face. "The patient came to the hospital last night with chemical burns on her face and was immediately admitted in the ICU... We are hopeful that she will recover within the next few weeks and are carefully monitoring the situation on an hourly basis. Her condition is stable at the moment with no threat to her life," the hospital said in a statement today. (REOPENS BOM19) Convener of AAP in Chhattisgarh, Sanket Thakur had alleged that Sori was attacked because she raised the issues of human right violations, and the police didn't give her protection though she was receiving threats. In the past, Sori had been accused of being a conduit for the Maoist and arrested. The hospital statement today said that Sori was evaluated by an ophthalmologist and her eyes, in bedside examination, appear to be normal, though she has orbital and conjunctival oedema (a condition when watery fluid collects in cavities or tissues). Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has asked the Raman Singh government to arrest the accused immediately. The railways has pressed into service special trains for Jammu and Chandigarh today to help the passengers who were stranded due to the Jat agitation. A special train will leave Old Delhi railway station for Jammu at 6 PM and another will depart from New Delhi to Jammu at 10 PM, according to Railway Ministry sources. The special trains will run through Ghaziabad, Meerut, Saharanpur and Ambala. There will be another special train to clear the stranded rail passengers from Chandigarh also. A special train from Chandigarh to Anand Vihar has been pressed into service at 4 PM. The train will stop at Ambala, Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut and Ghaziabad stations enroute Anand Vihar. The Centre today asked the state transport undertakings to convert their 17 lakh buses to compliant or bio-fuel friendly vehicles as part of implementing stricter emission norms from April 1, 2020, a move aimed at curbing high vehicular pollution. "You have to convert your buses to norms. There are 17 lakh buses operated by State Transport Corporations. These have to be upgraded through refurbishing or other means so that they become or bio-fuel compliant. These can also be converted to electric buses," Union Minister Nitin Gadkari told state transport ministers today. Pollution is a major concern and once these buses are converted into higher-grade fuel compliant or bio-fuel, electric compliant, India could cut on huge crude import bills to the tune of Rs 8 lakh crore per annum, the Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister said while addressing the joint meeting of National Road Safety Council and Transport Development Council. The statement assume significance in the wake of India deciding to leapfrog directly from Euro IV emission norms for petrol and diesel to Euro VI standards, and the oil PSUs will invest Rs 28,750 crore for the transition. An inter-ministerial group headed by Gadkari on January 6 had taken the decision to advance the date by four years to April 1, 2020 for implementation of Bharat Stage VI (equivalent to Euro VI norms followed globally) for supply of cleaner auto fuel, by altogether skipping the Euro V grade norms. "Mercedes MD has met and they are ready to convert their diesel buses into buses that can be run on bio-diesel," the Minister said. Gadkari also suggested State Transport Corporations to slash the ticket prices by 50% to swing into profit saying this could easily be done after change in fuel which is economical. He said most of state road transport corporations buses were running into losses which amounted to Rs 10,000 crore. He also announced the plans to set up bus ports across the country on the line of airports citing example of such bus ports in Gujarat. "Government is ready to provide viability subsidy. There is a need to set up bus ports on the pattern of airports on the public-private-partnership (PPP) mode," he said. The government also plans to take the total length of the National Highways to 2 lakh km in three months, he said. India at present has about 1 lakh km of National Highways out of about 52 lakh km of road network and NHs alone account for 40 per cent of the total traffic. Gadkari said by April end 380 toll plazas on NHs would be converted into electronic toll plazas which would minimise the loss of Rs 1 lakh crore on such plazas due to higher fuel consumption and delays. Aam Admi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh today claimed BJP activists hurled stones at his party leaders here when Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's cavalcade was passing through the area. Police, however, said a scuffle took place between AAP and BJP supporters only after the Chief Minister's cavalcade had left the area. "A few people got injured in the incident. An FIR was registered in connection with the matter," Circle officer of Bhelupur Rajesh Srivastava said. Nearly 16 AAP workers, including women, were injured in an attack by BJP activists while the convoy of Delhi CM was passing, Singh told the reporters. Singh said he had spokento the SSP Varanasi who has assured him that by tomorrow all the activists, who attacked AAP workers and threw stones, would be sent to jail. He said a complaint for registering a FIR has been given to the police and they are trying to ascertain the identity of the attackers. Arvind Kejriwal was purely on a religious visit to the temple town to offer prayers and such an attack in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Parliamentary constituency is unfortunate, Singh said. "PM Narendra Modi and BJP should feel ashamed for the attack," Singh said. The AAP leader threatened if the Uttar Pradesh government and local police do not act against the attackers his party would launchan agitation. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today offered prayers at the Ravidas temple here. Indications of a stormy start to the session emerged at an all-party meeting today with Opposition accusing the of "setting the agenda for disruption" despite the latter reaching out to it expressing readiness to discuss all issues including the JNU row. Dismissing the all-party meeting called by Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu as a mere "formality", Opposition leaders lamented that the prime minister and the BJP have not taken action against a single leader making "provocative" statements and put the ball in the government's court for running the House.. Read our full coverage on Union Budget 2016 The first showdown between the ruling and the Opposition benches is expected in Rajya Sabha on February 24, the first working day of the session when the JNU issue could come up for discussion. While the Opposition has closed ranks to corner the on it, BJP feels it stands to gain by turning the debate into one between "patriots and anti-nationals," as a party leader said. Making it clear that Opposition will not allow passage of any key bill in the first half of the session, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said Opposition will "on merit" allow the passage of only those bills on which there is general consensus. "Contentious bills should not be brought. Bring only those bills on which there is a general agreement. Bills like GST will not come in the first half of the session," Kharge said. When asked whether GST Bill can be passed in the second half of the session, he evaded a direct reply, saying a view will be taken then. The meeting saw a number of Opposition as also BJP leaders demanding an early debate on the JNU row with CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury speaking of a "chilling parallel" to the current situation in the country with the one that led to rise of Fascism in Germany. "The is setting the agenda for Parliament's disruption even before its session has begun. We have seen this agenda of BJP for last three-four sessions. The government creates a situation in the country that is responsible for disruption," he said. Naidu said the meeting was very positive and parties were in favour of running Parliament. At a time when the government is reaching out separately to non-Congress and non-Left parties, Naidu said a number of regional parties feel that they were not getting adequate time to raise their issues due to disruptions in Parliament. "Smaller parties had a complaint that they are not being able to raise their issues due to disruption. Government is ready to discuss all issues including the JNU and the dalit scholar suicide in Hyderabad University." Dismissing the meeting as a mere formality, Yechury, however, said the government should earmark time to discuss all the issues. "If the government does not earmark time for these, there will be disruptions. The United States and Russia announced today that a landmark "cessation of hostilities" in war-torn Syria will take effect on February 27. In a joint statement, the two countries said Saturday's partial truce would begin at midnight Damascus time (2200 GMT Friday) and would apply to parties to the conflict that have committed to the deal -- but not to the Islamic State group or Al-Nusra Front, an Al-Qaeda affiliate. US Secretary of State John Kerry, who has been working with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to secure an agreement, welcomed the deal. "If implemented and adhered to, this cessation will not only lead to a decline in violence, but also continue to expand the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian supplies to besieged areas and support a political transition to a government that is responsive to the desires of the Syrian people," Kerry said in a statement. A halt in hostilities in Syria would come after five years of brutal civil war that has killed more than 260,000 people and seen half the population displaced, including over four million overseas. Parties wishing to be included in the agreement have until noon Damascus time (1000 GMT) Friday to inform Russia or the United States of their intention to honor the ceasefire. In return, the groups would be assured of protection from Russian and US-led coalition planes. The two powers are pursuing separate air wars in Syria, with Russia pounding rebel targets and the coalition focused on the IS group. "The United States and the Russian Federation together call upon all Syrian parties, regional states and others in the international community to support the immediate cessation of violence and bloodshed in Syria and to contribute to the swift, effective and successful promotion of the UN- facilitated political transition process," said the joint statement, released by the US State Department. The Pentagon stressed that any ceasefire would not alter the US-led coalition campaign against the IS group. "ISIL has not been party to this," Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said, using an alternate acronym for the IS group. "Our operations will continue as they have. The coalition will continue to strike against ISIL. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has announced that parliamentary elections are to be held on April 13, state news agency SANA reported, shortly after Washington and Moscow announced a ceasefire plan. Assad yesterday issued a decree which included seat allocations for each of the provinces in Syria, which last held parliamentary elections in May 2012. That was the first time that multiple parties not just the ruling Baath party were allowed to stand. Still, most of the 250 members of parliament that were elected for four-year terms were Baath members. At the time, Assad appointed then-agriculture minister Riad Hijab to be Syria's new prime minister. Hijab has since defected and now leads the main opposition grouping to Assad's regime from the Saudi capital Riyadh. More than 260,000 people have been killed since Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011, and millions have been forced to flee their homes. At a November meeting in Vienna, world powers agreed on an ambitious but yet to be implemented road map that foresees six months of intra-Syrian talks, leading to a new constitution and free elections within 18 months. Mumbai-based home services company Taskbob has raised Rs 28 crore (USD 4.5 million) funding from IvyCap Ventures and existing investors, Orios and Mayfield. The Series A funding will help Taskbob boost growth and increase dominance in the hyper-local services sector, it said in a statement. The company has around one lakh users in Mumbai and its platform receives about 800-1,000 bookings a day. "Fulfillment, not discovery, is the real problem in India's local services space. With this in mind, we have been more focussed on supply and fulfillment issues rather than plain demand aggregation," Taskbob CEO Aseem Khare said. He added the funding will help Taskbob in selectively expanding presence in multiple markets, focus on product growth and innovation and evaluate strategic acquisition opportunities. Over the next 18 months, Taskbob plans to scale to 10,000 orders per day and achieve profitability at a unit level in Mumbai. It also plans to replicate its "Mumbai model" in the top four-five cities. Founded by Khare, Abhiroop Medhekar, Ajay Bhatt and Amit Chahalia about a year ago, Taskbob provides pre-screened service experts across home services like cleaning, handymen services and drivers. It provides maids on demand and 'at-home salon services' under the brand name, Myrra. The company has also expanded through acquisition of Zepper.In, a Bangalore-based company offering home services similar to that of Taskbob. In April last year, it had raised USD 1.2 million. There are now a host of startups in the home services space like Housejoy (which is funded by clutch of investors including online marketplace Amazon India), UrbanClap (backed by Bessemer Venture Partners) and Quikr India. Norbert Fernandes, co-founder and Principal at IvyCap will join the board of Crenovative Ideas, the company that runs Taskbob. IvyCap Ventures has invested in firms like Reuters Market Light, Aujas Networks, FieldEz Solutions, Vinculum, E-Shakti, Leixir Labs, Purplle.Com, Sokrati, Bluestone and Clovia. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India's leading IT services, consulting and business solutions firm, has been recognised as the "Business Superbrand" in the UK for 2016, acknowledging its enhanced brand strength. The Superbrands status has been awarded following the most recent evaluation of the long-running annual survey, which has been identifying UK's leading business-to-business brands since 2001, a statement issued by the company said today. The Superbrands report is the latest recognition of TCS' enhanced brand strength. The company was recently ranked as the world's most-powerful IT services brand by Brand Finance with a score of 78.3 points -- earning it an AA+ rating. Nearly 1,500 brands were assessed for the award on three key criteria: quality, reliability and distinction. "It's an honour to be recognised amongst such hugely influential brands, many of which are TCS' partners or clients. The efforts of our 11,000 UK employees - our best brand ambassadors - will continue to build our brand, evolve our customer's businesses and help strengthen the UK's position as a leader in the digital economy," said Shankar Narayanan, the company's country head, UK & Ireland. The fastest growing brand within its industry over the last 6 years, TCS' overall brand value has managed a growth rate of a huge 286 per cent, increasing from USD 2.34 billion in 2010 - when the first evaluation of the TCS brand was conducted - to USD 9.04 billion in 2016, the statement said. It has also been rated as the No.1 company in customer satisfaction across the IT Services industry in the UK. Employing about 11,000 people in the UK, TCS is also considered a major employer brand in the country. The process was managed by The Centre for Brand Analysis (TCBA) and involved a survey of 2,500 individual business professionals across the UK. "Being a leading Business Superbrand is not just about being the most well-known, but also about standing out from rivals and being perceived to consistently deliver a good quality service or product," said Stephen Cheliotis, chief executive of TCBA and chairman of the Business Superbrands Council. "The fact that the Business Superbrands process canvasses both business-to-business marketing experts and business professionals reaffirms on all counts that the brand is performing well. The body of a 14-year-old boy was late last night found after he went missing yesterday evening in south Kolkata's Haridevpur area, police said today. Family members of the boy, Bittu Das, a student of Class X, said they received calls from an "unknown" mobile number at around 8.30 PM yesterday demanding a ransom of Rs 50,000, after their son did not return home. There were altogether three calls made from that number, they said. Initially, Bittu's father Nirmal Das, a driver by profession, took the call as a prank and did not pay much heed to it. "However, when it was around 10 PM and Bittu did not return, they went to the Haridevpur police station and lodged a missing complaint," a senior officer of the Kolkata Police said. Soon after returning home from the police station, the family received another call saying they would have to "pay for informing the police". Thereafter, Das' family members and their neighbours started looking for Bittu in all possible places in and around the Burrabagan area. They found the boy on the stairs of an abandoned house behind his residence, the officer said. They rushed Bittu to a hospital at Thakurpukur where he was declared brought dead, he said. "Bittu was only in his T-shirt. His trousers and slippers were missing. There were injury marks on his lips and around the nose," the IPS officer said. Asked whether Bittu was sexually molested, the officer said "He could be...Going by the external injuries it seems to be that...But, we need to be sure about it and we have to wait for the post mortem report. There were several external injuries found on the body. Three 'suspected' Maoists were arrested during a search operation by security forces in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Narayanpur district, police said today. The cadres Dasru Ram Mandavi (40), Kamlu Korram (45) and Budhu Korram (35) were apprehended last evening in the Oyanger village forests under Orchha police station limits, Narayanpur Additional Superintendent of Police OP Sharma told PTI. A composite squad of Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) and district force had on February 20 launched a combing operation from Dhanora police station towards Oyanger, located around 350 kms away here, he said. On way back to the camp, security forces had rounded up three suspects who admitted to their involvement with the outlawed CPI (Maoist) during interrogation, he added. They were active in the banned outfitfrom last 7-8 years and heading different units of Aasnar Janatana Sarkar outfit of Maoists, the ASP said. When children of his age were engrossed in games and toys, Captain Tushar Mahajan was already dreaming about dedicating his life to the nation by joining the army and killing terrorists. As his mortal remains wrapped in tricolor reached his hometown today, his friends recalled an essay that the braveheart had written in school expressing his desire to join the army. "He was such a boy that when he was asked to write an essay in the class he wrote that his aim was to join the Army and kill terrorists. That was the time when his other classmates did not even know what terrorists or the army was," his classmate and childhood friend Sushant said. Mahajan of 9 Para was one of the two army captains who were killed while fighting terrorists in the EDI building in the Pampore area of the Pulwama district in Kashmir Valley. As the officer's body reached the headquarters of army's Northern Command at Udhampur, his mother broke down and almost fainted while hugging the coffin. Recalling Mahajan's passion for the army, his inconsolable father, Dev Raj said, "He always wanted to join the army and at the age of 16 he got selected for NDA. We never objected to it as it was his childhood dream to serve the nation." Describing Mahajan as a naughty child who was loved by all, the retired principal said even though he has lost his son, Mahajan has made the entire nation, especially his hometown proud. "Though I have lost my son I am proud that he laid down his life for the nation, an honour which only a few can get," he said. "He always wanted to join the army and filled all the forms by himself. He had this passion to be in the army and we never objected to it. His passion was to serve the country", Dev Raj said. Dev Raj said his son's death should not go waste and the politicians of the country should work to make "things right". He said he was not aware that his son was also a part of the ongoing operations in Pampore. "I had no knowledge that Tushar was part of the ongoing operation in Pampore, but when I came to know about the martyrdom of Captain Pawan Kumar I was sad for the whole day. How many children will attain martyrdom? When will our politicians realise this," he said. Several senior army officers including the General Officer Commanding-in Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command, Lt Gen D S Hooda and others laid wreath on the mortal remains of the captain. Officials from the civil administration, including the Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Shahid Iqbal Choudhary also laid wreath. Many of his close relatives and friends were also present. Expressing anguish over the incident in JNU where Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was hailed as martyr, Sushant said, "It is very disheartning to see how terrorists were being eulogized by the people at JNU and Jadavpur University. The real heroes of the nation are not the ones who kill but people like Captain Tushar who lay down their lives while fighting the enemies of the nation." As a pall of gloom descended on Udhampur people said Tushar's martyrdom had set a benchmark for others to follow. "We are sad that we have lost a brave son of the soil but the martyrdom of Tushar, whom I know since childhood, has set a benchmark in nationalism for others to follow. This is the distinction which makes him stand apart from others," Parveen Kumar, a local resident said. In a message of condolence, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said, "Even though there can be no befitting words of reverence for the martyrdom of Udhampur braveheart Captain Tushar Mahajan, the people of India and particularly of Udhampur will cherish the memory of his supreme sacrifice for generations to come and take pride in narrating the story of his bravery and valour." Defence Spokesman Col S D Goswami said, "He was a brave soldier who led his men from the front. The army joins the nation in paying tributes to the brave son of mother India who attained martyrdom while serving the nation in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Our heart also goes to the bereaved family." An army official said, "We were told by his close relatives that they will hold the cremation this evening itself as per their cultural traditions and belief and will not wait for the arrival of his brother who is working abroad. Top military commanders from 30 nations fighting the Islamic State group gathered today in Kuwait to discuss ways to defeat the jihadists who occupy large areas in Syria and Iraq. Chief of staff of host country Kuwait, General Mohammad al-Khader, urged increased efforts to defeat extremists worldwide. "As military leaders, it is our responsibility to double efforts and urgently work out suitable plans to eliminate all terrorist groups threatening many countries in the world," Khader said. The meeting was held under tight security measures and made off-limit to reporters with only photographers allowed to take pictures. It comes less than two weeks after defence ministers of the 66-nation US-led coalition battling IS pledged in Brussels to accelerate their campaign against the jihadist group. Countries attending the Kuwait meeting include the United States, Britain, France, as well as Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The coalition has launched more than 10,000 air strikes against IS but the group still retains control of large parts of Iraq and Syria and has expanded its presence in Libya. During the Brussels meeting, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates promised to renew their air operations in Syria after a long lull because of their war against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen. Officials say the campaign is making the most progress in Iraq, where local security forces have retaken the city of Ramadi and clawed back some 40 per cent of territory previously held by IS. A top official working for the offshore unit of The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) in the country has been booked on the charge of sexual harassment, following a complaint from a female colleague, police said on Monday. The accused, a top executive of RBS Plc's offshore unit in India which employs over 12,000 people, allegedly sent obscene videos and messages at odd hours to the complainant, a senior police official said. A case under sections 354A (sexual harassment) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code and The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and relevant sections of IT Act was registered on February 19 at the Bandra-Kurla Complex police station, police said. According to the police, the accused had been harassing the complainant for the past one-and-half years by sending inappropriate text and WhatsApp messages with sexual overtones. No arrest has been made so far and investigations are underway, police said. When contacted, a RBS spokesperson said the company has a "well established mechanism in line with the legislation on Anti Sexual Harassment to provide redressal," but declined to comment further, citing the need to maintain confidentiality. International tourists began fleeing cyclone-devastated Fiji today as the death toll from the most powerful storm to ever hit the Pacific island nation jumped to 17. Care Australia said officials in Suva confirmed the body count had jumped steeply from six previously, amid fears the number will continue to rise as filters in from remote areas. "Care Australia can confirm that figure of 17 dead," a Care spokesman told AFP after a briefing with disaster management officials in the Fijian capital. Severe tropical cyclone Winston, the first category five storm in Fiji, hit the Pacific nation overnight Saturday, packing wind gusts of 325 kilometres per hour, leaving a trail of destruction. No immediate breakdown of the fatalities was available but the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reported many were from the hard-hit west of the country and seven fishermen were missing at sea. The cyclone, the strongest ever recorded in the southern hemisphere, flattened scores of homes, crippled infrastructure and forced terrified residents to shelter in evacuation centres. Oxfam's Pacific regional director Raijeli Nicole said the scale of the disaster would only become apparent when communications were restored with the remote communities that experienced the storm's full fury. "The Fijians are desperately trying to repair severed lines of communication, but they hold grave fears that the waiting for them will be dire," she said. "Given the intensity of the storm and the images we have seen so far, there are strong concerns that the death toll won't stop climbing today and that hundreds of people will have seen their homes and livelihoods completely destroyed." International tourists caught up in the disaster began to leave as flights resumed at Nadi airport after a two-day suspension. Air New Zealand confirmed one of its aircraft departed at 9:30 AM (local time) and other carriers including Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Fiji Airways were also expected to begin operations again. Fiji's economy relies on tourism and the island chain is a major destination for Australians and New Zealanders. With communications still down in many areas, Tourism Minister Faiyaz Siddiq Koya assured concerned relatives unable to contact their families that "all visitors are safe and comfortable. The train services between Berhampur and Bhubaneswar in Khurda Road division of East Cost railway was affected today for around four hours due to the ongoing rail-roko agitation at Ganjam town, about 35-km from here. The agitators staged dharana on the railway tracks demanding stoppage of several long-run express trains at Ganjam railway station and to change the time of Berhampur-Bhubaneswar first DMU. While they detained the Hirakhanda express at Ganjam railway station, several other long-run express trains were controlled by the authorities in different stations due to rail-roko. While Ahmadabad-Puri, Durant express, Berhampur-Cuttack held up at Berhampur, Chennai-Puri east coast, Tirupati-Bhubaneswar held up at Chhatrapur and Ichhapur respectively, officials said. The train services resumed after the agitators called off their strike after sub-collector, Chhatrapur Sudhakar Sabara assured them to take up their demands with the railway authorities. Karnataka government today said it is trying its best to settle the dispute that led to the lockout of workers at Tata Marcopolo Motors plant in Dharwad. "I have personally intervened in the Marcopolo thing... the management came, some labour leaders also came and met me. There are some disputes and the government is trying its best (to resolve them)," Karnataka Minister for Medium and Large Scale Industry R V Deshpande told reporters here. One or two conciliation meetings were held through the labour department, but nothing materialised, he informed. "We are working on that." Earlier this month, a lockout was declared at the Dharwad plant following a strike by workers over wage negotiations. However, the percentage of workers going on strike was least in Karnataka, the minister said adding "sometimes it happens... But ultimately you should know that the overall environment in Karnataka is good." Meanwhile, Tata Motors, in a statement, said the meeting called by the Assistant Labour Commissioner as part of its continued efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis has failed. It also alleged that some self-proclaimed office bearers of 'Krantikari Kamgar Union', an outfit not recognised by the company on technical and legal grounds, had insisted on participating and eventually prevented any meaningful dialogue taking place. The company further said it was committed to find a long-term and fair solution to the current situation without any compromise on discipline, safety, productivity and quality. "Rathna Prabha, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries and Commerce) has alleged that some people from outside were instigating the workers at Dharwad. We are trying to resolve that," the Minister said. The Tata Marcopolo plant in Dharwad employs over 2,500 people and has the capacity to manufacture over 15,000 buses per annum. The plant rolls out fully-built buses for intra-city and inter-city transportation, including 16 to 54 seater standard buses and 18 to 45 seater luxury and low-floor buses. A Turkish truck driver has lodged a legal complaint against his own wife for insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, pro-government media reported on today. Ali D., 40, who married G.D. Three years ago, warned his wife repeatedly not to curse at the president when he appeared on television, Yeni Safak newspaper reported on its website. But her wife defied his warning and challenged her husband, saying: "Record and lodge a complaint." The man duly recorded his wife's "insults" as evidence for the case and lodged a complaint with Izmir prosecutors. It was not immediately clear if and when the case would go to trial. "I kept on warning her, saying why are you doing this? Our president is a good person and did good things for Turkey," Ali D. Was quoted as saying by Yeni Safak. But he said his wife kept on insulting Erdogan or just changed the channel whenever the president appeared on television. "Even if it is my father who swears against or insults the president, I would not forgive and I would complain," the husband said. In return, the 38-year-old woman opened a case against her husband for divorce, according to the report. The case comes amid growing concern over the spiralling numbers of journalists, bloggers and ordinary people -- even schoolchildren -- who are being taken to court on charges of insulting Erdogan and other top officials. Opponents say Erdogan has become increasingly authoritarian since becoming president in August 2014 with criticism increasingly intolerated in the media, on social networks and even on the streets. A Turkish schoolgirl committed suicide after allegedly being sexually assaulted by one of her teachers, reports said today, raising new concerns about crimes against women in the country. The 18-year-old, identified as Cansel Buse K, tried to take her own life last week by shooting herself in the head with the service weapon belonging to her father, a policeman, the Dogan agency reported. After finding her badly wounded in a pool of blood, the emergency services took her to hospital where she died. Investigators believe her suicide was brought on after she was sexually abused by a married mathematics teacher at her school in the Melikgazi district of the Kayseri region in central Turkey, Dogan said. The teacher was detained over the weekend and placed under arrest pending trial, and the school leadership has been suspended for negligence. The case has caused huge resonance in Turkey with the hashtag #canselicinsusma -- "don't stay quiet about Cansel" -- the top trending topic on Twitter nationally today. Kayseri governor Orhan Duzgun confirmed the teacher had been arrested following an examination of phone records and forensic tests. The Hurriyet daily said the alleged assault took place two days before the girl's suicide, with her family accusing the school of trying to cover-up the issue after she made a complaint. The Turkish authorities acknowledge there is a grave problem of violence against women -- often involving wives killed by their husbands -- but activists say nowhere near enough action has been taken. According to the Platform to Stop Violence Against Women, 289 women were murdered in Turkey in 2015 alone. Uganda's main opposition leader was taken by police today to a city police station from his home where he has been under house arrest since Friday. Kizza Besigye has rejected the results of Thursday's election won by veteran President Yoweri Museveni, and called on his supporters to join a protest march today. Official results gave Museveni 60 percent of the vote against 35 percent for Besigye, who was arrested three times before, during and after the election. Police said in a statement that any such march would be illegal, adding that with the start of the new school term today it would also "infringe on the collective rights of the parents and their school-going children". Besigye was placed under house arrest on Friday after police raided his Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) headquarters accusing party officials of planning to release their own tally of results, contravening electoral law. Police today took Besigye from his home in Kasangati, north of the capital Kampala, to a police station in nearby Nagalama, according to city police spokesman Patrick Onyango. Besigye did not speak as he was bundled into a truck with tinted windows and driven away and Onyango gave no explanation for his detention. Besigye's wife Winnnie Byanyima, who is also executive director of the charity Oxfam International, tweeted a photograph of riot police outside the family home saying: "It's like a military barracks. We want peace." Besigye has now lost four consecutive presidential elections. Each time he has cried foul and each time street protests against his defeat have been swiftly crushed by security forces. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, hailed his victory, and dismissed Besigye's complaints and concerns of observer groups who have criticised the election as unfair. "The opposition are not leaders, they are just demagogues, liars, just talking, talking," the 71-year old said yesterday. "Those Europeans are not serious," he said in reference to European Union election observers who said Uganda's Electoral Commission lacked transparency and that police were heavy- handed in their treatment of the opposition. Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti today pitched for speedy implementation of projects under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKYS) and directed formation of a team of Centre and states to work out mechanism to achieve the goal. The Government has short listed 46 projects under the PMKYS, launched last year with an aim to improve farm productivity. It has set a target of completing 23 of the projects by 2017 and the rest by 2020 with the help of states. Speaking during inaugural session of two-day 'Jal Manthan 2' conference here, Bharti said the Government is keen on completing the projects on time and assured states co-operation in attaining the timelines. "I have asked special secretary (Union Water Resources Ministry) to form a team of state ministers and officials and submit a report within 15 days on mechanism and way to meet the target. "I will discuss the report with the PMO as it is an ambitious programme of the Prime Minister. I will speak to PMO, Finance ministry, NITI Ayog," Bharti said. Among other, objectives of PMKSY are to attract investments in irrigation system at field level, develop and expand cultivable land in the country by implementing technologies which save water. The scheme has an outlay of Rs 50,000 crore to be utilised over a period of five years (between 2015-16 and 2019-20). Bharti informed the attendees, who included water resources and irrigation ministers and senior officials from states, that the Centre is trying to fast-track river-linking projects and asked them to also focus on discussing issues like ground water recharge during the conference. The Minister called for public participation in Government's water conservation initiatives. Bharti also underscored the need for developing irrigated areas into tourist spots, a move, she said, will help generate jobs to locals. Union Minister of State for Water Resources Sanwar Lal Jat, state ministers from Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim -- T Harish Rao, Surendra Singh Patel and SN Poudyal respectively - also addressed the session. Themed as 'Integrated Approach for Sustainable Water Management', the conference will have consultations and discussions on river basin approach for sustainable development, ground water, principles of allocation of water, innovation in water governance, its management, co-ordination between Centre and states and need for a national legislation on water. Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested two persons for allegedly killing a journalist in Sultanpur district. Amand Singh and Kesari Upadhyay, were arrested last night by the STF from Charbagh station here, an official spokesman said here. Both of them had allegedly killed journalist Karun Mishra on February 13 in Sultanpur. A pistol, cartridges, mobile phones, 10 sim cards and a motorcycle was seized from their possession. Both of them are contract killers and have criminal background, he said. A US drone strike, targeting Haqqani network militants in Pakistan's restive northwest tribal region near the Afghan border, today destroyed three militant hideouts and injured a terrorist. The CIA-operated drone, in a pre-dawn attack, struck militant hideouts in the Shahidano Dhand area of Lower Kurram Agency. A security official said three hideouts as well as two vehicles parked there were destroyed. "One militant was also injured in the attack," he said. Another official said the injured rebel was part of Haqqani network which is major supporter of Taliban and had been involved in lethal attacks. Pakistan is opposed to US drone attacks and considers it a violation of its sovereignty. Pitching for a greater role for India in Asia Pacific, US Ambassador to New Delhi Richard Verma today hoped navy vessels of the two countries "steaming together" will become a common and welcome sight in Indo-Pacific waters in "not too" distant future. Noting that Indo-US security relationship is of a "fundamentally different" nature, Verma said they will cooperate "as never before" on the high seas as he urged India to continue to move beyond its "historical reservations". Verma announced that US Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter will come to India this April for an "unprecedented" third visit in less than a year. "The ties between our militaries are becoming increasingly close," he said. "Our countries will cooperate as never before on the high seas, during responses to natural disasters, on maritime security issues and in consultation with other partners and allies in the region. I hope that in the not too distant future United States and Indian Navy vessels steaming together will become a common and welcome sight throughout Indo-Pacific waters," he said. Verma was delivering the fourth annual lecture of the Indian Association of Foreign Affairs Correspondents here. He said the two countries recently took an important step in this direction by concluding a roadmap for the implementation of the Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. On the US decision to sell F-16 fighter aircraft to Pakistan, Verma said they were provided to address a "specific" counter terrorism and counter insurgency threat. "The point that I hope to make clear is that the US-India security relationship is of a fundamentally different nature than our cooperation with any other country in the region. "We have moved far beyond simply supplying India with defence platforms. Rather, we are helping to support the development of indigenous defence industrial capabilities that India will need to become the 21st century power it aspires to be," he said. Verma went on to say that there is "no place" where India's leadership is needed more sorely than in the Asia Pacific region. "We look to India to continue to move beyond its historical reservations to seize this moment, to reassert its leadership role in the region in our shared efforts to promote the peaceful resolution of disputes, an open economic order," he said. Asked whether it was aimed at checking China's influence, Verma said it was not about "containment" of any particular country but the coming together of two maritime powers. Citing US offers to provide Indian forces with Apache attack helicopters, Chinook heavy lift helicopters and M777 howitzers, Verma said it was "akin" to the country's defence relationships with its "closest NATO allies". "In the future, I am sure we will soon see US and Indian aircraft carriers operating side by side in the region and beyond to maintain the freedom of the seas for all nations... We are also eager to partner with India on solutions to its pressing need for modern fighter aircraft," he said. In a speech generously interspersed with former US President John F Kennedy's quotes, Verma said India-US relations "flowered" remarkably during the latter's tenure and that it did not survive his assassination. "During intervening decades both sides held fast to preconceptions that obstructed our natural affinities," Verma said delivering the lecture titled 'Supporting Indian Leadership Across Domains'. On Pakistan, Verma quoted President Barack Obama's recent observations that the country "can and must take" more effective action against terrorist groups that operate from its territory. He said "perpetrators" of terror have to be brought to justice and that US "won't relent" on that message. Verma said the US is not only committed to ensuring India's inclusion as a permanent member of the UN Security Council but that it also has the "political stature" to act as a global leader. Settlement on the wage issue between Power Loom Job working units and textile manufacturers was arrived at, paving way for the withdrawal of the 26-day old indefinite strike by power loom owners. The job working units, accounting for two lakh power looms in Coimbatore and Tirupur districts downed their shutters since January 28, for non-implementation of the wage agreement reached in 2014. They claimed that manufacturers had given the increased wages for the first three months and reverted to old wages, necessitating the strike, which resulted in production loss of nearly Rs 1,300 crore. As three rounds of talks, initiated by the two district collectors, failed to settle the issue, another round of talks were held here today, in the presence of two State Ministers, S P Velumani and M S M Anandan, district collectors, Archana Patnaik and Jayandhi and senior labour department officials, official sources said. During the talks to find an amicable solution to maintain industrial peace, the manufacturers agreed to pay the revised wages, 27 per cent increase for Palladam grade and 30 per cent for Somanur grade, sources added. According to sources, power loom unit owners will announce their decision on the withdrawal of strike, after consulting with other office bearers and owners. Considering the agreement, it was almost withdrawn, they said. Meanwhile, the associations had requested that the government has to take steps to reduce the five per cent tax on yarn, to two per cent and also make available the net meters used in Solar power. A Maoist rebel carrying a reward of Rs 2 lakh on her head surrendered today to the police in Odisha's Kalahandi district. She deposited one Insas rifle and 24 rounds of ammunition, Kalahandi Superintendent of police Brijesh Rai and Deputy commandant of CRPF, 64th battalion, Syryamani Behera told in a press conference. Rai said the woman Maoist has been identified as Laxmi alias Ratna (20) and hailed from Palgurha village in Sukma district of Chattisgarh. She had joined the banned CPI(Maoist) in 2013 and was working as an armed cadre in the protection team of Modem Balkrishna alias Manoj of the outfit's Odisha state committee. She was recently operating at Gundi, Kiding and Belghar reserve Forest areas under Kalahandi and Kandhmal districts, the Kalahandi SP said. The Maoist told media persons that she along with other women Maoists were not allowed to visit their families and were subjected to physical exploitation by the senior cadres of CPI(Maoist). Behera said three CRPF units have been deployed in Kalahandi now but their strength would be increased soon. Water supply to the national capital from Haryana is expected to be fully restored tomorrow after security forces took over control of the Munak canal and evicted all the Jat protesters from that place. Top government sources said 35 per cent of the canal, located at 100 km from Delhi in Sonepat of Haryana, has been operationalised today as protesters had damaged the supply line thereby disrupting normal flow of water. "Repairing work is going on and we hope that by tomorrow it will fully be operationalised with its maximum capacity," a source said. Sluice gates at Khubru and Gadbidroli, part of the Munak canal, were badly damaged and repair works were going on in full swing, the sources said, adding all protesters who were squatting at the site, were evicted. Director General of CRPF Prakash Mishra said "part supply" has been restored by security forces from the Munak canal by joint forces led by a CRPF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) who took control of the canal early today at about 4 AM. The force has also taken control of the Saifabad water plant in Delhi's Narela area, a senior official said. Commanders of the paramilitary supervising Jat protests operations said 12 companies (about 1,200 personnel) of the CRPF and others drawn from the army and paramilitary SSB have been posted for the security of the canal who will also help engineers and labourers to restore it. A women contingent of Rapid Action Force (RAF) has also been stationed there, they said. They said that the force, which has deployed the largest number of 49 companies among various security forces, has been asked to clear the "lines of communication" like blocked roads and stuck traffic in the state witnessing protests by Jats. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said the situation in Munak canal is "okay now". "As per my information, the place from where the water is diverted is being properly guarded and the army is helping the local administration," he told reporters in Delhi. Haryana's Irrigation Department officials are at the spot and carrying out repairs in Munak canal. Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has called a state Cabinet meeting to take stock of the situation in the wake of the Jat agitation. Delhi has been facing water crisis following cut in its supply from Haryana due to the stir, prompting the city government to order closure of all schools today and rationing of water. Haryana DGP Yashpal Singhal had said yesterday that their first priority was to restore Delhi's water supply from Akbarpur Barota point in Sonepat. Haryana's Additional Chief Secretary (Home) P K Das had said they were facing difficulty in evicting protesters from Munak Canal and had temporarily suspended the effort to evict them as the situation could turn volatile. However, after BJP announced setting up of a committee to examine the quota demand of the community yesterday, fresh attempts were made to persuade the protesters to vacate the canal area. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a tweet thanked the Army and Centre for taking control of the Munak Canal, as this ensures the return of normal supply of water to Delhi from Haryana. Water supply to Delhi had been disrupted due to the Jat stir and is likely to be restored today, as all Jat protestors have been evicted from the site. Thank u army, thank u centre for securing munak canal back. Great relief for delhi Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 22, 2016 Two columns of the Army, around 600 CRPF personnel and the Haryana Police took over control of the canal at around 4 a.m, official sources said. All protesters who were squatting at the site were evicted. Haryana's Irrigation Department officials are at the spot and were engaged in carrying out repairs. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has called a cabinet meeting in the afternoon to take stock of the situation. Delhi has been facing a water crisis following cut in its supply from Haryana due to the Jat stir, prompting the government to order shutting of all schools on Monday and rationing of water. Haryana DGP Yashpal Singhal had said yesterday that their first priority was to restore Delhi's water supply from Akbarpur Barota point in Sonipat. Haryana's Additional Chief Secretary (Home) P K Das said yesterday that they were facing difficulty in evicting protesters from the Munak Canal. Efforts for eviction had temporarily been suspended as the situation could turn volatile. Last night, the government had asked security forces to clear all roads, railway tracks, canals and dams in Haryana where protesting Jats were squatting, disrupting normal life. The security forces were asked to clear all such places as early as possible to restore normalcy. The decision was taken after a series of meetings Home Minister Rajnath Singh had with senior Union Ministers and top officials. Yielding to pressure from agitating Jats, the BJP last night announced setting up of a five-member committee under a senior Central minister to examine the quota demand for the community in government jobs. The Union Home Minister had said that a committee headed by Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu has been formed to look into the demand for reservation in central government jobs for Jats. Normal supply of water to Delhi from Haryana, disrupted due to the Jat stir, is likely be restored today with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar saying security forces have taken control of Munak Canal after evicting Jat protesters. Describing the situation in Haryana as "okay", Parrikar said the point from where the water is being diverted to Delhi is being properly guarded by the army and other security personnel. "The situation is okay now. As per my information, the place from where the water is diverted is being properly guarded and the army is helping the local administration," he told reporters here. The Centre had last night asked the army to help the local administration in clearing highways running through Haryana and getting essential services restored. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting at the residence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Union ministers Sushma Swaraj, Manohar Parrikar and M Venkaiah Naidu and NSA Ajit Doval had attended the meeting. Two columns of the army comprising around 150 personnel, besides CRPF and Haryana Police contingents took control of the canal at around 4 AM today, official sources said. All protesters who were squatting at the site, were evicted, they said. Haryana's Irrigation Department officials are at the spot and are carrying out repairs in Munak canal. Normal water supply should be restored during the day, the sources said. Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has called a state Cabinet meeting in the afternoon to take stock of the situation in the wake of the . Delhi has been facing a water crisis following cut in its supply from Haryana due to the stir, prompting the city government to order closure of all schools today and rationing of water. Haryana DGP Yashpal Singhal had said yesterday that their first priority was to restore Delhi's water supply from Akbarpur Barota point in Sonipat. Haryana's Additional Chief Secretary (Home) P K Das had told reporters yesterday that they were facing difficulty in evicting protesters from Munak Canal and had temporarily suspended the effort to evict them as the situation could turn volatile. However, after BJP announced setting up of a committee to examine the quota demand of the community yesterday, fresh attempts were made to persuade the protesters to vacate the canal area. Asserting that they are perplexed at the recent "outraged" events at JNU, foreign scholars have asked the Vice Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar about reasons behind him "jumping to unwarranted conclusions". Michael Lambek, FRSC Canada Research Chair, University of Toronto, in an email to JNU VC, has said, "Canadian scholars are perplexed, saddened, and outraged at recent events at JNU. Why have you abrogated the fundamental principle of free speech on your campus? Why have you jumped to unwarranted conclusions and why have you called so precipitously on the police?" In another communication to the VC, Diana L Eck, Professor of Comparative Religion and Indian Studies at Harvard University, has said, "It is astonishing and deeply troubling to see that the lively discussion of critical issues at JNU has resulted in the arrest and detention of the JNU Students' Union president Kanhaiyya Kumar on charge of sedition." "Is this a term that can be used in the context of a modern and distinguished University? Is it consistent with the character of a democratic nation or of a great university like JNU to criminalise dissent and bring police to the campus? "We at Harvard have had difficult times of dissent and harsh criticism of the government and of the University itself. This is part of the free exchange of ideas and the freedom of speech that is necessary for the free institutions of democracy to thrive," she added. Diana further said, "the perception that the Indian state is increasingly resorting to intervention to suppress views it finds threatening is itself threatening. Please do not acquiesce in this move to undermine a great university like JNU." Jawaharlal Nehru University is caught in a row over an event in the campus against the hanging of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, where "anti-national" slogans were alleged to have been raised. The varsity's students union president Kanhaiya Kumar, is in judicial custody in a sedition case in connection with the February 9 event. Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Aslam Sher Khan today said he will form a new political outfit 'MP New Congress Forum' in the state ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled in 2018. He also claimed senior Congress leader and MP Kamal Nath will be projected as his party's chief ministerial candidate. However, sources close to Kamal Nath said the former Minister hasn't authorised anyone to speak on his behalf. "After waiting for long for the Congress top leadership to take corrective measures in the state, and when nothing happened, we (Khan and his supporters) have decided to form an 'MP New Congress Forum' in Madhya Pradesh," Khan said here. "We will promote (Kamal) Nath as the Chief Ministerial candidate (of the new outfit)," he said. The forum would contest 115 of the total 230 seats in the state. We will hold the forum's convention in March to chalk out its further plans, the former Olympian said. He also said if in due course Congress projects him (Kamal Nath) as the chief ministerial candidate, then also his proposed outfit will fully support him. "At present Congress is not in a position to contest all seats in MP on its own. Maihar by-poll is an example It has to import a candidate from BSP and the end result is known to everyone. This is the situation in almost half of the seats in the state as it has no genuine candidates," Khan claimed. The Congress's Manish Patel had lost the recent Maihar by-poll to BJP's Narayan Tripathi. "Despite the fact that Maihar was its bastion, the party lost to BJP's Narayan Tripathi, who had won the same seat from Congress in 2013, even in the BJP wave," he said. "Now, the situation is not the same for Congress like it was before. It has to go with other groups to consolidate its position and corner the growing BJP, especially in MP," he added. Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu defended the government over the JNU issue, asserting it has not erred anywhere, and said they would look to have "broader consensus" on important bills including GST and real estate. Naidu said the Centre was keen to push key legislations like the GST Bill, the Real Estate Bill, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Bill, the Inland Waterways Bill, the Carriage by Air (amendment) Bill, Anti-Hijacking Bill and the one to grant voting rights to people post India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement. "We will discuss the government's agenda and the bills it wants to take up and also the issues the opposition intends to raise. This is a regular exercise I undertake ahead of Parliament session," the Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister said. The Budget session of Parliament, which begins tomorrow, is expected to be very stormy. The government requires the opposition's support in the Rajya Sabha to pass key legislations. "GST is our priority," he said. Asked about a possible stormy session with the opposition expected to raise the JNU and Rohith Vemula issue, Naidu said the government has not made mistake anywhere and willing to discuss all issues. "The country is huge and there are bound to be issues and Parliament is a place to discuss them all. Either it is JNU, or Hyderabad University or any other issue, the government has no hesitation to discuss them. The government has no made mistake anywhere. Everyone has a chance to raise issue, but do it by rules," Naidu said. "Debate, discuss and decide. Do not disrupt," he added. A day after industrialist Ratan Tata accused older airlines of lobbying to retain the rule allowing overseas flights by Indian carriers, Union Minister Mahesh Sharma today said the government would take a call on such issues at the right time. The Minister of State for Civil Aviation also said he welcomed the suggestions made by Tata. "We salute him (Ratan Tata). As an Indian citizen, he has given a suggestion. We welcome his suggestion. We will try to take a call on his suggestion," Sharma told reporters here. "We as a government are here to address and take call on such issues which come from various stakeholders and well wishers. The government will take a call at the right time," the Minister said. Tata Group Chairman Emeritus had said that established carriers were using "monopolistic pressures" to retain "preferential treatment" under the 5/20 rule that allows an Indian carrier to fly abroad only after it operates domestically for five years and has a 20-aircraft fleet. The government is in advanced stages of finalising the new civil aviation policy, including taking a call on the 5/20 norm. While a final decision is yet to be taken, one of the proposal in the draft aviation policy is to scrap the 5/20 rule. AirAsia India and Vistara - two airlines operated by the Tatas through joint ventures - are presently ineligible to operate overseas under the 5/20 norm, which requires an Indian carrier to have minimum five years operational experience and at least 20 planes to operate international flights. While several older airlines including SpiceJet, Jet Airways, IndiGo and GoAir are vehemently opposing any move to scrap the 5/20 norm, Tata today applauded the Civil Aviation Ministry's proposal to remove the "controversial" rule. "The lobbying for discriminating policies between old and new airlines is reminiscent of protectionist and monopolistic pressures by vested interests' entities who seem to fear competition, as in a variety of other sectors over the years," Tata had said in a message posted on his Twitter on Sunday. "One hopes when the new policy is introduced it will be free of discrimination and protectionism, so that Indian aviation can grow for the benefit of consumer and the common man -- not to serve the interests of select beneficiaries of protectionism," he had said. A woman charged with stealing a newborn baby 18 years ago appeared briefly in a South African court today, in a case that came to light only when school pupils noticed a startling resemblance between a student and a new girl. The case in the Cape Town High Court was postponed until tomorrow by Judge John Hlophe after prosecutors said they needed time to formalise agreements on a number of admissions by the defence. The accused 50-year-old woman has been on bail since March last year after DNA tests confirmed that the new girl at the school and a 17-year-old final-year student were in fact biological sisters. The new girl was the daughter of Celeste and Morne Nurse, whose first child was snatched as a three-day-old baby named Zephany in April 1997 from Cape Town's Groote Schuur hospital. Police were alerted after Zephany's parents became convinced the older girl was their missing baby. The parents looked on from the public gallery as the alleged kidnapper sat emotionless in the dock. Without knowing it, the Nurse family had been living within a couple of kilometres of their kidnapped daughter, while celebrating her birthday every year and never giving up hope of finding her. Zephany, who was renamed by her new family, is now approaching her 19th birthday after reportedly being raised with love and kindness by the accused woman and her husband, who she believed were her real parents. Her whereabouts have been kept secret since she requested protection from the media storm over the case, a spokesman for the social services department told AFP. The accused woman cannot be named, as that would reveal Zephany's identity after she was kidnapped. In a statement read on her behalf by a lawyer shortly after Zephany discovered the truth about her past, she said: "I want to say thank you to all the people who supported me through this, for continuously praying and never giving up on looking for me. "Under the circumstances I am doing fine." Her biological parents told reporters at the time that their joy at finding her overwhelmed any desire for revenge. The suspect reportedly had a series of miscarriages before allegedly stealing Zephany from the hospital. She has been free on bail on condition that she does not contact potential state witnesses -- including her husband and Zephany. She faces a minimum of five years in jail if convicted of kidnapping, but prosecutors had indicated earlier that they could be open to a plea bargain after consultations with both sides. By Roberta Rampton WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday said China recognised it could not sustain an export-driven growth model indefinitely but that it would take time to change. Speaking to state governors at the White House, Obama urged them to press the U.S. Congress to approve the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact to boost U.S. exports in a region where China is "the 800-pound gorilla." Obama said it was tempting for China to try to solve its short-term problems by dumping state-subsidized goods into the U.S. market but said his administration had made clear to China that would not work, Obama said. "They recognise that they can't forever sustain an export-driven growth model, but it's going to take some time and it's tempting for them to solve short-term problems by just dumping a bunch of state-subsidized goods into the U.S. market," Obama said in response to a question raising concerns about China's exports of iron ore. "We've been very clear with them about the fact that that's not going to work, and we're going to put in place tools to make sure it doesn't work," he said. Obama also said the United States had made clear China needed to have an orderly market-based currency system that did not advantage its companies over their U.S. counterparts. "Right now, frankly, their intervention is to prop up their currency rather than to devalue it, because a lot of people have been nervous about the Chinese economy," he said. ELECTION ROILS TPP DEBATE Obama told the governors he was "cautiously optimistic" that Congress ultimately will back the 12-nation TPP trade pact, which labour unions oppose because of what Obama called "emotions" about job losses from past trade deals. "Our concern there was that China was the 800-pound gorilla. And if we allowed them to set trade rules out there, American businesses and American workers were going to be cut out," he said. Obama said he would have to rely on votes from "a set of strong pro-trade Democrats" in Congress as well as Republicans. But Obama acknowledged that Republicans have also "some concerns along the margins" of the TPP, such as provisions affecting tobacco, and said the campaign for the Nov. 8 presidential election has "roiled" the debate in both parties. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, has said he has "some problems" with the TPP and does not think it should be pursued before the election. (Additional reporting by Jeff Mason and David Brunnstrom; Editing by David Gregorio and Cynthia Osterman) By Saeed Azhar SINGAPORE (Reuters) - DBS Group Holdings, Singapore's biggest lender, posted a 20 percent rise in quarterly profit that beat expectations, as a higher net interest margin overcame a jump in bad debt charges and higher expenses. Southeast Asia's biggest bank by assets saw its net interest margin jump to a five-year high of 1.84 percent, which helped defy market concerns that an economic slowdown in China and its exposure to the oil and gas sector could hurt the bank. DBS and rival Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp both have significant exposure to Chinese banks and corporates through their Hong Kong units. "While unsettled financial markets in recent weeks have created short-term uncertainty, the region's economic fundamentals are sound and the risks associated with slower growth are manageable," DBS CEO Piyush Gupta said in a statement. DBS's net profit came in at S$1 billion ($711 million) in the three months ended December, versus S$838 million a year earlier and above an average forecast of S$978 million from six analysts polled by . Its charges for non-performing loans and other assets climbed 17 percent to S$247 million from a year earlier, part of a trend for the city-state's lenders that reflects slowdowns in Asian economies and tough times for the oil and gas sector. Net interest income spiked 11 percent to S$1.85 billion, helped by a 13 basis point rise in its net interest margin after the Singapore Interbank Offered Rate, which is widely used to price mortgages, jumped on a weakening in the Singapore dollar. Moody's Investors Service said last week that while higher loan loss provisions would negatively impact the profitability of Singaporean banks in 2016, the new provisions were unlikely to eat into their capital buffers. The ratings agency expects new credit growth for Singapore banks will be in the low single-digits in 2016. DBS shares have fallen 18 percent this year, underperforming rivals due to concerns over a slowing China economy and the fallout from weak commodity prices. ($1 = 1.4059 Singapore dollars) (Reporting by Saeed Azhar; Editing by Edwina Gibbs and Stephen Coates) By Eric Auchard BARCELONA (Reuters) - Ericsson, the world's top supplier of wireless equipment, said on Monday it expects 150 million users to be on next-generation 5G networks five years from now, steering clear of an industry debate over whether network upgrades could start far earlier. By contrast, rival mobile equipment maker Nokia said on Sunday the shift to "5G-ready" wireless networks could begin to ramp up as early as 2017, well ahead of any final agreement on formal 5G standards. "5G will happen faster than expected. This may surprise some of you," Nokia Chief Executive Rajeev Suri told an audience ahead of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The differing timeframes seen by Ericsson and Nokia in part reflect a semantic debate over what exactly 5G means and whether a lot of equipment necessary to operate new networks will be needed well ahead of standards being formalised. Yet the comments are significant because Nokia is taking an aggressive line on when next big growth cycle will begin, while Ericsson may be taking a more conservative approach. The remarks also come as many analysts cast doubt on whether operators are prepared to commit to massive capital spending until a stronger business justification exists for 5G. "5G will have no impact whatsoever for consumers in the next five years," said Forrester Research analyst Thomas Husson. "The history of 3G and 4G networks tells us it will take years before we reach any critical mass after commercial launches at the end of this decade." INTERNET OF THINGS Ericsson is more optimistic. "We believe in 2021 there will 150 million subscribers for 5G," Chief Executive Hans Vestberg told a conference. "We are going to see pre-commercial (5G) networks before that." Current 4G networks are designed to provide reliable video delivery to mobile phones. No one can say with any certainty what 5G will mean and experts only agree it will mean a lot of different things, in particular the demand for wireless connections in a wide variety of devices beyond phones and computers. This shift will provide connections for devices from autonomous cars to washing machines, dubbed the "Internet of Things." Vestberg said fourth-generation networks still have a lot of running room as only 1 billion subscribers are using 4G to date, five years after these networks went mainstream. That's less than one-third of the world's mobile users, who otherwise rely on older standards. Still, the industry is struggling to satisfy demand for watching video on phones and tablets, driving a need for huge increases in data-handling capacity. Network operators must keep a lid on costs because customers have proven unwilling to pay more for data even as their appetites increase. "The whole thing is we want to reuse and have an evolution from 4G to 5G," Vestberg said. Both Ericsson and Nokia's top executives agree that broad commercial network upgrades will only begin around 2020. (Editing by David Holmes) By Nidhi Verma NEW DELHI (Reuters) - A senior U.S. energy official said he doubted the success of a proposal by OPEC and non-OPEC producers to freeze crude oil output in an oversupplied market and boost prices. Oil prices have crashed 70 percent in the past 20 months, driven by near-record production by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other producers, mainly Russia. In an attempt to stabilize prices, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Venezuela have agreed a deal to freeze production at January levels if other producers do the same. "I am highly skeptical of this deal," said Amos J. Hochstein, the U.S. State Department's special envoy for international energy affairs. "Locking in countries' production near historic production highs does not change an oversupplied market." Russia and OPEC were both pumping oil at near-record volumes last month, with Russia reaching another post-Soviet high of 10.88 million barrels per day (bpd). Russia believes the oversupply of around 1.8 million bpd could be halved if the deal to freeze oil production at January levels takes effect. Yet traders were more skeptical, pointing out that this would still leave output at almost 1 million barrels every day in excess of demand, and that Iran was showing no interest in reining in its production following its return to world markets in January after years of sanction-induced isolation. Following a short rally after the announced deal last Thursday, crude prices slumped almost 4 percent on Friday with U.S. contracts falling back below $30 per barrel. "Also, I am highly skeptical of Iran, now off of sanctions, committing to exports at sanction era lows," Hochstein told in an interview late last week. Iran, previously OPEC's No. 2 exporter, wants to quickly raise its oil output to regain lost market share. Tehran welcomed the proposed deal but stopped short of saying it would freeze production at January levels. Russian Deputy Energy Minister Anatoly Yanovsky has said that all agreements between world oil powers on freezing crude production are voluntary and that he couldn't imagine a mechanism for controlling the production freeze. Crisis-hit Venezuela, which mainly relies on oil revenue and is facing recession, is sending new proposals to leaders of OPEC and non-OPEC countries to stabilize the oil market, President Nicolas Maduro has said. (Reporting by Nidhi Verma; Editing by Richard Pullin) Govt should curb imports of stainless steel products to boost local production: ISSDA The duty on critical raw materials needs to be reduced to nil from the existing level of 2.5% in order to create a level playing field for domestic SS product makers to compete with China and other countries Like other manufacturing sector in India, stainless steel industry has also been facing extreme difficulty in the last few years. Based on expectations of 7-8 percent economic growth, the Indian stainless steel industry has made substantial investments towards capacity expansion and modernisation. However, these investments now stand in great jeopardy because of the surge in imports, especially from China. Imports of stainless steel flat products have risen from 324,460 metric tonne (MT) in 2013-14 to the highest ever record of 459,164 MT in 2014-15 registering 41 percent growth. Imports from China have more than doubled from 111,764 MT in 2011-12 to 231,602 MT in 2014-15. China now accounts for more than 50 percent of the import basket. This is the single largest threat for the industry today. This has led to the domestic stainless steel industry having low capacity utilisation of less than 50 percent. The import surge from China can be attributed to the following factors: Excess capacity and surplus production in China: From being a net importer of stainless steel in 2009, today China is the worlds biggest exporter of stainless steel. There is huge surplus production of stainless steel in China which is being diverted to growing markets like India. Currently, there is 63 percent capacity utilisation in China. One can only gauge the situation when China starts using its capacity to the fullest. Even when such surplus capacity does exist, China still envisages increasing its steel melting capacity by another 6 million tonnes and cold rolling capacity by another 3 million tons over the next two years With the distinct economic slowdown in China with a severe contraction in local industrial demand, it can be concluded that China would export their surplus production to growing markets like India. Table 1: Comparison of the import duty structure between India and China Availability of large coking coal deposits in China have ensured that local coking coal prices are significantly lower as compared to other countries. This in turn results in lower ferro chrome costs for Chinese manufacturers. As opposed to this, India is completely dependent on imports for meeting its coking coal requirements. Borrowing cost in China at around 4-5 percent is far lower, as compared to India where it is in the region of 12-13 percent. The Chinese currency has been relatively stable against the US Dollar and therefore Chinese manufacturers do not have to incur any hedging cost. However, the volatility of the Indian Rupee against other currencies has increased the hedging cost for the domestic stainless steel industry (currently in the region of 8 percent per annum). Considering the overwhelming share of raw material to overall cost (around 70-75 percent) and dependence on imported raw material, it is only too obvious that that the competitive edge of the domestic stainless steel industry has been completely blunted. Power cost in China is at least 30 percent lower as compared to India. This is so because the power prices are kept at an artificially low level because of Government controls on fixation of power tariffs. Table 2: China's export duty on critical stainless steel raw materials N C Mathur, president, Indian Stainless Steel Development Association N C Mathur Business Standard https://bsmedia.business-standard.com/_media/bs/wap/images/bs_logo_amp.png 177 22 There exists a favourable fiscal policy in China which combines high rates of import duty on finished goods with virtually nil duties on raw materials. This ensures that Chinese stainless steel manufacturers simultaneously enjoy the benefits of cost advantage on inputs and tariff protection from imports on output. This policy of the Chinese government of providing dual protection to the local stainless steel industry has completely skewed the rules of competition in favour of the Chinese manufacturers. A comparison of the import duty structure between India and China, as shown in Table 1, clearly brings out the stark difference between the two.Even other countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam have higher duties on stainless steel flat products. For example, Brazil has 14 percent import duty and ASEAN countries like Indonesia, Thailand & Vietnam have 10 percent import duty.Further, even carbon steel flat products & other alloy steel flat products in India enjoy the benefit of 12.5 percent duty (there were two consecutive duty hikes of 2.5 percent each in the months of June 2015 & August 2015). Considering the fact that imports occupy 45-50 percent market share, there is a crying need for increasing the import duty on stainless steel flat products.Added to this, China also imposes export duty on critical stainless steel raw materials as seen in Table 2. These export duties have the effect of discouraging exports of raw materials from China resulting in artificially lowered prices in Chinese markets.Since the domestic stainless steel industry is heavily dependent on imports for meeting its raw material requirements, the very inception of cost disadvantage lies in a distorted and discriminatory duty structure on inputs.Other cost advantages enjoyed by Chinese stainless steel manufacturers over their Indian counterparts are:The Government of India has from time to time imposed certain measures to curb unfair trade practices of overseas players. These measures were aimed at creating a level playing field, but they have been ineffective as can been in the import data trend above.Although, anti-dumping duty was imposed on imports of cold rolled flat products of stainless steel in widths of 600 mm-1250 mm from Korea, China, EU, Taiwan, South Africa, USA & Thailand. However, this anti-dumping duty proved to be completely ineffective due widespread circumvention of duty. It was easy to import higher widths (widths more than 1250 mm) and slit the same into narrower widths before final application at a very nominal cost. The cost of slitting and scrap generation was extremely insignificant as compared to the average incidence of anti-dumping duties levied.The contention of circumvention is well borne out by the fact that there was a complete change in the pattern of imports after the imposition of duty as evident from the final findings of the DGAD, Ministry of Commerce report dated October 12, 2015. DGAD final findings have pointed out circumvention of this duty, virtually making the duty ineffective. Therefore, government must initiate the investigation in anti-circumvention petition (on width more than 1250 mm) at the earliest to check this unwarranted imports.In order to protect and revive the domestic ailing stainless steel sector government must enhance basic customs duty (BCD) on stainless steel flat products from the existing level of 7.5 percent to 15 percent in the budget. While the duty on all other forms of steel (carbon steel, alloy steel and stainless steel long products) was increased by 5 percent in two tranches of 2.5 percent ( in June 2015 & August 2015), stainless steel was completely kept out. This is extremely strange considering the fact that imports currently account for 45 percent market share in the organised sector in stainless steel whereas the share of imports in other segments is in the region of 10-12 percent.There is a crying need to enhance the import duty from 7.5 percent to 15 percent on stainless steel flat product. The advantage of such a measure is that basic custom duty cannot be circumvented in any way whatsoever. Further, given the competitive disadvantages being faced by Indian manufacturers, a duty increase will help to create parity and promote free and fair competition.The duty on critical raw materials like pure nickel, ferro nickel, SS scrap and MS scrap also needs to be reduced to nil from the existing level of 2.5 percent in order to create a level playing field with China and other countries.____________________________________________________________________________________________________N C Mathur is the president of Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) The Narendra Modi-led government on Friday launched a mobile app to protect 25 historical monuments, including Red Fort, Qutua Minar, among others, as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission. To start with, 25 monuments across the country which are protected by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have been identified for inclusion under the app. The mobile app enables a citizen to take photograph of garbage at the monument and upload the same along with his or her remarks. The application then sends an SMS to the ASI Nodal Officer concerned with the monument to get the garbage cleared. The Nodal Officer thereafter has to send a confirmation about the redressal of the complaint through an SMS to the person who made the complaint. Some of the monuments covered under the app include Leh Palace, Humayun's Tomb, Hazardwari Palace, Shore Temple, Elephanta Caves, Taj Mahal, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rani-ki-Vav, Fatehpur Sikri, Hampi, Daulatabad Fort, etc. The app is available on Google search engine as 'Swachh Paryatan' and is currently available only for Android Phones. It will be soon made available for iOS and Windows phones. "Since the general public and the tourists are the largest stakeholders in keeping the monuments clean, the Ministry of Tourism has decided to facilitate the general public to communicate their complaints about any unclean area or garbage piles in and around tourist destinations. Hence as a part thereof, the Ministry of Tourism is launching this Mobile App," Dr. Mahesh Sharma, the Minister of State for Tourism and Culture said. The 'Swachh Parayatan Mobile App' launched by the Tourism Ministry may be scaled up to include more monuments as the campaign expands. A mega tourism summit by the Ministry is expected in July-August this year to boost the sector. The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) have called on election candidates to ensure that the issue of high business costs are item number one in any new programme for government. They have expressed concerns over state imposed costs and the "unwarranted and unsustainable" wage expectations being promoted by re-election seeking politicians. The ISME have called for all state influenced business costs to be benchmarked internationally and for the use of the tax system to facilitate and promote job creation. ISME Chief Executive, Mark Fielding says, "ISME is calling on the next government to conduct a root and branch review of business costs, particularly state-influenced ones, and then take the necessary steps to reduce them. "The new governing politicians must understand that Ireland is quickly losing the small gains it has made in terms of cost competitiveness. This will have an adverse effect on exports, foreign direct investment, indigenous growth and the continued recovery in 2016." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us Irelands largest open access network operator, enet, has launched a new world class metro fibre network in Castlebar, Co. Mayo. This new network is the result of a 1.5m private investment by the company as part of its ongoing network expansion. It is hoped the new service will allow local businesses to take full advantage of digital markets and exploit online opportunities. This follows enets recent launch of a 1Gbps fibre broadband network in rural North Kerry to showcase its capability to deliver the National Broadband Plan programme. The investment cost 650,000 and delivers fibre-broadband connections directly into approximately 340 premises in the locality. Speaking at the launch, An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny said, "High speed broadband infrastructure projects like this new broadband Metro fibre network are crucial for economic development and quality of life. They support both local business development and foreign direct investment projects. He added, "The Government is determined to eliminate the digital divide between rural and urban areas by delivering high speed broadband to 85% of premises by 2018 and 100% to all non-commercial rural areas by 2020." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us DEGIRO, the first wholesale broker for private investors, has today announced a new servive which offers Irish CFDs (Contracts for Difference). A CFD is a tradeable instrument that mirrors the movement of the asset underlying it. The CFDs are 100% covered by the underlying asset. DEGIRO claims their product offers Irish investors the benefits of a stock in a fiscal friendly way without the risk attached to highly leveraged CFDs. DEGIRO was established in the Netherlands in 2008. They have a presence in 17 countries and their goal is to achieve 25% market share in each country. They achieved this goal in the Netherlands in just 12 months. DEGIRO launched in Ireland in June 2015. The company saw a tripling of clients last year to almost 100,000 accounts and the companys revenues increased by 176%. Retail Director at DEGIRO, Gijs Nagel says, "We are pleased with how well we have been received within the Irish investor community and have experienced continuous and increasing growth since our launch. We are working hard to ensure that our product continues to cater to the demands of the Irish market." DEGIRO saw their client numbers tripling last year to almost 100,000 accounts and the companys revenues increased by 176%. Source: www.businessworld.ie Deliveroo have officially launched their services in Belfast it was announced today. This is their first move into Northern Ireland, following the successful Republic of Ireland roll-out in Dublin, Cork and Galway within the last ten months. It is part of the companys rapid $100m international expansion phase, with 22m additional investment recently secured in Series B round funding by Irish entrepreneurs, including Dylan Collins of Hoxton Ventures announced in November last year. Since Deliveroos entry into Ireland in April 2015, Deliveroo has grown daily orders tenfold and expanded its service to 61 cities across 12 countries. Deliveroo acts as marketplaces for takeaway restaurants, they partner with high-end restaurants and cafes that dont typically offer delivery. They are currently recruiting 50 drivers for their Belfast hub, with 12 of Belfast Citys top restaurants already signed up to deliver meals through Deliveroos home-delivery service, including; Wagamama, Kua Aina, Jenz Hero Burgers, Prezzo, Yo!Sushi, Bootleggers, Kurrito, and Eddie Rockets. General Manager of Deliveroo in Ireland, Oliver Dewhurst said, "Belfast boasts one of Northern Irelands most vibrant food scenes, so were extremely excited to be able to launch in the capital city. "Since launching in the Republic weve partnered with over 200 restaurants, recruited over 200 riders and are experiencing a 25% month-on-month growth so it made perfect sense to make Northern Ireland the next step." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us To co-incide with the start of Election Week, the Small Firms Association (SFA) has circulated a Small Business Manifesto to its 8,500 members around the country. The Association have called for an end to "tax discrimination" against the self-employed and entrepreneurs. Their manifesto also calls for the need to tackle the rising cost of doing business in Ireland as well as the neccessity of boosting investment by improving the capital gains tax regime. In particular, the SFA have called for the reintroduction of a Small Business Minister. Chairman of the Small Firms Association, AJ Noonan says, "Half of all private sector jobs are in small companies, so no party can promise to create jobs without addressing the challenges facing small business. Governments do not create jobs businesses do. "This Friday, large numbers of those involved in small business will be using their vote to support candidates and parties that are committed to tax equalisation, flexible working conditions and reducing business costs." He added, "Every party and candidate contesting the 2016 election must recognise that small business is essential to Irelands economic future. We must choose a Government that will put small business at the heart of its policies in order to boost job creation, enhance local communities and drive economic progress." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us It was announced today that Supervalu plans to invest 28m this year, opening five new stores and adding 350 jobs to the SuperValu network. This comes after they announced record retail sales of 2.6 billion in 2015. The grocery retailer drove strong growth throughout 2015, particularly at Christmas as it outperformed the market with 4.3% growth over the last twelve weeks of the year. Commenting at the SuperValu National Conference in Killarney today, Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu said, "We are pleased to announce that we have achieved a new sales milestone in what is a highly competitive marketplace. "The fact that we are the largest grocery retailer in Ireland clearly illustrates that we have the best offer in the market, with consumers responding to our commitment to fresh food leadership and opting for locally-sourced, quality Irish food and in-store expertise." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us A majority of British business leaders plan to vote in favour of keeping Britain within the European Union when a referendum is held later this year, according to a survey of 672 company directors released on Monday. Cameron has called a June 23 referendum on whether Britain should remain in the 28-country bloc and said that he will campaign to stay a member. On Friday, he secured an agreement on reforms to the EU that he said would give Britain special status in the bloc. The survey by the Institute of Directors (IoD), a lobbying group which represents businesses of all sizes, found that 60 percent of its members would vote to remain in the EU. Thirty-one percent said they would prefer to leave. The remaining 9 percent were undecided. With British public opinion split on whether to remain or leave the EU, business leaders are expected to have an influential role for those undecided voters who are primarily concerned with how the referendum will affect their jobs. The IoD survey found that 54 percent of respondents had discussed the implications of the referendum at a senior level, but few attached great significance to the agreement negotiated by Cameron in Brussels last week. Asked about the agreement's impact on their organisation, 54 percent said it would not affect them, 34 percent thought it would be either "fairly good" or "very good". Ten percent said it was a bad deal. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie HSBC said it saw a 'bumpier' financial environment ahead after reporting a lower-than-expected 2015 pre-tax profit against a bleak backdrop of slowing growth in China and tumbling commodities prices. HSBC said profit before tax was $18.87 billion for 2015 against $18.7 billion the year before, well below the average analysts' estimate of $21.8 billion, according to Thomson Reuters data. On a quarterly basis, Europe's biggest bank reported a surprise pre-tax loss of $858 million, the result of value adjustments on derivatives, legal costs and the disposal of its business in Brazil. The result was also hit by restructuring costs the bank is undertaking to achieve $4.5 billion to $5 billion in cost savings. In its earnings statement, HSBC said it was going to stick to delivering on a June strategic plan centered around further expanding into China, and in particular the densely-populated Pearl River Delta region. But Chairman Douglas Flint added the economic slowdown there was making the environment more challenging. "China's slower economic growth will undoubtedly contribute to a bumpier financial environment, but it is still expected to be the largest contributor to global growth as its economy transitions to higher added value manufacturing and services and becomes more consumer driven," Flint said. HSBC shares in Hong Kong erased earlier gains after the earnings statement. By 0516 GMT they were down 0.2%, underperforming a 0.8% rise in the broad Hang Seng Index . "The share reaction was somewhat muted as the market had got ahead of consensus and priced in a lot of negative because of China," said Jimmy Weng, portfolio manager and founder of Hong Kong-based fund boutique Genesis Capital Investment. Last year, Asia represented 83.5 percent of global pre-tax profit for HSBC, a larger portion than a year earlier and a sign that the bank's future growth is tied to the region's. HSBC, which just over a week ago decided not to move its headquarters to Hong Kong, proposed to hike its dividend to $0.51 per ordinary share against $0.50 a year earlier. This is a relief to investors who had worried the lender's more constrained capital position would cause management to abandon the goal of progressive dividend growth. In 2014, HSBC recorded a bill of $3.7 billion for provisions, fines, and settlements with regulators. The bank, which is reining in costs as a result of its higher regulatory burden, said in its annual report Chief Executive Stuart Gulliver's total pay had fallen to 7.34 million pounds from 7.62 million pounds a year earlier. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Donavan Faucette, 38, social worker with Bear River Mental Health who was arrested early Monday morning, accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old client. LOGAN A 35-year-old Hyrum man has formally pleaded guilty to having sex with a 16-year-old and will now await sentencing. Donavan D. Faucette appeared in 1st District Court Monday morning accepting a plea deal, canceling a four-day jury trial and saving the victim from having to testify. He pleaded to one count of forcible sodomy, a first-degree felony. Under conditions of the agreement, prosecutors dropped three additional first-degree felony charges of rape, object rape and forcible sodomy. Faucette was arrested last May after telling a supervisor at Bear River Mental Health, where he was employed, that he had sex with a client. He reportedly picked up the victim at her relatives home, back on May 15. He drove her into Logan Canyon and had oral sex with her near the turnoff to Temple Fork Canyon. Deputies arrested him two days later and booked him in the Cache County Jail. He was later released on pre-trial supervision after posting $80,000 bail. Faucette only spoke a couple times during Mondays court appearance, telling Judge Thomas Willmore, he understood he was was giving up his constitutional rights to a fair trial by pleading guilty. He later said I do, when asked if he understood the maximum sentence possible for his charge and said yes, when Judge Willmore asked if he was pleading guilty because he was guilty. Defense attorney, Shannon Demler said Faucette was currently undergoing a psycho-sexual evaluation. He asked the court for additional time to complete the evaluation before being sentenced. Judge Willmore scheduled sentencing for April 4 and ordered Faucette to appear again then. He faces up to life in prison.

will@cvradio.com Brexit: So... what was the point of all that? Published on February 22, 2016 Story by Lucas TRIPOTEAU Translation by: eri en fr de es it pl One of David Cameron's main demands in the negotiations between Britain and the European Union will only serve to put strain on political discussion between these two European partners. Cafebabel Brussels gives their opinion on a still ongoing debate. "I will not take a deal that does not meet what we need," declared David Cameron in a speech lasting little more than 40 seconds on his arrival at the European Council of the 18th to 19th of February. In the face of ever-growing Eurosceptic public sentiment if not outright anti-European the British Prime Minister stated his firm demands before the real negotiations had even begun. One major sticking point is Britain's position on the principle of an "ever-closer union" enshrined in the first Article of the Maastricht Treaty, as well as the preamble to other treaties. This point has been portrayed as crucial to reassuring the British people ahead of the referendum on Britain's membership of the EU planned for the 23rd of June. Although the agreement struck by David Cameron and his European counterparts is symbolic, it will have limited impact. In political terms, he has merely added further strain to an already tense atmosphere existing between EU member states, and in legal terms, it carries no significance. Challenging the European idea The phrase "ever-closer union" could be viewed as a summary of the ambitions of the founding fathers of the European project. It is about strengthening solidarity between member states, and going beyond mere European integration. As part of Article A of the Maastricht Treaty, it has powerful implications. Since setting out his intentions in a letter to Donald Tusk dated the 10th of November, Cameron has strongly insisted on his country's exemption from the clause. It should be noted that Britain has always held a "special" position in the EU: it has opted out of the single currency as well as various other areas of cooperation including the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the infamous UK rebate has meant that since 1984 Britain has contributed less towards the common European budget. While some of David Cameron's demands have been received with sympathy from his European partners, this one in particular has been more controversial as it puts into question the very essence of the European idea. Alongside the Greek crisis and the refugee crisis, this is yet another identity crisis facing the EU in recent months, with many member states turning away from displays of solidarity towards their partners. Therefore, though unfortunate, Britain's attitude comes as no surprise, and this agreement which takes the form of an exemption to be included in the annexes of treaties is an unnecessary, harsh and untimely blow for the European Union. Legally redundant The deal has involved intense negotiations, most notably taking place on the night of Thursday the 18th of February and into the early hours of the next morning. The existence of the exemption makes a crucial difference. If inserted in the form of an article into one of the treaties or a protocol, it has binding legal force. In the form of a declaration annexed to such treaties, it demonstrates political intent and carries unmistakable symbolic meaning, but is legally void. It is the latter form that has been chosen, mainly owing to pressure from pro-integration member states such as Belgium and, to a lesser degree, France and others. This meant that in the European Council conclusions, the member states committed to exempting Britain from this clause in the next revision of the treaties. Francois Hollande made it clear in a final press conference that this will not apply to Britain in future. The declaration will soon join a list of counterparts, such as Declaration 3, which takes into account "the particular situation of small-sized countries which maintain specific relations of proximity [with the EU]." They have symbolic meaning, but neither the member states nor the union itself are bound to them. In reality, they are of minor consequence. This new declaration is of even less significance than the phrase "ever-closer union", i.e. the extension of EU powers, which already placed Britain at the heart of the decision-making process by subjecting the revision of treaties to a single unanimous decision by member states. Britain was therefore not excluded before and will not emerge from these negotiations in a stronger position. What next? David Cameron may perhaps make a show of triumph on his return to Number 10 Downing Street, claiming to have secured a key victory for his country regarding its place in the EU. But this declaration, which has brought needless and nauseating controversy, is little more than a smoke screen hiding legal deadlock and betraying profound disagreements on the very idea of European integration. It remains to be seen how British people will react to the agreement. --- This article was published by our local team at cafebabel Brussels. Story by Lucas TRIPOTEAU Translated from Brexit : tout ca pour ca What has Gov. Abbott done about the six mass shootings on his watch? When Port Aransas' Whooping Crane Festival kicks off Thursday, it will be celebrating its 20th anniversary. In honor of the milestone, special events have been planned to complement the festival's traditional mix of speakers, field trips and workshops. Participants in the "Wine, Whine and Design Whoopers" class will enjoy snacks and wine while creating a whooping crane painting to take home. It takes place at the Port Aransas Art Center at 5 p.m. Thursday. On Friday evening, the Port Aransas Art Center will host a reception for an exhibit featuring the work of Chinese photographer Zhongjie Zheng. Siberian cranes migrate the longest distance of the world's 15 crane species; Zheng has documented their migration for 13 years. He will also speak Friday. At noon Saturday, Tom Stehn, retired whooping crane coordinator and wildlife biologist at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, will be the speaker at a luncheon at the Port Aransas Community Center. Stehn will talk about his 29 years as steward of the famous wild flock that winters at the refuge. From 2:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, a panel of experts will discuss conservation initiatives. International Crane Foundation co-founder and senior conservationist George Archibald will moderate the discussion. He will be joined by Felipe Chavez-Ramirez of the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Joe Duff of Operation Migration, Wade Harrell of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sammy King of the USGS Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Liz Smith of the International Crane Foundation. Local favorite Tony Amos' topic is "Compulsive Bird Watching: 38 years observing birds, people, cars, dogs, trash, tides, dunes and weather on Texas Gulf Beaches." He speaks at 10:30 a.m. Friday. All speaker sessions will be in the University of Texas Marine Science Institute auditorium. Among other activities are field trips and a photography workshop led by naturalist and photographer Kathy Adams Clark. There will be several opportunities to take guided tours of the Animal Rehabilitation Keep. Whooping crane and dolphin watching boat tours, birding workshops and family birding field trips are also scheduled. On-site registration at the Port Aransas Civic Center allows access to all speaker sessions for $20. Trips and workshops are priced separately. Proceeds from the International Crane Foundation. Additional information: 800-452-6278 or www.whoopingcranefestival.org. Phyllis Yochem, a Corpus Christi resident, has studied birds in Texas since 1960. Caller-Times file FAMILY: Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend will be at 10:30 a.m. and noon Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the American Bank Center, Selena Auditorium, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd. SHARE By Staff Reports of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times The famous members of Sesame Street are making a new friend during stage performances this week at the American Bank Center. Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby, and their Sesame Street friends welcome Chamki, Grover's friend from India, a news release explains. "Together, they explore the universal fun of friendship and celebrate cultural similarities, from singing and dancing, to sharing cookies," the release notes. Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend will visit the American Bank Center Selena Auditorium during four performances split between Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets for all four performances are on sale. During the show Chamki is only visiting Sesame Street for one day and Grover has quite the itinerary for his friend, but she is busy sharing cookies with Cookie Monster and dancing "The Elmo Slide" among other fun things. Grover uses his "super" powers to recapture his friend's attention. The performances offer an interactive learning experience, and features timeless tunes and lessons for all ages. "The universal appeal of each Broadway-quality musical production continues long after preschool. Adults will appreciate the high-tech stagecraft, cleverly written script, and music they'll recognize and enjoy sharing with children," the release states. IF YOU GO What: Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend When: 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday; 10:30 a.m. and noon Wednesday Where: American Bank Center, Selena Auditorium, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd. Cost: $16-$34; tickets available at Ticketmaster.com Micah DeBenedetto/Special to the Caller-Times Avery Castaneda and mother Norma Castaneda attend services Sunday at the Primera Asamblea de Dios. SHARE Primera Asamblea de Dios has stood in the heart of a Westside neighborhood for 80 years. The church had its first service in a house on Sabinas and Reyna streets in 1935 and later moved to its location on Cheyenne Street. Micah DeBenedetto/Special to the Caller-Times Pastor Robert Saenz of the Primera Asamblea de Dios Assemblies of God Pentecostal Church speaks with members during service Sunday. The church has been serving the Westside of Corpus Christi for 81 years. Micah DeBenedetto/Special to the Caller-Times Children of the Boys and Girls Mission Club play outside the church near Sunday at the Primera Asamblea de Dios Pentecostal Church. Micah DeBenedetto/Special to the Caller-Times Children of the Boys and Girls Mission Club attempt to unwind into a circle Sunday at the Primera Asamblea de Dios Pentecostal Church. They are directed by Ena Perez, right, who literally has been attending church since birth; her mother went into labor during a service 35 years ago. Related Photos Primera Asamblea de Dios By Natalia Contreras of the Caller-Times Primera Asamblea de Dios stands in the heart of a Westside neighborhood. For years, the church, which had its first service in a house on Sabinas and Reyna streets in 1935 and later moved to its location on Cheyenne Street, has seen that same neighborhood flourish, has seen people come and go, and has housed congregations of as many as 200 and as few as 80. The church which is part of the Assemblies of God has had its ups and downs; it has watched children grow, leave the neighborhood or the city to make a life of their own. However, Primera Asamblea de Dios remained faithful and turned 80 years last fall. And sometimes, people who have left it find their way back. Pastor Robert Saenz, who grew up in the church, has led it for the past 22 years. When he was about 6 years old, he remembers getting on a bus every Sunday with his mother and aunt from his home near Greenwood Drive to go to the church. Saenz was 22 years old when he moved to Houston to become a pastor. In 1994, Saenz came back to visit and found out there was an opportunity to lead his home church. He took it. He said the city, the neighborhood and the church were different from what he knew when he left. "Everyone wants to be in Southside these days," Saenz said. "And we are torn because we want to grow and we know it might be better to move to another location, but who is staying behind? What about the people in this neighborhood?" Saenz said as time changes, the church has to change for it to keep going. "Generations change and our methods have to change," Saenz said. "Once the church was all Spanish until the '70s. Now ... we are bilingual for those who prefer that. " Throughout the years the building, which houses about 80 members during Wednesday and Sunday services, has grown. A gymnasium and a second level were added in the '80s along with about other 14 rooms for children's church and Sunday school classes. Elda Rangel's grandparents were members of the church when it began in the '30s. She said her mother, Juanita Flores, was active until she died in 2011. Rangel said her mother always encouraged her and her siblings to remain faithful to the church. Rangel believes family legacy and a sense of community is what has kept the church opened for so many years. "God has a purpose for this area, there is a need in this neighborhood," Rangel said. "This is home to us, no matter where we live this always feels like home." Pablo Orta and his fiancee Maria Gutierrez are the newest members of the church. They have been attending services for the past four months and live one block away. "I like the people and the atmosphere," Gutierrez said. "They are nice, they are there any time I need them. They really are like our family." Orta, 44, said he has lived in the neighborhood his whole life, and he had been in the church once or twice when he was a kid but never went back. "It feels good to be back there. I used to walk by it every day, and the church still looks the same," Orta said. "I just feel welcomed there, they welcome us with open arms." Saenz said his vision for the church is for the members to continue to grow spiritually and to reach those who may need a church. "God has us here," he said. "We are here for a purpose ... and we are going to continue working." SHARE By Julie Garcia of the Caller-Times Do you know your status? One of the biggest joint efforts by Texas law enforcement agencies begins Sunday with the 2016 Great Texas Warrant Roundup. The roundup will last until March 12 and is designed to target people with traffic, parking, city ordinance, penal code and higher charge warrants from more than 300 participating jurisdictions, according to a city news release. According to the release, there are more than 15,000 active warrants just from the Corpus Christi Municipal Court. The two weeks of the roundup does not mean people with warrants will automatically be arrested. There is a walk-in docket scheduled Monday through Friday during the two weeks where people can voluntarily handle their warrant obligations. Payment plans or community service are options for those who cannot immediately pay. Anyone who appears at the municipal court to address their warrant during those two weeks will not be arrested, the release stated. Twitter: @Caller_Jules A sluggish economy, political uncertainty and human rights concerns. On the surface it seems like 2016 is going to be pretty tough for brands and the agencies that support them in Thailand. According to the World Bank, growth in the country is expected to dip by 0.5 percent to 2 percent this yearlargely due to falling exports, high household debt and, crucially, stagnating consumer spending. 2015 was hardly an economic success story either, with one of the few positives found in growing direct foreign investment. This, however, increasingly puts it at risk from market volatility in other countriesmost notably China, where the World Bank notes a faster than anticipated slowdown will have several knock-on effects. The most significant of these is likely to be in tourism where Chinese nationals provide 18 percent of all Thailands tourist inflows and contribute over 2 percent of GDP in tourism revenue. A jittery economic outlook is also being compounded by political problems. The coup of 2014 saw the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)led by prime minister general Prayut Chan-ochatake power, with the prospect of its pledge to restore democracy still looking far off. According to Human Rights Watch, the junta has created a political system that seems designed to prolong its grip on power. It has also heavily clamped down on dissent in the media. Last April the authorities suspended broadcasts by Peace TV and TV 24, accusing the stations of violating the NCPOs ban on criticism of the military. In November, Fah Hai TV suffered the same fate. As we will explore in detail in Wednesdays feature, this economic and political backdrop is having significant consequences for brands and agencies. As Sunny Hermano, Southeast Asia business development and integration director at Havas WW Bangkok, said: There is no option of thinking I think itll be okay, because in 12 months everything will come together. Theres uncertainty. Everyones just waiting and the thing is, the longer it takes, the more the anxiety increases. No one really complains too much, because we all understand the situation, but everyone has this wait and see attitude, you can see it reflected in people being more cautious in what they buy and what they do. Amid the gloom, one chink of light can be found around mobile, mobile advertising and its ecommerce potential. The end of 2015 saw the conclusion of a long-delayed, but keenly fought, auction of 4G licences. This is considered a major step in supporting the government's digital economy policy, which is expected to receive 232 billion baht (US$6.42 billion). As we will examine in detail in tomorrows On the Ground feature on consumer trends, Thailand is a mobile hotbed. Thailand leapfrogged straight to mobile as the primary device, and as people dwell longer on it, the mobile is increasingly becoming the [key] device, said Pathamawan Sathaporn, managing director of Mindshare Thailand. Stats from We Are Social show that 69 percent of Thais own at least one smartphone. Mobile connections, thanks to budget packages in the competitive telco market, as a percentage of the total population are at 122 per cent. And with the realisation of 4G services, mobiles dominance will continue, with a surge in rural users predicted. The challenge, now, is how brands can best profit from the platform. Mobile ecommerce is still very much in its infancy, but on the flipside that means there is huge growth potential. The Thai ecommerce market is expected to more than triple in size to THB138.86 billion (US$3.94 billion) between now and 2020, and a fledgling data industry is starting to harness consumer insights to good effect. This article is part of the On The Ground: Thailand series Unsurprisingly, then, agencies are increasingly seeing more digital work land on their desksalthough more often than not it is on a project-by-project basis. While it is well known that Thai media consumption habits are unique, with Line and YouTube dominating social platforms, there are a number of technology hurdles the industry has to overcome. Adaptation of major technology or methods to the Thai market requires more lead time," said Mitsuyuki Nakamura, Southeast Asia president at Dentsu Media and CEO of Dentsu Media Thailand. "Most media consumed is local media, which still need to adapt. For example, the adoption of ad-serving technology, which requires a sound technical basis, remains at a basic level of usage for many brands. One area where many people may assume brands and agencies dont need to worry is creativity. Thailand has long been known as a creative powerhouse, but as we will report in detail on Thursdays On The Ground feature, there are some concerns it might not be the dominant force it once was. As Paruj Daorai, executive creative director at Leo Burnett Thailand, pointed out, it is hard to pinpoint any truly groundbreaking work in the last year. While much of the work might still be excellent, there is a feeling that it isnt necessarily breaking new boundaries. Satit Jantawiwat, chief creative officer at JWT Thailand, summed it up when he said: In creative advertising, Thailand used to be a leader and in the top rankings of the world. However, when we entered the digital era, consumers changed so fast that agencies and clients have had a hard time catching up. Away from agencies, however, there is no shortage of talent across startups, SMEs and independent creatives. The challenge now for agencies is to see if they keep up, or recruit them. On the positive side, Thai people are seeing the value of creativity and design like never before, Daorai added. And in the long run this will serve the country well. Away from ad land, if Thai people are increasingly understanding the value of creativity, its fair to say Thai brands and organisations are rapidly acknowledging the benefit of PR. Our in-depth look on Friday at the state of the PR industry in Thailand reveals a sector buoyed by digital opportunities, brand expansion and public affairs work. Digital PR in particular was becoming an integrated part of most Thai PR strategies and programmes. He has witnessed a clear shift to digital PR among the agencys clients, especially FMCG and brand-driven clients. Over at Vero PR, MD Brian Griffith also points to the opportunities being offered by Thai brands, which are expanding across the region. "One thing many people dont realise is that Thai conglomerates are among the best, if not the best, at going regional," he said. "There are some very strong Thai companies that are expanding through the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries. With Thailand forecast to have the lowest domestic economic growth of all ASEAN countries, this regional expansion will be crucial as brands seek to combat the myriad of challenges on their doorsteps. As our in-depth reports this week will show, Thailand is a mass of contradictions and change for brands and agencies at the moment. The economic and political outlook is causing concern, but can consumers mobile obsessions and new 4G technology provide new hope? The country is awash with creativity, but are agencies well enough equipped to harness it and are brands brave enough to exploit it? Mobile ecommerce should become a major success story for brands, but can the data capabilities and infrastructure keep pace with consumers? These are just a few the issues well be looking at with key industry experts, who are on the ground in Thailand, over the next few days. In a statement, iris Singapore managing director Craig Mapleston said that the agency was extremely proud of the work achieved with Heineken. We have made a strategic decision to not continue, and we are looking forward to focusing on new opportunities, he added. The partnership formally ended in December 2015, with the agency currently finishing work on one last campaign for the beer brand. The arrangement applies only in Singapore. Speaking to Campaign Asia-Pacific, Mapleston said that in the last year or so, the nature of the partnership had changed. Due to these changes, we were finding less opportunities for in-market creativity and after a lot of discussions, decided to end our partnership with Heineken, he added. Heineken and iris Singapore have worked together since 2009, the partnership resulted in 11 brand campaigns, six product innovation launches, seven ZoukOuts and 10 Heineken Green Rooms. When contacted for comment, Venus Teoh, head of marketing, for Asia Pacific Breweries (Singapore) issued the following statement: After seven years of partnership with iris on Heineken in Singapore, the brand is ready to move on. Were excited to bring fresh and creative campaigns synonymous with the Heineken brand to the market in the months ahead. We thank iris for their work over the past seven years. | BY Ricki Green | Iconic seafood brand, John West has recently launched its latest work developed with Cummins&Partners, The Unlimited Edition Project. John West Australia has overhauled its supply chain and now only sources tuna certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the worlds best standard in sustainability. This accreditation makes John West Australia not only the best, but also the worlds most sustainable tuna brand. However, it also posed somewhat of a communications challenge as sustainable is a difficult concept for many shoppers to understand, or care about. John West Australia saw the need to re-frame its sustainable credentials in a way that consumers would readily understand. Insights from Cummins&Partners unlocked that people understood the concept of sustainable equaling having something forever, and from this insight the Unlimited Edition work was born. To dramatise the possibility of a world without fish thanks to unsustainable fishing methods, John West launched a fake tuna brand called Finnish Tuna in partnership with MSC and WWF. They distributed cans of Finnish Tuna to unsuspecting commuters only for them to find that, when they opened the cans, there was nothing in them but water and a message, Imagine a world without fish. This appealed to consumers to think about their choices at supermarket shelves and the impact they can have on the environment. This was followed by the introduction of the John West Unlimited Edition Can turning typical marketing language on its head to celebrate John West tuna now being MSC certified. Further to this, John West is committed to reaching 1 million dollars for WWF ocean conservation projects, helping to ensure we have healthy oceans forever. This will be supported with broadcast media, POS and digital content. The entire campaign has also had a strong earned media component via social media and PR, developed and executed by Mango Communications in conjunction with Cummins&Partners. Says Jim Ingram, co-ECD at Cummins&Partners: We are very proud of this work. Making people care about sustainability, and transferring that to sales of John West is a complicated communications objective. Our campaign has a number of moving parts, but all of it revolves around making it easy for consumers to understand that John Wests sustainable credentials are what makes it the best tuna. Says Stephanie Dore-Smith, senior brand manager John West at Simplot: From the pitch to production the Cummins&Partners team has been great to work with. Our idea has captured a lot of peoples imagination and we couldnt be more happy with the work. Creative Agency: Cummins&Partners Creative: Jim Ingram Executive Creative Director Ben Couzens Executive Creative Director Chris Ellis Senior Copywriter Aaron Lipson Senior Art Director Damian Royce Creative Director Account Management Rod Mooseek Group Account Director Brioni Pickhaver Senior Account Director Alisa Mezhov Senior Account Manager Strategy Adam Ferrier Global Chief Strategy officer James Bennett Planner Production Naomi Nienaber Producer PR Mango Communications Rebecca Ahern Managing Director Amanda Sheat Account Director Lauren Hunt Account Manager Emma Paolucci Account Coordinator Production Company: Plaza Films Director: Paul Middleditch | BY Ricki Green | The One Club, producer of The One Show and Creative Week, has today announced the jury for the Young Ones College Competition, the most prestigious student competition celebrating the years best in advertising and design. There are 56 jury members 31 professionals and 25 educators from 15 countries. Visit www.oneshow.org/youngones/jury to view the complete jury. Joy creative partner Steve Back is representing Australia on the jury. Says Jessica Gumora, education manager, The One Club: This is the most diverse, international jury in the history of the Young Ones competition. Its encouraging for students around the world to see leaders from their native countries serve as judges for a competition they aspire to win. Sponsored by Serviceplan, this years challenge offers students a choice of two briefs: LEGOs Be The Playful One, which tasks participants to improve the in-store experience; and Be The Good One, which addresses global gender inequality. Last year, the Young Ones received almost a thousand entries from more than 20 countries. On Sunday Mr Dutton said Asha and her family were always going to be moved into community detention, accusing refugee advocates of "hijacking" the debate for their own purposes with some activists trying to build their media profile. Canberra Repertory Society won six awards. Its production of the comedy-drama Casanova won for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Turner as Old Casanova, shared with Simon Lovatt as David Selznick in Spectrum Theatre Group's Moonlight and Magnolias), Best Costume Designer for a Play (Anne Kay) and Best Director of a Play (Jarrad West). Its production of the historical drama The Crucible won for Best Set Designer for a Play (Michael Sparks), shared with Bay Theatre Players' The Wind in the Willows (Sam Lloyd) and Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Yanina Clifton as Mary Warren). Its production of William Shakespeare's comedy Much Ado About Nothing won Best Original Work for Cate Clelland and Fraser Findlay's original settings of songs. "It's really looking for people who have not had a great experience with DAS to do the test on whether those processes would have addressed the shortcomings they believe they have experienced," he said. Labor senators Penny Wong and Jenny McAllister have asked the department for a detailed breakdown of the costs of household items purchased for the 1927 home. The hearing was told about $100,000 was spent on a new "luggage lift" for inside the house, and original bespoke furniture had been reupholstered at a cost of between $4000 and $11,000. "They have taken everything out of the sinking fund and they will come back for more. It is a never-ending story. We are not seeing any progress," the woman said. "I am sick and tired of it. I cannot sell the unit, it is unsaleable because of the fees," she said. While civil libertarians worry about over-zealous data collection by intelligence and security organisations, the reality is that commercial organisations often have more information about us than the government does. As soon as you sign up for a commercial loyalty program to get whatever benefits are offered, your purchasing history will be tracked and recorded, and can be linked to your image using facial recognition software. I was told by an "intelligent analytics" analyst in the US that one shopping chain can tell when a woman is pregnant before she knows it herself, just by where she stops in the store. This information is used for personalised push-marketing of baby-related products. Two international coalitions are at work in Syria: one is, led by the US, and includes many of America's Western allies and regional friends in opposition to the Assad regime; another. is the rival Moscow-Tehran-Baghdad-Damascus-Hezbollah axis that wants to ensure the survival of the Assad regime against not just IS, but all opposition forces. The member states of each coalition are not entirely united in their purpose. For example, in the case of the US-led coalition, whereas the main actor and its Western allies have grown to be more wary of IS and the Russian-led axis, the same cannot be said to be entirely true about the regional components of the coalition. The idea to bring forward the date of the budget by a week or two to the first week of May or the last week of April would give the Turnbull government more time to debate its budget in the Parliament and explain it to voters, particularly if the government decides to call a double dissolution election for early July. "Then, after October last year, an answer to a question on notice states that the person made it through security, was mistaken as being a member and was then escorted to a function in Parliament House by a member." [Your Business Name] Contact Info Phone: Fax: Email: Web: CAPITOLHILLCUBANS.COM Business Overview Geographic Area Line of Business Brands We Carry Products and Services Discounts Offered Additional Information Business Hours Timezone We Accept Three college students who first met while attending a Catholic high school in Florida have launched a scholarship fund to help others experience faithful Catholic education at a Newman Guide college. As we went off to different colleges, we kept in touch and found time to catch up whenever we returned [] Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact. Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here. Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing. You are our people. You Care. We Care2. Public radio podcaster Brendan Francis Newnam, named one of Food & Wine magazines Big Food Thinkers Under 40, shared one of his big thoughts on Weekend Marketplace last Friday: The only way to make the presentation of the animated shorts Oscar category tolerable is to bet money on it. Newnam, who hosts the Dinner Party Download, a radio show about arts and culture, explained to the host of Marketplace: My co-host, Rico Gagliano, is a very strong believer in betting pools. I resisted, but now I agree with him because you need something on the line when you get to that part of Oscar where theyre talking about the best sound mixing, the best animated short. You know, look, its hard enough to even to see the main features so to stay invested during those portions of the party its worth it to have money, money, money. Before his offhand dismissal of the craft categories at the Academy Award, Newnam complains about the portentousness of the Oscars. These are overpaid people who dont even fully represent our countryso a lot of the fun is making fun of the people, he said. These are kind of the like the Greek gods, the Roman godswe like to watch them mess up and make mistakes, so its okay to be goofy and mock them. Haas script for the film has circulated privately for years and has been read by various people. Cartoonist Cole Rothacker is one of those people, and he wrote about it on Tumblr, describing it as a pretty terrific script, giving animators, who have tedious, thankless jobs, a moment in the spotlight, a movie that pays great tribute to them and all their hard work. It does for animators and Looney Tunes what Goodfellas did for mobsters. Rothacker also points out that the film had a strong point of view that of Chuck Jones: All the names were changed, some characters were combinations of 2 or more real people, but it was basically the story of when Chuck Jones first arrived at the WB lot in the late 30s and rose through the ranks, going from in-betweener to director. It shows the struggles Jones went through, along with his mentor Tex Avery. The movie is definitely from the perspective of Jones, as it depicts the Bob Clampett analogous character as an incompetent, two-faced lout. Shortly after Warner Bros. passed on Dantes film, they re-branded Bugs, Daffy, and the rest of the Looney Tunes roster for the 1996 film Space Jam, which was a hit for the studio. Dante eventually worked with the Looney Tunes characters, too, when he directed the 2003 live-action/animated combo Looney Tunes: Back in Action, a creative misfire that was micromanaged to death by Warner Bros. executives who used 25 writers on the film. If you want a taste of what Termite Terrace might have looked like, heres an actual late-1930s studio gag reel from Warner Bros. animation studio that shows the artists and execs goofing around: (Thanks, MonsieurU) Maruti Suzuki has commenced exports of the Baleno hatchback. The first batch dispatched from India has been unloaded at Toyohashi Port in Japan. The Baleno is the first car from Maruti Suzuki to be exported to the parent companys home market, Japan. The Hyundai Elite i20 and Honda Jazz rival is based on a new platform, which will also underpin the soon to be launch, Maruti Suzuki Ignis. Suzuki will be offering the petrol version of the Baleno is Japan. The part of the engine line up will also be the new 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbocharged engine producing 110bhp, which was showcased at the Auto Expo 2016. The Baleno with the same engine set up will be launched here in mid-2016, ahead of the festive season. Photo: Thinkstock.com Wednesday is Pink Shirt Day in Canada - a national movement to take a stand against bullying. Pink shirts became an anti-bullying symbol after a high school student in Nova Scotia wore a pink shirt to school and was bullied by classmates. David Shepherd and Travis Price witnessed the bullying, so they purchased pink shirts and wore them to school the next day in support of their friend. The movement grew from there and today it is a national event with thousands of people participating. Local schools have anti-bullying programs, as do other agencies like the Boys and Girls Club, but is bullying still a problem in area schools? That question was posed on social media and the response from people was immediate and in some cases, impassioned. Numerous parents told of their own child being bullied at school and many offered opinions on how to deal with bullies. Exposing and dealing with it when it happens is important. They need to be shown and taught this is not a way of popularity. Every child has a right to be safe. They have no rights to put hands on another child, suspension and exposure is the way. Consequences for their actions, wrote one parent. Others recommended getting school officials involved, with replies ranging from the system did nothing for their own bullied child to schools doing a good job dealing with the situation. Some looked at it from the bully's perspective. Kindness begins at home. My son, too, was picked on years ago now. The bullies, though, they have issues, and punishing them doesn't teach them to be kind. Who knows what they deal with at home, what examples are set for them. We need to rethink everything about how we deal with these children. I don't know the solution in all its complexities; I just know schools - or maybe society - hasn't found it yet, posted another of the numerous people who waded into the conversation. There was no consensus on what to do, or how to do it, but the school district has been working on stopping bullying for years. School District 22 superintendent Joe Rogers said all schools try to make school as safe as possible for students. The first step is to report the bullying to the school principal or through the Erase Bullying website at erasebullying.ca, said Rogers. The website offers numerous resources for parents and children. As a district, we offer support through classroom teachers, school counsellors, district counsellors and various programs. Our goal is to ensure students feel safe at school and engaged in their learning. According to stopabully.ca: Photo: The Canadian Press The Dalai Lama is assuring his followers that he is in good health, despite receiving treatment in the U.S. for a prostate condition. The 80-year-old Tibetan Buddhist leader spoke to about 3,000 people Sunday at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The Dalai Lama arrived last month at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The Star Tribune (http://strib.mn/1XGopHx ) reports he told the crowd he'd been receiving treatment for prostate problems. Instead of making the faithful travel to Rochester, the Dalai Lama decided to come to Minneapolis to give a short talk and celebrate the Tibetan new year. Speaking in both English and Tibetan, the Dalai Lama spoke about values, compassion, humility and the duty of elders and adult Tibetans to pass on the culture and religion of his homeland to a new generation. Photo: The Canadian Press Bombings claimed by the Islamic State group in the Syrian cities of Damascus and Homs killed nearly 130 people on Sunday, highlighting the threat posed by the extremists as the country's warring factions fight for the northern city of Aleppo and world powers chase an elusive cease-fire. The blasts came as Secretary of State John Kerry said that a "provisional agreement" has been reached on a cessation of hostilities that could begin in the next few days. But he acknowledged that it's not finalized and all parties might not automatically comply. A series of blast ripped through the Sayyida Zeinab suburb of Damascus, killing at least 83 people and wounding more than 170, the official SANA news agency said. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on local Syrian activists, said the blasts killed 62. SANA said the bombs went off near schools during the afternoon rush hour. The neighbourhood is home to one of Shiite Islam's holiest shrines, which his heavily guarded by Lebanon's Hezbollah movement and other Shiite militiamen from Iraq and elsewhere. Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV said the blasts were caused by a car bomb and two suicide bombers. The bombings in the central city of Homs killed at least 46 people and wounded dozens, according to Syria's Foreign Ministry. The Observatory said 57 people, including 11 women, were killed by two car bombs set off in a mostly Alawite neighbourhood. Syrian President Bashar Assad hails from the Alawite minority, an offshoot of Shiite Islam. Syrian TV footage from Homs showed streets filled with debris and mangled cars, and the charred body of a man being taken away on a stretcher. Footage from Sayyida Zeinab showing people running in narrow streets as others carried the wounded, including several children. "He's alive, he's alive," a man shouted as he tried to administer CPR to an unconscious man. The TV later called on citizens to donate blood. The Islamic State group claimed both attacks. The extremists are dug in on the outskirts of the two cities and have repeatedly targeted Shiites, who they view as apostates deserving of death. The deadly blasts may strengthen the government's argument that it should press ahead with a major offensive in the north of the country, where troops backed by Russian airstrikes are close to sealing off Aleppo, once Syria's largest city and commercial hub. Syrian insurgents, including Western-backed rebels, seized several neighbourhoods in 2012. The heavy fighting near Aleppo led to collapse of peace talks earlier this month. World powers later agreed on a "cessation of hostilities" to begin within a week, but the deadline passed with no letup in the fighting. Kerry has since reached out to his Russian counterpart, and during a visit to Jordan on Sunday, said they had struck a "provisional agreement" and must now reach out to the opposing sides on the ground. Russia is a key ally of Assad's government, while the U.S. backs some of the rebels fighting to overthrow him. Kerry declined to go into the details of the agreement, saying it "is not yet done." "The modalities for a cessation of hostilities are now being completed," Kerry said, adding that it was "possible over the course of these next hours." Assad meanwhile said his government was ready to take part in a truce as long as it is not used by militants to reinforce their positions. "We announced that we're ready," Assad told Spain's El Pais newspaper in remarks published Sunday. "It's about preventing other countries, especially Turkey, from sending more recruits, more terrorists, more armaments, or any kind of logistical support to those terrorists," Assad said in English in the interview, which was also carried by state news agency SANA. Assad's government refers to all the armed groups battling to overthrow him as terrorists. Turkey and Saudi Arabia are among the leading supporters of the insurgents. Assad said the Aleppo operation is not about "recapturing the city," but "closing the roads between Turkey and between the terrorist groups." The United States, Russia and other world powers agreed Feb. 12 on a deal calling for the ceasing of hostilities within a week, the delivery of urgently needed aid to besieged areas of Syria and a return to peace talks in Geneva. Aid shipments were allowed into several besieged areas last week. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he welcomed the latest provisional agreement and called on all regional powers to use the "window of opportunity" to exert their influence on the warring parties. In northern Syria, meanwhile, the Syrian army captured 31 villages on Sunday that were controlled by IS, according to the pro-Syrian Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen TV and Hezbollah's Al-Manar station. Both outlets often have reporters embedded with Syrian troops. Photo: Contributed - surrey.ca Police and firefighters in hazmat gear responded to the scene of a transit bus on which several passengers were overcome by an unknown substance, Sunday. RCMP remain on the scene of the incident at 96th Avenue and King George Blvd. in Surrey. Just before noon, police received a report from Emergency Services of a "possible hazardous occurrence" onboard the BC Transit bus. The bus was travelling northbound on King George when four riders advised the driver they were not feeling well. The driver stopped the bus, and Emergency Services was contacted. Surrey Fire Department's hazmat team, paramedics, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, and Surrey RCMP attended the scene. Witness accounts suggest the patrons on the bus may have been exposed to an unknown substance, Surrey RCMP Sgt. Bill Parmar. However, checks of the bus found no evidence of any hazardous materials. The passengers were treated and released at the scene. Transit police continue to investigate the incident. Photo: Contributed - Dave Ogilvie There was major damage, but minor injuries when a full-size sedan and a compact SUV collided in West Kelowna, Sunday afternoon. The collision happened on Brown Road at Bering Road about 4 p.m. It appears the car may have gone through the stop sign while the SUV continued on through a hedge and went into the front yard of a home on Brown Road, just missing a large tree. Firefighters, police and ambulance paramedics attended the scene. The female driver of the SUV was treated for about 20 minutes on scene in the ambulance. Photo: The Canadian Press UPDATE: 7:30 p.m. The death toll from a ferocious cyclone which tore through Fiji over the weekend has risen to 18 as authorities on Monday began to get a grasp on the scale of the disaster and deploy aid to hard-hit outer islands. Authorities were still having trouble communicating with some islands, including places like Koro Island which suffered some of the worst damage. And more than 6,000 residents across Fiji were staying in emergency shelters after their homes were broken or swamped. Winds from Cyclone Winston, which tore through Fiji over the weekend, reached 177 miles (285 kilometres) per hour, making it the strongest storm in the Southern Hemisphere since record-keeping began, according to the Weather Underground website. Getting emergency supplies to the group's far-flung islands and remote communities was the government's top priority said Ewan Perrin, Fiji's permanent secretary for communications. Home to 900,000 people, Fiji has more than 100 inhabited islands. "The logistics of getting supplies and equipment to remote communities is difficult," he said. "Some have lost their jetties and it's uncertain if airstrips are able to be landed on." Perrin said authorities on Monday were sending a vessel to Koro Island filled with medical supplies, food and water. He said crews on the boat would build temporary shelters for those people on the island whose homes had been destroyed. Perrin said the electricity network across Fiji remained patchy, and in some cases power had been deliberately cut to prevent further damage. He said clean water was also a challenge, and people were being asked to boil their water, treat it with chemicals or drink bottled water. Phone communications had been rapidly restored in many areas but in other areas the damage was severe and would take longer to fix, he said. He said Fijians were taking the disaster in stride. "The people here are fairly resilient and they're accustomed to these things happening," he said. "Most are going about their business or helping clean up. There's been a very well-co-ordinated disaster response and we're deploying quickly." Perrin said most of the people who died in the cyclone were hit by flying debris or were in buildings which collapsed. A handful of people had also been hospitalized with severe injuries, he said. Fijians were finally able to venture outside Monday after authorities lifted a curfew that had been imposed on Saturday evening. A 30-day declaration of a state of natural disaster remains in effect, giving police extraordinary powers. "The damage has been widespread, homes have been destroyed, many low-lying areas have flooded, and many people have been left stunned and confused about what to do," said Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in a televised address to the nation. He said that the police and military had been brought in to help with rescue operations and the general cleanup, and that government agencies were working overtime to clear roads and restore power. "This is a time of sorrow, but it will also be a time of action," Bainimarama said. "We will stand united in the face of this disaster." Tourism Minister Faiyaz Siddiq Koya said that all tourists in Fiji were safe and that there was no significant damage to the majority of hotels on the main island. Fiji is a popular tourist destination, known for its beach resorts and scuba diving. Cyclone Winston hit Fiji on Saturday and moved westward overnight along the northern coast of Viti Levu. Fiji's capital, Suva, located in the southern part of the main island, was not directly in the cyclone's path and avoided the worst of its destructive power. Authorities said that all schools would be closed for a week to allow time for the cleanup, and that three universities would be closed until further notice. The main international airport on Viti Levu has been reopened. ORIGINAL: 7 p.m. Fijians were finally able to venture outside Monday after authorities lifted a curfew but much of the country remained without electricity in the wake of a ferocious cyclone that left at least six people dead and destroyed hundreds of homes. Officials were scrambling to restore services and assess damage in remote parts of the Pacific Island chain. Winds from Cyclone Winston, which tore through Fiji over the weekend, reached 177 miles (285 kilometres) per hour, making it the strongest storm in the Southern Hemisphere since record-keeping began, according to the Weather Underground website. The government imposed the curfew on Saturday night and lifted it at 5:30 a.m. Monday. A 30-day declaration of a state of natural disaster remains in effect and empowers police to make arrests without warrants. In a televised address to the nation on Sunday, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said many people had been left without power, fresh water or communications. "The damage has been widespread, homes have been destroyed, many low-lying areas have flooded, and many people have been left stunned and confused about what to do," he said. He said that the police and military had been brought in to help with rescue operations and the general cleanup, and that government agencies were working overtime to clear roads and restore power. "This is a time of sorrow, but it will also be a time of action," Bainimarama said. "We will stand united in the face of this disaster." Officials were trying to establish communications and road access to the hardest-hit areas, and said they would not know the full extent of the damage and injuries until then. George Dregaso of Fiji's National Disaster Management Office said that two people on Ovalau Island died when the house they were sheltering in collapsed on them, and that another man was killed on Koro Island, although it wasn't clear how he died. Authorities also said three people on the main island of Viti Levu were killed in the storm, but didn't have more details. Tourism Minister Faiyaz Siddiq Koya said that all tourists in Fiji were safe and that there was no significant damage to the majority of hotels on the main island. Fiji is a popular tourist destination, known for its beach resorts and scuba diving. Cyclone Winston hit Fiji on Saturday and moved westward overnight along the northern coast of Viti Levu. Fiji's capital, Suva, located in the southern part of the main island, was not directly in the cyclone's path and avoided the worst of its destructive power. "Truth be told, we've gotten off pretty lightly here in the capital," said Alice Clements, a spokeswoman for UNICEF. "It was still a pretty awful night. You could hear crashing trees and power lines, and popping rivets as roofs got lifted and ripped out." She said there was foliage everywhere that looked like it had been put through a blender. About 80 per cent of the nation's 900,000 people were without regular power, although about one-third of them were able to get some electricity from generators, said Dregaso, the disaster office official. Landlines throughout Fiji were down, but most mobile networks were working. Dregaso said 483 people evacuated their homes and were staying in 32 emergency shelters. He said he expected the number of evacuees to rise. Authorities said that all schools would be closed for a week to allow time for the cleanup, and that three universities would be closed until further notice. Clements, the UNICEF spokeswoman, said there was particular concern for people on the northern part of the main island and on smaller islands. She said that many would have lost their homes and livelihoods, and that some tourist resorts on the outer islands may have been damaged. The airport reopened Sunday to allow emergency flights, Dregaso said. Many flights had been cancelled the day before. Photo: Google Maps UPDATE: 11:45 a.m. Pete Wise, search and rescue coordinator, says all of the missing snowmobilers were found alive and safe. They were flown out out by helicopter to base, says Wise. Details of the snowmobilers ordeal is not yet available as the group has not yet been debriefed. We will have more details on the rescue as they become available. ORIGINAL: 8:50 a.m. Vernon Search and Rescue crews are looking for six missing snowmobilers east of Cherryville. According to search manager Coralie Nairn, the snowmobilers did not return home as scheduled Sunday night. There are currently 11 search and rescue members searching on the ground and an additional five in a helicopter winch rescue team in the air in a Wildcat Helicopter. Nairn says they are searching at the tip of North Forks Road, near Mount Severide, in the Pinnacle Peaks region, about 25 kilometres east of Cherryville. She says crews have conducted as much of a ground search as they safely can without triggering an avalanche, and are waiting for further details from an airborne avalanche technician. We have searched all we were able to do without triggering any slides, now our avalanche support will determine which areas we can search further, says Nairn. We have seven or eight snowmobilers ready to deploy as soon as we get the feedback from our avalanche technician. Volunteers with the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) are also there on standby, waiting to attempt a third flight over the search area. We were called at midnight and dispatched an airplane with four crew as well as two ground crew, says John Jorimann, PEP air deputy. We took off at 2 a.m. He said clouds and a snowstorm prevented the Cherokee Turbo Arrow from getting right over the search area. At this point, it is unclear where the missing snowmobilers are from. Castanet will have more details as they become available. -- With files from Kate Bouey Photo: Contributed - volunteertoronto.ca Immigrant services in Kelowna and Vernon have been notified that five Syrian families will be arriving in each community by the end of the month. Classified as government-sponsored refugees, the families are currently living outside of Syria and are expected to fly directly to Toronto before arriving in Kelowna, said Carol Wutzke, executive director of Vernon and District Immigrant Services Society. It's not known if they are in refugee camps. We don't have any background on them except they are larger families, said Wutzke. We could be getting 50 people or 30 or 40 (in Vernon). We have been told that 60 per cent of the population is 18 and under. Interior Health and school districts as well as relevant groups in both cities have been notified. We're all ready to go, Wutzke stated. However, there is still the question of where the families will live. We're looking for temporary accommodation, Wutzke conceded. We'd prefer one place rather than spread out, so we need five rooms with kitchenettes and adjoining rooms. Kelowna Immigrant Services is looking for a two- or three-bedroom house for at least some of the families. If someone has a place to rent, we'd be thrilled to speak with them, said settlement worker Doreen Rosvold, adding the Kelowna-bound families may be put in temporary accommodation, if necessary. The families are expected to arrive within the next 10 days. Okanagan groups expecting refugees are to undergo training in Kelowna on Tuesday, put on by the Vancouver-based Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia. It is not known if all of the families will arrive at once, however, both groups stressed that privacy is important. We need to keep (their arrival) confidential, said Wutzke. What they've been through is shocking. We are sensitive to guarding the privacy of the families, said Rosvold. I have spoken to families already living here. While some are willing to be interviewed, they are concerned for family members still in Syria and what could happen to them if any pictures got out. Photo: Contributed http://vernonsar.ca/gallery/index.php?g=27 The six snowmobilers who failed to return home Sunday evening, are in good condition and were well prepared according to Vernon Search and Rescue. Trevor Honigman, with Vernon SAR, said the snowmobilers were unable to safely return to their vehicles due to heavy fog and fresh snow. They hunkered down and built a snow cave and lit a fire, he said. Unfortunately, they didn't have any communications, no satellite phone, which would have been much better. Initially Search and Rescue were called out at about 10 p.m., Sunday, to look for the missing snowmobilers, but their exact location was unknown. They were reported to be in an area east of Cherryville. At midnight, we located their vehicles so we knew what area they were in, said Honigman. The search started with two volunteers on snowmobiles, and at first light a level two avalanche technician came in and assessed where could be searched safely. Civil Air Search and Rescue Association was then called in, along with volunteers from the Vernon and Kelowna snowmobile clubs, who were sent in to search in three teams of five with an avalanche technician on each team. A helicopter winch rescue team was also called out. The snowmobilers were spotted late Monday morning by the chopper while transitioning between search areas. If you have just started your journey in an online casino or are looking for a new site to play,... Mean Chhi Vun1; Romeo R. Galang2; Masami Fujita3; William Killam4; Runa Gokhale2; John Pitman5; Dejana Selenic5; Sovatha Mam1; Chandara Mom1; Didier Fontenille6; Francois Rouet6; Saphonn Vonthanak7 (View author affiliations) View suggested citation Summary What is already known about this topic? Unsafe medical injection practices have been reported in Cambodia during the last decade. Current national human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence estimates do not include HIV transmission risk associated with unsafe injection or blood transfusion. HIV testing and surveillance in Cambodia are focused on high risk groups, including men who have sex with men, persons who inject drugs, and commercial sex workers. What is added by this report? The largest cluster of new HIV infections ever attributed to unsafe injections among a general population was reported in a rural area of Cambodia; 2.7% of residents were infected. The outbreak was detected after increased demand for HIV testing by residents who perceived themselves to be at risk after exposure to an unlicensed provider of injections and intravenous infusions. What are the implications for public health practice? HIV prevention strategies that target specific populations often do not consider the risk for HIV transmission via unsafe injections in the general population. Further studies are needed to clarify HIV prevalence in general populations where HIV risk perception is low; quantify the risk for other bloodborne infections (e.g., hepatitis C) via unsafe injections; understand public demand for medical injections; and improve health care workers injection practices in the public and private sectors. Measures to reduce both the demand for unnecessary medical injections and the provision of unsafe injections are needed. Article Metrics Altmetric: Metric Details References Related Materials pdf icon In December 2014, local health authorities in Battambang province in northwest Cambodia reported 30 cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in a rural commune (district subdivision) where only four cases had been reported during the preceding year. The majority of cases occurred in residents of Roka commune. The Cambodian National Center for HIV/AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (NCHADS) investigated the outbreak in collaboration with the University of Health Sciences in Phnom Penh and members of the Roka Cluster Investigation Team. By February 28, 2015, NCHADS had confirmed 242 cases of HIV infection among the 8,893 commune residents, an infection rate of 2.7%. Molecular investigation of the HIV strains present in this outbreak indicated that the majority of cases were linked to a single HIV strain that spread quickly within this community. An NCHADS case-control study identified medical injections and infusions as the most likely modes of transmission. In response to this outbreak, the Government of Cambodia has taken measures to encourage safe injection practices by licensed medical professionals, ban unlicensed medical practitioners, increase local capacity for HIV testing and counseling, and expand access to HIV treatment in Battambang province. Measures to reduce the demand for unnecessary medical injections and the provision of unsafe injections are needed. Estimates of national HIV incidence and prevalence might need to be adjusted to account for unsafe injection as a risk exposure. The Roka Cluster Investigation Team initiated an investigation to confirm cases, identify risk factors, and recommend control strategies. Data from antiretroviral therapy (ART) sites and registers of community-based HIV/AIDS care programs were reviewed to exclude persons with existing HIV diagnoses. Specimens that had tested HIV-positive by HIV rapid test kit were laboratory confirmed using an enzyme immunoassay (Serodia, Fujirebio Diagnostics, Japan). Specimens were also tested for antibody to hepatitis C (anti-HCV) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). A case-control study was undertaken to identify risk factors associated with HIV infection. Controls were selected from commune residents who tested HIV-negative at the time of the study and were matched by age, sex, and place of residence. To describe the number and size of HIV infection clusters among the outbreak cases, phylogenetic analysis was performed on blood specimens from case patients by the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge. Limiting-antigen (LAg) Avidity assay testing was performed to identify recent infection. The index patient was a resident of Roka commune with tuberculosis, aged 74 years, who received a diagnosis of HIV infection on November 12, 2014. (Figure) Two of the index patients family members also tested positive for HIV during the same period. The family alleged that the infections were linked to medical injections received from an unlicensed health practitioner. These allegations triggered a surge in demand for HIV testing by other commune residents. During November 2014February 2015, a total of 2,045 commune residents underwent HIV testing. Overall, 242 confirmed HIV cases were identified, including 52 (22%) in children aged <14 years, and 51 (21%) in adults aged >60 years. One hundred fifty cases (62%) were in females. Four women aged >60 years and one girl aged 7 months died after their HIV diagnoses; the causes of death are unknown. As of January 19, among 102 patient specimens tested, 72 (70.6%) were positive for anti-HCV, and eight (7.8%) were positive for HBsAg. Current national data are not available for comparison; however, population prevalence of anti-HCV and HBsAg in the neighboring province of Siem Riep are estimated at 5.8% and 4.6%, respectively (1). An investigation of the provincial blood transfusion center ruled out blood transfusion as a source of infection in this cluster. Preliminary results from the case-control study indicated that cases were nearly five times as likely as controls to have received an intravenous or intramuscular injection, and four times as likely as controls to have received an intravenous infusion during the preceding 6 months. Phylogenetic analyses of the C2-V3 region of the HIV-1 gp120 gene, and related protease and reverse transcriptase genes demonstrated clustering of HIV viral strains among the outbreak cases and similarity between strains identified in the outbreak and other strains in Southeast Asia. Preliminary incidence assay results (Sedia LAg Avidity enzyme immunoassay, Sedia Biosciences Corporation, Portland, Oregon) suggested that 30% of infections in this outbreak could be classified as having occurred within the 130 days preceding specimen collection. Concurrent to the case-control study, NCHADS implemented confirmatory HIV testing, conducted community outreach, and supported the scale-up of voluntary HIV testing and counseling in the commune and in the provincial capital (Battambang City). ART services were established at the Roka village health center, complementing existing ART services at the Battambang regional hospital. By January 16, 2015, a total of 207 patients, including 179 adults and 28 children (86% of the 242 identified patients with HIV) had initiated ART; the remaining patients were registered in pre-ART care. A majority of the confirmed cases in this outbreak were from a population not associated with commercial sex work, men who have sex with men (MSM), or injection drug use, the primary risk factors driving Cambodias HIV epidemic (2). The clustering of HIV cases across age groups and other evidence indicating high demand for medical injections in Cambodia further support the likelihood of transmission via injection, intravenous infusion, or other invasive medical procedures (3). Discussion Cambodia has successfully reduced national HIV incidence and contained HIV prevalence among commercial sex workers, MSM, and persons who inject drugs. However, this outbreak highlights the risk for HIV transmission in the general population through unsafe medical injections (2). HIV transmission by unsafe medical injections has not historically been prioritized in Cambodias national HIV prevention strategy, which has focused on transmission associated with sex and injection drug use, and, to a lesser extent, blood safety. Demand for medical injections among Cambodian adults is high, averaging 2.6 injections per person per year, compared with countries such as Vietnam (1.5 injections per person per year), India (2.0), and Nepal (1.2) (4). On average, women in Cambodia receive more injections per year (3.3 per person per year, weighted 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 3.13.6) than men (1.9, 95% CI = 1.72.2), but in some provinces, women receive as many as 5.9 injections per year on average (5). The proportion of injections administered with reused equipment in this cluster is unknown; however, a 2013 study estimated 5.5% reuse in the Western Pacific region (4). Analyses of Cambodias 2005 Demographic Health Survey data indicate that 14,618 HIV-negative persons received an average of 2.0 (95% CI = 1.82.1) medical injections per person per year, whereas 84 HIV-positive persons received an average of 7.2 (95% CI = 2.611.8) medical injections per person per year. Despite this substantial difference, it is not known whether HIV infection resulted from medical injections, or whether persons living with HIV receive more medical injections because they are sicker. Furthermore, a portion of the association among HIV-infected persons might be confounded by injections received for other sexually transmitted infections (6). The per-act risk for HIV transmission from unsafe medical injections has been estimated among select populations and within nosocomial outbreak settings globally. The risks for transmission among persons who inject drugs and share needles and among health care workers with occupational exposure through percutaneous needle-stick injuries were estimated at 63 and 23 per 10,000 acts, respectively (7); however the authors reported wide confidence intervals because of a lack of uniformity in these exposures. A recent outbreak of HIV infections among persons who inject drugs in a rural community in the United States also illustrated the explosive outbreak potential when HIV is introduced into settings where contaminated needles are shared (8). Nosocomial HIV outbreaks, as recently demonstrated in Kyrgyzstan, have demonstrated the potential for overuse of medical injections to cause outbreaks in low-risk populations in countries with HIV epidemics that are concentrated in certain high-risk groups (9). In these nosocomial outbreaks, HIV transmission risk per injection with HIV-contaminated equipment has been estimated to be as high as 2%7% (7,10). In 2004, it was estimated that 1%5% of new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa might be associated with unsafe medical injections (6). The findings in this report are subject to at least three limitations. First, case identification might be limited to persons who sought HIV testing because of perceived risk of infection related to an unlicensed practitioner rather than with an unsafe injection, leading to a possible underestimation of the total number of cases. Second, findings from the case-control study support an association between medical injection and HIV infection; however, a causal relationship could not be established. Finally, the type and frequency of procedures and the type of equipment used are unknown, limiting ability to identify specific practices (e.g., contamination of multidose medication vials, and sharing of needle or infusion equipment) associated with HIV infection. The Cambodian government has issued guidance to local health departments to increase enforcement of medical licensing regulations and holds monthly meetings to monitor progress toward this goal. Planning is underway to expand HIV surveillance and evaluate medical injection risk factors elsewhere in Cambodia. Future interventions will seek to reduce public demand for medical injections nationally, and raise health care worker awareness about infection control as well as noninjectable alternatives. Cambodias current national HIV prevalence and incidence estimates are based on models that do not include risk factors associated with unsafe injections or blood transfusion. Given the high prevalence of medical injection use in Cambodia, the contribution of medical injection overuse to Cambodias national HIV burden might be higher than estimated. Efforts should be made to educate health care workers and communities at large on safe injection practices to reduce the demand for unnecessary medical injections and increase injection safety. National HIV prevention strategies should be expanded to monitor unsafe injections as a mode of transmission. Globally, a need exists for tools to estimate HIV risk in low-prevalence countries where substantial proportions of the population are regularly exposed to unnecessary and potentially unsafe injections. Acknowledgments Students, faculty, staff members, Cambodia University of Health Sciences; FHI 360, North Carolina; ARV Users Association, Cambodia; AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the Netherlands; Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital, Cambodia; Dr. Dora Warren, CDC Cambodia Country Director (20092015). Corresponding author: Romeo R. Galang, RGalang@cdc.gov, 404-639-6387. 1Cambodia National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STD; 2Epidemic Intelligence Service, CDC; 3World Health Organization, Cambodia; 4Division of Global HIV/AIDS, CDC, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; 5Division of Global HIV/AIDS, CDC; 6Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; 7Cambodia University of Health Sciences. FIGURE. Number of persons (N = 242) infected with human immunodeficiency virus, by date of diagnosis Roka Commune, Cambodia, November 9, 2014February 28, 2015 Abbreviations: HIV = human immunodeficiency virus; NCHADS = National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases; TB = tuberculosis. Suggested citation for this article: Vun MC, Galang RR, Fujita M, et al. Cluster of HIV Infections Attributed to Unsafe Injection Practices Cambodia, December 1, 2014February 28, 2015. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:142145. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6506a2external icon. Arabian Cement Co launches new cement brand in Egypt 22 February 2016 Arabian Cement Company (ACC) recently announced the launch of its latest OPC brand in Egypt, under the brand name "Al Nasr". "We are extremely pleased to announce launching our new cement brand in Egypt, which reinforces our position as one of the largest cement producers in the market," said Jose Maria Magrina, ACC chief executive officer. "Projected to increase our competitiveness in the designated regions by diversifying our customer base to include price-sensitive customers, Al Nasr is currently launched in Cairo, Giza and Qlayoubia. ACC will continue to produce Al Mosalah [brand] in the other Delta markets," said Hassan Gabry, ACC chief commercial officer. Published under The Chattanooga Zoo announces the successful hatching of a group of Hellbender eggs collected from the wild here in East Tennessee. This is the first hellbender hatching on Chattanooga Zoo grounds. The Chattanooga Zoo has been working on Hellbender conservation on-site and in-field since 2009. Due to catastrophic population collapse across the state, the Chattanooga Zoo teamed up with the Nashville Zoos Ectotherm department to collect eggs and begin setting up a head start program for east and middle Tennessee. Working in partnership with the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, the Nashville Zoo, The University of Tennessee, and Lee University, they will rear this group of juvenile hellbenders for several years until they are mature enough to monitor in the wild. Once they reach maturity, they will be released into a suitable stream in East Tennessee where species sightings no longer occur. Officials said that creating head start programs for this species will give each individual animal a better chance of survival. Because they will be larger when released into the wild, they are easier to study, either by traditional methods or radio transmitters, which is essential for gathering data. Without human intervention of field research, head start programs, habitat protect and restoration, and animal reintroductions, we will lose the species to extinction. Our Ectotherm department and partners work diligently to better understand these animals in efforts to save and protect them for years to come, said David Hedrick, Chattanooga Zoo ectotherm keeper III. Formerly found in streams throughout middle and east Tennessee, officials said hellbenders have experienced a steep decline throughout the state over the past thirty years. Declining populations are due to degraded water quality, sedimentation, pollution, and habitat loss from dams and other developments. A decade of field research has recently verified only six remaining streams that have healthy, self-sustaining populations in Tennessee. We hope through our conservation efforts, public education, and partnerships to be able to help reverse this trend of population decline in Tennessee Hellbenders. "It is so rewarding to see our hellbender hatching and how our conservation initiatives are working towards saving this species in the wild, but we could not do it without our partners. We would like to thank our local conservation partners, the Terminal Brewhouse, and Mohawk Canoes for their support in our efforts to save the hellbender," officials said. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is one of 25 national parks selected to receive a 2016 Active Trails grant from the National Park Foundation, the official charity of Americas national parks. This grant will be used to encourage first-time visitors to Find their Park in their own backyard. Now in its eight year, the Active Trails program supports healthy living by getting people out and active in national parks through projects promoting recreation and exercise. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park hosts active recreational opportunities to bike, kayak, canoe and hike while learning about the parks history and resources, said Kim Coons, chief of interpretation and resource education. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with a local nonprofit, Glass House Collective. Together we plan to provide support for an urban, underserved neighborhood in East Chattanooga to discover our parks. Sherman Reservation, a 50-acre public attraction, is located at the north end of a community that is undergoing revitalization," said Teal Thibaud, executive director of Glass House Collective. "Thanks to our Active Trails program, were also able to interact with Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in a much more intensive way in order to make it easier for people of all backgrounds to participate. Our residents will discover how they can actively enjoy our national parks in ways that speak to their unique interests." Since 2008, the National Park Foundation has granted more than $3.85 million through its Active Trails program. As of early 2015, Active Trails has engaged more than 12,000 volunteers and 740 project partners. National parks, both urban, and rural, can provide opportunities to improve ones physical and mental health, said Sara Newman, director of the Office of Public Health at the National Park Service. The scientific evidence is mounting to demonstrate that physical activity in the outdoors can lead to numerous health benefits, and we are proud our parks are a health resource for the nation. These National Park Foundation grants will help all visitors experience our parks as places to recreate, inspire, reflect, and be active. The entire list of the 2016 Active Trails recipients can be found here. The Active Trails projects are examples of the ways there are to #FindYourPark. Launched in March 2015, FindYour Park/Encuentra Tu Parque is a public awareness and education movement to inspire people from all backgrounds to connect with, celebrate, and support Americas national parks and community-based programs. Celebrating the National Park Service Centennial and setting the stage for the Services next 100 years, #FindYourPark, invites people to discover and share their own unique connections to our nations natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. The National Park Foundation wishes to thank The Coca-Cola Company and The Coca-Cola Foundation for their generous support of the Active Trails program. These are nanoscale glass structures that filter or manipulate light. Researchers at RMIT University and the University of Adelaide have joined forces to create a stretchable nano-scale device to manipulate light. The device manipulates light to such an extent that it can filter specific colours while still being transparent and could be used in the future to make smart contact lenses. Using the technology, high-tech lenses could one day filter harmful optical radiation without interfering with vision - or in a more advanced version, transmit data and gather live vital information or even show information like a head-up display. The light manipulation relies on creating tiny artificial crystals termed "dielectric resonators", which are a fraction of the wavelength of light - 100-200 nanometers. The research combined the University of Adelaide researchers' expertise in interaction of light with artificial materials with the materials science and nanofabrication expertise at RMIT University. Dr Withawat Withayachumnankul, from the University of Adelaide's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, said: "Manipulation of light using these artificial crystals uses precise engineering. "With advanced techniques to control the properties of surfaces, we can dynamically control their filter properties, which allow us to potentially create devices for high data-rate optical communication or smart contact lenses. "The current challenge is that dielectric resonators only work for specific colours, but with our flexible surface we can adjust the operation range simply by stretching it." Associate Professor Madhu Bhaskaran, Co-Leader of the Functional Materials and Microsystems Research Group at RMIT, said the devices were made on a rubber-like material used for contact lenses. "We embed precisely-controlled crystals of titanium oxide, a material that is usually found in sunscreen, in these soft and pliable materials," she said. "Both materials are proven to be bio-compatible, forming an ideal platform for wearable optical devices. "By engineering the shape of these common materials, we can create a device that changes properties when stretched. This modifies the way the light interacts with and travels through the device, which holds promise of making smart contact lenses and stretchable colour changing surfaces." Lead author and RMIT researcher Dr. Philipp Gutruf said the major scientific hurdle overcome by the team was combining high temperature processed titanium dioxide with the rubber-like material, and achieving nanoscale features. "With this technology, we now have the ability to develop light weight wearable optical components which also allow for the creation of futuristic devices such as smart contact lenses or flexible ultra thin smartphone cameras," Gutruf said. So much wealth today is predicated on moving money around or strip-mining businesses by cutting costs, benefits and ultimately workers to benefit those at the top of the food chain but chewing up those below. Some not that far down, actually. First amaro hit the scene. Then sherry started making a move. Now it looks like Spanish vermouth is trying to muscle its way into the hearts and mouths of Chicagoans. And it's working. A number of restaurants around the city from MFK to Vera to Black Bull to Salero and Mercat a la Planxa even Autre Monde in Berwyn all feature Spanish vermouth, some on tap, many in bottles, oftentimes for sipping straight or on the rocks with a lemon twist. Advertisement Spanish vermouth, an aromatized fortified wine, tends to be lighter and sweeter in taste without a lot of the bitterness of Italian and French varieties such as Dolin, Carpano Antica and, of course, Martini & Rossi. And much of that difference comes from the frequently shrouded-in-secrecy variety of botanicals herbs and spices that get infused with the wine base to produce both red and white, dry and sweet Spanish vermouth. "The Spanish are very coveted with their recipes," said Liz Mendez, co-owner and beverage director at Vera in Fulton Market. "They're using a lot of citrus and chamomile in addition to the usual things. We've seen some beautiful white vermouths using that and it can work in the same way people are infusing teas in cocktails." Advertisement Mendez suggests that patrons sip vermouth on the rocks, but Vera also uses Spanish varieties in all of its classic cocktails, like a Manhattan with red vermouth. Or bartenders will make a twist on that drink called the Via Sevilla that subs amontillado sherry for the rye. She suggests Vera's Spanish Voyage white Acha vermouth with brut cava as an entry point for someone wanting to experiment with vermouth. "The herbaceousness and a little bitterness and citrus really shine through with the cava," she said. "It's a gateway drink." The rise in popularity for Spanish vermouth in America is directly related to the resurgence being seen in bars across Madrid, Barcelona and elsewhere in Spain, according to W. Craig Cooper, beverage director at Pops for Champagne and co-owner of the now-shuttered Wicker Park cava bar Bom Bolla, which had a robust vermouth selection. Vermouth used to be looked at as an old person's drink, something the gray hairs would sit around sipping at a table in a courtyard. Not anymore. "It's now fashionable in Barcelona and smaller cities in the south," Cooper said. "With vermouth, there's a simplicity to it. They're great during the day. They're not high in alcohol. They're refreshing, there's variety and there's tastiness to them." That makes it easy for people to take "vermouth hour," during which they will get a bottle of vermouth from producers like Acha (or Atxa as it's spelled in the Basque region), Lacuesta or Yzaguirre. They'll pour it over some ice, add a twist of lemon, a slice or orange or an olive and sip away. More and more places are putting vermouth, or vermut as it's called in Spain, on tap. If you're looking for that authentic Spanish sipping experience, head to Black Bull in Wicker Park. There, owner Daniel Alonso has both red and white styles from Acha that he recommends drinking over ice. Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > "Vermouth is a beautiful, aromatic wine that is key in many cocktails, but great on its own," Alonso said. "That may be the most exciting trend as it represents a complete about-face to what we as Americans know about vermouth. A decade ago it was something that only 'ruined' martinis. Now it captures the taste buds and the imagination." While the selection is still somewhat limited, consumers can look at Binny's and Perman Wine Selections (and soon at the recently opened Spanish Square in Lakeview) for various brands, including Miro de Reus and Perucchi. Prices for a bottle range from $16 to $35 with the average around $23. As Spanish vermouth leans toward the lighter, slightly sweet side, Craig Perman said he's seeing more people asking for it at his West Loop shop. Many people think vermouth is a spirit, but it's a wine and they need to treat it as such. "Vermouth is a good alternative to bubbles or white wine," Perman said. "You have to treat it like a wine. You want to take a bottle and think about drinking it that night or the next day. It will degrade a bit." And where we're likely not at a tipping point yet, vermouth has become enough of a trend that former Dawson bar director Annemarie Sagoi, who also just opened a bar in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is working on opening vermouth-focused bar Artemisia in Chicago. She held off from revealing the neighborhood but said it will open this year. Why vermouth? Advertisement "I enjoy the layers of complexity they give you," Sagoi said via email from Cambodia. "There is such a variety of expressions starting from the base grape to the infinite combinations of herbs and spices that are infused. I also think we are coming around to the age of 'taste' not 'consume.' Low-ABV (alcohol by volume) cocktails are gaining popularity because Americans are understanding the goal of alcohol doesn't have to be getting drunk; it should be appreciation of taste and enjoyment." Sounds like something a Spaniard might say. Ari Bendersky is a freelance writer. A test that looks for blood in stool is one of the ways to screen for colorectal cancer, a leading cause of cancer deaths. (BSIP / Getty Images) Just a few weeks after she turned 17, Danielle Burgess was diagnosed with colon cancer. Burgess had been noticing blood in her stool for several years, but she shrugged it off after consulting Dr. Google and self-diagnosing hemorrhoids. Advertisement By the time she went to the doctor to have a colonoscopy, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. "It wasn't great but they gave me a lot of treatment options," said Burgess of Kansas City, Mo. Advertisement Six months later she was cancer-free. Doctors continued to monitor her colon (large intestine) every three years. In 2009, when she was 25, a growth on her colon once again tested positive for cancer. "Luckily, they caught it early," said Burgess, now 32. Colorectal cancer, a malignancy that occurs in the colon or rectum, is a leading cause of cancer deaths. This year, it's expected to claim the lives of nearly 50,000 people in the United States. It's also largely preventable. Screening tests can detect and remove abnormalities before they have a chance to turn cancerous or spot problems in the early stages, when the disease is more responsive to treatment. The American Cancer Society and other groups say that screening for most men and women should begin at age 50. Even so, many choose to ignore this advice. Roughly one-third of the country's eligible adults haven't been screened for colorectal cancer as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC estimates that if everyone age 50 and up had regular testing, at least 60 percent of deaths from this cancer could be avoided. "In nearly every case, colon cancer begins with a small growth called a polyp, which over time turns into a large polyp, and eventually turns into cancer," said Dr. David Greenwald, director of clinical gastroenterology and endoscopy at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. "This process takes many years to occur; if polyps are removed when they are small or even when they are big, but before they turn into cancer, colon cancer is prevented." If found in its earliest stages and if the cancer hasn't spread, the survival rate beyond 5 years is 90 percent, said Durado Brooks, managing director of cancer control intervention for the American Cancer Society. If it has already spread, the survival rate drops to 12 percent beyond 5 years. Advertisement "Our treatments are much, much more effective at the early stage," Brooks said. There are numerous ways to screen for colorectal cancer, and several organizations have issued their own guidelines. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening using high-sensitivity fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy beginning at age 50 and continuing until age 75, at which point the decision to continue screening should be made on an individual basis depending on the person's overall health and screening history. The tests the task force recommends: High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) to detect blood in the stool, a possible sign of cancer. People get a kit and collect small samples of stool that are sent to a lab. This test should be done annually. Flexible sigmoidoscopy, where doctors use a thin, flexible, lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope to examine the interior walls of the rectum and the lower third of the colon. Should be done every five years in conjunction with FOBT/FIT every three years. Advertisement Colonoscopy, similar to a sigmoidoscopy but uses a longer colonoscope tube to look at the inside walls of the rectum and the entire colon. Should be done every 10 years. During the procedure, tissue samples may be collected for further testing or polyps may be removed. Colonoscopies are often performed as a follow-up if abnormalities are picked up by other screening methods. Doctors say they've heard a plethora of excuses from patients who've put off screening. "Some excuses for not undergoing screening include a fear of being diagnosed with cancer," said Dr. Andrew Chan, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. "Other patients do not want to undergo endoscopic screening tests because they are afraid of pain or discomfort. For these patients, I explain that the vast majority of patients do not experience discomfort since they are given sedatives and pain medicines during the procedures." The American Cancer Society's recommendations include additional screening options, such as an X-ray of the colon and rectum called a double-contrast barium enema, and a CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy), where X-rays and computers create images of the entire colon. Both require that the colon is completely empty before testing, so patients need to do a colon-cleansing prep, same as they would with a standard colonoscopy. The society also recommends a stool DNA test every three years that entails sending a bowel movement to a lab to be checked for cancer cells. "They (stool tests) may not be as sensitive as colonoscopy, and some patients also worry about having to manipulate fecal matter," Chan said. "However, any screening is better than no screening exam." Advertisement While most adults can wait until 50 to start routine screening, tests should begin earlier and be done more frequently for those at higher risk, such as people with inflammatory bowel disease or a strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps. People also need to be vigilant about symptoms no matter what their age. Just before Susan Cohan's 40th birthday in 2002, Cohan experienced stomach pain and rectal bleeding. She saw several doctors who prescribed laxatives rather than referring her to a gastroenterologist. Cohan ended up in the emergency room in incredible pain. She was diagnosed with advanced stage colon cancer and told she had a couple of months to live, said her father, David Cohan, president of the Baltimore-based Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation. "Susan died two years later after a heroic battle," her father said. "We urge anyone regardless of age with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding or continuous constipation to get screened for colon cancer." Danielle Braff is a freelance reporter. The City of Chicago moved the bust of Jean Baptist Point du Sable Wednesday Feb. 17, 2016, from it's home on the east side of Michigan Avenue on Pioneer Court to the west side of the street in front of the Wrigley Building where it will stay until work on Pioneer Square is completed in 2017. (Nancy Stone, Chicago Tribune) The bronze bust of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable still sits on the Magnificent Mile but has been temporarily moved from Pioneer Court to outside the Wrigley Building across the street due to upcoming construction for a new Apple store. The bust set atop a granite pedestal was installed in 2009 north of the Chicago River and the DuSable Bridge to honor the city's founder at the site where he opened the first trading post. Advertisement The statue will be reinstalled at its original location on the east side of Michigan Avenue after the construction of the Riverfront Retail development is completed in 2017, Zeller Realty Group said in a news release. The Riverfront Retail project at 401 N. Michigan Ave. includes a glass-enclosed Apple flagship store. Construction will start this spring for the Apple store, a spokeswoman for the Zeller Realty Group said. "Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable played a key role establishing the settlement along the Chicago River, which became the city we know and love today," sculptor Erik Blome said in the news release. "Working with Zeller Realty Group and the City of Chicago, we will ensure DuSable's statue remains in perfect condition and close to his home, allowing all visitors and residents to learn about his important place in Chicago's history." Advertisement Serge Pierre-Louis, president of the DuSable Heritage Association in Chicago, said the DuSable Coalition should have been consulted about the move and the public should have been notified ahead of time and given an explanation. He learned about the move only a few weeks before it was relocated last week. "It's been there long enough for people to understand it is part of the history of Chicago. One cannot decide to move things around without involving all the parties that have an interest in the history of our city," said Pierre-Louis, who is leading efforts to also develop DuSable Park, honoring the city's first non-native settler on the east side of Lake Shore Drive, across from the Spire skyscraper hole. Zeller Realty Group worked with the office of Ald. Brendan Reilly, 42nd, and the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, which was in close communication with Friends of DuSable and the Haitian Consulate during the transition, a spokeswoman said. lvivanco@tribpub.com Listings are subject to change. Please call the venue in advance. Thursday, Feb. 25 Advertisement Advanced Exporting: This webinar is for the advanced global operational or sales professional. Learn invaluable tips for successfully managing key export challenges. Increase your engagement with global customers, vet key service providers and review common export violation requirements. EAR and ITAR advanced overview are included. 1 p.m. Thursday, College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, $30, 847-543-2033 Used Book Sale: Hundreds of books -- secular and Judaic, adult's and children's -- are for sale at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El. All hardcover books, $2; all paperbacks, $1. Cash or checks only. The public may enter through the synagogue office doors. 10 a.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. Friday, 1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. Contact Rachel Kamin at rkamin@nssbethel.org or by calling 847-926-7902 Advertisement Space Station: A Lab Aloft: The International Space Station is a cutting-edge Earth-orbiting laboratory where astronauts from all over the world live for six months at a time (or more) and conduct amazing experiments. What is daily life like aboard this enormous spaceport? How does the science research benefit humanity on Earth? Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the space station led by the Adler Planetarium's Michelle Nichols. 7 p.m. Thursday, Lake Bluff Public Library, 123 E. Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff, free, 847-234-2540 Thursday Night Emotions Anonymous: Depressed? Anxious? Emotions Anonymous is a Twelve Step organization similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. Membership is composed of people who come together in weekly meetings for the purpose of working toward recovery from emotional difficulties. The only requirement for membership is a desire to become well emotionally. 7 p.m. Thursday, Christ Church of Lake Forest, 100 N. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, free "Educating Rita": Directed by Mark Lococo and featuring Si Osborne and Jess Thigpen, "Educating Rita" by Willy Russell is about 20-something Rita who is bored with her life as a hairstylist. She decides to go back to school, where Frank, a middle-aged, alcoholic and divorced professor, takes her on as a student to pay his bar tabs. The two have a profound effect on one other, each opening the other's eyes. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Citadel Theatre Co., 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, $35-37.50, 847-735-8554 Cancer with Grace support group: Cancer with Grace offers spiritual and emotional support in a confidential setting to help participants live each day to the fullest. 1:30 p.m. Thursday, First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, 700 N. Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, free, 847-234-6250 Friday, Feb. 26 Taste of Shabbat Service and Program: Congregation Ahavat Olam gathers on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month to celebrate Shabbat with a warm, very musical and participatory service led by Cantor Nancy Landsman. "Taste of Shabbat" is a very brief service without prayer books on the 4th Friday of each month. It is followed by a discussion with guest speakers on a variety of topics. Open to the public. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Christ United Methodist Church of Deerfield, 600 Deerfield Road, Deerfield, free, 312-431-3632 Minions' Minyan: Young Family Shabbat: Welcome Shabbat with fun, music and a story. Tots (and adults) are welcome to wear their PJs. Membership not required. 6 p.m. Friday, Har Shalom at Lakeside, 1221 Lake Cook Road, Highland Park, free, 847-814-7456 Saturday, Feb. 27 Advertisement Moriah 11th Art and Jewelry Fair: Featuring the best work of more than 50 internationally acclaimed artists from Israel and North America. The 2016 show is expanding to include Maskit, a luxury women's ready-to-wear brand launched in Israel in 1954 by Ruth Dayan. 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. Monday, Moriah Congregation, 200 Taub Drive, Deerfield, $10 covers all three days, 847-948-5340 Open House at Country Meadows Montessori School: This open house is for families to tour the school, meet the teaching staff and learn about the curriculum. Country Meadows serves children from 12 months until 14 years of age in an environment of respect and individualized attention. 10 a.m. Saturday, Country Meadows Montessori School, 6151 Washington St., Gurnee, free, 847-244-9352 Pilates Group Reformer Classes: Tuesdays, stretch class at noon. Wednesdays, group mat at 10 a.m and group reformer, 11 a.m. Saturdays, group reformer at 10 a.m. and group mat, 11 a.m. Pilates Center North Shore, 1898 1st St., Highland Park. Stretch class, $10. Group mat class, $15 or $120 for 10. Group reformer class $35 or $300 for 10. Preregister by calling 847-266-1512 Zumba fitness class: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, JCYS Lutz Family Center, 800 Clavey Road, Highland Park, $10, 312-961-8484 1-on-1 tech help: Teen volunteers provide help with cell phones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras, email, social media and the Internet. Patrons may drop in during morning hours. 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Cook Park Library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, free, 847-362-2330 Sunday, Feb. 28 Advertisement Fox Lake 2016 Polar Plunge: The Village of Fox Lake invites the community to bravely Take the Plunge into the frigid waters of Nippersink Lake from the shores at Lakefront Park, to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois. In 2016, the Polar Plunge challenge also takes place at 21 locations across Illinois where thousands of brave jumpers support this worthy cause. Participants must raise a minimum of $100 in donations. 1 p.m. Sunday, Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Boulevard, Fox Lake, donation Shirley Hunt: Tune in with Baroque cellist Shirley Hunt for the Early Music Series at the Byron Colby Barn, which features highly acclaimed musicians performing music from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. 4 p.m. Sunday, Byron Colby Barn at Prairie Crossing, 1561 Jones Point Road, Grayslake, $20, 847-543-1202 Candidate Debate 10th Congressional Democratic Primary: The debate is between candidates Nancy Rotering and Brad Schneider. The winner of this hotly contested race takes on incumbent Republican Robert Dold in the November general election. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Deerfield, Glenview/Glencoe, Highland Park/Highwood, Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Area. 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Ave. W., Highland Park, free, 847-433-9105 High Tea with Brownie Wise, the Original Tupperware Lady: Historian and literary dramatist Leslie Goddard is in character as Brownie Wise and entertains guests. A four-course tea, featuring open-face sandwiches, homemade raisin scones with jam and clotted cream, homemade apple-rhubarb pie and assorted petits fours with tea are poured freely all afternoon. Noon Sunday, Highland Park Community House, 1991 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, $55 in advance; $65 at the door, 847-432-8255 Unity Youth Fellowship: All young people in ninth through twelfth grades are invited to learn and have fun. For information, call or contact Pastor Emily Mitchell at PastorEmily@stpeterlz.org. 7 p.m. Sunday, St. Peter United Church of Christ, 47 Church St., Lake Zurich, free, 847-438-6441 Monday, Feb. 29 Advertisement Anime Club: Teens can join the club as they explore manga and anime. Each week the group delves into Japanese culture through the art form and through other activities. 4:30 p.m. Monday, Antioch Public Library, 757 Main St., Antioch, free, 847-395-0874 Rotary Club of Highland Park/Highwood: Join in fun community service projects and fellowship. Now accepting donations for Moraine Township Food Pantry. 11:30 a.m. Monday, Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Ave. W., Highland Park, 847-562-1099 Tai Chi: Promote serenity through gentle flowing movements performed in a slow, focused manner with deep breathing. 12:15 p.m. Monday, Recreation Center of Highland Park, 1207 Park Ave. W. Highland Park, $12-$15, 847-579-4554 Lake Shore Men's Club: Weekly meeting and guest speaker. Menu includes bagels, cream cheese, lox, sliced cheeses, vegetables, fresh fruits, cake, juice and coffee. Speakers present at 9:30 a.m. on broad range of interesting topics. Women are always welcome. 8:30 a.m. Monday, Lakeside Congregation, 1221 Lake Cook Road, Highland Park, $15, 847-383-5460 Fabulous Frank Singing Live: Entertainer Peter Oprisko presents an interactive and enlightening program while performing a concert of legendary hits sung by Frank Sinatra. Oprisko hosted and produced the popular nationally-syndicated radio program, "Exclusively Sinatra." 7 p.m. Monday, Lake Bluff Public Library, 123 E. Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff, free, 847-234-2540 Monday Night ACoA Group: Adult Children of Alcoholics is a support group for adults who were part of alcoholic and other dysfunctional families while growing up. For more information, visit www.acoa-libertyville.org. 7 p.m. Monday, St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, 125 W. Church St., Libertyville, free, 847-362-2110 Advertisement Introduction to Podcasting: Anyone can start a podcast and the platform is full of exciting possibilities. With smartphones providing easy on-the-go access and the launch of hit shows like "Serial," podcasts have exploded in popularity. This presentation gets you started: learn how the platform works, the equipment you'll need, and tips for producing great content. Registration is required. 6:30 p.m. Monday, Cook Park Library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, free, 847-362-2330 Knights of Columbus Bingo: Knights of Columbus is having weekly Bingo as a fundraiser to help support Santa Maria church and the community. Knights of Columbus is a nonprofit family fraternal service organization. 6:45 p.m. Monday, Santa Maria Del Popolo Catholic Church, 116 N. Lake St., Mundelein, free, 847-566-8213 Mundelein and Vernon Hills Rotary Club: Weekly meeting to discuss community service projects and fellowship. Meetings are held at the restaurant each Monday. 12:15 p.m. Monday, Dover Straits, 890 E. US Highway 45, Mundelein, free, 847-949-1550 "Brownie Wise: The Original Tupperware Lady": Actress Leslie Goddard portrays Brownie Wise, the tireless saleswoman who pioneered the Tupperware party, propelling the home products company to skyrocketing success. Goddard brings Wise to life, telling her story as a divorced mother who became head of sales and marketing at Earl Tupper's startup. Her innovative house party model created opportunities for women to work during the postwar era, and continues to be the gold standard of product sales today. Registration is required. 6:30 p.m. Monday, Cook Memorial Public Library, 701 Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills, free, 847-362-2330 Tuesday, March 1 Highland Park Woman's Club meetings: A 100-year-old philanthropic organization meets on the first and third Tuesdays from October through April. Meetings include informative programs and luncheons. 1 p.m. Tuesday, Highland Park Community House, 1991 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, membership $40, 847-681-0249 Advertisement Camera Club: Share an interest in photography, of any level with programming that includes speakers, friendly contests and field trips. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Lake Forest Place, 1100 Pembridge Drive, Lake Forest, free, 847-744-0610 Fun with Fabric: Use a new project pattern by fusing fabric onto a background and making a design. Also, learn some embroidery and quilting skills, including how to bind your quilt. 6 p.m. Tuesday, Libertyville High School, 708 W. Park Ave., Libertyville, $89, 847-247-4576 Adult Softball Leagues: Get your team together and register now for this semi-competitive season. Teams will play 10 (20) games, round-robin play with a single elimination tournament. 8:30 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Keith Mione Community Park, 1401 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein, $545-$650/team, 847-388-5462 Epilepsy Support Group: Sponsored by the Greater Chicago chapter of The Epilepsy Foundation, this group meets on the first Tuesday of each month for the parents of children with epilepsy. 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Laschen Community Center, 294 Evergreen Drive, Vernon Hills, free, 800-273-6027 AARP Tax Preparation Assistance: AARP volunteers help taxpayers with middle or low incomes, regardless of age. Register for a one-hour appointment beginning at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through April 12. 1 p.m. Tuesday, Cook Memorial Public Library, 701 Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills, free, 847-362-2330 Wednesday, March 2 Advertisement First Wednesday Networking Group: Make new connections in a casual breakfast setting. Hosted by the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce. 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Bluegrass, 1636 Old Deerfield Road, Highland Park, $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers, 847-432-0284 Montessori School Admission Parent Open House: Prospective parents are invited to tour the school and receive more information about the school's program options that serve children ages birth to 15 years old. To RSVP, please call the office. 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Montessori School of Lake Forest, 13700 W. Laurel Drive, Lake Forest, free, 847-918-1000 Author luncheon with Sasha Martin: Witty, warm and poignant, food blogger Sasha Martin's memoir about cooking her way to happiness and self-acceptance is a culinary journey like no other. 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, The Grille on Laurel, 181 E. Laurel Ave., Lake Forest, $45, 847-234-4420 Quilting and More: Join friends for quilting and discussion. 9 a.m. Wednesday, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 29700 N. St. Marys Road, Libertyville, free, 773-523-3838 Story Time: Children's librarian John Heideman leads this kids' story time. 10 a.m. Wednesday, North Chicago Public Library, 2100 Argonne Drive, North Chicago, free, 847-689-0125 Guided Meditation: Discover how to reduce stress and restore balance in your life with a meditation practice. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Round Lake Area Public Library, 906 Hart Road, Round Lake, free, 847-546-7060 The controversy over a tenured Wheaton College professor who said Christians and Muslims worship the same God has many former students concerned that the episode dealt lasting damage to the reputation of evangelical Christianity's flagship college. The Tribune spoke with many Wheaton College alumni who said the school's handling of the dispute raised questions about what their alma mater represents and teaches. Advertisement "I think that any time an executive action is taken against a faculty member for beliefs or practices, the majority of people will see that as problematic regarding its reputation," said John Higgins, 31, a 2007 graduate. "Does it have an effect? Yes. Is it as big as people think? No." Larycia Hawkins donned a hijab last December to show solidarity with Muslims during a rising tide of anti-Islamic sentiment following the terror attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif. She posted on Facebook a photograph of herself in a hijab with the message, "I stand in religious solidarity with Muslims because they, like me, a Christian, are people of the book. Advertisement "And as Pope Francis stated," she continued in the posting, "we worship the same God." Within days, the college placed Hawkins on paid administrative leave and by the first of the year, they took steps to fire her. College officials said that not clarifying what makes Christianity distinct from Islam put Hawkins in conflict with Wheaton's statement of faith. Earlier this month, the college announced it had reconciled with Hawkins, but she would not return to teach. Maryam Bighash, a sophomore at Wheaton College and managing editor of the student newspaper, speaks about racism and discrimination at at the college and the need to change it. She and 20 others will fast and drink only liquids during Lent in order to spark change at the conservative Christian college. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Many alumni say they weren't surprised by the controversy. Energy drink entrepreneur David Vanderveen remembers a tour he took of his alma mater six years ago when he was being courted as a donor. As the college president, the Rev. Philip Ryken, showed off the west suburban Chicago school's cutting-edge science labs to Vanderveen, the former Wheaton student recalled Ryken saying that students were expected to accept the belief that mankind descended from Adam and Eve one of the college's core tenets found in its statement of faith. As a result of what he perceived to be the school's conservative bent, Vanderveen never gave the college another dime. "What it smelled like to me was there was this right-wing Republican ideology permeating the school that didn't seem healthy to me," said Vanderveen who had reconciled with Wheaton after the college threatened to expel him in 1990 for publishing a lewd poem in the school newspaper. He left the school on his own. Ryken acknowledged that the Hawkins dispute raised "a number of significant issues within the Wheaton College community." But he said it also has created an opportunity for the school to restore and strengthen its connection with the world outside the campus. "As I've said before, these challenges have threatened our unity in carrying out our mission," Ryken said. "My hope is that prioritizing the healing that needs to take place within the Wheaton family will have a positive effect on the relationships that need to be restored beyond our campus." Advertisement The conflict also stoked an emerging conversation in the American evangelical movement about who can claim the evangelical label, what they believe and how that should be conveyed to people of other faiths in an increasingly globalized society. "We used to send missionaries off to Arabia. Today (Muslims) are dating our kids," said Richard Mouw, a theologian and former longtime president of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. "They're our neighbors. We owe it to this generation to be very clear, much clearer than we have been. I think this conversation at Wheaton is a wonderful opportunity for us to maybe get into the question of how do we dialogue with people of faiths." Research shows that there is a disconnect between white evangelicals and the Muslim community, as well as people of other faiths or no faith. A 2014 survey by the Pew Research Center found that only 27 percent of white evangelicals know someone who is Muslim, and even fewer know someone Hindu or Buddhist. Meanwhile, 49 percent of black Protestants, largely evangelical, said they know a Muslim. When asked to rate their feelings about people of another faith or no faith, black Protestants gave Muslims higher ratings than Mormons, atheists, Hindus or Buddhists. White evangelicals gave atheists and Muslims the lowest rating. Along with alumni, some evangelical scholars were disheartened by Wheaton College's handling of the Hawkins controversy. Todd Johnson, director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Mass., said he was not as surprised as he was saddened by the events that unfolded at Wheaton. He has been urging Wheaton's board of trustees to encourage and create opportunities for students to interact with and find common ground with people of other faiths for several years. He said religious diversity in America is "nothing but good news for evangelicals." Advertisement "Living in a pluralistic context and learning hospitality, practicing hospitality the evangelical tradition has great promise in those areas," he said. But that evolution has been a slow process for some American evangelicals, Johnson said, and unfortunately, Wheaton did not fully embrace Johnson's advice and build bridges with the Muslim community before Hawkins stepped out to show that hospitality in her own way. "The first intuitive reaction should have been 'How great that one of our faculty is taking initiative in this area. How can we support her?'" Johnson said. "That needs to be the intuitive response (Instead) the intuitive response is 'How do we protect ourselves from what other people think about this?'" The Wheaton College controversy also points to ongoing questions within the evangelical community about how evangelicals are defined. That's an issue that the National Association of Evangelicals tackled late last year after discovering that many research polls identified evangelicals by their political preferences rather than religious characteristics. The association developed four points that evangelicals must embrace: the authority of the Bible, a missionary spirit, the saving power of Christ's death on the cross and the belief that salvation yielded by Christ's death alone is only available to those who accept Jesus as their savior. In addition to those four core points, Wheaton's statement of faith adds eight more, including beliefs that God created Adam and Eve, the historical parents of the human race, and that there is one God who exists as the Trinity. Advertisement Many evangelical scholars, including Mouw, and even some Wheaton faculty have said they are ambivalent about whether the Wheaton statement precisely reflects their beliefs, even though they fit the definition of evangelical. That's the heart of the problem, said Julie Roys, a 1987 Wheaton College graduate who hosts a nationally syndicated Christian talk show. She thinks not enough members of Wheaton's faculty share a biblical world view the belief that the Bible is entirely true and should be the primary framework for solving every problem. "Increasingly we're getting faculty trained at secular universities," she said. "They can affirm the statement of faith. But can they apply it to everything?" In the aftermath of the Hawkins affair, she said faculty and students should undergo "rigorous world-view training." What she considers politically charged terms such as "social justice" should be referred to as "human flourishing." Instead of discussing how the oppressed can triumph over their oppressors, discussions should center on good trumping evil. This is the kind of damage control Wheaton needs to do to repair its public perception, she said. The Rev. Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park Christian Reformed Church and a 2007 Wheaton College graduate, said he believes the college is genuinely committed to diversity and maintaining an evangelical academic identity, despite the questions raised by the latest controversy. "I think the task of balancing academic freedom with a commitment to Scripture is probably a very difficult thing to balance," Buikema said. "It can be difficult to know how to prize tradition and a God who is the same yesterday, today and forever with a desire to be innovative and not traditionalistic." Advertisement But Buikema said Wheaton College needs to do a better job of teaching evangelicals how to interact with the Muslim community, something Buikema is learning on the job. He has asked his church elders to make this a priority. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > "Churches across the country are confronting having Muslim neighbors," he said. "It's something that's new for them and something they haven't experienced. A lot of people are coming up to me, (saying) 'I have a Muslim neighbor. How do I talk to my neighbor?'" Mouw said a principled conversation about theology and interfaith relations can be difficult in the heat of battles over due process and academic freedom, especially during an election season. But he hopes a calm conversation will unfold in the months to come. Indeed, Ryken has said the college's board of trustees will conduct a thorough review of all the issues. "We want to learn everything that we can from this situation," he said during a news conference earlier this month. "We hope to become a better, stronger community with a shared understanding of academic freedom in the context of our Christian convictions." "Recent events reminded us of our need for forgiveness and the widespread attention that we have received also shows that Wheaton College matters," Ryken added. "It matters to the church. It matters to the alumni. It matters to the academic community. It matters to our neighbors." Advertisement mbrachear@tribpub.com Twitter @TribSeeker Sandi Jackson, right, wife of former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., follows family members into a halfway house March 26, 2015, in Baltimore. (Patrick Semansky / AP) WASHINGTON Travel restrictions on ex-Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. were loosened Monday after he told a judge that the rules limited him to taking his children to see their imprisoned mother only about once a month. Their mother and Jackson's wife is Sandi Jackson, a former Chicago alderman who is serving a one-year sentence in a federal prison camp in Alderson, W.Va. Advertisement She is scheduled to be released Oct. 18, according to the Bureau of Prisons. Jackson Jr., 51, entered prison in October 2013 to begin a 30-month term. He served time in two federal correctional facilities and a halfway house and was on home detention until last September. Advertisement He is now on supervised release, or what used to be called parole. Rules had required him to seek approval from a probation official every time he wished to travel with his children to see his wife, a court motion said. "Due to the travel restrictions, Mr. Jackson has only been able to visit with his wife with his kids on average of once a month," the motion stated. The motion added that he has been unable to take the children to Chicago to visit their paternal grandparents: civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson and his wife, Jacqueline. The restrictions hinder Jackson Jr. from "continuing to foster a stronger relationship with his wife, his children and their paternal grandparents, which has placed a great burden on the family," according to the motion. Jackson Jr. was in Congress from 1995 until he quit late in 2012 amid a criminal investigation and after treatment for bipolar disorder and depression. Sandi Jackson, 52, represented the 7th Ward on Chicago's South Side from 2007 until she resigned in 2013, shortly before she and her husband entered guilty pleas to felonies in federal court in Washington. Jackson Jr. looted about $750,000 from his campaign treasury over several years and spent the money on vacations, furs, celebrity memorabilia and two mounted elk heads, among other things. His wife failed to report much of that money on tax returns. The judge staggered the two prison terms because of the couple's children, a girl who is now 16 and a boy who is 12. The couple have homes in Washington and Chicago. The terms of Jackson Jr.'s supervision had required him to stay in Washington unless a judge or probation officer said he may leave, court records show. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > The judge granted Jackson Jr.'s request to allow him to email his probation officer before proposed travel and say where he is going and why, then confirm when he returns to Washington. Advertisement The motion said the probation office and federal prosecutors did not oppose the request and that Jackson Jr. has been "very compliant" with probation and travel rules up until now and has committed no infractions. The U.S. attorney's office in Washington had no comment on the request Monday. Jackson Jr., while on home detention in the nation's capital, was given permission last summer to visit his ailing paternal grandmother in Greenville, S.C., and later to attend her funeral. The correctional facility where Sandi Jackson is serving time was nicknamed "Camp Cupcake" when domestic diva Martha Stewart was imprisoned there. Sandi Jackson faces 12 months of supervised release after she leaves the prison camp. kskiba@tribpub.com Twitter @Katherine Skiba BERLIN Alaa Ammar fled Syria to escape not just civil war but also the threat of persecution as a gay man. Yet when he arrived in The Netherlands last spring, he did not find the safe haven he craved. He and four other gay travelers had to face newly arrived asylum seekers at a migrant center in the remote northern town of Ter Apel. Advertisement "After five minutes, they started looking. After 10 minutes, they started to talk. After one hour, they came to us," said Ammar, a slender 28-year-old in tight jeans and with a diamond-like stud in each ear. "After three hours, they started fighting with us." Across Europe, gay, lesbian and transgender migrants say they suffer from verbal, physical and sexual abuse in refugee shelters, and some have been forced to move out. The AP found out about scores of documented cases in The Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Sweden and Finland, with the abuse usually coming from fellow refugees and sometimes security staff and translators. Advertisement The cases suggest a possible cultural clash: Many migrants are coming from conservative Muslim countries where homosexuality is taboo into European societies that are more open to it. In Syria, for example, homosexuality is illegal, and the militant Islamic State group has killed more than 30 gays in Syria and Iraq over the past two years, activists say. A similar debate, this time over cultural attitudes toward gender, was sparked after young men assaulted and robbed hundreds of women in several German cities on New Year's Eve. Police described the men as of North African and Arabic origin. The number of migrants accused of gay abuse are just a tiny fraction of the hundreds of thousands of refugees streaming into Europe. However, most abuse is likely not reported because of European privacy laws and the stigma felt by gay migrants, and there is no official tally across the continent. In Germany, the Lesbian and Gay Federation counted 106 cases of violence against homosexual and transgender refugees in the Berlin region from August through the end of January. Most of the cases came from refugee centers, and 13 included sexual abuse. Joerg Steinert, head of the federation in Berlin-Brandenburg, said refugees have been asking gay groups for help all over the country, reluctant to approach police for fear of jeopardizing their asylum applications. Last year, the federation placed 50 people in private homes because the migrant centers were too dangerous. "These asylum shelters are law-free areas," he said. "When I come to our office on Monday morning, there's usually a bunch of refugees waiting outside in the hallway who need help immediately." Charities and private shelter operators say they've simply been too overwhelmed by the huge influx of migrants to attend to some refugees' special needs. Masses of people often live in one big hall, without lockable rooms or gender-separated washrooms. In Berlin, where four hangars at the former Tempelhof airport were turned into a reception center for 2,100 people, four cases of gay abuse were reported. Maria Antonia Kipp, spokeswoman for private center operator Tamaja, said it's very difficult to create safe spaces for homosexuals when hundreds of bunk beds are separated only by thin wooden boards. Advertisement "When we see a dangerous situation or people tell us about it, we'll get the people out and transfer them to smaller shelters," she said. The German Red Cross said it had a code of conduct banning violence at its shelters. And the Arbeiterwohlfahrt, or Worker's Welfare charity group, said it is trying to create safe spaces in new centers but cannot implement the highest standards it would like. "We've been somewhat overrun by reality," said spokeswoman Mona Finder. Some critics say it is up to the German government to protect migrants. But last month, a proposal to increase the security of asylum shelters was taken out of a government bill, despite official reprimands from the European Commission that Germany is not implementing EU safety guidelines. Without the government, the protection of gay migrants has largely fallen to rights groups and local communities. On Tuesday, gay rights group Schwulenberatung Berlin will open a new home with 122 beds for gay refugees in cooperation with the city of Berlin and another shelter with 10 beds was recently opened in Nuremberg. Berlin has also appointed a counselor as contact person for the registration of gay and transgender migrants. Schwulenberatung Berlin's Mahmoud Hassino said the new Berlin shelter would be a big improvement for gay, transgender and lesbian refugees. Advertisement "Gay refugees live in constant fear in the big shelters," said the 40-year-old Syrian refugee. Hassino came to Germany in 2014 and had to move out of a Berlin shelter himself because of the hostility of fellow refugees. "Even if they don't get abused right away, they're always afraid their identity will be revealed and then they'll be targeted," he said. The situation for homosexual refugees is difficult all over Europe. In Spain, for example, two migrants from Cameroon and a third from Morocco were physically abused after their sexual orientation was discovered by others at shelters, according to the Pueblos Unidos nonprofit. The men now have asylum petitions pending before the Spanish government citing their homosexuality as a reason why they deserve refugee status, the nonprofit said. In Sweden, a court sentenced an asylum seeker to five months in prison last summer for making death threats, along with spitting in the face and grabbing the throat of a fellow refugee in a center in Jonkoping. When the victim collapsed onto the floor, the attacker kicked him unconscious. Witnesses and a surveillance video backed the claims. The motive was the victim's homosexuality. The attacker was "outraged that Sweden protects homosexuality and all should be killed by slaughtering," according to court documents. Advertisement In Finland, cases of gay harassment and downright abuse have also been recorded at refugee centers, according to SETA, a nationwide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group. As a result, some of the centers have separated a secure section for those afraid of sexual harassment. Other migrants have contacted SETA after fleeing their designated refugee center because of abuse. Earlier this month, a Finnish court gave an asylum seeker a three-and-half-year prison sentence for raping another migrant man at a southern Finnish center. In Denmark, there have been at least 10 cases of harassment, according to Mads Ted Drud-Jensen from the LGBT Asylum group. He stressed that those figures represent only victims who have been in contact with the group. "Stepping out of the closet may be hard to do, and not everyone is talking to us," he said. In the Netherlands, a Dutch human rights group reported earlier this month on regular abuse of gays and lesbians at a large camp that can house up to 3,000 asylum seekers near the city of Nijmegen. The group, The College for Human Rights, said one asylum seeker "has repeatedly found excrement and food in his bed. He is threatened and abused by fellow residents." The asylum seeker, whose identity was not disclosed, said he feared for his safety because some other refugees carried knives. The report said he often found notes in his bed such as "kill gay" and "we don't want gay in the camp." Advertisement When Ammar reported abuse in Ter Apel, he and other gay refugees were put up on the floor of a restaurant for a night. Then they were transferred to another shelter in Apeldoorn. There too, Ammar said, three fellow refugees attacked him and another man in the communal washroom and slashed them with a knife. "You could see from their eyes that they wanted to hurt me," he said. Again, Ammar was transferred, back to a caravan in Ter Apel. Employees with the COA asylum organization advised them to close the doors and windows, he said, but other asylum seekers "opened the windows and said bad things to us." Spokesman Jan-Willem Anholts said COA does not keep records of complaints of gay abuse, but does have "protective" measures for people at risk. Anholts also raised concerns that creating safe houses for specific groups could lead to a type of "segregation" in Dutch society. It was only after Ammar received asylum and moved in with a private host in Amsterdam a few weeks ago that he started to feel really safe. Advertisement "Who wouldn't like Amsterdam?' Ammar said as he looked carefully left and right before crossing roads already seasoned at watching out for speeding bicycles in the Dutch capital. "People don't care if I'm gay or not. I can scream 'I'm gay!' and they will say, 'Welcome.'" Associated Press An Iraqi woman is helped by volunteers as she arrives with other refugees and migrants from the Turkish coast to the northeastern Greek island of Lesbos, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. (Manu Brabo / AP) IDOMENI, Greece Greece's government warned Monday it expects a growing number of stranded refugees and other migrants after neighbor Macedonia further restricted border access at the weekend, sparking protests by Afghan nationals at a border crossing. Ioannis Mouzalas, a deputy minister for migration, said the European Union is failing to deal with unilateral actions and an "outburst of scare-mongering" from individual member states. Advertisement Macedonia imposed the restrictions at the weekend after Austria put a cap on transit and asylum applications. The action blocking Afghans from crossing the border and generally restricting access left thousands of migrants stranded in Greece, at the border and at the port of Piraeus, near Athens, where regular private services to the border were suspended. Advertisement "Once again the European Union voted for something, it reached an agreement, and a number of countries who are lacking the culture of the European Union including Austria, unfortunately violated this deal 10 hours after it was reached," Mouzalas told state-run ERT television. "The European Union cannot act in a united way to this outburst of scare-mongering from various countries. And that is creating problems, and these problems also involve our country." Nearly 100,000 migrants and refugees have traveled to Greek islands from nearby Turkey so far this year. The coast guard said 4,427 migrants and refugees arrived in Piraeus from the eastern Aegean islands Monday. The large number of arrivals on the mainland was due to an improvement in weather conditions that had forced the suspension of the ferry service from islands for several days. Police said about 2,000 people are stranded at the border camps near the Greek border town of Idomeni, including some 600 Afghans who staged a peaceful protest, holding up Afghan flags and hand-written banners. Later, hundreds broke a Greek police cordon and crowded at the border fence, trying to climb it or cut through the wire netting. At least four men made it over, and were promptly arrested by police on the Macedonian side. Among the protesting Afghans was 25-year-old Shafiulahh Qaberi who traveled to Greece from the northern Afghan city of Kunduz. "We've been here for three days, and no one knows why they have closed the border," he told the AP. "I don't need food and I don't need water. What I need is to get over the border. Why are they stopping us?" The cargo train service between Greece and Macedonia was also suspended after protesters blocked the railway line on the Greek side. Advertisement Associated Press Lilliana Zuniga Ayarza sits at her home with daughter Isabella Murillo remembering her mother Bellarmina Ayarza Garcia who is one of three recent deaths tied to Guillain-Barre in Colombia on February 16, 2016. (Dania Maxwell / FTWP) TURBO, Colombia The Zika epidemic flaring across the Americas has produced several hot spots with large numbers of cases. But there is no place quite like Turbo. The mosquito-borne virus has spread rapidly here and across lowland Colombia, but the city is unusual for the subsequent outbreak of a rare, debilitating disorder known as Guillain-Barre syndrome, whose precise link to the virus remains unclear. Before Zika's arrival in Turbo, a mostly Afro-Colombian town of 60,000 set amid vast banana plantations on the country's north coast, doctors typically saw one case of Guillain-Barre a year, if that. Advertisement In the past six weeks, there have been five, all of them severe. Three patients have died. One is fighting for his life in an intensive care unit. The fifth, a 10-year-old girl, hasn't been able to move her legs in a week. Jose Molinares Cruz crosses a bridge outside his home in Turbo, Colombia on Feb.17, 2016. Cruz's sister, Paula Molinares, 10, is currently being treated for Guillain-Barre in Monteria, a major city in Colombia. (Dania Maxwell / For The Washington Post) The deaths, and the aggressiveness of the Guillain-Barre cases here, are among the first signs of a strange and worrisome pattern that is challenging the way doctors in Colombia and across Latin America are preparing for the spread of Zika. Advertisement Much of the global attention to the virus has zeroed in on a suspected link to microcephaly, a congenital defect that leaves babies with undersized heads and varying degrees of nerve damage. Brazilian officials say they may have hundreds or thousands of such cases related to Zika. But the photos of worried mothers and distressed infants may have given many people the impression that the virus poses no major risk to anyone else. That is not true, and certainly not here in Turbo, where rank, sewage-filled canals line the streets and more and more people are arriving at the crowded emergency room with bloodshot eyes and itchy, red pockmarks, the telltale signs of Zika. Something about the virus - and researchers still don't know what it is - appears to significantly increase the incidence of Guillain-Barre. The first resident here to get it was 41-year-old Eliana Uribe. She called in sick to her cousin's dress shop one morning in mid-January, not long after missing several days of work with a strange rash and sore joints. Something was wrong with her feet, she said. Katerina Lemus Uribe shows a photograph of her cousin, Eliana Uribe Leon shortly before she died from Guillain-Barre after being infected with the Zika virus in Turbo, Colombia on Feb. 16, 2016. (Dania Maxwell / FTWP) A few hours later, when Uribe tried to walk, she collapsed. Her legs felt "like rags." The illness was creeping toward her torso. Uribe's family carried her to the emergency room. German Gomez, the internist at the small public hospital, thought it might be Guillain-Barre. But he wasn't sure. "I'd been here 15 months and hadn't seen a single case," he said. Two days later, Uribe lost control of her tongue and facial muscles. She fell short of breath. Doctors rushed her to a bigger hospital. Uribe died Feb. 2, her brain swamped in fluid - "severe hydrocephaly," doctors told her family. "They never told us you could die from it," said Katarina Lemus, Uribe's cousin. Advertisement The disease has made an orphan of Uribe's 12-year-old son, Marlon, whose father died of a heart attack last year. "Whenever anyone asks about his mother, he just crumples," said Shirley Uribe, his aunt. The day after Uribe's death, another Turbo resident, Edelberto Padilla, 51, also died with Guillain-Barre, at a different hospital. He had the symptoms of Zika, too. The Colombian government has confirmed three fatalities with Guillain-Barre, including two of the Turbo patients, blaming the deaths on Zika. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed two cases of Guillain-Barre related to Zika in the continental United States, presumably among the more than 80 travelers infected by the virus who have returned to the country. Another Guillain-Barre case was reported in Puerto Rico. Immune systems go haywire The normal prevalence rate for Guillain-Barre is one or two cases per 100,000 people, said Kenneth Gorson, a professor of neurology at Tufts University in Boston, who is one of the leading U.S. authorities on the disorder, named for the two French neurologists who discovered it exactly 100 years ago. Advertisement At its most basic level, Guillain-Barre occurs when a patient's immune system fights off an infection and then goes haywire, as antibodies turn against the body's nervous system, Gorson said. They attack nerve cells, apparently mistaking them for a virus. In some instances, the antibodies strip away the membrane that protects nerve endings, called myelin, leaving the body's muscles essentially unable to communicate with the brain. In his courses, Gorson tells students that Guillain-Barre itself isn't fatal. "What kills people is being paralyzed in an intensive care unit," he said. "It's the complications from being on a ventilator for long periods of time, the risk of blood clots, wound infections from lack of movement or other numerous medical complications that occur in paralyzed patients. Access to quality care is critical." Adults and children appear to be equally at risk of developing Guillain-Barre, but patients who already have health problems or compromised immune systems are less able to recover from it. One Guillain-Barre study in the Netherlands found a death rate of 1 in 20, "but that is with high-level care," Gorson said. About one-quarter of patients need breathing assistance. Belarmina Ayarza, 58, contracted Zika while visiting her family in Turbo in January, then checked into a hospital in the city of Medellin 10 days later when she lost feeling in her legs. Doctors diagnosed Guillain-Barre, said her son, Jose Barrios. Ayarza was a diabetic, with high blood pressure. But her condition stabilized, and Barrios was able to take her home in a wheelchair. On Feb. 7 she started convulsing in her bed. "I picked her up and held her in my arms," Barrios said, "but she was gone." Doctors said she'd had a heart attack. Advertisement Lack of high-level care In the rural areas of Latin America where Zika is spreading, high-level care is often unavailable. Wait times at public hospitals, especially those swamped by Zika patients, can discourage patients from seeking care. Those with aggressive Guillain-Barre need complicated blood transfusions or a treatment known as immunoglobulin therapy to essentially wash out the harmful antibodies. But the treatments can cost more than $10,000, and patients may need several rounds. Wilfrido Manuel Molinares crosses a pool of stagnant water to arrive at his home in Turbo, Colombia on February 17, 2016. Molinares' daughter, Paula Molinares, 10, is currently being treated for Guillain-Barre in Monteria, a major city in Colombia. (Dania Maxwell / FTWP) Colombia says that more than 30,000 citizens have been diagnosed with Zika so far, with 97 cases linked to Guillain-Barre. Brazil, Venezuela, El Salvador and Suriname have also reported a surge in the disorder. The same pattern appeared during the Zika outbreak in French Polynesia in 2013 and 2014, when at least 42 patients, most of whom were diagnosed with Zika, developed Guillain-Barre. "We are seeing a spike everywhere that we are seeing the Zika virus," said Tarun Dua, a neurologist at the World Health Organization (WHO). What's unclear is whether Zika is causing Guillain-Barre or whether it is"cross-reacting" with antibodies from other widespread mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue or chikungunya. Another major problem: There is no widely available, quick test for Zika, and the virus remains in an infected patient's blood only for about a week. So it's difficult to test for Zika in patients hospitalized with Guillain-Barre symptoms. Advertisement "The hypothesis is that Zika may be a more efficient trigger of Guillain-Barre, but we can't say that at the moment," said Anthony Costello, director of maternal, child and adolescent development at WHO. "The detective work is starting, but it takes time." In Turbo, patients diagnosed with Zika - whose symptoms include rash, joint pain, headaches and bloodshot eyes - are typically given acetaminophen and sent home to rest. But they may share their homes with the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that pick up the disease from infected people and spread it. They breed in stagnant water. In a squalid neighborhood at the edge of a town known as El Bosque, the streets are unpaved and motorbikes weave around chickens and children playing in the streets. Occasionally a truck rumbles through blaring advertisements on giant speakers, with an occasional public-health message urging residents to dump out standing water. There are no health inspectors or fumigation crews to be seen. A foul, black bisque of sewage and trash oozes through a canal right in front of the home of Wilfrido Molinares. Children and horses walk through the muck; a frayed sofa sits half-submerged, rotting. Molinares's daughter Paula, 10, has been hospitalized with Guillain-Barre for nearly two weeks in the nearby city of Monteria. She had Zika symptoms before that. He's had Zika, too, and was laid up from his construction job for two months last summer with chikungunya, which causes fevers and joint and muscle pain. Zika seemed mild compared with that, he said, until his daughter couldn't stand on her own. Advertisement In their neighborhood, everyone stores drinking water in tanks, jugs and empty bottles. "There are a lot of mosquitoes here," Molinares said. "I bought mosquito repellent and spray it all over. But when the sun goes down, sometimes you can't even sit outside." Donald Trump seems the unlikeliest Republican candidate for evangelical voters, with his three marriages, his ownership of casinos and beauty pageants, and his belated opposition to their core issues of abortion and marriage. Yet he captured the votes of 33 percent of evangelicals in South Carolina Saturday a big factor in his win, since evangelicals made up a whopping 72 percent of Republican primary voters there. Advertisement Sen. Ted Cruz seems to be the quintessential evangelical candidate: a pastor's son who can strut a campaign rally stage like it's a revival and who pledged to inspire millions of supposedly apathetic evangelicals to vote for a resurgent Christian America. Cruz amassed the endorsements of more over 300 pastors and other religious leaders in South Carolina. Glenn Beck, one of Cruz's most high-profile supporters, told voters at a South Carolina rally that the Texas senator was "raised for this hour" by the "hand of divine providence." Cruz was supposed to be a messianic figure to save Christian America from its downward secularist spiral. Advertisement But Trump, whose Bible has seemed like more of prop than a campaign animating principle, understands other impulses of evangelical voters. This intuition also enabled him to best Cruz, 30-13 percent, among non-evangelical voters in South Carolina. Trump draws his most significant support from voters who make less than $50,000 a year. That impulse, which is Trumpism in a nutshell, is the magical thinking of how Americans get rich, whether it's by surviving a reality television show, getting lucky with an investment, winning the lottery, or being blessed by God. Trump is arguably the candidate most resembling a televangelist. For many evangelicals, Pentecostals and charismatic Christians, magical thinking has found its expression through the prosperity gospel, much to the consternation of Christians who consider it a heresy and a fraud. A uniquely American contribution to the evolution of Christianity in the modern age, the prosperity gospel teaches that God wants believers to be rich. It's also called the health and wealth gospel: its adherents believe that God blesses the faithful with great wealth, keeps their health robust, and cures the faithful of every malady. Successful televangelists boast of revelations received directly from God, and of their ability to produce miracles. If you're poor or if you're sick, that's a sign of a lack of faith. Or in Trump's parlance, a loser. Despite countless exposes of prosperity televangelists' excesses from Creflo Dollar's pleas for his followers to fund his $60 million Gulfstream to Benny Hinn's phony faith healings to Kenneth Copeland's luxurious homes, cars, and planes televangelism still thrives in America. It is, according to the scholar Kate Bowler, who wrote a book about it, "one of the most popular forms of American Christianity." It has permeated evangelical culture, through television, megachurches, conferences and books that are found not just in Christian bookstores, but also at the checkout line at supermarkets and in airports. It is everywhere. Election day exit polls typically ask voters if they are "born-again or evangelical" or not. That's not particularly helpful in discerning the varieties of evangelicals in America, or in understanding whether there are trends in their Republican presidential preferences. Advertisement But Trump's style is nonetheless a marker of how prosperity theology has pervaded political culture as well. Trump, who was raised on the power-of-positive-thinking theology of the late Norman Vincent Peale, has fully assimilated the supernatural appeal of the prosperity message. He doesn't have an economic policy platform. Instead, he touts his own wealth and success as the evidence of how he will "make America great again." Every presidential candidate, of course, relies in part on aspirational oratory. But Trump's stump speeches are particularly devoid of policy proposals, focusing instead on his celebrity. When Trump boasts that his great deal-making skills will make him a great president, he's telling his supporters to just have faith that a victor will keep replicating his victories. "We will have so much winning if I get elected that you may get bored with winning," he says, as he jets to campaign stops in a luxury private jet with 24-carat gold-plated seat belts and faucets. Copeland's television program is called "The Believers Voice of Victory." Winning. Copeland was one of a roomful of televangelists who laid hands on Trump last year, thanking God "for a bold man, a strong man and an obedient man." If you've been inside the world of the prosperity gospel, you know how obedience meaning to a preacher like Copeland is central to how these televangelists make money. Followers are told that "sowing a seed" is evidence of their obedience to God, who, the gullible are promised, will bless them with a "supernatural" return on their investment. "Sow a seed" means you must give Copeland (or one of his many imitators) your money. Successful televangelists are seen as evidence that the prosperity gospel works, even as their followers fall behind economically. Their followers look at their own empty bank accounts, and at the televangelists' great wealth, and conclude: they have faith, and I don't have enough faith. I'll keep on giving, and maybe eventually God will see my obedience and bless me enough to be like them. Trump draws his most significant support from voters who make less than $50,000 a year. He has led them to believe that only a rich, successful entertainer can make America great again. Like a televangelist, Trump's success is seen as evidence of his prowess, but even more important, of God's good favor. His supporters seem to believe, too, that he will bring them along for the ride. Advertisement America is broken and sick; Trump will cure it. He's like the faith-healer who makes the blind man see and the wheelchair-bound woman walk again. "I will be the greatest jobs president God has ever created," Trump is fond of saying. Like televangelists, though, he's obscuring the truth that your money has helped him along. He repeatedly claims his campaign is self-funded, but it isn't. Some of his campaign money comes from supporters' donations and from sale of his now-notorious "Make America Great Again" merchandise, and some of that money goes to pay Trump's own companies. But that's all part of the game. Trump's supporters both evangelical and not apparently are willing to believe that worshipping self-serving hype will somehow produce a miracle for them. Washington Post Sarah Posner is the author of "God's Profits: Faith, Fraud, and the Republican Crusade for Values Voters." Republicans, you have one last chance. Following his fourth-place finish in South Carolina, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush ended his campaign for the White House, diminishing the hope among Republicans seeking a tolerable alternative to Donald Trump. On a night in which Nevada Democrats helped the chances of their more pragmatic candidate, Hillary Clinton, the GOP found itself with just one even-keeled option left in the race. Advertisement And, no, it is not Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, whose narrow second-place finish in South Carolina sets him up to be the choice among many Republican donors and establishment types. It is Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Kasich, to be clear, is no moderate. He believes as passionately as anyone in GOP fiscal dogma, promising big tax cuts, big spending cuts, a balanced budget, regulatory rollback and no funding for Planned Parenthood. He carries a national debt ticker around with him, displaying it on campaign stops. He also talks religion easily and frequently. But his campaign message often boils down to: Come on, guys, let's be reasonable. "You're an American before you're a Republican, before you're a Democrat," he likes to say, blaming partisanship for many of the nation's problems. Rubio, on the other hand, has run on an extreme and uncharitable critique of Barack Obama, insisting that the sitting president of the United States has purposely weakened the country. His position on abortion is "practically never." And he has abandoned his previously reasonable stance on immigration. Rubio constantly references his youth, arguing that he represents a generational shift in conservative leadership. Yet he usually seems to be trying desperately to prove that he is as shrill as the next candidate. In the past, Rubio showed flashes of willingness to cooperate with Democrats, as any Republican president must, which is part of what makes him more appealing than Trump or Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. But he has run an eye-rollingly strident presidential campaign. Advertisement It's true: Kasich does not have much of a shot. He places all his hopes in running up big wins in the Midwest. If he does not score well in Michigan's March 8 primary, a contest he mentioned reverently on Saturday night, his campaign will likely be over. In effect, the GOP race is probably down to three: Trump, Cruz and Rubio. But, Republicans, consider what is happening to your party: Donald Trump is your front runner, and there is only one reality-hardened governor left in the race to lead the GOP. Washington Post Stephen Stromberg is a Post editorial writer. He specializes in domestic policy, including energy, the environment, legal affairs and public health. Here in the state of Illinois, we have the controlling Democrats acting like children refusing to work with a Republican governor. In Washington, we have the majority congressional Republicans acting like children refusing to work with a Democratic president. We the voters, the parents, sadly are unable to control them, and we can see that smirk on their faces. When will the citizens finally get control back, since the Democrats and Republicans draw the district lines? Jerome C. Malon, Chicago A Naperville man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the Saturday stabbing of a 44-year-old woman in Aurora. Steven J. Karpinski, 40, of the 1700 block of Denison Road, Naperville, is in Will County Correctional Center on charges of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated domestic battery, one count of aggravated battery and one count of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, stemming from the attack on a woman with whom police say he once had a relationship. Advertisement The woman was stabbed around 3:20 p.m. in a townhouse in the 2500 block of Hillsboro Boulevard on Aurora's Far Southeast Side, in the Will County section of the city, according to police. She sustained a severe stab wound in her neck. While it is not life-threatening, she is still receiving treatment at an Aurora hospital, according to police. Karpinski drove away from the scene in his pickup truck after allegedly attacking the woman, according to police. Authorities found Karpinski on Sunday and took him into custody without incident shortly before noon near the intersection of Normantown Road and Schoger Drive in Aurora. Advertisement Karpinski's bond was set at $1 million during a bond hearing before Will County Judge Bennett Braun Monday. His next court date is March 14. According to prosecutors, Karpinski was upset that the woman went out with friends. He attacked her with a sharp knife and told her he was going to kill her, according to prosecutors. They said the woman suffered a six-inch cut to her neck that required 10 staples to close. He was ordered to stay away from the woman and three minor children as a condition of his bond. Karpinski has no criminal record in Will and Kane counties, but has been to prison twice. Downers Grove police arrested him on March 15, 1998, after he stole an elderly woman's purse, according to DuPage County Circuit Court records. The then-22-year-old Karpinski pleaded guilty on July 20 of that year to a felony count of robbery of a victim 60 years old or older, and was sentenced that day to four years in prison, records showed. Karpinski was arrested again on March 28, 2000, this time by Illinois State Police. He was charged with vandalizing and stealing money from an Illinois State Toll Highway Authority tollbooth on Interstate 355, and was sentenced in October of that year to 18 months in prison, records indicated. He also was arrested in September 1993 in Lisle on a misdemeanor charge of aggravated assault in a public place. Court records showed he pleaded guilty on July 18, 1994, in that case, and was placed on a year of conditional discharge, a form of probation. Centro de Informacion Executive Director Jaime Garcia was among people who met with Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain in advance of a human services summit being planned for April. (Mike Danahey / The Courier-News) Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain met recently with people involved in various aspects of human services in advance of a summit that will be held in April. "We're all trying to find a solution to help social service agencies and what we can do as a community and, in our case, as funders," Elgin Township Supervisor Annette Miller said. "We're trying to figure out how to sustain agencies until the state gets its act together." Advertisement The meeting was held at The Centre on Tuesday, and about 30 to 35 people, including funders, executive directors and board members, attended, Kaptain said. "The mayor is trying to do what he can to help social service agencies," Centro de Informacion Executive Director Jaime Garcia said. "More agencies are wanting more, and there is more need." Advertisement One of the moves under consideration is a universal grant application form that nonprofits could use to seek funding from local foundations, government bodies and other entities that give money, Kaptain said. Miller noted that there now is a committee made up of funders and another holding representatives from agencies. The meeting gave the committees a chance to share information, she said. "My takeaway from the meeting is that we all seem to have the same goal of doing what we can to keep agencies operating," Miller said. "It's a matter of lining up how we will go about doing that." Wisdom Family Foundation Managing Director Kristi Wisdom said the effort should help agencies develop synergies. At the same time, it could help funders learn how and where to allocate money. Other moves discussed include creating a data system human services could share, putting together a universal volunteer list that would include a vetting process, and seeing whether organizations could buy supplies in bulk for the economy of scale. "We also talked about the possibility of working together to cover back office expenses," Garcia said. "By creating efficiencies, it allows agencies to do what they do best, which is serving their clients," Kaptain said. Kaptain said he is concerned that some agencies might be on a death spiral. Advertisement "The amount of dollars available is fixed," Kaptain said. "Agencies competing for the same dollars isn't sustainable." Kaptain said he also expressed concern about some agencies putting grants as line items in their budgets with the assumption that such money will be available on an annual basis. "That's a dangerous thing to do," Kaptain said. Illinois still has not paid out what it promised to human services across the state as the 2015-16 budget remains unresolved, and decisions about the 2016-17 fiscal year loom. "There's a disappointment with the state," Miller said. "And it looks like that the 2015-16 budget might not get solved this calendar year." Because of the state budget crisis, Elgin held a human services summit in October that was attended by about 200 people involved in various ways with local agencies. Advertisement One result of that summit already in place is the city's one-year emergency loan program for nonprofits left in the lurch because of money owed by the state. The set-aside for the program is $775,000 from the city's general fund, with $150,000 of that earmarked for the Ride In Kane Program, which is run through Pace and assists qualifying county residents taking specified trips, including to human services. Thus far, Association for Individual Development is the only organization to apply for, then be awarded, any of this funding in AID's case, $200,000. According to the loan application form AID provided Elgin, the state owes the organization about $1.2 million on contracts for the 2015-16 fiscal year. State funding accounts for 78 percent of the AID budget, according to the document. While AID works with people throughout the Fox Valley, the application stated that AID provides services to more than 225 Elgin residents with developmental disabilities and mental illness each year. There was a January deadline for applying for the money. Since only AID came forward, the City Council decided to keep the money in place. The council said it might modify the terms of such loans. Advertisement An agency that applies must be located in Elgin, serve its residents and offer proof that the state has not been making payments on contracts; that this has led to significant challenges in operating; and that it has contacted the state comptroller's office to request expedited payment due to hardship. Priority will be given to agencies involved with food, shelter, health care, mental health, domestic violence and child care services. MDanahey@tribpub.com Tricia Stewart recalls attending the Veterans Creative Arts Festival held in Lake County last year when a veteran read prose on stage about his suicide attempt. "That was a really powerful experience," Stewart said. Advertisement She is encouraging veterans and the general public to attend this year's festival March 10 at the College of Lake County, where dramatic and musical presentations will be performed, and art work including ceramics and photography will be displayed. Stewart is an art therapist at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, which is organizing the event. VA hospitals are participating nationwide, with a national festival scheduled Oct. 10-17 in Jackson, Miss. Advertisement "It's a wonderful way to educate the community on what our veterans are dealing with every day," Stewart said, adding last year's Lake County event included a veteran who rapped about post-traumatic stress disorder and a drama about veterans and homelessness. "In the category of military combat experience, there were actual photos from Vietnam and they depicted other soldiers and how they died, and the children and the people of Vietnam. They were amazing photos," she said. "What a person is going to find or see at the creative arts festival is exactly what people are hearing about every day about what veterans go through PTSD, depression, mental illness, addiction and loss," she said. All veterans who are receiving services from the VA are eligible to participate in categories including music, art, drama and poetry, she said. Professional judges award ribbons, and entries are submitted to the national competition, she said. Last year, four Lake County entrants won medals, she said. "The festival is so important because, we want to encourage our veterans to be as creative as possible," Stewart said. "And the festival is a really great way for them to meet other veterans and network with each other. It provides inspiration and a connection with other veterans who may not know how to be creative like they are." Stewart said veterans deal with PTSD and other issues in myriad ways, and various arts therapies can help. "Talk therapy doesn't work with everyone, and so a lot of times these creative avenues such as arts, writing, music, drama, dance might be the only things that reach the veterans therapeutically to help them heal," she said. Advertisement "What I hear from a lot of people is that they're able to focus on the art process and everything else that's going on kind of goes away and quiets down and it helps balance them." Veterans have been submitting their work and rehearsing musical, dance and dramatic performances to prepare for the festival, she said. She's seen veterans' works including ceramics, pencil drawings and paintings. One artist has drawn inspiring figures including Mother Teresa and Gandhi, she said. Inspiring nature photography is also being submitted, and one veteran is making leather sheaves for knives, while another is doing cross stitch work, she said. Last year, the event was held at the Lovell Center in North Chicago, but this year, it's being held at the College of Lake County. "We wanted an auditorium for our veterans and we wanted a better sound system, and so we were able to partner with CLC. It's been so great," Stewart said. Advertisement "It's going to be a wonderful day to celebrate our veterans and their creativity." Sheryl DeVore is a freelance writer. Veterans Creative Arts Festival When: 1 to 3 p.m., March 10 Where: C Wing Conference Center and Auditorium, College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake Tickets: Free and open to the public Advertisement Information: 224-610-3132 State Sen. Chris Nybo, an Elmhurst Republican, said he supports exploring having supplemental income after retirement be factored into pension benefits. (Chris Nybo / HANDOUT) At the start of each legislative session, the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference identifies the issues that are most important to their communities. At the top of their list of priorities for 2016 are protecting local revenue and reforming municipal public safety pensions. Advertisement The pension system is broken, said David Brummel, vice president of the conference, a coalition of 34 cities and villages in DuPage County that represents its members' interests in regional, state and national issues. "In the 11 years I have been mayor of Warrenville, and the six years I was on the City Council before that, it has been a problem and it keeps growing," Brummel said. Advertisement Towns and cities in Illinois with their own police and fire departments are responsible for providing the majority of funds for those employees' pensions. Employee contributions and investment returns are the other funding sources. The total Illinois municipalities have contributed to public safety pensions grew from $247 million in 2004 to $511 million in 2010, Brummel said. Part of the problem is there are more than 600 separate police and firefighter pension funds in the state, Brummel said. If they were combined into one fund, that would help, he said. Consolidation will reduce administrative costs and result in better returns, the conference predicts. The conference also advocates for changes to the state law that requires municipalities to fund pensions at the level needed for the pension funds to be 90 percent funded by 2040, or risk having the state withhold local revenue. The pension systems for suburban police and firefighters allow employees to leave one position after 30 years of service, collect their monthly pension and continue working in another position. It's not uncommon. In October, Robert Porter retired at the age of 50 as the Downers Grove police chief and less than a week later started work as the chief of police in Huntley. Hinsdale Police Chief Bradley Bloom and Franklin Park Police Chief Michael Witz did not have to leave the towns where they were employed. When Witz was ready to retire and start collecting his pension, the Franklin Park Village Board appointed him director of police, a civilian position that pays $60,000 a year, and did not fill the police chief job. The village saved the difference between hiring a new police chief for about $115,000 a year and the $60,000 salary for Witz's new position, Village President Barrett Pedersen said, and there is no difference in the responsibilities. Advertisement "He does everything a chief would do," Pedersen said. To the taxpayer, it may not seem fair that a person can collect a pension and a salary simultaneously for doing the same job, Pedersen admits. "But the taxpayer ends up winning," he said, because the village is saving money. Hinsdale village officials did not want to lose Bloom, 56, when he was ready to retire as police chief, because the village faces significant turnover in its department. Fifty percent of the department will be eligible to retire in the next five years and 66 percent of the command staff is already eligible to retire. In the newly created position of director of public safety, Bloom's responsibilities will be slightly different, as will his salary. In addition to his pension, he will be paid $120,000 a year, instead of his $151,576 police chief salary. Both Pedersen and Hinsdale Village President Thomas Cauley Jr. point out that neither Witz nor Bloom will qualify for a second pension, a practice referred to as double dipping. State Sen. Chris Nybo, R-24th, said there are instances of abuses of the pension system, but he does not think the new position in Hinsdale is an example of that. Advertisement "The village wants to retain this individual in some capacity, so they came up with a way that works for them," Nybo said. "We don't want to drive talented people out of the workforce." "The bigger issue I think should be explored is the supplemental income someone earns after they retire should be factored into their pension benefits," Nybo said. "I'm not suggesting a dollar for dollar correlation, but a pro-rated diminished amount." He would support that approach, rather than raising the retirement age for police officers and firefighters. There should be more generous benefits for police officers and firefighters because their jobs are more demanding and carry greater risk, Nybo said. "And I don't think we want firefighters and police officers working into their 60s and 70s," Nybo said. State Rep. Patti Bellock, R-47th, said she does not support double dipping. The mayors and village presidents in her district urge her not to support any enhancements to pension benefits. Advertisement In 2010, the state amended benefits in many public pension plans for employees hired on or after Jan. 21, 2011. The changes included raising the full retirement age from 60 to 67, calculating the amount of pension payments on the highest eight-year average, instead of the highest four years, and reducing cost of living increases from an automatic 3 percent compounded to the lesser of 3 percent or one half of the consumer price index, not compounded. kfornek@pioneelocal.com Twitter @kfdoings A Valparaiso man faces 30 years in prison after convincing a 14-year-old girl he met on Facebook to perform oral sex on him, according to court records. Zachary Berkshire, 32, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of enticing a minor child and two counts of producing child pornography, according to a plea agreement filed Friday in the U.S. District Court in Hammond. Advertisement The agreement calls for a binding recommendation of a 30-year sentence for Berkshire. If a federal judge rejects the sentence, Berkshire can change his plea to not guilty. Berkshire, who was arrested a year ago, could have faced a charge that would have brought a mandatory life sentence, his attorney, Bryan Truitt, said. However, he began cooperating with federal attorneys, and both sides have spent the past year working out this agreement, Truitt said. Advertisement Berkshire also faces charges in Lake and Porter counties, and prosecutors in other jurisdictions have also considered charges, Truitt said. Although the plea deal does not guarantee that any of those other cases will be dropped, Truitt said he hopes that his client's agreement to a 30-year sentence will induce them to drop other charges. "Hopefully this can bring closure to these girls and hopefully this is the end of it all," Truitt said. According to the agreement, Berkshire met one of his victims through Facebook in August 2014 using the alias Joey. He then texted the girl, who he thought was 13 but was actually 14, claiming to be a friend of Joey's named Brandon. He arranged to meet the girl at a park somewhere in Northwest Indiana, where he had her perform oral sex on him and also touched her genitals, according to the plea agreement. The two continued to talk through text messages, and, in January 2015, he had her send him several photographs of her in sexual positions and of her genitals. Berkshire also admits to secretly recording a second girl who was under 16 at the time in 2013 by hiding a camera in a bathroom. A court hearing for the case is set for Friday. tauch@post-trib.com Skokie's Economic Development Commission will have its turn to weigh in on adding restrictions on business storefront windows and entry doors after the Skokie Village Board Feb. 16 decided against taking an immediate vote. Raising a concern that proposed new rules may fall under "micromanaging," the Village Board voted to hold off on making a final decision. Village staff and the Skokie Plan Commission recommended the proposed changes. Advertisement "This strikes me as micromanaging," said Village Trustee Randy Roberts after the proposal was presented to the board. "I don't understand. Is this a demonstrable problem in the village of Skokie?" The recommended changes to the zoning code came about after Skokie officials noticed that some new storefront windows in the downtown and Dempster Street areas were "opaque" and not see-through from the street, according to village staff. Advertisement After conducting research, the village learned that perfectly clear glass for storefront windows is no longer available mostly because of tint requirements, Community Development Director Peter Peyer said. There is "no (industry) standard for what is clear and what is visible," he said. Plan Commission Chairman Paul Luke said business property owners have been "reliant on architects and glass contractors" for the type of windows they install. The village currently requires that no more than 25 percent of a storefront glass window have advertising and that the majority of the window be transparent, Peyer said. Recommended new changes to the code, however, call for using the most transparent glass as possible with tint that meets "the minimum U-factor requirement" as outlined in the state-adopted International Energy Conservation Code. "The surface shall not be covered or obstructed by blinds, curtains, products, shades, signs in excess of requirements in the (village's sign code) or other opaque materials placed behind the window," the proposed new language reads. Roberts questioned whether business owners are not already in a position to make those decisions. "I would think most business owners would want to advertise their wares, or it's in their best interest to make sure their windows or their doors are attractive and people can see in them," he said. "They have a natural incentive, it seems to me, to make their businesses as attractive as they can." Luke agreed that the proposed changes are based on aesthetics. He said some owners, however, may want to display all of their wares right at the window or block up the windows and reduce visibility. He said one Dempster Street store he has walked by has teapots and other merchandise on a shelf that has been pushed up against a window. Advertisement "You can't see inside," Luke said. "To him, it may be a space problem so he may need the shelf up against the window. Staff and I both agree that people should see into the store." Luke said no one spoke out at the Plan Commission meeting where the changes were unanimously recommended. Roberts, however, said the village should solicit input from organizations such as the Skokie Chamber of Commerce, the Independent Merchants of Downtown Skokie and the West Dempster Street Merchants Association. Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen recommended sending the matter to the Economic Development Commission, which includes representatives of all three organizations. misaacs@pioneerlocal.com Twitter: @SKReview_Mike The recent news that Australian surfwear manufacturer Rip Curls products have been entering the retail market globally carrying Made in China tags, but actually finished in North Korea, should not be the media scandal it has become. In fact, the practice of using sub-contractors to finish garments in third countries has long been legal and is relatively common. As concerns North Korea, I personally saw certain well known Japanese, South Korea and even American brands being finished in factories in Pyongyang as far back as 1999. This practice stems from Rules of Origin regulations, which vary and focus on the labelling of the garment as its place of manufacture. Rip Curls products were labelled Made in China yet legitimately so, as ROO regulations permit up to 40 percent of finishing work such as sewing on buttons, collars and cuffs and related works to be carried out in a third country. At this stage, it should be noted that both China and Australia have diplomatic relations with North Korea. China is well recognized as a major supporter of the regime, and has full diplomatic status with the country. That means an extensive Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang, and a Consul-General in Chongjin, mainly supporting the Rajin-Sonburg Free Trade Zone. Related Reading: The Definitive Guide To North Korea Australia also maintains diplomatic relations with North Korea, but its overtures are communicated through the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang, as well as through the DPRK Embassy in Jakarta. There have been calls to establish an Embassy. Given the rumpus over Rip Curl, perhaps this should be re-visited. Given that Australia has an embassy in Beijing, and that the closeness of Chinas relationship with the DPRK is well documented, it is unthinkable that Australian diplomats were unaware that the finishing of garments was being carried out in the DPRK. So, the scandal erupts over an Australian garment manufacturer, with full diplomatic ties with North Korea, having its products finished there. The products were subcontracted to the country by a main supplier from China, which also has full diplomatic relations with North Korea and is using its bilateral investment treaty with North Korea to define certain trading conditions. Rip Curl have in fact not broken any laws, and neither has anyone else. There is simply no scandal. What has attracted attention is media stories that Rip Curl are de facto employing slave labor in having had their products finished in the DPRK. While this should indeed be condemned if true, it is my understanding that DPRK workers do receive a wage and are currently paid at rates of about 25 percent of those in bordering Liaoning Province in China. Slave labor should therefore not be used in this case unless fully verified. There are bodies such as the UN and others who monitor such issues. Rip Curls business is to make garments. That is a different matter. Related Reading: Reducing Your China Manufacturing Costs Rules of Origin If Rip Curl have erred, it is in the due diligence and contractual process. It is also a lesson that extends to all other garment manufacturers operating in China. Put simply, if you do not want your products to be finished in a third country, then that needs to be placed in the production contract. That is a matter for their legal advisors, and it may be a matter for other global brands manufacturing product in China too. Rip Curl are not guilty of using slave labor. China is well known to be a destination where it pays to be alert and to conduct due diligence. Ensuring production and manufacturing contracts specifically exclude the ability for Chinese factories to take advantage of the current, globally accepted Rules of Origin principals and sub-contract work to countries such as North Korea is a matter for the lawyers, and not the brand. Chris Devonshire-Ellis is the Founding Partner of Dezan Shira & Associates a specialist foreign direct investment practice providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in emerging Asia. Since its establishment in 1992, the firm has grown into one of Asias most versatile full-service consultancies with operational offices across China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore and Vietnam, in addition to alliances in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand, as well as liaison offices in Italy, Germany and the United States. For further information, please email china@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com. Chris can be followed on Twitter at @CDE_Asia. Stay up to date with the latest business and investment trends in Asia by subscribing to our complimentary update service featuring news, commentary and regulatory insight. An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2015 Doing Business in China 2015 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in China. Compiled by the professionals at Dezan Shira & Associates, this comprehensive guide is ideal not only for businesses looking to enter the Chinese market, but also for companies that already have a presence here and want to keep up-to-date with the most recent and relevant policy changes. Selling, Sourcing and E-Commerce in China 2016 (First Edition) This guide, produced in collaboration with the experts at Dezan Shira & Associates, provides a comprehensive analysis of all these aspects of commerce in China. It discusses how foreign companies can best go about sourcing products from China; how foreign retailers can set up operations on the ground to sell directly to the countrys massive consumer class; and finally details how foreign enterprises can access Chinas lucrative yet ostensibly complex e-commerce market. Importing and Exporting in China: a Guide for Trading Companies In this issue of China Briefing, we discuss the latest import and export trends in China, and analyze the ways in which a foreign company in China can properly prepare for the import/export process. With import taxes and duties adding a significant cost burden, we explain how this system works in China, and highlight some of the tax incentives that the Chinese government has put in place to help stimulate trade. As more and more successful consumer-facing Chinese brands get into the hands of foreign investors, a saga of mixed fortunes and bittersweet experiences is unfolding across the country. The famous hot pot restaurant chain Little Sheep is a classic case study. There was a time, not very long ago, when January-February, China's coldest period of the year, would see Chinese making a beeline for hot pot. And the ultimate winter dining experience for many was a visit to Little Sheep, whose Mongolian hot pot was the most popular item on its menu. Little Sheep's success was legendary, until competition and a change in management put paid to its halcyon days. Little Sheep was founded in 1999 in Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, North China. It was ranked second among the top 100 national catering enterprises in 2004, when its revenues from 721 hot pot outlets across China reached 4.33 billion yuan ($658 million). Its main business was hot pot catering, condiment production and mutton processing. So adept was the company at them it coasted on its fame to a listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange in June 2008, the first Chinese hot pot restaurant to go public. It was later taken over by Yum Brands Inc as the country's opening up to foreign investment in the 1980s and 1990s gathered momentum. In February 2012, Little Sheep was taken private by Yum Brands, becoming the first Chinese restaurant to get delisted. Global giants such as Yum Brands brought with them strong financial backgrounds, rich marketing experiences and advanced management systems, which gave them an edge over Chinese companies, mostly State-owned enterprises, in buying successful local brands. Once taken over by international majors, well-known Chinese brands experienced different development paths. For instance, Yum Brands, the parent of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, integrated logistics, staff training and the menu of Little Sheep. It also shut some of the franchise outlets of Little Sheep. From the peak of 721 outlets, Little Sheep has shrunk to a 202-restaurant chain now. In recent years, customer flow has ebbed due to internal and external factors, said people familiar with the goings on by quoting the China Business News. Intensifying competition from new hot pot chains such as Haidilao Hot Pot and Xiabu Xiabu meant Little Sheep has to struggle to survive. Chen Peng, a 25-year-old white-collar worker in Beijing, said, "The last time I went to Little Sheep was around ten years ago, when I was still at middle school. Later, its outlet near my home closed, so I don't go there anymore. "At that time, I used to find Little Sheep hot pot delicious. Now, there are more popular hot pot chains such as Haidilao Hot Pot that offer good service in Beijing." Yet, old-timers acknowledge Little Sheep's hot pot recipe was unique, combining various nutritious ingredients that lent a delicious flavor to the soup, without consumers having to blend and dip any seasonings. Tasty, healthful soup and fresh meat still are Little Sheep's core competence. But Yum Brands standardized Little Sheep's operations and menu, overlooking many details of Chinese food culture, it is said. "Standardization is a two-edged sword. After the acquisition (by Yum), the original team (of Little Sheep) disbanded, and the new management team doesn't have deep understanding of Chinese food," Li Zhiqi, chairman of CBCT Future Marketing Consulting Group, said. Li said restaurant chains need a large amount of capital at infancy. But there are two kinds of capitals. One, capital brought in by investors with a deep understanding of the sector who bet on long-term growth. Two, capital of investors who seek to cash out quickly. Owing to intense competition in meat production, cross-sector capital was injected, which hurt the long-term growth of the sector, he said. Such turn of events is not limited to the restaurant business. In the fizzy drinks sector, Beibingyang (meaning: Arctic Ocean) orange soda was a time-honored brand, launched in 1936 from an old ice-making factory in Beijing. Beibingyang dominated the Chinese market in the 1980s before it became a joint venture with US-based PepsiCo Inc in 1994. Pepsi halted production of Beibingyang soda that disappeared from the shelves of Chinese stores. But, in 2011, Beibingyang dissolved its partnership with Pepsi and revived its best-selling orange soda. Guo Honglei, assistant to the general manager of Beibingyang, said, "We are doing well now. Many stores cannot keep enough bottles in stock though." Thankfully, not all takeovers by foreign investors destroy local brands. In 1994, global fast moving consumer goods giant Unilever took over management of leading domestic toothpaste producer Zhong Hua. Founded in 1954 in Shanghai, Zhong Hua had been a famous local brand. Unilever became a shareholder with an investment of $18 million. Since 2001, the Anglo-Dutch company poured in cash to market the Zhong Hua brand. The toothpaste contributed an average annual sales revenue of 1 billion yuan to Unilever in recent years, according to Linkshop, a leading Chinese retailing information provider. You are here: Home Chinese central authorities on Sunday issued guidelines on urban development, two months after leaders met for the Central Urban Work Conference and promised to make China's sprawling cities more livable and green. The document, from the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, said China will limit cities from growing beyond the means of their natural resources. It also called for city planners to differentiate cities with urban landscape based on local characteristics. The last time China held a meeting like the Central Urban Work Conference was in 1978, when only 18 percent of the population lived in cities. That had increased to 50 percent by the end of 2015. The urbanization that has characterized the past few decades has brought about significant social and economic change in China, spawning problems including traffic jams, pollution and compromised public safety. Such urban ills have provoked public ire, putting pressure on city planners to find solutions. You are here: Home Chinese doctors have called for more systems offering medical consultations over the phone or Internet. Delegates at a seminar on medical training in Beijing on Saturday said that greater use of third-party "telemedicine" platforms could help address the imbalanced allocation of medical resources around the country. These platforms should also share information, said Gao Haiqing, deputy head of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. According to Lu Qingjun, head of the telemedicine management and training center under the National Health and Family Planning Commission, China has already formulated industry standards for telemedicine information technology. A platform coordinating the resources of Qilu Hospital and two big Beijing counterparts, has provided consultations to dozens of other hospitals nationwide. You are here: Home Forty-nine foreigners who attempted to enter China without official documentation have been arrested by Chinese police, authorities said Sunday. Police with Jiangmen City, south China's Guangdong Province, received a tip-off this month, saying a group of people from Southeast Asia were planning to enter China to work in the southern coastal areas, the police said. Police nabbed the suspects in Jiangmen's Heshan City on Feb. 17. Most of the suspects are youngsters seeking "high-paying jobs" in China's southern seaboard. They were told to pay fees ranging from 800 yuan (US$123) to 8,000 yuan to criminal gangs, known as "snake heads," in exchange for jobs with payment "ten times higher than in their hometowns," one of the suspects told police. Further investigation is under way. China's netizens have been urged to avoid damaging the credibility of cyberspace after a story that went viral over the Spring Festival holiday turned out to be fabricated. A screenshot shows the humble food in Jiangxi province.[Photo/Weibo] The story revolved around a 28-year-old woman from a well-off Shanghai background who claimed to have split up with her boyfriend after eating a meal at his family's home in a small village in Jiangxi province. Her claims that she could not stand the humble food or the family's lowly home, quickly sparked online discussion about relationships between men from the countryside and metropolitan women. Debate raged until Sunday, when a report on Jxnew.com.cn exposed the story as a lie. The report quoted an officer from the provincial cyberspace watchdog who said that the post was written by a non-Shanghai mother surnamed Xu. She had never been to Jiangxi and made the post in anger following a fight with her husband about where they should spend the holidays, the report said. Li Yuxiao, head of the Internet Management Law Research Center at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, said such behavior constituted "abuse" of the Internet. "Although these posts may not be illegal, the posters' behavior is still irresponsible," Li said. "Such behavior causes a lot of damage to the credibility of cyberspace," he said. Zhu Wei, deputy director of the Communication Law Center at China University of Political Science and Law, said the woman's behavior was self-promotional but thought few netizens would try to arouse the public's attention in this way. "The Internet has the capacity for self-purification. Online discussions cleanse such non-news posts and can expose the truth," Zhu said. Netizens split over wealthy Shanghai girlfriend's rejection of rural family's meal The story of a young woman from a well-off Shanghai background and her boyfriend from a poor rural family created a huge online discussion about love during the Lunar New Year. But unlike in many such romantic stories, love, in this case, did not triumph. The anonymous woman, from comfortable circumstances in China's financial capital, recently agreed to follow her boyfriend to spend the Spring Festival in his hometown a small village in Jiangxi province. But after one meal at the family's home, the 28-year-old woman insisted on ending the relationship and returning to her home that same night. She said she could stand neither the humble food that the family offered, nor their lowly home. In the pictures the woman posted, the meal was offered in a dimly lit room, with six dishes and a bowl of rice placed on an old, mottled wood table, which some commenters said made the table look dingy and the food unappetizing. The woman said they took a train, transferred to a bus and then bumped along a country road on a tractor before they finally arrived at the man's home. "The bumping had already made me very sick. When I saw the dishes, I really wanted to throw up," the woman said in her online posts. The couple had dated for a year, with the woman's parents firmly in opposition because the man was a poor outsider in Shanghai who had not been able to purchase an apartment in the costly megacity. "My mother had tried to persuade me to get out of the relationship. I regretted not having followed her suggestions after I arrived there," the woman said in the posts, adding that her father arranged for a car to pick her up that night. The posts caught netizens' attention and received a large numbers of comments, sparking heated discussions on the common conflicts that arise in relationships between poor men from the countryside and stylish urban women used to the good life. Some netizens were sympathetic to the woman. A netizen called Sunshine-after-rain said: "It's normal for the woman to flee. She had no obligation to force herself to tolerate or accept the poor situation." Netizen Daring 90 said: "The dishes are OK compared with what I saw among other similar incidents. Take care." But some criticized the woman for being impolite and snobbish, with netizen MissTumbler saying the man's family "must have offered you the best" they had, and netizen FinanceQiuer saying that she "should have kept your manners and showed basic respect to the man's family". A 26-year-old female Internet user from Jiangxi province, where the man is from, posted a long letter to the fleeing Shanghai woman on Saturday, expressing her affection for the province where she was born, brought up and is now living. "I can understand your fear and anxiety of facing rural life for the first time," the woman said in the letter. "But in recent years, people in the countryside of Jiangxi are working hard to change their own fate, as well as the fate of their hometown." "As more young people come back to start their own businesses and careers, the situation of Jiangxi is becoming different from years before," the woman wrote, garnering applause from many netizens. Chen Jiafen, 60, often takes a 10-minute stroll on a white slab road to visit the "Tree God." For generations, his family lived in the shadow of a 4,700-year-old ginkgo tree in southwest China's Guizhou Province. His family and neighbors moved in 2011 to make room for the tree, which is 50 meters tall. Its vast roots permeate the foundations of buildings. "The great tree answers our prayers and protects our village. We had to return the favor," Chen said. The village of 18 Miao families now live in new homes about a kilometer away. The tree needs protection as fire and smoke from cooking could hurt it, Yang Ping, deputy chief of Changshun County forestry bureau. The soil around it has grown barren and needs fertilizing. The county spent 2 million yuan (US$307,000) on new homes for the villagers and invited experts to take care of the tree: removing dead branches, treating wounds and dealing with pests. Three lightning rods have even camouflaged as branches to avoid spoiling its natural beauty. It is not just in Changshun that people have gone to great lengths to protect trees. About 70 billion yuan was spent by 78 cities in 2014 on forestry, Zhang Jianlong, chief of China's State Forestry Administration, said during an urban forestry conservation meeting in east China's Anhui Province. A campaign to "bring forests into cities and surround cities with forests" is combining successful experience from abroad with Chinese reality, Zhang said. "In the future, we will try to move away from the enclosed management of green spaces and bring forests into communities and people's lives, to make forests more accessible," he said. A total of 21 cities were awarded the title of "State Forest City" at the meeting, increasing the number of state forest cities to 96. Departments of publicity and culture must follow the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), put the people at the center of their work and support the country's development, a senior official said Sunday. Liu Yunshan, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at a meeting to urge publicity and culture workers to learn and implement the spirit of the speech on the Party's media work by Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee. Xi visited China's three leading media providers on Friday morning and addressed the afternoon's symposium, saying the Party's media work should strictly follow the Party's leadership. Officials attending Sunday's meeting said Xi's speech has answered a series of key questions about the Party's media development, according to a statement released after the meeting. Liu said the key to doing a good job in media and publicity is to strengthen officials' "ideological and political building." They should align their ideology, political thinking and deeds to those of the CPC Central Committee, keep up with the committee and protect its authority, Liu said. Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong told the meeting that publicity and culture departments should better serve the country's efforts of stabilizing growth, industrial restructuring, promoting reform, benefiting the public and preventing risks. Liu Qibao, head of the publicity department of the CPC Central Committee, stressed the "extreme importance" of the media work. He said the media should stick to guiding public opinion on the correct path, adopt innovative methods and improve their abilities. You are here: Home Flash China's State Council, the cabinet, said Friday it will expedite establishment of a tourism supervision mechanism to address problems such as the infringement of tourists' rights. The State Council has set up a working group specially for supervision, while China National Tourism Administration will be responsible for guidance, coordination and supervision, among other duties. Local governments were also urged to establish relevant mechanisms and make public the details, the cabinet said in a notice. The government encouraged citizens to provide tips on violations of the rules or law via the "12301" hotline or other platforms. China's booming domestic tourism market saw over 4 billion journeys in 2015, generating tourism revenue of more than 4 trillion yuan ($620 billion). Flash U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry meets with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas (R) at the Palestinian ambassador's residence in Amman, Jordan, Feb. 21, 2016. [Xinhua/EPA/POOL/JAMAL NASRALLAH] The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Amman Sunday and told him the Palestinian leadership is working with the international community to hold an international peace conference to find a 5+1 formula and end the conflict with Israel. The Palestinian official news agency WAFA quoted Abbas' spokesperson, Nabil Abu Rudeinah as saying that the meeting discussed the latest developments "in depth and detail." Abu Rudeinah said that Abbas stressed the Palestinian leadership's efforts to "go to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to condemn settlement expansion and end it." He added that the president addressed the efforts to form national consensus government to unify the Palestinian land and people, with regards to the latest round of national dialogue between Abbas's Fatah party and Islamic Hamas movement in Doha. Abbas wants Kerry to talk to the Israelis, and help release the striking prisoner Mohamed Al-Qiq, who has been on a hunger strike for 90 days protesting administrative detention, and to release bodies of Palestinians withheld by Israeli authorities, said Abu Rudeinah. Kerry said that the Obama administration will continue to exert its efforts till the last moment to maintain the two-states solution in order to achieve stability and security in the region, according to WAFA. The Palestinian presidency welcomed statements by French Foreign Minister Lauren Fabius in which he said his country would resume efforts to organize an international conference to "rescue the two-states solution." Fabius said shall this initiative fail, "we must undertake our responsibility and recognize the Palestinian state." Israel rejected Fabius' statements, saying it is an ultimatum that Palestinians would use to fail the talks. The Israeli public radio reported that a senior U.S. official said that direct negotiations between Palestinians and Israel are the best way to reach a mutual agreement. The last round of peace talks stopped in April 2014, after 9 months of meetings mediated by the United States. A wave of unrest broke out between Palestinians and Israel since last October, killing 180 Palestinians, according to the PNA health ministry, and over 30 Israelis. Flash Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday called for more cooperation with Oman, saying that the implementation of a nuclear agreement between Tehran and the six world powers earlier this year has paved the ground to this end, Press TV reported. "It is necessary that the two countries further use opportunities created in post-deal era to strengthen cooperation, particularly in economic areas," Rouhani said in a meeting with visiting Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi. Tehran and Muscat enjoy "friendly, cordial and strategic" relations, he said, adding "the level of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries should be expanded and deepened in parallel with the political ties." Rouhani hailed what he termed as Oman's "positive" role during Tehran's nuclear negotiations with the world powers. Over the past years, Oman avoided publicly expressing concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program and the two states managed to maintain strong ties. For his part, Alawi said his country was determined to improve cooperation with Iran in all fields. Oman will provide Iranian traders with special facilities and welcomes their active presence in Muscat, he said, adding that strengthening economic cooperation between the two sides will serve their interests Oman has been maintaining amicable relations with Iran in a number of fronts, including diplomatic, political and economic areas, despite an Arab-Iranian dispute over the Persian Gulf, named by Arab states as Arabian Gulf. Besides, Oman mediated talks between the Islamic republic and the United States, Saudi Arabia and Britain over a number of disputed issues in the recent years. In March, 2014, Iran sealed a deal to export 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year to Oman. The agreement involves building the sub-sea Iran-Oman pipeline across the Persian Gulf at the cost of about one billion U.S. dollars. Alawi arrived in Tehran on Saturday for talks on bilateral ties and regional issues. Flash The Islamic State (IS) militant group has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks in the central province of Homs and the capital Damascus on Sunday that killed at least 107 people. Syrian army soldiers inspect the site of a series of attacks in the district of Sayyidah Zaynab, south of Damascus, Syria, Feb. 21, 2016. The death toll in the triple bombings that rocked a Shiite district in Damascus on Sunday has risen to 83, state news agency SANA said. As many as 178 others were injured in these serial attacks. [Xinhua/Yang Zhen] In online statements, the IS group said it had carried out the bombings in the 60-Street at the al-Zahra' neighborhood in the central province of Homs, which killed over 57 people and wounded tens of others. Al-Zahra' is inhabited by people of the Alwaite minority, to whom the ruling elite in Syria belong, which explains why it was targeted by the IS group, which showed zero tolerance to other sects, let alone the sect that is accused of supporting the government of President Bashar al-Assad. The oppositional Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 39 of those killed in Homs were civilians, including a child and 11 women. The UK-based watchdog group said the families in al-Zahra' kicked the governor of Homs, Talal al-Barazi, and the Interior Minister Muhammad al-Sha'ar, who wanted to visit the hard-hit neighborhood, in an apparent resentment over what the people may deem as government inaction toward tightening the security measure in al-Zahra', which seen several previous bombings, the latest of which took place last month when two bombings claimed by IS killed over 30 people. Meanwhile, the group also claimed responsibility for the triple bombings that rocked the Shiite district of Sayyidah Zaynab in south of the capital Damascus, killing 50 people. The pan-Arab al-Mayadeen TV and Syria official TV said the first explosion was a car bomb, followed by two other explosions by two suicide bombers close to the al-Sader Hospital in Teen Street in that sprawling district. Sayyidah Zaynab district has a Shiite shrine containing the tomb of Zaynab, Islam's Prophet Muhammad's granddaughter. The bombings are the latest in a series of explosions targeting the district, guarded by Lebanon's Hezbollah group fighters. At least 45 people died and 100 others were wounded last month when two explosions shook the same Shiite district. The Sayyidah Zaynab tomb is a center of religious studies for adherents of the Shiite sect of Islam as well as a mass pilgrimage destination for Shiite Muslims from across the world. The bombings in Sayyidah Zaynab occurred just a few hours following a series of twin bombings which killed 46 people in the pro-government district of Zahra' in downtown Homs. The explosions come as the international community is pushing to achieve a cessation of hostilities in Syria to be a base for a political solution to the country's nearly five-year-old conflict. Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation. Flash Sudan on Sunday banned UN agencies and international organizations from moving in Central Darfur State, citing security reasons. The United Nations and other international organizations have earlier complained about "significant restrictions" for them to access to thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs), due to continued military clashes at Jebel Marra in Sudan's Darfur region. "The movement of the organizations is limited due to military operations, but it is temporary," Kamal-Eddin Ismail, state minister at Sudan's foreign ministry, said at a press conference Sunday. "According to our information, there is no siege or restriction on the movement of the organizations at the area unless there are operations," he noted. He further reiterated that the policy of the Sudanese government is generally based on facilitating the tasks of the UN organizations and agencies if they are committed to the general regulations and agreements signed with the government. Earlier, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Sudan (OCHA) said in a report that "National and international humanitarian organisations are currently not able to carry out any verification or assessment of newly displaced people who arrived in Central Darfur from the Jebel Marra." It further noted that "significant movement restrictions and the volatile security situation prevent aid organisations from ascertaining that." In mid of last January, violent clashes erupted between the Sudanese army and the rebels of Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM)/Abdul-Wahid Nur faction around Jebel Marra area in Sudan's Central Darfur State. Flash The preparation work for restart of the No.4 reactor at Takahama plant, Fukui prefecture, was suspended on Sunday for investigation of a radioactive coolant water leak that happened the previous day. According to the operator Kansai Electric Power Co., some 34 liters of coolant water was estimated to have leaked within a building attached to the No.4 reactor at Takahama plant on Saturday. The cause for the leak is still under investigation. The company also said the radioactivity level of the leak was below what is needed to be reported to the state and the leak had not caused any effect on the environment. According to local media, the resumption schedule of the reactor, which had been scheduled to restart late February, might be influenced by the incident. The reactor was expected to be the fourth nuclear reactor reactivated in Japan under stricter safety rules set after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. There are currently three nuclear reactors in operation in Japan, including the No.3 reactor at the same plant which resumed operation on Jan. 29, and two reactors at Kyushu Electric Power Co.'s Sendai plant in Kagoshima Prefecture. The Japanese government is trying to bring all of the nation's 48 reactors back online and make 20 percent of the country's electricity generated from nuclear power by 2030. Flash About 10,000 protesters, many of them Chinese-Americans, rally in New York on Saturday in support of former police officer Peter Liang, who was convicted of the 2014 fatal shooting of an unarmed man in a public housing building. [Xie Yunan/For China Daily] Three Chinese-American legal experts have expressed serious concerns over the recent conviction of a Chinese-American policeman for accidently shooting dead a black man in New York that has sparked strong protests in the Chinese-American community. In separate interviews with Xinhua, Attorney David Qinghua Cao in Houston, Attorney Hugh H. Mo in New York and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Lieutenant Yin Leung all raised objections to the Feb 11 conviction of Police Officer Peter Liang. At the trial held in the Kings County Supreme Court in Brooklyn, 10 out of 12 members of the jury voted for the conviction of Liang. The 28-year-old officer with the New York Police Department (NYPD) was found guilty for fatally shooting unarmed Akai Gurley while patrolling with his partner on the darkened eighth floor of the Pink Houses in the borough of Brooklyn. One bullet was shot out of Liang's service gun, ricocheted on a wall and killed Gurley. Liang, working for the NYPD for only 18 months, was convicted of second-degree manslaughter, becoming the first policeman from the NYPD to be convicted of homicide for shooting a civilian since 2005. In response to the conviction, a huge demonstration crowd of approximately 10,000 people protested around Los Angeles City Hall on Saturday against the conviction of Liang, amid rallies by tens of thousands of people in more than 30 U.S. cities. In his interview with Xinhua, Attorney David Qinghua Cao saw the verdict as "very disturbing," saying that "the evidence was mishandled, resulting in the jury's misled and, accordingly, unjustified verdict." "For example, as juror Carlton Screen told the media, only 10 of all 12 jurors voted for conviction, and it was only after every juror tested the trigger of officer Liang's service pistol that they unanimously agreed that Liang was guilty as charged, because they felt the trigger was too hard to pull," Cao said. "In other words, officer Liang must have voluntarily and consciously fired the gun." The attorney also questioned the conditions the jurors faced, which were different from what Liang had encountered. "How can jurors, with different individual constitutions and most having no experience with firearms, determine in a safe courtroom whether the trigger was too hard to pull for a robust young officer, who must have fired hundreds, if not thousands, of rounds through that gun during his training, on a highly stressful situation like that dark stairwell in a high-crime area?" he said. "That was doing officer Liang injustice." Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation. The Christian Times By Caleb Romero 19 February, 2016 Taiwan recently made history by becoming the host country to the first ever meeting of religious rights leaders and groups to promote religious freedom among countries in the Asia-Pacific region. According to the report by Taipei Times, the Asia-Pacific Religious Freedom Forum kicked off on Thursday at the Yangmei district in Taoyuan and will continue until Sunday. Some of the participants in the four-day forum include the U.S.-based China Aid and Freedom House campaign groups, the Taiwan Association for China Human Rights, and the Democratic Pacific Union. The forum brings together a total of 99 country leaders, government representatives, and human rights advocates from 26 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Reuters Religion is often the cause of conflicts or even wars in many countries. The worlds worst nightmare at the moment is terrorism, which in essence revolves around the longstanding conflict between Islam and Christianity, said Annette Lu, former Taiwan vice president and founder of the Democratic Pacific Union, in a press statement. Taiwan is home to 28 different religions, and each one is free to practice its own set of beliefs and rituals, making it a good example among other countries. In spite of differences, Lu said that all of Taiwans religions, including Taoism and Christianity, have united in order to support the forum. Weixinism, the countrys newest religion has also expressed its support for the religious freedom convention. The participants of the forum are set to present the Taiwan Declaration for Religious Freedom on Friday. So far, the only issue that the delegates have faced is their difficulty in securing Taiwan visas for the forum. According to a report by Radio Free Asia, two religious freedom advocates from China were not given visas and as a result, missed the forum. The report speculates that Beijing, which still claims sovereignty over Taiwan, may have affected the decision not to grant them visas. China Aid Media Team Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985 Email: [email protected] For more information, click here The Epoch Times By Frank Fang, Epoch Times | February 19, 2016 Last Updated: February 21, 2016 4:52 pm When talking about human rights issues in China, United States officials are often prone to hedge their languageto convey a sense of U.S. values, but not be perceived as threatening by the regime. Not Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ). On a recent trip to China, Rep. Smith gave a speech titled A Duty to Defend Universally Recognized Rights, in which he referred to female gendercide and a litany of other official abuses. Predictably, he was ignored in the presswhich is often given censorship and propaganda commands about what it can and cannot reportand flamed online by Internet users that seemed particularly supportive of the positions of the Chinese Communist Party. Rep. Smiths was nearing the end of his 5-day trip to China, visiting NYU-Shanghai China upon the invitation of the schools Vice-Chancellor Jeffrey Lehman. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) speaks during a Capitol Hill briefing in Washington, D.C., on June 25, 2015. Congressman Smith gives a speech at the campus of NYU- Shanghai. (Kris Conner/Getty Images) Over the past several years, Ive heard the same thinghuman rights conditions have gotten worse, said Rep. Smith, who had been in China four times before, but was back for the first time since 2008, when he was denied a visa. Human rights lawyers are disappeared for simply trying to represent the poor and vulnerable. Labor rights advocates are targeted, academics and students muzzled, civil society and ethnic minorities increasingly are viewed as a security threat, Rep. Smith said. Since last July, over 300 lawyers, legal assistants, staff members of law firms, and social activists, have been detained and interrogated by Chinese security forces. One of the most prominent lawyers, Wang Yu, was formally charged on suspicion of subversion of state power in January of this year. If convicted, Wang faces a potential life sentence. Rep. Smith added that Religious freedomthe universally recognized human right to peacefully exercise faith in Godhas not yet improved in China, and I join with many around the world and in China in an appeal to President Xi to safeguard this internationally-recognized human right. Rep. Smith also condemned the Chinese regimes use of forced abortion and ongoing labor abuses. State news outlets ignored Rep. Smiths trip, and it received almost no play in the media. It was unclear if this was due to official orders or simply a lack of interest. Audience participation gave no sign of the latter, however: Rep. Smiths website refers to a standing room only crowd who came to hear him speak. Guancha, a news website partially owned by the state-affiliated Shanghai Federation of Social Science Associations, published an article calling Smith an anti-China adept, and asked why someone who obviously doesnt like you still comes to your house and scolds you. On Sina Weibo, Chinas Twitter-like service, nearly all the comments about the Congressman were negative. It is unclear if comments favorable to the Congressman had been censored, but it was clear that Partys online propaganda unit, known as the 50 Cent Army was felt to be in full swing, as evidenced by one remark left by a netizen from Shandong: Too many 50 centers have polluted the online environment. One netizen from Shandong Province, who may or may not have been a paid pro-regime commentator, said: Doesnt this show that China has freedom of speech? Another user, who may or may not have been satirizing the paid commentators, wrote: China and North Korea are the countries most concerned with human rights. China Aid Contacts Rachel Ritchie, English Media Director Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985 Email: [email protected] Website: www.chinaaid.org Last year saw record levels of activity in China's mergers and acquisitions. According to ChinaVenture Group, 9,700 deals were announced in the Chinese M&A market last year. Their deal value was $709.4 billion, up 78.1 percent year-on-year. And 4,156 deals were closed in 2015 with total deal value of $316.1 billion, up 56.4 percent year-on-year. Deals-wise, manufacturing, information technology, energy and mining were the most active sectors in 2015. In terms of deal value, however, real estate, transportation and telecommunications were the top three sectors. Pro-industry policies and economic reforms contributed to growth in M&A activity. In particular, steady economic growth amid a series of national strategies such as "Internet Plus", the Belt and Road Initiative, deepening financial reform, and industry upgradation, were responsible for heightened M&A activity. Nine key events marked the M&A market last year 1. 'Internet Plus' strategy promoted M&A in the IT sector On March 5, Premier Li Keqiang outlined "Internet Plus", a concept to integrate the Internet into every conceivable economic activity, including manufacturing. M&A deals in the Internet sector surged from the second half of last year. In all, there were 836 announced M&A deals in the Internet sector last year, up 54.2 percent year-on-year. Their deal value totaled $51.9 billion, up 197.4 percent year-on-year, ChinaVenture data showed. 2. Four agencies rolled out pro-M&A policy On Aug 31, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the Ministry of Finance, State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council and the China Banking Regulatory Commission jointly released a notice encouraging mergers, cash bonuses and share repurchases by listed companies as part of efforts to push forward reforms of State-owned enterprises and promote the steady and healthy development of the capital market. 3. The State Council released guidelines on entrepreneurship The State Council released guidelines in September to accelerate exploration of new models to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Consequently, M&As increased in the IT and advanced manufacturing sectors last year. 4. Big M&A deals clinched by Chinese buyers PwC data showed that China's outbound M&A activity grew 40 percent by volume and 21 percent by value to reach new record highs. Privately owned enterprises continued to lead the charge, but financial buyers and private equity investors were also very active. State-owned enterprises remained somewhat subdued. China's overseas M&A tends to pursue technologies, brands and know-how to bring them to the domestic market. Pursuing inorganic growth strategies and starting to build geographically diversified portfolios are other drivers for this outbound activity. 5. M&As at the New Third Board surged Influenced by M&A's soaring popularity at the main board, China's third national equity market, the National Equities Exchange and Quotations, or the so-called New Third Board, had 339 mergers and acquisitions under examination and approval. Of them, 194 ones had been approved, increasing 15 percent year-on-year. Large New Third Board-listed companies such as Beijing Tongchuang Jiuding Investment Management Co and China Science & Merchants Investment Management Group made a series of M&As, leading the popularity charts in the M&A market. 6. Unsuccessful M&A spawned new opportunities In 2015, lots of mergers and acquisitions failed because of price disagreement. From July 1 to 17, 148 listed companies released merger and acquisition statements, of which 39 failed. As the trend of M&A continues, assets that were not acquired can become new opportunities. 7. Industry leaders merged for win-win On February 14, China's two largest mobile taxi-hailing app operators, Didi Dache and Kuaidi Dache, jointly announced their strategic merger. The new company will run on a co-CEO basis and keep the original structure of their respective human resources. On April 17, two former competitors in online information serviceganji.com and 58.comagreed to a strategic merge. Both companies will combine into 58 Ganji Company, which will operate a dual-brand strategy. 8. M&As in film, television sectors turned active With annual box-office revenue totaling 44.1 billion yuan ($6.7 billion), mergers and acquisitions in the film and television sector were active, led by relative listed companies. There were 76 deals in the sector last year worth 200 billion yuan, up from 61 deals in 2014. With so many capital injections, a bubble emerged in the market. 9. Online travel sector saw more M&As On May 8, Chinese travel website Tuniu Corp said it has sold $500 million of new shares to a group of investors led by JD.com Inc, China's No. 2 e-commerce site, as part of a tie-up to boost its customer base. In June, Chinese online travel service providers Lvmama announced that it received 500-million-yuan strategic investment from Jinjiang International Hotels Group. With consumption upgrade, more transparent industry standards and giants' participation, online travel sector will have more M&As to improve efficiency of using resources. Outlook for 2016 "We believe that the rate of China M&A activity will continue to grow at a double-digit pace in 2016," said Leon Qian, PwC North China Transaction Service Leader. "This will be led by domestic strategic and outbound activity. Technology will stay in the lead, as the government supports the sector as part of China's economic transformation. It will continue to attract investors looking for high growth, plus there may be some consolidation among the sector leaders." A chef prepares roast ducks for his customers in a Sijiminfu roast duck restaurant in Beijing. Provided to CHINA DAILY Beijing restaurant offers model for SOEs' reform The Qianmen branch of Sijiminfu, a roast duck restaurant with only 90 square meters of floor space in downtown Beijing, reported net profits of nearly 3 million yuan ($468,750) last year, an outstanding achievement. The restaurant's recipe for success is not spices or cooking methods, but a unique management philosophy that means key employees are included in a profit-sharing scheme. The so-called dividend-sharing mechanism sees employees with management responsibilities take home a share of the profits based on their performance and investment, giving them access to financial rewards that were once exclusively for major shareholders. These employees share 20 percent of the profits within the annual target, plus 60 percent of profits above the annual target. "The practice of dividend sharing could help the ongoing State-owned enterprise reform drive," said China Enterprise Reform and Development Society deputy head Zhou Fangsheng. SOE reform has yet to achieve it full potential, having been held back by systematic problems, conflict of interest and other complicated issues such as property ownership and management style. "Dividend sharing might be exactly what SOE reform needs," Zhou said, adding that it could improve productivity and boost profits without denting state assets or changing property ownership. Dividends are traditionally divided up between shareholders according to their investment, an approach Zhou warned results in wealth gaps. Whereas the allocation of profits according to both investment and performance is much fairer, he said. The practice is actually not new to China. Over 300 years ago, a private bank in Shanxi province successfully implemented a similar system to manage its bad-performing loans. It is also hoped that such an arrangement will help clean up corruption in SOEs. "Who would steal or take kickbacks from their own business," said Zhang Qiang, a Sijiminfu chef. Guo Fansheng, board chairman of Hc360.com, a leading B2B e-commerce platform, implemented this system over 20 years ago, with stock incentives resulting in increasingly bigger profits year after year. "You have to establish a mechanism that gives employees a sense of ownership. Motivation is the key," Guo said. The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission released a guideline in 2008 that encouraged firms to explore equity sharing and profit incentives. A man carries his Kentucky Fried Chicken lunch in front of a Little Sheep outlet in Tianjin. The boom-and-bust of Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot proves the process of going global is not always cheerful.Provided to CHINA DAILY When foreign investors take over successful Chinese brands, joy does not always follow As more and more successful consumer-facing Chinese brands get into the hands of foreign investors, a saga of mixed fortunes and bittersweet experiences is unfolding across the country. The famous hot pot restaurant chain Little Sheep is a classic case study. There was a time, not very long ago, when January-February, China's coldest period of the year, would see Chinese making a beeline for hot pot. And the ultimate winter dining experience for many was a visit to Little Sheep, whose Mongolian hot pot was the most popular item on its menu. Little Sheep's success was legendary, until competition and a change in management put paid to its halcyon days. Little Sheep was founded in 1999 in Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, North China. It was ranked second among the top 100 national catering enterprises in 2004, when its revenues from 721 hot pot outlets across China reached 4.33 billion yuan ($658 million). Its main business was hot pot catering, condiment production and mutton processing. So adept was the company at them it coasted on its fame to a listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange in June 2008, the first Chinese hot pot restaurant to go public. It was later taken over by Yum Brands Inc as the country's opening up to foreign investment in the 1980s and 1990s gathered momentum. In February 2012, Little Sheep was taken private by Yum Brands, becoming the first Chinese restaurant to get delisted. Global giants such as Yum Brands brought with them strong financial backgrounds, rich marketing experiences and advanced management systems, which gave them an edge over Chinese companies, mostly State-owned enterprises, in buying successful local brands. Once taken over by international majors, well-known Chinese brands experienced different development paths. For instance, Yum Brands, the parent of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, integrated logistics, staff training and the menu of Little Sheep. It also shut some of the franchise outlets of Little Sheep. From the peak of 721 outlets, Little Sheep has shrunk to a 202-restaurant chain now. In recent years, customer flow has ebbed due to internal and external factors, said people familiar with the goings on by quoting the China Business News. Alistair Michie, government adviser Editor's Note : Many policy changes may be in the cards in 2016, a challenging time for reform in China and the first year of a new five-year plan for the nation's social and economic progress. China Daily presents some of the latest changes and political considerations. Chinese companies looking to expand overseas must temper their enthusiasm for new customers with realism and research, according to a longtime government adviser and senior analyst. Alistair Michie works for strategic consultancy NICG and has previously advised the China State Administration for Foreign Experts Affairs. He said Chinese firms were often portrayed in foreign media as on a mission to "buy up the world", but this was not true or even feasible. Chinese media was often guilty of simply parroting this line and celebrating it as a triumph, which does no favors for the country's businesses as they look to build their global role and image, according to Michie. "It creates a false impression," he said. "Chinese money, in terms of the country's GDP or its government reserves, is only a tiny portion of the wealth in North America and Europe. China simply cannot buy up the world." Companies must be humble, ready to learn and quick to adapt to local realities, he said - yet few that he knew of had adopted this approach. China's growing economic ties with the world are a natural offshoot of its reform and development over the past 30 years, said Michie. Some mergers and acquisitions are perceived or presented as having political significance when in actuality they are nothing more than business deals, he said. The idea that China is buying up the world "is not real" and by the same token, owning a factory in a foreign land can only be the beginning for Chinese firms looking to do business in an international environment. There is still much to be learned about the local market and laws, culture and people, Michie said. China will have to employ a lot of people with international experience to lead it Belt and Road Initiative at an operational level, so the next few years should not be just about China raising its international profile but also about it learning from others, he said. Of all the Chinese companies with a global reach, Michie singled out Huawei, the telecommunication equipment and services giant, as one of the rare exceptions that had made "a painful effort" to integrate local knowledge wherever its business reaches. Many other companies, despite their expansion abroad, had yet to focus on learning English or their host countries' languages, and had not built trust with the local elites. Thus, their chances of growing into true multinational corporations was still in question, Michie said. suzhou@chinadaily.com.cn CHINA DAILY BEIJING -- Chinese central authorities on Sunday issued guidelines on urban development, two months after leaders met for the Central Urban Work Conference and promised to make China's sprawling cities more livable and green. The document, from the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, set the basic principles, key tasks and targets for future urban development and management, aiming to ensure the cities are "orderly constructed, properly developed, and efficiently operated". The last time China held a meeting as the Central Urban Work Conference was in 1978, when only 18 percent of the population lived in cities. That had increased to 56.1 percent by the end of 2015. The urbanization that has characterized the past few decades has brought about significant social and economic changes in China, spawning problems including traffic jams, pollution and compromised public safety. Such urban ills have provoked public ire, putting pressure on city planners to find solutions. Chen Zhenggao, minister of housing and urban-rural development, said Sunday's document was drafted based on careful research by its ministry and 29 other related departments. The guidelines said China will limit cities from growing beyond the means of their natural resources. Currently, Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing municipalities all have populations exceeding 20 million. Cities like Tianjin, Guangzhou and Shenzhen each have more than 10 million. Priority will be given to the protection of farmland, while land for construction use will be "properly allocated". The country plans to take some five years to inspect and clear up illegal construction. It also called for city planners to differentiate cities with urban landscape based on local characteristics. Aside from the exterior of buildings, factors including resource and energy conservation as well as environmental protection should also be taken into account while designing and constructing, the guidelines said. As part of the efforts to provide low-income urban residents with affordable housing, China aims to complete renovation of rundown urban areas and dilapidated housing by 2020. China will also improve urban planning and construction of infrastructure, both underground and overground. Construction standards and project quality will be raised, the guidelines said. Beijing is the most popular destination in Asia for venture capital investment, followed by Shanghai and Bombay, according to a report released by the Martin Prosperity Institute. It said that venture capital investment totaled $42 billion globally in more than 150 cities in 2012, which is the latest year for which figures can be obtained in the sector. The US west and east coasts, China, India and Western Europe were the most active areas. San Francisco, San Jose, Boston, New York, Los Angeles and San Diego ranked as the top six in the world by deal value, and their total investment funds received accounted for 45 percent of the global amount, it said. Beijing financed venture capital funds totaling $758 million, ranking first in Asia and ninth in the world by investment value; Shanghai ranked second in Asia and 14th globally. Bombay and Bangalore ranked 15th and 17th globally, according to the report. "Venture capital development in China and India is developing rapidly, which proves that the VC sector is undergoing globalization," the report said. "Beijing has a mature ecosystem for entrepreneurship, which attracts venture capital investment," said Hu Boyu, founding partner of Beijing-based venture capital firm BlueLake Capital. Hu explained that there are many top universities and Internet giants in Beijing, and it is a rich source of skilled IT workers. These talented staff may set up start-up companies or be hired by them. "Influenced by Beijing, the entrepreneurship conditions in Shanghai and Hangzhou are also improving," said Hu. BlueLake Capital has invested in 13 deals in the telecommunications, media and technology sectors, with investment totaling around $80 million in the past one-and-a-half years, and 70 percent of them were in Beijing. The report also said that per capita venture capital investment in the US west and east coasts was large, while that in Asia and Europe was small. San Jose, San Francisco and Boston ranked as the top three cities by per capita investment, while Beijing ranked 55th and Shanghai was 74th. "I remain confident in the venture capital development of China, especially Beijing, in the coming years because there are many innovative companies and the VC funds are ample," said Hu. The report also showed there is a positive correlation between venture capital investment and economic size of a city, but these are not consistently related to each other. For instance, New York, the world's largest city by economic size, only ranked fourth globally by venture capital investment, and San Francisco, the world's largest venture capital venture center, ranked 23rd in the world by economic size. caixiao@chinadaily.com.cn A worker is pictured in Shougang Jingtang United Iron & Steel Co on Aug 28, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua] European Union companies will be more willing to invest in China if the country's overcapacity problems are reduced, said Joerg Wuttke, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. Wuttke said that the EU's investment in China dropped by 25 percent last year. He said that China's overcapacity actually makes it difficult for European companies in the home markets and also third markets. If the overcapacity problem is fixed, they will actually be willing to invest in upscale, sustainable products and projects. "So if China is willing to go through with strong political will in order to eliminate the overcapacity, I think Europeans will be more interested in investing in upscale, top-end technologies, in those respective sectors," he said before the chamber released a report Monday in Beijing about China's overcapacity. The European Chamber of Commerce in China released a new major report, Overcapacity in China: An Impediment to the Party's Reform Agenda, which provides a detailed examination of the causes and consequences of overcapacity in eight key industries and analyzes the developments that have taken place since the European Chamber published its original report on this topic in 2009. The new report explains that although the central government has made great efforts to address excessive production capacity, factors such as regional protectionism and weak regulatory enforcement have hindered policy implementation. "Without a sustained effort to address it now, overcapacity may well seriously impede the effectiveness of China's economic reform agenda," he said. The report provides 30 recommendations that should be taken to address this deep-rooted problem. The EU Chamber hopes that they will also contribute to a strengthening of the government's resolve to implement the core tenet of the Third Plenum's Decision, establishing the market as the decisive force in China's economy. "A review of our original study showed that the action plan we proposed in 2009 is still relevant today. We hope that our analysis and recommendations for 2016 will result in concrete actions by Chinese policy makers," he says. "Although the Party's annual Central Economic Work Conference has listed addressing overcapacity as a priority every year from 2007 to 2015, fundamental changes have not yet taken place. Tackling overcapacity is now more urgent than ever: the cost of maintaining the status quo is far too high." Easier access to auto loans is part of support for China's manufacturing industry.JING WEI/CHINA DAILY Move to increase auto consumer credit to boost development The percentage of down payments needed on new-energy vehicles and secondhand cars in China is expected to fall, as the central government attempts to maintain stable growth in the country's manufacturing, adjust the nation's economic structure and raise the level of performance. Last week, the People's Bank of China, China's central bank, jointly issued a directive with several ministries on strengthening financial support for development of the country's manufacturing industry. The directive encourages banking financial institutions to lower the percentage of down payments of loans for NEV and secondhand cars, as long as the banks can properly control the potential risks. It said the move is to increase auto consumer credit and support the development of new-energy vehicles and related industries. "It is a good signal, which will certainly offer more opportunities to the market and more choices to e-car customers," said Hu Xiaoqing, PR and marketing director of Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology. BYD Daimler is a joint venture between Daimler and local carmaker BYD, the leading new-energy vehicle manufacturer in China. Its Denza pure electric model has become a rising star in the NEV market since it hit the market in late 2014. Timing and details are vital, Hu said. However, she questioned whether the directive would result in real action. A spokeswoman from Volkswagen Finance China said the company welcomes the directive, and would cooperate with the government and make any adjustments needed. She said the directive would make owning a car easier for consumers, and increase the number of NEV and used car customers, who currently account for a low proportion of loans from Volkswagen Finance. Some industry insiders think otherwise. Zeng Zhiling, managing director of LMC Automotive Consulting (Shanghai), predicts the directive would not affect the demand for vehicles in the short term. Zeng believes the new-energy vehicle market is driven by policies such as restrictions on purchasing vehicles and license plates, as well as traffic control in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. The demand for new-energy vehicles in those places will not change as NEV buyers there have little interest in car loans, said Zeng. Low-end new-energy car buyers are mostly from small cities and towns, Zeng added. He said they also don't need auto finance as the cars are very cheap. Zeng does not expect the directive to substantially influence the secondhand car market either, as the market currently "lacks standardization and is full of amateurs and scalpers". Sun Dan, CEO of Jing Bei Club, a high-end used car e-commerce platform, forecasts a bright future for its business and a 20 percent sales increase. "High-end car buyers are mainly youngsters who do not have much cash, so they often turn to their parents or a home equity loan," Sun said. Currently, auto loans only account for a small portion of China's total auto sales. Zeng predicted loans would account for 4 to 5 percent of total auto sales by 2020. China's current rule for down payments on auto loans requires no less than 50 percent for secondhand cars and no lower than 20 percent for new cars. There is no separate rule for loans to purchase new-energy cars. In actual practice, the down payments required for a secondhand car is between 30 and 35 percent, Sun said. Sun estimated down payments for used cars would change to 20 to 30 percent from the current 50 percent, if the directive is effective. He also urged more banks to provide loans for used cars. He said the industry is currently monopolized by Ping An bank and a few other financing institutions. In the future, Zeng said China may create new policies regarding down payments on new-energy cars, as promoting NEVs is a priority for the country. Customer feedback Jason Wang, 36, who borrowed to buy a Mercedes-Benz A two years ago: "The key points are loan interest, service charges and free gifts, rather than down payments," Wang said. Li Qi, 40, owner of multiple Bentleys: "It will be very attractive for car buyers if there is no loan interest. "Auto financing raises the cost of vehicles so I wouldn't use it." Hao Yan contributed to this story. A driver charges his car at a facility in Suzhou, Jiangsu province.YANG LEI/XINHUA The State Grid Corp of China has opened an online mall as a trial for selling new-energy vehicles, charging posts and services, but it is only open to employees at present. Chinese local media reported last week that the nation's top power distributor opened to its staff the online platform, similar to the major players including Taobao.com and JD.com. Employees of the State-owned enterprise were cited anonymously as saying that currently only internal staff members are able to log on with their employee numbers, and have received coupons for purchasing home appliances. Employees were quoted as saying: "We are surprised that the company is making a foray into e-commerce. We also have a strong interest in new-energy cars, although the trial offers only home appliances at present." The report said the State Grid's online mall has cooperation agreements with five NEV makers, including BYD Auto Sales; Beijing Electric Vehicle, or BAIC BJEV; the NEV arms of SAIC Motor, Chery Automobile, and Jianghuai Automobile. The mall would take orders on six models including fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars with down payments of 1,000 yuan ($153), according to the sources. Those models are the BYD Qin, BAIC ES210 and EV200, Roewe E50 and 550 Plug-in and JAC IEV5. Public relations spokespeople at both BYD and BAIC BJEV said they have no knowledge of the State Grid online mall. Zhou Xin, an analyst at IResearch Consulting Group, said: "State Grid could be working with big dealership groups to sell NEVs, as there is great potential in the NEV market. The online mall is an approach to get closer to the end consumers and to learn more about their wants. "Its business model is not clear yet, the company might give discounts to attract customers. If it runs this business successfully, it could be a great engine to the individual user NEV and charging post market, given it is already a major player in public charging facilities," Zhou said. IResearch is a Beijing-based consultancy that has expertise in Internet businesses. The State Grid online mall also provides charging post building services in partnership with seven constructors, and is offering 31 products priced from thousands to tens of thousands of yuan, according to the report. Zhou said, "Those who buy an NEV will consume the company's electricity through a charging post. NEVs are not usable without charging posts, so the cars and posts are being offered together." Yale Zhang, managing director of Automotive Foresight (Shanghai), wrote in an article published earlier in China Daily: "Individual consumers need to 'apply for' permission to construct charging poles from property management, as well as the local state grid. "Very often, they are refused immediately when they talk with the community's property management." The State Council issued a guideline in October to accelerate the construction of NEV charging facilities. The guideline required that newly built residential properties must either install recharging facilities in all their parking lots, or have all the relevant components ready. An intercity fast charging network is planned to cover the nation's major cities by 2020, with the first step covering the regions surrounding Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, before expanding to more regions in central, western, and northeastern China. haoyan@chinadaily.com.cn Volunteers play a game with left-behind children at Tangshan Primary School in Xiugu town, Jiangxi province, on Thursday. Hu Chenhuan / Xinhua The weeks after Spring Festival used to be the most depressing for children left in China's rural areas by their migrant worker parents. The situation is now changing thanks to government moves to provide better-paid jobs in the countryside. Xinhua News Agency reports from Chongqing. Tao Xingyue, 12, and Tao Junshen, 10, used to dread the end of the Chinese New Year holiday when their parents returned to their jobs in distant cities, leaving the youngsters at home. This year, though, they had no reason to cry. After five years of living with their uncle in a village on the outskirts of Chongqing municipality, the children have their parents back by their sides. The Taos were typical of the more than 60 million rural children "left behind" when their parents moved away to become migrant workers. Mother Yu Changmei, a cleaner, and father Tao Yonghong, a security guard, could only return home twice a year from their jobs in Guizhou province. Now, however, they are an example of an increasingly common type of Chinese family - the reunited ones. Last year, China's migrant population fell for the first time in about 30 years as awareness grew of the risks facing left-behind children. The government is encouraging migrants to return home, partly for economic reasons as it works to close the urban-rural development gap, but also to provide support for lonely children. A new road map On Feb 14, the State Council, China's Cabinet, released a guideline on protecting left-behind children, delineating the responsibilities of parents, governments and society at large. The guideline, signed by Premier Li Keqiang, stated that local governments and village committees should ensure they are well-informed about the conditions faced by left-behind children under their jurisdiction, and to ensure they are looked after properly. The primary responsibilities of parents were outlined in the document, which also ordered education authorities and schools to ensure that children can live and study in safety. Local governments are now allowed to use charities and voluntary bodies to provide services for children. A system of reports, intervention, assessment and help will be established, and the guideline also outlined plans to gradually reduce the number of left-behind children. Two-pronged approach The document is the first part of a twin approach that will help parents to take their children with them if they leave their hometowns or villages in search of work. Since 2012, many provinces have gradually revised their education policies to allow the children of migrant workers to take the gaokao, China's national university entrance exam, in cities. That means rural children who would previously have been left at home are now able to live with their parents in cities. The second part of the approach, being trialed in Chongqing and a number of other cities, is the creation of an improved rural environment that will encourage potential migrant workers to stay in their home areas. Most residents of Chongqing's outskirts are farmers on low incomes. The municipal government is helping them to start their own businesses from home or to find work nearby. In the past four years, Chongqing has provided 7.4 billion yuan ($1.1 billion) in low-interest loans to 89,000 migrant workers. Businesses that employ more than 100 ex-farmers can receive subsidies of as much as 600,000 yuan, and 36 industrial parks are offering workshops, entrepreneurial guidance and financing specifically for returned migrant workers. More than 1.7 million migrant workers have returned to Chongqing since 2010, and more than 30 percent of them have started their own businesses, according to the municipality's human resources and social security department. "The best solution for left-behind children is to reunite parents and children," said Liu Wenkui, secretary-general of the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation. Guan Xinping, a professor of social policy at Nankai University in the northern port city of Tianjin, said a lack of parental interaction could affect children's health and social development. "The company of their parents is the best gift children can receive. It's not an easy process for an infant to grow to an adult; it requires care and help from their parents," Guan said, adding that parents should engage fully with their children and teach them basic skills, including rudimentary healthcare, housework, communications and morals. "A lack of this sort of guidance may result in problems," he said. According to figures provided by the All-China Women's Federation, the country had 61.02 million left-behind children in 2013, with 2.05 million of them living alone without a guardian. The Zhongmin Academy of Social Protection, a Ministry of Civil Affairs think tank, has released statistics showing that in Guizhou, one of the provinces that feature regularly in lists of children of absent parents, nearly 1.1 million children ages 1 to 16 were classified as having been left behind. A foreigner shows his permanent residence permit in Shanghai on April 12, 2005. [Photo/IC] Permanent residents' permits, or green cards, have been notoriously difficult to obtain in China, and many people believe they are of little use. They claim that apart from being long-term visas, green cards can hardly be used to open bank accounts or buy train tickets. But now the Chinese authorities are introducing new policies to increase the practical use of green cards, with the goal of attracting top talent to the country. On Thursday, the central government issued a document on managing foreigners' permanent residency. Gao Xiang, a spokesman for the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, said, "The document aims to provide indiscriminatory treatment for green card holders. It is international practice to give permanent residents the same entitlements as local citizens. "We already had regulations covering permanent residency, but the terms relating to treatment of foreigners were not carried out thoroughly. "With an increasing level of openness and higher frequency of personnel exchanges, we had to introduce a more practical system to cover foreigners' rights and obligations," he said. China began to grant permanent residency to foreigners in 2004. In 2012, 25 ministries and central government departments jointly introduced a provision on the treatment of green card holders, but the terms were not fully implemented. Gao said: "In the United States, the founders of many great innovative companies are not US natives the government created a talent system to bring them in. What we should do now is also build a well-established system to attract top talent from across the globe." The newly published document includes a guideline for foreigners holding permanent residents' permits to be given equal treatment as Chinese citizens, such as on buying homes, school enrollment and in social security coverage. Eugene Gregoryanz, a physicist from the University of Edinburgh who now works at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Heifei Institutes of Physical Science under the 1,000 Talent Plan, said, "I think that if foreigners are allowed to buy property or exchange renminbi at banks like Chinese citizens, this would be very attractive and rather useful." The 1,000 Talent Plan, also known as the Recruitment Program for Global Experts, is a global talent program initiated by the Chinese government to attract foreign scientists or innovators. The program has recruited 313 foreign experts since it was launched in 2011. It offers a subsidy of 1 million yuan ($153,400) for each recruit along with research funds, a salary and other benefits. Recruits must work in China for at least three years and remain in the country for at least nine months a year. Gregoryanz said, "For many people I know, exchanging money is a big problem. We are paid extremely well but cannot exchange (large amounts of) renminbi to dollars or sterling at banks. We have to make do with the airport, where the exchange rates are not so good, or ask Chinese friends to do it for us. I became fascinated by the peculiarity of human behavior after reading a book about hypnotism many years ago. One anecdote described a post-hypnotic suggestion given to a hypnotized subject. The subject was told that after being awakened, his therapist would rise and look at his watch, and at that moment the subject would leap out of his chair, remove his jacket, and fling it across the room. The subject, after being awakened and having carried out the post-hypnotic suggestion, when asked why he had committed such an irrational outburst, provided a plausible, rational narrative; having no recollection of the therapist's earlier suggestion. Our motivations are programmed by our long histories of hopes, fears, goals, expectations of others and no small amount of self-deception. This is the programming that shapes self-image and the prospects for life's success. Free will is generally viewed as the most cherished freedom of all, yet it's a concept increasingly challenged by science. Psychologist B.F. Skinner, in Beyond Freedom and Dignity, published in 1971, dismissed freedom and personal autonomy as impediments to social growth. He proposed the concept of "cultural engineering". Infants would learn through conditioning from direct interaction with the environment in ways that yielded rewards and promoted a healthier society. Just over a decade later, researchers studying brain waves discovered that when people make decisions, their final choice is made even before the subject is conscious of it, through complex unconscious programming. Last month, neuroscientists, led by J.D. Haynes at the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience in Berlin, offered evidence offering some small hope for free will. Test subjects played computer games. Their brain waves were interpreted by artificial intelligence to anticipate the subjects' "next play" and counter it. The research revealed that most choices are indeed programmed from past experience - but the subjects had a short interval, when they could overrule their internal programming and exercise limited free will. What does the future hold for our imperfect human brains? Ray Kurzweil, an inventor, futurist and director of engineering at Google, argues technology does offer a solution. It's more benign than the scary robot attacks of the not-too-distant future that many are beginning to fear. Kurzweil foresees, by the end of the century, the evolution of a technological, nonbiological brain, replacing the "gray matter" of the human brain of 2016 and a trillion (sic) times smarter. It's already starting. The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, announced plans this month to develop an implantable chip, as an interface between the human brain and computers. It seems as if German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche may have possessed clear sight into the future, when he declared: "I teach you the Overman! Mankind is something to be overcome. What have you done to overcome mankind?" The question remains, will we still be slaves to our programming when Nietzsche's goal is realized, and will we still be human? Pedestrians cross the road in Zhongguancun, Beijing, during a smoggy day in December.[Photo/China Daily] BEIJING - Beijing is to raise the thresholds for issuing its highest air pollution warnings, the state news agency Xinhua reported on Sunday, two months after smog triggered the city's first ever "red alerts". In future, the highest alert will only be issued when the daily average air quality index (AQI) is forecast to exceed 500 for a day, 300 for two days in a row or 200 for four days, Beijing's environmental protection bureau said. At present, a red alert is issued when the AQI is forecast to exceed 200 for at least three days. Schools were closed and outdoor construction work was suspended when thick smog prompted Beijing to issued its first red alert last December. Beijing has issued two red alerts for smog since the start of this winter. The new criteria take effect at the end of March and are designed to standardise pollution alerts across Beijing, the neighbouring port city of Tianjin and four cities in the surrounding Hebei province, i.e. Tangshan, Baoding, Langfang and Cangzhou. It would then expand to a larger area. Liu Wei, deputy head of the emergency response office at the environmental protection bureau, said this would in effect tighten the pollution controls for the outlying regions. At present in Tianjin and Hebei, a red alert is triggered only when AQI exceeds 500 for at least one day. Tianjin and Hebei also issued their first air pollution red alerts in December. Environmental officials admit that China is unlikely to meet the air quality standards set by the state until at least 2030. Beijing last month announced it would close 2,500 small highly-polluting firms this year. It also plans to develop a network of ventilation "corridors" to help disperse smog. Graduates attend a job fair at Tianjin Polytechnic University on Saturday. Some 2,500 jobs from about 130 employers were on offer at the event, the first such fair in the city since the Spring Festival holiday. Jia Chenglong / for China Daily Finding suitable employment could prove difficult for China's college graduates this summer as a record 7.7 million leave higher education and enter the country's job market amid a slowing economy. For some, such as Guan Hongtao from Xi'an, Shaanxi province, a lack of opportunities in his chosen city of Guangzhou, Guangdong province, has forced him to widen his job search. The 26-year-old, who expects to obtain a master's degree in July, had been looking for work at a public hospital or biopharmaceutical firm but "found it very difficult". "First, I noticed that there were fewer jobs being offered by companies, while the jobs at hospitals I was interested in required at least a doctorate," he said. "What's more, the salary offered was lower than I expected. So I had to give up on Guangzhou and shift my attention to Beijing and Shanghai." "My parents have insisted that I look for work in first-tier cities, as they think these could have better job prospects," he added. Zhang Jingxiu, executive director of Beijing-based employment consultancy Newjincin Research Institute, said the overall outlook for the job market was negative due to downward economic pressures. This, combined with the obsession among recent graduates for high-paying jobs in first-tier cities and the competition offered by Chinese students returning from abroad, means that employment opportunities are drying up. "Demand for talent shrank as the economy slowed," said Zhang. "We have also noticed slow growth in salaries across different cities since the second half of 2015. "When we talk about college graduate employment, we are not talking about whether they can find jobs. The key point is whether the jobs are satisfactory." Wang Huiyao, director of the Center for China and Globalization, said domestic students might face further struggles as the government considers lifting the job cap for overseas students studying in China, which could even extend to fresh college graduates from abroad. "Before, overseas students studying in China could not seek jobs or internships in China immediately after graduation, but this will soon be changed in Zhongguancun, a high-tech hub in Beijing," Wang said. "International talents will help Chinese companies expand their business globally. There is always a high demand for graduates with an international background," he said. As China prepares a fresh round of tax cuts, economists are airing different views on how much the society is, or should be, paying to the government. Economists call a country's total revenues from all sources its macro tax burden, measured as a proportion of GDP. In China, however, "government revenue" is a tricky concept, given the complexity of the revenue stream. China's fiscal budget consists of four separate accounts: general fiscal revenue (including taxes and fines), special-purpose governmental funds (including revenues from land sales), social security funds and returns from State-owned assets. Measured by the narrowest definition - the revenue-to-GDP ratio - China's official tax burden is modest. In 2015 revenues totaled 15.22 trillion yuan ($2.4 trillion), or 22.5 percent of China's GDP, which is in line with the World Bank's 22 percent optimal ratio for upper-and middle-income countries. However, most economists agree that at least part of the special-purpose governmental funds, as well as social security payments, should be included as "revenue", because they are also levies on enterprises and households. The 34-nation Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development includes them when comparing the macro tax burdens of its members. If land sales revenues are subtracted (economists dispute whether to include it), government revenue in China would be 29.1 percent of GDP. The Finance Ministry has adopted that interpretation, saying the International Monetary Fund doesn't count land sales as government revenue. If all four accounts are combined, China's total government revenue in 2015 may have hit 23 trillion yuan, or 34 percent of GDP. It was down 1.7 percentage points from 2014, the first time in years the ratio has subsided. "The weakness in the overall economy weighed on revenue growth, which for the first time in years underperformed GDP growth and caused the tax burden ratio to decline," said Hu Yijian, a tax professor at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. China's fiscal revenue growth in 2015 slowed to 5.8 percent, its slowest pace since 1987, when GDP grew 6.9 percent. Land sales tumbled 21.4 percent from a year earlier because of a downturn in the property market. But 2015 was a departure from the past decade, during which fiscal revenues expanded much faster than the overall economy. Although China cut taxes in 2015, contributing to a lower revenue-to-GDP ratio, the country's tax burden last year, measured in the broadest terms, was still higher than many others, even some developed countries. Members of the OECD had an average ratio of 34.4 percent. "China's government is large and should not increase," said Lin Shuanglin, director of the China Center for Public Finance at Peking University. He said the ratio might have reached its peak. However, "it is not a matter of the lower the ratio, the better", he said. "Many countries, such as Indonesia and Thailand, have very small governments and macro tax burdens around 20 percent, and are struggling for needed public infrastructure. "What they need is to raise their tax revenues," he said. Xu Bin stands in front of Qomolangma in Tibet. Provided to China Daily Ten years ago, Xu Bin was a 22-year-old student at the China Academy of Art, making his very first trip to the Tibet autonomous region to complete a painting project for school. The trip by bus from his home in Northwest China's Gansu province took more than 48 hours and he roughed it the rest of the way. "Traveling was a big challenge as there was no railway access to Tibet in 2004, and I made my way across the whole region by backpacking, hitching rides and trekking," Xu said. Two years after that first trip, Xu shifted from a career as a painter to information technology. But his interest in Tibet stayed constant. He set out to establish a tourism company to bring others to the land of the high plateau, where the average altitude towers above 4,000 meters. With the world's highest mountain, the formidable Qomolangma, known as Mount Everest in the West, and the vast Changtang grassland, nearly as big as Western Europe in size, Tibet attracts visitors with its extremes. It's also home to more large animals than anywhere else in China, including the Tibetan antelope, wild yak and Tibetan brown bear. In 2008, Xu founded the company, Yunduan Tourism Development. A year later, his website catering to independent travel, www.haixizang.com, came online to provide advice for travelers on where to eat, stay and see the sights. Xu is tapping into a surge of interest in travel to Tibet and recent efforts by the central and the regional governments to turn Lhasa into a world-class tourism city. During the opening ceremony of Tibet's international tourism and culture expo in September, Li Shihong, deputy head of the China National Tourism Administration, stressed the importance of nurturing Tibetan tourism as an important gateway to Southwest China. "Tourism is one of Tibet's pillar industries and accounts for 20 percent of the region's economic contribution, and it has become the main channel of Tibet's opening up," Li said. Xu enjoys working in Tibet, and he travels frequently between the region and other provinces. "I can concentrate on work in Tibet. I love the sunshine there. I always miss Tibet when I am not there," Xu said. To cater to tourists, Xu opened a self-designed hostel. He spent a year on the design, and three years on the interior decor. "I tried to run a hostel 10 years ago. I tasted many failures due to inexperience," Xu said. "Finding a house is not easy. I wanted to find an old house with sense of design." Xu's friend Meng Fanhua said the time Xu spent perfecting the comfortable hostel was worth the wait. "The hostel is an old house with all walls painted white and the original figures preserved," Meng said. "It just feels like renovation mixed with modern patterns." As Xu often travels, he relies on his trusted employees to keep the businesses running smoothly. "He is ambitious and an ideas man, a man we want to learn many things from," said Gu Zhigang, 45, general manager of the tourism company. "He is good boss, because he doesn't only thinks to make a fortune for himself. He supports the members of his staff by paying their insurance contributions." Xu remains ambitious. Next, he plans to create a self-driving tour club in Lhasa. "I have never thought about success and failure before a new thing was started. I just wanted to do a good job with the work in my hands," Xu said. "It's not only about making money. Doing a good job is important as well." Amy Crozier, a nine-year-old New Zealander, holds a sugar creation in the shape of a dragon in one hand while her father Alistair Crozier, behind her, consul general of the New Zealand Consulate General in Chengdu, admires paper windmills made by a local artisan in Daying county, Sichuan. [Photo by Huang Zhiling/chinadaily.com.cn] Matt Vegh looked on attentively as two workers pedaled to operate a bamboo ring to extract brine for making salt. "It's fantastic. I have never seen this way of manufacturing salt," said the middle-aged Canadian who runs a film and TV production firm in Chengdu, Sichuan. The scenario occurred in Zhuotongjing town in Daying county when some 100 overseas diplomats, representatives of foreign firms, visiting teachers and expatriates working in Sichuan and family members took part in a so-called Friendly Spring activity sponsored by the Sichuan Provincial Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. "Each year, the association sponsors a trip named Friendly Spring to a place in Sichuan so that foreign friends in the province can experience local lifestyles. The Friendly Spring usually takes place one day before the Lantern Festival," said Li Zude, an association information officer. During the Friendly Spring on Sunday, foreign friends saw how workers pedaled to extract brine and local artisans knitted bamboo products, made colorful clay figures, paper windmills, paper-cutting, cooked meat dumplings and pancakes and used melting sugar to do paintings of dragons and chickens which they could eat. Some of them also floated in the Dead Sea of China. Located in the hinterland of Sichuan, Daying has a history of more than 2,000 years. Locals have used a bamboo ring to extract brine for making salt for more than 1,000 years. The technique has been included in China's first list of intangible cultural heritage. Thanks to rich salt resources, the county has built the Dead Sea of China where visitors can swim and float as if they were in the Dead Sea in Israel. Speaking on behalf of all the foreign friends participating in the Friendly Spring, Nancy Gordon, consul general of the Australian Consulate General in Chengdu, said she and her family felt the happiness and peace of the traditional festival and it was her belief the exchanges between Sichuan and the rest of the world would be deepened thanks to the efforts of the association and all the foreign friends. Mikee Sokolov, an 11-year-old Ukrainian student in the Guangya School in Dujiangyan, Sichuan, has taken part in the Friendly Spring five times since he came to Sichuan with his teacher parents six years ago. "I have been to many parts of Sichuan and learned many things which I would otherwise never experience such as making a lantern with my own hands," he said. Four auto companies are to recall more than 1.3 million cars with safety risks, China's quality authority said on Monday. Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co will start to recall 533,350 CR-V utility vehicles produced between April 2006 and Jan 2012 on July 31, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said. Guangqi Honda Automobile Co will begin the recall of 382,090 cars it made between 2011 and last year on the same date, including vehicles with brand names such as Fit, City and Everus, the administration said. The cars made by the two companies may have malfunctions with their air bags and may have safety risks when they work, the administration said. Toyota Motor (China) Investment Co and Tianjin Faw Toyota Motor Co will start to recall 433,338 RAV4 cars on Mar 31, including more than 13,000 imported ones, as flaws with the back seats in some cars may cause danger to passengers if accidents occur. The companies will fix the problems for free, the administration said. Foreign Minister Wang Yi will pay an official visit to the United States from Tuesday to Thursday.[Photo from CCTV NEWS] Foreign Minister Wang Yi will pay an official visit to the United States from Tuesday to Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Monday. Wang's visit is expected to set the agenda for high-level communication between China and the US this year, Hua said, and he will discuss with counterpart John Kerry deepening pragmatic cooperation and constructively handling sensitive issues between the nations, she added. Regarding the Korean nuclear question, Hua said Beijing and Washington maintained "close communication over the issue" and Wang will propose the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and a truce-to-peace mechanism be pursued at the same time to solve major concerns of all parties in a balanced way. China supports a new and more powerful resolution on Pyongyang from the UN Security Council, Hua said but she also called for relevant parties to remain calm, exercise restraint and stick to the direction of resolving the issue through dialogue and consultation. China rejects US charge of raising South China Sea tensions China's military deployments in the South China Sea are no different from US deployments on Hawaii, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Monday, rejecting a US accusation of raising tensions in the area ahead of a visit by Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Washington this week. "China deploying necessary, limited defensive facilities on its own territory is not substantively different from the United States defending Hawaii," Hua said. The US last week accused China of "militarizing" the South China Sea by deploying surface-to-air missiles on Yongxing island. Asked whether the South China Sea, as well as the missile deployment, will be raised during Wang's meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry, Hua said Washington should "stop using the issue to make a fuss". It is the US frequently sending military planes and vessels to the South China Sea to conduct close-up military surveillance against China that heightened tensions in the area, Hua said, and that is the biggest cause of the militarization of the South China Sea. China's military deployments in the South China Sea are no different from US deployments on Hawaii, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Monday, rejecting a US accusation of raising tensions in the area ahead of a visit by Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Washington this week. "China deploying necessary, limited defensive facilities on its own territory is not substantively different from the United States defending Hawaii," Hua said. The US last week accused China of "militarizing" the South China Sea by deploying surface-to-air missiles on Yongxing island. Asked whether the South China Sea, as well as the missile deployment, will be raised during Wang's meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry, Hua said Washington should "stop using the issue to make a fuss". It is the US frequently sending military planes and vessels to the South China Sea to conduct close-up military surveillance against China that heightened tensions in the area, Hua said, and that is the biggest cause of the militarization of the South China Sea. The Centre for Food Safety has moved to allay local fears that Australian eggs on sale here may have been injected with toxic food dyes intended to make the yolks appear brighter. Strong dosages of chemical food dye additives are believed to raise higher risks of cancer and their sale is banned here. The agency said Monday that it found no traces of substances banned in Hong Kong among 630 eggs samples examined over the past three years. But the center promised to continue monitoring the situation and to consult with the Australian government. Louis Shih Tai-cho, physician and president of the Hong Kong Medical Association, told China Daily the issue is potentially serious and bears close scrutiny. The agency's statement came in response to reports in Australian media, quoting several organic farmers as saying that artificial food dyes were being added to exported eggs from Australia. Australia's leading egg producer Sunny Queen, a cooperative based in Queensland, signed an exclusive distributorship agreement with a local registered company in Hong Kong, Century Food Company, to sell its products at supermarkets in Hong Kong, Macao and the Chinese mainland. Hong Kong's major supermarkets approached by China Daily said they do not sell Australian eggs, adding those are available only at high-end supermarkets. Census and Statistics Bureau figures show Hong Kong imported a total of 2,117 million fresh eggs in 2013, the last year for which statistics are available. The great majority came from the Chinese mainland, the US, Singapore and Thailand. The Australian news report however was critical of Australia's lax regulation on free range chickens. Anyone convicted of selling food with unauthorized additives in Hong Kong is liable to a maximum fine of HK$50,000 dollars a day and six months' imprisonment. Nick Li in Hong Kong contributed to the reporting. Police have cordoned off the culvert. [Photo/CFP] Ninety-three people, including 50 foreigners, have been held under administrative detention for taking drugs at an overpass culvert in Shenzhen's Nanshan district on early Sunday, according to the official Sina Weibo account of the Nanshan public security bureau. Another two foreigners have been detained on criminal charges on suspicion of drug trafficking. The police received information early on Sunday that a crowd was gathering at the culvert for amusement, with some taking drugs, the post said. A total of 491 people were taken away from the scene, and 118 later tested positive for drugs. It is believed that the people were attending a music party called "The Real Deal". According to social networking website Douban, "The Real Deal" is the biggest underground party for electronic music in Shenzhen with the longest history, and was set up in 2012 by several foreigners. "The monthly Tunnel PartyThere are many foreigners and girls there," said Weibo user "Huodeyanlei-Liangzi". "I passed through IKEA near the site that day. A lot of wine bottles were littered and there was a smell of wine there. It was really a bad influence," said "Nanguayueliang", another Weibo user. BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping's speech at a symposium on news reporting and public opinion on Friday has generated discussions across domestic media outlets. According to Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the Party's media work should guide the public, serve the country's overall interests, unite the general public, instill confidence and pool strength, tell right from wrong and connect China to the world. Xi delivered the speech following his visits to the People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television, the country's three major news providers. Loyalty to the party The People's Daily, in one of its two commentaries published since Sunday said Xi had directed the route along which the journalism industry should develop, and provided fundamental principles to follow. The article said that media outlets run by the Party and the government must follow the party's leadership, reflect the Party's will, and be the mouthpiece of the party and the people. The Overseas Edition of the People's Daily said in an article Monday that Xi's speech has clearly defined the responsibilities and missions of news reporting in a new era. Meanwhile, Xinhua News Agency published commentaries on three consecutive days expounding Xi's speech, vowing to stick to the CPC's leadership and focus on positive coverage. Following the Party's leadership was the fundamental principle for journalism, Xinhua said, adding the Party's leadership over the media would never change despite the development of time and transformation of media patterns. Guangming Daily, another major media outlet, called the speech a source of encouragement in a front-pate commentary on Monday. It said the speech signalled historic opportunities for journalists, and it called on them to pay attention to the political direction of their articles in addition to truthfulness of details. The chinese dream News outlets lauded Xi's speech regarding their role in the realization of the Chinese dream. Guangming Daily said news reporting and public opinion work is closely related to the party's mission and has played an important role in the construction of the People's Republic of China. The newspaper said while the nation was deepening overall reform, news media should guide public opinion to rally support for achieving the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the nation. The view was echoed by the People's Daily, which said positive coverage should dominate reporting, and unity, stability and encouragement should feature prominently in stories. The People's Daily added to realize the Chinese dream, news media must create a public opinion that is conducive to sticking to the party's leadership and socialism, to promoting reform and development, to enhancing national unity, and to maintaining social harmony and stability. Acknowledging public opinion serves as an important force that impacts on social development, Xinhua called on journalists to study Xi's speech and play their part in improving the news reporting and public opinion guidance capability of the party's news media, thus, providing strong spiritual force for the realization of the Chinese dream. Connecting china with world Calling for new concepts, content and methods, Xi told media groups to make use of new media's edge in publicity, amplify their voices on the international stage, tell stories about China well and build flagship media groups with strong global influence. The requirements demonstrated that the CPC Central Committee commanded deep understanding of news communication rules and media development trend, according to an article released by Xinhua. Official new outlets must tell Chinese stories well to the outside world and make the Chinese voice better heard, Xinhua said. "There are so many voices about Tibet worldwide, thus, we are required to write quality work with thought and warmth, showing the world the prosperity of new Tibet and reflecting the success of the central authorities' governing and the new life of people living in Tibet," said Dorje Dramdui, deputy head of Xinhua's branch in Tibet Autonomous Region. The Overseas Edition of the People's Daily said in an article on Saturday that Xi's speech raised an important issue: how a nation's image should match its strength. Zhao Suisheng, a professor with the University of Denver, told the Overseas Edition of the People's Daily that Xi had raised new requirements for Chinese media, suggesting they report on China's achievements of reform and opening up and its stories of tackling difficulties in development. Ahead of Foreign Minister Wang Yi's US visit this week, Beijing has noted the US defense deployment in Hawaii, hitting back at the latest US criticism that China's presence on its South China Sea islands is boosting "militarization". "China's deploying necessary, limited defensive facilities on its own territory is not substantively different from the US defending Hawaii," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Monday. Hua confirmed at a daily news conference in Beijing that Wang will visit the US from Tuesday to Thursday, and said the visit will see efforts "to deepen pragmatic cooperation and to constructively tackle sensitive issues". Although Beijing unveiled few details of the schedule, the visit is likely to bring the third meeting within a month between Wang and his counterpart, US Secretary of State John Kerry. Responding to looming UN sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea for its rocket launches, Hua said that "China and the US are expected to exchange views on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue during Wang's visit". All the parties are urged to bring the nuclear issue back onto the track of dialogue, to discuss a dual-track mechanism that seeks both the denuclearization of the peninsula and a shift from truce to peace, Hua added. Since January, diplomatic contacts between Beijing and Washington have geared up after a US Navy warship incursion into China's territorial waters in the South China Sea and Pyongyang's nuclear test. Kerry visited China and talked with Wang on Jan 27 in Beijing, and they met again in Munich, Germany, on Feb 12. Asked what message Beijing will send to Washington on the South China Sea, Hua said the US is expected to be "fully committed to its promise of not taking positions on the relevant disputes". The US should "stop hyping the South China Sea issue and the tense atmosphere there" and should play a "constructive" role in the region rather than "making an issue", Hua said. Teng Jianqun, a senior research fellow on US studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said Wang's expected visit is "needed and helpful" for more dialogue to tackle the issues. Teng said that the US forces "possibly will remain tough and will continue challenging China militarily as they have done recently". Besides addressing hot spots, the senior diplomats need the meetings to prepare for annual bilateral events, such as the Strategic and Economic Dialogue, and to discuss expected contacts between leaders on international occasions, Teng added. The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies said on its website that Wang will address the think tank's "Statesmen's Forum" on Thursday morning local time. Wang will be part of "a discussion on Chinese foreign policy and US-China relations", the center said. Jin Canrong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University of China, said that "competition and cooperation co-exist in China-US ties, and the reinforced competition in the South China Sea brings no change to such a big picture". "The situation in the South China Sea is controllable, and so will it be in the future," Jin said, adding that the US allies in the region, unlike the US, are not likely to resort to military approaches there. The Royal Shakespeare Company, led by its artistic director Gregory Doran, is touring China with Henry IV, Part I, Henry IV, Part II and Henry V. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily] Audiences in China who are familiar with William Shakespeare's tragic prince from the play Hamlet will now get a chance to find out more about the iconic dramatist's other royal character, Prince Hal, from his wayward youth in England to his battles later, when they watch Henry IV, Part I, Henry IV, Part II and Henry V. The plays are about the troubled rule of King Henry IV and his son, Hal, who revels in the company of his friend Falstaff as his father prepares for war. Falstaff is sent to the countryside to recruit fresh troops, but he gleefully indulges in the business of lining his own pockets. As the king's health fails and the crown comes under threat, the prince must confront his responsibilities. The Royal Shakespeare Company performed the plays at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing last week. They will be staged in Shanghai over Feb 25-28 and Hong Kong in March, as part of a series of events in China to mark Shakespeare's 400th death anniversary this year. Gregory Doran, artistic director of the RSC, directed Henry V, Henry IV, Part I and Henry IV, Part II from autumn to January, under the banner "King and Country", to launch the theater's main repertoire in China. The director says it would be "misleading" to call them "history plays" because then that would simply imply that they are about British history. "Ultimately, the plays are about father-son relationships, about family, about control and abuse of power, about justice and the justification or otherwise of going to war," Doran tells China Daily. President Xi Jinping meets with the editors and other staff in the newsroom at the headquarters of People's Daily newspaper. [Photo/Xinhua] After making an inspection tour of People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, and China Central Television on Friday, President Xi Jinping hosted a conference on the Communist Party of China's media work, and talked about how the traditional media should adapt to the changing situation brought about by social media. Xiake Island, a popular commentator on the WeChat platform says: There was a time when newspapers and television were the only providers of information. However, today everybody can register a micro blog account and spread information faster than traditional media outlets do. Newspapers and television now react and interact with all kinds of voices emerging on social media platforms. That in turn has created a crisis for the traditional media. Domestic media institutions that cannot adapt to the new situation continue reporting the world as they used to, which is different from the daily experiences of ordinary people. This has resulted in people's lack of trust in State-run media outlets. The Party has always held "the mass line", maintaining an open attitude toward people's opinions, as an essential principle of governance. That applies to its journalistic work, too. If the current split continues, the legitimacy of the Party might decline. It is necessary for the media to restore people's trust in the Party, especially as the economy has entered a new normal and suggestions that it is declining and dragging down the global economy have emerged. That's why Xi has made the inspection and hosted the conference. The nation's media outlets are essential to political stability and the leadership cannot afford to wait for them to catch up with the times. There were some notable points in his speech. For example, he talked about how to properly guide public opinion. Even good guidance needs proper forms; sermons only make people tired. Besides, while the media needs to report the positive aspects of the society, it must also cover the negative side, too, so that social progress is possible. Criminal justice: Felons convicted of serious corruption would be prohibited from seeking shorter sentences, under a third reading of the draft amendment to the Criminal Law. The amendment aims to "safeguard judicial fairness". [Photo/China Daily] Chen wenyan, a teacher in Zunhua, North China's Hebei province, was beaten by local police after she tried to report her school's illegal activities to higher authorities in 2010. When her school partly covered her medical costs she was charged with extorting money from them, found guilty and imprisoned. She was found innocent on appeal last September, and got her job back recently. Beijing Times says: Chen's story best illustrates the cost of being a whistle-blower in China: as such people are treated as an enemy by local officials, who will use all measures, such as police harassment, to try and stop people from bringing issues to the attention of higher authorities. Blackmail is a common charge used against whistle-blowers. When whistle-blowers are wounded by police or illegal gangs in the bid to stop them speaking out, some local governments send them aid, in order to trap them. The local procuratorates side with local governments and take the aid as "solid evidence" that the whistle-blowers have been blackmailing officials. As local courts belong to the same bureaucracy as local governments and often side with them, it is time for the Supreme People's Court to intervene to better protect whistle-blowers from injustice. More importantly, once innocent whistle-blowers are proved to be persecuted for their reporting of any malpractice by local governments to higher authorities, not only should the persecuted be rehabilitated, but also those officials who are found to be involved in the persecution should be punished according to law. In the aforementioned case, not a single official, prosecutor or court judge involved received punishment for what they did to the innocent whistle-blowers. The central government needs not just to urge local governments to change their mindsets so they stop treating whistle-blowers as threats. Those who intentionally persecute whistle blowers should be brought to justice according to the law, which will deter them from doing the same again. Whistle-blowers are the driving force of political progress and they are essential to clean politics. President Xi Jinping attends a meeting with entrepreneurs at the 2015 Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan province on Sunday. [Photo by Wu Zhiyi/China Daily] China's central authorities issued a guideline on Wednesday calling for improved openness in government affairs at all levels. The document said openness in government issues is a basic feature of a government ruled by law, and openness should be the normal state. This requires the comprehensive implementation of negative list of government affairs by 2020. It also requires provincial governments and all departments of the State Council, China's Cabinet, actively and prudently make the negative list of government affairs and make clear the range and content of information that cannot be made public. Information that could endanger national security, economic security or social stability if made public should be included in the negative list, and the content of the list should be timely adjusted and updated as necessary. The negative list should be specific and detailed and be convenient for inspection and supervision. Any items not on the list should be disclosed to the public according to the country's laws and regulations. A negative list of government affairs will not only draw a clear line proscribing public power, but also guarantee the public's right to know. A factory worker is making steel. [Photo/Xinhua] Amidst unmistakable signs of Chinas economic slowdown, some Western observers begin to wonder if Chinas doomsday is coming. "The countrys extraordinary economic difficulties will result in a collapse or a long-term decline, and either outcome suggests China will return to the ranks of weak states," wrote Gordon Chang in a December 2015 National Interest commentary. Then in a January 2016 Foreign Affairs article, Daniel Lynch, a professor at the University of Southern California, argued that Chinas rise is ending, though he made it clear that "saying Chinas rise is ending is not the same as saying the country will collapse." It is too early to pass judgment on this new round of China prophecy, but history offers us some useful clues. Gordon Chang published The Coming Collapse of China in 2001. "The end of the modern Chinese state is near," he asserted. "The Peoples Republic has five years, perhaps ten, before it falls." China didnt collapse in 2006 or 2011. "So, yes, my prediction was wrong," he admitted in a Foreign Policy article ("The Coming Collapse of China: 2012 Edition"). But he remained convinced about the imminence of a Chinese apocalypse and offered a new timeline: "Instead of 2011, the mighty Communist Party of China will fall in 2012. Bet on it." Why do people like Gordon Chang keep predicting the coming collapse of China? For many observers, a wealthy and powerful China represents the biggest threat to Western liberal democracy. It is a zero-sum game: either China wins, or liberal democracy triumphs. China thus becomes the most important roadblock in their efforts to preach and promote liberal democracy around the world. "The end of history" will not arrive until and unless "the China Model" fails. For some analysts, predicting Chinas future is as irresistible as forecasting the winner of the 2016 presidential election. Given the size of Chinageopolitical, economic, and demographicit is simply one of the biggest prizes for any prophet. If you get it right, you will have instant fame, plus a lucrative lecture tour around the world or a position at a prestigious research institution or an important government agency. If you get it wrongas Gordon Chang did repeatedlyyou may shrug off skeptics, or come up with a revised prediction. It is human nature to think ahead and plan ahead. Thats why we have statistical models to predict tomorrows weather or stock markets. But once ideology or other political bias comes into play, prediction becomes wishful thinking; it is like drawing the color of the sky when you are wearing a pair of sunglasses. A more important question for those doomsayers about China is why the Chinese Communist Party has managed to stay in power for so long and to produce so impressive a record of economic development."All societies, authoritarian and democratic, are subject to decay over time," wrote Francis Fukuyama. "The real issue is their ability to adapt and eventually fix themselves." The Chinese party-state may be undergoing political and economic decay just like most Western democracies but it is too early to proclaim the collapse of China. Xie Tao is a professor and associate Dean at School of English and International Studies, Beijing Foreign Studies University So finally, after weeks of very public will he, won't he, London Mayor Boris Johnson, a former school friend and political ally of Prime Minister David Cameron, broke ranks and said he would join six other leading figures from the ruling Conservative Party in campaigning for Britain to leave the European Union. Many see his move as a tactical one, aimed at securing first place in the queue to replace Cameron as prime minister when he steps down, as he said he would, at the next general election in 2020. Lotsof analysts, including many who support Britain leaving the EU, believe Johnson's support would tip the balance in favour of an out vote. Boris, they say, is one of Britain's best loved politicians and a future prime minister. I don't think so. And here's why. I am starting to feel that here we have a case of a celebrity politician who has started to believe in his own publicity. If various press reports here are to be believed, Cameron was so keen to get Boris on side that he offered him various key jobs foreign minister, defence minister and other plums. Cameron came back from two days of intense negotiations in Brussels with a deal many believe will sway the vote in favour of staying, including a change to the treaty covering the modern EU which will specifically exclude Britain from moves in the EU for ever closer political union. There's one key issue which the out camp, including the latest recruit Boris, seem to have forgotten; Britain's farming industry. At present then UK's highly modernised agriculture industry, like others throughout the EU, is the recipient of various subsidies, designed to control the output of food. Over the weekend I learned that some analysts believe only 10 percent of Britain's farmers would survive if the UK pulled out of the EU. And if the government had to make up the shortfall in subsidies, taxes would surely have to rise, as sure as eggs are eggs. Boris and his new best friends which include such publicly disliked figures as UKIP leader Nigel Farage and a maverick parliamentarian called George Galloway have surely forgotten that. And here's something else. Boris deserves praise for his work over two terms as mayor of London, building the city into a strong, relatively prosperous metropolis with modern transport systems, which was the host of the highly successful Olympic Games of 2012. But Boris has form. He was sacked by the London Times newspaper in 1987 after he was found to have made up a quote, including erroneous information in it. After becoming member of parliament for the prosperous town of Henley, west of London, he had a colourful career which included being sacked as the opposition Conservative Party's spokesman on the arts for what party leader Michael Howard said was the act of lying over the affair with a high-profile journalist. Boris bounced back, become a highly successful mayor of London in 2008, although he is alleged to have offended his Chinese hosts in Beijing at the closing ceremony of the 2008 Olympics by appearing with his jacket casually undone. Latest opinion polls, including a poll of polls in the newspaper Johnson regularly writes a highly paid column for, the Daily Telegraph, show those in favour of staying at 54 percent, with those in favour of a British exit at 46 percent. Call it a gut feeling, but I think Boris may have picked the wrong side. If the vote goes in favour of Britain remaining, the mayor of London, whose term ends in May, could well find himself back in the political wilderness. Chris Peterson is managing editor of China Daily UK; chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com The joint effort between the US and China to tackle climate-change challenges has spread from the government to other fields. Three top environmental professionals from China will join the keynote speakers at the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (PIELC) next month in Eugene, Oregon, to discuss climate issues from the legal, business and academic perspectives. The PIELC, the oldest and largest conference of its kind, was initiated in 1983 by 15 speakers and 75 participants at University of Oregon law school. This year, the 34th annual conference from March 3-6 will include more than 125 panels, workshops and multimedia presentations addressing a range environmental law and advocacy topics. The three Chinese representatives are Lai Huineng, vice-president of Xiaokang magazine, with its research providing insight into China's environmental and urbanization policy; Jiwen Chang, a professor in the social law research department at the Institute of Law for the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the think-tank of the Chinese central government; and Cao Yin, considered the Chinese version of Jeremy Rifkin, the renowned American economic and social theorist and writer. Some of the key topics will be forest protection and ecological restoration, labor and human rights, air and water pollution, environmental justice, corporate responsibility, international environmental, urban growth and other issues of public interest. Eugene resident Ocean Yuan, founder of solar power business Grape Solar, will play host to the three Chinese guests. "The United States is facing environmental disaster, so is China," Yuan said. "The world's two largest economies have a shared responsibility to confront environmental degradation, the most pressing issue of our time." Since China launched a modernization program in the 1980s to achieve what became known as a xiaokang society, or moderately prosperous society, the country aims to advance a strong economy and promote democracy, scientific and technological achievement, education and a harmonious living environment for all of its citizens by 2020. While China's economy has mostly been on the fast track the past three decades, its environment continues to deteriorate. Beijing's average PM 2.5 density from Nov 15 to Dec 31 rose 75.9 percent year-on-year in 2015, despite the general improvement of air quality, according to a Xinhua report last month. Major cities across China suffered from continuous smoggy days due to high pollution. Red alert, the highest on the scale for heavy air pollution, has become a familiar term for Chinese citizens. Facing a public outcry to clean up the environment, the Ministry of Environmental Protection vowed to strengthen its efforts to curb pollution. At last September's US-China Climate Leaders Summit in Los Angeles, Xie Zhenhua, special representative on climate change affairs at the National Development and Reform Commission of China, said at the conference that both China and the US vowed to launch closer collaboration among cities, state and provinces across the Pacific and to retain strong momentum on climate-change issues. "Climate change is not only a common challenge for China and the US, but also a shared opportunity to strengthen cooperation in developing a green and low-carbon economy," Xie said. Jiwen Chang is ready to share at the PIELC his insights into China's environmental policy, its successes and shortcomings. One of the authors of China's environmental protection law, Chang currently is writing laws to expand wildlife protection in China. The vision of Cao Yin, a representative of China's young minds and one of the driving forces behind the Internet Plus Smart Energy movement, is to drive companies toward sustainable, smart energy technology, with the goal of globalizing the energy grid. Many believe Cao's strategy provides solutions to the global energy pollution crisis and would begin to eliminate reliance on coal, without resorting to dangerous tactics such as nuclear energy, the organizers said. These collaborations hopefully will provide leaders across China and the US the opportunity to share with their counterparts their lessons and failures, their successes and expertise. Contact the writer at junechang@chinadailyusa.com Writing in The Diplomat, an e-mag covering politics and culture in the Asia-Pacific region, Robert Farley says it is high time for a Hollywood movie depicting and celebrating Sino-US cooperation during World War II. Scholars have been scratching their heads over why China's contribution to the Allied Forces' efforts in the Pacific Theatre have "fallen out of the mainstream American historical conversation," Farely writes. After all, the Chinese People's War against Japanese Aggression, which began in earnest at the Marco Polo Bridge in 1937 but history traces back to the September 18th Incident of 1931 (also known as the Mukden Incident, which marked the beginning of the Japanese invasion of northeast China), set the stage for one of the most destructive and brutal chapters in the war. But why so little cinematic attention to such a rich topic? Farley believes the answer could be because of Americans' self-centeredness. "Americans do not make movies about WWII that do not prominently feature Americans," he writes. He then lists a few high-profile examples - Stephen Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan (1998), Enemy at the Gates (2001), about the Battle of Stalingrad, and Defiance (2008), about Jewish partisans in Belarus. "Eastern front" action films all. But what about the Western front in Asia? There was Spielberg's earlier film Empire of the Sun (1987), a coming-of-age drama about a privileged British schoolboy in Shanghai getting swept up in the Japanese invasion and spending the war in a Japanese internment camp. Yet why no major feature film exploring the bigger-than-life Americans in Asia back then - like General Joseph Stillwell and his complex relationship with Chiang Kai-shek or the swashbuckling General Claire Chennault, founder and leader of the American Volunteer "Flying Tigers". One of the reasons for the apparent disinterest, Farley suggests, could be "the dramatic political about face in East Asia in 1949". As if on cue, along comes the ideal story to use for a movie on the subject, (one that has previously been mentioned in these pages). Two Sons of China is a dramatic, action-packed novel based on the little-known Dixie Mission of 1944, when a group of US soldiers, mostly sons of missionaries who had grown up in China and were fluent in Mandarin, were dispatched to seek out Mao Zedong's secret stronghold in the northern area of Yan'an and investigate reports that Mao's guerilla troops were effectively battling the Japanese. In the real-life mission, a small group of American GIs were paired with Chinese Communist counterparts for a difficult mission behind enemy lines. "The Dixie Mission was America's first and best chance to understand the Chinese Communists who would later form the People's Republic of China," author Andrew Lam, told China Daily in an e-mail from Mexico. "It's a true story that depicts significant Sino-American cooperation during the Second World War at a time when defeat of the Japanese was the top priority for both countries. This type of story is a hidden gem of WWII - from a 'forgotten' theater of that conflict", Lam said. Best-selling author Anita Shreve called Two Sons of China "compelling in its story, gritty in its historical detail an eye-opening novel about a little known story at the far side of World War II". Lam believes that the story needs to be told - mainly that during WWII China was a critical ally of the US for numerous reasons, not least of which was that they kept about a million Japanese troops busily occupied in their country, troops that otherwise would have been free to fight elsewhere in the Pacific. Lam's Two Sons of China has all of the makings of a Hollywood hit - action, romance, history. Furthermore, as Farley points out, US studios have greater access to Chinese acting talent - and authentic locations - than ever before. There are also the access and distribution incentives. And it's not like movie makers haven't already nibbled. "There was a producer who made us a great offer last year," Lam said. "The process was moving along but then when it came time to actually sign the deal, they pulled back. I think their investor in China got cold feet." Contact the writer at chrisdavis@chinadailyusa.com. The Empire State Building illuminated in the colors of the Chinese flag for Lunar New Year. [Photo/XINHUA] When it comes to the Chinese New Year, relations between China and the US couldnt be better. Each year, Lunar New Year moves further into the American mainstreams consciousness. White House ceremony? Check (the second one took place on Tuesday). Empire State Building illuminated in red and yellow? Check (since 2000, actually). And this year, the Lunar New Year took Capitol Hill. The First Annual Congressional Lunar New Year Celebration and Reception was sponsored by Asian-American and Pacific Islander organizations along with members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus at the US Capitol Building in Washington on Feb 10. I think it is important to recognize that we have it celebrated in one of these Congress buildings, because it is a powerful statement that the US respects and honors the Lunar New Year, said Ted Lieu, a US congressman from California. Also, for the first time in New York City, public school children had the day off for Lunar New Year on Feb 8. New York state Senator Daniel Squadron said that one in six pupils in his district, which includes Manhattans Chinatown, is of Asian descent. In previous years, the absentee rate for students on the Lunar New Year reached 80 percent. A new US Postal Service stamp commemorating the Year of the Monkey debuted on Feb 5. The stamp was designed by Kam Mak, 54, an illustrator born in Hong Kong who grew up in New York. It features two red-orange peonies symbols of wealth and honor in Chinese culture, according to Xinhua, and are used to decorate the traditional drums played during lion dances. The stamp also features a paper-cut design of a monkey by late artist Clarence Lee, and a Chinese character for monkey in calligraphy, by Lau Bun. As the most important holiday of the year for many Asian communities around the world, Lunar New Year is celebrated with distinct traditions including giving flowers, potted plants and bouquets as gifts, the USPS website says. The red peony featured on this years stamp symbolizes richness and honor, making it a favorite Lunar New Year gift and decoration. Individuals born during the Year of the Monkey are said to be clever, wise, and honest. With their keen intellect and sociability, they can easily adapt to new situations. The USPS issued the stamp at a ceremony on the campus of St. Johns University in Queens, New York. Lunar New Year has its share of commercial pitches, too. In recent weeks, Tsingtao, Chinas most recognizable beer brand (at least in the US), ran a brilliantly lit display on one of Times Squares towering video marquees. An explosion of colors greeted those walking down West 43rd Street toward the square. Macys stores in New York and California marked the event with special promotions. Disneyland and Universal Studios in California also celebrated the Spring Festival. In San Francisco, the city with the largest per capita Chinese-American population, city police officers have had a lion dance troupe for 28 years. The citys Chinese New Year Festival & Parade, billed as the largest in the world, goes back to the 1860s. The 2016 parade, sponsored by Southwest Airlines, will take place on Feb 20. To me, the Chinese New Year is almost like Christmas, Thanksgiving and Mardi Gras all rolled into one, Parade Director Harlan Wong told CCTV America. We pass out lucky money, red envelopes to anybody who is unmarried. And then, like Thanksgiving, we have huge family gatherings. And like Mardi Gras, we celebrate with the biggest Chinese New Year parade in the US. Perhaps someday the growing camaraderie between China and the US over Lunar New Year could spill into the political arena. Contact the writer at williamhennelly@chinadailyusa.com People take part in a rally in support of New York City police officer Peter Liang, in San Francisco, the United States, Feb. 20, 2016. Tens of thousands of people rallied Saturday in more than 30 American cities to protest the conviction of Peter Liang, a former New York police officer of Chinese descent. A ricocheted bullet from Liang's service weapon accidentally killed African American Akai Gurley, an unarmed civilian, when the former New York police officer was patrolling in a housing project in the borough of Brooklyn in late November in 2014. Liang was found guilty of the killing of Gurley and convicted of second-degree manslaughter by a jury on Feb. 11. [Photo/Xinhua] SAN FRANCISCO -- Approximately 5,000 people staged a demonstration in San Francisco Saturday to protest against the conviction of a New York policeman of Chinese descent for accidental shooting to death of a 28-year old black man more than one year ago. In the city where the percentage of ethnic Chinese is one of the highest among major US cities, thousands of demonstrators gathered initially at Justin Herman Plaza across the historic Ferry Building. While organizers expected some 2,000 people to show up, the crowd on Saturday morning was estimated by police officers on the scene to have reached about 5,000, nearly half of them mobilized by a number of community groups at Chinatown. The rest of demonstrators came from across the San Francisco Bay Area. Mark Lee Ping-Bing (2nd L, cameraman of Crosscurrent awarded Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution), Xin Zhilei (3rd L), director Yang Chao (3rd R) attending the red carpet before the closing ceremony during the 66th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany on Feb 20, 2016. [Photo/IC] Gianfranco Rosi's documentary film Fire at Sea, about the refugee crisis in the Mediterranean off the Italian island of Lampedusa, won the Golden Bear prize for best film at the Berlin International Film Festival on Saturday. The cinematography award went to Mark Lee Ping-Bing for his camera work for the Chinese film Crosscurrent, directed by Yang Chao. It was a fitting end for a festival that went out of its way to make refugees welcome by giving them free tickets. Rosi paid tribute to those who risked their lives to escape war and poverty, and to the people of Lampedusa who welcomed them. "Of course now at this moment my deeper thoughts go to all the people that never arrived to Lampudusa on these journeys of hope," Rosi said in his acceptance speech on stage at Berlin's cinema palace for the glittering awards ceremony. Rosi, who won the top prize for another documentary in Venice in 2013, in this film shows daily life on the small island, mostly through the eyes of a young boy named Samuele who makes slingshots to shoot at birds and cactuses. Transgender man Chalit Pongpitakwiset, right, who is undergoing hormone treatment to complete his sex change, holds hands with his girlfriend as they walk outside their home in Bangkok. [Photo/Agencies] Chalit Pongpitakwiset has always felt like a man. Now the 25-year-old wants everyone else to see it too. But unlike most transgender people in Asia, who are left to self-administer hormone supplements, Chalit is being helped by a pioneering clinic. "I am in the hands of doctors," said Chalit, who was born female but identifies as a man. "I'm not doing it by myself, so it isn't dangerous," the software company worker said. Several days after receiving his first testosterone injection, Chalit returned to get a blood test at Tangerine, the new clinic inside a Red Cross center in downtown Bangkok. The center is a pilot program that organizers hope could be replicated across Asia. Its location is no accidentThailand has a large and visible transgender population and is one of the world's top destinations for sex-reassignment surgery. But just like elsewhere in Asia-Pacific, a region home to more than 9 million transgender people, according UN estimates, long-term care for patients is patchy at best. The clinic is a rare place providing follow-up treatment, both physical and mental, for those who have undergone sex-reassignment surgeries, procedures where patients are often at risk of infection. "Most of the centers where the surgery is performed only provide short-term post-surgical care," explained Nittaya Phanuphak, the head doctor at Tangerine. In Thailand, hormones are commonly purchased on the Internet or in local pharmacies, and administered on advice gleaned from friends or Web forums. Nestle announced today that a total of 36 university students in Yunnan Province had been awarded the "Nestle Scholarship" for 2015-2016. Representatives from China Women's Development Foundation, Puer City's Women's Development Foundation, Puer City's Committee for the Wellbeing of the Youth, Tea and Coffee Industry Development Office of Puer and Nestle representatives attended the "Nestle Scholarship" presentation ceremony. Nestle has set up a scholarship program in Yunnan since 2013, which is open to outstanding students from families of coffee farmers who are registered under Nestle Agricultural Services Department. The program encourages the students to pursue a high-level professional education and also rewards farmers for their contribution in the development of the local coffee industry. All scholarships are fully funded by Nestle, and are selected based on an open, transparent and merit-based process, under the supervision and guidance of the Puer City's Committee for the Wellbeing of the Youth and jointly implemented by China Women's Development Foundation, Puer City's Women's Development Foundation and Nestle China. The Nestle Scholarship offers 5,000 RMB per year for each person, and an outstanding student will enjoy up to four years of consecutive funding. The scholarship is open to undergraduate, college and vocational school students, and applicants will undergo an open and transparent selection that takes into account their academic performance, social work experience and family economic status, among other factors. In order to encourage long-term development of the local coffee industry, the scholarship gives priority to students majoring in agriculture-related majors. As long as students provide corresponding academic progress or proof of engagement in volunteering work and other social services, they would be able to continue applying for this scholarship until graduation. Besides, this year witnessed a photograph competition run by the organizer. Students took pictures that demonstrated the beautiful moments of their parents planting coffee during their family union in winter holiday. This activity helped them to understand the hardship of their parents in coffee planting and to feel the joy and enjoyment thereof. The students all had a lot of takeaways from the event and expressed their gratitude to their hardworking parents for their cultivation at the award ceremony. As the first multinational enterprise to invest in agriculture industry in the southwestern region of China, Nestle has always stuck to the company motto of Creating Shared Value, devoted to promote industrialization of coffee business with the support of related Yunnan governmental organizations. With different parties' effort, coffee industry in Yunnan has achieved a great leap forward. Yunnan is becoming a vigorous, profiting and world famous place of producing quality Arabica coffee bean. Nestle's coffee development project in Yunnan has won recognition from different walks of society as it has received UN "2012 World Business and Development Award" and UN's "2012 Global Compact China Best Practice". Since 2014-2015 purchase season, all coffee beans purchased by Nestle in Yunnan were certified by 4C, which has laid a solid foundation for the long term sustainable development of coffee industry in Puer. Nescafe Coffee Center combining the functions of training, experiments and storage will be completed in March 2016. Nestlehas been committed to supporting the education cause andhas always taken encouraging education andcultivating talents as one of its major concerns in rural development projects and food safety promotion. Since 2009, Nestle has established a complete set of "Nestle Scholarship" programs in China to encourage and support the excellent students in character and learning, those developed in all-round way and thosethat are committed to scientific research in the field of food safetyfrom rural families. At present, three programs have been established under"Nestle Scholarship", including: "NestleScholarship for the Farmers'Children"targeted at the coffee and milk supply households; "Nestle SanhaoScholarship" targeted atstudents in Zhuwa Primary School in Pixian County in the Wenchuan earthquake region which has receivedsupport ofNestle previously; and "NestleFood Safety Scholarship"in cooperation with China Agriculture University to promote food safety research. AMMAN/BEIRUT - US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Sunday he and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, had reached a provisional agreement on terms of a cessation of hostilities in Syria and the sides were closer to a ceasefire than ever before. Meanwhile, violence continued to rage in Syria. Multiple bomb blasts in a southern district of Damascus killed at least 87 people on Sunday, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, and twin car bombs killed at least 59 people in Homs, the monitoring group said. Assad said on Saturday he was ready for a ceasefire on condition "terrorists" did not use a lull in fighting to their advantage and that countries backing the insurgents stopped supporting them. The Syrian opposition had earlier said it had agreed to the "possibility" of a temporary truce, provided there were guarantees Damascus's allies would cease fire, sieges were lifted and aid deliveries were allowed country-wide. "We have reached a provisional agreement in principle on the terms of a cessation of hostilities that could begin in the coming days," Kerry told a news conference in Amman with Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh. "The modalities for a cessation of hostilities are now being completed. In fact, we are closer to a ceasefire today than we have been," said Kerry, who was also to meet King Abdullah. He declined to go into detail about the unresolved issues, saying the two sides were "filling out the details" of the agreement. And he indicated issues remained to be resolved and he did not expect any immediate change on the ground. Melanie Long, 25, from Scotland's Old Kilpatrick, has made a living from being a professional mermaid. A girl who grew up idolizing the Disney sea princess Ariel has achieved her dream - and now makes her living as a real-life mermaid. Flame-haired Long grew up surrounded by murals of Ariel in her bedroom and told anyone who would ask that she wanted to be The Little Mermaid. But unlike most childhood dreams and ambitions, hers came true after she moved to Phuket, Thailand, five years ago to travel and work as a diver. Initially, she worked as a scuba diving instructor. The job brought her into contact with a Thai children's charity that was looking for models to dress as mermaids at a gala ball. She then made a mermaid outfit from scratch, worked on her breathing technique and now makes a living from her dream job. [Photo/CFP] US Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush speaks about healthcare reform at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, in this October 13, 2015 file picture. Jeb Bush said on February 20, 2016 he was suspending his campaign after a disappointing finish in the South Carolina primary. [Photo/Agencies] CHARLESTON, S.C. - Before Donald Trump'sput-downs and the stumbles in presidential debates, and beforethe profound frustration of voters became so unmistakablyapparent, Jeb Bush appeared to be best positioned to win backthe White House for Republicans in 2016. He amassed a $150 million war chest in 2015, surroundedhimself with some of the best minds in the party, had a famouslast name and attracted the support of the party establishment. And yet, after a dismal finish in South Carolina, Bush dropped out of the race on Saturday with an emotional speech. "I firmly believe the American people must entrust thisoffice to someone who understands that whoever holds it is theservant, not the master, someone who will commit to that servicewith honor and decency," he said. How Bush found himself out of the race after just the thirdnominating contest of 2016 is a cautionary tale of politicalmiscalculation and strategic errors, according to interviewswith a dozen Republican operatives, many with close ties to theBush campaign and others who worked for the last two Republicanpresidential nominees, conducted during the last days of hiscampaign. From the start, they said, Bush appeared to misjudge themood of the Republican base. In December 2014, for instance,Bush gathered his senior aides and a small group of nationalpolitical operatives for a meeting in Miami to talk about hiscoming candidacy. A survey to gauge the national mood of theparty was dismissed by Bush and his aides as unnecessary. Suchpolling, a participant said, would have made clear to Bush therebellious sentiment of the conservative base of the party. "They missed the boat," the participant said. The polling may have also helped the campaign spot thethreat of Trump, a billionaire and political outsider who tappedinto that anti-establishment anger and stormed to the top of thepolls. The Bush campaign disputed the charge as inaccurate. "He has shared the frustration of voters from the outsetand he has not strayed from that," said spokeswoman KristyCampbell. "He has presented a hopeful, optimistic message thatis based on the belief that he has the leadership skills to getthe job done." "LOW ENERGY" Viewing Trump as a summer fad who would fade given hisoutrageous comments, the campaign was slow to respond to thebillionaire when he first blasted Bush last August as"low-energy." Bush maintained his above-the-fray strategy andfocused on his policy proposals instead of mixing it up withTrump. Trump relentlessly and bluntly attacked Bush in speeches andon Twitter, portraying him as tired, weak and out of touch withthe party. Trump has mentioned Bush on Twitter hundreds oftimes, far more than any other Republican candidate. "There was a decision made that he was not a serious personand would fade away," said one Republican strategist close tothe Bush camp, who asked to remain anonymous. "You don't want todignify somebody who wasn't a serious candidate. It wasn't justJeb. Nobody thought he was." When the "low energy" attacks on Bush started to take holdand his poll numbers began dropping, he went out of his way toinsist he had plenty of energy to be president, talking ofworking 16-hour days, putting in feistier appearances on thestump and hitting back at Trump hard. Behind the scenes, though, donors said they fretted that toomuch time had gone by before he took the problem seriously. Some confidants of the former Florida governor seethed forweeks at Trump's taunts and urged the campaign to shift to amore aggressive posture. "They made a horrendous miscalculation in not understandingthe intent of the low-energy attack, which was designed toemasculate Bush, to make him look weak," said Steve Schmidt, whowas campaign manager to 2008 Republican nominee John McCain. "Defining him as weak denied him the ability to make theargument that by resume, competence and experience he was themost fit to command," said Schmidt. When Bush launched his campaign in June, he was the clearfrontrunner among Republicans, polling at nearly 18 percent in acrowded field. Roughly six weeks later Trump had taken acommanding lead with 26 percent and Bush had dropped to around12 percent, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling. Today Trumpstands at 38 percent. But Trump was hardly Bush's only obstacle. IRAQ WAR MISSTEPS Perhaps his biggest misstep was one of his own making, whenhe spent days trying to explain whether he would have launchedthe Iraq war begun by his brother, former President George W. ush. Even George W. Bush has admitted mistakes were made in the2003 conflict. But for a week last May, Jeb Bush was flummoxedby the question. The trouble began when he told Fox News that "Iwould have" launched the invasion even knowing what is now known- that Iraq did not possess weapons of mass destruction. While Bush said he did not understand the question, hisresponse began days of controversy that fed a narrative pushedby Democrats that he was little different from his brother whenit came to Iraq. Some of Bush's foreign policy advisers were surprised thatBush did not have an answer prepared for the inevitablequestion. There was a disagreement among his advisers on how best torespond, "a genuine amount of confusion and upsetness about thewhole thing," said one outside adviser to the campaign, whoasked to be anonymous. Not wanting to be disloyal to his brother, Bush spent daystrying to articulate a position until he finally disavowed thestatement and declared he would not have ordered the war. "The fact that we went through this anguished process ofseveral days and several kinds of answers was quiteastonishing," the adviser said. Finally, George W. Bush told his brother he did not need todefend decisions made back in 2003. Jeb Bush had an on-again, off-again strategy to embrace thefamily name, but finally took full advantage of his family inNew Hampshire and especially in South Carolina, where the Bushfamily name remains a valuable brand. For the first time in the campaign former President GeorgeW. Bush hit the campaign trail in South Carolina for hisbrother, addressing thousands of Republicans at a rally. "I know campaigns are stressful and taxing," he said. "Butthey should be. Because the job of the president is much harderthan the campaign." The challenges of the campaign were driven home two dayslater when Jeb Bush learned that South Carolina's governor,Nikki Haley, would endorse Rubio. It was a double blow for Bush: not only did he fail tosecure the backing of a popular governor, it went instead toRubio, his one-time political protege who has been the target ofstinging attacks from Bush. His allied Super PAC, Right to RiseUSA, spent at least $12.5 million on advertising opposing Rubio,according to Federal Election Commission data. Bush learned about the endorsement at a town hall meeting inSummerville, South Carolina, where some members of the audiencegave him advice on how to run his campaign. He summed up thenews briskly. "Disappointed," he said. By Saturday night, less than two hours after the polls hadclosed, Bush had called it quits. Protesters hold a rally in support of former NYPD officer Peter Liang in the Brooklyn borough of New York February 20, 2016.[Photo/Agencies] Thousands of people rallied across the country over the weekend to protest the conviction of Peter Liang, a former New York City police officer who was convicted of second-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of an unarmed black man. The protesters primarily Chinese Americans gathered in 40 cities across the US to demonstrate what they see as an unfair conviction of Liang, now 28, who was a rookie cop on patrol in a Brooklyn housing project in 2014 when he fired his gun. A stray bullet ricocheted off a wall, fatally striking Akai Gurley, 28, on a lower floor. Many protesters in New York which saw a turnout of approximately 10,000, the largest rally in the country expressed support for both Gurley and Liang, both of whom they saw as victims of a tragedy. The protesters carried signs that read, "No Scapegoating," "One Tragedy, Two Victims" and "Condolences to Akai Gurley, Justice for Peter Liang." "Last week's conviction of NYPD officer Peter Liang in the accidental shooting of Akai Gurley has ignited a vigorous debate across New York City and throughout the country. But one thing is clear in this tragic case the system failed. It failed both Peter Liang and Akai Gurley," said US Congresswoman Grace Meng at the New York rally on Feb 20. "The elevator in the Pink Houses should not have been broken; the lights should not have been out in the stairwell," Meng said. "Two rookie cops should not have been patrolling by themselves in New York City, and public housing residents should not have to deal with crime that makes these police patrols necessary. These systematic failures make me so angry and must be addressed. Another tragedy like this must not be allowed to occur ever again." Liang, who was convicted on Feb 11, could face up to 15 years in prison on the manslaughter count. Sentencing by Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun is scheduled for April 14 in Brooklyn. Members of the Chinese community said after Liang was charged that they believe he was being scapegoated for past instances of fatal police actions around the country, and that Liang had not intended to kill Gurley and should not have been placed on patrol at the housing project as a rookie officer. John Chan, president of the Coalition of Asian-Americans for Civil Rights and one of the organizers of the nationwide rally, said Liang was a victim of the selective prosecution that failed to resolve the long-standing distrust and tension between US minority communities and law enforcement. "Sacrificing Liang is not the correct way to resolve systematic problems of the government," Chan said. "Justice for all means justice for everyone." Chan appealed to Chinese Americans to fight political manipulation, selective prosecution and scapegoating. Vivien Chiang, another rally attendee, said she had never met any Chinese individuals calling for civil rights in public during her three years living in New York, and it was the first time she witnessed such unity in the Chinese community. "Chinese Americans were thought to be a politically passive group," she said, "This time we really voice the deep feelings of ourselves and let the society know our need for equal justice." "I believe everything that Peter says, and I think he was let down by everyone, starting with his partner," said Gia Vita, a stylist from Harlem. "What kind of coward is he? I've never felt this strongly about anything else." SEOUL - South Korea on Monday urged Japan to stop provocations over disputed islets lying halfway between the two countries as Japan sent a senior government official to attend the controversial "Takeshima Day" event. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet has dispatched a vice ministerial-level official to the event for four straight years. This year, Sakai Yasuyuki, parliamentary vice minister of the Cabinet Office, attended the ceremony. The Takeshima Day was launched in 2005 by Japan's Shimane prefecture to lay territorial claims to the disputed islets, known as Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan. Seoul's foreign ministry spokesman Cho June-Hyuk said in a statement that Seoul strongly protests and calls for the prevention of recurrence over Japan's repeated dispatch of a senior government official to the Takeshima Day event hosted by a provincial government. The spokesman denounced the dispatch as a defiance of agreed efforts to open a new bilateral relation through the agreement reached in late 2015 for "comfort women," an euphemism for Korean women forced into sexual servitude for Japanese military brothels during World War II. Under the Dec. 28 agreement, Japan renewed an official apology for the wartime sex slavery, pledging to pay 1 billion yen (about 8.3 million US dollars) from its state coffers to build a new foundation in South Korea to support the former comfort women. In return, South Korea agreed on a "final and irreversible" resolution on the issue. Cho said that the Dokdo islets are clearly an inherent part of South Korea's territory historically, geographically and by international laws, toward which Tokyo should stop provocations. He strongly urged the Abe cabinet to humbly and squarely face the Imperial Japan's history of disseizing the Korean peninsula. South Korea has said that Japan unilaterally incorporated the Dokdo islets into its territory before and during the 1910-45 Japanese colonial rule of the Korean peninsula. After Seoul's liberation from the colonization, the Dokdo islets were re-incorporated into South Korea's territory. Seoul's foreign ministry summoned a Japanese diplomat in Seoul to protest Japan's dispatch of a senior government official to the Takeshima Day event. Lee Sang-deok, director-general in charge of Northeast Asian affairs at South Korea's foreign ministry, delivered the government's strong protest against the celebration after summoning Hideo Suzuki, a minister at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul. Hundreds of South Korean civic group activists gathered in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, denouncing the Takeshima Day celebrations and calling for Japan to scrap the history-distorting event. Chinese FM extends condolences over cyclone in Fiji (Xinhua) Updated: 2016-02-22 19:02 BEIJING -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday expressed condolences over Fiji's losses in Cyclone Winston. In a message to his Fijian counterpart, Inoke Kubuabola, Wang pledged that the Chinese government is willing to provide assistance within its power. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce also said Sunday that it was working on a plan to help with reconstruction in the South Pacific island country, while the Chinese Embassy in Fiji said it was coordinating with the Fijian government over aid. The cyclone, one of the most powerful storms in the Southern hemisphere, tore through Fiji over the weekend, leading to 20 deaths by Monday. The death toll is expected to rise dramatically in the coming days. WASHINGTON -- The United States and Russia announced Monday the plan for a cessation of hostilities in Syria that will begin on Feb. 27, the US State Department said. In a joint statement, the two countries said the ceasefire agreement will not apply to "Daesh", also known as the Islamic State, "Jabhat al-Nusra", or other terrorist organizations designated by the UN Security Council. Any party engaged in conflicts in Syria will indicate to Russia or the US their commitment to and acceptance of the terms for the cessation of hostilities by no later than 12:00 (Damascus time) on Feb. 27, said the joint statement issued by the State Department. "I am gratified to see the final arrangements concluded today for a cessation of hostilities in Syria and call on all parties to accept and fully comply with its terms," US Secretary of State John Kerry said. If implemented and adhered to, Kerry said, this cessation will not only lead to a decline in violence, but also continue to expand the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian supplies to besieged areas and support a political transition to a government that is responsive to the desires of the Syrian people. (Photo : Reuters) US treasury secretary Jack Lew (above) heads the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States (CFIUS). The inter-agency panel is said to be taking aim at a number of high-profile business deals involving Chinese investors in the US amid heightened tensions between the two countries. Advertisement Chinese companies planning to invest in US-based enterprises this year are likely to face a tough hurdle as the growing distrust between the two countries has prompted a secretive national security watchdog to zero-in on China's investments in the United States. The Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States (CFIUS) is taking aim at a number of high-profile business deals involving Chinese investors in the US amid heightened tensions between the two countries, experts have claimed. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement US lawyers familiar with CFIUS say some of its member agencies are worried the Chinese government is behind some of the more prominent attempts to acquire sensitive American corporate assets. CFIUS is a government inter-agency panel authorized to review and block any foreign transaction or investment that could pose a threat to critical US infrastructure or national security. The committee is headed by the US Department of the Treasury, and includes the departments of homeland security and defense. "Innately Hostile" Experts say CFIUS is likely to intensify scrutiny of Chinese investments in the US as relations between the two countries continue to deteriorate over US opposition to China's assertions in the South China Sea and a series of hacking attacks on US agencies which Washington attributes to Beijing. "There is a belief in the CFIUS community that China has become innately hostile and these aren't just business deals anymore," Jim Lewis of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) told the New York Times earlier this month. The fact that 2016 is an election year does not help the cause of Chinese investors, either, according to analysts, as a few influential candidates are expected to take hard line positions against China in an effort to whip up patriotic fervor behind their campaigns. Christopher Brewster, a CFIUS expert at Stroock & Strook & Lavan LLP, says US regulators have noted an increase in China's efforts to acquire US electronics companies. Some of the proposed acquisitons are likely to have implications on US national security. "When you watch the cases, you know that the China acquisitions are getting aggressive reviews," Brewster told Reuters. "And anybody who doesn't believe that can go talk to Fairchild." "Close Ties" Fairchild Semiconductor Inc -- a manufacturer of transistors and integrated circuits -- cited US regulatory concerns last week when it rejected a $2.4 billion acquisition offer from China Resources Microelectronics and Hua Capital Management. The day after Fairchild refused the bid, a group of 46 US legislators -- most of them Republicans -- urged CFIUS to investigate the offer of Chonqing Casin Enterprise Group (CCEG) to buy the Chicago Stock Exchange, one of America's oldest exchanges. "While it is unclear the level of influence the state holds over CCEG, the firm is involved in a number of important Chinese sectors that would likely require close ties to the state," said a letter from the 46 legislators to the CFIUS board. Beyond these two deals, analysts say CFIUS is likely to scrutinize, among others, ChemChina's $43 billion bid for Syngenta and Tianjin Tianhai Investment's plan to buy the US technology company Ingram Micro for $6 billion. On Friday, the committee issued a report indicating it had reviewed 24 of China's bids to acquire American enterprises in 2014, making China the most scrutinized among all the countries that chose to invest in the US that year. CFIUS rarely kills a deal outright. Instead, the panel uses back channels to quietly urge companies to abandon merger or investment plans it deems questionable. The committee's report says 12 notices of mergers or investments filed by Chinese companies in 2014 were withdrawn during the review process. Only one was re-filed, indicating the other 11 proposed deals were eventually abandoned. CFIUS formally blocked one notice, but the report does not identify the deal or explain why it was blocked. Advertisement TagsUS-China relations, Committee on Foreign Investments in the US, Chinese investments (Photo : Getty Images) Taiwanese businessmen in the mainland have expressed concerns about incoming President-elect Tsai lng-wen's announcement that the island will no longer lean heavily on China in its trade exchanges. Advertisement Taiwanese businessmen in China have expressed concerns that their businesses will suffer once Taiwan-elect pro-independence President Tsai lng-wen assumes office. Taiwanese people doing business in China fear that cross-strait economic relations could be jeopardized by the pro-independence agenda of Tsai and her refusal to recognize the 1992 consensus. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Already, Taiwanese businessmen are feeling the economic crunch with Beijing's slow economic growth and stiff competition, They fear that their businesses will suffer more following Tsai's pledge to reduce Taiwan's economic reliance on the mainland when she enters office on May 20. 1992 consensus "As business people based on the mainland, we cannot help but worry about the prospect of cross-strait relations, given the DPP's pro-independence platform and Tsai's refusal to recognise the 1992 consensus," said Yeh Chun-jung, vice-chairman of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland. The consensus that was reached between Chinese and Taiwanese representatives in 1992 states that both sides belong to 'one China.' The oral agreement, analysts said, leaves open to interpretation what 'one China' is. Tsai and her pro-independence party, the Democratic Progressive Party, won by a landslide in the recently-concluded Taiwan presidential elections, ending the eight year rule of the pro-China government of Ma Ying-jeou. Cross-strait relations Under Ma's rule, there was a warming of cross-strait relations and the expansion of economic exchanges between both sides. Beijing has reiterated that peaceful development of relations between China and the island will happen only if both sides recognize the 1992 consensus. Some Taiwanese businessmen fear that Tsai's pronouncements that she will trade heavily with the Southeast Asian nations and take businesses to India and other places will spell doom for Taiwanese firms in the mainland. Economic reliance "With production costs on the mainland continuing to rise and economic growth in China less shiny than before, any plan by the DPP government to reduce economic reliance on the mainland will make us suffer even more," said Guangzhou-based businessman Shen Heng-chiang. There are currently about 1 million Taiwanese businessmen doing business in China and around 100,000 Taiwan-invested businesses on the mainland. Records shows that up to 40 percent of Taiwan's exports go to China. Ding Kun-hua, honorary chairman of the Taiwan investment association, said Tsai's government would find it difficult to expand economic relations with other countries "because the mainland is too big to ignore."' Trade exchanges Hu Hsing-chung, vice chair of the Association of Taiwan, said Tsai should not forsake Taiwanese businessmen in its plan to increase trade exchanges with other nations. "Actually there is nothing new in Tsai's planned southbound policy as Lee Teng-hui proposed this in 1992 when he was president," said Ding, adding the policy had been unsuccessful. "It should help Taiwanese firms tap business opportunities through the mainland's 'One Belt, One Road' initiative for infrastructure development projects," Hu said. Advertisement TagsTaiwanese businessmen, china, President-elect Tsai lgn-wen, 1992 consensus (Photo : Getty Images) Washington has said it will continue to test China's pledge that it will not militarize the South China Sea region. Advertisement China's recent comments accusing Washington of continuing to 'test' Beijing over disputed islands in the South China Sea did not sit well with US President Barack Obama, as he counter-accused the mainland of abusing its military might. Washington had said it would 'continue to test' Beijing's pledge not to militarize the South China Sea region. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Following news about China's deployment of surface-to-air missile to the South China Sea, Obama lashed out at the Asian nation and had a mouthful to say against Beijing. "We think China is resorting to the old style of might makes right, as opposed to working through international law and international norms to establish claims, and to resolve disputes," Obama said. Right to protect China has argued that it has the right to protect its territory and that its building of weather stations, lighthouses, airstrips and other facilities are meant to provide 'public goods and services to the international community.' Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei has pointed to the US as the one who has been militarizing the region by conducting air and naval patrols and holding regional exercises with other nations. Lei said the military activities being conducted by the US has become a growing concern among claimant countries and threatens peace and stability in the South China Sea. Tensions "These actions have escalated tensions in the South China Sea, and that's the real militarization of the South China Sea. The U.S. is bold about imposing pressure on China, and China must make an appropriate response," Lei said. Meanwhile, Vietnam, who has competing claims in the Paracel islands, has sent a diplomatic note to the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi demanding that Beijing stop the 'infringement of Vietnam's sovereignty" over the islands. "China's action have also threatened peace and stability in the region as well as security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation," Vietnam Foreign Ministry spokesman Li Hai Bin, said. Advertisement TagsWashington, Beijing, South China Sea, right to protect, satellite images (Photo : Getty Images) China has released a new guideline to control the rapid pace of urbanization and prohibit bizarre infrastructures. Advertisement In light of the urbanization and rapid growth of cities in China, authorities have released a new policy on urban planning on Sunday to regulate the country's infrastructural expansion. The new regulation stipulates that cities will no longer be permitted to expand beyond what their own natural resources can provide for. The new mandate released by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council also prohibits odd shaped buildings. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The guideline comes following last year's Central Urban Work Conference - the first ever meeting held to tackle the issue since 1978 when only 18 percent of the Chinese population resided in cities. By the end of 2015, that number had grown to nearly 50 percent. Severe traffic jams, thick smog and compromised security as well as overtaxed power distributions networks are some of the problems brought about by rapid urbanization. To address the situation, the new policy calls city legislative bodies to improve their guidance and implement stricter rules and sanctions if anyone contradicts the urban planning policies. Under the new guidelines, absurd infrastructures will also be prohibited as they are not useful, economical and aesthetically pleasing or environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the authorities recommend frugal construction techniques like generating fewer waste and utilizing lesser resources, for instance, by using prefabricated buildings. The government anticipates that in the next decade, 30 percent of the new infrastructure in the country will be prefabricated. To avoid urban sprawling, the policy requires authorities to devise a number of ways to easily detect buildings that do not coincide with the new policy. Furthermore, a map of all illegal infrastructures across Chinese cities is set to be drawn up, and violators will be given sanctions. Advertisement Tagsrapid urbanization, urban sprawl, china, bizarre buildings (Photo : Getty Images) Exports of weapons from China have doubled over the past five years, according to a military think tank group's report. Advertisement A military think tank revealed on Monday that China has nearly doubled its weapon exports in the last five years, as it continues to allocate a budget to creating a high-end arms manufacturing market. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, between 2011 and 2015, arm imports in China dropped to 25 percent compared with the previous five years. This signifies an increasing confidence in locally manufactured weaponry in spite of some noted key areas of weaknesses. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Meanwhile, in this same period, exports of major arms alone jumped to 88 percent, although the country still ranks third next to the United States and Russia as the largest weapon exporter in the world - accounting for only 5.9 percent of global exports. Siemon Wezeman, a senior researcher from the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme, revealed that until a decade ago, China was unable to provide low-tech equipment but this has already changed. "The equipment that they produce is much more highly advanced than ten years ago, and attracts interest from some of the bigger markets," he noted. The communist county has allocated billions to establish its very own weapons industry. Last year, its total military budget reached a staggering 886.9 billion yuan ($141.45 billion), a 10 percent increase from 2014. Meanwhile, in the same period, the weapon exports of the United States and Russia also spiked by 27 and 28 percent, respectively. Also, major weapon exports of France and Germany, which are named as the fourth and fifth biggest arm exporters, respectively, dropped over the same time frame. The report discovered that buyers of most of these weapons were from neighboring Asian nations and Oceania, with Pakistan accounting for 35 percent followed by Bangladesh and Myanmar. However, despite the developments, China still needs imported weapons such as large aircraft for transport; helicopters; and engines for aircraft, ships and vehicles. Advertisement Tagsweapon industry, arm industry, arm exports, china, weaponry (Photo : Getty Images) Photo of power plant at Gabtoli, Bangladesh. India's Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has beat a Chinese company to win a contract to build a power plant in Bangladesh. Advertisement A major Indian state-owned company Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has won a huge contract to build a $1.6 billion power plant in Bangladesh, beating Chinese competitor Harbin Electric International Company Ltd. BHEL will sign the contract on Feb. 28, officials from New Delhi and Dhaka confirmed. The contract will give BHEL the sole right to construct a 1,320-megawatt (MW) thermal power station in Khulna in southern Bangladesh. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement China's Harbin Electric International Company Ltd, whose bid was rejected, is a major player in the power plant industry. It has power projects in Iran, Turkey and Indonesia among others countries. The company is among the three largest power plant equipment manufacturers in China. A top official in Dhaka on condition anonymity disclosed to a local journalist that Harbin Electric International Company's bid fell short on technical grounds and hence it was rejected. The latest Indian commercial triumph comes after Bangladesh cancelled a port project with a Chinese company early last month. Dhaka reportedly cancelled the port project at the behest of New Delhi. India perceives China's efforts to build development projects across the Indian Ocean as a move to surround it. China is already in the process of building a huge port in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Experts have described this Chinese strategy as a 'string of pearls'. China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean region has prompted the Indian government to warm up its relationship with all its neighbors, especially with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as New Delhi can still diplomatically influence both countries. The move seems to have paid off as both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have apparently become quite distance from Beijing in recent months. Much to the delight of New Delhi. Advertisement TagsBangladesh, India, china Death penalty needs to go, pope says 22 February, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , | ROME (Christian Examiner) Pope Francis has called on world leaders to halt executions for capital crimes during the Catholic Church's "Jubilee Year" a first step, he said, toward abolishing the death penalty worldwide. Francis claimed during his speech to a general audience in St. Peter's Square on Sunday that there is now "a growing opposition to the death penalty even for the legitimate defense of society" because societies have developed modern means to "repress crime without definitively denying the person who committed it the possibility of rehabilitating themselves." "The commandment 'You shall not kill' has absolute value and applies to both the innocent and the guilty," the pontiff told the crowd. "I appeal to the consciences of those who govern to reach an international consensus to abolish the death penalty." All Christians and men of good will are called on to work not only for the abolition of the death penalty, but also to improve prison conditions so that they respect the human dignity of people who have been deprived of their freedom. The statement, however, runs contrary to nearly two millennia of Catholic teaching. The church has in the past supported the authority of the state to carry out capital punishment as a means of deterrence, according to the teachings first offered on the matter by St. Augustine in the late fourth and early fifth centuries. Those teachings were later supported by St. Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century, with the understanding that the state could also impose the death penalty on religious heretics anathematized by the church. The church often used the death penalty at the hands of civil authorities to silence dissent during the Middle Ages. Francis is not the first pope to call for an end to the death penalty. Catholic opinion on capital punishment first shifted during the papacy of John Paul II. "The new evangelization calls for followers of Christ who are unconditionally pro-life: who will proclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of life in every situation. A sign of hope is the increasing recognition that the dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil. ... I renew the appeal I made ... for a consensus to end the death penalty, which is both cruel and unnecessary," John Paul II said in 1999. Fresh from a visit to a Mexican prison, Francis has called for the improvement of prison conditions and asked that governments also reconsider life-long prison sentences, which he called "a hidden death penalty." "All Christians and men of good will are called on to work not only for the abolition of the death penalty, but also to improve prison conditions so that they respect the human dignity of people who have been deprived of their freedom," he said. Francis's comments were meant to have an impact on the international symposium on the death penalty sponsored by the Community of Sant'Egidio in Rome. This year's conference is called, "For a world without the death penalty." "I hope," the Pope said, "that this symposium can give a renewed impulse to efforts for the abolition of capital punishment." Francis said those who murder still "maintain the inviolable right to life, the gift of God." Obamas dance with 106-year-old to celebrate Black History Month Editorial Staff | 22 February, 2016 by Joni B. Hannigan WASHINGTON (Christian Examiner) "I thought I would never live to get into the White House," 106-year-old Virginia McLaurin beamed up to President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama recently. The African American woman's dream to visit the White House came true during Black History Month when the D.C. resident who was born in South Carolina in 1909. "Slow down," Obama told the woman, laughing, as she rushed to give Michelle Obama a hug. Michelle Obama told her: "I want to be like you when I grow up." "What's the secret to still dancing at 106," President Obama asked as the trio circled the room, with the Obamas reaching down to hold McLaurin's hands. Slowing down long enough to face the cameras only momentarily, the woman looked intently up into the president's face and said: "And I tell you, I am so happy ... a black president ... a black wife. And I'm here to celebrate black history. Yeah, that's what I'm here for!" On the White House Facebook page, one man sent "hugs from Brazil," said: "She lived to see two World Wars, the height of racial segregation, and finally an elected black president." A 2014 letter McLaurin wrote to the president is part of a citizen's petition dated Dec. 19, 2014: Dear President Obama, My name is Virginia McLaurin, I live in Washington DC. I was born in 1909. I've never met a President. I didnt think I would live to see a Colored President because I was born in the South and didn't think it would happen. I am so happy and I would love to meet you and your family if I could. I remember the times before President Hoover.I remember when we didn't have any electricity. I had a kerosene lamp. I remember the first car model Ford.My husband was in the Army. I lost my husband in 1941. I've been in DC ever since. I was living here when Martin Luther King was killed. I know you are a busy man, but I wish I could meet you. I would love to meet you. I could come to your house to make things easier. I pray to the Lord that I would be able to meet you one day. President Obama, in celebrating Black History Month, wrote: "Our responsibility as citizens is to address the inequalities and injustices that linger, and we must secure our birthright freedoms for all people. As we mark the 40th year of National African American History Month, let us reflect on the sacrifices and contributions made by generations of African Americans, and let us resolve to continue our march toward a day when every person knows the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Every year, I, along with four other pastors (KiChae Han, HyungEun Ji, KwanJae Yoo, and ChanKyu Lee), have been leading a pastors seminar. This year, we shared the joy of serving pastors in New Zealand. It has already been 6 years since we started. We first began small, but we see our continuity bearing results in an amazing way. Whatever it may be, continuity brings out an amazing power. To continue means to repeat. It means adding to the numbers. The important thing is to start. All great accomplishments begin with a first step. No matter how great of an idea it may be, if you dont turn the idea into action then there is no result. Starting and taking the first step is whats important. In the process of a childs growth, we see that the whole family cheers when a baby takes his or her first step. The first step is truly beautiful. However, there is something that is even more important than starting. That is to continue what has been started. We all know that power of continuity. Small drops of water could penetrate a rock if they continue to drop on the rock. No matter how small it may be, if it repeats and continues itself, it will bring about a powerful result. Muscles are not made overnight. Muscles are formed only through repetition and continuity. It is the same for the muscles of our mind and spirit. However, as many of us have experienced, continuing important works is not easy. For example, continuing to read through the Bible once every year, meditating and praying daily, evangelizing and participating in mission for the salvation of souls, and keeping at a lifelong journey of learning for the growth of oneself and family are definitely not easy things to do. When I was first learning about meditation, the most difficult thing was to continue. It wasnt easy at first, but as I strengthened my spiritual willpower I was able to continue in meditating on the Word. Then how can we continue to do things that we consider to be important to us? How can we strengthen our spiritual willpower? First, we must repeatedly remind ourselves of the importance of the things we want to continue. We repeat what we consider to be meaningful. For such reason, we must add a new dimension of meaning into the things that we want to continue. In order to remind ourselves of the meaning of the things we want to continue, it is good to keep books that teaches us about the importance of the things we want to continue near us. When I was first learning about the Word meditation, I kept the books that taught about the importance of the Word meditation near me and read them frequently. Second, we must be well aware of the benefits from the things we want to continue. People tend to continue what is beneficial to them. Try to think of the long-term benefits than the short-term. The physical benefits are good, but try to be more interested in the spiritual benefits. If it is beneficial to you, your family, and your community, then make sure to continue do it. Third, we need to build a good system that will help you with continuity. Along with a good system, you also need appropriate tools and instruments. To meditate on the Word, it is helpful to subscribe to devotional books like Living Life.' To memorize scripture, utilize the Bible scripture memorization booklet that our church prepares every year. If you want to read through the Bible once a year then adopt a system that helps you to go through a reading checklist. Fourth, we need a small community that encourages us to continue. When we are encouraged, we are able to revive from the thoughts of giving up. When we are encouraged, we are able to continue with our work. For that reason, we must spur one another toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). Fifth, we are able to continue when we understand the principle of the critical point. A critical point is the moment that a transformation happens. Water turns to vapor at 100 C, not at 99 C. The difference of 1 C makes a great change. When we continue with our work, we will reach a critical moment at some time. When we reach the critical point, we will experience a transformation. We come to understand the taste of what we have been continuing. David said that the Word of God is sweet like honey. He had experienced the taste of the Word by continuing to meditate on the Word. Whatever it may be, when we continue, we can reach a certain point, and when we do, we swiftly enter into a new dimension of life. Pray in order to continue whats important to you. Seek Gods help and grace. There is a limitation to human effort. When God helps and pours His wisdom and power, we are able to continue our work. In particular, share what you consider to be valuable with others. That is when you are able to continue what you treasure all the more. I pray that God will pour His grace on you to continue to do things you value through this letter. Reverend Joshua Choon-Min Kang is the senior pastor of New Life Vision Church, located in Los Angeles. This is one of the weekly letters he writes to his congregation. For the original, visit www.nlvc.org. UNC excavation crew in Galilee region of Israel uncover first known depictions of biblical heroines An excavation team in Israel has discovered the first known depiction of two biblical heroines from the Old Testament. World to reach 8 billion people in November, India to unseat China as most populous in 2023: UN By Nov. 15, the worlds population is projected to reach 8 billion, and by 2023, India is projected to surpass China as the worlds most populous country, according to a new report from the United Nations. Single, non-religious young adults are most unhappy Americans post-COVID-19: report Young adults under 35 who are single and non-religious report the highest levels of unhappiness since the COVID-19 pandemic began and since 1972, when the General Social Survey began measuring levels of happiness among Americans, a new analysis from the Institute of Family Studies suggests. Ancient Christian icon found in Bethlehem An ancient icon of "great religious and historical value" has been found by craftsmen working on the restoration of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The icon, made of brass, silver, shells and stones, was found two months ago near a window in the church built in the fourth century by the Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena over what is believed to be the place of Jesus' birth. The restoration has been taking place for nearly three years, has cost $8 million already and is funded by the Palestinian Authority and others with the cooperation of top international archaeologists and experts from Italy. The first phase is now finished and a further $11 million is needed to complete the rest of the project. Ziad al-Bandak, a Palestinian presidential adviser for Christian Affairs, told Ma'an news that although the icon has been repaired, it is not yet available for public viewing and photographs have yet to be published. Bandak said: "The removal of centuries of dust has left mosaics sparkling in the sunlight filtering through brand new windows. Structural repairs on the fragile rooftop and windows have been completed and artistic treasures have been returned to their delicate elegance." Although the church is one of the top tourist attractions in the region, numbers of visitors have declined since the a rise in tensions last October, which has resulted in the deaths of nearly 180 Palestinians and more than 25 Israelis. According to The Times of Israel the Church of the Nativity, listed as endangered by the UN cultural agency UNESCO, was badly neglected for centuries. Until two years ago it suffered serious leaks which threatened the heritage inside. Can you be a Christian and believe in ghosts? Two paranormal investigators claim to have filmed a strange monk-like figure during a visit to an ancient ruined church in Clophill, Bedfordshire. They're adamant that no one else was there at the time and are convinced it was a ghost. During the 1960s, apparently, there were strange satanic rituals at the church. It has to be said this figure isn't all that convincing, and looks as if someone's visited a fancy-dress shop and hired a 'Spooky Monk' outfit. However, belief that the spirits of the dead somehow persist and can interact with the world of the living are common in every culture. There's a rich vein of storytelling on page and screen based on this belief, from the terrifying tales of MR James to the rollicking Bill Murray Ghostbusters film. But are ghosts real, and what are Christians to think about them? There are two Bible passages that might be relevant. One is the story of Saul and the Witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28. He is terrified at the size of the Philistine army and asks the witch to raise the spirit of the dead prophet Samuel for him to consult. She sees "an old man wearing a robe", "coming up out of the ground". It looks as though Saul can't see him (he asks the witch what the figure looks like) but the two have a conversation. The second is the story Jesus tells about the Rich Man (or 'Dives') and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. Lazarus is a beggar at Dives' gate. When both die, angels carry Lazarus to "Abraham's bosom" while Dives is sent to hell. Dives asks Abraham to send Lazarus to cool his tongue with a drop of water, but he replies: "Between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to got from here to you cannot, nor can anone cross over from there to us" (verse 26). This seems to tie in with verses like Hebrews 9:27, which says: "Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." These biblical passages appear to contradict each other. But perhaps we need to understand a little more about them. To begin with, the Bible is not very interested in ghosts, and that is quite striking because of the length of time around 1,000 years over which it was written. The story of the appearance of Samuel is the exception. It looks as though it was a common enough belief, but the biblical writers didn't acknowledge or validate it. But what was happening in the story? Some argue that it wasn't Samuel's spirit at all, but some sort of angelic figure whom God sent to speak in a way that Saul would understand and believe. Others say it was Samuel, not called up by the witch but sent by God for this special task. Others argue that this is literature, not history, and Samuel's appearance is like the ghost of Hamlet's father a plot device rather than strict historical fact. Against this, Saul's story as a whole is certainly told as history. However, Jesus' story in Luke 16 is perhaps not as relevant as it might seem, either. As an Evangelical Alliance report on The Nature of Hell says, it is based on "a well-established Near Eastern folk tale...in which the central concerns were avarice, stewardship and pride rather than the mechanics of heaven and hell". From a biblical point of view, then, there isn't much to say about ghosts though the Bible's virtual silence is an argument against being too credulous about them. At the same time, belief in ghosts has always been very common. Back in the 18th century, the famous English writer Samuel Johnson a devout Christian told his biographer Boswell: "It is wonderful that five thousand years have now elapsed since the creation of the world, and still it is undecided whether or not there has ever been an instance of the spirit of any person appearing after death. All argument is against it; but all belief is for it." In modern times, ghost hunters or 'paranormal researchers' go equipped with a full scientific apparatus. They might use infra-red cameras, electro-magnetic field meters, audio and visual recorders and digital thermometers. Believers in ghosts claim that sharp drops in temperature, a sense of physical or psychological discomfort, strange visual phenomena like floating orbs, or actual 'sightings' like the one in Copley, are evidence of ghosts. There's even a Ghost Hunters TV series on the Syfy channel. It's fair to say that almost all scientists dismiss the ghost hunters' methods and overall worldview. But that doesn't stop people believing: in 2014 a YouGov poll found 34 per cent of British people believe in ghosts. Perhaps the most interesting question, though, is why? One reason is that even people who don't have an orthodox Christian faith are often open to believing in some sort of afterlife for those they've loved and lost. Belief in spiritualism that it was possible for specially gifted 'mediums' to contact the dead rose sharply after the First World War, because of the appalling scale of the losses suffered in every European country that took part. It didn't last long the famous Noel Coward film Blithe Spirit, made in 1945, made gentle fun of the idea but many people took it very seriously. Another reason might be that many people have a sense that this world isn't all there is. The way they imagine another one is to think of it as being peopled with those they know who aren't here any more. And many of us, of course, are incurably romantic: there's something about the idea of ghosts walking the earth which is excitingly scary. There is no real evidence for the existence of ghosts, in the sense of restless departed spirits haunting the scenes of long-ago battles and murders. But rather than just dismissing all belief in them as nonsense, perhaps Christians should be a bit more open to the implications of the doctrine of the communion of saints: that Christians living now and those in heaven are one body. If we have sometimes a sense that someone we've loved who has died is still with us, why should that surprise us? God gives good gifts to us, and perhaps this is one. Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods Cardinal Pell and supporters hit back at abuse allegations Journalists writing about historic child sexual abuse in Australia are at war over a report that Cardinal George Pell is being investigated by police. Andrew Bolt, a senior columnist with the Herald Sun paper and a friend of the cardinal, has challenged Lucie Morris-Marr, a reporter who works for the same paper and has broken this and other exclusive stories in the area of the Catholic Church and child abuse in Australia. The issue is currently being investigated by a Royal Commission. Bolt said Morris-Marr's report was a vicious and shameful smear which was part of a "sinister" campaign to destroy the cardinal, The Guardian reported. Cardinal Pell, who is due to give evidence to the Royal Commission via video link from Rome next week, has vehemently denied all allegations and said a leak about a police investigation into him is "maliciously timed". Morris-Marr defended herself robustly, tweeting: Pell's mate and my colleague Andrew Bolt says today my Sat exclusive @theheraldsun was a witch hunt smear #utterrubbish #wrong Lucie Morris-Marr (@luciemorrismarr) February 21, 2016 and It's not LEAKS or a SMEAR Andrew Bolt and Cardinal Pell it's called knocking on doors on the serious subject of child abuse. #journalism Lucie Morris-Marr (@luciemorrismarr) February 21, 2016 Morris-Marr also retweeted the paper's editor, Damon Johnston, who himself tweeted today's front page: News never stops ... Today's special 1am @theheraldsun front page pic.twitter.com/LX13dcdAQr damon johnston (@damonheraldsun) February 21, 2016 Cardinal Pell has himself written to Acting Victorian Police Minister Robin Scott asking for an inquiry into the leak, ABC reported. Cardinal Pell's office said that details of the allegations reported by the Herald Sun were "scandalous" and "utterly false". "The article published by the Herald Sun leads to the conclusion that this information must have come from Victoria Police or another agency working with it," the statement said. The allegations had never been put to him by police. "The leak was clearly designed to cause damage to me as a witness ahead of my evidence in the royal commission next week," his office said. Victoria Police have referred it to the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission. "Victoria Police is concerned about media reporting alleging that police have leaked details of a sensitive Taskforce Sano investigation," the police said in their statement, adding tht they took the allegation seriously. A group of 10 sex abuse survivors will fly to Rome next week to hear the Cardinal, who is 74, give evidence to Australia's Royal Commission on Child Sexual Abuse via a video link on Feburary 29. He has been excused from appearing in person because of his health. Child abuse inquiry: Retired Bishop sorry for sexual abuse of children at Queensland orphanage A retired Catholic bishop has confessed to a "terrible sense of shame and disgrace" over a failure to act more quickly on allegations of abuse against his priests and nuns. Bishop Brian Heenan, who led Rockhampton diocese in Queensland, Australia from 1991 until he retired in 2013, admitted to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse that he had failed the children of the Neerkol orphanage. Former residents had earlier described the terrible sex abuse, along with physical and psychological torture, that they endured from the nuns and priests at the orphanage, which was open as recently as 1978. When the victims first approached the church for redress, he wrote in a pastoral letter condemning their stories as "scandalous" and "scurrilous". In addition, he did not stop the main culprit from working in the church, even alongside children. Bishop Heenan formally apologised to abuse victims. He has admitted he was concerned to protect the reputation of the Church. He told the commission that hearing the stories again had brought home to him again what "dreadful" things they had suffered. "My heart goes out to you ... and I just hope and pray that the experience for you this week has brought you some relief." Last week, he admitted to failing to protect the children from paedophile priest Reginald Durham. Duggar family minister Bill Gothard likened to Bill Cosby as more sex abuse victims come forward Bill Gothard, the well-known minister of the Duggar family from "19 Kids and Counting," has been slapped with more sexual abuse charges, putting him in the same predicament as comedian Bill Cosby. "Like Bill Cosby, it continues to grow with more and more people coming forward," said Texas Atty. David Gibbs III, who filed the lawsuit for three of his victims, the Chicago Tribune reported. The complaint reveals that some of the women were even minors when Gothard allegedly abused them. Joy Simmons and Jennifer Spurlock were sent to Gothard after they suffered from sexual abuse at the hands of other men from the ministry, but what Gothard did to them was worse, Gibbs said. "To have your education ripped from you and to have your childhood ripped from you, it's extremely difficult. It's just evil," Spurlock, who was only 15 when she first encountered Gothard, told the New York Daily News. According to Spurlock, she was sent to an Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) training centre in Indianapolis by her family after she was sexually assaulted by a man receiving counselling at a Christian centre. There, she caught the attention of Gothard. "Mr. Gothard was just staring right at me, so much so that other girls would say 'You're so lucky, he couldn't take his eyes off of you,'" said Spurlock. "It started sitting on the sofa hip-to-hip, spreading his legs and touching my knees and smelling my hair," before Gothard began touching her sensitive parts. What happened to Simmons was pretty similar. "He would also tell me that it was my fault that I was assaulted and he would ask God to cleanse me," revealed Simmons. "We were isolated. No friends, no way out, no education. We were pretty stuck. Gothard said since I didn't cry out, I was just as guilty as the guy who assaulted me." Elderly pastor 'illegally detained' brings lawsuit against Chinese authorities An elderly Christian pastor detained by Chinese authorities has had his case taken on by a Beijing-based law firm, religious freedom charity China Aid reports. Shen Fuchu, 73, who leads a church in Shanghai, was detained for 10 days by authorities in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang province, in September last year. He had been visiting a house church in the city and had gathered more than 70 people in the home of a local Christian. Police raided the meeting, confiscating more than $10,000 dollars given to Shen and another church leader to cover travel costs, and claimed his title as pastor was false because he did not work at a church registered with the Chinese government. While in custody, Shen had a number of personal belongings confiscated and received a fine. Beijing's Gongxin Law Firm will represent Shen, who claims that his case was handled unlawfully. A document outlining his lawsuit says that he was threatened while under investigation, and was not allowed to rest, eat or drink. The document also notes that the Chinese constitution guarantees freedom of religion or belief, and that neither Shen nor his companions violated any laws or regulations. Lawyers Li Baiguang and Liu Peifu are to take on the case, in addition to those of two other Christains, Zhang Jun and Chen Wu, both of Guiyang in Guizhou. The two are contesting the closure of two buildings used for church meetings. The Communist Party in China is believed to be becoming progressively more suspicious of the influence of Christianity, which is experiencing significant growth in the country. Up to 1,700 churches have been demolished or had their crosses removed in Zhejiang province, and a number of church leaders and their lawyers have been arrested and detained. Horrific catalogue of child sexual abuse by Christian Brothers in Australia More than 850 people have complained of child sexual abuse by one or more Christian Brothers in Australia. Three-quarters of the victims were under the age of 13, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has heard. One Christian Brother, Stephen Farrel, who has already been convicted, was even hugged by a superior as his way of helping him after a child complained. "He just put his arms around me and gave me a long cuddle. No words were said. He then just walked out," Sky News Australia reported. Another student, Timothy Barlow, at St Patrick's College in Ballarat, suffered a beating at the hands of Christian brother Edward Dowlan, who has also been convicted. His offence was to report Dowlan to the school for putting his hands down the pants of students. ABC highlighted Barlow's case as he told the inquiry it was common knowledge that boys were being abused at the school, with widespread rumours of boys being assaulted in dormitories. "It was survival of the fittest. I think we were in a dysfunctional closed environment where the abnormal was normal," said Barlow, who at the time was on the student representative body and was beaten up after he asked the principal to intervene at the request of the younger students. As he was beaten up by two Christian Brothers, he heard one say: "You'll regret this you lying prick, who do you think you are?" The student representative body was then disbanded. In 1974, parents asked for Dowlan's "inappropriate behaviour" to be looked into. The commission is looking at how abuse claims were handled in the Diocese of Ballarat. The Christian Brothers have already paid out more than $37 million in compensation after the claims from 853 victims against 281 Christian Brothers. The most claims, 46 in total, were against Christian Brother referred to as "CCK". The average age of his victims was 11. Australia's most senior Catholic and financial head of the Vatican, Cardinal George Pell, is due give evidence to the commission next week February relating to his time serving as an assistant priest at Ballarat East. Hundreds of Montana residents show their opposition to Obama's settlement plan for Syrian refugees A government meeting rarely draws a hundred attendees, but in the U.S. state of Montana, more than 500 people flocked to a public hearing earlier this month to express their opposition to a settlement plan for Syrian refugees in their area. The Ravalli County Commission hosted the meeting at the Hamilton Junior High School gym to tackle a proposed letter sent by Montana Governor Steve Bullock and the state's congressional delegation to U.S. President Barack Obama's administration disapproving the bringing in of refugees from the war-torn Middle East nation to the county and its surrounding areas. According to The Missoulian, the state leadership in Montana said the community's safety may be compromised if the Syrian migrants will be allowed to stay in the county, since the government has no sufficient capability to screen them if they have ties to terrorist organisations like the Islamic State (ISIS). During the meeting, most of the residents supported the state leaders' opposition to Syrian refugees. At the start of the gathering, Commission Chair Ray Hawk even said that there is margin of about 50 to 1 in opposition to allowing refugees to settle in Ravalli County. To further express their opposition to a Syrian refugee settlement in their state, Montana residents are also planning to hold a protest rally at the steps of the State Capitol in Helena on Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Caroline Solomon, a Montana resident who is a member of the group ACT for America, lauded Ravalli County residents for their courage in opposing the Syrian refugee settlement. "They did it on their own," Solomon told WND.com. "They did a draft letter, and it's unbelievable what happened yesterday, they accepted the letter, signed the letter, and they're sending it in." "I think people are waking up and realising that Wyoming and Montana, we're the only ones still standing (against the refugee influx)," she added. ISIS claim responsibility for Hindu priest hacked to death in Bangladesh ISIS has claimed responsibility for the fatal stabbing of a Hindu priest at a temple in Bangladesh on Sunday, following an increase in Islamist violence in the country. Jogeshwaer Roy, 55, was organising prayers at the Deviganj temple near Panchagar on Feburary 21 when five or six attackers cut his throat. The perpetrators then shot in the leg a devotee who went to Roy's aid, wounding him. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on social media, though police have so far attributed the incident to a local militant group. The Bangladeshi government has previously dismissed ISIS' claims that it is present in the country, insisting that the group merely wants to create "instability". "In a security operation facilitated by the almighty God, soldiers of the Caliphate liquidated the priest Jogeshwar Roy, the founder and the head of the Deviganj temple that belongs to the infidel Hindus," a statement by ISIS read in Arabic, Reuters reports. "One of his companions was hurt after being targeted with light weapons in the area of Panchagar in Northern Bangladesh and the Mujahideen returned to their positions unharmed, and all praise be to God." Bangladesh has experienced a wave of militant violence over the past year, including the killing of four atheist bloggers, an Italian aid worker and a Japanese citizen, in addition to a number of attacks on Hindu temples and mosques. Christians in Bangladesh have also been targeted, in what persecution charity Open Doors today called "a campaign of destruction carried out by local Islamic fundamentalists". A church leader in Pabna, north-western Bangladesh, was attacked in October, and ISIS claimed responsibility for the killing of the senior pastor of One Way Church of Bangladesh on 7 January this year. Death threats were also issued to ten church leaders in the north of the country in December. The constitution allows the practice of religions other than Islam and there are around 3,000 churches in Bangladesh, but more than 90 per cent of the population is Muslim. Four members of the Islamic fundamentalist organisation Jamaatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh have been arrested in connection with Sunday's attack. ISIS releases 43 Assyrian Christian hostages in Syria ISIS has today released 43 Assyrian Christians, the last remaining hostages of a group abducted in northern Syria almost exactly one year ago. Activists have branded their release "a ray of light from amidst the darkness". The Assyrian Church of the East's Diocese of Syria has confirmed that the 43 were among more than 200 people abducted from villages along the Khabour River on 23 February 2015. ISIS militants undertook raids on a number of Assyrian villages near Tel Hmar, burning churches and forcing hundreds of families to flee. ISIS has now released all of the captives, many of whom were women and children. "No hostages remain and any reports quoting other figures to the contrary are unsubstantiated," the Assyrian Church of the East Relief Organisation (ACERO) said today. "ACERO wishes to extend its unreserved thanks to all those supporters, both institutional and individual, who have stood with the Assyrians of Syria in this arduous 12-month period," a statement from the organisation added. "While this news thankfully marks the end of the most recent tribulation, we mourn the tremendous losses, both human and material, suffered by the indigenous Assyrians of Syria. The destruction of their livelihoods in the historic Khabur villages is a loss for the Assyrian nation and for Syria as a whole." In a statement sent to Christian Today, spokesman for ACERO Joseph Haweil said: "43 Assyrian Christians have today attained freedom after one year of captivity in north-eastern Syria. This is the culmination of the tireless efforts of the Assyrian Church of the East in Syria and the church's international aid agency, ACERO. "The captives who have been incrementally released over the last year have suffered inordinate psychological trauma. The attempted destruction of Assyrian continuity in Syria is only the latest installment in more than a decade of intense persecution suffered by the indigenous Assyrians throughout the Middle East. Today however the Assyrian people have witnessed a ray of light from amidst the darkness. We pray that all of Syria's suffering people may also see this light of hope." In October, ISIS released a video showing the execution of three of the hostages, and threatened to kill those still in captivity if a multi-million dollar ransom was not paid. Initially, militants demanded a ransom of around $100,000 per hostage, totalling $23 million. When it became clear that the Assyrian community could not afford it, the amount was lowered to between $12-$14 million. According to an anonymous Assyrian source who spoke to Newsweek today, ISIS did receive money in exchange for the prisoners, though the source declined to specify how much. A Demand for Action (ADFA), a campaign group for minorities in the Middle East, today celebrated the release of the captives. "As a human rights organization dedicated to work for the ethno-religious minorities, we are very thankful for the great leadership the Assyrian Church of the East has shown throughout these times and thank the Assyrian Church of the East Relief Organization for their help and tireless work to support the freed hostages," an ADFA statement said. "We now begin to focus on re-building lives, and we start this by pressuring the United Nations to recognize the ongoing genocide taking place against these minorities who are tired of running. "We must take action to bring awareness to what is really taking place in the Middle East. After the EU passed the resolution to recognize the atrocities taking place as genocide, it's now up to the United Nations turn to show true leadership and answer the calls and cries of all those whom have been affected and continue to be affected. The persecution of minorities must end." Since the attacks last February, ISIS has besieged several ancient Assyrian sites, including the Iraqi city of Nimrud, the village of Khorsabad, and Hatra, a 2,000-year-old city. An ancient branch of Christianity, the Assyrian Church of the East has roots dating back to the 1st century AD. Assyrian Christians speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus, and have origins in ancient Mesopotamia a territory which spreads across northern Iraq, north-east Syria and south-eastern Turkey. Philippines Catholic Church defends Manny Pacquiao over anti-gay comments The Catholic Church in the Philippines has defended Christian boxer Manny Pacquiao following his comment that gay couples are "worse than animals". Father Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, told radio station DZMM that it was "unfair" for Pacquiao to be judged on quoting from the Bible in response to a question on same-sex marriage. "This is really in the Bible. There is this quote he (Pacquiao) uses from the Bible and we cannot change that," Secillano said. Pacquiao, a former world champion boxer, is a member of the Philippines house of representatives. He is a popular politician in the country, where conservative views on sexuality are common, in part due to it being a Catholic nation. He was dropped by sponsor Nike for his "abhorrent" comments that "Animals are better because they can distinguish male from female. If men mate with men and women mate with women they are worse than animals." Though initially apologising for his remarks, Pacquiao courted fresh controversy last week when he posted then deleted a Bible verse on his Instagram account saying men who have sex with other men should be "put to death". ABS CBN reported that in his latest social media outing on the subject, Pacquiao quoted Leviticus 20:13: "Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable... If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads." On Friday, Pacquiao told reporters: "What I am saying is right. I mean I am just stating the truth, what the Bible says." He added: "I'm happy. I'm always happy because God is with me." Secillano did say on Sunday that the former boxer should not have used such offensive language when discussing his beliefs. "The church... says that if this is your lifestyle, if this is your orientation, then we respect that, we cannot condemn them," Secillano said. Samsung Galaxy Note 5 owners in Asia receiving Android 6.0 Marshmallow update Samsung Galaxy Note 5 owners are likely to get some notifications of the availability of Android 6.0 Marshmallow soon, something which may come as a surprise. The reason for this is that the update may have been released a bit too late, considering Android 6.0 Marshmallow has already rolled out months ago. Then again, knowing how it works, delays are only normal and that the important thing is that it is already on the verge of hitting devices particularly in Asia. This follows earlier reports that an Android 6.0 M was being rolled out but as beta versions. Thanks to an update from Android Central, the actual version has now started to roll out and the first country receiving it is Cambodia. Despite the seemingly late nature of its release, the Android 6.0 Marshmallow roadmap is still technically coming out as scheduled. The operating system (OS) was believed to be coming out this February, late but at least still coming. However, do take note that this Android 6.0 M rollout applies only to unlocked phones. This means that devices tied up with mobile carriers may have to wait until their respective telcos officially release their Android 6.0 M versions. The reason for this is that the update will have to undergo the usual process of compatibility before the final version is approved for release. With Asia expected to be finally getting the long-awaited Android 6.0 M, there are still other regions that have yet to get their own update. Hopefully another region follows suit, considering the update does come with security patches and, of course, features that many are eagerly looking forward to. For those who may not automatically get the update, they can resort to the usual manual ways of finding out. Simply head to the device's settings, select "About device" and "Software update" to check. Remember to have a reliable WiFi connection and make sure the phone is charged by at least 50%. Ted Cruz considers making 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson as U.N. ambassador It seems like Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz is really appreciative of "Duck Dynasty" patriarch Phil Robertson for endorsing his candidacy because he is already entertaining thoughts of making the outspoken Christian reality TV star a U.N. ambassador. According to Us Magazine, Cruz shared his thoughts during a campaign rally on Friday. He said he finds it refreshing how Robertson is always unafraid to speak his mind. "You know what? There is a reason he terrifies the mainstream media," Cruz said. "He says things you're not supposed to say. He actually remembers who we are as Americans and he speaks it with a joy. Not with an anger, not with a hatred with a joy in who we are." Because of Robertson's candid personality, Cruz thinks it would be hilarious to watch representatives from other countries try to grapple with the TV personality's shocking beliefs and statements. "Imagine, for a second, Phil Robertson, ambassador to the United Nations," Cruz mused, much to the delight of the crowd who cheered and clapped their hands. "How much would you pay to see the Russian ambassador's face when Phil says, 'What is wrong with you people?'" Even though Robertson endorsed Cruz, not everybody in their close-knit family is voting for the same presidential candidate since his son Willie has decided to support real estate magnate Donald Trump. As to why Robertson decided to support Cruz, he explained in a video: "My qualifications for president of the United States are rather narrow. Is he or she godly, does he or she love us, can he or she do the job and finally would they kill a duck and put him in a pot and make him a good duck gumbo? I've looked at the candidates. Ted Cruz is my man. He fits the bill." The Queen makes rare comments about her strong, remarkable Christian faith The Queen has said that she is "very grateful" to the nation for its prayers for her in a strong statement of her Christian faith. She says she has felt God's "faithfulness" during 64 years on the throne. The new insights into Queen Elizabeth II's personal thoughts and Christian faith are in the foreword to a new book. The Servant Queen and the King She Serves is published by Bible Society, HOPE and LICC to mark her 90th birthday in April. The Queen says: "I have been and remain very grateful to you for your prayers and to God for his steadfast love. I have indeed seen his faithfulness." She refers to the changes she has seen in her life, which recently saw her become the longest-reigning monarch in British history. "The extent and pace of change has been truly remarkable," she says. "We have witnessed triumphs and tragedies." She alludes to the current problems in the Middle East, saying that the world is now experiencing "terrible suffering on an unprecedented scale". The Queen's Christian faith is well-known. In recent years, Her Majesty has referred to her beliefs in public statements, including Christmas broadcasts. The Servant Queen and the King She Serves highlights the Queen's faith and how it has shaped her personal life and service to the nation. A 12-page schools version has been published by Scripture Union. Bible Society, HOPE, LICC and Scripture Union are encouraging churches to bring communities together to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday with thanksgiving services and street parties on Sunday 12 June, giving the book away as a gift to party guests. Trump's immigration policies contradict teaching of his Church, senior Presbyterian leader says A senior official in the Presbyterian Church has slammed Donald Trump's rhetoric on immigration, branding his views "not in keeping with the policies adopted by our church". Gradye Parsons, the Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (USA), told the Guardian that the official policy of the Church is to "encourage immigration reform". It has voted a number of times to petition for a path to citizenship for undocumented persons living in America. "It is clear that God wants us to act on behalf of the stranger. Jesus himself and his parents had to flee the country for their lives when he was born there are lots of parallels," Parsons said. Republican presidential candidate Trump has been widely criticised for his hard line on immigration. He has pledged to build a wall to slow down the number of Mexicans entering the United States, and in July last year claimed that Mexican immigrants were responsible for a significant number of rapes in America. He has also called for a ban on all Muslim immigrants; a line that was later used by Somali terrorist group al-Shabaab to suggest that America discriminated against its Islamic population. Trump has also, however, repeatedly identified as a Christian, and has campaigned hard for the evangelical vote. He was baptised into the Presbyterian Church as a child, and has promised to protect Christians if he takes office later this year. Last week, Pope Francis suggested that Trump "is not Christian" because he has focused on "building walls...not building bridges". The Vatican later insisted that this was not a "personal attack" on Trump, but the presidential candidate still branded the Pontiff "disgraceful" for having questioned his faith. Parsons said Trump's views "are not in keeping with the policies adopted by our Church by deliberative process". He refused to speculate on Trump's personal faith, but said: "Biblical mandates are important how people care for the oppressed and the alien acts as a marker of whether they are following their faith." In October last year, Parsons wrote an open letter to Trump in which he drew attention to Jesus' status as a refugee and highlighted the Presbyterian Church's "commitment to welcome". "Presbyterians through decades of policy have demanded humane treatment of people of all nationalities and faiths who find themselves within our borders," he said. "We have challenged our government when it neglects to acknowledge the refugee status of those fleeing persecution. We have pushed for due process at the border and we continue to petition for immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship for undocumented persons. "As a Presbyterian I acknowledge my immigrant ancestors and my new immigrant sisters and brothers. I also respect that we came uninvited to a land already occupied by people. This creates a sense of humility about my citizenship that shapes my views on those who seek a place here. I hope you will find this helpful. I especially hope it will inform you on your policies going forward." U.S. military can't protect homeland from Iran, North Korea ballistic missile attacks, congressional watchdog report says The United States is not fully capable of protecting the homeland from ballistic missile attacks from Iran and North Korea despite spending billions of taxpayers' dollars on building missile defence system, a new congressional watchdog report suggests. The study released last week by the General Accountability Office (GAO) indicates that the U.S. Missile Defence Agency (MDA) has not proven that it can defend the homeland against current missile defence threats and has yet to prove the efficiency of the system called Ground-Based Midcourse Defence.'' "The system has only shown a partial capability [to defend] against small numbers of simple ballistic missiles... There currently is no proof that the system can intercept a target representative of an intercontinental ballistic missile,'' the GAO report says, according to the Washington Free Beacon. "It also remains to be seen if the defensive system is capable of performing a salvo intercept where two or more interceptors are utilised against a single threat,'' it adds. The government report also says that flight testing, to date, was insufficient to demonstrate that an operationally useful defence capability exists. "The agency has not demonstrated several key homeland missile defence capabilities and is relying on high-risk acquisition practices to achieve its goal of fielding 44 interceptors by the end of 2017,'' it says. The MDA also failed to prove that the system can carry out its most critical responsibilities when it comes to intercepting ballistic missile strikes, the report points out. The GAO report states that while the defence department has complied with a mandate to regularly provide updates about its progress on the missile system, it has "failed to explain how the system will improved in the coming years." The Pentagon has likewise failed to submit the needed requirements for evaluating options for improving homeland missile defence, it says. The MDA is "relying on a highly optimistic, aggressive schedule that overlaps development and testing with production activities, compromises reliability, extends risk to the warfighter, and risks the efficacy of flight testing," says the report. The U.S. Defense Department is claiming that the current system is expected to defend against "small numbers of simple ballistic missile threats launched from North Korea and Iran.'' But it also admits that flaws exist and that tens of billions of dollars more are needed to redesign the system to improve function. Officials tasked with evaluating the system said their assessment of the system's capabilities "remained unchanged,'' said Newsmax. The European Elections: Why bother? The excitement reached fever pitch this week. The parties were planned, everyone had marked their favourites and tens of thousands of us were going to be voting to determine who came out top in Europe. This glorious festival of democracy really is a sight to behold. But enough about Eurovision... This month not only sees the pan-European cheese-fest of wailing, warbling and Austrian drag queens with beards... It also brings us the European Election. Forget the spangly outfits, acerbic commentary and toe-curling crooning. This is about men (sadly still mostly men) in grey suits competing for our votes at the ballot box. And while it may not have millions of us tuned in on a Saturday night, the outcome of the election will have a direct impact on all of our lives... So here are some answers to a few key questions: How Many MEPS are there? There are 766 of them. Which may sound like an awful lot, but when you consider they represent more than 500 million people in 28 countries across Europe, you can see why there are so many... Each region in the UK has a group of MEPs, rather than individual representatives of each constituency, like in Westminster elections. MEPs sit in Party groups, but these don't exactly correspond to the parties we have here. The biggest groups are the centre right European People's Party and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (where Labour MEPs sit). David Cameron's decision to leave the EPP and form a new group - European Conservatives and Reformists - has proven controversial, given some of the parties he found himself alongside. What do MEPs do? Their role is different to MPs in the UK, in that the European Parliament doesn't really make laws. It actually amends and debates them. This has led to accusations that they don't really carry out the function we expect of elected politicians. The European Commission, which isn't directly elected, is the seat of much of the power within the EU. It's the job of MEPs to hold Commissioners to account. MEPs also have a role in setting the EU's budget - so there is still worth voting for... When are the elections happening? On May 22, when a lot of us across the UK also have local council/mayoral elections. So there's a double helping of democracy for those (like me) who get excited about these things... Why is turnout traditionally low? Why the apathy? Ask yourself if you can name your MEP. (Go on, give it a try. Reward yourself with an ice cream if you can name more than one). And therein lies at least part of the problem. Recent research showed such low levels of familiarity with our representatives, it's hardly surprising we're not rushing out in droves to vote. There's a lot of talk about democratic deficit - basically the idea that European politics is complex and distant and that even those who care find it hard to tell apart the different roles of the Parliament, the European Commission and other EU bodies. The media in the UK doesn't help, with its polarised reporting of European politics only adding to the idea that sensible people don't get involved. What's likely to happen? Who's likely to get in and why? Trying to predict the outcome of an election across 28 countries is a thankless task. Each of them have their own internal politics which play into the European vote. In the UK, the rise in profile of UKIP has been matched by some impressive poll numbers. But the polling is changing almost daily. It looks certain that either Labour or UKIP will win the most votes with the Conservatives trailing in third. Mid-term elections like this often end badly for the party which is in national government at the time, so the Conservatives wouldn't usually be too worried. However, the UKIP surge over recent months makes Nigel Farage the joker in the pack this time. What is all the fuss about UKIP? For a Party with no MPs, and considering they have absolutely no hope of forming the next UK government, there is an awful lot of media attention on them (he says, while adding to it...). The United Kingdom Independence Party has gone from being a single issue campaign group (trying to remove the UK from the EU) to a significant minor party. Despite a series of revelations that the party is home to a number of crackpots, racists and various other ne'er-do-wells, Nigel Farage remains an accomplished media performer. He is often pictured in a country pub with a pint in his hand - masquerading as a man of the people. The fact that he is a privately educated former City trader is played down by UKIP. However, before dismissing him, it's worth acknowledging that he has tapped into the scepticism many British people do feel about the EU. It seems Farage is able to articulate the fears and worries of a significant chunck of the British electorate when faced with a European Union that undoubtedly feels distant and remote. UKIP has broadened its message to encompass anti-immigration rhetoric and this election has seen it not only opened up to much more media scrutiny, but also targeted by the anti-fascist group Hope Not Hate. Were UKIP to top the poll on May 22, not only would they have a good number of MEPs, it would also set them up for a year of heavy campaigning in which they will attempt to gain their first MP in Westminster. Whether they achieve the 'political earthquake' Farage is predicting would seem to be in the balance... Is there a 'Christian Vote?' In a word, no. The UK doesn't have a history of Christian political parties, unlike, say, Germany, where the Christian Democrats are one of the largest parties. So in this election, as always in the UK, Christians will vote for a spread of parties. Recent research from Theos showed just how those votes tend to break down. Should Christians bother with the Euro election? YES! You don't have to be an eminent political theologian to work out that it is the duty of every Christian to seek the welfare of their city. In this context, that means voting in the European Election. You may not understand the nuances of the system, but to take some time to find out about the main candidates and their manifestos is a worthwhile exercise. You can find out more about your current MEPs here. There's a good guide to the parties and their manifestos on the BBC website. A lot of UK law now originates in Europe. Although the big decisions on taxation, war, education and healthcare are still made in London (Belfast, Cardiff & Edinburgh too), the EU plays a massive role in areas like international trade and aid, climate change, agriculture and an increasing role in foreign policy. The treatment of Greece, and to a lesser extent Italy, whose elected leaders were effectively replaced by unelected technocrats, was made possible by the EU. It is the vehicle through which those countries with major power and money use their influence within Europe. Whether you love or loathe the EU, there is a role to play for you in the election. In the 2009 European Election, the racist BNP polled a million votes, and won two seats in the European Parliament. If you don't turn up and vote, they stand a better chance of being at the heart of decision making in Europe for the next five years. That alone should be enough to get us all to the polling station. Andy Walton works for the Contextual Theology Centre in east London. He is a regular commentator on current affairs on BBC Radio Five Live, and has written on whether Britain has an emerging 'Religious Right.' He has contributed to The Church Times, Christianity magazine, The Independent, The New Statesman and Third Way. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Sales Office Ortega Medical Building has purchased a 9,600-square-foot structure at 1606 Romano Park Lane. W. Robert Noack of Lee & Associates represented the seller, District & Urban (Texas). Erica Lara of Realty Associates represented the buyer. Land Jaikrishna Patel has bought 67.5 acres of industrial land on Mesa Drive between Little York and Tidwell. John Ferruzzo and Chris Kugle of NAI Partners represented the seller, S/C Management 87 Ltd. Rankin Road Investments has purchased 50.28 acres at the northwest corner of FM 1960 East and Lee Road in Humble. Real Estate Mark Wimberly of Houston Commercial Development represented the sellers, the Fred & Mabel R. Parks Foundation and TFSC Properties. Bill Farris of Paradigm Commercial worked on the transaction. Leases Office Hughes Watters Askanase has leased 25,000 square feet at Total Plaza, 1201 Louisiana. The full-service commercial law firm has moved from nearby Three Allen Center, 333 Clay. Kevin Kushner and Lucian Bukowski of CBRE represented the tenant. Clint Bawcom, Jon Dutton and Margaret Sigur represented the landlord, Brookfield Office Properties. Kirksey Architecture designed the new space. HRSS, a full-service accounting firm, has leased 19,384 square feet at 6671 Southwest Freeway. Travis Taylor and Chris Nash of Lee & Associates represented the tenant. Trey Miller and Jessica Barrera represented the landlord, Boxer Property. Gahagan & Bryant Associates has extended its lease for 6,300 square feet of office and warehouse space in Corporate Centre Kirby at 9330 Kirby. David R. David and Drew Beeson represented the landlord, WA Development. The tenant provides engineering services for dredging of port development, land reclamation and coastal engineering projects. 4M Distributions has leased 3,054 square feet at 2909 Hillcroft. Jennifer Rabon represented the landlord, Hartman Income REIT. Industrial Roadrunner Transportation Systems has moved into a new building in Duke Realty's Point North Cargo Park development near Bush Intercontinental Airport. The company has leased 97,344 square feet at 8411 FM 1960 in Humble for its less-than-truckload freight operations. The remainder of the Point North Five, a 205,608-square-foot building, is available for lease. Retail Fresh Dental Care has opened an 8,000-square-foot office on Interstate 45 at the 5900 North Freeway Shopping Center. Joseph Nguyen, D.D.S., owns the clinic. Thomas Allen of Thomas Allen Real Estate Advisors represented the tenant. Abe Charski of ACI represented the landlord. Sun & Ski has leased 10,000 square feet on Interstate 45 just north of Sawdust Road in The Woodlands. Lilly Golden of Evergreen Commercial Realty represented the tenant, Jonathan Probst of the Retail Connection represented the landlord, Woodpark Retail Plaza LP. Etc. Relocation KMG Chemicals has moved its headquarters to Fort Worth after outgrowing its office space in Houston, a company spokesman said. KMG selected the office after evaluating sites in Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth. The company's wholly owned Val-Tex subsidiary will maintain its office in Houston. IndusTrial United Equities has started construction on phase two of the Harms Road Industrial Park near U.S. 290 and Beltway 8 in northwest Houston. The single-tenant, crane-ready manufacturing buildings at 7210-7214 Harms Road will each be 16,000-30,000 square feet, with build-to-suit opportunities of up to 60,000 square feet. Bank of Texas arranged financing. Powers Brown Architecture handled the design. The project is being leased by Travis Land of NAI Partners. Dallas-based Crow Holdings Industrial has broken ground on the Stafford Grove Industrial Park, a 351,960-square-foot project at the southwest corner of West Airport Boulevard and Murphy Road in Stafford. Completion is planned in the third quarter. Sugar Land-based Rosenberger Construction is building the project. The project consists of a 95,400-square-foot rear-load building, a 165,000-square-foot cross-dock building and 91,560-square-foot front-load building. Stream Realty Partners has been hired to lease and manage the property, with Justin Robinson, Matteson Hamilton and Dane Petersen handling the assignment. The park will be able to accommodate tenants from 9,000 square feet to 165,000 square feet. Bye-bye, baby Berryhill. Hello, big new Berryhill. Jeff Anon, owner of the Houston-based Berryhill Baja Grill, announced he is taking over the former Harwood Grill spot at 2300 Westheimer with plans to move the first Berryhill into that larger space. TO GO WITH THAT TAMALE: Margarita recipes to try That original Berryhill has operated at 2639 Revere (across the street from 2300 Westheimer) since 1993. When it moves into its new location Anon will not continue to operate the original spot as a Berryhill. It's not certain what will become of that space which Anon holds a lease on for another year. The new Berryhill which boasts about 4,500 square feet, which will more than double the seating of the existing original Berryhill's -- is expected to open in four months. Harwood Grill closed in December; before that it was the failed 60 Degrees Mastercrafted, which blamed its closure on ongoing road construction on Westheimer. There's more news, too, for the Berryhill brand: The company also announced it is opening a store in College Station as part of the Century Square mixed-use development. That store, a corporate-owned location, will open in late 2016 or early 2017. There currently are five corporate and three franchise-owned Berryhill units in the Greater Houston area including Sugar Land and the Woodlands. Here is a bit of Berryhill history: An Oklahoma native of Cherokee descent, Walter Berryhill developed the original Berryhill tamale recipe in Oklahoma and then perfected it in Houston. He moved to Houston in the late 1920s and began selling tamales from a pushcart in the Heights and then throughout the River Oaks area. He eventually special-ordered many of his ingredients and purchased his meats from grocer to the rich and affluent, Jamail's. His business thrived through the 1960s. When his wife died in the 1960s, Berryhill retired but had no heirs. He sold his recipe for $200 to Pat Tarrant, who had spent months trying to buy the recipe as a Christmas gift for her husband, Robert. Berryhill threw in his tamale press and cart, too. In what was probably the last time he ever made tamales in his life, Berryhill came to the Tarrants' garage in River Oaks to show them how to make his tamales. A year or so later, the Berryhill equipment and recipe were stored away and eventually forgotten for almost 30 years. In 1993, however, Robert Tarrant had the idea of opening a tamale restaurant using the Berryhill recipe. With his new wife, Yvonne, former wife, Pat, and restaurateur Chuck Bulnes, a four-person partnership was formed, and the little 1,200-square-foot Berryhill Hot Tamales opened on Revere at Westheimer. To add variety, the Tarrants decided to introduce Houston to the fish taco, a dish they had become familiar with on visits to Baja Mexico. They hired California chef Jeff Brooks to oversee the kitchen. Jeff Anon, a loyal customer who bought into the business a few years after it opened, bought out his partners in 1995 and began franchising in 2001. The first Houston-area franchise was purchased by Brooks and opened in Sugar Land in 2002. In 2003, the name was changed to Berryhill Baja Grill. As one Houston Ballet insider divulged, the 2016 Ballet Ball theme, "From Russia with Love," was the merger of two board members' visions: James Bond and palaces. The winning combo proved to be a blockbuster for some 420 black-tie gala-goers at the Wortham Theater Center on Saturday night. Guests received a frosty welcome (in a good way) upon entering the grand foyer awash in icy blue. Gina Bhatia topped her signature black with a navy fur stole to welcome arrivals alongside her husband and fellow ball chairman, Dr. Devinder Bhatia. A flurry of activity filled Richard Flowers' snow-kissed event space as the ballet's artistic director Stanton Welch rehearsed his remarks, Margaret Alkek Williams and escort Jim Daniel posed with honoree Jesse H. Jones II, and Jackson Hicks' catering extraordinaire, Milton Townsend, put final touches on hors d'ouevres moments before the cocktail hour. "It has humongous rooms and we won't have to do a thing to it," former City of Piney Point Village mayor Carol Fox said in 2007, explaining City Council's purchase of a million-dollar Memorial house. The council bought the single-family home at 230 Blalock for $1.53 million with the intention of using it as their City Hall, since their strip center office was set for demolition. Craig McMichael leaned toward a microphone in a roomful of Republicans in Montgomery County. He was clearly annoyed by the empty seat beside him, the one reserved for U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady. "He will talk about holding 50 town halls a year, but he won't show up to debate when it matters," said McMichael, one of three candidates trying to defeat Brady in the March 1 GOP primary. "As you listen to the questions tonight, if you don't like what I'm saying, that's fine. You have two other choices," McMichael told the Eagle Forum last month. "But the motto of this campaign should be, 'Anybody but Kevin Brady.'" His comments reflect an odd dynamic in the 8th Congressional District race: the challengers are working as a loose team with the shared goal of beating one of the most powerful Republicans in Washington, D.C., a man they say is insufficiently conservative. More Information By the numbers 36 percentage points: Margin by which Brady beat McMichael in the 2014 primary $1.5 million: Brady's campaign war chest heading into 2016 More than $700,000: Brady's campaign spending between Jan. 1 and Feb. 10 See More Collapse Together, former state Rep. Steve Toth, retired Army Lt. Col Andre Dean and McMichael believe they can siphon away enough votes to force Brady into a runoff, which, with a smaller turnout and tea-party enthusiasm, would seem to put the top challenger in a stronger position to win. To that end, they haven't criticized each other on the campaign trail while directing their attacks at the incumbent, who gets high marks himself from conservative groups. Dean has called the challengers "good friends," while Toth has said he hasn't been a part of a race with "this kind of camaraderie." McMichael said the challengers are running their own campaigns, "but I think we all understand that Kevin Brady needs to be replaced." The four-way primary comes as Brady appears to be at the pinnacle of his political career. Three months ago, he became chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, the panel that writes legislation on taxes, trade, Medicare and Social Security. Brady is still expected to receive the most votes in the primary. In making his case for another term, he is reminding voters that his chairmanship puts him in a strong position to fight the Obama administration and to help implement the agenda of a Republican president after the 2016 election. "A Texas Republican working closely with a new Republican president would be a key asset for Texas and our region," he said. Brady represents a district that pokes north from the fast-growing suburbs of The Woodlands and Kingwood to the declining farm towns of Leon and Houston counties. Since winning the seat 20 years ago, he hasn't had a close election. The congressman defeated McMichael by 36 percentage points in the 2014 primary. But the challenger had narrowed the margin of victory from previous elections despite a shoestring budget. McMichael, a Marine Corps veteran who lives in Spring, said his showing encouraged others to get into this race. In broad strokes, it's hard to differentiate Brady and his opponents. They want to shrink the size of government and end the Affordable Care Act, the health care overhaul known as Obamacare. They oppose abortion and tougher gun restrictions. But the challengers say Brady has compromised too often - most recently by voting for a year-end spending measure that conservative activists say lacked limits on Planned Parenthood or on refugees from Syria and Iraq. "It's to his shame that everything the president wanted was in that bill," said Dean, a Madisonville resident who lost to Brady in the 1998 primary. 'Grievous handicap' At a recent candidates forum in The Woodlands, Brady defended the vote, saying that he would "vote yes every time" to fully fund the military and add federal agents along the border with Mexico. Despite criticism in his district, Brady has picked up endorsements from the National Rifle Association, National Right to Life and former Gov. Rick Perry. The Kingwood Tea Party said replacing him would be a "grievous handicap" to a Republican president and would "undermine our shared conservative objectives." "The endorsements are important because in any campaign where claims are flying around, it can come down to who do you believe," Brady said in an interview. He also has support from the oil and gas and banking industries, which helped him to build a $1.5 million campaign war chest entering 2016 - an amount that dwarfed his opponents' fundraising. The money has allowed his campaign to send glossy mailers on a nearly daily basis and buy advertising spots on television weeks ahead of the primary. It spent more than $700,000 between Jan. 1 and Feb. 10 alone, including about $360,000 for services from the Dallas-based media consulting firm Scott Howell & Company, finance reports show. Brady, meanwhile, has attended only one forum - and called into four - of the more than 20 forums and debates held so far. When the challengers complain about Brady's absence, his campaign points out that he was busy working for conservative causes in Washington, D.C. Missing forums is a front-runner's game, but it comes with some risk in a crowded race. In Brady's absence, Dean, McMichael and Toth take aim at an empty chair, bolstering the idea that there is a deep well of frustration within the district because it isn't just one person venting. "When he isn't there, they only talk about how bad Congressman Brady is," said Wally Wilkerson, the longtime chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Party. "They don't talk about what they're going to do." 'He changed' Wilkerson said Brady has done a good job in the House, but it might not be enough in the face of a hard-right conservative revolt. Toth, in particular, has the support of many tea party activists. "Under normal circumstances, I don't think that's enough to win," Wilkerson said. "But I think there are even more people (beyond tea party conservatives) angry about the way things are going." The presence of three challengers means the race is headed to a runoff, Toth predicted. So he has told supporters not to speak poorly about McMichael or Dean. "I'm not running against Craig or Andre," Toth said. "I'm running against Kevin Brady. If we get into a runoff, I want their supporters to come on board." Toth appears to be the challenger most likely to advance because of his name recognition as a one-term state lawmaker and the support he has gained from national conservative advocacy groups and some small businessmen. Houston retail furniture magnate Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale said he was troubled by Brady's vote, among others, to resuscitate the Export-Import Bank. It offers loans and guarantees to finance the export of U.S. products but has been criticized as corporate welfare by some conservatives. "He is more interested in free enterprise than Kevin is," McIngvale said of Toth, adding that "no one is subsidizing me." McIngvale and his wife contributed the maximum $5,400 to the campaign, which had raised more than $130,000 though Feb. 10, records show. He pledged his support after an hour-long meeting, in which Toth promised not to change if elected. "That's the problem with Brady," Toth said. "He changed." Brady said he is making the same tough votes as before and isn't taking his House seat for granted. "In this unpredictable political climate, anyone who is not working as hard as they can is not connected," Brady said. "I'm connected to my district." The Houston school board has scheduled its first round of meetings to seek input from the public about the traits desired in a new superintendent. Terry Grier, who has led the Houston Independent School District since 2009, steps down next Monday. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Former death row inmate Alfred Dewayne Brown filed a request Monday for almost $2 million dollars in state compensation saying he spent more than 12 years behind bars because he was wrongfully convicted. State senator Rodney Ellis and lawyers for Brown said the 33-year-old is eligible for a lump sum of $973,589 plus an annuity in that amount to be paid annually for the rest of his life. THE TRIAL: Man sentenced to death in officer's killing Brown was freed from prison last year, and his case has been dismissed but no official has said he is "actually innocent." See a timeline of the case in the gallery above. However under the Tim Cole Act, a state law providing compensation for the wrongfully convicted, Brown fits the definition of "exonerated," according to his lawyers. "No 'magic words' are required anymore," said Neal Manne, one of Brown's attorneys. "The magic is in the fact that you're released." OFF DEATH ROW: Inmate free 12 years later In a red and white plaid button down shirt and jeans, Brown said little Monday except that he is working in construction and enjoying spending days with his family. "I'm good," he said. "Just staying around family." Brown spent 12 years and 62 days in jail, including a decade on death row after being convicted of capital murder in the fatal shooting of officer Charles Clark and clerk, Alfredia Jones during the robbery of a check-cashing store in 2003. POLICE RESPONSE: Despite lack of evidence, police maintain Brown is their man The dismissal still rankles Houston police officers who have said, through their union officials, they continue to believe Brown was part of a gang of three men involved in the check cashing store robbery turned double murder. Clerk Alfredia Jones was killed in the shooting. Brown was released from jail June 8 after a police detective came forward with telephone records in the case that could have aided Brown's defense. The records might have bolstered Brown's alibi that he spent the day at his girlfriend's home. The state's highest court reversed the conviction and sent the case back to Houston. Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson decided last year that there was not enough credible evidence in the case for a re-trial and dismissed the charges, freeing Brown. That course of events is enough to show that he is presumed innocent, his lawyers said. The state comptroller will be in charge of distributing the money and other benefits, including free healthcare and free college tuition. The next CEO of YES Prep Public Schools will be Mark DiBella, the system's current superintendent, the group announced Sunday. DiBella, selected after a nationwide search, has been with YES Prep since 2001, nearly the organization's beginning. The 15-year-old public charter school system operates 15 campuses with 10,000 students throughout Houston. DiBella is the only finalist for the position. After a 21-day waiting period, the YES Prep board is expected to vote on a final contract. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate John Simmons, 68, retired in 2003 from Roadway Express after 12 years with the company. After 44 years of work, he decided that between Social Security, Medicare and retirement funds, he'd be set to still provide for his family. But his pension is among thousands in danger of being cut under a recent federal law that allows multiemployer pension plans to temporarily or permanently cut distributions if they can prove they're in danger of running out of money within 15 to 20 years. More than 250 enraged retirees and active workers filled the Houston union hall of Teamsters Local 988 Sunday morning to hear how they can fight to keep their retirement funds. "All these guys worked their entire life with the promise to get a pension, and they planned their retirement and their future around it, and now they are talking about cutting it," Simmons said. "Who's going to hire a guy at 68-years-old with health issues?" The Multiemployer Pension Reform Act, passed under the 2015 Omnibus Spending Bill that kept the government from shutting down, allows certain pensions to apply to the U.S. Treasury Department if they fear they will run out of money unless cuts are made. Pensions can be cut to as much as 69 percent of the participants' benefits, according to the Pension Rights Center website. "We've never seen anything like this - ever," Pension Rights Center Policy Director Karen Friedman said. "(The) law pretty much gives almost unbridled power to the trustees of certain pension funds that will allow them to cut the pensions of retirees by, in this case, as much as more than 70 percent." Central States Pension Fund, which represents 49 companies including Kroger and UPS, submitted its paperwork Sept. 25 and cuts will take effect July 1. Nearly $2.2 billion and the pensions of 24,625 Texans provided by Central States are at risk. Friedman said the issue can be slowed by lawsuits and the treasury, but only Congress can fix it. Democrats introduced alternate legislation, called Keep Our Pension Promises Act, in June to eliminate anti-cutback provisions under MPRA. There was no action on the Senate bill, and after a series of referrals, the House bill found its way to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions on Nov. 16. U.S. Rep. Gene Green, D-Houston, voted against MPR and co-sponsored the House bill to repeal it. "We can change the law," said Green, who also signed a letter to the U.S. Treasury dated Feb. 1 opposing the reduction of funds controlled by Central States. "We get 218 signatures, and that bill comes to the floor." But until something is done, retirees fear they will lose their earnings. "My biggest concern is that there are going to take this cut, and a lot of people are going to be hurt by it," Simmons said. "A lot of people will have to go on public assistance ...It's going to hurt millions of people across the state. If other companies see they can do this with their pension plans, (then) it's just going to be a snowball effect." Isidro Cortez, 65, who has worked 40 years for the United Parcel Service, plans to send the letters provided at the meeting Sunday to his representatives. "I feel a threat when it comes to what they are discussing here," Cortez said. "I feel it is my duty to come here and voice my concern and have an interest in why this is taking place and what we can do to resolve it." Plan members must be notified of the cuts and allowed to vote on them. The U.S. Treasury in consultation with the Department of Labor and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation can override the vote. When Bill Clinton arrives in Laredo on Monday, he will bring the brightest spotlight yet to Hillary Clintons effort to turn out Latino voters during Texas early voting period. He is scheduled to speak at a rally at Texas A&M International University, the campus first presidential visit, and he will likely draw on his and his wifes ties to the border region. The former secretary of state made a trip to the Rio Grande Valley late last year, but Mondays event marks the first time in months that such a high-profile backer, the candidates husband no less, will be sent to the border with just five days until the early voting ends. My Chronicle colleague Rebecca Elliott, who attended Hillary Clintons rally in Houston on Saturday, wrote that Texas is a key state in her path to the Democratic nomination. That has been the conventional wisdom for some time, but after Clintons win in Nevada last weekend, the first contest in the country with sizeable Latino and black populations, that is true now more than ever. To understand how important it is to Clinton to turn out those voters, especially older black and brown voters, look no further than the intra-party war of words that ensued after Saturdays Nevada caucuses. Both campaigns argued that they won the most votes from Latinos, who are highly concentrated in Clark County and, in particular, Las Vegas. Last week in this space, I wrote about the particular difficulty of reading the Silver States entrance and exit polls, or event precinct outcomes, with any accuracy. For more on that end, read Nate Cohns analysis in The New York Times, where he concludes the following: Mrs. Clinton fared well in majority Hispanic precincts. National polls show Mrs. Clinton faring well among Hispanic voters and Mr. Sanders basically finished in line with national polls among both white and black voters. All evidence considered, and although we cant know for sure, Id err on the side of a Clinton win among Hispanic voters. So, as Nevada Democrats were caucusing, Hillary Clinton was on her way to Houston, where she gave a wide-ranging stump speech that included a standard yet exhaustive to-do list. As Elliott reported, Clinton spoke for 20 minutes on nominating a new Supreme Court justice, money in politics, clean energy and reforming the United States criminal justice and immigration systems. Then she went for her Texas-specific line, directing her fire at Texas Republicans: Here in Texas and in state after state, they're doing everything they can to stop black people, Latinos, poor people, young people, people with disabilities with from voting. It's a blast from the Jim Crow past, and we're gonna fight it, the former New York senator said. All this is a curtain raiser for Bill Clintons appearance in Laredo, where it is almost an impossibility that the former president will not bring up immigration reform. Days before the Democratic caucus in Nevada, after all, the former secretary of state pledged to take on immigration reform in her first 100 days, if she were to be elected. This is at the top of the list, Hillary Clinton said at a town hall event televised by Telemundo and MSNBC. Its going to be introduced, and then Im going to work as hard as I can to make sure we get it moved through the congressional process. Republicans are eager to hit the Clintons on immigration, especially during their recent trips to Texas. Hillary Clinton's track record on immigration is one of flip-flops and political expediency, said Ruth Guerra, a Republican National Committee spokeswoman. As the campaign has continued, immigration activists have long hoped that her proposal would look nothing like her husbands record. Now, as Super Tuesday voting nears, whats most noticeable about her immigration plan is how careful its language is, not at all like Bill Clintons when he occupied the White House. All Americans, not only in the states most heavily affected, but in every place in this country are rightly disturbed by the large numbers of illegal aliens entering our country, the former president told Congress in his third State of the Union, in 1995. He continued: The public services they use impose burdens on our taxpayers. That's why our administration has moved aggressively to secure our borders more, by hiring a record number of new border guards, by deporting twice as many criminal aliens as ever before, by cracking down on illegal hiring, by barring welfare benefits to illegal aliens. Its not all impossible to imagine those words coming from a Republican in the Texas Legislature, for example, or a presidential candidate of decades past. Its a legacy Bill Clinton will have to grapple with on the stump, even if it was 20 years ago, when he faces Latino voters. Laredo will be the latest test of that, and of Hillary's campaign. THE LEAD: Trump has the momentum. Now what? After Donald Trumps big win last weekend, the APs Steve Peoples and Stephen Ohlemacher show, once again, that the billionaires rivals face dwindling time to stop him. From their story: A close look at the election calendar suggests that if the New York billionaire's rivals don't slow him by mid-March, their only chance to deny him the Republican presidential nomination may be a nasty and public fight at the party's convention this summer. The reason is delegates and how they're awarded. This year, most contests award delegates proportionally, based on each candidate's share of the vote. (A Rubio aide) and strategists for other campaigns argue that could make it hard for Trump to build a big lead because even the second- and third-place finisher can win delegates. If one candidate can run up a significant lead, as Trump has begun to, then proportional contests also make it difficult for rivals to catch up. Happy Monday, folks. Only five more days of early voting before the polls close until Election Day. Bill Clinton is in Laredo this morning, stumping for his wife and trying to turn out Latino voters along the border. Follow me for more on that: @bobbycervantes. >> WASHINGTON (AP) Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook said in an early Monday morning email to employees that the U.S. government should withdraw its demand that Apple help the FBI hack a locked iPhone used by a shooter in the San Bernardino attack. More. -- Obit: Bush campaign was unable to get off the ground despite legacy and money, by the Chronicles Mike Ward and Brian Rosenthal. (Investor James) Conway and other members of the famously loyal Bush network said that Bush's rapid fall from shoo-in to the sidelines stemmed from his reputation as a so-called establishment politician in a party increasingly angry at establishments. But other Texas allies and political experts cited a number of additional factors, from Bush fatigue to the candidate's lackluster debate performances and his campaign's inability to adapt. -- Debate is UHs hottest ticket, by the Chronicles Ben Wermund. University of Houston faculty, students and staff may need a little luck on their side to get a seat in the Moores Opera House for the Republican debate (this week). As part of its agreement to host the final Republican debate before Super Tuesday, the University of Houston will give CNN access to an 800-seat venue. Just 25 of those seats will be reserved for the university. They'll be given out randomly, a university spokeswoman said Friday. -- Candidates mobilize in Texas for rich delegate prize, by the Express-News John Gonzalez, Peggy Fikac and David Rauf. Arrival of candidates follows months if not years of organizing by the various campaigns, the largest of which already have volunteer and paid teams working throughout Texas. Several of the candidates have been in the state to campaign and raise funds, but they've mostly been elsewhere in recent months. To varying degrees, campaigns are redeploying resources from other states, including Iowa and New Hampshire, the first two states to vote. But so far, appearances by candidates have been few and far between - until now. Most if not all of the remaining contenders are expected to swing through the state in coming days as they attempt to balance their schedules among the many states voting March 1. -- State Dem chair touts Castro for VP, by the Express-News Gilbert Garcia. Its a question frequently asked by politicos who wonder if, at 41, Castros resume is too thin to qualify for a national ticket this year. Hinojosa adamantly shot down all suggestions that Castro would be an affirmative-action selection, placed on the ticket purely for election-demographic considerations. -- All eyes on Texas now for Clinton, by the Chronicles Rebecca Elliott. The former secretary of state took the stage around 10:35 p.m. and spoke for about 20 minutes on a broad range of topics, including nominating a new Supreme Court justice, money in politics, clean energy and reforming the United States' criminal justice and immigration systems. Clinton framed Sanders as a candidate unable to deliver on his promises. -- Marco Rubio collected more endorsements Sunday including from a former Texas land commissioner. Jerry Patterson said Sunday that he is backing the Florida senator over fellow Texan Ted Cruz and front-runner Donald Trump. Patterson joins Susan Combs, a former Texas comptroller, and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley in his support for Rubio, per The Dallas Morning News Hannah Wise. -- Weekend wrap-up: Cruz limps, Trump roars out of South Carolina, and Rubio gets fresh life, by the Dallas Morning News Todd Gillman. Keep in mind, the theory of Cruzs case is that only he, and certainly not Rubio, has what it takes to take down Trump. Because only he, and not Rubio, has actually beaten Trump, back in Iowa. But were not in Iowa anymore. And now Cruz has slipped behind Rubio in a state where it wasnt out of the realm of possibility that Cruz might win. QUOTE TO NOTE Every time he opened his mouth, he pitched a softball, not a hard ball. It seemed sincere, which he is, but lackluster. -- A Jeb! supporter told the Chronicle after the former Florida governor dropped out of the GOP race SPEED READ Texas Take: Watch Clintons first Texas ad, Houston Chronicle Fikac: Sanders-Clinton battle draw lessons from Dem history, San Antonio Express-News Hispanic millennials eager to vote in presidential election, Star-Telegram Bud Kennedy: In Texas, where only one party primary matters, voters dont walk the line, Star-Telegram Ramsey: Could surname be key in GOP Supreme Court race? Texas Tribune Why the Cruz campaign spent Sunday questioning whether Rubio likes the Bible, Independent Journal Opinion Rep. Bradys challengers hope to set stage for runoff, Houston Chronicle Republicans vie for nominations to states highest criminal court, Star-Telegram Obama to attend Austin fundraiser on first day of SXSW, Austin American-Statesman Dallas Police Assn decides against joining Beyonce boycott, The Dallas Morning News Texas awards $104 million contract for long-delayed data project, Houston Chronicle Coming battle over Scalia vacancy departs from historic norm, Associated Press Exxon fails to replace oil, gas production for first time in 22 years, Wall Street Journal Texas private colleges are saying no to guns on campus, Austin American-Statesman Open carry controversy stated with a bang but shooting blanks so far, Austin American-Statesman Candidate suspends HD-5 following report of fake degrees, Tyler Morning Telegraph Top aide to Rep. Flores says House candidate harassed staff, Quorum Report Rep. Flynn: My response to Sen. Bob Hall, Quorum Report Energy meeting convenes under cloud, Wall Street Journal Judge transfers affluenza teen Ethan Couchs case to adult court, The Dallas Morning News Corruption-ridden Texas city's new woe: undrinkable water, Austin American-Statesman Grieder: Pope Francis on Trump, Texas Monthly Consolidating Hispanic support, Clintons campaign throws punches at Sanders, The Dallas Morning News Texas Muslims report living in fear, San Antonio Express-News Judge strikes intervention in suit challenging Cruzs eligibly, Texas Lawyer Affordable housing proposal puts neighbors on edge, Houston Chronicle RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE -- GOP candidates chart different paths as the race goes national on Super Tuesday, by The Washington Posts Philip Rucker and Robert Costa. In a clear admission of Trumps dominant standing following decisive back-to-back primary victories, his top two rivals Sens. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio are not even pretending they can best the billionaire mogul on March 1, or Super Tuesday, when 11 states hold primaries or caucuses. Cruz hopes to win his home state of Texas, but otherwise he and Rubio, as well as John Kasich and Ben Carson, are charting strategies to accrue convention delegates by surgically targeting slivers of the states. -- Bernies spring break blues, by Politicos Darren Samuelsohn. But theres just one problem for the surging senator: When primary or caucus day arrives in each of these college towns, as well as dozens more from Maine to Hawaii, many of the students Sanders hopes can help carry him to the White House wont be there. Theyll be in Cancun. Or Florida. Or back home. -- Ted Cruz struggles to unify conservatives, by Politicos Katie Glueck. The results in a state where 73 percent of voters identified as evangelical in exit polls are a clear signal that despite spending months trying, Cruz is far from locking down this core group of politically active Christians. The outright winner of the evangelical vote, according to exit polls, was Trump, who pulled in 33 percent of that segment. Cruz took 27 percent of the evangelical vote, followed by Rubio with 22 percent. The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p. Braves advance to semis at Unity CHEROKEE - Cherokee's volleyball girls took down Harlan 3-0 on Monday and headed to Orange City this past Wednesday to... Wolverines end season at West Bend-Mallard WEST BEND - The South OBrien volleyball team traveled to face West Bend-Mallard in the first round of the regional... Warriors suffer 44-14 loss to Gehlen Catholic ALTA - The Alta-Aurelia football team hosted Gehlen Catholic on Friday evening, but lost the game 44-14. The Warriors struck... Warriors take down Raiders to finish regular season ALTA - The Alta-Aurelia volleyball team hosted East Sac County on Thursday evening and took down the Raiders 3-1 to... Braves go 3-6 at Heelan Invite SIOUX CITY - Cherokee's volleyball team, 23-9, worked on fine tuning its skills here Saturday in a 12-team Sioux City... A group of criminologists has purported to answer the question: Was there a Ferguson effect on crime rates in large U.S. cities? The Ferguson effect refers to the phenomenon of police officers backing off from proactive policing in response to the anti-cop Black Lives Matter movement, with a resulting rise in violent crime. The criminologists answer their own question with a minutely qualified No. In fact, their analysis resoundingly confirms the existence of the Ferguson effect. Anyone not well-versed in discontinuous growth models, empirical Bayes predictions, the Bonferroni correction, and Nakagawas hypotheticals will have to take on faith a great deal of the recent paper published in the Journal of Criminal Justice. The authors, four professors led by sociologist David Pyrooz of the University of Colorado Boulder, created a complex econometric model that analyzed monthly rates of change in crime rates in 81 U.S. cities with populations of 200,000 or more. The other 24 cities in that size cohort were not included in the study due to lack of crime data. The researchers found that in the 12 months before Michael Brown was shot in Ferguson, Missourithe event that catalyzed the Black Lives Matter movementmajor felony crime, averaged across all 81 cities, was going down. In the 12 months after Brown was shot, that aggregate drop in crime slowed down considerably. But that deceleration of the crime drop was not large enough to be deemed statistically significant, say the criminologists. Therefore, they conclude, there is no systematic evidence of a Ferguson Effect on aggregate crime rates throughout the large U.S. cities . . . in this study. But the existence of a Ferguson effect does not depend on its operating uniformly across the country in cities with very different demographics. When the researchers disaggregated crime trends by city, they found that the variance among those individual city trends had tripled after Ferguson. That is, before the Brown shooting, individual cities crime rates tended to move downward together; after Ferguson, their crime rates were all over the map. Some cities had sharp increases in aggregate crime, while others continued their downward trajectory. The variance in homicide trends was even greaternearly six times as large after Ferguson. And what cities had the largest post-Ferguson homicide surges? Precisely those that the Ferguson effect would predict: cities with high black populations, low white populations, and high preexisting rates of violent crime. A virulent anti-cop protest movement dedicated to the proposition that murderous, racist cops are the biggest threat facing young black men today will have its biggest impact on policing in black neighborhoods. It is in these neighborhoods that cops will face the most hostility from residents steeped in the Black Lives Matter ideology and where cops will most worry that, if an encounter with a civilian goes awry, they will become the latest racist officer-of-the-week on CNN. It is in black neighborhoods, in other words, where proactive policingmaking pedestrian stops, enforcing quality-of-life public order lawswill be most inhibited. And given the already high rates of violent crime in black neighborhoods, any drop-off in policing is going to unleash even more crime, since it is in these high-crime neighborhoods where informal social controls have most disintegrated and where cops alone stand between law-abiding residents and anarchy. Even if the Black Lives Matter movement inhibited proactive policing uniformly in cities across the country, a place like Scottsdale, Arizona, say, will suffer less of an impact if cops back off, because the police are not as essential there to maintaining order as they are in Baltimore and St. Louis. The researchers are unwilling, however, to accept the implication of their findings. They grudgingly admit that the data offer preliminary support for a Ferguson Effect on homicide rates in a few select cities in the United Statesthose cities, according to their model, are Baltimore, St. Louis, New Orleans, Washington, D.C., Newark, Milwaukee, Rochester, Detroit, Oakland, Richmond, Cincinnati, Fort Wayne, and Baton Rougebut then they backpedal furiously. (Cities that barely missed making the statistically significant cut include Kansas City, Indianapolis, Oklahoma City, and Chicago.) Whats important about those cities, they claim, is that they had much higher crime rates before Ferguson. Those higher crime rates, they say, in turn may have primed [those cities] for increases in crime. That conclusion is groundless. The proactive policing revolution that began in the 1990s had its greatest effect on high-crime cities; crime went down dramatically in neighborhoods that had been written off as ungovernable. If cities with a higher proportion of black residents, lower socioeconomic status, and more police per capita, in the authors words, were primed for a crime increase, and if those factors lead to questions that may inhibit any ability to attribute crime increases specifically to the Ferguson Effect, the authors need to explain how those cities experienced a crime drop in the first place. Moreover, if the authors think that high-black, high-crime cities were due for a crime increase regardless of changes in policing and a worsening in resident attitudes toward law enforcement, they didnt alert us to such a reversal ahead of the fact. In a separate analysis, the authors disaggregated the seven felonies included in the FBIs crime index and tracked the movement of each felony averaged across all 81 cities. Robbery registered a statistically significant upward surge in monthly rates: before Ferguson, the aggregate robbery rate was dropping; after Ferguson, the rate reversed course, rising enough to be considered statistically significant. The criminologists conclude that changes in robbery rates constitute the lone exception to a spurious Ferguson Effect, but demur from speculating why that may be. Perhaps it is because robbery and drive-by shootings are the quintessential violent street crimes, both committed disproportionately by blacks. If police are making fewer street stops, thus deterring gun-carrying less, a rising robbery rate is not contrary to what the Ferguson effect would predict. (Shootings are not captured in the FBI data used by the researchers, so their pre- and post-Ferguson trajectories are not easily available.) A few analysts have pointed out that the papers dismissal of a more widespread Ferguson effect rests on arbitrary statistical conventions. Fordham law professor John Pfaff notes that the rate of change in the aggregate violent crime rate rose tenfold after Ferguson. That increase was not deemed statistically significant, however, because it missed falling within the conventional statistical confidence interval by .02 crimes per 100,000 residents per month. The confidence interval tells you how certain you can be that the events being measured actually happened or were not the products of random chance. Statistical conventions deem a data distribution statistically significant only if there is not more than a 5 percent chance that the data points were arrived at in error or that the distribution curve mapping those data points would have occurred randomly. Had the increase in the rate of change in violent crime increase been .02 crimes per 100,000 per month higher, the authors would likely have had to change their conclusion regarding a spurious Ferguson effect. As it is, the existing tenfold increase in the rate of change has only a 12 percent chance of being a miragethat is, the product of incorrect crime data, say, or of a random distribution of events, according to Manhattan Institute fellow Scott Winship. And the aggregate increase in the homicide rate of change, which the authors dismiss as statistically insignificant, has less than an 11 percent chance of being a random occurrence, according to Winship. Concludes Pfaff about the Pyrooz study: So [the] claim of no Ferguson Effect is built on little more than a century-old arbitrary line that arbitrarily balances 2 core error costs. The authors are doing nothing untoward in resting their conclusions on statistical conventions. But a lay reader may conflate their finding of no statistically significant effect with no effect at all and will likely not understand how narrowly a tenfold rise in the rate of change in violent crime missed being deemed statistically significantif that lay reader even grasps the change at all from the papers tables. The Pyrooz article will undoubtedly become a standard artillery piece on the activist and academic left. You would think that the fact that the Ferguson effect has been most pronounced in black areas would be cause for concern among those who claim to represent black interests against a sea of racism and oppression. In 2015, homicides in the 50 largest cities rose nearly 17 percent, the greatest increase in lethal violence in a quarter century, according to the Washington Post. The overwhelming majority of those additional victims were black. But the furious attempt to deny the Ferguson effect shows yet again that black lives seem to matter only when they are taken by police officers. Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images The Economist recently wrote about the worlds safest airlines, rated up to seven stars, noting that The list of ten airlines which received just one star is comprised of less salubrious names like Batik Airlines, Kal-star Aviation and Trans-Nusa. What do less salubrious names mean? Well, when most people think of the word batik, they think of the dye-patterned fabric. Kal-star might evoke images of Supermans Kryptonian name, Kal-El, and Trans-Nusa just kind of puzzles, unless you know that Nusa is in the name of many Indonesian islands. So its kind of hard to think of what image The Economist was trying to bring to mind. Put into context, these airlines rate the lowest on the safety scale. So you might think of them as unsafe, dangerous, or even something to avoid. You might not think of them as less healthful or less healthy. Even though thats what less salubrious means. And it is the airlines, not their names, that might not be good for your health. Salubrious is one of those $10 words that journalists like to use, at least in writing. You almost never hear it spoken. In print, though, it appears dozens of times, in references to warm days, treatment or cures for Alzheimers disease, an ugly industrial estate, the impact of voting on civic life, and in reference to Bernie Sanders impact on Hillary Clintons behavior. When journalists use a word that may be unfamiliar with readers, especially in such diverse contexts, it could delay or blur the message. Though many writers pride themselves on sending readers to dictionaries, its unclear how many of those readers then come back. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Salubrious does have a healthy etymology. From the Latin word salus, for health, it entered English in the 16th century as a reference to food or medicine to improve your health and well-being. It has increasingly gained figurative uses, and The Oxford English Dictionary has a draft entry for an even broader use traced to the mid-19th century: pleasant, attractive, comfortable; well-maintained, prosperous. So while salubrious was dictionary correct in all those cases, its still a $10 word. A sometimes-synonym for salubrious is salutary. Also traceable to the Latin salus, it also means useful, beneficial, or wholesome. Its been used to describe the less salutary effects of Justice Antonin Scalias rulings, the salutary lessons of Bosnia, or how a detox using plants from the Rwandan rainforest might not sound like the most salutary thing to do on holiday. (CNN seems to be fond of salutary.) William Shatner even used it in an article on the book he wrote about Leonard Nimoy: Theres nothing detrimental, he told The Oregonian. Its all salutary. He meant it as a salute, which also traces to salus. When you get down to it, when you deliver salutations or salute something or someone, youre hoping theyll stay healthy. And of course theres the toast salud, or to your health. By the way, weve already pooh-poohed the insistence on healthful for something good for you and healthy for something that has its own good health. So please dont write, at least not about this. Back to that Economist piece on airlines. Were willing to bet many of you thought we were going to talk about The Economists use of comprised of. Sorry: Even though one man has made it his mission to root out every example in Wikipedia in which comprised of was used instead of comprises or composed of, that plane has left the terminal. Many of us were taught that the whole comprises the parts and or is composed of the parts, and that theres no such thing as comprised of. Garners Modern American Usage said comprised of is increasingly common but has always been considered poor usage, and lists it at Stage 4 on the five-stage Language-Change Index. That means only people intent on the salubrious perfection of English object to it. Arguing over it may not be good for your health. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Merrill Perlman managed copy desks across the newsroom at the New York Times, where she worked for twenty-five years. Follow her on Twitter at @meperl. Thus, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, by virtue of being Head of State of Her entire Realm of New Zealand as described in the Letters Patent, is also Head of State of that part of Her Realm of New Zealand referred to in the Letters Patent as "the self-governing state of the Cook Islands". Oaths of office taken by the Queen's Representative, Members of Parliament and Judges of the High Court and prescribed in the Constitution require allegiance to be sworn to the reigning Sovereign (eg Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II) "as the Head of State of the Cook Islands". The Queen's Representative in the Cook Islands The qualification noted in Clause 1 of the Letters Patent is of central importance for when the Constitution entered into force on "Constitution Day", that is, August 4 1965, Her Majesty the Queen was represented in the Cook Islands' part of the Realm of New Zealand by the "High Commissioner of the Cook Islands" (Article 3). The High Commissioner was both representative of the Head of State as well as representative of the New Zealand Government in the Cook Islands. The Constitution Amendment (No 10) Act 1981-82 provided that there "shall be a representative of Her Majesty the Queen in the Cook Islands, to be known as the Queen's Representative," the latter to be appointed "by Her Majesty the Queen and shall hold office for a period of three years, and may from time to time be reappointed" (Article 3). By previous agreement between the Governments of the Cook Islands and New Zealand, when there was a High Commissioner of the Cook Islands, the appointment was made by the New Zealand Governor-General after consultation with the Government of the Cook Islands in keeping with the then quasi-diplomatic role of the High Commissioner. By convention, the appointment of the Queen's Representative is made by Her Majesty upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands. Article 5(1) of the Constitution states clearly that the Queen's Representative is to act on the advice of Her Cook Islands Ministers:- "except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, the [Queen's Representative] in the performance of his functions as the representative of Her Majesty the Queen shall act on the advice of Cabinet, the [Prime Minister], or the appropriate Minister as the case may be." House of Ariki The Constitution provides for a House of Ariki comprising up to 14 ariki appointed by the Queen's Representative, the functions of the House being to "consider such matters relative to the welfare of the people of the Cook Islands as may be submitted to it by [Parliament] for its consideration, and it shall express its opinion and make recommendations thereon to [Parliament]" (Articles 8 and 9). Executive Government of the Cook Islands The Constitution vests the executive authority of the Cook Islands in Her Majesty the Queen in right of New Zealand. Subject to the Constitution, that authority may be exercised on behalf of Her Majesty in the Cook Islands either directly by the Queen's Representative or through officers subordinate to the latter (Article 12). The Constitution provides for a Cabinet of Ministers comprising the Prime Minister and not fewer than six nor more than eight other Ministers (up from no fewer than three nor more than six other Ministers in 1965), "which shall have the general direction and control of the executive government of the Cook Islands, and shall be collectively responsible to Parliament" (Article 13(1)). The Queen's Representative appoints from among the members of the Parliament as Prime Minister the person who commands, or, if Parliament is not in session, who, in his discretion, he considers would command, the confidence of the majority of the members of Parliament (Article 13(2)). Other Ministers are appointed by the Queen's Representative on the recommendation of the Prime Minister (Article 13(3)). The Constitution establishes an Executive Council, comprising the Queen's Representative and the members of Cabinet, to consider such Cabinet decisions as may be required (Articles 22-25). Parliament of the Cook Islands Article 27 of the Constitution establishes "a sovereign Parliament for the Cook Islands, to be called the Parliament of the Cook Islands", consisting of 25 members (up from 22 in 1965) elected by secret ballot under a system of universal suffrage. Subject to the Constitution, Parliament "may make laws (to be known as Acts) for the peace, order and good government of the Cook Islands" (Article 39(1), including "laws having extra-territorial operation" (Article 39 (2)). Bills passed by Parliament only become law when they have been assented to by the Queen's Representative (Article 44(1)). Subject to the provisions of the Constitution, Parliament's law-making power includes "the repeal or revocation or amendment or modification or extension, in relation to the Cook Islands, of any law in force in the Cook Islands" (Article 39(3)). Amendments to the Constitution require, inter alia, (a) at both the final vote thereon and the vote preceding that final vote, the affirmative votes of not less than two-thirds of the total membership, including vacancies, of the Parliament; and (b) an interval of not less than 90 days between the date on which that final vote was taken and the date on which the preceding vote was taken (Article 41(1)). Sections 2 (relating to definitions) to 6 of the Cook Islands Constitution Act 1964 and Articles 2 and 41 of the Constitution are "entrenched" in that they can only be amended if the conditions in the preceding paragraph are met and the proposed amendments(s) have been supported by not less than two-thirds of the valid votes cast in a poll of the persons entitled to vote as electors at a general election of the members of Parliament (Article 41(2)). With the Cook Islands Parliament thus having the power to amend or even to repeal the above Sections and Article 2, the Cook Islands is free at any time to terminate its relationship of free association with New Zealand. As originally enacted, Article 46 of the Constitution enabled the New Zealand Parliament to pass laws for, and with the advice and consent of, the Cook Islands. This allowed the Cook Islands, with insufficient legal resources in the early post-1965 period, to benefit from New Zealand legislation in often complicated areas (see, for example, the Extradition Act 1965 (NZ), which was applied, mutatis mutandis, to the Cook Islands under Section 18 of the Act by virtue of Article 46 of the Constitution). By 1980, however, it was considered by the Cook Islands Parliament that local resources and conditions had developed to such an extent that the above arrangement was no longer required. In accordance with Constitution Amendment (No 9) Act 1980-81, Article 46 now reads:- "except as provided by Act of Parliament of the Cook Islands, no Act, and no provision of any Act, of the Parliament of New Zealand passed after the commencement of this Article [5 June 1981] shall extend or be deemed to extend to the Cook Islands as part of the law of the Cook Islands". The Judiciary The Constitution establishes a"Court of record, to be called the High Court of the Cook Islands, for the administration of justice throughout those islands" (Article 47(1)). The High Court has Civil, Criminal and Land Divisions (Article 47(2)), with jurisdiction to: "hear and determine ...[s]uch proceedings as are, under or by virtue of any enactment, to be heard and determined by that Division [and s]uch other proceedings as may from time to time be determined by the Chief Justice, either generally or in any particular proceedings or classes of proceedings" (Article 48(1)). The Chief Justice of the High Court is appointed by the Queen's Representative, "acting on the advice of the Executive Council tendered by the Prime Minister"; other Judges, "by the Queen's Representative, acting on the advice of the Executive Council tendered by the Chief Justice of the High Court and the Minister of Justice" (Article 52). Because of the costs involved and the shortage of requisite human and other resources in the Cook Islands at the time, the Constitution in 1965 recognised a right of appeal from the High Court of the Cook Islands to the Court of Appeal of New Zealand. By the early 1980s, however, the domestic resource situation had improved and Constitution Amendment (No 9) Act 1980-81 did away with the initial arrangement. Established was a Court of Appeal of the Cook Islands as a "superior Court of record" (Article 56(1)). Article 59 provides that "the determination of the Court of Appeal shall be final, and there shall be no appeal to the High Court of New Zealand or to the Court of Appeal of New Zealand from any judgment of the Court of Appeal of the Cook Islands. [However, t]here shall be a right of appeal to Her Majesty the Queen in Council, with the leave of the Court of Appeal, or , if such leave is refused, with the leave of Her Majesty the Queen in Council, from judgments of the Court of Appeal in such cases and subject to such conditions as are prescribed by Act". Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms Not initially in the Constitution, part IVA was inserted by Constitution Amendment (No 9) Act 1980-81. Article 64 states: "(1). It is hereby recognised and declared that in the Cook Islands there exist, and shall continue to exist, without discrimination by reason of race, national origin, color, religion, opinion, belief, or sex, the following fundamental human rights and freedoms- "(a) The right of the individual to life, liberty, and security of the person, and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with law; "(b) The right of the individual to equality before the law and to the protection of the law; "(c) The right of the individual to own property and the right not to be deprived thereof in accordance with law; Provided that nothing in this paragraph or in Article 40 of this Constitution ['No property to be taken compulsorily without compensation'] shall be construed as limiting the power of Parliament to prohibit or restrict by Act the alienation of native land...; "(d) Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; "(e) Freedom of speech and expression; "(f) Freedom of peaceful assembly and association. The Constitution also contains provisions relating to the construction of law aimed at supplementing and supporting Article 64 above, including, e.g. prohibiting the imposition on any person of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment (Article 65). Public Revenues of the Cook Islands The Constitution contains basic provisions establishing a Cook Islands Government Account and allowing for the establishment of such other public funds or accounts as may be necessary (Article 67), prohibiting the imposition of taxation except by law (Article 67) and setting out fundamental principles concerning revenue and expenditure of the above Account (Articles 69 and 70). When the Legislative Assembly was considering constitutional aspects of public revenue in the early 1960s, it was very much aware both that the Territory had very limited local auditing expertise and that much of the Territory's revenue came from New Zealand Government grants and subsidies. It was agreed, therefore, that the Audit Office of New Zealand would be the auditor of the Cook Islands Government Account and such other funds and accounts as may be established. That Office reported annually to the Speaker of the Cook Islands Parliament (Article 71). Over succeeding years, however, local auditing expertise developed and New Zealand Government financial assistance became a much reduced proportion of Government's overall budget revenue (approximately 17 per cent in 1991/92). As a consequence, therefore, it was finally decided in 1991 after consultations between the Governments of the Cook Islands and New Zealand that the Audit Office of the Cook Islands would assume the functions previously performed by the Audit Office of New Zealand and the Constitution was amended accordingly (Constitution Amendment (No 14) Act 1991). Public Service The Constitution establishes a "Cook Islands Public Service, which shall comprise such persons in the the service of the Government of the Cook Islands as may from time to time be prescribed by law" (Article 72). Subject to the provisions of the Constitution and other enactments, the Public Service Commissioner is responsible for the appointment, dismissal, and disciplinary control of employees of the Cook Islands Public Service (Article 74B). The Commissioner is appointed by the Queen's Representative on the advice of the Prime Minister (Article 73). Miscellaneous This Part was inserted into the Constitution by the Constitution Amendment (No 9) Act 1980-81. a) Persons entitled to permanent residence The Constitution contains provisions setting out qualifications for the status of a permanent resident of the Cook Islands; ie. "A person shall have the status of a permanent resident of the Cook Islands if he was born in the Cook Islands, and -... "(a) Either or both of his parents had the status of a permanent resident of the Cook Islands at the date of his birth; or "(b) In the case of a child who was born after the death of his father to a mother who did not have the status at the date of birth of the child, his father had that status at the date of his death; or "(c) He was adopted by a person who at the date of adoption had that status" (Article 76A(1)). The Constitution also provides for other legislation to regulate the granting of permanent resident status to others, qualifications to be held by a permanent resident, and conditions under which that status may be withdrawn (Article 76A(2)-(4)). Special Relationship with New Zealand The relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands was defined by New Zealand in August 1965 to the United Nations as follows:- "The Cook Islands people, because of their many natural links with New Zealand, have determined to exercise their right of self-government or self-rule or independence -- call it what you will -- but not at this time as a separate, sovereign State. "They have worked out a form of full self-government in free association with New Zealand, but -- and here is the special feature -- they may at any time in future, if they so desire, move into full independence, or any other status that may become practicable, by a unilateral act, that is, one which New Zealand has denied itself power to countermand. The right is spelled out in the provisions of article 41 of the Constitution... "This new status is not sovereign independence in the juridical sense, for the Cook Islanders wish to remain New Zealand citizens and in the meantime they wish New Zealand to discharge the responsibilities in the field of external affairs and defence in consultation with them; but it means that the Cook Islanders have a continuing right to self-determination. Henceforth the legal links between the Cook Islands and New Zealand rests on consent; this is what we understand by 'free association' ". On the subjects of external affairs and defence New Zealand said they were "entrenched subjects under the Constitution". "These are not subjects which New Zealand has 'reserved' for itself and withheld from the Cook Islanders. The legislative autonomy of the Cook Islands Assembly means what it says. New Zealand has no unilateral power within the Cook Islands to pass laws or make regulations on external affairs or defence or anything else. "'Entrenched' does not mean 'reserved to' or 'held under the control of' New Zealand. 'Entrenched' means that whereas other clauses of the Constiution can be changed by a two-thirds vote of the Legislative Assembly, these six points can be modified only if there has been a two-thirds vote of the Legislative Assembly and also a two-thirds vote of the people in a referendum. "For so long as the Cook Islands chooses to be associated with New Zealand, rather than to become a sovereign State, New Zealand cannot repudiate an ultimate responsibility for questions of external affairs and defence. "Section 5 of the Constitution Act 1964... does not bring about this situation; nor does it in any way detract from the powers of self-government which the Act and the Constitution bestow on the Cook Islands. Section 5 simply reflects one of the inherent characteristics of 'free association': the Cook Islands can do as it chooses but as long as it chooses not to be internationally responsible for its own affairs it thereby recognises New Zealand's continuing responsibility for the matters mentioned in Section 5. "Another feature of the relationship is that New Zealand must rely upon the Cook Islands to use its self-governing powers in ways which give effect to international obligations. This is not a question of legislative power only: compliance with a treaty obligation may equally depend upon executive or administrative action. It is not contemplated either in the Constitution Act or in the Constitution itself that the executive branch of the New Zealand Government will have any civil power within the Cook Islands -- or ... that the New Zealand Legislature will make any change in the Law in force in the Cook Islands except at the request and with the consent of the authorities in Rarotonga. New Zealand no longer has any power to do these things. "There is no real incompatibility between Section 5 of the 1964 Act and the concept of a legislative, or executive autonomy. Both are facets of a relationship which can be maintained only by voluntary cooperation between two governments which are constitutionally equal, though only one bears international responsibility. "If the voluntary cooperation should ever break down, it would rest with either to move to terminate an impossible relationship, but neither would have any right to coerce the other. "Some legal purists may find this arrangement untidy. Complete sovereign independence or complete dependence are clear and simple concepts and this is neither one thing nor the other." The Cook Islands Ensign The constitution declares the Cook Islands Ensign described below to be the recognised flag of the Cook Islands (Article 76C):- "The Cook Islands Ensign shall be a Royal blue ensign. The Union Jack shall occupy the upper staff quarter, having on the fly 15 stars in a symmetrical ring, all of equal size and equal spacing, and the colour of the stars shall be white. The flag proportion of length to breadth shall be two to one. "And it shall mean - "Blue - is the colour most expressive of our Nation, it is representative of the vast area of the Pacific Ocean in which the islands of the Cook Islands are scattered. Blue also depicts the peaceful nature of the inhabitants of our islands. "Union Jack - indicates our historical association with and membership of the British Commonwealth. "The 15 white stars - represent the 15 islands of the group." (Third Schedule to the Constitution). National anthem The Constitution declares the anthem 'Te Atua Mou E' to be the national anthem of the Cook Islands (Article 76(D)). The words of the anthem and an unofficial English translation are:- Te Atua Mou E Te Atua mou e Ko koe rai te pu O te pa enua e Akarongo mai I to matou nei reo Te kapiki atu nei Paruru mai Ia matou nei Omai te korona mou Kia ngateitei Kia vai rai te aroa O te pa enua e. (Fourth Schedule to the Constitution) To God Almighty To God Almighty Ruler of the isles of the sea Hearken our call Protect us Crown us with liberty May peace and love reign supreme throughout the land. Investment and Residence in the Cook Islands NON-COOK Islanders seeking permission to reside or do business in the Cook Islands have to take account of three statutes:- The Development Investment Act 1995-6. The Leases Restrictions Act 1976. The Entry Residence and Departure Act 1977. The most important is the Development Investment Act which lays down that all foreign organisations or companies that want to set up an enterprise must first obtain approval and register their planned activities. The Leases Restrictions Act does not allow freehold ownership of land. Any person/s may lease land for up to five years. Any longer period up to a maximum of 60 years has to be approved by a Committee established under the Act. The Committee's principal function is to regulate leasehold to people other than Cook Islanders and permanent residents. The Entry Residence and Departure Act demands that anyone other than Cook Islanders and permanent residents who wish to live and work in the islands must first obtain a work and residence permit. Section 17 of the Development Investment Act states:- "No foreign enterprise shall carry on business in the Cook Islands in any activity unless that foreign enterprise is registered in respect of that activity pursuant to this Act". 'Foreign enterprise' means business with more than one-third foreign ownership. Registration applications must be made to the Cook Islands Development Investment Board. There are various incentives and concessions for tariff protection, import duty and levy concessions, tax concessions by way of accelerated depreciation, allowance for counterpart training and recruitment of Cook Islanders from overseas. The Board takes account of an Investment Code which spells out the Government's general investment policy. The Code states:- "Generally provision should be made in the case of a new foreign investment for the acquisition of equity by or on behalf of Cook Islanders, or for joint ventures with enterprises owned or controlled by Cook Islanders". The term "Cook Islanders" includes Cook Island Maoris and Permanent Residents. The Development Investment Board Monetary Board may waive these requirements if the investor can demonstrate that attempts were not successful to attract Cook Islanders' participation. If the enterprise wishes to lease land to carry on its business and if the land is central to the activity, for instance, hotel/motel accommodation, the Board may require the lease arrangement to provide for the lessors to be paid a share from the activity. This is a brief guide only and a solicitor should be consulted for advice. Development Investment Act Foreign investment in the Cook Islands The Business Trade Investment Board outlines as follows the steps and information required for the successful registration of a foreign enterprise in the Cook Islands. Foreign Enterprise Registration Checklist Foreign company:- Business plan Completed registration application form Completed due diligence form Two references (from lawyer, accountant, banker) Police character reference from home country Health report form (includes HIV report; avian flu report if from Asian countries) Copy of passport details and photo Curriculum Vitae NZ$750.00 fee Copy of articles of association Copy of memorandum of association Land involved Copy of deed of lease Purchase an existing business Copy of sale and purchase agreement Commercial agricultural or food production Marine resources Pearl farming Commercial aquaculture or harvesting of pearl shell, shell fish or other reef or lagoon products Fresh fish processing Fresh fish exporting Manufacturing and production Food processing including freezing and drying, or drink bottling Screen printing of fabrics or other piece goods Making of traditional or cultural handicrafts and artefacts (including commercial reproductions) Recordings of cultural performances Tourism Visitor accommodation Motor vehicle rentals Tourist tours or transfers Eco-tourism Other areas Cinema operations Bakeries or pastry shops Grocery retail outlets (including sundry stores, superettes, and supermarkets) Ownership of galleries for paintings or other visual arts Restaurants, cafes, or other food preparation and sale operations Retail of traditional or cultural handicrafts and artifacts (including commercial reproductions) Sale or supply of computer hardware or related services Trucking and cartage operations Laundry or drycleaning Last update: July 24 2021 This is a free, moderated service for Cook Islanders or others to post notices and to discuss subjects of relevance to the Cook Islands. Publication is at the whim and prejudices of the Brewmaster. Maori must be accompanied by an English translation. On any contentious or personal matter you will need to include your e-mail address. No messages will be published if received in capitals only or in lower case letters only or in abbreviated 'text speak'. Material will be edited if overlong, ungrammatical or boring. Postings will be kept until deemed no longer current (usually 30 days). E-mail Note: Click here for Bereavement Notices and Condolences. Messages Brewmaster: Please note that we will not publish messages which are not punctuated or those written in 'stream-of-consciousness' style with phrases separated only by a series of full stops. They take too much time to sub-edit and render into English. Also, note the guidelines above concerning Maori and capital letters. July 24 2021 Hello. Thanks for the interesting website; I have not visited the Cook Islands yet but would love to if we are ever clear of Covid and allowed to leave Australia! When I lived in Britain I met briefly a European man who apparently ran the only hotel on the island (Rarotonga?) and his wife, a local princess. I donOt know the year but would have been late 1970s. Their description of life on the island(s) sounded so idyllic. I do not suppose anyone would know who the couple were? Thanks. Keep safe. Philip Etherington (Perth, Australia), petherington@aapt.net.au . February 1 2021 My name is Michael and I am an ethusiastic collector of flags. My main subject of interest is the countries or regions that aren't recognised by the UN. This logically leads me to your address. Would it be possible to send me a flag of your country? Any size or shape would be very much appreciated. My address is: Michael Tarek Feil, Schlossgasse 34, 71560 Sulzbach, Germany. January 24 2021 My name is Amie and I am from Auckland, New Zealand. I am trying to find the death notices for my Great-Aunty who was born and lived on Rarotonga - her name was Parutu (known to us as Tira, spelling may be incorrect) Whalen who was married to my Great-Uncle, Alec Whalen. They lived in Avana. Uncle Alec's Sister, Hazel recently passed away. Any assistance you could provide in helping me find the notices of their deaths would mean a lot to the family as we continue to build our family tree for future generations. amiet@vetwest.com.au. July 27 2020 I am looking for contact information of Richard or Susan Russell. Last known address of Susan Russell is New Zealand. Last known address of Richard Russell is Perth Australia. Richard grew up on Rarotonga beginning at age 2 in 1993. Please send any information to Mark Russell at smrussell01@yahoo.com. Thank you. May 14 2020 Greetings of good health! In these times of heightened environmental and health consciousness, addressing the problems arising due to the recent and ongoing pandemic is of paramount concern more than anything else. With the shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders, we are restricted from unnecessarily going outside. Furthermore, countries have imposed travel restrictions and bans. I always have the desire and dream to travel the world if I have the time and resources. More importantly, I feel and think that there is a need for cultural understanding and international understanding in order to develop tolerance to differences and acceptance of diversity. And I want to start it with myself, with your help. I am collecting flags from all over the world and I will be more than happy to have and receive one from your place. Rest assured that I will treat it with respect, handle it with care, and receive it with a grateful heart. If and when my humble request will be granted, here is my address: Purok Thunder, Babag, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines 6015. Thank you so much. Sincerely, Grant B. Dungog. Assurant Names Mergelmeyer COO As part of its ongoing strategic realignment, Assurant, Inc. announced that Gene Mergelmeyer will be appointed to the role of chief operating officer, effective July 1, 2016. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the operations of Assurants business lines worldwide, ensuring a coordinated approach across the Housing and Lifestyle markets and improving execution to drive long-term, profitable growth. Mergelmeyer is an 18-year veteran of Assurant and since 2007 has served as president and chief executive officer of Assurant Specialty Property. In 2014, he assumed the additional roles of executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Assurant, overseeing the companys enterprise transformation initiatives to optimize customer service, technology and procurement operations. In addition to Mergelmeyers appointment, Assurant also named Mike Anderson to the role of interim president of Assurant Solutions, effective immediately. Anderson succeeds Assurant Solutions President and CEO S. Craig Lemasters who will retire on July 1, 2016 following more than 25 years of distinguished service. Anderson joined Assurant in 1998 through the acquisition of MS Diversified Inc. In 2013, he was named COO of Assurant Solutions to strengthen the business segments global platform. Under his leadership, Assurant Solutions has become a leading independent provider of vehicle service contracts and related products and services to U.S. auto and recreational vehicle dealers. Franzetti Joins QBE North America as Chief Claims Officer Australia-based QBE North America named Daniel Franzetti chief claims officer. In this role, Franzetti will serve on the Executive Management Board and have responsibility for leadership of QBE North Americas claims function. Franzetti has deep claims expertise, a passion for the business and a proven track record of delivering excellent claims service. Working from QBEs New York City office, he will report to QBE North Americas CEO, Dave Duclos. In a career that has spanned nearly 20 years, Franzetti most recently served as chief claims officer for Zurich Australia Insurance Limited. He also previously led Zurichs Claims Technical Shared Services in North America as a senior vice president. Prior to this role, he was head of Global Claims Vendor Management for Zurichs global general insurance practice. Philadelphia Insurance Companies Announces Two Senior Vice President Promotions Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY), a commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance company for niche markets, announced the promotion of two vice presidents to senior vice president. Sam Garro is now senior vice president of Compliance and Patrick Walton assumes the position of senior vice president of Underwriting. Garro joined PHLY in 2012 as vice president of the Compliance Department, responsible for managing the work of the various units in the department including product development, agent licensing and underwriting audits. He also is a liaison for the company in market conduct exams. Garro has worked in the insurance industry for over 27 years and also teaches workshops on behalf of the Insurance Society of Philadelphia. He is currently Mid-Atlantic regional president of the Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals, a national compliance association for the insurance industry. He also holds the CPCU designation. Walton joined PHLY in 2013 as vice president of Corporate Underwriting. He is responsible for the placement of PHLYs reinsurance treaties and managing the facultative reinsurance process. He has also directed PHLYs catastrophe modeling and aggregate management, quarterly property portfolio optimization updates and the underwriting analysis unit. Walton has spent 30 years in insurance and reinsurance. He began his career as an actuary and has held various insurance and reinsurance underwriting roles with national and global insurance firms. He is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society. An auto safety advocate is calling on the government to reopen an investigation of rear-crash fires in older Jeep SUVs after finding at least 11 more deaths since the vehicles were recalled. The deaths show that the recall repair installing a trailer hitch to protect gas tanks in low-speed crashes hasnt been effective, said Clarence Ditlow, head of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety. He is calling on the government to investigate, saying the Jeeps are unsafe and a remedy should be developed that saves lives. As far as Fiat Chrysler is concerned, Jeeps can continue to crash and burn until they are all off the road, Ditlow wrote in a letter to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx dated Thursday. Its been almost three years since Fiat Chrysler, which makes Jeeps, began recalling 1.56 million SUVs with plastic gas tanks that are mounted behind the rear axle and can rupture in a crash, spilling gasoline. Ditlow said he found a total of 19 fire deaths in older Jeeps in a fatal accident database maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Eleven were in Jeeps that had been recalled, with eight more in SUVs not included in the recall, he said. The deaths since the June 2013 recall bring the number of people killed in fiery crashes involving the Jeeps to as many as 86. Before the recall, NHTSA counted 75 deaths. The recalled vehicles include 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002 to 2007 Libertys. NHTSA spokesman Gordon Trowbridge said Friday that he had just seen the letter and couldnt comment. The agency has fined Fiat Chrysler a total of $175 million in the past two years for moving too slowly on recalls or failing to report safety defects and deaths. Fiat Chrysler maintains that the Jeeps are just as safe as comparable vehicles from the same era when weighted by years of vehicle operation. Of the 100 car and SUV models from that era with the highest rear-crash fire death rates, the Liberty was lower than 24 models and the Grand Cherokee was lower than 60, according to FCAs analysis of NHTSA data through 2010. These are tragic accidents caused by factors such as excessive speed and driver distraction, FCA said in a statement. Among the 11 deaths were Edward Dearden, 57 and Theresa Dearden, 54, of York, Pennsylvania, who were killed in May 2014 when their 1995 Grand Cherokee was hit from behind in a pileup on Interstate 78 near Philadelphia. In January, the Deardens son, David, sued Fiat Chrysler and other defendants, alleging that the Jeep was unsafe due to its propensity to burst into flames after rear impacts. The lawsuit also says the Deardens Jeep was part of the recall, but Fiat Chrysler didnt inform them of it before the crash. They bought the vehicle used from another person. The familys lawyer, Robert Mongeluzzi, said the company fought the recall after it emerged from bankruptcy protection in 2009 and that all the Jeeps should be recalled and replaced. Last year, a Georgia jury awarded $150 million to the family of a 4-year-old Remington Walden, who died in fire involving a 1999 Grand Cherokee. A judge reduced the award to $40 million and Fiat Chrysler has appealed. The Walden familys Jeep and many other Grand Cherokees with rear-mounted tanks were not included in the recall. Fiat Chrysler, after sparring with NHTSA over the pace of recall repairs, agreed last July to make trade-in offers to the Jeep owners or pay them to have the hitches installed. Still, only 35 percent of the recalled Jeeps had been repaired by the end of 2015. Another 545,000 owners cant be reached, or their vehicles have been scrapped, according to a report filed with the government by Fiat Chrysler. The company has made 15.3 million attempts to reach owners by mail, telephone calls or email, spokesman Eric Mayne said. Fiat Chrysler has agreed to offer $1,000 above market value trade-in prices on a new vehicle to owners of 1993 to 1998 Grand Cherokees. Owners of both the recalled Liberty and Grand Cherokee SUVs would get $100 gift cards to have their vehicles repaired. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Federal regulators and the auto industry are taking a more lenient approach than safety advocates like when it comes to phasing in automatic braking systems for passenger cars, according to records of their private negotiations. The technology automatically applies brakes to prevent or mitigate collisions, rather than waiting for the driver to act. Its the most important safety technology available today thats not already required in cars. Such systems should be standard in all new cars, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But instead of mandating it, the government is trying to work out a voluntary agreement with automakers in hopes of getting it in cars more quickly. But safety advocates say voluntary agreements arent enforceable and are likely to contain weaker standards and longer timelines than if the government had issued rules. Consumers are going to come up the losers in this process, said Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety. Meeting minutes obtained by The Associated Press of three of the meetings that NHTSA has held with automakers since October show the government is considering significant concessions. Records of the third negotiating session, on Nov. 12, show that automatic braking systems would be allowed that slow vehicles by as little as 5 mph before a collision. Manufacturers would be allowed to exempt 5 percent of their vehicles from the standard. The discussion included an additional exemption for models that manufacturers intend to phase out or redesign. The minutes dont specify a model year by which the technology would have to be included in cars. The group did decide that discussion of any deadline would begin with the latest date submitted by any automaker for when they would be ready to make the change. The agency is required by law to provide meeting minutes of such negotiations and to make them public. Only minutes from the first meeting were in the agencys public docket, but a NHTSA spokesman provided minutes to the other two meetings in response to a request from the AP. Minutes to a fourth meeting were unavailable, the AP was told. This is what happens when you start negotiating with the auto industry, said Joan Claybook, a safety advocate and NHTSAs administrator during the Carter administration. They want to negotiate this out and they want to negotiate that out, and establish a deadline driven by their production schedules rather than safety considerations. Besides NHTSA, meeting participants included 16 automakers, two auto industry trade groups and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the insurance industrys safety research arm. Representatives from Transport Canada, the Canadian governments auto safety regulator, also attended. Mark Rosekind, NHTSAs administrator, has said the federal rule-making process is so cumbersome and time-consuming that a voluntary agreement is likely to get the technology into all cars faster. He said regulations remain an option. The Association of Global Automakers, which has taken the lead for the industry on the issue, didnt immediately reply to a request for comment. Regulations can be too rigid when technology like this is changing quickly, said Russ Rader, a spokesman for insurance institute. A complicated regulation could make it more difficult for the automakers and their suppliers to continue to develop the systems. Safety advocates who met with Rosekind this week said he told them he hopes to wrap up negotiations on a voluntary agreement within the month. Safety groups have filed a petition asking NHTSA to issue regulations instead. Automatic braking is already available in dozens of car models, but typically as a pricey option on higher-end vehicles. Subaru offers it on the Impreza sedan, for example, as part of a $2,895 safety package. Claybrook acknowledged that federal rule-making is too slow, largely because of White House insistence on elaborate cost-benefit analyses of potential safety rules. But she said automatic braking could move more quickly because the technology is available and the government wouldnt have to prove its feasibility. The insurance institute has done extensive testing and analysis of its benefits, she added. There are about 1.7 million rear-end crashes a year in the U.S., killing more than 200 people, injuring 400,000 others and costing about $47 billion annually. More than half of those crashes could be avoided or mitigated by automatic braking or systems that warn drivers of an impending collision, NHTSA estimated. The technology holds the potential to significantly reduce what the insurance industry pays in damage and injury claims. Some insurers offer discounts to customers whose cars have automatic braking. But many dont because its difficult to verify the presence of an optional system and because there are so many different name brands for the technology that its hard to determine which ones are most effective. NHTSA announced last year that it will include automatic braking and other collision-avoidance technologies in its five-star safety rating program to encourage automakers to more widely adopt the technology. In an unusually pointed criticism, the National Transportation Safety Board, which investigates accidents and makes safety recommendations, said in a report last year that slow and insufficient action by NHTSA to develop performance standards for automatic braking and collision warning systems and to require the technologies in cars and trucks has contributed to the ongoing and unacceptable frequency of rear-end crashes. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. A judge on Friday sent the Texas teenager who used an affluenza defense in a fatal drunken-driving wreck to adult court, raising the possibility that he could get jail time for the 2013 crash that killed four people. Ethan Couch was 16 at the time of the crash. During his juvenile trial, a defense expert invoked the term affluenza while arguing that Couchs wealthy parents had coddled him into a sense of irresponsibility. Fridays ruling means the now 18-year-old Couch could face up to 120 days in jail, then finish his 10-year probation. But if he violates his probation during that time, he could get up to 10 years in prison for each of the four people who were killed. Among those attending the hearing was Sergio Molina, who was riding in the back of Couchs pickup and left paralyzed. He can only communicate by blinking his eyes. Molina attended with his mother and brother, Alexander Lemus, who said that what he wanted from the Couches was that they pay. Whats 120 days in county? Lemus asked. Thats nothing. We need help. They have so much money, they need to pay. The judge ordered that the case be transferred before Couch turns 19 in April. He remains in the countys maximum-security jail and in solitary confinement for 23 hours per day. I wish I could say Ive seen some sense of remorse. I wont say that, Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson said. I do believe, from seeing him and talking to him, that its become more real to him. Couchs attorney, Scott Brown, did not fight the transfer. Although he has not explained the strategy, the punishment could have been greater if the judge had kept the case in the juvenile system. Staying in juvenile court could have set off a series of hearings to determine if Couch violated his existing probation, which potentially could have led to 10 years in adult prison when Couch ages out of the juvenile system at 19. By having the case transferred to the adult system, Couch will not face the possibility of decades in prison unless he violates probation in the future. He may, however, face up to several months in the county jail. After the hearing, Brown said he would not request any specific terms of probation for Couch. A hearing to set the probation terms has not yet been scheduled. Couch and his mother disappeared in December, as prosecutors investigated whether he had violated his probation. They were later found in Mexico and deported. Couchs blood-alcohol level was three times the legal limit for adult drivers when he rammed a pickup truck into a crowd of people trying to help a stranded motorist on the side of a road near Fort Worth. The probation sentence handed down by a juvenile court judge outraged prosecutors, who had called for him to serve detention time. Affluenza is not recognized as a medical diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association, and its invocation during Couchs trial provoked a backlash from some medical experts and families of the dead. Authorities believe that Couch and his mother, Tonya Couch, fled to Mexico in early December, after an online video surfaced that appeared to show the younger Couch at a party where alcohol was being served. Drinking alcohol would be a violation of his probation. Mother and son were apprehended on Dec. 28, in the resort city of Puerto Vallarta. Tonya Couch was quickly deported, and after being returned to Texas, she was released on bond with a GPS monitor. The 48-year-old woman is charged with hindering the apprehension of a felon. Her son initially fought deportation but later dropped the fight and was returned to Texas in late January. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The New Mexico Supreme Court plans to review a lower court ruling that cleared the way for farm and ranch laborers across the state to receive workers compensation benefits. The justices issued a brief order suspending a ruling by the New Mexico Court of Appeals until they can hear oral arguments. Attorneys with the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty said Friday they plan to file a motion requesting the high court reconsider the stay. I think once the court understands the impact that this has on workers, Im hopeful theyll reverse that decision they made, said Gail Evans, the centers legal director. We continue to work with dairy workers and field workers whove been injured at work, whove been left with no medical help and no monetary help to get them healthy and back to work. The appellate court issued an opinion last year that declared unconstitutional a decades-old provision in state law regarding farm and ranch laborers. That provision, on the books since the 1930s, excluded those employees whose duties focus primarily on growing and harvesting crops, meat or dairy products from receiving benefits if injured on the job. The appellate court found that excluding such laborers went against the purpose of the Workers Compensation Act. There is nothing rational about a law that excludes from workers compensation benefits employees who harvest crops from the field while providing benefits for the employees who sort and bag the very same crop, the court said in its ruling last June. The opinion sparked concern among agricultural industry groups, and some farmers and ranchers argued they wouldnt be able to afford the costs. New Mexicos farm, ranch and dairy families appreciate the courts action on this issue, Chad Smith, CEO of New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, said in a statement. Their decision recognizes the care that food producers currently provide for their employees and eliminates the possibility of lawsuits that could have extended back for years. The appellate court decision stemmed from two separate cases in which individual workers injured on the job at Brand West Dairy in Lovington and M.A. & Sons Chile Products in southern New Mexico had their claims dismissed. They filed separate appeals challenging the constitutionality of their exclusion as farm and ranch laborers. At the time of the ruling, the Center on Law and Poverty had praised the decision saying it marked a big step forward for the health and safety of the states estimated 15,000 agricultural workers. Evans said Friday that the state Workers Compensation Administration had just started to treat claims filed by the previously exempt laborers as if they were entitled to benefits. The Supreme Courts order brought that to a halt. Its unclear how soon the court could hear oral arguments. BRIEF: Bernie Sanders Campaign has House D.J. Here at Classicalite -- be it classical music, jazz, theater or dance -- arts news gets made fresh every single day. So, in a highly clickable manner befitting of the Internet, here, then, are Classicalite's top five stories for today... Monday, February 22, 2016. We think you'll find our clickage casts a rather wide 'Net, indeed. The House D.J. For Bernie Sanders Campaign [New York Times] Italy Aims to Keep Art, Artifacts Safe from Extremist Abroad [Yahoo! News] One Man's Impossible Quest to Read -- and Review -- the World [The New Yorker] In Antonin Scalia, the Arts Had a Passionate Patron and Defender [Washington Post] Author of Banned George Washington Picture Book Gives Her Side of the Story [Guardian] 2016 The Classical Art, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. TagsBRIEF, Bernie Sanders, Bernie Sanders Campaign, House DJ AKRON, Ohio -- An Akron man tried to avoid arrest Friday at an after-hours club by driving off with an Akron police officer hanging onto his arms through the open door of his SUV, police said. The officer managed to hang on for two blocks while Demardre Johnson swerved across the road at high speeds trying to knock the eight-year veteran officer off his SUV, according to police. The officer eventually let go. He was treated and released from Akron General Medical Center. Johnson, 29, is charged with felonious assault, resisting arrest and fleeing from police. He is being held in the Summit County Jail on $50,000 bond. Johnson about 12:30 a.m. Friday pulled into an after-hours club in the 800 block of South Arlington Road. Akron police were conducting surveillance on the club, police said. Johnson saw the cruiser and turned his 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer around and drove away. An officer tried to stop the SUV. Johnson sped up and turned but eventually stopped. The officer walked up to the car and noticed Johnson acting nervous. Johnson told officers that he didn't have a driver's license. The officers asked him to get out of the SUV but Johnson refused, according to police. The officer opened Johnson's door to pull him out, but Johnson resisted. He reached for the gear shift and the officer grabbed his arm to stop him. Johnson got the car into gear and sped down the road with the officer hanging onto Johnson's arms. Johnson swerved as the officer ordered him to stop the car. The officer let go after two blocks and Johnson sped off. He later crashed into the backyard of a home in the 800 block of Davies Avenue and ran away. Officers found him in the backyard of a home in the 800 block of Georgia Avenue. Johnson again ran from police but was arrested. He fought with officers as they tried to handcuff him, police said. Officers found a small bag of marijuana in Johnson's pants pocket, police said. Johnson had warrants out for his arrest on charges of burglary, possessing drugs and criminal damaging. He was treated at the scene for minor injuries. AKRON, Ohio -- A man and woman lured a New Franklin Township man to be robbed at knifepoint with an online ad for a massage at an Akron motel. Mario Ammons, 27, is charged with aggravated robbery. He is being held at the Summit County Jail on $100,000 bond. Kathleen Gartner, 25, is accused of working with Ammons to lure the man to the hotel, police said. She was also charged with robbery and is being held in the jail on $50,000 bond. The 27-year-old man set up a massage on Feb. 8 with Gartner at the Courtesy Inn motel on West Market Street. He found an ad she posted on backpage.com, police said. The man reported to police that he arrived about 1:30 a.m. at the motel for the massage. Shortly after, Ammons walked into the main room with a knife, according to police reports. Ammons threatened the man with the knife and demanded money, police said. The man handed over $75. Ammons kicked him in the knee and walked out of the door. Ammons has a 2011 conviction for domestic violence and child endangerment. Gartner is on probation after pleading guilty Dec. 16 to possessing heroin. She was sentenced to 30 months on probation and a six-month driver's license suspension. The move comes days after the Ohio Attorney General's Office warned of so-called "sweetheart scams." The office said that it fielded some 40 complaints in 2015 resulting in more than $7,300 in losses reported by people who claimed they arranged meetings with people they met over the internet. The Akron area has been the site of several cases in recent months of men being robbed in such scams. PresidentsDayFeb2016.jpg Jim Smith (rt.) with Richard Hronek give Presidents' Day presentation on Ohio Presidents. AVON, Ohio - What better way to celebrate Presidents' Day than to learn interesting facts about the presidents that came from Ohio. Sound boring? Then you haven't heard Jim Smith tell the little known facts and anecdotes that he presents in his talks. Smith is a former teacher and now the educational coordinator at the Lorain County Historical Society. He teamed up with Richard Hronek, a collector of presidential memorabilia, to give a talk on Presidents' Day at the Avon branch of the Lorain Public Library. From 1840 to 1920, Ohio produced eight presidents. Four of them died in office, three being assassinated. All were married and, among them, had many "firsts" in presidential history. Here are some of the more juicy details from Smith's presentation about these Ohio presidents (in order) and their first ladies. William Henry Harrison represented the first "modern" presidential campaign. The candidate's party did the campaigning while the candidate sat on his porch and greeted people with cups of hard cider. Harrison caught pneumonia at his own inaugural and was dead 30 days later. Wife Anna outlived nine of their 10 children. Ulysses Grant was a general during the Civil War. His administration had a reputation for graft and corruption. He redeemed himself by writing his memoir, still regarded as one of the most extraordinary books ever written. His wife Julia was cross-eyed so she stood almost sideways in her photos so it would be less noticeable. He was the only Ohio president to serve two terms. Rutherford Hayes and his wife Lucy banned alcohol in the White House. Lucy was the first wife of a president to have a college degree. They were also the first presidential couple to travel to California and the first presidential library and museum was created for Hayes. James Garfield was the only president who was an ordained minister. He was shot just weeks after his inauguration but he lasted for months. As his fever rose in the hot summer, wife Lucretia rigged pipes that blew cold air from fans over blocks of ice to cool her husband's room. His death in July came not from being shot, but from infection that set in by numerous doctors who repeatedly probed for the bullet with dirty hands and instruments. Benjamin Harrison, a military general, was the grandson of William Henry Harrison. Wife Caroline was an artist and became the first president of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Rumors abounded that Harrison was having an affair with Caroline's niece. It was vehemently denied but, after Caroline died, he married the niece. William McKinley was a major in the Spanish American war. His wife, Ida, suffered from seizures. At White House dinners, McKinley was admired for always sitting close to her so that he could minister to her if she had a seizure. She spent her time upstairs in the family quarters crocheting thousands of slippers as gifts to friends and charitable causes. McKinley was shot dead in his second term. In 1998, Ida's childhood home in Canton, Ohio became the first ever library and museum dedicated to first ladies. William Taft had an ambitious wife, Helen, who wanted to live in the White House. But he hated being president and, some say, ate his way through his four year term. He is remembered for weighing more than 300 pounds and getting stuck in the White House bathtub. He lived happily ever after in his dream job as chief justice of the United States. Warren Harding and his wife, Florence, were a dynamic political couple. He was the first president to ride in an automobile to his inauguration. In addition to the rumors of Harding's extra marital affairs, both in and out of the White House, his administration is remembered for one of the biggest corruption scandals of the time, dubbed Teapot Dome. When he died suddenly only two years into his first term, his wife would not allow an autopsy, which fomented rumors that she had poisoned him as punishment for his affairs. Nothing was ever proven. RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio - It's no wonder cleveland.com readers chose La Fiesta's Gold Margarita as the best in Northeast Ohio; it's big enough to keep you occupied for a while, but so tasty it will still leave you craving more. It's the perfect drink to celebrate National Margarita Day, which is commemorated every year on Feb. 22. In fact, the Richmond Heights restaurant already started celebrating with specials and events over the weekend. Just don't ask for the recipe. Bartender Jimmy Boges, 64, fondly known around La Fiesta as "Uncle Jimmy," said the recipe is top-secret. The Gold Margarita finished first among 10 finalists in a cleveland.com poll conducted last week. "I'm going to put [the recipe] on my tombstone so I get some visitors when I pass on," Boges told cleveland.com on Friday during a visit to check out the winning drink. Not even his mother, the restaurant's owner, knows the exact proportions Boges uses. Hortensia Valle, 84, has been in charge of the restaurant for about four decades and can still be found bustling around the restaurant six mornings a week. Her mother, Antonia Valle, first opened La Fiesta in 1952 on the near West side, and they claim it is the oldest Mexican restaurant in Cleveland. Valle said the secret is having the right proportions: not too sweet, not too sour, just right. Jane Zupancic, 64, of Cleveland Heights, was enjoying a Gold Margarita on Friday afternoon. She's been coming to the restaurant for more than two decades with her husband, and it's the only place she gets cocktails. The Gold Margarita is one of her favorites. "It's not too sweet, I don't like the really, really sweet margaritas," Zupancic said. "Jimmy does it right." But if the Gold Margarita isn't your thing, try La Fiesta's mouthwatering frozen Mango Margarita, their colorful Blue Margarita, or a frozen margarita mixed with sangria. They also serve a Coronarita, a mix of margarita and Corona beer. According to Boges, it took him years to perfect the classic Mexican cocktail. "You don't want to make drinks and have them sent back, so they had to be perfected," Boges said. Over the 37 years Boges has been tending bar, he's had to make - and taste - many margaritas to get his recipes just right. Sounds like a tough job. But it was worth it; Boges said he's had people from all over the world come into La Fiesta and tell him his margaritas are the best they've ever had. Fred Geis Fred Geis, a developer who moved from the suburbs into the city, will join the Cleveland City Planning Commission in March at the behest of Mayor Frank Jackson. (Lisa DeJong/Plain Dealer file) CLEVELAND, Ohio - One of the city's most prominent real estate developers is preparing to take a seat on the Cleveland City Planning Commission, the public body that reviews project proposals and establishes sweeping plans for development. Mayor Frank Jackson has appointed Fred Geis to fill a vacant seat on the commission, a seven-member board that meets twice a month. The choice of a high-profile developer, whose current projects include city-owned sites, is being met with surprise, applause and some questions about potential conflicts between Geis's interests and the public good. "The planning commissions existence is predicated on the premise that developers need some restraint, that it's not a good idea to just let her rip, if you know what I mean," said Norman Krumholz, who was the city's planning director from 1969 to 1979 and a member of the commission from 2006 to 2014. "It is very unusual to appoint a developer to the planning commission that is supposed to regulate and control development." Geis, who is 57, has a background in suburban industrial real estate. Over the last decade, though, he's become a force in the city, with major investments along the Health-Tech Corridor in Midtown and a sizable downtown portfolio. He and his brother, Greg, lead the Geis Cos., a Streetsboro-based family of businesses with a hand in construction, development, architecture, property management and hospitality. They're responsible for the mixed-use makeover of the former Ameritrust complex as The 9, a project that brought a Heinen's grocery store to downtown Cleveland and filled empty buildings with apartments, a hotel, dining and event spaces. The brothers also constructed Cuyahoga County's new administration building on East Ninth Street. "Fred Geis is a Cleveland resident and brings a perspective to the city planning commission that we have not had in the past," Jackson wrote in an emailed statement. "And, as in the past, if any member of the board has a potential conflict, they must recuse themselves." The city would not say anything else about the appointment, which has been approved by Cleveland City Council. Geis will join the commission at its next meeting, on March 4. "I do believe that it's forward-thinking of the mayor to involve private enterprise in some of the decision-making of the public," said Geis, adding that he sees the role as a way to give back to the community. Geis said he'll abstain from voting on any proposals where he has a conflict. He plans to donate his stipend - commission members receive roughly $6,000 a year - to refugee-housing efforts on Cleveland's west side. "I think I've proven, time and time again, that the interest of the city of Cleveland is more important than my private interest," he said. "You certainly couldn't get me to volunteer 200-plus hours for a conflict of interest." The commission has a history of attracting noteworthy members, including architects and attorneys. The current chairman, David Bowen, works at Richard L. Bowen and Associates, Inc., his father's architecture, engineering and construction-services firm. Tony Coyne, who sat on the commission for 25 years and ended his 16-year stint as chairman in April, is a real estate lawyer. Both men have recused themselves during discussions about projects involving their firms. "You're bringing someone that has a tremendous amount of development expertise to the commission," Coyne said of Geis, "and I think he'll be an asset because of that background." Bob Brown, the city's assistant planning director from 1989 to 2005 and its planning director from 2005 to 2014, couldn't recall a mayor picking someone with Geis's profile. At least one architect-developer, Dick Pace of Cumberland Development, sits on a regional city design-review committee. But those committees play an advisory role, sending recommendations to the planning commission for rejection or approval. The mayor appoints six of the planning commission members and two alternates. The seventh seat goes to a member of city council. Terms typically last six years, though appointees have served for much longer stretches or shorter stints. "With respect to substance, Fred would add a lot of useful knowledge and skills to the commission," Brown said. "The issue of conflict-of-interest is a legal one, and I'm not really in a position to comment on that. Certainly there is a conflict-of-interest question whenever anyone is appointed to a board or commission." On top of the Geis organization's part in projects the commission might see, Geis has development deals and other agreements with the city. He's worked with city hall to assemble public financing and to craft development plans for publicly owned land. And like many other developers in Cleveland, Geis has taken advantage of low-interest loans, property-tax abatement and other incentives the city offers. In Midtown, Geis is picking off city-owned land for an office campus not far from the Geis-built MidTown Tech Park on Euclid Avenue. The Geis brothers also have looked at building offices on city-owned property near Burke Lakefront Airport, in a deal that would involve a long-term ground lease instead of an outright land sale. Hunter Morrison, another former planning director, said those relationships shouldn't prevent Geis from being a valuable member of the commission. "To exclude people because of their business would be to cut out a whole group of folks who are engaged in the life of the city," said Morrison, who led the city's planning department for 20 years and now heads up the Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium. "The other side of Fred Geis," Morrison added, "is that he's a guy who now lives in the city and has invested and could be a pretty significant addition to the discussion. ... Part of what you want in a body like this is people whose commitment to the community is clear and demonstrated. And then the safeguards need to be put in place in terms of the appearance or reality of any conflict." Krumholz questioned whether any developer could be effective in that role. "It's inherently a conflict of interest," he said. "The owners of property and the would-be developers of property have certain objectives, and they have to do with maximizing return on investment and so on, whereas the planning commission is supposed to represent the public interest in the broadest possible extent." But Krumholz stopped short of criticizing the mayor's choice. "Let's say it's an unusual decision and let it go at that," he said. "I'm conflicted, because I really like Fred. And it may be that he will do an outstanding job." madrid3.jpg Squire Patton Boggs law firm on Monday announced an agreement to merge with San Francisco-based law firm Carroll, Burdick & McDonough LLP to create a premier product quality, brand protection and compliance practice. The combined firm would have more than 1,500 lawyers in 21 countries, including three offices in Germany. (Squire Patton Boggs) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland-founded law firm of Squire Patton Boggs on Monday announced an agreement to merge with San Francisco-based law firm Carroll, Burdick & McDonough LLP to create a premier product quality, brand protection and compliance practice. The agreement combines Squire Patton Boggs' more than 1,500 lawyers in 21 countries in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East, with Carroll Burdick, a complex litigation and products risk management firm with more than 50 lawyers on three continents. The merger is expected to take effect next month. Terms were not disclosed. Carroll Burdick, founded in 1948 by three San Francisco lawyers, will operate as an integrated part of Squire Patton Boggs, continuing to serve clients in a range of corporate, compliance and dispute-related disciplines, including representing the transportation industry. Its lawyers speak more than 16 languages, including German, English, Mandarin Chinese, French, Latvian, Romanian, Russian and Spanish. Carroll Burdick's main office is in San Francisco, but it also has offices in Boblingen, near Stuttgart, which will give the combined firm a major presence in Germany's industrial powerhouse of Baden-Wurttemberg, according to the announcement. Squire Patton Boggs already has offices in Berlin and Frankfurt, so the third office will "further solidify its long-term commitment to serving premier German clients with worldwide business." Squire Patton Boggs and Carroll Burdick both have offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. Carroll Burdick's lawyers will eventually move into Squire Patton Boggs' offices in those cities, doubling the firm's size in San Francisco, and giving the combined firm nearly 120 lawyers on the West Coast. Squire Patton Boggs' Global Chairman Mark Ruehlmann. "From the outset of our discussions with Carroll Burdick, it was clear that our firms shared common values, a complementary mix of practices and clients who would mutually benefit from what the other firm brought to the table," said Square Patton Boggs' Global Chairman Mark Ruehlmann, in a statement. Ruehlmann is based in the firm's Cincinnati office. "The needs of our clients have always been the central focus of our firm's strategic vision. In an increasingly regulated and inter-dependent global economy, our clients rely upon us now more than ever for compliance solutions across virtually all industries. With this combination, and the new relationships that come with it, we have even greater opportunities to better serve our clients with strong and developing global businesses," he said. Carroll Burdick Chairman Matthew Kemner said in the same statement that "As we looked to grow and expand the range of services we could offer clients, particularly our premier practice in global product risk coordination, joining a firm with the scale, practice breadth and global reputation of Squire Patton Boggs was a logical step." Squire Patton Boggs, founded in Cleveland in 1890 as Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, was formed in May 2014 by its merger with Patton Boggs, a Washington, D.C., lobbying powerhouse. It is now one of the world's 25 largest law firms in terms of lawyers, with 45 offices in 21 countries. The Cleveland office, with 110 lawyers, is the firm's third largest, after the offices in Washington, D.C., and London. Follow @janetcho AKRON, Ohio -- Two managers for a Chinese subsidiary of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company were arrested Friday and charged with fleecing the company and taking kickbacks. Xin Fan, 40, and Rex Yu, 37, of Shanghai are accused of helping to concoct a scheme that inflated the price of natural rubber that the Akron-based company purchases from suppliers, according to two criminal complaints filed by the FBI. In the process, at least one of the suppliers gave the pair kickbacks. It was not immediately clear how much the FBI believes Fan and Xu have received. The complaints only reference two wire transfer from December where both men each received between $20,000 and $30,000. A statement from Goodyear says, however, that the pair's scheme sought to defraud Goodyear of millions of dollars. Fan is the managing director of Goodyear Orient Company, a subsidiary of Goodyear. Yu is the subsidiary's sourcing director and Fan's subordinate. Both were arrested during a business meeting at Goodyear's headquarters in Akron. They are charged with committing wire and honest services fraud. Magistrate Judge George Limbert ordered them held in jail at least until Thursday when he is scheduled to hold a detention hearing at the federal courthouse in Youngstown. Ross Smith, Fan's attorney, said he is working to find out more about the government's allegations. Samuel Amendolara, Yu's attorney, did not return a phone call Monday. Goodyear's statement says the company "has strict policies against this type of behavior and will take all necessary actions to protect its good name." According to the complaints: One of Fan's jobs is to purchase natural rubber from Asian suppliers. In 2013, one of Goodyear's top suppliers was a company called GMG Investments. Over the next two years the amount of rubber purchased from GMG dropped. During the same period, Goodyear Orient began buying more rubber from a company called Toprubber, which was incorporated in 2012. Seventy-five percent of the company is owned by a man named Anthony Lim. Fan previously claimed he fired Lim from Goodyear Orient due to poor performance. Goodyear started investigating Fan and Yu in the summer after it received an anonymous tip that they were receiving kickbacks. The investigation showed that GMG would sell to Toprubber, and Toprubber would inflate the price and sell to Goodyear. The company began monitoring Fan's computer. They saw that Fan sent and received emails that showed that he, Yu and others were manipulating the prices before Goodyear purchased natural rubber. In December, Toprubber sent Fan $61,181 via a wire transfer. About $23,000 of that money went to his bank accounts. Xu received $28,182. Goodyear notified the FBI this month. LORAIN, Ohio -- A Lorain County grand jury will decide whether to indict an Elyria man accused of opening fire inside a Lorain home on Feb. 14, and shooting a dog several times. Ricardo M. Johnson, 30, also led police on a chase through the city's West and East sides before surrendering, police said. Johnson appeared in Lorain Municipal Court Monday alongside attorney Bill Willis. Judge Thomas J. Elwell Jr. reduced Johnson's bond from $50,000 to $25,000, and said the case would be bound over to the grand jury. Johnson is charged with aggravated menacing, endangering children, having weapons under disability, discharge of a firearm on prohibited premises, prohibitions concerning companion animals, operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, willful or wanton disregard for safety on streets, and fleeing. Prosecutor Jeff Szabo said he agreed with the bond reduction. "There's only one felony -- having weapons under disability -- and $25,000 is a little higher than normal bond for that charge," Szabo said. "Based on the result of what happened in the home, $50,000 was a little high, but $25,000 is still enough to encourage him to come to court." Police say Johnson fired into the dog Diablo's cage three times because he was angry after losing $5 in a card game. He also pointed the gun at people inside the Madison Avenue home and threatened to shoot them. Johnson then led police on an 8-minute chase, before surrendering, police said. His blood alcohol level was .159, nearly twice the .08 legal limit to operate a vehicle in Ohio. Outside the courthouse, more than a dozen protesters against animal cruelty rallied for justice for Diablo. "It's not just about the dog; my 8-year-old daughter was asleep upstairs," said Danyel Johnson, who lives in the home where the shooting happened. "I've known [Ricardo] for seven years. If he was in his right mind, it never would have happened." Like Chanda Neely on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter: LORAIN, Ohio -- Protesters against animal cruelty rallied outside Lorain Municipal Court Monday afternoon, when a man accused of shooting a family dog several times was scheduled to appear in court. Ricardo M. Johnson, 30, of Elyria, is accused of opening fire Feb. 14 inside a Lorain home, shooting a dog named Diablo. He then led police on an eight-minute chase through the city's West and East sides before surrendering, police said. "We want to raise awareness about this case because animals are like family to a lot of us," said Mike Smeck, spokesman for The Nitro Foundation who organized the rally. "If we can stop abuse on the lowest level, which is animal abuse, then we may be able to stop these individuals before they move on to child abuse, elder abuse, and even rape." Police say Johnson fired into a cage, shooting Diablo, because he was angry after losing $5 in a card game. Officers found Diablo lying responsive on the kitchen floor, along with a bullet casing on the dining room table, and three others on the floor. Police took the dog to an emergency veterinary hospital, where he was euthanized. A veterinarian removed a 9mm bullet from the dog's abdomen. Diablo was 2 years old. He was a part of the family since he was 5 weeks, Diablo's owner Danyel Johnson said. Danyel Johnson is no relation to Ricardo Johnson. Danyel Johnson said her children, who are 5, 8, and 10, miss Diablo. "They're stunned," Danyel Johnson said. "We got the carpet changed so they didn't have to see the blood. "I'm not going to describe to them what happened," Danyel Johnson added. "They don't need to know. I told them he's no longer going to be with this." Supporters honked their car horns as they drove by the protesters holding signs that read, "Justice for Diablo," "Max penalty for shooting family pet," and "Pet Lives Matters." The Nitro Foundation is working to make animal cruelty a felony in Ohio. Nitro was one of eight dogs starved to death at a Youngstown training facility in 2008. Johnson faces charges of aggravated menacing, endangering children, having weapons under disability, discharge of a firearm on prohibited premises, prohibitions concerning companion animals, operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, willful or wanton disregard for safety on streets, and fleeing. Like Chanda Neely on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter: caila-ben-hudson.jpg Ben Higgins and Caila Quinn share a kiss during a hometown date in Northeast Ohio. (ABC) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hudson will be in the spotlight on tonight's episode of "The Bachelor." Ben Higgins travels to the Summit County suburb for a hometown date with Caila Quinn, one of the four remaining women on the ABC reality show. During the visit -- filmed last October -- the couple tours the Step2 factory in Streetsboro, where they build a toy house. Quinn's father, Chris, is the toy company's CEO. "Even in my wildest dreams, I didn't think taking Ben to this factory would be this fun," Caila says on an ABC.com video. "Caila with a power tool, a hard hat. I never thought I would find a toy factory sexy," Ben says. Ben and Caila make a toy factory sexy!https://t.co/CtAiguYDgD The Bachelor (@BachelorABC) February 19, 2016 The couple was also spotted at Caila's alma mater, Western Reserve Academy, as well as the Open Door Coffee Co. in downtown Hudson, the Akron Beacon Journal reported. The final stop: dinner with the parents, where Ben faces the traditional interrogation by her father. What will their reaction be when she tells them she's falling in love? "I know Ben is the one and in know I'm going to marry him, and I know we're going to have the happily after I've been looking for," Caila says. This isn't the first time "The Bachelor" has visited Northeast Ohio for hometown dates. ABC camera crews were here in 2003 and 2005 when Mentor native Jen Schefft appeared on "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette." Hudson is one of four hometowns Ben visits in the episode. He also travels to Orange County, CA to meet Amanda and her daughters, Lauren B.'s hometown of Portland and Dallas, where JoJo is waiting for him. Only three of the women will make it to the next episode and be invited to share a "Fantasy Suite" with Ben. Want the best of Ohio politics, delivered to you Monday through Friday, for free? No problem. The Battleground Briefing newsletter keeps you updated on the most important political happenings of the day: fast facts, analysis and fun. Check out a sample of the newsletter by clicking this link, and if you want it in your mailbox every day, for free, sign up here. We take you on the campaign trail. Dig up funny political shenanigans on Twitter. Decode dense analysis on the presidential election. Show you candidates' schedules. Poke fun with political cartoons. Today's edition? John Kasich sees a path to the Republican presidential nomination. The Ohio governor is competing against Marco Rubio, the leading Republican establishment candidate, in the race to beat Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. Kasich is only 5 delegates behind Rubio, but the Florida senator continues to gain momentum. Kasich may face pressure to step aside in the coming weeks. Expect Ohio's governor to stick to this refrain in the coming weeks: "Remember this," Kasich said Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation" with John Dickerson, "I'm the person who beats Hillary Clinton by more than any other Republican candidate for president." Subscribe today to the National Politics newsletter! Superintendent Jeff Patterson, at the podium, explains the process that will be used to determine the future for the two former elementary schools. (Carol Kovach/special to cleveland.com) LAKEWOOD, Ohio - As the in the history of the winds down, officials are starting the process to determine the future of the Franklin and Taft school buildings and grounds. The two structures were mothballed several years ago, but are being used as transition sites during construction. Franklin, 13465 Franklin Blvd., houses while the new building is completed at 14237 Athens Ave. The new Roosevelt building is scheduled to open this fall. Taft, 13701 Lake Ave., houses , a charter school operated by the district. LCA formerly was housed at . The eastern half of LHS, the oldest part of that structure, was demolished last year and is being rebuilt. At a listening night on Feb. 17 at Superintendent Jeff Patterson invited residents to share their questions and concerns about the Franklin and Taft sites. He said the administrative team is conducting a survey and will address all unanswered questions by early March. Later that month, the team will consider the data that was collected so recommendations can be formulated for repurposing of the buildings and grounds. Audience members display the questions formulated at their table regarding the future of the schools. Residents interested in weighing in on the schools' redevelopment can access the survey through the school district's website. The survey link is . In May, Patterson said he will make a recommendation to the school board about the two former schools. He expects the board will make a decision on the properties, then implement its plan in 2017. The buildings could be mothballed once again, demolished and redeveloped or used by another school. If they are mothballed, Patterson said it would cost the district about $50,000 per year to maintain each building. "We would have to protect the buildings from further deterioration and vandalism," Patterson said, adding that cost could increase, since both buildings need new boilers. "Abandoned buildings have a negative impact on the value of homes in the neighborhood," which is another consideration, he added. If the buildings are sold, state law requires that they be offered to the highest bidder for the best use. He said a charter school could bid on the buildings, or they could be sold to a governmental agency. Otherwise, they could be demolished and redeveloped, as was done with the former at 1215 West Clifton Blvd. That 2.8-acre parcel, appraised at $1.1 million in 2012, was sold to the city. The building was demolished and the site is being redeveloped with new housing. Patterson said there were no tax abatements connected to the McKinley redevelopment. "The board insisted on that," he added. Appraised value for the 1.92-acre Franklin parcel is $340,000 for educational use or $170,000 for residential redevelopment. The Taft site, 2.6 acres, was appraised at $600,000 for educational use or $570,000 for residential redevelopment. Patterson said there does not seem to be much interest in using the buildings for educational purposes, noting he has received no inquiries. Once the disposition of the two schools is determined, Patterson said focus will shift to how the district will proceed with the central office and Recreation Department facilities. Those buildings, both on Warren Road, are the last two district-used properties not being rebuilt or remodeled as part of the ongoing rebuilding program. That $100 million project was the final installment of a plan that involved major improvements and/or rebuilding of every school in the district. The project was financed by a approved in November 2013, and matching funds from the . At the Feb. 17 meeting, which was attended by more than 50 people, Patterson asked that residents list questions on index cards, which then were used to compile another list of five questions per table. These were shared with the large group. Finally, any additional questions or concerns were written on a second set of index cards that school officials collected. These will be reviewed by members of the administrative team. Among the questions asked by the group were: * What will become of Lakewood City Academy/where will it go if the Taft site is sold and redeveloped? * Are there any plans for the board administrative offices and Recreation Department sites? * Could one of the sites be used as a community center or student activity center? * How will the money from the sale of the buildings be used (if the buildings are sold)? * What will happen to the modular units at Taft if that site is sold/redeveloped? * Will the community have a voice in the type of housing or reuse of the properties if they are sold and redeveloped? * Are any developers interested in either site at this time? * Could the Franklin building be redeveloped as loft apartments? * Has consideration been given to seeking tax credits for historic preservation? In response to an inquiry about the effect charter schools have on the district, Patterson said state money for the students follows the student if he or she attends a charter school. Since LCA is a charter school of the district, the funds stay in the city. Patterson said LCA is a specialty school aimed at assisting at-risk students. "We've had success there," he said, adding the district "is committed to Lakewood City Academy." He thanked the audience for input on the schools' disposition. "We have an excellent staff and a very involved community. We are fortunate, because that is not the case everywhere," Patterson said. Anonymous-video.png A member of the hackers group Anonymous speaks in a video released Sunday, threatening to release the personal information of Cincinnati police officers involved in a deadly shooting last week. (Courtesy of WXIX-TV Cincinnati) CINCINNATI, Ohio - The hacking group Anonymous is targeting the Cincinnati Police Department in a video released Sunday. In the video, someone wearing a mask discusses the group's anger over the department's handling of a deadly officer-involved shooting last week in the city's Westwood neighborhood. The masked man at a podium with a digitized voice threatened to release the personal information of Cincinnati police officers involved in the shooting of Paul Gaston last week, WCPO-TV in Cincinnati reported. The group then posted online personal information about more than 50 Cincinnati police officers, including Police Chief Eliot Isaac. As of 4:30 a.m. today, the information had been taken down, WLWT-TV in Cincinnati reported. The case that prompted the hack occurred Feb. 17, when witnesses Paul Gaston became erratic after crashing into a pole. When police confronted him, investigators said Gaston initially complied with officer's orders but then failed to comply with officer's commands and reached to his belt to grab a gun. That's when officers shot him. The gun turned out to be an Airsoft pellet gun, which Isaac called "a very realistic-looking firearm." Anonymous claims Gaston did comply and cites another shooting in the Cincinnati suburb of Mount Healthy Feb. 16 where a man pointed a gun at officers, but was taken into custody. But videos taken by two witnesses show Gaston reaching into his waistband rather than lying on the ground as he was ordered. The voice in the video compared Gaston's case to other black men carrying fake weapons who have been shot by police in Ohio, John Crawford and Tamir Rice, and suggests there is a double standard based on race, WCPO reported. Fraternal Order of Police Sgt. Dan Hils told WXIX-TV in Cincinnati the group doctored videos of the Gaston shooting. The 'Anonymous' video used the cell phone footage of the shooting released by Cincinnati police. Hils said the group cut away from the video when Gaston raised his arm. "I believe this is a fringe element that is trying to stir up emotions and trouble in a city that is mostly peaceful and supportive of its police department," Hils said. Here are other top stories from the Cincinnati area today: dead-crow-youngstown.jpg This is one of more than two dozen dead crows that appeared along Interstate 680 in Youngstown on Saturday. (Courtesy of WKBN-TV Youngstown) YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - More than two dozen dead crows have appeared along Interstate 680 in Youngstown. On Saturday, passers-by spotted the carcasses of large black birds along the northbound lanes of I-680 near Midlothian Boulevard, WFMJ-TV in Youngstown reported. The Ohio Department of Transportation says they do not know where the birds came from. Crews removed them today, WKBN-TV in Youngstown reported. ODNR Wildlife Officer Jesse Janosik told WFMJ he would take photographs of the dead birds and collect samples for testing. He expects it will take a couple of days before it is determined what caused the animals to die. The officer told WKBN he did not want to jump to conclusions as to what it could be that killed the crows. He said the crows are part of a large migration that have lived in that area for many years and this is the first time they have investigated a mysterious death involving the birds. According to the Division of Wildlife website, ODNR actively follows up on reports of any wildlife diseases in Ohio and monitors the health of wildlife populations to ensure their long-term conservation. Here are other top stories today from Youngstown and eastern Ohio: Ohio 9 near Cadiz in Harrison County has been re-opened after a fatal accident that occurred this morning. (WTRF-TV Steubenville)(WTOV-TV Steubenville) Brookfield police in Trumbull County are investigating a reported shooting today after a domestic dispute. (WFMJ-TV Youngstown)(WKBN-TV Youngstown) Dan Michael Thompson, of Steubenville, was arrested early Sunday morning in connection to a shooting hours earlier in Mingo Junction. (WTOV-TV Steubenville)(WTRF-TV Steubenville) A five-week investigation into a Steubenville man having inappropriate contact with a juvenile via text message has come to an end with the man's arrest, according to Harrison County Sheriff Joe Myers. (WTRF-TV Steubenville)(WTOV-TV Steubenville) Dawn Liggett, a Steubenville woman accused of stabbing her husband in Steubenville Sunday night, made an appearance in Steubenville Municipal Court this morning. (WTOV-TV Steubenville) Boardman Township police have located a pickup truck involved in a hit and run crash that sent a small child to the hospital Sunday. (WKBN-TV Youngstown) Tye_Downard_Mug_Shot.jpg Former Reynoldsburg Police Detective Tye Downard killed himself in his Delaware County jail cell Monday morning. (Courtesy of WBNS-TV Columbus) COLUMBUS, Ohio - A former suburban Columbus police detective hanged himself in the Delaware County Jail Monday morning. Former Reynoldsburg Police Officer Tye Downard, 43, was found dead in his jail cell about 1:30 a.m., the Delaware County Sheriff's Office confirmed. He was facing federal charges of possession of drugs with the intent to distribute, a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison. "During hourly inmate checks, corrections officers discovered Downard had hanged himself in his single-person jail cell," the sheriff's office told WSYX-TV in Columbus. Corrections officers and medical staff immediately rendered unsuccessful life-saving efforts, until medics arrived and transported Downard to Grady Memorial Hospital, WSYX reported. Federal agents said in an affidavit Downard organized 21 drug sales since October 2015 with the same confidential informant. The narcotics included heroin, cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills, WCMH-TV in Columbus reported. He was arrested by U.S. Marshals Feb. 18 and taken to Delaware County Jail. On Jan. 8, the affidavit states, Downard gave the informant nearly two kilos of marijuana to sell; drugs which the department confiscated the day before in the bust of a marijuana growing operation. Authorities say he'd pocketed nearly $35,000 from those sales. Downard worked for Reynoldsburg Police for more than 20 years and was a veteran member of the DEA Task force, WBNS-TV in Columbus reported. Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien said last week nearly 50 cases connected to Downard will be reviewed in the wake of his arrest, WBNS reported. In addition, two other Reynoldsburg officers who worked closely with Downard have been placed on temporary administrative leave, but have not been charged in the case. Here are other top stories from the Columbus area today: Photo: The Plain Dealer Harnessing the wind and sun: Ohio can do better Ohio is missing the green revolution, and the many jobs that go with it. Consider this fact. Ohio gets less than one percent of its electricity from wind power. Iowa, by comparison, gets 28.5 percent. Minnesota, 15.9 percent. Ohio generates even less of its electricity from solar power, while California leads the way with a solar contribution approaching 10 percent. Today, cleveland.com launches the first installment in a series that will look at why Ohio has fallen far behind other states in harnessing renewable energy, and what it would take for the state to get back into the race and begin reaping the economic benefits that come from a fast-growing industry. By Peter Krouse, cleveland.com Next slide: Missed opportunities Don't Edit Graphic: USEIA, June 2015/Photo: Gary Tramontina, special to The Plain Dealer Missed opportunities For the states that have embraced renewable energy, the benefits go well beyond breathing cleaner air and reducing carbon footprints. Acccepting renewable energy also means putting people to work. And yet the political forces that prevail in Columbus seem satsified with reyling heavily on fossil fuels. Coal and natural gas interests figure prominently in the state. But is the legislature doing what's best for Ohioans? Renewable energy is not a gimmick anymore. Its growth is inevitable. Before examining the future of renewable energy in Ohio, let's first look at where we've been. Did you know that wind-generated electricity was born in Ohio? Next slide: An ingenious idea Don't Edit Photo: Western Reserve Historical Society An ingenius idea Cleveland's Charles Brush was a remarkable inventer who counted Thomas Edison among his contemporaries. In 1888, Brush built what was billed at the time as the nation's first electricty-generating wind turbine in the backyard of his mansion at East 37th Street and Euclid Avenue. Brush's turbine featured 144 cedar blades "twisted like those of screw propellers" according to an 1890 article in Scientific American. It could light up his house. Remarkable, for sure, but practical? "The reader must not suppose that electric lighting by means of power supplied in this way is cheap because the wind costs nothing," the Scientific American article reads. "On the contrary, the cost of the plant is so great as to more than offset the cheapness of the motive power. However, there is a great satisfaction in making use of one of nature's most unruly motive agents." That certainly wasn't the end of the discussion. Next slide: The energy crisis of the 1970s spurs research into wind energy Don't Edit undefined Photo: NASA 1970s energy crisis spurs research in Ohio Following the energy crisis of the 1970s, NASA's Plum Brook research station near Sandusky became a center for experimental wind energy. The technology created there has been instrumental in the development of modern wind turbines, but it did little to spur the industry in Ohio. Around the same time, a Toledo entrepreneur was developing ideas for harnessing another renewable-energy source - the sun. Next slide: The glass man cometh Don't Edit Photo: First Solar The glass man cometh Dubbed "The Glass Genius" by Fortune magazine, Ohio native Harold McMaster started a company in 1990 that would become First Solar, one of the leading solar-panel makers in the world. First Solar's plant south of Toledo in Perrysburg opened in 2002 with full-scale production of its current line of panels beginning in 2006. The plant now employs 1,300 people. The company makes panels for large, utility-scale solar farms, the kind you might find in Southern California. Around this same time, progressive leaders in Cleveland tried to embrace renewable energy in its various forms. They saw it as a way to bring good jobs to the state. Next slide: A far out idea or jobs for the future. Don't Edit Don't Edit Photo: Howard Tucker A far out idea or jobs for the future? The Cleveland Foundation and its CEO, Ronn Richard, put forth a bold proposal to erect wind turbines in Lake Erie. Efforts to that end are being led by the Lake Erie Energy Development Corp. (LEEDCo.), with testing going on several miles off the Cleveland shoreline. Several million dollars in federal grants, along with seed money from the Cleveland Foundation, have gone into the effort. LEEDCo. hopes to have its six-turbine demonstration project operational by 2019. Next slide: Progressives in Columbus call for renewable-energy subsidies. Don't Edit Photo: The Plain Dealer Ohio leaders enact renewable energy subsidies In 2008, then-Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, a Democrat, signed a law that required investor-owned utilities, such as FirstEnergy, to obtain 25 percent of their electric power from alternative sources, including 12.5 percent from renewable sources such as wind and solar, by 2025. The law went further, requiring that half of the renewable energy come from sources inside Ohio. As a result, plans for wind farms and solar arrays began to emerge around the state, and manufacturers of renewable-energy equipment, including many in Cleveland, expressed interest in joining the supply chain. Next slide: Ohio's relatively windy northwest Don't Edit Photo: Michael McPheeters The state's relatively windy northwest attracts developers Even before the renewable standards became law, wind energy companies began to secure land for potential wind farms, primarly in the northwestern sector of the state where wind conditions are most favorable. EDP Renewables of Spain built a turbine farm in Paulding County that began operating in 2011 and Iberdrola Renewables, also of Spain, completed its Blue Creek Wind Farm in parts of Paulding and Van Wert counties in 2012. Next slide: Solar energy begins to emerge. Don't Edit Photo: Ken Chamberlain, Ohio State University Extension Solar catches on A subsidiary of the New Jersey-based Public Service Electric and Gas Co. was the first to take advantage of the new solar energy standards in a big way, erecting this solar farm in Wyandot County in 2010. Then-Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland called it "a glimpse of the future." American Electric Power buys all the electricty generated by the farm's nearly 160,000 panels. But the majority of solar energy projects across Ohio are much smaller, such as home-rooftop installations. It turns out, however, that not everybody embraces the renewable energy subsidies. Next slide: The Republicans in Columbus freeze renewable energy standards. Don't Edit undefined Photo: Jim Cole, Associated Press The Republicans in Columbus freeze renewable standards Ohio Gov. John Kasich, shown here on the campaign trail in New Hampshire, agreed with a Republican led-legislature in 2014 to temporarily freeze the state's renewable energy standards. Utilities supported the freeze. A Kasich spokesman said at the time that a re-examination of the law was prudent. The move, however, would disrupt wind and solar projects already in the pipeline across Ohio. Just as harmful to the cause was legislation later that year that increased the distance wind turbines had to be from neighboring lots. Dan Litchfield, an official with Iberdrola Renewables, said the more restrictive setback requirements have halted progress on two Iberdrola farms in Ohio. Next slide: where are we now? Don't Edit Don't Edit Graphic: Ohio Power Siting Board Where are we now? This map shows the only two operational wind farms (bright yellow) of any size in the state, with another under construction. All but one of the other projects have been approved. LEEDCo.'s offshore project in Lake Erie is still in the planning stage. What will it take to kick-start wind projects once again? Support by the state would help. But is that help on the way, or will the state legislature continue to frown on the all-important industry subsidies necessary for wind and solar energy to thrive? Next slide: Renewable energy standards still endangered. Don't Edit Renewable energy standards still endangered The 2014 law that froze the renewable energy standards also created The Energy Mandates Study Committee, a group of state lawmakers led by GOP State Rep. Kristina Roegner of Hudson and GOP State Sen. Troy Balderson of Zanesville. Last fall, the committee recommended, among other things, that the renewable energy standards be frozen indefinitely. Kasich has said no way to an indefinite freeze. If the legislature fails to come up with a plan that is agreeable to the governor, the two-year freeze would be lifted at the end of this year and the renewable energy standards would resume. Next slide: Is it too late? Don't Edit undefined The Plain Dealer Jobs, jobs, jobs Ohio had more than 4,800 people working in the solar industry as of November 2015, with nearly 60 percent involved in installation. The wind-power industry in Ohio employed between 1,000 and 2,000 people in 2014, the last year that numbers are available from the American Wind Energy Association. The potential for even more jobs was diminished by a lack of state support and overseas competition, said Ed Weston, director of GLWN, formerly known as the Great Lakes Wind Network. But there still is hope. Ohio has the chance to capitalize on the LEEDCo. project that would bring offshore wind turbines within seven miles of the Cleveland shoreline. Next slide: Is this the future? Don't Edit Photo: Heribert Proepper, Associated Press Will this be the future? Could the wind turbines like those shown here off the coast of Denmark become a common site on the Great Lakes? If the six-turbine demonstration project on Lake Erie becomes a reality, LEEDCo. President Lorry Wagner believes Cleveland could become the hub of an offshore wind industry in Northeast Ohio, the Great Lakes and beyond. algae.jpeg A toxic algal bloom in 2014 forced the three-day shutdown of Toledo's drinking water system, where this photograph was taken. (AP file photo) WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. and Canada struck a deal Monday to adopt targets to reduce algae-feeding phosphorus entering Lake Erie by 40 percent. By reaching the 40 percent targets, the two countries hope to minimize low oxygen "dead zones" in the central basin of Lake Erie, maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems, and keep algal blooms at levels that do not produce toxins that pose a threat to human or ecosystem health. In 2012, the U.S. and Canada signed the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement in which the neighboring countries committed to combat the growing threat of toxic algae in Lake Erie, and to develop updated bi-national phosphorus reduction targets for Lake Erie by 2016. Canada and the U.S. agreed to develop domestic action plans by no later than February 2018 to help meet the new targets. Environmental groups praised the 40 percent reduction agreement. "The adoption of the phosphorus reduction loading targets for Lake Erie is a critical step towards the restoration of Lake Erie," said Mike Shriberg of the National Wildlife Federation. "Collective agreement on the targets on both sides of the border positions all parties for coordinated action on meeting the shared goal of a healthy Lake Erie." Last June, Ohio, Michigan and Ontario signed a pact agreeing to reduce phosphorus by 40 percent by 2025, with an interim goal of 20 percent by 2020. The Ohio EPA is expected to offer its proposal for ways to meet those goals by next month. A news release announcing the U.S./Canada phosphorus reduction agreement did not mention a target year for reaching the 40 percent level. U.S. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said the Great Lakes must be restored to protect public health for all those who depend on them. "The first step in our urgent work together to protect Lake Erie from toxic algae, harmful algal blooms, and other effects of nutrient runoff, is to establish these important phosphorus limits," McCarthy said. "But establishing these targets is not the end of our work together. We are already taking action to meet them." Those sentiments were echoed by Catherine McKenna, Canada's minister of Environment and Climate Change. "Canada recognizes the urgency and magnitude of the threat to Lake Erie water quality and ecosystem health posed by toxic and nuisance algal blooms," she said. "By establishing these targets, we strengthen our resolve to work with our American neighbors, and Canadian and U.S. stakeholders who share these waters, to protect the tremendous natural resource that is Lake Erie." The majority of phosphorus has been traced to fertilizer and manure runoff from farm fields in the Maumee River valley and the land surrounding the Lake Erie's Western Basin. Algae occur naturally in freshwater systems. High amounts of phosphorus can produce too much algae, such as the massive blooms of the past several years. co poisoning.JPG Genesee County Sheriff's and Fenton Township police wait outside of a Fenton Towship, Michigan, home on Sunday. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office confirmed a family of six, including four children, died from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. (Conor Ralph, MLive.com) FENTON TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Four children and two adults were found dead Sunday in a home in Michigan, and authorities suspect carbon monoxide might be responsible. Mlive.com reports authorities said the family had been running a generator in the home's lower level because of a power outage on Friday. No one had made contact with the family since 9:30 p.m. Friday. Police were called to the home at 2 p.m. Sunday by a concerned grandfather. Authorities found four children, ages 2, 4, 7, and 9, and the two adults dead inside their bedrooms. "It's just a very tragic accident," Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell said Sunday, according to NBC News. "It's very difficult just talking to the undersheriff who was in the house and saw all the bodies in the different rooms," Pickell said, Mlive.com reports. "No matter how long how many investigations we conduct, seeing young children, an entire family wiped out is just a very, very sad thing." Last week, five children were flown to a hospital in Pittsburgh after being sickened by high CO levels in an East Cleveland home. Overall, 11 children and two adults were treated. Symptoms of CO poisoning include dizziness, headaches, nausea, weakness, shortness of breath, confusion and blurred vision. KALAMAZOO, Michigan -- Michigan State Police have released the names of four victims shot and killed at a Kalamazoo-area restaurant as part of a shooting rampage across Kalamazoo County. The shooting happened at 10:24 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, when, police say, Jason Brian Dalton, 45, of Cooper Township, approached a Chevrolet Cruze and an Oldsmobile Silhouette minivan in the parking lot of Cracker Barrel, 5581 Cracker Barrel Blvd., in Texas Township. Dalton allegedly shot all four occupants of the Chevrolet Cruze, and the driver of the Oldsmobile, who was the single occupant of the van. The victims in the Chevrolet Cruze are: Mary Jo Nye, 60, of Battle Creek, the driver; Dorothy Brown, 74, of Battle Creek, the rear driver-side passenger; and Barbara Hawthorne, 68, of Battle Creek, the rear, passenger-side passenger. The driver of the minivan, Mary Lou Nye, 62, of Baroda, Mich., also was killed. A 14-year-old front-seat passenger of the Chevrolet is in critical condition at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was pronounced dead until she squeezed her mother's hand, police have said. The shooting at Cracker Barrel was the last of three separate shootings Saturday, and police say Dalton is the suspect. At approximately 5:42 p.m. on Saturday, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office was called to the Meadows Townhomes on G Avenue near Comstock for a woman who had been shot multiple times in the parking lot. The woman remained in serious condition at Borgess Medical Center Sunday morning. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department is leading the investigation into that shooting. The second shooting was reported at approximately 10:08 p.m. at the Seelye Ford Kia Dealership on Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo. During this incident, two people, a father and son, were shot and killed. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation into that shooting. Following the shooting at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant, Dalton was stopped at 12:40 a.m. at Ransom and Porter Streets in Kalamazoo and was taken into custody without further incident. Police were acting on a BOL (Be On the Lookout) for a dark-colored Chevy HHR that was spotted by witnesses at the Stadium Drive and Cracker Barrel shootings. Dalton is believed to be the solo actor in these shootings and there is no further threat to public safety, police say. Kalamazoo Shootings Jason Dalton, of Kalamazoo Township, Mich., is arraigned via video Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, in Kalamazoo, Mich. Dalton is charged with multiple counts of murder in a series of random shootings in western Michigan. (Mark Bugnaski, Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) Today's top stories: A Michigan Uber driver accused of killing six people and injuring two others in an alleged shooting spree this weekend told investigators that "he took people's lives," officials said today at a court hearing that the suspect did not attend. (ABC News) The United States and Russia announced today a landmark 'cessation of hostilities' in war-torn Syria will take effect Feb. 27. (Daily Mail) Bill Cosby's wife, an enigmatic figure who has publicly stood by her husband despite the dozens of sexual assault allegations against him, was deposed today in a defamation lawsuit filed against him by seven accusers. (Associated Press) National news: Ted Cruz asked his communications director Rick Tyler to resign today after Tyler distributed a video that falsely depicted Marco Rubio dismissing the Bible. (CNN News) The FBI today rebutted accounts in the media, and implications by Apple, that it or San Bernardino County messed up when the iCloud password for the iPhone used by Syed Rizwan Farook was reset days after a shooting that left 14 dead. (Computerworld) Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Missouri Democrat, has been diagnosed with breast cancer, she announced this afternoon. (CNN News) Fire officials said today they're investigating the cause of a blaze that struck a Minneapolis-bound Megabus in suburban Chicago over the weekend. (Chicago Tribune) Ballistics tests on a bullet pulled from the vest of one of two NYPD officers wounded during a weekend confrontation with a gunman show it came from the suspect's revolver, police said today. (Associated Press) Thirteen bald eagles were found dead over the weekend near a farm on Maryland's Eastern Shore in what authorities say is the largest single die-off of bald eagles in the state in 30 years. (Washington Post) At 106 years old, she's seen more than a dozen presidents come and go, but Virginia McLaurin says she can finally die happy after meeting President Barack Obama. (Associated Press) International news: A three-day gun battle in the disputed region of Kashmir ended today when Indian security forces killed two more militants who stormed a government building, a senior police official said. (Reuters) The death toll from Fiji's super-cyclone hit 29 today, with officials saying the Pacific nation's recovery from the devastating storm could take months. (AFP News) Satellite images show China may be building a powerful new radar system on a disputed island in the South China Sea, which could have worrisome military uses in monitoring -- and potentially trying to control -- a strategically vital waterway. (Washington Post) At least 13 people, including nine civilians, were killed today in a suicide bombing targeting Afghan police which was claimed by Taliban insurgents in a remote area northwest of Kabul, authorities said. (AFP News) The United Kingdom is in the throes of "Brexit" mania, now that Prime Minister David Cameron has finally called a referendum on the country's membership in the European Union for June 23. (Time) The U.S.-born wife of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera says that Mexican prison officials are killing her husband - slowly. (Fox News Latino) agatha.jpg Mystery maven Agatha Christie. (Samuel French) Saturday, Feb. 27-Sunday, March 20, Great Lakes Theater: "And Then There Were None." Written by Agatha Christie, directed by Charles Fee. This dark thriller - adapted for the stage by the mistress of the macabre herself from her best-selling book - sets up a now-classic conundrum. When 10 strangers stranded in a house on a remote English island are killed off one by one, who among them is the murderer? Previews at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26. Opens at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays at the Hanna Theatre, Playhouse Square, Cleveland. Tickets: $15-$70, and students sit in any seat at any performance for $13. Visit greatlakestheater.org or call 216-241-6000. Now playing in . . . CLE Through March 5, Cleveland Public Theatre: "Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play." Written by Anne Washburn. Score by Michael Friedman. Lyrics by Washburn. Directed by Matthew Wright. "Mr. Burns" is a post-apocalyptic tale of survival, passion, and . . . the enduring power of Bart Simpson. Across a devastated landscape, gangs of survivors band together to keep the pilot light of civilization burning, exchanging memories for currency as society rebuilds itself, one "Simpsons" episode at a time. Told over three acts and several decades, "Mr. Burns" culminates in a musical spectacular, suggesting that humanity's path to redemption is as unexpected as it is inevitable. Regional premiere. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at the Gordon Square Theatre, 6415 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland. Tickets: $12-$30. Visit cptonline.org or call 216-631-2727, ext. 501. Through Sunday, Feb. 28, Beck Center for the Arts: "In the Heights." Book by Quiara Alegria Hudes, conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda, music and lyrics by Miranda, directed by Victoria Bussert, choreography by Gregory Daniels, musical direction by David Pepin. Produced in collaboration with the Baldwin Wallace University Music Theatre Program. You can't get any hotter than the creators of Broadway's 2008 musical smash, set in New York's vibrant Washington Heights neighborhood. Book writer Hudes went on to win the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for drama for "Water By the Spoonful," and composer Miranda is the creator of "Hamilton," New York's buzziest tuner on the Great White Way. Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Beck Center for the Arts' Mackey Main Stage theater, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. (Additional performance at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25.) Tickets: $12-$31. Call 216-521-2540, ext. 10, or go to beckcenter.org. See my review here. Through Sunday, Feb. 28, Ensemble Theatre: "Slow Dance on the Killing Ground." Written by William Hanley, directed by Greg White. In this Tony-nominated play that premiered on Broadway in 1964 (starring a pre-"Mod Squad" Clarence Williams III), a refugee from Nazi Germany, a young black man on the run and a homeless teen find themselves in a dusty shop one fateful night. Sparks fly. Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday at Ensemble Theatre's Mainstage Theatre, 2843 Washington Blvd., Cleveland Heights. Tickets: $12-$24. Visit ensembletheatrecle.org or call 216-321-2930. Playing concurrently with "Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues." Through Sunday, Feb. 28, Ensemble Theatre: "Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues." Written by Charles Smith, directed by Ian Wolfgang Hinz. A black kid and an old Jewish man, thrown together by circumstance, form an unusual friendship in this work by Smith, head of Ohio University's Professional Playwriting Program. Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday at Ensemble Theatre's Playground Theatre, 2843 Washington Blvd., Cleveland Heights. Tickets: $15. Visit ensembletheatrecle.org or call 216-321-2930. Playing concurrently with "Slow Dance on the Killing Ground." Through Sunday, Feb. 28, Karamu Theatre: "Detroit '67." Written by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Terrence Spivey. It's 1967 in the city of Detroit. Motown is getting the party started, and two siblings - Chelle and her brother Lank - are making ends meet by turning their basement into an after-hours bar. But a mysterious woman causes the pair to spar. As their pent-up feelings erupt, so does their city, and they find themselves caught in the middle of the '67 Detroit riots. As a bonus, the play features classic Motown tunes including "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Shop Around" and "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)." Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday at Karamu's Arena Theatre, 2355 East 89th St., Cleveland. Tickets: $15-$37. Visit karamuhouse.org or call 216-795-7077. Through Saturday, April 30, Kennedy's Theatre at Playhouse Square: "Flanagan's Wake." Conceived by Jack Bronis; presented by the Frankie Kong Players; directed by Sean Lackey and Maria Corell. Lift a glass or six with mourners in this interactive wake -- now in its seventh year in Cleveland -- as Irish villagers bid an alcohol-fueled, song-filled farewell to one of their own. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at Kennedy's Theatre at Playhouse Square. Tickets: $26. Visit playhousesquare.org or call 216-241-6000. Now playing . . . outside the 216 Friday, Feb. 26-Sunday, March 13, Actors' Summit Theater: "Chapatti." Written by Christian O'Reilly, directed by Brain Zoldessy. In this Northeast Ohio premiere, romance is a distant memory for two lonely animal-lovers living in Dublin, Ireland. When Dan and his dog Chapatti cross paths with Betty and her 19 cats, an unexpected spark ignites. Previews at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25. Opens at 8 p.m. Friday at Greystone Hall, 103 High St., 6th Floor, Akron. Performances are 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $10-$33. Visit actorssummit.org or call 330-374-7568. john-kasich.JPG Republican presidential candidate Ohio Gov. John Kasich speaks during a town hall forum at the Hibernian Cultural Centre on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, in Worcester, Mass. While Nevada Republicans prepare to caucus on Tuesday, Kasich is set to spend the day campaigning in Georgia. (Christine Hochkeppel/Worcester Telegram & Gazette via AP) Nevada Republicans vote: Nevada Republicans will hold their presidential caucuses between 8 p.m. and midnight Eastern Time. Kasich campaigns in Georgia: Ohio Gov. John Kasich isn't planning to be in Nevada for the caucuses. Rather, his schedule calls for him to hold two "town hall" meetings in suburban Atlanta. Senators to announce pregnancy anti-discrimination bill: State Sens. Shannon Jones and Capri Cafaro will call an 11 a.m. news conference at the Ohio Statehouse to unveil the Pregnancy Reasonable Accommodations Act, a bipartisan bill intended to stop workplace discrimination against pregnant women. Environmental activists launch a new group: Environmental leaders have organized a morning teleconference with reporters to announce a new organization called the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund, which will work closely with the League of Conservation Voters. Secretary of state talks election preparedness: Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted is preparing a 9 a.m. visit to Mt. Vernon to speak with the Knox County Board of Elections about election preparedness and the importance of voting in Ohio's March 15 primary. Clinton, Sanders to appear at town hall: Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have each agreed to participate in a CNN "town hall" in South Carolina between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Sanders also has a morning rally scheduled in Norfolk, Virginia, while Clinton is set to attend an evening forum on gun violence and police reforms in Columbia, South Carolina. Others to watch: On the Republican side, Ben Carson, Ted Cruz and Donald Trump are planning to campaign in Nevada ahead of caucus night, while Marco Rubio has campaign events scheduled in Minneapolis and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Nettia Caldwell, pictured with her son Jonathan, said that she would be forced to stop working and studying if universal pre-K didnt exist. Marguerite Ward | CNBC As much as preschool is about giving young children a head start in learning, it's also about economics. For New York City, one of the country's largest and most racially segregated school districts, the start of free preschool for all 4-year-olds has major financial implications moving forward and some working parents are already feeling it. Nettia Caldwell is a single mother who works full time while completing an online bachelor's program at the University of North Carolina, Asheville. Universal pre-K for her son Jonathan means that she can continue working and studying. "Universal pre-K is so important for working parents," she said, seated in the library of the Little Star of Broome Street Early Childhood Center in Manhattan, where her son is enrolled in a low-cost program for 3-year-olds. When he turns 4, he can enter universal pre-K. "Without school for my son, I wouldn't have enough time to work full time, study and teach him things," Caldwell said. A preschooler smiles during a Chinese New Year celebration at her school the Little Star of Broome Street Early Childhood Center. Marguerite Ward | CNBC Kids who get quality pre-K education earn anywhere from $9,000 to $30,000 more over their lifetime than those without it, according to a December 2014 White House report. Some experts say that number is closer to $50,000. Children with preschool education are also more likely to own a home later in life and are less likely to get in trouble with the law, the White House report found. Local officials in Texas and multiple counties in North Carolina are looking to roll out a free preschool program of their own. "Now I have my own money. I don't need to get help from any benefits," said Barbara Macialek, a Queens resident who works full time at a restaurant. "Everything has changed because my son is at school, I had time to find a job." Her 4-year-old son, Mark, is enrolled at the Long Island City YMCA, which she said he loves. She pays about $300 each month for him to stay longer than the city-wide school day of six hours and 20 minutes for universal pre-K. Mary Cheng, early childhood program director at the Little Star of Broome Street Early Childhood Center, said implementing universal pre-K at her school has been a happy but overwhelming experience. Marguerite Ward | CNBC "[Universal pre-K] bolsters two generations, sometimes three, at the same time," New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Donna Lieberman said. "A good pre-K program provides support for the parents by giving them tools that they need to nurture their children, in addition to opportunities to work or pursue education." While some education centers offered free pre-K services before universal health care, many parents had to either stay home, rely on a friend or family member or pay for care themselves. Prices for private pre-K education can run more than the college tuition. Schools like the Calhoun School and the Ethical Culture Fieldston cost over $40,000 for full day pre-K while the Brooklyn Explorers Academy costs $26,000. Hannah Brown, from the Laconia neighborhood in the Bronx, is a grandmother of three children, all of whom went to private day care because universal pre-K in New York didn't exist at the time. "You're completely wiped out," she said. "Private care is expensive even for middle income families. Middle income is nothing if you have to pay $500 or $600 a month for care, especially with rent and everything else." The cost of the program is about $10,000 per child, a large upfront cost to taxpayers. But for every dollar spent on early education, taxpayers save $13 on future costs and generate $3 in net business and economic value, an MIT analysis showed. watch now But free preschool in such a huge city is not without problems. Right before the initiative rolled out, several schools closed for not meeting city standards, leaving many parents scrambling to navigate the enrollment paperwork. Since then, some schools have been shut down due to health violations. And for school administrators and early education teachers, adjusting to new demands has been a lot of work. "It was a big change for us. It's been really beneficial, but it was also overwhelming," said Mary Cheng, early childhood program director at the Little Star of Broome Street Early Childhood Center. Adjusting to a new curriculum and explaining the details of funding as well as what is and is not included in universal pre-K was difficult, according to Cheng. "It was a lot to wrap my head around," she said. watch now When Kimberly Bryant was in college in the '80s, she felt culturally isolated in her electrical engineering classes. "I was one of maybe two or three students of color," said Bryant, who is African-American. "And I found that representation was still the same when I graduated and began my career." Not much has changed. Black women make up less than 3 percent of the workforce at the biggest U.S. tech companies. So, when Bryant's daughter Kai, now 16, expressed interest in following in her mother's footsteps, Bryant decided to literally change the face of the industry. "I wanted to create more people that look like me and look like my daughter to really fill in the gaps that I saw for myself," Bryant said. "When we generally think of a computer scientist now, it does not look like a woman of color, it does not look of someone that is of Hispanic background. It's very much white male dominant. And that's important for us to show that black girls can code and they can do many other things in terms of a leadership standpoint in this field." Two girls work on building a robot. Jodi Gralnick | CNBC After working in biotech for more than 20 years, Bryant founded Black Girls Code in 2011. The nonprofit organization brings together girls 7-17 for weekend coding workshops, to learn how to build websites, create mobile apps and build robotics. As the name implies, Black Girls Code is aimed at young women of color, but everyone is welcomed. Eight girls participated in the first event, in San Francisco. Black Girls Code now has chapters in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, Tennessee, New York, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, the San Francisco Bay area, Washington, D.C., and Johannesburg, South Africa. It plans to expand to Dallas and Miami this year. Funding comes in part from donations and a $35 fee to attend workshops, which can be waived in some cases. The rest comes from corporate sponsors and partners. More than 5,000 girls have participated in the programs many of them, multiple times. "You interact with people and it's like 'Oh, I enjoy this' and you come back and do it again and again and again," said 11-year-old Madison Harvey, who was among 300 girls who attended a recent Black Girls Code Robot Expo in Berkeley, California, her second event with the group. Getting her to her first event took some convincing. "At first she was a little hesitant," said Madison's mom, Vangeria Harvey. "Like 'I'm not really sure, I don't know that I have the skills to go to a class.'" That was 1 years ago. "She had such a spectacular time that we were just waiting for the opportunity to arise for her to be able to go one more time," said Harvey. "She's excited about science and math and engineering, and what other opportunity for her to be around other girls that look just like her." It is, in fact, difficult for many of these girls to find role models in the field of computer science. While white men account for only 34 percent of the U.S. workforce, according to the latest data available from the U.S. Census Bureau, they fill a staggering 49 percent of the jobs in computer and mathematics occupations. Only 2.8 percent of those jobs are occupied by a black woman, although the group makes up more than 6 percent of the workforce. Women overall fill only about one-quarter of computer and mathematics jobs, while making up almost half the workforce, at 47.5 percent. "There is a lack of role models, a flat-out lack of exposure, a stereotype bias of what is a technical person," said Ruthe Farmer, chief strategy and growth officer and director of the K-12 Alliance for the National Center for Women and Information Technology. "It's held by parents, it's held by the media, it's held by teachers. There's no social cost to a boy to take computer science in school. Girls have to take the brave step of saying "I love this stuff," take a class with 90 percent boys, probably a male teacher, overcome the media message, defy their social group. Add on the layer of being a minority, it's another challenge." watch now About 1.2 million tech jobs are expected to be available by 2020. At the rate we're going, Farmer said, there will only be enough technically qualified people to fill 39 percent of them. "We as a country want to have an educated workforce and innovation economy. We need to include everybody," she said. "If you add up the groups that are missing, it's 75 percent of the population. Secondary to that, the imperative around the designed world is it should be designed by the people who live in it." The problem is so profound, the White House is taking action. President Barack Obama last month announced the "Computer Science for All Initiative," and proposed $4 billion over the next three years to expand computer science access in schools. The plan will "help make sure all our kids get an opportunity to learn computer science, especially girls and minorities," Obama said. Black Girls Code is making inroads. Although the organization is still young, it's already having an impact. Some former participants are now majoring in computer science at top schools. Brianna Fugate was planning to study biology, with intentions of going to medical school. By the time she found Black Girls Code she was too old to participate as a student, but she decided to volunteer. "I sat in on the workshop and was inspired by the young girls who were using their creativity and imagination to create their own websites. It was truly magic," the now 19-year-old Spelman College sophomore told CNBC. She was inspired to research coding and went on to become a mentor with Black Girls Code. She then won a spot in a three-week Google immersion program, learning from the company's software engineers, and changed her major to computer science. "I have never looked back on my career decision," Fugate said. Madison, who said she "had no interest in doing this, I thought it was kind of boring at first," is also thinking about her future. Jodi Gralnick | CNBC watch now The bosses of about half of Britain's 100 biggest companies are to sign a letter backing David Cameron in his fight to keep the country in the EU ahead of a referendum in June that will shape the future of the UK. As opposition within the ruling Conservative party mounted, Downing Street rallied support from corporate leaders at companies including Shell , BAE Systems , BT and Rio Tinto , who will argue in the letter that Britain is "stronger, safer and better off" in a reformed EU. The barrage of business support will come as some relief to Mr Cameron after London mayor Boris Johnson on Sunday became the highest-profile defector within the Conservative party to declare his support for a campaign for a British exit which, if successful, could topple the prime minister. The London mayor joins six cabinet ministers, including Mr Cameron's friend Michael Gove, in the Out camp, with speculation that the number of Conservative party MPs opposing the prime minister was moving towards 150. watch now As Mr Cameron tried to defend the EU deal that he secured in Brussels, Downing Street officials were trying to finalise one of the biggest ever pro-European shows of strength by the business community. A draft letter being circulated to business leaders said that: "Following the prime minister's renegotiation we believe that Britain is better off staying in a reformed EU." More from The Financial Times : Big business backs Cameron's push to keep Britain in the EU Facebook creates 'social virtual reality' team Trump's hostile takeover gains pace The letter, to be published on Tuesday, was said to have the support of about 50 chairmen and chief executives of FTSE 100 companies. Most would sign on behalf of their companies, others in a personal capacity. The letter was also expected to be signed by the bosses of smaller companies. There was, however, some boardroom resistance to a section that read: "We believe that leaving the EU would deter investment and threaten jobs." Some company chiefs feared that the warning would upset trade unions. watch now Some consumer-facing companies, including Tesco and J Sainsbury, did not want to be involved in the letter, amid fears that it could antagonise customers, although Virgin and HSBC were expected to sign. Mr Johnson, a highly effective campaigner, said that his decision was "agonisingly difficult". He said that Mr Cameron had done "fantastically well" in securing some EU reforms last week but they were not enough. The London mayor said that the EU was "out of proper democratic control". "I don't think anyone can realistically claim this is a fundamental reform of the EU or of the British relationship with the EU," he said. Earlier, Mr Cameron warned Britain not to take "a step into the dark" in the referendum. "If Britain were to leave the EU that might give you a feeling of sovereignty but you have got to ask yourself: is it real?" Whether the revival of this historic format signals a return to the old idea of an EU hard core, or "avant-garde," that would lead the continent's economic and political integration remains to be seen, partly because some governments, such as those of the Visegrad Group (Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia), strongly oppose that initiative for fear of being relegated to second-class union members. Sovereignty is gone In practice, however, that EU hard core already exists; it is most vividly symbolized by the euro area, or, more formally, the European monetary union. That union, the euro, a fully integrated market for goods and services and an entire institutional infrastructure to make all that function together, are the key milestones of this ambitious European work-in-progress. In spite of that, the way forward looks daunting to many people. But those who think that way don't know, or have simply forgotten, the history of enormous political difficulties and economic sacrifices the founding members have overcome on the long way from a largely improvised customs union to a single market and a common currency. It, therefore, seems that what the euro area members have to do now is relatively easy, because most of the required political and economic concessions i.e., de facto sovereignty transfers - have already been made, and most of the institutions they need are there. In view of that, the euro area members now have two options to tighten up their economic governance and secure the euro as a global transaction currency, reserve asset and a reliable store of value. watch now watch now watch now watch now After months of market volatility, China's top securities regulator finally got the boot over the weekend, leaving many to wonder what took so long. China removed Xiao Gang, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), replacing him with Liu Shiyu, chairman of the Agricultural Bank of China and a former official at the mainland's central bank, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), the official news agency Xinhua reported over the weekend. Analysts were generally unsurprised by Xiao's ouster given the turmoil in Chinese markets in recent months. How he managed to retain his position was the bigger mystery given the botched response to the country's equities meltdown that rattled global financial markets. "I think he's lasted as long as he has because he got a second chance that if he could clean up the mess and bring some order to the markets then you may be able to keep your job," Fraser Howie, an independent analyst and co-author of Red Capitalism and Privatizing China, told CNBC Monday. But mainland markets opened this year with quite a whimper. That sealed his fate, Howie said. China-listed stocks plunged in 2016's opening sessions, with trade suspended completely in two of the first four sessions after the CSI 300 index dropped more than 7 percent, triggering a circuit breaker meant to limit market volatility. That spurred CSRC to suspend the circuit-breaker system after it was in effect for just four sessions in a quick regulatory flip-flop that was met with sharp criticism. That market turmoil marked a second recent black eye for China's regulators. Their response to last year's mid-year market plunge on the mainland was much derided. That slump - of more than 30 percent off previous highs at some points - followed a rapid rally of more than 100 percent in less than a year, fueled in large part by a huge buildup of margin lending after regulators allowed investors to open as many as 20 trading accounts each. As that credit-fueled bubble popped, the Chinese government stepped in with a slew of policy changes, including a virtual ban on short-selling, serious restrictions on selling by major shareholders and the loosening of margin lending regulations. The turmoil may have spurred a search for a scapegoat. "The easy person to point the finger at is the head of the regulator, somewhat unfairly perhaps," Howie said. " Bernie Sanders looks like a paper tiger. I swear the media made this guy seem like a bona fide candidate for the Democratic nomination, but suddenly with a small loss in Nevada he is buried alive," the " Mad Money " host said. While the primary catalyst in Cramer's opinion was oil and futures, there was another factor that he thinks is being overlooked by everyone. So what the heck happened that made things better? It was just 10 days ago when it seemed to Jim Cramer that the world was falling apart, and there was intense pressure to sell everything and buy Treasurys. Now, that panic seems to have faded away with Monday's production of a terrific rally. Cramer thinks perhaps the media kept Sanders in the spotlight because it wanted a horse race, but now that Hillary Clinton has won a large number of super-delegates that might be mathematically impossible. This change created clarity in the presidential race, which was good news for the stock market. "Knocking out Sanders allows Hillary to go back to her roots as a moderate who is actually friendly, or at least takes the money of Wall Street," Cramer said. Read more from Mad Money with Jim Cramer Cramer Remix: Beware of this oil stock Cramer: You should have listened to these CEOs Cramer game plan: Retail earnings ready to run Additionally, Cramer noted that the media is trying to keep the narrative alive for Marco Rubio. This has created the possibility of a pro-business Democrat versus a pro-business Republican. It is true that Donald Trump has not had great things to say about banks. But Cramer thinks that as long as Sanders was a strong competitor in the presidential race, people could expect a steady stream of negativity against the banks and drug companies. Meanwhile, Clinton has spent a lot of time with people from Wall Street both from hedge funds and investment banks. It doesn't mean she is owned by them, but Cramer does think it means that there is more dialogue than both Sanders and President Obama offered. Wall Street is aware of Clinton's more moderate stance, and Cramer attributed the dramatically changed presidential landscape to the reason why so many drug and bank stocks were soaring on Monday. It was also confirmed that Honeywell was in talks to purchase United Technologies , to dominate the aerospace and climate control space. While Cramer thinks this idea is brilliant, he did not know if the deal could ever be compensated because of antitrust issues. However Cramer did speculate that Honeywell's discussions could reveal that the big capitalization cyclicals are dramatically undervalued in the market. So even if both presidential candidates claim not to be a friend on Wall Street, Cramer interpreted the combination of two pro-business candidates emerging, oil rising, earnings forgiveness, a Chinese story that hasn't become more negative and increased M&A activity as the reason for stocks suddenly turning around. "It is a stunning turn and it cannot be dismissed out of hand, even as it may not reflect anything but short-term considerations," Cramer said. watch now A slump in commodities prices and sluggish growth in some of the U.K.'s leading industrial sectors will hit investors' income in the coming months, according to industry experts. Many large mining and oil companies, hit by the falling value of commodities, have had to cut or stop their dividend pay-outs to investors. Zimmytws | Getty Images Last year, underlying dividend growth in the U.K. was just 3.7 percent compared to global growth of 9.9 percent, according to this month's Henderson global dividend index report, which tracks company pay-outs around the world. "Last year was a great year," said Ben Lofthouse, co-manager of Henderson global equity income fund. "We had 9.9 percent underlying dividend growth coming from companies around the world. "If you are invested in that you are getting a growing income stream, but there are some tough sectors." The problem for investors is that U.K. dividends are dominated by a few large companies, such as Shell and GlaxoSmithKline , which held their dividends flat last year. A federal judge on Friday ordered the release from prison of John Rigas, the Adelphia Communications Corp founder convicted over a fraud that led to the cable TV company's collapse, because he is dying of cancer. Rigas, 91, has been serving a 12-year prison term, but U.S. District Judge Kimba Wood in Manhattan reduced his sentence to time served. Federal prosecutors had recommended that Rigas be freed after he was diagnosed with terminal Stage IV bladder cancer with metastases to the lungs. They said his life expectancy is six months or less, and that he was likely to die before being eligible for release in January 2018. Once freed, Rigas is expected to spend his remaining months with a son in Coudersport, Pennsylvania. Federal probation officers also recommended the early release. Lawrence McMichael, Rigas' lawyer, said his client could be released in the next few days. Rigas and another son, Timothy Rigas, Adelphia's former chief financial officer, were found guilty in 2004 of conspiring to conceal Adelphia's debt and loot corporate funds and assets. Adelphia had been the fifth-largest U.S. cable TV operator before its 2002 collapse. It became one of the biggest corporate fraud prosecutions in recent years, along with Enron and WorldCom. Rigas was originally sentenced to 15 years in prison, but his term was reduced after a federal appeals court threw out part of the government's case. His lawyers in December sought Rigas' early release after his condition was diagnosed as terminal. But Wood ruled at the time that while "extraordinary circumstances exist," Rigas had not demonstrated that his legal challenge raised "substantial claims." The case is U.S. v. Rigas, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 02-cr-01236. Both OPEC and non-cartel countries are willing to cooperate in order to find a solution to plunging oil prices, OPEC secretary general Abdalla Salem El-Badri said Monday. At the annual IHS CERAWeek conference in Houston, El-Badri also said the current oil cycle is facing a supply problem that could last for years unless a solution is found. Despite a more than 6 percent surge in spot prices on Monday, oversupply has dragged down crude by nearly 50 percent over the last year, and U.S. crude has dropped nearly 20 percent this year. The OPEC official said that inventory overhang is a problem, and took a shot at the U.S. for continuing to both import and store so much oil. "The United States want to export, but at the same time they import and store," he said. "This is something that I don't know how we're going to tackle it." A federal judge last week ordered Apple to help investigators gain access to encrypted data on the iPhone 5c used by Syed Rizwan Farook, who with his wife, Tashfeen Malik, killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California, on Dec. 2. "We don't want to break anyone's encryption or set a master key loose on the land," Comey said in a statement Sunday night, insisting that vital decisions involving safety from terrorists shouldn't be left in the hands of "corporations that sell stuff for a living." The war of words between Apple Inc. and the government continued Sunday as FBI Director James Comey said forcing Apple to help unlock the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino shooters is no big deal. Not even Apple can decrypt the encrypted iPhone, according to the company. What investigators want it to do is help them figure out Farook's password so they can simply unlock the phone but they fear that it has a common feature that wipes the data completely after a certain number of failed password entries. Apple said it wouldn't comply, arguing that helping the government unlock an encrypted phone would sabotage the entire point of encryption and endanger the privacy of millions of its customers. Read More Judge forces apple to help unlock San Bernardino shooter iPhone Since then, the company and federal authorities have lobbed strongly worded statements at each other. Here's how the battle has played out: WEDNESDAY: Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook says the order would force the company "to build a backdoor to the iPhone" and that "no reasonable person would find that acceptable." THURSDAY: Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai weighs in on Apple's side, tweeting that helping the FBI try to get into the Farook's phone would sabotage the security of "tens of millions of American citizens." FRIDAY: Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump adds his 2 cents' worth, calling for a boycott of Apple unless it helps the FBI. FRIDAY: Prosecutors file a motion seeking to force Apple's compliance, writing in court documents that Apple shouldn't be allowed to "design and market its products to allow technology, rather than the law, to control access to data" found by a court to be important to an critical investigation. Read More Online charter schools tested by setbacks and self-inflicted blows SATURDAY: The FBI lays out in a statement more detail on why it needs Apple's help. It says that investigators were able to gain access to data Farook backed up to his iCloud account but that Farook stopped backing up his phone in October, well before the December shootings. "Since the iCloud backup does not contain everything on an iPhone," they said, investigators' "objective was, and still is, to extract as much evidence as possible from the phone." SUNDAY: Comey tries to downplay the dispute, arguing in his new statement that no precedent would be set if Apple would just go along. On Monday, as the markets saw gains that brought the Dow and out of correction territory, investors were asking if we're in the clear yet. Anastasia Amoroso, global market strategist at JPMorgan Asset Management, told CNBC's "Closing Bell" on Monday that she isn't so sure. "I'm skeptical of this move because I think the fundamentals have to fundamentally improve here," she said. "There's several obstacles that the market is running into and one of them, of course, is the big earnings obstacle. But that said, if this bottoming process that we're seeing in oil right now, if that is the real deal, that actually does help the fundamentals, too," Amoroso added. Apple isn't alone. The tech giant is dominating the headlines in a standoff over whether to help the FBI access the locked, encrypted iPhone of one of the San Bernardino terrorists. But this case is just one example of the broader tension that has erupted between tech companies and the Justice Department across a range of national security and criminal issues. For example, Microsoft 's CEO Satya Nadella is fighting the DOJ in a drug-trafficking case. The government is trying to force Microsoft to turn over emails stored in data centers in Ireland as part of the investigation. Microsoft contends that emails stored in the cloud belong to the customer, with the same privacy protection as paper letters sent by mail. Brad Smith, Microsoft's chief legal officer, has also argued that the U.S. government must have a warrant, but a search warrant cannot reach beyond U.S. shores. In other words, according to Microsoft, the DOJ is exceeding its authority. The company told CNBC it is willing to take the battle to the Supreme Court if necessary. Sony has unveiled a host of interactive "smart" products including a wearable camera, a personal assistant to rival Amazon's Echo, and an adaptive projector as it seeks revenues from different types of devices as the smartphone market slows. On top of the gadgets, the Japanese electronics giant also unveiled a new range of smartphones at its press conference at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on Monday. Sony took the wraps off three concept products which do not yet have an official launch date and are not yet made: Xperia Eye - a wearable camera with a lens that lets you capture an image in 360 degrees. It has an intelligent shutter that recognizes faces and movements. Xperia Projector - a portable short-throw projector that turns anything into an interactive surface. A user can place the device next to a table for instance, and can play around and interact with the projection that is shown. XPeria Agent - a personal assistant that users can talk to in order to carry out tasks such as playing music or turning on the TV. Sony also launched the Xperia Ear, a small single earbud that people can wear and can get updates, such as the weather or an alert, from your smartphone. Users can talk to the device and it can carry out tasks like replying to a message or giving you directions. The Xperia Ear is set to launch in the summer but has no price yet. The unveiling of these devices comes as Sony . It recently cut its full-year smartphone sales forecast for the fiscal year 2015 but in the three months ending December 31, operating profit in the division rose 133 percent, according to official results. The earnings reflect Sony's strategy of shifting away from focusing on unit sales to profitability. "We believe that it's important to make sure that we have a profitable business, and therefore, instead of going after market share, we really want to first of all play in the premium segment of the market and make sure that we have great phones that really appeal to that segment," Sony CEO Kazuo Hirai, told CNBC in a TV interview on Monday. "If it means that we're selling less number of phones going out the door. We're fine with that so long as we have a profitable business, and we're really on our way to being profitable in that regard." The Xperia range of smart devices aims to give Sony a foothold in the nascent Internet of Things market to find a new revenue stream as global smartphone sales slow. "What they are doing and other players are looking at is what adjacent categories and smart accessories they can release which are newer, and where there are no established leaders," Ian Fogg, head of mobile at IHS, told CNBC by phone, adding that these new products could give them better margins and profits than smartphones. Located near Yeak Lom lake in Ratanakiri province, the freestanding outhouse is more like a royal throne as it is fully air conditioned and took two weeks to build. It measures 8 square meters and was made with special imported materials from Thailand. A toilet that reportedly costs up to $40,000 has been built for the personal use of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand for her three-day visit to Cambodia, according to The Guardian . Though it is unclear who is paying for the toilet, the commode will be thrown out after the princess' visit, and the building will be converted into an office for local officials. The placement of the toilet does not come without controversy. According to data from the Cambodian ministry of education, a large portion of Cambodia's population has trouble accessing toilet facilities. They noted that 33 percent of schools nationwide do not have toilets, an estimate the NGOs believe could even be as high as 80 percent in rural areas such as Ratanakiri. Read the full report by The Guardian here. watch now Middle East countries hit hard by the slump in the price of oil will have to raise taxes in order to recover and prosper, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) believes. In a preview of a speech to be delivered at the Arab Fiscal Forum on Monday, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde will say that that successful 21st century economies had to be able to both generate "robust government revenue" and "higher and more reliable revenue." Due to speak in oil-rich emirate Abu Dhabi, Lagarde's speech will focus on those Middle Eastern oil exporting countries that are seeing widening budget deficits as a result of the sharp plunge in oil prices since mid-2014. Lagarde will state on Monday that while "oil-exporting countries are adapting to a new reality of low commodity prices" and that "revenue mobilization" was needed around the world, but especially in the Middle East and North Africa, regions which have relied on oil for government revenues. Getty Images "Not only have oil prices fallen by around two-thirds from their most recent peak, but supply and demand-side factors suggest that they are likely to stay low for an extended period. The size and likely persistence of this external shock means that all oil exporters will have to adjust by reducing spending and increasing revenue." She noted that in 2015, oil exporters in the MENA region lost more than $340 billion in oil revenue from their budgets, amounting to 20 percent of their combined gross domestic product. "These economies need to strengthen their fiscal frameworks and reengineer their tax systemsby reducing their heavy reliance on oil revenues and by boosting non-hydrocarbon sources of revenues," she will state. "This would help bolster growth and job creation and, at the same time, help to maintain debt sustainability and strengthen resilience. It also provides a unique opportunity to design tax systems that emphasize fairness, simplicity, and efficiency." Silver linings? Oil-rich nations are scrambling to reduce their dependence on oil revenues and analysts do not see the situation improving for oil exporters. Last week, Moody's ratings agency forecast that Abu Dhabi's fiscal deficit will widen significantly in 2016 to 14 percent of GDP, driven by major falls in oil and natural gas revenues. Abu Dhabi's economy relies on a breakeven oil price of $60 per barrel, which Moody's said was "low compared to most Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) peers." The breakeven price is a far cry from the current price of $33.52 a barrel for benchmark Brent crude. Middle Eastern governments have repeatedly said they are looking to diversify their economies away from the oil industry. In addition, six Gulf oil-producing countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates) are planning on introducing a sales tax for the first time and countries like the UAE have removed long-standing fuel subsidies. Still, the aforementioned countries do not have a system of personal income tax, something that Lagarde said was needed. The path towards income taxes could be eased by the introduction of a sales tax, a greater emphasis on corporate taxes and investing in a tax administration that could "eventually allow for the introduction of personal income taxes," Lagarde will say in her speech. Ted Cruz, who led the fight to restore commercial flights to Israel when the Obama Administration halted them during Israel's most recent war against Hamas terrorists, once walked off the stage at a gathering of anti-Israel Middle Eastern Christian groups announcing: "If you will not stand with Israel and the Jews, then I will not stand with you." Last week, he introduced legislation to restore American recognition that the PLO/PA is a terrorist organization rather than a partner for peace, and shut down its Washington office. Donald Trump, on the other hand, notoriously told the Republican Jewish Coalition that he wondered whether Israel was willing to make sacrifices for peace. Last week, he pitched himself as neutral in the fight between Israel and the terrorist organizations arrayed against it. Numerous pundits have noted that when it comes to Israel, Donald Trump sounds more like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton than he does like a Republican. In fact, on the Israel issue, Trump sounds positively PC. Trump's suspicions about Muslim immigration may win him points with this key demographic, but his moral confusion about Israel should create an opening for other candidates. If Cruz and/or Rubio want to win the evangelical vote, they must convince those voters that their defense against the PC onslaught will be as strong as Trump's; and they must highlight their differences with Trump on the morality of supporting Israel at a time when so much is on the line. Commentary by Bruce Abramson, Ph.D., J.D. and Jeff Ballabon. Abramson is a senior fellow at the London Center for Policy Research, and director of policy at the Iron Dome Alliance. Ballabon is CEO of B2 Strategic where he advises and represents corporate and political clients on interacting with the government and media. He previously headed the communications and public policy departments of major media corporations including CBS News and Court TV. Follow them on Twitter @bdabramson and @ballabon. For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion onTwitter. watch now Uber said Monday that it will likely not change its system for screening would-be drivers despite a spree killing allegedly committed by one of its drivers that left six people dead in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Saturday. Uber officials repeatedly noted during a conference call with reporters that accused killer Jason Brian Dalton, 45, had no criminal record that could have warned the ride-hailing company he was a threat. Dalton, who a prosecutor said Monday admitted committing the slayings, allegedly shot his victims in between driving passengers for Uber. Jason Brian Dalton, Uber driver and accused killer "None of the things that we did do in this case, if we made them somehow better, would have made any difference," said Joe Sullivan, Uber's chief security officer, during a call with reporters. "There were no red flags, if you will, that we could anticipate things like this." Ed Davis, a former Boston police commissioner who sits on Uber's safety advisory board, said, "A background check is just that it does not foresee the future." Sullivan said Uber is "devastated" by the killings in Michigan. Sullivan said Dalton had a generally favorable rating as an Uber driver for the 100 or so fares he handled after passing his background check on Jan. 25. Dalton's rating by customers was 4.73, with a rating of 5 being the highest. Uber officials also said they had no plans to add fingerprint requirements for would-be drivers, saying that its criminal background checks were rigorous enough to uncover past law-breaking. They also said that relying on fingerprint databases could lead to discrimination against would-be drivers, in cases where someone was arrested and booked by police, but never convicted of a crime. Currently, the company requires applicants to submit their name, address, Social Security number, driver's license, insurance information, and bank account number when they apply online. Uber than checks the applicant's name and addresses dating back seven years to local, county and federal criminal court records. Uber indicated it does not plan, for now, to introduce a "panic button" on its ride-hailing app in the United States, despite having rolled out such a feature in India last year in response to several rapes. The panic button alerts Uber, and sometimes law enforcement authorities, of problems riders are having with a driver. "From my perspective, 911 is the panic button in the United States," Sullivan said. Officials said 911 is preferable to a panic button because local authorities can respond to an incident involving an Uber driver faster than the company can. Sullivan said that several riders on Saturday who rode with Dalton had contacted Uber about his reckless driving, with at least one of those people contacting 911. Sullivan said that if a driver is accused by a rider of being violent, the driver is immediately suspended from handling fares. He said that complaints of erratic driving are investigated by Uber before any action is taken. Dalton was ordered held without bail Monday after being charged with six counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and eight felony firearms charges. "I would prefer just to remain silent," Dalton told a judge, while appearing via a live feed from Kalamazoo County Jail. Lobbying groups and unions, in particular, have demanded fingerprinting and better background checks for Uber drivers. The Taxicab, Limousine and Paratransit Association, which represents more than 1,000 professional licensed taxi and limo companies nationwide, has created a lobbying group called Who's Driving You? which advocates for what it calls a level playing field for its members and Uber drivers. "Government-conducted criminal background checks that include fingerprinting are the only way that you can truly see an individual's criminal history," Who's Driving You? spokesman Dave Sutton said. "Private background checks that use names cannot access an individual's full criminal history. In addition, people can sign up with fake names and then the background check is completely worthless." Shannon Stapleton | Reuters The U.S. solar industry installed 7,286 megawatts of solar power in 2015, according to data from GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The figures, announced Monday, represent an increase of over 1,000 megawatts of solar photovoltaic installations compared to 2014. Photovoltaic technology is able to directly convert sunlight into electrical energy. According to the data, solar beat natural gas capacity additions for the first time ever, with 29.5 percent of all new electric generating capacity met by solar power in 2015. Santulli hazing unlikely to end binge drinking, says MU professor Professor Phil Wood discusses how difficult it is to curb binge drinking in fraternities and sororities, what MU is doing and what it's not doing. Best of Business 2022: Learn Who Won Our 15th Annual Reader Poll Local professionals chose their favorite business and professional services, products, healthcare, dining and more. Find out who their top picks are. February 22, 2016 - Ground crew at Memphis International Airport direct Southwest Airlines' Tennessee One to it's gate as it arrives from Nashville for a special event at the airport. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal) SHARE By Wayne Risher of The Commercial Appeal Southwest Airlines on Monday unveiled Tennessee One, a plane bearing an artist's rendering of the state flag, to celebrate 30 years serving the Volunteer State. The airline held events in Nashville, which Southwest has served since March 1986, and Memphis, where Southwest arrived in 2013 after its acquisition of AirTran. Southwest also announced a fare sale featuring fares as low as $64 one-way from Memphis to Houston and Dallas. Southwest started with six daily nonstops from Memphis to five destinations in November 2013. It has since expanded to nine daily flights to six cities and has been cited for helping bring down historically high fares out of Memphis. The airline's vice president of technical services Trevor Stedke said, "When we began serving Memphis in 2013, we ushered in a new era of low-cost air travel. This approach to air travel has helped us flourish but we would not be here without the support of our Tennessee customers and employees. We're proud to honor them with this dedicated aircraft." Tennessee One joins ten other 737s in the Southwest fleet that carry state-themed paint schemes: Arizona One, California One, Colorado One, Florida One, Illinois One, Lone Star One (Texas), Maryland One, Missouri One, Nevada One, and New Mexico One. Last week, an old friend of mine, Arun Gandhi, came to Memphis to speak at Rhodes College on "Conscious Compassion and Commitment Ingredients of a Peaceful Society." Arun is well suited for this: He is the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, the mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on nonviolent compassionate action. Arun asked, "Can we really make people more compassionate?" The talk was sponsored by the Rhodes Compassionate Campus Initiative, a unique challenge the college has undertaken to make its campus, faculty and students more compassionate. The team, led by professor of religion Dr. Mark Muesse, is planning a number of compassionate interventions. Rhodes is perfectly suited for this effort. For two years in a row, Newsweek magazine has named Rhodes the No. 1 service-minded school in the U.S. More than 80 percent of Rhodes students are involved in some form of community service. But how do service and compassion connect? I learned how during Arun's discussion at Rhodes. When another human being (or any living being, for that matter) is suffering, it invokes a feeling in us. It may be pity, sympathy, empathy or compassion. How you feel matters to the other person. Pity is acknowledging the plight of others from afar. Sympathy is feeling sorry and understanding another's pain, yet distancing yourself from the other person. Empathy is embracing and internalizing another's suffering, and finally compassion is having a deep desire to act to alleviate suffering. This is service. We react differently to different people. We may pity a homeless person, sympathize with a neighbor, be empathetic towards a friend, and be compassionate toward our parent or child. While many think it's not possible to measure compassion because it is a warm and fuzzy feeling, we have good survey and experimental tools to measure change in a person's compassion. For example, one study looks at the willingness of a person to give up a seat in a waiting room for a disabled individual; another is a survey of one's compassion. Though not perfect, these tools are helpful. In an article in The Washington Post, I wrote about compassion among students. A 2008 study of 419 medical students showed that women had twice the empathy scores of men and that scores declined during the course of medical school and clinical rotations. Another study of 209 students at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School found that empathy was maintained among third-year students who received specialized training. The scientific literature shows that compassion can be lost but it can also be taught. We can make people both older faculty and young students more compassionate. Rhodes College is clearly on the right track. The conversation on compassion in Memphis does not end with the talk by Arun Gandhi. It continues with the upcoming Gandhi King Conference on April 8-9 at the University of Memphis. Five keynote speakers will enlighten us: Tavis Smiley, host of the PBS talk show; Rev. Mike Kinman, executive director of Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation; Maya Soetoro-Ng, a professor of Peace Education; Dr. Erica Chenoweth, an associate senior researcher at the Peace Research Institute of Oslo, Norway; and Rev. F. Willis Johnson from Ferguson, Missouri. You can come to the conference to hear others' ideas, and hopefully to voice yours. To register, go to GandhiKingconference.org. Bert Bornblum checks out the plaque that bears his name and image displayed in the foyer of the Southwest library named in his honor. SHARE Bert Bornblum By Jody Callahan of The Commercial Appeal Thanks to the rise of Nazism in Europe in the 1930s, Bert Bornblum was never able to finish his formal education as a young man. Instead, he and his brother David fled their Polish homeland while still in their teens, arriving in America in 1938 with, one friend said, $5 in their pockets. In doing so, they left behind two other siblings they never saw again. The brothers served in the U.S. army during World War II and eventually wound up in Memphis, where they opened a clothing store on Beale. That one store grew into a chain of eight, making the brothers wealthy as they clothed many in the city. But despite that lack of formal schooling, the brothers used their wealth to further the cause of education in Memphis, helping others achieve what they couldn't. David died in 2004 at the age of 82. Bert, who continued their philanthropic ways after his brother's death, died Sunday. He was 96. "He was a very, very strong supporter of education," said longtime friend Vic Feisal, a former vice president at the University of Memphis. "It was because he didn't have one. He wanted to see (people) get an education. He felt strongly about that." Mr. Bornblum gave millions toward numerous educational efforts in Memphis. "I never went to high school," Mr. Bornblum said in a 2004 interview, "but I read a lot of philosophy as a kid in Poland. That is how I got my education philosophy became my primary subject." In addition to giving money to help build the Bornblum Solomon Schechter School on Humphreys, he also set up an endowment that means every student at that school will receive a healthy gift to offset the tuition. The Bornblums also founded the Judaic studies program at the U of M while also making donations to the philosophy department. They donated to LeMoyne-Owen College as well as Southwest Tennessee Community College. "Bert Bornblum has been a great supporter of Southwest Tennessee Community College for many years. He has provided significant support to the college in nursing scholarship endowments. The Macon Cove Campus library is named after him for his longstanding support," STCC spokesman Robert Miller said in a written statement. Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday at Baron Hirsch Cemetery Chapel C, 1523 Rozelle. Former Southaven Mayor Greg Davis SHARE By Ron Maxey of The Commercial Appeal With the disclaimer that it's always risky business trying to predict what a court's decision will be, it sure felt like former Southaven Mayor Greg Davis has a reasonable chance of having his 2014 conviction reversed based on questions from justices last week. The state's Court of Appeals heard arguments in Jackson on Davis' appeal of his conviction for defrauding the city. The justices said they would rule soon and, of course, gave no public indication of what their decision would be. (Story here.) But listening to the questions, the three-judge panel sure seemed to connect with Davis attorney Steve Farese when he argued a mistrial should have been declared when a lease agreement was introduced during testimony that contained information neither the defense nor the state had seen. Barbara Byrd, arguing on behalf of Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood's office, contended Davis knew the terms of a city-leased SUV he purchased without providing full disclosure to aldermen. But, Farese pointed out, the lease didn't spell out the terms at least not the copy of the lease he had seen. It was only during testimony that a lease was produced that spelled out specifics. Justices spent a lot of time grilling Byrd on why there shouldn't have been a mistrial, considering that a "true and correct" copy of the lease was a "linchpin" of the case. We'll have to await the court's ruling to find out if they really thought the point was important enough to reverse the conviction, which would send Davis to prison for 2.5 years of a 15-year sentence. By the way, Farese also argued for reversal on the grounds Davis should had been "vilified" and should have gotten a change of venue. It's hard to say if that point resonated with justices as much as the lease issue. Say what? The news release from Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood arrived with the headline: "AG Jim Hood reminds Mississippians that February is Teen Dating Awareness and Prevention Month." So there's a month dedicated to preventing teens from dating? When my daughter was a teen, there were times when I felt it was my duty to prevent her from dating. I suspect every father of every daughter has felt that way at least once. Still, it seemed a bit harsh to have an entire month officially dedicated to preventing it. After all, we all did it. Turns out, once getting past the awkwardly worded name, Hood's office is promoting a serious issue preventing violence that sometimes occurs during teen dating. "For as much as domestic violence among adults is an issue that is too often not discussed," Hood noted, "teen dating violence is even less discussed and less reported by victims." Hood urges parents to watch for signs of teens, both girls and boys, who may have been subjected to abuse: Withdrawal from family and friends, depression or mood swings, unexplained injuries or becoming fearful or anxious of their boyfriend's or girlfriend's reactions. Download a free copy of Hood's "Teen Dating Violence" brochure at agjimhood.com. Old school maps On my personal list of the most significant advancements in the history of civilization, forget the discovery of fire, invention of the wheel or introduction of no-fat frozen yogurt. Nothing tops the GPS. Given my poor sense of direction coupled with my wife's extreme uneasiness over getting lost, I won't travel without my car or phone guiding me every step of the way when on unfamiliar turf. But what happens when the connection is lost or the battery dies? Yeah, that's bad. And that's also exactly why the Mississippi Department of Transportation has come to the rescue with an old-school paper map the 2016 Official Mississippi State Highway Map. "Paper maps may seem like a thing of the past," MDOT said in a release announcing the new map. But, "when technology fails, and you find yourself looking for the quickest route to your destination, this map is a valuable travel resource." The map is available for free, as well as specialty maps of cities and counties in the state. For more information or to request a map, contact MDOT map sales at 601-359-7045 or visit GoMDOT.com. Scam Alert Finally, a new scam alert from the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department: If you get a call warning of possible warrants or fines and threatening arrest if not taken care of immediately, don't take the caller up on the convenient offer to dispose of the problem with payment through a prepaid debit or credit card. The sheriff's department notes it would never make such phone calls. SHARE Supporters of repealing Tennessee's mandatory helmet law for motorcyclists can deride it as a "nanny state" all they want. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the state's helmet mandate saved Tennesseans $111 million in a single year. If the question, as expected, comes up for a vote this week, the state House Finance Committee will be doing us all a big favor if it resists the appeal by an adamant group of bikers who want to ride with the wind in their hair. Tennessee is one of 19 states that require all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. The legislation up for a possible advance to the House floor would allow anyone on a motorcycle to choose not to wear a helmet if they are over 21 and have health or medical insurance other than TennCare. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with passage of the measure Tennessee would become one of 29 states with only partial bans in place. At least 35 more people would die annually, in the estimation of Col. Tracy Trott, who heads the Tennessee Highway Patrol. And the costs of riding without a helmet go well beyond those encountered by the rider alone, according to Dr. David Reagan, chief medical officer at the state Health Department. Reagan told the finance committee last week that helmet usage reduces deaths in motorcycle accidents by 37 percent, head injuries by 69 percent and traumatic brain injuries by 36 percent. Many victims who don't die at the scene linger in intensive care units for long periods of time before they succumb to their injuries, Reagan noted. "The overwhelming evidence is that insurance does not come close to covering the cost to medical facilities, to society and to the individuals themselves," he said. "The insurance is not nearly enough to cover the cost of disability or death." One by one, in studies published by the National Trauma Data Bank, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and others, arguments for repealing the ban have been shot down conclusively. A 2012 Government Accountability Office report found that riding without a helmet doesn't lower the risk of an accident. It found that motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of a passenger vehicle. A nationwide study for 1975-2004 found that universal helmet laws were associated with at least a 22 percent reduction of motorcycle fatalities. A 48-state study covering 1988-2005 found a 27 percent reduction. Easily measurable costs from motorcycle accidents in 2010 totaled $16 billion, three-quarters of which was borne by society, the GAO study found, because of the severity of the injuries compared to other motor vehicle crashes. Leading the list of costs associated with motorcycle accidents was productivity, at 44 percent, followed by medical costs, at 18 percent, the loss of household productivity, at 14 percent, and legal costs, at 9 percent. A 2010 study in Florida found that 51 percent of the hospitalization costs and emergency room treatment after motorcycle accidents were not covered by commercial insurance. So far, Tennessee has considered the big picture on the question of motorcycle safety. The legislature should continue to politely say no to the advocates of bareheaded biking and maintain its clearheaded approach. SHARE Hubert L. Dellinger Jr. Memphis It is unfortunate that President Obama elected to skip Justice Antonin Scalias funeral while calling for other politicians to unite the country. Scalia was the initial speaker in a lectureship series that I sponsored at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. I was privileged to spend some time with this congenial, principled man. Although his Christian and strict constructionist views were consistent throughout his life, having Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as his best friend was a symbol of his respect for people regardless of their views. Respect is something Obama should exhibit. SHARE John Chiego Memphis The best of West Tennessee youth was recently on display at the Cannon Center, when over 800 young musicians participated in the All-West Band, Orchestra and Jazz Band Conference. These students, selected through an extensive audition process sponsored by the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association, represent what we are doing right in our schools today. So often we focus on the things that arent going well in our schools, but this event highlighted an area of extraordinary strength, music, that our schools can rightly be proud of. Learning to play an instrument teaches students the kinds of skills that support all of their other school activities. They learn discipline and the value of hard work over a long period of time to reach a goal. They learn that a step-by-step approach to a task builds a solid foundation for growth. All of these qualities contribute to academic and future success. The concerts were great. This is what is possible with hard-working students, dedicated teachers and supportive parents. Its a winning combination. Bravo to all of them! SHARE Larry Scroggs (Commercial Appeal File) By Larry Scroggs Many Republicans worried that Donald Trump might stage a third-party candidacy if he didn't feel fairly treated in the GOP primary season. The reality is that Trump is essentially engaging in a third-party campaign within Republican ranks. Trump does not fit within ordinary Republican circles. Neither traditional nor tea party conservative, his positions and viewpoints align much more with those of the Democratic Party. He is waging a self-indulgent populist campaign, going about and saying very loudly what a sizable segment of the people seemingly want to hear. He is busily carving out and adding to a middle ground of support between establishment and more conservative GOP candidates. By tapping into voter disgruntlement with political power brokers and claiming ultimate outsider status, Trump has found a seam to place well in GOP primaries. He has certainly been aided by a multitude of candidates struggling to find footing as either establishment or extreme conservatives. The problem with Trump's candidacy is there is no accountability. Trump never says how he plans to deliver on the exaggerated promises to do what most everyone knows is impossible. His supporters seem OK with that. Trump says he will build a wall, and Mexico will pay for it. He says he will bring jobs back from China, Mexico and Japan. He says he will return the "two trillion, maybe five trillion in offshore money" being kept out of the U. S. by corporations he claims are avoiding taxation. He says he will be the greatest jobs creator of all time. Trump says he will make America great again. He just doesn't say how. He says he will be a better negotiator than others he routinely labels as incompetent and stupid. He says America will win again, yet he says he would leave some of our most critical national security concerns to be dealt with by Vladimir Putin and the Chinese. Meanwhile, Trump relentlessly bashes his Republican primary opponents, leaving in his wake several individuals of considerable accomplishment. His personal attacks on Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio have damaged them almost to the point of no return in terms of their respective ability to win as the GOP nominee in November. How has Trump gotten this far? It is fundamental the American system of government is not designed to be dictatorial. It requires collaboration, compromise, and negotiation. Without those elements, there is gridlock and polarization. Trump's message seems to have carried him to this point precisely because of the perception that "Washington is broken," and the federal government is incapable of functioning well. If that is at least one reason Trump has been able to elbow past his GOP competitors, he owes everything to the political establishment. Both political parties created the "mess" Trump decries. There is plenty of blame to go around. At some point Trump realized he wouldn't have to run a Ross Perot-like third-party campaign after all. Going back and forth about whether to pledge not to mount a third-party campaign if he didn't get the Republican nomination was just for show. Trump knew by then his clearest path to the presidency was the ancient political tactic of divide and conquer, which he could use very effectively in the Republican primaries. Larry Scroggs is retired Juvenile Court chief administrator and a former reporter for The Commercial Appeal. SHARE By Catherine Rampell Good news! I read through all the presidential candidates' economic plans so you don't have to. I even came up with a handy rule of thumb to help you quickly assess everyone's ideas. Here's the rule: The more growth a candidate promises, the worse his or her economic plan probably is. Why? Not because promising bonkers growth suggests economic illiteracy, necessarily, though it might. The reason this axiom works is that promises of big growth usually signify a statistical sleight of hand legerdemath, if you will. If a candidate is making ridiculous claims about how much he'll grow the economy, he probably needs to make those claims to hide the massive deficits that his policies would create under less generous (i.e., more realistic) assumptions. Astronomically higher economic output and employment create an astronomically larger tax base, after all, which helps offset the costs of spending increases or tax-rate cuts. Take Bernie Sanders' suite of economic proposals, which include higher taxes, "Medicare for all," big infrastructure investments, free college and higher Social Security benefits. The campaign has lately been flogging an analysis of these proposals by Gerald Friedman, an economist at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In a glowing 53-page report, Friedman says Sanders' policies would: Raise the rate of gross domestic product growth to 5.3 percent per year, more than double the Federal Reserve's current long-run projection of 2 percent. Reduce unemployment to 3.8 percent, which is way below the Fed's long-term estimates of 4.9 percent. Restore the share of the population in the labor force back to what it was in 1999, even though the baby boom generation is much older today and so many more Americans have reached retirement age. If you don't follow economic statistics closely, these numbers may not mean much to you. Here's how I'd describe them in layman's terms: garbage. It's not just that these figures assume delusionally large effects. Some show effects that don't even point in the right direction. Consider the claims about labor force participation. If you actually think about Sanders' proposals such as completely delinking health insurance from employment, making college free and increasing Social Security benefits you'll realize they mostly would reduce workforce participation on the margin. That doesn't mean they're unworthy policy choices. Like any other choices, though, they bring tradeoffs, including making it easier or more attractive for Americans to not have a job. In no known universe would they have the effects Friedman predicts. Usually Democrats accuse Republicans of partaking in this sort of voodoo economics. Jeb Bush infamously promised 4 percent growth, a number he seems to have pulled from thin air during a conference call. Other Republican contenders matched and even one-upped his preposterous promise, with Donald Trump offering 6 percent growth. Both claims were widely mocked. It's no wonder that liberal economists are frustrated that Sanders' campaign is practicing, or at least touting, similar statistical shenanigans. "Making such promises runs against our party's best traditions of evidence-based policy making and undermines our reputation as the party of responsible arithmetic," four former top economic advisers to Democratic presidents fumed in an open letter to Sanders and Friedman last week. One of its signatories, University of Chicago economist Austan Goolsbee, compared the realism of the Sanders agenda to "magic flying puppies with winning Lotto tickets tied to their collars." Sanders' campaign has responded to such critics by impugning their motives, suggesting they're all on Team Clinton. (Friedman turns out to be on Team Clinton, too.) There's a good reason Team Sanders like Teams Bush and Trump avoids addressing critiques of fuzzy math directly. Their economic assumptions may be laughable, but they have one serious advantage: They help make the candidates look less fiscally irresponsible. If you assume 4 percent growth, Bush's trillions of dollars in tax cuts suddenly cease to mar the deficit, according to his own advisers. If you assume 5.3 percent growth, Sanders' tax-and-spend policies may induce a budget surplus (!), Friedman says. Other experts, using different, more reasonable economic assumptions do not agree. Sanders' health plan alone which his campaign insists is fully paid for has an estimated shortfall of between $3 trillion and $14 trillion. For all of Sanders' disgust for Wall Street, this form of numbers-fudging is actually a well-known trick in investment banking. When putting together your pitch book for a merger, you start with the price you need the valuation to come out to, then bake in more and more generous revenue projections until you get there. And anyone who questions your numbers? Well, maybe they're on Team Clinton, too. Catherine Rampell's email address is crampell@washpost.com. Select Commodity All Ajwan Alasande Gram Almond(Badam) Alsandikai Amaranthus Ambada Seed Amla(Nelli Kai) Amphophalus Antawala Anthorium Apple Apricot(Jardalu/Khumani) Arecanut(Betelnut/Supari) Arecanut(Betelnut/Supari) Arhar (Tur/Red Gram)(Whole) Arhar (Tur/Red Gram)(Whole) Arhar Dal(Tur Dal) Ashgourd Astera Avare Dal Bajra(Pearl Millet/Cumbu) Bajra(Pearl Millet/Cumbu) Balekai Bamboo Banana Banana - Green Barley (Jau) Bay leaf (Tejpatta) Beans Beaten Rice Beetroot Bengal Gram Dal (Chana Dal) Bengal Gram(Gram)(Whole) Ber(Zizyphus/Borehannu) Ber(Zizyphus/Borehannu) Betal Leaves Bhindi(Ladies Finger) Bitter gourd Black Gram (Urd Beans)(Whole) Black Gram Dal (Urd Dal) Black pepper BOP Bottle gourd Bran Brinjal Broken Rice Broomstick(Flower Broom) Bull Bunch Beans Cabbage Calf Capsicum Cardamoms Carnation Carrot Cashewnuts Castor Seed Cauliflower Chapparad Avare Chennangi Dal Cherry Chikoos(Sapota) Chili Red Chilly Capsicum Chow Chow Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum(Loose) Cinamon(Dalchini) Cloves Cluster beans Cock Cocoa Coconut Coconut Oil Coconut Seed Coffee Colacasia Copra Coriander(Leaves) Corriander seed Cotton Cotton Seed Cow Cowpea (Lobia/Karamani) Cowpea (Lobia/Karamani) Cowpea(Veg) Cucumbar(Kheera) Cummin Seed(Jeera) Custard Apple (Sharifa) Dalda Dhaincha Drumstick Dry Chillies Dry Fodder Dry Grapes Duck Duster Beans Egg Elephant Yam (Suran) Field Pea Firewood Fish Foxtail Millet(Navane) French Beans (Frasbean) Galgal(Lemon) Garlic Ghee Gingelly Oil Ginger(Dry) Ginger(Green) Gladiolus Cut Flower Goat Gram Raw(Chholia) Gramflour Grapes Green Avare (W) Green Chilli Green Fodder Green Gram (Moong)(Whole) Green Gram Dal (Moong Dal) Green Peas Ground Nut Oil Ground Nut Seed Groundnut Groundnut (Split) Groundnut pods (raw) Guar Guar Seed(Cluster Beans Seed) Guava Gur(Jaggery) He Buffalo Hen Hippe Seed Honge seed Hybrid Cumbu Indian Beans (Seam) Indian Colza(Sarson) Isabgul (Psyllium) Jack Fruit Jaffri Jamun(Narale Hannu) Jarbara Jasmine Jowar(Sorghum) Jute Kabuli Chana(Chickpeas-White) Kacholam Kakada Kankambra Karamani Karbuja(Musk Melon) Kartali (Kantola) Khoya Kinnow Knool Khol Kodo Millet(Varagu) Kulthi(Horse Gram) Lak(Teora) Leafy Vegetable Lemon Lentil (Masur)(Whole) Lilly Lime Linseed Lint Litchi Little gourd (Kundru) Long Melon(Kakri) Lotus Lotus Sticks Lukad Mahedi Mahua Mahua Seed(Hippe seed) Maida Atta Maize Mango Mango (Raw-Ripe) Marasebu Marget Marigold(Calcutta) Marigold(loose) Mashrooms Masur Dal Mataki Methi Seeds Methi(Leaves) Millets Mint(Pudina) Moath Dal Mousambi(Sweet Lime) Mustard Mustard Oil Myrobolan(Harad) Neem Seed Niger Seed (Ramtil) Nutmeg Onion Onion Green Orange Orchid Ox Paddy(Dhan)(Basmati) Paddy(Dhan)(Common) Papaya Papaya (Raw) Patti Calcutta Peach Pear(Marasebu) Peas cod Peas Wet Peas(Dry) Pegeon Pea (Arhar Fali) Pepper garbled Pepper ungarbled Persimon(Japani Fal) Pigs Pineapple Plum Pointed gourd (Parval) Pomegranate Potato Pumpkin Raddish Ragi (Finger Millet) Raibel Rajgir Ram Rat Tail Radish (Mogari) Raya Resinwood Rice Ridge gourd(Tori) Ridgeguard(Tori) Rose(Local) Rose(Loose) Rose(Loose)) Round gourd Rubber Sabu Dan Sabu Dana Safflower Sajje Same/Savi Season Leaves Seemebadnekai Seetafal Seetapal Sesamum(Sesame,Gingelly,Til) Sesamum(Sesame,Gingelly,Til) She Buffalo She Goat Sheep Snake gourd Snakeguard Soanf Soapnut(Antawala/Retha) Soji Soyabean Spinach Sponge gourd Squash(Chappal Kadoo) Sugar Sugarcane Sunflower Sunhemp Suram Surat Beans (Papadi) Suva (Dill Seed) Suvarna Gadde Sweet Potato Sweet Pumpkin T.V. Cumbu T.V. Cumbu Tamarind Fruit Tamarind Seed Tapioca Taramira Tender Coconut Thinai (Italian Millet) Thogrikai Thondekai Tinda Tobacco Tomato Toria Tube Rose(Double) Tube Rose(Loose) Tube Rose(Single) Turmeric Turmeric (raw) Turnip Walnut Water Melon Wheat Wheat Atta White Peas White Pumpkin Wood Yam Yam (Ratalu) Select State Select Market The artificial intelligence revolution is clearly happening. And it's super exciting. A.I. will transform medicine, give us all super-smart virtual assistants, fight crime and a thousand things more. But there's a catch. In order for A.I. to work its miracles, it's going to need data. Massive amounts of data. And I'm predicting that we'll willingly give that data. In fact, we're already starting to. Do you use Siri, Google Now, Cortana or Alexa? They work by recording your voice, uploading the recording to the cloud, then processing the words and sending back the answer. After you've got your answer, you forget about the query. But your recorded voice, the text extracted from it, and the entire context of the back-and-forth conversations you had are still doing work in the service of the A.I. that makes virtual assistants work. Everything you say to your virtual assistant is funneled into the data-crunching A.I. engines and retained for analysis. In fact, the artificial intelligence boom is as much about the availability of massive data sets as it is about intelligent software. The bigger the data sets, the smarter the A.I. One important area of A.I. innovation is: How do you get enough data? Here's how Andy Rubin wants to get it. Andy Rubin's Free Dash Cam Remember Andy Rubin? He is the co-founder and former CEO of Android, which Google got its hands on by acquiring his company in 2005. He ran the Android group at Google for years before heading up its robots division and then finally leaving Google less than a year and a half ago. Rubin now runs an incubator and consulting firm called Playground Global. He's using that company to work on a variety of projects. One of these is reportedly a dashcam that will be given away for free. In exchange for the free dashcam, users would allow the video and other data to be uploaded and used to feed a massive A.I. system, a "real-time visual map of the world." That's an incredible vision for multiple reasons, and one that has to be taken seriously because Rubin is someone with a track record of bringing his visions to reality on a massive scale. First, video is the biggest kind of user data. A single user driving around is likely to generate at least 4 gigabytes of data per hour. There are 253 million cars in the U.S. If only 1 percent of these cars is driving with one of Rubin's dashcams at any given time, that's more than 10 petabytes of data in the U.S. alone. Per hour! That's impossible to process now, but by the time this scheme gets off the ground, it could be possible. Second, a free dashcam is something everyone will want, so such a scheme would put these cameras in a huge number of cars. Third, because Rubin is talking about an A.I.-generated real-time map, it's probably an idea comparable to Google's Ground Truth, which takes data from satellites, StreetView cars and many other sources and combines them into a coherent 3D, information-rich picture of the world. (If you choose the "Earth" view in Google Maps and zoom all the way in, you can see that it's not a satellite photo, but something that looks like a kind of digital clay.) Imagine a StreetView and Ground Truth type system that updates the information on a street every time a car drives down. You could theoretically get real-time weather reports, real-time traffic reports, counts on the number of pedestrians, information on whether lines are forming in front of businesses, available parking spots and much more. A.I. could do all that, but it needs the data. And users will willingly give it up. Microsoft's SwiftKey We learned earlier this month that Microsoft plans to acquire the UK-based startup SwiftKey, which makes a keyboard app for Android and iOS used by some 300 million or so people. The average user may see SwiftKey as a small thing -- a handy keyboard that lets you either type every letter, type until SwiftKey guesses the word you're intending to type, or write by swiping your finger across the letters. In reality, SwiftKey is a marvel of big-data A.I. SwiftKey uses a neural network system to predict the next word you'll type. It's not just a guess based on probability. It actually tries to understand the context of the sentence. The brainy software and massive computers behind SwiftKey are hungry for data. They need to know everything every user types every time. In fact, that's a necessary component of what makes SwiftKey so good -- especially if you opt into their cloud-based personalization. Google's Smart Reply Google last year rolled out a new feature of the mobile version of its Inbox email app. Called SmartReply, the system offers short, canned replies to your email. By choosing one, the reply is inserted into the reply email, and then you can send it. SmartReply works, in principle, like SwiftKey. But while SwiftKey predicts what you'll type based on what you're actually typing, SmartReply predicts the words or even complete sentences you'll type based on the email you got. For example, my brother recently sent me an email talking about how he might like to place a camera on some land he owns some two hours from his house. We had been knocking around ideas about the camera. Google's SmartReply suggested three responses: "Sounds like a plan," "I like that idea" and "I agree." Any of these replies might be good ones. SmartReply also sometimes generates three responses that completely miss the mark. I won't go into the details, in part because I don't understand them (When Google engineer Anjuli Kannan addressed a crowd of professionals about how SmartReply works at the recent Virtual Assistant Summit in San Francisco, I could tell they didn't understand it, either). But the technology behind SmartReply is monstrously advanced and powerful, despite the fact that its output tends to be stuff like "got it, thanks!" and its purpose is to save you two seconds. That SmartReply works at all relies on Google's harvesting terabytes of email messages and replies, which they promise no human ever reads. Why we'll all offer up our data to A.I. Andy Rubin's dashcam, Microsoft's SwiftKey and Google's SmartReply are examples of where a large number of people would allow their data to be harvested to feed the A.I. systems that need it. In exchange, people get useful and free tools. But there's an even better reason to feed the A.I. beast -- saving and improving human lives. Air pollution is estimated to kill some 5.5 million people a year. A new app called AirTick emerged this month from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. The app uses smartphone pictures to track air pollution. Smartphone photos can be tagged with time and location. By harvesting thousands of photos a day from major cities, the AirTick app can train A.I.-software to learn how to estimate the amount of smog from the photos. Over time, the A.I. plus the smartphone photo information should enable the system to maintain real-time, neighborhood-by-neighborhood estimates of air quality. That could allow timely alerts for people to go inside when the air quality gets really bad and also provide evidence for citizens to demand cleaner air, say, in factory towns where the air may be especially unhealthful. Another research project out of the University of California at Berkeley last week published a free app called MyShake that can detect earthquakes. It uses the motion sensors in smartphones to constantly monitor the phones' every movements. The app can tell when motion is caused by an earthquake or from non-earthquake motion. It's like having millions of seismographs all over the place, rather than dozens or hundreds. Eventually, the system should be able to predict earthquakes faster than current systems. And yet another new app came out recently for iOS that helps visually impaired people to identify everyday objects. To use it, you simply snap a picture. Artificial intelligence in the cloud analyzes the smartphone photo, figures out what it is, then sends the answer back. For example, let's say a blind user is shopping for a birthday present at Toys 'R' Us. The user points the camera at a box, and has Aipoly tell the user that it's a Star Wars Lego set. Or while shopping for fruit, the app could tell the difference between a lemon and a lime. The app works because volunteer users who are not visually impaired snap pictures of random objects and identify them for the system. Aipoly doesn't work perfectly. But it could if it had enough data. These three examples show how simply granting permission for organizations to harvest all the data from your phones sensors enables you to help save lives and provide an enormous benefit to the visually impaired. Artificial intelligence can do amazing things, if given massive amounts of data. Whether we're motivated by naked self-interest or the spirit of the greater good, we'll willingly give up our data. All of it. As I previously predicted, Apple has taken a big chunk out of the Swiss watch industry, smartwatch users are abandoning conventional time pieces, and Tim Cooks already figured out a plan to help Apple Watch 2 succeed. China China is essential to the next Apple Watch. Apples decision to launch Apple Pay services in China last week will likely have a significant impact, particularly as the company plans to extend what Apple Pay can do. Think about it and its already reasonable to predict Apple Watch sales will spike in China now the killer app for Apple Watch is available. Apple has already sold over a million Apple Watches in China. When it comes to Apple Pay: "We think China could be our largest Apple Pay market," Apple's vice president of Apple Pay, Jennifer Bailey previously told Reuters. The combination between smartwatch and mobile payments is compelling. With this in mind it matters that Strategy Analytics analyst, Neil Mawston says: Mainland China and Hong Kong combined will become the worlds largest smartwatch market by 2017. Strategy Analytics claims 8.1 million smartwatches were sold in Q4 of 2015, an estimated 5.1 million of these being Apple Watch. Sales of traditional Swiss watches fell 5 percent year-on-year, to just 7.9 million. Switzerland The latest report from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry revealed Swiss watch exports fell 7.9 per cent year-on-year. An unfavourable environment continues to hold back results in the sector, it said. It is important to note that before the smartwatch, China had also become the biggest market for the Swiss watch industry. The Swiss watch industry has been sticking its head in the sand and hoping smartwatches will go away, Mawston said. They are way behind Smartwatch sales are expected to hit 50.4 million units this year, Largely due to Apple popularizing wearables as a lifestyle trend, said Gartner. To fight back Swiss manufacturers will adopt two key strategies: the first will be to continue to create beautiful mechanical watches, the other being to introduce technologically versatile connected devices. However, Swiss watchmakers are not software developers so it seems most likely well see partnerships, such as the newly announced team up between Acer and Victorinox. In future we will find out if such partnerships can better Apple's offer in the space. Apple Watch users already abandoning traditional watches and customer satisfaction rankings revealing very high levels of happiness among users. This initial satisfaction and the stimulus of enabling Apple Pay services in new markets means Apple is likely to attract strong interest in the next generation Apple Watch when it is introduced. However, all sales expectations must be tempered by accepting that economic and political instability is beginning to undermine consumer confidence on a global basis. FBI Swiss watchmakers have one hope: the FBI. You see, at present most smartwatches and other connected devices rely on smartphones to operate. However the FBI wants Apple to build technologies that could effectively be used as a back door into an iPhone, which also becomes a portal into any connected device. If the FBI prevails in its demand (and looking at the political weathermap it seems possible it may) then every security service in the world will demand similar access. Effectively this will mean when you wrap an Apple Watch (or any connected device from any manufacturer) around your wrist you will also be wearing a tracking and bugging device liable to being accessed by every security service in the world on your arm. I'm not sure that's something people want. Thats why the FBI v Apple encryption case in the US is so important. The future of technology, Apple, customer privacy and connected industry depends on the result, which is why Apple CEO, Tim Cook is pleading the US reigns in its current attempt and forms a panel to figure out a better approach. Google+? If you use social media and happen to be a Google+ user, why not join AppleHolic's Kool Aid Corner community and join the conversation as we pursue the spirit of the New Model Apple? Got a story?Drop me a line via Twitter or in comments below and let me know. I'd like it if you chose to follow me on Twitter so I can let you know when fresh items are published here first on Computerworld. Take a deep breath and stop saying the world is ending, FBI Director James Comey wrote on Lawfare as he tried to explain the FBIs reasoning for trying to force Apple to unlock San Bernadino shooter Syed Rizwan Farooks locked iPhone 5c. The San Bernardino litigation isn't about trying to set a precedent or send any kind of message, according to Comey. We simply want the chance, with a search warrant, to try to guess the terrorist's passcode without the phone essentially self-destructing and without it taking a decade to guess correctly. That's it. We don't want to break anyone's encryption or set a master key loose on the land. That might be a bit easier to swallow if the feds hadnt bungled the reasonable option of having Apple hand over the iCloud backup data after the phone connected to a previously joined network. According to Apples answers to customers questions about the case, While the attackers iPhone was in FBI custody, the Apple ID password associated with the phone was changed. Changing this password meant the phone could no longer access iCloud services. Despite some media reports suggesting San Bernardino County acted alone in resetting Farooks password four days after the attack, the FBI issued a statement saying, This is not true. FBI investigators worked cooperatively with the county of San Bernardino in order to exploit crucial data contained in the iCloud account associated with a county-issued iPhone that was assigned to the terror suspect, Syed Rizwan Farook. The FBI statement continued: Through previous testing, we know that direct data extraction from an iOS device often provides more data than an iCloud backup contains. Even if the password had not been changed and Apple could have turned on the auto-backup and loaded it to the cloud, there might be information on the phone that would not be accessible without Apples assistance as required by the All Writs Act Order, since the iCloud backup does not contain everything on an iPhone. Yet an anonymous Apple executive told Ars Technica, If the iPhone had backed up to iCloud as Apple had suggested, then the data that the FBI may have been able to recover would be precisely the data that it is currently trying to get directly off of the phone that Farook used. iPhone forensic expert Jonathan Zdziarski suggested the FBIs statement had only two outcomes: Either the FBI is wrong and was reckless, or the FBI will compel more assistance and mislead the courts. The latter possibility is far more sinister as the FBI ordered Apple to build a backdoor brute force tool allowing the FBI to break the PIN on the device, but it didnt mention requiring Apple to perform any kind of extraction of the raw disk. If the FBIs plan is to require Apple to extract the data, then the backdoor tool is completely unnecessary. Zdziarski added, It would also mean that theyre hiding all of this extra work from both the courts and from Apple, possibly because the combination of the two AWA orders would have constituted unreasonable assistance in the courts view. The motives, then, for forcing the creation of this backdoor tool, would of course be to give the FBI a tool that they can compel for use in the future, and has very little to do with the device theyre trying to get into now. Meanwhile, in an emailed memo to employees, Apple CEO Tim Cook agreed that the case is about much more than a single phone or a single investigation. Since Apple is an American company, it does not feel right to be on the opposite side of the government in a case centering on the freedoms and liberties that government is meant to protect. Yet as Cook pointed out, At stake is the data security of hundreds of millions of law-abiding people, and setting a dangerous precedent that threatens everyone's civil liberties. Comey said the issue the tension between privacy and safety should not be resolved by corporations that sell stuff for a living. It also should not be resolved by the FBI, which investigates for a living. It should be resolved by the American people. He also mentioned finding the right balance, which historically runs roughshod over privacy in the interest of national security. Cook told Apple employees that the government should withdraw its demands under the All Writs Act and form a commission or other panel of experts on intelligence, technology and civil liberties to discuss the implications for law enforcement, national security, privacy and personal freedoms. Apple would gladly participate in such an effort. Apple today said that the government should create an expert panel to discuss the implications of the FBI's demand that the company help it access an iPhone used by one of the people accused of killing 14 in California nearly three months ago. In a FAQ posted to its website early Monday, Apple added to the back-and-forth of last week, when both it and the government traded court filings, statements and heated rhetoric. Along with the call to bring legislators into the controversy, Apple said that the FBI should withdraw its call for assistance in getting into an iPhone used by Syed Rizwan Farook, who with his wife Tashfeen Malik, killed 14 in San Bernardino, Calif., on Dec. 2 before they died in a shootout with police. "We feel the best way forward would be for the government to withdraw its demands under the All Writs Act and, as some in Congress have proposed, form a commission or other panel of experts on intelligence, technology, and civil liberties to discuss the implications for law enforcement, national security, privacy, and personal freedoms," the FAQ stated. "Apple would gladly participate in such an effort." Apple's push of the debate to others was what one attorney last week said may have been the company's intent when it rejected the government's demand. "Is [Apple's] end game here the Congress? This has been brewing in Congress for some time," said Robert Cattanach, in an interview last week. Cattanach is a partner at the law firm Dorsey & Whitney who previously worked as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). In its motion filed Feb. 16 -- which generated an order by a federal judge that Apple comply -- the DOJ cited the All Writs Act when it demanded that Apple help the agency get into Farook's iPhone 5C. The All Writs Act was part of 1789 legislation that established the U.S. judicial system. It has been amended several times since then, with the most recent major changes made in 1948. Increasingly, the DOJ has relied on the All Writs Act to force third parties to help it obtain information, including that stored on smartphones. According the American Civil Liberties Union, the government has used the All Writs Act at least 70 times previously to get Apple to unlock older iPhones. In Monday's FAQ, Apple admitted that it was technically feasible to do what the FBI wanted, but argued that it was a bad idea. "Yes, it is certainly possible to create an entirely new operating system to undermine our security features as the government wants. But it's something we believe is too dangerous to do," Apple said. Apple's admission matched what the DOJ said in a motion filed Friday, and what security experts said was possible earlier. The government has contended that there may be information on Farook's iPhone that will help in the terrorism investigation, but he locked the device with a passcode. The FBI wants Apple to create a modified version of iOS that disables an auto-erase feature and removes the forced delays between passcode guesses. It would then conduct a brute-force passcode crack from a personal computer at high speeds. "In plain English, the FBI wants to ensure that it can make an unlimited number of PIN guesses [and] that it can make them as fast as the hardware will allow," said Dan Guido, co-founder and CEO of Trail of Bits, a New York City-based security firm, last week. On Sunday, FBI Director James Comey issued an online statement where he said Apple owed it to the San Bernardino victims, their families, and survivors to help in the probe of the iPhone. "Maybe the phone holds the clue to finding more terrorists. Maybe it doesn't. But we can't look the survivors in the eye, or ourselves in the mirror, if we dont follow this lead," Comey said. Comey also said neither Apple nor the FBI should set policy related to privacy and national security. "[This case] does highlight that we have awesome new technology that creates a serious tension between two values we all treasure - privacy and safety," Comey wrote. "That tension should not be resolved by corporations that sell stuff for a living. It also should not be resolved by the FBI. It should be resolved by the American people deciding how we want to govern ourselves in a world we have never seen before." Some, including Cattanach, say that the FBI purposefully selected the San Bernardino case -- with its terrorism implications -- to get a court to order Apple to help under the All Writs Act and sway public opinion its way. "This was a very strategic decision by the FBI," said Cattanach. "I think it was very calculated on the part of the FBI: 'Let's get a win here.' " Apple has faced similar demands from the government under the All Writs Act, as the ACLU noted. In fact, the Cupertino, Calif., company first signaled its concern about the law last October, when the DOJ asked a federal court in New York to force Apple to assist in accessing an alleged drug dealer's iPhone. Even after the defendant pleaded guilty, Apple argued that the matter was not moot, and that the issue about Apple's assistance should continue to be heard by the court. "Apple has also been advised that the government intends to continue to invoke the All Writs Act in this and other districts in an attempt to require Apple to assist in bypassing the security of other Apple devices in the government's possession," wrote Marc Zwillinger, an outside lawyer for Apple, in a letter to the New York court on Feb. 12. On Friday, the federal judge in California who ordered Apple to assist authorities set the schedule of additional motions she will accept and a March 22 hearing date for the parties' oral arguments. Apple must file any objections to the order by Friday, while others may file amicus briefs supporting either side by March 3. Cllr David Hodge, Leader of Surrey County Council and Local Government Association Conservative Group Leader The cry from Jeremy Corbyns front bench was predictable. With many Conservative councils benefiting from Greg Clarks last minute changes to the local government funding settlement ministers were accused of a stitch up. Of course, what Mr Corbyn and his team chose to ignore was that the Government had responded to clear facts and figures. The announcement by ministers that an extra 300m would be made available to councils was a result of Conservative councillors and MPs making a consistent and overwhelmingly reasonable case. The Local Government Associations (LGA) Conservative Chairman Lord Porter and I were consistent in our message to ministers the settlement had to improve and better reflect the increasing demand for key council services. In the same vein, Kents Conservative Leader Paul Carter from the County Councils Network and Rushcliffes Conservative Leader Neil Clarke from the District Councils Network carried the same message to Westminster. Teresa ONeill, representing London, also played a key role. Meanwhile our MPs were making the same point to ministers. Many of us may have hoped for more funding to support vital services currently under severe strain. However, it should be noted that we have also achieved a package of measures that will bring lasting improvements to the communities we serve. Firstly, the Government announced that no council will face the prospect of receiving a negative grant over the next two years. Secondly, by agreeing to a fair funding review minsters have recognised the need to improve the funding formula for local government. We can now work to get a system that better reflects the changing basis of needs and the real costs of delivering services in different parts of the country. This opportunity is vital given that Whitehalls new method for distributing funding has proved beneficial for some councils but hugely detrimental for others. Finally, concessions to borough and district councils over council tax, planning fees and more time to consider proposed four year funding deals are also good news for local government. While no Conservative relishes calling for extra funding, we need to recognise the growing demand for services among those in genuine need. For example, the pressure on elderly care and mental health services is undeniable. Thats why the LGA was insistent in calling for extra money be made available. Lord Porter and I feared that ministers would simply redistribute the provisional settlement, which would have resulted in losers as well as winners. We fought quietly, behind the scenes, and ministers listened to us. This only goes to underline how important it is for the sector to have an organisation that can speak with one voice for the whole of local government. Our communities would be in a considerably weaker position without the LGA. But, despite our successes, there is still a great deal more for us address. For councils with adult social care responsibility the pressures of dealing with an ageing population are a long way from being solved. In Surrey the number of elderly people is set to increase by 20,000 by 2020. And the cost of providing adult social care services is increasing by a staggering 20m every year. I lobbied hard last year for councils with adult social care responsibility to be able to raise council tax to deal with this specific pressure. So, I was pleased when the Chancellor announced in Novembers Autumn Statement that an extra two per cent could be raised. The measure means Surrey can raise an extra 12m to help tackle the growing demand for care services. But this will only help reduce the gap. It falls a long way short of closing it. That was one of the reasons why I along with many other leaders was so focused on getting the government to improve the settlement. Without any change we faced asking our residents to pay more council tax only to receive reduced services. Now it is vital ministers reconsider the level of support as well as the proposed allocation of the Better Care Fund to ensure it is fair and equitable to all those councils facing severe demand pressures on elderly care services. While some will focus on adult social care, other may focus on the Governments proposals on social housing policy. Many face the prospect of losing the vast majority of their social housing stock without the finance to replace it. If this situation is not resolved satisfactorily it not only risks depleting affordable housing stocks but also pushing up benefit bills. Councils are the answer to many of the Governments worries over affordable housing, so they need to be given the ability to tackle the issue. These are only two of the many issues we need to resolve with Government, but I am confident we can do it. If our recent experiences have shown anything it is that the more united we are in our voice the more we can expect to achieve. As one team we can make a difference locally by bringing lasting improvements to the services we provide to our residents. That, ultimately, is what were here for. Priti Patel is on childcare duty when I ring to catch up with her after her turbulent last few days. She and her husband have one son, Freddie, who is seven years old. Hes pushing back on doing his homework, she says, with the weary laugh that all parents who have, or once had, a seven year old son will recognise without a moments hesitation. Freddie must take after his mother. For Patel has been pushing back, too, rather than rolling over. Of the six Cabinet Ministers who left Downing Street to cross the river for Vote Leave headquarters on Saturday, she was the most junior: strictly speaking, she only has the right to attend Cabinet as a Minister of State she is not a full member. It follows that she therefore had the most to lose by parting company with the Prime Minister over Britains EU membership. If Remain wins, her boss at Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith, will surely leave Cabinet. The other four members of that Ministerial Leave team look nearer the exit than the entry door of their top-flight service in government. Patel, on the other hand, is a recent arrival around that Cabinet table and has her career stretching before her. To stand out against David Camerons deal will not, Im sure, lead to dismissal if Remain triumphs. But Prime Ministers dont take to being crossed, and there are other ways to blight the fortunes of Ministers who hold out or dig in: non-promotion, sideways shuffles, that marking of the card that leads eventually to being quietly dropped. When I put this point to her, the Work and Pensions Minister bridles slightly. I cant see her stiffen, but can hear it down the line. I dont take decisions based on thinking about what might be best for my career strange though that may sound to your readers she says. I came into politics with beliefs that I want to further. To represent my constituents is a privelege. To serve in government is a privilege. I dont know whether or not it sound strange to ConservativeHome readers that Patels has deep-rooted Eurosceptic convictions, but it shouldnt. She did, after all, once leave the Tories for James Goldsmiths Referendum Party, returning to it only later. And she is a former columnist for this site whose writings were shot through with criticism of Brussels. This referendum has been 41 long years in the making, she says, ticking off the period precisely, but at last people will get to have their say. But for all her long-time view, she neither knocks David Camerons deal nor claims she made her decision to campaign for a Leave vote as soon as the leadership threw its weight behind a poll. The Prime Minister did the very best he could under the circumstances. So when did she make up her mind? Once the summit was in sight the direction of travel was clear and it was evident that difficult decisions would have to be made. Patel studied the draft deal closely, and says that what moved her was her head as well as her heart. It was a rational, not an emotional decision, and I recognise the hard work put in by the Prime Minister, not to mention his dedication and tenacity. None the less, my fundamental view is that Britain will be freer, fairer and better outside the EU, and I believe that leaving it can be a great catalyst for change in a positive way. We should have confidence in ourselves and our future. She doesnt believe that the Leave Campaign should have a single leader everyone will have a part to play but is clearly relishing the debate ahead. The effect of politicians on the outcome can be overstated. It seems to me that Iain Dale was right to say in his column for this site last week that the biggest influence on people will be there friends and family. But a lesson from the AV referendum may lie in the contrast between the two campaigns. No to AV was top-heavy with senior Conservative and Labour politicians. Yes to AV saw itself as a peoples campaign. We all know the result. But whatever your view, Patel clearly will and should be one of the most prominent political faces of the Leave campaign. A colleague of hers said to me recently: My teenage son started talking about the referendum recently, and said to me: Why are all the people involved so old? It is a telling point. Tebbit and Heseltine, Lawson and Clarke, Duncan Smith himself and Johnson (Alan, that is): the ranks of both camps are scarcely short of older men. Patel is different for reasons too obvious to need spelling out, but her appeal wont be grounded in calculations about her youth, her sex or her background as the child of refugees from Idi Amins Uganda. (Read Andrew Gimsons interview with her here, in which she describes how her father set up as a newsagent and rose at four in the morning to work.) It will be founded in the beliefs that drive her. During Margaret Thatchers successful challenge for the Tory leadership in 1975, the Daily Telegraph ran an editiorial with the headline: consider her courage. Its far too early to tell if Patel can follow where Thatcher went, and no person is quite like another in any event. But that headline is worth filching. Patel has shown courage in swimming against the tide, and a resolution that was, I think, never in doubt. It's generally assumed that insurance rates will go up after you have an accident and file a claim, but by how much? More than you might think, according to a report by insuranceQuotes.com. The survey found the average driver will face a 44% rate hike after a single claim of over $2,000. The biggest increase would come if you happen to live in California. There, a driver making a first claim would face an average increase of 78%. Massachusetts and Wisconsin are nearly as expensive, with average rate hikes of 67% and 54% respectively. On the other hand, claims are less expensive for drivers in Maryland, Michigan, and Oklahoma, who see their rates rise between 22% and 25%. Second claim If you have an accident and make a claim, the only worse thing you can do is have another accident and make a second claim. The study says your insurance rate will be twice as high as a driver without a claim. Previous claims are a big factor in car insurance rates and can affect the amount you pay for years, Laura Adams, senior analyst at InsuranceQuotes, said in a release. If you get a rate hike for making a small claim, it could end up hurting your finances over the long run. In some cases, not making a claim can be a smarter move. That's a hard concept for many consumers to grasp. You pay for insurance every month, so why can't you use it when you need it? That's certainly a rational argument, but unfortunately that's not how the insurance system works. Insurance is all based on perceived risk the chances you will file a claim that costs the company money. Insurance companies believe that once you file a claim, chances are good you will file another at some point. Fair or not, under the concept of shared risk, you'll be penalized. Judgment call It becomes a judgment call when it makes economic sense to file an insurance claim and when it pays to pay for damage yourself. InsuranceQuotes.com has this handy calculator to help you figure it out. Why have insurance at all if you are penalized for using it? Good question. In a majority of cases it would pay to self-insure, putting the money you would pay for car insurance each month into a savings account. Unfortunately, your self-insurance policy would not be able to cover all potential accidents which could run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and liability. That's why every state requires motorists to carry auto insurance, or pay into a state-maintained uninsured driver fund each month. The best thing a driver can do is put the phone away and drive carefully. Printer Friendly Version "Our Integrity Lies In Tatters": Zee Journalist's Resignation Letter By Vishwa Deepak 22 February, 2016 Countercurrents.org We journalists often point an accusing finger at others but never at ourselves. We decide others limits of accountability but never ours. We are called the fourth estate of Indian democracy, but are we, our organisations, our thinking and our work process democratic? These are questions not for me alone but for everybody. The manner in which JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar was framed in the name of nationalism and charged as anti-national by means of media trial, points to a very dangerous tendency. We journalists have a responsibility to ask questions of those in authority, not to work in equilibrium with them. Whatever excellence has been achieved in the history of journalism has been the result of asking questions of authority. To question or not to question is a personal matter. However I believe the personal is also political. A time has come upon us when one has to choose between ones professional responsibilities and politico-social convictions, take sides. I have chosen to go with the latter and due to differences on these grounds with my organisation Zee News I have resigned with effect from February 19. I dedicate my resignation to the hundreds of thousands of Kanhaiyas in India and to those friends in JNU who are inspired to struggle and make sacrifices by the beautiful dreams they dream. Vishwa Deepak Dear Zee News, After a year and four months the time has come for me to separate myself from the organisation. I know I should have taken this step earlier; however if I dont do so even now, I will never be able to forgive myself. What I am about to say now is not being said in the heat of the moment, or in anger and irritation; it is a well-thought out statement. I am a journalist but I am also the citizen of a country in whose name the poison of blind nationalism is being spread. My duty as a citizen as well as my professional obligation both tell me that I must try my best to stop this poison from spreading. I know this is akin to crossing the high seas on a small boat but even then I want to make a beginning. Based on this conviction, I am resigning to register my protest at the role played by Zee News in instigating and spreading the campaign of blind nationalism under the pretext of publicising Kanhaiyas excess. Then again, this is not a personal matter it is equally to do with professional accountability, social responsibility and also love for the country. I have to say with regret that on all three yardsticks, by virtue of being connected to the organisation as a journalist I have failed on several occasions. Ever since Mr Modi became the prime minister of India, every newsroom in the country more or less has witnessed a communalisation but the conditions in this organisation are far more grim. I am sorry to use such a big sounding word but there is no other word for it. Why is it that every news has to be embellished with a Modi angle with the aim of furthering the pace of the Modi governments agenda? So much so that I am assailed by a deep doubt whether we are journalists any more. It seems as though we are the mouthpiece of the government or its hatchet men. Modi is the prime minister of the country, he is my prime minister too; but as a journalist I can only digest so much of Modi worship. My conscience has started rebelling against me. I feel ill. An agenda behind every news, an attempt to deify the Modi government as great in every news show, an attempt in every debate to shoot down all of Modis opponents no lesser word than attack is acceptable to us. What is all this? Sometimes when I pause and think about it I feel as if I have gone mad. Why have we been forced to become so pathetic, unprincipled and the scum of the earth? After having studied in Indias foremost media institutions, worked in reputed organisations ranging from Aaj Tak, BBC and Deutsche Welle, all I have earned by way of professional recognition is the appellation of Chhee (dirty) journalist. Our integrity lies in tatters. Who will take responsibility for that? Bias in the newsroom There is so much to tell. There has been a continuous campaign against Delhis chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and it is still going on. Why? Questions have also been raised against his policies on power and water, education and the odd-even scheme. One has every right as a journalist to differ with Kejriwal and criticise him but not to do a hatchet job. If I were to make a list of al the negative stories done against Kejriwal it would fill up many many pages. I want to know if the fundamental principles of journalism such as impartiality or objectivity and integrity with respect to the viewer have any value left or not. There was a similar attitude towards dealing with the suicide of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula. First we described him as a Dalit scholar, then as a Dalit student. Still that would have been alright if the news had been approached properly. The role of ABVP leaders and BJPs Bandaru Dattatreya in inexorably pushing Rohith towards suicide is under scrutiny (everything is crystal clear) but as a media house our role was to dilute the issue and provide a defence for the individuals in question. I am reminded of the occasion when on the issue of tolerance, reputed writers like Uday Prakash and others from every Indian language started returning their Akademi awards. Predictably we started raising questions about them. Take Uday Prakash, whose readers are legion. He is the pride of the language that we speak and in which we write. In his writings we can see glimpses of our lives, our dreams and our struggles, but what we are engaged in is trying to create the impression that this award return was sponsored. It was a painful episode; still one bore it. But for how long and why? My sleep patterns are disturbed, I am restless. Perhaps it is the consequence of an awareness of my guilt. What can be worse for an individual than the ignominy of being branded anti-national? The question, however, is that as journalists what right do we have to hand down sentences thus to people? Isnt that the function of the courts? Wilful distortion of JNU story We succeeded in tarring Kanhaiya and many other JNU students as anti-national in the eyes of the people. If one of them is lynched tomorrow, who will be accountable for it? We have not just prepared the ground for somebodys killing and the destruction of the lives of a few families; we have created conditions fertile for the spread of riots even civil war. What kind of love for the country is this? What kind of journalism is this? Are we a BJP or RSS mouthpiece to say what they direct us to say? The video that never had a slogan of Pakistan Zindabad we ran again and again to stoke passions. How could we convince ourselves so easily that the voices in the darkness belonged to Kanhaiya or his friends? Blinded by prejudice we heard Bharatiya court zindabad as Pakistan zindabad and toeing the governments line managed to push towards ruin the careers, dreams and families of several individuals. It would have been appropriate if we had let the agencies investigate the matter and awaited their conclusions. Umar Khalids sister is being threatened with rape and acid attacks. She is being called a traitors sister. In any eventuality, would we not be responsible for this? Not once but hundreds of times Kanhaiya insisted that he did not support slogans that went against the interests of the country but no one listened to him for the simple reason that the frenzy we instigated was on the lines of what the NDA government wanted. Have we seen Kanhaiyas house carefully? His house is not a house but a painful symbol of the helplessness of the farmers and ordinary people of this country. It is the graveyard of hopes that are buried every moment in this country. But we are blind to all this! It is painful for me to say this but I do want to say that there are many such houses in my area too. Rural life in India is truly ugly. We have injected teetering walls and fragile lives with jingosistic poison without sparing a thought for the consequences. If something untoward happens to Kanhaiyas father who is paralysed, wont we be responsible for it? If the the Indian Express had not done a story, this country would never have known from where Kanhaiya got his inspiration to speak for the deprived. Unleashing the mob Rama Naga and others too have a similar background. Battling poverty, it is with the help of a subsidy provided by JNU that they are able to study there and have the confidence to go far in life. But our vulgar longing for TRPs and our corrupted minds have virtually destroyed their lives. We may not be in full agreement with their politics, or maybe we find their views too extreme but how does that make them anti-national? How can we essay the role of the court? Is it mere coincidence that Delhi Police has referred to Zee News? It is being said that we are in cahoots with Delhi Police. What are we expected to tell the people? In any case, what enmity do we have vis-a-vis JNU or its students. I believe that if there is any institution that presents a beautiful combination of modern values of life, democracy, diversity and dissenting views, it is JNU. But it is being branded as a criminal base for anti-nationals. Is JNU a criminal base or is the real criminal that BJP legislator who barged into the court premises and assaulted Left activists? The legislator and his companions were kicking CPI activist Ameek Jamei prone on the ground and the police were standing there watching the scene unfold. Our screens were showing the images of this beating and we were writing that O.P Sharma was being accused of assault. I asked, why use the word accused. I was told, orders from the top. How can our top sink so low? Defending Modi in our writings is still understandable, but now we are reduced to write in defence of BJP leaders like O.P. Sharma and ABVP workers in our stories. I loathe myself, my journalism and my helplessness. Was it for this that I left everything else to pursue journalism. Probably not. Now there are two options before me either I leave journalism or remove myself from this situation. I am choosing the second option. I have not pronounced a sentence, just raised some questions that are linked to my vocation and my identity. Maybe in a minor way but I too am accountable for my actions. I know for a fact that I will not get a job anywhere else. I also know that if I keep at it here I will reach the one lakh bracket. I earn a good salary here but these creature comforts are extracting a huge price from me which I no longer want to give. Coming from an ordinary middle class family, I know that without a salary I will face many difficulties but even then I no longer want to suppress my conscience. I would like to reiterate that I have no personal grievance against anyone. My questions are linked to organizational and editorial policies. I hope these questions will be taken in the right spirit. It is also important to point out that if a media house has the right to express its rightward leanings and inclinations, on an individual level we too have every right to talk about our political leanings. As a journalist being objective is a professional obligation, but at a personal level and as an aware citizen my path is of the Left the Left which more than in party offices is to be found in our lives. It is my identity. Finally, a word of thanks for dragging on a year-long tug-of-war. It gave me an opportunity to make some good friends in Zee News. With respect and love Vishwa Deepak Tweet WhatsApp Share Share on Tumblr Comments are moderated Looking Back, And Ahead: Dark Days Or Acche Din? By Admiral Ramdas 22 February, 2016 Countercurrents.org Admiral Ramdas ALIBAG: I have been a proud member of the uniformed fraternity for nearly forty five years before retiring as Head of the Indian Navy in 1993. The present turbulence in our top academic institutions together with continuing manifestations of mob violence, totalitarian behaviour and intolerance, impel me once again, to speak up and share my concerns through this open letter. My two recent letters to the President and Prime Minister have not elicited more than a routine bureaucratic response. I am well aware that I may be one of the few from the fraternity of retired military veterans who continue to take public positions which might not always be in support of government policy. However, I see this is both a right and a duty of a former serviceman and a citizen like myself. I am well aware that serving members in uniform cannot express themselves as per the service conduct rules . However, we veterans out of uniform certainly can and must. If people like myself are quiet today, my grandchildren will ask me If not you then who, if not now, then when, Thatha? I refer to the train of events that began with the tragic suicide of Rohith Vemula at Hyderabad Central University (HCU) in December 2015, and continues till today with the unresolved JNU saga. The unprecedented entry of police into the Campus, the ensuing high decibel, high voltage trial by media, and subsequent student arrests under serious charges ranging from sedition, anti nationalism and terrorism, has hit headlines across the country. This has created an avoidable polarisation of views thanks to the entire episode having been handled with a lack of sensitivity and blown into a full scale crisis where students are being demonised and conspiracy theories abounding. Thousands of students and civil society groups as well as journalists have been out on the streets of Delhi taking out some of the biggest, peaceful rallies seen in recent times. Looking Back Let me briefly rewind to my personal profile so as to better understand where I am coming from. I joined the fledgling Indian Navy in January 1949 barely 16 months after we gained our independence. It was a time of great expectations, big dreams and opportunities. The selection for entry into the Armed Forces of a resurgent India at the end of the sustained struggle against British colonial rule, was heady indeed for a young fifteen year old. Those 45 years in the Navy provided me a panoramic view of events that have unfolded across the world stage. And certainly I had a ring side view of events in an India that had been traumatised by the unprecedented brutality and slaughter of partition the scars of which linger on in my personal and our collective consciousness on both sides of our borders. Brick by brick, step by painful step, leaders and citizens together created and built a vision of a new and a free India. This vision, the product of long and tough debates within the Constituent Assembly, sought to encompass the huge and often conflicting diversities that had to be accommodated within the framework of a path breaking Constitutional document. Incorporating the often divergent views of an impressive range of thinkers and visionaries, the Indian Constitution firmly rejected a narrow, exclusionary monoculture in favour of a revolutionary definition of nationhood that was inclusive, confident and transformative under the guiding hand of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Armed Forces and the Nation The Armed Forces of this newly independent nation were an equal part of this combined effort of nation building in a variety of ways -trained as we were to conduct ourselves with discipline and professionalism combined with compassion and a sense of our common humanity and purpose. The unspoken and sacred credo has been that those in the armed forces will remain a-political. Indeed we forgo many of the normal rights as a citizen, enshrined in the Constitution when we join the Armed Forces. The accepted practice of honouring the principle of political control over the armed forces has been followed without exception ever since independence. However, the quid pro quo of this arrangement, unwritten as it is, implies that the government of the day will discharge its responsibilities towards the people [including the military] with honour and integrity. After retirement each of us uniformed persons reverts to being a citizen of India, with all the implications of rights, duties and responsibilities that citizenship implies. The Regulations Navy/Army/Airforce are no longer in force. Whether in or out of uniform we veterans have valued our right to vote - the hall mark of our democratic polity. Exercising our vote does mean that each of us would also choose a particular political position or perspective. The four decades of service in a maturing yet turbulent democracy most certainly impacted my political thinking post retirement. Man of War to Man of Peace After my retirement in September 1993, I moved to a village in Alibag, Maharashtra, where I practice organic farming and continue to live till today. Living in rural India has been a total re-education and one which has given me profound insights . I have shared the ups and downs of the life of an ordinary farmer influenced by the vagaries of weather and pollution, local politics, threats of being evicted for so called development under SEZ, and much more. My years in uniform and first hand experience of two wars, together with a closer understanding of the imminent agrarian crisis which affects some 70% of our population, has directly influenced my belief that true liberation or azadi from poverty and hunger, will only come when and if the elites of this land demonstrate greater integrity and less greed. Recent disclosures by the RBI in response to an RTI question by the Indian Express revealed that an amount of 2.11 lakh crores of loans are still owing to the public sector banks by Industry. It has been reported that nearly half of this amount has been written off between 2013 and 2015 by the Govt as bad loans. Surprisingly neither this information nor its impact on the economy has yet been divulged by the Finance Ministry. And yet we have heard strong criticism about the petty amounts granted for education of scholars from weaker sections , in JNU and other universities, as examples of tax payers money being ill spent! We seldom question the fact that loans too come from tax payers money. To achieve a more just society based on sustainable development, we must build peace through better neighbourhood management. This means finding political solutions to existing problems. Then alone can we reduce our spending on armaments, regulate consumption, balance energy demands, and provide citizens with food , shelter, education, health and employment. I have led and been part of a sustained movement against SEZs in Raigad, and continue to push initiatives for renewable energy. Concerns over safety, cost and waste disposal, have contributed to my active engagement with the movement for Nuclear Disarmament and to end nuclear power by finding carbon free and nuclear free solutions. Efforts to strengthen the peace dividend have led me to take on leadership of organisations like the PIPFPD [Pakistan India Peoples Forum for Peace and Democracy]and IPSI [India Pakistan Soldiers Initiative for Peace] . Both PIPFPD and IPSI have promoted people to people contact and better relations with Pakistan. I am also totally opposed to Capital Punishment and the Death Penalty, as also the continued imposition of the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act [AFSPA ] about which I have written and spoken publicly in several fora. In my view each of the above, constitute areas of engagement which we as citizens not only have a right but a duty to address, even if it is against the policy of any particular government of the day. Does any of the above make me or anyone else anti national? Or less patriotic ? or a Desh Drohi? I believe not. My stand on this derives from the principle that political parties and governments alike are bound by the Constitution of the land. Every citizen has the right and the freedom to think and express views without fear of reprisal. The obsolete colonial law of sedition has no place in a modern democracy. Therefore the question arises : why are we arraigning a Rohith Vemula, a Kanhaiya Kumar and an Umed Khalid under charges of being anti-national, seditious or terrorist activities? From available material it appears that these three young men were only acting to further the objectives outlined in our constitution and not indulging in any anti-national activity. Nationalism And Who Defines It In some ways it is a good thing that the death of Vemula, the arrest of Kanhaiya and the witch hunt against Umed Khalid, have actually led to a public debate about the definition of national and anti national, as also of the deeper and more intractable issues around caste, religion and discrimination in our society. The linked question regarding who, if anyone, has the right to decide on my nationalism or lack of it, is equally vexed and needs a longer, more mature discussion. To the best of my knowledge this has not been done since Independence. The existing laws and practice on this are largely inherited from the colonial period and were never addressed in a contemporary framework. This is critical for a mature democracy. Jingoism, waving the national flag, and shouting slogans , are not equivalent to a certification of patriotism. Upping the ante and making allegations of seditious behaviour and terrorist ties may not pass judicial scrutiny. Many have publicly disagreed with the sloganeering and forms of protest, but none of this is new or radical . Certainly it is ludicrous to think that a few students can threaten the unity of the country, as is sought to be established by some media houses and their invisible paymasters. If anything has been a matter of deep concern to someone like me, it is the spectacle of alleged members of the legal profession being allowed to run amok in the courtroom and to both threaten and actually assault scribes, students, teachers and Kanhaiya Kumar. All this, while the large numbers of police present apparently stood by and did nothing from all accounts. This is unacceptable from a uniformed, and a so called disciplined police force. I have been through the wide range of written reports, and audio-visual material available in the public domain on the JNU and HCU imbroglio. The real tragedy to me lies in the fact that this entire exercise of raising the alarm on foreign funded, possibly terrorist and seditious activies, has been orchestrated in order to demand the shutting down and sanitising such a prestigious institution. One is forced to conclude that this smacks of a false flag exercise. And this is serious. By all means investigate the matter; allow the university officials to handle the students with appropriate disciplinary action. But great discretion and caution must be exercised before calling in the police; and worse , to make serious charges of sedition. Way Ahead Those who are leading the clamour for shutting down and/or sanitisation of JNU seem to have no idea of what this implies, and are exhibiting a frightening tendency to follow the mob blindly. This might be a good moment to remind ourselves that in addition to being held in high esteem internationally, JNU is also among the few universities in India which recognises the courses run by Military Institutions like the NDA, NDC, the Naval Academy and others. Ties between service institutions and university departments have been carefully forged in order that our military personnel continue to benefit from these interactions and remain at the cutting edge of the latest strategic thinking. There are several service personnel who have had the benefit of attending academic courses at JNU and indeed are among the Alumnii. There are also civil servants and police officers who are in a similar category. I have intentionally mentioned this so that my band of brothers and sisters amongst ex-service veterans will carefully weigh the consequences of any hasty actions such as returning degrees and awards. I have outlined at some length the many reasons for why I write this note today. It is imperative that senior public figures like myself and others speak out, to raise an alarm, before it is too late. Recent history has shown us that totalitarian regimes have come to power because good people chose to keep silent. Above all else it is imperative that we must preserve our democratic spaces and the freedom, indeed the right, to question, to dissent and to debate especially in our institutions of higher learning. JNU has been a frontrunner in producing thinkers and professionals who are not scared to speak out. Frankly, after listening carefully to the speech of the young union leader Kanhaiya it left me with a reassuring feeling that all must be well in this complex and disparity riddled country if a young man in his twenties can speak with such compassion, intellect and passion about the real challenges and dangers we face in this land. Far more than saluting a flag [which of course I continue to do with honour and respect] it is the thoughts articulated by young idealists like a Rohit Vemula, a Kanhaiya Kumar, a Shehla Rashid and yes a Umed Khaled all of whom together with the many unnamed and unsung women and men across this country, embody the true spirit of nationalism and patriotism. We must collectively ensure that we not only protect those who have not yet been pushed to take the extreme steps like Rohith Vemula, but ensure that justice is promised and done to those presently in custody or forced into hiding, for fear of their lives. In the ultimate analysis , human security is the best guarantee for National Security. On February 22: Channeling Sophie Scholl By Romi Mahajan 22 February, 2016 Countercurrents.org The future of Indiathe youthful, exuberant, and indefatigable students of Hyderabad, JNU, FTII and countless other varsities and schoolsremind us of Sophie Scholl and The White Rose. It is up to us to ensure that they- and others like them- dont suffer the same fate. A recent visit to the University of Munich reminded me of the power and hope inherent and pulsating in students. At the height of Nazi powerand in the sanctum of the Nazi party, The White Rose movement sprung up and continued for several months under unimaginable circumstances. Disgusted by Nazi excesses and war crimes, a group of students protested, distributing leaflets and speaking out against Hitler and Nazism. They encouraged passive resistance to the Nazis. For this, Scholl, her brother Hans, and their friend Christophe Probst were beheaded by guillotine after a kangaroo court presided over by none other than Roland Freiser, an ardent Nazi. This was exactly 73 years ago, on February 22, 1943. Its impossible for most of us to even contemplate what it might have been like to be a humane, decent, and courageous progressive under Nazism. More amazing still to speak out, to protest so openly and happily in the public sphere- in 1942/43 Munich. And yet we see students being beaten up, imprisoned, academics being blacklisted, even killed. In 2016 India. The Rohith Vemulas and Kanhaiya Kumars are our White Rose movement. One we lost, the other we must save. Let us all channel the courage of Sophie Scholl and in her honor, act now before it is too late. Romi Mahajan is the founder of KKM Group a marketing firm, an author, an investor, and an activist. His career is a storied one, including spending 9 years at Microsoft and being the first CMO of Ascentium, an award-winning digital agency. Romi has also authored two books on marketing- the latest one can be found here . A prolific writer and speaker, Mahajan lives in Bellevue, WA, with his wife and two kids. Mahajan graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, at the age of 19. He can be reached at romi@thekkmgroup.com Man-Elephant Conflict: A Cause Of Concern In Udalguri Of Indian State Assam By Shajid Khan 22 February, 2016 Countercurrents.org Tangla , Assam Feb 21: With over 22 people killed and several houses damaged during the last few years, the human-elephant conflict has taken a serious turn in Udalguri district of Assam along Indo-Bhutan border. As many as 22 people and eight wild elephants were killed during 2014 in Udalguri district while in 2015 under Harisinga Revenue circle of 33 Nonwi Serfang BTC constituency, 108 houses constructed by the government under Indira Awaas Yojana belonging to poverty ridden villagers were destroyed by wild jumbos. Out of which include 25 in Nonaikhuti, 23 in Bamunjuli, 8 in Khagunbahi, 16 in Tukhibasti, 23 in Rajagarh, 16 in Bhulatara and seven in Kali-Khola villages of Udalguri district. Sources said massive deforestation has led to the man-elephant conflict in the district. Due to massive tree felling, the Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Khalingduar forest and Nonai Reserve forest are on the verge of extinction. Official statistics reveal that of 19,892 hectares of reserved forest area in Udalguri district, over 5,100 hectares has been either under encroachment or cleared of forests, causing rapid loss of elephant habitat and blocking of corridors. In Rowta reserved forest, 2,342 hectares out of 7,739 hectares has been encroached or destroyed. Likewise, of 7,090 hectares in Khalingduar reserved forest, over 1,365 hectares has been encroached upon, said Jayanta Das, honourary wildlife warden of the district. But the worst case of encroachment is the Bhariabkunda proposed reserved forest, which comprises of 3,543 hectares, but everything is only on paper. So is the status of the Kundarbil proposed reserved forest, where of the 992 hectares, only 72 hectares is left. The villagers in the Indo-Bhutan border had been rendering sleepless nights in fear of the wild jumbos. In the villages under Harisinga revenue circle of Udalguri district namely Bamunjuli, Kalikhola, Orangajuli, Garuajhar, Satgaria, Attarekhat, Nalapara, Rajagarh, Dharamjuli, Borengajuli, Suklai, Gosala, Dimakuch, Ghagra, Bhutiachang, Sonajuli, Naobandha every year a sizable number of people have lost their lives, property and crops. Within a night the human dreams and lives become shattered. The panic stricken villagers have appealed the local authorities and government to build houses in form of watch towers under Indira Awaas Yojana in the affected areas. Shajid Khan is a Journalist from Assam.Currently pursuing his graduation in English literature .In his stint of journalistic experience he has contributed numerous political, socio-political stories for bountiful national,international as well as Assam based publications. He also pens down analytic commentary on print and web based publications. Email: itsshajidkhan@gmail.com Deadline Passes In Negotiation To Save Palestinian Hunger Striker As He Faces Imminent Death By Charlotte Silver 22 February, 2016 Electronicintifada.net Lawyers from the Palestinian Prisoners Club gave Israel a hard deadline on Sunday night to accept an offer from Muhammad al-Qiq to be transferred to al-Makassed hospital, a Palestinian medical facility in occupied East Jerusalem. There, the gravely ill journalist would have ended his hunger strike on condition that Israel promised not to renew his administrative detention order. For 89 days, the 33-year-old al-Qiq has consumed nothing but water to protest his detention without charge or trial. For most of that time, al-Qiq has been held at an Israeli hospital in the north of present-day Israel. The Palestinian Prisoners Club announced in a press release that it had given Israel until 9 pm on Sunday night to respond to the offer. The group said that if Israel failed to respond, it would reveal previously undisclosed details of al-Qiqs case at a press conference on Monday. The club also threatened to cease representing al-Qiq, stating that Israel alone bears the responsibility for his life. But as the deadline passed, Israel had not responded, and the Palestinian Prisoners Club announced it had informed Israel that it had ceased following up on the case. Police dogs Israeli special forces and police dogs have been placed outside Muhammad al-Qiqs hospital room at HaEmek hospital in Afula. Al-Qiqs wife, Fahya Shalash, and lawyers believe the bolstered security presence means Israel is preparing for his imminent death. Hours before the forces arrival, al-Qiq reportedly suffered spasms and seizures. Meanwhile Shalash and the couples two young children have been barred by Israel from traveling to Afula to be by al-Qiqs bedside. On Sunday, Israels high court refused to hear a petition by Shalash to allow her to travel into present-day Israel to be with her husband. As al-Qiq has reached the end of his options to appeal to Israels high court, political negotiations had reportedly advanced. On Friday, the Palestinian Prisoners Club reported that a possible deal between al-Qiq and Israels attorney generals office was imminent. But Israel has refused to assure al-Qiq and his family that they would not re-arrest him as soon as his health improved. Shalash has repeatedly appealed to Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas to intervene urgently to save her husbands life. Shalash told a press conference on Saturday that Abbas had promised her that her husband would be released within 24 hours. On Sunday, however, Shalash told the Quds news outlet that there had been no movement. Al-Qiq had rejected the high courts initial offer on 15 February to transfer him to al-Makassed, demanding that he be released to the occupied West Bank. The court has continued to refuse al-Qiqs transfer to the West Bank despite the fact that on 4 February it had ostensibly suspended his detention. Israeli human rights group BTselem says that al-Qiq is now being detained without any legal authority and that the high court has effectively concocted a new legal myth a person who is not free, yet is not detained. Force-feeding not ruled out Though reports have indicated that al-Qiq may not survive even if he does begin treatment immediately, Israeli doctors have said that they will take life-saving measures if his condition deteriorates much further. Al-Qiq has refused any medical treatment so long as he is in Israeli custody. On Sunday, Israels high court heard a petition by Physicians for Human Rights-Israel against Israels law legalizing force-feeding of hunger striking prisoners. The World Medical Association has described the practice as tantamount to torture in response to the Israeli law. Attorneys representing the Israeli Medical Association and Al Mezan Center for Human Rights argued before the court that the law violated Israels patients rights law by administering treatment without the patients consent. The lawyers said the force-feeding law was not intended to save lives but as tool of the state against Palestinian prisoners. Israels parliament legalized force-feeding last July. At the time, public security minister Gilad Erdan, who proposed the law, said: Security prisoners would like to see hunger strikes become a new sort of suicide bombing to threaten the state of Israel. We wont allow anyone to threaten us and we wont allow prisoners to die in our prisons. In addition to al-Qiq, there are four more Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike. Charlotte Silver is an independent journalist and regular writer for the Electronic Intifada. She is based in Oakland, California and has reported from Palestine since 2010. Follow her on Twitter @CharESilver. Bastar, Chhattisgarh: Indias Mullaitivu In The Making? By Sreekumar Kodiyath 22 February, 2016 Countercurrents.org The fourth and final phase of war between Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE of 2009 was marked by a systematic program from Sri Lankan Governments side to make the affair a private one. One after the other, humanitarian agencies, international organisations, reporters and human rights activists were asked to leave or were expelled from the war zone. Activists and reporters who stubbornly remained either disappeared or were detained by the security forces. They called it, a War without witnesses. The idea was to give a free hand to the armed forces to wipe the slate clean. It was efficiently done but for the many videos and images that surfaced later evidencing torture, rape, execution and even desecration of dead bodies. The final battle between LTTE and the army ended with more than 20,000 civilians dead and 200,000 injured in Mullativu District of Sri Lankas Northern Province. The scars still remain in the minds of the international community as the island nation is making efforts to convince the world of its commitment to healing and reconstruction. It was a case study for security forces worldwide in dealing with the human rights activists or independent journalists during their operations whom they often find to be their greatest obstacles. War without witnesses remains a model that could be emulated for efficient military operations, be it against hungry citizens, protesting students or armed militants. It is in this context that one has to analyse the developments in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh. With a forest cover of about 40 percent, it is home to two entities vulnerable to exploitation, minerals and indigenous tribals. The indigenous tribal population inhabiting this region is one of the poorest in India and are the easiest targets of bonded labourer hunters and moneylenders. As far as the land goes, it is a miners paradise, having everything from coal to diamond and a very mining friendly government ready to confront laws or Supreme Court orders to let the mining work proceed smoothly. Despite this attitude the mining operations do not proceed unhampered as both the state and the central government prefers to. It is due to a creature that the state manufactured in its classical unbalanced development policies coupled with a frenzy to bag the unaccounted profits associated with mining leases, the left wing extremists called Naxalites. The Naxalites, nurturing under the repressive handling of the issue by the Government, grew to become the biggest threat internal security and even facilitated parts of central India be christened red corridor. The mining companies were waiting, contracts pending and millions of rupees stuck which otherwise may have reached different hands from local leaders to election funds of major political parties. Successive governments continuously toyed with stranger and stranger strategies against Naxals including the creation of a state sponsored militia. Most of it resulted in humanitarian catastrophes including the state sponsored militia called Salwa Judum committing mass rapes, executions and arson to be finally declared illegal by the Supreme Court of India in 2011. The conflict canvas was becoming livelier as things progressed with the affairs in the area catching the attention of human rights organisations and journalists. What they were interested in were reports of many tribals disappearing and later appearing as lifeless bodies with instant naxal identities, press conferences with claims of victories battles against armed groups by the police but refuted later by tribal villagers to be summary execution of unarmed civilians, mass rapes and burning of villages and so on. Adding to the woes of the State, an apparently harmless law that it had passed due to pressure from various tribal rights groups called Forest Rights Act in 2006 vested the tribal population with rights over forest land and its management. It never foresaw that this would be a big obstacle for it to hand over the mineral rich forests of Central India to the mining companies. With the political climate in India shifting further right and lack of adequate patriotism determining every Indian citizens liberty or bodily integrity, the old strategies were reviewed. Need for subtlety in operations was not bearing fruits. It was time for a War without witnesses. Policemen with shocking human right records were handpicked and deployed throughout the state. A senior police official, S.R.P.Kalluri who remains accused of raping tribal women and orchestrating encounters was appointed in charge of the Bastar region. The outlawed process of manufacturing and arming vigilante organisations to target human rights activists and organisations in the area was reinvented. Slogans are now raised high, Bharath Mata ki Jay (Hail mother India) and anti-nationals leave India. A group of young lawyers, who left their high paying jobs to provide legal aid to the tribal prisoners were intimidated, harassed and finally driven away by coercing their landlord to evict them. The latest developments began with a ban by the local bar association after prolonged interference in their work, continued with vigilantes targeting them and now successfully concluded with their enforced exile. Shalini Gera, Isha Khandelwal and others who support them now helplessly remain in Bilaspur, about 400 kms from Jagdalpur as you read this. The residence of Malini Subramaniam, a journalist working with the website scroll.in who focused her work on tribals, conflict and displacement in the area was attacked. Her domestic help was summoned by the police, coerced for hours compelling her to implicate Malini of being a Naxalite. Her landlord was threatened by the police and directed to evict her from her house. She finally had to leave the place on 19th February. Bela Bhatia, an independent researcher documenting human rights violations was threatened by the pro-state vigilantes and her landlord was similarly summoned to the police station. These individuals are just the ones in the end of the list. Expulsion and detention of journalists and activists had started some time back. In the latest incident Adivasi leader Soni Sori was attacked near kodenar in bastar. About three men threw some some substance on her face causing intense burning and pain. She is now being treated in Delhi. UPDATES FROM RAIPUR AIRPORTSoni Sori's face is swollen like anything. No one could recognise her face. She spoke to... Posted by Goldy M George on Sunday, February 21, 2016 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already made a statement few hours back during his tour in Central India including Chhattisgarh that NGOs are trying to discredit his government. District Collector of Bastar has warned people that stories coming from Bastar are mere propaganda; just some one sided anti-establishment narratives. This means that leaked images or videos that may surface tomorrow are to be considered untrue propaganda. They shouldnt have worried. Even otherwise, affairs in the forests of central Indian states rarely make it to the front pages of mainstream Indian newspapers or attract the attention of news channels. Bastar is now more or less free of any limitations as far as the security forces are concerned. It is high time to remove the shackles of distinguishing civilians and combatants. The stage is set and the time is ripe. It can begin the carnage without witnesses. Sreekumar Kodiyath, Independent Researcher (Human Rights) SHARE Patrick A. Shoulders and Dirck H. Stahl, partners at Ziemer, Stayman, Weitzel & Shoulders, LLP, in Evansville, were selected to the 2016 Indiana Super Lawyers list. According to a release, each year no more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state are chosen by the research team at Super Lawyers. Super Lawyers also announced the Indiana Rising Stars list for 2016. Jean M. Blanton and Clay W. Havill, both partners at Ziemer, Stayman, Weitzel & Shoulders, LLP, were included. To be eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less. While up to 5 percent of the lawyers in a state are named to Super Lawyers, no more than 2.5 percent are named to Rising Stars. JASON CLARK / Courier & Press Indiana House Representative Gail Rieken of Evansville, takes a moment to thanks former democratic Urbana mayor, Hiram Paley, after he stopped to show his appreciation for their efforts at the Comfort Suites in Urbana, Illinois Friday. Most House Democrats have left Indiana resulting in less than the 67 members needed to conduct business in the House. SHARE JASON CLARK / Courier & Press Indiana House Representative Gail Rieken of Evansville, takes a moment to thanks former democratic Urbana mayor, Hiram Paley, after he stopped to show his appreciation for their efforts at the Comfort Suites in Urbana, Illinois in 2011. Most House Democrats left Indiana, leaving the Indiana House of Republicans unable to conduct business for five weeks. By Zach Osowski, zach.osowski@courierpress.com INDIANAPOLIS Feb. 22, 2011. Work at the Indiana Statehouse ceases as House Democrats stage a walkout over several controversial bills, including right-to-work legislation they fear will kill unions in Indiana. As the minority party in the House, the Democrats have little recourse to slow down the Republicans outside of breaking quorum, which is exactly what the caucus decided to do. Five years later, lawmakers involved in the five-week protest look back on the impact of the walkout and the bill's eventual passage of that legislation during the 2012 session. The so-called "right-to-work" law, which prohibits unions from collecting dues from non-union employees, wasn't the only legislation House Democrats took exception to in 2011. Bills relating to charter schools, school vouchers and unemployment payments, among others, were also driving factors behind 39 Democrats making a motel in Urbana, Illinois, their temporary home. Rep. Gail Riecken, D-Evansville, said there was a real fear of the lawmakers being arrested if they were in Indiana, which is why they skipped over the border. House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said the Democrats sent him a list of bills they wanted changed or killed before they would come back to Indiana. That began a five-week standoff as both sides waited for the other to blink. Eventually, Republicans agreed to take right-to-work off the table for 2011 and modified some of the other bills to make them more appealing. On March 28, 2011, the Democrats came back to Indianapolis. Five years later, Rep. Pat Bauer, D-South Bend, the minority leader at the time of the walkout, said he sees the protest as something the Democrats had to do. During the 2010 elections, House Republicans jumped from 48 members all the way to 60, giving them a convincing majority for the first time in years. Bauer said things immediately worsened for his party in committee hearings. "They were showing a total disrespect for the process and for us," Bauer said of the Republicans. "For weeks we had some really angry caucus meetings and finally we decided to break quorum, which they had done a couple years before." So for five weeks, the Democrats waited for something to happen. Riecken said they "did a lot of constituent work" in the hotel rooms. "It was demoralizing to see that there was such a split in ideology," Riecken said. "That we couldn't come to some kind of compromising terms. It was obvious the Republicans didn't want to move one bit." In Indianapolis, the Republicans kept showing up but were unable to do any official work with just 61 House members present. Bosma took a hard-line approach from the outset, saying he wasn't going to reward the Democrats' behavior. "Pretty soon into it, I figured out that they did not have an exit plan," Bosma said. Democrats were fined for each day they didn't show up. Momentum sputtered and, after right-to-work legislation was taken off the agenda, the Democrats came back, unsuccessful in getting their long list of bills removed, but claiming victory in other areas. A year later, right-to-work passed despite continued protests from Democrats and the thousands of union workers who rallied day after day at the Statehouse. The legacy of right-to-work, like all controversial subjects, depends on who you ask. Bosma said it has been a tremendous success in bringing jobs to Indiana. "There have been more than 100 companies that have invested in our state and have cited right-to-work as a factor in their decision," Bosma said. "I've had discussions with business leaders that said they would never have considered Indiana without right-to-work." Democrats see it differently. Riecken pointed to stagnant wages as a direct result of less union influence in Indiana's workforce. In reality, it's too hard to disentangle right-to-work from other economic factors to really tell what kind of impact the legislation has had, said Michael Hicks, economic professor at Ball State University. "The truth is, we really can't tell if it has helped or not at this point," Hicks said. "And we may never be able to know for sure." Hicks said the right-to-work legislation coincided with several other state reforms in the same time period. With all the legislative acts mixed together, Hicks said it is almost impossible to determine how much of an impact right-to-work had. "The example I like to use is Louisiana and Mississippi," Hicks said. "They both have right-to-work (laws). Louisiana has a struggling economy and Mississippi has a very good manufacturing economy." By the same token, Hicks said its hard to pin Indiana's stagnant wages on right-to-work, either. While he agreed wages for new jobs haven't grown recently, he said it's difficult to know what exactly is behind that. SHARE By Zach Osowski, zach.osowski@courierpress.com INDIANAPOLIS A bill changing how Hoosiers purchase pseudoephedrine narrowly passed out of the House Public Health Committee on Monday. Senate Bill 80, unofficially dubbed the "Nosy Pharmacist" bill, was amended by the committee, taking out all the language in Sen. Randy Head's original bill and putting in the language from Rep. Ben Smaltz's House Bill 1390. That language had already been approved by the full House and both Smaltz and Head said HB 1390 was a "little stronger" than SB 80. Smaltz's bill is more specific on how pharmacists would interact with customers wanting to buy Sudafed. Instead of consulting with every customer who comes into a pharmacy seeking pseudoephedrine, pharmacists can establish some customers as "patients of record." It will be up to the State Board of Pharmacy to define patient of record, but Smaltz said he thinks of it as a patient who has an established relationship with a pharmacy. New customers would be offered non-pseudoephedrine medication under the bill. If they demanded Sudafed, they would need a prescription. The amended bill got out of committee on a 6-5 vote. Reps. Charlie Brown, Robin Shackleford and Greg Porter, all Democrats, voted against the bill. They were joined by Republican Reps. Ed Clere and David Frizzell. It appears unlikely HB 1390 will get a hearing in a Senate Committee. It has been assigned to the Courts & Criminal Code Committee but has not been scheduled for a hearing. With the amendment, the bill will live on in SB 80. The committee also approved SB 161, the NPLEx update bill. NPLEx is the state's system that monitors pseudoephedrine sales. Rep. David Frizzell, who has authored an identical bill in the House, amended SB161 to try and fix the one remaining concern he still had the cost of the update. The bill would add anyone convicted of a drug-related felony to the state's NPLEx system. Under the bill, felons would not be allowed to buy Sudafed without a prescription. With the amendment, courts, not Indiana State Police, would send information on felons convicted of drug-related offenses to the NPLEx system. Those records would go back to 2012. Both of the bills now go to the full House. They could be eligible for third reading as early as Thursday. War rages again in northern Ethiopia. The resumption of conflict on 24 August between the federal military, forces from the Amhara region, which borders Tigray, and Eritrean troops, on one side, and Tigray forces, on the other, marks the breach of a roughly nine-month truce that had largely halted some of the worlds deadliest fighting. The return to blows is a setback for a struggling peace process and strenuous efforts to get food to millions of besieged Tigrayans. Although it is unclear exactly why combat restarted or whether either side planned a sustained campaign, both immediately escalated, with a Tigrayan offensive to the south into Amhara and a joint Ethiopian-Eritrean incursion into Tigray from the north. Sustained full-blown hostilities would mean prolongation of a likely unwinnable war, creating more mass suffering. Instead, the Ethiopian parties must renew the truce and overcome the obstacles that have impeded the beginning of formal talks. Concerted high-level pressure by donors, many of whom have been distracted by the Ukraine crisis, will likely be vital to any breakthrough. A Return to Arms Fighting in Ethiopias nearly two-year civil war a brutal conflict that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, displaced millions and generated credible reports of atrocities on all sides resumed in northern Amhara on 24 August. Efforts to commence formal talks have failed to end the siege and humanitarian crisis in Tigray, and tensions have been rising over the course of the summer. As when the war broke out in November 2020, each side blamed the other for starting the hostilities, and it is not clear who shot first. As in 2020, federal troops had been massing near Tigrays southern border for weeks. In recent months, Tigrays leaders have also bolstered their own forces through rearming, recruitment and training. The late August clashes in northern Amhara just south of a part of Tigray that Amhara groups claim as their own were preceded by smaller incidents. Federal forces shelled Tigray positions at Dedebit in north-western Tigray on 15 August. That was the first serious violation of a truce dating back, in effect, to December 2021 but formalised in March. Then, on 24 August, the day fighting to the south began, the federal military said it had shot down a plane the previous evening coming from Sudanese airspace to deliver weapons to Tigray. No independent source has verified that the plane was indeed carrying arms, but Tigray has previously received other air deliveries of unspecified cargo that Addis Ababa believes to have been lethal aid. Whether or not either side fully intended it, the fighting quickly spread, taking the country back to full-blown confrontation. Whether or not either side fully intended it, the fighting quickly spread, taking the country back to full-blown confrontation. Tigrays fighters seem to have had the better of the first exchanges in the south, taking the northern Amhara town of Kobo on 27 August; Tigrayan media showed footage of prisoners of war arriving in Alamata town in southern Tigray. For its part, the federal air force bombed Tigrays capital Mekelle on 26 August, and again overnight on 30-31 August, reportedly causing deaths by hitting a kindergarten and civilian areas near the main hospital. As new fronts opened, each side painted the other as the aggressor. On 1 September, Tigray authorities said the Ethiopian and Eritrean armies had launched major offensives from Eritrea to the north. On Twitter, Eritreas ambassador to Kenya and Tanzania implicitly confirmed Asmaras renewed involvement. Federal authorities, a day earlier, accused Tigray forces of staging an invasion of areas to the west of Kobo and also close to the disputed Sudanese border in Western Tigray. The latter clashes reportedly involved Tigrayan former UN peacekeepers who were stranded in Sudan during the war when they refused to return to Ethiopia. A top Tigray official told Crisis Group that these forces were defending their position near the Sudanese border, and that federal and Amhara units had tried to penetrate Tigray in the south. War, Truce and War Again Ethiopias civil war began in November 2020, when a constitutional dispute between Tigray and federal leaders escalated into conflict amid a prolonged power struggle. Momentum has repeatedly flipped sides. At first, the federal government (backed by Eritreas military and Amhara forces) pushed into Tigray, took Mekelle and compelled the regions ruling Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) administration to flee to mountainous areas. Tigray forces subsequently regrouped to launch a guerrilla campaign that thwarted federal plans and, months later, recaptured Mekelle and reinstalled the TPLF government. In July 2021, partly in response to a renewed federal blockade, Tigrays troops mounted an offensive, pushing in several directions in Amhara (amid accusations of atrocities), as well as south toward Addis Ababa in an attempt to dislodge Prime Minister Abiy Ahmeds government. Then, in turn, the federal government, armed with new drones and backed by strong popular mobilisation, beat back Tigrays forces, which retreated to their home region in December. The subsequent lull in fighting evolved into a fragile, informal truce, with both sides making conciliatory gestures. In December, Addis Ababa ordered the release of key opposition prisoners and put forward a plan for national dialogue to address Ethiopias long-festering political challenges. In late March, the parties formalised a humanitarian truce, after which critical aid deliveries into Tigray began picking up. In the precarious new status quo, federal troops stayed largely outside Tigray, while Tigrayan forces left the Amhara holding onto Western Tigray (which the Amhara call Welkait) where rights group say Amhara groups have committed atrocities and displaced 700,000, mostly Tigrayan residents, since the war began. Eritrean soldiers continued to occupy parts of Western Tigray (in the north) and north-eastern Tigray. Even following the truce, the humanitarian situation in Tigray remained dire. Despite the increase in food aid, Addis Ababa and its allies continued to block commercial traffic into the region, while tightly restricting the fuel supply and failing to restore Tigrays electricity, telecommunications and banking services, all of which the federal government had severed in the conflicts early phase and cut again after leaving Mekelle in June 2021. Efforts to get peace talks off the ground also foundered. Both sides took steps and offered commitments to engage in formal negotiations, but the latter never commenced amid squabbling between the two sides over mediators and preconditions. While the federal government and many outside actors backed an African Union-led process, the Tigray authorities expressed scepticism that this body, which is headquartered in Addis Ababa, could act as a fair arbiter, and rejected a lead role for its envoy, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. Tigray authorities have said they prefer Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta as mediator, but he is leaving power, having served his final term. It is unclear if Kenyatta could still play such a role after his anointed successor, Raila Odinga, lost to Deputy President William Ruto, who has a bitter relationship with Kenyatta, in Kenyas 9 August election. Further complicating matters, the federal government demanded talks without preconditions, while Tigray authorities made negotiations contingent on both unfettered humanitarian operations and a full restoration of services, as well as the return of Western Tigray (a hotly contested area that the Amhara, who currently control it, claim the TPLF violently annexed in the early 1990s). Distracted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Western capitals reduced their high-level focus exactly as the truce in Ethiopia was beginning to take hold. International efforts to steer the parties toward peace have been uneven. Distracted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Western capitals reduced their high-level focus exactly as the truce in Ethiopia was beginning to take hold. The diplomacy that persists is often disjointed. For instance, the U.S., which has now dispatched its third regional envoy since creating the post in April 2021, facilitated a secret meeting between senior officials from both sides in June in Djibouti (there was a similar one earlier in Seychelles), where the federal government pledged to restore services to Tigray. But there was little follow-up to that meeting, with Tigray accusing Addis Ababa of breaking its pledge and Washington of failing to act as guarantor. When the AUs Obasanjo subsequently tried to go to Mekelle days after a joint UN, U.S. and EU visit, and with still no progress made toward service restoration, Tigrays leaders took it as another sign Abiy was reneging on the Djibouti pledges and rejected his request to visit. Obasanjos call for Eritrea to also attend prospective talks caught many other actors by surprise and cemented Mekelles view that he should not lead mediation efforts. For Tigrayans, the conflicts further escalation would bring major risks. Any form of renewed war is in fact likely to worsen the blockade of Tigray and the humanitarian crisis, with all aid operations to Tigray suspended since hostilities kicked off. In a 23 August letter to international partners, which reiterated demands for federal authorities to restore services and return Western Tigray to Mekelles control, Tigrays president concluded by warning again that the region would fight to end the blockade if necessary. But the reality is that, while Tigray may well be able to demonstrate its military prowess, it looks unlikely to achieve its ends in the short term. Its forces would face a major challenge in seeking to break through the combined force of federal, Amhara and Eritrean troops to open and then maintain a corridor to neighbouring Sudan. Nor is there much reason to think that another push south, aimed at overthrowing Abiy, is likelier to succeed than last time. Rather, renewed fighting could well embolden hardliners in Addis Ababa and Asmara, as well as among Amharas political leaders who want to double down on the siege strategy that has so devastated Tigray. Abiy, too, would likely lose out from an escalation. He still has no viable military and political strategy for bending Mekelle to his will. His administration has already proven unable to hold and govern Tigray in the face of a resolute and popular insurgency, which his own brutal tactics served to inflame. A rebooted full-blown war is likely to increase his governments international isolation at a time when the Ethiopian economy desperately needs foreign aid, while bogging Addis Ababa down in a costly, deadly and unwinnable conflict with a foe that has had time to regroup and is fighting for its survival. Clashes near the Ethiopia-Sudan border in an area contested by those two states as well as by Amhara and Tigray raise the stakes further. Should these skirmishes persist, Sudanese troops could become involved, possibly in a de facto alliance with Tigray forces. That development would increase the likelihood of a disastrous, wider confrontation, pitting Sudan against Ethiopia they are already at loggerheads over disputed border areas and Ethiopias new megadam on the Blue Nile river and maybe Eritrea as well. If any actor expects to gain from more violence, it is probably Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, whose forces fought alongside federal and Amhara troops against Tigray during the wars first phases, re-entered the fray recently and, as noted above, continue to occupy parts of the regions west and north east. Isaias considers the TPLF a historical and existential foe. He thus opposes any rapprochement between the TPLF and Addis Ababa that would mean rehabilitating the Tigray party (he almost certainly welcomed Ethiopian federal authorities classifying the TPLF as a terrorist organisation in May 2021). He may well struggle to take on Tigray on his own, however, meaning that he is unlikely to be able to pursue war if Abiy wants to return to the truce. Renewing the Truce It is essential that the African and international envoys who have been engaged diplomatically continue to demand that the main antagonists rein in their forces, prevent further escalation and agree on a new truce while beginning to set the stage for formal talks. The window for averting a return to a sustained full-blown war appears to be short. Until a 2 August visit to Mekelle by the EU, U.S. and UN special envoys which has now been followed by an early September visit to Addis Ababa, under way as this statement goes to press, by the U.S. and UN emissaries, plus Obasanjo outside actors working for a peaceful resolution had been watching too passively, as a volatile standoff drifted back toward conflict and the peace process stalled. A higher-level, more intense degree of engagement is required. The main external actors, including the AU, U.S., EU and UN, as well as Kenya, should move immediately and in concert. The recent joint trips by envoys to Mekelle and Addis Ababa are a welcome start and should be paired with higher-level engagement from all, such as telephone calls from senior officials. They should make clear to Abiys government that major non-humanitarian assistance, including World Bank projects and any new International Monetary Fund financing, may be in jeopardy should the federal government fail to stop its offensives and continue the de facto blockade of Tigray. The war puts donors seeking to ease Ethiopias economic difficulty in a bind. Yet, while they should keep scaling up humanitarian relief, they should take direct budget support off the table for now lest they wind up bankrolling a revived federal war effort. Further, donors risk undermining a key incentive for Abiy to make peace should they continue to ramp up major development assistance even as war resumes. External players, including the AU, should also insist with as much unity as possible that Eritrea withdraw its troops from Tigray (and that Abiy press for this result) and that the federal government honour its representatives private pledges at the U.S.-facilitated June meeting in Djibouti with Tigray officials to restore banking, telecommunications and electricity services to the beleaguered region. Mekelle should agree to hold the necessary discussions with the federal authorities on the logistical and security aspects of restoring services to Tigray. Outside actors should lean on Tigray as well. They should keep demanding that its leaders desist from steps that would further escalate the fighting and agree to a truce. Mekelle should agree to hold the necessary discussions with the federal authorities on the logistical and security aspects of restoring services to Tigray, such as how to manage payments and provide security for installation and maintenance technicians. Diplomats also need to mediate a dispute between Tigrays government and the World Food Programme after the former grabbed twelve WFP tankers on 25 August, saying the UN agency refused to return in kind fuel it was owed. Tigrays seizure of the WFP fuel trucks creates a further constraint on already woefully insufficient humanitarian operations that have left at least half of Tigrays approximately seven million people in need of support. Unless the incident is remedied, federal authorities are likely to use it as a reason to restrict, or completely close off, the regions fuel supply, arguing that Tigrays authorities redirect humanitarian assistance to their military operation. If the parties can be persuaded to de-escalate and restore the truce, the next step is clearing still substantial hurdles to formal talks. At the end of August, a senior Tigray commander insisted to Crisis Group that the federal government must at least publicly commit to completely lifting the blockade and restoring services before any form of discussions can occur. For its part, Addis Ababas latest position on the issue was that those things would happen only alongside discussions over a permanent ceasefire. An Ethiopian diplomat told Crisis Group on 31 August that it was not practical to restore services with the TPLF still armed and prepared for war. Much as African and international players should continue to insist that Ethiopia restore services, Tigrays leaders should also weigh whether their demands for the government to fulfil what they cast as its legal obligations in advance of talks are well advised, particularly if they help prolong an intolerable, immiserating status quo. There are alternatives that could allow Mekelle to maintain a position of principle while making practical progress toward peace. For example, Tigrays representatives could attend formal talks but limit their discussions to the logistical and security issues of reconnecting Tigray to trade, aid and services, leaving formal talks on other issues until the government has lifted the siege. In such a scenario, the formality of the process and extra international scrutiny could help increase external pressure on the federal government to honour its pledge to restore services and end its punishment of Tigrays civilian population, even if international actors pleas to this effect have long gone unheeded. Another hugely difficult issue that will likely need to be finessed until talks get off the ground is the status of Western Tigray. The area has been administered by Tigray throughout the current federal era that began in the early 1990s, but is also claimed by the Amhara, which seized it when the present conflict began, citing their longstanding stance that the TPLF forcibly took it, displacing the native population when the Tigrayan party rose to power in the 1990s. The 2020 Amhara takeover involved the violent expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Tigrayans and widely reported atrocities by Amhara forces and militia against civilians. Tigrays leaders face substantial pressure from Tigrayans not to make concessions that legitimise these new facts on the ground and have refused to negotiate over the areas constitutional status. Reclaiming the area would also allow the besieged region a corridor to resupply itself through Sudan. Finding common ground with respect to Western Tigray will be no small task, as the sides remain far apart. Amhara outright rejects Tigrays demand that it withdraw and return the territory to its pre-war status, and Addis Ababa has thus far declined to force the issue. Abiy may well have assessed that favouring Tigray in this instance would be too costly for him in Amhara, which has been a core pillar of his political and wartime coalition. In recent months, in order to assert control, the federal and Amhara governments have arrested thousands of members of Amharas nationalist militia, known as Fano, causing opposition to Abiy to grow in Ethiopias second-largest region. Abiy can ill afford to lose more Amhara support given the host of other problems his government is facing, including the growing rebellion in Ethiopias most populous region, Oromia, which is nominally Abiys base. Furthermore, the prospect of Tigray gaining the capacity to resupply itself from Sudan via Western Tigray is unacceptable both to Abiy and Isaias. The federal government could publicly acknowledge that Amharas violent take-over [of Western Tigray] was unconstitutional. Lenovo Australia channel sales director Fred Viet has resigned. The vendor confirmed to CRN that Viet made the decision to leave Lenovo after more than 11 years of service. Lenovos channel and SMB business continues to see strong growth and a replacement will be announced in the coming weeks, said a Lenovo Australia spokesperson. CRN contacted Viet, but he declined to comment. Viet had been channel sales manager for Lenovo since 2011 before his promotion to director in July last year. According to LinkedIn, he is a current investor of startups in both Sydney and Bangladesh. Prior to joining Lenovo in 2006, Viet served as president for French IT organisation Junior ISEP. Passengers and crew of the Cunard vessel Queen Elizabeth received a warm welcome this morning from hundreds of onlookers who lined the Newcastle Foreshore and Stockton Foreshore in Australia. After docking at the Channel Berth, the ships passengers had the opportunity to explore the Hunter region and take part in the many shore excursions planned, from food and wine tours in the Hunter Valley, dolphin cruises at Port Stephens and Newcastle city highlights tours. A civic reception was held to mark the vessels connection to the 450 Squadron, which sailed on Cunards original Queen Elizabeth to serve in World War II. Queen Elizabeths captain Alistair Clark, along with veterans, their families, RAAF personal and local dignitaries attended the commemorative service. A keys to the city welcome reception was also hosted in honour of the cruise ship. Port of Newcastles CEO, Geoff Crowe, acknowledged that Queen Elizabeths visit was a highlight of the 2015-16 cruise season. It was terrific to see the warm welcome that our community provided to Queen Elizabeth today, and it was a privilege for the port to host Queen Elizabeth, said Crowe. It is the first Cunard vessel to visit the Port of Newcastle since 1907. We appreciate the economic benefit that cruise ship visitors and crew bring to our region and hope that today is the first of many visits by Queen Elizabeth. Queen Elizabeth received a three-gun salute from Fort Scratchley as she departed the port. uKnowKids.com is a company in Arlington, Virginia that helps parents monitor their child's activities online, by watching their mobile communications, social media activities, and their location. On Monday, it was disclosed that the child monitoring service had a misconfigured MongoDB installation, which left sensitive details about the children who were enrolled exposed for months. The database exposing the children's records was discovered by researcher Chris Vickery [*]. According to uKnowKids.com, the service works on iOS and Android and "gathers and analyzes social and mobile data from 21 different data sources in order to help make your life as a digital parent easier and simpler." The exposed database contained sensitive records on just over 1,700 children, including full names, email addresses, GPS coordinates, date of birth, 6.8 million private text messages, and 1.8 million images (many depicting children). Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram account details were also exposed. Vickery, who works with Kromtech (the company behind MacKeeper) said that all indications point to the database being exposed for 48 days before he discovered it. Once discovered, he reported the problem to uKnowKids.com, and the issue was resolved within an hour. "We believe that protecting a child's digital identity is just as important as protecting a child's Social Security Number or other sensitive information. The potential for abuse or safety risks involved with the unsecured data collection of children is a nightmare that no parent ever wants to be faced with," Vickery wrote in an email to Salted Hash. "As the use of 'Child Tracking' software applications and services continues to grow in popularity, this is big a wake up call to the entire industry to secure, encrypt, and protect the information they collect on children." In his email, Vickery said that the CEO of uKnowKids, Steve Woda, attempted to use intimidation tactics during a phone conversation, insisting that Vickery acted inappropriately by discovering the public database and reporting it. The change in tone was surprising, considering that Woda was friendly during email exchanges before the call took place. Further, Woda told Vickery that his company is bound by the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act or COPPA. According to the FTC any operators of a website or online service with knowledge that they're collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children under 13 must "...establish and maintain reasonable procedures to protect the confidentiality, security, and integrity of personal information collected from children." Based on the FTC outline, all of the information in the database that Vickery discovered is covered by COPPA. Salted Hash has reached out to uKnowKids.com for comment. This story will be updated once they respond. "The lesson to learn here is that, if youre a parent, be wary of services that offer to monitor your childs online behavior. These services collect unnerving amounts of data on your child and, when a breach occurs, all of that data can be exposed to untold numbers of people," Vickery said. [*] Vickery has worked with Salted Hash on a number of stories. Such stories include database leaks that exposed class records at SNHU, 3.3 million Hello Kitty fans, a vulnerable jobs portal used by Microsoft, 191 million voter records, and an additional 18 million voter records with targeted data. Its a tried-and-true tactic in Connecticuts executive branch to wait until 5 p.m. on a Friday, a full half hour after the vast majority of state employees have decamped their cubicles for the weekend, to release bad news. So Friday was almost typical, as the Office of Policy and Management released the latest bad budget news: The $7-million budget deficit of the previous month has jumped to $20 million, in the budget that runs through June 30. Going going Part of the deficit expansion was from the seemingly continual slide in tax revenue. Some of it was from unexpected court judgments. A $16.8 million award by Claims Commission J. Paul Vance Jr. couldnt have helped, although it has certainly made the release of former longtime state inmates Carlos Ashe, Darcus Henry, Sean Adams and Johnny Johnson, a little easier after about 17 years in the slammer for a 1996 gang shooting in New Haven that killed a man named Jason Smith and wounded two. There was false testimony and the state Supreme Court eventually ordered a new trial, which prosecutors declined. The state attorney generals office said there does not appear to be any evidence offered in the habeas proceedings or the underlying criminal trials that would establish the innocence of any of the claimants. And yet, Vance awarded the men more than $4 million each. Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano on Friday held a news conference with Smiths family. He called for Vances resignation and complained about an apparent loophole that allows people who might be guilty a chance to cash in with the claims commissioner. What no one in the room was aware of was that on Feb. 12, according to a copy of the document obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media, Vance, of Watertown, had already quit, effective March 4. The long and winding road Sure, state lawmakers get paid mileage, in addition to those $28,000-plus salaries for being a full-time, part-time member of the General Assembly. But sometimes, like when its snowy or otherwise dismal, wouldnt it be nice to have a home game instead? That could be the motivation around a plan that state Rep. William Tong, D-Stamford, has for a hearing in Stamford next month. Tong, you see, is co-chairman of the powerful Judiciary Committee. He has announced a public hearing will be held Wednesday afternoon, March 2 in the UConn Stamford Branch to focus on legislation that would prevent abusive teachers from relocating to other school districts. Its legislation of particular interest in Stamford, which is still reeling from a sex scandal involving a teacher and student at Stamford High. Other legislation for which the public may comment would enhance penalties for threatening public schools; increase penalties for pedestrians struck in crosswalks by vehicles; liability for fallen tree limbs and probate court operations. All of these bills are vitally important, and I urge the public to attend the public hearing, Tong said in a statement. The event will start at 1 p.m. in the universitys Gen Re Auditorium, 1 University Place. An iron Constitution The last proposed amendment to the state Constitution, a seemingly innocuous attempt to allow the General Assembly to come up with ways to increase voter participation, died of statewide voter neglect on Election Day 2014. A bill heard before the Environment Committee last week would propose an amendment to protect the environment and natural resources of the state. It would essentially prevent the General Assembly from using the states property Conveyance Act to take away land given to the state for open space and agricultural. Those parcels given to the state with deed restrictions are already protected from state lawmakers, but those who seek such designations can run into tax issues, said David Leff, a former state environmental official who spoke in favor of the bill. There is no other way to restrict a sale, Leff said, noting that there have been 31 amendments to the state Constitution since 1965. We have an opportunity to shape the landscape of the future. He reminded lawmakers that last year, the General Assembly came close to carving off four acres of Silver Sands in Milford, before cooler heads prevailed. This is a unique proposal thats very appealing in many ways, said state Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr., the first-term co-chairman of the committee. Were always a few members away from having a bad effect, said Rep. Phil Miller, D-Essex. There is quite a bit at stake. But on its face, the legislation seems to be heading for the waste basket. Since when do lawmakers agree to take away their own power? But New York, Massachusetts and Maine already have similar amendments. Remembering a colleague The Environment Committee last week took time out of its first days work to remember a former co-chairman, Terry Backer, the longtime representative from Stratford who died in December after a five-year battle with brain cancer. Kennedy said he didnt know Backer well, but since his father died of a brain tumor, he empathized with the failing lawmaker. Veteran Rep. Craig Minor, R-Litchfield, said that Backer taught him how to take a long view: about how a pill flushed down a toilet in his upland town flowed into waste water trucked to Torrington for treatment, then flows to the Naugatuck River and eventually affects sea life in Long Island Sound. I learned a lot from Terry about oysters, Minor said. Terry thought about how much water went through that bivalve in the course of its life and what its ability was to keep Long Island Sound cleaner. He also taught me to speak up. Sen. Clark Chapin, R-New Milford, ranking member of the committee, remembers being a young lawmaker in 2001 and during a visit to the Capitols second-floor rest room, noticed that Backer was outside, perched on a tiny balcony. Chapin joined him and both lawmakers for many nights thereafter enjoyed the view before finally getting in trouble. It seemed like the thing to do, Chapin told a crowded meeting room, which chuckled in the Legislative Office Building. Somebody ratted us out. Capitol Police made sure we were advised that it wasnt a good thing to be doing. kdixon@ctpost.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BRIDGEPORT For the second time in nearly 20 years the city Monday was in the national spotlight over gun rights this time with Newtown families fighting to keep assault weapons out of the hands of potential killers. In 1998 then-Mayor Joseph Ganim sued gunmakers to reimburse the city for the hundreds of thousands of dollars he claimed were lost through gun violence. Ganim lost that case but it is now being used to bolster the lawsuit by families of the Sandy Hook tragedy against the maker and distributor of the assault weapon to kill 20 students and six teachers in 2012. How does that reconcile with the Ganim case? Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis asked the lawyers for Remington, the manufacturer of the AR-15 after a lengthy argument that the Sandy Hook families have no standing to sue. For more than 15 minutes the lawyers for gunmakers and dealers and the Sandy Hook families argued the merits of the ground-breaking Ganim case from different sides. That case, the first of its kind to be filed in the U.S., was chalked up as a win by the gun makers when an appeals court ruled the city had no standing to sue the countrys gunmakers and that only individual victims of gun violence could sue. But the Sandy Hook families hope to use the Ganim decision as a weapon in their legal arsenal they are individual victims of gun violence. Following a nearly three-hour hearing, Judge Bellis continued the case to April 19, at which time she said she expects to file a lengthy decision on whether she will allow the case to go before a jury. The Sandy Hook families are suing Remington, the manufacturer of the AR-15 used by Adam Lanza to kill the children and adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Also named in the suit are Camfour Inc. of Westfield, Mass., which distributed the gun for Remington, and the now-defunct Riverview Sales Inc. of East Windsor, which sold the gun to Lanzas mother, Nancy Lanza in 2010. The gun manufacturer has warned that if the judge allows the case to go forward, it could open the door to many more lawsuits against gun companies. The frustration could clearly be seen as the families of the Sandy Hook victims stood before a crowd of media Monday afternoon during a pre-court press conference in the office of Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder on Fairfield Avenue. Since the deaths of their loved ones on Dec. 14, 2012, the families have devoted their lives to making a difference and yet they have seen little come to fruition. All we want is to prevent other families and communities from going through the same thing, said Nicole Hockley, whose 6-year-old son, Dylan, was shot to death in the elementary school with 19 of his schoolmates and six educators that day. Remington and the other defendants argue that they are they protected under the 2005 law, known as the Protection of the Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. They argue that they followed the law by manufacturing a legal gun and selling it to the mother of the shooter after a background check. The reason we are making this lawsuit is because of the unique instrument that was used in this case, said lead lawyer, Joshua Koskoff, as local and national media represented crowded the small conference room. An instrument that was designed by the U.S. military -- the AR-15. Koskoff maintains the AR-15 was never designed for use by the public but in fact to kill as many members of an enemy force it could in the least amount of time. That same weapon was found on Victoria Sotos classroom floor on Dec. 14, 2012, he added, a reference to the teacher who died at Sandy Hook Elementry School defending her students. We want to have our day in court, said Mark Barden, father of 7-year-old Daniel who died in the school. I feel we have a legitimate case. Bill Sherlach, whose wife Mary was killed at Sandy Hook, spoke for many of the families when he vowed they were not going away. I have the rest of my life to spend on this issue, he said. But the lawyers for the gun companies and sellers made it clear they arent going anywhere either. Sitting in a line at a table behind the plaintiffs lawyer, they urged Judge Bellis to throw the lawsuit out. Congress has expressed its clear intention that these type of lawsuits shall not be brought, argued Remingtons lawyer, James Vogt. We are the ones who sold the firearm to Nancy Lanza but we did not sell it to Adam Lanza, argued Peter Berry, the lawyer for the gun store. There is no allegation our client ever met Adam Lanza. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STAMFORD The suicide rate in Stamford has surged, and police are asking residents to help troubled people find professional help. Capt. Richard Conklin said that, in a two-week period, city and state police have looked into five deaths that turned out to be suicides. According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner the city averages about seven per year so its an unusual spike, Conklin said. Uniform patrol officers are getting lots of calls from family members and significant others talking about wanting to harm themselves, Conklin said. Those calls have jumped recently. That, at least, is good because we can get these people to the emergency room for the help they need, Conklin said. The surge began when a 16-year-old junior at the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering took his life Jan. 31. On Feb. 2, a 49-year-old Shippan man walked into the northbound lanes of Interstate-95 near Exit 9 and was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer. More Information Help is available Anyone in need of immediate help may call the Dubois Center Mobile Crisis unit at (203) 358-8500. To reach the national suicide prevention hotline, call 211 and press 1. For more information, visit www.preventsuicidect.org. See More Collapse On Feb. 3, a 67-year-old woman was found dead by her own hand in her South End apartment. On the night of Feb. 4, a 28-year-old Turkish immigrant jumped off the roof of her Bedford Street apartment building. Conklin said her death came a day after her landlord refused her pleas to lower her rent. The woman was paying $1,000 a month for what police discovered to be a curtained-off corner of a room in an apartment the landlord described as a bed and breakfast. On Feb. 12, a 30-year-old man was found to have committed suicide in his Prospect Street home. I think people become more isolated in the middle of winter," Conklin said. If you are feeling blue in the summer, you can walk on a beach to lift your spirits. This is the time of year when people are spending long amounts of time in apartments and may be affected by the greyness of winter. No one should assume that friends or family members who talk about harming themselves are just talking, Conklin said. It is best to contact police and emergency medical services, he said. We have seen these suicide victims run the gamut as far as age and gender. If you are feeling melancholy or feeling the blues for more than two weeks, you may be battling depression. It is something that can quickly overtake you, he said. Depression can ... make you act in ways youd never imagine. Seasonal spikes Although it seems counterintuitive, suicides actually increase in spring and summer and decrease in the winter, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center for Health Statistics. Spring and summer spikes track back to the late 1800s. Even in South Africa, suicides peak in the southern spring months of September and October, statistics show. But Dr. Jay Berkowitz, former head of the Dubois Center Mobile Crisis Team and former chief psychiatrist for the Department of Corrections, disagreed. I find just the opposite, said Berkowitz, now in private practice in Milford. The Christmas season and time around the holidays is very, very despressing for lots of patients. CDC research shows that the overwhelming majority of people who kill themselves suffer from mental illness. Berkowitz said suicides often stem from deep depression that could be related to alcohol and drug abuse, which can make people less aware of what they are doing. Severe depression that is untreated is the most common cause of suicide in my mind, Berkowitz said. Family and friends should be aware of a change of pattern in the persons habits, where they no longer want to do the things that he or she enjoy. Isolating oneself from family or friends, staying in bed or refusing to leave home could be signs of real trouble, Berkowitz said. In such cases it is best to get the individual to a doctor. Other things to watch for are a family history of suicide and past suicide attempts, Berkowitz said. Sometimes stories of suicides in the news can be cause for an attempt, he said. Rising numbers In Connecticut, the reported number of suicides keeps rising even though the state population is stagnant. In the last 25 years the annual number has grown from the low 300s to the mid 300s. In 2014 there were 353 reported suicides statewide, compared with 330 the previous year. Nationally, the numbers are also on the rise. From 2003 to 2013, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death, CDC research shows, accounting for 1.3 percent of all recorded deaths at the beginning of that period and rising to 1.6 percent at the end. In 2013, 41,149 Americans committed suicide, according to the CDC, but it is much more common among men, at a rate of 3-1. In Stamford over the past 10 years the numbers of suicides have been as few as three in 2005 and as many as 14 in 2012 and 2014, according to figures from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Andrea Duarte, behavioral health program manager in the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, said there are two reasons for the increase in suicides, which now average about one per day in Connecticut. Because of scientific advances, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is better at identifying suicides by ruling out accidental causes, Duarte said. Another reason is that there is less of a stigma around mental health issues now, allowing families to be more frank with those investigating deaths. Stamfords five suicides in two weeks is a lot, Duarte said. It can be difficult to help those who appear at risk, she said, and sometimes it may take a 911 call. There is a need for everybody to keep an eye out for each other and connect them to a resource that could save their lives, she said. Anyone in need of immediate help may call the Dubois Center Mobile Crisis unit at (203) 358-8500. To reach the national suicide prevention hotline, call 211 and press 1. For more information, visit www.preventsuicidect.org. STRATFORD Town residents may now self-report minor incidents to police that do not require a police officer coming to the scene. The new system does not replace 911 calls for true emergencies that require an immediate response, Lt. Frank Eannotti, the department spokesman, said Monday. A link to the new police reporting system is here. Some criminal complaints, including credit card fraud and lost, stolen or damaged property, may be filed using the system, along with motor vehicle accidents and quality of life issues. There must not be a known suspect for a criminal incident to be reported using the new system, the Stratford Police web site says. All cases filed on line will be reviewed and may take several days to process, a notice on the site states. If further investigation is warranted, you will be contacted, the site states. CitizenSelfReporting.com is a Michigan-based company that creates report intake sites for police departments. It wasnt immediately clear if any other area police departments are using the system. Anyone using this system must have a current, valid email address which the system will verify prior to giving access, Eannotti said in a press release. Once the verification is received and clicked a person can enter the system and follow the steps to reporting an incident. Several menus and drop-down boxes guide the citizen in making the complaint, and if at any time the system determines that the situation requires an immediate response by a police officer, it will shut down and notify the user to call 911, officials said. Reports generated by the system can be picked up at the police departments records division after five days. That process is a step by step question process to be completed by the citizen. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate FAIRFIELD Kathleen Andrews, injured in a violent domestic incident last Tuesday, was released from Bridgeport Hospital over the weekend, and in a statement Monday described her beloved husband Christopher shot and killed by a police officer dispatched to their Mountain Laurel Road home as an incredible husband, father and friend. On Monday, her 12-year-old son was still hospitalized after Kathleen Andrews and her three children were apparently attacked by her husband in their home. The statement reads: In these darkest days that have passed since the events of last Tuesday, or family has been overwhelmed by the support we have received from our community. The kindness and generosity that continues to be shown to myself and my children has given our family hope and strength to begin to heal. My gratitude for the incredible doctors that worked tirelessly to save my family is immense. With that being said, this road is a long one. The loss of my beloved husband and adored father of my children has left our family irrevocably changed and utterly devastated. To compound this grief by learning of the inaccurate reporting of that mornings events, and of my husbands actions, was extremely disappointing. Our family humbly asks for patience and privacy as we begin to navigate this new course of our lives. Chris was an incredible husband, father and friend and deserves to be remembered as such. With time, more will be understood about exactly what took place last Tuesday. However, today we pray for my husband, Chris and my children. Christopher Andrews, a 51-year-old lawyer in New York, was shot and killed by Officer Sean Fenton in the driveway of the familys home after police said he refused the officers orders to stop and drop a knife he was holding. The youngest son remains in critical condition at Yale-New Haven Hospital. The boy and others in the family were all hospitalized in the immediate aftermath of the incident for treatment of stab wounds and injuries from blunt-force trauma. The couples 15-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter were released the next day after treatment at St. Vincents Medical Center in Bridgeport. The couples daughter called 911 just before 6 a.m. Tuesday to report the attack, and the eldest son awoke as his father came into his room, wielding a bat, according to the preliminary investigation. The 15-year-old apparently was able to wrestle the bat from his father and ran from the house just as Fenton was arriving on the scene. The incident is being investigated by State Police detectives for the States Attorneys office for the Stamford/Norwalk district. After an initial press conference, State Police have remained tight-lipped regarding the investigation, and have issued no updates. Local police have had no prior calls to the familys home since the incident. A Sunday evening vigil, planned in support of the family by the town and a domestic-violence agency, was cancelled at the request of the family. On Monday, the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said the results of an autopsy on Christopher Andrews body remain pending further investigation. As of Tuesday morning, nearly $217,000 had been donated to support the family via a GoFundMe page at: http://bit.ly/1RiSNoR. More Information Facts about mountain lions - The same animal is also known as a cougar, a catamount, puma or panther - Male mountain lions can weigh 160 pounds with a bushy tail about two-thirds the length of their bodies. They can sprint at 50 mph, leap 15 feet and pounce up to 40 feet. - Mountain lions are not endangered, but the Mountain Lion Foundation estimates there are only about 30,000 in the wild, primarily in 14 Western states. - They are solitary animals and eat mostly deer, bobcats and other animals. - Attacks on humans are rare, with only 23 fatalities reported in the last 100 years in the U.S. - The last bounty paid for a mountain lion in Connecticut was in 1769. - While reports of wild mountain lions persisted into the 1860s in Connecticut, they have been officially extinct here for more than a century. Press Release by the White House on Visit to Cuba Up next, we bring you the statement published by the Office of the Press Secretary of the White House on President Barack Obamas Travel to Cuba and Argentina in March, as published in English on February 18 by the www.whitehouse.gov web site: The White House Office of the Press Secretary Statement by the Press Secretary on the Presidents Travel to Cuba and Argentina President Obama and the First Lady will travel to Cuba on March 21st and 22nd and Argentina on March 23rd and 24th. In Cuba, the President will work to build on the progress we have made toward normalization of relations with Cuba - advancing commercial and people-to-people ties that can improve the well-being of the Cuban people, and expressing our support for human rights. In addition to holding a bilateral meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro, President Obama will engage with members of civil society, entrepreneurs and Cubans from different walks of life. This historic visit the first by a sitting U.S. President in nearly 90 years is another demonstration of the Presidents commitment to chart a new course for U.S.-Cuban relations and connect U.S. and Cuban citizens through expanded travel, commerce, and access to information. In Buenos Aires, the President and First Family will meet with the new Argentine President, Mauricio Macri, to discuss President Macris reform agenda and recognize his contributions to the defense of human rights in the region. The President will deepen efforts to increase cooperation between our governments in a range of areas, including trade and investment, renewable energy and climate change, and citizen security. It has been nearly two decades since the last bilaterally focused visit by a U.S. President to Argentina, Latin Americas third largest country. CultNews101.com: news, links, resources. Cults101.org: resources about cults, cultic groups, abusive relationships, movements, religions, political organizations and related topics. CultMediation.com: offers resources designed to help thoughtful families and friends understand and respond to the complexity of a loved ones cult involvement. Intervention101.com: to help families and friends understand and effectively respond to the complexity of a loved one's cult involvement. CultRecovery101.com: assists group members and their families make the sometimes difficult transition from coercion to renewed individual choice. STORY LINK Pound Sterling (GBP) Forecast Slumps as Fears of UK Brexit Swirl GBP/USD Exchange Rate at Worst Level since 2009 on EU Exit Nerves Pound Sterling Dives against Commodity Dollars as Market Sentiment Improves Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Pound Sterling (currency : GBP) has fallen to its lowest level against the US Dollar (currency : USD) since March 2009 during the last few minutes as fears that the UK may be about to exit the European Union increase.The UK Prime Minister David Cameron returned from Brussels during the early hours of Saturday morning having secured limited reforms to Britains membership of the EU. Cameron claimed that his team had negotiated special status for Britain in Europe, but investors are apparently less than convinced that this is the case.Six of Camerons cabinet rapidly announced that they would be supporting the leave campaign and things got worse for the UK leader yesterday afternoon when the Mayor of London Boris Johnson also confirmed that he would be campaigning for Britain to leave the 28-nation bloc. The Boris Bounce has certainly hurt Sterling in the short-term, but analysts at UBS forecast that this effect could prove to be short-lived.They put out a note a short time ago stating that we expect UK markets to be volatile over coming days as the campaigns step up a gear and investors adjust to the prospect of a referendum four months from now, but our base case remains that the UK population will decide to remain in the EU. Our Brexit probability remains at 30% as we monitor the public response to the agreement with other EU members.Currency market participants immediately moved en masse out of Sterling-denominated assets when the global markets re-opened for business yesterday evening, with the news also sending a ripple throughout global stock markets.The negative sentiment surrounding the Pound has continued into todays session with Sterling being heavily outperformed by each of the other sixteen most actively traded global currencies, including those experiencing weakness themselves.The Pound Sterling euro exchange rate had plunged by over 1% on the day, while the GBP USD exchange rate has tumbled to its lowest level for almost 7 years.Sterlings heaviest losses have come against the high-yielding Commodity Dollars which have enjoyed strong support on the session thanks to a generalised risk on trading environment on the day.The Pound Sterling South African Rand exchange rate and the Pound Sterling Australian Dollar exchange rate have both lost over 3.0% so far today and if concerns regarding a Brexit persist and global equities markets continue to move higher, then analysts forecast that there could be further losses to come for these pairs. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: American Dollar Forecasts Euro Forecasts Pound Dollar Forecasts Pound Euro Forecasts P Forecasts Lifestyle | Daily Life | News | The Sydney Morning Herald Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss Finally, Boris Johnson, an inveterate political ditherer, has come off the EU fence. And its a move that could define his place in history. He would have preferred to have delayed any announcement to have given himself time to mull over public reaction to David Camerons deal and assess which choice would be in his own best interests. For while Boris has often been an outspoken critic of Brussels, dont be in any doubt the crucial factor in this dramatic decision was: What would most promote the career of Alexander Boris de Pfeffle Johnson? Boris Johnson (pictured with David Cameron) has a target: Being Prime Minister of the United Kingdom It has been woven into political folklore that when Boris was a young man, he told people that his ambition was to be world king. That particular job may never be available but Boris has another target: Being Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He would not have launched himself behind Brexit unless he thought it served that grand design. Even so, it was not an inevitable decision. Over recent days, the London mayor confessed he had been veering like a supermarket shopping trolley over which side to back. Among competing forces was the lure that if he backed the Stay campaign, he could have exacted from Cameron a top Cabinet post possibly, sources suggest, even Foreign Secretary or Home Secretary. Victory in the referendum, many believe, would then have made him a shoo-in to succeed Cameron as Tory leader. In the opposing balance was his intense rivalry with fellow old Etonian Cameron and the opportunity to outflank his leadership rivals by striking out against the Establishment and standing up for Britain in the style of his hero Winston Churchill. An astute student of recent political history, Boris will also have realised he was facing his own Portillo moment. That is a reference to Thatcherite minister Michael Portillo, who 20 years ago seemed destined to be Tory leader but fatally delayed deciding whether to stand in 1995. Having allowed allies to set up a campaign HQ, and even install extra phone lines, Portillo lost his nerve at the 11th hour; John Major kept the job and Portillos political reputation never recovered. There are, indeed, similarities between the two men. Residence: The mayors Islington home (above) is ironically located about half a mile from the restaurant where Tony Blair and Gordon Brown infamously carved up the Labour leadership between them in 1994 It took months of public and private agonising for Boris to decide to challenge to be London mayor. Ultimately, he agreed to run after Cameron and George Osborne told him that if he didnt, he had no future in Tory frontbench politics. Then, after winning the mayoralty and brilliantly securing a second term there was another bout of confusion and dithering when he stated that he wouldnt combine being mayor and standing as an MP. Yet that is precisely what he then did because he calculated that having both jobs would further his career. Tories: Friends of Boris were exasperated that Michael Gove (pictured at Boris's home last week) had stolen the moral high ground by declaring first The fact is that he had been boxed into a corner this weekend by Michael Gove, who had made the bolder move of breaking Tory ranks quicker. Friends of Boris were exasperated that Gove had stolen the moral high ground by declaring first. It was not as if Boris was not aware of Goves intentions. The Justice Secretary had made it clear he would back the Leave campaign when the pair met for dinner last week at the mayors 3million Islington home ironically located about half a mile from Granita, the restaurant where Tony Blair and Gordon Brown infamously carved up the Labour leadership between them in 1994. Im told that long-time allies of Boris, such as Lynton Crosby, who masterminded the Conservative general election victory, then privately urged him to throw his hat in with Leave. There was also another key calculation in Boriss mind. Whenever Cameron steps down as Tory leader, his replacement will be chosen from a shortlist of two by the partys 100,000-plus members. It is estimated that around 70 per cent of those want to quit the EU and so they would most likely pick a man or woman who has championed the anti-EU cause. Boriss qualms over Europe have always been at odds with his very international background born in New York (to a father who has worked for the European Commission and has been an MEP), his great-great-grandfather was a Muslim entrepreneur from Anatolia, he worked in Brussels and he has toured the world drumming up business for London. Yet, as a young Brussels correspondent, he established himself as one of the few Eurosceptic journalists in the late 80s and early 90s, belligerently criticising the European Commissions excesses. More recently, however, he has blown hot and cold one moment saying there was nothing to fear from Brexit; the next, vehemently denying he was an outer. Never recovered: Thatcherite minister Michael Portillo (pictured next to a portrait of his former leader) 20 years ago seemed destined to be Tory leader but fatally delayed deciding whether to stand in 1995 Only two weeks ago, in his weekly newspaper column, he wobbled again writing that the choice was simple in favour of staying, as it was in Britains interest to be intimately engaged in the workings of a Continent with a grim 20th-century history. Leaving would be read as a very negative signal for Europe. It would dismay some of our closest friends, not least the eastern Europeans for whom the EU has been a force for good, stability, openness and prosperity. But always in the background was the thought of the Tory leadership. Once, discussing the prospect of leading his party, Boris famously said that if the ball came loose from the back of a scrum, it would be a great thing to have a crack at. John Thurso, or John Archibald Sinclair, 3rd Viscount Thurso After the MPs expenses scandal, it is imperative that the watchdog responsible for policing Commons expenses should remain above controversy. But, sadly, the reputation of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has come under question. First, it awarded MPs a double pay rise (totalling more than 11 per cent) in the space of a year at a time when millions of public sector workers have had their pay frozen. Now, it is facing criticism over its choice of a new board member. The job has gone to John Thurso, who was Lib Dem MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross until he lost his seat to the Scottish Nationalists last year. Many in Westminster had reckoned that fellow Lib Dem Sir Bob Russell (who was also defeated in the General Election) would have been a better appointment. Over the years, hes stood up for taxpayers condemning executives at the watchdog for claiming 400 a day for some meetings they have been known to hold over the phone. Thurso, though, was picked after the watchdog hired the recruitment agency Gatenby Sanderson to help with the selection. But Thurso isnt exactly a man of the people his full name is John Archibald Sinclair, 3rd Viscount Thurso and he was brought up in a castle which dates back to the 16th century. Mind the Sharks! Rising Labour star Lisa Nandy is drumming up support by asking members to buy tickets for a party gala dinner next month. An incentive, apparently, is the chance to join the shadow energy spokeswoman on her table at the event in the London Aquarium. Of course, the venue is home to a lot of sharks. Indeed, a most appropriate place for a party which is tearing itself apart. Veteran Lib Dem Sir Simon Hughes, who was Minister of State for Justice in the Coalition government but lost his South London seat in last Mays General Election, has found a new job. Hes heading the press department at the Open University. However, its only temporary, as hes covering for someone on maternity leave for one year. How the mighty are fallen. Labour Party bosses are advertising for a 34,000-a-year compliance officer. The job description says the successful candidate will assist in the investigations relating to individual Labour Party members or groups of members. Sounds worryingly like the start of the hard-Left witch-hunt to target anyone who isnt 100 per cent behind Comrade Corbyn. Nigel Farage has long been mocked for his fuddy-duddy, shooting-and-fishing wardrobe. Now hes gone to the other extreme wearing a ghastly GO! tie (right) sported by anti-Eu campaigners. Whats more, its reminiscent of the short-lived budget airline Go. Once, he was feted by Brad Pitts film production company after it bought the rights to make a movie of his life story. For Rory Stewart, the diplomat-turned-Tory MP, has enjoyed a buccaneering career worthy of the Hollywood treatment. He was imprisoned by the Taliban, tutored princes William and Harry and helped write Iraqs new constitution. But life has suddenly become much quieter for the old Etonian. Last week, the junior minister was busy worrying about the damage done by bats to rural churches. Thats one story-line that wont appear in a biopic if its ever made. Pesto? No it's Worzel Gummidge Trying to jazz up its reinvigorated News At Ten, ITV is said to want its presenters to be quirky individuals who bring their personality to the nightly bulletin. But the danger is that such quirkiness might impinge on their ability to do the job properly. For example, scruffy political editor Robert Peston had trouble gaining entry to a meeting in Westminster for the latest Grassroots Out rally against the EU because security staff thought he resembled Worzel Gummidge. The man or woman in the street probably does not think much about sovereignty. Yet the true meaning of this word will be at the heart of the referendum campaign on whether we should remain in, or leave, the European Union. It is the debate we should have had in 1972, when Parliament passed the European Community Act. The then Conservative government led by Edward Heath skilfully evaded the issue and that is putting it politely. On yesterdays Andrew Marr Show, the current Tory leader and PM, David Cameron, dismissed the presenters question about whether we, the British people, would regain sovereignty if we were to vote to leave the EU, arguing: That might give you a feeling of sovereignty, but it would be an illusion of sovereignty. Cameron went on to say that the real meaning of sovereignty was the ability to get things done. Scroll down for video On yesterdays Andrew Marr Show (pictured), David Cameron, dismissed the presenters question about whether we, the British people, would regain sovereignty if we were to vote to leave the EU This was a pathetic response from a man who got a first-class degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford. Sir Noel Malcolm, that great universitys most distinguished historian of such matters, set out the truth in his 1991 work, Sense On Sovereignty: What qualifies a state as sovereign is a matter of plenary and exclusive competence, of enjoying full authority internally and not being subordinated to the authority of another state. On that basis, the British Parliament and Government are not sovereign. Inadequate This was laid bare with devastating clarity by the Lord Chancellor, Michael Gove, when he gave his reasons for joining the campaign to leave the EU: As a minister, Ive seen hundreds of new EU rules cross my desk, none of which were requested by the UK Parliament, none of which I or any other British politician could alter in any way and none of which made us freer, richer or fairer. It is hard to overstate the degree to which the EU is a constraint on ministers ability to do the things that we were elected to do. He went on: Every single day, every single minister is told, Yes Minister, I understand, but that is against EU rules. I know it. My colleagues in Government know it. And the British people ought to know it, too: your government is not, ultimately, in control in hundreds of areas that matter. Michael Gove, pictured yesterday after joining the campaign to leave, said hundreds of new EU rules pass that ministers can do nothing about And with that, David Camerons response to Andrew Marr was exposed by his close friend as not just pathetically inadequate, but as the complete opposite of the truth: for it is within the EU that Britain has the illusion of sovereignty. Funnily enough, it was an earlier Lord Chancellor, Lord Dilhorne, who told the truth (but in a private note) to his party leader Harold Macmillan, in 1962, when that Conservative Prime Minister was preparing the ground to apply for membership of the Common Market: These organs have supra-national powers which override those of the national constitutional bodies, and which are also incapable of challenge in the national courts of the member states. As the late Hugo Young, in his masterly history of the UKs involvement with the EU, This Blessed Plot, observed: No more limpid statement of lost independence is to be found from beginning to end of this history. Young was a strong supporter of British EU membership, which made his books revelations about the process by which Edward Heath persuaded Parliament to pass the 1972 European Community Act all the more telling: Phrases were dreamed up that could mean all things to all men and women. There is no question of any erosion of essential national sovereignty, the government White Paper (proposing entry) said. So essential glided into the vocabulary of reassurance. It offered the government deniability. For who could ever say the promise had been broken? Youngs forensic account went on: This tendency continued in the House of Commons debates of 1971-2. Ministers did not lie, but they avoided telling the full truth. They refrained from stating categorically that the law of the European Community would have supremacy over British law. This was a conscious, much deliberated choice. Spelled out in a clause that had to be openly debated and passed, Community supremacy would have had explosive possibilities. Astounding Young also spoke to one of the parliamentary draftsmen who crafted this legislation: this unnamed law officer recalled that he had been told to tread carefully, as full and open admission of what was being done to parliamentary sovereignty would have been so astounding as to have put the whole Bill in danger. As we know, it passed; though later, Sir Geoffrey Howe, who was the government law officer in charge of the process, wrote in a private letter to a colleague: I remain at least plausibly exposed to the charge that less of our thinking than was appropriate was explicitly exposed to the House of Commons. This was Howe-ese for we pulled the wool over their eyes. Sir Geoffrey Howe (pictured) wrote in a private letter to a colleague: I remain at least plausibly exposed to the charge that less of our thinking than was appropriate was explicitly exposed to the House of Commons. A few years later, in 1975, these matters were actually exposed to full public debate, when Harold Wilson (like Cameron, for the purely political reason of appeasing his own party) launched a referendum on whether the UK should stay in or leave what was then known as the Common Market. But as another brilliant Oxford academic, Professor Iain McLean, points out in his book Whats Wrong With The British Constitution?, the 1975 campaigners for exit threw away not just the ace of trumps but their entire trump suit by concentrating on the European Parliament and ignoring the European Court of Justice and the effect of the 1972 Act. It is those, declares Professor McLean, which have destroyed British parliamentary sovereignty. The government at the time put out a leaflet which asked Will Parliament lose its power?, and answered its own question with No, on the grounds that No important new policy can be decided in Brussels without the consent of a British Minister answerable to a British Government and British Parliament. The late Hugo Young (pictured) wrote a book about Britain's relationship with the EU, and said politicians in 1971 and 72 did not tell the public Europe would have supremacy over British law That would have been the case if the British Government were able to exercise a veto against any important new policy and if all such proposals required unanimity at the Council of Ministers in Brussels. But since the passing of the Single European Act in 1988, so-called qualified majority voting has been the method by which these matters are settled. Torrent Over the past two decades there have been 72 occasions on which the UK has opposed a measure in the Council of Ministers. On every single one of those occasions, we have been outvoted. This is the true measure of the extent to which we are really, as Cameron claims, exercising influence in Europe. And the scale of this torrent of unwanted measures from Brussels has become vast. As the Conservative minister Dominic Raab said yesterday: More than 60 per cent of UK laws are now made in, or derive from, the EU. Can we realistically expect such laws to reflect what Britons want, now they are the product of haggling with 27 governments and a European Commission of 33,000 civil servants? Some of these laws actually cost lives. Britains most prolific cancer researcher, Professor Angus Dalgleish, told me that the EUs Clinical Trials Directive had increased the cost of his experiments more than ten-fold. And he pointed out last month that the unfathomable amount of EU regulation and bureaucracy has led to a third less clinical studies taking place in Britain. We were world-leading in these studies, but because of EU regulation, we now lag behind the United States. As with other more mundane matters, such as the EU-led requirement which affects how we are allowed to dispose of our household rubbish, it is absurd to exchange our autonomy for a marginal share of influence on the other 27 countries of the EU when no British voter could care how the citizens of, say, Luxembourg, dispose of their household refuse. It is at this common-sense level that those arguing for Brexit should couch the debate. As Sir Noel Malcolm suggested to me yesterday, in the wake of David Camerons shameless manipulation of the English language: The word sovereignty is more trouble than its worth. Leave- campaigners should use self-governing democracy, which makes the same point. Indeed, it would be refreshing to hear the other side say explicitly why they are against democratic self-government. Earlier this month, the Mail asked on our front page: Who will speak for England? At last, were hearing answers. First to take up our challenge were six brave and principled Cabinet ministers notably Michael Gove and Iain Duncan Smith, men respected across Westminster for their unshakeable integrity. Now they are dramatically joined by Boris Johnson and suddenly the stakes for David Cameron have grown even higher. Cabinet ministers speaking up for Britain are dramatically joined by Boris Johnson and suddenly the stakes for David Cameron have grown even higher For with the London Mayors declaration yesterday, the Out camp has at last gained the crowd-pleasing figurehead it sorely lacked, while the Tories have a new favourite for the leadership succession. True, Boris took his time to make his decision, while his lifelong rival offered him increasingly tempting jobs in the hope of winning his support. Indeed, Mr Camerons willingness to barter office for principles raises questions about what may have induced other long-standing Tory eurosceptics to swing to the In camp. All this paper can say is, shame on those who succumbed. But after the spectacular failure of the PMs renegotiation, isnt it hard to see how Mr Johnson could honourably have campaigned to remain? For make no mistake, failure is the only word to describe the pathetic deal brought back from Brussels an empty hat, without a hint of a rabbit inside. As for the Prime Ministers defence of it on yesterdays Andrew Marr Show, this was frankly as unimpressive as the agreement itself. He claimed the choice for voters on June 23 would be between staying in a reformed EU and taking a leap in the dark. Wrong on both counts, Prime Minister. For far from embracing change, the EU last week showed itself institutionally incapable of reform. Nor is it a leap in the dark. Indeed, there are millions (though perhaps not the PM) old enough to remember when Britain flourished as a fully independent nation before 1973. Boris rejected a Cabinet position offered by the Prime Minister (right) to campaign for a Brexit Mr Cameron also protested that were safer inside the club than out. But isnt IDS much nearer the mark when he says staying in makes us more vulnerable to a Paris-style attack? As for the claim that if we pulled out, wed be automatically denied access to the single market unless we agreed to free movement of people, this is wrong again. In fact the EU has free trade deals with at least 17 countries, which are not required to accept limitless immigration. Indeed, the worst aspect of the agreement is that it contains nothing to make one iota of difference to the flood of migrants pouring into Britain, putting intolerable strain on our housing, public services and national identity. All we are offered instead are modest, temporary and hugely complex changes in child benefit for migrants, which wont come into force for a year (or five years for existing claimants). Otherwise, Mr Cameron has achieved nothing except a red card veto that turns out to be all-but useless, protections for the City that are no more than vague assurances, and a meaningless exemption from the EUs drive towards ever closer union. Oh, and he secured recognition that Britain doesnt belong to the euro (which we could have told him, saving him the trouble of jetting around Europe.) Nor is the deal even legally binding, as he claimed. Indeed, it appears increasingly possible that it will be ripped up, either in the courts or the European Parliament. No, after last weeks charade, the choice will be between leaving or remaining in an unreformed EU as statist, sclerotic, undemocratic and bureaucratic as ever. The couple participated in a raw shoot at home on the beach in Byron Bay Advertisement After Daily Mail Australia introduced the bohemian couple from Byron Bay, Sally Mustang and Mitch Gobel, earlier this week, the pair have received an overwhelming response on social media. The couple shot to fame for sharing the intimate details of what goes on between the sheets to their Instagram followers - Ms Mustang boasting 147,000 and Mr Gobel, 113,000 - with the goal of inspiring others to be more open about their sex lives. Now, Daily Mail Australia has conducted an exclusive shoot with the attractive artistic couple - the pair offering a raw insight into their lifestyle, relationship and deep love for art. Scroll down for video Opening up: Daily Mail Australia conducted an exclusive shoot with the bohemian couple from Byron Bay, Sally Mustang and Mitch Gobel Raw: The artistic pair have offered a raw insight into their lifestyle, relationship and deep love for art Family support: 'They are proud of our confidence and think our love is powerful,' Mr Gobel said of their families 'While you might think our families would react badly to the pictures we share on the internet, they are actually really supportive,' Mr Gobel, 25, said. 'They are proud of our confidence and think our love is powerful.' 'After all, they have had a huge impact on the way we live and see life.' 260,000 and counting: The couple shot to fame for sharing the intimate details of what goes on between the sheets to their Instagram followers Common interests: Ms Mustang believes their art is what brought them together Not easy: 'It takes a lot of time, effort and confidence to share what I did last night,' Ms Mustang said about her original racy post At first sight: 'After I left and took off to New Zealand, Mitch messaged me saying he had named a piece of art after me. The rest is sort of history,' Ms Mustang said Too much for Instagram: One of the couple's original photos was deleted from Instagram for being too racy Celebrated not banned: Ms Mustang said sex is something that should be celebrated rather than banned Passionate moments: The pair take advantage of passionate moments by capturing themselves in various trysts Strong family bonds: Mr Gobel said their parents have a major impact on how they live and see their lives While Mr Gobel grew up in Victoria, Ms Mustang was raised on the mid North Coast of New South Wales, in a small beach town called Sandy Beach. Ms Mustang confessed that the couple might never had met, had their art not brought them together. 'My acrylic pieces were similar styles to Mitch's resins, and so I decided to reach out and ask him to meet up while I was in Victoria on a hiking trip,' she said. 'After I left and took off to New Zealand, Mitch messaged me saying he had named a piece of art after me. The rest is sort of history.' Mr Gobel grew up in Victoria but Ms Mustang was raised in a small beach town called Sandy Beach on the mid North Coast of New South Wales Ms Mustang noticed her acrylic pieces were a similar style to Mr Gobel's resins While on a hiking trip in Victoria, Ms Mustang asked Mr Gobel to meet up with her After leaving Victoria to head to New Zealand, Mr Gobel messaged Ms Mustang to let her know he named an artwork after her Romantic story: The couple are obviously very proud of their idyllic and romantic story And though the couple's life looks fairly idyllic on the internet, Ms Mustang has spoken previously about how upset she was when Instagram deleted one of her explicit romantic pictures: 'It takes a lot of time, effort and confidence to share what I did last night,' she said. 'It's really disappointing that someone reported it.' Although the photos may seem to be explicit to some, Ms Mustang told Daily Mail Australia about how upset she was when Instagram deleted their post The couple collaborated together as Mr Gobel created an artwork with Ms Mustang as the canvas Mr Gobel, a 'full-time artist and conservationist', decided to move with Ms Mustang to their Byron Bay home after they both fell in love with the location Happy together: The pair now live there, happy and together The latest exclusive shoot with the couple, shows Ms Mustang (who describes herself as a 'yoga teacher, model, blogger, stylist and artist') and Mr Gobel (a 'full-time artist and conservationist'), at home, at the beach at Byron Bay, New South Wales. 'We both fell in love with the place years ago,' Mr Gobel said. 'And so we decided to move here when we got together. We found a house, signed the lease and were approved the next day. Eight days later we had moved in - it was all pretty sudden.' All of a sudden: Both agree that it was all very sudden - they moved in eight days after finding a house Lots of talents: Ms Mustang describes herself as a 'yoga teacher, model, blogger, stylist and artist' Exclusive shoot: Some pictures show that couple lounging at home in bed Social media supremos: Mr Gobel says he owes a lot of his artistic success to the rise of Instagram Not easy: However, according to the pair, they do not have an 'easy gig' Intimate details: Ms Mustang said it was 'really disappointing that someone reported' their original Instagram post after controversy Hobby turned obsession: Mr Gobel says that what started as a hobby (art) ended up as a full-blown obsession 'Sex is art': Byron Bay couple Ms Mustang and Mr Gobel share intimate details of their sex life Brought together by art: Ms Mustang confesses that she pours creativity in to everything she does As artists, Ms Mustang and Mr Gobel do not, in their own words, have 'an easy gig'. However, Mr Gobel said that he owes a 'huge amount' of his success as a professional artist to Instagram. 'As soon as I released some of my work there, it sort of blew up,' he said, 'What started as a hobby has ended as full-blown obsession.' 'I try to pour creativity in to everything I do,' Ms Mustang said, 'I pull inspiration from the world around me and the beautiful places I visit.' Exhibitionists: The artistic couple share photos of themselves in states of undress on social media Power of social media: Whether it's travel or moods, the couple capture everything on their Instagram pages Artistic flair: 'Sex enables anyone to push their creative limits and I believe sex is art, in every aspect of the term,' Mr Gobel said previously There is no arguing that, when it comes to selfie-taking skills, Kim Kardashian is the queen. The 35-year-old mother-of-two is so sure of her superb selfie abilities that she collected her favorites and published them in a book, titled Selfish. And while it is without doubt that many of the reality star's seemingly-flawless self portraits are thanks - at least in part - to the help of professional make-up artists and hair stylists, Kim recently revealed that there is one other key component to her selfie-taking: a light-up phone case. Scroll down for video A-list favorite: Kim Kardashian revealed last month that she uses a light-up Lumee phone case to ensure all of her selfies are perfectly-lit Spreading the word: The 35-year-old mother-of-two even used the phone case when she snapped a selfie with presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who Kim revealed, thought the Lumee was the 'best phone case' Last month, Kim shared a post on her website about her 'obsession' with the Lumee case, a simple accessory which clips onto the back of a smartphone - like any other case - and features LED lights around the phone on the front. In her ode to her favorite phone accessory, she wrote: 'The secret to a good selfie is definitely lighting. I love my Lumee case! It has front facing lights that light you up anywhere you are, especially in dark places.' Kim even revealed that presidential candidate Hillary Clinton had expressed her admiration of the Lumee case when the pair met and, of course, snapped a selfie together. 'Hillary Clinton is on The Ellen DeGeneres Show today and she talks about the selfie we took together,' Kim added. 'I am so excited to watch! She said it was the best phone case she'd ever seen LOL! Everyone who has seen mine is obsessed!' Being somewhat selfie-obsessed - others might just call me narcissistic - I just knew that I had to try the case out for myself in the hopes that it might elevate my somewhat-less-than-flawless self portraits to the same enviable level of perfection as Kim's. Popular product: The Lumee case comes in a variety of colors and sizes to fit different phones; it snaps onto the back of your smartphone like a normal case (left), but has LED lights around the front of it (right) The first thing I noticed about the case is how incredibly easy it is to use - it clipped onto the back of my iPhone really easily, and the button used to turn on the actual lights is in a good position on the back, making it simple to flick on mid-selfie. In order to charge the case, you use a USB cable to plug it into the computer. So far, so good. The bright LED lights can also be dimmed, and then brightened again, by pressing and holding down the back button, a handy feature which means you can adjust the glare of the lights depending on how bright your surroundings are. When it comes to taking the actual photos, I wanted to put the case to the test in a number of different scenarios - I felt like the light would be a lot more effective when taking a picture in the dark, but wasn't sure whether it would give my face some kind of 'perfect' glow when using it in daylight or artificial light. NATURAL LIGHT To be honest, the case doesn't do a huge amount when you're taking a selfie in bright, natural light. If the light is really cold, or if it's a particularly grey day, the Lumee does help to add a bit of warmth to the face, but otherwise there isn't much of a difference between the selfies taken with the LED lights on or off. If you sit with the natural light behind you, however, for example if you are sitting in front of a window, the Lumee light does help to highlight your face - rather than leaving it shrouded in an unflattering shadow. Minor difference: Snapping a selfie in natural light (left) didn't really change all that much with the help of the Lumee, however Charlie did see an added glow and warmth in her face in the selfie taken with the lights (right) Snap away: Charlie found the Lumee case incredibly easy to use, and it snapped onto the back of her phone with ease ARTIFICIAL LIGHT Depending on the light that you're in, the Lumee light can really help to improve any selfies taken indoors with the help of ceiling lights, lamps, or any other form of artificial illumination. If you're unlucky enough to be taking your selfie under fluorescent office lights - possibly the most unflattering of all artificial lights - then the Lumee case will help to add a bit of warmth back into your face; fluorescents tend to wash out your skin tone, while highlighting all manner of facial flaws, like eye bags and redness. But with the help of the light-up case, these do disappear slightly, particularly when you bring the phone closer to your face, allowing the case to cast an impressive glow. And vice versa, if the artificial lighting that you are working with is too warm, you can use the Lumee case to add a more flattering glow to your face, balancing out any orange tones in order to make your face look a bit more natural. I'm not going to lie and say that my face instantly gained the same kind of contoured perfection as Kim's but the Lumee light certainly got me a tiny bit closer. Warm tones: Under DailyMail.com's fluorescent lighting, the Lumee case added some much-needed warmth to Charlie's face (right), which looked washed out and a bit grey without the help of the selfie light (left) DIM LIGHT AND DARKNESS While the Lumee case is useful in other scenarios, it's when you're trying to take selfies in the dark that it really shines. And I put it to the test in the most difficult of situations; trying to ignore the concerned looks from my colleagues, I locked myself inside a darkened cupboard and began snapping away, seeing how the Lumee would fare in the darkest situation possible. I should point out - for those who don't know - that even the latest iPhone models don't have a flash on the front-facing camera, which makes taking selfies in a dimly-lit, or even dark, environment is pretty much impossible, unless you ask someone else to snap a photo with the main camera and its flash. However, with the help of the Lumee case, this ceases to be a problem. Forget grabbing random passersby to snap a photo of you and your friends during a night out, and never again worry about not being able to capture an image of yourself 'just because' when the lighting isn't perfect. Now I won't lie - there were some teething problems when it came to snapping my first few pitch black selfies. With the Lumee on full brightness, my face looked two-tone - half was yellow-tinted, the other pink. Teething problems: Snapping a selfie in pitch blackness has never been possible before (left), but the Lumee almost makes it look as though you're in broad daylight (right), although Charlie did have some issues with the brightness, and found her face looked two-tone when she first started taking pictures (right) Too bright: It wasn't until after Charlie had snapped several photos that she realized the Lumee case comes with a dimmer function, which allows you to reduce the brightness and eliminate the two-tone coloring I basically looked like a very made-up version of the Batman villain Two-Face which might be great for Halloween, but it's not the look I'm really aiming for on a more day-to-day basis. Honestly, I was really disappointed. I had such high hopes for the case and after my initial shoot I was devastated that it was a lost cause. Being somewhat technically incapable, it was only a few days later that I discovered the dimmer function on the case, but when I finally figured out what really should have been obvious from the get-go, I was overjoyed. Dimming the lights really did help to reduce the awkward two-tone tint on my selfies, and it also meant my face looked far less shiny - always a bonus. And of course I wasted no time in sharing the results on Snapchat, taking full advantage of all the Lumee to ramp up the already-sky-high number of selfies I snap each and every day. No doubt my followers are thrilled. All day, every day: Once Charlie figured out how to work the dimmer function, she couldn't stop snapping selfies in the dark, and admits to posting a lot of, perhaps even too many, self-portraits on her Snapchat So is the Lumee case worth the $50 price tag? Well I'm not going to try and pretend that my selfies suddenly achieved the same level of flawless perfection we're used to seeing from Kim Kardashian and her sisters, however they definitely took a big step up from the dimly-lit disasters they once were. While I'm not sure I would consider it a 'necessity' as far as phone accessories go, I have found myself clicking that 'on' button a lot more than I thought I would, and I now can't really imagine not having the gift of the added LED glow whenever I flick on the front-facing camera. And as an added bonus, the slightly chunky nature of the case has doubled up as a form of protection for my iPhone, which I'll admit I do drop every now and then; selfie taking is a dangerous business. You've been warned. So if you too dream of snapping a Kardashian-worthy picture, it's definitely worth giving the Lumee a go, particularly if you're looking for an excuse to take even more selfies than you already were. Who knows, I may soon be publishing my own version of Selfish... You heard it here first. Never keep something for best enjoy it every day says Lorraine Kelly Lorraine Kelly, 56, is best known for hosting numerous television programmes, including Daybreak and Lorraine. She lives in Dundee with her husband, Stevie, a TV cameraman, with whom she has a 21-year-old daughter, Rosie. Never keep something for best enjoy it every day. I come from a long line of very strong women, and my grandmother a real larger-than-life character always taught me that you should never keep something for best. All too often, if were given a lovely gift, we put it away, to save it for a special occasion. But my granny, bless her, thought that was a big mistake, because, as she always told me: Every day is best! And shes right. If youre lucky enough to be given a beautiful scarf or a bottle of perfume, dont just put it away in the wardrobe or the chest of drawers and leave it there. When I turned 50, I was given a stunning giant Jo Malone candle by my best friend Joyce (whom Ive known since I was 12), and it was so gorgeous that part of me wanted to put it away for safe-keeping. But, at the same time, I could hear my maternal grandmother Margarets voice saying Dont keep it for best, lassie! Use it and enjoy it! So, as soon as Id opened my present, I lit it. The smell was lovely basil, lime and mandarin. It lasted for ages, and whenever I lit it and caught a whiff of the scent, it reminded me of Christmas and happy times and made me realise that Grandma Margaret was right. Ill always remember the time I gave her a bottle of her favourite Tweed perfume as a present when I was eight. Some people might have kept it in its box for months on end, but she opened it straight away and dabbed it on. Are you going somewhere today? I asked. No, Im going to take the bins out but it doesnt matter! she replied. And I just love that attitude. I come from a long line of very strong women, and my grandmother a real larger-than-life character always taught me that you should never keep something for best, writes Lorraine Kelly I think weve all been guilty at some time of receiving presents and never getting to use them. Im sure Im not the only person whos been given a box of chocolates and put them away somewhere, only to come across them again months later and discover that theyre way past their best before date. While its been more than 20 years since my grandmother died of cancer, Ive never forgotten the life lesson she passed on to me all those years ago. Lorraine: Living To The Max (with Maxine Jones) is out now on DVD. Sex sells, but sexism shouldn't. Sexist advertising is everywhere, but no more so than in industries where young men are the targeted consumers. One product which seems especially susceptible to misogynistic advertising is the condom. In an ad from 2012 that has resurfaced recently, Durex advertised their 'XXL' condom range with an image of a woman's mouth with bandages on either side of her lips. The ad implies that the woman's male partner was so 'extra large' in the genital department that the woman's mouth was injured when performing oral sex because her lips weren't big enough. Scroll down for video 'Disgusting': An ad for Durex's XXL range was said to be encouraging violence against women Disembodied: Many condom ads feature women only as body parts Although Durex claimed they didn't create the ad themselves, they did endorse it by putting it on their official social media pages. The ad was posted on Durex UK's Facebook page with the caption 'Poor woman(or maybe lucky one)?' and removed shortly after as criticism swelled. Georgia Leaker, founder of the website F is for Feminism, said she thought the ad was 'foul' and expressed her disappointment to Daily Mail Australia. 'Only about men's pleasure': Feminist critics said many condom ads promote outdated gender stereotypes The problem, she explained, is not just the overtly sexist implication of violence against women, but that the condom ads reinforce gender stereotypes. 'Ads like these reinforce the idea that sex is only about men's pleasure. If we want to promote consent and healthy sexuality in young people, we cant accept advertising like this,' Ms Leaker said. Feminist writer and speaker Clementine Ford also spoke to Daily Mail Australia about the ad, saying it was 'disgusting'. 'Sex might sell, but there's no need to be lazy about it. The use of sexist images in advertising isn't fun or comedic - it's evidence that your agency needs to be better. If you build it, we will come,' she said. Promoting rape: An ad posted on Durex Thailand's Facebook page said that 28 per cent of women who fought sex 'ending up consenting' Crass: Even though women make up 41 per cent of condom buyers, advertised is male focused It's not the first time Durex has created a distasteful ad for their products. In 2014 Durex Thailand posted an ad on Facebook that read in Thai '28 per cent of women that fought ended up consenting'. The ad was online for around 10 hours before being taken down, after angry commentators said that Durex was promoting rape. The company posted an apology, saying the ad was 'offensive and inappropriate' but would not give more information as to its origins. Women as food: Skyn condoms has also posted controversial images to social media Ogle away: Posts on Four Seasons' social media pages encourage men to stare at women's breasts The ads are clearly made for the straight male gaze, even though statistics show that women make up 41 per cent of all condom sales. Durex aren't the only company to run into trouble. Posts on condom company Four Seasons' Instagram account reinforce stereotypes about women not wanting sex and make crass jokes. One post encourages men to ogle women's breasts freely by wearing sunglasses so they don't get caught staring. Socially responsible: Hero Condoms founder Dustin Leonard (centre) says his company's ads are 'respectful to both genders' A more ethical condom: For every Hero condom sold in Australia a condom is donated to Botswana to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS However not all condom companies are creating sexist advertising. Sydney startup Hero condoms has taken a different approach to advertising, ensuring their ads are female friendly. Hero condoms founder Dustin Leonard said he thought that most condom ads were 'quite extreme'. 'Some of the [condom] advertising and marketing is quite degrading to women. That wouldnt fly in any other industry, I dont know how they would get away with it,' he said. Mr Leonard says that Hero condoms ensures their marketing is 'respectful to both genders' and socially responsible. For those who think fashion takes itself far too seriously need look no further than Anya Hindmarch. The veteran British designer channelled Eighties arcade games for her London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2016 spectacular, which was staged on a giant Rubix's cube-like set. A retro gamer's dream, the 47-year-old tapped Pac-Man, Space Invaders and Tetris as her inspiration, emblazoning the iconic graphics onto her luxury totes. For those who think fashion takes itself far too seriously need look no further than Anya Hindmarch The veteran British designer channelled Eighties arcade games for her London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2016 spectacular, which was staged on a giant Rubix's cube-like set Last season Essex-born Anya worked familiar logos - the symbols of Mothercare, Natwest, Boots and Kellogg's Frosties - into her accessory prints. And to prove she's still a kid a heart, Anya has stuck to her playful aesthetic. Models strutted onto the runway carrying bags in leather, crocodile and python that were decorated in colourful pixelated squares, starburst patterns and crab-like Space Invaders. As a techno version of Handel's Messiah filled the packed venue, girls streamed out in a series of oversized coats in cashmere, mink and shearling. Models strutted onto the runway carrying bags in leather, crocodile and python that were decorated in colourful pixelated squares, starburst patterns and crab-like Space Invaders To prove she's still a kid a heart, British designer Anya Hindmarch has stuck to her playful aesthetic As a techno version of Handel's Messiah filled the packed venue, girls streamed out in a series of oversized coats in cashmere, mink and shearling The chic outerwear was given a child-like makeover with the help of kitsch motifs taken from Anya's wildly successful sticker venture - it did just over 12 million sales in two seasons Pac-Man, fried eggs, smiley faces and googly eyes may appear gimmicky for some fashionistas but the garments received many excited 'oohs' from the stylish crowd The creativity of the Anya Hindmarch brand is demonstrated in its London Fashion Week shows The chic outerwear was given a child-like makeover with the help of kitsch motifs taken from Anya's wildly successful sticker venture - it did over 12 million sales in two seasons. Pac-Man, fried eggs, smiley faces and googly eyes may appear gimmicky for some fashionistas but the garments received many excited 'oohs' from the stylish crowd. The creativity of the Anya Hindmarch brand is demonstrated in its London Fashion Week shows. The designer has previously had models floating weightlessly above the audience, a supermarket-inspired show with models on conveyor belts and dancing cashiers and brought schoolgirl personalization to life with stickers, giant teacups and moving the audience with rotating floors. Anya founded her business in 1987 with a store on Londons Walton Street. The designer's luxury accessories brand is known for its creativity, craftsmanship, personalisation and humour. The designer has previously had models floating weightlessly above the audience and a supermarket-inspired show with models on conveyor belts and dancing cashiers Anya founded her business in 1987 with a store on Londons Walton Street. The designer's luxury accessories brand is known for its creativity, craftsmanship, personalisation and humour Anya designs four mainline collections a year, which are sold through over fifty stores worldwide The Duchess of Cambridge is a fan of Anya Hindmarch and is often spotted sporting one of her totes Anya designs four mainline collections a year, which are sold through over fifty stores worldwide - including flagships on New Yorks Madison Avenue, Londons Bond Street and Aoyama in Tokyo - as well as through key retail partners such as colette and Net A Porter. In addition the designer offers a bespoke collection. Born from Anyas fascination with personalisation and craftsmanship, Anya Hindmarch Bespoke includes products for both men and women that can be personalised with embossed handwritten messages and drawings, as well as inlaid with photographs. In 2009, Anya Hindmarch was awarded an MBE in recognition for her contribution to the British fashion industry. She was awarded the Accessory Designer award at the 2014 British Fashion Awards and was awarded the Veuve Clicquot and Harpers Bazaar Business Woman of the Year Awards in 2012. The Duchess of Cambridge is a fan of Anya Hindmarch and is often spotted sporting one of her totes. A model showcases one of Anya's leather bags featuring a comical Rubix Cube adornment Zandra Rhodes harked back to her Seventies heyday for her disco-inspired Autumn/Winter 2016 collection. The veteran British designer paid homage to her days partying at New York's Studio 54, which entertained the likes of Andy Warhol, Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Jones, with her opulent yet bohemian line. The 75-year-old, famed for her neon pink hairstyle and theatrical make-up, turned the BFC Presentation Space at London Fashion Week into a must-visit haunt - reminiscent of the iconic nightclub. Zandra Rhodes harked back to her Seventies heyday for her disco-inspired Autumn/Winter 2016 collection The veteran British designer paid homage to her days partying at New York's Studio 54, which entertained the likes of Andy Warhol, Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Jones, with her opulent yet bohemian line Zandra Rhodes, pictured centre, poses with two models in designs from her Autumn/Winter 2016 collection For textile designer Zandra, fabrics were the main focal point of the throwback presentation. 'I wanted some of my classics out again,' the Kent-born dressmaker revealed during the show on Saturday night. The material that dominated the collection was a jacquard that Zandra had developed in Malaysia, called songket, woven from polyester shot with Lurex. Models donned floaty kaftans, dramatic floor-length gowns, wide-leg trousers and pussybow blouses featuring the retro-looking print. For textile designer Zandra, opulent fabrics were the main focal point of the throwback presentation The material that dominated the collection was a jacquard that Zandra had developed in Malaysia, called songket, woven from polyester shot with Lurex Models donned floaty kaftans, dramatic floor-length gowns, wide-leg trousers and pussybow blouses featuring the retro-looking print Taking the vintage mood up a notch, models also posed in turbans and bandanas as Blondie played in the background Other key garments in the presentation included a loose-fitting off-the-shoulder purple top with a gold pattern and an iridescent blue midi frock. Taking the vintage mood up a notch, models also posed in turbans and bandanas while the disco tunes of Blondie played in the background. Keeping with the era, the make-up was equally as eccentric. Bold purple, pink and blue eye shadow was clashed with bright red lipstick. Meanwhile, hair was curled into chic waves and worn in a centre parting. After studying at the Royal College London, Zandra headed the new wave of British designers who put London at the forefront of international fashion in the Seventies. After studying at the Royal College London, Zandra headed the new wave of British designers who put London at the forefront of international fashion in the Seventies Hair was hidden underneath ornate turbans or curled into chic waves and worn in a centre parting A model poses in an iridescent blue dress which featured sheer billowing sleeves with floral adornments Her innovative approach to garment construction can be seen in her use of printed fabric dictating garment shapes, reverse exposed seams and stylistic use of jewelled safety pins and tears during the punk era. Zandra stamped her identity on the international world of fashion with her spectacular pink hair, theatrical make-up and art jewellery. She has designed for some of the most famous people in the world including Princess Diana, Princess Michael, Freddy Mercury, Diana Ross, Helen Mirren, and Ellen Bursteins outfit for her Emmy Award. Her vintage dresses are seen at the Oscars and her print design influence is on the worlds catwalks. The Queen made Zandra a Dame in 2014 for services to fashion. Keeping with the era, the make-up was equally eccentric. Bold purple, pink and blue eyeshadow was clashed with bright red lipstick An Australian voice actor who posted her attempt at a Scouse accent on YouTube has left Liverpudlians less than impressed. The woman, who posts videos under the name Chameleon Voices, provides services to film production companies, theatre companies and animation studios. But according to Scousers, her Liverpudlian accent was far off the mark with many branding her attempt 'absymal' and '90 per cent Irish'. An Australian voice actor posts her attempt at the Scouse accent and named the character Madeline Bradford But her Liverpudlian accent was far off the mark with many Scousers calling it 'abysmal' and '90 per cent Irish' in the clip seen 88,000 times on YouTube. Using the stage name Chameleon, the voice actor posts many different accents from around the world to her YouTube channel, which has 357 subscribers. Chameleon named her character Madeline Bradford and said in her Scouse accent: 'I'm from Liverpool, you know where the Beatles come from. 'When I was little I got into acting. Now I'm a member of the local theatre group. My husband thinks I'm daft. What do you want to get into that for? There's no money in it. 'We're both working class people and very proud of that fact.' Liverpudlians did not rate her accent with many saying it sounded more like a Geordie or Irish accent In the video that has been seen 88,000 times on YouTube, character Madeline talked further about her passion for acting in the one-and-a-half-minute clip but the voice actor's impression seemed to have mixed up lots of English accents. Lisa Duffy posted on YouTube: 'Geordie, Brummie, Welsh, Indian, Irish - just about everything but Scouse. Keep practising love!' While YouTube user t00 questioned if she could do 'her native Australian [accent]. Makes me wonder after hearing this.' Amcefc2011, from Liverpool, called it so bad it was '90 per cent Irish.' And Jan Berrington, form Liverpool, was appalled by the attempt. She posted: 'What the heck? Nothing like our lovely Liverpool accent. Starts off with a Geordie accent then goes into Irish. 'I am born, bred and buttered Liverpudlian and have never heard an accent like that in my life.' Using the stage name Chameleon posts many different accents from around the world to her YouTube channel, which has 357 subscribers Scousers advised Chameleon to 'give up' because her accent sounded similar to Irish although one commenter gave her constructive criticism Paul Carney posted: 'Give it up love. That was abysmal, literally the worst I've ever heard and I hear a lot of s***e efforts while working all over the country.' Clair Johnson was equally unimpressed and wrote: 'We don't sound like that at all.' While Rei Evans gave some constructive criticism and posted she had 'too much emphasis on the letter T.' Elizabeth Wall PT questioned if the actress was 'taking the mick' because her accent was so poor. And Marc Hughes posted: 'Your husband's right, you are daft.' Chameleon told the Liverpool Echo: 'I love the Liverpool accent, although it was one of the harder ones to pick up.' Jeremy Kyle was left red-faced after a cheeky guest offered to 'take him backstage' for a tenner, prompting him to admit that things 'might not be good' in his own private life. The ITV star, 49, separated amicably from wife Carla Germaine last year after 13 years together, and, judging by his comments, clearly isn't finding life as a single man particularly enjoyable. When, in true Kyle style, he grilled guest Chelsea as to whether she was a prostitute, she fired back that she would take him 'out the back for a tenner'. Scroll down for video Not impressed: Jeremy Kyle, 49, holds up the ten pound note given to him by his producer William after one of his guests, Chelsea, offered to take the ITV presenter 'backstage for a tenner' Chelsea, pictured left on-stage with her brother, greeted Kyle's questioning about whether she was a prostitute with the quip that she would take the presenter 'backstage for a tenner' The smiling Scottish guest carried on: 'Yeah do you want to give me a tenner and we'll go out the back? Of course I'm not a prostitute,' Chelsea, who had been falsely of soliciting by her brother's ex partner, laughed. A rare moment of hilarity ensued on the often brutal confessional show as Kyle's producer William quickly arrived on stage with a ten pound note. Looking forlorn on the steps of his stage, the presenter held the money up to camera and said: 'William, times might not be good but it's illegal, take it back' much to the audience's delight. It isn't the first time that Kyle has offered a glimpse into the shortcomings of his own private life. Last June, perhaps indicating that his marriage was crumbling, he admitted to not having got intimate with his wife 'for ages' while interrogating a woman about whether she'd cheated on her partner. Said guest had declared: 'Listen, I get sex from [my boyfriend] whenever I want. I don't need to go and get sex from someone else.' The TV host snapped back: 'Tell him then! I've had enough talking about it. I haven't had sex for ages myself.' Kyle and Germaine married in 2002, and the pair have three children together; Henry, Alice and Ava. Just what he didn't want! William the producer spots an opportunity for humour and hands Kyle a ten pound note The audience and Chelsea and her brother burst into laughter on stage ...but Kyle refuses the money, admitting that 'times might not be good' but he's not about to embark on prostitution Kyle hasn't always been lucky in love; his first marriage to Kirsty Rowley ended in 1990 after a year together and the pair have a daughter Harriet, 25. During that marriage, Kyle who was a recruitment consultant at the time is said to have hosted a weave of intricate lies in an attempt to cover his own destructive and expensive gambling habit. According to his ex-wife, who has since remarried, he took money from her bank account without her permission or knowledge, racking up thousands of pounds in debt in order to fund his addiction. The couple had met in 1988 when Kyle, whose father was a secretary in the Royal Household, joined the Bristol recruitment agency where Kirsty was a secretary. However, despite a 'romantic' beginning to their relationship, it soon broke down upon their return from honeymoon with reports of constant rowing. Eventually, when their daughter was just five months old, Kyle is said to have stormed out of the family home following an argument and never returned. He later moved his career into radio, aged 31, after applying for an on-air post while working in the sales department of Westcountry station Orchard FM. Looking for love: Kyle didn't look best pleased to be the butt of his producer's joke Lean patch? Kyle has admitted on screen before when his sex life has taken a dip - admitting in June 2015 that he hadn't had 'sex in ages' Kyle met ex wife Carla Germaine, then a 23-year-old model, when she entered a competition run by the BRMB radio station in Birmingham where Kyle was working He worked at various local stations including BRMB radio station in Birmingham which later led him to meet his second wife. The pair met in 1999 when Ms Germaine, then a 23-year-old model, entered a competition run by the radio station to marry a total stranger. As part of the contest, Two Strangers And A Wedding, she was selected to tie the knot with Greg Cordell, a groom chosen by the station. The competition made headlines around the world and the pair tied the knot in a lavish on-air ceremony at the Hyatt Hotel in Birmingham before enjoying a prize honeymoon to the Bahamas, a rent-free apartment and a paid-for car for a year. However, three months later the marriage was over and she began dating Kyle. He later told The Scotsman newspaper: 'I have always said I completely and utterly disagreed with the competition and I was one of only two DJs who would have nothing to do with it. 'I met her three months later and she was like a rabbit in the headlights. She would tell you in her Brummie lingo that it was Monday, it was January, she had been dumped and was hungover, and her mate said, 'Why don't we go for it?'' travel over 2,000 miles from Big Lake to Nome and then to Fairbanks, making it one of the world's longest snowmobile races Bristol Palin took two-month-old daughter Sailor Grace on an arctic adventure, as they braved the bitter Alaska weather to join the rest of her family watch her father compete in a grueling off-road snowmobile race. The 25-year-old brought along her newborn and her seven-year-old son Tripp to cheer on their 51-year-old grandfather Todd at the start of Sunday's Iron Dog race. Bristol's mother Sarah, 52, her sister Piper, 14, and her brother Trig, seven, were also there to support the four-time champion. 'Good luck to all the Iron Dog racers today as they take off on a 2,000 mile race across Alaska, go papa Todd! #freezing,' Bristol captioned an Instagram photo of herself posed with her family. Family support: Bristol Palin (far left) bundled her infant daughter Sailor Grace and her son Tripp, seven, (front left) in snowsuits to root on her father Todd (back center) at the start of his 23rd Iron Dog snowmobile race Rooting him on: Bristol's mother Sarah (center), her sister Piper, 14, and her brother Trig, seven, were also in attendance at the start of the race In the picture, Todd's arms are around his daughters Bristol and Piper, while Sarah has a hand placed on Trig's shoulder. And while Tripp is all smiles while posing for the family photo, Sailor is harnessed to her mother's chest and covered from head-to-toe in a hot pink and purple snowsuit. The 2016 Iron Dog course, which is over 2,000 miles of Arctic terrain and conditions, started in Big Lake, Alaska, on Sunday. Participants are to travel to Nome before finishing in Fairbanks, making it one of the word's longest snowmobile races. The intense race has been going on since 1984, and the father-of-five competed in his first Iron Dog course when he only had Bristol and her older brother Track, 26. This year, for his 23rd race, Todd has teamed up with Shane Barber to compete for the grand prize of $65,000. Final preparations: Sarah shared this photo of Todd wearing duct tape around his face mask to protect him from frostbite during the grueling 2,031 mile race Calm before the storm: Todd looked relaxed when Sarah snapped this picture of him lying down next to his gear before the start of the event Although Bristol's 21-year-old sister Willow didn't appear in any of the family photos from the event, she took to Instagram on Sunday to share a photo of the starting line while wishing her father good luck. 'Race day! Good luck to my dad and Shane plus all of our friends racing this year. See everyone in Fairbanks #irondog2016 #team11 #PalinBarber,' she wrote. Meanwhile, Sarah proudly posted snapshots from the race on her Facebook page on Sunday, including a family photo similar to the one Bristol shared that day. 'Last minute prep before the green flag,' Sarah captioned a photo of herself with Piper and Trig as they posed with Todd, who was standing on the opposite side of a orange fence. Other images see Todd lying on the floor next to his gear and bundled up with duct tape holding securing a ski mask to his face to protect against frostbite as part of his 'last minute prep'. Proud mother and wife: Sarah also shared a family photo of herself with her children and grandchildren Doting daughter: Bristol's sister Willow, 21, didn't appear in any of the family photos that were posted on social media on Sunday, but she did share this photo of the starting line on Instagram to wish her father luck Not only do Iron Dog racers have to brave the elements and below-freezing temperatures, but they also have to have keen survival skills to help them complete the dangerous race . Sarah also posted a photo of herself with her husband, her daughter Piper, and her father-in-law Jim to kick off the event. 'In Anchorage, Piper and Jim Palin (Papa Jim) cheer on Todd at yesterday's ceremonial start of this year's Iron Dog. 2,031 miles to go! Good luck to all the racers! Check out the hat!' she wrote. Just a few days before Todd started his race, it was publicly revealed that her Marine ex-fiance Dakota Meyer, 27, is Sailor Grace's dad after months of speculation. Extended family: The day before the start of the race, Sarah and Piper posed with Todd and his father Jim Honoring grandpa: Bristol's son Tripp appeared to be paying homage to his grandfather's race on Friday with his sweatshirt that featured a man riding a snowmobile Although Bristol and her ex-fiance Dakota separately announced Sailor's birth on December 24, one day after she was welcomed into the world, she never publicly confirmed that he was the father. A few weeks after their daughter was born, Dakota filed paperwork asking a judge for joint legal and physical custody of the little girl, however, the case was 'pending action to determine paternity'. Court documents seen by Daily Mail Online reveal that Bristol admits that she was engaged to Dakota and that paternity was established via DNA testing at 99.9957 per cent certainty. Although Dakota is Sailor's biological father, Bristol contends that because he lives in Kentucky and she lives in Alaska, shared physical custody may not be 'practicable'. Mother-daughter duo: Bristol took to Instagram on Thursday to share this photo of herself posed with her nearly two-month-old daughter Sailor as it was publicly confirmed that her ex Dakota Meyer is the father All in the genes: A court-ordered paternity test revealed that Dakota (left) is Sailor's biological father with 99.9957 per cent certainty However, she agrees to a 'decree of shared legal custody' with visitation adjusted consistent with the child's age and Dakota's out-of-state residence. She also asks for interim and permanent child support and that Dakota pay Sailor's delivery and medical expenses. It has undoubtedly been a stressful couple of months for the single mom who is involved in not one, but two custody battles. Her son Tripp's father Levi Johnston filedcourt papers on January 26 asking a judge to reduce his child support payments after Bristol claimed he owned more than $80,000 in unpaid support. In court papers seen by Daily Mail Online, 25-year-old Levi alleges that his earnings have dropped significantly since a temporary child support order was granted in 2010 and based on his estimated income, which was in excess of $100,000. Party time! The 25-year-old posed with her seven-year-old son Tripp and her earlier this month at what appeared to be a dinner celebrating her mother Sarah's 52nd birthday Broken romance: Bristol is currently embroiled in custody battles with Sailor's father, Dakota (left), 27, and Tripp's father, Levi Johnston (right) RadarOnline reports that new court documents filed on February 11 show that a judge denied her 'motion for collection of past due child support, insofar as that motion relies on the interim support order because the order was an interim order, it no longer was in effect once the case was dismissed.' The judge also ordered both Levi and Bristol to submit proposed child support totals by February 26 and will rule on Levi's final total owed based on those proposals. However, despite her issues with her exes, Bristol is keeping her focus on her children. The proud mom often shares photos of her kids and family on Instagram, and on Friday she posted a precious snapshot of her smiling son Tripp. In an industry that often requires women to strip down and pose suggestively, models can sometimes find themselves in sticky situations but Toni Garrn set the bar pretty high by posing with honey dripping from her face. The 23-year-old appears in a new series of seriously provocative images in which gooey, sticky honey is seen painted all over her face, streaming through her eyelashes and across her red-painted mouth. Then on Sunday, she proudly posed in front of the portraits at London's Opera Gallery just a day after attending the same party as her ex, Leonardo DiCaprio, 41. Scroll down for video Oh no, honey: Model Toni Garnn, 23, posed with honey dripping down her face for a series of portraits Sticky sweet: Artists Mike Dargas posed her with the substance, took photos, and then painted her portrait from the photos Impressive: The German model thinks the pictures came out 'incredible' even though she thought having honey on her face would be 'disgusting' To be honest, Toni admitted, she thought it would be 'kind of disgusting' to have artist Mike Dargas slather globs of the sticky substance all over her face  but she ended up being pretty impressed with the results. 'Cannot believe how incredible these turned out,' she wrote on Instagram alongside a snapshot of herself a the gallery. In fact, the portraits unveiled weren't actually photos, but oil paintings on canvas, which the German model remarked were done with 'unreal precision'. Wow, theyre so much more incredible in person, she said upon first seeing the paintings. Every single thing, like the lips, the lipstick, everything is exactly the way it is in real life. I couldnt believe it, until now, until half an hour ago, I had no idea about the size and the precision. I get photographed so much and in a picture [of the paintings] on my phone, it almost looks like a picture because its so precise. But now being here for the first time Im really seeing how incredible it is. Wow! In shots he shared on Instagram, Mike can be seen in the midst of painting Stunner: On Sunday, she proudly posed in front of the pictures at an exhibit at London's Opera Gallery Proud: She also posed with artist Mike (left) and art curator Jean-David Malat (right) To have my own work of art with myself in it that is so close up, and so huge, and so precise, is very overwhelming. It is beautiful but it is very overwhelming. I dont think Im ever going to get used to it and walk by and think Oh, thats me! Its so beautiful. Jean-David Malat, the Director of the London branch of the Opera Gallery, commented: 'The launch went extremely well and I am very pleased with the collaboration. 'Mike Dargas is a fantastic and talented artist at the beginning of his career and I am already have a waiting list for his paintings. 'The three paintings of Toni Garrn sold in five minutes so I am very much looking forward to Mike Dargas' solo exhibition at the Opera Gallery.' Several other models posed for similar paintings, with other gooey liquids poured onto their foreheads and down their noses, cheeks, and chins. On Sunday, the stunning works of art were unveiled at an exhibit in London, in an event attended by the model herself. Toni looked extremely composed as she attended the launch, fresh-faced despite partying the previous night away alongside her former flame Leonardo. She posed in front of her pictures in a black, white and red color-block dress, over which she draped a floral bomber jacket. Getting a tad emotional: Toni said the works were 'beautiful' but also 'very overwhelming' She's in awe: She also remarked that the artist's work is even more incredible in person Sophisticated: She looked fresh-faced despite partying the night before at a bash attended by her ex, Leonardo DiCaprio Run-ins: Toni and Leo split in December 2014 after dating for a year and a half Though she joked that some people use honey as a face mask, though, her own face was wiped clean for the occasion, with just glowing, natural-looking make-up making her camera-ready. Despite her cool, calm composure on Sunday, Toni may have suffered an awkward moment the night before, when she rubbed shoulders with the top members British society at the star-studded birthday bash of Siran Manoukian where her ex-boyfriend was also present. The Titanic star went low-key for the party held at London's One Embankment, as he appeared to narrowly avoid bumping into his former flame while mingling with superstars including Sir Elton John and Naomi Campbell. Charlie Sheen's disclosure that he is HIV positive was an 'earth shaking event for HIV prevention' experts have said Charlie Sheen's admission that he is HIV positive sparked a record rise in the number of people researching the disease online. The actor revealed to the world his diagnosis on November 17 last year, on NBC's Today Show. It has long been assumed that celebrities play an important role in public health. And so a team of scientists at San Diego State University set out to investigate the issue. Their findings reveal record levels of news coverage of HIV and Google searches for information about HIV and HIV prevention in the wake of Sheen's disclosure. Professor John Ayers, who led the study, said: 'Charlie Sheen's disclosure was a potential earth shaking event for HIV prevention in the United States.' The team relied on public archives for news media trends using the Bloomberg Terminal and Google Trends to describe HIV and HIV prevention engagement since 2004. Focusing on the hours after Sheen's disclosure, the team monitored news reports mentioning HIV and Google searches originating from the United States broken into four categories: HIV - all searches with 'HIV' condoms - all searches with 'condom' or 'condoms' HIV symptomology - all searches with 'symptom,' 'symptoms' or 'signs of' and 'HIV' HIV testing - all searches with 'test,' 'tests,' or 'testing' and 'HIV' Research scientists Benjamin Althouse, of the Institute for Disease Modeling and the Santa Fe Institute, said: 'This big data strategy allowed us to provide a formative assessment of the potential impacts of Charlie Sheen's HIV-positive disclosure at no cost. 'We can directly assess the diffusion of media in the population and how the population is seeking out information based on the timing and content of their Google searches.' The day of Sheen's disclosure coincided with a 265 per cent increase in news reports mentioning HIV - 97 per cent of which also mentioned the actor - via Bloomberg Terminal. An additional 6,500 stories were reported on Google News alone. This placed Sheen's disclosure among the top one per cent of historic HIV-related media events. The actor's disclosure also corresponded with the greatest number of HIV-related Google searches ever recorded in the US on a single day. The actor revealed in November that he is living with the disease, illustrated. His admission sparked a record surge in online searches relating to HIV, prevention, tests and symptoms, scientists at San Diego State University found About 2.75 million more Google searches than expected, based on previous trends, included the term HIV on the day of Sheen's disclosure, with 1.25 million more searches than expected including terms for condoms, HIV symptoms, or HIV testing; after adjusting for changes in overall search volume and historic trends. In relative terms, all HIV searches were 417 per cent higher than expected the day of Sheen's disclosure. Condom searches (such as 'buy condoms') increased 75 per cent. About 2.75 million more Google searches for HIV were recorded, than would be expected on a normal day - all HIV searches were 417 per cent higher on the day of Sheen's disclosure HIV symptom (such as 'signs of HIV') and HIV testing (such as 'find HIV testing') searches increased 540 and 214 per cent, respectively, the day of Sheen's disclosure and remained higher for three days. Professor Ayers said: 'While no one should be forced to reveal their HIV status and all diagnoses are tragic, Sheen's disclosure may benefit public health by potentially helping many learn more about HIV and HIV prevention.' This potential comes on the heels of historic declines in domestic HIV awareness and prevention. Just two weeks before Sheen's disclosure Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, publicly bemoaned the state of domestic HIV control. Of the more than 1.2 million people in the United States living with HIV, nearly one in eight are unaware of their HIV-positive status. Professor Seth Noar, of the University of North Carolina and an expert in HIV prevention media campaigns, and co-author of the study, said: 'Sheen's disclosure could be an important event to immediately raise public consciousness around HIV, and make public health messages about HIV that much more salient.' 'Celebrity disclosures are not new to HIV, with Rock Hudson and Magic Johnson serving as noteworthy examples. Yet, Sheen's disclosure could be different,' said Eric Leas, a student of health communication at the University of California San Diego and study coauthor. 'The Web 2.0 era may heighten the impact of Sheen. 'With Sheen, unlike with Magic Johnson for instance, we have smartphones in our pockets that we can easily use to learn about HIV within seconds with a single search or click. 'At the same time, social media can expand the effect of Sheen's disclosure beyond the initial television broadcast as networks form around celebrities.' Professor Ayers added: 'Sadly, the public health community may be missing the mark. 'I'm unaware of any major HIV educational campaigns that are using Sheen's disclosure for public health outreach. Experts said while no one should be forced to reveal their HIV status and all diagnoses are tragic, the Two And A Half Men actor's admission may benefit public health by potentially helping many learn more about HIV and HIV prevention 'Sheen is a controversial figure and it's incredibly hard to frame public health messages around a figure whose behavior, not unlike any non-celebrity or myself, may at times conflict with public health science.' Controversy itself merits additional study to stay ahead of public debate, according to Mark Dredze, research scientist with Bloomberg LP, assistant research professor at Johns Hopkins University, and study coauthor. 'Public health can use and expand our approach to further monitor HIV-related trends and be responsive to these changes in near real-time.' Still, the team notes that Sheen's disclosure has already produced tremendous public health benefits. 'More must be done to make the Charlie Sheen effect larger and lasting,' Professor Ayers concluded. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was only introduced a decade ago. But, it has already led to a 64 per cent decrease in HPV infections among teenage girls. A new study revealed within six years of the vaccines introduction, there was a two-thirds reduction in HPV among females aged 14 to 19. Furthermore, the vaccine also led to a 34 per cent decrease among those between the ages of 20 and 24, scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. The study said: This finding extends previous observations of population impact in the United States and demonstrates the first national evidence of impact among females in their 20s. The HPV vaccine was introduced in 2006 - and only six years later, there was a 64 per cent reduction in HPV rates in females aged 14 to 19, and 34 per cent decrease in those age 20 to 24, a new study revealed HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Most HPV infections don't cause symptoms and go away on their own. However, HPV is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. Furthermore, the virus can also cause genital warts and lesions in the upper respiratory tract. The vaccine is recommended in the US for female children age 11 or 12 since 2006, with the hopes of protecting them before they become sexually active. In addition, it has been recommended for boys age 11 or 12 since 2011. And experts recommend teens and young adults who may have not been vaccinated previously, have the shot. The vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing HPV infection, as well as the diseases associated with the virus, in clinical trials. HPV vaccination has the potential to prevent up to three out of four HPV-associated cancers Dr. Lauri Markowitz, of the CDC Lead study author Dr Lauri Markowitz told Reuters: 'HPV vaccination has the potential to prevent up to three out of four HPV-associated cancers.' The vaccine is typically administered in three doses. But, a national survey in 2013 found that only 57 per cent of females between the ages of 13 and 17 received at least one dose. Meanwhile, only 38 per cent of those females had received all three vaccine doses. For the study, CDC scientists analysed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The team looked at data from 2003 to 2006, as well as 2009 to 2012. They then compared HPV prevalence among females in both of those groups. The scientists found that among females aged 14 to 19, there was a drop in HPV infection rates in women who had received at least one vaccine dose. The rates of HPV among females aged 14 to 19 dropped from 11.5 per cent before the vaccine was available to 4.3 per cent afterwards. The HPV vaccine has been found in clinical trials to reduce rates of HPV (pictured) infection. HPV is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide, and can also cause genital warts and lesions in the upper respiratory tract And, for women aged 20 to 24, prevalence was reduced from 18.5 per cent to 12.1 per cent. Before the vaccine became available, the rates of vaccine-preventable strains of HPV was 18.6 per cent among sexually active 14 to 24 year olds. Yet, after the vaccine was introduced, the prevalence dropped to 2.1 per cent among those who got vaccinated - only dipping to 16.9 per cent among those who didn't get vaccinated. The study said: Further analyses of NHANES data will assess changes in HPV prevalence in the United States as HPV vaccine coverage increases. The continued analysis will allow the scientists to monitor HPV vaccines impact on HPV prevalence, duration of protection, possible cross-protection or type replacement. Yet, there continues to be low vaccination rates in the US. Dr Markowitz said: 'National HPV vaccination rates are low, leaving girls vulnerable not only to cervical cancer, but also to other cancers caused by HPV infections (i.e. vaginal, vulvar, anal and oropharyngeal cancers). 'HPV infections can also lead to cancers of the anus, penis, and oropharynx in boys, so these low rates also leave boys vulnerable to HPV cancers.' The mystery surrounding Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Dornier plane flight CG791 has only intensified after the end of a prolonged inquiry. Older questions about the plane's sudden disappearance and the discovery of its wreckage at the bottom of the Bay of Bengal have been replaced by new ones. Flying at about 9,000 ft from Chennai on a routine mission, on a fairly well-lit evening of June 8 last year, the aircraft disappeared from the tracking radars at 9.24pm. The plane, a Dornier, disappeared from tracking radars on June 8 last year. (Picture for representation only.) The last recorded position of the plane was 32 miles north east of Karaikal, near Puducherry. The plane, CG DOR 791, was to return to Chennai at 10pm. Initial information stated that the International Maritime Satellite (INMARSAT) terminal on board powered off. The ICGs Board of Inquiry (BOI) report pins the cause of the crash on a device known as Attitude and Heading Reference Unit (AHRU). The AHRU is said to be the single biggest aid to a crew flying at night over sea. A top IAF officer explained: We found that the power supply to the AHRU stopped suddenly. When that happened, the crew lost control. Why the power went off in the first place is not something we have been able to ascertain. In reaching this conclusion, the ICG relied extensively on the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) which was retrieved. What complicated matters was that the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) was completely smashed. While the ICG has been unable to establish the cause, it is certain there was no sabotage. The BOI findings dont blame any individual or organisation. The wreckage and mortal remains of the three-member crew were retrieved following an unprecedented 36-day search, during which it remained deposited at a depth of 990m at sea. The salvage itself was said to be one of the most intense in Indias maritime history. One reason why the crash raised eyebrows was because of the plane involved. The Dornier, licence-made in India by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is among the most stable platforms in military aviation. Gopal Sutar, Chief of Media Communications, HAL said: We are not privy to the report and hence, cannot comment. However, there have been no previous incidents or crashes that directly attribute to AHRU. What has further perplexed observers is the role of the standby systems. The way any armed force works is that...if plan A fails, there is always B and even C. I am unable to digest the ICGs response, said a senior officer. The protester accused Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (pictured) of doing nothing to help his community Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs security staff threw a panic on Sunday when a drunk man lobbed a bomb at him at an indoor auditorium in Bengaluru. Fortunately for the minister, the missile turned out be a packet containing flowers and chocolates. The incident took place around noon when Siddaramaiah was addressing an event organised by a cultural group, Udayabhanu Kannada Kala Sangha, at the Raveendra Kalashetra auditorium on JC Road. As Siddaramaiah was delivering his speech, a man sitting in the balcony of the auditorium stood up and raised slogans against the CM. You have done nothing to my community Your contributions are nil, he shouted. Siddaramaiah then asked him which he community he belonged to. However, the man surprised everyone by hurling a packet towards the dais and shouting: I am throwing this bomb at you. Immediately, people sitting next to the man overpowered him and beat him up. The word bomb created chaos in the auditorium, but the fear dissipated when the packet hit the dais and burst open, spilling out flowers and chocolates. Siddaramaiah and other dignitaries on stage were stunned with the turn of events. However, Siddaramaiah regained his composure and continued speaking. The police took the man into custody and he has been identified as BH Prasad, a Bengaluru resident. The police are verifying his background and the motive for interrupting the CMs speech. They have also registered a case against him. Siddaramaiah refused to blame the police for the laxity in security. This is a public auditorium Anyone is free to walk in and participate in this event. They cannot monitor everyone. Besides, this is a democratic set-up and we have people who are open to dissent. This is part of our system, he added. The alleged anti-national activities and the subsequent protests at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have found another casualty - academics. In the current academic year, only 20 per cent of the syllabus for the last term has been completed. All courses - postgraduate and undergraduate - have been put on hold. Teachers and students have boycotted classes in protest against the arrest of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar. Thousands of people join ex-armymen in the Capital in their protest against alleged anti-national sloganeering by JNU students No time on hand According to sources, even if the classes resume, teachers will be left with just over a month to complete the remaining syllabus. However, the JNU teachers association (JNUTA) said the fight against the anti-national tag on the university was the prime focus currently. JNUTA secretary Bikramaditya Choudhary said: The important issue right now is to get rid of the wrong anti-national tag on the university. Everything will be managed, from classes to other issues. The lack of decisions by the administration and the police action has resulted in this state. Classes are being held on weekends also. We will manage the course and nothing will get affected. Students, however, think otherwise. Exams are scheduled to be held in the second week of April and no classes are being conducted for over 10 days now. The issue (of being labelled anti-national) is important, but the administration should also think about our studies. We are suffering, one of the students of the varsity Shiv Kumar said. Students have been protesting on JNU campus, demanding the release of JNUSU chief Kanhaiya Kumar A 23-year-old international student from Japan, Suzuka Sanada, told Mail Today: Due to protests, our classes have been cancelled. Few days back, teachers had also joined the movement. We are just waiting for everything to get back to normal. Students of the varsity have been on an indefinite strike since February 12 demanding bail for Kanhaiya, who was arrested over sedition charges. The central university boasts of a student strength of 7,500. Entrance examinations for admission into various courses in the university have already begun. The application process and the offline process for admission kicked off from February 10. I was supposed to submit my form offline but now I fear visiting the university campus, an aspirant from Lucknow Vani Verma said. University sources said the delay will lead to chaos once the entire drama is over. One of the teachers told Mail Today on condition of anonymity: As we have only March to complete the syllabus, we will have to do it in a hurry. The semester will end in May but there are examinations in between. Inside the university, a large number of students can be seen protesting in the administrative block. A few others are seen in the canteen, and others just are waiting for the slugfest to end. The last few days have been a nightmare. I wish all this gets over soon and life gets back to routine. We want to attend classes, lectures and open sessions. We are idle the entire day and have nothing to do, said one foreign student, requesting anonymity. On Thursday, varsity students held a march from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar to express solidarity with Kanhaiya. A similar rally, from Ambedkar Bhawan to Parliament Street, is being planned for Tuesday. Safety concerns Meanwhile, JNU vice-chancellor M Jagdesh Kumar, citing safety reasons, appealed to the students to reconsider their decision of holding a protest. While we appreciate your right to protest, we are concerned for your safety outside the campus. We, therefore, request you to reconsider the decision of taking out a march outside the university, he said in a statement. Umar says he is not a terrorist By Mail Today Bureau in New Delhi I am not a terrorist, said Umar Khalid, after resurfacing in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) late on Sunday night. Delhi Police had been looking for him after he was accused of sedition. Umar Khalid has been charged with sedition for alleged anti-national sloganeering at JNU Mail Today was the first to report that police suspected four of the accused in the sedition case were hiding on campus. Local intelligence as well as technical surveillance showed these students were inside the university campus, though their locations kept changing at regular intervals. Well-placed sources had said special branch and district police personnel, present inside JNU in plain clothes, had also confirmed that these students were on campus. Khalid, 28, made a public appearance in JNU days after he had gone missing and gave a speech at the varsitys administration block. The police had been looking for Khalid since February 11. Khalid said he would stand his ground and added that he had not been issued any summons by the police. A meeting started at around 10pm close to the Administration Block on JNU campus, where some people spoke to a crowd of more than 100, including Khalid. Shehla Rashid, Vice-President of the JNU Students Union, also spoke to the crowd, saying those accused are innocent. They are ready for whatever is going to happen. We know there is a policeman in plain clothes here," Rashid said. "We want everything to happen in front of the cameras." Reports say other students, who were also named by the police as having been involved with organising an event commemorating Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, were seen on campus on Sunday. Khalid is one of the students, formerly of the far-left Democratic Students Union, who has been accused of organising an event on campus where anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. Police had arrested JNU Students Union President Kanhaiya Kumar in the case, charging him with sedition, although video evidence after that arrest seems to suggest he wasn't involved in anti-India sloganeering. Police had issued a lookout notice for Khalid, as well as four other students, who had been charged with sedition based on the events of February 9 when cameras caught crowds of students chanting 'azadi' on campus. Army veterans blame foreign elements for JNU sedition row By Mail Today Bureau in New Delhi Amid the ongoing sedition row at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), army veterans on Sunday said the handful of varsity students were not responsible for the anti-national activities and blamed external forces for funding their anti-national agenda to balkanise the country. A handful of students were not responsible for what happened at JNU. There was foreign funding. Those who raised anti-India slogans had received foreign funding to balkanise the nation, Major General (retired) Dhruv C Katoch said, while leading a march by ex-armymen against the alleged anti-national activities at JNU. Hundreds of army veterans, supported by thousands of people from all walks of life, took to the streets from Jantar Mantar to Rajghat to express their concerns over the alleged anti-national activities on the university campus. They were joined by hundreds of students and teachers from JNU, RSS members, and ABVP activists. According to Delhi Police, more than 25,000 people participated in the rally. Its not about political agenda. This is our way to show unity on the subject. We do not support any anti-national activities in our country and one should not make attempts to degrade our country, said Vineet Khare, a JNU student who participated in the march. The rally saw marchers fervently waving the Tricolour and raising slogans like Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Some of them said nothing is above nationalism. Major General (retd) Katoch had on Saturday said the rally has been organised by an apolitical group, People for Nation. The ABVP had been actively promoting the event and had sent out invites to the media, which Major General Katoch played down claiming political parties across the spectrum were invited to the event. We are completely for unfettered freedom of speech but there should not be a debate on a few things. We are against the antinational slogans raised during the event at the JNU campus. We simply want to initiate a counter-narrative through this, he said. Air Marshall (retd) PK Roy said anti-national slogans demoralise the soldiers guarding the countrys frontiers. A few unguided people resort to such activities. As elders, it is our responsibility to guide them, he said. Massive rally in Delhi led by ex-Generals against incidents at JNU in Delhi. Tens of thousands joined spontaneously, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav tweeted. In another tweet BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya said the party and the RSS had mobilised crowds for the rally. BJP and RSS are understood to have mobilised crowd for the rally. Lakhs of citizens including families of former soldiers at #MarchForUnity proved that wed stand together for respect of motherland. JaiHind!, he tweeted. Two Army officers and a paratrooper of the elite Parachute Regiment of the Army were killed on Sunday in the ongoing gunfight at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), a government building, at Pampore in Pulwama district, about 24 km south of Srinagar city. On Sunday morning, a young Army officer was killed while trying to enter the building in which the militants are holed up. The 23-year-old officer, Captain Pawan Kumar, who was from Jind district of Haryana, was the head of the Para Special Force team that carried out the operation on Sunday morning. Smoke billows out of the government building in Pampore, where militants have reportedly taken refuge after launching an attack on a CRPF convoy Kumar sustained injuries while entering the building. He was moved to the Armys 92 base hospital Badamibagh, where he succumbed to his injuries. Captain Pawan Kumar led his men from the front and indeed drew a fatal volley of fire, which the daring commando and his team quickly retaliated. He later succumbed to his injuries but not before fixing the location of these terrorists, thereby, facilitating the progress of further operations, a Srinagar-based Army spokesman said. Later in the day, 32-Lance Naik Om Prakash succumbed to his injuries. He was an Asadharan Suraksha Seva Praman Patra awardee, and hailed from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Kashmiri residents run to safety after being rescued from a building taken over by suspected militants during clashes in the Sempora area of Pampore Captain Tushar Mahajan of 9 Para, who was among the paratroopers flown in from north Kashmirs Kupwara in the morning for the operation, was killed when the Army launched assault at the EDI building on Sunday afternoon. He was a resident of Udhampur, Jammu, Srinagar-based defence spokesman Colonel NN Joshi said. The fierce gunfight between the militants and the security forces continued for the whole day. CRPF spokesman Bavish Kumar said the militants have an advantage as the EDI building is a huge structure. During the day, the upper storey of the building caught fire. The sound of heavy gunfire and explosions was heard near the gunfight site. An intermittent exchange of fire is going on between the militants, who are believed to be three in number, inside the building and the troops outside. The CRPF spokesman said it was not confirmed whether any militants had been killed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that his government wanted to double the income of Indian farmers in the next six years and had initiated steps in this regard. In 2022, we will be celebrating the 75th year of Independence and we want that the income of our farmers by then becomes more than two times of what they are earning now, Modi said, addressing a mammoth rally of farmers at Bargarh, about 350 km from Bhubaneswar in the drought-belt of western Odisha. The PM highlighted the steps initiated by his government for development of the agriculture sector, including the new crop insurance policy. PM Narendra Modi congratulates a farmer in Baragarh, Odisha No government in the past had come out with such a crop insurance policy. Even Opposition parties have welcomed it, he said. Emphasising the need for a second Green Revolution in the country, he said it should begin in states in the eastern part of India. States in eastern India like West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Chhattisgarh have the potential to flag off the second green revolution in the country, he added. As Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal put it, the city is facing an unprecedented water crisis. Sixty per cent of Delhis water supply has been hit due to Jat quota protests in Haryana, which has led to disruption of water supplies from the Munak Canal. This has caused the closure of seven out of nine water treatment plants in the national capital. Left with no option, the Delhi government has started rationing water and announced that all government schools will remain closed on Monday. Residents ration water after the Delhi government warned of a crisis in the Capital On Sunday, water reservoirs in Delhi ran out of stock as treatment plants were shut down due to unavailability of water from Munak canal. Delhi Jal Board (DJB) officials said the city will continue to reel under a water crisis even if the protest is called off now. Violent protesters have damaged the control panel of Munak canal and it will take more than 24 hours for water to first reach Delhi and then be treated before it can be supplied to houses. According to DJB officials, Delhi produced 820 Million Gallons (MGD) of potable water per day on an average. Because of disruption of the supply from Haryana, Delhi is only getting 240 MGD from other neighbouring states. Appealing for the conservation of water, Kejriwal said the Delhi Government has been pursuing both the Haryana and Central governments since Saturday to seek army help to open the Munak canal. The Delhi Government has decided to exclude emergency services like hospitals, the fire department, and defence installation along with Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India, from water rationing. Police remove a blockage from railway tracks. The operation of nearly 1,000 trains was affected, with 736 trains cancelled and 105 diverted, besides damage to rail property. However, the AAP government claims no special privileges will be given to VIPs. We have done rationing of water based on demand and supply of the area concerned. Equal amount of water will reach the Chief Minister and other MLAs and the common man, Kapil Mishra, Delhis water minister, said. On Sunday, several parts Delhi faced water problems. Residents had to call up private tankers. The government has now asked Delhiites to be prepared for the next few days and conserve water. No water is available now. If something is not done right away, Delhi will face an unmanageable crisis, Deputy Chief minister Manish Sisodia said, adding that he has directed all schools to be closed on Monday due to the water crisis. DJB said its teams have managed to supply water in small quantities to most areas on Sunday evening. It will try to do the same on Monday morning, but if the problem persists the city will face an unprecedented crisis. The situation in south and east Delhi is better than the rest of the city as Sonia Vihar and Bhagarathi plants are getting water from the upper Ganga Canal. West, north-west, central, south and parts of north Delhi are the worstaffected areas. DJB has said it will cater to these areas after taking help from tanker services. The water department has made 140 filling points functional and created 14 new filling points overnight, where tankers will be filled through the night. We have cancelled weekend offs of all DJB officials and have deployed them to manage this emergency situation. Through our central control room we are monitoring every tanker. Their location, quantity of water, time left to reach the destination and number of trips made is being monitored closely, Mishra said. Through the call centre, official are mapping areas in crisis based on complaints received. Protest reaches Delhi's streets By Mail Today Bureau in New Delhi The Jat quota stir spilled onto the streets of Delhi where several Jat-dominated areas witnessed protests that disrupted traffic on arterial roads of the city. Scores of Jat protesters laid siege to the border points of Delhi, including Singhu Border, Nangloi-Bahadurgarh Road, Karnal Road, Tikri and Jharoda, leading to major traffic snarls. Heavy police deployment was seen at Singhu border throughout the day. Members of the Jat community during a protest in Amroha district, Haryana Jats belonging to Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) in western Uttar Pradesh have also announced their support for the agitation. Some BKU protestors briefly blocked the Delhi-Noida border but police managed to clear it without much hassle. In Delhi, demonstrations were held at Nangloi, Madhuban Chowk, Narela, Najafgarh, leading to severe traffic disruption on arterial roads in South, West and Outer Delhi. There also were reports of damage to public property by the protesters. Several companies of Delhi Police have been deployed in Najafgarh and adjoining areas, said DCP (south west) RA Sanjeev. Meanwhile, people belonging to non-Jat communities took out a procession in the city against the ongoing agitation. The group chanted slogans in support of OBC leader and BJP MP Raj Kumar Saini, who irked the quota seekers with his anti-Jat remarks. The ongoing proquota protest spread to Panchkula district with Jats blocking Zirakpur-Shimla highway at old Panchkula intersection. However, the curfew was lifted from Kaithal and Kalayat after protests in the two towns subsided following the central governments announcement of setting up a committee. BJP sets up panel to examine Jat demands By Mail Today Bureau in New Delhi In order to curb the ongoing Jat quota stir, the central government set up a high-powered committee to examine their demand for reservation in jobs. The move came after a meeting between Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Jat leaders. It was decided in the meeting that a Bill will be moved in the Haryana Assembly to give OBC status to the protesting community. Union ministers Sushma Swaraj, Nitin Gadkari, Manohar Parrikar, Sanjeev Baliyan, NSA Ajit Doval, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, and Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi leave after attending the high-level meeting called to take stock of the ongoing Jat protest The panel headed by Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, has been set up to look into the demand of Jats for reservation in central government jobs. Singh appealed to the protesters in Haryana to restore peace after violence continued in the state, taking the death toll to 12. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace. But law and order is a state subject. If someone indulges in violence we will have to take action, Singh said. After the meeting, BJP general secretary in-charge of Haryana Anil Jain said a bill will be brought in the coming session of the Haryana Assembly for granting OBC status to the Jats in the state. The home minister, however, did not make any comment on BJPs declaration that a bill for giving OBC status to Jats will be brought in the coming Haryana Assembly session. Those who attended the meeting included Jat leaders from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi besides Minister of State for Agriculture Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Haryana Minister Abhimanyu, BJP MP and former Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh, former Deputy Chief of Army Lt Gen (Retd) Raj Kandyan. After the meeting with the home minister, Jat Sangharsh Samiti leader Jaipal Singh Sangwan said the discussion was very positive and he was confident that the community would accept the decisions. We appeal to everyone to call off the agitation, Sangwan said. Eighteen years ago, I stood on the road and watched a bus burn. I dont know if they would call it an anti-national act today, but it was certainly a criminal one. My fellow students, comrades if you please, and I were protesting against a hike in the price of admission forms - from, if I remember right, Rs 10 to Rs 13. How would our brothers from the hinterland, coming as they did from families of impoverished share-croppers, pay thirteen rupees for an admission form, we shouted. Due to the ongoing protests demanding Kanhaiya Kumars release, the academic session has taken a back seat in JNU Classes were disrupted, dharnas held, a few policemen who came charging at us to break away the procession were beaten up, and a state bus was set on fire. This was my initiation into the intoxicating world of student politics. But as I stood and watched that rickety bus burn I did not realise what damage I was doing to my career. How the academic session would get postponed by more than a month because of our agitation over such inane issues, and post-graduates in my batch would not be able to apply for M.Phil to various prestigious varsities outside the state, including JNU. As my colleague Astha Saxena reported in todays Mail Today, the current academic session in JNU has been severely affected by the Afzal Guru show, JNU students union leader Kanhaiya Kumars arrest, and the nationalistic protests that followed. In several courses, only 20 per cent of the syllabus has been completed. Not just that - JNU-ites are now being hounded out of of PG accommodations outside the campus. Even some auto drivers are refusing to take students to and from JNU. Surely a heavy price to pay for supporting a hanged terrorist! But let us not get into that. It is okay to want to change the world and undo perceived injustices through adda and agitprop. Many of us may find it in poor taste, but if you really want to stretch the limits of free speech and commemorate Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru as a martyr - even that is fine. Even though the highest court in the country has said otherwise, one mans terrorist may well be another mans tee shirt emblem. Where JNU has gone horribly wrong is the doublespeak on free speech - a grouse the BJPs student wing ABVP has had for years now, and which may have found a vent in the current crisis. As in Mamatas West Bengal or the Left Fronts before her, the free speech argument is conveniently forgotten when it comes to hearing out the other side. An Indian Express article on JNU this Sunday quotes a leading political scientist who had a short teaching stint at the university. He says that while it is a university with a distinct identity and culture, it has a degree of intellectual narrowness. The article also quotes a student of the varsity, an ABVP supporter, who says: They talk of free speech but when its our turn to speak, they shout us down. They recently called (former DU professor) SAR Geelani on campus, but didnt let us in because we wanted to ask a few questions. And when we decided to call Ramdev to our Sanskrit Centre, they refused to let him in. Every year, they mark Afzal Gurus hanging as shahid diwas, we dont say anything. During Navratri, they caricature Durga Ma and say Mahishasura represents the downtrodden and Durga is the evil oppressor. We tolerate all that. How is it okay to commemorate Afzal Gurus death but not allow Ramdev to enter a university campus? Former ABVP activists from JNU whom I spoke to said that being un-Hindu, anti-Hindu even, is encouraged in gatherings below the varsitys speaking trees, stubbing out voices of protest. And this has been on for years. After Modis thumping electoral victory and the start of the process of saffronisation of education, a clash of ideologies was bound to happen in Left bastions like JNU. The free speech hypocrisy only made that process easier. As far as the Hindu Right is concerned, a lot has already been posted and tweeted. No matter how much some of us may whine, its a given that shoe shiners of all ruling dispensations get plump postings in institutions, academic and otherwise. It is also given that such hard-earned political victory for the Hindu Right would have brought about tectonic shifts in our society. But the idea to convert a hardcore Leftist hub in the heart of the Capital into a nursery of chest-thumping, NCC-type saffron soldiers should have been given some more time. Instead, the mob descended on JNU like kar sevaks on Babri Masjid. Fifty-six-inch hyper-nationalism got reduced to thrashing a bunch of hapless students and abusing their mothers and sisters. In the name of Bharat Mata, that too. The writer is Assistant Executive Editor with Mail Today Journalist resigns in protest over JNU row 'bias' Vishwa Deepak on Sunday quit from Zee News over what he claims were grave lapses in the channels coverage of the JNU sedition case. The following is an excerpt from his article published in Janta Ka Reporter: We journalists often question others but ourselves. We fix others responsibilities but not ours. We are called as the fourth pillar of democracy but are we, our organisations, our thoughts and our actions really democratic? This is not just my question but everybody elses too. The way JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar was framed on the pretext of nationalism and declared a traitor through media trial, this came as a very dangerous trend. "Our job as journalists is to question the people in power and not collude with them. There comes a time when you have to choose between professional obligation and political and social allegiance. Ive opted for the second and resigned from Zee News. "My resignation is dedicated to those lakhs and crores of Kanhaiyas, dreamy-eyed JNU friends, who continue to fight with the system. (This is what I wrote to Zee News as part of my resignation) Dear Zee News, after 1 year four months and four days, the time has come that I should part ways with you. I should have taken this decision earlier, but if I dont do it now, I will not be able to forgive myself. ...Aside from being a journalist, Im also a citizen of the country, under whose name the poison of blindnationalism is being propagated and the country is being pushed towards a civil war. I urge you to accept my resignation without any prejudice or personal enmity. "Since May 2014, when Narendra Modi became the PM, almost every newsroom has become communal, but the situation in Zee News is frightening. I apologise for the use of such words but theres no other way to describe the situation... Along with Kanhaiya, we made many students appear to be traitors and anti-nationals in the eyes of the people. If anyone is murdered tomorrow, who will take its responsibility? We have not merely created a situation for someones murder or to destroy some families but we have created the conditions ripe for spreading riots and brought the country to the brink of a civil-war. What sort of patriotism is this? After all, what sort of journalism is this?... PM Modi was speaking at a farmers' rally in Chhattisgarh Slamming critical NGOs and black-marketeers, PM Narendra Modi accused them of conspiring to destabilise his government and defame him. Addressing a farmers rally in Chhattisgarh, he asserted that he would carry on with his work without bowing to any machinations. Modi said some people were not able to digest the fact that a chai wala (tea seller) has become PM and were conspiring to bring him down, and added that his government was for the poor, Dalits and other oppressed sections of society. BJP woos Dalits in Uttar Pradesh In an apparent bid to woo Dalits ahead of crucial Uttar Pradesh assembly elections next year, the BJP has decided to celebrate the birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas in a big way on Monday. The BJP would organise events in each district in UP where party workers would celebrate the 15th century Dalit poet's anniversary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting his constituency Varanasi to take part in the birth anniversary celebrations of the Dalit poet besides attending the convocation ceremony at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). BJP president heads to Lucknow BJP chief Amit Shah will be in Lucknow on a twoday visit on February 24. Sources said that Shah will address two public meetings and also inaugurate the district office of the BJP named after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Vajpayee had contested the first Lok Sabha elections from Balrampur Lok Sabha constituency in 1952. Shah will also inaugurate the state office in Lucknow on February 25. LS Speaker to meet Opposition leaders After Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Opposition leaders to ensure a smooth budget session of Parliament, Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Majahan will hold parleys with the leaders of various Opposition parties on Monday to urge them to behave properly in the house and not disrupt the upcoming session. Mahajan had earlier warned leaders to watch their conduct in the house but it remains to be seen if the Opposition is listening or not. JP Nadda visits poll-bound Assam Poll-bound Assam saw Union Health Minister JP Nadda marking his visit on Sunday as he laid the foundation of a super speciality block at the Guwahati Medical College. Nadda said the government had already started the process of establishing 17 new AIIMS and 20 cancer institutes in the country. Mastercard will allow shoppers in Britain to buy goods via smartphones and tablets using just a 'selfie' as a payment method, the payment giant has revealed ahead of an influential technology event in Barcelona. The system, which will be available from the summer, will mean shoppers can complete a purchase online without the need for confirmation codes, passwords, Pins or other hurdles required. Instead they will have to take a photo of themselves, which will have to match up with one stored on file in order for the transaction to be authorised. Facial recognition payments dubbed 'selfie pay' will also be joined by fingerprint scans, with 14 countries, including Britain, set to have service from the summer following a successful pilot scheme in Holland and the US. Death of passwords? Mastercard is the latest firm to be using new methods in a bid for better security. Picture posed by models The move comes after last week banking giant HSBC revealed it along with sister firm First Direct will be allowing customers to log in to current accounts with their fingerprints and voices later this year. This is Money also revealed at the end of 2015 that online challenger Atom Bank, which is set to launch soon, said it will allow customers to access their accounts by 'taking a selfie' or by saying a set phrase. Ajay Bhalla, president of enterprise security solutions at Mastercard told the Financial Times ahead of the Mobile World Congress event that 'consumers [who have trialled it] are really loving it.' A growing number of Britons are feeling more confident shopping online. Poll Would you buy online using just a 'selfie'? Yes, sounds great! No, terrible idea Would you buy online using just a 'selfie'? Yes, sounds great! 10 votes No, terrible idea 21 votes Now share your opinion Last year, online sales were up 11 per cent, equating to approximately 114billion being spent, the latest IMRG Capgemini e-Retail sales index shows. This is forecast to grow to 126billion this year. Additionally, Mr Bhalla said the group was testing iris scanning and voice recognition as it looks to battle the growing threat of fraud. Meanwhile, it is running the rule over other unusual security features, including measuring heartbeats through a connected bracelet to authenticate card transactions. Mastercard is also looking to put an end to cards being blocked abroad. It says millions of legitimate transactions each year are blocked. The group says it is now an $118billion a year problem with one in six cardholders having suffered at least one block because of suspected fraud. It says higher spending cardholders account for half of blocked transactions due to their spending patterns. It has developed a system which brings information about historical behaviour to predict and assess risk in a bid to end the frustration. Card block: Thousands of travellers will have felt the pain of having a blocked card when abroad Mr Bhalla told the FT: 'Nobody likes being falsely accused of something, but that's what it feels like when a transaction is falsely declined. 'As criminals have become smarter, so efforts to prevent fraud have resulted in an increase in genuine transactions being declined.' Sainsbury's has been given extra time to mount a larger takeover offer for Argos owner Home Retail Group. South African furniture company Steinhoff International gatecrashed the deal on Friday night. Pressure is now mounting on Sainsburys chief executive Mike Coupe to increase his 1.3billion bid, which was blown out of the water by the owner of Harveys and Bensons For Beds. Challenge: Pressure is mounting on Sainsburys chief executive Mike Coupe to increase his 1.3billion bid for Argos owner Home Retail after South African furniture company Steinhoff International gatecrashed the deal Steinhoffs 1.42billion cash bid around 175p a share was announced after the market closed on Friday evening. The retail and manufacturing giant, which is backed by billionaire Christo Wiese who recently bought fashion chain New Look, is regarded as more attractive than Sainsburys cash and shares deal which equates to about 165p a share. Sainsburys deadline to raise its offer has been extended to March 18, from an original deadline of today at 5pm. The Takeover Panels deadline matches the one set for Steinhoff to also make a firm offer. Even if Sainsburys raises its bid, experts believe that Steinhoff may win the battle. Analysts at Exane BNP Paribas said they expect Sainsburys to launch a higher offer at around 185p a share. They added that above 190p a share, the deal ceases to offer double-digit returns. Steinhoff is thought to have met with Home Retail in recent months without making an offer. London has become one of the biggest hubs for emerging technology in the world. Tech City in East London, also known as the silicon roundabout, boasts the biggest cluster of young tech companies after San Francisco's Silicon Valley, and New York. Accordingly, the digital sector contributed more than 91billion to the UK economy in 2014, and added an extra 77,000 jobs, according to research from The Tech Partnership. But there are major threats to continued innovation, namely that companies are being priced out of newly-fashionable parts of the city such as Shoreditch, and are unable to hire in overseas talent due to visa restrictions. Head to head: The leading mayoral candidates answer questions at the DebateTech event Ahead of the London mayoral elections in May, candidates from the major UK political parties met in Tech City to outline their vision for the future of technology in the capital and discuss how best to pave the way for future innovation. The event, named DebateTech and hosted by Tech London Advocates, took place at Here East, the 1.2million square foot site of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which is positioning itself as the new centre for technology entrepreneurs in the UK. Jess Tyrrell is director of the Connecting Tech City programme at Centre for London, which partnered the event. She said it 'is vital that the new mayor gets tech' and the issues it faces. 'Technology is shaping the world around us and it is vital that the new mayor gets tech. London needs a mayor who understands the potential of digital London, and is willing both to address the challenges the tech sector faces and ensure that London gets the best from tech. 'Of course, the new mayor cannot predict the innovations that will shape the city they inherit, but they can ensure that City Hall has a regulatory framework than can handle anything that innovators throw at it.' Zac Goldsmith, Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith was keen to emphasise the link between himself and existing mayor Boris Johnson, who has bolstered international trading links for London's tech companies. 'Under Boris, we have become the European tech capital. Now it's time to scale things up and if I am lucky enough to succeed in May that is what I will do. 'I will step up broadband for London - I want to make broadband the fourth utility, and I will break up city contracts into smaller parts so challenger companies can bid for them. 'I want to work with London authorities to match training with the jobs that exist. This means more digital apprenticeships to help young people enter the digital workforce. 'We will work together for more homes, better support, cleaner air - and I will appoint a chief digital officer who will be charged to make data more available. 'Under Boris Johnson London has become the tech capital of Europe, and the next mayor has to make sure we have the most start-ups in the world.' Zac Goldsmith: 'The next mayor of London has to make sure we have the most start-ups in the world' Sadiq Khan, Labour candidate Sadiq Khan, who is currently front-runner by a whisker in the mayoral race, said he would be 'the most pro-business mayor London has ever had'. He said: 'I have been meeting with many businesses, ranging from start-ups and SMEs to FTSE 100 companies. I'm so excited by the innovation, and enterprise springing up. 'I'm excited for what this innovation can do in harvesting data for the public good as well and promoting growth in jobs and investment. 'I want to be the most pro-business mayor you have ever had. As major I would appoint a Chief Digital Officer and would personally work with them to devise a London plan that would include an Open Data Charter, planning regulation that requires digital infrastructure and greater access to Tier 2 Visas to bring even more tech talent to London. 'The growth of London's tech centre has been phenomenal. And not just London but Shanghai, Tokyo, New York, Silicon Valley - around the world cities are establishing themselves as new hubs, but I want London to be at the top.' Sadiq Khan: 'I'm excited by the innovation and enterprise springing up in London' This is Money caught up with Khan after his speech to ask him how he would help small businesses if he gets elected in May. How will you stop start-up businesses from being priced out of London? One of the reasons the technology sector has done so well in the past is it was cheap to get premises around Shoreditch and Old Street. But now for too many it has become too expensive to stay there, let alone to expand. London now is suffering from brain drain, and we need to make sure these people stay. We are going to set up 'Homes for Londoners' and make sure these homes are genuinely affordable and reach an agreement with developers that they house start-up businesses as a condition of the development and make sure that offices are not converted into flats. At the moment we have permitted development, which means more and more businesses are being converted into homes and that is not sustainable. We are going to build more start-up spaces and the possibility of a work/live space. Why would start-up businesses want to live and work in London, as opposed to a more established technology hub like Silicon Valley? They will come to London because Londoners are open to new ideas, we are open to trade, we are one of the most diverse places in the world. The average age of a Londoner is 34 but we are at a crossroads - unless there is real change on May 5 we will still be competing with the likes of Lisbon, New York and Tokyo. How much importance do you place on financial education? One of the reasons people build up credit issues is because of financial education. We need to make sure young people know how to balance a budget - my mum and dad never had a credit card but our generation spends before they have the money. If we had better financial education we would not have people going to loan sharks. I'm working with businesses in relation to what they can do [about financial education], I'm really impressed with what the likes of girls can code are doing. I want to set up 'Skills for Londoners' which people can use to pick up life skills. There are hard skills in the curriculum but where are the other skills, like balancing a budget? In the deadly Mexican town of Chilpancingo mothers are taunted by evil gangsters who have kidnapped their children then refuse to return them - even though the ransom demand has been paid. The lawless citadel is in the grip of narcotic mobsters who peddle heroin on the street fresh from the drug labs dotted around the town. The menacing dug cartels also run a kidnap 'business' snatching hundreds of people a month. MailOnline travelled to the dangerous southern Mexican state to speak to a mother of three who has lost every single one of her children to the kidnap gangs - two of them snatched from their beds. Eudocia Gonzales lost her three beloved children within the space of nine months to drug vigilantes who demanded huge ransoms for their return, then simply laughed in her face after she paid up. Lost: All three of Eudocia Gonzales' children (pictured when they were growing up) were kidnapped within the space of nine months by evil Mexican gangs who demanded huge ransoms Grieving: Eudocia and her husband Ernesto paid up, but the gangs refused to hand them over Deadly state: Clashes between police and protestors are regular in Chilpancingo, Guerrero State. Here parents and relatives of 43 students who were 'disappeared' fought with the authorities Kidnap: Hundreds of demonstrators set fire to part of the Guerrero state headquarters and demanded the resignation of the governor in protest at disappearances last year Now all she is left with is the only picture she has of her once happy family - daughter Medari, and sons Abel Gallardo and Fausto - which was taken 15 years ago. This is the reality of life in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero, where people are kidnapped a rate of two every single day. 'Theres no pain like losing a child, but to be left agonising about all three is a fate worse than death,' she told MailOnline as she clutched the photo, sitting in the slum where she now lives in Chilpancingo, the capital of Guerrero State in southern Mexico. At this point all I want to know is what happened to them; to have their bodies back just to see them one last time.' But she and her husband Ernesto are unable to turn to help from the authorities, threatened with death by the gangs. It was Eudocia's middle child Abel Gallardo, who was 20 when he became the first to disappear. He left his job driving a taxi on October 23, 2013, and never came home,' said his father Ernesto Gallardo, who had to sell his successful bakery business in the town centre to pay the ransom that was demanded three days later, alongside photographs of his badly beaten son. They demanded 25,000 within three days,' he said, but when we paid them they just laughed and said wed never see our son again.' It was then that the family began to fight back. Eudocia filed an official complaint with the state attorney, while Ernesto and his eldest son Fausto began to search the rougher areas of the state capital for Abel and his abductors. We came too close to finding out what happened to him,' said Ernesto, who now refuses to leave his house after dark for fear of further retributions. We started receiving death threats and warnings to stop searching, but we kept trying to find our son.' Terrifying: Nine months after Abel went missing, 12 armed gangsters broke into the familys house and abducted Eudocias other two children, Fausto and Medari, from their beds Danger: After their first son was kidnapped, Ernesto (pictured) and his eldest Fausto began to search the state - but they came too close to finding out what actually happened, and were threatened with death Policemen inspect the corpses of two executed men along the highway at Chilpancingo in southern Mexico. The bodies had their hands tied, a characteristic way of drug-traffickers executions in areas of high prevalence of organized crime Disappeared: A sign with the face of Jesus Rodriguez Tlatempa, one of the missing students from Ayotzinapa is seen attached on a fence at the outskirt of Iguala. Iguala is the location where the students were allegedly kidnapped last september 26 by local police and handed over to the local cartel Guerreros Unidos in January this year Nine months after Abel went missing, 12 armed gangsters broke into the familys house and abducted Eudocias other two children, Fausto and Medari, from their beds. This time there was no ransom demand, nor has either of them been seen since. Im living a nightmare,' says Eudocia, whose health has suffered severely in the two years since the event. The grieving mother has gained four stone, contracted diabetes and now struggles with a hernia she cant afford to attend to. Memories: The picture of Abel, the first child to be kidnapped, that Eudocia wears around her neck I cant go to the police for fear of the death threats,' she told MailOnline as she kissed the picture of Abel that she wears around her neck. The Mexican government registered 27,659 reports of forced disappearance over the eight-year period between 2007 and 2015. We estimate that only around half of the forced disappearances in our state are actually reported,' says Javier Monroy, the founder of the Guerrero Committee for Families of the Disappeared. Which would put a more realistic figure for forced disappearances at over 50,000 countrywide.' Guerrero state has the highest rate of forced disappearance in the country, averaging over 650 disappearances annually, as well as 247 cases in which the state authorities were directly involved over the eight-year period. In January of this year, a total of 60 people were disappeared across the mountainous southern state, where Acapulco is now considered the most dangerous beach resort in North America. In one town five secondary school teachers were disappeared with a ransom of 3million pesos (115,000) demanded, while in another Guerrero city 30 armed and masked men crashed a wedding and abducted 16 guests including the bride and groom. Forced disappearance and kidnapping has become the one of the largest industries in the state,' says Javier, whose organisation seeks to start a national movement dedicated to putting an end to the phenomenon. Today theres no part of Guerrero state that is not affected. From the sierras to the coast, everyone knows someone who has been disappeared.' Guerreros state capital Chilpancingo is a gritty town half an hour inland from Acapulco. Away from the pedestrianized centre the streets are deserted after dark, where only the prostitutes, pimps and drug dealers are visible, selling fresh heroin directly from the production laboratories dotted throughout the town. More than 100 teenage girls have gone missing in the past six months,' says Judith Tapia, a member of Javiers support group. Discos and bars in the town have become danger zones for women, who get kidnapped and forced into sex trafficking.' Tearful: The couple's children are just three of an estimated 50,000 who have gone missing since 2007 Assistance: The Guerrero Committee for Families of the Disappeared helps families across the state, which has the highest number of 'disappeareds' in the country Guerrero is a mountainous and verdant region of Mexico, much of which is inaccessible other than on foot. This fertility, coupled with abject poverty in areas inhabited by indigenous farmers, has turned the state into the countrys largest producer of opium, which is subsequently refined into heroin and sold. Of the total 56 active drug cartels recognised as threats by the Mexican government country-wide, 24 are active in Guerrero state, and the fight for territory has resulted in many gangs turning to the kidnap and extortion racket for a guaranteed source of income. All the smaller cartels here have their roots in the two or three major organised crime groups of the 70s and 80s,' says Javier. We have Los Rojos, Guerreros Unidos, Los Ardillos, La Familia, the Knights Templar, New Generation, Los Tequileros, SIDA, the Cartel de las Sierras and many others. Theyre all fighting each other for our land, and innocent people have ended up suffering.' Victor Cruz, who fled Iguala after his parents were disappeared by the same Guerreros Unidos cartel that abducted the 43 Ayotzinapa students in 2014, now occupies the entrance to the state congress building. The students from a local teachers college have not been seen since 26 September 2014, when they were detained after clashing with municipal police in the city of Iguala in Guerrero state. International experts for the Inter-American Human Rights Commission said yesterday that they have run into serious obstacles in their investigation, with the authorities blocking attempts to get to the truth. Our state is rotten to the core with organised crime,' Cruz told MailOnline, as he pointed out the victims pictured on his activist groups banners. The narcos have become too powerful here and the value of civilian life has been reduced as a result.' We want to see accountability from our authorities.' The president of Guerreros section of the National Commission for Human Rights, Fernando Esteban has few answers for combatting the problem. His organisations statistics show that 2015 saw just six incidences out of over 500 in which municipal or state authorities were involved in the forced disappearance. Drug death: A gunshot hole pierces the windshield of a bus where a driver died in an apparent drug-related execution in Acapulco, Mexico Outcasts: Fernando Esteban, president of Guerreros section of the National Commission for Human Rights, revealed families are often stigmatised for having kidnapped children as people think they were involved with the narcos We rely entirely on society to help us in our work,' he told MailOnline, speaking from his office in Chilpancingo. And we have found that there is often a stigma attached to those who have been disappeared, people want to distance themselves from the victims relations.' After Abel disappeared, people began to accuse him of involvement with the narcos, said Eudocia. We became social pariahs on top of everything else that had happened to us. In the end we had to move to the citys slums where people dont know our story, but its worse here. We regularly hear shootouts at night and find dead bodies in the morning. A 92-year-old widow who had been threatened with deportation to her native South Africa has been granted a stay of execution to remain in Britain with her only child. Myrtle Cothill, whose father fought for Britain in the First and Second World Wars, suffers from heart problems and relies on the care of her 66-year-old daughter, Mary Wills, who is a British citizen. She has lived at her daughter's home in Poole, Dorset, since February 2014 and applied to remain in the country as an adult dependent on human rights grounds, but the applications was refused. Scroll down for video Myrtle Cothill, pictured right, whose father fought for Britain in the First and Second World Wars, suffers from heart problems and relies on the care of her 66-year-old daughter, Mary Wills, left, who is a British citizen Myrtle Cothill's father James Francis Wilson who fought for Britain in the First and Second World Wars However, after a 54,000 signature petition the Home Office has now postponed the decision, pending the family providing further evidence. The family said they are delighted and are now waiting to hear from the Home Office about the next move, ITV News reported. Mrs Cothill was initially told she must board a flight back to South Africa on Tuesday, despite having no close family in her home country. In a heartbreaking statement posted online, Mrs Wills wrote how she fears the move will kill her mother, who depends on her for her personal care, cooking and shopping. She posted: 'My mother just cannot live on her own, and emotionally, to her as well as for myself, it would really tear strips out of our heart and probably would kill my mother, and maybe myself as well.' Mrs Willis, a professional carer, lives with her husband David, who suffers from Parkinson's disease and has problems with his heart. Appeal: More than 52,000 people have signed an online petition calling for Mrs Cothill to be allowed to remain The family said they are delighted and are now waiting to hear from the Home Office about the next move She said her husband's health means they cannot travel to South Africa to look after her mother, and that they do not have a right to live in the country. Mrs Cothill's barrister, Jan Doerfel, said: 'This is a heart-breaking situation for Myrtle and Mary. If Myrtle does not depart, she will be at risk not only of immigration detention but also of enforced removal.' Mr Doerfel set up an online petition on change.org calling for his client to be allowed to stay in the UK. More than 52,000 people have signed. James Davies, Mrs Cothill's immigration adviser at the International Care Network, said: 'Myrtle does not have close family members in South Africa willing and or able to look after her, and is dependent on both the emotional and physical care of her daughter in the UK. An Egyptian author has been sentenced to two years in prison after an excerpt of his novel made a reader 'severely ill'. Ahmed Naji was jailed by a Cairo appeals court on Saturday after it ruled that the sexually explicit excerpt, published in a state-run magazine, violated 'public modesty.' Naji had been acquitted by a lower Cairo court in December, but prosecutors appealed this weekend, claiming the author's 'vulgar' language was 'destroying social values'. Egyptian author Ahmed Naji, center background, attends a court hearing in Cairo, on Saturday, where the court ruled that a sexually explicit excerpt of his novel, published in a state-run magazine, violated 'public modesty' The trial stems from a complaint filed by a private citizen and taken up by the prosecution after Akhbar al-Adab magazine published an excerpt from Naji's novel, 'The Use of Life,' in August 2014. The excerpt contains explicit descriptions of sexual acts and hashish use by the characters. The complaint, filed by an unnamed man, said it had given him heart palpitations and that he became severely ill upon reading the excerpt. Naji was initially acquitted, but after the case garnered widespread media coverage, prosecutors appealed the verdict, and in the latest ruling he received the maximum penalty. The sentence was viewed by fellow authors, journalists, and human rights activists as an affront to freedom of expression. Several noted authors, some of whom testified in Naji's favour at court, and human rights organisations, released statements in solidarity. Naji's defense team can appeal the verdict at the cassation court, which looks into the procedures of the case. His lawyers say they are still debating their next move. Complaing: A private citizen said Ahmed Naji's work had given him heart palpitations They have argued that the law in question, which prohibits publishing anything that 'violates public modesty,' is unconstitutional. Egypt's constitution states that artists, writers, and other creative individuals should not be imprisoned for their work. Naji said his book, which was printed in Beirut, was approved by Egyptian censors, and has been available in local bookstores. His lawyers also argued the individual who filed the case wasn't directly harmed by the excerpt and therefore didn't have the legal right to file the lawsuit. It was the latest in a series of rulings against artistic works or speech deemed offensive to Islam or values in the overwhelmingly conservative country. The spike in such cases has taken place under the rule of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who overthrew an Islamist president and has called for religious reforms to combat extremism. Mahmoud Othman, a lawyer representing Naji, said his client was taken into police custody after the hearing. The court also ordered the editor-in-chief of Egypt's top literary magazine, Tarek el-Taher, to pay a 10,000-Egyptian pound ($1,277) fine for publishing the excerpt, according to Othman. He is not the first author to face legal troubles in Egypt. Fatma Naoot last month appealed a three-year sentence after she was found guilty of contempt for Islam over a Facebook post criticizing the slaughter of animals for the Muslim feast of Eid al-Adha. Last December, a court of appeals confirmed a prison term for a former TV host and researcher on Islamic heritage, Islam Behery, who was convicted of 'defaming religious symbols' and Muslim scholars after he called for the removal of passages from religious texts which he said supported extremism. The court reduced his prison term to one year from an initial five-year sentence. Gamal Eid, a prominent human rights lawyer, said the current crackdown on expression, especially when it comes to religion and morals, is the worst he's seen in 30 years. 'What is worse than an extremist is a state employee when he one-ups the extremist,' he said. Egypt has carried out a sweeping crackdown on dissent expressed by both Islamists and secular activists since el-Sissi overthrew Mohammed Morsi, Egypt's first freely elected president, amid massive protests against his yearlong rule. Thousands of mainly Islamist dissidents have been jailed, and all unauthorized protests have been banned. Heroin addict Rebecca Barker, 32 (pictured), has saved three lives after her parents donated her organs to strangers A tragic heroin addict who died following an overdose has saved the lives of three strangers after her parents agreed to donate her organs. Rebecca Barker's life descended on a downward spiral of depression and drug addiction when she lost her job and began taking heroin. Despite seeking treatment, the 32-year-old struggled to cope with her illness, losing her health, many of her relationships and all hope in life. But Ms Barker still believed she could do something worthwhile in her death. Just weeks before she died, the former potter told her parents she wanted to be a donor. Her organs have now saved the lives of three others and she has been posthumously honoured for her selflessness. Speaking in a bid to encourage others to do the same, Ms Barker's parents, from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, have described their pride in their daughter's actions and say her death has not been in vain. Her mother Karen, 53, said: 'We would rather have her here with us, but the pride the family feels for what she has done is unbelievable. It shows she has not been forgotten.' Her father Gary, 55, added: 'We are so proud of her for doing this, in fact we couldn't be more proud. 'Becca didn't have any children, but this is her legacy. People are still alive because of her.' Ms Barker's tragic addiction began when she was made redundant five years ago. Her Staffordshire bull terrier had attacked her, permanently damaging her right hand and arm. Ms Barker, who was described as a fun-loving and lively character, was left in constant pain and unable to use the limb properly. Despite a series of operations she had suffered permanent nerve damage. Mrs Barker said that, after the injury, Ms Barker went downhill and could not grip with her affected hand. 'She took the heroin to deaden the pain and to cope with not being able to work,' she told the Sunday Express. Weeks later, in November 2014, her father found her collapsed and unconscious in the bathroom of their family home. That evening, she had been out for a meal with her family. She was rushed to hospital but died five days later. Toxicology reports found Ms Barker had 145 units of heroin in her blood and a small amount of alcohol. At an inquest, her cause of death was recorded as heroin toxicity exacerbated by methadone and alcohol. Her parents Karen and Gary Barker (pictured) are now encouraging others to sign up to the donor register and say their daughter's death has not been in vain But, amid the grief, her parents remembered what their daughter had wanted and told medics that her organs should be donated. 'We thought she was turning the corner but she died,' Mrs Barker said. 'But she told us that if she could save someone's life with her organs after her death, she would.' The process was put in place and Ms Barker's organs were removed from her body. Her kidneys have been donated to two women in their 50s and 30s while her liver has saved a 70-year-old man. Her tissue was also donated for scientific research. Despite seeking treatment, Ms Barker struggled to cope with her addiction, losing her health, many of her relationships and all hope in life. She is pictured as a two-year-old Mr Barker, a construction worker, said: 'She may have been a heroin addict but she was trying to overcome it. 'She was a good girl with a heart of gold. My wife had remembered Karen wanted to be a donor and we gave our consent. We are sure that those were her wishes.' Ms Barker's wish was also recognised at a ceremony last year hosted by NHS Blood and Transplant and the Order of St John. 'We were really touched when we found out Rebecca was to be honoured for her donation,' her mother said. 'We met the nurses who had looked after her. They were brilliant at the time and remembered us and Rebecca. I would definitely encourage others to follow Rebecca's example and donate their organs.' Professor James Neuberger, Associate Medical Director, NHS Blood and Transplant, emphasised that drug addicts and ex addicts were not excluded from donating and he praised the Barkers for agreeing to give her organs. Organ donation saves lives but across Britain there is a shortage of donors and three people die every day due to the shortage of donated organs. 'Organ transplantation carries risks and we work with patients and the organ donation and transplantation community to manage the risk. All potential donors are carefully assessed. 'Our research shows use of organs from donors deemed at higher risk, such as people who have used drugs, leads to transplantation results comparable with those from standard risk donors. 'If a policy of not using organs from anyone who had ever smoked or used drugs was adopted, hundreds of people would not get the transplant they so urgently need and many more patients would die. Dorothy Hollingsworth was just 7 when her brother Tom left the family farm in Indiana to join the Army where he went on to become a decorated war hero. Three months later, the United States entered World War II and she never saw him again. Nearly 70 years after Pfc. Thomas E. Davis was killed in one of the war's final, major battles, a tangible reminder of her beloved sibling has been found on the Pacific island of Saipan one of his Army dog tags. Now 82-years-old, Hollingsworth lives outside Dayton, Ohio. She recalled memories of her sibling sitting next to her at the dinner table, saying: 'He was always laughing and singing and whistling.' More than 70 years after Thomas E. Davis was killed in WWII, his dog tags have been found on the island of Saipan. His family members have been tracked down, and a nephew who was named after the war hero will likely be the one to keep the memento Cultural historian Genevieve Cabrera found the dog tag in this field in Saipan, where Davis saved a wounded American soldier. He was awarded for a Silver Star for his act of courage David enlisted in the army three months before the US entered World War II. He fought with the 165th Infantry Regiment of the 27th Infantry Division and died in Okinawa, Japan Cultural historian Genevieve Cabrera found the discolored metal tag sticking out of the soil of a farm field on Saipan in early 2014. It was embossed with Davis' name, serial number, hometown and other information. Cabrera recently gave the tag to members of Kuentai, a Japan-based organization that has found the remains of five 27th Division soldiers on Saipan. The group notified the Associated Press this month and his family members were found with the help of Anthony Barger, an archivist for the Putnam County Public Library in Indiana. Kuentai representatives said they'll arrange to meet the Davis family in the U.S. to hand over the tag. While it is relatively common to find canteens, weapons and even unexploded shells from the 100,000 Americans and Japanese who fought for 25 days on the 46-square-mile island, dog tags remain a rare find, Cabrera said. The tags, attached to a chain worn around the neck, were the only item of military-issued gear a soldier wore daily that included potentially life-saving information such as blood type and when a tetanus shot was administered. In June 1944, he earned the Silver Star, one of the nation's highest military honors after surviving the bloody battle on Saipan. He risked his own life to rescue a wounded comrade in Saipan 'at a time when the American front was undergoing brutal Japanese artillery and mortar fire.' He was shot by a Japanese sniper when he was helping another wounded soldier. He died on April 30, just two months shy of his 28th birthday (file photo: Battle of Okinawa) A year later, Davis was serving in the 165th Infantry Regiment of the 27th Infantry Division when it took part in the Okinawa invasion on April 1, 1945. Three weeks later, he was shot by a Japanese sniper while he was helping another wounded soldier, according to what Hollingsworth says military officials told the family. Davis died April 30, two months shy of his 28th birthday. Four years later, his body was brought back for reburial in his hometown. Davis was born and raised on his family's farm in Roachdale in Putnam County, 30 miles west of Indianapolis. His mother died when he was a young boy, and his father remarried. Davis had six siblings: an older brother, Harold, three half brothers and two half sisters, including Hollingsworth. The brothers have died. His other half-sister, Hazel Priest, 81, lives in Victoria, Texas, and several nieces and nephews live in Texas, Ohio and Indiana. An internet star, notorious for executing cruel pranks on his model girlfriend, has again pushed their relationship boundaries by tying a rope to the couch she was sleeping on and dragging it down the street with his car. The video shows Gold Coast prankster Shammi explaining his girlfriend Sarah Reay-Young had excluded him on her 'big night out' and decided to retaliate by speeding down the street with her clutching the couch and screaming. At one point in the clip the car makes a tight turn and the couch slams into the sidewalk, leaving Ms Reay-Young writhing on the grass with an enormous gash on her leg. Scroll down for video An internet star (pictured left), notorious for executing cruel pranks on his model girlfriend (left and right), has again pushed their relationship boundaries Shammi appears to think he has gone too far with the prank and leaps out of the car to run to his girlfriend. But after realising she is uninjured besides the scrape on her leg, he begins to laugh and tells her she 'shouldn't sleep during the day.' At the end of the clip, Shammi subtly films a police officer speaking to them about the incident, explaining they received a complaint from a neighbour, believing Ms Reay-Young was in distress. 'The information we received is from someone who's seen you screaming around the back of a couch being towed by a ute was that you were screaming and seemed in distress,' the officer says in the video. Earlier in the clip, Shammi does a few smaller pranks on his girlfriend, including waking her up with an air horn, pulling her chair out from underneath her and slapping her in the face with a raw piece of chicken. The clip was uploaded to Youtube on Saturday and has since had just over 2000 views. In his latest prank, Shammi decided to tie a rope to the couch his girlfriend was sleeping on and drag it down the street with his car At one point in the clip the car makes a tight turn and the couch slams into the sidewalk, leaving Sarah Reay-Young writhing on the grass As Shammi runs over to make sure she is alright, Ms Reay-Young reveals an enormous gash on her leg Ms Reay-Young posted the video on her Facebook page, saying: 'You wait until your payback buddy.' Last year, Ms Reay-Young got some revenge on Shammi and made her own Youtube clip after he smashed eggs in her face and pushed her into a river. The young model conducted various well though out pranks, including pouring oil at the bathroom door and pushing her boyfriend down a steep hill. But it's the very last clip of the video that is the most nasty. While pretending to get amorous with her boyfriend, Ms Reay-Young gives the camera a devilish look while showing a mouse trap. At the end of the clip, Shammi subtly films a police officer speaking to them about the incident, explaining they received a complaint from a neighbour Earlier in the clip, Shammi does a few smaller pranks on his girlfriend, including slapping her in the face with a raw piece of chicken Ms Reay-Young posted the video on her Facebook page, saying: 'You wait until your payback buddy' While kissing and leaning over Shammi, she lets the mouse trap go and her boyfriend rolls over in pain as the clip cuts. After the first few Youtube videos, Shammi received mixed responses from viewers as many believed the pranks were 'disrespectful.' 'This is way to far man...like the make up thing was ok, but pushing her over? She could get seriously hurt, your meant to protect your girlfriend [sic],' one Facebook user wrote. 'Mate if I was your girlfriend I would leave you! This is so disrespectful, especially in public! It's just too far! Like why do you need to push her?' another said. 'This is pathetic,' said one woman, 'I hope your girlfriend sees sense and dumps your a**!' Last year, Ms Reay-Young got some revenge on Shammi and made her own Youtube clip after he smashed eggs in her face and pushed her into a river (pictured) In other videos, Shammi pushed his girlfriend into a bush as they stroll through a park Islamic State supporters are running secret recruitment drives at mosques in one of Australias closest neighbouring countries, Indonesia. An ABC cameraman was not welcome at the recruitment at As-Syuhada mosque in central Jakarta, but managed to record the hardline cleric cultivate Islamic State teachings. They declare that territory as Islamic State where Gods law is upheld fully and where there isnt any intimidation from foreign countries, the ABC translated Syamsudin Uba. Hardline cleric Syamsudin Uba delivered a sermon at As-Syuhada mosque in central Jakarta, Indonesia, as part of an Islamic State recruitment drive And based on their sacrifice of their blood and wealth they declare an Islamic State. Even though the infidels wouldnt acknowledge it [an Islamic State], even though the United Nations wouldnt acknowledge it, the hardline cleric said in the ABC recording. Muslims dont need that. Muslims only want the blessing from God, in a state where the laws of God are implemented fully. Even when the infidels dont like it. The hardline cleric has reportedly been previously jailed. Further footage taken from a second camera after the ABC cameraman, an Indonesian national and Muslim, was forced to leave was later uploaded to YouTube as Islamic State propaganda. It shows a second hardline cleric pitch travelling to Syria. When you get there soon, God willing, you wont have to pay rent. You dont have electricity and water bills. There are concerns support for the Islamic State is mushrooming in Jakarta after last month's terrorist attack in the city killed a police officer and a Canadian man, as well as five of the seven attackers Shocking footage shows one of the suicide bombers erupting into a ball of fire after detonating his explosives outside a Starbucks American coffee chain He said Islamic State militants would receive food expenses, an allowance and free health care. As-Syuhada mosque caretaker Tahmid insisted he was not aware the recruitment had taken place. We, the mosque caretakers, didn't know what the discussion was really about, he told ABC. The ABC reported they received a tip-off regarding the Islamic State recruitment drive across Jakarta, and claim to be aware of five mosques involved. There are concerns support for the Islamic State is mushrooming in Jakarta after last month's terrorist attack in the city killed a police officer and a Canadian man, as well as five of the seven attackers. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the mid-January gun and bomb assault. Shocking footage shows one of the suicide bombers erupting into a ball of fire after detonating his explosives outside a Starbucks American coffee chain. Another bomber exploded inside the cafe, wounding several inside. As people poured out, gunmen opened fire on them. At the same time, two militants attacked a police traffic post nearby, using what witnesses described as homemade hand grenades, killing themselves and an Indonesian man. One of the fanatics had earlier been seen training his handgun on potential victims while stalking the streets as terrified onlookers ran for their lives. Two militants attacked a police traffic post nearby, using what witnesses described as homemade hand grenades in mid-January The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the mid-January gun and bomb assault Patriots should vote Remain because the idea of Britain being a sovereign country outside the EU is an illusion, David Cameron claimed yesterday. In comments that angered Tory MPs, the Prime Minister said staying inside the Brussels club would make the UK stronger, safer and better off. He also claimed Britain would be forced to accept continued free movement of EU workers as the price of any post-Brexit trade deal with the bloc just as Norway and Switzerland have. In comments that angered Tory MPs, Prime Minister David Cameron said yesterday that staying inside the Brussels club would make the UK stronger, safer and better off. (Pictured: The PM on the Andrew Marr show) Eurosceptic campaigners hit back, saying the real threat to British sovereignty came from unelected Brussels officials. And they pointed out that the dynamic UK economy and status as a key market for goods from Europe would give it a much stronger bargaining hand in the event of a vote to leave. Mr Cameron made his comments in an appearance on the BBCs Andrew Marr Show yesterday in which he insisted repeatedly that quitting would be a dangerous leap in the dark. Confronting the key Eurosceptic argument that Britain could only be in control of its own destiny outside Europe, he said: If Britain were to leave the EU that might give you a feeling of sovereignty, but youve got to ask yourself is it real? Would you have the power to help businesses and make sure they werent discriminated against in Europe? No, you wouldnt. Would you have the power to insist that European countries share with us their border information so we know what terrorists and criminals are doing in Europe? No you wouldnt. Would you, if suddenly a ban was put on for some bogus health reasons on one of our industries, would you be able to insist that that ban was unpicked? No you wouldnt. (Left to right) John Whittingdale, Theresa Villiers, Michael Gove, Chris Grayling, Iain Duncan Smith and Priti Patel attend the launch of the Vote Leave campaign at the group's headquarters in central London on Saturday So you have an illusion of sovereignty but you dont have power. You dont have control. You cant get things done. And to me this is in a way quite simple. You boil it down to if you love this country and I love this country so much you want whats best for it. And you want to make sure we are stronger, were safer, were better off, were able to get things done in the world. Thats what this is about thats really the question we have to ask. But Chris Grayling, a Cabinet minister campaigning for exit, said: Sovereignty is an important part of this debate. It is about whether we want to be able to be able to govern ourselves or let others take the decisions for us. If you a proud citizen of what should be an independent UK and do not want to be governed by Brussels, then you should vote to leave. Justice minister Dominic Raab, who is in charge of the Governments bill of rights, said: We can have an ivory tower debate about sovereignty. But the reality in a democracy is that the public must get to throw out its rulers, if they choose to. With 60 per cent of all our laws made in or derived from the EU, Brussels has tested the democratic contract between the people and their lawmakers to breaking point. In the same interview the Prime Minister claimed Britain would have to accept continued unlimited migration and have to hand over a contribution to the EU budget. He said: If we were to leave the EU and we were to try to insist on full access to the single market, like Norway has for instance, every other country thats got that sort of deal has had to accept the free movement of people and a contribution to the EU budget, he said. A BLAST FOR LEAVE CAMPAIGNERS MICHAEL GOVE AND CHRIS GRAYLING David Cameron took on Leave campaigners Michael Gove and Chris Grayling yesterday, labelling them members of the Establishment. The Prime Minister was trying to counter the argument that the In campaign comprises the great and the good while the Out campaign is a rebel alliance. He even pointed to Jeremy Corbyn and trade union support for membership of the EU as evidence that the Remain campaign is not an Establishment stitch-up. Appearing on the Andrew Marr Show, he said Mr Gove and Mr Grayling were very much insiders. He added: Im sure somebody will try and paint it as the Establishment against, you know, the sort of rebel alliance. Well you dont get much more Establishment than the Lord Chancellor and the Leader of the House of Commons and frankly Ive got many things to say about Jeremy Corbyn but I dont think Id describe him as a member of the Establishment. 'On my side of the argument there will be the Green Party, the Liberal Democrats, most of the Labour Party, trade unionists who I do not always have a huge amount of agreement with. Advertisement Claims that don't add up: JAMES SLACK analyses striking assertion of the Prime Minister with rebuttals of senior Tories and EU leaders Yesterday, David Cameron appeared on the BBCs Andrew Marr Show to sell his referendum deal. Political Editor James Slack compares the PMs striking claims with the strong rebuttals of senior Tories, EU leaders and other experts. CLAIM: Whats best for Britain is staying in a reformed European Union. Response: Foreign leaders do not consider Mr Camerons reforms to have fundamentally changed the EU. For example, there are no changes to the rules on free movement. French president Francois Hollande said this weekend that the UK will not be exempt from the rules of the single market. He added: There is not a planned revision of the treaties and no right of veto with regards to the eurozone. German chancellor Angela Merkel said: I dont think we gave the UK too much. CLAIM: Well be safer inside the EU because were able to work with our partners, strength in numbers in a dangerous world. Response: Several of the terrorists responsible for the Paris massacres were able to travel freely across Europes Schengen zone. Yesterday, Cabinet minister Iain Duncan Smith said being inside the EU leaves the door open to the UK suffering similar attacks. He suggested migrants currently arriving in the EU would be given passports in the next few years which would allow them to end up in the UK without proper security checks. CLAIM: What weve achieved [on restricting child benefit for EU workers whose children live overseas] is a big achievement. Response: Eurosceptics point out that it falls far short of his manifesto pledge for an outright ban. Instead, the level of support will be linked to the cost of living in the childs homeland. In a major concession to Eastern European leaders, existing claimants will keep their payments in full until 2020. Foreign leaders do not consider Mr Camerons reforms to have fundamentally changed the EU CLAIM: What I think Ive achieved [on limiting EU workers access to tax credits for four years] is even more strong than the promises made in the 2015 Tory manifesto. Response: Belgian PM Charles Michel said the UK had ended up very, very far from its original demands for an outright four-year ban. Rather, migrants will initially receive nothing but will then have their payments reinstated gradually until they are paid in full after four years. Mr Cameron was yesterday unable to explain how this will work in practice. The changes introduced under a so-called emergency brake - will not come into force until mid-2017. Any migrant who arrives before this date will be unaffected. Experts predict this could lead to a spike in the number of incomers between now and then. CLAIM: If we were to leave the EU and we were to try to insist on full access to the single market, like Norway has for instance, every other country thats got that sort of deal has had to accept the free movement of people and a contribution to the EU budget. Response: Norway has chosen to be part of the Schengen free movement area. Mr Cameron accepts this is not and never will be in Britains best interests. Vote Leave points out the EU has free trade deals in force (which do not entail membership of a customs union or limitless immigration) with at least 17 countries. These include: Colombia, Peru, Mexico, South Africa, Chile, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. CLAIM: If Britain were to leave the EU that might give you a feeling of sovereignty, but youve got to ask yourself is it real? You have an illusion of sovereignty but you dont have power. Response: As justice minister Dominic Raab points out, with 60 per cent of all our laws made in or derived from the EU, Brussels has tested the democratic contract between the people and their lawmakers to breaking point. Britain has no way of resisting many of the edicts handed down by Brussels but cannot vote the unelected officials responsible out of power. Sovereignty has, therefore, been given away. CLAIM: What was agreed by 28 prime ministers and presidents of every EU country on Friday evening, that is in itself an international law decision, a treaty that will be deposited at the UN. It is legally binding, it is irreversible. Response: The European Councils own lawyer refers to the deal only as a joint interpretation of certain provisions of the EU treaties. Chris Heaton-Harris, a Tory MP who spent a decade as an MEP, said the document was not an instruction to the European Court of Justice and could be ignored. He added: This deal is not the final piece and can be amended by others up to the point and past the point of our referendum. The deal can be changed while people are voting in the referendum. CLAIM: The prospect of linking arms with Nigel Farage and George Galloway and taking a leap into the dark is the wrong step for our country. Elsewhere in the city, roofs were torn off and skyscraper windows blown out Miranda managed to coral a group of passersby to help her into a taxi Friday's gale force winds were threatening to blow her off her feet This was the heart-warming moment that NBC Chicago anchor Byron Miranda helped an elderly woman from being blown away by the near-hurricane winds that tore through the city on Friday. The video opens with the woman clinging desperately to the corner of a building, as the violent winds some of which reached as high as 72mph,CNN reported threaten to lift her right off her feet. 'Do you want me to help you across the street?' asks Miranda, from off camera. The woman looks away for a moment just as another gust whips around the corner and sends her reeling, slamming her into a stone pillar. Desperate: This woman was spotted by NBC Chicago anchor Byron Miranda and his cameraman clinging to a wall as near-hurricane-level winds tore through Chicago on Friday Swept away: At one point a gust pushes the woman off her feet, sending her flying into the pillar behind her Gust: Miranda, left, tries to help but is caught by a gust himself, and overshoots the woman, who is clinging to the pillar just to stay upright Scroll down for video Miranda himself is taken off-guard as he runs forward and reaches out to steady the woman, the gust blows him further down the sidewalk. 'Woah!' he exclaims as he returns to the woman, who is now clinging to the pillar. 'Where are you going, right there?' he asks. 'Let's walk.' She takes his arm as they attempt to cross the pavement, but the dangerous winds have her spooked. She turns to go back to the building, saying 'I don't think I can do it. I think I need a cab. Oh my god!' Miranda hails down a cab quickly as the woman staggers under the elements' continual onslaught, but then the battle is on to get the beleaguered woman safely into the vehicle. Help: Miranda forgets about his duties and offers to help the beleaguered woman across the street Fearful: At first, the woman is not sure that she can make it, so Miranda flags down a taxi to help her but the hapless pair still have to struggle to the cab Bystander: Struggling to stop the woman from being pulled away by the gusts, Miranda quickly asks a passerby for help Miranda shouts to someone off-camera possibly the cab driver to 'help her over... come outside,' then grabs a passerby to help guide the frightened woman across the pavement. The two men guide the woman who still looks like she could be lifted away at any moment over to the cab as the driver gets out to help, Miranda barking orders to keep his impromptu team in line. But even with the driver helping out, the struggle continues: the wind is so strong he can't keep the door open, so another member of the public, wearing just a red T-shirt, runs over to help. Success! It takes two people to hold the door, and Miranda and the first passerby to maneuver the woman inside as the gale-force winds continue to whip around their bodies, but finally she is safely in the cab. Miranda pats the driver on the back, thanks his team, and is finally back to work. The video garndered 117,000 shares and nearly 10 million views on Facebook, NBC reported. The near-hurricane force winds, with gusts as high as 72mph, swept in from Lake Michigan on Friday, ripping off roofs, tearing up trees and even knocking down a gas station's canopy, CNN reported. Gizmodo reported that winds were so severe around Wacker Drive that windows were blown out of skyscrapers, causing buildings and roads to be evacuated. Guided: With two men holding her up, the woman is now steady enough to make it to the vehicle - but the wind is so strong that the driver has trouble keeping the door open Teamwork: A second passerby volunteers to help the driver hold the door while Miranda and the other man steady their charge The husband of a murdered mother and breast cancer survivor reportedly heard her being attacked while he was on the phone with her. Prasad Somawansa, 48, was killed on Thursday night while she was alone at her southeast Melbourne home. Her husband Priyantha Somawansa, who is a truck driver who was working in Brisbane at the time, phoned her during the attack around 8pm and heard distressing noises, according to The Herald Sun. Scroll down for video Prasad Somawansa, 48, (pictured left) was killed on Thursday night while she was alone at her southeast Melbourne home Sigaragh Baea, 21, (pictured) from Lara, near Geelong, was arrested on Saturday night and charged him with Mrs Somawansa's murder Mrs Somawansa's husband Priyantha, who is a truck driver who was working in Brisbane at the time, phoned her during the attack around 8pm and heard distressing noises It is believed that the phone call will provide evidence for police as they continue to investigate the alleged stabbing. Mr Somawansa kept trying to call his wife after the reportedly disturbing phone call, as well as the couple's son Wishhasad Somawansa, but was unable to reach him. Police arrested a former childhood friend of Wishhasad, Sigaragh Baea, 21, from Lara, near Geelong, on Saturday night and charged him with Mrs Somawansa's murder. Wishhasad and Baea had not seen each other in 10 years until they bumped into each other at the end of last year, Wishhasad told the Seven Network. Baea is the former childhood best friend of Mrs Somawansa's son Wishhasad Somawansa (pictured) Wishhasad (pictured) and Baea ran into each other late last year and Baea was invited to the Somawansa family home in southeast Melbourne for dinner in January Baea came to the Somawansa's family home in January for a dinner and Wishhasad said it was around that time that Baea told him his family were 'very fortunate, very rich.' Baea allegedly made an unannounced visit to the home again on Thursday and Wishhasad gave him a ride to a nearby shopping centre on his way to a job with the local State Emergency Service where he volunteers. Mrs Somawansa was at home alone after Wishhasad left with Baea around 8pm and her body was discovered by a colleague of Mr Somawansa around 9.25pm, according to The Herald Sun. Wishhasad called his mother 'the person who brought us all together' and said she had undergone several surgeries in relation to her breast cancer. Baea, who has no prior convictions, appeared in court on Sunday and was remanded in custody. He will return to court on Tuesday. Mrs Somawansa was at home alone after Wishhasad left with Baea around 8pm and her body was discovered by a colleague of Mr Somawansa around 9.25pm Matter may go to Supreme Court if the tech giant doesn't back down The FBI have rebutted claims that San Bernardino County technicians reset an iPhone belonging to one of the December 2 shooters, without the agency's consent. An FBI spokeswoman said in a statement Saturday that their investigators had in fact 'worked cooperatively with the county of San Bernardino' in order to exploit the 'crucial data' stored in the iCloud account. But this claim differs from court filings from the Justice Department, who said the county officials 'in an attempt to gain access to some information in the hours after the attack, was able to reset the password remotely, but that had the effect of eliminating the possibility of an auto-backup', reported ABC. The FBI have rebutted claims that San Bernardino County technicians reset an iPhone belonging to killer Syed Farook (pictured right with wife Tashfeen Malik) without the agency's consent The FBI have stressed that despite the iCloud password reset this should not impact on Apple's ability to assist in unlocking the iPhone The work iPhone - which belonged to killer Syed Rizwan Farook - is technically the property of San Bernardino County, where he was employed. Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, killed 14 people in a December 2 shooting at a holiday luncheon for Farook's co-workers. This complication comes as the battle between digital privacy and national security interests rumbles on with Apple continuing to challenge the FBI's request to hack into one of the San Bernardino shooter's phones. And the FBI have stressed that despite the iCloud password reset, this should not impact on Apple's ability to assist in unlocking the iPhone. The statement added: 'Even if the password had not been changed and Apple could have turned on the auto-backup and loaded it to the cloud, there might be information on the phone that would not be accessible without Apple's assistance as required by the All Writs Act order, since the iCloud backup does not contain everything on an iPhone'. The technology giant was given an order to assist in hacking the phone last Tuesday by Judge Sheri Pym but things escalated further Friday when the Justice Department demanded that a judge 'immediately order Apple to give it technical tools to access the phone'. Prosecutors declared that Apple's refusal to comply 'appears to be based on its concern for its business model and public brand marketing strategy rather than a legal rationale'. Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, killed 14 people in a December 2 shooting at a holiday luncheon for Farook's co-workers. Pictured: Evidence markers are scattered around an SUV near the site of the shootout between police and killers Tim Cook (left) told Apple customers: 'This order ... has implications far beyond the legal case at hand' The ruling requires Apple to supply highly specialized software the FBI can load onto the county-owned work iPhone to bypass a self-destruct feature, which erases the phone's data after too many unsuccessful attempts to unlock it. But on Tuesday, CEO Tim Cook released a statement to customers: 'The United States government has demanded that Apple take an unprecedented step which threatens the security of our customers. 'This order ... has implications far beyond the legal case at hand.' 'The FBI wants us to make a new version of the iPhone operating system, circumventing several important security features, and install it on [the shooter's] iPhone,' Cook added. Donald Trump has waded into the issue and is - unsurprisingly - on the side of protecting national security interests 'In the wrong hands, this software -- which does not exist today -- would have the potential to unlock any iPhone in someone's physical possession.' Donald Trump has also waded into the issue and is - unsurprisingly - on the side of protecting national security interests. He tweeted Friday: 'I use both iPhone & Samsung. If Apple doesn't give info to authorities on the terrorists I'll only be using Samsung until they give info' Followed by: 'Hopefully others will follow suit. Our country needs & should demand security. It is time to get tough & be smart!' And finally: 'Boycott all Apple products until such time as Apple gives cellphone info to authorities regarding radical Islamic terrorist couple from Cal'. If Apple continues to refuse to comply with the order, the matter could be referred to the Supreme Court. What a mobile phone salesman our slick-haired Prime Minister would have made. So smooth, he went on yesterdays Marr Show to instruct us to vote for Brussels. The EU was a great network. This was a great deal. Wed never have such a great price quoted again. Just sign here, voters and be tied in to a swingeing contract for life. You didnt really want to believe a word alternative providers said, he informed us. Subtly scornful of rivals, he was keen for us not to read the proposed agreements minutiae. Were going to settle that later, he said about migrants benefits. They were going to be phased in, he said with a waft of the hand. Its a negotiation. QUENTIN LETTS: What a mobile phone salesman our slick-haired Prime Minister would have made. So smooth, he went on yesterdays Marr Show to instruct us to vote for Brussels Small print schmall print. Dont worry your pretty eyes with that sort of thing. Trust me, Im a politician. And yet Mr Camerons main charge against the Leave lot was that they offered a leap in the dark. Behold the oldest law in politics: accuse your opponents of your own flaws. Almost the entire Marr Show was devoted to Europe. Ukip leader Nigel Farage was on immediately before Mr Cameron, saying the Remain case was crackers. I wonder how many European Commission interpreters understand that fine old word. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was beamed in from Planet SNP, looking nicely sinister in a swivelling black chair. She wobbled her head and said she was pleased to be on Mr Camerons side. So is Jeremy Corbyn. So, good grief, are the owners of the big banks. The shows newspaper review had given us Labour MP Kate Hoey, who wants to leave, and BBC presenter Nick Robinson, there presumably to balance Miss Hoey even though BBC JOURNALISTS DO NOT LEAN TO EITHER SIDE. Mr Robinson was showing rather a lot of cleavage with a low-buttoned shirt. The Cameron interview was the programmes main segment. You must be knackered, said old Marr. I had a decent nights sleep, said the Great Salesman, before springing forward in his seat, looking Marr in the eyes and assuring him that what Ive achieved was enough to win the referendum. That use of the first person was interesting. Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair both reached a point in their premierships when they pretty much went round the bend and started thinking they were inseparable from their office. Letat, cest moi, as Frances Louis XIV is alleged to have said in a moment of Bourbon vainglory. Mr Cameron repeated this tic later on when he claimed that all 28 countries, including me would have to agree to new EU rules before they became binding. And he laid it on thick towards the end when he spoke vauntingly of his six years experience as head of government. Some Conservative supporters, seeing their leader sing the praises of the EU, may wonder if Mr Cameron has been captured by an alien force, as sometimes happens to a goodie in episodes of Doctor Who. But there was a startlingly acid little moment it came when Mr Marr mentioned Boris Johnson that may have shown us this was a Prime Minister prepared to fight nasty to save his skin. He said that Boris (who at this point was still in his tent, Achilles-style) would find that linking arms with Nigel Farage and George Galloway is a leap in the dark and wrong for our country. A sly slash of razor a flash of blade in the squeeze. It was an unnecessary stab which betrayed something ignoble in the Cameron character. Is he more frightened than he is letting on? You could almost hear the Panic Klaxons hooting as he concluded that with Putin to the East and Daesh to the South it is time to stick with your partners and your friends. By which he means the likes of the socialist European Commission rather than the rank and file of the Conservative Party who placed him where he is. Rum, rum, rum. Soaring numbers of patients are being forced to use mixed-sex wards once again, figures reveal. Nearly 4,500 people had to share hospital facilities with the opposite sex in the last 12 months a 70 per cent rise on the previous year. Experts say staff are increasingly having to place patients wherever they find a bed because hospitals are so crowded. Soaring numbers of patients are being forced to use mixed-sex wards once again, figures reveal (stock image) The Government had pledged to end the scandal in 2010, after a Daily Mail campaign, and fined hospitals 250 a day for each patient put on a ward reserved for the opposite gender. Although cases initially fell, they are rising again. Labour claims hospitals are dangerously overcrowded, increasingly with elderly bed-blockers. These are patients well enough to be discharged who have to stay in until a care home place is found or help can be arranged in their own home. Last month alone, Medway Foundation Trust in Gillingham, Kent, reported 130 mixed-sex breaches, when single-sex ward rules were broken more than four a day. Gloucestershire hospitals noted 50 instances while there were 43 cases at Barts Health Trust in East London. Andrew Gwynne, Labour public health spokesman, said: Six years ago David Cameron promised to end this scandal. However, it is now clear his policies are failing patients and failing the NHS. Data from NHS England shows there were 4,447 breaches of the mixed-sex protocol in the year ending this month 12 a day. This compares with 2,595 reported during 2014/15. The Mail had long campaigned to end the scandal and repeatedly highlighted how thousands of patients were being made to share bathrooms and toilets with the opposite sex. The above graphic shows the increasing number of patients on mixed-sex wards Before the Government imposed the fines, as many as 19,000 patients were stuck in mixed-sex wards each year. Many find it embarrassing and humiliating having to walk around in wards shared by the other sex when they are often wearing only nightclothes. Research has also shown such patients are more vulnerable to attack: two in three assaults occur on mixed-sex wards. Bed-blocking is currently at record levels and figures show that up to 8,500 patients a year are trapped in hospitals. Some trusts are resorting to draconian policies under which patients are threatened with eviction if they do not leave. Managers at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals have begun sending families letters urging them to find care homes for their recovered relatives who are still on wards. Labours Mr Gwynne said: People admitted to hospital shouldnt have to face the indignity of sharing wards with members of the opposite sex. Five years of Tory cuts to social care have left hospital wards dangerously full and forced patients to be placed in mixed-sex accommodation. Health officials said the majority of breaches were at Medway, one of the worst-performing trusts and which is currently in special measures. Buying a pair of designer sunglasses has become almost as essential to fashion conscious shoppers as bags or clothes with a coveted label. However, a new documentary reveals that 80 per cent of sunglass brands are owned, designed and sold by just one company. Rather than each brand being steeped in its own authentic heritage, the latest episode of Channel 4s Supershoppers shows how a company called Luxottica dominates the sunglass market. Channel 4s Supershoppers has revealed how a company called Luxottica dominates the sunglass market. It owns, designs and sells sunglasses such as this Dolce and Gabbana white framed pair The company is able to dictate the prices because it owns Sunglass Hut - which sells sunglasses such as these Ray-Ban Wayfarers And the Italian corporation can also dictate the prices because they own Sunglass Hut, the worlds biggest sunglass retailer. Their brands include Versace, Ray Ban, Oakley and Dolce and Gabbana and the mark-up they can make on each pair of sunglasses is eye-watering. Despite a basic plastic frame only costing around 10 to make, the documentary explains it can retail at close to 100. And a pair with a more expensive titanium frame can be sold for up to 350, but the manufacturing process might only be around 50. Luxottica arent just designing and making sunglasses, theyre selling them too, explains co-presenter Anna Richardson. And as her fellow presenter, Andi Osho, explains: Luxottica control the whole process, from design studio to shop floor. Luxottica sold 83million pairs of sunglasses, with a turnover of 5.5billion and a staggering profit of 465million worldwide. Despite a basic plastic frame only costing around 10 to make, the documentary explains it can retail at close to 100. Luxottica's brands include Oakley (pictured) Andrew Roberts, from Bloomberg, explains how they can manipulate what consumers will pay for sunglasses by owning the majority of branded sunglasses. Theyre controlling the choice that you have, to a certain degree, he said. In the case of Sunglass Hut, if youre looking at what theyre actually selling in their stores, most of the eyewear in there is their eyewear. They can set their pricing as they see fit. David Cameron appears to have prepared his officials for Cabinet warfare over the EU referendum. I can disclose that civil servants have been receiving special conflict resolution training. The Cabinet Office spent 2,400 on courses that use improvisational theatre techniques to defuse clashes. According to spending records for the department, which provides support for the Prime Minister, it has booked at least two courses over the past year with Together London, run by adviser Jonathan Kahn. The organisations website states: At our events, people learn to create safe spaces using techniques from facilitation, conflict resolution and improvisational theatre. David Cameron, pictured with Boris Johnson (left), appears to have prepared his officials for Cabinet warfare over the EU referendum Boris Johnson's dramatic declaration that he would vote to leave the EU wont just annoy David Cameron, but will set him against his father, former MEP Stanley. He is campaigning for Britain to stay and has launched a group, Environmentalists For Europe. We know the EU isnt perfect, he declared, but we do know that our countrys greatest resource its environment is better protected and better preserved for future generations when we remain an active, full partner within Europe. Monty Python star Eric Idle, who has been married to second wife Tania Kosevich for 34 years, was asked his favourite method of making love. Its the male marital position, he explains. Flat on your back with your wallet open. Pippa Middleton was cruelly mocked over her party-planning book Celebrate, but her fatuous tips seem to have inspired her mother, at least. Carole has published a magazine article of her own similarly unimaginative ideas for Easter. Fun with family and friends is vital for a memorable celebration, begins Carole. She goes on to advise: Fabric bunting always makes a room feel special and can be re-used year on year. Her piece de resistance? An egg hunt is a must for all ages. Pippa Middleton, pictured in February last year, was cruelly mocked over her party-planning book Celebrate, but her fatuous tips seem to have inspired her mother, at least Emma and Lady Kitty make the perfect pair Society's most voluptuous go-getters have formed a stylish partnership. Princess Dianas niece Lady Kitty Spencer swapped dress tips at a London Fashion Week party at the weekend with Viscountess Weymouth, who starred in the BBC documentary All Change At Longleat. Lady Kitty, 25, slipped into a figure-hugging, floor-length white frock by Ralph Lauren for the bash at former fish market Old Billingsgate, while Nigerian oil tycoons daughter Emma, 29, opted for a low-cut Vivienne Westwood corset dress. Emma posted a picture online, adding the caption Perfect pair. It wasnt clear whether she was referring to herself and Lady Kitty, or her eye-catching embonpoint. Princess Dianas niece Lady Kitty Spencer (left) swapped dress tips at a London Fashion Week party at the weekend with Viscountess Weymouth (right), who starred in the BBC documentary All Change At Longleat With ITVs Downton Abbey over, the Countess of Carnarvon is planning drastic steps to secure her familys legacy at Highclere Castle, where the drama was filmed. Fiona, 51, is considering having her husband, Geordie, 59, mummified after his death. Discussing friends who celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary, she says: I am not sure Geordie and I will quite achieve that, although I suppose I could always mummify him to aid preservation. Funeral services continued Sunday for Mob Wives star Angela Raiola as it was revealed one of her fellow cast members were snubbed from attending memorials because of their fathers' past activities as mob informants. Raiola, known as 'Big Ang', passed away on Thursday from stage four brain and lung cancer at the age of 55. Four visitations took place this weekend at Scarpaci Funeral Home in Brooklyn. Sunday's services were reportedly attended by hundreds of mourners, but two women were specifically banned from showing up: Mob Wives stars Brittany Fogarty and her mother Andrea Giovino. Fogarty's father John Fogarty has spent almost 25 years in a witness protection program since he informed on other mafia goons the New York Daily News reported. There had been reports that Karen Gravano would not be able to attend as well but she shot down those claims in an interview with E! News. 'Obviously, there is history there. But I was never banned. It was never, "You're not allowed." It was about what would be the best timing and the most appropriate way,' said Gravano. Scroll down for video Karen Gravano (left) was not banned from attending memorial services for fellow Mob Wives star Big Ang. Her Mob Wives costar Brittany Fogarty (right) and her mother Andrea Giovino were banned Karen Gravano (left) and her Mob Wives star Angela 'Big Ang' Raiola. The pair is pictured together at a May, 2015 event in New York City Brittany Fogarty (left) and her mother Andrea Giovino (right) were banned from Big Ang's wake. Pictured here with convicted mobster John Alite at an event in New York in December last year Crime boss John Gotti was taken down in part by information submitted to the FBI by Mob Wives star Karen Gravano's father 'There are going to be some people going to the service whose fathers may have been killed, or put away by their [squealing],' Giovino told the News. Fogarty, who found out she was unwelcome through a phone call from Mob Wives producer Jennifer Graziano, was 'very upset,' Giovino said. 'She can't even talk on the phone. She's just been crying.' 'They had a great relationship. Big Ang treated her like a daughter,' she said. The official funeral service will be held Monday at the Basilica of Regina Pacis in Brooklyn before the reality star is buried in Staten Island, New York Scroll down for video Funeral and memorial services are ongoing for the late reality TV star Angela Raiola, with estranged husband Neil Murphy (right) pictured attending a wake Sunday Mob Wives star Renee Graziano leaves the memorial service held for Angela 'Big Ang' Raiola on Sunday Larger-than-life TV personality Big Ang was mourned by hundreds after her death Thursday. Two of her fellow Mob Wives cast members were banned from her memorial services Big Ang was diagnosed with throat cancer last year and learned in December that it had spread to her brain and lungs. She had admitted to smoking at least one pack of cigarettes a day for over 40 years prior to the cancer diagnosis. Big Ang appeared recently on Dr Oz in an episode that aired Monday, where she discussed how dire her situation was. 'Sometimes I think I'm going to be fine and sometimes I just don't think I am,' Raiola said on the show. 'First I thought I was cancer free. I was going to have a big party. Then a month later I was stage 4,' she explained. 'I can't make sense of this.' Anthony "AJ" D'Onofrio, Angela 'Big Ang' Raiola's son (left), and his wife Gabriella D'Onofrio at a wake Sunday Louis Raiola, Angela 'Big Ang' Raiola's brother, was in attendance Sunday Big Ang's brother-in-law Dominick Detore was emotional during a memorial Sunday The Brooklyn-born star also announced during the interview that she and Murphy had separated after six years of marriage. 'I felt he never stepped up to the plate so I was done with it,' she said, wiping her eyes as she became emotional. 'I feel now it's too late. I'd rather be by myself. I'd rather be alone and that's what I did.' Her Mob Wives costar and friend Carla Facciolo told People that she 'was rushed to the hospital Monday only days after being discharged'. She passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning at a Manhattan hospital, where she was surrounded by friends and family, including her estranged husband Neil Murphy, who is said to have been at her bedside when she died. Facciolo told People that Murphy, who is a sanitation worker, was 'there the whole time'. 'He's part of her life,' Facciolo told People. 'He's still her husband, you know? I don't know if they got back together, but to Ang, when she throws somebody off her for a little bit, they're always back in. She takes in people.' Later in the afternoon Thursday, Big Ang's estranged husband shared a photo of him with Big Ang on Twitter and wrote: 'I will always love you forever please watch over the grandkids I know you will'. Tragic photos show Mob Wives star Angela 'Big Ang' Raiola on her deathbed being comforted by family before she passed away Thursday morning from stage four brain and lung cancer. Above her niece, Sonnie Detore, gently kisses her, as she lay in the hospital bed Her estranged husband, Neil Murphy, shared the above photo and message on Twitter The popular reality star had been fighting tumors since she was diagnosed late last year. Another niece, Jeannie Detore, shared the image above showing Big Ang in the hospital bed surrounded by family and friends She was surrounded by her family when she passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning at a Manhattan hospital aged 55. Above her niece, Sonnie Detore, holds her hand On Monday she gave an emotional interview on The Dr. Oz Show about her battle with cancer Janine Detore, the star's sister who also appeared on Mob Wives, is reported to have been helping to care for her while she was sick. She shared a heartbreaking tribute to her sister on Instagram, with a recent photo of her standing in front of their parent's tombs. She captioned it: 'At 3:01 my beautiful sister got her wings she's with our mom & dad. We would like to thank everyone for your prayers and support ... #myfriend #mysister till we meet again my love @bigangvh1'. Raiola's death was announced on her Twitter account and said she was surrounded by her family when she passed away A statement released by Big Ang's family after her death said: 'Ang's fans were some of the most special people in her world, and she loved you immensely' Big Ang's tragic death was confirmed on her Twitter page with a statement from her family early Thursday morning. It read: 'Ang's fans were some of the most special people in her world, and she loved you immensely. 'Thank you for your love, prayers, and unconditional support of Angela right to the very end. 'She truly went out richer than any monetary value could ever amount to. 'The family asks for privacy and peace during this most difficult time. In typical Big Ang fashion, we know she would say 'Love you my babies!'. 'This page will remain open as a celebration of who she was and will always be.' Tributes have poured in on social media from celebrities, including her castmates, about her tragic death. Above she is pictured on January 13 at a viewing party for the show in Staten Island Dr Oz told Extra that he doesn't think she knew her death would come this soon, but she kept a brave face. 'I don't think Big Ang knew it was going to be so soon, but I think Big Ang was scared,' he said. 'She didn't want anybody to forget the anguish on her face when she acknowledged that cigarettes killed her, stripped her life from her, that she lost decades that she could have spent with people she loved. I think that's the number one thing that needs to get out about her legacy.' Other celebrities including Natalie Didonato, Andy Cohen, Sheree Whitfield, DJ Pauly D and more have shared their thoughts about her death to Twitter. Raiola lived in Staten Island and became a cast member on Mob Wives as she was the niece of Salvatore 'Sally Dogs' Lombardi, a captain in the Genovese crime family. Throughout the years, she has owned and operated several popular mafia hangouts, including the bar 'Drunken Monkey' in Staten Island with her cousin, Sally Dogs' daughter, Sallyann Lombardi, the New York Daily News reported. She became so popular during the show's run that she earned two spin-offs on VH1 - Big Ang and Miami Monkey. Big Ang gave viewers a closer look at her life while Miami Monkey followed her as she opened an outpost of the Staten Island bar she owns, Drunken Monkey, in Miami. Her death was confirmed on her Twitter page with a statement from her family. It read: 'Ang's fans were some of the most special people in her world, and she loved you immensely Both shows ran for just one season. Doctors discovered a lump the size of a lemon in her throat last April after she had complained of severe neck pain. It was removed along with some of her lymph nodes in a grueling eight-hour procedure. After the surgery, she said that she loved smoking but had given it up. 'I don't regret it,' Big Ang told the Daily News. 'I love smoking. I still love the thought of smoking. But it's not worth it. I realize that now.' Then she learned in December that her cancer had spread and began undergoing chemotherapy. In a New Year's message to her fans she vowed to keep going strong 'with as positive an outlook as I can have'. Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, arriving at No 10 Downing Street on Saturday For me, there is a great sense of deja vu about this debate. Some 24 years ago, I was part of a Conservative government which battled against many of its own MPs to implement the Maastricht Treaty. I had only just been elected to Parliament and, within days, I chose to oppose the treaty because it was clear to me that the huge extension of powers being granted to the institutions of the EU would take away our power to govern ourselves. Yet at the time, John Major and his Cabinet proclaimed it to be 'game, set and match' to the UK. For we were assured that his 'incredible' deal, with its opt-outs for Britain, had turned the tide and this country's new influence in the EU would end the process of ever closer union. The EU, we were repeatedly told had reached the high water of European federalism. Does all this with those words and sentiments seem familiar? They certainly should! For over the past few days, we have heard very similar arguments and even many of the same words used by members of this government to describe the recent negotiation with the EU. Indeed, I even heard one of my colleagues say that last week's agreement meant that Britain should now be able to 'drive Europe in our direction'. I hope I will be forgiven for a nostalgic shake of my head, for that was exactly what we were assured would happen 24 years ago. However, since the Maastricht Treaty was passed, and with all those reassurances, it's just got worse and worse. Over the past 24 years, we have witnessed three more major treaties which have brought a vast slew of new powers for the unelected Brussels Commission and the European Court of Justice. Again and again, Britain has been outvoted on new laws demanded by the EU Commission despite ministers in Westminster being well aware that they would damage the UK's competitiveness. Even Tony Blair's last-minute opt-out of the charter of fundamental rights has been ignored by the European Court of Justice and Britain has been sucked into its embrace against our will. From financial services to transport policy - and even welfare - it is the Commission which calls the shots and the UK suffers the consequences. For example, take financial services, one of our biggest exporters. Just in the last few years, the UK has been outvoted on three new damaging sets of regulations which will impose a cost of billions of pounds and make the City less competitive with our global rivals. To compound matters, when the British government challenged the decision, it was defeated in the Court of Justice, Thus, we had the addition of a national humiliation. Take, also, the issue of national sovereignty. This isn't some vague notion it is the foundation of all accountable democracy. According to the dictionary definition: 'Sovereignty is understood in jurisprudence as the full right and power of a governing body to govern itself without any interference from outside.' Of course, countries can cooperate and pool their capabilities, for example in Nato, but it is vital to recognise that they do so on the basis that they retain ultimate control of their own right to govern. But the reason why it doesn't work with the EU is that we aren't sharing sovereignty - we have given it away. As a result, this country is now subject to an international body of law that is supreme over our domestic laws. Britain is forced to comply with rulings of the ECJ - meaning that, in effect, it is the court that is sovereign, not our own parliament. And now, despite all the efforts of this government, the European Commission is not prepared to see those powers rolled back. The truth is that there is nothing proposed in last Friday's agreement that reduces or returns the enormous powers that the Commission and the Court of Justice have over our national government. Crucially, there is also the vexed matter of who controls our borders. We have seen during the last decade a vast number of people move to the UK for work. The scale of this migration has been overwhelming for many towns and villages around the country yet we have been powerless to stop or restrict it. (Left to right) John Whittingdale, Theresa Villiers, Michael Gove, Chris Grayling, Iain Duncan Smith and Priti Patel attend the launch of the Vote Leave campaign at the group's headquarters in central London Prime Minister David Cameron appears on The Andrew Marr Show yesterday morning to discuss the issues Under EU freedom of movement rules, the UK government is not allowed to interfere with people's right to come here. No matter what has been negotiated in Brussels this last week, Britain's border remains open to all those resident in the countries of the EU. This has had a devastating effect on many British workers who have found themselves priced out of their own jobs market. It is vital that we should be concerned about those who want to work hard and play by the rules but have found it difficult because of the results of this open border. Worrying as that is, there is an even greater concern. With the borderless Shengen area in meltdown following mass migration from Turkey and Libya, security experts have raised concerns that in the near future there will be little to stop some of those migrants from such non-EU countries coming into the UK. For, as they are fast-tracked into naturalisation in some other EU countries, there is a very real concern that they will then be able to travel to the UK under these very same freedom of movement rules. We have already seen how the Islamic extremists who planned and carried out November's terror attacks on Paris exploited borderless Europe. Well, in the future, they could just as easily gain access to the UK. London mayor Boris Johnson on February 21 said he would support a vote for Britain to leave the European Union in a blow for Prime Minister David Cameron ahead of the membership referendum in June This is another reason why we must regain control over our own borders. As Europol has pointed out recently, 5,000 jihadists are said to be at large in the EU. So, whether it is our right to set our own laws or control our own borders, Britain remains at the mercy of the EU. What's more, we don't control our own trade arrangements. Outside the EU, we would regain that control - and be able to make our own arrangements with Japan, the US and India, nations we have strong and historic ties with. We are told that our future now lies in a 'reformed' Europe. Sadly, history tells us that every time British governments have claimed to have changed the culture of the EU, the opposite is the case as the Maastricht Treaty proved. Too often, as I listen to those who want to stay in the EU, I am struck by their peculiar sense of pessimism and fear about what would happen if Britain pulled out. Their whole case is based on the belief that this country cannot prosper and will be too weak to survive outside the EU. Even worse, I have heard some refer to the world beyond the EU as 'the dark'. You can't think much of your country if your only reason to stay in is, 'hang on to nurse for fear of something worse.' Yet I am an optimist about the British people. I believe passionately that this country has shown over the centuries that we write our own rules. Back in the late Noughties, a war broke out between two of the Daily Telegraphs most distinguished men of letters. It was a vicious affair: there were hard stares and pursed lips, there was pushing and a bit of that flippy-flappy wrist thing, camps were formed, handbags were ineffectually swung. It was like a double-breasted pinstripe version of the catwalk walk off in the film Zoolander. To this day, Boris vs Heffer is whispered about in the cobwebby corners of Fleet Street. CHRIS DEERIN: Back in the Noughties, a war broke out between two of the Telegraphs most distinguished writers, Boris Johnson (pictured left) and Simon Heffer (right). If it wasnt pretty, it was at least very funny If it wasnt pretty, it was at least very, very funny. There had been a long-simmering resentment between Boris Johnson and Simon Heffer, two of the biggest of Tory journalisms big beasts, for reasons no one could quite fathom. It may be that, as was said to be the case with Gordon Brown and Robin Cook, the root cause of the feud was so trivial and lost in the mists of time that even the protagonists had forgotten it. It may simply have been a case of the scorpion and the frog. The wider world first became aware that all was not sweetly harmonious on an April morning in 2008. Johnson, one of the newspapers best-known scribblers, had secured the Tory candidacy for Mayor of London. Heffer, a somewhat astringent stablemate, was not best pleased. In a blistering column, Heffer denounced Boris as not a politician. He is an act . The act, he wrote, conceals two things: a blinding lack of attention to detail, and a ruthless ambition. For some of us the joke has worn not thin, but out. Brutal Admirably brutal, but Heffer was only getting started. Johnson was pushy thoughtless indiscreet about his private life. Running London is not a comic spectacle. What is there in Mr Johnsons past to suggest that his mayoralty would be anything but that? It would be yet one more chapter in an epic of charlatanry. Heffers words went unheeded and cripes! Boris found himself in City Hall. But he had not forgotten the slight. London Mayor Boris Johnson (pictured) makes a statement outside his home in London yesterday And when, at the height of the MPs expenses scandal, Heffer announced he was thinking of running for parliament as a tribune of the new morality, the mayor took his revenge. Again, the weapon of choice was a column in the Telegraph. My heart leapt for joy when I saw that at last Simon Heffer is poised to allow his name to go forward, he wrote, not entirely seriously. My being was flooded with that sense of ineffable calm that is said to have descended on Churchill when he heard that, after agonising years of prevarication, America had entered the war on our side. Politics may be in crisis. But with the ample Hefferian trouserings set to polish the leather of the green benches, I had a sudden sense that everything was going to be all right. Boris deployed both carrot and stick. Let me say that to wimp out and content himself with being a journalist with an expense account, without responsibility, a mere chucker of rocks from the sidelines would be the action of a big girls blouse. This is no time for pussyfooting. This is no time to trifle with the hopes of the people. I speak with the assurance of one who has worked with Heffer for 21 years. We want the Heff, as we affectionately call him, and we want him now. (the Heff was an editors substitution for Boriss original, less flattering appellation). As a fan of both men I owe my love of the Scottish composer Sir James MacMillan to Simons mentoring, and bow at the shrine of Boriss effervescent prose stylings I would never take sides. Both caught something of the others character, even if it suited their purpose to blow it up to cartoonish proportions. In the end the Heff didnt stand for election, and continues to chuck rocks with the rest of us to parliaments loss, no doubt. Mayor of London Boris Johnson with Prime Minister David Cameron during the lighting of the Paralympic Cauldron in Trafalgar Square in 2012 But Boris has gone on to very big things, and may yet go on to bigger. Last night, having milked the EU referendum moment like some tearful Oscar-winning actress, he finally came out for Leave. It is the greatest gamble of his career. What Heffer successfully captured is that Boris is indeed an act, and a ruthlessly ambitious one. In private, he is recognisably the public Boris, but with the contrast, brightness and volume turned down. He is properly clever clever enough to surround himself with people who compensate for his weaknesses. He is deadly serious about the art of calculation. But this penchant for judging the odds is what has come to define him as a politician. They all do it, but none quite as brazenly and transparently as Boris. The great wait for him to make up his mind on the EU question was soundtracked by a chorus of comments along the lines of Boris will do what is right for Boris, and hes wondering whether going In or Out makes it easier for him to become PM. When Michael Gove announced at the weekend that he was for Leave, no one doubted it was a decision based on principle. The same goes for Zac Goldsmith, whose decision must make it less likely he will win the mayoralty. In contrast, few in politics believe Boris has been motivated by anything other than cynical self- interest. Frankly, that is his own fault. My own view is that he arrived at the following conclusions: when David Cameron stands down in 2019 the Tory grassroots, not the wider electorate, will choose the next Prime Minister; most of them are for Leave; although Boris is their current darling, they will be more likely to support a Brexiteer for Downing Street; because of this, it doesnt matter if hes on the losing side in the referendum as long as hes on their side; the other Eurosceptic contenders, Theresa May and Sajid Javid, have copped out, which differentiates him; and Britain would anyway be happy with an Outer PM fighting our corner in Brussels. And dont discount the other possibility, which is that Britain votes to leave the EU, a refugee or economic crisis around the time of the referendum being the most likely causes. In this scenario, Cameron resigns and Boris, as the frontman for Out, strolls into No 10 in the autumn. That Boris sees himself as someone in the mould of the great Winnie is no secret (he has even penned a book on his hero a self-regarding travesty of a biography, judged the deathless Heffer) Charisma He would start off as something of a Churchillian figure a leader of national liberation who called it right when the Establishment stuck with the status quo. He will have brought charisma and a decisive authority to a movement that would have otherwise been relying on Nigel Farage, George Galloway and the kind of Tory minister who divides opinion rather than unites it. That Boris sees himself as someone in the mould of the great Winnie is no secret (he has even penned a book on his hero a self-regarding travesty of a biography, judged the deathless Heffer). And the two do share qualities: a stout, oak-like physicality, a hunched and crumpled charm, a love of history, a broad hinterland and a beguiling way with words. But the differences are just as stark. Often to his cost, Churchill was a true man of principle. He flounced from party to party, fell out with colleagues and allied himself to some unpopular and frankly awful causes. It was this belligerence that made him the great war leader he was cometh the hour etc. Boris, in contrast, has manoeuvred his way to the top in serpentine fashion, advancing where possible, retreating when necessary, moving sideways to go forwards when it was the only option available. And he has, at last, wriggled his way to a position of maximum potency. The summit is in sight for this sudden Brexiteer just one more heave and he can plant his flag. Consider this, though. Its not nothing, being Prime Minister, making decisions that affect generations, the sick, the unemployed, the wider world, and sometimes having to send people to their deaths. Speaking via Skype from Russia, Edward Snowden told an audience of supporters in New Hampshire on Saturday that he is willing to be extradited to the United States if the federal government would guarantee he would get a fair trial. The former National Security Agency contractor in 2013 leaked details of a secret government eavesdropping program and left the country. He faces U.S. charges that could land him in prison for up to 30 years. Speaking via Skype from Russia, Edward Snowden told an audience of supporters in New Hampshire on Saturday that he is willing to be extradited to the United States if they guarantee a fair trial Snowden has previously spoken of making offers to the government to return home and his willingness to discuss a plea deal and even go to jail. Pictured: Audience members New Hampshire Liberty Forum await the Skype from the former National Security Agency contractor Snowden spoke Saturday at the New Hampshire Liberty Forum, heavily attended by libertarians. WMUR reported that forum organizers did not allow the media to video record his remarks. 'I've told the government I would return if they would guarantee a fair trial where I can make a public interest defense of why this was done and allow a jury to decide,' Snowden told his audience. Snowden has previously spoken of making offers to the government to return home and his willingness to discuss a plea deal and even go to jail. Last year, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said a plea deal with Snowden was a possibility, but Snowden told the BBC in an interview in October that he and his lawyers were still waiting to hear from the government. Speaking from Russia, Snowden told his audience: 'I've told the government I would return if they would guarantee a fair trial where I can make a public interest defense of why this was done and allow a jury to decide' Snowden's revelations about the NSA, Britain's GCHQ and other intelligence agencies set off an international debate about spies' powers to monitor personal communications, and about the balance between security and privacy. Critics say his disclosures harmed the ability of the United States and its allies to fight terrorism. To some, he is a traitor; to others, a hero. Saturday, Snowden said that while some of his former colleagues at the NSA and the Central Intelligence Agency were sympathetic to his beliefs concerning individual privacy and freedom, others said 'the Constitution doesn't really matter.' Snowden also popped up at the Las Vegas Tech Fair last month, via robot. The former National Security Agency contractor made his appearance thanks to Suitable's 'Beam' creation, which is a mobile screen designed for virtual meetings and remote commuting. Speaking at the fair, Snowden said: 'This is the power of Beam, or more broadly the power of technology. An airline has been pulling out all the stops to satisfy the appetites of their passengers. Singapore Airlines are serving up an extravagant array of world-class meals to ensure first-class, business-class and premium economy flyers are dining in absolute style. High-flying chefs are cooking up a range of signature dishes to offer travellers flying from Sydney and Melbourne a fine dining experience at a five-star restaurant in the skies. Fine dining extravaganza: Singapore Airlines are serving up luxe cuisines to passengers, including this Lobster Thermidor with buttered asparagus, slow-roasted vine-ripened tomato and saffron rice (pictured) Grilled beef in green peppercorn sauce with seasonal vegetables and gratin potatoes One of the luxury dishes produced on board include the classic Lobster Thermidor with buttered asparagus WHAT CAN YOU ORDER WHEN FLYING FROM SYDNEY First Class Business Class Premium Economy Class Menu Grilled beef in green peppercorn sauce with seasonal vegetables and gratin potatoes Grilled beef in green peppercorn sauce with seasonal vegetables and gratin potatoes Lime Sauce Pan Fried Fish Pasta Lobster Thermidor with buttered asparagus, slow-roasted vine-ripened tomato, and saffron rice Roast chicken breast in wild mushroom cream and gratin chat potatoes Butter Chicken and Jalfrezi Vegetables Roast chicken breast in wild mushroom cream and gratin chat potatoes Seafood Thermidor with buttered asparagus, slow-roasted vine-ripened tomato, and saffron rice Seafood Thermidor Saffron Rice Roast rack of lamb with natural jus, roasted vegetables, and creamy garlic mash Tasmanian salmon in wild-lime butter sauce with steamed green beans and pasta Lamb Shank Korma with Basmati Rice Tasmanian salmon in wild lime butter sauce with steamed green beans and pasta Barramundi in black bean sauce with baby bok choy and jasmine rice Roasted Chicken Thigh in Creamy Mushroom Sauce Veal mignon in Yarra red wine sauce with vegetables and prawn-potato mousseline Cantonese roast duck with plum sauce and steamed rice Beef Carbonade, Fresh Mash Potato and Roasted Vegetables Barramundi in black bean sauce with baby bok choy and jasmine rice Indian lamb shank curry with vegetables and pilaff rice Szechuan Beef with Vegetables Cantonese roast duck with vegetables and steamed rice Singapore Chicken Rice Stir Fried Char Siew Noodles (only available for Breakfast) Indian lamb shank curry with vegetables and pilaff rice Toasted multigrain country bread with herb cottage cheese, grilled vegetables and fresh berries low fat yoghurt (Breakfast only) Apple and Cinnamon Crepes (only available for Breakfast) Singapore Chicken Rice Toasted multigrain country bread with herb cottage cheese, grilled vegetables and fresh berries low fat yoghurt (Breakfast only) Source: Singapore Airlines 'Our wide array of dishes have been specially curated so you can always have your preferred in-flight meal,' the website reads. 'They will replace the main course from the in-flight menu, and are offered for all meal services except for Continental Breakfast and Refreshment.' First-class passengers flying from Sydney can tuck into delicious mains, including a roast rack of lamb with natural jus, Cantonese roast duck and pan-fried barramundi in pepper sauce. Business-class flyers can enjoy grilled beef with green peppercorn sauce, roast chicken breast in wild mushroom cream and Tasmanian salmon in wild-lime butter sauce. And premium economy travellers can pre-order lamb shank korma with basmati rice, Seafood Thermidor with buttered asparagus and Szechuan beef with vegetables. First-class passengers flying from Sydney can tuck into delicious and extravagant mains (stock image) An airline has been pulling out all the stops to satisfy the appetites of their first-class passengers Luxe cusines on board: Roast rack of lamb with natural jus, roasted vegetables, and creamy garlic mash International flyers are treated to a range of other gourmet meals, including this slow cooked marinated duck leg with mushroom risotto and shaved parmesan cheese WHAT CAN YOU ORDER WHEN FLYING FROM MELBOURNE First Class Business Class Chicken in macadamia nut crust with bush tomato coulis, roast vegetables, and new potatoes Chicken in macadamia nut crust with bush tomato coulis, roast vegetables, and new potatoes Grilled beef in green peppercorn sauce with seasonal vegetables and gratin potatoes Grilled beef in green peppercorn sauce with seasonal vegetables and gratin potatoes Lobster Thermidor with buttered asparagus, slow-roasted vine-ripened tomato, and saffron rice Pan-fried barramundi in native pepper sauce with sauteed vegetables and fettuccine Pan-fried barramundi in native pepper sauce with sauteed vegetables and fettuccine Seared salmon escalope on a warm potato and French bean salad Pan-fried veal loin in bush tomato sauce with grilled vegetables in olive oil and roasted potatoes Cantonese roast duck with vegetables and steamed rice Barramundi in black bean sauce with baby bok choy and fried rice Indian lamb shank curry with spiced vegetables and basmati rice Cantonese roast duck with vegetables and steamed rice Lamb loin in Thai green curry with Asian vegetables and steamed rice Indian lamb shank curry with vegetables and basmati rice Wok-fried rice with tender pieces of marinated chicken, egg, and spring onion Lamb loin in Thai green curry with Asian vegetables and steamed rice Toasted multigrain country bread with herb cottage cheese, grilled vegetables and fresh berries low fat yoghurt (Breakfast only) Wok-fried rice with tender pieces of marinated chicken, egg, and spring onion Toasted multigrain country bread with herb cottage cheese, grilled vegetables and fresh berries low fat yoghurt (Breakfast only) Source: Singapore Airlines Meanwhile Melbourne's first-class passengers can tuck into Lobster Thermidor with buttered asparagus, pan-fried veal loin in bush tomato sauce and Indian lamb shank curry. Business-Class flyers can pre-order seared salmon escalope on a warm potato and French bean salad and the lamb loin in Thai green curry with Asian vegetables. However, the menu does not cater for economy travellers flying out of Melbourne. Flyers can ditch the boring and standard in-flight menus on board by pre-ordering from the Book the Cook service before stepping on the plane. 'You can pre-order your choice of main course through our reservations office or via our website at least 24 hours before the scheduled flight departure,' the website continues. There are 10 speciality mains available for travellers who are flying business-class and up two 12 dishes to choose from in first-class (stock image) Travellers flying out of Singapore can enjoy the grilled Angus beef burger with portobello mushroom, sauteed onions and cherry tomatoes One of the luxury dishes produced by the renowned chefs is the Lobster Thermidor with buttered asparagus, slow-roasted vine-ripened tomato and saffron rice There are 10 speciality mains available for travellers who are flying business-class and up two 12 dishes to choose from in first-class. One of the luxury dishes produced by the caterers include the classic Lobster Thermidor with buttered asparagus, slow-roasted vine-ripened tomato and saffron rice. Early birds can also dine at breakfast, with a toasted multi-grain country bread with herb cottage cheese, grilled vegetables and fresh berries low fat yoghurt available on board. Travellers flying out of Singapore are treated to more than 45 delicious meals, ranging from Western, Japanese, Malaysian and Indian to the traditional home grown Singaporean dishes. Junior doctors are planning to escalate industrial action over plans to force them to work weekends, to force the government to put their money where their mouth is. The decision was revealed in a letter from doctors union, the British Medical Association, which was leaked to the Daily Telegraph. It comes after two one-day strikes this year and a decision by ministers to impose a new junior doctors contract. Junior doctors on strike at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, London. Junior doctors are now planning to escalate industrial action over plans to force them to work at weekends Dr Johann Malawana, chairman of the BMAs junior doctors committee, said in a message to members: JDC has made the clear decision that further industrial action is inevitable and that we will consider escalating any action to achieve our aim to end the imposition. We also know and the public understand this that if the Government wants junior doctors to take the brunt of delivering more services across seven days, they need to put their money where their mouth is. So far the two days of strike action taken by junior doctors were limited to non-emergency care, meaning thousands of operations were cancelled - but the BMA is now understood to be planning a full strike. The statement by Dr Malawana, sent to BMA members, adds: We know you are overstretched and that an imposed contract in August will only add to this. The decision for more industrial action follows 10 days of deliberation by the union, culminating in a meeting of its BMAs junior doctors committee (JDC) at the weekend. It couldnt be clearer to me that we now have a single and determined purpose: to end the imposition, he added. Further strikes would need to be agreed by senior figures in the union, who could be wary about alienating the public. Proposed dates for any fresh walkouts have not yet been revealed. The new deal which is due to be imposed on junior doctors would mean an average 13.5 per cent rise in basic pay, with a 19 per cent rise in starting salaries. The main area of contention between the Government and BMA was pay for Saturdays. The union said all hours worked on a Saturday should be paid at higher rates. Earlier this month the Government said that any doctor working at least one Saturday a month should receive a 30 per cent boost for all Saturday working. Its chief negotiator said this meant that around half of junior doctors would receive the boost. Scores of homes were flattened leaving hundreds of Fijians homeless in Advertisement Crops have been flattened, trees uprooted and villages completely decimated after the first category cyclone to hit Fiji tears through the region and brings the death toll to 21. More than 8,100 people remain stranded in evacuations centres across Fiji after Tropical Cyclone Winston battered the island nation on Saturday. Winds reached speeds of up to 330 kilometres per hour (200mph) while waves of up to 12 metres battered the coast cutting communication for the some 900,000 residents braving the category five storm. Officials from the National Disaster Management Office say the death toll has risen from 17 to 21, with four people still missing at sea, the ABC reported. 'This number is bound to change as we progress,' an NDMO spokesman said. Aerial photos have emerged showing the devastation caused by a massive category five cyclone that tore through Fiji and wiped out villages on Saturday as the death toll is believed to have risen to at least 17 Entire villages have been destroyed, according to aerial photographs taken by the NZ Defence AirForce of the affected areas Relief efforts will continue on Monday after unrelenting rain and downed powerlines hampered officials trying to assess the damage caused by the powerful cyclone A tanker is capsized by Cyclone Winston at a harbour in the Fijian town of Levuka, demonstrating the sheer power of the storm A ferry is washed ashore by Cyclone Winston as 200mph winds and waves of up to 12 metres battered the coast Aerial photos have emerged showing the widespread devastation caused by the massive category five cyclone. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has pledged $5 million in emergency aid, as rescue workers warn of an imminent health crisis that will likely affect thousands of Fijians who are now struggling to find fresh food or water. Ms Bishop also said she would send a P-3 Orion aircraft and a number of rescue helicopters to help in rescue and recovery efforts. 'Australia's thoughts are with the people of Fiji, particularly those who have lost family and friends as a result of Tropical Cyclone Winston, the largest recorded cyclone to hit the country,' she said. Ten fatalities occurred in Ra, Nadi and Lautoka and were caused mainly by flying debris and storm surges. There are also fears for seven fishermen from the Yasawas now believed to be missing at sea. The severe tropical cyclone, the strongest ever recorded in the southern hemisphere, flattened scores of homes, crippled infrastructure and forced hundreds of terrified Fijians to shelter in evacuation centres. Relief efforts will continue on Monday after unrelenting rain and downed powerlines hampered officials trying to assess the damage caused by the powerful cyclone. Oxfam's Pacific regional director Raijeli Nicole said the scale of the disaster would only become apparent when communications were restored with the remote communities that experienced the storm's full fury. 'The Fijians are desperately trying to repair severed lines of communication, but they hold grave fears that the news waiting for them will be dire,' she said. Fijian men clear a road of a fallen tree in Fiji's capital Suva after Winston swept across Viti Levu Island Fiji began a massive clean-up on February 21 after the most powerful cyclone in its history battered the Pacific island nation The severe tropical cyclone, the strongest ever recorded in the southern hemisphere, flattened scores of homes, crippled infrastructure and forced hundreds of terrified Fijians to shelter in evacuation centres The damaged remains of a home is covered in branches that were brought down by the category five storm A large tree that buckled in the powerful winds fell and decimated yellow home Shashtri Memorial School building was severely damaged in the storm, with remnants the roof scattered in the yard Clean up workers move an excavator on to a bridge to remove several uprooted trees from a river As the skies begin to clear residents try to repair their damaged homes One man gives a thumbs up as he stands underneath the frame of a home rocked by the intense storm Relief efforts will continue on Monday after unrelenting rain and downed powerlines hampered officials trying to assess the damage caused by the powerful cyclone Aid efforts intensified as the death toll climbed to 20, with officials warning it could rise further as reports trickle in from remote communities devastated in the storm A family collect the belongings that were ripped from their home after the roof was torn off in gale force winds Down-trodden vendors open their businesses for the first time after Cyclone Winston in Fiji's capital Suva An uprooted three sits in the middle of a road as a car attempts to navigate the devastation The wind, which reached speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour, was strong enough to pull large trees from its roots Fijian officials were assessing the damage on Sunday after one of the most powerful storms recorded in the southern hemisphere tore through the archipelago Aerial photos have emerged showing the devastation caused by a massive category five cyclone that tore through Fiji and wiped out villages on Saturday as the death toll is believed to have risen to at least 17 Cyclone Winston tore through on Saturday with winds gusting to 325km/h and waves up to 12 metres high, cutting communication across much of the country of about 900,000 people The severe tropical cyclone, the strongest ever recorded in the southern hemisphere, flattened scores of homes, crippled infrastructure and forced hundreds of terrified Fijians to shelter in evacuation centres Entire villages have been destroyed due to the 325km/h wind gusts and waves up to 12 metres high Australia will provide an initial $5 million assistance package to Fiji, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop 'Given the intensity of the storm and the images we have seen so far, there are strong concerns that the death toll won't stop climbing today and that hundreds of people will have seen their homes and livelihoods completely destroyed.' Entire villages have been destroyed, according to aerial photographs taken by the NZ Defence AirForce of the affected areas. 'Many people have been left stunned and confused about what to do,' Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said. 'This is a time of sorrow but it will also be a time of action ... we will reclaim what we have lost. 'There's still much work to be done.' Australia will provide an initial $5 million assistance package to Fiji, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop. A family looks at the remains of their home to search for posessions in Ba, Fiji, on Sunday morning 'The scale of the destruction is absolutely massive and it's still far too early to tell just how many people's homes and livelihoods have been devastated by this storm,' Australian Red Cross aid worker Susan Slattery said The Warwick beachfront resort at Coral Coast, Viti Levu, Korolevu, Fiji was battered by heavy winds on Saturday Trees lay shredded by high winds after Cyclone Winston struck the Tokoriki Island Resort in Fiji Guests at the Sheraton Hotel in Nadi, Fiji are pictured in the hotel's ballroom after they were evacuated The funds will be used to provide food, safe drinking water and basic hygiene to people who have lost their homes or are displaced. International tourists caught up in the disaster began to leave on Monday as flights resumed at Nadi airport after a two-day suspension. Air New Zealand confirmed one of its aircraft departed at 9.30am and Virgin Australia said all flights between Nadi and Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane would operate as scheduled. Fiji Airways is operating scheduled flights between Nadi and Auckland and some flights between Nadi and Sydney, with some cancelled and others delayed by about four hours. Jetstar cancelled its Monday flights between Sydney and Nadi and expects to resume flights on Tuesday. The airline will update travellers again at on Monday afternoon. Taveneuni island on Saturday as the cyclone made landfall, the worst in Fiji's history Residents in Wainunu, Wainibuku, Nausori of central Fiji Badly inspect the damage on Sunday Fijian soldiers assist with the clean-up on Sunday morning and inspect damage across the country A 17-year-old man suspected of killing his girlfriend's lover committed suicide hours later outside a sheriff's office, after his mother had driven him there to surrender. The young man - who has not yet been identified - was involved in the shooting of 25-year-old veteran James Ayala in the early hours of Sunday morning in Harris County, Texas, say detectives. Police say a 'troubling love triangle' is likely to be the motive, reported ABC. Scroll down for video Twenty-five-year-old Army veteran James Ayala (center left and right) was shot dead just after midnight on a residential street in Harris County, Texas. Police say a 'troubling love triangle' is likely to be the motive The suicide happened just after 5am in the parking lot of Harris County sheriff's office after a sergeant had approached a car with its headlights on. Sgt. Cedrick Collier told ABC the woman inside the car had told him she was there to turn her son in for the shooting that happened earlier that morning in Katy. Collier said that he then drew his weapon and asked the teen if it was true. The teen said 'yes', stepped behind the vehicle, pulled a gun and then shot himself in the head. He was taken to hospital where he died. Friend and witness, Darian Mitchell said the 17-year-old suspect had found out his girlfriend was cheating on him with victim James Ayala and asked the couple to come to Mitchell's home on Katy Briar Lane (pictured) The shooting of Ayala happened several hours earlier outside the home of the suspect's friend on Katy Briar Lane. Friend and witness, Darian Mitchell said the 17-year-old had found out his girlfriend was cheating on him with victim James Ayala and asked the couple to come to Mitchell's home, which they did. Mitchell said he then saw his friend kill the Ayala: 'When he shot him, his girlfriend started screaming and then he ran. 'And then he shot again, and then everyone started coming out and screaming. The suspect committed suicide around 5am, just hours after he is believed to have shot dead Ayala. The 17-year-old had been driven to the Harris County sherrif's office by his mother (whose car is being inspected bu detectives above) to surrender Sgt. Cedrick Collier said the teen's mother had told him her son was handing himself in for the shooting earlier that night, after which Collier drew his weapon. The teen then stepped behind the vehicle and shot himself. Pictured: The gun used in the suicide Neighbor Mohammad Qureshi told ABC: 'It's a very peaceful neighborhood. Everybody knows everybody else. We live just like a family, but i don't know what happened today.' A witness said they saw two men run to a small, white vehicle and leave the scene before discovering a man lying in the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds, reported Khou. The victim, who was identified later today as 25-year-old James Ayala, was a father of five and had served in the army, family say. No other injuries were reported in the accident He is survived by his wife Amber and three children His empty vehicle was hit by a tractor-trailer, which pushed his car into him Aaron J Eidem, 37, of Missouri, had stopped on the I-44 to help a motorist Captain Aaron Eidem, 37, had been deployed in combat three times in Iraq, winning a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was killed after stopping to help a stranded motorist on the Interstate 44 in Missouri A US Army captain who was awarded a Bronze Star of Valor and a Purple Heart was hit and killed with his own car after stopping to help a stranded motorist in Missouri on Thursday. Captain Aaron J Eidem, 37, driving down the Interstate 44 shortly after sunset when he spotted a stranded car on the inside shoulder, five miles west of Springfield. He had stopped his own vehicle and got out to help the motorist, the Missouri State Highway Patrol told Ozarks First. Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed to The Daily Mail that the other car had suffered a blowout and crashed into the median cable. Eidem had parked his car partly in the driver's lane to protect the other driver. However, it was then a tractor-trailer came up from behind and hit Eidem's now empty car, pushing it into him. The tractor then went on to hit a Ford Explorer, which in turn struck a second tractor-trailer. Eidem was taken to Cox South Hospital, where he died shortly before 8pm. '[Eidem] was a good Samaritan,' patrol sergeant Jason Pace told the News-Leader. There were no other injuries at the scene. The Springfield News-Leader later reported that the driver of the first trailer-tractor was one Thomas Fruth of Ohio. Speaking to The Daily Mail, a Missouri State Highway Patrol representative confirmed that no-one had been charged after the incident, and no charges were expected to be filed. Eidem had been on active duty in the US Army for 20 years as a Military Police officer and instructor. He had been deployed to combat three times, earning the Bronze Star for valor and the Purple Heart, which is given to soldiers who are wounded or killed while serving. Family man: Eidem was married to Amber (center) with whom he had three children. Amber Eidem has now set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for organ transplants, a subject close to her husband's heart He also worked as an adjunct faculty member and assistant professor of military science at Missouri State University. Scott Morris, professor of military science there, told the News-Leader, 'He cared about the kids and wanted them to be leaders of character. Morris added: 'What he brought to the classroom was exceptional. The students respected him.' Eidem was married with three children. His wife, Amber, posted a message on her Facebook wall inviting friends to a memorial to be held next week. 'If you can make it, I know he'd say, "What's with all this fuss," but I think it would be great to see you,' she wrote. She has also established a GoFundMe page to raise money for an organ transplant charity, a subject that she said was close to both her and her husband. At the time of writing it had raised $1,740. Journalist and author Stan Grant has given a passionate address about the ongoing suffering of Indigenous Australians, confessing that as a child he tried to scrub away his dark skin and blaming the 'Australian dream' for killing Indigenous men, women and babies. The award winning journalist was speaking to launch his new book, Talking To My Country, at the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra on Monday. Grant reveals that as a little boy he was made to feel so ashamed of his dark skin 'he tried to scrub it off', according to The Guardian. The award winning journalist says 'the Australian dream' still only favours white Australians. He says the 'Australian dream' was so destructive it resulted in Aboriginals being viciously murdered and has left 'no place' for Indigenous people in the country today. 'Here is how we Indigenous people see the Australian dream: heres the worst of it. Aborigines rounded up and shot, babies buried into the sand and decapitated, women raped, men killed as they hid in the forks of trees, waterholes poisoned, flour laced with arsenic,' he told the audience. Scroll down for video In his powerful address, Grant spoke of his ancestor's lives including his grandfather, who served as a Rat of Tobruk in World War II, even though he was not officially recognised as an Australian citizen 'The Australian dream abandoned us to rot on government missions, tore apart families, condemned us to poverty. 'There was no place for us in this modern country and everything we have won has come from dissent, it has been torn from the reluctant grasp of a nation that for much of its history hoped that we would disappear.' After detailing the disturbing facts of the British colonisation of Australia and the destruction of the Aboriginal peoples, Grant explained the shame he felt as a schoolboy about his Indigenous identity. 'Now, I was a confused young boy at school, ashamed of what I was. I would cringe against the black-and-white ethnographic films: the snot-smeared faces of the little piccaninnies, the flyblown women grinding seed into flour, the bedraggled, bearded men gripping a spear, one leg resting against a knee. 'I remember there was always a narrator with perfectly rounded vowels telling of the once proud tribes of Aborigines. Each head turned to look at me, and I felt anything but pride.' Grant spoke of his ancestors growing up on missions, how his ancestor Lydia was taken from the banks of the Murrumbidgee River to be trained as a domestic servant Grant, who is indigenous affairs editor for Guardian Australia, international editor at Sky News and managing editor at NITV, was applauded by viewers following his speech. During the address, he spoke about his indigenous ancestors' childhoods and the injustices they suffered, describing how his grandmother was 'born into the weight of this country's history'. 'I stand here today the sum of these lives, the stories of Budjan, and Lydia and Frank and Eunice inform me as surely as their blood runs through my veins,' he said. 'I speak their names with reverence and honour and I speak here today in this place so that they will be heard. 'So that from their graves their stories will be told as surely as in their lifetime their voices were silenced. 'This is my inheritance, I bear the burden and pride and the immense responsibility of the weight of this history.' Grant also implored leaders not to repeat the policy mistakes of the past. 'How many PMs are going to leave office and say their biggest regret is that they didn't do enough for indigenous affairs?' he said. Grant also spoke of his career as a journalist overseas, covering conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq 'Bob Hawke, Paul Keating, Kevin Rudd, Tony Abbott. Go back to Gough Whitlam, if you like. How many times? What is your biggest regret? Oh, I could have done more'. 'I tell you one of the problems here, and that is why are our issues seen to be something separate? Why is it pushed off to the margins of policy?' Viewers were quick to post their reactions on Twitter. Twitter erupted as Grant was praised for his incredible address and the moving points he made The award winning journalist was speaking to launch his new book, Talking To My Country, at the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra Grant is an award winning journalist who fellow Indigenous journalists praise as a trailblazer After the address, which coincided and doubled as the launch of his new book Talking To My Country, he responded to speculation on his foray into politics, saying he was still undecided. 'If we don't get involved, then we are nowhere, but is it me? Is it this year? Is it this time? I need to get a lot more things to line up before I make that step,' he said. Mr Grant wouldn't say what party he would philosophically side with. 'I tell you what I'm philosophically driven to ... the idea that we cannot go on like this, that I cannot end my life where my life began with our people on the margins, locked up and dying.' Asked about being a divisive figure, he said: 'So be it'. Senior firefighters have warned people not to leave their phones charging under their pillows with fears it may spark fires. Queensland Fire Service's Gordon Hemphrey said bedding - such as doonas and pillows - insulated electronic devices and caused a heat build up. 'Where it gets under pillows or bedding, the battery [that is charging] can't dissipate that heat like they are designed to do and that's when you have problems... there's a current running through them,' Inspector Hemphrey told Daily Mail Australia. Senior firefighters have warned people not to leave their phones charging under their pillows with fears it may spark fires. Above is a stock image 'Bedding is quite flammable - including bed covers and doonas made out of synthetic materials - and once there is a fire it will burn quite readily.' The senior firefighter said he had been to a number of fires that may have been caused by a charging smartphone and even iPads. 'I did a house a while ago where we could not a get definitive answer [about the cause of the fire],' Insp Hemphrey said. 'But the occupier of the room said he left a phone and iPad charging under bedding. 'It was a two-storey home and the bedroom was on the top floor and the fire spread to other bedrooms. 'There wasn't much left, there were wires where the iPad would have been.' Queensland Fire Service's Gordon Hemphrey said bedding - such as doonas and pillows - insulated electronic devices and caused a heat build up. Pictured is a stock image Even though a fire being sparked by a charging phone is uncommon, Insp Hemphrey urged residents not to leave their phones or any other electronic devices charging on their bed. 'If you leave your phone - as teenagers tend to do - next to you in bed, don't have it on charge, just in case you drag a pillow on top during the night,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'Make sure anything electrical doesn't get covered over by clothing, bedding - or electrical cables on floors. 'They will distort or change shape over time which will make them more susceptible to some sort of fault.' Victoria's Country Fire Authority operations officer Greg Christison gave the same warning in the Cranbourne Leader. He said he wanted to get the word out there about the dangers of leaving phones charging under pillows before a tragedy happened. 'We know lots of kids are doing this and we've been out to a number of fires that have started in beds under pillows,' Mr Christison said. 'It started with the advent of smart phones, maybe five years ago, and it's becoming more frequent now as more and younger owners get their hands on them. 'It's only a matter of time before we have a disaster on our hands from this practice.' Customers will now be protected from excessive credit card surcharges after new laws cleared parliament to give the consumer watchdog new powers to crack down. Merchants can be fined up to $108,000 if caught overcharging customers for using their credit card, under new powers given to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Cabinet minister Simon Birmingham told the Senate on Monday some merchants were using credit card fees to squeeze higher profits out of customers, with surcharges of 10 per cent or more in some cases. Merchants can be fined up to $108,000 if caught overcharging customers for using their credit card, under new powers given to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission He said the new laws would provide savings to everyday Australians. 'What we're targeting here are misleading payments where consumers face a fee allegedly associated with conducting a purchase by credit card that is indeed not a genuine and real and accurate reflection of the cost of that fee,' Mr Birmingham said. Consumer group Choice claim some companies charge credit card fees that are 1,000 per cent more than the processing cost fees. 'Airlines, ticketing companies and taxis are among the many businesses that have for years punished consumers who pay with credit cards,' spokesman Tom Godfrey told the ABC. 'Even when faced with an earlier RBA ban, these corporate profiteers ignored the rule and continued to inflict pain on our hip pockets.' Cabinet minister Simon Birmingham told the Senate on Monday some merchants were using credit card fees to squeeze higher profits out of customers, with surcharges of 10 per cent or more in some cases The new laws passed with the support of Labor and the Greens, although the minor party failed in its bid to amend the bill to crackdown on excessive ATM fees as well. Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson hit out at banks 'gouging' consumers for accessing their own money. Consumers were being charged between $2 and $3 for using ATMs, even though it only costs the bank 77 cents to process the transaction, he said. Banks were making $600 million every year from ATM fees, describing it as one of Australia's biggest rorts, he said. Senator Birmingham said, unlike credit card surcharges, the Murray inquiry made no recommendations around ATM fees. They were two separate issues and it would be wrong for lawmakers to take action without adequate consultation, he said. Advertisement From sharks circling a lagoon to a bear hunting in a Russian river, these pictures capture some of the world's most breathtaking underwater scenes. The photographers behind these vibrant and unusual images entered their work into the Underwater Photographer of the Year competition, which 'celebrates life in the sea in all its diversity, splendour and sheer mind-bending oddity'. The contest offers a range of categories, from wreck diving to animal behaviour, that aims to recognise the diversity of the photographs on offer. Among the most awe-inspiring of the short-listed images below is a shot of the icebergs of Greenland, taken from below the water. The photographer said the temperature below the ice was -2C but that the cold was 'quickly forgotten' when he laid eyes on the subject of his image. Another captures a green turtle grappling with a large mosaic jellyfish as it tries to feed in the clear waters off the Thai coast. While British photographer Dan Bolt was able to use his technical knowledge to snap a catfish still inside its egg near Thurlestone, Devon. And one daring Russian was so determined to capture a bear as it hunted for fish underwater that he built his own cage, securing himself inside before embarking on his mammoth photography sessions. But it was Italian photographer Davide Lopresti who was crowned overall winner with his striking portrait of a spiny seahorse, beating out 3,500 entrants from 54 countries. Commenting on the winning image in Underwater Photography magazine, which administers the award, judge Martin Edge wrote: 'Complementary colours of blue and yellow are entirely responsible for the wow factor which this image had on me when I first viewed it.' Commended, International Wrecks: 'USS Kittiwake' by Susannah H. Snowden-Smith (Cayman). She said: 'Composition-wise I waited for the school of jacks to be in the right place. Then I wanted a diver in the image for scale and additional interest. I only clicked the shutter when the diver's fins were close together; this makes for a clean look. Black and white completed the strong graphic image I was after' Third place, International Wide Angle: 'Lagoon' by Greg Lecoeur (France). 'French Polynesia is an amazing place for lovers of nature. In the lagoon of Moorea, I was snorkeling with many marine life especially the black tip sharks and the topography of the mountain inspired me' Winner, International Macro: 'Gold' by Davide Lopresti (Italy). The photographer said: 'For this shot in particular, I used a long time exposure, to give dynamism to the image, combining the ambient light with artifilicial light with the aid of a snoot, freezing my main subject from the rest of the scene giving a sense of grace and strength at the same time' Left, runner up, Up & Coming Worldwide: 'Fired up and 'almost' ready to go' by Marty Engels Dunmore (UK), taken inside a wreck. Right, Winner, Up & Coming Worldwide: 'Three Pillars' by Pier Mane (South Africa). The photographer said: 'I wanted sun rays, dramatic foreground, background perspective, and - the cherry on top - to capture the 'master of the house' in all of its mystique' Winner, International Behaviour: 'Turtle eating Jellyfish' by Richard Carey (Thailand), who said: 'A Green Turtle surfaced near our boat. I decided to get in and snorkel with it, watching it as it searched for food. Soon it spotted a large Mosaic Jellyfish and started feeding on it. The turtle wanted to keep the jelly close to the surface so every time it swam deeper the turtle would bite onto it and drag it back upwards' Highly Commended, Up and Coming Worldwide: 'Carribbean Reef Sharks' by Marty Engels Dunmore (UK). The photographer said: 'I simply loved being in the water with these gorgeous predators and in the Jardines de la Reina you can meet many shark species in abundance, always a guarantee for a healthy reef system, I dearly wish we would have much more of these healthy reefs around the world' Highly Commended, International Tanks: 'The tank' by Saeed Rashid (UK). The Tank, as its called, is in fact an anti-aircraft US-built M42 Duster. It was sunk in the 1980s by the now King of Jordan as an artificial reef. This unusual wreck sits in about 7m making it perfect for snorkeling. Although small it teams with life making it a great place for both wide angle and macro photography' International Wide Angle, Highly Commended: 'Pilot whales' by Greg Lecoeur (France). The photographer said: 'During a day sailing in the Mediterranean sea, I was very lucky to find a big pod of Pilot whales that tolerated me in the blue water. They were turning around me, it was an amazing experience and a great opportunity to photograph them' Winner, International Wide Angle: 'Underwater fisherman' by Mike Korostelev (Russia). The photographer said: 'I constructed a cage to photograph a bear from a close distance. I got into the cage in the water and waited for a bear to come close. This bear put his head under the water for about 20 seconds before he attacked the fish. This bear came to this place in the river several times a day' Commended, International Wide Angle: 'Icebreaker' by Tobias Friedrich (Germany). The photographer said: 'We planned to dive in April in Greenland to specifically photograph icebergs. The water is about -2C, but at the sight of the ice during the dive, the icy temperature was quickly forgotten. The structure of this giant shimmers blue-greenish in the strong sunlight' Commended, British Waters Wide Angle: 'Pike in quarry' Trevor Rees (UK): 'Stoney Cove in Leicestershire is a reliable place to see big specimens and even on a busy Saturday with hoards of divers stirring up the underwater visibility I usually manage to find a quiet corner. The background scene in these quarries is often rather unexciting but I liked the huge triangular lump of rock as a backdrop to this pike' A man in Kalamazoo, Michigan, has described the terrifying Uber ride he took on Saturday just before the married 45-year-old driver allegedly shot six people dead at random during a murder spree. Matt Mellen, who works at a local brewery, was a passenger in Jason Dalton's car just before he allegedly opened fire on several random people in the Kalamazoo area. A man from Indianapolis has also come forward to say he believes that he was one of Dalton's last customers before the arrest. Mellen said Dalton introduced himself using a different name from the one listed as a driver. He then sped through medians and across a lawn, and Mellen jumped out at a stop at about 4.30pm. 'He wouldn't stop. He just kind of kept looking at me like - 'don't you want to get to your friend's house?' and I'm like I want to get there alive,' he told WWMT. Jason Dalton, 45, has been arrested after he allegedly shot and killed six people and injured several others during a shooting spree in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Uber driver is believed to have picked up and dropped off fares during the shooting spree Dalton was driving a Chevrolet Equinox and using it as an Uber taxi when the shootings occurred. Passenger Matt Mellen was in the vehicle just before Dalton allegedly opened fire on several random people in the Kalamazoo, Michigan, area According to online records and social media, Dalton (left) is married and has children. This picture shows him with his wife Carol and their two kids A screenshot from an iPhone posted on Twitter shows what is believed to be Jason Dalton's Uber driver profile with a five-star rating Mackenzie Waite warned other Uber customers in Kalamazoo to look out for Dalton earlier in the night Matthew Mellen's (pictured) fiancee posted a warning about Dalton's driving after his Uber trip with him Once he got to his friend's house he told his fiancee, Mackenize Waite, what happened. She wrote a Facebook post warning others of Dalton's driving. 'We posted the picture on Facebook just so our friends wouldn't get in the car with him if they had to take an Uber that night,' Mellen said. Three friends also confirmed their lucky escape when they called for Dalton and were possibly his last passengers before his arrest. Mark Dunton, Scott Dixon and Kevin Leonard told WWMT they called for an Uber on Saturday night to go to a bar and became unnerved when Dalton arrived. That is because he was driving the same kind of car they had heard was involved in that night's shootings. When Dalton picked them up they said he was solemn. Lucky: Mark Dunton, Scott Dixon and Kevin Leonard (l-r) told of their uneasiness at being picked up by Dalton 'Quiet really. We actually, my buddy Scott actually said to him 'this isn't the car, you aren't the guy are ya?' and he kinda just said no,' said Dunton. 'It's crazy to think that someone could have gone out and just done all these horrible things and came to work straight-faced -- like he's just coming to work doing his job and just didn't say much at all.' Father-of-two Dalton surrendered to police on Sunday morning after he allegedly fired a barrage of 30 bullets at eight innocent and defenseless people during a five-hour rampage in his Chevrolet Equinox taxi. A vigil was held for the victims of the shooting on Sunday night at Centerpoint Church in Kalamazoo. Mellen said he's happy he's safe after the incident, but believes there's a chance it could have all been prevented. '[It was a] pretty scary ordeal especially to be so closely involved with it. I'm just happy I'm safe,' he told WWMT. 'I'm upset because I tried contacting Uber after I had talked to the police saying that we needed to get this guy off the road.' In Waite's Facebook post about the incident, she said she and Mellen called 911 but 'surprisingly they didn't seem at all concerned'. She said in her post: 'ATTENTION kzoo peeps!!!! This uber driver named JASON drives a silver Chevy Equinox is NOT a safe ride! A little bit ago my fiance got a ride with him and he was driving VERY erratically. 'They sideswiped a car blowing through the stop sign at Henderson castle and West Main Hill, and the driver continued driving. 'Then this man proceeded to drive 80mph down west main swerving in and out of oncoming traffic. Despite Matt pleading with this driver to pull over he refused. 'Finally when he slowed down the vehicle, Matt was able to get out. He was acting completely normal throughout all of this erratic driving!! 'Please share if you are in the kzoo area. Stay safe! 911 was called but surprisingly they didn't seem all that concerned......I'm thankful that no one was hurt yet. ' Keith Black, who said Dalton gave him a lift mid-massacre, stated he was 'lucky to be alive'. He said: 'Pretty shaken up this morning. So lucky. Wish I knew why he didn't pick me. Have to make something of myself now I suppose.' Sara Reynolds, 25, told news.com.au Dalton had complained about receiving bad reviews when she took a trip in his car on Valentine's Day. 'I asked him what it was like to be an Uber driver and he said he'd gotten some really bad reviews recently but that they'd mostly been from drunk people he'd been running home from the bars and that maybe they didn't like the bumpy ride or something. 'He wasn't angry when he said it, just quietly under his breath, about them complaining he'd been driving erratically.' Telling the website she felt like she'd escaped with her life, she added: 'I feel like lightening only strikes the same place once and that I've got a new lease on life. I need to live life to the fullest right now.' Tyler Smith (right), 17, was killed in the parking lot of Seelye Kia, along with his father, Rich (left), while they were looking at cars, multiple reports suggest The teenager was a senior at the nearby Mattawan High School. Students paid respects to him on Twitter Flowers are placed in front of the car dealership where the father and son were brutally gunned down Sisters-in-law Mary Jo Nye, 60, (left) and Mary Lou Nye, 63, (right) were killed during the shooting spree Barbara Hawthorne (left), 68, and Dorothy Brown (right), 70, were also identified as victims of the rampage. None of those shot and killed are believed to have known Dalton A general view of the Cracker Barrel where a gunman went on a shooting rampage, killing four in the parking lot Flowers lie near a makes shift memorial outside a Cracker Barrel in Kalamazoo, just a day after four women were shot dead in the parking lot Flowers appeared outside the Cracer Barrel on Saturday night, just hours after the tragic shooting occurred Flowers lie next to a makeshift memorial after a shooting near a car dealership where a father and son were killed in a shooting An Indianapolis man, who only identified himself as Derek, visiting Kalamazoo with his family said he was brought face-to-face with Dalton when he took an Uber just minutes before the driver was arrested. He told WOOD TV he had heard about the random shootings, but did not know there was an Uber connection. His family piled into Dalton's car, with Derek in the front seat and his wife and in-laws in the back seat. 'My father mentioned from the back seat, you know, the situation with the shooter,' Derek said. 'I kind of jokingly said to the driver, 'You're not the shooter, are you?' He gave me some sort of a 'no' response shook his head 'I said, 'Are you sure?' And he said, 'No, I'm not, I'm just tired'. And we proceeded to have a pretty normal conversation after that.' Their car ride to the Radisson Hotel was a mile and a half and only lasted seven minutes, and they were dropped off at 12.19am. Derek said he didn't notice anything suspicious about Dalton's car, like the smell of gun powder or a visible weapon. Twenty minutes later, Dalton was arrested. Derek said upon reflection of the car ride, Dalton's response to the killer joke was odd, but his family didn't realize they could have been in the car with a suspected killer until turning on the news in their hotel room and hearing a description of the killer and his vehicle. The following morning when they saw Dalton's picture, they were sure they were in his car. 'It was the same guy,' he told WOOD TV. 'It's a little jarring. I don't think that it's really set in yet.' Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas described a terrifying series of attacks that began about 6 p.m. Saturday outside the Meadows apartment complex on the eastern edge of Kalamazoo County, where a woman was shot multiple times. She was expected to survive. Dalton was arrested in a car he had been using to drop off and pick up passengers in between the attacks at three different locations - a restaurant parking lot, a car dealership and an apartment complex. Some who got in his car to use his service said he was driving erratically and one even called 911 to report his bizarre behavior when they got out. People gather and pray at Centerpoint Church in Kalamazoo on Sunday following a mass shooting that killed six People hug at a vigil at Centerpoint Church on Sunday after a random shooting killed six people in Kalamazoo County, Michigan on Saturday A woman consoles a friend at the vigil at Centerpoint Church on Sunday for the six victims of Saturday's shooting Members of the community pray before the start of the Kalamazoo Community Prayer Service at Centerpoint Church on in Kalamazoo People hold hands and pray at Centerpoint Church on Sunday following Saturday's tragic random shootings People sing during worship at a vigil after a random shooting killed six people in Kalamazoo County Vigil attendees gathered at Centerpoint Church in Kalamazoo to mourn and pray following the mass shooting Dalton was apprehended and taken into custody without a struggle and police found a semi-automatic handgun inside, according to reports. Michigan State police identified four casualties who were shot in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel Mary Lou Nye, 63, Mary Jo Nye, 60, Dorothy Brown, 74, and Barbara Hawthorne, 68. High school senior Tyler Smith, 17, was killed in the parking lot of Seelye Kia, along with his father, Rich, while they were looking at cars, multiple reports suggest. One of those wounded was a 14-year-old girl who was even pronounced dead at the hospital, but showed she was still alive by squeezing her mother's hand. Dalton's neighbor said he knew the man had a pistol because the two of them 'talked about it'. James Block said that police carried boxes from the house next door Sunday morning. Block said he and Dalton would talk at the fence separating their properties, and that Dalton was an insurance adjuster who did auto body damage estimates. He said Dalton was home 'between the shootings' because his niece saw Dalton pull out of his driveway an hour before the first shooting occurred. Gary Pardo Jr, whose parents live across the street from Dalton in Kalamazoo Township, described him as a family man who seemed fixated on cars and often worked on them. 'He would go a month without mowing his lawn but was very meticulous with his cars,' Pardo said, explaining that Dalton, at times, owned a Chevrolet Camaro and two Hummer SUVs. Progressive Insurance confirmed that he once worked for the company before leaving in 2011. Dalton was an insurance adjuster who did auto-body estimates and once taught an auto-body repair class at an area community college, said Block. 'He loved to do things outside with his kids' like taking them for rides on his lawn tractor, Block said. Police were at Dalton's home early Sunday morning and carried out multiple boxes, said James Block, who lives next door. He said Dalton was a great neighbor for 17 years. The two men would talk at the fence that separates their properties. Block said he knew Dalton had a handgun because the two men had discussed it. Something out of the ordinary happened Saturday night not long after the shootings began, he said. About 7pm, Block's niece saw Dalton drive out his driveway. When he got to the street, he stopped and rapidly backed toward his garage, turning his vehicle so the lights shined toward Block's house, Block said. Then he drove off, Block said. 'He was there between the shootings,' Block said. Dalton's wife and children were unhurt, authorities said. Michigan Lt Gov Brian Calley prays at a vigil at Centerpoint Church after a random shooting killed six people in Kalamazoo County Vigil attendees hug at Ceterpoint church on Sunday following the mass shooting that left six people dead A woman wipes a tear from a friend's face before the start of the Kalamazoo Community Prayer Service at Centerpoint Church on Sunday A woman consoles a friend at Centerpoint Church, where people gathered to pray following Saturday's shooting A couple prays at a vigil after a random shooting killed six people in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, on Saturday Dalton does not have a criminal history and has not suffered from mental illness in the past. But neighbors told WWMT he had been paranoid in the months leading up to the shooting and had been known to fire guns randomly. Gary Pardo told MLive that Dalton 'didn't seem like that kind of guy' who would do such a thing. Police confirmed on Sunday that his family were safe as they searched his home. The two scenes where bystanders were shot and killed were the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Texas Township and at the Seelye Ford dealership in Kalamazoo County. Four people, those identified by police, died at the Cracker Barrel restaurant, while a 14-year-old girl was seriously injured. Police said the suspect got out of his vehicle and shot people while they were sitting in two cars in the parking lot - a Chevrolet Cruze and an Oldsmobile. One of those he killed was Mary Jo Nye, a former English teacher from the nearby Calhoun Community High School. She is being remembered as a teacher who could help even the most reluctant students become better writers. Tara Egnatuk, assistant director of the Calhoun Community High School, said she worked for six years with Nye at the alternative school that serves many at-risk students. Egnatuk says that Nye helped write the charter to create the school. Egnatuk spent hours in Nye's classroom and was mentored by her during the time they worked together. She says Nye was able to get students to become better writers by taking 'baby steps' to get them to open up. She adds that Nye 'played a really integral part in a lot of kids' lives'. Nye's sister-in-law, Mary Lou Nye, was also killed in the shooting. Friends have organized a GoFundMe page for their family. Patrick Mallon Jr said he didn't know 74-year-old Dorothy Brown well, but what he did know he liked. After she moved in two doors down in Battle Creek about 10 years ago, the woman everyone knew as Judy would come over with herbs she grew. Mallon said she would always wave and say hello and whenever he and his wife went on vacation, Brown would keep an eye on the house and feed their cat. Mallon said Brown had two grown sons, with one living in California and the other in Florida. Tammy George said the woman who was shot outside the apartment building is her next-door neighbor. She and her family heard the gunfire, ran outside and saw the woman on the ground. Four bullets flew into a closet of George's home, she said. Her son, James, was playing video games with two friends a few feet away from where the bullets pierced the wall. 'I checked out the back window and saw a car speeding off,' said James George, 17. On Sunday morning, Tammy George came outside to clean the parking lot. 'I was worried about the kids coming out and seeing their mom's blood,' she said. 'I cleaned it up. No kid should have to come out and see their parent's blood on the ground.' Previous reports suggested that the 14-year-old had died, but she managed to show signs of life in the hospital. Bullet holes that pierced the siding of a townhome are marked by investigators following the shooting spree A BMW sits in the parking lot of a car dealership that was targeted during the shooting spree on Saturday Six people died and at least two were injured in a shooting spree in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Saturday night Undersheriff Paul Maty speaks to local news crews before the suspect was apprehended First Lt Dale Hinz said: 'She's in extremely critical condition but she's still clinging to life.' Michigan Governor Rick Snyder said the 14-year-old is 'working hard to stay alive'. The governor visited hospitals Sunday to meet with her family and the family of another victim. He said the girl has 'all our thoughts and prayers'. A father and his 17-year-old son were killed while looking for cars at a dealership, which is located four miles from the restaurant, police said. A woman was also seriously injured by multiple bullets in a shooting at 5.45pm near the Meadows Townhomes in Richland Township, according to News 8. She told police she did not know Dalton. Uber confirmed to Daily Mail Online that Dalton was a driver with the company. They added that he had passed background checks with the company. Chief Security Officer Joe Sullivan told Daily Mail Online: 'We are horrified and heartbroken at the senseless violence in Kalamazoo, Michigan. 'Our hearts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this devastating crime and those recovering from injuries. A Kalamazoo resident described the Cracker Barrel restaurant as a 'friendly, family-oriented place.' 'It's crazy. You would never expect this to happen in your city,' Cameron Wyatt told Daily Mail Online. With a population of about 75,000, Kalamazoo is about 160 miles west of Detroit. It is home to Western Michigan University and the headquarters of popular craft beer maker Bell's Brewery. The city also is known for the anonymously funded Kalamazoo Promise program, which has paid college tuition of students who graduate from Kalamazoo Public Schools for more than a decade. Chief Jeff Hadley of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety told MLive after the shooting it was 'totally unprovoked, random acts of violence'. 'We are still trying to figure out the motive,' he added. Dalton is set to be arraigned on Monday. Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting said on Sunday morning more people would have died if Dalton had not been arrested. Police cordoned off the area around a car dealership in Kalamazoo, Michigan where two people were killed Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas said the situation was a 'worst-case scenario' The director of the FBI has penned an open letter to Apple asking them to comply with a judge's order for the company to unlock the iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino shooters. Apple has so far refused the federal order, claiming it would undermine encryption by creating a backdoor that could potentially be used on other future devices. But James Comey's emotive letter posted on Law Fare Sunday calls on the tech giant to see beyond the supposed implications of the hack and reflect on the 'context of this heart-breaking case'. Comey writes that the FBI 'doesn't want to break anyone's encryption or set a master key loose on the land' and that the matter is 'about the victims and justice. Fourteen people were slaughtered and many more had their lives and bodies ruined'. The director of the FBI, James Comey (left) has penned an open letter to Apple asking them to comply with a judge's order for the company to unlock the iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino shooters. This comes after Tim Cook (right) wrote a ferocious refusal of the federal order Tuesday Comey: 'So I hope folks will remember what terrorists did to innocent Americans at a San Bernardino office gathering'. Pictured: Tashfeen Malik, left, and Syed Farook who killed 14 people in a December 2 shooting at a holiday luncheon for Farook's co-workers 'We owe them a thorough and professional investigation under law. That's what this is. The American people should expect nothing less from the FBI.' In response to the Apple CEO's suggestion the order 'has implications far beyond the legal case at hand', Comey writes that the particular legal issue that the hack poses is 'actually quite narrow'. He explains that they simply 'want the chance, with a search warrant, to try to guess the terrorist's pass code without the phone essentially self-destructing' and do not want to set a 'master key lose on the land'. Comey ends the piece by saying that it's not up to Apple - that 'sell stuff for a living' - or the FBI - 'which investigates for a living' - to decide on whether the proposed hack is right, it is up to the American people to decide how they want to be governed in a world of the 'unknown'. FBI DIRECTOR JAMES COMEY'S LETTER TO APPLE IN FULL The San Bernardino litigation isn't about trying to set a precedent or send any kind of message. It is about the victims and justice. Fourteen people were slaughtered and many more had their lives and bodies ruined. We owe them a thorough and professional investigation under law. That's what this is. The American people should expect nothing less from the FBI. The particular legal issue is actually quite narrow. The relief we seek is limited and its value increasingly obsolete because the technology continues to evolve. We simply want the chance, with a search warrant, to try to guess the terrorist's passcode without the phone essentially self-destructing and without it taking a decade to guess correctly. That's it. We don't want to break anyone's encryption or set a master key loose on the land. I hope thoughtful people will take the time to understand that. Maybe the phone holds the clue to finding more terrorists. Maybe it doesnt. But we can't look the survivors in the eye, or ourselves in the mirror, if we don't follow this lead. Reflecting the context of this heart-breaking case, I hope folks will take a deep breath and stop saying the world is ending, but instead use that breath to talk to each other. Although this case is about the innocents attacked in San Bernardino, it does highlight that we have awesome new technology that creates a serious tension between two values we all treasure: privacy and safety. That tension should not be resolved by corporations that sell stuff for a living. It also should not be resolved by the FBI, which investigates for a living. It should be resolved by the American people deciding how we want to govern ourselves in a world we have never seen before. We shouldn't drift to a placeor be pushed to a place by the loudest voicesbecause finding the right place, the right balance, will matter to every American for a very long time. So I hope folks will remember what terrorists did to innocent Americans at a San Bernardino office gathering and why the FBI simply must do all we can under the law to investigate that. And in that sober spirit, I also hope all Americans will participate in the long conversation we must have about how to both embrace the technology we love and get the safety we need. Advertisement He emphasizes the delicate balance between 'embracing the technology we love' and 'getting the safety we need'. Comey's stirring words come as the matter escalated further on Friday, when the Justice Department demanded that a judge 'immediately order Apple to give it technical tools to access the phone'. Prosecutors declared that Apple's refusal to comply 'appears to be based on its concern for its business model and public brand marketing strategy rather than a legal rationale'. Hours after the DOJ filed the motion, Trump called for a boycott on the company until it complies with the court order. The company had already been given an order last Tuesday by Judge Sheri Pym to assist in hacking the phone, which illicited the fiery response from Apple CEO Tim Cook, who released a message to its customers explaining how the government wants to 'hack our own users and undermine decades of security advancements that protect our customers'. Comey writes in open letter: 'It is about the victims and justice. Fourteen people were slaughtered and many more had their lives and bodies ruined'. Pictured above, the 14 victims who lost their lives in the attack In response to the Apple CEO's suggestion the order 'has implications far beyond the legal case at hand', Comey writes that the particular legal issue that the hack poses is 'actually quite narrow'. Above, the suspects' battered SUV Prosecutors said the company has chosen to repudiate a judge's order instead of following it. The department also says Apple designs its products to allow technology - 'rather than the law' - to control access to critical data. Apple CEO Tim Cook first said that the company would be fighting the order in a strongly-worded statement issued Wednesday, saying complying with the FBI's orders would set a 'dangerous precedent'. Perhaps the biggest dig at Apple in the latest motion was prosecutors' allegations that the company was doing it all to enhance its brand. WHAT INVESTIGATORS WANT Judge Sheri Pym of U.S. District Court in Los Angeles said that Apple must provide 'reasonable technical assistance' to investigators seeking to unlock the data on an iPhone 5C that had been owned by Syed Rizwan Farook. That assistance includes disabling the phone's auto-erase function, which activates after 10 consecutive unsuccessful passcode attempts, and helping investigators to submit passcode guesses electronically. However, Apple says this is akin to 'a master key, capable of opening hundreds of millions of locks - from restaurants and banks to stores and homes.' Advertisement In the motion, prosecutors claim that before Apple updated the software on their iPhones, the company regularly complied with government warrants to search phones. Apple executives pointed out Thursday that Syed Farook's iCloud account had been reset with a new passcode by his employer, the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, who owned the phone just 24 hours after the shooting. Had that not happened his cloud would have been accessible if the phone was taken to a location where it recognized the Wi-Fi network according to ABC News. This is just one of the four different ways Apple has offered to help the government get information from the phone they claim without using a backdoor that would allow them to hack directly into the device. The fierce battle comes despite Apple having apparently complied with the Chinese government's demand to show it secret data one year ago. In January last year Quartz reported that according to Chinese news agencies, Apple agreed to let the Chinese government perform 'security checks' to confirm that there were no 'backdoors' that might let the US government read Chinese citizens' data. Long history: Cook meets vice premier Li Keqiang in 2012. Although Apple has had huge success in China, the company says it 'never will' allow governments to access it servers The country had threatened Apple's access to the Chinese market. Quartz writer Joon Ian Wong raised the issue again on Wednesday in the light of the San Bernardino shootings, asking what Apple had done to comply with the Chinese government's request, and whether this was inconsistent with their current attitude towards the FBI. Exactly what, if any, information was handed over after the meeting was never made explicit, but analysts told Quartz that it would most likely be the source code the raw programming that is used to make the machines work. If so, it was suggested, giving over that data might allow China to build its own software capable of hacking Apple products. In the case relating to San Bernadino, if Apple continues to refuse to comply with the order, the matter could be referred to the Supreme Court. A newlywed couple have saved a 'sick and injured' puppy from the streets of Thailand after the three-month-old was found limping near death more than a week after he was hit by a scooter. Nicole Marchment, 35, and Darren Budini, 36, were honeymooning in the island of Koh Chang and had been feeding stray animals when they spotted the puppy. He was roughly three-months-old and cute as a button, but extremely sick,' Ms Marchment wrote on a gofundme page, where the married couple are now crowdfunding veterinary costs for the 'tiny, black and mangy puppy' they've since named Ozzie. The newlyweds soon cancelled their honeymoon plans in the hopes of finding him an adoptive family in Thailand. But when that fell through, Ozzie, whose breed is a mystery, was jet set to the USA to be quarantined so he might soon join his new family with Ms Marchment and Mr Budini in Australia. Scroll down for video Ozzie, the puppy Brisbane couple Nicole Marchment, 35, and Darren Budini, 36, saved from the streets of Thai island Koh Chang during their honeymoon (pictured, suffering skin condition) The newlyweds decided to cancel their honeymoon to save his life, and took the six-hour journey from the island to Pattaya in search of a surgeon 'Ozzie belonged with us,' Ms Marchment told Daily Mail Australia. 'He was our honeymoon dog. He has to come and live with us. There is no way that this wasn't meant to be.' They were feeding stray dogs when injured three-month-old puppy Ozzie crawl out of the jungle Now about seven-months-old, Ozzie has been suffering mange, ehrlichia canis, methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), arthrodesis, distended belly, lethargy, severe nerve damage and a severe ear infection. But the couple, who have experience caring for disabled dogs, never considered simply having him put to sleep. He got through so much that we couldnt give up on him, Ms Marchment told Daily Mail Australia. He had so many things happen which should have killed him but didnt. There was no way we were ever going to be allowed to give up on him. Hes just too strong. 'He should have been dead ten times over,' the 35-year-old said. 'Hes gonna come out of this super happy and healthy.' The couple discovered there was only one vet on the island (right) who had limited medical equipment and was ultimately unable to help Ozzie spends his first night indoors, sleeping alongside his new found family (pictured asleep next to Ms Marchment) It all started on October 16 when they fed the puppy who limped out of the jungle to greet them. The couple cared for him at their accommodation, bathed him, removed ticks and made medical splints using ice-cream sticks (pictured) We took him back to our accommodation while we made enquiries about vets, bathed him, pulled 26 ticks from his little body and splinted his leg with ice-cream sticks, Ms Marchment wrote, adding the couple had eaten four Magnum ice-creams to improvise medical splints. But Ms Marchment and Mr Budini discovered there was only one vet on the island, who had little medical equipment and was ultimately unable to help. We walked out with heavy hearts and Ozzie in our hands,' the 35-year-old wrote. It was then the newlyweds decided to cancel their honeymoon to save his life, and took the six-hour journey to Pattaya in search of a surgeon. 'Ozzie belonged with us,' Ms Marchment told Daily Mail Australia. 'He was our honeymoon dog. He has to come and live with us. There is no way that this wasn't meant to be' They found Ozzie a place at Pattaya Animal Hospital where he stayed for two-months to have a metal rod inserted into his leg (Mr Budini pictured far right with veterinary staff and Ozzie) Their visa for Thailand soon expired, but theyd found Ozzie a place at Pattaya Animal Hospital where he stayed for two-months to have a metal rod inserted into his leg. Ozzie had a metal rod inserted into his leg We struggled to find Ozzie a home in Thailand, Ms Marchment wrote. We decided he would need to be exported from Thailand to increase his chances of a permanent home outside shelter life. With strict Australian quarantine laws, Ozzie was not able to join his adoptive parents immediately, and needs to wait it out 180 days in the USA until July 9. Kind stranger Geoff Masanet, who Ms Marchment credits as a superhero, volunteered to bring Ozzie on the 40-hour journey from Thailand to Chicago on Christmas Day. It was a priceless Christmas gift to Ozzie for his new life, who they said flew like royalty. '[Mr Masanet has] been essential in saving Ozzie. Theres no way we could have done this without him. On landing in the USA, Mr Masanet and Ozzie were met with a snow storm. 'So Ozzie quickly learnt how to make the climate transition from tropical jungle puppy to hairless snow monkey,' Ms Marchment wrote. Ozzie has been suffering mange, ehrlichia canis, methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), arthrodesis, distended belly, lethargy, severe nerve damage and a severe ear infection (pictured with his first chew toy and paperwork to leave for the USA) Kind stranger Geoff Masanet, who Ms Marchment credits as a superhero, volunteered to bring Ozzie on the 40-hour journey from Thailand to Chicago and Christmas Day (pictured at airport) When the temporary adoption fell through in Wisconsin, Mr Masanet continued caring for Ozzie with the help of his parents until the puppy can be brought to Australia. But Ms Marchment and Mr Budini have since run out of money, and now a bump has begun to grow from the puppys injured leg where the bottom screw of the metal rod is coming out. Ozzie is undergoing urgent specialist surgery on Monday for a bone infection, adding many more dollars to the veterinary costs which may result in amputation. The Brisbane newlyweds have already delayed home repayments and have begun crowdfunding costs to ensure Ozzie can be healthy, rehabilitated' and eventually brought to his new home. When the temporary adoption fell through in Wisconsin, Mr Masanet (pictured with sick Ozzie) continued caring for Ozzie with the help of his father until the puppy can be brought to Australia Ozzie is undergoing urgent specialist surgery on Monday for a bone infection, adding many more dollars to the veterinary costs which may result in amputation As a couple, just married who had changed their honeymoon itinerary to rescue him, we didnt have a whole lot of savings left to do this alone, Ms Marchment wrote. So far, theyve raised just over $3,200 of the $7,600 they need to get him over the line though the costs are constantly growing. If we cannot raise enough money to get Ozzie to Australia, we will certainly seek a home for him in the USA. For us, it was and still is only about saving his life and his quality of life. It was a huge decision to ask people to help us, to put Ozzie through the massive transitions, to commit to adding him to our family for the rest of his life but we took on the challenge and have all the people who have supported us to thank. As a couple, just married who had changed their honeymoon itinerary to rescue him, we didnt have a whole lot of savings left to do this alone, Ms Marchment wrote 'He's got a lot of spirit. He's very vocal,' Ms Marchment told Daily Mail Australia. His hair is beginning to grow back Its probably one of the hardest things Ive ever done, not just emotionally but also logistically, Ms Marchment told Daily Mail Australia, particularly as they've had to organise his recovery from the other side of the world. Ozzie in snowy USA, the opposite climate to Thailand Despite his health conditions and the pain he must suffer, Ms Marchment said Ozzie is 'awesome' and 'really happy'. 'He's got a lot of spirit. He's very vocal.' His hair is beginning to grow back, but it's far from over for him and the newlywed couple. 'We cant do this on our own. We didnt have the money to do this,' Ms Marchment told Daily Mail Australia. 'We need tonnes of help.' You can donate to the gofundme page here. Despite his health conditions and the pain he must suffer, Ms Marchment said Ozzie is 'awesome' and 'really happy' This is the adorable moment a 106-year-old woman met President Barack Obama for the first time - and turned it into a dance party. The minute Virginia McLaurin sees Obama as she walks into the White House she yells 'Hi!' to the president, opening her arms wide with excitement as he comes over and takes her hands. How are you? he asks, a huge grin on his face. Im fine, she replies, already dancing excitedly. The minute Virginia McLaurin sees Obama as she walks into the White House she yells 'Hi!' to the president as he comes over and takes her hands Virginia then gives Michelle a hug as the First Lady tells her 'I wanna be like you when I grow up' Oh its so nice to see you, Obama says and she tells him Its an honor, its an honor. Obama then asks Virginia if she wants to say hi to Michelle and she enthusastically waves to the First Lady and says Yes. Still holding Obamas hands, she immediately begins walking over as Obama jokingly tells her to slow down. Shes 106! Obama tells Michelle. No you are not! Oh my goodness,' Michelle responds. 'I wanna be like you when I grow up, she tells Virginia. You can, Virginia says with a smile, as she starts to dance. You can, Virginia says with a smile, as she starts to dance and Michelle immediately joins in Obama grabs Virginias hand to join the groove session, asking her Whats the secret to still dancing at 106? Just keep movin she says as Michelle continues to dance with her before complimenting her manicure Michelle immediately joins in and Obama grabs Virginias hand to join the groove session, asking her Whats the secret to still dancing at 106? Just keep movin she says as Michelle continues to dance with her. Were so happy to have you here, the First Lady tells her, and look at those nails!', she says, admiring Virginia's purple manicure. The overjoyed Virginia continues to dance in the middle of the couple, letting out a Wooo! as they take some pictures. I thought I would never live to get in the White House, Virginia tells then the president. Virginia continues to dance in the middle of the couple, letting out a Wooo! as they take some pictures Virginia then tells Obama she is so happy she got to see a black man become president Well you are right here!' Obama and Michelle exclaim. And I tell you, Virginia continues. I am so happy. A black president, she says, shaking Obamas hand and looking at him with pride. And Im here to celebrate black history. Yea! Thats what Im here for, she adds, doing a little jig again. Were glad to have you here, a beaming Obama tells her as Virginia laughs. You have just made our day, Michelle says. You know that? That energy. Well, Virginia says. You made my day. Virginia's White House dance party came a year after a petition was launched to help get her an invite. A gunmaker who produced the rifle used by the killer in the Sandy Hook massacre will today ask a judge to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the families of some of the victims. Freedom Group, based in Madison, North Carolina, is the parent company of AR-15 maker Bushmaster Firearms, which made the weapon used by 20-year-old Adam Lanza, who gunned down 26 people including 20 children at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. They argue that they are protected by a 2005 federal law that shields gun manufacturer from most lawsuits over criminal use of their products. A state police officer holds up a rifle of the same make and model used by Adam Lanza in the Sandy Hook shooting. The gun maker who produces the rifles will today ask a judge to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the families of some of the victims It comes as lawyers for the plaintiff, who include the families of nine children and adults who died and a teacher who survived, say the lawsuit is permitted under federal law. The argue that there is an exception that allows litigation against companies that know, or should know, that their weapons are likely to be used in a way that risks injury to others. Adam Lanza used a Bushmaster XM15-E2S rifle, when unned down 26 people including 20 children at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut They also add that the lawsuit appears to be the first of its kind against a manufacturer to claim that exception. Bridgeport Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis is set to hear arguments this afternoon on the Freedom Group's motion to dismiss the case. But Nicole Hockley, whose son Dylan was killed in the shooting said: 'No lawsuit will ever bring back any of the 26 innocent lives that were stolen or bring peace to the families that will never recover from this. 'We're bringing this lawsuit to save others families from having to live with the nightmare that we do every single day.' The Sandy Hoot Elementary School massacre unfolded when Lanza walked into the school with the Bushmaster XM15-E2S rifle and started shooting at children and teachers. Before the shooting, he had killed his mother at their home in Newtown before going to the school a few miles away. As police arrived at the school after the shooting, he then turned the gun on himself. Afterwards it was revealed that his mother had legally purchased the rifle. Lawyers for the plaintiff will argue during the case that the Bushmaster rifle used in the shooting is too dangerous to sell to the general public. The families are seeking unspecified monetary damages and other potential court actions. State police lead terrified children from the Sandy Hook Elementary School after the attack. Lawyers for the plaintiff will argue during the case that the Bushmaster rifle used in the shooting is too dangerous to sell to the general public Meanwhile Freedom Group denies the allegation saying that Congress passed the 2005 law, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, to protect gun makers from lawsuits over the criminal use of firearms, after determining the lawsuits were an abuse of the legal system. Debate over the law has resurfaced in this year's presidential campaign. Hillary Clinton has criticized fellow Democrat Bernie Sanders' support of the 2005 law when it passed. 'Hopefully...my son can have the same amount of fun I did' Mr Levins said he hopes the laws are loosened The laws are killing off the kind of special late night club sets they adore A young father who protested Sydney's late night lockouts in a viral photo says the laws are killing off the special late night club moments where he first met his wife. DJ Andrew Levins and his partner Bianca were pictured at a rally on Sunday with their son Archie, 2, and a striking sign which read mum and daddy met on the dancefloor at 2am. Mr Levins first met his partner in 2007 after introducing himself to her at a Thursday late night party at a grungy Kings Cross club. But ever since the state government introduced 1.30am lockout rules in 2013 there have been 'less and less' of those club sets. Scroll down for video This picture Andrew Levins, his wife Bianca and son Archie, 2, has gone viral on Instagram and Facebook Mr Levins said there are 'less and less' special late night sets - and moments - since the 1.30am lockouts were introduced in 2013 Mr Levins, pictured with his partner, joked the sign made it sound like he had been 'married at 3am' - when his nightclub meeting had just been the start of a friendship with Bianca A writer and a DJ, Mr Levins (pictured at a party) said he 'lives' for the final moments of a club night around 4 or 5am I feel like its a special moment, in those last few hours of the club being open, at like 4 or 5am, Mr Levins said. The music starts to get a bit slower and a bit more emotional, theres a real togetherness about everyone whos been there the entire night. Ive always loved playing the last set, bringing out some songs everyone knows and hasnt heard for awhile, everyone gets closer. Those are all my favourite memories just before its time to go home and youre pushing through because you want to hear that last song. 'It becomes less about dancing and more karaoke. I live for moments like that. With the lockout laws there's less and less of them. Mr Levins, then a DJ, introduced himself to his future partner, a nightclub promoter, at a similar party in 2007. Big day on the town: Around 15,000 people were estimated to have packed Sydney streets to protest the controversial laws Very Baird puns! The name of Premier Mike Baird - who penned a fiery post in defence of the laws - was regularly bandied around in protest signs The Star Casino in Pyrmont is exempt from the lockout laws (poster at left shows James Packer, who owns the casino, during a well-publicised street fight) and was also a target of protesters' ire It was a chance encounter he doesnt believe would have happened if the current laws were in place. There was a real crew that came out every single week, Mr Levins said. (Bianca and I) became friends and through being out at nightclubs got to know each other before we started dating. The couple were joined in protesting the lockout laws on Sunday by an estimated 15,000 people, many who wielded signs attacking New South Wales Premier Mike Baird. Baird was bombarded with negative comments on Facebook after he publicly responded to a piece criticising the impact of the lockout laws written by businessman Matt Barrie. 'We hit the dance floor not each other,' one poster said. Another had superimposed Premier Baird's face onto a chicken or vegetable stock product with the words 'laughing stock' Many of the protesters wielded signs critical of Premier Mike Baird The sign Mr and Mrs Levins were pictured with had actually been made for another couple in the same circumstances. Mr Levins said he hoped the lockout laws would be loosened to allow his son to have as much of a good time with Sydney's nightlife as he did. Hopefully the laws are loosened somewhat and my son can have the same amount of fun I did,' he said. White House rep said the extra security that would be required if Obama had attended the mass could have been 'disruptive' Members of the Italian-American community have joined in criticizing President Obama for not attending Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's funeral mass on Saturday. Justice Scalia was the first Italian American on the Supreme Court when he was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1986. Philip Fogalia, the vice president of the Italian-American museum, said Italian-Americans take paying respects at funerals 'very seriously'. Scroll down for video Barack and Michelle Obama paid their respects on Friday, but the president drew criticism for not attending the service on Saturday. The White House Press Secretary said Obama will be reviewing potential nominees this weekend Trump called out the President for his controversial decision not to attend Scalia's funeral mass Saturday The president and first lady nstead paid their respects on Friday while Scalia lays in repose at the Supreme Court (pictured) 'Justice Scalia was a milestone for the community,' he told the New York Post. 'The president's absence was disappointing and ill-advised.' Neil Mattera, the president of the New York-based Columbus Alliance, saw it as a slight to the Italian-American community as a whole. Their comments come just a day after Donald Trump jumped on the bandwagon as conservative critics took Obama's absence as a political slight. 'I wonder if President Obama would have attended the funeral of Justice Scalia if it were held in a Mosque?' the Republican presidential candidate tweeted. 'Very sad that he did not go!' Obama faced a raft of criticism for the decision not to attend all week, with many calling it a 'deliberate snub'. The president and first lady Michelle were among more than 6,000 people who paid tribute to Scalia at the Supreme Court on Friday in the first day of official mourning . The White House has defended the decision, and implied that one reason for his absence could be down to the 'potential for the extensive presidential security detail to be disruptive', reported the New York Times. Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary said: 'Obviously, when the vice president travels to some place, his security footprint is at least a little bit lighter.' 'But given his personal relationship with the family and given the president's desire to find a respectful way to pay tribute to Justice Scalia's service to the country, we believe we have settled on an appropriate and respectful arrangement.' Washington mourned the late Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia on Saturday morning during a funeral mass attended by thousands Widow Maureen McCarthy Scalia (center) walks behind the casket as it is is brought out of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC Earnest also added it was 'disrespectful' for Obama's critics to use the funeral 'as some sort of political cudgel.' He said: 'The president doesn't think that that's appropriate, and in fact, what the president thinks is appropriate is respectfully paying tribute to high-profile patriotic American citizens even when you don't agree on all the issues. 'And that's what he's going to do.' But many saw Obama's lack of attendance as nothing short of a partisan snub. MSNBC host Chris Hayes said: 'Some amazing advice my mom gave me once: 'If you're wondering whether you should go to the funeral, you should go to the funeral.' And in response to this, the communications director for Jeb Bush, Tim Miller, simply tweeted: 'Same.' Republicans criticized President Obama, and saw his lack of attendance as a 'snub'. Presidential candidate Donald Trump tweeted: 'I wonder if President Obama would have attended the funeral of Justice Scalia if it were held in a Mosque? Very sad that he did not go!' But Ed Whelan, a former Scalia clerk who now heads the Ethics and Public Policy Center commented: 'I wouldn't have expected President Obama to attend the funeral Mass, and I see no reason to fault him for not attending.' The funeral mass for Scalia was attended by thousands, including Vice President Joe Biden, Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz, and the remaining eight justices. One of Scalia's nine children, the Reverend Paul Scalia, led the procession on Saturday at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with a highly personal tribute to his dad. Scalia, who was the longest-serving member of the current Supreme Court, died last weekend at the age of 79 at a remote Texas ranch from natural causes. His casket was delivered on Saturday at 11am, draped by an American flag which was removed as it entered the church. Former Vice President Dick Cheney, left, and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas (upper right) take their seats at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday In addition to the eight justices sitting on the Supreme Court, retired justices John Paul Stevens and David H. Souter attended as well. Sandra Day O'Connor, 85, is currently in frail health and did not make it to Saturday's mass. Early arrivals included former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter Liz and Republican senators John Cornyn of Texas and Mike Lee of Utah. Several federal judges who are considered possible replacements for Scalia were also present, including Judges Sri Srinivasan and Patricia Millett and Chief Judge Merrick Garland, all of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Earnest said on Friday that the president planned to spend part of his weekend reviewing individuals who 'may be worthy of consideration'. A Bay Area billionaire who bought a seaside property only to close the beach to public access is asking the state of California to pay him $30 million to open it back up. Martin's Beach, located south of the city of Half Moon Bay near San Francisco, was bought by IT tycoon Vinod Khosla, 61, for $32.5 million in 2008. Two years later, Khosla closed the only gate through which the public could access the beach, citing liability insurance and maintenance costs, San Francisco Gate reported. Martin's Beach near San Francisco, California, was closed to the public after a billionaire bought property there Residents of California have filed multiple lawsuits for access to the beach The popular beach has been the subject of several lawsuits by people seeking to reopen it. The asking price of $30 million was mentioned in a letter sent by lawyers representing Khosla to Jennifer Lucchesi, executive director of the State Lands Commission, San Jose Mercury News first reported. 'We believe the fair market value is significantly less than that, she said Friday. As of today, we have not seen any documentation or analysis supporting the $30 million value,' Lucchesi told Mercury News in 2012. Gary Redenbacher, a Santa Cruz attorney who sued for access to the beach in the fall of 2012, said surfers have been arrested trying to reach the beach. In the lawsuit filed by Redenbacher, the beach is described as a place where 'generations of people picnicked, stoked barbecues, netted smelt, rode waves, watched sea lions, collected seashells and relaxed with family and friends.' IT billionaire Vinod Khosla, 61, bought property near Martin's Beach for $32.5 million and is asking for $30 million to allow public access A family who discovered a new born baby on their doorstep on Sunday night have revealed the mother left a note saying she was just 14 years old and 'my parents will kill me'. Grandparents, Anabella and Rodel Acuna, found the three-day-old baby boy in a pink bassinet on the doorstep of their Braeburn Street home in Griffith, south-western NSW. The baby was found at 11.40pm after someone rang the couple's doorbell. 'I saw something that looks like a bag on the doorstep so I slowly opened the door and found this baby,' Rodel Acuna told Daily Mail Australia. He described the baby boy as 'a little chubby' but 'very cute', and said the baby came with short a note from his teenage mother. Scroll down for video Griffith grandparents, Anabella and Rodel Acuna, found a three-day-old baby on their doorstep on Sunday The baby was left on this doorstep at 11.40pm on Sunday The couple say a note left with the baby revealed the mother was just 14, and that her parents did not know about the baby 'The note said please take care of my baby he is very wonderful baby I cannot take care of my baby because I am only 14 years old and my parents will kill me. 'He is a very big baby I thought he looked a month old but the note said he was born on Friday morning. 'He was in a pink coverall and wrapped in a pink cloth, we wondered why because he was a boy.' The couple called the police immediately. Mr Acuna says he believes his home was picked because all the lights were on. 'I was up watching TV I think I was the only house with the lights on in the street,' he said. Mr Acuna doesn't remember seeing anything suspicious but says a 'dark coloured car' had 'driven past slowly just after police showed up'. Mr Acuna was up late watching television and thinks his house was chosen because all the lights were on The grandparents called emergency services immediately after finding the child The little boy was left in a pink bassinet, wrapped in a pink blanket and wearing a pink coverall Police are searching for the mother and have told the Area News they are concerned for her safety and would 'really like to make sure she is ok'. 'Our priority is mum,' Superintendent Rowan from Griffith Local Area Command said. 'She's not in any trouble whatsoever, there must be a reason why this has taken place and we would like to assist her or members of her family and get to the bottom of it.' Police do not believe the baby was born at a local hospital, the ABC reports. 'We've made some inquiries with not only Griffith and other local hospitals, and it would appear that the baby hasn't been born in one of the local hospitals,' Superintendent Rowan said. Police are now searching for the boy's mother after they baby was found abandoned in the town in south-west NSW on Sunday night 'That's not to say he wasn't born at another hospital, somewhere else.' The young mother, or anyone who may know who she is, are being urged to come forward. The child was taken to hospital by authorities and has been put into the care of a local family by Family and Community Services. Authorities are appealing for her to come forward to receive medical care. Anyone with information on the mother's whereabouts is urged to come forward and contact Griffith Police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Speaking out: Shazia Mirza claims the British ISIS brides are less driven by love for Islam, and more by wanting to 'run away with an unsuitable boy' A British Muslim comedian claims the teenage girls who leave Western countries to become ISIS jihadi brides in Syria do it because they are 'suckers for bad boys'. Shazia Mirza, claims it's not about the young women becoming radicalised, but classic teenage rebellion of wanting to 'run away with an unsuitable boy. Mirza, 40, who was brought up in devout family in Birmingham, says that while ISIS fighters are barbaric murderers, to many teenage Muslims they are 'the One Direction of Islam'. Mirza, a former teacher turned comedian, is touching a raw nerve in her new show 'The Kardashians Made Me Do It', which asks why so many young Western Muslim girls choose to run away to join the Islamic State group. Speaking ahead of a gig in Paris, just down the street from one of the bars targeted by gunmen in November's jihadist attacks that left 130 dead, she said: 'Yes, they (IS fighters) may be barbaric... murderous psychopaths... 'But they are hairy, macho, they have guns and they're exciting... and that presses a lot of girls' buttons.' The West has got it all wrong on jihadi brides, she insisted. 'This is not about radicalisation, it's sexualisation. But for 'the repressed, rebellious horny teenage Muslim girls' that fall for them, she claimed, this reality is lost in the fantasy world built around their longing for romance and adventure. Mirza argued that for them IS fighters are a bad boy fantasy - 'the One Direction of Islam', pin-ups who promise 'no-guilt halal sex of which Allah approves'. Mirza, who comes from a devout Pakistani family and was raised in Britain, knows more than most about where these teenagers are coming from. 'Me and my friends were brought up in Birmingham the same way these girls were. If anything, our parents were stricter.' Up until now Mirza insisted her comedy was never 'political. It was all observational. I just told jokes.' But after three London teenagers made headlines around the world last year when they skipped school to run away to join IS in Syria, she realised her comedy might 'have something to say'. The 40-year-old British comedian says that while ISIS fighters are barbaric murderers, to many teenage Muslims they are 'the One Direction of Islam' (stock image) A former science teacher, she said she taught 'hundreds of Bangladeshi girls just like them in a secondary school just down the road from theirs. 'I was with a Bangladeshi friend when the news broke and we were both flabbergasted,' she added. 'But when we thought back to our 16-year-old selves we knew exactly why. Almost every Muslim woman I have talked knows this too, and I wondered why no one had just come out and said it. These girls are totally Western and British. What could be more British than driving your parents mad by running away with unsuitable boys? 'If some hot, hairy Muslim Brad Pitt had written to me at 15 and sent me pictures asking me to join him, it might have seemed like an exciting way out. But it would have been nothing to do with religion.' So she wrote 'The Kardashians Made Me Do It' - its title taken from one of the girl's shocked sisters, who told a British parliamentary inquiry that her missing sibling was more into celebrity culture than the Koran. 'I can't understand why she's gone,' she told MPs, 'she used to watch 'The Kardashians'.' Trying out the show around Britain, Mirza had found 'lots of Muslims who never normally go to comedy' staying behind to say, ''You are so right.'' There have been reports since that IS deliberately uses good-looking young men, - the so-called jihotties - as part of its social media strategy to 'groom' young female recruits. Lure of Islamist 1D: A number of British teenage girls have fled the country to join ISIS in Syria, with a number believed to have become members of the al-Khansaa' Brigade, ISIS' all-female police unit At their age, these girls would have known 'nothing about Islam', Mirza said. 'I went to Koran classes every day after school... it takes years to get to the essence.' Far from being radicalised, she is convinced they had sex on their minds rather than religion or to take revenge 'on the West... That is such a joke. These girls are totally Western and British,' she said, 'and were only three when America invaded Iraq. 'What could be more British than driving your parents mad by running away with unsuitable boys?' Mirza added. 'I was never allowed out of the house on my own, I didn't go on school trips, have white friends or was allowed to wear what I wanted,' she said. But Muslim girls soon learn how to lead double lives. 'When we went out we left totally covered and then changed into miniskirts in the toilets. I dyed my hair pink once and kept it hidden from my mum under my headscarf,' she added. Despite the November attack, Mirza is not worried about taking the show to La Java club in Paris on Wednesday. 'It is important we talk honestly,' she said. Muslims have to embrace comedy to help explain themselves, she said. 'It is like with the Jews, or the Irish when they were seen as terrorists. When things get tough, you have to get funny.' Not such a big man: Adolf Hitler suffered from a condition that is thought to have left him with a tiny penis as well as only having one testicle, according to historians He was famously said to only have one ball. But now Adolf Hitler is also thought to have had a tiny manhood. According to two historians, the Fuhrer suffered from hypospadias, a condition that can leave a man with a 'micro-penis'. It can also mean the sufferer has to urinate out of a hole at the base or underside of the shaft instead of the tip. The revelations come two months after a German historian claimed medical records showed that Hitler really did only have one testicle as claimed in famous song The Colonel Bogey March. Prison documents show Hitler was examined by Dr Josef Brinsteiner in 1923 and was found to have suffered from an undescended right testicle, according to Professor Peter Fleischmann. Now in the new book Hitler's Last Day: Minute by Minute, historians Jonathan Mayo and Emma Craigie claim he also suffered from a second deformity, it was reported by The Daily Star. They wrote: 'Hitler himself is believed to have had two forms of genital abnormality: an undescended testicle and a rare condition called penile hypospadias in which the urethra opens on the under side of the penis.' The two conditions would go a long way to explaining why the tyrant had a fear of being seen naked and could account for his deep-seated fury. His personal doctor Theodor Morell, a qualified urologist, is also believed to have noted Hitler's hypospadias. He is also understood to have given him hormones, amphetamines and cocaine in a bid to boost his sex drive with partner Eva Braun. In December, researchers from the University of Erlangen say they had found documents that appeared to back up the claim that Hitler only had one testicle, long considered a myth. Asleep on the job: The conditions would go a long way to explaining why the tyrant had a fear of being seen naked and his need for hormones and cocaine to boost his sex drive with partner Eva Braun (above) With hypospadias, the urethra emerges somewhere on the shaft or even the base of the penis, instead of at the tip. If the head of the penis is tipped backwards, it can make it impossible to urinate while standing WHAT ARE HYPOSPADIAS? With hypospadias, the urethra - through which urine is expelled - emerges somewhere on the shaft or even the base of the penis, instead of at the tip. Sometimes the head of penis is tipped backwards, making it impossible to urinate standing. The condition (pronounced as hi-poe-SPAY-dee-usis) is also linked with undescended testes, so sometimes the man is infertile. About 1 in 300 boys are born with some degree of hypospadias and those affected by it can have smaller-than-average penises or even a micro-penis. It is not known what causes it, although sometimes it runs in families. Many affected men never know they have a recognised condition and their parents never seek help, so doctors have been prevented from tracing inheritance patterns. The numbers affected have more than doubled in a generation, making it as common as cleft palate and hare lip. Advertisement His 'right-side chryptorchidism' was uncovered while he was in prison in 1923 after his failed Beer Hall Putsch, Fleischmann told Bild, according to the Local. The condition occurs when one or both testicles fail to descend during childhood. Sung to the tune of The Colonel Bogey March, the old wartime song had it that Hitler only had one testicle. The morale-boosting ditty emerged at the beginning of the Second World War as part of moves to ridicule the Fuhrer and his fellow leaders. It is not the first time the song's content has been addressed. For decades it was alleged that Hitler had lost his testicle at the battle of the Somme during the First World War. The lyrics go: 'Hitler has only got one ball, the other is in the Albert Hall. His mother, the dirty b****r, cut it off when he was small.' There were even tales of the infant Hitler having his penis bitten off by a goat into whose mouth he was attempting to urinate. The United States rejected peace talks with North Korea shortly before the rogue nation detonated a nuclear bomb, it has been revealed. State Department chiefs would not hold a summit after Pyongyang refused to reduce its nuclear arsenal. Kim Jong-un's administration then exploded a hydrogen bomb and launched a range rocket shortly after broaching peace talks. A statement on the breakdown was made by State Department spokesman John Kirby, after a piece in the Wall Street Journal claimed the Obama administration had secretly dropped its condition requiring North Korea to reduce its weapons as part of a peace agreement, over the Korean War. The United States rejected peace talks with Kim Jong-un's administration (pictured) shortly before North Korea detonated a nuclear bomb The WSJ said the Americans had called for North Korea's atomic weapons program to be just one part of the discussion, rather than the focus. Pyongyang declined the proposal, and its January 6 nuclear test ended the diplomatic plans, the newspaper also reported. Kirby said: 'To be clear, it was the North Koreans who proposed discussing a peace treaty. 'We carefully considered their proposal, and made clear that denuclearisation had to be part of any such discussion. 'The North rejected our response. Our response to the NK proposal was consistent with our longstanding focus on denuclearisation.' The isolated state has long sought a peace treaty with the United States and other parties in the 1950-53 Korean War, as well as an end to military exercises by South Korea and the United States, which has about 28,500 troops based in South Korea. Impoverished North Korea and rich, democratic South Korea remain technically at war after their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a treaty North Korea said on January 6 that it had tested a nuclear device it claimed was a hydrogen bomb, provoking condemnation from its neighbors and the United States. Weeks later, it launched a long-range rocket carrying what it called a satellite, prompting renewed criticism. On January 16, Pyongyang had demanded the conclusion of a peace treaty with the United States and a halt to U.S. military exercises with South Korea to end its nuclear tests. But U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said then that Pyongyang needed to demonstrate by its actions that it was serious about denuclearization before any dialogues could start. The Korean War ended in 1953 in an armistice, not a peace treaty, signed by the United States, representing United Nations forces; the North Korean military and the Chinese army. Daniel Ortiz Junior, 39, a TSA agent accused of stealing a $1,000 watch from a passenger's bag at Newark Airport in New Jersey A security agent has been arrested after being accused of stealing a watch worth $1,000 from a passenger's bag. Daniel Ortiz Junior, 39, of Woodland Park, was on duty as a Transportation Security Administration officer at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey last Tuesday. Witnesses allege that around 4.30pm, they saw him take the watch out of the man's bag while it went through a security screening and place it in his pocket. A Port Authority police spokesman said that when authorities went to confront Ortiz, they found the Michele Delo silver watch in the pocket of his pants. He was then arrested and is due in court in March 2. Newark Liberty International is one of the busiest airports in the United Stats, and serves the thousands of passengers each day coming into New York City. However, it is not the first time that TSA agents working at the airport have attracted the attention of the police. Last month, an agent was allegedly caught drink driving outside Newark airport. Meanwhile in 2012, eight airport security workers were suspended for alleged blunders including sleeping on duty and not checking luggage for potential bombs. Some of the suspended TSA screeners at Newark had even allegedly stolen items from passengers. Hidden CCTV cameras allegedly caught staff at Terminal B - which handles airlines including Delta, British Airways and Virgin - sleeping on the job. Boris Johnson's decision to defy David Cameron over Europe today caused the pound to slump and led to threats Britain's worldwide credit rating could be downgraded. The pound slid towards its lowest level against the dollar since the election in May 2010 and also fell against the euro, the yen and 14 other world currencies. The pound closed down 1.72 per cent to $1.4156, its worst daily performance since May 6 2010 - the day of the general election - when it fell 2.22 per cent. And hours later credit ratings agency Moody's warned it could downgrade the UK economy's current Aa1 rating if there is a Brexit on June 23. Experts believe that Boris Johnson's decision to back Britain leaving the EU has caused market uncertainty but investors are also spooked by the Prime Minister's renegotiation deal with Brussels. Shaken: Boris Johnson's decision to back a Brexit has even shaken the financial markets - sending the pound plummeting today against the dollar at around 6am (pictured) as the Asian markets opened overnight Scramble: The Mayor of London cycles through a crowd of journalists outside his London this morning as experts say his decision not to join the In campaign is troubling the markets Traders began selling off the pound this morning sending the price down 1.7 per cent - the biggest one-day drop sparked when the 2010 election produced no outright winner. When the markets opened this morning and the pound instantly dropped by 1.5 per cent - from $1.44 to the pound on Friday to just $1.419 today. If maintained, that would mark its biggest one-day fall for almost six years. Alvin Tan, a strategist with French bank Societe Generale in London said: 'The out camp were struggling to get a figurehead who was popular and Boris has given them that boost,' said Alvin Tan, a strategist with French bank Societe Generale in London. 'I think there is genuine worry that Britain might vote to leave and the uncertainty is going to rise into the referendum.' Sterling also fell sharply against euro, losing around one per cent to 78.08 pence per euro. The pound also dipped below 160 yen for the first time in more than two years. Currency markets were digesting the EU reform package secured by Prime Minister David Cameron ahead of an In/Out referendum on June 23. Five cabinet ministers including Justice Secretary Michael Gove and a swathe of Conservative backbenchers have also declared their support for Brexit. Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK, said the forthcoming EU referendum was adding to the many concerns 'troubling' investors, which included the impact of an economic slowdown in China. Karl Goody, from Shaw and Partners in Sydney, told Bloomberg News: 'People are looking at the sell-off this year and saying: enough is enough, there's been enough pain now'. Chris Weston of City firm IG said: 'BoJo (Boris Johnson) showing his hand does throw a spanner in the works, but the odds of a 'Brexit' are still around 35 per cent'. Row: Boris Johnson (right) informed David Cameron (left) that he was making the announcement by text just nine minutes, which would have infuriated the Prime Minister Mr Johnson announced on Sunday that he would back the Out campaign, stating that the EU was fuelling political disengagement by voters and driving the rise of extremist parties. He added that if the forthcoming referendum delivered a vote to remain in, Britain faced a further erosion of democracy. Mr Johnson's support for Brexit was seen as a blow to the Prime Minister. But Mr Cameron has been boosted by reports that bosses of around half of Britain's 100 biggest companies are preparing to back his campaign to keep the country in the European Union. Today it was warned that a Brexit could have a negative effect on the UK's credit rating, potentially pushing up the cost of Government borrowing, and may lead to a 'prolonged period of uncertainty', Moody's said. The agency welcomed the announcement of the June 23 vote as a way of addressing the issue quickly but said the result was 'too close to call'. 'We consider it positive that the referendum will take place as soon as June, as a lengthy period of uncertainty on the part of firms and investors would damage the UK's economic growth prospects,' senior vice president Kathrin Muehlbronner said. 'That said, the outcome of the referendum remains wide open. In our view, a decision to leave the EU would be credit negative for the UK economy.' The firm said 'the economic costs of a decision to leave the EU would outweigh the economic benefits' and 'unless the UK managed to negotiate a new trade arrangement with the EU that preserves at least some of the trade benefits of EU membership, the UK's exports would suffer'. A vote to leave 'would likely lead to a prolonged period of uncertainty, which would negatively affect investment', Moody's warned. The firm said it would assign a 'negative outlook' to the UK's current Aa1 rating following a vote to exit. Asked for the PM's response to the warning from Moody's, David Cameron's official spokeswoman said: 'The Prime Minister has been very clear of the risks of uncertainty of a vote to leave, and that a vote to remain is in the interests of both our economic and national security.' The chairmen and chief executives of around 50 FTSE companies are prepared to sign a letter in support of the Prime Minister's renegotiation package, the Financial Times reported. Supporters are said to include senior figures from Shell, BAE Systems, BT and Rio Tinto. A top Hindu priest was decapitated by ISIS militants inside his temple just before morning prayers in Bangladesh. Two attackers armed with pistols and cleavers ambushed Jogeswar Roy, 45, the head priest of Sri Sri Sant Gourio Math, at his home in the temple. Two devotees were wounded including one who was shot as he tried to save the priest in the attack in the sub-district of Debiganj on Sunday morning. Murdered before prayers: A policeman stands guard outside a temple where a top Hindu priest was decapitated by Islamic State militants in the remote northern district of Panchagarh, Bangladesh, on Sunday Shafiqul Islam, a government administrator, said: 'The priest was preparing for morning prayers when they pounced and slit his head from the body at the verandah of his home in the temple. 'We recovered a blood-stained cleaver from the spot.' The terror group claimed responsibility in a communique posted by the ISIS-linked Amaq News Agency on Twitter, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors online jihadi activity. The claim could not be independently verified. The motive for the murder was not clear but police said Islamist militants were among those suspected as being behind the killing. District police chief Gias Uddin Ahmed said police had launched a hunt for the attackers and security checkposts had been set up across the district. 'The Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) is also in our list of suspects,' Ahmed told AFP news agency. Bangladeshi relatives of Hindu priest Jogeswar Roy break down in tears after learning of his death The banned group is believed to have been behind an attack on an Italian Catholic priest in the neighbouring district of Dinajpur late last year. Bangladesh has seen an upsurge in attacks on minorities including Shi'ites, Sufis, Christians and Ahmadis by Islamist militant groups. The government rejects the ISIS's claims of responsibility for several recent attacks, including the shootings of two foreigners. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's secular government instead accuses the JMB, other local militant groups as well as the Islamist-allied political opposition of trying to destabilise the country. Swathed in green camouflaged fatigues as they march, unarmed, through the South African wilderness, they look like more like soldiers than they do conservationists. They are in fact the Black Mambas, an all female anti-poaching unit risking their own lives to protect the endangered animals being hunted for their horns, fur and meat. On their daily patrols around the Balule reserve, near Kruger National Park, they face the very real prospect of being gunned down by poachers or mauled to death by the animals they swore to protect. Despite the dangers, and against the odds, the Mambas are winning the battle against poaching. Their presence alone has reduced poaching in Balule by 75 per cent and their methods could now be rolled out across the country. Protectors: The all-female Black Mambas risk their lives to protect the endangered animals being targetted by poachers in the South African bush Winning: The Mambas (pictured), many of whom are mothers and wives, have reduced poaching in the Balule reserve, near Kruger National Park, by 75 per cent Endangered: The Mambas' most important job is to protect the rhinos being targetted by poachers for their horns, which sell for more than cocaine on the black market (pictured, Black Mamba helping victims of rhino poaching at the Rhino Revolution Rehabilitation Centre) When Siphiwe Sithole told her parents she wanted to be a Black Mamba, they feared she would be eaten by a lion. They were right to worry. Since joining in 2014, she has had two very close encounters with the King of the Jungle. Siphiwe, 31, said: 'The first time was when I first started working as a Mamba. I ran from it [the lion], which was wrong. You should never run from a lion! 'I was put on a special course which taught me how to deal with wild animals, should I ever meet them. I then met some lions for a second time and this time I knew how to behave.' The women's backgrounds vary, but for some who come from poor families and villages, joining the Mambas is their only chance at a well paying job. Some even become the bread winners in the family. Day-to-day duties of the 26 strong Mamba team include freeing animals trapped by barb wire snares, and patrolling the 400 square km Balule reserve looking for the slain carcasses of endangered rhinos. Poachers killed at least 1,215 rhinos in 2014 - up from just 13 in 2007. It was this alarming trend that inspired Siphiwe to take action. Responsibility: Every morning at 5am, the Mambas (pictured) begin their 12 mile long patrol of the Balule reserve to look for poachers and help the animals trapped in their snares Patrol: On their daily treks in Balule reserve, they risk being gunned down by poachers or mauled by the animals they swore to protect Opportunity: For many women from poor families and villages, joining the Black Mambas is their only chance at getting a well paying job Unarmed: The Mambas, swathed in green military fatigues, look more like soldiers than they do conservationists but they do not carry guns Progress: After joining the Mambas, some women even become the bread winners in their family and have to support their husbands Harrowing: Their patrols in the Balule reserve, near Kruger National Park, deter poachers who hunt rhinos (pictured) for their horns, which sell for more than cocaine on the black market She said: 'I wanted to join the Black Mambas after seeing the news about the rhinos being poached, killed every day, such a horrible death. I decided if I can join the Black Mambas, I can make a difference.' Siphiwe and her team's heroics have now been immortalised in a Helping Rhinos documentary which is to be screened in front of members of the Royal family in London on Wednesday. I would be walking around in the bush with them [Mambas] and all of a sudden you would see a rhino, only a few feet away. They are immense and frightened Anneka Svenska, conservationist The Mambas, many of whom are mothers and wives, 'put their lives on the line every day', said filmmaker Anneka Svenska who fronts the documentary. She told MailOnline: 'There is always the possibility that they could die, and the greatest danger they face is the animals themselves. 'They are very, very dangerous. The average person would be worried about lions but it's actually elephants you have to look out for. 'There are an awful lot of elephants around. We would get out of the jeep to track rhinos and if an elephant came by, everyone would have to jump back in the van as quick as possible. 'If an elephant gets angry, you can't climb a tree. If the Mambas were to confront an elephant, they could be killed. 'The dangers are so real. I would be walking around in the bush with them, and all of a sudden you would see a rhino, only a few feet away. They are immense and frightened. Problem: The number of rhinos to be killed by poachers has skyrocketed from around just 13 in 2007 to at least 1,215 in 2014 Agony: On their daily treks around the 400 square km reserve, the Mambas will free several animals trapped in painful, barb wire snares (pictured) Trapped: One of their duties includes freeing animals from snares (pictured, an animal killed by a snare) which kill the animal slowly and painfully Movie: The Mambas' have now been immortalised in a Helping Rhinos documentary which is fronted by filmmaker and conservationist Anneka Svenska (right) Saviours: Anneka (centre) told MailOnline how the women 'put their lives on the line every day' to help save endangered and suffering animals 'There's a good chance they can charge, this is the greatest danger. They [Mambas] must feel vulnerable when they're out there.' If the Mambas ever encounter a poacher, they are instructed to radio their location to armed rangers who will swoop in to arrest them. The people who run it [poaching 'cartels'] - right at the top - use poor, influential locals to go in and take the horn off the rhino. It's a massive operation to get it over to Asia Anneka Svenska, conservationist Through the use of specially trained dogs, helicopter patrols and an armed, quick response unit, the Mambas have helped to find and destroy ten poachers' camps and three 'bush meat kitchens' since 2013. But despite their best efforts, at least one black rhino and 14 white rhinos have been killed in Kruger National Park and the surrounding areas since 2012. Many poachers are believed to be poor villagers hunting for bush meat which they can use to feed their families or sell to pay the bills. But some armed and dangerous mercenaries are part of what Anneka described as a gangland cartel run by 'very rich and dangerous people'. She said: 'The people who run it - right at the top - use poor, influential locals to go in and take the horn off the rhino. It's a massive operation to get it over to Asia.' The men they hire not only kill and rip the horns off endangered black rhinos, they also lay snares that kill animals slowly in the most excruciating way. Hazardous: The women, who never carry weapons, also take part in dangerous night time patrols of the Balule reserve Deterrence: The Mambas' job is to act as an 'annoyance' to poachers, who killed at least 1,215 rhinos in 2014 Battle: The Mambas use specially trained dogs, helicopter patrols and an armed, quick response unit to find and arrest poachers Search: The all female brigade has helped to find and destroy ten poachers' camps and ten 'bush meat kitchens' since the group's formation in 2013 Disappointment: Despite the Mambas' best efforts, at least one black rhino and 14 white rhinos have been killed in Kruger National Park and the surrounding areas since 2012 Anneka said: 'We found a lot of snares. One day we came across a dead buffalo that was trapped in a snare. 'The rangers told me it would have taken four to five weeks to die. It died the most incredibly painful death because a wire was stuck around its ankle and it eventually just exhausted its food reserves.' The Mambas found the carcasses of dead animals by looking out for the vultures circling overhead. They only eat one meal a day. A lot of them come from families that use poaching to pay for food and bills Anneka Svenska, conservationist But in a spiteful bid to throw them off the scent, poachers have started to lace the dead animal with poison which kills the predatory birds when they pick away at the flesh. The Mambas also go from school to school as part of the 'Bush Baby' programme, telling young children with little prospects of a decent job to resist the temptation of poaching for 'easy money'. Anneka said: 'When we visited the school, they were very, very poor. 'They only eat one meal a day. A lot of them come from families that use poaching to pay for food and bills.' But Siphiwe, who herself came from a deprived part of South Africa, said the people who hunt animals - even for their meat - are just 'greedy' and 'lazy'. She said: 'I think that people like easy things, they don't want to work. Some say they are pushed because they don't have anything at home. Prestigious: The Helping Rhinos documentary fronted by Anneka (second from right) and narrated and produced by renowned wildlife filmmaker Nigel Marven (second from left) is to be screened in front of members of the Royal family this week Awareness: The Mambas also go from school to school as part of the 'Bush Baby' programme (pictured), educating young children with little prospects of a decent job to resist the temptation of poaching for 'easy money' 'The best thing they can do is some they are pushed because they don't have anything at home. 'They say, "I can go and make 30,000 in a minute". The ones who are hunting for meat, I think they are also greedy because they think that conservation is only for white people.' 'I think the people are now recognising that we are having a big problem because if they keep on poaching the animals... something very bad will happen. Almost 700,000 now signed petition which is largest on Government site Petition wants all children up to age 11 vaccinated against Almost 700,000 people have signed a petition calling on the Government to vaccinate children against meningitis. The petition demands that all children up to the age of 11 should be given the Meningitis B vaccine - not just newborn babies - is now the biggest to date on the Government's website. Lee Both, 44, started the call for action after his daughter Hannah was deemed too old to have the inoculation on the NHS. The father-of-two from Gateshead has been left astounded at the level of support for his petition. Almost 700,000 people have signed a petition calling on the Government to provide the Meningitis B vaccine for all children following the death of two-year-old Faye Burdett (pictured) Mason Timmin's parents released harrowing images of him - he died from meningitis less than 24 hours after being taken ill by his mother Public support rocketed after the death of two-year-old Faye Burdett, from Kent, who caught the infection and died 11 days later on Valentine's Day. The petition had around 900 signatures until Faye's family released distressing images of her in hospital. Her parents, Jenny and Neil, have said the response to the petition has been 'overwhelming'. Mr Both, also father to five-year-old Isabelle, said action was needed. 'I'd taken Hannah along to our local health centre for her inoculations and when I asked about Meningitis B, they told me she was too old, even though she was only six months at the time,' he said. 'I was amazed that we were being told 'no' when this is such a terrible and life-threatening condition that our daughter could be vulnerable to.' He added ministers would now be unable to ignore the petition. Clinics are reporting a rise the number of families contacting them who want their children vaccinated. Mr Both, who is married to Marie, added: 'There are now more than 650,000 voices joined together to ask for the same thing. What we are now asking is that the people we elected listen to us. 'At the time I set this petition up, we had no idea what was going to happen. It was just something I felt strongly about for the sake of my own family.' Yesterday the parents of Mason Timmins released photographs of their son, seven, shortly before he died of meningitis. He told his mother Claire he felt ill one morning. He died less than 24 hours later. Mrs Timmins warned parents to know what the symptoms of the illness are. Ex-England rugby player Matt Dawson tweeted images of his youngest son Sam at Great Ormond Street, who had been battling with meningitis. He is also pictured in the first photograph on the left with brother Alex The 37-year-old from the West Midlands, told The Times: 'It was very hard to deal with and still is. Mason was just seven years old and he was fit and healthy. He was always smiling and always had something to say. 'One Monday morning I heard him coughing and then he started to be sick I thought it was just a sickness bug as to be honest I had seen him a lot worse and it was nothing out of the ordinary. But by 3.30pm, he started to get a temperature. I gave him some Calpol but it didn't go down.' The plight of meningitis sufferers was raised further when ex-England rugby captain Matt Dawson told how his two-year-old son Sam battled Meningitis C. Although his son is now well and back home with his family, Mr Dawson said he felt 'absolutely helpless' as Sam, known as Sammy, lay hooked up to machines in hospital. He appeared earlier on ITV's This Morning where he called on parents to be aware of the warning signs. The former scrum half also admitted his own ignorance of the illness. Mr Dawson appearing on This Morning earlier today where he talked about his son's battle with Meningitis C 'A lot has been made about the petition that is out there at the moment and it is fantastic maybe for short-term, medium-term but what will always be [important] is parents awareness.' He said Sam's outcome could have been completely different if they had taken him to bed instead of hospital. 'Can you afford to take that risk [not taking a child to hospital]? And I have to again put my hands up - I was this close, or we were as parents saying do you know what, hell be absolutely fine. Lets put him to bed, hell be OK in the morning.' 'And if wed done that, Sammys not with us any more. End of story. Its so crucial, we [are] aware of the petition and Meningitis B and C.' A vaccine to protect against Meningitis B has been available on the NHS for babies aged two months, followed by a second dose at four months and a booster at 12 months since September. Babies under a year old are 12 times more likely than other children to be infected. But parents who wish to have older children vaccinated must pay privately, although a worldwide shortage of the vaccine Bexsero means stocks are very low. Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline hopes to have increased stocks in the UK by the summer. The NHS programme is unaffected. The Meningitis Research Foundation maintains that there isn't sufficient evidence to offer the jab to all children. It wants more details of the vaccine's effectiveness to be known before they back it. North Korea has appointed an 82-year-old as the new military chief - but with four others falling out of favour in recent years, how long will he last? Ri Myong-Su, former People's Security Minister, was referred to as 'chief of the Korean People's Army General Staff' by North Korean State media, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Ri, who is considered a hardliner, was also photographed with Kim Jong-un during an inspection of a military drill. Ri (pictured sitting left), who is considered a hardliner, was photographed with Kim Jong-un (centre) during an inspection of a military drill. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un inspecting maneuvers for attack and defence between large combined units of the Korean People's Army North Korean MiG-29 fighter aircraft flying past during a drill by the Korean People's Army Air and Anti-Air Force His predecessor Ri Yong-Gil was reportedly executed early this month in what would be the latest in a series of purges and executions of top officials. Ri Yong-Gil was accused of forming a political faction and corruption, South Korea's Yonhap news agency said, citing a source familiar with North Korean affairs. He was just the latest in a long list of army chief casualties of the Stalinist nation. Ri Yong-ho was removed as undesirable, Hyon Yong-chol was executed and Kim Kyok-sik died of natural causes. The new chief was minister of public security before being named head of the Army General Staff - a move that showed that hardliners, despite their age, are still valued by Kim as a behind-the-scenes power struggle continues. That struggle has continued since the death of Kim Jong-un's father, Kim Jong-il, who had always placed the military first, leaving his son to try to bring it under control when he took over as leader. With the military still determined to be the 'power behind the throne' against Kim's own wishes, the announcement that an army official has risen straight to the top has come as a surprise to North Korea watchers. Ri Myong-Su, who is considered a hardliner, was photographed with Kim Jong-un during an inspection of a military dril He is looked upon as a top strategist and one one of a 'gang of three', who were close to former leader Kim Jong-il He is looked upon as a top strategist and one one of a 'gang of three', who were close to former leader Kim Jong-il and shadowed him at public appearances since 1996, the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported today. The announcement comes as a new war of words erupted between North and South Korea after Pyongyang called South Korean president Park Geun-Hye a 'crazy old bitch'. In the latest personal attack on the South's president, Rodong Sinmun newspaper of the North's ruling communist party launched a colourful invective against Park for seeking stronger sanctions against Pyongyang following its nuclear and missile tests. The man accused of the Salt Creek backpacker rape and abductions met his alleged victims after they posted separate advertisements on classifieds website Gumtree. The two woman, aged in their 20s, posted on the popular trading website asking for someone to drive them from Adelaide to Melbourne,The Advertiser reported. Police will allege the 59-year-old accused responded to both of the advertisements, and drove the woman to the isolated beach, on February 9, where the attacks occurred. Scroll down for video Two women, aged in their 20s, were allegedly attacked at a remote camping spot at Salt Creek, south-east of Adelaide, on February 9 by a 59-year-old man they had only recently met French tourist Luciel, 23, had been hoping to hitch-hike from Adelaide to Melbourne last week when a man twice her age contacted her and offered her a ride, before demanding to see photographs of her, she said She said the man had contacted her online, and has warned other young travellers of the dangers of accepting lifts after he demanded to see images of her Last week a young French woman, known as Luciel, 23, spoke out after the Salt Creek attacks as she had also been looking for a lift between Adelaide and Melbourne online and was contacted by an older man. The young woman told 7 News she decided not to accept the man's offer after he asked her to send through pictures. The man told Luciel he loved fishing and had his own camping gear. Police investigations into the Salt Creek attack are ongoing - police recently returned to the crime scene to scour the surrounding sand dunes for a mobile phone lost by one of the tourists. One backpacker suffered a serious head trauma and remains in hospital, but she returned to the area with police on Tuesday to provide detectives with further information. As a result of her help, her friend's black Samsung mobile phone became a key target for police as they continue to investigate the alleged sex attack. Inspector Trent Cox says police are looking for anything of interest but are particularly keen to locate a black Samsung phone belonging to one of the two women allegedly attacked. 'The scene here is large and challenging to search, so this has meant police and volunteer searchers have returned several times to target particular locations,' Insp Cox said. 'Investigators ask that should any member of the public locate this phone they should immediately contact their local police station, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 so that the phone can be seized and analysed.' The women, who cannot be named, had joined the 59-year-old on a road trip to Melbourne. One of the women suffered a serious head trauma and remains in hospital, but she returned to the campsite area with police on Tuesday to provide detectives with further information Inspector Trent Cox says police are looking for anything of interest but are particularly keen to locate a black Samsung phone belonging to one of the two women allegedly attacked About 30 searchers converged on the Coorong National Park on Thursday morning to widen the area previously checked by crime-scene specialists One of the women ran from a camp site between sand dunes naked and bleeding in an attempt to escape the mans alleged attack. She raised the alarm with nearby fisherman and they phoned authorities - who then recovered the second woman. About 30 searchers converged on the Coorong National Park on Thursday morning to widen the area previously checked by crime-scene specialists. Mounted police were deployed and metal detectors are being used as members of the special Coorong task force, elite STAR Group officers and State Emergency Service volunteers scour the area. The 59-year-old man, whose identity has been suppressed, has been charged with a string of offences including unlawful sexual intercourse and attempted murder. He faced court on February 10 and will return in April. The 59-year-old man, whose identity has been suppressed, has been charged with a string of offences including unlawful sexual intercourse and attempted murder Dozens of desperate migrants have been risking their lives by trying to scramble across razor wire border fences in Greece after Macedonia refused to accept Afghan refugees. Athens today vowed to take action against Macedonia after Skopje's decision which left more than 8,000 stranded in Greece and created further tension on the border. The Macedonian government has blamed Serbia for doing the same on its border with Macedonia, while Serbia said the decision had been made by Austria and Slovenia at the top end of the Balkan corridor. Scroll down for video A group of desperate migrants break down the wire fencing in an attempt to cross the Greek-Macedonian border Frustration: Afghan refugees push a fence at the Greek-Macedonia borderline as they try to enter Macedonia Serbian police lead away one Afghan migrants after he tried to climb over the fence at the border Security forces stand guard as migrants continue to gather at the Greek-Macedonian border near Gevgelija An Afghan refugee jumps the fence as he tries to enter Macedonia at the Greek border near Idomeni It came after Austria introduced a daily cap of just 80 asylum seekers, triggering a domino effect along the so-called Balkan migrant route. Germany today lashed out at Vienna's decision to impose a cap while letting thousands of others pass through, branding the move 'unacceptable'. There are fears the unilateral controls and daily caps could trigger a domino effect along the Balkan migrant trail and leave thousands stranded in Greece, the entry point into the EU for many. Greece said today it was taking diplomatic action to persuade Macedonia to accept Afghan migrants after thousands were stranded at its border and main port. 'We have begun diplomatic moves... we believe the problem will be resolved,' junior interior minister for migration Yiannis Mouzalas told parliamentary television, without elaborating. One young child, dressed up in winter cloths, looks out at the thick layer of razor wire at the border There are fears the unilateral controls and daily caps could trigger a domino effect along the Balkan migrant trail An Afghan migrant carrying a baby cries as he pushes against the fence at the Greece-Macedonia border during a demonstration near the Greek village of Idomeni after Macedonia refused to accept Afghans A young boy from Afghanistan weeps as he places his face against the fence at the Greece-Macedonia border Afghan refugees protest against the closure of the Greek-Macedonian border near the village of Idomeni Stranded: A young migrant child sleeps on the ground next to a line of migrants, mostly from Afghanistan, waiting to receive food delivered by a humanitarian organisation at Victoria Square in Athens, Greece Some 5,000 refugees are stuck at the border with Macedonia after the neighbouring state on Sunday refused to allow passage to Afghans, police said. Another 3,000 people were blocked in Athens after landing at the port of Piraeus from the Aegean islands, a government source said, adding that officials were scrambling to find room for them. 'We do not expect a (diplomatic) solution today,' the source said, adding: 'We will accommodate the Afghans while trying to prevent overcrowding at any of the facilities available.' Macedonian authorities reportedly said that Serbia has done the same on its southern border with Macedonia. Serbia says the decision to block refugees from Afghanistan from passing through the so-called Balkan migrant corridor has been made by Austria and Slovenia. Backlog: Migrants sit at a refugee camp on the Greek-Macedonian border near the northern Greek village of Idomeni after Macedonia closed its border to Afghan migrants, slowing the admission of refugees to a trickle Afghan refugees sit by their buses on the Greek-Macedonian border near the northern Greek village of Idomeni Afghan children wait with their families at a refugee camp on the Greek-Macedonian border. Greece said it was taking action to persuade Macedonia to accept Afghan migrants after thousands were stranded at its border Labor Minister Aleksandar Vulin said Sunday that 'everyone can move in accordance with the rules set by Austria and Slovenia.' He added that 'the Serbian state does not decide who can pass through its territory without consulting the states up the migrant route.' Vulin insists that Serbia's 'borders are open, Serbia has not closed its borders with Macedonia or Bulgaria in any way.' Since November, countries on the Balkan route have allowed only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans to continue their journey northwards towards Germany, Sweden and other European nations where they plan to apply for asylum. Members of a non-governmental organisation distribute food to Afghans at a refugee camp near Idomeni Refugees try to warm up around a fire on the Greek-Macedonian border near the Greek village of Idomeni Domino effect: Moves by Austria and Macedonia are the latest unilateral actions taken by EU countries to stem the migrant flow as the bloc tries to cope with the continent's worst migrat crisis since World War Two 'We are making preparations so that even if the problem is not resolved, if there is a violation of European decisions by Serbia and Skopje, to be able to manage the problem that will be created in Greece,' Mouzalas said. It came as German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere branded Austria's decision to allow just 80 migrants in each day 'unacceptable' and said it sends out 'the wrong signal' to the rest of Europe. Berlin fears many of these migrants are heading straight for Germany, where tensions are on the rise after the country saw an influx of over a million asylum seekers last year, putting huge pressure on Chancellor Angela Merkel's open-door policy. 'It won't work if some countries think they can solve the problem by putting extra weight on Germany's back,' de Maiziere told ARD public television, accusing Vienna of failing to carry out adequate checks on those being let through. Despite strong objections from the European Union, Austria on Friday introduced a daily limit of 80 migrants who are allowed to claim asylum while allowing 3,200 migrants a day to transit through. 'Even for security reasons, this is unacceptable. 'We won't allow this to continue long term,' de Maiziere said, adding that he intended to bring up the issue at the next gathering of EU interior ministers in Brussels on Thursday. Heightened security: A Greek police officer checks the documents of a man at the border with Macedonia Migrants walk along a road to cross the Greek-Macedonian border near the village of Idomeni on Sunday The asylum cap 'is an Austrian decision', he said. 'But to say that 3,200 can continue towards Germany is the wrong signal,' he added. 'The figure is much too high. We won't accept it and that's why we need to talk about this.' Vienna said it would beef up the army at its borders to deal with the inflow of migrants, with 450 more troops from today and military police on standby in case of trouble. The troops will assist police carrying out checks on people and vehicles entering the country, patrol the 'green border' and carry out surveillance work, the defence ministry said. Meanwhile, Hungary has reported a sharp rise in the numbers of migrants breaching its southern borders in February, the first significant surge since the frontiers were sealed last year. Around 1,500 migrants tried to enter the EU member state illegally from Serbia this month, with 500 alone caught between Friday and Sunday, police said in a statement. A young girl stands near train tracks as migrants from Afghanistan wait for permission to cross the border from Macedonia to Serbia near Tabanovce. Macedonia reportedly said Serbia had refused to allow passage to Afghan migrants Men sit near train tracks as migrants from Afghanistan wait for permission to cross from Macedonia to Serbia Many were economic migrants from Morocco, Iran and Pakistan, police said. Unlike Syrians, they are unlikely to be granted asylum in Europe and face deportation. About 300,000 refugees passed through Hungary last year, before right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban sealed off the southern borders with razor wire and fences in September and October. The measures together with tight border patrols and tough new laws punishing illegal entry and vandalism of the fences slowed the flow to a trickle with only around a dozen people a day attempting to cross. Since September, 1,325 people have been charged with crimes under the new legislation, the vast majority served with expulsion orders. The move by EU countries to impose border controls further jeopardises Europe's Schengen passport-free travel zone. Underscoring the urgency of the issue, Mr de Maiziere said member states must agree a common approach within two weeks if they wanted to prevent the system collapsing. In addition to being a devastating symbolic setback for Europe, a collapse of Schengen would increase the amount of time it takes for goods to be transported across European borders, raising costs for companies and consumers. A study by Germany's Bertelsmann Foundation revealed it could cost the EU up to 1.4trillion over the next decade. and will often bare their teeth and attack others to assert dominance in the wild Advertisement An Australian tourist on safari in Kenya has managed to capture the moment a large hippopotamus flopped on to its back in the water during a bout with a rival hippo. Kellie Netherwood, who has moved from Australia to the UK, spotted the two massive animals frolicking in a waterhole while on a tour of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya's Narok County, in August. 'After floating peacefully with the other hippos, this one suddenly raised itself out of the water and flipped onto its back,' Ms Nertherwood said. 'This was one of those 'wow moments' you can sometimes experience on safari, when an animal treats you to rare behaviour that is over in a matter of seconds.' An Australian tourist on safari in Kenya has managed to capture the moment a large hippopotamus flopped on to its back in the water during a bout with a rival hippo. The 41-year-old said she had just put her camera down to have some breakfast when she heard a large splash. But luckily she still had her camera hanging around her neck and she was able to fire off several shots to capture the humorous sequence. Ms Netherwood said she had attempted to photograph the notoriously aggressive animals before but had never imagined she would come upon such a unique scene in the wild. 'I felt very fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. 'I've photographed many hippos, often searching for those large eyes sitting above the water or the iconic hippo yawn. Kellie Netherwood, who has moved from Australia to the UK, spotted the two massive animals frolicking in a waterhole while on a tour of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Narok County, Kenya 'After floating peacefully with the other hippos, this one suddenly raised itself out of the water and flipped onto its back,' Ms Nertherwood said The dramatic hippo exposes its pink belly as it flops into the murky water and wriggles on its back during a fight with another hippo 'But I've never seen one flip itself out of the water like this and I'm not sure I ever will again. It was a rare treat.' Hippopotamuses are known to be quite aggressive and often sport a number of scars from their regular and vicious battles for territory. They are known to bellow, neigh and snort during the violent clashes - baring their long tusk-like teeth in a bid to intimidate its foe. Hippos can weigh up to three tons, but don't let their size fool you - the amphibious beasts are well adapted to aquatic life and can swim through the water at impressive speeds. The model girlfriend of an alleged bikie associate who was in bed with her boyfriend at the time of a drug raid said she 'thought she was going to die' after being hit with a flash grenade. Felicia Djamirze, 28, was sleeping inside a Susan River home, north of Brisbane, with Dean O'Donnell, 35, when she says officers threw 'flash' grenades into the bedroom earlier this month week. The former Miss Australia International and Miss Tourism Queen Australia was left with third-degree burns after a grenade blew up in her face. 'I thought I was going to die... they left me there to burn,' Djamirze told Channel Nine's A Current Affair. Scroll down for video Felicia Djamirze, 28, was sleeping inside a home with her alleged bikie associate boyfriend at the time of a drug raid. She claims she was severely injured by police The model girlfriend of an alleged bikie associate said she 'thought she was going to die' after being hit with a flash grenade 'I was in a state of shock. "Burnt, I'm burnt," I repeated myself over and over, and I was told, "You are not burnt... you'll be fine." 'I had glass all through my face, my scalp. I had glass all through in my right eye... I didn't even know if I had a face left.' Djamirze has been charged with drug trafficking, however she told A Current Affair she will plead not guilty and has 'nothing to hide'. She also said she was planning to sue police over her injuries. 'All I'm planning to do is seek justice for the way that I have been treated... I think anyone in my shoes would do the same,' Djamirze told the program. Djamirze, who was still in hospital on Monday night, claimed she was also at risk of losing sight in her right eye and she had two surgeries to repair her 'melted' hand. The grenade left her at risk of losing sight in her right eye. Above is a picture of Djamirze's injury Djamirze (left with boyfriend Dean O'Donnell) said officers threw 'flash' grenades into the bedroom last Tuesday morning 'I thought I was going to die... they left me there to burn,' Felicia Djamirze said During the early morning raids last week on a handful of homes, which included the house the couple were sleeping in, police found 2kg of the drug ice, meth oil and steroids, according to a Queensland Police statement. Police also uncovered seven high-powered illegal weapons and two silencers. The model and first-year law student was charged with drug trafficking and her boyfriend, who is allegedly linked to the Rebels bikie club, was charged with both drug and weapons offences. Djamirze denied the charges laid against her, with her lawyer Chris Ford adding police had not allowed her to see to her injuries and paramedics did not show up at the scene for 40 minutes. Mr Ford said Djamirze was sleeping inside the home during the raid when she was hit with the force of the grenade. 'I was in a state of shock. "Burnt, I'm burnt," I repeated myself over and over, and I was told, "You are not burnt... you'll be fine",' Djamirze said Djamirze, who was still in hospital on Monday night, claimed she was at risk of losing sight in her right eye and she had two surgeries to repair her 'melted' hand Djamirze claims she was left with third-degree burns to her face and hand (pictured) 'The police treated this like a military operation which was entirely unnecessary,' he told Daily Mail Australia. WHAT IS A FLASH GRENADE? Also known as a stun grenade, a flash grenade is used by police as a non-lethal weapon to take alleged offenders by surprise. When launched, the device releases a flash of light and a loud bang to disorientate its intended target. Advertisement 'There was a high level of both physical and electronic surveillance. The police must have known my client was sleeping in a confined area when they tossed the stun grenade into her bedroom.' Mr Ford also told The Courier Mail 'police rode in like cowboys [and] nearly killed my client'. Along with her injuries, he added Djamirze was suffering from post-traumatic stress. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Queensland Police for comment on the matter, but a spokeswoman for the service told The Courier Mail she could not speak about 'operational tactics'. The model remains in hospital a week after the incident and has had two surgeries on her 'melted' hand The model and first-year law student was charged with drug trafficking and her boyfriend (above), who is allegedly linked to the Rebels bikie club, was charged with both drug and weapons offences Djamirze is a motivational speaker for an organisation she founded called Dream Formal that promotes 'confidence and self-esteem' by giving under-privileged women the chance to have a full formal experience. She was crowned Miss International Australia in 2013 and Miss Tourism Queen Australia in 2011. Since the incident, the model has started a gofundme page to raise money for burns and trauma patients. Djamirze's boyfriend was charged with trafficking of a dangerous drug and possession of illegal weapons. Police also seized property to the value of $600,000, which included a residence and motor vehicles, during the raid on the Susan River home. At the time of the raids, Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Briese said the seizure of 2kg of ice meant 'a great deal to the community'. The young, female Liberal staffer who is being relentlessly trolled by Labor supporters says she wants to become a political commentator and will not be perturbed by her critics who target her because shes a woman with an opinion. Tamara Candy is a 27-year-old PhD student and proud Liberal staffer but has been labelled a taxpayer-funded call girl in vile online cyber bullying tirades. Ms Candy says complete strangers have falsely accused her of having plastic surgery and 'sleeping her way to the top' in bizarre, sexist attacks. Liberal staffer Tamara Candy pictured for first time since news broke regarding the sexist cyber bullying she is being subjected to by total strangers and Labor supporters Liberal staffer Tamara Candy is photography for first time since the controversy regarding her treatment online by Labor supporters Tamara 'Tammy' Candy has been accused of being a political call-girl on social media The 27-year-old 'righty' doesn't believe she has to fit the Liberal woman stereotype Ms Candy aspires to be a political commentator - pictured (left) with right wing radio broadcaster Alan Jones She says she isn't the typical 'pearl wearing' Liberal I wouldnt mind being a political commentator or an academic. Being in the spotlight as a politician has never been my goal, Im more interested in doing my job well as a staffer,' Ms Candy told Daily Mail Australia. Since joining the party and becoming a member Ive started to get so much attention online because I have a private life at the same time as doing my job.' She says it is bizarre how strangers make untrue accusations about her personal life - even falsely accusing her of having breast augmentations. Ive received a vast array of nasty comments and many are so incorrect. One of the comments was that Ive had surgery but Ive never had any kind of cosmetic surgery in my life! It said people who have breast augmentations seem so vapid to me and I thought good for you, I have no problem with them, but I havent had any myself. She says it is bizarre how strangers make untrue accusations about her personal life - even falsely accusing her of having breast augmentations The journalist and part-time model she strongly believes she doesnt need to conform to the pearl wearing stereotype of women in politics to be a success, and 'will always march to the beat of her own drum' Ms Candy is working with the party on a casual basis while completing her doctorate in Politics and says she spends a much of her time volunteering with the part The Liberal supporter has photos with Liberal politicians and supporters alongside scantily-clad bikini shots on Instagram I shouldnt have to tell anyone anything about myself. Ive had people strangers - messaging me to tell me about my own private life which is interesting, I didnt know they were there. People have said that Ive slept my way to the top which is ridiculous, I dont know what the top is anyway in this case! Our salaries are online, its not difficult to find. The journalist and part-time model she strongly believes she doesnt need to conform to the pearl wearing stereotype of women in politics to be a success, and 'will always march to the beat of her own drum.' Im glad its brought light to some of the nasty commentary from the Left Ive been receiving lately,' Ms Candy said. Its been going on a long time my whole career. Its amazing this kind of commentary comes about when women have opinions and express their views. If I was just an Instagram model or took selfies or something like that, people wouldnt threaten me or call me such awful things, said Ms Candy. Because I have an opinion about society they believe they can insult me. It's almost cannibalistic the way women from the Left attack one of their own (another woman),' Ms Candy said. She says not all Liberal supporters can be 'private school girls' The young woman who calls her self a 'righty' has shared 'selfies' on Instagram featuring ex-Prime Minister Tony Abbott (pictured) The Sydney based model says she has been called a 'hooker' at a political function by a Labor staffer She says she is uncomfortable with the unwanted attention but tries not to let the online insults hurt her; but her parents are troubled by the cyber bullying she is experiencing. 'Were all human even if we may have thick skin. It does upset you when you see how it upsets your parents. They say they dont like seeing that sort of thing,' Ms Candy said. She is working for Queensland MP George Christensen, 'researching, writing policy motions and speeches.' 'I've taught politics at university and may go on to do that. It would be a shame to leave the parliamentary triangle, I love the excitement of parliament and being involved due to an interest in people and policy.' Ms Candy is working with the party on a casual basis while completing her doctorate in Politics and says she spends a much of her time volunteering with the party. Ms Candy says the vitriol comes predominantly from total strangers and fake accounts which only follow a couple of accounts predominantly specific hate groups targeting LNP members' Ms Candy says the vitriol comes predominantly from total strangers and fake accounts which only follow a couple of accounts predominantly specific hate groups targeting LNP members. The 27-year-old studied journalism and has a political reporting background, before completing her honours and winning a scholarship to complete a PhD examining political journalism. Ms Candy says she comes from humble beginnings and worked hard for everything she has. 'People have said to me that I've been handed everything in life. Anything I've worked for I've achieved. I've never accepted social benefits and my parents had very humble beginings 'My father grew up in housing commission and is a disabled pensioner. I'm the first in my family to go to university.' She says she began working as a Liberal staffer due to her passion for helping the community. I am interested in helping people and being involved in the community, Ms Candy said. I believe people who are attracted to journalism want to communicate with people. Ms Candy says she comes from humble beginnings and is the first person in her family to go to university My involvement in politics is about keeping the bastards honest. Im a true libertarian, not a party hack. Ms Candy is focused on being an absolute professional and dedicating herself to the cause, so is frustrated by the focus now being put on her fashion choices in her private life. What I do in my private life is most certainly private. I shouldnt have to explain that. People online and in the last 24 hours in the media have focused on the way I dress in my private life. I have a wardrobe for work with pencil skirts and blazers and many photos of myself in that attire, but none of that is chosen to represent me, which muddies the message a little. 'I'm a true libertarian. We can't all be private school-educated Liberals,' she said. The young woman who calls her self a 'righty' has shared 'selfies' on Instagram featuring ex-Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Liberal MP Campbell Newman and 'shock-jock' Alan Jones - alongside revealing bikini shots. Ms Candy (right) says her critics made accusations former Queensland MP Neil Symes pays her to spend time with him Ms Candy says her critics made accusations former Queensland MP Neil Symes pays her to spend time with him but she insists they are 'just friends'. At 23-years-old Mr Symes became the youngest Member of Parliament in 2013 and was working at Woolworths and living with his parents before he was awarded the position. His term ended in the 2015 Queensland state election after he was defeated by Joan Pease. Ms Candy has many revealing photographs on social media, including pictures of herself in revealing outfits at political functions. She says she was speaking with disgraced MP Craig Thompson at an event one night when she was allegedly accused of 'wearing hooker boots' and once again, being a 'call girl' by a female Labor staffer. Ms Candy says her critics made accusations that Neil Symes pays her to spend time with him but she insists they are 'just friends' She has recently been on the campaign trail in America 'It's really sexist stuff. These are people who are supposed to be pro-women from the Left,' she said. Ms Candy is currently studying for her PHD at the University of Canberra. She has recently been working on Rand Paul's campaign trail in the United States, posting photos of her travels on Facebook. 'I would like to thank Senator Paul for fighting the good fight. It was an honour to campaign for him and to make some new friends from his incredible team,' she posted as her work with the Republican's party finished. During the campaign the young woman was photographed posing with a sign which read 'Obama the worst ever'. She proudly admits she 'marches to the beat of her own drum' Advertisement Two schoolfriends who met when they were in the Eton chess team have raised millions of pounds to fund a website which tags every location on Earth with a three-word code. Chris Sheldrick and Jack Waley-Cohen's company, what3words, is used to help map parts of the world which are not covered by precise street addresses. The pair have attracted millions in venture capital funding - and they say they may take their technology to Mars next to enable the red planet to be navigated. Use this interactive tool to explore the world using what3words - you can either drag the map around to browse or search for a specific location to find out its unique code Entrepreneurs: Chris Sheldrick, left, and Sam Waley-Cohen, right, have set up a company mapping the whole world with three-word codes The founders met at Eton and later decided to start their innovative mapping firm after becoming frustrated by the difficulties of giving precise directions. Mr Sheldrick, 34, was a promising young musician before he seriously damaged his arm after he punched a window while sleepwalking, and subsequently ran a live music business. However, he said that roadies and delivery drivers kept getting lost because they misread the GPS co-ordinates he gave them. He realised that GPS, which works by providing a string of 16 numbers, is a poor way of finding directions because of the high risk of human error. So instead he teamed up with Mr Waley-Cohen, 36, whose cousin Sam is a top jockey and close friend of the Duchess of Cambridge, to devise a new method of mapping. Grid: This image of a small section of London's Hyde Park shows how the company divides the world into a grid of squares which are each tagged with three words HOW THE INNOVATIVE MAP WORKS What3words has divided the entire globe into 57trillion 3m-squared boxes and given each location point a code or 'address' using three words from the English dictionary. The w33 pin can be moved around Google Maps and will show the code for the precise point where the pin has been placed. Alternatively, users can search the site for landmarks or addresses to find that location's code. Or three random words can be entered, each separated by a full stop, to find a surprise location. Once a location has been identified it can be shared by email, Facebook, Twitter or GPS systems. Advertisement What3words divides the whole of Earth into a grid of squares measuring 3m by 3m, with each box given a code devised by an algorithm consisting of three ordinary English words. For example, Nelson's Column is situated in a square marked 'this.fantastic.notes', while Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh is tagged 'maybe.sling.worth' and the Statue of Liberty is at 'then.drill.moth'. The site, which is also available as an app, uses shorter and more common words for built-up areas and more obscure references for remote locations such as Siberia and the middle of the ocean. As well as English, what3words has mapped the world in eight other languages including Russian, Turkish and Swedish. The company's founders claim their system is more precise than postcodes or street addresses, and is particularly helpful in rural areas and countries without a systematic network of street names and numbers. In addition, it can be used in areas such as universities campuses, festivals and ski resorts where just one formal address covers a widespread area. Homepage: The firm has raised millions in venture capital funding to continue its mission And the system of tagging locations with English words reduces the possibility of British tourists getting lost in countries such as Russia and China which use a different alphabet on street signs. Mr Sheldrick told the Daily Telegraph: 'You realise that GPS co-ordinates are great if you're a computer or a robot, but they're not good for human beings. HOW TO FIND THE WORLD'S TOP LANDMARKS ON WHAT3WORDS White House: with.harp.person Taj Mahal: unique.finishes.revealing Forbidden City of Beijing: crispy.bother.mankind Eiffel Tower: graphics.dads.inched Wembley Stadium: saints.shirts.valve The Sphinx of Giza: epic.staining.tacky Sydney Opera House: jams.lake.defeat Advertisement 'You also realise that not every address points to the right place when you type it into an app on your phone.' Postal delivery firms in chaotic urban areas of Rio de Janeiro and Cape Town are already using what3words to find addresses, while organisations including the United Nations use it during disaster recovery projects. In addition, the British Museum has tagged all of its artifacts with the three-word code for the location where they were found. Mr Sheldrick has hinted that the company could set its sights beyond Earth, telling the Telegraph: 'There is a lady who got in touch with us about a project - she's realised that Mars is not yet addressed. So, yeah, we're thinking about it.' A woman with a severe stammer and walking aid claims Tesco staff refused to sell her alcohol and threatened to phone the police - because they thought she was drunk. Debbie Nixon, 43, was completely sober when she tried to purchase two bottles of wine for her birthday party last week. She said staff dismissed her disabilities as an explanation 'out of hand', even when her friend Caroline Walker came into the shop to back her up. Caroline said employees at the Tesco Express store in Wistaston, Cheshire, failed to apologise even after she made them aware of Debbie's speech impediment. Tesco staff refused to sell stutterer Debbie Nixon (pictured, with partner Barry Bidulph) alcohol because they thought she was drunk. The 43-year-old said staff dismissed her severe stutter and walking aid even when her friend Caroline Walker tried to explain her disability Debbie, from Tunstall, Staffordshire, said: 'It left me feeling very upset. I think the staff should be more aware of the needs of disabled customers. 'I have speech and mobility problems but I was not drunk. I had just been out for lunch with my dad and was getting some wine in for my friends to drink at my birthday party the next day. 'I walk with a stick and I have to stop to lean every so often. I asked for some help reaching the wine and was told I was too drunk. 'I couldn't believe it. I had nothing to drink all day. I have my independence and I should be able to buy alcohol without being accused of being drunk.' Debbie and Caroline, 52, went to the supermarket at around 4.15pm to pick up some goods for Debbie's 43rd birthday party the following day. When Debbie asked for assistance carrying the bottles of wine, staff allegedly told her to leave the store because she was leaning on a counter. Debbie says she has been left considerably saddened by the incident - which climaxed with staff threatening to call the police to have the two women physically removed Caroline said: 'She came back to the car almost in tears with nothing in her hands. I asked where the wine was and she said they'd chucked her out because she was drunk. 'I've never heard anything so ridiculous. She rarely even drinks and the wine wasn't for her. She's the most gentle person on the planet. 'They showed a complete lack of understanding. When we went back in, I asked straight away who had refused to serve her. 'This man came out from behind a counter and said it was him, and proceeded to be extremely rude. He dismissed my explanation out of hand. 'When I asked to see a manager, he said he was one. He had a terrible attitude. Debbie was wrongly made to think that she'd done something wrong.' She added: 'I appreciate that for some people it may be difficult to deal with someone who has a stammer, but she clearly wasn't doing any harm. 'To accuse her of being drunk is unacceptable, especially when we tried to explain the circumstances. I don't know how they came to that conclusion. 'She struggles to walk sometimes but she does her best to keep her independence. Sometimes she has to lean on something when her leg gets sore. Unfortunately, she can't help that.' Debbie says she has been left considerably saddened by the incident - which climaxed with staff threatening to call the police to have the two women physically removed. They are now planning on taking their complaint right to the top of the supermarket chain. Asked about what went wrong, a Tesco spokesperson said: 'We work extremely hard to provide fantastic service to all of our customers. But Marines, aware of what may be occurring, quickly arrived to arrest him This would involve the officers receiving vast sums of money to let him go It has been claimed he would have tried to bribe the officers in the room Federal officers had caught him fleeing from Marines following a gun battle Mexican drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman was taken to a run-down sex motel by the federal officers who caught him so they could negotiate a bribe for his release, it has been claimed. Guzman had been picked up by the officers after carrying out two carjackings during a desperate attempt to flee Mexican marines who had raided his hideout hours earlier. But to this day, it remains unclear why the federal police officers - who were well aware of his notoriety - took him to the motel instead of jail. Scroll down for video A U.S. official has claimed Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman was taken to the hotel room (pictured left) after being picked up as he fled marines (right) to undergo bribery negotiations Peter Vincent (pictured), an advisor for the Justice Department and Homeland Security, said El Chapo would have tried to bribe the police officers, failing which he would have threatened to kill their them Now a U.S. official who worked as an advisor to the Justice Department and Homeland Security has told 60 Minutes the powerful crime boss was likely trying to negotiate his way out of the scrape. Peter Vincent worked for the institutes during the hunt for El Chapo, which ended with his capture on January 8, six months after he escaped from a maximum security prison. He said: 'El Chapo undoubtedly said: "One, you let me go now and I will make you wealthier beyond your wild imaginations. "If you should choose to decline my most generous offer I am not only going to kill you but I am going to rape and kill your wife and your daughters and I'm going to torture your sons".' Mr Vincent added: 'He has behaved like that virtually his entire criminal career. Luckily the Mexican marines showed up, realized what was going on and took control of the situation.' Mexico's Federal Police have previously claimed El Chapo tried to bribe officers at the roadside when they first picked him up. Saying no to his offers of riches, they said they took him to the motel in order to wait for the Marine taskforce to arrive. Mexican marines captured El Chapo, which means 'the short one' in Spanish, during a raid in the town of Los Mochis, located in the kingpin's home state of Sinaloa on January 8. Five cartel gangsters were killed and another six were arrested in the raid, while one Mexican marine sustained non-life-threatening injuries. A vast arsenal of weapons was seized, including rocket launchers, machine guns and armored vehicles. El Chapo had earlier escaped from a nearby house which came under fire from marines as the net closed on the cartel leader. He, along with one of his key lieutenants, fled down a drain, where they spent several hours underground before emerging through a manhole on a busy street in the early morning. They then carjacked two different motorists, before they were picked up by Federal Police after the second vehicle broke down. It was then they were taken to the motel. Meanwhile, lawyers for El Chapo say he has complained guards at Mexico's Altiplano prison won't let him sleep, and that plans to make a movie about his life with actress Kate del Castillo are still on. Guzman's lawyer, Jose Refugio Rodriguez, said drug lord still wants the movie to be made but that the El Chapo himself won't contribute money to it. Rodriguez said: 'He wants it to be done. 'I know that Kate is Mr. Joaquin Guzman's representative... she is authorized to do it,' he said. 'And he told me Monday that the movie has to go forward.' Rodriguez said Guzman's involvement would be to authorize the use of his name and story. At an impromptu news conference outside the prison, another of his lawyers said guards waken him every two hours at night, and the practice is equivalent to torture. El Chapo is forced to face the press as he is paraded before journalists and bundled into a helicopter following his arrest Mexican Marines storm the house where El Chapo was hiding out in the early hours of January 8 Several cartel members were killed or arrested in the ensuing shootout, while several hours later officials finally managed to arrest the world's most wanted drug lord, El Chapo 'He said: "What I want is for them to let me sleep. They are making me into a zombie".' Juan Pablo Badillo quoted Guzman as saying. Badillo compared Guzman's treatment to that of prisoners at the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. 'This is the same torture they applied to prisoners of war there in Guantanamo," he said. Rodriguez released a copy of Guzman's testimony in one of the cases against him, in which the jailed drug lord accuses prison authorities of torturing him and said he felt 'like a sleepwalker'. 'My head and my ears always hurt and I feel bad all over,' Guzman said in the document. But the testimony also sheds light on the relatively permissive visitors' schedule Guzman enjoyed at the maximum-security prison before his escape in July, which has now been reduced. Guzman said he had been give an hour-and-a-half every day to talk to his lawyer, an hour in the sun in a prison patio, and a four-hour conjugal visit and a four-hour family visit every nine days. That regimen of visits - few of which would occur in a U.S. top-security prison - may explain why Guzman's lawyers are working so hard to prevent his extradition. Advertisement A fairytale woodland ranch which looks like it is straight out of fantasy epic Lord of the Rings is on sale for $3.8million. The whimsically designed property sits on the picturesque foot hills of a mountain range in Oregon, USA, and boasts spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness. Decorated with a Native American theme, the home features impressive internal tree sculptures, including a staircase made up of polished intertwining branches. Certainly an unconventional home, it is sure to excite nature lovers with the surrounding area said to be teeming with wildlife including deer, eagles and elk. At 8,880 sq ft the building offers plenty of space and for those who value their privacy or just the open space of the great outdoors, there is 700 acres of adjoining land to keep you happy. Kendra Ratcliff, broker at agents Luxe Platinum Property, said: 'This home is not only intended to honour nature in its design, it is also intended to function in harmony with nature. 'All the floors are heated and cooled geothermally. Every window of this home frames another amazing views of the mountains. 'Wildlife is in abundance with regular sightings of golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, falcons, deer and elk.' Grand entrance: Owners of the property will be greeted by a wildlife scene ornately carved on a large wooden door, pictured, each time they walk over the threshold of the $3.8million home Wild: The ranch is decorated in a Native American theme with beautiful tree sculptures, pictured, throughout its rooms and hallyways As well as intricate sculptures bursting out of the walls the hallway floor of the Oregon home has been designed to reflect nature. Pictured, different shades of polished wood represent a river flowing through the house Two of the property's highlights are the staircases, one pictured, which feature wooden sculptures of an eagle and a fish at their bases Unique: As well as their handsome base sculptures the staircases also feature tree branches which intertwine to form banisters, pictured A 8,880 sq ft property, the spacious home features open reception rooms, pictured, which offer plenty of room for people to entertain in Despite showcasing a theme that tries to be at one with nature, the home still has all the mods cons including a spacious double bathroom Sizeable plot: For those who value their privacy or enjoy the open space of the great outdoors the ranch, pictured, sits in 700 acres of land The families of victims of the San Bernardino massacre will file legal papers in support of the FBI's attempt to force Apple to unlock an encrypted iPhone belonging to one of the shooters. Stephen Larson, a former federal judge who is now in private practice, says that the victims he represents have an interest in the information which goes beyond the Justice Department's criminal investigation. He added he was contacted a week ago by the Justice Department and local prosecutors about representing the victims, prior to the dispute becoming public. The families of victims of the San Bernardino massacre will file legal papers in support of the FBI's attempt to force Apple to unlock an encrypted iPhone belonging to one of the shooters. Pictured is Apple CEO Tim Cook Mr Larson said: 'They were targeted by terrorists, and they need to know why, how this could happen.' San Bernardino killer Syed Farook along with wife Tashfeen Malik, shot dead 14 colleagues at a Christmas party in December after being inspired by ISIS. Following the shooting, he too was shot dead by police, who found an iPhone he had been given by his employer. The FBI want to unlock the iPhone but are unable to and have asked Apple to help them crack the device, but they have so far refused. San Bernardino killer Syed Farook along with wife Tashfeen Malik, shot dead 14 colleagues at a Christmas party in December after being inspired by ISIS An iPhone belonging to Farook, given to him by his employer San Bernardino County, was found in his car after a shootout with police The federal government are gearing up for a court battle with Apple to force the to unlock the phone. And by the families of some of the victims joining the fight against Apple, they are seen as a powerful ally in the court battle. The tech company had been ordered by a U.S. magistrate to unlock the device, but they refused after writing a letter to customers. The FBI have been trying to unlock the iPhone but are un The firm's chief executive, Tim Cook said: 'We mourn the loss of life and want justice for all those whose lives were affected. 'We have worked hard to support the government's efforts to solve this horrible crime.' However, FBI chief James Comey said in a letter released on Sunday night that the agency's request wasn't about setting legal precedent, but rather seeking justice for the victims and investigating other possible threats. He wrote: 'Fourteen people were slaughtered and many more had their lives and bodies ruined. We owe them a thorough and professional investigation under law. That's what this is. The clash between Apple and the Justice Department has driven straight to the heart of a long-running debate over how much law enforcement and intelligence officials should be able to monitor digital communications. The Justice Department won an order in a Riverside, California federal court on Tuesday against Apple, without the company present in court. Apple is scheduled to file its first legal arguments on Friday, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Sheri Pym, who served as a federal prosecutor before being appointed to the bench, has set a hearing on the issue for next month. Mr Larson once presided over cases in Riverside, and Pym argued cases in his courtroom several times as a prosecutor while Larson was a judge, he said. He returned to private practice in 2009, saying at the time that a judge's salary was not enough to provide for his seven children. The United States and Russia announced today that a landmark 'cessation of hostilities' in war-torn Syria will take effect on February 27. In a joint statement, the two countries said Saturday's partial truce would begin at midnight Damascus time (2200 GMT Friday) and would apply to parties to the conflict that have committed to the deal - but not to the Islamic State group or Al-Nusra Front, an Al-Qaeda affiliate. US President Barack Obama called Russia's Vladimir Putin today to discuss their joint efforts to bring about an effective ceasefire in Syria, the White House said - however it cautioned the road ahead would not be easy. The landmark 'cessation of hostilities came as efforts had intensified for a partial truce as fighting raged near Aleppo on Monday 'This is a moment of opportunity and we are hopeful that all the parties will capitalize on it,' White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters as he revealed the call between the two leaders. Earnest, however, cautioned: 'This is going to be difficult to implement.' US Secretary of State John Kerry, who has been working with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to secure an agreement, welcomed the deal. 'If implemented and adhered to, this cessation will not only lead to a decline in violence, but also continue to expand the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian supplies to besieged areas and support a political transition to a government that is responsive to the desires of the Syrian people,' Kerry said in a statement. President Bashar Al Assad says he wants to be remembered ten years from now as the person who saved Syria, adding that he would stay as leader if the Syrian people want to remain in power Parties wishing to be included in the agreement have until noon Damascus time (1000 GMT) Friday to inform Russia or the United States of their intention to honor the ceasefire. In return, the groups would be assured of protection from Russian and US-led coalition planes. The two powers are pursuing separate air wars in Syria, with Russia pounding rebel targets and the coalition focused on the IS group. 'The United States and the Russian Federation together call upon all Syrian parties, regional states and others in the international community to support the immediate cessation of violence and bloodshed in Syria and to contribute to the swift, effective and successful promotion of the UN-facilitated political transition process,' said the joint statement, released by the US State Department. The Pentagon stressed that any ceasefire would not alter the US-led coalition campaign against the IS group. 'ISIL has not been party to this,' Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said, using an alternate acronym for the IS group. 'Our operations will continue as they have. The coalition will continue to strike against ISIL.' Meanwhile, President Bashar Al Assad said he wants to be remembered ten years from now as the person who savedSyria. Assad, whose fate has been a key sticking point in efforts to end Syria's bloody civil war as it enters its sixth year, left open the question of whether he would still be president by then. And he said he was ready to implement a long-sought ceasefire, but only if the rebels and their international backers such as Turkey did not use it as a chance to gain ground. His comments came as efforts intensified for a partial truce as fighting raged near Aleppo on Monday and after the country suffered its bloodiest jihadist attack in nearly five years of war. In an interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais, Assad said: 'In 10 years, if I can save Syria as president but that doesn't mean I'm still going to be president in 10 years, I'm just talking about my vision of the 10 years. 'If Syria is safe and sound, and I'm the one who saved his country that's my job now, that's my duty. 'If the Syrian people want me to be in power, I will be. If they don't want me, I can do nothing, I mean, I cannot help my country, so I have to leave right away.' People gather immediately after two car bombings in the central Syrian city of Homs killed at least 57 people US President Barack Obama and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had been expected to speak after Washington announced a provisional agreement had been reached on an imminent 'cessation of hostilities'. US Secretary of State John Kerry announced the deal on Sunday as a string of suicide bombings in areas near a Shi'ite shrine outside Damascus and in the city of Homs killed at least 179 people. ISIS claimed responsibility for both attacks in regime-held areas, which a monitor said killed 120 people near the shrine of Sayyida Zeinab and at least 59 in the Al-Zahraa district of Homs. The bombings near the shrine marked the deadliest jihadist attack since Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitoring group. Kerry said the US and Russian leaders were to speak 'in the next days or so' on the terms of implementing the agreement, which would apply to fighting between non-jihadist rebel forces and regime troops backed by Moscow and Tehran. Syrians gather at the site of a series of attacks the area of the Sayyida Zeinab shrine south of Syria's capital Damascus on February 21 COALITION HITS ISIS WITH 19 AIR STRIKES IN IRAQ AND SYRIA The United States and its allies staged 19 strikes against ISIS in Iraq and Syria on Sunday in its latest round of daily attacks on the militant group, according to the coalition leading the operations. In a statement released today, the Combined Joint Task Force said it launched 14 strikes in Syria concentrated near Al Hasakah, where they hit five ISIS tactical units and destroyed four building and four vehicles. Other strikes hit near Al Hawl, Ayn Isa and Dayr Az Zawr. In Iraq, five strikes near Falluja, Mosul, Ramadi and Sinjar hit four tactical units as well as other targets, the statement said. Advertisement The partial ceasefire would not extend to international efforts to combat ISIS and other jihadist groups in Syria, complicating its implementation. Announced by top diplomats in Munich earlier this month, the ceasefire failed to take hold by last Friday as initially planned. Part of a plan that also included expanded humanitarian access, the proposal aims to pave the way for a resumption of peace talks that collapsed earlier this month in Geneva. The talks had been scheduled to resume on February 25, but the UN Syria envoy has already acknowledged that date is no longer realistic. Syria's main opposition umbrella group, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), was meeting in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Monday for talks on the ceasefire and peace talks efforts. Spokesman Monzer Makhous told AFP news agency the meeting was expected to continue for two or three days. The HNC has said any ceasefire must include provisions for Russia, Iran and foreign militia forces backing the regime to stop fighting. Russia launched air strikes in Syria last September against what it said were 'terrorists' but has been accused of bombing non-jihadist rebel forces in support of President Bashar al-Assad, a longtime ally. Hospitals in Homs and Damascus are struggling to cope with hundreds of wounded people after a series of ISIS attacks in Syria A wounded man receives treatment inside a hospital after multiple bomb blasts hit a southern district of Damascus, Syria Iran has sent military advisors to Syria and the Tehran-backed Lebanese Shi'ite movement Hezbollah has deployed at least 6,000 militants to fight with Assad. Iran would have to be on board for any ceasefire to work and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu made a surprise visit to Tehran on Sunday, saying he was delivering a 'special message' from Putin to President Hassan Rouhani. Efforts have been intensifying to resolve Syria's war which has left more than 260,000 dead, forced millions from their homes and devastated the country as the conflict approaches the five-year mark in March. The rise of ISIS, which has seized large parts of Syria and neighbouring Iraq and become the preeminent global jihadist group, has focused attention on the need for a solution. Assad's forces have been making important gains since the start of Russian air strikes, with particularly heavy fighting in recent weeks around the second city of Aleppo that has sent tens of thousands fleeing to the Turkish border. But their efforts to take Aleppo city long divided into regime- and rebel-held areas were dealt a setback on Monday. People walk by in front of damaged buildings near at the site of a twin bomb attack in the city of Homs Once dubbed the capital of the Syrian revolution, Homs city is now almost completely controlled by the Syrian government. ISIS and other jihadists cut a vital supply route linking the west of Aleppo with other government-held territory, the Observatory said. The road between Aleppo and the town of Khanasser to the southeast was the only way regime forces and civilians living in government-controlled neighbourhoods of the city could travel to surrounding provinces. If government forces are unable to recapture the road, it could slow their offensive in the area. The first of Sunday's attacks saw suicide bombers drive explosives-laden cars into crowds of residents in the Homs district of Al-Zahraa, whose residents are mostly from the same Alawite offshoot of Shiite Islam as Syria's ruling clan. The second and deadlier saw a car bombing followed by two consecutive suicide attacks rip through the area of the revered Shi'ite shrine, which contains the grave of a granddaughter of the Prophet Mohammed. Moscow said the attacks were aimed at undermining peace efforts. Russell Brand today called Boris Johnson a 'Jihadi John machine' in a rant even considered 'crack pot' and 'insane' by his own fans. The comedian accused the Tory Mayor of London of helping to 'grow' thousands of new versions of Mohammed Emwazi, ISIS' British executioner-in-chief before he was killed last year. The millionaire star, who ended his Trews YouTube series last year, published his message on Facebook last night just after Boris backed the campaign for Britain to leave the EU. Scroll down for video 'Crackpot': Russell Brand posted a new political video on Facebook last night called: 'Boris Johnson is a jihadi machine' Clip: The comedian played a clip of Boris Johnson on LBC Radio before launching into a rant saying the Mayor of London helps grow extremists The controversial comic, who pledged to stay out of politics after backing Ed Miliband at the last election, said the Mayor of London's behaviour and connections encourages terrorism. He said: 'The mentality of Boris Johnson creates more problems, the allegiances of Boris Johnson create more problems. 'The activities of organisations that he belongs to, that he supports, create these problems. 'Boris Johnson grows Jihadi Johns - he is a Jihadi John machine. 'Jihadi John is just one. Once Jihadi John is dead that's the end of Jihadi John but Boris Johnson can create thousands of others.' His film starts with a clip of Mr Johnson on LBC Radio saying that those who support ISIS' 'glorification' of murder in their horrific films should be angry with the killers, not the West. Mr Brand said: 'What he is saying is exactly wrong. Of course you condemn people who are violent but you look at why they are violent in order to stop the violence. That's why. Not so we can all be kind and cuddle kittens. No - in order to stop the problem'. His 45-second video has been liked 2,000 times on his Facebook page, but some fans turned on him. Carlos Heath Russell wrote on his Facebook page: 'I respect your Green attitude but if you think for one second that a Jihadi Jon (sic) wouldn't think twice about cutting your head off with a knife because it would get media attention then think again. 'The difference between Mr Johnson and Jihadi Jon is that Boris wouldn't even contemplate such inhumane acts.' Comparison: Brand said that even after the death of Briton Mohammed Emwazi, left, who went to Syria and became Jihadi John, right, 'Boris Johnson can create thousands of others' Reaction: Russell Brand's fanpage, where the video appeared, contained a string of critical comments Karen Aitkins said: 'It's wonderful that Russell thinks that empathising with violent jihadi terrorists is the answer. Maybe they just need a bit of counselling and yoga and they'll see the light. Love you Russel but fluffy bunnies is not going to bring global peace'. Tommy Stevenson called Brand a 'f*****g idiot' adding: 'Stick to shouting on the street, you have no idea what your talking about in your liberal rich ivory tower.' Stephanie Victoria Prior said: ' Seriously? Please feel free to sit at the table and talk peace with ISIS. They kill kids for listening to pop music'. Richard Finlay wrote: 'Would love Russell to explain how Boris Johnson grows Jihadi Johns.' Last year the self-styled revolutionary said Britain's 'corrupt' society is to blame for turning Jihadi John into a terrorist executioner. In an extraordinary ten-minute rant on YouTube last March, before Emwazi was killed in a US drone strike, said young Muslims in the UK are so disenfranchised they turn to mad jihadism. The millionaire comedian-turned-anarchist spoke out in a video blog he called: 'Could I have been Jihadi John?' He said: The kernel of truth in the sprawling, bewildering, bramble of ISIS madness is society isn't working, the system isn't working, its totally corrupt. Thats the thing that resonates in the core of young people, thats the thing that pulls them into mad jihadism. Backlash: Brand's rant has been liked 2,000 times on Facebook but one fan even called his message 'insane' His attack on Boris Johnson came after he pledged to stay away from politics. Brand, who endorsed Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader last September, admitted he had 'f***** up' by urging people to back Ed Miliband before the last election. He said he endorsed Mr Miliband after getting 'caught up' in the moment when Mr Miliband came to his London flat to be interviewed. Brand said: 'People were telling me, journalists, people who know loads about politics, look if Labour don't get in it's going to really be bad because independent living fund will get cut, public services are going get cut more than ever, it's going to get worse for very poor people, the climate of the country is going to get mean and nasty. And now actually the Conservatives have won.' Two migrants accused of raping a 12-year-old refugee at a housing centre for unaccompanied minors in Sweden lied about their age, claiming to be 15. The men reportedly attacked the boy at the centre in Alvesta, Smaland, and are said to have filmed the sexual assault on a mobile phone. Despite claiming to be 15 and 16 when applying for asylum in Sweden, the two alleged attackers have now been found to be over 18 after undergoing a dental age assessment, a prosecutor said. The men accused of raping a 12-year-old boy at a housing for unaccompanied minors in Alvesta, Sweden, claimed to be 15 and 16, but have been found to be over 18 after undergoing a dental age assessment Prosecutor Emma Berge also produced screen grabs of the accused's Facebook pages where one of them claims to be born in 1997, and the other in 1971. One of the men also writes on the social network that he has previously worked as a mechanic in Dubai. Ms Berge says that she is not claiming that the man is 45, but that he is over 18. 'A dental examination with an age assessment had been made by the National Board of Forensic Medicine, and then there is information from Facebook and similar sources,' Ms Berhge told Expressen. 'And then you also have to look at their appearance and how they are perceived.' The men reportedly took turns in raping the boy, and shared a video of the sexual assault on their mobile phones Vaxjo Tingsratt heard The alleged attack took place at a government-provided housing centre for underaged unaccompanied migrants and refugees in Alvesta, Smaland county. The housing is meant to be for minors in their late teens, but despite the alleged victim only being 12 years old, he was placed at the home. The alleged rape is said to have taken place outside, near the housing, in the beginning of January, Expressen reports. The boy is said to have been beaten and then raped, first by one of the men, and then by the other. The first rape was allegedly filmed by one of the men, and sent over to the second suspect's mobile phone. One of the alleged perpetrators shared a room with the 12-year-old boy at the time of the alleged sexual assault. Jailed: Craig Adams held up 13 different South London shops using a variety of deadly weapons A robber wearing a flat cap held up 13 shops in a month with a sword and machete because he was desperate to pay off the debts he had racked up in prison by buying legal highs. Craig Adams was caught on CCTV threatening female shop assistants and forcing them to hand over cash in several different South London stores. He was caught when he left a handprint on a book at a shop he raided - and Scotland Yard 'super-recognisers' then scoured surveillance footage linking him to the other robberies. The 33-year-old was jailed for seven years after he pleaded guilty to 13 counts of robbery and three of burglary at Inner London Crown Court. He told police he needed the money he stole to pay off the drug debts he accrued in prison after apparently getting hooked on the legal high known as Spice. The court heard that Adams targeted shops such as Oddbins, Subway, Superdrug and Pets at Home around South London between October 10 and November 5 last year. He armed himself with weapons including a 5ft sword, a machete, a meat cleaver and a knife during the raids. Adams deliberately chose to hold up shops where women were working alone behind the till, because he thought he would be more successful, the court was told. Threat: Adams was caught on CCTV holding a meat cleaver as he demanded money from a Subway worker Attack: Surveillance video shows Adams leaning over the counter to grab banknotes from the till He was caught after he left a palm print on a book at Foyles in the South Bank while he was robbing the bookshop. Metropolitan Police super-recognisers then scoured CCTV footage of other robberies nearby and found that he had carried out a string of separate raids. Jailing him for seven years, Recorder Peter Herbert said Adams' offences had 'victimised a disproportionate number of lone females'. After the conclusion of the case Lucie Fish, from Lambeth CID, said: 'Adams's serial offending was escalating rapidly under pressure to satisfy a drug-debt he had built up while in prison. THE MET'S SUPER-RECOGNISERS Officers with unusually sensitive facial recognition skills have been identified within the London Met Police. They all hold front line positions, in units such as the Safer Neighbourhood Teams, Robbery Squads, Intelligence Units, or in custody suites, where they keep up a good knowledge of local troublemakers. When necessary they are required to view stills and videos from footage of crime scenes so they can become familiar with suspects. They are then on the lookout for these people as they go about their usual front line duties. Every person identified by an officer as being a potential suspect is followed up in the same manner as fingerprint and DNA evidence. Advertisement 'Adams was apprehended thanks to excellent forensic work and his other offences - which had taken place across five London boroughs - were linked by our super-recognisers. 'Our thoughts are with his victims and we trust that the sentence handed down will assist with their recovery following their ordeals.' A spokesman for Scotland Yard added: 'Adams targeted employees working late in the evening, forcing his victims to hand over cash from the till. 'He used a number of different weapons including various knives, a large machete, a meat cleaver and, finally, a large sword. Dr Susan Cunliffe, 48, had 21 sessions of the electro-convulsive therapy at Worcestershire Royal Hospital between 2004 and 2005 A doctor who underwent 21 sessions of a controversial 'electric shock' therapy to combat her depression claims the treatment has left her brain damaged and unemployable. Dr Susan Cunliffe, 48, had 21 sessions of the electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) at Worcestershire Royal Hospital between 2004 and 2005 to combat depression following the break-up of her marriage. But she claims the ECT treatment, which sees patients have an electric current sent through their brain to trigger an epileptic fit, has left her permanently damaged. The mother-of-three says her speech and mobility have been reduced and she has been left unable to do her job. She is now demanding an independent scientific study is carried out to examine the effects of ECT. Dr Cunliffe said: 'By the time I finished ECT I was left with memory problems, an inability to recognise faces or to navigate. 'Towards the end my hands shook, I couldn't walk in a straight line and I fell over repeatedly. 'I couldn't walk through doors without bumping into door frames. 'My speech was slurred and I had word finding problems.' Although ECT is extremely effective, it is only used on people who need treatment quickly: those who are very severely depressed, who are at risk from taking their own lives, and perhaps cannot look after themselves, or those who have not responded to other treatments. NICE, the Governments health watchdog, has judged it suitable for use in severe depression, and every year around 12,000 Britons undergo the treatment. Dr Cunliffe, of Broadwas, Worcestershire, said she was told the side effects might include headaches and short term memory loss but no one mentioned possible brain damage. Dr Cunliffe added: 'Eleven years on, whilst much improved, I tire easily and as I do my functioning rapidly deteriorates. 'I cannot make decisions I become devoid of emotions except those of irritability and tearfulness. But she claims the ECT treatment, which sees patients have an electric current sent through their brain to trigger an epileptic fit, has left her permanently damaged. The mother-of-three says her speech and mobility have been reduced and she has been left unable to do her job Dr Cunliffe, of Broadwas, Worcestershire, said she was told the side effects might include headaches and short term memory loss but no one mentioned possible brain damage 'I have not been given closure and have had to live for the last ten years with a serious disability. 'I first had my brain damage diagnosed towards the end of 2007, two years after it (ECT) happened.' Dr Cunliffe has received support from West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin who is trying to lobby Parliament to examine the use of ECT. A spokesperson for the Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust said: 'We are aware of a request to look into the treatment given to Mrs Cunliffe back in 2005 by our predecessor trust, and will be meeting with her over the next few weeks to discuss next steps. 'It is important that patients are reassured the ECT department was independently accredited as 'excellent' in 2008 and then again in 2011 by regulators.' The Tory candidate for Mayor of London has earned 10million since he became an MP in 2010 and paid more than 4million in tax over the five-year period, it was revealed today. The figures were unveiled by Zac Goldsmith himself as he took the unprecedented step of publishing his tax returns in a risky move that exposes his astonishing personal wealth. He published the details after coming under pressure to 'come clean' over his former status as a 'non-dom' taxpayer. Tory mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith, pictured in central London this morning, published his personal tax returns today, revealing that he has earned 10million since he became an MP in 2010 But Labour responded by saying his tax returns 'raise more questions than they answer,' claiming they fail to explain the detail of the benefits he derived from his non-dom tax status. His personal tax return revealed he paid an average of 46 per cent tax on his worldwide income and capital gains between 2010 and 2015. As he published his tax return this morning, Mr Goldsmith urged his rivals for London Mayor - which include Labour's Sadiq Khan, the Respect party's George Galloway and the Green candidate Sian Berry - to do the same. 'I have today published my tax return details, prepared and verified by PwC... I gave a commitment to do so and today I deliver on that promise,' he said. 'I look forward to all mayoral candidates doing the same so London voters can judge us equally.' Zac Goldsmith, pictured left in central London this morning, urged his Labour rival Sadiq Khan to publish his own tax return. A spokesman for Mr Khan said he will publish his record 'asap A spokesman for Mr Khan said the Labour candidate will publish his tax returns next week. But Tory MP Paul Scully hit back at Mr Khan, saying: Zac has delivered on his commitment. With every day that Khan dodges the question, hes hiding from transparency. 'He cant deal with the scrutiny, just as he couldnt deal with scrutiny of his experimental 1.9 billion pound black hole. It came on a day when Mr Goldsmith was forced to defend his decision to back Britain's exit from the EU in the upcoming referendum, which drew criticism that he was 'betraying' Londoners. In an article this morning, he acknowledged that being pro-EU would have put him in a better position to win the mayoral race but said he was not willing to put electoral politics ahead of his convictions. SADIQ KHAN DEFENDS LINKS WITH MAN WHO DESCRIBED WHITE PEOPLE AS 'DEVILS' Sadiq Khan, pictured in 2001 during his work on Louis Farrakhan's case, said 'even the worst people need a defence' Labour's candidate for Mayor of London has defended his links to infamous Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. Sadiq Khan represented Farrakhan in the early 2000s in his efforts to overturn a ban on coming to Britain. Farrakhan is a hugely controversial figure who has denounced white people as 'devils' described jews as 'bloodsuckers' and called Hitler a 'very great man'. Mr Khan, who is MP for Tooting, is attempting to follow Boris Johnson as London mayor in May. His main opponent is Tory MP for Richmond upon Thames, Zac Goldsmith. On Thursday Mr Khan defended his role in the legal bid. In an interview with Jack Mendel at Jewish News he said: 'I have never hidden the fact that I was a human rights lawyer. 'Unfortunately, that means that I had to speak on behalf of some unsavoury individuals. 'Some of their views made me feel deeply uncomfortable, but it was my job.' Sources close to Mr Khan said he had condemned extremism and radicalisation publicly for his entire career. But reports from the time reveal he played a very public role in attempting to get Farrakhan into Britain. He was, and remains, banned because of fears his anti-Semitic views would stir up racial hatred. In 1990 Farrakhan sparked outrage after claiming Jewish people controlled the US 'like a radar controls the movement of a great ship in the waters' and had 'got a stranglehold on the Congress'. Advertisement 'I recognise that opinion in London is at best divided on this issue, and as a mayoral candidate, it would be easier for me to quietly U-turn,' he wrote. 'But I didn't get involved in politics to test every idea with pollsters, flip flop on the big issues and then carry on regardless once elected. He will campaign on the same side as the current London Mayor Boris Johnson, who dramatically announced he was joining the Out campaign yesterday. Mr Goldsmith's tax record shows that his taxable income since being elected as MP for Richmond Park & North Kingston was more than 6million. Most of it came from a family trust set up by his late father, the billionaire financier James Goldsmith, who died in 1997. He earned an additional 4.3million in profits from selling assets. Over the five year period he had an average annual income of 1.2million - 45 times the average salary for UK workers of 26,500 and 36 times the median salary for full-time workers in the capital of 33,203. His income puts him in the highest-earning 0.05 per cent of UK taxpayers. Mr Goldsmith is believed to be the wealthiest MP with a personal fortune thought to be between 200million and 300million. Up until 2009 he was registered as a non-dom - a tax status that allows some UK residents to limit the tax paid on income earned overseas. He inherited the non-dom status along with his personal fortune from his father. But despite publishing his record today and declaring he is 'proud of my record,' Mr Goldsmith is likely to come under fire over why he did not give up his non-dom status earlier if he was not benefiting from it, as he claims. His Tory campaigners say the amount of money he has earned under the non-dom status was 'virtually nil'. Mr Goldsmith admitted he had been 'dealt a good hand in life' but insisted he was determined to 'play it well'. 'As well known to voters in my two elections as an MP, I became 'non-dom' automatically because of my father's international status. It was not a choice, and I relinquished it seven years ago. 'I was born, grew up and have always lived in London except for two years travelling abroad in my early twenties. Because of this I derived very little, if any, benefit from this status as my income came to the UK and was therefore taxed here.' Responding to the publication of his tax returns, Labour MP Neil Coyle said: 'Zac Goldsmith's tax returns raise more questions than they answer. 'They don't explain any detail of the benefits he derived from his non-domiciled tax status or explain why he bought his London home through a Cayman Islands trust. 'Londoners deserve to know the full details of Zac Goldsmith's tax affairs and the benefits he has derived from his non-domiciled status.' Allen Bregman was questioned at the time, but was never charged The cold murder case of a 23-year-old nurse who was beaten and shot to death inside her home nearly 40 years ago is being actively investigated by Miami-Dade homicide detectives. Debbie Clark was found dead and lying on her bed in her town home in Coral Gables in August 1977. After her murder, detectives questioned Allen Bregman, who was known by Clarks family to be her married lover and had filed a life insurance claimed for Clark days after her death. However, no charges were ever filed against him. Detectives recently interviewed Bregman, now 74 and living in Boca Raton, and served a search warrant to obtain his fingerprints and a DNA sample, the Miami Herald reported. The unsolved murder of Debbie Clark (pictured right) is being investigated again after nearly 40 years. Detectives questioned Allen Bregman (left) after her death but no charges were ever filed, but recently served a search warrant to obtain his fingerprints and a DNA sample Clarks brother Brian Pantola told the Herald he was floored when detectives arrived in central New York to visit him. I was in disbelief that anyone was communicating with me about my dead sister, he told the newspaper. I didnt have any idea that anyone cared. While no charges have been filed against Bregman, authorities plan to compare his DNA profile to hair and other things found at the crime scene in the 1970s, when such technology was not available to police. Clark, who grew up in Utica, New York, moved to Miami after her marriage to a local man quickly ended. According to her family, the big city appealed to her so much so that, at 17, she and her stepsister had hitchhiked all the way to Los Angeles. In Miami, she worked at the Coral Gables Hospital, but was hoping to study to become a lawyer. She began a relationship with Bregman, the son of a rich property investor, who was in his mid-30s, married and living in a grand waterfront home on Miami Beach in 1977, according to the Herald. Clark (pictured on her wedding day) grew up in Utica, New York, but moved to Miami after her marriage to a local man ended But his relationship with Clark was apparently not a secret to her family, as she talked about marrying him after he divorced his wife. They said they met him several times and that he came to a wedding with Clark in North Carolina. According to the search warrant, Bregman bought the town home that Clark lived in. Friends said he rented it to her and sometimes lived there as well. The warrant adds that Bregman would tell his wife that he was traveling for work in order to spend time with Clark there. I was in disbelief that anyone was communicating with me about my dead sister. I didnt have any idea that anyone cared Clark's brother Brian Pantola The nurse was last seen at the hospital where she worked at 7am the end of her night shift on August 4, 1977. She never returned to work the following evening. When she continued to not show up for work, her concerned friends called the police. Thomas Guilfoyle, a Miami-Dade police officer, climbed onto the porch overhand, and saw Clarks body on the bed through the window. The case was assigned to homicide detective Stephen McElveen. In his initial search, McElveen, who has since died, found there were no signs of forced entry or evidence that the home had been ransacked - but Bregmans belongings were gone. McElveen also discovered that in the days before the murder, Bregman was in New York for a search and rescue training class with the U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary. A friend had called him to say his wife had found out about his affair and was planning to divorce him, according to the search warrant. He got on a flight in New York and arrived in Miami at around 3.30pm on August 4 a Thursday. Clarks body was found a couple of days later. The next Monday, Bregmans wife filed for divorce. On the Tuesday, Bregman filed a $148,000 life insurance claim with Allstate Insurance. The company fought the claim and according to the Herald, Bregman invoked his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent in court. Police are also hoping to identify a blonde woman who may be linked to Bregman, and have issue a photograph of her taken in the 1970s (left) as well as an image of what she may look like now (right) Although details in the case remain unclear, he eventually received a part of the money, which mostly went towards legal fees. Clarks father also received a part of the sum. No-one was ever arrested in the case. But when it was assigned to Detective David Denmark a couple of years ago, he went to interview Bregman. Demark wrote in the search warrant that Bregman, who has remarried, denied being in a relationship with Clark as well as living in her home or keeping anything there. Police are also hoping to identify a blonde woman who may be linked to Bregman, and have issue a photograph of her taken in the 1970s as well as an image of what she may look like now. But Bregmans defense attorney Barry Wax said police are going to find a dead end using modern technology, adding he is confident the hair found at the crime scene does not belong to his client. Ted Cruz has asked his national spokesman Rick Tyler to step down after Tyler peddled an 'inaccurate' story about Marco Rubio and the Bible. 'Our campaign should not have sent it,' Cruz told reporters today, according to several accounts. 'That's why I've asked for Rick Tyler's resignation.' Tyler had apologized for posting a video that appeared to show Rubio scoffing at the Bible. The Rubio campaign suggested the attack was another 'dirty trick' out of the Cruz campaign, which has taken heat since the night of the Iowa caucuses when Cruz volunteers told Ben Carson supporters their guy was on the cusp of dropping out so they should vote Cruz instead. Scroll down for video Ted Cruz's campaign has started getting a bad rap for dirty tricks after surrogates in Iowa told caucus goers that Ben Carson was about to drop out. The campaign also photoshopped a picture that made it look like Marco Rubio was shaking hands with President Obama Ted Cruz fired spokesman Rick Tyler (pictured) today over a video he had posted, which looked to show rival Marco Rubio being dismissive of the Bible in front of a Cruz staffer and Sen. Cruz's father Marco Rubio was filmed walking by a Cruz staffer and making a comment about the Bible. The original video, shared by the Cruz campaign, has him saying, 'not many answers in it' Ted Cruz's national spokesman Rick Tyler took to Facebook to apologize to Marco Rubio for sharing the 'inaccurate' story This new situation involved a video in which the dialogue was all muddled. 'I want to apologize to Senator Marco Rubio for posting an inaccurate story about him here earlier today,' spokesman Rick Tyler wrote on Facebook yesterday, removing his original post. The story involved a remark Rubio made when walking past a Cruz staffer who was reading the Bible. 'The story misquoted a remark the Senator made to the staffer,' Tyler wrote. 'I assumed wrongly the story was correct.' The right-leaning Independent Journal Review tracked down the original source of the video a blog post from the Daily Pennsylvanian, an independent student newspaper out of the University of Pennsylvania. The post, headlined, 'Marco Rubio has awkward confrontation with Rafael Cruz, Cruz staffer in hotel lobby,' says that Rubio 'decided to have some fun' with the elder Cruz and the staffer Christian Collins. 'Got a good book there,' Rubio says to Collins. 'Not many answers in it, especially that one,' Rubio adds. The Daily Pennsylvanian later updated the post with confirmation from the Cruz campaign that Collins' book was the Bible. The Right Scoop, a conservative website, picked the video and story up from there and Tyler shared it with Cruz supporters. The transcript, however, was botched. Rubio did indeed say, 'Got a good book there,' as he strolled by the Cruz team. But a corrected video, which came out later and was shared by Rubio's spokesman Alex Conant, transcribes Rubio as saying: 'All the answers are in there. Especially in that one.' 'This video has correct transcript; any other is another dirty trick by Cruz camp,' Conant said. 'How do I know? I'm in the video!!' The Rubio campaign had complained of other dirty tricks courtesy of Cruz's people in the run-up to Saturday's South Carolina primary, in which Rubio came out barely ahead, taking second place over Cruz's third. Rubio's people complained that team Cruz had Photoshopped an image of Rubio shaking hands with Democratic President Barack Obama, which is not a good look for Republican South Carolina voters. 'Every picture in a political campaign is Photoshopped,' Tyler told Fox News. 'It is absolutely true.' However, this time around, Tyler was forced to eat his words. 'According to the Cruz staffer, the Senator made a friendly and appropriate remark,' Tyler wrote in his Facebook apology. 'Since the audio was unclear, I should not have assumed the story was correct,' he added. Tyler explained that he deleted his original post, likely so it wouldn't continue to be shared. 'But the fact remains that I did post it when I should have checked its accuracy first,' he wrote. 'I regret the mistake.' Frontrunner Donald Trump, who has taken great delight in calling Cruz a 'liar,' jumped at the opportunity to judge this situation as well. 'Wow, Ted Cruz falsely suggested Marco Rubio mocked the Bible and was just forced to fire his Communications Director. More dirty tricks!' the frontrunner tweeted today. The Prime Minister grinned briefly as she entered Downing Street after a run in the central London fog this morning as MailOnline can reveal that all her 'In Liz we Truss' merchandise was expunged. The party's cups, travel mugs, bags and T-shirts celebrating her election 45 days ago, each costing between 14.95 and 24,95, have been deleted from the website and pulled from sale. Wearing her gym kit and muddy trainers, the outgoing Tory leader, now considered the most disastrous in party history, gave a wry smile at police as she skipped into the back door of No 10 at around 8am. She will spend her last weekend as PM at Chequers, No 10 has said. The UK's shortest serving PM will still receive severance pay to the tune of 18,860 - equal to 419.11 for each of the 44 days she served. She also earned 10,000 in that time because he ministerial salary went up. Ms Truss is beginning her final week as Prime Minister as her rivals circle to take her job - but there is also increasing anger about the cash and benefits she is leaving with and demands for her to forgo them. She will now also be entitled to claim up to 115,000-a-year in an allowance for former Prime Ministers. Her predecessors Sir John Major, Sir Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson are all believed to have claimed it. Ms Truss will also benefit from a taxpayer-funded pension as a former minister and Prime Minister. Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer today joined calls for Ms Truss to reject her allowance and hand back any payout, declaring that she had 'not earned the right' to keep it. He said: 'She should turn it down. I think that's the right thing to do. She's done 44 days in office, she's not really entitled to it, she should turn it down and not take it'. Two people have escaped with only minor injuries after an Amtrak train collided with a car in Missouri on Monday morning. The train hit the sedan at around 6am in the Bussen Quarry, around 15 miles south of St Louis,Fox 2 St Louis reports. One person had to be cut free from the vehicle before being taken to the hospital alongside another car passenger with non-life-threatening injuries. Nobody on the train was hurt. Two people have miraculously escaped with non-life-threatning injuries after a train collided with a car south of St Louis, Missouri, at around 6am One person had to be cut free and was taken to hospital alongside another car passenger. Nobody aboard the train was injured, according to an Amtrak spokesman A spokesman for Amtrak told Dailymail.com that the train was traveling from San Antonio into St Louis when it collided with the car. The train was delayed for an hour and 25 minutes while police attended the scene, but was able to continue to its destination. There were no injuries reported aboard the train, the spokesman added, and there was little damaged to the train itself. No further delays are expected. Pictures from the scene shows a heavily damaged sedan beside the railroad tracks surrounded by ambulance and fire vehicles. Mr Kelly was paid $125,574 by the organisation in the last financial year The father of one-punch victim Thomas Kelly has defended his $125,000 salary from the Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation that was established to combat alcohol-fuelled violence. Ralph Kelly - who is director of the charity - was paid $125,574 last financial year, about half of the $243,373 raised by the foundation, according to its latest financial report. Mr Kelly confirmed his salary, however he said numbers in the annual report did not take into account $540,000 given to the Salvation Army to help fund the Take Kare Safe Spaces program from December 2014 to February 2016, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Scroll down for video Ralph Kelly (left), the father of one-punch victim Thomas Kelly, has defended the $125,000 in wages he has received from the Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation that was established to combat alcohol-fuelled violence 'My salary was approved by all of the board members (and) all of the directors and it was disappointing to see (it) reported that without waiting to speak to the directors or myself,' Mr Kelly told the newspaper. 'It undermines all of the good work the foundation does and puts doubt into people's minds.' TKYF Chairman Phillip Crawford confirmed Mr Kelly's claim in a statement on Monday. 'Since December 2014 TKYF has raised significant funding to operate our Take Kare Safe Spaces in Sydney's CBD and Kings Cross,' Mr Crawford said. According to The Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation's latest financial reports, the charity's annual revenue for the 2014-2015 financial year was $243,373 Thomas Kelly (pictured) was tragically killed in an unprovoked attack in Sydney's Kings Cross in 2012 'The majority of these funds are paid directly to the Salvation Army under an arrangement with TKYF and its sponsor. 'These funds are not therefore included as income in the TKYF financial statements. 'TKYF has in place a governance structure to ensure that the Foundation is managed prudently.' Take Kare Safe Spaces run each Friday and Saturday night to help young people who may find themselves in trouble during a night out. The Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation Facebook page had to be temporarily shut down on Monday after it was flooded with abuse. Mr Kelly said the foundation has given $540,000 to the Salvation Army to help fund the Take Kare Safe Spaces program from December 2014 to February 2016 It comes after Mr Kelly's salary was revealed in the foundation's annual financial report. Mr Kelly was the only employee paid by the company, and still holds his role as Managing Director of Hemisphere Hospitality Solutions. He previously worked at Accor Hotels, which is one of the supporters of the foundation. According to the foundation's website: 'The Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation and Take Kare Safe Spaces are funded by the NSW Government, the City of Sydney, the Macquarie Group Foundation and the Crown Resorts Foundation'. Kieran Loveridge is serving 14 years for Mr Kelly's manslaughter. He punched Thomas Kelly in an unprovoked attack in Kings Cross, Sydney, on July 7, 2012 The board of directors at The Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation, which includes Senior Australian of the Year Gordian Fulde, are said to have fully supported the payment to Mr Kelly. Other directors include executive director of Macquarie Bank Guy Reynolds and Patricia O'Rouke, CEO at St Vincent's Health Australia Public Hospitals. Thomas Kelly died in 2012 after an unprovoked attack by Kieran Loveridge, who is serving 14 years for Mr Kelly's manslaughter. Mr Kelly suffered catastrophic head injuries after Loveridge punched him once in an unprovoked attack at Kings Cross, in Sydney's inner-city, on July 7, 2012. Charles Lambert, 45, was killed in a shootout after six hours of negotiations with police. He also shot and killed an officer during the shootout The mother of a man who shot four Mississippi police officers during a shootout, said authorities refused to let her talk to him during six hours of negotiations. Katherine Hudson said she thinks family members could have convinced Charles Lee Lambert, 45, to end the standoff without bloodshed. Hudson, who is Lambert's adoptive mother, said she disagrees with how law enforcement handled the situation. 'We could have talked to him and everything would have been all right,' Hudson told The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. Lambert was killed in the shootout after he opened fire on officers who stormed a Mississippi home. According to Hudson, Lambert 'had been having problems'. She told the Daily Journal that 'he had gotten ill' and it seemed like 'he wanted to be out there by himself'. His biological mother, Diane Richardson of Nashville, also said the family should have been allowed to speak with Lambert. She told the Daily Journal that if the family had been able to talk to him, 'he would have been fine and the officer would have been fine'. The standoff and shootout took place at an Iuka, Mississippi home (pictured). The standoff started Friday afternoon when authorities responded to a domestic dispute call at the home in Tishomingo County, authorities said Lambert was holed up in his home near Iuka in northern Mississippi. The standoff started Friday afternoon when authorities responded to a domestic dispute call at the home in Tishomingo County, according to the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. He was in the home with his wife and 10-year-old daughter and refused to come out. Department of Public Safety spokesman Warren Strain said the man wasn't shooting at officers before they entered the house, but they had tried to talk with him for six hours and had fundamentally exhausted negotiations. Authorities stormed the home early Saturday and Lambert began shooting. The woman and child were rescued, but one officer was killed. James Lee Tartt, 44, an agent in the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, was killed and three other officers were wounded in the shootout that followed negotiations. A preliminary autopsy report indicates that Tartt was hit in the left shoulder by a single bullet from an assault rifle, Tishomingo County Coroner Mack Wilemon said Sunday night. James Tartt, 44, was an agent in the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. He was killed and three other officers were wounded in the shootout that followed the six hour negotiations Lambert's autopsy had not yet been performed. Department of Public Safety spokesman Warren Strain told the newspaper the officers are trained, and their first goal is keeping people alive. The family is entitled to their opinion on how the incident was handled, he said. Three state troopers who entered the home were wounded. Jasper County Sheriff Randy Johnson identified the most seriously wounded officer, who was hospitalized in Corinth, as Trea Staples. The other two officers were in fair condition. In a statement late Sunday, Tishomingo County Sheriff John Daugherty said that the names of the wounded officers could have ended up on the agency's memorial monument but 'fortunately, all three have good prognoses and should recover'. Strain said Saturday that officers had exhausted negotiations when they stormed the house. He described Tartt as a decorated officer who had been in law enforcement for 22 years. Tartt joined the narcotics bureau in 2000 and in 2011 had been honored as agent of the year, Strain said. Officers had exhausted negotiations when they stormed the house (pictured). Three other officers were shot during the shootout. One officer was in critical condition on Saturday but is expected to recover Strain said Tartt is the fifth Bureau of Narcotics agent killed in the agency's 45-year history. The last agent killed was in 1998. Tartt's family described him as a dedicated officer who had spent most of his career as a narcotics officer. His uncle, Don Tartt, told the newspaper Lee Tartt and had married about a year ago, making him stepfather to his wife's two children. The family had just moved into a house that had taken his nephew two years to build, Don Tartt said. He forced her to watch child pornography and participate in Ms Liyanage was sentenced to four years jail for manslaughter on Monday A doctor who killed her husband with a sledge hammer as he slept after years of being forced into sordid sex acts has been sentenced to four years in prison. Chamari Liyanage, 35, was acquitted of murder in the Supreme Court of Western Australia on Monday after seven hours of deliberation, instead receiving a four year jail sentence for manslaughter. The doctor from Geraldton, north of Perth will be eligible for parole after two years and having already served 18 months behind bars could be released in as little as four months. Scroll down for video Chamari Liyanage is accused of killing her husband Dinendra Athukorala (pictured together) with a mallet while he slept Liyanage remained stoic as the verdict was handed down but reportedly broke down a few minutes later. During her three-week trial, the jury heard that Ms Liyanage's husband Dinendra Athukorala, 34, subjected her to years of physical, sexual and emotional abuse - forcing her to participate in threesomes, watch child pornography and perform sex acts that he would broadcast online. According to the West Australian, Justice Stephen Hall said that while Liyanage's husband had clearly abused and manipulated her, she had still responded excessively. He said that while she was defending a teenage girl he had forced her to befriend in the hopes they would have a threesome, beating him to death with a 1.79 kilogram sledge hammer was undue. 'This was not a justified killing, you went too far,' he told the court. 'It is not open to people to kill their abuser unless that act is found to be lawful and yours was not.' Ms Liyange said she does not remember anything between going to sleep on 23 June 2014 and waking up the next morning to find her husband covered in blood, the ABC reported. Dr Athukorala had been beaten to death using a 1.79 kilogram sledge hammer which was found next to his body. The Supreme Court of Western Australia has previously heard that Mr Athukorala would beat his wife if she refused to perform sexual acts which included having a threesome with a 17-year-old girl. The doctor allegedly killed her husband with a 1.79kg mallet (shown) in their bed at their Geraldton home Liyanage, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder, has also spoken more about the couple's affair with a 17-year-old girl Liyanagea says her husband, who had forced her into sexual acts with a 17-year-old, was becoming interested in children and frequented child-porn sites Dr Athukorala (right, pictured with wife) was found by police in the couple's bed at their home in Geraldton Western Australia in June 2014 Liyanage has previously claimed her husband became interested in 'younger and younger children' and that he would stay up at night to look at child porn sites on three laptop computers. 'It became constant beatings, constant teaching sessions, he kept me sitting on the bed or kept me on camera and [had me] perform for people online,' Liyanage said, according to the ABC. 'People would ask me to get undressed or do sexual acts. He got more and more interested in children, younger and younger children.' She has previously claimed he had forced her into a threesome with a teenager, 17. During the trial the doctor was show a number of pornographic images - including those of children and asked if she had ever seen them before. She said she had seen 'thousands of images' similar to the ones presented as he husband would regularly look at child porn sites. She describes being fearful of her husband (pictured) - even though she knew seducing the teenager was wrong The accused has said she could not say no to her husband because she was afraid of him beating her Psychiatrist Dr Victoria Pascu told the court that years of abuse could leave someone in a 'robotic' or automated state - able to walk around and perform tasks without realising they are doing them. 'There are different degrees of being in an unconscious, automatic state,' she told the court. 'The person might still be walking around but acting like a robot, doing things but don't know they are doing things. I don't believe [Liyanage] was suffering a mental impairment.' The court has heard that Liyange felt so trapped in the relationship she wanted to kill herself, but she couldn't go through with it because she knew how devastated her parents would be. The court has also previously heard that Liyanage kept a notebook documenting the 'mental and physical abuse' he allegedly inflicted upon her. A police officer read out notes from her diary in court, which one entry saying: 'He plays with me like a cat, I am a mouse, until I am dead he plays. 'I am extremely scared for my life when I see that look in his eyes. Please God, get me out. Let me die in peace, please help me.' Dr Athukorala was found by police inside the couple's home in Geraldton, Western Australia in June 2014 Critical: Dr Sebastian Kola-Bankole, 35, is fighting for his life in a Las Vegas hospital after being hit by a lorry while on holiday for a friend's wedding An NHS doctor is fighting for his life in a Las Vegas hospital after being hit by a lorry while on holiday for a friend's wedding. Dr Sebastian Kola-Bankole, 35, broke three vertebrae in his neck and had to undergo emergency surgery on his spine following the collision just off the city's famous gambling Strip on February 15. His family flew out to his bedside but were immediately faced with the prospect of mounting medical bills because they could not find a record of Dr Kola-Bankole taking out travel insurance. They have now launched a 250,000 fundraising appeal for his treatment and to fly him back home to the UK once he is stable enough to be repatriated. So far more than 70,000 has been raised just 24 hours after the online initiative was launched. Dr Kola-Bankole, who specialises in infectious diseases, is believed to have been hit outside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Las Vegas police are investigating the collision. A close friend of Dr Kola-Bankole, who is from Camden, north London, told the Evening Standard: 'He is still in a critical condition. 'We are all doing everything we can for Seb to get him the treatment he needs and back to the UK. His family are obviously devastated by what has happened.' Dr Pawandeep Sarai added: 'Seb is just the most selfless, giving person, everyone who has met him will know what a huge personality he has. 'He volunteers for charities, he is always giving to others. Hes a very dear friend and a very caring doctor and he needs our help to get home.' In hospital: Dr Kola-Bankole broke three vertebrae in his neck and had to undergo emergency surgery on his spine following the collision just off the city's famous gambling Strip on February 15 Nigerian-born Dr Kola-Bankole (pictured with friends) graduated from University College London in 2008 Nigerian-born Dr Kola-Bankole graduated from University College London in 2008. Until recently he had been based in the infectious diseases department at the Royal London, but had taken time off to go to the US for a trip. The fundraising appeal page states: 'Sebastian Kola-Bankole is a 35-year-old British doctor who has dedicated 8 years to working in the NHS. 'Tragically, he was travelling in the United States when he was involved in an accident on Monday 15th February. 'He is currently at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Centre Intensive Care in Las Vegas where he has had emergency operations on his ears, arteries and spine and is now in a medically-induced coma. 'He is currently in a critical but stable condition; his recovery will be lengthy.' An 8-year-old boy was allegedly beaten and sexually assaulted by two other boys of the same age on his school bus, but authorities have their hands tied since the kids are too young to prosecute. The mother of the alleged victim spoke out to NBC Dallas Forth Worth about the incident, asking that her and her son's faces be covered for the interview. She says her son was riding the bus to Northbrook Elementary on Thursday morning when two boys pulled down his pants, performed a sexual act and then beat him up. Scroll down for video Scarred: An 8-year-old boy in Fort Worth, Texas was reportedly sexually assaulted and beaten by two other 8-year-old boys on the bus to school last week. Above, the scratches sustained in the alleged incident 'This is a scrape mark from when he was punched and kicked in the stomach,' the woman said, pointing out to scars on her son's stomach. 'They said, "Tell anybody, and I'll hurt you again, and you'll be in trouble, too."' Fort Worth police spokesman Sgt Steven Enright says the department is investigating the incident. However, even if they find the allegations to be true, police say there isn't much they can do since they can't press charges against anyone under the age of 10. This has the alleged victim's mother outraged, and calling on the school to expel the two boys. 'Where is the magic line? That is the question,' she said. 'And what is the degree of crime that they can commit before they say, 'You know what? Maybe you do need some sort of court intervention.'' Kick them out: The boy's mother (pictured) says she wants the two boys to be expelled from school Too young: Police say there is little they can do can't charge anyone with a crime under the age of 10 While the two boys have not been ejected from the school yet, a spokesman for the school issued a statement saying that they are doing their best to address the needs of the alleged victim. 'As soon as school and district personnel were made aware of the report, we responded immediately and have put every measure into place that we legally can to protect and support those involved in this matter,' the statement reads. A hunchback hound who was born without a neck has received an incredible 1,200 offers of a new home after photos of his deformed body went viral. Dog lovers have appealed in their droves to take home four-year-old German Shepherd Quasimodo after pictures of the pooch were posted on his personal Facebook page. Quasimodo, named because of his crooked figure, was taken in by rescue group Second Hand Hounds after he was spotted as a stray in Kentucky, USA, by the authorities. Scroll down for video Doggy-modo: Meet Quasimodo the four-year-old German shepherd born without a neck who has become a Facebook sensation with American dog lovers The dog is one of just 15 around the world who suffer from short-spine syndrome, a condition leaving him just a third of the size he should be at his age. Despite his short comings Quasimodo has proven extremely popular with his Facebook page getting nearly 100,000 likes. He is now being looked after by the family of Second Hand Hounds boss Rachel Mairose, who admitted she can see why people love him so much. She said: 'I think that anyone who sees him falls in love with him. The first day I met him he was so scared and shy and I wondered if he was really enjoying life. 'I soon realised that he was. He is playful, he is goofy and he loves girl dogs. He thinks he is Casanova not Quasimodo.' Rachel said Quasimodo's condition doesn't leave him in agony and in fact he is like any other dog - for the most part. She said: 'Quasimodo can do most things that a normal dog can do, with just a few limitations. Family pet: Since being temporarily taken in by Second Hand Hounds, Quasimodo has been living with Charlotte Mairose and her husband Kyle and children Cavan and Lilah, pictured Charlotte, pictured, said Quasimodo can do almost anything a normal dog can, except walking down stairs which he has to do backwards due to the abnormality of his spine 'He really likes jumping onto the sofa and the chairs, which I didn't expect. He loves to nibble, he is very mouthy and he loves running and chasing after things. 'He is definitely not in pain. He is a true German Shepherd - just shortened. 'He does have some problems going down stairs - he backs down them instead, and it's quite cute to watch as I've never seen a dog do that, in general.' It took five days to track Quasimodo before he was brought to Second Hand Hounds and when he was inspected vets found he had an 'embedded collar'. This is a condition where a band is fastened so tight that skin grows over it. Thankfully the collar was removed but it was far from the last of the dog's problems. After scans it was also revealed that he was missing vertebrae and those that he had were pushing together. After arriving at Second Hand Hounds Quasimodo was sent off for a scan where it was revealed that he was missing vertebrae While she is happy that Quasimodo is on the mend and proving popular, Charlotte, pictured with her family, is in no rush to see him leave her home This means he can only eat meals in small amounts due to pressure piling up on his lungs and organs. To further research his condition, vials of Quasimodo's blood are due to be sent to scientists at the University of California, where it will studied to see if causes of short spine syndrome are brought on by inbreeding. Rachel is pleased that Quasimodo is popular with potential owners but she is in no rush to pass him on. She said: 'He is a sweet boy. It is going to be hard to let him go. 'We are just trying to find out about his personality so that we can make a perfect match for him. 'I urge everybody that hasn't inquired about him to go to their local shelter and find a dog that's a great match for them because Quasimodo is one of millions in shelters in the US and worldwide who need a home.' Documents showing the signature of Solidarity hero Lech Walesa apparently agreeing to work for the Communist secret police were released today. The documents which were handed over to authorities in Warsaw by the widow of Poland's former Interior Minister last week, contain 183 pages of a personal file on an agent codenamed Bolek and 576 pages of work carried out by the agent between 1970-1976. The files suggest that Poland's first post-communist president served as a paid spy for the same regime he later fought and brought down. Mr Walesa who led Poland to freedom in 1989 has always denied having worked for the secret police. Legendary: Lech Walesa won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983 for his defiant opposition to the communists and became Poland's first democratically-elected president after the 1989 fall of communism The papers include a one-page handwritten note declaring readiness to secretly provide information to the secret police, signed by hand with the name Lech Walesa and the codename 'Bolek' But his signature appearing on a declaration in which he agreed to 'cooperate with the secret police in detecting and combatting enemies of communism' will add further clout to the accusations. The declaration, released by Poland's Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) Monday afternoon, says: 'The undersigned, Lech Walesa, the son of Boleslawa and Feliks born in 1943 in Popowo, Lipno, agrees to maintain the strict secrecy of talks held between him and employees of the security services. 'At the same time he undertakes to cooperate with the secret police in detecting and combating enemies of communism. He will pass on the information in writing and it will be truthful. 'The fact that he cooperates with the secret services he undertakes to keep strictly confidential and to not disclose even to his family. 'The information will be signed with the pseudonym 'Bolek.' Accusation:The files suggest that Lech Walsea, 72, Poland's first post-communist president served as a paid spy, under the code name 'Bolek', for the same regime he later fought and brought down The files, allegedly contained a personal file and a work file of the secret collaborator codenamed 'Bolek'- allegedly referring to Lech Walesa The files were recently seized in the home of the late communist interior minister general Czeslaw Kiszczak The documents contain 183 pages of a personal file on an agent codenamed 'Bolek' Confession: 'I commit myself to cooperate with the secret police in exposing and fighting the enemies of the Polish People's Republic,' the document, signed in December 1970, said The files also contain 576 pages of work carried out by the agent between 1970-1976 Mr Walesa's signature appears at the bottom of the document just above the codename Bolek. In the wake of World War II, Poland ended up under Russian control, with Stalin creating a subservient communist state - People's Republic of Poland. Soviet control lessened after Stalin's death but did not cease completely until after the fall of communism in Poland in 1989. Another document released Monday was a note made by a case officer identified as Capt. Edward Graczyk. In the document the secret policeman explained how he recruited Walesa and that their first meeting was on 22 November 1970. He wrote: 'After finishing the conversation L. Walesa wrote a commitment with the Security Service [and was given] the codename 'BOLEK.' The institute says the documents are authentic papers produced by the secret police of the time, although it's not yet clear if the police fabricated them a common practice then. The papers surfaced last week after being kept for decades in the home of the last communist interior minister, Gen. Czeslaw Kiszczak, who died last year. His widow Maria Teresa Kiszczak informed the institute about them, seeking money in return. Authorities immediately seized them, acting on a law that gives them the right to critical historical documents. The legendary leader admitted on Friday he had 'made a mistake' but flatly denied he was ever a regime agent Lech Walesa raises his arms to a cheering crowd as he leaves the shipyard in Gdansk, Poland, where he worked in June 1983 Walesa is renowned worldwide for negotiating a bloodless end to communism in Poland in 1989. The move triggered the country's first democratic elections since World War II, ushering Walesa into the presidency a year later. On Thursday, Poland's Institute of National Remembrance, which is responsible for prosecuting communist-era crimes, revealed a newfound 1970s secret police file allegedly showing Walesa was a paid collaborator codenamed 'Bolek'. Walesa admitted on Friday he had 'made a mistake', but flatly denied he was ever a regime agent. He was cleared of suspicion by a special vetting court in 2000. The 72-year-old did not elaborate on what his mistake was, but pointed to a mystery person who 'should reveal the truth' about the past. Poland's new Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski says he is not convinced. Walesa was a regime 'puppet' and the new secret police files can prove that 'the project to free Poland was orchestrated by the regime,' Waszczykowski told Poland's commercial TVN 24 news channel on Friday. 'We must try to find out... whether decisions made at the time were independent and in line with national interests or whether they were concocted by foreign or domestic secret services. Lech Walesa pictured with The Queen in 1991 when he was President of Poland. A newfound 1970s secret police file claims Walesa was a paid collaborator codenamed 'Bolek' Lech Walesa is carried on the shoulders of his Solidarity comrades after delivering papers for official registration of the Solidarity Trade Union at a court in Warsaw in 1980 (left). He is pictured, right, in 1983 during a press conference after the Nobel committee announced that he was to receive the Nobel Peace Prize 'It can show us that we were wrong in thinking we made the revolution and that our decisions were independent. 'This casts a shadow over the creation of an independent Poland and its political elites.' Poland's TVP public broadcaster, which recently saw the PiS install loyalists in top management, aired interviews with several historians on Friday who said the files confirm their convictions that Walesa was indeed a regime collaborator. During the interviews, TVP also showed communist-era pictures of Solidarity leader Walesa engaging in friendly meetings with regime top brass. Walesa supporters have hailed his historic role in Poland's transition to democracy, but admit he could have caved in to secret police pressure while still a young electrician at the Gdansk Shipyard, later the cradle of the Solidarity trade union. Walesa admitted on Friday he had 'made a mistake', but flatly denied he was ever a regime agent. He was cleared of suspicion by a special vetting court in 2000 Former Polish President and Solidarity founding leader Lech Walesa shows a v-sign in front of a Solidarity poster during his presidential campaign in Plock in 1989 Communist-era dissident Henryk Wujec insists Walesa 'never betrayed' fellow anti-regime activists to the secret police. Grzegorz Schetyna, a former dissident and leader of the liberal Civic Platform (PO) official opposition, said the controversy surrounding Walesa was rooted in political 'vengeance' and dubbed it a 'real Polish hell'. 'It's a classic example of how Poles are able to bring out the worst in each other,' he added. EU president Tusk, a communist-era dissident and former Polish premier, insisted that Walesa never hid the fact that he was questioned by the regime's secret police. 'It's all very unfortunate for Poland's image, for its great traditions and the legend of Solidarity and Lech Walesa,' he told Polish media on Friday in Brussels. Lech Walesa (top left) speaks to workers at Gdansk shipyard during a strike in this 1980 file photo Former Polish President Lech Walesa (left) talks to Polish Vice Premier Mieczyslaw Jagielski (right) of the Communist party at the Gdansk shipyard in this August 1980 file photo The newly discovered evidence implicating Walesa was found among documents seized this week from the home of the last communist interior minister, the late Gen. Czeslaw Kiszczak. The papers came to light when Kiszczak's widow Maria Teresa Kiszczak offered to sell the institute documents Poland's image abroad has already suffered in recent months because of controversial reforms introduced by the right-wing government that critics say undermine the independence of state media and the constitutional court. In the Gazeta Wyborcza newspaper, editor-in-chief Jaroslaw Kurski traces the history of ill will between Kaczynski and Walesa, which goes back to 1991 after earlier friendlier ties. 'To reduce Lech Walesa, victor over communism, our greatest contemporary historic symbol, to the level of secret agent? No one in the world will understand,' Kurski wrote. 'What are the Poles doing to their own history?' Walesa himself, on a trip to Venezuela and the U.S., defended himself, saying: 'On the path I chose, I had to hold all kinds of discussions. And in the end, those discussions led to victory. This family of six dropped dead on the spot after carbon monoxide leak in their Michigan home on Sunday, police have revealed. Heather and Len Quasarano were found dead alongside their four children Luke, 11, Brenden, nine, Rachel, seven, and Grant, one, inside their Fenton Township property on Sunday morning after the power went out. Based on where their bodies were found, police believe none of them were aware of the situation until they succumbed to the deadly fumes coming from a back-up generator running in their basement. Heather and Len Quasarano were found dead alongside their four children Luke, 11, Brenden, nine, Rachel, seven, and Grant, one, inside their Fenton Township property on Sunday morning after the power went out Four children from the Quasarano family killed by suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in their Michigan home have been identified as (left to right) Rachel, seven, Grant, one, Brenden, nine, and Luke, 11 They were found dead alongside their parents Len and Heather Quasarano during a power outage in their Fentown Township neighborhood Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell told MLive: 'What we're dealing with it looks like - with the carbon monoxide that is colorless and odorless - that they're dropping in their spot. 'Usually you hear about it and they're in their sleep, but obviously these people were not sleeping. 'There was activity going on in different rooms, so you know, just to see that, it's just something...I just kept seeing it.' High winds had forced the blackout in their neighborhood, meaning the family had to take extra measures. Brian Marchee, who lived next door to the Quasaranos, told FOX 2 he was at another neighbor's house when he was texting the father, Len. 'He asked me if our power was out. We had a little texting going back and forth. 'The last text was around 9:30.' Then the responses suddenly stopped. 'They were really good people and the kind of neighbors you would want to have.' According to Click On Detroit, Len Quasaranos father, was concerned he couldn't reach the family on Sunday morning. He then went to the home and discovered the bodies. When authorities entered the house, they had to open windows to let the toxic fumes out. They were found on all three levels of the home. It's not known if they had detectors installed. Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell told ABC12: 'It's just very sad. It appears the accident may be caused by carbon monoxide in the home. 'I was talking to the undersheriff who was in the house saw all the bodies in the different rooms and no matter how long, no matter how many investigations we conduct, seeing young children and an entire family wiped out is a very sad thing.' A Consumers Energy utility crew has been called to the home to investigate. It's believed they succumbed to the deadly fumes coming from a back-up generator they were running in their basement during the blackout When authorities entered the house, they had to open windows to let the toxic fumes out A former Miss New Jersey died this morning while undergoing an operation a week after suffering massive head trauma during a car crash. Cara McCollum, 24, who won the beauty pageant in 2013, passed away at 4.31am on Monday according to a Facebook group updated by her friends and family. They wrote: 'Thank you all for this tremendous outpouring of love and support for our Cara. We cant begin to tell you how much your prayers have meant to us in this incredibly difficult time. 'Cara passed away this morning. Her family was with her in the operating room, and she died peacefully at 4:31am. Cara McCollum, 24, Miss New Jersey 2013, died in the early hours of Monday morning according to a message posted to a Facebook group monitored by her friends and family McCollum had undergone two rounds of brain surgery last week after a car wreck on Monday left her with massive head trauma, but doctors were unable to save her 'Before she died, Cara made the selfless decision to donate her organs. At this very moment, she is saving lives. 'Weve prayed constantly for a miracle, and we believe God has answered our prayers. Although its not the miracle that we first envisioned, its a miracle nonetheless.' Her family posted a video of McCollum performing a version of 'Cups' by Anna Kendrick in the film 'Pitch Perfect.' The song includes the lyrics 'youre gonna miss me when Im gone' and was performed by Miss New York Kira Kazantsev when she won the Miss America pageant in September 2014. McCollum, a 2015 Princeton graduate, had undergone two rounds of brain surgery in an attempt to save her life last week, but her condition continued to deteriorate. McCollum was fatally injured on Monday last week when her 2014 Ford Mustang veered off Route 55 in highway, struck a tree, spun, hit two more trees and came to rest in a ditch. Icy roads are thought to be the reason behind the one-vehicle accident. She wasn't wearing a seat belt at the time. Following the crash she was transported to Cooper University Hospital in New Jersey in critical condition with severe head injuries. Cara, an Arkansas native, had been working on the anchor desk of an upstart television news broadcast out of Millville, SNJ Today, for about six months. McCollum's family and friends also praised her decision to become an organ donor before dying, saying that she is helping to save lives, and calling it a 'miracle' McCollum's boyfriend, TV news anchor Keith Jones (pictured together), paid tribute to her on Facebook this morning, saying he is 'eternally grateful and blessed for the time I spent with Cara' She was dating Keith Jones, a TV anchor for Philadelphias NBC affiliate. This morning, Jones wrote on Facebook: 'Please accept our sincerest thanks for your heartfelt prayers. 'Words fall short of describing the pain, but Im eternally grateful and blessed for the time I spent with Cara. Her enormous heart enriched my life and changed me forever.' An SNJ Today spokesman said: 'Cara showed warmth to everyone she met. She was a part of our news team family and we are gratified to have worked with her even for such a short time. We will miss her terribly.' A spokesman for Miss America said: 'Cara was a vibrant, intelligent, and exceptional young woman who was a proud advocate for women's education and a talented news anchor at SNJ Today. 'She exemplified the values of the Miss America Organization, and it has been a privilege having her as a part of the Miss America family. 'We are deeply saddened to learn of Cara's passing. She was an extraordinary young woman, and we extend our deepest condolences and continued prayers to her family and friends.' She won Miss New Jersey in 2013 and competed in the 2014 Miss America Pageant. Her 2013 platform was literacy, when she arranged to have books donated which she wrapped and attached cards to before distributing them to first and second grade students in New Jersey. After winning the pageant she helped promote the Women's Leadership Institute, run by former assemblywoman Carolin Casagrande, that informs high school girls about the career opportunities open to them. McCollum is survived by her parents and brother. The Bachelorette winner Sasha Mielczarek's father has been banned from working in two tattoo parlours he owns after a tribunal found him to be an 'influential member' of the Rebel bikie club. Aleksander Gustav Mielczarek, also known as Sasha Snr, was denied a tattoo licence following a tribunal hearing on Monday, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Mr Mielczarek's son Sasha became a national celebrity last year when he won Sam Frost's heart on The Bachelorette, beating out 14 other would-be suitors. The tribunal decision was made after NSW Police said the 53-year-old's links to outlaw motorcycle gangs meant it was not in the public's interest to grant him a licence, the newspaper reports. Aleksander Mielczarek (middle), pictured with his reality TV star son Sasha (left) and son Jay (right), has been banned from working in his tattoo parlours after being outed as an 'influential member' of the Rebel bikie club Sasha Mielczarek (left) became a national celebrity last year when he won Sam Frost's (right) heart on The Bachelorette, beating out 14 other would-be suitors The 53-year-old has two tattoo parlours in New South Wales - one in Picton, south-west of Sydney, and another in Bowral in the Southern Highlands. However, after a hearing on Monday before the Civil and Administrative Tribunal both stores may be forced to pack away their inks and put down the needles for good. Mr Mielczarek admitted his links to the Rebels bikie club when he spoke before the tribunal. However, he said he was member because it fit with his passion for 'custom car building and motorcycles' and not because of any criminal links, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Sasha Snr (pictured) was denied a tattoo licence following NSW Police deciding his links to outlaw motorcycle gangs meant it was not in the public's interest and that he was 'not a fit and proper person' Sam Frost and Sasha Mielczarek from The Bachelorette Australia finale pose at the Myer Marquee on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse When announcing Mr Mielczarek had been banned, the tribunal acknowledged the 53-year-old's charitable works and the way he maintained and operated his business. However, tribunal member Professor Emeritus Geoffrey deQuincy Walker said it could not ignore the group's 'long history of involvement in violent crime', according to the newspaper. 'The public would expect that a person with the applicant's connections would not be granted such a licence,' he said. Mr Mielczarek has endured a tumultuous few months during the tribunal hearing, with his Picton tattoo parlour hit in a drive-by shooting. Also, the man who ran a business next door was killed shortly after. Mr Mielczarek has a number of colourful tattoos, including one that reads 'trust no one' on his face Aleksander Mielczarek, pictured with his sons when they were younger, is a 'influential member' of bikie club, tribunal says Mr Mielczarek's celebrity son spoke about his father's connection to bikie gangs last year, revealing to OK! Magazine it was 'a fact' Sasha Snr was involved with the Rebels. The 53-year-old also has 'trust no one' tattooed on his face. If the tattoo parlours are forced to shut, it is believed about 20 people will lose their jobs. He is also an advocate for helping men get more help with fighting prostate cancer, and recently signed on as a counsellor with the Cancer Council of Australia. Mr Mielczarek's celebrity son, Sasha (pictured with Sam Frost), spoke about his father's connection to bikie gangs last year, revealing to OK! Magazine it was 'a fact' Sasha Snr was involved with the Rebels. Students at a high school have successfully lobbied to change the dress policy to allow male and female pupils to wear any uniform item they want. Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, in Sydney's inner west, hasadopted a new non-gender uniform policy after a group of year 11 students led by Jo Dwyer lobbied the school administration to make the school dress-code transgender friendly, The Sydney Morning Herald reports. 'Our aim was to remove the un-inclusive gender labels from the school uniform,' Mr Dwyer said. The new school policy means students can wear any of the traditional uniform options regardless of their gender. students at Newtown Performing Arts High School - pictured - will now be able to decide between the traditional male and female uniform regardless of their gender 'Before the changes were implemented, students had to go through the school with parental permission and notes from psychologists before they were allowed to wear the cross gender uniform, and that wasn't really a possibility for some students whose parents aren't supportive of their gender identity,' he said. LGBTI advocacy group Safe Schools Coalition Australia released a statement telling schools now is a good time for all schools to consider how 'inclusive their uniform policy is'. 'Provisions could be considered by the school for the student to wear elements of the uniform they feel most comfortable with,' the statement read. A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education said 'students can wear any part of the available uniform options' and were free to decide the makeup of their uniform. Not everyone in the community is impressed by the school's decision to allow students to make their own decisions on how to dress. Wendy Francis, a spokeswoman for The Australian Christian Lobby, says she doesn't 'get it'. 'It is a retrograde idea in my mind, there is no need to say we are going to allow boys to wear a kilt or girls to wear trousers, I find it almost laughable,' she said. A cafeteria worker has been charged with threatening to use her oxygen tank to blow up the Pennsylvania public school where she worked. Kimberly McElravy, 52, of Petrolia, is accused of making threats to blow up Chicora Elementary School on February 5, according to the Butler Eagle. Kimberly McElravy, 52, of Petrolia, is accused of making threats to blow up Chicora Elementary School (pictured) using her oxygen tank on February 5 Karns City School District Superintendent Eric Ritzert said no students were endangered Karns City School District Superintendent Eric Ritzert said the threat was made to other employees and wasn't made in the presence of schoolchildren. The superintendent also said that the school wasn't disrupted and no students were endangered. It is unknown exactly what McElravy said, but she has been charged. Pennsylvania State Police filed charges through Magisterial District Judge Lewis Stoughton. Online court records show state police have mailed misdemeanor charges of terroristic threats and harassment to McElravy. A citation for disorderly conduct was also sent to her. McElravy declined to comment when reached at home Monday. A preliminary hearing on the charges hasn't been scheduled. Donald Trump could lose the Texas Republican primary to Ted Cruz, but the senator's home-field advantage might deliver the billionaire front-runner one of his only defeats on Super Tuesday. And even his own Lone Star State may not be safe territory for Cruz: The latest published poll of GOP primary voters there was conducted last month, before Cruz got in trouble with a series of dirty-tricks scandals. Trump, who has won the last two presidential nominating contests in New Hampshire and South Carolina in convincing fashion, leads in eight of the next 12 states to vote. Texas, with its 155 delegates to the Republican National Convention, is the biggest prize on the March 1 menu. But those delegates will be awarded proportionately, meaning that if Cruz wins he won't eat much into Trump's overall lead. Poised for resounding sweep: Donald Trump's strategy of massive rallies looks set to pay off in at least 10 of the next 14 primary states In the shade: Ted Cruz is only ahead in Arkansas out of the southern states where the evangelical vote counts for so much Still, Cruzworld knows it must avoid being run over by the Trump train at home. 'We have to win Texas, absolutely,' Cruz spokesman Rick Tyler told CNN on Saturday. 'We're doing well there now. I'm confident we'll do well.' Cruz also must perform well in southern states where large pockets of evangelical Christian voters would normally be expected to flock to his side. But 2016 hasn't been a normal year: Cruz is ahead only in Arkansas. Trump bested him among the born-again set in South Carolina on Saturday, defying expectations as he has done with regularity since his campaign's June 2015 launch. The real estate tycoon leads the pack in Oklahoma, Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Virginia. He has embraced a strategy of holding stadium and arena rallies before tens of thousands of people months before he needs them. The Trump show was in Lowell, Massachusetts and Biloxi, Mississippi during the opening days of January, and in Tulsa, Oklahoma two weeks later. One of his first mega-rallies was in Mobile, Alabama in August. He was in Knoxville, Tennessee in November, long before his competitors had established headquarters sites or ground games in the state. It's hard to overstate the importance of seeding the ground months ahead of time, something Trump could afford the time to do because he wasn't forced to spend his days fundraising. But in some cases, it's impossible to gauge how much of an edge it's given Trump. There are so many states in play during the first half of march, and comparatively so few surveying operations at work, that it has been months since anyone has taken a reliable poll snapshot of voters in some of them. The last Kentucky Republican primary poll was in the field during the week after Trump announced he was running. That was eight months ago. Beware the ides of March: Marco Rubio - who received the endorsement of Donnie Wahlberg this weekend - is not ahead in any of the states voting between now and March 15 No polling data exists for Mississippi since a smallish automated telephone poll in the first week of August. Tennessee GOP voters were last surveyed about their primary leanings for a public poll when Americans were buying Thanksgiving turkeys. Alabama hasn't seen pollsters asking about Trump's chances on March 1 since before Labor Day. And the most recent numbers on Kansas, whose primary is scheduled for March 5, are so old that the leaders were Mike Huckabee, Chris Christie and Jeb Bush. All three men have since dropped out of the race. Marco Rubio, who finished in second place Saturday in South Carolina, has an even tougher road ahead than Cruz. There's not a single state in play between now and March 15 where the Florida senator is leading. Trump is currently in the lead with 67 delegates after capturing all 50 of South Carolina's; Cruz has 11 and Rubio has 10. Ohio Gov. John Kasich and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson are also still in the hunt with 5 and 3 delegates, respectively. Sharon Edwards, 42, (pictured) is accused of murdering criminal lawyer David Edwards, 51, (pictured) at their home in Lancashire, after returning from a holiday in Spain A 'violent' and 'jealous' newlywed fatally stabbed her solicitor husband with a kitchen knife after he was told he was being made redundant, a court has heard. Sharon Edwards, 42, who, 'perhaps quite liked the idea of being Mrs Edwards, a solicitor's wife', is accused of murdering criminal lawyer David Edwards, 51, at their home in Chorley, Lancashire, after returning from a holiday in Spain. A jury of eight women and four men sitting at Manchester Crown Court were told that the couple married in Las Vegas on June 28 but less than two months later Mr Edwards, who had previously been a partner in a local firm, was dead. Mother-of-two Edwards, who was described as 'domineering', 'possessive' and 'very jealous', is alleged to have beaten her husband throughout the course of their brief relationship. Prosecuting, Anne Whyte QC said: 'Less than two months later [after the wedding] on August 23, the same year, she, we say, killed him at home with a kitchen knife during a domestic argument.' The court heard that domestic violence victim Mr Edwards had even been recorded saying his new wife could 'knock him out with one punch' and that she hit 'rather hard'. Jurors were told that Mr Edwards, a father-of-one, had been 'under the thumb' after meeting his wife-to-be in June 2014. He was said to have been 'plainly besotted' with the defendant, who appeared in the dock wearing a white shirt and black blazer, flanked by a woman officer. Miss Whyte added: 'The prosecution do say that Sharon Edwards was violent towards David Edwards well before his death and that David Edwards' response to that violence was to tolerate it and not report it to the police. 'Despite the turbulence that was to characterise their relationship, he was plainly besotted with her and plainly felt that she was the one for him.' Edwards formally entered a plea of not guilty when she appeared on the first day of her trial. She required headphones to listen to proceedings. Prosecuting, Anne Whyte QC told the court: 'Less than two months later [after wedding] on August 23, the same year, she, we say, killed him at home with a kitchen knife during a domestic argument The court heard that, upon returning from Majorca on August 22, the couple had argued and Edwards' 19-year-old daughter - who is to be a witness for the prosecution - saw Mr Edwards in the bathroom 'calling for help' and cleaning blood from his chest. Upon confronting her mother, jurors were told that Edwards said she had put a knife to his chest but had not intended to hurt him. The court heard that Mr Edwards would not say what had happened and despite bleeding from the chest and leg and being 'visibly injured', the couple went out to the pub. Miss Whyte added: 'There was blood on his T-shirt and shorts and around his leg. There was a cut to his head and blood coming down his neck. People expressed concern about him [at the pub] although Sharon Edwards notably did not.' Jurors were told the couple were in a habit of drinking too much but that Mr Edwards' consumption increased after meeting his partner and, with it, 'his injuries certainly increased'. The pair were later found arguing in the street where Edwards was 'behaving in an accusing way' before being taken back to their 320,000 home by police. The following morning neighbours found Mr Edwards dead in bed with visible injuries after Edwards had run to a nearby property, screaming that he was not breathing. Blood was also found on the carpet and in the kitchen. Miss Whyte added: 'By the time paramedics and police arrived at the matrimonial home, Edwards was already dead, having sustained a fatal wound to his chest, along with less serious injuries.' Upon the arrival of paramedics, who pronounced him dead, a small puncture wound to the left side of Mr Edwards' chest was noted. The pair were later found arguing in the street where Edwards was 'behaving in an accusing way' before being taken home by police Upon confronting her mother, jurors were told that Edwards said she had put a knife to his chest but had not intended to hurt him Jurors were told the couple were in a habit of drinking too much but that Mr Edwards' consumption increased after meeting his partner and, with it, 'his injuries certainly increased A Home Office pathologist concluded that he had sustained an 8cm long and 2cm wide knife stab wound travelling through the chest wall and into the heart sac, which had proved fatal. He also had a 1.5cm shallow wound from the previous day and his body was said to have been 'covered in bruises and abrasions as well as the other wounds and incisions'. Stab wounds were also present in the thigh, knee, finger and a shallow wound to his scalp. The court was told that there was evidence he had not died immediately. When asked by police what had happened Edwards said they had rowed and wedding photographs had been ripped up. She claimed he had taken a knife from the kitchen and waived it at her before she took it off him and he had walked towards her. Miss Whyte said Edwards told police: 'I didn't know he had walked into it until I saw all the blood', and stated he had 'begged' her not to call for an ambulance. She added that they had gone upstairs to have sex and his wound had stopped bleeding before she had fallen asleep on the sofa. David Edwards has quite literally been stabbed in the heart. That we say could not have happened accidently. Furthermore his lifeless body revealed evidence of regular assaults in the form of other wounds caused by a sharp object and blunt trauma Prosecuting, Anne Whyte QC In interview she continued to convey the impression that her husband was not dead and spoke of him in the present, denying that he had ever hit her or been physically aggressive. She denied seeing any fresh injuries from August 22 to August 23. Miss Whyte added: 'David Edwards has quite literally been stabbed in the heart. That we say could not have happened accidently. Furthermore his lifeless body revealed evidence of regular assaults in the form of other wounds caused by a sharp object and blunt trauma. 'On August 23 she went too far and she knows she went too far. Twice in two successive days she used such a weapon in anger against a man whom she knew would never restrain her or physically fight back.' During the couple's relationship, Mr Edwards' friends and colleagues were said to have been 'very concerned' for his welfare after seeing his injuries and his increased drinking. Miss Whyte added that he would say he fell down the stairs or had walked into the garage. 'They were injuries which he would, quite often, seek to minimise when people asked him about,' she said. 'Those who knew him were highly sceptical about his protestations that his injuries had been caused accidentally.' Others said they started to see a decline in 'his appearance, his professionalism as a solicitor, in his self-respect'. Miss Whyte said he would appear at court looking dishevelled and had disclosed to some colleagues that he had been hit with objects including a coffee table, an ashtray and had his ear bitten. 'As time went on he seemed to care less and less about the visibility of his injuries almost as though he accepted them as something inevitable,' she added. 'Having been assaulted and injured by her he was very obviously treading on eggshells to appease her.' Before his holiday he was asked not to come back into work which 'was perhaps just one of the reasons why the holiday was not an unmitigated success.' Penrose has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter in a Charlotte died just before her first birthday at the Royal A mother who went out and left her baby in her boyfriend's care came home to find her with a 'floppy head' and blood staining her mattress and clothes, a court has heard. Brett Noel Penrose, of Doreen, a north-east suburb of Melbourne, pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Charlotte Rose Keen after she sustained fatal injuries while in his care in 2004. Renee Jones found her 11-month-old dazed and unresponsive in her cot in the Wodonga house she shared with Penrose after she went out with friends the night before. Charlotte was three days shy of her first birthday when she died from head injury complications in the Royal Children's Hospital on December 17. Brett Noel Penrose, of Doreen, a north-east suburb of Melbourne, pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Charlotte Rose Keen after she sustained fatal injuries while in his care in 2004 Charlotte was three days shy of her first birthday when she died from head injury complications in the Royal Children's Hospital on December 17 A Melbourne court has heard that Ms Jones went out with friends after Penrose and her ex-boyfriend Graeme Keen told her to take a break, at which point Mr Keen pushed an ecstasy tablet into her mouth. Prosecutor Susan Borg told the court that when Ms Jones checked in with her partner later that night he told her not to come home as he was writing her a letter. When she returned the following morning Charlotte appeared unwell and had a 'floppy head' so she asked Penrose to call tripe zero. He denied knowing how Charlotte sustained a 'huge' bruise on her head and said that he had 'no drama' the night before. Prosecutor Susan Borg told the court that when Ms Jones checked in with her partner later that night he told her not to come home as he was writing her a letter Penrose denied knowing how Charlotte sustained a 'huge' bruise on her head and said that he had 'no drama' the night before 'The prosecution says Brett Penrose lied to the ambulance officer, he knew she had woken and had to be bathed,' Ms Borg told the court. Ms Borg said Charlotte's mattress and bed clothes were stained with her blood, and there was blood on the slats and mesh of the cot. 'He either struck her, threw her or shook her in her cot,' Ms Borg said. In her opening address on Monday, Ms Borg said Penrose lied to ambulance officers about the 11-month-old waking and vomiting the night before she was found with injuries. Penrose told Ms Jones that Charlotte had woken up and vomited and had to be changed, but failed to mention it to the ambulance workers, Ms Borg said. Ms Borg said Charlotte's mattress and bed clothes were stained with her blood, and there was blood on the slats and mesh of the cot 'He either struck her, threw her or shook her in her cot,' Ms Borg said An autopsy confirmed Charlotte sustained a head injury that would have been the result of blunt impact or shaking, Ms Borg said. It also found nerve root damage that indicated shaking had occurred, and that she had no pre-existing illness. Defence barrister John Kelly told the jury to keep an open mind until they had heard the evidence. 'The accused man denies that any act or acts of his caused Charlotte's death. That is absolutely, emphatically denied,' Mr Kelly said. An influential group of Tory MPs today dismissed David Cameron's EU renegotiation as a failure across a series of policy areas. The Fresh Start group, made up mostly of 2010 and 2015 intake MPs, counts several junior ministers among its ranks. They include Defence Minister Penny Mordaunt and James Wharton, the minister charged with delivering George Osborne's 'northern powerhouse'. The group ruled a series of policy goals had either not been attempted at Mr Cameron's renegotiation or only partially achieved. Scroll down for video James Wharton and Penny Mordaunt are both members of the Fresh Start group of Tory MPs which today declared they would back a Brexit It was set up to approach the EU question with 'open minds' and escape Tory dogma on the issue. But in a review of the deal secured by the Prime Minister, the group concluded they had to back a Brexit. The group said: 'The Prime Minister has now come to the end of a hard won renegotiation. 'It has taken place during a period of great change within Europe, and his own negotiating position was backed up by the certainty of a UK referendum. 'This gave the best possible chance for change in Europe we are likely to see for a generation. 'So was the EU able to rise to the occasion and show that it is capable of fundamental reform? 'Now that the ink is dry on the UKs settlement we have studied the text to see if it fulfils the hopes for reform we had when we began the project. 'Regrettably, the changes on offer fall far short of the opportunities that we identified, with the vast majority of key under performing EU policy areas unaddressed.' Priti Patel, the employment minister and one of the so-called 'gang of six' is a member of the Fresh Start group which has dismissed the renegotiation The Fresh Start group was first established in 2011 and spelled out 11 policy areas where the EU would benefit from reform. The group recognised the 'huge effort' of Mr Cameron to secure wins from his EU colleagues but ruled their objective had not been fully realised in any of them. They said: 'Alas, we do not believe that the deal finally offered by our European partners is one we can support as the basis for our continued membership of the EU.' Under a finding of 'partially achieved', the group placed items such as legal safeguards for the single market and an end to 'ever closer union'. Other 'partially achieved' lines were access to benefits and a red card system. Summarised as 'not attempted' were policies such as the repatriation of EU social policy, an opt to the charter of fundamental rights and modernising the commons agricultural policy. Other key members of the group are employment minister Priti Patel - one of the so-called 'gang of six' who went straight to a Vote Leave rally on Saturday - and Dominic Raab, the human rights minister. Mr Cameron has the lost the backing of around half of his MPs over the European Union renegotiation. Despite estimates ahead of last week's Brussels summit that he would like to maintain the support of a clear majority of Conservative MPs, the final deal has led to a deluge of Brexit backers. More than 140 Conservative MPs - out of a total of 329 - have now indicated they will vote to Leave with dozens still holding their counsel. He has been stung by recent criticism that he is 'workshy' and a 'reluctant royal'. So sources close to Prince William spoke out in his defence yesterday, describing him as a 'modern working father and husband'. A senior aide also revealed that the future king works an average of 80 hours a month so he can combine his royal and charity work with his job as an air ambulance pilot. Claiming the Duke of Cambridge's hours were in line with Civil Aviation Authority regulations, the aide insisted he had the backing of both his grandmother and father. Pilot: Prince William in the cockpit of an air ambulance pilot; bosses have praised his contribution 'It's a demanding role involving both day and night shifts,' said the source. 'But the Duke relishes the challenge of being a modern working father and husband, combining his royal and charitable duties with this work as an air ambulance pilot.' The prince has so far carried out just two official engagements this year. In a sign of just how rattled the royal household has become by repeated attacks on his commitment, William's bosses at the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) service also spoke up to insist he is doing 'a very important job'. A spokesman for the charity maintained that the future king, who has worked as a pilot since last July, was 'very much part of the team'. William's public role has been subject to increasing scrutiny after it emerged that his 94-year-old grandfather, Prince Philip, undertook more official engagements than the young royals put together. The Duke of Edinburgh clocked up 250 official duties at home and abroad in 2015, compared to the 198 conducted by William, Kate and Harry combined. To add to the sense of unease, he inadvertently blundered into the debate over the EU in a speech last week, saying the UK's international partnerships were the 'bedrock of our security and prosperity'. The prince has also been lambasted over his commitment to his 'day job' as an EAAA pilot, with unconfirmed sources complaining he wasn't pulling his weight and preferred to live the life of a country squire. 'He's hardly ever on shift,' it was claimed. William, Kate and their two children live in a ten-bedroom mansion on the Queen's Norfolk estate in addition to their taxpayer-funded Kensington Palace apartment and it has been suggested his flying job was secured to suit his domestic arrangements. Work: The prince spends 80 hours a month working as an air ambulance pilot, according to royal sources Yesterday, apparently shaken by recent criticism, sources revealed for the first time that William works an average of 80 hours a month, with his royal and charitable duties on top. Kensington Palace, which has always insisted the prince is fully committed to his 'primary' role as a pilot, last night said the figure is based on his 'part-time' role which allows him to juggle other duties. However, it is likely to raise eyebrows given that he will be undertaking only his third engagement so far this year when he attends Wales' Six Nations rugby match against France on Friday in his role as patron of the Welsh Rugby Union. CAA regulations limit flying hours to 90 in any 28 consecutive days. William, whose 80-hour month is roughly half of a full-time, 40-hour-a-week job, donates his salary to charity. One insider said: 'We have always been clear that over the course of the year, the monthly average would be approximately 80 hours on shift. This also takes into account mandatory rest days, in line with CAA rules.' William's working hours are in part curtailed by regulations that require pilots to have 36 hours of rest between shifts, including two nights at home. Kensington Palace suggests that this in part dictates how many royal duties the prince can fit in. A royal source said he was restricted in the number of royal engagements he could carry out because 'there are mandatory rest days enforced by the CAA, when you're not meant to go off and do other work because it's not rest'. However, one aide argued that with the Queen and Prince Charles already working, there is simply no need for the third in line to the throne to be a full-time royal at this stage. 'Equally, The Queen and the Prince of Wales are supportive of the duke having his own career outside of royal duties...' said the aide. An official spokesman for the prince said his flying role gives him the chance to be 'part of a team that provides such a valuable, and often life-saving, public service'. Duties: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at a ceremony marking the end of RAF search and rescue operations last Thursday The CAA said the Duke's staff were 'confused' about the rest periods and flying regulations. A spokesman told the Telegraph: 'It's true that you can only work a certain number of hours in any given period, but to suggest that pilots can't do anything else on some rest days is totally unenforceable. 'When they are having rest days their time is their own, and they can do what they want, including carrying out royal duties. 'We check pilots' shift patterns and the Duke is fully complying with CAA rules within the rota he is working, so his days off are his own.' The spokesman added that CAA rules dictate that 800 hours is the maximum flying time in a 12-month period. William is one of 12 pilots who respond to around five calls a day with the EAAA, which is understood to employ both full and part-time pilots. A spokesman said last night: 'The Duke of Cambridge is an active, respected and integral team member.' A Taliban suicide bomber on a motorcycle killed 14 people and wounded another 11 today in an attack near a clinic and bazaar in Afghanistan. The insurgent targeted a police commander, injuring him on the eve of the latest round of talks to be held in Kabul in a bid to revive the peace process and end more than 14 years of war. Wahid Sediqqi, a spokesman for the Parwan governor, said 14 people, including six police officers and eight civilians, were killed in area around 60km from the capital Kabul. The bombing also came as Afghan government forces pulled out of a second district in Helmand, leaving the Taliban in control of most of the northern part of the province where hundreds of British troops died fighting. Afghan government forces have pulled out of a second district in Helmand, leaving the Taliban in control of most of the northern part of the province where hundreds of British troops died fighting (file picture) Military and government officials said the move, coming days after retreating from Musa Qala, had been made to concentrate forces more effectively. But it raises questions over the ability of Afghan security forces to take on Taliban militants who have stepped up their insurgency after the withdrawal of international troops in 2014 from most combat operations left them fighting largely alone. The decision was criticised by Abdul Majeed Akhundzada, deputy chief of the provincial council. He said: 'Retreating from Musa Qala looks to me like ignoring the deaths of Afghan security forces and the civilians.' Army and government officials said security forces had left Nawzad district, which borders Musa Qala, and would concentrate their strength on defending the area around the provincial capital Lashkar Gah and the main highway between Kabul and the western city of Herat. According to U.S. estimates, the Islamist Taliban control or threaten around a third of Afghanistan, although they have so far failed to take over any major provincial centres apart from their brief capture of the northern city of Kunduz last year. The Taliban are seeking to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul and reimpose Islamic rule 15 years after they were ousted from power. Helmand, a major centre of opium production where thousands of British and American soldiers and marines struggled to subdue the Taliban, has been slipping out of government control for months as the insurgents overrun much of the countryside outside a few district centres. Soldiers from 1 Royal Anglian on operation in Helmand Province during the Afghan conflict The latest move leaves security forces hanging on in the town of Sangin, north of the main Highway One, as well as a number of other towns and district centres including Gereshk, which lies on the highway and Marjah, close to Lashkar Gah. 'We have withdrawn our forces from Nawzad and Musa Qala based on military plans,' said Mohammad Rasoul Zazai, a spokesman for the 215th army Corps. 'Currently for us Sangin, Marjah, Nad Ali and surrounding areas of Lashkar Gah and Kabul-Herat highway are a priority. And we put all our efforts in these places,' he said. Helmand governor Merza Khan Rahimi also played down the decision to withdraw from the two districts, which he said could be retaken at any time. 'It is normal during fighting to move forward or retreat,' he said. 'We are not concerned about this.' The surprise withdrawals nonetheless leave the Taliban poised to move on the nearby Kajaki district, the site of a huge hydroelectric dam built with millions of dollars of U.S. aid as part of a drive to provide power to Helmand and neighbouring Kandahar provinces. U.S. Special Forces units have been in the region to help train the Afghan army and hundreds more American troops were sent to reinforce security for the training mission. U.S. Army Col. Michael Lawhorn, a spokesman for NATO's Resolute Support mission in Kabul, said the Afghan army was 'making a tactical decision to reposition forces to fight the Taliban more effectively'. Priests in St. Louis have been told to cut ties with Girl Scout groups over concerns about transgender troops and support for the pro-abortion cause. Archbishop Robert Carlson wrote an open letter on the archdiocese website where he urged his flock to protect young women from being 'exposed' to anti-Catholic values. The Church has been in partnership with Girls Scouts groups in the area for nearly 100 years, offering support, guidance and leadership for young women. But it appears that union could now be over. Archbishop Robert Carlson, pictured, wrote an open letter on the archdiocese website warning about exposing young women to the anti-Catholic values of the Girl Scouts movement It is believed many young women could leave the movement as a result of the power that the Archdiocese has in St. Louis, with nearly a quarter of the area's population being Catholic. Carlson's letter said the archdiocese and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops had been investigating concerns about the Girl Scouts of the USA and the parent organisation, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, for several years. It outlined a number of concerns, with a section on transgenderism that showed a lack of sensitivity towards the struggles of young trans people. He said: 'Internal policies in Girl Scouts has even suggested that some parents and troop leaders should not be informed if there is a transgender child in their troop. 'While we are firm in our conviction that all girls should have access to leadership and informational programs, we believe that the invitation of young boys living socially as girls into these programs is not healthy for the boy or the other girls in the troop.' Carlson also discussed his concerns on the scouting movement exposing young women to causes that are in direct contradiction to Catholic beliefs, in particular the pro-abortion movement. He wrote: 'By promoting our local Girl Scout troops to our young women, we are helping them forming an allegiance to an organization that is becoming increasingly incompatible with Catholic values. The Church's open letter appears to end a partnership of nearly 100 years with Girl Scout groups in St. Louis. Pictured, Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, the main Catholic place of worship in the area 'As Girl Scouts continues to increase their presence on social media in an effort to reach young women, we are saddened that what our young women will often find is in conflict with our Catholic faith.' Carlson also asked each pastor at parishes where Girl Scout meetings occur to meet with troop leaders to review concerns 'and discuss implementing alternative options for the formation of our girls.' He said several alternative organizations with Catholic or Christian backgrounds can be offered. Girl Scouts of the USA said that despite the Archbishop's statements the movement will continue to offer support to young women of all faiths. A spokesperson said the group 'looks forward to extending our longstanding relationship with faith-based organizations, including the Catholic Church and Catholic communities, throughout the country. Boris Johnson and his children were pictured trailing behind his wife as she was made a QC alongside the spouse of former Labour leader Ed Miliband. Marina Wheeler, 52, and Justine Miliband, 45, were among 107 senior barristers to be appointed to the prestigious legal position of Queen's Counsel at a ceremony in central London yesterday. Ms Wheeler was seen leading the Johnson pack, as she walked to the ceremony with her husband and their sons Milo Arthur and Theodore Apollo and daughters Lara Lettice and Cassia Peaches. Known as 'taking silk' because of the right it confers to wear special robes in court to reflect their seniority - the lawyers can also command a fee of more than 2,500-an-hour. The usually limelight-loving Mayor of London took a back seat as his wife was made QC. Ms Wheeler was seen leading the Johnson pack, as she walked to the ceremony with her husband and their sons Milo Arthur and Theodore Apollo and daughters Lara Lettice and Cassia Peaches Reward: Marina Wheeler, left, the wife of Boris Johnson, and Justine Thornton, right, wife of Ed Miliband, were both made QCs yesterday - the most senior role for barristers As she crossed The Strand after the ceremony nearby her husband, who has defied David Cameron by backing a Brexit, followed a significant distance behind. The couple were accompanied by their four children, who use the surname Johnson-Wheeler and are all currently studying at school or university. Walking alongside his mother was Milo, a former pupil at Westminster School - the alma mater of Nick Clegg - who is now an undergraduate at SOAS in London. Behind them were youngest child Theodore, a 16-year-old schoolboy, and 22-year-old Lara, who studies Latin at St Andrews University and is a keen student journalist. Last in the procession, just ahead of her politician father, was Cassia, 18, who recently left 19,000-a-year Highgate School in North London. As she crossed The Strand after the ceremony nearby her husband, who yesterday defied David Cameron by backing a Brexit, followed a significant distance behind Partnership: Ms Thornton, pictured with her husband Ed Miliband and children Daniel and Samuel, says the MP has been a driving force behind her career Ed Miliband took a more prominent role in proceedings than his Tory rival, posing proudly with his wife and their children Daniel and Samuel. Ms Wheeler and Ms Thornton, who both work under their maiden names, join Cherie Blair on the list of politicians' wives to become QCs. Cherie Blair got her silk in 1995, aged 40, after 19 years, when Tony was Opposition leader. Although her husband Boris is now leading the vanguard campaigning to quit the EU, his wife Marina also has strong views. This month the leading human rights lawyer said the Prime Minister had done precious little to limit the 'untenable' power of the European Court of Justice. Although Mr Johnson's aides stressed she was speaking in a personal capacity, it raised now concrete hopes that her husband - who had been flirting with Brexit - would join the Out campaign. She also visited fellow Out supporter Michael Gove's home in the week before her husband sided with the Justice Secretary not the Prime Minister over Brussels. Writing in Spectator magazine, she said of the Prime Minister's deal: 'Proper reform needs to address the EU legal order, in particular the jurisdictional muscle-flexing of the Court of Justice in Luxembourg. The new proposals do not do this. Instead, they duck the issue entirely - clearing the way for a whole new body of EU rights law'. Ms Thornton, 44, has been working for more than 20 years and Chambers and Partners - known as 'Your Guide to the World's Best Lawyers' - calls her 'one of the best juniors in the field'. Close: Mr Johnsons wife human rights lawyer Marina Wheeler hinted that her Tory husband would join the Brexit campaign earlier this month Last year she said her husband Ed, who quit as Labour leader last year after his disastrous election result, had been a driving force behind her career. She said: 'I am a political spouse as it's called. Now I'll be honest, that is not a role I applied for. 'He (Ed) knows my career is very important to me and he's incredibly supportive of that. Being a barrister is fantastic for being family-friendly. Because I'm self-employed. So that means if I want to see my kids in a school play, I don't have to ask anyone, I carry on working in the evening'. ISIS today released the last of some 230 Assyrian Christians kidnapped a year ago in Syria after receiving millions of dollars in ransom, Christian officials said. Younan Talia, of the Assyrian Democratic Organisation, said about 40 remaining Christian captives were released early today and are on their way to the northeastern town of Tal Tamr. Younan said the release came after mediation led by a top Assyrian priest in northern Syria. The extremists captured the Assyrians, members of an ancient Christian sect, last February after overrunning several communities on the southern bank of the Khabur River in northeastern Hassakeh province. Free: The first freed members of Christian Assyrian community embrace their relatives after being released by ISIS in March last year. The terror group released the last 40 of the 230 Assyrian Christians kidnapped a year ago in Syria after the receiving millions of dollars in ransom Kidnapping for ransom is a main source of income for the extremists. In November, ISIS said it killed a Norwegian and a Chinese captive after demanding ransom for their release two months earlier. Talia said ISIS demanded a ransom of $18million for the Assyrian Christians. He said the figure was later lowered following negotiations. He said he did not know the final amount. Osama Edward, director of the Stockholm-based Assyrian Human Rights Network, said 42 Christians, mostly young women and children, were released. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said 42 were released, including at least 17 women. A Syrian Christian figure said the worldwide Assyrian community launched a campaign for the captives' release shortly after they were abducted. He said a bank account was opened in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil and donations began to flow in from around the world. At the time, it was not clear why ISIS freed these captives while keeping more than 200 others. All have now been freed after the worldwide Assyrian community launched a campaign to free the captives 'We paid large amounts of money, millions of dollars, but not $18 million,' said the man, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the sensitive mediation. 'We paid less than half the amount.' The official added that the fate of five Assyrians who went missing during the abductions was still unknown. IS attacked a cluster of villages along the Khabur River, sending thousands of people fleeing to safer areas and capturing the Assyrians over a period of three days. Over the next two days, the extremists picked up dozens more from 11 communities near Tal Tamr. The Hassakeh province, which borders Turkey and Iraq, has become the latest battleground in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria. It is predominantly Kurdish but also has Arabs, Assyrians and Armenians. On Friday, the predominantly Kurdish Syria Democratic Forces captured the IS stronghold of Shaddadeh in Hassakeh, where some of the kidnapped were once believed to have been held. Cops arrested 41 people following a three-day college house party in Massachusetts, including resident Andrew Juckett, 21 Police have arrested 41 people after a three-day raging house party near a college campus lead to a property being condemned. Renter Andrew Juckett, 21, who appears to be a student of Bridgewater State University, Massachusetts, and housemate Juan Perez, also 21, were among those detained by police. Officers said they were called to the property at 1am on Sunday to reports of a disturbance at a property in Bridgewater, before discovering the massive house party. Once inside, police said they discovered a large amount of alcohol, several drinkers who were obviously under the age of 21, and a large amount of road signs. Cops said while breaking up the party several people tried to flee by jumping out of windows on the first floor, but they were still able to arrest dozens of party goers. Records show that the 1,748sqft house, which was built in 1908 and has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, was last sold in 2009 for $269,676. At the time, it was described as a 'fully restored' Victorian property with a large living room with a fireplace, dining room and bedrooms with maple and cherry floors. The owners boasted that it contained a new eat-in kitchen, appliances, ceilings, windows, electrical, plumbing, and two new heating systems. According to the police report, cops were initially unable to get inside the building but could see people destroying furniture and heard the sound of breaking glass from inside. Most of those arrested were charged with disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and being a minor in possession of alcohol. Juckett (pictured left with friends) has been charged with disturbing the peace, providing alcohol to minors, obstructing justice and keeping a disorderly house along with fellow resident Juan Perez, also 21 Police were called to a two-story home near Bridgewater State University at 1am on Sunday to find dozens of 'college-aged' people drinking and smashing furniture (pictured) Police did not say how many of those arrested were students at Bridgewater, though described several of the revelers as 'college-aged'. In addition, Juckett and Perez were charged with keeping a disorderly house, supplying alcohol to minors, and obstruction of justice. All of those arrested will be arraigned this week in Brockton District Court, police said. Bridgewater Inspectional Services and fire officials responded to the scene to inspect 'several safety hazards' in the home, according to police. An orange note posted on the front door of the property reveals it has since been condemned, according to Fox 25. Images of the property show a large amount of broken furniture, couches, a mattress and even a bicycle piled in the front yard. Once officers managed to get inside the home they found a large amount of alcohol, a collection of street signs and underage people drinking Some people attempted to flee out the first floor windows of the property, police said, but 41 were arrested Residents told reporters that the furniture had been inside the house, but was taken outside after the property was condemned and Juckett and Perez were told to vacate. While the exact extent of damage to the property is unknown, a note tacked to the door appeared to show it had been deemed unsafe due to a lack of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Bridgewater police chief Christopher Delmonte said: 'This is not the typical result of a police response to a loud party. 'The number of people arrested and the charges levied against each of them should underscore the burden a few can place on neighborhoods and the amount of municipal resources required to restore order. 'We have developed a comprehensive plan for dealing with these types of situations, which requires tenants and landlords to be held accountable. 'Our residents should not have to put up with this. It is a quality-of-life issue.' The group accused the CPD of 'murder', but officials have insisted the two incidents are dramatically different Christopher Laugle waved a toy gun at police but was tased and not shot Officers initially believed weapon was real, but it turned out to be a replica He was gunned down on his hands and knees after reaching for a gun dumped personal data in response to the death of Paul Gaston Anonymous have released the personal information of 52 Cincinnati Police Department employees after cops shot and a man armed with an airsoft gun. The hacktivists released a video on Sunday claiming they had dumped the records of staff - from rank-and-file officers all the way up to Chief Eliot Isaac - after accusing the CPD of gunning down Paul Gaston on Wednesday because he was black. They added that just 18 hours before the fatal shooting a white suspect, 26-year-old Christopher Laugle, also waved a toy gun at police, but was tased instead. Anonymous have released the personal information of 52 Cincinnati Police Department employees after cops shot Paul Gaston while he was armed with an airsoft gun. He is seen circled, on his knees, moments before he was fatally hit by officers The hacktivists released a video on Sunday claiming they had dumped the records of staff. The group accused the CPD of killing Gaston because he was black Cell phone footage taken by motorists shows Gaston on his hands and knees surrounded by officers before police said he reached into his waistband. A barrage of shots are then heard on the videos taken nearby. Anonymous included three clips of the CPD 'murdering' Gaston in their statement. They added: 'With the evidence provided it is quite obvious that he was complying and had his hands in the air. Just a day before this shooting in the Cincinnati Metropolitan area this man was accused of pointing this replica at police. 'He lived... But John Crawfod, Tamir Rice, and now Paul Gaston didn't. How does one man point a fake pistol at a cop and live while another man doesn't, but is killed execution style? Gaston (left) was gunned down by police 18 hours after 26-year-old Christopher Laugle waved a toy gun at police, but was tased instead 'For far to long we have sat idle by letting the gang known as the Thin Blue Line murder citizens of United States without allowing them due process. 'Well we have a message to not only the Cincinnati Police Department but to every law enforcement officer. 'When you murder a human being when you have other choices of containing your suspect available we will make your officers information public record.' According to The Cincinnati Enquirer, the CPD investigated whether their system had been breached and if there was a risk to officers. The hacktivists said the information release included staff from rank-and-file officers all the way up to Chief Eliot Isaac (pictured) They found that all of the information released could have been obtained from social media or information available in public records. The personal data includes names, ages, street addresses, email addresses and social media accounts. The names and addresses of many of the officers' family members were also released. However, a link posted by Anon Verdict to the data was not working on Monday morning. A notice at the URL read: 'This page is no longer available. It has either expired, been removed by its creator, or removed by one of the Pastebin staff.' None of the most popular Anonymous accounts had aggregated Anon Verdict's data or YouTube video. Mt. Healthy police Chief Vince Demasi told The Enquirer last week the incidents involving Laugle and Gaston were dramatically different He said Mt. Healthy officers were told that the gun was a 'toy' and was a fake. The gun also had bright orange markings on the barrel, which denotes it as a toy. There were no orange markings on Gaston's gun, officials said. But critics claim the worksheets are inappropriate for young children Several teachers say the material provides 'a great set of resources' They also show gruesome photographs of his victims and are meant to teach pupils how to analyse historical sources Children aged 11 are being subjected to sickening graphic accounts of Jack the Ripper's murders in a bid to 'engage' them better with history. Teachers are using worksheets describing how women were tortured, mutilated and killed by the Victorian serial killer to help teach pupils how to analyse sources. The classroom resources include disturbing pictures of corpses and post-mortem accounts of how the murderer abused his victims' bodies. The materials have been uploaded onto the Times Educational Supplement forum, where teachers share lesson plans and worksheets to help out peers. WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT Inappropriate: This image of one of Jack the Ripper's murder victims is part of a worksheet intended to be used by young children and their teachers Jack the Ripper resources make up 143 of the uploads, in comparison with just 23 for Lord Palmerston, 27 for Cecil Rhodes, 35 for Nelson, 37 for Pitt the Younger, 56 for Lord Shaftesbury and 72 for the Duke of Wellington. He also appears in the GCSE 'Sample assessment materials for first teaching September 2016' from the exam board Edexcel. Campaign for Real Education Chairman Chris McGovern said Jack the Ripper is one of the most popular 19th century history topics being taught to adolescents. He said: 'The lessons are designed to teach so-called historical skills related to children using "evidence" to reconstruct the past. 'The content of some of the Jack the Ripper lessons, however, is likely to shock and disturb many pupils.' Gory: This image, showing a mock-up of the murder scene, is also included in the worksheet packs One lesson plan for children aged 11 to 14 included graphic evidence of the state of a victim's corpse. It said: 'The body was on its back, the head turned to left shoulder. The abdomen was exposed. The throat cut across. The intestines were drawn out to a large extent and placed over the right shoulder. 'A piece of about two feet was quite detached from the body and placed between the body and the left arm, apparently by design.' Exercises on the use of photographic evidence includes studying sepia images of the Ripper's victims with questions such as: 'What three questions would you like to know about this picture?' Teachers have given the teaching aids rave reviews including: 'Looks like a great set of resources, this will save me time. Thank you.' Another said: 'Thanks for all your hard work. This really engaged the students and saved me so much time.' Horror: An artist's impression of the killer attacking one of his victims; critics say the subject is too grisly to be taught to 11-year-olds MYSTERY WHICH HAS LASTED MORE THAN 120 YEARS Numerous individuals have been accused of being Jack the Ripper, who murdered five women in London's East End in 1888. At the time, police suspected the Ripper must have been a butcher, due to the way his victims were killed and the fact they were discovered near to the dockyards, where meat was brought into the city. There are several alleged links between the killer and royals. First is Sir William Gull, the royal physician. Many have accused him of helping get rid of the prostitutes' bodies, while others claim he was the Ripper himself. Another book named Queen Victoria's surgeon Sir John Williams as the infamous killer. He had a surgery in Whitechapel at the time. At one point, cotton merchant James Maybrick was the number one suspect, following the publication of some of his diary which appeared to suggest he was the killer, but some believe the text was a forgery. Other suspects include Montague John Druitt, a Dorset-born barrister. He drowned himself in the Thames seven weeks after the last murder. Some of the more bizarre suggestions include Lewis Carroll, author of the Alice in Wonderland books, and Winston Churchill's father Lord Randolph Churchill. Advertisement Christine Blower, General Secretary National Union of Teachers, said: 'Knowing their group or class, the teacher will select and develop materials which best suit the learning style of the children.' However, parents have long expressed concerns about such graphic content being used. One said on Mumsnet: 'Jack the Ripper was a serial killer of women. The Moors Murders are history and dramatic too. Would they be considered suitable for history? Or the Yorkshire Ripper?' Another said: 'Dubious on all levels. These are 12-13-year-olds - do you really think they are capable of the levels of insight necessary to learn enough to justify the topic?' It comes after campaigners protested against a new Jack the Ripper Museum which opened in East London last year, claiming it was misogynist to turn his victims into a tourist attraction. The TES teacher resources forum is peer-driven and resources are not screened by the company before they are uploaded. However, the forum administrators do respond to complaints about inappropriate content. A Department for Education spokesman said: 'There are a range of resources available online but we trust teachers to decide on the best ones to use when developing lessons to excite and inspire their pupils. 'The best digital materials can be powerful tools to help spread educational excellence everywhere but they should not be a substitute for excellent teachers or other resources such as high-quality, well-structured textbooks. 'We know that good schools use a combination of both and schools are held to account for the outcomes they achieve. All those staying at the camp want to reach Britain in order to claim asylum The government says the closure of the 'Jungle' camp will affect 1,000 French authorities are preparing to evict half of Calais' 'Jungle' refugee camp amid concerns over where the 1,000 displaced migrants - most of whom are trying to reach Britain - will go. A deadline of 7pm Tuesday has been set by local authorities for people in the southern half of the Jungle camp to leave. The local government says the demolition will affect between 800 and 1,000 residents of the grim camp, which stands on a former toxic waste dump on the outskirts of Calais. French authorities have given those living in the southern half of the camp a deadline of 7pm to leave The controversial camp in Calais houses several thousand migrants hoping to reach Britain Authorities have said the dismantling of the massive refugee camp will begin on Wednesday They also said 'everything will be done' to avoid the use of force in clearing the southern half of the camp A migrant walks past a makeshift restaurant set up to feed those living in the massive camp There remains some concern over where the hundreds of displaced migrants will go once it is demolished A refugee rides his bicycle through the camp set outside Calais, on the French coast It estimates there are currently some 3,700 people living there, all of whom are hoping to sneak aboard lorries heading for Britain. But according to charities working in the camp, who say they have done a census, there are around 3,450 people living in the southern part - including 300 unaccompanied children. The demolition 'risks displacing migrants to other camps in the region, which is only moving the problem somewhere else,' said Vincent De Coninck, a volunteer with Caritas. Conditions in other camps along the northern French coast are even more dire than those in the Jungle. Several charities are challenging the eviction order, and a judge is due to visit the Jungle tomorrow before giving a verdict later in the day. Local government head Fabienne Buccio said Sunday that 'everything will be done' to avoid the use of force in clearing the southern half of the camp. 'The dismantling should start on Wednesday and security forces will not be used if everyone plays their part,' Buccio said. In an earlier statement, the Calais town hall claimed it was acting in response to 'abuses' committed by migrants that had led to 'an aggravated level of tension' in recent weeks. Calais town hall claimed it was responding to 'abuses' committed by migrants that had led to 'an aggravated level of tension' at the camp in recent weeks A man walks past another makeshift restaurant established in the camp which has been at the site for several years Thousands of people living at the camp stay there as they make nightly attempts to reach Britain A migrant walks through the camp which will begin to be demolished on Wednesday morning It said camp residents were throwing stones and other projectiles at lorries and security forces on a daily basis, but also condemned members of far-right groups who loiter outside the Jungle to beat up migrants. The French authorities have been gradually trying to shut down the Jungle, encouraging residents to head for proper centres elsewhere in France. However, many of the residents have family or community ties to Britain and are reluctant to give up their dream of crossing the Channel. Meanwhile, migrant protesters were due in a French court today after occupying a cross-Channel ferry. A court in Boulogne-sur-Mer was to deliver a verdict in the case of two activists and six migrants who took part in last month's protest in the northern port city of Calais, urging Britain to allow asylum seekers in. Towards the end of the protest, some 150 people broke through a barrier around the port and about a third managed to board the 'Spirit of Britain' ferry. A gem heist gang who targeted a billionaire's ex-wife in a raid have been jailed for more than 12 years after police foiled their plot in a James Bond style ambush. The 1million raid on the flat in the upmarket Belgravia area of London was intercepted by the Metropolitan Police, Southwark Crown Court heard. The four men were sent to prison this afternoon for the failed robbery in Eaton Place - one of the most exclusive streets in London, where two-bedroom flats start at 2.8million and a townhouse sold for 13million last year - on September 20 last year. Judge Nicholas Loraine-Smith today sentenced Mark Harding, 45, to four years and four months, Rashid Alleyne, 24, to three years and four months, cage fighter Peter Costello, 34, to two years and eight months and Gavin James, 36, to two years behind bars for their role in the raid. The plot was foiled when Rashid Alleyne (left) was spotted asking neighbours for directions to the home of target Melleney Samsudin. Pictured (right) is Mark Harding who soiled himself Harding looked embarrassed as the moment their plan was foiled was recounted by defence counsel Simon Pentol. Speaking at the foursome's sentencing hearing, Mr Pentol, who described 45-year-old Harding as 'an unsuccessful, low-level perennial criminal with a drink and drugs problem', said: 'His reaction when arrested gives an indication of the type of man he is. He soiled himself when an officer put a gun in his face.' Harding, in the dock, put his head in his hands and rocked forward and backward as the embarrassing details were shared in court. The four men all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary at a previous court appearance. Mark Harding, cage fighter Peter Costello (left) and Gavin James (right) and Rashid Alleyne have been jailed for more than 12 years after a failed 1million jewellery raid on a property in London's exclusive Belgravia area They were snared outside a 10million Belgravia mansion in a 'James Bond movie' style police ambush, the court was told. In the weeks leading up to the failed robbery, the quartet carried out extensive surveillance of properties in affluent Belgravia, home to Roman Abramovich and Cara Delevingne, with Alleyne posing in a high-vis jacket from his courier employer Yodel. Their plan was to steal 1million of jewellery from Melleney Samsudin, the fiancee of oil and mining exec Erik Wigertz and former wife of billionaire Dato Samsudin Abu Hassan. Their plan was to steal 1million of jewellery from Melleney Samsudin, the fiancee of oil and mining exec Erik Wigertz and former wife of billionaire Dato Samsudin Abu Hassan But the plot was foiled when Alleyne was spotted asking neighbours for directions to Ms Samsudin's home. By the time the gang tried to break into her flat in Eaton Place, where properties sell for up to 14million, police were already lying in wait. They halted them with stun grenades. It was then that Mr Harding soiled himself. Southwark Crown Court previously heard that the raid unfolded in front of socialite Tamara Beckwith, who described how explosive went off She said: 'You just heard this big noise, but in central London I wouldn't have thought it was anything major. 'It was super, super loud, and in these houses they're so old and so loud that if you can hear something it must be big.' Prosecutor Oliver Doherty today told the court: 'It is no secret that the Belgravia part of London is home to some of the most expensive properties in the country and there is an assumption there is high-value property therein. The four men all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary at a previous court appearance. They were snared outside a 10million in Eaton Place mansion in Belgravia (stock photograph) in a 'James Bond movie' style police ambush, the court was told 'This involves deliberate targeting of such a property with the aim of stealing diamond jewellery to a value in excess of 1 million, belonging to Ms Samsudin.' Mr Doherty added: 'Unbeknownst to the defendants, the jewellery that was the target was never in fact kept in the property, but the defendants had reason to believe that it was.' On the day of the burglary Alleyne, Harding and Costello entered the communal area of the property using the intercom - which was answered by a female police officer. But officers, along with Ms Samsudin's daughter, were already lying in wait. 'Armed officers in another flat then intervened with the use of stun grenades in the communal hallway in order to disorientate the conspirators,' Mr Doherty said. His reaction when arrested gives an indication of the type of man he is. He soiled himself when an officer put a gun in his face. Defence counsel Simon Pentol 'At the same time armed officers outside go to the Audi where Mr James, the getaway driver, is waiting.' Jailing the men, Judge Loraine-Smith said: 'A significant degree of planning went into the operation. 'Somebody learned that the occupant of a flat in those premises was trying to sell jewellery valued about 1million. 'You four were recruited to carry out the burglary. 'Your criminal records - however bad - do not show that any of you had carried out an offence of that type before. 'It was an offence of great harm because of the value of the goods you intended to steal.' Mr Loraine-Smith stated that the defendants knew when they agreed to the raid that 'the stakes were going to be very high'. 'You all succumbed to the temptation to make what was no doubt going to be an appreciable amount of money,' he said. 'Gloves were worn, bags were brought along to carry away the jewellery and there was a sledgehammer in the back of the car for use if necessary.' Gang member Mark Harding was said to have been 'stunned' when the attempted heist in the upmarket Belgravia area of London was intercepted by Metropolitan Police, Southwark Crown Court was told The judge commended the detectives who foiled the burglary while the raiders stood solemnly as they were sentenced. Mr Pentol said Harding, who had 28 convictions for 64 offences - including one for calling Qatar Airways staff 'f***ing Muslims - had racked up a debt to a drugs lord when a courier job went wrong some months earlier. Describing his normal pattern of burgling non-dwelling properties, he said: 'He is not the sort of man who would spend an afternoon sipping tea in Belgravia.' Harding, a crack cocaine addict, also pleaded guilty to two counts of handling stolen goods - a van connected to the failed raid, and 100,000 worth of luxury hair extensions. Mr Pentol said: 'He knows he has to change his life now.' In 1998, Ms Samsudin was the victim of a 1.5million jewellery theft in London when she and her ex-husband were mugged in Bayswater. An alleged Islamic hate preacher reported to have been the terror mastermind who recruited the Austrian jihad 'poster girls' and more than 160 others was travelling Europe 'like a popstar on tour', a court heard. Mirsad Omerovic, 34, known by the Islamic name of 'Ebu Tejma', was arrested in November last year at the council flat he shared with his pregnant wife and five children. Authorities believe Omerovic, originally from Bosnia now on trial in Austria's southern city of Graz, recruited Samra Kesinovic, 17 and Sabina Selimovic, 16, who became the public face of jihad. He was also involved in a further 166 defections of European youngsters to fight in holy war. Tejma's 'main message was that Islam needed to be spread to the world through jihad,' a prosecutor said. He added that Ebu Tejma was travelling through Europe 'like a popstar on tour'. Poster girls: Samra Kesinovic, 17, (left) and Sabina Selimovic, 16, (right) became radicalised through the cell led by Ebu Tejma A picture believed to show Sabina Selimovic, 15, with jihadi fighters in Syria. A United Nations official revealed the girl may had died fighting in Syria Omerovic flat was stuffed with jewellery, cash and savings books worth a fortune when it was stormed by Austria's elite heavily-armed police special forces team WEGA. He had also been spotted driving top-of-the-range sport cars. Opening his trial in Austria, the prosecutor told the court that Omerovic's 'main message was that Islam needed to be spread to the world through jihad.' He added that Ebu Tejma was travelling through Europe 'like a popstar on tour'. And he added that the popstar analogy was particularly appropriate because Omerovic even had his own YouTube channel aimed at young Muslims aged between 14 and their late twenties. He added it offered 'to carry out brainwashing on those that viewed it'. The two Austrian teens became the terror organisation's latest PR coup when they turned out to be poster girls for the death cult, and featured on ISIS websites carrying AK-47s and surrounded by groups of armed men. Neither however has been seen for almost a year, with a Tunisian ISIS returnee telling investigators that Samra had been forced to become a sex slave who was offered as a present to new fighters, and that she was later stoned to death when she tried to escape. With regards to Sabina, a United Nations official revealed a girl 'of Bosnian origin from Austria' - believed to be Sabina - had died fighting in Syria. Both had allegedly become radicalised by Omerovic. When they had left their homes, they left a note for their families which read: 'Don't look for us. We will serve Allah and we will die for him.' Authorities believe Omerovic, originally from Bosnia now on trial in Austria's southern city of Graz, recruited Samra Kesinovic, 17 and Sabina Selimovic, 16, who became the public face of jihad As well as the two girls, Omerovic has also been linked in with the recruitment of more than 160 others who eventually joined ISIS. The valuables that were seized at his home had all been provided by Muslims radicalised by the preacher and his cronies in a network that reportedly extended across the country and into the rest of Europe. The prosecutor also claimed that on his computer a file that was a guide to making an explosive device was found. It was a guidebook to making an explosive device that could be detonated by mobile phone. His arrest has been seen as a major blow against the terrorist group's activities and now the trial under judge Stephan Mertens is taking place in part behind closed doors to protect the identity of witnesses. It is the first time a Muslim has been charged with murder through terrorism in Austria and he is also accused of inciting a co-accused in the murder of 'infidels' which could result in up to 20 years in prison. As well as the two girls, Omerovic has also been linked in with the recruitment of more than 160 others who eventually joined ISIS Austria has been concerned for years over fears that the country was becoming a hub for terrorist activities after inviting thousands of Muslim refugees into the country during the breakup of the former Yugoslavia The co-accused is a 28-year-old Russian who was targeted by police because of his violence as the right-hand man of Omerovic. He is accused of carrying out numerous murders of civilians in Syria as well as the shooting of sex slaves and forcing others out of their homes. Security service insiders claim that he was not only one of 200 leading jihadists, but was also one of the leaders of the so called 'Bosnian cell' based in the Meidling district of Vienna that it was 'one of the most important logistic and financial support centres for jihadist activities in Europe', according to the 'Vecernje novosti', a local newspaper in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Austria has been concerned for years over fears that the country was becoming a hub for terrorist activities after inviting thousands of Muslim refugees into the country during the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. It meant Vienna provided a fertile breeding ground for Omerovic and his network. The Austrian newspaper the Krone claimed that 'there was scarcely a single recruit in Europe for Jihad in which he and his group were not involved'. In preparing the case, the prosecutor also asked German Islam expert Guido Steinberg to analyse YouTube videos that Omerovic had made. Originally from the small Serbian town of Tutin, Tejma was known in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a preacher of hatred and intolerance, who very soon found himself allied with the extreme form of Islam known as Wahhabism an ultra-conservative, Saudi brand of Salafism. According to Austrian anti-terrorism authorities, Tejma appeared on their radar more than three years ago, when he began uploading videos onto his YouTube channel. His arrest followed two years of investigation by intelligence officials that had been tapping his communications, monitoring his phone calls and building up a picture of his network - which then prompted the arrests on November 28. One of those connections is allegedly a direct line to the caliph of ISIS terrorism, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Tejma appeared on their radar more than three years ago, when he began uploading videos onto his YouTube channel The two girls in their new life in a pic posted online. They attended sermons given by Tejma Investigators saw a constant stream of Salafist Muslims during their operation on Tejma. Salafism is the fastest-growing Islamic movement in the world. It is rooted in the 19th century where it emerged as a way of combating the spread of European ideas and values. But in recent years, it has come to be associated with the jihad of extremist groups that advocate the killing of innocent civilians. Lawyers for Omerovic told the court that he would claim to have done nothing more than teaching Islam as he had been trained to do so in Saudi Arabia. Security services recorded a constant stream of Salafist preachers, often accompanied by Mujahedin fighters travelling up from Bosnia and Herzegovina, to the mosque and the imam has been appearing in online videos revealing that it is every Muslim's duty to join jihad if an Islamic state is under attack from non-believers. A former policewoman fears her sex offender neighbour who stalked her for nearly a decade could be free to return next door within weeks. Ken Ward subjected 55-year-old Mandy Dunford to a sinister nine-year campaign of terror at her smallholding on the North Yorkshire Moors. The renowned military historian, 68, was jailed for five years in 2011 after continually exposing himself to his neighbour and even performing sex acts just yards from her home. Former policewoman Mandy Dunford (left) fears her sex offender neighbour Ken Ward (right) who stalked her for nearly a decade could be free to return next door within weeks The harassment led police to seek a restraining order preventing the stalker from travelling within 200 metres of his victims home when he is released from prison. But a judge overturned the order, banning Ward only from accessing Ms Dunford's land. It means he could be free to return to his former home - which is just 200 yards from Ms Dunford's farm - when he is put before a parole board in June. It has now emerged that Ward has already been released from prison after serving half of his sentence - but was put back behind bars for breaching the order on two occasions. Terrified Ms Dunford is now applying for a fresh Sexual Offences Prevention Order that would stop Ward returning to the area altogether. She is so concerned about his return that she is willing to abandon her dream home and has bought another property which she can move to at short notice if necessary. Ms Dunford said: 'The prospect of him coming back has always been in the future, but now it's just a few weeks away. 'When I go out of the kitchen door it all comes flooding back to me and I think soon he could be stood there.' When I go out of the kitchen door it all comes flooding back to me and I think soon he could be stood there Mandy Dunford A feud between the neighbours began in 2002 when she installed a gate on the lane at the entrance to both properties. This prompted a near decade-long campaign of terror, with Ward following Miss Dunford wearing only socks, shouting abuse and knocking on her windows. Despite repeated complaints to police, the authorities acted only when Miss Dunford supplied them with hours of CCTV footage. When police raided Wards property in 2011 they found a cache of weapons, including machine guns. The pervert, described in court as a world authority on military memorabilia, admitted 11 counts of exposure, three charges of possessing a prohibited firearm and a range of other firearm offences. After his conviction, police sought a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) that would have stopped Ward from returning to his home at all. After appearing at Teesside Crown Court (pictured), the pervert admitted 11 counts of exposure, three charges of possessing a prohibited firearm and a range of other firearm offences. He was jailed for five years However, Judge Peter Armstrong at Teesside Crown Court issued an order that merely prevented him from accessing his victim's land. Ms Dunford has made repeated attempts to challenge the SOPO but without success. Despite admitting that Ward still poses a risk to Miss Dunfords safety, police said their attempts to protect her have also been exhausted. In a fresh bid to keep Ward from moving back in next door, the ex-policewoman has now sought help from Richmond MP Rishi Sunak. Mr Sunak has employed a senior London barrister to look at the case and has acquired transcripts from the court hearings. The lawyer believes there is a case for the SOPO order to be changed to prevent Ward from returning home. He has written to the Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders (DPP) urging her to act. Ms Dunford said she was 'chuffed' that the MP had got involved. He said: 'It's taken a long time but at least he's done something - I'm really pleased. Unfortunately the Director of Public Prosecutions hasn't wanted to know before - will she listen to Rishi? We'll see.' Mr Sunak said he wanted to do what he could to help Ms Dunford. 'I am very concerned about the way Mandy Dunford has been treated in this process and I am determined to get to the bottom of it,' he said. 'The exclusion order seems to fly in the face of common sense and needs to be amended. 'It's of particular concern that the original order and the exclusion zone was drawn up without Ms Dunford's involvement. If she had been consulted this could well have been avoided.' The 32-year-old has been detained in a secure hospital to be sentenced Federica Boscolo-Gnolo (pictured) pleaded guilty to the manslaughter by diminished responsibility of two-month-old Farah between January 23 and 30 last year. An Italian woman has admitted killing her baby daughter during a trip to London. Federica Boscolo-Gnolo pleaded guilty to the manslaughter by diminished responsibility of two-month-old Farah between January 23 and 30 last year. The 32-year-old, from northern Italy, who had been living and working in the UK since 2013, had initially reported her daughter had been abducted from a hotel. She had checked into the Lily Hotel near Earls Court on Saturday, January 24 with her daughter and a few possessions. Later the same day, she checked out without Farah before contacting her parents in Italy. They were concerned for their daughter and granddaughter's welfare and flew to London on Thursday, January 29, Scotland Yard said. They took Boscolo-Gnolo, of no fixed address, to Hammersmith police station to report Farah missing but detectives later arrested the mother over the baby's disappearance. Despite extensive searches at the hotel and the local rubbish dump, the little girl's body has never been found. It is believed she disposed of the body in the Russell Square area, in central London. At a short hearing before the Old Bailey, the defendant admitted killing her daughter but denied murder. Prosecutor Jonathan Higgs QC told the court that her plea to the lesser charge was accepted in light of three psychiatric reports. The Recorder of London Nicholas Hilliard QC adjourned sentencing until Friday, April 8. The defendant, who spoke only to enter her plea, was remanded into a secure hospital. She appeared in court flanked by mental health workers as members of her family followed proceedings through a translator. Detective Inspector Jamie Stevenson said: 'This is a tragic case for all involved and Boscolo-Gnolo will have to live with her actions for the rest of her life. 'Farah had already been rejected by her father, who chose not to be a part of her life, she was then victim to the one person who should have protected her most. 'Boscolo-Gnolo's parents now have to come to terms with losing their daughter, and their granddaughter who they were just getting to know.' Farah was born on November 22, 2014 in Chioggia, near Venice. Her mother brought her to the UK for medical treatment for a minor eye condition. Embattled Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has enjoyed a surprise birthday cake prepared by his office as state newspapers compared him to Jesus Christ and ran special editions on the big day. The world's oldest leader, who has been in power for 36 years, turned 92 on Sunday but will celebrate with a bigger party this week in the southern city of Masvingo featuring a 92kg birthday cake. The 550,000 bash will be a 'thank you' for the world's oldest head of state with banners and billboards seen carrying the slogan 'Thank you, Bob, for giving us a voice to be heard'. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe stands next to his Birthday cake at State House in Harare Office staff in the President's office organised a surprise birthday celebration ahead of bigger birthday celebration set for Saturday in the southern town of Masvingo Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe , right, and his wife Grace cut his birthday cake ahead for bigger celebrations set for Saturday Mugabe (C) with his wife Grace (L) flanked by children Bona (R) have a piece of cake The state-run Sunday Mail newspaper published a 16-page supplement for the birthday. 'Mugabe's birthday is like that of Jesus Christ,' proclaimed posters promoting the newspaper's special edition. Mugabe's birthday has been publicly celebrated since 1986 and while political leaders would not divulge the budget for this year's party, in the past the event has cost up to $1 million for the transportation, accommodation and food for thousands of guests. This year's party will be held as Zimbabwe is choked by a drought that has left over 3 million people reliant on food aid, mainly supplied by the United States and the European Union, according to the World Food Program and the United Nations Development Program. The lavish birthday celebrations have been criticised by Mugabe's opponents, but the president's supporters insist the party will go ahead as planned. Ruling party politicians and businesspeople paid from $5,000 to $100,000 for a table of 10 at a dinner Friday night to raise funds for the birthday festivities. The dinner on Friday was sold out, said Tongai Kasukuwere, a member of the ruling ZANU-PF party's youth wing and the event's organizer. 'To be able to mobilize resources to honor one of Africa's finest icons during such a difficult time proves our resilience,' said Kasukuwere. 'It is not like we are taking grain meant for drought programs to feed people at the celebrations. These are voluntary donors.' Mugabe addresses his staff during a surprise birthday celebration organised by his staff The 550,000 bash will be a 'thank you' for the world's oldest head of state with banners and billboards seen carrying the slogan 'Thank you, Bob, for giving us a voice to be heard' Mugabe has no plans to step down as feuding over his successors threatens to tear his ruling ZANU-PF apart The state-run Sunday Mail newspaper published a 16-page supplement for the birthday. 'Mugabe's birthday is like that of Jesus Christ,' proclaimed posters Outside the banquet, some Zimbabweans were bitterly critical of the birthday plans. 'Maybe they have no shame, openly feasting amid such hunger,' said Denias Munongoza, 27, a college graduate who sells cigarettes and condoms to feed his family. 'This year the president should have said `no.'' 'Mugabe and his cronies are planning to feast instead of attending to the resuscitation of the comatose economy and addressing the effects and impact of the drought,' said Obert Gutu, spokesman for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change-T. Mr Mugabe will receive a 92kg cake at his party next week and has received lavish cakes before, pictured She was taken in for surgery and is still fighting for her life Her daughter then squeezed her hand while she was on life support When a lifeless 14-year-old girl shot during the Kalamazoo rampage was brought into hospital, doctors immediately thought she was dead. Police announced the teenager was the seventh victim of the horrific shooting spree on Sunday night while hospital staff got ready to harvest her organs. But as her mother stood next to her, for what she thought would be the last time, the youngster suddenly squeezed her hand. The girl, who has been referred to only as A.K in court documents, was then rushed into surgery at Bronson Hospital in Michigan. A 14-year-old girl, identified only as A.K, was presumed dead after she was shot by the Kalamazoo gunmen. Doctors prepared her body to be harvested for organs, but she showed signs of life by squeezing her mother's hand while in her hospital bed Michigan Governor Rick Snyder said the 14-year-old victim of the Kalamazoo shooting was still fighting for her life after doctors said she had died. The youngster was having her body prepared so her organs could be harvested, but showed she was still alive by grabbing her mother's hand from her hospital bed As of Monday morning, she was still fighting for her life. She was hit by bullets allegedly fired by Jason Dalton on Saturday night while sat in a car in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel. The other four passengers - Mary Lou Nye, 63, Mary Jo Nye, 60, Dorothy Brown, 74, and Barbara Hawthorne, 68 - were all killed. The teenager was rushed to hospital with injuries so severe, doctors believed she hadn't made it. When her parents arrived, doctors told them she was brain dead. Around two hours after that, she was getting ready for surgery when she incredibly showed signs of life. Michigan State Police First Lt. Dale Hinz described the moment the girl showed signs of life/ Jason Dalton, 45, (mugshot left and in his Uber profile right) was arrested after he allegedly left six people dead during the killing spree on Saturday night He told Michigan Live: 'The only word to describe it is wow. It's absolutely a miracle that she's alive and we're definitely hopeful for her continued improvement. Governor Rick Snyder met with the families of the victims on Sunday. He told reporters: 'Shes got all our thoughts and prayers to have a chance to come back. So its going to be quite a recovery period.' Father-of-two Dalton surrendered to police on Sunday morning after he allegedly fired a barrage of 30 bullets at eight innocent and defenseless people during a five-hour rampage. It was later revealed he was an Uber driver who was picking up and dropping off passengers in between his shooting sprees. Some who got in his car to use his service said he was driving erratically and one even called 911 to report his bizarre behavior when they got out. Sisters-in-law Mary Jo Nye, 60, (left) and Mary Lou Nye, 63, (right) were killed during the shooting spree while sitting inside a car with the 14-year-old girl at the Cracker Barrel Barbara Hawthorne (left), 68, and Dorothy Brown (right), 70, were also believed to have been inside the vehicle when it was hit by a barrage of bullets High school senior Tyler Smith, 17, was killed in the parking lot of Seelye Kia, along with his father, Rich, while they were looking at cars, multiple reports suggest. Dalton does not have a criminal history and has not suffered from mental illness in the past. But neighbors told WWMT he had been paranoid in the months leading up to the shooting and had been known to fire guns randomly. Gary Pardo told MLive that Dalton 'didn't seem like that kind of guy' who would do such a thing. Police confirmed on Sunday that his family were safe as they searched his home. The two scenes where bystanders were shot and killed were the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Texas Township and at the Seelye Ford dealership in Kalamazoo County. Four people, those identified by police, died at the Cracker Barrel restaurant, while a 14-year-old girl was seriously injured. Tyler Smith, 17,(right) was killed in the parking lot of Seelye Kia, along with his father, Rich (left), while they were looking at cars, multiple reports suggest The teenager was a senior at the nearby Mattawan High School. Students paid respects to him on Twitter Police said the suspect got out of his vehicle and shot people while they were sitting in two cars in the parking lot - a Chevrolet Cruze and an Oldsmobile. One of those he killed was Mary Jo Nye, a former English teacher from the nearby Calhoun Community High School. She is being remembered as a teacher who could help even the most reluctant students become better writers. Tara Egnatuk, assistant director of the Calhoun Community High School, said she worked for six years with Nye at the alternative school that serves many at-risk students. Egnatuk says that Nye helped write the charter to create the school. Egnatuk spent hours in Nye's classroom and was mentored by her during the time they worked together. She says Nye was able to get students to become better writers by taking 'baby steps' to get them to open up. She adds that Nye 'played a really integral part in a lot of kids' lives'. Nye's sister-in-law, Mary Lou Nye, was also killed in the shooting. Friends have organized a GoFundMe page for their family. Patrick Mallon Jr. said he didn't know 74-year-old Dorothy Brown, well but what he did know he liked. After she moved in two doors down in Battle Creek about 10 years ago, the woman everyone knew as Judy would come over with herbs she grew. Mallon said she would always wave and say hello and whenever he and his wife went on vacation, Brown would keep an eye on the house and feed their cat. The mayor of Ithaca in upstate New York wants his city to host the nation's first supervised injection facility, where heroin users would be able to shoot illegal drugs into their bodies under the care of a nurse without getting arrested by police. Canada, Europe and Australia are working to reduce overdose deaths with these facilities, but in the United States, even the idea of creating supervised injection sites faces significant legal and political challenges. That has to change and quickly, said Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick. Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick (seen last month) wants his city to become the first in the U.S. to offer heroin users a safe, controlled place to shoot up 'My father was a drug addict. He split from the family when I was 5, 6 years old,' the mayor, now 28, explained in an Associated Press interview. 'I have watched for 20 years this system that just doesn't work. We can't wait anymore for the federal government. We have people shooting up in alleys. In bathroom stalls. And too many of them are dying.' Myrick said he will ask New York's Health Department to declare the heroin epidemic a state health crisis, which he said would enable his city to proceed without involving the state legislature. Myrick told the AP about his proposal ahead of a wider announcement planned for Wednesday. Once dismissed as a radical idea, injection sites are increasingly being discussed as a possible response to huge increases in overdose deaths nationwide. In New York state, overdose deaths involving heroin and other opiates shot from 186 in 2003 to 914 in 2012. Ithaca alone had three fatal overdoses and 13 non-fatal overdoses in a three-week span in 2014, prompting city officials to begin looking at alternatives to simply jailing addicts. The city of 30,000, which hosts Cornell University and Ithaca College, is considered one of New York's most liberal communities and is a prime candidate for new approaches, Myrick said. In New York state, overdose deaths involving heroin and other opiates shot from 186 in 2003 to 914 in 2012 (stock image) The mayor said this facility would be staffed by nurses or physicians who could quickly administer an antidote if and when a user overdoses. But addicts also could get clean syringes and be directed to treatment and recovery programs part of a more holistic approach that deals with addiction more like a public health issue than a criminal justice problem. Myrick crafted his plan in collaboration with police and prosecutors, overcoming initially strong opposition from District Attorney Gwen Wilkinson. 'What brought me around was the realization that this wouldn't make it more likely that people will use drugs,' Wilkinson said. 'What it would do is make it less likely that people will die in restaurant bathrooms.' Spokesmen for the Department of Health and Gov. Andrew Cuomo didn't respond Monday to the AP's request for comment. Canada's first injection facility opened in Vancouver in 2003. Every day, 800 users visit, and between 10 and 20 of them overdose each week, but no one has ever died there, according to Dr. Patricia Daly, chief medical health officer at Vancouver Coastal Health, which operates the 'Insite' facility. 'These overdoses are completely reversible,' Daly said. 'People die because they inject alone.' those of two severely injured in the tragedy, were outraged at the soft punishment Paying her cleaner, relaxing in the Texas sunshine and doing her shopping, this is the retired judge who sentenced affluenza teen Ethan Couch to ten years' probation following his conviction on four counts of manslaughter in April 2014. Now, despite Couch, 18, being transferred to the adult justice system following his violating probation by skipping off to Mexico, Daily Mail Online can exclusively reveal that Judge Jean Boyd, 63, has no regrets about the 'slap-on-the-wrist' punishment. Speaking outside the white stucco home she shares with her dentist husband John, also 63, she claimed people who 'don't have all the facts' simply don't understand the logic behind her decision. Boyd, retired immediately after the Couch case and has never before spoken publicly about his sentence. This is the Jean Boyd, retired judge who sentenced affluenza teen Ethan Couch to ten years probation following his conviction on four counts of manslaughter in April 2014 Couch, 18, has been transferred to the adult justice system following his violating probation by skipping off to Mexico and not keeping an appointment with his probation officer Boyd has been widely criticized over her handling of the case and the soft sentence handed down particularly as prosecutor Riley Shaw had asked for a 20-year jail term during the trial She told Daily Mail Online: 'I had all the facts most people don't. They just don't understand.' Asked whether she regrets handing Couch probation in light of his fleeing to Mexico and being handed over to an adult court and remanded in custody, she said: 'No. I have nothing else to say.' Boyd has been widely criticized over her handling of the case and the soft sentence handed down particularly as prosecutor Riley Shaw had asked for a 20-year jail term during the trial. Couch was turned over to the adult justice system following a brief 15-minute hearing on Friday and is expected to remain at the Lon Evans Correction Center in downtown Fort Worth until April. Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Online, a clearly pleased prosecutor Shaw said Couch would remain behind bars until his 19th birthday on April 11 'at least'. During the hearing, Shaw argued that as Couch is 'recently returned from time abroad', he is 'clearly in need of continuing supervision' an argument upheld by Judge Tim Menikos who approved the transfer. Couch has blonde hair when he was sentenced by Judge Boyd. His lawyers used the so-called affluenza defense, claiming that he wa sso spoiled he wasn't taught right from wrong Couch has been held in solitary confinement at the 444-bed maximum security jail since being deported from Mexico on January 28. He and his mother Tonya, 48, fled across the border in November after a video of the teen at a beer pong party - a clear violation of the terms of his probation - surfaced online. Tonya, who was returned to the US at the beginning of January, remains under house arrest at the home of her son Steven McWilliams, 29, and could later be sentenced to up to a decade in jail for helping Couch escape. The family home in a quiet Fort Worth neighborhood was shuttered and silent, although a white truck was parked on the drive. Approached by Daily Mail Online and asked about Couch's transfer to the adult system, his sister-in-law Misty McWilliams, 29, said it was 'expected'. 'It [the hearing] went as we expected,' she said. 'We really can't say anything else right now.' Shaw, who said he 'absolutely' was pleased with the outcome of the hearing at the Scott D. Moore Juvenile Justice Center, made his argument in front of an audience that included Couch's father Fred, 50, and the families of his four victims. At the time of the 2013 crash, Couch was driving his father's F-150 truck with seven people inside and was found to have three times the legal limit for alcohol in his blood. Sergio Molina has been confined to a wheelchair since the tragic accident caused by Couch The driver of the white Mercedes SUV he barreled into, 24-year-old Breanna Mitchell, was killed instantly - along with mother and daughter Holly and Shelby Boyles, and local pastor Brian Jennings. Also in court was Sergio Molina, 18, who had been riding in the back of Couch's vehicle and was left paraplegic after suffering appalling injuries in the crash. Speaking to Daily Mail Online following the hearing, Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson declared himself pleased that Crouch was finally in jail. 'I wish I could say I saw some sign of remorse or regret, but I can't say that,' he said. 'I will say this: that after seeing the inside of a maximum security correctional facility, it has finally started to become real to him. Judge Jean Boyd in 2012 'Until now, he has treated it [the case] as something of a joke. Now, living what he is living every day, he finally has a real sense of what the world is like.' He added: 'Our preference would have been for him to be confined as a juvenile and transferred into the adult system. 'I believe he's where he needs to be right now. He's where he needs to be.' Crouch is currently being kept in solitary confinement due to fears for his safety. Speaking outside court, Sheriff Anderson confirmed he would continue to be held alone until his April hearing. 'I certainly continue to be concerned about Ethan's safety,' he said. 'If he was released into the general prison population, I think there are people who would take pride in trying to harm him.' As a result, Couch is being kept in a far from luxurious cell, is fed three meals a day using a 'bean chute' in the door and works out alone to Richard Simmons exercise tapes. 'He has no TV, no day room, no activities to go to,' added the Sheriff. 'He has a very structured routine.' Couch's current straightened circumstances are a far cry from the luxury Lakeside home he once shared with his parents and the lavish Los Tules resort in Puerto Vallarta. Judge Boyd could have sentenced Couch to 20 years behind bars. Youth pastor Brian Jennings, mother and daughter Hollie and Shelby Boyles and 24-year-old Breanna Mitchell died in the accident He and his mother Tonya fled to the Pacific beach resort in November after she withdrew $30,000 from her bank account and called husband Fred to say he would never see either of them again. Once there, Couch resumed his party lifestyle guzzling Pacifico beers and snorting cocaine at local 'sex club' Harem. He also racked up a $2,000 bill and was forced to leave his Rolex at the club for security before persuading his mother to stump up the cash. The pair later relocated from Los Tules to a dilapidated apartment four blocks from the beach, where both were arrested by Mexican police who had tracked a ping from one of their cellphones after they dialed out for Domino's pizza. Sheriff Anderson, who says Crouch has not spoken of his reasons for escaping to Mexico, said Tonya's upcoming trial would be 'interesting to watch'. 'I have no idea what's going to happen with that [Tonya],' he said. 'The case has not yet been prepared. She is being held with some pretty strict conditions and bonds. 'I think her case will be interesting to watch because she obviously helped him to escape and you can certainly make the argument that what they did make things worse. Killer: Tomas Driukas, 26, has been found guilty of murdering his five-month-old baby daughter after shaking her to death when she would not stop crying A father has been found guilty of murdering his five-month-old baby daughter after shaking her to death because she would not stop crying. Lithuanian Tomas Driukas, 26, inflicted appalling injuries on the premature little girl - leaving her with 26 broken bones and squeezing her so hard it crushed her rib cage. The electrician lashed out at Deimante Driukaite in 'temper and frustration' because he was struggling to cope looking after her while his partner was at work, a court heard. During police interviews, Driukas told detectives his baby daughter cried all the time and that changing her nappy was like 'going to war.' On the day of Deimante's death he called an ambulance to his home in Perry Barr, Birmingham, and told paramedics the baby girl had breathing difficulties. Deimante, who was born three months prematurely, was admitted to hospital in the early hours of April 1 2015 but died a few hours later. Post-mortem examinations revealed she died as a result of a significant brain trauma consistent with being shaken with force. She also had bruising to her face and body and had several fractured ribs. Driukas denied inflicting the injuries but was found guilty of murder at Birmingham Crown Court this afternoon and is now facing the prospect of life in jail. He will be sentenced tomorrow. It took a jury of eight men and four women just three hours to convict him following a four-week trial. Prosecutor Jonas Hankin QC said Deimante's fractures had been caused by 'forceful squeezing'. He said Driukas had acted out of 'temper and frustration' because he was unable to deal with looking after her on his own. Mr Hankin said Druikas and his partner Renata Braskyte had taken it in turns to look after Deimante, who had suffered a number of health problems, while they each worked. Miss Braskyte, 23, had been accused of allowing the death of a child, but the case was dropped against her earlier in the trial. Guilty: The electrician lashed out at his daughter Deimante Driukaite in 'temper and frustration' because he was struggling to cope looking after her while his partner was at work. He is pictured with an unknown baby Prosecutor Jonas Hankin QC said Druikas and his partner Renata Braskyte (pictured) had taken it in turns to look after Deimante, who had suffered a number of health problems, while they each worked During police interviews, Driukas told detectives his baby daughter cried all the time and that changing her nappy was like 'going to war.' The little girl was discharged from hospital on January 7 this year after being born three months premature in November last year. In that time, Driukas visited her just seven times, six of those in the week of her birth. Detective Sergeant Nick Barnes, from West Midlands Police Homicide Team, said: 'Driukas was her father and should have been responsible for the wellbeing and protection of his daughter, who was just four and a half months old at the time of her death. 'She was entirely vulnerable, requiring complete care, love and compassion. She was just 55cm (21in) tall and weighed less than nine pounds (four kilograms). Driukas called an ambulance to his home in Perry Barr, Birmingham (pictured), and told paramedics Deimante had breathing difficulties. She was admitted to hospital in the early hours of April 1 2015 but died hours later Miss Braskyte (pictured outside court), 23, had been accused of allowing the death of a child, but the case against her was dropped. Driukas denied inflicting the injuries to his daughter but was found guilty of murder 'Since the time of her death and the end of the trial, Driukas continued to deny any wrongdoing. He has shown no meaningful remorse.' Sgt Barnes added: 'Even when his daughter was gravely ill he neglected to give an honest account to medical experts in order for them to treat her appropriately. 'She had been injured on at least four occasions and had suffered multiple rib fractures caused by her tiny ribcage being squeezed. Big Ang passed away early Thursday at the age of 55 just over two months after she learned her cancer had spread to the brain and lungs Not in attendance on Monday was Brittany Fogarty, who was banned because her father informed on mob members Big Ang's brother-in-law Dominick wrote on Monday; 'May God help use through today, Stay strong Ang will be right there with use' attended as well, along with her sister, two children and six Advertisement Angela 'Big Ang' Raiola was laid to rest this afternoon after a funeral service in Brooklyn. Over 200 mourners showed up to pay their final respects to the beloved reality star at the Basilica of Regina Pacis, including her Mob Wives costars Carla Facciolo and Renee Graziano. They were joined by Big Ang's estranged husband Neil Murphy along with her two children, six grandchildren and sister Janine Detore, who attended with her husband Dominick. 'Big Ang loved, she cried, she laughed, she shared - she was fully human,' said Msgr. David L. Cassato during his eulogy. 'I want everyone to think of their favorite memory of Big Ang. I'm sure everyone has one that is very special, but I'm going to tell you about mine,' he then added, holding up a photo of himself with the reality star. 'I treasure this picture to this day. ...Everyone who comes into the rectory asks about it. "They say, 'You know her," and I say she was my good friend.' Scroll down for video Final farewell: Angela 'Big Ang' Raiola was laid to rest this afternoon after a funeral service at Basilica of Regina Pacis in Brooklyn (above) Friends: Over 200 mourners were in attendance, including her Mob Wives costars Carla Facciolo and Renee Graziano (above) Emotional: Big Ang's estranged husband Neil Murphy (above) attended the service Final resting place: She will be entombed at Resurrection Cemetery in her hometown of Staten Island Star: Big Ang shot to fame thanks to her role on the VH1 reality show Mob Wives (above) SILive.com reports that Msgr. Cassato also put some humor in his speech, recalling one event where Big Ang helped him pick the winner of a lottery. 'When she picked the name of the winner, she said 'Where's my cut?",' he told these gathered at the church. 'Big Ang was fully human and fully generous. ...Today Big Ang rests in God's peace.' 'What a beautiful ceremony for Angela .. Father Jamie was so comforting and he loved Ang,' Mob Wives costar Facciolo wrote on twitter following the service. Dominick wrote on Twitter after the ceremony; 'May God help use through today, Stay strong Ang will be right there with use.' He also tweeted out his support for Big Ang's Most Wives costar Drita D'Avanzo, who was pictured over the weekend in tears as she left the wake, held at Scarpaci Funeral Home in Brooklyn, saying; 'Thank You Drita for your kind words thank you for being there in our time of need love.' She was seen at the wake with Natalie Guercio and Alicia DiMichele, who were also featured on seasons of Mob Wives. It is not clear if Guerico or DiMichele attended Monday's service. Final moments: Family and friends leave St Rosalia-Regina Pacis Church in Brooklyn after the funeral Family and friends: Louis Raiola, Big Ang's brother, attends the funeral service (left); Renee Graziano (right) Diffifcult time: Big Ang's tragic death was confirmed on her Twitter page with a statement from her family early Thursday morning Not in attendance on Monday was Brittany Fogarty, who was banned from the funeral because her father had become a government informant and ratted out fellow members of the mob. Fogarty's father John Fogarty has spent almost 25 years in a witness protection program since he informed on other mafia goons. She was also not allowed to attend any of Big Ang's four wakes, which were held over the weekend, private and open casket. She will be entombed at Resurrection Cemetery in her hometown of Staten Island. Family: Dominick Detore and Ronnie Detore attend the Funeral Service held for Big Ang Silent moment: Mourners watch as Big Ang's casket is carried into the church on Monday morning Pall bearers: Big Ang passed away from complications caused by brain and lung cancer in the early hours of Thursday at a Manhattan hospital Timing: Big Ang's death came just days after she gave an emotional interview on The Dr. Oz Show Big Ang passed away from complications caused by brain and lung cancer in the early hours of Thursday at a Manhattan hospital, where she was surrounded by friends and family. She was 55-years-old. Big Ang's tragic death was confirmed on her Twitter page with a statement from her family early Thursday morning. It read: 'Ang's fans were some of the most special people in her world, and she loved you immensely. 'Thank you for your love, prayers, and unconditional support of Angela right to the very end. 'She truly went out richer than any monetary value could ever amount to. 'The family asks for privacy and peace during this most difficult time. In typical Big Ang fashion, we know she would say 'Love you my babies!'. 'This page will remain open as a celebration of who she was and will always be.' Her death came just days after she gave an emotional interview on The Dr. Oz Show. 'Sometimes I think I'm going to be fine and sometimes I just don't think I am,' Raiola said during her appearance on the show. 'First I thought I was cancer free. I was going to have a big party. Then a month later I was stage 4,' she explained. 'I can't make sense of this.' The Brooklyn-born star also announced during the interview that she and Murphy had separated after six years of marriage. 'I felt he never stepped up to the plate so I was done with it,' she said, wiping her eyes as she became emotional. 'I feel now it's too late. I'd rather be by myself. I'd rather be alone and that's what I did.' Family: Big Ang's son Anthony D'Onofrio (above) at her memorial service on Sunday Friends: Mob Wives star Marissa Jade (above) attends Big Ang's memorial service on Sunday Rememberance: A fan holds a remebrance card for Big Ang outside her memorial service Checking it out: Big Ang posted a photo to Instagram last month of where she will be entombed (above) Raiola lived in Staten Island and became a cast member on Mob Wives as she was the niece of Salvatore 'Sally Dogs' Lombardi, a captain in the Genovese crime family. She became so popular during the show's run that she earned two spin-offs on VH1 - Big Ang and Miami Monkey. Big Ang gave viewers a closer look at her life while Miami Monkey followed her as she opened an outpost of the Staten Island bar she owns, Drunken Monkey, in Miami. Throughout the years, she has owned and operated several popular mafia hangouts, including the Drunken Monkey. Doctors discovered a lump the size of a lemon in her throat last April after she had complained of severe neck pain. It was removed along with some of her lymph nodes in a grueling eight-hour procedure. After the surgery, she said that she loved smoking but had given it up. 'I don't regret it,' Big Ang told the Daily News. 'I love smoking. I still love the thought of smoking. But it's not worth it. I realize that now.' Then she learned in December that her cancer had spread and began undergoing chemotherapy. A schizophrenic killer who set a car on fire while a student was lying senseless in the boot was today cleared of murdering the 21-year-old but convicted of her manslaughter. Christopher Jeffrey-Shaw, 27, had been accused of bludgeoning 21-year-old Janet Muller in the head before killing her by torching the Volkswagen Jetta. He insisted that he did not know there was anyone in the boot - but today a jury found that he did know Miss Muller was there, although he believed she was already dead. Jeffrey-Shaw was acquitted of the more serious charge of murder because jurors decided he was not responsible for the student's head injuries. Killer: Christopher Jeffrey-Shaw, left, has been convicted of the manslaughter of Janet Muller, right The killer, from Beckenham in South-East London, gasped for breath and appeared to cry in the dock at Guildford Crown Court as the jury announced its verdict. He will be sentenced for the crime on Friday by Mr Justice Jeremy Stuart-Smith. The court previously heard that Miss Muller, who was from Germany and was studying at Brighton University, had been experiencing mental health problems and had been admitted to Mill View Hospital in Hove, Sussex but went missing on the evening of March 12. She was seen approaching an unidentified car in the area a few hours later, and was found dead in the boot nearby on the afternoon of March 13. Her body was so badly burned that experts were unable to work out whether it was a man or a woman, but they later established that she had been brutally beaten before being locked in the boot. Jeffrey-Shaw, a father of two, said he had met the victim while she was snorting cocaine with a drug dealer known only as 'Steve' to whom he owed 800. Last moments: Miss Muller seen on CCTV cameras shortly before her death He said she was shot in a botched robbery, telling jurors he was told to set the car on fire because it had been seen at the scene of the crime. The defendant added: 'It was at that point I looked into the back of the car and had seen the Thomas the Tank Engine with blood on it and my son's woolly hat with blood on it and I thought something has gone on here and thought of my children. 'I was very fearful and thought I have got to get as far away from this as possible. The dad instinct kicked in and it was to get away. I thought, I need to get rid of this car.' He claimed that after torching the vehicle, he opened the boot and found Miss Muller's body, trying to pull her out and save her. 'I never would have set fire to the car if I thought there was someone inside,' he told the court. 'I would have called for an ambulance. I know how it looks, it looks like I'm guilty, but I didn't do it.' When is phone-hacking acceptable? As you might imagine, this is a question that a few people have posed to me over the past few years. My usual answer - once Ive reiterated that Ive never personally hacked a phone nor told anybody else to - is this: when it might prevent terror attacks. I always assumed there wouldnt be a sane person alive who would quibble with hacking a phone if it belonged to the likes of Osama bin Laden, or the current leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. But I was wrong. You may think no sane person would argue with hacking the phone of a terror leader - but it turns out Apple CEO Tim Cook, pictured, would find that unacceptable It turns out that a lot of people would still find that unacceptable, led by Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple. He is refusing to co-operate with the FBI over the unlocking of an iPhone that was used by a terrorist. Not just any terrorist; one of the worst terrorists in the history of the United States of America. Last December, Syed Farook and his wife Tashfeen Malik killed 14 people and wounded 22 more in a mass shooting at a disability centre in San Bernardino, California. Farook was an American-born U.S. citizen of Pakistani descent. Malik was a Pakistani-born lawful permanent resident of the U.S. The pair, both Muslims, had become radicalised over several years prior to the attack and were described by FBI Director James B. Comey as homegrown violent extremists. They were both killed in a shoot-out with police and in a later search of their homes it was discovered that they had smashed up their cellphones and taken the hard drive from their laptop. However, an iPhone 5c belonging to Farook was found in the car in which he died. Clearly, the contents of this phone are a matter of potentially huge significance. Who knows whats on it? The FBI doesnt yet, and nor does Apple. But let me suggest a distinct possibility: clues that Farook and Malik knew other Islamic extremists and had contact with them either through text, email or some form of social media. Clues to who Syed Farook and his wife Tashfeen Malik communicated with, and potentially other extremists living in America, could be named on an iPhone 5c found in their car. But at this rate authorities will never know Perhaps those fellow extremists were also living in America? Perhaps they, too, harbour deep angry thoughts about their country of their residence? Perhaps they, right now, are planning similarly barbaric attacks on Americans living around them? Youre just scare-mongering! I hear you cry. But am I? How far-fetched does this actually seem to you? I would think it is highly likely that phone could reveal all sorts of information that might prove absolutely crucial to Americas national security. Hence the FBIs urgent interest in finding out. But Apples having none of it. Cook has announced that he cant and wont unlock the phone. He claims there are technical reasons why to do so would be to imperil the privacy and security of every single Apple user in the world. Those reasons are complex but essentially boil down to an update Apple introduced to its operating system in September, 2014 which made it, they claim, impossible to hack into an iPhone without knowing the password. A new setting, when turned on, means the phone destroys itself after 10 incorrect attempts at entering a password. And destroyed means destroyed; nothing can then be retrieved from it. The only way round this update is for Apple to create new software to circumnavigate it, and they insist if they build such software then criminals would soon be able to get hold of it for their own nefarious use. Cook took a defiant, patriotic tone in in a letter to Apple employees today. Apple is a uniquely American company, he began, which is laughably disingenuous given how much of its business has been out-sourced to places like China. It does not feel right to be on the opposite side of the government in a case centering on the freedoms and liberties that government is trying to protect. Very laudable, Mr Cook, but thats exactly and very deliberately where youve placed yourself. Apple is just trying to look cool. The company has no moral objection to doing what the FBI is asking, we know, because the company previously acceded on nearly 100 occasions to similar FBI requests As individuals and as a company, he said, we have no tolerance or sympathy for terrorists. When they commit unspeakable acts like the tragic attacks in San Bernardino, we work to help the authorities pursue justice for the victims. And thats exactly what we did. Really? Because from where Im looking it looks like youve done the complete opposite. Cook then cited an email hed received from a 13-year app developer who thanked us for standing up to all future generations and a 3-year Army veteran who told him, Like my freedom, I will always consider my privacy as a treasure. All of which is designed to make us feel warm and fuzzy towards Apple, and to fully appreciate and understand this glorious stand they are making against a shocking government attempt to invade our privacy. So why dont I feel all warm and fuzzy? Why, instead, do I feel a deep sense of unease? Well, because I dont believe a damn word of it, thats why. Are we really expected to believe that Apple doesnt have a single engineer among its 80,000 employees who can get the data out of this one phone without re-writing the companys entire security bible? Of course it does. But to admit that, and then to let them do it, isnt good for Apples brand or its business. It doesnt look cool to co-operate with law enforcement like this. Apple, lets be clear, has no moral objection to doing what the FBI is asking it to do. We know this because before the new update was introduced, the company previously acceded on nearly 100 occasions to similar FBI requests for assistance in unlocking iPhones. Something I dont remember Tim Cook emailing his staff to tell them about, nor to inform Apple shareholders like me. I believe there is absolute, unequivocal public interest when it comes to hacking into phones belonging to terrorists. Not just to find information which may prevent future attacks, but also to gather as much detail as possible about ones which have already occurred. Apple should stop behaving like a bunch of tech-luvvie pseudo Che Guevaras and either hack into Syed Farooks phone themselves or let the FBI do it. Employment minister says only way to win back control is to quit the EU She added insult to injury by claiming his 'deal' left the EU 99% unchanged David Cameron suffered a humiliating slap down by his own Cabinet minister tonight as Priti Patel said his EU deal could be 'ripped up by EU judges' - at the same time as the Prime Minister was telling MPs it was 'legally binding'. To add insult to injury Ms Patel said Mr Cameron's EU deal left Britain's membership of the EU 99 per cent unchanged. Her direct contradiction of her leader - coming at the same time Mr Cameron was attempting to get back on the front foot after he suffered a major setback with Boris Johnson's decision to back Brexit - signals the deeply damaging impact the EU referendum campaign is set to have on the Tory party. Scroll down for video Employment minister Priti Patel (pictured left) tore into David Cameron's EU deal - saying it could be 'ripped up by EU judges' - at the same time as the Prime Minister (right) was claiming his deal was 'legally binding' Mr Cameron told MPs in the House of Commons today that the reforms he secured with European leaders last week will be 'legally binding in international law' that will be recognised by the United Nations. 'And they cannot be unpicked without the agreement of Britain and every other EU country,' he added. Minutes afterwards - and while Mr Cameron was still facing off hostile questions from Eurosceptic Tory MPs - Ms Patel put out a statement on behalf of Vote Leave dismissing these claims. 'The prime minister has tried hard but the EU refused to give the British people what they want,' she said. 'EU courts and politicians will still be in charge of our borders, our courts and our economy. The deal is not legally binding and can be ripped up by EU judges after our vote. 'Even if it did come into force it would change just 1% of the EU Treaties. The only way to take back control over our economy to free up our businesses to create more jobs and growth is to Vote Leave.' Mr Johnson, circled, sat several rows behind Mr Cameron during his Commons statement as both men appeared tense following his decision to back an exit It came on a dramatic day in the House of Commons as the EU campaign battle turned ugly. Mr Cameron used a statement on his EU deal in the House of Commons to launch a savage attack on Mr Johnson over his endorsement of the Brexit campaign - and even made a joke about the Mayor's marriage. A clearly furious Prime Minister launched a lengthy attack on his Tory rival and slapped down a question from Mr Johnson about what sovereignty he had returned to Britain with his EU deal. Mr Cameron was angered by Mr Johnson's declaration last night that he would campaign for Britain to leave the European Union. The London mayor today escalated the row when he attacked 'scaremongering' by the campaign to keep Britain In. But Mr Cameron condemned the Mayor for threatening people's jobs with a simple insistence that Brexit would be 'alright on the night'. Making his case to MPs at the start of the debate, Mr Cameron tore into Mr Johnson - who has suggested a British vote to leave the EU could prompt better terms from Brussels. Mr Cameron said: 'Having a second renegotiation followed by a second referendum is not on the ballot paper. 'And for a Prime Minister to ignore the express will of the British people to leave the EU would not just be wrong, it would be undemocratic. 'On the diplomacy, the idea that other European countries would be ready to start a second negotiation is for the birds.' EUROSCEPTIC TORIES MOCK DAVID CAMERON'S EU DEAL IN COMMONS Jacob Rees Mogg (pictured right) 'May I congratulate my right honourable friend in spending 40 hours, apparently four clean shirts and a packet of haribo in implementing the Labour party manifesto in his conversations in Brussels. 'Doesn't this actually show the problem that for so much labour he has achieved so little that the European Union is a failing organisation? He added: 'Is the government's policy basically always keep a hold of Nurse for fear of finding something worse?' Sir Bill Cash The leading Tory Eurosceptic demanded the PM retract his claim that quitting the EU would only be an 'illusion' of sovereignty. Peter Bone The Wellingborough MP hit out at the PM for telling Mr Johnson yesterday not to 'link arms with George Galloway,' reminding him that the Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson shared a platform with the controversial left-winger to fight Scottish independence in 2014. 'Sometimes you have to work with people you don't like,' Mr Bone told Mr Cameron. Boris Johnson (pictured right) 'Can I ask my right honourable friend, the Prime Minister, to explain to the House and to the country in exactly what way this deal returns sovereignty over any field of law making to these Houses of Parliament?' Advertisement Turning to his EU allies, the Prime Minister continued: 'Many are under pressure for what they have already agreed.' And as Labour MPs shouted 'more, more', Mr Cameron continued: 'This is not some theoretical question; this is a real decision about people's lives. 'When it comes to people's jobs, it is simply not enough to say 'it'll be alright on the night and we will work it out'. 'And I believe that in the weeks to come we need to properly face up to the economic consequences of a choice to leave.' And in a joke widely seen as aimed at the London Mayor, Mr Cameron said: 'Sadly, I've known a number of couples who have begun divorce proceedings, but I don't know any who have begun divorce proceedings in order to renew their marriage vows.' Asked if the line was aimed at Mr Johnson, a Downing Street source said: 'It was a reference to some people who have suggested that the British people could vote to leave the EU and that somehow you might ignore and turn your back on the decision of the British people and go forward and try to secure a second renegotiation.' Mr Johnson was sacked from the Conservative front bench in 2004 amid allegations he had lied about a four year affair with Petronella Wyatt. And in 2013, a court ruled it was in the public interest for it to be revealed he had fathered a child with another woman. He married his wife Marina Wheeler in 1993 - his second marriage after six years with Allegra Owen. Mr Johnson insisted in 2014 the public had no interest in his private life. The Mayor told the Telegraph: 'On the whole, I think that all that kind of thing is, or certainly should be, irrelevant to the job you are trying to do.' In terse exchanges following Mr Cameron's main speech, Mr Johnson asked the PM: 'Can I ask my right honourable friend, the Prime Minister, to explain to the House and to the country in exactly what way this deal returns sovereignty over any field of law making to these Houses of Parliament?' Mr Cameron, who moments earlier had delivered a light hearted response to Jeremy Corbyn, appeared furious as he replied. He told the Mayor: 'This deal brings back some welfare powers, it brings back some immigration powers, it brings back some bailout powers. 'But more than that, because it carves us out forever from 'ever closer union' it means that the ratchet of the European Court [of Justice] taking power away from this country cannot happen in future.' And in an angry reply to his Tory rival, Mr Cameron added: 'To those who worry and people do worry that in somehow if we vote to remain In, the consequence could be more action in Brussels to try and change the arrangements we have, we have a lock in this House of Commons. 'No power can be passed from Britain to Brussels without a referendum of the British people. 'So we have a better deal, we have a special status, we have a chance to make sure we build on what we have, we protect our people, we enhance our prosperity and that's the choice we should make.' THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN: WHAT THE TOP TORIES BACKING BREXIT SAY ABOUT BRITAIN'S MEMBERSHIP OF THE EU By dramatically backing Brexit last night, Boris Johnson has joined six Cabinet rebels, who were finally free to speak their mind on the EU at the weekend. The - 'freedom fighters' - as they have been dubbed by admirers - are: BORIS JOHNSON The London Mayor finally came off the fence last night, ending months of speculation over which side of the referendum campaign he would join. Mr Johnson invoked the glories of the British Empire and the leadership of Winston Churchill to say the country which gave the world parliamentary democracy should not subject itself to 'legal colonisation' from the EU. 'This is a once in a lifetime chance to vote for real change in Britain's relations with Europe. This is the only opportunity we will ever have to show that we care about self-rule. 'A vote to Remain will be taken in Brussels as a green light for more federalism, and for the erosion of democracy.' MICHAEL GOVE The Justice Secretary is one of David Cameron's closest friends - he was part of the 'kitchen cabinet' who encouraged him to run for the Tory leadership - and his decision to join the Out campaign on Saturday was the first major blow for the PM. In a 1,500-word essay explaining his decision to leave the EU, which he described as 'mired in the past,' Mr Gove wrote: 'Far from providing security in an uncertain world, the EU's policies have become a source of instability and insecurity.' IAIN DUNCAN SMITH Few people were surprised by Iain Duncan Smith's decision to back the Out campaign: the Work and Pensions Secretary has been a long-standing critic of the EU and supporter of tighter immigration controls. But yesterday he directly contradicted David Cameron's claim that Britain was 'safer and stronger' in the EU by claiming staying in the EU would make Britain more vulnerable to a Paris-style terror attack. And savaging the PM's EU deal, Mr Duncan Smith wrote in today's Daily Mail: 'The truth is that there is nothing proposed in last Friday's agreement that reduces or returns the enormous powers that the Commission and the Court of Justice have over our national government.' Priti Patel The employment minister is regarded as the up-and-coming poster girl for Cabinet Eurosceptics. Her decision to join the Out camp was no surprise but her popularity with Tory grassroots will deal a blow to the PM. She has railed against the 'democratic deficit' of the EU's institutions, adding: 'My experience in business is that organisations are only successful and efficient when they are accountable and flexible and the EU is neither.' JOHN WHITTINGDALE The Culture Secretary is the last authentic Thatcherite in the Cabinet: in the 1980s he worked as her private secretary and has remained loyal to her ideology including her Euroscepticism since. At the weekend he called for Britain to 'recover the powers we have lost' and said Cameron's pledge to reduce net immigration to the tens of thousands would be 'impossible' while remaining a member of the EU. CHRIS GRAYLING Mr Gove's predecessor as Justice Secretary, Chris Grayling is a long-term Eurosceptic. The Manchester United fanatic was deployed by the Tories as an energetic 'attack dog' during their long period in Opposition, harrying Labour including the Blairs over their personal business affairs. The 6ft 5in Leader of the House has a cool relationship with Gove, who has reversed many of his justice reforms. THERESA VILLIERS The Northern Ireland Secretary has long backed quitting the EU and made her views clear straight after Saturday's Cabinet meeting. She said she will vote to leave the EU 'to take back control over our country and making our laws and controlling our borders'. The six Cabinet ministers - who make up a sixth of David Cameron's top team, are joined by around 15 junior ministers, some of whom will play a prominent role in the Conservative party's future. Among the most high profile of the pro-Brexit junior ministers are: Penny Mordaunt Armed Forces minister Penny Mordaunt, pictured at Downing Street after being given a promotion last May, said she was backing Brexit because it was the only way to guarantee national security The Armed Forces minister shot to prominence after she starred on the primetime TIV diving show Splash with Tom Daley two years ago. She will be arguing against her direct boss - the Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, who has set out his firm belief that staying in the EU is the best way to guarantee national security. Julian Brazier He is another defence minister who has come out in favour of Brexit. He is in charge of the Reserves and said three things had persuaded him to campaign for Britain to leave the EU: the financial crisis in the eurozone, the 'torrent of people in Europe' who could be heading to the UK and his desire to regain sovereignty for the British Parliament. James Wharton The 32-year-old minister in charge of the Northern Powerhouse was tasked with the original effort by Tory MPs to secure an EU referendum by introducing a Private Member's Bill to Parliament as earlier as 2013. Mr Wharton, who surprised pollsters by extending his majority in the north east seat of Stock-on Tees in last year's election, announced on Facebook he was backing Brexit, saying: 'We should look to the world, not just the EU'. Andrea Leadsom The energy and climate change minister announced she will be campaigning for Britain to leave the EU. She wrote on her website: 'I want to be absolutely clear I will be voting to leave the EU. 'This is not a decision that I have made quickly or easily, as I have been a strong advocate for reform within Europe for many years.' George Eustice The farming, food and marine environment minister is one of the founding members of the EU Fresh Start group - made up of 2010 and 2015 intake MPs today to campaign for Brexit. Mr Eustice campaigned against the UK joining the euro and in 1999 he stood as a Ukip candidate for the European Parliament elections. James Duddridge The foreign office minister is another government figure defying his departmental chief - the Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond. Advertisement How will your MP vote? Full list of all the Conservative politicians who have declared their stand on the EU referendum debate A Maryland family has adopted a dog that was left at a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, shelter in November, it was reported Friday. A 'foster-based' rescue group in Glenolden, Pennsylvania, called Diamonds in the Ruff Rescue earlier took in the shelter dog named Needy -- and renamed him Fozzie Bear. The group's Erica Brown told the Huffington Post the dog's name is now Duke. 'He seems to love his name since he responds so well to it,' she told the website of the pooch. A Maryland family has adopted a dog that was left at a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, shelter in November. The pooch (seen bottom right) is now known as Duke. This photo was posted on Facebook February 10 Diamonds in the Ruff Rescue's Erica Brown has said of Duke (seen in photograph posted on Facebook February 10): 'He seems to love his name since he responds so well to it' Diamonds in the Ruff Rescue earlier took in the dog when it was named Needy -- and rechristened him Fozzie Bear. More than 2,500 people shared these photos Chester County Dog Tails posted Diamonds in the Ruff wrote on Facebook in a February 10 post: 'BREAKING NEWS--->FOZZIE WAS ADOPTED!!!! 'Remember sad Fozzie that was left at the shelter with his favorite teddy bear? 'Diamonds rescued him in December and he was just recently adopted!! 'His new family is amazing, his mom is a vet and he has MANY dog, cat, and bird siblings. 'He has a large yard to run around in and gets to go to work with his mom sometimes! 'We are so thankful to his new family and we couldnt have asked for a happier ending!' Diamonds in the Ruff Rescue said of Duke's new home: 'His new family is amazing, his mom is a vet and he has MANY dog, cat, and bird siblings. He has a large yard to run around in and gets to go to work with his mom sometimes!' More than 2,500 people previously shared images of the dog, including one showing him in a cage with a plush teddy bear toy, that were uploaded to Facebook by Chester County Dog Tails. Chester County Dog Tail wrote on its Facebook page in December 2015: 'Needy was surrendered with his favorite teddy bear, but just like he lost his family and his home, he lost that too. 'He has done well with other dogs and has a very sweet personality. 'Needy has been there since November and in a high intake shelter, that is never good. 'Please spread the word for Needy so he can get out of [Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia] safely, once and for all! 'If there is anything Needy needs, it's a family VERY soon!' Diamonds in the Ruff Rescue saved the canine. The group wrote on Facebook in a December 2015 post: 'So in honor of our Diamond dog, Kermit, who passed away on Christmas Day, we saved Needy & decided to name him Fozzie Bear since Fozzie was Kermit's best friend on The Muppets.' Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia's Jennifer Berwick previously told the Huffington Post the dog came to the shelter with a note that said he'd bitten a person. Berwick explained to the website: 'It wasn't serious. 'They just said that he's a good dog as long as there is no roughhousing or arguing.' The pooch is seen with a human friend in this photograph Diamonds in the Ruff Rescue posted on Facebook Berwick told the Huffington Post: 'We don't normally allow dogs to have things like [the teddy bear] here. 'We can't monitor them like you can at home.' Diamonds in the Ruff Rescue's Erica Brown also previously told the news outlet: 'He was a little bit scared in the beginning but he started opening up.' 'He sat and gave me both paws. 'I think he's really going to open up and be really sweet.' Owner Ashyton Slavens blamed Holt for the mauling, accusing him of provoking her pit bull Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder later apologized to Holt and reversed his decision, fining the pet owner and seizing BeBe Holt complained on Facebook that sheriff's officials refused to issue the owner of the dog a citation and allowed her to take BeBe home Richard Holt, from Arkansas, was attacked by BeBe the pit bull on February 17 while out for a ride A cyclist from Arkansans says he was viciously mauled by a pit bull while training for a bike race last week, but the dog's owner insists her 2-year-old pooch would not have attacked anyone without a reason. Richard Holt, a pharmacist from Fayetteville, recounted his terrifying run-in with the canine, a large male pit bull named BeBe, in a detailed Facebook post accompanied by a series of extremely graphic and gory images documenting his injuries. According to Holt, last Wednesday he and a friend were out for a routine training ride along Highway 265 when a pit bull ran up to him, knocked him off his bike and sank its teeth in his leg. WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT Scroll down for video Biker attacked: Richard Holt, a pharmacist and biking enthusiast from Arkansas (left), was attacked by a two-year-old pit bull named BeBe (right) while out for a ride last week Blood on the ground: Holt spoke out about his ordeal on Facebook and shared photos taken after the attack, inclduing this image of his helmet on the ground next to a large blood stain 'Luckily, it did not get ahold [sic] of any major arteries, and I was eventually able to pry his jaws apart somehow after wresting with him for some time,' Holt writes in his account of the incident. Speaking to 5NewsOnline two days after his ordeal, a bandaged-up Holt said he suffered numerous gouges to his calf, including one requiring 15 stitches. Holt also told the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette that he wont be able to get on his bike for at least a month because of his injuries and will have to skip a race in Little Rock that he expected to win. The biking enthusiast says in his Facebook post that when he called 911, deputies with the Washington County sheriff's office arrived on the scene 'but were unhelpful.' Holt also lamented that an animal control officer who responded to his report decided not to impound the pit bull, despite his pleas. According to the mauling victim, BeBes owners offered no help or apology after the attack, and even tried to load the dog into a truck and flee before deputies arrived on the scene. Gruesome: Holt also posted these extremely graphic images showing his legs covered in bite marks and gouges, one of which required 15 stitches Sidelined: Holt said he wont be able to get back on his bike for at least a month because of his wounds Holt's status update quickly went viral on Facebook, drawing more than 4,600 shares and prompting Washington County Sheriff Helder to post a lengthy response and an apology on the department's own Facebook page on Friday. We apologize for the lack of confidence in our department that this incident has potentially caused, but we can assure you, we will always strive to do the right thing, to do our best for the citizens of Washington County, and when we err, we will admit it and use it as a tool to make ourselves better, Sheriff Helders statement reads. Initially, BeBe and two other dogs, Gracie and Diesel, were returned to their owner for home quarantine with a verbal warning for violating the Vicious Animal Ordinance, but without a citation. But after seeing Richard Holt's pictures showing his injures, and after receiving an avalanche of calls from concerned citizens in response to his post, Sheriff Helder decided to issue a citation to the owner and take possession of the 2-year-old pit bull and the other animals and put them in quarantine at the Washington County Animal Shelter. Speaking out: Holt, pictured bandaged up at home, accused the local sheriff's office of initially allowing the owner of the pit bull to get off with a warning and keep her dog Blame game: Ashyton Salvens, BeBe's owner (left), claimed that her pooch has never shown any signs of aggression, and that Holt must have done something to provoke it Ashyton Salvens, who is the owner of the three dogs, on Friday pointed a finger of blame at Richard Holt, insisting that BeBe is not vicious, that he has never shown any signs of aggression, and that the cyclist must have done something to provoke her pet. I am very sorry for what happened to him, Slavens said. But my dog had to have been provoked because my dogs are not known for violence. My dogs do not attack anybody unless there is a reason. Slavens said she'll be willing to pay all the necessary fines but she wont have her dogs put down. My dogs will not be hurt because of one mistake, the defiant 18-year-old dog owner told 5NewsOnline. I am perfectly fine with paying a lot of money, if that is what it takes for my dog to live because they are like my kids. Six migrants campaigning for unrestricted access to Britain were today found guilty in France of breaking through a security fence in Calais and boarding a ferry heading for the UK. The migrants four Afghans, a Syrian, and a Sudanese man all in their 30s said they had simply been following members of No Borders, a UK-based anarchist group, last month. But they walked free from court, while two French people - who denied having anything to do with No Borders - were given modest suspended fines worth about 200 each and partly suspended. Boarding: Todays case in France related to trouble around the Spirit of Britain ferry last month (above) Jean-Pierre Valensi, prosecuting, said: Everything was planned for an invasion of the Calais ferry port. Mr Valensi said the idea was to create absolute chaos, so allowing as many people as possible to get across to England. But Emilie Leschaeve, for the defence, said nothing had been premeditated, and the intrusion into the port was just something that happened at the last minute. All of those sentenced to prison had spent more than a month on remand, and so were free to go. The case in Boulogne-sur-Mer related to trouble around the Spirit of Britain ferry on January 23. Home: All the migrants arrested following the protest were based in The Jungle, the vast refugee camp in Calais where up to 4,000 people live as they try to get aboard ferries and trains heading for the UK Around 2,000 people were involved in the protest which descended into chaos, as 24 migrants and 11 No Border members were arrested. Everything was planned for an invasion of the Calais ferry port Jean-Pierre Valensi, prosecuting All the migrants arrested were based in The Jungle, the vast refugee camp in Calais where up to 4,000 people live as they try to get aboard ferries and trains heading for the UK. The French authorities are determined to get rid of it, and have ordered a large part of it to be destroyed later this week. This evacuation will affect around 2,000 refugees living in a makeshift huts and tens. They are being told to move to asylum centres in other parts of France, or into refitted ship containers put up in an alternative official camp in Calais. Support: At the weekend, celebrities including actor Jude Law (above) were among those campaigning on behalf of the migrants, many of whom come from war-torn countries including Syria and Afghanistan Bulldozers accompanied by Compagnies Republicaines de Securite (CRS) riot police are expected to move in on Wednesday, but a number of charities have challenged them in court. They say the migrants do not want to live in the ship containers, because they resemble a prison, and require refugees to provide fingerprints for security scanners allowing entry. They do not want to go to other parts of France, either, because they are only interested in settling in the UK. They deny it was 'disturbing' or from 'The Watcher' and want the Broadduses' case dismissed and an order to pay the Woods damages But in court papers seen by Daily Mail Online they say they too received an anonymous letter days before the deal went through Now the Woods have struck back, accusing the Broaddusses of causing them It was a chilling claim: an anonymous note sent to the new buyers of a large suburban house, claiming they were being watched - by someone who wanted 'young blood'. Now the bizarre case of 'The Watcher' has taken a dramatic twist, with the previous owners of the house disclosing that they too received an anonymous letter just days before they sold the home. The $1.35 million house in suburban New Jersey has now been empty for two years, while the current and former owners are locked in a legal dispute over it. The new owners claim the sellers knew but never told them about the bizarre stalker, who called themselves The Watcher. But now the sellers have hit back, calling the allegations untrue - but also disclosing that they too received an unsigned letter, although they say it was not 'threatening'. The mystery started in June 2014, when Derek and Maria Broaddus bought the six-bed, 3.5 bath family home in Westfield, from John and Andrea Woods. Abandoned: The 'Watcher' house has not been lived in since the Woods moved out and the Broadduses took possession of it - quickly followed by receiving three lets from the purported stalker Who is the Watcher? House owners Derek and Maria Broaddus, pictured with their three chldren, bought the property in 2014 but have been too scared to move in after receiving menacing letters John Woods (left) a retired scientist, and his wife Andrea have hit back in legal papers at Derek Broaddus (right) and his wife, Maria, saying their claims are false IS 'THE WATCHER' OBSESSED WITH BEAUTIFUL OLD HOUSE? 'You have changed it and made it so fancy...it cries for the past and what used to be in the time when I roamed its halls...when I ran from room to room imagining the life with the rich occupants there...and now I watch and wait for the day when the young blood will be mine again... (The house) is turning on me it is coming after me...I am in charge of it...Let the young blood play again like I once did...Stop changing it and let it alone' Advertisement A year later they sued the Woods, who had retired to Massachusetts, claiming that within weeks of the house sale closing, they had received three threatening letters, signed 'The Watcher'. The Broaddusses claimed they had received a letter saying: 'I have be [sic] put in charge of watching and waiting for its second coming; my grandfather watched the house in the 1920s and my father watched in the 1960s. 'It is now my time; Why are you here? I will find out; Now that they have it to flaunt it, they pay the price' It went on: 'I asked the Woods to bring me young blood.' One of the other three letters said: 'Who am I? I am the Watcher and have been in control of [the home] for the better part of two decades now. 'The Woods family turned it over to you it was their time to move on and kindly sold it when I asked them to.' Now court papers seen by Daily Mail Online disclose that the Woods, both distinguished scientists, had hit back, claiming the Broaddusses have invaded their privacy, caused them public ridicule and left them emotionally distressed. The Broaddusses had demanded triple damages - the cost of the house, plus the renovations they had paid for - but the Woods are now counter-suing, saying that they deserve compensated for the damages to their reputation. 'John Woods and Andrea Woods have suffered, and continue to suffer, a special grievance and special injuries and damages, including but not limited to severe and ongoing emotional distress, psychological injuries, defamation, public ridicule and embarrassment, loss and/or damages to reputation, significant economic losses, damages and accrual of debt,' the court document says. The Woods are suing for compensatory damages, punitive damages, and reimbursement of legal costs. But in the course of their legal papers they reveal their own anonymous letter. 'Defendants acknowledge the receipt of a single anonymous note on or about the week of May 26, 2014, but Defendants specifically deny that the note was "disturbing" or in any way claimed a right of possession and/or owner to the premises,' the court papers say. The letter was not disclosed, and the Woods' lawyer did not return repeated attempts to contact him for comment. The Broaddusses' lawyer told Daily Mail Online that his clients were now living through an experience 'you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy'. Lee M. Levitt, the attorney presenting Derek and Maria Broaddus, told Daily Mail Online that his clients had a conversation with the Woods soon after they received their first 'Watcher' letter. It was then that the Woods told the new owners they had been sent a 'similar' note prior to the sale of the house but had deemed it 'innocuous'. Levitt said his clients were too afraid to move into the property, which had been their 'dream house', because of the threatening letters. 'What happened to them you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy,' he said. 'Their number one concern in the world is their children. How the case began: The original legal papers which set out The Watcher allegations and were brought by the Broadduses against the Woods Hitting back: The Woods have filed papers which say they deny all the allegations and are counter-suing. They also allege that they were not able to ask for the case to be dismissed because no papers were served for months Letter; The Woods admit for the first time in the court papers that they received an anonymous letter - but denied it was anything like The Watcher letters the Broadduses have passed to police 'These are the nicest, most wholesome people and they are just trying to move on with their lives.' The couple declined to speak to Daily Mail Online through their lawyer. Levitt added that Derek Broaddus, an insurance executive in Manhattan and Maria Broaddus, a stay-at-home mom who looks after their couple's three children, who are all under 12, were under huge financial strain as they continued to pay the mortgage and other bills for the property. He denied suggestions that the couple, both 41, were trying to make money out of the situation. Levitt said the couple would not reveal where they are currently living due to fears for their safety. He added that the Boulevard home was not on the market but the couple were trying to make a private sale. TWO YEARS OF 'THE WATCHER' 26 May 2014 John and Andrew Woods receive an anonymous letter at their Westfield, NJ, home 2 June 2014 Derek and Maria Broaddus close $1.35 million deal to buy the six-bed, 3.5 bath 'dream family home' 5 June 2014 The Broaddusses receive a letter signed 'The Watcher' saying: 'I have be [sic] put in charge of watching and waiting for its second coming; my grandfather watched the house in the 1920s and my father watched in the 1960s. 'I asked the Woods to bring me young blood. 'Do you need to fill the house with the young blood I requested?' Mid-June 2014 The Woods tell the Broaddusses they had received an anonymous letter but that it was 'innocuous' 18 June 2014 Another letter to the Broadduses from The Watcher arrives 18 July 2014 The third and final letter from The Watcher is delivered to the Broaddusses June 2015 The Broaddusses sue the Woods for triple damages 24 June 2015 The local mayor tells a town hall meeting: 'Our police have conducted an exhaustive investigation into the threatening letters. Our police went the extra measure and left no stone unturned' 29 June 2015: Police chief says 'we are exploring some possible leads' 7 January 2016 The Woods hit back, suing the Broaddusses for damages, at the Superior Court of New Jersey in Union County. They disclose for their first time that they received an anonymous letter themselves Advertisement The Broadduses were now obliged to reveal The Watcher's threats to those who live at the house and this has put off potential buyers, according to their lawsuit. The three letters that the Broaddus family received are in the possession of Westfield Police Department, Levitt said, and he had made copies. No letters have been delivered to the home since. The police investigation into the case remains active, Levitt said. Westfield police chief David Wayman did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Daily Mail Online this week. There have been no announcements on the case since Wayman told nj.com last summer that police had a 'few possible leads'. Wayman is not believed to have been made aware of the anonymous letter received by the Woods. The United States Postal Service told Daily Mail Online last year they had received a copy of one of the letters from a third party and contacted the police department to offer assistance. USPS could offer no further information on the letters but confirmed they have assisted the Westfield Police Department with an investigation. The home still lies dark and empty of furniture, almost two years after it was purchased. Neighbors told Daily Mail Online on Thursday that the only sightings of the Broaddusses were when they have stopped by to pick up the mail. Others were concerned about tBeihe effect the legal case, which has made 'The Watcher' home famous worldwide, was having on their property prices. 'It's a shame, houses are meant to be lived in,' one neighbour, who asked not to be named, told Daily Mail Online. Another nearby resident said: 'There's no Watcher, it's ridiculous. We've lived here for a long time. 'It's a great block and it's a beautiful house.' The Woods and the Broaddusses both declined to speak directly. The financial entities who had also been sued by the Broaddusses, Chicago Title Insurance Company and A. Absolute Escrow, who were involved with the sale, had the cases against them dismissed in December. This is the touching moment a terrified baby elephant was rescued from drowning after he accidentally fell in a concrete drain at a South African mine. The footage, which was shot near a dam belonging to the Phalaborwa Copper mine in Limpopo in north-eastern South Africa, shows two workers struggling to lift the elephant out of the water. Two mine workers raised the alarm and were helped by Johann McDonald from the local animal rescue centre, who said that the animal had been abandoned. This video was shot near a dam belonging to the Phalaborwa Copper mine in Limpopo in north-eastern South Africa and shows two workers struggling to lift the baby elephant (pictured) out of the water The elephant calf struggles and strains to get out of the drain and is kindly helped by the two mine workers He said that footprints around the drain indicated that the adult elephants had apparently tried to rescue the calf and had probably been frightened off when the men arrived. As a result it was agreed that mineworkers Johan Bezuidenhout and Quenton du Plessis would attempt to lift the calf out. After much pushing and pulling, and with some help from the straining baby elephant, he is eventually freed. The shell shocked baby elephant is clearly shaken and stands completely still as his rescuers pat and soothe him following his traumatic ordeal. Although the men waited for the herd to return eventually they were forced to take the calf to the animal rescue centre because it was suffering from dehydration and exhaustion. It was taken by truck and after already being rejected by elephants, non-profit organisation Elephants Alive stepped in to help the calf and took it into care. The baby elephant is pushed and pulled out of the concrete drain close to a dam owned by the local mine An expert said footprints around the drain indicated that the adult elephants had tried to rescue the calf Irishman Trevor Lawler, 32, had bluffed his way into the 24-year old victim's house An intruder raped a young mother in front of her baby son and was caught by DNA after the woman bit a chunk of skin from his hand and kept it in her mouth. Irishman Trevor Lawler, 32, falsely claimed he had escaped a kidnapping to bluff his way into the 24-year-old victim's home. Once he got in, he pushed her up against a wall and punched her repeatedly, while she was holding her 12-month-old baby. The victim fought back and bit a piece of skin from Lawler's hand. The attacker, from Greater Manchester, then stood over the woman and shouted, 'if you don't shut up, I will kill you stone dead right now' then raped her in front of the baby, at one point addressing the child to say, 'this is all your mother is f****g worth'. As the baby continued to cry Lawler even tried to tend to him with hands bloodied from beating the boy's mother. When she managed to escape and run to a nearby home, she was so disfigured from the beating that her neighbour only recognised her by the sound of her voice. Police later examined a piece of skin recovered from the rape victim's mouth the DNA profile matched Lawler's. They discovered Lawler had just hours earlier attacked another woman, aged 33, when she woke up in bed alongside her seven-year-old son at 4.40am to find Lawler straddling over her. When her son began crying Lawler said, 'shut him up or I will slit your throat', before he removed his trousers and attempted to rape her. He fled the house wearing just his underwear and a T-shirt when the woman's boyfriend returned home. Greater Manchester Police launched a large manhunt for Lawler when he was identified by both women and he was arrested in Manchester city centre later the same day. At Manchester Crown Court, Lawler, originally from Dublin, was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum of ten years after he admitted rape, attempted rape, threats to kill, assault by penetration, trespass and wounding with intent. It emerged he was jailed for six years in his home city in 2004 for raping a 37-year-old woman in her own home when he was just 18 after she believed a story that he was being chased. The rape victim - who can't be named for legal reasons - suffered a number of 'graphic' injuries in the attack, including a 4.5cm cut to the face leaving a permanent scar, a fractured nose and bruising and swelling to the eyes, lips, arm, leg and hip following the attack on July 10 last year. In a victim impact statement read to the court, she said: 'Because of the injuries I could not see my own son for three days as my face was so bruised he would not have recognised me. 'The family dog didn't even recognise me. I felt disgusted with myself and felt violated. I still see my baby's face watching Lawler attack me and I will never forget how he looked as he watched from right next to me. 'My child should never have had to witness this. I have always been able to look after myself but this made me feel helpless in my own house. I can no longer stand to hear the Irish accent because it reminds me of him. 'I believe when he gets let out of prison he will kill someone. I pray that when he gets out of prison he doesn't come back to finish what he started.' I still see my babys face watching Lawler attack me and I will never forget how he looked as he watched from right next to me The other victim said: 'I feel guilty every time I look at my son. I feel I should have done more to protect him from this. 'I feel I have failed my son. My son will not play out and wants to be with me all of the time. I feel like he has changed so much because of what happened, he is not the little kid he once was. 'I do not hate Trevor Lawler, I pity him. I think he must be sick. He will have a lot of years to think about what he has done to me and my son.' In mitigation Lawler's barrister Hunter Gray said his client had shown 'no sense of any moral standpoint' and had a history of alcohol dependency and heroin use. He added that Lawler also claims to have been abused as a child and crimes may have stemmed from 'issues with grief', after his partner died shortly after giving birth to their child. 'He wants to change,' he said. 'He knows his behaviour is wrong and is willing to access any support he can get so neither of these women nor any female in the future is subjected to this sort of conduct again.' But sentencing Lawler, Judge Hilary Manley said he was a dangerous offender who posed a serious risk to women and children in the future. When she managed to escape and run to a nearby home, she was so disfigured from the beating that her neighbour only recognised her by the sound of her voice (file photo posed by a model) Discussing the first incident, she said: 'You stole her son's innocence that night, as well as everything else you did.' Commenting on the second attack, she added: 'Most disturbingly you told the victim's baby that her mother deserved what you were doing. 'She was afraid she would die in front of her child. She fled the house when you finished raping her. 'She was so covered in blood and her face so battered that the neighbour could not recognise her except by her voice. The family dog didnt even recognise me. I felt disgusted with myself and violated 'The neighbour found the baby on the bed covered in blood where she was silent and still in a daze. 'Your actions have made a previously strong independent woman feel helpless in her own home. I am convinced you have a hatred of women and need to reduce, degrade and humiliate them. 'This was sadistic violence. There is a significant risk of serious harm being cause by you and I am wholly satisfied you pose a dangerous and substantial risk to the public, particularly to women and children. 'This was a campaign of rape and sexual assault against vulnerable women in their homes in the direct presence of young children with no effort made to prevent the children from seeing the traumatic spectacle - in fact, quite the reverse. A state trooper also tried to pick Jones up for Clinton, saying the governor needed companionship when wife Hillary Clinton was out of town The Arkansas governor 'squeezed' her after the well documented incident at a Little Rock hotel that lead to her sexual harassment case in the '90s Paula Jones, whose sexual harassment case in the '90s led to President Clinton's impeachment, now says Bill Clinton is a repeat offender, propositioning her several times after that initial, well documented, encounter. Jones sat down for a radio interview today with Breitbart senior investigative reporter Aaron Klein, who doubles as the news organization's Jerusalem bureau chief. 'Nothing shocks me about what will come out of that human,' she said of the former president, who is now spending a lot of time on the campaign trail for his wife, Hillary Clinton. 'He's got a problem. He really does.' Scroll down for video Paula Jones, photographed here at her home in Cabot, Arkansas, gave a radio interview to Breitbart today and talked of other encounters with Bill Clinton after she was initially sexually harassed These days, Bill Clinton is being spotted on the campaign trail in an effort to shore up Democratic support for his wife Hillary Clinton Jones' original run-in with Clinton, at the time the Arkansas governor, was on May 8, 1991 at the Excelsior Hotel in Little Rock. She claimed that the governor propositioned her and exposed himself to her, a story the Arkansas state employee kept to herself until 1994 when David Brock now a Clinton political ally, but then a right-leaning reporter wrote about it in the American Spectator. She filed suit a year-and-a-half into Clinton's first term, on May 6, 1994, two days before the incident's statute of limitations. Today, she opened up about Clinton's behavior in the aftermath of the alleged incident at the hotel. This particular incident was mentioned in the 1994 complaint, Breitbart reported, but didn't get much attention at the time. Jones recalled that she would head over to the governor's office once or twice a day to deliver or pick up mail. On this one occasion, she was headed to the treasurer's office to pick up payroll checks for her office and while walking toward the rotunda she saw Clinton walking with a state trooper. Paula Jones alleged that Bill Clinton sexually harassed her at a Little Rock, Arkansas hotel in 1991, she sued him in 1994, after he became president of the United States Paula Jones, seen here at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in 1998, is one of a handful of accusers who have come out of the woodwork this election cycle as Hillary Clinton vies for the White House 'And instead of him going to the direction of where they were coming from,' Jones began. 'He goes around the front of the rotunda 'cause he saw me, and came over to me. And of course he was laughing and giggling.' Clinton immediately paid Jones a compliment, the former state worker said. 'And he said, "You look great." And he liked my outfit that I had on, and he hugged me side to side,' she said. 'He squeezed me real hard. Our sides were touching. He looked at the state police and he said, "Don't we look like Beauty and the Beast?"' she said. 'And in my shock I didn't know what to say other than, "You don't look like the beast,"' Jones recalled. Jones also recalled an awkward conversation she had with a state trooper buddy of Clinton's who seemed to be procuring women for the young governor. 'He says, "Paula, the governor wants to know if you have a regular boyfriend,"' she said, quoting the trooper. 'And I said, "Yes, I live with him." I lived with my boyfriend. We were going to get married at the time, so eventually he was my fiance,' she explained to Klein. Paula Jones' sexual harassment lawsuit lead to the discovery of Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky and subsequent impeachment 'He said, "Well, Bill was wanting to know if maybe you might want to meet with him sometime because Hillary is out of town a lot on business,"' she continued. 'And that was the third time,' Jones added, suggesting that this behavior from the rising politician was a trend. Jones said she doesn't remember her exact reply to the trooper, but in short it was: 'I'm not interested.' 'Well, I didn't give him my phone number,' she said. Jones, along with other accusers including Kathleen Willey and Juanita Broaddrick, have spent this election cycle firing warnings off about Clinton and his wife who none of them are supporting due to Hillary Clinton's role in silencing their stories. Broaddrick has also gone on the record and suggested that Clinton contacted her after an incident she has labeled rape. Jones said that this wasn't a surprise, as Clinton did the same thing to her. 'And I don't know if he has taken care of it or if he's gotten counseling for it or whatever, but he's got a problem,' Jones told Breitbart. But when it comes to that fateful day at the Excelsior Hotel, Jones is happy she got away. The group of 16 passengers kicked off a Jetstar flight for 'drunken and disruptive' behaviour were men and women from Irish hurling and football teams, according to reports. Flight crew decided to remove 'a handful' of intoxicated passengers after they boarded the Sydney-bound plane at Melbourne Airport at around 8pm on Monday. The flight was then delayed for 80 minutes as the unruly passengers were marched off the plane - with some of their friends and partners choosing to join them. It has now been revealed that the rowdy passengers had been in Melbourne for one of the largest Gaelic sporting events in the country at the weekend. A group of 16 drunk passengers were escorted off a Jetstar plane before it could take off following 'disruptive' behaviour The Herald Sun reported that some of the passengers were from Sydney-based Michael Cusacks Hurlers, who won the Padraig Pearses GAC 7-a-side tournament at Gaelic Park on Sunday. Some of the other passengers escorted off the flight were from men's and women's football teams. The Sydney Gaelic Athletic Association is looking into the incident. Flight attendants then contacted the Australian Federal Police for assistance and officers attended the domestic departure gate. A spokesman for AFP said that no charges have been laid at this stage. Josh Berg, who was sitting beside some of the evicted passengers, told the Herald Sun that he heard arguing outside the plane. 'We heard lots of arguing just outside the plane and then something like six federal police came on the plane and picked people out of the plane,' he said. Jetstar said the company did not tolerate disruptive behaviour and that the airline has 'strict rules' on alcohol use. The budget airline said the flight crew decided to kick out 'a handful' of intoxicated passengers after they boarded the Sydney-bound plane at Melbourne Airport (pictured) at around 8pm on Monday 'We take safety and security seriously and have strict rules on alcohol use, including the right to deny boarding or offload intoxicated passengers,' a spokesman said. 'We don't tolerate disruptive behaviour by passengers on our flights, so our crew made a decision with the captain that a number of passengers would not travel on one of our Melbourne to Sydney services overnight. 'Unfortunately the actions of this group interrupted the travel plans of other customers.' Flight JQ522, which was scheduled to depart at 7.40pm, finally took off at 9pm. A spokesman for AFP said: 'This is a timely reminder for the public to remember that when travelling on an aircraft within Australia, you are bound by Australian laws. A babysitter has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for killing a three-month-old baby girl in her care. Sarah Gumm, 37, pleaded guilty to murdering Rylan Koopmeiners in Waukegan, Illinois, after the baby died of a skull fracture and cranial hemorrhage. Gumm was trying to change Rylan's diaper and became frustrated when the little girl began squirming around. She slammed the baby's head on a wooden table, prosecutors said shortly after Rylan's death in July 2012. Gumm cried in court today as she pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder and accepted a plea bargain, the Daily Herald reported. Sarah Gumm (left), 37, was sentenced to 23 years in prison for killing three-month-old Rylan Koopmeiners (right) in Waukegan, Illinois. She pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder She will serve her sentence at the Illinois Department of Corrections and will receive credit for the 1,299 days she has spent in Lake County Jail since her arrest. 'Sarah took this deal, not because she was guilty, but because she couldn't find a way to win if it went to trial,' her husband James Gumm told the Daily Herald. 'Sarah is not a murderer.' An autopsy revealed that 'an extreme amount of force' must have been used to cause Rylan's injuries, Lake County Assistant States Attorney Ari Fisz said at the time of her death. Rylans parents, Nathan and Reggan Koopmeiners, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, dropped their daughter off at Gumms home in Waukegan at about 6:45am on July 27, 2012. At about 4:30pm, Gumm called the police and reported that the little girl was not breathing. Rylan was rushed to Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan, where she was pronounced dead shortly after 5 pm. Gumm had initially told police that the three-month-old had been sleeping when she heard a gurgling noise and noticed that the baby seemed to be in distress, prompting her to call 911. While Gumm told investigators that she was home all day, one of her neighbors spotted the 33-year-old woman leaving alone in a taxi that afternoon. Fisz also said that authorities discovered that Gumm used her credit card twice at a local drugstore that day before calling police. During a second interview with the police, Gumm allegedly admitted to going to the pharmacy and leaving the baby unsupervised at home. Fisw said Gumm then admitted to causing the babys injuries. She also told police that later in the afternoon the baby was getting very fussy and squirming around while she was trying to change her on a wooden table, Fisz said. She was holding the child up above the table. She got frustrated. Rylan's parents hired Gumm six weeks prior to the tragic incident after seeing an advertisement for her services online. They were present for the plea announcement and thanked the prosecution team in a statement read in court, the Chicago Tribune reported. 'We are grateful to God some form of earthly justice has been served for Rylan,' they said. 'To Rylan, we love you every moment of the day, baby girl.' That rivalry, which lasted until shortly before Robert's death in 2008, transformed Napa into one of the world's greatest wine producing regions Robert left the family Charles Krug Winery to set up a rival producer, and for four decades the pair battled to create Napa's finest wines The pair never got along, and their feuding came to a head in 1965 when Robert is said to have punched Peter in a row over his wife's mink coat Born the youngest son of Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi in 1914, he took over the family winery with brother Robert in 1959 He was the last Peter Mondavi, a legendary Napa Valley winemaker who transformed the region from cheap to chic, has died at home aged 101, a spokesman said Famed California winemaker Peter Mondavi, who led his family's Charles Krug Winery for more than half a century, has died aged 101. Mondavi died on Saturday at his home in California, said Wendy Lane Stevens, a member of the C Mondavi and Family board of directors. Known as one of the Napa Valley's greatest innovators, helping to introduce grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon for which the region is now famed, Mondavi's success can be traced back to an infamous punch-up he had with older brother Robert over a mink coat in 1965. Robert's ensuing departure from Charles Krug to establish his own rival winery would spur on decades of competition between the brothers that would transform Napa from a derided producer of cheap plonk to one of world's most celebrated wine-growing regions. Peter was born to poor Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi in Minnesota in 1914, the youngest of four children including sisters Mary and Helen, and brother Robert. The family owned a saloon business in the town of Virginia, but came to California in the early 1920s during prohibition where father Cesare established a grape-packing company called C. Mondavi and Sons. Peter and Robert had their first encounter with the wine trade during those years when they helped to pack and ship grapes in their father's warehouses. After graduating from Stanford in 1937 with a degree in economics, Peter went on to UC Berkeley where he completed a post-graduate degree in enology - the study of wine. Shortly afterwards, in 1943, Cesare purchased the oldest winery in Napa, the Charles Krug Winery, founded by a Prussian immigrant of the same name in 1861. Peter's winemaking career was put on hold in 1943 when he went to serve in the U.S. Army during the Second World War, before returning to the new family winery in 1946. Four years later he married Blanche Hurtzig. The couple would go on to have three children, Marc, Peter Jr. and a daughter, Siena. Following their father's death in 1959, Robert and Peter took joint control of the family business and began taking it into the modern era. Scroll down for video Mondavi ran the family Charles Krug Winery, the oldest in Napa, with brother Robert until 1965 when the pair had a fight and Robert founded a rival winery nearby Robert (pictured in 2007 with wife Margrit) allegedly punched Peter in a row over a mink coat. It was the fierce competition between the two brothers to create the finest wines that transformed Napa Valley Using his extensive knowledge of wine from his college days, Peter began using processes such as cold fermentation for white and rose wines. Warm fermentation, the process being used in Napa at the time, tended to dull the flavor of the eventual product, removing some of the fruitier flavors. The new process produced cleaner, fresher whites that drew critical acclaim. Other innovations introduced by the brothers included sterile filtration, further improving the quality of the wine, and the use of small French oak barrels to age the wine in, a practice now common throughout Napa. The pair also introduced grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Pino Noir to the Carneros region, which was formerly used for dairy farming. In 1963, the brothers were also among the first to begin vintage-dating varietal wines. Peter's relationship with brother Robert, however, had been fraught since childhood, with Robert once writing that the pair 'always seemed to disagree', according to CNN Money. Things came to a head in November 1965 at a festive family gathering during an argument over a visit Robert and his wife Margrit had paid to Washington two years earlier. For the occasion, Robert had decided to buy his wife a mink coat, a purchase Peter saw as expensive and unnecessary. According to legend, Peter accused Robert of dipping into the till to pay for it, at which point Robert is said to have punched him. The fall out of that argument saw Robert leave Charles Krug and establish his own rival winery, Robert Mondavi Winery, in 1966. Peter was introduced to winemaking through father Cesare (pictured with wife Rosa), and Italian immigrant who owned a grape-packing business before buying the Charles Krug winery in 1943 Peter (pictured far left in 1968 with wife Blanche and sons Peter Jr, second left, and Marc, far right) studied economics at Stanford and enology - the study of wine - at UC Berkeley before taking over the business While the feud had threatened to tear apart one of Napa's greatest winemaking families, in fact the brothers' urge to compete spawned a golden era in winemaking. Robert was arguably the more famous of the pair, starting with virtually nothing but managing to turn his business into a multi-million dollar empire. Between them, the pair would transform Napa from the derided wine region of the Fourties and Fiftes, to the billion-dollar powerhouse it is today - producing some of its finest bottles along the way. However, Robert's decision to take his business public led to creative differences between himself and the board, and he eventually sold his stake in 2004 for $1.3billion. Asked what he would have done differently if he could do it all over again, Robert replied that going public had been a mistake. Not so for Peter, who worked tirelessly to keep Charles Krug in family hands, investing $24million over a nine-year period to replant most of the vineyards and farm them sustainably. Today, the family owns more than 850 acres of prime vineyards in Napa Valley. Asked late in his life what his proudest achievement was, Peter replied: 'Never losing control of our family winery. 'If I could, I would tell my father: I did the best I could during the difficult years. I was determined and we held on.' The brothers eventually patched up their feud and in 2005 produced a special Cabernet blend together - a single-barrel batch made half from Robert's vineyards, and half from Peter's. The blend, called 'Ancora Una Volta', or 'Once Again', sold at auction for $401,000. Robert died three years later, aged 94. Mondavi's contribution to winemaking has been honored for decades. In 1986 the Napa Valley Vintners Association named him one of 'Twelve Living Legends in the Napa Valley'. He was the last surviving member of that group. While Peter and Robert feuded for more than 40 years, in 2005 they reconciled and produced a single barrel of blended wine which sold for $401,000 (pictured, Robert, left, and Peter, right, in 2005) In 2002 he featured on the cover of Wine Spectator as one of the 'Napa Mavericks', and in 2009 received Lifetime Achievement Award for Napa Valley vintners from the California State Fair. In 2011, Gov. Jerry Brown honored him and the Charles Krug Winery with a proclamation for his contributions to the wine industry, the Napa Valley Register reports. Congress also acknowledged him and the winery on his 97th birthday in the Congressional Record. His lifetime achievements were recognized in 2012 when he was inducted into the St. Helena-based Culinary Institute of America Vintners Hall of Fame. Police said she was able to describe the car and identified the suspect as Jason Dalton, who has now been charged with six counts of murder survived and has since been in and out of surgery She was shot several times as a result, but The first victim of the Uber gunman threw herself in front of children when the gunman opened fire and gave police crucial information to track him down. Tiana Carruthers was outside her Kalamazoo, Michigan, apartment with several youngsters on a playground at around 5:00pm on Saturday when the suspect, who's been named as Jason Dalton, pulled up in his Chevrolet. Sensing trouble, the mother put herself between the attacker and the children, and was shot multiple times as a result, but survived and was able to give the police vital evidence that helped them catch the suspected killer. Scroll down for video Tiana Carruthers, the first victim of the Kalamazoo shooting spree, jumped in front of children when the gunman opened fire and helped authorities track him down Joi Coleman, 12, and sister Megan were two of the children she saved. Joi was holding Carruthers' hand when Dalton started firing. Her actions meant the pair were able to get inside one of the houses and call 911. Travis Gettys and Devin Fletter, who live next door to Coleman's, told WWMT they saw Dalton earlier in the day talking to children in the neighborhood just an hour before the shooting. One person said he asked where 'Mazy' was, leading some to believe he was looking for someone specific. When police arrived at her family's home after the shooting, they found 10 shell casings on the floor around Carruthers. According to MLive, Carruthers was able to give deputies a description of the man who shot her at the scene. She also said the man, matching Dalton's description, drove away in a silver sport-utility vehicle. Other witnesses later told deputies the vehicle was either a Chevrolet Equinox. Kalamazoo County sheriff's Detective Sgt. William Sparrow said that deputies later learned that the vehicle involved in a crash after leaving the Meadows Townh after it sideswiped another vehicle at the intersection of Gull Road and East G Avenue. When she was shown a police lineup after the shooting, Sparrow said Carruthers identified Dalton as the man who shot her. Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller says her actions saved the lives of several children. Fuller told The Associated Press on Monday the woman has had surgeries and is improving but has a long road to recovery. She was one of eight people allegedly shot by Dalton on Saturday night. A 14-year-old girl, only identified as A.K in court documents, is fighting for her life. Dalton appeared in court for the first time on Monday and was charged with six counts of muder A map shows how the Kalamazoo shooting unfolded, starting with Carruthers, who was shot several times near her home in Meadows Townhomes (top) Doctors initially thought the teenager was dead, and had prepared her body to be harvested for organs, but she showed signs of life by squeezing her mother's hand. The attacks began at an apartment block where Dalton allegedly shot at Tiana Carruthers. Officials said she jumped in front of her children and managed to save them, and then gave the police crucial information that helped track Dalton down. Dalton is then said to have driven to a Cracker Barrel and opened fire in the parking lot, killing Mary Lou Nye, 63, Mary Jo Nye, 60, Dorothy Brown, 74, and Barbara Hawthorne, 68, as they sat inside a car. A bullet also hit a 14-year-old girl, who was clinging to life on Monday afternoon. He is then accused of heading to the parking lot of the Seelye Kia car dealership, where he gunned down high school senior Tyler Smith and his father Rich Smith. Tyler's girlfriend was sitting in the car when the pair were killed. Five hours after the rampage began, he surrendered to police without a struggle. Dalton appeared in court for the first time on Monday to face 16 charges, including six of murder and two of attempted murder. He said very little during his appearance, but prosecutors said he admitted to the killings when he was interviewed by police after his arrest. Sisters-in-law Mary Jo Nye, 60, (left) and Mary Lou Nye, 63, (right) were killed during the shooting spree Barbara Hawthorne (left), 68, and Dorothy Brown (right), 70, were also identified as victims of the rampage. None of those shot and killed are believed to have known Dalton Tyler Smith, 17,(right) was killed in the parking lot of Seelye Kia, along with his father, Rich (left), while they were looking at cars, multiple reports suggest A bus company has come under fire after a man was seen taping over the company name and logo just after the bus smashed into a bridge, leaving passengers trapped for almost an hour. All 15 people on board, including the driver, managed to escape serious injury after the vehicle ignored warning signage and ploughed into the Montague Street bridge in South Melbourne on Monday at 10.25 am. Just after emergency services had freed the remaining passengers who were pinned under seats, a man was photographed placing huge pieces of tape over the 'Gold Bus Ballarat' logo to 'protect the brand.' Scroll down for video Gold Bus Ballarat have come under fire after a man was seen taping over the company name and logo just after the bus smashed into a Melbourne bridge (pictured) with 15 passengers on board Just after emergency services had freed the remaining passengers who were pinned under seats, a man was photographed placing huge pieces of tape over the side of the decimated bus Gold Bus Ballarat director Matthew Baird defended the action, saying it was 'standard protocol' to make sure the brand was not tarnished with a 'vehicle that is obviously in quite bad disrepair,' The Herald Sun reported. 'It doesn't mean any disrespect,' he said. However Twitter users largely disagreed and launched into a tirade, accusing the company of having poor priorities. 'Dunno Gold Bus (sic), pr'haps there's other priorities than taping over your name on a smashed (sic) when passengers are sitting in the street bleeding,' one woman wrote. Veteran Australian radio host Derryn Hinch also shared his view to his 58,000 Twitter followers, saying Mr Baird has earned 'd***head of the week award.' 'D***head of the week award. Matthew Baird 'protecting brand' by taping over Ballarat Gold Bus signage at bus crash scene. Real smart,' he wrote. All 15 people on board, including the driver, managed to escape serious injury after the vehicle ignored warning signage and ploughed into the Montague Street bridge Veteran Australian radio host Derryn Hinch shared his view on the logo taping to his 58,000 Twitter followers, saying Mr Baird has earned 'd***head of the week award' Twitter users largely disagreed with director Matthew Baird's account of 'protecting the brand' and launched into a tirade, accusing the company of having poor priorities The remaining four passengers were finally able to walk off the bus just under an hour after the crash when firefighters removed bus seats Others made note the tape was futile as the entire bus is gold, revealing the identity of the company regardless. 'It's a Gold Bus. You're going to need a lot of tape to stop people seeing the whole bus,' one man observed. Mr Baird said the bus driver had seven years experience driving in Melbourne's CBD and is 'quite beside himself' about the accident. 'The driver's not in great shape both psychologically and physically.' According to Mr Baird, a full investigation into the crash will be conducted, but at the present time the company are not clear on exactly how the accident occurred. 'Our first priority is the welfare of the passengers and our driver, and assisting emergency services where we can. We will issue a further statement as soon as more details are known', Mr Baird said in a media release put out by the company on Monday night. The Gold bus was transferring passengers from a conference to the Novotel in St Kilda when the crash occurred. The Gold bus was transferring passengers from a conference to the Novotel in St Kilda when the crash occurred One of the bus passengers was pictured sitting on the footpath as emergency services worked to remove the rest of the people onboard The front section of the roof of the bus was ripped back, trapping the passengers seated at the rear Emergency services were able to immediately help a number of people off the vehicle and the remaining four passengers were finally able to walk off just under an hour later after firefighters removed the seats. All 15 people on board suffered cuts and bruising, but miraculously escaped serious injury. Three people remained in the Royal Melbourne Hospital overnight, five woman were at The Alfred and one woman was at Western Health, all for minor injuries. It is believed all passengers have since been released from hospital. Authorities are investigating how the driver managed to ignore the warning signs and lights. The Montague Street overpass is notorious for trucks hitting the low entry point and witnesses said they heard no braking as the bus powered through, Seven News reported. One woman was covered in blood and stretchered away in a neck brace after being rescued from the wreckage Gold Bus Ballarat director Matthew Baird defended the taping, saying it was 'standard protocol' to make sure the brand was not tarnished with a 'vehicle that is obviously in quite bad disrepair' Mr Baird said the bus driver had seven years experience driving in Melbourne's CBD and is 'quite beside himself' about the accident Witness Nick Alexander was driving behind the bus and was trying to get the driver's attention as he headed towards the bridge. 'When I saw that he was not indicating and heading for the bridge I started blowing my horn,' Mr Alexander told AAP. After the bus hit the bridge, Mr Alexander and another witness grabbed a ladder from a ute and climbed through a broken window to check on the people inside. 'There was a woman asking for help and bleeding from the head, but everyone was conscious and it could have been so much worse.' Inspector Jo Dolan said there have been a lot of issues with this bridge, and VicRoads will be reviewing signs and lights. She also said there was obviously a lot of 'driver error' involved in the crash. 'I have seen many crashes in 30 years. This is unique. We're just lucky that no-one is seriously injured,' she told reporters. Advertisement Thousands of people have attended the open casket funeral of a police officer shot in the line of duty in Fargo, North Dakota. Officer Jason Moszer, 33, died after he was shot during an 11-hour stand-off with a domestic violence suspect on February 11. Family, friends and dozens of police officers filled the Scheels Arena in Fargo for the somber ceremony this afternoon. David Todd, chief of the Fargo Police, said: 'We have a hole in our hearts that we don't know how to fill.' About 5,000 people have attended the open casket funeral of police officer Jason Moszer, who was shot in the line of duty in Fargo Officer Jason Moszer (left) died after he was shot during an 11-hour stand-off with domestic violence suspect Marcus Schumacher (right) Respect: Family, friends and dozens of police officers filled the Scheels Arena in Fargo for the somber ceremony this afternoon Honor guard: An American flag was draped over the casket as officers and serviceman stood to salute the fallen cop Bon Jovi song Wanted: Dead or Alive played out as Moszer's casket was carried out into the hall, which was open to the public. An American flag was draped over the casket as officers and serviceman stood to salute the fallen cop. The Reverend Kevin Kloster, who was the police chaplain who married Moszer and his wife, Rachel, said: 'I can tell you from experience, the only thing that comes easy today is tears. 'They release the ache. They release the hurt. They release the emptiness. They release the anger that is within us,' he added, according to the Duluth News Tribune. After the three-hour ceremony, a 21-mile procession will take the beloved cop from the arena to a private funeral for his family and close friends, the Star Tribune reported. Locals have been told to expect long delays on roads leading to the funeral home because of the vast number of people expected to follow the procession honoring the officer. Moszer, who was living with his wife and two stepchildren, Dillan and Jolee, across the state border in Sabin, Minnesota, will be laid to rest. American and Minnesotan flags were flown at half-mast today on the order of Governor Mark Dayton as a mark of respect to the fallen cop. Bon Jovi song Wanted: Dead or Alive played out as Moszer's casket was carried out into the hall, which was open to the public American and Minnesotan flags were flown at half-mast today on the order of Governor Mark Dayton as a mark of respect to the fallen cop After the three-hour ceremony, a 21-mile procession will take the beloved cop from the arena to a private funeral for his family He was shot just after midnight on February 11 while responding to a disturbance that turned into an 11-hour siege. He died later that day Moszer was shot just after midnight on February 11 while responding to a disturbance that turned into an 11-hour siege. He died later that day. The suspected shooter, later identified as 49-year-old Marcus Schumacher, was found dead inside his home shortly before dawn, according to police. Officers were initially sent to the scene after Schumacher's son called dispatchers and said Schumacher had fired a gun at his mother. Police said they tried to communicate with Schumacher during the lengthy standoff as he fired round after round of gunfire, but that he did not respond. The SWAT team eventually entered the house and found his body. Moszer's death shook the Fargo community, where a cop had not been killed in the line of duty in more than 130 years. The only other Fargo police officer killed was Frederick Alderman, who was shot on July 5, 1882, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. Police Chief David Todd said Moszer's family visited him in a hospital to say goodbye to the six-year-veteran. Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney said the city was 'profoundly saddened' by the death of Moszer, who won a Silver Star commendation after he and another officer were credited with risking their lives in 2011 to rescue two children from an apartment fire. 'A tragedy affecting our men and women in uniform impacts our entire community,' Mahoney said. Moszer's death shook the Fargo community, where a cop had not been killed in the line of duty in more than 130 years Moszer was living with his wife, Rachel, and two stepchildren, Dillan and Jolee, across the state border in Sabin, Minnesota Police Chief David Todd said Moszer's family visited him in a hospital to say goodbye to the six-year-veteran after he was shot North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple extended prayers to Moszer's family, the police department and the community of Fargo. 'We are grateful for his service and for the service of all of our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe,' he said. Before joining the police in November 2009, Moszer served in the national guard as a medic. The brave serviceman was deployed in Bosnia in 2003 to 2004 and in Iraq from 2006 to 2007. Local reports said Moszer's organs had been donated to five people, including a 46-year-old who had been waiting for a hear transplant for more than three years. The officer's lungs, liver and kidneys were also donated. China's State Council has released new guidelines on urban planning that will curb the construction of 'weird and odd shaped buildings' in the country. The council yesterday called for buildings to keep in line with its cultural heritage along with being economic and green, the People's Daily Online reports. The guidelines state that designs should match the urban landscape and embody China's national character. Funny building: The offices of Wuliangye Group in Yibin, who make Chinese rice wine, looks like a giant bottle A building in Shenyang shaped like a giant traditional Chinese coin has been chosen as one of the world's ugliest buildings Ring of life: This building in Fushun is made with over 3,000 tons of steel and decorated with 12,000 LED lights Odd: The Galaxy building sits in Beijing's ChaoYangMen district and stands out among the buildings Over the past few decades, more and more creative buildings have been constructed in China. One famous example of this is China Central Television's headquarters in Beijing. It is often referred to as the 'pants building' for its likeness to a pair of trousers. The new guidelines call for a ban on new gated communities which have sprung up as China's middle class continues to grow. It is advised that existing gated complexes are opened up to promote the 'development of neughbourhoods that are open, neighbourly and harmonious'. It also suggested that these complexes should be opened up to pedestrians and traffic to ease congestion throughout the country especially in larger cities. In 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a speech in which he called for 'no more weird buildings' in the country. In the same year, Beijing's Vice Mayor Chen Gang announced that Beijing would be taking a greater role in influencing building aesthetics by specifying standards in size, style, color and materials. The teapot-shaped, about 130 feet tall, is part of the Wuxi Wanda Cultural Tourism City Project in east China These two buildings have gain fame in China for looking like a pair of giant trousers. On the left is the office building of China Central Television Station in Beijing, on the right is the Gate of Orient in Suzhou Strange structure: The Tianzi Hotel in Hebei province features the gods of fortune, prosperity and longjevity A little out there: The golden circle building is located in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province The state council said that those who break the rules will be held accountable. It also instructed that 30 percent of buildings be prefabricated within the next 10 years. The country is home to many strange buildings including one in the shape of a bottle of Chinese liquor, another that looks like a giant spaceship and one that looks like a giant magnet. While the Phoenix Towers in Wuhan which are expected to be one kilometre high, towering above the city, will be completed in 2017 or 2018. Sheraton Hot Spring Resort, lit up at night, in Huzhou, Zhejiang. The luxury hotel and resort has earned itself nicknames such as 'Horseshoe Hotel' and 'Doughnut Hotel' The Kempinski Hotel on the outskirts of Beijng is a prime example of the country's weird buildings The young newlyweds have to wait before getting a formal certificate Pictures of a young teenage couple on their wedding day have caused controversy in China with many people debating whether or not they are too young to marry. The bride, surnamed Wu, and the groom, surnamed Zhang, are allegedly both 16 years old. They married on February 15 in Nanning, Guangxi Province, reports the People's Daily Online. Although they had all the traditional wedding celebrations, the baby-faced duo have to wait before they get their formal certificate as the marriageable age in China is 22 for men and 20 for women. Young: A teenage couple recently married in Nanning, China, their wedding pictures caused an online debate Banquet: Although they are both not of the legal marriage age in China the couple married on February 15 Pictures said to be taken from the wedding show the teenage bride wearing a luxurious wedding gown. The wedding banquet was said to contain dozens of large dining tables. When the pictures of the married couple were first posted online on February 18, many people believed the groom was only 13 years old. Rumours also began to surface that the bride was pregnant. When they eventually spoke to the local media, the couple were quick to deny these rumours. The bride said that she is not pregnant and her young husband is in fact the same age as her, he just looks a lot younger. 'The story that my husband is 13 years old is complete nonsense,' she told reporters. 'We were both born in 1999 and are 16 years old, he just has a baby face.' All of their relatives have reportedly expressed their blessing towards the married couple. 'Our parents support us, without them we could never have managed to hold a wedding feast with dozens of tables,' said the young bride. The two met more than a year ago, the groom who is unable to read finished school and started working full time two years ago. 'We have known each other for more than a year, we would get married sooner or later, so we just decided to go ahead and hold a wedding banquet,' said the bride. Online users have said even though they are both dressed for their wedding in the pictures, they both look extremely young to be getting married. 'Yu Jiao Elin' disapproved of the marriage: 'According to this rate, he will have his great-grandchildren. If all of us do this, the Chinese population might reach 10 billion in 50 years.' Traditional: Their special day included all the lavish celebrations that is usually expected in a Chinese wedding The groom surnamed Zhang was mocked for his youthful looks online after pictures of his wedding surfaced One person called 'Harryson' praised the young man's actions: 'China will have 30 million men who won't be able to marry in 2020. This little brother made a very strategic move!' 'Have they heard of marriage laws?' said a user named 'Ddkcay101'. Not everyone on the Internet commented to poke fun at the young couple, one user who is reported to be a friend wrote: 'Don't listen to what others say, you are both happy and that is all that matters.' 'Dong zhou dong xie' agreed: Since teenage dating is tolerated, why are people opposed to this? At least, they are serious about their relationship.' As of writing the wedding pictures of the couple have 49,000 comments on Sina.com. Many have expressed their utter shock at the young age and youthful appearance of the newlyweds. Sony has announced a series of 'smart personal assistants' including a bluetooth earpiece similar to the AI version worn in the hit film Her. The Xperia Ear wireless earpiece can update you with any missed calls or messages as soon as you slot it into your ear. 'It will navigate you to where you want to go and make your life eye-free and hands-free,' said Sony Mobile's President and boss, Hiroki Totoki. Scroll down for video Unveiled at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, the Xperia Ear (pictured) can read out key information, and is designed to be worn all day. SONY'S XPERIA GADGETS Sony said the Xperia Eye is 'a vision for a personalised assistant' and joins three other smart gadgets that are connected to a Sony smartphone that acts as a hub, feeding information to them such as notifications. These are Xperia Agent, Xperia Project and Xperia Ear. Xperia Agent is a security camera-style device that acts as a home monitoring system. Xperia Project projects an interactive interface onto any clear surface. Sony claims this projected image will respond to touch, voice and gestures just as someone would interact with your smartphone screen. While Xperia Ear is a wireless earpiece that will update you with any missed calls or messages as soon as you slot it into your ear. Advertisement 'It is also powered by Sony's voice technology and will respond to a number of commands.' The firm says the smart earpiece 'is a next-generation wireless ear-piece that brings a new way of communicating, without compromising on enjoying the world around you.' It reads users information such as your schedule, weather and the latest news to keep you up-to-date on the go. Powered by Sonys voice technology, it responds to verbal commands, so you can ask it to make a call, perform an internet search, dictate a message or navigate to a certain location. It connects to an Android smartphone via NFC or Bluetooth and talks to a host application, where you can customise settings, including the info you need when you first connect in the morning, touch commands and app notifications. 'Its lightweight and comfortable soft silicone ear-bud is built for continuous wear, with IPX2 water-protection and all-day battery life3,' Sony said. Its available in Graphite Black and the innovative case doubles as a charger, so you can simply pop it in when you need to recharge. Xperia Ear will roll out from Summer 2016. It also unveiled the Xperia Eye, a wearable camera that acts as your personal sidekick, capturing everyday life moments with a 360 degree wide-angle lens. Unveiled at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, the Xperia Eye can be attached to clothing or worn around the neck. It forms part of a suite of connected gadgets designed to free people up from their phones. 'Her', (2013) with Joaquin Phoenix in a scene from the Spike Jonze film that sa his character develop a relationship with an AI earpiece. The Xperia Ear is available in Graphite Black and the innovative case doubles as a charger, so you can simply pop it in when you need to recharge. Sony said the Xperia Eye is 'a vision for a personalised assistant' and joins three other smart gadgets that are connected to a Sony smartphone that acts as a hub, feeding information to them such as notifications. These are Xperia Agent, Xperia Project and Xperia Ear. Xperia Agent is a security camera-style device which acts as a home monitoring system, keeping an eye on what's going on around it and projecting notifications fed to it from a Sony smartphone onto surfaces around it. 'It will provide you with useful information, communication assistance and home appliance controls,' Sony said. The earpiece is designed to allow people to work hands free Xperia Project projects an interactive interface onto any clear surface, meaning you can manipulate images, webpages and screens you would usually find on your smartphone, onto a hard surface. Sony claims this projected image will respond to touch, voice and gestures just as someone would interact with your smartphone screen. The Xperia Ear is a wireless earpiece that will update you with any missed calls or messages as soon as you slot it into your ear. 'It will navigate you to where you want to go and make your life eye-free and hands-free,' said Sony Mobile's President and boss, Hiroki Totoki. 'It is also powered by Sony's voice technology and will respond to a number of commands.' The wearable camera is the first time Sony has shrunk its image sensing and camera technology into such a small device. Unveiled at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, the Xperia Eye can be attached to clothing (pictured) or worn around the neck. Thanks to facial and voice detection, it snaps away through a spherical lens without you needing to tell it to, thanks to an 'intelligent shutter technology' Sony said the Xperia Eye is 'a vision for a personalised assistant' and joins three other smart gadgets (pictured) that are connected to a Sony smartphone that acts as a hub, feeding information to them such as notifications. These are Xperia Agent, Xperia Project and Xperia Ear The wearable camera is the first time Sony has shrunk its image sensing and camera technology into such a small device. The camera focuses on faces (illustrated) for better images The other smart gadgets that connect to a Sony smartphone include Xperia Agent, Xperia Project (pictured) and Xperia Ear. Sony claims this projected image on the Xperia Projector will respond to touch, voice and gestures just as someone would interact with your smartphone screen SONY'S XPERIA X SMARTPHONES At MWC, the Japanese firm also announced a new smartphone line-up, the Xperia 'X' Series. The Xperia X and Xperia XA sit between the flagship Xperia Z Series and Xperia M Series. Battery life is one of the main perks of owning an X or XA as the Xperia X series features Sony's smart battery management to deliver up to two days battery life. 'Not only will it keep your phone running for longer from one charge, Xperia X series benefits from a battery lifespan that's up to twice as long with Qnovo's Adaptive Charging technology and Sony's smart battery management system,' said the firm. Xperia X and Xperia XA each have a range of matching 'style covers' and will roll out in four finishes; White, Graphite Black, Lime Gold and Rose Gold, from summer this year. Advertisement It also rivals Samsung's release of a similar device yesterday, called the Gear 360. Sony is yet to announce release dates or pricing for the Xperia Eye and its fellow smart home gadgets, apart from the Ear, which will become available in summer this year. As part of its announcement at MWC, the Japanese firm also announced a new smartphone line-up, the Xperia 'X' Series, which boasts two day battery life. Sony said the new line-up, which includes the Xperia X and Xperia XA smartphones, will sit in between the flagship Xperia Z Series and midrange Xperia M Series. The new X Series phones are all about bringing more of what users need, and less of what you don't, ensuring features people use more often, such as the camera, battery and display, are top notch. Battery life is one of the main perks of owning an X or XA smartphone, Sony suggests, as the Xperia X series incorporates Sony's smart battery management to deliver up to two days battery life. The Japanese firm also announced a new smartphone line-up, the Xperia 'X' Series (pictured). The Xperia X and Xperia XA sit between the flagship Xperia Z Series and Xperia M Series Xperia X and Xperia XA each have a range of matching 'style covers' and will roll out in four finishes; White, Graphite Black, Lime Gold and Rose Gold (pictured), from summer this year. Prices will be announced soon 'Not only will it keep your phone running for longer from one charge, Xperia X series benefits from a battery lifespan that's up to twice as long with Qnovo's Adaptive Charging technology and Sony's smart battery management system,' the firm said. Xperia X and Xperia XA each have a range of matching 'style covers' and will roll out in four finishes; White, Graphite Black, Lime Gold and Rose Gold, from Summer this year. Prices will be announced soon. While Google works on developing a truly modular phone to let people replace every part of their handset as and when they like, LG has announced its own version. The LG G5 comes with a removable battery slot and additional features such as a camera and a speaker that can be slotted into this area with the battery at the base of the phone. The Korean firm's president Juno Cho described the new device as 'an adventurous theme park in your pocket'. The LG G5 (pictured) comes with a removable battery slot (shown in yellow left) and additional features such as a camera and a speaker that can be slotted into this area with the battery at the base of the phone LG made the announcement at a press conference ahead of the Mobile World Congress technology show in Barcelona. The Korean firm's president Juno Cho (pictured) described it as 'a theme park in your pocket' A small second battery inside the phone keeps it running while any swap is made. LG made the announcement at a press conference ahead of the Mobile World Congress technology show in Barcelona. Elsewhere, the G5 will also have an 5.3-inch 'always-on' screen. This will only highlight part of the screen and use less than 1 per cent of the battery every hour, according the LG. HOW 'ALWAYS ON' WORKS The concept of always-on is not new. It has already featured on handsets such as the Nexus 6P and Motorola Moto X, which both use always-on ambient display in a bid to save battery life. Ambient displays work by only showing the pixels that are needed to display a particular notification at the top of the screen, for example. For instance, on Google's Nexus 6P smartphone, when a notification arrives, it appears in a black and white on a small portion on the screen. This means the phone doesn't have to use its battery's energy powering up all of its pixels. However, previous phones sporting ambient screens have only showed limited information on the screen. Advertisement The concept of always-on is by no means new. It has already featured on handsets such as the Nexus 6P and Motorola Moto X, which both use always-on ambient display in a bid to save battery life. Ambient display works by only showing the pixels that are needed to display a particular notification at the top of the screen, for example. For instance, on Google's Nexus 6P smartphone, when a notification arrives, it appears in a black and white on a small portion on the screen, meaning the phone doesn't have to use its battery's energy powering up all of its pixels. However, previous phones sporting ambient screens have only showed limited information on the screen. The phone comes with two cameras on the rear - a regular 16MP camera and a 135-degree wide angle 8MP camera. This is wider than the viewing range of the human eye. The phone itself runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 with 4GB of RAM. A small second battery inside the phone keeps it running while any swap is made. The module being swapped into the new handset is pictured. LG said the G5 will be available in April and up for pre-order in March, however prices have not been announced A small second battery inside the phone keeps it running while any module (pictured left) is added. Elsewhere, the G5 will also have an 'always-on' 5.3-inch screen (phone pictured right). This will only highlight part of the screen and use less than 1 per cent of the battery every hour, according the LG The phone comes with two cameras on the rear - a regular 16MP camera and a 135-degree wide angle 8MP camera (pictured). This is wider than the viewing range of the human eye The phone will be available in April and up for pre-order in March, however prices have not been announced. The technology giant also unveiled a 360-degree camera that can be used to take photos and video, as well as post to Google Street View. It will be sold in titan, silver, pink and gold. During the same event, LG also unveiled its own VR headset, hours before HTC confirmed the price of its own Vive device. The LG 360 VR connects to the G5 smartphone, and has a screen for each eye. LG said this makes images 20 per cent sharper than on rival headsets. Facebook-owned Oculus, PlayStation and HTC are all due to release VR headsets in the coming months. Elswhere, LG also unveiled a 360-degree camera that can be used to take photos and video, as well as post to Google Street View and spherical robot called the Rolling Bot. The Rolling Bot can be controlled remotely over a Wi-Fi network, and the firm said it could be used as a home security product. It also comes with a Pet Care mode so users can monitor and even talk to their pets when they're not home, as well as beam a small laser onto the floor for them to play with. Analysts and investors cheered LG's features, which they said were different enough to possibly revive sales, but were lukewarm about Samsung's offerings, saying they only featured incremental upgrades. 'I think it's possible for LG's mobile business to recover on its new product launch, since they delivered significant changes with the G5,' said Seoul-based HDC Asset Management fund manager Park Jung-hoon. HANDS ON WITH THE LG G5 MailOnline's Lee Bell reveals his first impressions of the modular phone: 'While not to everyone's tastes, the LG G5 has a removable bottom cap at the base of the phone that means you can swap batteries, or connect other 'modules' such as a camera and a speaker that can be slotted into this area along with the battery 'It feels strange when removing the cap and changing the add-on device, as if you might break it, but the modules slot in very easily, meaning the transition is smooth. 'However, because you're removing the battery, the phone needs to power off and back on again when swapping the add-ons and this can take a good 30 seconds or so, at least. MailOnline's Lee Bell explained: 'It feels strange when removing the cap and changing the add-on device, as if you might break it, but the modules slot in very easily, meaning the transition is smooth. However, because you're removing the battery, the phone needs to power off and this can take a good 30 seconds or so' 'As with previous LG phones, the G5's 5.3-inch 'always-on' screen has a great clarity to it. 'With a 554PPI resolution, it appears vivid and with good colour representation, making photos and apps appear very vibrant 'When putting the G5 through its paces, we found it felt just as nippy as the likes of the Galaxy S7 and we struggled to slow it down no matter how much we threw at it. 'Thanks to its 7.7mm-thick bezel, the G5 feels very slender in hand, though due to the metal body, it does feel like it could slip out of your grasp at any time 'As with the firm's previous flagships, the G5 software is an overlayed version of Android. It doesn't seem too bogged down with pre-loaded apps but still isn't as clean as Google's standard user interface.' Advertisement The phone itself (pictured) runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 with 4GB of RAM. It has 32GB of storage, a microSD expansion slot, USB-C, a 2,800mAh battery and is 8mm thick LG also unveiled its own VR headset (pictured). The LG 360 VR connects to the G5 smartphone, and has a screen for each eye, which LG said makes images 20 per cent sharper that on its rival's headsets More than six centuries after parts of the coastal village of Dunwich in Suffolk were lost to the sea, researchers are finding clues about just how devastating storms that hit the region really were. Sediment from the cliffs in the region has been analysed by scientists who have confirmed a series of powerful storms hit the location during the 13th and 14th centuries. In particular, weather events in 1286 and 1326 are thought to have destroyed the village's harbour and without this vital source of food and trade, the village began to decline - both physically and economically. Scroll down for video More than six centuries after parts of the coastal village of Dunwich in Suffolk (location pictured) were lost to the sea, researchers are finding clues about just how devastating storms that hit the region really were Present day Dunwich is a village 14 miles (22.5km) south of Lowestoft in Suffolk. It was once a thriving port similar in size to 14th century London until coastal erosion left it 33ft (10 metres) underwater. It now lies collapsed and in ruins in a watery grave just off the present coastline. WHERE DID DUNWICH VILLAGE GO? Present day Dunwich is a village 14 miles south of Lowestoft in Suffolk, but it was once a thriving port similar in size to 14th Century London. Extreme storms forced coastal erosion and flooding have almost completely wiped out this once prosperous town over seven centuries. This process began in 1286 when a huge storm swept much of the settlement into the sea and silted up the Dunwich River. This storm was followed by a succession of others that silted up the harbour and squeezed the economic life out of the town, leading to its eventual demise as a major international port in the 15th Century. It now lies collapsed and in ruins in a watery grave, three to 10 metres below the surface of the sea, just off the present coastline. Advertisement As a result, it has been dubbed Britain's Atlantis. The project to survey the underwater ruins began in 2008. In 2013, a team from the University of Southampton used advanced 3D scanning to reveal the port town of Dunwich. The project, led by Professor David Sear, produced the most accurate map to date of the towns streets, boundaries and major buildings, and revealed new ruins on the seabed. Now, the same researchers have found evidence for the violent storms. Sediment from the cliffs 'independently confirmed the sequences of storms recorded in the historical record', Professor Sear told the BBC. While pollen analysis revealed how 'people gave up on Dunwich' after 1338, when another great storm silted up the port for good, and food production declined. Extreme storms forced coastal erosion and flooding began in 1286 when a huge storm swept much of the settlement into the sea and silted up the Dunwich River. Sediment from the cliffs in the region has been analysed by scientists who have confirmed a series of powerful storms hit the location during the 13th and 14th centuries. In particular, weather events in 1286 and 1326 are thought to have destroyed the village's harbour and led to the town's demise In 2013, a team from the University of Southampton used advanced 3D scanning to reveal the port town of Dunwich. The project, led by Professor David Sear, produced the most accurate map (pictured) to date of the towns streets, boundaries and major buildings, and revealed new ruins on the seabed Present day Dunwich (marked) is a village 14 miles (22.5km) south of Lowestoft in Suffolk. It was once a thriving port similar in size to 14th century London until coastal erosion left it 33ft (10 metres) underwater. It now lies collapsed and in ruins in a watery grave just off the present coastline This storm was followed by a succession of others that silted up the harbour and squeezed the economic life out of the town, leading to its eventual demise as a major international port in the 15th Century. 'Global climate change has made coastal erosion a topical issue in the 21st Century, but Dunwich demonstrates that it has happened before,' explained Professor Sear. 'The severe storms of the 13th and 14th Centuries coincided with a period of climate change, turning the warmer medieval climatic optimum into what we call the Little Ice Age. 'Global climate change has made coastal erosion a topical issue in the 21st Century, but Dunwich demonstrates that it has happened before,' explained Professor Sear. This graphic shows the changing coastline of Dunwich between 1050 and 2012 Extreme storms forced coastal erosion and flooding began in 1286 when a huge storm swept much of the settlement into the sea and silted up the Dunwich River. The project to survey the underwater ruins (pictured) of Dunwich, the world's largest medieval underwater town site, began in 2008 THE SUNKEN TOWN OF DUNWICH: WHAT WE KNOW Some of Dunwich remains on land. These images of All Saints Church over the decades show it gradually eroding courtesy of the J. C. Docwra Collection and the EA Shoreline Management Group The team recently found six additional ruins on the seabed and 74 potential archaeological sites on the seafloor have since been found. They include: Identification of the limits of the town, which reveal it was a substantial urban centre occupying approximately 1.8 km2 almost as large as the City of London Confirmation the town had a central area enclosed by a defensive, possibly Saxon earthwork, about 1km squared The documentation of ten buildings of medieval Dunwich, within this enclosed area, including the location and probable ruins of Blackfriars Friary, St Peter's, All Saint's and St Nicholas Churches, and the Chapel of St Katherine Additional ruins which initial interpretation suggests are part of a large house, possibly the town hall Further evidence that suggests the northern area of the town was largely commercial, with wooden structures associated with the port The use of shoreline change analysis to predict where the coastline was located at the height of the town's prosperity Advertisement He said at the time of the original scan that it 'is a sobering example of the relentless force of nature on our island coastline.' 'It starkly demonstrates how rapidly the coast can change, even when protected by its inhabitants. Professor Sear worked with a team from the Universitys GeoData Institute, the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, Wessex Archaeology and local divers from North Sea Recovery and Learn Scuba. The group has found six additional ruins on the seabed and 74 potential archaeological sites on the seafloor since the project started in 2008. Combining all known archaeological data from the site, together with old charts and navigation guides to the coast, they were also able to produce a detailed map of the street layout and position of buildings, including the towns eight churches. Britain's Atlantis will be shown on Monday at 19:30 GMT on BBC One Stopped short of giving apple his full support, saying 'at the same time we feel we have a really big responsibility to help prevent terrorism' 'not the right thing to do' Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg said he was 'pretty sympathetic' with Apple's chief executive Tim Cook in his stand-off with the US government over breaking into the iPhone of a mass shooter. 'I don't think that requiring back doors to encryption is either going to be an effective thing to increase security or is really the right thing to do,' Facebook's chief executive told delegates at the world's biggest mobile congress in Barcelona. 'We are pretty sympathetic to Tim and Apple, but at the same time we feel we have a really big responsibility running this big networking community to help prevent terrorism and different types of attacks,' he said. Scroll down for video Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg said he was 'sympathetic' with Apple's chief executive Tim Cook in his stand-off with the US government over breaking into the iPhone of a mass shooter. APPLE CALLS FOR PRIVACY PANEL Apple urged the creation of a government panel on encryption to help resolve a standoff over national security and data privacy that erupted last week after the technology company refused a U.S. government demand to unlock an iPhone linked to one of the killers in a mass shooting in California in December. It was the latest move in a public and symbolic showdown between the U.S. government and technology companies, both of which are keen to set a precedent over how far U.S. investigators can dictate tech firms handling of their customers' data. Advertisement 'If we have opportunities to basically work with the government to make sure there are not terrorist attacks, obviously we are going to take those opportunities,' he added during an address at Mobile World Congress. The controversy emerged earlier this month when Apple refused to help the FBI break into an iPhone belonging Syed Farook, who along with his wife went on a deadly shooting rampage, killing 14 people in California's San Bernardino in December. Apple claims that cooperating with the probe would undermine privacy and security for its devices, while the US government counters it is a one-time request that will aid an important investigation. Until now, Zuckerberg - who has been at pains to plug privacy features on the social networking site in recent years - has not spoken publicly about the spat although last week, Facebook issued a statement in support of Apple. In the statement, it pledged to continue 'to fight aggressively against requirements for companies to weaken the security of their systems,' saying such demands 'would create a chilling precedent'. Apple has vowed to fight a judge's order that it should create an operating system that would allow the FBI to force entry into the iPhone. Last week, Apple's Cook also warned that complying with the order would set a dangerous precedent and open the door for governments and even criminals to access sensitive data in the future. Until now, Zuckerberg - who has been at pains to plug privacy features on the social networking site in recent years - has not spoken publicly about the spat 'Facebook and other large tech firms are global, and one of the things that they are concerned with is that when they make policy in the US, that policy is cited by other regimes, including non-democratic ones,' Avi Greengart of Current Analysis research firm told AFP. 'There is also the real fear that once you ensure that encryption can be broken, it will be broken, because the tools for doing so will inevitably leak out - and that imperils security for personal information, business information, and transactions.' Other major firms at the Barcelona congress have also sided with the iPhone maker. Richard Yu, consumer devices chief for Chinese electronics giant Huawei, said Sunday that privacy was 'the most important thing to the consumer.' Apple claims that cooperating with an FBI probe would undermine privacy and security for its devices, while the US government counters it is a one-time request that will aid an important investigation 'We should really protect the consumer's privacy and security. Personally, I support... Tim Cook's idea,' Bloomberg quoted him as saying. Facebook was long accused of brushing aside users' privacy concerns, and although Zuckerberg has strived to win back trust with a flurry of features, the social network is still in the eye of the storm. Earlier this month, it was given three months by France's CNIL privacy watchdog to stop storing data on people who do not have an account with the social network. The decision comes after Facebook lost a similar fight with Belgium's privacy watchdog in November when a court ordered it to stop storing personal data from non-users. Like the delicate strands of a spiders web, the street lights marking out the roads in this picture of London from space reveal how technology is changing the face of the city. Taken from the International Space Station by astronauts as they orbit 248 miles above the Earth, it shows the night time lighting in the city changing from a golden yellow on the outskirts to a bright white in the centre. This reflects the shift to energy efficient LED lighting technology in the English capital's commercial district and in some of its more progressive boroughs. An image taken from the International Space Station The City of London itself can be seen burning a vivid white as its 14,000 street lights, traffic signs and flood lights on the Thames river bridges illuminate the roads and buildings. STATS AND FACTS: THE ISS Construction of the ISS began on 20 November 1998. It supports a crew of up to six, with crews split into groups of three. The station orbits at a height of about 255 miles (410km). It has a total mass of about 990,000 pounds (450,000kg) and has living space roughly equivalent to a five-bedroom house. It completes an orbit of Earth every 92.91 minutes and moves at 17,100 miles (27,600km) per hour. It has now been in space for more than 5,900 days, during which time it has completed more than 92,000 orbits of Earth, and has been continuously occupied for more than 13 years. Advertisement Several hundred thousand street lights illuminate the streets of Greater London, but the majority are the older sodium street lights, which produce a distinctive orange light. However, many boroughs, are switching these for the more modern and cheaper to run LED lighting, although the less intrusive orange lighting still persists in most residential areas. Winding its way through this web of lights, however, the dark line of the River Thames can be seen cutting the city in half. Other dark patches mark out the wide open parks and commons that are scattered around the city. The new image was taken in September 2015 by an astronaut on the ISS but was released today by Nasa's Earth Observatory. A statement from Nasa said: 'Much of London and its suburbs are visible in this photograph taken from the International Space Station. 'Two of the characteristics that stand out at night are the progressively denser concentrations of lights and the change from yellower to whiter lights as you move towards the commercial centre of the city.' Landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Hyde Park and Tower Bridge can be made out in the incredibly clear image of London's city centre at night During the day the change of technology in London's lighting is less obvious (London from the ISS during the daytime taken in 2011 pictured), but at night it can be seen clearly although many other landmarks are clearer Astronauts have provided Nasa with thousands of images of different locations around the world during the day and at night. They get multiple chances during each day on board the space station to get such pictures as they orbit the Earth every 90 minutes. However, finding a spot with sufficiently clear conditions to capture an image is still a challenge and takes skill. In this new image of London it is possible to just about make out landmarks like the Houses of Parliament along with the Port of London as it stretches eastwards from the city centre. New energy efficient LED lights, like this one in Chiswick, west London, are changing the way London looks from above by producing a whiter and brighter light This image taken in 2003 of London and its surrounding area shows a far more uniform spread of orange lighting, although the centre of the city is still ablaze as the brightest spot in the area Tower bridge can also be made out the brightest of all the thin lines crossing from the north to the south of the river. Two remarkably straight roads extending north form the city can also be seen following the ancient Roman roads known as Watling Street and Ermine Street. These are now known as Edgeware Road and Kingsland Road respectively. A huge fireball crashed into the Atlantic earlier this month - and went almost unseen. The event took place on February 6 at 14:00 UTC when a meteor exploded in the air 620 miles (1,000km) off the coast of Brazil. It released energy equivalent to 13,000 tons of TNT, which is the same as the energy used in the first atomic weapon that leveled Hiroshima in 1945. This was the largest event of its type since the February 2013 fireball that exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia, leaving more than 1,600 people injured. Scroll down for video A huge fireball crashed into the Atlantic earlier this month - and went almost unseen. The event took place on February 6 at 14:00 UTC when a meteor exploded off the coast of Brazil. It released the equivalent of 13,000 tons of TNT, which is the same amount of energy used in the first atomic weapon that leveled Hiroshima That fireball measured 18 meters across and screamed into Earth's atmosphere at 41,600 mph. Much of the debris landed in a local lake called Chebarkul. The Chelyabinsk fireball had 500,000 tons of TNT energy - 40 times more than the latest impact, according to Phil Plait. As impacts go, this was pretty small, Plait writes in an in-depth report in his Slate blog. After all, you didnt even hear about until weeks after it occurred. Had it happened over a populated area it, wouldve rattled some windows and probably terrified a lot of people, but I dont think it wouldve done any real damage. Ron Baalke, who works for Nasa, first tweeted the event after it appeared on the space agencys Near-Earth Object Fireball page. Plait estimates that, given the explosive energy of the most recent fireball, it was likely to be around five to seven meters wide. The space rock exploded in the air 620 miles (1,000km) off the coast of Brazil. It was the largest event of its type since the February 2013 fireball that exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia The Chelyabinsk fireball had 500,000 tons of TNT energy - 40 times more than the latest impact. More than 1.600 people were injured by flying fragments of glass and rubble It is believed to have exploded about 18 miles (30km) above the Atlantic Ocean, 6 miles above the troposphere, the atmospheric layer where the Earth's weather occurs. It is unlikely that anyone saw it, but it was probably picked up by the military, who record atmospheric explosions. Impacts like this happen several times per year on average, with most going unseen, Plait said. Its the much larger impacts that we should be worried about. Nasa tracks around 12,992 near-Earth objects which have been discovered orbiting within our solar system close to our own orbit. It estimates around 1,607 are classified as Potentially Hazardous Asteroids. In September, Paul Chodas, manager of Nasa's Near-Earth Object office at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, said: 'There is no existing evidence that an asteroid or any other celestial object is on a trajectory that will impact Earth. 'In fact, not a single one of the known objects has any credible chance of hitting our planet over the next century. One such asteroid is 2013 TX68, which poses no threat to Earth, but could get very close to the surface, according to the space agency although it adds there is a very slim chance of this happening. THERE'S AN ASTEROID WITH OUR NAME ON IT, SAYS BRIAN COX Science presenter, Brian Cox, told DailyMail.com we are at risk of being wiped out by asteroids and we're not taking the threat seriously While the March 5th asteroid poses no threat, scientists have long said that these space rocks could threaten life on Earth. Last year, Brian Cox said we are at risk of being wiped out by asteroids and we're not taking the threat seriously. 'There is an asteroid with our name on it and it will hit us,' Professor Cox told DailyMail.com. In fact, the Earth had a 'near-miss' only a few months ago. 'We didn't see it,' says the 46-year-old. 'We saw it on the way out, but if it had just been a bit further over it would have probably wiped us out. These things happen.' The bus-sized asteroid, named 2014 EC, came within 38,300 (61,637km) miles of Earth in March - around a sixth of the distance between the moon and our planet. And it wasn't the only one threatening Earth. Nasa is currently tracking 1,400 'potentially hazardous asteroids' and predicting their future approaches and impact probabilities. The threat is so serious that former astronaut Ed Lu has described it as 'cosmic roulette' and said that only 'blind luck' has so far saved humanity from a serious impact. Advertisement The 100ft-wide asteroid, first spotted when it flew by Earth two years ago, will make its return On March 5 and this time it could get incredibly close. The whale-sized space rock may skim past Earth at just 11,000 miles (17,000 km), which is around 21 times closer to Earth than the moon. But Nasa admits this estimate may be widely inaccurate, and the asteroid may also pass Earth as far out as 9 million miles (14 million km). 'The variation in possible closest approach distances is due to the wide range of possible trajectories for this object, since it was tracked for only a short time after discovery,' Nasa explained. Scientists have identified an extremely remote chance that this small asteroid could impact on September 28, 2017, with odds of no more than 1-in-250-million. Flybys in 2046 and 2097 have an even lower probability of impact. 'The possibilities of collision on any of the three future flyby dates are far too small to be of any real concern,' said Paul Chodas, manager of CNEOS. 'I fully expect any future observations to reduce the probability even more.' Asteroid 2013 TX68 is estimated to be about 100ft (30 meters) in diameter. If an asteroid the size of 2013 TX68 were to enter Earth's atmosphere, it would likely produce an air burst with about twice the energy of the Chelyabinsk event. The US Army has patented a radical self destructing bullet is says could make using live ammunition in urban areas far safer. The 'limited range projectile' has pyrotechnics built in. When fired, they explode after a short period of time - causing the bullet to effectively stop. Scroll down for video The US Army has patented a radical self destructing bullet (patent pictured) is says could make using live ammunition in urban areas far safer and reduce 'collateral damage'. HOW IT COULD WORK During launching of the projectile, pyrotechnic initiating material is ignited by energy produced by propellant in the cartridge case. Or, pyrotechnic initiating material may be ignited by energy produced by bagged propellant, if the projectile is a separately loaded projectile. Pyrotechnic initiating material ignites the reactive material. Prior to impact of the projectile or with a target, and while the projectile is airborne, energy produced by the ignited reactive material transforms the projectile into an aerodynamically unstable object. The transformation into an aerodynamically unstable object renders the projectile incapable of continued flight. In one concept, the projectile is rendered unstable by the melting of the copper jacket, which produces a highly irregular shape. In another, the projectile is rendered unstable by the separation of the cylindrical portion from the base portion and the separation of penetrator from the projectile assembly. Advertisement The pyrotechnic material is ignited at projectile launch. The pyrotechnic material ignites the reactive material, and if the projectile reaches a maximum desired range prior to impact with a target, the ignited reactive material transforms the projectile into an 'aerodynamically unstable object'. 'We wanted to protect the U.S. government's interests and position,' Stephen McFarlane, one of three employees of the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, or ARDEC, who were awarded with a U.S. patent for their proof of concept work on a limited range projectile. Brian Kim, Mark Minisi, and Stephen McFarlane says the practical use will initially be in .50 caliber ammunition. However, the patent covers the idea and technology behind the concept as a whole so it could theoretically be used in various calibers of small arms munitions. Computerized modeling and simulation were performed to compare the inventive projectiles to the .50 caliber M33 projectile and the .50 caliber M8 projectile. 'Conceptual designs were ran through and evaluated via modeling and simulation,' Kim said. 'Three concepts were submitted with the patent, however, not all were feasible,' he said. 'A proof of concept test was perfected and results indicated the need for concept refinement and pyrotechnic mix improvement,' Kim said. The team said there are significant benefits to the warfighter in using a limited range projectile. 'The biggest advantage is reduced risk of collateral damage,' McFarlane said. 'In today's urban environments others could become significantly hurt or killed, especially by a round the size of a .50 caliber, if it goes too far.' McFarlane said that the distance in which the round disassembles can be adjusted based on the choice of reactive material used. The benefit to this is that the round does not continue to travel, therefore reducing collateral damage. The practical use will initially be in .50 caliber ammunition This benefit can best described as 'a design programmed maximum range,' McFarlane said. The ballistics also match and or exceed the standard round out to the max effective range of the round. In theory, the projectile may be any caliber from 5.56 mm to 155 mm. Currently, funding for the project has ceased. However, engineers hope that their concept will resurface as the constant need to provide greater technology for the warfighter increases. The concept for the limited range projectile came to fruition when the small caliber ammo development team was funded to investigate the feasibility of a pyrotechnically actuated disassembling limited range .50 caliber bullet. 'It was essentially my idea to create a self-destructing small caliber round akin to the larger caliber ones,' Minisi said. 'The type of reactive materials to use and how to test it was Steve's idea. 'Brian was instrumental with executing the effort, particularly the modeling and simulation to confirm the concept,' he said. 'The Alternative' device looks like a ping pong ball and can be attached to any gun. It breaks off when a bullet is fired, so the shot together with the 'cushion' hits its target at a reduced speed, resulting in less injury HOW IT WORKS The $45 Orange device that attaches to the top of a normal handgun. The product itself only weighs about 2 ounces and sits in a small pouch on their duty belt. Once the gun is fired, the bullet embeds itself inside the device without a chance of it escaping (pictured). The bullet's energy is simultaneously transferred to the alloy ball, propelling it towards the target It mounts to the top of an officer's weapon within a second when the officer feels it's an appropriate lethal force situation It extends alloy Ping-Pong-ball-sized projectile in front of the muzzle Bullet embeds itself inside the projectile, firing it. Advertisement Other projects to avoid fatal shootings by police and other law enforcement agencies could include a device that acts like an 'airbag' for a bullet. 'The Alternative' device looks like a metal ping pong ball and can be attached to the barrel of any gun. The idea is that the ball breaks off when a bullet is fired and melds with the shot, effectively slowing it down to result in less injury. It is hoped the 'airbag for a bullet' could reduce the number of civilians killed by police officers in potentially lethal situations. The device, designed by Alternative Ballistics in San Diego, California, takes the form of a metal ball or 'bullet capture device' fitted over the barrel of a gun. Once the gun is fired, the bullet embeds itself inside the device without a chance of it escaping. The bullet's energy is simultaneously transferred to the alloy ball, propelling it towards the target. 'The Alternative' works like an 'airbag for a bullet', slowing it down to one fifth of its intended speed. When the device with the bullet inside hits a targeted person, it still causes serious pain, but less injury to a body than a conventional bullet. In this way, it is 'less lethal' than a regular bullet and is designed to incapacitate a target without piercing the skin. If the gun is fired again, a regular bullet will be fired. The company said the technology represents a critical 'missing link' between lethal force and less-lethal force. 'By utilising our bullet capture technology in appropriate situations, police are likely to prevent loss of life in a way that was until now not possible,' the firm said. Alternative Ballistics CEO Christian Ellis told San Diego ABC 10 News: 'Just like an airbag, a certain amount of people will die when they get into an impact and the air bag hits their chest. 'There is a chance they could die with this but it does mitigate the risk of death tremendously.' Alternative Ballistics' technology has not yet been trialled on humans, but it has succesfully been tested on foam, gel and leather. After traveling through the barrel, the bullet embeds itself inside the alloy projectile, and the docking unit immediately detaches from the weapon. 'Once the gun is fired, the bullet embeds itself inside the projectile without a chance of escaping, simultaneously transferring the bullet's energy as it propels it toward the target. 'Once the bullet is fired from the gun into the projectile, they permanently become one unit.' This process decreases the bullet's velocity and dampens its impact. The bullet, then, should not pierce a human's skin and cause the type of internal damage that would kill the person. It mounts to the top of an officer's weapon within a second when the officer feels it's an appropriate lethal force situation However, it retains enough blunt force to knock someone over and deliver severe, debilitating pain, and travels up to 250 feet per second (when propelled by a 9mm slug) and sends 'a shock wave of pain through the suspect' when it hits, Ellis said. Earlier this year is was revealed Ferguson police are testing the new non lethal attachment for handguns. It allows them to fire alloys 'ping pong balls' - which can bring a person down but not kill them. This week, five instructors for the Missouri city's police department are training to use the device, called the Alternative. The Ferguson Police Department, which reportedly intends to distribute the Alternative to all of its officers following training, found itself at the center of national debates over policing and race relations after then-Officer Darren Wilson shot and killed Michael Brown last August. photos reveal fashion in the skies over the years From the glamorous 50s to the high-hems of the 70s, Advertisement Outfits from the golden age of travel to Vivienne Westwood uniforms today, air hostess fashion has always added a touch of glamour to mile-high journeys. When commercial flying took off in the 1950s, flying was not just about getting from A to B, the flight was an event in itself - and the immaculate uniforms reflected this. Over the years styles have featured hot pants, gloves and tailored designs - and if you were employed on Hugh Hefner's jet in the late 1960s you may have even donned leatherette mini dresses, bunny ears and tails. Recently airlines have enlisted the fashion talents of celebrity designers to ensure staff look the creme de la creme of the skies, as shown by Virgin Atlantic's stylish creations. While many outfits have reflected the fashion trends, it was only earlier this month that female cabin crew members at British Airways won the right to wear trousers as part of their uniforms. Here MailOnline Travel journeys back through the ages to see the evolution of sky-high trends. Scroll down for video 1940s Trans World Airline air hostesses attend a course at the TWA headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri in May 1946. They have been instructed in grooming, charm and poise, reading, conversational French and entertainment, and received vital inoculations - all immaculately dressed In the late 1940s flight attendants wore dresses that hung just below the knee and matching shoes and hats completed the look As commercial air travel started to take off in the 1940s, with a number of expanded routes and destinations, the uniforms worn by airline staff exuded professionalism and strongly reflected the luxury level of service offered by each aviation brand. Flight attendant outfits were uniformed, with midi skirts resting just below the knee, and matching shoes and hats were worn. Small heels were commonplace, along with curled hairstyles secured neatly underneath their hats. 1950s Putting their fashion feet forward: British Airway air hostesses model the 1950s uniform with smart collars and coifs under their caps. Post-war air hostess uniforms were military influenced, featuring tailored blazers and buttons lining jackets and blouses Sophisticated jetsetter: A 24-year-old KLM worker in 1959 shows off the new show-a-leg uniform which hangs just below the knee but has an open pleat at the back Exuding smart professionalism, in the 50s, air hostesses wore trademark white crisp collars and white gloves, with curled hair pinned back out off their faces Pakistani Airways hostesses (left) with matching hats relax in London in 1957. On board a Pan Am flight, an air hostess with a midi-skirt and suit jacket interacts greets passengers(right) During the golden age of travel in the 1950s and 60s, passengers would be dressed to the nines, planes boasted three to six inches more legroom, and lobster could be served as a standard airline meal. Post-war air hostess uniforms were military influenced, featuring tailored blazers, hats and buttons lining jackets and blouses. When stewardess Betty Riegel applied to be an airhostess for Pan Am in the 1960s, she said in her book, Up in the Air, that hopefuls had to weigh between 110 and 134 lbs, be between the ages of 21 and 27, single and of good moral character. 1960s The 60s was an era dominated by bold colours and rising hemlines and this was reflected in uniforms on planes. Pictured here are stewardesses on Southwest Airlines in Texas in 1968 in go go boots and bold belts to accentuate their waists Fashion flair: Classic tailoring saw skirts rise above the knees, and more adventurous designs, bold brass buttons and scarves were experimented with in cabin fashion. Also hair was worn in more relaxed and varied styles than the decade before. Funky flyers: The TWA air hostess present their new uniforms in 1968 with stylish scarves, berets and striped tops Here come the girls: Air hostesses in 1963 can be seen striding in unison with matching handbags, hats and shoes, with a prominent white collar blouse visible Swinging Sixties: Paul McCartney is pictured chatting to a flight attendant with hat pinned place on a journey to Liverpool (right). And air hostesses in shorter skirts at a London airport pose in 1969 (left) The 1960s was an era dominated by bold colours and rising hemlines and this was reflected in uniforms on planes. Classic tailoring saw skirts rise above the knees, and more adventurous designs and scarves were experimented with in cabin fashion. Southwest Airlines even dressed air hostesses in go-go boots and bold belts to accentuate their waists. 1970s In 1973 a group of air hostesses model the new uniforms designed by Mary Quant for cabin crew of Court Line Aviation Glamorous Pan Am air hostesses in the 1970s stood out in airports with their bright blue uniforms and A-line skirts Six Laker stewardesses make a record dedicated to Freddie Laker called Let Us Fly. They can be seen with high heeled shoes, scarfs and matching hats More leg was on show with cabin crew in the 1970s, and certain airlines opted to hire fashion designers to add their magic touches to uniforms On Hugh Hefner's jet in the 1970s, Big Bunny, there were no dowdy hats or frumpy skirts, with specially designed uniforms featuring leatherette black mini dresses. Of course bunny ears and tails were part of the accessories, along with black boots and white scarves bearing the Playboy logo Air travel in the 1970s saw those with big bucks like Hugh Hefner even fork out for their own private jets to travel around in. The magazine founder splashed out on The Big Bunny in the late 1960s and customised it to be the perfect mile-high party venue - complete with air hostesses clad in leatherette black mini dresses. Meanwhile on major airlines fashion designers were adding their magic touches to uniforms for some of the worlds leading airlines. Court Line Aviation stewardesses debuted new uniforms designed by Mary Quant in 1973, which included trousers for women. 1980s Many airlines in the 1980s started using waistcoats in their uniforms, and they quickly became a popular choice thanks to their versatility Fashion for air hostesses in the 1980s showcased a multitude of plaid, and uniforms reflected the need for more comfortable clothing options. Many airlines started using waistcoats in their uniforms, and they quickly became a popular choice thanks to their versatility. Meanwhile designer Emilio Pucci shied away from conformity and brought a touch of colour to Qantas Airways designs in 1974-1985. 1990s With the wider options of long-haul flights available in the 1990s, clothing needed to be less restrictive and easier to wear during long hours A group of brightly uniformed male and female cabin crew from Britannia Airways at an airport in 1996 With the wider options of long-haul flights available in the 1990s, clothing needed to be less restrictive and easier to wear during long hours. Outfits became looser and less fitted during this decade with comfortable shirts and skirts on display. Boxy shoulder pads and big blazers could be seen in airports and plane cabins. 2000s Out with the vests and in with more blazers. Uniforms in the 2000s adopted a more masculine feel with collars jackets with defined shoulder pads Because of religious reasons air hostesses of Bahraini airline Gulf Air wear knee-long skirts and a veil as part of their uniforms - and this hasn't changed today Out with the vests and in with more blazers. Uniforms in the 2000s adopted a more masculine feel with collars jackets, with some airlines allowing trousers as standard. Dark coloured suits had pops of colour and signature pieces with brightly coloured buttons or cuff stripes. Because of religious reasons air hostesses of Bahraini airline Gulf Air wore knee-long skirts and a veil as part of their uniforms - and this hasn't changed today. Today The Russia's national carrier Aeroflot is known for its eye-catching summer uniforms in its signature shade of tomato red Eithad's beautiful uniforms offer a subtle nod to the brand's partnership with Alitalia, having been crafted by an Italian Haute Couturier Today uniforms still feature the structured, tailored look, and still have a high-fashion feel about them, reflected with Vivienne Westwood designed outfits for Virgin Atlantic in 2014. In 2013, the Aeroflot cabin uniform was voted to be the most stylish in Europe in a survey organised by global travel search site, Skyscanner. And with white gloves and neckties that hark back to the golden age of flying, passengers just might feel as though they've transported back to the swinging Sixties when they step on board. Meanwhile Etihad's beautiful uniforms offer a subtle nod to its Italian partnership with Alitalia. After all, they were designed by Italian haute couturier Ettore Bilotta. Conceptualised at his studio in Milan, his aim was to merge the dramatic 1960s couture found in Paris and Rome with the more contemporary looks now seen on catwalks in London and New York. Advertisement Many dogs are content with playing fetch and finding sticks - but not every dog is Piper the border collie from Michigan. The hardworking pooch can be found four days a week keeping Traverse City Airport (Cherry Capital Airport) free from pesky birds, which can pose a serious threat to pilots trying to land aircraft. Donning a ski mask to protect his eyes from the wind and boots to shield his paws from the heat of the tarmac, the big-hearted worker has become a star, both on the runway and online. Scroll down for video Many dogs are content with playing fetch and finding sticks - but not every dog is Piper the border collie from Michigan The hardworking pooch can be found keeping Traverse City Airport (Cherry Capital Airport) free from pesky birds, which can pose a serious threat to pilots trying to land aircraft Committed K-9 Piper is on duty for four, ten hour shifts a week on a rotating basis - with plenty of breaks to keep him in full health Most of K-9 Pipers training revolved around obedience and off lead control, although chasing wildlife was said to come pretty naturally to the four-legged fur ball, as the breed are natural herders. Extra training was given to get him accustomed to aircraft noise, and he has specially made MuttMuffs to protect his hearing when they are nearby. Committed K-9 Piper is on duty for four, ten hour shifts a week on a rotating basis - with plenty of breaks to keep him in full health. One of the seven-year-old's other important jobs is boosting morale of employees, tenants and visitors, something he is said to excel at. In total the airport experienced 37 bird strikes and one skunk strike from 2010-2015, making Piper's job vital Donning a ski mask and little boots in some pictured to protect him on the warm tarmac, the big-hearted worker has become a star, both on the runway and online Nothing gets in the way of Piper giving 100 per cent effort on the job, but the black and white mutt sadly suffered a fracture on the job chasing a snowy owl on the taxiway in 2015 Although it may seem like a small job, bird strikes can prove fatal for planes. In total the airport experienced 37 bird strikes and one skunk strike from 2010-2015. One of the most dangerous cases occurred in May 2014, when a loon struck an incoming plane located 10 miles from the airport and crashed through into the cockpit. Thankfully the pilot, flying at about 3,500 feet, managed to land safety at the airport but serious damage was done to the plane according to the airport's operations director. Many companies rely on sirens or pyrotechnics to alleviate the risks of bird strikes, but in 2014 the secret weapon of Piper was trialled. One of the most important pieces of equipment K-9 Piper uses are his ski glasses which prevent rocks, dust, and sand getting in his eyes Most of K-9 Pipers training revolved around obedience and off lead control, although chasing wildlife was said to come pretty naturally to the four-legged fur ball, as the breed are natural herders One of his most important jobs is boosting morale of employees, tenants and visitors, something he is said to excel at The Federal Aviation Administration requires that the Cherry Capital Airport has a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan in place to mitigate wildlife hazards to aviation. Trained by Operations Supervisor Brian Edwards, the other half of the airport's vital K-9 Team, the pair seek out rodents and small mammals who could attract circling birds, and the keen-nosed mutt has proved their best chance of keeping runways bird-free. Accident-causing loons, snowy owls, ducks and geese, which would quickly return to airfields after the sirens, are said to stay away for longer periods now. In fact, they now are said to fly off as soon as they see the red SUV that Piper rides to work in. He is the only Wildlife Control K-9 on staff at an airport in Michigan and the airport believes one of less than ten in the United States. Piper has been wearing the leg cast during his recovery from a fracture that happened on the job Trained by Operations Supervisor Brian Edwards, the other half of the airport's vital K-9 Team, the pair seek out rodents and small mammals who could attract circling birds Extra training was given to get Piper accustomed to aircraft noise, and he has specially made MuttMuffs to protect his hearing when they are is nearby Nothing gets in the way of Piper giving 100 per cent effort on the job, but the black and white mutt sadly suffered a fracture on the job chasing a snowy owl on the taxiway in 2015. At the time he had chased off 2,450 birds that year, said Edwards. Donning a brightly-coloured cast, Piper has spent the last few months being reassigned the role of the airports Chief Morale Officer, now tasked with getting hugs and attention off the airport staff and bringing a smile to all. It is hoped he will soon be back in action, gaining fans on Instagram, Facebook and at the airport. Piper is the only Wildlife Control K-9 on staff at an airport in Michigan and the airport believes one of less than ten in the United States Although he is vital for protecting those who use the public-use airport, he has become a star in his own right online The pooch was trained to become accustomed to the sights and sounds on the airfield before being let loose on the job Through rain or shine, the dedicated dog helps to prevent birds and mammals from causing havoc at the Michigan airport The canine dons a fetching ID tracking jacket as part of his K-9 uniform. This harness has been heavily modified with a custom beacon rig and is primarily used during hours of darkness, but is bright enough to be seen during the day The Federal Aviation Administration requires that the Cherry Capital Airport has a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan in place to mitigate wildlife hazards to aviation She has spent the last six years getting herself in shape after shedding an astonishing 30kgs. And now that former Biggest Loser winner Fiona Falkiner is happy in her own skin, she is open to finding Mr Right. The 33-year-old eHarmony ambassador told Daily Mail Australia when she online dates she will 'look into someone's eyes to see that they are down-to-earth, good and kind.' Speaking after attending dating school hosted by the website, the Biggest Loser host added: 'To me that's when they're attractive and you fall head over heels. 'Looks fade and I want to make a connection with someone who ends up being my best friend.' Scroll down for video Looking for love: Former Biggest Loser winner Fiona Falkiner is happy in her own skin and hoping to find Mr Right, someone who is 'kind, down-to-earth and good,' she says 'Dating is really fun': The 33-year-old eHarmony ambassador says going on dates is enjoyable Speaking of her dating experience, the garrulous blonde added: 'I'm finding it really enjoyable, dating is really fun. 'Dating school is helpful as it teaches you the brand you want to represent and what you want to find in the long run. 'I'm after long term commitment, steering conversation towards things like family and where they're at in that realm and presenting myself in a mature way and showing that's the direction I'm ready for.' Dating school: Fiona is pictured with eHarmony dating expert Melanie Schilling who has been sharing tips on the best way to online date She added: 'I've been there and done that [had fun] but now I want something a bit more.' Whilst plus size model Fiona is keen to meet someone, she says there is no rush to start a family. Last week she revealed her excitement at going on a second date with a mystery man after they shared a 'great' date. Top tips: Fiona is seen getting advice from dating and relationship expert Melanie at the eHarmony dating school Now and then: Fiona was a slim size 12 (R) after competing on The Biggest Loser in 2006, but is now a comfortable size 14/16 (L) Fitness fanatic: The size 14/16 TV host says she is comfortable in her own skin and exercises regularly to stay trim She told Daily Mail Australia: 'That's coming up. It was a great date, he was a great guy. He's not in same industry, he's just a nice normal guy. 'For someone dating me it can be a bit strange, the life I lead. He seems to like me for me and not who I am.' Explaining why she decided to embark on online dating, she explained: 'At Christmas my nieces and nephews were like "why aunty Fi aren't you married?" Under siege: Fiona told how her nieces and nephews asked her over Christmas why she's not married 'My job is not conducive to finding a guy unless you're out trawling bars and I can't be bothered with that,' she said, adding, 'All my friends online date, the stigma about it should be removed.' The size 14/16 TV host also told how now that she is comfortable in her own skin having shrunk to a svelte size 12 after losing 30kg on The Biggest Loser in 2006, meeting someone would complete her life. 'I've been a size size 14-16 for six years and I work hard to maintain my size and shape and I'm happy in who I am. Keeping healthy: The plus size model is always watching her weight and what she eats, she says 'It's important to be comfortable in yourself and love yourself and someone will see that and love and value you too,' she says. Fiona works out five days a week, doing interval training, swimming and yoga, and adds a personal trainer to the mix if she has a big event or photoshoot coming up. eHarmony dating expert Melanie Schilling says Australia has a poor dating culture compared to America but the tide is turning thanks to the upsurge of digital dating. 'It's important before dating to let go of previous relationships and negative thoughts,' she said. She previously discussed her NYC-inspired style and love for designer YSL. And on Friday, California native Ashley Benson appeared to be living her dream as she was spotted wearing a handbag from the brand in Manhattan. The 26-year-old beauty was clad in an all-black ensemble, with the exception of the bright pink purse, worth close to $2,000. Her favorite thing: On Friday, California native Ashley Benson, 26, was spotted wearing a $2,000 handbag from YSL in New York City The Pretty Little Liars star kept warm in the chilly New York weather, dressed in an oversize coat with fur-like paneling. Ashley layered her jacket over a sweater and skinny jeans, finishing with a pair of platform ankle boots. The pretty blonde wore her hair textured and down, playing up her lips with a bold, red colour. All-black ensemble: The Pretty Little Liars star kept warm in the chilly New York weather, dressed in an oversize coat with fur-like paneling Glam look: The pretty blonde wore her hair textured and down, playing up her lips with a bold, red colour The Chronically Metropolitan star has been in NYC this past week, having sat front row at designer Marc Jacob's show during New York Fashion Week. Ashley has certainly been in her comfort zone during her stay, having previously expressed her personal style in an interview with Marie Claire. 'I dress like I should be living in New York: boots, leather jackets, sweaters, coats,' she noted. Fashion inspiration: Ashley has certainly been in her comfort zone during her stay, having previously expressed her personal style in an interview with Marie Claire The beautiful star continued with her fashion discussion, citing her favorite labels. 'My all-time fave is Saint Laurent. I'd wear it 24/7 if I could,' she began, before giving a shout out to The Row, a collection by certain popular '90s sitcom stars. 'I love how Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen mix masculine with feminine,' she said of the label's designers. She's received a range of accolades for her work on the silver screen. And Nicole Kidman will have to find room in her trophy closet for another award as her acting skills were honoured yet again, but this time for her work in the theatre. Appearing at the WhatsOnStage awards in the Prince of Wales Theatre on Sunday, the Oscar-winner beamed as she scooped Best Actress in a Play for her role in Photograph 51. Scroll down for video Everything's coming up roses: Appearing at the WhatsOnStage awards in London on Sunday, Nicole Kidman beamed in her floral gown as she scooped Best Actress for her role in Photograph 51 Clearly elated by her win, the 48-year-old posed for snaps with her award, which she beat Denise Gough, Lia Williams, Rosalie Craig and Harriet Walter for. Donning a floor length gown for the evening, the mum-of-four upped the glamour in the evening, dazzling in her two-toned dress. Featuring a flattering high neckline, the eye-catching frock featured a pink chest that was heavily embellished with embroidered poppies and a gem covered bird. Cleaning out her closet: The Oscar-winner will have to find room in her trophy closet for another award as her acting skills were honoured yet again, but this time for her work in the theatre Hello birdy! Featuring a flattering high neckline, the eye-catching frock featured a pink chest that was heavily embellished with embroidered poppies and a gem covered bird Pretty as a petal: Donning a floor length gown for the evening, the mum-of-four upped the glamour in the evening, dazzling in her two-toned dress Selfie time! The actress was in her typical friendly mood and posed with fans for selfies before the awards Blinged up: Adding to the glitz of her outfit with a set of sparkling jewels, the Australian actress donned a glittering stack of silver bracelets on her slender wrist whilst sporting a myriad of rings on her fingers Nipping in at her tiny waist with an emerald green band that seemed to signify grass in the wildlife pattern, the taupe coloured skirt fell in soft pleats to the floor. Adding to the glitz of her outfit with a set of sparkling jewels, the Australian actress donned a glittering stack of silver bracelets on her slender wrist whilst sporting a myriad of rings on her fingers. She swept her golden tresses back into a chic chignon bun, leaving two tendrils loose to expose her heart shaped face, whilst exposing an impressive pair of dazzling diamond chandelier earrings. Blonde beauty! She swept her golden tresses back into a chic chignon bun, leaving two tendrils loose to expose her heart shaped face, whilst exposing an impressive pair of dazzling diamond chandelier earrings Natural beauty! Sporting a neutral make-up palette, Nicole accentuated her stunning features with a sweep of rouge across her defined cheekbones and a slick of mascara over her dazzling blue eyes First time: Nicole was visibly pleased with her win - her first at the WhatsOnStage theatre awards Comeback Queen: In Photograph 51 - which ran last year at the Noel Coward Theatre - Nicole made a triumphant return to the London stage for the first time in more than 15 years Woman of the moment: Nicole was the stand-out star of the evening. Here she is pictured with Stella McCabe Quite the silverware collection: The award-winning Hollywood heavyweight's latest success is her 26th award win Sporting a neutral make-up palette, Nicole accentuated her stunning features with a sweep of rouge across her defined cheekbones and a slick of mascara over her dazzling blue eyes. Highlighting her flawless porcelain complexion with a light coverage of foundation, the star looked fresh-faced and half her age as she paraded down the red carpet. Cosying up to her award and jokingly kissing the glass accolade, Nicole was visibly pleased with her win - her first at the WhatsOnStage theatre awards. Stunner: Looking ravishingly tanned following a wedding and honeymoon in St Barts, Kimberley Walsh, 34, wrapped up her curves in a very sexy plunging blue dress Back to it: Earlier in the day, she wrote: 'Home from honeymoon and back on the @SlimFastUK 3.2.1. Plan' Two's company: Kimberley was nominated for Best Actress in a musical on the night, for her role as Santa's Little Helper, alongside Ben Forster, at the Dominian theatre Oh no: Unfortunately, Kimberley lost out to Imelda Staunton, who starred as Momma Rose in West End show, Gypsy, although she was not pictured on the night Holding her head high: Despite having missed out on an award, the former Girls Aloud star sported a wide grin Maybe next time: Kimberley made a dignified exit home, arm-in-arm with a male friend In Photograph 51 - which ran between September and November last year at the Noel Coward Theatre - Nicole made a triumphant return to the London stage for the first time in more than 15 years. Playing Rosalind Franklin, Nicole received rave reviews for her portrayal of the British scientist who who made contributions to the understanding of the molecular structures of DNA, RNA and notably, photography. Speaking about her role she explained that she accepted the job for her biochemist father Antony, who died last September: 'I had an emotional need for this performance because of my dad. 'I've had a lot of scientists come and say thank you.' Lott of front! Pixie Front showed off her ample assets in a plunging lace black gown Leggy lady! The floral gown featured a daring side split that flashed a lot of leg Pert: Turning to the side the star showed off the figure-hugging nature of the gown that clung to her pert posterior as she walked Runway star: It seemed Pixie had picked up some tips from her model boyfriend Oliver Cheshire as she did her best catwalk strut across the red carpet in her flowing lace gown Exposed: Due to the lace nature of the gown, Pixie showed off not just a lot of leg but her black pants too The actress also admitted that she suffered from 'terrifying' nerves getting back on the stage. 'It's so fulfilling but it was terrifying,' she said. 'The stage fright was pretty extreme, I had it pretty badly.' Also making a stunning entrance to the awards was newly married Kimberley Walsh. Looking ravishingly tanned following a wedding and honeymoon in St Barts, the 34-year-old wrapped up her curves in a very sexy plunging blue dress at the Prince of Wales theatre. Hole lot of weirdness: George Shelley opted for a beige outfit in a pair of jeans with a giant hole in the knee Ladylike in lace: Emily Atack looked lovely in a delicate silk striped dress which she teamed with nude court heels Mingling: She struck a pose with award-winner Mark Gattis inside the venue Ample: Arlene Phillips showed off an impressive amount of cleavage in a risque black midi dress Feeling blue: Claire Sweeney dazzled in a cobalt blue gown that may have benefited from an iron All-over glow: The ex Steps singer sported a deep bronze tan which perfectly off set her bold frock Form-flattering: The creased silk gown was cinched at the waist and halter-neck in style Little miss monochrome: Former The Jump contestant Louisa Lytton was chic in a two-tone maxi design East End meets West End: Fellow EastEnders actress Preeya Kalidas was pretty as a petal in a multi-coloured printed number Print power: The Amira Masood actress clashed her tiered mini dress with a striped fur over coat The winner takes it all: Laura Pulver scooped the prized for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical Here come the boys! Mark Gattis opted for a grey checkered suit that he matched with brown shoes, whilst Matt Henry made a bold fashion statement in a checkered blazer suit and bow tie Beaming with pride: The Kinky Boots star was the picture of happiness as he scooped the coveted Best Actor in a Musical award 'I feel very honoured': The rising star tweeted, 'Huge thank you to everyone who voted for me @WhatsOnStage Awards. I feel very honoured', following the ceremony Chuffed: Matt celebrated his win with co-star Amy Lennox. Kinky Boots picked up three awards in total Silver siren: Amelia Lily dazzled as she rocked a stunning silver gown that skimmed her curves Lady in red! S Club 7's Hannah Spearritt looked like a sixties pin up girl in her retro crimson frock that hugged her every curve as she walked the red carpet The beautiful number cinched in at the waist with a slim metal silver belt and Kimberley posed for snaps with her hand balanced on her hip Kimberley was nominated for Best Actress in a musical on the night, for her role as Santa's Little Helper, alongside Ben Forster, at the Dominian theatre. He was also present on the night, wearing a cream coloured jacket and trousers as he cosied up to his leading lady. The Night Manager Rating: The life of Jonathan Pine, former British soldier and now a suave supervisor at a luxury hotel, hangs on one question: can he convince his enemies that he is what he appears? And John le Carres The Night Manager (BBC1) succeeds or fails on the same single point. We have to be able to believe in Jonathan Pine. Here is a man who can walk through a crowd of Cairo rioters and barely flinch at the bullets flying past his ears. He breezes into embassies and hands over stolen documents as if espionage were as normal a part of his duties as inspecting the timesheets. The cast of The Night Manager includes, from left, Hugh Laurie, Tom Hiddleston, Elizabeth Debicki, Olivia Coleman and Tom Hollander But he is also a servant, who must pour the coffee and smile when boorish guests insult him. If a playboy snaps his fingers or a fat tourist treats him like a doormat, Pines polished exterior cannot betray an emotion. For an actor, thats a difficult character to play. It would be easy to make Pine look like a fantasist, a dogsbody in some foreign hotel whose colleagues sneer when he hints at his past in special forces. Worse, he could look like a cheap hypocrite, who will suck up any humiliation in return for a bigger tip. Tom Hiddleston deftly dodged both pitfalls and gave us a hero who served his guests and obeyed their orders as though it were his military duty. Every glint in his eyes told us this man was thoroughly accustomed to danger but chose to avoid it, the way an alcoholic tries to stay away from whisky. HEADGEAR OF THE WEEKEND Comic Greg Davies, calling himself the Abominable Throwman, swaggered on to Lets Play Darts For Sports Relief (BBC2) in a white fur top hat. But darts is so camp, in a beery way, that taking the mickey actually detracts from the joke. Its funnier to play it straight. Advertisement The man who lures him back is arms dealer Hugh Laurie, exchanging his usual ironic drawl for a clipped, sadistic delivery the voice of a man who tormented his juniors at school and never lost the taste. Both Laurie and Hiddleston went to Eton, where they doubtless knew the type. Tom Hollander, as Lauries vicious little lackey, brought a touch of film noir: his character, grovelling but murderous, seemed to have stepped out of a Forties movie like The Maltese Falcon. But this is the world of le Carre, the man who wrote Tinker, Tailor, and so all the exotic locations in Egypt and Switzerland connect back to London, with its cold offices where the lifts are always broken. And because le Carre is a traditionalist, the plot might touch on international politics and digital eavesdropping (like modern spy thrillers The Honourable Woman and Homeland), but its really an old-fashioned tale of a hero and a damsel in distress. Even the credits had that classic touch, with a kaleidoscope of bullets that became champagne bubbles and chandeliers that turned into atom bombs. It was a first episode brimming with suspense and promising more especially from Olivia Colman as a spymaster in the back corridors of Whitehall. Ant And Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway Rating: If that cast seemed splendid, look at who is booked for Ant And Decs Saturday Night Takeaway (ITV). Never mind actor Michael Sheen as the guest announcer, and James Corden as the first victim, on his Hollywood chat show, of one of the boys elaborate practical jokes. No, the real all-star line-up arrives next week, in a murder mystery trailed at the end of the show Who Killed Simon Cowell? Ant And Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway returned to British TV for the first time in 2016 this weekend Suspects in the assassination of the chubby impresario include David Walliams, Louis Walsh and just about everyone else who has ever been a judge on a Cowell talent contest . . . with Emilia Fox from Silent Witness and Kevin Whately from Lewis as the detectives. The spoof is written by Chris Chibnall, creator of Broadchurch. But the puzzle is why, instead of launching it straight away, Ant and Dec wasted time with tired segments including a fancy-dress race (they charged around a maze, dressed as characters from Pacman) and a frankly creepy feature where two parents followed their grown-up daughter on her gap-year round the world, spying on her but never once saying hello. Neighbours star Melissa Bell has opened up about the moment her husband passed away, three months after suffering a massive heart attack at work. The 43-year-old actress, who held a bedside vigil for Gary Dickinson for 93 days, has revealed how she was called into the hospital in the early hours of the morning on February 13th. Speaking about the moment the 57-year-old passed away, she told Women's Day magazine: 'He died in my arms, I was holding him. I said "I'm with you, you're not alone, I love you, I love you" and then he took his last breath and his heart stopped and I put my hand on his heart.' Saying goodbye: Neighbours star Melissa Bell has opened up about the moment she said goodbye to her husband Gary Dickinson as he passed away on February 13 Gary was left in a coma after suffering from a heart attack on November 12, but in the months that followed Melissa had hoped that he would recover and return home to her and their three children Jonathan,15, Isabella, 12 and William, seven. Sadly despite making progress, including sitting up in a wheelchair and interacting with his family, Gary passed earlier this month. Melissa said she believed that her husband had 'finally made that choice' to die. Actress: Melissa held a vigil by her husband's beside for 93 days before he passed away tough time: Melissa had hoped that her husband would pull through after he appeared to make progress following his heart attack Family and friends will pay their respect at a private funeral o the Gold Coast on Friday. In December, Melissa opened up about the day her husband suffered his heart attack. 'He actually died on November 12 and was brought back,' she told Woman's Day magazine in December, adding: 'I spent 20 days holding his hand, telling him I love him.' Melissa, perhaps best known for playing Lucy Robinson in the long-running soap, says she defied doctors' orders who wanted to remove Gary's breathing tube on the advice he would not survive. Married for 15 years and certain Gary would not have turned off her tube had the tables been reversed, Melissa went against experts' orders. She says she spent six days back-to-back not showering at his bedside in a hospital on the Gold Coast where they live, praying he pulled through. Family portrait: Melissa is pictured with husband Gary, left, and two friends Gary, who was deprived of oxygen for 30 minutes, suffered a bout of pneumonia and had severe brain damage and was in a vegetative state. The soap star and presenter was previously married to TV producer Forrest Redlich, whom she divorced in 1998. Living in hope: The actress had hoped her husband would make a full recovery She competed on My Kitchen Rules last year and he tried his luck on the show the year before, but now it seems their love for cooking may have brought Ash Pollard and Christio Gibson together. Over the past three weeks the pair have become inseparable, sharing multiple snaps of themselves across social media. However it was last week's post which sent social media into a frenzy after the bubbly 30-year-old enjoyed two dinner dates with Christo within one week. Scroll down for video New lovers? Former My Kitchen Rules' stars Ash Pollard and Christio Gibson are rumoured to be the new couple on the block On Sunday night she shared a selfie of the two with their heads placed closely together in the frame as they displayed large smiles. 'Last night | Date night,' Ash captioned the image which received endless comments describing them as a 'beautiful couple'. The week earlier they revealed they had spent Valentine's Day together through social media. Joined at the hip: Over the past three weeks the pair have become inseparable, sharing multiple snaps of themselves across social media Most romantic day: Last week they revealed they had spent Valentine's Day together with an image which was captioned 'Dinner date #snaggedmeavalentine #justintime #mkr #lovehim' At the time Ash uploaded a black and white image of the two as they sat in the car while they ventured towards their awaiting destination. Ash captioned the black and white shot 'Dinner date #snaggedmeavalentine #justintime #mkr #lovehim'. Last month she shared another image of Christo on her Instagram account as they cooked up a storm together. In the shot the two inspiring chefs dished a large bowl of creamy pasta which was captioned: 'Friends that cook together, stay together! #iloveyou #bestcarbonarawehaveevermade #summerweekends #mkr.' Christo commented on the image with the hashtag for 'I love you more'. Couple's who cook together: Last month Ash shared another image of Christo and herself on Instagram account as they cooked up a storm together Birthday wishes: While they share many nights out together, Christo was also present at Ash's 30th birthday get-together But while the pair continually display their blossoming friendship online, one of Ash's followers questioned her stating 'We never see your boyfriend in your pics' - unaware of their split. Christo slyly replied to the comment, writing 'Yea @ashpollard_ why don't we ever see him?' along with a Speak-No-Evil monkey emoji. They also spent Ash's 30th birthday together in January at her home in Melbourne, Victoria - where Christo is also based. The week earlier the 2015 MKR contestant shared another image of the duo as they attended the Portsea Polo, along with the hashtag #matchmadeinheaven' to which he replied with a kissing face. A representative for Ash denied the dating rumours to Daily Mail Australia late Monday afternoon. Ash's new rumoured romance with the former My Kitchen Rules' star comes six months after she confirmed her split from long-time boyfriend Wilba Leschke. Going public? Earlier in the year they attended the Portsea Polo event together, which Ash captioned: #matchmadeinheaven' Longtime coming: The pair have been regularly gloating about their friendship since September last year While competing on the last series of Dancing With The Stars the curly-haired blonde broke down in tears as she attempted to compete for the winning title to the hit song Unconditionally by Katy Perry. Following her dance she revealed the lyrics had hit home because 'the story is basically about a break-up...its about a breakup that I didnt want to happen but it had to. And its still pretty raw.' During an interview with Ok! Magazine following her performance she explained her on-screen tears was her 'showing that it's okay to cry and share your innermost thoughts and feelings.' 'The point of was to say that it's okay to be vulnerable even though I'm a confident person and I'm proud of being confident,' she went on to explain. Simone Holtznagel has penned a heartfelt tribute to her friend Charlotte Dawson on the second anniversary of her suicide. The 22-year-old uploaded an image of herself and the late model to her Instagram page on Monday and wrote: '2 years.. Still feels like yesterday. Missing you everyday Mama Char. Wish you were here.' Charlotte tragically took her own life at her home in Sydney on 22nd February 2014. She was 47-year-old. Scroll down for video Gone but not forgotten: Friends and those close to Charlotte Dawson have paid tribute to the model at TV presenter on the second anniversary of her suicide Simone wasn't the only star to pay tribute to the late TV personality on Monday. Model Didier Cohen appeared on The Morning Show and told viewers: 'I think she'd want to be remembered as a fighter.' The New Zealand-born model was said to be found by a security guard in the early hours of the morning at her apartment in Woolloomooloo. Her death came just two years after a highly-publicised suicide attempt back in September 2012 after being trolled on social media and she had a long history with depression. Close: Charlotte mentored Simone on the 2011 series of Australia's Next Top Model and the pair became firm friends Last year Simon told Fairfax media that the ghost of former mentor Chalotte Dawson visits her regularly. In tribute: Simone has posted a tribute to Instagram She said that Charlotte 'comes over and sits down, she talks and reaches out to touch me.' Charlotte mentored Simone on the 2011 series of Australia's Next Top Model and the pair became close. Simone spoke of her devastation at Charlotte's death in 2014 and in recent years she's often paid tribute to her 'mother figure'. Charlotte was a judge on the hit talent show from 2007 but left the show in 2014. Before her suicide, Dawson was unemployed with money worries and no-one to comfort and protect her, despite her wide circle of friends and work mates. Charlotte, who was adopted as a baby, suffered sexual abuse as a child at the hands of a neighbour. She went on to wed Olympic medalist Scott Miller in in April 1999 in a high-society ceremony but the marriage was not to last and it came to an end after a year. Speaking about the marriage in her memoir Air Kiss & Tell she said: 'My husband had accepted money from my ex-employer, lied, exaggerated and lost me my jobs.' Tragic: Charlotte had tried to commit suicide in 2012 after suffering abuse at the hands of online trolls She was formally welcomed to the Neighbours family by popstar Kylie Minogue on Sunday. And hours later model Sarah Ellen gushed with pride as she prepares for the role of the 47-year-old's TV daughter, Madison. The 18-year-old shared an image of herself and Kylie on social media as she wrote alongside it 'Feeling lucky to be playing your on screen daughter on @neighbourstv.' Thankful: Model Sarah Ellen gushed with pride on Monday as she replied to Kylie Minogue's personal message after announcing she's taking on a role on Neighbours 'Thanks for welcoming me to the neighbourhood a.k.a Ramsay Street,' the post continued to read. The young character is the daughter of Australia's favourite TV couple, Scott, played by Jason Donovan, and Kylie's character Charlene Robinson. In an interview with Network 10 Sarah couldn't hold back her excitement towards joining the cast of the soap which has been running for 31 years. Proud: While sharing a snap of herself ans Kylie the 18-year-old wrote: 'Thanks for welcoming me to the neighbourhood a.k.a Ramsay Street...Feeling lucky to be playing your on screen daughter on @neighbourstv' Old memories: Sarah will play the role of Madison - the daughter of Australia's favourite TV couple, Scott (played by Jason Donovan) and Charlene Robinson (played by Kylie) in an upcoming episode 'Im really excited to be joining the cast of Neighbours to play the role of Madison Robinson. Shes feisty and adventurous; just like her on-screen mum Charlene,' she told the network. 'It's been great fun onset so far and I cant wait to see what my (social media) audience thinks of my new role.' 'I feel really privileged that my first major TV role is on such an iconic Australian program.' She continued: 'Its been a great experience on Neighbours to learn scripts and work with the cast and crew, everyone has been super friendly and helpful.' On Sunday Kylie penned the congratulatory message to News Corp Australia, saying: 'Congratulations on your first acting job Sarah and welcome to the neighbourhood!' 'A lot has changed since I was in Neighbours, but I have no doubt the family spirit of the cast and crew remains the same. Have a great time.' Concerned parents: She will head to the drama filled suburb of Erinsborough to check up on her brother Daniel (played by Tim Phillipps), on behalf of her anxious parents Precious: On Sunday Kylie penned the congratulatory message to Sarah, saying: 'Congratulations on your first acting job Sarah and welcome to the neighbourhood' Viewers will see Madison head to Erinsborough to check up on her brother Daniel (played by Tim Phillipps), on behalf of her anxious parents. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Sarah's representatives for comment Sarah's career in the limelight started more than five years ago when the teenager posted a quirky 30-second video 'dancing her eyebrows' to a funky beat to YouTube. 'After people saw me in that video, they became interested in who I was - my life, what else I was doing and what was next for me so my audience on social media grew quite fast after that!' Sarah said previously told Daily Mail Australia. 'I love technology, social media and creating fun content (like most people my age do!), and it was great to have an audience to share this with. The beginning: The model's career in the limelight started more than five years ago when the teenager posted a quirky 30-second video 'dancing her eyebrows' to a funky beat to YouTube More attempts: To add to her busy schedule, Sarah will also head to Los Angeles next month to pursue a role during pilot season 'So from then on, it has been my job to grow and interact with my followers - I kept creating and posting new content everyday for my followers to see, and my following just kept growing.' Since then, Sarah's social media fame has only grown to include 121,000 Twitter followers, 880,077 friends on Facebook and more than 935,000 followers on Instagram. The social butterfly has secured modelling contracts with fashion chain Supre and Maybelline Australia. To add to her busy schedule, Sarah will also head to Los Angeles next month to pursue a role during pilot season. Excellent: Nicholas Farrell, left, and David Robb, right, in Alan Bennett's Single Spies Single Spies, by Alan Bennett Birmingham Rep and touring Rating: Almost 30 years ago Alan Bennett paired two single-act plays about members of the Cambridge spy ring to make an ostensibly comic evening, Single Spies. The title cleverly conveys the loneliness of the plays subjects, Guy Burgess and Anthony Blunt. The first half, An Englishman Abroad, is an extended, romanticised vignette: traitor Burgess in Moscow exile, entertaining London actress Coral Browne (Belinda Lang) to a sparse lunch. Nicholas Farrells Burgess is homesick, threadbare, a sorry drunk. He asks his fur-coated visitor to order him a Savile Row suit. He begs her for London gossip. Mr Farrell, blotchy-faced, crumpled, swaying in voluminous bags, is excellent despite a bad wig. Mr Bennetts elegant writing may be dotted with witty aphorisms about how in England you only have to live to 90 to win the Nobel Prize, etc but this Burgess feels incomplete. Where is his ruthlessness? Did gay Mr Bennett hesitate to be more truthful because he sympathised with the gay Burgess? A Question Of Attribution, after the interval, is a stronger play. Blunt, art expert to the Queen in the post-war years, discusses counterfeit pictures. He discovers a hidden figure in a painting attributed to Titian but maybe there are two other concealed presences on the canvas. Blunts past as a Russian spy is known by the authorities but they have not yet exposed him. Bennett, writing long before The Audience, gives us a fascinating scene when Blunt (David Robb) talks to the Queen (Miss Lang). Monarch asks faithless subject about fakes. He replies with talk of enigmas. Almost 30 years ago Alan Bennett paired two single-act plays about members of the Cambridge spy ring - Guy Burgess and Anthony Blunt - to make an ostensibly comic evening, Single Spies Mr Robbs Blunt has a subtle, uneasy fruitiness. Is there almost a touch of poor Anthony Eden to him? Mr Farrell reappears, again to fine effect, as a detective. Miss Lang could do with broadcasting a little less in both roles, although at least she is audible. This is not always the case at the barnlike Birmingham Rep. Monday night saw the second elimination on The Farmer Wants A Wife but it wasn't any easier for the boys the second time round. And it seems the process of narrowing down the female suitors to just two ladies got the better of Farmer Matt's emotions. The 25-year-old Cattle farmer from Western Australia shed a few tears when asking 22-year-old blonde beauty Amelia to leave. Scroll down for video Tough call: On Monday night's episode of The Farmer Wants A Wife, farmer Matt struggled when choosing which contestant to eliminate From the moment he arrived in the barn to address the three ladies, Matt's shaky voice hinted he was nervous to say the very least. Appearing torn by his decision, he decided to first complement the three women Amelia, Gabi and April as they stood before him. 'Millie, you're amazing,' Matt began. 'I love the conversations we have.' 'Gabs, you're a lovely person... You make me smile,' he then told 22-year-old logistics coordinator Gabrielle. Remaining ladies: Appearing torn by his decision right until the very end, he decided to first complement the three women standing in front of him; Amelia, Gabi and April Emotional: 'I might have welled up,' Matt candidly confessed afterwards, insisting he didn't remember the last time he has been so emotionally shaken Then addressing busty brunette April, Matt said: 'April, you're amazing. I've really connected with you'. Explaining he's sorry he has to let one beautiful, young woman go, Matt asked the ladies to be understanding as he announced his decision. 'The person who's going home today... Millie,' Matt finally said. Teary Matt took the liberty to give devastated university student Amelia a warm cuddle, as apologetic as ever that he was letting her go. Hugs: Teary Matt took the liberty to give devastated university student Amelia a warm cuddle as he let her go The other girls: Matt's decision to give Amelia the boot came after he got close and personal with April (L) and Gabi (R) during a farmyard date earlier in the episode 'I might have welled up,' Matt candidly confessed afterwards, revealing he doesn't remember the last time he has been so emotionally shaken by a decision he had to make. 'That was probably the hardest thing I've ever done,' he admitted. 'I just really hope that she understands and I really do think this lifestyle would be fantastic for her but her and I, I just can't see us being very compatible,' he added. Meanwhile, Amelia was of course quite heartbroken, later reflecting: 'I'm shocked that it was me today'. Hard gig: Another farmer who struggled with the elimination process was Farmer Adam Looking for love: The 25-year-old dairy farmer from Victoria admitted 'I'm certainly nervous' before he faced his three girls Christine, Hayley and Taryn 'I didn't see it coming quite soon,' she continued, before doing her best to look on the bright side, adding, 'We did have a pretty good time together'. Another farmer who struggled with the elimination process was Farmer Adam. The 25-year-old dairy farmer from Victoria admitted: 'I'm certainly nervous' before he faced his three girls Christine, Hayley and Taryn. 'I've come to see a different side of each of you and you are three very strong women and I appreciate that which is why this is hard for me to do,' he began. Time to go Christine! 'The girl that I'm going to ask to leave the farm is Christine,' he said, bidding farewell to the 24-year-old primary school teacher from New South Wales Earlier on: Adam's decision to eliminate Christine came after he enjoyed a romantic date with Hayley earlier in the episode, where the pair enjoyed wine and chocolate covered strawberries The girls took the opportunity to share a few touching words with Adam, in a bid these brief messages could sway his mind if need be. 'You're one of the best guys I've ever met,' 28-year-old account manager Taryn said. 'I've had a great time, thank you for every thing,' blonde beauty Hayley added. Then it was time for Adam to drop his bombshell. Decision time: Farmer Jedd was also faced with the task of eliminating one lovely lady Who will it be? Jedd had enjoyed his time so far with Kerry, Sam and Nicole Farewell: Oyster farmer Jedd, 37, decided it was time to say goodbye to 35-year-old legal secretary Nicole 'The girl that I'm going to ask to leave the farm is Christine,' he said, bidding farewell to the 24-year-old primary school teacher from New South Wales. Like the other farmers, Jedd and Julz had to make some tough calls. Oyster farmer Jedd, 37, decided it was time to say goodbye to 35-year-old legal secretary Nicole. 'I felt something very unique and warm, and you know you're a great person and I know you're a great person but I guess we won't be going any further on our journey,' he told her. Calling it: South Australian Julz had to think about not only a life partner, but a suitable stepmother for his daughter The right fit? Melanie, Megan and Alex awaited Julz's decision Meanwhile, Julz chose to eliminate army reservist and economist Megan. 'Megan and I seemed to gel on a personal level,' South Australian Julz said in a piece-to-camera before adding 'that little piece of the puzzle' just wasn't quite there to make a true romance work. The two farmers who escaped having to eliminate a lady were Lachie and Lance. As they already had two women standing following shock exits from Jessica and Karen last week, the boys had time to simply wine and dine their remaining contestants and enjoy the ride. Ending it: Julz chose to eliminate army reservist and economist Megan Sparks fly: It was no surprise that Julz kept Melanie around after the pair shared a passionate kiss earlier in the episode Lachie shared a one-on-one date with Kelly, after having already spent some time with naturopath Belinda. He decided to pamper provisional psychologist Kelly with a relaxing spa treatment, the session taking place on his very own verandah at his farm in Camden in New South Wales. Meanwhile, Queensland's Farmer Lance treated his two remaining ladies, Lisa and Susie, to a fun shopping spree. The women got decked out in some stylish western attire, before 52-year-old Lance took them to the local indoor rodeo in his home state of Queensland. Trying to impress: Lachie shared a one-on-one date with Kelly, after having already spent quite some time with naturopath Belinda Leaving little to the imagination: The date gave Lachie and Kelly the opportunity to shed their clothes McFly drummer Harry Judd has said IVF is 'an amazing thing' as he and his wife Izzy introduce their first baby to the world. Lola Rose Emma Judd was born on January 25, weighing in at a healthy 8lbs 2oz. She was conceived via IVF following the couple's fertility struggles and pop star Harry said it was 'mind-blowing'. Scroll down for video Happy occasion: McFly drummer Harry Judd has said IVF is 'an amazing thing' as he and his wife Izzy introduce their first baby, Lola Rose Emma to the world During an exclusive interview with Hello! magazine, the 30-year-old opened up about how it feels to be a father. He said: 'Everything we went through was worth it because it has brought us to this moment. IVF is just mind-blowing and such an amazing thing to give us this family. 'You are just floating in a cloud of love. Our wedding day was the best day of my life and this was a similar feeling, but times 10. Sweet: Harry Judd pictured with a pregnant Izzy at the Baby Show at London's Olympia in October 2015 'Being a dad just feels right. It feels quite natural. It is the best thing ever.' Harry met his wife, a former violinist with Britain's Got Talent group Escala, when she appeared as part of the string section on McFly's 2005 concert tour and they were married in 2012. 'It's such a relief when you hear her cry and know she's OK,' Izzy told the publication. 'We first saw Lola as an embryo on a screen. All babies are miracles, but she fought the race.' Self-taught drummer Harry shot to fame when McFly's first single, 5 Colours In Her Hair, went straight to number one in 2004. A year later, Judd and bandmates Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones and Dougie Poynter scooped a Brit Award for best pop act. The star's profile received a huge boost when he won BBC ballroom series Strictly Come Dancing in 2011. Four years later, he returned to the dancefloor and was crowned the winner of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. The Essex-born musician told Hello! that seeing his wife deliver their baby changed his view of her forever. 'I've never been so in love and proud of Izzy. To see your wife going through all that for the greater good, doing it for us and our family, it's just incredible.' Read the full article in Hello! out now. Michelle Bridges appeared to be embracing motherhood as she departed Melbourne on Sunday afternoon, little more than eight weeks after welcoming her first child with partner Steve 'Commando' Willis. The new mother went make-up free as she protectively cradled baby son Axel ahead of a flight back to Sydney with her loved ones. Michelle, 45, kept her features partially hidden beneath a wide-brimmed hat as she made her way across the airport, her two-month old baby safely harnessed to her chest. Scroll down for video Doting: A make-up free Michelle Bridges appeared to be embracing motherhood as she departed Melbourne on Sunday afternoon The bare-faced Biggest Loser star added to a rather low-key look with a denim gilet and fetching leather trousers, while a pair of white Converse trainers rounded things off. Michelle was leaving Melbourne after watching partner Steve take part in a charity cricket match on behalf of the Luke Batty Foundation, and the hunky fitness instructor joined her as they made their way into the departure lounge. Steve was seen gently taking baby Axel from doting Michelle shortly after they checked their luggage. My boy: Michelle, 45, kept her features partially hidden beneath a wide-brimmed hat as she made her way across the airport with partner Steve 'Commando' Willis' daughter Ella, her two-month old baby safely harnessed to her chest She's off: Michelle was leaving Melbourne after watching partner Steve take part in a charity cricket match on behalf of the Luke Batty Foundation Understated: The bare-faced Biggest Loser star added to a rather low-key look with a denim gilet The couple were joined by Ella, six, and three-year old Jack - Steve's two children from a previous relationship with ex-partner Froso. Brianna, his 17-year old daughter from an older relationship, was not present on the day. Their appearance came shortly before Michelle told Nova radio's Fitzy and Wippa that she now involves her nine-week-old son Axel in her workouts. 'I put him on the ground and I do my push ups,' she confessed, adding: 'I put him underneath me and give him a kiss on the way down.' Looking good: The bare-faced Biggest Loser star added to a rather low-key look with a denim gilet and fetching leather trousers, while a pair of white Converse trainers rounded things off In safe hands: Steve was seen gently taking baby Axel from doting Michelle shortly after they checked their luggage It has been a big weekend for Michelle, who announced on Saturday that she has joined The Sunday Telegraph's pull-out magazine Body and Soul as a regular columnist. Michelle took to Instagram on Saturday to announce her new role, as well as unveil the magazine's new cover, which features Michelle striking a sassy pose while pointing one finger at the camera. 'So excited to be joining the amazing Body & Soul team! How much fun!' wrote Michelle in the caption. 'Stay tuned for awesome results driven workouts and a whole lot more! See ya tomorrow! #bodyandsoul.' I've got you: The couple were joined by Ella, six (pictured) and three-year old Jack - Steve's two children from a previous relationship with ex-partner Froso Here they come: The family were seen grappling with Axel's pram shortly after arriving at the airport He was busy showing off his skateboarding skills at the Bowl A Rama competition down at Bondi Beach over the weekend. But after demonstrating his abilities and winning the competition Tony Hawk enjoyed a date night with his wife Catherine. The couple were seen heading to Bondi's Icebergs restaurant on Sunday, skipping the official skate festival after-party taking place at a different venue, to celebrate just the two of them. Scroll down for video Date night: Tony Hawk and his fourth wife Catherine were seen heading to the Icebergs restaurant in Bondi on Sunday evening The 47-year-old skater pro looked suitably smart for the occasion - ditching his shorts and T-shirt for a smart checked shirt and a pair of black trousers. Meanwhile Catherine, who was married to Tony's best friend Matt Goodman for 20 years, dressed in an all black outfit. Tony and Catherine, who began dating in 2011, wed in Ireland in June last year. Smart: The 47-year-old was seen in a black and white checked shirt and a pair of black trousers for the occasion Celebration: Earlier in the day Tony had won a skateboarding competition and the pair went out for dinner to celebrate The couple were accompanied by their children, including Tonys sons Riley, Spencer, Keegan and daughter Kadence Clover form his previous marriage. In February 2011 Tony called filed for divorce from his third wife Lhotse Merriam, and Catherine and her husband Matt announced their split around the same time. But while Tony and Catherine's relationship called have caused friction between the pro skater and his best friend it appears that Matt supports the pair. New love: Catherine is Tony's fourth wife and was previously married to his best friend Matt Goodman In an interview in 2011 shortly after their romance his headlines Matt said: I know people will think it is strange but I'm totally cool with it. 'I had split up with Cathy over a year ago and she started dating Tony about seven months ago.' Matt and Tony have been friends since childhood at one point the pair were business partners. The men, who used to work together making action sport films, were so close that Matt was best man at Tony's previous three weddings. So happy: Tony with his family shortly before his marriage to Catherine in 2015 Awesome: Tony showed off his skills at the skateboarding event in Bondi over the weekend In April 1990, Hawk married Cindy Dunbar, whom he began dating in high school, and the pair's son Riley was born in 1992. The following year the couple split, and in 1996 Tony went on to marry Erin Lee, who used to be his son's nanny. Erin and Tony had two sons together Spencer and Keegan before divorcing in 2004. Two years later Tony wed publicist Lhotse Merriam in Fiji. The pair welcomed their daughter Kadence in 2008 but sadly their marriage crumbled with the pair announcing their divorce in February. She is playing something of a doubting Thomas. But Bryce Dallas Howard's forest ranger character Grace gasps in shock when she finally sees Pete's Dragon in a new trailer for the film released on Sunday. The thrilling moment, in which she seems in as much shock as her father Mr. Meacham, played by Robert Redford, is the emotional climax of the short clip. Howard's end: Bryce's character gasps when she sees Pete's Dragon in the new official trailer Making them green with envy: Pete seems to be having a great time soaring on his pal Elliot's back The scene is set when the flame-haired filly explains to her old man that Pete had been living feral in her forest for six years. Her father, who had long delighted children by telling them about a dragon that lived in the forest, tells her: 'You don't survive in a forest for six years alone.' And, obviously in conflict at the idea he may have been right all along, she admits: 'He says he wasn't alone.' Wood you believe it: Her forest ranger character had always thought her father's stories about the dragon were tall tales Is that Mowgli? Oakes Fegley's Pete bears a striking resemblance to his fellow Disney character He has the bear necessities: He has survived for six years thanks to his giant pal Elliot the dragon Happy Days for her: Ron Howard's daughter probably relished the chance to star in a childhood favourite Pete's Mowgli-like character is shown running around the woods bare-chested and staring wondrously into the sky, though the dragon's big debut is saved for the end of the trailer, when the boy jumps of the edge of a cliff only to be rescued by his reptilian pal. The mysterious 10-year-old has no family and no home and claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliott. There is plenty of other action packed into the short clip, such as Pete seemingly struggling to come to terms with living in the city, and a car chase involving panicked local police. Greystoke The Younger Years: Much like Christopher Lambert's Tarzan, Pete has trouble adjusting to city life Fare dodger: The youngster takes the phrase 'ride the bus' a little to literally For Pete's sake: Hopefully his years jumping from tree to tree make such leaps easy Classic cliche: The police are involved in a typically comical pile-up in another scene The film is a reigning of the classic 1977 part action-cartoon hybrid, and once again features Pete and his his best flying friend, though this time he is rendered in CGI. However it seems much will be different, as the original was set in 1900 instead of the present day, and the titular character flees from his abusive adoptive hillbilly family, who purchase him and treat him like a slave. Disney' latest re-imagining of one of its classic films is due to appear in cinemas on August 12, and also stars Wes Bentley and Karl Urban. Don't do it: It looks all over for the reckless youngster when he decides to jump off a cliff By St George: However it turns out such seemingly suicidal antics are just horseplay between Pete and his pal Exit the dragon: No doubt Elliot has plenty of fun flying maneuvers planned for after the end of the trailer As Taylor Swift herself once said, 'there's a special place in hell for women who don't help other women.' But according to Demi Lovato, you have to be vocal about it too. The two singers appear to be on the cusp of a bizarre feud over how best to help Kesha. Scroll down for video Handbags: Demi Lovato slammed Taylor Swift on Sunday night for silently donating $250k to Kesha... following her own 'women empowerment' Twitter rant On Sunday night it emerged that Swift had donated $250,000 to the Tik Tok singer as a 'show of support', following Friday's court ruling against her to break away from the record producer she had accused of sexually assaulting. Sources close to Kesha told TMZ that the singer is out of cash as a result of her ongoing and very expensive legal battle and not making any records. It's also alleged, according to the website, that Dr. Luke has also been withholding royalties from her leaving her with virtually no income. But just minutes after news broke of Swift's donation, 23-year-old Lovato appeared to post a tweet aimed at the Shake It Off star, slamming her for remaining silent on the issue. 'Take something to Capitol Hill or actually speak out about something and then I'll be impressed,' she wrote. Meow: On Sunday night it emerged that Swift had donated $250,000 to the Tik Tok singer as a 'show of support', following Friday's court ruling against her to break away from the record producer she had accused of sexually assaulting. But just minutes later, 23-year-old Lovato appeared to post a tweet aimed at Swift, slamming her for remaining silent on the issue But when a Taylor Swift Instagram fan account @proudofswift accused Lovato of taking attention from the real issue to bring the spotlight onto a 'new rivalry' between herself and Taylor, Demi lost it. 'How the f**k am I making this about myself? At least I'm talking about it,' she posted, getting embroiled in an argument with the fan moderator, inadvertently confirming in her rage her 'unimpressed' tweet was indeed referring to Swift's silent donation. 'Not everyone has 250k to just give to people. Would love to but I didn't grow up with money and def haven't made as much as her. At least I speak up about s*** that's uncomfortable to talk about rather than trying to be politically correct 24/7. 'There's no "rivalry" I just give more f**ks than other people and would rather start a dialogue ABOUT WOMEN COMING FORWARD ABOUT BEING RAPED than throw money at one person,' she continued. Heartbroken: Kesha, 28, broke down in tears as she left the New York State Supreme Court on Friday after losing her attempt to get an injunction that would effectively free her from her recording contract with Sony The fan account calmly pointed out that kesha's own mother had tweeted her appreciation of Swift's donation, insisting that 'throwing shade' at the Blank Space hitmaker 'just isn't right. 'Didn't shade Taylor. If you take it that way than fine,' Lovato responded. 'I'm just tired of seeing women use "women empowerment" and "feminism" to further brands without actually being the ones that have the uncomfortable conversations. 'I get shade and I don't give a f**k because someone has to be the one to take it. At least I'm getting my hands dirty.' Rant: The night before, Lovato was among the dozens of artists who 'dirtied her hands' by posting their support for Kesha, although none were as impassioned as her epic ten tweet rant. The night before, Lovato was among the dozens of artists who 'dirtied her hands' by posting their support for Kesha, although none were as impassioned as her epic ten tweet rant. While praising Kesha for her bravery, she repeatedly defined 'women empowerment' as 'speaking up for other women even when it's something uncomfortable to speak up about'; 'using your voice to help the voiceless women be heard'; and 'taking action now, not when it's convenient.' She also fired what some are now calling a pre-emptive attack on Swift: 'I'm also ready for self-proclaimed feminists to start speaking out or taking action for women's rights.' On Friday A judge in New York declared that Kesha, 28, must honor her contract with Sony even though she has claimed that producer Dr. Luke had drugged and sexually assaulted her. First strike: She also fired what some are now calling a pre-emptive attack on Swift: 'I'm also ready for self-proclaimed feminists to start speaking out or taking action for women's rights.' Row: But when a Taylor Swift Instagram fan account @proudofswift accused Lovato of taking attention from the real issue to bring the spotlight onto a 'new rivalry' between herself and Taylor, Demi lost it 'Frustrating to see women come forward with their past only to be shot down, not believed & disrespected for their bravery in taking action,' Lovato earlier tweeted. The former Disney actress went on: 'Happens way too often. I'm ready for women to be taken just as seriously as men..' 'Someone tell me why anyone would ever feel brave enough to come forward if they are most likely to be ignored or called a liar?' Dirty hands: Lovato got embroiled in a fight with a Taylor Swift fan account Ouch! She said she was 'tired of seeing women use "women empowerment" and "feminism" to further brands' Kesha had been left in tears after her legal case against Sony and Dr. Luke failed to get her released from a contract to make more records for the label. The artist has said she's fighting to wrestle her career away from hitmaker Dr. Luke - full name Lukasz Gottwald - alleging he had drugged, sexually abused and psychologically tormented her. The producer says Kesha made up that story in an attempt to ruin his reputation to try to weasel out of her recording contract. Hi everyone!: Demi Lovato made an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Friday Millie Mackintosh's reluctance to start a family with husband Professor Green is said to be one of the key factors in their split after two years of marriage. The rapper, 32 - real name Stephen Manderson - was reportedly keen to have children in the near future, which caused 'crazy, explosive rows' with the reality star-turned-fashionista, 26, who wasn't ready to become a mother. A source close to the couple told The Sun newspaper: 'Kids became a big problem. Millie didn't want them any time soon and he did. Scroll down for video Family values: Reports claim Millie Mackintosh and Professor Green's marriage split is down to a disagreement over kids - he wants them, and she doesn't want them 'any time soon' 'It's really sad for Stephen because he's a lovely and sensitive guy who will make a great dad one day. They loved each other but would have these crazy explosive rows.' In a joint statement released at the weekend, the couple - who have been married for two and a half years - said: 'It is with sadness and regret that we confirm our separation. 'It is a mutual decision, we still care deeply about each other and would like it to be known it is on amicable terms and we wish each other well.' 'It is a mutual decision': Millie, 26, and Professor Green, 32, revealed their split at the weekend after two and a half years of marriage Meanwhile a source added of their relationship: 'Its extremely sad that Millie and Stephen have decided to part ways. 'But they have managed to remain on the best of terms throughout their split and they are hopeful they will continue to do so.' Although they have revealed their split, neither has yet filed for divorce. The couple married in 2013 at Babington House, Somerset, in a celebration attended by Lily Allen and other Made In Chelsea stars. Strong bond: Although the pair have always seem strong in the face of adversity, reports claim the fitness buff is not keen to have children yet, although in previous interviews she has claimed otherwise The musician posted on Instagram three weeks ago that they had only spent one day together 'all year'. He said a trip to Florence, Italy, in January was the first time they had spent quality time together in weeks and told The Sun they were 'like ships in the night'. He continued: 'It used to happen when I was touring. You would have a day off and try and have the best day of your life. But then youd just start arguing. That is a relationship. 'The best way is a balance and being really clever with the time you do have together and making the most of that.' Back in 2014, Millie appeared to have a different idea about raising a family, as she confessed in several interviews that she was keen to have children. Beautiful wedding: They tied the knot in a gorgeous ceremony at Babington House in Somerset in 2013 'Could do worse': Manderson recently gushed about how beautiful is wife looked at the Zoolander 2 premiere 'Love': The rapper appeared to be in good spirits last week as he sent positive energy to his followers Speaking in previous chat with the newspaper, she said: 'I want to be a young mum. I'd like to have kids by the time I am 30. 'But I don't want [my children] to be in the spotlight. I don't want them being brought up on a reality show.' The make-up artist-turned-fashion designer also told The Mirror around the same time: 'Weve got names in mind. I wont say them but they are old family names. Traditional but unusual.' Millie stepped out solo at the weekend, rocking a gorgeous golden satin gown at the London Fashion Week Fundraiser, around the same time the news of their split broke. But she remained silent and stoic on the matter of her marriage breakdown, and neither she nor her spouse have spoken about the break-up on their social media channels. MailOnline has contacted representatives for Millie Mackintosh and Professor Green and is awaiting comment. After an impressive acting career to date, Jennifer Garner is ready to unveil her latest cinematic endeavour- Miracles From Heaven, a Christian American adaption of a best-selling memoir. Dressing to impress for her evening in the spotlight, the 43-year-old actress looked simplistically chic in a frilled sleeveless black dress on the red carpet at the film's premiere in Dallas, Texas, on Sunday night. The former Alias star opted for an elegant appearance as she paired the effortless LBD with a pair of strappy black heels. Scroll down for video Keeping it classic: Jennifer Garner looked simplistically chic in a frilled sleeveless black dress on the red carpet at the film's premiere in Dallas, Texas, on Sunday night Complementing her outfit with a toned down make-up look with light smoky eyes and rosebud pink lips, the mother-of-three looked pretty as a picture as she posed up a storm on the red carpet. The brunette beauty plays Christy Beam in the movie - mother of young girl Anna Beam who finds herself miraculously cured from an incurable digestive disorder where she uses feeding tubes to eat, after a near-death experience. The movie is based on the memoir of the same name by author Christy Beam, where she recounts her daughter's experience of visiting heaven and meeting Jesus during her unconsciousness from the life-altering fall. Effortlessly elegant: The 43-year-old actress looked stunning as she showcased her minimalistic look on the red carpet Excited about the project, Jennifer joined the movie's producers DeVon Franklin and Bishop T.D Jakes in a Q & A after the screening. The Texas native radiated a comfortable aura as she was seen laughing and sharing a joke with the men whilst discussing the religious movie. It's been a difficult year for the actress, who announced her split from husband Ben Affleck after 10 years together in June 2015. 'After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce,' the couple said in a joint statement at the time. 'We go forward with love and friendship for one another and a commitment to co-parenting our children whose privacy we ask to be respected during this difficult time.' Having a laugh: The mother of three shared a joke with DeVon Franklin and Bishop T.D Jakes, the movie's producers as they attended a panel discussion Attentive: The Texas native radiated a comfortable aura as she was seen laughing and sharing a joke with the men whilst discussing the religious movie The couple have managed to stay close for the sake of their children - Violet, 10, Seraphina, seven, and Samuel, three. Recently a source told People Magazine that she is now considerably happier than last year. The insider said: 'She's been able to focus on herself. She made an effort to start the year fresh, and she is having a good year so far. She doesn't find her private life ideal, but she has accepted it.' In the trailer for Miracles From Heaven, the natural beauty is seen put through her paces as a desperate mother at her wits end. Heartbreaking: The brunette beauty plays Christy Beam in the movie - mother of young girl Anna Beam who finds herself miraculously cured from an incurable digestive disorder after a near-death experience Cause for concern: Martin Henderson, 41, portrays Jennifer's husband in the film The trailer brings to life the real life dramatic event of her daughter Anna being admitted to hospital where doctors state no cure for her incurable digestive disease. The sneak peek goes on to showcase little Anna falling from a tree, where she is yet again rushed to hospital and miraculously survives. 'You're telling me that when this baby girl fell 30 feet, she hit her head just right and it didnt kill her and it didnt paralyze her? It healed her?,' Garner questions the medics. The trailer comes to an enlightening end with Anna telling her mother upon her awakening that she was told she would be okay with Christy dubiously asking: 'Who told you that you'd be fine?' 'Who told you that you'd be fine?': The trailer ended before Anna could respond to her mother's question She threw a hissy fit when she was told that she would be covered in muck on Monday night's episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! But after taking on the challenge and being covered in buffalo manure, molasses and feathers diva Laurina Fleure exposed her cleavage in a leopard print bra after bailing on the tucker trial challenge. The 31-year-old former Bachelor star showcased her impressive decolletage in the sweltering heat as she flounced around in the padded and lacey animal print underwear. Scroll down for video Busting out: Diva Laurina Fleure to flaunted her cleavage in a leopard print bra after bailing on the tucker trial challenge on Monday night's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here Whipping it off: The 31-year-old former Bachelor star showcased her impressive decolletage in the sweltering heat Seconds earlier she had yelled 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' as she failed to push through and complete the challenge. She had protested from the start of the challenge which had successfully been completed by Paul Harragon and Havana Brown for stars to earn their meals. 'I don't want to do it, it's disgusting,' the former Bachelor star whined at her campmates. Egged on by fellow Havana and Paul, she eventually threw herself into the challenge, declaring afterwards: 'I had s**t poured over my head'. Giving up: The reality star bailed from the challenge and quickly removed her shirt which was covered in all sorts of smelly muck Disgusting: She was covered in molasses, feathers and buffalo manure and declared afterwards, 'I had s**t poured over my head' The 31-year-old caved under the pressure as she was covered in manure, molasses and feathers and bailed out of the challenge. As she squirmed her way out of her mucky vest she showed off the wild animal print bra that she was wearing underneath. She was covered in muck and struggled at first to whip off the tight vest which was now filthy and sticky. 'I don't want to do it, it's disgusting:' Laurina whined at her campmates Not happy: Despite bailing out of the challenge and missing out on food stars for the camp Laurina appeared more upset that she was so dirty With feathers and thick black molasses through her hair she was seen looking very unimpressed, while the other contestants put on a brave face. She was the only contestant to bail out of the challenge which means less meals for the camp members over the coming week. It appears that although she entered into the show, which involves getting filthy and adjusting to life with the bare necessities, she isn't coping. In the episode which aired on Sunday night she made a list of demands in the diary room for beauty products insisting her skin was struggling in the elements. Advertisement Alexa Chung has long been a fan of print powerhouse Erdem so it was only right she led the celebrity arrivals to the unveiling of the Canadian designer's latest collection at London Fashion Week on Monday. While the brand is famed for its use of pretty petal prints, the London IT girl threw caution to the wind by slipping into a feminine frock which was rendered in delicate white lace for the show which was held at The Old Selfridges Hotel. Alexa, 32, was in good company as she enjoyed a catch up with fellow Fashion Week frequenter Daisy Lowe while making friends with relative front row newcomer Dianna Agron as the trio secured the best seats in the house. Scroll down for video Lovely in lace: Alexa Chung led the celebrity arrivals to Erdem's London Fashion Week show at The Old Selfridges Hotel on Monday, dressed in a ladylike lace frock The style pin-up - who boasts two collections herself - concealed her famously thin frame in the one-piece which was A-line in design and reached below her knees. The delicate frock was also sleeveless and featured pretty frill details while the main was jazzed up with thin black trims. Alexa stayed true to form by keeping her look low-key with a pair of flat patent leather boots while the only accessory she needed was her smart phone to capture snapshots of the show on. Her make-up was mostly fresh-faced with light pink blusher flushing her cheeks while she fully embraced the bushy-brow trend. She scrimped on eye make-up and slicked a gloss across her lips. FROW friends: Alexa, 32, Dianna Agron (centre) and Daisy Lowe (second right) made for one trendy trio as they secured the best seats in the house, alongside Laura Haddock (right) and model-DJ Harley Viera-Newton (left) Seizing the opportunity: Although the style pin-up stepped out to support one of her favourite designers, she made sure to represent her yet-to-be-released Marks & Spencer collection by throwing a khaki trench coat from it over her delicate dress Suitably styled: The IT girl stayed true to form by dressing down the Victorian-inspired one-piece with a pair of flat leather boots - the perfect choice for stomping from show to show Vintage vixen: The fashion designer's feminine frock was midi in length, exposing a glimpse of her tanned calves, while the main was jazzed up with thin black trims Giggling with the girls: Alexa, Dianna and Daisy put on an animated display as they waited for the first model to appear on the catwalk Prim and proper: The London Fashion Week elite showed the reality-star fashion fans how it's done as there was barley any flesh on show on the front row Breathe in: It was quite the squeeze on the FROW as Alexa, Dianna, Daisy and Arizona Muse were shoulder-to-shoulder with one another Styling out a selfie: John Taylor's daughter Atlanta De Cadenet shamelessly snapped a self-portrait with Harley and Alexa Print power: Canadian designer Erdem Moraloglu - who is famed for his floral patterns - continued to experiment with prints, fabrics and silhouettes Fashionable friends: Alexa and Dianna chatted while Daisy listened in ahead of the unveiling of the fashion house's Autumn/Winter '16 collection While Alexa had stepped out to support one of her favourite designers, she seized the opportunity to showcase a creation of her own as she threw a khaki mac coat from her yet-to-be-released collection with Marks & Spencer over her prim and proper dress. Although there was no denying she was perfectly put-together, Dianna Agron gave her a run for her money in an equally ladylike number which was the ideal choice for flattering her trim form. The 29-year-old American actress made quite the impact in a pale blue midi dress which was emblazoned with an intricate floral design and featured a tiered skirt. Flower power: Dianna Agron made quite the impact as she arrived at the famed venue, dressed in a gorgeous printed gown which was tiered in design Friends in high places: She provided herself with a layer of warmth with a pair of white blazer wool coat as she stopped for a picture with fashion editor Derek Blasberg Pretty as a petal: Laura Carmichael too favoured a flirty floral-printed frock which skimmed her slender calves Mixing it up: The Downton Abbey actress toughened up the green silk gown with a black leather biker jacket Laura Carmichael too favoured a flirty floral-printed frock which was mostly bottle green and decorated with red and pink designs. The Downton Abbey actress toughened up the silk gown with a black leather biker jacket and a pair of backless and lace-up stiletto shoes. Also in attendance were Daisy Lowe and Laura Haddock who had made quick outfit changes after having stole the style limelight at Antonio Berardi's show two hours previous. One print just won't do: Daisy Lowe changed out of the muted look she sported earlier on in the day and into a floral-printed dress and a striped fur coat Taking style inspo from Disney? The 26-year-old's monochrome cover-up had an air of Cruella de Vill to it Signature style: Daisy stayed true to form by offering her girly dress a sexy edge with a pair of lace-up knee-high leather boots Fashion Week frequenter: The London-born model was sat next to Arizona Muse and Laura Haddock whom she sat alongside at a show earlier in the day The London model proved one print wouldn't do as she clashed a form-fitting black dress, which was emblazoned with patches of silk applique, with a white and black striped fur coat. She sexed up her latest look with a pair of lace-up knee-high boots - the same ones she sported to a show earlier in the day. Meanwhile, Laura, 30, continued to favour a muted colour palette and slipped into a black jacquard coat which concealed her choice of outfit. Fashion darling Arizona Muse too put on a stunning display as she too opted for all black. The well-connected model arrived at the venue dressed in a black fur coat which she took off to unveil a sparkling halter-neck dress. After witnessing the new wares of Erdem, many of the stars headed to Burberry's star-studded showcase. Black is the new black: Laura, 30, continued to favour a muted colour palette and slipped into a black jacquard coat which concealed her choice of outfit Less is more: The Hunger Games star played it safe as she toned down her dress code in comparison to the rest of the attendees Colin Fassnidge's social media pages are peppered with pictures of animal carcasses thanks to his career as a chef. And after the My Kitchen Rules star last year came under fire, and apologised, for sharing images of hunted kangaroos online, Colin has defended his antics once again to The Herald Sun. The restaurant owner told the publication people must understand where the food on their plate comes from, saying: 'Food doesn't come in a cellophane packet in a supermarket - not at my house, anyway.' Scroll down for video Defying critics: My Kitchen Rules star Colin Fassnidge has defended sharing pictures of animal carcasses to his social media pages last year, which saw him attacked by animal rights' activists Talking about the kangaroo pictures that caused controversy last year, Colin said the pictures were taken 'on a hunting trip with a licensed farmer on his land. 'The photos were a bit graphic ... but then we ate [the kangaroo],' he said. In June, Colin apologised after he was slammed for sharing gruesome images of dead kangaroos to his Instagram account, which boasts more than 33,000 followers. Slammed: Colin caused controversy after posting a series of kangaroo hunting images to Instagram. This one captioned 'dinner' has since been removed The celebrity chef's pictures showed two dead kangaroos with the caption 'dinner'. Colin himself is seen grinning broadly as he displayed shotguns shells dangling from an ammunition belt that he wore during a night-time shoot. 'Without reservation, Colin Fassnidge apologises to anyone offended by images recently posted on his Instagram,' a statement from a Network Seven spokeswoman said. 'It was never his intention to cause any distress.' The statement, provided to Daily Mail Australia at the time, explains that Colin was 'working with a group of chefs at a food and wine event in country NSW when the pictures were taken. Prepared: Donning shotguns, bullet belts and large grins, the hunting party appeared to enjoy the hunt Graphic: The images show Colin and his fellow hunting buddy holding a modern hunting rifle Backtracking: The image of the slaughtered kangaroos was captioned 'dinner...' before it was removed It stated: ' In the evening the farmer took a smaller group of chefs to observe responsible farming practises - that included managing an overpopulation of rabbits, foxes and kangaroos. 'Colin is committed to sustainable farming practices and encourages all chefs to adopt the nose to tail philosophy in their work.' Four of the images - including the most graphic ones showing dead animals - were since taken down. Other photos, which are eerily lit by hand-held torches, show two men inspecting dead animals. Checking out the animals: The photos show Colin and his unidentified friend inspecting the deceased animals with flashlights The photo of the shotgun shells in the belt was captioned: 'I got amo !' The Dublin-born chef has opened two exclusive Sydney restaurants since arriving in Australia in 1999. He's been the head chef of The Four in Hand Dining Room in Paddington since October 2005, transforming the pub into a two hatted restaurant. In May 2012, Colin opened 4Fourteen in Surry Hills which has already established itself as a dining hotspot in Sydney. Both restaurants have adopted Fassnidge's 'nose to tail' philosophy as he encourages chefs to cook and consume the entire beast. Opinionated: Colin also commented on one of the posts saying ' sad to see from a city boy.... Shot by a farmer and cooked next week' What he wrote: 'Hard for a city boy to see... But it's [sic] food and used up by us [sic]' another comment read Made some uncomfortable: Four of the six photos have since been removed from Instagram, presumably due to their controversial nature Controversial: In one photo, Colin's friend can be seen laughing as he takes aim Hard at work: The Dublin-born chef has opened two exclusive Sydney restaurants since arriving in Australia in 1999 We're used to seeing model Shanina Shaik strip down to her lingerie when she models for Victoria's Secret. But on Monday, the 25-year-old left little to the imagination when she posed topless in her latest social media snap. Sharing the image to her Instagram account, where she counts more than 667,000 followers, the Australian star poses in a mirror and covers her modesty with her hand. Scroll down for video Leaving little to the imagination! Australian model Shanina Shaik poses topless in her latest Instagram snap In the picture, Shanina appears to be wearing nude bikini briefs and showcases a golden tan. The clotheshorse - who hails from Melbourne - appears to be makeup free and wears her dark brunette locks pulled off her face and pulled into a tight bun. She appears to be standing in a hotel room in the snap she captions: 'I'm ready for summer.' No stranger to showing some skin! We're used to seeing Shanina Shaik strip down to her lingerie when she models for Victoria's Secret and is seen here on set for the brand recently The post comes after the New York-based beauty revealed on Snapchat on Sunday that she had sprained her ankle while taking her pet pooch Choppa for a walk in New York. She didn't let the injury deter her from working out and said online that she would still do some ab exercises. 'No working out for me today. I sprained my ankle,' Shanina said. 'Woke up, took Chops for a walk and hmm. But you know what, I can do a lot of ab work, so it's not that bad.' She is believed to be in South Africa at the moment for work, having revealed on Snapchat that she was flying out on Monday morning for the destination. 'The amazing thing about my job, it can take you anywhere in an instant,' she said in the clip, noting she would also miss her fiance DJ Ruckus while away. Looks painful! The post comes after the New York-based beauty revealed on Snapchat on Sunday that she had sprained her ankle while taking her pet pooch Choppa for a walk in New York Advertisement She recently split from her long-term love Louis Smith. Yet Lucy Mecklenburgh was taking her split in her stride as she stepped out at the star-studded Aspinal show at the luxury Claridge's Hotel in London on Monday. The 24-year-old former TOWIE star went for a dressed-down yet super-stylish in light wash jeans and a mustard overcoat as she joined stars including Rosie Fortescue, Lucy Watson and Katie Piper. Scroll down for video Great jeans: Lucy Mecklenburgh was taking her split in her stride as she stepped out at the star-studded Aspinal show in London on Monday Denim diva: Lucy showed off her flawless style credentials and her sensational figure in her skin-tight distressed jeans which featured a light wash and ripped knees Lucy showed off her flawless style credentials and sensational figure in her skin-tight distressed jeans which featured a light wash and ripped knees. She tucked a white T-shirt into the waistband with the word 'Luxe' emblazoned upon the chest in black lettering as she exposed the fact that she appeared to go braless for her day out. The statement element to the look was her mustard yellow coat with a wide-brimmed collar. The reality starlet-turned-fitness guru accessorised with a chain-strap black handbag which coordinated with her monochrome geometric heels. Forgotten something? She tucked a white T-shirt into the waistband with the word 'Luxe' emblazoned upon the chest in black lettering and she appeared to go braless for her day out Cutting the mustard: The 24-year-old former TOWIE star went for a dressed down yet super stylish in light wash jeans and a mustard overcoat as she joined stars including Rosie Fortescue and Katie Piper Lucy wore her lustrous brunette locks in a glossy blow-dry while her make-up was typically pristine and flawless. It was a meeting of reality minds at the star-studded show as Made In Chelsea stars Rosie Fortescue and Hugo Taylor also an appearance. Sunglasses designer Hugo was flaunting his newly-dyed shock of blonde hair, while rocking trendy round lens sunglasses with a stylish three piece suit. Made In Fashion: It was a meeting of reality minds at the star-studded show as Made In Chelsea stars Rosie Fortescue and Hugo Taylor also an appearance Uh-oh! In a near fashion faux pas, fellow MIC alumni Ashley James (right) sported a near identical ensemble to Rosie Fortescue although the former's was looser-fitting and paired with trainers Rosie looked stunning in a sheer lace gown with a charcoal suede jacket draped over her shoulders. In a near fashion faux pas, fellow MIC alumni Ashley James sported a near identical ensemble although hers was looser-fitting and paired with trainers. Yet another gaggle of Made In Chelsea stars arrived in the form of Lucy Watson, her boyfriend James Dunmore and her sister Lucy Watson. Lucy wore a stylish white and yellow floral coat with the bizarre addition of beige trousers paired with a black polo neck and black ankle boots. Family day out: Yet another gaggle of Made In Chelsea stars arrived in the form of Lucy Watson, her sister Tiffany and her boyfriend James Dunmore Stylish: Lucy wore a stylish white and yellow floral coat with the bizarre addition of beige trousers paired with a black polo neck and black ankle boots Bizarre ensemble: Lucy's outfit (left) comprised of a host of different styles and colours as she left the bash Tiffany looked classic in a monochrome, striped prom-style skirt with a black Bardot top tucked in while James went for his classic rugged, hunky look. Zoe Hardman stuck with the denim look favoured by many on the day, as she paired her jeans with a white pussybow blouse and a striking fitted jacket. TV presenter Katie Piper looked incredibly stylish in a black and white striped top with black trousers and black pointed heels, while her brunette tresses were worn in a bouncy blow-dry. Brian McFadden's ex-wife Vogue Williams kept things casual in distressed jeans and black lace-up heels while she topped off the look with a navy overcoat and soft blue jumper. Monochrome: TV presenter Katie Piper looked incredibly stylish in a black and white striped top with black trousers and black pointed heels, while her brunette tresses were worn in a bouncy blow-dry She has no qualms about showing off her famously curvy figure in a skimpy bikini. And it's clear Coco Austin's body confidence is no recent development - with the reality star sharing a throwback picture of herself at 19. Dressed in a very 80s high cut bikini - featuring skimpy yellow panels surrounded by black ribbons - the then 19-year-old highlights her hourglass figure in a pair of black heels. Standing behind the wires of a cage before a fight, grinning Coco holds aloft a sign. Scroll down for video 'Blast from the past!' Coco Austin is a bikini-clad 'ring girl' as she shares throwback picture of herself at a cage fight aged just 19 Tweeting to her followers, Coco wrote: 'Blast from the past. 'I was a ring girl for cage fighting back in the day, before UFC started! 'I was 19 here in '98. It's not the best pic but so glad I found this.' Still suits her! Coco rocks a similar bikini style in a more recent Instagram photo, taken before she fell pregnant with daughter Chanel Now 36, Coco still loves to show off her body as much as she did at 19. Indeed she posed in a waist trainer just last week, cuddling her baby daughter. Coco and her husband, rapper Ice-T, welcomed their first child together in November. The couple are obviously besotted with little Chanel, who even has her own Instagram page. Back in shape: Coco shared this snap of herself in waist trainer with Chanel last week; she gave birth in November and has lost all her baby weight The outspoken blonde recently revealed to Us Weekly that she has almost lost all of her baby weight since giving birth. In fact, she now believes she is 'too skinny'. 'I don't like being this skinny,' she told the publication. 'I like being thick. But this is the one time in my life that I don't give a damn about my body.' 'Shopping for Chanel': The proud mother and her daughter pose in a store last month What a cutie! Chanel captioned this snap 'my little goofball' The reality star gained just 13 pounds while pregnant, which she says her doctor put down to her fit and active lifestyle. This isn't the first time Coco has shared a throwback to her younger years. Last month it was a throwback photo of herself on the cover of her very first magazine at age 18. '#TB My first mag cover!' Coco, 36, captioned the bikini-clad snap. 'Wow look at them roots! I was 18 here in '97 This is when I slowly started dyeing my hair blonde. 'I called it Peanut Butter back then..This was taken in Greece.' 'My first mag cover': Coco Austin shared a throwback photo of herself earlier this year, modelling on her very first magazine cover at age 18 She welcomed her second son five months ago. And after adapting to the change in her family, Samia Ghadie, 33, seemed ready to focus on the next big life event she has planned, her wedding. The Coronation Street star - who got engaged to her beau Sylvain Longchambon last May - seemed to be full of joy as she soaked up the atmosphere of the Manchester Wedding Show on Monday, no doubt taking away some tips for her big day. Scroll down for video Here comes the bride! Samia Ghadie, 33, seemed to be full of joy as she soaked up the atmosphere of the Manchester Wedding Show on Monday ahead of her wedding to beau Sylvain Longchambon Beaming as she checked out the bridal bouquets and flower arranging stalls, the star seemed in her element. Radiating with the glow of new motherhood, Samia - who gave birth to son Yves Joseph last September - showed off her slim post-baby figure in a little black dress. Flaring out at the waist, the knitted dress perfectly suited her hourglass figure. Yummy mummy! Radiating with the glow of new motherhood, Samia - who gave birth to son Yves Joseph last September - showed off her slim post-baby figure in a little black dress Flower power! Beaming as she checked out the bridal bouquets and flower arranging stalls, the star seemed in her element as she peered out beneath her blunt fringe Leaving her caramel coloured locks loose and tousled, the star was a vision of beauty as she peered out beneath her blunt fringe. Sporting a neutral make-up palette, she accentuated her soft features with a subtle sweep of bronzer, adding a slick of rosy gloss to her plump pout. Seeming in good spirits, Samia looked full of energy despite just coming off from the set of Coronation Street, where she had returned to work following six months of maternity leave. Natural beauty! Sporting a neutral make-up palette, she accentuated her soft features with a subtle sweep of bronzer, adding a slick of rosy gloss to her plump pout Happily ever after: Samia and Sylvia met in 2013 after being paired together on Dancing On Ice have been inseparable ever since and became engaged last year and welcomed their first child together Once on the cobbles, Samia wrapped up warm against the Manchester chill in a cream coloured coat and black jeans whilst filming her first scenes. Diving right in to a controversial storyline, her character Maria has returned from charity work in Cyprus with a young refugee. Her onscreen boyfriend Luke, played by Dean Fagan, stops by to surprise her with flowers only to discover she's spending time with her new boyfriend. Luke is then seen leaving the restaurant with the bouquet still in hand. Viewers will have to follow the storyline on ITV to see how the love triangle plays out. See more Coronation Street spoilers, teasers and updates on the stars Back to work: Samia Ghadie looked more than ready to get back into the swing of things as she returned to Coronation Street on Monday after maternity leave Fabulous figure: Samia wrapped up warm against the Manchester chill in a cream coloured coat and black jeans whilst filming her first scenes after a six month break Working mum: It's her first return to the soap's cobbles since welcoming her second child, son Yves Joseph, last September In terms of losing her baby weight, the brunette beauty applauded her ice-skating fiance Sylvain in last week's issue of Ok! Magazine for her successful weight loss after giving birth. 'Sylvain came up with an exercise plan as I havent got a clue. Hes got me in shape for my Corrie comeback,' of training you,' she revealed. 'What I really like is that because hes a trained skater and athlete, he has different ways. 'Sylvain never pushes me too much. If I dont want to do it, I dont do it. But I always do feel better when I exercise.' Juicy plot: Diving right in to a controversial storyline, her character Maria has returned from charity work in Cyprus with a young refugee The pair who met in 2013 after being paired together on Dancing On Ice have been inseparable ever since and became engaged last year. Were getting excited but we want the day just to reflect us as a couple.' she continued. 'Its going to be relaxed and a great party for everyone. I dont think Im going to turn into bridezilla! She's blooming back! Her onscreen boyfriend Luke, played by Dean Fagan, stops by to surprise her with flowers only to discover she's spending time with her new boyfriend Heather Maltman has launched a furious tirade across social media after being served with an enormous bill by her mobile phone provider. The former Bachelor contestant shared a lengthy missive against Australian mobile network Optus upon discovering she was required to pay an eye-watering $1,036.35 - the result of hefty data roaming charges incurred in South Africa, where she is currently working on the second series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Taking to Instagram, a disgruntled Heather slammed her phone provider for applying the unnecessary charges after she organised a cost-effective 'travel pack' with the company prior to her departure in January. Scroll down for video Not happy: Heather Maltman has launched a furious tirade across social media after being served with an enormous bill by her mobile phone provider 'The absolute disappointment I feel from the lack of consistency from your team while I have been filming in South Africa is beyond a joke,' she wrote alongside a snap of her itemised bill. Despite receiving a full refund, the 29-year old claimed their error had resulted in her being unable to use her phone while filming at South Africa's sprawling Kruger National Park. She added: 'Thank you for at least rectifying each issue AFTER I pointed it out to your team, however it doesn't fix the fact that you have put me in a position where I am now uncontactable while overseas, until I can work out another solution. On the warpath: The former Bachelor contestant shared a length missive against Australian mobile network Optus upon discovering she was required to pay an eye-watering $1,036.35 'I have been a really good customer on the same number for years. very upset that your company could careless about the predicament you have left me with (sic).' Heather revealed the problem stemmed from being offered a travel pack that could not be used in South Africa, and slammed the Optus customer service team for their inability to offer an immediate solution. 'I wonder how many other people you treat like this, and get away with it because they do not have the means to step forward and shine a light on the issue,' she continued. Busy girl: The brunette is filming a spin-off show for the latest series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! alongside popular comedian Joel Creasey in South Africa's sprawling Kruger National Park 'I feel ripped off, cheated, and like my situation doesn't matter to you. Thank you for making it clear that my patronage to your services mean nothing as you are clearly too big a company to worry about my silly phone account.' Heather's stinging rebuke comes as she spends an extended period of time away from actor boyfriend Andrew Steel, who remains in Sydney while she works in South Africa. Advertisement Keira Knightley made sure she was the star of the show as she attended the Erdem LFW wrap party in association with Selfridges on Monday night with her husband James Righton. The 30-year-old British actress looked incredible in a vintage-style sequin dress which stopped just above the ankle and had a flower design running throughout. The high-necked detail of the outfit gave it a classy finish and it had a cross-shaped design at the tummy. Instead of heels, the mother-of-one opted for a pair of simple ankle boots as she smiled for the camera. Scroll down for video So in love: Keira Knightley made sure she was the star of the show as she attended the Erdem LFW wrap party in association with Selfridges on Monday night with her husband James Righton Stunning: The 30-year-old actress looked incredible in a vintage-style sequin dress which stopped just above the ankle and had a flower design running throughout. The high-necked detail of the outfit gave it a classy finish and it had a cross-shaped design at the tummy She looked more loved up than ever as she cosied up to her man, on hand for DJing duties, who looked rather dashing himself in a black blazer worn over skinny black jeans. He had his locks styled a little longer with flicks going throughout the front - and the pair also caught up with the high end designer himself, Erdem Moralioglu. Also present was Natalie Massenet, of Net-A-Porter fame, and she looked incredible in a frilly coat worn with luxurious gold slingback heels. His main muse? Keira caught up with the high end designer himself, Erdem Moralioglu at the event Firm friends: The trio appeared to be getting along rather nicely as they celebrated what has been a busy day - the star-studded Erdem catwalk show was held earlier Sweet: Keira and James stayed close to one another throughout the night as they mingled with the guests The bash took place on the set of the Erdem Autumn/Winter 2016 London Fashion Week show following the main event earlier in the day. Designed in collaboration with Robin Brown, the set provided the perfect backdrop for the evenings celebrations. Upon arrival, waiters served champagne and specially created Ciroc cocktails, and treated to DJ sets from James and Nicola Robinson. Sexy: The gorgeous pair smouldered as they remained posed for snaps against a dimly lit background Gorgeous: Natalie looked fashion forward in her metallic ensemble as she let her hair down at the event (left) while model and blogger Doina Ciobanu went for a floral design (right) Earlier in the day, Alexa Chung, who has long been a fan of print powerhouse Erdem, led the celebrity arrivals to the unveiling of the Canadian designer's latest collection at London Fashion Week on Monday. While the brand is famed for its use of pretty petal prints, the London IT girl threw caution to the wind by slipping into a feminine frock which was rendered in delicate white lace for the show which was held at The Old Selfridges Hotel. Alexa, 32, was in good company as she enjoyed a catch up with fellow Fashion Week frequenter Daisy Lowe while making friends with relative front row newcomer Dianna Agron as the trio secured the best seats in the house. Lovely in lace: Alexa Chung led the celebrity arrivals to Erdem's London Fashion Week show at The Old Selfridges Hotel on Monday, dressed in a ladylike lace frock The style pin-up - who boasts two collections herself - concealed her famously thin frame in the one-piece which was A-line in design and reached below her knees. The delicate frock was also sleeveless and featured pretty frill details while the main was jazzed up with thin black trims. Alexa stayed true to form by keeping her look low-key with a pair of flat patent leather boots while the only accessory she needed was her smart phone to capture snapshots of the show on. Her make-up was mostly fresh-faced with light pink blusher flushing her cheeks while she fully embraced the bushy-brow trend. She scrimped on eye make-up and slicked a gloss across her lips. FROW friends: Alexa, 32, Dianna Agron (centre) and Daisy Lowe (second right) made for one trendy trio as they secured the best seats in the house, alongside Laura Haddock (right) and model-DJ Harley Viera-Newton (left) Seizing the opportunity: Although the style pin-up stepped out to support one of her favourite designers, she made sure to represent her yet-to-be-released Marks & Spencer collection by throwing a khaki trench coat from it over her delicate dress Suitably styled: The IT girl stayed true to form by dressing down the Victorian-inspired one-piece with a pair of flat leather boots - the perfect choice for stomping from show to show Vintage vixen: The fashion designer's feminine frock was midi in length, exposing a glimpse of her tanned calves, while the main was jazzed up with thin black trims Giggling with the girls: Alexa, Dianna and Daisy put on an animated display as they waited for the first model to appear on the catwalk Prim and proper: The London Fashion Week elite showed the reality-star fashion fans how it's done as there was barley any flesh on show on the front row Breathe in: It was quite the squeeze on the FROW as Alexa, Dianna, Daisy and Arizona Muse were shoulder-to-shoulder with one another Styling out a selfie: John Taylor's daughter Atlanta De Cadenet shamelessly snapped a self-portrait with Harley and Alexa Print power: Canadian designer Erdem Moraloglu - who is famed for his floral patterns - continued to experiment with prints, fabrics and silhouettes Fashionable friends: Alexa and Dianna chatted while Daisy listened in ahead of the unveiling of the fashion house's Autumn/Winter '16 collection While Alexa had stepped out to support one of her favourite designers, she seized the opportunity to showcase a creation of her own as she threw a khaki mac coat from her yet-to-be-released collection with Marks & Spencer over her prim and proper dress. Although there was no denying she was perfectly put-together, Dianna Agron gave her a run for her money in an equally ladylike number which was the ideal choice for flattering her trim form. The 29-year-old American actress made quite the impact in a pale blue midi dress which was emblazoned with an intricate floral design and featured a tiered skirt. Flower power: Dianna Agron made quite the impact as she arrived at the famed venue, dressed in a gorgeous printed gown which was tiered in design Friends in high places: She provided herself with a layer of warmth with a pair of white blazer wool coat as she stopped for a picture with fashion editor Derek Blasberg Pretty as a petal: Laura Carmichael too favoured a flirty floral-printed frock which skimmed her slender calves Mixing it up: The Downton Abbey actress toughened up the green silk gown with a black leather biker jacket Laura Carmichael too favoured a flirty floral-printed frock which was mostly bottle green and decorated with red and pink designs. The Downton Abbey actress toughened up the silk gown with a black leather biker jacket and a pair of backless and lace-up stiletto shoes. Also in attendance were Daisy Lowe and Laura Haddock who had made quick outfit changes after having stole the style limelight at Antonio Berardi's show two hours previous. One print just won't do: Daisy Lowe changed out of the muted look she sported earlier on in the day and into a floral-printed dress and a striped fur coat Taking style inspo from Disney? The 26-year-old's monochrome cover-up had an air of Cruella de Vill to it Signature style: Daisy stayed true to form by offering her girly dress a sexy edge with a pair of lace-up knee-high leather boots Fashion Week frequenter: The London-born model was sat next to Arizona Muse and Laura Haddock whom she sat alongside at a show earlier in the day The London model proved one print wouldn't do as she clashed a form-fitting black dress, which was emblazoned with patches of silk applique, with a white and black striped fur coat. She sexed up her latest look with a pair of lace-up knee-high boots - the same ones she sported to a show earlier in the day. Meanwhile, Laura, 30, continued to favour a muted colour palette and slipped into a black jacquard coat which concealed her choice of outfit. Fashion darling Arizona Muse too put on a stunning display as she too opted for all black. The well-connected model arrived at the venue dressed in a black fur coat which she took off to unveil a sparkling halter-neck dress. After witnessing the new wares of Erdem, many of the stars headed to Burberry's star-studded showcase. Black is the new black: Laura, 30, continued to favour a muted colour palette and slipped into a black jacquard coat which concealed her choice of outfit Less is more: The Hunger Games star played it safe as she toned down her dress code in comparison to the rest of the attendees As a bikini blogger, she spends most of her life parading her enviable assets in skimpy swimwear in exotic locations all around the world. So it's not surprising that Natasha Oakley decided to put on a busty display whilst attending London Fashion Week on Monday. Looking decidedly chic as she attended the Antonio Berardi Autumn Winter 2016 runway show, the 25-year-old squeezed her curves into a fitted black dress by the designer which featured a very plunging neckline. Scroll down for video Taking the plunge! Natasha Oakley put on a busty display whilst attending London Fashion Week on Monday Despite flashing her cleavage, the Australian beauty displayed her more demure side in the garment which featured long, ruffled sleeves and a hem finishing below the knee. Natasha looked the picture of elegance in the conservative outfit which boasted a white peplum vest to highlight her famous hourglass figure. She left her accessories to a minimum, as she slung a black chain detailed bag over one shoulder and added just a lone silver bangle. Famous assets: Natasha looked decidedly chic as she attended the Antonio Berardi Autumn Winter 2016 runway show in a fitted black dress by the designer which featured a very plunging neckline Fashion darling: Perching atop a pair of strappy black heels, the Sydney-born star sat front row at the show alongside a number of fashion's elite Her golden locks were slicked back off her face into a sleek low bun, while a slick of light pink lipstick completed her fashionista look. Perching atop a pair of strappy black heels, the Sydney-born star sat front row at the show alongside a number of fashion's elite. While at the stylish event, Natasha posed up a storm alongside London fashion blogger Doina Ciobanu. Her new best friend? While at the stylish event, Natasha posed up a storm alongside London fashion blogger Doina Ciobanu Flawless: Natasha styled golden locks back off her face into a sleek low bun, while a slick of light pink lipstick completed her fashionista look On Wednesday, Natasha announced her website A Bikini A Day had reached 600,000 followers on Instagram. Taking to the photo-sharing app, Natasha reflected on the last three years which have seen her launch into global fame through the fashion blog. The Sydney-born beauty also paid tribute to LA-born pal Devin Brugman, 25, with whom she co-founded the website back in 2012. She wrote: 'More than 3 years of wearing a bikini everyday. So excited to see @ABIKINIADAY reach 600K. 'Thank you to everyone who has followed us from day one and everyone who has supported us since! P.S Love you @devinbrugman X,' Natasha concluded. Celebrating in style: Natasha posted this sizzling snap on Instagram on Wednesday to celebrate her blog A Bikini A Day reaching 600,000 social media followers in three years Dynamic duo: The Sydney-born beauty also paid tribute to LA-born pal Devin Brugman, 25, with whom she co-founded the website back in 2012 After finding success in the bikini business with both their blog and swimwear line, Natasha and Devin are now setting their sights on activewear. No strangers to working out themselves, the pair's soon-to-be launched line looks set to feature a collection of sport crops and leggings. Opening up about her workout routine recently, Natasha explained that she keeps herself in shape by doing '200 sit-ups a day'. The beauty, who travels the world to shoot photos for her blog, told SporteLuxe that her 'workout varies depending on where I am in the world'. 'In LA, I love to do a late morning hike (after emails) or a sunset run/work out circuit or yoga session. In Sydney I love to run the Bronte to Bondi and do a circuit,' she said. Expanding horizons: The pair are currently preparing to launch their debut activewear range 50 IS fighters killed in Syria regime Aleppo advance: monitor At least 50 Islamic State group fighters have been killed in the last 24 hours in an advance by Syrian government forces east of Aleppo city, a monitor said Sunday. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the fighters were killed in clashes as well as strikes by Russian forces that are waging an aerial campaign in support of government troops. Since Saturday morning, Syrian government forces have taken more than a dozen villages from IS jihadists around a stretch of highway that runs east from the northern city of Aleppo to the Kweyris military base. Government forces chat near a tank three kilometres from the Shiite villages of Nabbul and Zahra in Syria's northern Aleppo province on February 2, 2016 George Ourfalian (AFP/File) The advances have consolidated government control over the stretch of highway leading to Kweyris, which they seized in November. "The army has encircled IS in 16 villages south of the road. The regime wants to take these villages to consolidate its position in the east and southeast of the province," said Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman. Thousands surround Japan parliament in protest at US base plan Thousands of protesters formed a human chain around Japan's parliament Sunday in protest at the planned construction of a new US base on the southern island of Okinawa. Some 28,000 people, according to local media, surrounded the building holding banners reading "No more US bases in Okinawa" and "Follow the will of Okinawa". Many wore blue, the colour symbolising support for the island. People hold banners as they listen to a speaker during a rally against a new US military base in Okinawa, Japan's nouthernmost prefecture, in front of the National Diet in Tokyo on February 21, 2016 Toru Yamanaka (AFP) Police did not give an estimate of the number taking part in rhe rally, the latest in a long series of protests. The dispute has intensified mistrust between the central government and the southern island chain. Okinawa accounts for less than one percent of Japan's total land area but hosts about 75 percent of US military facilities in the country. The central government wants to construct a new US Marine air base in a remote part of the island to replace the existing US Futenma air base in heavily populated Ginowan, where it is widely seen as a potential danger to residents. But Okinawa governor Takeshi Onaga and many island residents want a replacement for Futenma built outside Okinawa -- either elsewhere in Japan or overseas. They say they can no longer live with the noise, accidents and occasional crimes by US service members. Japan and the United States first proposed moving Futenma in 1996. But they both insist the replacement base must remain in Okinawa, from where US troops and aircraft can respond quickly to potential conflicts throughout Asia. Why Trump could win the Republican presidential nomination Billionaire businessman Donald Trump has in the past eight months defied his critics and proven his White House bid is not simply a surreal stunt. To the shock of the political world, the 69-year-old onetime reality TV star's nomination to be the Republican presidential candidate is now a genuine possibility. His populist campaign has morphed into a national protest movement against Washington elites and establishment "politicians." Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump celebrates victory in the South Carolina primary in Spartanburg, South Carolina on February 20, 2016 Jim Watson (AFP/File) He has rallied fiscal and social conservatives as well as moderate Republicans who could propel him to the nomination -- but the GOP trophy will depend on the behavior of other party rivals still in the race. The crowded field shrank by one after Saturday's South Carolina primary slugfest, leaving five: Trump, Senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, and two underdogs -- Ohio Governor John Kasich and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson. Trump has a solid support base of about 30-35 percent of the Republican vote: He won New Hampshire with 35 percent and South Carolina with 32.5 percent. In national polls, he is averaging about 34 percent support. So long as the remaining votes are divided between other candidates, as occurred in the first three nomination contests, Trump appears unbeatable. And from March 15, most states will award their delegates via the winner-take-all method, which would help Trump clinch the nomination before the Republican convention in July in Cleveland. But if several others withdraw -- as Jeb Bush, the son of one president and brother of another, did Saturday after faring poorly in South Carolina -- voters could in theory elevate a challenger capable of uniting the Republican electorate against Trump. "I do think Trump has a ceiling, probably around 40 percent, and that he's not going to do much better than that," explained University of Massachusetts political science professor Brian Schaffner, who also directs the UMass Poll. Trump might snag some voters from Carson, who is popular with evangelicals, should the doctor drop out, and he is likely to earn trickles of support from Bush and others who suspend their campaigns. But Schaffner has studied surveys about voters' second, third and fourth choices, and has concluded that it's pretty black or white on Trump. "Most of the people who don't support him really have no interest in supporting him," and the majority of those who had backed Bush or Kasich -- symbols of the establishment -- would switch allegiance to either Cruz or Rubio, he explained. - 'A three-person race' - Trump has no patience or use for the calculations of such "geniuses," and who can blame him? He has defied expectations daily since last summer. "They don't understand that as people drop out," Trump said Saturday night, "I'm going to get a lot of those votes also." Indeed, voters are hardly beholden to the prognostications of political experts. They may be more sensitive to personality traits than political platforms. Trump's undisputable talent "is to keep the focus on him" and not necessarily his policies, generic as they are, said Timothy Hagle, a professor of political science at the University of Iowa. America's political left has essentially anointed Trump a bona fide frontrunner. "Nothing is certain in politics," wrote Josh Marshall, editor of web-based Talking Points Memo. "But it's time to dispense with any faith-based logic that disputes the fact that Donald Trump is now the overwhelming favorite to win the Republican nomination." Cruz, a champion of the religious right, is struggling to reach voters beyond his arch-conservative core, but he is determined to hang on. Rubio nipped Cruz for second place on Saturday in South Carolina, consolidating his position as the mainstream darling. "After tonight, this has become a three-person race, and we will win the nomination!" Rubio told cheering supporters. There are indeed some obstacles in Trump's path, notably involving his campaign organization. "Can he expand his campaign to more than one state at a time?" Hagle asked. Eleven states across the country will cast ballots in Republican nominating contests on "Super Tuesday" (March 1), and Trump's campaign team has fewer staff and volunteers -- and less ground experience -- than his well-stocked rivals. There is also the scenario in which Trump, Cruz and Rubio remain in the race until the July convention, with none having managed to secure an absolute majority of delegates -- 1,237 out of the 2,472 available. Should that unfold, after a first round of voting, delegates would be released from their initial commitments and could vote for the candidate of their choosing in the second round. Woe to whoever predicts the outcome in that scenario. EU refuses to send observers to Congo vote: statement The European Union has decided not to send observers to the Republic of Congo to monitor a controversial presidential election set for March 20, according to a statement seen by AFP Sunday. The EU decision came as it dismissed recent electoral reforms in the country, including the introduction of an independent electoral commission, as insufficient to guarantee a transparent vote. "The current context does not allow ... the EU to envisage setting up an electoral observers' mission for the March 20 vote," a spokesman for the bloc's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said in the statement dated February 19. The ballots for a referendum on whether longtime President Denis Sassou Nguesso can seek a third term in office in the Republic of Congo, on October 25, 2015 in Brazzaville The European Union considers that "the reforms to the electoral law that were introduced in January 23 appear limited" and do not fulfil the recommendations made by an EU mission to the country. The legal reform came after a new constitution removed barriers to President Denis Sassou Nguesso extending his rule. The controversial new charter removed a 70-year age limit and a ban on presidents serving more than two terms. It was approved by a public vote, but the opposition has dismissed it as "a constitutional coup". The 72-year-old Nguesso, who was president from 1979 to 1992 and has since served two consecutive seven-year mandates, has said he wanted to bring the election forward to usher in a "new dynamic" after the referendum. The EU statement said that the electoral law changes lack transparency and may bring "judicial insecurity and therefore do not appear to (guarantee) a democratic, inclusive and transparent presidential election". It added that the bloc is concerned over the fate of opposition party members and sympathisers languishing in detention, awaiting judgement. The Congolese government hit back at the decision, with Information Minister Thierry Moungalla saying: "I think the EU is free not to send observers. But this decision will prohibit them from judging the process when it comes to an end." "Whoever does not observe cannot judge," he added. Presidential hopefuls had until Saturday to register their candidacies with the election commission. Some 12 candidates are now waiting for their files to be accepted by the constitutional court. On February 15, the electoral roll was revised to add some 70,000 new voters, Moungalla said. Kerry urges Palestinians, Israelis to ease tensions US Secretary of State John Kerry met Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas Sunday and discussed tensions between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem, the US State Department said. Since October 1, Palestinian knife, gun and car-ramming attacks have taken the lives of 27 Israelis, an American and an Eritrean, according to an AFP count. At the same time, 176 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, most while carrying out attacks but others during clashes and demonstrations. US Secretary of State John Kerry meets with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas (R) at the Palestinian ambassador's residence on February 21, 2016 in the Jordanian capital Amman Jamal Nasrallah (EPA/AFP/File) "The secretary continued to urge for calm and a decrease in violence, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric," State Department spokesman John Kirby said. Kerry was in Jordan where he also met King Abdullah II, a key US ally in the fight against the Islamic State group, in the southern port of Aqaba. A palace statement said the king stressed "the need for the international community and the United States first, to end the stalemate in the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis and to move towards a two-state solution". American diplomats said Kerry and Abdullah also discussed the Syrian conflict. Kirby said Kerry had stressed to Abbas Washington's commitment to seeking a sustainable two-state solution "and to working with all parties to that end". "He also reiterated our policy on the illegitimacy of Israeli settlements," Kirby said. US-brokered peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians collapsed in April 2014 and the prospects of fresh dialogue have appeared increasingly remote. Some analysts say Palestinian frustration with Israeli occupation and settlement building in the West Bank, the complete lack of progress in peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have fed the unrest. Australia to send asylum baby to Nauru Australia said Monday an asylum-seeker baby brought from a Pacific detention camp for hospital treatment is expected to be returned to the camp as a deterrent to people-smugglers, despite protests from doctors and others. Under Canberra's tough immigration policy, asylum-seekers attempting to arrive in Australia by boat are sent to camps in Papua New Guinea and Nauru, where they are held while their refugee applications are processed. They are blocked from resettlement in Australia even if found to be refugees. The case of one-year-old Asha prompted a stand-off with doctors and a week of rallies outside the Lady Cilento Children's Hospital William West (AFP) The case of one-year-old Asha, the daughter of Nepalese asylum-seekers who was brought to Brisbane suffering burns last month, prompted a stand-off with doctors and a week of rallies outside the Lady Cilento Children's Hospital. Medical staff had refused to release her until a suitable home environment had been identified. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said she had now been moved to community detention, where asylum-seekers waiting for their refugee applications to be processed live within the community. They are usually allowed to move around freely. "She's in community detention and obviously support will be provided to the family," Dutton told the Nine Network. But he added that the government would not back down on its policy of returning her to offshore detention once medical and legal issues had been settled. Refugee advocates claimed she was secretly moved from the hospital at 4am to an undisclosed location and the family's lawyer Daniel Webb, from the Human Rights Law Centre, said they were initially unable to speak to the family. "It's been an emotional few days for the family. They are relieved and thankful that they aren't languishing on Nauru or locked up in a detention centre," Webb said in a statement. "It's not OK that the government has prevented us from speaking with our client for the last three days," he said after speaking to the child's mother by telephone late Monday. "It's a matter of basic fairness and due process that vulnerable people are able to speak with their lawyers." Churches, state governments and even New Zealand have offered sanctuary to Asha and the 266 other asylum-seekers also in Australia for medical care. But Dutton said this would only encourage people-smugglers. "I've been very clear, the government's been very clear from day one, that we have a responsibility not only to this baby, but to the babies who drowned at sea before and also potentially to babies that will drown again if the people-smugglers got back into business," he said. "So there is a much bigger issue at play here and, as I say, as a country we should be proud because we bring in record numbers of refugees through the UN and through the Special Humanitarian Programme. "But we are not going to allow a message to get out that people can come to Nauru, come to Australia for medical assistance and then that will be their ticket out into Australian society. That is not going to happen." Canberra has long defended its hardline policy, which also includes turning boats back, saying it has prevented deaths at sea and secured its borders. Under the previous Labor government, at least 1,200 people died trying to reach Australia by boat between 2008 and 2013. Engine trouble forces ANA Dreamliner back to Kuala Lumpur An All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was forced to return to Kuala Lumpur Monday due to engine trouble, the Japanese airline said, the latest incident for the aircraft which has been plagued by setbacks. The plane carrying 203 passengers and 11 crew members left Kuala Lumpur airport at 8:09 am local time (0009 GMT) but landed back there safely at 9:27 am as the right engine exhaust temperature jumped, according to ANA spokesman Shoichiro Horii. Horii said the airline was investigating the cause of the overheating problem. The Dreamliner, built largely with lightweight composite materials that reduce fuel use, has been hit by a series of problems during development and production since its first commercial flight in late 2011 Kazuhiro Nogi (AFP) The plane was scheduled to arrive at Narita airport at 3:15 pm local time. The Dreamliner, built largely with lightweight composite materials that reduce fuel use, has been hit by a series of problems during development and production as well as since its first commercial flight in late 2011. ANA has been a leader in introducing the plane, becoming the first airline to take delivery as well as to begin commercial flights. In May, the US aviation regulator ordered repairs to correct a software bug that could cause the aircraft to suddenly lose all power. In 2013, the Dreamliner was grounded globally over a separate electrical problem. Woman on trial in S. African baby-snatching case A woman charged with stealing a newborn baby 18 years ago appeared briefly in a South African court Monday, in a case that came to light only when school pupils noticed a startling resemblance between a student and a new girl. The case in the Cape Town High Court was postponed until Tuesday by Judge John Hlophe after prosecutors said they needed time to formalise agreements on a number of admissions by the defence. The accused 50-year-old woman has been on bail since March last year after DNA tests confirmed that the new girl at the school and a 17-year-old final-year student were in fact biological sisters. Celeste Nurse (2nd L), the mother of a South African girl who was abducted after birth in 1997 Stringer (AFP) The new girl was the daughter of Celeste and Morne Nurse, whose first child was snatched as a three-day-old baby named Zephany in April 1997 from Cape Town's Groote Schuur hospital. Police were alerted after Zephany's parents became convinced the older girl was their missing baby. The parents looked on from the public gallery as the alleged kidnapper sat emotionless in the dock. Without knowing it, the Nurse family had been living within a couple of kilometres (miles) of their kidnapped daughter, while celebrating her birthday every year and never giving up hope of finding her. Zephany, who was renamed by her new family, is now approaching her 19th birthday after reportedly being raised with love and kindness by the accused woman and her husband, who she believed were her real parents. Her whereabouts have been kept secret since she requested protection from the media storm over the case, a spokesman for the social services department told AFP. The accused woman cannot be named, as that would reveal Zephany's identity after she was kidnapped. In a statement read on her behalf by a lawyer shortly after Zephany discovered the truth about her past, she said: "I want to say thank you to all the people who supported me through this, for continuously praying and never giving up on looking for me. "Under the circumstances I am doing fine." Her biological parents told reporters at the time that their joy at finding her overwhelmed any desire for revenge. The suspect reportedly had a series of miscarriages before allegedly stealing Zephany from the hospital. She has been free on bail on condition that she does not contact potential state witnesses -- including her husband and Zephany. China's new stock regulator faces old problems A new stock market regulator chief could give China's beleaguered shares a short-term lift, but analysts say Liu Shiyu faces the same old problems as his ousted predecessor: shattered market confidence and the need for sweeping reforms. Xiao Gang was dismissed as chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), state media reported Saturday, after a three-year tenure that saw a debt-fuelled stock bubble burst and the botched implementation of a market "circuit breaker" last month. Last year's market rout sent the Shanghai index down more than 40 percent from its mid-June peak, wiped out trillions of dollars in capitalisation and sparked a costly and widely criticised government bail-out. Analysts say Liu Shiyu faces the same old problems as his ousted predecessor: shattered market confidence and the need for sweeping reforms Greg Baker (AFP) The newcomer, Liu, most recently led the Agricultural Bank of China -- one of China's "Big Four" lenders -- and was previously a vice governor of the central bank. His most pressing job is to rebuild faith in stocks, which by Friday had fallen nearly 20 percent this year, after stalling economic growth and depreciation in the yuan currency scared off investors. "The biggest challenge for him now is to restore investors' confidence," Phillip Securities analyst Chen Xingyu told AFP. "But the replacement of the chairman will not essentially change the problems and challenges the market faces now. It is unrealistic to count on a new person to fix all of these things or improve them immediately." The government intervention in the stock market during last year's crash, deploying a "national team" to buy on its behalf, raised questions over Communist authorities' commitment to making China a more market-oriented economy. Analysts say China's modern stock market, set up only 25 years ago, also faces deep-seated underlying issues: "mom and pop" investors set on speculative gains dominate trading and China's brokerage industry has been mired in scandal over illegal dealings. - 'High hopes' - "There are high hopes he (Xiao's successor Liu) will not only energise China's stock market, but also boost the confidence of international investors given the impact China's market now has on overseas markets," Yingda Securities chief economist Li Daxiao told AFP. But he added: "It's hard to say whether or not he will be able to accelerate progress on market reforms right now." Changes to China's initial public offering (IPO) system are pressing, with regulators currently hand-picking the companies to list -- and setting their flotation prices -- instead of the market. "Liu needs to implement an IPO registration system, perfect the securities law to crack down on market manipulation and improve company disclosure," said Hong Hao, chief strategist at securities and asset management firm BOCOM International Holdings in Hong Kong. "None of these tasks are easy," he told AFP. Calls for Xiao's head had been growing since last year, although some analysts credit him with improving the regulatory environment during his tenure. Just days ago, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang defended the rescue package but offered veiled criticism of then CSRC chief Xiao, referring to "internal management problems" with the intervention. Investors cheered news of his dismissal when the markets re-opened on Monday, sending China's benchmark Shanghai Composite Index up more than two percent by the close. Among them was housewife Yin Dongqing, who bought with the herd but plans to clear out soon. "A market rise based on news like this is not going to last long," she told AFP. "The replacement of the chairman will not make much of a difference." Two Iran ex-presidents urge voters to back pro-Rouhani candidates Iran's former president Mohammad Khatami and his predecessor have urged voters to back reformists and moderates in Friday elections, saying a big turnout is needed to stop hardline conservatives. Khatami, who is subject to a domestic media ban because of his support for defeated reformist leaders in a disputed 2009 presidential election, took to YouTube late Sunday to send a message to voters. "After the successful first step in 2013, this coalition should take the second step for the Majlis (parliament)," he said in a four-minute video, dubbing a joint ticket of reformists and moderates as "a list of hope". An Iranian girl holds a banner bearing a portrait of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on February 21, 2016 Atta Kenare (AFP) He was referring to incumbent Hassan Rouhani's 2013 presidential election victory which led to a nuclear deal that ended a 13-year standoff with world powers. In this week's election, Rouhani is looking to overturn the majority in parliament of conservatives who resisted the nuclear deal and have also opposed his broader outreach to the West. Despite the ban on use of his image or words in Iran's print and broadcast media, Khatami, who served as president from 1997 to 2005, remains an important figure in the pro-Rouhani coalition, the Alliance of Reformists and Government Supporters. "I suggest that all blocs agree to present the list as the list of hope to the people," he said. The message was simultaneously distributed on the smart phone messaging app, Telegram. Khatami said voters should also support lists headed by Rouhani and former president Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in the second election taking place Friday, that of the country's Assembly of Experts. A powerful committee of 88 clerics, the assembly oversees the work of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and is tasked with electing his successor, should he die during its eight-year term. "Those who are concerned about the country's interests, progress and removal of threats and limitations should vote for all individuals on both lists," Khatami said. "I repeat, for all individuals on both lists... and take a step to secure the country's dignity, strengthen its security and stability and improve the reform of its affairs." In a barely veiled dig at hardliners, Khatami's predecessor, Rafsanjani, said the elections were "a valuable opportunity to prevent institutionalisation of political radicalism and religious extremism in society." Voters' support for moderates would "prove to the world" that rather than the "extremism of a limited group" the true Islam "avoids war and bloodshed in favour of kindness, peace and brotherhood," said Rafsanjani, who was president from 1989 to 1997. Rouhani's victory in 2013 was made possible after he won backing from Khatami and Rafsanjani and the three are increasingly seen as allies. Iran's conservatives have had a low-key campaign so far but they will hold a major rally on Tuesday. Conservative media outlets have accused Britain of "interfering in Iran's internal affairs", charging that the BBC's Persian service has attempted to sway voters in favour of the reformists. Reformist Mohammad Khatami served as Iran's president from 1997 to 2005 Atta Kenare (AFP/File) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani delivers a speech during a rally in Tehran's Azadi Square (Freedom Square) to mark the 37th anniversary of the Islamic revolution on February 11, 2016 Atta Kenare (AFP/File) Indian students wanted in sedition case emerge from hiding Five students wanted in a controversial sedition case that has triggered some of India's biggest student protests for years emerged from hiding on Monday and said they were prepared to face justice. Police have been searching for the five since February 12, when they arrested student union leader Kanhaiya Kumar for sedition over a rally at which anti-India slogans were shouted. The arrest raised fears over freedom of speech in the country's top universities. Indian students shout slogans against Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the late Kashmiri separatist Mohammed Afzal Guru at a protest outside the university in New Delhi on February 17, 2016 Sajjad Hussain (AFP) Kumar, who like the other five is from New Delhi's prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), says he was not among those shouting the slogans. He was beaten by right-wing nationalists when he appeared in court last week in an apparently orchestrated attack that has been condemned by rights activists and scholars around the world. One of the five students, Anant Prakash Narayan, said he had gone underground because he feared "mob fury" but was ready to face justice. "We are not scared of the police or the legal proceedings. We are ready to face everything because we have not done anything that is wrong," he told the NDTV news channel from the JNU campus. "We decided to come out in the open because the situation has cooled down now. We were scared of mob fury, not of anything else." The students' reappearance has presented police with a dilemma because officially they need permission from the university's vice-chancellor to enter the campus. Police vehicles were lined up outside the university on Monday, with the vice-chancellor locked in meetings to decide whether to allow them access. Students have accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi's right-wing nationalist government of misusing the British-era sedition law to stifle dissent. Modi has not directly commented on the row, but on Monday he addressed students at a major university in his northern constituency of Varanasi. Last week, as students around the country marched against what they say is a clampdown on dissent, his government ordered all public universities to fly the national flag on campus. The students were also protesting at the arrest of a former Delhi university professor for sedition earlier this month. Both charges relate to events called to commemorate the 2013 hanging of Kashmiri separatist Afzal Guru over an attack on India's parliament. On Monday Delhi's police chief B. S. Bassi, who has come under fire for his force's arrest and failure to protect Kumar, urged the five students to give themselves up. Thousands of Afghans stranded in Greece as Macedonia shuts border Thousands of migrants were left stranded in Greece on Monday after Macedonia abruptly closed its border to Afghans, creating a fresh bottleneck as European countries scrambled to respond to the continent's refugee crisis. About 8,000 people were trapped on Greece's northern frontier and at the port of Piraeus after Macedonia introduced the measure on Sunday, following decisions by countries further up the migrant route to turn back groups of Afghans. On Monday afternoon, Macedonia suspended all migrant crossings as tensions rose at the border, where hundreds of Afghans staged a sit-down protest in an area of no-man's land and occupied the railway line connecting the two countries. A photo taken from the Macedonian side of the border shows a man holding a baby as migrants from Afghanistan gather behind a fence and barbed wire at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija, on February 22, 2016 Robert Atanasovski (AFP) Desperate to get through, they held signs that read: "We can't go back" and "Why racism?", while dozens of Afghan children also carried signs with the words: "Help us cross border". A statement from Macedonia's police said they were restricting Afghans "because Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia decided to reduce their number". More than 600 Afghan refugees have been sent back to Macedonia in recent days, the statement said. "We can't allow Macedonia to become a buffer zone and refugee camp," said a foreign ministry official, declining to be named. Greece, which lies on the frontline of Europe's worst refugee crisis since World War II, said it would provide emergency shelter for the blocked migrants while working to find a solution with non-European Union member Macedonia. - 'Die or go on' - Since November, countries on the Balkan route have allowed only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans to continue their journey up towards Germany, Sweden and other European nations where they plan to apply for asylum. Macedonia's decision to stop letting Afghans through came just two days after Austria controversially introduced a daily limit on asylum applications. "We cannot go back. We will either die here or go on," said 20-year-old Afghan Mohamed Asif on the Greek side of the border. In Croatia, a police spokeswoman said they were still allowing some Afghans entry but that "most migrants who do not meet the criteria to continue their journey" were from Afghanistan -- including some who had been sent back from Slovenia to Croatia. Greece's junior interior minister for migration Yiannis Mouzalas said Athens was racing to negotiate an end the deadlock, telling Vima radio that Athens was trying to exert pressure at the "European and bilateral level". However, another Greek government source said they did not expect a solution on Monday. "We will accommodate the Afghans whilst trying to prevent overcrowding at any of the facilities available," the source told AFP on condition of anonymity. The arrival last year of more than one million refugees and migrants on Europe's shores, many fleeing war, poverty and persecution, has caused a chain reaction of border clampdowns, in a blow to the EU's border-free Schengen zone. As the main gateway into the bloc, Greece has been struggling to cope with the inflow and fears new restrictions by other members will leave tens of thousands stranded on its territory. - Austrian move 'unacceptable' - German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere on Sunday hit out at the asylum cap imposed by neighbouring Austria, which is now planning its own mini-summit with Western Balkan leaders on Wednesday. De Maiziere told ARD public television that Vienna's move to accept only 80 asylum seekers a day while waving through another 3,200 migrants, many of whom were headed for Germany, was "unacceptable". EU leaders meeting in Brussels on Friday unanimously opposed "unilateral actions" by member states after Austria announced its limit. The EU and Turkey are due to hold a special summit in early March to push forward a deal to stem the migration crisis. Migrants in the Greek village of Idomeni, near the Greek-Macedonian border, on February 22, 2016 Sakis Mitrolidis (AFP) Migrants wait to cross the Greek-Macedonian border near the Greek village of Idomeni on February 22, 2016 Sakis Mitrolidis (AFP) Syria opposition meets as ceasefire efforts intensify Syria's main opposition umbrella group was meeting in the Saudi capital on Monday as Washington and Moscow worked to secure a ceasefire. "There is a meeting," Monzer Makhous, a spokesman for the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), told AFP in Riyadh. The meeting is expected to continue for two or three days to discuss developments since the group decided to attend peace talks in Geneva last month, Makhous said. World powers, which have been pushing for a halt to Syria's nearly five-year war, had hoped to see a truce take effect last Friday but have struggled to agree on the terms Delil Souleiman (AFP/File) He did not give further details. World powers, which have been pushing for a halt to Syria's nearly five-year war, had hoped to see a truce take effect last Friday but have struggled to agree on the terms. They proposed the truce as part of a plan that also included expanded humanitarian access, in a bid to pave the way for the United Nations-led peace negotiations to resume. The talks collapsed earlier this month. They had been scheduled to resume this Thursday but UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura has acknowledged that date is no longer realistic. At the weekend, the opposition said it would agree to a truce only if regime backers Moscow and Tehran halted their fire. HNC chief Riad Hijab said any ceasefire must be reached "with international mediation and with guarantees obliging Russia, Iran and their sectarian militias and mercenaries to stop fighting". Russia, an architect of the proposed ceasefire, is conducting air strikes in support of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, which is also supported by Iran. China's foreign minister to visit US from Tuesday China's foreign minister Wang Yi will visit the US from Tuesday, his ministry said, as the two powers grapple over weapons systems on the Korean peninsula and in the South China Sea. The three-day trip comes with Beijing and Washington at loggerheads over militarisation in the South China Sea, while at the same time trying to find common ground on how to deal with North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes in the wake of Pyongyang's latest tests. Last week China confirmed that it has "weapons" on Woody Island in the disputed Paracels chain. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi goes to Washington Tuesday for a three-day visit that will include talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry Fred Dufour (AFP/File) A US official told AFP that Beijing has deployed surface-to-air missiles on the island, apparently HQ-9s, which have a range of about 200 kilometres (125 miles). The US is also beginning talks with South Korea on the possible deployment of an advanced missile defence system on the Korean peninsula. China opposes the proposed Terminal High Altitude Area Defence System (THAAD), with foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying warning Monday that it should not be used as a front to "undermine China's own legitimate [security] interests". The move comes in response to Pyongyang's launch of the Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite, which most in the international community viewed as a disguised ballistic missile test, violating multiple UN resolutions banning it from the use of ballistic technology. The rocket came just a month after the North's fourth nuclear test. Hua anticipated an "in-depth exchange of views" on the issue when Wang goes to Washington for talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry, referencing previous "close communication and coordination" on the matter between the US and China. "After the DPRK's nuclear test and satellite launch, we support the UN Security Council in passing new and effective resolutions against the DPRK," she told a regular briefing, referring to North Korea. Tensions in the South China Sea -- through which a third of the world's oil passes -- have mounted in recent months after China transformed contested reefs in the Spratly islands further south than the Paracels into artificial islands capable of supporting military facilities. Beijing's military facilities in the area come under "the exercise of self-defence rights granted by international law" and "have nothing to do with militarisation," Hua said. "China deploying necessary national defence facilities on its own territory is no different from the US deploying defence facilities on Hawaii," she added. China controls all of the Paracels, though Hanoi and Taipei have overlapping claims. Kerry told reporters last week: "There is every evidence, every day, that there has been an increase of militarisation of one kind or another. It's of a serious concern. "We have said repeatedly with respect to China that the standard that should be applied to all countries with respect to the South China Sea is no militarisation," he added, stating that he expected "further very serious conversations" on the issue. Syria ceasefire calls mount after deadly jihadist attack Efforts intensified for a partial truce in Syria as fighting raged near Aleppo on Monday and after the country suffered its bloodiest jihadist attack in nearly five years of war. US President Barack Obama and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin are expected to speak in the coming days after Washington announced a provisional agreement had been reached on an imminent "cessation of hostilities". US Secretary of State John Kerry announced the deal on Sunday, as a string of suicide bombings in areas near a Shiite shrine outside Damascus and in the city of Homs killed at least 184 people. Syrians gather at the site of a series of attacks near the Sayyida Zeinab shrine south of Damascus, on February 21, 2016 Youssef Karwashan (AFP) The Islamic State group claimed responsiblity for both attacks in regime-held areas, which a monitor said killed 120 people near the shrine of Sayyida Zeinab and at least 64 in the Al-Zahraa district of Homs. The bombings near the shrine marked the deadliest jihadist attack since Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitoring group. Kerry said the US and Russian leaders were to speak "in the next days or so" on the terms of implementing the agreement, which would apply to fighting between non-jihadist rebel forces and regime troops but not to IS and other extremists. - Opposition talks in Riyadh - Announced by top diplomats in Munich earlier this month, the ceasefire failed to take hold by last Friday as initially planned. Part of a plan that also included expanded humanitarian access, the proposal aims to pave the way for a resumption of peace talks that collapsed earlier this month in Geneva. The talks had been scheduled to resume on February 25, but the UN Syria envoy has acknowledged that date is no longer realistic. Syria's main opposition umbrella group, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), was meeting in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Monday for talks on the ceasefire and peace talks efforts. Spokesman Monzer Makhous told AFP the meeting was expected to continue for two or three days. The HNC has said any ceasefire must include provisions for Russia, Iran and foreign militia forces backing the regime to stop fighting. - Key supply route cut - Russia launched air strikes in Syria last September against what it said were "terrorists" but has been accused of bombing non-jihadist rebel forces in support of President Bashar al-Assad, a longtime ally. Iran has sent military advisors to Syria and the Tehran-backed Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah has deployed at least 6,000 militants to fight with Assad. Iran would have to be on board for any ceasefire to work and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu made a surprise visit to Tehran on Sunday, saying he was delivering a "special message" from Putin to President Hassan Rouhani. Efforts have been intensifying to resolve Syria's war -- which has left more than 260,000 dead, forced millions from their homes and devastated the country -- as the conflict approaches the five-year mark. The rise of IS, which has seized large parts of Syria and neighbouring Iraq and become the preeminent global jihadist group, has focused attention on the need for a solution. On Monday, top military commanders from 30 nations fighting IS as part of a US-led coalition gathered in Kuwait to discuss ways to defeat the jihadists. "As military leaders, it is our responsibility to double efforts and urgently work out suitable plans to eliminate all terrorist groups threatening many countries in the world," said Kuwaiti chief of staff General Mohammad al-Khader. IS's attacks on Sunday drew sharp criticism from Moscow, which said the blasts were aimed at undermining peace efforts. "The atrocious crimes of extremists are aimed at scaring the peaceful population, subverting attempts to reach a long-term political settlement to the Syrian crisis," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. Moscow's air strikes have helped regime forces make important gains, particularly in recent weeks around the second city of Aleppo. But their efforts to take Aleppo city -- long divided into regime- and rebel-held areas -- were dealt a setback on Monday. IS and other jihadists cut a vital supply route linking the west of Aleppo with other government-held territory, the Observatory said. The road between Aleppo and the town of Khanasser to the southeast was the only way regime forces and civilians living in government-controlled neighbourhoods of the city could travel to surrounding provinces. If government forces are unable to recapture the road, it could slow their offensive in the area. Map locating Syria's deadly bombings AFP (AFP) A wounded man receives treatment at a hospital in Damascus on February 21, 2016 A wounded boy at a hospital in Damascus on February 21, 2016 The scene after a double car bomb attack in the Al-Zahraa neighborhood of Homs on February 21, 2015 Afghan forces retreat from districts in strategic Helmand Afghan troops have retreated from two districts in the southern province of Helmand, officials said Monday, a move which highlights the challenge from Taliban fighters in the opium-producing region. "The Afghan army retreated from two army bases in Musa Qala and one base from Nawzad district" on Saturday, provincial governor Khan Rahimi told AFP, leaving no troops anywhere in those districts. He said the soldiers had moved to other parts of Helmand such as the heavily-contested districts of Lashkar Gah and Sangin, adding: "We have no concerns regarding this step but we have plans to ensure security in other vulnerable areas." Afghan government forces have pulled out of a second district in Helmand, leaving the Taliban in control of most of the northern part of the province where hundreds of British troops died fighting (file picture) But the decision was criticised by Abdul Majeed Akhundzada, deputy chief of the provincial council. "Retreating from Musa Qala looks to me like ignoring the deaths of Afghan security forces and the civilians," Akhundzada said. Helmand has seen some of the fiercest battles of the Taliban's battle against local and foreign forces that began in 2001. The militants have intensified their campaign in the province since the NATO combat mission in the war-torn country officially ended in 2014. Last October President Barack Obama announced that thousands of US troops would remain in Afghanistan past 2016 in what is officially a training and support role, backpedalling on previous plans to reduce the force and acknowledging that Afghan forces are not ready to stand alone. The US has deployed several hundred troops in Helmand in recent weeks. In August last year Taliban insurgents briefly captured the town of Musa Qala before Afghan forces backed by NATO retook it. Last December a Taliban offensive drove Afghan forces from most of Sangin, a major poppy growing area in in the province. The onslaught raised fears that Afghan forces were too overstretched to fend off the insurgents. "Retreating is something normal," said Moeen Faqiri, army corps commander in Helmand, adding that the areas were not heavily populated. The retreat came days before the fourth round of talks between representatives of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the US to be held in Kabul. Pakistan to import 'game-changing' Hepatitis-C drug: officials Pakistan has authorised the import of an expensive Hepatitis-C drug from the United States to improve treatment for the estimated eight million people carrying the blood infection, officials said Monday. Hailed by experts as a game-changer, Sovaldi, which has been on the market since 2013, costs around $1,000 per pill in the US or $84,000 for a single course of treatment, according to a US Senate report released last December. The drug is now being sold nationally in a Pakistani pharmacy chain for around $314 per 28 tablets, while the government is urging local manufacturers to produce generic copies on an urgent basis. THe Hepatitis-C drug Sovaldi is now being sold nationally in a Pakistani pharmacy chain for around $314 per 28 tablets, while the government is urging local manufacturers to produce generic copies on an urgent basis Aamir Qureshi (AFP/File) "It is estimated that some eight million people are suffering from Hepatitis-C in Pakistan and each year about 80,000 people will die," a senior health ministry official told AFP. "These deaths are caused by advanced liver disease spanning over a period of 20-30 years," he added. "The government had to act urgently and even before the formal registration of the drug in the country, it gave special permission to import Sovaldi tablets from the US." Another official at the drug registration authority said the government was exploring the option of cheaper alternatives. "We are encouraging local manufacturers to produce generic drugs on a priority basis which are safe, efficacious and affordable," the official said. Last October Pakistan's drug authority received 61 applications from pharmaceutical firms to produce Sofosbuvir tablets, the generic name of the drug, of which 14 manufacturers were finally approved. Gilead Sciences, which makes Sovaldi, has been criticised in the US for the drug's cost. The lofty price, set by Gilead, placed Sovaldi and its follow-up drug Harvoni out of reach of many consumers, the US Senate report said. US, EU open free-trade talks in Brussels Top negotiators on a huge transatlantic trade treaty between the EU and US opened new talks on Monday with the aim to tackle one of the deal's most controversial aspects. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), under negotiation since July 2013, would create the world's biggest free trade zone, removing tariffs and harmonising regulation between the Europe Union and the United States. EU sources said the negotiators would for the first time discuss in detail a divisive proposal to create an investment protection system that would allow companies to sue governments when they believe their interests have been harmed. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), under negotiation since July 2013, would create the world's biggest free trade zone, removing tariffs and harmonising regulation between the Europe Union and the United States Carmen Jaspersen (AFP/File) This idea has drawn fierce criticism in Europe, especially in Germany, where hundreds of thousands of people rallied in October to oppose the massive free-trade accord. The European Commission, which handles trade talks for the EU's 28 member states, will offer the US an alternative proposal that would involve setting up a special court. Opponents say TTIP is undemocratic and would lead to reckless deregulation at the expense of ordinary citizens. The two sides aim to conclude TTIP this year, before the end of the Obama administration in the US. President Barack Obama travels to Germany in April to discuss the deal with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Washington and Brussels are thought to be close to agreement on eliminating tariffs and barriers on 97 percent of trade between the two sides. But a raft of thorny issues remain to be discussed, in particular European fears about accepting genetically modified crops from America and concerns about limits on data-sharing by global Internet firms. "The most sensitive issues have not been treated and we are a long way from an accord," said Gerard Araud, France's ambassador to Washington in a tweet. "There won't be an agreement before the end of the Obama administration, which means nothing before 2017/2018 at best," he predicted. Iraq deploys reinforcements for new Anbar push: officer Iraq deployed reinforcements to a military base in Anbar on Monday for an impending operation against the Islamic State group in the western province, a senior officer said. IS overran large parts of Anbar province in 2014, but Iraqi forces recaptured provincial capital Ramadi from the jihadists and are now setting their sights on areas farther up the Euphrates river valley. "Major military reinforcements... arrived today to the Ain al-Asad base," army Major General Ali Ibrahim Daboun said. Iraq has deployed reinforcements to a military base in Anbar for an impending operation against the Islamic State Moadh al-Dulaimi (AFP/File) The forces from the counter-terrorism service and police will take part in an operation in the coming days to retake the town of Heet and the nearby Kubaisa area, Daboun said. The Al-Asad base is located northwest of those areas, while Ramadi, where government forces are also deployed, lies to its southeast. All eyes on Zuckerberg at Barcelona fair as security debate rages Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg takes to the stage Monday at the world's biggest mobile fair in Barcelona just as US tech giants clash with authorities in the latest debate pitting privacy against security. The controversy emerged earlier this month when Apple refused to help the FBI break into an iPhone belonging to the late Syed Farook, who along with his wife went on a deadly shooting rampage in California's San Bernardino in December. Apple claims that cooperating with the probe would undermine security for its devices, while the US government counters it is a one-time request that will aid an important investigation. Chairman, chief executive, and co-founder of the social networking website Facebook Mark Zuckerberg has been at pains to plug privacy features on Facebook in recent years Lluis Gene (AFP) Zuckerberg, who will give a keynote speech at the Mobile World Congress at 6:00 pm (1700 GMT), has been at pains to plug privacy features on Facebook in recent years. The 31-year-old has not yet spoken publicly about the spat but last week Facebook issued a statement in support of Apple. The social media giant said that while it condemned extremism it would "continue to fight aggressively against requirements for companies to weaken the security of their systems." "These demands would create a chilling precedent and obstruct companies' efforts to secure their products," it added. Apple has vowed to fight a judge's order that it should create an operating system that would allow the FBI to brute force its way into the iPhone. Just like Facebook, Apple CEO Tim Cook warned last week that complying with the order would set a dangerous precedent and open the door for governments and even criminals to access sensitive data in the future. - Facebook and privacy - Apple's dispute with the US government is just the latest clash between a tech firm and authorities, and many of the sector's biggest names have sided with the iPhone maker. Richard Yu, consumer devices chief for Chinese electronics giant Huawei, said Sunday in Barcelona that privacy was "the most important thing to the consumer." "We should really protect the consumer's privacy and security. Personally, I support Apple's, Tim Cook's idea," Bloomberg quoted him as saying on the sidelines of the presentation of Huawei's first laptop. Zuckerberg's address in Barcelona will also be watched closely for any comment on concerns in Europe over how the world's largest social network handles personal data. Facebook was long accused of brushing aside users' privacy concerns, and while Zuckerberg has strived to win back trust with a flurry of features, the social network is still in the eye of the storm. Earlier this month, it was given three months by France's CNIL privacy watchdog to stop storing data on people who do not have an account with the social network. The decision comes after Facebook lost a similar fight with Belgium's privacy watchdog in November when a court ordered it to stop storing personal data from non-users. On a regional level, the European Union's 28 privacy watchdogs have been coordinating probes into possible violations of EU law by Facebook's policy for handling personal photos and data. Ahead of the speech, though, Zuckerberg appeared relaxed, posting photos of himself jogging in Barcelona on his Facebook page. He also made a surprise appearance at Samsung's press conference late on Sunday to unveil its new flagship smartphones. Palestinians raise funds for first cancer hospital Palestinians on Monday launched a global fundraising campaign aimed at finding the money to build their first specialist oncological hospital, organisers of the drive said. At a news conference in Ramallah they said that the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority could not meet the cost, estimated at $250-300 million, and president Mahmud Abbas appointed a public committee to mobilise Palestinian donors around the world. Health minister Jawad Awad said that in the absence of a Palestinian cancer treatment centre, patients have had to be sent to Israel, Jordan and Egypt for treatment, at a cost equal to 80 percent of the PA health budget. Palestinian health minister Jawad Awad, pictured on December 29, 2014, said that in the absence of a Palestinian cancer treatment centre, patients have had to be sent to Israel, Jordan and Egypt for treatment Mohammed Abed (AFP/File) About 4,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed each year among the Palestinian population of 4.5 million, Awad told the news conference, of which 6.1 percent are under 15 years of age. A recent study showed 83 cases per 100,000 people in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip and 77 per 100,000 in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Of the 80 hospitals and clinics in the Palestinian territories none have the facilities to deal with cancer patients. Tayeb Abderrahim, director general of Abbas's office and chairman of the fundraising committee, said that some Palestinian businessmen had already pledged donations. Palestinian doctors working in Arab countries and Arab Israelis in the Israeli health care system have also said they are willing to contribute their skills. The World Health Organisation and other United Nations agencies regularly warn of deteriorating public health in the Palestinian territories, where services have been hit repeatedly by war and chronic power shortages. Chad student shot dead by army as gang rape protests spread A Chadian student was shot dead and five others wounded Monday when soldiers broke up a protest over a girl's brutal gang rape, as demonstrations showed no sign of abating ahead of a presidential vote. The death was the second in a week of protests by students who have taken to the streets of the capital N'Djamena and beyond to express rage over the gang rape of a girl named Zouhoura, which has been blamed on the sons of senior officials. The unprecedented wave of protests that erupted on February 15 comes ahead of a presidential vote in April, which incumbent Idriss Deby Itno, in power for 26 years, hopes to win in one of the world's poorest countries. Police forces, like these officers seen in N'Djamena on June 15, 2015, shot dead a student when soldiers broke up a fresh protest in the country over a girl's brutal gang rape, hospital sources said Brahim Adji (AFP/File) "Soldiers fired at students leaving one dead and five hurt," a hospital worker in the northern city of Faya Largeau told AFP by phone. Last Thursday, the Chadian government slapped a ban on unauthorised demonstrations with the minister for security and immigration accusing students of "sowing disorder" and saying they were "being manipulated by politicking groups." The ban came after police used teargas to disperse students in N'Djamena gathering to protest the death of 17-year-old demonstrator Abbachou Hassan Ousmane, who was killed in a earlier protest over the rape. The trouble erupted after a girl was allegedly kidnapped and gang-raped by five young men who then posted a video online showing the victim naked and in tears. The video has since been taken down. The footage sparked widespread public anger, with police arresting five suspected rapists -- three of them the sons of generals -- and four alleged accomplices, including a son of Foreign Minister Moussa Faki Mahamat. Zouhoura's father, who filed a complaint over the attack, is a candidate in the April 10 elections. But the arrests have done little to appease the students' rage. - 'We ask for justice' - Seventeen students arrested on Friday for protesting in Massaguet, 80 kilometres (50 miles) from N'Djamena, were still in detention Monday, according to the Chadian Convention for the Defence of Human Rights (CTDDH). In a statement, the group blasted "the gratuitous and arbitrary arrest of 17 students who were expressing their anger over the despicable act carried out by the sons of senior officials, and over the murder of young Abbachou." It also accused police of "torturing" the detainees at the police station. After the protest ended, a fire ripped through the town's market. Police accused demonstrators of setting fire to two shops, claiming the flames then spread across the market. In N'Djamena, students at two major high schools skipped class in protest on Monday after a similar protest on Friday, an AFP journalist said. "What little Zouhoura suffered was a barbaric, despicable act ... We ask for justice, to set an example. I am shocked. This must not go unpunished," Therese Mekombe, who heads an association of women jurists, told AFP. According to Chadian news website JournalduTchad.com, the suspected rapists are being held a high-security prison in the country's north. - 'Enough' - Clamping down on dissident voices, Deby's regime has blocked access to Facebook and other social media networks used by protesters, an AFP journalist said. Civil society groups have stepped up calls for Deby's departure. Last week, opposition movements gathered at the Union of Syndicates headquarters launched a campaign entitled: "That's Enough". "This campaign's aim is to call for Deby's departure. The Chadian people can't take five more years. It's enough, he has to go," campaign spokesman Younous Ibedou told AFP, saying a series of peaceful protests would take place from from February 24. A collection of poems dedicated to Zouhoura, written by young boys and girls, has also been published, according to another local website named Tchadinfos.com. US-Russia agree truce deal for Syria but doubts persist The United States and Russia have announced plans for a partial truce in Syria but there were serious doubts it could take effect on Saturday as planned. The agreement does not apply to jihadists like the Islamic State group and the Al-Nusra Front, putting up major hurdles to how it can be implemented on Syria's complex battlefield. It calls for President Bashar al-Assad and opposition forces to agree by noon on Friday to comply with a "cessation of hostilities" that would then take effect at midnight. Syrian volunteers take part in paramilitary training conducted by the Syrian army in al-Qtaifeh, north of Damascus on February 22, 2016 Louai Beshara (AFP) The leading opposition group gave its conditional acceptance to the deal but there was no word yet from the regime, after the agreement was announced late on Monday. Moscow and Washington have been leading the latest diplomatic push to try to resolve Syria's nearly five-year civil war, a brutal conflict that has left more than 260,000 dead and forced millions from their homes. The two countries are on opposing sides of the conflict -- with Russia backing Assad and the United States supporting the opposition -- but in recent weeks have joined forces to press for the ceasefire. "This is a moment of opportunity and we are hopeful that all the parties will capitalise on it," White House press secretary Josh Earnest said after US President Barack Obama and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed the deal by phone. Putin said Moscow would do "whatever is necessary" to ensure Damascus respects the agreement. "We are counting on the United States to do the same with its allies and the groups that it supports," he said. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called the deal a "long-awaited signal of hope" and urged all sides to abide by it. - Truce deal 'likely doomed' - Moscow and Washington are both pursuing air wars in Syria. A US-led coalition launched air strikes against IS positions in both Syria and Iraq in 2014 while Russia began its own aerial raids in Syria in September. Russia says it is targeting "terrorists" in its strikes but has been accused of hitting non-jihadist groups in support of Assad, a longtime ally. Iran has also sent military advisers to Syria and the Tehran-backed Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah has deployed at least 6,000 militants to fight alongside Assad's forces. Analysts say that given the facts on the ground -- in particular the complicated make-up of Syria's opposition forces and frequently shifting frontlines -- the ceasefire may already be doomed to fail. While IS control over territory is relatively clear and stable, its jihadist rival Al-Nusra Front, the local affiliate of Al-Qaeda, works closely with many other rebels groups. "'Cessation of Hostilities' allows attacks on Nusra. That likely dooms it, since Russia/regime tend to hit others & call em Nusra (or IS)," Noah Bonsey, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, said on Twitter. "To have any chance of addressing this, US/Russia must delineate Nusra areas BEFORE implementation." The ceasefire plan was announced by top diplomats in Munich earlier this month, but failed to take hold last week as initially planned. As well as reducing violence and expanding humanitarian access, it aims to pave the way for a resumption of peace talks that collapsed earlier this month in Geneva. The talks had been scheduled to resume on February 25, but the UN Syria envoy has already acknowledged that date is no longer realistic. The opposition High Negotiations Committee said its commitment to the truce was conditional on the lifting of sieges, the release of prisoners, a halt to bombardment of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid. "We agreed to respond positively to international efforts to reach a truce deal" if the conditions are met, the Riyadh-based HNC said in a statement. It quoted HNC head Riad Hijab as saying he did not have high expectations that the regime and its allies "would be able to commit to stopping their hostile acts". - Elections set for April - A convoy of 44 trucks carrying humanitarian aid overseen by the Red Crescent and the United Nations had entered Moadamiyet al-Sham, near Damascus, on Monday, state news agency SANA reported. Once the cessation of hostilities takes hold, the UN would work to secure "access to as many places as possible in order to deliver humanitarian aid", UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The ceasefire announcement came just a day after IS claimed responsibility for two deadly attacks in regime-held areas, which a monitor said killed 134 people near a shrine south of Damascus and at least 64 in central Homs. The shrine bombings marked the deadliest jihadist attack since Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011, said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Shortly after the truce was announced, Assad issued a decree for parliamentary elections to be held on April 13, as the four-year term of the current legislature comes to a close. The last such elections were held in May 2012 and although multiple parties were allowed to stand, most of the 250 lawmakers who were elected were from the ruling Baath party. A Syrian army soldier takes aim from a position on the outskirts of Syria's Raqa region on February 19, 2016 Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers an address on the US and Russia's agreement to enforce ceasefire in Syria in his office near Moscow on February 22, 2016 Michael Klimentyev (SPUTNIK/AFP) A wounded Syrian receives treatment at a hospital in the capital Damascus Chiefs of staff of the countries which are part of the international US-led coalition against the Islamic State group, attend a meeting to discuss the situation in the region on February 22, 2016 in Kuwait City Yasser al-Zayyat (AFP) Israel minister doubts Syria ceasefire will hold Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon said on Monday he was sceptical that a Syria ceasefire announced for February 27 by the United States and Russia will succeed. He also said that both Washington and Moscow recognise Israeli freedom of action in Syria, where the Jewish state is reported to have carried out a series of raids over the past five years. "It is difficult for me to see a ceasefire while Daesh (the Islamic State group) and Al-Nusra Front (the Syrian Al-Qaeda affiliate) are not part of the process and the Russians say they will strike both organisations," a statement said. The Israeli Minister of Defense Moshe Yaalon, pictured on February 14, 2016, said that both Washington and Moscow recognise Israeli freedom of action in Syria Christof Stache (AFP/File) The Syria ceasefire is due to take effect on February 27 at midnight Damascus time (2200 GMT Friday), according to a joint US-Russian statement released by the State Department in Washington. Since the conflict began in 2011, Israeli forces are reported to have attacked positions of President Bashar al-Assad's forces and his allies from Israel's arch-foe Hezbollah. "Israeli action is based on a single principle: self-defence," the statement from Yaalon's spokesman said. "It is well-known in both the United States and Russia, which is currently acting in Syria, that our freedom of action and defence of our interests continue." The Latest: Rubio gets endorsement from NC senator WASHINGTON (AP) The Latest on the 2016 presidential race as Republicans look back on South Carolina's primary and ahead to Nevada's caucuses on Tuesday and Democrats move past their Nevada contest and await a South Carolina faceoff on Saturday (all times local): 12:01 a.m. Marco Rubio has received an endorsement for the Republican presidential nomination from North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis as Rubio seeks to further consolidate support after a second-place finish in South Carolina and Jeb Bush's departure from the field. Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla, speaks at a rally Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) Tillis' backing comes three weeks before North Carolina holds its own primary on the same day as four other states, including Rubio's home state of Florida. North Carolina is the 9th largest state by population, and its general election voters narrowly chose Mitt Romney in 2012 and Barack Obama in 2008. Tillis said in a statement Monday that Rubio "has the unique capability of drawing new people into the party, which is critically important in a swing state like North Carolina." Tillis and Rubio are first-term senators and former state House speakers. ___ 7:00 p.m. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is rallying more than 5,000 people in Greenville, South Carolina, telling supporters that "South Carolina has the opportunity to make American history." Sanders faces Hillary Clinton in next week's Democratic primary and polls show him trailing the former secretary of state, senator and first lady. Clinton defeated Sanders in Saturday's Nevada caucuses but Sanders says, "This is a campaign that has the momentum." Sanders says if he wins the Democratic nomination, his campaign will be able to defeat Republican business mogul Donald Trump. Sanders was introduced Sunday by actor Danny Glover, who asked the crowd, "Don't you feel the Bern?" ___ 6:50 p.m. Marco Rubio is excited for "the Vegas caucus." The Republican presidential contender is on his way to Las Vegas after making Sunday campaign stops in Tennessee and Arkansas. He'll finish his day with a rally in Nevada, which hosts its presidential caucuses on Tuesday. "The Vegas caucus is on Tuesday," Rubio told supporters during a late-afternoon rally in Little Rock, Arkansas. He added, "When it comes to our campaign, what happens in Vegas is not staying in Vegas." The contest is a homecoming of sorts for Rubio, who spent part of his childhood living in Nevada. He appears to be trying to lower expectations. Rubio won't be in Nevada when the winner is announced on Tuesday. He's scheduled to campaign in the state Sunday night through Tuesday morning before heading to Minnesota and Michigan. ___ 6:00 p.m. A protester at a Donald Trump rally in Atlanta, Georgia cut the spotlights Sunday, prompting a surreal scene in which Trump led his supporters in a chant of "Turn off the lights!" Lighting director Bob Hunter told The Associated Press that he stepped away from his booth near the front of the stage for a quick bathroom break. He returned to a chaotic scene with shouts in his headset letting him know the lights were off. He said people in the area told him a protester had reached over and pulled a wire. Hunter quickly turned them back up but it turned out that Trump actually liked the darker stage, without bright spotlights in his eyes. "They're too bright, turn them off," he shouted, before leading his supporters in a chant of: "Turn off the lights!" Hunter quickly obliged. "I was trying not to be that guy," he said with a sheepish laugh after the rally. "You're making me that guy." ___ 5:00 p.m. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is basking in his South Carolina victory at a rally in Georgia. "We're just doing one after another," Trump tells thousands of people gathered in a downtown Atlanta convention center. Trump is holding his first event since winning all 50 of South Carolina's delegates, beating already high expectations and cementing his status as the Republican front-runner. Georgia is one of the states that votes on Super Tuesday March 1. "Such a beautiful victory, such a conclusive victory," he says of South Carolina, boasting of winning every congressional district and picking up every delegate. Trump will be heading to Nevada next. The state holds the next election on the GOP calendar. ___ 4:45 p.m. Donald Trump wants the lights off, or at least low. And if they're on too brightly, he's not paying the rent of his campaign rally venue. That's how Trump turned an apparent lighting malfunction at a speech in Atlanta into an example of negotiation, one of the talents he says he'd bring to the presidency. While he was speaking, the lights, which can be hot, went out. Then some came back on and he said he liked that better. He said the bright lights "were brutal," joked that they came from "the dishonest press," and instructed the stage crew to keep them "off" low, really or "we won't pay the rent." "That's the way we have to negotiate for our country," Trump added. If the lights keep turning on during his speech at the cavernous Georgia World Congress Center? Trump says that's an easy answer. "We say, 'We're not paying, the lights didn't work.' It's is ridiculous, we will not pay the rent. And we say, bye-bye." ___ 4:35 p.m. Donald Trump's unorthodox bid to win the Republican presidential nomination has some distinctly traditional trappings: offices and employees across the country. Trump has long been laying the groundwork for more victories in March, when two dozen states go to the polls, new campaign finance reports show. He won New Hampshire and South Carolina, two of the first states to vote. In January, Trump's campaign had roughly 100 people on its payroll and a scattershot of field consultants and offices, which gives him a head start on connecting with voters as the primary calendar intensifies. He is well ahead of his Republican rivals in planning ahead, the fundraising reports show. Candidates Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz appeared to have had few offices and staff in March states as of January. ___ 3:25 p.m. Marco Rubio is evoking immigrants and the nation's history with slavery as he tries to rally supporters in Tennessee. The Republican presidential candidate is casting himself as his party's most electable candidate because he can help grow the GOP beyond its traditional base of older, white voters. He drew from his parent's story as Cuban immigrants during a Sunday afternoon rally in suburban Nashville. Rubio said, "Americans are the descendants of go-getters." He continued, "Americans are the descendants of people who came here whether it was two centuries ago or two years ago because they refused to live in a society that told them they could not be who they wanted to be. America is the descendants of slaves who overcame that horrifying institution to claim their stake to the American dream." Rubio would be the nation's first Hispanic-American president if elected. ___ 3:23 p.m. Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton are cementing their status as presidential front-runners with strong performances among demographic groups at the core of their two parties. The developments put tremendous pressure on their top rivals as the nominating contests head into delegate-rich March. Exit polls conducted for the Associated Press and television networks show it was Trump's surprisingly strong performance among self-described evangelical conservatives in South Carolina that helped him notch another double-digit victory and sweep all 50 delegates. It was a grave blow to Ted Cruz, who invested heavily in his pursuit of religious conservatives here only to finish a narrow third behind Marco Rubio. For Democrats, Clinton's Nevada caucus victory over Bernie Sanders affirmed her strength among non-white voters, who, like white evangelicals for Republicans, will play key roles in upcoming primaries. Among South Carolina Republicans who voted Saturday, more than seven in 10 described themselves as born-again Christians. Those voters were slightly more likely to say they voted for Trump (33 percent) than Cruz (27 percent). __ 2:23 p.m. Donald Trump's rivals are running out of time to stop him. After Saturday's dominant performance in South Carolina, a close look at the calendar of upcoming elections suggests the New York billionaire's rivals have until mid-March to slow him down. After that, their only chance to keep Trump from representing the Republican Party in the general election may be a nasty, public fight at the GOP's national convention. The reason is delegates and how they're awarded in the Republican Party. While winning states generates headlines, a candidate wins the party's nomination by collecting a majority of the delegates awarded in presidential primaries and caucuses. This year, most Republican contests award delegates proportionally, based on each candidate's share of the vote. That could make it hard for Trump to build a big lead, because even the second- and third-place finisher can win delegates. But if one candidate is able to run up a significant lead as Trump has begun to proportional contests also make it difficult for others to catch up. ___ 2:21 p.m. Bernie Sanders says in South Carolina that the economy is "a lot better" than it was seven years ago "thanks to President Obama." Sanders made an unannounced stop at a luncheon following services at a Baptist church in West Columbia, South Carolina. He says he would work to fix a "broken criminal justice system" and give black Americans more economic opportunities. Sanders spoke the mostly black audience ahead of next Saturday's South Carolina primary, where polls show him trailing Hillary Clinton by wide margins among African Americans who make up more than half of the electorate in state primaries. Clinton has questioned Sanders' loyalties to Obama, the nation's first black president. Sanders is holding a rally later in the day in Greenville, South Carolina. ___ 2:05 p.m. The election calendar may have Democrats voting next in South Carolina, but Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders already have their eyes on bigger prizes to come in March. That's the month that will likely determine whether the Vermont senator can keep pace in the party's White House race. Clinton shook off some of the anxieties shadowing her campaign with a solid victory in Saturday's Nevada caucuses. More than half of the 2,383 delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination will be determined in the 28 states that hold primaries and caucuses in March. While Clinton and Sanders should have enough money to stay in the race for weeks afterward, the delegate tally at the end of the month could make the result inevitable. ___ 12:56 p.m. Sen. Dean Heller says he's endorsing GOP presidential contender Marco Rubio. The Nevada senator's support could be critical to Rubio's fortunes in the state two days before the GOP caucus. Heller says in a statement that Rubio is "the candidate capable of uniting conservatives, growing our party, and beating the Democrats in November." Rubio is hoping his second-place win in South Carolina Saturday makes him a viable alternative to establishment Republicans turned off by front runner Donald Trump. ___ 11:45 a.m. Hillary Clinton says Donald Trump and Ted Cruz "missed the mark" when they described their posture toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump has recently suggested that he'll be "sort of a neutral guy" in the dispute. Cruz, meanwhile, says he has, "no intention of being neutral" in his support for Israel. The former secretary of state suggested on CNN's "State of the Union" that the situation is far more complex. She pledged to defend and do everything she can to support Israel, but adds, that "the Palestinians deserve to have a state of their own. That's why I support a two-state solution." ___ 11:40 a.m. Trump is leading the delegate count in the Republican presidential nomination. The billionaire businessman hauled in all of South Carolina's 50 delegates in Saturday's primary, giving him a total of 67. Sen. Ted Cruz has 11 delegates and Sen. Marco Rubio has 10. The South Carolina results marked a major disappointment for Cruz, whose path to the nomination requires strong performances across the South. The Texas senator finished well behind Trump in the state known as the gateway to the South despite Cruz's appeal among evangelical Christians and his southern roots. Based on the way the state's delegates are apportioned, neither Cruz nor Rubio won any in what is shaping up as a three candidate race. ___ 11:20 a.m. Note to Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Donald Trump and anyone else who wants John Kasich to exit the race for the GOP presidential nomination: Not gonna do it. Not anytime soon, at least. The Ohio governor tells CBS's "Face the Nation" that for him, the goal is gathering delegates in such Republican contests as Massachusetts, Vermont, Virginia, Mississippi, Michigan and Illinois. He says, "I don't have to win in these places, I just have to hang in there and continue to gather momentum." Kasich argues that besides, he's the only governor left in the GOP field, now that former Florida governor Jeb Bush has exited. ___ 10:55 a.m. Billionaire businessman Donald Trump acknowledges he probably needs to act more presidential and says he'll do so "pretty soon." The often brash Trump tells "Fox News Sunday," ''I think I'll be very presidential at the appropriate time. Right now, I'm fighting for my life." Trump has chalked up his second win in a row, duplicating his success in New Hampshire with a win in South Carolina on Saturday. His victory comes after a week in which he threatened to sue one rival, accused former President George W. Bush of lying about the Iraq war and even tussled with Pope Francis on immigration. Trump says he "can act as presidential as anybody that's ever been president other than the great Abraham Lincoln." He says Lincoln was hard to beat. ___ 10:30 a.m. Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz says that his third place finish in South Carolina is effectively a tie for second place with Marco Rubio. The Associated Press has called the race for Donald Trump, with Rubio placing second by two-tenths of 1 percentage point over Cruz, who finished third. Cruz said Sunday on ABC's "This Week" that, "last night we effectively tied for second," adding that, "there is now only one strong conservative remaining in this race who can win. Cruz says the "game plan from Day One was to do well in the first four states and consolidate conservatives to go forward to Super Tuesday" on March 1. "We're positioned ideally to do exactly that." ___ 10:25 a.m. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders says his loss to Hillary Clinton in Nevada probably was caused by lower voter turnout. The Vermont senator says on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday that "We will do well when young people, when working-class people come out" to vote. He adds: "We did not do as good a job as I had wanted to bring out a large turnout." The state party estimates that 80,000 Democrats caucused Saturday. That's about 10,000 more than most expected but still well below the nearly 120,000 who showed up in 2008. ___ 9:50 a.m. The national Republican chairman says the party is ready "for anything" at the nominating convention in July. Reince Priebus (ryns PREE'-bus) is talking about a scenario where no presidential candidate comes to the GOP convention this summer with the necessary number of delegates from the primary campaign to clinch the nomination on the first ballot. He tells ABC's "This Week" that "we will be prepared if that happens, but again I don't think that's going to be the case. ___ 9:40 a.m. Hillary Rodham Clinton says she understands that independent voters in particular have questions about whether they can trust her. She says on CNN's "State of the Union" that voters have an "underlying question...is she in it for us or is she in it for herself?" She adds: "That's a question that people are trying to sort through...I know that I have to make my case." The FBI is investigating whether classified information passed through Clinton's homebrew server while she was secretary of state. ___ 9 a.m. Donald Trump is rejecting the idea that the Republican nomination is his to lose after his big win in South Carolina. Trump says on CBS' "Face the Nation" that he still faces some tough competition, so "I don't want to say it's mine." Trump was asked about Marco Rubio's suggestion that he needs to be more specific about his policy ideas. The billionaire businessman responded that he has "great knowledge of foreign policy." And he says he's a better vision for how to end the bloodshed and unrest in Syria than those who offer themselves as "great military geniuses." ___ 8:54 a.m. Marco Rubio says he's in good shape to more directly take on Donald Trump as a smaller Republican field moves on after South Carolina. The Florida senator tells CBS' "Face the Nation" that the choice for Republicans is becoming "clearer and clearer" now that rival Jeb Bush is out of the race. Rubio says it's time for Trump who won in South Carolina on Saturday to start spelling out clear policy positions on national security matters, health care and more. Rubio puts it this way: "If you're running to be president, you can't just tell people you're going to make America great again." ___ 8:50 a.m. Fresh from his victory in South Carolina's primary, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is sending a big thank you to Sarah Palin. In a tweet, Trump is citing the former Alaska governor and 2008 vice presidential nominee for her "amazing help and support." Palin has endorsed the billionaire businessman in the GOP race. Trump says he had a big win on Saturday and that "the people of South Carolina got it." . Ivanka Trump, the daughter of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, looks on as her father addresses supporters in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Alex Sanz) Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at a rally at Texas Southern University Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan) Republican presidential candidate, Ohio Gov. John Kasich speaks during a campaign rally in Wakefield, Mass., Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, thanks his supporters as he finishes speaking at his South Carolina primary night rally at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks on the day of the Nevada Democratic caucus, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, in Henderson, Nev. Hillary Clinton captured Nevada's Democratic caucuses Saturday, overcoming an unexpectedly strong surge by Sanders. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a South Carolina Republican primary night event in Spartanburg, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. Trump claimed a big victory in South Carolina's Republican primary Saturday, deepening his hold on the party's presidential field as the contest moved into the South. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla, walks on stage during an election-night rally Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) What to do if US begins capturing more suspected terrorists? WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama has refused to send any suspected terrorists captured overseas to the detention center at Guantanamo Bay. But if the U.S. starts seizing more militants in expanded military operations, where will they go, who will hold them and where will they be tried? Those are questions that worry legal experts, lawmakers and others as U.S. special operations forces deploy in larger numbers to Iraq, Syria and, maybe soon, Libya, with the Islamic State group and affiliated organizations in their sights. Throughout Obama's presidency, suspects have been killed in drone strikes or raids, or captured and interrogated, sometimes aboard Navy ships. After that, they are either prosecuted in U.S. courts and military commissions or handed over to other nations. In this Feb. 2, 2016 photo, a sign for Camp 6 is posted outside the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. President Barack Obama has refused to send any suspected terrorists captured overseas to the detention center at Guantanamo Bay. But if the U.S. starts seizing more militants in expanded military operations, where will they go, who will hold them and where will they be tried? (AP Photo/Ben Fox) This policy has been enough, experts say at least for now. "If you're going to be doing counterterrorism operations that bring in detainees, you have to think through what you are going to do with them," said Phillip Carter, former deputy assistant defense secretary for detainee policy. "If the U.S. is going to conduct large-scale combat operations or large-scale special ops and bring in more detainees, it needs a different solution." Rebecca Ingber, an associate law professor at Boston University who follows the issue, warns that if the U.S. engaged in a full ground war in Syria, "chances are there would need to be detention facilities of some kind in the vicinity." Obama has not sent a single suspected terrorist to the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where many have been detained for years without being charged or tried something the president says is a "recruitment tool" for militant extremists. He is to report to Congress this month on how he wants to close Guantanamo and possibly transfer some of the remaining detainees to the United States. That report also is supposed to address the question of future detainees. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., believes that the absence of a long-term detention and interrogation facility for foreign terrorist suspects represents a "major shortcoming in U.S. national security policy." Republican candidates who want to succeed Obama are telling voters that they would keep Guantanamo open. "Law enforcement is about gathering evidence to take someone to trial, and convict them," said Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. "Anti-terrorism is about finding out information to prevent a future attack so the same tactics do not apply. ... But, here's the bigger problem with all this: We're not interrogating anybody right now." That's not true, said Frazier Thompson, director of the High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group. The tight-lipped team of interrogators from the FBI, Defense Department, the CIA and other intelligence agencies gleans intelligence from top suspected terrorists in the U.S. and overseas. "We were created to interrogate high-value terrorists and we are interrogating high-value terrorists," Thompson said in an interview with The Associated Press. Since it was established in 2009, that team has been deployed 34 times, Thompson said, adding that other government agencies conduct independent interrogations as well. "We are designed to deploy on the highest-value terrorist. We are not going out to interrogate everybody," he said. Thompson would not disclose details of the cases his team has worked or speculate on whether he expects more interrogation requests as the battle against IS heats up. "If there is a surge, I'm ready to go. If there's not, I'm still ready to go," Thompson said. The U.S. has deployed about 200 new special operations forces to Iraq, and they are preparing to work with the Iraqis to begin going after IS fighters and commanders, "killing or capturing them wherever we find them, along with other key targets," Defense Secretary Ash Carter said. Brett McGurk, special presidential envoy for the global coalition to counter IS, told Congress this month that in the final six months of 2015, 90 senior to midlevel leaders were killed, including the IS leader's key deputies: Haji Mutazz, the top leader in Iraq, and Abu Sayyaf, the IS oil minister and financier. In May, a Delta Force raid in Syria killed IS financier Sayyaf, yielding intelligence about the group's structure and finances. his wife, known as Umm Sayyaf, was captured. Her case illustrates how the Obama administration is prosecuting some terrorist suspects in federal courts or military commissions or leaving them in the custody of other nations. Umm Sayyaf, a 25-year-old Iraqi, is being held in Iraq and facing prosecution by authorities there. She also was charged Feb. 9 in U.S. federal court with holding Mueller and contributing to her death in February 2015. Ali Soufan, a former FBI agent who investigated and supervised international terrorism cases, including the U.S. Embassy bombings in East Africa and the attack on the USS Cole in Yemen the 1990s, said sending suspected terrorists through the American criminal justice system works. He said the courts are more effective than military commissions used at Guantanamo that have been slow in trying detainees who violate the laws of war. "The current practice of investigating and prosecuting terror suspects has proved incredibly effective," Soufan said, noting that since the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, only seven people have been tried and convicted under military commissions. "During that same time period, hundreds of terrorists have been convicted in federal courts and almost all are still in jail." But it's hard to evaluate the effectiveness of the system. The Justice Department declined to provide the number of foreign terrorist suspects who have been prosecuted or the number handed over to other countries, or their status. Lawmakers, including Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., have asked the Defense Department for the numbers. Reports on how other countries handle the suspects are classified. Raha Wala, senior counsel at Human Rights First, also is concerned about detention operations abroad. "The government needs to be more transparent to the American people and to the world about who it is transferring overseas, and what procedures are in place to make sure we are not transferring individuals into situations where human rights will be abused," he said. ___ Pacific Northwest could become hub for methanol production SEATTLE (AP) The Pacific Northwest could become a major hub for methanol production if three proposed refineries are built along the Columbia River and Puget Sound. A China-backed consortium, Northwest Innovation Works, has proposed two plants in Washington and a third in Oregon to convert natural gas to methanol, which would be shipped to China to make plastics and other consumer goods. But those plans are running into opposition. On Friday, the company temporarily put its project in Tacoma on hold, saying it has been "surprised by the tone and substance of vocal opposition." In this photo taken Feb. 10, 2016 with a fish-eye lens protestors hold a sign that reads "No Methanol," as they protest in Tacoma, Wash., outside a public meeting to gather opinion on a proposed methanol plant that would be built at the Port of Tacoma. The Pacific Northwest is poised to become a global hub for methanol production if the plant and two other proposed refineries are built along the Columbia River and Puget Sound, but opponents have raised concerns about potential environmental and health impacts. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has embraced the projects as a boost to the state's clean energy future. He has said the investments about $7 billion for the three plants would be one of the largest foreign investments in the U.S. by a Chinese company. Supporters say the projects would create hundreds of jobs and infuse billions to the region. Opponents are concerned about environmental and health impacts. More than 1,000 people attended a hearing this month on the Tacoma project, which would produce 20,000 metric tons a day and dwarf other methanol plants planned or being built in the U.S. A citizens group is sponsoring an initiative to require voter approval for water permits exceeding one million gallons a day. The city of Federal Way passed a resolution opposing the project. "We're talking about building enormous petrochemical refineries on the shorelines of our most important water bodies. That's dangerous," said Eric de Place, policy director for Sightline Institute, a progressive think tank. Company president Murray Godley said in a statement Friday that the project "provides an exciting opportunity for Washington and Oregon to become world leaders in addressing climate change through innovation by producing methanol and the products we use every day in more environmentally responsible way." But he said the company would take the next few months to engage the Tacoma community in more dialogue Methanol, a wood alcohol, is used to make olefins, a component in everyday products such as eyeglasses, insulin pumps and fleece jackets, said Mandy Putney, a company spokeswoman. Most methanol in China is produced using coal, but the Northwest plants would use natural gas, which is cleaner, she said. As prices have dropped, natural gas has attracted industrial consumers who use methanol as a feedstock, said Katie Teller, an economist with the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Several methanol plants have been proposed recently, a few have come on line and more are expected in the next few years, she said. In the Northwest, the largest of three refineries will be built on the site of a former aluminum smelter in Tacoma. Other plants are proposed for Kalama in southwest Washington, and at Port Westward in Oregon, about 30 miles north of Portland. The Kalama project is the furthest along in its environmental review. A draft is expected next month, and construction could begin by early 2017. Inslee said last month there are questions about water, pollution and other issues. But there are upsides, including that the plant would use natural gas rather than coal, Inslee said. "I do think there's a legitimate interest in Washington to look at technologies that can give us products that we use here in a way that reduces pollution," Inslee said. Doug Mackey, 51, a Tacoma native, opposes the project for a number of reasons, including the amount of water and electricity that will be consumed. Many residents remember the Asarco copper smelter plant, which resulted in arsenic, lead and other contamination, he said. "It's an aching feeling of no, no, not again," he said. In this photo taken Feb. 10, 2016, Seth Hill, of Tacoma, Wash., holds a sign as he protests in Tacoma outside a public meeting to gather opinion on a proposed methanol plant that would be built at the Port of Tacoma. The Pacific Northwest is poised to become a global hub for methanol production if the plant and two other proposed refineries are built along the Columbia River and Puget Sound, but opponents have raised concerns about potential environmental and health impacts. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) In this Sept. 5, 2012 aerial photo provided by the Port of Tacoma, the site of a proposed methanol plant at the Port of Tacoma is shown at right in Tacoma, Wash. The Pacific Northwest is poised to become a global hub for methanol production if the plant and two other proposed refineries are built along the Columbia River and Puget Sound, but opponents have raised concerns about potential environmental and health impacts. (Port of Tacoma via AP) In this photo taken Feb. 18, 2016, a public notice sign marks the site of a proposed methanol plant at the Port of Tacoma, in Tacoma, Wash. The Pacific Northwest is poised to become a global hub for methanol production if the plant and two other proposed refineries are built along the Columbia River and Puget Sound, but opponents have raised concerns about potential environmental and health impacts. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) In this photo taken Feb. 18, 2016, a public notice sign marks the site of a proposed methanol plant at the Port of Tacoma, in Tacoma, Wash. The Pacific Northwest is poised to become a global hub for methanol production if the plant and two other proposed refineries are built along the Columbia River and Puget Sound, but opponents have raised concerns about potential environmental and health impacts. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) In this photo taken Feb. 10, 2016, audience members listen as speakers voice opposition to a methanol plant proposed for the Port of Tacoma during a public meeting held in Tacoma to gather opinion on the topic. The Pacific Northwest is poised to become a global hub for methanol production if the plant and two other proposed refineries are built along the Columbia River and Puget Sound, but opponents have raised concerns about potential environmental and health impacts. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) In this photo taken Feb. 10, 2016, audience members applaud after Russ Higley, right, spoke in opposition to a methanol plant proposed for the Port of Tacoma during a public meeting held in Tacoma to gather opinion on the topic. The Pacific Northwest is poised to become a global hub for methanol production if the plant and two other proposed refineries are built along the Columbia River and Puget Sound, but opponents have raised concerns about potential environmental and health impacts. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) In this photo taken Feb. 10, 2016, buttons worn by an audience member show opposition to a methanol plant proposed for the Port of Tacoma during a public meeting held in Tacoma to gather opinion on the topic. The Pacific Northwest is poised to become a global hub for methanol production if the plant and two other proposed refineries are built along the Columbia River and Puget Sound, but opponents have raised concerns about potential environmental and health impacts. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) In this photo taken Feb. 10, 2016, audience members listen as a speaker makes his case in opposition to a methanol plant proposed for the Port of Tacoma during a public meeting held in Tacoma to gather opinion on the topic. The Pacific Northwest is poised to become a global hub for methanol production if the plant and two other proposed refineries are built along the Columbia River and Puget Sound, but opponents have raised concerns about potential environmental and health impacts. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) In this photo taken Feb. 10, 2016, union members Al Wellington, right, and Tim Downes, second from right, of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 26, listen to speakers testifying against a methanol plant proposed for the Port of Tacoma during a public meeting held in Tacoma to gather opinion on the topic. Both men said they were in favor of the plant. The Pacific Northwest is poised to become a global hub for methanol production if the plant and two other proposed refineries are built along the Columbia River and Puget Sound, but opponents have raised concerns about potential environmental and health impacts. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) In this photo taken Feb. 10, 2016, Doug Mackey, of Tacoma, Wash., speaks against a methanol plant proposed for the Port of Tacoma as a yellow card is raised to warn him his time to speak is running out during a public meeting held in Tacoma to gather opinion on the topic. The Pacific Northwest is poised to become a global hub for methanol production if the plant and two other proposed refineries are built along the Columbia River and Puget Sound, but opponents have raised concerns about potential environmental and health impacts. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) In this photo taken Feb. 10, 2016, Doug Mackey, of Tacoma, Wash., speaks against a methanol plant proposed for the Port of Tacoma during a public meeting held in Tacoma to gather opinion on the topic. The Pacific Northwest is poised to become a global hub for methanol production if the plant and two other proposed refineries are built along the Columbia River and Puget Sound, but opponents have raised concerns about potential environmental and health impacts. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Sanders in Congress: A mix of victories, quixotic efforts WASHINGTON (AP) Bernie Sanders came to Washington as an activist, not a legislator. The Democratic presidential candidate has preferred rabble-rousing to the schmoozing required to get bills passed. So it's not surprising that his 25-year congressional career is defined by what he's opposed big banks, the Iraq War, the Patriot Act, tax cuts for the wealthy rather than what he's accomplished. But he has chalked up his share of victories as a congressman and senator. His successes in shepherding legislation into law involve less sexy stuff such as emergency funding for veterans' health care, help for dairy farmers and securing money for community health centers after giving up on his "single payer" health care plan. Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., center, acknowledges the cheering crowd after a rally Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, in Henderson, Nev. The Democratic presidential candidate has preferred rabble-rousing to the schmoozing required to get bills passed. So its not surprising that his 25-year congressional career is defined by what hes opposed _ big banks, the Iraq War, the Patriot Act, tax cuts for the wealthy _ rather than what hes accomplished. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) A Vermont Independent who says he's a democratic socialist, Sanders often has found himself on the outside looking in. Republicans controlling the House set the agenda for 12 of his 16 years there. He did, however, display a knack for prevailing, albeit temporarily, on floor votes despite the odds. Sanders has had a greater impact in the Senate, where Democrats were in control for eight of his nine years. A look at his legislative record: VETERANS Probably Sanders' biggest accomplishment in Congress came in 2014 while chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. He worked with his House counterpart, Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., on legislation to improve a veterans' health care system scandalized by long wait times for patients and by falsified records that covered up those delays. Sanders, Miller and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., hammered out a $16 billion agreement after weeks of sometimes testy talks. At one point, Sanders and other senators refused to attend a public bargaining session called by Miller. Eventually, the mismatched pair of Sanders and Miller, who represents Florida's GOP-leaning Panhandle, agreed on a compromise that required the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay private doctors to treat qualifying veterans who could not get prompt appointments at VA facilities, or who lived far from those centers. Sanders and Miller had their disagreements, but they had little choice but to find common ground. The VA crisis was generating headlines in every congressional district as problems emerged at VA hospitals and clinics nationwide. In an election year, doing nothing was not an option. Both men acknowledged that the bill was not what each would have written on his own. Miller wanted the VA to be able to fire senior executives without an appeal to ensure greater accountability. Sanders was wary of allowing private doctors to treat veterans, fearing it could be the first step to privatizing the VA. Republicans say their concerns about the appeals process negotiated by Sanders have come true with the reversal of several high-profile firings and demotions by VA leaders. The Merit Systems Protection Board, an independent agency that handles appeals by federal workers, reversed demotions of two VA executives accused of gaming the department's hiring system for personal gain and the firing of an Albany, New York, medical director over patient safety concerns. ___ HEALTH CARE Sanders was, and still is, a proponent of a government-run, single-payer health care system patterned after Medicare. He proposed the idea in 2009 as an alternative to the health care measure developed by President Barack Obama with Democratic leaders. Sanders was forced to abandon the effort for lack of support. He regularly complained during the writing of the president's health overhaul that it wasn't progressive enough. Instead, with his support needed to pass the measure, Sanders turned his sights upon procuring money for community health centers that provide primary care to millions of people for free or at a reduced cost. In the end, he played a major role in getting more than $12 billion for community health centers, particularly in rural areas. ___ DAIRY FARMERS Sanders was instrumental in the 2009 fight to deliver money to dairy farmers struggling because of low milk prices. As the Senate considered a routine agriculture spending bill, Sanders offered an amendment to provide $350 million in emergency aid. He won a surprising 60-37 vote with help from four Republicans. Other dairy state Democrats embraced the proposal and Obama signed the measure into law. ___ AMENDMENTS In the House, despite a GOP stranglehold, Sanders displayed skill in winning votes on amendments to legislation, often spending bills. These included increased funds for low-income heating assistance, weatherization help for the poor and funds for rural schools. In most instances, however, they were temporary victories; GOP leaders reversed the outcome later in the legislative process. One exception was an amendment Sanders authored with Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., to prohibit the Pentagon from reimbursing defense contractors for costs and job cuts associated with mergers. The proposal was accepted and signed into law as part of a Pentagon spending bill. "At a time when people are scared to death about whether or not they are going to have their decent paying jobs, they do not want to see their tax dollars going to large multibillion-dollar corporations so that these companies can then merge and lay off American workers," Sanders said. ___ Germany: Drug courier nabbed with 33 pounds of cocaine BERLIN (AP) A suspected drug courier has been caught at Duesseldorf airport with 15 kilograms (33 pounds) of cocaine in his luggage and German authorities have arrested nine more people in subsequent raids. Police and prosecutors said the 35-year-old man, from Witten outside Duesseldorf, was arrested Sunday after flying in from the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo via Madrid. The cocaine was found in his suitcase. The arrest followed an investigation into suspected drug smuggling that was launched in November. Later Sunday, police in Witten and in Bochum raided nine apartments, arresting eight men and a woman. The Latest: Man killed by police shot brother-in-law in leg ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) The Latest on a suspect who was fatally shot by police in Anaheim (all times local): 10:15 a.m. Police say a man who was fatally shot by Anaheim officers had fired at two people, wounded his brother-in-law and opened fire on a police helicopter. Police Sgt. Daron Wyatt said Sunday that the man, who wasn't identified, drove to his estranged wife's house Saturday after shooting at two random people and confronted his brother-in-law. The two men got into a fight that moved onto the street before the suspect shot his brother-in-law in the leg. The suspect then fired one round at a police helicopter that was following him. Wyatt says three officers opened fire. The suspect died at the scene. Wyatt does not know how many shots were fired or how many times the man was hit. The brother-in-law was taken to the hospital and was expected to survive. ___ 5:28 a.m. Officers in Southern California have fatally shot a man suspected of shooting and wounding someone and firing at a police helicopter that was following him. Sgt. Daron Wyatt said officers in the helicopter were checking on reports of gunshots in an Anaheim neighborhood Saturday afternoon when they spotted a gunman standing over another man lying on the ground. Wyatt said the gunman shot a round at the helicopter. When officers on the ground confronted the man, they ordered him to drop his weapon. Wyatt said he refused, so officers shot him. A firearm was recovered from the scene. Dalai Lama assures faithful he's in good health MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Dalai Lama is assuring his followers that he is in good health, despite receiving treatment in the U.S. for a prostate condition. The 80-year-old Tibetan Buddhist leader spoke to about 3,000 people Sunday at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The Dalai Lama arrived last month at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The Star Tribune (http://strib.mn/1XGopHx ) reports he told the crowd he'd been receiving treatment for prostate problems. The Dalai Lama address the audience at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 in Minneapolis. The Dalai Lama arrived last month at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He told the crowd he'd been receiving treatment for prostate problems. ( Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT; ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS OUT; MAGS OUT; TWIN CITIES LOCAL TELEVISION OUT Instead of making the faithful travel to Rochester, the Dalai Lama decided to come to Minneapolis to give a short talk and celebrate the Tibetan new year. Speaking in both English and Tibetan, the Dalai Lama spoke about values, compassion, humility and the duty of elders and adult Tibetans to pass on the culture and religion of his homeland to a new generation. ___ Information from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com The Dalai Lama address the audience at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 in Minneapolis. The Dalai Lama arrived last month at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He told the crowd he'd been receiving treatment for prostate problems. ( Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT; ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS OUT; MAGS OUT; TWIN CITIES LOCAL TELEVISION OUT The Dalai Lama address the audience at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 in Minneapolis. The Dalai Lama arrived last month at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He told the crowd he'd been receiving treatment for prostate problems. ( Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT; ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS OUT; MAGS OUT; TWIN CITIES LOCAL TELEVISION OUT Children offere shawls in a dance to the Dalai Lama as he speaks at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 in Minneapolis. The Dalai Lama arrived last month at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He told the crowd he'd been receiving treatment for prostate problems. ( Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT; ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS OUT; MAGS OUT; TWIN CITIES LOCAL TELEVISION OUT Yeshi Gomg, listens to the Dalai Lama as he speaks at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 in Minneapolis. The Dalai Lama arrived last month at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He told the crowd he'd been receiving treatment for prostate problems. ( Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT; ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS OUT; MAGS OUT; TWIN CITIES LOCAL TELEVISION OUT Time is running out for Donald Trump's rivals to stop him COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) Donald Trump's rivals are running out of time to stop him after his dominant performance in South Carolina. A close look at the election calendar suggests that if the New York billionaire's rivals don't slow him by mid-March, their only chance to deny him the Republican presidential nomination may be a nasty and public fight at the party's convention this summer. "When you look at it right now, it looks like there's this juggernaut," said Rich Beeson, a senior aide to one of Trump's main rivals, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a South Carolina Republican primary night event in Spartanburg, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. Trump claimed a big victory in South Carolina's Republican primary Saturday, deepening his hold on the party's presidential field as the contest moved into the South. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) The reason is delegates and how they're awarded. Winning states generates headlines, but the nomination is earned by collecting a majority of the delegates awarded in primaries and caucuses. Next up: Nevada's caucuses on Tuesday. This year, most contests award delegates proportionally, based on each candidate's share of the vote. Beeson and strategists for other campaigns argue that could make it hard for Trump to build a big lead because even the second- and third-place finisher can win delegates. If one candidate can run up a significant lead, as Trump has begun to, then proportional contests also make it difficult for rivals to catch up. South Carolina is the perfect example of this problem for Rubio and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. The state isn't winner-take-all when it comes to delegates, but Trump's strength in all parts of South Carolina allowed him to haul in all 50 delegates awarded in Saturday's primary. Trump now has 67 delegates. Cruz and Rubio took home none from South Carolina, leaving them with a total of 11 and 10, respectively. Trump is well on his way, and he knows it. "Folks, let's go, let's have a big win in Nevada, let's have a big win in the SEC," Trump said in his South Carolina victory speech, referring to the states with universities in the Southeastern Conference that will vote next month. "Let's put this thing away." Only a small fraction of the delegates to be won in the GOP primary season, which began Feb. 1 in Iowa and ends June 7 in California and a handful of other states, have been awarded to date. But some of Trump's opponents acknowledge he could build an insurmountable lead by mid-March if current trends continue. "There are going to be a lot of circumstances where we can declare some victories and at least get this thing to March 15," Beeson said. "Once we get to March 15, if the die has not been cast by then, it's a different game." Why March 15? That's the first day on which the GOP's rules allow states to hold a winner-take-all contest. Florida will award 99 delegates that day, while Ohio will give out 66. The Missouri primary is that day, too. Like South Carolina, Missouri awards a pot of delegates to the statewide winner, as well as three delegates each to the winner of each congressional district. That makes it possible for one candidate to win all of Missouri's 52 delegates, or at least a large majority. Put simply, it's a day in which a candidate running second to Trump could catch up. Or fall even further behind. Altogether, there are 14 such contests on the GOP primary calendar, offering a total of 752 delegates. That's not enough delegates to claim the nomination; it takes 1,237. But if one candidate wins most of those states, he could build a lead too big to overcome. In the modern political era, a candidate usually wins enough delegates to emerge as the presumptive nominee several weeks or even months before the end of primary voting. That happens when the candidate claims so many delegates it's all but impossible for anyone else to catch up. But the nomination isn't formalized until the party's presidential nominating convention, scheduled for July this year. The last time the Republican nomination wasn't decided before the convention was 1976. Yet some of Trump's rivals are already talking about the possibility of a "contested" convention as they envision a series of second- or third-place finishes in the upcoming GOP primaries. Rubio's campaign manager, Terry Sullivan, recently told The Associated Press, "I would be surprised if it's not May or the convention" when the party settles on its nominee. At the convention, a lead in the race for delegates guarantees nothing if the candidate doesn't have an outright majority, said Ben Ginsberg, a leading Republican election attorney. Under most state party rules, delegates are only required to vote for their candidate on the first ballot at the convention. "If no one comes into the convention with a majority of delegates, then all bets are off," Ginsberg said. "You're dealing with a potentially unruly and independent group of people." ___ Ohlemacher reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report. ___ Follow Steve Peoples and Stephen Ohlemacher on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/sppeoples and http://twitter.com/stephenatap Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, pauses while speaking at his South Carolina primary night rally at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Trump, Clinton ride key groups to clear front-runner status COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton are cementing their status as presidential front-runners with strong performances among demographic groups at the core of their two parties, developments that put tremendous pressure on their top rivals as the nominating contests head into delegate-rich March. Trump built a varied coalition in his South Carolina primary victory Saturday, according to exit polls conducted for the Associated Press and television networks. But it was the bombastic billionaire's surprisingly strong performance among self-described evangelicals in South Carolina that helped him notch another double-digit victory and sweep all 50 delegates. It was a grave blow to Ted Cruz, who invested heavily in his pursuit of religious conservatives here only to apparently finish a narrow third behind Marco Rubio, and it raises questions about whether Cruz can catch Trump in the March 1 glut of Southern primaries that the Texas senator has for months identified as his best path to the nomination. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gives a thumbs up during a South Carolina Republican primary night event in Spartanburg, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. Trump claimed a big victory in South Carolina's Republican primary Saturday, deepening his hold on the party's presidential field as the contest moved into the South. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) For Democrats, Clinton's Nevada caucus victory over Bernie Sanders affirmed her strength among black voters. Like white evangelicals for Republicans, minority voters will play key roles in upcoming Democratic primaries, starting with the South Carolina on Feb. 27. Among South Carolina Republicans who voted on Saturday, more than 7 out 10 described themselves as born-again Christians, and those voters were slightly more likely to say they voted for Trump (33 percent) than Cruz (27 percent). Trump even came close to Cruz among the 4 out of 10 who said it matters a "great deal" that a candidate share their religious beliefs. Among the remainder who said religion matters only "somewhat" or less, Trump did significantly better than Cruz. The senator spent weeks hammering Trump for his past support for same-sex marriage and abortion rights. He chided Trump for his history of public vulgarity, casting it as unworthy of the Oval Office. After Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died on Feb. 20, Cruz warned voters not to trust Trump to nominate jurists who represented their values. Cruz counted hundreds of South Carolina pastors among his endorsements, and he campaigned with cable television's Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson, a cult hero to conservative Christians for his unvarnished critiques of modern, secular society. The candidate also has taken to comparing his campaign to a spiritual "revival" and asking his supporters to pray that God "awaken the body of Christ" in America. Trump's ability to withstand that approach may be found in what else drives white evangelicals. Four out of 10 were angry at government, and nearly half of that group opted for Trump. Cruz also lagged well behind Trump among evangelicals who cared most about the economy. Those outcomes reflect Trump's overall strength through the first three nominating contests: He draws significant support from nearly every demographic and ideological slice of the GOP. Trump led all candidates Saturday among avowed Republicans and independents. He led those with household incomes up to $100,000 and nearly tied with Rubio among voters who earn more. Trump led among voters who live in rural areas, small towns and suburbs. Rubio was tops among residents of South Carolina's largest cities, but that was just 23 percent of the electorate. Voters with less than a college education sided with Trump, and he managed a near draw with Rubio among those who have degrees. Only among voters with postgraduate education just a fifth of the electorate did Rubio register a lead. Trump's support among self-described conservatives and moderates was nearly identical: 32 percent and 34 percent. He got the votes of almost half of those who support deporting residents in the U.S. illegally and managed to attract about a fifth of those who say immigrants should get a path to legal status. Slightly more than half of the electorate said they feel "betrayed" by Republican politicians. Slightly less than half said they don't. Trump claimed a third of each group. Rubio crushed Trump 47 percent to 21 percent among voters whose top priority is having a nominee who "can win in November." Worrisome for the Florida senator, though: That group was just 15 percent of the electorate. Perhaps most encouraging for Rubio and Cruz is that among the latest-deciding voters about 4 out of 10 said they decided within days of the primary less than a fifth opted for Trump. Among Nevada Democrats, meanwhile, Clinton ratcheted up the pressure on Sanders by claiming 56 percent support from nonwhite caucus-goers. Among African-Americans, her support was about 76 percent. Black voters made up just 13 percent of caucus attendees, but they are likely to be a majority of the South Carolina primary electorate Saturday. A similar distribution here would almost certainly give her a commanding win heading into March 1 primaries with similar electorates. Sanders drew a majority among voters who cared most about income inequality the theme of his campaign but Clinton appeared to dent Sanders' core message by winning majorities among voters who care most about health care and the economy; she also led Sanders 54 percent to 43 percent among Nevada Democrats from union households. ___ Swanson reported from Washington. On Twitter, follow Barrow at https://twitter.com/BillBarrowAP and Swanson at and https://twitter.com/EL_Swan . Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, left, greets supporters with her husband and former President Bill Clinton at a Nevada Democratic caucus rally, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks on the day of the Nevada Democratic caucus, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, in Henderson, Nev. Hillary Clinton captured Nevada's Democratic caucuses Saturday, overcoming an unexpectedly strong surge by Sanders. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla, speaks at a rally Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) Damning study finds a 'whitewashed' Hollywood NEW YORK (AP) In one of the most exhaustive and damning reports on diversity in Hollywood, a new study finds that the films and television produced by major media companies are "whitewashed," and that an "epidemic of invisibility" runs top to bottom through the industry for women, minorities and LGBT people. A study to be released Monday by the Media, Diversity and Social Change Initiative at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism offers one of the most wide-ranging examinations of the film and television industries, including a pointed "inclusivity index" of 10 major media companies from Disney to Netflix that gives a failing grade to every movie studio and most TV makers. Coming just days before an Academy Awards where a second straight year of all-white acting nominees has enflamed an industry-wide crisis, the report offers a new barrage of sobering statistics that further evidence a deep discrepancy between Hollywood and the American population it entertains, in gender, race and ethnicity. FILE - In this Jan. 30, 2016 file photo, Laura Prepon, center, and the cast and crew of "Orange is the New Black" accept the award for outstanding ensemble in a comedy series at the 22nd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles. In one of the exhaustive and damning reports on diversity in Hollywood, a new study finds that the films and television produced by major media companies are whitewashed, and that an epidemic of invisibility runs top to bottom through the industry for women, minorities and LGBT people. A study to be released Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, by the Media, Diversity and Social Change Initiative at the University of Southern Californias Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism offers one of the most wide-ranging examinations of the film and television industries, including a pointed inclusivity index of 10 major media companies - from Disney to Netflix - that gives a failing grade to every movie studio and most TV makers. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Invision/AP, File) "The prequel to OscarsSoWhite is HollywoodSoWhite," said Stacy L. Smith, a USC professor and one of the study's authors, in an interview. "We don't have a diversity problem. We have an inclusion crisis." The study, titled the Comprehensive Annenberg Report on Diversity, examined the 109 films released by major studios (including art-house divisions) in 2014 and 305 scripted, first-run TV and digital series across 31 networks and streaming services that aired from September 2014 to August 2015. More than 11,000 speaking characters were analyzed for gender, racial and ethnic representation and LGBT status. Some 10,000 directors, writers and show creators were examined, as was the gender of more than 1,500 executives. The portrait is one of pervasive underrepresentation, no matter the media platform, from CEOs to minor characters. "Overall, the landscape of media content is still largely whitewashed," the study concludes. In the 414 studied films and series, only a third of speaking characters were female, and only 28.3 percent were from minority groups about 10 percent less than the makeup of the U.S. population. Characters 40 years or older skew heavily male across film and TV: 74.3 percent male to 25.7 percent female. Just 2 percent of speaking characters were LGBT-identified. Among the 11,306 speaking characters studied, only seven were transgendered (and four were from the same series). "When we start to step back to see this larger ecology, I think we see a picture of exclusion," said Smith. "And it doesn't match the norms of the population of the United States." Behind the camera, the discrepancy is even greater. Directors overall were 87 percent white. Broadcast TV directors (90.4 percent white) were the least diverse. Just 15.2 percent of directors, 28.9 percent of writers and 22.6 percent of series creators were female. In film, the gender gap is greatest: Only 3.4 percent of the films studied were directed by women, and only two directors out of the 109 were black women: Ava DuVernay ("Selma") and Amma Asante ("Belle"). Following a request made in May by the American Civil Liberties Union (which cited previous USC studies, as well as those by UCLA and the Directors Guild in claiming women have been "systematically excluded" from directing jobs), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission last year began investigating gender discrimination in Hollywood. The federal investigation is just one element of growing scrutiny for the industry. But for protesters, finding a target for what some consider a systematic problem isn't easy. Even many of those, like Spike Lee, who have criticized the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, have insisted the issue goes far deeper than Oscar nominees. When academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs recently announced dramatic steps to diversify the overwhelmingly white and male film academy, she said: "The academy is going to lead, and not wait for the industry to catch up." USC's study, which the school has been publishing in various forms for the last 10 years, also seeks to add a new metric in the conversation. The "inclusivity index" is a report card for the performances of 21st Century Fox, CBS, NBC Universal, Sony, the Walt Disney Co., Time Warner, Viacom, Amazon, Hulu and Netflix. Those companies encompass all the broadcast networks, most major cable channels, all of the major movie studios and three of the dominant streaming services. Each was rated by their percentage of female, minority and LGBT characters; and of female writers and directors. None of the six major studios rated better than 20 percent overall; Time Warner fared poorest of all with a score of zero. The report concludes that the film industry "still functions as a straight, white, boy's club." Disney, Sony, Paramount, Fox, Universal and Warner Bros. didn't immediate comment Sunday night. Some of the same companies, however, scored better when their TV and digital offerings were evaluated. Disney, the CW, Amazon and Hulu all scored 65 percent and above. "When we turn to see where the problem is better or worse, the apex to this whole endeavor is: Everyone in film is failing, all of the companies investigated," said Smith. "They're impervious to change. But there are pockets of promise in television. There is a focus that change is possible. The very companies that are inclusive Disney, CW, Hulu, Amazon to some degree those companies, if they're producing and distributing motion pictures, can do this. We now have evidence that they can, and they can thrive." USC researchers also, for the first time, added analysis of those 10 companies' executives. Researches didn't have racial or ethnic background information, but found that women represent about 20 percent of corporate boards, chief executives and executive management teams. "As prestige or power of the title increases, we see fewer women at the top," said Katherine Pieper, who co-authored the study with Smith and Marc Choueiti. "Film still has a prestige to it, so we see fewer women filling those positions." The research offers the chance for comparison between mediums. Do streaming services adhere to the established patterns of traditional television or deviate from them? In some cases, they do, but in many, they don't. Netflix (20 percent on the inclusion index) scored about the same as NBC Universal, CBS and Fox. There were far fewer female directors working in digital series (11.8 percent) than in broadcast (17.1 percent), in the shows studied. Broadcast, cable and steaming series also all revel in sexualized female characters and nudity more than movies do. But some of the study's most troubling finds are simply absences. Roughly 50 percent of the examined content didn't feature one Asian or Asian-American character; 20 percent didn't include one black character. Researchers argue for change beyond "tokenism," including making target goals public and creating a system of checks and balances in storytelling decisions. "People are still erased. It's 2016 and it's time for a change," said Smith. "We've laid out concrete actionable steps because we don't want to do this again in 10 years." ___ Follow Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP This image released by ABC, Ken Jeong, from left, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Kate Simses and Jonathan Slavin appear in a scene from "Dr. Ken," airing Fridays at 8:30 p.m. EST on ABC. A study to be released Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, by the Media, Diversity and Social Change Initiative at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism finds that the films and television produced by major media companies are "whitewashed," and that an "epidemic of invisibility" runs top to bottom through the industry for women, minorities and LGBT people. (Ron Tom/ABC via AP) FILE - In this Jan. 2, 2015 file photo, Ava DuVernay poses at the Palm Springs International Film Festival opening night screening of "Selma," at Palm Springs High School, in Palm Springs, Calif. In one of the exhaustive and damning reports on diversity in Hollywood, a new study finds that the films and television produced by major media companies are whitewashed, and that an epidemic of invisibility runs top to bottom through the industry for women, minorities and LGBT people. A study to be released Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, by the Media, Diversity and Social Change Initiative at the University of Southern Californias Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism offers one of the most wide-ranging examinations of the film and television industries, including a pointed inclusivity index of 10 major media companies - from Disney to Netflix - that gives a failing grade to every movie studio and most TV makers. (Photo by Rob Latour/Invision/AP, File) In this Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 image made from video, Dr. Stacy L. Smith, of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, appears during an interview in New York. The study, titled the Comprehensive Annenberg Report on Diversity, examined the 109 films released by major studios (including art-house divisions) in 2014 and 305 TV and digital series across 31 networks and streaming services that aired from September 2014 to August 2015. The prequel to OscarsSoWhite is HollywoodSoWhite, said professor Smith, one of the studys authors, in an interview. We dont have a diversity problem. We have an inclusion crisis. (AP Photo) In this photo provided by Amazon Studios, Jeffrey Tambor, right, and Amy Landecker appear in a scene from "Transparent." A study to be released Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, by the Media, Diversity and Social Change Initiative at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism finds that the films and television produced by major media companies are "whitewashed," and that an "epidemic of invisibility" runs top to bottom through the industry for women, minorities and LGBT people. (Beth Dubber/Amazon Studios via AP) Gunman kills 6 in shootings at car dealership, restaurant KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) A gunman who seemed to choose his victims at random opened fire outside an apartment complex, a car dealership and a restaurant in Michigan, killing six people in a rampage that lasted nearly seven hours, police said. Authorities identified the shooter as Jason Dalton, a 45-year-old Uber driver and former insurance adjuster who police said had no criminal record. They could not say what motivated him to target victims with no apparent connection to him or to each other in the Saturday night shootings. "How do you go and tell the families of these victims that they weren't targeted for any reason other than they were there to be a target?" Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting said Sunday at a news conference. This image provided by the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office shows Jason Dalton of Kalamazoo County. Dalton was arrested early Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 in downtown Kalamazoo following a massive manhunt after several victims were shot at random. (Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office via AP) Dalton, who was arrested in Kalamazoo following a massive manhunt, was expected to be arraigned Monday on murder charges. Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas described a terrifying series of attacks that began about 6 p.m. Saturday outside the Meadows apartment complex on the eastern edge of Kalamazoo County, where a woman was shot multiple times. She was expected to survive. A little more than four hours later and 15 miles away, a father and his 17-year-old son were fatally shot while looking at cars at the dealership. Fifteen minutes after that, five people were gunned down in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel restaurant, Matyas said. Four of them died. "These are random murders," Matyas said. Dalton was arrested without incident about 12:40 a.m. Sunday after a deputy spotted his vehicle driving through downtown Kalamazoo after leaving a bar parking lot, authorities said. Matyas declined to disclose anything found in the vehicle except for a semi-automatic handgun. By midday, authorities were investigating a Facebook post that indicated the suspect was driving for Uber during the manhunt and had taken at least one fare, Getting said. A spokeswoman for Uber confirmed that Dalton had driven for the company in the past, but she declined to say whether he was driving Saturday night. Uber prohibits both passengers and drivers from possessing guns of any kind in a vehicle. Anyone found to be in violation of the policy may be prohibited from using or driving for the service. A man who knows Dalton said he was a married father of two who never showed any signs of violence. Gary Pardo Jr., whose parents live across the street from Dalton in Kalamazoo Township, described him as a family man who seemed fixated on cars and often worked on them. "He would go a month without mowing his lawn but was very meticulous with his cars," Pardo said, explaining that Dalton, at times, owned a Chevrolet Camaro and two Hummer SUVs. Progressive Insurance confirmed that he once worked for the company before leaving in 2011. Dalton was an insurance adjuster who did auto-body estimates and once taught an auto-body repair class at an area community college, said James Block, who has lived next door to him for 17 years. "He loved to do things outside with his kids" like taking them for rides on his lawn tractor, Block said. Dalton's wife and children were unhurt, authorities said. The suspect was in contact with more than one person during the rampage, authorities said, but they would not elaborate. Prosecutors said they did not expect to charge anyone else. Authorities were interviewing Dalton and reviewing his phone. They did not know if the handgun belonged to him, Getting said. "This is every community's nightmare when you have someone going around just randomly killing people, no rhyme, no reason," Getting said. Tammy George said the woman who was shot outside the apartment building is her next-door neighbor. She and her family heard the gunfire, ran outside and saw the woman on the ground. Four bullets flew into a closet of George's home, she said. Her son, James, was playing video games with two friends a few feet away from where the bullets pierced the wall. "I checked out the back window and saw a car speeding off," said James George, 17. On Sunday morning, Tammy George came outside to clean the parking lot. "I was worried about the kids coming out and seeing their mom's blood," she said. "I cleaned it up. No kid should have to come out and see their parent's blood on the ground." During a Sunday morning news conference, some law enforcement officials wiped teary eyes or got choked up. When the news conference ended, Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell and Department of Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley embraced. The four people killed outside the restaurant were identified as 62-year-old Mary Lou Nye of Baroda and 60-year-old Mary Jo Nye, 68-year-old Barbara Hawthorne and 74-year-old Dorothy Brown, all of Battle Creek. The two victims killed at the car dealership were identified as Tyler Smith and his father, Richard, who was 53. A 14-year-old girl wounded at the restaurant was hospitalized in critical condition. Late Sunday night, mourners streamed into a Kalamazoo church for a prayer service intended to honor the victims and help residents cope. With a population of about 75,000, Kalamazoo is about 160 miles west of Detroit. It is home to Western Michigan University and the headquarters of popular craft beer maker Bell's Brewery. The city also is known for the anonymously funded Kalamazoo Promise program, which has paid college tuition of students who graduate from Kalamazoo Public Schools for more than a decade. ___ Associated Press writers Mike Householder and Tom Krisher in Kalamazoo and Don Babwin in Chicago contributed to this report. ___ This story has been corrected to show that the teenager killed at the car dealership was 17, not 18. Police tape is seen outside a Cracker Barrel restaurant Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, in Kalamazoo, Mich. According to police a man drove around Kalamazoo fatally shooting several people at multiple locations on Saturday, including the parking lot of the restaurant. Authorities identified the shooter as Jason Dalton. (Andraya Croft/Detroit Free Press via AP) DETROIT NEWS OUT; TV OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT DETROIT FREE PRESS Flowers are place in front of a car dealership, the scene of a random shooting, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 in Kalamazoo, Mich. Jason Dalton of Kalamazoo County was arrested early Sunday in downtown Kalamazoo following a massive manhunt after several victims were shot at random. (AP Photo/Jeff Karoub) Police tape is seen outside a Cracker Barrel restaurant Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, in Kalamazoo, Mich. According to police a man drove around Kalamazoo fatally shooting several people at multiple locations on Saturday, including the parking lot of the restaurant. Authorities identified the shooter as Jason Dalton. (Andraya Croft/Detroit Free Press via AP) DETROIT NEWS OUT; TV OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT DETROIT FREE PRESS Bullet holes that pierced the siding of a townhome are marked on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 in Ricland Township, Mich., the scene of a random. Jason Dalton of Kalamazoo County was arrested early Sunday in downtown Kalamazoo following a massive manhunt after several victims were shot at random.(AP Photo/Mike Householder) A makeshift memorial is seen near where people were shot near car dealership Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, in Kalamazoo, Mich. According to police a man drove around Kalamazoo fatally shooting several people at multiple locations on Saturday. Authorities identified the shooter as Jason Dalton. (Andraya Croft/Detroit Free Press via AP) DETROIT NEWS OUT; TV OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT DETROIT FREE PRESS Flowers lie near a make shift memorial outside a Cracker Barrel restaurant Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, in Kalamazoo, Mich. According to police a man drove around Kalamazoo fatally shooting several people at multiple locations on Saturday, including the parking lot of the restaurant. Authorities identified the shooter as Jason Dalton. (Andraya Croft/Detroit Free Press via AP) DETROIT NEWS OUT; TV OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT DETROIT FREE PRESS Flowers rest in a tree near a make shift memorial outside a Cracker Barrel restaurant Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, in Kalamazoo, Mich. According to police a man drove around Kalamazoo fatally shooting several people at multiple locations on Saturday, including the parking lot of the restaurant. Authorities identified the shooter as Jason Dalton. (Bryan Bennett/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT REMOVES REFERENCE TO SPECIFIC NUMBER OF INJURED - Police investigate the scene early Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, where people were shot in vehicles outside a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Kalamazoo, Mich. A man drove around Kalamazoo fatally shooting several people at multiple locations Saturday, police said. Authorities identified the shooter as Jason Dalton. (Mark Bugnaski/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT Venezuela takes on Zika amid shortages, information blackout CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) This is what the Zika outbreak looks like in Venezuela, a country whose medical system has teetered for months on the brink of collapse: There's a lack of bug spray to prevent mosquito bites, scant contraceptives to avert pregnancies, little medicine to treat Zika-linked maladies. There has been no effective public health campaign to inform the public about the disease and nobody really knows how many infections there have been. "It's just terrible what we are living," said Carla Natera, a 50-year-old local government worker who contracted Zika and spent three days searching pharmacies for an ointment to calm the angry rash that broke out on her face and body. In this Feb. 12, 2016 photo, a municipal worker fumigates for the Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits the Zika virus, in the Petare neighborhood of Caracas, Venezuela. Preventing the Zika virus' spread in the absence of a public campaign in a Venezuela where the health care system is near collapse means the people most at risk, the poor, don't even know about the epidemic. Chronic shortages have left the country without insect repellent or contraceptives, leaving women unable to guard against pregnancy, not to mention sexual transmission of the virus. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) William Barrientos, a doctor and opposition lawmaker, says the socialist government is not equipped to confront a health crisis in a country where food and medicine shortages are acute, the economy is a shambles and a political crisis deepens by the day. "There is no education and information campaign among the population here," and no tracking of the mosquitoes that carry the virus, he said. The scale of what Venezuela is going through is unclear. Officials alerted the World Health Organization to the first case of Zika here in November but did not release statistics or reach out to the public until two months later. The Health Ministry is now reporting more than 5,000 suspected Zika cases and three related deaths. But a network of independent physicians allied with the opposition the Venezuelan Society of Public Health says that's likely a dramatic underestimate. It says a polling of local health officials found a rise in acute fevers that could correspond to 400,000 Zika cases, and the outbreak will likely reach its peak around the end of March. Neighboring Colombia, by contrast, has reported more than 30,000 cases. It's been a year since the government published up-to-date epidemiological data and reaching the Health Ministry for information is frustrating. The main line for its "Zika situation room" was out of order when a reporter tried to call it recently, and the person answering another number for the room hung up twice. To compensate for the lack of official figures, doctors have been turning to informal surveys, social media and even Google analytics to try to get a handle on the scope of the outbreak. The virus has been linked to a spike in Guillain-Barre, a rare disorder in which the immune system attacks the nervous system, causing temporary paralysis that can be fatal. Health officials say the country has seen 255 cases of the Guillain-Barre syndrome since the Zika outbreak began a much higher incidence than reported in other countries grappling with the virus. "Normally, we'd expect 30 or 40 cases of Guillain-Barre a month," said former health minister Jose Felix Oletta. "What this shows is that the minister has the total number of Zika cases wrong. It's much higher." Venezuela's medical shortages could easily boost the mortality rate for Guillain-Barre, which is about 5 percent in developed countries. Nancy Pino, a 68-year-old retired school administrator, died last month of Guillain-Barre that developed after she fell ill over Christmas with symptoms of Zika. Doctors said the woman from the lowland state of Anzoategui needed intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, and sent her three children on a frantic two-week search for the medicine after they rushed her to Caracas. As the family begged for immunoglobulin at state agencies, on local television channels and even at the presidential palace, their mother lost the ability to walk, speak, open her eyes and, finally, to breathe. "They shut the doors on us. There's just not medicine here," daughter Nehara Ramos said. The country's private, opposition-leaning pharmaceutical association says Venezuela only has 20 percent of the medications it requires, a result of currency and price controls. The government blames the shortages on "economic war" waged by its right-wing opponents. Earlier this month, Health Minister Luisana Melo invited sick Venezuelans to email requests for medicine to a state-run Gmail account. Last week, President Nicolas Maduro said the country had received a special shipment of drugs that will be sufficient to combat Zika, but did not specify what the shipment included. The Health Ministry is advising the public to use bug spray, an item all but impossible to come by in Venezuela these days, and to clean out their tubs of standing water once a week. That is a lot to ask, however, of the many Venezuelans who keep tubs in their homes full of water to deal with chronic shortages. Meanwhile, state media have been broadcasting images of health officials on mosquito fumigation and immunoglobulin distribution missions. What they haven't been doing with any regularity is offering the public advice on how to behave. Venezuelan officials say the country has not yet seen any cases of birth defects associated with Zika, as have been reported in Brazil. Other countries have advised women to postpone pregnancy until the Zika epidemic has slowed. But in Venezuela, condoms and birth control pills are in extremely short supply, making it complicated for women to avoid pregnancy. In the western state of Zulia, a focal point of the epidemic, local health authorities say 25 pregnant women have contracted Zika and are under medical observation. Doctors also complain that laboratories have been unable to obtain the chemical needed to diagnose Zika by identifying the DNA of the virus. Doctors have to rely on a clinical diagnosis based only on symptoms. "It's like flying by instruments," pediatrician Carolina Mirabal said. ___ Associated Press writer Hannah Dreier contributed to this report. ___ Fabiola Sanchez on Twitter: https://twitter.com/fisanchezn In this Feb. 11, 2016, Dr. Carolina Mirabal checks Adrian Gonzalez, who is suspected to be infected with Zika, at a medical center near the Petare neighborhood in Caracas, Venezuela. Preventing the Zika virus' spread in the absence of a public campaign in a Venezuela where the health care system is near collapse means the people most at risk, the poor, don't even know about the epidemic. Chronic shortages have left the country without insect repellent or contraceptives, leaving women unable to guard against pregnancy, not to mention sexual transmission of the virus. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Feb. 11, 2016 photo, Adrian Gonzalez reacts after hearing the doctor tell him that she suspects he may be infected with Zika, at a medical center near Petare neighborhood in Caracas, Venezuela. Preventing the Zika virus' spread in the absence of a public campaign in a Venezuela where the health care system is near collapse means the people most at risk, the poor, don't even know about the epidemic. Chronic shortages have left the country without insect repellent or contraceptives, leaving women unable to guard against pregnancy, not to mention sexual transmission of the virus. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Feb. 11, 2016 photo, a nurse measures a baby's head during a routine medical examination at a medical center near Petare neighborhood in Caracas, Venezuela. Preventing the Zika virus' spread in the absence of a public campaign in a Venezuela where the health care system is near collapse means the people most at risk, the poor, don't even know about the epidemic. Chronic shortages have left the country without insect repellent or contraceptives, leaving women unable to guard against pregnancy, not to mention sexual transmission of the virus. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Feb. 11, 2016 photo, a woman holds her sick baby as she waits to see a doctor at a medical center near Petare neighborhood in Caracas, Venezuela. Preventing the Zika virus' spread in the absence of a public campaign in a Venezuela where the health care system is near collapse means the people most at risk, the poor, don't even know about the epidemic. Chronic shortages have left the country without insect repellent or contraceptives, leaving women unable to guard against pregnancy, not to mention sexual transmission of the virus. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Feb. 11, 2016 photo, a man wipes the nose of his son as they wait to see a doctor at a medical center near Petare neighborhood in Caracas, Venezuela. Preventing the Zika virus' spread in the absence of a public campaign in a Venezuela where the health care system is near collapse means the people most at risk, the poor, don't even know about the epidemic. Chronic shortages have left the country without insect repellent or contraceptives, leaving women unable to guard against pregnancy, not to mention sexual transmission of the virus. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Feb. 12, 2016 photo, Nihara Ramos holds a portrait of her mother, Nancy Pino, at her home in Caracas, Venezuela. Pino, a 68-year-old retired school administrator, died last month of Guillain-Barre that developed after she fell ill over Christmas with symptoms of Zika. Doctors said the woman from the lowland state of Anzoategui needed intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, and sent her three children on a frantic two-week search for the medicine, to no avail. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Feb. 12, 2016 photo, Anita Avilan reahes into a basket where Aedes aegypti mosquitos are cultivated, inside an entomology department laboratory at the Central University of Venezuela, in Caracas, Venezuela. Preventing the Zika virus' spread in the absence of a public campaign in a Venezuela where the health care system is near collapse means the people most at risk, the poor, don't even know about the epidemic. Chronic shortages have left the country without insect repellent or contraceptives, leaving women unable to guard against pregnancy, not to mention sexual transmission of the virus. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Feb. 12, 2016 photo, a basket containing Aedes aegypti mosquitos, sits inside a entomology department laboratory at the Central University of Venezuela, in Caracas, Venezuela. Preventing the Zika virus' spread in the absence of a public campaign in a Venezuela where the health care system is near collapse means the people most at risk, the poor, don't even know about the epidemic. Chronic shortages have left the country without insect repellent or contraceptives, leaving women unable to guard against pregnancy, not to mention sexual transmission of the virus. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) Morales doesn't concede as 'no' keeps lead in Bolivia count LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) President Evo Morales said Monday he was not abandoning hope despite indications Bolivians had rejected by a slim margin amending the constitution so he could run for a fourth straight term in 2019. A member of the national electoral tribunal, Antonio Costas, said later that decisive official results from Sunday's referendum could not be promised for Monday. Morales said at a televised news conference he had faith in the slower-reporting countryside, where he has greater support. Supporters of Bolivia's President Evo Morales shout slogans during a ceremony where Morales signed documents for the expansion of the road that connects the capital with the nearby city of El Alto, in La Paz, Bolivia, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, one day after a referendum on expanding presidential term limits. Partial results Monday and unofficial "quick counts" indicated Morales' bid to extend his presidency by amending the constitution appeared headed toward defeat. (AP Photo/Juan Karita) "They don't like us much in the city," Morales said. In municipal elections last year, urban voters showed themselves more insistent on new blood in Bolivian politics and less tolerant of official corruption. With 80 percent of the ballots counted just after midnight Monday, the "no" vote stood at 55 percent. Unofficial quick counts by polling firms based on samplings of voting stations said 52 percent voted "no." One pollster, Ipsos-Apoyo, counted ballots at one of every 15 polling stations. The chief of the Organization of American States observer mission, former Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez, said there was no evidence of fraud but called the vote count slow. Morales said he would respect voters' will, whatever the outcome. If the ballot question loses, life will go on, Bolivia's first indigenous president said. He blamed his disappointing showing on an opposition "smear campaign." The vote's timing could not have been worse for Morales. He was stung this month by an influence-peddling scandal involving a former lover revealed by an opposition-aligned journalist and by a deadly incident of political violence. In 10 years in office, Morales has presided over an unprecedented economic boom as prices for raw materials soared just as he took office. He is credited with spreading Bolivia's natural resource wealth and empowering its indigenous majority. Gross domestic product per capita rose by nearly one-third, according to the International Monetary Fund, and a new indigenous middle class was born. But the boom is over. Bolivia's revenues from natural gas and minerals, making up three-fourths of its exports, were down 32 percent last year. Economists say Morales leaned heavily on extractive industries to pay for populist programs and failed to diversify the economy. Analysts said the influence-peddling scandal clearly cost Morales. It was revealed that a former Morales lover was named sales manager of a Chinese company in 2013 that has obtained nearly $500 million in mostly no-bid state contracts. The president denied any impropriety and claimed he last saw the woman in 2007. But a picture of the two together last year emerged, casting doubts. The governing Movement Toward Socialism also has been wracked by scandal, including the skimming of millions from the government-managed Fondo Indigena, which runs agricultural and public works in the countryside. Judicial corruption has been endemic and press freedom suffered as major news outlets were purchased by people friendly to the government. Critical media and environmentalists complained of harassment by the state. Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue think tank in Washington, called the tight vote a big blow to Morales, who tallied more than 60 percent in his 2014 re-election. "While few can deny that Bolivia has seen impressive economic growth and social progress under Morales' rule, many voters are sending a message that it is not enough," Shifter said. They want cleaner, more competitive politics, he said. Morales, who entered politics as a coca growers union leader, could now be motivated to groom a successor, Shifter said. At his news conference, the president said it was too early for that. ___ Associated Press writer Carlos Valdez reported this story in La Paz and AP writer Frank Bajak reported from Lima, Peru. AP writer Paola Flores in La Paz contributed to this report. Bolivia's President Evo Morales attends a signing ceremony for the expanding and extension of the road that connects the capital with the nearby city of El Alto, in La Paz, Bolivia, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, one day after a referendum on expanding presidential term limits. Partial results Monday and unofficial "quick counts" indicated Morales' bid to extend his presidency by amending the constitution appeared headed toward defeat. (AP Photo/Juan Karita) Bolivia's President Evo Morales waves to supporters as he arrives for a signing ceremony concerning the expansion of the road that connects the capital with the nearby city of El Alto, in La Paz, Bolivia, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, one day after a referendum on expanding presidential term limits. Partial results Monday and unofficial "quick counts" indicated Morales' bid to extend his presidency by amending the constitution appeared headed toward defeat. (AP Photo/Juan Karita) AP Analysis: Echoes of 1991 Gulf War linger on in Mideast The 1991 Gulf War saw only 100 hours of ground fighting as U.S. forces entered Kuwait to end the Iraqi occupation, but echoes of that conflict have lingered for decades in the Middle East. The war pushed America into opening military bases in the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia, drawing the anger of an upstart militant named Osama bin Laden and laying the groundwork for al-Qaida attacks leading up to Sept. 11, 2001. Saddam Hussein, demonized as being worse than Adolf Hitler by President George H.W. Bush, would outlast his American rival in power until Bush's son launched the 2003 American-led invasion that toppled the Iraqi dictator. Now, 25 years after the first U.S. Marines swept across the border into Kuwait, American forces are battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of al-Qaida, in the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria. The Arab allies that joined the 1991 coalition are fighting their own conflicts at home and abroad, as Iran vies for greater regional power following a nuclear deal with world powers. FILE -- In this Nov. 4, 1990 file photo, responding to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, troops of the U.S. 1st Cavalry Division deploy across the Saudi desert on during preparations prior to the Gulf War. Twenty five years after the first U.S. Marines swept across the border into Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War, American forces find themselves battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of al-Qaida, in the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria. The Arab allies that joined the 1991 coalition are fighting their own conflicts both at home and abroad, as Iran vies for greater regional power following a nuclear deal with world powers. (AP Photo/Greg English, File) Iraq itself is now fragmented and war-torn to a degree few could have imagined after that 1991 U.S. victory. The IS jihadis have imposed their rule over many of the Sunni-dominated areas of the country, Kurds in the north have their own virtual mini-state and Shiites many of them allied to Iran lead the government in Baghdad. In all, the United States finds itself in the quandary it hoped to avoid back in 1991. "Had we taken all of Iraq, we would have been like the dinosaur in the tar pit we would still be there, and we, not the United Nations, would be bearing the costs for that occupation," the late U.S. Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, commander of Desert Storm, wrote in his memoirs. Iraq invaded Kuwait on Aug. 2, 1990, angry that the tiny neighbor and the United Arab Emirates had ignored OPEC quotas, which Saddam claimed cost his nation $14 billion. Saddam also accused Kuwait of stealing $2.4 billion by pumping crude from a disputed oil field and demanded that Kuwait write off an estimated $15 billion of debt that Iraq had accumulated during its 1980s war with Iran. Fearing Saudi Arabia could be invaded next, U.S. officials moved quickly to deploy troops to the region. After months of negotiations and warnings, the U.S. launched its assault on Iraqi forces in Kuwait on Feb. 24, 1991. In purely military and political terms, the first Gulf War marked a tremendous success for the U.S., which was still haunted by Vietnam. America suffered 148 combat deaths during the entire conflict, while 467 troops were wounded out of more than 500,000 deployed, according to the Defense Department. The U.S. held together an allied army, its war effort was supported by a number of United Nations resolutions, and the conflict cemented its position as the sole world power following the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union. America's Arab allies also footed much of the bill for the $61 billion war, with both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait contributing some $16 billion, while the United Arab Emirates offered $4 billion, according to U.S. congressional reports. Japan and Germany together contributed another $16 billion, while South Korea gave $251 million. The U.S. covered the rest. The key players in the Arab world at the time of the conflict are now long gone. Saudi King Fahd died in 2005. A popular uprising toppled Egyptian autocrat Hosni Mubarak in 2011. Syria's totalitarian ruler Hafez Assad, a longtime U.S. foe who joined the Gulf War effort to reap billions in aid and diplomatic benefits, died in 2000. His son, President Bashar Assad, still clings to power amid a five-year civil war that has killed more than 250,000 people and flooded Europe with tens of thousands fleeing violence across the region. In Israel, the memory of Iraqi Scud missile-fire prompted the military to speed up a missile-defense program that included the development of its Iron Dome rocket-defense system with the help of the Americans. Then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, a hard-liner, held back from retaliating at the request of Bush, who feared losing Arab support for the war. Though American aid to Israel exceeds $3 billion a year, relations have been strained over stalled Palestinian peace talks. Yet despite seeing his forces routed from Kuwait, Saddam clung to power and survived an uprising by both Shiites and Kurds following the war. The U.S. and its allies began to patrol a northern and southern no-fly zone to protect the Shiites and the Kurds while Saddam remained a thorn in the side of American politics for more than a decade. "I miscalculated," Bush said in a December 1995 interview. "I thought he'd be gone." It would take President George W. Bush's 2003 invasion to end Saddam's reign, coming amid the U.S. campaign in Afghanistan. In its aftermath, al-Qaida in Iraq would arise and be put down by a U.S. military surge, coupled with the support of Sunni tribesmen. But as the U.S. withdrew from Iraq and Baghdad stopped supporting the Sunni tribesmen, the Islamic State group emerged from the ashes of al-Qaida in Iraq and in 2014, took control of about a third of both Iraq and neighboring Syria. Today, the U.S. finds itself mired in a long war feared by Schwarzkopf and others who oversaw Operation Desert Storm. Oil prices, which sparked Saddam's invasion of Kuwait, have dropped to under $30 a barrel from more than $100 in just a year and a half. The cause, in part, is the same OPEC overproduction the late dictator Saddam railed against across the splintered Middle East. ___ EDITOR'S NOTE Jon Gambrell, an Associated Press reporter since 2006, has covered the Middle East from Cairo and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, since 2013. ___ Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellap FILE -- In this undated 1990 file photo, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, speaks with Western British hostages in an image made from Iraqi TV. Twenty five years after the first U.S. Marines swept across the border into Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War, American forces find themselves battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of al-Qaida, in the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria. The Arab allies that joined the 1991 coalition are fighting their own conflicts both at home and abroad, as Iran vies for greater regional power following a nuclear deal with world powers. (AP Photo, File) FILE -- In this March 10, 1991 file photo, a poster of the Emir of Kuwait and a U.S. recruiting poster share space in a private compound, in Kuwait City. Twenty five years after the first U.S. Marines swept across the border into Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War, American forces find themselves battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of al-Qaida, in the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria. The Arab allies that joined the 1991 coalition are fighting their own conflicts both at home and abroad, as Iran vies for greater regional power following a nuclear deal with world powers. (AP Photo/John Gaps III, File) FILE -- In this March 7, 1991 file photo, a U.S. Marine patrol walks across the charred oil landscape near a burning well during perimeter security patrol near Kuwait City. Twenty five years after the first U.S. Marines swept across the border into Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War, American forces find themselves battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of al-Qaida, in the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria. The Arab allies that joined the 1991 coalition are fighting their own conflicts both at home and abroad, as Iran vies for greater regional power following a nuclear deal with world powers. (AP Photo/John Gaps III, File) FILE -- In this Jan. 18, 1991 file photo, a person walks through the debris in Tel Aviv after eight Iraqi scud missiles were fired at Israel. Twenty five years after the first U.S. Marines swept across the border into Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War, American forces find themselves battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of al-Qaida, in the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria. In Israel, the memory of Iraqi Scud missile fire prompted the military to speed up a missile-defense program that included the development of its Iron Dome rocket-defense system with the help of the Americans. (AP Photo/John Gaps III, File) FILE -- In this Feb. 12, 1991 file photo, U.S. Marines prepare to board Chinook CH-46 helicopters during a deployment exercise in the desert of Saudi Arabia during the Persian Gulf crisis. Twenty five years after the first U.S. Marines swept across the border into Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War, American forces find themselves battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of al-Qaida, in the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria. (AP Photo/Sadayuki Mikami, File) FILE -- In this Nov. 22, 1990 file photo, President George Bush poses with soldiers during a stop at an air base in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Twenty five years after the first U.S. Marines swept across the border into Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War, American forces find themselves battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of al-Qaida, in the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria. Saddam Hussein, demonized as being worse than Adolf Hitler by President George H.W. Bush, would outlast his American rival in power until Bushs son launched the 2003 American-led invasion that toppled the Iraqi dictator. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE -- In this Feb. 20, 1991 file photo, some Afghan mujahedeen receive training for possible gas warfare during the Gulf War at their camp in Khafji near the Saudi-Kuwait border. Twenty five years after the first U.S. Marines swept across the border into Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War, American forces find themselves battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of al-Qaida, in the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria. The Arab allies that joined the 1991 coalition are fighting their own conflicts both at home and abroad, as Iran vies for greater regional power following a nuclear deal with world powers. (AP Photo, File) FILE -- In this Jan. 13, 1991 file photo, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, commander of U.S. troops in the Gulf, gazes from the window of his small jet on his way out to visit U.S. troops in the desert in Saudi Arabia. Twenty five years after the first U.S. Marines swept across the border into Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War, American forces find themselves battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of al-Qaida, in the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria. Today, the U.S. finds itself mired in a long war feared by Schwarzkopf and others who oversaw Operation Desert Storm. (AP Photo/Bob Daugherty, File) FILE -- In this Jan. 28, 1991 file photo, U.S. Marines located just a few miles from Kuwait, fire an ordinance at Iraqi positions inside Kuwait in eastern Saudi Arabia. Twenty five years after the first U.S. Marines swept across the border into Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War, American forces find themselves battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of al-Qaida, in the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria. The Arab allies that joined the 1991 coalition are fighting their own conflicts both at home and abroad, as Iran vies for greater regional power following a nuclear deal with world powers. (AP Photo/DOD Pool/Sadayuki Mikami, File) FILE -- In this Dec. 16, 1990 file photo, a Saudi Arabian official and Saudi soldiers watch a multiple rocket launch system near the Kuwaiti border in Saudi Arabia. Twenty five years after the first U.S. Marines swept across the border into Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War, American forces find themselves battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of al-Qaida, in the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria The Arab allies that joined the 1991 coalition are fighting their own conflicts both at home and abroad, as Iran vies for greater regional power following a nuclear deal with world powers. (AP Photo/Bob Daugherty, File) FILE -- In this July 30, 1991 file photo, oil well firemen from a U.S. company discuss the day's work while a wellhead burns out of control across a lake of crude oil in the Ahmadi oil field, Kuwait. Twenty five years after the first U.S. Marines swept across the border into Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War, American forces find themselves battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of al-Qaida, in the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria. Oil prices, which sparked Saddams invasion of Kuwait, have dropped to under $30 a barrel from more than $100 in just a year and a half. (AP Photo/John Gapps III, File) FILE - In this Aug. 21, 2011 file photo, a rocket is launched from a new Israeli anti-missile system known as Iron Dome in order to intercept a rocket fired by Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip, in the southern city of Beersheba, Israel. Twenty five years after the first U.S. Marines swept across the border into Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War, American forces find themselves battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of al-Qaida, in the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria. In Israel, the memory of Iraqi Scud missile fire prompted the military to speed up a missile-defense program that included the development of its Iron Dome rocket-defense system with the help of the Americans. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty, File) FILE -- In this June 26, 2015 file photo provided by Kuwaitna news shows injured people in the immediate aftermath of a deadly blast at a Shiite mosque, claimed by the Islamic State group, in Kuwait City. Twenty five years after the first U.S. Marines swept across the border into Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War, American forces find themselves battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of al-Qaida, in the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria. (Kuwaitna News via AP, File) Instances involving people passing off their pets, inclduing pigs, turkeys and even baby kangaroos, as service animals have been so rampant in recent years that lawmakers in several states are now considering laws to close loopholes in the system. Legislatures in Maine, Virginia, Arizona, Hawaii, New York, and Puerto Rico are weighing bills that would punish pet owners who fraudulently claim to have service dogs. In Maine, a task force this month issued a report that says well-meaning federal laws designed to protect people with disabilities have instead opened the door to fraud. Scroll down for video Wisconsin farmer Diana Moyer (pictured) brought a baby kangaroo named Jimmy into an eatery last year claiming he was her service animal. Now, lawmakers in several states are considering bills to stop people from passing off their pets as service animals 'The abuse and confusion are harming everybody,' said Barbara Archer Hirsch, an attorney with the Maine Human Rights Commission and member of the task force. 'It's harming the landlords, and it's harming the individuals who need their animals.' Here's the dilemma: Under federal law, no papers are required for service dogs in public places. If people want to sneak their pampered Chihuahua into a restaurant, they can simply lie and say it's a service dog trained to help them with their disability. Sean McDonough, 51, has a brain injury from a car accident and said he's noticed people are increasingly skeptical that his 5-year-old goldendoodle, Bruno, is a service dog. Bruno is trained to distract McDonough from stress triggers by pressing against him. Security officers at a courthouse tried to block Bruno at the door recently because of their encounter with a fraudulent service dog, said McDonough, of Lyman, Maine. 'The court people treated me badly because of what other people had done,' he said. Impostors pose a problem for businesses and landlords because they fear legal action if they clamp down, said Donna Hodges, who owns 100 apartment units in central Maine. She recalled a prospective tenant who claimed his rambunctious pit bull was a service dog. When pigs fly: This pot-bellied pig dubbed Hobey, which its owner Rachel Boerner described as her emotional support animal, caused a messy scene on board a US Airways flight in November and had to be removed Feathered flier: Earlier this month, a turkey acting as a comfort animal to a woman who had lost her husband was photographed waddling through security at San Francisco Airport Loophole exposed: A team of reporters at KUTV in Salt Lake City were able to register a stuffed dog they dubbed 'D.B' as an emotional support animal so it could be brought on board a plane The dog was leaning out a car window and barking at her while its owner waved a framed, official-looking certificate identifying the dog as a service animal. She knew the certificate was a fake, she said, because federal law stipulates that service dogs don't need documentation. And she knew the dog was a fake, she said, because it was badly behaved. Federal law applies a different standard for housing. A landlord may ask for a doctor's letter if a person has a disability and needs to live with an animal. Those animals can include service dogs, as well as emotional support animals pets that provide comfort but lack the training of a service dog. An emotional support animal can be any kind of pet approved by a doctor, and public establishments do not have to accommodate them. However, businesses must accommodate people with service dogs. In rare cases, a miniature horse may substitute for a service dog they can be trained to guide the blind and live longer than dogs. But that's it. A baby kangaroo named Jimmy that Wisconsin farmer Diana Moyer carried into the Beaver Dam McDonald's wrapped in a blanket last February, claiming it was a service animal, does not qualify. Neither does a pot-bellied pig dubbed Hobey that Connecticut resident Rachel Boerner brought onto a US Airways flight to North Carolina in November 2014, only to be kicked off before takeoff after the animal started screaming and defecating in the aisle. Earlier this month, a turkey acting as a comfort animal to a woman who had lost her husband was photographed waddling through security at San Francisco Airport. Under the terms of the Air Carrier Access Act, people are permitted to take animals on board a flight at no extra cost, but only if they can't function without the support of the animal. Sean McDonough eats lunch at the Macaroni Grill in South Portland, Maine, with his service dog Bruno at his side. McDonough suffered brain injuries in a car crash in 2008 and depends on Bruno to keep him calm in public settings McDonough said he's noticed people are increasingly skeptical that his 5-year-old goldendoodle is a service dog Bruno is trained to distract Sean McDonough from stress triggers by pressing against him A team of reporters at KUTV in Salt Lake City this month decided to test the system and were able to register a stuffed dog they dubbed 'D.B' as an emotional support animal so it could be brought on board a plane. People have also asserted service animal status for rabbits, turkeys, lamas, snakes and turtles, said Jeanine Konopelski, spokeswoman for Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit based in California that supplies disabled people with trained service dogs. In many of those cases, she said, people aren't lying about their animals but misunderstand the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal. 'The public is confused,' she said. Florida last year took a hard line on the issue, passing a law that makes misrepresenting a service animal a crime punishable by up to 60 days in jail. Bad rap: McDonough said security officers at a courthouse tried to block Bruno at the door recently because of their encounter with a fraudulent service dog Maine's task force recommends that the state launch a public information campaign on the issue. Donald Marean, a Republican lawmaker, also supports creating a voluntary certification program for service dogs. He said lawmakers could weed out fakers by allowing the disabled to obtain a state-issued card that verifies their animal is a service dog or an official patch that can be affixed to their animal's vest. His proposal is modeled after a Michigan law that went into effect in January. Uber acknowledges getting complaints about shooting suspect KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) The Uber ride-hailing service acknowledged Monday that it received complaints about erratic driving by the suspect in the random shootings that killed six people in Kalamazoo, and a prosecutor said the man admitted carrying out the attacks. As authorities pieced together Jason Dalton's actions, the prosecutor said he picked up Uber fares after the first shooting and probably got more riders after the subsequent shootings. Dalton, the 45-year-old former insurance adjuster, appeared briefly in court by video link and was charged with six counts of murder. A judge denied him bail. Jason Dalton, of of Kalamazoo Township, Mich., is arraigned via video before Judge Christopher T. Haenicke, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, in Kalamazoo, Mich. Dalton is charged with multiple counts of murder in a series of random shootings in western Michigan. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) During a talk with investigators, Dalton waived his right against self-incrimination and confessed his role in the Saturday night shootings, Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting said. Dalton admitted "that he took people's lives," Kalamazoo police Det. Cory Ghiringhelli told the court. The murder charges carry a mandatory life sentence. Michigan does not have the death penalty. An Uber passenger said he called police to report that Dalton was driving erratically more than an hour before the shootings began. Matt Mellen told Kalamazoo television station WWMT that he hailed a ride around 4:30 p.m. Saturday. He said driver Jason Dalton introduced himself as "Me-Me" and had a dog in the backseat. Mellen sat in front. About a mile into the trip, Dalton got a phone call, and when he hung up, he began driving recklessly, blowing through stop signs and sideswiping cars, Mellen said. "We were driving through medians, driving through the lawn, speeding along, and when we came to a stop, I jumped out of the car and ran away," Mellen said. He said he called police and that when he got to his friend's house, his fiancee posted a warning to friends on Facebook. Uber said riders complained Saturday about Dalton's driving. When alerted to unsafe driving, company policy is to contact the driver. But Uber officials would not say whether anyone at the company spoke to Dalton, deferring to law enforcement. Dalton passed a background check and became a driver on Jan. 25. He had given about 100 rides, the company said. Since Dalton's arrest, several people have come forward to say that he picked them up for Uber in the hours after the first attack. The Associated Press could not confirm those accounts. Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller said Uber is cooperating with law enforcement officials, and he believes the company will "help us fill in some timeline gaps." Investigators are particularly interested in communication between Dalton and Uber, as well as customers he might have driven, the sheriff said. The attacks began outside the Meadows apartment complex on the eastern edge of Kalamazoo County, where a woman was shot multiple times. She survived. A little more than four hours later and 15 miles away, a father and his 17-year-old son were fatally shot while looking at cars at a car dealership. Fifteen minutes after that, five people were gunned down in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel restaurant. Four of them died. A 14-year-old girl survived with a head wound and was hospitalized in critical condition. Police and prosecutors have not provided a motive. The victims had no apparent connection to the gunman. Getting dismissed the idea that Dalton was seeking a particular person when authorities say he shot the first victim. The prosecutor said Dalton called the woman by a different name only "to get her attention" before shooting her outside of her apartment. Questions about motive and Dalton's frame of mind are "going to be the hardest to answer for anybody," Fuller said. He expects some answers to emerge in court, but he doubts they will be satisfying. "In the end, I ask people, because I keep hearing this question of why, 'What would be the answer that would be an acceptable answer for you?' They have to think about it for a moment, and they say, 'Probably nothing.' "I have to say, 'You are probably correct.' I can't imagine what the answer would be that would let us go, 'OK, we understand now.' Because we are not going to understand," the sheriff said. Uber prohibits both passengers and drivers from possessing guns of any kind in a vehicle. Anyone found to be in violation of the policy may be prohibited from using or driving for the service. Many handguns and long guns were seized from Dalton's home. But there was no indication that he was prohibited from owning the weapons, said Donald Dawkins, a Detroit-based spokesman for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which was assisting police. In a statement issued Monday, Dalton's family offered condolences to the families of the victims and thanked law-enforcement officials, saying their "quick and decisive action prevented any further acts of violence." The family said it planned to help authorities with the investigation. ___ Associated Press writers Tom Krisher in Saline, Michigan; Dee-Ann Durbin in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Ed White in Detroit; and Don Babwin in Chicago contributed to this report. Jason Dalton, of Kalamazoo Township, Mich., is arraigned via video before Judge Christopher T. Haenicke, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, in Kalamazoo, Mich. Dalton is charged with multiple counts of murder in a series of random shootings in western Michigan. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting is interviewed after filing charges on Jason Dalton, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016 in Kalamazoo, Mich. Dalton is charged with multiple counts of murder in a series of random shootings in western Michigan. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) People gather in Bronson Park in Kalamazoo, Mich., Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, for a candlelight vigil for the victims of a series of random shootings in the Kalamazoo area over the weekend. Jason Dalton of Kalamazoo Township was charged with six counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder in the shootings and then arraigned on the charges. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) Jason Dalton is arraigned via video before Judge Christopher T. Haenicke, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, in Kalamazoo, Mich. Dalton is charged with six counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder in a series of random shootings in western Michigan. Dalton was arrested Sunday in Kalamazoo, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) This undated photo made from a video provided by WWMT Newschannel 3 shows Matt Mellen. Mellen, an Uber passenger, said he called police to report an erratic driver more than an hour before the driver allegedly began a series random shootings that killed multiple people in Michigan. Mellen told Kalamazoo television station WWMT-TV that he hailed a ride Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, and that driver Jason Dalton introduced himself as "Me-Me" and had a dog in the backseat. (WWMT Newschannel 3 via AP) Media trucks are parked outside of the Kalamazoo County Building on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, in Kalamazoo, Mich. An Uber passenger said he called police to report an erratic driver more than an hour before the driver allegedly began a series of several random shootings that killed multiple people. Jason Dalton was arrested without incident early Sunday and is set to be arraigned later Monday. (Bryan M. Bennett/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT Flowers lie next to a makeshift memorial after a shooting near a car dealership Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, in Kalamazoo, Mich. According to police a man drove around Kalamazoo fatally shooting several people at multiple locations on Saturday. Authorities identified the shooter as Jason Dalton. (Andraya Croft/Detroit Free Press via AP) DETROIT NEWS OUT; TV OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT DETROIT FREE PRESS Jason Dalton, of Kalamazoo Township, Mich., is arraigned via video Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, in Kalamazoo, Mich. Dalton is charged with multiple counts of murder in a series of random shootings in western Michigan. (Mark Bugnaski/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT Protests that led to caste violence in north India near end NEW DELHI (AP) Authorities in a north Indian state on Monday began lifting curfews in key towns and protesters gradually removed roadblocks after 12 people died in clashes during their demonstrations for government benefits. Government forces also secured a canal in Haryana state, which provides 60 percent of New Delhi's water needs, easing fears of a shortage in the Indian capital. New Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said engineers were repairing portions of a reservoir damaged by protesters. The situation was improving in Rohtak district, which bore the brunt of attacks by the protesters in the underprivileged Jat community, who demanded quotas in jobs and educational institutions, said police officer Saurabh Singh. Indian military guard the Munak canal, near the village of Bindroli, in the northern state of Haryana, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Fears of a water crisis in the Indian capital eased Monday with security forces securing a canal in Haryana state, which provides 60 percent of its water needs. (AP Photo/Tsering Topgyal) Curfews ended in Hissar and Hansi towns as law and order were being restored after three days of violence which saw mobs burning vehicles, banks, railroad stations, shops and gas stations. Thousands of stranded vehicles still clogged highways in the state, and train services were disrupted by protesters sitting on railroad tracks. At least 12 people were killed by Indian security forces firing on protesters since Friday, state Home Secretary P. K. Das told reporters Sunday. Another 150 protesters have been injured in clashes in various parts of the state. With the state government accepting their demands for 27 percent job quotas, Jat leaders are expected to hold a meeting and formally end their protests later Monday. The Jat community comprises nearly 29 percent of Haryana state's 25 million people India's constitution includes a system of affirmative action for people in the lowest castes to help them overcome discrimination. The government has expanded the number of groups, including the Jat, qualifying for quotas. Indian military guard the Munak canal, near the village of Bindroli, in the northern state of Haryana, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Fears of a water crisis in the Indian capital eased Monday with security forces securing a canal in Haryana state, which provides 60 percent of its water needs. (AP Photo/Tsering Topgyal) Indian military guard the Munak canal, near the village of Bindroli, in the northern state of Haryana, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Fears of a water crisis in the Indian capital eased Monday with security forces securing a canal in Haryana state, which provides 60 percent of its water needs. (AP Photo/Tsering Topgyal) Zuckerberg to press on with Internet access despite setback BARCELONA, Spain (AP) Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg vowed Monday to press on with his 3-year-old effort to bring the developing world online, even after Indian regulators banned one of the pillars of the campaign. He said the banned service, Free Basics, was only one program in his Internet.org campaign, so he could proceed with other initiatives. Indian regulators banned Free Basics this month because it provided access only to certain pre-approved services including Facebook rather than the full Internet. "Facebook isn't a company that hits a roadblock and gives up," Zuckerberg said at the Mobile World Congress wireless show in Barcelona, Spain. "We take the hits and try to get better." Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg waves to the audience as he arrives for a speech at the Mobile World Congress wireless show in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Though Zuckerberg termed the regulatory defeat "disappointing for the mission and a major setback," he said every country was different, and "the model that has worked in one country may not work in another." This was his third appearance at the Barcelona show to promote Internet access to everyone in the world. He has argued that online connections can improve lives and fuel economic development. To achieve that goal, Zuckerberg has high-flying dreams for someday providing Internet connections through a network of drones, satellites and lasers. Zuckerberg said Monday that Internet.org would launch its first satellite over Africa this year and "we are about to test flying Internet drone solar planes that can fly three months a year." While the drones may someday connect people in areas too remote for cables or cell towers, Free Basics is intended for people who live in areas with Internet service but still can't afford it. Facebook works with wireless carriers in poorer nations to let people use streamlined versions of Facebook and certain other online services, without paying data charges. A low-income resident of urban Manila, for example, can use Free Basics to view the Philippines' GMA News site. "He can be informed. He can research. He can read the news," Ederic Eder of GMA News said. The program varies by country, in offerings and effectiveness. In South Africa, for instance, Facebook partnered with the third-largest wireless carrier, Cell C. But Johannesburg resident Priscilla de Klerk said she couldn't get Free Basics to work on her phone. "Cell C is much cheaper as far as everything else is concerned, but their free Facebook is not a reality," she said. Last fall, Facebook announced a major expansion in Africa, where another regional carrier, Bharti Airtel, said it will offer Free Basics in 17 countries. "They're getting a lot of traction in Africa," said Danson Njue, a Kenya-based telecom analyst with the Ovum research firm. Tech rivals Google and Microsoft also have programs to expand Internet access, he noted, but their approaches are content neutral and involve extending networks to underserved areas. Facebook doesn't pay wireless companies for the cost of Free Basics. Carriers make money if new users eventually move to a paid data plan. Facebook also says it makes no money, as it doesn't show ads, though Zuckerberg has conceded it benefits from gaining users in the long run. While the company hasn't released detailed usage figures, Facebook says Free Basics has brought more than 19 million people online for the first time. That counts any user who didn't have Internet access before, regardless of whether they're currently active. On the Internet.org website, mixed in with videos about impoverished students using Free Basics to study and laborers starting small businesses, Facebook boasts more than 1 billion people "have access" to the service. That's the combined population of regions where it's available, not the number of users. Free Basics is now in 36 countries. It was suspended last year in Egypt, on the anniversary of anti-government protests that were organized partly on Facebook. An earlier version of Free Basics, known as Facebook Zero, was shuttered three years ago in Chile, after authorities said Internet providers couldn't offer discounts for accessing some content but not others. Similar concerns turned India into the program's biggest battleground. Free Basics enrolled more than 1 million Indians in its first year, according to Facebook's wireless partner, Reliance Communications. But critics, including many in the country's growing tech community, complained it was a predatory scheme: If low-income users couldn't afford anything besides Free Basics, opponents said, that meant Facebook was deciding which online services the nation's poor could use. "The government should not allow big players to monopolize the Internet," said Manu Sharma, who runs a software development company in New Delhi. Facebook responded last fall by announcing it would open Free Basics to any app that met its technical requirements for systems with limited capacity. Zuckerberg also changed the program's name to Free Basics, after critics complained "Internet.org" sounded like a nonprofit, when it's part of a for-profit company (the overall campaign is still called Internet.org). But opponents still worry that Facebook could change requirements at any time, force competitors to pay higher rates to get into the program, or even block services that run afoul of powerful politicians. "The fact that it could decide what apps could be hosted ... was a huge problem for me," said Basit Zaidi, a New Delhi attorney. As Indian regulators began studying the issue, Facebook drew more resentment with a public-relations blitz that critics called heavy-handed and patronizing. The regulators effectively banned Free Basics after concluding Internet providers shouldn't be allowed to charge different rates for certain services, because that discriminates against other content. U.S. regulators have endorsed the concept of "net neutrality," which says all websites and apps should be treated equally by Internet providers. They're now studying whether "zero rating" programs, which offer some content for free, should be allowed. Net neutrality supporters are hoping India's decision will influence other nations. Facebook has also launched a program that helps Internet providers offer reliable Wi-Fi service in underserved areas at affordable rates and without limits on content. The program's been limited to tests in a few countries. The giant tech company could use its resources and clout with carriers to offer a similar wireless service, perhaps at limited speeds or volume, but without any restrictions on content, said Josh Levy of Access Now, a nonprofit that supports net neutrality. Zuckerberg has suggested in the past that such a service would be too expensive and difficult to offer. Some Indians, meanwhile, say their country could have benefited from Free Basics. "Ultimately, something is better than nothing, even if that something is flawed," said Uday Singh Tomar, a software engineer in New Delhi. "If a person is hungry and getting nothing, a free meal is good enough." ___ AP writers Ashok Sharma in New Delhi, Teresa Cerojano in Manila and Lynsey Chutel in Johannesburg contributed to this report. AP Technology Writer Brandon Bailey reported from San Francisco. ___ You can follow Brandon Bailey at http://twitter.com/BrandonBailey or find his reporting at http://bigstory.ap.org/journalist/brandon-bailey FILE - In this March 2, 2015 file photo, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks during a conference at the Mobile World Congress, the world's largest mobile phone trade show in Barcelona, Spain. Zuckerberg likes to boast that his 3-year-old effort to connect the developing world to the Internet has reached millions of people in some of the worlds poorest nations. But a central element of his Internet.org campaign was controversial even before it was shut down in a key market this month. Indian regulators banned one of the pillars of the campaign, a service known as Free Basics, because it provided access only to certain pre-approved services - including Facebook - rather than the full Internet. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File) FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2015 file photo, Indian students gather for a protest against Facebooks "Free Basics" in Hyderabad, India. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg likes to boast that his 3-year-old effort to connect the developing world to the Internet has reached millions of people in some of the worlds poorest nations. But a central element of his Internet.org campaign was controversial even before it was shut down in a key market this month. Indian regulators banned one of the pillars of the campaign, a service known as Free Basics, because it provided access only to certain pre-approved services - including Facebook - rather than the full Internet.(AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A., File) Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg talks during his speech at the Mobile World Congress Wireless show, the world's largest mobile phone trade show, in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg walks on the stage before his speech at the Mobile World Congress Wireless show, the world's largest mobile phone trade show, in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg gives a speech at the Mobile World Congress Wireless show in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg gestures during a conference at the Mobile World Congress wireless show in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg waves to the audience as he arrives for a conference at the Mobile World Congress wireless show in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks during a conference at the Mobile World Congress wireless show in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Russia is to ask permission to fly surveillance planes equipped with high-powered digital cameras despite warnings by they might help Moscow collect intelligence on the United States. Both Russia and America are signatories to the Open Skies Treaty, which allows unarmed observation flights over the entire territory of all 34 member nations to foster transparency about military activity and help monitor arms control and other agreements. This is despite Russia imposing restrictions on surveillance over Moscow and Chechnya and near Abkhazia and South Ossetia. A Russian Tu-214R reconnaissance plane. Russia is to ask permission to fly surveillance planes equipped with high-powered digital cameras despite warnings by they might help Moscow collect intelligence on the United States However, according to a senior U.S. military source, Russia is set to formally ask the Open Skies Consultative Commission, based in Vienna, whether they can fly their aircraft with high-tech equipment over the United States. But intelligence and military officials worry that Moscow is taking advantage of technological advances to violate the spirit of treaty. The request will put the Obama administration in the position of having to decide whether to let Russian president Vladimir Putin use the high-powered equipment on its surveillance planes at a time when Moscow, according to the latest State Department compliance report, is failing to meet all its obligations under the treaty. And it comes at one of the most tension-filled times in U.S.-Russia relations since the end of the Cold War, with the two countries at odds over Russian activity in Ukraine and Syria. A State Department official said yesterday that treaty nations had not yet received notice of the Russian request, but that certification of the Russian plane with a "digital electro-optical sensor" could not occur until this summer because the treaty requires a 120-day advance notification. The official also said that the treaty, which came into force in 2002, establishes procedures for certifying digital sensors to confirm that they are compliant with treaty requirements. He added all signatories to the treaty agree that "transition from film cameras to digital sensors is required for the long-term viability of the treaty." The request comes at a time when relations between the Obama administration and Russian president Vladimir Putin are tension-filled In December, Rose Gottemoeller, undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, sought to temper concerns about Russian overflights, saying that what Moscow gains from the observation flights is "incremental" to what they collect through other means. She told a joint hearing of the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services committee: "One of the advantages of the Open Skies Treaty is that information - imagery - that is taken is shared openly among all the treaty parties. "So one of the advantages with the Open Skies Treaty is that we know exactly what the Russians are imaging, because they must share the imagery with us." Still, military and intelligence officials have expressed serious concern. "The open skies construct was designed for a different era," Lt. Gen. Vincent Stewart, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, told lawmakers when asked about the Russian overflights during a congressional hearing. "I'm very concerned about how it's applied today." Army: Indian forces kill 3 militants to end 3-day standoff SRINAGAR, India (AP) Indian forces on Monday killed three militants who had holed up for three days in a building in India's portion of Kashmir, the army said, ending the standoff with a total of nine dead. The troops recovered a large quantity of arms and ammunition as they secured each floor of the five-story government building, said Lt. Gen. Arvind Dutta, a senior army officer. Five soldiers and one civilian were killed over the weekend. Loud explosions and fierce exchanges of gunfire rattled the building during the 50-hour standoff that was the longest-running attack in five years in the disputed Himalayan region's main city of Srinagar or its outskirts. Fire was also seen in the building, but the flames later subsided. An Indian Army soldier takes position during a gunbattle between Indian security forces and Kashmiri rebels in Pampore, near Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Anti-India sentiment runs deep in India's portion of Kashmir, where rebel groups have been fighting since 1989 for either independence or a merger with neighboring Pakistan. More than 68,000 people have been killed in the armed uprising and ensuing Indian military crackdown. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan) "The exchange of gunfire has ended. We're now clearing the huge building room by room," senior police officer Syed Javaid Mujtaba Gillani said. During the day, the army said the last rebel holdouts had been cornered in the building. The militants took refuge in the building after they fired automatic rifles and ambushed a convoy of paramilitary soldiers on Saturday. They allowed more than 100 civilian government employees to leave the building without harm. Three members of the special forces two army captains and a soldier were killed in the standoff, along with two paramilitary soldiers and a civilian. Thirteen paramilitary troops were wounded. Hundreds of residents in the Pampore area, where the militants had holed up, demonstrated on the streets Sunday and Monday to support the rebels. Ignoring government orders to stay away from the site, they chanted slogans against Indian rule in Kashmir. Government forces fired tear gas and pellet guns, while the protesters threw rocks. Police said at least 15 protesters were hurt. Anti-India sentiment runs deep in the region, where rebel groups have been fighting since 1989 for either independence or a merger with neighboring Pakistan. More than 68,000 people have been killed in the armed uprising and ensuing Indian military crackdown. India and Pakistan each administer a portion of Kashmir, but both claim the Himalayan region in its entirety. The rival nations have fought three wars, two of them over control of Kashmir, since they won independence from British colonialists in 1947. The mother of Indian Army Captain Tushar Mahajan cries next the coffin of his son before perform last rites in Udhampur, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Mahajan died from injuries sustained during a gunbattle between Kashmiri rebels and Indian government forces in the Pampore area, Indian-controlled Kashmir. Anti-India sentiment runs deep in India's portion of Kashmir, where rebel groups have been fighting since 1989 for either independence or a merger with neighboring Pakistan. More than 68,000 people have been killed in the armed uprising and ensuing Indian military crackdown. (AP Photo/Channi Anand) The mother of Indian Army Captain Tushar Mahajan cries next the coffin of his son in Udhampur's military station, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Mahajan died from injuries sustained during a gunbattle between Kashmiri rebels and Indian government forces in the Pampore area, Indian-controlled Kashmir. Anti-India sentiment runs deep in India's portion of Kashmir, where rebel groups have been fighting since 1989 for either independence or a merger with neighboring Pakistan. More than 68,000 people have been killed in the armed uprising and ensuing Indian military crackdown. (AP Photo/Channi Anand) Smoke billows from a building where suspected militants have taken refuge during a gun battle in Pampore, near Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. As an intense gunbattle raged between security forces and the insurgents, a portion of the building caught fire on Sunday, but the blaze subsided after some time. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan) Indian Army soldiers take position during a gunbattle between Indian security forces and Kashmiri rebels in Pampore, near Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Anti-India sentiment runs deep in India's portion of Kashmir, where rebel groups have been fighting since 1989 for either independence or a merger with neighboring Pakistan. More than 68,000 people have been killed in the armed uprising and ensuing Indian military crackdown. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan) Indian army carry the coffin of Army Captain Tushar Mahajan in Udhampur, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Mahajan died from injuries sustained during a gunbattle between Kashmiri rebels and Indian government forces in the Pampore area, Indian-controlled Kashmir. Anti-India sentiment runs deep in India's portion of Kashmir, where rebel groups have been fighting since 1989 for either independence or a merger with neighboring Pakistan. More than 68,000 people have been killed in the armed uprising and ensuing Indian military crackdown. (AP Photo/Channi Anand) Indian army soldiers carry the coffin of Army Captain Tushar Mahajan in Udhampur's military station, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Mahajan died from injuries sustained during a gunbattle between Kashmiri rebels and Indian government forces in the Pampore area, Indian-controlled Kashmir. Anti-India sentiment runs deep in India's portion of Kashmir, where rebel groups have been fighting since 1989 for either independence or a merger with neighboring Pakistan. More than 68,000 people have been killed in the armed uprising and ensuing Indian military crackdown. (AP Photo/Channi Anand) Dem: GOP trying to delegitimize Obama by blocking court pick WASHINGTON (AP) The Senate's top Democrat accused Republicans Monday of trying to delegitimize Barack Obama's presidency by preventing him from filling the Supreme Court vacancy as a divided Senate convened for the first time since Antonin Scalia's death and immediately dove into election-year combat over the opening. Firing back, Republicans highlighted June 1992 remarks by Vice President Joe Biden, who chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee at the time. Biden argued then that should a Supreme Court seat become vacant there was no opening at the time then-President George H.W. Bush should not nominate a replacement until after that fall's presidential election. The back-and forth underscored the high-stakes political showdown that Scalia's death has sparked, a clash that each party thinks will motivate its voters to stream to the polls in November and has already kicked each side's interest groups into high gear. The Supreme Court now faces a precarious 4-4 ideological balance between right- and left-leaning justices as they consider cases on abortion, voting rights, Obama's health care law and other polarizing issues. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's assertion that the president elected this November should nominate the replacement has drawn support from nearly all Republicans and irate, solid opposition from Democrats As the Senate went into session following a moment of silence for Scalia, Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Republicans were making "an unprecedented attempt to hold hostage an entire branch of government." In sharp tones that typified both sides' comments since the 79-year-old jurist's Feb. 13 passing, Reid added that Republicans are pressing "a full-blown effort to delegitimize President Barack Obama, the presidency, and undermine our basic system of checks and balances." Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., reiterated the stance he took hours after Scalia's death that the next president should select a court nominee. He said Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, whose statements have wavered, agreed with him. McConnell said that with a presidential election underway, the voters should choose, "rather than a lame-duck president whose priorities and policies they just rejected in the most-recent national election." That was a reference to GOP congressional gains in the 2014 midterm elections. But separately, McConnell's press office and Grassley in a floor speech went further and cited the 1992 Biden remarks. "Once the political season is underway and it is, action on a Supreme Court nomination must be put off until after the election campaign is over," Biden said at the time on the Senate floor, according to a C-SPAN recording of his remarks. Grassley called the comments "The Biden Rules" and said the vice president "knows what the Senate should do." Biden defended himself in a written statement, saying that in his 1992 speech he said the Senate and White House should cooperate "to ensure the court functions as the founding fathers intended." He said under his long-time leadership of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the chamber considered nine Supreme Court nominees "and the current Senate has a constitutional duty to do the same." Both sides have spent days unearthing comments members of the other party made about court nominations years ago under presidents of different parties when the political circumstances were reversed. McConnell's assertion that the president elected this November should nominate the replacement has drawn support from nearly all Republicans and irate, solid opposition from Democrats. Yet as the two parties girded for what promises to be a months-long battle, some cracks have appeared on the GOP side. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill. who faces a difficult re-election race this year in a Democratic-leaning state distributed an opinion column he'd written for the Chicago Sun-Times saying he looks forward to Obama selecting a nominee. "I also recognize my duty as a senator to either vote in support or opposition to that nominee following a fair and thorough hearing along with a complete and transparent release of all requested information," Kirk wrote. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she favored Judiciary Committee hearings "so that there can be an in-depth vetting of the nominee and his or her views." Several other GOP senators said they'd defer to a decision by Grassley about holding hearings, including Sens. Richard Burr, R-N.C., Rob Portman, R-Ohio and Ron Johnson, R-Wis., who face re-election contests in November. Obama is expected to announce his nomination in coming weeks. GOP senators will gather on Tuesday for the first time since Scalia's death to discuss their path forward. "We'll have more to say on this" after Tuesday's Republican meeting, McConnell told reporters. Unanswered questions were making it tough for Republicans to fine-tune their approach just yet, including who Obama will name and who the GOP presidential nominee will be. Another challenge was how GOP senators facing re-election in closely divided states would strike a balance between retaining conservatives' support and avoiding accusations from independent voters of being too partisan. "It's really up to Sen. Grassley and the members of that committee. I don't serve on that committee," Ayotte said Monday regarding possible hearings. ___ Clinton heads South, aims for delegate edge over Sanders COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) The election calendar may have Democrats voting next in South Carolina, but Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are eyeing bigger prizes in March, a month that will determine whether the Vermont senator can keep pace in the White House race. Clinton shook off some of the anxieties shadowing her campaign with a solid victory in Saturday's Nevada caucuses. The results offered a glimpse of her strength with black voters. They are a crucial group in South Carolina, which holds its primary this coming Saturday, and in other Southern states with contests on March 1, Super Tuesday. Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks on the day of the Nevada Democratic caucus, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, in Henderson, Nev. Hillary Clinton captured Nevada's Democratic caucuses Saturday, overcoming an unexpectedly strong surge by Sanders. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Sanders has yet to prove he can consistently expand his base of support beyond white liberals and young voters. His campaign cited progress with Latinos in Nevada, but his advisers are clear-eyed about the challenges on Super Tuesday. They are mapping out plans to stay close to Clinton in the delegate count until the race turns to friendlier territory later in March. "Because we can do the long game, once we get past March 1, the calendar changes dramatically," said Jeff Weaver, Sanders' campaign manager. "It's frontloaded for her, but we have the ability to stay in the long game." More than half the 2,383 delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination will be determined in the 28 states that hold primaries and caucuses in March. Clinton and Sanders should have enough money to stay in the race for weeks afterward, but the delegate tally at the end of the month could make the results inevitable. For Sanders, strong showings in March are more important because of Clinton's lead with superdelegates the party leaders who can support any candidates regardless of how their states vote. Clinton has captured the support of 451 superdelegates compared with Sanders' 19. Underpinning Clinton's strategy are the painful lessons of her 2008 primary loss to Barack Obama. Clinton's campaign failed to account for the Democratic Party's system of allocating delegates proportionally in voting contests, and then watched superdelegates, who can shift their allegiances, move toward Obama as the campaign stretched late into the spring. Under the proportional system, avoiding overwhelming losses that can dramatically shift the delegate totals is almost as important as outright victories. "Other than Vermont, I don't see a single state where Hillary Clinton is going to lose in a blowout. I see a lot of states where Hillary Clinton will probably win by a lot and that equals real delegate yield," said David Plouffe, the architect of Obama's 2008 campaign and a Clinton supporter. "I know that's not sexy, but I think that's how the Clinton campaign has structured their campaign this time after some of the lessons from eight years ago." Few observers had foreseen Sanders as a serious threat to Clinton. But he has energized young people, working-class voters and liberals with his impassioned calls for breaking up big Wall Street banks and making tuition at public colleges and universities free. "I think the more people know our record, the better we do," Sanders said Sunday on CBS' "Face The Nation." Sanders' prolific online fundraising has given him staying power and he has pledged to take his campaign into the Democratic convention in July. While Sanders outraised Clinton in January, a new fundraising report showed he went on a spending spree at the start of the year and ended last month with about $15 million in available cash less than half of Clinton's cash on hand. That's enough to stay competitive, and Sanders' team is eyeing delegates in March 1 states such as Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oklahoma and his home state. He also hopes to flex his muscles in two other states with contests that day, Colorado and Virginia, and that could help him make the case that he is more electable than Clinton. Sanders' campaign has cited entrance polls of Nevada caucus-goers showing him doing better than Clinton among Latino voters. But the high margin of error in the polls makes it impossible to say with confidence whether either candidate held a lead among the group. While Sanders was campaigning in South Carolina on Sunday, he planned to be in Massachusetts for a college rally and campaign in Norfolk, Virginia, on Tuesday. Clinton also was spending time in Super Tuesday states. She flew from Nevada on Saturday to Texas, a huge delegate prize, for a late-night rally in Houston. She planned to raise money in California and then campaign in South Carolina. Beyond Super Tuesday, Clinton and Sanders are looking ahead to the March 15 contests in Florida, Illinois, Missouri and Ohio. Big wins in those states for either candidate would put the nomination within sight. Clinton's support among black voters could pay dividends because of the way Democrats award high-performing congressional districts with a greater share of delegates. Many of the most delegate-rich states have large minority populations, including Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Illinois and Florida, giving Clinton an inside track to accumulate delegates in March. ___ Pace reported from Washington. ___ Anti-incumbent mood gets test in first House GOP primaries WASHINGTON (AP) When the calendar turns to March in this year of the irate voter, the first wave of congressional Republicans will find out whether they have their very own Dave Brat awaiting them. Brat was an underfunded, obscure college professor who shocked the political world in 2014 by ousting House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in what was supposed to be a no-contest Republican primary in Virginia. He now holds the Richmond-area seat and is one of the chamber's more conservative and recalcitrant members. Next month, GOP House members in a crescent curving from Texas to Illinois face the first congressional primaries in this incumbent-bashing, anti-establishment season of billionaire Donald Trump and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, two leading Republican presidential contenders. FILE - In this Dec. 11, 2013 file photo, Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill. speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington. Next month, GOP House members in a crescent from Texas to North Carolina to Illinois face the first congressional primaries in this incumbent-bashing, anti-establishment year of Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. Most are expected to survive. But political operatives say a few are in contests worth watching for possible upsets. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) Nearly all House members are expected to survive. But a few face contests being watched for possible upsets by conservative challengers. Among them: Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady of Texas, Reps. Martha Roby and Bradley Byrne of Alabama and John Shimkus of Illinois. "It's an open question whether we'll see any serious candidates on the fringe right," said Rob Engstrom, national political director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which has started TV advertising backing Roby and Byrne and could engage in other House races. He said that March 1, when Alabama, Arkansas and Texas have the initial House primaries, is "a very important day to measure and determine what the score is." Mississippi House primaries are March 8, followed by Ohio and Illinois a week later. March 15 House contests in North Carolina were delayed until June because of a dispute over redrawing district boundaries. As usual, most incumbents have overwhelming financial and name-recognition advantages. In Texas, Brady's campaign raised $1.6 million last year, compared with $64,000 for the best financed of his three challengers, pool company owner and former state Rep. Steve Toth. That edge has long made most officeholders impossible to topple. In 2014, just five sitting House members lost party primaries. But 2016 poses a new test, with voters' ill feelings toward Washington, fanned by Trump and Cruz, fueling conservatives' hopes of defeating Republicans deemed too willing to cut deals. "The frustration and anger that's out there would indicate that this is the year you get beat from the right," said Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., like Brat a member of the rebellious House Freedom Caucus that last year helped push House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, to quit Congress. "If you don't get beat this year, you will be golden for a long time." The surly mood has prompted the conservative Club for Growth to run hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of TV ads attacking Shimkus and Rep. Renee Ellmers in a now-delayed North Carolina race. Club commercials also back conservative Warren Davidson's bid for Boehner's vacant seat in western Ohio, which if successful would be a symbolic coup. Other groups including FreedomWorks, Citizens United Political Victory Fund and the Senate Conservatives Fund are helping conservative contenders. Meadows said the House Freedom Caucus is aiding conservative candidates for vacant House seats but not challenging incumbents. Brady is among 13 Texas GOP House incumbents facing primary opponents, challenges that are mostly considered long-shots. He's represented his district north of Houston for two decades and last fall became chairman of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, a combination that makes him a household name locally and a national magnet for political contributions. He also boasts endorsements from National Right to Life, the National Rifle Association and a sky-high 95 percent lifetime rating from the American Conservative Union. A primary defeat of a sitting Ways and Means chairman would be unprecedented, says Eric Ostermeier, research associate at the University of Minnesota's Center for the Study of Politics and Governance. "A lot of things get said during election season," Brady emailed supporters, "but the facts about my dedication to conservative, limited government principles are clear." Toth says Brady isn't conservative enough. He says anger toward establishment Republicans is "off the charts" and predicts he'll be helped by the Texas' March 1 presidential primary, the same day as the state's congressional primaries. "Seventy percent of the people who come to the polls here in Texas are going to be voting for either Trump or Cruz," said Toth. "And they're not going to pull the lever for Kevin Brady." Wally Wilkerson Jr., longtime Republican Party chairman in Montgomery County, the district's largest, cites a "very unusual" political climate with lots of unhappy voters. "The congressman is taking it seriously," Wilkerson says of his re-election race. "If I was advising him, that's what I'd tell him." In rural southern Illinois, the $1.3 million Shimkus reported raising last year was nearly 10 times what challenger Kyle McCarter reported collecting. But playing on anti-incumbent fever, a Club for Growth ad targeting the 10-term lawmaker says, "A guy who's been in Washington 20 years ain't going to fix it." In a recent interview, Shimkus cited his supporters. "If you're endorsed by the National Right to Life, by the NRA and the Farm Bureau, it's hard for anybody to say you're not representing the district," he said. FILE - In this Feb. 26, 2015 file photo, Rep. Dave Brat, R-Va. leaves a meeting of House Republicans, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Next month, GOP House members in a crescent from Texas to North Carolina to Illinois face the first congressional primaries in this incumbent-bashing, anti-establishment year of Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. Most are expected to survive. But political operatives say a few are in contests worth watching for possible upsets. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) In this photo taken Feb. 11, 2016, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, right, talks with Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J. on Capitol Hill in Washington. Next month, GOP House members in a crescent from Texas to North Carolina to Illinois face the first congressional primaries in this incumbent-bashing, anti-establishment year of Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. Most are expected to survive. But political operatives say a few are in contests worth watching for possible upsets, (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Greece braces for growing number of stranded migrants IDOMENI, Greece (AP) Greece's government said Monday that it expects a growing number of stranded refugees and other migrants because the European Union is failing to deal with unilateral actions and an "outburst of scare-mongering" by individual member states. Macedonia further restricted at the border with Greece over the weekend, sparking protests by Afghan nationals at a border crossing. Macedonia imposed the restrictions at the weekend after Austria put a cap on transit and asylum applications. An Afghan refugee jumps the fence as he tries to enter Macedonia at the Greek-Macedonia borderline near the northern Greek village of Idomeni, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Greece's government warned Monday it expected a growing number of stranded migrants and asylum seekers after neighbor Macedonia further restricted border access at the weekend. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) The action blocking Afghans from crossing the border and generally restricting access left thousands of migrants stranded in Greece, at the border and at the port of Piraeus, near Athens, where regular private services to the border were suspended. "Once again the European Union voted for something, it reached an agreement, and a number of countries who are lacking the culture of the European Union including Austria, unfortunately violated this deal 10 hours after it was reached," Ioannis Mouzalas, a deputy minister for migration, told state-run ERT television. "The European Union cannot act in a united way to this outburst of scare-mongering from various countries. And that is creating problems, and these problems also involve our country." Macedonian officials said Monday they restricted the entrance of Afghan migrants from Greece following similar action from Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia, who in recent days have returned to Macedonia more than 600 Afghans deemed to be economic migrants. Macedonia's ombudsman Ixhet Memeti told private TV Telma that about 1,500 more are expected to be deported to Macedonia soon from countries further north on the Balkan corridor, which migrants follow to reach wealthier European countries. A senior Macedonian foreign ministry official said Croatian authorities discovered several Afghans who posed as war refugees had actually lived and worked for some time in Greece, and took advantage of the wave of migration to seek asylum further north. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the press. Nearly 100,000 migrants and refugees have traveled to the Greek islands from nearby Turkey so far this year. The coast guard said 4,427 migrants and refugees arrived in Piraeus from the eastern Aegean islands Monday. The large number of arrivals on the mainland was due to better weather after several stormy days forced the suspension of ferry services from the islands. Police said about 2,000 people were stranded at in camps near the Greek border town of Idomeni, including some 600 Afghans who staged a peaceful protest, holding up Afghan flags and hand-written banners. Later, hundreds broke through a Greek police cordon and crowded at the border fence, trying to climb it or cut through the wire netting. At least four men made it over, and were promptly arrested by police on the Macedonian side. Among the protesting Afghans was 25-year-old Shafiulahh Qaberi who traveled to Greece from the northern Afghan city of Kunduz. "We've been here for three days, and no one knows why they have closed the border," he told the AP. "I don't need food and I don't need water. What I need is to get over the border. Why are they stopping us?" Freight train service between Greece and Macedonia was also suspended after protesters blocked the railway line on the Greek side. ___ Konstantin Testorides in Skopje contributed to this story. ___ Follow Kantouris at http://www.twitter.com/CostasKantouris Exhausted Afghan refugees rest as they hold a placard demanding the opening the border of Macedonia at the Greek-Macedonian borderline near the northern Greek village of Idomeni, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Greece's government warned Monday it expected a growing number of stranded migrants and asylum seekers after neighbor Macedonia further restricted border access at the weekend. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) An Afghan refugee passes under a fence as he tries to enter Macedonia at the Greek-Macedonia borderline near the northern Greek village of Idomeni, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Greece's government warned Monday it expected a growing number of stranded migrants and asylum seekers after neighbor Macedonia further restricted border access at the weekend. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) Refugees from Afghanistan sit beside railway tracks near a transit center for refugees at the Macedonian-Serbian border in the northern Macedonian village of Tabanovce, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. More than 600 Afghan refugees were stranded since Saturday at the transit center while waiting for a permission to cross the border into Serbia. Serbia says the decision to block refugees from Afghanistan from passing through the so-called Balkan migrant corridor has been made by Austria and Slovenia. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski) Afghans stand in a queue to receive food at a transit center for refugees at the Macedonian-Serbian border near the northern Macedonian village of Tabanovce, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. More than 600 Afghan refugees were stranded since Saturday at the transit center while waiting for a permission to cross the border into Serbia. Serbia says the decision to block refugees from Afghanistan from passing through the so-called Balkan migrant corridor has been made by Austria and Slovenia. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski) The shadows of a couple is seen on a bus as other Refugees and Migrants wait inside after reaching the Athens' port of Piraeus by ferry from the Greek islands, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Several thousand migrants have been stranded at the port and at the country's border with Macedonia, where authorities at the weekend closed the border to Afghan migrants and reduced rate for crossings for Iraqis and Syrians. Regular private bus services from Piraeus to the Greek-Macedonian border were suspended Monday following the weekend action. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) An Afghan child sleeps on the pavement after his arrival along with hundreds of others refugees and migrants at the port of Piraeus near Athens, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Several thousand migrants have been stranded at the port and at the country's border with Macedonia, where authorities at the weekend closed the border to Afghan migrants and reduced rate for crossings for Iraqis and Syrians. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) A Syrian woman kisses her child inside a custom building after their arrival along with hundreds of others at the port of Piraeus near Athens, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Several thousand migrants have been stranded at the port and at the country's border with Macedonia, where authorities at the weekend closed the border to Afghan migrants and reduced rate for crossings for Iraqis and Syrians. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) A woman holds his child as she passes next to members of the Frontex, European Border Protection Agency, at refugee camp at the Greek-Macedonian border in the northern Greek village of Idomeni, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Macedonia closed its border to Afghan migrants early Sunday, Greek police said, slowing the admission of refugees to a trickle and leaving a growing bottleneck of people stuck at their shared border. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) Refugees and migrants wait inside a custom building after their arrival along with hundreds of others at the port of Piraeus near Athens, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Several thousand migrants have been stranded at the port and at the country's border with Macedonia, where authorities at the weekend closed the border to Afghan migrants and reduced rate for crossings for Iraqis and Syrians. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) Migrants and refugees disembark from a ferry after their arrival along with hundreds of others at the port of Piraeus near Athens, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Several thousand migrants have been stranded at the port and at the country's border with Macedonia, where authorities at the weekend closed the border to Afghan migrants and reduced rate for crossings for Iraqis and Syrians. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) An Afghan migrant holds his child after their arrival along with hundreds of others at the port of Piraeus near Athens, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Several thousand migrants have been stranded at the port and at the country's border with Macedonia, where authorities at the weekend closed the border to Afghan migrants and reduced rate for crossings for Iraqis and Syrians. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) Refugees and migrants sit at a refugee camp at the Greek-Macedonian border near the northern Greek village of Idomeni, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Macedonia closed its border to Afghan migrants early Sunday, Greek police said, slowing the admission of refugees to a trickle and leaving a growing bottleneck of people stuck at their shared border. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) An Iraqi woman is helped by volunteers as she arrives with other refugees and migrants from the Turkish coast to the northeastern Greek island of Lesbos, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. European Union countries have sought to cap the influx of refugees after more than one million people entered in 2015. Nations along the entry route have agreed to jointly control the flow of migrants through their territories. (AP Photo/Manu Brabo) An Iraqi woman cries after her arrival with other refugees and migrants on a dinghy from the Turkish coast to the northeastern island of Lesbos, Greece Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. European Union countries have sought to cap the influx of refugees after more than one million people entered in 2015. Nations along the entry route have agreed to jointly control the flow of migrants through their territories. (AP Photo/Manu Brabo) A Czech policewoman, who is supporting the Macedonia authorities, tries to secure a door as Afghan refugees push it at the Greek-Macedonia borderline near the northern Greek village of Idomeni, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Greece's government warned Monday it expected a growing number of stranded migrants and asylum seekers after neighbor Macedonia further restricted border access at the weekend. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) Afghan refugees sit on the railway tracks, which links Greece with Macedonia, behind the fence, as they protest at the Greek-Macedonian borderline near the northern Greek village of Idomeni, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Greece's government warned Monday it expected a growing number of stranded migrants and asylum seekers after neighbor Macedonia further restricted border access at the weekend. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) Across Europe, gay migrants face abuse in asylum shelters BERLIN (AP) Alaa Ammar fled Syria to escape not just civil war but also the threat of persecution as a gay man. Yet when he arrived in The Netherlands last spring, he did not find the safe haven he craved. He and four other gay travelers had to face newly arrived asylum seekers at a migrant center in the remote northern town of Ter Apel. "After five minutes, they started looking. After 10 minutes, they started to talk. After one hour, they came to us," said Ammar, a slender 28-year-old in tight jeans and with a diamond-like stud in each ear. "After three hours, they started fighting with us." Mahmoud Hassino a homosexual Syrian refugee and gay activist with the Schwulenberatung activist group, poses for the photographer after a news conference in Berlin, Germany, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Across Europe, gay, lesbian and transgender migrants say they suffer from verbal, physical and sexual abuse in refugee shelters, and some have been forced to move out. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) Across Europe, gay, lesbian and transgender migrants say they suffer from verbal, physical and sexual abuse in refugee shelters, and some have been forced to move out. The AP found out about scores of documented cases in The Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Sweden and Finland, with the abuse usually coming from fellow refugees and sometimes security staff and translators. The cases suggest a possible cultural clash: Many migrants are coming from conservative Muslim countries where homosexuality is taboo into European societies that are more open to it. In Syria, for example, homosexuality is illegal, and the militant Islamic State group has killed more than 30 gays in Syria and Iraq over the past two years, activists say. A similar debate, this time over cultural attitudes toward gender, was sparked after young men assaulted and robbed hundreds of women in several German cities on New Year's Eve. Police described the men as of North African and Arabic origin. The number of migrants accused of gay abuse are just a tiny fraction of the hundreds of thousands of refugees streaming into Europe. However, most abuse is likely not reported because of European privacy laws and the stigma felt by gay migrants, and there is no official tally across the continent. In Germany, the Lesbian and Gay Federation counted 106 cases of violence against homosexual and transgender refugees in the Berlin region from August through the end of January. Most of the cases came from refugee centers, and 13 included sexual abuse. Joerg Steinert, head of the federation in Berlin-Brandenburg, said refugees have been asking gay groups for help all over the country, reluctant to approach police for fear of jeopardizing their asylum applications. Last year, the federation placed 50 people in private homes because the migrant centers were too dangerous. "These asylum shelters are law-free areas," he said. "When I come to our office on Monday morning, there's usually a bunch of refugees waiting outside in the hallway who need help immediately." Charities and private shelter operators say they've simply been too overwhelmed by the huge influx of migrants to attend to some refugees' special needs. Masses of people often live in one big hall, without lockable rooms or gender-separated washrooms. In Berlin, where four hangars at the former Tempelhof airport were turned into a reception center for 2,100 people, four cases of gay abuse were reported. Maria Antonia Kipp, spokeswoman for private center operator Tamaja, said it's very difficult to create safe spaces for homosexuals when hundreds of bunk beds are separated only by thin wooden boards. "When we see a dangerous situation or people tell us about it, we'll get the people out and transfer them to smaller shelters," she said. The German Red Cross said it had a code of conduct banning violence at its shelters. And the Arbeiterwohlfahrt, or Worker's Welfare charity group, said it is trying to create safe spaces in new centers but cannot implement the highest standards it would like. "We've been somewhat overrun by reality," said spokeswoman Mona Finder. Some critics say it is up to the German government to protect migrants. But last month, a proposal to increase the security of asylum shelters was taken out of a government bill, despite official reprimands from the European Commission that Germany is not implementing EU safety guidelines. Without the government, the protection of gay migrants has largely fallen to rights groups and local communities. On Tuesday, gay rights group Schwulenberatung Berlin will open a new home with 122 beds for gay refugees in cooperation with the city of Berlin and another shelter with 10 beds was recently opened in Nuremberg. Berlin has also appointed a counselor as contact person for the registration of gay and transgender migrants. Schwulenberatung Berlin's Mahmoud Hassino said the new Berlin shelter would be a big improvement for gay, transgender and lesbian refugees. "Gay refugees live in constant fear in the big shelters," said the 40-year-old Syrian refugee. Hassino came to Germany in 2014 and had to move out of a Berlin shelter himself because of the hostility of fellow refugees. "Even if they don't get abused right away, they're always afraid their identity will be revealed and then they'll be targeted," he said. The situation for homosexual refugees is difficult all over Europe. In Spain, for example, two migrants from Cameroon and a third from Morocco were physically abused after their sexual orientation was discovered by others at shelters, according to the Pueblos Unidos nonprofit. The men now have asylum petitions pending before the Spanish government citing their homosexuality as a reason why they deserve refugee status, the nonprofit said. In Sweden, a court sentenced an asylum seeker to five months in prison last summer for making death threats, along with spitting in the face and grabbing the throat of a fellow refugee in a center in Jonkoping. When the victim collapsed onto the floor, the attacker kicked him unconscious. Witnesses and a surveillance video backed the claims. The motive was the victim's homosexuality. The attacker was "outraged that Sweden protects homosexuality and all should be killed by slaughtering," according to court documents. In Finland, cases of gay harassment and downright abuse have also been recorded at refugee centers, according to SETA, a nationwide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group. As a result, some of the centers have separated a secure section for those afraid of sexual harassment. Other migrants have contacted SETA after fleeing their designated refugee center because of abuse. Earlier this month, a Finnish court gave an asylum seeker a three-and-half-year prison sentence for raping another migrant man at a southern Finnish center. In Denmark, there have been at least 10 cases of harassment, according to Mads Ted Drud-Jensen from the LGBT Asylum group. He stressed that those figures represent only victims who have been in contact with the group. "Stepping out of the closet may be hard to do, and not everyone is talking to us," he said. In the Netherlands, a Dutch human rights group reported earlier this month on regular abuse of gays and lesbians at a large camp that can house up to 3,000 asylum seekers near the city of Nijmegen. The group, The College for Human Rights, said one asylum seeker "has repeatedly found excrement and food in his bed. He is threatened and abused by fellow residents." The asylum seeker, whose identity was not disclosed, said he feared for his safety because some other refugees carried knives. The report said he often found notes in his bed such as "kill gay" and "we don't want gay in the camp." When Ammar reported abuse in Ter Apel, he and other gay refugees were put up on the floor of a restaurant for a night. Then they were transferred to another shelter in Apeldoorn. There too, Ammar said, three fellow refugees attacked him and another man in the communal washroom and slashed them with a knife. "You could see from their eyes that they wanted to hurt me," he said. Again, Ammar was transferred, back to a caravan in Ter Apel. Employees with the COA asylum organization advised them to close the doors and windows, he said, but other asylum seekers "opened the windows and said bad things to us." Spokesman Jan-Willem Anholts said COA does not keep records of complaints of gay abuse, but does have "protective" measures for people at risk. Anholts also raised concerns that creating safe houses for specific groups could lead to a type of "segregation" in Dutch society. It was only after Ammar received asylum and moved in with a private host in Amsterdam a few weeks ago that he started to feel really safe. "Who wouldn't like Amsterdam?' Ammar said as he looked carefully left and right before crossing roads already seasoned at watching out for speeding bicycles in the Dutch capital. "People don't care if I'm gay or not. I can scream 'I'm gay!' and they will say, 'Welcome.'" _____ Mike Corder reported from Amsterdam. Al Clendenning in Madrid, Lorne Cook in Brussels, Belgium, Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, Jari Tanner in Helsinki, Finland and Bassem Mroue in Beirut, Lebanon also contributed to this report. Mahmoud Hassino a homosexual Syrian refugee and gay activist with the Schwulenberatung activist group, attends a news conference in Berlin, Germany, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Across Europe, gay, lesbian and transgender migrants say they suffer from verbal, physical and sexual abuse in refugee shelters, and some have been forced to move out. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) FILE - In this Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015 file photo, cabins are set up inside Hanger 4 of the former airport Tempelhof to be used as a temporary emergency shelter for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Berlin. Across Europe, gay, lesbian and transgender migrants say they suffer from verbal, physical and sexual abuse in refugee shelters, and some have been forced to move out. The AP found out about scores of documented cases in The Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Sweden and Finland, with the abuse usually coming from fellow refugees and sometimes security staff and translators. In Germany, the Lesbian and Gay Federation counted 106 cases of violence against homosexual and transgender refugees in the Berlin region from August through the end of January 2016. Most of the cases came from refugee centers, and 13 included sexual abuse.(AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, file) Some victims in terror attack support efforts to hack iPhone WASHINGTON (AP) Some family members of victims and survivors of the San Bernardino terror attack will file court papers in support of a judge's order that Apple Inc. help the FBI hack into a locked iPhone as part of the terrorism investigation, a lawyer and others said Monday. A Los Angeles attorney, Stephen Larson, said he represents at least several families of victims and other employees affected by the attack. He said the U.S. Attorney in the case, Eileen Decker, sought his help. Larson said he will file a brief supporting the Justice Department before March 3. This undated photo provided by George Velasco shows his niece, Yvette Velasco, one of the victims of the Dec. 2, 2015 mass shooting at a social service facility in San Bernardino, Calif. On Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, a lawyer said some victims and their families, including George Velasco, will file documents in support of a U.S. magistrate judge's order that Apple Inc. must help the FBI hack into a locked iPhone as part of the terrorism investigation. (Courtesy of George Velasco via AP) The victims "have questions that go simply beyond the criminal investigation ... in terms of why this happened, how this happened, why they were targeted, is there anything about them on the iPhone things that are more of a personal victim" view, Larson said. Robert Velasco, whose 27-year-old daughter Yvette Velasco was killed in the shooting, told The Associated Press that he didn't have to think long before agreeing to have his name added to the legal filing in support of the FBI. "It is important to me to have my name in there," Velasco said. "I lost my daughter in this and I want the court to see that I am seeking justice for my daughter." Velasco said the phone could reveal other terror plots or that other people were involved in planning the San Bernardino attack. "The only way to find out is to open up that phone and get in there," he said. "A lot of the families of the victims, we're kind of angry and confused as to why Apple is refusing to do this." The appeal from victim family members gives the Justice Department additional support in a case that has sparked a national debate over digital privacy rights and national security interests. Magistrate Judge Sheri Pym ordered Apple last week to assist investigators by creating specialized software that would let the FBI rapidly test random passcode combinations to try to unlock the iPhone and view data stored on it. The county-issued iPhone 5C was used by Syed Farook, who with his wife, Tashfeen Malik, killed 14 people at an office Christmas party in December before they died in a gun battle with police. The government said they had been at least partly inspired by the Islamic State. The couple physically destroyed two personal phones so completely that the FBI has been unable to recover information from them. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Monday that the FBI's request is "quite limited in scope" and called it "an effective way for the FBI to follow their regular procedure as they conduct this independent investigation, but also stay true to the kinds of principles that the President has discussed publicly about the need for robust encryption methods." Earnest said the sides needed to hash things out in court and questioned whether Congress as Apple and others have suggested would be an effective medium for solving issues evoked by the court order. Farook had worked as a county health inspector. Larson said the government has a strong case because of Farook's diminished privacy interests as a "dead, murderous terrorist" and because the phone was owned by his employer, the county government. "You're weighing that against the interest of enforcement in an investigation and the victims and their interest in obtaining this knowledge," he said. Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook acknowledged in a letter to employees earlier Monday that that "it does not feel right" to refuse to help the FBI, but that doing so would threaten data security for millions by creating essentially a master key that could later be duplicated and used against other phones. "We have no tolerance or sympathy for terrorists," Cook wrote in an email. "When they commit unspeakable acts like the tragic attacks in San Bernardino, we work to help the authorities pursue justice for the victims." Hours earlier, FBI director James Comey said in an online post that Apple owes it to the San Bernardino victims to cooperate and the FBI "can't look the survivors in the eye, or ourselves in the mirror, if we don't follow this lead." Gregory Clayborn, whose 27-year-old daughter, Sierra, died in the attack, said he hasn't been asked to join the case but believes Apple is obligated to unlock the phone. "This makes me a little bit angry with Apple," Clayborn said. "It makes me question their interest in the safety of this country." Clayborn said he understands Apple's concerns, but unlocking one phone for the FBI, he said, is "as simple as it gets." Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Monday expressed his support of Apple, while in Barcelona, Spain to speak at the Mobile World Congress, saying he believes in helping the government in its fight against terrorist but that encryption is important. "I don't think that back doors into encryption is going to increase security or is in the direction the world is going," he said. Apple's supporters planned to protest the FBI's demands on Tuesday evening outside Apple's stories in about 50 cities in the U.S., the U.K., Germany and Hong Kong. A Pew Research Center survey found that 51 percent of Americans said Apple should unlock the iPhone, while 38 percent said Apple should not to ensure the security of user information. The remainder gave no opinion. The telephone survey was conducted Feb. 18 through Feb. 21 among 1,002 adults. ___ Myers reported from Los Angeles. AP writers Eric Tucker in Washington and Joe Wilson in Barcelona, Spain, contributed to this report. Follow Tami Abdollah on Twitter at https://twitter.com/latams and Amanda Myers at https://twitter.com/AmandaLeeAP. This undated photo provided by George Velasco shows his niece, Yvette Velasco, one of the victims of the Dec. 2, 2015 mass shooting at a social service facility in San Bernardino, Calif. On Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, a lawyer said some victims and their families, including George Velasco, will file documents in support of a U.S. magistrate judge's order that Apple Inc. must help the FBI hack into a locked iPhone as part of the terrorism investigation. (Courtesy of George Velasco via AP) FILE - In a Monday, Dec. 21, 2015 file photo, FBI Director James Comey attends the 27th Annual Remembrance Ceremony for the victims of Pan Am Flight 103, at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Va. Comey said in a message posed Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, on the Lawfare blog that the the agency owes it to the victims of the San Bernardino terror attacks to try to gain access to a cellphone used by one of the gunmen. Comey said the court case "isn't about trying to set a precedent" but is instead about doing justice for the victims. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) An iPhone is seen in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016. The San Bernardino County-owned iPhone at the center of an unfolding high-profile legal battle between Apple Inc. and the U.S. government lacked a device management feature bought by the county that, if installed, would have allowed investigators easy and immediate access. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) The Latest: French court hands down sentences to migrants THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) The Latest on the migrant crisis in Europe (all times local): 7:55 p.m. A court in northern France has sentenced six migrants to one month in prison and slapped 300-euro fines ($330) to two activists over an intrusion onto a British ferry in the port of Calais last month. A migrant makes a phone call from the outskirts of the migrant camp outside Calais, France, Monday Feb. 22, 2016. Authorities issued an expulsion order Friday for hundreds of migrants living in this huge swath of the Calais camp, demanding that they remove their makeshift homes and possessions within four days. Residents of the southern sector of the camp, known locally as "the jungle," must clear out by 8 p.m. Tuesday so it can be razed, according to the order by the state authority for Calais. Police will remove those who refuse to clear out, the order said.(AP Photo/Jerome Delay) But since the six migrants four Afghans, one Syrian and one Sudanese have been in prison for a month awaiting their trial, they were freed Monday, prosecutor Jean-Pierre Valensi told The Associated Press by phone after the trial in Boulogne-Sur-Mer. The six were arrested on Jan. 23 when between 150 and 300 people made their way to the fenced port site in Calais when a demonstration by migrants and activists was ending. A few dozen managed to get on a docked ferry before being escorted off by police. ___ 3:20 p.m. Croatia's interior minister says the main route for migrants entering Europe will be shut the moment Austria and Germany decide to stop taking them in. Vlaho Orepic said Monday "the moment migrants can no longer be accepted particularly in Austria, we have to stop reception and transit" of the people crossing Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia on their way to western Europe. Austria has triggered a backlog of migrants along the Balkan route after last week setting a cap on the rate at which it would accept them. More than a million people fleeing wars and poverty reached Europe in 2015. Nations along the Balkan route on Monday started joint controls of the flow through their territories. Orepic says the migrants will be "carefully profiled" on the Macedonian border with Greece before they are allowed to proceed. ___ 2:20 p.m. More than 500 people were caught trying to enter Hungary last weekend, the highest figure since the construction last year of fences on the borders with Serbia and Croatia meant to stop the flow of migrants reaching the country. According to police statistics, 501 people were caught between Friday and Sunday, including 237 on Sunday, the highest one-day figure so far in 2016. Hungarian police caught 598 migrants in January, but more than 1,550 have been caught so far this month. The breaches of Hungary's fence protected by razor wire have increased as other countries along the migrant route through the Balkans have tightened controls and set limits on the number and nationalities of migrants and refugees they will allow to enter. ___ 1:35 p.m. Italian Premier Matteo Renzi says he understands Austria's "very difficult situation after so many asylum-seekers poured into the small country, but Vienna would be "absolutely wrong" if it shuts down the Brenner crossing-point. Renzi said Monday that closing the Brenner would "strike at the heart the very idea of integration in Europe." Austria announced last week it plans to extend border controls to Italy as it braces for possible shifts in migrant flows. Checkpoints were being set up, including one at the Brenner crossing, Italy's major entrance across the Alps into Austria. Renzi says a "principle of barriers and quotas" was unacceptable. He insisted there can't be a cap on numbers of those seeking asylum. ___ 1:30 p.m. The European Union's police organization has launched a new unit dedicated to tackling migrant smuggling as part of the 28-nation bloc's efforts to stem the flow of people pouring into the continent as they flee conflict and poverty. Europol Director Rob Wainwright said Monday his organization estimates that nine out of every 10 asylum-seekers arriving in Europe have their travel facilitated by a criminal smuggling network. He says the new center at Europol's headquarters in The Hague will help EU member states "improve their exchange of information and operational coordination in the fight against organized migrant smuggling." According to a Europol report, criminal networks involved in people smuggling had an estimated turnover last year of 3-6 billion euros ($3.3-6.6 billion), as more than 1 million migrants arrived last year. ___ 12:40 p.m. Greece's government warned Monday it expected a growing number of stranded migrants and asylum seekers after neighbor Macedonia further restricted border access at the weekend. Ioannis Mouzalas, a deputy minister for migration said the European Union was failing to deal with unilateral actions and an "outburst of scare-mongering" from individual member states. Macedonia imposed the restrictions at the weekend after Austria imposed a cap on transit and asylum applications. The action blocking Afghans from crossing the border and generally restricting access from left thousands of migrants stranded in Greece, at the border and the port of Piraeus, near Athens, where regular private services to the border were suspended. Nearly 100,000 migrants and refugees have traveled to Greek islands from nearby Turkey so far this year. Police said about 2,000 people were stranded at the border camps near the Greek border town of Idomeni, including some 600 Afghans who staged a peaceful protest, holding up Afghan flags and hand-written banners. Among them was 25-year-old Shafiulahh Qaberi who traveled to Greece from the northern Afghan city of Kunduz. "We've been here for three days, and no one knows why they have closed the border," he told the AP. "I don't need food and I don't need water. What I need is to get over the border. Why are they stopping us?" __ Follow Kantouris at http://www.twitter.com/CostasKantouris Migrants from Afghanistan charge their phones in a makeshift restaurant in a camp set outside Calais, France, Monday Feb. 22, 2016. Authorities issued an expulsion order Friday for hundreds of migrants living in this huge swath of the Calais camp, demanding that they remove their makeshift homes and possessions within four days. Residents of the southern sector of the camp, known locally as "the jungle," must clear out by 8 p.m. Tuesday so it can be razed, according to the order by the state authority for Calais. Police will remove those who refuse to clear out, the order said. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) A migrant rides his bicycle in a camp set outside Calais, France, Monday Feb. 22, 2016. Authorities issued an expulsion order Friday for hundreds of migrants living in this huge swath of the Calais camp, demanding that they remove their makeshift homes and possessions within four days. Residents of the southern sector of the camp, known locally as "the jungle," must clear out by 8 p.m. Tuesday so it can be razed, according to the order by the state authority for Calais. Police will remove those who refuse to clear out, the order said.(AP Photo/Jerome Delay) A migrant checks his phone in a camp set outside Calais, France, Monday Feb. 22, 2016. Authorities issued an expulsion order Friday for hundreds of migrants living in this huge swath of the Calais camp, demanding that they remove their makeshift homes and possessions within four days. Residents of the southern sector of the camp, known locally as "the jungle," must clear out by 8 p.m. Tuesday so it can be razed, according to the order by the state authority for Calais. Police will remove those who refuse to clear out, the order said.(AP Photo/Jerome Delay) A migrant walks through a camp set outside Calais, France, Monday Feb. 22, 2016. Authorities issued an expulsion order Friday for hundreds of migrants living in this huge swath of the Calais camp, demanding that they remove their makeshift homes and possessions within four days. Residents of the southern sector of the camp, known locally as "the jungle," must clear out by 8 p.m. Tuesday so it can be razed, according to the order by the state authority for Calais. Police will remove those who refuse to clear out, the order said.(AP Photo/Jerome Delay) A migrants from Afghanistan charges his phone in a makeshift restaurant in a camp set outside Calais, France, Monday Feb. 22, 2016. Authorities issued an expulsion order Friday for hundreds of migrants living in this huge swath of the Calais camp, demanding that they remove their makeshift homes and possessions within four days. Residents of the southern sector of the camp, known locally as "the jungle," must clear out by 8 p.m. Tuesday so it can be razed, according to the order by the state authority for Calais. Police will remove those who refuse to clear out, the order said. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) Migrants carry supplies in a camp set outside Calais, in France, Monday Feb. 22, 2016. Authorities issued an expulsion order Friday for hundreds of migrants living in this huge swath of the Calais camp, demanding that they remove their makeshift homes and possessions within four days. Residents of the southern sector of the camp, known locally as "the jungle," must clear out by 8 p.m. Tuesday so it can be razed, according to the order by the state authority for Calais. Police will remove those who refuse to clear out, the order said. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) A migrant child rides a bicycle at a camp set, outside Calais, in France, Monday Feb. 22, 2016. Authorities issued an expulsion order Friday for hundreds of migrants living in this huge swath of the Calais camp, demanding that they remove their makeshift homes and possessions within four days. Residents of the southern sector of the camp, known locally as "the jungle," must clear out by 8 p.m. Tuesday so it can be razed, according to the order by the state authority for Calais. Police will remove those who refuse to clear out, the order said. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) A migrant walks past a makeshift restaurant in a camp set outside Calais, France, Monday Feb. 22, 2016. Authorities issued an expulsion order Friday for hundreds of migrants living in this huge swath of the Calais camp, demanding that they remove their makeshift homes and possessions within four days. Residents of the southern sector of the camp, known locally as "the jungle," must clear out by 8 p.m. Tuesday so it can be razed, according to the order by the state authority for Calais. Police will remove those who refuse to clear out, the order said.(AP Photo/Jerome Delay) An Afghan child sleeps on the pavement after his arrival along with hundreds of others refugees and migrants at the port of Piraeus near Athens, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Several thousand migrants have been stranded at the port and at the country's border with Macedonia, where authorities at the weekend closed the border to Afghan migrants and reduced rate for crossings for Iraqis and Syrians. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) Refugees and migrants sit at a refugee camp at the Greek-Macedonian border near the northern Greek village of Idomeni, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Macedonia closed its border to Afghan migrants early Sunday, Greek police said, slowing the admission of refugees to a trickle and leaving a growing bottleneck of people stuck at their shared border. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) A Syrian woman kisses her child inside a custom building after their arrival along with hundreds of others at the port of Piraeus near Athens, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Several thousand migrants have been stranded at the port and at the country's border with Macedonia, where authorities at the weekend closed the border to Afghan migrants and reduced rate for crossings for Iraqis and Syrians. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) The shadows of a couple is seen on a bus as other Refugees and Migrants wait inside after reaching the Athens' port of Piraeus by ferry from the Greek islands, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Several thousand migrants have been stranded at the port and at the country's border with Macedonia, where authorities at the weekend closed the border to Afghan migrants and reduced rate for crossings for Iraqis and Syrians. Regular private bus services from Piraeus to the Greek-Macedonian border were suspended Monday following the weekend action. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) Refugees and migrants wait inside a custom building after their arrival along with hundreds of others at the port of Piraeus near Athens, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Several thousand migrants have been stranded at the port and at the country's border with Macedonia, where authorities at the weekend closed the border to Afghan migrants and reduced rate for crossings for Iraqis and Syrians. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) Migrants and refugees disembark from a ferry after their arrival along with hundreds of others at the port of Piraeus near Athens, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Several thousand migrants have been stranded at the port and at the country's border with Macedonia, where authorities at the weekend closed the border to Afghan migrants and reduced rate for crossings for Iraqis and Syrians. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) Image of Asia: Lanterns released in hopes of good fortune In this photo by Chiang Ying-ying, hundreds of people release lanterns into the air in hopes of good fortune and prosperity at the traditional lantern festival during the Lunar New Year in the Pingxi district of New Taipei City, Taiwan. The lantern festival starts 15 days after the Chinese New Year and falls on Feb. 22 this year. People who released the lanterns wrote names and wishes on them beforehand. Historically lanterns were used in military communications, along with beacon towers, to pass information among troops over large distances. The Latest: Europol chief: UK exit from EU would be risky LONDON (AP) The Latest on Britain's upcoming referendum on whether it should leave the European Union (all times local): 3:50 p.m. Prime Minister David Cameron says that if Britons vote to leave the European Union in June, it will be a "final decision" with no chance of reversing it in a second referendum. British Prime Minister David Cameron makes a statement outside 10 Downing Street in London, Saturday Feb. 20, 2016. Cameron said Saturday a historic referendum on whether to stay in the European Union will be held on June 23. He spoke in front of 10 Downing Street after winning his Cabinets agreement to recommend that Britain remain part of the 28-nation bloc rather than strike out on its own. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland) Cameron told lawmakers in the House of Commons that the June 23 vote "is a straight democratic decision: staying in or leaving." Some supporters of a "leave" vote, including London Mayor Boris Johnson, have suggested that Britain would be able to negotiate new and more favorable terms with the bloc after a vote to exit. But Cameron said Monday that a vote to leave meant just that, and ignoring it "would not just be wrong; it would be undemocratic." ___ 2:15 p.m. The British head of the European Union's police cooperation agency has warned that the United Kingdom could find it harder to protect its citizens against terrorism and organized crime if it leaves the EU. Europol Director Rob Wainwright said Monday that if London turns its back on the EU and the police cooperation capabilities it offers, "it would make the U.K.'s job harder, I think, to protect the citizens from terrorism and organized crime." Speaking at the launch of a new center to fight migrant smuggling, Wainwright said that the British have helped mold cooperation among police forces in the 28-nation bloc, "because it's the unanimous opinion of the British police services that they need that level of engagement." ___ 12:40 p.m. The European Union's executive Commission says it will stay out of the referendum campaign on whether Britain should leave the EU. Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker did campaign last July in a Greek referendum on whether to accept an EU-brokered agreement to secure a massive economic bailout. But chief Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said Monday that "we will not take part in this process" ahead of the June 23 poll in Britain. Schinas did not rule out the possibility that EU commissioner Jonathon Hill, who is from Britain, might campaign in a personal capacity. Commission officials are appointed, not elected, and often embody the stereotype of the "faceless Eurocrat" that some Britons blame for their country's struggles with the EU. ___ 09:40 a.m. British Prime Minister David Cameron is preparing to formally present his plan for a June 23 referendum on Britain's European Union membership to Parliament. Cameron, who wants Britain to remain part of the 28-nation bloc, will go to Parliament Monday after a weekend that saw London Mayor Boris Johnson announce he is in favor of leaving the union. The British pound sterling fell in early currency trading Monday on concern that the vote could be closer than expected. Johnson wrote in The Daily Telegraph that the referendum offers a "once-in-a-lifetime" chance for real change. He says remaining in the bloc would mean more federalism and less democracy. Johnson is joined by other Conservative Party figures although Cameron enjoys the support of key Cabinet ministers. Bankruptcy judge questions photos of 50 Cent with cash piles HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Rapper 50 Cent has been ordered to appear in bankruptcy court in Connecticut to explain photos showing him with wads of cash. The Wall Street Journal reports (http://on.wsj.com/24fdkBB ) that Judge Ann Nevins told the rapper's lawyer Thursday that several photos posted on Instagram made her concerned about allegations 50 Cent wasn't being truthful about his finances. A hearing date hasn't been set. 50 Cent's lawyer told the judge his client has reported all income. FILE - In this July 20, 2015, file photo, Actor Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson attends the premiere of "Southpaw" at the AMC Loews Lincoln Square in New York. On Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, the rapper was ordered to appear in bankruptcy court in Connecticut to explain photos showing him with wads of cash. He filed for bankruptcy in 2015 after a New York City jury ordered him to pay $7 million to a woman who said he posted her sex tape online. A hearing date has not been set. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) The social media photos mentioned in court documents include one showing 50 Cent lying in bed with bundles of $100 bills. The rapper was born Curtis Jackson III. He filed for bankruptcy last year after a New York City jury ordered him to pay $7 million to a woman who said he posted her sex tape online. Europeans see something familiar in odd US primary race LONDON (AP) With its red, white and blue banners, patriotic slogans and ubiquitous country songs, the presidential campaign marching through South Carolina and Nevada seems like an all-American affair. But it holds familiar overtones for Europeans watching anxiously from abroad. Donald Trump his bombast distinctly American sometimes takes a nationalist stance that sounds a lot like the "blame the immigrant" approach used by a growing cadre of European politicians as the continent deals with unprecedented waves of immigration and Islamic extremism. On the left, Bernie Sanders espouses Scandinavian-style "democratic socialism" that sounds radical to some American ears. But it has long been part of the political mainstream in Europe, where socialist governments come and go without particular fanfare. FILE - In this Feb. 21, 2016 file photo, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event in Atlanta. With its red, white and blue bunting, patriotic slogans and ubiquitous country songs, the presidential campaign marching through South Carolina and Nevada seems like an all-American affair. But it holds familiar overtones to Europeans watching anxiously from abroad. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File) The sentiment fueling the unexpected ascent of Trump and Sanders seems the same as the mood powering trends in Europe: a flat-out, let's-make-a-change rejection of the political elite. Jacek Kucharczyk, president of the Institute of Public Affairs in Warsaw, says despite huge differences between politics in Europe and the United States the same sense of grievance and helplessness is driving people to extremes on the left and the right. He cites the Polish election in October that brought the anti-immigrant Law and Justice party led by Jaroslaw Kaczynski to power. "There is the same mistrust of the political mainstream. There is this lethal combination of social economic uncertainties and identity wars that are imposed on them," he says. Fear of mass immigration is a common denominator that was exploited by Kaczynski in the final stages of his campaign when he warned that the migrants arriving on Europe's shores were carrying dangerous infectious diseases and Trump is stoking somewhat similar fears in the United States. "When we hear Trump, it really sounds like Kaczynski," says Kucharczyk. In both Europe and the U.S., extremist attacks also have undermined the sense of security, heightening fears of outsiders. Attacks have been far more frequent and lethal in Europe, which is relatively close to the Islamic State group's bases in Syria and Iraq. And Europe has been rattled by the arrival last year of more than 1 million immigrants, many fleeing Middle East conflict. But the December attacks that killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California, had a noticeable impact on the American psyche. It may have caused a bump in support for Trump, just as backing for anti-Islamic European lawmakers like the Netherlands' Geert Wilders appears to have grown since the extremist attacks in Paris and elsewhere. Trump alarmed many overseas observers, by classifying some Mexican immigrants as rapists and suggesting a temporary ban to keep Muslims from entering the United States. Josef Braml, a specialist with the German Council of Foreign Relations, says the venomous attack style surfacing in the U.S. primary campaign is calculated to capitalize on anger with a political class that can no longer be counted on to provide security, job growth and economic expansion. "They are saying, 'To hell with political correctness, I'm telling you the truth,'" he says. "That tells me they see political correctness as the code of the elite. He sees resurgent nationalism, fed by fear of outsiders, in both the United States and in Europe, where many felt it had faded as a political force. Trump's disparagement of Mexicans is similar to the anti-Semitic views expressed by the National Front in France, he says. While Trump's rise is surprising to many Europeans, the strong early performance by Sanders in his bid to snatch the Democratic Party nomination from Hillary Clinton is not setting off alarm bells because his views are similar to those expressed by left-wing politicians in Europe for generations. Indeed, some trace the roots of his socialism to the world his Jewish father inhabited in Poland before he left for the United States and settled in Brooklyn in 1921. Sanders' call for free college tuition at public colleges and universities, for example, puts him squarely in line with policies already in effect in a number of prosperous European countries including Sweden and Norway. His attacks on Wall Street and its bankers would also get a careful hearing in Europe, where even the rightist Law and Justice Party in Poland has complained about inequality and imposed new taxes on banks, with the same medicine planned for large supermarkets. There are parallels between Sanders' bid for supremacy in the Democratic Party and Jeremy Corbyn's ultimately successful campaign for the top spot in Britain's Labour Party even though mainstream party leaders found him too far to the left for their taste. Sanders' rise has been cheered by European leftists including many in Scandinavia with deeply held anti-American views, says Mads Fuglede, a Danish historian and political commentator. He says, "They see the U.S. as a capitalist nightmare, so when someone says they want to make a revolution against free market capitalism, they embrace that, so he has a lot of fans." What does all this say about Trump and Sanders? "The two are really significantly different but you can unite them by saying anti-elite sentiment coming from the left and from the right is gaining ground," said Dominique Moisi, senior adviser to the French Institute of International Relations. "We have not seen that in American elections before." The Latest: Trump argues caucus system leaves people puzzled LAS VEGAS (AP) The Latest on the 2016 presidential race a day before the Republican caucuses in Nevada. South Carolina Democrats vote for their presidential nominee on Saturday (all times local): 10:30 p.m. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has revealed he isn't in love with the caucus system of choosing national convention delegates. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) Urging supporters to attend the Nevada caucuses Tuesday, the billionaire real estate mogul said "nobody even knows what it means' Trump tells thousands of supporters at a pre-caucus day rally Monday evening in Las Vegas, "Forget the word caucus, just go out and vote, OK?" Trump has repeatedly blamed Iowa's byzantine caucus system for his second-place finish to rival Ted Cruz in the state. He won the next two states that vote using more traditional primaries. He said Monday, "The most important thing we can do is - I'm not going to use the word caucus - I'm going to use the word, just vote." "I don't want to give you an excuse. What the hell is caucus? Nobody even knows what it means," he said. Trump says he's planning to visit numerous caucus sites Tuesday and he expects to see his supporters there. He adds, "If you're not there, I'm going to be so angry. Don't make me have a miserable evening." 10:05 p.m. Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz got a hearty ovation in championing gun rights Monday evening, declaring anew to a crowd in Reno his opposition to amnesty for immigrants in the U.S. illegally and his support for abolishing the IRS. Cruz also reiterated his support for turning federal land in Nevada over to that state and other western states and standing up for the nation's "Judeo-Christian values." Speaking to about 400 people at a Boys and Girls Club gymnasium, Cruz said he's the one GOP candidate who can be trusted to appoint a conservative constitutionalist to the U.S. Supreme Court The Texas senator said, "We are one liberal justice away from the Supreme Court ordering Ten Commandment monuments from being torn down all across the country." 9:51 p.m. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is continuing to lash out at rival Ted Cruz on the eve of Nevada's GOP caucuses. Trump tells a crowd of thousands in Las Vegas, "This guy is sick. There's something wrong with this guy." Trump took specific issue with an ad Cruz's campaign has been airing that accuses Trump of being against turning over federal land in Nevada to state control. But Trump says it's "not a subject I know anything about." "Something to do with I want to take away your land? And I want to keep it in the federal government? I don't even know what the hell they're talking about," Trump said. 9:25 p.m. Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump says he'd like to punch a protester in the face and bemoaned the "old days" when he said the man would have been taken out of the event on a stretcher. Trump made the comments as security was escorting the protester from a Las Vegas arena, filled with thousands of Trump supporters on the eve of the Nevada caucuses. The guards were being "very gentle," Trump says, allowing the man to be walk out of the arena smiling. Trump began: "You know what I hate? There's a guy totally disruptive, throwing punches. We're not allowed to punch back anymore." Reporters didn't see why the man was ejected, and it was unclear whether he had actually thrown any punches. Still, Trump went on: "I love the old days. You know what they used to do to guys like that when they were in a place like this? They'd be carried out in a stretcher, folks." The crowd thundered in agreement. "I'd like to punch him in the face," Trump added. ___ 8:50 p.m. Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz likes the thought of Hillary Rodham Clinton behind bars. That's what the Texas senator suggested Monday when one of his supporters at a rally in Elko, Nevada, shouted that he should "put Hillary in jail" if he's elected in November. Cruz paused, then responded, "With any luck, she'll be there already." The capacity crowd cheered at the suggestion that the former secretary of state who's been dogged by questions about her private email use at the State Department should be locked up. Cruz later added, "I am told the Democrats are opening up a new polling place at Leavenworth," a reference to the federal prison in Kansas. ___ 7:01 p.m. Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz wants millions of acres of federal land in Nevada turned over to state control. The proposal won the Texas senator roaring applause Monday from a capacity crowd at an Elko, Nevada, rally, the day before Tuesday's GOP contest. Cruz says 85 percent of Nevada is under federal control, and if he is elected president "that will end." He says he trusts the people of Nevada more than bureaucrats in Washington. Cruz says the issue is a sharp division between him and front-runner Donald Trump. His statement echoes an ad in which Cruz says Trump "wants to keep big government in charge." Cruz also earned big cheers by promising to "take on" the Bureau of Land Management and other federal agencies that he says are killing jobs. ___ 7 p.m. Marco Rubio says a Ted Cruz aide who was asked to resign on Monday is "a fall guy" who was simply executing a culture of dishonesty created by his rival. Rubio has told reporters aboard his campaign plane on Monday night that he "felt bad" for Rick Tyler. Tyler was asked to resign earlier in the day after spreading a false news story that Rubio had criticized the Bible. Rubio says Tyler was "executing a culture that exists in that campaign. The bigger issue is the culture that's been created." He continues: "Right now Ted Cruz is in charge of his campaign. ... And if his campaign has created a culture of misleading people and saying things that aren't true and lies, he's responsible for that." ___ 8:05 p.m. Fox News' Megyn Kelly is hosting a campaign forum Wednesday with the remaining Republican presidential candidates, but it won't include familiar foil Donald Trump. Fox and Kelly said Trump's absence wasn't due to their ongoing feud. Instead, it was because of scheduling issues in getting to an event that was quickly put together. Remaining candidates Ted Cruz and Ben Carson will appear at the two-hour "voter summit" in Houston. John Kasich and Marco Rubio will appear via satellite. With Trump the clear front-runner, the other candidates can use the exposure on the network popular with GOP voters. Fox said it expects Trump to appear at its next formal debate, scheduled for March 3. Trump was not at Fox's debate before the Iowa caucuses, citing his dissatisfaction with Kelly, one of the moderators. ___ 6:00 p.m. Indiana Sen. Dan Coats is the latest Republican party leader to endorse GOP presidential candidate Marco Rubio. Coats and the other leaders behind Rubio are sticking closely to the message that the senator from Florida can unite the party. That's a dig at GOP front runner Donald Trump, who has pried open the divide between Republicans craving a political outsider and the Republican establishment. It's also a swipe at Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who has cast his distance from other senators as evidence that he is that outsider. Coats also says he has sat next to Rubio on the Senate Intelligence Committee for five years and "witnessed up close (Rubio's) grasp of complex issues and readiness to lead our nation" as president. 5:10 p.m. Hillary Clinton has pulled ahead of Bernie Sanders in the race for delegates awarded in primaries and caucuses. Clinton eked out the final delegate from Saturday's Nevada caucuses, giving her a total of 52 caucus and primary delegates. Sanders has 51. It's an important milestone because some of Sanders' supporters have complained that while the two candidates had been tied in delegates chosen by voters, party leaders were tilting the race in Clinton's favor. Clinton's lead in the delegate race gets much bigger when you include endorsements by superdelegates, the party leaders and members of Congress who can support any candidate, regardless of whom voters support. When superdelegates are included, Clinton has 503 and Sanders has 70. It takes 2,383 delegates to win the Democratic nomination for president. ___ 5:05 p.m. Rocker Neil Young says he's dismayed that Donald Trump is the Republican presidential front runner, saying, "America gets what it deserves with this election." And that, he suggests, could mean "a reality TV White House." The Canadian musician clashed with Trump last year when Trump used his song "Rockin' In The Free World" without asking for permission. Young tells the Associated Press in an interview Monday that Trump has every right to use his music, and that he "only pointed out that he didn't ask me." Young supports Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders. He called Trump "an interesting character," but he disagrees with "many, many of the things he says and the way he is." He made a reference to Trump's former reality show, The Apprentice, saying, "if America wants to have a reality TV White House, they can have it." Young also says Trump is "so inhumane in the way he talks about women and the way he talks about all kinds of things, it's off the wall." 5:00 p.m. The Rubio campaign is accusing rival candidate Ted Cruz of spreading a culture of deceit in his own campaign. Cruz on Monday asked for the resignation of his spokesman, Rick Tyler, for spreading a story that falsely alleged that Rubio insulted the Bible. Rubio asked whether Cruz intended to fire anyone over the incident. Cruz then announced that he had asked for Tyler's resignation. Rubio's campaign dug in. Rubio spokesman Alex Conant says Tyler is "a really good spokesman who had the unenviable task of working for a candidate willing to do or say anything to get elected." He adds that "It's high time for Ted Cruz to do the right thing and stop the lies." The incident comes after the Cruz campaign falsely cast a news story as evidence that Ben Carson was quitting the GOP nomination fight. Rubio and Cruz are vying for the support of core GOP voters to challenge front runner Donald Trump __ 4:55 p.m. The super PAC backing Republican presidential candidate John Kasich plans to air a TV ad in Michigan, Massachusetts and Vermont featuring an emotional exchange he had with a college student at a town hall event. The ad, called "Quiet," is narrated by actor Tim Allen. It shows teary University of Georgia student Brett Smith opening up to the Ohio governor about his personal struggles at a South Carolina campaign stop last week and Kasich hugging him. Allen says "being president is more than the economy or health care." He says "there is a place for quiet strength" in the Oval Office. The super PAC, New Day for America, announced Monday it will have more than 50 staff and 14 offices in a dozen March primary states. It plans a heavier presence in Michigan and Ohio like it had in early-voting New Hampshire, where Kasich finished second. ___ 4:50 p.m. Cruz slams "useful idiots" on Cuba Ted Cruz slams President Obama and "useful idiots" who support the Cuban regime. Cruz departs from his standard stump speech in Las Vegas to go after Obama for the president's scheduled trip to Cuba. Cruz recounted how his own father was tortured by Castro and fled the island. Cruz says the "useful idiots" who lionize the regime don't understand that everyone is fleeing Cuba for the freedom of the United States. One of Cruz's biggest political allies, Texas Gov Greg Abbott, visited Cuba in December. ___ 4:11 p.m. Does Bernie Sanders still see a path to victory? Sanders says "the short, three-letter answer is Y-E-S," and he'd like reporters to please stop asking him when his campaign will end. Sanders is pledging to stay in the Democratic nomination fight with Hillary Clinton for a long, state-by-state slog. Sanders notes that while he lost Nevada, he came away with nearly as many delegates as Clinton, saying the difference is "not so important" in the quest to 2,400 delegates needed to win the nomination. Sanders says he hopes to win in Massachusetts on March 1, the day of the Super Tuesday contests. ___ 3:33 p.m. Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz has asked his campaign spokesman to resign for tweeting a story that falsely alleged Marco Rubio insulted the Bible. Cruz tells reporters he asked for Rick Tyler's resignation. Rubio has blasted Cruz for the incident and asked whether Cruz would fire anyone involved. Cruz says Tyler is "a good man" and deleted the tweet once he found it was false. Cruz is telling reporters: "We are not a campaign that is going to question the faith of another candidate for president." ___ 3:23 p.m. Republican presidential candidate John Kasich says he's unscripted and will continue operating that way even if it gets him in trouble. At an event in Virginia Monday, Kasich raised eyebrows when he said that he first got elected to the state Senate in part by "women who left their kitchens" to campaign for him. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton responded by Tweeting that a "woman's place is... wherever she wants it to be." The Ohio governor told reporters in Charlottesville later Monday that women have played a big role in his administration and campaigns. He said because he doesn't use a teleprompter or notes, he sometimes doesn't say things as artfully as he should. Kasich said he's going to try to be "a bit more careful" but won't change his ways. "I'm going to continue to operate on a high wire without a net," he said. "And frankly, I'd like to see everyone whose running for president get out of the scripted role and start being real and take questions." ___ 2:55 p.m. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he's backing Marco Rubio's presidential bid, giving the U.S. senator from Florida his highest-profile endorsement in the state a week before its Republican primary. Rubio's campaign on Monday announced the endorsement from Hutchinson, who was elected governor two years ago. In a statement, Hutchinson compared Rubio to former President Ronald Reagan, saying he could unite the country. ___ 2:06 p.m. South Florida's three Cuban-American members of Congress are shifting their support for president from former candidate Jeb Bush to Marco Rubio. Republican Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Mario Diaz-Balart and Carlos Curbelo said in English and Spanish they are backing Rubio because he could unite the GOP. Before speaking about Rubio, Ros-Lehtinen praised Bush, saying he was "ready to be president from day one." But, echoing the other lawmakers, says Rubio can "bring new voters, new voices to our Republican Party." They were also joined by former Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart and Florida Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera. Bush quit the race Saturday after disappointing finishes in the Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries. ___ 2:00 p.m. Marco Rubio is asking whether rival Ted Cruz will hold someone accountable for the Cruz campaign's role in promoting a video Sunday that incorrectly suggested Rubio had criticized the Bible. Cruz spokesman Rick Tyler apologized on Monday for posting the story that misquoted Rubio. It was the second time the Cruz campaign or the candidate himself has apologized for campaign conduct. Cruz apologized to rival Ben Carson earlier in the month after his campaign incorrectly cast a news story as evidence that Carson was getting out of the race. Rubio accepted the Cruz campaign's apology, but added: "At some point there has to be some level of accountability. Otherwise...you're sending the message to the people who work for you: Go out and do anything you want and if you get caught we'll just apologize, but we'll keep doing it." Rubio spoke in Elko, Nevada, a day ahead of the state's GOP presidential caucuses. ___ 1:25 p.m. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has been getting advice from former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani as he gradually expands his tight inner circle. Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski confirms that Giuliani has been informally advising the Republican presidential front-runner. Giuliani, who has yet to endorse in the presidential race, drew national acclaim for his handling of the Sept. 11 attacks. He ran for president in 2008. "Rudy is a very knowledgeable friend. I consider his counsel very important," Trump said in an email to the Washington Post, which first reported the news. ___ 12:25 p.m. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy says the Republican race is a two-man contest between front-runner Donald Trump and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. The No. 2 Republican in the House said on Monday that Trump's victory in South Carolina dealt a blow to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's strategy to win the nomination. McCarthy said the determining contest will be Florida's GOP contest on March 15, in which the winner takes all of the state's 99 delegates. The California congressman says, "If Rubio can't win Florida, I think it's pretty difficult" for the Florida senator to continue his campaign. McCarthy said he could work with Trump, or anyone else who is the GOP presidential nominee. McCarthy said Trump's momentum and success reminds him of when Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected governor in California and took office in 2011. Interviewed on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," McCarthy said Ohio Gov. John Kasich would be an excellent president. He said that on paper, Kasich "seems like the very best." ___ 2:09 p.m. John Kasich says he first got elected to the state Senate in part by "women who left their kitchens" to campaign for him. The Ohio governor and former congressman told about 1,000 people at a town hall in Fairfax, Virginia, that he started campaigning in 1978 with very little support. "How did I get elected? I didn't have anybody for me. We just got an army of people and many women who left their kitchens to go out and go door to door and to put yard signs up for me." He also said that in more homes nowadays, both adults work. A woman in the audience stood up and said: "First off, I want to say: Your comment earlier about the women came out of the kitchen to support you? I'll come to support you but I won't be coming out of the kitchen." Kasich replied: "I gotcha." ___ 11:25 a.m. Marco Rubio says he's "anti-prostitution." But the Republican presidential contender says he wouldn't make prostitution a federal crime to stop the practice in Nevada, should he win the presidency. Rubio made the comments on Monday ahead of a campaign appearance in Elko, Nevada, where prostitution is legal. He said, "I wish Nevada would make it illegal. But that's their decision to make. I don't agree with it." He added that prostitution "victimizes the people who are participating in it" the prostitutes themselves. Rubio says he wants to shrink the federal government, so he wouldn't want to make prostitution a federal offense. He said, "I think you can be against something and still say, 'but I don't want the federal government involved in federalizing something.'" ___ 11:23 a.m. Ohio Gov. John Kasich has won the endorsement of Tom Ridge, a former director of homeland security and Pennsylvania governor. Ridge had been supporting former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush for president since early 2015 and joined him on the campaign trail in South Carolina. Bush quit the race Saturday after a disappointing finish in the Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries. Kasich's campaign says Ridge is signing on as a national co-chairman. Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks at a rally Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., speaks at a rally Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, in North Las Vegas, Nev. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) FILE - In this Jan. 7, 2015 file photo, musician Neil Young speaks in Las Vegas. The Canadian musician said Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, that dismayed by the U.S. presidential race where Donald Trump is the Republican front runner, saying "if America wants to have a reality TV White House, they can have it." (AP Photo/John Locher, File) Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during a rally Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, in Greenville, S.C. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) Republican presidential candidate, Ohio Gov. John Kasich speaks during a Town Hall at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Molly Riley) FILE - In this Feb. 20, 2016 file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at Texas Southern University in Houston. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan, File) As oil slides, many determined to stay put in North Dakota WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) Kennedy Mugemuzi is done moving. After leaving Congo to live in Nashville for a few years and then coming to North Dakota for the opportunities of the oil boom, he is among the many staying put in Williston even though depressed crude prices have spurred an exodus of thousands of drillers and others seeking new prospects elsewhere. The epicenter of western North Dakota's oil patch still teems with newcomers like Mugemuzi, who are opting to remain where they are in a still-strong economy instead of starting over somewhere else, or returning to the areas they left behind where jobs and financial stability are harder to come by. With jobs for the taking in a gold-rush atmosphere, Williston offered a lifeline for people determined to stake an economic foothold, even far from home. Now it's Mugemuzi and those like him who are staying to raise families and start businesses that may save Williston in return, keeping it from withering like other oil towns after a boom. In this Jan. 29, 2016 photo, Kennedy Mugemuzi poses for a photo at the Job Service office in Williston, N.D. Mugemuzi, a native of the Congo, moved to the oil patch city a year ago and works two full-time jobs to support his wife and three children. He is among the optimistic in the city where the oil boom gravy days are waning due to depressed oil prices. (AP Photo/James MacPherson) "People who are here now are people who want to stay," said Mugemuzi, 33, who is saving most of what he earns from two full-time jobs to get his three children the college education he lacks. "The economy is still good but some people are leaving. I'm staying because we like it here and the schools are good." Williston has seen its fortunes seesaw with oil for almost 65 years. The previous boom began in the late 1970s and went bust a few years later. The more recent boom, fueled by advances in drilling technology, doubled Williston's population to about 32,000 since 2010. If not yet a bust, oil is now in a full-fledged slump. The number of working rigs has halved as crude plunged to around $30 a barrel. For Mayor Howard Klug, who watched Williston strain at times to grow fast enough to keep up, this is a welcome "calming period." "It's been a tough year, but give it a year or two and it will be back but not as fast, thank God," Klug said. While pursuit of new wells has slowed sharply, output has remained steady from the more than 13,000 active wells in the nation's No. 2 oil-producing state. While many drillers have left, the wells require armies of workers to keep pumping, which provide a foundation for businesses in town. Around Williston, roads still groan with oil traffic and carry the smears of mud picked up from well sites. Those muddy streets are what gave Wendy Coffman the idea for a commercial cleaning business. Coffman, 44, came three years ago from Idaho, where she had moved from job to job and "wasn't doing much." She got a job delivering pizzas and parlayed her earnings into the cleaning business. Black Gold Cleaning LLC, which she owns with a partner, has 10 full-time employees and clients like banks and apartment complexes. "We're doing very well," she said. "We're as busy as we want to be." Coffman said she never before dreamed of owning a business. "If I had a degree, I wouldn't be cleaning up after other people," she said. "But there are opportunities here, and for a lot of people, it's still better than where they came from." Despite the oil slowdown, North Dakota still has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation, at less than 3 percent, and more than 13,000 unfilled jobs. At the Job Service office in Williston last month, more than 1,000 jobs were on offer, a number that's been steady for the last three years, said Cindy Sanford, the site's manager. Nearly half the openings are for oil field-related jobs and trucking. "We still have jobs and we are still short of people," Sanford said. More than 70 people a day visit the office, many of whom have traveled from across the country. Mugemuzi still checks in, even though he already has one job detailing cars and another cleaning commercial office buildings. He'd like to replace one of those with a $20-an-hour overnight position stocking shelves at Wal-Mart. "There are opportunities and I'm a hard worker," he said. "That helps." With job prospects lean at home for someone without a college degree, Emily Siliven, 25, moved from Cincinnati to North Dakota and worked first in the oil patch, maintaining equipment used to pump oil at well sites. She moved on to U-Haul and has been promoted to manager. "I came out here like everyone else because the money was out here," she said. "It's been a struggle to get where I'm at right now. And I plan on sticking around because it's a good, steady job." Yvonne Niess, who lived in Williston during the previous boom-bust cycle and watched her father lose his job, doesn't see it that way. A single mother to two daughters, she came back four years ago from Fargo. She worked first as a flagger on highway construction projects, then at an insurance company. Now, she's headed to Atlanta for a job as an insurance agent. "When I came out here I knew I wasn't going to stay," said Niess, 47. "My plan was to come here for the boom and leave when it went bust, which it may have." In this Jan. 29, 2016 photo, carpenters work on an apartment complex in Williston, N.D. Gravy days are waning in the oil patch city due to depressed crude prices. And despite a jailbreak-like exodus of oil drillers in the past year, the city is teeming with newcomers from the Congo to Idaho who are opting to stick it out in a still-strong economy instead of starting over somewhere else. (AP Photo/James MacPherson) In this Jan. 30, 2016 photo, Yvonne Niess, her daughter, Perla, and Carmel, the dachshund, pose for a photo in Williston, N.D. Niess is leaving the oil patch city in February for Atlanta, Ga., where she will work as an insurance agent. Niess believes North Dakotas oil boom may have gone bust. (AP Photo/James MacPherson) US trains West Africans to respond to extremist threats THIES, Senegal (AP) Deep in the desert a loud explosion blows the roof off a Chevy Suburban, scattering car parts amid flames and black smoke. Earlier, a Mercedes Benz was blown up, its doors flying open. The recent explosions mimicked attacks by Islamic extremists, and are part of U.S.-led training of West African forces aimed at improving intelligence-gathering, cross-border communication and coordination between military forces and first responders. In this photo taken on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, a participant, foreground, takes photos as an car explodes during U.S-led Flintlock military training in Thies, Senegal. The training for 50 Senegalese police, gendarmes, customs and judicial officials is part of the annual U.S.-led Flintlock exercises, a more than decade-old effort to help Africans counter threats from extremist militants. Held in Senegal and Mauritania, this year is the first time they are involving law enforcement in such training designed to improve intelligence-gathering and cross-border communication as well as bridge gaps between military and first responders. More than 1,700 military and law enforcement personnel from about 30 countries are participating in the month-long exercise. (AP Photo/Vincent Tremeau) The emphasis on explosives comes as extremist groups in the region are increasingly using them and their attacks are becoming more sophisticated. In Mali earlier this month, Islamic extremists detonated explosives that killed seven peacekeepers and wounded 30 at a U.N. base in the northern city of Kidal. Boko Haram, the Nigerian extremist group, recently killed two Cameroonian soldiers with a land mine. Earlier, Cameroonian forces dismantled Boko Haram bomb factories in Goshi, Nigeria. The recent training witnessed by an Associated Press reporter for 50 Senegalese police, gendarmes, customs and judicial officials is part of the annual U.S.-led Flintlock exercises, a more than decade-old effort to help Africans counter threats from extremist militants. Held in Senegal and Mauritania this year, the training for the first time included African law enforcement officials. "It's important to collaborate, share intelligence and work together because we all may have one little piece of the puzzle," said Victor Lloyd, legal attache at the U.S. Embassy in Dakar. "And the reality of it is the terrorists only have to get it right once. We have to get it right every single time." Senegalese civilian law enforcement agents learned from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Bureau of Diplomatic Security and the Office of Anti-Terrorism Assistance about detecting explosives and intelligence- and evidence-gathering at blast scenes, investigative techniques that can identify the signatures of different groups. Mauritanian officers have also been brought into various exercises. After the blast that blew up the Mercedes last week, Senegalese training participants roped off an area around the vehicle with yellow caution tape, taking photos and walking in tight lines to survey debris as FBI trainers guided them through the exercise. In the coming days, identification found on two mannequins in the vehicles will show they came from Mauritania, and fragments and the location of the blast will indicate it was a suicide vest detonated too early. The Senegalese officials are then expected to contact gendarmes in Mauritania, whose cooperation will result a few days later in a simulated raid. Dione Rokhayatou, a member of a four-person section of the Dakar prosecutor's office that handles extremist cases, said the training has been valuable. "This gives us a better understanding of the work done by investigators looking into acts of terrorism, and what is needed," she said. Senegal hasn't been hit by the kind of attacks that have rocked Burkina Faso and Mali in recent months, but officials are aware that all of West Africa is under threat. "Although nothing has happened in Senegal, the threat exists," said Maj. Issa Diack, commander of investigations for Senegal's gendarmerie. "This (training) gives us the means to react." In all, more than 1,700 military and law enforcement personnel from about 30 countries are participating in the month-long Flintlock exercise. In this photo taken on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, a mannequin is seen inside a vehicles that was exploded during U.S.-led Flintlock military exercises as students, rear take photos and make notes in Thies, Senegal The training for 50 Senegalese police, gendarmes, customs and judicial officials is part of the annual U.S.-led Flintlock exercises, a more than decade-old effort to help Africans counter threats from extremist militants. Held in Senegal and Mauritania, this year is the first time they are involving law enforcement in such training designed to improve intelligence-gathering and cross-border communication as well as bridge gaps between military and first responders. More than 1,700 military and law enforcement personnel from about 30 countries are participating in the month-long exercise. (AP Photo/Vincent Tremeau) In this photo taken on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, a mannequin is seen outside a vehicles that was exploded during U.S.-led Flintlock military exercises, as students, rear, cordon off the area in Thies, Senegal. The training for 50 Senegalese police, gendarmes, customs and judicial officials is part of the annual U.S.-led Flintlock exercises, a more than decade-old effort to help Africans counter threats from extremist militants. Held in Senegal and Mauritania, this year is the first time they are involving law enforcement in such training designed to improve intelligence-gathering and cross-border communication as well as bridge gaps between military and first responders. More than 1,700 military and law enforcement personnel from about 30 countries are participating in the month-long exercise. (AP Photo/Vincent Tremeau) In this photo taken on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, an explosives charge detonates during U.S-led Flintlock military training in Thies, Senegal. The training for 50 Senegalese police, gendarmes, customs and judicial officials is part of the annual U.S.-led Flintlock exercises, a more than decade-old effort to help Africans counter threats from extremist militants. Held in Senegal and Mauritania, this year is the first time they are involving law enforcement in such training designed to improve intelligence-gathering and cross-border communication as well as bridge gaps between military and first responders. More than 1,700 military and law enforcement personnel from about 30 countries are participating in the month-long exercise. (AP Photo/Vincent Tremeau) In this photo taken on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, Senegalese soldiers are seen during U.S-led Flintlock military training in Thies, Senegal. The training for 50 Senegalese police, gendarmes, customs and judicial officials is part of the annual U.S.-led Flintlock exercises, a more than decade-old effort to help Africans counter threats from extremist militants. Held in Senegal and Mauritania, this year is the first time they are involving law enforcement in such training designed to improve intelligence-gathering and cross-border communication as well as bridge gaps between military and first responders. More than 1,700 military and law enforcement personnel from about 30 countries are participating in the month-long exercise. (AP Photo/Vincent Tremeau) In this photo taken on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, a mannequin is seen outside a vehicles that was exploded during U.S-led Flintlock military training in Thies, Senegal. The training for 50 Senegalese police, gendarmes, customs and judicial officials is part of the annual U.S.-led Flintlock exercises, a more than decade-old effort to help Africans counter threats from extremist militants. Held in Senegal and Mauritania, this year is the first time they are involving law enforcement in such training designed to improve intelligence-gathering and cross-border communication as well as bridge gaps between military and first responders. More than 1,700 military and law enforcement personnel from about 30 countries are participating in the month-long exercise. (AP Photo/Vincent Tremeau) In this photo taken on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, a mannequin is seen inside a vehicles that was exploded during U.S-led Flintlock military training in Thies, Senegal. The training for 50 Senegalese police, gendarmes, customs and judicial officials is part of the annual U.S.-led Flintlock exercises, a more than decade-old effort to help Africans counter threats from extremist militants. Held in Senegal and Mauritania, this year is the first time they are involving law enforcement in such training designed to improve intelligence-gathering and cross-border communication as well as bridge gaps between military and first responders. More than 1,700 military and law enforcement personnel from about 30 countries are participating in the month-long exercise. (AP Photo/Vincent Tremeau) In this photo taken on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, students are reflected in a law informant officer's glasses during U.S-led Flintlock military training in Thies, Senegal. The training for 50 Senegalese police, gendarmes, customs and judicial officials is part of the annual U.S.-led Flintlock exercises, a more than decade-old effort to help Africans counter threats from extremist militants. Held in Senegal and Mauritania, this year is the first time they are involving law enforcement in such training designed to improve intelligence-gathering and cross-border communication as well as bridge gaps between military and first responders. More than 1,700 military and law enforcement personnel from about 30 countries are participating in the month-long exercise. (AP Photo/Vincent Tremeau) Death of Treblinka revolt survivor signals post-witness era MOSHAV UDIM, Israel (AP) The death of 93-year-old Samuel Willenberg marks the passing of the last known survivor of the daring revolt at Treblinka, the notorious death camp in occupied Poland that is perhaps the most vivid example of Nazi Germany's attempt to destroy European Jewry. But the death of Willenberg, who was buried Monday, also symbolizes a looming transition in the field of Holocaust commemoration, as historians and educators prepare for a world without survivors and the challenge of maintaining the memory of the Nazi genocide without the aid of those who witnessed it. Willenberg, one of just 67 men known to have survived Treblinka after a revolt, devoted his final years to preserving the memory of more than 875,000 people systematically murdered in a one-year killing spree there at the height of World War II. Friends and relatives lay wreaths on the grave of 93-year-old Holocaust survivor Samuel Willenberg during his funeral in Udim, near the costal city of Netanya central Israel, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. The death of Willenberg marks the passing of the last witness to the notorious Nazi death camp of Treblinka, perhaps the most vivid example of the Nazi campaign to destroy European Jewry. Hebrew on the wreaths read: "Udim council and the residents of Udim." (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) He was a frequent public speaker, wrote a book that was translated into eight languages and led dozens of youth missions to the remnants of the destroyed camp in Poland. Later in life, he took to sculpting to describe his experiences, and his bronze statues reflected what he saw Jews standing on a train platform, a father removing his son's shoes before entering the gas chambers, a young girl having her head shaved, and prisoners removing bodies. "It was his life's mission. He saw himself as the echo of the murdered, as their loudspeaker. He lived it daily and in many ways he never left Treblinka," said Gideon Greif, chief historian of the Shem Olam institute, who knew Willenberg well. "He was committed to making sure that the voices of the victims were not forgotten ... and now that personal element is gone." Hundreds paid homage at Willenberg's funeral in central Israel, including dignitaries from Israel and abroad who recognized the watershed moment of his passing. In his eulogy, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin called him a "symbol for an entire generation of heroic Holocaust survivors." While Israeli authorities say Willenberg was the last survivor to escape in the revolt, the Times of Israel website interviewed an 89-year-old man in Sweden, Leon Rytz, who also says he escaped the death camp at a different time. Contacted late Monday night, Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, which compiles survivor testimonies, said it was not immediately familiar with that case and will look into it. More than 70 years after the war, the window is rapidly closing on the survivors' ability to relay their stories. Some 180,000 elderly survivors remain in Israel, with a similar number worldwide, but more than a 1,000 die each month, and experts predict that within seven years none will be well enough to share anything of significance. That prospect has become the central challenge of Holocaust institutes around the world. An "oral history" of testimonies has been collected and filmed, original items have been restored and exhibited, and descendants are receiving training on how to carry on their parents' stories. "There is a huge added value to hearing survivor testimony first hand," said Naama Egozi, a trainer of teachers at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial's International School of Holocaust Studies. "You can read a book or watch a movie, but there is just no substitute to someone who can say 'I was there.'" Willenberg was among the most powerful of these witnesses. With a booming voice and a storyteller's charisma, he recounted his ordeal in detail in a wide-reaching interview with The Associated Press in 2010, tearing up on several occasions. His two sisters were murdered at the camp and he described his own survival as "sheer chance." "It wasn't because of God. He wasn't there. He was on vacation," he said. Along with the lesser known Belzec and Sobibor camps, Treblinka was designed with the sole intention of exterminating Jews, as opposed to others that had at least a facade of being prison or labor camps. Treblinka's victims were transported there in cattle cars and gassed to death almost immediately upon arrival. Only a select few -- mostly young, strong men like Willenberg, who was 20 at the time -- were assigned to maintenance work instead. In all, the Nazis and their collaborators killed about 6 million Jews during the Holocaust. The death toll at Treblinka was second only to Auschwitz a concentration camp where more than a million Jews died in gas chambers or from starvation, disease and forced labor. On Aug. 2, 1943, Willenberg joined a group of Jews who stole some weapons, set fire to the camp and headed to the woods. Hundreds fled, but most were shot and killed by Nazi troops or captured by Polish villagers who returned them. The survivors became the only source of knowledge about Treblinka, because the Nazis all but destroyed it in a frantic bid to cover their tracks. All that remains today are a series of concrete slabs representing the train tracks and mounds of gravel with a memorial of stone tablets representing lost communities. Willenberg was shot in the leg during the escape and kept running, ignoring dead friends in his path. He said his blue eyes and "non-Jewish" look allowed him to survive in the countryside before arriving in Warsaw and joining the Polish underground. "It never leaves me," he said in 2010. "It stays in my head. It goes with me always." ___ Follow Aron Heller on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aronhellerap. FILE -- In this Oct. 31, 2010 file photo, Holocaust survivor Samuel Willenberg poses for a picture at his studio, during an interview with the Associated Press in Tel Aviv, Israel. Willenberg, the last survivor of Treblinka, the Nazi death camp where 875,000 people were killed, has died at 93. Willenberg was among a group of Jews who in 1943 set fire to the camp and headed to the woods. Hundreds fled, but most were killed by Nazi troops in the surrounding mine fields or captured by Polish villagers. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty, File) FILE -- In this Oct. 31, 2010 file photo, Holocaust survivor Samuel Willenberg displays a map of Treblinka extermination camp during an interview with the Associated Press in Tel Aviv, Israel. Willenberg, the last survivor of Treblinka, the Nazi death camp where 875,000 people were killed, has died at 93. Willenberg was among a group of Jews who in 1943 set fire to the camp and headed to the woods. Hundreds fled, but most were killed by Nazi troops in the surrounding mine fields or captured by Polish villagers. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty, File) Israel's President Reuven Rivlin, left, sits with the Family of 93-year-old Holocaust survivor Samuel Willenberg during his funeral in Udim, near the costal city of Netanya central Israel, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. The death of Willenberg marks the passing of the last witness to the notorious Nazi death camp of Treblinka, perhaps the most vivid example of the Nazi campaign to destroy European Jewry. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) Friends and relatives gather around the grave of 93-year-old Holocaust survivor Samuel Willenberg during his funeral in Udim, near the costal city of Netanya central Israel, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. The death of Willenberg marks the passing of the last witness to the notorious Nazi death camp of Treblinka, perhaps the most vivid example of the Nazi campaign to destroy European Jewry. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) Obama: Limiting opiate prescriptions won't solve crisis WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama has declined to endorse a proposal from the nation's governors to limit the number of high-powered painkillers doctors can prescribe at a time. Obama hosted the National Governors Association at the White House on Monday. At their meeting this weekend, the governors said limiting the number of Oxycontin pills that doctors can hand out for short-term injuries would help curb the nation's heroin epidemic. Obama was cool to the idea, noting that painkillers are sometimes the only realistic treatment option for people in rural communities. He says simply ordering doctors not to overprescribe won't solve their patients' problems and that limiting prescriptions should be part of a comprehensive approach. President Barack Obama speaks during a meeting with governors in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Addiction to heroin and opiate painkillers is killing 78 Americans a day, according to federal data. Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy, left, next to National Governors Association Winter Meeting Vice Chair, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, listens to President Barack Obama speak during a meeting with governors in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) National Governors Association Winter Meeting Chair Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, right, joined by National Governors Association Winter Meeting Vice Chair Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, speaks to the media during the daily news briefing at the White House in Washington, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Herbert and McAuliffe discussed the current presidential election cycle, the Supreme Court vacancy, gun control and other topics. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin asks a question of President Barack Obama during a meeting with governors in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) President Barack Obama listens to a question during a meeting with governors in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) President Barack Obama speaks during a meeting with governors in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) President Barack Obama speaks during a meeting with governors in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) President Barack Obama speaks during a meeting with governors in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) More searches planned for missing climbers as weather improves Mountain rescuers looking for two climbers missing for a week on Ben Nevis have said they will aim to have search parties out on the peak "most days" this week as the weather picture improves slightly. Rachel Slater, 24, and 27-year-old Tim Newton, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, failed to return from an outing on Britain's highest mountain last weekend. A 26-strong search team braved severe sub-zero temperatures, high winds, falling snow and limited visibility on Saturday in a renewed bid to trace the couple. Tim Newton and Rachel Slater have been missing on Ben Nevis for a week (Police Scotland/PA) But they ruled out any searching on Sunday due to "increasingly hazardous weather" and a risk of avalanches. However, Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team (LMRT) said the weather is looking slightly better for the days ahead. In a message posted on Sunday evening on their Facebook page, they said: "The weather next week is looking a little bit better than last. "The winds look like they will be moderating a bit as temperatures drop. Snow is forecast every day with periods of heavy snow adding to the existing snow pack. "The team will try and get parties on the hill most days." And they called for other climbers to share information with them to help the search. "We would ask anyone who plans to climb on the Ben this week to post on our Facebook page the areas they were climbing and the routes done. This will help us eliminate parts of the mountain," the team said. In their most recent statement, issued on Saturday night, Police Scotland said: "Reviews continue to be ongoing and it is hoped that there will be an improvement to the conditions on Monday or Tuesday. "Both Rachel and Tim's family continue to be appraised of these circumstances." Police have asked anyone with information, no matter how insignificant they think it is, to contact them on 101. Mr Newton was a member of Hinckley Mountaineering Club in Leicestershire before moving away to university. Ms Slater is a graduate of Manchester University and is employed as an environmental consultant near Bradford. She spent some time living and climbing in Canada, where her parents are still based. Their families have praised the overwhelming response from members of the public and the climbing community. Meanwhile, two hillwalkers were found "cold and desolate" on the same peak over the weekend. LMRT sent a small team to look for the hillwalkers, who reported that they were lost on Ben Nevis on Saturday night and then made no further contact. British tourist 'fighting for life' after stab attack in San Francisco A British tourist is fighting for his life after being stabbed in the head by a robber in San Francisco, according to reports. The 44-year-old was walking with his niece when he was set upon by a man and a woman at around 8.30pm on Friday. He is said to have been stabbed in the head as he struggled to keep the male attacker from taking his bag which contained his passport, money and mobile phone, local news site SFGate reports. A British tourist was reportedly stabbed in the head by a robber in San Francisco The tourist was taken to San Francisco General Hospital, where he is being treated for life-threatening injuries. A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "We are in contact with the family of a British national who is in hospital in San Francisco, and will continue to offer support at this difficult time." Bubba Watson earns first win of season in California as Rory McIlory falters Bubba Watson secured his first PGA Tour win of 2016 with a one-shot victory at the Northern Trust Open in California. The two-time Masters winner, who held the overnight lead, claimed victory thanks to back-to-back birdies on the 16th and 17th which put him ahead of clubhouse leader Adam Scott and Jason Kokrak on 15 under. Kokrak, who was playing in the final group with Watson, was within inches of sending it to a play-off as his birdie putt at 18th trickled just wide, meaning Watson's par sealed a second win at the Riviera Country Club following victory there in 2014. Bubba Watson won for the second time at the Northern Trust Open "You never know when your last win is going to be, so for me to come back and pull one out and win in a tough way means a lot and is very special to me and my family," Watson told Sky Sports. Watson might have been expecting Rory McIlroy to provide his biggest threat, but the world number three faltered badly in the final round and fell out of contention. Starting two shots behind Watson, McIlroy enjoyed the dream start as he eagled the par-five first but his round went south after that as he hit seven bogeys in his four-over-par 75 which left him nine shots off the pace on six under. Dustin Johnson finished fourth on 13 under while Scotland's Martin Laird was the highest-placed European in tied 11th after a 69 saw him finish on eight under. HSBC reveals 'princelings' probe by US regulators as profits rise disappoints HSBC has said it is being investigated by US regulators over whether it has hired people with ties to Asian governments as it announced worse-than-expected profits. Europe's largest bank saw annual pre-tax profits rise 1% to 18.9 billion US dollars (13.2 billion), but fell short of analyst expectations of 21.8 billion dollars (15.2 billion). The lender came in shy of full-year predictions after positing a fourth-quarter loss of 858 million dollars (604 million), partly driven by legal costs and the decision to dispose of its business in Brazil. HSBC said it is being investigated by US regulators over whether it has hired people with ties to Asian governments Shares dropped more than 2.5%. HSBC said in its full-year accounts that it was one of many financial institutions being probed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over whether it had hired people with links to Asian government officials, known as "princelings". It said the investigation focused on the "hiring practices of candidates referred by or related to government officials or employees of state-owned enterprises in Asia-Pacific". HSBC stated that it was too early to say how the investigation would be resolved, or when, but said the impact "could be significant". The bank also confirmed that a monitor - put in place by the US government to assess its anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance - had questioned its progress. It said the monitor found it had "made progress" in its compliance measures but still had "significant concerns" about the speed at which it was moving forward. HSBC was fined 1.2 billion by the US authorities in 2012 in a settlement over money laundering. The report came as HSBC said its full-year performance was hampered by "seismic shifts" in the global economy, triggered by a sharp drop in oil prices, slowing economic growth in China and low interest rates in developed economies. Group chairman Douglas Flint said the challenges caused by the Chinese economic slowdown were likely to persist, stating it "will undoubtedly contribute to a bumpier financial environment". The bank said its adjusted revenue had risen by 1% from 57.2 billion dollars (40 billion) to 57.7 billion dollars (40.4 billion). It also revealed that chief executive Stuart Gulliver was handed a 7.3 million pay deal for 2015. There have been a string of developments at the bank this year, including hints by Mr Gulliver that he may step down in two years' time. After a lengthy review HSBC announced it will keep its headquarters in the UK, although the good news was tempered soon after by a warning that the bank would move about 1,000 jobs from London to Paris in the event of Britain leaving the EU. Commenting on the latest results, Mr Gulliver said: "Targeted investment, prudent lending and our diversified, universal banking business model helped us achieve revenue growth in a difficult market environment, whilst also reducing risk-weighted assets." HSBC rolled back its decision to enforce a pay freeze on staff at the beginning of February, stating it would fund pay rises for 2015 from its variable bonus pool for 2016 after "listening to feedback". Steve Warren said terror group have been 'squeezed' in their caliphate Anti-ISIS coalition spokesman Colonel Steve Warren (pictured in Baghdad in February) says ISIS are 'beginning to crack' ISIS are 'beginning to crack' under the weight of western airstrikes in Syria and Iraq - but could hit back with renewed Paris-style attacks in Europe, a top coalition spokesman has warned. The terror group, also known as Daesh, are being 'squeezed' in their so-called caliphate due to counter-terror measures, which has seen them lose around 40 per cent of their territory. They are also losing the flow of foreign fighters into Iraq and Syria as would-be jihadis realise 'this caliphate isn't all unicorns and rainbows'. The group is even plumbing new depths of depravity by recruiting child soldiers and hiding bombs in copies of the Koran in a desperate bid to keep hold of its territory. But Steve Warren, spokesman for the anti-ISIS coalition, warned that the increasingly desperate picture of the terror group means jihadists are more likely to carry out atrocities in western Europe. Speaking on a trip to Britain, Colonel Warren, who is based in Baghdad, said: 'We believe that Daesh is now beginning to lose. We see them in a defensive crouch. 'We are beginning to see the fraying around the edges of this outfit as they begin to crack underneath this pressure.' But he added: 'As we squeeze them and we begin to see them get chipped away at inside Iraq and Syria, we are going to see them look for other avenues. 'We have seen this in Libya, we have seen it in parts of North Africa and Afghanistan, we have seen this through high visibility terror attacks in places like Paris, possibly San Bernardino, Ankara, other places. 'One of the ways they can do that is through a high visibility attack outside of their so-called caliphate borders.' He said an attack like the one in Paris, when 130 people were killed in co-ordinated strikes across the city, is not a sign of strength, but 'exactly the opposite.' 'We view it as a sign that because of the pressure that has been placed on them, because they are beginning to stumble a little bit, they are trying to either distract or prove that they are not finished yet,' he said. ISIS have suffered a series of setbacks in recent months and has lost territory to Iraqi security forces. The terror group, also known as Daesh, are being 'squeezed' in their so-called caliphate due to counter-terror measures, which has seen them lose around 40 per cent of their territory. Pictured: Syrian government forces look at smoke from Aleppo's thermal power plant after they took control of the outskirts of the city Colonel Warren said the failure was 'first and foremost' due to the 'presence of devastating Coalition air power' but was also due to losing territory to Iraqi security forces and the 'increasing cohesion' of the 65-nation coalition that has come together to defeat ISIS. He said that, as ISIS have started to lose their grip, the extremists have resorted to horrific and desperate measures to cling on to power, including booby trapping areas they have been forced out of. He said: 'These guys are disgusting, they have left bombs in refrigerators, they have put bombs in toilets, they have put bombs inside the holy Koran - we found that on several occasions in Ramadi.' As the tide of foreign fighters streaming into the country has stemmed, ISIS has also resorted to forcing children to take up arms, he warned. Colonel Warren said airstrikes by coalition forces (pictured) were causing a 'fraying around the edges' of ISIS 'We have seen an increase in enforced conscription. We have seen an increase in the number of child soldiers, which is particularly concerning,' he added. Colonel Warren warned that any British jihadis thinking about travelling to Iraq or Syria will probably be killed - either by airstrikes or by ISIS itself. He claimed that message is beginning to get out, with a reduction of foreign fighters pouring into the region. He said: 'I would like to attribute that to success - success of our efforts to show that the caliphate is not all the unicorns and rainbows that Daesh wants people to think it is. 'That word is starting to get out a little bit. If you move to the caliphate you are probably going to get killed by somebody.' Under-pressure Islamic State likely to lash out with UK attack, warns colonel Britain is at greater risk of a Paris-style terror attack as so-called Islamic State (IS) loses ground in Syria and Iraq, a top coalition spokesman has warned. IS, also known as Daesh, are "beginning to crack" under the pressure of Western-backed air strikes and attacks on their recruitment and finances. But as they are being "squeezed" in their so-called caliphate, they are more likely to lash out and carry out atrocities in the West to assert themselves, Colonel Steve Warren, spokesman for the anti-IS coalition, said. Colonel Steve Warren said factors including air strikes by coalition forces were causing a 'fraying around the edges' of IS He said: "As we squeeze them and we begin to see them get chipped away at inside Iraq and Syria, we are going to see them look for other avenues. "We have seen this in Libya, we have seen it in parts of North Africa and Afghanistan, we have seen this through high visibility terror attacks in places like Paris, possibly San Bernardino, Ankara, other places. "What I do know is that we have assessed that as we continue to squeeze this enemy, as this enemy continues to feel that it's back on its heels, our assessment is that one of the responses to that - it really is in desperation, that they are going to want to show the world that they are still viable - and one of the ways they can do that is through a high visibility attack outside of their so-called caliphate borders." He said an attack like the one in Paris, when 130 people were killed in co-ordinated strikes across the city, is not a sign of strength. "We view it exactly the opposite", he said. "We view it as a sign that because of the pressure that has been placed on them, because they are beginning to stumble a little bit, they are trying to either distract or prove that they are not finished yet." Speaking to British journalists at the Foreign Office in London, Baghdad-based Col Warren painted a picture of an increasingly desperate IS. He said the terror group is floundering under the onslaught of air strikes and counter-terror measures, while the flow of foreign fighters into Iraq and Syria is decreasing as would-be jihadis realise "this caliphate isn't all unicorns and rainbows". The group has slashed wages for its fighters, and is resorting to increasingly desperate measures including recruiting child soldiers and hiding bombs in copies of the Koran to keep hold of its territory, he said. Speaking on a trip to Britain, he said: "We believe that Daesh is now beginning to lose. We see them in a defensive crouch." He added: "We are beginning to see the fraying around the edges of this outfit as they begin to crack underneath this pressure." IS has suffered a series of setbacks in recent months and has lost territory to Iraqi security forces. Col Warren said the extremists have resorted to horrific and desperate measures to cling on to power, including booby trapping areas they have been forced out of. He said: "These guys are disgusting, they have left bombs in refrigerators, they have put bombs in toilets, they have put bombs inside the holy Koran - we found that on several occasions in Ramadi." As the tide of foreign fighters streaming into the country has stemmed, IS has resorted to forcing children to take up arms, he warned. He said: "We have seen an increase in enforced conscription. We have seen an increase in the number of child soldiers, which is particularly concerning." Elite forces are also being "farmed out to the grunt units" to beef them up, he added. Col Warren warned that any British jihadis thinking about travelling to Iraq or Syria will probably be killed - either by air strikes or by IS itself. He claimed that message is beginning to get out, with a reduction of foreign fighters pouring into the region. He said: "I would like to attribute that to success - success of our efforts to show that the caliphate is not all the unicorns and rainbows that Daesh wants people to think it is. "That word is starting to get out a little bit. If you move to the caliphate you are probably going to get killed by somebody." But he warned the coalition is "not going to kill our way out" of the crisis, and peace will only be achieved through diplomacy. Shashank Joshi, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) security think-tank, said "the picture is more balanced than the coalition is saying". He said that while forces made several important gains, such as the retaking of the Iraqi city of Ramadi, they have done this by "plucking the low-hanging fruit" - but it will take years to defeat IS, also known as Isis. He told the Press Association: "We are containing them very well, we are stopping them grow, the threat is far less than it was two years ago when we were worried that places like Baghdad might fall. "On the down side I would say what we have been doing is plucking the low-hanging fruit. So it is one thing to contain Isis and one thing to expel them from the city of Kobani in northern Syria, but this is not the same scale of challenge as retaking a major city like Mosul. "That kind of serious, intense urban warfare is ultimately going to be the challenge we face in expelling Isis from Iraq and Syria." He said it will take several years to defeat IS in Iraq and Syria, and warned the coalition could be facing a "whack-a-mole" problem as jihadi fighters wage war in other parts of the Arab world such as Libya and Egypt. He said: "This coalition is not a coalition about Iraq and Syria, it is a coalition against Isis. And Isis is not just a force in Iraq and Syria, it has thousands and thousands of personnel in Libya and in Sinai in Egypt, it has forces in Pakistan and Afghanistan. "You are facing a situation where even if you can weaken Isis in the core of their territory, you have a serious Isis problem that goes well beyond Syria and Iraq. Lazio deny plans to sell Felipe Anderson to Manchester United Lazio insist comments attributed to club president Claudio Lotito concerning the possible sale of Felipe Anderson to Manchester United are "devoid of any foundation". Reports in Italy claimed Lotito had been overheard saying he had agreed to sell the 22-year-old Brazilian playmaker to United for 60million euros (46.8m), but the Serie A side on Monday afternoon dismissed the rumours. A statement published on Lazio's official website read: " In reference to statements attributed to president Claudio Lotito regarding the alleged sale of Felipe Anderson, Lazio can confirm they are devoid of any foundation." Felipe Anderson looks set to remain at the Stadio Olimpico Bereaved mother meets Jeremy Hunt in fight to improve sepsis care A bereaved mother has called on Jeremy Hunt to implement a package of measures to improve sepsis care to prevent deaths like that of her son. Melissa Mead , whose son William died after medics failed to spot he had sepsis, said she had discussed the possibility of an awareness campaign about the condition, better training for medics and the sharing of patient records with t he Health Secretary. But she implored him to implement the measures sooner rather than later in order to prevent more needless deaths from sepsis. Melissa Mead, whose 12-month-old son William Mead died after medics failed to spot he had sepsis The comments come after Mrs Mead and The UK Sepsis Trust came out of a meeting with key health officials, including Mr Hunt, to discuss what can be done to improve the care for patients with sepsis. Last month, a report into the death of 12-month-old William criticised GPs, out-of-hours services and a 111 call handler who failed to spot he had sepsis caused by an underlying chest infection and pneumonia. "There was lots of talk about how things can change and what can change but we actually need to make sure now that happens ASAP," she said. Mrs Mead said the sharing of patient records, specialist sepsis training for GPs and other health professionals and a public health campaign were all discussed in the meeting. "He definitely seems to be interested in a public health campaign but it is about tying him down and making sure he follows it through and that is absolutely what I am going to be doing," she said. "I want more, I want him to commit and I want him to commit sooner rather than later. I am happy and I am content that he is taking it on board but it does need to happen sooner rather than later." Mrs Mead, who is meeting Mr Hunt again in two months, added: "This is really important to me. I have got nothing to lose, I have lost my son and I have lost my son to a condition that is easily treatable. "In William's case it was very preventable so it is really important to me to make sure that message gets across. "I don't want to be stood here but I have to be stood here. "We cannot be in a position where there is another mother stood here in a month's time, another apology because of failure in care. There has to be a commitment to change." Since the publication of the report into William's death, Mrs Mead has been contacted by three parents who have thanked her for saving the lives of their children because of the work she had done to raise awareness of sepsis. Dr Ron Daniels, chief executive of The UK Sepsis Trust, added: "While the Secretary of State has committed an agreement in principle to a public awareness campaign, there has been no direct commitment to resourcing and who is going to provide that. "Every day while we wait until that public awareness campaign is in place 120 more adults and three or four more little William's are dying from sepsis. "I am encouraged by the ongoing commitment. Melissa and The UK Sepsis Trust now need to see a concrete time-scale as to when we are going to see change, when we are going to see resource commitment." The charity says that thousands of lives could be saved each year if more was done to combat sepsis, including an awareness campaign, a national registry which tracks progress in sepsis care and better training for health professionals. Dr Daniels said the latest figures show there are 44,000 deaths from sepsis each year but he has estimated that 14,000 lives could be saved each year if the measures were implemented. When the body is in sepsis, its immune system goes into overdrive which can lead to inflammation, swelling and blood clotting. This can lead to a decrease in blood pressure which can mean the blood supply to vital organs is reduced. If the condition is not treated quickly it can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Early symptoms include fever, chills and shivering, a fast heartbeat and quick breathing. Symptoms of more severe sepsis or septic shock include feeling dizzy or faint, confusion or disorientation, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea and cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin. The Health Secretary said: "Sepsis is a devastating condition and patients rightly expect the NHS to be able to recognise it and provide high quality, safe care. "We have already made progress to improve awareness of sepsis among health professionals but there is still much more that can be done. "That is why I will be working with the Mead family and UK Sepsis Trust to put in place a series of measures to improve information and awareness both amongst the public and health professionals and drive down the number of lives needlessly lost from this condition each year." Professor Keith Willett, NHS England's national director for acute care, who met with Mrs Mead, said: "The tragic death of William Mead highlights the vital need for everyone, including GPs, out of hours services and NHS 111, to better recognise the early signs of sepsis. Huge cyclone leaves trail of destruction in Fiji By Jane Wardell SYDNEY, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Fijian officials were assessing the damage on Sunday after one of the most powerful storms recorded in the southern hemisphere tore through the archipelago, with early reports of widespread devastation in remote villages and one confirmed death. Reports from the ground said entire villages had been wiped out by Cyclone Winston, a Category 5 tropical cyclone that packed winds of 230 kph (143 mph), with gusts of up to 325 kph (202 mph). The storm hit Fiji late on Saturday, having changed direction at the last minute to spare the capital Suva the full force of its winds. "Some villages have reported that all homes have been destroyed," Jone Tuiipelehaki of the United Nations Development Program tweeted late on Saturday. "50 homes have been reported destroyed in the Navaga village in Koro Island." Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she had offered to send a P-3 Orion aircraft to carry out aerial surveillance of the outer-lying islands. "At this stage, I believe, the Fijian Government is coming to terms with the damage," Bishop told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Fijian authorities confirmed that an elderly man had died on Koro Island when a roof fell on him. Power, water and communications services were cut across much of the country of almost 900,000 people and a nationwide curfew imposed by Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama on Saturday evening remained in place. Alice Clements, an official with UNICEF based in Suva, said she was extremely concerned about people in remote locations of the archipelago, which comprises around 300 islands. "The images that we're starting to see roll in are terrifying," she told Reuters by telephone, describing visuals of flattened houses, a car on the roof of a building and a small plane nose down in debris. Clements said she was concerned about the hundreds of people who live in low-lying river areas in tin sheds, cultivating crops in their backyard for subsistence and sale at the market. The government declared a 30-day state of emergency, including school closures for at least a week, amid concerns of flash flooding and mudslides. People had flocked to 758 evacuation centres on Saturday, while tourists in resorts along coast hunkered down in hotel ballrooms and conference rooms. "We had a pretty hairy night here with the wind and the rain and we weren't even in the direct pathway of the cyclone," Anna Cowley, CARE Australia's Pacific Gender Advisor in Suva told Reuters. "I can't imagine what it was like for the people up the northern end of the island where the cyclone made landfall." The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it had an emergency response team on standby, but that Bainimarama had not yet asked for help. The airlines Virgin and Jetstar on Saturday suspended flights into and out of Fiji's international airport, while the national carrier suspended all flights. Death toll from Fiji cyclone mounts amid health crisis fears By Jane Wardell and Colin Packham SYDNEY, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Fiji began a massive cleanup on Monday after one of the most powerful storms recorded in the southern hemisphere tore through the Pacific island nation, killing 21 people, flattening remote villages and cutting off communications. Aid agencies warned of a widespread health crisis, particularly in low-lying areas where thousands of Fiji's 900,000 people live in tin shacks, after crops were wiped out and fresh water supplies blocked. The Fiji Broadcasting Corp, quoting the country's National Disaster Management Office, said 21 people had died and four were still missing at sea. Almost 8,000 people remained hunkered down in hundreds of evacuation centres across Fiji where they had headed before tropical cyclone Winston hit late on Saturday with winds of up to 325 kph (200 mph). "The death toll from Cyclone Winston continues to rise and reports of widespread damage are coming in from across Fiji," said New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully. "It is clear that Fiji faces a major cleanup and recovery operation." McCully said a New Zealand Defence Force C-130 would leave for the Fijian capital, Suva, later on Monday with relief supplies and an emergency response team. The majority of the fatalities were along the western coast and were caused mainly by flying debris and drowning in storm surges, authorities said. A 36-hour curfew was lifted early on Monday, allowing the Fijian military to ramp up efforts to reach the more remote parts of the archipelago of about 300 islands. "The Fijians are desperately trying to repair severed lines of communication, but they hold grave fears that the news waiting for them will be dire," said Raijeli Nicole, Pacific regional director of aid group Oxfam. "Given the intensity of the storm and the images we have seen so far, there are strong concerns that the death toll won't stop climbing today and that hundreds of people will have seen their homes and livelihoods completely destroyed." Aerial footage of outlying islands taken by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and posted on the Fiji government's official website, showed whole villages flattened and flooded. Aid agencies were told at a meeting of Fiji's National Emergency Operations Centre on Monday of potential "catastrophic" damage to Koro Island, Fiji's seventh-largest island. "The aerial survey suggested the runway looks OK so they are going to land on this later this afternoon with emergency personal and some supplies," said Anna Cowley of CARE Australia. Fiji also reopened its main airport at Nadi. Food and water supplies are a growing concern, even for areas such as Suva that did not suffer as much damage as the more remote regions. The Consumer Council of Fiji has urged traders not to sell food and other perishable items that have gone bad due to the effects of the cyclone. The Council's chief executive Premila Kumar said supermarkets and other food stores should destroy such items. Survivors spoke of the horror of the cyclone, while aid workers scrambled to help victims. "The noise was deafening. At one point, I turned to my partner and questioned whether we would actually survive," Sarah Bingham, an Australian on holiday on Tokoriki Island, told Reuters by telephone. China stocks gain on new regulator chief; Hong Kong also up SHANGHAI, Feb 22 (Reuters) - China stocks jumped 2 percent on Monday, led by property and resources shares, as investors welcomed Beijing's decision to replace the top securities regulator and on signs that the government was stepping up its economic stimulus efforts. Both the blue-chip CSI300 index and the Shanghai Composite Index gained 2 percent by the lunch break, to 3,112.43 points and 2,918.50 points, respectively. Mainland optimism also spilled over to Hong Kong, where the benchmark Hang Seng index rose 1.1 percent to 19,500.23, while the Hong Kong China Enterprises Index gained 1.5 percent to 8,237.54. China said over the weekend that it had removed Xiao Gang from his post as chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), replacing him with Liu Shiyu, chairman of the Agricultural Bank of China Ltd (AgBank) . The decision, seen as a move to restore market confidence, was cheered from China's retail investors, many of whom were burnt by the recent stock market rout. "If a casino has a new boss and gets renovated, it's certainly something worth celebrating," said Zhu Haifeng, 31. "I've long cast doubt about the ability of Xiao Gang. The fact that CSRC reacted to the crisis in such a passive manner showed he is a mediocre official who lacks vision." Buying was also fuelled by hopes that China will step up stimulus to solve overcapacity problems, which the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said have worsened since the 2008/09 global financial crisis. Shares of Chinese property developers jumped after China said on Sunday it will reduce or stop issuing land for new residential housing projects in areas where there is a supply glut. That follows a cut in property transaction taxes announced last week. The prospect of a stronger recovery in the real estate market, as well as signs of increasing investment in infrastructure projects, in turn triggered a surge in mainland resources shares on expectations of stronger demand for raw materials from cement to steel. Bucking the trend in Hong Kong, though, shares of Alibaba Health Information Technology Ltd tumbled 11 percent after regulators said it would suspend Ali Health's drug monitoring platform. Australia to start register of foreign ownership of water rights By Byron Kaye SYDNEY, Feb 22 (Reuters) - The Australian government said on Monday it plans to start a register of foreign ownership of water rights, redoubling its efforts to appease voters concerned about the amount of farming assets being sold offshore. Nine months after the government said it would force foreign owners of farmland to register, Treasurer Scott Morrison said the government plans to introduce laws to create a separate register of foreign ownership of water rights by Dec. 1. "Our agricultural land and water resources are arguably our nation's most valuable natural assets, so it is important that we have a good understanding of foreign investment levels in these areas," Morrison said in a statement. Australia is the world No. 1 wool exporter and No. 3 exporter of beef and raw sugar and its government has been under pressure from local farmers to cool foreign land ownership. In 2015 Australia lowered the Foreign Investment Review Board reporting threshold from A$240 million to A$15 million ($172 million to $11 million). In November, the government blocked the sale of the country's largest landowner, private farming group S. Kidman and Co, to foreign investors, saying it should stay in Australian hands. By monitoring foreign ownership of water rights, the government may also curtail any price increases that have resulted from a water rights trading system that has emerged from a practice of giving set amounts of water rights to land owners. In a public consultation paper released on Monday, the government said that while all foreign purchases of Australian assets must be cleared by the Foreign Investment Review Board, "foreign investment in water entitlements is not specifically captured and measured". It added that official government data showed foreign ownership of Australian water rights rose 55 percent from 2010 to 2013, the last year of complete records, taking the proportion of water rights held offshore from 9 percent to 14 percent. "Feed and Read" offers alternative to Boko Haram for Nigerian boys By Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani YOLA, Nigeria, Feb 22 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - For the first time in his life, 17-year-old Muhammed Sani can identify the letters of the English alphabet, read simple sentences in English, such as: "I want to eat" and "I want to go home". He can also work out simple mathematical sums. All this he has learnt over the past six months of attending the "Feed and Read" programme of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in the northeastern Nigerian city of Yola. "They also teach us how to be clean and neat," he said. Before joining the programme, launched last year, Muhammed divided his time between attending Koranic school and begging for alms on the streets of Yola. He is one of northern Nigeria's "almajiri", young boys who are seen as vulnerable to recruitment by Boko Haram militants, whose six-year insurgency in northern Nigeria has killed thousands and displaced more than two million people. Almajiri is the Arabic term for someone who leaves home in search of knowledge in Islam. The ancient tradition sees families send their sons thousands of miles from home to boarding schools across northern Nigeria, where they are left in the care of an Islamic scholar or "Malam". Over time, the system became overwhelmed and neglected. Unable to cope, many Malams began sending their wards onto the streets to beg for their upkeep, leaving them vulnerable to destitution, trafficking and other abuse. They are also ideal recruits for the Islamist armed group Boko Haram. According to Nigerian government estimates, there are at least 10 million almajiri children in the northern region. A few years ago, when AUN President Margee Ensign decided to do more than give money and food to the many young boys who thronged around her at the university's gates, she faced opposition. "The rumour went round that I was trying to convert the boys to Christianity," she said, leading her to abandon plans for the university to offer the almajiri some form of free education. But with the rise of the Boko Haram insurgency and the university's involvement in caring for those displaced by the conflict, Ensign once again felt a strong need to help the boys. This time, she decided to do things differently. "We invited the Imams and Malams to campus and explained what we wanted to do," she said. "FEED AND READ" The "Feed and Read" programme is careful not to interfere in any way with the children's religion or study of the Koran. The boys attend koranic classes in the daytime, then meet under canopies at the university's car park in the evenings, for their lessons in basic English and mathematics. They are also taught vocational and trade skills. Whenever it is time for prayers, everything stops and the children pray. They are also fed nutritious meals after each day's lessons. The Malams, meanwhile, are given a regular stipend, so they do not suffer any loss of income from the boys not begging on the streets. "At the beginning, the Malams actually came with their boys to ensure they knew exactly what we were doing," Ensign said. The 200 boys in the scheme are grouped according to age and time of enrolment, with the curriculum expanding as the boys advance. AUN students teach the classes, as part of their own assessment. "The reason why we have been successful in this programme is because we work directly with the Malams," said Joseph Oladimeji, the programme's coordinator. One of the aims of the programme is to encourage people to stop referring to the boys as almajiri, a word that tends to have negative connotations. "We want them to be known as just boys," he said. The boys themselves are encouraged to stop seeing themselves as misfits. Instead of the typical plastic alms bowl given to them by their Malams, which, says Oladimeji, is a symbol of their itinerant beggar lifestyle, they are given shiny new bowls and cutlery which they leave behind after eating their free meals. The boys are also taught the basics of personal hygiene. They are regularly issued bars of soap, and any child who arrives unwashed or with dirty clothes is denied his food ration for the day. "We want to remove that beggar mentality from them," he said. At first Ensign provided funds for "Feed and Read" from her own pocket, but as the programme has expanded, the university has begun appealing to international donors through the AUN Foundation, a non-profit based in the United States. Recently, the university received funding from the Irish government, with which it launched a "Feed and Read" programme for girls in February 2016. Iraq's Abadi keeps Iran at arm's length in war on Islamic State By Maher Chmaytelli BAGHDAD, Feb 21 (Reuters)- - As fighting in Iraq raged last summer, Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani came across unexpected opposition to his plans to defeat Islamic State. Soleimani is the commander of Iran's al-Quds brigade and has been a key figure in the fight against the Sunni Islamist group in Iraq. That fight has been led not by Iraq's army but by Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias. But in August, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told Soleimani that a planned assault on the Sunni city of Ramadi should be left to the Iraqi army, according to a government official and two diplomats. Abadi, a 64-year-old Shi'ite, wanted the militias to stay away to avoid inflaming ethnic tensions, the sources said. Abadi's office declined to comment on the story, which has been repeated in Baghdad's diplomatic circles for months. Three Iraqi politicians denied it ever happened. But the government official and the diplomats said the incident was one of a series of moves by Abadi to assert his authority as leader and to distance himself from Tehran and the militias that came to Baghdad's rescue in 2014 and early 2015. Abadi has begun to push for reconciliation between Iraq's Shi'ites and Sunnis, and for better relations with Sunni Arab neighbours like Saudi Arabia, they said. If he can bridge the gap between rival sectarian communities as he has promised, he will have gone a long way towards reuniting a country which has been deeply riven since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. According to the government official and the two diplomats, Abadi also objected to Soleimani's plane landing at Baghdad airport without prior permission. Abadi was also irritated that Soleimani used an official VIP hall at the airport when entering Iraq, even though he was not officially invited by the government. The deterioration in their relationship, the sources said, began in August when Soleimani attended a top Iraqi security meeting run by Abadi and behaved in, what one source said, was "a bossy manner as if Iraq was an Iranian protectorate". This, the sources said, had led Abadi to ask Soleimani why he was at the meeting. The Iranian general had then left. "Abadi questioned his presence. It was a matter of Iraqi sovereignty and nationalism," one Western diplomat said. Abadi's office declined to comment. The Iraqi government official said Abadi and Soleimani had not fought but were "keeping an operational, business-like relationship. We can't say it's warm". Whatever the case, Soleimani has receded from public view in Iraq in the past six months. The omnipresent posters and television images of him on the battlefield have all but disappeared. There are likely to be limits to that change. Iran's allies within Abadi's Shi'ite camp are pushing back against his more muscular stance, while the collapse in oil prices has cut the government budget, said Hisham al-Hashemi, an Iraqi government adviser and an expert on Islamic State. For now though, Abadi seems to be trying to deliver on his initial address to parliament in 2014 in which he painted a vision of a decentralised and united Iraq. VICTORY IN RAMADI The army's victory in Ramadi against the ultra-hardline Sunni militant group was a key moment. An elite corps of the Iraqi army dislodged Islamic State from the city, the largest in western Iraq, in the final days of 2015. Support came from U.S. warplanes while Sunni tribesmen held the ground behind the army lines. The army is now preparing to take on Islamic State in Falluja, a bastion of Sunni jihadists to the west of Baghdad, and plans to start a push towards Mosul, the largest northern city. It was the fall of Mosul to Islamic State in 2014 that forced the exit of Abadi's predecessor Nuri al-Maliki. Many Iraqi lawmakers blamed Maliki for the Iraqi army's defeat in the city. Crucially, Maliki lost the backing of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, a reclusive octogenarian who enjoys almost mythical status among millions of Shi'ite followers and wields authority that few Iraqi politicians openly challenge. Sistani called for a consensus candidate. Abadi was Maliki's replacement, in part because he promised to heal the sectarian rift between Iraq's Shi'ite and Sunnis. The new prime minister grew up in Baghdad amongst Sunni, Christians and other communities. "His father was a prominent doctor. (Abadi) is used to living with other communities," said Mustafa Alani, an Iraqi security analyst with the Geneva-based think-tank Gulf Research Center. After more than 20 years in exile in Britain where he studied in the northern English city of Manchester and worked as an electrical engineer, Abadi returned to Iraq in 2003 following the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam's Baath party. Like Maliki, Abadi is a member of the Shi'ite Dawa Party, which along with other Shi'ite groups carried out a U.S.-initiated de-Baathification campaign, effectively removing Sunnis from state, army and police positions. A decade ago, Abadi backed that campaign. But when he became prime minister he promised to unite the country. At first, he struggled to assert himself. Some U.S. officials then perceived him as a weak leader who needed the backing of the militias. But in the past few months that perception has begun to shift. On Feb. 9 he renewed a bid to dismantle the country's patronage system and root out corruption. Abadi said he wants a government reshuffle with technocrats as ministers. The move surprised several groups of his ruling coalition, the government official said. "He made the announcement straight to the media, without consulting the party leaders." Abadi has also improved relations with Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia. In December, Riyadh reopened its embassy in Baghdad, 25 years after it shut following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Saudi Ambassador Thamer Al-Shabhan told newspapers the move would enable greater cooperation against extremism. The closer ties survived their first test in January, when Saudi Arabia executed Shi'ite cleric Nimr al-Nimr. The Iraqi government resisted pressure from Shi'ite groups to break off ties and instead offered to mediate between Riyadh and Tehran. "Abadi has kept himself at arm's length" from Iran, said a European diplomat. "He has only been to Tehran two or three times in 18 months, not like his predecessor who would go all the time." THE LIMITS TO CHANGE Convincing Sunni Iraqis that he is sincere will not be easy. Parliamentary speaker Salim al-Jabouri, the most senior Sunni in the Iraqi state, said Abadi is showing good intentions but "does not use all of his authority to do what he promised to do". Many Shi'ite politicians feel like Abadi is already too accommodating. Shi'ite political parties continue to back de-Baathification measures affecting tens of thousands of Sunnis. They also oppose the creation of a National Guard that would incorporate provincial forces like the Sunnis who are fighting Islamic State. The government official said most Shi'ite politicians still have a strong anti-Sunni feeling. After Abadi's recent call for reforms, some Shi'ite government officials even discussed replacing the prime minister, the official said. The European diplomat said the resistance Abadi faced made it hard to implement real change. "The feeling remains that Sunnis should pay the price for what they have done under Saddam," he said. The sharp drop in oil prices and growing economic crisis in Iraq make things even harder. "For the prime minister you can't not spend on the military, otherwise you can't defeat (Islamic State)," the same diplomat said. "He has a lot less money to play with than any of his predecessors have had since 2003." Abadi's limited influence on the Shi'ite militias was apparent in January when his government failed to stop revenge attacks on Sunni civilians after Islamic State carried out a series of bombings east of Baghdad. PRESS DIGEST - Bulgaria - Feb 22 SOFIA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Monday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. -- Bulgaria has declared a diplomat at the Turkish consulate in the Black Sea city of Burgas persona non grata over his interference in the country's internal affairs and active religious work, local media quotes a diplomatic source as saying. The Bulgarian foreign ministry has declined to comment. (Trud, Monitor, Capital Daily, Duma,24 Chasa, Standart) -- Bulgarian truck drivers lifted their counter-blockades at the Bulgarian-Greek border checkpoints to help the stranded drivers on both sides of the border. The drivers staged the blockade to protest the blockades by Greek farmers. (Standart, Sega, 24 Chasa, Trud, Monitor) -- Bulgarians will use health services with fingerprints as of June, as [part of the efforts of the health reforms aimed at improving accountability of public funds, Health Minister Petar Moskov said. (Standart, Capital Daily ) Slovak Republic - Factors To Watch on Feb 22 BRATISLAVA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Slovak financial markets on Monday. ALL TIMES GMT (Slovak Republic: GMT + 1 hours) =========================ECONOMIC DATA======================== Real-time economic data releases................... Previous stories on Slovak data............ Overview of economic data and forecasts......... ===========================NEWS================================ UNEMPLOYMENT: Slovakia's jobless rate edged down to 10.4 percent in January from 10.6 percent in the previous month, the country's labour office said on Sunday. Story: Related news: IMMIGRATION: Slovakia will take measures to protect its border with Austria following Vienna's decision to cap the number of migrants travelling through its territory, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Friday. Story: Related news: FDI: RKN Global said on Saturday it would invest 89 million euros ($99.04 million) in Slovakia, creating over 1,200 jobs in a new plant making secure IDs and e-cards and screening technologies. Story: Related news: NATO: The Czech Republic is ready to send around 100 soldiers to the eastern flank of NATO to help reinforce the Baltics and Poland and deter Russia, Defence Minister Martin Stropnicky said on Sunday. Story: Related news: CEE POWER: Central and southeastern European day-ahead power plunged on Friday due to warm weather expected to crimp normally lower weekend demand and a jump in wind supply, traders said. Story: Related news: For Instant Views of key economic data click on For summary of economic data and forecasts For diary of forthcoming Slovak events For calendar of east European economic indicators TOP NEWS -- Emerging markets TOP NEWS -- Convergence watch For real-time stock market index quotes click in brackets: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX News editor of the day: Jan Lopatka on +420 224 190 474 E-mail: prague.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (Reporting by Prague Newsroom) Asked about Britain's EU vote, China says supports strong Europe BEIJING, Feb 22 (Reuters) - China has always supported the European integration process and would like Europe to play an important role globally, China's Foreign Ministry said on Monday after Britain set a June date for a referendum on whether to leave the European Union. Beijing has long been worried about the implications of free trade-supporting Britain leaving the European Union and of any weakening of a grouping which it views as a vital counterbalance to the United States, diplomats say. China has also made little secret of its happiness with Britain's support to push an eventual China-EU free trade deal. Asked about the referendum and whether China was concerned Britain could vote to leave the European Union, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she had "noted" the agreement reached between Britain and the European Union. "China has consistently supported the European integration process and would like to see Europe play an even greater role in the world," she told a daily news briefing, without elaborating. During a visit to Britain in October, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Prime Minister David Cameron he wanted to see a united European Union. It was a rare mention of another country's planned vote by China, which does not like to interfere in internal affairs, and was quickly played down at the time by a Cameron aide, who said the European Union "wasn't a huge part of their discussion". Cameron has called a June 23 referendum on whether Britain should remain in the 28-country bloc, which it joined in 1973, and said that he will campaign to stay a member. On Friday, Cameron secured an agreement on reforms to the European Union that he said would give Britain special status in the bloc. But London Mayor Boris Johnson on Sunday threw his weight behind the campaign to leave the European Union, dealing a blow to Cameron by increasing the chance British voters will ditch membership. Business leaders are expected to have an influential role for those undecided voters who are primarily concerned with how the referendum will affect their jobs. China research highlights country's excess use of antibiotics SHANGHAI, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Children in China's eastern Jiangsu province are being widely exposed to antibiotics from tainted food and drinking water, potentially harming long-term health, local media reported on Monday, citing research from Shanghai's Fudan University. The study, which tested for 21 common antibiotics, including those used for animals, found traces of at least one type in 80 percent of a pool of 505 schoolchildren in Shanghai, China's modern business hub with a population over 20 million. China suffers from serious overuse of antibiotics, with doctors prescribing them to half of all outpatients, far above recommended levels, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). A WHO report in November found that nearly two-thirds of Chinese believed antibiotics should be used to treat colds and flu, while one-third thought antibiotics were effective against headaches. Misuse of antibiotics is becoming a global risk, making the drugs much less effective at treating common infections. "Beyond the health system, the economic costs of antibiotic resistance are formidable - in China, one prediction estimates the loss of up to a million lives a year by 2050," the WHO said in the report. The study from Fudan, one of China's top universities, included both human and veterinary antibiotics. Some individual antibiotics, including those normally used in farming, were detected in nearly one-third of children tested. The was published in the journal Environment International. Uber driver attacked in Kenya, his taxi torched - police By Humphrey Malalo and Drazen Jorgic NAIROBI, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Four men attacked a taxi driver working for ride hailing company Uber and torched his car in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, police said on Monday, the latest incident of growing harassment against Uber drivers in the East African nation. Uber drivers around the world have faced threats and protests from regular taxi operators, who say cheap fares from Uber drivers are driving them out of business. Japheth Koome, Nairobi's Police Commander, said the men attacked the Uber driver late on Sunday and poured petrol on his vehicle before torching it. "I believe police will get them since we have details of their vehicle," Koome told Reuters. "We shall take serious steps against people trying to smash cars of their business rivals." He said the driver was beaten but escaped without major injuries. Uber said it has offered its full support to the driver and is in contact with the authorities. "Our thoughts are with the driver," Alon Lits, Uber's general manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, said in a statement. "We ask the authorities to condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms." Uber began operating in Kenya in early 2015, making inroads into the Nairobi market by offering lower prices and cutting out haggling that often infuriates customers. But earlier this month regular cab drivers threatened to paralyse transport if the government did not drive the Uber taxi service from Nairobi within seven days. The government refused their demand and warned anyone stoking violence would be prosecuted. But they also said the government was drafting new laws regarding the regulation of online taxi operators. Nairobi Uber drivers say the increasing threats of violence have forced them to hide their smartphones, which they use to map routes and charge customers, but often show they are an Uber driver. Uber operates in more than 300 cities in 67 countries and has raised $7.4 billion from investors. Turkish army presses crackdown on Kurdish militants, Europe worried over rights By Humeyra Pamuk ISTANBUL, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Turkey's military said on Monday it had killed 14 militants in a drive against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the southeast as an envoy from the European parliament denounced what she said were rights abuses by Ankara. Four PKK militants were killed on Sunday in the Sur district of the mainly Kurdish region's largest city Diyarbakir, much of which has been under a round-the-clock police curfew since early December, the army said in a statement. Ten others were killed on Sunday in the Idil district of Sirnak province, neighbouring Syria, it said. A round-the-clock curfew was imposed in some parts of Idil last week as it become a new focus for the security operations. Violence has surged across southeast Turkey following the breakdown of a two-year ceasefire between Turkish security forces and the PKK last July. The PKK, which says it is fighting for autonomy for Turkey's large ethnic Kurdish minority, has sealed off entire districts of some towns and cities in the southeast and declared autonomy, prompting the security forces to step up their operations. The army also said the bodies of five PKK militants had been found during a search in Cizre, a town by the Syrian border that was the focus of military operations for weeks. Home-made explosives, hand grenades, rifles and a large amount of ammunition were seized, it said. The PKK, considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, launched a separatist armed rebellion against the Turkish state more than three decades ago and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict. 'RIGHTS VIOLATIONS' More than 1,000 PKK militants have been killed since December, according to figures from the military and state-run Anadolu Agency. In early November, President Tayyip Erdogan said 2,000 had been killed in operations 'at home and abroad'. Rights groups and locals have voiced growing concern about he civilian death toll in the security operations since December. The pro-Kurdish HDP party puts the toll at nearly 160. Kati Piri, the European Parliament's Turkey rapporteur who visited Diyarbakir last week, said the violence had to stop. "On a large scale, there are serious human rights violations taking place and the desperation of many people is getting bigger," she said in her report, which she posted on Facebook. "Dialogue must be resumed. We have to do everything to avoid a bloody civil war in Turkey." The government denounced her statement, EU Affairs Minister Volkan Bozkir saying it was biased. "Ms. Piri ... does not mention in her text at all the sewerage systems and basements transformed into arsenals by the PKK, the continuous attacks on our security personnel, the damage caused by PKK to towns ... or the thousands of real civilians without arms who had to leave their homes because of PKK's attacks on schools, hospitals and even ambulances," Bozkir said. He warned Piri she may have difficulty finding counterparts to speak with if she insisted on such an approach. On the border, Austria takes migrant fingerprints, then discards them By Shadia Nasralla and Gabriela Baczynska SPIELFELD, Austria/BRUSSELS, Feb 22 (Reuters) - On the Austrian-Slovenia border, one of the last stops on the migrant route to Germany, a policeman explains that after his 12-hour shift taking new arrivals' fingerprints, most are lost minutes after they are taken. "We are not allowed to save the fingerprints," the Austrian policeman, who wanted to remain anonymous, said as he sat in a tent at the Spielfeld border crossing. "We do what we're asked to do." Austria, which saw 700,000 migrants crossing its borders last year, says it is not legally allowed to save and share with other European states more than 90 percent of the fingerprint data it takes of migrants fleeing war and poverty, a potential security problem at a major migrant hub. It is only required to upload onto Europe's shared fingerprint database, Eurodac, the data of those who actually apply for asylum in the country, which is less than 10 percent of those crossing into Austria. So Austria takes digital fingerprints of everyone entering the country, checks whether they have a criminal record, but does not save the data if they want to move on to Germany, which most do. Roz, a 28-year old Syrian mother of two, is surprised to hear that her family's fingerprints are neither saved nor shared. "They need to know who we are. If you record fingerprints of refugees, it guarantees security in this country," she said as she was shown by Austrian officials onto a bus that would take her to the German border, her chosen destination. ANACHRONISM The situation highlights how European laws are far behind the challenges of the continent's latest crisis, one that has already seen hundreds of thousands of migrants and refugees, mainly from Syria, flooding into the continent seeking a new life. "That is a major problem, we have no records on these people, there are so many moving around the bloc and we have no trace of them whatsoever," said one diplomat in Brussels, adding that some EU countries have tried to push for changes but they were blocked due to privacy protection concerns. Berndt Koerner, deputy executive director of Europe's border agency Frontex, said he was confronted with an "anachronism" in the sharing of migrant data. "We are currently confronted with the problem that we cannot access certain databases, which can be used nationally in border controls," Koerner told reporters this month. The system was not changed even after the evident security problems in tracing the movements of the surviving Islamist militants involved in the Paris attacks last November. Only states on the EU's external borders, such as Greece and Italy, must save and share all fingerprint data. Still, at a West Balkans summit in October all participants, including Austria, committed to registering, fingerprinting and uploading onto Eurodac all migrant data even on borders in the no-visa and border-control free Schengen zone. Croatia and Finland, for example, save fingerprints of all migrants who arrive there, while Germany only lets in migrants who state they want to apply for asylum there. Austria's coalition of the social-democrat SPO and Christian-conservative OVP has come under pressure in opinion polls from their right-wing, anti-Islam Freedom Party rivals since the latest migrant wave arrived last autumn. Drawing ire from Brussels and accusations it was breaking EU law, Vienna this month introduced daily caps on how many entries it allows across its southern borders and the number of asylum requests it will accept. Cuba deploys army in effort to avoid Zika virus By Marc Frank HAVANA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Cuban President Raul Castro called on the entire Cuban population to help eradicate the mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus on Monday and ordered 9,000 army troops to help stave off the disease. Cuba has yet to detect a case of Zika but the outbreak is affecting large parts of Latin America and the Caribbean and is likely to spread to all countries in the Americas except for Canada and Chile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said. "It's necessary for every single Cuban to take up this battle as a personal matter," Castro wrote in a national message sounding the alarm over Zika, which is carried by mosquitoes that transmit the virus to humans and which is suspected of causing birth defects after infecting pregnant women. Cubans should clean up potential environments for the Aedes genus of mosquitoes, said Castro, who also is general of the armed forces. "The Revolutionary Armed Forces will assign more than 9,000 troops, among them active duty officers and reserve officers ... to the anti-vector and cleanup efforts, with the additional support of 200 officers of the National Revolutionary Police," Castro said. The ruling Communist Party and the government have adopted an action plan under the direction of the Health Ministry to deal with the Zika that will also help combat the mosquito-borne diseases dengue and chikungunya, Castro said. One Health Ministry employee, who asked not to be identified as she was not authorized to talk with journalists, said the country's vast network of neighborhood doctors and clinics were watching for Zika symptoms and suspected cases would be quarantined in hospital wards prepared for an eventual outbreak. "There are no confirmed cases yet but there will be. To date there have been two suspected cases that turned out negative," said the employee, who has real-time access to epidemiological data. The government, which has fumigated neighborhoods and homes for decades to contain dengue, put doctors on alert for the virus weeks ago and ramped up mosquito eradication efforts. Military officers could be seen over the weekend, clip boards instead of rifles in hand, directing fumigation in Havana. The WHO declared the outbreak an international health emergency on Feb. 1, citing a "strongly suspected" relationship between Zika infection in pregnancy and microcephaly, a condition marked by abnormally small head size. Ethiopia's crackdown on land protests ongoing: rights group By Aaron Maasho ADDIS ABABA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Ethiopia continues to crack down on demonstrators in its vast Oromiya region some four months after protests began over plans to develop an economic zone on what is now farmland around the capital, Human Rights Watch said on Monday. Although the government dropped the scheme last month, sporadic demonstrations have continued throughout the region, which is the Horn of Africa country's largest in size and population. "Security forces, including military personnel, have fatally shot scores of demonstrators. Thousands of people have been arrested and remain in detention without charge," Human Rights Watch said in a report. "While the frequency of protests appears to have decreased in the last few weeks, the crackdown continues," it added. Government spokespeople were not immediately available for comment. The plan to create a special zone with new infrastructure around Addis Ababa had sparked some of the worst civil unrest in in a decade in the nation of more than 90 million people. Protesters say the scheme would displace many Oromo farmers. The government is yet to give a death toll, but some opposition figures said in December about 90 people had been killed. U.S.-based dissidents said the toll was more than 200. The government has blamed the violence on armed gangs, while opponents have blamed heavy-handed police tactics. Ethiopia's 25-year development plan, aimed at attracting investment to help industrialise its agrarian economy, first sparked some small protests in 2014. But when it emerged in mid-November last year that land was to be leased near Ginchi, a town in Oromiya, bigger protests erupted. Human Rights Watch said protesters it spoke to who had been detained after the outbreak of demonstrations had been subjected to severe beatings and never appeared before a judge. Women suffered sexual assault and mistreatment, it said, while one 18-year old student was "given electric shocks to his feet". Some schools and universities have remained closed with teachers arrested in a bid to prevent more protests, Human Rights Watch said. "The Ethiopian government should end the excessive use of force by the security forces, free everyone detained arbitrarily, and conduct an independent investigation into killings and other security force abuses," it added. Nigeria to train thousands of unemployed Delta youths By Ulf Laessing ABUJA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Nigeria plans to train as many as 10,000 youths a year for skilled work in the Delta region to try to stop them attacking and stealing oil from pipelines, the minister for the Niger Delta, Usani Uguru Usani, said on Monday. Attacks on oil and gas facilities have become more frequent since authorities issued an arrest warrant for a popular former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo - Tompolo - who had led gangs of "boys" fighting for a bigger share of oil revenues. To help address those grievances, the government plans to build nine vocational centres, Usani told Reuters. "Between 5,000 and 10,000 will be trained yearly," he said. The first centres would train young people in leather goods manufacturing, mobile phone assembly and e-commerce. Some would also find work at a new processing plant for cassava, part of the government's plan to boost the agricultural sector, he said. He gave no launch date for the centres. Buhari was elected in 2015 on an anti-corruption ticket and promised to end Nigeria's dependency on oil by attracting investment for sectors such as farming and infrastructure. But slumping oil prices have forced him to seek loans from the World Bank, China and international capital markets to meet those promises. He has also extended a 2009 amnesty, brought in by his predecessor, under which some 30,000 former militants were to be retrained. Widespread corruption saw the funds disappearing or ending up as cash benefits for the "boys", critics say. Usani said authorities were doing their best to boost security in the Delta but that the task was difficult because the swampy terrain meant that the pipelines were hard to access. "The terrain on which the (oil) flows are running is challenging and may not always be attack proof," he said. "(But) ... effective action has been taken." He also told Reuters that the government was planning to build roads and hospitals in the Delta, where previous projects have not made it beyond the drawing board, but he said the scope was unclear due to uncertainty over the budget. Darfur refugees look to Europe for salvation By Khalid Abdelaziz AL-FASHIR, Sudan, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Haroun Idris wants nothing more than to trade his life in a Darfur refugee camp for one in Europe. Like many young victims of Sudan's forgotten conflict, he has lost hope of ever returning home. "My only dream, the one thing I live for, is to escape this camp and immigrate to Europe to start a new life after years of misery," said Idris, 27, who has been living in refugee camps for eight years. The Darfur conflict has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced 2.6 million, the United Nations estimates, since mostly non-Arab tribes took up arms against the Arab-dominated government in 2003. Darfuris are a constant presence in the ranks of the more than 1 million refugees and migrants who spilled into Europe last year, mostly to escape war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa. While violence in the western Sudanese region has ebbed over the past decade, the insurgency continues. The Khartoum government has escalated attacks on rebel groups in the past year, pushing a new wave of migrants to desolate camps in the relative calm of North Darfur. Most young men in the camps are unemployed and too poor to go to university. They sit during the day playing cards in the narrow streets, where dust stirred up by horse-drawn carts fills the stifling air. NO WORK They say the war and the long years spent in the camps have robbed them of their traditional farming and herding livelihoods, and given them little option but to leave. "I have been at the refugee camp for seven years after my village was burned and many of my family killed," said Adam Hamed, 31, sitting on a decrepit chair under a roof made of dry grass in Zamzam camp. "We have no work and live off aid. We used to work as farmers or shepherds in my village, like the rest of Darfur's youth, but now we don't own any farmlands or animals." The camp of 215,000 people is composed of thousands of small straw and mud houses that cling to each other, ringed by dirt roads. An overwhelming smell pervades the air; there are no proper sewage facilities and no electricity. Flies cover every exposed surface, and residents buy water from primitive manual pumps on the streets. Many of the camp's youth have fled to neighbouring countries seeking jobs in gold mining so they can make enough money to pay off human traffickers and get to Europe via Libya, which shares a large desert border with Darfur. Last year a Sudanese man from Darfur crossed the 31-mile (50 km) Channel Tunnel from France to Britain on foot, dodging high-speed trains in the dark, in an extreme example of the desperate measures some are prepared to take. "Dozens of my friends from the camp worked for long whiles mining gold and then made enough money to cross the Mediterranean from Libya to Europe," said Sulieman Hussein, 22, with anger in his voice. "That is also what I plan to do. Life is good in Europe, whereas here we are not even human." NOTHING TO OFFER Elders at the camps say the sense of injustice and loss of hope has led to drug abuse or violence. "Some have turned to crime and armed gangs, others have joined militias... There is nothing we can do for them because we have nothing to offer them," said Ishak Adam, 53, sitting in a house built from mud, grass and empty bottles. "The years of their youth fly by while they do nothing; they cannot work or get married and they live like prisoners in these camps." Each day some young men go to Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, to look for jobs as day labourers, wash dishes or polish shoes. But there are many jobless migrants and few jobs. "Drug use is rampant in the camp but it is hard to even find enough money to buy drugs. As you can see, I am unemployed and have had nothing to do for over 10 years in this camp," said Abdallah Ibrahim, 31, at the Abu Shok camp south of Al-Fashir. Even in the camps, many migrants still don't feel safe, especially at night. Several residents of Zamzam said there were militias and armed gangs just to the north, and migrants were sometimes attacked and robbed. Lebanon's Hariri urges Saudi king not to abandon country By Tom Perry and Laila Bassam BEIRUT, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Lebanese Sunni politician Saad al-Hariri on Monday urged Saudi Arabia not to abandon Lebanon after it halted aid to the army, reflecting concerns that Riyadh is reducing support for a country that has been an arena for its struggle with Iran. Hariri's direct appeal to King Salman reflects worries among Saudi Arabia's allies in Lebanon that a major shift is under way in its policy towards the country. Riyadh's backing has been crucial to the decade-long struggle waged by Hariri and his allies against the Iranian-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah. The crisis came to a head last week when Saudi Arabia decided to suspend its aid to the army in response to the Lebanese government's failure to sign up to statements condemning attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. Reflecting deep differences among rival Lebanese politicians, a government statement issued after a meeting of the national unity cabinet on Monday also fell short of condemning them. Instead, it was left to Prime Minister Tammam Salam to condemn them himself after reading the declaration. Hariri, who heads the Saudi-backed March 14 alliance, said Lebanon would "not be a protectorate for Iranian policies in the region". "We are here to confirm in the loudest voice that nobody will be able to cancel Lebanon's Arabness," he said, making only his third visit to the country since the Hezbollah-dominated March 8 alliance toppled his government in 2011. He urged King Salman and other Gulf Arab leaders "not to abandon Lebanon and to continue to support and embrace it". Hezbollah, a political party with a powerful militia, has grown in strength over the last decade. Its fighters are playing a crucial role fighting on President Bashar al-Assad's side in the war in neighbouring Syria, one of the major arenas of Saudi-Iranian rivalry in the region. Many Lebanese are worried about how Saudi policy will affect the hundreds of thousands of Lebanese employed in Saudi Arabia and Gulf Arab states allied to it. The money they send home is crucial to the Lebanese economy. Saudi Arabia pledged the aid for the Lebanese army in 2013 in what then-Lebanese President Michel Suleiman called the largest grant ever to the country's armed forces. The army, carefully balanced to reflect Lebanon's sectarian make-up, is widely seen as the backbone of the weak Lebanese state. ARAB STATEMENT Saudi anger at the Lebanese government appeared to come to a head last month when the government, represented by Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, refused to vote on a joint Arab statement condemning the attacks on Saudi missions in Iran by crowds protesting at the kingdom's execution of a prominent Shi'ite Muslim cleric. Bassil, a political ally of Hezbollah, cited the statement's criticism of Hezbollah as the reason for not backing it. He stressed the need for national unity in Lebanon. The government statement issued on Monday said it was necessary to "fix relations between Lebanon and its brothers, and to remove any flaws that may have emerged in recent times". It said Prime Minister Salam should make contacts with Gulf states that would "pave the way for a Gulf tour ... with this aim". The statement said Lebanon would not forget Saudi Arabia's sponsorship of the peace agreement that ended Lebanon's 1975-90 civil war, its role in rebuilding the country, and its support for Lebanon's "financial, economic, military and security institutions". "Likewise it will not forget that the kingdom, and the rest of the Gulf Arab states ... embraced and continue to (embrace) hundreds of thousands of Lebanese of all sects", the statement said. Aid cuts trigger health crisis in Somalia, say relief agencies By Katy Migiro NAIROBI, Feb 22 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Some 1.5 million Somalis have lost access to healthcare over the last two years as around 10 hospitals have closed or cut back their services due to aid shortages, relief agencies said on Monday. The figure includes 300,000 children under five who can no longer get vaccinated against major childhood killers like measles or treated for diarrhoea, which is often fatal, the agencies said. Donor funding for healthcare has fallen by nearly two-thirds to $29 million in 2015 from $72 million in 2011, they said, citing United Nations data. "The Somali health system is at the moment in a state of crisis," said Abdurahman Sharif, director of the Somalia NGO Consortium, a group of local and international aid agencies including Save the Children and Norwegian Refugee Council. Somalia has been mired in conflict since civil war broke out in 1991. Many health facilities have been damaged or looted during the conflict and medics and drugs are in short supply. They are almost entirely dependent on donor funding, Sharif said. "They (aid agencies) will face difficulties in continuing to provide lifesaving health services at the scale that is required as a result mainly of the declining humanitarian funding," he said in a phone interview. Important regional hospitals in Galkayo South and Jowhar are on the verge of suspending key services, such as maternity and outpatient care, he said. Famine triggered by drought and war killed 260,000 people in Somalia in 2011. Funding has since waned as the government, backed by African Union troops, has made gains against the Islamist militant group al Shabaab. Although security and access to markets has improved in many parts, one in two people still need aid in the Horn of Africa nation. Somalia is one of the most dangerous countries for relief agencies to operate in, with 17 staff killed there in 2015. Warring parties have deliberately targeted aid workers and manipulated aid for political gain. The medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) pulled out of Somalia in 2013 because of attacks on its staff, more than a dozen of whom were killed and abducted since 1991. It was one of the main health service providers with 1,500 staff managing more than 20 facilities. Other agencies have struggled to fill the gap, Sharif said. Slovak leader says EU agreement may not stem migrant flow from Turkey By Tatiana Jancarikova and Jan Lopatka BRATISLAVA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - It is likely the numbers of migrants coming to Greece from Turkey will not drop in the coming weeks despite a European Union agreement and the EU should take steps to prepare new options, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Monday. Fico, who has made a tough stance on migration the cornerstone of his policies before a March 5 election, told Reuters the government was prepared to erect mobile barriers on borders with Austria and Hungary to direct the flow of migrants he fears will rise soon. Slovakia has so far seen only a trickle of migrants across its territory on their way from Syria or Afghanistan to western Europe. It has taken a particularly strong stand against accepting any significant numbers of Muslims who Fico says could not integrate. Fico said calls by Slovakia and other central European countries of the Visegrad Four - Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland - for strict border protection were winning acceptance across the EU as it grapples with the migration crisis and a number of countries cap the numbers they are willing to accept. EU countries earlier this month approved a 3 billion euro ($3.32 billion) fund for Turkey to improve living conditions for refugees there in exchange for Ankara ensuring fewer of them migrate on to Europe. The EU is counting on the deal to lower the number of asylum seekers arriving in Europe after more than one million streamed onto the continent in 2015, mainly by sea from Turkey, with figures indicating little sign of the flow ebbing so far this year. The next two or three weeks would show if the agreement between the EU and Turkey to limit the flow of migrants was working and if Greece was meeting its obligations on border control, Fico said. "If that does not work, and I am very pessimistic, and all of us in Europe will insist on proper protection of external borders, there will be nothing left but protecting the border on the line of Greece-Macedonia and Greece-Bulgaria," he said. The plan was proposed by the Visegrad Four before last week's EU summit and won some sympathy from countries like Austria but was dismissed by Germany, which stressed the need to make the deal with Turkey work. Fico said it was clear that a common solution was needed but at some point Greece may have to be let go and the border defence built at its northern border, even if it means an unbearable accumulation of migrants in Greece. "There was a correct decision, for now, not to expose Greece ... to this situation but it is only a matter of time when we say that it is simply not possible to go on like this any more," he said. Austria announced last week it would cap the daily numbers of people seeking asylum or passage to Germany. Fico said this could lead to people trying to bypass bottlenecks on the border between Slovenia and Austria via different routes that could lead through Slovakia. He said the government was ready to detain those not seeking asylum there and return them across the border. The authorities are ready to erect barriers on Hungarian and Austrian borders to direct the potential flow, he said. "There is a big risk, and the weekend confirmed this, that migrants will try to go around this Slovenian-Austrian border and get north through Hungary to Slovakia and on to the Czech Republic and Germany," he said. Appoint a few more Scalias, kiss democracy goodbye By Richard L. Hasen Feb 22 (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidates such as Senator Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) have pledged to appoint a justice like Antonin Scalia to the U.S. Supreme Court, if given the opportunity. Yet Scalia's record on issues related to American democracy and elections was dismal - even when judged against the standards of the conservative Roberts court. Placing a few more Scalias on the Supreme Court would likely put America's current participatory democracy at risk. Take money in politics. In 2010, the Roberts court, including Scalia, ruled in "Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission" that corporations, like individuals, have a First Amendment right to spend money independently in campaigns. Yet Scalia went further - he argued that people have a First Amendment right to contribute unlimited sums directly to candidates, which raised the stakes for undue influence. Scalia, like Justice Clarence Thomas, who often voted with him, would subject laws that limit campaign contributions to strict scrutiny. That means they would almost certainly fail in a constitutional challenge. Next, consider the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The Roberts court, including Scalia, decided in "Shelby County v. Holder" (2013) that Congress no longer had the power to subject states with a record of intentional racial discrimination in voting to special federal oversight of their elections. Scalia went further, however. He believed that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which provides nationwide protection to racial and ethnic minorities to ensure they have a fair share of political power, should not apply to "vote dilution" claims. This means that if Scalia had gotten his way, a jurisdiction with 60 percent white voters and 40 percent African American voters would be perfectly free to create legislative districts with all white-preferred representatives. Unless, that is, you could prove intentional racial discrimination, which is extremely difficult. He even remarked, at oral argument in the "Shelby County" case, that the Voting Rights Act is simply the "perpetuation of racial entitlement." Also on redistricting, Scalia led the way in arguing that courts should have no role in policing partisan gerrymandering - the intentional drawing of district lines to give a political party an excessive amount of political power in a state. The only thing that stopped Scalia from getting his way on the court was the opinion of Justice Anthony Kennedy. He essentially left the question open for new argument in a future case. Perhaps most pernicious of all was Scalia's opinion for three justices in the Supreme Court's fractured 2007 decision, "Crawford v. Marion County Elections Board." Crawford challenged the constitutionality of Indiana's strict law requiring proof of voter identification at the polling place. Three justices, led by Justice David Souter, believed that the law violated the Equal Protection Clause and was unconstitutional. Three justices in the middle, led by Justice John Paul Stevens, and joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Kennedy, ruled that the law itself was permissible when applied generally in Indiana. But that anyone who could show that they faced special burdens would be entitled to an "as applied" exemption from the law. Scalia, for himself and Justices Samuel Alito and Thomas would have gone much further. To Scalia, if the law imposed little burden on most people, it was constitutional to apply it to everyone even if it could be shown that the law burdened some people a great deal. Like the homeless, for example, who might lack valid photo identification. Scalia's opinion here was remarkable for its willingness to tolerate great burdens on identifiable groups of voters - even in the absence of any evidence such laws were necessary to prevent fraud or promote voter confidence. The list goes on. Scalia was in the minority in a decision ruling that a state supreme court justice could not hear a case involving a litigant who contributed millions of dollars to a "Super PAC" supporting the justice for office. The majority ruled that allowing the justice to participate violated the Due Process Clause because it would create an appearance that the judge might be impartial. But this appearance did not bother Scalia. Scalia similarly dissented when the court decided last year that Florida's legal rules preventing judicial candidates from personally asking for campaign contributions violated the First Amendment. Perhaps most famously, Scalia was in the five-justice conservative majority deciding "Bush v. Gore," the case that handed the disputed 2000 presidential election to Republican George W. Bush against Democrat Al Gore. Given that Scalia generally adhered to narrow readings of the Equal Protection Clause, he nonetheless signed onto a majority opinion that applied a novel, liberal reading of the clause to find a constitutional problem with the Florida vote count. When pushed on the issue years later in the many public forums at which he spoke, Scalia repeatedly told questioners, "Get over it." There was only one respect in which Scalia took a democracy-protecting position in election cases. Splitting with fellow conservative Thomas, Scalia was a strong believer in the value of disclosure of those funding U.S. elections. He famously wrote: "For my part, I do not look forward to a society which, thanks to the Supreme Court, campaigns anonymously ("McIntyre") and even exercises the direct democracy of initiative and referendum hidden from public scrutiny and protected from the accountability of criticism. This does not resemble the Home of the Brave." Ironically, this is the one case where Cruz might disagree with Scalia because the senator supports the right to undisclosed spending. Indeed, should Cruz win the 2016 presidential election, the next justice he appoints could be well to the right of Scalia on issues of democracy. China signals no S.China Sea backdown as foreign minister goes to U.S. By Ben Blanchard and David Brunnstrom BEIJING/WASHINGTON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - China's South China Sea military deployments are no different from U.S. deployments on Hawaii, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday, striking a combative tone ahead of a visit by Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the United States this week. The United States last week accused China of raising tensions in the South China Sea by its apparent deployment of surface-to-air missiles on a disputed island, a move China has neither confirmed nor denied. Asked whether the South China Sea, and the missiles, would come up when Wang is in the United States to meet Secretary of State John Kerry, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Washington should not use the issue of military facilities on the islands as a "pretext to make a fuss". "The U.S. is not involved in the South China Sea dispute, and this is not and should not become a problem between China and the United States," Hua told a daily news briefing. U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said the United States would "press China to deescalate and stop its militarization" in the South China Sea. Toner said China's "militarization activity" only escalated tensions, and added: "There needs to be a diplomatic mechanism in place that allows these territorial claims to be settled in a peaceful way." Wang is due to meet Kerry on Tuesday. Their talks will also include the international response to North Korea's recent nuclear test and rocket launch, cyber security and climate change, Toner told a regular news briefing. China hopes the U.S. abides by its promises not to take sides in the dispute and stop "hyping up" the issue and tensions, especially over China's "limited" military positions there, she said. "China's deploying necessary, limited defensive facilities on its own territory is not substantively different from the United States defending Hawaii," Hua added. U.S. ships and aircraft carrying out frequent, close-in patrols and surveillance in recent years is what has increased regional tensions, she said. "It's this that is the biggest cause of the militarization of the South China Sea. We hope that the United States does not confuse right and wrong on this issue or practice double standards." AUSTRALIA OPERATIONS URGED On Monday, a senior U.S. naval officer was reported as saying Australia and other countries should follow the U.S. lead and conduct "freedom-of-navigation" naval operations within 12 nautical miles (18 km) of contested islands in the South China Sea. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion in global trade passes every year. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims. Beijing has rattled nerves with construction and reclamation activities on the islands it occupies, though it says these moves are mostly for civilian purposes. The state-owned China Southern Power Grid Company will set up a power grid management station in what China calls Sansha City, located on Woody Island in the Paracels, which will be able to access microgrids in 16 other islands, according to China's top regulator of state-owned assets. In the long term, the station will be able to remotely manage power for many islands there, the statement added, without specifying which islands it was referring to. Wang is scheduled to be in the United States from Tuesday until Thursday. Teen charged in Canada shooting may face adult sentence -report Feb 22 (Reuters) - A 17-year-old boy charged in the shooting deaths of four people in northern Canada could be sentenced as an adult if he is found guilty of the crimes, The Canadian Press reported on Monday. The Crown prosecutor on the case told a courtroom in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, that he will apply for the accused to be sentenced as an adult if convicted, the news agency said. It said the teen will next appear in Saskatchewan provincial court on April 12. An official at Meadow Lake provincial court referred a call to a government spokesperson, who could not be immediately reached. Police arrested the teen, who cannot be publicly named under Canadian law because he is under 18, last month after a Jan. 22 shooting at a high school and home in remote La Loche, Saskatchewan, about 600 km (375 miles) northwest of Saskatoon. He faces four counts of first-degree murder, seven counts of attempted murder and unauthorized possession of a firearm. Seven people were wounded. Teachers returned to the high school on Monday for the first time since the shooting, according to local media reports. The "game of thrones" being played out in Arunachal shows the vulnerability of India's constitutional democracy. After the defeats in Bihar and Delhi and consistent with Modi-Amit Shah's political record, it was easy for them to resurrect the "win-by-fair-and-foul" formula. In April 2014, the Congress won a magnificent majority (47 seats in a 60-member House to the BJP's 11 and Independents' two seats; and were set to rule till 2019. The BJP, however, had other plans. On June 1, 2015, BJP inducted governor JP Rajkhowa. On July 21, 2015, the fifth session ended and on November 3, 2015, the Assembly was adjourned to January 14, 2016 with the Cabinet's consent. The period in between is called intersession which can be put to better use than bringing down majority governments. Intersession But India has a terrible history of aaya ram, gaya ram defections, right from around 1967-72 and after. The blow could come from anyone. Governments fall in and out of session. Intersession is a favourite time for conspiracy. In November 2015, some Congress MLAs supported by the BJP gave notice to remove the speaker. On December 7, 2015, Congress's chief whip (Rajesh Taco) filed a petition before the speaker to disqualify 14 Congress dissidents, including the deputy speaker under the anti-defection provisions in the Tenth Schedule. Then 13 MLAs (11 BJP and two Independents) asked the governor to prepone the Assembly for removing the speaker; and the deputy speaker to take over the sixth session. Two parallel activities proceeded at loggerheads. The speaker continued his Tenth Schedule "judicial" power to disqualify 14 dissidents. In retrospect, that attempt failed because proper notice was not given. But by December 15, they were disqualified, unless a high court reversed or stayed there disqualification. The second parallel stream of activity came from the governor on December 9, who called the house (which he cannot summon without the CM's consent), directing the removal of the speaker as the first item on the agenda (which was impermissible because the house is the master of its proceedings and 14 days' notice had to be given to remove the speaker after the resolution was tabled). On December 16 and 17, the speaker was removed at an illegal Community Hall Meeting of the legislature (also illegal). The deputy speaker (himself disqualified) set aside all disqualifications. The House decided that CM Nabam Tuki be replaced by Kalikho Pul. The coup was complete. But governor Rajkhowa was already planning to use the ultimate brahmastra: President's Rule to collapse democracy and federalism. When governors become partisan pawns, they disease the Constitution. Manipulation Meanwhile, the high court and later the Supreme Court intervened and heard the challenge to the governor and speaker's orders. While the SC was hearing the case day-to-day, the brahmastra of President's Rule was released on January 26, 2016, and revoked on February 17 to swear in a rebel Congress government with the support of the BJP, with the Congress in opposition! What an absurdity manipulated by the BJP and its partisan governor. The pattern is an all too familiar blow - manipulating the situation all the way. Defections have destroyed parliamentary government in the states. In principle, defections are a fraud on the electorate. The Constitutional Tenth Schedule amendments of 1985 and 2003 virtually put an end to defections, with the speaker as the adjudicating authority recognised by the SC in Kihoto (1992). A procedural error by the speaker cannot take his jurisdiction away. In Arunachal, his removal was insidious. Under the Tenth Schedule, dissidents can no longer split a party. They can resign from a party by words or actions. They can merge with another party (ie BJP), if two thirds decide to do so. But merger was not the case here. The anti-defection provisions were designed to preserve inner party integrity. With the governor's help, they were destroyed in letter and spirit. Transparency The people are entitled to know how much money was paid by the BJP to the Congress dissidents. Transparency requires exposing how democracy was bought and sold. The governor should be removed. He behaved like a saboteur, indulging in political and constitutional terrorism. Appointments to governorship need careful consideration. President's Rule should be abolished. If parliamentary democracy at the Centre can be run without it, there is no reason why it cannot be run without President's Rule in the state. This will not leave a vacuum. Article 352 permits the president to declare an Emergency "for India or any part of the territory thereof threatened whether by war or external aggression or armed rebellion". Such an emergency can be for the whole of India (as in 1962 and 1975 - of course unwarranted) "or of such part of the territory as may be specified". We must be wary of general emergencies. But under such emergencies, parliamentary government in the states continues unlike President's Rule. Clearly the President's Rule copied from the British legislation of 1935 must go! There is one other absurdity. A rebel faction of the Congress is in government with the BJP support. The opposition is also Congress. The Congress government in power is vulnerable. The Congress in Arunachal must get its act together and combine the two warring groups - even if this means that the erstwhile CM Nabam Tuki is replaced. Congress, get your act together. Put BJP back in opposition as it was earlier. On February 20, 2016, a Central Reserve Police Force convoy was ambushed at Pampore, just a few kilometres away from the heart of Srinagar town. The terrorists, after achieving initial success, moved into the Entrepreneurship Development Institute(EDI), in the near vicinity of the ambush site. At that time, there were a number of employees and students in the building. Thereafter began a prolonged operation that has continued since over the weekend, leading to the loss of invaluable lives of soldiers. Amongst those martyred in the encounter are three paratroopers who belong to some of the finest special forces battalions of the Indian Army. It would seem an anomaly at first to hear of such a high casualty figure, especially since the terrorists had sought refuge in a building and had no where to escape thereafter. However, a more deliberate assessment of the situation provides an answer to the harsh reality of everyday operations conducted by the army in these areas. The presence of civilian population in any operation makes its conduct that much more complex and difficult to handle. The possibility of losing innocent lives in crossfire or worse as a result of people being used as human shields cannot be ruled out under such circumstances. Second, purely from an operational perspective, it limits the options available to the army to take out terrorists who seek refuge in such buildings. This is especially so when the buildings provide limited avenues of ingress and egress and further do not facilitate a top-down entry from the roof. This was exactly the case with the building in question which has a sloping tin roof and multiple rooms which can be used by terrorists to fire at incoming soldiers. This implies clearing each floor and room physically, more often than not without the knowledge of the exact location of terrorists as also the possibility of presence of civilians. Third, the easiest solution to neutralising the terrorists is to bring down a building or a house. In this case as well, this could well have been possible. However, over a period of time, the army has deliberately take the precaution of minimising collateral damage during operations, even at the cost of casualty to its troops. Fourth, the operation was conspicuous by the absence of heavy calibre weapons. This is unlike similar operations that have been conducted in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq, where, artillery, drone based precision missiles and rockets were used with impunity. The Indian Army's refusal to do so is again a part of its counterinsurgency ethos of minimum force and strict rules of engagement. Fifth, the martyrdom of two officers in the operation yet again reinforces the time honoured tradition of the army, which was witnessed during the Kargil conflict as well. It is the officer class and especially the young officers who lead from the front and lead by example. This is one reason why the army continues to remain the bastion of reliability and faith that the nation reposes in it. It is important to relate this incident to the human rights record of the army, which often gets questioned in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K). This incident clearly reflects the values, procedures and abundant caution that is taken by the army doing the conduct of operations. This is not to say that mistakes have not happened or some personnel have not been culpable of deliberate crimes. In fact, it needs to be reinforced that in approximately 25 years of counter terrorism operations in J&K, 1121 allegations have been received from various sources, including human rights organisations. Of these the police found it fit to file a first investigation report (FIR) only in 350 cases and the army found prima facie evidence in 72 cases and initiated disciplinary proceedings. This led to conviction of 150 personnel, including 51 officers, 18 JCOs and 81 other ranks. This resulted in punishments varying from dismissal from service to imprisonment in civil jail. In addition, the army also took sou moto cognisance of offences in approximately 100 other cases, without any complaints having been filed. This further led to the punishment of 52 army personnel. Interestingly, if an assessment of all the cases filed with the police were contrasted with those specifically related to the army, it emerges that at over 150 police stations in J&K, a mere 0.01 per cent relate to human rights violations against the army. This clearly highlights the contrived propaganda that tends to dominate the debate on this issue. It prefers to sideline countless incidents like the one at Pampore, that better reflect the reality of counter terrorism actions in the state. Mrs R IV went to this august university. So I have six years of personal familiarity. Communist student unions, extensions of the existing communist parties, ruled the campus in an Indian way. Meaning, basically, everyone left each other alone. Making love not war, and not politics, was the students primary concern. I did my enthusiastic best to join in, but was always headed off by Mrs R IV who alas from the earliest day was a complete dog in the manger, refusing to share me with anyone. Being brought up in the US, I disliked the communist student unions. Correct that: being brought up in the US, and therefore in my right mind, I disliked the communist student unions because communism and democracy are irrevocably opposed. But it was all about live and let live; as an older person (yes, even 40 years ago the editor was old) with no connection with the university except through professors and Mrs R IV + friends, there was no need to get involved. I have never been a joining type anyway. I hated the anti-nationals even more than the communists US or Indian. To the extent that I have left the energy required to hate, this remains true today. Deserter Bowie Bergdhal? Firing squad. Ditto the private who was a man and is now a woman? Ditto. I am absolutely against executing women; in this case, I will happily make an exception. Edward Snowden? Lethal Injection. Americans who betray their country to Israel? Draw, quarter, and hang. Julian Assange? Shoot, hang, electrocute and inject, successively, revive each time except the last. He is not an American, but he is an anti-American of a particularly despicable type. Winston Churchill is alleged to have said: If you are not a liberal at 25, you have no heart. If you are not a conservative at 35 You have no brain. I am ignoring that there is no evidence Churchill said it. The folk narrative is more interesting than petty reality. When I was 25, as now, on national security I was so far to the Right that I may as well have traversed the universe and come back to the starting point. As for personal morality, no real Indian believes it her/his business to dictate to others. My conversion, if any has taken place, is the other way around. With regard to young people (anyone younger than 60) I have a fond grandfatherly affection, doesnt matter how badly they are behaving. So I am on the side of the students who shouted pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans at the university and were arrested for sedition last week. Speech cannot be anti-national, though I wish it were, in India and the US. Still, theyre young people. Leave them alone. There are two conditions under which I will accept these students punishment, lets say 14 years without parole. One is that the government of India immediately arrest and severely punish all those shouting separatist slogans and committing/condoning anti-national acts in Kashmir. This happens dozens, hundreds of times a day. The government does nothing. It is cowardly in the extreme to pick on hapless students and not touch these people in Kashmir because the government fears insurrection. Insurrection is easily handled: kill one in ten on every block, every village, and all will be peaceful. Ask the Muslim invaders of India. Ask the Russians. Ask Mao and Stalin. Ask Chengiz Khan. Ask the Americans. Ask the Spanish. Ask the Belgians. Ask the English, though they starved the Irish to death rather than killing them directly. Dont give the excuse it cannot be done. It can, and it must. The other is that the government arrest and execute the politicians down to the fourth generation who agreed to the Partition of India, which is the biggest act of sedition in our modern history. Fourth generation means the great-grand-children of the original traitors. Women exempted, of course. Male children? Not exempted, sorry about that. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine told University of Mary Washington students Monday that he thinks the Fredericksburg campus will play host to presidential candidates now that Virginia is the battleground state of the country. But the Virginia Democrat didnt mention speculation that he could be Hillary Clintons running mateif she wins the Democratic nomination. I dont know who or when, [but] youre going to have presidential candidates coming here and doing stuff on campus, Kaine told a small group of political science students at a lecture room in Monroe Hall. He later added, Virginia has become super relevant again. Its better to be relevant. Its better to have the candidates courting you and wanting your vote than to be a state where youre kind of considered irrelevant. The last time a presidential contender visited UMW was in 2008, when then-Sen. Barack Obama appeared before thousands of supporters on a rainy day. Kaine, a former Virginia governor, touched on his background as an elected official at the local, state and now federal level before taking questions from the students. He took aim at Republicans in response to several questions, including one about the constitutional clause that allows presidents to appoint Supreme Court judges with the advice and consent of the Senate. Republican leaders have vowed to stonewall Obamas Supreme Court nominee regardless of his or her qualifications, he said, calling the tactic the opposite of what justice would demand. Kaine said he thinks the president will nominate somebody with sterling credentials to succeed Justice Antonin Scalia, who died Feb. 13. The nominee will likely be someone who received overwhelming support from Republican senators for an appointment to a lower court, he added. I have a feeling this is going to dominate the Senate for the next number of months, Kaine said. Kaine also discussed some of the issues he thinks will energize young voters. A Republican president, for instance, may nominate a Supreme Court justice who would reverse the courts recent decision legalizing gay marriage, he said. The Republican field has pledged, with the exception of [Donald] Trump, to roll back marriage equality, Kaine said. None of the students asked him about a possible vice presidential run, and he wouldnt tip his hand in a brief interview. Back in 2008, when his name surfaced as a potential vice president under Obama, Kaine said he thought at the time, Its nice to be mentioned, but its not going to happen. And I have the same feeling this time, he said. He said his highest and best use will be campaigning for Clinton in Virginia ahead of the March 1 primary. I think the race is going to be highly competitive here, but shell have a great chance of winning, he said. He did acknowledge to UMW students that one of his children supports Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for the Democratic nomination, while the other two back Clinton. Stephen Farnsworth, director of UMWs Center for Leadership and Media Studies, called Kaine an appealing choice for vice president. His fluency in Spanish would help efforts to reach out to highly sought-after Latino voters, he said. Sen. Mark Warner, DVa., is another possible option for vice president, Farnsworth added. Virginia has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to possible running mates for the Hillary Clinton campaign, he said. Kaine also touched on anti-Muslim sentiment during a brief interview with The Free LanceStar. Locally, a deputy halted a meeting last year about a proposed mosque in Spotsylvania County after some residents made anti-Islam remarks. Kaine called Muslim Americans great citizens and said trashing certain religions is undercutting one of the most important values of our country. Virginia, he said, is the birthplace of religious freedom. Weve given a gift to the world, Kaine said. We shouldnt undercut it now. Jeff Branscome: 540/374-5402 jbranscome@freelancestar.com The Virginia Supreme Court denied an appeal for the Lovingston man convicted of abducting and killing Alexis Murphy. Randy Allen Taylor, 50, was found guilty in May 2014 of murder and abduction in the disappearance of Murphy. The 17-year-old was last seen at a Lovingston gas station on Aug. 3, 2013. Her body has not been found. Taylor has maintained his innocence. A judge sentenced him to serve two life sentences in July 2014. Nelson County Commonwealths Attorney Anthony Martin said Monday the Virginia Supreme Court denied Taylors appeal last Friday. This case was the result of a lot of hard work that involved multiple law-enforcement agencies that worked great together to achieve justice, Martin said. Taylors attorney, Mike Hallahan, could not be immediately reached for comment. In an interview with The News & Advance days after a Nelson County jury convicted him, Taylor said his verdict should be overturned because of poor representation and the judges refusal to move the trial to a different area. Theres too much love toward the family, which is fine, but theres just too much bias to be held there, he said in a May 2014 interview. Video footage of the Liberty gas station in Lovingston showed Taylor conversing with Murphy on Aug. 3, 2013 and a vehicle she was driving following his vehicle out of the parking lot and heading north on U.S. 29. An employee of the gas station also testified she saw Taylor and Murphy talking shortly before the two vehicles left the parking lot heading north on U.S. 29 in the direction of Taylors residence. Martin, who is leaving office this month to take a job in a Central Virginia law firm, has said all of the physical evidence at trial showed a violent struggle took place inside Taylors camper. A diamond stud, a fingernail fragment, a long black hair that showed signs of being forcibly removed, all of which had Alexis Murphys DNA, were found on the floor of Taylors camper and the hair was found on Taylors pillow, Martin has said. Murphys crushed cellphone found in brush outside of Taylors camper and a bloody blue T-shirt found under the sofa of the camper containing Murphys DNA, were among other evidence presented at the trial. Family members testified the phone was her lifeline and she would not have parted with it voluntarily. The last active signals of the phone came from an area near Taylors camper, according to prosecutors evidence presented at the trial. Taylor did not testify on his own behalf. He abruptly left the courtroom moments after the guilty verdicts were read and as Laura Murphy, Alexiss mother, gave emotional testimony about the impact of her daughters disappearance. Trina Murphy, aunt of Alexis Murphy, said Monday the news of the denial of the appeal though expected is bittersweet. We are thrilled to death, she said upon learning of the denial on Monday. Now that (Taylors) options are exhausted and he has no one else to appeal to, hopefully he will give us the answers as to where she is. Rachael Smith writes for the Nelson County Times. She can be reached at rsmith@newsadvance.com or (434) 385-5482. LONDON - England - Britons have only two choices during the EU Referendum, victory against the EU by voting to leave, or surrender in cowardice by voting to stay. The EU Referendum could be a last goodbye to Britain with a sordid cowardly surrender or it could be a victorious courageous brave win against all odds, adversity and treachery. Once Britain is gone, it would be swallowed up by the EU and the country will never be able to come back. It will be destroyed bit by bit, every part of it will be dissected and assimilated into the collective. If you wish to do harm to Britain you will vote to stay In the EU, because your actions will cause irreparable damage to this once great nation. You will also have betrayed your countrymen, you will have dishonoured your ancestors and all those who fought in the great wars ancient and near, you will have to live with this thought for the rest of your days on earth. Your betrayal shall live with you past the grave as you shall be known as the person who effectively sold out your country to those who had no care for Britain. David Cameron is Neville Chamberlain, and he knows it in his heart and it shames him every day. To even stand up now is hard work for him, he is racked with guilt and even though he may exist in a form of denial, he will be known as the Prime Minister who nearly surrendered Britain, an act of supreme cowardice close to treason. It does not have to be this way. You can fight, fight till the last dying embers of your fiery breath, never extinguishing the flame of battle. You do not have to lie down and surrender. Never! Never Surrender! In all of Britains history, surrender has never been part of the English language, or the armed forces, or the people. You can fight the EU now, for time is short, and awaken the true spirit of what it is to be a citizen of Great Britain. For thousands of years Britons have survived without an EU, and for a thousand more years Britons can survive and flourish as the world is large beyond the borders of France and Germany. It is your choice. Embrace Victory outside the non-democratic EU or Surrender to those, who wish only to rule over you and take away your sovereignty. Freedom or Slavery. KOCHI: Several people from Kerala are stranded in riot affected Haryana from Saturday following the cancellation of trains and other transport facilities from the region. P. T. Gopala Kurup, chairman of Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (MILMA), and a few officials from the organisation are stuck in Karnal while a group of 20 persons from Kochi are in Panipat. We came for a meeting on dairy development and are not able to return due to the cancellation of the train services, Mr. Kurup told DC over the phone. Mr. Kurup however said that all of them were safe and not facing any difficulties. A team of 20 persons from Rotary Club of Kochi Periyar had gone to the Indo-Pakistan border at Wagah as part of the Salute Soldiers, a programme to be in solidarity with the soldiers on the border. The team got stuck on their way back at Panipat, Adv Manoj, a member of the team said in a message. According to Mr. Manoj, all of them were accommodated in a camp set up by the government with the support of voluntary agencies. He said that around 600 persons from various parts of the country were in the camp. Since nationalism is the word of the week, how does one write about it without repeating the banal comments that have already been made by somebody else? Perhaps, the question to ask is if Indian conceptualisation of nationalism (or patriotism or identity choose the one you like) is rooted in as territorially organic a tradition as post-18th century European nationalism, or for that matter Chinese or Japanese nationalism. The question has struck this writer several times over the years. As foreign minister Jaswant Singh, the Bharatiya Janata Party politician, often made the point that Indians had no notion of cartographic certainty. The idea of maps and fixed borders was introduced to us by the British Raj and to this day, he complained, the Republic of India had not quite identified its land boundaries and was okay with them being ambiguous. As a politician, he attributed this to policy laziness and inevitably blamed the Congress governments. Yet, as a thinker, he recognised this was not a political weakness as much as a social and community characteristic. It was, in some confounding manner, written into the Indian DNA. This has led to Indians being comfortable with open or quasi-open borders in a manner that exasperates both organic nationalists and those with everyday security concerns. Nevertheless, even if attempting to change it, if such a change is feasible, one needs to understand this phenomenon. Where does it come from? Was it innate in India? Did geography and history dictate it? Was it, like so much else in life, a combination of instinct and experience? If that sounds difficult to digest, consider the antithesis the Chinese model. The modern Chinese state is obsessed with boundaries and establishing fixed lines in the grass, the snow, the sand and if possible the water to demarcate Chinese territory. This is not just a Chinese Communist Party sentiment; the idea of revanchism maybe irredentism is the appropriate word was as strongly rooted in the manifesto of a Chiang Kai-shek, the Right-wing nationalist leader who lost out to Mao Zedong in the post-World War II power struggle. Going still further back, one sees elements of such identification of our space in Chinese history and in the very building of the Great Wall. The Great Wall of China, built, rebuilt, expanded and re-situated as that Chinese sense of our space changed, was a device to keep out the barbarians. Over millennia just who comprised those barbarians was continually re-defined, whether in ethnic, cultural or religious terms. Even so, the idea of a national identity that was territorially definite and protected by a wall and a settled boundary was salient. For better or worse, the Indian situation was and has been different. Perhaps, this was a function of the absence of large, pan-Indian empires, except for short periods in several thousand years of history. Perhaps, it was simply a greater comfort with diversity, a diversity dictated by the accident of geography, which made northern India (with or without the Partition of 1947) the base, as it were, of Central Asia and the Eurasian heartland, and southern India, with Bengal and the Northeast as well, the top so to speak of Southeast Asia. If one adds to this the cultural, linguistic and social diversity that was an inadvertent but happy by-product of internal political divisions despite religious and rites-of-passage commonalities the result is a bewildering patchwork of multiple notions of nationalism. It can be confusing, and does explain why some prefer a more fixed and ordered identity, useful as such fixing is no doubt for the logistics of modern commerce and the processes of contemporary governance. In an absurd and comical extreme, it can lead to the lament, which this writer came across on Twitter a few weeks ago, that ancient Indians should have built a Great Wall on the Khyber Pass, probably a little after Alexanders invasion. That proposal is, of course, ridiculous but the reason that wall wasnt built or perhaps the outcome of it not being built is worth contemplating. The presence and absence of a wall real or metaphorical and often a combination of the two trickles down into popular consciousness and regime impulses even centuries later. Here, an anecdote would be explanatory. Some years ago, a senior Indian diplomat posted in China visited Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. After a couple of days in Lhasa and tiring of the local sights and food, he drove off into the countryside in the general direction of Uttarakhand. Of course, the Indian state was far, far away, but the diplomat was conscious that the route he was taking though he was going only a relatively short distance outside Lhasa, given the sheer expanse of Tibet was part of an ancient trade corridor. Having driven longer than he had expected, the diplomat stopped at what he described as a Tibetan dhaba, hoping to get directions and some conversation. He was greeted by a young man who took one look at him and asked, Aap India se hain? Parathe khayenge? (Are you from India? Will you have parathas?) The diplomat was left stunned. Hungry and greedy for Indian food, he wolfed down aloo parathas in the Tibetan countryside. It turned out his host had lived in Nepal as well as Delhi, where he had learnt the fine art of paratha-making. The diplomat never bothered finding out which passport the paratha chef had or even if he had any, but the encounter was telling. Such an experience would have Beijing completely paranoid about open borders, free movement of unidentified people and the possibility of Indian and foreign agents infiltrating Tibet and the rest of China. Such an experience in India would no doubt attract similar concerns in the security and intelligence bureaucracy, but would also be met by a more relaxed understanding of what frontier regions and the porousness and osmosis of natural borders can mean, despite the most determined intentions of political map-makers. In the end, it would point to the wisdom that a love for India and a looser, more enlightened imagining of nation, nationhood and nationalism can go hand in hand. Security camera footage obtained by the G1 news site shows two men wearing Brazilian army uniforms and a third wearing the white jacket of a health inspector. (Photo: AP) Rio De Janeiro: Brazilian authorities in the southern city of Joinville are warning residents to guard against fraudsters after three thieves posing as health workers working to wipe out the Zika virus entered a home and ran off with cash and electronics. Security camera footage obtained by the G1 news site shows two men wearing Brazilian army uniforms and a third wearing the white jacket of a health inspector. The report says they got into the home on Friday by stating they belonged to the city's health inspection team. There have been 220,000 soldiers mobilised nationwide to join 300,000 health workers in house-to-house searches to eliminate possible breeding sites for the Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits the Zika virus. People gather in the aftermath of a multiple explosive attack in the Sayyida Zeinab area, 10 km south of Damascus (Photo: AP) Sayyida Zeinab, Syria: A string of suicide bombings near a Shiite shrine outside Syria's capital and in Homs claimed by terrorists killed at least 142 people on Sunday, as Washington and Moscow worked to secure a ceasefire. The ISIS group said it was behind the carnage. US Secretary of State John Kerry said a provisional deal had been reached on the terms of a truce in Syria's brutal five-year conflict, only for the bloodshed to intensify on the ground. Near Damascus, a car bombing followed by two consecutive suicide attacks ripped through the area of the Shiite shrine of Sayyida Zeinab and killed 83 people, Syria's official news agency SANA reported. SANA, quoting a police source, said 178 people, including children, were among the wounded. State television said the attacks came as pupils were leaving school in the area. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights gave a lower toll of 68 dead but said many wounded were in critical condition. An AFP reporter said the blasts struck about 400 metres (yards) from the revered Shiite shrine containing the grave of a granddaughter of the Prophet Mohammed. At least 60 shops were damaged and cars reduced to mangled metal. A January attack in the same area -- also claimed by ISIS -- killed 70 people. The Observatory also reported that two car bombs killed at least 59 people and wounded dozens in the pro-regime district of Al-Zahraa in the central city of Homs. ISIS said online that two suicide bombers struck in Sayyida Zeinab and two others drove explosive-packed cars into crowds in Homs. State television footage from Homs showed emergency workers carrying a charred body on a stretcher past devastated shops and mangled cars and minibuses. Al-Zahraa -- whose residents are mostly from the same Alawite sect of Shia Islam as Syria's ruling clan -- has been regularly targeted. 'Provisional' ceasefire deal World powers, which have been pushing for a halt in Syria's nearly five-year war, had hoped to see a truce take effect on Friday but have struggled to agree on the terms. On Sunday, Kerry spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at least three times to try to nail down a truce. "We have reached a provisional agreement, in principle, on the terms of the cessation of hostilities that could begin in the coming days," Kerry said in Amman after one round of talks. The Russian foreign ministry later said Lavrov and Kerry held two more telephone conversations and finalised the ceasefire terms to be submitted to their respective presidents. World powers proposed the truce just over a week ago as part of a plan that also included expanded humanitarian access, in a bid to pave the way for peace talks to resume. The talks, which collapsed earlier this month in Geneva, had been scheduled to resume on February 25, but the UN's Syria envoy has already acknowledged that that date is no longer realistic. Key opposition umbrella group the High Negotiations Committee said at the weekend it would agree a temporary truce only if regime backers halted fire. HNC chief Riad Hijab said any ceasefire must be reached "with international mediation and with guarantees obliging Russia, Iran and their sectarian militias and mercenaries to stop fighting". Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, meanwhile, told Spain's El Pais newspaper he was "ready" for a ceasefire, but that it should not be exploited by "terrorists". Turkey defends shelling Kurds Moscow is a key architect of the proposed ceasefire, but has shown little sign so far that it plans to rein in the air campaign it began in September in support of Assad's government. On Saturday, the Kremlin said it would continue "to provide assistance and help to the armed forces of Syria in their offensive actions against terrorists". Regime forces backed by Russian strikes were advancing on Sunday east of Aleppo city against IS, consolidating their control over a stretch of highway from the city to the Kweyris military base. The Observatory said at least 50 ISIS fighters had been killed in clashes and Russian strikes since Saturday morning. Tensions have been rising between Moscow and opposition-backer Ankara, alarmed by both the regime's Russian-backed advances and a major operation by Kurdish-led forces in Aleppo province. The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and their Arab partners have seized key territory from rebel forces in Aleppo province, prompting Turkey to shell their positions. Ankara considers the YPG to be an affiliate of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, which has waged a decades-long insurgency against Turkey. It fears the Kurdish advances are intended to link areas in north and northeast Syria to create a contiguous semi-autonomous Kurdish zone along the Syrian-Turkish border. On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan defended his country's fight against the YPG as "legitimate defence" after international calls for Ankara to halt its military action in Syria. Prince Turki al-Faial's comments come as the kingdom hosts an 18-day military exercise with 20 members of the new alliance. (Photo: AP) Abu Dhabi: A prominent Saudi prince said Sunday that Muslim countries need to take the lead in fighting terrorism and that a recently announced Islamic counter-terrorism alliance of 34 nations should have been created sooner. Prince Turki al-Faial's comments come as the kingdom hosts an 18-day military exercise with 20 members of the new alliance, which includes Pakistan, Sudan, Jordan and neighbouring Gulf states. Defense Ministers from the coalition of Muslim-majority countries are scheduled to hold their first meeting in Saudi Arabia sometime in March. "I consider this a leading and commendable step that should have happened sooner and thank God it has taken place," he told reporters in Abu Dhabi. "It's no secret, unfortunately, that in our world today the majority of terrorism-related acts, its victims are Muslim," he said. "Therefore, it is our responsibility as Muslim countries to play the primary role in fighting this disease that has impacted us all." Notably absent from the coalition is the kingdom's regional rival Iran, as well as Syria and Iraq, which are battling to win back swaths of territory controlled by the Islamic State group. Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and Shiite-majority Iran are fiercely divided on a host of issues and support opposite sides of the wars in Yemen and Syria. Relations worsened after the execution of a popular Shiite cleric in Saudi Arabia last month, which triggered protests in Iran and the ransacking of the Saudi Embassy and another diplomatic mission there. The two countries then severed diplomatic and trade ties. Prince Turki said "the ball is in the Iranian court" when it comes to any hope of improving ties. "The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expressed publicly that Iran's interference in the affairs of Arab states is a situation that is unacceptable," he said. The prince, who does not hold an official position in the government, is an influential and outspoken member of the Saudi royal family. He headed Saudi Arabia's General Intelligence Directorate for more than two decades until Sept. 1, 2001, and held ambassador posts to the US, the UK and Ireland. Pakistan and India regularly arrest fishermen who venture into their waters due to a poorly-marked maritime boundary. Some of them spend years in jail before being repatriated. (Photo: DC, Representational Image) Karachi: A judicial magistrate on Monday sent 88 Indian fishermen to jail, two days after they were arrested by Pakistani authorities for allegedly fishing in the country's territorial waters. A police official at the Karachi Docks police station said the arrested fishermen were handed over to the police and presented before a magistrate as per procedure. "The magistrate has sent them to judicial remand in Malir jail," the official Hamid Khan said. Hundreds of Indian fishermen are languishing in the Malir and Landhi jails in Karachi after being arrested for allegedly transgressing into Pakistani territorial waters. An official of Pakistan's Maritime Security Agency (MSA) said the fishermen were arrested and 16 fishing boats seized early on Saturday from the Arabian Sea near the Karachi coast. "The Indian fishermen were arrested by the MSA while they were fishing in Pakistani waters of the Arabian Sea," he said. He dismissed Indian media reports that the Indian fishermen were taken into custody from near the Gujarat coast. Although in December, India and Pakistan had agreed to revive the dialogue process when external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj visited Islamabad for a summit, but the same month 66 Indian fishermen were arrested by the MSA while last month another 45 were arrested. Pakistan and India regularly arrest fishermen who venture into their waters due to a poorly-marked maritime boundary. Some of them spend years in jail before being repatriated. In the past the two nations have released each other's fishermen as goodwill gestures. The murder of the priest triggered a surge of grief and shock among his friends and relatives in the remote northern district of Panchagarh, Bangladesh. Dhaka: The Islamic State has claimed the gruesome killing of a Hindu head priest in Bangladesh using guns and cleavers at a temple in an area bordering India, the first attack by the dreaded group against a Hindu in a series of similar assaults on religious minorities. US-based private SITE Intelligence Group published the report after the execution-style killing of 50-year-old Jagneshwar Roy at Sonapota village on Sunday in a pre-dawn attack in northern Panchagarh districts Debiganj Upazila, some 494 km from here, that also injured two devotees. The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors online jihadi activity, said the ISIS claimed responsibility for killing Roy in a communique posted by the IS-linked Amaq News Agency on Twitter. The claim could not be independently verified. Motorbike-borne assailants, said to be over three in number, pelted stones at the house of Roy in the premises of the Santagourhiyo Temple which prompted him to come out following which the killers pounced on him and slit his throat, according to a devotee in the neighbourhood said. Roy founded the temple in 1998 and served as its principal and chief priest since then. His murder is the first attack on a Hindu priest and the fifth attack on minority religious communities including Shia Muslims and liberal Sufi preachers in the past six months by suspected Islamists. Situated near the Jawaharlal Nehru (JNU) campus, Munirka village is home to hundreds of students who dont get a place in the varsitys hostel. Munirka is as much important for the students of JNU, as the students are for the locals of Munirka, because their rents are the main source of the locals livelihood, said a JNU students. This relationship, however, encountered a hurdle on February 9 when the incident on campus that day threatened to put the locals and the students against each other. It all happened after the news of the February 9 incident trickled in here. On February 11, a former JNU student leader, who is also a local of Munirka, gathered the residents of the village and protested in front of the main JNU gate against the February 9 incident, said Abhishek, a JNU student. The controversy over the JNU event and the subsequent arrest of students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charge has shifted the attention to the ideology and thought process of the students, things over which the locals never bothered to spend time earlier. Landlords are again asking for police verification from their tenants. Sitting in a huddle around a hookah, the elders of the village have started to wonder whether in their heart the students even think themselves as Indians or not. One of my friends from JNU, who is from northeast, and lives here in Munirka was going to the university day before yesterday. Three-four village elders were chatting among themselves over a hookah. As they saw my friend, they called him near them, said Abhishek. As he went near them, one of the elders asked him, do you love your country. My friend asked him in the affirmative. Not convinced by it, the other asked him to recite the national anthem if he loves his country. My friend sang the whole anthem, after which they laughed derisively and asked him to go, Abhishek added. Influenced by TV Calling it the TV-effect, All India Students Association (AISA) member, Sucheta says the way channels like Zee News are showing the entire incident, locals are bound to get influenced by it. The atmosphere is such that, yesterday, 10 Muslim persons of Munirka, went near the varsitys gate with placards in their hands and shouted slogans against the organisers of the February 9 event. Why did it happen, off course they had to reaffirm their credentials as a patriot Indian, said Sucheta. Speaking to a few of the landlords, however, didnt elicit a confession that they have indeed turned suspicious of the JNU students, barring the fact that they would lynch Umar Khalid if they happen to see him in Munirka. I dont know whether Umar Khalid lived in Munirka or not, however, if he was found here, he would be lynched, said a local of Munirka. People of Delhi were informed about their fundamental rights as well as their fundamental duties while instilling a sense of patriotism into them, said Delhi BJP unit head Satish Upadhyay as the three-day Jan Swabhiman Campaign ended on Sunday. He said that the campaign was not just an attempt to counter the JNU incident. Asked if police should take action against those including BJP MLA O P Sharma who resorted to violence outside court complex, he said that violence outside Patiala House court and anti-national slogans at JNU were two separate incidents. The party doesnt support any form of violence. Of course, police should take action and law must take its own course. They arrested the MLA and he got bail, he told Deccan Herald. Upadhyay appealed to Delhiites to stay away from civil unrest. Citizens of Delhi should be careful of the elements who may try to spread civil unrest in the society specially in the rural belts in the name of seeking reservation for caste communities. Some political leaders unable to accept the peoples electoral verdict are trying to spread unrest amongst youths. We urge them to stay away from violence as it can not provide solution to any socio-economic problem but can spoil their careers. Upadhyay also requested people to save water as Delhi is facing water shortage and there can be a major crisis due to Jat agitation in Haryana. In a democracy people can keep their views, but it should be done in a peaceful manner. By disrupting essential services (like supply of water to other states) and destroying public property, an andolan loses its real motive, he said. The Delhi BJP unit has asked the Delhi government to act responsibly and in case situation does not resolve by tonight then water supply rotation through Sonia Vihar plant be resorted to. Upadhyay has requested the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to talk to Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand governments to release additional water for Delhi to help tide over the crisis. The Delhi government today said it is expecting to restore by late evening 25 per cent of water supply in the city which was disrupted due to the Jat stir even as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal thanked the Centre and the army for securing of Munak canal. "Thank u army, thank u centre for securing munak canal back. Great relief for delhi," Kejriwal said in a tweet. Kejriwal had said this morning that water was completely used up in Delhi and appelaed to the Centre to intervene immediately and get the supply restored from the canal. After an emergency meeting held at Deputy CM Manish Sisodia's residence to assess the situation, Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra said that 400 cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water was released from Munak subcanal, adding that 25 per cent water supply in Delhi is expected to be restored by late evening. "About 400 cusecs of water has been released from the Kuchha sub-branch of Munak out of which nearly 300 cusecs will reach Delhi in 6-7 hours. A team of DJB is on standy and as soon as it reaches Haidarpur treatment plant, supply will be started," he said. "We hope that by late evening we will be able to restore 25 per cent water supply in Delhi," he said. The canal has a 'pucca' and a 'kuchha' system. The gates of pucca canal are still closed and these have been damaged by the agitators at many points. A special team of DJB has been sent to assess the damage and time required to repair it, the minister said. The water released through kuchha sub-branch will reach Delhi by late evening helping in partial restoration of water supply, he said. "Partial supply of water will be restored but it will take 7-10 more days in repairing Munak canal and till then scarcity of water will exist forcing its supply in limited quantity," Mishra said. He also said that Wazirabad and Chandrawal water treatment plants affected due to high levels of ammonia in Yamuna water were also likely to be started today. "Wazirabad and Chandrawal plants are also being watched for ammonia level. Both plants are likely to be started today," he said. The minister said that the crisis has lessened but it is yet to end as repair of the canal will take time and water will be needed to be used judiciously by the people for 7-10 days more. The Delhi government is also prepared to extended its resources and technical know-how required for repair of the Munak canal to its Haryana counterparts, Mishra said. "We have told the Haryana government that the Delhi government is prepared to provide resources and technical assitance to repair the canal," he said. A four-member team of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) engineers has been dispatched for engineering assessment at Munak canal and it will give its report in a few hours, he said. Key 26/11 plotter Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal's lawyer today informed a court here that he wanted to cross-examine Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley for four days. Also, Judge G A Sanap today directed Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to contact US authorities, check their availability for Headley's second round of deposition and inform the court by February 25. Once the availability is checked, the court will fix dates for Headley's deposition. Meanwhile, Jundal's lawyer Abdul Wahab Khan also moved applications objecting to Headley being made an approver in the 2008 terror attacks case besides making pleas seeking copies of certain documents and CDs. Earlier on February 13, the day on which Headley's week-long deposition ended, the court had adjourned the case for cross-examination by Jundal's lawyer for a future date. Headley, who is serving a 35-year jail term in the US in connection with the terror attacks case, had made some damning disclosures about LeT and Al-Qaeda's planned to target India, during his testimony which began on February 8. He spilled beans on how Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI provides "financial, military and moral support" to terror outfits LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen and how LeT had planned and executed the 26/11 attacks and the role played by ISI officials, involving him too. He also revealed that LeT had planned an attack at a conference of Indian defence scientists at Taj Mahal Hotel a year before the 26/11 strikes and had even prepared its dummy. Deposing via a video-link from the US, the 55-year-old terrorist had the court that --Ishrat Jahan--who was killed in an alleged fake encounter in 2004 in Gujarat--was an operative of LeT. Headley had also revealed that Al-Qaeda was in touch with him to attack Delhi's National Defence College and unravelled the plot by LeT and ISI to target Mumbai airport, BARC and the Naval air station here. He also visited the Indian Army's Southern Command headquarters at Pune in 2009 on the instructions of ISI's Major Iqbal, who wanted him to recruit some military personnel to get "classified" information, the court was told. Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore today crossed the Wagah Border into India, a day after Pakistan's immigration authorities stopped her for not having a 'police report' of her stay here. When Sharmila reached Wagah Border yesterday the immigration officials told her that 'police report' was missing from her travel documents. 71-year-old actress was then stopped by the Federal Investigation Agency Immigration at Wagah Border. A protocol official accompanying Sharmila contacted the police station concerned and arranged the report in about two hours through fax. By the time the police report matter was resolved she changed her mind to cross the border and decided to leave for India on Monday (today). During her stay here, Sharmila also called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at his palatial Jati Umra residence in Raiwind and had a dinner with him and his family members. The fierce gunbattle on the outskirts of Srinagar ended today with Army's elite Special Forces killing all the three terrorists, suspected to be Pakistanis belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), in a 48-hour operation that also left six securitymen and a civilian dead. The heavily-armed terrorists, apparently a "suicide squad", were holed up in a multi-storey government building of Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) in Pampore, along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, since Saturday afternoon. "The encounter has ended and three militants who had taken refuge inside the building have been killed," a police official said. "We have killed three militants of whom we had the information," Major General Arvind Dutta, General Officer Commanding of Victor Force, told reporters. He said the identity of the slain terrorists is being ascertained but added they appeared to be foreigners. To a question, he said by saying "foreigners", he meant they had come from "across the border", hinting at Pakistan. In Delhi, CRPF Director General Prakash Mishra said the attack "appears to be" the handiwork of Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) terror outfit. Maj Gen Dutta said 'war-like' stores, including large quantity of arms and ammunition were recovered from the site. A combing operation was underway to sanitise the building which has 44 rooms plus lobbies, washrooms and a restaurant on the top floor, he said. The operation, which began on Saturday evening, saw five security force personnel including two Captains of elite commando units laying down their lives while battling the terrorists, suspected to be of foreign origin. A civilian was killed in the crossfire between the two sides while 120 civilians were evacuated safely. As the operation entered the third day today, the Special Forces of the army maximised the force, using mortar shells to flush out the terrorists, the officials said. Maj Gen Dutta said the building appeared to be a pre-determined target where they rushed into after attacking a CRPF convoy on the highway. "They were carrying a large quantity of arms and ammunition... They were seen running into the building with big bagpacks," the army officer said. "Inputs as of now suggest they were foreign terrorists," Maj Gen Dutta said, adding it needs to be verified. "The way the attack happened, it seems that they belonged to a suicide squad," he said. He said it was possible that the militants may have conducted a recce of the campus before the attack. "It cannot be said as yet, but it is possible that they might have conducted a recce. Mostly, the foreign terrorists do not conduct such type of recces. But we cannot rule out the possibility," he said. The army officer, however, admitted that there was no specific intelligence about the attack. Responding to questions over the operation taking so long, he said the security forces took time to neutralize the terrorists as there were many challenges because of many hiding places in the campus. "We have to conduct every operation after keeping in kind various challenges. This building had many rooms and many corners and it had many hiding places. "We did not have the paucity of time. We wanted to clear the building stage-wise and neutralize the terrorists in the end," he said. As the security forces mounted an assault on the building yesterday, they met with stiff resistance from the ultras who are holding vantage points inside the building. "The terrorists had a huge opportunity to hide inside the big complex....They had an advantage. They could see our movements," the GOC said. He said the CRPF initially made an attempt to enter the building immediately after their convoy was targeted but the terrorists threw grenades and fired at them, forcing them to withdraw. It is then that the Army stepped in, Gen Dutta said. Two CRPF jawans and a civilian were killed and nine other jawans injured when militants opened fire on CRPF convoy on Saturday afternoon. During the intense gunfight, the top floor of the building caught fire which forced the ultras to shift towards one side of the complex where they were nuetralised, the police official said. The Supreme Court today refused to pass an interim order on a fervent plea of Congress against "illegal" swearing-in of its rebel leader Kalikho Pul-led government in Arunachal Pradesh, saying it can "set the clock back" if the Governor's actions are found unconstitutional. "Don't mix up too many things. If you mix up to much, then it would be difficult to compartmentalise. I think you (lawyers) all know that we can put things back...have you not read that passage of S R Bombai judgement," the apex court said when senior lawyer F S Nariman sought an interim order by referring to subsequent developments in the crisis-hit state where Pul was sworn in as Chief Minister late Friday night. The bench, which reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions dealing with discretionary powers of the Governor to summon or advance the assembly sessions, said it had the powers to undo the damage. "We can't get into all this. We should not do this, but this court has the power to set things right. This court has done this before. If we agree with you, we can set the clock back. Let them do whatever they want want to," a five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice J S Khehar said. It said the verdict in this case will not only have its effect in Arunachal Pradesh but its going to affect every state. "The verdict is going to affect every state. This will set a precedence," the bench said. The bench, however, segregated two other sets of petition which were filed against the subsequent promulgation of President's Rule in the state and its revocation thereafter which led to the formation of a new government. It has now fixed these pleas for hearing after the pronouncement of verdict on petitions dealing with Governor's discretionary powers in advancing the assembly session and setting the agenda of the House. The bench is hearing a batch of pleas on constitutional powers of Governors. Another senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for Arunachal Congress leaders, endorsed Nariman's view and added that the swearing in of the government led by Pul would create "a new kind of methodology of toppling governments". Observing that Pul was a Congress MLA who has been sworn in as the Chief Minister without any communication from the party, he apprehended that soon the House may be dissolved which would ultimate render the pending petitions infructuous. To this, the bench said even if the House is dissolved, "we can still set the things straight if we agree with you. And if we don't agree with you, things will be as it is." Both Nariman and Sibal contended that how can a Governor who is a party in the case, can swear in a new Chief Minister who is Congress party leader without any communication from the party appointing him as the leader. Sibal further said that at 6.30 PM last Friday, President's Rule was revoked in the state and at 10 PM the new Chief Minister was sworn in and observed that during this period there was no government in the state. "During proclamation, the assembly is in suspended animation and once the proclamation is revoked, a government has to take its place. Here the constitutional provisions were violated as there was no government for 3.30 hours," he said. The bench, however, said it will take up this matter after it closes the case concerning discretionary power of the Governor. Senior advocate T R Andhyarujina appearing for Governor J P Rajkhowa, while concluding his arguments in the case, said he had acted under his discretionary power to advance the session of the House. He claimed the Governor was assaulted by two ministers of the Nabam Tuki government and abused by the Congress party leaders at his house. "If he has no powers of discretion, then the whole thing falls. If he has the power of discretion, then the sequences follows," Andhyarujina said. The bench then said that according to it, tentatively, everything will go if it did not agree with the contentions of Governor and rebel MLAs, and if it agrees, then everything will be as it is. Andhyarujina said discretion is not written in a hard and fast manner but it is a power which the Governor can use in the right way. The apex court had on Friday rejected the plea of Congress leaders seeking an interim direction that it be allowed to go for a floor test in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly to prove majority Congress party, which has 47 MLAs seats in the 60-member assembly, suffered a jolt when 21 of its lawmakers rebelled. Eleven BJP MLAs backed the rebels in the bid to upstage the government. Later, 14 rebel Congress MLAs were disqualified. Hours after the Union Cabinet had decided to recommend revocation of President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh, the apex court had on February 17 ordered maintenance of status quo in the politically fragile state till it examined judicial and assembly records on disqualification of the 14 rebel Congress MLAs by former Speaker Nabam Rebia. On February 16, the court had also refused to pass an interim order on a plea of Congress leaders that Arunchal Pradesh Governor Rakhowa be restrained from swearing in a new government in Arunachal Pradesh. The Supreme Court today paved the way for pronouncement of judgement by an Ahmedabad trial court in a case pertaining to the 2002 Gulberg Society massacre in which former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri and 67 others were killed. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India T S Thakur said there was no restraint on the trial judge to pronounce the verdict, and granted him three months for it. The apex court had on August 5 last year also granted an extension of three months to wind up the proceedings in the case. It had also declined to give bail to the accused who had sought relief on the ground that since trial of the case has been dragging, they were entitled to be released from jail. While District Judge P B Desai had requested the apex court to grant three more months to complete the trial in the case, the accused persons had written to it that due to delay in completing the proceedings, they should be granted bail as they have been in jail for 10 years. The apex court had in 2014 expressed satisfaction over the progress of nine cases of post-Godhra riots in Gujarat probed by the SIT. It has been monitoring nine sensitive cases after the National Human Rights Commission and various NGOs termed the investigation into these as shoddy and unreliable. The cases related to the riots in Gulberg Society, Ode, Sardarpura, Narodao Gaon, Naroda Patya, Machipith, Tarsali, Pandarwada and Raghavapura. An estimated 2,000 people were killed in post-Godhra riots in 2002. Haryana Cabinet today decided to introduce a bill on the Jat reservation in the coming session of the state Assembly. "A bill will be brought in the coming session of Haryana assembly," state's Education and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ram Bilas Sharma told reporters after a cabinet meet. The meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar took stock of the prevailing situation in the state due to the ongoing Jat quota stir. Sharma said the date of the Assembly session was yet to be decided. With violence contining in the state, the minister said 16 people have died in the agitation. He made a reference to the recent all-party meeting, which had been called by Khattar in the wake of the Jat quota stir. "In the all-party meeting, the chief minister had told Congress and INLD members that the two parties should sit together and come out with a draft (on the reservation issue). "We had said that from the government side we will bring a bill in the Vidhan Sabha after taking into consideration their draft," said Sharma, who holds portfolio. Sharma said that his party had yesterday announced setting up of a five-member committee under a senior union minister to examine the quota demand for Jat community in government jobs. A committee headed by Union minister Venkaiah Naidu has been formed to look into the demand for reservation. The committee under Naidu will have BJP vice-presidents Satpal Malik and Avinash Rai Khanna, besides Union ministers Mahesh Sharma and Sanjeev Balyan. Regarding the situation in Haryana with reports of fresh incidents of violence in different parts, Sharma said "the cabinet took stock of the situation prevailing in Haryana." Iwould have wanted India to recognise my efforts first, says fashion designer Manish Arora who was recently conferred Frances highest award, Chevalier de la legion dHonneur, which is given to recognise eminent accomplishments of service to France. As the youngest recipient of the award, among personalities like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Amitabh Bachchan and JRD Tata, and the only one from the field of fashion, Arora feels his journey has just begun. It doesnt feel like I started long ago. This award makes me feel older. The journey has been long around 15-16 years. But time wise, it has just flown by. It feels I just started yesterday. I always say that I am a new comer and want to keep thinking like that despite the honour, the 43-year-old tells Metrolife. Born and brought up in Mumbai, Arora graduated in commerce, and decided to change his career path and applied for the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Delhi, and then went to London. I started in India first, and I think, I am what I am, and I am getting what I am because of the fact that I am an Indian. I can never forget that. I started in London about 12 years ago. I was asked to design for ballet (performances); and things started to fall in place, he says, pointing out to his initial days in the field. Recollecting how he landed in London having no understanding of the enormous opportunity before him, the designer says, There are so many moments that are cherished in this career span. The funny one being that I landed in London in 2005 for the London Fashion Week not realising that one needs a public relations agent. I didnt know that I had to get serious because I didnt understand the enormousness of it. That was a first. I had to find my own way. I did not have an example to follow from India. Being the first one from India to consistently present in Paris for eight-and-a half years in 16 shows, he says France is his second home. French are very good at understanding new ideas. I am not the first one (to be awarded). There have been Japanese designers Garson or Yohji Yamamoto or Belgiums Dries van Noten. They are very welcoming of new talent. It does not matter where you come from. In fact, if you look at the Paris Fashion Week, the loved designers are actually not French. They belong to somewhere else and come to France, he avers ahead of his next show in Paris on March 3. Does he want to design for Bollywood? I love Bollywood and some of my very good friends are from the industry. But that doesnt mean that I want to do clothes for Bollywood. I have my own, very strong, opinion about fashion. I am not ready to compromise on my style. I want my style to show across. I am not here to do clothes for a regular story. If there is a film that deserves me, I will do it, he avers. Arora, who is regarded as the John Galliano of India for his innovative bold cuts, says it is necessary to believe in oneself. He mentions, What worked for me was that I was honest with what I did and never compromised. I believed in myself and as many struggles as I might have had, I still didnt budge from what I believed in. I never tried to convince the West. I never tried to be in the West. They found me because I just did what I believed in. That is the key point here. You have to do what you believe in and that is the only way you manage to create something or achieve something that you want. A judicial magistrate today sent 88 Indian fishermen to jail here, two days after they were arrested by Pakistani authorities for allegedly fishing in the country's territorial waters. A police official at the Karachi Docks police station said the arrested fishermen were handed over to the police and presented before a magistrate as per procedure. "The magistrate has sent them to judicial remand in Malir jail," the official Hamid Khan said. Hundreds of Indian fishermen are languishing in the Malir and Landhi jails in Karachi after being arrested for allegedly transgressing into Pakistani territorial waters. An official of Pakistan's Maritime Security Agency (MSA) said the fishermen were arrested and 16 fishing boats seized early on Saturday from the Arabian Sea near the Karachi coast. "The Indian fishermen were arrested by the MSA while they were fishing in Pakistani waters of the Arabian Sea," he said. He dismissed Indian media reports that the Indian fishermen were taken into custody from near the Gujarat coast. Although in December, India and Pakistan had agreed to revive the dialogue process when external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj visited Islamabad for a summit, but the same month 66 Indian fishermen were arrested by the MSA while last month another 45 were arrested. Pakistan and India regularly arrest fishermen who venture into their waters due to a poorly-marked maritime boundary. Some of them spend years in jail before being repatriated. In the past the two nations have released each other's fishermen as goodwill gestures. A wise old owl sat on an oak, the more he saw, the less he spoke; the less he spoke, the more he heard. Why cant we all be like that wise old bird? This proverbial rhyme, though meant for children, offers us a sneak peek into the wonderful lives of owls. Specialised carnivorous birds who feed on live prey just like eagles and kites, owls are the creatures of night. While most owls are nocturnal, a few are known to be diurnal too. These small-sized creatures and their unique habits have captured the attention of many. For instance, they can rotate their heads up to 210 degrees, which means they can see whats going on behind their back. The flight feathers of owls are arranged in such a way that they can fly silently in the night and swoop down on the prey stealthily. Owls are often heard than seen. Unlike other birds calls, owl calls are far from melodious. They call tree cavities and hollows, ravines, cliffs and even abandoned quarries their home and feed on rats, shrews, lizards, snakes, fish, frogs, smaller birds, scorpions and insects. There are 230 species of owls in the world, of which 33 species are found in India. However, in the country, owls still have a long way to go before they make it to the official priority list of species that need protection efforts. Owls provide an immensely useful ecological service by feeding on rodents. One owl can feed on 1,000 mice in a year, which would otherwise damage one-third of the grain in a crop field. In some regions of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, farmers install a pole in their field for the owls to perch on and hunt the rodents. In some areas, farmers believe that worshipping owls will bring wealth in their lives. But in most other places, owls are not so lucky. The magnificence of owls is misinterpreted in many cultures across the world, including India. Thanks to their unconventional appearance and their nocturnal feature, owls are considered inauspicious by many. They are termed to be a prize catch in sorcery, wherein they are caged and their powerful wings, talons are severed thus, restricting their flight. Moreover, their eyes are also injected with coloured dye to make them appear formidable. Owls are also killed for their eyes, talons, beaks, tails, and feathers for use in traditional medicine. The discovery Of the many species of owls found in India, the forest owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti) is a curious bird, both by name and nature. This species is endemic to India and has been placed among the top 10 birds in the world that are in endangered category. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared it as a critically endangered species, owing to its small and declining population. The genus of the forest owlet has been a bone of contention ever since it was discovered. At the time of its discovery in 1872, A O Hume, a well-known British taxonomist and civil service officer serving in India, established the genus Heteroglaux blewitti for the forest owlet based on its distinct morphology. Although the forest owlet possesses superficial similarities to the much commonly seen spotted owlet (Athene brama), it has several distinctive features of its own. For instance, it has an unspotted crown, a full-throat collar, thickly feathered legs, a habit of lateral tail flicking and an undulating flight. But scientists are still undecided about the correct genus of the forest owlet. Between 1872 and 1884, six forest owlet specimens were collected from the country; the first one in 1872 by an Irish officer, Francis Robert Blewitt. After 1884, there were many reports of forest owlet sightings all over the country, but all of them were actually spotted owlets. Finally, in 1972, researchers considered the possibility that the forest owlet may have gone extinct. Given this background, one can imagine the surprise and excitement that was generated when the news of its rediscovery came forth in 1997. Pamela Rasmussen, an American ornithologist was studying the preserved skins of forest owlet, when she realised that the bird looked very different than shown in the illustrations in Indian bird books. She realised that the Indian scientists were looking for it based on a wrong picture. Her museum research also found that the record of forest owlet from Gujarat was a false one. It was then that Pamela decided to carry out a survey and began her search in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, where the erstwhile forests had disappeared giving way to crop fields. But there were no forest owlets to be seen. In November 1997, researchers started a survey near Nandurbar district of Maharashtra and much to everyones surprise, two forest owlets were discovered. These owlets had made their reappearance after a staggering 113 years! In reality, the bird hadnt gone extinct, but was, in fact, overlooked by many. Localised distribution After its rediscovery, several organisations carried out surveys to determine the distribution of this particular species. Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) initiated the surveys in 1999 and reported the presence of forest owlets from North-western Maharashtra and Melghat Tiger Reserve. The Wildlife Research and Conservation Society (WRCS), Pune also carried out a survey of these owlets in five central Indian states their original locations. WRCS surveyed the states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat and were successful in locating the forest owlets from Khandwa and Betul district in Madhya Pradesh and a few more locations in Northern Maharashtra. At present, this owlet species can be found in three states of India: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. From 2012 onwards, WRCS has been carrying out an ecological assessment of the forest owlet in Madhya Pradesh with the support of the Department of Science and Technology and the Raptor Research and Conservation Foundation, Mumbai. They are trying to understand the possible reasons for localised distribution of the forest owlet in Central India, its small population, and why it has not been able to colonise as successfully as its sympatric species such as the spotted owlet. The forest owlet appears to have low breeding success as every year, there are only one or two juveniles emerging out of six to seven nests, while the spotted owlet, which shares the same habitat, has a higher survival rate. But the study has provided valuable insights into strategies owls have adapted for survival and how thoughtlessly we destroy them out of personal insecurities and irrational beliefs. But there is still a lot more to learn about these special creatures. A thousand miles south of Hawaii, the air at 45,000 feet above the equatorial Pacific was a shimmering gumbo of thick storm clouds and icy cirrus haze, all cooked up by the overheated waters below. In a Gulfstream jet more accustomed to hunting hurricanes in the Atlantic, researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) were cruising this desolate stretch of tropical ocean where the northern and southern trade winds meet. Its an area that becalmed sailors have long called the doldrums, but this year it is anything but quiet. This is the heart of the strongest El Nino in a generation, one that is pumping moisture and energy into the atmosphere and, as a result, roiling weather worldwide. The plane, with 11 people aboard including a journalist, made its way on a long westward tack, steering clear of the worst of the disturbed air to the south. Every 10 minutes, on a countdown from Mike Holmes, one of two flight directors, technicians in the rear released an instrument package out through a narrow tube in the floor. Slowed by a small parachute, the devices, called dropsondes, fell toward the water, transmitting wind speed and direction, humidity and other atmospheric data back to the plane continuously on the way down. The information, parsed by scientists and fed into weather models, may improve forecasting of El Ninos effect on weather by helping researchers better understand what happens here, at the starting point. Answering questions One of the most important questions is to resolve how well our current weather and climate models do in representing the tropical atmospheres response to an El Nino, said Randall Dole, a senior scientist at NOAAs Earth System Research Laboratory and one of the lead researchers on the project. An El Nino forms about every two to seven years, when the surface winds that typically blow from east to west slacken. As a result, warm water that normally pools along the Equator in the western Pacific piles up toward the east instead. Because of this shift, the expanse of water which in this El Nino has made the central and eastern Pacific as much as five degrees Fahrenheit hotter than usual acts as a heat engine, affecting the jet streams that blow at high altitudes. That, in turn, can bring more winter rain to the lower third of the United States and dry conditions to southern Africa, among El Ninos many possible effects. Aided by vast processing power and better data, scientists have improved the ability of their models to predict when an El Nino will occur and how strong it will be. In June, the consensus among forecasters using models developed by NOAA, as well as other US and foreign agencies and academic institutions, was that a strong El Nino would develop later in the year, and it did. Anthony Barnston, chief forecaster at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society at Columbia University, who has studied the accuracy of El Nino modelling, said that so-called dynamical models, which simulate the physics of the real world, have recently done a better job in predicting whether an El Nino will occur than statistical models, which rely on comparisons of historical data. With any model, good data is crucial. El Nino models have been helped by the development of satellites and networks of buoys that can measure sea-surface temperatures and other ocean characteristics. When it comes to forecasting El Ninos weather effects, however, good data can be harder to come by. Thats where the NOAA research project aims to help, by studying a key process in the El Nino-weather connection: deep tropical convection. The clouds that the NOAA jet cruised past were a result of this process, in which air over the warm El Nino waters picks up heat and moisture and rises tens of thousands of feet. When the air reaches high altitudes about the flight level of the Gulfstream the moisture condenses into droplets, releasing energy in the form of heat and creating winds that flow outward. Scientists know that the energy released can induce a kind of ripple in a jet stream, a wave that as it travels along can affect weather in disparate regions around the world. And they know that the winds that are generated can add a kick to a jet stream, strengthening it. Thats a major reason California and much of the southern United States tend to be wetter in an El Nino; the winds from convection strengthen the jet stream enough that it reaches California and beyond. But to study convection during an El Nino, data must be collected from the atmosphere as well as the sea surface. Thats a daunting task, because the convection occurs in one of the most remote areas of the planet. As a result, there has been little actual data on convection during El Nino events, Randall said, and most models, including NOAAs own, have had to make what amount to educated guesses about the details of the process. Our strong suspicion is that our models have major errors in reproducing some of these responses, he said. The only way we can tell is by going out and doing observations. When forecasters last year began to predict a strong El Nino, the NOAA scientists saw an opportunity and started making plans for a rapid-response programme of research. Randall estimated that it would normally take two or three years to put together a programme they assembled in about six months. In a way, he said, they were helped by the developing El Nino, which suppressed hurricane activity in the Atlantic last fall. Parts of Delhi and Kolkata, especially areas along the rivers Yamuna and Hooghly respectively, would face a greater impact in the event of an earthquake, according to a study conducted by the government. While most of Delhi face "least" and "moderate" risk, areas like the Lutyens Zone and north campus of Delhi University fall in "high" and "very high" seismic risk hazard index, the study says. In the City of Joy, earthquake can pose a threat to Salt Lake area and places along the Hooghly river bank. The Report on Seismic Hazard Microzonation of NCT of Delhi and Kolkata done by the Ministry of Earth Sciences describes threat levels in different parts of the two cities in the event of an earthquake. The high risk zone in the national capital, mostly in patches, are concentrated in east, central and northern parts. Areas like Gita Colony, Sarita Vihar, Shikarpur, Paschim Vihar, Wazirabad, north campus, Rithala, Rohini, Jahangirpuri, Bawana, Karol Bagh and Janakpuri fall under the "very high risk" index. Most of these areas lie along the Yamuna. Places like Hauz Khas, Burari, Najafgarh and IGI Airport fall under "high risk" zone, while AIIMS, Vasant Kunj, Naraina, JNU campus and Ashok Vihar are among the safest places and fall under the "least" seismic risk index. "A study is being conducted for 30 more cities. We will bring out a similar report for other cities as well," Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Earth Sciences, said during the launch of the report. The report is based on a study of various aspects like the kind of rock which is there in a particular area, groundwater level, soil quality and how it can affect structures in case of an earthquake. Delhi falls in Zone 4 in terms of the threat perception from earthquakes. "Delhi is not a major source of earthquake but it is definitely prone to earthquakes occurring in the Hindukush Mountain range and the Himalayas. The Himalayas are as close as 180 km from Delhi," said Vineet Kumar Gahalaut, Director of National Centre for Seismology. This was observed when major earthquakes hit the Hindukush in Afghanistan and Nepal. B K Bansal, an advisor looking after projects related to seismology in the Ministry, said the national capital does not face major risk but precautions must be taken by retrofitting houses. Microzonation would benefit in disaster mitigation and management authorities, urban development authorities, planning, design and construction agencies, risk assessment to existing life and property, defence installations, heavy industry, public utilities and services. "We will be giving the report to all concerned agencies so that they can take necessary steps to avoid any major catastrophe," Vardhan said. Upfront, the Israeli boys of the jazz band Katamon Cherry are a reserved lot but once one hears their piercing tunes, which have traversed far and wide, they realise that they are a matchless league of their own. Clear in rhythm and artfully arranged in all its specificities and dimensions, the bands music dances out of their soul, reminding one of happy images. The four suave musicians Elad Gellert the saxophonist, Adam Weingrod the guitarist, David Michaeli the bassist and Haim Peskoff the drummer unanimously agree that jazz never went out of fashion at any point. Like an organism, jazz always changed, shifted and grew. And though primarily a jazz band, the four are equally influenced by regional flavours as they breathe a blend of Oriental melodies, Arabic tunes and German harmonies, everyday in Jerusalem. The quartet is tired after a hectic concert in Chennai but gurgle like a stream when they settle down to talk about their band before their performance at BFlat. Here for the fifth annual edition of the Global Isai Festival 2016 and supported by the Consulate General of the State of Israel and Exodus, they all have been munching on South Indian thalis in between their performances. An all-instrumental troupe, the four have studied jazz and came together to form Katamon Cherry a few years back. Adam adds, Somehow, you always know the jazz musicians in Israel. There is a growing jazz scene, especially in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, but its still niche as compared to mainstream rock and pop. Jazz music is more prominent in the independent circuit back home. David has always found the audience outside Israel better and Adam was happy to see a larger audience for jazz here as compared to his first tour to Bengaluru last year. The reaction to their music was quite heart-warming for them as well. He recalls that their setup surprised and shocked a major chunk of the Indian audience as the band is devoid of vocalists. He adds, People would set up microphones for our gig but we didnt use any of them. It was something new to the audience here because maybe there is a vocalist in every Indian concert. However, that surprised me as there are so many instrumentalists in Indian classical concerts too and I found it weird that they were shocked. Back in Israel, Katamon Cherrys shows always depend on the venue, showbiz and political situations as Israel is a tricky place. Adam says, The political situation in Israel makes less people come to gigs sometimes and thats sad. We just try not to get caught up with it and move on. In many ways, we are our own audience. So for the quartet, music has always been a form of escapism and a medium to exercise their suspension of disbelief, having grown up in a place of troubled waters. However, it is these troubled times that influence their music subconsciously. Elad says, We consider music as a universal language that binds people together and try to keep our music very pure. Everyday when we walk around and there is tension in the atmosphere, everyone resorts to an art form. Its music for us. Schneider Electric Infrastructure, a manufacturer of products and systems for electricity distribution, has said that it is has enough capacity to export from India. Schneider Electric has done a huge investment in India. We have 28 factories and 22,000 employees here, Prakash Chandraker, Managing Director, Schneider Electric Infrastructure told Deccan Herald. We have made huge investments, knowing that this country will provide opportunity for manufacturing, added Chandraker. Freight On Board value of company's exports for last year was Rs 819.06 million. He added that they are discussing with the government and policymakers on how to connect with different markets. It is important as being part of the electrical industry, how you connect with people, as there are different compliance requirements. As SEI, we are exporting. We are not directly going to many places, Chandraker said. He also said that he does not see Chinese dumping affecting Schnieder in India. In India, there are pre-qualification requirements by the customers that you should have this technology in operation. Then only it is qualified to be used in the power system, because it is mission critical application, he said. Luminous is the subsidiary of Schnieder, which is into manufacturing solutions for packaged power. We have mostly seen the surge in our sales recently, even after the massive electrification programme by the government. The frequency of power cuts might have reduced, but power cuts do happen, said Vipul Sabharwal, Managing Director, Luminous Power. The Left parties and organisations have planned to stage three-day dharnas across the State from Tuesday to protest against branding them as anti-nationals and to condemn the right wings reported attack on the constitutional rights of citizens. At a joint press conference in the City on Monday, CPM State secretary and former legislator G V Sreerama Reddy said Left parties such as CPI, SUCI (C), CPM, AIFB, CPI (ML) Lib have chalked out plans to stage dharnas and hold open conferences. The Left parties will stage dharnas and organise public meetings in front of Town Hall in Bengaluru on Thursday in which intellectuals, writers, students among others would take part. They have also planned to hold such dharnas in the districts also. Reddy said the BJP had been trying hard to saffronise the universities and it had chosen central universities in the first phase as they directly come under its control. Referring to the JNU row, Reddy said BJP and RSS were trying to impose their right-wing agenda in the higher education institutions. Those present at the press meet said raising slogans against communal forces does not amount to being anti-national. They sought the intervention of the President as they no longer believe in the rule of the BJP-led NDA and demanded a ban on the ABVP as it was polarising students in university campuses on the lines of religion. They demanded the release of students leader Kanhaiya Kumar, who was arrested on sedition charges, immediately. The CPM also condemned the ABVP for its demand to arrest a few professors of Kuvempu University as they addressed students during a rally to protest the arrest of Kanhaiya Kumar recently. The White House decision to approve the sale of nuclear capable F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan has once again sparked an interest on the nature of Americas role in the subcontinent. While most Indian observers have expressed their discontent, there is no serious attempt to deconstruct US policy. Many focus on Pakistans ability to manipulate a misguided Washington. Such views are common but betray a naivete. A fundamental assumption that shapes Indian thinking is the notion that US involvement in South Asia was primarily a Cold War policy with India suffering the brunt of collateral damage in a larger chess game. Lets scrutinise this belief. A fascinating State Department document from April 3, 1950 reveals early US thinking. The document titled, Policy of the United States with respect to Pakistan is instructive in understanding how US policymakers viewed this region. The broad aim of the authors is to highlight Pakistans future viability and argue for a more proactive policy of strategic support to the ruling regime. Pakistan will emerge after India, as the strongest power between Turkey and Japan on the periphery of Asia. Senior policymakers are urged to take Pakistans request for military assistance, first made in 1948 and 1949, more seriously. Pakistan authorities have informally but repeatedly declared their desire to associate themselves more closely with the US in long range defence planning... Drawing attention to Pakistani public opinion, which perceived an uncertainty regarding US intentions, the authors note: It is becoming increasingly necessary, therefore, to remind the Pakistanis that we are neither pro-Indiannor anti-Muslim. The authors also note that the US and UK policies towards South Asia are convergent: we believe that Pakistan is more likely to remain closely associated with us we want Pakistan-UK ties to remain close and friendlycomprehensive high-level discussions should be held with the UK to clarify the extent to which our respective policies toward Pakistan and South Asia afford a basis for cooperative effort in the area. This is interesting because right until the mid-1950s, Nehru continued to believe that Indias Commonwealth membership was a means to influence western policy in South Asia. The document then underscores not only the advantage of encouraging Pakistans quest for a role in West Asia but the logic of shaping South Asias balance itself: it may in time become desirable to critically review our concept that Pakistans destiny is or should be bound with IndiaThere is reason to question whether solidarity with India will ever be achieved Moreover, the vigour and methods which have characterised Indias execution of its policy of consolidating the princely states, and its inflexible attitude with regard to Kashmir may indicate national traits which in time, if not controlled, could make India Japans successor in Asiatic imperialism. In such a circumstance, a strong Muslim bloc under the leadership of Pakistan, and friendly to the US, might afford a desirable balance of power in South Asia. Such geopolitical constructions reflected an early strategy to profoundly shape the subcontinental balance rather than simply a narrow transactional se-arch for accessing bases and facilities for Soviet containment goals. In 1954, these images found concrete expression in an agreement that laid the foundation for US strategic commitment to Pakistans political, economic and military security. But the Soviet threat was merely a fig leaf to produce a regional order that wo-uld be aligned to US geostrategy in the wider area. By the late 1950s, as former diplomat Y D Gundevia recalled, Pakistan was equipped with an army which could easily match anything and everything that India could put into the field. US documents are also instructive. In a December 1963, a cable to Lyndon Johnson, Chester Bowles, a former envoy to India, records: The very nature of the highly sophisticated and mobile equipment which we have given Pakistan, equipment which is much better adapted to fighting Indians on the north Indian plains than to fighting the Chinese and Russians in the Himalayas and Hindu Kush. Logic of regional dimension Most Indian strategists are so accustomed to interpreting US policies in South Asia as part of a global geostrategy that they overlook the regional dimension, which has a logic of its own. Baldev Raj Nayar is one of the few scholars to have engaged this question in his 1976 book, American Geopolitics and India. Nayar argues that the balance of power is a fundamental, unalterable principle of US foreign policyThis principle is directed not only at the global military equilibriumbut also at equilibrium in regional contexts. This is so because the global reach of American power makes equilibrium in different regions of the world of strategic concern to the US and also because the global equilibrium itself is linked to equilibrium at the regional level. In South Asia, US military containment flowed from the very logic of the encounter between a global power and a middle power. It was but a specific manifestation in the South Asian subcontinent of a more general principleAll this was over and beyond the containment directed at the Communist powers. For Nayar, the very quest to be an independent centre of power, as India has sought from the outset, is simply incongruent with Americas role and geostrategy. This policy is often referred to as maintaining regional balances, but so expressed it suggests that the US is doing something that is rather natural, merely upholding something that is given by the nature of the situation. In fact, what the US does is to create a new balance which serves to neutralise the independent but non-cooperative middle power and then attempts to maintain that balance. The persistence of a particular geopolitical image of the subcontinent remains entrenched in American strategic consciousness. Delhi would do well to craft its geostrategies in light of this reality. (The writer is a research scholar at Kings College London) Information on traffic patterns in the City is vital to manage vehicular movement and ensure that there is order on the streets. Towards this end, the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT), in co-ordination with the traffic police, will set up a one-of-its-kind traffic centre the Bangalore Traffic Information Centre which will be the hub of every bit of information about traffic in the City. The DULTs proposal has been approved by the State government and is set to get funds from Japan International Co-operation agency (JICA). JICA will send a team to Bengaluru to work out the designs of the traffic centre and on ways to go about building the knowledge hub. The Japan team is set to help in managing the knowledge generated by the study of traffic patterns. Senior transport officials said the information generated from the study would be shared with various agencies such as the BBMP, BDA, BMRDA, BWSSB, BMTC, KSRTC and others to help them develop the City in a planned manner. An official said: The information would be vital for other agencies to plan their development activities. We will pass on the information to the different stakeholders of the City. The primary agency which will make use of the information is the Bengaluru Traffic Police though. The agency has the onerous task of maintaining traffic order across the City. The centre would be of good use in the overall management of Bengaluru. Bangalore has witnessed a phenomenal growth in vehicle population. As a result, many arterial roads and intersections are operating over the capacity and the average journey speeds on some of the key roads in the central areas are lower than 10 kmph in the peak hour, point out traffic officials. Interim centre Meanwhile, an Interim Traffic Management Centre set up at the Ashoknagar police station is doing the job of maintaining order. It has been designed to house a traffic wireless system, traffic surveillance system, traffic signalling system, traffic helpline, traffic planning operations, etc. The centre manages Information/data from the 334 traffic signals spread across the City, live feed of images from over 175 surveillance cameras installed at various junctions and traffic violation data from the five enforcement cameras. The centre has been linking various elements of Intelligent Transportation Systems such as vehicle-actuated traffic signals, surveillance cameras, enforcement cameras, etc, installed at various locations enabling the decision-makers to identify and react to an incident in a timely manner based on realtime data. The TMC has also helped reduce incident response times, ensured lower incident rates (mainly secondary incidents), disseminated traveller information and hence reduced congestion and enhanced safety. The Bangalore Traffic Information Centre will be doing some of these tasks and go beyond these in building a relationship between different City stakeholders. A history-sheeter was hacked to death by members of a rival gang on Whitefield Main Road on Sunday night. The deceased has been identified as Sohail, 25, a resident of BTM Layout. According to the police, he hailed from Hosur and had moved to BTM Layout a few months ago. Sohail went to Whitefield as some of his friends invited him for a party. The suspects followed him while he was returning home after the party and picked a fight. They attacked him with lethal weapons and escaped, said the police. He was rushed to a hospital by a few local residents, but the doctors declared him dead on arrival, added the police. The preliminary inquiry pointed to the old rivalry between the victim and the suspects. Sohail had his own gang and would often operate in the night. There were nearly 17 cases against him and he was listed as a history-sheeter by the Banashankari police. A few police teams were searching for him due to his involvement in past crimes, added the police. There are leads on the suspects and they would be arrested soon, said a police officer. A mentally unstable man murdered his son and daughter, packed the bodies in a gunny bag and dumped it in a drain behind a school, off Magadi Road, in KP Agrahara police limits on Saturday night. The police on Monday arrested Shivakumar, 37, from Male Mahadeshwara Hills for the double murder. The victims Pavan Kumar, 9 and Sinchana, 6, were both students of Subhash school near their house at Bettamma Circle in KP Agrahara. Shivakumar was employed at Om Shree Enterprises, a bags store at Balepet, for the last five years while his wife Tayamma works at an apartment complex near her house. Sometimes, Shivakumar would not go to his house for three to four days and would sleep at bus shelters and pavements. He has been under medication for the last few years as he would often lose mental balance, added the police. On Saturday, he promised the children that he would take them to Dharmasthala and stopped them from going to school. After his wife went to work, Shivakumar killed the children by stabbing them repeatedly and wrapped the bodies in a plastic cover and bed sheet. Later, he put the bodies in a gunny bag and carried them on his shoulder. Several local residents spotted him carrying the gunny bag, but did not guess what was inside it. He threw the bag in the drain behind a school and vanished, said the police. He called up Tayamma and told her that he had come to Dharmasthala along with the children. She grew suspicious and pleaded with him to return to Bengaluru along with the children immediately. He told her that he was on the way and would reach the City on Sunday morning. He did not answer Tayammas repeated calls in the night. He answered a call on Sunday morning and claimed that the children were missing and disconnected the call. It took no time for Tayamma to realise that some tragedy had befallen on her. He called up Tayammas brothers by night and told that his family would be happy henceforth as all his problems were solved. He told them: I have killed my children by Gods grace. God prevailed over me and hence I killed them. Now, me and Tayamma can lead a happy life. The brothers alerted Tayamma and the local police. The police traced his location to Male Mahadeshwara Hills based on his mobile phone call details and went there. He was found sleeping in a bus stand and the police picked him up. The police and his family members did not buy his version and suspected that he had kept the children in some place. However, he led the police to the drain where he had dumped the bodies on Monday, added the police A student was roughed up allegedly by ABVP workers for shouting slogans during Prime Minister Narendra Modis address at the convocation ceremony at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi on Monday to draw his attention to his demand for holding of the students union election in the varsity. The youth, identified as Ashutosh Singh, sought Modis intervention in restoring the students union. Our (students) rights are being suppressed...the students union polls had not been held since 1997....please listen to our plea, Singh said in a loud voice just as the prime minister finished his speech at the convocation. Singh, who was immediately surrounded by the cops, was slapped by ABVP workers, who were present there in large numbers, while being escorted out. Earlier, police had resorted to lathicharge to disperse a group of BSP workers who had raised slogans against Modi while he was inside the Sant Ravidas Temple in the town. Two students of Kashi Vidyapeeth, another university in the city, were held outside the BHU gate earlier in the day, for planning to show black flags to Modi. The police recovered black flags and posters of Hyderabad University student Rohith Vemula, who had committed suicide in January. With the elections to the zilla and taluk panchayats coming to an end, the State government is now planning to impose load-shedding across the State, including in urban areas. Energy Minister D K Shivakumar, sources said, had informed the State Cabinet, which held a meeting on Monday, that power utilities, including Bangalore Electricity Supply Company, may have to resort to load-shedding in the coming days. The recent fire accident at Sharavathi hydropower station in Shivamogga has aggravated the situation. The State is currently facing a shortage of about 1,000 mega watts and the situation is likely to turn from bad to worse in the coming summer months, sources quoted the minister as saying. But it was not clear whether the government would resort to unscheduled load-shedding and Bengaluru would also plunge into darkness. The government did not brief the media on the Cabinet meeting due to the model code of conduct for the panchayat elections. Though the State was facing a shortage of power, the government did not resort to load-shedding all these days in view of the elections. The second phase of the zilla and taluk panchayat elections concluded on February 20. The minister said the energy department required a minimum of four to five months to restore the Sharavathi power station. The States demand for power is expected to be 10,026 MW in March, while the availability will be 9,218 MW. In April, the availability is expected to be 9,762 MW, while the demand will be 10,453. Moreover, the State is not in a position to purchase power from other states in the absence of adequate transmission corridors.Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who chaired the Cabinet meeting, directed Shivakumar and Chief Secretary Arvind Jadav to prepare an action plan to cope with the power crisis, the sources said. Declaring assets This apart, the Cabinet gave its nod to a proposal to make it mandatory for D group employees of the State government to declare their assets and liabilities every year. As many as 1.20 lakh D group employees are working on a permanent basis in the State. However, the new rules do not apply to those working on a contract basis. Ex gratia to soldiers The Cabinet ratified the governments decision to provide an ex gratia of Rs 25 lakh each to the family of three soldiers from Karnataka who lost their lives in the Siachen avalanche. Similar ex gratia will be given to the family of Sahadev Maruti More who lost his life fighting the militants in Kupwara in Jammu and Kashimir recently. Normally, the State government gives Rs 5 lakh as ex gratia. It increased the amount to Rs 25 lakh as special cases, sources in the government said. Other Cabinet decisions... To offer the post of sub-registrar to Ramya, wife of sub-inspector of Dobbaballapur police station, Jagadeesh, who was murdered by thieves near Nelamangala last year. Dismiss commercial taxes officer H D Rajanna from service for taking Rs 1,000 bribe. Increase capacity of tertiary treatment plant of BWSSB at Cubbon Park. Instal CCTVs at prisons in 20 districts for Rs 17.44 cr. Set up Bovi Development Board. The Supreme Court on Monday decided to limit its scope of adjudication in the case relating to arrest of JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar to the violence witnessed in the Patiala House courts on February 15 and 17. After going through different reports submitted on the incident, a bench of Justices J Chelameswar and Abhay Manohar Sapre said: There are allegations and counter-allegations. We will examine the issue. Noting that there is no pressing urgency to hear the petition filed by JNU alumnus A N Jayaprakash, seeking free and fair access to justice, the court fixed the matter for consideration on March 10. The court also refused to consider a plea by an advocate from Shahdara Bar Association here, seeking action against JNU students for raising slogans and terming execution of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru as judicial killing. During the hearing, the bench perused reports filed by Delhi Police, Bar Council of India, Delhi High Court Registry, lawyers of the accused and the six-member lawyers panel formed by the apex court. Bar Council of India chairman Manan K Mishra submitted that a three member panel comprising L Narsimha Reddy, former HC chief justice, M N Krishnamani, senior advocate and S Prabhakaran, a member of the statutory body, has been set up to probe the incidents, reported on February 15 and 17 at Patiala House Courts. However, inquiry would proceed subject to the order of the court, he submitted. Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing for Delhi HC registrar general, submitted that a committee has been set up to take administrative action in the matter. Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Monday that priority would be given to women while filling up vacant posts in the police department. Speaking to reporters after an inspection of the all-women police station in Basavanagudi, he said, I have received inputs that proper representation should be given to women in police stations. The government will reserve about 20 per cent of the seats for women when recruitments happen in future, the Home Minister said. Only about six per cent of the staff in all ranks of the Home department are women, which is very less. The government aims to increase the representation up to 20 per cent. Hence, women will be given priority during the recruitments, he said and added that the hurdles for the promotion of women staff would be removed soon.He said 10 new womens police stations were opened recently and the government would soon open a womens police station in every district, he added. Parameshwara was at the police station for about one and half hours. He held separate meetings to redress grievances of the staff. He obtained inputs about the womens police station and duties of the staff of various ranks. The Home Minister checked the attendance register, crime statistics, cells, drinking water supply, rifles among other things.Parameshwara held a separate meeting with DCP (South) B S Lokesh Kumar and obtained some details. The all-women police station in Basavanagudi was commissioned in 2003 and about 45 police stations come under it. The station has a sanctioned staff strength of 24 and at present, 14 posts are vacant. As many as 24 cases were registered in 2015, of which 11 pertained to dowry harassment. The staff seek the assistance of male police if the situation demands. The assistance of the male police was sought in arresting two persons from Bihar in a dowry harassment case in January. Pakistan has for the first time officially confirmed that Moulana Masood Azhar has been placed under detention since January 14 last after New Delhi asked Islamabad to act against the radical cleric and his terror organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) for carrying out the attack on Pathankot air base. With the latest terror strike at Pampore in Jammu and Kashmir once again casting a shadow on New Delhis engagement with Islamabad, Pakistan on Monday sought to convey to India that it had indeed acted on the information provided to it on the role of JeM operatives in planning and coordinating the January 2-5 attacks on the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot in Punjab. Sartaj Aziz, Advisor on Foreign Affairs to Pakistans Prime Minister M Nawaz Sharif, told an Indian TV channel that the JeM chief had been in detention since January 14. He also said that proposed visit of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Pakistan to India to probe the terror attack on the IAF air base in Pathankot might take place by the end of this month or early next month. Azizs comment came at a time, when New Delhi and Islamabad are exploring possibilities of a meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and him in Kathmandu on the sideline of a Saarc meet in the middle of March. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar may also meet his counterpart A A Chaudhry in Islamabad or Kathmandu ahead of Swaraj-Aziz meeting. Sharif and Prime Minister Narendra Modi might also have a meeting in Washington on the sideline of the Nuclear Security Summit, which will be hosted by US President Barack Obama from March 31 to April 1. Islamabad had earlier stated that some of the JeM operatives had been arrested in Pakistan after the SIT constituted by Sharif had worked on the leads provided by New Delhi and raided and sealed offices of the terror organization and its front. Though unconfirmed reports indicated that Masood Azhar, himself, was also detained, New Delhi maintained that it had received no official information from Islamabad about the detention of the JeM founder. The State government has started appointing nodal officers from the Industries and Commerce Department to follow up the memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed during the Invest Karnataka summit, but at the same time set a deadline for the companies to file applications by May 15 to take their projects forward. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru on Monday, Industries Minister R V Deshpande and Industries and Commerce Department Additional Chief Secretary Ratna Prabha said the nodal officers would individually follow up each of the 122 MoUs signed during the two-day summit held earlier this month. However, the companies have to apply for clearances by May 15, they said. As many as 122 MoUs/ Expression of Interest were signed across various sectors with an investment intention of Rs 1.27 lakh crore and a potential to create 1.7 lakh job opportunities during the summit. A majority of the top 10 MoUs pertained to the energy sector. Solar Capital City Ltd signing an MoU with the government with an investment intention of Rs 15,000 crore to set up solar power plants and panel manufacturing units in various districts topped the list. Fox Petroleum has come forward to set up floating storage regasification units in coastal districts at a cost of Rs 7,000 crore, while Adani Green Energy Limited has signed an MoU for setting up a 1,000MW windpower project in the State. Deshpande said the State would soon set up a company modelled on the lines of Singapore Economic Development Board comprising representatives from the industry and also government officials to exclusively monitor and follow up investments in the State. To enhance the ease of doing business in the State, Karnataka Udyog Mitra (KUM) will apply electronically with the office of the deputy commissioner on land requirement sought by the industries. A software for the purpose will be launched soon, Deshpande said. He said a Monitoring and Grievances Redressal Cell will be established at KUM, along with a centralised helpline to facilitate investors, besides reviewing progress of the implementation of projects on a weekly basis. Besides the new 122 MoUs, as many as 1,080 projects with an investment potential of Rs 1.77 lakh crore had been cleared by the industries departments during 2015-16, the minister said. Following the Telangana Rashtra Samithis modus operandi of intimidating Opposition by encouraging political migrations, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh has opened its gates for massive influx of YSRCP leaders in an effort to gain from readymade cadre. Nandyala MLA Bhuma Nagi Reddy and his daughter and Allagadda MLA Bhuma Akhila Priya, Jammalamadaka (Kadapa) MLA Adinarayana Reddy, Vijayawada (West) MLA Jaleel Khan and Narayan Reddy, an MLC, declared that they are joining TDP. All the five have met AP Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu at his camp office in Vijayawada on Monday night and formally joined the party. Naidu, who generally keeps away from such tactics, has finally succumbed to pressure from party seniors following the rude shock the TRS government gave to its Telangana unit by attaching 10 legislators out of its 15 members in that state. While the ball is in the Telangana Assembly speakers court, the stage is set in Andhra Pradesh for a similar exercise, this time targeting YSRCP. In what seems to be a counter to the challenge of YSRCP chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy that he has the power to topple TDP government at any given time as many TDP legislators are in touch with him, the TDP unleashed its political one-upmanship and lifted the flood gates. The first to fall is Nandyala MLA Bhuma Nagi Reddy and his daughter and Allagadda MLA Bhuma Akhila Priya; both prominent leaders of YSRCP. Dropping enough hints about his political aspirations, Nagi Reddy has quit the Public Accounts Committee chairman post that accrued to him for being a member of Opposition here on Monday morning. Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Monday said his New Delhi visit has helped end the misunderstanding over the new statute promulgated in his country. Oli, currently on a trip to India, assured that Kathmandu would never play the China card with India and his country would be firm in not allowing activities hostile to India. His maiden visit to India after taking over as Prime Minister last October comes at a time when the two countries are working hard to put the row over the new statute behind. Protests broke out Within Nepal as disgruntled communities like Madhesis and Tharus feared that the new statute adopted by the countrys Constituent Assembly would further marginalised them and did not meet their aspirations. India also prodded the neighbouring country to ensure that the new statute is inclusive in its approach. The main mission of my coming to India was to clear misunderstanding and apprehensions that surfaced in the past few months following the promulgation of the Constitution, Oli said while delivering the 21st Sapru House Lecture at the Indian Council of World Affairs in New Delhi on Monday. In my meetings with President, Vice President, Prime Minister and all other leaders I tried to clarify what we did in the past few months, what our intentions were and how we want to advance as a nation, he further added, noting that he was convinced that the misunderstanding between the two countries did not persist any more after exchanging his views with Indian leaders. Oli said aligning with India against China or vice versa is not a viable option for Nepal. As neighbours, we continue to have good relations with both and one cannot be compared with the other, the Nepalese PM said. Meeting Oli on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on the new Nepalese Constitution. For Tamil Nadus political parties, technology seems to have gone beyond Facebook and Twitter. Inspired by poll strategies abroad, outfits here jostle to deploy big data, the latest method of analysing complex data to understand the preferences of young and new-gen voters. Parties like the ruling AIADMK, DMK, BJP and Congress have drafted in techies and consultants to fashion poll strategies out of preferences among specific voting segments, something they could discern through big data. Election Commission sources said over one crore of the 5.79 crore eligible voters are between the age of 18 and 30. In addition, about 12 lakh electorates were included in the final rolls of the Special Summary revision-2016. "We have created our party's own system tools on open source data that keep us in direct touch with the electorates, DMK web director N Naveen said, adding that the party would deploy technology significantly to learn voter preferences for preparing its manifesto. "We have also recently launched an initiative where voters could hear the speech of our "Thalaivar" (party chief M Karunanidhi) by giving a missed call to a number", Naveen said. As part of its Mission 234, signifying the 234 total Assembly seats in the state, the AIADMK has planned an online campaign called Olirum Nigazhkalam - Milirum Varumkalam (Shining present; dazzling future) through all modes, partys IT wing Secretary Aspire K Swaminathan said. Swaminathan said the ruling party would use all its resources to reach out to the voters online. The BJP, which used the big data successfully in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, is planning to repeat the feat in Tamil Nadu. "We will tap the internet users in the state and will use this data to accurately understand voter sentiments and local issues", a senior BJP leader said. Parties here may be reluctant to use data analysis for fundraising activities, but they feel it would be an ideal tool in gleaning out localised issues. A fair share of sceptics the PMK and Vaiko-led MDMK among them- assert that big data would be inadequate to reach rural Tamil Nadu. A large number of people reside in the hinterland. Physical contact with voters is therefore better than any analysis, a senior MDMK cadre pointed out. Taps continued to run dry in the national capital as water supply from Haryanas Munak Canal could not be restored on Monday. Repair works started immediately after security forces reached the canal on Monday morning, but the protesterters had badly damaged the canal gates and the control systems that it will take another 7 to 10 days to fix them for restoring normal water supply to the city, Delhi government officials said. However, there was some relief as the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) was able to restore the functioning of Wazirabad plant on Monday evening at 25 per cent capacity. The plant was affected due to high levels of ammonia in Yamuna water. We have brought down the ammonia level to some extent. The current capacity at which the plant will be running is 25 per cent and we are gradually increasing it as ammonia level comes down further, said a DJB official. With this, North and Central Delhi are likely to get some relief. The East and some parts of South are already an exception from the crisis as water to these areas comes from Bhagirathi and Sonia Vihar plants, which have their source in Uttar Pradesh. The government also said that it will start operating the Chandrawal and Okhla plants by late Monday evening. As far as supply from Haryana is concerned, a DJB team consisting of two chief engineers and two superintending engineers reached the site on Monday afternoon to help Haryana irrigation officials. However, there was no relief for Delhiites on Monday. Earlier in the day, the government said that it will be able to partially restore the supply if it gets 400 cusecs water on Monday as the repair work has already started. However, Delhis Water Minister Kapil Mishra said that only 50 cusecs could reach the city. Water has not reached from Haryana till now. We will start Bawana, Dwarka, Haiderpur, and Nangloi water plants the moment water supply is restored from Haryana. They have only released 50 cusecs so far, he said. He also added that water rationing will continue for now and tankers will be made available from Bhagirathi and Sonia Vihar plant. The continuing violence in Haryana even after the government agreed to meet all the demands of the Jat protesters has baffled the state government. The fresh violence, at a time when the protests at many places have receded and Jat leaders have appealed to protesters to return home, is a cause of concern for the state machinery. Many fringe Jat groups and hoodlums among them had emerged in the run-up to the agitation and even during the violent streak it manifested in the last 8 days. Government officials, including the state DGP YS Singal has all through maintained that the agitation has been leaderless. Its now this leaderless format of the agitation that is spelling trouble for the establishment to curtail fresh bouts of violence. Denials apart, there came a point during the course of agitation when Jat leaders were helpless in ensuring restrain among its community members who were breaking loose, damaging private property, burning school buses and running amok. Jat leaders were left to issue denials that those indulging in violence were the ones who were bringing disrepute to the Jat protests. With Army being directed to act tough on protesters, the government hopes this fading streak of violence will end anytime soon. Meanwhile, an audio tape being circulated on social media has given the entire agitation a conspiracy angle. The tape purportedly has the voice of one of the former advisers of former chief minister B S Hooda to incite violence. Hooda claimed that it was an attempt to defame the party and his close associates. The opposition has demanded an inquiry into the episode. Prominent opposition leader Kuldeep Bishnoi has accused Hooda of being a conspirator to the Jat agitation. The veracity of the audio tape is yet to be established. The government is likely to order an inquiry into the issue. The Centres promise to set up a committee on reservation for Jats has failed to pacify the agitators as several parts of Haryana remained in the grip of violence with at least three more protesters killed in clashes with security forces on Monday. The toll has gone up to 16. Though protests largely subsided in many parts of Haryana, tension prevailed in many areas. People stayed indoors while shops, educational institutions and industries remained shut. The national highway connecting Chandigarh and New Delhi was opened in the morning, but protesters continued to block it at Panipat, Sonipat and other places later throughout the day. Security agencies opened fire on a mob in Sonipat that led to violent clashes. Sources said three persons were killed in the firing and at least 15 injured, some of them critically. Protesters burnt a goods train near Sonipat. More than 12 other vehicles were set ablaze. An official car of the SDM, Jhajjar, was also set ablaze. Curfew was relaxed in select areas. Railway tracks and roads were blocked at more than 450 points. According to a PTI report, the All India Jat Aarakshan Sanghursh Samiti later in the evening announced lifting of its dharnas on national and state highways in view of the BJP setting up a committee under a central minister to examine the quota demand for the Jat community. Security forces acted tough on protesters on Monday morning and managed to get the Munak canal functional to ensure that the water supply to New Delhi was restored. The protest at Akbarpur regulator was lifted, but the protesters again blocked the canal at Kabru in Haryana. The protesters were being urged to release water. As an immediate measure, the water of Yamuna canal has been supplied to Delhi through Munak canal to overcome the water crisis in the national capital. The Samjhauta Express between India and Pakistan was canceled. The Lahore-New Delhi bus service has also been suspended in the wake of the protests. The Haryana government has announced full compensation for damage to private property, whether residential or commercial. Directions have been issued to immediately assess the role of all officers, both civil and police, for any act of omission or commission during the agitation. Compensation The government also intends to give a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of the innocent people killed in the agitation. As many as 183 people have been injured in the agitation and 102 have been arrested. The state road transport organisation has suffered heavy losses with 33 of its buses set on fire. Communication hit Mobile communication in many trouble-torn areas is likely to be affected with the company that operates towers of telecommunication in the state facing shortage of diesel. More than 381 petrol pumps in Haryana have gone dry. As many as 185 LPG agencies are out of stock, which shows that supply of essential commodities has taken a severe hit. Jat protesters have damaged 26 petrol pumps during the agitation. The Centre on Monday directed security forces to forcibly clear blockades in Haryana where an agitation for quota by Jats has cut-off the state from other parts of the country. Government sources said a clear instruction has been given to security forces to help Haryana administration clear all blockades put up by the protesters. One of the priorities is to clear the NH-1 that connects Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. It has been blocked for last three days and the Centre has given top priority to clear this road. The rail link between Delhi and Ambala was affected while NH-10 connecting Haryana's Hisar, Jind and Rohtak with Delhi was also blocked. The strong message to the central forces came as the government tried to battle out the perception that there was a break down of law and order situation in the BJP-ruled state. With Parliaments Budget Session beginning Tuesday, the opposition could use the agitation to target the government. Around 6,500 paramilitary forces besides Army columns are deployed in the state. The blockade has also resulted in the skyrocketing of airfares with a Delhi-Chandigarh touching around Rs 17,000 and a Mumbai-Chandigarh fare touching Rs 23,000. However, the Civil Aviation Ministry said it can only request the airlines to keep the rates under check. Meanwhile, a panel led by Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, which was appointed by BJP president Amit Shah, has started its work on thrashing out a solution to the vexed problem. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the situation in Haryana. The BJP leadership had on Sunday engaged Jat leadership and announced that a bill would be tabled in Haryana Assembly granting OBC status to Jats. With the Haryana Assemblys budget session to begin on March 17, the panel headed by Naidu has a tight schedule. The panel would present the report to both the party leadership as well as the central government. Naidu and other members of the panel would meet Jat leaders from Haryana and other states like Uttar Pradesh where Jats have a presence. They will also meet khap leaders. A senior BJP leader said they would be able to come up with a solution after engaging all sections. A Delhi government minister on Monday came in for strong rebuke from the Supreme Court for rushing to the court instead of contacting the Haryana government to restore water supply, which has been disrupted by violent Jat protests. You people, instead of solving the problem at government-to-government level, are moving the Supreme Court. You want order from the Supreme Court. You want everything on a platter. Your minister is sitting in the court instead of going to the field, a bench of Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice U U Lalit said on being told that Delhi Minister and Chairman of Jal Board, Kapil Mishra was present in the court. Senior advocate Rajeev Dhawan, appearing for the Delhi government, submitted that the apex court needs to intervene as the national capital may face water crisis due to damage to the canal. He submitted that the minister was present in the court due to gravity of the situation. The Army has been called in. All that is possible is being done by the Haryana government. What is he (the minister) doing here, the bench asked. This is a matter of governance. Are you saying that the government has done nothing, the bench further asked the counsel, favouring consolidated action from Haryana, Delhi and Union government to resolve the issue. The court, which at one point dismissed the petition seeking intervention, relented after Dhawan pleaded against the rejection of the matter. We are concerned for the people. We believe this (agitation) is going to settle down soon, the bench said, directing the Haryana government to file a status report within two days on a plea by the Delhi government, which sought the courts intervention, alarmed over the impending water crisis in the national capital. The court also asked the Union government to file its reply about the measures undertaken to repair the damaged Munak canal. It also directed the Haryana government to ensure adequate security to engineers engaged in repair work. The Delhi Police on Monday approached the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for written permission to enter the campus after five absconding students surfaced on the premises late on Sunday. Till late in the evening, JNU vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar had not given his permission. The students wanted by police in the sedition case, in which JNU Studentss Union president Kanhaiya Kumar has been arrested, have said they will not surrender. However, they make it clear that they will not resist arrest. Kumar was nabbed after a raid on the university campus and both the police and the JNU administration had come under severe criticism for the incident. This has made the police to seek permission instead of repeating a similar action. A police team has been camping outside the main gate of the JNU campus. Delhi Police Commissioner Bhim Sain Bassi also discussed the situation with Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung. The students have been identified as Umar Khalid, Anirban, Rama Naga, Ashutosh and Ananth Prakash. They were absconding since Kumars arrest on February 12. Bassi has told them to surrender and urged the university to hand them over to Vasant Kunj North police station. They should join the probe. If they are innocent, they should provide evidence of their innocence, Bassi told the media. When asked if police would enter the campus to arrest the students, Bassi said the investigating officer would exercise the best available option. As far as the Delhi Police is concerned, we always aim for maintaining law and order situation, he added. Khalid has rubbished media reports that he had visited Pakistan twice, besides showing displeasure over the police calling him a mastermind who planned similar events across 18 universities. The JNU student and teacher unions have now called for a strike and demanded the resignation of varsity registrar Bupinder Zutshi. Zutshi has said that the university administration has not been contacted by police. On Monday, Joint Commissioner of Police (South Western Range) Dependra Pathak and DCP (South) Prem Nath were at the local police station to monitor the situation. The investigating team, however, has not been allowed to enter the campus. Police are now hoping to get the students to surrender at the gates. In a letter, the DCP (South) has informed the JNU vice chancellor that the students have sedition charges against them and that they must appear at the police station. They are wanted in the case filed with Vasant Kunj North police station. The five figure among the names of the 10 students mentioned in the poster of the controversial February 9 event on JNU campus to mark Parliament attack convict Afzal Gurus hanging. Kanhaiya Kumars name is, however, absent. Investigators have uncovered a fresh lead in the murder of a 41-year-old Indian woman IT professional in Australia last year that indicates someone in India may have played a role in the killing. Prabha Arun Kumar of Bangalore, who was sent to Australia on a 3-year deputation by MindTree, was stabbed to death by an unidentified assailant while walking towards her home in Sydney in March. Over 2,000 people have been questioned and almost 250 statements have been recorded as part of the probe into the killing, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Someone in India may be involved in stabbing of a 41-year-old Indian woman to death, an IT professional in Sydney last year, Australian police has said after quizzing over 2,000 people in connection with the mysterious murder. Prabha Arun Kumar of Bengaluru, who was sent to Australia on a three-year deputation by MindTree company, was stabbed to death by an unidentified assailant, while walking towards her home in Sydney. Over 2,000 people have been questioned by police and almost 250 statements have been recorded as part of the investigation into the killing, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Police had several persons of interest in their sights over the killing of the mother, as they attempt to piece together who stabbed the IT worker after she got off the train at Parramatta on March 7 last year. One of the lines of inquiry is that someone known to Kumar, and living in India, was involved in her death. We have considered the possibility that an offender had (helped commit or been involved with) this crime outside Australia, Detective Sergeant Ritchie Sim told Fairfax Media. While detectives weigh the theory that someone in a country 10,000 kilometres away had a hand in her death, they are confident that Kumar did not know the person who actually stabbed her. We are considering the possibility that the offender is still in Australia as well the possibility that the offender has left Australia, he said. Every resident in the Parramatta park area, where the incident took place were at home that night have spoken, the area has been canvassed as many as four times. Murder weapon has not yet been discovered. Kumar, who was speaking to her India-based husband on the phone while walking down a dimly lit path in a Paramatta park, was barely 300 metres away from her home in western Sydney when she was suddenly approached by someone and fatally stabbed in the neck. Over the past one year, investigators probe has spanned both countries. Intrinsic-ID Security Solutions on Display at Mobile World Congress, RSA Conference, and CEBIT Together with its partners NXP, Invensense and Synopsys, Intrinsic-ID Addresses Growing Need for Securing the Internet of Things (IoT) San Jose, California, February 22nd, 2016. Intrinsic-ID, a leading provider of Cyber Physical Security Solutions, is launching a series of new innovations aimed at securing the Internet of Things (IoT) with key partners at three major industry events. Intrinsic-ID will demonstrate joint offerings with Synopsys, Invensense and NXP at Mobile World Congress, the RSA conference and CeBIT. At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, February 22-25, an integrated demonstration showing Intrinsic IDs Physically Unclonable Function (PUF)technology running on Synopsys ARC EM Processor with SecureShield technology will be available in Synopsys suite, Hall 6 (6O1MR). Simultaneously, Intrinsic-ID will showcase the TrustedSensor solution, a secure sensor-based authentication system with InvenSenses Firefly SoC with InvenSense in Hall 2 (2C16MR). At the RSA conference in San Francisco, California, Intrinsic-ID will demonstrate the advantage of PUF-based key storage versus conventional key storage on NXP smart cards. Intrinsic-ID will be at the NXP booth (South Expo #S1547). From March 14 to 16, Intrinsic-ID will attend CeBit in Hannover, Germany and will demonstrate how to set up an end-to-end trustworthy semiconductor supply chain at the Intrinsic-ID booth in Hall 11. IoT applications are driven by data gathered by endpoints in the field, which makes protecting endpoint devices and the data a critical factor. We see a growing need to secure endpoints in the IoT space, said Dr. Pim Tuyls, CEO of Intrinsic-ID. By working closely with partners such as NXP, Invensense and Synopsys, we created an ultra-low-power implementation of our industry-Ieading PUF technology, which forms a trust anchor in the low and high-end chips, microcontrollers and sensors that drive the IoT market. From the factory where the chips are produced, up to the full end systems, we are able to provide IoT security. In cooperation with its partners, Intrinsic-IDs PUF technology has been integrated into ultra-low power devices. Intrinsic-IDs new products enable SoC developers to support security-sensitive transactions such as smart payment or secure communication with devices in the field (wearables, sensors, smart building appliances, etc.) without the cost or power consumption of a separate security processor core. Intrinsic-IDs security solutions apply to both semiconductor manufacturers and OEMs. Here is where Intrinsic-ID will present its new security solutions: Mobile World Congress February 22nd to 25th, Barcelona, Spain Demonstrating TrustedSensor with Invensense at Hall 2, 2C16MR Demonstrating PUF technology with Synopsys ARC EM processor in Synopsys suite, Hall 6, 6O1MR RSA Conference February 29th to March 4th, San Francisco, USA Demonstrating PUF on smart cards with NXP at South Expo #S1547 CeBIT March 14th 16th (first 3 days), Hannover, Germany Demonstrating Fuzzy ID Intrinsic-IDs solution for supply chain management and counterfeit protection Hall 11 About Intrinsic-ID Intrinsic-ID is a world leader in the field of Cyber Physical Security Systems as a provider of Physical Unclonable Functions (PUF). Using our patented PUF technology, secret keys and identifiers are reliably extracted from the physical properties of chips. Much like the electronic equivalent of a human fingerprint the PUF uniquely identifies and authenticates any electronic device. PUFs can be used for secure hardware key management, to establish a hardware root of trust or to protect the electronic supply chains against clones and counterfeits. Intrinsic-IDs security solutions serve a wide range of markets: Embedded systems, IoT, Identification, automotive, communications, content distribution, pay TV, government and defense. Licensees include NXP, Altera, Microsemi, Mentor Graphics, Synopsys and Invensense. Intrinsic-ID is a spin-off from Philips Electronics. The company is headquartered in San Jose, USA and has its R&D office in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Learn more at www.intrinsic-id.com. Fathers under psychological stress could pass on an increased risk of type 2 diabetes to their children, a study on mice finds. Researchers at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine report that stress hormones lead to epigenetic changes in sperm that gives offspring high blood sugar. However, blocking a fathers stress hormones could prevent this change. While the study was conducted on mice, the Shanghai team believe the findings could apply to humans as well. The researchers confined male mice in plastic tubes for two hours a day for two weeks to induce stress. The animals glucose levels were slightly increased, but the mice gained weight more slowly and had increased levels of glucocorticoids, a stress hormone, in their blood. The male mice were then mated with unstressed female mice, and their offspring had higher blood glucose levels than normal. Raised blood glucose levels are characteristic of prediabetes, which can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. A gene called Sfmbt2 was response for the increased blood sugar, according to the researchers. During the rise in glucocorticoids, extra methyl groups were added to the Sfmbt2 gene in the sperm of the male mice. The microRNA in Sfmbt2, which plays a key role in the regulation of gene expressio, helps control sugar production in the liver, which is where the changes in stress levels were observed. But when mammals reproduce, Sfmbt2 is deactivated in the egg from the mother, meaning its offspring only inherits working copy from the fathers sperm. Professor Xiaoying Li explained: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated the association of psychological stress with incident diabetes. Paternal psychological stress can result in hyperglycemia in offspring in mice. We are curious about whether the effect can be passed down through generations. Li added that by understanding the mechanism involved, researchers could inhibit the effects of glucocorticoids on the sperm. This could be achieved by injecting male mice with a molecule which prevents the Sfmbt2 gene from being overly methylated. It is potentially possible for our study to be translated into the treatment of hyperglycemia in human beings in the future, Li said. The findings were published in the journal Cell Metabolism. In a recent study, the diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone) prevented people who had already had a stroke from having a second one. The study, which was conducted by researchers at Yale School of Medicine, Connecticut, found that Actos reduced the risk of second stroke by 24 per cent. What is Actos? Actos is a once-daily medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It works by making the body more sensitive to the insulin it produces. Actos has a controversial history: studies published in 2012 found that taking the drug for more than a year increases the risk of bladder cancer by 83 per cent. Two years later, Takeda, the drugs manufacturer, was fined $6bn for destroying health data-related documents about Actos. Fortunately, this study is more positive news. Actos represents a new option for patients who have had a stroke to help prevent a future stroke, said Dr. Walter Kerna, professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, and the studys lead researcher. How was the study conducted? The researchers analysed data from nearly 4,000 people, all of whom had had a stroke. The participants were divided into two groups. The first group was prescribed Actos; the second was prescribed a placebo. None of the patients had diabetes, but many of them displayed evidence of insulin resistance. Over a period of five years, nine per cent of the Actos group had a second stroke, compared to 12 per cent of the placebo group. Taking Actos also reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes, which was perhaps to be expected. Why does Actos reduce the risk of stroke? The researchers are unsure exactly why Actos prevents stroke, but it is likely that it is due to the drugs positive effects on inflammation, insulin resistance and management of fats. A combination of these factors, Kernan says, favourably affects the function of blood vessels. These could explain its effects on recurrence of stroke and heart attack. The news is of particular interest to people with diabetes, who have a higher risk of stroke than people who dont have diabetes. This is because diabetes affects the blood vessels. Will Actos be used to treat people who have had a stroke? If further studies show that Actos can be used to prevent stroke, then the drug may well be considered as a stroke treatment. However, that will likely be in at least several years time; the scientific community must first weigh up the potential benefits against the possible risks. Kernan said: Actos may be an option for patients who have had a stroke or mini-stroke, but its role will have the emerge from a debate among scientists about our results. Dr. Richard Libma, vice chairman of neurology at Long Island Jewish Medical Centre in New Hyde Park, New York, explains that significant further testing will be needed before Actos is confirmed as a stroke treatment. This is the first study to show that treating these patients with a medication which improves insulin resistance can decrease the risk of having a subsequent stroke or heart attack, he said. It is only a single study, but it is compelling. The findings are published in the New England Journal of Medicine. What do you get when a computer whiz takes on Language Learning? The app Duolingo is the best answer. Founded by Louis Von Ahn, the man who sold two companies to Google while still in his 20s, and Severin Hacker, a PHD student under Ahn at Carnegie Melon University, it brings language learning to the masses, through their smartphones. While at first glance, Duolingo seems like any other ambitious attempt at using the power of smartphones, it has some huge numbers backing it. The app, which is available on Android, iOS and Windows, has 110 million registered users globally, but is only just starting to take India seriously. Von Ahn, today, introduced a new feature, allowing Indian users to learn English in Hindi. "A team within the company is dedicated entirely to making the app better for India," says Ahn. Duolingo plans to bring more regional languages to the app. Further, Ahn explains that Duolingo has brought its app size down to 10MB and aims to bring it down to 3MB for India. In addition, recognising that there is a need for English learning in India, Duolingo has brought the language to the forefront of the app, while it was earlier hidden beneath the 'more' option. When you start using Duolingo, you'll most likely find it improbable to learn this way. It takes a few attempts to recognise that it can help you. After all, 110 million people must have seen something in it, right? What makes this app even more interesting though is all the data mining going on in the background. Von Ahn and company are utilising the data from all the users to develop teaching methods. So, what you're doing on the app is based on what has helped others and there'll be newer techniques peppered across your modules that'll later help others. It's like teachers from one part of the world are sitting down with teachers from another part, developing new teaching methods based on their collective student-base, only, there's little human involvement here. Duolingo runs studies within its own users. To a part of its users it teaches in a particular manner, while to the others, it tries a different way. Ahn says Duolingo runs these tests every week to improve its own teaching methods. Of course, learning a language can sometimes be of little use if you have nothing to show for it. For that, Duolingo has a test feature, through which you can actually get certified. While the learning part is free, certification will cost you money, but it'll be below Rs. 300 ($20). This is less than 10% of what other tests, like TOEFL, would cost you. The company is working with universities for accredition of these tests, and has developed methods to ensure that candidates can't cheat. Ahn says about $10 billion per year is spent on learning languages, and all of the tests cost about $200 and you have to go to a testing centre to take it. It also has to be done in a testing centre. Through Duolingo, you can do this on your phone or PC, and get the results in 48 hours. What Von Ahn and company are doing here is a complete democratisation of the language learning process. I've personally been using the app, to learn Spanish, for about four days now, and I can guarantee that 10 minutes every day has helped me learn quite a bit. There's an interesting statistic here, Von Ahn says that an study shows that 34 hours on Duolingo is equal to a semester's worth of learning in universities. The app's interface has been kept simple, with the focus on voice (for pronounciation) and learning through gamification. It's a very practical approach too. Language can only be learned through practice, so, in the 40 minutes that I've spent on the app, I've basically been repeating a set of basics, while adding new things each day. Ahn says there are 1.2 billion people learning language worldwide, and in many countries, you can double your income by learning English. Duolingo's goal is to bring language learning to the masses and Ahn says it has faced some specific challenges for India. He says his team is working on making the app more India friendly and hopes it'll help users here. The Lenovo Vibe K5 houses Snapdragon 415, 2GB RAM and 5-inch HD display, while the K5 Plus houses Snapdragon 616, 2GB RAM and 5-inch Full HD display. Lenovo has announced two new smartphones at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2016. While the announcements were far from being the magnanimous shows of technology from the likes of LG and Samsung, the two new budget smartphones can prove to be important devices in value-conscious markets like India. Both the devices support 4G LTE connectivity, and will be made available in three colour variants. The Lenovo Vibe K5 is powered by a Snapdragon 415 chipset and Adreno 405 GPU, coupled with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage that is expandable by upto 32GB. It has a 5-inch LCD display with a resolution of 720x1280 pixels and pixel density of 294 ppi. It has a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, and a 2750mAh battery powers the smartphone. The smartphone is priced at $129, approximately Rs. 8,850. The Lenovo Vibe K5 Plus( 6199 at amazon), on the other hand, is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 616 chipset and Adreno 405 GPU, coupled with 2GB of RAM and 16GB internal storage that is expandable. The 5-inch LCD display panel has a resolution of 1080x1920 pixels with pixel density of 441 ppi. Like the K5, the Vibe K5 Plus also has a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, and a 2750mAh battery. It is priced at $149, or approximately Rs. 10,200. Both the smartphones run on Android Lollipop (v5.1), and offer the standard array of connectivity options including Bluetooth v4.1 and microUSB 2.0. Details of their launch and exact pricing in India are yet to be received. Watch this space for more details on the latest devices by Lenovo. Oil futures returned to positive territory on Monday, after the International Energy Agency put out forecasts predicting a gradual supply correction over the next two years. Easing concerns about the supply glut, the agency noted in its medium-term outlook that US shale oil production was expected to fall by 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year and another 200,000 bpd in 2017. Additionally, while Iran remains non-committal, Nigeria suggested it would be in favour of an oil production freeze initiative put forward by Saudi Arabia, Russia, Venezuela and Qatar last week. At 1653 GMT, the Brent front-month oil futures contract was up 5.15% or $1.70 at $34.71 per barrel, while WTI was up 6.68% or $1.98 at $31.62 per barrel. Jasper Lawler, analyst at CMC Markets, said, The previous two sessions of oil market declines have not undone the gains after the production freeze was announced. A close above $36 per barrel in Brent crude could see more shorts unwound and a fairly rapid move towards $40. Meanwhile, precious metals headed lower shedding some of the past weeks gains. The COMEX front-month gold futures contract was down 1.58% or $19.40 at $1,211.40 an ounce, while spot gold was down 1.26% or $15.42 cents to $1,211.38 an ounce. Spot platinum fell 1.13% or $10.65 to $928.75 an ounce, but COMEX silver fell 1.03% or 16 cents to $15.22 an ounce. Headline base metal futures stayed in positive territory on the London Metal Exchange. At 1635 GMT, three-month futures contracts of tin (up 1.1%), nickel (up 3.4%), copper (up 2.3%), primary aluminium (up 1.7%) and lead (up 1.0%) posted decent upticks. Liz Grant, senior account executive at Sucden Financial, said, LME turnover returned to "normal" levels on Monday and prices were steady on the back of higher equities and oil. Prices rose during the overnight Asian session, following good closes last week and the momentum was carried through the London day even with a stronger dollar. Copper rose to challenge $4,700/t area with a 3kmt LME stock decline. But with equities back in favour and oil prices recovering, gold gave up some gains, trading back to 1202 and last at 1210. Finally, headline agricultural commodity futures were on positive turf. CBOT corn (up 0.81%), CME live cattle (up 1.21%), ICE cotton (up 0.34%) and cocoa (up 0.4%) futures headed higher in early trading calls stateside. Google is facing further antitrust investigations by the European Union's competition regulator, according to reports of a follow-up probe after charges were made last year. The European Commission has reopened its probe into the US internet behemoth, examining data from several companies in the online advertising sector that may relate to the way Google maintains its dominant position, according to sources cited by Bloomberg on Monday. Last April, EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager charged the Californian company with abusing its dominant position in the markets for general internet search services in Europe, breaking European Union competition rules by favouring its own products and services on its online search results. That was the first ever formal antitrust charge that had been brought against Google. Having probed the company since November 2010, the antitrust regulator said Google was "systematically favouring its own comparison shopping product in its general search results pages", which infringes EU antitrust rules because it "stifles competition and harms consumers". Google responded with a blog that said it "respectfully but strongly" disagreed and later argued that there is no basis for the claims. The FTSE 100 ended on a high note as oil and metals prices extended their recent rally, giving mining stocks a boost. Miners Glencore, BHP Billiton, Antofagasta and Rio Tinto registered gains as copper prices jumped 2.07% and oil prices rose after the rich worlds oil watchdog said it expected a drop in production this year and next. Easing concerns about the supply glut, the International Energy Agency said in its medium-term outlook on Monday that US shale oil production was expected to fall by 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year and another 200,000 bpd in 2017. Brent crude climbed 4.4% to $34.53 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate surged 5.1% to $33.47 per barrel at 1619 GMT. In economic data, Chinas business confidence in February declined, fuelling hopes for further stimulus measures. The MNI China Business Sentiment Indicator fell for the second consecutive month to 49.9 in February from 52.3 in January as production dropped to a two-year low. Earlier in the session, iron ore prices recovered to $50 a tonne, making for gains of almost 30% from their December lows, on indications for better demand in Chinas construction and infrastructure markets and supply factors. The DJ Stoxx 600s Basic Resources gauge jumped 6.46%. Meanwhile, the pounds value plunged after London Mayor Boris Johnsons surprise decision to back the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union. Prime Minister David Cameron slammed Boris in the House of Commons, accusing the politician of backing Brexit for his own personal leadership ambitions. The announcement from Johnson saw the pound tumble 1.92% against the US dollar - its largest single-day loss since 2009. Jefferies said: To date, there is no evidence (at least through the Bank of England agents) that the risk of Brexit is postponing investment intentions. In a Brexit the UK would lose its credit rating and there would be more focus on the UKs current account deficit and how that would be funded in a world where reserve managers held fewer Gilts. Sterling would undoubtedly fall. Elsewhere, Markits Eurozone manufacturing purchasing managers index fell to 51 in February from 52.3 in January, worse than the reading of 52 expected by analysts. However, a reading above 50 signals an expansion in sector activity. Markits US manufacturing purchasing managers index fell to 51.0 in February from 52.4 in January. Analysts had expected no change. A reading above 50 signals expansion in sector activity while a level below that indicates a contraction. In company news, HSBC shares declined after it reported full year profit that missed forecasts and predicted a bumpier financial environment ahead due to a slowdown in China. Housebuilders were the biggest fallers including Berkeley Group, Taylor Wimpey, Barratt Developments and British Land. Citing research from Liberum, The Sunday Telegraph reported that the market is pricing in concerns of another recession as shares in housebuilders are down about 18% during the past six months. Bovis Homes reversed earlier gains after reporting a jump in full year pre-tax profit and revenue as legal completions and prices rose and the housebuilder sounded an upbeat note on 2016. Anglo American was on the front foot following reports that the company may sell De Beers London headquarters, which would be the end of an era for the worlds largest diamond company. Home Retail advanced following media reports over the weekend that Sainsburys could seek an extension to the Takeover Panels 18 March deadline, after South African retailer Steinhoff made an offer to the Argos owner. Primark owner Associated British Foods climbed as it said full year profits will be better than expected, supported by the recent weakening of sterling. Market Movers FTSE 100 (UKX) 6,038.45 1.48% FTSE 250 (MCX) 16,286.46 0.79% techMARK (TASX) 3,130.40 1.29% FTSE 100 - Risers Glencore (GLEN) 131.80p 11.32% Anglo American (AAL) 483.75p 10.79% BHP Billiton (BLT) 795.00p 8.55% Rio Tinto (RIO) 2,051.00p 8.43% Antofagasta (ANTO) 516.50p 7.49% Standard Chartered (STAN) 436.30p 5.23% BP (BP.) 356.85p 3.96% Royal Dutch Shell 'A' (RDSA) 1,624.50p 3.93% Ashtead Group (AHT) 879.00p 3.84% Coca-Cola HBC AG (CDI) (CCH) 1,467.00p 3.82% FTSE 100 - Fallers Berkeley Group Holdings (The) (BKG) 3,200.00p -4.85% Taylor Wimpey (TW.) 175.00p -4.74% Barratt Developments (BDEV) 558.50p -4.45% Persimmon (PSN) 1,973.00p -4.32% Kingfisher (KGF) 330.50p -3.39% British Land Company (BLND) 671.00p -3.10% Next (NXT) 6,830.00p -2.50% Sainsbury (J) (SBRY) 255.20p -2.26% Land Securities Group (LAND) 1,013.00p -2.22% Dixons Carphone (DC.) 440.20p -1.83% FTSE 250 - Risers Home Retail Group (HOME) 173.70p 13.09% Dechra Pharmaceuticals (DPH) 1,168.00p 9.98% Vedanta Resources (VED) 270.00p 7.87% Millennium & Copthorne Hotels (MLC) 408.60p 7.81% Drax Group (DRX) 257.80p 6.84% esure Group (ESUR) 243.40p 4.87% Morgan Advanced Materials (MGAM) 220.10p 4.86% Amec Foster Wheeler (AMFW) 365.40p 4.49% Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) 75.90p 4.40% Computacenter (CCC) 835.00p 4.38% FTSE 250 - Fallers Bellway (BWY) 2,498.00p -5.56% Nostrum Oil & Gas (NOG) 262.10p -4.69% CLS Holdings (CLI) 1,459.00p -4.33% Poundland Group (PLND) 173.60p -4.30% Sophos Group (SOPH) 205.10p -4.07% Bovis Homes Group (BVS) 874.00p -4.01% AO World (AO.) 173.20p -3.78% Clarkson (CKN) 1,750.00p -2.83% Redrow (RDW) 412.50p -2.74% Ibstock (IBST) 200.00p -2.44% David Cameron derided London mayor Boris Johnson's suggestion that a second referendum on Britain's European Union membership might be possible to secure better terms from Brussels, saying the vote on 23 June will be "final". An already fraught relationship between the Prime Minister and Johnson only got worse on Monday afternoon after Cameron launched a string of barbs during a speech in the House of Commons. Cameron attacked the motivations behind Johnson throwing his hat in the ring with the 'Leave' campaign, arguing he might see it as a successful ploy for his own political ambitions. "I won't dwell on the irony that some people who want to leave in order to remain," Cameron told MPs. "Such an approach also ignores more profound points about democracy and diplomacy". "Sadly, Mr Speaker, I have known a number of couples who have begun divorce proceedings. I do not know any who have begun divorce proceedings in order to renew their wedding vows," he added. In the opinion of the Tory leader - who has previously said he will not stand for re-election - the terms of the agreement reached in Brussels meant the UK would be forever "carved out" of the promise of an 'ever closer union'. "It means the ratchet of the European court taking power away from this country cannot happen in the future." Johnson could be seen muttering "rubbish, rubbish" as the Prime Minister spoke and has called on Britons not to heed the fearmongers about the dangers of a Brexit and to be "brave" in their vote. For London's Mayor, "there is only one way to get the change we need and that is to vote to go. Britain voting to leave the European Union will weigh on confidence, delay investment decisions and possibly lead to a negative outlook for government debt, credit agencies Fitch and Moody's warned. After David Cameron announced a 23 June date for the in-or-out referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union over the weekend, there was an immediate reaction in a falling pound on Monday. Fitch said its base case was that the UK would stay in the EU but said a vote to leave was a "real possibility", while Moody's said the outcome of the referendum was "too close to call". Moody's analysts added: We consider it positive that the referendum will take place as soon as June, as a lengthy period of uncertainty on the part of firms and investors would damage the UKs economic growth prospects. That said, the outcome of the referendum remains wide open. In our view, a decision to leave the EU would be credit negative for the UK economy." Moodys current Aa1 rating and "stable" outlook for government debt could, it said, change to a negative" outlook, implying a greater chance of a downgrade in the future. Fitch said that while it believes that in the event of an Out vote, the authorities on both sides would try to avoid disrupting the deep economic and financial integration between the UK and EU by establishing new relationships and trade agreements, there would certainly be some significant risks and a likelihood that the EU would impose some harsh measures on the UK to prevent other countries from trying to leave too. "Some tightening of the freedom of EU citizens' to work in the UK would be likely. Avoiding large-scale, permanent disruption to trade relations, including services, could limit the long-term economic cost to the UK, with Brexit only moderately negative for the UK," Fitch said. "But there would be significant risks, especially if the remaining EU members attempted to impose punitive conditions on the UK to deter other countries from leaving, or the UK sought very tough restrictions on EU citizens coming to work in the UK." The International Energy Agency (IEA) has cautioned consumers about cheap oil lulling them into a false sense of security. In a report published on Monday, the agency predicted a recovery in oil prices to commence in 2017, despite Brent futures having ended 2015 nearly 36% lower on an annualised basis. The IEA forecasts that global oil supply will grow by 4.1m barrels per day between 2015 and 2021, down from an increase of 11m bpd between 2009 and 2015. It also predicts investment towards oil exploration and production to fall by 17% in 2016. Commenting on the forecast, Dr Fatih Birol, executive director of the IEA, said: "It is easy for consumers to be lulled into complacency by ample stocks and low prices today, but they should heed the writing on the wall: the historic investment cuts we are seeing raise the odds of unpleasant oil-security surprises in the not-too-distant-future." Oil prices have seen a marginal recovery in recent weeks, but remain well short of $115 per barrel levels seen in June 2014. At 1958 GMT, the Brent front-month futures contract was up 4.91% or $1.62 to $34.63 per barrel. Shares in Home Retail surged on Monday following media reports over the weekend that Sainsburys could seek an extension to the Takeover Panels 18 March deadline, after South African retailer Steinhoff made an offer to the Argos owner. Late on Friday, Home Retail confirmed it had received an approach from Steinhoff regarding a possible cash offer for the company at 175p per share. Home Retail said the board was reviewing the proposal with its advisers and would make an announcement in due course. Independent retail analyst Nick Bubb said that with a market cap of about 18bn, it can be assumed that Steinhoff has the cash resources to fund the 175p bid and. With the Conforama chain in Europe and Harveys and Bensons in the UK, there are plenty of synergies in furnishings and electricals for them from owning Argos, so it looks like Sainsbury has a real fight on its hands, he said. TheSteinhoff 175p cash bid is cleverly pitched, as if Sainsbury want to top it they will be pushing towards the 200p level that they openly scoffed at a few weeks ago, when some Home Retail shareholders demanded a bid of 200p plus, Bubb added. Meanwhile, Shore Capital said Sainsburys which has yet to formally respond to Steinhoff has been very opportunistic, creative and entrepreneurial with its bid for Home Retail, including the utilisation of the debtor book and the combination with Sainsbury's Bank. However, Sainsbury's management has also repeatedly stated that it will not overpay for the Argos business, the brokerage said. Entering a bidding war with Steinhoff, noting the cash element of the new bidder, would show determination but may test the resolve of its shareholders and the assumption of not over-paying given the risks involve. Shore said that kicking the bid into touch, however, would be a major disappointment to Sainsburys boss mike Coupe. We could clearly understand if Sainsbury's decide to walk away at this juncture. Societe Generale said that if Sainsburys wants to buy Home Retail, it will have to raise its bid All things being equal, the sensitivity is as follows: a 10% increase in Sainsburys bid price would offset 10% of potential value creation driven by synergies (managements target is at least 120m at the EBITDA level), the French bank said. Given Sainsburys limited financial leeway, we think it would be difficult/risky to make a 100% offer in cash, it said noting that Steinhoffs offer is 100% cash versus only 50% for Sainsburys. Sainsburys has made a cash and shares offer of 161.3p per share for Home Retail. At 1010 GMT, Home Retail shares were up 12% to 172.38p while Sainsburys was down 1.8% to 256.60p. Associated British Foods was banking on a decline in the pound on Monday, as it prepared the market for a dip in earnings in the current first half. The company's board said it expected some progress in adjusted operating profit for the group in the current period, though adjusted earnings per share were expected to be slightly lower. ABF said the underlying trading outlook for the full year remained unchanged, with the weakening of sterling in recent weeks - particularly against the euro - easing the effect of currency translation on the year's results from 25m to 10m. "We now expect only a marginal decline in adjusted earnings per share for the group, for the full year," its board said in a statement. The company expected an operating cash outflow in the first half of the year consistent with its previous cyclical pattern of cash generation, with a lower working capital outflow as a result of reduced sugar stocks and a lower inventory at Primark. Capital expenditure was higher, however, driven by the expansion of the Primark chain. "Net debt is expected to be some 0.4bn, substantially lower than at the same time last year, reflecting good cash management in this year's first half and strong cash generation in the second half of last year," the board said. Broken down by categories, ABF's grocery division was looking at revenue and profit close to the prior year on a constant currency basis, though revenue was expected to be slightly lower at actual exchange rates with margins continuing to show progress. The company said its sugar division - AB Sugar - was performing steadily in the first half. "World prices remain low, but a tightening of EU and Chinese stock levels has resulted in a strengthening of domestic prices in those markets," the board explained. As most of British Sugar's contracts for the current year were already agreed, the board warned that there would be no material impact from the improvement in pricing until next year. In agriculture, revenue was expected to be lower than last year, particularly in the UK feed business AB Connect. Excellent trading at AB Vista was driving further margin improvement for the division as a whole, however. The company's ingredients arm was looking at revenues ahead of last year at constant currency, though a little lower at actual exchange rates, the board said. "Operating profit will again be well ahead of last year, with further recovery in yeast and bakery ingredients and another strong performance from ABF Ingredients," the board stated. ABF's retail division - which consisted entirely of budget high street fashion chain Primark - was the shining star for the board, with sales expected to be 7.5% at constant currency and 4% at actual exchange rate, as a result of the brand's continued expansion. "Operating profit margin in the period had been better than expected, with much of the impact of the stronger dollar being mitigated by a good buying performance and a lower level of markdowns arising from a well-managed stock position," the board said. Primark's foray into the US was continuing apace as well, with the second store in the country opening in November and the company planning a further six stores in the current calendar year. "Early trading at our two new stores in the US has been encouraging with the range and concept being well-received," the board said. Resource stocks started the week on a positive note, with headline London indices ending Mondays session in the green. At the close of proceedings, the FTSE 100 ended 1.47% or 87.50 points higher at 6037.73, while the FTSE 250 ended 0.81% or 130.74 points higher at 16,288.80. Oil futures spiked after the International Energy Agency put out forecasts predicting a gradual supply correction over the next two years. Easing concerns about the supply glut, the agency noted in its medium-term outlook that US shale oil production was expected to fall by 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year and another 200,000 bpd in 2017. Additionally, while Iran remains non-committal, Nigeria suggested it would be in favour of an oil production freeze initiative put forward by Saudi Arabia, Russia, Venezuela and Qatar last week. At 1653 GMT, the Brent front-month oil futures contract was up 5.15% or $1.70 at $34.71 per barrel, while WTI was up 6.68% or $1.98 at $31.62 per barrel. Meanwhile, precious metals headed lower shedding some of the past weeks gains. The COMEX front-month gold futures contract was down 1.58% or $19.40 at $1,211.40 an ounce, while spot gold was down 1.26% or $15.42 cents to $1,211.38 an ounce. Spot platinum fell 1.13% or $10.65 to $928.75 an ounce, but COMEX silver fell 1.03% or 16 cents to $15.22 an ounce. Headline base metal futures stayed in positive territory on the London Metal Exchange. At 1635 GMT, three-month futures contracts of tin (up 1.1%), nickel (up 3.4%), copper (up 2.3%), primary aluminium (up 1.7%) and lead (up 1.0%) posted decent upticks. Predictably, miners led the gains with Glencore (up 11.82%), Anglo American (up 10.79%), BHP Billiton (up 8.55%), Rio Tinto (up 8.43%) and Antofagasta (up 7.70%) being the biggest FTSE 100 risers. Vedanta Resources (up 7.27%) led the FTSE 250 gainers. However, concerns over a possible British Exit or Brexit from the European Union and doubts over the economy weighed on housebuilders. Berkeley Group (down 4.76%), Taylor Wimpey (down 4.74%), Persimmon (down 4.32%) and Barratts (down 4.19%) were among the biggest FTSE 100 fallers. Elsewhere, the focus was on retail stocks. Home Retail advanced following media reports over the weekend that Sainsburys could seek an extension to the Takeover Panels 18 March deadline, after South African retailer Steinhoff made an offer to the Argos owner. Primark owner Associated British Foods climbed as it said full year profits will be better than expected, supported by the recent weakening of sterling. Variety is the slice of life in Joe's salute to National Pizza Month An Elvis club which was established two years ago has raised almost 8,000 for local charities. The club, which is run by Elvis fan Beatrice Farrelly will host another magnificent event in aid of Eva McCafferty, 3, from Crolly on March 19th in the Stepping Stone Dungloe. The child uses a wheelchair and her family hopes that she will undergo surgery in the Childrens University Hospital, Templestreet in Dublin to insert a feeding peg into her stomach. Eva will be four in April. It is hoped that people from across the country will come together in the Stepping Stone Dungloe to attend this major event which is themed Presley meets Cash. This is the first time that the club is hosting an evening which celebrates the work of both of these iconic stars who once traveled the circuit together. David Bishop will do his first ever Johnny Cash show at the Dungloe based club. Well known Ciaran Houlihan will travel from Dublin to the event to present his Elvis tribute. David Wilson from Wales will be doing his debut in Ireland. It promises to be a great night. Elvis and Cash used to tour together so this should be a really good night and people should enjoy it, Beatrice said. A lady from Belfast has offered an impressive Elvis plate which is to be auctioned during the evening. The plate is one that is expensive and it is hoped that the plate will go to a good Elvis home. The plate is an expensive item. It is worth a lot of money. We will try to auction it off on the night. I am hoping that it will go to a really good Elvis home, Beatrice said. The Rosses Elvis Club is understood to be the only one in the country. Beatrice established the club two years ago. Elvis clubs across the world raises money for charity and it was with this in mind that Beatrice began raising money throught the club for local charities. The Rosses based lady is a regular on Rosses Radio and many tune in to listen to her Elvis tunes. People come from near and far to attend her Elvis nights. Many are expected to arrive from Belfast on March 19th. Travel from Belfast People travel from Belfast to the events. There is a huge number of Elvis fans out there and they love events like this, she said. Letterkenny based artist, Redmond Herrity has helped Beatrice with her charity nights. On this occasion he has created Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley fridge magnets. These items alongside other items will be raffled off on the night. Beatrice said that the generosity of people has been outstanding over the past two years. We have raised almost over 8,000 two years. We have run seven nights during that period, she said. If anyone would like to donate to the event or would like further information regarding the event they can contact Beatrice Farrelly through her Facebook page. The approximately $25 million Kewaunee County budget presented on Tuesday drew only praise during the scheduled board meeting. Kewaunee County Administrator Scott Feldt went department by department describing some of the highlights of the budget. Even though the budget size and the tax levy amount went up, taxpayers will likely pay less depending on their property values. One of the budget's more significant changes is with the corporation counsel, which will become a full-time position in 2023. Before winning his position as a circuit court judge, Jeffrey Wisnicky served a dual role as corporation counsel and human services director. Feldt hopes that once a new corporation counsel is hired and gets a grasp of the position, they can be contracted out to other municipalities. The county will continue to receive payments from Dominion due to the Kewaunee Power Station closure. The $500,000 has been used in the past to fund loans to Bug Tussel Wireless as they wire the county with broadband and fiber services. The countys human services department commands the most significant part of the budget at $6 million, but the staffs ability to get reimbursed for billable hours has lessened its impact on the tax levy by as much as $60,000. It also contains the budgets biggest question mark, which sets aside $20,000 a month for two children determined to be under the countys care. One of the few questions of the discussion came from Supervisor Aaron Augustian. He asked Feldt why they are paying down an additional $300,000 in debt service ahead of the countys most considerable expense moving forward: the future jail facility. Supervisor Gerald Paape praised Feldt and his staff for putting together the budget and making it easy to understand. The Kewaunee County Board will vote to approve the budget at their next meeting. Community members made no comments during the public hearing on the budget preceding the board meeting. Last week marked Georgia Small Business Week, and the 2016 Small Business Rock Stars were announced, including D&J Plastics of Georgetown. Every year, the Small Business Rock Stars honor Georgias best small businesses that have shown outstanding leadership, innovation and growth over 12 months. With 72 employees, D&J Plastics manufactures plastic fishing lures, which are used worldwide by recreational and professional anglers. Since starting the business in 1997, the company has grown from a 4,500-square foot facility with one molding machine to a 64,000-square foot facility running 24 molding machines and producing over 750,000 lures a day. The company puts a high focus on quality and competitiveness, and its one-of-a-kind molds are personally designed by both CEO Dennis Montgomery and VP of Operations Scott Montgomery. Lure designs are made to order for clients. As any successful company knows, innovation is key. D&J has been an industry leader in new color and plastic formula techniques. Theyve patented both the application of glitter to the outside of the lures and adding sugar to the inside of baits. D&J customers like Big Bite Baits live up to their names, producing lures that are used by Elite Pros. D&J Plastics lures have been featured on ESPN and other television networks, and their approach has led to new business with some of the top brands and retailers in the industry, including Academy Sports, Dicks Sporting Goods, Gander Mountain and Cabelas. While they may be a small business, D&J Plastics has customers in at least 20 countries, including Australia, Canada, Russia, France, Italy, Lithuania, Hong Kong, Mexico, Finland, South Africa and Spain. Georgia is great small business because of the investment in education, improvements in infrastructure, and financial support through various grants it gives small businesses to help them grow and succeed, said Joyce Montgomery, co-owner of D&J Plastics. The leaders of this state really get behind and support the needs of small businesses. Visit D&J Plastics web site at www.plasticlures.com. dpa ElectionsData With dpa ElectionsData you get access to a unique collection of data. Via a programming interface (Rest-API), your developers can access detailed information, candidate profiles and live results for all national elections in the European Union and important international elections, like the US Midterm elections etc. The data pool also includes all heads of state and government as well as about 20,000 elected members of parliament throughout the EU. In addition to their data (name, party, constituency or list position), we collect social media profiles and official websites of individuals and parties. Prime Ministers discuss regional prospects at second EBRD Western Balkans Investment Summit EBRD President Sir Suma Chakrabarti said today the EBRD would continue to work to improve the investment climate in the Western Balkans and urged investors from the whole world to join the Bank in helping the region achieve its potential. He was speaking at the EBRDs second Western Balkans summit at EBRD headquarters, where Prime Ministers from the region joined entrepreneurs and other investors to discuss business opportunities in seven countries. The EBRD had led the way on investment in the Western Balkans and was determined to continue and to help create the climate and conditions whereby we and others can commit still more, Sir Suma said in a speech. Todays forum is another opportunity for us, together, to showcase the regions many strengths and to invite investors the world over to join us in realising its potential, he added. The meeting focussed especially the development of transport links, the potential for renewable energy and the privatisation agenda in the region which comprises Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, FYR Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia as well as Croatia. The opening session by the Prime Ministers was followed by panel discussions which brought together policy makers, experts and investors. The panel "Extending the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and regional connectivity" chaired by EBRD Managing Director for Infrastructure Thomas Maier discussed how transport links across the Balkans could enable growth and prosperity as well as peace and regional stability. Participants emphasised the need to involve the private sector in financing ambitious infrastructure projects, remove regulatory barriers to connectivity and liberalise the business climate in the Balkans. Energy links, proposed interconnections, current obstacles to deeper energy market integration and sustainable energy goals as well as the potential for renewable sources for energy, especially hydro power generation, were discussed in the panel "Renewable energy and grid modernisation for a sustainable regional energy model" moderated by the EBRD's Managing Director for Energy and Natural Resources, Riccardo Puliti. The closing session onThe Privatisation Agenda was chaired by Holger Muent, the EBRD Director for the Western Balkans. Experts looked at the steps needed to prepare the route to successful privatisation with Serbian Finance Minister Dusan Vujovic drawing on experiences and lessons from his own country. The debate quickly broadened out to a discussion about strengthening economic links to the wider region including the EU. There was a focus on the development of skills. Emil Tedeschi, CEO of Croatias Atlantic Grupa concern, said cultural changes were needed. He called for a paradigm shift that placed a greater emphasis on job creation rather than job preservation. Sir Suma opened the conference together with UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment Lord Maude of Horsham. The EBRD President said: Regional cooperation is now a reality and this is testimony to the newly achieved maturity and stability of the region. Intensifying regional cooperation is one of the greatest achievements of the Western Balkans, a demonstration of the new vision of its political leaders. In the spirit of deepening and intensifying cooperation in the region the EBRD-backed SEE Link, an innovative regional platform for trading securities listed on the Bulgarian, Croatian and Macedonian stock exchanges, was launched during the Summit. The Serbian and Slovenian bourses confirmed their intention to join the initiative during the conference in London, boosting regional integration of capital markets. The Summit aims to highlight investment and business opportunities in the region and promote the inflow of foreign direct investment and cross-border projects. Participants included government officials, policy-makers, experts as well as leading domestic and international business representatives. The event has proved very popular with the public and is being attended by more than 300 guests. The first Western Balkans summit was held two years ago in February 2014. The EBRD is one of the largest investors in the Western Balkans and last year alone the Bank invested around 1 billion in various projects from energy efficiency to infrastructure and from support for financial institutions to agribusiness. Full video coverage of the Summit is available on demand on the EBRD YouTube channel. For updates, follow us on Twitter @EBRD #EBRDwb. Summit video coverage This post has been updated below. Transparency was something Gov. Rick Snyder crowed about during his first election campaign. He issued a white paper titled Create A Culture Of Ethics In Michigans Government in which he said, As Governor, I will ensure that government is open, fair, and accountable to the citizens by making Michigan a national leader in transparency and ethics. All of that sounds good, of course, but he has been a demonstrable failure when it comes to transparency in his administration. The latest blow to transparency comes, once again, in relation to the Flint water crisis. The Snyder administration has hired the firm Rowe Professional Services to study Flints water distribution system and replace 30 lead service lines as a pilot project. The contract was awarded to Rowe as a no-bid contract; no other companies were given the opportunity to bid on it. Gov. Rick Snyder and Flint Mayor Karen Weaver already at odds over how quickly Flints lead service lines that carry drinking water to homes should be replaced are also split over Snyders choice of an engineering firm that a state document says helped prepare the city before its botched switch to using Flint River water. On Tuesday, Snyder announced the state had signed a no-bid contract worth up to $500,000 with Flint-based Rowe Professional Services to study Flints water distribution system and replace 30 lead service lines as a pilot project. Records the state released Feb.12 say Rowe was involved in preparing Flints water treatment process for the citys switch to the Flint River as its source of drinking water in April 2014. Gov. Snyder claims that he had the blessing of Flint Mayor Karen Weaver on the contract but Mayor Weaver says otherwise: Kristin Moore, a spokeswoman for Weaver, said, Mayor Weaver did not agree to hire Rowe, but it was a foregone conclusion that the governor was going to move forward with that firm, despite her concerns. Rowe, of course, is denying any role whatsoever in the poisoning of Flints drinking water with lead. The company was selected because part of its task will be to upgrade city water-service reliability and asset management studies that it completed in years past. In other words, it was convenient. Like Emergency Management, the convenience of getting things done without the hassle of local officials getting involved trumped local control and democracy. Add this to the long list of ethically questionable actions by the Snyder administration when it comes to acknowledging and then dealing with the catastrophic poisoning of Flints drinking water with a powerful, odorless, tasteless, colorless neurotoxin. By the way, a report out this morning shows that over 10% of Flints homes still have dangerous levels of lead in their tap water. Maybe some day theyll actually start the process of replacing the lead water lines in these homes. But, as I wrote about over the weekend, they arent capable of multitasking. They must first determine the status of around 10,000 13,000 homes in Flint before they can begin replacing pipes in the 5,000 homes the KNOW have lead service lines. As of right now, all we have from Gov. Snyder is that the goal is to replace 30 lead service lines sometime in the next 30 days. That only leaves around 7,970 more to deal with. It is now Day 144 since Gov. Snyder admitted to knowing about the lead problem in Flint and, since that day, not one lead water line in Flint has been replaced. UPDATE: Gov. Snyders office is insisting that they had the okay from Flint Mayor Karen Weaver before awarding the no-bid contract: Michigan has been poisoned by this act before On CNNs State of the Nation, Donald Trump picked New York and Michigan as two blue states as hell have a chance of winning if the Republican Partys immune system continues to fail and the party nominates the most unpopular candidate in recent American history. Trump spoke in Grand Rapids last year and is dominating the GOP primary polls. So is there some hope that his rouse the white working class with racism strategy could win over the Reagan Democrats in this state in 2016? Sure. Hell win them over as Republicans have for decades as they lost the state every four years since 1992 the last time with Obama carrying the state over native son Mitt Romney by 9 percent. Anyone who has watched Trump demolish his very well-funded opposition should stop assuming theres no strategy to what he is doing. Hes unmoored by morals, money or any sense of intellectual integrity or consistency. His outward bigotry and bombast are all the conservative credentials he needs. And his complete lack of fidelity to conservative dogma makes him able to campaign on things people actually want like Social Security and Medicare. However there are a few reasons why Karl Rove is pretty sure Trump would cost the GOP not only the White House but also the Senate. First, for every Democratic working class voter Trump picks up hell likely lose a college-educated Republican, especially women, who cant see voting for someone who reminds them more of Mussolini than Reagan. And, more importantly, Trump is alienating minority voters the GOP desperately needs to win. Trumps backers say his anti-immigration blather and citing of statistics of how badly black voters are doing since the financial crisis will help him outperform any recent Republican with African-Americans. These backers seem to forget that Trump is a racist birther who will be campaigning against Barack Obama, no matter who wins the Democratic nomination. And theres an even clearer reason why Trump shouldnt have a shot in Michigan, even if the polls showed him in spittle-spewing distance of Hillary Clinton last year. Last year the billion dollar baby told the states auto workers earn too much money and the car companies should move to other parts of the nation where people would be glad to be underpaid. Its not quite Let Detroit go bankrupt and it could appeal to Michiganders envious of decent union wages who dont get that depressing any workers wages depresses all workers wages. But thats not the reason Trump would lose Michigan. Maybe before we saw the damage an authoritarian moderate businessman who always figures he knows best could do, Trump might have had a chance here. But the people of Flint understand how dangerous a CEO who wants to run government like a business can be for our health. The water crisis in Flint is a sharp reminder that that the CEO who loves to win act isnt new. Playing with government like its all some big balance sheet is fine until your drinking water gets poisoned. Hiring a businessman with a clean desk to run your country is great until a city drowns. And going bankrupt over and over again may just make you richer but its not game when our Social Security depends on your word. Trump may be fooling the GOP. But Michigan has seen this act before. [CC image Michigan Governor Rick Snyder Political Suicide by DonkeyHotey | Flickr] My friend Jason Karsh, a writer and political strategist, spent the past week documenting the Nevada Democratic Caucus with his camera. He offered up his view of the event in this photo essay of the week leading up to (and including) Caucus Day. Enjoy. With one week to go before caucus day, Clinton organizer Hugo J. awaits volunteers and supporters outside the Painters Union Hall in Henderson, NV. After Sec. Clinton rallies the troops, these cards will be delivered door to door by canvassers in the South Vegas Valley. In a town where unions still matter, the 65,000 member Culinary Unionthe largest union in the statehas pledged to remain neutral. However, Sec. Clinton will make trips to the back of the house in nearly every major union property in town to shore up labors support. Many of these members will caucus at sites on the Las Vegas Strip on Saturday. In her pitch to workers, Sec. Clinton reiterates her commitment to equal pay for equal work, and for a leader that supports union households rather than attacking their members. Sec. Clinton embraces the selfie generation in Henderson, NV. Although Sec. Clinton has extensive union support, Sen. Sanders has the support of National Nurses United. A union with over 185,000 members nationwide. With less than a week to go until caucus day, Sen. Sanders basks in the momentum at Bonanza High School in Las Vegas. Multiple Clinton offices in town feature hand-painted murals, this one from floor to ceiling is in Clintons East Las Vegas campaign office. Not to be outdone, multiple Sanders offices feature fan-artincluding this painting in West Las Vegas. Money is a motivating factor, but Sanders supporters have a number of reasons he speaks to them. These line the window of Sanders West Las Vegas office. Every mailbox matters, and the Clinton campaign will print over a million pieces of handouts and mail for the Nevada caucuses alone. MSNBC stakes out a spot in front of New York, New York on the Las Vegas Strip. On Thursday night, two days before the caucuses, Jose Diaz-Balart and Chuck Todd will host a live Town Hall featuring both candidates. Are you ready for a radical idea? With one night to go, Sen. Sanders makes his final pitch in Henderson, NV. After locking arms with surrogates and supporters to sing This Land Is Your Land with the Cold War Kids in Henderson, Sen. Sanders strides toward Saturday morning. Although doors wont open until 11am, some caucus locations report lines before 10am. By 11:30am, these lines will reach the street at many locations. Within every Precinct Caucus Packet is an unopened deck of cards. In the event of a tie, the deadlock will be officially decided by a game of High Card. At a Las Vegas caucus site, Clinton supporter Evan L. makes his pitch on behalf of his candidate before his precinct convenes. When the caucus count begins, the room will split in half as voters stand to support the candidate of their choice. The delegates in their caucus decided, Democrats come together knowing that come the general election in November, theyll all be in this together. As the caucus results begin to trickle in, Clinton supporters and organizers head to Ceasars Palace in anticipation of a win. Former Obama organizers in 2012, Gabe M. and Albert D., returned to Nevada to help the Clinton caucus effort. The joy of the reunion, and Clintons much-needed win, are hard to hide. In the end, thanks to organizing, significant union support, big wins at Strip location caucus sites and in African-American precincts, Sec. Clinton carries Nevada easily. But by the end of the day, Sec. Clinton will already be speaking in Texas as the fight for the Democratic nomination rolls on. Follow Jason Karsh on Twitter at @jkarsh. In the days following the court order directing Apple to help the FBI unlock an encrypted iPhone associated with the San Bernardino terrorists, supporters have lined up behind both sides. A federal magistrate last week ordered Apple to create software that would let authorities access data in an iPhone used by the shooters in the attack last year. Apple CEO Tim Cookresponded with an open letter in defense of the companys resistance to the court order. Analysis of online news and blogs about Cooks letter shows little change in public views, according to Chris Orris, account executive atOxygen PR. He ran analytics on news stories that contain the words Apple or Tim Cook and also words related to the iPhone decryption issue such as Bernardino, FBI and backdoor. Sentiment is the general positivity or negativity of the language used in the text. So since the start of the month, the average has been 56 percent positive, 18 percent negative and 26 percent neutral. Since the FBI made its decision on Tuesday, it has averaged 52 percent positive, 19 percent negative and 30 percent neutral, Orris said. Measuring Sentiment Analytics gauges the sentiment factor by measuring the balance of positive versus negative words and phrases in an article, he told the E-Commerce Times. Since the process is automated, however, it is not measuring whether the positive or negative phrases are directed at Apple or the FBI. Generally youre measuring if the author is happy or not, Orris said. Achart shows that positive sentiment shrank considerably on the day of the court order. It got much better the next day when Apple put out its letter. Legal Issues Libertarians and technologists find themselves supporting Apple, while law enforcement and those sympathetic to the safety over privacy movement are sympathetic to the FBIs position, said Eric Crusius, a privacy attorney atMiles & Stockbridge. Public sentiment has meshed closely with legal reality, he told the E-Commerce Times. From a legal standpoint, the FBIs position is potentially difficult to support, Crusius maintained. A court is ordering a nonparty private citizen to do something without a finding that the court has jurisdiction over that party, and there hasnt been any accounting for Apples rights in the matter. However, for those lining up behind Apple, there is the potential of appearing sympathetic to the terrorists, he cautioned. So long as Apple and its supporters can distinguish the legal issue from that, Apple should wield greater influence in public opinion and over the political establishment, Crusius said. Libertarian Leanings Silicon Valley is able to communicate directly with the public via the social media channels it invented, giving it an advantage in winning the hearts of the public concerning privacy in the absence of abject fear of terrorism, said Guy Smith, chief marketing strategy consultant atSilicon Strategies Marketing. Silicon Valley has undeniable libertarian leanings. Privacy is a fundamental aspect of both local and tech corporate culture, he told TechNewsWorld. Techies will gain public support, but the feds will win in the end, Smith predicted. Vantage Points What side of the issue people come down on depends on how they view the problem. Those who see it as an issue with one phone, one case, are going to side with the FBI, noted Jason L. Bauman, SEO associate atTrinity Insight-Philadelphia. But if youre like myself and other tech enthusiasts, you see this as an issue of precedent, and youre much more likely to side with Apple. In most cases, the more you know about encryption, the more likely you are to side with Apple as well, he told TechNewsWorld. The issue also sets an international precedent, Bauman noted. Apple, Google and others already are fighting for data privacy in Russia, China , the EU and other areas. If they bow to the FBI, they must bow to other countries. And even if youre OK with the U.S. government having access to your private data, are you OK with Russia having the same? China? he asked. Taking Sides Edward Snowdens revelations in 2013 about the National Security Agencys data collection practices have colored the debate, according to Ebba Blitz, CEO ofAlertsec. Society has been polarized by the Snowden revelation, and the discussion is spinning around liberty versus security, she told TechNewsWorld. The goal with encryption is to protect us from hackers and cybercriminals. By weakening security, we put ourselves at risk, Blitz said. The risk worsens when the bad guys find strong encryption elsewhere and go dark. Weaker encryption creates vulnerabilities for the good guys and capabilities for the bad guys, she said. Public Voice Cook issued a battle cry that thrust the conversation into the public realm. By going public, Apple appealed to its legions of supporters and other technology companies, noted Miles & Stockbridges Crusius. Federal judges are not immune to public opinion. In the end, they are mere mortals like the rest of us, and Apples actions may help influence the outcome even if they have to take the issue on appeal, he said. The more discussion that occurs, the more support will continue around Apples no-tamper stand, noted Trinity Insight-Philadelphias Bauman. Siding with the FBI would create a precedent against constitutional privacy guarantees. Industry thought leaders need to steer the public discussion, noted Vanita Pandey, vice president of product marketing atThreatMetrix. To be an active participant in this debate, one needs to have a deep level of understanding of both sides. The average public is not as aware as they need to be on the longstanding impact of both decisions, she told TechNewsWorld. Ultimate Scare Ultimately, the FBI may have the NSA to thank for the current public outcry, said Dovell Bonnett, CEO ofAccess Smart. In 1993, the NSA tried to get computer and telephone manufacturers to install the Clipper chip in all their motherboards. The chip would have given the NSA a backdoor into everyones electronic devices without any search orders, he told TechNewsWorld. The privacy community killed the Clipper Chip proposal in 1996. One result was the release of Pretty Good Privacy software, which allowed consumers to add high-power encryption to their data. That started the trend of making stronger encryption products available to everyone. So in a roundabout way, NSA caused the problem the FBI is having today with the inability to decrypt data, Bonnett said. So if Apple opens this up, the security/privacy community will develop a solution that will block both Apple and FBI, thus making it even harder for future issues. Twitter last week announced two tools designed to help businesses improve their customer service capabilities. One product would allow users to move from sending companies tweets to using Direct Messages, according to product manager Ian Cairns. Companies will be able to embed on their sites a Direct Messages link. The link would display a call-to-action button that would let customers directly send information they may not want to share publicly. Many of Twitters advertisers have told the company that 80 percent of their customer service requests come in via Twitter, costing one-sixth the price of a typical call center interaction to resolve, he said. Hyatt and Kaiser Permanente have begun to implement the technology, according to Cairns. Better Interaction The second tool is called Customer Feedback. It would allow users to privately share information with a company following a customer service interaction. Companies will be able to use two standard question formats: Net Promoter Score and customer satisfaction. All businesses will be able to use Direct Messaging immediately, while the Customer Feedback tool will be rolled out to select brands over the next couple of weeks, Cairns said. Twitter is working with customer service partners such as Conversocial, Hootsuite, Lithium, Salesforce, Spredfast, Sprinklr and Sprout Social to roll out the features. Its also working with Delighted to let businesses view Net Promoter Score surveys collected on Twitter and email. The company has no immediate plans to charge for the new services, according to a source familiar with the companys thinking, who added that Twitter has a thriving advertising business. Two weeks ago, Twitter unveiled a product called First View, which lets companies promote new products or share other stories through video. Measuring Success Twitter has stumbled of late in its efforts to convince investors that it has a long-term business model to generate revenue. There is no way to predict whether the new tools will help the company turn itself around, because it may be a great idea, but without widespread customer adoption, that wont matter, analystJeff Kagansaid. Im glad to see Twitter tinkering around with their secret recipe, he told CRM Buyer. This boils down to a network effect, and we dont spend the attention we need on network effects in part because their impacts are hard to measure, though they are real, Denis Pombriant, managing director of Beagle Research, told CRM Buyer. One of the biggest challenges for a company like Twitter is to create new solutions without disrupting or disappointing customers, noted Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT. Some will say that Twitter is simply emulating Facebook, but messaging has been around since Mark Zuckerberg has been in diapers. More important is whether this new service can improve customer service without inspiring users to run for the exits, he told CRM Buyer. Overall, I believe it will. 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Alfa Romeo has confirmed that the first SUV in their lineup will be called the Stelvio. The upcoming SUV from Italian luxury automaker will be unveiled later this year and will be available to purchase by early 2017 in Europe. According to Auto Express UK, Sergio Marchionne, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) CEO, revealed that the Stelvio name badge pays homage to the Stelvio Pass in Italy. During an investor presentation, Marchionne also revealed the company's new release strategy. Initially, the Italian company was planning to release eight cars by 2018. However, as they were met with subsequent delays, the company now plans to focus on the Giulia luxury sedan and the upcoming SUV. The six other models, including an executive saloon and two SUVs, will instead follow by 2020. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV will be built using the new architecture that was also used by the Giulia. As such, the SUV will bear quite a number of similarities with the luxury sedan in terms of engine and design. The SUV will be available with a 2.2-liter diesel engine and a 2.0-liter petrol engine that would deliver between 150 horsepower to 280 horsepower. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio could also come with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that would unleash more than 500 horsepower. In terms of design, the only revelation made is that the Stelvio comes with the same dashoboard layout as the Guilia. While not much has been revealed regarding the Stelvio SUV, Alfa Romeo has promised that it will feature best-in-class abilities that will allow it to handle all kinds of road conditions. Once released, the Stelvio is expected to go up against the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the BMW X3. FCA is also said to be considering different battery and electric technologies that may make it onto the expanded crossover range by 2020. More details will be revealed closer to the Stelvio's launch date. The Presbyterian Church (USA) has turned on Donald Trump who is still feeling the impact of his row with Pope Francis over his suggestion he was "not a Christian" for proposing a border wall with Mexico. But the conservative credentials of the Republican front runner are not convincing to one foreign commentator who has labeled him a "complete fake." The leadership of Presbyterian church he was born into says his extreme views on how to deal with immigration are out of line with its teachings. Rev. Gradye Parsons, the most senior elected official of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to which Trump was baptized as a child, said that the Bible is clear:, stating followers of the faith have to care for the needy. "Donald Trump's views are not in keeping with the policies adopted by our church by deliberative process," he said. In an interview with the UK's Guardian newspaper, Parsons said that the Presbyterian church had voted several times since the 1990s in its national general assemblies in favor of comprehensive immigration. These allowed for granting a route to legal status for the 11 million undocumented people currently living in the United States. "Our official policy is to encourage immigration reform," noted Parsons. He explained that the founding narrative of Christianity contains a commitment to those most in need - widows, orphans, the oppressed and the alien. "It is clear that God wants us to act on behalf of the stranger. Jesus himself and his parents had to flee the country for their lives when he was born there are lots of parallels." POPE TRIGGERS US PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE The Pope sparked a fierce response from U.S. Republican Party presidential candidate hopeful Trump when, without naming him, he questioned his Christian credentials. His comments immediately became part of the U.S. presidential debate. "Anyone, whoever he is, who only wants to build walls and not bridges is not a Christian," Francis said on the papal flight from Mexico in answer to a question from a journalist. "Vote, don't vote, I won't meddle. But I simply say, if he says these things, this man is not a Christian," Francis said. "We need to see if he really said them and for this I will give him the benefit of the doubt." On a campaign rally stop in South Carolina, in which Trump swept to victory over the weekend in its Republican primary, Trump hit back saying, "For a religious leader to question a person's faith is disgraceful. "I'm proud to be a Christian, and as president I will not allow Christianity to be consistently attacked and weakened, unlike what is happening now with our current president," he said Trump. On Feb. 19 the explained that Francis' comments had not been intended as a personal attack. Trump himself backtracked on some harsh criticism of Pope Francis saying later "I have a lot of respect for the Pope. He has a lot of personality and I think he's doing a very good job, he has a lot of energy." But the spat has reopened questions about Trump's standing in the eyes of the religious community, the Guardian commented. It noted that the Republican primary race, in which Trump leads his nearest rivals Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, moving to the deep south exposes him where evangelical conservatives wield considerable sway. TRUMP CONFIRMED IN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Trump was confirmed as a child at the First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, Queens, and has always self-associated as a Presbyterian. He says he now worships at the Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan, part of the Reformed Church in America denomination, the Guardian reported. Parsons, who is the "stated clerk" or chief executive of the 1.6 million-strong Presbyterian Church in the United States, said he would stop short of the Pope's suggestion that Trump's views on immigration decreed him "not a Christian." But he noted that "Biblical mandates are important - how people care for the oppressed and the alien acts as a marker of whether they are following their faith." In his campaign Trump triggered ire for his comments on religious groups and institutions including Muslims, who he wants to ban from visiting the United States. "But perhaps one unexpected indication as to why he won is Trump's strident hatred of Muslims," speculated the U.S. online publication truthdig. "Some 75 percent of GOP [Republican] primary voters in South Carolina support his bizarre and unconstitutional idea of banning Muslims from traveling to the United States. "That is nearly twice the national average on this issue (46 percent) and more than the average among Republicans nationally (66 percent)." Truthdig cited a sounding by Public Policy Polling that found that South Carolina Republican voters supporting Trump as outliers among party supporters in the state. "Some 80 percent of them want to ban Muslims from traveling to the U.S., and about a third of Trump supporters want to ban gays from coming here as well." Trump's conservative credentials may be wowing Republican voters in the primaries but they look totally unconvincing to the Austalian Daily Telegraph's Tim Blair who denounced him in a piece headlined, "Candidate Donald Trump is a complete fake, his right-wing pose is a cynical act." Blair opined that Trump has a huge supporter base among voters and pundits "weary of the usual politically correct and evasive politicians" and that his stance on Muslim immigration and border protection "strike a resonant chord throughout middle America." "It's just that Trump is a complete fake. He's less a viable presidential candidate than a marketing exercise for the Trump brand. He's running as a hard-core conservative solely because that role happens to be vacant. "If the rest of the field shifted right, you get the feeling that Trump would start quoting Castro and wearing a Che Guevara T-shirt." Nissan is trying to split the difference between the half-ton and 3/4-ton pickups with its all-new Titan XD. It's a truck built with a tough suspension that's tuned for comfort and powered by a new American-made, puppy-dog-friendly Cummins turbodiesel 5.0-liter V8, which is rated at 310 hp and a thumping 555 lb-ft of peak torque at only 1,600 rpm. It's backed by a standard six-speed automatic transmission. It doesn't quite have the output of massive heavy-duty haulers, but it's good enough for towing up to 12,000 pounds. If your boat and trailer weigh in at more than 6 tons, you might consider forming your own navy. The EIB is the largest climate financier in the world and on the occasion of COP 21 in Paris late last year, pledged to increase these investments across the board. At the event in our Brussels offices, we heard from speakers from the EIB, as well as projects promoters from a range of fields, from large scale renewable energy, to resource management, and funds investing in small scale green initiatives. Bjorn Gabriel, the EIB Head of Policies and Operations in Brussels welcomed participants together with Mr Viwanou Gnassounou, Assistant Secretary General from the ACP Secretariat, and Rasmus Lauridsen, Senior Climate Change Specialist talked us through the climate challenges in ACP. We heard from the Kenya Electricity Generating Companys Business Development Director Moses Wekesa. Kengens geothermal power station meets growing electricity demand and has a limited impact on the environment. In addition we also welcomed Andrew Reicher, Investment Committee Member of the Africa Renewable Energy Fund, in which the EIB is an investor. Jacques dUnienville, Chief Executive Officer of Omnicane Management & Consultancy, also joined us, as the promoter of an innovative waste management project in Mauritius. This workshop showed us exactly how the EIB supports climate action in the ACPs and what we can bring in the future. Senior representatives from the European Investment Bank, Europes long-term lending institution and the worlds largest international public bank, will visit Scotland this week. During the first high level visit by the European Investment Bank to Scotland in 4 years, the EIB delegation will meet the First Minister, brief more than 100 entrepreneurs and business leaders on new financing opportunities for innovation focused Scottish in Glasgow and announce record support for new university investment in Edinburgh. Over the last decade the European Investment Bank has provided more than GBP 3 billion for direct investment in Scotland, with additional investment from UK wide programmes. The European Investment Bank is directly owned by the EU member states, including a 16% share by the UK government, and last year provided EUR 84 billion for investment across Europe and around the world. Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland said: I am pleased that Scotland has consistently established itself as a great place for the European Investment Bank to invest. We will continue to work closely with The European Investment Bank to build on our existing relationship in order to increase investment in innovation enterprises and infrastructure that will benefit all. The European Investment Bank recognises new opportunities to increase support for infrastructure and innovation investment across Scotland, and improve access to finance for Scottish small business. 2015 represented a record year for the EIBs engagement across the United Kingdom, providing GBP 5.6 billion to support more than GBP 16 billion of overall investment, including backing new hospitals in Edinburgh and Dumfries, improved energy infrastructure and smart meters in homes across Scotland. I am confident that this visit will help to ensure that opportunities to build on Scotlands world class strengths by unlocking new innovation, improving crucial services and back long-term investment are not lost. said Jonathan Taylor, European Investment Bank Vice President. On Monday at the University of Strathclyde Technology and Innovation Centre, representatives of the European Investment Bank, Scottish Enterprise and the CBI, will brief more than 100 company representatives and business leaders on new financing opportunities to support innovative companies. This includes financing by the European Investment Bank under the pan-European InnovFin programme and the new EUR 315 billion Investment Plan for Europe, and by the SME focused European Investment Fund. On Tuesday morning the European Investment Bank will announce record new support for investment at the University of Edinburgh that represents the EIBs largest ever loan for a European University. This is the second significant EIB loan signed with Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea, University of Edinburgh Vice-Chancellor and Principal. A GBP 50 million European Investment Bank loan agreed 4 years ago has improved teaching and research facilities and refurbished the main library. Jonathan Taylor and the European Investment Bank delegation will meet First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and senior representatives from Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Development International, the Business Development Bank and Scottish Futures Trust to discuss the EIBs engagement and opportunities to broaden our support for crucial investment in Scotland. The European Investment Bank works closely with devolved administrations across Europe and wants to ensure that where useful investment in Scotland can benefit from the EIBs financial and technical support. Having examined Scotlands latest budget and the National Planning Framework the EIB sees new opportunities to work with the Scottish Government to help deliver investment that improves lives, unlocks economic opportunities and strengthen services that benefits people across Scotland. added Jonathan Taylor. Over the last decade the European Investment Bank has directly provided more than GBP 3 billion for long-term investment in projects in Scotland, and many other schemes, such as the EIBs largest ever loan, supporting UK wide investment by National Grid, include a strong Scottish element. The European Investment Bank has supported crucial investment across Scotland since a loan for Peterhead power station in Aberdeenshire was agreed in 1974. This includes financing for new hospitals currently being built at the Edinburgh Sick Childrens Hospital and Dumfries and Galloway Infirmary, as well as the Forth Valley Royal Hospital which is now one of the most modern and well equipped hospitals in Europe which has been purpose-built to provide the very highest standard of accommodation and facilities for patients, visitors and staff. Transport investment backed by the European Investment Bank includes the final motorway link between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the new Aberdeen Western bypass, M6, M8 and M80 motorways, and Glasgow Airport. Education investment in Scotland supported by the EIB include the new Technology and Innovation Centre at Strathclyde University, City of Glasgow College, and schools in Dumfries and Galloway, Argyll and Bute, North Lanarkshire, Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Highlands. The EIB has also backed investment in renewable energy and energy infrastructure across Scotland, including support for Scottish Hydro, SSE, SGN and Scottish Power Networks. In recent years the EIB has also supported social housing investment by local housing associations across Scotland in partnership with the Housing Finance Corporation and helped to improve mobile telephone networks in rural areas. How the EU programme designed to boost Europes economy is financing Britains biggest accident and emergency hospital If you were in Birmingham when you happened to experience numbness in one side of your body, trouble speaking, and blurred vision, you might head for the City Hospital. The Emergency Medicine Team there would recognise that you were having a stroke and stabilise you. But for specialised treatment, youd have to make a 10 minute journey by ambulance to the stroke unit at Sandwell Hospital in West Bromwich, some five miles away. Thats crucial time lost to a patient with an acute condition. The Trust, which operates the two hospitals, aims to solve the problem of its split emergency services by building the GBP 350 million Midland Metropolitan Hospital half way between the existing facilities. The new hospital will focus on acute cases, so everyone in the area will know where to go when theyre hit with sudden serious sickness, and when they arrive theyll have immediate access to the full range of medical specialists. That will have real impact on the health and sometimes the survival of the 550,000 residents of the area it serves. Quicker access to the right emergency care means patients recover more quickly and more fully, says Dr Roger Stedman, the medical director of the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust. We may even save lives by reducing the complications that are sometimes associated with lengthy treatment. New Douglas hotel already fully-booked for TT Mannin Hotel on Broadway in Douglas Significant investment into a new hotel in Douglas will 'force others' to up their game. The Mannin Hotel on Broadway is due to open in April - it has 52 rooms, underground parking and a bar and restaurant which will open to the public. It's aiming for a four-star rating and is already fully-booked for TT. A recent survey - commissioned by government - showed the Island's hotel sector is suffering from a lack of quality - manager Rom Kesa says the facility helps to alleviate the problem: Media Rom Kesa Re: Are some of the Swiss - Racists, or it is just me? Quote: Chemmie ... Since it doesn't really bother me, I usually get a good laugh out of them, and generally speaking, such individuals are of lower education brackets, and simpler minds. Thus, if a conversation is to start up, it's very easy to mess with their heads and thoughts :P When I first arrived here I enrolled at the University of Zurich. As part of the admissions requirements I had to do an interview with a prof to determine if my German was up to snuff. His first question translates to "I see you have a degree in philosophy, can one study philosophy in Canada?" I resisted the temptation to answer "Yes, and the academic selection process generally filters out the completely inept dolts _before_ the PhD level." and replied "Well yes, Marshall McLuhan and Jean Vanier would be two examples that come to mind." I have also been told a few times by medical doctors that North Americans are all unhealthy because the only bread they eat is toast/Sandwich bread. So it isn't exclusive to the uneducated. Racism, more so than zenophobia is, to me, almost indistinguishable from stupidity. I generally try to avoid discussions with stupid people - since they are impervious to logic, the discussion always drops to a lower level - one can't "out stupid" an idiot, they have so much more experience. When I first arrived here I enrolled at the University of Zurich. As part of the admissions requirements I had to do an interview with a prof to determine if my German was up to snuff. His first question translates to "I see you have a degree in philosophy, can one study philosophy in Canada?" I resisted the temptation to answer "Yes, and the academic selection process generally filters out the completely inept dolts _before_ the PhD level." and replied "Well yes, Marshall McLuhan and Jean Vanier would be two examples that come to mind."I have also been told a few times by medical doctors that North Americans are all unhealthy because the only bread they eat is toast/Sandwich bread.So it isn't exclusive to the uneducated.Racism, more so than zenophobia is, to me, almost indistinguishable from stupidity. I generally try to avoid discussions with stupid people - since they are impervious to logic, the discussion always drops to a lower level - one can't "out stupid" an idiot, they have so much more experience. __________________ If everyone you know agrees with you consistently, they are either not listening, or not capable of critical thought. Re: where to buy outdoor equipment over boarder in germany? Quote: dodgyken That's an entirely new rant for complaints corner!! Off you go, new thread please, including the following: - it is much cheaper where you are from - if is much cheaper online - you feel robbed that travel time/costs it worked out more expensive - they didn't speak your language to choice - traffic was really bad/train was really full - it was really busy - you feel taken advantage of - it is hard enough living off 175k When it comes to outdoor equipment of the quality level the OP is looking for: This stuff is expensive. Really expensive. I'd personally first make a trip to one of the large fashion outlets in Germany as they typically have a north face shop and a jack wolfskin one. There you should get the clothes for less. For all the other stuff will you need a specialist retailer and you can typically only find them in larger cities. P.S> If you don't want to make that trip: I think the "fashion fish" outlet between Zurich and Basel has also some outdoor gear, at least a Salomon and a Jack Wolfskin shop. Not new at all. As I returned to Switzerland last year did I need to buy a lot of stuff new, say a bbq. So I went to Waldshut and checked some prices. Furniture was a no-brainer, it simply is much cheaper there and with the added service of doing the delivery and customs for me am I ok if they charge a bit more than other shops in Germany. But that camping and outdoor shop was simply a rip-off. I ended up buying my bbq (an outdoorchef) in Switzerland as it was cheaper in Luzern even though I could get the German VAT back. They simply bank on Swiss people just buying without comparing.When it comes to outdoor equipment of the quality level the OP is looking for: This stuff is expensive. Really expensive. I'd personally first make a trip to one of the large fashion outlets in Germany as they typically have a north face shop and a jack wolfskin one. There you should get the clothes for less. For all the other stuff will you need a specialist retailer and you can typically only find them in larger cities.P.S> If you don't want to make that trip: I think the "fashion fish" outlet between Zurich and Basel has also some outdoor gear, at least a Salomon and a Jack Wolfskin shop. Re: Tax/Pension refund on leaving Switzerland Quote: englishguygoinghome Why would she be due a refund. Swiss split-year tax treatment uses a pro-rata approach to define the tax rate and then applies that to the actual earnings. The Quellensteuer system basically does this anyway by taking a monthly view of earnings and applying the relevant tax rate to each month's earnings. If you were used to filling in a full Swiss tax return each year - you'll still need to do so for your final year when you leave, and may get a refund that way. You can however in some cases have the salary payment "evened out" across the year. For example, if you have volatile salary (eg different amounts every month) then each monthly tax at source will be based on the amount received in the month. At the end of the year you can ask (some cantons do it automatically on Dec paysip) to even out the salary in 12 equal installements and then re-calculate tax so you get a fairly tiny tax refund. In the case of the OP, if you left in May 12, and were working Jan-May 2012 with fairly stable salary each month, there is no refund. But if you stopped working in April, then there may be a possibility of having the 4 month's salary spread onto 5 months, and recaclulate the tax on that basis so get a small sum back. But I think that you probably missed the deadline for this, or if you need to get an accountant the fees will be higher than the refund. But you cannot claim tax refund (unlike UK/ireland) on the basis of not working June-Dec 12, because you were not Swiss resident that time. For pensions, the Pillar 1 you cannot get anything back, but the time you worked in CH will count as extra years when you get an Irish (or EU) state pension. (So, if you stay in Ireland, the irish should add the time working here in their calculations). For Pillar 2, you have 2 options: you can get it back if you want (minus a fair bit of tax), or alternatively, leave it here until you get to retirement age and receive a (probably small) Swiss pension, on top of other pensions you may have. It depends on the amoutn really, if it's 2 years work only, then make sense perhaps to take the $, as any future pension will be tiny; if it's a big sum maybe better to leave and get the pension when time comes. You are correct that you cannot a refund here (irrespective if you are taxed at source or via tax return), unlike the UK or Ireland, for working only partial year. The tax is pro-rated for the time you were resident.You can however in some cases have the salary payment "evened out" across the year. For example, if you have volatile salary (eg different amounts every month) then each monthly tax at source will be based on the amount received in the month. At the end of the year you can ask (some cantons do it automatically on Dec paysip) to even out the salary in 12 equal installements and then re-calculate tax so you get a fairly tiny tax refund.In the case of the OP, if you left in May 12, and were working Jan-May 2012 with fairly stable salary each month, there is no refund. But if you stopped working in April, then there may be a possibility of having the 4 month's salary spread onto 5 months, and recaclulate the tax on that basis so get a small sum back. But I think that you probably missed the deadline for this, or if you need to get an accountant the fees will be higher than the refund.But youclaim tax refund (unlike UK/ireland) on the basis of not working June-Dec 12, because you were not Swiss resident that time.For pensions, the Pillar 1 you cannot get anything back, but the time you worked in CH will count as extra years when you get an Irish (or EU) state pension. (So, if you stay in Ireland, the irish should add the time working here in their calculations).For Pillar 2, you have 2 options: you can get it back if you want (minus a fair bit of tax), or alternatively, leave it here until you get to retirement age and receive a (probably small) Swiss pension, on top of other pensions you may have. It depends on the amoutn really, if it's 2 years work only, then make sense perhaps to take the $, as any future pension will be tiny; if it's a big sum maybe better to leave and get the pension when time comes. Re: Moving to zurich with wife and 2 kids To be frank, I think you could not have made a better decision! I myself moved from London nearly six years ago, and can honestly say its the best decision I have ever made. Zurich is such a beautiful city. Not only is it extremely well organised, clean and very safe, but the people are also very friendly. Quality of life is suburb, and I am sure you and your family will settle very easily. Of course, moving from the UK the German might be a small obstacle, but in most stores and services provided people speak some form of English. I purchased the Rosetta Stone online German training discs and though regular training and practice can finally keep a good level of conversation. The Swiss do like it when new comers to the city try to integrate and at least make some kind of effort to learn the language, than asking all the time; "sorry, do you speak English?". (Or that was my experience at least) I am sure with the help of your relocating agent you will enjoy Zurich just as much as my family and I do, and of course the best time of the year is on our doorsteps - Summer! A swim in the lake is a must to you all! Cheers, Bruno Quote: alitoast Hi, after much deliberation my wife and I have decided to take the plunge and upsticks and move to Zurich after a recent job offer. We will be bringing our 2 kids, our daughter, 3, and son, 1. Would love to hear from people who made the same jump and any tips on where to live in the Zurich area would be greatly appreciated. We'll be moving from Dublin Ireland. I will be working in Opfikon and happy to commute from anywhere where my wife could have a strong network, both expat and swiss. Look forward to making new friends (with playdates for the kids ) Alitoast Hi Alitoast,To be frank, I think you could not have made a better decision!I myself moved from London nearly six years ago, and can honestly say its the best decision I have ever made. Zurich is such a beautiful city. Not only is it extremely well organised, clean and very safe, but the people are also very friendly. Quality of life is suburb, and I am sure you and your family will settle very easily. Of course, moving from the UK the German might be a small obstacle, but in most stores and services provided people speak some form of English.I purchased the Rosetta Stone online German training discs and though regular training and practice can finally keep a good level of conversation. The Swiss do like it when new comers to the city try to integrate and at least make some kind of effort to learn the language, than asking all the time; "sorry, do you speak English?". (Or that was my experience at least)I am sure with the help of your relocating agent you will enjoy Zurich just as much as my family and I do, and of course the best time of the year is on our doorsteps - Summer! A swim in the lake is a must to you all!Cheers,Bruno Chicago --> Schaffhausen April 2016 Hello! My husband and I are moving to Schaffhausen for a two year contract with his job starting in mid-March or early April. I'm 33 and have been living and working in Chicago for the past ten years. I was a Chicago Public Schools high school teacher (IB DP & regular biology) but am not expecting to find work here since I don't speak any German (yet). We're looking forward to taking a break from the American grind and enjoying beautiful Switzerland as well as taking the opportunity to travel around Europe. I'm hoping to make new Swiss & expat friends. This forum has been very helpful so far-- thank you! Hoping to meet some of you that are in the Schaffhausen area. Re: Swiss Organ Donor Card Quote: armandair It's sort of difficult to answer. I do see the point that organs should be transplanted. I have no hesitations towards this. If I'm no more, hopefully my organs can be used in one or another way. The thing is that there are in between cases in medicine and I do not really want to be declared death in a rush just because someone is waiting for my organs. But officially when I'm death, yes, my organs should definitely be used. Somebody the other day told me he wasn't sure about donating his organs. I appreciate that people have their reasons, and I can "understand" views that don't matc up with mine on a lot of topics, but organ donation? Anyway... I have my card in my wallet and I'm happy. I can't find it now, but I read on their website earlier that their absolute priority is to save lives! If your life can be saved (I presume this means even if you are brain dead - which should I be in that situation, I would want my family to pull the plug anyway - your life would still be given priority over someone who needs a transplant), it will be.Somebody the other day told me he wasn't sure about donating his organs. I appreciate that people have their reasons, and I can "understand" views that don't matc up with mine on a lot of topics, but organ donation? Anyway... I have my card in my wallet and I'm happy. Courtney B. Vance did not want to make his performance as Johnnie Cochran in FX's American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson an impersonation. Did The New Yorker Piece On Racism Really Impact The O.J. Simpson Case? Vance is playing one of the most important roles on The People v. O.J. Simpson. As Cochran, the defense attorney who helped acquit O.J. Simpson, Vance is playing a modern iconic role, but he didn't want it to be just an impression of him. The actor spoke with The Mo Kelly Show recently about his approach to the character. What Does Kris Jenner Think Of 'The People v. O.J. Simpson'? "Johnnie Cochran is iconic and just like Tina Turner and Ray Charles and Nelson Mandela, the actors that approach those type roles, they had to make certain determinations and decisions about how they were gonna do that and still - so that they could be free within the context of iconic status, portraying an iconic person," he explained. He noted that he did not want to get caught up in "the imitation game" when playing Cochran. So instead of talking with those closest to Cochran, he decided to read up. "So I said I'm gonna set those aside and I'm just going to read. I'm going to read the Jeffrey Toobin's book, The Run of His Life, I'm gonna read Johnnie Cochran's book, I'm gonna read books that people talk about him in it," Vance explained, "'cause I'm trying to catch his spirit and I feel that if I can catch his spirit then I will allow the audience to enter into the world and then they will not be concerned about, well 'his inflection is not right' 'this and that.' . . . They would not be considered about that because they're involved in this great drama." So far Vance has not had a lot of screen time considering Cochran was not as involved in the case until later on, but considering the most recent episode ended with him officially coming on board the defense team, we should probably expect more content in the weeks to come. American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on FX. Hitler, Mussolini, FDR and Obama By Dr. Robert Owens Many people today feel as if President Obama has been leading America covertly into the Socialism Bernie is overtly proclaiming. Many feel that they are no longer living in the America of their youth. To understand how we got here it is necessary to understand how we got here. History not only allows us the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of others it also provides us with a mirror to show us how we are continuing the mistakes of others. The present does not appear like a virgin birth in a vacuum it is the child of the past. The America of today was born in the progressivism of the 1890. Teddy Roosevelt started the progressive ball rolling. His place holder William Howard Taft kicked the can down the road a little further. Woodrow Wilson trampled over the Constitution to create the framework of tyranny. Then after Silent Cal Coolidge and the interlude of the 1920s, the Crash of 29 provided the golden opportunity for Progressives to capture the government and impose upon a willing America its regimented dream of central planning at home and intervention abroad: the welfare/warfare state. On May 7, 1933, just two months after the inauguration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the New York Times reporter Anne O'Hare McCormick wrote that the atmosphere in Washington was "strangely reminiscent of Rome in the first weeks after the march of the Black Shirts and of Moscow at the beginning of the Five-Year Plan. America today literally asks for orders." The Roosevelt administration, she added, "envisages a federation of industry, labor and government after the fashion of the corporative State as it exists in Italy." The broad-ranging powers granted to Roosevelt by Congress, before that body went into recess, were unprecedented in times of peace. Through this "delegation of powers," Congress had, in effect, temporarily done away with itself as the legislative branch of government. The only remaining check on the executive was the Supreme Court. In Germany, a similar process allowed Hitler to assume legislative power after the Reichstag burned down in a suspected case of arson on February 28, 1933. In the North American Review in 1934, the progressive writer Roger Shaw described the New Deal as "Fascist means to gain liberal ends." He wasn't hallucinating. FDR's adviser Rexford Tugwell wrote in his diary that Mussolini had done "many of the things which seem to me necessary." Lorena Hickok, a close confidante of Eleanor Roosevelt who lived in the White House for a spell, wrote approvingly of a local official who said, "If [President] Roosevelt were actually a dictator, we might get somewhere." She added that if she were younger, she'd like to lead "the Fascist Movement in the United States." At the National Recovery Administration (NRA), the cartel-creating agency at the heart of the early New Deal, one report declared forthrightly, "The Fascist Principles are very similar to those we have been evolving here in America." Roosevelt himself called Mussolini "admirable" and professed that he was "deeply impressed by what he has accomplished." The admiration was mutual. In a laudatory review of Roosevelt's 1933 book Looking Forward, Mussolini wrote, "Reminiscent of Fascism is the principle that the state no longer leaves the economy to its own devices. Without question, the mood accompanying this sea change resembles that of Fascism." The chief Nazi newspaper, Volkischer Beobachter, repeatedly praised "Roosevelt's adoption of National Socialist strains of thought in his economic and social policies" and "the development toward an authoritarian state" based on the "demand that collective good be put before individual self-interest." Soon after having taken his second Oath of Office in January 1937, President Roosevelt, in a conversation with a speechwriter, articulated his belief that the limits on governmental power that were enshrined in the U.S. Constitution were impediments to the transformative social and economic policies he wished to implement: "When the chief justice read me the oath and came to the words 'support the Constitution of the United States,' I felt like saying: 'Yes, but it's the Constitution as I understand it, flexible enough to meet any new problem of democracy -- not the kind of Constitution your court has raised up as a barrier to progress and democracy.'" FDR chose to attack the depression with his so-called New Deal: a series of economic programs passed during his first term in office. These programs greatly expanded the size, scope, and power of the federal government, giving the President and his Brain Trust near-dictatorial status. "I want to assure you," Roosevelt's aide Harry Hopkins told an audience of New Deal activists in New York, "that we are not afraid of exploring anything within the law, and we have a lawyer who will declare anything you want to do legal." Personally Roosevelt never had much use for Hitler, but Mussolini was another matter. "I don't mind telling you in confidence,' FDR remarked to a White House correspondent, 'that I am keeping in fairly close touch with that admirable Italian gentleman." Rexford Tugwell, a leading adviser to the president, had difficulty containing his enthusiasm for Mussolini's program to modernize Italy: "It's the cleanest most efficiently operating piece of social machinery I've ever seen. It makes me envious." Why did contemporaries see an affinity between Roosevelt and the two leading European dictators while most people today view them as polar opposites? We all suffer from Presentism which means that people read history backwards: they project the fierce antagonisms of World War II, when America battled the Axis, to an earlier period, the 1930s. At the time, what impressed many observers, including as we have seen the principal actors themselves, was a new style of leadership common to America, Germany, and Italy. Many of Roosevelt's ideas and policies were entirely indistinguishable from the fascism of Mussolini. In fact, Jonah Goldberg writes in Liberal Fascism, there were "many common features among New Deal liberalism, Italian Fascism, and German National Socialism, all of which shared many of the same historical and intellectual forebears." Like American progressives, many Italian Fascist and German Nazi intellectuals championed a "middle" or "Third Way" between capitalism and socialism. Goldberg further explains: "The 'middle way' sounds moderate and un-radical. Its appeal is that it sounds unideological and freethinking. But philosophically the Third Way is not mere difference splitting; it is utopian and authoritarian. Its utopian aspect becomes manifest in its antagonism to the idea that politics is about trade-offs. The Third Wayer says that there are no false choices'I refuse to accept that X should come at the expense of Y.' The Third Way holds that we can have capitalism and socialism, individual liberty and absolute unity." I don't know about anyone else but I was taught in grade school and high school that America no longer had a capitalist economy. Instead America had combined capitalism and socialism into what we were taught was now a mixed economy. And that was back in the 1950s and 1960s. In Three New Deals the German cultural historian Wolfgang Schivelbusch states "To compare is not the same as to equate. America during Roosevelt's New Deal did not become a one-party state; it had no secret police; the Constitution remained in force, and there were no concentration camps; the New Deal preserved the institutions of the liberal-democratic system that National Socialism abolished." But throughout the '30s, intellectuals and journalists noted "areas of convergence among the New Deal, Fascism, and National Socialism." All three were seen as transcending "classic Anglo-French liberalism"individualism, free markets, decentralized power. Since 1776 liberalism had transformed the Western world. As The Nation editorialized in 1900, before it too abandoned the old liberalism, "Freed from the vexatious meddling of governments, men devoted themselves to their natural task, the bettering of their condition, with the wonderful results which surround us"industry, transportation, telephones and telegraphs, sanitation, abundant food, electricity. But the editor worried that "its material comfort has blinded the eyes of the present generation to the cause which made it possible." Old liberals died, and younger liberals began to wonder if government couldn't be a positive force, something to be used rather than constrained. Others, meanwhile, began to reject liberalism itself. In his 1930s novel The Man Without Qualities, Robert Musil wrote, "Misfortune had decreed thatthe mood of the times would shift away from the old guidelines of liberalism that had favored the great guiding ideals of tolerance, the dignity of man, and free tradeand reason and progress in the Western world would be displaced by racial theories and street slogans." The dream of a planned society infected both right and left. Ernst Junger, an influential right-wing militarist in Germany, reported his reaction to the Soviet Union: "I told myself: granted, they have no constitution, but they do have a plan. This may be an excellent thing." As early as 1912, FDR himself praised the Prussian-German model: "They passed beyond the liberty of the individual to do as he pleased with his own property and found it necessary to check this liberty for the benefit of the freedom of the whole people," he said in an address to the People's Forum of Troy, New York. American Progressives studied at German universities. Schivelbusch writes, and "came to appreciate the Hegelian theory of a strong state and Prussian militarism as the most efficient way of organizing modern societies that could no longer be ruled by anarchic liberal principles." The pragmatist philosopher William James' influential 1910 essay "The Moral Equivalent of War" stressed the importance of order, discipline, and planning. Schivelbusch finds parallels in the ideas, style, and programs of the disparate regimes even their architecture. "Neoclassical monumentalism," he writes, is "the architectural style in which the state visually manifests power and authority." In Berlin, Moscow, and Rome, "the enemy that was to be eradicated was the laissez-faire architectural legacy of nineteenth-century liberalism, an unplanned jumble of styles and structures." Washington erected plenty of neoclassical monuments in the '30s, though with less destruction than in the European capitals. Think of the "Man Controlling Trade" sculptures in front of the Federal Trade Commission, with a muscular man restraining an enormous horse. They would have been right at home in Il Duce's Italy. Intellectuals worried about inequality, the poverty of the working class, and the commercial culture created by mass production. They didn't seem to notice the tension between the last complaint and the first two. Liberalism seemed inadequate to deal with such problems. When economic crisis hit, in Italy and Germany after World War I and in the United States with the Great Depression, the anti-liberals seized the opportunity arguing that the market had failed and that the time for bold experimentation had arrived. Trace all that to today. We have a president who entered office comparing himself to FDR, a president who said he aspired to be a transformative leader, a president who has promised to fundamentally transform America, and we can see that the New Deal is alive and well even if the Republic is not. Fifty years of reading History on a daily basis has taught me one thing: we do not learn the lessons of History. Look about us and find the great examples of socialism. Mostly you will have to look in the dustbin of History although Venezuela provides a perfect example of where economies go when robbing Peter to pay Paul becomes national policy. A Soviet dictator, Nikita Khrushchev told us: "We will take America without firing a shot we will bury you!" "We can't expect the American people to jump from capitalism to communism, but we can assist their elected leaders in giving them small doses of socialism, until they awaken one day to find that they have communism." "I once said, We will bury you,' and I got into trouble with it. Of course we will not bury you with a shovel. Your own working class will bury you." "We do not have to invade the United States, we will destroy you from within." No one gets to live in the world they grew up in --- time moves too fast. We could however preserve and pass on the country we grew up in --- unless of course we don't. Dr. Robert Owens teaches History, Political Science, and Religion. He is the Historian of the Future @ http://drrobertowens.com 2016 Contact Dr. Owens drrobertowens@hotmail.com Follow Dr. Robert Owens on Facebook or Twitter @ Drrobertowens / Edited by Dr. Rosalie Owens. Dr. Owens' first novel will be out soon. Home Remember the Climate! By Paul Driessen Military triumphs and catastrophes have often hinged on how well (or luckily) armies and navies employed, avoided or benefited from weather and other natural events. Severe storms helped the British navy defeat Spain's Armada in 1588. George Washington knew horrid weather meant the Hessians would not expect an attack across the Delaware River on Christmas 1776. Napoleon captured Moscow before leading his Grande Armee's exhausted, starving, freezing remnants back to France through a bitter 1812 Russian winter. Hitler's army never even reached Moscow; it was decimated by disease, starvation, bullets and frigid cold at Stalingrad 140 years later. Eisenhower's Normandy invasion plans anticipated a full moon that would illuminate bomber targets and bring low tides to expose German mines and obstacles along the beaches. Instead, overcast skies limited Allied air support but persuaded the Nazi high command that no invasion would occur for several days. So senior officers stayed in Germany, leaving their army unprepared for D-Day, June 6, 1944. Throughout history, commanders discovered that trying to predict the weather or their enemies' resolve was fraught with peril. Even today, accurate weather forecasting is a highly uncertain science, even a few days in advance, especially for hurricanes or winter blizzards in Mid-Atlantic states where winds, storm tracks, temperatures and moisture are affected by the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Arctic. But now President Obama wants to compound his social experimentation with the military, by ordering the Pentagon brass to focus not on imminent weather events surrounding battle plans not on threats from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, ISIL, Hamas and other real hot spots but on climate change years or decades in the future. He wants to replace Remember the Alamo with Remember the Climate! Mr. Obama has issued an executive order directing the Department of Defense (and all other federal government agencies) to make preparing for global warming impacts a top priority, and treat climate change as our most serious national security threat. He even warned 2015 Coast Guard Academy graduates that "denying" climate change is a "dereliction of duty." You can't make this stuff up. The EO directs the Pentagon to order all military commanders, down to battle planning levels, to include climate change analyses in combat planning, training exercises, intelligence gathering, weapons testing and procurement, fuel types and use, and practically every other aspect of military operations. This could include restrictions on the type and duration of training flights, amphibious landings and tank maneuvers. It is sheer lunacy. It means bureaucrats and new layers of armed forces bureaucracies will waste time and money, and ignore real weapons and training issues. It means soldiers and sailors must now focus less on real natural and humanitarian disasters, and more on "climate refugee crises" that exist only in computer models, ivory tower studies and White House press releases. It could affect combat readiness and morale, make our warriors less prepared for warfare, and put them at greater risk of injury and death. Other Obama orders forced the Air Force to spend $59 a gallon for "renewable" jet fuel and $67 per gallon for camelina-based F-22 Raptor fuel and the Navy to spend $27 per gallon for biofuels from algae, waste grease and animal fat, and $424 a gallon for 20,000 gallons of "sustainable" diesel fuel. All that when conventional gasoline, diesel and jet fuel sell for $2.00-$3.50 per gallon (thanks to fracking)! Like the other social experiments, this is being imposed by political operatives with little or no military service, few kids in the military, and minimal concern about how these policies, multiple deployments and stretched-to-the-breaking-point budgets might affect military readiness, morale, safety and families. Even more absurd, the orders are based on pseudo-science and indefensible assumptions that carbon dioxide now drives climate change, and we have the knowledge and ability to predict climate shifts, extreme weather and related disasters years or decades in advance. Basing defense policies on these notions is ridiculous and dangerous. It's like Eisenhower using tarot cards to predict Normandy weather. The IPCC, EPA and White House continue to rely on still "murky" science, climatologist John Christy recently told the Senate Space and Science Subcommittee, "with large uncertainties on many crucial components, such as cloud distributions and surface heat exchanges." This and other deficiencies cause predictions to be notoriously disconnected from Real World temperatures and weather events. Contrary to those predictions, instead of rising a degree or more, average global temperatures have flat-lined for 19 years. Instead of more hurricanes, not a single category 3-5 hurricane has struck the U.S. mainland since November 2005 (a record ten-plus years). "Moisture conditions have not shown a tendency to have decreased (more drought) or increased (more large-scale wetness)," Dr. Christy noted. Climate models still focus on manmade carbon dioxide and ignore most of the powerful, interconnected natural forces that have always driven climate and weather. In fact, "the theory of how climate changes, and the associated impact of extra greenhouse gases, is not understood well enough [for models] to even reproduce the past climate," Dr. Christy explained to the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. There is no way they can forecast future climates, and they have failed to do so. Climate models pay minimal attention to significant effects of land use changes and major high-impact fluctuations like the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (El Nino and La Nina) and North Atlantic Oscillation, University of Delaware climatology professor David Legates observes. Adds Weatherbell forecaster Joe D'Aleo: they also disregard variations in the sun's energy output; the important effects of the sun's ultraviolet output, geomagnetic activity and cloud-enhancing cosmic rays; and the cyclical interplay of cold and warm water pools in our oceans, which significantly influence the severity of winters in Eurasia and North America (as just one example). All these factors affect weather and climate. They assume any warming is dangerous, rather than beneficial for people and agriculture. Additional reasons for grossly deficient climate models are their "overly simplified and inadequate numerical techniques," and the fact that decadal and century-scale circulation changes in the deep oceans "are very difficult to measure and are not yet well enough understood to be realistically included in the climate models," says Colorado State University weather and hurricane analyst Bill Gray. Reliable predictive capabilities require that we end our obsession with carbon dioxide as the primary driver of climate change and devote far more attention to studying all the powerful forces that have always driven climate change, the roles they play, and the complex interactions among them. And yet, Christy noted ruefully, "demonstrably deficient models are being used to make policy." That has been disastrous for domestic sectors, like coal and manufacturing. It could be lethal for military forces. One can easily imagine how Gilbert and Sullivan would treat this insanity in an updated HMS Pinafore: Now landsmen all, whoever you may be, If you want to be admirals at the DOD, If your soul isn't fettered to the White House fools, Be careful to be guided by this golden rule: Heed the climate models and never go to sea, And you all may be rulers of Obama's Navee! The revised D'Oyly Carte lyrics notwithstanding, Mr. Obama continues to use climate change to justify his drive to fundamentally transform our economy, society, military, and energy, legal and constitutional systems. Equally ominous, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders share his obsession and objectives. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, Pentagon brass and line officers must battle these climate directives as forcefully as they would any of the real dangers that face our nation and world. So must we all. Paul Driessen is senior policy analyst for the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow (www.CFACT.org) and author of Eco-Imperialism: Green power - Black death. Home The killer of Antonin Scalia: The New World Order By Michael Moriarty That Justice Antonin Scalia may have been murdered by some corner of the American Bipartisan Political Elite?! It's the first thing that sprang to my mind, at any rate. Faster even than the suspicion that Lyndon Baines Johnson may have had something to do with the Kennedy Assassination in Texas. Ironically, my first main suspects for the deaths of both Kennedy and Scalia are the Bushes. The "Conservative" Face of The United Nations' New World Order That is just the beginning of the unanswered questions about the Kennedy assassination that have mounted and mounted as the decades have gone by. However, much of the world prefers to be convinced that the Warren Commission findings are the only acceptable ones. I've spent too much time arguing against the above point of view and with no success. That belligerent resistance to indisputable inconsistencies in the Warren Commission Report only further dramatizes the inevitable treason that has existed in the American government ever since the Kennedy assassination. If you are still intrigued by these mysteries, an entirely different documentary has been clearly constructed from exactly the same point of view as the previous documentary. The relative success of the Warren Commission's shameless lies, now-over-50-years-old? This successful cover-up has somehow succeeded in creating such a level of increasingly obvious and terrifyingly successful treason in high office that a President as blatantly anti-American as Barack Hussein Obama could be elected to the White House! Not once! But twice!! Who would want such an unrelenting destruction of America's foundations? And keep the assaults upon American democracy going for over fifty years? All culminating in a Muslim-loving, Islamic-supporting President Barack Hussein Obama and the mysterious but undeniable emasculation of a Republican-dominated Congress?! Why hasn't President Obama Been impeached?! Why? Obama is the final and most radical ingredient for the decades-long establishment of a New World Order. Here is the flamingly undeniable evidence for George H. W. Bush's involvement in the entirely treasonous fraud or to use President Obama's words, "fundamental transformation of the United States of America" According to Bush 41, not only would there be a New World Order the United Nations would run it!! "When we are successful," says President H. W. Bush, adding with quiet certainty, " and we will be!" "In which a credible United Nations" What?! United Nations?!?!?! "Can use its peace-keeping role," continues Bush 41, "to fulfill the promise and vision of the U.N.'s founders." Where is the sovereignty of the United States in all this New World Order idealism?! Abandoned! Betrayed slowly but steadily by almost every President since the assassination of President Kennedy. Except for President Ronald Reagan, Presidents Bush 41, Clinton, Bush 43 and Obama?! Four Presidents, in the span of almost 28 years, have plotted and contrived to lead America and all Americans out of their own sovereignty and into a New World Order to be run not by the integrity of individual nations but by an untrustworthy, increasingly Marxist and decidedly anti-Semitic, anti-Judeo-Christian United Nations. Whom do I blame most? The Bush Family. They have been the first and most successful salesmen for a New World Order. The most radical initiators of America's deepening involvement in the Middle East and Islam's growing share of The New World Order. The possible explanation for why Barack Hussein Obama, a major part of the Bush, New World Order involvement with Islam and the Middle East, was never properly vetted by either Democrats or Republicans before his election. In addition, I believe that the Bushes are the main reason that no call for Obama's impeachment has been taken seriously by the Republican mainstream. The Bushes have insured the success of Barack Obama's two term, "fundamental transformation of the United States of America". Why? It is all demonstrably part of The New World Order's anti-Semitism. The Bush Family's Nazi sympathies were and are still too flagrantly a part of Prescott Bush's personal history to be ignored. In short, Israel, perhaps in the eyes of the Bush family and their New World Order, is actually too small a nation, too limited a population for the 1.6 billion Muslims of the world to remain continually upset about. The Bush family clearly and undeniably has, given their devout faith in a Yale education and their spiritual training in Yale's Skull and Bones, lifelong connections to the idea of a New World Order. As a most decisive coup de gras to this "fundamental transformation of the United States Of America" by The Bush/Clinton/Bush/Obama New World Order ?! The obscenely sudden death of Justice Antonin Scalia in, of all death-filled Alamos of American History, Texas. In less than five days from Justice Scalia' death, there are reports that the GOP will "back down on blocking Obama's SCOTUS nomination. Empty GOP gestures, for which this most recent, Republican-dominated Congress has been infamously famous for, may also surround this NEW WORLD ORDER DISPOSAL OF A SUPREME COURT CONSERVATIVE. "When we are successful," said President George H. W. Bush, "and we will be" A New World Order majority in the Supreme Court means indeed A NEW WORLD ORDER! If the Owners of the Republican Party for decades, yes, the Bush family, say there will be A NEW WORLD ORDER?! By a most questionable God, Yale, Skull and Bones, plus the indispensably two-faced, Bush Republican Party, there will be A NEW WORLD ORDER! Michael Moriarty is a Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor who starred in the landmark television series Law and Order from 1990 to 1994. His recent film and TV credits include The Yellow Wallpaper, 12 Hours to Live, Santa Baby and Deadly Skies. Contact Michael at rainbowfamily2008@yahoo.com. He can be found on Twitter at https://twitter.com/@MGMoriarty. Home Did Justice Scalia already give us the solution to the problem of filling his seat? By Selwyn Duke The death of the intrepid Justice Antonin Scalia has shaken the political world. If his successor's appointment cannot be delayed until the next presidency, it's assured that an unassailable hard-left majority will control the Supreme Court. This will mean, conservatives warn, the end of significant Second Amendment rights, curtailment of many religious freedoms and a consistent rubber-stamp for the "progressive" agenda. Unfortunately, the likelihood of replacing Scalia the court's pre-eminent legal mind with even a pale imitation is slim. For it to happen the Senate will have to exhibit fortitude and delay the confirmation of a successor. a Republican will have to win the presidency. the GOP will have to retain the Senate in Nov., and 24 GOP seats but only 10 Democrat ones are up for grabs. the Republican president in office will have to nominate someone not a wolf in constitutionalist's clothing; the chances of this alone happening are likely less than 50 percent. The probability of all four of the above coming to pass isn't great. And, regardless, while we will fill the great Scalia's position, we'll never fill his shoes. Yet perhaps the real solution to this problem lies with something Scalia himself said just last year. The real issue here is not whether Scalia's successor will abide by the Constitution. It's whether we will. Consider: in a representative republic of 320 million people, we're all now talking about how one appointment of one unelected lawyer can radically change the face of American law, rights and freedoms. Anything wrong with this picture? This isn't to say that a civilization's fate being radically altered by one man's death and another's ascendancy hasn't been humanity's norm. Autocracy has been humanity's norm. The king would pass on and people might lament, "You mean Aylwin, that kid who drools on his cloak, is next in line? How shall we be ruled?" But does this sound like a concern in a land of, by and for the people? The fact is that a government cannot be stable if one man's fancies and fortunes can have such a great impact on it and the wider society. Did the Founding Fathers who were most concerned about avoiding the aggregation of power by any one entity really devise such a flawed system? This brings us to Scalia's comment, made in his dissenting opinion in the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges (marriage) ruling. To wit: with "each decision...unabashedly based not on law" the Court moves "one step closer to being reminded of [its] impotence," he warned his colleagues. To what was he referring? Obviously, the Court has neither army nor police to enforce its judgments; it is government's executive branch headed by the president on the federal level and governors in the states with the constitutional warrant to enforce law. And whatever executive branches don't enforce doesn't happen, period, no matter how much black-robed lawyers stamp their feet. But is this just a matter of might makes right? Aren't we to be a nation of laws? For sure. A nation of laws, not lawyers. Laws not judicial decisions. There is a difference. Note that Scalia complained of decisions "unabashedly based not on law," clearly drawing a distinction between decisions and laws. Conclusion? An executive branch upholding illegal decisions is, by definition, not safeguarding the rule of law. And an executive branch that defies ignores illegal court decisions is preserving the rule of law. "Defies" is crossed out above because that term can connote resistance to authority. But the Supreme Court is not the Supreme Being. What "authority" over all and sundry does it have? Some will now answer, "Judicial supremacy!" Let's examine that. The legislative branch has the power to make law because the Constitution grants it. The executive branch has the power to enforce law because the Constitution grants it. And the courts exercise judicial supremacy where its decisions constrain not just its own branch but the other two as well, making it not a "co-equal" branch but a super-legislature/uber-executive because ____________? The answer has nothing to do with the Constitution. Rather, the Supreme Court unilaterally declared the power in the 1803 Marbury v. Madison ruling. That's right: Like an upstart seizing the reins in a palace coup, the Supreme Court assigned the Supreme Court its oligarchic power, all without the force of arms. It's a nice con if you can pull it off. This isn't how our system is meant to work. A governmental branch derives its power from the Constitution not from itself. And how dangerous is this usurpation? Founding Father Thomas Jefferson warned in 1819 that judicial supremacy's acceptance would do nothing less than make "our constitution a complete felo de se" a suicide pact. He explained: For intending to establish three departments, co-ordinate and independent, that they might check and balance one another, it has given, according to this [judicial supremacy] opinion, to one of them alone, the right to prescribe rules for the government of the others, and to that one too, which is unelected by, and independent of the nation.... The constitution, on this hypothesis, is a mere thing of wax in the hands of the judiciary, which they may twist, and shape into any form they please. Abraham Lincoln, who ignored the Dred Scott decision, also agreed. As Princeton University professor Robert George put it while conducting a December interview with Senator Ted Cruz, Lincoln said "that to treat unconstitutional court rulings as binding in all cases, no matter what, no matter how usurpative, no matter how anti-constitutional, would be for the American people and I quote now the Great Emancipator to resign their government into the hands of that eminent tribunal.'" Jefferson was even more pointed, writing in 1820 that judicial supremacy is "a very dangerous doctrine indeed, and one which would place us under the despotism of an oligarchy." And so it has come to pass. We're now reduced to arguing about how the next appointed oligarch will shape us wax people. Satirist Jonathan Swift wrote, mocking the legal profession in Gulliver's Travels, that it is a maxim among lawyers "that whatever has been done before, may legally be done again," no matter how preposterous. Just as bad, however, is when we abide by judicial supremacy again and again, simply because it has been done before. Part of what motivates this deference is ignorance and (bad) habit, and part is cowardice and political expediency. After all, hiding behind unconstitutional court rulings allows politicians to avoid making difficult decisions. When Ohio governor John Kasich said last June after Obergefell that faux marriage is "the law of the land and we'll abide by it," he was essentially stating "Hey, don't look at me. The Court did it!" Of course, he also said that now "it's time to move on," which he was more than happy to do. He has got his political career to consider Constitution be damned. Any president, governor or legislator worth his salt would do his duty and tell usurpative judges to go pound sand. Some will say that this would set off a "constitutional crisis," but newsflash: we're already experiencing a constitutional crisis. This occurs not when the Constitution is protected by bringing to heel those who trample it, but when that trampling goes unanswered. By the way, you know who else apparently questions judicial supremacy? Barack Obama. He has shown willingness to ignore the courts; in fact, he has been so dismissive that a federal appeals court actually ordered the administration in 2012 to submit a letter stating whether or not it recognized the judiciary's "power." Of course, Obama will defy constitutional laws; in contrast, "conservatives," being conservative (as in reluctant to take bold action), won't even ignore unconstitutional rulings. It's an old story. Liberal-controlled localities have been nullifying (ignoring) federal immigration and drug laws for decades. But conservatives consider nullification even in the defense of legitimate freedoms some kind of radical action, despite Jefferson's calling it the "rightful remedy" for all federal usurpation. And "conservative" justices tend to feel constrained by "precedent," even the unconstitutional variety, yet don't expect any liberal Scalia replacement to bat an eye at overturning constitutional precedent that contradicts the leftist agenda. Is it any wonder conservatives never saw a cultural or political battle they couldn't lose? One might say conservatives fight by Queensbury rules while liberals operate no-holds-barred, but it's not even that. Though conservatives are allowed to throw punches, they prefer to stand and block and be a punching bag while the liberals throw sand in their eyes and kick off their kneecaps. Calling the Court a "threat to American democracy," Justice Scalia wrote in his Obergefell dissent, "[I]t is not of special importance to me what the law says about marriage. It is of overwhelming importance, however, who it is that rules me. Today's decree says that my Ruler, and the Ruler of 320 million Americans coast-to-coast, is a majority of the nine lawyers on the Supreme Court." We won't talk the court out of its power-mad, usurpative bent. Only power negates power. It's time to stop acting like impotent fools and start showing the Court how impotent it really is. Contact Selwyn Duke, follow him on Twitter or log on to SelwynDuke.com. Home SCOTUS Better obstruction than destruction By Mark Alexander Earlier this month Justice Antonin Scalia joined the Supreme Court majority staying EPA regulations proposed by Barack Obama for his so-called "Clean Power Plan." That plan was just the latest SCOTUS objection to Obama's extra-constitutional efforts to bypass Congress and impose his will by regulatory fiat instead of legislation. On Tuesday of last week, in the wake of Justice Scalia's death, Barack Obama's United Nations climate envoy declared that Obama would ignore the High Court's ruling against his "climate change" agenda and, moreover, ignore the Constitution's mandate requiring "Consent of the Senate to make Treaties" as specified in Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 by signing the UN Climate Treaty. That announcement was followed by Obama's protests against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's assertion that "the American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice. Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president." Obama claims McConnell is an "obstructionist," insisting "the Constitution is pretty clear about what is supposed to happen," and declaring Republicans are violating Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 mandating the "Consent of the Senate to appoint ... Judges of the supreme Court." Yes, that is the same Article, Section and Clause Obama is himself ignoring when announcing the same day that he would sign the UN Climate Treaty. Laughably, Obama offered this assessment of constitutional mandates: "These are responsibilities that I take seriously as should everyone [and are] bigger than any one party. They are about our democracy [sic], and they are about the institution to which Justice Scalia dedicated his professional life in making sure it continues to function as the beacon of justice that our Founders envisioned. I'm amused when I hear people who claim to be strict interpreters of the Constitution suddenly reading into it a whole series of provisions that are not there." However, McConnell is not proposing anything that would be in violation of Article II, Section 2, Clause 2. On the other hand, while Obama's tenure in office has been characterized primarily by ineptitude, a close second would be his persistent and abject violation of his oath "to Support and Defend" our Constitution, and his willful defiance of Rule of Law whenever Congress fails to do his bidding. Within hours of Justice Scalia's death, Democratic National Committee CEO Amy Dacey broadcast a nationwide email alert, declaring, "Barack Obama has been very clear: He's going to fulfill his constitutional obligation and nominate our next Supreme Court justice." Why now? Obama certainly hasn't "fulfilled his constitutional obligations" in any other respect. Taking Obama's lead, there were plenty of other Democrats making laughable references to our Constitution. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid opined, "This constitutional duty has transcended partisan battles because it is essential to the basic functioning of our co-equal branches of government. By ignoring its constitutional mandate, the Senate would sabotage the highest court in the United States and aim a procedural missile at the foundation of our system of checks and balances. Our founders who envisioned a fair, bipartisan process must be rolling in their graves." This would be the same Harry Reid who, while Senate majority leader, implemented the "nuclear option" allowing the confirmation of judges (but not justices) by a simple majority vote, effectively eliminating the constitutional provision for filibuster. Vermont's Patrick Leahy, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, held up a copy of the Constitution at a press conference and complained, "Republicans are talking about the Republican playbook. ... This is the playbook we should follow, the Constitution of the United States." Clearly, Leahy's copy has never been opened. Not to be outdone, Democrat wildcard Elizabeth Warren got into the act: "Article II Section 2 of the Constitution says the president of the United States nominates justices to the Supreme Court, with the advice and consent of the Senate. ... Senate Republicans took an oath just like Senate Democrats did. Abandoning the duties they swore to uphold would threaten both the Constitution and our democracy [sic] itself. It would also prove that all the Republican talk about loving the Constitution is just that empty talk." Empty talk indeed from another protagonist of the Socialist Democratic Party who has never honored her oath. So what does the Constitution actually mandate regarding court nominations, and are the Republicans in violation of same? Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 states, "[The President] shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States." In other words, in regard to the federal court nominees, the president is required to submit a nominee to the Senate for its approval or rejection. To better understand what that means, I turn to The Federalist Papers, written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay to promote ratification of the Constitution. The Federalist remains the most definitive resource for legal and historic scholars in search of the original intent of the Framers of our Constitution. Federalist No. 76 covers the "Appointing Power of the Executive": "The President is to nominate, and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States whose appointments are not otherwise provided for in the Constitution. ... To what purpose then require the co-operation of the Senate? ... [T]he necessity of their concurrence would ... be an excellent check upon a spirit of favoritism in the President, and would tend greatly to prevent the appointment of unfit characters. ... It will readily be comprehended, that a man who had himself the sole disposition of offices, would be governed much more by his private inclinations and interests, than when he was bound to submit the propriety of his choice to the discussion and determination of a different and independent body, and that body an entire branch of the legislature." Federalist No. 77 also addresses appointments: "It has been mentioned as one of the advantages to be expected from the co-operation of the Senate, in the business of appointments, that it would contribute to the stability of the administration. The consent of that body would be necessary to displace as well as to appoint." In other words, as understood in 1787 and today, Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 provides that the legislative branch (the Senate) has a check on the executive branch (the president) with the objective that the executive not pack the judicial branch (the Supreme Court) with those who would share his prejudices and special interests, rather than abide by Rule of Law as enshrined in our Constitution. The Senate Consent requirement provides some nominal assurance against the threat of prejudicial and special interests nominees. The principle of separation of powers necessitates that the appointment of judges requires a collaborative effort by the executive and legislative branches. The Senate can either approve or reject an Obama court nominee by scheduling votes in the Judicial Committee and the full Senate, or defer consideration of that nomination by not scheduling votes by either the committee or the full Senate. As constitutional scholar John McGinnis notes: "The Senate has independent authority in that it may constitutionally refuse to confirm a nominee for any reason. While ideology and jurisprudential 'point of view' were not among the kinds of concerns listed by the Framers as justifying the requirement of advice and consent, nothing in the text of the clause appears to limit the kind of considerations the Senate can take up. ... As the president has complete discretion in the use of his veto power, the Senate has complete and final discretion in whether to accept or approve a nomination." It is the responsibility of the president to nominate, and the Senate to approve, only those judges who will interpret our Constitution's original intent. As James Madison wrote, "An elective despotism was not the government we fought for; but one in which the powers of government should be so divided and balanced among the several bodies of magistracy as that no one could transcend their legal limits without being effectually checked and restrained by the others." Justice Scalia, nominated by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 and confirmed soon thereafter by a 98-0 vote in the Senate, adhered strictly to the doctrine of constitutional originalism the standard our Founders prescribed reading the plain language of the Constitution for its original intent, and applying the historical context of the drafters when the plain-language intent was not readily apparent. Scalia's constructionist interpretation was contrary to those "activist judges" whom Thomas Jefferson warned would treat "the Constitution [as] a mere thing of wax ... which they may twist and shape into any form they please." Scalia provided an effective check against SCOTUS activists endeavoring to usurp individual freedoms with their errant notion of a "living constitution." Regarding judicial activists, Justice Scalia wrote, "As long as judges tinker with the Constitution to 'do what the people want,' instead of what the document actually commands, politicians who pick and confirm new federal judges will naturally want only those who agree with them politically." Of course, Obama will put forth a nominee who he believes will "twist and shape" the Constitution to comport with his "progressive" will. And any effort to defer his nominee will elicit cries of "obstruction." It is worth recalling, however, the level of obstruction Democrats put forth when considering President Reagan's 1987 nomination of the distinguished jurist Robert Bork. After the confirmation of Scalia, Senate Demos were not about to consent to another judge who would interpret the Constitution as our Founders intended. Senator Ted Kennedy protested, "Reagan is still our president. But he should not be able to ... impose his reactionary vision of the Constitution on the Supreme Court and the next generation of Americans. No justice would be better than this injustice." Soon thereafter, esteemed columnist William Safire coined the word "bork" as a verb, in reference "to the way Democrats savaged Ronald Reagan's nominee, the Appeals Court judge Robert H. Bork." The next jurist Democrats endeavored to bork was a black nominee, Clarence Thomas. In the upcoming battle for control of the Supreme Court and, by extension, the United States of America, perhaps Senate Republicans should follow Sen. Chuck Schumer's lead and refrain from consideration of any Obama nominee. In 2003, Schumer, now Harry Reid's heir-apparent as Democrat leader, declared, "We are blocking [Bush nominees] by filibuster. That is part of the hallowed process around here." Indeed, they blocked confirmation of two outstanding judicial nominees, Miguel Estrada (a Hispanic man) and Janice Rogers Brown (a black woman). More to the point, in 2007, 18 months before George W. Bush left office, Schumer declared: "[F]or the rest of this president's term and if there is another Republican elected with the same selection criteria let me say this: We should reverse the presumption of confirmation. ... I will recommend to my colleagues that we should not confirm any Bush nominee to the Supreme Court... In the end [we must] ensure that our Court reflects what America wants, rather than what a diminishing clique of conservative ideologues wish for. ... I will do everything in my power to prevent one more ideological ally from joining Roberts and Alito on the court." Now, however, Schumer insists the Senate has "a constitutional obligation to hold hearings, conduct a full confirmation process, and vote on the nominee based on his or her merits." Let's remind Obama that, despite his "obstructionist" protests, of the 16 presidents who once served in the Senate, only he endeavored to filibuster a Supreme Court nomination the 2006 nomination of now-Justice Samuel Alito. And he was joined by then-Senator Hillary Clinton, who now claims, "[Republicans] are even saying [Obama] doesn't have the right to nominate anyone, as if somehow he's not the real president." The editors of The Wall Street Journal weighed in with this salient advice: "Ignore any complaints you read about 'unprecedented' GOP 'obstruction.' As Justice Scalia warned, legal progressives made the Court a partisan cause by making value judgments that are best left for voters to decide. One result is that Democrats will have to fight and win an election in 2016 to replace the greatest contemporary Justice." Indeed, better to be an "obstructionist" than to consent to a "destructionist." Mark Alexander is the executive editor of the Patriot Post. Home Trump tizzy in Virginia long before primary By Michael R. Shannon The Virginia Republican Party has discovered it's one thing to issue a political "Do Not Resuscitate" order and quite another to get it to stick. Back in September the State Central Committee decided to require all voters in the March 1st GOP primary to sign a pledge that states: "My signature below indicates that I am a Republican." The idea behind this plea to be left alone was Virginia Republicans didn't want a bunch of Trump voters cluttering up the polling places and spreading dangerous ideas about standing up to condescending elites. Why you'd have thought they were asking for bilingual ballots! Whoops, my mistake. The bilingual ballot folks are just the voters the GOP establishment hopes to welcome any decade now. As one insider told the Washington Post, "the party is highlighting the [loyalty pledge] to box in Trump, whose swipes against illegal immigrants have been an "unmitigated disaster" for a party trying to expand its outreach to minority voters." You can imagine that insider's dismay when Hillary was the first candidate to be photographed in a Chipotle. I expect to see Chris Christie and John Kasich there soon, if their campaigns can hold out until the quarantine ends. Why should party panjandrums work to welcome independents and swing Democrats when you can make the Chamber of Commerce happy by legalizing generations of big government Democrat voters? Why don't they ask for asylum and allow Univision to be a debate sponsor? Whoops, yet another mistake! Univision WAS a debate sponsor until a potential revolt of GOP candidates even the Canadian forced the Republican establishment to listen to citizens for a change. I've never understood the hubbub Trump causes among GOP apparatchiks. If the Democrats can allow a man who's not even a member of their party to run for president, why can't the metoos that run the GOP allow independent and swing voters to participate? I say let Trump's anchorRepublicans vote. Who knows, it could prove habit forming. The other feeble justification for oaths is to prevent crossover voting. This is when members of the other party vote in the opposite primary to attempt to elect a candidate that will be harmful in the fall. Instances of successful crossover voting operations are as hard to find as instances of Islamophobia. In any event crossover attempts can be stopped dead by notifying voters their participation in the primary means they'll be receiving Republican junk mail for the next decade. My wife and daughter are still getting mail from abortionists, alternate lifestyles advocates and amnesty supporters dating from their participation in Rush Limbaugh's illadvised stop Obama crossover operation in 2008. Isolationist GOP officials held out as long as possible and then gave up last month. Like Marxist true believers, instead of admitting it was a bad idea from the beginning, party officials are now claiming the oath wasn't a problem it was the state election board's implementation that forced the party to recant. Now voters participating in the GOP primary will be able to vote without signing a loyalty oath or passing a literacy test. My suggestion for the future would be instead of harassing voters, the party should require a loyalty oath from candidates. Make them sign an pledge that if a candidate runs as a conservative, he promises not to govern as a RINO (Republican In Name Only). One law Virginia has that more states should adopt is the "sore loser" law. This states that any candidate who loses a primary election can't run as an independent in the general election. That would stop both Trump and Hillary. Personally, I'm going to miss signing the pledge. I was hopeful there'd be plenty of room on the signature line so I could add: "My coerced signature indicates this party is run by morons." Michael R. Shannon is a public relations and advertising consultant with corporate, government and political experience around the globe. He is a dynamic and entertaining keynote speaker. He can be reached at mandate.mmpr (at) gmail.com. He is also the author of Conservative Christian's Guidebook for Living in Secular Times (Now with added humor!). Giuricich Bros Construction a leading South African independent and family owned construction firm has increased its presence in the retail development sector by securing the lucrative building contracts for the new 45,000m Springs Mall at Blue Crane Eco Park and the 15,000m expansion of the well-established Vaal Mall. While construction on these major Gauteng mall projects are well underway, Giuricich Bros are celebrating their work done on the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) South Africas ground-breaking new Johannesburg green office building. The building in Braamfontein in the Johannesburg CBD, which was completed by Giuricich Bros earlier this year, was recently awarded a 6 Star Green Star SA Office Design rating by the Green Building Council of SA (GBCSA). Giuricich Bros being the main building contractors on these landmark developments are big feathers in our cap. We are immensely proud to be involved in these developments, which cap off 2015 as a milestone year for the group, says Gerard Giuricich, a Director at Giuricich Bros Construction. Together, Springs Mall and Vaal Mall represent projects of over R1.4 billion. While we have undertaken retail developments in the past, these new mall projects are our largest retail developments to date as the main contractors. Springs Mall is an all-new regional shopping centre and a particularly significant project for Giuricich Bros and the family, as we are also shareholders in the development, he adds. Giuricich says the group has played a key role in helping to unlock the Springs Mall development, which was first punted by the Springs-based DArrigo family several years back. Construction on the mall finally broke ground earlier this year. Besides the Giuricich and DArrigo families, the other shareholders in the development include leading shopping centre developers and leasing specialists, Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment; and, noted JSE listed retail focused REIT, Vukile Property Fund. It is great to be associated with experts in the retail development and investment sector through the Springs Mall project. As a billion rand retail development with over 150 stores, the mall is a major investment in Springs and is going to be a world-class regional shopping destination in the area when it opens in March 2017, says Gerard. Our association with Flanagan & Gerard on the Springs Mall development saw Giuricich Bros Construction tendering for the Vaal Mall project. We secured the construction contract for the expansion of Vaal Mall, which is jointly owned by Flanagan & Gerard and Sycom Property Fund/Growthpoint Properties. This 15,000m expansion will take the mall to 65,000m in size and entrench it as a dominant regional shopping centre in the Vaal Triangle, he adds. Giuricich believes the companys involvement as the main contractor in construction of both the Springs Mall and Vaal Mall projects puts it in good stead for the future, by increasing its expertise in larger scale retail developments. Giuricich Bros has a construction industry pedigree going back seven decades and has been involved with several landmark construction projects across South Africa. These include, amongst others, the redevelopment of the iconic Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban; building McDonalds restaurants countrywide; the 20 West Street Capital Hotel building in Sandton; the original BMW head-office in Midrand; recent motor dealerships for Mercedes Benz, KIA and Hyundai; switch-centres country-wide for MTN; and, as one of the contractors in the original development of well-known shopping centres such as Fourways Mall, Southgate and Rosebank Mall. The new WWF offices, in Johannesburg, is one of the groups latest office developments. Nicky Giuricich, a fellow Director at Giuricich Bros Construction, led this WWF project. He comments: This was both a challenging and hugely rewarding project, due to the ambitious green building goals of the development. We tendered for and won the contract for this prestigious construction job in 2012 from the WWF. It was not a big contract in terms of value, however, was of significance because WWF is a high-profile client and the cutting-edge nature of its new green office building. He adds: Besides its green building design features such bigger windows for more natural light, rain water harvesting and a sewage treatment plant on site, what made this project unique from a construction side is that the old building on the site could not be demolished, but rather deconstructed. We had to keep the original facade of the old building and re-use all the old bricks and even the wood in construction of the new building. It was an incredible project to be involved with, and the reuse of materials from the original building was one of the main contributing factors to its green star rating. The three-storey WWF building getting a 6 Star Green Star SA Office Design certification from the GBCSA signifies world leadership in green building and is the highest green rating that a building can receive. It was designed by architect Simon Cretney, with the green building consultants on the project being Richard Duckitt from Bornman and Associates. Giuricich Bros Construction was established in 1940 in Johannesburg by the late Nicolo and Cesare Giuricich, and has become one of SAs largest privately owned and managed construction companies. Celebrating 75 years in business, Giuricich Bros Construction today is based in Gauteng and Cape Town, and undertakes contracts countrywide. In line with South Africas empowerment policies, Giuricich Bros Construction has been at the forefront of empowerment in the construction industry, and recently maintained its Level Three BEE rating. Concludes Gerard Giuricich: We have established a reputation in the industry for the quality of our work, our owner-managed hands-on way of doing business, and delivering projects within budget and on time. As an independent, family-owned construction company that is committed to SA, Giuricich Bros Construction are committed to our BEE credentials and are looking forward to continued growth. The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) has made an ambitious commitment to introduce a net zero/positive building certification scheme by 2020, and six more meaningful goals, at COP21 in Paris today. A total of 25 Green Building Councils from around the world unveiled national commitments to transform the sustainability of their buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure that the building and construction industry plays its part in limiting global warming to 2 degrees. Buildings currently account for around one third of global emissions. But green building is one of the most cost-effective solutions to climate change, which generates significant environmental, economic and societal benefits. Brian Wilkinson, CEO of Green Building Council South Africa, explains its commitment to introduce a Net Zero/Positive building certification will cover energy and carbon emissions, and possibly also cover water and waste. It will leverage and be built upon the GBCSAs current Green Star SA and Energy Water Performance certification schemes that already can assess whether a building is water or energy neutral or positive. However, it will also allow for specific recognition and acknowledgment of this net zero/positive aspect only, so as to elevate its importance. GBCSA also committed to six further significant goals by 2020. They are: 1. To secure statements of commitment in respect of the green building principles and practices for 60% of 50 of the leading and largest property owners in the country. 2. To target 2,500 commercial green building certifications, representing around 10 million square metres of gross building area 3. A target of 10,000 residential green building certified homes 4. A target of 12,000 professionals to be trained in green building principles and practices. 5. 10% of local government staff to be trained in green building principles and practices. 6. Inspiring and assisting fellow African national to establish and capacitate GBCs in their countries by providing support with rating tools, training, and so forth, with a target of five more established African GBCs. The commitments were made at Buildings Day - the official COP21 meeting led by Segolene Royal, the French Minister of Ecology and former presidential candidate. Terri Wills, CEO of the World Green Building Council, said: The Green Building Council South Africa is demonstrating real leadership on green buildings by launching its ambitious commitments at these critical climate change negotiations in Paris. We know how to build bigger and bigger. The challenge is to build bigger and better. And it is commitments like these that will help to transform the global buildings industry so that not only is a 2 degree world possible tomorrow, but we can realise the benefits from this new way of building today. The GBCSA has an extensive member base of over 1,300 member organisations each represented by thousands of individuals who have become activators and implementers of green building, in both the private and public sector. The GBCSA exists to transform the way the built environment is designed, constructed and operated, to be environmentally sustainable. This includes a critical focus on radically reducing harmful emissions resulting from building practices. Buoyed by impressive prospects in some parts of Africa, where demand outstrips supply of quality stock, JSE-listed Pivotal Property Fund is pushing ahead with its expansion into the hinterland. In addition to Nigeria where the fund is invested in a 27000m office development on Victoria Island, its first cross-border asset (that is leased to Oando Oil & Gas) Pivotal has its sights on opportunities elsewhere on the continent. This is in line with the funds ambition to improve its geographic spread as well as portfolio mix. The income-producing portfolio is about R10 billion. Almost half of that is office space. Pivotal is stagnant on the JSE, trading at R16.10 per share or R5.3 billion in market cap. One of the reasons for preferring Africa, amid pessimism, to, say, Europe, is that the former is close on our doorsteps, says Pivotal CEO Jackie van Niekerk. While noting an upside, she also cites risks associated with some of the markets here. In fact, there are ways to mitigate against risks says Tanzanian housing firms Fred Msemwa. Foreign-based firms could forge partnerships with locals better placed to deal with local challenges in a manner that will reduce investment risks, he says. Pivotal has done its homework and set up a dedicated fund powered by a special team that will run development projects on the continent. So, Pivotal will invest into a fund which will then roll out these developments. We will place that (Nigerian) asset into a fund, Van Niekerk explains. Were very proud of the first transaction weve concluded in Nigeria, she says, but explains that the firm isn't looking to be in every country in Africa. While some firms prefer the familiar, thus squandering the upside cited by Msemwa, Pivotal is forging ahead into Africa, driven by the belief that markets to the north of the Limpopo are the place to be. If you look at the limited supply opportunities in South Africa versus the opportunities that are in Africa (its worth pursuing those markets), the Pivotal boss says in an interview with eProp. Unlike some of its neighbours, including Mozambique or, further afield, Nigeria and Ghana, quality property stock including office, retail and industrial space is plentiful here. That would also explain why monthly rental is significantly lower in Johannesburg than it is in Abuja, Accra, Lagos or Maputo according to data from Broll. For one, office rent can set you back a cool US$840/m/month in Lagos, a sprawling city of 17 million people, or three times Limpopos population. In Johannesburg, office rent is US$310/m/month and even lower in Cape Town and Durban. At no less than 10%, yields are higher in the hinterland, but that is countered by other factors. The demand for offices and retail space continues to grow at a higher speed as Africas middle income group continues to grow, observes Msemwa, CEO at Dar-es-Salaams Watumishi Housing Company. Much as Pivotals new markets (East Africa, Nigeria and Mozambique), seem like money-printing machines, the fund is proceeding with due care and diligence. The key is not to forget about the fundamentals. The same fundamentals and strategies that you apply in South Africa (should be applied) in all the countries that you do operate in, Van Niekerk says. She says it is important to be ruthless about returns without trying to conquer the whole of Africa. A project-by-project approach is the way to go, she says, adding that there is some good value and opportunities. Taking a look at Europe, Van Niekerk notes that growth potential and escalation are flat in that region. In Africa you still get long-term growth of your assets long after completion, she says. Again, being the type of fund, and with the strategy that we have as a net asset value growth fund absolutely it makes sense (to focus in Africa). Im not saying that Europe is bad, I just dont that it caters for the market were after at the moment. Investing outside the rands common monetary area, or abroad, is always going to be a headache, thanks to currency fluctuations. Each currency has its own dynamics driving it either way. Rand hedging and monitoring of local currencies are ways to manage the fluctuations, especially in the retail market, says Van Niekerk. In July of 2015 Tower Property Fund announced its decision to establish an offshore presence through the purchase of a newly built office tower, VMD Block B, in Zagreb, Croatia. The acquisition was the first in Towers broader strategy of establishing an offshore portfolio and has proven to be highly successful, outperforming all expectations. In fact, Tower is now looking to increase the funds offshore exposure to a third of its total assets, with their partnership with VMD forming the bedrock of a substantial pipeline of properties within Croatia predominantly in the retail sector. Marc Edwards, CEO of Tower explains that Towers first acquisition has proved successful. VMD Block B has performed considerably ahead of our expectations.The property has a 5 year head lease from the VMD Grupa and was predominantly vacant on purchase. The property is now fully let (on paper as tenants are currently fitting out their premises) with rentals achieving expectations. The property has let faster and more successfully than competing properties, which is testament to its premium grade quality, high green rating and excellent location A number of national and multi-national tenants have moved into the space. On a recent shareholder tour of the property and country, shareholders were impressed by the building, particularly its world class finishes which have been installed.Towers partners have an excellent name in the region given their detailed quality control which results in satisfied customers. Why Croatia According to Edwards, Tower investigated offshore opportunities for a year prior to selecting Croatia as the first jurisdiction in its strategy, based on the significant opportunities identified for potential value creation. Edwards highlights that this decision has been vindicated: Croatia was coming off the back of an eight year recession. We believed the economy was about to enter a growth phase and we are pleased that 2.5% growth for the next year looks set to be achieved. The recent tourism season was the best for a number of years, which is excellent given that this industry accounts for a large part of the economy.Croatia is in the Eurozone (from July 2013) and is expected to convert to the Euro in the near future. It is politically stable and is in the process of finalising its latest election. Added to these macro benefits, the cost of debt in Croatia is significantly cheaper than here in SA with property yields being similar, resulting in earnings enhancement, says Edwards. Croatia is a small country, which means Tower can become a dominant player and our investment in the market has been well received by Croatian authorities, investors and professionals. Edwards adds that a large pipeline of compelling property opportunities have been identified in the retail sector in an investment climate that is pro foreign investment with a strong legal system and regard for property rights. Initial results prove that we made the right choice with VMD Block B. Not only is the property green in line with our overall fund strategy of energy reduction it is market leading and is expected to be the property of choice for larger tenants for some time to come. We believe there is long term capital growth in this property given its quality and pricing in the market. Offshore diversification is in Towers strategy is to seek out new markets that provide strong diversification opportunities through premium, high quality properties. Tower will however focus on Croatia and the Balkan region for the foreseeable future given its strong partnerships in the country and the greater area. Europe offers a hedge against Rand weakness and includes numerous smaller markets where Tower can position itself as the leading participant in the territory. Other property funds are following suite, with Attacq Limited having recently announced their partnership with Atterbury Europe in the acquisition of a one-third stake in a 259-million gross asset value portfolio of seven Serbian shopping centres including the countrys largest mall, Usce Shopping Centre, in its capital Belgrade. In addition, the parties seeded a 50/50 development fund to develop a pipeline of retail real estate assets in Serbia and neighbouring countries in the Balkans. The South African economy, we believe, has reached its short term potential and we see risks to the down side. We believe this view is shared by the majority of the market hence the number of South African companies, in all industries, looking offshore. Croatia, at an opposite end of the property cycle is naturally attractive to us with our partnerships in the country being of critical importance to Tower. Tower will continue to invest in South African properties and will remain a proudly South African investor with two thirds of our portfolio invested in the country, however we will be selective of our opportunities and will look at well located properties in popular nodes with growth potential through working the asset continuously, concludes Edwards In a bid to align Kenyas listed property sector with international standards, enhance governance and boost expansion across sub-Saharan Africa, multi-specialist asset manager STANLIB has received regulatory approval from the Kenya Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to launch East Africas first Income Real Estate Investment Trust (I-REIT). The proposed I-REIT, to be listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchanges Alternative Investment Market Segment, will allow investors to indirectly own a slice of Kenyas vibrant property market. The trust will invest in a select portfolio of properties and pay clients returns at a pre-agreed rate. We are pleased to be the first to list an I-REIT in East Africa as this will boost the property market, improve governance and give investors, an opportunity to invest in the growing property sector, says Amelia Beattie, Head of STANLIB Direct Property Investments. This new asset class adds diversity to investors portfolios while offering them a secure and regulated investment vehicle, she adds. Kenyas Capital Markets Authority (CMA) granted approval for the issue of the REIT on Friday, 2 October 2015. Acting Chief Executive of the CMA Paul Muthaura said in a statement: The approval of STANLIB Fahari I-REIT marks a fundamental step towards efforts to deepen and develop the capital markets by facilitating diversification of products available in the market. STANLIBs moves to list an I-REIT comes at a time when property as an asset class in Kenya is said to be heading for a boom. According to the latest Kenya Economic Survey 2015, growth in the real estate and property sector is set to continue, driven by demand for new office space and urban housing. The survey notes that high demand for fixed assets, largely property, was a major contributor to a 5.3 per cent expansion in the Kenyan economy last year. According to Keillen Ndlovu, STANLIB head of Listed Property: The STANLIB I-REIT will be pioneering the REIT structure in Kenya by providing local and international investors with a safe and a regulated investment structure which also presents a diversification opportunity into a new asset class. This should bode well for the real estate market with price discoveries and more listings in the region. A REIT is a collective investment vehicle that allows investors to pool capital, which is then invested in a portfolio of selected properties for a return. Investors can opt for capital appreciation or income from their investment. In Africa, growth in this market has been limited by the absence of enabling legislation. South Africa has traded in REITs for the last 10 years, while Ghana has had access to REITs since 1994 and Nigeria 2007. REITs allow anyone to invest in portfolios of large-scale properties the same way they invest in other industries through the purchase of stock. In the same way shareholders benefit by owning stocks in other corporations, the stockholders of a REIT earn a share of the income produced through real estate investment without actually having to go out and buy or finance property, says Beattie. STANLIB Kenya is the third largest asset manager in Kenya. STANLIB has assets worth over US$2.3 billion under management in East Africa for a wide array of clients including pensions, endowments, parastatals, corporates, governments, NGOs, churches, savings and credit co-operatives and charitable organisations. Until recently, Growthpoint Properties and Redefine Properties were the largest listed South African real estate groups, leaving institutional investors with limited choice. In the past few years, however, counters such as New Europe Property Investments (Nepi), Fortress Income Fund, Resilient and Rockcastle Global Real Estate have all grown considerably and are catching up. This is attracting more South African institutional investors who did not traditionally focus on property as well as foreign fund managers. These larger property funds have benefitted from being included in real estate investment indices that attract global index investors. By adopting the real estate investment trust (Reit) capital structure and aligning themselves with global best company practice, between 2013 and 2014, various South African listed property funds gained the attention of foreign investors. Funds including Resilient and Rockcastle have also benefitted from strong performances by their offshore assets. According to research by Grindrod Asset Managements chief investment officer, Ian Anderson, the largest property fund listed on the JSE is Intu Properties, with a market capitalisation of about R94bn. It is followed by Capital and Counties Properties, with a market capitalisation of about R76.62bn. These two groups operate solely in the UK. The next biggest property company on the JSE is South African-based Growthpoint Properties, which has a market capitalisation of about R60bn. Romanian shopping centre owner Nepi ranks fourth, with a market cap of about R55bn. But not too far off is Fortress Income Fund, which grew substantially last year following a merger with Capital Property Fund. The new Fortress is worth about R47bn. Redefine Properties, meanwhile, has fallen to sixth position from second, with a market capitalisation of about R44bn. Fortress focuses on retail centre assets situated near transport nodes such as taxi ranks and bus and railway terminals. By buying Capital, it acquired the largest owner of listed industrial property in SA. Resilient Property Income Fund is close behind Redefine, with a market capitalisation of nearly R41bn. Resilient is a regional retail shopping centre-focused group, but it also owns stakes in offshore-based companies including Nepi and Rockcastle. Rockcastle, which is focused on Polish assets, follows Resilient, with a market capitalisation of about R32.89bn. The ninth biggest fund on the JSE, Hyprop Investments, is somewhat smaller with a market capitalisation of about R22.4bn. Hyprop is purely a shopping centre owner in SA that has recently diversified its asset base into other African countries including Ghana and Nigeria. Mr Anderson said, however, that while many funds may have benefitted from index inclusion, some had later seen their share prices fall rapidly following new valuations. Catalyst Fund Managers said in their December research report the rebalancing of the sector was driven by capital movements and that this would persist this year. We continue to maintain that in the short term, listed real estate pricing is likely to take its direction from capital markets rather than real estate fundamentals, earnings and earnings growth, the group said. Source: Business Day The announcement of the conferences headline speaker - internationally acclaimed business leader and ex-CEO of Unibail-Radamco, Guillaume Poitrinal - has resulted in a high number of early bookings. There are limited seats available for delegates at the SA REIT Conference, to be held on 17 March 2016 at The Maslow in Sandton Central. We suggest you secure your place soon to avoid disappointment. With international keynote speakers Guillaume Poitrinal and Andrew Parsons, MD of Resolution Capital (Australia) and a full programme of hot topics delivered by the sharpest minds in their fields, the SA REIT Conference 2016 is hosted by the South African Real Estate Investment Trust Association (SA REIT) and sponsored by Property Finance at Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (NCIB). Meet our international keynote speakers: Guillaume Poitrinal Poitrinals matchless listed property prowess is extensively recognised. His appearance at the SA REIT Conference is a real coup for the South African business and real estate community. Poitrinal was elected Chairman of the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA), from 2009 to 2011. He was voted Best CEO property sector Europe by Institutional Investors buy side voters, each year from 2006 to 2013. French President Francois Holland has appointed Poitrinal as Co-Chair of the French Simplification Council by, where he is tasked with streamlining the administrative and fiscal formalities applied to French businesses. Poitrinal joined Unibail in 1995, after a three-year stint at Morgan Stanleys M&A division in London and Paris. Poitrinal spent 18 years building up the leading European property company. During his tenure as Chairman and CEO, the company entered the CAC40 index, and merged with Rodamco to create Unibail-Rodamco, Europes largest property company, while rewarding its shareholders and outperforming its major index benchmarks. Unibail-Rodamco Europe became the third largest shopping centre owner, operator and developer in the world, while Poitrinal was one of the youngest CEOs of a European listed company. At the height of his professional career in 2013, Poitrinal left Unibail-Rodamco to take on the entrepreneurial challenge of building up his own company. When Poitrinal handed over the reins of Unibail-Rodamco, it had a market capitalisation of 18 billion, a standing real estate portfolio of 30 billion, a development pipeline of 6 billion and a leading position in the capital cities of 12 countries in Europe. Andrew Parsons The outspoken Andrew Parsons is returning to our second conference, this time to shine a light on lessons from Australias property sector, as well as issues impacting REITS globally. Managing Director of Resolution Capital in Australia, Parsons will share his insight gained through over 25-years in financial markets working for the Australian Stock Exchange, CS First Boston and Lend Lease. He is a past Chairman of the Property Council of Australias Capital Markets Committee and is currently a serving member of the European Public Real Estate Associations Asian Index Committee. Parsons is also a Fellow of the Australian Property Institute and a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. The SA REIT Conference is an exclusive one-day senior management conference and will be held on 17 March 2016 at The Maslow in Sandton Central. The cost per delegate is R 5000 excluding vat and you can book your seat for the SA REIT Conference 2016. With house prices in most capital cities becoming beyond the reach of many, a growing number of Australians are deciding to ditch the inner city lifestyle for the more laidback regional centres around the country. ABS regional internal migration estimates highlight some interesting trends about where Australians are moving to. With the lions share of overseas migrants heading to the major capital cities and in particular Sydney and Melbourne, Australians are once again embracing the tree/sea change lifestyle. Several factors have contributed to the gaining rise in city dwellers moving to regional areas, however none more so than affordability. With the median house price in Sydney nudging the AUD$1m mark and Melbourne not too far behind at AUD$730,000 (Residex, September 2015), affordability levels have diminished, particularly against a backdrop of weak wage growth. Instead of a significant mortgage or the prospect of long term renting in the city, people have turned to major regional centres. Over the five years to June 2014 (latest available data), an average of almost 15,000 people net per annum left Australias capital cities for regional areas. Over this period, the largest outbound movement came from Sydney (average of 19,257 persons net per annum leaving), while regional NSW experienced the largest inflow (gaining an average of 6,824 persons net per annum), most notably to coastal locations such as Port Macquarie and Shoalhaven. Over the five year period, Perth and Brisbane were the only capital cities to record an internal migration gain (see Figure 1), reflective of strong employment gains recorded for the period, underpinned by professional services associated with mining construction. A recent softening in labour market conditions (particularly in Greater Perth) is likely to have stemmed the inflow of internal migrants to these cities while at the same time constraining property market conditions. Alternatively, buoyed net overseas migration has more than offset the decline in internal migration to all capital cities. By age, the attraction of capital cities due to tertiary education, employment opportunities and the bright lights has ensured strong growth of young adults in their late teens and twenties. On average, 13,000 people net per annum aged between 15-24 moved to one of Australias capital cities. However for other age cohorts, particularly the dominant family (0-14 and 45-64) and retiree cohorts (65+), the outbound movement to regional locations has been extensive (see Figure 2) at 18,505 and 2,685 persons per annum respectively (net). So what does this mean for property markets? With migration rates acting as a reasonable proxy for housing demand, the pick up in internal migration outside of our capital cities is likely to bode well for regional property markets and economies. Housing construction which stems from population growth provides a significant boost to the local economy through employment and demand for goods and services. Looking ahead, further internal migration to regional Australia appears likely, underpinned by retiree households looking to downsize comfortably from the sale of the family home. Recent house price growth in the capital cities should enable a sizeable surplus of funds to assist with retirement providing impetus to relocate. Similarly, with a growing number of younger persons looking to attend university or undertake higher education, the outflow of young adults in regional areas to Australian capital cities is expected to persist. For the capital cities, the continued strong inflow of net overseas migration, particularly to Sydney and Melbourne will continue to support house price growth, albeit at a more moderate pace. Liquidity Services (NASDAQ: LQDT), a global solution provider in the reverse supply chain with the worlds largest marketplace for business surplus, announced that its GoIndustry DoveBid marketplace had received the Fast Growth Award for innovation through technology from South Africas National Business Awards. This is the first year the company and its on-line marketplace, has received this honor, which recognizes the success, innovation and ethics of South African companies and organizations across all industry sectors. We are pleased that GoIndustry DoveBid has received this prestigious honor recognizing the unprecedented growth we are experiencing in our South African property division, said Kim Faclier, Liquidity Services Head of Property of GoIndustry DoveBid South Africa. Over the past 18 months, we have worked incredibly hard to build a strong team of outstanding professionals who have sold more than R700 million in real estate, effectively changing the landscape for property transactions in South Africa. By utilizing our proprietary, in-house online auction technology, we have successfully opened up access for each individual sale to a highly-targeted and relevant audience of international bidders. This competitive process has not only increased asset sale price, but it has also delivered a generous return on investment for our clients. Not only are we able to offer on-line sales via the portal, but also live ballroom style multiple property auctions as well as on-site for individual properties, continued Faclier. The National Business Awards were introduced in 2002 and are presented in association with South Africas Top Performing Publication to honor the countrys industry leaders through the acknowledgement of innovative business processes, product development, enterprise, sustainability and overall business success. The awards also recognize the important social and environmental contributions made by organizations through the excellence of service, commitment to their customers, ethical behavior and environmental sustainability. Growthpoint hereby announces the resignation of Mr Herman Mashaba as non-executive director and deputy chairman of the Company. In pursuit of his political ambitions, and following the announcement that Mr Mashaba would be standing as the DA's mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, Mr Mashaba has tendered his resignation from the Growthpoint board with immediate effect. This is in line with the resignation by Mr Mashaba from all board positions he held in both private and public companies. Mr Mashaba served as a non-executive director of Metboard Properties Limited from August 2004 and joined the Growthpoint board in June 2006 following Growthpoints takeover of Metboard Properties Ltd. We wish to thank Mr Mashaba for his invaluable contribution to the board over the past 10 years Exactly 20 years ago, on December 4th 1995, the first Super Konzum store was opened and at that time it represented a new concept and introduced new trends in Croatian retail. The selling surface of more than 2000 square meters ushered in unseen standards and started the supermarket era in Croatia. That first Super Konzum was in the Vukovar street in Zagreb. Today the 20th anniversary of its opening was celebrated, and the ceremony was attended by several employees who have been working there since the store opened. Darko Knez, CEO of Konzum, was also present. Apart from its history, this store is specific because of many anecdotes and long-lasting friendships spanning over two decades. Colleagues who worked at the store in 1995 remember gladly all of their experiences. There was plenty of joy and camaraderie. Great friendships were formed at this store, is what many colleagues working at this store said. The employees from this store still enjoy a formal dinner to celebrate the stores birthday and they are especially proud of a record that was never surpassed: during a single day, they filled the store with items from 19 trucks. The team will celebrate this birthday as well and continue the tradition in the future. CNN's foremost international business correspondent and New York based presenter of Quest Means Business, Richard Quest, will be the Master of Ceremonies at the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) 50th Anniversary Convention and Property Exhibition. The three day event, which will bring together the most influential national and international property professionals under one roof, will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 21 to 23 June 2016. The move to Sandton ICC will save 85% of our members travel and accommodation costs. SAPOA CEO Neil Gopal says he is delighted to have Quest on board for the second time as MC of the convention at another SAPOA milestone. Quest's dynamic and distinctive style has made him a unique figure in the field of business broadcasting. He recently attended the Davos 2016: World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and we look forward to hearing his insights. Quest was the MC at the 45th Convention held in 2013. Gopal adds that this year also marks a significant milestone in the history of SAPOA, as we will be celebrating our 50th Anniversary. 50 years of existence adds a great deal to the credibility, longevity, staying power and success as the voice of the commercial property industry. We will be celebrating and promoting our 50th anniversary by redefining our organisation and thanking members for decades of patronage at the convention in June. SAPOA will select thought-provoking local and international speakers to share their expertise and knowledge. A major highlight of the three day convention and part of the property focus is the presentation of two much-anticipated awards, the SAPOA Property Journalism Awards and the SAPOA Innovative Excellence Awards. The SAPOA Journalism Awards will recognise and honour South African property journalists who have made a noteworthy contribution to the commercial and industrial property industry through quality media coverage of the property industry in broadcasting. The Innovative Excellence Awards will showcase the outstanding contributions from world-class owners, developers and built environment professionals who create more smarter and beautiful buildings every year that significantly enhance the industry. The three day event promises to be the ultimate networking event for property professionals, offering unrivalled opportunities to engage with industry leaders. The new multi-million rand Tugela Ferry Mall and Jozini Shopping Centre in rural KwaZulu-Natal has been trading very well since opening and both have had an excellent festive season. Thats the word from Gavin Tagg, CEO of Retail Network Services - the leading full-service specialist retail leasing and development company which is responsible for leasing both centres. He reports that the performance of both centres has seen more top retailers take up space at these malls. Tugela Ferry Mall and Jozini Shopping Centre have established themselves in the towns of Tugela Ferry and Jozini in KwaZulu-Natals rural northern interior. Both centres have been embraced by their communities and have traded well since opening. The recent festive season has been especially successful, says Tagg. The 15,000m Tugela Ferry Mall has been open for almost nine months now, while the 18,000m Jozini Shopping Centre opened in October 2013. Tugela Ferry is a vibrant, yet isolated town in rural KwaZulu-Natal that previously did not have a quality, one-stop shopping centre. The new mall is well supported by locals and visitors alike. With a catchment of more than 184,200 residents in approximately 41,800 households, Tugela Ferry Mall is the first fully-fledged shopping centre in the town. Residents previously had to travel substantial distances for basic shopping services, with Tugela Ferry located 45km north of Greytown, says Tagg. A 3,000m Shoprite supermarket and 1,350m Cashbuild anchor the Tugela Ferry Mall. It caters for over 50 stores, service outlets and eateries offering a comprehensive retail mix, from convenience and banking to fashion, food and furniture. Other major brands that are part of the retail and service mix include OK Furniture, the Post Office, Jet, Liquor City, KFC, Standard Bank, Capitec Bank, Rage, Express Stores, Lewis, Pep, Pep Cell, Barnetts, Power Fashion Factory, Studio 88, Beaver Canoe, Dunns, Shoe Zone and The Bed Shop. Exciting new additions secured as part of the Tugela Ferry Mall tenant mix since its opening include Edgars Active, Legit, Ackermans, Focus Cosmetics, Chesa Nyama and Debonairs. Comments Tagg: Major retailers at the centre are performing well, and we have some great new retail brands that have come in. To complete the tenant mix at Tugela Ferry Mall, we have strategic space we are holding for a butchery and an independent school uniform retailer. He adds: Tugela Ferry Mall represents the biggest retail investment in the town and the mall is gearing up to mark its one year milestone in April. Included in the Tugela Ferry Mall development is a 56-bay taxi rank, offering even greater accessibility for Tugela Ferry residents. The mall has 364 parking bays. The mall development has also strengthened the towns central role in the area. Tugela Ferry Mall complements its neighbouring community facilities which include a hospital, municipal offices, police station, schools, courts, the local office of the Department of Home Affairs and a new Library, which is directly next to the mall. Tugela Ferry is a key town in the heart of Msinga in KZNs Umzinyathi District Municipality. It is on the Tugela Rivers northern bank and is a seat of the Tribal Authority Government for the area. The main R33 route, which goes right through the town of Tugela Ferry, means the mall also benefits from excellent accessibility and visibility, making it convenient for passing traffic. Meanwhile, great news for Jozini Shopping Centre is that leading national health, beauty and pharmacy retailer, Clicks, will be opening a 550m store at the centre soon. This will be the first Clicks store in the town of Jozini. Comments Tagg: Clicks is going to be a fantastic new addition to Jozini Shopping Centre. The centre was fully let, but due to demand we had to move a few stores around and reconfigure space to bring in Clicks. With Clicks coming in, the centre will be home to over 50 stores. Jozini is a bustling tourist town in Northern KZN and Jozini Shopping Centre is a quality addition to the towns retail offering. Besides being fully let, major retailers at the centre have reported excellent trade, for example the Roots Butchery sold over seven tons of wors in December, adds Tagg. The fact that both Tugela Ferry Mall and Jozini Shopping Centre are trading well and are attracting national retail brands illustrates that there is an appetite for quality retail in rural areas, concludes Tagg. More South African-listed property funds are looking to Australia for offshore expansion because of its better finance costto-yield spread. More South African-listed property funds are looking to Australia for offshore expansion because of its better finance costto-yield spread. CEO of JSE-listed Investec Australia Property Fund (IAPF), Graeme Katz, said on Friday that various funds and investors were looking for deals in Australia. Australia is a destination of choice for foreign capital. We are definitely seeing more interest in the countrys property industry, said Mr Katz. IAPF has grown aggressively in Australia over a short period of time. When Investec Australia Property Fund listed in October 2014, it owned only eight office and industrial buildings worth less than A150m. The fund is now worth about A450m and has an array of office and industrial assets. The fund is the Investec groups first JSE-listed offshore property venture. Growthpoint Properties, the largest South African-based South African real estate investment trust, is looking to expand its Australian footprint. CEO Norbert Sasse said at an investor presentation in December that while the Australian market was highly competitive, it had an attractive financing cost-to-yield spread that was not evident in SA. Evan Robins, listed property manager of Old Mutual Investment Groups MacroSolutions boutique, said on Friday that Australia had become more attractive to investors recently. An attraction is that Australian property yields are relatively high, but most companies trade at a sizeable premium to net asset value, he said. But Maalot Investments director Maurice Shapiro said there were some cons to investing in Australian property, the main one being that assets there may be overpriced. Australia looks overpriced and the economy is in a tough space, given that it is resourcebacked. The Australian dollar has also performed poorly against the US dollar. So, the investment case for Australian property is poor, he said. Business Day Hotel and casino group Sun International will remain a committed investor in Nigeria despite run-ins with that countrys authorities. Hotel and casino group Sun International will remain a committed investor in Nigeria despite run-ins with that countrys authorities. Nigeria has the largest pipeline of hotel developments among its continental peers and this includes 9,000 rooms to be built across more than 50 planned new hotels in the medium term. Four Sun International employees three South Africans and one Nigerian were detained and released without charge last week by the countrys Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which has instituted a probe into the hotel and casino groups investment in the Tourist Company of Nigeria. Sun International spokesman Michael Farr said: Based on the strength of the Nigerian economy, we are committed to the country. We have offered to be audited and to show our deal meets all of the countrys company law requirements. That offer was declined, but we are still willing to be audited. Sun International is the latest South African company that has had a run-in with Nigerian authorities. The Standard Bank Groups Nigerian subsidiary, Stanbic IBTC, obtained injunctions this week to stop the countrys Financial Reporting Council from interfering in its operations and imposing a $5m fine for alleged accounting breaches. MTNs Nigerian arm was slapped with a $5.2bn fine, later dropped to 3.9bn, by the countrys Communications Commission for failing to deactivate 5.1-million unregistered SIM cards on its network. Tiger Brands bailed out on its loss-making Nigerian unit for $1, made write-downs of R1.9bn and wrote off shareholder loans of about R700m last year. But Mr Farr said: We will continue to invest in Nigeria and (other countries on) the continent and will work with authorities (there) and the South African High Commission to prove our investment is above board. The JSE-listed hospitality players investment in the Tourist Company of Nigeria has been troublesome since the company made it 10 years ago because of disputes in the Ibru family, a prominent business dynasty and a large shareholder in the hotel groups venture. The Tourist Company of Nigeria is a private investment company focused on hospitality. The group bought 49.3% of the Tourist Company of Nigeria in 2006, making the group the largest single shareholder and giving it exposure to The Federal Palace Hotel, which describes itself as a five-star luxury establishment, in Lagos. Sun Internationals investment is worth $50m. Although Nigeria is ripe for the picking because of its fast-growing economy and has a large young population underserved by hotels, the disputes in the Ibru family, which has a 49% stake in the Tourism Company of Nigeria, have delayed further development of the hotel, said Mr Farr. Ibru family members could not be reached for comment. Mohammed Nalla, head of strategic research at Nedbank Capital, said he was concerned about Nigerian authoritiess treatment of South African companies. Business Day New report sponsored by global law firm Baker & McKenzie finds that the funding gap for African infrastructure narrows to about USD25bn a year. A new report sponsored by global law firm Baker & McKenzie finds that the funding gap for African infrastructure has narrowed to about $25bn a year, based on a continental need of $90bn worth of infrastructure spend annually. This is good news in the context of the globally squeezed construction sector, and the dismal state that many JSE-listed infrastructure companies find themselves in. But the survey also shows that in more than seven years of world economic turmoil, the quantum of need has remained static even as the funding gap has narrowed. The World Bank in 2009 estimated that $93bn was needed each year for continental power, transport, ports, water and sanitation projects, but that only about half of that was raised and spent. The survey, independently researched by the Economist Group, was first released in the UK last month. It assesses 22 African countries. Based on interviews with development finance institutions (DFIs), export credit agencies (ECAs) and commercial banks, it analyses sources of capital inputs for African projects. Major findings indicate that development finance institutions and export credit agencies are by far the largest funders. Between 2009 and 2014, an estimated total of $328bn was spent on six main categories of African infrastructure. Private capital and commercial lenders fund only about $10bn of infrastructure each year, partly because of a lack of bankable project environments in many African jurisdictions. But private sector capital flows have grown by more than 300% between 2010 and 2013, the report says. I have never come across a deal in Africa that is financed purely by commercial banks, says Jen Stolp, partner in the banking and finance practice group of Baker & McKenzie in Johannesburg. She says China tends to go it alone when it comes to funding, and that three-quarters of this comes from the Export-Import Bank of China. Meanwhile, development finance institutions are not entirely altruistic. The money to close the African funding gap is there, she says, but the enabling environment is challenging in the face of local regulation, project risk, corruption, and increasing demands for local skills and enterprise development. China is the largest single funder, while Nigeria, Kenya, SA and Ethiopia are among the largest recipients. SA received the bulk of development finance institutions and export credit agencies funding in 2009-14 about 28% of the total, worth $26bn followed by Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya and Ethiopia. But despite some impressive gains, and Chinas substantial presence in African mining and infrastructure markets, the continent still lacks power, roads, water and irrigation. The report says 50% or more of the populations of about 24 countries in the subSaharan region lack access to electricity grids. Meanwhile, Chinese growth has slowed considerably, along with that of Brazil, whose giant Odebrecht construction group is a big infrastructure player in Angola and Mozambique. Ghana as well. Chinas ministry of commerce says imports from the continent plummeted about 40% last year. Meanwhile, Nigeria and SA have seen their currencies fall to record lows, mainly on the global minerals commodities rout. Global Credit Ratings, which focuses on emerging markets, has just issued a negative outlook for SAs construction industry. Patricia Zvarayi, senior corporate analyst, says factors such as regulatory uncertainty, low levels of public infrastructure spend and falling global commodity prices have converged to create turmoil in the sector. But the Baker & McKenzie report quotes Zhao Changhui, an Export-Import Bank of China chief risk analyst, as saying cumulative Chinese investment in Africa will amount to at least 1-trillion in the next 10 years. Last month, Johannesburg was the venue for the sixth China-Africa co-operation summit. China committed 60bn to African development funding in the next three years, including by debt forgiveness, grants and soft loans. But private sector capital flows have grown more than 300% between 2010 and 2013. Business Day A new 148-room City Lodge Hotel has opened at Newtown Junction - Atterbury Property Developments ground-breaking R1.4 billion mixed-use development in the Joburg CBD. The three-star hotel is the latest addition to the award-winning 85,000m Newtown Junction shopping, leisure and office development, which is jointly owned by Atterbury Property Holdings and JSE-listed Attacq Limited. Atterbury Property Developments led the project and secured JSE-listed City Lodge Hotel Group to operate the hotel. This is City Lodge Hotel Groups first hotel in the Joburg CBD and the first big-branded hotel to open in the city centre in more than two decades. Newtown Junctions hospitality offering has been upped significantly with the opening of the new City Lodge Hotel. The hotel, together with Newtown Junctions exciting new restaurants and leisure offerings, elevates it as a hotspot in the CBD for shopping, business and tourists too, says James Ehlers, Managing Director of Atterbury Property Developments. We are proud to have worked with the City Lodge Hotel Group on this great development. The new hotel at Newtown Junction represents a further realisation of our vision of creating a true mixed-use property development that transforms this historic part of the Joburg CBD, he adds. This is the third City Lodge Hotel that Atterbury Property Developments have developed. The first was the 205-room City Lodge Hotel Lynnwood, which opened in 2010 at the Lynnwood Bridge Shopping Centre in Pretoria. Atterbury then completed the 149-room City Lodge Hotel Waterfall City in late 2014 which is the first hotel within the Waterfall mega development in the centre of Gauteng. Ehlers comments: Our ethos at Atterbury is its a matter of association. The City Lodge Hotel Group is a leading and well-recognised hotel brand in South Africa. We are happy to have an association with the group and to have developed yet another hotel with them. Newtown is a vibrant node in the Joburg CBD and is now home to the City Lodge Hotel Groups newest hotel. This will no doubt give our urban regeneration effort a boost, bringing more visitors and business into Newtown Junction and the CBD. The anchor 38,000m retail component of the Newtown Junction mixed-use development was opened in September 2014. Later about 39,000m of prime office space was complete in a landmark building, which secured a 4 Green Star SA rating from the Green Building Council South Africa and is now home to Nedbanks City Campus. Newtown Junction has more than 80 stores, restaurants and service outlets, as well as basement parking for 2400 cars. It is home to a six-screen Ster Kinekor Cinema complex, gym and now a major hotel. The development of Newtown Junction represents the first significant injection in the Joburg CBD in 40 years and is part of a key urban regeneration initiative. Highlighting the significance and cutting edge nature of the development, Newtown Junction took top honors in the 2015 SA Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Annual Innovative Excellence in Property Development Awards. Newtown Junction was declared the overall winner, after also scooping awards for best mixed-use development and the overall transformation award. Off the back of encouraging growth momentum in the South African and Sub-Saharan Africa markets, JLL is pleased to announce the addition of two new senior members of the team. Rob Fleming joins the JLL team to head up the Project Management service offering in Sub-Saharan Africa. Ewout Holst will join the Sub-Saharan Africa team from the Amsterdam office in March to head up Sub-Saharan Africa Corporate Solutions. Fleming joins as Head: Project and Development Services with a mandate to establish project management services for JLL in the South African market and grow the business across the Sub-Saharan region. He joins the business from AECOM, where he was most recently responsible for project and construction services across East and West Africa, supporting AECOMs Global Key Accounts. Robs experience in project management spans over 15 years and includes roles in the UK and South Africa. Fleming has worked with a variety of clients in project management, engineering design, implementation, junior, middle and senior management positions within the built environment profession, and has a 360 understanding of how to extract the best results from project teams across a wide range of sectors and disciplines. Fleming's project sector experience covers commercial and industrial developments, education, leisure and residential, with expertise in time management, value engineering, cost management. Fleming comments, I am excited to be joining the JLL team to establish and grow the Project and Development Services business. Im looking forward to adding the project management capability to an already well established business in South Africa and across the continent and look forward to the cross selling opportunities we can leverage to add value to our clients. Transferring from the JLL office in Amsterdam where he is currently Head of Transaction Management and Strategic Consulting in the Netherlands, Holst has over seven years experience in the real estate sector, specialising in the corporate business sector. He will join the Sub-Saharan Africa team as Head: Corporate Solutions, Sub-Saharan Africa. His areas of responsibility have included account management, transaction advisory and consultancy services for a number of global clients. Holsts expertise includes workplace consultancy, M&A, asset strategies, portfolio strategies and management, and transaction advisory. Holst has a Masters Degree in Real Estate & Housing from the Delft University of Technology. Before joining JLL, Holst was an Olympic athlete, swimming professionally for over eight years as part of the Dutch National Team. Holst says, The past six years with JLL in the Netherlands have been an exciting period, and I feel privileged to have worked with many of our international clients around the world. I am grateful to have been part of that team and playing an important role in the success and growth of the business. I now look forward to starting my new role as Head of Corporate Solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa and joining a strong and professional JLL team across Africa. I believe the coming years hold new challenges for our industry as we continue to work with our clients to become more successful and grow your business. Commenting on the new additions to the team, Craig Hean, Managing Director: South Africa, JLL, says, These appointments are an important further step in achieving our Africa 2020 vision. Added to our current presence on the continent, they will contribute to strong and tangible progress towards JLLs Africa objectives, growth that will continue at pace over the coming months and years. Private equity fund managers, who adopt longer term time horizons than traditional asset managers, are showing renewed interest in African investment opportunities. Derrick Roper, chief executive of Novare Equity Partners, said that while uncertainty and market volatility have clouded the investment outlook for the continent, investors who stick with their objectives instead of being influenced by short-term noise will benefit from the inevitable rise of Africas consumers. After a tumultuous 2015, market volatility in Africa is expected to persist as economies absorb the impact of slowing growth in China and falling commodity prices. These factors present formidable challenges that are currently over-shadowing Africas longer term potential. However, this stage of the economic cycle will create opportunities for solid future investment returns. When everyone is running for the hills is usually the best time to buy, he said. Novare Equity Partners is a private equity fund manager focused on retail and commercial property development in sub-Saharan Africa. Its investors are mostly institutional, particularly pension funds that prefer to adopt the longer term investment horizons required with the private equity asset class. Novares Africa property funds are not a commodities play, relying instead on Africas demographics, urbanisation and the rising middle class as the basis of their business. These three factors have not changed, and are expected to maintain their positive trajectory. The advantage of private equity vehicles is that they have long-term horizons. They are also able to select the best time to unlock the value that has been built up in the fund, giving investors the opportunity to exit, Roper explained. Novare Equity Partners is a seasoned investor in Africa, having been in the market since 2007, and having traded through various economic cycles and market crises, including the 2010/11 banking crisis in Nigeria. The firms investments in real estate developments are intended to capitalise on growing demand from middle income consumers who have improving spending power but who are severely under-serviced. Novares projects are in Abuja and Lagos in Nigeria, Maputu in Mozambique, and Lusaka in Zambia. The rise in urbanisation means that African cities are growing at very fast rates, Roper noted. Novare Equity Partners launched its first fund, the $81 million Novare Africa Property Fund I, in July 2010. The funds first investment was in the successful Novare Apo Mall in Nigeria, which opened in June 2012 with Shoprite as the anchor tenant - alongside prominent brands like KFC, Mr Price, MTN, LG, Adidas and Samsung. The Novare Africa Property Fund II had its first close at end June 2014 and has since attracted additional commitments with a target of $400 million. Both funds are listed on the Mauritian Stock Exchange. The half-day conference, which is sponsored by Standard Bank, is targeted at women working across the real estate sector value chain This years theme, Game Changers, encourages women to become game changers, by taking an out of the box approach to their role in the industry. This includes the way they think, position themselves and transform the sector. It is our intention to provide our members with the tools needed to alter their business strategies, and enhance their businesses in order to be successful within the sector, says Genevieve Naidoo, National Chairwoman of WPN. Entrepreneur Donna Rachelson will be the event host and the line-up of speakers includes; Phil Barttram, Vice President Real Estate MSCI; Zola Ntwasa (winner of the Entrepreneur Award in the 2015 SA Women in Property Awards); Shaun Rozyn, Director of Rozyn Economic Advisory Services and Cuan Chelin, Founder and CEO of Super-Brands Holdings. The conference programme will also include a panel discussion with leaders in the real estate sector, including Vuyiswa Mutshekwane, CEO of South African Institute of Black Property Professionals; Bronwyn Corbett, CEO of Delta International; Yondela Silimela, Executive Director of the Development Planning Division in the City of Johannesburg; and Genevieve Naidoo, National Chairwoman of WPN, discussing game changing strategies in the sector. A key focus for WPN is to help the real estate sector understand the importance of the role of women to their businesses. For those companies not yet ready to invest in women, it is worth noting that gender diversity is critical to bottom lines. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), companies that include women at top levels of leadership tend to outperform those that dont. It also ranked South Africa 18th in the 2014 Gender Gap Index, with Iceland in first place, the USA 20th and the UK 26th. The development of leaders in our sector is crucial and our involvement in this event in a small way allows us to be part of the growth and development of those leaders. We are also incredibly proud of our association with WPN. Their focus on education and on promoting the role of women in real estate is fundamental to diversity in the sector and key to its success, says Gary Garrett, Head of Real Estate Finance at Standard Bank. Ms Naidoo, also Head of Credit for Real Estate at Standard Bank, a board member of RICS and a former WPN Rising Star Award Winner, maintains that educational and mentorship initiatives are key in WPNs drive to bring about demographic change across the entire spectrum of the real estate sector. Since 2008 the WPN has awarded over 43 bursaries to previously disadvantaged female students studying towards a property related degree or diploma, and with the increasing financial support of the WPN Educational Trust, in 2015 a total of eleven bursaries were awarded to students studying at various institutions across the country. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) will host its second annual RICS Africa Summit in Sandton Central, Johannesburg, on 24 February 2016, bringing together leading speakers and professionals in the built environment. Opportunities and challenges in the real estate sector and broader built environment of the burgeoning Sub-Saharan Africa market will top the agenda at the RICS Africa Summit 2016, set to take place at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton Central Africas richest square mile. We are excited to be hosting the RICS Africa Summit again in Sandton, following the success of our inaugural Africa conference last year. The event, which takes the form of a power-packed one-day conference, preceded by a gala dinner the night before, is already fully booked, says TC Chetty, RICS country manager for South Africa. RICS is a global professional body that promotes and enforces the highest qualifications and standards in the areas of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. As a public benefit organisation, it operates in all the worlds major financial hubs in delivering international standards and policy influence. World Bank research predicts that Sub-Saharan Africas GDP is set to grow from 4.2% in 2015 to 4.6% in 2016, and then rise to 5.0% in 2017. This points to the region out-performing many traditional markets and starting to match figures associated with India and China, as many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa hit 6-8% percent growth. Comments Chetty: Sub-Saharan Africa has seen unprecedented growth over the last decade, becoming one of the fastest growing regions in the world. While current global financial conditions may put a dampener on this growth, Sub-Saharan Africas emergence as the worlds next big consumer market will remain a huge positive force. The interest shown in the RICS Africa Summit 2016 is no surprise. We are set for some robust discussions around the challenges facing Sub-Saharan Africa, and importantly what can be done to overcome the challenges to ensure that opportunities are maximised. This years RICS Africa Summit keynote opening session by Stanlibs Emerging Markets Economist Kganya Kgare - dubbed Real estate outlook and sustainable investment - will set the tone for conference deliberations. Kgare will speak about investment flows and economic factors that the property sector in the region will need to consider. He will look at Sub Saharan Africas current economic performance and sustaining desired growth, as well as zone in on where investment is coming from and where is it going. Kgare will then join the first panel discussion of the Summit, which addresses strategies required for long term, sustainable investment in Sub Saharan Africas real estate market. The panel includes Neville Mandimika, Africa Analyst for Global Markets Research at Rand Merchant Bank and Anthony Lewis, Director for Sub-Saharan Africa Capital Markets at Jones Lang LaSalle. Another highlight speaker is Ada Mwangola, Acting Director of Social and Political Pillars for Kenya Vision 2030, who will speak on industry best practice and integrating standards and professionalism. Mwangola will then join a panel debate on understanding the current market and those that stand to secure business opportunities. Other panelists will include Mark Walley, RICS Regional Managing Director, EMEA; Francois Viruly, Associate Professor at the University of Cape Towns Department of Construction Economics and Management; and, Gasant Jacobs, Head of Business Development for Sub-Sahara Africa at Thomson Reuters. The RICS Africa Summit 2016 will also have an interactive mini breakaway session for discussions around Sub Saharan solutions on land, property and the broader built environment. Other noteworthy speakers at the conference include Ruth Adams, Head of the Marine and Astronomical Team at the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, who is a member of the RICS Global Land and Resources Strategy Board; Nnema Byrd, Investment Principal of Stanlibs Africa Direct Property Development Fund; Peter Newmarch, President of the South African Geomatics Institute; and, Chris Williams-Wyn, Eastern Cape Surveyor-General of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. RICS Chief Executive Officer, Sean Tompkins, will also be joining deliberations at the Summit, together with Wafula Nabutola, RICS Director for Sub Saharan Africa, and several members of RICS global leadership. Gugulethu Cele, a seasoned financial broadcaster and anchor at CNBC Africa will chair proceedings at the Summit. Chetty concludes: The RICS Africa Summit is establishing itself as a key annual event on Sub Saharan Africas business calendar. With the calibre of speakers and attendees at this years Summit, it is certainly going to be insightful and put another spotlight on the growth story of this major region of Africa, as well as its future prosperity. The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and Isibonelo Property Services (Isibonelo) have entered into a co-ownership and funding agreement for the Tshwane Regional Mall (TRM). In terms of the agreement, the Corporation will acquire 70% stake and provide funding to Isibonelo for its 30% stake for the development of a 60 000 square metre Mall based in Denneboom Station, Mamelodi. The transaction is valued at R996 million. The Mall, which will form part of the economic and transport hub in the township of Mamelodi was officially unveiled by Gauteng Premier, David Makhura and Tshwane Executive Mayor, Kgosientso Ramokgopa late last year. The magnificence of TRM is its inclusive nature and easy accessibility to the majority of community members through the integrated transport hub accommodating taxi, train and bus services. We are reinventing shopping, offering customers a unique and convenient shopping experience. Investment in Denneboom is a way of responding to the Gauteng governments call for investment in townships. We believe that investing in townships will have positive impact for the local community as it will create both short term and long terms jobs, says Shadrack Mthethwa, Chief Executive Officer of Isibonelo Property Services. It is expected that the mall will be fully operational by late 2017. The historic home of the late Dr Johnny Mosendane, one of Sowetos best-known public figures, has been sold by for R2.5 million, a new record price for the township. Trish Luthuli, New Business Executive at Pam Golding Properties in Gauteng, says that the distinctive five-bedroomed property situated in Rockville, Moroka, which was designed by renowned architects Michael Sutton and David Walker in 1979, has been sold after having been placed on the residential property market by Pam Golding Properties late last year. We are tremendously excited about the sale of late Dr Mosendanes home, which is a well-known landmark within the Rockville community, adds Luthuli. This is a record for a sale to an individual and further serves to affirm that, despite slow national economic indicators, the Soweto residential property market, across all segments, remains one of the more buoyant in Gauteng. There are a number of reasons for this, including the fact that property rates in Soweto are substantially cheaper than in Johannesburgs residential suburbs, and homes in the area offer affordability as well as excellent value for money. Luthuli notes there is a growing urban population and black middle class within the Gauteng centres and that some 40% of greater-Johannesburgs population resides in Soweto, which gives an indication of its enormous size. This all translates into an ongoing demand for affordable homes to buy and rent, and we do not believe that this trend is likely to abate anytime soon. We also note that many middle class and wealthier individuals have been returning to Soweto from Johannesburgs residential suburbs over the last number of years because they miss the colour and vibrancy of the sprawling metropolis. Others would never dream of ever leaving. The Soweto of today is hip, hot and happening and many people prefer it to some of the more staid, often quieter residential suburbs. First day of the Department of Labour's inquiry into the M1 bridge collapse kicks off with the two companies at the centre of the probe unable to agree on who is responsible for the structure's design. The first day of the Department of Labours inquiry into the M1 bridge collapse in Johannesburg in October kicked off with the two companies at the centre of the probe unable to agree on who was responsible for the structures design. The support structure of the bridge on Grayston Drive collapsed on October 14 last year, killing two people. Commissioner Lennie Samuel, a departmental forensic investigator and co- commissioner in the Tongaat Mall Structural Collapse Inquiry, yesterday asked Murray and Roberts (M&R), Form-Scaff, Royal HaskoningDHV and the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) to explain their involvement in the construction of the pedestrian and bicycle bridge. M&R, the main contractor, told the inquiry it was responsible for erecting the temporary structure, including scaffolding and super beams. The temporary structure, which was to be used to support construction work on the permanent bridge, would be removed from the site after the bridges completion, the inquiry heard. But the firms legal representative, Richard Hoal, said that Form-Scaff, a company M&R had subcontracted to assist with the project, was responsible for the temporary structures design. Form-Scaff denied this, saying it had provided only the material, but was not responsible for the design. Advocate Ewan Rudolph, counsel for Form-Scaff, said the company would not have agreed to take responsibility for the design or the construction, because it does not have an engineer in its employ. Mr Rudolph said FormScaff had liaised often with M&R engineer Roger Barker, who assumed responsibility for the design, inspection and approval of the structure. Siyabonga Genu, senior development manager at the JDA, said it was responsible for the project in its entirety and employed M&R to carry out all the construction work; engineering firm Royal HaskoningDHV to prepare the bridges specification drawings; and Nemai Consulting to ensure that safety and health standards were met. Mr Genu said it was discovered at a meeting after the collapse that two bolts were missing in the structure. But none of the parties could provide a reason for the collapse. The parties have until next month to submit their reports to the inquiry. Hearings are expected to resume in April. Source: Business Day South African retail magnate Christo Wieses offshore investment holding company Tradehold intends to buy a majority stake in Lusaka Stock Exchangelisted Real Estate Investments Zambia (Reiz). Tradehold said yesterday its subsidiary Tradehold Africa, in partnership with African Property Investments Limited (Apil), was offering 4.20 Zambian kwacha (about 1c) per Reiz share, conditional on the acceptance level reaching at least 51% of Reizs shares in issue. Reiz develops commercial, industrial and retail property, and owns more than 50,000m of prime property in Lusaka. Apil is an experienced property development and management company whose properties in Zambia include Mukuba Mall in Ndola, Cosmopolitan Mall in Lusaka and Solwezi City Mall in Solwezi. Tradehold already owns properties in other parts of Africa including Namibia and the UK, and this is its first excursion into Zambia. It has said it wants to list its Namibian assets separately in the near future. Tradehold owns a mix of UKbased properties held under Moorgarth, African retail development properties, UK-based secured lending operation Reward and specialised financial services company Mettle. Tradehold has not yet disclosed how it would fund the stake it acquired in Reiz, should it be successful in doing so. Reizs tenants include Barclays, BDO Zambia, Blue Financial Services, Deloitte & Touche, Ericsson, First National Bank, Spar Zambia and the Lusaka Stock Exchange. Tradeholds recent performance has been boosted by its UK assets, with a strong UK consumer boosting the performance of its shopping centres. Tradehold fell 3.4% to R28.99 on the JSE yesterday. source" Business Day The company purchased properties worth R300 million from Tongaat Hulett Developments during 2015. They plan to roll out over R1,6 billion worth of developments in the Umhlanga Ridge area. Andile Mnguni, a Development Executive for Tongaat Hulett Developments, says that the company set out to work with companies and people who shared its vision for creating value for all stakeholders in an all-inclusive approach to growth and development. Africa Rising was the perfect candidate. They connected with our vision and have helped execute our plan for the area. All of the properties that they will develop will be complete and sold within the next five years, he says. In Mngunis opinion, the success of Africa Rising is testament to the fact that sound investments made in conjunction with Tongaat Hulett Developments have provided a strong foundation for sustainable businesses. Africa Rising started as a fledgling development company in 2003. Its ability to ride out the 2008 global recession which saw many property development companies fold; as well as its consistent growth; provide a good example for new businesses entering the property sector. He says that Tongaat Hulett Developments plans to partner with some of these astute investors going forward, ultimately helping build sustainable businesses and grow the regional economy. Africa Rising has purchased a total of 12 pieces of land from Tongaat Hulett Developments. The properties added to the companys portfolio this year include The Madison, The Marina, Park Avenue, Aria and Jefferson in the Umhlanga Town Centre and a commercial property at Sibaya. Currently four of these are under development. The Madison is a mixed use development that will cater to the medical sector benefitting from its strategic location opposite the Gateway Hospital. It comprises 97 apartments and 27 medical suites and is expected to be complete by August 2016. It is already 90 percent sold. Construction has started on Park Avenue a joint venture which is sited opposite the Porsche showroom. It is expected to be complete in November 2016. Park Avenue comprises upmarket apartments which are well located close to the Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre and on the GO! Durban route. Eighty-five percent of the units are already sold. Aria, which will provide retirement apartments and Jefferson providing student accommodation of 300 and 240 units respectively, will launch this year. We buy into Tongaat Hulett Developments vision and work in conjunction with them. We take into account their vision for a particular property and adjust our offering accordingly. We want to grow with them and offer a sustainable investment, says Colin Kisten, chief executive of Africa Rising. He explains that his company builds in rotation, developing its properties one after the other. Construction of The Marina, which includes 69 apartments as well as a boutique hotel with 60 rooms, will begin in early 2016. Kisten says that Africa Rising is currently working on plans for the development of the Sibaya commercial site which is expected to begin by December this year (2016). To date, Africa Rising has completed a number of developments along KwaZulu-Natals northern growth corridor, including the Grand Floridian, Grand Central and the Meridian in Umhlanga. The Grand Floridian was a joint venture and a ground breaking development as it was the first that allowed owners of residential units to park on the same level as their homes. Kisten says that the company has already created at least 1 000 job opportunities in 2015. 25 percent being female The company focuses on skills development and is currently running a mentorship programme for previously disadvantaged emerging entrepreneurs and developers. He also nurtures subcontractors. Last year (2015), black owned Fikile Construction, was awarded a R225 million construction contract by Africa Rising. Many people dont have opportunities. Businesses must invest in training and employing people. You cant rely on the government. You cant build society sitting on the side lines. We have to be proactive and must leave a footprint and touch peoples lives, says Kisten who grew his career from 1984 when he was a banned student activist. After launching and growing a number of different businesses in different sectors, Kisten moved into the property space in 1994 and had established a sound background in this sector as a real estate principle and chief executive of Co-Prop Elite by 2004. He grew his real estate business to the point where it had five branches in KwaZulu-Natal. Co-Prop Elite markets Africa Risings developments. Kisten began investing in and developing property in earnest in 2003. Although he initially concentrated on developments in his home province, he did include some projects in Cape Town where he bought distressed properties to refurbish and rent. He also bought a number of residential projects in Cape Town and flipped these properties. However, during the 2008 recession, he consolidated his interests and decided to focus just on KZN where he says he has the appropriate logistics systems in place. Although he plans to continue focussing on upmarket areas such as Umhlanga Town Centre (where he has his own office), he is developing other properties in Durban including a residential development in Queensburgh as he believes he will receive a solid return. Kistens business philosophy is people before profit. As a philanthropist, he created the Non-Profit Organisation, African Hope 20 years ago. The organisation assists street children, the aged and the handicapped and organises a wheel chair and blanket drive every year. Going forward, Kisten says he intends growing his skills development programme within the next five years to help address the urgent problem of unemployment in the country and ultimately give back to the local community. Resilient Reit is putting on ice its plans to build 10 shopping centres in Nigeria. Resilient Reit is putting on ice its plans to build 10 shopping centres in Nigeria, placing it among a growing number of SA companies whose African bets havent quite panned out. Resilient recently overtook Redefine Properties to become the JSEs fourth-largest real estate counter, after Growthpoint Properties, New Europe Property Investments (Nepi) and Fortress. The company was one of the listed property sectors early movers into the rest of Africa. It entered Nigeria in 2012 through a joint venture with Shoprite with an investment target of R2bn. Back then the plan was to build 10 shopping centres. Only Delta Mall has been completed, and two others are under construction Owerri Mall and Asaba Mall. Resilient has invested R712m in Nigeria and committed an additional R397m. But at the companys recent annual results presentation, Resilient MD Des de Beer said the risks in Nigeria now outweighed the returns, prompting the company to reduce its planned exposure to future projects and reduce the size of the two malls under construction. The key reason for the move is that it is becoming more difficult for clothing retailers to trade profitably in Africas largest economy. De Beer says the sharp drop in the oil price and governments subsequent attempts to limit the depreciation of the naira against the US dollar by, among other things, introducing wide-ranging import controls have left a number of the large clothing retailers without any stock. Truworths has already closed its store in Delta Mall and Mr Price is likely to follow soon. De Beer expects vacancies at Delta Mall to increase from 6% to around 20%. These two centres will now house mainly grocery and other convenience stores, which De Beer says are still trading well. Vacancies in Delta Mall should decrease over time as empty shops are let to small local traders who will pay rentals in naira. De Beer notes that the company has moved to a stand-still position for now, given the exchange rate risks. Resilients R1.1bn exposure to Nigeria comprises only 2.7% of its total portfolio valued at R38.9bn, but it is disappointing that projected returns fromthe companys African foray havent materialised as they would have provided a nice kicker to earnings. We thought we would make development profits of around 30% in Nigeria. But thats basically all gone, says De Beer. Nigerian issues aside, Resilients R14bn exposure (around 36% of total assets) to offshore property markets has paid off for investors through Romanian-focused Nepi, Rockcastle (which is building a presence in Poland) and FTSE-listed shopping centre owner Hammerson. The euro and pound-based dividends paid out by these three stocks helped push dividend growth for the six months to end-December to 25.2%. Thats the highest growth yet achieved by Resilient and around three times the average 7%-9% expected from the property sector as a whole this year. The growth comes despite dividends from Nepi, Rockcastle and Hammerson not benefiting from Decembers sharp fall in the rand as management decided to hedge offshore dividends for the interim period to provide more exchange-rate certainty for investors. If we hadnt hedged Decembers projected dividend income from our Nepi, Rockcastle and Hammerson holdings, dividend growth would have been 31%. Resilient, which also owns an SA portfolio of 28 shopping centres, mostly in smaller cities such as Polokwane, Nelspruit, Tzaneen and Kimberley, has also outperformed on the capital growth front, no doubt due to its offshore interests. Despite recent volatility, Resilients share price is up 38% over the past 12 months against a 3% drop in the SA listed property index as a whole over the same time. Evan Robins, portfolio manager at Old Mutual Investment Groups MacroSolutions boutique, says: While the counter is certainly very expensive at a dividend yield of less than 4%, investors who buy now are paying for managements expected delivery of future blue-sky upside in line with the superb levels of dividend growth it has provided in the past. source: Financial Mail Competition Commission announces the appointment of a panel for the grocery retail sector market inquiry which is due to tackle the exclusivity of lease agreements at shopping malls. The Competition Commission yesterday announced the appointment of a panel for the grocery retail sector market inquiry which is due to tackle the exclusivity of lease agreements at shopping malls a battle being fought largely among big retail chains. Halton Cheadle, Lulama Mtanga and Lumkile Mondi have been appointed as chairman and panelists of the enquiry, respectively. The hearings are likely to be completed by May 29 next year. First announced in May last year by Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel, the enquiry will also look into whether there are features in the grocery retail sector that lessen, prevent or distort competition market dynamics. The probe comes as the long-delayed private healthcare market inquiry got under way in Pretoria this week. By far the most contentious issue to be scrutinised is that of lease exclusivity at malls. Court cases on exclusivity clauses involving Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Massmart and Fruit & Veg Citys Food Lovers Market have so far delivered mixed results. In some instances exclusivity clauses have been relaxed but Massmart, which is pushing into the grocery space, has hit a brick wall, spurring it to file a complaint with the competition authorities in September 2014. Mall developers often sign exclusivity agreements with anchor tenants in the hope that they will attract other high-quality businesses and shoppers. The agreements block the sale of certain types of food by other retailers. source: BD Younited Italia, Nicola Manzari e il nuovo Coo, Luca Faccini e Head of Growth e Domenico Petraroli e General Counsel NEW ORLEANS -- Although historically seen as solitary animals, new research being presented here shows sharks may have a more complex social structure than previously thought. Using tracking devices to trace the movements of individual animals in the open ocean, researchers found that Sand Tiger sharks form complex social networks that are typically seen in mammals but rarely observed in fish. "Higher-order decision-making processes are often associated with mammals, or species that we think of as really smart - dolphins, elephants, or chimpanzees," said Danielle Haulsee, a PhD candidate in oceanography at the University of Delaware in Lewes. "Our research shows that it is important for the scientific community to not rule out these types of behaviors in non-mammalian species, as behavior can often give us insight on how species interact with their ecosystems and how resources that humans depend on are distributed around the world." Sand Tiger sharks, top predators that live in coastal waters off the Eastern United States, have experienced drastic population declines over the past several decades. Sand tigers are important regulators of marine food webs but have been historically understudied, according to Haulsee. In the summer, Sand Tigers congregate together in the shallow waters of the Delaware Bay, but little is known about their movements and how they interact with one another in the open ocean during the rest of the year, Haulsee said. Understanding how these sharks move and interact could help biologists better conserve this species and determine how vulnerable they are to human activities such as fishing and dredging. Haulsee and her research team used acoustic tags to track the movements of over 300 individual Sand Tiger sharks and record shark-shark interactions over the course of a year. Previous studies have looked at shark interactions in laboratories or species contained in pens, but this the first study to record interactions for almost a year in free-swimming sharks, Haulsee said. Initial data from two individual sharks show they encountered nearly 200 other sand tigers throughout the year, as well as several individuals from other shark species. These sharks exhibit fission-fusion social behavior, meaning that the number of sharks in a group and the individuals that are part of the group change by location and time of year. Haulsee and her team found that groups of Sand Tigers stay together for certain times of the year and fall apart during other times. They also found that Sand Tigers re-encounter the same sharks throughout the year. One surprise was a sudden lack of encounters with other Sand Tigers in the late winter and early spring, Haulsee said. Up until that point, both Sand Tigers were encountering other sharks regularly, but in the late winter, both seemed to enter a dispersal phase where they encountered very few other sharks. According to Haulsee, this could be related to other aspects of the sharks' lives, such as mating and searching for food, which suggests that they could be performing a kind of social cost-benefit analysis. Although this type of social behavior has been suggested in sharks before, the change in the group composition on an individual basis has not been documented in this way, according to Haulsee. "If you're living with a group, there could be some kind of protection or information sharing that comes with being in that group," she said. "But if there's a lot of competition for food resources or mating resources, then it's not beneficial anymore to be in a group, and you might swim away from your group and go off on your own." Haulsee will be presenting initial data from the study today at the 2016 Ocean Sciences Meeting co-sponsored by the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography, The Oceanography Society and the American Geophysical Union. The researchers hope to use their results to answer questions about whether Sand Tigers form family groups or whether sharks of similar size and sex form distinct groupings. They also hope that defining critical locations where sharks congregate together will help build conservation plans to better protect this species. "If we know where and when the population is grouped, we can focus on limiting human-induced disturbances in those times and places," Haulsee said. "For example, if we know there are certain times and places where breeding females, or even more importantly the pregnant females, are aggregated together, we can devote resources into those areas to protect those sharks." ### Notes for Journalists The researchers on these studies will present an oral presentation and two poster presentations about their work on Monday, 22 February 2016 at the Ocean Sciences Meeting. The meeting is taking place from 21 - 26 February at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Visit the Ocean Sciences Media Center for information for members of the news media. Below is an abstract of the presentation. The abstract is a part of Session ME12B: Advances in the Ecology, Behavior, Physiology, or Conservation of Marine Top Predators II being held Monday, 22 February from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Central Time in room RO3. Title: Internal Acoustic Transceivers Reveal the Annual Social Network Patterns in a Coastal Top Predator Oral presentation Session #: ME12B Abstract #: ME12B-05 Date: 22 February 2016 Time: 11:30 a.m. Location: RO3 Authors: Danielle Haulsee, Matt Breece, Matthew Oliver: University of Delaware, Lewes, Delaware, U.S.A.; Dewayne Fox, Lori Brown: Delaware State University, Dover, Delaware, U.S.A.; Bradley Wetherbee, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, U.S.A.; Jeff Kneebone, John H. Prescott Marine Laboratory, New England Aquarium, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.; Gregory Skomal: Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Abstract: Sand Tigers (Carcharias taurus) are large apex predators resident in the coastal ocean along the Eastern US Coast. Although Delaware Bay and surrounding coastal waters are known summer "hot spots" for Sand Tigers, our understanding of their seasonal movements is less well known. Since 2007, we have implanted more than 300 VEMCO acoustic transmitters in Sand Tigers, which have been detected from Cape Canaveral, Florida to Long Island, New York by collaborators in the Atlantic Cooperative Telemetry (ACT) Network. During the summer of 2012, 20 Sand Tigers were implanted with VEMCO Mobile Transceivers (VMTs), which are capable of both transmitting and receiving coded acoustic pings. To date, two of the 20 sharks have been recaptured, and their VMTs recovered. VMTs recorded detections of 350 individuals, from 8 different species. We analyzed their intra- and interspecific social network, which allowed us to reconstruct the approximate locations of Sand Tigers throughout the year. Changes in the interspecific population dynamics throughout the year revealed evidence of fission-fusion social behavior, which is common in mammals, but rarely documented in non-mammalian species. This project is a unique look at the social network of an apex predator and is a useful model for studies quantifying the social structures of marine animals. In addition, understanding how the aggregations of this species changes (in terms of sex and size class segregation) on spatiotemporal scales is critical for effective protection of the species and will be useful as managers develop conservation plans along the East Coast. Contact information for the researchers: Danielle Haulsee: dhaulsee@udel.edu. New York, Feb. 22, 2016 - Multinational companies are facing tough issues like climate change, poverty and human rights. A new study published in the Journal of World Business suggests that they are increasingly seen to have a responsibility to support sustainable development. The study, authored by Professor Ans Kolk from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, has been selected by an independent advisory board to be given the Atlas award, recognizing the impact it has on people's lives around the world. In the study, Prof. Kolk looks back at over 50 years of research in three main areas of social responsibility: the environment, ethics, and poverty and sustainable development. Her article tracks changes in the way researchers have approached these three broad topics, providing context and explaining what was affecting the changes at the time. "Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been around for decades as a concept, and there has been a lot of research on it since the 1960s," Prof. Kolk explained. "The Journal of World Business was turning 50 so I looked at the journal's articles related to CSR since 1965, and compared it to other main publications to get a picture of how the field overall has changed. I also indicated which areas we should focus on more -- or less." Prof. Kolk found that in the last decades, society's expectations have shifted significantly. The arrival of the internet has enabled people to put more pressure on companies to "do the right thing". Rather than waiting to be attacked, companies should prepare themselves and proactively address their impact on the world. One way to help companies tackle this is to focus research on how issues like human rights, inequality and the impending energy transition are connected to international strategy, and on how businesses can operate in weak states and settings characterized by social dislocation. To make this happen, sustainable development research needs more coverage in international business journals. Prof. Kolk believes companies need to be more flexible and take a "braver approach" to CSR by publishing more unconventional, even exploratory work. Prof. Jonathan Doh, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of World Business, explained the importance of the study: "Ans Kolk provides a comprehensive account of the relationships among different social and environmental considerations in the global business environment. She also documents the evolving nature of these concepts in the international business and management literature and their connection to real world phenomena. This is truly a first rate review and retrospective with important messages for the future trajectory of this critical domain." ### The article is "The social responsibility of international business: From ethics and the environment to CSR and sustainable development", by Ans Kolk (doi: 10.1016/j.jwb.2015.08.010). The article appears in Journal of World Business, Vol. 51, Issue 1 (January 2016) pages 23-34, published by Elsevier. Notes for Editors Full text of the article is available to credentialed journalists upon request, contact newsroom@elsevier.com. About Journal of World Business The Journal of World Business publishes cutting-edge research that reflects important developments in the global business environment and advances new theoretical directions and ways of thinking about global phenomena. The journal covers a variety of conceptual and theoretical traditions, including those drawn from social and behavioral sciences. Topics include strategic management, organizational behavior, cross-cultural management, leadership, ethics, social responsibility and sustainability, and innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. About Atlas, Research for a better world Science impacts everyone's world. With over 1,800 journals publishing articles from across science, technology and health, our mission is to share some of the stories that matter. Each month Atlas will showcase research that can (or already has) significantly impact people's lives around the world and we hope that bringing wider attention to this research will go some way to ensuring its successful implementation. With so many worthy articles published the tough job of selecting a single article to be awarded The Atlas each month comes down to an Advisory Board. The winning research is presented alongside interviews, expert opinions, multimedia and much more on the Atlas website: http://www.elsevier.com/atlas About Elsevier Elsevier is a world-leading provider of information solutions that enhance the performance of science, health, and technology professionals, empowering them to make better decisions, deliver better care, and sometimes make groundbreaking discoveries that advance the boundaries of knowledge and human progress. Elsevier provides web-based, digital solutions -- among them ScienceDirect, Scopus, Elsevier Research Intelligence and ClinicalKey -- and publishes over 2,500 journals, including The Lancet and Cell, and more than 33,000 book titles, including a number of iconic reference works. Elsevier is part of RELX Group plc, a world-leading provider of information solutions for professional customers across industries. http://www.elsevier.com Media Contact Jason Awerdick Elsevier 1-212-633-3103 j.awerdick@elsevier.com TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Teachers have long struggled to get children to sit still at their desks. But for children with ADHD, those orders might be counterproductive. That's the research focus of Florida State University Assistant Professor of Psychology Michael Kofler, who is developing new, non-medication treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). New research by Kofler at FSU's Children's Learning Clinic shows that children often fidget or move when they are trying to solve a problem, and that movement may have a positive effect on children with ADHD. "We really wanted to drill down and find what was causing the hyperactivity," Kofler said. The results will be published in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Attention Disorders, but is currently available online. Children with ADHD are able to retain information, which they use daily. But they often have difficulty with what's called working memory, meaning the updating or mentally rearranging of information in the mind. Previous work by Kofler and his colleagues at University of Mississippi Medical Center showed that kids with ADHD did better on working memory tests when they moved more -- suggesting that these kids may benefit cognitively from behaviors like squirming or fidgeting. But they did not know whether the "hyperactive" movement helped working memory specifically. Kofler and his colleagues wanted to find out. Working with 25 boys and girls with ADHD, ages 8 to 12, Kofler devised two types of tests. The first test required students to remember where a series of dots appeared on a screen and mentally reordering them based on color. The other involved remembering a series of numbers and letters, and mentally reordering them, numbers first from smallest to biggest, then the letter. There were between three and six items to remember and reorder throughout the tests. The students were given each test multiple times and the predictability of difficulty differed with each test. In the less difficult version, they were told how many items they had to remember, and took the test in order; in the difficult version, the amount of information to remember in working memory was random. Children with ADHD fidgeted and moved during all the tests, which was expected because all the tests were mentally challenging. But they moved up to 25 percent more when they couldn't predict how many items they had to remember. Because the tests were identical in every way except for that key difference, this is the first study that shows a cause-and-effect relationship between working memory demands and hyperactivity in ADHD. "It's another piece of evidence that the hyperactive behavior more and more seems to be purposeful for them," he said. "This movement is how they get the juices flowing." Kofler also said the study is directly informing the new ADHD treatment they're developing. "Our work keeps pointing to working memory," he said. "It affects their attention, their impulse control, their school success, their social interactions and now their hyperactivity. So we're going to try and improve working memory. This is a challenge, but if we're successful, we should see better attention and impulse control, and they shouldn't have to move as much." ### The study was funded by the University of Virginia Youth-Nex Center for Positive Youth Development and the Galant family/Curry School of Education. Other authors on the paper are Dustin Sarver, assistant professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and Erica Wells, a doctoral student at Florida State University. The treatment development is funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Florida State University Council on Research and Creativity. For more information on the Children's Learning Clinic, please visit the website or call 850-645-7423. This news release is available in German. FRANKFURT/ZURICH. Over 17,000 eight-year-old children in 16 countries on four continents were asked about their experiences and their views on their lives. No survey of this age group has ever before been undertaken. The second report on the "Children's World" study, which was published recently, reveals important results which can be used to improve children's lives throughout the whole world. The Jacobs Foundation in Zurich financed the research work on which this report is based and has announced that it will also support the next stage. The new survey of children of between eight and twelve years of age will begin in 2017 and again cover an even larger number of countries. The views of young children are rarely the subject of research. The "Children's World" study has closed this gap. The survey asked children about all the important aspects of their lives, including family and home life, friends, money and possessions, school, local environment, time use, personal well-being, view on children's rights and their general contentment. "This is the first opportunity we have had to compare children's lives so comprehensively from the perspective of the children themselves", says Sabine Andresen of Goethe University Frankfurt, one of the principal investigators. "Children perceive the world around them very precisely and we can see who feels compromised in what areas." Most of the eight-year-old children in the 16 countries examined were content with their lives and their situation, but there was a minority (about 6% of the children) who reported a lower level of well-being. The percentage of children with a lower sense of well-being varied from under 3% in Colombia and Romania to over 9% in Ethiopia, South Korea and the United Kingdom. Simon Sommer, Head of Research at the Jacobs Foundation, said: "This project is pioneering. The report concentrates -- for the very first time -- on the opinions of eight-year-old children with regard to their lives and personal well-being. The Jacobs Foundation will continue to support "Childrens Worlds", as we are convinced that the study delivers unique and valuable information for everyone who has a special understanding for and an interest in the lives of children and adolescents and who devotes themselves to improving their lives and prospects." Safety Most of the children interviewed said that they felt perfectly safe at home, at school and in their local environment. However, 4% of the children reported that they did not feel safe at home, 4% of those interviewed did not feel safe at school and 9% did not agree that they felt safe in their neighbourhood and local environment. Although it might seem at first that these percentages are low, they nevertheless equate to a large group of the youngest schoolchildren whose feeling of safety -- of all things -- is restricted. School life -- Differences between boys and girls Most children (62%) said that they liked going to school. This is far higher than amongst the 10-year-old children interviewed (52%) or the 12-year-olds (42%). Going to school becomes less popular with each age group. But the country comparison is revealing too: Children in Algeria and Ethiopia like going to school most, whilst the percentage of children who do not like going to school is comparatively high in Germany, South Korea and the UK. In some countries, including Israel and six European countries, girls have a more positive attitude to school than boys. Bullying and violence at school A large number of children (41%) reported that they had been left out by their classmates or hit by other pupils (48%). Such experiences were more frequent amongst eight-year-old children than in the two older groups of participants in the survey. The percentage of children who had experienced violence was highest in Estonia, the UK and Germany, and lowest in South Korea. Feelings of being left out by classmates were highest in the UK and Romania and particularly low in South Korea and Ethiopia. Knowledge of children's rights Almost half the children (46%) stated that they knew about children's special rights. This was less than amongst the 10 to 12-year-old children interviewed (58 %). Children in Colombia were the best informed about children's rights (73%). All the same, in Turkey, Ethiopia, Romania and Norway over half the eight-year-old children said that they knew their rights. Professor Asher Ben-Arieh, Study Leader and Co-chairman of the ISCI (International Society for Child Indicators), commented: "This is the first time that we have heard from almost 20,000 eight-year-old children about their activities, feelings and wishes. This remarkable achievement teaches us above all that children know more about their life than anyone else and that all attempts to improve it should always include and take into account their opinions." The "Children's World" project will include further countries in its future research work, such as Indonesia, Finland and Italy. The third study will start with the first surveys in September 2017 and the new findings will be published in 2019. The Children's World Study Children's Worlds, the International Survey of Children's Well-Being (ISCWeB), is a worldwide research survey on children's subjective well-being. The study aims to collect solid and representative data on children's lives and daily activities, their time use and in particular on their own perceptions and evaluations of their well-being. The purpose is to improve children's well-being by creating awareness among children, their parents and their communities, but also among opinion leaders, decision makers, professionals and the general public. The current wave of the survey was funded by the Jacobs Foundation. It has so far been completed with over 56,000 children in three age groups (8, 10 and 12 years old) in 17 countries: Algeria, Argentina, Colombia, Estonia, Ethiopia, Germany, Israel, Malta, Nepal, Norway, Poland, Romania, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Turkey and the UK. ### The full report, a summary and supplementary material can be viewed and downloaded at the project website: http://www.isciweb.org Media contact for the "Children's World" study in Germany: Professor Dr. Sabine Andresen, Goethe University Frankfurt, S.Andresen@em.uni-frankfurt.de Media enquiries for the Jacobs Foundation, Zurich: Alexandra Guntzer, alexandra.guentzer@jacobsfoundation.org and for general research questions: Simon Sommer, Head of Research, simon.sommer@jacobsfoundation.org The Jacobs Foundation is active worldwide in the support of children's and young people's development. It was established in 1989 by entrepreneur Klaus J. Jacobs in Zurich, Switzerland. The Jacobs Foundation finances research projects, intervention programmes and scientific institutions with a budget of about 40 million Swiss francs per year. It aims to meet the highest demands in scientific work and provide support for convincing research activities. In the last three years, the Jacobs Foundation has supported the "Children's Worlds" study by providing funding to the amount of 850.000 and recently announced that it will award a grant of 250.000 for the third and expanded wave of the study. Astronomers have discovered a spectacular tail of gas more than 300,000 light years across coming from a nearby galaxy. The plume is made up of hydrogen gas--the material new stars are made of--and is five times longer than the galaxy itself. The discovery was made by an international team of scientists led by Dr Alessandro Boselli at the Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Marseille in France, and published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research astrophysicist Luca Cortese, who is part of the research team, said scientists noticed long ago that the galaxy NGC 4569 contained less gas than expected but they could not see where it had gone. "We didn't have the smoking gun, the clear evidence of direct removal of gas from the galaxy," he said. "Now, with these observations, we've seen a huge amount of gas that creates a stream trailing behind the galaxy for the first time. "What's very nice is that if you measure the mass of the stream, it's the same amount of gas that is missing from the galaxy's disc." NGC 4569 sits in the Virgo cluster, a group of galaxies 55 million light years from our own Milky Way. It is travelling through the cluster at about 1200 kilometres a second, and Dr Cortese said it is this movement that is causing the gas to be stripped from the galaxy. "We know that big clusters of galaxies trap a lot of hot gas," he said. "So when a galaxy enters the cluster it feels the pressure of all the gas, like when you feel the wind on your face, and that pressure is able to strip matter away from the galaxy." The discovery was made when the research team used a super-sensitive camera on the Canada France Hawaii Telescope to observe NGC 4569 for longer than ever before. Dr Cortese said it could be the first of many galaxies found to have long tails of gas extending from them. "It's pretty exciting because this was just a pilot and we only targeted the brightest spiral galaxy in the Virgo cluster," he said. "We were amazed by what we got... this is really promising because it means it's very likely we'll find similar features in many other galaxy clusters." ### Original publication details: 'Spectacular tails of ionised gas in the Virgo cluster galaxy NGC 4569' published in Astronomy & Astrophysics on February 19, 2016. A copy of the paper is available from http://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/pdf/2016/03/aa27795-15.pdf More Information: ICRAR is a joint venture between Curtin University and The University of Western Australia with support and funding from the State Government of Western Australia. Supporting Multimedia: Images are available at high resolution from http://www.icrar.org/galaxy-tail Contact Details: Dr Luca Cortese (ICRAR/University of WA) Ph: +61 8 6488 3663 E: Luca.Cortese@icrar.org Pete Wheeler (Media Contact, ICRAR) Ph: +61 8 6488 7758 E: Pete.Wheeler@icrar.org M: +61 423 982 018 First long-acting HIV prevention method for women reduced infections by approximately 30% overall, with differences in efficacy by age and level of use; IPM to seek regulatory approval for investigational product BOSTON (Feb. 22, 2016) -- In an important scientific achievement for women's health, two large Phase III clinical trials -- The Ring Study and ASPIRE -- have shown that a monthly vaginal ring containing the antiretroviral drug (ARV) dapivirine can safely help prevent HIV-1 infection in women. Developed by the nonprofit International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM), the monthly ring is the first long-acting HIV prevention method designed for women, who bear the greatest burden of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. IPM plans to apply for regulatory approval to license the product. The Ring Study, led by IPM, showed that the monthly dapivirine ring safely reduced HIV infection overall by 31 percent compared to a placebo. Similar results were seen in ASPIRE, led by the US National Institutes of Health-funded Microbicide Trials Network (MTN), which found that the ring safely reduced infection by 27 percent overall. This is the first time two Phase III studies have confirmed statistically significant efficacy for a microbicide to prevent HIV. Notably, both studies saw important differences in efficacy by age and consistency of ring use, or adherence. ASPIRE showed that the ring reduced HIV risk by 61 percent in women older than age 25, and in a post-hoc analysis by 56 percent in women older than 21, who also appeared to use the ring more consistently. These findings were statistically significant and supported by a trend in The Ring Study which also showed higher efficacy (37 percent) for women over 21. Conversely, little to no protection was seen in women ages 18-21 across both studies -- 15 percent in The Ring Study and no protection in ASPIRE. This underscores the urgent need to overcome barriers to HIV prevention for the youngest women. IPM and MTN are working to understand how ring use, and potential biological and other factors may have influenced the different levels of protection seen by age in these studies. Results from The Ring Study and ASPIRE were announced today at the annual Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in Boston, Massachusetts. The Ring Study enrolled 1,959 HIV-negative women ages 18-45 at seven sites in South Africa and Uganda, and ASPIRE enrolled 2,629 HIV-negative women ages 18-45 at 15 sites in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. ASPIRE began in 2012 and ended in 2015. The Ring Study also began in 2012 and is reporting results early after its independent data safety and monitoring board recommended the study proceed to final analysis. Following guidance from the regulatory authority in South Africa, IPM will close The Ring Study's placebo arm in that country and provide all women still enrolled with the active dapivirine ring for the remainder of their participation. IPM is seeking similar approval in Uganda. "These findings give new hope to many women at high risk who need more and different options to effectively protect themselves from HIV," said Dr. Zeda Rosenberg, founding chief executive officer of IPM. "IPM will seek regulatory approval for the monthly dapivirine ring and work with partners to determine its role in strengthening HIV prevention efforts. We are also hopeful we can learn more about how to help women who want to use the ring do so consistently, which could help increase protection. A planned follow-on study would help answer key questions about how women would use the ring when they are aware it can safely help offer protection." Our thanks go out to the women who participated in the studies, and their families and communities for their commitment to finding a solution to this devastating epidemic. IPM also extends its deepest thanks to the research teams that expertly conducted these multi-year studies, and to its donors and civil society partners for their investment of time and resources in women's health. The ring and why it is needed The monthly dapivirine ring, which IPM developed over the past decade, is the first to adapt a medical technology commonly used to deliver hormones to women -- the vaginal ring -- to instead deliver an ARV drug to prevent HIV. The flexible ring is easy for a woman to insert herself and provides sustained-release of dapivirine locally to the site of potential infection during vaginal sex. "I welcome the results from the ASPIRE and Ring Study, which investigated the extent to which the dapivirine ring protects women from acquiring HIV," said South Africa's Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi. "Every advance in science that empowers women to protect themselves from the virus should be considered for rapid adoption and implementation." Women in sub-Saharan Africa remain at high risk for HIV despite global progress against the disease. Ending the epidemic will require multiple prevention options that meet women's needs and fit within the context of their lives. IPM hopes the monthly dapivirine ring will join other new innovations such as oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention package, alongside continuing development of next-generation vaginal and rectal microbicides, long-acting injectables, vaccines and other strategies. Dapivirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that blocks HIV's ability to replicate itself inside a healthy cell. IPM holds an exclusive worldwide license for dapivirine from Janssen Sciences Ireland UC, one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), which is designed to ensure that women in low-resource settings have affordable access to any dapivirine-based microbicide. Dapivirine is a highly potent ARV not currently used for HIV prevention or treatment that has been evaluated in more than 30 clinical trials. Findings on efficacy and adherence Women in The Ring Study and ASPIRE were randomly assigned to one of two study groups: one used the active dapivirine ring, and the other a placebo ring that contained no drug. The Ring Study used a 2:1 randomization, meaning for every two women who used the dapivirine ring, one woman used the placebo. Of the 1,300 participants included in the final analysis who used the dapivirine ring in The Ring Study, 77 acquired HIV; of the 650 who used a placebo ring, 56 acquired HIV (31 percent efficacy). In ASPIRE, which used a 1:1 randomization, of the 1,308 participants included in the final analysis who used the dapivirine ring, 71 acquired HIV; of the 1,306 who used a placebo ring, 97 acquired HIV (27 percent efficacy). All women in both studies received regular HIV testing and counseling, treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and condoms. Both studies found the ring to be safe, with no statistical difference between the active and placebo arms. Previous IPM studies have shown that absorption of dapivirine is largely confined to vaginal tissue with low systemic exposure, which may help minimize side effects. The Ring Study and ASPIRE also found no evidence that use of the dapivirine ring increased the presence of ARV-resistant HIV. As we continue to examine the data, we are also focusing on what more we can learn about the relationship between adherence and efficacy. Both studies used objective markers to measure adherence, including dapivirine levels in blood plasma and residual drug left in used rings of women in the dapivirine ring arms of the studies. Overall, adherence and, in turn, HIV protection improved over time in ASPIRE. This finding was supported by a post-hoc analysis of The Ring Study exhibiting a strong trend toward higher efficacy in women with less drug remaining in the ring. Taken together, these data suggest that the ring must be used continuously to achieve protection -- and that greater protection could be achieved with more consistent use. "Women who volunteered for these studies live in communities with some of the highest rates of HIV in the world, and we saw that across women of all ages in both studies. Today, we have turned a corner in HIV prevention," said Dr. Annalene Nel, chief medical officer of IPM and study director for The Ring Study. "We have seen the potential of an ARV ring, and must now work to fully realize this potential for women worldwide." The majority of women in both studies were young, with a mean age of 26, and unmarried. Importantly, the studies showed that women of all ages were at very high risk for HIV. Across both studies, rates of new HIV infection in the placebo group were up to 8.2 percent for women ages 18 to 21, 7.3 percent for women between ages 21 and 25, and 4.3 percent for women older than 25. "The vaginal ring delivers drug directly to the site of infection, with very low systemic exposure. This, along with the ease of use, could increase the ring's appeal for many women," said Sharon L. Hillier, Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh, and principal investigator of the MTN. "The ring could provide more options for women to reduce their own risk of HIV." Next steps Based on today's results, IPM is pursuing the following steps: Open-label extension (OLE) study: IPM is planning an OLE study that would provide previous Ring Study participants with the dapivirine ring, and help answer critical questions about the product and its use while it is under regulatory review for licensure. We hope that knowledge of the ring's safety and efficacy would encourage its use, as seen in oral PrEP OLEs. Pending approvals, this study could begin as soon as April 2016. Discussions are taking place about a similar OLE study for ASPIRE participants. Regulatory submission: As the ring's regulatory sponsor, IPM is compiling all data on the ring and plans to submit the comprehensive dossier of evidence regulators require for product licensure in Q1 2017. Access planning: IPM is committed to working with governments, donors, communities and civil society to fully understand the findings from The Ring Study and ASPIRE, determine the appropriate role for the ring in HIV prevention programs in Africa and prepare for affordable access, should the ring be approved. "Scientific innovation harnessed for public good can produce important results," said Paul Stoffels, chief scientific officer and worldwide chairman, Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson. "We believe that collaborations such as this one are a key element in the fight to improve global public health for individuals, families and communities worldwide." This is the first time a vaginal ring has been used to effectively deliver an ARV, and opens the door to next-generation prevention products. IPM is advancing a three-month dapivirine-only ring, another ring designed to prevent both HIV and unintended pregnancy, and combination ARV rings designed to increase efficacy. ### IPM's work is possible only through generous support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Flanders Department of Foreign Affairs, Irish Aid, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Ring Study and ASPIRE results will be presented at CROI Wed., 24 Feb. and can be viewed online within 24 hours at http://www.croiconference.org/. Find out more about IPM's monthly dapivirine ring at http://www.ipmglobal.org. Find MTN's release at http://www.mtnstopshiv.org/node/7229 and NIAID's at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2016/Pages/ASPIRE.aspx. About IPM: IPM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing new HIV prevention tools and other sexual and reproductive health technologies for women, and making them available in developing countries. Our partnerships with public, private and civil society bring scientific ingenuity, political will and financial resources to bear on developing and delivering products designed to have significant public health impact. IPM has offices in the United States and South Africa. Please visit http://www.IPMglobal.org. Contacts: IPM US and Europe: Holly Seltzer hseltzer@IPMglobal.org 1-301-608-4277 IPM Africa Leonard Solai lsolai@IPMglobal.org 27-21-860-2314 A James Cook University study has called for a change in the way we manage bycatch - to better monitor the unintentional catching of sea turtles by commercial fishers. JCU's Kimberly Riskas led a project that examined more than 10 years of records on turtle bycatch. "Turtle habitat often spans multiple management jurisdictions. But most fisheries management agencies will monitor bycatch within a single fishery or a single year, without adding records together to determine how many turtles are being caught in total," she said. Ms Riskas said the findings show a need for bycatch records to be pooled across fisheries and states, as well as over time, to better measure the effect on turtles. She said the number of turtles caught in a single fishery or year may not seem to be a cause for concern, but even low levels might place pressure on a species when considered across fisheries and over multiple years. Ms Riskas said the existing approach to managing turtle bycatch does not go far enough to protect turtles. "Our results show how important it is for management agencies to take the next step in their reporting and analysis protocols. It is essential to analyse bycatch at the population scale and across fisheries; otherwise, we're missing the bigger picture of how bycatch affects long-lived species." She said a possible solution would be a central database for reporting and collecting bycatch data, which would allow the identification of areas of concern. "On a global scale, bycatch is one of the most serious threats to the survival of sea turtles, and the more we can combine our monitoring and mitigation efforts, the greater the chance that we can improve the situation before it's too late." ### A Johns Hopkins computer scientist played a key role in a new study that analyzed online news and search engine records to gauge the public's response to actor Charlie Sheen's Nov. 17, 2015, disclosure on NBC's TODAY Show that he was HIV-positive. The multi-institution study, to be published Feb. 22 by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine [note: hyperlink is not active until embargo lifts], found that there were record highs in domestic news coverage of HIV and in Google searches for information about HIV and HIV prevention soon after Sheen's announcement. "Charlie Sheen's disclosure was potentially the most significant domestic HIV prevention event ever," said Mark Dredze, a Johns Hopkins researcher who has been a leader in the study of online data to monitor the spread of flu cases, mental illness trends and other health topics. Dredze, an assistant research professor in the Whiting School of Engineering's Department of Computer Science, is a coauthor of the new JAMA IM study. For the study, Dredze worked with John W. Ayers, a research professor at the San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health, and Benjamin M. Althouse, a research scientist at the Institute for Disease Modeling and the Santa Fe Institute. (Both Ayers and Althouse earned their doctoral degrees at Johns Hopkins.) Ayers initiated the study and served as lead author. The researchers knew that the involvement of a celebrity often raises public awareness about a health issue. They wondered whether Sheen's disclosure had shone a fresh spotlight on HIV, and in doing so produced an important public health benefit. To find out, the team turned to public archives for news media trends, using the Bloomberg Terminal and Google Trends to collect data describing HIV and HIV prevention engagement since 2004. Focusing on the hours after Sheen's disclosure, the team monitored news reports mentioning HIV and Google searches originating from the United States and sorted into four categories: HIV (all searches with "HIV"), condoms (all searches with "condom" or "condoms"), HIV symptomology (all searches with "symptom," "symptoms" or "signs of" and "HIV"), and HIV testing (all searches with "test," "tests," or "testing" and "HIV"). "This big data strategy allowed us to provide a formative assessment of the potential impacts of Charlie Sheen's HIV-positive disclosure at no cost," said Althouse, data architect of the study. "We can directly assess the diffusion of media in the population and how the population is seeking out information based on the timing and content of their Google searches." The day of Sheen's disclosure coincided with a 265 percent increase in news reports mentioning HIV (97 percent of which also mentioned Sheen) archived on the Bloomberg Terminal, even though HIV-related news reports have been in historic decline. An additional 6,500 stories were reported on Google News alone. This placed Sheen's disclosure among the top 1 percent of historic HIV-related media events. Sheen's disclosure also corresponded with the greatest number of HIV-related Google searches ever recorded in the United States on a single day, Ayers said. About 2.75 million more Google searches than expected, based on previous trends, included the term HIV on the day of Sheen's disclosure, with 1.25 million more searches than expected including terms for condoms, HIV symptoms, or HIV testing; after adjusting for changes in overall search volume and historic trends. In relative terms, all HIV searches were 417 percent higher than expected the day of Sheen's disclosure. Condom searches (such as "buy condoms") increased 75 percent. HIV symptom (such as "signs of HIV") and HIV testing (such as "find HIV testing") searches increased 540 and 214 percent, respectively, the day of Sheen's disclosure and remained higher for three days. "Public health for more than three decades has delivered a consistent message about HIV: Get tested, know the signs and use condoms," Ayers said. "That message was so well-ingrained that when the public was presented with Sheen's HIV-positive disclosure, they began seeking out public health salient information on HIV testing, the signs of HIV and condoms. It is an example of how decades of public health messaging can focus the population on life-saving action when the relevant behaviors become salient." Celebrities going public with an HIV-positive status, such as Magic Johnson, are not new. "Yet, Sheen's disclosure could be different," Dredze said. "With Sheen, unlike with Magic Johnson for instance, we have smartphones in our pockets that we can easily use to learn about HIV within seconds with a single search or click." Sheen is a controversial figure, and it's hard to frame public health messages around a figure whose behavior may at times conflict with public health science, the researchers said. Yet, controversy itself merits additional study to stay ahead of public debate, Dredze pointed out. He added, "Public health can use and expand our approach to further monitor HIV-related trends and be responsive to these changes in near real-time." Still, the team members say that Sheen's disclosure has already produced tremendous public health benefits. "More must be done to make the 'Charlie Sheen Effect' larger and lasting," Ayers said. ### Also contributing to the research were Eric C. Leas of the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine; and Seth M. Noar of the School of Media and Journalism, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Dredze worked on the study during a sabbatical term at Bloomberg LP. The Mount Desert Island (MDI) Biological Laboratory has announced that assistant professor Sandra Rieger, Ph.D., has identified two drugs that could potentially be used to reverse peripheral nerve damage, or peripheral neuropathy, resulting from chemotherapy treatment for ovarian, breast, lung, pancreas and other cancers. The drugs also have potential applications for the treatment of peripheral nerve damage caused by diabetes, traumatic injuries and other conditions. The drugs are the subject of a provisional patent filed by the MDI Biological Laboratory earlier this month. Rieger, who is continuing to study the drugs, will work through the MDI Biological Laboratory's for-profit spinoff company, Novo Biosciences, to move the drugs into patient trials. If the drugs prove to be effective at treating nerve damage, they will be licensed to a pharmaceutical company for additional studies, with the aim of achieving FDA approval. The MDI Biological Laboratory, located in Bar Harbor, Maine, is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution that develops solutions to complex human and environmental health problems through research, education and ventures that transform discoveries into cures. The institution is focused on increasing healthy lifespan and harnessing our natural ability to repair and regenerate tissues damaged by injury or disease. Rieger and other scientists working in the institution's Kathryn W. Davis Center for Regenerative Medicine study tissue repair, regeneration and aging in a diverse range of organisms that have robust mechanisms to repair and regenerate tissue. "Currently, there are no effective treatments for the underlying causes of peripheral neuropathy, which affects 30 to 40 percent of chemotherapy patients," said Kevin Strange, Ph.D., the president of the laboratory. "Our hope is that Dr. Rieger's work in the zebrafish model will lead to an effective treatment for this condition, which can cause disabling difficulty in carrying out everyday activities such as walking, writing, getting dressed and handling small objects." Damage to peripheral nerves can cause pain, numbing, tingling, temperature sensitivity and muscle weakness. If the damage is severe, it can lead to serious problems such as falls, changes in heart rate, changes in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, paralysis and even organ failure. The overall incidence of 2.4 percent translates to nearly 8 million victims in the United States alone, with the incidence increasing to 8 percent after age 55. Rieger has determined that, in the presence of paclitaxel, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, peripheral neuropathy is caused by the increased expression of MMP-13 (matrix-metalloproteinase 13). MMP-13 is toxic to the nerves and increases the susceptibility of the skin on the hands and feet to injury from everyday stresses by degrading collagen, which Rieger described as the "glue" between the cells that helps the skin resist mechanical stress. The disruptions to the intricate interactions between the skin and nerves caused by the increase in MMP-13 activity are thought to contribute to paclitaxel-induced nerve damage. Her research has identified two drugs that prevent paclitaxel-induced neurotoxicity by reducing the activity of MMP-13, offering a new avenue for potential therapeutic interventions. When given with paclitaxel, these new drugs prevented the degeneration of axons (the long, slender protrusions of a nerve cell) and restored the touch response in zebrafish. Rieger uses zebrafish as a model because they share 70 percent of their genes with humans; their brief lifespans also allow scientists to quickly gain valuable insight into fundamental scientific questions. Plans call for further testing in mammalian models such as mice and/or rats, as well as in human skin. Rieger is now collaborating with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., on studies in human skin tissue. "Once we've completed our studies on mammalian models, we'd like to collaborate with a medical institution or pharmaceutical company on clinical trials in humans," Rieger said. "The current thinking is that no single drug is likely to be effective for the treatment of all peripheral neuropathies, which can stem from multiple causes. The hope, however, is that these drugs can also be used to treat other neuropathies or that the zebrafish model can be used to identify novel candidates for the treatment of other neuropathies." In addition to chemotherapy, neuropathies can be caused by diabetes, multiple sclerosis, obesity, chronic kidney disease, aging and many other conditions, creating a huge unmet need for effective treatment. While drugs are available that provide partial relief of the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy, none address the underlying causes. The global market for pain-relieving drugs provides an indication of the size of this market. This market, which was $4.8 billion in 2010, is expected to grow to $10 billion in 2018. This growth is attributed largely to the global rise in the incidence of obesity and diabetes. ### The MDI Biological Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution that develops solutions to complex human and environmental health problems through research, education, and ventures that transform discoveries into cures. For more information on the MDI Biological Laboratory, please visit https://mdibl.org. NASA satellites provided data on Tropical Cyclone Winston before and after it made an historic landfall in eastern Fiji. The GPM, Suomi NPP and Aqua satellites provided forecasters with data that showed rainfall, strength and extent of the storm. Tropical Cyclone Winston made landfall on Feb. 20 in Vitu Levi, eastern Fiji as a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Winston was the first cyclone of that strength to make landfall in Fiji in recorded history. The Fiji Meteorological Service estimated wind gusts near Winston's center over 200 mph. On Feb. 20, 2016 at 0900 UTC (4 a.m. EST) after landfall, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center noted that Winston's maximum sustained winds were near 155 knots (178.4 mph/287.1 kph) gusting to 190 knots (218.6 mph/351.9 kph). The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) core observatory satellite flew directly above tropical cyclone Winston on February 20, 2016 at 0941 UTC (4:41 a.m. EST). Tropical cyclone Winston had sustained winds estimated at 155 knots (178.4 mph/287.1 kph) at that time. A rainfall analysis derived from data collected by GPM's Microwave Imager (GMI) and Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) instruments found that in addition to powerful winds Winston was dropping rain at a rate of over 169 mm (6.7 inches) per hour in the western side of the eye. Tropical cyclone Winston is the most powerful storm to hit Fiji. On Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 the Fiji government declared a State of Natural Disaster for Fiji for the next 30 days. That means that the government will send support to ensure the safety of members of the public, businesses, economy and national assets. The declaration means that police can now arrest people without warrant who fail to abide by the law. On Feb. 21, 2016 at 02:15 UTC (Feb. 20 at 9:15 p.m. EST) the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instrument aboard NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Cyclone Winston in the South Pacific Ocean, west of Fiji. Even after passing over Fiji, Winston maintained an eye. By 0900 UTC (4 a.m. EST) that day, seven hours after NASA's Aqua satellite captured an image of Tropical cyclone Winston, the storm still maintained maximum sustained winds near 125 knots (143.8 mph/231.5 kph) down from 130 knots (149.6 mph/240.8 kph) just 12 hours before. It was located about 253 nautical miles (291.3 miles/468.9 km) west of Suva, Fiji near 17.6 degrees south latitude and 174.0 degrees east longitude and was moving west-southwest. On Feb. 22, 2016 at 0200 UTC (Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. EST) the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument aboard NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured this visible image of Tropical Cyclone Winston between Vanuatu to the west and Fiji to the east. Although still a hurricane, Winston's 20 nautical-mile-wide (23 miles/37 km) eye had become cloud-filled. Joint Typhoon Warning Center said that the University of Wisconsin-Madison Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies microwave total precipitable water loop "indicates a band of dry air currently being entrained into the cyclone hindering further Intensification." By 1500 GMT (10 a.m. EST) Winston's maximum sustained winds dropped to 90 knots (103.6 mph/166.7 kph) making it a Category 2 hurricane. Scatterometry satellite data showed that the hurricane-force winds extend 30 nautical miles (34 miles/55 km) from the center. It was located about 348 nautical miles (400.5 miles/644.5 km) west of Suva, Fiji near 18.2 degrees south latitude and 172.3 degrees east longitude. Winston was moving to the south slowly at 3 knots (3.4 mph/5.5 kph). The JTWC noted that Winston will maintain current intensity for about a day because it is still over warm sea surface temperatures. Thereafter, Winston will begin weakening and eventually become sub-tropical south of New Caledonia. The GPM satellite is co-managed by NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Suomi NPP satellite is co-managed by NASA and NOAA. ### Large tuna-like fish named in honor of North Texas amateur fossil hunter who discovered the 90-million-year-old specimen in Dallas County and donated it to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science DALLAS (Feb. 22, 2016) - A 90-million-year-old fossil fish, which has been on display at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, turns out to be a new species. Research conducted by Kenshu Shimada, Ph.D., professor at DePaul University in Chicago and research associate of the Sternberg Museum in Kansas, reveals the 5.5-foot-long fossil fish to possess a tuna-like body with a unique 'hook-shaped sail' on its back. The fish has been given a new species name, Pentanogmius fritschi, in honor of Joseph Fritsch, a local amateur collector who discovered the fossil, dug it up with the help of another avid fossil collector, Kris Howe, and donated it to the Perot Museum. "At first glance, the specimen looked like a known Pentanogmius species, but when I began to trace the curved dorsal fin, its front half kept extending backwards far beyond where I thought it would end relative to its rear half. That's when I realized I have something new to science," said Dr. Shimada. The fossil fish is a nearly complete skeleton from the Britton Formation of the Eagle Ford Shale in Dallas County. Dr. Shimada's study suggests that Pentanogmius fritschi was an active fish in open ocean environments that possibly fed on a variety of small animals like squid and other fish. Besides its scientific significance, the new study is a success story demonstrating the very function of a collection-based museum and collaboration between amateur fossil collectors and scientists. Anthony Fiorillo, Ph.D., a paleontologist and the Perot Museum's vice president of research and collections and chief curator, took notice of the remarkable preservation of the fossil fish soon after its discovery. He worked with Fritsch and Howe to make the specimen available to the public and to the scientific community during the developmental stage of the Museum. Fiorillo had worked closely with Howe years earlier when Howe donated a fossil he unearthed in Grapevine, Texas. Dr. Fiorillo and another Perot Museum paleontologist Ronald Tykoski, Ph.D., determined that the fossil remains represented North America's oldest fossil bird. They named it Flexomornis howei in Howe's honor. The fossil is currently on view in the Museum's Rose Hall of Birds. "We're very excited by the discovery of this new fossil fish for two reasons. First, it once again illustrates that the Perot Museum of Nature and Science not only inspires but serves as a resource for those in our community curious about the natural world around them," said Dr. Fiorillo. "Secondly, this find also demonstrates the dynamic nature of scientific investigation within our T. Boone Pickens Life Then & Now Hall." The Museum opened in 2012, but it was not until Dr. Shimada's visit in 2014 that the fish was found to be new to science. His resulting study - entitled "A new species of the Late Cretaceous 'sail-finned' bony fish, Pentanogmius (Actinopterygii: Tselfatiiformes), from Texas, USA" - will appear in a forthcoming issue of the international scientific journal Cretaceous Research. To view the paper online, go to http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195667115301440. "The really great thing about this fish is that it was found right here in Dallas County," said Fritsch, who lives in Carrollton. "People are led to believe that fossils are found in exotic locations not accessible to the general public. The reality is North Texas is full of fossil hunting opportunity for anyone willing to go out and enjoy a walk in nature." ### NOTE: To obtain the news release, Perot Museum fact sheet and photos, please go to perotmuseum.org/press and use the access code press. Research Contact Information: Dr. Kenshu Shimada (kshimada@depaul.edu): Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Studies and Department of Biological Sciences, DePaul University, 2325 North Clifton Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60614, USA; Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas 67601, USA Dr. Anthony Fiorillo (Tony.Fiorillo@perotmuseum.org), Vice President of Research and Collections and Chief Curator, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N. Field Street, Dallas, TX 75201, USA About the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. A top destination for North Texans and tourists alike, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a nonprofit educational organization located in the heart of Dallas, Texas, with campuses in Victory Park and Fair Park. With a mission to inspire minds through nature and science, the Perot Museum delivers exciting, engaging and innovative visitor and outreach experiences through its education, exhibition, and research and collections programming for children, students, teachers, families and life-long learners. The 180,000-square-foot facility in Victory Park opened in December 2012 and is now recognized as the symbolic gateway to the Dallas Arts District. The Museum features 11 permanent exhibit halls on five floors of public space; a children's museum; a state-of-the art traveling exhibition hall; and The Hoglund Foundation Theater, a National Geographic Experience. Future scientists, mathematicians and engineers will find inspiration and enlightenment through breathtaking collections, interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations and vivid contextual displays that expose visitors to a hands-on world of ideas and concepts. Designed by 2005 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate Thom Mayne and his firm Morphosis Architects, the Victory Park museum has been lauded for its artistry and sustainability. To learn more, please visit perotmuseum.org. MEDIA CONTACT: Becky Mayad 214-352-1881 or 214-697-7745 (cell) becky@mayadpr.com HOUSTON -- (Feb. 22, 2016) -- Rice University bioengineering researchers have modified a commercial-grade CO2 laser cutter to create OpenSLS, an open-source, selective laser sintering platform that can print intricate 3-D objects from powdered plastics and biomaterials. The system costs at least 40 times less than its commercial counterparts and allows researchers to work with their own specialized powdered materials. The design specs and performance of Rice's OpenSLS platform, an open-source device similar to commercially available selective laser sintering (SLS) platforms, are described in an open-access paper published in PLOS ONE. OpenSLS, which was built using low-cost, open-source microcontrollers, cost less than $10,000 to build; commercial SLS platforms typically start around $400,000 and can cost up to $1 million. "SLS technology has been around for more than 20 years, and it's one of the only technologies for 3-D printing that has the ability to form objects with dramatic overhangs and bifurcations," said study co-author Jordan Miller, an assistant professor of bioengineering at Rice who specializes in using 3-D printing for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. "SLS technology is perfect for creating some of the complex shapes we use in our work, like the vascular networks of the liver and other organs." He said commercial SLS machines generally don't allow users to fabricate objects with their own powdered materials, which is something that's particularly important for researchers who want to experiment with biomaterials for regenerative medicine and other biomedical applications. "Designing our own laser-sintering machine means there's no company-mandated limit to the types of biomaterials we can experiment with for regenerative medicine research," said study co-author Ian Kinstlinger, a graduate student in Miller's group who designed several of the hardware and software modifications for OpenSLS. The team showed that the machine could print a series of intricate objects from both nylon powder -- a commonly used material for high-resolution 3-D sintering -- and from polycaprolactone, or PCL, a nontoxic polymer that's commonly used to make templates for studies on engineered bone. "In terms of price, OpenSLS brings this technology within the reach of most labs, and our goal from the outset has been to do this in a way that makes it easy for other people to reproduce our work and help the field standardize on equipment and best practices," Kinstlinger said. "We've open-sourced all the hardware designs and software modifications and shared them via Github." OpenSLS works differently than most traditional extrusion-based 3-D printers, which create objects by squeezing melted plastic through a needle as they trace out two-dimensional patterns. Three-dimensional objects are then built up from successive 2-D layers. In contrast, the SLS laser shines down onto a flat bed of plastic powder. Wherever the laser touches powder, it melts or sinters the powder at the laser's focal point to form a small volume of solid material. By tracing the laser in two dimensions, the printer can fabricate a single layer of the final part. "The process is a bit like finishing a creme brulee, when a chef sprinkles out a layer of powdered sugar and then heats the surface with a torch to melt powder grains together and form a solid layer," Miller said. "Here, we have powdered biomaterials, and our heat source is a focused laser beam." In SLS, after each layer is finished, a new layer of powder is laid down and the laser reactivates to trace the next layer. "Because the sintered object is fully supported in 3-D by powder, the technique gives us access to incredibly complex architectures that other 3-D printing techniques simply cannot produce," Miller said. Miller, an active participant in the open-source maker movement, first identified commercial CO2 laser cutters as prime candidates for a low-cost, versatile selective sintering machine in early 2013. Laser cutters are commonly used to make trophies, jewelry, toys, acrylic figurines and other commercial products. "The cutter's laser is already in the correct wavelength range -- around 10 micrometers -- and the machines come with hardware to control laser power and the x-axis and y-axis with high precision," Miller said. In the summer of 2013 Miller hosted a four-week crash course in hardware prototyping called the Advanced Manufacturing Research Institute, and AMRI participant Andreas Bastian, an artist and engineer, took on the challenge of creating the open-source SLS printer. He designed an integrated, high-precision z-axis and powder-handling system and fitted it with open-source, 3-D printer electronics from Ultimachine.com. Miller said Bastian even used the machine's laser-cutting features to produce many of the acrylic parts for the powder-handling system. "You can actually cut most of the required parts with the same laser cutter you are in the process of upgrading," Miller said. "It's around $2,000 in parts to build OpenSLS, and adding the parts to an existing laser cutter and calibrating the machine typically takes a couple of days." By the time Bastian left Rice in the fall of 2013, "we had demonstrated proof of concept," Miller said, "but a great deal of additional work still needed to be done to show that OpenSLS could be useful for bioengineering, and that is what Ian and the rest of the team accomplished." Miller said Kinstlinger's tests with PCL, a biocompatible plastic that can be used in medical implants for humans, were particularly important. "Biology in the body can take advantage of architectural complexity in 3-D parts, but different shapes and surfaces are useful under different circumstances," Miller said. For example, Kinstlinger said, the increased surface area found on rough surfaces and in interconnected pore structures are preferred in some situations, while other biological applications call for smooth surfaces. Kinstlinger addressed each possibility with PCL by developing an efficient way to smooth the rough surfaces of PCL objects that came out of the printer. He found that exposing the parts to solvent vapor for short time periods (around 5 minutes) provided a very smooth surface, due to surface-tension effects. In tests using human bone marrow stromal cells -- the type of adult stem cells that can differentiate to form bone, skin, blood vessels and other tissues -- Kinstlinger found that the vapor-smoothed PCL structures worked well as templates for engineered tissues that have some of the same properties as natural bone. "The stem cells stuck to the surface of the templates, survived, differentiated down a bone lineage and deposited calcium across the entire scaffold," he said. Miller said, "Our work demonstrates that OpenSLS provides the scientific community with an accessible platform for the study of laser sintering and the fabrication of complex geometries in diverse plastics and biomaterials. And it's another win for the open-source community." ### The research was funded by Rice University. Study co-authors include Samantha Paulsen, Daniel Hwang, Anderson Ta and David Yalacki, all from Rice; and Tim Schmidt of the Lansing Makers Network in Lansing, Mich. VIDEO is available at: https://youtu.be/BCbDFt0MbTY High-resolution IMAGES are available for download at: http://news.rice.edu/files/2016/02/0222_SINTER-Osls-lg-28ae8kd.jpg CAPTION: Researchers in the Miller Lab at Rice University's Department of Bioengineering used a commercial-grade CO2 laser cutter to create OpenSLS, an open-source, selective laser sintering platform that can print intricate 3-D objects from powdered plastics and biomaterials. (Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University) http://news.rice.edu/files/2016/02/0222_SINTER-ian2-lg-197itr9.jpg CAPTION: Rice University's Ian Kinstlinger with a nylon model of the arterial system of a mouse liver that he printed with OpenSLS, an open-source selective laser sintering system developed in the Miller Lab at Rice's Department of Bioengineering. (Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University) http://news.rice.edu/files/2016/02/0222_SINTER-clo-lg-2g0odvn.jpg CAPTION: Unlike most commercial SLS platforms, Rice University's OpenSLS allows researchers to work with their own powdered materials, including specialized biomaterials like polycaprolactone, or PCL, a common nontoxic polymer that was used to print these tissue-engineering scaffolds. Researcher Ian Kinstlinger developed a method for smoothing the surfaces (left) of newly printed scaffolds (right) using vaporized solvent. (Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University) http://news.rice.edu/files/2016/02/0222_SINTER-jeti1-lg-1nnh4eq.jpg CAPTION: Ian Kinstlinger (left) and Jordan Miller with the OpenSLS printer. Design specs and performance for OpenSLS are available at https://github.com/MillerLabFTW/. (Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University) More images are available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ricepublicaffairs/sets/72157664154274489/ A free copy of the open-access PLOS ONE research paper is available at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0147399 The DOI of the PLOS ONE paper is: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147399 Details about how to build the OpenSLS system are available at: https://github.com/MillerLabFTW/ Related Miller Lab research from Rice: Open-source laser fabrication lowers cost for cancer research -- Jan. 26, 2016 Researchers create transplantation model for 3-D printed constructs -- Nov. 3, 2015 Rice bioengineers use 3-D printers to give kids a hand -- Feb. 5, 2015 Rice BRC hosts Advanced Manufacturing Research Institute -- Sept. 3, 2013 This release can be found online at news.rice.edu. Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,910 undergraduates and 2,809 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for best quality of life and for lots of race/class interaction by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/AboutRiceUniversity. This news release is available in Spanish. The Spanish conquest of the Americas was devastating for native peoples. Many native men died in conflicts with the invaders. Male Spanish colonists often came without their wives and took native women as partners. A new genetic analysis of Panamanian men by a team including a Smithsonian scientist shows this historical legacy: only 22 percent had Y-chromosomes of native origin, even though most Panamanians are of female indigenous ancestry. Everyone has a pair of sex chromosomes that determine their gender. Females have two X-chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y, the latter inherited from their father. These chromosomes are found in each cell's nucleus. Another genetic component called mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is found in cells outside the nucleus. Both males and females inherit their mtDNA from their mother alone. Over time, small mutations accumulate in both mtDNA and Y-chromosomes, allowing scientists to trace their history. A team of geneticists from the University of Pavia including Antonio Torroni found that among the 408 Panamanian men whose genetics were analyzed, 60 percent had Y-chromosomes that originated in West Eurasia and North Africa (probably mostly from Europe). About 22 percent were of Native American origin, 6 percent from sub-Saharan Africa and 2 percent from South Asia (probably China or the Indian sub-continent). In contrast, a large majority of this group--including nearly all those with Native American, African and Asian Y-chromosomes--had mtDNA of indigenous origin. Among men with Eurasian Y-chromosomes, 13 percent had mtDNA from sub-Saharan Africa and only a very few had European mtDNA. Although overall a majority of Panamanian men had Eurasian Y-chromosomes, the percentage differed regionally within Panama in accord with the pattern of Spanish colonization. After A.D. 1519, the Spanish settled most densely on the Pacific side of Panama, where a drier climate made agriculture and cattle raising more feasible. Those indigenous groups that survived the conquest took refuge mostly in the remote mountains and dense tropical forests of the Caribbean side. In most provinces on Panama's Pacific side, the prevalence of Eurasian Y-chromosomes varied from 62 to 72 percent. This was entirely different in Caribbean regions, where the proportion of native Y-chromosomes ranged from 66 to almost 88 percent. The highest level of sub-Saharan Y-chromosomes, 44 percent, was found in Darien Province on the Pacific side, where many escaped slaves found refuge during the colonial period. Variation within native Y-chromosomes also illuminated the history of these groups within Panama. One type, found in western Panama, probably originated more than 10,000 years ago, indicating some indigenous populations have been living in this region continuously for a very long time. Another much more recently differentiated type was found in eastern Panama and may represent peoples who moved into the area from adjacent areas of what is now Colombian territory after the original population, known to the invading Spanish as the "people of the language of Cueva," had virtually disappeared. ### The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, headquartered in Panama City, Panama, is a part of the Smithsonian Institution. The Institute furthers the understanding of tropical nature and its importance to human welfare, trains students to conduct research in the tropics and promotes conservation by increasing public awareness of the beauty and importance of tropical ecosystems. Website: http://www.stri.si.edu. Promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9JDSIwBegk. Grugni, V., V. Battaglia, U. A. Perego, A. Raveane, H. Lancioni, A. Olivieri, L. Ferretti, S. R. Woodward, J. M. Pascale, R. Cooke, N. Myres, J. Motta, A. Torroni, A. Achilli, and O. Semino. 2015. Exploring the Y Chromosomal Ancestry of Modern Panamanians. PLOS ONE doi:10(12):E0144223 Zipf's law in its simplest form, as formulated in the thirties by American linguist George Kingsley Zipf, states surprisingly that the most frequently occurring word in a text appears twice as often as the next most frequent word, three times more than the third most frequent one, four times more than the fourth most frequent one, and so on. The law can be applied to many other fields, not only literature, and it has been tested more or less rigorously on large quantities of data, but until now had not been tested with maximum mathematical rigour and on a database large enough to ensure statistical validity. Researchers at the Centre de Recerca Matematica (CRM), part of the Government of Catalonia's CERCA network, who are attached to the UAB Department of Mathematics, have conducted the first sufficiently rigorous study, in mathematical and statistical terms, to test the validity of Zipf's law. This study falls within the framework of the Research in Collaborative Mathematics project run by Obra Social "la Caixa". To achieve this, they analysed the whole collection of English-language texts in the Project Gutenberg, a freely accessible database with over 30,000 works in this language. There is no precedent for this: in the field of linguistics the law had never been put to the test on sets of more than a dozen texts. According to the analysis, if the rarest words are left out - those that appear only once or twice throughout a book - 55% of the texts fit perfectly into Zipf's law, in its most general formulation. If all the words are taken into account, even the rarest ones, the figure is 40%. "It is very surprising that the frequency of occurrence of these words should be determined by a single-parameter formula. The famous Gaussian bell curve, for example, needs two parameters, position and width, to adjust to the real data", explains Alvaro Corral, a CRM researcher attached to the UAB Department of Mathematics and coordinator of the research. "If we ignored words that appear three, four or five times in a whole work, the percentage of books that follow Zipf's law could be even higher". In mathematical terms, the law states that if all the words are ranked by frequency of use, the second most frequently occurring one appears half as often as the most frequent one; the third, 1/3 as often and, in general, the word occupying the position n appears 1/n times as often as the most frequent one. In fact, the most general formulation of the law includes an exponent a, so that the relationship is 1/na. Though this complicates the formula a little, the frequency fits very closely for values of "a" very near to 1 (i.e. as if no exponent had been added). There are other formulations of the law that are mathematically more complex, but all have a single free parameter. The researchers studied the validity of the three most frequently used formulations of Zipf's law in all the English-language texts (31,075 books) in the Project Gutenberg database, and they observed that one of these formulations fits, with statistically significant results (p>0.05), the frequency of occurrence of all the words in over 40% of the books in the collection, texts that contain between 100 and over a million words. "Zipf's law has generated much debate, but always basing its validity on certain specific examples", points out Alvaro Corral. "It seems obvious that in today's age of Big Data and high-performance computers, we need to focus on large-scale analysis of the law, and these results are a big step in that direction". "Although literature is regarded as one of the greatest expressions of creative freedom, not even major authors like Shakespeare or Dickens escape the tyranny of Zipf's law", concludes Dr Corral. ### This research, recently published in PLOS ONE, was conducted by CRM researchers Isabel Moreno Sanchez and Francesc Font-Clos under the direction of Alvaro Corral. The Mathematics Research Centre (CRM) is a consortium between the Government of Catalonia (Generalitat), the Institut d'Estudis Catalans (IEC) and the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB). UC Santa Barbara chemical engineer Michelle O'Malley has been chosen to receive the prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). The award is the highest honor the nation can bestow on a scientist or engineer at the beginning of his or her career. "These early-career scientists are leading the way in our efforts to confront and understand challenges from climate change to our health and wellness," President Obama said. "We congratulate these accomplished individuals and encourage them to continue to serve as an example of the incredible promise and ingenuity of the American people." O'Malley is one of 105 PECASE recipients for 2016. The award recognizes some of the finest scientists and engineers who show exceptional potential for leadership in advancing scientific knowledge in the 21st century. The winners will receive their awards this spring at a ceremony in Washington, DC. "I am delighted to congratulate Professor Michelle O'Malley on this very meaningful and high-profile award," said UC Santa Barbara Chancellor Henry T. Yang. "The Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers is highly competitive, and recognizes not only the excellence and significance of Professor O'Malley's research contributions, but also her potential for future leadership and research impact. It is especially exciting that this honor follows so closely on her selection for an NSF CAREER Award just last month." Said Rod Alferness, dean of UCSB's College of Engineering, "Our congratulations to Michelle on this extremely prestigious, well-deserved recognition. This award brings great honor to Michelle, her department, the College of Engineering and the entire UCSB community for which we are very grateful. We are all very proud and thank Michelle for the extraordinary achievements that have brought her this highly prized award." An assistant professor of chemical engineering, O'Malley joined the UCSB faculty in 2012. She received her Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware in 2009, and two undergraduate engineering degrees -- one in chemical engineering and another in biomedical engineering -- from Carnegie Mellon University in 2004. Her current research focuses on the biotech potential of microbes, which may have significant applications in the realms of renewable energy and advanced chemicals. Her most recent work investigates the functions of relatively little-understood anaerobic gut fungi -- a primitive microbe found mainly in large herbivores -- whose unique functions and enzymes may offer new sources of biofuels and methods of producing next-generation pharmaceuticals. "I am so grateful to the Department of Energy for nominating me for the PECASE, and for recognizing the potential that our research has to contribute to sustainable energy," said O'Malley. "I am astounded that I was selected for the award, and I can't wait to meet the President with the other awardees this spring." The PECASE award is the latest in a series of honors for O'Malley, who received the Department of Energy Early Career Award in 2013; the Hellman Faculty Fellowship in 2014; recognition as one of MIT Technology Review's 35 Innovators under 35 in 2015; and the NSF CAREER Award in 2016. Established by President Bill Clinton in 1996, the PECASE awards are coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President. Recipients are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and their commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education or community outreach. ### GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Some colleges have called for the banning of Yik Yak, a social media application to which users centered around a geographic area can post anonymously. But University of Florida Health researchers have found that the decision to ban the app may be a little hasty. The hyperlocal app has gotten a lot of media attention for being a platform on which students have posted threats and racial slurs. Now UF researchers are calling for a broader, more systematic analysis of Yik Yak's postings, based on their study of the early days of the app. The UF researchers' study, recently published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, is the first to examine postings on the social media site. "Our analysis was brief and focused on a specific point in time -- not enough time to make an accurate representation of postings on Yik Yak," said Erik Black, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the UF College of Medicine's department of pediatrics and lead author of the paper. "But the most intriguing finding with this study is we didn't see what we expected to see." That is, the researchers did not find postings, called yaks, that would warrant the site to be banned by college campuses. However, a more thorough investigation of Yik Yak's postings could build a broader understanding of the kind of discourse happening on the application, Black said. "I think it's also important to understand that at the time we conducted our research, Yik Yak had not yet been used as a vehicle for making violent threats to campuses," Black said. "Since we collected our data, the nature of use may have changed in ways that are not recognized by our analysis." The researchers say they did find profanity and other similar language. "There was definitely profanity and some aspects that would make anyone uncomfortable -- but those aspects weren't in any way worrisome since the profanity wasn't directed at anyone," said Lindsay Thompson, M.D., a physician in the department of pediatrics and co-author of the paper. "I think having a healthy skepticism is appropriate. But in this situation, among college students, fears and moves toward censorship would be unfounded." The researchers defined "worrisome" postings as any yaks that could cause an individual to be revealed. Otherwise, Black and Thompson felt they could not label any particular posting as worrisome primarily because they lacked the understanding of the yak's context on that campus. The researchers collected 4,001 posts over three days from 42 different campuses across the United States. Although users have to be on a particular college campus to access that college's Yik Yak stream, outsiders can view those posts passively, according to the app's guidelines. The researchers found that 45 percent of the posts focused on campus life, announcements and proclamations. About 13 percent of the posts contained profanity or vulgarities, and about 9 percent related to dating, sex and sexuality. Black said he and Thompson avoided determining which posts could be defined as bullying because that determination would have been made out of context. "From an evolutionary perspective, we've always known we can look someone in the eye and understand the place and setting that we're talking about," Black said. "But now, online, we lack the ability to understand context, and when we lack that ability, we tend to invent the context ourselves, which can lead to misunderstanding and misinterpretation." Instead, the researchers looked for public disclosure of a first or last name, or combination of a first and last name, that could be tied to a particular campus. They saw only 11 names in the volume of data they collected, five of which included both a first and a last name. "We're not condoning the type of rhetoric we see on the application. Profane, racist and misogynistic language is not OK," Black said. "Yik Yak may provide the opportunity to pull back the proverbial covers on underlying sentiment on campuses." ### The UF College of Journalism and Communications has partnered with Yik Yak to create a customized content feed for local Yik Yak users. The UF researchers' data collection occurred prior to the partnership, and the researchers were not aware of the formal association at any stage during the research. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The types of beneficial fungi that associate with tree roots can alter the fate of a patch of tropical forest, boosting plant diversity or, conversely, giving one tree species a distinct advantage over many others, researchers report. Their study, reported in the journal Ecology Letters, sought to explain a baffling phenomenon in some tropical forests: Small patches of "monodominant forest," where one species makes up more than 60 percent of the trees, form islands of low diversity in the otherwise highly diverse tropical forest growing all around them. The new study focused on mountain forests in Panama that harbor hundreds of tree species, but which include small patches dominated by the tree species Oreomunnea mexicana. "Tropical ecologists are puzzled by how so many species co-occur in a tropical forest," said University of Illinois plant biology professor James Dalling, who led the study with graduate student Adriana Corrales and collaborators from Washington University in St. Louis and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. "If one tree species is a slightly better competitor in a particular environment, you would expect its population to increase and gradually exclude other species." That doesn't happen often in tropical forests, however, he said. Diversity remains high, and patches dominated by a single species are rare. Understanding how monodominant forests arise and persist could help explain how tropical forests otherwise maintain their remarkable diversity, he said. The researchers focused on two types of fungi that form symbiotic relationships with trees: arbuscular mycorrhizas and ectomycorrhizas. Arbuscular mycorrhizas grow inside the roots of many different tree species, supplying phosphorous to their tree hosts. Ectomycorrhizas grow on the surface of tree roots and draw nitrogen from the soil, some of which they exchange for sugars from the trees. Ectomycorrhizas cooperate with only a few tree species - 6 percent or less of those that grow in tropical forests. Previous studies found that arbuscular mycorrhizas commonly occur in the most diverse tropical forests, while ectomycorrhizal fungi dominate low-diversity patches. "When you walk in a patch of forest where 70 percent of the trees belong to a single species that also happens to be an ectomycorrhizal-associated tree, it makes you think there is something going on with the fungi that could be mediating the formation of these monodominant forests," Corrales said. The researchers tested three hypotheses to explain the high abundance of Oreomunnea. First, they tested the idea that Oreomunnea trees are better able to resist species-specific pathogens than trees growing in more diverse forest areas. "We were expecting that Oreomunnea seedlings would grow better in soil coming from beneath other Oreomunnea trees, because that's how the tree grows in nature," Corrales said. "But we found the opposite: The Oreomunnea suffered more from pathogen infection when grown in soil from the same species than in soil from other species." The researchers next tested whether mature Oreomunnea trees supported nearby Oreomunnea seedlings by sending sugars to them via a shared network of ectomycorrhizal fungi. But they found no evidence of cooperation between the trees. "The seedlings that were isolated from the ectomycorrhizas of other Oreomunnea trees grew better than those that were in contact with the fungi from other trees of the same species," Corrales said. In a third set of experiments, the team looked at the availability of nitrogen inside and outside the Oreomunnea patches. "We saw that inorganic nitrogen was much higher outside than inside the patches," Corrales said. Tree species that normally grow outside the patches did well on the high-nitrogen soils, but suffered when transplanted inside the Oreomunnea patches. A look at the nitrogen isotopes in the fungi, soils and in the seedlings' leaves revealed the underlying mechanism by which the fungi influenced the species growing inside and outside the Oreomunnea patches. The team found evidence consistent with ectomycorrhizal uptake of nitrogen directly from decomposing material in the soil. These fungi make some of their nitrogen available to the Oreomunnea trees while starving other plants and soil microbes of this essential nutrient, Corrales said. The lack of adequate nitrogen means bacteria and fungi are unable to break down organic matter in the soil, causing most other trees to suffer because they depend on the nitrogen supplied by microbial decomposers, she said. "We found a novel mechanism that can explain why certain tree species in tropical forests are highly abundant, and that is because their fungi provide them with a source of nitrogen that is not accessible to competing species," Dalling said. "So they have an advantage because their competitors are now starved of nitrogen." Researchers have found recently that similar processes can occur in temperate forests, but this is the first study to link this process to tropical forest monodominance, Dalling said. ### Editor's notes: To reach James Dalling, call 217-244-8914; email dalling@illinois.edu. To reach Adriana Corrales, email corrlssr@illinois.edu. The paper "An ectomycorrhizal nitrogen economy facilitates monodominance in a neotropical forest" is available online. or from the U. of I. News Bureau. MONTREAL, February 22, 2016 - As the Trudeau government prepares for its early March First Ministers Meetings on climate change, researchers from the University of Montreal, University of California Santa Barbara, Utah State University and Yale University have just released a new interactive tool to visualize, with unprecedented detail, the geographic distribution of climate opinions across Canada. It allows users to download the underlying estimates of public opinion for each province and riding in Canada. This new tool, presented in the form of maps, is available in English and in French. The Canadian Climate Opinion Maps (CCOM) was created using a statistical model based on over 5,000 responses to national surveys from 2011-2015. It reveals that, nationally, 79% of Canadians believe that Earth is getting warmer, but the new public opinion maps show distinct differences among provinces and ridings. Moreover, about 67% of adults believe the Earth is warming in Alberta, for example, whereas 85% believe this in Quebec. Within federal electoral districts, percentages vary from 56% in the Souris-Moose Mountain riding in Saskatchewan, to 91% in the riding of Halifax, Nova Scotia. "Our research shows that across the country, a majority of Canadians are aware of the problem of rising global temperature on Earth, and many believe humans are directly contributing to this warming. This is true across Canadian regions and across the urban-rural divide as well", said one of the project's lead researchers, University of Montreal Professor Erick Lachapelle. In terms of possible solutions for fighting climate change, the idea of implementing an emissions trading system enjoys popular support (66%) across the country. Meanwhile, a carbon tax is less popular nationally (49%), with support for more carbon taxes also being much more variable across ridings. "Given the importance of public beliefs and perceptions about climate change for mitigation and adaptation planning, we wanted to provide this tool to the public to help foster awareness and dialogue on this crucial issue," explained University of California Santa Barbara Assistant Professor and lead author Matto Mildenberger. "Hopefully, this strong public support will be reflected in ambitious decision making in the coming months," he said. "Thanks to this tool, we are able for the first time in Canada to visualize the geographic diversity of opinions across this vast country, at an unprecedented level of granularity," added Lachapelle. "We always knew opinions varied across Canadian provinces. Now we see that urban-rural differences are just as important, if not more important, features of Canadian public opinion on climate change" he said "Of course, opinions and policy preferences are not uniform across the country. So this tool illustrates not only where climate policy support is concentrated, but perhaps more importantly, it depicts where enhanced outreach and engagement efforts are required to bring the public on side with what needs to happen" concluded Lachapelle. Though high-resolution data sets for climate change risks are readily available, data on public opinion at the local level is almost non-existent. This new data set allows novel insight into public perceptions at scales much closer to where actual decisions, outreach and planning take place. This will be an important resource for decision-makers, planners, practitioners, academics, and engaged citizens. About the tool: Users can explore the maps and data by clicking on your province or riding, and compare results across questions and with other geographic areas. They should keep in mind that the uncertainty of the estimates increase as they refine their search to closer geographic scales. All estimates are derived from a geographic and statistical model validated in the United States and applied to national survey data collected in Canada since 2011 (>5000 survey responses). These data were used to estimate differences in opinion between geographic and demographic groups based on data from Statistics Canada. The results account for change over time. The result is a high-resolution data set of estimated opinion at the national, provincial and riding scales for the year 2015. The accuracy of the estimates are approximately +/- 6 percentage points for provincial-level estimates and +/- 7 percentage points for estimates at the riding level (at a 95% level of confidence). ### This research and website are funded in part by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Fonds de Recherche du Quebec - Societe et Culture, the Skoll Global Threats Fund, the Energy Foundation, and the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment. Additionally, funding for individual survey waves was provided by the Ministere des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie, l'Institut de l'energie Trottier, Sustainable Prosperity, Canada 2020, the Public Policy Forum, and the Chaire d'etudes politiques et economiques americaines. The University of Montreal is officially known as Universite de Montreal. Reference : Mildenberger, M., Howe, P.D. , Lachapelle, E., Stokes, L.C., Marlon, J., et Gravelle, T. "The distribution of climate change public opinion in Canada." (February 15 2016). Oriol Sunyer, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, has described fish as "an open gut swimming." Their mucosal surfaces -- their skin, digestive tract and gills -- are in constant contact with water, including any pathogens that that water may contain. In aquaculture facilities, this exposure is a risk, as diseases can quickly tear through populations. In hopes of improving vaccines that keep fish healthy, researchers are therefore very interested in learning how fish detect and respond to pathogens through their mucosal surfaces. There is also great interest in learning how fish control the community of "friendly" microbes, the microbiota, that dwell in and on their respiratory surfaces. In a new study published in the journal Nature Communications, Sunyer and colleagues made headway in this understanding. Their work reveals that fish induce production of a particular antibody in their gills in response to pathogen exposure. In addition, the researchers found that the gills' microbiota is coated with this same antibody, an immunoglobulin called IgT, the function of which was first discovered by Sunyer's lab in 2010. Prior to this study, it was thought that only mammals had such a refined local mucosal immune response. "Our work is the first to show that fish can mount a local antibody response to pathogens and microbiota within a mucosal respiratory surface," Sunyer said. "We might expect that mucosal immunoglobulins play a key role in controlling the microbiota in mammals' lungs as well, which is something that has yet to be explored." In addition to Sunyer, the research team included first author Zhen Xu, Fumio Takizawa and Daniela Gomez of Penn Vet, David Parra of the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Louise von Gersdorff Jorgensen of the University of Copenhagen and Scott E. LaPatraof Clear Springs Food Inc. In previous work, Sunyer and colleagues found that IgT is the the primary immunoglobulin involved in pathogen responses in fish guts and skin, and they showed that IgT also coats the commensal bacteria living on these surfaces, likely helping prevent these microbes from getting out of control and causing illness. Because gills are respiratory organs that are considered a mucosal surface, the researchers wanted to see if similar immune defense mechanisms were present there. To investigate, they first examined the gill mucus of rainbow trout and found IgT was abundant, though other immunoglobulins, IgD and IgM, were also present. Examining the gill microbiota, they found that IgT was the primary antibody coating bacteria in the gills, consistent with the team's earlier findings in fish skin and gut. To see if this prevalence indicated a role for IgT in responding to pathogens in the gills, the researchers exposed the trout to a parasite that causes white spot disease, a common infection in farmed, pet and wild fish that particularly targets the skin and gills. A few weeks after the infection, the team surveyed parasites left in the gills and found them overwhelming coated with IgT; only a few had some IgM coating them, and no IgD-coated parasites could be detected. Fish that survived infection also had a significant increase in IgT-producing B cells in their gills, an additional sign that the IgT response was a key to fighting the parasite. Sunyer's team observed a similar response after fish were exposed to a different pathogen, the bacterium Flavobacterium columnare, which affects the skin and gills and is a leading cause of death in farmed and wild freshwater fish. Further experiments confirmed that these increases in IgT and IgT-producing B cells were specific to the gills and not the result of a systemic increase in production, showing for the first time that a non-mammalian species can locally induce a dedicated mucosal immune response. From an evolutionary perspective, the findings reveal that sophisticated immune defense mechanisms in respiratory surfaces came about very early in vertebrate evolution. "Our study reveals in fish an ancient partnership between mucosal immunoglobulins and respiratory surfaces , thus showing that the basic principles by which respiratory surfaces are controlled from an immunological perspective are conserved in all jawed vertebrates," Sunyer said. And, on a practical level, the work continues to inform strategies to design better, cheaper vaccines for fish, a crucial step to making fish a safe and affordable source of food protein for the world. "There's a huge amount of effort directed to developing vaccines for fish," he added, including so-called "bath vaccines" that are simply dropped in the water and absorbed by the animals' gills and skin. "Therefore, by understanding how gill immunity works, we hope to find better ways to deliver vaccines into the gills of these animals and induce protective immunity to infectious diseases." ### The study was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship for Research Abroad and the European Commission. PITTSBURGH, Feb. 22, 2016 - Experts at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are leading the second arm of a clinical trial using gene therapy to relieve the symptoms of tremor and mobility impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease. The technique shows promise in prolonging the effectiveness of levo-dopa, the mainstay treatment for the progressive neurodegenerative condition, by increasing production of a key enzyme essential to convert the drug into the neurotransmitter dopamine. An estimated 7 to 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson's disease, which is caused by degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons, said Mark Richardson, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of neurological surgery, Pitt School of Medicine, and director of Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Surgery at UPMC. Levo-dopa can replace the deficient dopamine for a while, but eventually the drug loses effectiveness, and subsequent increases in dosage may cause disabling side effects. "Less dopamine is made as the neurons degenerate, and one reason is that there is a decrease in an enzyme needed to turn levo-dopa into dopamine," said Dr. Richardson, who is the principal investigator of the Pitt arm of the trial. "By inserting the gene for this enzyme into cells in a specific part of the brain, we hope to make levo-dopa treatment more effective for a longer period of time." In the gene therapy, a harmless virus called adeno-associated virus-2 is used to carry the gene that makes the enzyme - aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) - into neurons. Once in the neurons, cellular machinery kicks into gear to increase production of the AADC enzyme. To deliver the treatment, Dr. Richardson will make a small hole in each side of the patient's skull to insert a thin catheter into the putamen, a brain region that is an important part of the circuit affected by Parkinson's disease. After the gene therapy is infused over several hours, the catheter is withdrawn and the skull is repaired. Different infusion doses will be tested during the course of the study. Up to 20 participants at two sites, Pittsburgh and San Francisco, will be followed for up to three years to have their disease and medication status reassessed. The principal investigator of the trial, which is sponsored by Voyager Therapeutics, is Krystof Bankiewicz, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of California, San Francisco, who also led an earlier trial that showed the gene therapy can be safely administered. ### Individuals between 40 and 70 who have had Parkinson's disease for more than five years and have been taking levo-dopa for at least three years may be eligible to participate in the trial. For more information, contact Patricia Porter, B.S., at 412-648-8983 or Porterpm2@upmc.edu. About the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine As one of the nation's leading academic centers for biomedical research, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine integrates advanced technology with basic science across a broad range of disciplines in a continuous quest to harness the power of new knowledge and improve the human condition. Driven mainly by the School of Medicine and its affiliates, Pitt has ranked among the top 10 recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health since 1998. In rankings recently released by the National Science Foundation, Pitt ranked fifth among all American universities in total federal science and engineering research and development support. Likewise, the School of Medicine is equally committed to advancing the quality and strength of its medical and graduate education programs, for which it is recognized as an innovative leader, and to training highly skilled, compassionate clinicians and creative scientists well-equipped to engage in world-class research. The School of Medicine is the academic partner of UPMC, which has collaborated with the University to raise the standard of medical excellence in Pittsburgh and to position health care as a driving force behind the region's economy. For more information about the School of Medicine, see http://www.medschool.pitt.edu. http://www.upmc.com/media Contact: Anita Srikameswaran Phone: 412-578-9193 E-mail: SrikamAV@upmc.edu Contact: Gloria Kreps Phone: 412-586-9764 E-mail: KrepsGA@upmc.edu Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) examined medical home trends in children's primary care from 2003 to 2012 and found that while this specific healthcare model has improved children's primary care overall, certain aspects of children's patient care experience have worsened. Moreover, upon analyzing various at-risk profiles, the team found that uninsured children were subject to more insufficient levels of care. The study, entitled "National Trends in Indicators of a Medical Home for Children," was published in the March issue of Maternal and Child Health Journal. Researchers have previously examined the effectiveness of the medical home, a team-based approach to healthcare that includes a personal physician who provides accessible, continuous, comprehensive and family-centered care to each patient. However, this unique medical home study measures success based on patient experience rather than physician experience. "Overall, the medical home experience has improved over time for children across the nation, although some aspects have worsened," said Gregory Stevens, PhD, associate professor of family medicine and preventive medicine at Keck School of Medicine and lead author of the study. "Children have better access to healthcare and a more continuous experience with their physicians. But children do not always have sufficient time with their physicians, and may not be receiving all the medical care that they need." To better analyze children's medical home experiences, the team created several sociodemographic subgroups. In situations where children did not have positive medical home experiences, the team identified risk factors that may have contributed to poor outcomes, such as the level of education of the child's parents, amount of insurance coverage and whether or not the child lived under the poverty line. "We found that children identified with more risk factors had more volatile changes in their healthcare," said Alice Kim, MPH, project associate at the RAND Corporation, who co-authored the study. "Primary care experiences for vulnerable children decline more sharply when the overall healthcare environment declines; but they also improve more when resources are abundant." There was one subgroup, however, that seemed to fall behind even when other at-risk subgroups improved. Uninsured children had the lowest and most unstable medical home experiences over the past decade. The uninsured subgroup also had the children in most need of constant, quality care. "We need to make extra efforts to ensure that all children have access to quality healthcare," said Stevens. "Even if the Affordable Care Act is implemented exactly as planned, millions of people are expected to go without insurance, including children. We need to think of other ways to ensure that insurance is available for all children, or we need to expand other community resources." ### The resources to which Stevens refers include federally qualified community health centers (FQHCs) and free clinics that cater to those who are not insured. Because the medical home model is a widely supported as a strategy for delivering high quality primary care, FQHCs that operate using the medical home model have been entitled to additional federal funding. The medical home model is widely supported as a strategy for delivering high quality primary care. The passing of the Affordable Care Act has encouraged this model in children's primary care, and medical facilities that employ the medical home model may be eligible for additional federal funding. When Cecil the Lion was killed last year by a trophy hunter in Zimbabwe, it caused an international outcry. Now researchers from the Universities of Southern Denmark and Oxford have calculated that many more males from the same park are likely to die in conflicts with humans. Cecil the Lion lived in the national park Hwange in Zimbabwe. One day he wandered out of the park - though some claim that he was lured out by his killer, a trophy-hunting dentist from the USA. The death of Cecil made headlines all over the world. One reason was that he was a particularly famous member of the park's lion population, another that he came to symbolize how difficult it may be to effectively protect animals even in national parks. There was no - and is still no - fence around Hwange, so animals from the park can freely cross its boundaries. Male lions do this regularly, and this puts them at high risk of being killed outside the park. Now researchers from the Universities of Southern Denmark and Oxford present a demographic model for estimating the risk using data of the past 15 years. "69 out of 100 males were estimated to have died from age-independent causes in Hwange, and will continue to do so if estimated death rates remain unchanged. This means these males do not die of old age. The most likely cause of death is to be killed by trophy hunters or local farmers protecting their herds", says Julia Barthold, postdoc, Max-Planck Odense Center on the Biodemography of Aging, University of Southern Denmark. The demographic model is published in Journal of Applied Ecology. Barthold is lead author, co-authors are Andrew Loveridge, David Macdonald, Craig Packer and Fernando Colchero. The Hwange National Park lies in north-western Zimbabwe. The study area extends to 7,000 square kilometers, and the park borders on hunting concessions in the north and north-east. Human settlements occur on the north and east of the park. The researchers applied the same model to another area that is less disturbed: A 2,000-square-kilometer area in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This population has almost no contact with humans. "In Serengeti only 6 out of 100 male lions are likely to die from age-independent causes, meaning only very few die at the hands of humans", says Julia Barthold. Death of male lions may impact the whole population When a male lion dies it has big implications. The social structure of the pride is disturbed and this often leads to fights between the remaining males and new intruders that compete for control of the pride. New males usually kill the pride's cubs and chase away male sub-adults before these are old enough to manage on their own. The females, trying to protect their cubs from aggressive males, may also get injured. "How trophy hunting impacts the population as a whole is a key research question for lion conservation.", explains Julia Barthold, adding: "Our mortality estimates can be used to improve lion population management." ### Contact Julia Barthold, Postdoc, Max-Planck Odense Center, jabarthold@health.sdu.dk. Tel: +45 65509476 and + 45 42536478 Ref: Bayesian estimates of male and female African lion mortality for future use in population management. Julia Barthold, Andrew Loveridge, David Macdonald, Craig Packer, Fernando Colchero. Journal of Applied Ecology, Feb 22 2016. Key Research Results 1.Successful observation of ultrafast atomic rearrangements on picosecond timescales in a thin film of the DVD phase-change recording material Ge-Sb-Te. 2.Ultra-short x-ray pulses from the free electron laser were used to observe sub-nanometer scale changes on sub-picosecond time-scales. Associate Professor Muneaki Hase of the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences of the University of Tsukuba, Dr. Paul Fons, Chief Researcher in the Nanoelectronics Division of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Lecturer Toru Shimada of Hirosaki University, Dr. Makina Yabashi, group director of the Beam Line Research and Development Group at the RIKEN SPring-8 Center, and Drs. Tadashi Togashi and Tetsuo Katayama of the Japan Synchrotron Radiation Institute have succeeded in using the immensely powerful x-ray pulses from the free electron laser (XFEL) facility SACLA *1 to investigate excited-state induced transient lattice dynamics on sub-picosecond time scales in phase-change materials via x-ray diffraction. Phase-change materials (PCM) are broadly used in the current generation of rewritable DVD media*2 as well as serving as the basis for nonvolatile phase-change random access memory (PC-RAM)*3 widely believed to the successor to FLASH memory. The XFEL SACLA produces extremely bright and short intense (10 fs) pulses in the x-ray region and is the first domestic X-ray laser source in Japan. The ultrashort nature of the x-ray pulses in conjunction with their short wavelength (10-10 m) allow direct stroboscopic observation of transient changes in the atomic structure of solids on unprecedented time scales. In the research project, an ultrafast pulsed laser*4 was used to optically excite a Ge2Sb2Te5 epitaxially film and x-ray pulses from the XFEL were used to record the subsequent transient changes in atomic positions in the newly created excited state with sub-picosecond precision using x-ray diffraction. These observations revealed that immediately after excitation, bond breaking induced by the excited state resulted in non-thermal local structural rearrangements within a few picoseconds followed by warming of the lattice after 4 picoseconds. The formation of the heretofore unobserved transient structural state was followed by a 2 picometer (= 10-12 m) change in lattice spacing after 20 picoseconds as revealed by x-ray diffraction. The transient state was observed to persist for over 100 picoseconds, but was found to complete revert to the initial (ground) state after 1.8 nanoseconds. The presence of this previously unknown transient state formed on picosecond time scales strongly suggests that the usual thermally-induced nanosecond order transition of conventional phase-change memory may be used to speed up memory switching to picosecond time scales. In other words, the use of electronic excitation in the phase-change transition process is expected to enable picosecond time-scale memory operation. The results of this research will be published in the British Nature publishing group journal Scientific Reports online on Feb. 12, 2016. The above research was supported by the X-ray Free Electron Laser Priority Strategy Program (Nos 12013011 and 12013023) from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan). Background and details of the research Upon irradiation of a solid by a laser pulse, electrons are excited from the ground state to higher levels leading to the creation of an excited state*5 in the solid. A solid in such an excited state is said to be in a metastable or unstable state and typically atoms are displaced from their equilibrium positions in the ground state. By intentionally creating an excited state in a solid, it is possible to induce displacements in atomic positions allowing manipulation of the crystal structure of the solid. The displacements in atomic positions induced by such processes, however, are typically on the sub-nanometer (0.1 nm) scale making it impossible to assess such small changes using laser light with a wavelength of several hundred nanometers. To measure such small changes in position, it is necessary to use sub-nanometer wavelength light from the x-ray laser in the form of time-resolved x-ray diffraction. Optical recording materials such as those used for DVD-RAM are semiconducting chalcogen compounds largely composed of Te and the class of such compounds is often referred to as phase-change materials. Phase-change materials exhibit large changes in material properties such as optical reflectivity and electrical resistance between crystalline and amorphous states making them useful for recording information based upon the corresponding property changes. To date, the typical time for recording of information using these two states has been on the order of a nanosecond (one billionth of a second). In recent years, however, first-principles calculations*6 have predicted that by use of electronic excitation, such transitions can be made to occur on picosecond time scales (one trillionth of a second)a. If these predictions are realized, major strides in both low power operation and data throughput will be achievable using nonvolatile phase-change memory. To advance these goals, the current research team used the world's most advanced free-electron x-ray laser facility [SACLA] to carry out time-resolved x-ray diffraction measurements of the atomic motion in a phase-change material on sub-nanometer spatial scales. Research Contents and Results In the framework of the research project Ge2Sb2Te5 epitaxial thin films (thickness 35 nm) were fabricated and irradiated with ultrashort duration (30 femtoseconds) laser light (wavelength 800 nm) at SACLA. This resulted in the optical excitation of electrons in the Ge2Sb2Te5 film and the creation of an excited state in the sample. In order to capture the resulting atomic motion after excitation, XFEL pulses (10 femtoseconds duration with 10 keV energy) were used to stroboscopically observe changes in the sample structure using a multiple port readout CCD (MPCCD) detector to record x-ray diffraction images at thirty frames a second (Figure 1). For the current experiments, x-ray diffraction from the epitaxially grown, highly perfect single crystal sample resulted in peak-based diffraction images being recorded by the MPCCD as is schematically shown in Figure 1. The highest intensity diffraction plane (222) was chosen as the subject of the time-resolved diffraction experiments and changes in both the location and intensity of the x-ray diffraction peaks were tracked with sub-picosecond time resolution (Figure 2). In this way, the changes in the positions of the atoms constituting the Ge2Sb2Te5 single crystal could be followed on the ultrafast sub-picosecond time scale of the present experiment. Using the above technique, the displacement of atoms from the crystal equilibrium position were found to reach a maximum at about 20 picoseconds (Figure 2 right) resulting in a maximum diffraction peak shift (0.45 nm-1) with a corresponding atomic displacement of about 2 picometer. Subsequently after about 1.8 nanoseconds, the atom positions were found to revert to those of the perfect crystal. Changes in the positions of the x-ray diffraction peaks on the MPCCD reflect the changes in the lattice spacing of the crystal while reductions in the intensity of the peaks reflect changes in the magnitude of mean square vibrations of the atoms about their average positions (Debye-Waller Effect *7). The changes are schematically indicated in Figure 1 where the initial lattice softening resulting from bond breaking and local atomic rearrangements induced by the electrons excitation, even though the lattice remains at room temperature (the second frame (II)). Subsequent to this, the temperature of the lattice rises and leads to further expansion of the lattice plane spacing (frame III). Thus, a 2 picometer atomic displacement was induced as the transition from frame (II) to frame (III). The current measurements as visualized in Figure 1 allowed observation of extremely small changes, less than about 0.08 nm. In addition, the same excitation-induced changes that occurred in less than 1.8 nanoseconds were studied at the Advanced Photon Source*8 using x-ray absorption spectroscopy to understand the microscopic details of the transition from the crystalline to the amorphous state (Figure 3). Future Developments The current research has investigated the details of the phase change process in both rewritable optical and nonvolatile memory phase-change materials on picosecond time scales. Also recently it was found that similar sub-picosecond processes occur in thin film GeTe/Sb2Te3 superlattices*9 leadingb to the promise of future generations of phase-change material based devices working at unprecedented speeds and lower power operation than the current generation of Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy films. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the sub-nanometer, sub-picosecond time scale processes can be observed using time-resolved x-ray diffraction at SACLA. In future developments, it is anticipated that time resolved diffraction measurements will be carried out with a time resolution better than 100 femtoseconds allowing for the measurement and understanding of transition dynamics of a wide range of materials. Explanation of Terminology 1 Free-electron x-ray laser (XFEL) facility SACLA RIKEN and the Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute jointly developed XFEL SACLA, the first free electron facility in Japan. The free electron laser facility is one of five key national platforms that from a part of the National Science and Technology Plan. Over the 5 years after the 2006 fiscal year, the SACLA facility was designed and constructed. Construction was completed in March 2011, and the new facility was christened the SPring-8 Angstrom Compact free electron LAser with the acronym SACLA. June 2011 marked the first successful lasing of SACLA, while from March 2012, the SACLA facility commenced operation as a shared public facility and user experiments were initiated. Compared to overseas XFEL facilities, the SACLA facility is more compact using domestically developed technology and generated the world's shortest wavelength x-ray pulse with a wavelength of less than 0.1 nanometers. 2 Nonvolatile electrical memory Nonvolatile electrical memory, especially solid-state memory fabricated from semiconducting material, that retains it state information even in the absence of power (memory state). Nonvolatile electrical memory, especially solid-state memory fabricated from semiconducting material, that retains it state information even in the absence of power (memory state). 3 Phase-change memory A type of nonvolatile memory that is typically made from chalcogen semiconducting compounds in thin film form. By varying the duration and intensity of an optical pulse from a laser or an electrical pulse, it is possible to switch between amorphous and crystalline states of a phase-change memory recording layer. 4 First-principles calculations A calculation method for solving for the electronic state that is based on the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics. Using this theory, it is possible to predict physical properties such as the optical properties of the material using only the positions of atoms as input. 5 Electronically Excited State Normally the electrons in a semiconductor occupy the lowest possible energy states (valence band). Optical light excitation can excite some of these electrons to higher energy states (conduction band) leading to the creation of an electronically excited state which may have different bonding and physical properties from the ground state. 6 Ultrafast pulsed laser A laser that can produce light pulses with durations on the order of femtoseconds (10-15 s). Debye-Waller Effect Normally in a crystal, atoms vibrate about their equilibrium position due to heat. These vibrations spread out the location of atoms in a crystal and result in a decrease in x-ray diffraction intensity at large scattering angles. 8 Advanced Photon Source A third generation synchrotron facility located at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois, USA. Superlattice A superlattice is composed of a periodically arranged stack of two or more ultra-thin films each typically a few nanometers thick. The superlattice concept was originally proposed by Drs. Leo Esaki and Tsu in 1970. Its application has spread over a wide range of science and technology fields such as materials science, physical and device fabrication. ### Reference Papers a)Alexander. V. Kolobov, et al. 2011, Distortion-triggered loss of long-range order in solids with bonding energy hierarchy. Nature Chem. 3, 311-316 (doi: 10.1038/nchem.1007). b)Muneaki Hase, Paul Fons, Kirill Mitrofanov, Alexander V. Kolobov, Junji Tominaga, 2015, Femtosecond structural transformation of phase-change materials far from equilibrium monitored by coherent phonons. Nature Commun. 6, 8367 (doi: 10.1038/ncomms9367) JACKSON, Tenn. - Some herbicides are more effective when applied at noon compared to early morning or late evening applications, according to data from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. The study evaluated three protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) herbicides applied to glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth in soybean plots at sunrise, noon and sunset. After 14 days, the noon applications on average performed 15-20 percent better than the sunrise applications. The noon applications outperformed the sunset applications by an average of approximately 10 percent. "We're definitely getting better control when these herbicides are applied in the middle part of the day," says Garret Montgomery, lead author and doctoral student with UT's Department of Plant Sciences. PPO herbicides work by inhibiting an enzyme involved in chlorophyll production. Researchers explain that this family of herbicides is significant to agricultural producers as it's the only post-emergence mode of action available for controlling glyphosate-resistant weeds in glyphosate-tolerant soybeans. Soybeans are Tennessee's top crop. The study's findings were consistent with earlier research performed by UTIA and other universities on herbicides with different modes of action, like glufosinate. In these earlier studies, tested herbicides were also most effective when applied at midday. "Being able to determine the optimal time of day to apply herbicides is important for several reasons," says Larry Steckel, row crop weed specialist with UTIA. "Perhaps most significantly, it can reduce the number of times farmers must apply these herbicides as they work to produce a crop. Weeds that are injured but not killed from a previous application will only get more difficult and expensive to remove." "Using our herbicides as efficiently as possible could actually reduce the rate at which weeds evolve herbicide resistance," Steckel continues. "So this study has long-term implications for weed management." The study was conducted at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson, Tennessee, as well as the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, Mississippi. Montgomery presented the study February 9 at the Weed Science Society of America and Southern Weed Science Society annual meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The paper is titled "Environmental Influences and Time of Day Effects on PPO-Inhibiting Herbicides." Additional co-authors were Steckel along with B.H. Lawrence, H.M. Edwards and J.A. Bond of Mississippi State University. The study was supported by the United Soybean Board, Cotton Incorporated and the National Association of Conservation Districts. Through its mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. ag.tennessee.edu ### A new study examining the impact of a series of gender quotas passed by Mexico to ensure equal representation in government shows no drop in the qualifications of women in office after two election cycles, and also refutes the widely held perception that women rely on personal connections more than men to get elected. Findings of the study, published online in the journal Politics, Groups, and Identities, are in direct opposition to critics who argued that the new reforms would result in a wave of unqualified women in key political positions, and illustrates the importance of giving gender-based reforms time to be fully implemented and put into practice before drawing conclusions. Based on detailed biographical data of more than 500 Mexican senators since 1964 when women first took office, the study shows that women were actually more qualified than men prior to the initial passage of gender quotas in the 1990s in all major indicators including educational attainment and political experience. Data from the initial years following the implementation of the quotas (1994-2006), however, showed a steep drop in the educational attainment levels of women in office and to a lesser degree political experience, providing fodder for anti-quota critics. It wasn't until Caroline Beer, lead author of the study and associate professor of political science at the University of Vermont, decided to also look at the qualifications of women in the senate after two election cycles that it became clear women had caught back up in terms of qualifications and were on par with those of men. "My thought was that if women had to have more experience and be better qualified candidates to be successful that was an indicator that they were being discriminated against, and in fact that was the case prior to the quotas," says Beer, an expert in comparative and Latin American politics and democratization. "The data from the early years after implementation showed that people who thought quotas would produce unqualified candidates were right, especially when it came to women with bachelor's degrees. The most interesting finding was this blip before women caught back up again and were just as qualified as their male counterparts." The question is why? Beer, who co-authored the study with Claremont McKenna College Professor Roderic Camp, theorizes that more women decided to run for office once they realized the reforms were legitimate, compared to the pre-quota era when the qualifications for women were higher, limiting the pool of candidates with a realistic chance of winning. "Sometimes we think of candidate selection like supply and demand," says Beer. "You have a set supply of men and women, and when women were discriminated against there were fewer of them because they were required to have higher qualifications. All of a sudden, the demand for women increases due to the quotas, so the quality dips because you have to reach pretty deep into the barrel. Once women realized that the new law was for real and going to be enforced, the supply started to increase and quality of the candidates becomes equal to that of men after two election cycles. This also helped create a more diverse pool of women candidates." Women don't rely more on personal connections Mexico's transition to democracy from an authoritarian one-party system governed by the Partido Revolucionario Institucional was slow and incremental and took a series of reforms in the 1990s to create a more competitive and inclusive multi-party system. In many cases male politicians relied on family connections to get elected or benefited from a system rife with cronyism. In the early days of the gender equality laws, wives of individuals in office were placed on ballots in order to meet quotas, increasing the number of women with a relative in public life by 20 percent. Some laws had to be changed to stop these practices, including one that didn't specify who could be listed as an alternative to a candidate. A number of women senators in 2009, for example, were put forth as candidates only to resign after being elected so their male alternates could take over their seat. In her article "Democracy, Gender Quotas, and Political Recruitment," Beer explains how she used a personal connections variable via a relative in public life to show that women do not rely more on personal and family connections than men to gain public office. "The assumption is that when women get into power it's because they are the wife or daughter of someone important, but it's also true that men have close personal relationships or family ties" says Beer. "We predicted that women would be more likely to have personal contacts before democracy and gender quotas in order to overcome discrimination when in fact they actually had fewer personal connections during that time. Women's personal contacts took on increased importance during the transition period due to corrupt practices, but after the implementation of compulsory gender quotas, the percentage of women with a relative in public life declined to levels similar to the pre-democracy level." ### GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (February 22, 2016)--A medication approved to treat various respiratory diseases and that has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies is the focus of a new clinical trial for Parkinson's disease. The trial is the latest to be launched as part of the Linked Clinical Trials (LCT) initiative, a program spearheaded by UK research charity The Cure Parkinson's Trust in collaboration with Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), which is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. "With this trial, we're moving beyond treating Parkinson's symptoms. We want to actually slow or stop disease progression," said Patrik Brundin, M.D., Ph.D., head of LCT's international scientific committee and director of VARI's Center for Neurodegenerative Science. "This drug--ambroxol--has performed exceptionally well in preclinical studies for Parkinson's and is already approved to treat other conditions." By focusing on existing medications that have have already passed the rigorous drug approval process and shown promise in preclinical laboratory studies for treating Parkinson's, LCT aims to significantly reduce the time and cost required to bring new therapies to people with Parkinson's. "Linked Clinical Trials has real momentum and provides us with the prospect of having new, potentially breakthrough treatments being accelerated into the clinic within a relatively short period," said Tom Isaacs, president and co-founder of The Cure Parkinson's Trust. "This new trial provides real hope that we are on the cusp of something truly life-altering--new therapies that show promise to improve the quality of life for the seven to 10 million people worldwide who have Parkinson's. From respiratory remedy to neuroprotection The trial is based at Royal Free Hospital in London and focuses on ambroxol, which is typically used to treat respiratory conditions. Earlier work conducted by the trial's principal investigator Anthony Schapira, M.D., D.Sc., demonstrated that ambroxol improves the function of a protein that plays a key role in cellular "trash removal" processes. Recent evidence suggests that impairment of these processes are linked to neurodegenerative disease onset and progression. Additionally, mutations in the gene that encode this protein are considered to be the greatest genetic risk factor for developing Parkinson's. "Our preclinical work suggests ambroxol may be an effective Parkinson's treatment thanks to its ability to correct a dysfunctional protein that is prevalent in people carrying a genetic mutation associated with inherited Parkinson's cases," Schapira said. "What is particularly interesting is the potential for ambroxol also to benefit Parkinson's patients without these genetic mutations." A complex problem There have been few major therapeutic breakthroughs for Parkinson's in the last 50 years with the exception of levodopa, the current gold standard for drug treatment, and deep brain stimulation, a surgical option. Although these therapies may significantly improve quality of life, they do not slow or stop the progressive brain cell death that is the disease's hallmark. LCT's scientific committee, which comprises leading Parkinson's experts and advocates from around the world, is charged with investigating additional compounds that not only treat symptoms but that may also stop disease progression. In addition to the ambroxol trial, LCT also supports trials to explore the cholesterol drug simvastatin and the diabetes drug exenatide as potentially disease modifying treatments in Parkinson's. In the coming months, additional trials focused on other medications, including other diabetes treatments, drugs to remove iron build-up in the brain, and treatments to address mitochondrial function, are expected to launch. ### ABOUT VAN ANDEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE Van Andel Institute (VAI) is an independent nonprofit biomedical research and science education organization committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations. Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, VAI has grown into a premier research and educational institution that supports the work of more than 330 scientists, educators and staff. Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), VAI's research division, is dedicated to determining the epigenetic, genetic, molecular and cellular origins of cancer, Parkinson's and other diseases and translating those findings into effective therapies. The Institute's scientists work in onsite laboratories and participate in collaborative partnerships that span the globe. Learn more about Van Andel Institute or donate by visiting http://www.vai.org. 100% To Research, Discovery & Hope ABOUT THE CURE PARKINSON'S TRUST Founded by people with Parkinson's, the UK-based The Cure Parkinson's Trust has one aim--to find a cure. It funds innovative scientists with a particular interest in projects and trials to slow, stop and reverse Parkinson's. Led by people with Parkinson's, the charity involves people living with the condition in shaping its research policy, approaches and priorities through Parkinson's Movement. Alassane Ouattara celebrates his presidential win with a concert The sovereign borrower rose 13 places in ECRs global rankings in 2015, to 99th out of 189 countries surveyed, moving from tier 5, containing the worlds worst default risks, to tier 4, equivalent to a B- to BB+ credit rating. All bar two of its 15 risk indicators improved, notably the score for political stability. Fitch rates Cote d'Ivoire B+ (stable), having upgraded from B in December 2015. Moody's upgraded the sovereign in November to Ba3, equivalent to BB-, from B1 (there is no S&P rating). The incumbent Alassane Ouattara easily won the October 2015 presidential elections, with a convincing majority in the first round, discouraging the opposition from challenging the results legally, or on the streets. Post-electoral violence in March 2011 led to 3,000 deaths with many more people displaced. The outcome this time around is clearly more encouraging. Bolstering confidence Ouattara and his administration are gaining credibility from developing the infrastructure and maintaining social spending, with an economy shielded from the oil shock by a revitalized cocoa and coffee sector bolstering exports. The reactivation of the port of Abidjan has improved the flow of revenue by acting as the main coastal access for throughput to and from landlocked neighbours Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. GDP increased by 8.5% in real terms last year, supported by private consumption, infrastructure investment and the favourable terms of trade notes Amina Coulibaly, the IMFs representative in Cote dIvoire. That makes it one of the fastest-growing countries in sub-Saharan Africa, at more than double the regional average. The poverty rate has fallen and the easing of political uncertainty paves the way for continued economic progress, she says. Other ECR survey contributors paint a similarly bright picture. Diery Seck, the director of research institute CREPOL, notes the diminished political and social tensions, and growing lending from multilateral organizations, alongside the return of foreign direct investment aimed at capturing the vast potential of the country. Ouattara has committed to continuing the economic revival, says Isaac Matshego, an economist at Nedbank. The management of public finances is improving, he says, with domestic debt repayment arrears expected to be cleared by the end of 2016. The fiscal deficit increased to 3.7% of GDP last year, but is projected by the IMF to narrow. Public debt stabilized at 47% of GDP, and external debt amounting to 30% of GDP is forecast to fall. Taking stock All of ECRs economic factor scores rose last year, especially bank and currency stability. Structural factors, such as infrastructure and demographics, are weak but also improving. The country is far from a safe credit though. Its country risk score has improved tremendously, rising by 15 points over the past three years, but is still only totalling 36.5 out of a maximum 100 a medium-to-high risk credit, albeit one that is at least out of the danger zone. The IMFs Coulibaly acknowledges that global risks present challenges, potentially raising funding costs, harming export prices and weakening inflows of foreign direct investment. Weather-related risks and the financial difficulties of national energy companies and publicly owned banks could also rise, she says, further worsening the fiscal and external deficits. Seck notes the possibility of an uptick in civil strife, not least because of frustration over trials of militia personnel and high youth unemployment. Other contributors have similar reservations, and yet in a region noted for its vulnerability and political turmoil the Cote d'Ivoires promising risk trend is clearly one to watch. This article was originally published by ECR. To find out more, register for a free trial at Euromoney Country Risk. In most states where academic freedom bills for science education are considered, its the critics who are wrongly claiming that the bills would authorize the teaching of creationism. But if media accounts from Mississippi are accurate, it appears that at least some legislators who support academic freedom legislation wrongly think it would permit creationism. The Mississippi legislature is currently considering HB 50, which was taken virtually verbatim from Discovery Institutes model academic freedom bill for science education. The language of the bill clearly does not authorize the teaching of creationism. It does not even authorize the teaching of intelligent design. Unfortunately, some of the bills sponsors apparently think otherwise. To clear up the confusion, Discovery Institute has sent a letter to the Mississippi House Education Committee explaining what the language of the bill would really do and asking the Committee either to drop the bill because of the inaccurate statements put out by some of its sponsors or to make clear that the legislature understands that the bill does not protect creationism. Dear Chairman Moore and the House Education Committee, We are writing because we have serious concerns about how HB 50, which you are currently considering, has been described in the news media by certain legislators. According to media accounts, at least some legislators have stated that HB 50 would authorize the teaching of creationism in Mississippi schools. This claim is erroneous. The text of HB 50 was taken virtually verbatim from a model academic freedom bill drafted by our organization The language in our model bill does not authorize the teaching of creationism, and we object to any use of our model bill to try to authorize the teaching of creationism. 1. An Explanation of What the Language of HB 50 Does and Does Not Protect Creationism is typically based on a certain reading of the first chapter of the book of Genesis in the Bible. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that creationism is a religious belief and that it is unconstitutional to endorse it in the classroom.1 Accordingly, the language of HB 50 does not authorize the teaching of creationism because it clearly states: This section only protects the teaching of scientific information, and shall not be construed to promote any religious or nonreligious doctrine, promote discrimination for or against a particular set of religious beliefs or promote discrimination for or against religion. (Emphasis added.) We note in addition that the language of HB 50 does not even authorize the teaching of intelligent design. Intelligent design is the scientific theory that some features of nature are best explained as the product of an intelligent cause rather than an undirected process such as natural selection. Intelligent design is based on the empirical data of nature rather than the Bible, and it has had support from many scientists in the history of science, including the co-founder of the theory of evolution by natural selection, Alfred Russel Wallace. Although Discovery Institute strongly supports scientists who are researching evidence of purposeful design throughout nature, we do not favor inserting intelligent design into public school science classes. We think the debate over intelligent design is best left to the scientific community and to discussions among the general public. In line with this view, HB 50 (reflecting the language of our model academic freedom bill) only covers discussions of existing scientific theories covered in the course being taught within the curriculum framework developed by the State Board of Education. (Emphasis added.) Intelligent design is not included in the curriculum framework adopted by the Mississippi State Board of Education, and so it is not covered by HB 50. What, then, would HB 50 permit? It would allow Mississippi teachers to help students understand, analyze, critique and review in an objective manner the scientific strengths and scientific weaknesses of existing scientific theories covered in the course being taught within the curriculum framework developed by the State Board of Education. As applied to biological evolution, the language of HB 50 would protect teachers who want to objectively discuss scientific information in favor of Darwins theory as well as teachers who want to objectively discuss scientific information conflicting with certain Darwinian claims. Why is providing such protection important? Because teachers today are often unclear or fearful about what they can and cant say about evolution. 2. The Real Problem Addressed by HB 50 Teaching about evolution can provoke criticisms from all sides, which can foster an unhealthy atmosphere in which teachers are afraid to provide a full discussion of the topic. In some schools, teachers are fearful of covering the evidence in favor of Darwins theory. In many other schools, teachers are fearful of facing discrimination or attacks if they present scientific evidence critical of certain evolutionary claims. We have known teachers who have lost their jobs or faced bullying not because they were trying to teach creationism or intelligent design, but merely because they wanted to discuss science-based criticisms of specific evolutionary claims that have appeared in mainstream, peer-reviewed science journals. HB 50 is a limited bill that would make clear that Mississippi teachers are permitted to help students understand the scientific (not religious) strengths and weaknesses of scientific theories already in the curriculum. In providing this protection, HB 50 would further the goals of the 2010 Mississippi Science Framework adopted by the Mississippi State Board of Education, which asks students to Evaluate procedures, data, and conclusions to critique the scientific validity of research. To give you a better idea of the kinds of legitimate scientific questions that HB 50 might allow teachers to discuss in an objective manner, we attach a document that provides an overview of some of the mainstream scientific debates currently taking place over key aspects of evolution. To highlight just one of the issues: According to modern Darwinian theory, random mutations in DNA are supposed to provide the raw materials for natural selection to build new biological structures. But morphological mutations (those that affect an animals body) tend to reduce the fitness of an organism rather than increase it. Thus, the late biologist Lynn Margulis declared that new mutations dont create new species; they create offspring that are impaired. A member of the National Academy of Sciences, Dr. Margulis was neither a proponent of intelligent design nor creationism. But she was sharply critical on scientific grounds of just how much natural selection acting on random mutations could actually accomplish. Under HB 50, a teacher would be able to discuss Dr. Marguliss views in an objective manner. 3. Concerns About Moving Forward While we obviously support the language of HB 50, we are concerned that inaccurate public statements made about the bill by some legislators have created a misleading impression of what the bill would actually authorize. Because of the confusion that now exists, we ask that you consider not acting on the bill during your current session. Even though the text of the bill itself is clear, public statements going beyond the bill have muddied the waters sufficiently that they may provide grounds for a legal challenge that could end up harming academic freedom in science instruction rather than helping it. It would be better to start afresh with a new bill in a later session. If you still want to act on HB 50 during the current session despite these concerns, we urge you to make clear in the legislative record (perhaps in a report attached to the bill, and in floor statements) that the bill does not authorize the teaching of creationism nor does it authorize the teaching of intelligent design. Instead, it merely protects the ability of teachers to help students understand the scientific strengths and weaknesses of scientific topics already in the curriculum. 4. About Discovery Institute Discovery Institute is a non-profit educational and research organization. Our Center for Science & Culture has more than 40 affiliated PhD-level scholars in such fields as genetics, molecular and cellular biology, physics, astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, and the philosophy and history of science. Our policy efforts have informed academic freedom legislation previously adopted in Louisiana (2008) and Tennessee (2012). We favor science education that allows students to learn about both the scientific strengths and weaknesses of current theories of biological and chemical evolution. We would be happy to consult with you about how to encourage this kind of education in a pedagogically and legally appropriate manner. Sincerely, Sarah Chaffee Program Officer, Education and Public Policy John G. West, PhD Associate Director, Center for Science & Culture Two approaching Swiss referendum results could threaten EU relations, harming Swiss business and affecting Swiss Franc vs Pound, Euro and US dollar. The UBS Consumption Indicator results have strengthened the Swiss Franc against the Euro and Pound Sterling today. The measure of consumer spending saw a mild increase from 1.61 to 1.66, rising further from the long-term average of 1.5. In news that has cheered investors and strengthened the CHF to EUR and the CHF to GBP exchange rates today, Swiss National Bank (SNB) Chief Thomas Jordan has said that there should be a limit to negative interest rates. While other policy makers have said that there can be no end to stimulus measures, Jordan is more cautious, suggesting that interest rates in Switzerland wont go much further negative, if at all. The Swiss Franc has been strengthened today after the Swiss National Bank President, Thomas Jordan, said that there is no evidence negative interest rates in the country has provoked cash hoarding. Thomas also said that the SNB must constantly assess the impact of its policy measures and repeal any tool that is not having the desired effect. The Swiss Franc remains strong against Pound Sterling and the Euro currencies, with the Brexit and todays weak Eurozone PMIs still weighing heavily on their respective currencies. However, Switzerland is becoming the target of ever-increasing global scrutiny as more countries adopt negative interest rates and the logic of the policy is questioned. Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income for Blackrock, Rich Rieder, believes negative interest rates are policy overkill, explaining that, When you breach zero, you're taking money from savers, you're taking money from the banking system and I don't see who you're handing it to. February 28th sees Swiss voters go to the polls to decide upon two key, yet controversial, propositions which could affect Switzerlands international relations and therefore Swiss Franc exchange rates. International businesses are concerned by a proposition to introduce tough new legislation regarding the expulsion of foreign criminals, which could sour relations with the EU and make it harder to recruit international staff. Paul Bulcke, Belgian Chief Executive of Nestle, which is based in Switzerland, commented that Being dependable, being stable is key for a country to attract commitments or engagements that are long term. That was one of the strengths of [Switzerland] it still is - but it starts to be challenged with all these initiatives. Before we continue with the news, here are today's live CHF FX rates for your reference; On Friday the Euro to British Pound exchange rate (EUR/GBP) converts at 0.874 FX markets see the pound vs euro exchange rate converting at 1.144. Today finds the pound to pound spot exchange rate priced at 1. NB: the forex rates mentioned above, revised as of 21st Oct 2022, are inter-bank prices that will require a margin from your bank. Foreign exchange brokers can save up to 5% on international payments in comparison to the banks. The second proposal affecting CHF is for a ban on foodstuffs speculation, aimed at helping farmers by curbing price volatility. The much-debated measure could damage Switzerlands status as a global commodity trading hub, threatening the 500 companies and 10,000 jobs in the industry who are based there. As well as arguing that the measure wont be effective, opponents of the reforms claim that a ban on speculation would create additional bureaucracy that would make it hard for producers and markets to use legitimate instruments such as futures contracts to hedge food prices. The Pound Sterling (GBP) fails to gain Traction Against the Japanese Yen (INR) and Indian Rupee (INR) Today due to Dramatic Development in UK Referendum Campaign. News that the London Stock Exchange (LSE) is in talks with Deutsche Borse has seen its shares skyrocket, in stark contrast to GBP which remains weak vs JPY, INR. LSE shares have appreciated by 17% on the suggestion of a merger, which would create one of the worlds largest platforms. Yesterdays decision by Boris Johnson to campaign for a Brexit severely weakened GBP vs JPY and INR, with David Cameron issuing a thinly veiled attack on the London Mayor in the House of Commons. Suspicions of how damaging Tory infighting could be have been a major focus today, although Johnson has told journalists that the Tory party would unite behind Cameron again once the referendum is over. David Cameron made a statement today to the House of Commons in which he defended the deal he has secured for Britain from the European Union, although GBP/JPY and the GBP/INR conversions remained weak. Eurosceptic Tory MPs, including Boris Johnson as we now know, could be seen shaking their heads as Cameron claimed Britain was better off in the EU. Find the latest fx rates of the day in relation to the Japanese currency below: On Friday the Pound to British Pound exchange rate (GBP/GBP) converts at 1 At time of writing the pound to pound exchange rate is quoted at 1. At time of writing the pound to indian rupee exchange rate is quoted at 92.536. At time of writing the pound to us dollar exchange rate is quoted at 1.121. The live inter-bank GBP-CNY spot rate is quoted as 8.116 today. Please note: the FX rates above, updated 21st Oct 2022, will have a commission applied by your typical high street bank. Currency brokers specialise in these type of foreign currency transactions and can save you up to 5% on international payments compared to the banks. The morning brought dramatic movement for Pound Sterling today, which was severely devalued by the news that Boris Johnson has joined the Out camp for the UK-EU Referendum. The added influence of the Mayor of London has threw markets into panic, as Johnsons affiliation with the exit campaign was thought by some to be a turning point in the current pre-vote campaigns. The current attitude is that as UK opinion polls put Johnson as second only to the PM in terms of political appeal, David Cameron may have a real struggle on his hands to keep the UK in the EU as intended. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate News: UK Data Gap Leaves Investors with Time to Mull Over Johnson Move As astonishing as todays news and subsequent Pound Sterling movements have been today, it seems as though the Pound may just take a back seat to proceedings in the near future, given that tomorrow is absent of any direct UK economic announcements. The next actual domestic data to refer to is due on Wednesday, in the form of the BBA loans for house purchase stats for January, as well as the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) reported sales for February. At the time of writing, forecasts were for a rise in loans from a prior 43975 to 44800 and a decline in sales from 16 to 12. Japanese Yen (JPY) Advances Overall Today as Manufacturing Stats Come In While its domestic data has not been entirely supportive, the Japanese Yen has nonetheless managed to advance against both the Euro and the Pound Sterling today. These gains have potentially been caused by the mornings Nikkei PMI for manufacturing in February; while this did fall from 52.3 to 50.2, it still remained above the range of contraction. The next notable Japanese data scheduled to be released will be Wednesday mornings February small business confidence figure, which was expected to slip from 47.2 to 47.1 at the time of writing. US Dollar (USD) Fluctuates Wildly Today after Afternoons Mixed Data Results Despite not being graced by major domestic releases today, the US Dollar has nonetheless made do with the scant releases of note that have come out so far. Prior to these, major movement was only determined by last weeks closing announcements. Overall, the Buck has made sizable losses and gains, mainly due to the Chicago Fed national activity index for January beating forecasts and rising from -0.34 to 0.28. This has, in turn, been countered by the Markit manufacturing PMI for February falling from 52.4 to 51. Tomorrow afternoon will see the announcement of the February consumer confidence figure, which at the time of writing was forecast to slip marginally from 98.1 to 97.3. Pound Sterling Exchange Rate Forecast to Fall Further? Potential for UK Credit Rating Downgrade after Brexit, says Moodys In a response to the supposedly increased chances of a Brexit occurring, Moodys has issued the following statement: Moodys would consider reflecting those [exit] threats to the UKs credit standing by assigning a negative outlook to the sovereigns Aa1 rating following a vote to exit, pending greater clarity on the longer-term impact on the UKs economic and financial strength. Pedro I agre with Jo we have bought very recently some good quality white goods and and a divan bed with storage and wheels ( so easy to move to clean) in the Costa Blanca North area. The divan is well made and the mattress is just as good as any we could buy in the UK for the price we wanted to pay. Yes I would say white goods tend to be a little more expensive but buying locally we got same or next day delivery, which was free, and in one instance the fridge freezer we first bought didn't look right in the kitchen so we asked the local shop if we could swap it for another and they allowed us to do that no problem. We also have had excellent after sales service in the past when buying locally so worth thinking about that. Regarding plugs anything we have bought in the UK and taken over to Spain my husband has recently started to swap the plugs over so we don't have to use adaptors. Popgirl #expeditioncruising . Home to the famed Horizontal Falls and described by legendary naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough as on... WASHINGTON - Islamic States finances have been squeezed by falling oil prices and airstrikes on oil production sites and cash hoards, forcing salary cuts for its fighters and limiting purchases of arms and ammunition, according to U.S. officials. Unable to dislodge the extremist group from its quasi-state, the U.S.-led coalition has begun targeting buildings where it suspects the militants store cash from looted banks, ransom payments or taxes collected in territory they control. U.S. officials estimate the group has lost more than $100 million in 10 such airstrikes. In one, a Pentagon video released last month showed a missile slamming into a building near Mosul, in Iraq, sending a cloud of bills fluttering in the air and presumably incinerating others. Thats a small fraction of the multibillion-dollar wealth the Sunni militants have amassed in Iraq and Syria over the last two years. U.S. officials, who have struggled to trace the groups funding schemes, cautioned that the financial losses are still more a management problem for Islamic State than a strategic threat to its future. Still, combined with the groups several recent defeats on the battlefield, the effort is showing some results, according to U.S. military, counter-terrorism and Treasury Department officials. U.S. intelligence officials recently obtained an Islamic State notice, for example, that said leaders had halved monthly salaries for all fighters in Raqqah, the groups self-declared capital in Syria, because of "exceptional circumstances." "Theyre cutting peoples salaries, cutting wages," Col. Steve Warren, spokesman for the U.S.-led military coalition, told reporters Wednesday in a teleconference from Baghdad. Thats a "fairly significant indicator" that the airstrikes have hampered the militants ability to generate revenue, he added. "There is nothing on their economic horizon that could backfill" the lost oil revenue and burned cash stores, agreed Matthew Levitt, the former top Treasury Department official on terrorism financing. "The bank vaults arent being replenished. It is a fairly closed economy. And you can only tax and extort people so many times," he said in a telephone interview. Daniel Glaser, an assistant secretary of the Treasury, said airstrikes on oil infrastructure have "undoubtedly impeded" the groups ability to "profit from oil as it had been doing." Glaser praised the Iraqi governments decision in August to stop issuing about $170 million a month in salaries and pensions to Iraqi citizens in captured areas. That stopped the militants ability to tax that income at rates of up to 50 percent. "It is clear that these measures in fact have played a key role in pressuring ISIL financially," Glaser said at a conference on terrorism financing at Chatham House in London, using an acronym for Islamic State. The Treasury Department also has imposed financial sanctions on more than 30 individuals and institutions accused of assisting the group. In the most recent cases, on Feb.11 Treasury officials sanctioned Faysal al-Zahrani, who managed oil fields and moved money for the group in eastern Syria; Husayn Juaythini, who recruited fighters in the Gaza Strip and Libya; and Turki al-Binali, a religious advisor who called for attacks on Bahrain after the government there revoked his citizenship. Cutting them off from U.S. banks and financial systems is unlikely to affect the militants operations, however, because Islamic State is largely self-funded, said Seth Jones, a former U.S. counter-terrorism official now with Rand Corp., the Santa Monica-based think tank. It still controls major cities and towns in Syria and Iraq. The militants can raise money by increasing local fees and taxes, demanding a bigger cut from smugglers and expanding extortion of businesses, Jones said. "Until they start losing territory, I am skeptical it will have a huge dent on their ability to collect money," he said. In any case, the militants have a ready supply of cash. They raided banks and businesses as they swept into Iraq in 2014, initially seizing at least $500 million, and have raised millions more from smuggling oil, antiquities and other illicit schemes. Officials say intelligence for some of the recent airstrikes came from a Delta Force raid into Al Amr, a town in eastern Syria, in May. The U.S. commandos killed their target, Abu Sayyaf, who ran Islamic State black market oil and gas operations. But they took his wife, Nisreen Assad Ibrahim Bahar, and a cache of notebooks, laptops, cellphones and other materials back to a base in Iraq. The 25-year-old Iraqi woman ultimately revealed details about the groups leaders and clandestine financial system, according to a criminal complaint, filed on Feb. 8 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, that charged her with conspiracy to provide material support to a terrorist organization. Bahar, who is in Iraqi custody, said Islamic State had used her house to store large sums of U.S. dollars from oil and gas sales, according to the court documents. Starting in October, coalition air raids began targeting other buildings with suspected cash hoards. The coalition also stepped up attacks on oil wellheads, oil and gas separation plants, and tanker trucks, mainly in the oil-rich Dair Alzour region in eastern Syria. The attacks have cut production in the region to about 34,000 barrels a day, down from 45,000 barrels daily, according to Pentagon officials, but the small decrease means the revenue stream remains strong. Smugglers carry the oil across the border into Turkey and Iraq or sell it in Syria. "The long-term effects of this effort to degrade ISIL oil revenue will take time to be fully realized, but we know in the short term we are disrupting a significant source of (their) funding," said Sgt. Maj. Donald Sparks, a Baghdad-based spokesman for the U.S.-led military coalition. The Pentagon is calling the bombing campaign against the oil installations Operation Tidal Wave II, named for the American daylight bombing raid on heavily defended Nazi-controlled oil refineries around Ploiesti, Romania, in World War II. The original Operation Tidal Wave, on Aug. 1, 1943, was a military disaster. The U.S. Army Air Forces lost 53 aircraft and more than 600 air crewmen on the mission, the worst such loss of the war. Oil output from the refineries actually increased soon after the raid, the U.S. military later concluded. - 2016 Tribune Co. Visit Tribune Co. at www.latimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. by Matt Barbato | Sun, Feb 21st 1:09pm EST There's no doubt Eastern Kentucky defensive end Noah Spence has talent. He displayed it during an impressive 2015 season when he recorded 11.5 sacks. But, Spence does carry some off-field baggage. He was dismissed from Ohio State in 2014 after failing several drug tests because of an issue with Ecstasy. He eventually received treatment and has not had any problems since. Spence tore it up at EKU, but a limited sample size against Division 1 opponents muddles the value of Spence's production. He can play both defensive end and move outside as an edge rusher. He has a natural first step and the quickness to blow by blockers. He will need to develop in coverage, especially if he's drafted by a 3-4 team. (CBS Sports) Shropshire A Full-Time position is available for an assistant herdsperson on a family dairy farm in mid Shropshire. We have a 250 dairy herd rearing own replacements together with a b... When I first looked at the environmental impact of corn ethanol I thought it was simple: Grow an acre of corn for fuel and it means you have to grow another acre elsewhere for food, which ultimately means cutting down forests and releasing a lot of carbon into the atmosphere. Plus, even the EPA said it was worse than oil. Then I dug a little deeper, and realized it might not be as simple as it looked, and that the EPA estimates were rough and out of date. I promised to figure it out and report back. Now Im here to say that I have to eat my words about corn ethanol being worse than gasoline. That, however, doesnt mean that ethanol is better than gasoline, either. Instead, that broad question (is corn ethanol always better than petroleum?) is impossible to answer in a fully convincing way. When I presented Dan Kammen, a respected renewable energy researcher, with my initial indictment of ethanol, he told me, You almost cant be wrong, but you almost cant be right. Thats because it all comes down to indirect cause and effect, linked only by the action of the markets invisible hand: A farmer in Iowa opts to grow corn two seasons in a row, rather than alternating corn and soy beans; at the same time, a farmer in the Brazilian Cerrado plows a new field for soy. Did one cause the other? The researchers I like to call the high counters say yes, probably. The low counters say probably not. And, as the authors of this paper put it: Unfortunately, neither of these perspectives can be proved incorrect. I want to assure you though, that this isnt a Schrodingers cat situation, where the truth is unknowable. Reading this post wont leave you knowing less than when you started. The question is ethanol always terrible/great? is too broad to answer definitively, but we can narrow it down. If we are asking about massively expanding biofuel production to replace fossil fuels, then the high counters are clearly correct: That would cause deforestation and climate disaster. If, on the other hand, we are just asking about maintaining the corn ethanol production we have today, thats probably a good thing, producing about 20 percent less emissions than switching back to oil. Thats the conclusion Jeremy Martin, senior researcher at the Union of Concerned Scientists, came to in a new report on transportation fuels. Martin is careful to point out that there are other problems associated with corn production that arent captured by the measurement of carbon algae blooms from nutrient run off, erosion, and habitat loss. Still, the U.S. consumed 13 billion gallons of ethanol in 2014. A 20 percent reduction in the greenhouse gas intensity in all that fuel is significant. The great debate Scientists and policy wonks have been telling each other they are dead wrong about ethanol for more than a decade. Kammen started out on the pro-ethanol side: His lab published a paper in 2006 suggesting corn ethanol was better than fossil fuels. But then, in 2008, a pair of papers pointed out that any analysis of ethanol had to consider indirect land-use change. If growing corn for ethanol in Iowa meant that farmers had to convert more land into fields, that would completely wipe out the benefit of ethanol. In 2010, a group of researchers, including Kammen, did another accounting this time including the effect of land-use change and they concluded that ethanols carbon footprint is the same as gasoline, or larger. Researchers are still volleying claims and counter claims back and forth. Kammen told me that its not because anyone is blind to the truth, or corrupt; they simply have deep differences in the way they model emissions and land-use change. Its like the debate over the different models of the atom, he said. New evidence helps refine those models, or suggests new ones, but we still dont have a perfect model. Witness, for instance, the chain reaction set off when the U.S. Department of Energys Argonne National Lab responded to one of those seminal 2008 papers: It sparked this follow-up from Princetons Tim Searchinger, to which Argonne in turn responded, prompting this rebuttal by Searchinger. That may look like an academic cage-match, but its all in the interests of science: The criticism allows researchers to make their models better. By now, Martin told me, Most lifecycle analyses of biofuel incorporate this concept of indirect land-use change, and researchers have been refining techniques to capture every bit of greenhouse gas emitted in the fuel production process. He was impressed by the California Air Resource Boards assessment of ethanol. Determining Californias Low Carbon Fuel Standard was a five-year process of listening to researchers from all across the spectrum, convening expert work groups, and finally putting the information together with state of the art science. Its quite a reasonable representation of the way things stand today, he said. That representation suggests that, even if we include the impact of indirect land-use change, the corn ethanol mixed with our gasoline today has 20 percent less greenhouse-gas impact than oil. How can you grow more corn without plowing new land? The argument that initially sold me on the notion that corn ethanol was an automatic loser was this: If you dedicate land to grow fuel that means youve got to grow food elsewhere, and ultimately you will end up displacing plants that are already capturing carbon. So how can biofuels get around that? By increasing yields, and displacing meat production. First, yields: If you grow a crop of corn that displaces an identical crop of corn theres clearly no benefit each sucks the same amount of carbon dioxide out of the air. But, if you take land that was producing, say, hay, and replace it with thick corn in the summer and then winter wheat that same year, you are producing a lot more vegetation, which sucks up a lot more carbon dioxide. All of that is happening against a background trend of increasing yields as farmers come up with new techniques and better technology. Second, meat production: It sounds crazy to say that people will just eat less as biofuel production claims more land unless you know that the majority of that land was producing food for animals. As ethanol production ramped up, it drove up the price of feed, which drove up the price of meat, and though there may have been other causes as well Americans cut back on eating animals. If you look at the big picture, farmers have increased the amount of corn that they grow, but theres been a longterm decrease in other crops, and across the U.S. the total amount of farmland hasnt changed much. Of course, this is happening in different places the ethanol boom led farmers in the Midwest to plow up a lot of environmentally sensitive land, at the same time that land in the Northeast and South was moving out of agricultural production entirely. Thats just in the U.S. but we also have to ask if other countries are plowing more land to grow cotton and wheat as we dedicate less land for those crops here. Again, though there has been a tragic amount of forest cut down for agriculture in places like Indonesia and tropical West Africa, other areas are reforesting, and the total amount of cropland worldwide is just about flat. Click here to see more... Why Joey Logano knew from the start 2022 was going to be a playoff season Leonardo DiCaprio is one of Hollywood's biggest stars and most talented actors and it is hard to believe that he has never got his hands on an Oscar... it looks like that will change at the weekend. Leonardo DiCaprio DiCaprio is in the Best Actor Oscar race once again for his stunning central performance in The Revenant, which sees him team up with filmmaker Alejandro G. Inarritu for the first time. DiCaprio has already won the Golden Globe, Bafta and Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance, and it really does look like it is finally going to be his Oscar year. Should DiCaprio fail to win on Sunday night, it would be one of the biggest Oscar shocks. I think it is pretty safe to say that he has the award in the bag. We are big fans of Leo here at FemaleFirst and we take a look back at his Oscar history - he already has plenty of nominations under his belt. - Best Supporting Actor - What's Eating Gilbert Grape It was back in 1993 and the 66th Academy Awards, the DiCaprio picked up his first Oscar nomination for his performance as Arnie Grape, the mentally handicapped younger brother of central character Gilbert. The movie saw DiCaprio star alongside Johnny Depp and Lasse Hallstrom was in the director's chair for the big screen adaptation of the Peter Hedges novel - it was the author who adapted his own book into a script. While DiCaprio was no stranger to the big screen when he starred in What's Eating Gilbert Grape, this was to be a major breakthrough role for the actor and helped put him on the map in Hollywood. That year, DiCaprio was nominated alongside Tommy Lee Jones (The Fugitive), Ralph Fiennes (Schindler's List), John Malkovich (In the Line of Fire), and Pete Postlethwaite (In The Name of the Father). This was the only Oscar nomination for What's Eating Gilbert Grape, but DiCaprio lost out to Tommy Lee Jones. This is the only Best Supporting Actor nomination of DiCaprio's career to date. - Best Actor - The Aviator DiCaprio's collaboration with Martin Scorsese on Gangs of New York was change the course of his career - in a few short years, he went from big screen pin-up to Hollywood heavyweight. The Aviator was their second film project together in 2004 - it hit UK cinema screens at the beginning of 2015 - and saw DiCaprio take on the real-life role of director and aviator Howard Hughes. Written by John Logan, the movie charted his career from the late 1920s to the mid-1940s. For me, The Aviator remains one of DiCaprio's finest film performances and he was rewarded with his first Best Actor Oscar nomination of his career; the movie would pick up eleven nominations in total and win five. DiCaprio would go on to win the Golden Globe and be nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Bafta; he was one of the favourites to win the Best Actor gong on the run up to the Oscar ceremony. DiCaprio was nominated alongside Jamie Foxx (Ray), Don Cheadle (Hotel Rwanda), Johnny Depp (Finding Neverland), and Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby). It was Foxx who went go on to triumph for his performance as Ray Charles. - Best Actor - Blood Diamond Two years later, DiCaprio was in the mix again for his performance in thriller Blood Diamond, which saw the actor team up with filmmaker Edward Zwick; who was back in the director's chair for the first time since The Last Samurai. Set during the Sierra Leone Civil War in 1996 - 2001, the movie follows Danny Archer (DiCaprio), a gunrunner who helps fisherman Solomon Vandy battle for the possession of an enormous pink diamond. While the movie itself was met with mixed reviews, it was the performances from DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou - who took on the role of Vandy - that were met with acclaim. They both went on to pick up Oscar nominations for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. This was the second Best Actor nod of DiCaprio's career and, once again, he found himself in a tough category as Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland), Ryan Gosling (Half Nelson), Peter O'Toole (Venus), and Will Smith (The Pursuit of Happyness) were also in the mix. It was Whitaker that was to walk away with the Best Actor gong as DiCaprio was to miss out on Oscar glory once again. - Best Actor - The Wolf of Wall Street DiCaprio would have to wait until the 86th Academy Awards in 2014 until he was nominated again for his performance in The Wolf of Wall Street. The Wolf of Wall Street saw DiCaprio reunite with Scorsese in what was their first film together since Shutter Island in 2010. It was great to see them back and they delivered another terrific film. DiCaprio took on the real-life role of Jordan Belfort, a wealthy stock-broker who becomes involved in crime and corruption. The movie is based on the memoir by Belfort and was adapted for the big screen by Terence Winter. The Wolf Wall Street mix biopic with crime and comedy and was one of the best movies to hit the big screen in early 2014. The movie and DiCaprio's central performance were met with acclaim and went on to pick up five Oscar nominations, including Best Actor for DiCaprio and Best Feature Film. DiCaprio found himself nominated alongside Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club), Christian Bale (American Hustle), Bruce Dern (Nebraska), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years A Slave). It was McConaughey that went on to win. DiCaprio is back in the Oscar mix this year and will go head to head with Bryan Cranston (Trumbo), Matt Damon (The Martian), Michael Fassbender (Steve Jobs), and Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl). The Oscar winners will be revealed on Sunday 28th February. by Helen Earnshaw for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on It was bad news for Kesha last Friday, February 19, when she entered a courtroom battle with music producer Dr. Luke - a man she says both physically and mentally abused her - asking to be released from her contract with the company which is forcing her to remain within their grasp if she wishes to release music in the future. Taylor Swift A judge in New York ruled that Kesha must remain in her contract after she asked for an injunction which would allow her to release music with a different company or independently. Kesha broke down in court following the ruling and a spate of high profile stars including Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga took to social media to give their support to the artist. Now Taylor Swift has added her name to the list of stars behind Kesha, donating $250,000 to the star which will likely go towards her court fees. Dr Luke's attorney Christine Lepera said on Friday in a statement following the ruling: "We are pleased with the court's decision from the bench fully denying Ms. Sebert's motion for a preliminary injunction. "As the court recognised, Ms. Sebert has always had the ability to proceed with her career if she so chooses. We remain confident that when all the facts are presented that Ms. Sebert's allegations against Luke will be shown to be completely false and were asserted solely to extort money and gain contractual leverage." Kesha's mother took to Twitter following Swift's donation, writing: A persons wealth is not measured by what they have but by WHO they they help with it. And Taylor Swift is is a truly RICH PERSON. Thank you keshas mom (@grannywrapper) February 22, 2016 Most important for Kesha, is that these beautiful, powerful women are standing behind her, letting the world see how powerful the truth is! keshas mom (@grannywrapper) February 22, 2016 by Daniel Falconer for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on Couples may find it hard to talk about difficult or sensitive topics, which can mean that they might shy away from talking about symptoms they might find embarrassing like seeing blood in their pee. Relationships on Female First From the start of February, Public Health England's, Be Clear on Cancer campaign is returning to raise awareness of the key symptom for both bladder and kidney cancers - blood in pee. If you notice blood in your pee, even if it's 'just the once', tell your doctor. The chances are it's nothing serious, but these cancers are more treatable if they are found early. Around 17,450 people in England are diagnosed with bladder or kidney cancer every year and around 7,600 people die annually. Blood in pee is a symptom in over half of bladder cancers and almost a fifth of kidney cancers, so being aware of these symptoms is crucial. If your partner mentions they have noticed blood in their pee, even if it was just the once, encourage them to visit their GP and reassure them that their doctor will want to know. You can support your partner and help reduce their fears around cancer by reminding them that diagnosing it early can make a real difference. If your partner has been to their doctor already, but their symptoms return or persist, encourage them to go back to their GP. Remember: early diagnosis of cancer can make it easier to treat. If you would like more information about the symptoms of bladder and kidney cancers visit nhs.uk/bloodinpee For more information about cancer, visit the Cancer Research UK website or call Cancer Research UK's specialist nurses on freephone 0808 800 4040 Martin Ledwick, Head Cancer Information Nurse at Cancer Research UK'S top tips for dealing with your partner's cancer diagnosis If you think that your partner might have experienced a symptom of cancer, encourage them to visit their GP in order to get the relevant checks and tests. Chances are it's not cancer, but if it is, spotting it earlier can mean it's more treatable. Everybody deals with cancer in their own way and there is no right or wrong way of dealing with things. But if your partner is diagnosed with cancer, it's usually helpful to talk openly and honestly with them, but also listen sensitively to their thoughts and feelings to help get past the initial shock together. Don't be afraid to talk through your feelings too. Being diagnosed with cancer can be a stressful time for both of you, so you may wish to make time for each other to do things apart from talking about cancer. You could go out for a meal or even just go for a walk, take time to be a couple again. It may also be helpful for you to talk to family and friends, and rally support from those closest to you, so that you have a good support network to help you through this difficult time. Don't forget to take care of yourself. Although, your partner might have been diagnosed with cancer, it's important that you stay well enough to help them. Make sure you continue to look after yourself - eating healthily and getting enough sleep . A charity favoured by Britain's Prince Charles has offered fois gras on its menue, after he banned it from royal kitchens eight years ago due to its cruel production methods. Prince Charles Dumfries House, which lies in the south west of Scotland, has offered "fois gras parfait" to wedding guests, the Daily Mirror has reported. The news will disappoint the heir to the British throne - whose The Prince of Wales Charitable Foundation has given the country house 721,000 in grants over the past two years alone, after it was saved from disrepair in 2007. The Prince disagrees with the method to produce foie gras, which is French for "fat liver" and comes from a duck or a goose that has been force fed corn mash directly into the gullet through a tube inserted down its throat The process is considered extremely cruel because the animal's liver swells to up to 10 times its normal size and can burst. In 2008, the deputy master of the household at Clarence House Andrew Farquharson announced that the Prince's chefs had been ordered not to purchase or serve the food. He said: "The Prince of Wales has a policy that his chefs should not buy foie gras." A spokesperson for animal welfare charity Four Paws also told the Mirror: "It is very disappointing to see foie gras on any menu in this day and age. "Geese and ducks are subjected to horrendous cruelty for this so called delicacy. "The animals are force fed through a tube inserted in the oesophagus, two or three times a day, a process which increases the size of its liver by around six to ten times. "The procedure is totally unnatural and causes a tremendous amount of pain and distress. "From an animal welfare perspective there is simply no way to justify the force feeding of animals in foie gras production and we urge any restaurant or hotel that has this cruel product on the menu to remove it immediately." Meanwhile, Dumfries house is managed by the Prince's former senior valet Michael Fawcett, who is also the executive director of The Great Steward of Scotland's Dumfries House Charitable Trust. A spokesman for the establishment has stated that serving the option - which is offered as part of an "opulent wedding experience" alongside chicken liver, port shallot marmalade and toasted brioche - to guests is at the discretion of the wedding party. They said: "Dumfries House is not a royal residence. "The wedding and event division is the commercial arm of the business and has nothing to do with The Prince of Wales. "Foie Gras did appear on one of the wedding menus as a canape option and no longer appears on any of the wedding menus. "However, a wedding buffet is at the discretion of the bride groom." Indonesia's textile industry has called for effective implementation of the government's economic stimulus packages to improve competitiveness as the country moves toward free trade agreements with several countries. Indonesian Textile Association (API) chairman Ade Sudrajat said while the Association welcomed the 10 stimulus packages announced by the government, the packages need to be implemented in an effective manner. The stimulus packages are a response to our concerns and they have provided certainty for business. However, the implementation can still be improved, Sudrajat said at a press conference in Jakarta. Indonesia's textile industry has called for effective implementation of the government's economic stimulus packages to improve competitiveness as# The government's third stimulus package stipulates that industrial activities get electricity price cuts from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. But the textile industry and the state electricity company PLN, which supplies the power, interpret the stipulation differently. According to the PLN, the price cut will only be given to companies consuming more than they usually do every day. But the textile industry says the price cut should be given to industrial activities during the specified timeframe regardless of the quantity of their power consumption. We're asking for a further discussion with PLN, the Finance Ministry and the Office of the Economic Coordinating Minister on the matter, Sudrajat said. He also said his association also requested lower gas prices for the textile industry. In the government's seventh stimulus package, the government reduced gas prices for the textile industry from $12 per million British thermal unit (mbbtu) to $9 per mbbtu, while in fact oil exported to Singapore is priced at $3.70 per mbbtu, he said. Benny Soetrisno, Chairman of the API's board of advisors, welcomed the economic packages as they provide more business certainty. But he pointed out that a relatively high production cost because of electricity and gas prices has made local products less competitive. Benny also said Indonesia's trade deal with the European Union under the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and a possible participation in the US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) would help boost exports of its textiles and textile products. (SH) Fibre2fashion News Desk - India Tropical Cyclone Winston the most devastating storm on record in the Southern Hemisphere recently reached our shores, destroying homes and livelihoods, and cutting many Fijians off from utilities, telecommunications and essential medical services. In response to this crisis, the Fijian Government is working hard to coordinate rescue and recovery efforts. There is a great need for additional resources to urgently address the needs of affected Fijians and assist with the rebuilding process. These Fijians need your help. Many have been stranded in the aftermath of TC Winston and urgently require life-saving services, supplies and shelter. The Fijian Government has established bank accounts to receive financial donations in the wake of this crisis. These funds will be used to directly benefit those Fijians who have been left homeless, without adequate food, water and essential services especially those in rural and maritime communities. Donations can be made through the bank accounts below and donors will not be charged any fees, including overseas transactions. International and local donations can be made through the following account: Bank: Australia New Zealand Banking Corporation Account Number: 12628523 Account Name: Prime Ministers National Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation: Cyclone Winston Swift Code: ANZ BFJFX BSB: 010 890 Local donations can be made through the following accounts: Bank: Westpac Banking Corporation Account Number: 9806094927 Account Name: Prime Ministers National Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation: Cyclone Winston Bank: Bank of the South Pacific Account Number: 80399804 Account Name: Prime Ministers National Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation: Cyclone Winston Bank: HFC Bank Account Number: 17822s10 Account Name: Prime Ministers National Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation: Cyclone Winston BANK: Bank of Baroda ACCOUNT NUMBER: 91010200000903 ACCOUNT NAME: PRIME MINISTER'S NATIONAL DISASTER RELIEF & REHABILITATION: CYCLONE WINSTON BANK: Bred Bank Account Name: PRIME MINISTER'S NATIONAL DISASTER RELIEF & REHABILITATION: CYCLONE WINSTON Account Number: 00149435017 Please give generously to your fellow Fijians during this difficult time through any of these accounts. Every dollar donated will make a difference for the Fijian Governments continued work helping all affected Fijians recover from this tragedy. Excess risk often gets brokers into trouble. One former broker, however, took risk much, much further when he allegedly wielded a knife in a robbery of a Connecticut bank. Not once, but twice. Driven by the failure of his planning business, mounting debt and, according to authorities, an addiction to painkillers, Kevin W. Baker stole more than $30,000 from the First National Bank of Suffield last month and this month. Baker is a former broker for National Planning, who later became a consultant to financial planners. 'I DON'T WANT TO HURT ANYONE' On Jan. 27, Baker allegedly walked into the First National Bank branch in East Granby, Conn., in a black knit cap, with a neck gaiter pulled up to sunglasses. Jumping over the counter, he threatened a teller with a serrated knife, saying, "I don't want to hurt anyone. Give me your 100s," according to the arrest warrant. "Let's do this again," Baker allegedly said 12 days later at the same bank, again presenting a knife. "You know the drill. All large bills." The second heist added $14,539 to the $15,867 from his first. A witness noticed Baker walked with an unusual gait and a pronounced hunch on his way out of the bank after the first robbery. Baker had undergone four spinal surgeries and his addiction to painkillers flared while taking oxycontin, the warrant says. Both times, Baker fled the scene in one of his cars. The second time, he managed to elude police despite the fact that vehicles from four police departments participated in the chase. Two officers got out of their car and drew their guns on Baker at a home in Simsbury, Conn., where he had squealed up the driveway. Baker reversed quickly, nearly hitting one of them, and pealed out across a lawn and over a small wall, to escape, the warrant says. Tips from witnesses and a Google Maps image of one of the getaway cars sitting in the driveway of his West Hartford, Conn., home aided in his identification as did the fact that Baker had customized license plates that feature his initials. 'WHAT HE'S DONE IS HORRIBLE' "I've known him for over 20 years," says Lincoln Collins, co-founder of WealthVest, a Bozeman, Mont.-based third-party wholesaler of fixed annuity insurance products that employed Baker as a regional director to train advisors on the East Coast. "We worked together. I know his wife and obviously what he's done is horrible. He was let go immediately. I can only feel terrible for his family." Baker joined WealthVest at the end of 2015, says Collins, a former CEO of Hartford Life in Europe. "Obviously, he cleared all background checks." Baker trained planners in various insurance products and also ran 4D Private Wealth Strategies, which Bakers LinkedIn profile describes as "a truly world-class consulting firm for professional financial advisors and their clientele." EX-NATIONAL PLANNING BROKER Given that he worked as an independent contractor for WealthVest, Collins said he could not say for sure whether Baker had been working as a financial planner for clients on his own time. Prior to joining WealthVest, Baker spent almost two years as a broker with National Planning between December 2013 and October 2015. Baker's FINRA BrokerCheck report shows a 20-year unblemished record that spans employment with firms including MetLife Investors, Sun America and American Skandia. His registration lapsed in Oct. 2015. Collins says he was "just getting started" in his new WealthVest job. "It's a horrible thing. He's got four girls. He's going to jail in all likelihood," Collins adds. "He had an addiction that he tried to kick. These drugs are overprescribed." $120,000 IN DEBT A friend of Baker's wife, Katherine, called police Feb. 13 to report that she had texted her saying her husband had robbed a bank, according to the warrant. Katherine Baker had recognized the bank suspect in online photos as her husband. Police went to speak with Katherine Baker, who then called her father-in-law on a speaker phone, with state troopers in the room. Although Baker had denied committing the crime to his wife, police heard the elder Baker tell his daughter-in-law that his son had told him he had robbed a bank. Katherine Baker told police her family was in financial straits, with debts of $120,000. Since his arrest, friends of the family have contributed more than $32,000 into a GoFundMe campaign intended to aid Bakers wife and daughters. Previously, as his troubles deepened, Katherine Baker told police her husband had replaced the diamond in their engagement ring with a cubic zirconia and borrowed money from family members. Read more: TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Japan will on Monday see preliminary February figures for the manufacturing PMI from Nikkei, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. The manufacturing PMI score in January was 52.3, above the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction. Japan also will see January numbers for supermarket sales; in December, sales were flat on year. New Zealand will release credit card spending figures for January; in December, spending was down 0.8 percent on month and up 7.4 percent on year. Finally, the markets in Thailand are closed on Monday for Makha Bucha Day, and will re-open on Tuesday. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Marilyn Ho Experia Events Pte Ltd Director, Communications Tel: +65 6595 6130 Email: marilynho@experiaevents.com Kevin Foo Hill+Knowlton Strategies Director Tel: +65 6390 3320 Mobile: +65 9099 9119 Email: kevin.foo@hkstrategies.com SINGAPORE, Feb 21, 2016 - (ACN Newswire) - Singapore Airshow 2016 attracted over 80,000 visitors for the public day weekend on 20 to 21 February. Singaporeans and foreign visitors, young and old, thronged Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC) to catch a glimpse of their favourite aerial display performances and the latest commercial and military aircraft.A Breath-taking Show in the SkyVisitors to the Airshow soaked in the excitement of the breath-taking flying display performances including those by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) integrated aerial display team, comprising an F-15SG fighter jet and an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter. They performed 11 exciting manoeuvres, showcasing precision and coordination between two different aircraft types of different manoeuvrability and capabilities. Their mesmerising routine included the Vertical Punch, a new manoeuvre that was performed for the first time.The Black Eagles from the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), known for their jaw-dropping stunts, were back to thrill the crowds with three additional manoeuvres added to their 2014 repertoire. Other adrenaline-fuelled flying displays included the France Air Force Dassault Rafale, the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, F-16C/D Fighting Falcon and B-52 Stratofortress, and the Sukhoi Su-30MKM from the Royal Malaysian Air Force.All-round Experience for Fans of All Ages and InterestsIn addition, visitors had the opportunity to interact with the pilots from the RSAF, ROKAF, French Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force at the Meet-the-Pilots sessions. The Singapore Airshow mascots, Captain Leo and Captain Leonette, also made appearances at the show, mingling and taking pictures with visitors. Over at the Static Aircraft Display Area, visitors were able to get up close and personal with majestic commercial and military aircraft including a RSAF Black Knight F-16C in its familiar red and white paint scheme which incorporates the national symbols of the crescent moon and five stars.Other key highlights of the static aircraft display included two U.S. Air Force F-22 stealth fighters showcased together at the Singapore Airshow for the first time, and the Airbus A400M - a modern military transport plane using the latest fly-by-wire flight control system - which was also making its debut at the show. Luxury business jets from Bombardier, Embraer and Gulfstream, as well as other new aircraft and helicopter models such as the Airbus H145 and Bell 505, also appeared for the first time at the Singapore Airshow.Over the 6-day show from 16 - 21 February, Singapore Airshow 2016 welcomed over 130,000 trade and public day visitors. Trade attendance from 16 - 19 February saw a 7% increase compared to 2014 with 30% from overseas. This year's Airshow also saw close to a 5% increase in VIP delegations from the last edition in 2014."We are pleased that the fifth edition of the Singapore Airshow has received such strong support from both trade and public visitors alike. We are constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve the curation of programmes and activities to provide a meaningful experience for all participants," said Mr Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events, organisers of Singapore Airshow. "We would like to thank our stakeholders, exhibitors, partners and visitors for their continued participation and support, and look forward to building on this year's show to make Singapore Airshow 2018 even more exciting."Singapore Airshow 2018 will be held from 6 to 11 February at Changi Exhibition Centre.About Singapore AirshowSingapore Airshow, a marketplace and networking powerhouse for the world's aviation community, is a must-attend event in the global aerospace and defence calendar. Organised and managed by Experia Events, the biennial event is also a platform for high-level conferences dedicated to leading players in the global aviation industry with the Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit (SAALS) as well as co-located events - the A*STAR Aerospace Technology Leadership Forum and the Singapore Aerospace Technology and Engineering Conference (SATEC). For more information, visit www.singaporeairshow.com.About Experia Events Pte LtdExperia Events specialises in organising and managing exhibitions and conferences of strategic interest, fostering industry development and thought leadership. It has built a strong portfolio in aerospace and defence with the highly successful Singapore Airshow, Asia's largest and one of the most important aerospace and defence exhibitions in the world, and IMDEX Asia, the premier international maritime defence exhibition in Asia, and Rotorcraft Asia, the premier dedicated event for the global civil helicopter industry. Its expertise also extends to the government and lifestyle sectors, through key events such as the Singapore International Water Week and World Cities Summit. With a proven track record underscoring its aspirations to stage events that influence, Experia Events aims to diversify its range of strategic events globally. For more information, visit www.experiaevents.com.Source: Singapore AirshowContact:Copyright 2016 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/16 -- Medgold Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE: MED) (the "Company" or "Medgold") is pleased to announce that recent exploration of a new prospect called Guimarei on the Valongo licence in northern Portugal, has identified anomalous gold in rocks outcropping over a 3 km strike length. Assay results from rock chip sampling range from trace gold to highlights of 7.80 g/t Au, 4.84 g/t Au and 2.53 g/t Au. Dan James, President of Medgold, said: "Guimarei is a brand new gold discovery by Medgold. We've picked up gold mineralization over at least 3km strike length using wide-spaced soil sampling over promising structural features. The new chip sample results have validated our targeting concept and the approach we took to the exploration at Guimarei. The team continues to build on what we learned in defining high-grade mineralization at the Lagares project and is developing new targets in the region. "More work is underway at Guimarei and our field teams are doing detailed structural and geological mapping and geochemical sampling. The aim is to define a drill target which will be tested in the summer of 2016 with a proposed 500m diamond core program." The Guimarei Prospect The Guimarei prospect is located in the Valongo exploration licence, 20 km northeast of Porto between the towns of Santo Tirso and Valongo, and is under joint venture with Centerra Gold Inc. ("Centerra"). Orogenic gold mineralization at Guimarei occurs along the geological contact between Silurian meta-sediments and a large granodioritic intrusion. In common with many major structurally-controlled orogenic deposits, mineralization at Guimarei is associated with a dilation zone along a bend in a major fault. At Guimarei, the combination of a marked lithological contact with a bend in a major structure, has generated alteration and mineralization over a recorded strike length of 3 km. Medgold's team initially collected 148 soil samples late last year, along wide-spaced soil sampling lines. This work defined gold anomalism over a strike length of 3,000m. Despite the poor rock exposure, mapping has identified alteration up to 200m wide along the strike length which is associated with quartz veins from 1cm to 80 cm thick, containing pyrite and arsenopyrite, and pervasive silicification. Infill soil sampling is ongoing with a further 220 samples collected with assay results pending. These samples are being collected at 50m intervals on 250m line spacing. Results have also been received for 28 rock chip samples, with a further 27 samples collected and assays pending. Assays for rock chip samples range from trace to 7.80 g/t Au, 4.84 g/t Au and 2.53 g/t Au. We have also identified some highly-elevated Pb and Ag values up to 21.0% and 506 ppm, respectively, which are from a sample which also yielded 2.48 g/t Au. About Centerra Gold and the Joint-Venture Centerra is a Canadian-based gold mining company focused on operating, developing, exploring and acquiring gold properties primarily in Asia, North America and other markets worldwide. Centerra is the largest Western-based gold producer in Central Asia. Centerra's shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol CG. The Company is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In December 2014, Medgold granted to Centerra the exclusive right to earn a 51% interest in the Valongo Belt properties (namely: Lagares, Balazar, Castelo de Paiva and Valongo licences, or the "Original Properties"), by incurring expenditures on the properties totaling USD$3.0 million over three years. Once Centerra has acquired the initial 51% interest in the Property, it may acquire a further 19% (for a total 70% interest) by incurring an additional USD$3.0 million on exploration within two years. In late December 2015, Medgold and Centerra signed an amendment agreement, whereby the Boticas and Chaves licences (the "Additional Properties") were added to the existing agreement. Accordingly, Centerra may now acquire up to a 70% interest in both the Original Properties and the Additional Properties by making the expenditures noted above. Quality Assurance / Quality Control Samples were prepared by ALS Minerals at the Seville Laboratory, Spain. Soil samples were analyzed for gold using 50gm fire assay with ICP analysis and multi-elements were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer by ALS Minerals at the Omac Laboratory, Ireland. Rock samples were analyzed for gold using 50gm fire assay with AAS analysis and multi elements were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer by ALS Minerals at the Omac Laboratory, Ireland. Certified reference materials, blanks, and field and laboratory duplicates were routinely inserted for quality assurance and quality control. Qualified Person David Clark, PGeo, consulting geologist to the Company, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 -- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Clark has reviewed and approved the disclosure of technical information contained in this news release. About Medgold Medgold is a European-focused, TSX-V listed exploration and development company targeting gold properties in northwest Iberia and the under-explored gold provinces of southern Europe. Run by a highly experienced management team with a successful track record of building value in resource companies, Medgold is aiming to become a leading European gold company. Additional information on Medgold can be found on the Company's website at www.medgoldresources.com and by reviewing the Company's page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Daniel P. James, President & Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and include, without limitation, statements about proposed exploration at the Guimarei prospect, and regarding the possible acquisition by Centerra of an interest in the Company's properties. Often, but not always, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "estimates," "estimated," "potential," "open," "future," "assumed," "projected," "used," "detailed," "has been," "gain," "upgraded," "offset," "limited," "contained," "reflecting," "containing," "remaining," "to be," "periodically," or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, whether exploration at the Guimarei prospect will be completed as planned; the possible acquisition by Centerra of an interest in the Company's properties; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the Company or any joint venture partner not having the financial ability to meet its exploration and development goals; risks associated with the results of exploration and development activities, estimation of mineral resources and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to: that the Company's stated goals and planned exploration and development activities will be achieved; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Contacts: Medgold Resources Corp. Dan James (UK) President +44 7972 579188 dj@medgoldresources.com Medgold Resources Corp. Ralph Rushton (Vancouver) Investor Relations +1 604-630-5544 ralphr@goldgroup.com Dubai: Karim Ali Tel: +971-4-3298915 Email: karim.ali@hktdc.org Hong Kong: Joe Kainz Tel: +852 2584 4216 Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org HONG KONG, Feb 22, 2016 - (ACN Newswire) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aramex, a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions, to launch a joint promotion for the hktdc.com Small Orders online transaction platform (http://smallorders.hktdc.com).Under this agreement, suppliers on hktdc.com Small Orders will enjoy lower shipping costs when delivering via Aramex's worldwide network, which is particularly strong in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This also presents more attractive and competitive offers for buyers from the MENA region seeking to source quality products on hktdc.com Small Orders. The MoU was signed in Dubai by HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, Benjamin Chau and Aramex CEO, Hussein Hachem."The partnership will further facilitate small-volume online transactions, which are becoming an increasingly prevalent sourcing model, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With Aramex's specialty in the Middle East and North Africa region, we are opening the door to a market of huge economic potential and trade opportunities for our buyers and suppliers," said Mr Chau.Hussein Hachem, CEO of Aramex said: "It gives us great pleasure to be partnering with HKTDC. China presents one of the greatest business opportunities for us and we believe this agreement will play a major role in boosting Aramex brand awareness in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong markets. We look forward to more cooperation and opportunities in the near future."In a survey conducted by the HKTDC in October 2015, more than 80 per cent of buyers commended the business model of sourcing in small quantities. This model enables more flexible sourcing so that companies can respond more quickly to the latest market situation.The "small order" model is also beneficial to suppliers who want to test the market and maintain a low inventory through small volume orders. The hktdc.com Small Orders online transaction platform welcomes participation from suppliers from the MENA region looking to sell to Asia and to the world. To trade directly with buyers online using hktdc.com Small Orders, a supplier needs only become a verified supplier with hktdc.com and set up a commercial account with PayPal to receive online payments. Qualified transactions will be covered by PayPal's Seller Protection Programme.Aramex business solutions include international and domestic express delivery, freight forwarding, logistics and warehousing, records and information management solutions, e-business solutions, and online shopping services. The company employs more than 13,800 professionals in over 350 locations across 60 countries worldwide.hktdc.com Small OrdersLaunched in December 2014, hktdc.com Small Orders features quality products available for order in quantities of between five and 1,000 items. Buyers can place orders with verified suppliers over the platform. Instant payment and shipping arrangements are available for selected products, while online payment is processed and protected by PayPal.The online platform has so far featured over 9,000 suppliers and more than 100,000 products. In 2015, hktdc.com Small Orders won coveted WebAwards in the categories of Directory or Search Engine Standard of Excellence, International Business Standard of Excellence and Small Business Standard of Excellence. The mobile site of hktdc.com Small Orders won the MobileWebAward in the Best International Business Mobile Website last year.Design of the online transaction platform is similar to that of other consumer online shopping platforms, with attractive product photos and layouts to help buyers source the right products more easily. To attract more buyers to conduct online transactions, the HKTDC periodically launches special themes and discounts and stages promotions at trade fairs in Hong Kong and around the world. The online transaction platform is also extensively promoted to international B2B buyers through the HKTDC's global network of 46 offices.hktdc.com Small Orders is part of the HKTDC's online marketplace (hktdc.com), which features more than 130,000 quality suppliers and 1.6 million registered buyers who can make personalised sourcing enquiries via the website. With suppliers' information being authenticated, and their certificates being verified, buyers can find peace of mind by sourcing quality products and dealing with trustworthy companies.The HKTDC's four-in-one platform, which comprises online marketplace, trade fairs, trade publications and a mobile app, aims to help SMEs capture business opportunities effectively and efficiently. Combining the strengths of our physical trade fairs and our trusted online marketplace, we offer suppliers and buyers a comprehensive O2O (online-to-offline) marketing solution, which connects them with the world market all year round.Website: hktdc.com Small Orders: http://smallorders.hktdc.comTo view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tcAbout HKTDCA statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and services providers. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in overseas markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Google+, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.Google+: https://plus.google.com/+hktdcTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/hktdcLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-trade-development-councilSource: HKTDCContact:Copyright 2016 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/16 -- Great Lakes Graphite Inc. ("GLK" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: GLK)(OTC PINK: GLKIF)(FRANKFURT: 8GL) today announces that, on February 19, 2016, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (the "Court") released its decision regarding certain injunctive relief that had been requested by Ontario Graphite Ltd. ("OGL") in its legal action against Mike Coscia, Jerry Janik and GLK. The legal claim was brought by Ontario Graphite based on, among other things, non-compete agreements that existed with Mike Coscia and Jerry Janik when they were employed in management positions with OGL. In its decision, the Court found that GLK and OGL are competitors and thus granted certain injunctive relief. Specifically, the Court ordered that Mike Coscia, the Senior Vice President of Sales of GLK's Innovations division, not work for GLK for six (6) months and that Jerry Janik, the COO of GLK's Innovations division, not work for GLK for one (1) year. The Court did not grant an injunction being requested by OGL to prevent GLK from continuing to operate the Matheson Micronization facility and the Company is therefore continuing all of its activities at the Matheson Micronization Facility. This is a provisional order only, and not finally decisive of the case. The Company continues to vigorously defend the action of which the order is part. The fact sheet on the OGL website states: "Ontario Graphite is committed to the responsible re-commissioning and operation of the Kearney Graphite Mine and Milling Facility, which is slated to resume production in 2014. When reactivated, it is estimated the Kearney Mine will process approximately one million tonnes of ore per year while producing 20,000 tonnes of natural, large flake, high carbon graphite concentrate." There is no reference to value-added graphite products, and Great Lakes is not aware of OGL operating, nor being licensed or permitted to operate, a micronization facility. As such, it remains the view of GLK that GLK and OGL are not competitors. Great Lakes Graphite Inc. is an industrial minerals company focused on bringing value-added carbon products to a well-defined market. GLK's Innovations division has entered into long-term agreements for use of the Matheson Micronization Facility and for supply of high quality natural graphite concentrate which have positioned Great Lakes Graphite to become an emerging domestic manufacturer and supplier of micronized products to a growing regional customer base where pricing and demand continue to rise. Great Lakes Graphite CEO Paul Gorman said: "Although disappointed by the Court's decision, our Board of Directors will convene to discuss next steps on this issue including the appeal process. The positive news is that the Matheson plant is in the late stages of full commissioning and we have the finances and human resources to bring the facility into full operation. The GLK team has the experience and capability to move forward with all aspects of micronization operations at the Facility. Our North American sales team has a contingency plan to address the temporary restrictions on Mike Coscia. Our marketing efforts will continue uninterrupted, including product testing with our North American customers. We currently have over 3 dozen qualification processes well underway and we have the team in place to manage these opportunities." About Great Lakes Graphite: Great Lakes Graphite Inc. is an industrial minerals company focused on bringing value-added carbon products to a well-defined market. The Company's Innovation Division has entered into long-term agreements for use of the Matheson Micronization Facility and for supply of high quality natural graphite concentrate (see news release dated 03/23/15) which have positioned Great Lakes Graphite to become an emerging domestic manufacturer and supplier of micronized products to a growing regional customer base where pricing and demand continue to rise. Further information regarding Great Lakes can be found on the Company's website at: www.GreatLakesGraphite.com. Great Lakes Graphite trades with symbol GLK on the TSX Venture Exchange and currently has 101,227,645 shares outstanding (145,354,238 fully diluted). Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information: Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward looking information" which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking information. When used in this press release, such forward looking information may use such words as "may', "will', "expect', "believe', "plan' and other similar terminology. Forward looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations relating to the future events and the operating performance of the Company, and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability of the Company to fulfill the orders and future orders, regulatory requirements, general economic, market or business conditions and future developments in the sectors of the economy in which the business of Great Lakes operates. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Please see the Company's financial statements, MD&A and other documents available on www.sedar.com, for a more detailed description of the risk factors. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward looking information, whether a result of new information, future results or otherwise, except as required by law. Contacts: Paul Ferguson Chief Marketing Officer 1-800-754-4510 x106 PFerguson@GreatLakesGraphite.com Paul Gorman Chief Executive Officer 1-800-754-4510 x109 PGorman@GreatLakesGraphite.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/16 -- This RRSP season, the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) is encouraging investors to make smarter decisions and learn more about the role they play when working with an investment advisor. The BCSC's message is prompted by findings from research it commissioned showing that while most British Columbians agree they have responsibilities when it comes to investing, many neglect those responsibilities. According to the study, 43 per cent of British Columbians 35 years and older have investments, and 27 per cent of them invest through an advisor. The National Smarter Investor Study, released by the BCSC late last year, paints a contradictory picture of investor attitudes and behaviours in the province. While 49 per cent of respondents felt researching investments recommended by their advisor was their responsibility, only 22 per cent said they actually did their research. And while 74 per cent believed they were responsible for reading their statements, only 62 per cent always read them. "We're encouraged to see how many investors acknowledge their responsibilities, but we need to bridge the gap between what people know they should do and what they actually do," said Pamela McDonald, Director, Communications and Education, BCSC. "RRSP season is the perfect time of year to remind investors of their responsibilities, because investing is top of mind." The Smarter Investor Study BC Report released today shows that behaviours also vary regionally throughout the province. Respondents from Vancouver, Richmond, the North Shore, and Lower Mainland suburbs were the least likely to consistently do the right things when considering an investment, such as referring to a financial plan or waiting a day before investing their money. Residents from Vancouver Island were the most likely to exercise proper investment behaviour. Another key finding from the BC Report was the role trust plays in the client-advisor relationship: 90 per cent of respondents reported a strong level of trust in their advisor, which may help explain some of the behaviour gaps. For example: -- 63 per cent of BC investors who reported they do not always read their statements, said it was because they trust their advisor is taking care of their money. -- Over one third of all respondents in BC said they did not need to understand the risks and benefits involved in their investments, because they trust their advisor to. "Trust in an advisor is not enough to ensure future financial health," said McDonald. "To make the most of their investments, investors need to actively involve themselves in their relationship with their advisor and the decisions they make." To help British Columbians become smarter investors and make the most of their RRSP contributions, the BCSC recommends the following steps: - Ask your advisor about fees and how he or she is compensated. Fees are a fact of investing, but they do have an impact on investment returns. - Check your advisor's registration to ensure he or she is licensed to sell you a recommended investment. Find out more about checking registration here. - Research investments recommended by your advisor so that you fully understand what you are putting your money into. - Understand the degree of risk you are willing to take and how much you can afford to lose. The BCSC has an online risk test to help you understand your personal risk tolerance here. The National Smarter Investor Study was released by the BCSC in November 2015. For more information on the National Smarter Investor Study: BC Report, visit BCSC InvestRight here. About the British Columbia Securities Commission (www.bcsc.bc.ca) The British Columbia Securities Commission is the independent provincial government agency responsible for regulating capital markets in British Columbia through the administration of the Securities Act. Our mission is to protect and promote the public interest by fostering: -- A securities market that is fair and warrants public confidence -- A dynamic and competitive securities industry that provides investment opportunities and access to capital Contacts: Media Contacts: British Columbia Securities Commission Richard Gilhooley BCSC Media Relations Office: 604-899-6713 rgilhooley@bcsc.bc.ca www.bcsc.bc.ca FleishmanHillard Grace Hon (Vancouver) Office: 604-688-2549 or Cell: 604-839-6770 grace.hon@fleishman.ca BCSC public inquiries: 604-899-6854 or 1-800-373-6393 (toll free) ATLANTA, GA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/16 -- Sage, a market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world's entrepreneurs, today announced that Paige Erickson, vice president of partner strategy and programs, has been named a 2016 Channel Chief by CRN Magazine. Channel Chiefs are chosen for their professional achievements, standing in the industry, dedication to the partner community and innovative strategies. Tweet This: Paige Erickson of Sage named 2016 CRN Channel Chief: http://bit.ly/1XtBZ0G This influential list represents the top leaders in the IT channel who have demonstrated loyalty and dedication to the channel while driving growth and revenue in their organization. The 2016 Channel Chiefs are selected by CRN's editorial staff for their continued promotion and execution of outstanding channel partner programs. Erickson was chosen for her commitment to building innovative channel programs that helped transform Sage into a forward thinking, partnercentric organization. In her short time at Sage, Erickson has led the development of several programs and initiatives focusing on partner relationships and fulfillment. Recently, Erickson led the reinvigoration of the Sage North America Partner Program. The updated program focuses on gaining new customers while recognizing and rewarding partners. Erickson's team launched key initiatives in 2015 including the renewal of the Sage Business Partner Advisory Council to improve collaboration with Sage partners by leveraging their years of experience and expertise in the channel and the return of the President's Circle, a recognition trip for top-performing Sage partners. "It is an honor and a privilege to be named a channel chief alongside many great leaders and advocates in the industry," said Paige Erickson, vice president of partner strategy and programs for Sage. "Our team has worked hard to implement new programs while keeping our customers and partners at the forefront; it's exciting to have our efforts recognized." "We are honored to present the 2016 lineup of CRN Channel Chiefs, comprised of outstanding executives who move our entire industry forward by cultivating exemplary partner programs and executing cutting-edge business strategy," said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. "They represent an extraordinary group of individuals who lead by example and serve as both invaluable advocates and innovators of the IT channel. We applaud their incredible strides and look forward to following their accomplishments in the coming year." The 2016 CRN Channel Chiefs list is featured in the February 2016 issue of CRN and online at www.crn.com/channelchiefs. Connect with Sage North America Sage Advice LinkedIn Twitter (@SageNAmerica) YouTube Facebook Google+ Instagram About Sage Sage is a market leader for integrated accounting, payroll, and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world's entrepreneurs. Sage began as a small business in the U.K. 30 years ago, and over 13,000 colleagues now support millions of entrepreneurs, across 23 countries, as they power the global economy. We reinvent and simplify business accounting through brilliant technology, working with a thriving community of entrepreneurs, business owners, tradespeople, accountants, partners, and developers. And as a FTSE 100 business, we are active in supporting our local communities and invest in making a real difference through the philanthropy of the Sage Foundation. Press contact: Melody Chalaban Sage North America 949-754-3503 Melody.Chalaban@Sage.com SUNNYVALE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/16 -- Zetta announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Zetta to its 2016 100 Coolest Cloud Computing Vendors list. This annual lineup recognizes the most innovative and effective cloud technology suppliers in each of five categories: infrastructure, platforms and development, security, storage and software. Zetta was additionally named to the 20 Coolest Cloud Storage Vendors of the 2016 Cloud 100 list. The 100 Coolest Cloud Computing Vendors are selected by the CRN editorial team for their creativity and innovation in product development, the quality of their services and partner programs, and their demonstrated ability to help customers benefit from the ease of use, flexibility, scalability and budgetary savings that cloud computing offers. Zetta was recognized as a company that provides innovative direct-to-cloud backup and disaster recovery solutions that automate and simplify daily backup processes. The company's solutions also allow businesses to get data back quickly and reliably, from anywhere, when recovery is required, without the need for an appliance. Zetta backup and recovery solutions are designed to support large datasets up to 200TB, enabling the rapid transfer of data over the internet for faster backup and recovery with enterprise-grade security, simplified administration and flexible customization. "Cloud-based solutions have become an indispensable and fast-growing part of today's IT infrastructure. The demand for solution providers who can deliver these technologies and services is now higher than ever," said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. "CRN's annual list of 100 Coolest Cloud Computing Vendors helps solution providers find and engage with the suppliers who can best support them, either during the critical transition to the cloud or in the improvement and expansion of their existing cloud offerings." "At Zetta we have consistently been at the innovation edge of the cloud-enabled datacenter and that leadership has given us the unique distinction of being the only company to deliver ultra-high-performance backup and disaster recovery that is 100% in the cloud," said Mike Grossman, CEO of Zetta. "This gives the managed service provider the cloud-based data protection today's enterprises, both small and large, need with attractive margins and the simplified scalability that makes it easy to grow their business. We are pleased to be recognized by CRN as one of the Coolest Cloud Computing Vendors of 2016 and to once again be named as one of the 20 Coolest Cloud Storage Vendors." The new 100 Coolest Cloud Computing Vendors list will be featured in the February 2016 issue of CRN and online at www.crn.com/cloud100. Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook Tweet This: @TheChannelCo names @Zetta_corp to @CRN 2016 100 Coolest Cloud Computing Vendors list CRNCloud100 www.crn.com/cloud100 About Zetta Zetta is an award-winning provider of high-performance cloud backup and disaster recovery solutions that are a worry-free choice for businesses and managed service providers. The Company's direct-to-cloud approach provides businesses a fast and reliable way to protect, access and quickly recover their business-critical data and systems -- both physical and virtual -- without the need for costly extra hardware. For more information, visit www.zetta.com. About the Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com Contacts Erin Jones Avista PR for Zetta (704) 664-2170 Email Contact Melanie Turpin The Channel Company (508) 416-1195 Email Contact SUNNYVALE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/16 -- AppSense, the global leader of secure user environment management (UEM), today announced that that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Jim Airdo, Vice President of Channels for AppSense, to its prestigious list of 2016 Channel Chiefs. The executives on this annual list represent top leaders in the IT channel who excel at driving growth and revenue in their organizations through channel partners. Channel Chief honorees are selected by CRN's editorial staff on the basis of their professional achievements, standing in the industry, dedication to the channel partner community and strategies for driving future growth and innovation. Each of the 2016 Channel Chiefs has demonstrated loyalty and ongoing support for the IT channel by consistently promoting, defending and executing outstanding channel partner programs. Airdo was selected as a top 2016 Channel Chief by CRN based on his proven expertise in developing the winning channel strategies that drive increased solution provider engagement and growth. Among his accomplishments for AppSense include the development of a unified global partner program with a distinct channel-positive compensation model that underscores the company's investment and commitment to its channel-centric business model. "We are honored to present the 2016 lineup of CRN Channel Chiefs, comprised of outstanding executives who move our entire industry forward by cultivating exemplary partner programs and executing cutting-edge business strategy," said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. "They represent an extraordinary group of individuals who lead by example and serve as both invaluable advocates and innovators of the IT channel. We applaud their incredible strides and look forward to following their accomplishments in the coming year." "I'm honored to be named by CRN as a 2016 Channel Chief," said Airdo. "As a channel-centric business, AppSense is committed to mutually growing profitability, engagement and long-term customer loyalty in tandem with our valued partners. Together, we can deliver the endpoint security and UEM solutions our customers need to achieve a more secure, high performance and user-enabled organization." The 2016 CRN Channel Chiefs list is featured in the February 2016 issue of CRN and online at www.crn.com/channelchiefs. AppSense will be showcasing its programs and opportunities for solution providers as they accelerate growth and expand sales in the "white hot" endpoint security and user environment management market during AppSense Elevate to be held March 13-15, 2016 in New Orleans, La. and March 21-23, 2016 in Windsor, UK. For information and to register to attend, visit: www.elevate.appsense.com. Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook Tweet This: @TheChannelCo names @AppSense's Jim Airdo to @CRN 2016 Channel Chiefs list CRNChannelChiefs www.crn.com/channelchiefs. About AppSense AppSense is the leading provider of UEM solutions for the secure endpoint. AppSense user virtualization technology allows IT to secure and simplify workspace control at scale across physical, virtual and cloud-delivered desktops. AppSense Solutions have been deployed by over 3,600 enterprises worldwide to 9 million endpoints. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA with offices around the world. For more information please visit www.appsense.com. About the Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com Media Contacts: Erin Jones Avista Public Relations for AppSense 704-664-2170 Email Contact Melanie Turpin The Channel Company (508) 416-1195 Email Contact DUBLIN, February 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/kn6tx7/global) has announced the addition of the"Global Transcatheter Market Outlook 2020" report to their offering. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130307/600769 ) Global Transcatheter Market Outlook 2020 report, the Global Transcatheter Heart Valve Replacement Market is valued at around US$ 1.8 Billion in 2015 The evolving market size could be attributed to factors such as rising incidences of valvular heart diseases, the increasing adoption of transcatheter aortic valve replacement as an alternate to the traditional open heart surgery, and the overall improving reimbursement scenario for this new procedure. The report segments the market based on the types of transcatheter heart valves. The transcatheter aortic valve replacement accounted for the largest share in 2015. This high share of the market is attributed to large number of transcatheter aortic procedures in the US and Europe. Also, in terms of the route of delivery, the Transfemoral approach is the most preferred one, owing to the lower mortality rate and shorter recovery time. The report also provides details about the pipeline analysis of the various transcatheter heart valves, which are currently in the process of getting regulatory approvals in the US and Europe. The later part of the report focuses on competitive analysis of the key market players, in terms of their market share and their product offerings. Major players operating in this market include Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, St. Jude, amongst others. Key Topics Covered: 1. Analyst View 2. Research Methodology 3. Transcatheter Heart Valve Replacement - An Introduction 4. Market Dynamics 5. Global Transcatheter Heart Valve Replacement Market Outlook 2020 6. Transcatheter Heart Valve Replacement Market, By Valve Type 7. Transcatheter Heart Valve Replacement Market, By Delivery Route 8. Transcatheter Heart Valve Replacement Market, By Region 9. Pipeline Analysis 10. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 11. Competitive Analysis 12. Key Player Analysis - Boston Scientific Corporation - Direct Flow Medical, Inc. - Edward Lifesciences Corporation - JenaValve Technology, Inc. - Medtronic plc - St. Jude Medical, Inc. - Symetis SA For more information visithttp://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/kn6tx7/global About Research and Markets: Research and Markets is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 DUBLIN, February 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/nw4tld/assessment_of_the) has announced the addition of the"Assessment of the South East Asia Rubber Market"report to their offering. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130307/600769 ) The global market is currently in its fourth year of surplus of natural rubber. The excess supply situation has caused stocks to pile high and prices are falling steadily. It is expected that global surplus by the year 2020 will be approximately 1 million tons of natural rubber and 3 million tons of synthetic rubber. World demand for natural rubber, which is primarily used to manufacture tires, is cooling down due to the economic downturn in China. Asia accounts for 93% of the world natural rubber production with Thailand being the largest producer followed by Indonesia and Vietnam. Other large rubber producers in the region include India, China and Malaysia. China is the world's largest consumer of natural rubber followed by India and the United States. Increasing consumption of tyres and industrial rubber products is expected to boost the global demand for natural rubbers. Indonesia is the second largest rubber producer globally behind Thailand. While the industry is faced with challenges such as low production and poor infrastructure, growing rubber demand from developing economies is expected to boost the market in 2015. Indonesia is the second largest natural rubber producer globally. The industry is currently experiencing oversupply with demand having slowed down particularly from China which is the largest buyer of rubber in the world. Actively supporting the sector, the International Rubber Consortium, which is a body representing rubber producers Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, has recently recommended the commodity not be sold at the current low prices. Natural rubber production in Malaysia has been falling for the past few years. Many factors such as extreme weather and smallholders shifting to palm oil production are responsible for this. More than 60% of the natural rubber in the country is produced by smallholders who have not been finding the sector lucrative due to the falling prices. Thailand is the world's largest producer and exporter of natural rubber. The sector is currently faced with lack of demand and large stock piles. This is primarily due to a fall in demand from China which is the world's largest rubber consumer. Rubber prices have fallen approximately 30% in 2014 and rubber producers are seeing a fall in revenue. Globally Vietnam ranks third in natural rubber production behind Thailand and Indonesia. Vietnam rubber production accounts for approximately 8% of the global output and more than 80% of the production is exported to 86 countries. China is the largest market for Vietnam's rubber exports Key Topics Covered: 1. Global Rubber Industry 1.1 Overview 1.2 Market Statistics & Performance 1.3 Drivers 1.4 Challenges 1.5 Outlook 2. Indonesia Rubber Industry 2.1 Overview 2.2 Market Statistics 2.2.1 Production 2.2.2 Consumption 2.2.3 Export 2.3 Indonesia Rubber Gloves Industry 2.4 Drivers 2.5 Challenges 2.6 Outlook 3. Thailand Rubber Industry 3.1 Overview 3.2 Market Statistics 3.2.1 Production 3.2.2 Consumption 3.2.3 Export 3.3 Drivers 3.4 Thailand Tire Industry 3.5 Challenges 3.6 Outlook 4. Malaysia Rubber Industry 4.1 Overview 4.2 Market Statistics 4.2.1 Production 4.2.2 Consumption 4.2.3 Import 4.2.4 Export 4.3 Drivers 4.4 Malaysia Rubber Gloves Industry 4.5 Challenges 4.6 Outlook 5. Vietnam Rubber Industry 5.1 Overview 5.2 Market Statistics 5.3 Drivers 5.4 Challenges 5.5 Outlook 6. Competitive Landscape 6.1 Bridgestone Corp 6.2 Michelin 6.3 Goodyear 6.4 Continental A.G. 6.5 Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. 6.6 Thai Rubber Latex Corporation Public Company Ltd (Thaitex) 6.7 Fenner plc 7. List of Charts and Graphs For more information visithttp://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/nw4tld/assessment_of_the About Research and Markets: Research and Markets is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/16 -- WHAT: Global Petroleum Show (GPS), one of the world's largest oil and gas networking events, is now open for registration. The annual event kicks off in Calgary, Alberta from Tuesday, June 7 to Thursday, June 9 at Stampede Park, and welcomes leading oil and gas companies, business partners, media and business analysts from more than 84 countries. With the theme of "Explore and Develop," GPS offers executives, engineers and industry leaders the opportunity to connect with clients, suppliers and potential customers from across the globe. Exhibiting companies will showcase the latest technologies, perform live demonstrations and be featured in an expansive outdoor display of field equipment. International representation will include China, Korea, Indonesia, India, Nigeria, Italy, Germany, Poland, United Kingdom, South America and Mexico. To better represent the changing industry, this year's show features several new areas, including the Global Logistics Zone, Fracking Innovation Zone, Natural Gas Pavilion and Digital Oilfield Experience. For more information on what's new at GPS 2016, please visit: http://globalpetroleumshow.com/whats-new-2016/ GPS will be hosting a number of career development workshops and networking opportunities to provide professionals with insight into the changing energy landscape and advice on how to optimize professional skillsets. On June 9, 2016, the Indigenous Conference on Energy and Mining will provide Indigenous business and government leaders the opportunity to continue the dialogue surrounding energy. GPS will also celebrate global leaders driving impactful industry change at the GPS Awards ceremony on June 7, 2016. Nominations for this ceremony are still being accepted and can be submitted under several categories here: http://globalpetroleumshow.com/event/awards/ Early bird registration is now open. Register before May 31, 2016 for a free, three-day exhibition pass to the most comprehensive energy event on the planet. Canadian residents who register with a valid address before April 21, 2016 will receive their Attendee Pocket Guide and visitor badge in the mail. Advanced registration is open from June 1 - 6 for $75; standard registration is open as of June 7 for $125. For more information or to register for GPS 2016, please visit: http://globalpetroleumshow.com/register/ WHERE: Stampede Park - BMO Centre Halls A - E, Outdoor Area 20 Roundup Way S.E., Calgary, Alberta Representatives from leading oil and gas companies, exhibitors, WHO: suppliers, business partners, media and industry analysts. WHEN: The exhibition at GPS is open: -- Tuesday, June 7, 2016 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. -- Wednesday, June 8, 2016 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. -- Thursday, June 9, 2016 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Media are required to pre-register in order to obtain a show badge for the event and will need to provide accreditation (a piece of photo identification and an official business card) upon arrival. For further information on GPS, to pre-register as a member of the press, or to inquire about attendance please visit http://globalpetroleumshow.com/. Visit http://www.spe.org/events/choc/2016/ for more information. Contacts: Primary Media Contact Alisha Samnani Brookline Public Relations Inc. W: 403-538-5641 ext. 102 asamnani@brooklinepr.com Secondary Media Contact Madison Olyniuk Brookline Public Relations Inc. W: 403-538-5641 ext. 109 molyniuk@brooklinepr.com MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/16 -- Lumenpulse Inc. (TSX: LMP) will issue its third quarter results for Fiscal 2016 before the market opens on Thursday, March 10th, 2016. The Company will then hold an earnings conference call the same morning at 11:00 AM EST to discuss these results and answer analysts' questions. The conference call will include Francois-Xavier Souvay, Chairman, President and CEO of Lumenpulse and Peter Timotheatos, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The call will be webcast, with the accompanying Q3 results presentation made available at the following link: Q3 2016 Earnings Conference Call (also found in the Investor Relations section of the Company website). The conference call and presentation will be archived shortly after the live webcast at http://www.lumenpulse.com/en/investors/quarterly-results. Alternatively, investors or analysts in North America may join the call by dialing: 1-844-825-4409 (conference ID: 45117499). For more information about Lumenpulse, please visit Lumenpulse.com About Lumenpulse Inc. Founded in 2006, Lumenpulse designs, develops, manufactures and sells a wide range of high performance and sustainable specification-grade LED lighting solutions for commercial, institutional and urban environments. Lumenpulse is a leading pure-play specification-grade LED lighting solutions provider and has earned many awards and recognitions, including several Product Innovation Awards (PIA), three Next Generation Luminaires Design Awards, a Red Dot Product Design Award and a Lightfair Innovation Award. Lumenpulse has more than 486 employees worldwide, with corporate headquarters in Montreal, Canada, and offices in Quebec City, Boston, Paris, Florence, London and Manchester. Lumenpulse is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol LMP. Additional information about Lumenpulse, including its 2015 Annual Information Form, is available at www.lumenpulse.com and on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Contacts: Elisabeth Hamaoui Investor Relations (514) 937-3003 ext. 388 ehamaoui@lumenpulse.com www.lumenpulse.com EDMONTON, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/16 -- Alberta's new area code, 825, will be available for use in the province starting Saturday, April 9. The new area code is being introduced in response to the increasing demand for phone numbers in Alberta, ensuring residents and businesses continue to have enough numbers to meet demand well into the future. The new area code will be introduced gradually across the province once there is no longer a sufficient supply of numbers with the existing area codes - 403, 780, and 587. Subscribers do not need to change their existing phone numbers, but may be offered a phone number with the 825 area code when they contact their provider for new service. The geographic boundaries for long distance and three-digit numbers such as 211, 311, 411, 611 and 911 will not be affected. The Western Telecommunications Alliance, a group of Canada's major telecommunications companies, is working to inform all customers and businesses about the additional area code. To ensure a seamless transition to adding the new area code, businesses are encouraged to consider whether any changes will be required to their phone equipment. For example, businesses that restrict long distance calls will need to reprogram their equipment to accept the 825 area code as local. Residential customers will not need to make any changes to their equipment. Please visit your service provider's website for more information, or newareacodes.ca/en-CA/new-code.htm. About the Western Telecommunications Alliance The Western Telecommunications Alliance is partnership between the major telecommunications companies and industry associations across Canada. The Alliance's mandate is to educate and inform consumers and businesses about the implementation of new area codes. Contacts: Media Contacts: Chethan Lakshman Shaw Communications Inc. (403) 930-8448 chethan.lakshman@sjrb.ca Liz Sauve TELUS (604) 719-6715 liz.sauve@telus.com Jacqueline Michelis Bell (613) 785-1427 jacqueline.michelis@bell.ca Rogers Public Affairs (844) 226-1338 media@rci.rogers.com Following Success of Partnership in Spain, Company Integrates SIGFOX Connectivity Solution in Alarm Systems to Assure Anti-jamming Protection Eighteen months after connecting a million security systems to the SIGFOX Internet of Things network in Spain, Verisure Securitas Direct is extending its coverage in France, where it will deploy more than 200,000 systems connected to the network for homes and businesses during Q1. Since September 2014, Verisure Securitas Direct has integrated SIGFOX connectivity in its security systems to guarantee its customers extra protection against GSM network outages and jamming attempts. The company said its experience with SIGFOX in Spain demonstrated not only SIGFOX's cost-and-energy-use advantages and indoor performances, but also its superior anti-jamming protection compared to network protocols such as GSM. Independent of GSM networks used by most security systems and based on a very strong radio interference-protection capability, SIGFOX provides Verisure Securitas Direct a second channel of communication with the company's remote monitoring station and guarantees continuity of service. Once an attempt of interference or jamming is identified by, for example, detection of a loss of GSM signal, the control panel sends an alert via the SIGFOX network, which prompts the security protocol from the Verisure Securitas Direct's central station. "SIGFOX's communications-jamming protection is very robust compared to GSM," said Christophe Fourtet, co-founder and chief science officer of SIGFOX. "RF power required to jam SIGFOX communication with conventional jammers is huge and far beyond the power capability of jammers available on the market." SIGFOX will allow Securitas Direct, whose systems were already equipped with SIGFOX ReadyTM components, to activate the anti-jamming feature in its new offer by a simple remote software update. Ten thousands of devices are currently being updated every week. "With SIGFOX as a backup, Verisure Securitas Direct can assure its customers that we will know if their alarms go off, even if their telephone networks are not working," said Frederic Serre, Verisure Securitas Direct Operations Director. "We are proud to be the first on the French market to provide alarm systems with such levels of availability and 100% protected against radio frequency interference. This technological advance allows us to offer the best service to our customers at no additional cost to them." The Securitas Direct Group also plans to expand its collaboration with SIGFOX to other European countries, including Portugal, where the SIGFOX network is also available nationwide.(See global coverage map). About Verisure Securitas Direct Securitas Direct Verisure Group is a leading European provider of professionally monitored fire and intrusion alarms that include response services. The customer offering covers the whole value chain from product development, design and sale to installation, service and a 24/7 professional monitoring solution. About SIGFOX http://www.sigfox.com/en/#!/about View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160222005802/en/ Contacts: SIGFOX Amelie Ravier, Mahoney Lyle aravier@mahoneylyle.com +33 6 64 52 81 10 MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/16 -- Indian Motorcycle, America's first motorcycle company, loves making history at Daytona, whether it's winning the first Daytona 200 or drawing the best crowds with our Daytona Bike Week events. This year Indian again has a full schedule of events, including demo rides, new models, vintage & custom bike displays, racing, organized rides and much more during the 75th Anniversary of Daytona Bike Week, March 5-12. "Seventy-five years after Ed Kretz dominated the first Bike Week race, our team is inspired to honor that legacy and showcase our future," said Steve Menneto, President of Motorcycles for Polaris Industries. "Whether you're a cruising enthusiast or long-haul tourer, into customs like those shown in our Project Scout contest or a race enthusiast cheering on the SuperHooligan Scout Sixty bikes, we know that anybody hanging out with Indian Motorcycle will have great stories to tell." Below are highlights of the Daytona Bike Week action Indian Motorcycle has planned. Demo Rides at Daytona International Speedway (International Speedway Blvd., across from the Florida Hospital Gate) 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Daily; Last Ride Leaves at 4:30 p.m. Bike Week attendees will have the chance to ride the entire 2016 line-up of Indian motorcycles, including the Indian Scout Sixty cruiser, Indian Chief Vintage bagger, Indian Roadmaster tourer and a very special new model. Ride multiple bikes, compare, and decide which Indian Motorcycle models best suit your riding style. Demo rides are free and available to those with a valid motorcycle endorsement and proper attire. Indian Motorcycle Display at Daytona International Speedway (Richard Petty & Midway Blvd.) 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Daily In addition to the demo site at the historic Daytona Speedway, a display in the Midway area will feature the entire 2016 Indian Motorcycle line-up, as well as engine cutaways, custom & vintage bikes, accessories and apparel. Register for your chance to win a 2016 Indian Scout Sixty, check out the finalists from the 'Project Scout: Build a Legend' custom contest, see how an Indian Chieftain with performance accessories handles the dyno, and make sure to pick up an exclusive Indian Motorcycle Daytona 75th patch simply by showing your Indian Motorcycle proof of ownership (key-ring, badge, etc.) Hooligan Race Night (Ocean Complex West Parking Lot, downtown Daytona Beach) 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., March 8 Enjoy live music, food & refreshments as Roland Sands and fellow Team RSD racers battle handlebar-to-handlebar in pursuit of the checkered flag on their RSD SuperHooligan Indian Scout Sixty dirt trackers. Winners of the Project Scout contest will be announced at this event, and you're welcome to join a celebratory after-party at the Boot Hill Saloon. Indian Motorcycle of Daytona Beach (290 North Beach Street) 9a.m. - 8p.m., Daily Visit the dealership in the heart of Daytona Beach for all of your bike, accessory and apparel needs, as well as a variety of special events. Indian Motorcycle Rider's Group & Veterans Ride (Indian Motorcycle of Daytona Beach, 290 North Beach Street) 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., March 10 Owners of Indian motorcycles join veterans from the Veterans Ride program in an organized tour that begins at Indian Motorcycle of Daytona Beach and travels to Orlando for lunch. Owners can roll alongside a Vet rider from last year's inaugural Veterans Charity Ride as he captains a new custom Indian Trike. Kickstands go up at 10 a.m. Celebrate The 75th With Indian Motorcycle (Boot Hill Saloon, 310 Main Street) 6 p.m., March 11 Put a stamp on the end of a legendary week by joining Indian Motorcycle at the Boot Hill Saloon to 'Celebrate the 75th'. Visit www.IndianMotorcycle.com/en-us/daytona for the most up to date schedule. Learn more about Indian Motorcycle by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com and Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media channels. ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Indian Motorcycle, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), is America's first motorcycle company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America's most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com. ABOUT POLARIS INDUSTRIES Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader with annual 2015 sales of $4.7 billion. Polaris fuels the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts with our RANGER, RZR and POLARIS GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; our SPORTSMAN and POLARIS ACE all-terrain off-road vehicles; VICTORY and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE midsize and heavyweight motorcycles; SLINGSHOT moto-roadsters; and Polaris RMK, INDY, SWITCHBACK and RUSH snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories sold under multiple recognizable brands, and has a growing presence globally in adjacent markets with products including military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. www.polaris.com MEDIA CONTACTS Megan Kathman Skyya Communications www.skyya.com ph: (646) 661-1524 megan@skyya.com Robert Pandya External Relations Manager Indian Motorcycle USA Robert.Pandya@Polaris.com Historical Archives, Current and Future Publisher Content are Instantly SEO-Optimized Marfeel, a mobile ad technology provider that's revolutionizing the way publishers create, optimize, and monetize mobile websites, is introducing an out-of-the-box solution for mobile publishers, shortening publishers' time-to-market for Google's newly introduced AMP technology and adding on a deep link capability, pushing visitor traffic directly to the publisher's own site. The mobile tech leader is the first to announce its own answer to the complexity of implementing Google's new Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP), which can be implemented into publishers' mobile sites in a matter of minutes. With that one step all articles on a publisher's web properties, including historical archives as well as current and future content, are instantly optimized for mobile devices, allowing for these to be presented over Google's new search-result carousel -dramatically improving mobile site speed, search-ability and SEO results, while pushing visitor traffic into publishers' own mobile properties. Mobile web publishers recognize that users expect pages to load instantly; industry research indicates that as load times approach 10 seconds nearly 60 percent of viewers move on rather than wait. But the difficult process of implementing the newly released AMP technology is prohibitively labor-intensive for most publishers. Now Marfeel can resolve that dilemma for its customers in a matter of minutes, according to co-founder and COO Juan Margenat. "From this point on any mobile publisher will automatically become AMP-compatible with just the implementation of a small line of code into their properties," he explains. "Marfeel will implement this new feature for all current customers, improving their search-ability and SEO from day one, adding on to Marfeel's 360 complete mobile solution; future customers joining Marfeel will be AMP-compatible by implementing Marfeel's own mobile website conversion technology. Publishers won't need to use their own internal resources to gain the benefits of Google's new solution." Marfeel's new AMP technology removes all existing obstacles to implementing accelerated mobile pages. That is, without the Marfeel solution publishers are required to create and maintain duplicate HTML versions of their original pages, built to specific guidelines, in order to make their archived, current and future articles AMP-ready, one by one. On top of that, each change to an article code needs to be adjusted multiple times, addressing traditional publishers' diverse usage of myriad of different CMS systems (Wordpress, Joomla, in-house, and others). Many publishers have stated that they lack the resources for this time-consuming process, and would therefore make only limited older and future content AMP-compatible. PopSugar (US), Sport.es (Spain), Dennis Publishing (U.K.), National Geographic (France) and M6 (France) are among the first Marfeel customers scheduled to launch the new solution, with Dennis Publishing leading the way. "Publishers are putting significant efforts into speeding up their mobile properties, hence our work with the Marfeel solution. AMP is addressing this need by fulfilling users' demand for instantaneous search results that provide quick article loading; considering user experience as our top priority, Dennis Publishing is taking part in Google's new initiative and are keen to see how Marfeel will be supporting us in this area," says Pete Wootton, Managing Director at Dennis Digital. AMP compatibility will help publishers enhance their search engine optimization results since Google takes site speed into account when ranking site pages. Moreover, Marfeel's HTML formats will add on to this new offering by enabling deep linking into the publisher's actual mobile properties, moving traffic beyond the search results and directly over to publishers' websites. This boosts publishers' engagement metrics and gives them access to valuable user data that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Marfeel also plans to include compatibility solutions to support Facebook Instant Articles and Apple News in the near future. About Marfeel Marfeel is an ad tech platform that revolutionizes the way publishers create, optimize and monetize mobile websites. Marfeel's proprietary technology analyzes publishers' unique audience-user habits, behavior and usage patterns-and dynamically adjusts the mobile site layout to maximize readership, engagement, page views, loading time, and ultimately ad revenue. Marfeel's exclusive partnerships with over 20,000 global ad networks and exchanges ensures top-paying ads from premium advertisers. Marfeel's mobile website conversion and monetization solution has been recognized by Google, forming a strategic partnership with the search engine. Selected Marfeel customers include: MensHealth (FR), National Geographic (FR), Dennis Publishing (US/UK), Elle (MX), ABC (US) and PopSugar (US). Marfeel is backed by strategic investors Nauta Capital, BDMI and Elaia Partners. To learn more about Marfeel, please visit www.marfeel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160222005489/en/ Contacts: Propel Strategic Communications DeeDee Rudenstein, 267-521-9654 drudenstein@propelsc.com LINDON, Utah, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --Jamberry has become a household name in just over five years for easy-to-apply, long-lasting nail wraps, salon-quality nail lacquer and hand care treatments. The Jamberry range is sold through a network of over 40,000 Independent Consultants throughout the US, Canada and Puerto Rico, and more recently Australia and New Zealand.Jamberry is now extending their successful business model to the United Kingdom. United Kingdom residents will be eligible to become Jamberry Independent Consultants and order product online in April 2016. Jamberry Independent Consultants grow their Jamberry businesses by selling through in-person manicure parties and virtual parties on Facebook. These parties are entertaining and engaging, allowing women to learn about and sample Jamberry's products. Jamberry's easy and empowering business model enhances women's lives, from those who simply aspire to earn supplemental income to entrepreneurial self-starters who have built large Jamberry businesses. Three sisters, Keri Evans, Christy Hepworth and Lyndsey Ekstrom, started Jamberry in 2010 with a line of nail wraps that are easy to apply at home with a simple heat-and-pressure technique. Jamberry nail wraps last up to 2 weeks on fingers and 4 weeks on toes without chipping or smudging (application videos and tips available at jamberrynails.com). The sisters launched Jamberry for women just like themselves who want perfectly manicured nails while running from the gym to school drop offs to work and back again. "It had to be doable for people that don't necessarily do girly stuff," explains Lyndsey, the youngest of the Jamberry sisters. "The nail wraps had to be easy to apply, last a long time and of course be stylish and personal in a way that would speak to a woman's personal tastes." Jamberry releases two new collections per year (in March and September) with over 300 nail wrap designs and over 25 lacquer, basecoat and topcoat options. Limited Edition Sisters' Style Exclusives are unveiled each month, and themed capsule collections are released throughout the year with special holiday and other trend-driven designs. There is also a complete line of Jamberry Juniors for small fingers and toes, with corresponding "Mommy & Me" designs. Each sheet of nail wraps yield 2-3 manicures or pedicures and retail for 15 GBP. For more information about the brand please visit jamberrynails.com. For more information and to express intent to join Jamberry in the United Kingdom please visit the respective landing pages at https://www.jamberry.com/uk. Find Jamberry and their passionate community of nail lovers @Jamberry on all of your favorite social networks including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. PRESS CONTACT Amber Wilding amber.wilding@jamberry.com 801.831.3263 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jamberry-expands-direct-sales-business-to-the-united-kingdom-with-fashion-forward-diy-nail-art-wraps-salon-quality-nail-lacquer-and-more-300223716.html UL (Underwriters Laboratories), Xilinx, Aicas, PrismTech and other contributors join forces to provide a security and cybersecurity assessment platform for evaluating endpoint, gateway, and other networked components' security capabilities The Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) announces its first security assessment-focused testbed: the Security Claims Evaluation Testbed. IIC member organizations UL, Xilinx, Aicas and PrismTech are collaborating on the project to provide an open and easily configurable cybersecurity platform for evaluation of endpoint, gateway, and other networked components' security capabilities. Data sources can include industrial, automotive, medical and other related endpoints requested for secure operation analysis. IIC members will be able to connect their equipment to the testbed to evaluate the security of their devices within two different scenarios: individually on a device level, or with a system of other endpoints, gateways, etc. The options include exploration of methodology and collection of evidence to demonstrate the system operational security processes supporting the key characteristics of the system relative to evaluation of the participant's claims. Additionally, the testbed enables the evaluation of those critical areas of an architecture pattern that need to be secured as outlined in the Industrial Internet Reference Architecture Technical Report. Understanding the security of devices very early in product development can minimize delays for product launch. The testbed aims to enable manufacturers to improve the security posture of their products and verify alignment to the upcoming IIC Security Framework Technical Report prior to product launch to help accelerate time to market. The testbed will be rolled out in three stages, with the first being initial deployment in a lab environment and the second in a micro-factory environment. The third phase will be determined by the growth of the testbed. The security testbed's phased release approach provides a unique learning opportunity to evaluate security vulnerabilities at a device level as well as a system level prior to large scale deployment across many key applications driving the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Industry 4.0. "Working to help assure the security of the Industrial Internet is a logical extension of UL's work to support safer environments globally," said Jeff Smidt, Vice President and General Manager of UL's energy power technologies division. "By offering the first IIC-approved security evaluation testbed to IIC members and the broader IIoT community, we are meeting the manufacturers' need to address their products' security profile early on in the product development cycle, thus enabling more efficient product rollout processes." "Xilinx is committed to providing the Industrial IoT industry with our latest All Programmable SoC technologies that focus on achieving the highest levels of anti-tamper, information assurance and trust capabilities," said Lawrence Getman, Vice President of Corporate and Strategic Marketing at Xilinx. "Xilinx's technology is at the heart of the Security Claims Evaluation testbed. By leveraging the highly flexible and configurable nature that our Programmable SoC devices provide, we enable a broad spectrum of use cases that further enhance the participants' security claim assessments." "Aicas helps realize the Industrial IoT industry with secure, scalable, dynamic component-based composable, standards-based, deterministic hard real-time capable, multi-language software platforms," said David Beberman, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Aicas. "Aicas' toolchain and platform Java bytecode based technology and secure messaging technology enables component level installation and runtime authentication, authorization and IP protection for the Security Claims Evaluation testbed, and extends it with authentication, authorization and privacy to the cloud." "PrismTech develops secure, high performance, real-time end-to-end, data connectivity solutions for the Industrial IoT based on the OMG's Data Distribution Service for Real-time Systems standard," said Lawrence Ross, CEO, PrismTech. "Our technology will provide the Security Claims Evaluation Testbed with a flexible and secure Edge to Cloud data backbone that can support a broad range of participants' security claims assessments." Partners Contributing to the Security Claims Evaluation Testbed: The testbed will leverage several technologies from non-IIC constituents including: secure intelligent gateway and networking IPs providing endpoint to the cloud communication from SoC-e (System-on-Chip engineering S.L.), overall testbed monitoring with real-time analytics from Juxt.io, endpoint monitoring from PFP Cybersecurity, and programmable SOC Platforms and IP from iVeia. To learn more about this testbed, visit www.iiconsortium.org/security-claims. About Industrial Internet Consortium The Industrial Internet Consortium is an open membership organization, with over 230 members to date, formed to accelerate the development, adoption and wide-spread use of interconnected machines and devices, intelligent analytics and people at work. Founded by AT&T, Cisco, General Electric, IBM and Intel in March 2014, the IIC catalyzes and coordinates the priorities and enabling technologies of the Industrial Internet. For more information, visit www.iiconsortium.org About UL UL is a premier global independent safety science company that has championed progress for more than 120 years. Its nearly 11,000 professionals are guided by the UL mission to promote safe working and living environments for all people via two distinct entities: Underwriters Laboratories Inc., a 501(c)3 public charity, and UL, LLC. UL uses research and standards to continually advance and meet ever-evolving safety needs. We partner with businesses, manufacturers, trade associations and international regulatory authorities to bring solutions to a more complex global supply chain. For more information, visit www.UL.com About Xilinx Xilinx is the leading provider of All Programmable FPGAs, SoCs, MPSoCs, and 3D ICs. Xilinx uniquely enables applications that are both software defined and hardware optimized powering industry advancements in Cloud Computing, SDN/NFV, Video/Vision, Industrial IoT, and 5G Wireless. For more information, visit www.xilinx.com About Aicas aicas is a leading producer of Java development and analysis tools for real-time and embedded systems. The company was founded in 2001, headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany. JamaicaVM is aicas' flagship product, a hard real-time Java virtual machine with fully preemptable, deterministic garbage collection. JamaicaVM is optimized for critical systems such as real-time control, network communication, and human-machine interfaces (HMI). JamaicaVM is widely used in the industrial automation, military and aerospace, automotive, medical, and financial markets. For more information, visit www.aicas.com About PrismTech PrismTech's customers deliver systems for the Internet of Things, the Industrial Internet and advanced wireless communications. PrismTech supplies the data connectivity solutions, tools and professional services they need to build systems with the required: platform coverage, performance, scalability, efficiency, flexibility and robustness. PrismTech's customers service many market sectors, including: industrial automation, energy, healthcare, transportation, smart cities, aerospace and defense. For additional information about PrismTech, visit www.prismtech.com The Industrial Internet Consortium logo is a registered trademark of Object Management Group. Other logos, products and company names referenced in this document are property of their respective companies. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160222006097/en/ Contacts: Industrial Internet Consortium Kathy Walsh, +1 781-444-0404 walsh@iiconsortium.org IRVINE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/16 -- In response to the growing demand for quality English language instructors both abroad and in the United States, the University of California, Irvine Extension announced today a new Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program. The certificate program is designed to prepare professionals with foundational knowledge and real-world skills to effectively step into a career in TESOL with the flexibility of online courses. With registration currently open, the program will feature two spring courses for those who wish to teach English in a variety of English as a Second Language (ESL) settings in the United States and overseas, including: recent graduates, international students, aspiring educators, career changers, along with current teachers interested in enhancing their competencies in the field of TESOL. "English remains the predominant language through which most of the world communicates, and the growing global market has made the demand for English language instructors higher than ever," said Angela Jeantet, director of education and business programs at UC Irvine Extension. "Mastering the English language can be a challenge for non-native speakers. The UC Irvine Extension TESOL program equips teachers with the skills and techniques required to effectively teach non-English speaking students." TESOL participants receive a balance of current theory and practical experience in second language acquisition instructional methods. Courses provide a comprehensive study of core knowledge in the field, including aspects of linguistics and sociolinguistics, the structure of English, methodology of teaching and assessing English, literacy development, curriculum development and language assessment. A certificate may be earned in as few as eight months. The two spring courses offered include: "Theories of TESOL" - (April 4 to May 22, online) will teach participants the language acquisition process and provide a thorough understanding of the essential factors in first and second language development. Throughout the course, participants will explore the psychological, cognitive, socio-cultural and pedagogical factors that affect language learning and current teaching methods. "Teaching Reading and Vocabulary Skills" - (May 9 to June 12, online) will examine the techniques that teachers can apply to help English language learners develop reading fluency and comprehension skills. This course examines the types of vocabulary that ESL/EFL students need to learn and the strategies that enhance the learners' receptive and productive use of English vocabulary. Additional courses include: "Methods of TESOL" - introduces participants to the methods used to teach English as a second or foreign language. Course participants will learn how to prepare lesson plans and will also explore the significance of varied learning modalities in the development of effective lessons. "Teaching Listening and Speaking Skills" - will review a variety of communicative teaching techniques to assist non-native speakers to improve their English fluency, accuracy, and listening comprehension skills. "Teaching English Grammar" - will provide a thorough understanding of the rules and structure of the language and an ability to explain those rules with ease. Specific instructional strategies will be presented for teaching grammar at all levels of English language learners. "Teaching Writing and Vocabulary Skills" - will examine strategies that can be employed to teach writing in a way that fosters communication and nurtures self-expression. Techniques in evaluating student writing will be presented and applied to real-life situations. "Teaching Practicum" - applies program instruction to field experience to help instructors prepare and implement language lessons for a specific learner audience. Digital media is used to record and provide opportunities for assessment and feedback. For more information about the certificate program or to register for the courses, please visit Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program or call (949) 824-9427. About UC Irvine Extension: University of California, Irvine Extension is the continuing education arm of UC Irvine, serving adult students online, at the UC Irvine campus, and at employer sites nationally and worldwide. Since 1962, UC Irvine Extension has offered open enrollment learning opportunities to the Orange County community, providing open access to the resources of the university, through Certificate and Specialized Studies programs (found here) and free, open educational resources (http://ocw.uci.edu/). Connect with UC Irvine Extension on the institution's social media channels. About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 28,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. Located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities, it's Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $4.8 billion annually to the local economy. CONTACT: Vivian Slater (714) 573-0899 x 235 Email Contact ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/16 -- Aurion Resources Ltd. ("Aurion") (TSX VENTURE: AU) is pleased to report that it's 2015 field program generated several new, wholly-owned, high grade gold prospects in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt of Northern Finland. These prospects have highly anomalous gold in rock and till, with the best sample from Ruoppa assaying 30.7g/t Au and the best sample from Risti assaying 22.3g/t Au. The prospects are all of significant size, with up to 17 km of strike potential and excellent access. (See attached map. The highlights of the 2015 program are summarized below: Ruoppa The Ruoppa target comprises an open-ended 1.9 km long zone of anomalous gold samples, within an overall target greater than 7km long, which is contiguous with Agnico Eagle's Kuotko deposit (1.8 million tonnes grading 2.9 g/t Au; see Agnico Eagle Annual Report). In the fall of 2015, Aurion outlined extensive gold mineralization over a horizontal distance of 1.9km. A total of 81 rock chip samples were collected from outcrop, sub outcrop and angular boulders assaying from nil to 30.7 g/t Au including 21 samples which assayed greater than 1.0 g/t Au. The mineralization comprises narrow mm to less than 1m wide quartz-carbonate veins with minor sulphides, free gold and bismuth. Mineralization is hosted by felsic dykes, occurring along the margin of an intrusive body. The association of quartz-carbonate veins with free gold and bismuth with felsic dykes is very similar to that reported at Agnico Eagle's Kuotko gold deposit. Agnico is currently exploring Kuotko as a potential satellite open pit. Agnico reported completing approximately 7,300m of drilling in 2015, identifying new mineralized zones outside of the known mineral resource areas. Agnico established a Mining Lease in early 2015 and studies are being carried out to assess the viability of mining the deposit (Agnico Eagle Press Release dated Feb 10, 2016). Historical drill intercepts of 17.5 g/t Au over 5.0m and 23.5 g/t Au over 3.0m have been reported. Risti The Risti target is located approximately 13km east of the Company's Kutuvuoma property, which is under joint venture to B2Gold. The property hosts the Kaarestunturi prospect, which was discovered by the Geological Survey of Finland who completed various studies including 5 shallow diamond drill holes within a small area returning up to 5.2 g/t Au over 5.0m. In 2015, Aurion outlined a new zone of gold mineralization approximately 750m northwest of the Kaarestunturi prospect. This new zone hosts gold mineralization within quartz-iron oxide veins and breccias cutting altered meta-sediments. A total of 30 rock samples from outcrop, sub outcrop and angular boulders, within an area of 250m by 250m, assayed up to 22.3 g/t Au including 10 samples which assayed greater than 1 g/t Au. Sila (formerly Silasselka) The Sila target covers approximately 11km along the northern strike extension of the Hanhimaa Shear Zone (HSZ), within sheared meta-volcanics and meta-sediments sandwiched between two large intrusive bodies. The HSZ south of Sila hosts several gold occurrences, which have reported drill intersections of 4.5 g/t Au over 11.7m and 5.9 g/t Au over 7.5m (Agnico Eagle Annual report). Aurion has identified extensive mineralization in quartz veins and silicified meta-volcanic and meta-sedimentary rocks. Assays from 56 rock samples collected over a distance of 6.5km ranged from nil to 219 g/t Au and nil to 5410 ppm As. Numerous till samples assayed up to 0.7 g/t Au within this trend and up to 1.12 g/t Au elsewhere on the property. The gold-arsenic association at Sila, is similar to the Kittila deposit. Rova Rova comprises a 17km long less than 1km wide zone of sheared meta-volcanic and meta-sedimentary sandwiched between two large intrusive bodies. Historical work by the state mining company Outukumpu in the late 1980's highlights an approximately 6km long section with anomalous gold (and copper) in till with individual till samples assaying up to 4.0 g/t Au. The mineralization comprises quartz-carbonate vein sets in sulphide-rich metasedimentary rock, in the contact zone between meta-volcanic rocks and intrusives. Five shallow drillholes were completed in 1987, within a small area, with a best result of 2.1 g/t Au over 1.2m. Summary These projects have classic "Granite-Greenstone" orogenic gold deposit characteristics, similar to those seen in the prolific gold-rich geological terranes of Canada, Western Australia and West Africa. Unlike those jurisdictions, these projects, and the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt of Northern Finland in general, have seen significantly less exploration work. Since its first acquisition in Finland in mid-2014, Aurion has acquired a large database and land position north and south of Kittila, Europe's largest gold mine (7.7 Moz gold; Agnico Annual Report). The limited amount of fieldwork completed to date has already generated several exciting gold projects, clearly demonstrating the prospectivity of Aurion's holdings. It has also been successful in attracting B2Gold Corp., one of the most well-respected exploration and mining companies in Canada, to jointly explore the Kutuvuoma and Ahvenjarvi projects. Aurion is seeking creative partnerships to advance these exciting new opportunities. Quality Assurance and Quality Control All samples were delivered to Labtium Oy's facility in Sodankyla, Finland. The samples were analysed for gold using procedures 704P (Detection Limit - 0.01 gold; Upper Limit - 100.00 g/t gold) - 25g fire assay with AAS finish or using procedures 705P (Detection Limit - 0.005 gold; Upper Limit - 100.00 g/t gold) - 50g fire assay with AAS finish. Multi-element analysis was completed using procedure 511. This procedure detected 31 elements by aqua regia acid digestion, HCl leach followed by ICP-OES and ICP-MS analysis. Labtium is a Finnish, accredited, certified laboratory group. They are monitored by an internal QAQC program and include the inclusion of blank material, duplicates and certified reference material. Mike Basha, P.Eng., P.Geo., President and CEO of Aurion, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for the preparation of this release. For more information on these projects please visit our website at www.aurionresources.com. Forward-Looking Statement Certain statements contained in this release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Companies' current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and Aurion is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. On behalf of the Board, Mike Basha, President & CEO For further information on these projects please visit our website at www.aurionresources.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the map accompanying this press release please click on the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/AU0222.pdf Contacts: Aurion Resources Ltd. Mike Basha (709) 699-8300 or (709) 722-2141 mbasha@aurionresources.ca www.aurionresources.com BOULDER, CO--(Marketwired - February 22, 2016) - Xyleme, the Learning Content Management System for the world's top organizations, officially launched the new release of its SaaS platform, "Xy5". The customer launch event, held on February 18th, included a live demonstration of the new functionality and technology, all to the delight of the attendees. According to an event poll, 56% of Xyleme customers are well underway on the journey to delivering mobile-ready learning content. Xyleme demonstrated how the new features will enable an organization to rapidly author interactive content that performs beautifully on any desktop, tablet or smart phone device. Greg Schottland, VP of Operations at Xyleme, demonstrated the new authoring interface. "This is one of the biggest things you will see in authoring learning content in the history of Xyleme, but it's very fair to say in the history of the market." Schottland explained that the goal of the new Editor was to make it easy for content developers to create scalable, reusable and measurable content that works in print, web and mobile from a single source. David Cameron, Senior Manager of Global Learning and Development at Dell, made this comment following the launch presentation. "Extremely impressed with the new release from Xyleme, the content is stunning and the new templates are jaw dropping. The web interface is a giant leap forwards that will help us accelerate our adoption as it makes everything intuitive and simple." Schottland also demonstrated the Smart Updates feature, showing how content developers can immediately deliver content updates to a single learning object used in multiple courses on many LMSs -- all at once. Other Xyleme customers said the biggest advantage of Xy5 will be increased productivity and efficiency gained from infrastructure improvements and the ease-of-use. More than half added that the improvements will enable them to rapidly expand adoption and collaboration among Instructional Designers and achieve greater content reuse. At the event, Xyleme CEO, Mark Hellinger, positioned Xy5 as "the most modern CMS technology designed for learning available in the industry today." About Xyleme Xyleme delivers content management for learning and development. We partner with organizations to transform the way they author, publish, deliver, and analyze learning content to drive business performance. With Xyleme, organizations have everything they need to create a dynamic learning environment -- from rapid single-source content development to anywhere delivery. It's a content management solution that brings increased velocity to the entire learning technology ecosystem and makes learning content a competitive advantage. Xyleme is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, and can be found online at www.xyleme.com. The following files are available for download: PDF sampler For more information, contact Monica Kraft monica.kraft@xyleme.com 1.585.820.0876 DUBLIN, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/pswzsg/micro_motor) has announced the addition of the "Micro Motor Market by Application (Automotive, Medical Equipment, Industrial Automation, Aircraft, 3D Printing, Construction Equipment and Others), Type, Technology, Power Consumption, Region, & by Aftermarket - Global Forecast to 2020" report to their offering. The micro motor market is projected to reach USD 35.59 billion in 2020, from USD 28.26 billion in 2015 growing at a CAGR of 4.56% The increasing demand from Automotive, Medical Equipment, Industrial Automation, Aircraft, Home Appliance, Electronic information and communications equipment and 3D printers among other industries, would drive the micro motor market. Automotive, Industry automation and 3D printing applications are projected to grow faster than other applications considered. This is mainly because of increase in adoption of automation and 3D printing technology across industries, which would reduce the turnaround time and increase efficiency. Micro motors in lab automation are used in piezo motors power MRI robot, telemedicine robots, pharmaceutical dispensing, endoscopy surgical precision, automated biopsy device, robotic biopsy system, medical pipette, infusion pumps, ultrasound transducer, solution mixers, and temperature regulators among others. With increasing demand for these devices would drive the demand for micro motors. Micro motors play a significant role in the automobile industry. In recent years, there were technological advancement to develop high-quality micro motors to address automotive sector demands for automotive comfort and safety. Features such as fingertip rear & wing mirror controls, electronic climate control with vent movement, and even seat adjustment are growing in demand. These easy-to operate-features powered by micro motors allow the automotive industry to offer and incorporate affordable luxury in all car segments. Asia-Pacific region is projected to have high demand for micro motors aiding to increasing population, increasing construction and mining activities, demand for comfort and luxury features in automotive, and increasing health care centers. Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.20% 2015-2020. In China, industry automation application is projected to grow with a CAGR of 7.88%. The medical equipment application in Germany is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.02%. One of the biggest challenges faced by players in the micro motors aftermarket is counterfeit products. About 40% of the parts that are sold in the aftermarket are fake/counterfeit. Counterfeit products are mainly unauthorized spare parts that are available in the market. These unauthorized parts include those that are not genuine and are sold to dealers by suppliers. The micro motor market is dominated by a few globally established companies such as Mabuchi Motors (Japan), ABB Ltd (Switzerland), Mitsuba Corporation (Japan), Nidec Corporation (Japan), and Johnson Electric Holdings Ltd (China) among others. These companies have employed strategies such as new product development, expansions, mergers, and joint ventures to grow in the micro motor market. Companies Mentioned - ABB Ltd - Asmo Co Ltd. - Buhler Motors GmbH - Constar - Johnson Electric Holdings Limited - Mabuchi Motors - Maxon Motors AG - Mitsuba Corporation - Nidec Corporation - Wellings Holdings Ltd For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/pswzsg/micro_motor Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Germany led the major European averages higher on Monday. Strong cues from overseas and higher oil prices helped lift stocks across the board. The DAX of Germany climbed 186 points, or nearly 2 percent, to close near 9,574. Shares rose early in the day and held steady through the afternoon. The advance reversed weakness seen on Friday, resuming strength that marked much of the middle of last week. Among individual stocks, E.ON had a strong day, rising 5.37 percent. The utility warned last week that the downturn in the energy industry is a 'reality check' and its dividend policy many not be sustainable. Peer RWE also increased 5.78 percent. ThyssenKrupp and Salzgitter were strong performers as well, climbing by 4.78 percent and 4.36 percent, respectively. There was strength among car makers and financial shares. Volkswagen gained 4.12 percent. Deutsche Bank was up 3.82 percent. Elsewhere in the region, the CAC 40 of France rose 1.79 percent. The FTSE 100 of the U.K. gained 1.47 percent and the SMI of Switzerland finished higher by 1.25 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Regulatory News: Stallergenes Greer plc (the "Company") (Paris:STAGR) (Euronext Paris: STAGR), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in treatments for respiratory allergies, today announced its financial calendar for the year 2016: FY 2015 Results 27th April 2016 Investor and Analyst Call 28th April 2016 Annual Report Filing 29th April 2016 Annual General Meeting 9th June 2016 1st semester 2016 Results 25th August 2016 Strategy and R&D Day November 2016 Please note that Stallergenes Greer will release its financial results for the year 2015 the 27th of April after market close. Fereydoun Firouz, Chief Executive Officer, and Peter Buhler, Chief Financial Officer, will host the investor and analyst call on the 28th of April at 2:00 pm (CET). The Company's Annual General Meeting will be held on the 9th of June in Paris, France. Stallergenes Greer will hold a Strategy and R&D Day in Antony, France in November 2016. ABOUT STALLERGENES GREER PLC Headquartered in London (UK), Stallergenes Greer plc is a global healthcare company specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies through the development and commercialization of allergy immunotherapy products and services. Stallergenes Greer plc is the parent company of GREER Laboratories, Inc. (whose registered office is in the U.S.) and Stallergenes S.A.S. (whose registered office is in France). Trading information: Name: Stallergenes Greer ISIN: GB00BZ21RF93 1 Ticker: STAGR ICB classification: 4577 Market: Euronext Paris regulated market Additional information is available at http://www.stallergenesgreer.com This document (including information incorporated by reference in this document), oral statements made and other information published by the company contain statements that are or may be forward-looking with respect to the financial condition and/or results of operations and businesses of the Company. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believe", "expects", "project", "estimated", "forecast", "should", "plan", "may" or the negative of any of these, or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology indicating expectations or beliefs concerning future events. These forward-looking statements include risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Without being exhaustive, such factors include economic situations and business conditions, including legal and product evaluation issues, fluctuations in currencies and demand, and changes in competitive factors. These and other factors are more fully described in our prospectus filed with the French Autorite des marches financiers on September 3, 2015. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, due to various factors. Save as required by applicable law, neither the Company nor any other person assumes any obligation to update these forward-looking statements or to notify any person of any such update. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160222006348/en/ Contacts: Investor and analyst relations Peter Buhler, +33 1 55 59 23 22 Chief Financial Officer investorrelations@aresallergyco.com or Investor relations agency FTI Consulting Arnaud de Cheffontaines, +33 1 47 03 69 48 arnaud.decheffontaines@fticonsulting.com or Media relations Lise Lemonnier, 33 1 55 59 20 96 Head of Global Communications llemonnier@stallergenes.com MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/16 -- Cogeco and Centraide of Greater Montreal are pleased to announce the introduction of Training for Better Newcomer Integration, an innovative and transformational project to help foster the successful integration of Syrian refugees in their host country. Cogeco will invest $500,000 over five years to develop and implement a training and consulting program designed to help community and institutional stakeholders equip the many front-line workers involved in refugee integration with the tools they need to meet this challenge. The ultimate goal of this project is to ensure that, over the next five years, Syrian refugees will integrate successfully into our community and contribute fully to its social and economic vitality. It should be noted that this project allows for a certain level of innovation in an area where too few resources are invested in relation to the magnitude of the needs and challenges faced, while also making a real difference in the lives of the refugees. To achieve the project's goal, the front-line personnel working with Syrian refugee families must be well trained and equipped, as they will be required to deal with situations that can be complex. As well as understanding the hurdles facing the refugees, personnel will need to adapt their interventions to the new realities in which the refugee families find themselves. These local collaborators will have to meet a broad spectrum of needs, ranging from the immediate (food, housing, health care, etc.) to the medium and long term, in order to effectively support the refugee families throughout their social and economic integration into their host community (French language courses, job readiness training, education, psychological support, etc.). The Training for Better Newcomer Integration project has a component specifically tailored to citizen volunteers involved in welcoming and integrating refugees. This component will develop and implement targeted training and awareness activities aimed at creating welcoming neighbourhoods. It will have a snowball effect in the community and enhance the effectiveness of refugee welcome and integration practices. "Cogeco is especially proud to actively contribute to the establishment of this innovative initiative," said Louis Audet, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cogeco Inc. and Cogeco Communications Inc. "Thanks to Centraide of Greater Montreal and its in-depth knowledge of the community sector, we are firmly convinced that this program will have a real positive impact, not only on the Syrian refugees, but also on the people who will welcome them. Our five-year pledge demonstrates our clear commitment to support, today and in the years to come, the integration of newcomers into Quebec society. Overall, this initiative will have a lasting positive effect and it is an excellent way for Cogeco, as well as for other companies that may wish to join us, to foster the development of our community." "We are very pleased to be able to count on the genuine commitment of a partner like Cogeco to develop this project," added Lili-Anna Peresa, President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal. "We sincerely hope that this partnership will serve as an inspiration to the business community, and that other volunteers will join our effort. This initiative is the first in a series of measures that will be put in place to support the refugees' integration. No less than 71 agencies in Centraide's network provide support on a daily basis to refugees and immigrants in the Greater Montreal area. Nine of these agencies have the specific expertise to offer front-line services to newcomers: their work is well underway, and for the past several months they have been busily supporting Syrian refugees in their efforts to integrate successfully." The tools developed under this initiative will be offered to the agencies supported by Centraide across Quebec as well as to the agencies supported by United Way in Ontario, which will also help to facilitate the integration of Syrian refugees. About Cogeco Inc. Cogeco Inc. is a diversified holding corporation which operates in the communications and media sectors. Through its Cogeco Communications Inc. subsidiary, Cogeco provides its residential and business customers with video, Internet and telephony services through its two-way broadband fibre networks. Cogeco Communications Inc. operates in Canada under the Cogeco Connexion name in Quebec and Ontario, and in the United States under the Atlantic Broadband name in western Pennsylvania, south Florida, Maryland / Delaware, South Carolina and eastern Connecticut. Through Cogeco Peer 1, Cogeco Communications Inc. provides its business customers with a suite of information technology services (colocation, network connectivity, managed hosting, cloud services and managed IT services), through its 21 data centres, extensive FastFiber Network and more than 50 points-of-presence in North America and Europe. Through its subsidiary Cogeco Media, Cogeco owns and operates 13 radio stations across most of Quebec with complementary radio formats serving a wide range of audiences as well as Cogeco News, its news agency. Cogeco's subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CGO). The subordinate voting shares of Cogeco Communications Inc. are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CCA). About Centraide Centraide of Greater Montreal is an independent organization managed by a board of directors that is representative of the community. It serves Laval, Montreal and the South Shore. About 57,000 volunteers are involved in the some 350 agencies supported by Centraide, and another 22,000 work on its annual campaign. Centraide is supported by some 1,600 private and public corporations and organizations as well as by large trade unions. To learn more: www.centraide-mtl.org. In Quebec, there are 18 Centraides that between them support 1,800 community agencies and projects which in turn offer help and comfort to 1.3 million vulnerable people. Contacts: Nancy Bouffard Director, Corporate Communications Cogeco Communications Inc. 514 764-4700 nancy.bouffard@cogeco.com Annick Gagnon, Centraide of Greater Montreal 514 288-1261, ext. 242 gagnona@centraide-mtl.org OneSavings Bank plc ('OSB or the 'Company') Acquisition and securitisation of UK first charge mortgages Rochester Mortgages Limited (a subsidiary of OneSavings Bank plc) has entered into a mortgage sale agreement to acquire approximately 396mm of UK residential mortgage loans (403mm as at the cut-off date of 31 October 2015) from DB UK Bank Limited (a subsidiary of Deutsche Bank, AG). Completion of the acquisition is conditional upon OneSavings Bank plc establishing an off-balance sheet securitisation vehicle, which will acquire approximately 374mm of the mortgage loan portfolio (381mm as at the cut-off date of 31 October 2015). OneSavings Bank plc will keep approximately 22mm of the portfolio on balance sheet to comply with the retention requirements of each of Article 405 of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013, Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 231/2013 and Article 254 of Regulation (EU) 2015/35 and will act as the co-arranger and master servicer of the securitisation. Morgan Stanley will also act as the co-arranger of the securitisation. The Transaction is in the ordinary course of the Company's business and the acquisition of the retained mortgage loans will be satisfied by cash from the Company's resources. Deutsche Bank AG and its affiliates expect to purchase notes and residual certificates in the securitisation and may seek to sell such notes and certificates to third party investors. Enquiries: OneSavings Bank plc Alastair Pate t: 01634 838 973 Brunswick Group Robin Wrench / Simone Selzer t: 020 7404 5959 About OneSavings Bank plc OneSavings Bank plc ('OSB') began trading as a bank on 1 February 2011 when the trade and assets of Kent Reliance Building Society ('KRBS') were transferred into the business. OSB is a specialist lending and retail savings group authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority, part of the Bank of England, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. OSB focuses on selected sub-sectors of the lending market in which it has established expertise, platforms and capabilities, and where opportunities have been identified for both high returns on a risk-adjusted basis and strong growth. These include Residential Mortgages (comprising first charge, second charge and shared ownership), Buy-to-Let/SME and Personal Loans. OSB originates organically through specialist brokers and independent financial advisors. OSB is predominantly funded by retail savings originated through the established Kent Reliance franchise, which includes a network of branches in the South East of England, as well as online and postal channels. Diversification of funding is currently provided by a securitisation and OSB joined the Funding for Lending Scheme in early 2014. This announcement is distributed by GlobeNewswire on behalf of GlobeNewswire clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: ONE Savings Bank PLC via GlobeNewswire [HUG#1988266] BM7S7K9R14 Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/16 -- Venerable Ventures Ltd. ("Venerable" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: VLV) is pleased to announce that it has received TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") approval for and has effected the final purchase of the Trout Property previously announced on November 30, 2015. The final purchase was completed pursuant to the Mineral Property Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") dated November 23, 2015 with Robert Carmichael and Landmark Geological Inc. (the "Vendors"). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company has acquired the Trout Property located in the Nechako Plateau, near Vanderhoof, British Columbia. The Trout Property comprises 24 mineral tenures with a total area of approximately 8,863 hectares. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company has made the final payment of $5,000 and issued 2,000,000 common shares of the Company to each of the Vendors. The Property is subject to a 2% Net Smelter Royalty and a repurchase option in the event the Company completes a Change of Business (as such term is defined under the policies of the Exchange) or a good faith proceeding seeking the Company insolvent is instituted and the Vendors pay nominal consideration. The Company regretfully announces that William Kocken, a director of the Company, has passed away. The board of directors is grateful to Bill for his contributions to the Company and the British Columbia Mining Industry. Bill was a good friend and he will be sorely missed. The Company wishes to extend its condolences to the family. About the Company Venerable Ventures Ltd. is a Canadian natural resource company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties, with its primary focus on the Trout Property. The Trout Property is 65 km southwest of Vanderhoof, B.C. on the Nechako Plateau. The Trout Property is approximately 40 km NNE of NewGold's Blackwater Project. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VENERABLE VENTURES LTD. Ryan Sharp President and CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: Venerable Ventures Ltd. Ryan Sharp President and CEO (604) 647-0146 The global pantyliner marketis expected to reach USD 3,514 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of more than 5%, according to Technavio's latest report. In this report, Technavio covers the market outlook and growth prospects of theglobal pantyliner market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the retail sales of pantyliners in the market. Technavio's research study segments the global pantyliner market into the following regions: Americas Europe APAC MEA The global pantyliner market was dominated by the Americas in 2014, which accounted for a more than 45% market share. The Americas was followed by Europe with 30.25%, APAC with 21.25%, and MEA still needs to catch up with a market share of just 3%. Technavio analysts forecast the market shares of the Americas and Europe to decrease slightly by 2020 due to increased demand from APAC countries. Americas: largest pantyliner market The pantyliner market in the Americas is expected to reach USD 1.59 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of close to 5%. The Americas is among the leading regions for feminine hygiene products. The US is the largest country for feminine hygiene products in the region as well as in the global feminine hygiene products market. According to Abhay Sinha, one of the Technavio's lead health and wellness research analysts, "The penetration of feminine hygiene products, especially tampons, menstrual cups, and pantyliners, is high in the Americas because of high awareness rates and the high proportion of working women." In addition, the US and Canada have high disposable incomes and consumers in these countries prefer buying branded products. Over 30,000 American women spend on brands such as Always, CAREFREE, Kotex, and store brands. Ask for a sample of this report: http://goo.gl/YEgHri Russia and the UK quoted the leading countries to gain interest in pantyliners in Europe The pantyliner market in Europe is growing rapidly and is experiencing a positive growth rate in the current scenario. Due to the menopause, women are suffering with hot flushes and various symptoms like perspiration and white discharge, which can create malodors. This creates a need for increased daily hygiene, which, in turn, is leading to demand for pantyliners in the market. Russia and the UK are among the leading countries rapidly gaining interest in pantyliners. Pantyliners and shields dominate the feminine care product market in Russia, contributing more than 50% of the market share through the sales of these products. This is followed by sanitary pads, disposable razors, and internal cleansers. The Always brand of pantyliners was among the top most preferred brands in Russia and the UK in 2014. High female population and the rise in concern about hygiene stimulating pantyliner market in APAC The pantyliner market in APAC is expected to reach USD 769.6 million by 2020, growing at a CAGR of more than 5%. The high female population and the rise in concern about hygiene are some of the drivers of the pantyliner market in APAC. There has been a tremendous rise in the middle income group in this region. In addition, the working female population in this region is rising, which increases spending on feminine hygiene products, such as pantyliners. Sanitary pads are the most popular feminine hygiene products in this region, and they are slowly gaining visibility in the market following a previous lack of awareness. Companies are now increasing their marketing strategies and trying to market pantyliners in line with other sanitary products. International vendors, like P&G and Kimberly-Clark, have a dominant presence in this region. "Countries like India are price-sensitive, so vendors have introduced low price products to attract price-sensitive and lower income group consumers in this region. Many vendors are also spreading awareness of their products in rural areas," says Abhay. Some of the top vendors in the global pantyliner market highlighted in the report are: Edgewell Personal Care Kimberly-Clark P&G Premier Unicharm Browse Related Reports: Global Feminine Hygiene Products Market 2015-2019 Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP) Market- Industry Forecast and Trends 2015-2019 Adult Diapers Market 2015-2019- Global Report on Market Trends, Drivers, Forecast Purchase these three reports for the price of one by becoming a Technavio subscriber. Subscribing to Technavio's reports allows you to download any three reports per month for the price of one. Contact enquiry@technavio.com with your requirements and a link to our subscription platform. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies. Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160222005922/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 630 333 9501 UK: +44 208 123 1770 www.technavio.com Technavio's latest new research areas industry report covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global smart microwave oven market 2015-2019 In this report, Technavio's home, kitchen, and large appliancesresearch experts announce their key market highlights for the global smart microwave oven market. Their findings include: Global smart microwave oven market expected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 28% during the forecast period The global smart microwave oven market is expected to reach USD 8.60 billion by 2019, growing at a tremendous CAGR of close to 28%. Enhanced living standards of end-users and increased interest in connectivity-enabled smart appliances are some of the major factors contributing to the growth of the market. The IoT will be a trend that will influence any vendor associated with the field of technology during the forecast period. With the increase in digitization in homes, consumers will spend more on home automation. "As wireless technology becomes global and smartphones become commonplace, end-users will increasingly switch to home security devices that are Wi-Fi enabled and keep them notified about intruders and activities at their residence," says Faizan Akhtar, one Technavio's lead analysts for home, kitchen, and large appliances research. Adoption of broadband and home network is another major driver highlighted by Technavio that is expected to boost the global smart microwave oven market over the next few years. The spread of network infrastructure to homes is driven by the increase in the number of smartphones and the ubiquitous use of the Internet across the globe. The increased Internet penetration has resulted in an increase in the use of the Internet for home automation as well. High use of wireless technologies like ZigBee and Wi-Fi is also making interoperability between devices possible. "As the use of the Internet and technology becomes widespread across the globe, the use of connected home appliances will also gain traction, leading to the burgeoning growth of appliances like smart microwave ovens," says Faizan. Request sample report: http://goo.gl/T2Mth1 US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand: major markets for smart microwave oven The global smart microwave oven market is highly concentrated in North America, which dominated the market, followed by APAC and Europe. The smart microwave oven market in North America will continue to grow at a consistent pace as the US and Canada will see high penetration of smart appliances in the future as broadband and connected devices will be available in more houses. The market in APAC is growing at a consistent pace, with major growth coming from emerging countries like China and India. Populous South Asian countries like South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam will show tremendous growth during the forecast period. The market in Australia and New Zealand will also contribute to the smart microwave oven market in APAC. Innovative and customer-centric products by vendors to boost market growth The report states that by developing innovative and customer-centric products by the vendors, the market will show tremendous growth in the next five years. The global smart microwave oven market boast of well-diversified international and regional vendors. However, with international players increasing their footprint in the market, regional vendors are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with them in terms of quality, technology, and pricing. "Companies with better technical and financial resources can manufacture products that may render competitors' merchandise non-competitive even before it is launched or their costs are recovered. Therefore, vendors have to incorporate new product innovations and stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in food preparation that have a bearing on their product lines," says Faizan. Top international vendors in the market include: Breville GE June LG Samsung Browse Related Reports: Smart Home M2M Market in UK: Market Research Report 2015-2019 Smart Home M2M Market in Western Europe 2015-2019 Global Smart Grid Home Area Network (HAN) Market 2015-2019 Purchase these three reports for the price of one by becoming a Technavio subscriber. Subscribing to Technavio's reports allows you to download any three reports per month for the price of one. Contact enquiry@technavio.com with your requirements and a link to our subscription platform. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies. Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160222006031/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1-630-333-9501 UK: +44 208 123 1770 www.technavio.com Carriers can now use the Clearwater Core IMS on VMware and OpenStack, using TOSCA and Cloudify GigaSpaces Technologies, the company behind the Cloudify pure-play open NFV orchestration platform, and Metaswitch Networks, the leading network software provider, announced today that they will bring Metaswitch's production- and cloud-ready open source virtual network functions (VNFs) to telecom carrier market segments. Carriers attending Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week can learn how the two companies are working to accelerate the migration from proprietary, monolithic networks to an NFV environment. Cloudify and Metaswitch teams will co-present this proven, simple and fully open source solution at the VMware booth in Hall 3 3K10. The solution runs on top of VMware's VIO (VMware Integrated OpenStack) and vCloud Director (VCD). "GigaSpaces and Metaswitch are both committed to and backers of leading open source projects," said Paul Brittain, vice president of wireless and multimedia products at Metaswitch. "Our work together supports open source solutions for the telecom domain, which up until recently has been dominated by expensive and proprietary platforms from incumbent vendors." The integration between the two companies' technologies provides carriers with an alternative means to deliver an IMS and other NFV services based on Metaswitch Clearwater Core IMS and managed through Cloudify-an open source, TOSCA-based orchestration framework that follows the principles of the ETSI MANO specification and provides true multi-VIM support including OpenStack, VMware VIO and VCD infrastructure. "Large network providers looking to automate the deployment and configuration of their VNFs and add support for ETSI and TOSCA can use this integration as a reference for how to incorporate Cloudify as an embeddable management and automation framework," said Nati Shalom, CTO of GigaSpaces. A Clearwater Core IMS onboarding demo is available at the Cloudify website, with the sources in Github. This working demo is available for VMware users on VCD and VIO, as well as OpenStack users, allowing network providers to configure, launch, manage, monitor and auto-scale and heal their services across VMware and OpenStack environments freely. The ability to take complex network services and automate deployment and management out of the box through a simple download, as demonstrated by Orange Labs at the latest OPNFV event, completely revolutionizes the way network services can be delivered. It reduces costs, and it democratizes the core carrier backbone by leveraging open source software. About GigaSpaces GigaSpaces Technologies provides software for cloud application orchestration and scaling of mission-critical applications on cloud environments. Hundreds of tier-one organizations worldwide-including top financial firms, e-commerce companies, online gaming providers, healthcare organizations and telecom carriers-are leveraging GigaSpaces technology to enhance IT efficiency and performance. GigaSpaces has offices in the US, Europe and Asia. More at www.gigaspaces.com and getcloudify.org. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160222006441/en/ Contacts: Cathey Communications for GigaSpaces Technologies Robert Cathey, +1-865-386-6118 robert@cathey.co @robertcathey ATLANTA, GA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/16 -- Zywie, a medtech company focused on the early detection and precise remote monitoring of patients with cardiovascular disease, has been named one of the Top 40 Innovative Technology Companies in Georgia by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), the state's leading association dedicated to the promotion and economic advancement of Georgia's technology industry. TAG'S Top 40 Awards recognize Georgia-based technology companies for their innovation, financial impact, and their efforts at spreading awareness of Georgia's technology initiatives throughout the U.S. and globally. TAG will recognize this prestigious group at the 2016 Georgia Technology Summit (GTS) on March 17, 2016, at the Cobb Galleria Centre. "We are honored to be recognized as a TAG Top 40 Innovative Technology Company leader for our innovative ZywiePro Solution," said Latha Ganeshan President and CEO at Zywie. "The benefits of our ZywiePro solution are helping physicians take on the increasing demands of CVD in our country while providing better patient care." Zywie is revolutionizing cardiac remote monitoring with its innovative solution that improves patient care and value to the physician. About 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year-that's 1 in every 4 deaths.1 With the growing number of CVD patients every year, a better system needed to be created to not only support these ever increasing numbers but also to provide a better tool for physicians and their staff. Zywie helps physicians efficiently and accurately diagnose and treat their patients' many heart-related problems. ZywiePro, the next-generation cardiac remote monitoring solution, leverages mobile and cloud technology to facilitate detection of cardiovascular arrhythmias in patients in a more timely, accurate and cost-effective manner than alternative monitoring solutions allow. By giving physicians detailed diagnostic insight into the cardiovascular health of their patients, ZywiePro empowers physicians to provide more personalized and effective patient care. "The 2016 Top 40 finalists are an elite group of innovators who represent the very best of Georgia's Technology community," said Tino Mantella, president & CEO of TAG. "The 2016 Top 40 finalists are shining examples of what makes our state such a hotbed for technology and we applaud them for standing out as leaders in Georgia's technology community." This year's Top 40 Companies were selected from among over 100 applications submitted by companies from across Georgia. Companies selected for the "Top 40" will be showcased in an exhibition at The 2016 Georgia Technology Summit. "An extraordinary number of truly innovative technology companies participated in this year's Top 40 competition, demonstrating the depth and breadth of Georgia's technology community," said Dennis Zakas, managing partner of Zakas & Leonard, LLP, CEO of Zinc., and chairperson of the Top 40 Selection Committee. "In fact, based on the quality of the contestants, we could have had a 'Top 60' without losing a beat." For more information about TAG and the Georgia Technology Summit and to register for the event, visit http://www.tagonline.org/events/georgia-technology-summit Follow the conversation on Twitter through TAGGTS. About Zywie Zywie (zi-wee) is a medtech company focused on the early detection and precise remote monitoring of patients with cardiovascular disease. The company's end-to-end platform, the ZywiePro solution, uses FDA cleared technology to provide physicians with a trusted, cost-effective solution for remote electrocardiogram monitoring. www.zywie.healthcare About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) TAG is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 30,000 members through regional chapters in Metro Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Macon/Middle Georgia, and Savannah. TAG's mission is to educate, promote, and unite Georgia's technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. Additionally, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG's charitable arm) focuses on helping science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education initiatives thrive. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org or TAG's community website at http://www.hubga.com To learn about the TAG-Ed Collaborative visit http://www.tagedonline.org/ Media Contacts: Zywie, Inc. Alex Armstrong Alex.armstrong@zywie.healthcare 678-514-3159 Technology Association of Georgia Tony Cooper Email Contact (404) 920-2008 GATINEAU, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/16 -- The Honourable Judy M. Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, in partnership with the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, today announced that Steve Brunton, has been selected as Expert Advisor to assist on the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS). Steve Brunton is a retired Rear Admiral from the Royal Navy (United Kingdom), with extensive experience in overseeing shipbuilding programs and naval acquisitions. He will provide Ministers and senior government officials with independent expert advice on multiple facets of the NSPS, including risk and program management, construction benchmarking and competitiveness, and performance and operational improvements. Through the NSPS, the Government is supporting the renewal of the Canada Coast Guard fleet, and is ensuring that the Royal Canadian Navy is able to operate as a true-blue water maritime force. The NSPS will also bring long-term economic benefits to the marine industry and related sectors in communities across Canada. Quick Facts -- Steve Brunton, CBE MSc MCGI CEng FIET FCMI, is currently providing strategic program and risk advice to the UK Ministry of Defence. In addition, he worked for the United Kingdom's Royal Navy for 36 years, most of which was spent in the area of acquisitions. -- The contract is for one year, with potential one-year extensions up to 10 years. The annual value of the contract will vary depending on the tasks performed by Steve Brunton. Quotes "Steve Brunton's extensive experience and expert capability make him particularly well-suited for this work, and provide excellent value to Canada. Engaging him will help us to anticipate and address challenges face on, and to continue to make progress on our commitments on the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy." The Honourable Judy M. Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement "I would like to take the opportunity to welcome Steve Brunton as Expert Advisor to assist on the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. I look forward to working with him as we deliver critical capabilities needed by the brave naval men and women of our Royal Canadian Navy so that they can defend Canadian waters and take part in international missions well into the future." The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence "The addition of Steve Brunton as Expert Advisor on the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy underscores our government's commitment to robust and effective procurement. Through the NSPS, the Canadian Coast Guard will see its fleet renewed with maximum benefit to Canadians, supporting the important work of our Coast Guard." The Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard "The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy offers a long-term plan to help sustain and create highly skilled jobs for Canadian companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises. I look forward to working with Steve Brunton and my colleagues to ensure that this work delivers economic and regional benefits throughout the industry, while supporting new technological expertise that will help the industry grow and innovate now and into the future." The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Associated Links National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy Follow us on Twitter. Contacts: Annie Trepanier Office of the Honourable Judy M. Foote 819-997-5421 Media Relations Public Services and Procurement Canada 819-420-5501 VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - February 22, 2016) - Almaden Minerals Ltd. ("Almaden" or "the Company") (TSX: AMM) (NYSE MKT: AAU) is pleased to announce partial assay results from Almaden's Ixtaca Zone exploration and development program at the Company's 100% owned Tuligtic project, Mexico. Drill hole TU-15-457 was drilled into limestone hosted mineralisation in the core of the updated PEA pit, between holes on section 10 + 500, in order to better define the high grade zone and to provide additional metallurgical sample material for the final stages of the Company's ongoing Pre-Feasibility ("PFS") metallurgical program. Highlights from hole TU-15-457 released today include the following intercepts: Recently the Company released a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") on the Ixtaca deposit (see news release dated December 9th, 2015). Approximately 97% of the mineral resources incorporated into the updated PEA mine plan were in the Measured and Indicated categories. The Company is currently designing a 2016 exploration drill program to test for additional high grade vein structures immediately adjacent to known mineralisation and the PEA pit. J.D. Poliquin, chairman of Almaden, stated, "Today's results once again show the continuity of the high grade core of the Ixtaca deposit. We are now focussed on developing the Ixtaca deposit into a significant precious metals producer in Mexico and are currently busy with engineering work and studies towards producing a PFS." About the Ixtaca Deposit PFS Program Development related activities are currently underway, including advanced engineering and environmental baseline studies to meet the requirements of a PFS and the submittal of an environmental permit application and risk assessment to the Mexican regulatory agency responsible for mine permitting. To date Almaden has completed or initiated the following studies: Hydrologic studies including the drilling of water test wells and installation of hydrologic equipment for baseline monitoring of existing subsurface water flow and quality on the project site (installation complete, monitoring ongoing); Baseline surface water quality and flow measurements (monitoring ongoing); Geochemical characterization of rock materials (complete); Condemnation drilling of areas where mine infrastructure is planned (complete); Geotechnical drilling to confirm foundation, footing and subsurface material quality (final holes based on updated mine plan are planned for March, 2016); Geomechanical drilling to confirm rock strength, hardness and pit slope parameters (complete); PFS level metallurgical test work (ongoing); Flora and fauna studies (complete); Installation of a weather station (complete); KP is an international consulting firm and recognized leader in providing engineering and environmental services. KP's expertise has been applied to hundreds of surface and underground mining projects in all stages of development and a broad range of environmental settings. KP provides industry leading services in water and waste management, tailings disposal, heap leach pads, rock mechanics and environmental services, and has been recognized for innovative services that meet high standards of reliability, security and cost effectiveness. About the Ixtaca Drilling Program and the Ixtaca Project The 100% owned Ixtaca Zone is a blind discovery made by the Company in 2010 on claims staked by the Company. The deposit is an epithermal gold-silver deposit, mostly hosted by veins in carbonate units and crosscutting dykes ("basement rocks") with a minor component of disseminated mineralisation hosted in overlying volcanic rocks. The Ixtaca deposit is located in a developed part of Mexico in Puebla State, the location of significant manufacturing investments including Volkswagen and Audi plants. The project is accessed by paved road and is roughly 20 kilometres from an industrial park with rail service where significant manufacturers such as Kimberly Clarke have facilities. Any potential mining operation at Ixtaca would be located in an area previously logged or cleared with negligible to no current land usage. The Company has access to the entire project area and works closely with local officials and residents. The Company has employed roughly 70 people in its exploration program who live local to the Ixtaca deposit. For example, local employees have made up virtually all the drilling staff and have been trained on the job to operate the Company's wholly owned drills. The Company has implemented a comprehensive science based and objective community relations and education program for employees and all local stakeholders to transparently explain the exploration and development program underway as well as the potential impacts and benefits of any possible future mining operation at Ixtaca. The Company regards the local inhabitants to be major stakeholders in the Ixtaca deposit's future along with the Company's shareholders. Every effort is being made to create an open and clear dialogue with our stakeholders to ensure that any possible development scenarios that could evolve from the anticipated PFS are properly understood and communicated throughout the course of the Company's exploration and development program. To better explain the impacts of a mining operation at Ixtaca the Company has conducted numerous tours for local residents to third party operated mines in Mexico so that interested individuals can form their own opinions based on first-hand experience. The Company invites all interested parties to visit www.almadenminerals.com to find out more about our community development, education and outreach programs. Technical Details of the Ixtaca Drilling Program The Main Ixtaca and Ixtaca North Zones of veining are interpreted to have a north-easterly trend. Holes to date suggest that the Main Ixtaca and Ixtaca North Zones are sub vertical with local variations. This interpretation suggests that true widths range from approximately 35% of intersected widths for a -70 degree hole to 94% of intersected widths for a -20 degree hole. The drilling completed to date has traced mineralisation over 1,000 meters along this northeast trend. The Chemalaco (Northeast Extension) Zone strikes roughly north-south (340 azimuth) and dips at 55 degrees to the west. This interpretation suggests that true widths range from approximately 82% of intersected widths for a -70 degree hole to 99% of intersected widths for a -40 degree hole. Morgan J. Poliquin, Ph.D., P.Eng., a qualified person ("QP") under the meaning of NI 43-101, the President CEO and a Director of the Company, reviewed the technical information in this news release. The analyses reported were carried out at ALS Chemex Laboratories of North Vancouver using industry standard analytical techniques. For gold, samples are first analysed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy ("AAS"). Samples that return values greater than 10 g/t gold using this technique are then re-analysed by fire assay but with a gravimetric finish. Silver is first analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectroscopy ("ICP-AES"). Samples that return values greater than 100 g/t silver by ICP-AES are then re analysed by HF-HNO 3 -HCLO 4 digestion with HCL leach and ICP-AES finish. Of these samples those that return silver values greater than 1,500 g/t are further analysed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Gold equivalent ("AuEq" or "Gold Eq.") and silver equivalent ("AgEq" or "Silver Eq.") values were calculated using silver to gold ratios of 50 to 1. The ratio of 50 to 1 was used for the sake of consistency with past news releases. Intervals that returned assays below detection were assigned zero values. Metallurgical recoveries and net smelter returns are assumed to be 100% for these calculations. Blanks, field duplicates and certified standards were inserted into the sample stream as part of Almaden's quality assurance and control program which complies with National Instrument 43-101 requirements. Cautionary Note concerning estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources This news release uses terms that comply with reporting standards in Canada and certain estimates are made in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"). NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes Canadian standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and mineral resource information contained herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by United States companies. This news release uses the terms "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" to comply with reporting standards in Canada. We advise United States investors that while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize them. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in such categories will ever be converted into mineral reserves under SEC definitions. These terms have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. Therefore, United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" or "inferred mineral resources" exist. In accordance with Canadian rules, estimates of "inferred mineral resources" cannot form the basis of pre-feasibility or other economic studies. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of the "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" or "inferred mineral resources" will ever be upgraded to a higher category. About Almaden Almaden Minerals Ltd. is a well-financed company which owns 100% of the Tuligtic project in Puebla State, Mexico. Tuligtic covers the Ixtaca Gold-Silver Deposit, which was discovered by Almaden in 2010. On Behalf of the Board of Directors "Morgan Poliquin" Morgan J. Poliquin, Ph.D., P.Eng. President, CEO and Director Almaden Minerals Ltd. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) nor the NYSE MKT have reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release which has been prepared by management.. Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, certain information presented constitutes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, those with respect to potential expansion of mineralization, potential size of mineralized zone, and size and timing of exploration and development programs, estimated project capital and other project costs and the timing of submission and receipt and availability of regulatory approvals involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievement of Almaden to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, risks related to international operations and joint ventures, the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations, uncertainty in the estimation of mineral resources, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, environmental risks and hazards, increased infrastructure and/or operating costs, labour and employment matters, and government regulation and permitting requirements as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Almaden's Annual Information form and Almaden's latest Form 20-F on file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. Although Almaden has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Almaden disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required pursuant to applicable securities laws. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/2/22/11G083915/Images/SECTION_10500-aa73fa5565cabaae8e0f3bd61155a9f6.jpg Attachment Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/2/22/11G083915/Plan_final-f1f4ffaf6a9bbc44b7ff31059d0aa061.pdf Contact Information: Almaden Minerals Ltd. Tel. 604.689.7644 Email: info@almadenminerals.com http://www.almadenminerals.com/ TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -GroupBy, Inc (www.groupbyinc.com) an industry leading provider of commerce and media software solutions today announced that BuildDirect, a technology company transforming the home improvement industry, has selected GroupBy to power its site search and merchandising experience on builddirect.com, and its recently unveiled Home Marketplace. Home Marketplace is designed to provide a seamless renovation experience by assisting homeowners at every stage of their remodel- from planning and design, to selection of products, through home delivery. For suppliers, the platform provides a direct link to consumers, allowing them to connect the right goods with demand in a highly efficient manner. "BuildDirect's Home Marketplace has a very wide assortment of home improvement products so a strong search functionality is essential to our customer experience," said Chief Technology Officer of BuildDirect, Tal Ball. "GroupBy is the perfect partner because their technology allows us to innovate and optimize search, as well as tighten search relevancy." After careful evaluation, BuildDirect selected Searchandiser to replace their Oracle Endeca site search experience. GroupBy's powerful Searchandiser platform has allowed BuildDirect to accelerate their development efforts. "With GroupBy, what we accomplished in our first week validated that this was the platform to support our expansion into Home Marketplace," said Tyrell Mara, Product Manager at BuildDirect. "As retail shifts to a more online centric paradigm companies like BuildDirect are poised to take full advantage of the transition. With Searchandiser, the BuildDirect team is able to create the most relevant, as well as, easy-to-use experience for their customers," said Roland Gossage, Managing Director and CEO at GroupBy. "As BuildDirect continues to advance its eCommerce and marketplace strategy, they'll now have a platform that can move as fast as their teams can. We're very excited to add them to our client roster and are firmly committed to both their short and long-term success in this market." About BuildDirect BuildDirect is the world's largest online marketplace for heavyweight home improvement products. The company has transformed how homeowners access and purchase home improvement products by building the only online marketplace that offers the widest selection of products at the best value, direct-to-home shipping, free virtual design tools and best-in-class customer service. Suppliers are able to leverage the marketplace to showcase and sell their home improvement products directly to consumers, helping homeowners get a simple and more trusted online shopping experience. BuildDirect is recognized for building the world's first supply chain for shipping heavy goods directly to homeowners' doorsteps. BuildDirect is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit BuildDirect.com . Suppliers can visit BuildDirect.com/seller to sign up. About GroupBy Inc. GroupBy Inc. provides powerful commerce, media, and knowledge management software solutions that help companies better connect with their customers by creating a more relevant user experience. This improved experience drives more targeted site traffic, increases revenue, and boosts overall customer satisfaction. GroupBy's solutions provide industry-leading features for search, navigation, merchandising, search engine optimization (SEO), and search as you type (SAYT). Their e-commerce solution, Searchandiser, powers many of the world's top retailers' online experiences. GroupBy has offices in Canada, United States and China. For more information about GroupBy, visit http://www.groupbyinc.com, call +1-855-210-6513, or emailteam@groupbyinc.com RELATED LINKS http://www.groupbyinc.com Roland Gossage, Managing Director, CEO, GroupBy Inc., Cell: 416 300 4640, roland.gossage@groupbyinc.com, www.groupbyinc.com Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 of HS Orka hf. (the "Company") were approved at a Board of Directors meeting on 22 February 2016. The financial statements of HS Orka hf. are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and are stated in ISK. The financial statements can be found on the Company's website: http://www.hsorka.is Company EBITDA increased by 1% to ISK 2,774 million (2014: ISK 2,738 million), despite a 2% reduction in annual operating revenues to ISK 7,350 million (from ISK 7,479 in 2014). Both revenue and operating cost decreased by 723 million year on year, due to the transfer of certain employees directly to HS Veitur, when formerly the employees costs were recharged and recorded in income. Excluding the impact of the transfer, revenue increased year on year largely due to increased retail sales. Loss for the year was ISK 247 million (2014: profit of ISK 736 million), due predominantly to the non-cash fair value change of embedded derivatives in power purchase agreements (linked to aluminum price) which resulted in a loss of ISK 3,248 million compared to loss of ISK 1,556 million in 2014. A total comprehensive profit of ISK 2.633 million was recorded against ISK 679 million in 2014. The increase was largely driven by recognition of ISK 3,040 million as a result of the revaluation of the Svartsengi Power plant on 31 December, 2015 based on projected cash flows resulting from current plant output and projected power prices. The Company's equity ratio is 58.6% compared to 59.7% at year-end 2014. Further information can be provided by Asgeir Margeirsson, Managing Director of HS Orka hf., tel. 520 9300 / 855 9301. Attachment: https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=548046 Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Skyscanner, the global travel search engine headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, announced its financial results for the year ending 31 December 2015. The privately-owned company, which announced a 128m funding round at the beginning of 2016, reported strong growth: revenues were 120m ($183m), up 28% compared to the prior year while normalized EBITDA before statutory adjustments was 22m ($34m), up 5%. Gross bookings amounted to $11.2 billion (+49%). In 2015, visitors to Skyscanner grew 48% over the prior year, with a record 50m monthly visitors. Mobile visitors grew 60% now representing 59% of total visitors, up 7 % in twelve months. The Asia Pacific region continued to show strong growth, with visitors increasing 48% last year, mainly driven by Japan and China. The Americas region saw 55% growth in visitors last year, more than doubling in the U.S. and launching in Mexico. Visitors in Europe grew42 %. Its B2B arm, Skyscanner for Business, doubled revenues, launched its own Car Hire white label product and increased partners to 400, including major brands such as MSN. Founded in 2003 by Gareth Williams, CEO, Skyscanner is a global travel search company providing free search of flights, hotels and car hire around the world. Available in 30 languages, the companys platform is used by over 50 million people each month while its free mobile apps have been downloaded over 40 million times. Skyscanner employs 770 staff in ten global offices in Barcelona, Beijing, Budapest, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Miami, Shenzhen, Singapore and Sofia. FinSMEs 22/02/2016 Panaji: Hollywood makeup artist Donald Simrock says actress Priyanka Chopra is one of the most beautiful women in the world. "I am obsessed with Priyanka Chopra. She is one of the most beautiful women in the world," said Simrock, who is currently in Mumbai to attend Bollywood Hollywood International (BHI) Make up and Hair academy's workshop, told PTI over phone. The 33-year-old Indian star recently made Hollywood television debut with crime thriller Quantico and also won this year's People's Choice Award for Favorite Actress in a New TV Series. Simrock was all praisefor the Mary Kom actress for her acting in Quantico and said he would like to work with her. "She has done an amazing job. It's exciting to see people like her cross over to American market and have success," he said. Simrock, whose career spans over two decades, said he has no experience working with Indian film industry. "I haven't had any personal experience to work in Bollywood. I am interested to work there. Bollywood has so many amazing people. But working with Bollywood stars is not my active priority right now,," he said. To a query about the prospects of makeup artists in India, Simrock said, "Bollywood is a huge market for makeup artists as it represents the country of people who are aware about their culture and style." The celebrity makeup artist has worked with clients like Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Eva Mendes, Lindsay Lohan, Avril Lavigne, Cindy Crawford, Kate Upton, Nicki Minaj, Madonna among others. He said celebrities are more about their talents but it is equally important to enhance their features. "It is equally important to make them shine from outside along with their inner talents," he said. Simrock said makeup differs depending on the kind of occasion, like makeup for red carpet it is about personal character and style while for photoshoot it has to be creative and colourful. In Hollywood, he said, the makeup is about looking best of whatever age the actors are. "It is about portraying best in the public. Simrock has no personal favourite amongst his clients. It is unfair to say one is better than other. All are different from each other. Everybody has a special quality," he said. PTI G Raj Narayan The annual budget exercise of the government has turned into more of an occasion for raging media debates and controversies than a sound and logical process of provisioning financial allocations for planned revenues and expenditures. The fact that tax and duty rates are altered almost every year, by itself shows a lack of clear long-term planning while encouraging unreasonable expectations from society and industry. An astute business instinct is truly reflected in our PMs leanings towards encouraging business and industry, more particularly the small Start-ups. I sincerely believe that the flagship Start-up India campaign should be seen as a clarion call of the PM to every Indian to wake up and start working rather than limit it to only business start-ups. No business or industry can operate efficiently and competitively if rest of society and the bureaucracy does not. Aspirations have to rise collectively rather than individually. It is only then that financial allocations can have any impact on society as a whole. Having said that, Start-ups are the new-found bandwagon across the country with a national slogan to boot. With global luminary CEOs to add their flavours to the campaign, it is obvious that Budget 2016 would be scoured for any and all support, incentives and subsidies for Start-ups. So, what is it that they really need? First and foremost, it would be funds and investors. The most empowering feature of the budget could be to confirm and quantify the tax incentives for investors as proposed in the Start-up India Action Plan. Extending this further, it is also necessary to incentivise the private sector for creation of new Incubation Centres since this is one of the key enablers of a Start-up ecosystem. Investments in Incubation Centres should also be entitled to at least some tax incentives. Differential rates of taxes and duties have been used in the past for encouraging certain types of industries as well as for setting them up in undeveloped areas. This scheme could now be used to encourage setting up Start-ups in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns. This would have multiple benefits for investors, employers as well as creating new employment opportunities in smaller towns. Operating costs would also be lower. Of course, this would have to be coupled with improving infrastructure in the smaller towns, but isnt this what the PM and his team are proposing every day? None of the above would make any impact unless the much talked about pain of doing business in India changes to ease of doing business in the real sense. The Start-up Action Plan also talks of achieving this. It must however be emphasised that Ease of Doing Business should be the norm across all categories of businesses, and not just for Start-ups, if India has to achieve the growth figures it aims for. To this end, the 3-year concessional period exclusively for Start-ups is meaningless. Although todays start-ups are all in a connected flat world, and establishing digital connectivity is far easier than physical, the creation of Start-up Clusters with all required infrastructure located within the physical boundaries of the Cluster would be beneficial in many ways. Considering the fact that the entrepreneurs founding a start-up have no time to run around setting up the nitty-gritty of infrastructure, common facilities like stable power with stand-by gen sets, telecom, transport bays, clean and basic residential accommodation, virtual office or common office facilities, etc. could be created by the government itself as the facilitator. This would save precious funds and time for the entrepreneur. Incubation centre could also be co-located. With remote online monitoring and a bunch of progressive bureaucrats involved, this dream is realisable. However, this needs a sizeable investment by the Governments, both Central and State. If the Government can be convinced, the budget needs to make a significant allocation for Start-up clusters across the country. Ultimately, the Union Budget is only one of the contributors to achieve the various policies of the government of the day through allocation of the necessary funds. Much more needs to be done on the ground, in a sustained and committed manner, to achieve the goals of Startup India. (The author is Managing Director and Chief Innovator, Radel Group. Views expressed are personal.) In this world, nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes. This popular saying should include competition among the few certainties in life. Whatever a business strives to achieve, it can never really be free of competition. The sooner businessmen understand this adage, the better it will be for their businesses and also for their consumers. Accepting increased competition could be critical to the growth of India's aviation industry, where incumbent Indian airlines are scurrying to get protection through fierce lobbying against removal of the 5/20 rule. Their logic? Let new airlines serve Indian skies first before getting "profitable" rights to fly abroad. This rule bars an Indian airline from flying overseas unless it has completed five years of domestic flying first. It is clipping the wings of two new airlines, Vistara and AirAsia India - both have been set up in partnership with foreign airline companies and both want to go international. Bringing in a false sense of nationalism into every argument has become rather fashionable these days. How is an airline set up in India, under India's rules and regulations, going to hurt national interest by flying overseas without being restricted to domestic flying for years together? Has either Vistara or AirAsia India said they will not comply with norms which stipulate that some portion of an airline's seats should be deployed on unviable domestic routes? Why is there any need for airlines set up in India to first prove their commitment to serve the country when existing rules anyway mandate connectivity to remote areas? Analysts predict Indias domestic aviation market to expand to about 300 million passengers by 2022 from just over 80 million in 2015. There is enough room for incumbents and new comers to generate business here. The war of words which has broken out between Ratan Tata (Tata Sons has invested in two new airlines, Vistara and AirAsia India) and Ajay Singh of SpiceJet over the weekend over the 5/20 rule just goes on to prove how facile it has become to invoke 'swadeshi' sentiment in everything. In a tweet on Sunday, Tata backed the governments move to remove 5/20 saying It is sad to see incumbent airlines lobbying for protection and preferential treatment for themselves against the new airlines that have been formed in full compliance with prevailing government policy and providing air transport to Indian citizens in line with the dream of a new India promised by the new government under (Narendra) Modis leadership. Vistara is 49% owned by Singapore Airlines while AirAsia India has AirAsia Bhd as its equity partner. SpiceJet's Singh minced no words while opposing Tata. All of us were asked to serve our great country before we got profitable rights to fly abroad. We served with great pride. What is wrong if these two foreign-controlled airlines are also asked to serve India before being allowed to fly international? Mr Tata, whom we respect greatly, should in fact urge these airlines in which his group is a shareholder, to serve India willingly before being allowed to fly international. While obtaining a licence, these two airlines had undertaken to follow the 5/20 rule, a rule they are now opposing so vehemently. Kapil Kaul, CEO and Director of CAPA South Asia says he sees no logic in incumbent airlines' arguments supporting 5/20. "The 5/20 rule has been a very negative policy measure which has impacted Indian consumer and economy strategically. Doing away with 5/20 is in national interests and such intense and aggressive pressure from FIA (Federation of Indian Airlines, a lobby group of incumbent airlines) will not hold in the PMs court. Dont see this Government continuing with the negative 5/20 rule." The 5/20 rule was first introduced under the UPA regime in 2004, as a Diwali gift to the Indian aviation industry, at the behest of powerful airlines which then wanted protection from impending competition in Indian skies. The rule was imposed in 2004 and immediately allowed Jet Airways and Air Sahara to benefit as it broke the monopoly of Air India and Indian Airlines to operate flights from India to international destinations. Later, Air India and Indian Airlines also benefited from the 5/20 rule as they were the sole Indian carriers allowed to operate from India to the Gulf for another five years. At that time, the Gulf routes were the most profitable ones for the two state-owned airlines. But now, over 70 international airlines operate services to India, in effect providing international airlines unfettered access to Indian markets while simultaneously restricting new Indian airlines from going overseas. Currently only Jet Airways, Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo fly to international destinations. The 5/20 is an antiquated rule, with no global precedence and no justification for having existed in India for over a decade. This rule bars airlines in India from flying overseas unless they have flown domestic for five years and have a fleet of 20 aircraft. Now that the draft civil aviation policy is coming up for a decision, the incumbent airlines have all united to oppose removal of this rule. Its removal will benefit the new comers, VIstara and AirAsia India, but more than airlines it should also benefit the Indian flyer since she will get more choices to fly overseas. In this dogfight over 5/20, there can be no justification for what SpiceJet or other incumbent airlines are saying. The 5/20 rule was brought in for misguided reasons, it has been used by incumbents to block the entry and then growth of new carriers and must be scrapped now. According to sources in the know, the Prime Minister has himself expressed his desire to see the end of this rule but has asked the ministry of civil aviation to build consensus on it before scrapping it outright. Civil Aviation Minster A Gajapathi Raju has, many times this last year, made it clear that he personally would like this rule to be consigned to the trash can. In fact, Air India, which had been supporting incumbent airlines in opposing any move to scrap 5/20 all these years, changed its tune recently. A senior Air India official told journalists some weeks back that the airline is now not opposing any move to scrap 5/20. Lets also examine the FIA charge that instead of asking for 5/20 removal, the two Tata airlines should respond to its charge of violating "ownership and effective control" by allegedly handing over operations and key decisions to foreign partners. This is a charge which BJP MP Subramanian Swamy has also been levelling at AirAsia India and the matter has been pending in courts. Shareholder tussle at AirAsia India - where Indian ownership is divided among Tata Sons (40% and Telestra Tradeplace (10%) is an issue which should have little bearing on the 5/20 debate. How is an allegation of foreign control a valid reason for India continuing with 5/20 restrictions? It pertains to the FDI policy of the government and should be dealt with under that head. Kaul of CAPA says "The ownership and effective control issue is at best debatable and then not just restricted to Air Asia and Vistara alone and there are other and more visible cases as well". Nothing much has changed in over a decade. Jet Airways, SpiceJet, IndiGo, GoAir want protection even in circa 2016. At that time, wise government officials had justified the imposition of this rule by saying India could ill-afford a situation where a new startup airline from the country crashed while on a flight abroad. This would sully the name of Indian aviation. A five-year unblemished track record would ensure more safety on international flights. Any change in the 5/20 rule whether it is scrapped completely or watered down to 2/10 - will allow Indian flyers more options for international flights. The options could increase if smaller players such as AirCosta and easyJet also decide to operate abroad. There is not one compelling argument against what Ratan Tata said. The 5/20 rule shouldgo. Mumbai: Key 26/11 plotter Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal's lawyer on Monday informed a court in Mumbai that he wanted to cross-examine Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley for four days. Also, Judge G A Sanap on Monday directed Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to contact US authorities, check their availability for Headley's second round of deposition and inform the court by 25 February. Once the availability is checked, the court will fix dates for Headley's deposition. Meanwhile, Jundal's lawyer Abdul Wahab Khan also moved applications objecting to Headley being made an approver in the 2008 terror attacks case besides making pleas seeking copies of certain documents and CDs. Earlier on 13 February, the day on which Headley's week-long deposition ended, the court had adjourned the case for cross-examination by Jundal's lawyer for a future date. Headley, who is serving a 35-year jail term in the US in connection with the terror attacks case, had made some damning disclosures about LeT and Al-Qaeda's planned to target India, during his testimony which began on 8 February. He spilled beans on how Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI provides "financial, military and moral support" to terror outfits LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen and how LeT had planned and executed the 26/11 attacks and the role played by ISI officials, involving him too. He also revealed that LeT had planned an attack at a conference of Indian defence scientists at Taj Mahal Hotel a year before the 26/11 strikes and had even prepared its dummy. Deposing via a video-link from the US, the 55-year-old terrorist had the court that Ishrat Jahan who was killed in an alleged fake encounter in 2004 in Gujarat was an operative of LeT. Headley had also revealed that Al-Qaeda was in touch with him to attack Delhi's National Defence College and unravelled the plot by LeT and ISI to target Mumbai airport, BARC and the Naval air station in Mumbai. He also visited the Indian Army's Southern Command headquarters at Pune in 2009 on the instructions of ISI's Major Iqbal, who wanted him to recruit some military personnel to get "classified" information, the court was told. PTI Gwalior: Members of BJP's youth wing on Sunday clashed with activists of Ambedkar Vichar Manch (AVM) in Gwalior during a lecture by JNU professor Vivek Kumar at a function organised by AVM. The incident took place at at around 4 pm at Municipal Corporation's Bal Bhawan auditorium, sources said. "BJYM members stormed Bal Bhawan, chanted slogans and tried to disrupt the function alleging that it threatened peace," they said. A heated exchange took place among the members of both the groups and a clash ensued. However, there were no reports of anybody getting hurt in the incident. Based on a complaint filed by AVM leader Dinesh Maurya, BJYM district president Vivek Sharma and several others have been booked under Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, police said. SP H C Mishra said a probe is on in the incident. PTI Hissar: Curfew was imposed in five villages of the district and shoot at sight orders issued following a face off between Jats and other community members in the area today. Earlier in the day curfew was lifted from Hissar and Hansi towns of the district even as road and rail traffic from here to various destinations remained suspended. Deputy Commissioner Chander Shekhar Khare issued orders clamping curfew in five villages of Sisai, Pano Bolan, Kali Rava, Sainipura and Dhanipal falling in Hansi sub-division of the district. The curfew has been imposed as a precautionary measure to avert a clash after Jats and other community members came face to face in the five villages, he said. Shoot at sight orders have also been issued, the official order said. The DC said that army and police patrolling in the affected villages has been stepped up and appeal issued to the people to maintain peace and remain indoors. Road traffic on various national and state highways from Hissar to various destinations, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Sirsa, Siwani and Bhiwani is disrupted. Railway traffic from Hissar to various destinations including Delhi, Ludhiana, Bhiwani and Sadulpur also remained suspended. Spokesman of All India Jat Aarakshan Sanghursh Samiti Ram Bhagat Malik said they would hold a meeting later in the day to decide on the future course of action, including lifting of blockades by their supporters at various places. Malik said the Yashpal Malik group of Jats was not called for talks held by the BJP and the Centre yesterday. PTI Mumbai: A court on Monday directed the Prosecutor in 26/11 Mumbai attacks case to check with US authorities their availability for a second round of depositon of Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, who had earlier this month made damning disclosures on the plotting and execution of the daring strike during his testimony. The direction was issued by Sessions Judge GA Sanap after lawyer of key 26/11 plotter Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal informed the court that he wanted to cross-examine Headley for four days. The court directed Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to contact the US authorities, check their availability for Headley's second round of deposition and inform the court of the details by 25 February. Once the availability of the authorities concerned in the US is checked, the court will fix dates for Headley's deposition. Jundal's lawyer Abdul Wahab Khan also moved applications objecting to Headley being made an approver in the 2008 terror attacks case besides making pleas seeking copies of certain documents and CDs. On 13 February, the day on which Headley's week-long deposition ended, the court had adjourned the case for cross-examination by Jundal's lawyer for a future date. Headley, who is serving a 35-year jail term in the US in connection with the terror attacks case, had given insights to LeT and Al-Qaeda's plans to target India, during his testimony which began on 8 February. He spoke about how Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI provides "financial, military and moral support" to terror outfits LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen and how LeT had planned and executed the 26/11 attacks and the role played by ISI officials, involving him too. He also claimed that LeT had planned an attack at a conference of Indian defence scientists at Taj Mahal Hotel a year before the 26/11 strikes and had even prepared its dummy. Deposing via a video-link from the US, the 55-year-old terrorist had told the court that Ishrat Jahan who was killed in an alleged fake encounter in 2004 in Gujarat was an operative of LeT. Headley had also stated that Al-Qaeda was in touch with him to attack Delhi's National Defence College and unravelled the plot by LeT and ISI to target Mumbai airport, BARC and the Naval air station here. He also visited the Indian Army's Southern Command headquarters at Pune in 2009 on the instructions of ISI's Major Iqbal, who wanted him to recruit some military personnel to get "classified" information, the court was told. PTI WHY DONT YOU READ THESE? Srinagar: The 48-hour fierce gunbattle on the outskirts of Srinagar ended on Monday evening with the killing of three heavily-armed terrorists holed up in a government building situated along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. "The encounter has ended and three militants who had taken refuge inside the building have been killed," a police official said about the incident in Pampore. An Army official, overseeing the operation, also said that three terrorists were killed in the five-storey building of Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) and 'war-like' stores, including arms and ammunition had been recovered. A combing operation was underway to sanitise the building which has 44 rooms plus lobbies, washrooms and a restaurant on the top floor. The operation, which began on Saturday evening, saw five security force personnel including two Captains of elite commando units laying down their lives while battling the terrorists, suspected to be of foreign origin. A civilian was killed in the crossfire between the two sides while 120 civilians were evacuated safely. As the operation entered the third day on Wednesday, the Special Forces of the army maximised the force, using mortar shells to flush out the terrorists, the officials said. During the intense gunfight, the top floor of the building caught fire which forced the ultras to shift towards one side of the complex where they were neutralised, the police official said. The terrorists were suspectedly foreigners and apparently a "suicide squad", said Major General Arvind Dutta, General Officer Commanding of Victor Force, who was overseeing the operation. The identity of the slain attackers, however, was not immediately known, he said. In Delhi, CRPF Director General Prakash Mishra said the attack "appears to be" the handiwork of Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) terror outfit. Maj Gen Dutta said the building appeared to be a pre-determined target where they rushed into after attacking a CRPF convoy. "They were carrying a large quantity of arms and ammunition... They were seen running into the building with big bagpacks," the army officer said. Two CRPF jawans and a civilian were killed and nine other jawans injured when militants opened fire on CRPF convoy on Saturday afternoon. As the security forces mounted an assault on the building yesterday, they met with stiff resistance from the ultras who are holding vantage points inside the building. "The terrorists had a huge opportunity to hide inside the big complex....They had an advantage. They could see our movements," the GOC said. He said the CRPF initially made an attempt to enter the building immediately after their convoy was targeted but the terrorists threw grenades and fired at them, forcing them to withdraw. It is then that the Army stepped in, Maj Gen Dutta said. Even as the gunbattle was underway, hundreds of residents from nearby Pampore town and adjoining areas tried to march towards the encounter site but were asked by security forces to disperse. However, they started raising slogans and indulged in stone-pelting, a police official said, adding police fired teargas shells and pellets to disperse the protesters. At least three persons sustained minor injuries in the clashes, the official added. Army lost three elite commandos two Captains and a Lance Naik in the gunfight. Captain Pawan Kumar was killed in a pre-dawn exchange of fire with terrorists on Sunday while he was leading a team of special forces in clearing the third floor of the building after sanitising first and second floor, Maj Gen Dutta said. Captain Tushar Mahajan and Lance Naik Om Prakash also sustained fatal injuries in the afternoon yesterday. The army paid a befitting tribute with full military honours to its martyrs Captain Tushar Mahajan and Lance Naik Om Parkash who attained martyrdom yesterday during an operation in Pampore, a defence spokesman said. "Homage was paid to the valour and sacrifice of the martyrs in a solemn ceremony held at Badami Bagh Cantonment. Late Captain Tushar Mahajan and Lance Naik Om Prakash were members of the team that had launched an operation on 21 February against the terrorists who ambushed CRPF personnel and took refuge in the EDI Building and were instrumental in clearing major portion of the multi storeyed building where the terrorists had hidden. "In this process, they engaged the terrorists at close quarters and in the ensuing firefight, suffered grievous injuries to which they later succumbed," the spokesman added. PTI Bharatpur: The Jat agitation in Haryana on Monday had its echo in eastern Rajasthan where protesters damaged two buses and blocked railway tracks and highway, prompting the district administration to impose prohibitory orders. The protesters in the morning burnt a roadways bus near Dhormui oil depot and damaged another bus in Sewar area. "Deeg, Jaipur and Mathura highways and Jaipur and Mumbai railway tracks are closed," Additional SP Bharat Lal Meena said. IG Alok Vashistha said prohibitory orders have been imposed in the district to maintain law and order and additional police force has been rushed to the affected areas. "The protestors blocked the highway last night. Efforts are on to control the situation," another police official said. Senior police and district administration officials are monitoring the situation. Taking note of the violence, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has appealed to the Jat community members of Dholpur and Bharatpur districts to maintain peace and communal harmony. Raje said in a statement that her government has already constituted OBC Commission and EBC Commission. She said Jats in Dholpur and Bharatpur should maintain peace and law and order, so that the OBC commission can present its report on reservation to Jats. PTI Chandigarh: A stone-pelting mob today attacked personnel of army and paramilitary forces who were trying to clear the road blockade in Sonepat, leading to a clash in which there were some "casualties". "Yes, there are casualties, may be one or three, but I can't give any exact figure immediately," Sonepat Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Rattan told PTI over phone. He said the personnel of Army, paramilitary forces and the police who were trying to clear the road blockade were attacked by the mob which pelted stones on them and used lathis and other things, leaving many of the security forces also injured in the process. The mob went berserk setting on fire government vehicles, indulging in vandalism and attacking the security forces, the DC said. There was tension in the entire area, but efforts were being made to bring the situation under control, he said. The latest incident came within hours after two columns of the Army comprising around 150 personnel, besides CRPF and Haryana Police contingents took control of the Munak canal at around 4 AM today from protesters had cut off the water supply to Delhi, from Akbarpur-Barota in Sonepat. Sonepat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Bhiwani and Hisar have been the worst-hit districts of the ongoing Jat stir. The protesters continued to block some roads including the arterial Delhi-Ambala highway, demanding a written assurance that the community will be given reservation in the state. PTI Chandigarh: Violence continued to rage in Haryana today with stone-pelting mobs attacking security personnel trying to clear a road blockade and torching government vehicles even as the death toll in the nine-day-old Jat quota stir was put at 16. As protesters continued to block some roads, including the arterial Delhi-Ambala Highway, the Centre directed security forces to use force to clear blockades. "The security forces were asked to use force to clear all the places where the protesters were squatting affecting communication network and water supply," a Union Government official said in Delhi. The All India Jat Aarakshan Sanghursh Samiti (AIJASS) later in the evening announced lifting of its dharnas on national and state highways in view of the BJP setting up a committee under a Central minister to examine the quota demand for the Jat community. Besides Sonepat, fresh incidents of arson and violence erupted in several districts including Rohtak, Kaithal and Hissar. Sonepat Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Rattan said personnel of Army, paramilitary forces and the police who were trying to clear a road blockade in the district were attacked by the mob which pelted stones on them and also used lathis. Some security pesonnel were also injured. "Yes, there are casualties, may be one or three, but I can't give any exact figure immediately," he told PTI. The mob went berserk setting on fire government vehicles, indulging in vandalism and attacking the security forces, the DC said, adding there was tension in the entire area. The latest incident came within hours after two columns of the Army comprising around 150 personnel, besides CRPF and Haryana Police contingents took control of the Munak canal at around 4 AM today from protesters who had cut off the water supply to Delhi, from Akbarpur-Barota in Sonepat. Following fresh incidents of arson and violence, curfew was reimposed in five villages of Hansi sub-division, Hissar city limits and Kaithal. Curfew was imposed in five villages of the district and shoot-at-sight orders issued following a face-off between Jats and other community members. Senior Haryana Minister Ram Bilas Sharma told reporters after a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar that 16 people have died in the ongoing Jat agitation. Making a fresh appeal for an end to the agitation, Sharma said a Bill will be brought in the coming Assembly session of on the Jat reservation issue. When asked what will be the shape of the Bill, he said the date for the commencement of the assembly session was yet to be decided and did not elaborate on the details. The Jat protesters also continued to block some roads including in Rohtak, Hissar and Bhiwani districts. Road traffic on various national and state highways from Hissar to various destinations, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Sirsa, Siwani and Bhiwani remained suspended. Railway traffic from Hissar to various destinations including Delhi, Ludhiana, Bhiwani and Sadulpur also remained suspended. PTI Chandigarh: Sporadic incidents of arson were on Monday reported as life in violence-torn Haryana limped back to normal with curfew being lifted gradually and Jat protesters starting to lift blockades after BJP announced setting up of a committee to examine the quota demand of the community. Spokesman of All India Jat Aarakshan Sanghursh Samiti Ram Bhagat Malik told PTI in Chandigarh that they would hold a meeting later in the day to decide on the future course of action, including lifting of blockades at various places. Normal supply of water to Delhi from Haryana, which had been disrupted due to the Jat stir, is likely to be restored by this evening as security forces have taken control of the Munak Canal after evicting Jat protesters, officials said. Curfew, which had been clamped in in towns in view of the volatile situation, was being lifted gradually. Curfew was last evening lifted from Kaithal and Kalayat while this morning it was lifted from Hisar and Hansi and one-hour relaxation was given in worst-affected Rohtak town. To take stock of the situation, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had called a Cabinet meeting in Chandigarh later in the day. Sporadic incidents of violence were reported on Monday that included setting on fire of a government vehicle in Meham in Rohtak district. The protesters continued to block some roads including the arterial Delhi-Ambala Highway, demanding a written assurance that the community will be given reservation in the state. The Jats also continued to block some roads including in Rohtak, Hisar and Bhiwani districts. Road traffic on various national and state highways from Hissar to various destinations, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Sirsa, Siwani and Bhiwani remained suspended. Railway traffic from Hissar to various destinations including Delhi, Ludhiana, Bhiwani and Sadulpur also remained suspended. Traffic on Ambala-Pipli route had been restored and State Roadways was also plying buses on the route, but beyond that movement on the Pipli-Karnal-Sonipat-Delhi National Highway was yet to be restored, officials said. After remaining on the edge for several days, normalcy was returning to some cities like Kaithal and officials expect the situation to improve considerably in other affected areas on Monday. However, road blockades were still in place at few places in Rohtak, but the situation is likely to improve during the day, an official said. "But at Maharishi Dayanand University (MDU) the protesters are still sitting and we hope they will also soon go back to their homes," the official said. Rohtak and other areas had witnessed major damage to public and private property after the Jat protest turned violent. Following the incidents of violence and arson, curfew was imposed in Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, Jind, Hissar, Hansi, Sonipat, Kaithal, and Gohana town of Sonipat. Blockades from some national and state highways including Saharanpur-Ambala at Yamunanagar, Paonta Sahib-Yamunanagar, Ambala-Kaithal, Saharanpur-Pipli-Kurukshetra, Zirakpur-Parwanoo and Ladwa-Shahbad were lifted late last evening. Reports pouring from other areas said the road blockades from the Delhi-Panipat National Highway are being cleared for restoration of traffic. According to reports blockades were also lifted in Kurukshetra and Jhajjar areas. To clear the rush of passengers, the Railways would be running a special train from Chandigarh to Delhi at 4 pm on Monday. The train would run from Chandigarh to Anand Vihar station in Delhi and it would be diverted from Ambala on to Saharanpur route to reach the national capital since the other route has still not been cleared for rail traffic, a Northern Railways spokesman said. Yielding to pressure from agitating Jats, BJP last night announced setting up of a five-member committee under a senior Central minister to examine the quota demand for the community in government jobs. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said that a committee headed by Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu has been formed to look into the demand for reservation in central government jobs for Jats. PTI When Jats were burning down Haryana for reservation. When politicians were calling students of JNU 'anti-national'. When armchair patriots were fighting for Kashmir in TV studios and social media. When nationalists were photo-shopping pictures of Indian soldiers fighting with the Tiranga in hand, crying and rejoicing over the decision to hoist them in varsities. While all this was going on, Captain Pawan Kumar, a true soldier and patriot, was laying down his life on a battleground, fighting the real enemies of India in order to keep the Tricolour flying in Kashmir. He was a Jat from Haryana. He had studied at JNU. Kumar died during an army operation against militants hiding in a government building in Pampore, around 20 kilometres south of Srinagar. According to Lieutenant-General Satish Dua, the General Officer Commanding of the Army's Srinagar-based 15 Corps, "Captain Pawan Kumar of 10 Paras attained martyrdom leading his men from the front in a tricky deliberate operation at EDI government building with the possibility of some more civilians trapped not ruled out. Safety of civilians paramount who made the supreme sacrifice while fighting valiantly with militants in the encounter." His last philosophical words: Kisiko reservation chahiye toh kisiko azadi bhai. Humein kuchh nahin chahiye bhai. Bas apni razai (Some want reservation, some independence, I don't want anything, brother, I want only my quilt). Could there be a more ironic parable of our times? Kisiko reservation chahiye That a BJP chief minister with an RSS background is promising caste-based reservation, an idea the Parivar finds antithetical to its long-term project of homogenising Hindus, is yet another irony of our times. But Mohan Lal Khattar Sangh was left with no other card to play. When the BJP swept the Haryana Assembly polls, the Jats were hoping that one of their community leaders would get the CM's chair. But, the BJP pulled Khattar a Punjabi Khatri, first-term MLA and an RSS pracharak from its hat. Its choice was dictated by two considerations: One, of rewarding a foot soldier of the Sangh. Two, consolidating the non-Jat vote that had powered its victory in Haryana. Jats, who are almost 27 percent of Haryana's electorate, have struck back by making it impossible for Khattar to ignore them. In December 2012, the Bhupendra Singh Hooda-led Congress government granted 10 percent reservation to Jats. This was based on the report of Backward Classes Commission set up by Hooda. On the basis of the recommendations of the committee, Jats and four other castes, Jat Sikhs, Ror, Tyagi and Bishnoi, were included under Specially Backward Classes. But this was set aside by the High Court since the SC had discarded the report of the commission. A review petition filed by the Khattar government is pending before the Supreme Court. With the Jats becoming violent, Khattar has been forced to promise a Bill in the Assembly guaranteeing reservation to Jats. The Bill may not stand the scrutiny of courts Jats do not fulfil the criteria for reservation benefits but if the community accepts it and calls off the agitation, Khattar may get some breathing space. Watching the BJP capitulate in front of the Jats may open a Pandora's box. Jats of western UP and some other north Indian states are also in the quota queue. If Haryana's Jats succeed, they may inspire others to put the gun to the BJP's head in other states. Also waiting for a share in reservation pie are the Patidars of Gujarat. The BJP government has so far rejected their demand claiming they are not eligible for it. But, if the BJP extends reservation benefits to Jats, whose demand is as valid, or invalid, as that of Patidars, the reservation stir in Gujarat may get a second wind. A long battle awaits. But, will politicians and Jats call a ceasefire so that a martyr can complete his last journey? Captain Pawan Kumar's cremation is to be held in his ancestral village in Jind district on Monday. Since Jats have blocked the major highways and roads, his body will be flown in by a special aircraft. "I had just one son and gave him to the country. No father can be prouder," said Pawan's father Rajbir Singh, a school headmaster based in Jind. When he returns home for the last time, it will be a disgrace if the Jats continue to block the roads and deny a martyr the farewell he deserves. By Shishir Tripathi New Delhi: Around 300 students have gathered at the administration block of JNU. According to sources in the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association (JNUTA), the five accused students Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya, Ashutosh Kumar, Anant Prakash Narayan, Riyazul Haq and Rama Naga who appeared Sunday night in the campus, are most likely to surrender. Two days prior, the Delhi police had issued a lookout notice against the five absconders. Students and teachers supporting these five accused are trying to mobilize as much support as possible. Ajay Patnaik, president, JNUTA, said that he has put four demands before the vice-chancellor. They include first, that at no cost the police would be allowed to enter the campus, second that grave charges like sedition and criminal conspiracy should be dropped against the students, third that the universitys internal mechanism should be activated, and an internal inquiry committee should be reconstituted to probe the allegations. And fourth that it should be ensured by the administration that the atmosphere is conducive in a manner that students can freely tell what actually had happened. However, with the police outside the campus, the atmosphere would certainly not be conducive. Shehla Rashid, vice president, Jawaharlal University Students Union (JNUSU), who has submitted a memorandum with the vice-chancellor demanding that he should act like the vice-chancellor of Jadavpur University who did not allow the police enter the campus. She further added that due to various biased coverage by the media, there are some totally absurd allegations against the students and that sedition and other serious charges should be dropped against them. Meanwhile, Umar Khalid and other four accused have been put under tight security, with security guards forming a human chain, not allowing anyone to interact with them. Though there are a substantial number of students present in support of the five students, the numbers are comparatively quite less to when Kanhaiya was arrested. Asif, a final year PhD student, says that the vice-chancellor is trying to shrug off responsibility. Though the students came here last night but the reason for the delay in further course of action has been because of the vice-chancellor, who has left the decision making to JNUSU. Ideally, he should take responsibility as he is the guardian of all students here, but he is rather trying not to intervene in the current situation. Ashutosh Kumar, one of the five accused, while speaking of his innocence said, The way we were branded anti-national and the kind of media trial that had started, there was no option for us than to leave this space. What happened in Patiala house with Kanhaiya had created an atmosphere of great fear and there was no guarantee of a security. When we saw an alternative voice emerging that kind of supported us, we thought of returning. Speaking to Firstpost, two of the accused students, Anant Prakash Narayan and Rama Naga said that they had in fact been in the campus for the past ten days as the controversy raged on. One of the students said, "We have come out in the open as we felt that now there is a more favourable atmosphere. The fact is that we did not raise the slogans as alleged by the police. The videos on which the allegations are based are doctored." Speaking about the possible reasons behind the action against them, Anant Prakash Narayan said, "I am sure that the V-C and the Registrar have taken this action as they feel suffocated because the atmosphere in the campus does not support their ideology." An important question, however, is that where were these five students for ten days. If some of the students, close to these five accused, are to be believed, they (accused) were in Delhi and most probably in the campus itself. Some students even had a view that they were inside the campus and were waiting for the right time for things to turn in their favour and appear again. New Delhi: The JNU administration has called a meeting of top varsity officials on Monday to discuss the resurfacing of five students on campus who the police were searching for in connection with a sedition case. Police officials, who are positioned outside the varsity campus since Sunday night after they got inputs about presence of the students on campus, said they will talk to the Vice Chancellor after the meeting and ask him to direct the students to surrender. JNU Registrar Bhoopender Zutshi said he got to know about the presence of the students on the campus from media reports only and has not heard from any of them so far. "We are having a meeting this morning in which the issue will be discussed and the future course of action will be decided," he said. Zutshi, however, did not comment on whether the varsity officials will interact with the five students before taking a call or not. Police officials said they are waiting for the VC to direct the students to surrender before them. "All of them are here to join the movement against branding of the Varsity as a den of anti-nationals.They have not been issued any summons so the question of them surrendering doesn't arise.If police arrests them they will cooperate with the enquiry," JNU Students' Union Vice President Shehla Rashid Shora said. Five JNU students, including Umar Khalid, who the police have been looking for in connection with a sedition case, on Sunday surfaced on the campus, saying they did not do anything wrong but were "framed" using a "doctored video". The students had said that "they will not surrender but police can come and arrest them". The five students Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya, Rama Naga, Ashutosh Kumar and Anant Prakash had gone missing from the campus since 12 February after JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested in a sedition case lodged in connection with an event held on the campus against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru where anti-naitonal slogans were allegedly raised. According to Ashutosh, former president of JNU students union and a PhD scholar at varsity's School of International studies, they "have come back with a view of supporting the enquiry. The massive support we got from students and others from across the globe gave us the strength to return. I, Rama, Anirban and Anant were around but did not come in public due to atmosphere of mob lynching." He had said that the four of them were not in touch with Umar Khalid and had spoken to him last on 9 February, the day of the event. Ashutosh had said that the students were in Delhi itself and that the decision to return on Sunday evening had been taken individually and not collectively. "We didn't do anything wrong but were being framed using doctored video. We will not go anywhere now and will be part of the movement against the branding of university as anti-national," he had said. PTI Kurrubhat (C'garh): A 104-year-old woman from a village in Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district who sold her goats for constructing toilet at her home, on Sunday came in for special praise by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who said it is a big sign of changing India. Modi felicitated Kunwar Bai from Kotabharri village of Dhamtari for her efforts to make her village open defecation free, during the launch of 'Rurban Mission' at Kurrubhat village in the state's Naxal-hit Rajandgaon district. Two development blocks - Ambagarh Chowki and Chhuriya - of Rajnandgaon were also declared open defecation free by the PM during the programme. "An elderly woman of 104 years who stays in a remote village, does not watch TV or read papers, but the message of building toilets under clean India mission somehow reached her. She sold off her goats to build toilet at home and also encouraged others from the village to build," Modi said. Kunwar Bai had sold-off her 8-10 goats to build two toilets at her home. Subsequently, she started showing other villagers the toilets at her home while informing them about its importance. Now every home in the village has toilets. Calling it as a major change taking place at the roots of the country, Modi said, "The country is changing. It seems when a woman at a remote village makes efforts to fulfil dream of clean India mission, she is an inspiration for everyone, especially youths." "I would like to tell media that you don't cover me but spread the story of this woman all over the country," the PM urged. Modi also praised the residents of two Ambagarh Chowki and Chhuriya blocks for being open defecation free with toilets at all homes. "Even a Prime Minister has to think before enforcing taxes (on public), but people in these blocks without hesitation decided to slap fine on those who defecated in open which is a good initiative for the welfare of society," he said. "Making an area open defecation free is a biggest advantage and respect to our mother and sisters who have to go down to fields and forests (to relieve themselves). I bow my head in respect to them," Modi said. "We would make sure that each and every home of the country should have toilets by October 2019 under 'Clean India Mission',"he added. Modi also felicitated Phoolbasan Bai Yadav, a social worker for her efforts towards development of economically and socially backward women in the state. She was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2012 for her work. On the occasion, the PM also highlighted the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna. PTI New Delhi: JNU vice chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar on Monday assured the varsity teachers association that the administration would not allow police inside the campus area. "The VC has said that he will respond to the points put forward in the meeting tomorrow (on Tuesday). He also assured that police will not enter the campus, said JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) general secretary Bikramaditya Choudhary, after a meeting in which teachers put forward five demands including not allowing police inside the campus. The others were removal of registrar, reconstitution of the committee to investigate the matter, dropping all charges of sedition and criminal conspiracy against students and release of JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar on unconditional bail. The developments came after five students accused of sedition surfaced on the campus on Sunday night. After their appearance, there was strong speculation that police may come to arrest them. The five Umar Khalid, Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and Anirban Bhattacharya returned to the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus on Sunday night. They had disappeared from the JNU campus after the 9 February event that was held to mark the anniversaries of executions of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front co-founder Maqbool Bhat. JNU has been on the boil over the arrest of Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges following the 9 February event. IANS By Lt Gen Prakash Katoch As this article goes to the media, the encounter in Pampore has been on for 42 hours. India has lost five security personnel including two officers, one being Captain Pawan Kumar the only child of his parents. Captain Tushar Mahajan too was a young officer. Last rites of the bravehearts are shown live on the media with last posts sounded with full military honours and hundreds in attendance. Media calls it a Pakistani proxy attack. Some of the media houses will probably organise TV debates with the same Pakistani stooges saying Pakistan has nothing to do with it or when countered by Indian panelists, will say, OK, if you think that way you are welcome to launch your Strike Corps. The hierarchy will say that appropriate reply will be given and the show will carry on till the next such encounter/terror attack. But first let us examine the above, even as the encounter continues. As per reports only one terrorist has been gunned down till now and perhaps another three-four are holed up inside the double storey house being shown on the TV obviously with plenty ammunition and food. Whether there are other civilians in that house is not known but perhaps that may be the reason why heavy weapons have not been used till now. But the bottom-line is that Pakistan sends across jaundiced terrorists who perhaps are addicted to narcotics and have wreaked AIDS on the women in J&K. The Valley in particular over the years has seen rise in HIV/AIDS cases even as the state government hides the figures. These terrorists are extracting lives of our security forces including young officers. It is a very cheap option for Pakistan to keep our security heavily tied down. Next comes the media blitz of sudden found nationalism during such occurrences -- saluting the martyrs, photographs with full description, live coverage of last rites and all. All this is very fine but look at the other side of the coin. What is the status of such coverage for martyrs elsewhere? Has the US or Nato done such publicity for their personnel killed in say Iraq and Afghanistan. Yes, numbers are released at later date and perhaps list of names much later. Has the Pakistani media ever given such coverage to their killed in action in Operation Zarb-e-Azb even though their officers hardly lead? The way our media handles such occurrences is obvious motivation to terrorists in Pakistan with jaundiced mullahs like Hafiz Saeed and Azhar Masood laughing all the way home, not that the Pakistani military-ISI would not be popping champagne. What have we really done suffering Pakistans proxy war for the past three and a half decades? Late MK Dhar, former Joint Director IB wrote in his book Open Secrets Indias intelligence unveiled published 10 years ago in 2005, I continued to advocate for an aggressive and proactive counter and forward intelligence thrust against Pakistan. My voice was rarely heard and mostly ignored. The Pakistani establishment is a geopolitical bully. The best response to blunt such a bully is to take the war inside his home. India has allowed itself to be blackmailed by Pakistan even before it went nuclear. The sabre rattling of coercive diplomacy, which is nothing but sterile military power, cannot convince the Islamist Pakistani Establishment that India can take the border skirmishes inside their homes and hit at the very roots of the jaundiced Islamist groups. We have failed to establish credible deterrence against Pakistans proxy war, refusing to acknowledge that irregular forces have emerged with greater strategic value over conventional and even nuclear forces, as can be seen from examining conflict situations over the past decade. Even Operation Parakram should have taught us that conventional forces are no match to irregular threats. But we still continue to rely on diplomacy which is useless without being backed by unconventional muscle. While we have been mostly relying on idealism, we have compounded it with an inward looking policy. The costs of always following an inward looking policy are much higher, as India should have realised years back. The most effective policy for India or for that matter any country, should be one that balances both realism and idealism, which in effect, makes the idealism realistic. But we need to also weigh in other issues why we are continuing with such intransigence? Ask the public and you would be surprised to know how many are of the view that they think if the terrorists would have actually entered the Parliament during attack in December 2001, our response to Pakistans proxy war would have been far more cohesive and effective. The fact is that you can hardly find a politician or bureaucrat's ward in the security forces. So casualties are just numbers that dont matter, not that some politicians have also had the gumption to say that after all security forces personnel are meant to die. The second issue is the cross-border links of the terrorists and mafia which includes politician; money laundering through hawala, narcotics trade and diversion of funds to terrorist organisations, as reported by NIA from time to time, and hinted by veteran R&AW officers. If we think that Pakistan will have a change of heart, we cannot be more foolhardy. Filing of FIR against unknown persons in the terrorist attack on Pathankot IAF air base and removing personal security of the prosecutor in the trill underway in Pakistan for the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack, with the previous prosecutor gunned down are latest indicators. But the fact is that Pakistan will up the ante of proxy war with the US and China firmly in support of the Pakistani military. It is time that our government despite the approaching elections in various states and modernising-cum-development schemes, seriously get down to build the sub-conventional muscle. We urgently need to establish effective deterrence to combat Pakistans proxy war, which may need to be exercised from time to time in order to demonstrate its credibility. If we fail to take such action even now, then the Last Posts and the show will simply go on as hithertofore. Editors note: Last year, Yasmin M Khan, a Paris-based researcher whose area of interest is Muslim education, visited a collection of small and large madrassas in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. She spent three months interviewing administrators, students, former students, and local Muslim leaders. Her inquiries ended in September, by which time she had gathered a large quantity of information and opinions on the relevance of madrassas, their role in Muslim radicalisation and the impact the government's madrassa modernisation programme has had on these institutions. Khan found Muslim opinion divided. Many thought madrassas were being unfairly targeted because of anti-Muslim prejudice and that the debate ignored the role they played in providing Islamic learning and providing free education to poor Muslim children. Others argued that these institutions were an anachronism and called for greater regulation around their sources of funding and their curriculum. There was near unanimity on one issue: it was all very well to modernise madrassas by introducing computers, but not at the expense of mainstream secular schooling. Parents in rural areas told Khan they were forced to send their children to madrassas owing to the lack of proper schools in villages. Firstpost invited Khan to write a series of four articles drawing from her travels. We commissioned pencil drawings by Maitri Dore, a Bengaluru-based architect, to serve as visual elements accompanying Khans pieces; she was not allowed to photograph her subjects. _ By Yasmin M Khan Madrassa Azizia in Bihar Sharif, Nalanda district, was considered a popular co-educational institution, beneficial for girls from conservative Muslim families. But in October 2014, it stopped enrolling women without warning, and banned its existing female pupils from entering the campus, claiming co-education was un-Islamic. Headmaster Mohammad Mumtaz Mahal declared that Islam forbade male teachers from teaching female students, and it had been a mistake to enrol girls. SM Ashraf, secretary (mutawali) of the Soghra Wakf Estate, which runs the madrassa reiterated Ashrafs position: As co-education is not permitted in our religion, boys and girls cannot study together and male teachers should not lecture female students in our madrassa. He was noncommittal when asked how the practice went unchecked before Mahals directions were put in place. I do not know under what circumstances girls were allowed to join the madrassa but it is illegal as per Islamic law, he said. The state government, which initially watched helplessly as girls were evicted from the campus, sought a report on the madrassas decision and eventually intervened following protests by outraged womens groups who accused the authorities of misinterpreting Islam and jeopardising their future. After a prolonged stand-off, the madrassa agreed, albeit reluctantly, to lift the ban; authorities refused to resume mixed-gender classes. In the future, the madrassa said, girls would be taught in another building; and only by female teachers. Gender segregation had suddenly arrived in an institution that had a long history of openness and forward thinking. Meanwhile, last summer, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) was neck deep in an ugly row after a senior professor caused outrage by demanding a ban on madrassas calling them dens of vice and homosexuality. In a WhatsApp message to a television channel, Waseem Raja, professor at the university's history department wrote: We want removal of madrassas...where sexuality (sic) is rampant...Maulanas are part of it. The professors remarks prompted calls for him to be sacked for defaming madrassas, though he claimed that his phone was hacked. Students and officials of local madrasssas were livid. Madrassa teacher Shoib Ahmed expressed that such nonsense would embolden right-wing Hindu groups to attack such institutions. If something like this had been said by BJP or some Hindu zealot we would have branded them communal and anti-Muslim but here is a senior left-wing professor making such irresponsible things (sic) without any basis, he said. The matter escalated to the Vice Chancellor, Zameeruddin Shah; Raja was officially reprimanded for slandering madrassas, which, the VC said, had played an important role in the freedom struggle and were now providing a valuable service to marginalised sections of the Muslim community. An investigation revealed the professor had no evidence to substantiate his claims that his phone had been hacked. I wanted to speak to him but I was told that he did not wish to speak to outsiders and had nothing to add to his claims. His colleagues told me that he was merely echoing the concerns of liberal residents of Aligar over the radicalising influence of madrassas but admitted that his choice of words was perhaps off the wall. These two unconnected incidents offer a glimpse into the political and cultural milieu in which madrassas exist and the strong feelings they evoke both among their critics and supporters. If AMUs was a case of liberal prejudice against madrassas, the Azizia madrassa episode reinforced the image of madrassas as dens of sexism and bigotry. At a time when gender segregation is fast becoming a thing of the past with previously male-only institutions throwing their doors open to women, here was a bizarre case of reverse engineering: a co-ed institution throwing out women invoking Sharia laws. The irony, however, is that the trust which runs Azizia madrassa was set up in the name of a woman. The central government estimates that there are close to three lakh madrassas in the country, mostly in north India. Madrassas in north and south India are quite diverse in terms of their origins, affiliations and curricula. They range from maktabas (Quran learning classes held in mosques) to bigger madrassas which teach traditional theological courses and train students to become imams and those which combine traditional courses with modern subjects. Government regulation of madrassas varies from state to state. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are among five states in north India which have set up madrassa regulation boards to frame syllabi and conduct exams. Despite the intense debate, there has been no comprehensive official review of madrassas since the Sachar Committee report a public review published by UPA government. The committee report strongly recommended modernisation this has been enthusiastically embraced by most madrassas despite suspicions in some quarters that this is aimed at bringing these institutions under greater government control to keep an eye on their activities. The reforms boil down to introducing computers and subjects like English, mathematics and science. And they have proved quite popular, forcing even reluctant madrassas to fall in line. Computers especially have proven to be a big draw with children from poorer families, the main catchment areas of madrassas. Many have reported improvement in enrolment since computers were introduced. Shabir Ahmad of a madrassa in the walled city of Delhi said that they had begun to receive so many applications that they had to turn down a few of them. It is heartbreaking to turn back these children but we don't have enough money to buy more computers, he told me. In survey that my colleagues and I conducted, we found that modernisation is restricted primarily to urban areas and bigger madrassas. Institutions in small towns or even metros like Delhi remain primitive. Many lack basic facilities. I visited madrassas where children sat on threadbare mats. There was one barely a few kilometres from Kanpur in UP that operated from a dilapidated house with peeling plaster and broken windows. The maulvi in charge, Shakir Ali said, with self-deprecating humour, Madam they say that madrassas are getting a lot of money from Arabs. Please get us some also. He added that the trust which ran the madrassa didn't even pay him his salary regularly. My colleagues came across madrassas in similar conditions in other states Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh. A more disturbing feature is that modernisation has failed to change the mindset of those who run these madrassas. Despite the new computers, madrassa managements remain conservative, insisting on promoting Islamic values as the Azizia madrassa shows. The environment in madrassas with their strict Islamic dress code, segregated classes and restrictions on personal freedoms promote insularity and separateness that is the antithesis of modernity. Co-education is banned in all madrassas run by the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrassa Education; even in states where there's no blanket ban, mixed classes are discouraged and women face huge pressure to follow Islamic practices. Misogyny and homophobia are rampant because of the cultural values imposed on students and narrow interpretation of religious texts. Madrassas are going through a historic transition and it is as yet unclear what the future holds for them. But what I hope these articles will prove to readers is that reform, sluggish as it is, has begun. New Delhi: It is time now to have laws to protect and restore the dignity of men charged with false rape cases as everyone is just fighting to protect the honour of women, a Delhi court has said. While laws are being made for protection of women, some of whom may misuse them, nobody talks about the dignity and honour of a man, Additional Sessions Judge Nivedita Anil Sharma said while acquitting a man of charges of raping a woman known to him in Uttam Nagar area of West Delhi in 2013. "It may not be possible to restore the dignity and honour of the accused nor compensate him for the humiliation, misery, distress and monetary loss. However, his acquittal may give him some solace. He may also file any case for damages against the prosecutor, if advised. "No one discusses about the dignity and honour of a man as all are only fighting for the rights, honour and dignity of women. Laws for protection of women are being made, which may be misused by a woman, but where is the law to protect a man from such a woman where he is being persecuted and implicated in false cases, as in the present case. Perhaps, now it is the time to take a stand for a man," the judge said. The court also pondered whether a person acquitted of rape charges be considered as a "rape survivor". The court said it cannot be ignored that due to this case, the man has suffered humiliation, distress and misery besides litigation expenses. "His plight may also continue after his acquittal as his implication may have caused an uproar in society but his acquittal may not even be noticed. He would continue to suffer the stigma of being a rape case accused. He has remained in custody for a considerable period," it noted. According to the prosecution, the woman had alleged she was raped by the man in October 2013 and also sexually assaulted her one-and-a-half years ago and in that case he was acquitted by a Saket court. During trial, the man claimed he was innocent and said he knew the woman for five years and she was trying to extort money from him. He had also said that the physical relations between them was consensual. While acquitting the man, the court held that there were several contradictions in the woman's statements, which were also not reliable. It noted that the woman had also filed an affidavit stating she had established physical relations with the accused on her own will. PTI The convocation ceremony at the Benaras Hindu University (BHU) was rocked by violence, as a student was beaten up allegedly by BJP activists, news reports said. Moments after Prime Minister Narendra Modi finished his address to the students, student union leader Ashutosh Singh demanded that elections to the union should be held in the university, after which he was roughed up, IBNLive reported. According to an NDTV report, he was grabbed by the police and later attacked by BJP workers. While the police has detained him, he may be released soon, according to the IBNLive report. Subsequent to the police action against protesting students at JNU, some students had decided to observe a black day, according to the NDTV report. These included student groups backed by the Left. Hours before the Delhi High Court hears the bail plea of JNU Student Union president Kanhaiya Kumar, arrested for sedition, an India Today investigation has revealed shocking details of the brazen attack on Kumar in Patiala House court last week. A posting on the India Today website reads: "To uncover the truth about the Patiala House conspiracy, India Today's special investigation team first went to meet Vikram Singh Chauhan, the 38-year-old Patiala House lawyer from Rewari in Haryana. Chauhan has emerged as the face of the attack on journalists and JNU students. Far from being afraid about getting locked up in prison for leading the brutal attack, he seems to be enjoying his new found infamy in this conversation." Links: India Today video on lawyers who attacked Kanhaiya Kumar Justice Pratibha Rani will hear the bail plea at 10.30 a.m. Security would be beefed up in the high court to avoid any untoward incident, in view of the violence seen in the Patiala House courts when Kanhaiya Kumar was produced for hearing. He had moved the bail plea on Friday after a lower court sent him to judicial custody till March 2. Kanhaiya's lawyer had directly moved the the Supreme Court for bail, but the apex court asked his advocate to move the high court for bail, noting that bypassing the high court would set a wrong precedent. The student leader had directly moved his bail plea before the Supreme Court invoking its jurisdiction under article 32, under which a citizen can move the apex court for enforcing his fundamental rights. Besides bail, Kanhaiya Kumar had sought direction for his safety and security from the apex court. Invoking article 21 guaranteeing right to life and personal liberty and pointing to the atmosphere of violence that prevailed in Patiala House Court complex on February 15 and 17, he, in his petition in apex court, had said that the manner in which his physical harassment was allowed to take place was a clear pointer to the violation of his right to access justice delivery system. Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested in a sedition case on February 12 after an event held on the university campus against hanging of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. With IANS Mumbai: Actress Sonam Kapoor is flooded with words of appreciation for her act in Neerja as Neerja Bhanot, who lost her life while saving others on a hijacked flight. Classmates of the late air hostess have also thanked the actress for bringing her back to life on the silver screen. The actress was touched by a special message by Bhanot's classmates, and credited director Ram Madhvani for being the captain of the film. Sonam took to Twitter to share an image of the tribute by one of Bhanot's classmates. The message read: Dear Sonam, I wonder if you will get to read this message. Your critics and colleagues will congratulate you for your performance as Neerja and I believe you will win awards and accolades in truckloads for this movie. But to us who were Neerja's classmates in school you did something much, much more. You brought her back to life after nearly 30 years. She is now back amongst us again. And for that on behalf of the Batch 78 Bombay Scottish Aluminii, her friends and family, I thank you. Sanjit Shastri - batch of 78 Bombay. To this, Sonam said: Ram this is all you... Thank you for making me an honorary alumni... I humbly accept this beautiful tribute to #neerja by her pals of #bombayscottish class of '78 ... This has truly truly moved me. Neerja tells the story of how Neerja lost her life while saving passengers from terrorists on board hijacked Pan Am Flight 73 in September 1986. And a special screening was organised for alumni of the Bombay Scottish School here on Friday. The film also stars Shabana Azmi and Shekhar Ravjiani. IANS New Delhi: The opposition on Monday debunked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's contention that a conspiracy to destabilise the government and "defame" him was being launched and said it was a counter offensive to ward off the imminent attack on NDA in the budget session. "This was a counter offensive so that we do not go on the offensive. It is not that we are on the defensive. We submit to the Prime Minister that he should rein in your party leaders," Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters. He said that there has not been a single instance of any action being taken against anyone of the ruling party, who had made controversial remarks. "The government and the ruling party should own up," he said frowning upon the debate started about nationalism after the JNU row. Accusing the Prime Minister of failing to take any action against such people, he cited an instance of Rajiv Gandhi sacking a party general secretary in 1988-89 when he had made a remark on the Ayodhya issue, which was at variance with the party line. "BJP leaders shoot off their mouth but no action is taken against them," Azad said. CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury accused the government of bringing an "atmosphere of anarchy" in the country, in an apparent reference to the way the BJP and its allied government handled the Jat reservation in Haryana, the Patel quota row in Gujarat and Kapus' agitation in Andhra Pradesh. Addressing a farmer's rally in Bargarh in Odisha, Modi had on Sunday said that disgruntled NGOs and black-marketeers were conspiring to destabilise his government and "defame" him and asserted that he will not bow to any machinations. He said some people were not able to digest the fact that a "chai wala" (tea seller) has become the Prime Minister and hence were conspiring all the time to bring him down. PTI Franklin, Tennessee: Hillary Clinton acknowledged she has work to do in convincing voters that she has their best interests at heart, even as the former US secretary of state she savoured her weekend win over rival Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders in the Nevada caucuses. On the Republican side, US senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz battled to emerge as the true anti-Donald Trump candidate after the billionaire businessman's resounding victory in the South Carolina primary established him as the clear front-runner in the race for that party's presidential nomination. Clinton was happy with her Nevada win but conceded that some voters are skeptical of her motivations. "I think there's an underlying question that maybe is really in the back of people's minds and that is, you know, is she in it for us or is she in it for herself?" Clinton said on CNN. "I think that is a question that people are trying to sort through." A large majority of black voters supported Clinton in Nevada, according to entrance polls, an outcome that bodes well for her in next Saturday's Democratic primary in South Carolina and on so-called Super Tuesday a few days later when primaries are held in several southern states where African-Americans make up a large segment of the Democratic electorate. Working to increase his support among black voters, Sanders visited a Baptist church luncheon following services in West Columbia, South Carolina, and talked up the country's economic recovery under President Barack Obama. Sanders, a Vermont senator, acknowledged that while his insurgent campaign has made strides, "at the end of the day ... you need delegates." Sanders looked past South Carolina to list Colorado, Minnesota, Massachusetts and Oklahoma as places where he has a "good shot" to do well on 1 March, or Super Tuesday, which offers a large haul of delegates who will choose the party's nominee at the national convention in July. As for Trump, he declined to say the Republican nomination was his to lose. But he quickly went on to declare, "I'm really on my way." Soon enough, in a television interview, he was toting up electoral math all the way through Election Day and concluding, "I'm going to win." Trump's main rivals, Rubio and Cruz, used the Sunday morning news shows to spin optimistic scenarios after complete but unofficial returns in South Carolina put Trump way up on top, with Rubio squeaking past Cruz for second. But with roughly 70 percent of Republicans in national polls declining to back Trump, Cruz and Rubio tried to cast themselves as the one candidate around whom what Rubio calls the "alternative-to-Donald-Trump vote" can coalesce. Rubio also took an aggressive run at Trump, faulting him for a lack of specifics on policy. "If you're running for president of the United States, you can't just tell people you're going to make America great again," he said on CBS' Face the Nation, referring to Trump's campaign slogan. At a later rally in Franklin, Tennessee, a Nashville suburb, Rubio took note of the smaller Republican field after former Florida Governor Jeb Bush's departure from the race, and celebrated his biggest crowd of the campaign, estimated at more than 3,000 people. Rubio avoided criticizing his Republican rivals, instead highlighting his efforts to help middle-class families. Cruz, for his part, stressed his conservative bona fides and said he was the lone "strong conservative in this race who can win. We see conservatives continuing to unite behind our campaign," he told NBC's Meet the Press. With Bush gone from the race, Rubio was hoping to pick off past donors to the Bush campaign and looking to benefit as well from a cessation in the millions of dollars in negative ads run against him by the Bush campaign and its allies. Rubio also suggested it was only a matter of time before John Kasich and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson ended their campaigns as well. The Florida senator hinted it would be better to get that winnowing over with, saying, "the sooner we can coalesce, the better we're going to be as a party in general." Not so fast, Kasich countered. "We're getting big crowds everywhere we go," the Ohio governor insisted, listing Vermont, Massachusetts and Virginia as places he can shine. Trump suddenly had nice things to say about Bush, the candidate he had hammered so relentlessly when they were rivals. As for Rubio, Trump told Fox News Sunday that "I start off liking everybody. Then, all of a sudden, they become mortal enemies." AP New Delhi: Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday said his visit to India was very successful and his government was ready to address any genuine problems concerning the Constitution. Addressing a press conference here, Oli said he had not come to India with any shopping list and said Nepal works with India and China "with equal friendly feelings". Asked about the possibility of people in the Terai region again resorting to agitation over their demands relating to Nepal's new Constitution, Oli said he will tell them there is no need for any such step. He said the Nepal government has an open mind on concerns of people of Terai region. "We are ready to listen and ready to address if there are any genuine problems," he said. Oli said there was no discrimination under the new Constitution promulgated in September last year and added that his government was prepared to amend it if there were genuine problems. Nearly 60 people lost their lives in violent protests after the adoption of the Constitution last year with agitating Madhesi political parties and ethnic groups of the Nepal Terai demanding amendments in the statute that they deem discriminatory. Crucial entry points from India to Nepal were blocked by agitators leading to shortage of essential supplies and medicines in the country. Nepal blamed the Indian establishment for instigating the trouble, a charge New Delhi firmly denied. On 23 January, the Nepal Parliament approved the first amendment to the Constitution to address the agitating Madhesis' demands for proportionate representation and allocation of seats in parliament on the basis of population. Oli said the first amendment was brought in a short span of time and it proved that his government was very flexible and wanted to address genuine demands. "It proves that the Constitution is dynamic, can be changed, amended according to demands," he said. Referring to India nudging Nepal to address concerns of sections of its people concerning the Constitution, Oli said: "The Government of Nepal and people of Nepal are ready to address the genuine concerns and we understand the sensitivities of our neighbours. We are always addressing these." Oli lauded the Constitution and said the process of making it was very democratic but "some people do not want to go through the crux of the matter". He said the Constitution was not promulgated "all of a sudden" but after a prolonged debate. Oli said the Constitution speaks of multi-parties, with periodic election and separation of powers. "All disparities and discrimination (have been) eliminated and social justice guaranteed," he said. He said making comments concerning the Constitution was "a democratic right", but the new Constitution "does not leave any such areas where people can make any comments". Oli did not elaborate on his one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Kamal Thapa, who also addressed the media, said the main purpose of the visit was to clear the air of mistrust and misunderstanding that has prevailed in the bilateral ties in the last couple of months. "The air of mistrust and misunderstanding has been fully cleared. The relations have come back to normal," he said, adding that it was a new phase of the Nepal-India relationship. He said Oli informed Modi during their meeting on Saturday that the Nepal government was committed to resolve all issues in the constitutional and political framework through dialogue and consensus. Modi had said on Saturday that success of the new Constitution depends on dialogue and consensus. Oli said his visit was to eliminate every type of misunderstanding and improve traditional, historical, cultural, geographical, commercial ties. "My visit is very successful," he said. Answering a question, he said both India and China were Nepal's friends. "With equal friendly feeling, we work with both." Oli visited the Tehri hydel project earlier on Sunday and is scheduled to visit Gujarat and Maharashtra during his six-day visit to India. Senior BJP leader LK Advani also called on Oli in the afternoon. IANS Wellington: Fijians were finally able to venture outside today after authorities lifted a curfew but much of the country remained without electricity in the wake of a ferocious cyclone that destroyed hundreds of homes. Officials were scrambling to restore services and assess damage in remote parts of the Pacific Island chain. Winds from Cyclone Winston, which tore through Fiji over the weekend, reached 285 kilometers per hour, making it the strongest storm in the Southern Hemisphere since record-keeping began, according to the Weather Underground website. The government imposed the curfew on Saturday night and lifted it at 5.30 am (local time) today. A 3-day declaration of a state of natural disaster remains in effect and empowers police to make arrests without warrants. In a televised address to the nation yesterday, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said many people had been left without power, fresh water or communications. "The damage has been widespread, homes have been destroyed, many low-lying areas have flooded, and many people have been left stunned and confused about what to do," he said. He said that the police and military had been brought in to help with rescue operations and the general cleanup, and that government agencies were working overtime to clear roads and restore power. "This is a time of sorrow, but it will also be a time of action," Bainimarama said. "We will stand united in the face of this disaster." Officials were trying to establish communications and road access to the hardest-hit areas, and said they would not know the full extent of the damage and injuries until then. George Dregaso of Fiji's National Disaster Management Office said that two people on Ovalau Island died when the house they were sheltering in collapsed on them, and that another man was killed on Koro Island, although it wasn't clear how he died. Authorities also said three people on the main island of Viti Levu were killed in the storm, but didn't have more details. International tourists began fleeing cyclone-devastated Fiji as the death toll from the most powerful storm to ever hit the Pacific island nation jumped to 17. Care Australia said officials in Suva confirmed the body count had jumped steeply from six previously, amid fears the number will continue to rise as news filters in from remote areas. "Care Australia can confirm that figure of 17 dead," a Care spokesman told AFP after a briefing with disaster management officials in the Fijian capital. Severe tropical cyclone Winston, the first category five storm in Fiji, hit the Pacific nation overnight Saturday, packing wind gusts of 325 kilometres per hour, leaving a trail of destruction. No immediate breakdown of the fatalities was available but the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reported many were from the hard-hit west of the country and seven fishermen were missing at sea. The cyclone, the strongest ever recorded in the southern hemisphere, flattened scores of homes, crippled infrastructure and forced terrified residents to shelter in evacuation centres. Oxfam's Pacific regional director Raijeli Nicole said the scale of the disaster would only become apparent when communications were restored with the remote communities that experienced the storm's full fury. "The Fijians are desperately trying to repair severed lines of communication, but they hold grave fears that the news waiting for them will be dire," she said. "Given the intensity of the storm and the images we have seen so far, there are strong concerns that the death toll won't stop climbing today and that hundreds of people will have seen their homes and livelihoods completely destroyed." International tourists caught up in the disaster began to leave as flights resumed at Nadi airport after a two-day suspension. Air New Zealand confirmed one of its aircraft departed at 9.30 am (local time) and other carriers including Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Fiji Airways were also expected to begin operations again. Fiji's economy relies on tourism and the island chain is a major destination for Australians and New Zealanders. With communications still down in many areas, Tourism Minister Faiyaz Siddiq Koya assured concerned relatives unable to contact their families that "all visitors are safe and comfortable." AFP Kabul: At least 13 people, including nine civilians, were killed Monday in a suicide bombing targeting Afghan police which was claimed by Taliban insurgents in a remote area northwest of Kabul, authorities said. The bomber targeted a local police chief, injuring him on the eve of the latest round of quadrilateral talks to be held in Kabul in a bid to revive the peace process with the Taliban and end more than 14 years of war. "There are 13 dead, nine civilians and four policemen, as well as 19 injured, 17 of whom are civilians," Parwan province police chief Mohammed Zaman Mamozai told AFP. Wahid Seddiqi, spokesman for the provincial governor, gave a higher toll of 14 dead, including six policemen and eight civilians, and said the bomber was riding a motorcycle. The Taliban claimed responsibility in a statement on Twitter through spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid. The attack occurred in Siagerd district, some 60 kilometres (around 40 miles) northwest of Kabul, a remote mountainous area where the Taliban are firmly entrenched. Seddiqi said the target was a commander with the Afghan Local Police (ALP), the security force set up by the United States in 2010 to help support the government in its fight against the insurgents. The ALP has been accused of human rights violations and is a regular Taliban target, along with other security forces in the country. The Taliban have intensified their insurgency since the end of Nato's combat mission in late 2014, multiplying bombings and attacks across Afghanistan. But the Afghan government, along with China, Pakistan and the US, have stepped up efforts to revive peace negotiations with the insurgents after an aborted bid last summer. A fourth round of talks to revive the negotiations will be held Tuesday in Kabul. Redeployment in Helmand The bombing comes as Afghan troops retreat from two districts in the southern province of Helmand, a move highlighting the challenge from Taliban fighters in the opium-producing region. "The Afghan army retreated from two army bases in Musa Qala and one base from Nawzad district" on Saturday, provincial governor Khan Rahimi told AFP Monday, leaving no troops anywhere in those districts. He said the soldiers had moved to other parts of Helmand, such as the heavily-contested districts of Lashkar Gah and Sangin, adding: "We have no concerns regarding this step but we have plans to ensure security in other vulnerable areas." But the decision was criticised by Abdul Majeed Akhundzada, deputy chief of the provincial council. "Retreating from Musa Qala looks to me like ignoring the deaths of Afghan security forces and the civilians," Akhundzada said. Helmand has seen some of the fiercest fighting in the Taliban's battle against local and foreign forces that began in 2001. Last October, US President Barack Obama said that thousands of US troops would remain in Afghanistan past 2016 in what is officially a training and support role, backpedalling on previous plans to reduce the force and acknowledging that Afghan forces are not ready to stand alone. The US has deployed several hundred troops in Helmand in recent weeks. In August 2015, Taliban insurgents briefly captured the town of Musa Qala before Afghan forces backed by Nato retook it. AFP Dhaka: The Islamic State has claimed the gruesome killing of a Hindu head priest in Bangladesh using guns and cleavers at a temple in an area bordering India, the first attack by the dreaded group against a Hindu in a series of similar assaults on religious minorities. US-based private SITE Intelligence Group published the report after the execution-style killing of 50-year-old Jagneshwar Roy at Sonapota village on Sunday in a pre-dawn attack in northern Panchagarh district's Debiganj Upazila, some 494 km from Dhaka, that also injured two devotees. The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors online jihadi activity, said the Islamic State claimed responsibility for killing Roy in a communique posted by the IS-linked Amaq News Agency on Twitter. The claim could not be independently verified. Motorbike-borne assailants, said to be over three in number, pelted stones at the house of Roy in the premises of the Santagourhiyo Temple which prompted him to come out following which the killers pounced on him and slit his throat, according to a devotee in the neighbourhood said. Roy founded the temple in 1998 and served as it principal and chief priest since then. His murder is the first attack on a Hindu priest and the fifth attack on minority religious communities including Shia Muslims and liberal Sufi preachers in the past six months by suspected Islamists. However, a senior police officer overseeing the investigation questioned the authenticity of the ISIS claim and said the initial investigation found that the banned Jamaatul Mujahideeen Bangladesh (JMB) and fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami could be linked to the murder. "In the past several cases of such clandestine murders, we heard about the IS involvement, but our investigations found those claims to be unfounded... rather locally brewed militant or Islamist groups were found to be directly involved in the killings," the officer told PTI requesting anonymity. Panchagargh's police chief Giasuddin Ahmed also questioned the Islamic State claim, saying "the statement issued in the name of Islamic State is entirely bogus". Officer-in-charge of Debiganj police station in Panchagargh Babul Akhtar told reporters that in an overnight raid, police arrested two suspected JMB operatives and an activist of Jamaat's student wing suspecting their links to the murder. The SITE had earlier reported that Islamic State claimed responsibility for the murder of Japanese national Kunio Hoshi at Rangpur, the attack on a Shia mosque in Bogra and another on a Shia procession in Dhaka. But law-enforcing agencies and the government had dismissed the claim, saying the Middle-East-based radical group had no presence in Bangladesh. PTI A string of suicide bombings near a Shiite shrine outside Syria's capital and in Homs claimed by jihadists killed at least 142 people Sunday, as Washington and Moscow worked to secure a ceasefire. The Islamic State group said it was behind the carnage. US Secretary of State John Kerry said a provisional deal had been reached on the terms of a truce in Syria's brutal five-year conflict, only for the bloodshed to intensify on the ground. Near Damascus, a car bombing followed by two consecutive suicide attacks ripped through the area of the Shiite shrine of Sayyida Zeinab and killed 83 people, Syria's official news agency SANA reported. SANA, quoting a police source, said 178 people, including children, were among the wounded. State television said the attacks came as pupils were leaving school in the area. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights gave a lower toll of 68 dead but said many wounded were in critical condition. An AFP reporter said the blasts struck about 400 metres (yards) from the revered Shiite shrine containing the grave of a granddaughter of the Prophet Mohammed. At least 60 shops were damaged and cars reduced to mangled metal. A January attack in the same area -- also claimed by IS -- killed 70 people. The Observatory also reported that two car bombs killed at least 59 people and wounded dozens in the pro-regime district of Al-Zahraa in the central city of Homs. IS said online that two suicide bombers struck in Sayyida Zeinab and two others drove explosive-packed cars into crowds in Homs. State television footage from Homs showed emergency workers carrying a charred body on a stretcher past devastated shops and mangled cars and minibuses. Al-Zahraa -- whose residents are mostly from the same Alawite sect of Shia Islam as Syria's ruling clan -- has been regularly targeted. 'Provisional' ceasefire deal World powers, which have been pushing for a halt in Syria's nearly five-year war, had hoped to see a truce take effect on Friday but have struggled to agree on the terms. On Sunday, Kerry spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at least three times to try to nail down a truce. The Russian foreign ministry later said Lavrov and Kerry held two more telephone conversations and finalised the ceasefire terms to be submitted to their respective presidents. World powers proposed the truce just over a week ago as part of a plan that also included expanded humanitarian access, in a bid to pave the way for peace talks to resume. The talks, which collapsed earlier this month in Geneva, had been scheduled to resume on February 25, but the UN's Syria envoy has already acknowledged that that date is no longer realistic. Key opposition umbrella group the High Negotiations Committee said at the weekend it would agree a temporary truce only if regime backers halted fire. HNC chief Riad Hijab said any ceasefire must be reached "with international mediation and with guarantees obliging Russia, Iran and their sectarian militias and mercenaries to stop fighting". Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, meanwhile, told Spain's El Pais newspaper he was "ready" for a ceasefire, but that it should not be exploited by "terrorists". Turkey defends shelling Kurds Moscow is a key architect of the proposed ceasefire, but has shown little sign so far that it plans to rein in the air campaign it began in September in support of Assad's government. On Saturday, the Kremlin said it would continue "to provide assistance and help to the armed forces of Syria in their offensive actions against terrorists". Regime forces backed by Russian strikes were advancing on Sunday east of Aleppo city against IS, consolidating their control over a stretch of highway from the city to the Kweyris military base. The Observatory said at least 50 IS fighters had been killed in clashes and Russian strikes since Saturday morning. Tensions have been rising between Moscow and opposition-backer Ankara, alarmed by both the regime's Russian-backed advances and a major operation by Kurdish-led forces in Aleppo province. The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and their Arab partners have seized key territory from rebel forces in Aleppo province, prompting Turkey to shell their positions. Ankara considers the YPG to be an affiliate of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, which has waged a decades-long insurgency against Turkey. It fears the Kurdish advances are intended to link areas in north and northeast Syria to create a contiguous semi-autonomous Kurdish zone along the Syrian-Turkish border. On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan defended his country's fight against the YPG as "legitimate defence" after international calls for Ankara to halt its military action in Syria. AFP LONDON Montenegro will have to close its borders to refugees and migrants to avoid being overwhelmed if other nearby countries do so, the country's prime minister told Reuters on Monday. Europe is suffering its biggest migrant crisis since World War Two. More than a million migrants entered the European Union last year via the Balkan route, crossing through Greece, Macedonia and Serbia towards wealthier western Europe. Montenegro, a tiny ex-Yugoslav republic sandwiched between Serbia, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, is not on the main Balkan route, but fears that Macedonia may shut its border with Greece, possibly diverting many migrants into Albania and Montenegro. "If the European countries dealing with the consequences of the migrant crisis opt to close their borders, what else is there for a country like Montenegro to do," said Djukanovic, in London for a conference of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. "Of course" Montenegro would have to shut its borders, he said, if Macedonia shut its frontier with Greece and further north countries such as Hungary and Austria tightened their own border restrictions. On Monday thousands of migrants were stranded in northern Greece after Macedonia demanded additional identification from people seeking to cross the border and head to western Europe, witnesses said. Montenegro, Serbia and Macedonia are all official candidates for European Union membership, though they are unlikely to join the bloc for many years. Austria has invited the Balkan states to talks on migration in Vienna on Wednesday following its own move to limit asylum applicants to 80 per day. EU justice and home affairs ministers will also discuss the migrant crisis again in Brussels on Thursday ahead of a summit of the bloc's heads of state and government on March 17-18. (Reporting by Marc Jones; Editing by Gareth Jones) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Islamabad: Pakistan government today challenged in the Islamabad High Court the rejection of the 2008 Mumbai attack case prosecution's plea by the trial court to form a commission to examine the boat used by LeT terrorists to reach the Indian coast. "We have challenged the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Islamabad's decision to reject our plea regarding formation of a commission to examine the boat - Al-Fauz - used by alleged terrorists of Mumbai attacks in the Islamabad High Court," Prosecution Chief Chaudhry Azhar said. He said the court office would fix the date of hearing. According to the petition, the boat should be made "case property". "A government commission should be formed to examine the boat which is in custody of the authorities in port city of Karachi is an essential part of evidence against the seven accused" against whom the trial is underway, it says. The ATC on January 13 had dismissed the plea of the prosecution to form a commission to examine the boat. Al-Fauz is in the custody of the Pakistani authorities in the port city of Karachi, from where the 10 militants, armed with AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades, had left for India to carry out the Mumbai attack in 2008. According to the Federal Investigation Agency, the 10 militants - armed with AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades - used three boats including Al Fauz to reach Mumbai from the port city of Karachi to carry out the attack in 2008. It said the security agencies had also traced the shop and its owner from where the culprits bought the engine and the boat while a bank, and a money exchange company were also traced which were used for the transaction of money. The 10 LeT militants had left Karachi on the boat on 23 November 2008. En route, they hijacked another boat, killing four of its crew. They allegedly forced the vessel's captain to take them close to the India shores. The captain was killed when the vessel reached Mumbai's coast. On 26 November that year, the gunmen left their vessel, moored off the coast of Mumbai in inflatable boats and docked in an area of fishing shanties. They broke up into smaller groups to carry out the attack that killed 166 people. Nine of the gunmen were killed during the attacks, while the lone survivor identified as Ajmal Kasab was executed in India in November, 2012. Pakistani authorities have arrested seven LeT members involved with the planning of the attack including the terrorist group's operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, said to be the mastermind of the Mumbai attack. The other arrested LeT men are Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Sadiq, Shahid Jamil, Jamil Ahmed and Younas Anjum. Lakhvi, 55, has been on bail since last April and is enjoying his freedom at an undisclosed location. PTI Moscow: Russia's foreign ministry said Monday that a string of suicide bombings in Syria at the weekend claimed by the Islamic State group were aimed at undermining the peace process. "The atrocious crimes of extremists are aimed at scaring the peaceful population, subverting attempts to reach a long term political settlement to the Syrian crisis in the interests of all Syrians and efforts to end violence and bloodshed," it said in a statement. Moscow said it "decisively condemns" the "inhuman attacks by terrorists" and expressed condolences for the victims. It also called for a "proper principled reaction from the international community." It stressed the importance of "reliably blocking" attempts by IS, Al-Nusra Front and other groups to "further aggravate the situation in Syria and around it" and inflame division between different faith groups. AFP ANKARA U.N. second in command Jan Eliasson said on Monday he was discussing with Turkish officials whether they can open the border to the thousands fleeing fighting in Aleppo in case the violence reaches where they are huddled on the Syrian side. Close to 100,000 people are locked out of Turkey near the Oncupinar border crossing after they fled escalating air strikes and a Syrian government assault on Aleppo, with humanitarian aid from Turkish relief agencies provided inside Syria. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly said he prefers the setting up of a "safe zone" perimeter inside Syria border where displaced people would be protected from attack. "We hope that they are secure where they are, but we would also hope in the end there would be continued Turkish generosity," the deputy secretary-general of the United Nations, told Reuters when asked whether Turkey should open the border. Eliasson said he had discussing the possible opening of the border during talks with his Turkish colleagues. Turkey hosts some 2.6 million refugees from the five-year conflict, but is coming under growing pressure from the United States to secure the border more tightly because of the risk from militants travelling under the guise of seeking refuge, and, from Europe, to stem the onward flow of migrants. "I understand that this is a tremendous strain on this nation and that they of course have their concerns ... that's not only for us to discuss, that's also for the European Union who are now feeling that these flows have to be reduced," Eliasson said. Turkey has made a deal with the Europe to cut back the flow of migrants, more than two thousand of which continue to cross illegally from Turkey to Greece every day, in exchange for financial support for the refugees inside Turkey and for refreshing its accession process to the EU. (Reporting by Dasha Afanasieva; Editing by Alison Williams) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Islamabad: Warning that language can serve as a "double-edged sword", the Unesco said the continued use of Urdu in Pakistani schools has led to political tensions in the multi-ethnic country and recommended that children be taught in a language they understand. A policy paper issued by the Unesco coinciding with the 'Mother Language Day' on Sunday referred the multi-ethnic societies in Turkey, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Guatemala and recommended ensuring that "children are taught in a language they understand". In Pakistan, the continued use of Urdu as the language of instruction in government schools, even though it is spoken at home by less than eight per cent of the population, has also contributed to political tensions, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) said in a report released on Friday. The post-independence government in Pakistan adopted Urdu as the national language and the language of instruction in schools. This became a source of alienation in a country that was home to six major linguistic groups and 58 smaller ones, it said. The failure to recognise Bengali, spoken by the vast majority of the population in the erstwhile East Pakistan, was one of the major sources of conflict within the new country, leading to student riots in 1952. The riots gave birth to the Bengali Language Movement, a precursor to the movement for the secession of East Pakistan and formation of Bangladesh. The Unesco said that being taught in a language other than their own can negatively impact children's learning. Language can serve as a double-edged sword, "while it strengthens an ethnic group's social ties and sense of belonging, it can also become a basis for their marginalisation. Education policy must ensure that all learners, including minorities' language speakers, access school in a language they know," Director of Unesco's Global Education Monitoring Report Aaron Benavot said. It said that at least six years of instruction in the mother tongue was needed so that gains from teaching in the early years were sustained. Education policies should recognise the importance of mother tongue learning. Teachers need to be trained to teach in two languages and to understand the needs of second-language learners. In many countries, large number of children are taught and take tests in languages that they do not speak at home, hindering the early acquisition of critically important reading and writing skills. Textbooks should be provided in a language children understand. Classroom-based assessment tools can help teachers identify, monitor and support learners at risk of low achievement. PTI Beijing: China's South China Sea military deployments are no different from US deployments on Hawaii, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday, striking a combative tone ahead of a visit by Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the United States this week. The United States last week accused China of raising tensions in the South China Sea by its apparent deployment of surface-to-air missiles on a disputed island, a move China has neither confirmed nor denied. Asked whether the South China Sea, and the missiles, would come up when Wang is in the United States to meet Secretary of State John Kerry, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Washington should not use the issue of military facilities on the islands as a "pretext to make a fuss". "The US is not involved in the South China Sea dispute, and this is not and should not become a problem between China and the United States," Hua told a daily news briefing. China hopes the US abides by its promises not to take sides in the dispute and stop "hyping up" the issue and tensions, especially over China's "limited" military positions there, she said. "China's deploying necessary, limited defensive facilities on its own territory is not substantively different from the United States defending Hawaii," Hua added. US ships and aircraft carrying out frequent, close-in patrols and surveillance in recent years is what has increased regional tensions, she said. "It's this that is the biggest cause of the militarisation of the South China Sea. We hope that the United States does not confuse right and wrong on this issue or practice double standards." Australia operations urged On Monday, a senior US naval officer was reported as saying Australia and other countries should follow the US lead and conduct "freedom-of-navigation" naval operations within 12 nautical miles (18 kilometres) of contested islands in the South China Sea. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion in global trade passes every year. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims. Beijing has rattled nerves with construction and reclamation activities on the islands it occupies, though it says these moves are mostly for civilian purposes. The state-owned China Southern Power Grid Company will set up a power grid management station in what China calls Sansha City, located on Woody Island in the Paracels, which will be able to access microgrids in 16 other islands, according to China's top regulator of state-owned assets. In the long term, the station will be able to remotely manage power for many islands there, the statement added, without specifying which islands it was referring to. Wang is scheduled to be in the US from Tuesday until Thursday. Hua said the minister is also expected to discuss North Korea, and she repeated China's opposition to the possible US deployment of an advanced US missile defence system following North Korea's recent rocket launch. Reuters Samsung at its Galaxy Unpacked 2016 event in Barcelona announced the flagship Galaxy S7 along with the Galaxy S7 edge. Unlike last year, company this time around decided to go with different display sizes for the S7 and S7 edge. Check our first impressions of the Samsung Galaxy S7. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnbkkZxKYVM The Galaxy S7 has a 5.1-inch Quad-HD (1440 x 2560 pixels) Super AMOLED screen, similar to the S6, but this one is an always-on display. It shows date, time, notifications, calendar etc. all the time and even lets you personalize it accordingly. Samsung said there are third party apps available for the same on launch, and expects more been developed in future. Like predecessor S6, the fingerprint scanner is on the physical home button sandwiched between backlit capacitive-touch Recent and Back keys below the display. Internally, the S7 will have two different SoCs depending upon the market. Consumers will either get a Quad-Core Snapdragon 820 or Samsungs own Exynos 8 Octa 8890 (2.3GHz Quad + 1.6GHz Quad) powered variant. But both will be backed by a 4GB LPDDR4 RAM. The S7 also comes in 32GB and 64GB internal storage variants, which can be further expanded via microSD card (up to 200GB). It runs Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) with custom Touch Wiz UI skinned on top. The Samsung Galaxy S7 has a front 5-megapixel selfie camera and a 12-megapixel (f/1.7 aperture) primary rear camera with Dual Pixel sensor, single LED flash and OIS. Samsung elaborated a lot about the improvements of the rear camera claiming that it reproduces brighter and sharper images than the iPhone 6S Plus, even in low light conditions. Not just that, this Dual Pixel technology vastly improves autofocus performance according to Samsung. Well let you know about the camera performance in our detailed review later, but for now you can check more details here. The Galaxy S7 is water and dust resistant smartphone with IP68 ratings. It is a hybrid dual-SIM (nano + nano / microSD) device that lets you use the second slot as an expansion slot when required. The battery is still non-removable like the S6. Its a 3000mAh battery with fast charging and wireless charging. The handset supports fast charging for both as well. Other connectivity options include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2 LE, GPS with GLONASS, USB 2.0 and NFC. The top edge of the handset has SIM card / microSD tray along with secondary noise cancellation mic. The bottom edges mounts 3.5mm audio jack, Micro-USB charging / data port, primary mic and the speaker grill. The left side has volume rocker and right has power /lock key. The Samsung Galaxy S7 comes in Black Onyx, Gold Platinum, White Pearl and Silver Titanium colors. It will be available starting March 11, 2016. Samsung will be offering a free Gear VR headset on pre-orders in select countries. We also went hands on with the official accessories for the Galaxy S7 httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mb2Rg_jDj4 httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5__PC3umuU Images and inputs by Sandeep Sarma Nokia Growth Partners (NGP) has raised $350 million fund for investments in Internet of Things (IoT) companies. The fund is sponsored by Nokia and will serve to seek new opportunities to grow the ecosystem in IoT solutions. The latest round of funding brings NGPs total assets under management to over USD 1 billion, including USD 500 million available for new investments. The fund will invest in promising companies primarily around Connected Enterprise, Consumer Solutions, Connected Car and Digital Health, as well as enabling technologies with a focus on capabilities in big data and analytics. NGPs reach spans the US, Europe, India and China. The fund will support Nokia in future business opportunities and the technical underpinnings for the growing IoT market. Nokia combines its mobile and fixed network infrastructure assets with secure IoT connectivity, distributed cloud, as well as IoT platforms with applications and analytics and individualized services. The company is working closely with operators and enterprises for the same. Nokia expects IoT to create new industries and opportunities in connected mobility, smart cities, public safety and healthcare and the connected home. Nokia President and CEO Rajeev Suri said in a statement The $350 million Internet of Things investment fund, tasked with finding and funding the best entrepreneurs across the world, reflects our strong intent to be a leader in the technologies that connect people and things, while establishing successful partnerships for both Nokia and the investee companies. Obi Worldphone, backed by John Scully has introduced new budget MV1 smartphone designed by San Francisco-based product studio Ammunition. It has a 5-inch HD in-cell touch display, is powered by a quad-core Snadpragon 212 processor and runs both on Android 5.1 (Lollipop 5.1) or Cyanogen OS 12.1.1. It has a 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and 2-megapixel front-facing camera. It has dual SIM support and 4G LTE connectivity Obi Worldphone MV1 specifications 5-inch (1280 x 720 pixels) in-cell touch display, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection, oleophobic coating 1.3 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 212 processor with Adreno 306 GPU 1GB / 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, expandable memory up to 64GB with microSD Android 5.1 (Lollipop) and Cyanogen OS 12.1.1 Dual (micro + nano) SIM 8MP rear camera with OmniVision OV8865 sensor, f/2.2 aperture, LED flash, 1080p video recording 2MP front-facing camera DTS Sound, dual microphone for noise-cancellation Dimensions: 45.672.68.95mm; Weight: 149g 4G LTE / 3G HSPA+, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n (dual-band), Bluetooth 4.1, GPS 2500mAh (built-in) battery The Obi Worldphone MV1 comes in red, white and black and is priced at $139 (Rs. 9,530 approx.) for 1GB RAM version and the 2GB RAM version costs $149 (Rs. 10,215 approx.). It will be available in Asia and Africa starting from this month and will roll out in Latin America and Europe in March 2016. Commenting on the new phone, Obi Worldphone Co-founder John Sculley, said: This is an industry with 200 different brands vying for consumers attention. There will be 1.4 billion Android phones produced in 2016 alone, so there needs to be a way to stand apart from the pack. The components for all these different phones are mass produced, in the same countries, and often in the same exact factories. What weve done with the Obi Worldphone from the very beginning is show that its possible to have a beautifully designed phone that fits into your lifestyle at an accessible price without sacrificing form and technology. You dont have to give up style in exchange for substance. With the MV1, you can have both. NXP Semiconductors and Qualcomm have announced the integration of near field communication (NFC) and embedded secure element (eSE) solutions across Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, 600, 400 and 200 processor platforms. The processors now includes pre-validation of mobile transaction services including transit and payment. The NXP and Qualcomm partnership enables mobile device makers to accelerate their time to market, and benefit from the strong growth in the mobile transactions industry. In 2015, NXP and Qualcomm Technologies announced they entered a strategic cooperation to accelerate adoption of NFC and security in mobile, wearable and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. NFC and eSE features are now pre-integrated as part of Qualcomm Technologies reference designs, allowing easy NFC integration for OEMs. This expands the collaboration to technical pre-integration by pre-validating transit services with Qualcomm Technologies reference designs, with a special focus on the deployment of highly scalable mobile transit solutions in the ten largest cities of China. Rafael Sotomayor, senior vice president of the secure mobile transactions business line, NXP Semiconductors said NXP is supporting a rapidly growing number of OEMs and Chinese public transport operators in major metropolitan areas like Shenzhen and Guangdong with the deployment of secure, NFC-based mobile solutions. This new level of convenience and security will help to grow the use of tap-and-pay for a range of services in China and beyond. As a result of our collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies we are now able to provide a best-in-class, robust, fully tested and certified solution that can be easily designed in, reducing time to market. Cormac Conroy, vice president of product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc said Combining NXPs advanced NFC and security expertise with our industry leading Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, we are offering comprehensive, cost-effective, and validated contactless payments and transit solutions at scale to mobile OEMs and service providers in China. Expanding these offerings globally is the natural next step in this positive relationship. NXP will demonstrate functional mobile transit ticketing using a Qualcomm Technologies QRD platform at MWC 2016. The Italian team have switched from Renault to Ferrari power units ahead of the new campaign - a significant change which necessitated a change in the new machines architecture and contributed to the STR11 debuting in a temporary dark blue livery. Toro Rosso plan to officially launch the new car - and its 2016 colour scheme - on February 29, a day before the second test begins. Sainz is scheduled to drive on days one and three of this week's four-day session, with 2015s top rookie scorer Max Verstappen behind the wheel on days two and four. quite add up about her ex-beaus finances. When she would suggest they eat at $10- or $15-per-plate eateries, his reaction was as if shed insisted they go to fancy five-star restaurants. And in order to take a trip to California, he had to scrimp and save for a full year. Although that wouldnt seem out of the norm for someone on a tight budget, he made $75,000 a year, wasnt paying much to rent his room, and seemed to have few other major expensesat least that she knew of. He told me I was breaking his budget because we were going out on dates. Although he made a good salary, I wondered where all his money was going, says Miller, 26, the owner of a trampoline business in Washington, DC. To me, the money coming in versus the money going out wasnt adding up. That really bothered me and made me not want to progress further with him into a relationship. The experience also made her realize just how important it was that any future partner have some financial savvya sentiment she seems to share with the majority of Americans. According to a 2015 study commissioned by Citibank, 78% of people in relationships say they prefer a partner who is good with money over one who is good-looking. Trying to decide if finances are going to be a roadblock in your relationship? Here are three money topics to discuss before you get serious with your significant other. While were not suggesting that you bring all of these up on a first date, the pros we talked to suggest easing into them before you start imagining a white-picket-fence future together. When to bring [money] up is really individualized. But the key is if you see yourself possibly taking next steps into a longer-term relationship with someonethats the tipping point for when to ask these questions, says Megan Ford, a licensed marriage therapist and president of the Financial Therapy Association. You save yourself from a lot of potential conflict in the future if you broach the uncomfortable topics in the beginning [of a relationship]. RELATED: Love & Money: 5 Tips for Couples Tackling The Talk Dating Discussion No. 1: Your Family Money Histories Forget about the exes for a momentthe history youll likely want is what your dates parents taught him about managing money. For instance, if he grew up with no money, he may have an inordinate fear of never having enough. On the flip side, if his parents always forked over cash, he may have never learned to delay gratification, says Cheryl Sherrard, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and director of financial planning for Clearview Wealth Management in Charlotte, N.C. Knowing what shaped his views can help you compare his experiences to your own and see where your differences may lie. I think people tend to assume that everyone else will deal with money the same way they do, and dont think about the fact that moneyor the lack thereofcan carry huge emotional ties as well, Sherrard says. Your next-date to-do: Rather than straight up asking about his familys past financial situation, casually cover more general questions about his childhood and upbringing, suggests Mary Beth Storjohann, a San Diego-based CFP and founder of Workable Wealth. Money questions can be veiled in the typical, get-to-know-you situations, she says. For example, you could ask what his worst after-school job was, whether his parents helped pay for college, or how often he went on family vacations. These questions can help clue you in to the money values he may have been raised with. Those values will be some of the biggest influences on his money personalitywhether hes a saver or a spender, a money worrywart or a financial optimist, for example. The good news? A money personality isnt necessarily set in stone, says Ford. The bad news? It may mean he has some deeply ingrained money habits that could be hard to break. What we experienced growing up, what the people who raised us taught us about moneyour money personality is constructed based on all of this, says Ford. [Having different money personalities] isnt insurmountable, but its helpful to know that its hard to change behaviorsand you should know what youre getting into. RELATED: Power Hack of the Week: Swap Money Personalities With Your Significant Other Dating Discussion No. 2: Your Debt Situations Debt can be a squirm-inducing, four-letter word in the realm of dating. But it ranks high on the list of important money conversations to have if youre thinking of taking a major next step together. After all, the more tied together your finances become, the more your debt burdens become each others problems. Ive seen people whove made assumptions [about their partners spending], and then a couple years in, they were horrified at how this person was running up debt, says Sherrard. You dont want to be in for a shock later, so a little bit of discomfort when dating can go a long way [later in the relationship]. Your next-date to-do: If youre still in the very early stages of your relationship, look for cues that your date may have spending habits that could be conducive to running up debt. For instance, does she pull out her credit card for every single purchase? Does her lifestyle not seem to jibe with her income? You might even share the struggles you had paying off credit card bills, or perhaps the pinch you feel now from student loans. What do her responses reveal about how she feels about debt? You dont have to pry into how much [debt she has], but observe and youll get a sense, Storjohann says. If youre near the point of broaching long-term commitment, whether that means marriage or moving in together, its perfectly acceptable to ask aboutand sharehard numbers like credit card balances and student loan debt. You dont want to be blindsided[for example], getting married and finding out someone has $50,000 in debt, Storjohann says. Even if youre just thinking of taking on a big joint purchase together, you want to know details like credit scores, bank account balances and savings strategies, she adds. Remember, however, that debt is not uncommonso whats important is how your future partner chooses to manage it. Theres a difference between someone who has $30,000 in credit card debt with no plan to pay it off and who keeps accumulating it, versus someone who has $60,000 in student loans but knows [it will lead to] a good-paying job, says Ford. Debt in and of itself doesnt throw the relationship awayit just means theres more to talk about. RELATED: A Tale of Two Newlyweds: How We Paid Off $52K of Debt in Under Two Years Dating Discussion No. 3: Long-Term Money Goals If you care about someone, naturally you want to know what hopes and dreams he envisions for himselfand that should include financial goals, too. Thats because money and life goals are intrinsically tied, says Storjohann. Knowing whether he wants to buy a house some day or earn enough to support a family provides a window into his futureand could help you determine if thats also the future you want. These things are financial goals, but they also provide a full personal picture, she adds. Your next-date to-do: Ask about what gets him most excited when he thinks about his future, whether thats five or 10 years down the line, suggests Ford. Is it traveling? Being a parent? Getting a corner office? Everyone in a dating relationship should be talking in a more future-oriented waybut realistically, even long-term committed couples and married people arent talking about [their futures], says Ford. These overall life-goal conversations are really crucial, and they are definitely tied to money. Miller has been dating her current boyfriend for about a year, and they dont see money as a taboo topic. Creating a stable financial future is important to me, so we talk finances, she says. We discuss ballpark estimates of how much we make, and also talk about how we want to invest money, how much is a reasonable amount to spend on a wedding, and future plans. People end marriages over money issues all the time, and I dont want to be a part of that statistic. RELATED: The Skinny on Financial Infidelity: 3 Ways People Keep Money Hidden From a Partner LearnVest Planning Services is a registered investment adviser and subsidiary of LearnVest, Inc., that provides financial plans for its clients. Information shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as investment, legal or tax planning advice. Unless specifically identified as such, the individuals interviewed or otherwise listed in this piece are neither clients, employees nor affiliates of LearnVest Planning Services and the views expressed are their own. Please consult a financial adviser, attorney or tax specialist for advice specific to your financial situation. LearnVest Planning Services and any third parties listed, linked to or otherwise appearing in this message are separate and unaffiliated and are not responsible for each others products, services or policies. LearnVest, Inc., is wholly owned by NM Planning, LLC, a subsidiary of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. For a man with a superior IQ, oversight of a corporate balance sheet with over $200 billion in cash/investments and a business mind that will be marveled by tech aficionados for years to come, to think he is standing on the right side of this argument is nonsensical. Lets break this down. The government is seeking access to one phone as part of an ongoing terrorist investigation which took the lives of 14 Americans on our own soil and Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Tim Cook is refusing to cooperate because it will, according to his February 16th letter to customers, create a bad precedent by comprising encryption and ultimately privacy. Really? Are you kidding me? At what point do we draw the line in the sand and say that corporate America has an obligation to the safety and security of the American public and it supersedes the desires of corporate leaders to pad their balance sheets. Make no mistake about it. This is not about Apples inability to create a myopically focused back door to this very device especially given the fact it employs some of the greatest mathematical minds in the world. What this is about is the need to garner evidence, expeditiously, to ascertain who the two terrorists were communicating with so as to crystalize coconspirators on the San Bernardino attack, as well as other similar occurrences currently in the planning stages. That said, the only thing that is preventing Apple from complying is the monster-sized ego of one man who wants the world to think he is just a good guy looking out for the common good and the privacy of his customers. I wonder if he will bring that speech to the pulpit after the next attack especially if we were to verify it could have been prevented, had he cooperated. Heck of a fight to pick particularly since that might be construed as obstruction of justice by the government if that scenario were to come to fruition. Most states impose an income tax on their residents, and many state income tax systems treat retirees the same way the federal government does, taxing much of their retirement income. Alabama, however, has several favorable provisions that treat retirees better than the IRS. Let's look at some of the most important ways that Alabama deals with retirees for state income tax purposes. Social Security: No state income taxThe federal government taxes Social Security benefits under certain circumstances. Take your other taxable income and add in half your benefits, and if the result is more than $25,000 for singles or $32,000 for joint filers, then some of your Social Security will typically be added to your taxable income for federal purposes. Alabama exempts Social Security income in full from state income taxation. Regardless of how much money you make in retirement, you won't have to pay additional tax to Alabama on your benefits. Government and private pension benefits: No state income taxTypically, retirees have to pay federal tax on any pension benefits they receive. In Alabama, however, pensions are typically tax-exempt. That includes federal pensions in the Civil Service Retirement System, state pensions from various groups including state employees and teachers, military retirement pay for former members of the Armed Forces, and payments from defined-benefit retirement plans offered by private employers. IRA and 401(k) distributions in retirement: Taxed in AlabamaEven though traditional pension benefits aren't subject to tax in Alabama, amounts paid through IRAs and employer-sponsored defined-contribution retirement plans such as 401(k) plan accounts are included in taxable income for Alabama income tax purposes. Alabama does recognize Roth IRA and Roth 401(k) plan distributions as tax-free, matching the federal treatment of these retirement accounts. Homeowners 65 or older: No state property taxIn addition to income tax benefits, those who are 65 or older and own their own homes are exempt from having to pay state property taxes. However, there are a couple of things to watch out for. First, you have to claim the deduction proactively rather than having it automatically applied to your state property tax bill. In addition, individual counties within the state are allowed to impose property taxes as they see fit, including on those 65 or older. Therefore, you might still have part of your property tax bill to pay regardless of your age. On the whole, Alabama is a generous state to retirees and older residents. With a variety of tax breaks, the state seems to encourage older residents to come and stay within its borders. This article is part of The Motley Fool's Knowledge Center, which was created based on the collected wisdom of a fantastic community of investors. We'd love to hear your questions, thoughts, and opinions on the Knowledge Center in general or this page in particular. Your input will help us help the world invest, better! Email us atknowledgecenter@fool.com. Thanks -- and Fool on! The article Alabama Tax Laws for Retirement & Social Security originally appeared on Fool.com. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. When investing, especially in stocks, your returns can fluctuate wildly from year to year. For this reason, knowing an asset's return for a single year isn't too helpful when deciding whether or not to invest. Calculating annualized returns for longer time periods can help you better assess how the investments you currently hold are performing, and can also help you choose future investments. Calculating annualized returnsFirst, determine the investment's overall total return over the holding period you're examining. You can find this by subtracting the investment's current value from its original value, and then dividing by the original value. Note: This formula assumes all dividends paid during the holding period were reinvested. Next, divide the number one by the number of years of returns you're considering. For example, if you're looking at a 10-year holding period, dividing one by 10 gives 0.1. To annualize your returns, raise the overall investment return to this power, and then subtract one. An exampleLet's say that you invested $10,000 in Microsoft 10 years ago, and that your shares (including reinvested dividends) are currently worth $23,800. Using this information, you can calculate your total investment return to be: So, your total return over a decade has been 138%. Since we're considering a 10-year period, I'll use 0.1 as my power to calculate the annualized return: Translated to a percentage, this shows that your 10-year investment in Microsoft produced an annualized return of 9.06%. Over the past decade, the total return of Microsoft stock has varied wildly, ranging from a loss of 43.8% in one year (2008) to a 53.4% gain the next. The stock had three losing years out of the past 10, and five years where its total return exceeded 20%. The point is that any one of these years would be a poor indicator of the stock's performance as a long-term investment. For this reason, knowing the annualized return is more helpful to investors when analyzing the long-term performance of stocks than any short-term performance figures. This article is part of The Motley Fool's Knowledge Center, which was created based on the collected wisdom of a fantastic community of investors. We'd love to hear your questions, thoughts, and opinions on the Knowledge Center in general or this page in particular. Your input will help us help the world invest, better! Email us atknowledgecenter@fool.com. Thanks -- and Fool on! The article How to Calculate the Annualized Holding Period Return originally appeared on Fool.com. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. If you make $100,000 or more, you probably pay a significant amount of your income to the IRS every year at tax time. That makes it critical to look for tax deductions and credits that you can use to reduce your tax bill. Unfortunately, high-income taxpayers don't get to take advantage of all the tax breaks that are available to those with lower incomes. However, there are a few deductions, credits, and other favorable tax provisions that can help those who top the $100,000 mark. If you use them, you can save thousands on your taxes come April. Image source: Getty Images. 1. Take advantage of lower tax rates on certain investment income Investors can benefit from a variety of different provisions that reward certain types of investments with favorable tax rates. In some cases, investment income is tax-free, while other cases involve reduced rates that provide partial savings. For instance, interest on municipal bonds issued by state and local governments is free from federal tax. Moreover, muni bond interest is also state income tax-free for the state in which the issuing government entity is located. Even though municipal bonds typically carry lower interest rates than taxable bonds, the effective after-tax yield on munis can be higher than on regular bonds -- especially for those who make six figures and are in higher tax brackets. Qualified dividend and long-term capital gains income both get lower tax rates than ordinary income. If you are in the 25%, 28%, 33%, or 35% tax brackets, then the maximum rate on this investment income is 15%. Those in the higher 39.6% bracket have to pay a 20% maximum rate. But the savings from this provision rise as your income goes up, with those in the 25% bracket getting just 10 percentage points of savings, while those in the 35% and 39.6% brackets get almost 20 percentage points off their ordinary tax rates. Given that those who make $100,000 or more are in a great position to invest, these provisions can be easy to use to cut your taxes. 2. Use your home to produce the biggest tax breaks Most homeowners are allowed to take mortgage interest and real estate taxes as deductions if they itemize. However, the tax savings for high-bracket taxpayers from taking a deduction are higher than they are for lower-bracket taxpayers. Moreover, because wealthier people can afford more expensive homes, the amounts they borrow and the corresponding taxes and interest they pay are higher than the corresponding amounts on more modest homes. Taxpayers can typically deduct interest on up to $1 million in home-purchase debt and $100,000 in home equity mortgage debt, so there's plenty of room for the well-to-do to have the IRS partially subsidize their mortgage loans. Depending on how far above the $100,000 mark your income is, however, there can be a catch. If your income climbs above $259,400 for single filers or $311,300 for joint filers, then your itemized deductions start to get phased out. For every $100 in income you have above the threshold, you lose $3 in itemized deductions, and up to 80% of your itemized deductions can be taken away under this provision. Even with this caveat, taking more deductions from your home is an area in which high-income taxpayers can get a big break. 3. Max out your employer retirement plan contributions There are no income limits on making contributions to a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan at work, and that will let you save as much as $18,000 for those younger than 50 or $24,000 if you're 50 or older in 2017. Contributions are excluded from your income, and again, high-bracket taxpayers save more in taxes from income exclusions than their lower-bracket peers. Occasionally, highly compensated employees aren't allowed to make full contributions to 401(k)s because of what are known as the anti-discrimination provisions of retirement plan law. Typically, though, most plans will pass the anti-discrimination tests, and even if they fail, you can often contribute at least some money toward a retirement plan during the year. No one likes to pay tax, and those who make $100,000 or more pay a lot of it. By using these breaks, you can ease the pain and write out a smaller check to the IRS next spring. The $16,122 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $16,122 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after.Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. When it comes to buzz about Twitter stock, the market is mostly preoccupied with the company's recent inability to grow its user base. While this is definitely a critical problem management is going to need to solve, there is a new facet of the service investors should start eyeing: Twitter's increasing emphasis on becoming a real-time customer service platform. And a new set of customer service features Twitter just launched for businesses and brands takes the company in an important step in this direction. Twitter makes communicating with businesses easier Announced on Thursday,the newly launched features are aimed at helping care teams provide better customer service. They were built to help customers easily move from public tweets to direct messages and to customer feedback when tweeting to a business. The first feature, which rolled out globally, enables users to move from a tweet to a direct message with a single click. Image source: Twitter. The second feature enables people to privately share their opinions in the form of a survey with a business after interacting with the company's service on Twitter. Image source: Twitter. "Care teams have told us they love the open-ended feedback they get from people via Tweets and Direct Messages," explained Twitter product manager Ian Cairns, "but they also need the ability to survey customers in a structured way to better measure and improve their service experience." A race with FacebookFacebook has also been trying to up its game in business-to-consumer interactions within its Messenger app. In September, Facebook made it possible for businesses to respond to a comment on a post via a private message. Facebook also prominently highlighted call-to-actions for messaging businesses on Pages and even in ads. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said these organic business and customer interactions represent the groundwork for eventually finding a way to monetize the messaging service. With Twitter seemingly taking cues from Facebook and now focusing more on enabling these sorts of private conversations between customers and businesses, the company is capitalizing on a key opportunity to build itself out as a customer service platform and potentially do better at it than Facebook. Indeed, while Twitter may only just be getting started in building out its customer service platform through direct messages, the company is already doing well in this area. Twitter said that businesses that use Twitter for customer service have more satisfied customers and reduce costs per resolution to one-sixth of the cost of a call center interaction. Furthermore, Twitter said "many" of its advertisers tell the company that more than 80% of their inbound social customer service requests on Twitter and that this customer service through Twitter leads to both increased brand loyalty and sales. An emphasis on private messages for business and customer interactions will take Twitter's customer care tools to the next level, better positioning the company to grow in this important area. And it will also help it stay competitive with Facebook as the two race to provide businesses with the best tools to interact with their customers. The article Twitter Inc. Is Turning Into a Customer Service Platform originally appeared on Fool.com. Daniel Sparks has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Facebook and Twitter. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Are there any investors who don't love a bargain-priced stock? The trick, of course, comes in separating the stocks that are cheap for legitimate (bad) reasons from the ones that are cheap because the market has overlooked something good. We asked three of our Fool contributors to name their favorite cheap-because-they're-overlooked stocks now. Here's why they likeFord Motor Company (NYSE: F),Gilead Sciences(NASDAQ: GILD), and Genuine Parts Company(NYSE: GPC)at recent prices. Its advanced autonomous-vehicle program is just one of several reasons to like Ford's stock now. Image source: Ford Motor Company. A fatdividend and surprising growthpotential John Rosevear (Ford Motor Company): As I write this, Ford is trading at about 3% above its 52-week low. As near as I can tell, value-minded investors have passed on the Blue Oval recently for three reasons: Even though it's near its 52-week low, Ford is still trading at 9.9 times its 2016 net earnings, which seems like full value for an automaker. Ford's earnings are projected to decline in 2017 versus 2016. Ford, like other big automakers, is at risk of "disruption" from tech upstarts. But I think if we look a little deeper, we'll see that Ford is an intriguing buy at current prices. Let's take each of those reasons in turn: Ford's 2016 net income was pushed down by a $3 billion one-time charge related to its pension accounting, not an actual cash loss. Strip that out, and Ford's trading at just 6.5 times its (adjusted) 2016 earnings. That'spretty cheap. Ford's adjusted pre-tax profit is in fact projected to decline a bit from 2016 levels, in part because Ford is ramping up its investments in future technologies like autonomous vehicles and electric drivetrains. But assuming that the U.S. new-car market stays reasonably steady, Ford expects its profit to jump back up in 2018. Like all big automakers, Ford is at risk of disruption! But CEO Mark Fields recognized that a while back, and is well into the process of transforming Ford into an "auto and mobility company" that will be both relevant and profitable in the self-driving future. That transformation isn't just talk -- it's a genuine sea change in Ford's century-old business. (You can learnmuchmore about it here.) Not all of the big automakers will survive and thrive in the new world of tech-enabled personal mobility. But Ford, more than most, seems to have grasped the potential of the coming wave of transformation and is taking smart steps now to ensure that it has a big place in that new world. You may have to be patient, but substantial bottom-line growth is very possible over the next several years. There's one more big reason to like Ford as an investment now: Its low stock price plus a rock-solid dividend means that Ford's dividend yield is a whopping 5.2% right now. Reinvest that while you wait for Ford's mobility investments to pay off, and you may be very happy with the results in time. Time to be greedy with this big biotech stock Keith Speights(Gilead Sciences): It makes sense that Gilead Sciences' stock has been beaten down over the past year. The company's top-selling hepatitis C franchise is running out of patients and simultaneously facing stiffer competition. But is Gilead a stock for which investors should consider taking Warren Buffett's classic advice: "Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful"? I think so. Don't sugarcoat Gilead Sciences' challenges, though. The best the company can hope for with its hepatitis C franchise is for sales not to tank too much more in too quick of a time frame. A slow and prolonged misery would work better for the biotech. Gilead's HIV drugs are still going strong, but their sales growth won't be enough to offset the lower hepatitis C franchise sales. The biotech can't count on tremendous assistance from its pipeline, either, because several of its candidates are still several years away from potential regulatory approval. So why buy Gilead? The company has the desire and the means to change its story. Gilead's management team has been clear that making strategic acquisitions is a top priority. Funding such acquisitions won't be a problem: Gilead has more than $32 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. Plus, the biotech's cash flow continues to be exceptionally strong even with slumping hepatitis C revenue. I wouldn't go as far as to say that a buyout or two would magically solve all of Gilead's problems. However, it would buy the company some time for its pipeline to deliver. And the right deals could potentially even get Gilead back on track for earnings growth. It's time to be greedy with Gilead. More than the sum of its parts Reuben Gregg Brewer(Genuine Parts Company): Parts and logistics are what make Genuine Parts Companystand out. The two biggest contributors to the company's business are auto parts (the NAPA brand) and industrial parts, which together contribute a little over 80% of revenue. Having a broad catalog of parts that can be delivered quickly enough to limit customer downtime is vital -- and Genuine Parts does both well. It also sells office products and electrical products (a little under 20% of revenue combined). The company has the No. 1 or 2 position in all four businesses. Which goes a long way to explaining why it's been able to increase its dividend for more than 60 consecutive years. With the stock price currently trading near a 52-week low, the yield is hovering around 3%, which appears to be a decent entry point for income investors based on Genuine Parts' historical yield trends. Weakness in end markets like oil and gas and office supplies is the headwind that's worrying investors, leaving top- and bottom-line results relatively flat the last couple of years. But Genuine Parts has increased sales in 84 of the last 89 years, and earnings have gone up in 73 of those years. It knows how to handle the inevitable ups and downs in the market. And with modest market shares within each business, it has plenty of room to get back on the growth track. Genuine Parts is a tortoise, not a hare, but it looks like it's a good time to do a deep dive on this slow-and-steady-wins-the-race investment. Find out why Gilead Sciences is one of the 10 best stocks to buy now Motley Fool co-founders Tom and David Gardner have spent more than a decade beating the market. (In fact, the newsletter they run, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market!*) Tom and David just revealed their ten top stock picks for investors to buy right now. Gilead Sciences is on the list -- but there are nine others you may be overlooking. Click here to get access to the full list! *Stock Advisor returns as of April 3, 2017 John Rosevear owns shares of Ford. Keith Speights owns shares of Gilead Sciences. Reuben Brewer has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Ford and Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool has the following options: short June 2017 $70 calls on Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Graphics specialist NVIDIA recently reported financial results for the fourth quarter of its fiscal 2015 and issued guidance for the first quarter of fiscal 2016. Both the results and the forward guidance came in ahead of expectations, the latter of which CFO Colette Kress attributed to "broad-based expansion across each of [its] four market platforms: gaming, professional visualization, datacenter, and automotive." The numbers tell a clear and positive story about NVIDIA's business performance and health, but many investors typically appreciate the additional detail and "bigger picture" view that management provides on its earnings calls. Let's take a look at four items that were particularly noteworthy from the company's most recent earnings call. A longer-term view of the gaming graphics chip marketAnalyst Vivek Arya with Merrill Lynch noted that NVIDIA's gaming-oriented graphics processor business has grown at a pace exceeding 30% per-year over the last two years. Arya wanted CEO Jen-Hsun Huang to give his views on what the growth opportunity in this segment looks like over the next two to three years. "GeForce is really not a chip business anymore; it's really a gaming platform business," Huang said. "And when you think about it from a gaming platform business [perspective], it has to be thought of in the context of the whole gaming ecosystem and the gaming industry." An industry that, Huang pointed out, is "$100 billion large." Though Huang ducked the question by not actually giving potential revenue growth figures, he did express his view that the company's growth opportunities in this market are "still quite significant." What makes Huang so confident about continued growth here?After making the assertion above, Huang went into some detail on some more specific reasons for why NVIDIA should be able to grow with the overall gaming market. First, he talked about the impact of new gaming-oriented graphics processor launches. In particular, since the total installed base of gamers using the company's GeForce gaming cards is 100 million large, whenever the company launches new chips (and it should do so this year), a good portion of the installed base should be tempted to upgrade. Next -- and certainly related to the previous point -- Huang indicated that games continue to become increasingly graphically rich, which provides reason for gamers to buy newer graphics processors. Huang of course took the opportunity to highlight the company's GameWorks technologies as a key driver of this increased graphical richness. "All of the physics simulations, all of the visual simulations, all the lighting simulations, and all of the things that make games beautiful today are easy to include by just supporting GameWorks," the executive said. "It's been an enormous success for [NVIDIA]." The automotive push continuesAlthough the company's Tegra processor business has seen revenue difficulties as the company has essentially bowed out of the high-volume tablet/smartphone market, the company's refocusing of this business on automotive has put it back on a growth path. Indeed, in the most recent quarter, NVIDIA's Tegra processor revenue hit $157 million, yielding 22% year-over-year revenue growth. Of this $157 million, a full $93 million came from in-vehicle infotainment systems as well as "product-development contracts" -- up 68% year over year. Although it'll likely be a while before this business is profitable for the chipmaker, it's at least good to see that the company's heavy investments have a shot of actually paying off over the long term. Gross margins continue upwardDuring the call, analyst Mark Lipacis noted that NVIDIA has seen corporate gross profit margin expansion from the "low 50%" to greater than 57% (the company is guiding to gross margins on a generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, basis of 57.2% in the current quarter, give or take 50 basis points). Lipacis then asked management about its view of when the company's gross profit margin percentage will no longer continue to grow. Huang noted that the growth in the company's gross profit margins has been due to a fundamental shift away from being simply a chip company and toward being a "platform business." A key part of being a platform business, the executive explained, is through its offerings becoming increasingly "software-rich" as well as "services-rich." As for when margins might top out? Huang didn't offer a direct answer to that, but he did note that as the company continues to shift its business from components to "differentiated platforms" (he indicated that roughly 80% of the business now comes from such platforms), gross profit margins should "continue to move along with the change in [NVIDIA's] business model." The article 4 Things NVIDIA Corp. Management Wants You to Know originally appeared on Fool.com. Ashraf Eassa has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends NVIDIA. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Image source: National Cancer Institute. It's been three weeks since biotech blue-chip Celgene reported fourth-quarter earnings results and delivered a very rare earnings miss. Celgene wound up announcing $2.56 billion in sales, which included a 24% year-over-year increase in net product sales from Q4 2014 and $1.18 in adjusted EPS, a 17% increase over what it reported in the year-ago quarter. Revenue for Celgene wound up being more or less in line with what Wall Street was projecting, but the $1.18 in EPS fell $0.04 shy of expectations. Adding salt to the wound, Celgene also forecast first-quarter EPS of $1.27 to $1.30, which at the midpoint was a bit below the $1.30 the Street had been banking on. Wall Street pointed the finger at slowing growth for multiple myeloma blockbuster Revlimid, tougher comparisons for cancer drug Abraxane in the U.S., and higher expenditures as reasons why Celgene underwhelmed in Q4. However, focusing solely on the headline number would mean you're missing a big part of Celgene's story. For that we need to turn our attention to its conference call and management team to get the complete details on where Celgene is headed next. Here are the five can't-miss comments (quotes are courtesy of S&P Global Market Intelligence) from Celgene's end-of-year conference call. Diversification aside, Revlimid remains a monster Although CFO Peter Kellogg spent some time during his prepared presentation showing that Celgene's reliance on Revlimid is slowly falling, and that this trend is expected to continue through 2020, it's important not to overlook that Revlimid is still a rapidly growing drug, with sales growth projected to be 15% at the midpoint in 2016. Image source: Celgene. Celgene's Jacqualyn Fouse further emphasizes the dominance of Revlimid by reminding investors that it remains the clear leader in front-line multiple myeloma treatments, and that, more importantly, it hasn't seen a drop-off in market share in second-line multiple myeloma despite growing competition. Fouse went on to describe that even with steady price hikes for Revlimid, the growth we're witnessing is mostly based on increased demand for the product. Compound this growth with Celgene's recent settlement with generic drugmakers, and Revlimid looks poised to remain a beast for almost an entire decade to come. Don't forget about Abraxane Despite delivering 14% full-year growth, Abraxane was sort of the odd drug out in 2015. Abraxane, which is approved to treat pancreatic, breast, and lung cancer, struggled with the introduction of cancer immunotherapies during the third quarter, but witnessed a nice rebound in Q4. While some investors may have written off Abraxane's growth for the time being, Celgene wants you to realize that Abraxane's growth may be about to reaccelerate. Image source: Celgene. Abraxane's future is very much tied to cancer immunotherapies. Specifically, Celgene's Abraxane and Roche's atezolizumab are being studied in a number of pivotal trials, including adjuvant pancreatic cancer, squamous and non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, and even triple-negative breast cancer. Immunotherapies have demonstrated a solid improvement as combo therapies with existing medicines, lending a lot of hope that Abraxane trial results, which are due out in 2017 and 2018, will be a success. This would give Roche's immunotherapy a quick foot in the door in a number of indications, and it could, in my belief, double Abraxane's sales potential. I&I could be Celgene's 2017 catalyst Cancer treatments often get all the attention given their high growth potential, but Celgene's Scott Andrew Smith reminds investors that 2017 could be the year that inflammation and immunology becomes all the rage among drugmakers. Image source: Celgene. Otezla, Celgene's oral anti-inflammatory therapy, is gobbling up about 40% of new-to-brand market share, and it's sitting on 21% total branded share in psoriasis. New-to-brand share takes a good 12-to-18 months before it works its way to the bottom-line, so we're liable to see accelerating growth from Otezla by the end of 2016 and into 2017. Also, don't forget that there are a half-dozen label expansion opportunities waiting in the wings for Otezla. Smith also focused on ozanimod, an experimental next-generation oral therapy for the treatment of multiple sclerosis that was acquired when Celgene bought Receptos for $7.2 billion last year. Celgene's two phase 3 trials are ahead of schedule, and the company could file for MS approval as early as the second half of next year. If approved in MS and eventually ulcerative colitis, ozanimod could deliver $4 billion to $6 billion in peak annual sales. A pipeline snapshot Worried about slowing growth? Worry no more, because according to COO Mark Alles investors should be focused on the company's 18 phase 3 studies, which will produce results between now and mid-2018. We've already perused some of these, which include phase 3 results for multiple Abraxane combo trials, and SUNBEAM and RADIANCE for ozanimod. A healthy clinical pipeline is what gives Celgene's valuation the opportunity to move even higher, and it would appear that shareholders won't be hurting for catalysts over the coming two and a half years. Pricing pressure is gaining steam Image source: Pictures of Money via Flickr. Lastly, we're seeing more confirmation from big drugmakers that the pricing environment is getting more challenging. To be clear, the comments from Fouse above don't exactly paint a dire picture for Celgene. In fact, Fouse implies that pricing power for blockbuster Revlimid remains strong. However, Fouse's comments that U.S. pricing power was more tepid than in previous years, and that European prices are falling, is a bit disconcerting for the entire drug development industry. This concern stems from Congress's interest in the pricing practices of a handful of companies, including privately held Turing Pharmaceuticals, which was made famous by "pharma bad boy" and Turing ex-CEO Martin Shkreli and byValeant Pharmaceuticals. Celgene's commentary does little to instill confidence that pricing pressure will melt away anytime soon. Nonetheless, it doesn't seem to be a big concern for Celgene or its management team, so take this snippet of potentially worrisome commentary in stride. The article 5 Can't-Miss Comments From Celgene's Management Regarding Its Future originally appeared on Fool.com. Sean Williamshas no material interest in any companies mentioned in this article. You can follow him on CAPS under the screen nameTMFUltraLong, track every pick he makes under the screen name TrackUltraLong, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle@TMFUltraLong.The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Celgene and Valeant Pharmaceuticals. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Stocks logged a strong trading session today, with both major indexes enjoying broad gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 229 points, or 1.4%, and the S&P 500 rose by 28 points, or 1.4%. Both indexes are up better than 6 percentage points over the past six trading days. ^DJI data by YCharts. In economic news, oil prices jumped 6% higher after the International Energy Agency projected that daily shale oil production in the U.S. will decline by 600,000 barrels this year and by 200,000 barrels in 2017 on its way to reaching global supply and demand balance next year. As a result, energy was today's best-performing sector. Meanwhile, individual stocks on the move included Amazon.com and Sysco . Amazon's stingier shipping policyAmazon's stock spiked 4% higher today, which brought its gain to 15% since touching a low of $475 per share in early February. Shares are still about 20% of their $700 all-time high set in December, however. Today's jump came after the e-commerce giant adopted a stingier free shipping policy by boosting the required minimum spending per order up to $49 from the previous $35. As a result, more shoppers will end up paying for shipping, adding extra items to get orders to qualify for free shipping, or signing up for a Prime membership. Each of those scenarios is a win from Amazon's business perspective. Shipping costs are a major drag on earnings. Last year, they amounted to $5 billion, or 5.1% of Amazon's sales, up from $4.2 billion, or 5% of sales in 2014. That's why even a small move by the retailer to charge higher prices for shipping could have an outsized effect on its earnings potential. Yet investors shouldn't look at this move as a sign that Amazon is shifting its focus toward profit maximization. As management explains in the 10-K report, "We believe that offering low prices to our customers is fundamental to our future success, and one way we offer lower prices is through shipping offers." It's likely that the company is just seeking to recover some of the increasing costs of providing quick delivery to customers. Sysco's European tripFoodservice giant Sysco's shares fell 5% after it announced an expensive acquisition this morning. The company struck a deal to purchase privately owned Brakes Group, a European foodservice distributor, for $3.1 billion. Image source: Sysco. Brakes' business will likely be a good fit with Sysco's. It serves food to thousands of customers across Europe every day, including hospitals, restaurants, and schools. The company's 2015 fiscal year was solid, with $5 billion of sales, or 6% above the prior-year period. "This transaction will uniteSyscowith a leading foodservice distributor inEuropewith demonstrated capability to sustainably grow its business over time," CEO Bill DeLaney said in a press release. The purchase will provide an immediate boost to earnings starting in fiscal, 2017, the company said. Wall Street might not be happy about the price tag, though. Sysco will need to take on new debt to finance this $3 billion transaction, which values the tiny European company at the same earnings multiple as Sysco's. Executives assured investors that the purchase won't change Sysco's capital allocation policy, though. "We remain committed to reinvesting in our business, growing our dividend, expanding our business through strategic acquisition and repurchasing shares opportunistically," DeLaney said. The article Amazon.com Jumps and Sysco Drops as Stocks Soar originally appeared on Fool.com. Demitrios Kalogeropoulos has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon.com. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Image source: Halliburton. If it's not one thing, it's another forHalliburton(NYSE: HAL). Not only is the price of oil wreaking havoc on their customers, but the U.S. Justice Department is also holding up its proposed acquisition of rivalBaker Hughes (NYSE: BHI) over antitrust concerns. Now the European Union has also joined the fray by launching a probe into the deal. This might seem like a minor speed bump compared with some of the roadblocks the merger is facing, but it couldn't come at a worse time. The proposalThe deal would merge the second and third largest oil-services providers by market cap -- Halliburton and Baker Hughes, respectively -- to create a single company, which would rivalSchlumberger(NYSE: SLB). The original plan, announced in November 2014, was for Halliburton to pay a premium to acquire Baker Hughes through a mix of cash and stock. Today, the deal is worth about $26 billion, thanks to the companies' plunging share prices. Schlumberger has fallen as well: HAL data by YCharts Beyond the efficiencies of scale that the acquisition would generate, the companies have complementary product lines and global footprints. The sale was expected to close in the second half of 2015. And then Uncle Sam got involved. Regulators: can't live with 'em ...A year ago, the Justice Department officially requested further information about the acquisition, which the companies played off as "expected" and "a standard part of the regulatory review process." ("Nothin' to see here, folks!") But in the last year, the deadline for closing the deal has been pushed back three times. It's now set for April -- but don't hold your breath, because the Justice Department isn't commenting on what the companies could do to satisfy its antitrust concerns.In late September, Halliburton offered a cornucopia of businesses and business units for sale and offered to sell even more if needed. But all its efforts seem to have fallen on deaf ears. Halliburton is desperate to get this deal done, because if it falls through, it will owe Baker Hughes a $3.5 billion breakup fee, which it would have to take on debt to afford. Baker Hughes investors stand to benefit from the deal, too. The company is the smallest of the top three and thus currently at a competitive disadvantage. The deal also offers shareholders a premium for their stock. But there doesn't appear to be any light at the end of the tunnel, because now Europe is involved. Why Europe mattersHalliburton has the largest share of the North American market. Its merger with Baker Hughes would not only increase this share, but would also threaten Schlumberger's leadership status in the Europe/Africa region: Company Total 2015 Revenue North America Revenue Europe/CIS/Africa Revenue Schlumberger $35.5 billion $9.8 billion $9.3 billion Halliburton $23.6 billion $10.9 billion $4.2 billion Baker Hughes $15.7 billion $6 billion $3.3 billion Source: Company earnings releases, chart by author So it's hardly surprising that Europe wants to launch a more thorough probe, which could last well into May. Naturally, this relieves pressure on the Justice Department to move quickly: no point in rushing if the deal is being held up in Europe! But the pressure only increases for Halliburton as its April 30 deadline edges closer and closer. Halliburton and Baker Hughes have tried to put a positive spin on the enhanced EU review: "a normal step in the ... process." ("We mean it! Nothin' to see here, folks!") But they have to be getting worried at this point. And even if the EU does eventually approve a plan, the companies' US market share is much greater, meaning the scrutiny is also likely to be much greater. An extended EU review is a harbinger of an extended U.S. review. Between a (shale) rock and a hard placeMeanwhile, oil prices continue to slide and smaller oil services companies are beginning to fold. While this might be a silver lining for the companies' sales departments, it's not good for the prospective merger. Every time a smaller competitor closes up shop, it results in Halliburton and Baker Hughes commanding a higher overall market share. For example, Halliburton and Baker Hughes controlled a combined 47% of the global market in well completion equipment in November 2014, when the merger was announced. Today theycontrol 52% of said market, according to industry consultant Spears & Associates. This creates a vicious spiral: the larger the companies' market shares, the less inclined regulators will be to approve the deal without significant concessions. Concessions which take time to formulate, propose, and review. Meanwhile, their market share continues to increase. And 'round again we go. At the end of the day -- or yearThe lack of a swift regulatory ruling by the EU means the process will drag on further, increasing the likelihood that the companies will be forced to either make extraordinary concessions or call the whole thing off. Neither is good for Halliburton or Baker Hughes investors. Ultimately, Halliburton and Baker Hughes want to do whatever it takes to make the sale go through. However, it's unclear if they will gain much advantage. If regulators force the companies to sell off too many parts, the combined company won't have much larger a market share than when it began the merger talks. And, depending on who's buying, they may create new competitors. As if that's not enough, the weak energy markets are a threat regardless of whether the deal goes through. Buying either company now would be a risky proposition indeed. Even big dog Schlumberger is going to be hurting as long as oil prices remain low. Things aren't pretty in oil services in general these days. For Halliburton and Baker Hughes, though, they're getting downright ugly. The article Another Step Backward for Halliburton and Baker Hughes -- and Their Shareholders originally appeared on Fool.com. John Bromels has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Halliburton. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Apple's largest region by revenue is the Americas, which brought in about $29.33 billion in revenue (and just over $10 billion in operating income) last quarter. This is certainly a lot of revenue and operating income, but what's curious is that sales actually declined year over year in this hugely important market. The drop wasn't large -- on the order of 4% -- but it does suggest tepid customer response to the company's latest-generation iPhones. Indeed, evidence suggests that Apple may actually be losing share to competitors that build devices based on the Android operating system, such as Samsung . Apple appears to be trying to reinvigorate iPhone sales growth in the United States through two initiatives. Let's take a closer look at them. Trade Up With InstallmentsThe first is Apple's new "Trade Up With Installments" plan. The premise around this is simple: Trade in an old smartphone (Apple emphasizes old iPhones, but says that customers can "trade in eligible Android devices" as well) and get a new device at a modest monthly rate. In theory, this should make it easier and affordable for customers with older-generation iPhones to purchase newer models. There's nothing fundamentally novel here; people have always been able to sell older devices and use the proceeds to fund purchases of newer ones. The main benefit to this program is that it makes the process of getting value for the older device and applying it to the newer one very easy. Although this sounds nice, it remains to be seen whether it will be effective. After all, the "iPhone Upgrade Program" sounded great, too, but that didn't stop iPhone sales from dipping in the Americas year over year. Rewards program for retail employees9to5Mac's Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple has initiated something of a sales contest for retail employees that will be in effect from Feb. 21 to March 26. Gurman says that this new program is designed to incentivize retail employees to sell more iPhones and iPhone accessories. Per the report, the "best-performing" stores (judged by a number of metrics) during the aforementioned time interval will "win gear from Apple's corporate gift shop in Cupertino in addition to a storewide party." The best-performing people in each market, Gurman says, will win all-expense paid trips to Cupertino, California. These are nice, but won't solve Apple's fundamental problemNew trade-in programs are nice and giving retail employees incentives to work really hard to push iPhones might help a little bit, but it won't solve the fundamental demand problem that the company seems to be facing in the US. CEO Tim Cook cited macroeconomic/currency headwinds as negatively impacting both revenue and potentially demand, but those excuses don't seem to carry much weight in a region like the U.S. I think Apple is facing a combination of market saturation as well as potential market share loss in this country. The former can't be helped by new/better products, but the latter certainly can. If Apple is able to deliver something truly awesome with the iPhone 7/7 Plus, then there's a reasonable chance that the company can start gaining market segment share against its fierce competition in the U.S./Americas. It would seem, though, that the iPhone 6s/6s Plus simply weren't enough. The article Apple Inc. Tries to Breathe New Life Into Stalling U.S. iPhone Sales originally appeared on Fool.com. Ashraf Eassa has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Chipmakers Qualcomm and Texas Instruments were once direct competitors in mobile application processors and baseband modems. However, TI phased out its baseband business in 2008 and quit the mobile app processor business four years later to produce embedded chips for connected cars, industrial machines, and other devices. TI also continued to supply IC chips, display drivers, and other components to Apple and other smartphone makers. Source: Pixabay. In retrospect, TI's exit from mobile chips was a timely move, since the market was subsequently commoditized by lower-end chipmakers like MediaTek. That competition forced Qualcomm to diversify into new markets like connected cameras, drones, and data centers. Although Qualcomm and TI are no longer direct competitors, both chipmakers still represent interesting plays on the non-PC chip market. Let's analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and see which is the better buy for 2016. Top line growthLast quarter, Qualcomm's sales fell 19% annually to $5.77 billion. Chipmaking revenues, which accounted for over 71% of that total, fell 22% due to rising competition from MediaTek and Samsung's decision to manufacture its own mobile chips. Patent licensing revenues, which accounted for 28% of Qualcomm's sales, slid 12% due to underreported shipments in China and a new licensing dispute with LG. Analysts expect these headwinds to cause Qualcomm's revenue to fall 11% this year. Texas Instruments fared better thanQualcomm last quarter. Sales slipped 2.4% annually to $3.19 billion, primarily due to weaker demand in the personal electronics and wireless infrastructure markets. For the full year, 31% of TI's sales came from industrial customers, 30% came from personal electronics, and 15% came from automotive clients. Apple orders accounted for 11% of its sales, enterprise systems brought in 6%, and "other" sales generated 5%. TI has diversified its top line much more effectively than Qualcomm, which still relies heavily on the smartphone and tablet markets. Looking ahead, analysts expect TI's revenue to decline 9% this year. A TI fab. Source: Texas Instruments. Bottom line growth78% of Qualcomm's pre-tax earnings came from its licensing business last quarter. Unfortunately, pre-tax earnings fell 15% due to its ongoing problems in China. New antitrust probes into those fees in South Korea and Taiwan, its second and third largest markets after China, could continue reducing the unit's margins. Qualcomm's chipmaking margins will also remain under pressure due to competition from cheaper rivals. That pressure already caused the unit's profits to fall 49% last quarter. Looking ahead, many of Qualcomm's newer chips for drones, connected cameras, and Internet of Things devices could also have lower margins than its mobile SoCs. As a result, analysts expect Qualcomm's margins to remain under pressure and its earnings to slide 12% this year. Texas Instrument's margins are in much better shape. Last quarter, its gross margin hit a record high of 58.5%, thanks to its new 300mm analog production capabilities. Those higher margins helped TI overcome its top-line decline and post 1.3% annual net income growth. Analysts expect those margins to remain strong and boost earnings 2% this year. ValuationsThe market has already noticed that Qualcomm is a weaker investment than TI. Over the past five years, shares of Qualcomm have fallen about 16%, while shares of TI have surged over 50%. However, past performance is no guarantee of future returns, so we should examine both stocks' valuations to see which is a better buy today. Qualcomm currently trades at 16 times earnings, making it cheaper than TI's P/E of 19 and the industry average ratio of 18. Looking ahead, Qualcomm has a forward P/E of 10, which is much lower than TI's forward multiple of 17. Analysts expect Qualcomm's annual earnings to grow 12% over the next five years, which gives it a 5-year PEG ratio of 0.98. TI's annual earnings are expected to rise 10% during that same period, which gives it a PEG ratio of 1.86. Since a PEG ratio under 1 is considered undervalued, Qualcomm looks much cheaper based on its long-term earnings growth potential. Qualcomm also pays a forward annual dividend yield of 4.3%, which is higher than TI's yield of 3%. So which one is the better buy?I believe that Texas Instruments is a "safer" chip play than Qualcomm, thanks to its more diversified business and bottom-line growth. However, Qualcomm recently inked new licensing deals in China, entered a new partnership with Samsung, and has won support for its data center and drone expansions. If these moves pay off, the company's top and bottom line pressures might ease. Those catalysts, along with Qualcomm's lower valuations and higher dividend, make it a slightly better pick than TI in my book. The article Better Buy: Qualcomm Inc. or Texas Instruments Incorporated? originally appeared on Fool.com. Leo Sun owns shares of Qualcomm. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple and Qualcomm. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. It's been nearly six months since Oshkosh won the contest to build the JLTV for the Army -- a 6.5-ton armored beast of a Humvee to keep American soldiers safe in the war zones of the 21st century. Now, six months after winning the contract, Oshkosh will finally get a chance to build it. INTRODUCING THE U.S. ARMY'SNEXT TOP HUMVEE, Oshkosh's JOINT LIGHT TACTICAL VEHICLE. IMAGE SOURCE:OSHKOSH. What's the hold-up, Tex?Why did it take six months to get this contract under way? Blame Lockheed Martin . Upset that the Pentagon didn't choose its own offering to become the Army's next top Humvee, Lockheed filed a protest of the award with the Government Accountability Office back in September. Then, when that protest was rejected, Lockheed filed a lawsuit to try to gum up the works even further. A federal court tossed out Lockheed's request for a temporary restraining order earlier this month. A few days later, Lockheed Martin decided to throw in the towel. In a terse statement citing "careful deliberation" of its position (neglecting to mention its back-to-back legal defeats), Lockheed Martin announced last week that it "has withdrawn its protest of the JLTV contract award decision." Finally, Oshkosh can get back to work building a first run of 17,000 JLTVs, a contract expected to bring up to $6.7 billion in revenue. Over time, production should swell as Oshkosh works to supply an estimated 54,500 JLTVs needed by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps -- revenues will roar ahead to as much as $30 billion. What it means to investorsOf course, that's $30 billion that will not be going to Lockheed Martin. So how insignificant is this loss to the nation's largest defense contractor? Judging from the stock price, investors don't seem to think it's important at all. Lockheed Martin stock is up 2.2% since the company announced it has dropped its lawsuit. Clearly, investors weren't putting a lot of faith in Lockheed Martin's chances of winning back the JLTV contract with the help of the courts. Nor do they particularly care that Lockheed Martin has lost its lawsuit -- and they're right. While Lockheed would certainly like to have won the $30 billion, there's plenty more money where that came from. From Littoral Combat Ships to C-130 transports to F-35 stealth fighter jets -- the biggest weapons program in history at an estimated $1.5 trillion in value -- Lockheed Martin is going to do just fine even without the JLTV. For Oshkosh investors, on the other hand, $30 billion in new business is a godsend. After all, $30 billion would be worth five years' worth of revenue for Oshkosh, even if the company built nothing but JLTVS. (In fact, Oshkosh builds quite a lot more -- everything from armored trucks, fire trucks, emergency response vehicles, and telehandlersfor the civilian market to Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) trucks and MRAPs for the military.) But with ground wars in the Middle East out of fashion, and its civilian businesses experiencing a sales slump,Oshkosh's billion-dollar debt load was beginning to weigh on the company. A big infusion of cash from the Pentagon is just what Oshkosh needs to right its ship, pay off the debt, and drive itself back onto firmer ground. The article Lockheed Martin Loses, and Oshkosh's Super-Humvee Rides Again originally appeared on Fool.com. Rich Smithowns shares of Oshkosh -- purchased after Lockheed Martin filed its first protest, but long before it lost its second. You can find him onMotley Fool CAPS, publicly pontificating under the handleTMFDitty, where he's currently ranked No. 256 out of more than 75,000 rated members.The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Intel announced its next-generation stand-alone modem aimed at smartphones, tablets, and personal computers known as the XMM 7480. The naming is a bit of a surprise as documents leaked a while ago suggested that the follow-on to the company's XMM 7360 would be called the XMM 7460. No matter; that's not what's important. What's important is that the XMM 7480 is an extremely underwhelming, uncompetitive solution that does not stand a chance in the marketplace for high-performance stand-alone modems. Given that Apple is essentially the only high-volume mobile customer that uses stand-alone modems, this lack of a competitive solution on Intel's part means that the iDevice maker is likely to continue to exclusively use competing solutions from Qualcomm . To put it bluntly, it looks like game over for Intel's stand-alone modem efforts. Falling further behind QualcommThe XMM 7480 modem that Intel just announced features the following specifications (reproduced from Intel's product brief on the part): Image source: Intel. This might look like cryptic mumbo-jumbo, but here are the key things to notice. The standards supported are LTE FDD/TDD, TD-SCDMA, and DC-HSPA+. Note the lack of CDMA/EV-DO, a feature that is practically required if Intel wants its modems to play nice on networks that require the standard (such as Verizon and Sprint ) and ultimately to win Apple's iPhone. Another thing to notice is that even though the modem supports four carrier aggregation on the downlink (generally speaking, the larger this number, the higher the download speeds the hardware can support), the maximum rated download speed is just 450 megabits per second. Qualcomm's currently sampling X16 modem (Intel's XMM 7480 won't sample until the second half of the year) supports 1000 megabits per second (also known as 1 gigabit) download speeds. At this point I'm not sure why Intel isn't getting better download speeds as the hardware required to go higher should be there (4 carrier aggregation, DL-256QAM modulation). If I had to guess, I believe the XMM 7480 will get the same treatment that the XMM 7160 got and receive a firmware update down the line to improve its download speeds. But, by then, Qualcomm will have won its designs, shipped product for revenue, and will probably be sampling modems that will be even further ahead of what Intel is doing. Time to close up mobile shop, IntelAt this point, Intel just doesn't seem to have competitive modem technology, meaning that its stand-alone modems don't stand a chance at winning a high-profile customer like Apple. Although Intel could hypothetically use its under-dressed modems, integrated with applications processors, Intel is perpetually behind there, too. Among Intel's announcements was not a single mention of the highly delayed SoFIA LTE, nor any information about the company's 14-nanometer SoFIA LTE 2/SoFIA MID products. Indeed, Mobile World Congress 2016 isn't over yet, but last year Intel mobile chief Aicha Evans said that "by this time next year" (it's that time now) the company should be giving details of its 14-nanometer SoFIA products or else the company will "have a problem" and that she "might not even be [with Intel]." Intel's mobile group has never demonstrated that it can put out competitive products in a timely fashion, and the its announcements at Mobile World Congress this year show that this hasn't changed. It's time for Intel to put an end to the egregious waste of shareholder dollars known as the "Mobile and Communications Group." The article Stick a Fork in Intel Corp.'s Cellular Modem Efforts: They're Done originally appeared on Fool.com. Ashraf Eassa owns shares of Intel and Qualcomm. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple and Qualcomm. The Motley Fool recommends Intel and Verizon Communications. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. U.S. auto safety regulators are examining whether an additional 70 million to 90 million Takata airbag inflators should be recalled because they may endanger drivers, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. That would nearly quadruple the 29 million inflators recalled so far and linked to nine deaths in the United States. In all, as many as 120 million Takata inflators in U.S. vehicles contain the same volatile chemical - ammonium nitrate - used in inflators that automakers have recalled, according to company documents reviewed by Reuters and verified by two former Takata managers. The total number has not been previously reported. The Japanese supplier, one of the world's largest airbag manufacturers, has said some inflators can rupture and explode with excessive force, spraying metal shards at vehicle occupants. The number of vehicles affected remains unclear because many have more than one inflator, and not always from the same manufacturer. Before recent recalls of 5.4 million inflators, federal regulators said about 24 million defective Takata inflators were used in about 19 million vehicles that have been recalled since 2004. For a graphic on how inflators work, see http://tmsnrt.rs/1JDZ4vq The former managers described "chronic" quality failures at Takata's North American inflator plants, an assessment reflected in dozens of company emails and documents dating back to 2001. Those problems, the former managers said, make it difficult for the company and regulators to pinpoint which inflators among tens of millions pose a danger. "You have no way of knowing," said one of the former Takata managers, who has direct knowledge of the company's history of manufacturing problems. The former Takata managers, who still work in the industry, spoke on condition of anonymity. Takata declined to comment when asked about the possibility of massive additional recalls and whether another 70 million to 90 million inflators still in vehicles could endanger drivers. A torrent of new recalls could cost the company billions of dollars and add years to the replacement process. The company said in a statement that it is "cooperating fully with regulators and our automotive customers and continues to take aggressive action to advance vehicle safety." Takata cited its agreement with regulators in November to pay a $70 million penalty to NHTSA in a settlement that included its commitment to stop making inflators that use ammonium nitrate by 2018. It also pledged to declare all remaining ammonium nitrate inflators defective by 2019 unless it can demonstrate they are safe. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration continues to investigate all Takata inflators using ammonium nitrate, but it has not yet found sufficient evidence to direct automakers to recall the remaining inflators, said spokesman Gordon Trowbridge. "This issue will take years to resolve," Trowbridge said. MANUFACTURING FAILURES Takata produced between 260 million and 285 million ammonium nitrate-based inflators worldwide between 2000 and 2015, of which nearly half wound up in U.S. vehicles, one of the former Takata managers told Reuters, citing the company's production records. Takata supplied those inflators to more than a dozen automakers, according to company documents reviewed by Reuters. Its single largest client was Honda Motor, which still owns a minority stake in Takata and has recalled more than 8 million defective Takata inflators in the U.S. Takata produced most of the inflators that regulators are now investigating at its main inflator plant in Monclova, Mexico or at plants in Georgia and Washington state, according to company documents. The documents noted persistent quality failures at those plants, which a former Takata official said contributed to inflator ruptures. Last month, Takata told NHTSA in a filing that "manufacturing variability" may have contributed to the ruptures. The manufacturing problems are detailed in dozens of internal Takata emails, spreadsheets and presentations reviewed by Reuters. The records show the problems are more pervasive and continued for a longer period than those previously reported. They extended beyond the Mexican plant to the factories in Georgia and Washington state, and they continued until at least 2014, company records show. Among the issues: metal shavings inside some inflator parts; improperly welded inflator casings; bad propellant wafers, and bent or damaged parts. Those problems eventually could allow moisture to contaminate the ammonium nitrate propellant, which in turn could lead to an inflator rupture, one of the former Takata managers told Reuters. A 2006 internal log of quality issues noted problems with inflators sold to Mazda Motor, Ford Motor, BMW, Honda Motor, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota Motor. The log listed problems including metal shavings and contamination, broken or missing clips, and deformed or misaligned parts. In a 2010 memo, a Takata manager expressed concern about "how to control moisture" in some inflators and worried that the company would not be able to assure the safety of the devices. In an email the same year about pre-production quality testing of inflators built at the Monclova factory, a Takata manager expressed confusion to colleague about the causes of pervasive defects. "I do not understand why we are failing every lot," he wrote. In company documents, Takata engineers referred to the failures when exploding inflators ruptured into metal fragments as "ED," for "energetic disassembly." RECALL TRIAGE The long-running scandal has overwhelmed the company's ability to furnish replacement parts as fast as automakers are forced to recall vehicles. A Takata competitor, airbag supplier Autoliv, is also making replacements for recalled Takata inflators and recently told investors it expects to continue making those parts through 2017, one year longer than originally planned. More recalls would add more delays. Regulators have so far tried to direct replacement inflators to older vehicles that were operated in hot, humid parts of the country, because ammonium nitrate becomes unstable when contaminated by moisture and can cause the inflators to rupture. NHTSA officials have said the agency prioritizes recalls for the inflators it believes are most dangerous because the company has limited capacity to replace them. Customers often wait months to get the vehicles fixed after a recall notice. The inflators already recalled are considered among the most dangerous because they do not contain a drying agent, NHTSA officials have said. All nine U.S. deaths linked to Takata airbag failures so far have involved those highest risk airbags, according to NHTSA records. Takata Chief Executive Shigehisa Takada last year apologized to victims and claimed responsibility for the dangerous defects. The most recent death report came on Dec. 22, when Joel Knight, 52, drove his 2006 Ford Ranger pickup into a cow on a rural road near his home in Kershaw, South Carolina. He died after shrapnel from a ruptured airbag inflator pierced his neck, the family's attorney wrote in a filing with NHTSA. In a regulatory filing, Takata confirmed the inflator ruptured in the crash and that it was made in Monclova in 2005, but the company did not specifically link the failure to Knight's death. Shortly after the crash, the company declared 5.4 million more inflators defective. (Reporting by Paul Lienert in Detroit and David Shepardson in Washington; editing by Joseph White and Brian Thevenot) If reports are accurate, this Volkswagen factory in Tennessee could start cranking out electric cars as part of a settlement between VW and the U.S. government. Image source: Volkswagen. Will the Feds force Volkswagen to make electric cars in the United States as part of its punishment for cheating on emissions testing? According to reports in a major German newspaper, that's one possibility that has been floated in VW's talks with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is apparently taking a very tough line with VW -- in part, according to these reports, because they have reason to believe VW's top managers knew about the cheating long before they admitted it to regulators. VW execs weren't forthcoming, and the Feds hate that If there ever was a chance the EPA would let VW off with a recall and a moderate fine, that moment seems to have passed. Generally speaking, U.S. federal regulators (and prosecutors) will be more inclined to be lenient with a company if they think senior managers were willing to admit a problem in a timely way. It's starting to look like that's not what happened with Volkswagen. Early last week, Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper reported that internal memos and emails from VW indicated that senior executives knew VW couldn't bring its cheating vehicles into compliance with air-pollution regulations in early 2014, long before they admitted it, and while they were leading EPA and California regulators to believe otherwise. The report, which was confirmed by The New York Times after it had a chance to review the VW documents, may have put VW in a very hot spot, and not just with environmental regulators. (Among other things, it's now open to charges that it failed to make appropriate disclosures to investors.) That in turn gives the EPA a lot of leverage in settlement talks. And according to a report over the weekend in another German paper, Welt am Sonntag, it's using that leverage in interesting ways. The Feds want VW to make a big commitment to "electric mobility" hereThe Welt report says the EPA wants Volkswagen to make a large commitment to "electric mobility in the United States." According to that report, the commitment would have two major parts. First, VW would have to commit to building electric cars at its sole U.S. factory, in Chattanooga. VW has a new electric-vehicle architecture under development; it's expected to eventually underpin a whole range of battery-electric cars, from affordable small VWs to higher-end Audis and Porsches; the Feds want at least some of them to be built here in the United States. Second, according to the report, the EPA is apparently pushing VW to help create a network of electric-vehicle recharging stations in the U.S. to help encourage the wider adoption of battery-electric vehicles by mainstream U.S. consumers. Right now, the closest thing to a national recharging network in the U.S. isTesla Motors' growing list of Supercharger stations. But Tesla uses a proprietary recharging system, and while CEO Elon Musk has offered to license it to other automakers, to date, none have taken him up on the offer. Presumably, the EPA is hoping that VW will help create a network of stations that use a universal standard. Taken together, the two commitments could well cost VW a billion dollars or more. But it looks likely the company is going to have to write a hefty check to the U.S. government no matter what else happens. It's possible the EPA is arguing that it will be cheaper for VW in the long run to take this alternative course, and it's possible that will turn out to be true. We already knew this was going to cost VW a fortuneVW isn't going to get off cheap, no matter what happens. The Welt report also indicates that VW will probably be forced to repurchase about 100,000 of the roughly 600,000 diesel-powered VW Group products in the U.S. that the EPA says include emissions "defeat devices" coded into their software. Assuming an average value of $15,000 for those cars, that's $1.5 billion right there -- before the costs of the other recalls, and before any fines or penalties. And that's just in the United States. VW also has to contend with irate regulators and prosecutors in Europe and elsewhere: Most recently, Reuters reported that South Korean prosecutors raided VW's local offices for emissions-related documents last week. Last fall, not long after the scandal broke, VW took a one-time charge of 6.5 billion euros (at the time, $7.4 billion) to cover the costs of the scandal. It seemed likely at the time that it wouldn't be enough. We still don't know how much all of this will cost. But it now seems certain that there are more big one-time charges yet to come. The article Will the Feds Force Volkswagen to Build Electric Cars in the U.S.? originally appeared on Fool.com. John Rosevear has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Tesla Motors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Photo: FDR Presidential Library & Museum Retirement income, including Social Security, is treated differently than wage and investment income for tax purposes. The IRS has its own criteria for taxation of Social Security benefits, and 13 states do as well. Here's an overview of the income taxes you may have to pay on your Social Security benefits, and what it could mean to you as a retiree. Social Security taxes at the federal levelIn general, you'll only have to pay federal income taxes on your Social Security benefits if you have a substantial amount of income from other sources, such as wages from a job, income from a business you own, or investment/dividend income. When determining how much of your Social Security income may be subject to income tax, the IRS uses your "combined income," which consists of your adjusted gross income (AGI), nontaxable interest, and half of your Social Security benefits. For individual (single) tax filers, if your combined income is between $25,000 and $34,000, 50% of your Social Security benefits may be subject to income tax. If your combined income is more than $34,000, up to 85% of your benefits could be taxable. For joint filers, the income thresholds increase to a range of $32,000 to $44,000 for 50% taxation, and $44,000 and above for 85% taxation. Under no circumstances is more than 85% of your Social Security benefit subject to taxation, no matter how much income you have. 13 states tax Social Security benefitsIn addition to the federal taxes you may have to pay on Social Security benefits, there are 13 states that also tax Social Security. However, the exemptions vary considerably from state to state, so here's a rundown of which states tax benefits, and who has to pay. State Social Security taxation Colorado The first $20,000 (under 65) or $24,000 (65+) of total retirement income is not taxed. Connecticut Benefits are exempt for taxpayers with AGI below $50,000 (single) or $60,000 (married filing jointly). Kansas Benefits are exempt for individuals with AGI below $75,000 Minnesota Benefits are taxable in the same way as the federal level. Missouri Benefits are not taxed for AGI under $85,000 (singles) or $100,000 (married), and there is a partial exemption for incomes above this level. Montana Montana doesn't tax Social Security benefits for incomes of less than $25,000 (single) and $32,000 (married). However, Montana's income calculation can be different than AGI, so you need to fill out Worksheet VIII of the state's tax return to determine your exemption. Nebraska Benefits are taxable in the same way as the federal level. New Mexico New Mexico has an overall retirement income exemption of $8,000 per person, subject to income restrictions. North Dakota Benefits are taxable in the same way as the federal level. Rhode Island Starting in 2016, Social Security benefits are exempt for taxpayers with AGI less than $80,000 (single) and $100,000 (married). Utah Benefits are taxable, but individuals can qualify for a retirement income tax credit of up to $450 per person, depending on age and income. Vermont Benefits are taxable in the same way as the federal level. West Virginia Benefits are taxable in the same way as the federal level. What it could mean to youAs you can imagine, the amount of income tax you'll have to pay can vary tremendously based on the amount of your Social Security benefits, your other income, and the state you live in. A retired couple whose only source of income is $30,000 in Social Security wouldn't have to pay taxes at all, but a couple with $30,000 in SS income and $100,000 in AGI who resides in Connecticut would have to pay federal income tax at their marginal tax rate on 85% of their SS income as well as state income taxes. Consider the big pictureAs a final thought, it's important to keep in mind that taxes on Social Security benefits are just one piece of the puzzle. Some states that tax Social Security benefits are actually pretty tax-friendly places to retire, such as Colorado. And, some states that don't tax Social Security at all, like New York and New Jersey, are still among the most taxing places to live. So, be sure to consider the big picture when it comes to the taxes you could face in retirement. The article Will You Pay Taxes on Your Social Security Benefits? originally appeared on Fool.com. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. "I said, 'Well damn wait, where is my belly button?'" That's Lori Jones describing her reaction to her post-surgery discovery that her navel was no more. Hoping to don a two-piece bathing suit this summer, the 45-year-old Houston woman in December underwent the removal of an umbilical hernia and had a tummy tuck to get rid of her C-section-related "baby pooch," KTRK reports. A month later it was time to remove the surgical tape. Jones, "thinking my belly button is there," found out that it was not. And she has questions for renowned plastic surgeon Younan Nowzardan, who performed the surgery: "What happened to it? Did you throw it in the trash?" Nowzardan, however, tells KTRK he informed Jones that, because of a preexisting scar, the belly button was going to go. "We can call Hollywood and get an Oscar nomination for her," he says, adding that he can go back in and give Jones a new belly button. But Jones says she has contacted an attorney and wants to settle the issue in court. Her displeasure notwithstanding, Jones is not alone in being belly-button-less. Fashion model Karolina Kurkova, for instance, is lacking a navel because of a surgery she had as an infant, the New York Daily News noted when this odd fact made headlines a few years ago. The BBC also looked into the issue, explaining that in addition to surgery, another factor sometimes at play is a "lotus birth"in which the umbilical cord and placenta are left to drop off on their own. (Cosmetic surgery turned this woman into a kleptomaniac.) This article originally appeared on Newser: First Post-Op Question: Where's My Belly Button? More From Newser U.S. and Brazilian researchers are heading to Joao Pessoa in the state of Paraiba on Monday to recruit mothers and babies in one of the biggest government-led studies to understand whether the Zika virus is linked to microcephaly, a rare birth defect. Brazil has confirmed more than 500 cases of microcephaly, defined by an unusually small head, since the start of the outbreak. Over 3,900 additional suspected cases are being investigated. Brazil normally only sees about 150 cases a year. The spike in microcephaly prompted the World Health Organization on Feb. 1 to declare Zika an international health emergency. The study has been in the planning stages for several weeks. It will pair researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with Brazilian experts to examine babies already born with microcephaly and their mothers to determine whether Zika or some other infection caused their malady. "What we're trying to do is to better define the association between children that have been diagnosed with microcephaly and whether or not they might have evidence of congenital Zika virus infection," said Dr. Erin Staples, a CDC medical epidemiologist leading the study in Paraiba. In an interview, Staples offered a first glimpse at the long-anticipated study. Researchers hope to enroll 100 mothers and their babies with microcephaly. These will be matched with 300 to 400 pairs of healthy mothers and their babies. Initial results are expected this spring, a senior CDC official said. Blood samples from moms and babies in both groups will be tested for signs of Zika infection. Current diagnostic tests looking for Zika antibodies are limited because they closely resemble dengue, a related virus common in Brazil. The team hopes that taking samples from both mothers and their babies will give a more precise picture of whether Zika was involved. They will also look for other exposures that might explain why a baby developed microcephaly. The study's design should help determine the relative risk of microcephaly in babies whose mothers were infected with Zika. Staples said the work could provide stronger confirmation of a link, but that it would take years of scientific investigation to prove whether Zika actually causes microcephaly. In the meantime, evidence of a connection is mounting. Researchers have found the virus in fetal brain tissue, amniotic fluid and placenta. An autopsy of an aborted fetus showed the full genetic code of the virus in the brain and evidence that the virus was replicating. Brazil is the only country to report a spike in microcephaly after Zika arrived last year. The CDC has a vested interest in unraveling the mystery as the outbreak makes its way north. The mosquito-borne virus is circulating in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, and is expected to reach several southern U.S. states with warmer weather in the spring. CDC experts will join staff from the Brazil's Health Ministry. The team will also try to determine the most common characteristics of microcephaly that might be specifically associated with Zika, and check whether other abnormalities might result from exposure to the virus. Staples estimates it will take four to five weeks to get the study fully enrolled, but it may take longer. "We need to make sure we have the right number of cases and controls to be able to say with a good degree of certainty what is going on," she said. Nearly a year after the World Health Organization (WHO) said glyphosate can probably cause cancer, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it will begin testing foods for residue of the most commonly used agricultural chemical in the world. The FDA said Thursday that it would begin the testing for glyphosate in soybeans, corn, milk, eggs and other foods for the first time this year, Newsweek reported. The agency hasnt historically conducted the testing due to cost and labor restrictions. Also, glyphosate levels, if present in genetically engineered corn and soybeans, are likely to be reduced by the processing done to those foods, FDA press officer Lauren Sucher told Newsweek. The most commonly used weed killer, Roundup, contains the active ingredient glyphosate. Monsanto Co, which manufactures Roundup, has found itself in a slew of legal battles with farmers who say the exposure to the chemical caused their cancer. Monsanto, meanwhile, denies that glyphosate is a carcinogen. "The most extensive worldwide human health databases ever compiled on an agricultural product contradict the claims in the suits, Monsanto spokeswoman Charla Lord told Reuters. While some European countries like Denmark, Sweden, France and the Netherlands have imposed restrictions that aim to limit humans direct contact with Roundup, in 2013 the EPA raised the threshold for which humans can be exposed to glyphosate in some foods, Newsweek reported. A study published in the February edition of the journal Environmental Sciences Europe suggests that glyphosate has become the most widely used agricultural chemical worldwide. Since its introduction in 1974, 9.4 million tons equal to about half a pound per cultivated acre of land globally of glyphosate has been sprayed onto fields. Reuters contributed to this report. Adolescents dealing with chronic pain may benefit from the advice and support of a young adult who has learned to manage similar symptoms, a Canadian pilot study suggests. After the eight-week program of scheduled video calls with a peer mentor, teenagers said they liked the experience and that they were better able to manage and cope with their pain, the study team reports in the journal Pain. "Young people with chronic pain can become socially isolated and many have never met another person with chronic pain," said lead study author Sara Ahola Kohut, a pediatric health psychologist at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. "By having trained mentors, young people who are only a couple years older than the teens, teach coping strategies, we believed the pain coping skills might be easier to learn and practice," Kohut told Reuters in an email. Chronic pain is a common problem, affecting between 11 and 38 percent of children and adolescents, Kohut and her colleagues note. Conditions like neuropathic pain, chronic widespread pain or chronic headache can lead to physical and emotional distress as well as causing teens to miss school, which affects their social development. To assess how an online peer mentoring program might help teens deal with chronic pain, the study team recruited 28 kids ages 12 to 17 who'd been diagnosed with various chronic pain conditions at a Canadian hospital. The teens were randomly assigned either to a group that would participate in the iPeer2Peer program or to a comparison group that was on a waitlist for the treatment. All the kids continued to receive any other usual care they were getting for their condition. All of the teens in the treatment group were girls - researchers say that's because chronic pain is more common among females and during recruitment boys were less interested in participating. The peer mentors were 18-25-year-olds with chronic pain disorders who had learned to manage their own pain successfully. Peer mentors went through a 20-hour training program, and were matched to a mentee based on gender, and when possible, diagnosis. For the first two weeks, two calls a week were scheduled, then one call a week for the remaining six weeks of the program. During video calls using free Skype software, mentors gave the participants advice, emotional support and encouragement and let the mentees direct the conversation to address any issues they wanted help with. The sessions were planned to last a minimum of 20 minutes but routinely ran about twice as long, the study team writes. Only 40 percent of peer-mentor pairs completed the program within eight weeks and there were some issues with scheduling calls. Even so, the teens said they were satisfied with the program and would recommend it to a friend. Mentors, too, said they enjoyed the sessions and liked being in the mentor role. Teenagers in the mentoring treatment group reported significantly better self-management skills after completing the program. They also reported being more satisfied with their own ability to cope with pain. Sara King, a clinical psychologist and professor at Mount Saint Vincent University in Nova Scotia, said the online model is promising and may be more appealing to young people. "Internet interventions have the added benefit of reducing the amount of time young people must spend away from school to attend medical appointments and they also allow some flexibility in terms of when and where the young person accesses support," King told Reuters Health by email. This may be especially helpful for youth in rural or underserved areas, King added. Although this is a preliminary study and cannot give definite answers, King said, "Peers are so important to adolescents and, as clinicians we need a better understanding of how their peer can be part of the intervention process." Kohut said she is optimistic about the future of the program. "The program is easily accessible, teenagers liked it, and it helped improve the teenagers' ability to cope with pain," she said. This is your bedbug-size brain on drugs. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore are growing "mini-brains" smaller than the period at the end of this sentence that may contain enough human brain cells to be useful in studying drug addiction and other neurological diseases. The mini-brains, grown in a laboratory dish, could one day reduce the need for the use of laboratory animals to conduct this type of research or to test therapeutic drugs, the researchers said. Labs from around the world have been racing to grow these and other organoids microscopic, yet primitively functional versions of livers, kidneys, hearts and brains grown from real human cells. The version of the mini-brain from Johns Hopkins represents an advance over others reported in the last three years, in that it is quickly reproducible and contains many types of brain cells that interact with each other, just like a real brain, the researchers said. The researchers, led by Dr. Thomas Hartung, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, reported their progress on Feb. 13 at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. [11 Body Parts Grown in the Lab] Hartung noted that the mini-brain cannot yet replace animal models in the study of neurological diseases. But he added that the concept, which until quite recently seemed years from maturity, may be realized in as little as 10 months. Growing organoids involves the use of cells called induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, a technology developed by Japanese researcher Shinya Yamanaka, who won the Nobel Prize in 2012 for that line of research. With iPS cell technology, scientists can theoretically turn back the clock in any type of mature cell be it skin, muscle, bone, etc. and bring it to a near-embryonic state. From there, cells can be coaxed into developing into any of a number of cell types, much in the same way that actual human embryonic cells develop into all the cell types that make up the human body. Several labs are growing mini-brains. The first researchers to accomplish this, in 2013, were Juergen Knoblich of the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology in Vienna, Austria, and Madeline Lancaster of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England. These researchers said they can grow globular mini-brains a few millimeters in diameter in about three months, and that these organoids may be ideal for the study of fetal brain development, including microcephaly, the incomplete brain growth seen in some infants that researchers say may be linked with the Zika virus. Hartung's group has taken a different approach to grow smaller mini-brains, about 350 microns (0.35 millimeters) across, but say their method has easier reproducibility, a greater diversity of brain cell types and takes less time only 10 weeks. He described them as "Mini Coopers" in that they are small but identical, ideal for comparative studies, as opposed to the hand-crafted, custom-made "luxury cars" made in other labs. "This allows us not to compare different brains but to compare different drivers," Hartung said, referring to different experiments that could be performed on identical brain models. Hartung said his lab's mini-brains have a variety of glia cells (which support neurons) such as astrocytes and Schwann cells, as well as oligodendrocytes, which form the insulating myelin sheaths that enable nerve impulses all in proportions similar to those found in the human brain. The mini-brains' three-dimensional structure and ability to carry neurotransmitters chemical messengers such as dopamine that enable communication between neurons provide a simple but relatively realistic platform to study what goes wrong in the brain in, say, drug addiction and how the problem can be remedied. Hartung said his group accomplishes this by starting with a type of adult skin cell called a fibroblast, inducing those cells back to the state of neural stem cells that give rise to all the cells of the brain and nervous system, and then growing them in a gently rolling, vibrating environment to create the 3D-ball structure. The lab has grown thousands of these mini-brains, each with about 20,000 cells. Missing for now in the mini-brain but present in a real brain, Hartung said, are immune cells, which come from a different line of stem cells. He said he hopes to incorporate these types of cells soon. Hartung said he may have a working mini-brain for laboratory experimentation by the end of 2016, which could be mailed to any laboratory in the world. [Top 3 Techniques for Creating Organs in the Lab] Once the mini-brain model is mature, "no one should have the excuse to still use animal models, which come with tremendous disadvantages for brain studies in particular," Hartung said. "While rodent models have been useful, we are not 150-lb. rats. And even though we are not balls of cells, either, you can often get much better information from these balls of cells than from rodents." Hartung added that upward of 95 percent of therapeutic drugs for neurological orders that look promising in rodent studies fail in humans because of the intrinsic brain differences between the species. The mini-brain model is well-suited for studying brain addiction, in that scientists can study how drugs can destroy glia cells. Such destruction leads to the death of neurons and poorer transmission of neural impulses, Hartung said. Hartung's group is investigating the possibility of using the mini-brain to study the effect of Zika virus on a developing brain. Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Will the dialogue between the Pope and Donald Trump help or hurt the presidential candidate? Monmouth University polls have delved deep into the religion issue -- specifically looking into religious support for Donald Trump in the last few months and also views on the Pope preaching politics. In a recent poll asking if the pope should stay out of politics, nearly half of Catholic Republicans were polled. 48-percent said the pope should keep his views on immigration to himself. In the same poll, a whopping 76-percent of Catholic Republicans said they favored building a wall across the Mexican border, and 61-percent of those Catholic Republicans approved of trump's immigration plan. Yes those polls were before the recent exchange of comments -- but based on those numbers, one could assume any kind of dust up with the Pope on immigration will turn out to be a good -- not a bad thing -- for Trump. In addition, many Americans believe the Pope should stick to separation of church and state -- and stay out of politics. The war on poultry rages on yet another public university campus this time at the University of Nebraska Kearney. The hullabaloo started last January when students were asked to select a new dining option for the student union. Their choices included Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, IHOP, A&W and Sbarro. Click here to join Todds American Dispatch a must-read for Conservative Patriots! The youngsters chose Chick-fil-A in a landslide. I mean, who doesnt love a plump juicy chicken breast tucked between hot, buttered buns? However, it turns out majority does not rule at the University of Nebraska Kearney. A vocal minority pitched a fit and demanded that Chick-fil-A be banished from campus. Among those opposed to the chicken restaurant were members of the universitys Queer Straight Alliance (QSA). We only hope to create dialogue on the importance of being aware to issues facing diverse and minority students, QSA president Tiff Weekley told the Kearney Hub. Though majority voices are most often heard, it is important to listen to what issues are facing all students and to start conversations around those. All the anti-chicken contingent needed for their nefarious plan to succeed was a yellow-bellied student government. And they got what they were looking for. We decided, after much consideration, to poll students again, student body president Evan Calhoun wrote on his Facebook page. Calhoun then went on to explain why Chick-fil-A would not be included in their new poll. When we learned more about Chick-fil-A and its corporate values and discriminatory policies, and after hearing these concerns raised by a section of our student body, we concluded that these corporate values are not aligned with our values as a student body, and it is not in the best interest of our UNK community to pursue Chick-fil-A right now, he wrote. Calhoun did not provide any evidence that Chick-fil-A has ever discriminated against anyone especially the LGBT community. But these days facts dont seem to matter. The universitys spokes-dude, a fellow by the name of Todd Gottula, told the local newspaper that Chick-fil-A has not been banned. Well, that depends on what your definition of ban is, Mr. Gottula. The conflict stems from the Great Chicken Conflict of 2012. I was reporting from the frontline trenches of that battle. Chick-fil-As president had the nerve to speak out in support of traditional marriage. That prompted all sorts of protests and outrage from militant LGBT activists and chicken-bigots. Meanwhile, all those kids who wanted to eat more chicken are fighting mad, the website Campus Reform reported. Pro-poultry student Aaron Ohri fired off a letter calling the student governments decision a complete and total slap in the face to many of us on this campus who believe that Chick-fil-A is not wrong in what they believe. I understand that a Christian lifestyle in this day and society is completely disrespectful but please do not ever again send me an email speaking for the whole student body when you do not have a clue what most of us actually think, he wrote in a letter to the university. The grownups at the University of Nebraska Kearney shouldve told the anti-chicken mob to retreat to their finger-lickin safe spaces. But thats not what happened. University spokes-dude Gottula actually commended their behavior. Its a shame that one piece of the puzzle, a chicken restaurant, is kind of hogging the story, when theres some value here in seeing what our students like and would like to see in the union that would benefit them and make it a more enjoyable place to hang out, he told the newspaper. Well, Mr. Gottula, when you put the puzzle pieces together you discover a very disturbing national trend. Those who do not affirm the LGBT agenda are systematically being silenced. Unless you ascribe to their point of view you are not welcome to participate in the public marketplace of ideas or commerce. You will be made to conform -- resistance is futile. The Republican primary in South Carolina ended with one victory and three victory speeches. Marco Rubio, high on his rebound from New Hampshire, his second-place finish over Ted Cruz and the withdrawal from the race of Jeb Bush, was boyishly ebullient. The children of the Reagan revolution are ready to assume the mantle of leadership, he announced to a cheering crowd of supporters. My friends, we have once again made history! Cruz thundered to his supporters on election night. This elicited a puzzled silence (he came in third, after all) until Cruz explained that he had once again exceeded the expectations of the detested pundits. That got a cheer. Cruz then invoked a moment of silence for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, not failing to mention that he and Scalia went back twenty years. The candidate was a lowly clerk at the Supreme Court back then, and Scalia was his role model. As Ronald Reagan was to the presidency so, too, was Justice Scalia to the Supreme Court, Cruz said. Both Cruz and Rubio praised Jeb Bush in effusive terms in their victory speeches. Their praise was, of course, directed at Jebs donors and voters. Trump, in his speech, didnt even mention Bushs name. Having eviscerated the Bush family heir, he felt no need to shed alligator tears for the former governor of Florida or to court his supporters. Trump did patronizingly name-checked Marco and Ted for doing a good job (by finishing ten points behind him) but he made it clear that he doesnt fear them. He derided the pundit wisdom that, as more candidates drop out, one of them would inherit enough support to lead an anti-Donald coalition. Im going to get a lot of those votes, Trump said, which seems like a reasonable assumption. He is way ahead of the pack in next weeks Nevada caucus and will go rolling into the March 1st Super Tuesday primaries on a bandwagon. With rare understatement, Trump told the South Carolina crowd that he expects to do very well in those thirteen contests. Then, then, under his breath, he added am additional very well. The contrast between Trump and his two closest rivals was on full display on Saturday night. Cruz and Rubio both portrayed themselves as the young heirs to awesome heroes. This called attention to their youth and their lack of accomplishments beyond getting elected to the Senate. Invoking Reagan and Scalia made them seem boyish. Donald Trump, like him or hate him, is a full grown man. He has kids the age of Rubio and Cruz and a lifetime of achievement in big arenas. If Trump is in awe of anyone, it is himself. It is not easy to see who beat Trump after South Carolina. Not even the Big Guns--President George W. Bush and Pope Francisleft him unscathed. Trump will very likely arrive at this summers nominating convention in Cleveland with a plurality of delegates. If Cruz and Rubio go the distance it is conceivable that they will have enough delegates between them to block Trump. It is less conceivable that they can cut a deal. They are rivals for the leadership of their conservative generation and neither will want to cede primary to the other. Trump, who is turning seventy this summer, is not a long term political threat and this gives him leverage. Rubio considers himself a son of Ronald Reagan? Fine, but Reagan is dead and Donald Trump is alive and well. A term or two as his vice presidentwith an important role in making foreign policycould make Rubio first in his class when the time comes. Ted Cruz, too, might be tempted by such an offer. But Cruzs hero is Scalia, not Reagan. And it just so happens that the Scalia seat on the Supreme Court is vacant. Cruz would find mighty hard to resist the temptation to sit in daddys chair, especially if he can pay for it in delegates who arent going to get him the partys nomination and will keep Rubio out of the White House. All this is speculation of course. Nobody knows what is going to happen in this kind of election year. Trump, as he has predicted, may run the table. Or maybe he will stumble. But both Cruz and Rubio have to be thinking about contingency plans after their victories in South Carolina. Trump will be thinking, too. He never stops. !--StartFragment--> The conflict between Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C., over encryption engulfed the media this week, inflamed by a federal judge's ruling that Apple should be forced to assist authorities in accessing the contents of one of the company's devices. Yet while a number of familiar faces in Congress used the occasion to renew calls for quick legislative action, it remains uncertain that anything will materialize from the ordeal. "The newest Apple operating systems allow device access only to users even Apple itself can't get in. Murderers, pedophiles, drug dealers and the others are already using this technology to cover their tracks," Senate Intelligence Chairman Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., wrote in a column Thursday for USA Today. "We are a country of laws, and this charade has gone on long enough. Apple needs to comply with the court's order," Burr added. Aides to the senator suggested that he would soon present legislation to impose civil penalties on companies that refuse to comply with such orders. It is not the first time Burr has announced an ambitious plan to take action on a matter related to encryption. Following the Dec. 2 terrorist attack in San Bernardino, Calif., Burr and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., announced plans to propose legislation that would weaken encryption, contending that the terrorists may have used it as part of their plans. Read more on WashingtonExaminer.com Turnout in Nevada's Democratic caucuses dropped by about one third on Saturday as compared to 2008, raising questions about a lack of enthusiasm among the party's voters. About 80,000 Nevadans turned out to vote in the party's cacuses in which former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton edged out Sen. Bernie Sanders, according to an estimate provided to the Washington Examiner by the Nevada Democratic Party. That is down sharply from the roughly 118,000 who voted in 2008, when Clinton beat then Sen. Barack Obama. In 2008, the strong turnout for Democrats in their nominating contests ended up forshadowing a large level of energy and enthusiasm on the Democratic side that carried over into the general election. One of the biggest question marks facing Clinton, should she go on to win the nomination, is whether or not she can reproduce the coalition of voters especially young voters and minorities that won Obama the White House two times. The low turnout in Nevada is one bit of early evidence suggesting it will be a challenge, though it is by no means a definitive indicator. Read more on WashingtonExaminer.com New York City's former top cop said Sunday that the Obama administration cut funding to fight terrorism in the city to retaliate against Sen. Chuck Schumer for opposing a nuclear deal with Iran. "There's a certain amount vindictiveness on the part of Washington aimed at Sen. Chuck Schumer," Ray Kelly, New York City's police commissioner under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, said in an interview with John Catsimatidis on AM 970 in New York. "Apparently they remember very well that Sen. Schumer did not support their Iran deal," Kelly said, arguing the proposed cut "was aimed at getting a reaction from Sen. Schumer." Schumer was the most senior Democrat in Congress last year to oppose an international agreement under which Iran agreed to give up its nuclear weapons program in exchange for relief from econonmic sanctions. Read more on WashingtonExaminer.com A bill that could have eliminated Colorados requirement that teachers be evaluated by how well their students fare on standardized tests was shot down Thursday. The states Senate Education Committee voted 6-3 against SB 16-105. The no votes included two Republican members of the committee who originally signed on as co-sponsors Sen. Vicki Marble, R-Fort Marble, and Sen. Laura Woods, R-Thornton. SB 16-105 would have shed a requirement that half of a teachers evaluation be determined by student improvement on standardized tests, but districts could use test scores to count for up to 20 percent of each teachers evaluation. Colorado switched to Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers tests in 2015, now taken by all public school students, including charter school pupils. No state testing growth data is being used to evaluate teachers this year because of the change. Instead, districts are using locally chosen measures. The legislations primary sponsor Sen. Mike Merrifield, D-Colorado Springs introduced a similar bill last year, but it also never got out of the Senate Education Committee. A retired music teacher, Merrifield served four terms in the Colorado House, including chairing the House Education Committee. Click for more from Watchdog.org When Donald Trump pointed the finger at Jeb Bush at the last debate and claimed hes got nothing to show for the millions his campaign has spent, he wasnt kidding. A review of how Bush and his allies spent over $125 million in his failed campaign shows the main thing to come out of it was a lot of consultants and local TV stations made a lot of money. A Washington Post review of Bush spending shows more than 95 percent of the advertising budget from his campaign and the separate super PAC, Right to Rise went to consulting firms Oath Strategies and Revolution Agency. The more than $100 million budget largely went straight to buying up air time on local TV stations, but the consultants themselves reportedly would have pocketed several million dollars in commissions and fees along the way. The rest of the money, according to the Post review, went to polling, legal fees, and other areas. For all that, he won just four delegates or roughly $31 million per delegate. He drew just 3 percent of the vote in Iowa; 11 percent in New Hampshire; and 8 percent in South Carolina. The Post also puts the spotlight on Mike Murphy, who ran the pro-Bush super PAC suggesting his influence could account for why so much money was poured into advertising. Murphy, it turns out, is a founding partner of Revolution Agency. He also previously served as a top adviser to Bushs 1998 and 2002 gubernatorial campaigns. The super PAC was expected to be a dominant factor in shaping the narrative for the 2016 GOP fight but in the end, Right to Rise fell short of its expectations. Bush, the former Florida governor, dropped out of the race after a disappointing South Carolina finish on Saturday. The drop-out comes after Republican front-runner Trump made a point of calling Bush out on his lavish spending during the most recent South Carolina debate. "In New Hampshire, I spent $3 million. Jeb Bush spent $44 million. He came in five, and I came in No. 1," Trump said. But the get-rich campaign cycle isnt limited to Bush. So far, presidential campaigns reportedly have spent $400 million on consulting services about three times as much as they did in the 2012 campaign cycle. The bulk of Ben Carsons spending has been on consulting firms specializing in fundraising, including email solicitations and data analytics. More than $15 million has been paid to three consultants: TMA Direct, InfoCision and Eleventy Marketing Group. Ted Cruz paid $4.75 million to Cambridge Analytica, a data analytics firm started by Robert Mercer, the same man who gave a pro-Cruz super PAC Keep the Promise $11 million. Should Hillary Clinton succeed in beating back the Bernie Sanders challenge, don't look for her or any of the remaining 2016 Republican White House candidates, for that matter to provide a coattail ride for any congressional hopefuls. That wasn't the case a year ago, when House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi predicted that a Clinton candidacy "would be one that could not only take her into office, but would [pull Democrats to victory]. But, what a difference a year makes one filled with FBI investigations into her use of a private email server while secretary of state, questions about foreign contributions made to her family foundation, and Sanders. All which prompted the National Republican Congressional Committee -- the partys House campaign arm -- to recently declare Pelosis prediction that Clinton would return the Democratic Party to power is in shambles. As evidence that Clintons coattails are fraying, the NRCC points to her favorability rating falling well below 50 percent, both nationally, and in some congressional swing districts. The significant holes in House Democrats' recruiting efforts not only proves that their initial confidence in riding Hillary's coattails is misplaced, but also that they have no hope of recapturing the House majority in 2016, Katie Martin, communications director for the NRCC, told FoxNews.com. Democrats top-of-the-ticket options are an untrustworthy Hillary Clinton, who is currently under FBI investigation, or self-described socialist Bernie Sanders. It doesnt take a bookie in Vegas to know the odds are in our favor in 2016, Martin said. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, for its part, is staying positive. Chairman Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., was quoted last fall saying theres no question theyll gain seats. A DCCC aide told FoxNews.com on Monday the eventual Democratic nominee will have a positive, down-ballot impact on House Democratic candidates and incumbents by turning out women, people of color, young people, working families, and others. And Robert Jackson, professor of political science at the Florida State University in Tallahassee, said while he doesnt see any candidate bringing a big coattail effect this cycle, Clinton could offer some measure. I think Hillary Clinton might have some potentiality to have some coattail effect if she is pitted against a Republican candidate who can be easily beaten, he said. And theres the rub. Clintons coattail effect, if she is the Democrats nominee, may depend more on who is the GOP nominee. The DCCC argues that Donald Trump or Ted Cruz at the top of the ticket would hurt fellow Republican congressional candidates in a general election. Kyle Kondik, with the University of Virginia Center for Politics, also wrote in Politico last year that with a controversial figure like Trump at the top of the Republican ticket, it could turn off voters in the districts Democrats need to retake the House. Still, he wrote, Democrats odds of winning the House majority are just a couple ticks greater than zero. This year, Democrats in the House would need to win 30 seats to reclaim the majority. In the Senate, they would need five. Thats a tough task for any presidential nominee to help with, let alone Clinton or Sanders. But back in 2008, the popular Barack Obama arguably helped his party make gains on Capitol Hill. In that election, Democrats upped their majorities in the House and Senate, picking up 21 House seats and eight Senate seats in the process. Similar trends were seen when Ronald Reagan beat Jimmy Carter in 1980. The amiable California governor played a vital role in gaining the Republicans 34 House seats and 12 Senate seats. This year, Clinton may actually be causing headaches for Senate Democratic candidates, in her effort to blunt Sanders criticism of her Wall Street ties. She has answered those charges by arguing Sanders has taken roughly $200,000 in Wall Street money through the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. He got that money, directly and indirect, during his successful 2006 Senate run, though only a fraction of DSCC funds came from Wall Street, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. But the line of attack has spurred news reports about Sanders attending DSCC retreats with high-dollar donors, including one this past summer on Martha's Vineyard that was attended by other Senate Democrats and candidates, from Ohio Senate candidate Ted Strickland to Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet to Kathleen McGinty, a Clinton backer running for a Pennsylvania Senate seat. Meanwhile, the Democratic nomination battle is far from decided. Thanks to the support of party insiders known as so-called superdelegates, Clinton significantly leads Sanders in the early delegate count. And her win in Nevada may help her regain her footing after a narrow Iowa victory and a big New Hampshire loss. But the South Carolina primary this weekend, and the Super Tuesday contests after that, will be a significant test. David Lublin, a professor of American government and politics at American University in Washington, downplayed the importance of coattails in general, saying partisanship has hardened in many districts anyway. Many House seats are safe simply because party lines have hardened, he said. FoxNews.coms Adam Shaw, Daniel Jativa and Joseph Weber contributed to this report. Marco Rubio has joined Ted Cruz in Donald Trumps crosshairs. Fresh off his Saturday win in the South Carolina Republican primary, Trump said Sunday he didnt know whether Rubio, a Florida senator who finished second, was eligible to run for president and that the lawyers have to determine that. I dont know, Trump told George Stephanopoulos on ABCs This Week. I really Ive never looked at it, George. I honestly have never looked at it. As somebody said, hes not. And I retweeted it. I have 14 million people between Twitter and Facebook and Instagram and I retweet things, and we start dialogue and its very interesting. Rubio brushed aside Trumps assertions later on This Week. "@ResisTyr: Mr.Trump...BOTH Cruz AND Rubio are ineligible to be POTUS! It's a SLAM DUNK CASE!! Check it! https://t.co/NjqWP0pP6X" Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2016 This is a pattern, Rubio said. This is a game he plays. He says something thats edgy and outrageous and then the media flocks and covers that. And then no one else can get any coverage on anything else. And that worked where there were 15 people running for president. Its not going to work anymore. Im going to spend zero time on his interpretation of the Constitution with regards to eligibility. Trump was questioned on the issue after he retweeted a supporter Saturday who made the allegation and linked to a video from the Powdered Wig Society, a conservative news and commentary website. That video features an unidentified woman claiming someone can only be a natural-born citizen if the persons father was a U.S. citizen. The Constitution states only a natural-born citizen can be president, though it does not explicitly define that phrase. Rubio, whose parents came to the U.S. from Cuba in the 1950s, was born in Florida in 1971. His parents were not U.S. citizens at the time. Trumps musings about Rubios eligibility is comparable to how his similar feud began with Cruz, a Texas senator, though that argument has since intensified. Trump has argued that Cruz, who finished third in South Carolina, may not be a natural-born citizen because he was born in Canada, even though his mother was a U.S. citizen at the time of Cruzs birth. Numerous legal scholars have said both Cruz and Rubio are considered natural-born citizens, though Trump has said other experts disagree. I mean, let people make their own determination, Trump said Sunday. Similar questions of eligibility dogged previous Republican contenders such as John McCain in 2008, George Romney in 1968 and Barry Goldwater in 1964. McCain was born in Panama, Romney was born in Mexico and Goldwater was born in Arizona before it became an official U.S. state. Does the Ku Klux Klan have a constitutional right to "adopt a highway"? That question was at the center of a high-profile battle Monday before the Georgia Supreme Court, where the Klan is challenging the state's refusal to let it participate in the popular Adopt-A-Highway program. The hate group, with the American Civil Liberties Union by its side, is casting its bid as a free speech issue. The government cannot be a censor of free speech, Alan Berger, an attorney for the International Keystone Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, said. But the Georgia Department of Transportation has resisted the KKK's efforts ever since 2012 to join the program. For its part, GDOT maintains it should be allowed to exclude certain groups from the program -- and stands by its claim that the KKKs long rooted history of civil disturbance would cause a significant public concern. Mondays arguments centered around Georgia's claim of so-called sovereign immunity a legal doctrine that shields the state from civil suit or criminal prosecution. The state had appealed a lower court decision by Judge Shawn LaGrua, who ruled Georgia was not protected against the KKK suit because the group claimed the discrimination involved a violation of its constitutional rights. The state denied the application, not because of safety hazard or some other compelling government interest, but because the state disagrees with what the KKK represents, Maya Dillard Smith, executive director of the ACLU of Georgia, told FoxNews.com. It is precisely this kind of government action the Constitution prohibits. While Smith admits that many people who hear about the case have a visceral reaction to it, she warns its outcome could have a dangerous ripple effect. What may seem as chipping away only at the KKKs free speech right, will, in fact, open Pandoras box and create legal precedent that justifies curtailing the free speech rights of religious evangelicals, abortion protestors and even Black Lives Matter supporters and opponents, she said. A judgment is not expected for a couple of months, Berger told FoxNews.com following Monday's oral arguments. In the meantime, GDOT has suspended Adopt-a-Highway applications. This isnt the first time a state has gone rounds with the white supremacist group. In 1994, Missouri tried to block the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan from participating in its Adopt-A-Highway program. The group -- which excludes anyone who is black, Jewish, Mexican or Asian -- had requested a half-mile section of road on Interstate 55, one of the routes that had been used to bus black students to school as part of desegregation efforts near St. Louis. The state denied the KKKs request. In that case, lawyers for the state unsuccessfully argued that it had a right to control its own speech and that allowing the Klan to participate would violate the 1964 Civil Rights Acts ban on racial discrimination in federally funded programs. The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the case, thereby forcing the state to allow the group to take part in its Adopt-A-Highway program. However, the state later kicked the group out, saying it failed to do its job and pick up the litter on its adopted stretch of highway. In 2009, the National Socialist movement, a neo-Nazi group, tried to adopt another stretch of road in Missouri. In response, officials renamed the part of the highway after Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, a man had who fled Nazi Germany and later became a popular civil rights advocate. In 2005, two green signs popped up on a rural road in Oregon that seemed to suggest the American Nazi Party was participating in that states Adopt-A-Highway program. Complaints poured in after the signs were featured on a local newscast. One sign was even vandalized. In an email to The Spokesman-Review, the groups leader Rocky Suhayda denied involvement in the program, saying the group would never pick up garbage along a highway in this toilet-bowl of a country. Just when it seemed the media were starting to accept Donald Trumps front-runner status after South Carolina, we had a newspaper throwing a temper tantrum. New Yorks Daily News, ticked off at the outcome, blamed the voters with this front-page screamer: CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES. In other words, TABLOID TO VOTERS: YOURE ALL LOSERS. And the lead of the story was just as insulting: The piggish voters of South Carolina gobbled up the slop that Donald Trump served up Saturday handing the bloodthirsty billionaire his second straight Republican presidential primary win. I know the News, which is becoming a sad parody, despises Trump, having depicted him as a clown and, during his dustup with the Pope, the ANTICHRIST. But that doesnt seem much different than the Huffington Post reacting to Donald Trumps first primary victory with a red-letter headline: NH GOES RACIST SEXIST XENOPHOBIC. And it illustrates how, when it comes to Trump, some in the media are moving from denial to anger. I wonder if a New York Times piece on the eve of the South Carolina primary is a more polite and sophisticated way of getting at the same pointthat the voters are to blame for making a lousy decision. The Times has on-the-record quotes to back up its story line, but the underlying assumption is that Trump is just bad news: Republicans in South Carolina have in recent years raced ahead of the national party in presenting an inclusive face to voters. But in the face of this admirable progress comes a likely Trump victory: For party leaders and mainstream voters here, it may come as a kind of deflating climax His results in the two early-voting states so far have alarmed more traditional Republicans, who fear that a Trump nomination would solidify for nonwhite voters an image of Republicans as an angry and intolerant party The fear among Republican leaders here is that a smashing victory for Mr. Trump would say more about the party, and about the state, potentially undermining South Carolinas image as a more welcoming place that is no longer defined by figures like Strom Thurmond. Got it? The Palmetto State is now a welcoming place, but for Trump to win the primary would make South Carolina look like it was back in Thurmonds segregationist era. As Trump has continued to gain strength, hes attracting a different kind of bad press, which tries to blame othersthe culture, the media, the Republican Partyfor what these critics see as the awful phenomenon that is The Donald. Slate, in the process of slamming MSNBCs town hall with Trump, complains that the medias coverage of Trump has been soft, insufficient, and without substance because it has failed to deal with months of bigoted comments and almost pathological dishonesty. Its that the medias relationship with Trump should worry Hillary Clinton, assuming each of them vanquishes their primary opponents. I would have said six months ago, perhaps naively, that a blatantly bigoted candidate would face such a sustained media firestorm (especially in liberal precincts) that he would be incapable of getting elected. Thats not yet the case. Indeed, there are no signs that the medias sick, interminable honeymoon with Trump will come to an end anytime soon. Think about that. Trump is a bigoted and pathological liar, so any coverage that doesnt portray him that way, or confront him with his many sins, is embarrassingly anemic. National Review Editor Rich Lowry, a fierce Trump critic, says in Politico that Trump is defining decorum down: Weve grown used to how Trump has treated Jeb Bush in the debates, but that doesnt make it any less appalling a breach of political norms or basic decency. The faces he makes while Bush talks, the constant interrupting, the petty put-downs all of this would have been thought unworthy of the lowest political guttersnipe but have become an accepted part of the landscape thanks to Donald J. Trump The key to Trumps strength, which buttresses all his outrageousness, is that his supporters want someone to blow up the system. So there's almost nothing he can say or do that will discredit him in their eyes, and the least destructive scenario for his defeat Trump blows himself up will take some doing on his part. Its all very entertaining but so are demolition derbies. Now theres an eye-catching metaphor. National Reviews David French says both Trump and Bernie Sanders have risen from the wreckage of a broken culture: The conservative culture we do have is still a celebrity culture, and Donald Trump has taken it by storm. The secret of his continued dominance is that he does anger bigger and better than anyone else, and his fans are willing to forgive or even cheer any transgression against conservative principle or simple good taste as a result. All manner of cruelty and lies can be justified by fury at the Left, by rage at the GOPe, or by the cry of the other side does it. Conservative leaders who were used to being the angriest and least politically correct people in the room now find themselves in the uncomfortable position of saying no of saying that some things shouldnt be said and some ideas are genuinely offensive. Back to the left, Salon paints Trump as a Frankenstein created by a pathetic GOP: What makes Trump unique isnt his shameless sophistry or his crass rhetoric; he simply does what most politicians especially on the right have always done, only better and without limits. He knows his supporters a majority of whom are old and white dont care about policies (many of them have been voting against their own interests for years anyway), and so he goes straight to their sense of identity. Of course he cant make Mexico pay for a wall, but promising to do so assuages their fears of a country in which white people will, eventually, be a minority. If they cared about their jobs, that rage would be directed at the corporations that shipped them overseas, not the brown people coming here to park cars and pick fruit The GOP now consists mostly of old and angry white people who are rejecting a world they dont like or understand. The nativism and hysteria animating Trumps campaign has been at the center of Republican politics for a long time Trump is simply capitalizing on it. Old angry white guys, blatant bigotry, confederacy of dunces. Not much attempt here to discern why Trump has won the first two primary statesand giving him more ammunition that the press treats him unfairly. The front cover of the administration's fiscal 2017 budget request shows a picture of Denali, the peak in Alaska that President Obama renamed during his trip there last fall. While on that same trip, he promised to accelerate construction of an icebreaker and invest in the Arctic. Lawmakers say they are pleased that the president has put his money where his mouth is with a $150 million request to begin designing an icebreaker in fiscal 2017. But a more significant investment is needed to ensure the U.S. can compete with Russia and others with an interest in the Arctic. "The icebreaker is the highway of the Arctic," Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, told the Washington Examiner. "Right now the Russians have an interstate and we have an unpaved back road." The administration's fiscal 2017 budget request released this month would give $150 million to the Coast Guard to cover design of an icebreaker and drum up interest among shipbuilders. Read more on WashingtonExaminer.com With their bony exterior, armadillos have often been called living dinosaurs. Now, a new study further confirms it by finding they are related the now extinct glyptodontshuge, armored mammals that went extinct in the Americas at the end of the last ice age. The finding runs counter to the long held belief that the two groups must have separated early in their evolutionary history because they look so different. In the study in the journal Current Biology, the researchers also found that the closest relatives of glyptodontssome species of which may have weighed two tons or moreinclude not only the giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus), which can weigh up to 25 pounds, but also the four-ounce pink fairy armadillo, or pichiciego (Chlamyphorus truncatus). Related: Fossil of massive crocodile found on edge of Sahara desert Contrary to what is generally assumed about the distinctiveness of glyptodonts, our analyses indicate that they originated only some 35 million years ago, well within the armadillo radiation, Frederic Delsuc, of the French National Center for Scientific Research at the University of Montpellier and of the studys co-authors, said in a statement. Taxonomically, they should be regarded as no more than another subfamily of armadillos, which we can call Glyptodontinae. The remains of glyptodonts have been collected as far back as the early 19th century by the likes of Charles Darwin but few could figure out what kind of mammal they represented. It was eventually accepted that glyptodonts must be related in some way to armadillos, the only other New World mammals to develop a protective bony shell. Delsuc and Hendrik Poinar of McMaster University confirmed the relationship with modern armadillos only after they started studying living xenarthrans, a group of placental mammals that includes anteaters and tree sloths as well as armadillos. But to ensure they covered everything, they wanted to include genomic evidence from extinct species using so-called ancient DNA techniques. Related: Fossil of duck-billed dinosaur found along Alabama creek They contacted Ross MacPhee, a curator in the American Museum of Natural Historys Department of Mammalogy who studies recent extinctions, for help in acquiring suitable material. With the assistance of South American colleagues at the Argentinian Museum of Natural Sciences in Buenos Aires and the Museum of La Plata, MacPhee presented them with a wide range of specimens. Only sample that worked - a carapace fragment of an undetermined species of Doedicurus, a gigantic glyptodont that lived until about 10,000 years ago. The team successfully assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of Doedicurus and compared it to that of all modern xenarthrans. Ancient DNA has the potential to solve a number of evolutionary questions, but it is often extremely difficult to obtain endogenous DNA, that is, DNA actually belonging to the animal being sampled, rather than some contaminant, Poinar said. In this particular case, we used a technical trick that allowed us to selectively enrich our Doedicurus DNA extract so that we had enough endogenous genetic material to work with. Related: Pig-snouted turtle from dinosaur era discovered in Utah Together, Delsuc and Poinar developed a set of computer-reconstructed ancestral sequences to design probes used for fishing Doedicurus mitochondrial fragments out of the complex ancient DNA extract in order to be able to reconstruct the complete mitogenome of this glyptodont. The researchers found that instead of representing a very early, independent branch of armored xenarthrans, glyptodonts likely had a much later origin, from ancestors within lineages leading to the modern armadillo family Chlamyphoridae. But there are still unresolved questions, including why supersized armadillos evolved in the first place? And why glyptodonts which were a very successful group for most of their history suddenly disappeared? Despite their ungainly appearance, different species of glyptodonts occupied habitats as distinct as open grassland and dense woodland, all the way from Patagonia to the southern parts of the continental United States, MacPhee said. Although their disappearance has been blamed on human depredation as well as climate change, some species persisted into the early part of the modern or Holocene epoch, long after the disappearance of mammoths and saber-toothed cats. Like the loss of giant ground sloths, mastodons, and dozens of other remarkable mammalian species, the precise cause of the New World megafaunal extinctions remains uncertain. Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton are cementing their status as presidential front-runners with strong performances among demographic groups at the core of their two parties, developments that put tremendous pressure on their top rivals as the nominating contests head into delegate-rich March. Trump built a varied coalition in his South Carolina primary victory Saturday, according to exit polls conducted for the Associated Press and television networks. But it was the bombastic billionaire's surprisingly strong performance among self-described evangelicals in South Carolina that helped him notch another double-digit victory and sweep all 50 delegates. It was a grave blow to Ted Cruz, who invested heavily in his pursuit of religious conservatives here only to apparently finish a narrow third behind Marco Rubio, and it raises questions about whether Cruz can catch Trump in the March 1 glut of Southern primaries that the Texas senator has for months identified as his best path to the nomination. For Democrats, Clinton's Nevada caucus victory over Bernie Sanders affirmed her strength among black voters. Like white evangelicals for Republicans, minority voters will play key roles in upcoming Democratic primaries, starting with the South Carolina on Feb. 27. Among South Carolina Republicans who voted on Saturday, more than 7 out 10 described themselves as born-again Christians, and those voters were slightly more likely to say they voted for Trump (33 percent) than Cruz (27 percent). Trump even came close to Cruz among the 4 out of 10 who said it matters a "great deal" that a candidate share their religious beliefs. Among the remainder who said religion matters only "somewhat" or less, Trump did significantly better than Cruz. The senator spent weeks hammering Trump for his past support for same-sex marriage and abortion rights. He chided Trump for his history of public vulgarity, casting it as unworthy of the Oval Office. After Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died on Feb. 20, Cruz warned voters not to trust Trump to nominate jurists who represented their values. Cruz counted hundreds of South Carolina pastors among his endorsements, and he campaigned with cable television's Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson, a cult hero to conservative Christians for his unvarnished critiques of modern, secular society. The candidate also has taken to comparing his campaign to a spiritual "revival" and asking his supporters to pray that God "awaken the body of Christ" in America. Trump's ability to withstand that approach may be found in what else drives white evangelicals. Four out of 10 were angry at government, and nearly half of that group opted for Trump. Cruz also lagged well behind Trump among evangelicals who cared most about the economy. Those outcomes reflect Trump's overall strength through the first three nominating contests: He draws significant support from nearly every demographic and ideological slice of the GOP. Trump led all candidates Saturday among avowed Republicans and independents. He led those with household incomes up to $100,000 and nearly tied with Rubio among voters who earn more. Trump led among voters who live in rural areas, small towns and suburbs. Rubio was tops among residents of South Carolina's largest cities, but that was just 23 percent of the electorate. Voters with less than a college education sided with Trump, and he managed a near draw with Rubio among those who have degrees. Only among voters with postgraduate education just a fifth of the electorate did Rubio register a lead. Trump's support among self-described conservatives and moderates was nearly identical: 32 percent and 34 percent. He got the votes of almost half of those who support deporting residents in the U.S. illegally and managed to attract about a fifth of those who say immigrants should get a path to legal status. Slightly more than half of the electorate said they feel "betrayed" by Republican politicians. Slightly less than half said they don't. Trump claimed a third of each group. Rubio crushed Trump 47 percent to 21 percent among voters whose top priority is having a nominee who "can win in November." Worrisome for the Florida senator, though: That group was just 15 percent of the electorate. Perhaps most encouraging for Rubio and Cruz is that among the latest-deciding voters about 4 out of 10 said they decided within days of the primary less than a fifth opted for Trump. Among Nevada Democrats, meanwhile, Clinton ratcheted up the pressure on Sanders by claiming 56 percent support from nonwhite caucus-goers. Among African-Americans, her support was about 76 percent. Black voters made up just 13 percent of caucus attendees, but they are likely to be a majority of the South Carolina primary electorate Saturday. A similar distribution here would almost certainly give her a commanding win heading into March 1 primaries with similar electorates. Sanders drew a majority among voters who cared most about income inequality the theme of his campaign but Clinton appeared to dent Sanders' core message by winning majorities among voters who care most about health care and the economy; she also led Sanders 54 percent to 43 percent among Nevada Democrats from union households. ___ Swanson reported from Washington. On Twitter, follow Barrow at https://twitter.com/BillBarrowAP and Swanson at and https://twitter.com/EL_Swan . Two people were injured when an Amtrak train collided with a car Monday morning in south St. Louis County, FOX2 reported. Two patients were transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. One person was trapped and had to be freed by emergency responders, according to KMOV. Both of the injured people were occupants of the car. No passengers or crew members aboard the train were hurt, Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Magliari identified the train as the Texas Eagle that left San Antonio on Sunday, bound for St. Louis and then Chicago. The train was delayed about 1 1/2 hours by the crash. The collision occurred around 6 a.m. local time. One upstate New York city is planning an unconventional approach to combating a growing heroin epidemic: Letting addicts shoot up on government property under the supervision of medical professionals. Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick unveiled his controversial proposal to open a supervised injection facility during an interview with The Associated Press released Monday. The facility would provide a space for users to inject pre-purchased drugs with clean needles under the watchful eye of healthcare professionals who could, in theory, keep them safe and direct them to addiction services. "My father was a drug addict. He split from the family when I was 5, 6 years old," Myrick told the AP. "I have watched for 20 years this system that just doesn't work. We can't wait anymore for the federal government. We have people shooting up in alleys. In bathroom stalls. And too many of them are dying." Supporters say the city is taking the necessary steps to treat drug addiction as a public health issue, but opponents say the plan is tantamount to encouraging drug use and the path to approval will be filled with legal challenges. The city would have to be sure its dotted all the legal is and crossed all the legal ts before it gets into assisting the use of a narcotic, said William Jacobson, a professor at Cornell Law School in Ithaca who also writes for the Legal Insurrection blog. "There are multiple levels of legal issues that have to be considered putting aside the public policy issue of whether in fact this is a good thing. William Jacobson The drug addiction debate particularly as it relates to heroin and opioids has received increasing visibility in contemporary discourse, and has even worked its way into presidential politics. The heroin epidemic in New Hampshire was a prominent topic during the states recent Republican and Democratic primaries. The conversation is just as passionate in Ithaca, where a standing-room-only crowd gathered at the towns public library in June for a presentation on heroin use in the community, according to the Ithaca Journal. By far and wide, heroin is probably the worst drug on the street that we have here in Ithaca, police investigator Kevin McKenna said during the meeting. But while the problem is the same faced by many communities, Myricks solution is different. The 28-year-old Democratic mayor has proposed what would be only the second supervised injection facility in North America. The only current one is in Vancouver. That facility, Insite, has been largely seen as a success in Canada for the past 13 years. More people are seeking treatment, HIV transmission from needle sharing has dropped and fewer people are injecting drugs, according to a report which analyzed 15 years of drug data and was cited by the Vancouver Sun in a 2013 article. Legal challenges to close Insite have been futile and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said he wants to see more injection sites. But while Insite has reportedly flourished in Canada, and around 100 such facilities exist worldwide, proponents whove tried to open facilities in New York City and San Francisco have failed. Kassandra Frederique, the director of the New York policy office for the Drug Policy Alliance, spoke to FoxNews.com while she was en route to Ithaca for a Tuesday community panel about the facility before an official announcement is due Wednesday. DPA has previously advocated for supervised injection facilities for opioid and heroin addiction. Its no longer a fringe issue, Frederique said. Its being talked about at every kitchen table in the country, and people are realizing that what weve done in the last 40 years hasnt been very successful. People around the country are saying they want a new approach. They want something that moves this into a health issue. Frederique doesnt expect the new approach to be an easy sell. She lists finding a place to operate, getting community buy-in and obtaining necessary resources as just some of the tests ahead. Its unfortunate that we have to get to a crisis before we put in the resources, Frederique said. When you have a primetime presidential debate about heroin, and drugs, and treatment, and intervention, we realize people want to shift the debate into What can we do different? This is affecting everyone from rural communities in Montana to communities in the south Bronx. But changing perception could be the least of Myricks and Frederiques worries. Far more pressing is changing the actual laws. While drugs themselves wouldnt be sold at an injection facility, they would be openly carried and used there, and staff would assist in the use of them. That immediately puts facilities in the crosshairs of the federal government. Title 21 of the Controlled Substances Act specifically addresses maintaining drug-involved premises as being unlawful. Though the federal government has so far shown a general inclination to stay away from enforcing federal drug laws in states where marijuana has been legalized, heroin is an entirely different animal. Marijuana is so widely used its considered, in effect, decriminalized in most places that its a totally different situation talking about heroin, Jacobson said. Its a major narcotic. DPA notes that no one has died from an overdose at the Vancouver facility; however, the possibility of death or serious injury exists and could open up facilities to lawsuits or criminal charges. I think it opens up potential liability, Jacobson said. I would think the city would also want to check with its insurers to make sure if theres a claim raised if someone is injured or overdoses the city is not liable. There are multiple levels of legal issues that have to be considered putting aside the public policy issue of whether, in fact, this is a good thing. Inquiries to the New York State Department of Health and Myricks office by FoxNews.com were not immediately answered. A Florida mom allegedly left her 6-year-old daughter screaming inside a burning apartment and later fled the scene as firefighters rescued the girl, authorities said. Erica Rosello, 32, was charged with child neglect with great bodily harm stemming from the Thursday blaze, The Miami Herald reported. The girl was taken to a hospital, treated for smoke inhalation and is currently in the care of her grandmother. A judge has barred Rosello from seeing her daughter and placed Rosello under house arrest, according to CBS Miami. Rosello was allegedly in the hallway of her apartment complex when a witness saw smoke coming from Rosellos apartment. The witness said Rosello denied there was a fire but acknowledged her daughter was inside, according to a police report obtained by The Herald. The witness tried rescuing the girl, but couldnt get inside the apartment. Miami-Dade firefighter David Arencibia told WSVN that the girl would have died if she remained in the apartment for another 3 minutes. I just told my partner to get on one knee, used him as a prop, he helped me up and I climbed in through the window, Arencibia said. He added: When I picked her up, she started moaning, which was a good thing. After firefighters saved the girl, Rosello fled. She later called her mom to check on the young girl and Rosellos mom convinced her to come to the hospital. Its unclear what caused the fire, but authorities are investigating. The firefighter basically entered a smoke-filled room and found the little girl lying on the bed, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue spokeswoman Erika Benitez told The Herald. This is the type of rescue that every firefighter hopes for, in the sense that it had the best possible outcome. She was brought out to safety and the fire was contained. FBI Director James Comey said late Sunday that the agency owed the victims of last December's San Bernardino terror attack a "thorough and professional investigation" in an effort to explain why law enforcement officials are trying to compel Apple to help them gain access to a cellphone owned by one of the gunmen. In a post on the Lawfare blog, Comey wrote that the FBI "can't look the survivors in the eye, or ourselves in the mirror, if we don't follow this lead." The post was Comey's first public statement since Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that the company would fight a federal magistrate's order to help the FBI hack into Syed Farook's work-issued iPhone. Farook, along with wife Tashfeen Malik, killed 14 people in the Dec. 2 attacks. On Friday, the Justice Department filed a motion to compel Apple to comply with the court order. Early Monday, Cook sent an email to Apple employees saying that the FBI should withdraw its demand. In the message, subject-lined "Thank you for your support," Cook states that the company has "no tolerance or sympathy for terrorists" and believes abiding by the judge's order would be unlawful, an expansion of government powers, and would set a dangerous precedent that would essentially create a backdoor to the encrypted iPhone. "This case is about much more than a single phone or a single investigation," Cook wrote, "so when we received the government's order we knew we had to speak out." "At stake is the data security of hundreds of millions of law-abiding people and setting a dangerous precedent that threatens everyone's civil liberties." Apple also points to the difficulty of keeping such a "master key" safe once it has been created. The government has said that Apple could keep the specialized technology it would create to help officials hack the phone -- bypassing a security time delay and feature that erases all data after 10 consecutive, unsuccessful attempts to guess the unlocking passcode. This would allow the FBI to use technology to rapidly and repeatedly test numbers in what's known as a brute force attack. If the company's engineers were to do as ordered, Apple would do its best to protect the technology, but Cook said the company "would be relentlessly attacked by hackers and cybercriminals." In his blog post, Comey had written, "The San Bernardino litigation isn't about trying to set a precedent or send any kind of message. It is about the victims and justice. "The relief we seek is limited and its value increasingly obsolete because the technology continues to evolve," Comey continued. "We simply want the chance, with a search warrant, to try to guess the terrorist's passcode without the phone essentially self-destructing and without it taking a decade to guess correctly. That's it." Comey did acknowledge in his statement that the clash has laid bare a tension between privacy and security. But he said that divide should not be resolved by the FBI nor "corporations that sell stuff for a living." "It should be resolved by the American people deciding how we want to govern ourselves in a world we have never seen before," he said. Cook's question-and-answer posting acknowledged that it is technically possible for Apple to do what the judge ordered, but that it's "something we believe is too dangerous to do." U.S. Attorney Robert L. Capers said Friday that Apple has followed court orders to unlock phones at least 70 times in various cases. Apple has until Feb. 26 to file its opposition to the initial order. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Uber driver suspected in a series of three random shootings in Kalamazoo, Mich. over six hours admitted on Monday he carried out the seemingly random attacks that killed six people and critically injured two, a prosecutor said. Jason Dalton waived his right against self-incrimination before making the statement to authorities, Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting said. Dalton's statements were used to file charges of murder and attempted murder Monday, two days after the rampage in the Kalamazoo. He appeared in court via video to hear the charges. He was ordered held without bond and will get a court-appointed attorney. Multiple witnesses have come forward to describe harrowing car trips Saturday night with Dalton. The witnesses' testimony indicates that Dalton was picking up fares in between carrying out the apparently random shootings. An Uber spokeswoman confirmed Sunday that Dalton was a driver for the ride-sharing service, but did not say whether he was working Saturday night. Data curated by FindTheData Matt Mellen told WWMT that he called police to report Dalton for erratic driving more than an hour before the accused shooter began firing on his targets. Mellen said Dalton picked him up around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and began driving very erratically after he got a phone call and hung up. He said Dalton was speeding, sideswiping cars and driving over medians and lawns. Mellen said when the vehicle came to a stop, he ran from the car and called police and also reported Dalton to Uber. Authorities allege that Dalton shot the first victim outside of an apartment complex a little more than an hour later. MLive reported that a Facebook post from a woman named Mackenzie Waite, who was identified as Mellen's fiance by The Washington Post, described an Uber driver named Jason as "not a safe ride". Waite's post was timestampted at 5:33 p.m. Saturday, about 30 minutes before the first shooting took place. Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting confirmed to MLive that law enforcement knew about the post. Fox17 reported that a local couple, Jamie and Kacey Black saw a man jump out of a vehicle they recognized later as Dalton's. The man told them the driver had been driving erratically and would not let him out. It was not immediately clear whether the man was Mellen. Kacey Black said she called 911 to report the driver, but said "I felt like they didn't believe me. They just kind of laughed at me." At 6 p.m., a woman was shot multiple times outside an apartment complex on the eastern edge of Kalamazoo County. She was expected to survive. At around 7 p.m., Dalton's next door neighbor James Block told the Associated Press that his niece saw Dalton drive out his driveway. When he got to the street, he stopped and rapidly backed toward his garage, turning his vehicle so the lights shined toward Block's house, Block said. Then he drove off. "He was there between the shootings," Block said. A Kalamazoo man with the Twitter handle IamKeithBlack posted Sunday that Dalton had given him a ride at around 8 p.m. A receipt he posted indicated that Dalton had driven him 4.8 miles and the ride had lasted 10 minutes. About four hours after the initial shooting and 15 miles away, a man and his son were shot to death while looking at vehicles at Seelye Kia of Kalamazoo. Then, 15 minutes later, gunfire erupted outside a Cracker Barrel restaurant. Four women, including retired school teacher Mary Jo Nye, were slain. A 14-year-old girl was wounded. At around midnight, an Indiana man visiting Kalamazoo with his wife and in-laws decided to call for an Uber ride after hearing about the shooting spree. They were told their driver's name would be Jason, and he would be driving a Chevrolet HHR. The man, who told WOOD-TV he only wished to be identified as Derek, said the driver seemed to be aware of the news about an active shooter. I kind of jokingly said to the driver, Youre not the shooter, are you? He gave me some sort of a no response shook his head," Derek said. Data curated by FindTheData I said, Are you sure? And he said, No, Im not, Im just tired,' and we proceeded to have a pretty normal conversation after that. Derek said he did not smell gunpowder or notice a weapon inside the car. WOOD-TV reported that the foursome were dropped off at a Radisson hotel at around 20 minutes after midnight following a seven-minute ride. About 20 minutes later, Dalton was arrested without incident after a deputy spotted his vehicle driving through downtown Kalamazoo after leaving a bar parking lot. A semi-automatic handgun was found in the car. If he's convicted, the murder charges carry a mandatory life sentence. Michigan does not have the death penalty. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Days before North Koreas latest nuclear-bomb test, the Obama administration secretly agreed to talks to try to formally end the Korean War, dropping a longstanding condition that Pyongyang first take steps to curtail its nuclear arsenal. Instead the U.S. called for North Koreas atomic-weapons program to be simply part of the talks. Pyongyang declined the counter-proposal, according to U.S. officials familiar with the events. Its nuclear test on Jan. 6 ended the diplomatic gambit. The episode, in an exchange at the United Nations, was one of several unsuccessful attempts that American officials say they made to discuss denuclearization with North Korea during President Barack Obamas second term while also negotiating with Iran over its nuclear program. The State Department on Sunday acknowledged the U.S. exchange with North Korea, saying it took place in accordance with longstanding U.S. goals. To be clear, it was the North Koreans who proposed discussing a peace treaty. We carefully considered their proposal, and made clear that denuclearization had to be part of any such discussion, said spokesman John Kirby, adding the North rejected it. Our response to the North Korean proposal was consistent with our longstanding focus on denuclearization. Mr. Obama has pointed to the Iran deal to signal to North Korea that he is open to a similar track with the regime of Kim Jong Un. But the White House sees North Korea as far more opaque and uncooperative. The latest fruitless exchanges typified diplomacy between the U.S. and Pyongyang in recent years. Since taking power at the end of 2011, Mr. Kim has stepped up the Norths demands for a peace treaty to formally end the Korean War, 63 years after it ended with an armistice. Many analysts see the move as an attempt to force the removal of the U.S. military in the South. The U.S. insists denuclearization must have priority, and said that has to be part of any peace talks, even while dropping the precondition that North Korea first take steps that show a willingness to give up its nuclear program. Pyongyang rejects that. For North Korea, winning a peace treaty is the center of the U.S. relationship, said Go Myung-hyun, an expert on North Korea at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, a Seoul-based think tank. It feels nuclear development gives it a bigger edge to do so. The international reaction to North Koreas January nuclear test and follow-up rocket launch this month was swift, with Japan imposing new penalties on Pyongyang, South Korea closing an inter-Korean industrial park that had filled the Norths coffers and American lawmakers passing a bill to tighten economic sanctions against the regime. Mr. Obama signed the bill into law last Thursday. Click for more from The Wall Street Journal. An Iranian-American businessman detained by Iranian authorities since October has been prevented from seeing his lawyer, according to Reuters. Siamak Namazi, 44, was detained by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps while visiting family. Namazi immigrated to the U.S. in 1983 and returned to Iran after graduating college to serve in Iran's military. Iranian authorities have not publicly announced any charges against Namazi. However, Mahmoud Alizadeh Tabatabaei, who claimed to be Namazi's attorney, said in a phone interview with Reuters Friday that he had not received permission to see his client. Iranian law requires permission from the country's judiciary chief for lawyers to contact clients accused of national security-related crimes. "Not me, nor any other lawyer has received such permission from the head of judiciary so far," Tabatabaei told Reuters. "His mother has met him a few times, but his father has not been allowed to see him." Reuters also reported that Namazi's mother, Effie, said that she had learned from her son's cellmate's family that Siamak had begun a hunger strike. "As a mother I ask officials to at least allow for me and his father to meet with Siamak as soon as possible and jointly convince him to quit his hunger strike," she wrote on Facebook. The report comes a month after four other detained Americans were freed by Iran as part of a prisoner swap with the U.S. Another American, Robert Levinson, is also believed to be imprisoned by Iran. Click for more from Reuters. A German man who was apparently fearful of becoming a father has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for burning alive his pregnant girlfriend. Eren Toben and his accomplice, Daniel Mueller, both 20, lured 19-year-old Maria Peiner into the woods on the outskirts of Berlin last January after telling her they were going shopping for baby clothes, The Mirror reports. Once inside the woods, Toben hit Peiner with a piece of wood, stabbed her with a bread knife and then poured gasoline over her and lit her ablaze, a court heard. For him the crime was a solution, he wanted a free, happy life which he had control over, Judge Regina Alex said of Toben. "He abused Marias love for him to lure her into an ambush." The charred remains of Peiner, who was eight months pregnant, were found by someone walking by the next day. Tobens fingerprints were on the handle of the knife found near her charred remains and both men have been sentenced to 14 years in prison, The Mirror reported Sunday. I hope that our family can finally have some peace, Peiners brother told the newspaper. Click for more from The Mirror. The Islamic State group on Monday released the last of some 230 Assyrian Christians kidnapped a year ago in Syria after the receiving millions of dollars in ransom, Christian officials said. Younan Talia, of the Assyrian Democratic Organization, told The Associated Press that about 40 remaining Christian captives were released early Monday and are on their way to the northeastern town of Tal Tamr. Younan said the release came after mediation led by a top Assyrian priest in northern Syria. The extremists captured the Assyrians, members of an ancient Christian sect, last February after overrunning several communities on the southern bank of the Khabur River in northeastern Hassakeh province. Kidnapping for ransom is a main source of income for the extremists. In November, ISIS said it killed a Norwegian and a Chinese captive after demanding ransom for their release two months earlier. Talia said ISIS demanded a ransom of $18 million for the Assyrian Christians. He said the figure was later lowered following negotiations. He said he did not know the final amount. Osama Edward, director of the Stockholm-based Assyrian Human Rights Network, said 42 Christians, mostly young women and children, were released. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said 42 were released, including at least 17 women. A Syrian Christian figure said the worldwide Assyrian community launched a campaign for the captives' release shortly after they were abducted. He said a bank account was opened in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil and donations began to flow in from around the world. "We paid large amounts of money, millions of dollars, but not $18 million," said the man, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the sensitive mediation. "We paid less than half the amount." The official added that the fate of five Assyrians who went missing during the abductions was still unknown. ISIS attacked a cluster of villages along the Khabur River, sending thousands of people fleeing to safer areas and capturing the Assyrians over a period of three days. Over the next two days, the extremists picked up dozens more from 11 communities near Tal Tamr. The Hassakeh province, which borders Turkey and Iraq, has become the latest battleground in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria. It is predominantly Kurdish but also has Arabs, Assyrians and Armenians. On Friday, the predominantly Kurdish Syria Democratic Forces captured the ISIS stronghold of Shaddadeh in Hassakeh, where some of the kidnapped were once believed to have been held. Many Syrian Christians, who make up about 10 percent of Syria's pre-war population of 23 million, left for Europe over the past 20 years, with the flight gathering speed since the country's conflict began in March 2011. The U.S. Armys largest Europe-bound ammo shipment in a decade has arrived at a depot in Germany as its forces ramp up their missions in response to Russias military actions. More than 5,000 tons of ammunition which required 415 shipping containers to transport overseas was stored last week at a depot in Miesau, the Army says. The ammo will be available to all forces participating in Operation Atlantic Resolve, launched in the wake of Russias intervention in Ukraine. This critical shipment will help us to continue to enable the NATO alliance, and the fact that its the largest single shipment in 10 years demonstrates our continued commitment to the defense of our allies, said Col. Matthew Redding, 21st Theater Sustainment Command chief of staff. The ammo also will be used for an upcoming U.S. Army exercise in Poland that will involve around 20,000 troops, the Stars and Stripes reports. Moroccan officials and state media say authorities in the country dismantled a 10-person terrorist cell operating under Islamic State "supervision" that was plotting imminent attacks on targets including a Casablanca shopping mall and a high-end hotel. State news agency MAP said Sunday the Morocco Mall in Casablanca, the headquarters of the Office Cherifien des Phosphates, and the Sofitel Hotel in Essaouira, were among the targets. The operation against the cell came amid increasing concerns about Moroccans joining Islamic State extremists, particularly in lawless Libya. The Interior Ministry said a raid last week in the city of El Jadida recovered weapons and bacteria-generating chemicals believed to be meant for explosives. It said the cell recruited a minor who was preparing to carry out a suicide car bomb attack this past weekend. Amnesty International has told Sky News that Russia is guilty of some the most "egregious" war crimes it has seen in decades. The human rights organization claims Moscow's warplanes have been deliberately targeting civilians and rescue workers in Syria over the last week. Tirana Hassan, director of Amnesty's crisis response program, said the attacks are ongoing, with strikes documented on schools, hospitals and civilian homes. She claimed the bombing of civilian targets by Russian and Syrian forces was in itself a war crime, but warned there have been consistent reports of additional bombardments which injure and kill humanitarian workers and civilians attempting to evacuate the wounded and the dead. The Kremlin denies it has been hitting civilian areas and insists it is dropping bombs only on terrorist targets. However, evidence obtained by Sky News suggests that this is not the case. Footage filmed in Aleppo five days ago shows the graphic aftermath of what's claimed to be a Russian airstrike. The video is harrowing. In it, the body of a five-month-old baby called Omar can be seen being pulled from the rubble. His twin brother, sister and mother were also killed in the attack on a residential building in eastern Aleppo. It is an area which is currently held by the moderate Free Syrian Army. Rescue workers claim the assaults are happening every day, and that civilian areas are being hit by cluster and thermobaric bombs. With the cease-fire non-existent, the refugee camps inside Syria and on Turkey's borders are growing every day. More than half of Syria's population are now displaced - that's 11 million people forced from their homes by conflict. And as conditions inside the camps are basic, many more people will soon start making the journey to Europe. Click for more from Sky News. A spokesman for a Tunisian court says that authorities have authorized an investigation into the deaths of Tunisians during last week's U.S. airstrike on an Islamic State group training camp in neighboring Libya. Kamel Barbouche said the green light was given on Monday for the probe into Friday's attack on the camp near Sabratha, not far from the Tunisian border. Local Libyan officials said more than 40 people were killed -- mostly Tunisians -- and many others injured. The strikes targeted extremist Noureddine Chouchane, a Tunisian national, the Pentagon has said. There was no certainty that Chouchane was killed. The Tunisian probe aims to find out "who is dead and who is still alive," Barbouche told the AP. Bennigans Rolls Out New 40th Anniversary Menu New appetizer, burgers and Death by Chocolate join signature favorites. February 22, 2016 // Franchising.com // DALLAS, TX Turning 40 never looked so good! This week, Bennigans is rolling out a new menu to commemorate its 40th anniversary, with new chef-driven recipes and innovative drinks now appearing alongside the chains signature favorites. The new menu which features a dynamic cover design that pays homage to the brands rich history, including a nod to Flip, the original Bennigans logo debuts this month at all Bennigans locations across the United States. The design likewise looks forward to the brands exciting future, exemplified by one of its new prototype restaurants (in Fremont, Calif.) and the wide array of popular appetizers, entrees and desserts that are helping Bennigans redefine the casual-dining segment it invented in the 1970s. New items on the 40th Anniversary menu include Flips Super Loaded Nachos A new addition to the Crowd Pleasers appetizers line-up, our crispy corn tortilla chips come loaded with grilled flat iron steak, made-from-scratch beef and bean dip, fresh chili con queso, melted Colby cheese, pico de gallo, cilantro and jalapeno peppers. Topped with shredded lettuce and guacamole, then drizzled with lime sour cream, this is one serious nacho! A new addition to the Crowd Pleasers appetizers line-up, our crispy corn tortilla chips come loaded with grilled flat iron steak, made-from-scratch beef and bean dip, fresh chili con queso, melted Colby cheese, pico de gallo, cilantro and jalapeno peppers. Topped with shredded lettuce and guacamole, then drizzled with lime sour cream, this is one serious nacho! Smoky Chile Burger Weve spiced up our gourmet burger line-up with this half-pound burger topped with melted Pepper Jack cheese, fresh mushrooms, fire-roasted jalapeno and Serrano peppers. Weve spiced up our gourmet burger line-up with this half-pound burger topped with melted Pepper Jack cheese, fresh mushrooms, fire-roasted jalapeno and Serrano peppers. Gar-Lucky Arugula Burger Bold flavors abound on this half-pound burger topped with housemade garlic basil mayonnaise, arugula, tomato, Pepper Jack cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, crispy fried onions and Sriracha sauce. Bold flavors abound on this half-pound burger topped with housemade garlic basil mayonnaise, arugula, tomato, Pepper Jack cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, crispy fried onions and Sriracha sauce. Death by Chocolate And, by popular demand, weve brought back our original recipe of rich chocolate ice cream, almonds, mini-marshmallows, chocolate fudge sauce and Twix Cookie Bars on a crumbled Oreo cookie crust, all covered in a chocolate shell. Pour on a side of hot chocolate topping and youll agree: Its killer! Of course, no 40th Anniversary menu would be complete without Bennigans Legendary Favorites and Celebrated Sandwiches, which draw fans near and far to the neighborhood restaurant and tavern. Each of our new menu items is, well, Legendary, but we all recognize that sometimes youve just got to sink your teeth into a World Famous Monte Cristo or a rack of Oh, Baby Back Ribs, said Legendary Restaurant Brands Chairman & CEO Paul Mangiamele. So even while we roll out these new chef-driven offerings that are destined to become instant favorites, well always showcase the classics including Finns Beer-Battered Fish & Chips that even after 40 years, keep getting better! Now with more than 150 restaurants open or under contract worldwide, Legendary Restaurant Brands LLC is continuing to experience strong growth while simultaneously redefining casual dining. Since the end of 2012, the company has opened new franchise locations in Clarksburg and Frederick, Md; Santa Clara and Fremont, Calif.; Melbourne, Fla., Saddle Brook, NJ; Tysons Corner, Va.; Veracruz, Mexico; Larnaca, Cyprus; and Dubai, UAE. Additional restaurants are planned for California, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia; and internationally in Mexico, Central America, Cyprus, Egypt, Korea, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and South America. For your nearest location, menu, hours and additional information, visit Bennigans.com. About Legendary Restaurant Brands Legendary Restaurant Brands owns the iconic Bennigans and Steak and Ale brands the pioneers of casual dining as well as the fast-casual concept, Bennigans On The Fly. Bennigans is a high-energy neighborhood restaurant and tavern that is redefining casual dining. With chef-driven food, innovative drinks and warm, friendly Irish hospitality, this Legendary brand delivers memorable dining experiences to every guest and compelling returns to all its franchisees. Steak and Ale is another American classic poised for a triumphant return. Redefined as a 21st Century polished-casual concept, the new Steak and Ale will once again set the standard for affordable steakhouses. Bennigans and Steak and Ale will be celebrating their 40th and 50th anniversaries, respectively, in 2016. For franchising information, visit Bennigans.com or call 855-GOT-BENN. SOURCE Legendary Restaurant Brands Contact: Ladd Biro Champion Management Founder & Principal O: 972.930.9933 C: 817.675.3499 ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Black Bear Diner Secures Investment from PWP Growth Equity Investment positions Black Bear Diner for continued growth and expansion. REDDING, Calif. - February 22, 2016 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Black Bear Diner, a 75-unit family dining franchise concept in eight western states, announced today an investment from PWP Growth Equity, a private equity fund managed by Perella Weinberg Partners that invests in leading, growth-oriented lower middle market companies. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The partnership with PWP Growth Equity positions Black Bear Diner for sustained growth and continued expansion. The investment will allow Black Bear Diner to continue to invest in people, systems, and processes, while adding locations in new and existing markets. Bruce Dean, president and co-founder of Black Bear Diner, and the entire executive team will remain in their current roles and will continue to lead the company through its next phase of growth. Black Bear Diner is a premier concept in the family dining space, offering bear-sized food portions at an excellent value in a bear-themed restaurant. The company posted a record $180 million in system net sales to close out 2015, and has experienced 20 consecutive quarters of same-store-sales growth. In 2016, the company is projected to open 16 new units in current markets featuring a mix of existing franchisees and corporate stores. This is an exciting opportunity for us to build a robust national footprint and share our brand with so many more customers, said Dean. Our plan is to nurture this investment by focusing on smart, steady growth. That philosophy remains unchanged even as we eye national expansion. PWP Growth Equity understands and shares that vision and were thrilled to partner with them. Chip Baird, co-head of PWP Growth Equity, said, We are pleased to be partnering with Bruce and the entire Black Bear Diner team to help the company achieve its growth potential. Black Bear offers a differentiated family dining experience centered on high-quality ingredients, made-from-scratch menu items and an unmatched dining experience. We look forward to bringing this unique concept to a broader market through our investment. About Black Bear Diner Founded in Mt. Shasta, California in 1995, Black Bear Diner was born from a desire to bring home-style comfort food classics and personal service back to the dining experience. The award-winning family dining concept offers a vast menu anchored on hearty portions and excellent value. The company has grown to 75 locations in eight western states and is consistently recognized as one of the smartest and fastest growing brands. The company was named one of Franchise Times Smartest Growing Brands, recognized by Nations Restaurant News as a Top 200 restaurant concept, recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top 500 Franchise (#336), and as one of INC Magazines 5,000 fastest growing companies (#2511). For additional information, please visit www.BlackBearDiner.com About Perella Weinberg Partners (PWP) Growth Equity PWP Growth Equity is a $600 million private equity fund managed by Perella Weinberg Partners Capital Management LP. PWP Growth Equity is focused on growth-oriented, lower middle market companies, primarily in the United States, across the consumer, services, and industrial sectors. PWP Growth Equity seeks to partner with existing owners and management teams, providing both capital and experience in a tailored and flexible structure, to support the growth plans and vision for value creation. SOURCE Black Bear Diner Media Contacts: Jairo Moncada For Black Bear Diner 916-783-6161 Kara Findlay For Perella Weinberg Partners Perella Weinberg Partners 212-287-3197 Denise DesChenes / Renee Soto Sard Verbinnen & Co 212-687-8080 ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Chronic Tacos Expands to North Carolina and Utah Mexican Grill Opens First of Fifteen New Locations of 2016 February 22, 2016 // Franchising.com // ALISO VIEJO, Calif. Chronic Tacos, the California inspired Mexican grill, is bringing its signature food to Utah and North Carolina with the first of 15 new locations to open in 2016. The Utah location will open in Salt Lake City in April and the first of three locations expected in North Carolina will open in May in Chapel Hill. Chronic Tacos Salt Lake City will occupy 1,350 square feet in the Sugarhouse area. This is the first Chronic Tacos location in Utah and is owned by Michael Jeppsen and Jeremy Jensen, commercial real-estate partners. After eating Chronic Tacos in California on vacations, Jeremy and Michael decided it was time to bring the franchise to Salt Lake City. The address of Chronic Tacos Salt Lake City is 2121 S. McClelland St. The Chronic Tacos locations opening this year in North Carolina are owned and operated by ONeill Operating Partners, LLC, using a combined 30 years of restaurant experience to bring Chronic Tacos to the East Coast for the first time. The Chapel Hill location is located at 100 Meadowmont Village Cir. Suite 6. Two additional Chronic Tacos locations will open later this year in Wake Forest and Raleigh. The addition of Chronic Tacos locations in Utah and North Carolina is a testament to the quality of the California-inspired Mexican food we serve and were excited to share the Taco Life across North America, said Michael Mohammed, CEO and President of Chronic Tacos. Chronic Tacos uses third generation recipes to create fresh, authentic Mexican food, differentiating Chronic Tacos from other chains. Locally sourced ingredients and high-quality cuisine are staples of the Chronic Tacos menu. Current menu offerings include burritos, tostada bowls, tortas, taquitos, flautas, salads, tacos and an all-day breakfast menu. Customers can choose from carne asada (steak), pollo asado (chicken), carnitas (slow-cooked pork), al pastor (spicy marinated pork), and fresh pico de gallo and guacamole. Seafood lovers can also order grilled, beer-battered, or baja-style fish and shrimp. For more information visit eatchronictacos.com. Get involved! Follow Chronic Tacos on Twitter and on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook. About Chronic Tacos Chronic Tacos is a California-inspired Mexican grill that celebrates authenticity and the individuality of its customers. The fast-casual franchise is known for its fresh Mexican cuisine that is customized for each guests distinctive taste. Founded in 2002, the Aliso Viejo, California-based company has more than 30 locations operating across North America and is committed to serving only the highest quality with locally sourced ingredients. Chronic Tacos offers traditional Mexican items such as tortas, taquitos, flautas and tacos as well as burritos, tostada bowls and salads, including a breakfast menu all day. Customers can choose from vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as carne asada (steak), pollo asado (chicken), carnitas (slow-cooked pork) and al pastor (spicy marinated pork). Seafood lovers can also order grilled, beer-battered or baja-style fish and shrimp.Each restaurant incorporates original art designs inspired by traditional Day of The Dead art, creating a unique experience at each location. For more information or to find the nearest Chronic Tacos, visit www.eatchronictacos.com. SOURCE Chronic Tacos Media Contact: Matt Kovacs Blaze Public Relations (310) 395-5050 mkovacs@blazepr.com ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Cousins Subs Invests In Local Nonprofits $3,600 in Grants Support Youth Education and Wellness February 22, 2016 // Franchising.com // MILWAUKEE As part of its quarterly charitable giving, the Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation has gifted a total of $3,600 in grants to three nonprofit organizations - Family Center of Washington County, EconomicsWisconsin and Wisconsin Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). The Make It Better Foundation gifted a $1,500 grant to the Family Center of Washington County for its Rainbows for all Children program, which provides peer support to grieving children who have experienced a difficult life event. The program gives families tools to get through tough times without resorting to destructive behaviors such as alcohol and substance abuse, anger or involvement with those who may influence them negatively. Grant funds will help to finance the programs implementationtraining materials and resources, design outcome measures and instructor training. In addition, the funds will cover costs of taxi vouchers and gas cards as an incentive for those who are unable to provide transportation for their children. Receiving funds from the Make It Better Foundation will make a difference for so many families that are dealing with traumatic events in their lives, said Bonnie Debroux, executive director for the Family Center of Washington County. Rainbows for All Children will allow us to help them through the process. A $600 grant was awarded to EconomicsWisconsin in Milwaukee, Wis. to launch its From Books to Bucks program - a financial literacy project that links literature and money for young earners. This project consists of a 45-minute small group presentation that uses a combination of childrens literature with a finance theme and puppetry to teach developmentally appropriate financial concepts. After listening to a story, children participate in various hands-on activities such as arts and crafts, games and acting which assist in integrating financial literacy standards into reading writing, listening and speaking. Grant funds will finance the purchase of books to be utilized during presentation lessons and will allow the program manager to have access to consistent materials to use when traveling to various communities. Receiving the grant from Cousins Make It Better Foundation is a fabulous way to start out 2016! It is especially meaningful to have the support from a business that started out right in the Milwaukee area just as our program From Books to Bucks is doing, said Jennifer Guenther, program manager for Early$tart = Money$mart. This grant allows EconomicsWisconsin to purchase a large variety of books to read to children across the state of Wisconsin to promote early economic and financial education for those in preschool through third grade. Having a library of books will allow greater flexibility and more creativity when designing lessons and activities for various demographics of Wisconsin. A $1,500 grant will support Wisconsin DECAs State Career Development Conference held on Wednesday, March 9 as well as its Competitive Events Program. Wisconsin DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in more than 100 high schools statewide. The State Career Development Conference allows students to compete with one another in 24 different events focused around the aforementioned categories. Thanks to the $1,500 grant from the Make It Better Foundation, Wisconsin DECA is able to provide five $300 travel scholarships to the top performing students at our State Career Development Conference, said Terri Mackey, executive director for DECA. The travel scholarship helps offset the cost of attendance at the National Career Development Conference held in Nashville, Tenn. More than 18,000 DECA members from all over the world attend the National Career Development Conference and Wisconsin DECA will send over 400 competitors to this event. Each grant is funded through the Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization established in 2013. The Make It Better Foundation aims to improve the general welfare and quality of life in the communities Cousins Subs serves and addresses three areas of interest that are vital to any community: health and wellness, hunger and youth education. Our Make It Better Foundation supports local nonprofits that play a role in bettering the community, said Justin McCoy, director on Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation board. All three of these awarded organizations are dedicated to improving the quality of life in the community and attribute to the pillars that make up our foundation. Interested nonprofit and community organizations can visit www.cousinssubs.com/foundation to find out more information on eligibility and how to apply. About Cousins Subs Wisconsin-based Cousins Subs, a family-owned, fast casual sub shop established in 1972 by Bill Specht and his cousin, is driven by the mission to Believe in Better both in the quality of food it serves and in the communities it supports. Cousins Subs and its franchisees operate more than 100 sub sandwich shops throughout Wisconsin and Arizona, providing guests with quality deli fresh and made to order grilled subs using only the freshest ingredients on its signature bread baked daily. For more information, visit www.cousinssubs.com. You can also find Cousins Subs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. SOURCE Cousins Subs Media Contact: Carolyn Guenther PR & Communications Specialist Cousins Subs D: 262-250-2802 ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Hyatt Regency Bloomington-Minneapolis Opens Near Mall Of America Shopping District Located in the Bloomington Central Station District, the hotel offers guests contemporary amenities and connects them to the best Minneapolis and St. Paul have to offer. February 19, 2016 // Franchising.com // CHICAGO Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and McGough Development announced today the opening of Hyatt Regency Bloomington-Minneapolis in McGoughs Bloomington Central Station mixed-use development site near the Mall of America. As part of the Hyatt Regency brand family, the contemporary hotel offers 303 guestrooms, including 14 suites, and is designed to foster connections and serve as a dynamic, energizing space where guests can collaborate, share and find inspiration. Located at the center of the Bloomington Central Station District, Hyatt Regency Bloomington-Minneapolis is thoughtfully designed to create effortless experiences that ensure guests, meeting planners and visitors can confidently leave every detail to us, said General Manager Bently Kriewald. Hyatts purpose of caring for others so they can be their best is at the heart of everything we do at this hotel, allowing us to deliver personal and meaningful experiences to our guests. The hotels location also delivers on the contemporary expectations of guests. Hyatt Regency Bloomington-Minneapolis is one of only a few hotels in the city with access to a park and outdoor spaces for entertaining, dining and celebrating, and the Blue Line Light Rail is a quick walk through the park. The hotel connects guests to what matters to them the most with a range of amenities for work or play, as well as spaces that make the hotel a preferred gathering space for any occasion, said Kriewald. Guestrooms and Facilities Hyatt Regency Bloomington-Minneapolis features 289 deluxe guestrooms. Guestrooms are designed to connect guests to all the essentials, simply and intuitively, and are equipped with the latest facilities and amenities, including the signature Hyatt Grand Bed, a 55-inch flat screen HDTV with plug and play personal device capabilities and complimentary Wi-Fi. Deluxe guestrooms vary from two queen-sized beds or one king bed; deluxe king guestrooms offer a contemporary sitting area. The hotel also features 14 Regency Club suites, providing exclusive access to the Regency Club lounge, which offers complimentary breakfast, all-day coffee and tea service, and evening cocktails and canapes. The hotels fitness facilities include the latest high-tech cardio, strength training equipment and an indoor pool. To encourage wellness, concierge services are able to provide forgotten workout gear as well as maps of local and walking paths. Dining Urbana Craeft Kitchen & Market features locally sourced ingredients, beer and spirits. Chef Paul Lynch orchestrates a seasonal menu showcasing sustainable, regionally influenced items. The Market offers local diners, as well as guests, grab and go items or al fresco style food for picnics in the park or on the patio. The hotels versatility also extends to its catering service with banquet, family-style or personalized menus. Meeting and Event Venues With more than 15,000 square feet of multi-purpose meeting and event space, Hyatt Regency Bloomington-Minneapolis accommodates a variety of configurations. From the stylish Central Station Grand Ballroom to smaller breakout rooms, to high-tech executive boardrooms, all spaces are equipped with the latest wired and wireless technology and largest bandwidth of any hotel in the area. Whether a wedding, conference for 200 guests or an executive board meeting for 10, the hotel can accommodate the needs of any business, event planner or bride. With an ideal location appealing to both business and leisure travelers, Hyatt Regency Bloomington-Minneapolis is an invaluable addition to our growing portfolio, said President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Johnson, Aimbridge Hospitality. We look forward to continuing our successful relationships with Hyatt and McGough Development. The hotel is key to rounding out the vision for Bloomington Central Station. We want visitors and residents to feel the sense of contemporary generosity for which the Midwest is known, said Mark Fabel, Vice President of Development, McGough. Hyatt Regency Bloomington-Minneapolis is owned by McGough and is managed by Aimbridge Hospitality. McGough was also the builder and its project financing partners include a group of local trade union pension funds, advised by WhiteStar Advisors, LLC and Bank of the Ozarks. The term Hyatt is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation or one or more of its affiliates. About McGough McGough is a premier commercial construction and full-service real estate firm headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota with branch offices in St. Cloud, Duluth, and Rochester, Minnesota; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Fargo, North Dakota; and Phoenix, Arizona. The companys Bloomington Central Station development occupies 50 acres east of the Mall of America and, in addition to its existing projects and projects in progress, has a master plan that calls for 420 more residential units and two million square feet of office space in the years ahead. To learn more about McGough, visitwww.mcgough.com. About Hyatt Regency The Hyatt Regency brand prides itself on connecting travelers to who and what matters most to them. More than 150 conveniently located Hyatt Regency urban and resort locations in over 30 countries around the world serve as the go-to gathering space for every occasion from efficient business meetings to memorable family vacations. The brand offers a one-stop experience that puts everything guests need right at their fingertips. Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts offer a full range of services and amenities, including notable culinary experiences; technology-enabled ways to collaborate; the space to work, engage or relax; and expert planners who can take care of every detail. For more information, visit hyattregency.com. About Hyatt Hotels Corporation Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The Company's subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences and vacation ownership properties, including under the Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Andaz, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Residence Club and Hyatt Residences brand names and have locations on six continents. As of December 31, 2015, the Company's worldwide portfolio consisted of 638 properties in 52 countries. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com. SOURCE Hyatt Hotels Contacts: Aurelia Vasquez Hyatt (312) 780-5873 aurelia.vasquez@hyatt.com Shelby Kraus Hyatt Regency Bloomington-Minneapolis (319) 213-4671 skraus@amperagemarketing.com ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Kono USA Introduces Kono To-Go Brand to Reflect Menu Variety beyond Pizza Cones New Addition to Franchise Portfolio Focuses on All Things Cones & Portable JERSEY CITY, N.J. - February 19, 2016 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Kono USA, the franchisor that first introduced the popular pizza-in-a-cone concept to the United States in 2013 as The Original Kono Pizza, announced today it has expanded its brand portfolio with the addition of Kono To-Go Fresh Eats, Treats & Sweets. The first two Kono To-Go locations are slated to open in mid-April in Dallas and Baltimore. The strategic introduction of the new brand follows robust growth in 2015, including long lines of customers at existing Kono Pizza locations and more than 40 franchise agreements for new mobile carts, kiosks and in-line units at malls, Walmart stores and other high-traffic venues. In 2016, the company is on track to add 75-100 locations across the country. Kono To-Go reflects the diverse menu offerings beyond its staple pizza-in-a-cone and positions the franchise for continued growth in the snack category. The potential for Kono To-Go to thrive within the snack segment is evidenced by the popularity of a new kiosk at the Cherry Hill Mall in New Jersey, which flourishes amid multiple snack brand choices available to shoppers. Both The Original Kono Pizza and the new Kono To-Go franchises offer the same variety of quality products, including breakfast, deli, pizza and dessert items, all served in freshly-baked dough cones. Items are prepared using ingredients inspired by original Italian recipes and baked in just three minutes in the brands proprietary oven. However, with the introduction of Kono To-Go, franchisees will now have the flexibility to open with either name, depending on which one best suits their market. Franchisees can also choose between traditional brick and mortar stores, kiosks, mobile carts, in-line stores or a combination of the models. Kono USA Co-Founder David Ragosa said the company takes a chameleon approach that allows for evolution and adaptability. Our franchisees get the best of both worlds they receive strong operating systems and the support of a national franchisor, with tremendous flexibility to attract customers with different preferences, and increase profitability by catering to different market segments. In addition to a corporate-owned kiosk location in the Newport Centre Mall in N.J., the first two The Original Kono Pizza franchised kiosks opened in 2015, and additional multi-unit deals were signed in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Atlanta and Dallas with over 40 The Original Kono Pizza and Kono To-Go locations in various stages of development. The introduction of Kono To-Go and its tagline emphasizes the portability of our products and positions us as a one-stop shop for either a meal during any part of the day, a perfect snack between meals, or a treat to satisfy a sweet tooth, said Carlo Ruggiero, co-founder. For years there have been the same offerings to on-the-go consumers at malls and other busy venues. We offer a fresh and unique alternative. About Kono USA In 2013, entrepreneurs David Ragosa, Carlo Ruggiero, and Greg Kinlaw introduced the already popular European pizza-in-a-cone concept to America by establishing Kono USA and offering The Original Kono Pizza franchise opportunity. In 2015, the company expanded its portfolio to include Kono To-Go, reflecting diverse and portable product offerings of treats, eats and sweets in addition to its staple pizza cones. All products are filled with fresh, quality ingredients inspired by original Italian recipes and baked in just three minutes in a proprietary oven. There are currently more than 40 The Original Kono Pizza or Kono To-Go locations operating or in various stages of development across the United States. For more information about The Original Kono Pizza or Kono To-Go franchises, visit franchise.konousa.com or call (855) 566-6872. To learn more about The Original Kono Pizza and Kono To-Go, visit www.konousa.com. SOURCE Kono Pizza Media Contact: Elida Coseri Fishman Public Relations 847-945-1300 ecoseri@fishmanpr.com ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus NJ Open Houses Expands Essex County Coverage by Adding Cedar Grove and Essex Fells Maplewood, NJ - February 20, 2016 - (PR.com) - Building on the momentum of his successful NJ Open Houses websites and apps, Mark Slade, a top producing New Jersey real estate agent, has increased its coverage in Essex County by adding Cedar Grove and Essex Fells to its growing list of towns. The key feature of these sites is that they have the most up to date Open House information from the MLS and a Quick-Find map to help buyers more easily locate the open houses they want to see. Along with these details about available homes, NJ Open Houses includes information on essential services and amenities from schools and hospitals to restaurants, parks and houses of worship. NJ Open Houses provides buyers with all the necessary home search tools. For a first-hand look, go to: www.njopenhouses.info For Essex Fells: www.essexfellsnjopenhouses.com For Cedar Grove: www.cedargrovenjopenhouses.com NJ Open Houses uses the latest technology to provide the most updated, real-time listings of open houses in northern NJ, said Slade. It contains comprehensive information about New Jersey Train Towns, a Quick-Find Map and other features to make this a buyers complete mobile resource. Buyers continue to come up to me to thank me for the easiest experience in searching for Open Houses. Sellers also benefit from extra exposure for their listings. Glen Taylor, a realtor on Slades Team, has this to say about NJ Open Houses, Clients feel that this technology is very helpful when searching for a home in New Jersey. NJ Open Houses provides instant access to information that helps buyers find the home and community that are perfect for them. Other towns covered by NJ Open Houses include Berkeley Heights, Caldwell, Chatham, Cranford, East Hanover, Fanwood, Florham Park, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Madison, Maplewood, Millburn, Montclair, Mountainside, New Providence, North Caldwell, Roseland, Scotch Plains, South Orange, Short Hills, Springfield, Summit, Verona, West Caldwell, Westfield, West Orange and Whippany. The app is available at the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and HTML Store. In addition to developing this app, Mark Slade has built an arsenal of more than 300 domains - featuring Quick-Links for enhanced client use - 6 websites with home search capabilities - including www.goodhomesforgoodpeople.com, www.njluxhomes.com, www.bedroomcommunitiesofnyc.com, www.unioncountyhomesnow.com and www.maplewoodandsouthorangehomes.com, www.searchessexcounty.com and 27 town specific open house websites. His Facebook Business page: Realtor for the Bedroom Communities has a home search capability, and his social media dominance is reflected in the fact that his blog www.sladeblog.com has more than 165,000 hits and his YouTube channel www.MarkSladeProductions.com has almost 111,000 views as of 7/1/2015. The Mark Slade Homes Team covers the bedroom communities of NYC including Maplewood, South Orange, Montclair, Glen Ridge, Millburn, Short Hills, Livingston, Summit, New Providence, Berkley Heights, Madison, Chatham, West Orange, Caldwell, West Caldwell, North Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Roseland, Mountainside, Cranford, Springfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Verona, Florham Park, East Hanover, Whippany and Westfield. The team specializes in relocation services, first time home buyers, luxury homes and top notch selling and buying services. To learn more about how Mark and his team of professionals can help you meet your real estate needs or if you are interested in a career in real estate, contact him at 917-797-5059 or sladehomes@gmail.com. Information is also available at www.goodhomesforgoodpeople.com About Keller Williams Realty, Inc. Austin-Texas based Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is the largest real estate franchise by agent count in the world with 700 offices and 125,000 associates across the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. In 2015, Training Magazine named Keller Williams the No. 1 training organization across all industries in the world. Since 1983, Keller Williams has grown exponentially and continues to cultivate an agent-centric, education-based, technology-driven culture that rewards agents as stakeholders. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes, commercial and farm and ranch properties. For more information, visit www.kw.com. SOURCE Keller Williams Realty, Inc. Contact: Mark Slade Mark Slade Homes Team Keller Williams 917-797-5059 ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Marco's Pizza Franchise Announces Expansion Plans for North Dakota One of the Fastest-Growing Pizza Franchise Chains in the Nation Is Seeking Entrepreneurs in the State of North Dakota TOLEDO, OH - (Marketwired - Feb 22, 2016) - To meet the growing demand for pizza in North Dakota, Marco's Pizza franchise is seeking to partner with entrepreneurs who want a slice of the action. Business-friendly North Dakota, recognized by The Washington Post as the "Best State in America" in 2014, is poised for growth. While other states are raising taxes, North Dakota residents and businesses are enjoying the largest cuts in personal, corporate and property taxes in the state's history. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has consistently named North Dakota as the top performer in economic growth since 2000, making it an ideal state to open a Marco's Pizza. Once customers try Marco's Pizza's Ah!thentic Italian-style pizza -- fresh-made with delectable cheeses, meats and vegetables -- they're hooked. Marco's has prime locations available in North Dakota for entrepreneurs to start building their franchise restaurants and loyal customer base. "Our franchisees come from a remarkably wide variety of backgrounds. But there's a common thread among our franchisees -- passion for the Marco's product. Almost half of them were Marco's consumers first. They fell in love with our product," said Cameron Cummins, Chief Development Officer for Marco's Pizza. Marco's prides itself in making the best pizza money can buy. Pizzas are hand-made in the Italian tradition. They use fresh, never-frozen cheeses, make the dough in stores daily and top it with only premium meats and vegetables. Founded in Toledo in 1978, Marco's is the only Top 20 pizza chain started by a native Italian. Marco's has enjoyed stunning growth in recent years and is on pace to open 1,000 restaurants by the end of 2017. The brand's proven business model and sustainable growth have been heralded by the likes of Forbes, Consumer Reports, Entrepreneur, Franchise Times and Nation's Restaurant News. Why North Dakota? Why now? North Dakota was the fastest-growing state in the nation in 2015, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, with the current state population at an all-time high of just over 750,000 people. A February 2014 Gallup Poll ranked North Dakota as the No.1 happiest state in the U.S. New residents and visitors to the state want dining options, making it an ideal location for Marco's Pizza. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently published a study on American eating habits that found on any given day, 13% of the entire U.S. population is eating pizza. With the population of Fargo, North Dakota, at 113,000, that works out to nearly 15,000 people feasting on pizza daily in Fargo alone, and Marco's is ready to grab a big slice of that market. Competitors have oversaturated their markets, but Marco's Pizza still has prime locations for franchisees to set up shop -- the state of North Dakota is one of them. Marco's Pizza growth outpaces pizza industry Marco's Pizza has the fastest-growing unit growth, according to Nation's Restaurant News, who named the beloved pizza franchise as part of its Second 100 List -- an analysis of businesses that are smaller but are focusing on growing around the nation. The publication states that while the pizza industry is mature and growth is limited, Marco's Pizza is the exception. Not only is Marco's growing faster than other pizza franchises, Marco's Pizza sales growth also is higher than any other pizza franchise. The publication reports that Marco's Pizza sales growth is tops for system-wide sales in the Second 100 pizza segment. Marco's Pizza franchise seeks friendly, passionate entrepreneurs in Utah Marco's Pizza is seeking quality franchisees who are committed to making their franchises places where customers want to buy fresh, delectable pizza -- welcoming, friendly individuals who remember customers' names and are passionate about the Marco's product. The investment required to start a Marco's Pizza franchise is typically about $350,000. The pizza franchise is looking for people who have a net worth of $150,000 and a minimum liquidity of $100,000. Previous restaurant experience is not necessary to open a Marco's Pizza. The company's team of veteran pizza executives has experience growing brands and is always ready to help franchisees throughout their careers. At a six-week training at Marco's University, franchisees learn how to make the perfect pizza in the company's state-of-the-art kitchen. In addition to learning about the product and how it is made, the company helps franchisees learn to manage the business side of the franchise. Franchisees learn how to train staff, manage finances and study market analysis, as well as learn the insurance requirements, leasing issues and marketing savvy needed to be successful. To learn more, visit www.marcosfranchising.com. SOURCE Marco's Pizza Contact: Cameron Cummins Chief Development Officer ccummins@marcos.com ### Add to Request List Added Request Information Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus The Melting Pot Raises More Than Half A Million Dollars To Fight Childhood Cancer During 2015 St. Jude Thanks And Giving Campaign TAMPA, Fla. - Feb. 22, 2016 // PRNewswire // - The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., the world's premier fondue restaurant franchise, announced today it raised nearly $600,000 during the 12th annual St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign in support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This brings the company's total raised for St. Jude to almost $10 million since the partnership was established in 2003. Every fall, The Melting Pot gives guests the opportunity to donate $10 or more to St. Jude and receive $20off a future purchase of $50 or more. Restaurant teams rally behind the cause with internal competitions to encourage more guest donations, and franchisees often sweeten the pot with their own guest rewards and creative promotions. During this year's Oct. 11 Dec. 11 campaign, The Melting Pot of Fort Collins was once again the top fundraiser, breaking the record it set in 2014 and netting more than $51,000 for St. Jude. "We are a family here at The Melting Pot and our team's passion in supporting this cause every year continues to grow deeper and deeper," said Bob Johnston, CEO of Front Burner, restaurant management company for The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. "Everyone, including our guests, sees how crucial it is to take the time to cherish every moment with loved ones. It's wonderful to have 100 percent of donations made at The Melting Pot go directly to St. Jude to help save children's lives." Last year, The Melting Pot was honored with a Silver Award in the Enduring Impact Category of the inaugural Franchising Gives Back Awards program. The International Franchise Association (IFA) award recognized The Melting Pot for its longstanding commitment to the community through its ongoing partnership with St. Jude and the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign. The Franchising Gives Back Awards program recognizes the best, most innovative community leaders and charitable programs nationwide. The St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign is an unprecedented union of celebrities, media and more than 70 of the nation's leading brands and companies that ask consumers to donate while they shop during the holiday season to help St. Jude advance research and treatment of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. These funds are critical given that no family ever receives a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. For more information on The Melting Pot, visit www.meltingpot.com. To learn more about the St. JudeThanks and Giving campaign or to make a donation, visit www.stjude.org or call 1-800-4STJUDE. About The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1975, The Melting Pot has offered a unique fondue dining experience for 40 years. As the premier fondue restaurant franchise, The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. has more than 125 restaurants in 35 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, and 15 international locations in development. A leading polished casual dining franchise, The Melting Pot was recognized as the No. 1 casual dining restaurant in the Nation's Restaurant News 2015 Consumer Picks report. Known for offering a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrees, The Melting Pot's menu also features cheese fondues, salads, fine wines and chocolate fondue desserts. Fondue fans can join The Melting Pot's Club Fondue for exclusive promotions, special events and advance holiday reservation privileges. The Melting Pot is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla. For more information, visit www.meltingpot.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities with The Melting Pot, please visit www.meltingpotfranchise.com. About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. They won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook (facebook.com/stjude) and following us on (Twitter @stjude). SOURCE The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. Contact: Elayne Sommers Fish Consulting (202) 588-8138 esommers@fish-consulting.com ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus The underpinnings of this work arose from a collaboration between Riddell and Dr. Dirk Busch of the Technical University of Munich to develop new cell processing technologies for immunotherapy and other applications. Although not yet tested in humans, the researchers believe this new approach could improve on current T-cell therapy methods in several ways: by boosting the cells potency; by growing larger numbers of cancer-fighting T cells; by adding a potential kill switch to quickly deactivate the cells in patients bodies in the event of toxic side effects, and by cutting down the immune cell processing time from the current 14 to 20 days before reinfusion to 9 days or less. Riddell and his team describe the approach, and its effect on human cancer cells in the laboratory and on a mouse model of lymphoma, in a study published Monday in the journal Nature Biotechnology. [The technique] allows us to generate a T-cell product that could be used for patient treatment in a very short time, perhaps only a few days, said Dr. Lingfeng (Steven) Liu, Fred Hutch immunotherapy researcher and lead author of the study. That will save a lot of time for the patient because for the patient, time is very important. Sometimes tumor cells grow much faster than we can imagine. T-cell therapy approaches are showing promise in early clinical trials for some patients with certain types of blood cancers at Fred Hutch and elsewhere, although the numbers of patients that have received the therapies are small and they will still need to be followed to determine whether the therapies effects are long-lasting. Riddell hopes the new tag technology could be tested in humans in T-cell therapy clinical trials within the next one to two years possibly in a clinical trial for patients with multiple myeloma the researchers are hoping to launch in the next year. How it works Riddell and Liu have patented their technology, known as Strep-tag. Juno Therapeutics, a biotechnology company initially formed on technology from researchers at Fred Hutch, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Seattle Children's Research Institute, has an exclusive license to the tag technology for uses related to oncology (as well as a non-exclusive license for other purposes). The tag could also have future applications in other diseases such as infections or auto-immune diseases, Liu said. The Strep-tag technique involves a special modification to the engineered molecules Riddell and his colleagues add to T cells. Riddells ongoing T-cell therapy clinical trials use cells engineered to house a synthetic protein known as a chimeric antigen receptor, or CAR, which is designed to recognize and bind to proteins present in large amounts on the surface of cancer cells but not healthy cells and then attack those diseased cells. Different CARs have been engineered to recognize different cancer-specific molecules, but any of these CARs could hold a Strep-tag. Other T-cell therapies use a similar protein known as a T-cell receptor. The researchers showed that the Strep-tag can be incorporated into either type of receptor protein. There are so many things that you can do with this, Riddell said. CAR T-cell therapy is already showing promise as a potential cancer therapy, but there are still improvements to be made, Riddell said. For one, their current techniques to engineer T cells dont work for every T cell extracted from the patient but theres no way to separate out the cancer-fighting T cells from the other cells, and although the mixed population still seems to work for many patients, he believes a more pure population could be even more potent. The researchers used T cells engineered with the Strep-tag to sift out only those cells carrying a CAR protein. In their study, they found this sifting technique resulted in a nearly 95 percent pure collection of CAR T cells. Without sifting, only 43 percent were cancer-specific. Currently, researchers stimulate that mixed population of cells in the lab to encourage growth of the cancer-specific cells, but that stimulation process takes about 10 days (resulting in a total cell processing time of 14 to 20 days). This sifting method would cut down the time patients wait for infusion of engineered T cells by a week or more. The researchers tested the tags after 8 days of growth in the laboratory in their mouse study, but Riddell projects it could be done in as few as 3 to 5 days, cutting down potentially precious waiting time for patients in need of therapy. The Strep-tag would also allow the researchers to specifically track the engineered T cells using a fluorescent antibody specific for the tag itself. For the majority of CARs, theres no way of measuring how much receptor you actually have on the cell, Riddell said. Tracking these cells can help scientists better understand how they work against tumors or dont work, as the case may be. If engineered T cells traffic to a tumor but arent working to shrink it, scientists could extract those cells and study their genes to better understand what went wrong in the therapy. Sorry that press release couldn't be found. [ Vist our sister sites: Linux news | Bible Study Tool ] Site design and layout copyright 2005-2015 Free Press Release Center O'Dell, Winkfield, Roseman, & Shipp Managing Partner Kyle O'Dell Co-Authors New Retirement Book ( February 22, 2016 ) Denver, CO -- Denver's leading retirement expert, Kyle O'Dell, teamed up with an elite group of retirement experts from across the country to co-author a brand new book titled "What You Don't Know About Retirement Income Can Hurt You!" O'Dell is managing partner at O'Dell, Winkfield, Roseman, & Shipp, a wealth management firm based in Denver, Colorado. O'Dell has been dedicated to helping individuals and families accumulate and preserve retirement wealth for more than 20 years. This book will share the top retirement income secrets essential to American's view and strategies on retirement. "Everyone thinks their finances are in good order until the market drops or taxes rise," Kyle O'Dell commented. "But the truth is, the future is uncertain. Of course, we can't tell exactly what will happen, but we can plan for the unknown as much as possible to position ourselves for retirement success." O'Dell contributes his expertise in two chapters titled "What You Should Know Before Investing in a 401(k)," and "Managing Your Tax Brackets." "The thinking around retirement has moved away from 'what's my number?' to 'what do I get from that number?' This focus on retirement income rather than a singular focus on 'the number,' 'nest egg' or 'account value' is a trend that will require most to plan more effectively for living in retirement," said Jack Tatar, contributing author of "What You Don't Know About Retirement Income Can Hurt You!" The book is available now on Amazon.com. About O'Dell Winkfield, Roseman & Shipp: With offices across the country, O'Dell, Winkfield, Roseman & Shipp is a distinguished group of advisors who have had the privilege of working extensively with many prominent groups and individuals in the areas of Wealth Management, Retirement, and Income Planning. For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Matteson Partners Taking On New In-House Legal Recruitment Clients (Mon 29th May 17) Huong Nghiep A Au Vocational Guidance School Launches New Major (Thu 25th May 17) FSP unveils new Industrial and Gaming power solutions at COMPUTEX 2017 (Wed 24th May 17) The Best Free Keylogger of 2017 Has Been Announced by the Official Remote Keylogger (Tue 23rd May 17) The Remote Keylogger Development Team Announces An Update to the Official iPhone Keylogger (Thu 11th May 17) CaptureStream Announces its New Streaming Video Recorder and Downloader (Mon 8th May 17) VALiNTRY Adds Vice President Mark Frohman to Growing Team in Southwest US VALiNTRY Services is expanding their team with the addition of accomplished local DFW businessman Mark Frohman. Allen, TX -- February 22, 2016 (FPRC) -- VALiNTRY, a Winter Park, Florida-based IT Consulting and Staffing firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Mark Frohman to the TX team. Mr. Frohman will be joining the team as the Vice President of Business Development Southwest in the Dallas area office. Before joining the VALiNTRY team, Mark most recently held the position of Vice President of Business Development at Systems Source in Dallas, Texas. Mark has a proven track record of significantly increasing contracted clients and sales. In his former positions he was personally instrumental in securing contracts with Geico and IBM supplying data architects, project managers and software developers. After earning an MBA in Marketing and Finance, Mark built a career in IT management consulting at IBM, KPMG Consulting, Accenture and SAIC. Mark started and operated his own IT Staffing firm, EMC Staffing, for 6 more than years after which he moved to start-up VoIP company VoX Communications help build and manage the IT sales-force. Mark has experience in the private equity space and was a partner at Regus Advisors, a firm that provided management and IT consulting services for emerging and start-up companies worldwide. Mark understands how to support firms of all sizes and stages of growth and is a valuable new member of the VALiNTRY consulting team. In a statement about his new position at VALiNTRY, Mark said "I am thrilled about having the opportunity to join the VALiNTRY team. I believe wholeheartedly in this company's mission of linking technology, operations, and people. I love being a part of a company that puts people and teamwork at the forefront of what they do and values honesty, integrity, and accountability in their work. I look forward to being able to serve this team as well as all of our valued clients." Ron Murphy, President of VALiNTRY's Southwest Division, stated "We are expecting nothing but great things from Mr. Frohman. As Vice President of Business Development for our Southwest Division, I truly believe that he will take us to the next level of IT consulting in TX. With Mark on our team, we look forward to expanding VALiNTRY's reach into the Dallas market and delivering high quality hand selected IT consultants to meet the unique needs of each or our clients." About VALiNTRY Services: VALiNTRY is a values-based Technology and Marketing Consulting and Finance / Accounting Staffing firm based in Winter Park, Florida. Serving clients nationwide from offices in Florida, Tennessee and Texas, VALiNTRY uses a proprietary amalgamation of state-of-the-art software called the V-FITT system to intelligently source and screen consultant resumes, reducing time to fill a client's position from weeks to just a few days. VALiNTRY is a proud recipient of Best Places to Work awards from the Orlando Business Journal and the nationally recognized Staffing Industry Analysts. Send an email to Brent Healy of r (800) 360-1407 Recent Press Releases By The Same User ShapeHost Launches New Spring Sale Offering Savings Of Up To 35% On VPS Packages (Tue 8th Mar 16) Paypro Finance Launches their Consumer Financing for Small Business Program (Mon 7th Mar 16) Kuber Ventures Publishes New Infographic To Show Difference Between EIS for Pensions and SIPP (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Pregnancy Exercise Publishes New Guide Into Training For Fitness While Pregnant (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Centex Hosting Launches Newly Redesigned Website To Herald Expansion Into VPS Hosting (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Royal Cliff Receives ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Certification (Wed 2nd Mar 16) Global Acetylene Gas Market Set for Rapid Growth, To Reach Around USD 6 Billion by 2020 Zion Research has published a new report titled "Acetylene Gas Market for Chemical Production, Welding & Cutting and Other Applications: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2014 - 2020." According to the report, global demand for acetylene gas was valued at around USD 5.0 billion in 2014 and is expected to reach USD 6.0 billion in 2020, growing at a CAGR of around 3% between 2015 and 2020. In terms of volume, the Acetylene Gas Market stood at 500.0 kilo tons in 2014. Deerfield Beach, FL (GlobalMarketNews.us) February 22, 2016 According to the report, global demand for acetylene gas was valued at around USD 5.0 billion in 2014 and is expected to reach USD 6.0 billion in 2020, growing at a CAGR of around 3% between 2015 and 2020. In terms of volume, the global acetylene gas market stood at 500.0 kilo tons in 2014. Acetylene is a highly flammable gas obtained from calcium carbide. Acetylene is manufactured by partial combustion of methane. Acetylene gas is also obtained as byproduct of reaction between calcium carbide and water. Acetylene gas is also produced from hydrocarbon sources such as naphtha, crude oil and coal among others. It is also obtained as a side product in the ethylene stream from cracking of hydrocarbons. Acetylene is colorless and extremely explosive. Acetylene is mainly consumed as a fuel and chemical building block. It is also used in welding and metal cutting and many other brazing applications. Get Sample Research Report: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/acetylene-gas-market-for-chemical-production-welding-z37892#RequestSample Acetylene market is primarily driven by strong demand from China. China accounted for large volume consumption of acetylene. Strong industrial growth in China has been resulted into rapid growth of acetylene in China. Acetylene is primarily used as chemical building block in the manufacture of 1,4-butanediol (BDO). Acetylene is also used in the manufacturing of other acetylenic chemicals such as vinyl ethers, other acetylenic alcohols, N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, butynediol. However, volatile raw material prices are expected to be the major concern for the industry participants. However, an effort towards development of bio-based acetylene gas is expected to provide growth opportunity to industry participants. Chemicals, welding & cutting and other applications are key application markets for the acetylene. Demand for acetylene in chemicals production was dominating the global acetylene market with over 60% share in total volume consumption in 2014. 1,4-butanediol accounted for over 90% share in total volume consumed among all chemicals in 2014. Welding and cutting was the second largest segment for acetylene gas in 2014. Asia Pacific region was the leading regional market for acetylene gas with over 85% share in total volume consumed in 2014. China accounted for huge share of Asia Pacific. Growing industrial investments in the emerging economies like China is a major driving factor that contributed to the growth of acetylene gas market in the region. North America, Europe, Latin America and Middle East & Africa accounted for very small share of the global acetylene market. Browse the full Acetylene Gas Market for Chemical Production, Welding & Cutting and Other Applications: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2014 - 2020 report at http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/acetylene-gas-market-for-chemical-production-welding-z37892 Some of the key industry participants in global acetylene market include, Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Linde AG, Airgas, Toho Acetylene, Xinju Chemicals, Gulf Cyro, BASF, the Dow Company, SINOPEC, ILMO, Xinlong Group, Lutianhua, Ho Tung Chemicals, Markor, JinHong Gas, Jiuce Grou and Praxair Inc. among several others. Do inquiry Before Purchasing Report: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/acetylene-gas-market-for-chemical-production-welding-z37892#InquiryForBuying The global acetylene gas market has been segmented for the applications and region as follows: Acetylene Gas Market: Application Segment Analysis Chemical production Welding & cutting Others Acetylene Gas Market: Regional Segment Analysis North America U.S. Europe Germany UK France Asia Pacific China India Japan Latin America Brazil Middle East & Africa Related Published Reports: Titanium Dioxide Market http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/titanium-dioxide-market-z47024 Polyols Market http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/polyols-market-z47430 Bitumen Market http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/bitumen-market-z37561 Contact US: Joel John 3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138 Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442 United States Toll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA) Tel: +1-386-310-3803 Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com Website: http://www.marketresearchstore.com The post Global Acetylene Gas Market Set for Rapid Growth, To Reach Around USD 6 Billion by 2020 appeared first on Global Market News. For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Global Retro-Reflective Sensors Market 2016 Industry Size, Trends, Demand Review & Forecast 2025 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Research on Global Quatrz Oscillator Market 2016 Industry Analysis, Review & Forecast 2020 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Private Branch Exchange(PBX) Market 2016 Industry Size, Trends, Research, Demand & Forecast (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Print Mark Sensor Market 2016 Industry Size, Research, Trends, Growth & Analysis 2022 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global OLED Lighting Device Market 2016 Industry Trends, Demand, Analysis & Review Forecast 2020 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Network Card Market 2016 Industry Size, Research, Trends, Demand Review & Forecast 2020 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Aircraft Health Monitoring Systems Market is expected to Grow at a CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 Global Market News has released report on "Global Aircraft Health Monitoring Systems Market 2016". Deerfield Beach, FL, United States of America February 22, 2016 /GlobalMarketNews.us/ -- The Global Aircraft Health Monitoring Systems market is accounted for $2.35 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $3.90 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. Growing aircraft orders, price effective maintenance, decreased unscheduled maintenance and increase in air traffic are the key factors driving the market growth. However, lack of expertise, certification clearance and product lifecycle are restraining the market growth. The major challenge for aircraft manufacturers is to manufacture aircrafts at lower costs along with, standardization, damage detection and other environmental factors. Request For Report Sample Here: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/aircraft-health-monitoring-systems-global-market-outlook-46824#RequestSample The single-aisle aircraft segment is anticipated to witness rapid growth, during the forecast period. North America is expected to witness a slight refuse in the market share, during the forecast period, due to low aircraft deliveries, compared to other regions. Moreover, the increase in demand for commercial aircrafts in countries such as India, China, Africa, and Russia is expected to boost the market growth. Some of the key players in the market include Safran (Sagem), General Electric, Rockwell Collins, Honeywell Inc., Airbus Group, Boeing International, Ultra Electronics Holdings, United Technologies Corporation, BAE Systems, Rolls Royce Holdings, GE Aviation, Meggitt PLC, RSL Electronics Ltd, Acellent Technologies Inc and Infosys. Do Inquiry About This Report Here: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/aircraft-health-monitoring-systems-global-market-outlook-46824#InquiryForBuying Applications Covered: o Supplementary System o Retrofit o Others Aircraft Types Covered: o Large body Aircraft o Helicopters o General aviation aircraft o Narrow Body Aircraft o Jumbo jets o Others Subsystem Covered: o Airframe Structure o Software system o Aero-Propulsion System o Control and Actuation systems o Ancillary System o Others Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) Technology Type Covered: o Diagnostics o Adaptive Control o Detection o Prognostics o Others Regions Covered: o North America o US o Canada o Mexico o Europe o Germany o France o Italy o UK o Spain o Rest of Europe o Asia Pacific o Japan o China o India o Australia o New Zealand o Rest of Asia Pacific o Rest of the World o Middle East o Brazil o Argentina o South Africa o Egypt What our report offers: Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments Market share analysis of the top industry players Strategic recommendations for the new entrants Market forecasts for a minimum of 7 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations) Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements About Market Research Store: Market Research Store, we have market research reports from competent publishers. Our Research Specialists have thorough knowledge about offerings from different publishers and different reports on respective industries. They will help you refine search parameters and get desired results at your doorstep. Here you can review the complete range of available reports, review the scope of study and methodology of reports. Apart from the published market research reports, we also provide customized study on any topic to meet the varied requirements of our clients. Whether you are looking for new product trends, competitive analysis or study on existing or emerging markets, Market Research Store has best offerings and expertise to get the critical information for you. You can also choose the option to purchase full reports or sections from the report or only charts or tables. Contact us: Joel John 3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442, USA USA Tel: +1-386-310-3803 GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714 USA/Canada Toll Free No.1-855-465-4651 Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com The post Global Aircraft Health Monitoring Systems Market is expected to Grow at a CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 appeared first on Global Market News. For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Global Retro-Reflective Sensors Market 2016 Industry Size, Trends, Demand Review & Forecast 2025 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Research on Global Quatrz Oscillator Market 2016 Industry Analysis, Review & Forecast 2020 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Private Branch Exchange(PBX) Market 2016 Industry Size, Trends, Research, Demand & Forecast (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Print Mark Sensor Market 2016 Industry Size, Research, Trends, Growth & Analysis 2022 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global OLED Lighting Device Market 2016 Industry Trends, Demand, Analysis & Review Forecast 2020 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Network Card Market 2016 Industry Size, Research, Trends, Demand Review & Forecast 2020 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Aircraft Seating Market is expected to reach $14.6 by the year 2022 Global Market News has released report on "Global Aircraft Seating Market 2016". Deerfield Beach, FL, United States of America February 22, 2016 /GlobalMarketNews.us/ -- The Global Aircraft Seating Market is accounted for $7.5 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $19.46 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 14.6% during the forecast period. Increase in aircraft orders, rise in air travel, and rise in low-cost carriers are the key factors driving the market growth. However, alternative modes of transportation and economic slowdown are restraining the market growth. The emerging markets such as China and India provide vast growth opportunities for the aircraft seating market, due to increase in air travel in these countries. Factors such as volatility in fuel prices, safety, reliability and comfort are the major challenges faced by the aircraft seating market. Request For Report Sample Here: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/aircraft-seating-global-market-outlook-46827#RequestSample Some of the key players in the market include Aviointeriors, B/E Aerospace, Recaro Aircraft Seating, Optimares, Expliseat, Aero Seating Technologies, Thompson Aero Seating, Geven, Zodiac Aerospace, Pitch Aircraft Seating Systems, Aviationscouts GmbH, Sogerma S.A, ZIM Flugsitz GmbH, Acro Aircraft Seating Ltd and HAECO Americas. Fit Type Covered: o Retrofit o Linefit Seat Types Covered: o First Class o Suite Class o Economy Class o Business Class o Premium Economy Class Do Inquiry About This Report Here: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/aircraft-seating-global-market-outlook-46827#InquiryForBuying Aircraft Type Covered: o Regional Transport o Very Large o Narrow Body o Wide Body Component Covered: o Foams & Fittings o Seat Actuators o Other Components Regions Covered: o North America o US o Canada o Mexico o Europe o Germany o France o Italy o UK o Spain o Rest of Europe o Asia Pacific o Japan o China o India o Australia o New Zealand o Rest of Asia Pacific o Rest of the World o Middle East o Brazil o Argentina o South Africa o Egypt What our report offers: Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments Market share analysis of the top industry players Strategic recommendations for the new entrants Market forecasts for a minimum of 7 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations) Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements About Market Research Store: Market Research Store, we have market research reports from competent publishers. Our Research Specialists have thorough knowledge about offerings from different publishers and different reports on respective industries. They will help you refine search parameters and get desired results at your doorstep. Here you can review the complete range of available reports, review the scope of study and methodology of reports. Apart from the published market research reports, we also provide customized study on any topic to meet the varied requirements of our clients. Whether you are looking for new product trends, competitive analysis or study on existing or emerging markets, Market Research Store has best offerings and expertise to get the critical information for you. You can also choose the option to purchase full reports or sections from the report or only charts or tables. Contact us: Joel John 3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442, USA USA Tel: +1-386-310-3803 GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714 USA/Canada Toll Free No.1-855-465-4651 Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com The post Global Aircraft Seating Market is expected to reach $14.6 by the year 2022 appeared first on Global Market News. For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Global Retro-Reflective Sensors Market 2016 Industry Size, Trends, Demand Review & Forecast 2025 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Research on Global Quatrz Oscillator Market 2016 Industry Analysis, Review & Forecast 2020 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Private Branch Exchange(PBX) Market 2016 Industry Size, Trends, Research, Demand & Forecast (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Print Mark Sensor Market 2016 Industry Size, Research, Trends, Growth & Analysis 2022 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global OLED Lighting Device Market 2016 Industry Trends, Demand, Analysis & Review Forecast 2020 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Network Card Market 2016 Industry Size, Research, Trends, Demand Review & Forecast 2020 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Coated Flat Glass Market is expected to Grow at a CAGR of 5.7 % by 2022 Global Market News has released report on "Global Coated Flat Glass Market 2016". Deerfield Beach, FL, United States of America February 22, 2016 /GlobalMarketNews.us/ -- The Global Coated Flat Glass Market is accounted for $25.68 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $37.90 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. Rising usage of flat glass in contemporary architectural designs is fueling global flat glass market. Further, rising Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) in automotive industry is driving the flat glass market. The increasing demand of solar panels, photovoltaic cells, and E-glass is creating new growth opportunities for the players in the flat glass market. The increasing price of raw material and absence of suitable logistic supply chain management in developing countries are posing challenges for global flat glass market. Request For Report Sample Here: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/coated-flat-glass-global-market-outlook-46839#RequestSample Asia Pacific is the leading market of flat glass followed by Europe and North America. Asia Pacific is also the fastest growing region of flat glass due to the demand of passenger car from developing countries and immense urbanization in this region. China solely covers about half of the global market share of flat glass followed by Japan. Some of the key players in the market include Saint-Gobain, AGC Glass, Central Glass Co., Ltd., Nippon Sheet Glass Co. Ltd, Taiwan Glass Group, Asahi Glass Co., Ltd, Carlex Glass, Pilkington Group Limited, CSG Holding Co., Ltd, Guardian Industries Corp, SCHOTT, Scheuten Glas, Corning, Cardinal Glass Industries and Magna International. Do Inquiry About This Report Here: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/coated-flat-glass-global-market-outlook-46839#InquiryForBuying Applications Covered: o Buildings o Residential Buildings o Commercial buildings o Refurbishment and Interiors o Others o Solar Energy o Automotive Industry o Other Flat Glass Type Covered: o Self-Cleaning Glass o Mirrored Glass o Low-E Glass o Extra Clear Glass o Laminated Glass o Solar Control Glass Technology Covered: o Sol-gel Technology o Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) o Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) o Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition (LPCVD) o Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) o Sputtering o Evaporation o Others o Nanotechnology Regions Covered: o North America o US o Canada o Mexico o Europe o Germany o France o Italy o UK o Spain o Rest of Europe o Asia Pacific o Japan o China o India o Australia o New Zealand o Rest of Asia Pacific o Rest of the World o Middle East o Brazil o Argentina o South Africa o Egypt What our report offers: Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments Market share analysis of the top industry players Strategic recommendations for the new entrants Market forecasts for a minimum of 7 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations) Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements About Market Research Store: Market Research Store, we have market research reports from competent publishers. Our Research Specialists have thorough knowledge about offerings from different publishers and different reports on respective industries. They will help you refine search parameters and get desired results at your doorstep. Here you can review the complete range of available reports, review the scope of study and methodology of reports. Apart from the published market research reports, we also provide customized study on any topic to meet the varied requirements of our clients. Whether you are looking for new product trends, competitive analysis or study on existing or emerging markets, Market Research Store has best offerings and expertise to get the critical information for you. You can also choose the option to purchase full reports or sections from the report or only charts or tables. Contact us: Joel John 3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442, USA USA Tel: +1-386-310-3803 GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714 USA/Canada Toll Free No.1-855-465-4651 Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com The post Global Coated Flat Glass Market is expected to Grow at a CAGR of 5.7 % by 2022 appeared first on Global Market News. For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Global Retro-Reflective Sensors Market 2016 Industry Size, Trends, Demand Review & Forecast 2025 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Research on Global Quatrz Oscillator Market 2016 Industry Analysis, Review & Forecast 2020 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Private Branch Exchange(PBX) Market 2016 Industry Size, Trends, Research, Demand & Forecast (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Print Mark Sensor Market 2016 Industry Size, Research, Trends, Growth & Analysis 2022 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global OLED Lighting Device Market 2016 Industry Trends, Demand, Analysis & Review Forecast 2020 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Network Card Market 2016 Industry Size, Research, Trends, Demand Review & Forecast 2020 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Aviation Fuel Additives Market to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% during 2015 to 2022 by Market Research Store Global Market News has released report on "Global Aviation Fuel Additives Market 2016". Deerfield Beach, FL, United States of America February 22, 2016 /GlobalMarketNews.us/ -- The Global Aviation Fuel Additives Market is accounted for $604.49 million in 2015 and is expected to reach $970 million by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. Growing demand for clean & efficient fuel, stringent environmental regulations and growth in automotive industry are the major factors fueling the market growth. On the other hand, rise in demand for alternate fuels and vast investments in R&D and technology are inhibiting the market. Rise in demand for Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) is the major opportunity for vendors in aviation fuel additives. The demand for fuel additives in Asia-Pacific is anticipated to increase at the back drop of high performance fuels for automobiles. Request For Report Sample Here: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/aviation-fuel-additives-global-market-outlook-46829#RequestSample Some of the key players in the market include BASF SE, The Lubrizol Corporation, Afton Chemical Corporation, Chemtura Corporation, Fuel Performance Solutions Inc., Cerion LLC, Dorf-Ketal Chemicals India Private Limited, Evonik Industries AG, Innospec Inc., Cummins Inc., Albemarle Corporation, Total SA, Evonik and Clariant. Product Type Covered: o Lubricity Improvers o Stability Improvers o Cetane Improvers o Octane Improvers o Corrosion Inhibitors o Antioxidants o Dyes & Markers o Cold flow Improvers o Anti-icing o Deposit Control Additives o Others Do Inquiry About This Report Here: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/aviation-fuel-additives-global-market-outlook-46829#InquiryForBuying Application Covered: o Gasoline o Aviation o Diesel o Others Regions Covered: o North America o US o Canada o Mexico o Europe o Germany o France o Italy o UK o Spain o Rest of Europe o Asia Pacific o Japan o China o India o Australia o New Zealand o Rest of Asia Pacific o Rest of the World o Middle East o Brazil o Argentina o South Africa o Egypt What our report offers: Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments Market share analysis of the top industry players Strategic recommendations for the new entrants Market forecasts for a minimum of 7 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations) Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements About Market Research Store: Market Research Store, we have market research reports from competent publishers. Our Research Specialists have thorough knowledge about offerings from different publishers and different reports on respective industries. They will help you refine search parameters and get desired results at your doorstep. Here you can review the complete range of available reports, review the scope of study and methodology of reports. Apart from the published market research reports, we also provide customized study on any topic to meet the varied requirements of our clients. Whether you are looking for new product trends, competitive analysis or study on existing or emerging markets, Market Research Store has best offerings and expertise to get the critical information for you. You can also choose the option to purchase full reports or sections from the report or only charts or tables. Contact us: Joel John 3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442, USA USA Tel: +1-386-310-3803 GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714 USA/Canada Toll Free No.1-855-465-4651 Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com The post Global Aviation Fuel Additives Market to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% during 2015 to 2022 by Market Research Store appeared first on Global Market News. For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Global Retro-Reflective Sensors Market 2016 Industry Size, Trends, Demand Review & Forecast 2025 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Research on Global Quatrz Oscillator Market 2016 Industry Analysis, Review & Forecast 2020 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Private Branch Exchange(PBX) Market 2016 Industry Size, Trends, Research, Demand & Forecast (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Print Mark Sensor Market 2016 Industry Size, Research, Trends, Growth & Analysis 2022 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global OLED Lighting Device Market 2016 Industry Trends, Demand, Analysis & Review Forecast 2020 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Global Network Card Market 2016 Industry Size, Research, Trends, Demand Review & Forecast 2020 (Thu 3rd Mar 16) Langs Quality Furniture - www.breakfastbarstools.co.uk - Awarded Best Of Houzz. Over 35 Million Monthly Unique Users on Houzz Nominated the Best Home Building, Renovating and Design Professionals in the UK and Around the World. Find out about one Award Winner in the UK, who supplies High Quality Breakfast Barstools, Matching Chairs and Tables. -- London, UK, February 2016 - Langs Quality Furniture of Glasgow has won "Best Of Houzz Award for Customer Service" on Houzz, the leading platform for home renovation and design. The 16 year old On-line Retailer was chosen, for the second year running, by the 35 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community, from more than one million active home building, renovating and design professionals. The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Customer Service awards are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews that a professional received in 2015. A "Best Of Houzz 2016? badge will appear on the winners' Houzz profiles, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help home-owners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz. Graeme Lang, the owner of Langs Quality Furniture, said "We are very proud to be honoured with this award, for the second year running. This is a justification for us marketing our High Quality Barstools, Matching Chairs and Glass Top Dining Tables for use at breakfast bars or in open plan kitchen / dining areas. It enables customers to obtain furniture which is of equal quality with the new kitchens they have installed." "Anyone building, renovating or decorating, looks to Houzz for the most talented and service-oriented professionals" said Andrew Small, Managing Director of Houzz UK. "We're so pleased to recognise Langs Quality Furniture, who were voted one of our "Best Of Houzz" professionals by our enormous community of home-owners and design enthusiasts actively renovating and decorating their homes." Follow Langs Quality Furniture on Houzz http://www.houzz.co.uk/pro/graemelang About Langs Quality Furniture Graeme Lang, owner of Langs Quality Furniture, has 40 years experience in the furniture trade. 16 years ago he identified a changing trend with people using their kitchens for casual eating and entertaining, while dining rooms were only being used on special occasions. So he set up http://www.breakfastbarstools.co.uk to cater for this trend. This Website features an extensive range of High Quality Barstools which are designed and manufactured in Italy. They can be upholstered in 26 colours of real leather or 30 colours of Eco Leather, which gives great scope for creative colour schemes. Recently the range has been expanded substantially with a large number of chairs, some of which match the barstools. The chairs can be upholstered in the same 56 colours, which means they are ideal for open plan kitchen / dining layouts, because the chairs match in style and colour with the barstools. The seating App http://www.seatingmyway.com/app/chairs illustrates the range of chairs and stools that are available. About Houzz Houzz is the leading platform for home renovation and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish - on-line or from a mobile device. From decorating a small room to building a custom home and everything in between, Houzz connects millions of home-owners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. With head-quarters in Palo Alto, CA, Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin, Sydney, Moscow and Tokyo. Houzz and the Houzz logo are registered trademarks of Houzz Inc. worldwide. For more information, visit houzz.co.uk. # # # For more information about us, please visit http://www.breakfastbarstools.co.uk Contact Info: Name: Graeme Lang Email: langsqf@gmail.com Organization: Langs Quality Furniture Address: 571 Lawmoor Street, Glasgow. G5 0TY Phone: +44 0141 423 8283 Release ID: 104592 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Los Angeles Based Leaders in Hosting and Datacenter Solutions QuadraNet, Inc Deploys Noction IRP for Intelligent Internet Routing QuadraNet, a leading Los Angeles data center provider, has announced its deployment of the Intelligent Routing Platform - a real-time Internet route optimization platform engineered by Noction. -- QuadraNet is a full-service data center provider offering colocation, dedicated servers, cluster management, bandwidth and complex hosting solutions. The company offers a diverse set of carriers for any transit or transport needs in different POPs all around the world. QuadraNet's transit is a blend of many different carriers and this makes it challenging to ensure that traffic is following the best-performing Internet path at any point in time. QuadraNet deployed Noction's Intelligent Routing Platform with the purpose of automating the path evaluation process and optimizing routing decisions at the network edge. After evaluating IRP in its Los Angeles data center, QuadraNet continued to expand the platform to their Miami and Dallas data centers. With Noction IRP QuadraNet achieved an average of 27% reduction in network latency and 87% improvement in packet loss for the analyzed Internet destinations. Noction IRP automatically learns about traffic flows and notes performance indicators such as latency and packet loss. It builds a picture of the network and communicates with routers throughout the network using BGP to notify them of the most optimal path. Routers then send traffic according to these performance evaluations resulting in network performance benefits. "We have been searching for a solution to help choose the optimum link for our traffic, based not only on which links are less utilized than others, but on which ones will perform best " says Kate Gerry, Network and Facilities Director at QuadraNet. "In our effort to provide high redundancy, resiliency, and performance, Noction IRP comes to overcome the Internet's unpredictability and automate a lot of manual mechanisms and engineering routines allowing us to increase operational efficiency." To learn more about QuadraNet's high performance Internet services, please visit: http://www.quadranet.com/ About Noction Noction is a privately funded technology company with offices in North America, Europe, Asia and South America. Founded in 2011, Noction is an industry-leading provider of BGP network performance automation, enabling enterprises to take full advantage of the maximum network performance for business-critical applications such as e-commerce, VoIP, and media streaming across IP networks. About QuadraNet, Inc. QuadraNet is a renowned and industry-leading supplier of dedicated servers, cluster management, and complex hosting solutions. The company founded in 2001 currently operates out of it headquarters in the LA Telecom Center building in Los Angeles, CA. QuadraNet also maintains datacenters in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Miami. For more information about us, please visit https://www.quadranet.com Contact Info: Name: Dustin Cisneros Email: dustin@quadranet.com Organization: QuadraNet, Inc. Address: 530 W 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014 Phone: 888-578-2372 Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHcaOUjX1lI Source: http://marketersmedia.com/los-angeles-based-leaders-in-hosting-and-datacenter-solutions-quadranet-inc-deploys-noction-irp-for-intelligent-internet-routing/104655 Release ID: 104655 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) David Stix wants the governments hands off his stubble. But he is not fretting over facial hair. The Nevada rancher is bothered about tufts of grass known to cattlemen as stubble and to his cows as food which he says heavy-handed bureaucrats are over-regulating. We get beat up so bad. Weve become the evil stepchildren, he complains on a hilltop blanketed by sagebrush. Against the backdrop of a presidential election driven by anti-establishment rebellion, Mr Stix exemplifies rural Nevadas version of anger over the status quo. An expanse of desert and mountains, 86 per cent of Nevadas land is under federal control, the highest proportion of any state and a source of grievances that have simmered for years. Ahead of the Republican caucuses in the state on Tuesday, most of the partys presidential contenders are seeking to rally frustrated rural conservatives, a key part of the base, by vowing to transfer the land to state control. The frontrunner Donald Trump, however, has come out against the idea and been hit by Ted Cruz in a new campaign ad for wanting to keep big government in charge. Steeped in the mythology of settlers who trekked west to find freedom in open spaces beyond the Mississippi river, modern-day ranchers have to lease pasture from the federal government because they do not own enough to sustain their animals. Ranchers pay $2.11 per month for each cow and calf pair, adding up to several thousand dollars a year for a typical herd, and they find themselves at Washingtons mercy. Many of the federal governments rules, including those on grass height, are aimed at protecting the sage grouse, an awkward, barrel-chested bird that has an oddly central role in land management because it is seen as a proxy for landscape health. Since the 1970s, unpopular federal diktats have convulsed the American west in episodic (and bloodless) revolts waged by so-called sagebrush rebels. Today, fresh trouble is brewing, fuelled by Barack Obamas green-minded presidency, the venom of the 2016 election and social media. The new variants tend to cling to their guns and are a little more ragged at the edges, says Eric Herzik, a political science professor at the University of Nevada, Reno. Tensions flared in a 2014 stand-off between officials and the gun-toting supporters of Cliven Bundy, a Nevada rancher who was indicted last week. He was battling attempts to confiscate his cattle in a dispute over government claims that he owes more than $1m in grazing fees. Earlier this year Mr Bundys sons were at the heart of a confrontation in Oregon in which one protester was killed. At the Bureau of Land Management, the federal agency in charge, officials downplay the Bundys as an isolated case. But the atmosphere in Nevada is so combustible that at some public meetings the BLM has taken to tying chairs together so they cannot be thrown. JJ Goicoechea, a big-hatted rancher and chairman of the Eureka county commissioners, says tensions are at an all-time high and blames the tightening stranglehold of the Obama administration. Theres no doubt the events at the Bundy ranch emboldened some people who were on the edge, he says. There are those who co-operate. Then, I dont want to call them vigilantes, but its starting to get there. Im fearful for where were going. For most Republican presidential candidates, the solution is to shrink the federal government. Mr Cruz, Marco Rubio and John Kasich have said Washington should cut its land holdings. But Mr Trump told an interviewer in January that he did not like the idea, saying you dont know what the state is going to do. He has subsequently muddied his position. Mr Stix, who is president of the Nevada Cattlemens Association, brushes off attacks from environmentalists who want to ban grazing, saying ranchers are dedicated to conserving the sagebrush ecosystem because their cows would starve without it. He does not condone anyone breaking the law. But he has plenty of complaints about the BLM, which he explains on a swath of federal pasture encircling a speck of his own land where he has a cow pen. He says the agency has cut the number of cows he can graze due to drought and he rails against a new rule forbidding grass-eating if stubble is shorter than seven inches. All these issues theyre concerned with are not an exact science, he says. The BLM says its rule is more flexible than ranchers realise. Government officials stress that grazing is a privilege, not a right, and underscore their duty to preserve natural resources for hikers, campers and hunters as well as cattlemen. The BLM also pays the high costs of fighting fires and the agency and ranchers disagree over whether the state government could afford to cover these expenses alone. Harangued by those who want to take back the land, John Ruhs, the director of BLM Nevada, says federal territory was never anyones prime real estate, but what got left over after settlers had cherry-picked the best tracts. A male sage grouse struts to attract a mate AP Still, he acknowledges that the BLM must do a better job of communicating with ranchers. If we do that in a confrontational way, we are going to get confrontational results, he says. Given the dangers to his staff, he adds: If there are threats, if there are people waving guns, obviously Im not going to ask somebody to go into that kind of environment. The original sagebrush rebellion was sparked by Congresss empowerment of a more interventionist BLM in 1976. Today, Mr Ruhs says social media has made it harder to contain localised disputes. Now when we are dealing with issues, we have a lot of extra input from a lot of people that really dont understand what the issue is. There is one thing, however, on which the two sides agree. BLM officials blanch when asked about people who dine on the bird they protect. And Mr Stix, the rancher, says: Itd have to be a cold day in hell for me to eat sage grouse. Youd have to cook it all day to get your fork stuck in it. @barneyjopson The average first-time buyer in London will have spent nearly 70,000 on rent before they can afford to buy a home, according to new research. The Association of Residential Letting Agents (Arla) Cost of Renting report calculated the average amount spent on rent for those buying for the first time in England this year is more than 50,000. The cheapest region was the north east, where buyers spent an average 31,300 on rent before buying a property. The report, compiled with the Centre for Economics and Business Research, found those leaving home and starting to rent this year will spend an average of 64,400 before they are able to buy their first property one fifth more than current first-time buyers getting on the housing ladder this year will spend. Those leaving home and starting to live independently in London will continue to be worse off, as they will spend an average of 91,500 on rent before they can buy their first home, 23,100 more than those buying in the capital this year. David Cox, managing director at the Association of Residential Letting Agents, said: As rent costs continue to rise, unfortunately more and more tenants will find themselves renting for longer as they have less ability to save. We need to take action now, before we become a nation of forever renters. Alex Reynolds, IFA at Advies Private Clients, said: This is about the difficulties first-time buyers are having to get on the property ladder, which is the deposit. Saving a few hundred a month takes a long time for a property valued at 290,000. If everyone wants to own a Porsche or Ferrari, guess what? They cant. It is like anything: if you cant afford it, you cant afford it. Its clearly a frustration. It is down to the government to encourage schemes for the police, teachers and public servants with 100 per cent mortgages. Sesame and PMS have launched an exclusive fixed rate product to appointed representatives of its network and members of its mortgage club. Offered through Leeds Building Society, the mortgage is available for purchase customers at up to 95 per cent loan-to-value. The product is 3.79 per cent fixed for two years and includes a free standard valuation for customers. It has no up-front booking fee and a 199 arrangement fee, which is payable on completion. Rob McCoy, senior product manager at Sesame Bankhall Group, said the product was ideal for first time buyers as well as those homemovers with smaller deposits. He said: This will be amongst the most competitive products in the market and will, Im sure, be popular with our members. In July Sesame closed its investment adviser network as a result of a strategic review by its owner Friends Life - now part of Aviva. Forty of its firms - or 11 per cent - had their permissions reduced to stay with Sesame as mortgage advisers. Adviser View Daniel Bailey, a mortgage broker with Derbyshire-based Middleton Finance, said: It is a very competitive rate. When I speak to clients they can afford the repayments but it is the deposit they struggle with so it is good to see a higher LTV. There are pros and cons to lenders offering exclusive deals to networks. I can understand why they do it because the concern they may have is that if they open it out too widely a lot of people will apply and they have to be able to manage the level of applications but it would be nice if they opened it up to all brokers. Defra secretary Liz Truss and Defra minister George Eustice are at loggerheads over whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union. Ms Truss believes it would be better for the UK to remain an EU member. But Mr Eustice will campaign for an out vote in the forthcoming referendum. The two politicians set out their stalls after prime minister David Cameron confirmed the UK in-out referendum will take place on 23 June. See also: Farm leaders demand answers to great unknowns Ms Truss said: I am backing remain as I believe it is in Britains economic interest and means we can focus on vital economic and social reform at home. But Mr Eustice said he would back the campaign to leave the EU. He said: The prime minister deserves huge credit for delivering this referendum and we now have an opportunity to debate our future, how we are governed and how our laws are made. I have been an advocate of renegotiation for fifteen years but, in the end, despite the endeavours of David Cameron, the sort of fundamental reform I wanted to see was not possible. I have therefore come to the conclusion that the only way to deliver the change I want to see is to vote to leave and end the supremacy of EU law. Mr Eustice said EU membership should be replaced with a new UK-EU partnership instead. I believe if this country has the courage to act decisively and take control, then in five years time the only question people will ask is why we didnt do it sooner. His decision means Mr Eustice is alone among UK ministers with responsibility for agriculture to favour leaving the EU. Scottish rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead is on record as saying that staying in the EU is absolutely crucial for the future of farming in Scotland. In Wales, deputy farm minister Rebecca Evans has previously issued a similar warning, saying it was naive to think agriculture would receive the same level of support outside the EU. Withdrawal from the EU and the effect this would undoubtedly have in respect of the CAP would be absolutely catastrophic for Welsh agriculture. Northern Ireland farm minister Michelle ONeill has also nailed her colours to the in mast. A referendum in favour of an exit would be disastrous for agriculture and rural development, Ms ONeill told the Northern Ireland Assembly on 2 February. It would hinder access to vital EU markets and lead to reduced agricultural support, she said. A farmer is offering a 10,000 reward to anyone who helps police find his stolen tractor. The 45,000 John Deere 7530, with registration AU11 DVX, was taken from a farmyard in Wells Wondy Lane in Gayton, west Norfolk. Thieves loaded the vehicle onto a flatbed lorry sometime between 12pm on Friday 12 February and 3pm on Monday 15 February. See also: Tractor theft rises sharply in central and east areas Farmer Ian Mason believes an organised gang could be responsible for stealing the tractor. He told ITV News he was desperate to get the tractor back because it was ideal for heavy cultivation work. 10,000 reward offered for the return of stolen tractor. Do you have info that will help? https://t.co/msoAfAvWGl pic.twitter.com/sSASeXvvT6 Norfolk Police (@NorfolkPolice) February 19, 2016 Im hoping this will highlight the problem of how many tractors are going missing and what can be done to stop it, said Mr Mason. If I got my tractor back I would be delighted. And if, in the meantime, the people who [stole it] were caught, I would be even more delighted. Anyone with information is asked to call PC Glen Barnes at Hunstanton Police Statiom on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A farmer has been airlifted to hospital after being seriously hurt by cattle. The victim, aged in his 50s, suffered head, neck, back and chest injuries on a farm in Cockfield, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham. Paramedics from the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) were called to the scene at 11.30am on Sunday (21 February). They treated the victim at the scene and then airlifted him to the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough for further treatment. See also: Read the latest health and safety articles Doctors have described his injuries as serious, but his condition was described as stable. He was later transferred to a speciality treatment unit. A GNAAS ambulance spokesman said the farmer had been knocked over and kicked in the head by cattle. The spokesman said: GNAAS was called to assist North East Air Ambulance Service with a farmer that had been knocked over and kicked in the head by cattle on a farm. The patient was treated on scene by the GNAAS team and flown to James Cook where he was handed over in a stable condition. Story Highlights Americans most likely to name North Korea, Russia, China or Iran All four seen as important military or nuclear threats to U.S. Wider spread among nations named as enemies than in earlier years WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Americans are less likely than ever to agree on which country is the greatest enemy of the U.S., but the four countries that crowd the top of the list this year are the same as in Gallup polls in 2014 and 2015: North Korea (16%), Russia (15%), Iran (14%) and China (12%). Americans are continuing last year's trend of identifying a wide array of entities -- including, for the second year in a row, the Islamic State group -- as the United States' greatest enemy. At least 5% of the public named one of six different entities -- five nations and the Islamic State group -- as the top threat. The 16% total for North Korea is the lowest percentage for any country listed as the top threat since Gallup began asking the question. Russia's 18% last year had been the lowest, and China's 20% two years ago was the lowest before that. (The country named by the highest percentage of Americans since 2001 is Iraq, which accounted for 38% of the responses in 2001.) Though the responses are more dispersed, there is continuity at the top. North Korea, Iran and China have consistently ranked high on the list of enemies, dating back to 2005. Americans have not as consistently regarded Russia as the greatest U.S. enemy, but that nation led the list last year. Majorities Dislike All Four, but Make Clear Distinctions Gallup's February World Affairs survey features two other updates on Americans' views of foreign countries: favorability ratings and the perceived economic and military threat that a country poses. A majority of Americans view each of the four countries at the top of the "greatest enemy" list unfavorably. Majorities also see each of the four as threatening the U.S. through military power, economic power or the development of nuclear weapons. But the basic ratings of the countries are not monolithic. Americans are more than five times as likely to have a favorable opinion of China (44%) as to have one of North Korea (8%). Likewise, they are almost twice as likely to consider the development of nuclear weapons by Iran (75%) as a "critical" threat as they are to see Russia's military power (39%) that way. Here's a closer look at the four: North Korea: The nation named most often as the greatest U.S. enemy this year also has the most unfavorable rating of the 21 countries and territories rated -- and has had the lowest rating for three straight years. A majority of U.S. adults (58%) regard its military power as a "critical" threat. Russia: Only four years ago, half of the American public viewed Russia favorably, and only 2% viewed it as the United States' greatest enemy. But a series of events pitting the U.S. and Russia against each other has soured the relationship. Only 30% now have a favorable view of Russia, and 86% regard Russia's military power as either an important (47%) or a critical threat (39%). Iran: Iran topped the "greatest enemy" list five straight times from 2006 to 2012. China moved ahead of it on the 2014 list, as the percentage naming Iran fell from 32% in 2012 to 16% in 2014. It shrank again to 9% in 2015 before the slight increase to 14% this year. Meanwhile, Americans are only slightly more likely to view Iran favorably now (14%) than they were in 2012 (10%), and 75% think the development of nuclear weapons by Iran constitutes a critical threat to the U.S. China: A slim majority of Americans (52%) view China unfavorably, but 87% view its military power as an important or critical threat to the U.S.; 86% feel the same about China's economic power. Bottom Line Though no one country dominates Americans' thinking when they are asked to name the United States' greatest enemy, they most frequently mention North Korea, Russia, Iran and China, and all have ranked highly in recent years. For the past two years, strong majorities of Americans have seen each of the four as threatening to the vital interests of the U.S. in some way -- the military power of Russia and North Korea, the military and the economic power of China and the threat of nuclear weapons for Iran. With almost three-fourths (73%) of the public thinking all four nations are, at the least, an important threat to the U.S., the reason no single nation is thought of as the greatest enemy may not be because Americans see so few threats, but because they see so many. Survey Methods Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted Feb. 3-7, 2016, on the Gallup U.S. Daily survey, with a random sample of 1,021 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. For results based on the total sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error is 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All reported margins of sampling error include computed design effects for weighting. Each sample of national adults includes a minimum quota of 60% cellphone respondents and 40% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Landline and cellular telephone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods. View complete question responses and trends (PDF download). Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works. James (Jahmez) Reismiller died peacefully on September 20th, 2022 of an aortic dissection. We will be celebrating his life on Saturday, October 22nd from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., at the Rotary Shelter at Willamette Park in Corvallis. Memorial contributions are suggested to https://www.gofundme.com/f/jahmez-reismiller or donate generously to your own favorite organization. TODAY Benton Lecture Series, 9:30 a.m., Moreland Auditorium, Benton County Historical Society and Museum, 1101 Main St., Philomath. Coffee followed by lecture at 10. Creating That Which Already Was: Do We Really Want to Fly Like A Bird? Doug Warrick, associate professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at Oregon State University, will explore the historical inspiration of bird flight as a model for the design of human machines. Is bird flight truly a blueprint for aircraft design? Discussion will follow. Sponsored by Marek and Lanker, Pioneer Telephone Cooperative, and Town & Country Realty. Free to members; $5 for nonmembers. Information: 541-929-6230. Center for Genome Research and Biocomputing Seminar, 2 p.m., room 4001, Agricultural and Life Sciences Building, 2750 S.W. Campus Way. Eugene Koonin, NCBI-NIH, will present Discovery of New Genome Editing Systems and Novel Viruses by Genome and Metagenome Mining. In-Group Bias, Opportunism, and the First Amendment: Do Justices Defend the Speech They Hate?, 4 p.m., Horizon Room, Memorial Union, 2501 S.W. Jefferson Way. The death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has once again highlighted the long-term importance of a Supreme Court nominees ideology. Jeff Segal, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Political Science, will report on an observational study that suggests that Supreme Court justices are biased regarding free speech claims from their own ideological grouping. TUESDAY Between Sanders and Trump: Paths for the Left Beyond Electoral Politics, 7 p.m., room 208, La Raza Room, Memorial Union, 2501 S.W. Jefferson Way. Political journalist Arun Gupta discusses this historic presidential campaign and what it means for the future of progressive social movements in the United States. Gupta is a founding editor of the Indypendent magazine and was a founding editor of the Occupy Wall Street Journal. WEDNESDAY Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Departmental Seminar, 11 a.m., room 2001, Agricultural and Life Sciences Building, 2750 S.W. Campus Way. Heather Stapleton, associate professor, Environmental Ethics and Sustainable Environmental Management, Duke University, will present Flame-Retardant Chemicals: Uses, Exposure and Human Health Concerns. Webinar, Discussing Synthetic Drugs, 11 a.m., room 333, Student Health Services, Plageman Building, 108 S.W. Memorial Place. Jill Head, supervisory chemist in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations Special Testing and Research Laboratory, will discuss the history of synthetic drugs, the evolution of synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, and new psychoactive substances, with a focus on newer fentanyl. Thomas Condon Lecture, 7 p.m., Austin Auditorium, LaSells Stewart Center, 875 S.W. 26th St. Ellen Morris Bishop, an Oregon geologist, educator, author and photographer, will present Oregons Climates Through Time: Stories in the Stones. Refreshments will be available at 6:30 p.m. The Condon Lecture, named after a pioneer of Oregon geology, helps interpret significant scientific research for non-scientists. THURSDAY The Prayer-Gauge Debate: Prayer and Healing in the Victorian Era and in Ours, 4 p.m., Journey Room, Memorial Union, 2501 S.W. Jefferson Way. In 1872, the English physicist John Tyndall proposed a scientific experiment to test the efficacy of prayers for the sick in which the mortality rates of one group who would be the object of prayers alone would be compared with those of another group who had received medical treatment. The trial, known as the prayer gauge, never was undertaken, but the proposal engendered much public debate and it signaled the gulf that its proponents believed existed between scientific naturalism and religion. Gary Ferngren will explore the issues the proposal raised, and the continuing relevance of the debate for today. Screening of Naomi Kleins This Changes Everything, 6:30 p.m., LaSells Stewart Center, 875 S.W. 26th St. Filmed over 211 shoot days in nine countries and five continents over four years, the film is an epic attempt to reimagine the challenge of climate change. Directed by Avi Lewis and inspired by Naomi Kleins international nonfiction bestseller This Changes Everything, the film presents seven portraits of communities on the front lines, from Montanas Powder River Basin to the Alberta Tar Sands, from the coast of South India to Beijing and beyond. One the films principal subjects, Crystal Lameman, Treaty Coordinator & Communications Manager for the Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Alberta, Canada, will be on hand. FRIDAY The Future of Community Colleges, 4:30 p.m., Horizon Room, Memorial Room, 2501 S.W. Jefferson Way. The College of Education presents the 12th Annual Charles Carpenter Memorial Betty Duvall, professor emerita, will address the question. PHILOMATH Mike and Tami Kibble were surprised when they received a code violation letter from Philomath City Planner Jim Minard. Despite what they believed had been a positive visit with the city manager the previous week, the longtime Philomath residents were being ordered to remove a recreational vehicle from their property within 45 days or be subject to fines up to $500 per day for each day the violation is allowed to continue. This past March, the Philomath City Council unanimously approved an ordinance amendment to clarify code language on the definition of a recreational vehicle. Minards letter referenced the ordinance that prohibits such structures to be used as a domicile in residential zones. Municipal code 9.15.025 defines RVs as a vehicle that is self-propelled or towed by a motor vehicle and designed for camping, nonpermanent or recreational habitation and that no person shall live, cook, sleep or reside in a recreational vehicle or trailer located on a lot or on a public street for more than five consecutive days nor more than 10 days total in a 30-day period. In this case, the RV currently set up at 436 S. 17th St., is more accurately described as a tiny house that serves as the living quarters for Kyle and Brittney McGann and their young daughter. McGann, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served three tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, is now a full-time student at Oregon State University. The Kibbles live directly next door, purchasing the neighboring property in 2006 when it became available on the market following the death of its owner. They tore down the house but maintained the propertys utilities, including the installation of a power pole and water spigot. This issue of the couples presence in the tiny house apparently came to the attention of the city through a complaint. Chris Workman, city manager, said he also got a complaint about a tiny house at an Applegate Street address but that owner had it sitting temporarily in his driveway while performing maintenance. But in the case of the McGann couple, it has set off a situation that some city councilors seem to believe is not a black-and-white issue. The background Tami Kibble wrote in a letter to councilors that she had the intention of moving her parents up to the property at some future date following the purchase. But following the death of her father, her mom hasnt been ready to leave memories behind and relocate. Prior to the ordinance amendment, the Kibbles helped a young family by allowing them to live on the property for about a year. It was just a way to provide a place for them when they were basically getting their feet on the ground, she said. After they moved on, the Kibbles decided they wanted to help someone who had served their country through military service. We prayed about it and we wanted to bring in a military family and give back they do so much for us and I had the provisions to be able to do that, Mike Kibble said. Tami Kibble said they then offered to help the McGann couple not knowing that we may be doing something wrong that was never our intention. She said they never tried to hide the situation and never received any complaints from neighbors. Kyle just got out of the military, still active, and is a full-time student, she said. Hes been in Iraq and Afghanistan and hes been in the service for 10 years and theyre just trying and its their way to afford and thats what weve provided. The tiny house would serve as their residence while Kyle McGann pursued a degree. We had the house built for us, the shell of it, and had an electrician and plumber come in and do everything to code in the house, Kyle McGann said. And then I came in and actually did a lot of the work myself, too. He is majoring in mechanical engineering. The last deployment really took a lot out of us and out of my husband and so we decided not to do the military life anymore, especially with the baby, Brittney McGann said. And hes going back to school and pursuing his dream. The ordinance The letter from Minard caught the couple off guard. The city manager came out the week before and looked at everything and he said everything looked great; he didnt see anything wrong with it, Mike Kibble said. And so, a week later, we got the note and it was like, well, Im going to do the best I can for these guys because of the situation. Workman said the new ordinance had not entered his mind while on the property visit. Im not a planner by background so Im not as well-versed in these and so I came back to the office after talking to them and said, yeah, its a cute house, looks great and they look like a great couple, great addition to the community, Workman said. I came back and talked to Jim and Jim looks at me and says Chris, youre an idiot. We just passed a new ordinance last year specifically talking about trailers and RVs and people not being able to live in them. Workman then recalled the ordinance and they looked through it. He said it was clear about what is acceptable. These are registered as a recreational vehicle, the codes really clear, Workman said. Youre not allowed to live in recreational vehicles in a residential neighborhood whether its on its own lot or on the street or in a backyard. The codes pretty specific that you cant live in them outside of a mobile home park. Philomath has one mobile home park inside the city limits and two others just outside of town. The code does not allow anyone to reside in a recreational vehicle within the city limits for more than 72 hours. Such homes could become legal if taken off their axles and secured to a foundation, but even then, they must have a minimum square footage of 1,000 square feet. So there are really no allowances for it in the code outside of it being in a mobile home park, Workman said. The city decided that given the situation, they would increase the 72-hour limit to 45 days for the tiny house to be moved. Thats what weve done from the administrative side at this point, Workman said. Its not really about the personalities involved or the situations involved, its about the code written the way its written for a reason. Theres a kind of standard for a residential neighborhood, theres a standard for a commercial district, there are standards for industrial properties and these tiny homes just dont meet the standard that we currently have for residential neighborhoods outside of mobile home parks. The reaction The Kibbles and McGanns canvassed the neighborhood in search of comments from those living near the property. They came back with 48 signatures from families that supported the idea, which was submitted to the council along with letters of support from community members. We never wanted it to be a permanent thing for us, Brittney McGann said. We want more children and Im not doing that in a tiny house. This is just a temporary thing to get our feet under ourselves and for him to pursue his dream and focus on school. Mike Kibble then made a plea to councilors. What we hope to accomplish tonight is for you to open your hearts and have understanding and compassion, he said. Im asking you to make an exception for us and this military family. We have an opportunity tonight to do something great. City councilor Sean Manning said she had driven by the site and was impressed with its appearance. I feel like thats a very different situation than the reason the ordinance was written, Manning said. And I feel like we should consider possibly a grandfathered-in clause. Small towns are meant to be able to sometimes work with our citizens and looking at that and what youve done and your reasons for it, I would encourage us as councilors to consider some kind of exception or whatever we call it in this kind of case. Mike Kibble, who has been collecting garbage in town for the past quarter century and has lived on the same property for 35 years, said he understands the problems. I totally understand what theyre saying when it comes to RVs on the same lot and in the backyard and what you have east of town with big problems, he said. So Im asking, Im really begging for this family because I have an opportunity to let them stay there and complete at least his first year of schooling. Councilor Angie Baca sympathized with the situation and said tiny houses are beginning to gain in popularity and are built to quality standards. To me, its just a house, she said. I dont think this is an RV or a manufactured home or trailer. I think theyre built better than the manufactured homes. The response My take on it is theres a reason why there are mobile home parks, Mayor Rocky Sloan said. There are reasons why in Portland they have areas where they have the tiny houses; they have their own communities. Sloan added that its reasonable for homeowners to wonder if the value of their home will depreciate based on whats going on next door or in the neighborhood, thus, the reason for such ordinances. Although Sloan said its great that neighbors do not mind the presence of the tiny house, he said Im sure the city attorney can back me up we cant be changing an ordinance to put a tiny house on an island surrounded by normal homes. Jim Brewer, city attorney, indicated there could be a way to solve the issue through a couple of extra steps. He said granting the tiny houses occupants additional time to stay at the site while we figure it out probably wouldnt be a bad idea. In the end, the council gave approval by consensus to give the McGann couple more than the previously suggested 45 days to see if a solution could be reached through work with the city attorney and city planner. The matter would then come back to the council at its March meeting to determine if a resolution could be reached. If you could count the number of Democrats in the Oregon House of Representatives, and took one additional step checking to see where those Democrats tended to live you would not have been surprised by last weeks House vote approving an increase in the states minimum wage. Even since Sen. Michael Dembrow, a Portland Democrat, overhauled a proposal from Gov. Kate Brown, and divided the state into three geographic areas, each with a different wage, the proposal was virtually guaranteed to pass. Thats because Dembrows goal in modifying the governors proposal was in part to shore up support among lawmakers from areas of the state that are not Portland. This minimum-wage push has been driven by the Portland metro area. The effort took a statewide turn only in the wake of talk about statewide ballot measures. (Thats why Democratic leaders said it was imperative to deal with the issue in this short session, to forestall those ballot issues, which could have called for more aggressive increases in the wage. Organizers of the potential ballot issue havent yet said whether theyll now drop their efforts. Our guess is that they likely will.) Under the terms of Oregons first-in-the-nation three-tiered minimum wage, the Portland area will have a minimum wage of $14.75 at the end of six years. The middle tier of Oregon counties, including Benton County, will have a minimum wage of $13.50. Sparsely populated Oregon counties will have a minimum wage of $12.50. For contrast, Oregons minimum wage now is $9.25, and its already among the highest in the nation. The federal minimum wage is $7.25. Its a sure thing that Brown will sign the bill, but that wont be the end of the story. For one thing, the measure could trigger a rebellion on on the part of Oregon county governments: Linn County Commissioner Roger Nyquist continues to argue that the minimum wage increase represents an unfunded mandate from the state. As such, he says, its prohibited by the states Constitution, unless the Legislature funds the cost of the increase to local governments. Oddly enough, the bill the Legislature passed does not include that funding; it must have been an oversight prompted by the breakneck pace of the short session. Nyquist said Linn County officials believe that the price tag of the wage increases to the county will top $2 million a year. (Other governmental entities face similar assessments; officials at Oregon State University, for example, estimate that the cost of the measure eventually could top $1.5 million for each two-year budget cycle.) Its not clear yet exactly how Linn County will pursue the unfunded mandate issue. But keep in mind that the county will sue the state over management of state forests as soon as the session is over. Whats another lawsuit among friends? (Its also not clear whether other counties will join the effort against the minimum wage; Nyquist says other counties have expressed an interest. Locally, wed guess that this is one fight Benton County will sit out.) What is certain is this: More twists and turns lie ahead in the minimum-wage story and you can be sure that governments throughout Oregon will be watching to see how the story develops. Dying refugee : Bonn University Clinic reunites refugee family Bonn Medical staff at the Bonn University Clinic worked to reunite a cancer stricken refugee with his wife and children. It was his last wish. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken A small miracle came true this weekend because of the hard work and good will of the medical staff at the Bonn University Clinic. They had been caring for a Syrian man in his last stage of cancer, and Senior Physician, Henning Cuhls said the doctors felt he only had a few days to live. That was four weeks ago and since then, doctors say his condition has stabilized. When he left Syria, he was already aware that he had cancer. He didnt have enough money to pay for smuggling his whole family out so he made his way alone on a treacherous route to Bonn, where his mother and brother had been living for some time already. When his cancer symptoms became acute, he was taken to the emergency clinic. Hospital staff in the palliative care unit began to understand his situation through an online translator as well as some of their communications with the patient. Derya Bozdag and Michaela Hesse were working in the unit, taking care of him and his suffering affected them deeply. They worked incessantly with other supporters until they could secure plans for his wife and two kids to be brought here from Syria. It turns out that they had been living under life threatening conditions in a camp on the Syrian border. As part of their efforts, Bozdag and Hesse and many other supporters wrote to Germanys president and to the Foreign Ministry. Apparently, one of the colleagues receiving the letter must have taken the matter to heart, and made efforts to secure travel permission, said Cuhls. Contact to the wife was established per mobile phone. On Friday evening, she and her two children were allowed to travel and on Saturday, they arrived in Bonn for a reunion with their husband and father. The family is staying with the mother and brother of the cancer stricken refugee. Amazon : Plans for parcel delivery service Foto: Jan-Philipp Strobel Bonn Concerns are brewing in the parcel delivery industry as Amazon makes plans for its own distribution and delivery centers. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Amazons possible entry into the parcel business has put a scare in the industry. Plans for the U.S. giant to begin a parcel delivery service in Germany is worrisome for the established branch. Such a move would likely shake up the current industry. Chairman of the Federation of Package and Express logistics (BIEK), Florian Gerster admitted It gives us a certain sense of anxiety. Amazon has a strong capital position to back any attempt it would make to get its foot in the parcel delivery service in Germany. Gerster felt Amazon would definitely try to become a strong competitor in urban areas. But even there we are optimizing our offers, said Gerster and added that established delivery services would not throw in the towel. Plans were made known at the beginning of the year that Amazon would try to build up its own delivery network in Germany. It has been testing this out at its own distribution center in Munich. Additional Amazon distribution and delivery centers are thought to be in the works for other cities in Germany. According to the newspaper, Suddeutsche Zeitung, Amazon also plans to go head to head with Deutsche Post by putting up automated Packstations. The Packstations are planned for Germany and France. Amazon is not the only firm which concerns the BIEK. Industry leader Deutsche Post DHL is also facing criticism. Gerster accuses the Post of unfair competition in packet delivery. He says its difficult to make enough money in the delivery industry so Deutsche Post uses its profits in mail delivery to bring down its parcel delivery prices. A spokesperson for Deutsche Post said the criticism is unfounded, and that federal authorities found Deutsche Post to be operating in accordance with the law in a March 2015 investigation. Bonn Criminal police have released a photo of a suspected burglar and are asking the public for their help in identifying him. Police are asking for the public to help them identify a man suspected of burglary. He is alleged to have broken into an apartment in Bonn between December 10 and 12 of 2015. Among the items stolen from the apartment was a cell phone. An investigation by the police criminal unit found that the phone was used shortly after the burglary. The content you are looking for has either been removed or requires you to login to view Please login below or register for an account With Naijapals.com This is the touching moment a 106-year-old woman could not restrain herself as she broke into joyful dance after meeting the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama. The woman admitted she never thought she'd live to visit the White House and then gave the president and first lady a surprise of their own. Virginia McLaurin danced her way across the room as she met Barack and Michelle Obama as part of Black History Month.joked the president, clearly taken aback at the diminutive centenarian's energy. The first lady told her: Quote "I want to be like you when I grow up." McLaurin was born in 1909 in South Carolina and moved to Washington, D.C., in 1941, according to a community Facebook page set up for her.She told the Obamas: Quote "I thought I would never live to get in the White House ... I am so happy a black president." The video of the meeting received almost 11 million views on the White House's Facebook page in the first six hours after it was uploaded late Sunday Pushkar-Gayathris Vikram Vedha showcases that a film can be made in any language or for any audience, can be told with the premise & outcome without deviating and keeping the narrative tight. US Intelligence Collection 'Improves,' More Spies Needed to Fight Daesh Sputnik News 21:12 22.02.2016 According to CIA Deputy Director David Cohen, the US needs to recruit additional spies to compensate for the lack of US ground troops in Syria. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The United States is gaining better intelligence on the terrorist group Daesh, also known as the Islamic State (IS), but needs to recruit additional spies using basic espionage tradecraft to compensate for the lack of US ground troops in Syria, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Deputy Director David Cohen said told a news outlet on Monday. 'Collecting intel in a war zone where we have no or very few troops,' is a challenge, Cohen told WTOP news radio. 'So the objective becomes classic, tradecraft training of trusted agents that have access to the area and information.' Cohen added that human intelligence already 'is getting better as ISIL [Daesh] gets ever more paranoid and shrinks into a defensive crouch.' 'Their claim to be a state that's run openly means they are vulnerable to traditional espionage. They can't be a clandestine caliphate, and so a lot of their stuff is open to collection,' he explained in the interview with Washington, DC's leading radio news outlet. Cohen also discussed the complex security environment confronting Washington, apart from the air campaign against Daesh and the group's push to launch terrorist attacks in Europe, the United States and elsewhere. 'One of the realities of the time we live in is that it's a very complex world and there are a number of urgent challenges,' Cohen stated. The CIA Deputy Director also listed additional threats to US interests and its allies, including Russia's continuing involvement in Ukraine, Chinese militarization of the South China Sea and North Korea's development of missiles and nuclear weapons. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Strikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, February 20, 2016 U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Airstrikes in Syria Attack, ground-attack, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft conducted nine airstrikes in Syria: -- Near Hasakah, four strikes struck three separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL fighting position. -- Near Ayn Isa, a strike destroyed an ISIL armored front-end loader. -- Near Dayr Az Zawr, a strike struck an ISIL main gas and oil separation plant. -- Near Manbij, three strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL anti-air artillery piece and three ISIL fighting positions. Airstrikes in Iraq Fighter, attack, ground-attack, and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 16 airstrikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of the Iraqi government: -- Near Baghdadi, a strike destroyed an ISIL weapons cache and three ISIL rocket systems. -- Near Huwayjah, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle. -- Near Albu Hayat, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit. -- Near Fallujah, a strike destroyed an ISIL anti-air artillery piece. -- Near Habbaniyah, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position. -- Near Hit, a strike destroyed an ISIL tunnel entrance. -- Near Mosul, four strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions, four ISIL assembly areas, an ISIL petroleum site, and two ISIL command and control nodes. -- Near Qayyarah, a strike destroyed four ISIL fighting positions. -- Near Ramadi, three strikes struck three separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL anti-air artillery piece, an ISIL vehicle, an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL vehicle bomb making facility, five ISIL staging areas, and an ISIL bed-down location. -- Near Tal Afar, two strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL tunnel system. Part of Operation Inherent Resolve The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dunford, Egyptian Defense Leaders Discuss Bilateral Relationship DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON, February 20, 2016 Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with senior Egyptian military leaders in Cairo today. Dunford visited Cairo to demonstrate U.S. commitment to strengthening the security partnership between Egypt and the United States, according to a Defense Department statement summarizing the meeting. In meetings with Minister of Defense General Sedky Sobhy and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Hegazy, the statement said Dunford affirmed his intent to deepen the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Among the issues the leaders discussed was the challenge of terrorism, where cooperation could be especially beneficial for both sides. Dunford is the nation's highest-ranking military officer and the principal military advisor to President Obama, Defense Secretary Ash Carter, and the National Security Council. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Incumbent Museveni wins Uganda's presidential election for fifth term Iran Press TV Sat Feb 20, 2016 5:6PM Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has won the East African nation's presidential election, extending his three decades in power. Uganda's electoral commission announced on Saturday that Museveni secured 60.8 percent of votes, while his main rival and opposition candidate Kizza Besigye garnered 35.4 percent. Besigye, who is currently under house arrest, rejected Museveni's victory, saying the poll was a "sham." "We have just witnessed what must be the most fraudulent electoral process in Uganda," Besigye said in a statement, calling for an independent audit of the results. The opposition candidate was detained several times over the past days. Meanwhile, European Union observers criticized the poll, saying the East African nation's electoral commission is not independent, adding that the vote was conducted in an intimidating atmosphere. The electoral commission "lacks independence, transparency and the trust of stakeholders," Eduard Kukan, chief observer for the EU mission said. He said the dominance of the political space by President Museveni's ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party "distorted the fairness of the campaign and state actors created an intimidating atmosphere for both voters and candidates." The Thursday elections were marred by late delivery of polling materials, sporadic violence and a government shutdown of social media. Shortly before declaring Museveni the winner, Badru Kiggundu, the electoral commission chief, appealed for calm, saying "the outcome of an elections can either tear or build a country... as Ugandans let us be prepared to exhibit more tolerance." Ugandan elections in 2006 and 2011 were marred by violence over the results, sparking widespread protests in the East African country, particularly in the capital, Kampala. Museveni, who came to power in 1986 after waging a five-year guerrilla war, is hailed by many Ugandans as providing decades of relative peace and economic stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Al-Qaeda terrorists overrun town in southern Yemen Iran Press TV Sat Feb 20, 2016 9:51AM Members of the al-Qaeda terrorist group have reportedly taken over a town in Yemen's southern province of Abyan amid the continuing Saudi war that has thrown the country into chaos. Al-Qaeda militants seized control of the town of Ahwar, located more than 250 kilometers (155 miles) southeast of the capital, Sana'a, on Saturday morning, the Yemen Press news website reported. They slaughtered a number of militiamen loyal to fugitive former Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi there, it added. The militants have set up a number of checkpoints across the town, and also taken control of several government buildings there, the report said. Saudi military aircraft, meanwhile, carried out aerial strikes against a residential neighborhood in the Sirwah district of Yemen's central province of Ma'rib, leveling seven buildings to the ground. There were no immediate reports of possible casualties. On Friday, two children lost their lives and another sustained injuries when artillery rounds fired by Saudi military forces hit a densely-populated area in Yemen's southern province of Ta'izz. Elsewhere, in the Qa'atabah district of the southern province of Dhale, a child was critically wounded after Saudi-backed mercenaries opened fire indiscriminately in an outdoor market. The resident coordinator of the United Nations (UN) in Yemen slammed the lack of international attention to the nearly year-long conflict in Yemen. Speaking at a press conference in Geneva on Friday, Jamie McGoldrick said that "civilians are the losers" of the war and that the crisis in Yemen is being "overlooked" amid greater attention to the Syria conflict. Yemen has been under Saudi attacks since last March in a bid to bring Hadi back to power. The army is a regular target of airstrikes which have taken a heavy toll on the impoverished country's facilities and infrastructure, destroying many hospitals, schools, and factories. More than 8,300 people, among them over 2,235 children, have been killed and 16,015 others injured since March 2015. The al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Yemen has taken advantage of the chaos and the breakdown of security to tighten its grip on parts of southeast Yemen. The Takfiri Daesh terrorist group has also gained ground in and around the main southern city of Aden after the army and their Houthi allies were evicted by a Saudi-led offensive. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO member states wary of Turkey's row with Russia Iran Press TV Sat Feb 20, 2016 9:35AM Some NATO member states have expressed alarm at Turkey's escalation with Russia, saying they would not get involved in a potential confrontation. Officials from NATO members expressed serious concerns about the tensions that have been brewing ever since Turkey's shooting down of a Russian aircraft inside Syria. They are also concerned over Turkish threats to deploy ground troops to Syria, where Russia is carrying out an aerial campaign against terrorist groups on Damascus' request. "The armed forces of the two states are both active in fierce fighting on the Turkish-Syrian border, in some cases just a few kilometers from each other," German magazine Der Spiegel quoted Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn as saying. "NATO cannot allow itself to be pulled into a military escalation with Russia as a result of the recent tensions between Russia and Turkey," Asselborn added. He said that Article 5 of the alliance's founding treaty, which guarantees backing for any of its member countries, in a potential confrontation with a foreign enemy, "is only valid when a member state is clearly attacked." French President Francois Hollande also emphasized on Friday that Ankara's growing involvement in war-ravaged Syria was generating a risk of war between Turkey and Russia. "Turkey is involved in Syria... There, there is a risk of war," said Hollande in remarks to local broadcaster France Inter radio. Der Spiegel cited an unnamed German diplomat as saying, "We are not going to pay the price for a war started by the Turks." NATO's leadership expressed similar concerns soon after Turkey downed the Russian jet within Syrian territory in November 2015, with of the pilots killed by militants on the ground. "We have to avoid that situations, incidents, accidents spiral out of control," NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg said at the time. "I think I've expressed very clearly that we are calling for calm and de-escalation. This is a serious situation." Following Ankara's recent threats to escalate the violence in Syria, Russia called for a UN Security Council meeting to discuss a Moscow-drafted resolution over the growing tensions. "The situation is becoming more tense due to increased tensions on the Syrian-Turkish border and Turkey's stated plans to send troops to northern Syria," read a statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry. The draft resolution called on all states to avoid "provocative rhetoric and inflammatory statements" that could further trigger foreign interference in Syria's internal affairs rather than promoting a political resolution of the conflict. The Security Council meeting was held on Friday, and its veto-wielding Western members the US, France and Britain all rejected the Russian-proposed resolution. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China accuses US of militarizing South China Sea Iran Press TV Sat Feb 20, 2016 7:25AM China has slammed US military build-up in the South China Sea, saying it is Washington, and not Beijing, which is truly militarizing the disputed waters by conducting patrols there. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Friday that patrols by US military aircraft and navy vessels as well as its joint military drills with regional partners are behind "escalated tensions" in the South China Sea. "That's the real militarization of the South China Sea," the Chinese official added. Lei was reacting to similar accusations by the US and Taiwan against China, which criticized Beijing earlier this week for what is said to be the deployment of surface-to-air missiles to Yongxing Island, known as Woody by China's rivals. He further reaffirmed China's sovereignty over Yongxin Islands and said, "There should not be double standards or multi-standards for demilitarization in the South China Sea, and the process requires joint efforts from countries in the region and beyond." On Thursday, US State Department spokesman John Kirby accused China of militarizing the region by placing missiles on Yongxing Island, which is part of the Xisha archipelago, also known as Paracel. US Secretary of State John Kerry also voiced concern over China's "militarization" of the region. Meanwhile, the Philippines has warned of regional consequences after reports of the Chinese deployment. The South China Sea has become a source of tension between China, the US, and some regional countries who are seeking control of trade routes and mineral deposits. However, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said such reports are fabricated by Western media, and that the deployment of "limited and necessary national defense facilities on China's own territory" does not mean the militarization of the disputed waters. Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi also reacted by saying on Thursday that the "limited self-defense facilities deployed on the islands were the result of China's right to self-defense granted by international law, which has nothing to do with militarization. It is natural and fully legitimate." The South China Sea has become a source of tension between China, the US, and some regional countries who are seeking control of trade routes and mineral deposits. The disputed islands are claimed by countries such as Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, which all have overlapping claims with China over the territories in the South China Sea, including the Paracels, Spratly Islands, Pratas Islands and Scarborough Shoal. Washington and China's rivals have been accusing Beijing of attempting to take advantage of the situation and gradually assert control in the South China Sea. Beijing, however, rejects the allegations and accuses Washington of meddling in the regional issues and deliberately stirring up tensions in the South China Sea. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nigeria's Army Establishes Offices to Handle Human Rights Violations by Peter Clottey February 20, 2016 The Nigerian army has established an office of human rights at its headquarters in the capital, Abuja, to continue training officers about the need to respect the rights of citizens in the ongoing fight against Islamic insurgent group Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups, according to military spokesman Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman. Usman's comments came after high-ranking officials of the army, including army chief of staff Tukur Buratai, met with Amnesty International about concerns the rights organization raised in its recent report. The report accused the Nigerian army of gross human rights violations in the fight against Boko Haram militants in parts of Nigeria's north. Accusations Residents of areas attacked by Boko Haram militants often accused soldiers of human rights violations. The military usually denies the accusation. "We have been treating both Boko Haram suspects and the victims with respect and dignity, as humanly possible," Usman said. He said the army has investigated and punished officers accused of committing human rights abuses in the amnesty report. He also said the Nigerian army led by the chief of army staff took proactive measures including consulting the Nigeria Bar Association as well as the national human rights commission in the country. Usman said the Nigerian army respects human rights despite criticisms that officers routinely commit human rights violations without being punished. "We realized in one of the seminars that there was the need to have a human rights desk, a kind of contact person to interface with allegations of human rights abuses by our officers or soldiers,' he said. 'We were able to establish one at the army headquarters for the time being. ... But we are making effort really, to move it outside the barracks from the military environment so that people will feel at will to submitting their complaints whenever such things arise," Usman said. He also said it is regrettable that some soldiers will engage in human rights violations despite the army's laid down procedures prohibiting personnel from engaging in such acts. Welcome complaints Usman said the arm's human rights office would welcome complaints or feedback from people who feel aggrieved on human rights violations committed by soldiers. "We have been training soldiers both locally and abroad," he said. "Beyond that we have also included the teaching of human rights and humanitarian law in all our training schools. 'We have also opened liaison with the Nigerian human rights commission, and the Nigerian bar association. ... The whole essence is to enhance our performance, especially as regards to respect and protection of human rights either in peace time or in war time or during operations,' he added. Some human rights groups said they expect a bit of resistance from soldiers who are on the front lines fighting Boko Haram because they, some of them, have been getting away with rights violations over the years. Report on fellow soldiers They called on the army to encourage soldiers to feel free to report their comrades who commit rights violations without the fear of victimization by their superiors. "We have been talking to opinion leaders, [and] we have also in our own way [been] sensitizing the public,'he said. 'With the establishment of the human rights desk, it is just not enough to be at the army headquarters. It is going down to the various formations and units of the Nigerian army, so that the public will be aware. And if anybody has any complaints about human rights abuses, to the contact person," Usman said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Former PM Touadera Elected CAR President by Nick Long February 20, 2016 Faustin Archange Touadera, former prime minister of the Central African Republic, on Saturday was declared the winner of the February 14 presidential election. Marie Madeleine Nkoet, president of the national election authority, read poll results to reporters, saying Touadera had come in first with 695,000 votes, or 62.7 percent. Georges Anicet Dologuele, who came in first in the first round, obtained just over 413,000 votes in the runoff, or 37.3 percent, she said. Out of 1.95 million registered voters, 1.15 million cast ballots, about 59 percent. Results of the first round of the parliamentary poll were not announced Saturday but were expected soon. Touadera supporters, including many of the city's taxi drivers, celebrated his victory noisily, and celebrations looked set to continue into the night. Touadera's campaign director, Simplice Sarandji, reacted to the election results by saying it was not the time for invective but time for peace and love. He called on all Central Africans to commit to living in harmony with each other in the interests of the nation. It is hoped the elections will close a particularly turbulent chapter in CAR history. In the conflicts of the past four years, the government, which always had difficulty exercising authority outside the capital, virtually ceased to exist. Security in the country is still largely provided by some 13,000 international peacekeepers, and the administration depends on subsidies from donors. The new president has pledged to rebuild the state, working closely with the international community. Observers said Touadera's election victory stemmed from the reputation he gained as prime minister between 2008 and 2013, when government worker salaries were paid regularly. Although only some 24,000 Central Africans are on the government's payroll, many of them help provide for dozens of people besides their immediate families. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Coalition Continues Counter-ISIL Strikes in Syria, Iraq From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, February 21, 2016 U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Airstrikes in Syria Attack, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 18 airstrikes in Syria: -- Near Hasakah, nine strikes struck eight separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL fighting position, six ISIL buildings, and an ISIL vehicle. -- Near Hawl, five strikes struck five separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL vehicle and two ISIL structures. -- Near Raqqah, a strike destroyed an ISIL vehicle. -- Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed an ISIL culvert bridge and two ISIL-used logistics routes. -- Near Manbij, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit. Airstrikes in Iraq Coalition forces, using rocket artillery and fighter, attack, and remotely piloted aircraft, conducted 20 airstrikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of the Iraqi government: -- Near Baghdadi, three strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL supply caches, an ISIL mortar system, 16 ISIL rocket rails, an ISIL weapons cache, and an ISIL vehicle. -- Near Habbaniyah, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position. -- Near Hit, two strikes struck an ISIL weapons production facility and destroyed an ISIL vehicle. -- Near Mosul, 10 strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL logistical facility, an ISIL fuel storage location, an ISIL mortar booster factory, an ISIL explosive factory, and an ISIL vehicle bomb factory; suppressed an ISIL mortar position and an ISIL heavy machine gun position; and destroyed nine ISIL assembly areas, an ISIL fighting position and two ISIL command and control nodes. -- Near Qayyarah, two strikes destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL assembly area. -- Near Ramadi, a strike destroyed an ISIL vehicle and two ISIL fighting positions. -- Near Sinjar, a strike destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and suppressed an ISIL rocket position. Part of Operation Inherent Resolve The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi military base captured by Yemeni forces Iran Press TV Sun Feb 21, 2016 7:15PM Yemeni army forces, backed by fighters from allied Popular Committees, have gained control of a military base in Saudi Arabia's Najran Province. Yemen's Arabic-language al-Masirah news website reported that as part of the retaliatory campaign for relentless Saudi military attacks against the impoverished nation, Yemeni forces on Sunday managed to seize control of Nahuqeh military base. The report said the Yemeni forces' attack on the base started with rocket fire and continued with a ground offensive, forcing the Saudi troops to flee. Yemeni forces destroyed one military vehicle and an observation tower in this attack. They also seized a huge cache of munitions in the operation. Al-Masirah also reported a separate retaliatory rocket attack by Yemeni forces on Sunday in the city of Rabu'eh in Asir Province, destroying two Saudi military vehicles and an ammunition depot. Meanwhile, Saudi warplanes bombarded Qafr region in the northwestern Saddah Province six times on Sunday, killing 30 people, including women and children, according to al-Masirah. Al-Masirah added that Yemeni authorities expect the death toll from these deadly bombings to increase. Yemen's official Saba Net news agency reported that six Yemenis had been killed in a Saudi bombing attack in Bani Zabia region in Sana'a Province. The six dead were reportedly civilians riding in a car. Yemen has been under military attacks by Saudi Arabia since late March last year. The Saudi military strikes were launched in a failed effort to undermine the popular Houthi Ansarullah movement and bring the former fugitive president back to power. More than 8,300 people, among them 2,236 children, have been killed and 16,015 others injured since the start of the attacks. The strikes have also taken a heavy toll on the impoverished country's facilities and infrastructure, destroying many hospitals, schools, and factories. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni forces bring down Saudi spy drone in Jizan Iran Press TV Sun Feb 21, 2016 10:58AM Yemeni forces have successfully brought down a Saudi spy drone in the kingdom's southwestern border region of Jizan, reports say. Yemeni media said a technical team of the army and allied Houthi Ansarullah fighters managed to bring down the aircraft intact on Sunday. Saudi authorities have not yet released any comment on the incident. In another development, the Yemeni army fired a Qaher 1 ballistic missile at a gathering of the Saudi-backed militants loyal to Yemen's fugitive former president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, in the Maraziq dessert in Jawf Province. There were no immediate reports of possible casualties and the extent of damage. Saudi airstrikes continue unabated Saudi warplanes continued airstrikes against various parts of Yemen on Sunday. Two dozen people, including 10 children, lost their lives in strikes on the Hidan district of Yemen's northern province of Sa'ada. Riyadh's fighter jets also bombarded the Sahar district of Sa'ada and a number of areas in Ma'rib Province. The Yemeni capital city of Sana'a, too, came under frequent Saudi bombardment. Saudi Arabia began its deadly campaign against Yemen in late March 2015. The strikes have been meant to undermine Ansarullah and restore power to Hadi. Over 8,300 people have been killed and more than 16,000 others injured since Riyadh launched the campaign. The Saudi war has also taken a heavy toll on Yemen's facilities and infrastructure. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Roadside bombs kill 11 civilians, injure 2 in southeast Afghanistan Iran Press TV Sun Feb 21, 2016 5:12AM Nearly a dozen civilians have lost their lives and two others sustained injuries in separate bomb explosions that struck their vehicles in Afghanistan's southeastern province of Paktika in the past few days. Local resident, Syed Noor, said a car was traveling along a road in the Waza Khwa district of the province, located approximately 175 kilometers (108 miles) southeast of the capital, Kabul, on Saturday evening. The vehicle touched off an improvised explosive device, and the ensuing blast killed the driver, a woman and her two children. Another civilian was seriously wounded. Provincial council chairman, Abdul Ghani Paktin, said one man was killed and another injured, when their motorbike struck a roadside bomb in the same district later in the day. The developments came only two days after six members of a single family, including four children, were killed in the explosion of an improvised explosive device that ripped through their vehicle in the Waza Khwa district of Paktika Province. No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the acts of terror. However, such incidents are usually blamed on Taliban militants. Roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices are by far the most lethal weapons Taliban militants use against Afghan forces, foreign troopers and civilians. Afghanistan is gripped by insecurity more than 14 years after the United States and its allies attacked the country as part of Washington's so-called war on terror. Although the 2001 attack overthrew the Taliban, many areas across Afghanistan still face violence and insecurity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Former premier, math professor wins CAR presidential runoff Iran Press TV Sun Feb 21, 2016 2:30AM A former Central African Republic (CAR) premier has been elected following the country's presidential runoff, vowing to end corruption and instability in the country. The CAR's national electoral authority (ANE) announced on Saturday that 58-year-old Faustin-Archange Touadera, also a former mathematics professor, secured 62.71 percent of votes cast in the February 14 presidential election, while his rival, Anicet-Georges Dologuele, earned only 37.29 percent of votes. In the initial presidential race held on December 30 last year, Dologuele and Touadera had secured about 24 percent and 19 percent of the votes, respectively. The election results are considered as provisional and have to be confirmed by the Constitutional Court to become final. Touadera's campaign focused on corruption, restoring security, bridging the Christian-Muslim divide and boosting economy in the war-ravaged country Dologuele, the defeated rival who is also a former prime minister, said that he accepted the results although he believed there was a "massive fraud" in the second round. The CAR plunged into crisis in December 2013, when Christian anti-balaka militia began coordinated attacks against the country's mostly Muslim Seleka group, which toppled the government of former president, Francois Bozize, in 2013. France invaded its former colony after the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution giving the African Union and France the go-ahead to send troops to the country. However, the foreign mission has failed to contain violence. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Withdrawal From Afghanistan 'Emboldened' Taliban, Raised Civilian Deaths Sputnik News 21:38 21.02.2016(updated 21:43 21.02.2016) The US and NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan emboldened the Taliban to carry out more daring attacks in populated areas, a general in the country's interior forces told Sputnik Dari. In 2015, following the US and NATO pullout, Afghanistan suffered its greatest civilian losses since 2009, half of them among women and children. According to Col. Gen. Abdoul Hadi Khaled, Afghanistan's former deputy Interior Minister, the US and NATO have essentially abandoned the country's army to its fate, leaving it unprepared to deal with a resurgent Taliban. 'In 2015, the US and NATO withdrew around 140 thousand troops from Afghanistan, while the remaining 10 thousand no longer participated in the combat. At that time our army was not fully ready to act independently. The Air Force was weak, both combat and transport aviation. There was no necessary air support for ground attacks,' Khaled told Sputnik Dari. At the same time the withdrawal emboldened the Taliban, according to Khaled, making it believe that it was them that made the international forces withdraw. As a result, the Taliban attacked several provinces, and was able to hold considerable gains. 'On top of that, all of these bandits, robbers, thieves, Talibs and drug traffickers were able to unite. They used the most brutal tactics, they moved the war to the villages and hamlets, attacks were carried out in crowded places, in a single blast to hundreds of people perished. This explains the numerous civilian casualties,' Khaled told Sputnik Dari. Despite the trials, the people of Afghanistan were able to withstand the Taliban in 2015, he added, despite the high cost. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tunisian President Extends State of Emergency for Another Month Sputnik News 20:50 21.02.2016 Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi decided once again to declare a state of emergency for a month, starting from February 22, 2016, according to official statement. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi on Sunday extended for another month a state of emergency in the country. In November, a bomb hit a bus carrying elite presidential guards in Tunisia's capital city Tunis, killing 13 and injuring 20. Following the attack, Essebsi declared a state of emergency, saying that the country was at war against terrorism. Late December, the state of emergency was extended for another two months. 'After consulting with the prime minister and the speaker of the parliament on security issues, the situation at the borders and in the region as a whole, the president of the republic has decided once again to declare a state of emergency for a month, starting from February 22, 2016,' the statement on the Tunisian presidency Facebook page reads. Tunisia has been a target for terrorists, including the notorious Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) extremist group, which is outlawed in many countries including Russia. On March 18, a group of gunmen dressed in military uniforms opened fire on tourists at the National Bardo Museum near the parliament building in Tunis, killing 22 and injuring more than 47, mostly tourists. The Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack. The Daesh radicals have carried out another attack in the country in August, killing 38 holidaymakers on a beach in the town of Sousse. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi-Led Coalition Airstrike Kills 30 in North Yemen Sputnik News 18:38 21.02.2016 At least 12 children and 10 women were killed during an airstrike by a Saudi-led coalition against the Shiite Houthis in Yemen, according to a local source. SANAA (Sputnik) An airstrike by a Saudi-led coalition against the Shiite Houthis killed over 30 people in the northwestern Yemeni province of Saada, a local source told Sputnik on Sunday. 'Coalition fighter jets conducted a series of strikes in the Gafira area, resulting in the deaths of 31 people and dozens injuries. Ten houses were completely destroyed,' the unnamed source said. The source said the bodies of at least 12 children and 10 women had been discovered at the site. The Saudi-led coalition carried out airstrikes on the southwestern province of Taiz earlier, including on a hospital near the strategic port of Mocha. The Saudi-led coalition of Sunni Arab countries launched its campaign against the Houthi insurgency, at the request of Yemen's President-in-exile Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, in March 2015. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Military Strikes Hit ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, February 22, 2016 U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Strikes in Syria Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 14 strikes in Syria: -- Near Hasakah, seven strikes struck five separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL fighting position, four ISIL buildings and four ISIL vehicles and suppressed an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL heavy machine gun. -- Near Hawl, two strikes destroyed two ISIL-used bridges. -- Near Ayn Isa, two strikes destroyed three ISIL buildings and two ISIL fighting positions and suppressed an ISIL fighting position. -- Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes struck three ISIL-used logistics routes. Strikes in Iraq Fighter aircraft conducted five strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq's government: -- Near Fallujah, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and suppressed an ISIL fighting position. -- Near Mosul, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle. -- Near Ramadi, a strike struck a large ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL staging area. -- Near Sinjar, two strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and suppressed an ISIL heavy machine gun position. Task force officials define a strike as one or more kinetic events that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single, sometimes cumulative, effect. Therefore, officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIL vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against buildings, vehicles and weapon systems in a compound, for example, having the cumulative effect of making those targets harder or impossible for ISIL to use. Accordingly, officials said, they do not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target. Part of Operation Inherent Resolve The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said. Coalition nations conducting strikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting strikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Anchorage Concludes Visit to Broadway Pier in Downtown San Diego Navy News Service Story Number: NNS160222-10 Release Date: 2/22/2016 10:10:00 AM By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Dickinson, USS Anchorage (LPD 23) Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) pulled out of Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego, Feb. 19, after hosting over 2,400 locals and foreign nationals for tours of the ship. 'We were honored to host 2,400 civilians on our ship this week,' said Capt. J.J. Cummings, commanding officer of Anchorage. 'The Broadway Pier event was a fantastic opportunity for the general public to get an inside look at a brand new warship and, more importantly, meet some of the finest young men and women our nation has to offer; our Sailors and Marines.' Anchorage was tugged from its pier on Naval Base San Diego to Broadway Pier, Feb. 17, sharing the downtown spotlight with decommissioned aircraft carrier museum ship USS Midway (CV 41). After manning the rails and mooring, Anchorage opened up to the public, Feb. 17 and 18, showcasing how an amphibious transport dock ship looks and operates. 'You will always meet interesting people when you open up a warship to the public,' said Lt. j.g. Zachary Dryden, Anchorage's community outreach coordinator for the visit. 'Some will be veterans [who] love to tell you how it was when they were in, or civilian military buffs [who]sometimes ask off-the-wall questions. But those are usually the best people because you can tell they are genuinely interested in the ship and the jobs that the Sailors are doing on board.' Sailors and Marines assigned to Anchorage served as tour guides, showing the tour groups everything from the well deck to the bridge. 'I had a lot of fun telling people about the ship,' said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Ryan Bannon. 'Everybody was so courteous and thankful for what we do out here, and I met a lot of great people. I'm glad we had a great turnout of people that wanted to visit Anchorage and I know the Sailors genuinely enjoyed showing off where they work and lived for the past deployment.' Anchorage, homeported in San Diego, is the 7th ship in its class and was commissioned in her namesake city May 4, 2013. Anchorage is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, and is in port in San Diego awaiting a continuous maintenance availability (CMAV) to receive upgrades and repairs. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NDW Switches to Alternate Fuel Vehicles, Reduces Petroleum Consumption Navy News Service Story Number: NNS160222-06 Release Date: 2/22/2016 8:58:00 AM By Lt. Cmdr. James Shefchik, Naval District Washington Naval Facilities Engineering Command WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Naval District Washington (NDW) is taking the steps to follow the mandate from Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus for use of alternative fuel vehicles and reduce petroleum consumption. According to executive order 13423, all U.S. government agencies, including the Navy, are required to implement policies to meet goals of energy consumption reduction and increasing the use of alternative fuels. 'Reducing our dependence on petroleum is crucial to the Navy's energy security and independence,' said NDW Transportation Program Director Frank Nguyenduc. 'The 20 percent reduction in petroleum use will be achieved by investing in alternative fuel vehicles and in more efficient vehicles. Our experience has shown us that there are many more opportunities for reduction, while meeting all mission requirements.' Alternative fuel vehicles include plug-in hybrid, electric, hydrogen, biodiesel, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and dual-fuel vehicles. When a vehicle should be changed out, the Navy invested in alternative fuel vehicles by replacing the older petroleum-reliant vehicles with alternative fuel vehicles. 'Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC), in partnership with Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), is implementing mandates to increase use by all Navy personnel of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles,' said Nguyenduc. 'Presently, within the Naval District Washington area, there are 999 E85 fuel-capable vehicles.' To increase alternative fuel use and reduce petroleum consumption, CNIC and NAVFAC policies require E85 vehicles on Navy shore activities within a reasonable distance (5 miles or 15 minutes) of an E85 fueling station to fill up using E85 fuel. Throughout 2015, NWD avoided the use of approximately 5,000 gallons of gasoline each month with vehicles capable of using E85, a blend containing 85 percent plant-based ethanol, comparable to gasoline. With the fleet we have now, by exclusively using E85 in E85 vehicles, NDW will immediately reduce gasoline use by another 20,000 gallons monthly. Nguyenduc explained in addition to the E85 fuel vehicles, NAVFAC currently has four Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid vehicles throughout the Washington, D.C. area; two on the Washington Navy Yard and two on Naval Support Activity (NSA) South Potomac. While these vehicles are capable of running on gasoline, the majority of operations are performed within the 70 mile operating range of the onboard electric battery. 'To maximize the impact of these vehicles, operators should ensure that the vehicles are plugged in at every opportunity,' said Nguyenduc. 'Of course to allow this, drivers of non-electric vehicles should take care to avoid parking in spots with charging stations. In addition to dedicated spots for each of the four Chevy Volts, there are eight charging stations at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and one at Naval Air Station Patuxent River that are ready to support plug-in hybrid vehicles as they become available. NSA Annapolis has 10 electric slow-moving vehicles intended for on-base use only.' NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Indian forces end three-day gunbattle in disputed Kashmir Iran Press TV Mon Feb 22, 2016 5:22PM Indian security forces have ended a three-day gunbattle, after killing all militants who stormed a government-run facility in the disputed Kashmir region. Deputy Inspector General of Police Ghulam Hassan Bhat said on Monday that troops killed the militants, believed to be anti-India rebels, holed up in the five-storey building on the outskirts of Kashmir's main city of Srinagar. 'The encounter is over. All three militants have been killed,' the senior police official said This came after the assailants attacked a military convoy before storming a government-run training facility in the disputed region on Saturday. The ensuing clashes left dead three Indian army commandos, two policemen and a civilian. Indian forces fired mortar bombs, while the Kashmiris responded with automatic weapons and hand grenades during the three-day long violent clashes. About 120 people, who were inside the complex at the time of the attack, were evacuated. The incident came as Indian troops are also in constant clashes with the armed groups seeking independence across the Muslim-majority valley of Kashmir. The New Delhi government has deployed large contingents of police and paramilitary troops in the troubled region to prevent street demonstrations. Kashmir lies at the heart of a bitter territorial dispute since India and Pakistan became independent in 1947. Cross-border frictions have recently flared up between troops from the two neighbors along the disputed de facto border in Kashmir. The two sides have accused each other of provocation. New Delhi and Islamabad both claim the region in full, but rule parts of it. The two countries have fought two wars over the disputed region. India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire in Kashmir on November 26, 2003, and launched a peace process the following year. Since then, there have been sporadic clashes, with the two sides trading accusations of violating the ceasefire along their de facto border dividing the disputed region. Thousands of people have been killed in the unrest in Kashmir over the past two decades. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi bombardment kills 60 across Yemen Iran Press TV Mon Feb 22, 2016 5:10PM Saudi Arabia's relentless bombardment of residential areas across Yemen has killed dozens of people in a matter of hours. Yemeni media said on Monday that around 60 people, many of them women and children, were killed as Saudi warplanes pounded areas in various provinces. At least 24 people were reportedly killed in Saudis' bombardment of houses in Wadi Khared district in the northern province of Jawf. Earlier in the morning, a mother and her five children were killed after Saudi fighter jets targeted their house in Bani Zabyan district, north of the capital Sana'a. Another 30 were killed in an attack on Ghaferah region in the northern Sa'ada Province while attacks were also reported in the provinces of Ma'rib, Lahij and Hajjah. The carnage is the latest in Saudi Arabia's nearly one-year of air strikes against its southern neighbor, in a bid to undermine the ruling Houthi Ansarullah movement and allied military units. More than 8,300 people, among them 2,236 children, have been killed and 16,015 others injured since the start of the attacks. The strikes have also taken a heavy toll on the impoverished country's facilities and infrastructure, destroying many hospitals, schools, and factories. The Houthis, who control much of the country including the capital, have responded to Saudi attacks by targeting the southern territories of the kingdom as well as gatherings of Saudi ground troops and their allies inside Yemen. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China Sea deployments no different from that of US on Hawaii: Official Iran Press TV Mon Feb 22, 2016 3:6PM The Chinese Foreign Ministry says Beijing's military deployments in the South China Sea are no different from that of US on Hawaii. 'China's deploying necessary, limited defensive facilities on its own territory is not substantively different from the United States defending Hawaii,' Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a news briefing on Monday. Hawaii is internationally recognized as a state of the United States of America. However, there is critique regarding the international legality of Hawaii status. Elsewhere in her remarks, Hua also hit back at accusations by US officials that Beijing is creating tension in the region by building military facilities on the islands, saying it is Washington that's raising tensions through conducting frequent naval and air operations in the disputed waters. 'The US is not involved in the South China Sea dispute, and this is not and should not become a problem between China and the United States,' she added. In recent months, tensions have been rising between Washington and Beijing over the situation in the disputed waters. Washington and its allies accuse Beijing of militarization of the South China Sea, while China puts the blame on US provocations there. A senior US navy official has recently called for international naval operations in the South China Sea to tackle Beijing's alleged expansionism. US Secretary of State John Kerry has also voiced concern over China's "militarization" of the region. The South China Sea has become a source of tension between China, the US, and some regional countries seeking control of trade routes and mineral deposits. Washington and China's rivals have been accusing Beijing of attempting to take advantage of the situation and gradually assert control in the South China Sea. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said such reports are fabricated by Western media, and that the deployment of "limited and necessary national defense facilities on China's own territory" does not mean the militarization of the disputed waters. Beijing accuses Washington of meddling in the regional issues and deliberately stirring up tensions in the South China Sea. The disputed islands are claimed by countries such as Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address S Korea Urges Japan to Stop Provocations on Disputed Islands Sputnik News 15:23 22.02.2016(updated 15:38 22.02.2016) Seoul called on Monday on Tokyo to cease provocations to defend its right to the Liancourt Rocks islands that are the subject of territorial disputes between the two countries, according to a statement by the South Korean Foreign Ministry. TOKYO (Sputnik) Earlier in the day, Japan said it would 'continue clarifications both domestically and abroad' on the disputed islands, which are also known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea. 'The ROK [Republic of Korea] government strongly urges the Japanese government to immediately stop any provocation over Dokdo, which is clearly an integral part of the ROK's territory in terms of history, geography and international law, and to humbly face up to Imperial Japan's history of aggression,' the statement reads. The Liancourt Rocks have been administered by South Korea since 1954, but Japan disputes Seoul's sovereignty over the territory. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Afghan Military Downplays Recent Troop Withdrawal by Ayaz Gul February 22, 2016 Afghanistan's military has downplayed the recent withdrawal of troops from bases in a restive southern province, saying "logistics" and "tactical" reasons prompted the move. This comes as Afghan, Pakistani, Chinese and U.S. officials prepare to meet in Kabul for a new round of four-way discussions to promote Afghan peace talks. The military retreat over the past few days from Musa Qala and nearby Nawzad districts is said to have enabled the resurgent Taliban to further expand its influence in the largest Afghan province of Helmand. Deputy Army Chief General Murad Ali Murad, while addressing a news conference in Kabul Monday, dismissed criticism Afghan forces have retreated from the area under pressure from the insurgents. He asserted the troops had been engaged in combat operations for many months and they remained busy throughout the winter because the military was unable to send reinforcements to allow them to rest and see their families. General Murad said that in view of the area commander's recommendations, some Afghan forces were ordered to vacate their posts and relocate to a place where they could be retrained to improve their skills and get in touch with their families. He went on to add that the move would allow the forces to better prepare for the coming spring fighting. U.S. Army spokesman Col. Michael Lawhorn, when contacted by VOA, confirmed the decision by the Afghan army's 215th Corps. "Helmand continues to be a contentious area. The 215th Corps commander is making a tactical decision to reposition forces to fight the Taliban more effectively and to protect the Afghan people. The 215th is also reducing the number of checkpoints, which will result in more mobile forces," he said. Fighting has been raging for months in the poppy-growing province of Helmand and Taliban advances have allowed the insurgent group to control or influence most of its districts. The worsening security situation and ongoing Taliban offensives have inflicted heavy casualties on civilians. The Afghan Human Rights office in Helmand says 20 civilians have been killed and 250 others, including 159 children and 73 women, were wounded in the past two months. The withdrawal of government forces, some critics say, could embolden the Taliban to stage an offensive in the nearby Kajaki district, where the United States has spent millions of dollars to construct a huge hydroelectric dam to enable local authorities provide power to Helmand and neighboring Kandahar provinces, both of them traditional Taliban heartlands. The controversial move has fueled skepticism over the capacity of Afghan security forces to hold back the Taliban on their own after the withdrawal of international forces in 2014. The Islamist insurgency already controls or threatens around a third of Afghanistan in the wake of its territorial advances over the past year. The Taliban, however, has failed to capture major provincial centers other than briefly overrunning the northern city of Kunduz in September. American military advisers are already in Helmand to advise, train and assist Afghan security forces and more U.S. troops were deployed to the troubled region in recent weeks to enhance the support mission. Claims for recent blast Meanwhile, a Taliban suicide bomber struck a police convoy in the northern Parwan province on Monday. The powerful explosion killed at least 13 people, including four officers. In a statement sent to reporters, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed it was behind the blast and senior police commanders were among those killed. The violence comes as the diplomats from Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States and China are expected to announce a date and venue for possible direct peace talks between Taliban and Afghan government negotiators. Officials from the four countries meet in Kabul Tuesday for a fourth round of their so-called Quadrilateral Coordination Group seeking a negotiated settlement to the conflict. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ugandan Police Re-arrest Opposition Leader Besigye by VOA News February 22, 2016 Police in Uganda arrested opposition leader Kizza Besigye again Monday, days after he lost a presidential election he says was fraudulent. Besigye had planned to go Monday to the headquarters of the electoral commission in the capital, Kampala, to collect evidence as he weighs whether to file a legal challenge. Authorities also raided his party's headquarters and seized data that party officials used for their own tally of the votes. Besigye was arrested multiple times in the past week, and throughout the lead-up to Thursday's election that gave President Yoweri Museveni another term in office. Police put Besigye under house arrest Friday and said the move was meant to stop him from leading protests against Museveni's win that could turn violent. The opposition leader responded by urging his supporters to protest his detention and the election results. Election results, fraud allegations Official results gave Museveni about 61 percent of the vote compared to 35 percent for Besigye. The president has ruled Uganda since taking power in a 1986 coup. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo said in a statement Monday that authorities should remove any restrictions on political leaders' movements. He did not mention Besigye by name, but also urged the government and opposition parties to engage in dialogue and exercise restraint. Obasanjo led the Commonwealth Observer Group, which said the election lacked a level playing field, featured allegations of misuses of state resources and raised questions about ballot secrecy. The European Union's election observer mission released a statement saying the ruling NRM party's domination of the political landscape 'distorted the fairness of the campaign and state actors created an intimidating atmosphere for both voters and candidates' on election day and the days following. In a statement Saturday, U.S. State Department Spokesman Mark Toner said that while the elections had been peaceful, their conduct was 'deeply inconsistent with international standards and expectations for any democratic process.' NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ugandan Lawyers: Better Ways for Government to Deal With Besigye by Jill Craig February 22, 2016 Kizza Besigye was arrested again Monday, the latest in a series of arrests for Uganda's main opposition candidate who lost Thursday's elections to incumbent President Yoweri Museveni. Besigye had intended to lead a protest march from his home to the electoral commission, where he would gather evidence that he said would help him decide whether to contest his loss at the Supreme Court. Police "arrested him the moment he went outside his gate, and took him to Naggalama police station," about 38 kilometers northeast of Kampala, Besigye's attorney said. Challenge allowed Peter Magelah, an attorney and project manager at Chapter Four, a civil rights organization based in Kampala, said if a candidate doesn't agree with the outcome of the election, he or she can file a challenge with the Supreme Court within 10 days of the announcement of the results. The candidate must supply evidence to support the case. "If the ruling government believes it won the vote genuinely, let him challenge," Magelah said. "Because if there is no evidence, he will still lose in court, so it defeats justice, it defeats reason to try and block him from accessing that evidence to go to court." Instead, Magelah said security forces should have helped Besigye. "To me, my advice would have been, let police and the security agencies give him a way to look for the evidence, the evidence he's looking for, and make sure he's safe, and the other people are safe," he said. Kampala attorney Robert Kirunda offered a different solution to how security forces should have dealt with Besigye's planned march to the electoral commission. 'Drive the evidence to him' "It is fair for the police to say that he cannot disturb the peace while doing that," Kirunda said. "What they should have done is drive the evidence to him. ... I think an easy way out would have been ... get all the documents he is asking for, take them to his house, he has a lavish home on a 40-acre piece of land, he has enough space to accommodate any evidence." Kirunda pointed out that police arrested Besigye before he committed an offense, a practice known in Uganda as "preventive arrest." "If you say it's preventive arrest, then allow him access to counsel,' he said. 'But there is a clear mischief here that he [Besigye] is trying to address and the mischief is that for you to put together a good presidential petition, you need credible evidence," Kirunda said. "The credible evidence can only be obtained either from the electoral commission or from his agents, especially here if the issue is the tallying of results. 'If he [Besigye] can do neither, he can't meet with agents, he can't meet with counsel, he can't go to the electoral commission for forms, then there's a fundamentally big problem here,' Kirunda added. Reason to detain Kampala police spokesman Patrick Onyango said Besigye was detained for mobilizing "a group of youth to storm the electoral commission," who Onyango said "planned to cause violence" in Kampala. The Ugandan electoral commission said President Museveni won Thursday's elections with about 60.8 percent of the vote, compared to Besigye's 35.4 percent. The opposition has accused Museveni operatives of vote-rigging, while Museveni has said that a European Union observer mission was wrong and "not serious" after they reported that the elections had been conducted in an "intimidating" atmosphere, undermined by a "lack of transparency and independence" at the electoral commission. Museveni has been in power since 1986, when his National Resistance Army took control of Uganda by force, pulling the country out of chaos following a guerrilla war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Space Intelligence Center to Receive New Radars - Chief Sputnik News 20:59 22.02.2016(updated 21:07 22.02.2016) Russia's Main Space Intelligence Center will receive new radars, optical electronics and advanced means of technical surveillance in the near future. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Russia's Main Space Intelligence Center, a component of the Aerospace Forces, will receive new radars, optical electronics and advanced means of technical surveillance in the near future, its chief said Monday. 'The Main Center will receive new radar, optical and electronic means, the latest means of technical control and many others in the near future,' Col. Andrei Kalyuta said in an interview with the Russian News Service radio. The center's main objective, he added, is tracking foreign spacecraft and space systems. 'But not least important is the monitoring of our own spacecraft to ensure their safe operation,' the colonel stressed. As part of last year's efforts, the Main Space Intelligence Center's more than 300 experts conducted around 2,000 special operations, in which 930 space objects have been detected and accompanied, Kaluyta assessed. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea fires artillery near sea border with South: Seoul Iran Press TV Sat Feb 20, 2016 5:48AM Seoul says North Korea has fired artillery shots during an apparent military exercise near a disputed maritime border with the South amid heightened tensions between the two neighbors. The North Korean army fired "a few artillery rounds" on Saturday morning from a battery at Jangsangot promontory on its southern coast, the South's Defense Ministry said in a statement. Pyongyang "is believed to have conducted a military drill" north of the disputed sea frontline with the South, the statement added. It added that Saturday's firing prompted Seoul to call on residents on the Baengnyeong Island to go into shelters as a precautionary measure. South Korea's Baengnyeong sits less than 20 kilometers (12 miles) at its closest point to the North's shore. Meanwhile, an unidentified local official from Baengnyeong Island said that residents did not evacuate, but fishing boats returned to their ports. The South Korean statement said there is now no sign of further provocative activities in the region. The incident comes at a time when the US and South Korea are preparing for their annual war games slated to begin early in March. Some 15,000 US troops are expected to take part in the two-phased exercises, known as Key Resolve and Foal Eagle. Pyongyang is irked by joint Seoul-Washington military maneuvers and views them as direct threats against its security and preparations for war. The Korean Peninsula has been locked in a cycle of military rhetoric since the 1950-1953 Korean War, which ended in an armistice. No peace deal has been signed since then, meaning that Pyongyang and Seoul remain technically at war. Tensions between the two Koreas escalated since the start of 2015 after the North's nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch on February 7. Pyongyang said the rocket launch was aimed at placing an earth observation satellite into orbit. However, Washington and Seoul denounced the move as a cover for an intercontinental ballistic missile test. North Korea has vowed to develop a nuclear arsenal in an effort to protect itself from the US military, which occasionally deploys nuclear-powered warships and aircraft capable of carrying atomic weapons in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Top DPRK leader guides military drills People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 15:46, February 21, 2016 PYONGYANG, Feb. 21 -- Top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Unrecently guided war maneuvers of the army's large combined units and watched a flight drill, the official KCNA news agency reported Sunday. Engaged in the maneuvers were metropolitan defense corps, a tank division and two motorized infantry divisions of the Korean People's Army (KPA), according to the KCNA. The maneuvers were aimed at 'further rounding off operational preparedness for reliably defending Pyongyang from any enemy attack,' it said. Kim stressed the importance of 'practical and actual drills.' Meanwhile, he watched a flight drill carried out by fighter pilots of the KPA air and anti-air forces, and expressed satisfaction over the drill. He urged the pilots to intensify training and to round off combat readiness on the occasion of the 7th Congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea in May. Kim was accompanied by Minister of the People's Armed Forces Pak Yong Sik and Chief of the KPA General Staff Ri Myong Su. Ri Myong Su, former Minister of People's Security, has replaced Ri Yong Gil to become the new chief of the General Staff of the KPA. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secret US-N.Korea Peace Treaty Talks Failed Before Pyongyang's Nuclear Test Sputnik News 23:11 21.02.2016 The United States and North Korea held secret talks to reach a peace treaty and formally end the Korean War, which broke down and were followed by Pyongyang's nuclear test last month, US media cited officials familiar with the events on Sunday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) After initially indicating that Washington would drop a longstanding condition for Pyongyang to take steps to curtail its nuclear arsenal, the United States called for North Korea's nuclear program to be 'simply part of the talks,' according to The Wall Street Journal. Pyongyang rejected the counter-proposal, according to the outlet, ending the prospects of diplomatic peace efforts with a January 6 hydrogen bomb test. On February 7, North Korea fired a long-range rocket to allegedly put a satellite into orbit, violating UN Security Council resolutions banning it from launches that may be used as ballistic missile carrying nuclear warheads. 'Submitting to foreign demands to denuclearize could mean delegitimization and destabilization for the regime,' the paper quoted American Enterprise Institute expert on North Korea, Nicholas Eberstadt. US President Barack Obama signed into law the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act on February 18, strengthening and expanding anti-North Korea sanctions in response to the recent tests. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said he would continue to pursue the country's nuclear weapons program. The United States' latest failed attempts to reach a deal with North Korea were said to be part of a string of unsuccessful efforts on the part of Washington to discuss denuclearization with Pyongyang. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tensions running high at Koreas' Demilitarized Zone Iran Press TV Mon Feb 22, 2016 5:3PM Tensions between the two Koreas have increased significantly along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). 'Something could happen at any time,' a North Korean military official told The Associated Press on Monday. 'People come here and they think it's like a resort. But if you know it better, you know how dangerous it is,' Lt. Col. Nam Dong Ho of the North Korean People's Army said on Monday in Panmunjom, the truce village where the armistice was signed. He said he could not comment on operational details but added, 'The reality is that it is touch and go.' The rise in tensions between Pyongyang, Seoul and Washington comes at a time when the US and South Korea are preparing for their annual war games slated to begin early in March. Some 15,000 US troops are expected to take part in the two-phased exercises, known as Key Resolve and Foal Eagle. Pyongyang sees joint Seoul-Washington military maneuvers as a direct threat against its security and preparations for an invasion and war. Meanwhile on Saturday, Seoul said North Korea had fired artillery shots during an apparent military exercise near a disputed maritime border with the South amid heightened tensions between the two neighbors. The North Korean army fired "a few artillery rounds" on Saturday morning from a battery at Jangsangot promontory on its southern coast, the South's Defense Ministry said in a statement. Pyongyang "is believed to have conducted a military drill" north of the disputed sea front-line with the South, the statement added. In January, North Korea conducted a nuclear test, and in February a long-range rocket launch. Pyongyang said the rocket launch was aimed at placing an earth observation satellite into orbit. However, Washington and Seoul denounced the move as a cover for an intercontinental ballistic missile test. North Korea has vowed to develop a nuclear arsenal in an effort to protect itself from the US military, which occasionally deploys nuclear-powered warships and aircraft capable of carrying atomic weapons in the region. The 257-kilometer (160-mile) DMZ was established when the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. No peace deal has been signed since then, meaning that Pyongyang and Seoul remain technically at war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany mulling troop deployment in Tunisia for training mission Iran Press TV Sun Feb 21, 2016 6:24PM Germany is considering dispatching troops to Tunisia to allegedly help train soldiers in the fight against Daesh Takfiri group. German newspaper Bild am Sonntag reported on Sunday that representatives of the defense and foreign ministries would hold talks in Tunis on Thursday and Friday about how the German military could lend support in a training mission. The German paper said the German military mandate could initially include a training program for Tunisian soldiers, and eventually, setting up a German training camp in Tunisia for Libyan soldiers, run by Berlin's other international partners. 'The IS (Daesh) terror is threatening all of North Africa,' German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen told the paper. Von der Leyen claimed that a training camp in Tunisia would be a contribution to regional stability. 'And if its direct neighbor Libya manages to put in place a unity government one day, its security forces could also benefit from established training facilities in Tunisia,' she said. A German foreign ministry spokesman confirmed the planned talks in Tunis 'on further cooperation on security' but declined to provide more information. German forces are currently engaged in an international coalition led by the United States allegedly formed to combat Daesh Takfiri militants. Their mission includes arming and training Kurdish forces in northern Iraq and flying reconnaissance missions over Syria with Tornado jets. This as Germany's defense commissioner Hans-Peter Bartels warned in a report last month that the German military was overstretched and underfunded and had reached 'the limit of its capacity for interventions.' Tunisia suffered two devastating attacks targeting its vital tourist sector last year, in the beach resort of Sousse and on the National Bardo Museum in Tunis, together leaving 60 people dead. Daesh Takfiri terrorist group claimed both attacks. The militant Takfiri extremists have also been gaining ground in Libya amid the unrest that has gripped the country since longtime dictator Muammar Qaddafi was ousted in 2011. The so-called anti-Daesh coalition, led by the United States, has been engaged in an air campaign that is purportedly targeting Daesh forces in Iraq and Syria since 2014. Many observers have questioned the effectiveness of the US-led military campaign, as civilian targets have been hit in most cases, and see the West's military intervention in other country's as a means to consolidate its influence and global hegemony. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia-Iran defense ministers to mull closer cooperation IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Moscow, Feb 21, IRNA -- Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu is to confer with Iranian Minister of Defense and Logistics of the Armed Forces Brigadier-General Hossein Dehqan on expansion of mutual cooperation, it was announced on Sunday. The undeclared visit occurred following the recent visit of the Iranian defense minister to Russia last week. Iranian defense minister in his visit to Moscow conferred with his Russian counterpart and President Vladimir Putin on issues of mutual interests along with regional developments. Russian news agency Sputnik said that Russian defense minister is to confer with Iranian president as well as the country's high ranking officials on issues of mutual interests. The Iranian and Russian defense ministers reached a deal to broaden military cooperation last January. In his meeting with Russian president, the two sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interests, regional and international developments. President Putin termed strategic cooperation with Iran vis-a-vis the regional crisis as very significant, saying that Iran and Russia would play major role to restore long-lasting security in the region. The Iranian defense minister conveyed the warm greetings of the Supreme Leader and Iranian president and said that promising prospects are on the horizon for Iran-Russia relations. Iran and Russia through collective contribution should eradicate terrorism in the region, said the Iranian defense minister. Close cooperation between Iran and Russia would serve as an exemplary model for the countries in the region, said the Iranian defense minister. 1430**1416 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, Britain meddling in Iran elections disgraceful: Cmdr. ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Sun 21 Feb 2016 - 08:53 TEHRAN (ISNA)- A senior Iranian commander said meddling by the US and Britain in Iran's upcoming elections, including campaigning for or against a particular candidate, is a "disgraceful and insulting" move and a violation of the Islamic Republic's independence and national sovereignty. "Such interference is (part of) aggressive strategies adopted by the US and Britain toward the Iranian nation, and the country's officials should not underestimate it," Iranian Armed Forces' Chief of Staff Major General Hassan Firouzabadi said on Saturday. He added that the "impudent" move by arrogant powers, including the US and Britain, would provoke the wrath of the "revolutionary" Iranian nation. Firouzabadi called on Iranian officials to show a severe reaction to any foreign intervention in the country's elections and protest the move by the British and American governments, which he said is similar to "military interference." The commander said meddling in elections of a "revolutionary and independent country with Islamic and democratic leadership" would be serious transgression, stressing that the Iranian nation is well aware of ways to foil its consequences. Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Wednesday warned against enemy plots to exercise influence in Iran's upcoming elections. The Leader said that the United States plans to challenge decisions by the Guardian Council, Iran's top supervising and vetting body, in a bid to portray elections as illegal. The next elections for the 10th term of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) and the 5th term of the Assembly of Experts will take place simultaneously on February 26. Over 6,000 candidates, including 600 women, are running for the 290 seats in the Majlis. The campaigning began on Thursday and will continue until one day before the vote. A special committee will also supervise the candidates' online campaigning. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's defense minister arrives in Iran for talks Iran Press TV Sun Feb 21, 2016 10:46AM Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu has arrived in Tehran to hold talks with senior Iranian officials on the latest regional developments and ways to promote defense and military cooperation. Shoigu, who arrived in Tehran on Sunday at the head of a delegation, is scheduled to sit down with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani later in the day. The trip comes less than a week after Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan paid a visit to Moscow and discussed mutual relations as well as regional and international developments with President Vladimir Putin, Shoigu and Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin among other senior Russian officials. In the meeting between Dehqan and Putin, the Russian president expressed satisfaction with mutual defense and security cooperation, which he said is in line with common interests, and called for enhanced ties within the framework of implemented agreements. Iran and Russia signed an agreement on the delivery of the S-300 missile system to Tehran, which was banned by Moscow back in 2010 under the pretext that the deal was covered by the fourth round of the UN Security Council sanctions, which barred hi-tech weapons sales to the Islamic Republic. In April 2015, the Russian president signed a presidential decree paving the way for the long-overdue delivery of the missile defense system to Iran after Iran and the P5+1 group of countries - the United States, France, Britain, China and Russia plus Germany - reached a mutual understanding on Tehran's nuclear program in the Swiss city of Lausanne. Russian presidential aide for military and technological cooperation Vladimir Kozhin said on Saturday that the technical procedures of the S-300 deal are currently underway. 'Due payments are made in accordance with it. We are strictly observing the procedure set forth in the contract. Iran is completing the work on its own details, and we on our own. The first consignment of the systems is ready to be shipped,' Kozhin stated. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran to Test Domestically Manufactured Missiles Within Month Sputnik News 16:27 21.02.2016 The chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces said that Tehran will missiles test within a month. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Iran intends to conduct test-fire of indigenuously manufactured missiles within a month, the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces said Sunday. 'The purpose of the training exercises is to test missiles and equipment that every two months should be subject to inspection,' Hassan Firouzabadi said, as quoted by the local IRINN broadcaster. He did not provide information about the type of missiles due to be tested. In January, the US Treasury Department sanctioned 11 entities and individuals, including six Iranians and one Chinese citizen, over their involvement in procurement on behalf of Iran's ballistic missile program. The move came after media reported that Iran tested a surface-to-surface Emad (Pillar) missile in October in violation of a UN Security Council resolution. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Russia Negotiating 'Next Generation' S-300 Missile Systems' Supplies Sputnik News 21:27 22.02.2016 Iran is discussing with Russia military supplies, including S-300 'new generation' missile systems, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Ansari-Jaberi said. Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu paid an official visit to Tehran to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and the Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghani. Representatives of both countries discussed, among others, the sale of S-300 missile systems, Iranian news agency IRNA reported. 'Iran is negotiating with Russia its military needs, including new generation S-300 missile systems,' Ansari-Jaberi commented on the visit of the Russian side, cited by IRNA. In 2007, Russia and Iran signed a contract for the supply of S-300 missile systems at a total cost of about $900 million. In 2010, in the context of UN Security Council resolution on the limitation of arms supplies to Iran amid its nuclear activities, Russia imposed an embargo on weapons sales to the country. However, in April 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that provides for lifting the ban on the supply of these complexes to Iran amid the progress reached during negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program. It was announced in summer 2015 that Moscow and Tehran are preparing a contract for the supply of S-300 missile systems. At the same time, the S-300 system was said to have undergone changes that have improved its tactical and technical characteristics. The contract entered into force in November 2015. The Iranian side is expecting the completion of deliveries in the first half of 2016. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fallujah clashes continue between Iraqi tribesmen, Daesh terrorists Iran Press TV Sat Feb 20, 2016 4:38PM Clashes between Iraqi tribesmen and Takfiri Daesh terrorists in the city of Fallujah continued on Saturday for a second day, as Iraq's forces go on with the battle to rid the country of terrorists. 'Armed confrontations between the sons of the Fallujah tribes and the Daesh organization are continuing,' an army brigadier general said. Fallujah, which lies about 50 kilometers (30 miles) west of the capital, Baghdad, is considered to be one of the two main strongholds of the Takfiri terrorists. The other city is Mosul in northern Iraq, which fell to the militants in the summer of 2014. Current clashes are in the Jolan district in northwest Fallujah and Nazal in the center, the general said, adding that the army was shelling Daesh positions on the outskirts. There have been casualties among both the tribesmen and the militants, the officer said, without giving a number. Saadun Obaid al-Shaalan, who was elected by a local council to administer the Fallujah area, also confirmed that the clashes continue, saying that tribesmen had posted snipers on rooftops in the Askari area of eastern Fallujah. He said the tribesmen were in need of help. 'We are trying to obtain that support' from the government, he added. Iraqi officials said the clashes began on Friday as a fight between members of one of the local tribes and the militants, but later the clashes escalated as members of other local tribes joined in the anti-Daesh fight. Earlier, the Council of Anbar Province said a "Tribal revolt" had begun against Daesh in Fallujah. The body called on the Iraq government to support the tribesmen. Iraqi officials have described the battle as a significant challenge to the long-standing control by the terrorists over the city. In 2014 and 2015, Daesh executed dozens of local tribal members who opposed the seizure of most of Anbar Province, including Fallujah. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraq vows Mosul liberation by yearend Iran Press TV Sun Feb 21, 2016 2:42PM Iraq's defense minister tells PressTV that the country has undertaken a decisive battle to clear the northern city of Mosul of Daesh presence by the yearend. "Our forces are deployed in Mosul. The battle for Mosul is decisive and we will settle it before the end of this year," Khaled al-Obaidi said of the underway operation in the Nineveh province's capital, which fell to the Takfiri terrorist group in 2014. With the end in sight, the government has deployed thousands of additional troops to the Makhmour district, east of Mosul, ahead of a final push to flush the terrorists out of the city. Obaidi's remarks echoed those of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who told a security conference in Germany earlier in the month that his government was determined to bring an end to the group's existence in the country this year. Daesh has been wreaking death and destruction on Iraq since June 2014. Speaking to our correspondent in the city of Husaibah al-Sharqiah of neighboring Anbar province, Obaidi said, "We are on high alert and careful to spare the blood of civilians and that of our forces. We will adopt the same strategy in Mosul." "They (the forces) are battling terrorists around Ramadi," he said. Ramadi, Anbar's capital, was liberated in December, almost a year after coming under Daesh's control. In recent days, Iraqi forces have liberated a number of areas east of Ramadi, where they have begun defusing thousands of bombs planted by the terrorists to hamper their advance in the province. According to Iraqi officials, up to 80 percent of the newly-liberated areas are now free of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The forces are now focusing on areas north of Ramadi and have told Press TV that their primary challenge is to cleanse all residences of IEDs so they can secure the return of many of the internally displaced people. Meanwhile, Sunni tribesmen living under Daesh's rule have revolted in several areas of Anbar, namely Hit, which lies 70 kilometers (43 miles) west of Ramadi. "We receive information about uprising of tribesmen in Hit and other regions of Anbar. Tens of Daesh militants have been killed in confrontations and, to be honest with you, this is a very encouraging factor for all forces, to have such support," Obaidi said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraq: UN relief official calls for relocation of civilians to safer areas 22 February 2016 The top United Nations humanitarian official in Iraq has said she is deeply worried about thousands of civilians who are trapped in Fallujah city and in Sinjar district and are unable to access aid, calling on Government officials to redouble efforts to relocate civilians to safer areas before the situation deteriorates further. Although the UN is unable to access civilians in Fallujah city in Anbar Governorate, which remains under the control of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), information from key informants indicates that conditions are deteriorating rapidly, said Lise Grande, the UN's Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, in a press release. "We are receiving reports of hunger and shortages of medicines and essential supplies. We know that people are trying to leave the city but are prevented from doing so; we fear that the situation is becoming desperate," Ms. Grande said. As she called on the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to uphold their obligations under humanitarian law and redouble their efforts to facilitate the evacuation and relocation of civilians to safer areas with food, water and medical care, Ms. Grande stressed that urgent steps are necessary to alleviate the suffering of people struggling to survive in the country. "As humanitarians, we have a common responsibility to save lives," she said. Ms. Grande said she is also profoundly worried about the situation in Ninewa Governorate, where more than 520 people, including an estimated 250 children, have been stranded for three months between military frontlines east of Sinjar Mountain. "It's the middle of winter and these people are unable to access food, water, shelter and medical assistance. Ensuring that civilians are safe is one of our highest priorities," Ms. Grande emphasized. Allowing families to cross into Government-controlled areas would "dramatically" improve the situation, Ms. Grande said, calling on all parties to do whatever is necessary to ensure that civilians are protected. More than 3 million people have been forced to flee their homes in Iraq since January 2014. The UN estimates that an additional 3 million people are living under ISIL control in Iraq. More than 500,000 civilians have returned to their homes following military campaigns to bring areas under Government control. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Libyan Troops Reclaim Key Port From Daesh Sputnik News 17:37 21.02.2016(updated 17:47 21.02.2016) The Libyan army has regained a strategic port near Libya's second-largest city of Benghazi from Daesh jihadists, Arabic media reported Sunday, citing the Libyan military press service. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Troops launched an assault on Daesh positions in the port of Mreisa some 15 miles southwest of Benghazi, which served as an arms and ammunition supply point for the Islamist fighters, according to the Erem News online publication. One of the extremists' leaders and an undisclosed number of fighters have been killed in the operation. The Libyan armed forces lost at least 30 troops during the advance, dubbed 'The Blood of Martyrs,' in and around Benghazi. Daesh has gained a foothold in the North African state after the 2011 toppling of long-time Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and subsequent political and security turmoil. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia sends fighter jets to Armenia base near Turkey Iran Press TV Sat Feb 20, 2016 3:1PM The Russian Defense Ministry said Saturday that Moscow has deployed several fighter jets and a transport helicopter to Russia's airbase in Armenia near the border with Turkey. Four fourth-generation Mikoyan MiG-29 aircraft and a number of modernized MiG-29S bombers and a Mil Mi-8MT helicopter have been sent to the base. Located at Erebuni airport outside the capital, Yerevan, the Russian base already has nine fourth-generation MiG-29 planes capable of carrying a payload of up to 4,000 kilograms of weapons. The aircraft also have larger fuel tanks. The Armenian capital is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Armenia's border with Turkey. The announcement came a day after a Russian draft resolution that called for an immediate end to Turkey's shelling and military actions against Syria was turned down at the United Nations Security Council. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Saturday that Russia expresses "regret that this draft resolution was rejected," and that Moscow considers the cross-border shelling carried out by Turkey as "unacceptable." According to a Kremlin statement, President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Friday held a 'detailed discussion of the situation in Syria particularly due to the escalation in tensions on the Syrian-Turkish border' with his security council. The Kremlin spokesman also underlined that Russia would go on assisting Syrian armed forces "in their offensive actions against terrorists, against terrorist organizations." The Russian involvement aims to provide "stability in the fight with terrorism, to preserve the territorial integrity of the country (Syria) and the region," Peskov stated. Since late September 2015, Russia has been conducting airstrikes against foreign-backed militants in Syria upon a request by the Damascus government. Turkey, however, is among the main supporters of militants fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Ankara has also been accused on numerous occasions of being involved in illegal oil trade with the Takfiri Daesh terrorists. Ankara has also been shelling positions of Kurdish fighters in northern Syria over the past days in an attempt to stop them from reaching the Turkish border. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Opposition Calls Kadyrov 'Private Army' Threat To Russia February 22, 2016 by Tom Balmforth MOSCOW -- A leaked excerpt from a soon-to-be-released report by the Russian opposition on Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov accuses him of amassing a 30,000-strong 'private army' that constitutes a threat to national security. The report, titled Kadyrov: National Security Threat and set for release by the Republican Party of Russia-People's Freedom Party's (Parnas) Ilya Yashin on February 23, is the latest barrage in an escalating war of words between the Chechen strongman and the beleaguered Russian opposition, whom Kadyrov has labeled 'enemies of the people' and 'traitors.' The opposition-minded New Times investigative magazine published a chapter of the document in which Yashin describes Kadyrov's forces as 'possibly the most battle-capable military group in modern Russia.' The report comes almost one year after opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, a close friend and mentor of Yashin, was shot dead late on February 27 in an attack that many opposition figures suspect was carried out with the involvement of the Kremlin-backed Chechen leadership. Five men from the North Caucasus region have been arrested and charged with Nemtsov's killing. Yashin cites largely open-source information, alleging that Kadyrov sent Chechen forces to eastern Ukraine in 2014 to fight alongside other Kremlin-backed troops against Kyiv. The report also alleges that Kadyrov's men are involved in criminal activities across Russia, pointing to interviews with police disgruntled by the perceived impunity of his forces. 'In recent years, Kadyrov's fighters have become active in Moscow,' Yashin writes. 'But while they see their main task as defending their boss's regime in Chechnya, they are beginning to see the rest of Russia as potential loot.' Yashin writes that Kadyrov's 30,000 troops are fiercely loyal to the Kremlin-backed Chechen leader, as he pardoned many of them in return for laying down their weapons and abandoning their separatist fight against Moscow. He also suggests that Kadyrov is investing heavily in training for future generations of loyal fighters. Threatening The Opposition The Parnas offices where Yashin is due to present the report on February 23 were briefly cordoned off by police on February 22 after officers apparently received a phone call warning of a possible explosive. 'They found no bomb,' Yashin wrote later on Twitter. 'We're trying to agree with the police on intercepting similar provocations tomorrow.' Yashin, who is a Parnas deputy chairman, told RFE/RL that the organizers of the presentation are concerned about security. In December, a speech via videolink to supporters in St. Petersburg by exiled former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky was interrupted after electricity went off in the conference room and police cited a bomb threat. Kadyrov has repeatedly denounced and threatened the Russian opposition. He published a photograph on his Instagram account of opposition leader and former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov in crosshairs, days before a group of men hit Kasyanov with a cake while he was dining in a Moscow restaurant. Kadyrov: National Security Threat follows in a tradition of opposition 'expert reports' begun by Nemtsov, a former Russian deputy prime minister who authored pamphlets on alleged corruption linked to President Vladimir Putin, former Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov, and the 2014 Sochi Olympics, among other things. Nemtsov had been drafting a report on Putin's alleged involved in the conflict in eastern Ukraine when he was assassinated. Yashin completed the report and published it in May. Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-chechnya-kadyrov- private-army-threat-opposition-report/27567375.html Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Arabia Becomes Biggest Arms Importer in Middle East Sputnik News 18:56 22.02.2016(updated 19:02 22.02.2016) In a further sign of its ramping up its military muscle, Saudi Arabia has become the biggest arms importer in the Middle East, and the second biggest in the world, after India, with an increase of 275 percent in 2011-5 compared to 2006-10. Between 2011-15 Saudi Arabia was the world's second largest arms importer, with an increase of 275 per cent compared to 2006-10. In the same period, arms imports by the United Arab Emirates rose by 35 per cent and those by Qatar went up by 279 per cent. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), during 2011-15, 27 per cent of arms transfers to the region went to Saudi Arabia, 18 percent to the UAE and 14 percent to Turkey. The USA accounted for 53 percent of total arms supplies to the region, the UK for 9.6 percent. The Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen by a coalition of Arab states, which began in 2015, was boosted by high levels of arms imports to several of the states leading the intervention, including Egypt, Qatar and the UAE. 'Although concerns have been raised in arms-supplying states over Saudi air attacks in Yemen, Saudi Arabia is expected to continue to receive large numbers of major arms from those states in the next five years,' the SIPRI report said. 'Arms on order include 150 combat aircraft and thousands of air-to-surface missiles and anti-tank missiles from the USA, 14 combat aircraft from the UK and an undisclosed but large number of armored vehicles from Canada with turrets from Belgium,' the report stated. Humanitarian Disaster The London-based Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) says the UK government has licensed US$9.5 billion (6.7bn) of arms to Saudi Arabia since David Cameron took office in 2010, including US$4 billion (2.8bn) since the bombing of Yemen began in March 2015. 'The humanitarian situation is getting worse and the UK government has been complicit in it. We agree that arms sales need to stop, but they should never have been allowed in the first place. Saudi Arabia has a terrible human rights record and has been supported by governments of all political colors for far too long,' said Andrew Smith of CAAT. In January 2016, Law firm Leigh Day, representing CAAT, issued a pre-action protocol letter for judicial review challenging the government's decision to export arms to Saudi Arabia despite increasing evidence that Saudi forces are violating international humanitarian law in Yemen. At the time of writing the government was yet to respond. 'The [UK] government is always telling us how rigorous and robust its arms export system is. This is further evidence that nothing could be further from the truth. The UK has continuously armed some of the most abusive regimes in the world,' said Smith. A recent study by Opinium LLP for CAAT found that 62% of UK adults oppose arms sales to Saudi Arabia, with only 16% supporting them. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian army liberates 18 villages in Aleppo from Daesh Iran Press TV Sat Feb 20, 2016 10:15PM Syrian army forces have managed to liberate at least 18 villages from the Daesh Takfiri group in the east of the northern Aleppo province. The Syrian troopers restored security to the villages after they flushed out Daesh militants on Saturday. The ground forces were fully supported by the Kurdish-dominated coalition forces of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Russian airstrikes. The liberating forces established control over 40 kilometers of a highway that leads to Syria's northern city of Raqqah, the Takfiris' de facto capital, located in the militant-held northern province of Raqqah. The Syrian forces and their allies are reportedly just 25 kilometers from Turkey's border. The new positions allow troops to target the final supply route of the terrorists from Turkey to Aleppo. The development came a day after forces from SDF and the People's Protection Units (YPG) established their full control on the city of Shaddadah in the northeastern province of Hasakah, after defeating Daesh terrorists and liberating the strategic city along with several other villages. The fresh gains also tightened noose on Daesh as they included two strategic roads that used to serve as supply routes for the terror group: the main road connecting Shaddadah to Daesh-held city of Mosul in Iraq and another road connecting it to Raqqah. Having lost these two routes, the Takfiris in the area were forced to retreat towards the Dayr al-Zawr province, which is mostly under their control. The advance is part of a broader government offensive against the militants, particularly Daesh terrorists, aimed at cleansing the Syrian soil from their deadly presence. Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. According to a new report by the Syrian Center for Policy Research, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 470,000 people, injured 1.9 million others, and displaced nearly half of the country's pre-war population of about 23 million within or beyond its borders. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian FM insists on halting Turkey's aggression in Syria Iran Press TV Sat Feb 20, 2016 11:10PM Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called for a halt in Turkey's attempts to violate Syria's territorial integrity in talks with his American counterpart, John Kerry. Lavrov accused Ankara of "provocative" measures against neighboring Syria, describing them as "inadmissible," Russian foreign ministry announced in a statement detailing the Saturday phone conversation. 'Provocative Turkish acts that violate the Syrian Arab Republic's territorial integrity are inadmissible,' Lavrov said. The two also discussed military coordination in a bid to ensure a truce in Syria, where government troops continue to battle a foreign-backed terrorists, seeking to oust President Bashar al-Assad. Lavrov and Kerry further discussed humanitarian aid issues and the planned cessation of hostilities across Syria, 'with the exception of fighting terrorist groups.' 'It was confirmed that the establishment of mechanisms to reach set goals requires military coordination,' read the statement without elaborating on the nature of such collaboration. Saudi Arabia, the key backer of terrorists in Syria, has expressed support for equipping anti-Syria militants with surface-to-air missiles, claiming the move would shift the "balance of power" in favor of the terrorists. 'We believe that introducing surface-to-air missiles in Syria is going to change the balance of power on the ground,' said Saudi Foreign Minister Adel el-Jubeir (pictured above) as quoted by German weekly Der Spiegel, which published an interview with him on Saturday. The developments followed the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) meeting on February 11 that led to a concluding communique urging speedy humanitarian access to all besieged areas in Syria and setting a one-week deadline for efforts to establish 'cessation of hostilities' in the war-torn country. The ISSG was set up in November, shortly after the beginning of the Syria peace talks in Vienna as an international format aimed at resolving the internal crisis in Syria. The format currently involves Russia, the Arab League nations, the European Union, as well as Iran, China, Turkey, the US and the United Nations. The development came following the Friday rejection by the US and France of a Russia-drafted resolution at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council aimed at halting cross-border shelling as well as preventing a foreign ground intrusion against the Syrian territory. Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister Faysal Mekdad reacted strongly to the rejection of the draft resolution, saying it reflected continued backing of terrorist forces in his country by Western countries. Syrian authorities have also slammed recent Turkish artillery shelling of its territory as an 'outrageous violation' of international law, accusing Turkey of committing "crimes" against Syrian by shelling areas in the northern Aleppo province. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, Russia agree to continue humanitarian aid in Syria: Kirby Iran Press TV Sat Feb 20, 2016 7:12PM US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov have agreed on continuing the flow of humanitarian assistance to the conflict-stricken parts of Syria. US State Department spokesman John Kirby said on Saturday the two diplomats spoke on phone, and discussed the progress negotiators in Geneva are making toward developing 'modalities' toward a cessation of hostilities in Syria. 'Those modalities are not yet fully agreed upon, but both ministers appreciated the scope and attention to detail task force members applied in drafting them,' Kirby said. 'The secretary expressed his hope that a full cessation of hostilities could be achieved in the shortest timeframe possible,' he said. Last week, ministers meeting for Syria crisis talks in Germany agreed to "accelerate and expand" humanitarian aid to the conflict-hit country. 'We have agreed to accelerate and expand the delivery of humanitarian aid beginning immediately,' Kerry said at the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) meeting on February 12 in the German city of Munich where the working group of 17 countries held a round of Syria peace talks focusing on calls for a ceasefire and access for humanitarian aid. Syria has been grappling with a deadly crisis since 2011, which has claimed the lives of more than 260,000 people so far, according to the United Nations. But the Syrian Center for Policy Research recently reported that over 400,000 Syrians have been killed since the beginning of the crisis. Since September 2014, the US and some of its allies have been conducting airstrikes purportedly against Daesh inside Syria without getting approval from the Syrian government or the UN. Meanwhile, Russia has also been conducting airstrikes on the positions of Daesh and other militant groups in Syria since September 30, 2015, upon a request by the government in Damascus. The Syrian army's fight against terrorists took a new turn after Russia started launching airstrikes against the Takfiri terrorists. But US officials accuse Russia of targeting civilians instead of terrorists inside Syria. In their phone conversation on Saturday, Kerry told Lavrov Washington is deeply concerned about Russia's continued bombing of "civilian" targets, Kirby said in the statement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Damascus condemns 'outrageous' Turkey campaign in Syria Iran Press TV Sat Feb 20, 2016 11:15AM Damascus has denounced Turkish artillery shelling inside the Syria territory as an "outrageous violation" of international law, saying Ankara is targeting civilians in the Arab country. In a Saturday statement released by the state-run SANA news agency, the Syrian government said Turkey is committing "crimes" against the Syrians by firing artillery shells in the northern province of Aleppo. A number of civilians sustained injuries by the artillery fire in several areas across Aleppo, the statement added. Over the past few days, Turkey has been shelling the positions of fighters of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and its affiliate Democratic Union Party (PYD) in the northern parts of Syria. Ankara regards the YPG and PYD as allies of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been fighting for an autonomous Kurdish region inside Turkey since the 1980s. Syrian Kurdish fighters have been fighting against the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group. Russia 'regrets' UN rejection Russia expressed worries about Turkey's shelling and military campaign inside Syria, describing it as "unacceptable." "The Kremlin is concerned by the growing tension on the Syrian-Turkish border," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a teleconference with journalists in Moscow. Peskov further expressed regret over a decision by the United Nations Security Council on Friday to reject a Moscow-drafted resolution urging Ankara to stop military action against Syria. The draft resolution urged the council to express "its grave alarm at the reports of military buildup and preparatory activities aimed at launching foreign ground intervention into the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic." However, it was rejected by France, the US and Britain, three veto-wielding powers of the council which are staunchly opposed the Damascus government and support the militant groups operating in Syria. Peskov further stressed that Moscow will continue providing assistance to the Syrian army in its battle against "terrorists" operating in the Arab country. "Russia naturally continues with its consistent, transparent and clear line to provide stability in the fight with terrorism, to preserve the territorial integrity of the country (Syria) and the region," he added. Russia launched its own anti-terror campaign in Syria last September upon a request from the Damascus government. The airstrikes have expedited the advances of Syrian forces against militants. Turkey is among the main supporters of militants fighting to topple President Bashar al-Assad. Ankara has also been accused on numerous occasions of being involved in illegal oil trade with Daesh. The foreign-sponsored conflict in Syria, which flared in March 2011, has claimed the lives of some 470,000 people and left 1.9 million injured, according to the Syrian Center for Policy Research. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian Kurdish forces retake strategic city from Daesh Iran Press TV Sat Feb 20, 2016 2:25AM An alliance of Kurdish and Arab forces has managed to seize the strategic city of Shaddadah in the Syrian northeastern province of Hasakah from the Daesh Takfiri terrorists. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) -- a coalition of Kurdish, Arab, Assyrian, Armenian, and Turkmen fighters, backed by the People's Protection Units (YPG) -- established their full control on the city on Friday. Shaddadah is considered as one of the most important strongholds of Daesh in the province. An unnamed military source in SDF confirmed the reports to Sputnik, saying that the allied forces defeated Daesh in Shaddadah and "took control of the town." "We struck from several directions. The terrorists did not expect our attack." SDF spokesman Talal Sillo told ARA News that their fighters captured the town of Shaddadah after the sunset on Friday. "More than 50 Daesh militant fighters were killed in Friday battle for Shaddadah," he added. The liberating forces then engaged in mopping up operations outside the city, and managed to liberate at least seven more sites and villages from Daesh. The Kurdish-dominated forces launched their offensive against Takfiris late on Tuesday and have been engaged in heavy clashes with militants since then. In the past few days, they retook an oilfield from Daesh and took over two strategic roads: the main road connecting Shaddadah to Daesh-held city of Mosul in Iraq and another road connecting it to Syria's northern city of Raqqah, the Takfiris' de facto capital. Having lost these two supply routes, the Takfiris in the area were forced to retreat towards Dayr al-Zawr province, which is mostly in their control. During the past few days, members and leaders of Daesh had moved their families from Shaddadah to areas in Dayr al-Zawr province. The SDF forces along with the Syrian army are currently engaged in a major liberating operation in Aleppo province and are successfully regaining grounds from the terror group. Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. According to a new report by the Syrian Center for Policy Research, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 470,000 people, injured 1.9 million others, and displaced nearly half of the country's pre-war population of about 23 million within or beyond its borders. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S., France Rebuke Russia At UN Over Syrian Escalation February 20, 2016 by RFE/RL Western powers batted down an attempt by Russia to focus United Nations efforts against Turkey in the escalating Syrian war, and called on Moscow to stick with plans for a truce in the region. As the February 19 deadline for honoring a truce in Syria passed with little sign of compliance, Russia had presented a resolution to the UN Security Council aimed at stopping Turkey's cross-border shelling of Syrian Kurds. The U.S. Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power accused Russia of trying to create a distraction from its own failure to stop bombing raids assisting the Syrian government's campaign to surround and recapture Aleppo, Syria's largest city. 'Rather than trying to distract the world with the resolution they just laid down, it would be really great if Russia would implement the resolution that's already agreed to,' Power said, referring to a December UN resolution providing a road map for a Syria peace process. 'It's incredibly important that we have de-escalation,' Power said after a closed-door council meeting on Russia's latest Syrian plan. 'We have a resolution on the books. It's the right resolution. We've committed ourselves to it and we need Russia to do the same.' The Western powers said Moscow's backing of the Syrian ground war, even as it supposedly was negotiating a truce at the UN, is what caused an escalation of the conflict. 'We are facing a dangerous military escalation that could easily get out of control and lead us to uncharted territory,' French UN Ambassador Francois Delattre said. Delattre said that Turkey's bid to intervene in the conflict was the 'direct result of the brutal offensive in the north of Syria led by the Syrian regime and its allies.' 'Russia must understand that its unconditional support to [Syrian President] Bashar al-Assad is a dead-end and a dead-end that could be extremely dangerous,' he said. He warned that a continued failure to honor the truce negotiated last week could lead to 'a full regional conflagration.' In a sign that all sides no longer expect to return to peace negotiations any time soon, the UN's Special Envoy for Syria Steffan de Mistura formally cancelled a round of talks that had been tentatively scheduled for February 25. He told the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet that he cannot 'realistically' get the government and opposition parties back to the table by then. 'We need real talks about peace, not just talks about talks,' he said, even as a 'cessation of hostilities' that he had negotiated a week earlier in Geneva died a quiet death on the battlefields of Syria. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry appeared to be the only top leader to retain much optimism, saying on February 19 that he is still hopeful of negotiating a formal cease-fire through working groups established in Geneva a week ago. En route to Jordan for talks about Syria, Kerry said negotiating a cease-fire is not easy, and tough and complex issues remain, but his talks with Russian counterparts on the working groups had been "serious and so far constructive." While rebuking Russia for going after Turkey at the UN, the White House announced that U.S. President Barack Obama had spoken with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on February 19 and urged him to stop shelling Kurdish militias in the Syrian border region. While Obama agreed with Erdogan that the Kurdish militias 'should not seek to exploit circumstances in this area to seize additional territory,' he urged Turkey to 'show reciprocal restraint by ceasing artillery strikes in the area.' Turkey's shelling has exposed a deep rift between Washington and its NATO ally. While Turkey regards the Kurdish YPG militia forces in Syria as allies of outlawed terrorist groups in Turkey, the United States has worked with the YPG in a successful campaign to regain Syrian territory taken over the Islamic State group in 2014. U.S.-backed Kurdish forces, in fact, routed IS out the Syrian town of Shaddadeh, the militant group's last stronghold in the northeastern province of Hassakeh, after a fierce battle on February 19, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and dpa Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/us-france-rebuke-russia-at-un- over-escalation-syrian-conflict/27563408.html Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia 'Regrets' UN Draft Rejection To Stop Turkish Military Actions In Syria February 20, 2016 by RFE/RL Russia has expressed regret that the United Nations Security Council rejected its bid to stop Turkey's military actions against Syria. Western powers turned down a Russian draft resolution presented at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on February 19 aimed at stopping Turkey's cross-border shelling of Syrian Kurds. Western powers also called on Moscow to stick with plans for a truce in Syria, however the February 19 deadline for honoring the cease-fire passed with little sign of compliance. 'We can only express regret that this draft resolution was rejected,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on February 20. Peskov said that Russia was "concerned at the growing tension at the Syrian-Turkish border." He said that Russia will continue its support for President Bashar al-Assad's ground offensive. Western powers said Moscow's backing of the Syrian ground war, even as it supposedly was negotiating a cease-fire at the UN, is what caused an escalation of the conflict. 'We are facing a dangerous military escalation that could easily get out of control and lead us to uncharted territory,' French UN Ambassador Francois Delattre said. Delattre said that Turkey's bid to intervene in the conflict was the 'direct result of the brutal offensive in the north of Syria led by the Syrian regime and its allies.' 'Russia must understand that its unconditional support to Bashar al-Assad is a dead-end and a dead-end that could be extremely dangerous,' he said. He warned that a continued failure to honor the truce negotiated last week could lead to 'a full regional conflagration.' In a sign that all sides no longer expect to return to peace negotiations any time soon, the UN's Special Envoy for Syria Steffan de Mistura formally cancelled a round of talks that had been tentatively scheduled for February 25. While rebuking Russia for going after Turkey at the UN, the White House announced that U.S. President Barack Obama had spoken with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on February 19 and urged him to stop shelling Kurdish militias in the Syrian border region. While Obama agreed with Erdogan that the Kurdish militias 'should not seek to exploit circumstances in this area to seize additional territory,' he urged Turkey to 'show reciprocal restraint by ceasing artillery strikes in the area.' Turkey's shelling has exposed a deep rift between Washington and its NATO ally. While Turkey regards the Kurdish YPG militia forces in Syria as allies of outlawed terrorist groups in Turkey, the United States has worked with the YPG in a successful campaign to regain Syrian territory taken over the Islamic State group in 2014. U.S.-backed Kurdish forces, in fact, routed IS out the Syrian town of Shaddadeh, the militant group's last stronghold in the northeastern province of Hassakeh, after a fierce battle on February 19, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and dpa Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-regrets-un- draft-rejection-on-syria/27563954.html Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria Opposition Open To 'Possibility' Of Truce February 20, 2016 by RFE/RL Syria's main opposition group says it is open to the possibility of a truce, even as it slammed Russia and the Syrian regime after a deadline for a cessation of hostilities passed. The group, known as the High Negotiations Committee, said on February 20 that any potential truce would require the Syrian government to first lift blockades from rebel-held communities. The Saudi-backed group also said the Syrian government must release thousands of detainees. Eighteen countries supporting opposing sides in Syria's five-year civil war agreed to a cessation of hostilities that was supposed to take effect on February 19. But the truce never took hold amid intense fighting, which included a massive Russian-backed government offensive near the Turkish border. Salem al-Meslet, a spokesman for the group, said the deadline "has passed without response from Russia or the regime, who show disdain for the international community and disregard for the lives of Syrians." Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad also said he was ready for a cease-fire, on condition that 'terrorists' did not use a lull in fighting to their advantage. 'We have said that we are ready to stop military operations, but the issue relates to more important factors...such as preventing terrorists from using it to improve their positions,' Assad was quoted as saying by an official online media outlet. Any truce must ensure that 'other countries, especially Turkey, are prevented from sending more terrorists and weapons, or any kind of logistical support," he said. Since Russia launched its military campaign in support of its longtime ally in September, Assad's forces have gradually advanced across multiple fronts in Syria. With reporting by AP, Reuters, AFP Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/article/27564143.html Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian Democratic Forces Liberate Key Town in Oil-Producing Province Sputnik News 17:40 20.02.2016(updated 08:21 21.02.2016) The Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by US-led coalition air strikes, has reportedly managed to retake the strategic town of al-Shaddadah in the northeastern province of Al-Hasakah. The key town of al-Shaddadah in the oil-producing northeastern province of Al-Hasakah has been liberated from Daesh terrorists by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with the help of US-led coalition air strikes, according to Sputnik's Turkish edition. Sputnik quotedTackr Kobani, a, representative of the Syrian Democratic Forces, as saying that restoration work is under way in the town, and that at least 17 Daesh terrorists had been captured as a result of a military operation to liberate al-Shaddadah. The operation came amid reports that Turkey continues to support Al-Nusra Front terrorists in order to prevent the border town of Azaz in northwestern Aleppo Province from being taken by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and the SDF. In the past seven days, about 1,200 terrorists and almost 30 tons of ammunition have reportedly been sent from Syria's Islamist-held Idlib region to Azaz via the Turkish border checkpoint of Oncupinar. The information was confirmed by YPG spokesman Firat Xelil, who said in an interview with Sputnik that Ankara renders logistical support to terrorists in Syria. 'Yesterday, at least four vans laden with arms and about 300 terrorists were delivered to Azaz through the Oncupinar checkpoint. All the terrorists were trained on Turkish territory,' Xelil said. Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with the army loyal to President Bashar Assad fighting several opposition factions and terrorist organizations, including Daesh and the al-Nusra Front. On January 29, talks between the Syrian government and representatives of the country's opposition factions began in Geneva. UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said on February 3 that the talks would be temporarily suspended until February 25. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SDF Continues Advance on Rebel Stronghold Azaz Despite Turkish Shelling Sputnik News 14:41 20.02.2016(updated 14:46 20.02.2016) Syrian Democratic Forces have continued their advance on the town of Azaz in northern Aleppo province, a key Turkey-backed stronghold and supply point. Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have continued their advance on the rebel stronghold of Azaz, where they are fighting Turkish-backed rebels, primarily from the al-Qaeda-affiliate al-Nusra Front and Ahrar al-Sham. 'Turkey continues to cause massive artillery strikes on the positions of the YPG and Syrian Democratic Forces. The villages of Meryemin, Minnigh near Azaz and Afrin have been subjected to shelling. Civilians have suffered as a result of the bombing,' YPG commander Firat Xelil told Sputnik Turkiye. Despite Turkish attacks, the SDF, composed primarily of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), and the Jaish al-Thuwar Syrian rebel group, have continued their advance against Turkish-backed Syrian rebels. 'According to the latest information, 15 inhabitants of the area were injured to varying degrees of severity during the recent shelling. No YPG and SDF soldiers were wounded. SDF units have advanced 1.5 km toward the center of Azaz,' Xelil told Sputnik Turkiye. According to the Anadolu news agency, Turkey is using Firtina self-propelled howitzers stationed in the border province of Kilis, and is aiming for Kurdish positions and the Menagh airbase, which the SDF has recently taken control over. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Blasts Kill 46 in Homs; Syrian Rebels Ready for Truce if Russia Halts Airstrikes by VOA News February 20, 2016 A human rights monitor says the death toll from double blasts in the central Syrian town of Homs has risen to 46 people with dozens more wounded. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the twin explosions Sunday struck the al-Zahraa neighborhood and most of those killed appeared to be civilians. Homs has been the target of multiple attacks in recent months, killing and wounding scores of people. The Observatory said the blasts Sunday were among the largest to hit the neighborhood in the five-year-old civil war. There has been no claim of responsibility for the deadly attack, which comes a day after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov conferred on the crisis in Syria by telephone. The main rebel coalition in Syria has said it is willing to accept a temporary truce, but only if Russia calls a halt to its airstrikes and the Damascus government ends its offensive near the Syrian-Turkish border. There was no indication Kerry and Lavrov made any significant progress on the truce issue. Russia has said it will not stop its airstrikes against what it calls terrorist targets in Syria, even if there is international agreement on a temporary truce, which diplomats have been calling a 'cessation of hostilities.' The United States and others involved in trying to end the Syrian civil war say most Russian bombs are directed at rebels fighting the Syrian government, not at Islamic State terrorists. U.S. officials gave a guarded account of Kerry and Lavrov's conversation Saturday, which reviewed the work of two teams working in Geneva on the Syrian crisis one on the urgent need to get humanitarian assistance to civilians trapped by the war, the other on a temporary truce intended to lead to a full and formal cease-fire. Both sides agreed there has been some progress in delivering aid to civilian neighborhoods under siege by Syrian government troops and their allies. A U.S. statement added that humanitarian groups need immediate access to additional areas, and that future deliveries should be 'sustained and unimpeded.' Truce points On the truce issue, a spokesman for Kerry said the U.S. secretary and Lavrov discussed 'developing a draft set of modalities for a cessation of hostilities.' He added: 'Those modalities are not yet agreed upon.' The Russian Foreign Ministry's version of the Kerry-Lavrov conversation was similar to the statement issued in Washington, except that it said a 'cessation of hostilities' would not stop 'the fight against terrorists' Russia's around-the-clock aerial bombing campaign in northern Syria. "Everyone recognizes the complexity of this endeavor, and there is certainly a lot more work to do," Kerry said in London, where he met with senior British officials early Saturday. Kerry later flew to Jordan for more talks about Syria, including an expected meeting with King Abdullah on Sunday. A coalition of Syrian rebel groups meeting in Saudi Arabia on Saturday condemned Russia's military action supporting the Damascus government. The coalition, known as the High Negotiations Committee, said Russia has 'shown disdain for the international community and disregard for the lives of Syrians.' The Russian air campaign also has been blamed for increasing the war's toll on Syrian civilians, prompting more of them to become refugees and try to flee across the border into Turkey. Russia's UN request rejected Moscow has complained that Turkey is about to send ground forces into Syria, and it called for Security Council action to block that at an emergency meeting Friday. Other Security Council members rejected Russia's draft resolution, and Turkey's U.N. ambassador said his country would take such a direct role in Syria only if it was backed by the United Nations. Russia's proposal to the Security Council did not mention Turkey by name, but its intent was clear. It strongly condemned cross-border shelling into Syria and what Russia says is an unrestricted flow of 'terrorist' fighters and illegal weapons shipments into the country. Russia's resolution 'a distraction' Diplomats said at least six of the 15 council members rejected the resolution outright when it was presented, and only one member Venezuela expressed support. Even China, which frequently aligns its position with Russia, appeared to be reluctant to side with Moscow; China's U.N. delegates said they were awaiting for instructions from Beijing for the time being. The Kremlin said Russia has a 'consistent, transparent, and clear policy aimed at securing stability' in the Syria and the wider region. "What's really important is that rather than trying to distract the world with the resolution they just laid down, it would be really great if Russia would implement the resolution it's already agreed to," U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power said. Power referred to Security Council Resolution 2254, adopted in December, which laid out a framework for starting political talks in parallel with a nationwide cease-fire in Syria. "We have a resolution on the books. It's the right resolution. We've committed ourselves to it, and we need Russia to do the same," she added. Turkey's U.N. envoy, Yasar Halit Cevik, dismissed Russia's concern that Ankara might be planning to launch a ground operation in Syria. "Our political leaders are quite open on saying that Turkey will not be going into Syria with boots on the ground if it is not a collective action," Cevik told reporters, and said Turkey would only consider military intervention if the Security Council or the international coalition called for it. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US-led airstrikes futile, boots needed in Syria: Saudi prince Iran Press TV Sun Feb 21, 2016 6:40PM Saudi Prince Turki al-Faisal says the US-led airstrikes allegedly targeting Daesh Takfiri militants in Syria have been ineffective and a ground intervention is needed as Riyadh pushes to win support for its latest scheme in the war-torn Arab country. The prince told journalists in Abu Dhabi on Sunday that the kingdom had offered to deploy ground forces to Syria as it believed that the US-led airstrikes alone could not defeat the Takfiri group in Syria. 'The world community has the capability, economic, political, military and otherwise, to put a stop to the killing,' he said. 'I think it is high time that people said enough is enough, but simply saying it is not going to do it. There has to be concrete action on the ground to put a stop to the killing,' he added. The remarks came as Saudi Arabia announced earlier this month that it was ready to send special forces to Syria if the US-led coalition decides to send ground troops. The so-called coalition has been conducting combat sorties against purported positions of Daesh in Syria since September 2014 without a mandate from Damascus or the UN. The airstrikes, which have on many occasions resulted in civilian deaths and damage to Syrian infrastructure, have widely been considered as inefficient. Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also followed in Saudi Arabia's footsteps and hinted their preparedness for similar deployments. The kingdom has sent a number of warplanes to Turkey. The fighter jets also took part in a joint military exercise with Turkey that ended on Friday, claiming that the move was in line with the so-called fight against Daesh Takfiri terrorists in Syria. Saudi Arabia and Turkey are widely believed to be among major sponsors of terrorist groups operating against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Saudi proposal for ground intervention in Syria, however, received huge criticism from the Syrian government and its allies. Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem has said that any "ground intervention on Syrian territory without government authorization would amount to an aggression that must be resisted." He has also warned that potential aggressors would return home in a "wooden coffin." Iran and Russia have also warned against the deployment of foreign ground forces into Syria, calling it a dangerous move which could lead to a permanent war. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has said Saudi Arabia's involvement in ground operation in Syria could lead to a "new world war." Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani has said that a potential troop deployment by regional countries to Syria would be a "very dangerous" decision. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, Russia reach provisional deal on Syria truce, says Kerry Iran Press TV Sun Feb 21, 2016 2:2PM US Secretary of State John Kerry says he and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov have struck a provisional deal on terms of a cessation of hostilities in Syria, indicating that the two sides are still in disagreement on some issues. 'We have reached a provisional agreement in principle on the terms of a cessation of hostilities that could begin in the coming days,' Kerry said Sunday, during a press conference with Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh in the Jordanian capital city of Amman. The top US diplomat, who was visiting Jordan to discuss with Judeh and King Abdullah the situation in the region, said the agreement was reached after repeated negotiations with Lavrov, that ran through early Sunday, according to Reuters. Kerry also said that US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin would be speaking in the next few days to complete the agreement in principle. He declined to reveal any details, but according to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the ceasefire conditions exclude military operations against organizations 'recognized as terrorist by the UN Security Council.' According to Kerry, any deal would take a few days, while the two sides consulted with other countries and the Syrian opposition. Russia has to speak to the Syrian government and Iran, and the US has to speak to the Syrian opposition and its partners, Kerry said. After days of negotiation, diplomats from the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), a group of countries including the US, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iran, agreed on February 12 to seek a temporary 'cessation of hostilities' in Syria. The ISSG also agreed to 'accelerate and expand' deliveries of humanitarian aid to various besieged Syrian towns. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Saturday that he was ready for a ceasefire to end the years-long bloodshed in the country, on condition that foreign-backed terrorists did not use a let-up in fighting to their advantage and that countries backing them halted their support. Syria accuses Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar of funding and arming terrorist groups operating inside the country, including Daesh (ISIL). The Syrian opposition had earlier agreed to the 'possibility' of a temporary truce, provided there were guarantees Damascus's allies including Russia would stop there airstrikes, sieges were lifted and aid deliveries were allowed country-wide. Russia has been conducting airstrikes on the positions of Daesh and other militant groups in Syria since September 30, 2015, upon a request by the Assad government. The US and some of its allies have also been pounding alleged Daesh positions in the Arab country since 2014, without getting approval from the Syrian government or the UN. The foreign-sponsored conflict in Syria, which flared up in March 2011, has claimed the lives of some 470,000 people and left 1.9 million injured, according to the Syrian Center for Policy Research. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria forces kill 50 Daesh militants in Aleppo Iran Press TV Sun Feb 21, 2016 1:19PM Syrian government forces have killed at least 50 Daesh Takfiri militants while making advances in the northern province of Aleppo, reports say. The militants were killed over the past 24 hours during clashes with government forces, who were supported by Russian airstrikes in east Aleppo, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Sunday. According to the official SANA news agency, the Syrian army made more gains against Takfiri militants in Aleppo, regaining control of seven villages; Howeijena, Sobeihia, al-Rodwania, Rayan, al Qaroutia, Roufie and Ain Thabet at al Sfira area some 30 km to the northeast of Aleppo city. Syrian forces also managed to take back control of strategic Faaouri and Riman hills in the eastern countryside of Aleppo. Syrian troops have captured over a dozen villages from Daesh militants in the northern province since Saturday morning. The fresh gains have tightened the noose on Daesh as they included two strategic roads that used to serve as supply routes for the terror group: the main road connecting Shaddadah to the Daesh-held city of Mosul in Iraq and another road connecting it to Raqqah. Having lost these two routes, the Takfiris in the area were forced to retreat toward Dayr al-Zawr Province, which is mostly under their control. According to a new report by the Syrian Center for Policy Research, the conflict in Syria has claimed the lives of over 470,000 people since March 2011. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey president defends Syria bombing as 'legitimate defense' Iran Press TV Sun Feb 21, 2016 1:13PM Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has once again defended Ankara's bombing of Kurdish regions in Syria as "legitimate defense" amid ongoing calls to end the deadly campaign. 'The situation we are currently facing is one of legitimate defense. No-one can deny or limit Turkey's legitimate right to defense in the face of terrorist attacks,' Erdogan said late Saturday. The comments came after calls from Damascus and several other states across the globe on Turkey to end its shelling of Kurdish targets in Syria. Damascus on Saturday denounced Turkish artillery shelling inside the Syria territory as an "outrageous violation" of international law, saying Ankara is targeting civilians in the Arab country. On Friday, French President Francois Hollande warned that Ankara's growing involvement in war-ravaged Syria was generating a risk of war between Turkey and Russia. US President Barack Obama also had a telephone conversation with Erdogan on Friday, calling on the Turkish government to 'show reciprocal restraint' by halting the shelling. Russia has also expressed concern about Turkey's shelling and military campaign inside Syria, describing it as "unacceptable." "The Kremlin is concerned by the growing tension on the Syrian-Turkish border," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a teleconference with journalists in Moscow on Saturday. Turkey has been bombing Syria's northern territory since February 13 in order to stop the advances of Kurdish groups fighting Takfiri militants in the region. They fear Kurdish groups could create a stronghold near its southern border. Ankara also blamed Syrian Kurdish fighters for a car bomb in the Turkish capital that killed 28 people earlier this week. However, a Turkey-based PKK splinter group, the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK), claimed responsibility for the attack. The TAK was once linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party but it says its relationship with PKK militants has been severed. The PKK has been fighting for an autonomous Kurdish region inside Turkey since the 1980s. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian forces liberate strategic power station in Aleppo Iran Press TV Sun Feb 21, 2016 8:28AM Syrian forces and volunteer fighters have managed to regain control of a strategic thermal power station in the northwestern province of Aleppo. The station was fully liberated on Saturday following heavy clashes between the Syrian forces and Takfiri Daesh terrorists, who had seized the facility nearly two years ago. Syria's official SANA news agency reported Sunday that the army also recaptured six villages and two districts in eastern Aleppo. On Saturday, Syrian forces regained control over at least 18 villages in eastern Aleppo after purging Daesh elements. Meanwhile, the Syrian Air Force bombarded the positions of Daesh and al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front in various parts of Aleppo. In another development, at least 35 Takfiri militants were killed in airstrikes conducted by Syrian aircraft in the northwestern province of Hama. On Friday, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces seized the key town of Shaddadah in Hasakah Province from Daesh, two years after it fell to the terror group. The fresh gains have tightened the noose on Daesh as they included two strategic roads that used to serve as supply routes for the terror group: the main road connecting Shaddadah to the Daesh-held city of Mosul in Iraq and another road connecting it to Raqqah. Having lost these two routes, the Takfiris in the area were forced to retreat toward Dayr al-Zawr Province, which is mostly under their control. According to a new report by the Syrian Center for Policy Research, the conflict in Syria has claimed the lives of over 470,000 people since March 2011. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Scores Killed In Syria Blasts, As U.S., Russia Reach 'Provisional Accord' On Truce February 21, 2016 by RFE/RL Syrian activists and pro-government media say more than 100 people have been killed in a series of explosions in government-held areas of Syria. The February 21 attacks came as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said a 'provisional agreement' had been reached with Russia on a partial truce in the Syrian conflict. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group reported that at least 59 people, mainly civilians, were killed in a double car bombing in the central city of Homs. The explosions hit the Al-Zahraa district, most of whose residents belong to President Bashar al-Assad's Alawite sect. Homs city is almost completely controlled by the Syrian government. Hours later, at least three blasts targeted a Shi'ite suburb of Damascus. State television reported at least 50 dead and 200 wounded, but the observatory put the death toll at more than 80. The attacks hit the Sayyida Zeinab district, which is home to the grave of a granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad, one of Shi'ite Islam's holiest shrines. The Islamic State (IS) militant group claimed responsibility for the Homs and Damascus blasts. The observatory also said that at least 50 IS fighters had been killed in the past 24 hours in an advance by government troops, backed by Russian air strikes, east of the northern city of Aleppo. Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said he and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, had reached a 'provisional agreement' on terms of a cessation of hostilities in Syria. 'We have reached a provisional agreement in principle on the terms of a cessation of hostilities that could begin in the coming days,' Kerry told a news conference in Amman with Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh on February 21. Kerry said he and Lavrov hoped that U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin would be speaking in the coming days in order to complete the provisional agreement in principle. He added that the two sides were 'still filling out the details.' The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed Lavrov and Kerry had spoken about conditions for a cease-fire in Syria on the telephone. It said discussions were on cease-fire conditions, which would exclude operations against organizations 'recognized as terrorists by the UN Security Council.' Meanwhile in Tehran, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu met with Iranian President Hassan Rohani. The official IRNA news agency reported that Shoigu gave a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Rohani. It did not elaborate. According to the IRNA news agency, the Russian minister presented an overview 'of the situation regarding stability in the region and the process of negotiations for a cease-fire in Syria.' Russia and Iran have both been strong backers of President Assad during the nearly five-year conflict. Major powers agreed in Munich on February 12 to work toward a "cessation of hostilities" in Syria and to expand delivery of humanitarian aid to people caught up in the conflict. The Munich agreement between 18 countries supporting opposing sides in Syria's civil war had called for a truce to begin as early as February 19. Syria's main opposition group said on February 20 it was open to the possibility of a truce. But the group, known as the High Negotiations Committee, said any potential truce would require the Syrian government to first lift blockades from rebel-held communities. The Saudi-backed group also said the Syrian government must release thousands of detainees. Assad said on February 20 that he, too, was ready for a cease-fire. But he said 'terrorists' must not use a lull in fighting to their advantage. 'We have said that we are ready to stop military operations, but the issue relates to more important factors...such as preventing terrorists from using it to improve their positions,' Assad was quoted as saying by an official online media outlet. With reporting by AFP, AP, Reuters, TASS, and Interfax Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/syria-us-russia- provisional-accord-on-truce/27565074.html Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Al-Nusra Front Terrorists Ask the UN for Protection Against Russia Sputnik News 21:42 21.02.2016(updated 22:00 21.02.2016) Russian airstrikes have forced al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization al-Nusra to appeal for help in the United Nations, Germany's Deutsche Wirtschafts Nachrichten reports. The Syria-based terror group, DWN says, citing a Reuters report, has asked for a 'two-three week truce,' and demanded that all attacks on the terrorist group be stopped. The group has tabled the measure in the hopes that the break in hostilities will give them time to regroup, preventing their complete destruction, the paper says. For their part, the United States and Saudi Arabia have long-supported the terror group with arms and finances, while politicians have attempted to put al-Nusra in a more favorable light by counting them in the ranks of the so-called 'moderate opposition', the newspaper suggests. And 'while the al-Nusra Front has officially rejected al-Qaeda's goals, they have done so only in order to participate in the carve-up of Syria,' DWN adds. In the meantime, 'a UN report has accused al-Nusra of crimes against humanity.' 'Russian airstrikes have put the al-Nusra Front, as well as Daesh, under considerable pressure, recently surrounding [the former] in Aleppo. The Syrian Army, which is supported by the Russians, has been advancing undeterred and does not want to engage in negotiations with the terrorists.' 'The precarious situation,' DWN says, 'has forced the terrorist group to try an original move to bring about a ceasefire in the UN. This was reported by Reuters, citing anonymous sources 'close to the peace negotiations'.' These sources, the newspaper notes, may have received their information from the CIA. The intelligence agency's cooperation with al-Nusra Front has served to annoy both the Pentagon and the White House, with President Barack Obama previously referring to this strategy as a failure. Ultimately, the newspaper suggests, 'the offer is of course just a trap for the Russians: The militants desire to regroup in order to prevent their utter destructionbecause the Russians and Syrians are proceeding with the battle for Syria with the utmost severity.' 'The Russians,' DWN notes, 'will not agree to the proposal. Unlike the West, the [Syrian-Russian-Iranian] alliance is resolute in its fight with Daesh, and are even officially recognized by the UN. [However,] Russia itself suffered a diplomatic defeat on Friday: The UN Security Council postponed a decision on a resolution against a Turkish invasion of Syria.' Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria to View Saudi, Turkish Troops as Terrorists if Invasion Launched Sputnik News 09:45 21.02.2016(updated 09:53 21.02.2016) Bashar Assad said that if Saudi Arabia and Turkey send their troops to Syria, the Damascus authorities will treat them as terrorists. MOSCOW (Sputnik) If Saudi Arabia and Turkey send their troops to Syria, the Damascus authorities will treat them as terrorists, Syrian President Bashar Assad said. 'If this happens, we shall treat them as terrorists. We defend our country. Nobody has the right to interfere in Syria neither from a political, nor from a military point of view. This would be a violation of international law, and for us, as well as for citizens of Syria, the only possibility is to defend our motherland,' Assad told El Pais newspaper. Assad stressed that Turkey had been involved in events of Syria from the very beginning and sent terrorists to the country. Last week, media reported that Saudi Arabia could send thousands of ground forces to Syria, most likely in coordination with Turkey, to take part in the fight against the Daesh jihadist group. Shortly after that, Turkey reportedly sent troops to its border, and also intensified the shelling of Kurdish-held areas in northern border regions of Syria. On Monday, a spokesman for Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Omer Celik, said Turkey had no plans to conduct a ground operation in Syria. Riyadh has been a nominal member of a US-led international coalition that has been carrying out airstrikes against Daesh jihadists in Syria and Iraq since 2014. However, the operations in Syria have been conducted without the approval of the Syrian government or the UN Security Council. Russia has also been leading a separate campaign against Daesh militants in Syria since last September, following a request from Syrian President Bashar Assad, having outlawed the group. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Anti-Damascus Sanctions Among Reasons Behind Syria Refugee Crisis - Assad Sputnik News 09:15 21.02.2016(updated 09:24 21.02.2016) Bashar Assad said that Western sanctions against Syria were a contributing factor in the difficult situation with refugees in the country. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The Western sanctions against Syria were a contributing factor in the difficult situation with refugees in the country, Syrian President Bashar Assad said. In an interview with El Pais newspaper, Assad outlined two reasons behind the crisis. 'The first is terrorism, because not only do the terrorists threaten civilians, but also deprive them of basic livelihood. The second reason is the embargo which the West, primarily the United States, had imposed on Syria, this is what created even greater difficulties for people's lives here, mainly in the healthcare sector,' Assad said. According to the Syrian president, people having to flee their country is one of the saddest parts of the crisis. Assad stressed that all refugees can come back to Syria Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with the army loyal to Assad fighting several opposition factions and militant organizations, including Islamic State, which is banned in Russia and a number of other countries. The West and several Middle Eastern countries do not consider Assad to be the legitimate authority of Syria. In 2011, Washington imposed sanctions against him in the hope that he would step down. According to the UN refugee agency, 6.6 million Syrians are displaced inside the conflict-torn Arab republic, while about 4.6 million people fled the country, triggering a massive refugee crisis in the European Union. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Support of Russia, Iran Key to Success of Syrian Army Advance - Assad Sputnik News 03:30 21.02.2016 The support from Russia and Iran has contributed a lot to the progress of Syria's army, Syrian President Bashar Assad said. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Since September 2015, Russia has been conducting an aerial operation against terrorists in Syria at Assad's request. 'The support of Russia and Iran has been, without any doubt, a key to our army's success [in its advance],' Assad said in an interview with Spain's El Pais daily published Saturday. According to the Syrian president, his country needs this support due to the fact that 'there are 80 countries that back terrorism by different means.' Assad also urged to ban countries, especially Turkey, from supporting terrorists by sending militants and arms to Syria. Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to Assad fighting against a number of opposition factions and extremist groups. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Islamic State Claims Deadly Blasts near Damascus, Homs by VOA News February 21, 2016 U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday a 'provisional agreement' has been made with Russia for a ceasefire in Syria's five-year civil war, but violence continued unabated throughout the country, with scores of people killed in two separate attacks claimed by the Islamic State group. Early estimates indicate a deadly double bombing in Homs early Sunday killed up to 60 people before a series of blasts later in the day hit Sayeda Zeinab, south of Damascus, killing at least 50 people. In late January, explosions near a Shi'ite shrine in the same area killed dozens more. The latest explosions come after John Kerry said Sunday that fighting between the Syrian military and opposition groups could end within hours. A more reserved statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry indicated Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by phone with Kerry to discuss what it called 'the modalities for the cessation of hostilities in Syria.' American and Russian diplomats will need to convince their allies in the country to sign on to the deal. Moscow backs forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a long-time U.S. foe, with military support. Neither diplomat released details of the preliminary accord. Rebel group 'willing' The main rebel coalition in Syria has said it is willing to accept a temporary truce, but only if Russia calls a halt to its airstrikes and the Damascus government ends its offensive near the Syrian-Turkish border. Russia has said it will not stop its airstrikes against what it calls terrorist targets in Syria, even if there is international agreement on a temporary truce, which diplomats have been calling a 'cessation of hostilities.' The United States and others involved in trying to end the Syrian civil war say most Russian bombs are directed at rebels fighting the Syrian government, not at Islamic State terrorists. U.S. officials have given a guarded account a conversation Kerry and Lavrov had Saturday, reviewing the work of two teams working in Geneva on the Syrian crisis one on the urgent need to get humanitarian assistance to civilians trapped by the civil war in Syria, the other on a temporary truce intended to lead to a full and formal cease-fire. Both sides agreed there has been some progress in delivering aid shipments to civilian neighborhoods under siege by Syrian government troops and their allies. A U.S. statement added that humanitarian groups need immediate access to additional areas, and that future deliveries should be 'sustained and unimpeded.' The Syrian rebel coalition known as the High Negotiations Committee met in Saudi Arabia Saturday and condemned Russia's military action supporting the Damascus government. The coalition said Russia has 'shown disdain for the international community and disregard for the lives of Syrians.' Russia's airstrikes have been blamed for increasing the war's toll on Syrian civilians, prompting more of them to leave their homes as refugees and try to flee across the border into Turkey. Russia's UN request rejected Moscow has complained that Turkey is about to send ground forces into Syria, and it called for Security Council action to block that at an emergency meeting Friday. Other Security Council members rejected Russia's draft resolution, and Turkey's U.N. ambassador said his country would only take such a direct role in Syria if it was backed by the United Nations. Russia's proposal to the Security Council did not mention Turkey by name, but its intent was clear. It strongly condemned cross-border shelling into Syria and what Russia says is an unrestricted flow of 'terrorist' fighters and illegal weapons shipments into the country. Syria's main opposition group agreed to the 'possibility' of a temporary truce Saturday while harshly criticizing Russia for failing to hold to a temporary agreed-upon cease-fire. The High Negotiations Committee, a Saudi-backed coalition of Syrian opposition groups, issued a statement saying Russia had shown 'disdain for the international community and disregard for the lives of Syrians.' The groups agreed on the possibility of a deal if the United Nations could guarantee a cease-fire and the delivery of humanitarian aid. The statement followed Russia's call for an urgent meeting of the U.N. Security Council to discuss its concerns that Turkey may be planning to send ground troops into Syria. The Russian delegation presented a one-page draft resolution that would have condemned such a move. It also "strongly" condemned cross-border shelling, the flow of terrorist fighters and the illegal movement of weapons from Syria's "neighbors." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN condemns rampant war crimes in Syria Iran Press TV Mon Feb 22, 2016 6:34PM A UN commission has condemned 'widespread war crimes in Syria', saying those responsible for the violent atrocities should be held accountable as part of the international peace process. 'Flagrant violations of human rights and international humanitarian law continue unabated, aggravated by blatant impunity,' the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry said in a report on Monday. The report added that civilians were the "primary victims" of Syria's five-year-long conflict and "their suffering has been compounded by an absence of civilian protection." The commission further noted that those responsible for war crimes should face justice as part of a ceasefire aimed at ending the conflict in Syria. Paulo Pinheiro, the head of the commission, also said the warring sides in the Arab country do not respect international humanitarian law. This came as reports say that Russia and the US announced that a cessation of hostilities in the Arab country will go into effect on February 27. On February 12, diplomats from the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) agreed to seek a temporary 'cessation of hostilities' in Syria. The ISSG also agreed to 'accelerate and expand' deliveries of humanitarian aid to various besieged Syrian towns. On Saturday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that he was ready for a ceasefire to end the five-year-long bloodshed in the country, provided that foreign-backed terrorists did not use a let-up in fighting to their advantage and that countries backing them halted their support. Syria accuses Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar of funding and arming terrorist groups operating inside the country, including Daesh Takfiri group. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US-Russia call for late February truce in Syria Iran Press TV Mon Feb 22, 2016 5:42PM A draft deal reached between Russia and the United States has called for a ceasefire to start in Syria in late February. Diplomatic sources said on Monday that the truce would start on February 27, 2016 and would exclude two major militant groups in Syria, namely Daesh and Nusra Front. One western source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed a previous report saying that the draft deal calls on warring sides in Syria to agree to the cessation of hostilities by midday on February 26. Another anonymous source, however, was unable to confirm the accuracy of the reports. US Secretary of state John Kerry said on Sunday that he and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, had reached a provisional agreement on the 'cessation of hostilities' in Syria. He said the sides were closer to a ceasefire than ever before. "We have reached a provisional agreement in principle on the terms of a cessation of hostilities that could begin in the coming days," Kerry said during a visit to the Jordanian capital of Amman, adding, 'The modalities for a cessation of hostilities are now being completed. In fact, we are closer to a ceasefire today than we have been." Kerry said Washington and Moscow were 'filling out the details' of the agreement. He said the presidents of US and Russia are expected to talk in the coming days to complete the provisional agreement in principle. Syria is in the midst of deadly militancy with government forces and allies, backed by Russia's air cover, continuing to battle terrorist groups across the Arab country. Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have managed over the past few weeks to recapture major positions from Daesh and Nusra front in the north. Assad said on Saturday that he was ready for a ceasefire in case the terrorists did not use it to advance their ambitions and that countries backing them stop their support. More than 470,000 people have reportedly been killed and millions displaced in nearly five years of fighting in Syria. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria opposition meets in Riyadh to discuss truce Iran Press TV Mon Feb 22, 2016 4:18PM A Saudi-backed opposition group in Syria has held a meeting in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, to discuss a ceasefire plan for the conflict-hit Arab country. Monzer Makhous, the spokesman for the so-called opposition group known as the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), said that the group held a meeting on Monday. He added that the meeting is anticipated to continue until Thursday and the participants planned to discuss developments since the UN-brokered talks over Syria's crisis halted earlier this month. This came a day after US Secretary of State John Kerry said following a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in the Jordanian capital, Amman, that both sides struck a provisional deal on terms of cessation of hostilities in Syria. Russia will speak to the Syrian government and Iran, and the US will speak to the Syrian opposition and its partners, Kerry said. On February 12, diplomats from the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) agreed to seek a temporary 'cessation of hostilities' in Syria. The ISSG also agreed to 'accelerate and expand' deliveries of humanitarian aid to various besieged Syrian towns. On Saturday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that he was ready for a ceasefire to end the five-year-long bloodshed in the country, provided that foreign-backed terrorists did not use a let-up in fighting to their advantage and that countries backing them halted their support. Syria accuses Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar of funding and arming terrorist groups operating inside the country, including Daesh Takfiri group. The opposition also said that it would accept a ceasefire if Russia stopped its airstrikes on Takfiri targets. The ISSG agreement also called on the Syrian government and the opposition group to resume the UN-led peace talks that collapsed on February 3 after the HNC refused to attend the talks. The talks were scheduled to begin on February 25. But UN envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said the resumption of talks is "unrealistic." Syria has been gripped by a foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. According to a new report by the Syrian Center for Policy Research, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 470,000 people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkish-Saudi invasion of Syria not on agenda: Turkey's FM Iran Press TV Mon Feb 22, 2016 11:9AM Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says Turkey and Saudi Arabia have currently no plan for a ground incursion into Syria. Addressing a press conference in the capital, Ankara, on Monday, Cavusoglu said any ground operation inside Syria would need to involve all countries in the so-called US-led coalition against Daesh Takfiri terrorists. Cavusoglu's remarks come as Saudi Prince Turki al-Faisal said on Sunday that the US-led airstrikes in Syria have been ineffective and a ground intervention was needed in the war-torn Arab country. The prince said that the kingdom had offered to deploy ground forces to Syria as it believed the US-led airstrikes alone could not defeat the Takfiri group in Syria. This as Saudi Arabia announced earlier this month that it was ready to send special forces to Syria if the US-led coalition decides to send ground troops. The coalition has been conducting combat sorties against purported positions of Daesh in Syria since September 2014 without a mandate from Damascus or the UN. The airstrikes, which have on many occasions resulted in civilian deaths and damage to Syrian infrastructure, have widely been criticized as inefficient in defeating Daesh. Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also followed in Saudi Arabia's footsteps and signaled their preparedness for similar deployments. The Saudi proposal for ground intervention in Syria, however, received strong criticism from the Syrian government and other states. Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem has said that any "ground intervention on Syrian territory without government authorization would amount to an aggression that must be resisted." He has also warned that potential aggressors would return home in a "wooden coffin." Elsewhere in his remarks on Monday, the Turkish foreign minister claimed that Russian airstrikes were the biggest obstacle to achieving a ceasefire in Syria. Cavusoglu said the Syrian opposition would meet in Riyadh on Tuesday. The Syrian opposition on Saturday agreed to the 'possibility' of a temporary ceasefire, provided there were guarantee that Damascus's allies, including Russia, would stop their airstrikes, sieges were lifted and aid deliveries were allowed country-wide. Russia has been conducting airstrikes on the positions of Daesh and other militant groups in Syria since September 30, 2015, upon a request by the Syrian government. Saudi Arabia and Turkey are widely believed to be among major sponsors of terrorist groups operating against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. According to a new report by the Syrian Center for Policy Research, the conflict in Syria has claimed the lives of over 470,000 people since March 2011. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria Ceasefire Deal to Open Aid to Besieged Areas - Kerry Sputnik News 21:28 22.02.2016(updated 21:53 22.02.2016) According to the US secretary of state, the ceasefire deal will permit the transportation of humanitarian supplies to besieged areas and promote a political end to the conflict. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The pending cessation of hostilities in Syria will hopefully permit the transportation of humanitarian supplies to areas cut off by the civil war and promote a political end to the conflict, US Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement on Monday. 'If implemented and adhered to, this cessation will not only lead to a decline in violence, but also continue to expand the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian supplies to besieged areas and support a political transition to a government that is responsive to the desires of the Syrian people,' Kerry stated. On Monday, Russia and the United States announced a draft of the ceasefire agreement that calls for cessation of hostilities to begin at midnight on Saturday. Syria's main opposition group, the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and opposition forces tentatively agreed to back the cessation of hostilities, with conditions. A statement posted on the Coalition's website on Monday said group 'had agreed to the 'possibility' of a temporary truce, provided there were guarantees [President Bashar] Assad's allies including Russia would implement the ceasefire, lift sieges, release detainees and allow aid deliveries across the country.' The agreement excludes the terrorist groups Daesh, also known as the Islamic State, the al-Qaida affiliate Nusra Front and other groups designated as terrorist by the United Nations. Violence in Syria continued over the weekend, with Daesh claiming responsibility for terrorist attacks in Homs and Damascus that killed at least 140 people. More than 250,000 people have died in Syria's civil war since fighting began in March 2011. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Breakthrough: US, Russia Agree on Syria Ceasefire Starting February 27 Sputnik News 19:19 22.02.2016(updated 21:27 22.02.2016) Cessation of hostilities in Syria is expected to start on Saturday, February 27, according to a joint statement issued by the US State Department. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The deadline for the ceasefire has been outlined in a draft US-Russia deal. 'The United States and Russia, as co-chairs of the ISSG [International Syria Support Group] and ISSG Ceasefire Task Force, announce the adoption on February 22, 2016, of the Terms for a Cessation of Hostilities in Syria attached as an Annex to this statement, and propose that the cessation of hostilities commence at 00:00 (Damascus time) on February 27, 2016,' the statement reads. Military action, including airstrikes conducted by Syria, Russia and the US-led coalition will continue against Daesh, al-Nusra Front, as well as other UN-designated terrorist groups. The United States and Russia have agreed to share information to effectively delineate territory occupied by terrorist groups like Daesh and al-Nusra Front, who are excluded from the Syrian cessation of hostilities. According to the agreement, Moscow and Washington will establish a hotline for communication to exchange information on Syria. 'To achieve this goal [of monitoring compliance with the ceasefire] and to promote an effective and sustainable cessation of hostilities, the Russian Federation and the United States will establish a communication hotline and, if necessary and appropriate, a working group to exchange relevant information after the cessation of hostilities has gone into effect,' the announced said. Parties engaged in the fighting in Syria should indicate whether they agree to cease hostilities not later than on February 26. Syrian armed opposition groups will cease attacks against the Syrian government forces, according to the deal. US Secretary of State John Kerry called on all parties to accept and fully comply with terms of the proposed plan. Earlier in the day, the Syrian Democratic Council told Sputnik it had not been informed of the cessation of hostilities plan yet. "We don't have enough ideas on this question now, we are not informed about what happened exactly," Haytham Manaa said. The details of a ceasefire process between the government and opposition forces in Syria have not been been agreed upon yet, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Monday. "The details of the [proposed] ceasefire, whose original version was finalized in Munich, are under negotiation, and they have yet to be agreed upon," Zarif said, as quoted by the Tasnim News Agency. According to the media, Zarif reiterated Iran's stance on Syria, stressing that only a political dialogue and cessation of hostilities can solve the current crisis. On Sunday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US State Secretary John Kerry discussed ceasefire parameters in Syria during phone talks, Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with the country's government fighting multiple Islamic opposition factions and terrorists, including Daesh and al-Nusra Front. The meeting of the International Syria Support Group on February 12 resulted in a final communique calling for humanitarian access to all besieged areas in Syria, and set a one-week deadline for measures to be implemented toward cessation of hostilities. The ISSG was formed in November 2015 shortly after the beginning of the Syria peace talks in Vienna as an international format aiming to resolve the internal crisis in Syria. The format currently involves Russia, the Arab League countries, the European Union and some of its member states, as well as China, Iran, Turkey, the United Nations and the United States. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, Russia Announce Cease-fire Plan for Syria by Pamela Dockins February 22, 2016 The United States and Russia have agreed on plans for a cessation of hostilities in Syria, a move that could pave the way for an expansion of humanitarian aid to besieged cities and set the stage for a resumption of talks on a political transition. In a joint statement Monday, the U.S. and Russia proposed the cease-fire begin on February 27. It would apply to all parties in the conflict, with the exception of terrorist groups such as the Islamic State group and al-Qaida-affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra. The White House said President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone Monday to discuss the agreement. The joint U.S-Russian statement said a "communication hotline" would be established to help promote and sustain a cease-fire and that a working group, would be set up for an exchange of information, if necessary. "Over the coming days, we will be working to secure commitments from key parties that they will abide by the terms of this cessation," said Secretary of State John Kerry. "This is a moment of promise," he said, but added that fulfillment depended on actions. Syria support group The U.S. and Russia are co-chairs of a cease-fire task force that is part of the 17-nation International Syria Support Group. The group met in Munich earlier this month and had hoped to announce an initial ceasefire plan by last Friday. Word of the potential truce comes a day after Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for a series of attacks in Damascus and Homs left over 100 people dead. Earlier Monday, State Department spokesman Mark Toner condemned the attacks, and said it would take a "united and global effort to destroy this terrorist organization." Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement the terror attacks need an adequate reaction from the international community. UN urges all parties to comply A U.N. spokesman said Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon welcomed the agreement announced by Russia and the U.S. and "strongly urges" all parties to abide by terms of the agreement. Earlier this month, U.N.-facilitated talks between the Syrian government and opposition broke off, partly due to opposition concerns about the Russian-backed Syrian government's continued bombings around Aleppo. U.N. envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura initially planned to resume talks by February 25 but, last week, the U.N. announced the talks would be further delayed. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said his government is ready for a cease-fire, but not if 'terrorists' use it to bolster their positions. He has regularly referred to any opposition fighters as terrorists throughout the conflict that began in March 2011. Kerry said Assad ally Russia would be speaking with the Syrian government, as well as Iran, while the U.S. would be consulting with opposition groups in order to try to implement the cease-fire. The main rebel coalition in Syria has said it is willing to accept a temporary truce, but only if Russia calls a halt to its airstrikes and the Syrian government ends its offensive near the Syrian-Turkish border. Russia has said it will not stop its airstrikes against what it calls terrorist targets in Syria, even if there is international agreement on a temporary truce. Russian airstrikes The United States and others involved in trying to end the Syrian civil war say most Russian bombs are directed at rebels fighting the Syrian government, not at Islamic State terrorists. The Syrian rebel coalition known as the High Negotiations Committee met in Saudi Arabia Saturday and condemned Russia's military action supporting the Damascus government. The coalition said Russia has 'shown disdain for the international community and disregard for the lives of Syrians.' Russia's airstrikes have been blamed for increasing the war's toll on Syrian civilians, prompting more of them to leave their homes as refugees and try to flee across the border into Turkey. VOA White House correspondent Mary Alice Salinas contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Envoy's Trip to Kobani Sparks Tension Between US and Turkey by Jamie Dettmer February 22, 2016 A February 1 visit by a top U.S diplomat to Syria's border town of Kobani for meetings with Syrian Kurdish leaders is at the center of a widening rift between Ankara and Washington. Turkish officials and Western-backed Syrian rebels are once again highlighting the trip by President Obama's special envoy Brett McGurk to try to explain subsequent clashes between U.S.-backed Free Syrian Army factions and U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in northern Syria. The daylong visit to the battered town of Kobani, which withstood a months-long siege by Islamic State militants partly thanks to American airstrikes, was controversial the moment news of the trip broke and prompted protests from Turkish officials. They were infuriated with McGurk's meetings with leaders of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), an offshoot of Turkey's own outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Ankara sees as a terrorist organization. In characteristic bombastic style, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan thundered: 'How can we trust [you]? Is it me who is your partner or the terrorists in Kobani?" Washington's support of the PYD, has proven to be one of the most contentious issues dividing the U.S. and Turkey along with Washington's insistence that defeat of the Islamic State should take priority over the removal of Syrian President Basar al-Assad from power. Washington views the PYD's armed wing, the People's Protection Units (YPG) as its most effective ground partner in the fight against the Islamic State. But Ankara fears Syrian Kurds are determined to carve out their own independent state along the border with Turkey. According to the U.S. State Department, McGurk's visit, which came a week late for the first-year anniversary of the lifting of the IS siege on the town, was to review the U.S.-led international coalition's fight against IS. McGurk tweeted during his visit: "Spent two days in northern #Syria this past weekend to review ongoing fight against #ISIL. #ISIS #Daesh." He tweeted also: "Paid respects to over 1,000 Kurdish martyrs from #Kobani battle. #ISIL's siege was broken 1-year ago last week." The explanations did little to mollify Ankara or Syrian rebels then or now. Accusations PYD told US of plans With the YPG fighting Western-backed FSA factions in the northern Aleppo countryside, McGurk's visit is being seized on again with anti-Assad rebels and Turkish officials questioning whether PYD leaders divulged their plans to McGurk for a Kurdish land-grab in northern Syria. U.S. officials say YPG commanders didn't, telling VOA that the Kurd-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) near Aleppo are "a different group that has not been coordinating with the U.S. in the fight against the Islamic State in northeast Syria." 'The State Department has seen no indication that the elements of the SDF that the U.S. is working with have moved west of the Euphrates" into the northern Aleppo countryside, an official said. If McGurk's visit was controversial at the time of the trip, it has become even more so since the Assad regime unleashed a war-changing offensive on February 4 across the northern Aleppo countryside with Russian air support. Syrian rebels claim the Kurds have been assisting the regime by grabbing from them a series of towns, including Tell Rifaat, and an airbase anti-Assad insurgents have controlled since August 2013. And they claim the Kurdish-dominated SDF has been coordinating their attacks with the Russians and President Bashar al-Assad's regime. The YPG denies the claim. Daily Sabah columnist Klc Bugra Kanat is one among several Turkish commentators re-examining McGurk's visit and arguing it prompts "increasing questions regarding U.S. policy in Syria." And for days social media sites have been full of postings by FSA supporters, Turkish nationalists and members of Turkey's ruling AKP party questioning the purpose of the trip. "Is it a coincidence attacks on FSA by YPG have risen since @brett_mcgurk's visit to Kobani," tweeted one FSA supporter. "No document has passed my table suggesting the U.S. knew beforehand what the PYD/YPG was planning to do even so, the timing of the visit is in hindsight deeply unfortunate," a European diplomat told VOA. US calls for restraint Last week, Turkey joined the fray in the battles raging in northern Syria, firing off salvo after salvo of artillery and tank shells at YPG positions. In the wake of the Feb 17 car bombing in Ankara that left 28 dead, which the Turks blame on the PYD, the threat by Turkish authorities to launch some kind of anti-Kurdish ground offensive inside Syria to help anti-Assad rebels has taken on an even more ominous character. The U.S. is urging both Turkey and the YPG/PYD to show restraint an appeal that is infuriating Ankara, which sees Washington placing the Turkish government on the same par as the PYD, an organization it considers a terrorist group. In turn, the Turkish shelling is frustrating for Washington. U.S. officials fear unless it stops, Moscow will persist with airstrikes in northern Syria, dooming any chance that a cessation of hostilities agreed in Munich by foreign powers on Feb. 12. On Friday, in a phone conversation lasting one hour and 20 minutes, Ankara said President Obama had told Erdogan that Turkey had a right to self-defense, and expressed worries also over advances by Syrian Kurdish militias near Turkey's border in the northern Aleppo countryside. Obama stressed to Erdogan that YPG forces should not seek to exploit recent gains by the Syrian regime in northern Syria to seize additional territory themselves, the White House said in a statement. Turkish officials say Erdogan did bring up McGurk's February 1 visit to Kobani. Amberin Zaman, the long-serving Turkey correspondent for The Economist, argued this weekend on the American news-site Foreign Policy that McGurk's Kobani trip was prompted by U.S. fears about the Syrian Kurds defecting to the Russian camp. "The Kurds are skillfully playing the Russians and Americans off of each other to extract as much influence as possible," she maintains. With U.S.-backed groups now clashing with each other in northern Syria, Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, an analyst with the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank, said the only way people can make sense of it all is to "search for some hidden conspiracy." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan will not develop nuclear weapon: defense ministry ROC Central News Agency 2016/02/21 17:09:23 Taipei, Feb. 21 (CNA) Taiwan will continue to maintain its stance of not developing or storing nuclear weapons, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Sunday, in response to a U.S. magazine article that revealed Taiwan's efforts to acquire such weapons in the 1970s. 'Taiwan has clearly declared that its military will act in accordance with international conventions and government policies, and will not produce, develop, acquire, store or use nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. That stance will not change,' the MND said in a statement. It was responding to an article published by The Diplomat on Saturday that revealed the U.S.'s attempts to stop Taiwan from acquiring advanced nuclear technology in the 1970s, citing declassified documents released by the U.S. government. According to the article, Taiwan entered into an agreement with the United States in 1976 that it would not develop facilities to reprocess spent fuel, after the International Atomic Energy Agency discovered Taiwan's attempts to produce weapons-grade plutonium and enrich uranium. Taiwan was later discovered to have violated the agreement, prompting a warning from U.S. President Jimmy Carter that if Taiwan continued its efforts, Washington could no longer 'continue supporting nuclear export licenses for [Taiwan's] power program,' according to the article. The article said Taiwan's interest in acquiring nuclear weapons increased after China acquired such weapons in the 1960s, but the U.S. worried that Taiwan's move would escalate tensions across the Taiwan Strait. (By Lu Hsin-hui and Christie Chen) ENDITEM/ke NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey 'Has Right to Operations in Syria or Anywhere Else' Erdogan Sputnik News 21:43 21.02.2016(updated 21:49 21.02.2016) Turkey has the right to carry out operations in Syria or anywhere else where Ankara sees a threat, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a conference on Saturday that Turkey has the right to conduct operations in Syria or anywhere else where there might be 'terror organizations,' Hurriyet Daily News reported on Sunday. 'Turkey has every right to conduct operations in Syria and the places where terror organizations are nested with regards to the struggle against the threats that Turkey faces,' the Turkish president said during his address to the UNESCO City of Gastronomy: Gaziantep event on Saturday. The president reportedly said that the situation in Syria is not a question of 'the sovereignty rights of the states that cannot take control of their territorial integrity,' Hurriyet reported. 'On the contrary, this has to do with the will Turkey shows to protect its sovereignty rights.' 'No one can restrict Turkey's right to self-defense in the face of terror acts that have targeted Turkey; they cannot prevent [Turkey] from using it,' the Turkish president said. On February 13 the Turkish army began shelling Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in Syria after they drove Islamic militia from an air base and village close to the Turkish border, justifying it as a retaliatory measure. Last week Syrian Kurds also reported that 2,000 fighters from militant Islamic groups had crossed from Turkey into the northern Syrian city of Azaz. The YPG is one of the most effective forces fighting against the Daesh terrorist group in Syria, but Turkey considers it to be a terrorist organization because of its links with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in southeastern Turkey. Its position on the YPG is at odds with its allies in Washington, who see the Kurds as an ally against Islamic terrorism. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two years on, Ukraine conflict affects over half a million children - UNICEF UNICEF Over 200,000 children need psychosocial support GENEVA/ NEW YORK/KYIV, Ukraine, 19 February 2016 -- The conflict in Ukraine has deeply affected the lives of 580,000 children living in non-government controlled areas and close to the front line in eastern Ukraine, UNICEF said today. Of these, 200,000 or one in three need psychosocial support. "Two years of violence, shelling and fear have left an indelible mark on thousands of children in eastern Ukraine," said Giovanna Barberis, UNICEF Representative in Ukraine. "As the conflict continues, we need to reach these children urgently to meet their physical as well as psychological needs." More than 215,000 children are internally displaced from the conflict-affected areas. At least 1 out of 5 schools has been damaged or destroyed. Last year, more than 20 children were killed and over 40 were injured. Out of those, 28 casualties were caused by mines and unexploded ordnance. A polio outbreak was confirmed in Ukraine 19 years after the country was declared polio free. Damage to basic infrastructure has put the water supply at risk for some 2 million people across the frontline. As temperatures plummet, fuel shortages and high prices of coal are leaving children at risk of respiratory infections. Lack of access to health services and a shortage of medicines are threatening more disease outbreaks. "UNICEF calls all parties to the conflict in Ukraine to ensure safe movement and unhindered humanitarian access to help children in need," Ms. Barberis said. UNICEF has been working with partners to provide children with the basic services they need. To date, UNICEF has: Provided psychosocial support to over 46,000 children and trained almost 5,000 teachers and psychologists to identify signs of distress among children. Reached 1.6 million people with safe water and over 164,000 children and adults with essential hygiene items. Distributed education kits and school supplies to over 200,000 children. Reached nearly 280,000 children with information on the risks of landmines and unexploded ordnance. Delivered antiretroviral drugs to 8,000 people and children living with HIV in non-government controlled areas and HIV testing for over 31,000 pregnant women. Procured polio vaccines for 4.7 million children. Earlier this year, UNICEF has called for an additional US$54.3 million to address the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable children in conflict-affected areas. # # # NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Luhansk People's Republic to Hold Local Elections on April 24 - Decree Sputnik News 14:49 20.02.2016(updated 15:53 20.02.2016) Local elections in the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) in eastern Ukraine will be held on April 24, according to a decree by LPR leader Igor Plotnitsky. LUHANSK, February 20 (Sputnik) Local elections in the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) in eastern Ukraine will be held on April 24, according to a decree by LPR leader Igor Plotnitsky. Last month, LPR envoy to Contact Group talks Vladislav Deinego announced that the region was mulling holding elections on February 21 without Ukraine's participation over Kiev's avoidance of implementing the Minsk agreements on the Ukrainian reconciliation. 'Postpone the date of the first local elections in territories designated by the decree of the head of the Luhansk People's Republicfrom February 21 to April 24, 2016,' the decree, posted on Friday on Plotnitsky's official website, says. Kiev has been conducting a military operation in Ukraine's eastern regions since April 2014. In February, Kiev and Donbas militia signed a deal on Ukrainian reconciliation in Minsk, which stipulated a ceasefire and the withdrawal of weapons from the line of contact. Under the deal, constitutional reforms aimed at decentralizing power in Ukraine and the initiation of local elections in Donbas must have been concluded before the end of 2015. Donetsk and Luhansk agreed to postpone their local elections until 2016. Before elections in those regions can take place, Ukraine authorities must fulfill all the Minsk agreement obligations. Earlier in the day, leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) in eastern Ukraine Alexander Zakharchenko said local elections in the DPR should not be expected earlier than in 2017. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Re-Activates Mothballed Military Airfield in Crimea Sputnik News 14:04 20.02.2016(updated 15:05 20.02.2016) Russia has started the renovation of a 'conserved' airfield on the Crimean Peninsula to deploy Black Sea Fleet's naval helicopters and drones after 2017, a source in the Sevastopol city administration said Saturday. SEVASTOPOL (Crimea) (Sputnik) Russia has started the renovation of a mothballed airfield on the Crimean Peninsula to deploy Black Sea Fleet's naval helicopters and drones after 2017, a source in the Sevastopol city administration said Saturday. The Khersones airfield in Crimea has been mothballed for 20 years, according to the Russian military. 'The renovation work may take several years and envisions full renovation of the airfield's infrastructure,' the source told RIA Novosti. 'The deployment priority will be given to helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles,' the source stressed. The source added that the airfield's development plan had been adopted following the reunification of the peninsula with Russia. At the moment, the Black Sea Fleet operates three Crimean military airfields the Gvardeyskoye airfield near Simferopol, Belbek and Kacha airfields near Sevastopol. Crimea and its city of Sevastopol, which has a special status within the region, became subjects of the Russian Federation on March 21, 2014, after the Russian president signed the reunification documents into law. The decision came after more than 96 percent of Crimea voters backed the motion to secede from Ukraine and rejoin Russia in a referendum held in March, refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the new authorities in Kiev following the outcome of what many considered a coup. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN: Children Biggest Victims of 2-Year Conflict in E. Ukraine by Lisa Schlein February 21, 2016 The U.N. children's fund calls the daily suffering endured by more than 500,000 Ukrainian children victimized by two years of conflict intolerable. UNICEF finds children living in areas controlled by Russian-supported rebels in eastern Ukraine are being deprived of their most basic rights and needs. The U.N. children's fund considers the many children affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine as much more than just "collateral damage." It says the deprivation and trauma experienced by those who are most affected - some 580,000 children living near the front line - will have life-long damaging consequences. UNICEF representative in Ukraine Giovanna Barberis said these children were being deprived of their basic rights, including education, housing and the right to play. Speaking by telephone from the capital Kyiv, she said about 215,000 of the 1.6 million people displaced by the conflict could not return to the homes they were forced to flee. "Over 200,000so one in three are in need of psychosocial supportThese are children that have witnessed violence and fighting and that are really in need of immediate support,' said Barberis. Temperatures in the region are plummeting and Barberis said fuel shortages and high prices of coal were leaving children at risk of respiratory infections. She warned of an outbreak of diseases because of the lack of health services and a shortage of medicines. Landmine threat She said children were facing the imminent threat of stepping on landmines and other unexploded devices. She told VOA there was no proper system for tracking the number of children killed and maimed by these devices. She said UNICEF was relying on what she terms 'unrealistic figures' from the Ministry of Health. "Out of the 60 children that had been killed as a result of the conflict, around 40 were killed by mines because of jumping on any of these devices. But, again, I would not take it as a reliable figure," said Barberis. In the early stages of the conflict, the government in Kyiv cut off social payments to people living in the rebel-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine. This has created great hardships for the population. Barberis said the government has not resumed any benefit payments, but Russia was trying to mitigate the situation by providing some financial support NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Investigates Attacks Against Russian Banks Amid Maidan Commemorations February 22, 2016 by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service Ukrainian authorities say they have launched a criminal investigation into multiple attacks on Russian banks during this week's commemorations of the deadly 2014 antigovernment Euromaidan protests. The attacks in Kyiv, Lviv, and Mariupol came amid rallies marking the second anniversary of the ouster of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. Late on February 21, a Sberbank branch office was torched in the western city of Lviv shortly after would-be arsonists failed to set ablaze another Sberbank branch in the city. Lviv's local ZIK television channel reported that unidentified individuals threw makeshift firebombs made from metal canisters at the two bank branches. One central Sberbank branch was engulfed in flames, while the fire at the second Lviv branch was quickly extinguished by firefighters. There were also reports of attacks on the night of February 21-22 against two branches of another Russian bank in Lviv, VTB, and one Sberbank branch in the southern city of Mariupol. The fresh attacks came after nationalist protesters on February 20 ransacked the Kyiv offices of two Russian banks -- Sberbank and Alfa-Bank. Participants smashed windows and equipment and hurled rocks into the Kyiv office of billionaire businessman Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine's richest man. Ukrainian nationalists are angered by the authorities' failure to address Ukraine's endemic corruption, and Akhmetov, whose wealth originates from from mining and steel, is a target of their anger. The nationalists blame Akhmetov of supporting corruption and pro-Russia separatists. The violence came as Ukrainians commemorated the Day of the Heavenly Hundred on February 20 -- the bloodiest day of months-long antigovernment protests that ended with Yanukovych fleeing Kyiv on February 21, 2014. Stalled Reforms An Interior Ministry spokesperson said on February 22 that Kyiv police -- who did not intervene to stop the bank attacks in the capital despite having deployed some 4,000 security forces to maintain order during the day of protests -- were investigating the incidents 'under Article 296, Part 2 (hooliganism), of the Ukrainian Criminal Code.' The spokesperson added that 'the culprits face up to five years of restricted freedom, or up to four years' imprisonment.' Scores of people were killed by sniper fire or in fighting with the security forces on February 20, 2014, before Yanukovych fled the capital for Russia. Yanukovych's ouster was followed by Russia seizing Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and Russian-speaking separatists in eastern regions launching actions that escalated into a war that has killed more than 9,100 people. A cease-fire deal was reached a year ago, but reports of violations are frequent. Ukraine and Western countries say Russia has sent troops and equipment to back the insurgents. Moscow in turn blames Ukraine for keeping tensions high by failing to push through measures that would increase autonomy for the eastern regions and allow local elections. Political tensions have also risen in recent weeks amid growing public disenchantment with the pro-Western government over a lack of progress on reforms. Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk survived a no-confidence vote in parliament on February 16, after President Petro Poroshenko called on him to resign 'in order to restore trust' in the government. On February 21, a day after the Day of the Heavenly Hundred, up to 1,000 Ukrainian nationalists rallied in central Kyiv to demand the ouster of the government. The demonstrators set up six tents on Independence Square on February 21, saying they planned to stay there overnight On the morning of February 22 no more than a dozen protesters remained on the square. With reporting by AP, Reuters, AFP, TASS, and Interfax Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/firebomb-attacks- russian-banks-ukraine/27566308.html Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO-Kiev Special Ops Cooperation to Focus on Ukraine Defense Reforms Sputnik News 17:47 22.02.2016 NATO plans to help Ukraine reform its military capabilities as part of last week's deal on cooperation in special operations, a source in the military bloc said Monday. BRUSSELS (Sputnik) Viktor Muzhenko, the head of Ukraine's General Staff, said last Friday that the General Staff had signed a letter of intent with NATO Special Operations Forces. 'The letter focuses on certain, special operations-related aspects of NATO support of institutional reforms of Ukraine's defense sector in the framework of the Partnership for Peace program,' the source told RIA Novosti on condition of anonymity. Ukraine dropped its non-aligned status in 2014, opening the way for NATO membership and drawing criticism from Russia and many other states. In September 2015, Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko signed a new military doctrine in which one of the main objectives for the development of the country's armed forces is to bring them in line with NATO standards by 2020. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Air Force test-launches Minuteman III nuclear missile Iran Press TV Sun Feb 21, 2016 5:5PM The US Air Force has launched a Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from a California launch site in order to test the nuclear-capable missile system. The unarmed missile blasted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base northwest of Los Angeles on Saturday. 'There was a slight delay due to some instruments downrange but it went within the launch window,' said Carla Pampe, chief of civic outreach for US Air Force Global Strike Command. According to the Air Force, the missile carried an experimental re-entry vehicle headed for the designated target area in the Marshall Islands, 4,200 miles (6760 km) away in the Atlantic Ocean. The Vandenberg facility is routinely used by the Air Force to test Minuteman missiles. "While ICBM launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base almost seem routine, each one requires a tremendous amount of effort and absolute attention to detail in order to ensure a safe and successful launch,' Colonel J. Christopher Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, said. 'This specific test will provide accuracy and reliability data that is essential to on-going and future modifications to the weapon system, which are key to improving the already impressive effectiveness of the Minuteman III force,' he added. The missile, manufactured by Boeing, is the only land-based ICBM in service in America and its development began in mid-1950s with the specific intent of attacking hardened military targets, specifically those in the former Soviet Union. The latest version, Minuteman III, with an operational range of 13,000 km entered service in 1970. Each unit can carry up to three nuclear warheads and is estimated to cost $7 million. The Air Force admitted in January that one of its Minuteman III missiles had become "non-operational" on May 17, 2014 after it was damaged due to "human error." The damaged missile was removed from its silo in Colorado and repairing it would cost $1.8 million. A study carried out by the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA), which works closely with the Pentagon, found that from 2014 to 2043, the White House will need to set aside a hefty $963 billion in order to gradually upgrade all intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarines and aircraft capable of deploying nuclear warheads. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xtra-Gold Resources Corp. (Xtra-Gold) (TSX:XTG) (OTCQB:XTGRF): The management of Xtra-Gold wishes to clarify certain erroneous public disclosures made by Buccaneer Gold Corp. (Buccaneer) about its business affairs with Xtra-Gold in Buccaneers filings made on Sedar. As has been previously disclosed by Xtra-Gold, on July 24, 2015, Buccaneer filed an action in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against Xtra-Gold and another individual (the Action). In the Action, Buccaneer alleges that in July, 2010, Buccaneer and Xtra-Gold entered into a letter of intent (the LOI) to option (the Option) Xtra-Golds Banso and Muoso prospecting licenses in Ghana leading to a joint venture between the parties. Buccaneer also alleges that pursuant to the said joint venture, Buccaneer acquired an immediate 55% undivided interest in the alluvial mining rights of Xtra-Golds Banso and Muoso Concessions (the Concessions) at the time the agreement was reached and paid $50,000 for those rights. The Action claims against the defendants damages for breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty and for an accounting of profits from the sale of alluvial gold recovered from the Concessions. Erroneous Disclosure About Alleged Alluvial Immediate Interest In respect of the allegation in the Action by Buccaneer that it acquired an immediate 55% interest in the alluvial rights to the Concessions, Xtra-Gold has been unable to locate any record of such alluvial agreement or payment in respect thereof, and announced shortly after the Action was issued that it questioned the validity/existence of the same and that it was reviewing the circumstances of the previous disclosure made by Xtra-Gold in respect of an alleged agreement relating to alluvial rights to the Concessions. Xtra-Gold notes that at the time of the alleged transaction and subsequent public disclosures, Mr Paul Zyla was the CEO and a director of both Xtra-Gold and Buccaneer and in a position of conflict of interest. In Buccaneers Management Discussion & Analysis made as of August 26, 2015 and filed on Sedar, Buccaneer makes the following disclosure: Erroneous Buccaneer Disclosure: During the quarter ended June 30, 2015, the Company discovered that Xtra-Gold Corp. ("Xtra") recently sold the first batch of alluvial gold recovered from Xtra's Banso and Muoso Mining Leases in Ghana. The Banso and Muoso Mining Leases are subject to a Joint Venture with Buccaneer and the Company previously purchased a 55% up-front interest in the alluvial proceeds from Xtra for US$50,000 as part of the same Agreement in which the Corporation has the right to earn a 55% interest in those Mining Leases. [Erroneous portion in italics] On August 27, 2015, Xtra-Golds counsel wrote to Mr Zyla, requesting evidence of the alleged alluvial agreement and payment but Mr. Zyla never responded to this letter. Xtra-Gold notes that, contrary to Buccaneers previous disclosure, Buccaneers recent public disclosure, including its MD&A and audited annual financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2015 and filed on Sedar, now make no reference to the previously alleged alluvial Joint Venture agreement or the alleged $50,000 payment. In light of these events, Xtra-Gold believes it is appropriate to confirm its position that there is not, and never has been, an agreement for an immediate 55% interest in the alluvial rights to the Concession. Xtra-Gold disputes Buccaneers public representations about this situation both in its initial disclosures and its more recent omission to explicitly correct previous erroneous disclosure. Update on Status of Option As has been previously reported by Xtra-Gold, in 2013, Buccaneer ceased all activity at the Concession. At the time and in certain disclosures thereafter, Xtra-Gold reported that it granted Buccaneer a two year extension to complete its obligation to incur the $4,425,000 in exploration expenditures. These disclosures were made while Mr. Zyla was the CEO and a director of both Xtra-Gold and Buccaneer and in a position of conflict of interest. Xtra-Gold has been unable to locate any record of any such extension agreement. Xtra-Gold recently requested Mr. Zyla to provide evidence of such an agreement but has received no response to this request. Xtra-Gold notes that Buccaneers recently filed MD&A for the year ended September 30, 2015 now references an alleged agreement to extend based on a course of conduct and clear intentions of the parties and other relevant factors. Xtra-Gold confirms and reiterates its position that there never has been any extension of the Option, and accordingly the Option has expired due to non-fulfillment of its terms. Xtra-Gold disputes Buccaneers public disclosure regarding the alleged agreement to extend the Option, and disclaims that there is any proper basis for creating or evidencing a valid binding agreement between two companies for mineral rights in Ghana in the manner alleged, without terms, documentation or consideration, particularly given the conflict of interest arising from the fact that Mr. Zyla was the CEO and director of both Xtra-Gold and Buccaneer at the relevant times. Update on the Action Xtra-Gold believes the claims in the Action are without merit and will vigorously defend the unfounded claims in the event they are raised in an appropriate forum. It is Xtra-Golds position that the only contract between the parties was the LOI (which is now expired), and to the extent there are any matters in dispute between the parties in respect of activities under the LOI, resolution of the dispute should be under arbitration pursuant to the LOI terms, not a court proceeding. The Action is not properly before the Ontario court, and Xtra-Gold intends to seek an order of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice staying the Action if it is not withdrawn. About Xtra-Gold Resources Corp. Xtra-Gold is a gold exploration company with a substantial land position in the Kibi Gold Belt. The Kibi Gold Belt, which exhibits many similar geological features to Ghanas main gold belt, the Ashanti Belt, has been the subject of very limited modern exploration activity targeting lode gold deposits as virtually all past gold mining activity and exploration efforts focused on the extensive alluvial gold occurrences in many river valleys throughout the Kibi area. Xtra-Gold holds 5 Mining Leases totaling approximately 226 sq km (22,600 ha) at the northern extremity of the Kibi Gold Belt. Xtra-Golds exploration efforts to date have focused on the Kibi Project located on the Apapam Concession (33.65 sq km), along the eastern flank of the Kibi Gold Belt. The NI 43-101 Technical Report entitled Independent Technical Report, Apapam Concession, Kibi Project, Eastern Region, Ghana, prepared by SEMS Explorations and dated October 31, 2012, is filed under Xtra-Golds profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-Looking Statements The TSX does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This news release includes certain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on information currently available to Xtra-Gold and Xtra-Gold provides no assurance that actual results will meet managements expectations. Forward looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Xtra-Gold's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that Xtra-Gold or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects","estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results relating to, among other things, results of exploration, project development, reclamation and capital costs of Xtra-Gold's mineral properties, and Xtra-Gold's financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with the activities of Xtra-Gold; and other matters discussed in this news release. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of Xtra-Gold's forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on Xtra-Gold's forward-looking statements. Xtra-Gold does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by Xtra-Gold or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. For further information please contact: James Longshore, Chief Executive Officer Telephone: 416 366-4227 E-mail: info@xtragold.com Website: www.xtragold.com Holderle is the new general sales manager for Foster Communications. SHARE New GM for Foster Communications Foster Communications President and Chief Executive Officer Fred M. Key announced the naming of Michael Holderle to the position of general sales manager for the San Angelo company. "We are excited to bring Michael on board," Key said. "He brings a whole new level of professionalism to our customers and clients as they seek consultancy and partnership in their marketing efforts. His experience and expertise fits the model for the way Foster Communications will be moving into the future." Holderle began his career in 1986 in St. Louis and followed that with stints in Dallas and San Antonio. Most recently he owned and managed his own consulting firm working mostly with Entravision. Holderle also developed and co-founded the Unidos Digital Network. He also brings a wealth of experience with The Arbitron Co. where he developed radio sales training programs, with Katz National Rep Firm and with Univision Radio National Sales, a news release from Foster said. Holderle also gained experience along the way with ABC Radio Networks and elsewhere in Dallas and San Antonio. Foster Communications Company Inc., locally owned and operated, is the parent company of radio stations KIXY-FM, KKSA-AM, KCLL-FM and KWFR-FM. Small business health care options The Angelo State University Small Business Development Center is hosting the training event "SHOP: The Best Kept Secret in Health Insurance" at 6 p.m. Thursday for $20. The Small Business Health Options Program is created to lower the cost of health insurance for businesses with less than 100 employees. "Find out more about the requirements of health insurance for you and your employees and learn more about the tools put into place to assist you in providing health care," said ASU-SBDC training coordinator Dezaray Johnson. Advance registration is requested at 325-942-2098 or sbdc.angelo.edu. The center is downtown at 69 N. Chadbourne St. Local company gets international award Local sign and visual graphics provider FASTSIGNS of San Angelo was once again named one of the top centers out of more than 600 locations worldwide at the 2016 FASTSIGNS International Convention, recently held in Orlando, Florida. The locally owned and operated business received two recognitions including the Pinnacle Club Award, which is given to the centers ranked 26th to 125th in the U.S. and Canada for sales volume from the previous year, and the Million Dollar Award, which recognizes centers that surpass $1 million in annual sales. "It's an honor to be recognized as a top performing center, and these awards acclaim all of our team's hard work and positive contributions in our community," said Beth Martinez, who owns FASTSIGNS of San Angelo with her husband, Michael. "We thank our customers for their support and trust and look forward to continuing to help local businesses and organizations tell their story using comprehensive signs, visual graphics and creative marketing solutions." Located at 334 W. Highland Blvd., FASTSIGNS of San Angelo provides a wide range of visual communications solutions including wall, window and floor graphics, architectural signs, trade show displays, way-finding solutions, vehicle wraps, digital signage and more. Business plan class to cover financials Business plan financials can make or break a deal, said Dave Erickson, presenter for the upcoming "How to Write Your Business Plan Part II: Focus on Financials," at 3 p.m. Wednesday, free at the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center. "We will be focusing on the financial sections of your business plan," said Erickson, ASU-SBDC director. "You will learn how to draft your own cash flow projections and review financial reports." Advance registration is requested at 325-942-2098 or sbdc.angelo.edu. The center is downtown at 69 N. Chadbourne St. Expert: Crude market to prefer light, sweet HOUSTON Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick, in keynote remarks at the North American Prospect Expo's (NAPE) Global Business Conference in Houston, pointed to the positive impact Texas and U.S. oil producers can expect as open crude oil markets increase demand for lighter, sweeter U.S. shale oil. "The opening of the markets for U.S. oil producers will translate into enduring success for the overall industry and subsequently Texans as a whole," Craddick said in a news release from the Railroad Commission. "When you apply sensible regulations, encourage investment, open new markets for products and stimulate competition, economies grow," Craddick said. "In this case, it's our long-standing oil economy. And with our state's plentiful resources, the industry's technology and innovation, and the commission's strength in regulation, the sky is the limit." NAPE was founded by the American Association of Professional Landmen in 1993 and joins with partners, The Independent Petroleum Association of America, The Society of Exploration Geophysicists and The American Association of Exploration Geologists to bring together oil and gas industry professionals for idea-sharing and business development. Adam Sauceda/Standard-Times Origami projects lay on display at the Association of Asian-American Womens new venue at 528 Orient St. Shot/Archived:02.20.16 SHARE A Chinese lantern at the Association of Asian-American Womens new venue. Adam Sauceda/Standard-Times Steve Haidinger from Concho Yoga and Tai Chi prepares to teach a class on Chinese medicine and teas at the Association of Asian-American Womens new venue on Saturday. Shot/Archived:02.20.16 photos by Adam Sauceda/Standard-Times Participants tour the Association of Asian-American Womens new venue before a class on traditional Chinese medicine and tea on Saturday. By Adam Sauceda of the San Angelo Standard-Times The Association of Asian-American Women is sharing aspects of Asian culture, most recently with a Chinese medicine and teas class Saturday afternoon. The class, taught by Steve Haidinger from Concho Yoga and Tai Chi, taught participants the uses, history and traditions of Chinese teas and herbs. The program is just the beginning of what the association hopes to become a monthly happening in their new venue at 528 Orient St., according to AAAW President Girlyne White. "This year is more of a trial run for our programs. We're trying to see what's interesting and how far we can go," White said. "We want to cover every aspect of the Asian culture so the medicine and herbs is just a small part of it." According to the United States Census Bureau, Asians make up just 1 percent of San Angelo's population, but White said that's not the whole picture. "We also have (the air force) base, ASU has a lot of international students and we have a lot of art that focuses on Asian art itself," White said. "We want to promote that in this community." While the association aims to share what makes the Asian culture unique with the public, First Vice President Kathryn Louie said she also hopes people begin to see similarities between all cultures. "This let's people know more about different cultures, and that we're not any more different than they are. We're all similar," Louie said. "Every culture has their traditional types of medicine they pass on generation to generation and that's what we're doing. We hope people get just a little bit more knowledge about what we have to offer." The association's next event will take place March 19 and focus on Thai food. "We welcome anyone who's interested in Asian culture to join our group. They do not have to be Asian. They do not have to be women," Louie said. "It's just for anyone who's interested in Asian culture and who would like to learn a little bit more." SHARE The public is invited to "The Firemen's Memorial Community Mosaic Event" at 6 p.m. Feb. 25 at The Studio, 701 S. Irving. On display will be an antique fire truck that has been transformed into a permanent mosaic sculpture that will be permanently displayed at Fireman's Memorial Park. The fire truck, which once served at San Angelo's Central Station as Engine 109, was donated by West Texas Fire Extinguisher. The San Angelo Fire Department is lending historic photographs and artifacts to display at the kick off event. For more information or to RSVP contact West Texas fire at 655-5441. SHARE Contributed photo Mikeska usually stayed in the homes of villagers in the remote destinations where help was most needed in Nepal. By Denise Morris of the San Angelo Standard-Times San Angelo's continued interest in the Fill the Rice Pot mission to Nepal last fall has spurred founder Terry Mikeska toward a second effort later this year. "Hundreds of folks and some local businesses are asking if I'm going to do it again," said the entrepreneur and pianist. "My Facebook, mail and phone have been flooded." Not one to turn down his community, or an opportunity to help, Mikeska is at work planning his next trip to this earthquake-shattered region at the top of the world. This time the focus is planned on solar energy and education. "I have not set a date yet, but currently in the planning stages of gathering needs in villages, looking into providing solar energy to these poor folks that live in mud and tin homes," Mikeska said. "Also taking a group of educators from Kathmandu to help and educate the women and children with better hygiene, farming, education for the poor kids and hope for a better tomorrow." Mikeska's original connection to Nepal began with his sponsorship of two students in Kathmandu, whom he planned to visit someday in person. When the earthquake struck last year, he wanted to make the trip as soon as possible to help in any way he could. "Word got out that I was planning this trip to Nepal after I announced it on Facebook and then the Standard-Times wrote about it. "Then the money just poured out from the community, everything from $10 donations to checks. So many people, individuals, churches, businesses and foundations contributed, even military from overseas, many I've never met," the San Angelo entrepreneur said. Mikeska wound up becoming an emissary from San Angelo, carrying $16,000 in donations that made a difference to 3,000 fragile lives, their world crumbled by an explosive magnitude-7.8 earthquake and ensuing mud slides in April. An estimated 9,000 people had died, and 3 million were displaced from their homes, family members and their most important worldly possession: the rice-cooking pot. The three-week "Fill the Rice Pot" mission managed to restock a school, library and several orphanages and provide rice pots in several villages. One person most familiar with Mikeska and his philanthropic mentor, the late Eva Tucker, is retired Bishop Michael Pfeifer. "I admire and appreciate very much Terry Mikeska, and what he and his companions are doing to bring vital basic human assistance to our sisters and brothers in the Nepal, who have suffered much because of the terrible earthquake," said the former bishop of the San Angelo Diocese. "Terry has a very generous heart. "Disasters like the earthquake in Nepal reminds us that we are first members of the human family all over planet earth and that God is our Father and Father of all people where ever they might be on earth which is our common home," said Bishop Emeritus Michael Pfeifer, O.M.I. "In my some 29 years in San Angelo, I often made ecumenical appeals to help our sisters and brothers in other parts of the world who were suffering because of disasters and devastations." Donations for the Nepal mission can be sent to: Mikeska Inc. with "Nepal" in the memo line, 2197 Club House Lane, San Angelo TX 76904. SHARE We get it already. The Iraq War was a mistake. Indeed, on this point pretty much everyone agrees. Jeb Bush, the brother of the president who launched the war, has said so. So has Hillary Clinton, the only presidential candidate in either party to have actually voted to invade Iraq (though she refused to admit her vote was a mistake until fairly recently). The only disagreements on the Republican side are about the degree and nature of the mistake. Catch Donald Trump in a glandular moment and he'll say that George W. Bush knowingly sent thousands of Americans to their deaths based on a lie. Ask Trump when he's in a more mature mood or when he gets bad press for his slanders and he'll say he doesn't know whether it was a lie. The other GOP candidates agree that it was a mistake in hindsight, though most say, rightly, it was defensible at the time. Indeed, some of us believe that we could have turned a mistake into a success had Barack Obama not been in such a hurry to squander the hard-won victories of President Bush's surge. On the Democratic side, there's a lot less nuance. Sen. Bernie Sanders insists that Clinton's vote for the war is all you need to know about her foreign policy judgment. Clinton's reply is, "One vote in 2002 is not a plan to defeat ISIS." Clinton is right, of course. But at this point, plans are less important than the will to put them into action. I suspect there's no shortage of plans to get the job done sitting in Obama's inbox. What's missing is a presidential commitment to implementing them. But ISIS is just one of our problems. Obama's own director of national intelligence, James Clapper, told the Senate Armed Services Committee last week that we now face "the most diverse array of challenges and threats that I can recall." By no means is it all Obama's fault. Saudi Arabia's problems, for instance, are a poisonous mix of religious extremism and medieval political arrangements temporarily sustained by an ultimately unsustainable economic model. Similarly, Vladimir Putin has had his eyes on restoring the grandeur of imperial Russia for decades. China's burgeoning nationalism has been baked into the political and demographic cake for even longer. But these and other challenges have all been made worse on Obama's watch. Russia seized Crimea and declared an unofficial war on Ukraine. China has only grown emboldened in the face of American lassitude. Just last week, China deployed new missile systems to one of its man-made islands in a disputed region of the South China Sea while Obama was holding his South Asia summit in California. The insult was not subtle. Obama's Iran deal, crafted unilaterally as an end-run around Congress, has started a Middle Eastern nuclear arms race and caused our long-standing allies in the region to question our reliability. To date, there's no evidence that Iran has abandoned its role as a terrorism sponsor, its quest for nuclear weapons or its goal of becoming a regional hegemon. Before that, Obama's decision to renege on our missile defense commitments to our Eastern European allies sent a similar signal to friends and foes alike. We can debate how much blame Obama deserves for Syria's civil war, but almost no one outside his paid staff disputes that he's only made things worse. The conflict there has set off the worst humanitarian crisis in Europe since the end of World War II that's John Kerry's own assessment which may yet tear the European Union asunder. The instability closer to the fighting is even more dangerous. Russia and Turkey may soon go to war with each other, as Russia mercilessly and indiscriminately massacres anyone standing in the way of its pet, Syrian President Bashar Assad. The Jordanian monarchy may crumble, in part for a lack of assistance from the United States. And yet, the gravity of the situation has yet to enter into the presidential contest in a serious way. As a co-author of Obama's disastrous foreign policy, Hillary Clinton has no interest in calling attention to the global catastrophes unfolding around us. Bernie Sanders doesn't want to talk about anything he can't blame on billionaires, and Donald Trump doesn't want to talk about anything other than his poll numbers, his insults and the fraudulent claim that he predicted all of this before Bush launched the war in Iraq. It's time to take these things seriously, before it's too late. Jonah Goldberg is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a senior editor of National Review. Contact him at goldbergcolumn@gmail.com. SHARE In American political history, Senate confirmation of judicial appointees always slows down in the final year of a president's term when the Senate is not controlled by the president's own party. Under Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, the confirmation process began to shut down 23 months before Barack Obama's last day in office. Failing to confirm judges is not all the norm when the Senate and House are held by different political parties. Scholars have documented cases in this regard. People for the American Way did a comprehensive study comparing confirmation of George Bush's judicial appointments in 2007-2008, when the Senate was controlled by Democrats and Harry Reid was the majority leader, with the rate of confirmation under McConnell. The results are illuminating. In 2007, the Senate confirmed 40 of George W. Bush's appointees to the bench. By December last year, the Senate controlled by the GOP had confirmed less than a dozen of Obama's judicial appointees. The Democratic Senate of 2007 also was far more attentive to judicial vacancies than is the current Senate. At the beginning of 2007, there were 57 vacancies. The Senate confirmed enough judges to keep the number below 50 all year. At one time the vacancies were less than three dozen. By contrast, in 2015 vacancies had climbed from 40 at the beginning of the year to more than 60. The confirmation pace has never quickened. McConnell has allowed the number of judicial emergencies a fancy administrative designation that case loads are so high that access to justice is endangered this time to rise from 12 at the beginning of 2015 to more than 30 at the end of the year. By contrast, in 2007 the Democratic Senate reduced the number of judicial emergencies from 26 in January to 17 by the end of the year. The current situation on a comparative basis is worse. The Senate adjourned in January after failing to vote on 13 fully vetted circuit and district court nominees, far and above too few to keep up with judicial vacancies. In the absence of public pressure, the confirmation is stuck and we probably must live with this situation. There is little doubt that the confirmation process will be even slower in 2016, as the GOP leaves vacancies to be filled by Republicans Donald Trump, Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio. And now that probably will include confirming a replacement for Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court. Within hours of the conservative justice's death, McConnell said the Senate will not consider a nominee from President Barack Obama. Justice in any event is probably denied and certainly delayed. SHARE Black History Month provides a great opportunity to salute the tremendous perseverance, faith and dignity it took for a race of people to advance a cause that to this day represents a monumental social achievement. But it's today's black American who will dictate tomorrow's black history, and building on the qualities of the past it's also important to explore whether the tools needed for tomorrow's achievements are being honed today. Even what defines racism in 2016 also may require a rewrite as it no longer looks like Bull Connor. In the absence of "Colored Only" signs and riot dogs, identifying the new face of racism may be the first step in developing appropriate remedies. Racism is now a subtle yet insidious insistence that none of us are really racist at all. To even suggest that people are treated differently based on race is to "play the race card," an effective use of a phrase that shuts down the conversation and makes the complainant the villain. And so discussion of anything that is remotely biased becomes distasteful. For example, on Jan. 2 a group of heavily armed protesters seized the headquarters of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon in protest of the federal government's so-called heavy-handed dealings with other ranchers in the community over use of federal property. The group was made up of white males and one white female. But what if they had been black? Would the word "occupiers" have been substituted for something else: Mob? Thugs? We've heard that before in other conflicts where black people were involved. And while I'm in agreement with what appears to have been a successful strategy to wait it out rather than go in guns blazing, I wonder if the strategy would have been the same were the feds facing down a group of angry, armed black men. And hardly ever is the broad brush stroke of stereotype applied to nonminorities no matter the circumstance. For example, in a study of school shootings, Peter Langman, Ph.D., wrote for Psychology Today that "white male shooters may be more common than those who are neither white nor male, but we should not let this become a stereotype." He's right. But as we caution against stereotyping adolescent and young adult white males, we wish that it were so for all. If the suspect of a crime is black, the bulletin will say "black male." If the suspect is white, chances are there will be no mention of race at all. Some law enforcement will maintain that saying "black male" is just a way of identifying a person; otherwise, by default, the perpetrator was white. Offender profiling such as this may unknowingly (?) feed into the stereotype of the dangerous black male. But in today's environment what won't work is ignoring that problems exist or constantly dredging up the past. The Civil War is over and the question of reparation for slavery belongs in the last century as well. "Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family," said Kofi Annan, former secretary-general of the United Nations. And where the African-American population is concerned, education continues to be the engine that will drive equality. Yet according to the Institute of Education Services, in school year 201112, among all public high school students, Asian/Pacific Islander students had the highest graduation rate (93 percent), followed by whites (85 percent), Hispanics (76 percent) and American Indians/Alaska Natives and blacks (68 percent each). More work is needed, but guilt-salving social programs only perpetrate the cycle of dependence where mentoring a close proximity engagement has proved effective in the past. And within the black community itself, the desire to achieve should be cultivated from one generation to the next to make for a successful historical event in the future. With former Gov. Jeb Bush out of the presidential race, Northeast Florida Republicans who backed him are choosing new candidates to support.Jacksonville-based lobbyist Marty Fiorentino remained loyal to Bush until the very end, even after Bush underperformed in primaries and slipped in the polls. Fiorentino said Sunday that he would now back Florida's U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry also endorsed Rubio on Sunday.Bush, who dropped out Saturday after losing the South Carolina primary, had endorsed Curry's mayoral run, but Curry resisted calls to endorse his bid to become president and remained neutral for the early primaries. In a statement Sunday, Curry said Rubio was the best candidate to unite Republican voters in 2016."For conservatives this election represents an opportunity to lead a new generation of Americans into a prosperous future," Curry said. "To do so requires a president who is aspirational, accomplished, and able to unite Americans to a shared vision of less government with more freedom to see dreams become reality."Many of Northeast Florida's most notable Republican donors backed Bush, including Tom Petway, John Baker, Ed Burr and John Rood. Although much of that support will shift to Rubio, he isn't the only candidate hoping to benefit from Bush's departure from the race.Susie Wiles, a longtime Jacksonville political strategist and state co-chairman of part-time Floridian Donald Trump's campaign, said Trump and his family will start spending more time campaigning around the state. Even though she expects Bush to endorse Rubio, she isn't sure that will affect most voters' decision-making."I trust the voters to make up their own minds," Wiles said.Wes Priest, president of the Flagler County Republican Club, said unless Bush endorses Rubio, his supporters are likely to split among several camps, including Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Trump."A lot of people want to go with who they think is going to win, and right now that looks like Trump," Priest said.Trump's campaign has been polarizing and controversial, but he is leading in the polls and winning primaries. It is the Trump phenomenon that has been attributed to Bush's decision to drop out of the race and allow support to galvanize around Rubio."I think he did the right thing not only for himself but also for the country," said state Rep. Jeanette Nunez, R-Miami, a longtime Rubio supporter. "I think a lot of donors, a lot of voters and a lot of elected officials are excited to get on board with Marco Rubio, the only one who can challenge Donald Trump for the presidency."Incoming House Speaker Richard Corcoran served as Rubio's chief of staff when he was speaker but endorsed Bush. Corcoran said Sunday that he was heartbroken his chosen candidate was now out of the running."I know for a fact that had Jeb Bush won the presidency and governed the way that he governs, he absolutely would have turned this country around again," Corcoran said Sunday.He and a large group of other Florida politicians are planning to jointly announce a new candidate soon, but Corcoran declined to say who it would be. One day after a fifth-place finish in the South Carolina Republican primary, Ohio Gov. John Kasich insisted his campaign was going to "just keep going.""We never expected to finish at the top in South Carolina," Kasich said on CBS' "Face the Nation. "I think frankly we've exceeded expectations there."Kasich finished behind former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush who dropped out of the race Saturday night. But he noted that he finished second in New Hampshire, and that he is now the only governor -- current or former -- still in the GOP race."I'm starting to get known in this country for the first time and the message is being heard," he said. "These guys have spent $50 million in this campaign. I've spent about $15 million. The fact of the matter is a lot of the money they spent has been designed to hammer me -- negative ads against me."He said he feels confident about several of the states that vote March 1, including Vermont, Massachusetts and Virginia. He said those states award delegates on a proportional basis, which means he can still compete even if he doesn't win."I don't have to win these places," he said. "I just have to hang in there and continue to gain momentum."Kasich made his case on the same day as the other GOP candidates canvassed the Sunday talk shows, all arguing that South Carolina voters had expressed strong support for their candidacies.Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., argued that Kasich was making his case in Michigan, while Rubio was focusing on a more national effort. He said he was scheduled to make stops in three states on Sunday alone. "I know John Kasich is going to spend his week in Michigan and make that his priority," Rubio said.Kasich, however, is scheduled to start his week in Virginia, where he will make three stops on Monday.Rubio said the race had narrowed down to three candidates -- billionaire Donald Trump, himself and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.Cruz, meanwhile, argued that he has done something no one else has been able to do -- beat billionaire Donald Trump in a Republican primary."We're the only campaign that has beaten Donald Trump and that can beat Donald Trump," argued Cruz.But Kasich argued that a recent poll indicated he was the only GOP candidate to beat Democrat Hillary Clinton by more than any other Republican candidate for president."Two weeks ago, people in South Carolina had no clue who I was," he said. "We're the engine that can. Everybody ought to just relax on this."He said he "didn't play in South Carolina," but said he has still risen to third place in some national polls "without spending really much money.""I get money, continue to put my grassroots together and you're going to see a great result," he said. "If people want to consolidate, they ought to consolidate my way."Kasich separately defended his assertion that Muslims should not be barred from entering the country. Trump has suggested doing so in order to prevent terrorism."We're a melting pot," he said. "As long as people have positive and good intent, they ought to be able to come."Just because someone happens to be of Muslim faith doesn't make them a terrorist or doesn't make them a threat to America," he said. On Friday, in the morning, at Government House, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Mrs Kaye de Jersey hosted a ceremony for the presentation of the Address-in-Reply to the Governors Opening Speech delivered at the First Session of the 55th Parliament of Queensland, to which the Governor responded. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, the Honourable Peter Wellington MP invited the Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy, Minister for Small Business, the Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP to present the Address on behalf of the Queensland Parliament. Other Members of Parliament present included: Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Training and Skills, the Honourable Yvette DAth MP; Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games, the Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe MP; Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, Minister for Racing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Honourable Grace Grace MP; Member for Townsville, Mr Scott Steward MP; Member for Bulimba, Ms Di Farmer MP; and Member for Mackay, Mrs Julieanne Gilbert MP. Members were accompanied by Clerk of the Queensland Parliament, Mr Neil Laurie and Sergeant-at-Arms of the Queensland Parliament, Mr Michael Watkins. Read the Governor's response to the presentation of the Address-in-Reply here. In the evening, at the Lyric Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Governor and Mrs de Jersey attended The Australian Ballets Brisbane premiere of Alexei Ratmanskys Cinderella, followed by a post-performance reception. (TNS) -- U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein said Apple is wrong to refuse to cooperate with the federal government to help unlock an iPhone used by terrorists in the San Bernardino massacre. Speaking at a Public Policy Institute of California event in Sacramento on Friday, Feinstein said Apple is making a mistake by deciding privacy rights trump national security.Apple is not above the laws of the United States, nor should anyone or any company be above the laws, the Democrat from California said. To have a court warrant granted, and Apple say they are still not going to cooperate is really wrong.A federal judge granted a court order compelling Apple to create specialized software to unlock the iPhone of San Bernardino shooter Syed Rizwan Farook. The phone, Feinstein noted, belongs to the County of San Bernardino, where Farook worked, and the county has agreed to have the phone searched.Feinstein is working on legislation with Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., that would require companies to unlock data under court order. The bill faces significant bipartisan opposition, including from Rep. Zoe Lofgren, the San Jose Democrat who represents Silicon Valley, who argue the governments demand is an unprecedented overreach.Privacy experts say if Apple writes a program to break into Farooks phone, it can be used by hackers looking to steal private photos, messages or financial data of people.Specifically, the FBI wants us to make a new version of the iPhone operating system, circumventing several important security features, and install it on an iPhone recovered during the investigation, wrote Apple CEO Tim Cook in a letter to customers. In the wrong hands, this software which does not exist today would have the potential to unlock any iPhone in someones physical possession.Feinstein said her time on the Intelligence Committee has colored her view of the issue. She said she spends a great deal of time reading intelligence documents and that she keeps photos in a folder on her desk as reminders of how dangerous terrorist groups like ISIS are. The first photo in that folder is of a 6-year-old girl in plaid dress, white tights and Mary Jane shoes. She's laying on her back and her head is cut off, Feinstein said.I can tell you it is a very dangerous world, she said. I can tell you there is a war going on without a war being declared.Feinstein said the iPhone could hold the key as to whether the San Bernardino terrorists were lone wolves or whether they were part of some cell planted here developing here with more people connected.The fight over encryption-protected smartphone data has been heating up in recent weeks, with lawmakers across the country debating whether investigators should have the ability to unscramble data on smartphones in criminal cases. California Assemblyman Jim Cooper, D-Elk Grove (Sacramento County), introduced legislation to weaken encryption, which he said would help law enforcement gain critical evidence in human trafficking and child pornography cases.You reach a point, and I can say I've reached this point, where I have to protect the people of this country, Feinstein said Friday. I really do. I took an oath of office to do that. Do it within the Constitution, do it within the law. I think I understand Apple's motivations, but I think it's a mistake. County Data Records Responsibility (TNS) -- Some Pima County officials who use social media to communicate with constituents are blocking users, deleting comments and failing to adequately maintain the exchanges as required by the states public records law, a review shows.For example, Supervisor Ally Miller did not provide documents that show critical comments were deleted from her official Facebook account, which is funded by taxpayers.When asked at a recent meeting why those records were not included among the information provided to the Star under a public records request to the county, Miller was dismissive and denied knowledge of any deleted comments. Im so glad we have such big issues, Miller said.The Star requested social media records from the county after Administrator Chuck Huckelberry in January told county elected officials that state records laws apply to social media communications. The Star requested the records in an effort to identify deleted comments and the identities of blocked or restricted users.Any Facebook or social media communication is a public record, just like an email, said Phoenix-based attorney Dan Barr, who has worked for the Star and handles First Amendment and public records issues across Arizona.He said the type of communication, whether its written or electronic, doesnt change its status as a public record.Failure to provide public documents opens a governmental body to lawsuits and potential civil penalties.For elected officials, general correspondence with the public typically have to be retained for two calendar years. That includes written or digital communications.What the content is determines the retention schedule, said Jerry Lucente-Kirkpatrick, a records analyst with the Arizona Secretary of States Library, Archives and Public Records Division.When county officials fulfilled the Arizona Daily Stars request, the documents included lists of blocked Facebook and Twitter accounts from the sheriffs, library, animal care, communications and one comment that was deleted on the recorders Facebook page.The Sheriffs Department provided a list of the accounts it had blocked from commenting on its social media pages.We do not delete comments from our Facebook account, Deputy Courtney Rodriguez said in a follow-up interview. Persons banned from our account were found to have been in violation of our Terms of Use. Each instance of these violations can be located and are maintained directly on the platform.Rodriguez said the department uses Facebooks hide function to prevent comments made in violation of their terms of use invisible to the public.Typically, violations include off-topic comments, offensive or threatening language or advertising.Pima Animal Care Center also provided a list of numerous blocked users. PACC was unable to provide the users deleted comments, however. I dont believe they were retained, Pima County Communications Manager Mark Evans said.In November, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a policy governing official county social accounts.The policy largely mirrors existing state laws, outlining reasons for using social media and requirements and processes for retaining records.Evans said many of the deleted comments from the PACC Facebook account were removed prior to implementing the policy.County elected officials, were exempted from the policy but are required to conduct their social media accounts in accordance with state laws regarding production and retention of public records.In response to the Arizona Daily Stars request, Pima County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguezs office provided a print out of a single comment deleted from the offices Facebook page.Except for Miller, each supervisors office said they had not deleted or blocked content from their social media accounts.Miller provided a single record, which was a cell phone photo of a computer monitor in her office showing a post a staffer made to Millers Facebook account in error that later was removed.While Miller maintains she is unaware of deleted comments or blocked users, the Pima County Administrators Office provided printouts showing numerous comments that were either deleted or removed from Millers official Facebook page. The records also showed an additional post the supervisor made and later deleted.Asked about the deleted comments at a Feb. 16 board meeting, Miller denied any knowledge.I havent seen any of those, Miller said.The Arizona Daily Star provided copies of the documents to Miller and requested comment. She did not respond.Miller also suggested that members of her staff could bear the responsibility for any deleted Facebook content.My whole office has access to that Facebook page, Miller said.Millers former chief of staff, Jeannie Davis, who was abruptly fired in December, said it was disappointing that the supervisor would attempt to blame employees.Supervisor Miller was the only one to delete comments and block individuals, Davis said.Modern social media platforms create challenges in retaining public records.Facebook has no records management capability, said Lucente-Kirkpatrick, the state records analyst.In that case, the responsibility for maintaining the records ultimately lies with those who create them.In May, Lucente-Kirkpatrick led a training session at Pima County on social media records retention policies.Attendees included representative from area governments, school districts and elected offices. A representative from Supervisor Millers office also attended, a check-in sheet shows.Some elected officials use software that sends an email of all their social media postings and comments, Lucente-Kirkpatrick said. The emails then can be included on a governments servers and archived.No Pima County officials or departments currently use this type of software.Despite the challenges in capturing the records, Barr said governments have a legal obligation to retain social media records.They cant just say Facebook doesnt do it, Barr said. Bernie Ecclestone's son-in-law is facing up to seven years in jail, according to reports in Britain. The Sun newspaper said the F1 supremo's daughter Tamara, who is married to former trader Jay Rutland, is "sick with worry" after her 34-year-old husband was arrested, charged and bailed. He faces a London court next month. Rutland is accused of helping international drug baron James Tarrant avoid justice when he was on the run, having absconded whilst awaiting serious charges in 2010. "The accusations are very serious and Jay (34) knows that if he is convicted he could end up going away," a source said. The source said F1 supremo Ecclestone, 85, is offering his support. "There is nothing that Bernie would not do for his daughters and he has been a pillar of strength to Jay and Tamara," the source said. Rutland's spokesman said the 34-year-old "denies the charge and will defend it vigorously". (GMM) Livio Oricchio, a leading F1 correspondent, has admitted to some disappointment at the sight of Williams' new car for 2016. While Ferrari is taking an obviously bold step in its bid to beat Mercedes this year with an innovative car, Williams' FW38 looks almost identical to its predecessor. That is despite the fact driver Valtteri Bottas, who almost completed a switch to Ferrari for 2016, is pushing the British team for race wins this year. "Unlike the impression left by the new Ferrari," Oricchio wrote in Globo Esporte, "it seems the new Williams is only an evolution of the car used by Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas in the last two seasons. "And the FW37 was already showing clear signs in the second half of last year of having reached the limit of its development," he added. Deputy team boss Claire Williams, however, has said the car will be substantially updated before Melbourne. And at the same time, Mercedes has released photos of its title-defending 2016 car that - like the Williams - also seems very similar to the old car. But technical boss Paddy Lowe explained: "While the car may look very similar to its predecessor from the outside, underneath there are quite a lot of mini-revolutions that make up an overall evolution for the new season." Images of the new Red Bull were also released early on Monday ahead of its Barcelona debut, cementing the trend for cars that are visibly just evolutions of their predecessors. "With the stable regulations we have at the moment," designer Adrian Newey said, "it's difficult to find any major new areas to exploit." (GMM) Saft Japan K.K. has now taken responsibility for the activities in the Japanese market that were handled previously by its long-standing partner, Sumitomo Corporation. We would like to thank Sumitomo Corporation for their contribution to Saft, which has proved to be a successful partnership over the past 28 years. In line with the launch of Power 2020, Safts new strategic and operational transformation plan, we want to strengthen our leadership position in Japan with an increased focus on transportation, telecom and grid, as well as civil electronics markets. That is why we have now established our own subsidiary to increase market focus to ensure profitable growth and also to be more responsive to the future needs of our Japanese customers. Philippe Ulrich, Saft Japan K.K. General Manager I am writing as the daughter of one of the landowners and donors to the Rich Fork Preserve in High Point. Although this piece of property has been in the news only recently, it has been a part of my family for many years. My father, Dr. Donald Douglass, at the urging of his children, donated his 20 beautiful acres to be kept pristine but to be enjoyed by walkers and nature lovers for eternity. He had offers to buy this property but chose instead to donate it in full. This donation took place sooner than we planned because of trespassing by mountain bikers who cut down trees, made trails and installed jumps without permission from my father. It was only after the neighbors around the property called us that we discovered the damage that had been done. Some of the leaders of these groups, including people involved with the YMCA and the Fat Tire Society, announced in a public meeting that they had permission to ride on it, which was not true. My father wanted to take care of the matter quietly, which he did. Now we are once again fighting a battle to keep bikers off this property. The county has offered these bikers part of the 120 acres, but they want the 20 acres of pristine woods and streams that are on my dads property instead. Why do they get a voice over anyone else, especially the property donors? In addition, most of the county commissioners seem to have a hidden agenda as well as close ties to the biking community. Robert McNiece, director of Guilford County facilities, is himself a mountain biker, and I consider this a conflict of interest of the worst sort. He should recuse himself from the proceedings. This land was accumulated by a private group, prior to the county getting involved, for use as a nature and hiking preserve. One fact that has not been presented is that the creek on this land feeds into land protected by the state conservancy as a watershed. Public meetings and flawed surveys have been used to allow special-interest groups to build momentum to get back onto the property with bikes. The local neighbors are concerned about safety and damage and must be considered in this vote. High-impact bike trails built by local people have already done a lot of damage to the land. I cannot imagine what will happen when people from Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Kernersville, etc., all come to attack it. Large groups of mountain bikers will irreparably damage this property and affect the surrounding properties. I encourage the citizens of Guilford County to become more informed about this property, especially residents of High Point. There are multiple opportunities for bikers to ride in the county but not-so-numerous chances to see native animals or hear the bird life around you. I also challenge voters to find out who your county commissioners are (www.myguilford.com/boc/) and work to get those out of office who have personal agendas. My family is devastated by this and regrets ever making this donation. Had we known the county would get involved, it would not have happened. I close by asking county commissioners if they would want mountain bikers having access to their backyards and doing the damage to which I can personally attest. And for those commissioners who have never set foot on the property, maybe it is time you saw for yourselves. Updated at 2:34 p.m. The mayor of Ithaca in upstate New York wants his city to host the nation's first supervised injection facility, where heroin users would be able to shoot illegal drugs into their bodies under the care of a nurse without getting arrested by police. Canada, Europe and Australia are working to reduce overdose deaths with these facilities, but in the United States, even the idea of creating supervised injection sites faces significant legal and political challenges. That has to change and quickly, said Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick. "My father was a drug addict. He split from the family when I was 5, 6 years old," the mayor, now 28, explained in an Associated Press interview. "I have watched for 20 years this system that just doesn't work. We can't wait anymore for the federal government. We have people shooting up in alleys. In bathroom stalls. And too many of them are dying." Myrick said he will ask New York's Health Department to declare the heroin epidemic a state health crisis, which he said would enable his city to proceed without involving the state legislature. Myrick told the AP about his proposal ahead of a wider announcement planned for Wednesday. Once dismissed as a radical idea, injection sites are increasingly being discussed as a possible response to huge increases in overdose deaths nationwide. In New York state, overdose deaths involving heroin and other opiates shot from 186 in 2003 to 914 in 2012. Ithaca alone had three fatal overdoses and 13 non-fatal overdoses in a three-week span in 2014, prompting city officials to begin looking at alternatives to simply jailing addicts. The city of 30,000, which hosts Cornell University and Ithaca College, is considered one of New York's most liberal communities and is a prime candidate for new approaches, Myrick said. The mayor said this facility would be staffed by nurses or physicians who could quickly administer an antidote if and when a user overdoses. But addicts also could get clean syringes and be directed to treatment and recovery programs part of a more holistic approach that deals with addiction more like a public health issue than a criminal justice problem. Myrick crafted his plan in collaboration with police and prosecutors, overcoming initially strong opposition from District Attorney Gwen Wilkinson. "What brought me around was the realization that this wouldn't make it more likely that people will use drugs," Wilkinson said. "What it would do is make it less likely that people will die in restaurant bathrooms." Spokesmen for the Department of Health and Gov. Andrew Cuomo didn't respond Monday to the AP's request for comment. Canada's first injection facility opened in Vancouver in 2003. Every day, 800 users visit, and between 10 and 20 of them overdose each week, but no one has ever died there, according to Dr. Patricia Daly, chief medical health officer at Vancouver Coastal Health, which operates the "Insite" facility. "These overdoses are completely reversible," Daly said. "People die because they inject alone." Insite receives the bulk of its funding from government now, but faced significant initial opposition from officials in Ottawa. A 2011 Canadian Supreme Court decision ordered federal officials to stop fighting the facility, noting that it has saved lives "with no discernable negative impact." ALBANY, N.Y. A New York mayor wants his city to be the first in the U.S. to offer a supervised injection facility, where heroin users would be able to shoot up under the care of a nurse. Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick tells The Associated Press the facility, which would also connect addicts to recovery services, is one piece of a new approach he wants his city to take against the scourge of addiction. At similar facilities in Canada, Europe and Australia, medical professionals step in if a user overdoses. There are legal and political challenges in the U.S. Myrick needs state permission to open a supervised injection site, and his proposal is certain to face significant opposition. Myrick backs a law enforcement strategy that prioritizes treatment over arrests. State health officials haven't responded to a request for comment. Tesla is counting on town approval to move forward with plans to open an educational gallery and showroom on Greenwich Avenue the luxury electric car makers first in Connecticut. Tesla signed a lease for a 1,900 square foot space at 340 Greenwich Avenue, former home of Chase Bank next to Restoration Hardware. Stamford-based RHYS Commercial Real Estate represented the landlord in the transaction. More Business Main Street Greenwich: The history of Greenwich Avenue We have been consistent that Connecticuts electric vehicle market has great potential for Tesla, Diarmuid OConnell, the companys vice president of business development, said in a statement to Hearst Connecticut Media. We want to address the evidenced demand by opening a gallery on Greenwich Avenue where we can educate Connecticut residents about the benefits of driving electric. Current state law prohibits us from sales activities at this location, which only restricts consumer choice. Regardless, our opening this gallery is the latest demonstration of our willingness to invest in the state, create jobs, and catalyze a marketplace for electric vehicles. But before Tesla can get started on the plans, it needs a thumbs up from Greenwichs Planning and Zoning Commission, which on Tuesday will discuss whether the gallery fits into the approved business models for Greenwich Avenue. According to documents provided by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the site would be used for the display of Teslas products and to provide educational opportunity to inform people about the advantages of electricity storage and electric vehicles. Town zoning regulations prohibit motor vehicle related businesses on Greenwich Avenue including repair shops, dealerships and storage facilities. Tesla argues the showroom could be approved as a retail space, which is defined as sales establishments whose primary purpose is to display and offer for sale commodities or goods directly to the consumer, reserving a substantial amount of floor space and window space for display of goods. In a letter to Town Planner Katie DeLuca, Teslas vice president of retail development Gregg Hurley wrote that the operations of Teslas proposed gallery will not include buying, selling, offering for sale, brokering or repairing vehicles. James Fleming, president of the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association, also wrote to DeLuca, arguing Tesla's proposal is a violation of state franchise laws, which prohibits direct sales by auto manufacturers. Last year, Tesla unsuccessfully sought legislative permission to sell cars directly to consumers, but is trying again this year. The state transportation committee has introduced a bill that would make electric car manufacturers eligible to become licensed dealers and open up to three locations for selling new or used vehicles in Connecticut. The showroom would be Teslas first in the state, though the manufacturer does operate a service center in Milford. Residents currently have to visit New York state where franchise laws dont exist to test drive and purchase the high-end electric car, which ranges in price from $70,000 to more than $100,000. There are about 1,000 Teslas registered in Connecticut, many of which were presumably bought just over the state line at the Westchester Mall in White Plains. The company estimates each showroom could create 12-25 jobs and contribute $8 million to $10 million in direct economic impact, in addition to nearly $1.7 million in sales tax revenue. GREENWICH Deputy Superintendent Ellen Flanagan announced Monday that she plans to resign Aug. 1 to pursue other career opportunities. A 39-year educator, Flanagan has worked in the Greenwich school district since 1999. She has served in her current position since 2008, previously working as the director of human resources from 2005 to 2008 and as Glenville School principal from 1999 to 2005. I have loved working in the Greenwich Public Schools, particularly with the incredible staff and administrators, Flanagan said in a statement. The decision to leave at this time was difficult to make. However, I have decided to focus on pursuing new career opportunities that have become available, roles which will provide me with new and exciting challenges and greater flexibility with my personal time. Administrators and Board of Education members said Flanagan will leave a legacy of implementing and overseeing innovative teaching and learning strategies and management practices that have contributed significantly to greater student achievement and improved teacher and administrator performance. The development of the districts teacher evaluation system, known as TEPL, during Flanagans tenure as human resources director arguably represents her greatest accomplishment in the district. She now leads the districts TEPL Committee, which oversees the evaluation program. "Dr. Ellen Flanagan is one of the most knowledgeable, effective and compassionate educators I have ever encountered, Superintendent of Schools William McKersie said in a statement. Dr. Flanagan understands the critical importance of establishing constructive relationships and addressing challenging and sensitive situations with high standards and compassion. School officials also lauded Flanagan for her management of the districts summer school, which has focused increasingly in recent years on programming to help close the achievement gap. The summer attendance of academically at-risk students has increased by 46 percent in the past five years, while total enrollment hit a record of more than 1,000 last year. Dr. Ellen Flanagan has been an extraordinary contributor to the Greenwich Public Schools over the last 17 years, Board of Education Chairwoman Laura Erickson said in a statement. There are many district accomplishments during her tenure that owe a great deal to Dr. Flanagan. Flanagans works also focuses heavily on advising administrators and teachers. As deputy superintendent, she has mentored more than 20 principals new to the role or the district. Rarely have I come across one who has had such a profound influence on my career and that of my colleagues, North Mianus Principal Angela Schmidt, co-president of the districts teachers union, said in a statement. Ellen Flanagan is a role model for dedication, passion, innovation and caring. She is the first person an administrator turns to in times of crisis and in the best of times a cheerleader for our success. The search for Flanagans successor will begin promptly, according to school officials. My wish for the Greenwich community is that you embrace your public schools in recognition of the excellent education they provide, value the highly skilled and dedicated staff in word and in action, and never rest on your laurels, but strive for continuous improvement with a mind-set that you are starting from a position of tremendous strength in professional expertise and student outcomes, Flanagan said. pschott@scni.com; 203-625-4439 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 1 of 5 Contributed Photo / Contributed Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Robert W. Marchant / Robert W. Marchant /Hearst Connec Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Contributed Photo / Contributed Show More Show Less 5 of 5 Larry Kudlow of Redding, a TV and radio financial pundit, spent seven months pondering a challenge to U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal this fall. On Tuesday, he decided not to. In an interview on CNBC, the former adviser to President Ronald Reagan said that he doesnt want to give up his broadcast jobs. CNBC is like an extended family to me, said the 68-year-old commentator, who in recent months was contemplating his first run for elective office. I love it some much I dont want to give it up. It turns out, a plane built in the Jet City was the first to fly a U.S. president overseas. Way back in 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first sitting president to fly overseas, and he did it aboard a Boeing B-314 Clipper (nicknamed Dixie Clipper), according to Boeing. High Street on Hudsons whitefish bialy, left; Kossars classic. Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine Except for a devoted cult following, the bialy has never enjoyed the fame and fortune of its Jewish-appetizing relative the bagel. Unlike that plump and shiny dough ball, bialys, whose origin in Bialystok, Poland, food writer Mimi Sheraton chronicles in her wistful book The Bialy Eaters, are sunken and matte, tricky to slice (connoisseurs advise against it), and suffused with the aroma and flavor of charred onions, which some find an acquired taste. That hasnt halted the breadstuffs recent revival, which coincides with the reopening this month of Kossars, New Yorks and possibly the worlds most famous bialy bakery. Kossars new owners have seen fit to update not only the storefront but the bialy itself, introducing flavors like whole wheat and sun-dried tomato. And its not alone in unfettered experimentation: Open-faced bialy sandwiches have emerged in the West Village at High Street on Hudson, where squid-ink-stained rolls are topped with pickled peppers and whitefish, and at Bushwicks new Supercrown coffee bar, which sells a poached-egg-and-prosciutto breakfast sandwich on a Robertas bialy. East Harlems multicultural Hot Bread Kitchen is known for its traditional take, but even the bakers there dare to innovate with their mini-bialys, blanketing the indentation with melted Cheddar. Theres activity on the purist front as well: Russ & Daughters recently started baking its own bialys and bagels; find them at the Lower East Side shop and cafe (and, as of February 23, at the new Jewish Museum outpost). And at Freds at Barneys, Mark Strausman limits his Sunday-morning production to plain or everything bagels and paradigmatic bialys, dotted with poppy seeds and onion. Next month, when he opens a branch at the new Barneys in Chelsea, hell add Saturdays to the rotation, too. *This article appears in the February 22, 2016 issue of New York Magazine. Ignacio Mattos, left, and Thomas Carter. Photo: Jody Wissner/New York Magazine When sommelier Thomas Carter and chef Ignacio Mattos were planning to open their Nolita restaurant, Estela, three years ago, they looked for inspiration to the modern wine bars of Europe unassuming places like Manfreds in Copenhagen and Le Verre Vole in Paris that surpassed expectations with the quality of the food and drink. And Estela did surpass expectations, earning Mattos a reputation (not to mention a James Beard nomination and a visit from the Obamas) for his offbeat takes on tartare, gnocchi, and even the seemingly simplest salads. As often happens in this type of culinary fairy tale, the question arose, What next? The answer, for Carter and Mattos, is Cafe Altro Paradiso, an Italian restaurant in the amorphous downtown neighborhood that real-estate interests have branded Hudson Square. With its 75-seat dining room accoutred with marble floors and white oak, this sophomore project is bigger than Estela and grander in scope, but still, according to Mattos and Carter, reflective of their simple, unfussy style, and their increasingly health-minded appetites. Im very picky now, says Mattos. I want to feel good about what I eat. Maybe Im getting old. So whereas the chef considers some of his work at Estela a bit contrived, in presentation if not in flavor, he intends to strip it down here, to keep plates and tastes clean and simple, without any superfluous ornamentation or textural tricks. Sometimes adding that little extra ingredient doesnt really add anything, says Mattos. Whats the point? Hes still looking abroad for inspiration, this time to Londons River Cafe, the iconic restaurant and training ground for Jamie Oliver and April Bloomfield, among others. River Cafe elevated Italian food, while respecting the tradition, says Mattos. They made it better than it is in Italy. Cafe Altro Paradiso might not abut the Thames, like the River Cafe, but it does occupy a bright and lofty corner shielded from Sixth Avenue traffic by a small tree-filled plaza called Soho Square. To some degree, the location dictates the concept, and here, the partners envision a neighborhood oasis that will eventually serve everything from morning coffee and pastries to an afternoon cocktail and snack. For now, the plan is to start with dinner, a rotating menu informed by the same reverence for ingredients Mattos attributes to Bay Area institutions Zuni Cafe and Chez Panisse. The operative word is restraint, he says. Things will be what they are. Specifically: varying carpaccios, simple crudo, a lot of anchovies, heirloom rice and polenta from Anson Mills, a daily soup and pizzetta. (Not pizza, Mattos clarifies. More like a flatbread with different toppings, like radicchio, balsamic, and Taleggio, so it feels more like youre eating a salad. A pizza is a big commitment.) Pastas will be available by the half-order, and daily specials are right out of the cucina classica handbook (bollito misto, bistecca Fiorentina). Estela is about creating identity in dishes, says Mattos. I want this to be as traditional as possible but of course, you still have to sparkle it up. For Carters part, Italian wines will dominate the list, with space reserved for Burgundy and the Rhone, because we love it, he says, and Champagne, because they drink more Champagne in Italy than anywhere else. Here, a look at the space, a few dishes, and the menus. A view to the quasi-open kitchen. Photo: Jody Wissner/New York Magazine Its a no-tablecloths kind of place. Photo: Jody Wissner/New York Magazine Carpaccio with fried chickpeas, arugula, and aged balsamic. Photo: Jody Wissner/New York Magazine Spicy anchovies on butter crostini. There will be a lot of anchovies, says Mattos. Photo: Jody Wissner/New York Magazine Chicories and anchovy vinaigrette. Photo: Jody Wissner/New York Magazine Quality control is essential. Photo: Jody Wissner/New York Magazine Ravioli of king crab and mascarpone with spinach. Photo: Jody Wissner/New York Magazine Fusilli with Meyer lemon, basil, and pine nuts. Photo: Jody Wissner/New York Magazine 234 Spring St., at Sixth Ave.; 646-952-0828. Dinner and dessert menus. [PDF] *A version of this article appears in the February 22, 2016 issue of New York Magazine. The popular cancer flavor. Roundup is an herbicide so good at sending weeds to the great beyond that the WHO says it probably causes cancer and now the FDA is finally taking measures to keep it out of food. The specifics are still under wraps, but the agency has at least confirmed that sometime this year it will start testing foods sold in the U.S. for traces of the controversial weed killer. Glyphosate, as its known generically, is the most heavily used agricultural chemical on the planet, more prevalent on farms than it is in driveways despite some tests showing it disrupts hormones and that frogs mistake it for a predator. The FDA says the wait was because the methods available for testing were too cost- and labor-intensive to implement until now. The popular chemical has its defenders outside of Monsanto, and theres debate over how much glyphosate actually sticks around from field to plate, but the fact that a bottle of Roundup is no ones idea of a good condiment isnt under dispute. Monsanto released a statement saying if and when the FDA starts testing, the company is positive itll reaffirm the safe use of this vital tool used by farmers. Its tense: Lawsuits over the years have forced the company to quit pretending Roundup is biodegradable, safer than table salt, and practically nontoxic to living creatures. [Civil Eats via Newsweek] An ahi poke preparation from Wisefish in Chelsea. Photo: Melissa Hom Hawaiian poke (or, as mainlanders know it, poke), the classic chopped raw-seafood dish, is poised to break through to the mainstream. Its already enchanted the Hawaii-adjacent metropolises of Los Angeles and San Francisco, and a positive New York Times review of four new Manhattan poke establishments further highlighted the ever-growing demand for to-go lunches of seasoned chunks of raw fish. Nouveau poke establishments seem to have realized that by combining young urbanites favorite aspects of the bowl craze and affordable sushi, theyll create a business that appeals to health-conscious, Paleo-leaning lunchers who crave something more substantive than another bottle of green juice. Theyll take diced tuna or salmon and layer it over salads and rice, and, in the process, of course, theyre hoping they can launch the next major national chain. (There was a time, not long ago, when you might have even said these people were aiming to be the next Chipotle.) But anyone whos seen the news in the last, say, decade has also read about slave-labor practices at Thai fisheries, and mass shellfish die-offs on the West Coast, global warmings abhorrent effects on Maine lobster supplies, and all of the other bummer seafood stories that are quickly becoming the norm. With its reliance on large portions of top-of-the-food-chain fish, poke is a resource-intensive dish that doesnt necessarily fit into the Dan Barberinfluenced waste-to-plate dining world, and given the environmental constraints facing the fishing industry it seems fair to ask: Can any poke-centric business actually scale in a responsible way? The answer, as you might expect, is more complicated than it seems. For the most part, the new NYC poke establishments say theyre proactive in sourcing what is generally thought of as responsibly harvested fish. Drew Crane, owner of Wisefish Poke, says they work with respected local vendors such as Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. and Wild Fish Direct, and try to source domestically caught fish whenever possible. Kevin Hsu, of Pokeworks, which has locations in New York and Mountain View, California, and is looking to expand to more cities, says sourcing sustainable fish is one of the key tenets of their business plan. In evaluating vendors, they look at everything from aquaculture water management to the packaging used for fish feed. We want to make sure were keeping up with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, he says. Vendors, over time, we want to monitor. Others arent sure its possible. Hawaii-born chef Mark Noguchi, who now runs the Mission Social Hall Cafe in Honolulu, says that concerns about the viability of yellowfin, one of the fish most frequently used to make poke, led him to not serve ahi (the Hawaiian term for the fish), as poke or otherwise, in his restaurants for all of 2014. People are losing touch with what ahi meant, he says. It was a fish for royalty, caught by hand line a top-of-the-food-chain fish. In Hawaii, increased demand for the fish combined with the convoluted economics of the global fish trade means that much of the ahi being sold as poke no longer comes from local waters. Noguchi, who often supplements his poke offerings with alternative fishes such as uu and weke, has concerns about the mass adoption of ahi poke, especially now that it is becoming popular in New York. This is a finite resource, and we all know what happens when the New York Times reports on it, he says. Every motherfucker in the world jumps on it. Indeed, the bigger challenge for poke may come when, or if, the dish makes the jump from specialty item to mainstream as it has done in Hawaii, where it now is sold everywhere from convenience stores to grocery stores to white-tablecloth restaurants. The pervasiveness offers a glimpse at what happens when a dish becomes untethered from its cultural underpinnings and churned through the business worlds bottom line. The Monterey Bay Aquariums Seafood Watch, one of the most widely recognized classification organizations, lists yellowfin tuna under green (best choice), yellow (good alternative), and red (avoid), depending on how and where the fish are sourced. (Salmon and octopus, other popular poke choices, also fall anywhere in the green-to-red range depending on the fishery.) It clearly has nothing to do, from their perspective, with how many fish are in the ocean, says University of Washington professor Ray Hilborn, who studies the management of sustainable fisheries, and says a lot depends on how fish are sourced and which environmental values are prioritized. He notes that yellowfin stocks appear to be stable. Its all about bycatch i.e., what is caught alongside the main catch and what they think is acceptable and not. The environmental impact of eating yellowfin tuna is unclear at best. In fact, Hilborn says simply focusing on low-impact fishing methods can be misleading. He says greenhouse gases are the biggest threat to the environment, and so fishing methods that reduce the greenhouse-gas footprint are preferable, even if they result in more bycatch. But others dont agree with this line of thinking, and theres no consensus among experts. Author Paul Greenberg, who studied the tuna trade for his 2010 book, Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food, takes a more sanguine view of the poke trends implications. In the sphere of bigger tuna, the yellowfin is probably the best-reproducing, he says. So because of that, that one vector makes it less sensitive to fishing demands. In that sense its an okay choice. Still, he keeps a note of caution in his assessment, pointing out that the yellowfin tuna is migratory, which adds some uncertainty to its viability: That said, the ocean is under stress. There are many things going on that affect fish beyond fishing. Acidification, ocean temperature that puts migratory species under stress, and fishing is another stress. Ultimately, though, picking apart the ethical implications of consuming more yellowfin tuna may be beyond the scope of American diners. Dr. John Kittinger, a Hawaii-based ocean scientist who works with Conservation International, says demand for tuna is going to dramatically increase globally in the near future whether we have any say in it or not. Consumers in Asia are driving that trend, he explains. That outpaces everything thats going on here in the U.S.. But for customers who would rather search for less resource-intensive options, Kittinger says the poke trend and the push for consumption of smaller fish or invasive species arent mutually exclusive. The word poke, when translated from Hawaiian, simply means to slice or cut. You can make poke from more than just tuna, he says, explaining that his favorite poke is opelu, a small fish common in Hawaii. You can poke anything. That might be a cool trend chefs who integrate small fish into poke. Adobe's suite of mobile tools has really exploded with functionality recently to take full advantage of the advancements in hardware and software. The latest update to Lightroom on Android now has RAW support for mobile photography enthusiasts to enjoy. The version also adds a few other features like split toning and haze removal that have been part of the iOS build since last year. In fact, Adobe actually claims that the main reason for the update is this feature parity, but the added bonus of RAW support could turn out to be the bigger draw. Google has been integrating RAW capture API's inside Android since Lollipop, and that is precisely what Adobe has leveraged to save stills to Adobe's DNG format. In contrast, Apple does not allow that functionality within iOS, not yet at least. The feature should work on most any recent Android device, but as with all hardware-dependant features within Google's mobile OS, your mileage may vary. You can download the new Adobe Photoshop Lightroom app from the Google Play store at the source link below. Source These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. These are the carrier deals for the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge in the UK In case you missed, the US pricing and availability for the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge is already out. However, if you are in the UK, you'll be glad to know that the flagships are already up for pre-order there. As for the pricing, here are the carrier deals for the devices in your country: EE Samsung Galaxy S7 EE is offering the 32GB Galaxy S7 at a monthly cost of 49.99 (for 24 months) and an upfront cost of 9.99. Samsung Galaxy S7 edge The edge variant (32GB model) can be yours for 9.99 upfront followed by 54.99 per month. Both handsets are available in Black Onyx and Gold Platinum color options. O2 Samsung Galaxy S7 O2 is offering the 32GB Galaxy S7 variant for 54 monthly and an upfront cost of 9.99. Samsung Galaxy S7 edge The edge version (32GB model), on the other hand, costs less - 9.99 upfront followed by 51 a month for 2 years. Color options for both flagships include Black Onyx and Gold Platinum. Vodafone Samsung Galaxy S7 If you want to purchase the Galaxy S7 from Vodafone, you'll have to shell out 9 upfront followed by 50 a month for the next 24 months. Samsung Galaxy S7 edge The edge variant can be yours for as low as 9 upfront followed by 24 monthly instalments of 56 each. Black Onyx and Gold Platinum color variants are available for both devices. Three Samsung Galaxy S7 Three UK is offering the Galaxy S7 (32GB model) for as low as 41 a month on a regular 2-year contract with an upfront payment of 29. Samsung Galaxy S7 edge The edge variant can be purchased for as low as 49 upfront followed by 24 monthly instalments of 47 a month. As with all other carriers mentioned here, Three also has both handsets in Black Onyx and Gold Platinum color options. Those pre-ordering the devices (from any of the carriers) before March 6 will receive their unit(s) on March 8, which is three days before their general release. Source (EE) | O2 | Vodafone | Three UK The Pera Museum in collaboration with Goethe-Institut Istanbul will present a special Long Friday Concert. Hezarfen Ensemble will perform composer Mark Andres works on Feb. 26. Since its formation in January 2010, Hezarfen Ensemble has given countless Turkish premieres of works by composers from around the world in innovative formats, while presenting Turkish works to European audiences as well as Turkish audiences. Hezarfen has appeared at major European festivals and helped Essen celebrate its year as European cultural capital along with Istanbul in 2010. Born in Paris in 1964, Mark Andre has written works commissioned by the Ensemble Modern, ensemble recherche, Trio Accanto, Klangforum Wien, KNM Berlin, Les Percussions de Strasbourg, Ensemble Alternance, EIC and others. He currently lives in Berlin. To be held on the second floor in Peras Orientalist Paintings Collection Exhibition Intersecting Worlds: Ambassadors and Painters gallery, the concert is free. (Photo) Haiti - Economy : Moringa and chocolate from Haiti on sale in the US Two new products debuted this month in the U.S. at all Whole Foods Market stores nationwide, Kuli Kuli's Moringa Green Energy shots and Taza Chocolate's Stone Ground Haiti bar, and ingredients for both are sourced directly from smallholder farmers in Haiti. This direct market access, combined with helping farmers to improve and expand, means increased incomes in Haiti while consumers in the U.S. benefit from high quality products. And for a severely deforested nation like Haiti, an additional benefit is that more trees get planted as both items are derived from trees. This story is also about helping to transform agriculture in Haiti by working with small-scale family farmers as micro businesses rather than charity recipients. Smallholder farm income goes up as a result of various combinations of organic agricultural training, better quality non-hybrid seed, access to financial services and direct market connections via two pioneers in this field. In the case of moringa, the pioneer is the non-profit Smallholder Farmers Alliance (SFA), with support from the Clinton Foundation. And for the cacao bean used to make chocolate, it is the for-profit company Produits des Iles, S.A. (PISA). "We help connect Haitian farmers directly to export markets," said Hugh Locke, President of the SFA, "as well as providing services like improved seed, tools and training to help them better manage their farms in the face of increasing drought conditions. And these agricultural services are earned by farmers planting trees, which in turn helps address the severe deforestation that is one of the main causes of the country's ongoing drought." The leaves of the Moringa oleifera tree have entered the pantheon of superfoods by virtue of exceptional amounts of protein along with 27 vitamins and 46 antioxidants. One of the most nutrient dense plants on earth, around 80,000 of these trees are being cultivated by smallholder farmers in Haiti. A network of women farmers' cooperatives clean and process the leaves, transforming them into the powder that is in high demand by both Haitian and U.S. consumers. Kuli Kuli incorporates the resulting powder into a Moringa Green Energy shot that is similar to a caffeinated green smoothie. Cacao trees have long been cultivated in Haiti for their bean used in making chocolate, but with minimum benefit to the smallholder farmers who historically have been the primary growers. Taza Chocolate is changing this dynamic as the first U.S. 'bean to bar' chocolate maker to import organic, premium grade Haitian cacao. As part of its Direct Trade program, Taza pays more than twice the premium required by Fair Trade certification in exchange for specialty cacao grown by 1,500 smallholder farmers sustainably managing close to 2,000 acres of organic certified land. "It is exciting that an energy shot and a chocolate bar are connecting Haitian smallholder farmers to the shelves at Whole Foods," said Haiti-born actor Jimmy Jean-Louis, who appears in NBC's Heroes Reborn and Arrow as well as the Oscar-nominated film Joy, "and that both products support the planting of more trees to help our country's recovery." See also : Moringa : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-16503-haiti-agriculture-towards-the-exploitation-of-the-full-potential-of-moringa.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-12126-haiti-agriculture-the-moringa-a-national-and-international-market-for-small-farmers.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-11058-haiti-social-monitoring-mission-of-the-special-plan-bernagousse.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-10512-haiti-agriculture-towards-one-of-the-largest-agro-industrial-sectors-of-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-8466-haiti-agriculture-workshop-on-cultivation-and-use-of-moringa-benzolive.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-8348-haiti-social-urban-agriculture-project-of-moringa-in-precarious-neighborhoods.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-5883-haiti-diaspora-tripartite-investment-mission-of-the-consulate-of-haiti-in-new-york.html Chocolate : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-14084-icihaiti-economy-france-talks-about-chocolate-with-haiti.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-13846-icihaiti-agriculture-unilever-wants-to-increase-its-investments-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-12105-haiti-agriculture-the-cocoa-industry-produces-12-times-less-per-hectare-than-the-neighboring-countries.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-11221-haiti-agriculture-towards-a-farmers-private-sector-partnership-in-the-cocoa-and-coffee-sectors.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-9779-haiti-agriculture-the-haitian-cocoa-recognized-as-one-of-the-best-in-the-world.html SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Justice : Cooperation with the National School of Magistrates of Bordeaux Since the adoption of the Haitian Constitution in 1987, the Haitian justice has undertaken substantial reforms. Deficiencies remain, however, because of lack of human, material and organizational resources suffered by all the jurisdictions of the country. This weakness of resources should rightly drive the court and jurisdiction leaders to maximize their available resources, whether processing procedures but also management of human, material and financial ressources. In this framework a training program for Haitian judges, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Haiti, was held last week at the School of Magistrates (EMA) of Port-au-Prince. This training, two 2-day training sessions was led by two senior magistrates trainers of the National School of Magistrates (ENM) of Bordeaux, came especially from France: Eric Minnegheer, President of the First Instance Court of Brest and Ms. Monique Ollivier, General Prosecutor of the Court of Appeal of Toulouse. The first training session was dedicated to "management of the jurisdictions" and was aimed at building the capacity of Court chiefs and of jurisdiction of Haiti to help them manage more efficiently the services they are responsible. This training benefited 37 participants, including the deans of the 18 courts of first instance in Haiti and the presidents and commissioners of its 5 Courts of Appeal, and also the Director of the General Inspectorate of Judicial Services of the Superior Council of Judicial Power (CSPJ) and two of its inspectors as well as his counterpart in the Ministry of Justice. Besides this training program, the two top French magistrates have also provided students magistrates of the EMA a 2-day course on : Presidency of audience, preparation of oral indictments, judicial interviews and technique of deliberate, training that ended Friday. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Politic : Security of Information Systems at the Ministry of Finance The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) developed in 2013 its IT Master Plan (SDI), with the support of the European Union. In order to ensure its implementation, an Assistance to the "Maitrise dOuvrage" (AMOA) was set up with support from the World Bank and has started its work on 1 April 2015. It is in the context of this implementation of the priority projects of SDI that the European Union has funded the offerings of Wadi Mseddi, an International Expert in Security of Information Systems, to develop the Security Policy of the Information System (PSSI) of MEF. 5 months of work, involving both the Expert International, AMOA and all branches of the MEF, have allowed to lead to the development of the PSSI of MEF in accordance with the best practice and international standards in term of Security information such as ISO 27002 and ISO 27005. After a first session of technical validation of the PSSI of the Ministry of Finance, the PSSI was signed on 5 February 2016 by the Secretary of State, Ronald Grey Decembre and came into effect the same day for an indefinite period. This security policy is strategic for the Ministry as far as it defines the framework, guidelines and the information system of securing of the information system. Its application will ensure both the integrity, availability, confidentiality and traceability of MEF data, which is of vital importance to the Haitian state. The PSSI will provide a single security framework for all entities of the MEF and therefore must be respected by all internal and external users of the information system of the Ministry of Finance. Furthermore, all MEF projects and especially the IT Master Plan projects must comply with the Security Policy. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping politics... Assassinations related to the crisis The former Director of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), Mario Andresol considers "disturbing" the assassinations in recent days and the various forms taken by insecurity. He is convinced that this climate "is linked to the political crisis." The UNNOH and MONEP denounce the election of Privert The union of the National Union of Haitian Normaliens (UNNOH) and the Popular Democratic Movement of radical opposition (MODEP), denounced the election as President of Jocelerme Privert, that they fall within the framework of a continuity plan of Tet Kale regime designed and supported by the international community. "Repons Peyizan" and "Viktwa" are impatient The political platforms "Repon Peyizan" and "Viktwa" asked President Jocelerme Privert to respect the agreement of February 5 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-16533-haiti-politic-the-details-of-the-agreement-from-a-to-z.html , they demand that the provisional President, is organizing the second round of elections quickly so that the country can have a president elected through the ballot box, only road of power according to them. Anacacis warns Parliament Jean Hector Anacacis, the coordinator of the "Alternative League for Progress and the Haiti Emancipation" (LAPEH), warns the Parliament against the powers cumulation by one sector, stressing that LAPEH does not intend to accept any Prime Minister who will not be coming from the political and business sectors, for the purpose of the establishment of a consensus government. Senator Latortue, requires a new President to the Senate The G9, minority group in the Senate headed by Senator Youri Latortue, requires the election of a new President of the great body before the consultations between the Provisional Head of State and the two branches of Parliament on the choice of a prime Minister in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution. Privert visited the Nippes department On Saturday, the acting President Jocelerme Privert, accompanied by several deputies, went in the Department of Nippes, where he was elected senators, for a proximity visit with the Japanese people who were mobilized in large numbers to reserve him a warm welcome from Miragoane to Petit-Trou de Nippes, his hometown. HL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2016/02/21 | Source The government is urging South Koreans traveling or living abroad to avoid North Korean restaurants. Advertisement "We cautioned citizens residing abroad about the present political situation and advised them not to frequent North Korean restaurants", a Foreign Ministry official said Tuesday. The official added that the same recommendation was made to South Korean travel agents abroad. North Korean restaurants worldwide are often run by the secretive state and must remit most of their earnings home to the regime. The recommendation to avoid them is part of wider sanctions against the North following its nuclear test and rocket launch. The government worries that the hard currency the restaurants earn could be used to fuel the North's nuclear weapons and missile development programs. According to intelligence sources, North Korea operates around 130 restaurants abroad, around 100 of them in China. They generate some US$100 million a year in revenues. Read this article in Korean Published on 2016/02/22 | Source On the 40th episode of MBC's Monday & Tuesday drama, "Glamorous Temptation", Sin Eun-soo (Choi Kang-hee) went to the hospital and heard that Kang Seok-hyeon (Jung Jin-young) had been diagnosed with dementia. Advertisement While Eun-soo had already noticed Seok-hyeon's unusual behaviors, Eun-soo became to confirm his illness. Eun-soo also decided to hide this from Hyeong-woo (Joo Sang-wook) per Han Yeong-ae (Na Young-hee)'s request because they were worried that Hyeong-woo may become weak emotionally. Watch on Viki What is the favourite part of your job? And which part of your role has proven the most challenging? I love the strategy worknutting out where to invest in people and culture and hard-wiring that in to the business strategy. The most challenging part would have to be working with senior leaders who are overly confident that they know all the answers and have closed off to the possibility of doing things differently What do you feel is your biggest professional achievement to date? At work that would probably be managing an HR team of 400 across 15 countries across Asia-Pac during time of major change. What attracted you to a career in HR? Like many I fell in to HR. I came out of Uni in the UK at a time when graduate jobs were scarce and had the vague notion that I wanted to do something with people. I was lucky and got straight in to a demanding HR role at the age of 21 and havent looked back. Which areas of HR are you most passionate about? Leadership - great leadership drives everything else - culture, engagement, productivity. Great HR starts and finishes with leadership Please complete this sentence: If you werent working in HR, you would be probably working in the field of clinical psychology By Jesse Wood On Friday, the Supreme Court of the United States declined to stay a lower court ruling that said the 2011 congressional map was the result of racial gerrymandering and thus unconstitutional. After the lower-court ruling and prior to the decision by SCOTUS, the GOP-led North Carolina legislature created a contingency plan, which Gov. Pat McCrory signed into law on Friday. The law, House Bill 2, eliminates second primaries for this election cycle and creates a June 7 primary for only U.S. House primary races under new district boundaries, according to an email from State Board of Elections spokesman Joshua Lawson to local board of elections offices. The State will submit its redistricting plan to the three-judge panel for review. While we have heard from the U.S. Supreme Court, this matter is not settled, and we encourage all voters to vote the entire ballot and let the State Board worry about what to certify, Lawson wrote. Democratic Senate Leader Dan Blue applauded the SCOTUSs decision and said it ensures that due process will prevail to see that every vote truly counts. Following the passage of House Bill 2 and the new congressional map that state leaders hope will pass a review by the three-judge panel, NC GOP Senate Leader Phil Berger (R) acknowledge the recent chaos and encouraged voters to vote in every race. While we wish North Carolina voters didnt have to deal with the chaos, costliness and uncertainty associated with an eleventh hour ruling changing the current primary election, we are pleased the Senate was able to pass a fair, legal and compact Congressional map that harmonizes traditional redistricting principles, said Berger. This is the least gerrymandered and most compact Congressional map that North Carolina has seen in decades, and we believe it should address the federal trial courts concerns by its tight deadline. While Blue applauded the SCOTUS decision, he wasnt happy with the contingency plan. Republican leaders approved a revised map Friday that focused instead on political gerrymandering, using political data as a proxy for race data. The approved map creates 10 Republican-heavy Congressional seats and three Democratic majority districts, Blue said in a statement. As of right now, using House Bill 2 as a guiding point, local boards of elections offices are planning on a March 15 primary and then the June 7 congressional primary, which again only features U.S House of Representative races. According to a release from Berger, House Bill 2 also re-opens the filing period for U.S. House races from March 16 to 25, makes clear that votes cast for the congressional races in the March 5 primary will remain confidential [if the stay had not been granted by SCOTUS]; and directs that runoff primaries will not be held only for the 2016 election cycle to cut down on additional confusion and costs. If we dont hear anything out of the [three-judge panel review] well continue to vote everything on March 15 ballot and [then the] June 7 congressional primary, Watauga County Board of Elections Director Matt Snyder said, adding that its an unlikely scenario that the three-judge panel would have legislature change things again this close to the primary. I dont know when there will be some finality, Snyder said. How Does All This Affect Ashe, Avery & Watauga? Sample ballots for North Carolina elections have already been created. This is one reason why GOP voters will see about 10 presidential candidates even though many will have dropped out by the time the primary arrives. If House Bill 2 remains, the change locally to the congressional map is that Avery County is now in the fifth congressional district, home to Watauga and Ashe no longer in the more-conservative 11th district. Avery County Board of Elections Director Sheila Ollis acknowledged that primary voters might see different names on the ballot. In March, Avery County Republican ballot primary voters will see Tom Hill and Rick Bryson on their ballots for the 11th district race to see who represents the GOP in the general election. But in the congressional primary in June, Avery County will be voting for the 5th congressional district candidates unless things change. But because candidates for US House dont have to live in the district in which they filed, Avery Democratic ballot voters might still see Hill and Bryson on their ballots in June. When the June 7 congressional primaries occur, Republican ballot voters in Avery County will have a chance to vote for Virginia Foxx, Pattie Curran or any new GOP candidate that files for the fifth congressional district in the U.S House. Currently, there isnt a Democratic primary for the Fifth Congressional District in the U.S. House or a Republican primary for the 11th Congressional District in the U.S. House. Challenger Josh Brannon will represent Democrats in the Fifth Congressional District race in the general election, while incumbent Mark Meadows is the GOP representative in the 11th house district in November. For GOP voters in Ashe and Watauga counties, they will still see Virginia Foxx and Pattie Curran (and any other new filings) as it is assumed that those U.S. House candidates who filed for the primary will automatically be filed into the June congressional primary, according to Ashe County Board of Elections Director John Shepherd. (And Brannon might end up battling it out in March if another Democrat decides to run for Foxxs seat.) But that assumption, Shepherd said, is just another question that is still up in the air. Another interesting twist in this whole fiasco is that unaffiliated voters might have a say on both sides of the political aisle. In a normal election, unaffiliated voters must vote the same ballot (Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Nonpartisan) in the primary and subsequently any second primaries conducted because of runoffs, which occur if no candidate earns 40 percent of the vote. Ollis said her office raised this question to the State Board of Elections. They said, Our way of thinking is that they could choose a ballot again, Ollis said. See sample ballots for Avery and Watauga counties below: Avery County Ballots Note that young adults that are not yet 18 years old but will be by the November election wont be allowed to vote on the bond referendum. So 17-year-old voters will see similar ballots minus the bond referendum selection. Republican Primary Ballot Democratic Primary Ballot Libertarian Primary Nonpartisan Watauga County Ballots Republican Ballot Democratic Ballot Libertarian Ballot Nonpartisan Ballot Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket In light of recent events in Flint, Mich., the Town of Boone wishes to address any concerns its citizens might have about the water safety and quality in our town. The Town of Boone Public Works department is required by the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources to collect at least thirty water samples every three years to test specifically for lead. The test list, which is approved by DENR, consists of buildings or homes which were constructed between the years of 1962 and 1987. The most recent testing wrapped up in August of 2015, with only one positive reading of lead at a Boone residence. This result can most likely be linked to soldering installed on the pipes inside the residence. All positive findings are promptly reported to DENR, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency. Non-lead specific testing takes place each month in the Town of Boone, with 20 randomly selected businesses being chosen and carefully tested by staff at the Water Treatment plant. The process is much the same as above, with the list being approved by DENR and any positive findings being reported to both DENR and the EPA. The Town of Boone invites its citizens to contact the Waste Water Treatment Plant or Water Treatment plant at 828-268-6998 at any time if they should have questions or concerns. Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket This article is reviewed by a team of registered dietitians and medical doctors with extensive, practical clinical and public health experience. All articles are produced independently. When you click our links for purchasing products, we earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about how we earn revenue by reading our advertise disclaimer. TestoPrime Increases muscle mass and endurance Eliminate body fat Enhances muscular energy TestoGen Formulated from natural ingredients Increases testosterone significantly Simple and secure Testofuel Increases muscular mass The ingredients are 100% natural It has libido-stimulating qualities If you think testosterones main role is to regulate libido and fertility, youre mistaken. Most people know it as the male sex hormone. However, testosterone is also involved in the development of the musculoskeletal system. No one wants to lose their strength, fundamental motor ability, or sexual vitality as they age, even if it is unavoidable. If you want to avoid these circumstances, you should look into some of the best testosterone supplements available. Best Testosterone Boosters on The Market in (October. 2022) TestoPrime Editors Choice TestoGen Best for Muscle gain and Fat Loss TestoFuel Best for Bodybuilding Crazybulk Testo-Max Best for Recovery & Energy Prime Male Best for Focus Why Should Men Use Testosterone Boosters? The principal sex hormone that characterizes a male is testosterone. As a result, it is vital to him and may provide numerous health benefits. Whenever testosterone concentrations fall less than what is considered average, an individual may experience muscle and bone loss, hair loss, weight gain, mood fluctuations, and even libido loss. Low testosterone signs might have unfavorable effects, but growing older and feeling youre losing a piece of yourself can also be depressing. Testosterone booster supplements improve your bodys testosterone levels, so low testosterone is never an issue. Without further ado, lets look at some of the best testosterone boosters available today in the market. The Line Up At A Glance Editors Choice TestoPrime Increases muscle mass and endurance Eliminate body fat Enhances muscular energy Best for Muscle Gain and Fat Loss TestoGen Formulated from natural ingredients Increases testosterone significantly Simple and secure Best for Bodybuilding Testofuel Increases muscular mass The ingredients are 100% natural It has libido-stimulating qualities Best for Recovery & Energy Crazybulk Testo-Max Contains renowned steroid Sustanon alternative Its full of vitamins and minerals Enhances libido Promoting post-workout recuperation Best for Focus Prime Male Ingredients are non-GMO and organic Bulk purchasing options Enhances libido 5 Best Testosterone Booster Supplements in 2022 TestoPrime See TestoPrime Reviews TestoPrime is a testosterone supplement booster that is ideal for men of all ages. The best thing about this brand is that they use an all-natural formula promising no adverse side effects. Formulated entirely of organic ingredients Non-GMO, GMP-certified, Vegan-friendly, FDA approved Mercury News ranked it as the finest testosterone booster Boosts testosterone levels Great package discounts Freeshipping worldwide No prescription needed 4 pills a day could be challenging TestoPrime is one of the most powerful testosterone booster products available as it is known for boosting testosterone levels using only natural components. As a result, you reap all of the benefits without being exposed to any potentially dangerous substances. Check out the high-end ingredients youll be taking, thanks to TestoPrime. D-Aspartic Acid, an amino acid Fenugreek Extract green tea Extract of Ashwagandha [1] Vitamins B5, D, and B6 Panax Ginseng Zinc Extract of Pomegranate Extract black pepper Extract of Garlic What Is the Mechanism? The formula in TestoPrime is intended to increase testosterone levels. Rather than relying on anabolic drugs, TestoPrime uses a powerful substance called D-aspartic acid[2] to assist men in organically increasing their testosterone production. This amino acid triggers the brains of humans and animals to generate a hormone that stimulates testosterone synthesis. One study[3] looked at the impact of consuming D-aspartic acid doses for 12 days in healthy men aged 2737. It was revealed that after the case, 20 of the 23 males who took D-aspartic acid had greater testosterone levels, with an average rise of 42 percent. Their testosterone levels remained 22 percent higher three days after they stopped taking the supplement than they were at the start of the trial. TestoPrime contains substances that promote testosterone production, build muscle growth, alleviate stress, and turn fat into energy. Dosage Recommendations The ideal method is to take four capsules before breakfast daily. Youll be able to get the most out of this testosterone booster if you take it this way. Characteristics Improves stamina by increasing oxygen utilization and giving longer-lasting energy. Improves thermogenesis and aids weight reduction by increasing the metabolism rate. Relieves stress by lowering cortisol levels and increasing mood. Increases the amount of testosterone in your body. Boosts stamina which improves sex life. Improves mental acuity and other cognitive abilities. TestoGen See TestoGen Reviews TestoGen is the best for muscle gain and fat loss, meaning that it is ideal for men who want to celebrate these wins besides raising the testosterone levels in their bodies. Promote overall health Safe and natural ingredients Simple to ingest Help you feel more energized and perform better. May improve libido and sexual wellness Only available on the internet There are fewer minerals in it Here is a list of all the ingredients found in this supplement: Korean Red Ginseng Extract Vitamin K1 Vitamin D3 Vitamin B6 Boron Fenugreek Extract [9] Nettle Leaf Extract Magnesium Bioperine Hypromellose (vegetable capsule) D-Aspartic Acid Maltodextrin Zinc [10] Silica Caution Maltodextrin is a highly processed food component used as a preservative that some people are allergic to.The allergy may cause a rash or gastrointestinal upset. While it is on the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) Generally Recognized as Safe list, It can induce stomach cramps and flatulence and may lead to intestinal inflammation[11]. It also has a glycemic load that is comparable to table sugar[12]. A persons diet[13] is likely to be rich in sugar, poor in fiber, and full of highly processed foods if they consume too many maltodextrin-containing goods. This type of diet may increase a persons risk of high cholesterol, weight gain, and type 2 diabetes. What is the Mechanism? The primary element in Testogen, D-Aspartic Acid, boosts luteinizing hormone (LH) production, stimulating Leydig cells in the testes to create testosterone. Zinc, a mineral contained in Testogen products, protects cells from oxidative stress, according to a 2017 review[14]. According to another 2017 study[15], oxidative stress affects testicular tissue and the male reproductive system. However, antioxidants can assist the body in combatting this imbalance and boost sperm production. Boron, one of the components in Testogen, may help increase free testosterone concentrations in the body. Boron has a pragmatic effect on testosterone levels, according to a 2015 study[16]. Correspondingly, Testogen is said to slow the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, which occurs naturally as men age. Vitamin D3 is also present in Testogen, which might lower[17] blood levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and so boost free testosterone. SHBG determines the quantity of testosterone that the body can utilize by binding to it. Dosage Recommendations TestoGen is a reasonably simple product to use. To reap the benefits of this testosterone booster, use four capsules in the morning. Does it appear to be limiting? Employ TestoGen drops for a quick energy boost if you enjoy increased testosterone levels while on the road. TestoFuel See TestoFuel Reviews The formula contains vitamins, extracts, and other notable nutrients that help any man taking this testosterone booster increase their testosterone levels significantly. Clean labeling with clear ingredients Made with organic oyster extracts Increases testosterone, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels Stimulates luteinizing hormone (LH) production No adverse side effects. Popular among Instagram athletes and influencers No guarantee provided Each nutrient in TestoFuel will be immediately identifiable if youre acquainted with natural testosterone boosters. Its only that the chemicals are amplified and mixed to make a composition that works faster. What is the mechanism? The mechanism that TestoFuel uses is linked to the ingredients. Below are the individual properties that each component brings forth: Vitamins Vitamins B6, Vitamin D, and K2 are all present in TestoFuel. In a 2011 study[4], males who were vitamin D deficient took 3,332 international units (IU) of vitamin D every day for a year and significantly increased testosterone levels. Oyster Extract Many supplement companies pack synthetic versions of zinc into their products with low uptake levels. TestoFuel contains zinc-rich Oyster Extracts[5]. It helps improve muscular-skeletal endurance and has psychological health advantages. Ginseng Ginseng is included in sufficient amounts in TestoFuel for those who find Panax Ginseng a little too strong for their tummies. It has an impact on Testosterone enhancement through a variety of biochemical routes. It raises LH, DHT, and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH). The usage of Asian ginseng extract[6] was demonstrated to drastically increase plasma total and free testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and LH levels in clinical research, which had 66 participating patients. Dosage Recommendations You only require four TestoFuel capsules per day to begin unleashing your innermost strength. The testosterone-boosting vitamin raises your testosterone production, allowing you to gain muscle mass with every session. Testo-Max Testo-Max is made up of high-quality, organic, and pure substances that may enhance low testosterone. Safe, legitimate, organic, and highly effective. Free worldwide shipping Standa rd price rd price Increase stamina, libido, and muscle mass 60-day money-back guarantee A money-back guarantee with short time limit Only available on official website High price Its completely safe and productive, and there are no dangerous components in it. The ingredients in Testo-Max are as follows: Vitamin D3. Magnesium. Vitamin B6. Vitamin K1. Boron. D-Aspartic Acid Zinc. Nettle Leaf Extract. [7] Bioperine. Ginseng Red Powder. Fenugreek Extract. What is the Mechanism? By stimulating an increase in LH, testosterone production is increased. The D-Aspartic Acid[8] drives LH production, and a mix of testosterone-boosting nutrients supports this process. In males, the principal source of testosterone or androgens is Leydig cells. LH causes the testes Leydig cells to release testosterone. This physiology enables them to play a critical role in many important physiological processes in males, such as sperm generation (spermatogenesis), sexual development control, and the maintenance of secondary sexual features and behaviors. Here are the benefits: Improvements in muscle mass The compounds in Testo-Max help improve the quantity of blood circulating to the muscles by raising testosterone production in the system. As a consequence, the body supplies these muscles with extra oxygen and nutrients. This results in increased muscle mass and endurance. Boost Your Self-Belief Low testosterone levels might influence your mood and make you feel unmotivated to do anything. Temper outbursts are more likely when mood fluctuations are extreme. Testo-Max corrects these issues and boosts your self-esteem as moodiness is more controlled with better testosterone levels. Better Sexual Health Testo-Max also contains substances that aid in libido enhancement. This increase in sex drive contributes to a positive and more fulfilling sexual experience. Dosage Recommendations The recommended dosage is a regular intake of 4 capsules of Testo-Max. You should take all four testosterone supplement capsules before breakfast. Whether or not you plan to exercise during the day, you must swallow the pills. If used appropriately, a single bottle of 120 pills will last approximately a month. Prime Male Testosterone boosters may enhance your hormonal release, allowing you to live a happier, more energetic, and exciting life. Organic ingredients 90-day money-back guarantee Usage is completely safe Excellent brand perception May aid in muscular development and bodybuilding Free shipping worldwide Standard price Returns are quick and straightforward Limited supply Some users may find it challenging to follow the brands dosing instructions. Here is a list of all the ingredients found in this testosterone booster formula: D-Aspartic Acid Calcium Chelate Korean Red Ginseng Extract Boron Luteolin Bioperine Magnesium [18] Vitamin B6 Ashwagandha Extract Vitamin D3 Zinc Nettle Root Extract Vitamin K2 What is the Mechanism? D-Aspartic Acid Calcium Chelate prompts the hypothalamus to release luteinizing hormone. This amino acid is considered a testosterone booster. Only ten days of taking a tiny dose of D-AA-CC resulted in a staggering 42 percent increase in testosterone levels, according to studies[19]. Magnesium and Boron help reduce SHBG concentrations in the blood, allowing more free testosterone to be available. Boron and luteolin[20] have been proven to help your body regulate estrogen levels. Dosage Recommendations Prime Male needs you to consume four pills at various intervals throughout the day. You should take one capsule after every meal and ensure there is ample time between doses. To get the best effects, you must stick to this regimen daily. Highlights The estimated time for the supplement to work is less than fourteen days. It increases physical strength. In older men, testosterone insufficiency is the most common cause of bone loss. Due to this scarcity, osteoporosis has become a common disorder affecting people over 50 years of age worldwide. In older men, testosterone insufficiency is the most common cause of bone loss. Prime Male contains nettle root extract, which may help regulate [21] free testosterone and free estradiol levels, two hormones linked to bone mass. free testosterone and free estradiol levels, two hormones linked to bone mass. Improved libido and sexual effectiveness. Psychological, hormonal, and even hereditary variables can all impact desire, with the biological part being the most essential. Low testosterone, for instance, can affect your libido right away. As a result, Prime Male may benefit you by increasing your bodys testosterone output and general vitality and stamina. With big orders, youll get free shipping and rebates. 5 Best Ingredients to Boost Testosterone Levels Vitamin D If you want to get the most out of your testosterone-boosting therapeutic properties, you must eat a well-balanced diet. Vitamin D[22], a fat-soluble vitamin abundant in fatty fish, soy milk, cereal, and orange juice, is an excellent place to start. Vitamin D is a naturally occurring steroid hormone in the body, naturally produced by the sun, obtained from the diet, or taken as supplements. Vitamin D and testosterone levels are higher in individuals who expend more time in the sun. Greater sperm composition and sexual prowess can also be aided by exposure to sunlight. D-Aspartic Acid D-aspartic acid[23] is a naturally occurring amino acid that can enhance testosterone concentrations on its own. It causes the body to produce the luteinizing hormone, which is essential for sexual development. The hormone activates testosterone-producing cells in the testes. DHEA Some of the other substances, such as dehydroepiandrosterone[24] (DHEA), may not be as well-known. Nonetheless, it is worth considering as a regular dosage. The hormone is produced by your adrenal glands and aids in the regulation of testosterone levels. Ashwagandha For ages, the herbal extract herb ashwagandha[25] has been used in Ayurvedic Medicine in India. The herbal extract has a wide range of mood-enhancing qualities, including relieving stress and alleviating depressive symptomatology. The herbs advantages, even so, do not end there. The plant aids in stress reduction[26] and balances the adrenal, pituitary, and hypothalamus glands. In addition, ashwagandha can boost your vitality, overall fitness, and muscle mass while also helping with weight loss. Fenugreek Extract Enhanced sexual drive and testosterone levels are just two of the many sexual health advantages of this plant. Fenugreek[27] may help you have higher free and total testosterone production if you consume it continuously. Fenugreek can also help you lose weight[28] by acting as a thermogenic fat burner. The extract boosts your metabolism and aids weight loss by increasing your core temperature. Symptoms of Low Testosterone Levels Individuals who have a testosterone shortage may benefit from testosterone supplements. Symptoms of testosterone insufficiency[29] in men include: Decreased sex drive Erection difficulties Facial hair growth is slowed Tiredness and reduction of lean muscle strength Females with a testosterone shortage may have the following symptoms: Weariness Problems sleeping Excess weight Irregular menstruation cycles Vaginal dryness In some cases, testosterone supplements may assist in relieving the symptoms. Nonetheless, a person may have to speak with a physician about this. How To Choose The Best Testosterone Supplements Before purchasing any supplement, you must first evaluate a few key considerations. This shopping guide will assist you in making the best decision. Brand Perception One of the best methods to determine a products dependability is to look at its brand reputation. This is particularly true for testosterone boosters, which can alter several critical processes in your body. As a result, it is essential to understand the firms image. If the brand is well-known for its goods, you will see a consistent trend in the evaluations and third-party sites. Furthermore, there are no reports of severe adverse effects everywhere. Ingredients For a dependable product, high-quality ingredients are essential. As a result, you must examine the products ingredient list. You should be highly cautious about the components when purchasing a product that you would directly take, such as a testosterone booster. Some companies include dangerous chemical substances that provide beneficial results but may damage customers in the long haul. Price-to-value In general, testosterone supplements are not extremely pricey. They are, however, not inexpensive. As a result, it is critical to get something that delivers the best worth for your money. How To Use a Testosterone Booster? Before purchasing any supplement, you must first evaluate a few key considerations. This shopping guide will assist you in making the best decision. Brand Perception One of the best methods to determine a products dependability is to look at its brand reputation. This is particularly true for testosterone boosters, which can alter several critical processes in your body. As a result, it is essential to understand the firms image. If the brand is well-known for its goods, you will see a consistent trend in the evaluations and third-party sites. Furthermore, there are no reports of severe adverse effects anywhere. Ingredients For a dependable product, high-quality ingredients are essential. As a result, you must examine the products ingredient list. You should be highly cautious about the components when purchasing a product that you would directly take, such as a testosterone booster. Some companies include dangerous chemical substances that provide beneficial results but may damage customers in the long haul. Price-to-value In general, testosterone supplements are not extremely pricey. They are, however, not inexpensive. As a result, it is critical to get something that delivers the best worth for your money. Risks & Side Effects You should not be concerned about adverse effects if you purchase a testosterone booster from a reliable brand. All of the products mentioned in this article have no adverse side effects. Nevertheless, it is critical to take them in the appropriate dosage. However, we all possess different bodies which react differently from what we consume. The following are some of the adverse effects that can occur when you start taking testosterone boosters: Libido deficiency Hair thinning Aggression has risen. Enlargement of the prostate. Atrophy of the testicles Final Thought Low testosterone may appear to be unavoidable, but it isnt. Nevertheless, you can use natural compounds to boost testosterone levels. Natural T-boosters help your bodys processes on a comprehensive basis. Each supplement consists of a carefully balanced combination of vitamins, minerals, and herbs that will help you rebalance your hormones and provide you with the extra kick you require to get by. Dont let low testosterone levels define you. One of the most incredible organic and powerful testosterone boosters on the market can help you regain your vitality, concentration, and life. Frequently Asked Questions Is a Testosterone Booster the same as steroids? There are no synthetic ingredients in natural T-boosters, let alone steroids. These supplements will only assist your body in producing and releasing ideal levels of testosterone into the bloodstream, allowing it to carry out its natural functions. How can you quickly boost your testosterone production? Get the correct dose instructions when a T-booster manufacturer introduces a new product for rapid and best outcomes. This is dependent on their composition and diagnostic testing, which were developed after countless hours of a meticulous and thorough investigation. How long will testosterone levels rise on average? Based on the situation, it could take anything from four to six weeks to six months. Multiple variables contribute to a deeper understanding of why some people have greater testosterone concentrations than others. Is there a way to organically enhance testosterone through diet? Increased protein consumption, choosing foods high in healthy cholesterol, an enzyme called bromelain, monounsaturated fats, and diindolylmethane-rich foods are a few organic strategies to enhance testosterone levels for persons wishing to make dietary adjustments. You should avoid products that contain refined sugars, junk food, or soy products. What are the consequences of low testosterone levels? Low testosterone levels can lead to a rise in body fat and weight, weariness, and the pace at which accessible testosterone is transformed into estrogen. It also results in reductions in muscle strength, erections, sleep patterns, mood, body hair, sex drive, and performance, among other things. What is the safest and most effective Testosterone Booster? The most effective testosterone booster on the market is TestoPrime. Nevertheless, you can buy any of the products described in this post with confidence. Is it necessary to take testosterone supplements to gain muscle? Testosterone is the most crucial hormone for muscular development. As a result, the greatest testosterone booster may assist you in gaining more muscle mass. If youre over 30 or 35 years old, testosterone supplements may be required to maintain muscular mass. How should these testosterone boosters be taken? Generally, all manufacturers provide appropriate dosage instructions for their testosterone-boosting pills, and we recommend that you follow them. Just as you wont reap the benefits if you take a lower dose, taking too much might be dangerous to your health. Two off-duty medical professionals have been hailed as heroes after their efforts helped to save a man's life when he suffered a heart attack while at the races. Both men - one a doctor and the other a nurse - were enjoying a stag party in a VIP suite at Fairyhouse Racecourse when the man collapsed after taking ill. The men - who do not wish to be named - rushed to assist the 52-year-old as his concerned loved ones looked on. Along with an on-course doctor and fast-acting paramedic staff, they managed to stabilise the man, who was rushed to hospital and was in a stable condition last night. The man had been celebrating a wedding anniversary at the pre-Fairyhouse Easter Festival and Irish Grand National event in the BobbyJo Restaurant on Saturday afternoon. He was immediately attended by the two men - who were among the 200 guests at the lunch - and his niece, who is also a nurse. They were quickly joined by paramedic staff and the racecourse doctor, who worked tirelessly and used the on-site defibrillator. Together they managed to stabilise the man, who was rushed to hospital and underwent surgery on Saturday night. The group was applauded by shocked guests for its heroic actions and Peter Roe, general manager of Fairyhouse, said he dreads to think what may have happened without their help. "I spoke to the man's brother and he is making good progress" Mr Roe told the Herald last night. "It was one of those things where you prepare for it but you never expect it to happen. "It was just so lucky that we had a defibrillator and on-course doctor with him in under four minutes and the two brave men were there within 30 seconds. "When you get a happy ending it is great, but he is very fortunate that it happened on a day he was racing and where there was immediate medical assistance available. "We always have two ambulances on site to follow the jockeys, but you don't expect to have to use one for the general public," he said. It was the first time that the Meath-based racecourse had to use their defibrillator and Mr Roe said that it is vital for all staff to be trained in its use as well as being able to do CPR. "We have all been trained and the defibrillator is always in position, but you can't beat having a doctor there." Over 2,000 people were at Fairyhouse races on Saturday, with 200 people enjoying the special lunch in the suite overlooking the racecourse. Guest The man was a guest at the lunch along with his wife and a number of relatives and friends. The two medical professionals had been enjoying a stag among a large group of companions. "It all happened very suddenly and there were shouts for a doctor, so the two men came up straight away," said one witness. "They were joined very quickly by the racecourse medical staff and they all were working so hard for many minutes. It was very shocking and upsetting for his family and friends, but the team working on him were brilliant." Ireland AM presenter Alan Hughes, who witnessed the incident, said he will take part in a live CPR tutorial for viewers on his show. "It is amazing what those medical professionals did and I think everyone should be able to carry out CPR, so I am going to learn how to do it live on the show," Alan told the Herald. "I'm going to do that because something like that can happen anywhere, everyone should know CPR." This weekend might be the last warm one we have in awhile There are times when the dictionary is the only place left for a word to have meaning. Autonomy is one such word. It once conveyed the message that institutions dealing with ideas should maintain a distance from the State. This message was crucial for institutions teaching the young how to think. By guaranteeing their autonomy, the State could expect a constant supply of new ideas and individuals who knew what they meant and how they might prove useful under different circumstances. Discussing autonomy barely a week after the invasion of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is a bit frivolous. It is one of our best venues of higher learning, known for its unusual efforts to create and nurture an inclusive ethos. Its influence on Indias intellectual life is undisputable. No matter which field of civic life you look at from police to politics you will meet people who have been touched by JNU. It has played an enabling role for numerous other institutions. If some people hate it, they will hopefully find time to introspect. The political vortex in which JNU finds itself has its origins in Hyderabad Central University. There is no ostensible link between the crises these two prestigious universities have run into, but the nature of the crisis in each case is similar. The circumstances that pushed Rohith Vemula to take his own life were administratively sculpted. The letter he wrote to the vice-chancellor a month before committing suicide expresses his awareness that the institution he had joined in search of education was a sleepy hollow where screaming in distress was pointless. JNU, on the other hand, adroitly abandoned a leader elected according to the universitys own norms and procedures. (The Lyngdoh Committee, appointed by the Supreme Court a few years ago to recommend reforms in student union elections, appreciated JNU norms.) Neither Hyderabad nor JNU chose to exercise their autonomy with a sense of responsibility, let alone grace. One chose to be dictated to by the State, the other chose to be walked over by brute force. Read: JNU sedition row: When media became part of the story If these are among our best centres of higher learning, we can imagine how lesser universities cope with life. In their context, autonomy is at best a memory or a pleasant myth. For some, it carries the memory of a distant past when politicians, their kin and friends had to exert themselves in order to influence a decision taken in a university. That era has fully passed. These days when we complain about political influence or interference, we mistakenly assume that politicians actively exercise their pressure. This may happen in a few cases; more often, influence gets exercised passively. Those in charge of running a university have internalised the ethic of cultivating political kinship. They actively look for ways to make political leaders happy. They dont need instructions from above. Their everyday life is like poetry dedicated to the divine, signifying their own nothingness. Call it a cultural change or a sign of deep corruption, but it implies the disappearance of the distance between the academia and the state that even a moderate exercise of autonomy calls for. One may ask: Why are universities so vulnerable?. The answer is that our institutions are not strong enough to withstand frequent patches of poor leadership. Once internal structures get compromised, institutional recovery becomes difficult. In any case, recovery takes considerable time, which is seldom available. Impending concerns take precedence and recovery plans get postponed. Once an institution loses its autonomy and dignity, its vulnerability to intrusion becomes endemic. This is what happened 50 years ago to our state universities, and hardly any of them have recovered their autonomy since. Read: JNU to Kashmir: The anatomy of protests and right to freedom of speech Let us remember that higher education in India is socially limited in its spread, and most of our universities have little to do with the social world that surrounds them. Like our highest institutes of technology and management, universities stay aloof from their surroundings. No wonder, the general public views higher education as a degree dispensing system. When a university decays, no one feels sorry. Delhi University (DU) launched an experimental 4-year undergraduate course with the governments blessing. Lacking adequate consensus and preparation, the experiment backfired when the government changed and a rollback was ordered. The city expressed no discomfort over the procedure or the loss suffered by students. One by one, our major central universities have sacrificed their administrative autonomy over the last three decades or so. If there are any symptoms of autonomy left in these institutions, it is because the young men and women studying in them raise their voice against absurd decisions and oppressive conditions. The prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Chennai, withdrew its ban on a study circle devoted to the ideas of Periyar and Ambedkar, only after student protests. In Pune, the students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) tried hard to protect its dignity and autonomy. They failed, but not without inspiring many others. Hyderabad and JNU indicate that we are witnessing a wave of youth protest. Any thoughtful, nimble government would have read the signs by now. Read: JNU row: The fight to dominate the campus is on The history of higher education offers many examples, around the world, showing that institutional reforms are often propelled by the anger of the young. Societies that ignore youthful anger or take it lightly suffer, either by turning into pools of stagnant power or by facing perversion of their own ideals. Over the last decade, many of our leaders in politics and industry have talked loudly about the emerging knowledge economy and the opportunities it presents for India. They dont seem to recognise that progress in any domain of knowledge and education inevitably implies awkward questions that only the young can ask. Read: Shehla Rashid, firebrand Kashmiri, leading JNU students fightback (Krishna Kumar is professor of education at Delhi University and former director, NCERT. The views expressed are personal) Every incident in India, instead of a whodunit, has will he speak as the leading question. He here is a reference to the Prime Minister, who is called upon to speak his heart and mind after any incident, event or programme. But we need to ask ourselves: Are we approaching it the right way? While it is impossible, impractical and implausible to have when can the Prime Minister speak guidelines, there are of course some considerations that one would expect the Prime Minister to look into before he makes a statement on any happening in any part of the nation. That the nation looks up to the Prime Ministers word as a defining one on a subject makes it all the more reason for the Prime Minister to be extremely careful (not cautious) about what he speaks and when he speaks. Those who expect the prime ministers comment to come faster than a pizza reaches ones home are cut off from reality. When the prime minister speaks he must do so with all the facts at his command and his words must cool the tempers of the entire nation something that cant be done instantly. Now, to come to Narendra Modi, it is admirable that he has refrained from getting into a fast food commentary on every issue. He has displayed calm and poise, urging the nation to look beyond issues that divide and instead focus on the large issues of development and all-round growth. In fact, the events in Patna in October 2013 illustrate that he kept saying so even in the midst of a major threat to his life. A news item in this newspaper cited four key examples to prove Modis silence on violent ideological contests. The statements by a Union minister were condemned by Modi but what is not mentioned is that the statement was made by the minister when Parliament was in session. Thus, any comment by the prime minister (or for that matter any minister or MP) beyond the floor of the house is a breach of privilege. With the permission to speak being the prerogative of the Chair, one is not quite sure who is being rebuked for the Prime Ministers late statement. When the issue of Church attacks was at its peak, the prime minster did something that was most statesmanlike he met Christian leaders on Christmas eve and interacted with a cross-section of community leaders in February in which he was firm that Indias diversity is Indias strength and that no force can tamper with Indias unity. In any case, a large number of Church attacks were proven to be cases of theft, something that happens in temples and other places of worship as well. (Statistical records show such cases occurring more in temples, in fact.) In the same month, the prime minister again spoke in Parliament, to which Christian academic Valson Thampu wrote, Last night I slept well. Because of you. I want to thank you for what you said in Parliament. And the way you said it every word was in the right place. When young Rohith Vemula was killed, some leaders brazenly entered the campus to vitiate the atmosphere further. Even before the family could come to terms with the grief of losing a young son, the flames of politics shot up. Before the FIR, the verdicts were out in the studios, editorials and by political leaders. I am not sure if we want knee-jerk political statements even from the prime minister. What we want is a nuanced statement expressing grief, which was duly done in the most dignified manner at a programme in Lucknow. What we also forget is that law and order is a state subject. It is the duty of the state government to maintain calm. Do statements by the prime minister help when a state administration is busy restoring calm? Moreover, ill-timed comments by anybody that harm the federal structure of India are clearly unadvisable. It is worth noting that outrage and anger are very selective. Some lives are clearly more equal than others. Did the regular Why is Modi silent askers question why Modi is silent when Malda is burning? When an RSS worker was mercilessly killed in Kerala, where was the Can Modi speak lot? Where was the outrage for Modi to speak when the vice-president of the Bihar BJP was mercilessly killed? Was Modis silence used to attack him when the father of the candidate against Lalu Prasads son was killed? When a Prashanth Poojary is killed in Karnataka, nobody laments Modis silence. These designs clearly expose how outrage is not only selective but also mischievous. On several occasions, matters where we want fast food commentary are matters that are sub-judice. In such times, do we want the highest executive office in the country to say something that influences the judicial process? Do we want a situation where the words of the prime minister colour the judicial outcome in a case? I am not sure. It is all right to want the prime minister to speak but it is not in order to expect the prime minister to do so at an individuals whims and fancies. Let the hatred for Narendra Modi not affect our perspective on how we treat institutions. Ideological disagreements, debates and discussions have existed for centuries. The UPA years showed us what real silence is, when the prime minister was too powerless to speak and the UPA chairperson was heavily guided by politics and symbolism. Or where Twitter handles were shamelessly blocked just because the Government felt rattled. Another previous Congress government, when it spoke, trampled over the Constitution in 1975. Thankfully that is history (Anirban Ganguly is director of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation and member of Policy Research Department of the BJP. The views expressed are personal) Read: PM Modis conspiracy theories: Is he losing the plot? Ayodhya to JNU, history repeats itself; will Modi meet Advanis fate? Conspiracies to destabilise govt, defame me, says PM Modi Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and Ambedkar Vichar Manch (AVM) activists clashed in Gwalior on Sunday while a professor from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) was addressing a symposium organised by AVM. At least one AVM activist Dinesh Maurya was injured during clash on Bal Bhawan auditorium premises near railway station. Prof Vivek Kumar from JNU was invited to deliver a speech on the topic Baba Saheb Ke Sapno Ka Bhartiya Samaj (Indian society as envisioned by Baba Saheb). Amid alleged aerial firing and vandalism by BJYM activists including its district president Vivek Sharma, the Bal Bhawan premises soon turned into a battleground with brandishing of lathis etc from both sides. Eyewitness advocate Dharmendra Singh Kushwaha (at Bal Bhawan) alleged that Ambedkars literature including copies of Constitution, which were displayed outside Bal Bhawan for sale, were torn by agitating BJYM activists. AVM activists block road for over 3 hrs In retaliation, AVM activists took to streets and blocked the road near railway station square for over three hours. Due to blockade, there was total chaos in the area. The railway station square is an important crossing. It connects Lashkar with Morar and Bhind and Morena. The traffic on these two routes was affected due to clash and the resulting chaos. AVM activists also burned effigy of the union government and shouted anti-RSS slogans. They echoed Azadi from imperialism, Azadi from capitalism, Azadi from Manuwad etc similar to the ones raised by JNU student union president Kanhaiya Kumar at JNU campus in Delhi on February 12. Injured Dinesh Maurya and his sympathisers demanded stern and prompt police action including lodging of FIR and arrest of Vivek Sharma and others who were involved in the alleged attack. A significant number of security personnel including senior officers were deployed in Gwalior around the venue to avoid situation from becoming more worse. Meanwhile police acting with promptness registered FIR and assured appropriate action against those who broke the law. Assistant Superintendent of Police Virendra Jain said on the complaint of Dinesh Maurya, an FIR against Vivek Sharma and 100 unknown persons under section 323, 324, 294, 506 (b) and 3 (1) (10) ST/SC act was lodged. The injured was sent to hospital for treatment and police were further investigating the matter. Jain said the situation was now peaceful and returning to normalcy. Political leaders reach the spot Political leaders from Congress and CPM also reached the spot to sympathise with AVM activists. But they were politely asked to say away from it. Congress leaders including Munnalal Goel, former MLA Praduman Singh Tomar, former MLA Ramvaran Singh, Brijesh Sharma, and CPM leader Ramvilas Goswami, Jaswinder Singh and others were among those who reached the troubled site near square. Contradictory reports of alleged provocative speeches derogatory in nature by speakers during symposium were also doing the rounds. Vivek Sharma in his defense told HT on the phone that charges against him were false and fabricated. He said he reached the scene late and never abused or passed any castiest remarks against anyone. On the contrary, JNU Prof Vivek Kumars speech was provocative and anti-national. In the symposium, pro-Mohammad Afzal and pro-Kanhaiya Kumar slogans were also shouted, he alleged. A clash between the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) activists and members of the Ambedkar Vichar Manch (AVM) in Gwalior during a discussion on Dalit icon BR Ambedkar snowballed into a major political drama on Monday with the Congress, CPI(M) and BSP coming out in support of the AVM. The BJYM and AVM members locked horns on Sunday when the former group interrupted the address by a JNU professor, forcing police to use mild force on to disperse the two sides. An FIR was registered against BJYM president and 100 others under sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act after the incident. Leaders from several political parties along with several supporters and sympathisers of the AVM staged a demonstration and burnt an effigy of the BJP-led state and Union governments at different places to protest against the BJYM. AVM activists submit memo to SP Over 100 AVM activists, including organiser of the Sunday symposium prof PC Jatav, handed over a memorandum to SP (Gwalior) HN Mishra. The protesters wore black gags as a mark of protest and demanded a judicial probe against the people who instigated the Sunday clash. They also demanded that a FIR that was lodged against the AVM programme organisers be quashed. The AVM supporters staged a demonstration at Phoolbagh to protest against the alleged attempt by the ruling class to suppress the ideals and ideologies professed by Babasaheb Ambedkar. A counter-FIR was registered against Dinesh Maurya -- the AVM leader who sustained injury in the clash -- and 200 other AVM activists/sympathizers, by the BJP late on Sunday. The counter-FIR was used as ammunition by the Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) to further politicise the issue by playing the Dalit card. At a rally, former Congress MLA Govind Singh Rajput criticised PM Narendra Modi, CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and the RSS for its alleged anti-Dalit attitude and repressive and fascists tendencies/policies. District BJP president, Devesh Sharma, however has distanced himself from the Sundays incident. Meanwhile, the SP (Gwalior) told HT that the police were collecting evidences, such as video footages, to identify the culprits. Mishra said he had also asked the Manch to provide video footages of Sunday programme. Assuring his fans and extended family as he likes to call them, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has written on his blog that he is well and is recovering. The 73-year-old actor shared an update about his health to his well-wishers, who he fondly calls his Ef. I am in recovery .. though with slow process ! Those that present themselves on this family of Ef, throw intermittent concern on my condition. To them I say, I am well and do not have grave conditions in your mind. . these conditions occur often, and shall heal in due course, Big B wrote on Sunday. The Piku star also assured his fans that these conditions occur often, and shall heal in due course! With the help of a strong pain killer he could travel to Chennai to pay respect to a late friends death anniversary, he further wrote on he blog. Read: I should really retire, says Amitabh Bachchan Read: I just need another job, thats it, says Amitabh He added: The ceremony was quiet, elegant, filled with the softness of remembrance and poignancy...I spoke... it was appreciated. Bollywood legends Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan during the launch of Hema Malini's music album "Dream Girl", in Mumbai. (PTI) In the same post, Amitabh also talked about the first car his family got. It is day 2882 and I am in wonder .. for this seems to be the number plate of the very first car that came to our family - a day of great rejoicing and cheer .. the car as a Ford Prefect, navy blue in colour, acquired after a long wait, for then, they were imported .. and acquired in the city of birth Allahabad .. at an address which has been of immediate and immense memory, 17 Clive Road .. a room in it, my Fathers study which he named Dashadwaar .. 10 doors .. for there actually were 10 openings in this one room, he wrote. Checkout Amitabh Bachchans blog here. Vote for #HTOscars here. Follow @htshowbiz for more. After stealing the show with her empathic portrayal of Kashibai in Bajirao Mastani, Priyanka Chopra is back as a tough cop in Jai Gangaajal. Talking about Directed by Prakash Jha, Jai Gangaajal, will see her playing a female cop fighting for justice in a corrupt, male-dominated place. Its a very interestingly layered character. Abha is very feminine and she has been thrown into this mans world where nobody takes her seriously even when she is Superintendent of Police, because she is a woman. Read: Jai Gangaajal is about feminism and corruption, says Priyanka She has been sent to this very male-dominated city where she has to put her foot down, making sure that she does not have to take the law in her hands at the same time. Priyanka Chopra in a still from Jai Gangaajal. (YouTube grab) Priyanka says she is consciously opting for roles in Bollywood that represent the modern Indian woman. It was very important for me to play strong female characters in my films. I started doing that a long time ago, be it Kaminey where I had just eight scenes, Jhilmil in Barfi!, Gunday, Saat Khoon Maaf or Kashibai in Bajirao Mastani. Having established herself as one of the best performers of her generation of actresses in Hindi cinema, Priyanka also has a blossoming career in Hollywood to boast of. She is the first female star from India to front a US television show in Quantico and is now all set to make her Hollywood film debut as the main villain opposite Dwayne Johnson in Baywatch. Read: Priyanka Chopra fights corruption, land mafia in Jai Gangaajal Priyanka says she is consciously gravitating towards roles that have more to offer notwithstanding the length of the part. I try really hard to play strong women, who are a representation of modern Indian woman, Priyanka told PTI in an interview over phone from Montreal, Canada. The films fate will be clear only after its release on March 4 but the actress, 33, is hopeful that people will like the movie, which deals with issues like corruption in the system, feminism and farmers suicide. Watch Jai Gangaajal trailer Vote for #HTOscars here. Follow @htshowbiz for more. Claiming that Jana Gana Mana is reminiscent of British rule in India, Hindi poet Gopal Das Neeraj has said that Vande Matram or Jhanda Ooncha Rahe Humara should replace the song penned by Rabindranath Tagore as the national anthem. The 92-year-old Padma Bhushan awardee said due to the colonial hangover some saw those working in English as bade (big) and others as chhote (small). I have written in English also during my initial years as a poet. But, it was Harivansh Rai Bachchan ji who asked me to focus on writing in Hindi. He told me Kavita maatribhaasha mein hi hoti hai (poetry is done in mother tongue), Neeraj said. He also recalled his acquaintance beginning in early 1940s with the legendary Hindi poet and father of Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan, whom he says he has lap-fed. Read: Samuel Johnson and Albert Einstein must be booked for sedition Asked if he felt there was a bias in the acknowledgement bestowed on litterateurs based on the language in which they work, he said, Now it is the trend that if someone writes in English, they are taken as big men while those writing in Hindi are small. We have been slaves (of British rule). Our national anthem is also from the era when we were a British colony. The Britishers have left, but some still continue to remain slaves (of English). Read: All about books, authors and more He also said the national anthem was written by Tagore in 1911 at the coronation of George V, the King of United Kingdom.Asked if he was suggesting a change in the patriotic composition, he said, Now that it is the national anthem what can be done. Why did we leave Vande Matram... so many people were martyred for Vande Matram... Hindus as well as Muslims. In Jan Gan Mana Adhinanayak, adhinayak stands for dictator. Jayahe Bharat Bhagya Vidhaata, he is the creator of the destiny of Bharat. Punjab Sindhu Gujarat Maratha, where is the Sindh now in India? Read: Centre must realise that patriotism cant be instilled Even Jhanda Ooncha Rahe Humara was a better song. This is the good song to honour the national flag. But if Jan Gana Man is the national anthem, what can be done... . When Jhanda Ooncha Rahe was used in a Rajinikanth-starrer film He favoured Vande Matram as the national anthem. When asked if that was not in line with the RSS or the BJP, he said, It is my own ideology. Nobody else has to tell me anything. I am a humanitarian poet. If you read my poetry you would know it. Sangh, BJP or any other... I have no relations with any political party. I have risen above things like these, politics is a third class thing. Listen to Vande Mataram I have never written anything cheap. I still write and people invite me to programmes because I say what is right, he said, adding poetry stands for humanism. There is no bigger truth in the world than human himself, Neeraj said. Listen to the national anthem in Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsles voices Read: Lawyers cannot abandon the law in the name of nationalism Vote for #HTOscars here. Follow @htlifeandstyle for more. This should come as no surprise. Ramdev, who first made a name for himself by contorting his body in seemingly impossible ways, is turning the FMCG business on its head. To begin with, he says, he is not doing vyapar (trade), he is doing upkar (an act of benevolence). For proof of the upkar, he offers the natural goodness of his products and their low prices. For products such as aloe vera juice, he claims to charge a seventh of what other companies do. That appears too little an explanation for the rise of Patanjali, which is tipped by brokerage houses to pose the biggest challenge to Colgate, a multinational giant, and clock Rs 20,000 crore in turnover in five years. Five years is too long, we will do that in three, says Ramdev. Even on the current annual turnover of Rs 5,000 crore, 10-year-old Patanjali rakes in more than the domestic revenues of entrenched FMCG companies such as Dabur, Marico, Godrej Consumer, and Emami. No wonder, 200 entrepreneurs turned up on Saturday morning at the Taj Palace hotel in New Delhi to hear Ramdev talk about How a yoga guru is making global consumer brands sweat. But why does Ramdev talk about Patanjali? He holds no equity in it, and no position. I am not the managing director, I have not signed any document as the brand ambassador, but still I run Patanjali, he says. That, as much as its high-revenue upkar, makes Patanjali a thing of wonder, which only gets accentuated by its methods. Its market surveys consist of Ramdevs yoga sessions and tours, and his interactions with fans. For instance, when his fans asked for a beauty product, Patanjali launched aloe vera gel. Ramdev plans all of Patanjalis products, with a little help from ayurveda expert Acharya Balkrishna, who owns 94% of Patanjalis equity. I give the basic understanding of the ingredients, find the active components, get the right composition, develop the procedure, and hand it over to the scientists, says Ramdev. Patanjali has 250 scientists to take his inputs forward. Ramdevs inputs are not limited to product concepts. He made it a point to fill his purchase department with ascetics because he thinks they are too honest to steal. All of Patanjalis branding is about and around Ramdev. His photos in various aasanas dominate its labels. The packaging does not look chic, but, strangely, seems to convince the buyers of the products goodness. For instance, Patanjalis honey does not have a certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, but it is enough for the buyers to see a tiny hologram showing Ramdev in padmasana. Like its labels, Patanjalis retail outlets do not look too modern either, but serve an important purpose by freeing the company from the hassles of dealing with distributors and their hefty commissions. At present, there are 15,000 small and large Patanjali retail stores. Their number, says Ramdev, will grow to 50,000 in three years all of them bearing Ramdevs image on the board. However, brokerage houses current enthusiasm about Patanjali has more to do with its impact on other companies, not so much about investing in it. Of course, its stocks are not listed for trading now, but even if they were, there will be little for shareholders to look forward to. Shareholders, says Ramdev, will never get dividends. All profits will be ploughed back into the company. Ramdev is the chief executive, marketing head, and finance head all rolled into one, says Vibhas Prasad, president of Entrepreneurs Organisation (Delhi), which organised Saturday mornings event. But shouldnt Patanjali look to grow out of Ramdevs image? Not least because he is not always above controversy. My controversy is my strength, he says. Its my power and not my weakness... Out of the 1.25 billion people in the country, 1.2 billion know me. There is so much of Ramdev in Patanjali that there is no succession plan at present. Patanjali will never have a successor, it will be run by charity. He devotes five to six hours every day to working for Patanjali, which, he says, is more than enough. One saint has 10 million times more capacity than a household put together, he says. Whats more, Ramdev is not going anywhere in a hurry. You take my pictures, he says, but if you meet me after 50 years, I will be just like this. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Last one week, Delhi has debated nationalism like never before. Since the arrest of JNU student Kanhaiya Kumar on charges of sedition, it has become a staple for dinner table conversations. Not to mention, heated debates in the Metro, buses, offices and even public parks. The worst of this debate manifested in Patiala House courts first on February 15 when JNU students, teachers, activists, and journalists were beaten up by lawyers and a city legislator. In less than 72 hours, the same set of lawyers, backed by many more, were back to beat up Kanhaiya in the same court premises, this time in the presence of a bigger contingent of policemen. Meanwhile, not happy with whatever happened in JNU, our political establishment has taken up the responsibility of instilling nationalism among students. The HRD minister and vice chancellors of the central universities, including Delhi University, JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia, have agreed to install the national flag prominently and proudly in their respective campuses. Not to be left behind, the local unit of Delhi BJP is administering oath of nationalism and protecting respect of Mother India to 10,000 citizens in the national capital. The Constitution of India has guaranteed us the Right of Expression. As citizens, we shall use our rights but before that we shall perform our constitutional duty of respecting the nation and the Constitution, was the vow taken by thousands this weekend. One is not sure of what BJP legislator OP Sharma one of the three who made it to AAP-dominated Delhi Assembly made of this oath. Just last week, he was caught on camera assaulting a CPI activist in Patiala House court. Nationalism, as many understand it, is more than symbols although experts say myths, memories and symbols have traditionally helped in connecting people. While it is often used interchangeably with patriotism, George Orwell drew up the difference. Nationalism, he said, was inseparable from the desire for power. The abiding purpose of every nationalist was to secure more power and more prestige, not for himself but for the nation or any other unit in which he has chosen to sink his own individuality. Patriotism, on the other hand, was devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believed to be the best in the world but has no wish to force on other people. Patriotism is in its nature defensive while nationalism tends to get aggressive, Orwell wrote in an essay, Notes on Nationalism. While administering doses of nationalism to thousands in Delhi, the BJP could well focus on the three municipal corporations it runs in the city. What can be a more emphatic demonstration of nationalism than uprooting corruption from these corporations, ensuring timely disposal of garbage, and proper upkeep of roads and pavements? It should not be an uphill task given that Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay is himself a councillor. Mere symbolism can get us nowhere. If anything, it can legitimise aggression and lawlessness. Nationalism is certainly not about witch-hunting imagined enemies of the nation every now and then but in fulfilling ones duties as a citizen under the Constitution every single day. When people love their country, when they are proud citizens, they help in nation building, which is a euphemism for simple hard and honest work. Patriots dont litter, break queues or the law, demand bribe, dodge tax or vote on caste or communal lines. They carry accident victims to hospitals, offer seats to the weak and the elderly, volunteer time and effort to help the disadvantaged and the poor, and take the right stand even if it is against their own interests. And amidst all that, if they have time, they also hoist the tricolour and chant slogans and sing songs of the glory of the nation, particularly when the Indian team is playing. shivani.singh@hindustantimes.com SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Delhi government said on Monday it is expecting to restore 25% of water supply, which was disrupted due to the Jat agitation, by late evening. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal thanked the Centre and the army for taking control of the strategic Munak canal that is a major source of water to the national capital. Thank u army, thank u centre for securing munak canal back. Great relief for delhi, Kejriwal said in a tweet. Kejriwal had said this morning that water was completely used up in Delhi and appealed to the Centre to intervene immediately and get the supply restored from the canal. After an emergency meeting held at deputy CM Manish Sisodias residence to assess the situation, Delhi water minister Kapil Mishra said that 400 cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water was released from Munak sub-canal, adding that 25%of water supply in Delhi is expected to be restored by evening. About 400 cusecs of water has been released from the Kuchha sub-branch of Munak, out of which nearly 300 cusecs will reach Delhi in 6-7 hours. A team of DJB is on standby and as soon as it reaches the Haidarpur treatment plant, supply will be started, he said. We hope that by late evening, we will be able to restore 25% water supply in Delhi, he said. The canal has a pucca and a kuchha system. The gates of pucca canal are still closed and these have been damaged by protesters. A special team of DJB has been sent to assess the damage and time required to repair it, the minister said. The water released through kuchha sub-branch will reach Delhi by late evening, helping in partial restoration of water supply, he said. Partial supply of water will be restored but it will take 7-10 more days in repairing Munak canal and till then, scarcity of water will exist... Mishra said. He also said that Wazirabad and Chandrawal water treatment plants -- affected due to high levels of ammonia in Yamuna water -- were also likely to be started on Monday. Wazirabad and Chandrawal plants are also being watched for ammonia level. Both plants are likely to be started today, he said. After several days of GT Road not being affected by Jats agitating for reservation, the protesters have finally blocked even the National Highway 1 at several points near Sonepat on Saturday. Virtually tens of thousands of road users were stranded since Sunday morning as the protesters set up the blockades by diagonally parking vehicles or using trees staring around 10am. Though there were said to be more than half a dozen points, the major blockades were put up near Nangal, Murthal and Kundali villages. With this, the movement of all types of vehicles, including buses, came to a standstill on both sides, virtually cutting off Haryana and the neighbouring states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir from the national capital via what is considered to be a historically important road of all of South Asia. Haryana Roadways also put a complete halt to all its buses in Panipat, Sonepat, Hisar, Jind, Narnaul, while Rohtak, Jhajjar and Bhiwani had already been under curfew since Friday. Though the police and a few units of the army had reached the spots, there was no action for want of strength. Watch | How people of Haryana suffered during Jat quota agitation Admitting it, the director general of police, YP Singal, said more army and paramilitary forces were being airlifted to these spots and dialogue with the protesters was on. Since the force could not be rushed to the spots by road (that are dug up or blocked), some units are being airlifted and are on the way, he informed Hindustan Times on Sunday afternoon. Back on the spots, according to available information here, utter chaos prevailed as the protesters had also deflated the tyres of heavy vehicles, which would mean that removing them and restoring traffic on the highway would be an uphill task. Meanwhile, the Haryana government continued to parrot that it was trying its best to dissuade the protesters from the agitation through dialogue. The Capital escaped by the skin of its teeth from a grim water crisis on Monday after the army took control of the 22-km Munak canal, which was sieged by the rampaging Jat protestors. Constructed seven years ago to carry 700 cusecs of Yamuna water to Delhi every day, the canal was damaged extensively in different locations during the Jat stir. It will take days to repair, sparking fears of continued shortage. Water from Haryana comes to Delhi via the Munak canal as well as drain number 8. When the canal gates were closed and damaged by Jat protesters, Haryana diverted supply through drain 8. It is highly contaminated with unusual levels of ammonia, city water minister and Delhi Jal Board chairperson Kapil Mishra said. Supply marginally resumed in the city on Monday evening but fluctuating contamination levels at the Wazirabad pond remained a major cause of worry. The Wazirabad treatment plant has started functioning with around 25% capacity, which is expected to go up to 50%. Chandrawal and Okhla plants will start soon too. Contamination at Wazirabad pond has been controlled. However, we might have to close treatment operations again on Tuesday morning, Mishra said. Haryana has released water through drain 2 and 8. It is expected to reach Wazirabad on Tuesday morning but the quality of this old drain is questionable, he said. Read: SC asks Jat protesters for calm, raps AAP govt over Delhi water crisis The Okhla, Wazirabad and Chandrawal plants were functioning at 50% capacity at 9pm, which means 120MGD of water will be available for the city. At 100%, Delhi will get 240MGD. Munak canal was badly damaged at Mandora, 20 km from the Hyderpur plant in Delhi. The city government has asked for army engineers to carry out repairs. Minister Mishra has written to Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, seeking his help to resume water supply to the city. Seven water treatment plants in Delhi were closed after Jats took over the Munak canal. All of Delhis reserves were exhausted by Sunday afternoon as the city received just 240MGD of water, instead of the normal supply of 900MGD. The AAP government declared a school holiday on Monday because of the water crisis. It went the Supreme Court too but found itself cornered. The top court told the government to work with Haryana to resolve the crippling crisis, rather than knocking on the judiciarys doors. Read: Jat protests, JNU to be ammo against BJP in Budget session Chautala wants Khattar govt dismissed, blames Hooda for violence Though the jurisdiction of the case is national, the court battle in the United States between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Apple over iPhone encryption has major international implications. One has only to recall the similar battle waged between the Indian government and Blackberry to know this issue will almost certainly come to Indias shores at some point. One of the terrorists involved in the recent IS-linked attack in San Bernardino, California, used an Apple smartphone. However, Apple has built-in protections against electronic surveillance and hacking, sufficient to resist the FBIs tools. So strong that Apple doesnt know how to break into its own phones. At the FBIs request, the courts have asked Apple to develop a software key that would allow the agency entry into the phones data. Apple has refused and been joined by other Silicon Valley giants like Facebook and Twitter. The US Congress has begun hearings to decide whether legislation is needed. Democratic societies struggle with a long-standing trade-off between security and liberty. The instruments that ensure national security and law-enforcement place restrictions on individual liberties and intrude on civil society. Unfettered freedom would leave society defenceless. The requirements of complete security would put society in chains. The solution has always been to find a balance through careful legal processes and procedures to ensure that security policies do not become abused or that society is not left open to attacks by terrorists or worse. The nature of this buffer is what should be the focus of policy. The US swung too far in the security direction after 9/11 and has been moving back to a more even keel since, partly helped by the Edward Snowden revelations on the extent of government electronic surveillance. Indias experience with the Prevention of Terrorism Act and its avatars is not dissimilar. The San Bernardino attack has begun shifting the pendulum again. The FBI has shown no proof as to why, once it gets ingress, this would not lead to widespread use by police agencies. In a perfect world, Apple and the FBI would seek a middle path in which an individuals phone data would be accessed only in the rarest of rare cases. However, with the tech giants and the security agencies having dug themselves in for a protracted legal struggle it is likely this duty will be handed over to the US courts and legislature. This, in turn, will set standards for the rest of the world, especially sister democracies like India that face a clear terrorist threat. Read: Apple CEO posts an open letter opposing government order to hack iPhones Apple likely to invoke free-speech rights in encryption battle Google CEO backs Apple CEO on encryption stand against court ruling If the Jats secure the reservations that they seek, others will be encouraged to follow suit. Buckling under pressure of the sort that the Jats have put on the government leaves the door open for other communities to engage in similar tactics. The violence has stretched for close to two weeks, has taken 15 lives, caused a loss of Rs 20,000 crore, the cancellation of 736 trains, the blocking of entry points to Delhi and damage to public and private property. Delhi is facing a water shortage as the link canal has been damaged. It is no ones case that a community cannot demand certain rights, howsoever unjustified they may seem. In the case of the Jats, there is very little to suggest that they are deserving of OBC status and the National Commission for Backward Classes had said as much in the past. But as always politics came in the way and the UPA in 2014 went ahead with the ruinous proposal of giving Jats a special provision over and above the quota reserved for OBCs in government jobs and higher education. However, on the premise that caste cannot be the sole criterion for socio-economic backwardness, the Supreme Court reversed this. But given that the NDA was also not against the 2014 plan, the Jats have renewed their agitation with fresh vigour. There are several reasons why the Jat demand should not feature high on the government agenda. For a start, demands cannot be made using the kind of violence that the Jats have indulged in. If they secure the reservations they seek, this will encourage others to follow suit. Reservations were meant as a form of affirmative action to uplift the marginalised and socio-economically backward sections. The Jats do not qualify on either count as they are relatively prosperous and politically powerful. The Jats, as many other communities, have suffered due to the agrarian crisis, but that is a matter for the government to address through different means and not reservations. The idea of increasing the ambit of quotas in higher education and government jobs goes against the grain of the merit argument. This is no way to make the system of governance more effective. The government must take another look at the castes which qualify as OBCs. The aim should be to narrow the ambit rather than widen it. Reservations were never meant to be in perpetuity, but to be give to those in need for a limited period. Today, it seems to have become an entitlement for different castes, ably aided and abetted by a section of the political establishment. Read: Live | Jat quota stir: SC asks Haryana protesters for calm SC asks Jat protesters for calm, raps AAP govt over Delhi water crisis Jat Stir: Khattars Haryana govt floundered in many respects The students falling under the category of scheduled castes (SC) would be exempted from paying the tuition fees in all the government colleges from the upcoming session, announced Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at an event on Monday in Maihar. Speaking at an event organized to celebrate birth anniversary of Saint Ravidas, chief minister said that the students of SC category need not to pay their tuition fees in the government colleges as the government will pay their fees in the colleges which includes all the government engineering as well as medical colleges. The students would be provided free education in the government colleges. During the event he also said that the government would also open Gyanodaya Schools for the SC students in every division of the state. Addressing the crowd, he said that the people should freely send their children for research and education as the state government would fully assist them in not only gaining education but also starting their own business. Excessive use of fairness and beauty creams is the main reason for acne and could lead to thinning of the skin, said a leading dermatologist on Sunday at the Acne India Summit, a one-day event held at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. The obvious side-effect of using beauty creams on face is thinning of the skin. Daily use of these creams leads to growth of acne besides skin losing its tightness and becoming thinner in return, said Dr Rohit Batra. Read: Fairness and anti-ageing creams are hampering your health The programme was aimed at providing education and refreshing knowledge of practising dermatologists regarding acne. A quiz contest and workshop to impart procedural skills to students and private practitioners were also conducted on the occasion. A growing percentage of population aged 15 to 44 suffer from severe acne. Every patient wants a cure as no one wants to live with scars on their face, Batra said. Read: Indian skin creams contain high levels of steroids He added that dermatologists are now equipped with state-of-the-art technologies to help patients regain their confidence. Contrary to what we are led to believe, acne is not just a concern for adolescents, and the market reflects that. With cutting edge methods like lasers, chemical peels, thermal and non-thermal light sources, one can easily get rid of acne and acne scars, said Batra, who was also the organising secretary of the summit. Around 250 dermatologists, students, faculty members and delegates from across the country participated in the event. Hollywood makeup artist Donald Simrock is in India right now and is all praises for Priyanka Chopra. He says that she is one of the most beautiful women in the world. I am obsessed with Priyanka Chopra. She is one of the most beautiful women in the world, Simrock, who is currently in Mumbai to attend Bollywood Hollywood International (BHI) Make up and Hair academys workshop, told PTI over phone. The 33-year-old Indian star recently made Hollywood television debut with crime thriller Quantico and also won this years Peoples Choice Award for Favorite Actress in a New TV Series. Simrock was all praises for the Mary Kom actor for her acting in Quantico and said he would like to work with her. She has done an amazing job. Its exciting to see people like her cross over to American market and have success, he said. Simrock, whose career spans over two decades, said he has no experience working with Indian film industry. Simrock was all praises for the Mary Kom actor for her acting in Quantico and said he would like to work with her. (Twitter) I havent had any personal experience to work in Bollywood. I am interested to work there. Bollywood has so many amazing people. But working with Bollywood stars is not my active priority right now,, he said. To a query about the prospects of makeup artists in India, Simrock said, Bollywood is a huge market for makeup artists as it represents the country of people who are aware about their culture and style. Read: What should Priyanka Chopra wear for the Oscars? The celebrity makeup artist has worked with clients like Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Eva Mendes, Lindsay Lohan, Avril Lavigne, Cindy Crawford, Kate Upton, Nicki Minaj, Madonna among others. He said celebrities are more about their talents but it is equally important to enhance their features. It is equally important to make them shine from outside along with their inner talents, he said. Simrock said makeup differs depending on the kind of occasion, like makeup for red carpet it is about personal character and style while for photoshoot it has to be creative and colourful. In Hollywood, he said, the makeup is about looking best of whatever age the actors are. It is about portraying best in the public. Simrock has no personal favourite among his clients. It is unfair to say one is better than other. All are different from each other. Everybody has a special quality, he said. Vote for #HTOscars here. Five Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students, who are facing charges of sedition for allegedly raising anti-India slogans during an event on the campus, said on Monday they feared a witch hunt against them. Umar Khalid, Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and Anirban Bhattacharya, who returned to JNU on Sunday night after two weeks, said they wanted to be part of the struggle against the effort to brand the university anti-national. They are scared of us. Afraid of us because we can think. To think is anti-national in todays time. In fact, the easiest thing to do is to be an anti-national, Khalid said. Watch | Umar Khalids full speech after returning to JNU campus He was referring to the event where JNU students allegedly marked the anniversary of the hanging of Afzal Guru, who was convicted of an attack on Parliament in 2001, by shouting slogans police consider to be anti-national. Kanhaiya Kumar, the head of the universitys students union, has been charged with sedition and is in jail for the event. We were in and around the campus. We did not leave Delhi. If they can beat Kanhaiya, the teachers and journalists inside the court room, imagine what all they can do. There is an atmosphere of fear and mob-lynching is happening, Rama Naga, JNUSU general secretary and one of the five students charged with sedition, told HT. Read: I am Umar Khalid and Im not a terrorist: JNU student returns to campus Reporters, who were able to talk to Khalid earlier in the day, were are not allowed anywhere near him after a few television journalists tried to interview him. At least 25 private security personnel have formed a human chain around the place where the five students are sitting. Hundreds of students camped all night near the vice-chancellors office after Khalid and others resurfaced in the campus. While Khalid and the four other students sat near Administration Block or Ad Block, the site where students have been protesting the alleged targeting of JNU and the University of Hyderabads Dalit scholar Rohit Vemulas suicide, others camped nearby for a night long vigil. Despite the chilly weather, students spent the entire night at the Ad Block, amid a lurking fear that police might arrest the five. Bonfires were lit and students sang songs against oppression and heard them out. Classes have resumed today and we did attend a few of them, a number of students are still at the Ad Block where the five students are sitting, Jyoti, an MPhil student, said. The universitys teachers association has demanded that all charges against the students be dropped and police barred from entering the campus. Steps should be taken by the university to get all charges like criminal conspiracy, sedition dropped. We also demand that police should not be allowed to enter the campus, Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) president Ajay Patnaik said. The government, meanwhile, has said it is ready to discuss the JNU issue in Parliament with parliamentary affairs minister M Venkaiah Naidu saying that the different views need to be debated. We want a detailed discussion on JNU. People should know what really happened there, the cause and the consequence of the act, Naidu was quoted as saying by ANI after an all-party meeting. (with inputs from Neelam Pandey) Read: JNU row: AAP to take note of harassment of journalists by Delhi Police Conspiracies to destabilise govt, defame me, says PM Modi SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Violence continued in Haryanas Jat-dominated districts on Monday despite government assurances to consider the communitys demands as three more protesters were killed in firing by security personnel, taking the death toll to 19. The agitation was suspended in Rohtak, the epicentre of the movement, as the protesters gave the government a months time to fulfil its promises, Jat leader Dr Virendra Sindhu told HT. The latest deaths were reported from Sonepats Larsholi village and curfew imposed in five villages of Hisar where shoot-at-sight orders were issued following a violent face-off between Jats and other community members. Though the state police with assistance from the army managed to take control of a damaged portion of the Munak canal the national capitals water supply lifeline in the morning, the respite was short-lived as Jat protesters blocked the canal gates at Khubru village in Sonepat district. Home minister Rajnath Singh briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the situation. Government sources said the blueprint to take control of the critical Munak canal was cleared at a high-level meeting attended by the security brass. Around 13 companies (a company has about 100 personnnel) were deployed to secure the canal that carries water to Delhi, an official said. Security forces took control of the canal in the wee hours of the day but its gates were damaged. We expect normal supply of water to resume to Delhi in the next 36 hours. As troops moved in towards Rohtak, they were faced with roads dug up by protesters. It was agreed to deploy a total of 72 companies; 65 are already on the ground and some more will be reaching soon, another official said. The state government got the arterial Delhi-Ambala highway cleared and blockades in Larsholi, Biswameel and Kamaspur in Sonepat district were removed. Blockades on NH-1 have been removed. The road is clear for traffic movement, Sonepat deputy commissioner Rajiv Ratan said. Fresh violence was reported in Rohtak district where protesters allegedly torched the official vehicle of the Meham sub-divisional magistrate. Meham is the constituency of Congress MLA Anand Singh Dangi. Road and rail blockades continued in several parts of Sonepat, Rohtak, Jhajjar and Jind districts despite heavy army deployment. Tension prevailed in Kaithal where groups of Jats and non-Jats confronted each other. The agitation by disparate groups of Jats is without a leader. We dont know who to talk to at different places and how to reach out to them, but efforts are on. Hopefully, they will understand that their demands have been met, a senior IAS officer told HT. In Rohtak, shop owners, traders and other victims of mob attacks, whose establishments were burnt or damaged, were out on the streets demanding security and compensation. The state cabinet on Monday decided to give full compensation for the damage caused to private property, residential and commercial. The cabinet also deliberated on the contours of a proposed legislation providing reservation in jobs and educational institutions under special backward class category to Jats and four other groups: Jatt Sikhs, Rors, Tyagis and Bishnois. We have decided to give a months time to the government to implement the assurance they have given us. There were incidents of violence against non-Jats which have given a bad name to the movement, Sindhu said. Pradeep Deswal, another Jat leader, told HT that khap elders had a meeting with state government officials in Rohtak. Khap elders came back at 6pm and told us the state government has accepted their demands, Deswal said. They told us that besides giving reservation to Jats in the state, R10 lakh will be given to those killed in police firing and a job to one of their family members. R2 lakh will be given to those injured and all FIRs registered against the protesters will be taken back. People agreed to it and the blockade in Sampla was opened around 7pm. The Army has taken control of the strategic Munak canal from Jat quota agitators, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday, raising hopes of an end to a crippling water crisis in large parts of the Capital. The Delhi-Chandigarh highway, which was also blocked by protesters, was also cleared overnight, an ANI report said. The Munak canal, which carries 543 million gallons of water per day from the Yamuna to the city, was besieged by Jat protesters demanding reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. Watch | Jat agitation hits Delhi, schools and water supply affected Gud news. Army takes control of munak canal gates, Kejriwal said in a tweet, adding that the government was trying to assess the time it would require for water to reach Delhi. Gud news. Army takes control of munak canal gates(1/2) Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 22, 2016 Trying to assess in how much time water wud reach Del n whether any damage done to canal lining. Will keep u updated(2/2) Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 22, 2016 Thank u army, thank u centre for securing munak canal back. Great relief for delhi Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 22, 2016 Haryana, the single biggest source of water for the city, has been rocked by widespread violence and arson by Jat protesters for more than a week. Many areas of the city went without water on Sunday and many areas reported low pressure, forcing the government to implement water rationing. The Delhi Jal Board also sent out 423 tankers to supply water to the worst hit areas. The government also ordered closure of schools on Monday due to the water scarcity. Read More | Delhi shuts schools on Monday due to water crisis triggered by Jat stir Even if the gates are opened, the damage to the equipment will have to be repaired. It will take at least 24 hours for the supply to start, a Delhi Jal Board official said. On Sunday afternoon, army and para-military forces were sent to Sonepat to secure the Munak Canal but couldnt dislodge the protesters, one of whom was killed in firing. We have not been able to evict the protesters. We have temporarily suspended the efforts to evict them as the situation may turn volatile, Haryana additional chief secretary (home) PK Das said. Read More | Haryana: 10 killed in Jat quota stir, army deployed to quell protests Amid the raging JNU row, Congress workers on Monday hoisted the tricolour at the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh office in Indore even as it accused the organisation of merely giving lip service to the cause of patriotism. Though police beefed up security anticipating trouble, the RSS workers present in their office welcomed the Congress leaders, saying that the national flag is more an emotional matter for them than a matter of doing politics. Congress has often taunted the RSS for not hoisting the tricolour on its offices against the backdrop of the JNU controversy which has polarised the political discourse in the country over nationalism. Earlier in day, around 800 Congress workers under partys state unit president Arun Yadav gathered in Rajbada area and marched towards the RSS office. Police, already having barricaded the road leading to the RSS office, prevented Congress workers from moving ahead. Later, the administration allowed Yadav and 20 other Congress leaders to visit the RSS office as part of their programme. Interestingly, RSS men present at the office not only welcomed the Congress leaders but also arranged snacks for them. Later, Yadav hoisted the tricolour adjacent to RSS saffron flag atop the office. After coming out of the RSS office, Yadav said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his ministerial colleagues and the BJP leaders are talking big about nationalism and patriotism following the JNU issue, but the RSS has so far merely done a lip service in name of patriotism. He said that the RSS should adopt nationalism and patriotism in their true sense. We have hoisted the national flag at RSS office and hope the tricolour will be hoisted here on a regular basis like the saffron flag, Yadav added. Dinesh Jain, who is in charge of the RSS in the region, said that the tricolour was an emotional issue for them. Across the country, RSS activists take part in national festivals and in flag hoisting functions in their respective colonies, areas and places of work, he said in a statement. Replying to Congress criticism, he said RSS considers saffron flag as the symbol of indigenous culture and revers it as guru (master). No question of any dispute arises in this matter, he added. In a rare move on his part, vice-president Hamid Ansari has called for an all-party meeting on Saturday, after a near-washout of successive parliamentary sessions crippled the functioning of the Rajya Sabha last year. Ansari, who is also the chairman of the Rajya Sabha, will attempt to forge a consensus among political parties to allow the upper house to run smoothly in the upcoming Budget session where a long list of bills are pending. The tussle between the ruling and Opposition parties has gained steam during the past few weeks after the suicide of Rohith Vemula in Hyderabad, and the ongoing row in the national capitals Jawaharlal Nehru University over allegations of sedition. The vice presidents meeting comes barely three days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited 31 party leaders and appealed to them to not disrupt the upcoming Parliament session. Parliamentary affairs minister Venkaiah Naidu said after the meeting that almost all parties had overwhelmingly favoured a smooth functioning of Parliament. Ansaris meeting assumes significance as the upper house, where the NDA government has a minority, has witnessed a plethora of disruptions over bills such as the Goods and Services Tax. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, Sitaram Yechury of the CPI(M), Sharad Yadav of the JD(U) , and Trinamool National Congress Derek OBrien will be among those attending the meeting. The vice president had earlier expressed disappointment over the repeated disruptions in the House. In the last session, Ansari had called upon leaders to introspect on its state of affairs and avoid approaches that demean the stature of the Rajya Sabha. He had also called the 2015 winter session of the Rajya Sabha as being singularly unproductive in terms of legislative work. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bullets whizzed from the front while stones and invectives flew from behind when soldiers battled 50 hours to flush out terrorists from the 15-acre campus of a government training institute in Jammu and Kashmirs Pampore. Tales of secessionist rebels regaining public support in Kashmir found credibility on Sunday and Monday as hundreds of residents in the saffron-rich Pampore region came out on the streets to defend the rebels. People chanted slogans for Kashmirs azadi or freedom and threw stones and brickbats at soldiers fighting terrorists firing from positions inside the Entrepreneurship Development Institute campus. The gunbattle ended on Monday after security forces gunned down three suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. The country lost five brave soldiers and a civilian in the standoff. Read | Three militants killed as Pampore encounter ends, LeT hand suspected All along, as the battle raged, people ignored orders to stay away from the besieged campus. When the standoff ended, more men and women were on the streets shouting slogans in support of the slain rebels. We have witnessed extreme forms of violence from both sides in the Valley since 1989. We have seen how thousands of people would protest and carry the body of slain militants on their shoulders. But people actually attacking government forces during a gunfight is very unusual, said former Reuters correspondent Sheikh Mushtaq, who has reported from Kashmir for more than 25 years. The trend has emboldened terrorists. A CRPF officer echoed the predicament of the security forces: Should we save our heads from stones or fire bullets at militants? The Pampore peoples reaction was reminiscent of similar scenes at Kakapora village last week when security forces engaged three Lashkar terrorist in a fierce gunfight. Residents allegedly entered the house and helped two terrorists escape. But two civilians and a rebel died, prompting a pan-Kashmir shutdown. Read | JeM chief Masood Azhar in protective custody, says Sartaj Aziz How will one deal with common people wanting to help militants near an encounter site? If one acts against people, there is outrage across the Valley and if one lets them do what they are doing, we would be giving the militants the upper hand during an encounter, a police officer said. Since January 20, five such instances have been reported. Anti-India protests have spiked too. For the past decade, violence in Kashmir has come down drastically ... But there has been a spurt in public support for militants, particularly during a gunfight, former BBC correspondent Altaf Hussain said. Kashmir Valley was caught in the biggest pro-freedom demonstrations in the summers of 2008, 2009 and 2010 since militancy erupted in 1989. The government responded by arresting hundreds of youth, mostly charged with throwing stones at security forces. In the 1990s militants would run away to save their lives. Then a stage came when a militant was ready to kill or die for the cause. Now the problem is getting more complicated. The common people are openly putting their lives at stake and saving militants, said political scientist Noor Mohammad Baba at the Central University of Kashmir. Members of the Jat community revived protests across Haryana as demonstrators continued to block railway tracks and arterial roads on Monday, despite the BJP-led state governments promise to introduce a bill to provide OBC status and set up a panel to examine demands for reservation in central government jobs. The Rohtak bypass at the Delhi-Bahadurgarh border intersection was blocked again and a freight train was set on fire by protesters in Ganaur, Sonepat. Fresh violence was also reported from Rohtak district and the vehicle of the sub-divisional magistrate set on fire by a mob. Authorities had earlier lifted curfew in two towns -- Kaithal and Kalayat after a brief period of calm. It was, however, revoked as reports of fresh violence poured in. The Jat agitation, which runs into its ninth day on Monday, has left 11 people dead and over 150 injured. The army has been deployed to control the deteriorating law and order situation in Haryana. Protesters blocked highways in Haryana to continue their demand for reservation under the OBC category. Curfew has not been lifted from Rohtak, epicentre of the Jat quota agitation. (Ravi Choudhary/HT Photo) Protestors sit on the Rohtak road in Sampla, adversely affecting any vehicular movement. (Ravi Choudhary/HT Photo) Traffic was disrupted in Rohtak district and the sub-divisional magistrates vehicle was set on fire by a mob on Monday. (Ravi Choudhary/HT Photo) Army personnel get down from a helicopter at Police Lines in Rohtak on Sunday. The Indian Army was called in to control law and order situation in Haryana. (Manoj Dhaka/HT Photo) Jat community members protest demanding reservation, in Bahadurgarh. (Ravi Choudhary/HT Photo) Protesters run some with sticks during a quota protest in Rohtak, 70 kilometers (45 miles) west of New Delhi. (AP Photo) Indian Army and security personnel patrol following fatal protests in Rohtak. (AFP Photo) The stand-off between militants and security forces at Pampore in south Kashmir entered its third day on Monday, even as the sounds of gunfire and explosions rent the air. Sources said the 40-hour encounter was nearing its end, and the army was undertaking its final assault against the terrorists believed to be two to four in number. The gunfight had started on Saturday evening, when guerrillas took shelter in a Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute complex after attacking a CRPF bus at Sempora, Pampore, on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway. Two buildings in the campus have already been cleared. The militants are holed up in the main building, which has about 40 to 50 rooms besides small rooms and toilets. The building needs to be cleared from room to room, which will take time. However, our specialised units are undertaking the operation with complete synergy, said Lt Gen Satish Dua, general officer commanding. Smoke billows from a building where militants have taken refuge during a gun battle on the outskirts of Srinagar. (AP Photo) The encounter has already cost six people three armymen, two CRPF personnel and a civilian their lives. Sources said the militants have been restricted to a small area, and one of them was presumed killed. Though over 100 people were present at the Pampore training centre when the militants barged in, they were allowed to leave unharmed. Army spokesperson NN Joshi confirmed that the operation was still on, but refused to share further details. Meanwhile, the wreath-laying ceremony of captain Tushar Mahajan and lance naik Om Prakash of 9 Para was conducted at the armys Chinar headquarters in Srinagar. Captain Mahajan (26), being a Jammu & Kashmir resident, will be cremated with full army honours at Udhampur. The son of well-known educationist Dev Rah Gupta, captain Mahajan had enlisted in the army six years ago after completing a course at the National Defence Academy, Pune. Prakashs mortal remains will be flown to his native village, Chikhal in Himachal Pradesh, for last rites. He was awarded the Asadharan Suraksha Seva Praman Patra gallantry award on Independence Day in 2013. Read | Army captain Tushar Mahajan killed in Pampore attack SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A young Jat protester holds his sword to the neck of an HT photographer, asking him to put his camera away or face the wrath of the 100-or-so men who have ringed him. We dont want media here. You better not use your camera. You people have maligned our image, the man tells Arun Sharma on Sunday afternoon, his tone getting nastier with every word. It is less than 50 kilometers from the Capital but the administration and police are conspicuous only by their absence as thousands of protesters demanding quotas in jobs and education run riot. Delhi Police barricades stop vehicles from the city from entering Haryana around 200 trucks wait on one side of the highway. On the other side, the highway is deserted with smashed cars, vandalised shopping malls and locked establishments lining either side. It is Sunday morning. Read: Not just concerned, BJP is rattled by Jat quota protests On reaching Kumaspur 34 kilometres from Delhi the HT team is accosted by 5,000 Jat youth wielding swords, sickles, iron rods and sticks whore blocking the highway. They realise that we the reporter and Sharma -- are from the media and protesters gather around, forcing us to turn back. We are being polite to you. If you continue clicking pictures, you will lose your camera and other belongings. It is better you leave, they warn. There is no sign of police but every 500 metres, protesters block the road with containers, wood logs, and electricity poles. On almost all such stoppages, people plead to let them pass. Hundreds of passengers walk on the highway carrying their luggage, many hounded by angry mobs. A group of stranded passengers get into an autorickshaw, hoping they will cover some distance in the vehicle. Protesters spot them and force them out. Walk. It is good for health, one of them tells the passengers. The situation dramatically changes on Monday. In Haryanas Jhajjar, hundreds of army personnel secure the town and meet village heads to find a way out of the violent protests. A bus stand and several shops have been gutted by rampaging protesters. The first thing they looted was an alcohol shop. They then went to the State Bank of India, looted it and then to a clothes store next door. They ransacked the place, wore whatever they want and then burnt down the store, Sharma says. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Haryana Polices handling of the stormy Jat protests has come under close scrutiny with analysts criticising the department for failing to stem the crisis as personnel often remained mute spectators in the face of rampaging mobs. A number of police stations were also wrecked by the demonstrators amid accusations that members of the community in the force were reluctant to act against the rioters. Realising that the situation was getting out of hand, chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar called in the army on Friday evening, having earlier sought companies of paramilitary forces from the Centre. According to reports, Union cabinet secretary PK Sinha told Haryana DGP Yashpal Singal during a video conference on Saturday to look sharp and try to regain lost confidence. Observers say the state government initially soft-pedalled by asking policemen to exercise restraint, leading to loss of lives. An IPS officer who is facing action for allegedly not controlling rampaging protesters told his colleagues that he was asked to desist from using force, said sources. State officials said they had taken note of apprehensions that Jat personnel in the police force could be abetting violence or showing reluctance to act against perpetrators. But a stern message has been conveyed to the police personnel both higher and in the ranks that reluctance to act or assisting abettors will result in strict punitive action, said additional chief secretary (home), Pranab Kishore Das. DGP Singal, however, said it would be incorrect to accuse police of inaction. Police conducted lathi-charge at many places as well as fired teargas shells, he said. In fact, so many teargas shells were fired in Rohtak town alone that we ran out of stock. A former DGP rank officer HT spoke to on Sunday said Jats have been major beneficiaries of police recruitments in the state over the past two decades. Most of the station house officers (SHOs) are Jats. A large number of non- gazetted officials, sub-inspectors, assistant sub-inspectors and head constables are Jats, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Fresh violence was reported on Monday in Rohtak and Sonipat in Haryana as Jat protesters continued to block roads in some parts of the state, including the arterial Delhi-Ambala highway, demanding a written assurance that the community will be given reservation in jobs and education. Live updates: 2.30 am: PIL filed in SC seeking court to step into law and order breakdown pertaining to Jat agitation 2.20 am: Caste violence in a Hansi village. Curfew imposed. 1.45 am: Major tension in Panipat and Murthal where heavy police force and army have been deployed 1.30 am: Rohtak bypass at Delhi-Bahadurgarh border chowk blocked by protesters again. 1.00 am: Freight train set on fire by protesters in Ganaur, Sonepat. 12.30 am: Fresh violence in Meham sub-division of Rohtak district. Traffic has been disrupted and the official vehicle of the sub-divisional magistrate set on fire by a mob. 11.40 am: Haryana says 400 Cusescs water will be released to Delhi by 1 pm; to reach Delhi by 5 pm. 11.30 am: Supreme Court slams Delhi govt for not talking to Haryana to sort it out and move court in the matter. 11.20 am: Munak canal wont be operational for a week. 11.15 am: There are road blockades at few places in Rohtak, the situation is likely to improve during the day. 11am: In Rohtak, the epicentre of pro-quota Jat agitation, curfew remained in force even as there was no report of any incident of violence and arson in the last 24 hours. There is no major incident in the last 24 hours in Rohtak and last night was peaceful, a senior Rohtak Police official said. Watch | How people of Haryana suffered during Jat quota agitation Read | Khattars Haryana govt floundered in many respects 10.30 am: Curfew lifted in Hisar, Barwala and Hansi 10.30am: Blockades at several places in Sirsa and Fatehabad have also been lifted 10 am: No untoward incident, except for the blockades, was reported in the state in the past 12-hours, police said. 8.30 am: Security forces moved in to get blockades removed from the busy NH-1 (Delhi-Ambala) and NH-10 (Delhi-Hisar). Efforts were also made to clear railway tracks on the Delhi-Ambala and Delhi-Bathinda sections. 7.50 am: The army has taken control of the strategic Munak canal from Jat quota agitators, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday, raising hopes of an end to a crippling water crisis in large parts of the Capital. With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promising to give reservation to Jats and assuring that a bill will be brought in the next session of the Haryana assembly, leaders of the community have appealed to the protesters to end the agitation. The violence in the aftermath of the Jat agitation, which is into its ninth day on Monday, has left 11 people dead and over 150 injured. Read | This will go very far, says a protester on Jat quota agitation Thousands of people and vehicles were stranded on NH-1 as the protesters laid siege to the highway in Sonipat and Panipat districts in the past three days, cutting off road connectivity to Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh through the highway. Nearly 800 trains were also cancelled by railway authorities in the region due to the Jat agitation. Hundreds of shops have been vandalised and set on fire in Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jhajjar and other places. A number of government and private buildings and vehicles were also set on fire in the past four days as mobs went on a rampage in over 10 districts in Haryana. The state government had to requisition the army and para-military forces to contain the situation. However, the violent protests continued and spread to other areas of the state. (With agency inputs) Belying the Khattar governments hopes of a quick end to the quota stir after the centre agreed to all demands of Jats on Monday, the protesters are refusing to vacate roads and rail tracks in several parts of the state even as the toll has gone up to 16. Though the state police, with assistance from the army, have taken control of the damaged portion of Munak canal, the lifeline of water supply to the national capital, the protesters are back on the arterial Delhi-Ambala national highway (NH-1) at Murthal in Sonepat barely a few hours after they had vacated it following the government announcement and appeals. The protesters, whose number could not be ascertained, blocked the busy Grand Trunk Road at 11.00 am, leading to a traffic jam. The authorities have rushed army and policemen to get the road vacated, but the agitators are adamant, insisting on concrete action by state government. While reports of sporadic incidents of violence started trickling in again from Hansi, Meham and Jhajjar on Monday morning, the protesters are continuing their protests in Rohtak, the epicenter of the ongoing violent stir in the state. Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed outside the Maharishi Dayanand University (MDU) to clear the area. Meanwhile, tension prevailed in Kaithal where groups of Jats and non-Jats are confronting each other. The highways to Hisar and Chandigarh are also blocked. Though traffic movement improved in some parts of Rohtak, the Jat protesters continued their main blockades in town and on the outskirts. The Khattar administration has been making appeals to the protesters to call of their agitation and lift blockades, but is being severely hampered by the lack of a leader. The agitation by disparate groups of Jats is without a leader. We dont know who to talk to at different places and how to reach out to them, but efforts are on. Hopefully, they will understand that their demands have been met, a senior IAS officer told Hindustan Times. In Rohtak, shop owners, traders and other victims of mob attacks, whose shops and other establishments were burnt down or damaged, are out on the streets, demanding security and compensation. The state council of ministers is holding an urgent meeting to take stock of the situation and decide compensation to the victims of mob attacks and families of people killed in firing. The Manohar Lal Khattar-led Haryana government has failed to bring the situation of the protest under control even after seven days. The Haryana govt fumbled and floundered on many respects Intelligence failure BJP MP from Kurukshetra Raj Kumar Sainis intemperate outburst and retorts of Jat leaders were clear signals, but the intelligence set-up failed to read them. When trouble broke, the government seemed clueless about its gravity, stir leaders and shifting trouble spots. Clumsy response Khattar and his team were slow to reach. The first was reaction to let things drift, but the situation worsened faster than they could image. Before the government tried to get its act together, it was out of control, quickly turning into a caste war with hoodlums running riot. Watch | How people of Haryana suffered during Jat quota agitation Political fiasco Confusing signals from the ruling party, coupled with lack political will, fuelled the stir. BJP Jat leaders took a backseat, leaving the CM, a first-time MLA, to grapple with his first major political challenge. They got active only after a nudge from the central leadership. Read: Jat stir: Govt buckles under pressure, to table bill on OBC quota Faltering force Police response was slow and sluggish. As Jat protesters run amok, they were missing from the scene or acted as mute spectators. Only advice senior officers gave was to show restraint. When the state sought army help, a flummoxed cabinet secretary asked what action police had taken. And, the state brass was speechless. Tactical blunders The state authorities kept stumbling, making an offer to double the quota for economically backward classes in a hurry without adequate consultations with its own Jat leaders or influential voices in the community. The offer was rebuffed by the protesters. Then, the special backward class reservation offer was also vague and did not give the right message. In pics | Turmoil in Haryana: Jat quota agitation turns violent Not just concerned, BJP is rattled by Jat quota protests Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar was taken into protective custody after the assault on Pathankot airbase and one of the mobile phone numbers linked to the attackers was traced to the terror groups headquarters, Pakistans foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz has said. Azhar was placed in custody a few days after the attack, said Aziz, the adviser on foreign affairs to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He rejected Indias charge that Pakistan had taken no action over the January 2 attack that killed seven people. On Friday, Pakistani authorities registered a First Information Report in connection with the Pathankot attack, which India has blamed on the JeM and its chief. The FIR, however, made no mention of the JeM or Azhar, who allegedly masterminded the strike. The FIR mentions five Pakistani mobile phone numbers that were called by the attackers from the Indian side. In this file photo, Azhar is seen addressing a press conference in Karachi. (AFP) Aziz said during an interview with India Today channel that one of the mobile numbers provided by India was active and had been traced to the JeMs headquarters in Bahawalpur. The FIR is only a first stage report and subsequent FIRs will definitely carry names, he said. Pakistani authorities took time to file the FIR because whenever a crime happens across the border in another country, its much more difficult to pursue the legal requirements because you dont have all the location or evidence, he said. The special investigation team had to investigate the telephone numbers or whatever links were available and find out who could be (behind the attack), he added. Aziz said India has agreed in principle to allow Pakistans special investigation team to visit Pathankot. The team is likely to visit Pathankot by the end of February or in March. Even the identity of those attackers who died in Pathankot has not been established. So this is the first step of the investigation and as additional evidence is provided, once the investigation team visits India, then obviously names will happen and whosoever is responsible will be acted against..., he said. Rubbishing Pakistani- American Lashkar-e-Taiba operative David Coleman Headleys deposition to a Mumbai court, Aziz described him as a drug peddler whose statements cannot be taken seriously. Pakistan is not worried by Headleys deposition. He has no credibility. He is a double agent and a drug peddler, Aziz said. Aziz further said there is no evidence to suggest LeT founder Hafiz Saeed was involved in the Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. He even praised the humanitarian work being carried out by Saeeds Jamaat-ud-Dawah, which the UN Security Council has declared a front for the LeT. Pakistan, he said, will propose to India the joint withdrawal of troops from the Siachen glacier when talks between the two countries resume. He stopped short of saying that Pakistan could agree to signing a map showing actual positions held by troops from both sides. India and Pakistan should work together to strengthen SAARC and New Delhi should shun its obsession with terrorism, Aziz said. India is obsessed with terror, but India and Pakistan must cooperate to tackle adverse US trade pacts and build up SAARC, he said. Aziz was critical of the Indian media and said it should present a balanced view while reporting on bilateral ties. A day after police quizzed a Hindustan Times journalist about contacting organisers of the February 9 Jawaharlal Nehru University event, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has taken cognizance of the matter and decided to raise the issue with the Delhi Police. Police has no business to quiz/threaten reporters, transgressing their line. It is attack on freedom of the press. Police cant ask reporters about their talk with anyone. Editors guild/BEA should take strong note and condemn (sic), AAP leader Ashutosh tweeted on Monday morning after reading HTs report. I am going to meet Police by 4 today, with Ashish Khetan, Dilip and Deepak on the issue of Delhi police quizzing/threatening reporters on JNU (sic), he said in a following tweet. On Monday, HT reported how investigators were accessing details of journalists who contacted any of the students before or after the event, and questioning them for information. A section of the students went missing after student body president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested more than a week ago. Read more: Umar Khalid, 4 others charged with sedition spotted at JNU On Sunday evening, HTs education reporter was questioned over phone by one Babu Lal, who claimed to be an officer from the Vasant Kunj/Vihar police station. The man enquired about Anirban Bhattacharya, one of the missing JNU students, and the reporters telephonic conversation with him. Some journalists, who contacted the organisers over phone with regards to coverage of the event, are being examined and questioned on the telephone to ascertain the whereabouts of Umar Khalid, an accused in the issue, and others who are evading interrogation. Two journalists working with the Hindustan Times were also questioned regarding the same in the past five days. Read more: I am Umar Khalid and Im not a terrorist: JNU student returns to campus Read more: Journalist resigns from news channel over JNU coverage Family members of Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar, who is facing a sedition case, asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break silence over the row, saying a lot was expected from him. Expressing concern over the attack on Kanhaiya at Patiala House Courts, roles played by a section of lawyers, media and Delhi Police in the matter, they said the JNUSU president will come out clean. Terming the whole incident as just like a film, they exuded confidence that Kanhaiya will emerge as a hero as it is in his DNA to be a nationalist. Today we have read in a newspaper that the Prime Minister was not happy with the developments at JNU. He has not said anything on the issue so far. He (Modi) too comes from a poor family, like we do. He should break his silence, a lot is expected from him, Kanhaiyas elder brother Manikant Singh said. Manikant, who is in the national capital along with his uncle Rajendra Singh, cousin Prashant Kumar and other relatives hoping to meet Kanhaiya, said the lawyers attack on his brother last Monday had left his family worried and urged authorities to ensure his safety when the future hearings take place. The relatives also questioned the role of Delhi Police, including Commissioner B S Bassi, and accused them of being mute spectators when the students leader was being attacked on the court premises. There was this media trial too by a section of it. Concocted videos were aired by some news channels depicting Kanhaiya as an anti-nationalist. This defamed him initially. This left people in our village perplexed. But they are now supporting us as the footage turned out to be fake, he added. This whole episode is like a film wherein a villain enters the scene, does something wrong and then gets beaten. We are sure Kanhaiya will emerge as a hero. He already is, and we are proud of him, he added. Rajendra seconded Manikant, saying fascist forces will be defeated. Manikant added the family members will try to meet Kanhaiya on Monday. I have not spoken to him for a month now. I had sent a message to him on WhatsApp some days ago when he was at Hyderabad Central University after Rohith Vemula died. We all are eager to meet him, he added. The family members are currently staying at Ajoy Bhawan, the head office of CPI. Kanhaiya is a member of the partys students wing All India Students Federation (AISF). The video and audio footage of a Zee News report was allegedly doctored to include anti-national slogans, based on which police filed a sedition case against JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar and a few other students. If its indeed a rigged tape, Zee and other channels that aired the footage could be in as much trouble as Kumar, legal experts said. The case the JNU students will fall if it is proved that the videos are morphed because the FIR was registered on the basis of those clippings, senior lawyer Rajiv Dhawan said. And as soon as the findings of the forensic lab come, police must immediately conclude the investigation in the matter, Dhawan he advised. Supreme Court lawyer KTS Tulsi said if Zee has deliberately aired a doctored tape, this amounts to an offence under Section 195 IPC, giving fabricated, false evidence intended to procure the conviction of an accused. Allegations of a fake news report surfaced soon after police arrested Kumar on February 10 by watching Zee News, though they didnt find anything wrong at the JNU event the previous day where incendiary remarks were allegedly made. The suspicion was reinforced when a producer with the news channel, Vishwa Deepak, resigned on moral grounds. He was part of the team that produced the February 9 report in which JNU students were shown making hate speeches and shouting anti-India slogans to mark the anniversary of 2003 Parliament convict Afzal Gurus hanging. Senior lawyer Tulsi said the liability for a doctored news report would extend not only to those who rigged it but also anyone who gave the tape to the court or to police with the intention of using it as evidence in a sedition case. Everyone involved will be liable for punishment, which is three years in jail to life imprisonment for sedition, he said. Retired Delhi high court judge RS Sodhi agrees. Should they have released what they thought was a bona fide report, the matter will be different. Any speculation on the liability of media and others or on the authenticity of the tape should be approached with caution, he warned. You cannot know at this stage without investigation whether it was a deliberate act or a mistake. A passenger on an Air India flight from India to Birmingham has been fined 1,000 for pulling down his trousers and urinating in the aisle after drinking alcohol, shocking other passengers and crew. Jinu Abraham, 39, was aggressive to cabin crew and had to be restrained until the flight landed on January 19. He was fined 300 at the Birmingham Crown Court, and ordered to pay 500 as compensation, a victim surcharge of 30, and 185 in costs. John Cardiff, the prosecuting lawyer, told the court that Abraham had boarded the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner with his 10-year-old son, reports from Birmingham said. About 40 minutes prior to landing he removed his trousers and stood in the aisle. He pulled down his boxer shorts, exposing his buttocks and then began urinating on the floor and seat of the aircraft, Cardiff said. He was restrained by crew with plastic handcuffs and seat belts for the rest of the flight and was arrested on landing. Abraham later said he had drunk two whiskeys, that he was on anti-depressants, and that he could not remember anything about his actions, the Birmingham Mail reported. Alan Newport, defending lawyer, said the defendant and his wife, who had been married for 11 years, worked for the National Health Service. His wife is a theatre nurse. He said Abraham had been on medication after one of his children died at birth and that his wife had returned from India on a separate flight with their 15- month-old child. Unfortunately because of a mix up at the airport in India his medication had been placed in the hold. He was without medication and nervous about flying and was concerned about his wifes welfare, Newport said. He effectively tried to self-medicate and it went dramatically wrong, not just for him, but the passengers on that flight. Fortunately no one was injured and the flight was able to land without an emergency request. Newport said Abraham was shocked and surprised about what was said about his behaviour, and accepted it must have been incredibly upsetting for passengers and crew. Pakistan has received the go-ahead from India to send a team to investigate the attack on Pathankot airbase after some headway was made in the case, including the registration of an FIR, interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has said. Our SIT (special investigation team) will visit India in the next few days. India has already been informed through a letter by the ministry of foreign affairs about the SITs visit. India has agreed to it, he told reporters on Sunday evening. The only request from the Indian side was that Pakistan should give notice five days before the teams visit, Khan said. Read more| Defence minister says Paks mere FIR on Pathankot wont do Read more | Pakistan probe team to visit Pathankot terror attack site in March On Friday, Pakistani authorities registered a First Information Report against unidentified attackers and abettors for the January 2 terrorist assault on Pathankot airbase that killed seven people. This paved the way for the Pakistani teams visit, officials from both sides said. After India blamed the Jaish-e-Mohammed for the attack, Pakistani authorities detained some operatives of the banned group and raided several of its seminaries. Khan defended the FIR, saying it was a legal formality that had to be completed. He said the FIR was needed to acquire data from mobile phone service providers for numbers that were allegedly called by the attackers from India. Read more | Fifth and Sixth Pathankot attackers still a missing piece in probe Read more | Pathankot attack: 2 terrorists camped at base before strike These (phone) numbers have been made part of the FIR, he said. The first step is that we take the record of these numbers from the service providers. This information should be handed over to the investigation team. Secondly, the few names that have been informally given to us from the (Indian) side, what is the connection between these names and the phone numbers? This will be examined. Khan evaded queries on whether the Pakistani team will be allowed to visit Pathankot airbase. In a related development, The Express Tribune newspaper reported that the national security advisers of Pakistan and India had agreed that the SIT should visit India in March, before a meeting between the foreign secretaries. Pakistans NSA Nasser Janjua and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval had almost finalised the schedule for the SITs visit, the daily quoted an unnamed official as saying. Indias foreign secretary S Jaishankar will then visit Islamabad to discuss the mechanism for the comprehensive dialogue. Dovals office had directed the external affairs ministry to make arrangements for the SITs visit, sources said. The report said the US had played a role in the registration of the FIR because it wanted the nascent India-Pakistan dialogue to go ahead. While finalising a deal for eight new F-16 jets for Pakistan, the US is believed to have urged Pakistani authorities to take some concrete steps on the Pathankot attack. Read more | Pathankot probe: NDA govt sees Pak FIR as step in right direction Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Sant Ravidas temple in Seer Goverdhanpur on the second day of his visit to his constituency, marking Sant Ravidas Jayanti on Monday. The Prime Minister spent 15 minutes at the Shri Guru Ravidas Janmasthan Mandir where he offered prayers and received prasad besides doing a darshan of the golden palaki (palanquin) and Kathauti (wooden bowl). While there, Modi also called on Mahant of mandir Sant Mandip Das and the management committee members. He then made his way to the Banaras Hindu University, where he is attending the convocation with Union human resource minister, Smriti Irani. Vice-chancellor Girish Chandra Tripathi said that the university was honoured by Modis visit. It is a matter of great pride to have Prime Minister Narendra Modi as our chief guest. We are keen to hear him we hope that his speech will inspire our students, he said. As many as 34 students will receive medals from the Prime Minister. Over 400 students will also be honoured for securing the highest marks in various examinations. Modi is in Varanasi on a two-day visit, a trip that the opposition says is aimed wooing Dalit votes. The Bharatiya Janata Party however denied the claim, with BJP leader Karunesh Sharma saying there were no politics scripting the visit. PM Modi visited temple to offer prayers to Sant Ravidas Ji Maharaj. His visit is imbibed with faith. There is no politics behind it, Union minister Vijay Sampla also said. Nearly one lakh followers of Sant Ravidas have gathered at the temple from Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh to take part in the celebrations. Around 50 tents have been set up in the area where langars and keertans will take place. This is the Prime Ministers second visit to his Lok Sabha constituency in 2016. He had earlier visited Varanasi on January 22 when he distributed assistive devices to around 10,000 divyangs, a term Modi has used to refer to differently-abled people. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court on Monday appealed to Jat protesters demanding government benefits to maintain peace and rapped the Delhi government for approaching it over a water crisis triggered by the violent demonstrations. You people (Delhi government), instead of solving the problem at government-to-government level, are moving to the Supreme Court. You want order from the Supreme Court. You want everything on the platter, Chief Justice of India TS Thakur said. The SC sought a status report from the Haryana government on the plea of Delhi government seeking resumption of water supply to the national capital, disrupted due to the ongoing Jat quota agitation. The bench was initially reluctant to take up the plea of the Delhi government. You ministers are sitting in the court instead of going to the field. You rest in AC chambers and you want order from the court, it said, referring to the presence of Delhi water minister Kapil Mishra in the court. However, after persistence from advocate Rajeev Dhawan, appearing for the Delhi government, the bench asked the Haryana government to make the necessary arrangements for the resumption of water supply to the capital. The SC, asking for a status report on the matter in two days, issued notices to the Centre and Uttar Pradesh government on the plea of the Aam Aadmi Party government. The AAP government had earlier moved the apex court for an urgent hearing on its plea seeking the Centres intervention for uninterrupted supply of water from the Munak canal in Haryana, which was under siege of the Jat protesters. The protesters continued to blockade highways and paralysed Haryana on Monday, but there was some relief for New Delhis residents as the Indian Army retook control of their main water source. Days of protests in Haryana by the Jat community have killed at least 12 people. Delhi was on the verge of a severe water crisis with all its seven water treatment plants drying up after vandalisation by Jat protesters in Haryana forced closure of the Munak canal. The repercussions were already being felt in many parts of the national capital. Mishra said the city government could not supply water through pipes on Sunday evening. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday morning appealed to the residents of Delhi to save water, saying they might have to depend on the stored water for one or two days at least. He also spoke to Haryana chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and home minister Rajnath Singh on the need to restore water supply to Delhi at the earliest. Kejriwal also announced that all schools in the capital would be shut on Monday. West Delhi was the worst affected area so far and the crisis was likely to spread across the capital on Monday. (With inputs from agencies) Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday accused the BJP-led government of unleashing its divisive agenda by generating a wholly unwarranted debate on patriotism and nationalism to cover up its failures. Claiming that courts are being turned into akharas (wrestling arenas), she also charged the Narendra Modi government with muzzling the voice of the opposition, civil society, organisations and now, students. It (BJP government) seems hell-bent on destroying the spirit of inquiry, the spirit of questioning, the spirit of debate and dissent, Gandhi said, addressing a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the partys highest decision-making body. First, it muzzled our voice in the Lok Sabha. Then it silenced civil society activists and organisations. Now is the turn of universities. Gandhis remarks came in the wake of the outrage over the arrest of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students union president Kanhaiya Kumar in a sedition case and the attack on students, teachers and journalists at Patiala House court complex on February 15. The CWC also passed a resolution accusing the RSS of targeting educational institutions to impose its ideology in universities and colleges. The CWC unanimously endorsed Rahul Gandhis February 13 visit to JNU to meet students protesting Kanhaiyas arrest. The visit was criticised by the ruling BJP, with its chief Amit Shah accusing the Congress vice-president of supporting separatists and asking whether he wanted another division of the country. At the meeting, Rahul intervened briefly and mentioned the JNU incident. Five JNU students accused of sedition sat guarded by a human chain formed by teachers and security personnel outside the universitys administrative block all day on Monday after reappearing on the campus on Sunday, having spent 10 days in hiding. Police waited outside the university gates on Monday but did not enter the campus in the absence of mandatory permission from the vice-chancellor. Providing shelter and food to absconding suspects is a punishable offence that attracts charges of harbouring against the university (in this case). Till we have formal permission from the JNU administration, we cant enter and raid the campus. We will wait for the students to surrender, a senior police official said, adding that as the five were wanted by the law, it was the responsibility of the university administration to ensure they were handed over to police. Delhi Police commissioner BS Bassi turned the principles of law on their head and said the students should prove their innocence. They (students) should join the investigation. If they are innocent, they should present evidence of their innocence, Bassi said. Legal experts expressed surprise at his statement. I have never seen the police ask the accused to prove their innocence. This is a shocking statement to come from the commissioner of police, said KTS Tulsi, a senior lawyer in the Supreme Court. The five students Umar Khalid, Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and Anirban Bhattacharya said fear of a police witch-hunt kept them in hiding. We were in and around the campus. We did not leave Delhi. If they can beat Kanhaiya, the teachers and journalists inside the courtroom, imagine what all they can do. There is an atmosphere of fear and mob-lynching is happening, Rama Naga, JNU student union general secretary and one of the five, said. Read | JNU sedition row: When media became part of the story He was referring to union president Kanhaiya Kumar, who was arrested on sedition charges and beaten up by a mob of lawyers outside a local court last week, triggering outrage and an angry response by the Supreme Court. JNU registrar Bupinder Zutschi said the police did not ask the administration for permission to enter the campus. Some officials believe action has not been taken to avoid confrontation between students and teachers on one side and police on the other ahead of Parliaments budget session that starts on Tuesday. Associations of JNU teachers and students met the vice-chancellor on Monday, demanding the sedition charges be dropped. Zutschi said dropping charges was not under the universitys purview. Narayan, Kumar and Nagar said they were in the campus through the 10 days but were hidden from the public eye. Khalid and Bhattacharya did not comment on their recent whereabouts. The five students are accused of allegedly planning an event on February 9 against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, where anti-national slogans were allegedly shouted. Read | 5 JNU students wanted by cops back on campus, fear witch-hunt The issue has snowballed into a political controversy ahead of the budget session of Parliament with Opposition parties accusing the government of trying to muzzle free speech. But the government hasnt backed down. Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarathi Parishad also alleged that the students were harboured by JNU teachers and were in the campus over the past 10 days. The last time police entered the university to arrest Kumar, drawing a sharp reaction from civil society and JNU teachers. Khalid, one of the organisers of the cultural event where the slogans were allegedly shouted, said, They are scared of us. Afraid of us because we can think. To think is anti-national in todays time. In fact, the easiest thing to do is to be an anti-national. However, sources close to Umar Khalid said that he would move the Delhi high court on Tuesday, offering to surrender. The student leader at the centre of the JNU controversy may also seek police security. Earlier, Khalid and other four students had said they wont surrender but if police comes it can arrest them. JNU students and teachers will organise a protest event on Tuesday to seek justice for Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula. Let us not forget Vemulas death. It has been a month and no one has been punished so far. Let us make sure that this issue is not forgotten, said Shehla Rashid Shora, spearheading the movement against Kanhaiyas arrest. The Supreme Court criticised the Delhi government on Monday for approaching the judiciary instead of working with neighbouring Haryana to resolve a crippling water crisis precipitated by rampaging Jat protesters damaging the controls of the citys largest water supply canal. The Delhi government wants everything on platter; wants the court to interfere with governance issues, the apex court said. The top courts reprimand came on a day Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that the army had cleared protesters from the Munak canal gates as vast swathes of central, north and west Delhi ran dry, with 423 tankers crisscrossing the city. But the SC wasnt impressed with the Aam Aadmi Party governments response, telling water minister Kapil Mishra he should have worked out a solution with Haryana instead of being present in court. Watch | Jat agitation hits Delhi, schools and water supply affected You ministers are sitting in the court instead of going to the field. You rest in AC chambers and you want order from the court, the bench, headed by Chief Justice of India TS Thakur said. Read | Army takes control of Munak canal, Delhi water crisis to end on Monday Kejriwal and Mishra held out hope of improved water supply after the city exhausted its reserves on Sunday but Haryana told the court it would take a week for the Munak canal to be repaired. In the meantime, Haryana Delhis biggest water source will release 189 million gallons of water a day, roughly half of what the Munak canal supplies to the city. 50 million gallons out of this will be released by Monday evening. The court asked the AAP administration to send a team of engineers and castigated the AAP government when it objected to Haryanas claim that state officials and Delhi Jal Board personnel were working to resolve the crisis. It also asked for a status report from the Haryana government in two days. Haryana has been racked by violence unleashed by thousands of Jat protesting for quotas in jobs and education. Angry mobs have blocked roads and railway tracks, ransacked shops and looted neighbourhoods. At least 15 people have died in the protests. The demonstrations have affected the Capital, with multiple highways blocked and taps running dry. There was no water supply to central, west and north Delhi, including the Lutyens zone the citys power district on Monday morning. Water tankers were spotted at filling station in Bharti Nagar and they carried water to different areas jhuggis in East Kidwai Nagar and Sanjay Camp, a municipal hospital at Moti Bagh, a bungalow on Ashoka Road and even went for a delivery to Rashtrapati Bhawan. Piped water is only available to army installations, hospitals, fire brigade, Rashtrapati Bhavan and residences of the prime minister and chief justice of India. However, most of south and east Delhi residents have piped drinking water supply as these areas are supplied by Sonia Vihar and Bhagirathi treatment plants, fed by water from Uttar Pradesh. Read | Jat stir: Govt buckles under pressure, to table bill on OBC quota Amit Rathi remembers his father distributing sweets when the Haryana government declared Jats in the state as Special Backward Class, giving them 10% reservation in jobs under government bodies and educational institutions in January 2013. But the joy was short-lived for Rathi and people of his community as by mid-2015, the Punjab and Haryana high court stayed the decision. Our anger has been simmering since then, said 25-year-old Rathi, one of the protesters on National Highway 1 connecting Delhi and Haryana. Rathi, a resident of Sonipats Kundli village, feels that his community never got its due. Last year, he finished his MA and keenly observed the developments under the new regime in Haryana. The anointment of ML Khattar, a non-Jat as the chief minister left a sense of insecurity among the members of his community. Watch | How people of Haryana suffered during Jat quota agitation Regular anti-Jat statements allegedly made by the BJP MP from Kurukshetra, Raj Kumar Saini, further antagonised his community, said Rathi. This is fight for our honour. If people like Saini believe that Jat is a non-entity, he is wrong. We will show him our worth, he said, wielding an iron rod in one hand and a smart phone in the other. He claims that the representation of his community is the maximum in armed forces. Yet, it is regularly humiliated. All my life, I have seen less-deserving candidates getting degrees and jobs simply because they enjoy quota benefits, he said. According to him, the theme of this agitation should have been no reservation suggesting that either the government cancels reservation under all categories or fulfil the demands of the Jat community. This is the first time that Rathi is involved in a protest and good fun is how he describes the experience. I believe I am contributing to a cause. Every day when I leave home, I tell my mother that either I will return or will become a martyr. There have been a few high points for Rathi. We were successful in blocking the NH 1, considered to be the backbone of trade between Delhi and Haryana. The road is blocked for more than 24 hours now. This morning we stopped water supply to Delhi. This will go very far, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Security forces gunned down three suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists at a government training centre in Jammu and Kashmirs Pampore town on Monday, ending a 50-hour standoff in which five soldiers and a civilian have been killed. A warlike stockpile of weapons and ammunition were found at the besieged Entrepreneurship Development Institute, a 15-acre campus housing three multi-storey buildings, where the terrorists were hiding. Major Arvind Dutta said the terrorists looked like foreigners. The Lashkar group is suspected in the attack and the men seemed to be part of a suicide squad. The army started a mop-up operation after the third terrorist died around 5pm. There were fears that some terrorists may have escaped taking advantage of support from residents, who gathered outside the site, chanted anti-India slogans and threw stones at soldiers. People in Kashmirs northern-most town of Uri protested against a police attempt to bury the three terrorists. There have been instances of security forces killing militants who turned out to be civilians killed in staged shootings, a resident said. Hundreds of people clashed with police demanding the bodies of the three terrorists. Security agencies bury slain terrorists far-off from the place where they are killed to prevent public funerals in their honour. The Pampore standoff possibly the longest in the history of militancy in Kashmir began on Saturday when heavily-armed terrorists stormed the institute, killing two CRPF men and a civilian. Another 13 paramilitary troops were wounded. The next day, the nation lost two young Captains Pawan Kumar of Haryana and Tushar Mahajan of J&K of the armys elite Para (Special Forces) and Lance Naik Om Prakash of Shimla under a volley of bullets in a fierce operation to flush out the rebels. Over 100 people were at the training centre in saffron-rich Pampore, some 12km from Srinagar, when the terrorists barged in but they were allowed to leave unharmed. (With agency inputs) With inputs from agencies Captain Tushar Mahajan of the armys 10 Para special forces laid down his life fighting three-to-five holed up terrorists at Pampore in Jammu and Kashmir. Injured on Friday while leading his team in the smoke-out operation, the Udhampur captain died on Sunday at 92 Base Hospital. He was son of Udhampur educationist and retired principal Dev Rah Gupta. Asha Gupta, mother of captain Tushar Mahajan, during a wreath laying ceremony at Northern command at Udhampur, 65 km from Jammu, on Monday. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo) A student of Little Flower convent in Udhampur up to Class 8 and later of Happy Model Higher Secondary School up to Class 12, he had joined the National Defence Academy (NDA). His former teacher Sunil George said: I am proud of my student. He was active since childhood and one of the top students in the class, in mathematics and games, especially. The entire nation and Udhampur particularly salutes his sacrifice. Devraj Gupta, father of captain Tushar Mahajan, during a wreath laying ceremony (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo) Read | Two army Captains killed in ongoing Pampore encounter, death toll 6 Captain Pawan Kumar, 23, of Jind and a Lance Naik Om Prakash, 32, also succumbed to injuries on Sunday, in the fierce operation ongoing to flush out terrorists hiding in a government complex in Pampore. JNU student leader Umar Khalid visited Nagpur last year to receive his university colleague and suspected Left-aligning courier Hem Mishra who was then released on bail from the central jail, police said on Monday. Mishra was arrested along with Prashant Rahi, a freelance journalist, in August 2013 in Maoist-hit Gadchiroli district over their alleged links with the Maoists. Nagpur range police claimed that Mishra was acting as a courier between Delhi University professor GN Saibaba and the underground top leaders of CPI (Maoist) including Puppalla Laxman Rao alias Ganapathy. Mishra was arrested when he was on his way to Abujhmad in Bastar (Chhattisgarh) via Bhamragarh (Maharashtra) carrying some vital information for the top Maoists leaders holed up in the region. Umar was in Nagpur in September last year to receive Mishra. Veera Sathidar, famous for the Marathi film Court, was also present to receive Mishra at the Nagpur central prison, police said. Saibaba came under their scanner during Mishras interrogation, police said. During his interrogation, Mishra told police he met Saibaba at his Delhi residence and was asked to pass on some important documents to the central leadership of CPI (Maoists) in Abujhmadh. Police said besides Mishra, three other arrested Left leaders Kobad Ghandy, Bacha Prasad Singh and Prashant Rahi also named Saibaba as their contact in the national capital. The anti-Naxalite operation (ANO) wing in Nagpur said the fact that Umar went to Nagpur to receive Mishra pointed to his links with Maoist sympathisers. Ravindra Kadam, inspector general of police (IGP), Nagpur range, who has been working on anti-Maoist operations in the region for five years, endorsed the ANO observation and said Umar was in Nagpur to receive Mishra. Mishra refuted the police claim that he was a courier or had any Maoist connection when he was released from Nagpur jail in September last. In fact, I was arrested from Ballarshah in Chandrapur district and not from Gadchiroli as the police claimed, he said after his release. Mishra said he was forcibly detained by the state police when he was on his way to Hemalkasa village in south Gadchiroli to meet the Magsaysay award-winner social worker Dr Prakash Amte. Sessions judge GA Sanap on Monday directed the prosecution to reschedule the deposition of Lashkar-e-Taiba operative David Coleman Headley via video-conferencing to facilitate his cross examination in connection with the 26/11 terror attacks. The advocate of Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, one of the 26/11 terror attack handlers who faces charges of conspiracy, informed the court that he will need four days to cross examine Headley. The court has asked the prosecution to arrange Headleys deposition through video conferencing and inform the court about the schedule by February 25. Read more: David Headleys deposition is irrefutable proof: Ujjwal Nikam Year after 26/11, LeT planned to attack another city, reveals Headley Headley was examined as a prosecution witness from February 8 to 13 by special public prosecutor Ujwal Nikam after he was declared approver in the case. On the last day of the examination, assistant US attorney Sarah Streicker told the court that in case of further adjournment, they will have to reschedule the timings. She further said that they will have to seek formal permission from the court to set up an arrangement again. The attorney also sought clarity on the number of days the defence advocate would take to cross examine the witness. The defence advocate informed the court on Monday that they will take four days to cross examine Headley. During his deposition before the court Headley had claimed that he was motivated by LeT chief Hafiz Saeeds speeches and had said that the top leadership of LeT was controlled by Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Headley had also told the court how he had conducted a recce at the behest of ISI officials major Sameer Ali and major Iqbal for the 26/11 terror attack. He also created a controversy of sorts when he had claimed that Ishrat Jahan, a girl from Mumbra who was killed in police action in Gujarat, was a LeT operative. This years Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams have started without the mandatory watchdog panel that keeps a watch over the examination process. After dissolving last years panel, the state government has not yet formed a new one in the Mumbai division of the state board. It is mandatory for every division in the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) to have a standing committee consisting of non-government members such as teachers and principals. This panel has roles ranging from checking the condition of institutes acting as exam centres before the exams begin and forming squads that visit exam centres to check on the conduct of the exams. However, this year, the board has been forced to begin the exams without the panel. The state government has not yet appointed any members to the standing committee, said Duttatray Jagatap, chairperson of the Mumbai division, which includes Thane, Palghar and Raigad. The committee is needed to help us in conducting the exams. Without the panel, the number of flying squads keeping vigilance on the exam centres in the division has also reduced this year. There are over a 1,000 exam centres in the division, we need as many flying squads as possible, he said. Since there are panel members who can be part of the flying squad, we only have those formed by education inspectors and collectors to monitor centres. The previous panel was dissolved in the middle of the board exams last year as it was customary for new governments to dismiss old members to bring in their own. But new appointments to the panel have not been finalised because of internal disputes between Shiv Sena and BJP, said education officials. Secretary of the board, Siddheshwar Chandekar said that they are hoping that the new panel will be formed at least before the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams which will start from March 1. The Mumbai division has the largest number of students, nearly 3.1 lakh in HSC and 3.4 lakh in SSC, in the state, said Chandekar. No other divisional board has such a large number of students, boards like Pune too have two lakh students at the most, so we have a huge workload. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON If creating a buzz around Maharashtras attempt to get investors attention was the motive, then Make In India Week was a major success. According to the state government, more than 2,500 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with investment prospects of about Rs8 lakh crore were signed with industrial groups. Questions are being raised whether majority of these MoUs will translate into real investment. Some opposition leaders have even pointed out that some of the companies had signed similar MoUs elsewhere. It is true that all MoUs never lead to assured investment since the investors take their decisions based on certain conditions, sops offered by the authorities and what they stand to gain in the long term. However, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and his team should get full marks for giving investors the impression that Maharashtra is keen to get more investment and offering incentives to the investors who want to set shops here. The attitude of the Fadnavis-led government is positive when it comes to creating industry-friendly atmosphere and speeding up the task to build infrastructure in the state, especially after we saw constantly changing policies of successive governments in the past two decades. One hopes this will continue and lead to some concrete results. As the Fadnavis government is celebrating the outcome of Make In India Week, many people from the industries and within the government are striking a note of caution. The interest shown by the industry is just the beginning and Fadnavis will have to support this with some tough measures, they say. In the past two decades, several investors faced obstacles in Maharashtra and decided to go elsewhere. Exorbitant cost of land, corruption in government and extortion by local politicians are identified as major problems in the state. It is alleged that the land mafia in each district have been calling the shots with the blessing of the politicians and bureaucrats. They know who would be buying land for industries or commercial purpose, especially in rural areas, and play a role in the transactions directly or indirectly. Many in local administration see new industry or commercial activity as an opportunity to make money and as such every permission and certificate required to set shop comes with a price tag. If that is not enough, several local politicians resort to extortion either by directly asking for money or forcing the investor to source raw material from them or appoint contractors and employees recommended by them. Apart from using marketing tools to attract investors, Fadnavis will have to deal with these elements and ensure that industry-friendly atmosphere prevails at the ground level too. And while everybody is talking about investment and industries, it is time to look at the long-neglected fact why is there no industrial development beyond a particular area? Most industrial development is concentrated in Mumbai-Pune-Nashik triangle and some pockets around major cities such as Aurangabad. It is often wondered why backward parts of the state have not gained equal attention. If industries can go to remote states such as Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh then why not in neglected areas of north Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha? Lets hope the response the state government received in Make In India Week makes this possible and less developed parts of the state benefit. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Levels of hazardous PM2.5 (inhalable particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in size) from India exceeded that of China in 2015 for the first time this century, a report by non-government organisation Greenpeace revealed. Analysis of NASA satellite data shows a steady rise in PM2.5 levels since 2003 in India a similar situation in China. But China put the brakes after pollution levels peaked in 2011 also the worst year on record following which pollution levels witnessed a downward trend with remarkable reduction across eastern and central China. Chinas particulate matter emissions started decreasing as 2015 witnessed a fall of 15 percent as compared to 2014. India, on the other hand, witnessed an increase of pollution levels at an average rate of 2 percent over the past decade. In India, particulate matter emissions are the highest in the north the National Capital Region recording a significant increase with West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh projecting the largest increases. Air pollution is a challenge in India. We need a national clean air action plan, so that cities can meet clean air standards, said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director and head of air pollution and clean transportation programme, Centre for Science and Environment, Delhi. All cities must adopt a mix of short term, medium, longterm and emergency strategies that must be rolled out at once. Taking note of rising pollution levels, the Delhi government introduced the odd-even car number policy as a pilot last month, while the Centre has announced its decision to move to Bharat VI vehicle emission norms by April 2020. There is an urgent need to set a deadline for meeting the national air quality standards with long term and interim targets and action plans. The plan should have mechanism to monitor the progress and empower authorities to take actions on compliance and noncompliance of the targets, said Sunil Dahiya, Campaigner, Greenpeace India. The air pollution crisis is an opportunity to test Indias emergency response plan and design coordinated action for a Clean Air Nation, According to World Health Organisation (WHO), 13 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world with deteriorating air pollution levels during past decade are in India largely covering north India. While the country is likely to be home to more number of polluted cities, Indias National Air Quality network comprises 39 air quality monitoring stations as compared to 1500 stations in China. According to the study, large cities such as Durgapur, Gorakhpur, Asansol, Shiliguri, Bareilly and Ludhiana though among the most polluted are outside the ambit of continuous air quality monitoring network. Though satellite data is being increasingly used to study air quality, it has its own uncertainty that needs to be accounted for. Comparison with data sets from other satellites as well as ground-based measurements must also be looked at, as also emissions from other polluting gases in addition to PM to ascertain the trend, said professor Ritesh Gautam from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) HT had last year reported how pollution was creating holes in the dense winter fog cover over north Indian cities such as Delhi and other urbanized areas of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) based on satellite data sourced from NASA and analysed by Gautam. A long term analysis of winter fog over the IGP mapped from NASA satellite data from 2000 to 2014 for December and January revealed an increasing trend of both fog and pollutants over the eastern parts of the Indo-Gangetic plains UP, Bihar, West Bengal and parts of Nepal and Bangladesh. A report presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science early this month revealed that globally more than half of the 5.5 million premature deaths every year due to indoor and outdoor pollution occurred in China and India in 2013. China is an example of how determined policies and tougher enforcement can turn the tide on air pollution to peoples benefit, said Lauri Myllyvirta, air pollution specialist with Greenpeace East Asia. The Indian government needs to have plans to avoid the same disastrous health impact due air pollution has had in China. A few years back not many Indians were aware of a country called Rwanda. But last year, Indian tourist numbers to the picturesque country in central Africa grew by more than 30-fold. From just 400 vacationers from India in 2014, the country which is less than one-tenth the size of Maharashtra, hosted 14,000 Indian tourists last year, according to its tourism department. Rwanda is among the list of new countries that Indians are exploring. A small but growing number of Indian travellers are exploring destinations beyond Dubai, Singapore and Thailand. For instance, Romania did not maintain any data of Indian holidaymakers until 2014, but last year, the country in central Europe recorded 9,000 Indian tourist arrivals and expects the number to rise by more than 10% this year. India is the second target tourist destination after China and recognising the potential, the Rwanda tourism department has been promoting their offerings in India in a big way, said Joseph Kabakeza, first counsellor, deputy head of mission, high commission of the Republic of Rwanda. Other destinations, which were considered off-beat earlier, have seen a similar growth in Indian tourists. The number of Indians heading out to Israel increased by 11% between 2014 and 2015, visitors to Bhutan increased by 17% and those to Maldives by 15%. These countries were among 50-odd foreign destinations that participated in OTM- 2016, a three-day travel fair held at Goregaon, last week. According to industry estimates, a majority of Indian travelers prefer closer destinations like Dubai, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. In January, Singapore recorded more than a million Indian tourist arrivals and year-on-year growth of 7.4%. Technology, digital marketing, and social media are helping tourism boards from across the globe to connect with interested tourists in India, said Sanjiv Agarwal, the chairman and chief executive officer at Fairfest Media Ltd, which organised the Mumbai event.Traditionally, a majority of Indian travelers to Israel were pilgrims. But now we are getting an increasing number of leisure tourists drawn to the night life and exotic cuisines, said Hassan Madah, director (India) with the Israels ministry of tourism. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Giving a setback to the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Sarbans Singh Manki, who had resigned from the membership of the SGPC and SAD in context with desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in 2015, joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday. Manki (45), who remained the president of the youth wing of SAD for six years and national general secretary for three years, said he was upset with the sacrilege of the Granth Sahib and killing of two youths at Behbal Kallan last year and hence decided to join AAP. Expressing happiness, the member from the from Samrala constituency said, I am glad about my decision. Welcoming Manki at AAPs office at Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Member of Parliament Bhagwant Mann said, Honest leaders are joining the party. We will give all due respect to Manki in the party. He has been a respected religious and political personality in Samrala area and his entry will provide more strength to the party. Meanwhile, the incharge for building organisation structure, Durgesh Pathak informed that Delhi chief minister and party convener Arvind Kejriwal will visit Punjab from February 25 to 29 and meet people of several districts, including Sangrur, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Amritsar and Ludhiana. Pathak added that Kejriwal would also meet families of farmers who committed suicides during his visit. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON With the arrest of five persons, police on Monday claimed to have busted a gang involved in at least four automated teller machine (ATM) robberies in the district. Cops, who were under fire for having failed to make any headway in the cases so far, said they have recovered Rs 11 lakh from the accused. Among those arrested are two graduates, who worked as cash loaders in a cash replenishment agency and a security guard. The accused had recently targeted four ATMs in Jalandhar and decamped with Rs 56 lakh. Police have also recovered .32 bore rifle, .12 bore double barrel gun, a Maruti Zen car, two bikes, two Activa scooters, four helmets, three master keys and a gas-cutter from their possession. The accused have been identified as Kamal Kumar, 27, of Sofi village, Sunny Hans, 29, of Avtar Nagar near Guru Nanak Pura East, Deepak Kumar, 26, of Jalandhar Cantonment, Malkiat Singh, 43, of Kanjli village and Kuldeep Kumar (25) of Nawan Pind Bhatha of Kapurthala district. One Bawa, 40, of Kanjli village, who had gone to Dubai after two robberies, has also been booked in the case. Sunny and Deepak, both graduates from a varsity in Alwar, Rajasthan, and Kamal, a class-12 pass-out, used to work as cash loaders in a cash replenishment agency in Jalandhar and had left their jobs some time ago. Malkiat, who had worked as a security guard in the same company, was known to Kuldeep, a skilled welder. After reading reports in newspapers about the failure of police in arresting ATM robbers, the group decided to form a gang to earn quick money. Cash-loaders had information that ATMs were stuffed with during holidays and weekends. Before committing robberies, the accused used to conduct a recce and disconnect the wires of inbuilt cameras of kiosk they wanted to target. The machine was opened with master keys. After committing the robberies, the accused used to drive away on Activa scooters and bikes with their faces covered with helmets. Malkiats job was to keep guard with a weapon outside asothers entered the kiosk and pulled the shutters down. Kamal used to make marks on the machine and Kuldeep used gas-cutters to open it. After looting the cash, they used to assemble at Sunnys house where the loot share was distributed. Malkiat, who had procured a weapon license with the help of some political contact, purchased a chunk of land with his share of money, said police. Deepak spent it on his sister;s marriage, while Kuldeep used it for his fathers treatment. Jalandhar police commissioner Yurinder Singh Hayer said the accused were arrested when they were planning to target another ATM. He lauded his team comprising additional deputy commissioner of police (investigation) Vivek Sheel Soni, assistant commissioner of police (Model town) Karanveer Singh, station house officer Navdeep Singh and others for cracking the case. With their arrest, four ATM robberies including at State Bank of India ATM at Maqsudan in March 2015, UCO Bank ATM at Guru Gobind Singh Avenue in October 2015, Union Bank ATM in Basti Bawa Khel in January 2016 and Allahabad Bank ATM at Urban Estate Phase-II this month, have been solved, added the police commissioner. The accused have been booked under sections 399 (making preparation to commit dacoity) and 402 (assembling for purpose of committing dacoity) of the Indian Penal Code. A local court sent them to a one-day police remand. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) has suffered a loss of Rs 30 lakh during the last four days, as its services to the Rohtak, Delhi and other main stations remained suspended for the third consecutive day on Sunday due to the Jat agitation in Haryana. The rail services also remained affected as all trains from here on the Jind-Hisar route were cancelled. However, some trains up to Ambala were allowed to run. Even special trains, which carry coal to thermal power stations, have not reached Punjab during the past six days. Though, there is no immediate coal crisis, but power engineers say if the strike prolonged, the situation will turn worse. As per the PRTC records, during the last three days nearly 180 buses to Haryana were cancelled, which included bus services to Delhi, Jind, Hisar, Panipat, Rohtak and Kaithal. Due to violence, we have decided to withdraw services for the time being. The PRTC has suffered a loss of ` 10 lakh per day, said MS Hundal, general manager, PRTC. He said that services to shorter routes like Ambala and Kurukshetra are operational. TRICITY REMAINS CUT OFF CHANDIGARH: The tricity remained cut off from Delhi for the third consecutive day on Sunday. All mail, express and passengers trains on the Ambala-PanipatDelhi route remained cancelled and all buses of Haryana Roadways remained off road. Scores of people remained stranded at the Sector-17 ISBT. The city railway station also wore a deserted look. Even taxi service is not available for Delhi due to blockade across Haryana. A taxi service operator, Manjeet Singh Gulia, said: I have been receiving a lot of calls from people who have to go to Delhi in emergency, but we are helpless as all routes are closed. The only route which was opened till morning for Delhi was via Meerut, but now that route is also witnessing traffic jams. Sabah Ali, Panchkula resident said, We had a harrowing experience while going to Gurgaon. We had to drive through Meerut to reach Delhi. Our car got stuck in a field at a remote village. It took us nine hours to reach Gurgaon from Panchkula. We had our breakfast and lunch at the Sector 17 bus stand while waiting for the bus to Gurgaon. We are being told that there will be no bus for the next two days. We reached Chandigarh from Patiala in the morning to attend a wedding in Gurgaon, said Surjeet Singh, Patiala resident. REFUND OF TICKETS Those who had bought train tickets from Chandigarh railway station can get refund from the rail reservation. Those who had booked tickets online can get it from the official website of Northern Railways by enter the PNR number. For Haryana roadways buses, commuters can get the refund of their e-tickets through transport@hry.nic.in. Rail services continued to hit commuters hard on the third consecutive day due to Jat agitation in Haryana. More than 16 trains, including Shatabadi Express, Sachkhand Express, Super fast mail, Dakshin, Amarpali, Dadar, Flying mail, Shan-e-Punjab, Delhi-Pathankot, Tata Muri Express, Heerakund Express and Inter-city Express, which run to and fro from here through Haryana were cancelled for the third consecutive day. As majority of the trains and passengers go to that direction, passengers are suffering a lot. Some passengers, who wanted to go to Delhi opted to stay at Golden Temple, hotels and residences of their relatives till the normalcy return. They did not even choose to ride on a bus as deep tension gripped the neighbouring state and its roads, including Amritsar-Delhi national highway have also been blocked by the agitators. So, they do not want to take risk. I was to attend a wedding function of my close relative at New Delhi on Sunday, but due to the ongoing stir I failed to reach there on time. Also, the airlines have shoot up their air fares so much that I cannot even think to buy. Uncertainty still prevails as to when the rail services would become normal, said Naresh Kumar, who sits at station worrying over the situation. A railway official said the agitating community has also led to a large-scale damage of railway assets, installations, vendors and business. The railway station wore a deserted look with very few trains coming and going. The ongoing Jat stir has taken a heavy toll on the e-tailing business here as customers have been left high and dry with the arrival of their packages getting delayed due to road and rail blockades. Harried customers are calling up helpline numbers of online shopping sites such as Amazon and Flipkart to enquire about the status of their orders. Gurbir Singh Bajwa, Amazon delivery manager (Ludhiana range), said the business has been hit hard as our shipments are lying stuck for the past four days. As a result, we havent been able to deliver products to our customers, who have been constantly calling us up, he added. Two trucks, each with approximately 1,500-1,600 articles, come to us daily. We havent received any shipment in the past four days. If the agitation continues, we will not only lose revenue worth crores, but also our customer base (confidence) will take a hit, added Bajwa. A Flipkart customer care executive said the flow of calls from customers seeking information regarding their ordered packages has increased manifold in the past few days. Its really diffuclt to convince customers who are very upset, said the executive. Pavneet Arora, a city resident, who had ordered a laptop online, said: They had promised me delivery last week, However, I am still waiting for my order. The executives of the company are re-scheduling delivery dates. These companies should have alternate provisions to deal with such emergency situations. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The biweekly Lahore-Attari Samjhauta Express was cancelled on Monday in view of the widespread violence in Haryana due to the ongoing Jat agitation. The Samjhauta Express was to arrive at Attari from Lahore on Monday. The Pakistan Railways, however, informed their Indian counterparts of the decision to cancel the train. The reason for cancellation of the Attari-Lahore train comes following the decision of the Indian Railways to cancel the Attari--New Delhi Special, an extension of the Samjhauta Express, that transports incoming passengers from Pakistan to New Delhi. The train from Delhi, which operates on the same day as the train from Lahore, also brings passengers from the Indian capital city to Attari, for their onward journey to Lahore. Besides Monday, the Lahore-Attari train also runs on Thursday. The railway authorities of the two nations will review the situation and then decide whether the train will run on Thursday, a senior railway official told HT. Meanwhile, the Lahore-New Delhi bus services have also been put on hold till the situation normalises in Haryana. Curfew was imposed in five villages of Hisar district and shoot-at-sight orders issued following a face-off between Jats and other community members in the area on Monday. Earlier in the day curfew was lifted from Hisar and Hansi towns of the district even as road and rail traffic from here to various destinations remained suspended. Deputy Commissioner Chander Shekhar Khare issued orders clamping curfew in five villages of Sisai, Pano Bolan, Kali Rava, Sainipura and Dhanipal falling in Hansi sub-division. The curfew has been imposed as a precautionary measure to avert a clash after Jats and other community members came face to face in the five villages, he said. Shoot-at-sight orders have also been issued, the official order said. The DC said that army and police patrolling in the affected villages has been stepped up and appeal issued to the people to maintain peace and remain indoors. Road traffic on various national and state highways from Hisar to various destinations, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Sirsa, Siwani and Bhiwani is disrupted. Railway traffic from Hisar to various destinations including Delhi, Ludhiana, Bhiwani and Sadulpur also remained suspended. Spokesman of All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti Ram Bhagat Malik said they would hold a meeting later in the day to decide on the future course of action, including lifting of blockades by their supporters at various places. Malik said the Yashpal Malik group of Jats was not called for talks held by the BJP and the Centre on Sunday. Claiming that the Congress was all set to be victorious in the 2017 assembly elections, former chief minister and senior Congress leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal has said that the state government was living on borrowed times. The SAD has completed its days of ruling the state and would be out of power in 2017. The government is generating funds from revenue through drugs, said Bhattal at a meeting with district party workers in Khanouri on Monday. Taking a dig at Aam Aadmi Partys (AAPs) performance in Delhi, Bhattal said party chief Arvind Kejriwal had managed to fool the residents of Delhi. The AAP has no real standing among people and people would soon forget that there was ever another party by this name. Delhi residents could be fooled by their promises, but the AAP cannot repeat the same in Punjab, Bhattal said. Punjabis are smart and the Congress would form the next government. I and state party chief Captain Amarinder Singh would work for the state and party and for welfare of the public. I will contest from Lehragaga in Sangrur, she added. A day after student leader-turned-sarpanch Rajwinder Singh alias Ravi Khwajke was brutally killed at a marriage function, police on Sunday claimed to have identified nine culprits and said Khwajke was killed following an old rivalry. Police addressing a press conference here said, Conspiracy behind the brutal murder of Congress supporter sarpanch was hatched in jail. Deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Narinder Bhargav said, Bhargav said, Police have booked Davinder Singh Shooter of Bambiha in Moga, Avtar Singh of Dosanjh village in Moga, along with Jumpy and Bunty, who had opened fire on Khwajke. Besides, Dharminder Singh Gugni, Karamveer Singh, Jassi, Navpreet Singh Cheema alias Noni and Mandee p Singh of Meharban have also been booked. Accused Jassi is the brother of deceased gangster Kala Hawas, he said. Two accused Dharminder Singh Gugni and Karamveer Singh are at present lodged in jail as an undertrial in an attempt to murder case. The police seek production warrant for them from jail for questioning on Monday, he said. Meanwhile, several teams have been formed to nab the remaining accused, he added. The police procured the closecircuit television (CCTV) footage and video recording of the wedding. In the footage, four accused have been captured shooting at Khwajke. Though Ravi Khwajke had cover of private security and bouncers, no one came forward to encounter the culprits. After the attack, the accused remained at the spot for some time and celebrated by dancing. The culprits fired 50 bullets in the air in celebration before leaving the marriage venue. DCP Bhargav said, The police have registered a case of killing, attempt to murder and under Arms Act against the accused following the statement of Khwajke village numberdar Harpal Singh. He was also invited to the marriage function, where Ravi Khwajkee was gunned down. Witnesses said, Some friends of groom Maninderjit Singh alias Mani Grewal were opening fire in the air while celebrating. In the meantime, they heard continuous firing, and came to know that someone was gunned down. Within a few minutes, all guests went out of the marriage palace. Khwajkes accomplice Balwinder Singh alias Boota of Sangrur also suffered bullet injury in the attack. He was admitted to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), where his condition is stated too be stable. ALSO READ: Sarpanch gunned down at marriage function in Ludhiana The municipal corporation (MC) will start round the clock Night Food Street at Sector 14 from March 1. The MC had already allotted kiosks at the rate of Rs 50,000 per month for one year, extendable up to three years. Joint municipal commissioner Rajeev Gupta said, The night food street will be made operational 24x7 from March 1. On December 21, the finance and contracts committee allowed the night food street to operate on round-the-clock basis. He said, Kiosks will be used only for selling fast food, Indian, Chinese, continental and south Indian and other food-related items, such as juices and cold drinks. It has also been decided to restrict the sale of non-vegetarian food. The kiosks will have to pay a licence fee of Rs 50,000 annually to operate. On December 5, the Punjab and Haryana high court had asked the administration to explore the possibility of setting up more night food streets in the city. After directions from a local court, a first information report (FIR) was registered against a munshi of the Kotwali police station for allegedly raping a 28-year-old in the deputy superintendent of police (DSP) office at Baradari in 2015. Patiala senior superintendent of police (SSP), Gurmeet Singh Chauhan confirmed that the FIR under sections 376 (rape) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered against the accused identified as Harinderpal Singh, who is son of a police official. The SSP said police are trying procure technical evidence before making any arrest in the case. The court had acted tough after police gave Harinderpal a clean chit following an inquiry by DSP city Harpal Singh. Unsatisfied with the police probe which even failed to conduct the victims medical examination the court of judicial magistrate (first class), Amandeep, ordered the police to lodge the FIR on Saturday. Instead of lodging an FIR against the accused straightway, SSP Patiala marked i to DSP (city-1) in whose office the alleged offence had been committed, the court had observed. After conducting a preliminary inquiry and recording statements of the accused and complainant, the DSP in his report said no legal action was necessary at this stage. While justifying the police action SSP Patiala, Gurmeet Singh Chauhan said there are multiple aspects in the case to be investigated. Victims advocates Jagdish Sharma and Bhuvesh Tiwari claimed police were trying to settle the case by putting pressure on the complainant. The victim, her mother and brother applied for a passport and Harinderpal visited their house for verification. During the verification, he took the victims mobile phone number and started messaging her after a few days. He even proposed her for marriage. The accused called the victim to the DSP office on a Sunday and allegedly raped her. In her complaint to the police, the victim alleged that the accused kept on delaying the marriage as his parents were against it. He told the victim that they would tie the knot in Chandigarh and seek protection from the Punjab and Haryana high court. Again, he gave an excuse that the required documents were not in place and told the victim that they would solemnise the marriage at Naina Devi. The accused took her to Himachal Pradesh and bought her a bridal dress. Terming the victim his wife, he again developed physical relations with her, alleged the victim. Later, the accused took the victim to Solan where they stayed for two days. However, when the victim insisted that they should disclose their marriage, the accused started evading her which prompted her to approach the police. In what is by far the most damning indictment of the champions of free speech in the country by a mainstream actor, veteran Malayalam star Mohanlal has come down heavily on protests spreading through our universities by posting an emotional blog piece on Sunday. Written in Malayalam, the post, titled Respect freedom, respect its price too, appeals to all to react rationally. The actor begins his piece with a reference to a picture in a newspaper where the four-month-old daughter of Lance Naik Sudheesh, one of the nine soldiers killed after they were trapped in an avalanche in Siachen, was being shown her fathers body. The soldier could never see his daughter. In the same newspaper I read about the fight in our universities on what love for the nation is. Fights in assemblies, bar scam and other news stories too were there. I felt sorrow and shame at the same time, Mohanlal writes. Read: I am Umar Khalid and Im not a terrorist, says JNU student returns to campus Even as our soldiers are paying with their lives to save our country, he continues, it is hypocritical of us to talk of freedom of speech and patriotism. He continues: We cover ourselves in thick blankets at the first sign of chill in the weather. We have hot water to brush our teeth and take a bath. It is after utilising these comforts that we go to universities and offices and discuss about our soldiers, abuse them and question them. Read: Umar Khalid, 4 others charged with sedition spotted at JNU Just as children cannot abandon their aged parents, the actor argues, citizens too cannot distant themselves from the nation. Our country is the soil we stand on, the sky above our heads, the air we breathe, the water we drink and finally the piece of land that we will become one with as we die. In conclusion, he writes: I dont care for such debates or discussions if we dont strengthen our democracy. It is time that parents talk talked to their children about what a nation means. ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop You say I love you too much, protests Paul Rusts Gus, mid break up, to his girlfriend, who has just made him aware of her infidelities. Its his fault of course. He is, in her words, fake nice. Meanwhile, across town, Gillain Jacobs Mickey, enraged, has just followed her man-child boyfriend out onto the street. Five minutes ago they were in bed. Now, he wants to go clothes shopping with his mom, and shes yelling at the both of them in her underwear. As both relationships meet their bittersweet end, Netflixs new romantic comedy series Love, begins. After the quirky insights of Aziz Ansaris Master of None, Netflix gives you another present. But this time, the package is hastily wrapped and torn. Not because the shows no good, in fact it may even be better. But be warned, this time theres no fluff. Theres no bright ribbon and theres no honkytonk ringtone. Its a good, hard look at the realities of the modern world, and the (usually) unsuccessful attempts of its natives to find - you guessed it - love. Front and centre are Paul Rust and Gillian Jacobs, playing out the oldest trope in all of television: Will they, wont they. Read: Netflixs Making a Murderer review: This show can save lives Yup, weve seen it all a million times before. And we know how its all going to end. But lets stop looking at it dismissively. Theres a reason why they revisit this dynamic time and time again. The problem isnt the worn out premise, because like a relationship gasping its last, its the lack of mystery thats the real pest. And thats exactly where Love succeeds. It adds some spice to our relationship with romantic comedies, and in its ten emotionally and tonally rambunctious episodes, reminds us why we started going out in the first place. Paul Rust, despite his best protests, really does come off as a young Woody Allen. Gus and Mickey couldnt be more different: Shes the quintessential life of every party, if she even decides to grace them with her presence in the first place, that is. And hes the nerd, his love for magic an open secret, obsessed with movies and their Blu-Ray special features (Phew, I thought I was the only one). But a break up cant tell prom queens from geeks, because after those breathless opening scenes, one thing connects them: Theyve both been left behind. Of course theyre meant for each other. But its still the first episode, and make no mistake, Love will arrive at its destination, but like all those travellers more concerned with the journey, it takes the scenic route. It takes longer and isnt the most efficient way to go about things, but whos complaining? Read: Netflix comes to India: 5 shows to kick start the bingefest Like co-creator Judd Apatows movies, Love ummmm loves spending time with its characters. Theyre real people, with real problems and real flaws. Their friends arent caricatures, but, like them, theyre living and breathing people with their own messy lives. Watch the trailer here Paul Rust, despite his best protests, really does come off as a young Woody Allen, and not only because of their physical resemblance. Like a young Woody, Rust has written himself as a neurotic nerd, but with stud-like superpowers with the ladies. Its the most overt wish-fulfillment fantasy. But its Gillian Jacobs, known for her adorable klutz Britta Perry on Community, who steals the show. Her character Mickey, is a raw, self-destructive mess just as prone to long eulogies of Uber as she is to attending cult meetings high on Ambien. Read: Louis CKs Horace and Pete is making TV history. We must pay attention Essentially, the whole show is about that magical, mysterious phase of a relationship where no one has any idea where its going or whats going to happen. Once again, its all about the journey. Its about the hesitation of that first text, and the uneasy anticipation of a reply once youve summoned the courage to send draft no. 53. Its about the voices that scream out no! before you decide to reveal embarrassing secrets about yourself. Its about the awkwardness of the first date, and the pressure of topping it with the second. Its about projecting the best aspects of your personality, and quickly thinking of excuses once the jig is up and your flaws cant be kept hidden anymore. Its about putting yourself in a food coma when things dont work out. But more than any of that, its about how none of it really matters, because thats the first sign youve found the one. You really, really, really want it to work out for Gus and Mickey. By the tenth time that theme song begins, you already start missing these characters. Theyve become your friends. You want to live with them in their sunny Los Angeles apartments and work on crappy TV shows and radio programs. You want to take never-ending rides on the subway and pretend to like fancy restaurants. You really, really, really want it to work out for Gus and Mickey. Follow @htshowbiz for more Vote for #HTOscars here. The author tweets @NaaharRohan National Award-winning Malayalam film Ottaal was adjudged the Best Film by childrens jury at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival and has been honoured with the Crystal Bear award in the Generation Kplus section. Directed by Jayaraj Rajasekharan Nair, Ottaal is an adaptation of a short story by Russian writer Anton Chekhov and narrates the story of an old fisherman and his grandson. A post on the official Twitter handle of the festival announced the result. The post read: GENERATION K+ Crystal Bears announced! Best Short: EL INICIO DE FABRIZIO, Best Film: OTTAAL. The official site of the festival describes Ottaal, which means a trap, as an exceptional movie tugging at the heart strings with its irresistible images of nature, laid-back music and amazingly gifted actors. Read: Malayalam film Ottaal to release in theatres, online on same day The unique way of filming certain details blew us away. We think its important that such a sad and serious topic be tackled in a movie, though the film also managed to capture the humour and joy of life. The official site of the festival describes Ottaal (trap) as an exceptional movie tugging at the heart strings. (Ottaal-Movie-312582772286256/Facebook) The Indian film was picked as the best by members of the childrens jury in Generation Kplus. The jury included Fabian Behrendt, Mathilda Fastabend, Felix Fuentes-Hare, Julian Leisle, Lilia Channary Noack, Mette Maren Schmahl, Fritzi Schneider-Reuter, Moritz Suenbach, Sophie Tischmann, Tamino Kohne, Irma Weiche. The Berlin International Film Festival brings forward an array of films from every genre. And it also has a special section dedicated to films for young audiences in Generation. The fest was held from February 11-21. Watch Ottaal trailer here: The win comes a triple bonanza for Indian cinema as this is the third year in a row that Indian films have won accolade at the fest. Killa won in 2014 and Dhanak in 2015. Ottaal won two National Awards for Best Screenplay and Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film. It was screened at the Mumbai Film Festival and the International Film Festival of Kerala. ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop A plea by comedian Bill Cosbys wife to halt her upcoming deposition in a defamation case was put down by a federal judge in Massachusetts on Sunday night. The case was brought by seven women against the disgraced entertainer. Camille Cosbys lawyers late on Saturday filed an emergency motion to delay her deposition, which is scheduled for Monday, pending an appeal of a judges Friday ruling not to stay the proceeding. They argued the deposition would create a media circus and threaten her personal safety. US district judge Mark Mastroianni ruled late on Sunday night that the deposition would go ahead on Monday morning. He also ordered the attorneys to court for a brief status conference ahead of the meeting. Lawyers for the seven women fired back at the Camille Cosbys motion on Sunday, saying the claims were without merit. The Cosbys last-minute filing is the latest in a series of increasingly brazen attempts to interfere with the deposition of Mrs. Cosby, the attorneys said in a filing. The Cosbys should not be allowed to indefinitely delay Mrs Cosbys deposition by repeatedly filing what is in substance the same motion, over and over again. Mastroianni earlier this month ruled that Camille Cosby would have to talk to lawyers bringing the defamation suit against the comedian, although she could not be compelled to reveal private conversations with her husband. Read | Bill Cosby charged over sexual assault, posts $1 million bail More than 50 women have publicly accused Cosby - best known for his role as the father in the 1980s television hit The Cosby Show - of raping them, often after plying them with alcohol or drugs in incidents dating back decades. Most of the alleged assaults date too far back to be criminally prosecuted, but Pennsylvania officials late last year charged the 78-year-old entertainer with sexually assaulting a woman in 2005, with the charges coming just days before the statute of limitations was to expire. Cosby has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, but a Pennsylvania judge early this month rejected Cosbys request to dismiss the charges. Read | Even after rape charges, Cosbys Walk of Fame star is staying The Massachusetts lawsuit was filed in December 2014 by Tamara Green and later joined by six other women who contend Cosby sexually assaulted or abused and defamed them by calling them liars. China has become the worlds third largest weapons exporters with Pakistan emerging as the top recipient of its arms, according to a report from a leading think tank on Monday. Communist China, which has the worlds largest armed forces, nearly doubled its arms exports in the past 10 years, said the report on global arms trade by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Beijing is now capable of producing advanced weapons and is less dependent on imports. With its 5.9% share of the global arms market, China is still dwarfed by the US and Russia but Beijings clout is clearly increasing and Islamabad is making the most of it. Pakistan was the main recipient of Chinese exports, accounting for 35%, followed by Bangladesh and Myanmar, accounting for 20% and 16% respectively (all three states are neighbours of India, the leading importer of arms in the region), the report said. China is scheduled to transfer eight submarines to Pakistan and two more to Bangladesh, the report said. Beijing and Islamabad are key allies who describe themselves as all-weather friends, and the SIPRI report indicates a further strengthening of their military ties. China, reports say, has aided Pakistan to set up its nuclear and ballistic missiles programmes, besides supplying conventional arms. The report further said India continued to be the largest importer of major arms in 2011-15, accounting for 14% of the global total. In 2011-15 Indias imports were three times greater than those of either of its regional rivals: China and Pakistan, it said. Unlike India, which has failed to produce competitive indigenously designed weapons, China has become increasingly capable of producing advanced hardware, the report said. China imported 25% less arms between 2006-10 and 2011-15. While in the early-2000s China was by far the largest importer, it dropped to third place in 2011-15, the report said. It added: However, China remains partly dependent on imports for some key weapons and components, including large transport aircraft and helicopters, and engines for aircraft, vehicles and ships. In 2015, China signed orders for air defence systems and 24 combat jets from Russia, indicating that it is not yet self-sufficient in those categories. Chinas largest supplier was Russia, which accounted for 59% of the imports, followed by France with 15% and Ukraine with 14%. In coming years, Chinas dependence on imported arms is expected to further decrease as it leaders invest billions of dollars to develop the home-grown weapons industry. Chinas military budget in 2015 was more than 886 billion Yuan ($141.45 billion), 10% more than the year before. The report said the ve biggest weapons exporters in 2011-15 were the US, Russia, China, France and Germany, accounting for 74% of total exports. Combined, the US and Russia supplied 58% of all exports. The ve biggest importers in 2011-15 were India, Saudi Arabia, China, the UAE and Australia. Together, they received 34% of all arms imports, the report added. Madhesi parties opposed to Nepals new Constitution are mulling a move to impose a fresh blockade of the border with India because they are upset with the governments unilateral decision to create a mechanism to divide the country into six states. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, on a visit to India, has said that all issues related to the Constitution have been sorted out. But the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), comprising political parties from the Terai plains, has rejected the political mechanism for demarcation of federal boundaries. Less than two weeks after ending a blockade of key border trade points, the UDMF is contemplating a move to deny access to them again. If the government continues to ignore our demands and take unilateral decisions, we might impose another blockade in April-May, said Upendra Yadav, chairman of the Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal, a member of the UDMF. The UDMF described the creation of the mechanism to demarcate the boundaries of the six states as the third unilateral move by the government, after the promulgation of the Constitution and some amendments made to address the demands of Madhesis. The mechanism was formed a day ahead of Olis India visit, not to solve the problem but it was a drama to please New Delhi, said Yadav. The blockade in the Terai, the region where Madhesis are the dominant group, had resulted in a severe shortage of essential goods, medicines and fuel. It was lifted by the UDMF earlier this month, after 135 days, citing the difficulties faced by the people. Entry of three more Terai-based parties into the UDMF, taking the total number to seven, has bolstered the grouping and it is planning more protests this time around. We may have lifted the blockade, but out agitation will continue till our demands are met, Yadav said. The UDMF, which wants the creation of two Madhes states stretching from east to west in the Terai region, rejected the political mechanism as it was formed without any terms of reference. India has described the Nepal governments talks with Madhesi parties and amendment of the Constitution as positive developments, but wants Olis regime to address all outstanding issues through consensus. We will continue to hold talks with the government, but doubt their sincerity, said Yadav. Violent protests by Madhesi parties since August last year have left 58 people dead, including several security personnel. The parties are opposed to plans to amalgamate parts of the Terai plains with the hills in the proposed states, saying this will perpetuate discrimination against the Madhesis. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON As much as 48% of all children under five in Pakistan suffer from inhibited growth and development, one of the highest levels of stunting in the world, according to a report by the World Bank. During a visit to Pakistan earlier this month, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim warned this trend would have dire consequences in coming years. Kim told an audience at a university in Karachi that in the age of the digital economy, Pakistan would be left far behind because its young labour force would be unable to compete. The World Bank report further said that pregnant women in Pakistan are unable to provide the nutrition needed for babies to grow normally. This affects their growth after birth as well. An editorial in a local newspaper on this topic said the food insecurity of today in Pakistan is going to feed the jobs insecurity of tomorrow. It commented that stunted children make for a stunted workforce a generation hence. More than 60% of Pakistans population is under 17, according to government figures. Accurate numbers are hard to come by as the country has not had a proper census in thirty years. Pakistans human development indicators continue to remain one of the lowest in South Asia. Little has been done on the ground to address the issue, experts say. Health specialist Saad Shafqat said that provincial governments have been unable to address basic issues such as nutrition and child health despite having the resources. Take for example the hundreds of children who have died in the Thar region due to malnutrition, he said. The deployment of missiles in South China Sea is no different from US deployments on the island of Hawaii, China said on Monday, ahead of foreign minister Wang Yis visit to Washington to meet Secretary of State John Kerry. The US criticised China last week after it emerged that Beijing had deployed surface-to-air missile systems on a South China Sea island under its control but claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam. Beijing reacted sharply to Washingtons talk of militarising the maritime region, saying the dispute should be resolved by countries that are involved. The US is not involved in the South China Sea dispute, and this is not and should not become a problem between China and the US, foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a news briefing on Monday. Hua, according to official news agency Xinhua, criticised the US for stirring hype over the militarisation of South China Sea. The US side is misusing the concept. The deployment of defence facilities on Chinas own territory is no different from what US does in Hawaii, she said. Hua said Chinas construction on its islands in South China Sea was for civilian purposes and providing better international public goods. She added the deployment of limited defence measures is granted by international law to sovereign states, and has nothing to do with militarisation. Responding to a question on UN sanctions against North Korea for its missile launches, Hua said, China and the US are expected to exchange views on the Korean peninsula nuclear issue during Wangs visit. The UN Security Council is discussing sanctions against North Korea over its recent nuclear test and a satellite launch using ballistic missile technology. China supports the UN Security Council adopting a new and strong resolution against North Korea while urging relevant parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions, Hua said. An Afghan official says a suicide bomber targeting a police commander killed at least 13 people, including nine civilians, in the northern Parwan province. Gen. Zaman Mamozai, the provincial police chief, said Mondays attack happened near a clinic and a bazaar. He says four local police were among those killed, and another 19 people, including 17 civilians, were wounded. The police commander who was targeted in the attack was among those wounded. The Taliban claimed responsibility in an email sent to the media. Taliban insurgents regularly target Afghan security forces, often killing civilians in the process. An Uber driver from Michigan was arrested on Sunday in as the prime suspect behind the shooting in Kalamazoo that kiled six people. The police reported he may have driven customers of the car-hailing service the night of the rampage. Prosecutors alleged that Jason Dalton, 45, opened fire, apparently at random, in parking lots outside an apartment building, a car dealership and at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Kalamazoo, about 240 km West of Detroit. Two other people were wounded, including a teenage girl who was initially thought to have died. Authorities could not confirm Dalton was working for Uber during the nearly five-hour shooting spree on Saturday evening. He was arrested without incident on Sunday while driving away from the parking lot of an area bar. An Uber representative confirmed that Dalton was a company driver and had passed background checks. The representative referred questions about whether Dalton was working at the time of the shootings to police. Members of the community pray before the start of the Kalamazoo Community Prayer Service at Centerpoint Church on in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Sunday. (AP) The victims appear to be chosen at random, because they were available, Kalamazoo County prosecuting attorney Jeff Getting said. They were shot multiple times, multiple - 9, 10, 11 shell casings at each of these scenes. The carnage in Kalamazoo, a city of about 75,000 people, was the latest in a series of mass shootings that have elevated gun control as a campaign issue in the November US presidential election. The attack also prompted renewed interest in how Uber vets drivers, who use their personal vehicles to ferry customers at prices that are generally below those of established taxi companies. Critics say the companys vetting process is flawed because it never meets with potential drivers in person. Uber says on its website that it has an extensive driver screening process that includes collecting detailed information from potential drivers and using the investigation service Checkr to vet them. Other websites and databases such at the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website are used as well. WOOD-TV, a Grand Rapids station, quoted police as saying they were investigating reports Dalton dropped off Uber fares at a hotel and then killed four women and wounded a 14-year-old girl at the nearby Cracker Barrel. The teenager was in critical condition, Michigan State Police said. In an emailed statement, Ubers chief security officer, Joe Sullivan, said the company was in contact with police to help with the investigation. An Uber passenger, Matt Mellen, told CBS TV affiliate WWMT that he had tried to alert the company after a wild ride with Dalton about an hour before the first shooting was reported. He said Dalton introduced himself using a different name from the one listed as a driver. He then sped through medians and across a lawn, and Mellen jumped out at a stop at about 4.30pm (2130 GMT) He just kind of kept looking at me like, Dont you want to get to your friends house? and Im like, I want to get there alive, said Mellen, a brewery worker. His fiancee posted a Facebook account of the ride that said Dalton had sideswiped a car and run a stop sign. Mellen said he unsuccessfully tried to contact Uber about Dalton after talking to police. Kalamazoo Police chief Jeff Hadley told Reuters that investigators were still looking into reports of Dalton picking up Uber fares around the time of the shootings. He confirmed that a man did call police with a report of an erratic Uber driver and the report was relayed to patrol officers. Hadley said it was not unusual for police to receive such reports and that he was not sure whether investigators had contacted the passenger who made the report. An Uber spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment on Mellens account. Flowers are placed at a makeshift memorial near a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Kalamazoo County, Michigan on Sunday. (Reuters) Michigan State Police said the carnage began at about 5.30pm ET (2230 GMT) with the report of a woman wounded outside an apartment building. At about 10pm, a father and son were killed at the car dealership. Dalton allegedly opened fire outside the restaurant about 15 minutes later. The four slain women were identified as Mary Lou Nye, 62, of Baroda, Michigan; and Dorothy Brown, 74; Barbara Hawthorne, 68; and Mary Jo Nye, 60, all of Battle Creek, Michigan, state police said. Earlier, authorities reported seven deaths. Hadley said he understood that the wounded teenage girl was initially believed to have died and was being prepped for organ harvesting when she grasped the hand of one of her parents. Getting said Dalton was thought to have been in contact with more than one person via cellphone during the shooting spree. Hadley said authorities have contacted Daltons wife, who is safe and cooperating with investigators. Dalton is expected to be arraigned on Monday on charges of murder, assault and firearms violations, the prosecutor said. Getting said a semi-automatic pistol was found in Daltons car. Police said he had no known criminal record. The Detroit Free Press newspaper said neighbours described Dalton as a father of two who loved guns and who worked on cars and had a day job as an insurance salesman. The Kalamazoo shootings come as Uber is facing a range of regulatory and safety issues. The company agreed last month to pay $28.5 million to settle federal litigation brought by customers who alleged the service misrepresented the quality of its safety practices and fees. Madhesi parties are mulling a move to impose a fresh blockade of the border with India because they are upset with the Nepal governments unilateral decision to create a mechanism to divide the country into six states. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, on a visit to India, has said that all issues related to the new Constitution have been sorted out. But the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), comprising political parties from the Terai plains, has rejected the political mechanism for demarcation of federal boundaries. Less than two weeks after ending a blockade of key border trade points, the UDMF is contemplating a move to deny access to them again. If the government continues to ignore our demands and take unilateral decisions, we might impose another blockade in April-May, said Upendra Yadav, chairman of the Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal, a member of the UDMF. The UDMF described the creation of the mechanism to demarcate the boundaries of the six states as the third unilateral move by the government, after the promulgation of the Constitution and some amendments made to address the demands of Madhesis. The mechanism was formed a day ahead of Olis India visit, not to solve the problem but it was a drama to please New Delhi, said Yadav. The blockade in the Terai, the region where Madhesis are the dominant group, had resulted in a severe shortage of essential goods, medicines and fuel. It was lifted by the UDMF earlier this month, after 135 days, citing the difficulties faced by the people. Entry of three more Terai-based parties into the UDMF, taking the total number to seven, has bolstered the grouping and it is planning more protests this time around. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The United States and Russia agreed on Monday on a new ceasefire for Syria that will take effect on Saturday, US officials said, even as major questions over enforcing and responding to violations of the truce were left unresolved. Where in Syria the fighting must stop and where counterterrorism operations can continue also must be addressed. The officials said the new timeline for the hoped-for breakthrough comes after the two former Cold War foes, which are backing opposing sides in Syrias civil war, agreed on terms for the cessation of hostilities between Syrian President Bashar Assads government and armed opposition groups. Those sides must accept the deal by Friday. The truce will not cover the Islamic State, the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front and any other militias designated as terrorist organisations by the UN Security Council. Both the US and Russia are still targeting those groups with airstrikes. An announcement was expected after presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin speak by telephone on Monday, according to the officials, who werent authorized to speak publicly on the matter ahead of time and demanded anonymity. The war has killed more than 250,000 people, created Europes worst refugee crisis since World War II and allowed the Islamic State to carve out territory across Syria and neighbouring Iraq. Tishomingo County lost a Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics agent during a shootout with a suspect early Saturday. Three other officers are in a hospital, wounded, according to USA Today. Lee Tartt, 44, was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic situation in a local residence. The incident started around 5:15 p.m. EST. The residence in question was that of a man named Charles Lee Lambert. He was inside his home with his wife and a 10-year-old daughter when the officers arrived. The situation escalated to a stand-off when the man refused to comply with officers' instructions to come out of the residence, according to FOX News. Lambert, 45, was also killed during the incident, while the wife and the daughter were rescued and unharmed. The three other officers remain hospitalized, two of the officers have non-fatal wounds while the condition of the third wounded officer remains unknown, Fox News added. "Our men and women in law enforcement put themselves in harm's way every hour of every shift. This is a tragic reminder that their willingness to serve can exact the highest price," said Phil Bryant, Mississippi governor, as he relayed his condolences and asked residents to pray for the late officer's family, according to Reuters. The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics has not had an agent killed in the line of duty since 1998. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A new study by researchers at the University of Queensland has revealed a method of predicting the strength of human convictions using the Moral Expansiveness Scale (MES) in order to quantify the reach of a person's moral boundaries. "We performed six studies with the MES and it uniquely predicted willingness to engage in behaviors at a personal cost," Daniel Crimston, who introduced the MES, said in a press release. "One test asked 316 participants from the United States to imagine they lived in a country ruled by a powerful dictator who was planning to annihilate eight specific groups." "The targeted groups included people from the participant's hometown, people from Africa, people with intellectual disabilities, prisoners, animals and trees," he added. After being introduced to the targeted groups, the participants were asked to determine the number of people or objects in each group they would let be killed before they would sacrifice themselves instead. Using the MES, the team was able to accurately predict the responses of each participant. MES scores for each participant were obtained by determining the composition of four moral boundaries - the Inner Circle, Outer Circle, Fringes of Concern and Outside the Moral Sphere. While the Inner Circle represents entities that the participants feel a strong personal responsibility for, the Outer Circle represents entities that, although they possess concern for, they feel no strong sense of personal responsibility. Conversely, entities on the Fringe are those deemed to deserve a minimal level of moral concern and entities Outside the Moral Sphere do not receive any level of moral concern at all. "The MES recognizes - and factors in - the difference between the breadth of concern, the depth of concern for each entity, and the consideration of personal cost," Crimston said. "A less morally expansive person restricts their concern to things considered close, such as family. A more morally expansive person extends care to distant entities such as plants and animals." Although the team claims that there are no relationships between the MES and age, sex, politics or religion, they note that there are relationships between the scale and "stigmatized individuals, high-sentience animals and the environment." Numerous other tests within the study used the MES to predict participant responses to a variety of other situations including the likelihood of agreeing to a kidney transplant or supporting a chimpanzee claiming legal personhood status. The findings were published in the Jan. 11 issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Shares of Alibaba Health Information Technology Ltd., better known as Ali Health, experienced a sharp plunge on Monday after the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) announced that it would be suspending the use of the company's electronic drug monitoring system, according to The Global Times. The CFDA's announcement, which was released on Saturday, stated that the Product Identification, Authentication and Tracking System (PIATS), a system developed and utilized by Ali Health to track medicine sales, would not be used in the Chinese market anymore. The PIATS system had been the backbone of Ali Health's revenue as of late, with the company previously announcing to the Hong Kong stock exchange that "almost all" of the firm's revenue was generated from the operation of the PIATS system, reports Bloomberg Business. Though very prolific, the PIATS system has been under intense criticism lately, with rival Hunan-based pharmacy chain Yontinhe Group stating in January that it would be suing the CFDA over its use of the PIATS system, alleging that it gives Ali Health an unfair advantage in the drug sales business. Ali Health also operates an online drug sales business, which is of course, largely influenced and bolstered by the utilization of the drug-monitoring system, reports Reuters. Despite the setback, Ali Health stated that it would continue to provide support and maintenance services to the platform until it receives a formal notice from the CFDA. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. As the investigation into a fire that broke out at a Fall River, Mass., mill early Saturday morning continues, officials say they feel like something is off about the incident, classifying it as "suspicious." The fire broke out on the second floor of the vacant mill on Weaver Street at around 3 a.m., with firefighters arriving shortly after. The task of extinguishing the flames was an arduous one, exacerbated by windy weather that caused burning embers and heavy smoke to threaten the mill as well as nearby buildings, according to NECN. Fall River District Fire Chief Doug Sullivan told local media how fierce the flames were, revealing that eight large windows had heavy flames pouring out of them. He also noted that the fire department has had problems with the mill in the past. "We've had problems with this mill before," he said, according to CBS Boston. "There are no sprinklers to this mill, so there were no sprinklers to feed (to) to put out this fire." Fire crews worked well into the evening trying to put out the flames, as well as preventing them from spreading to nearby buildings. Though they were successful in putting out, and no one was injured during the incident, the mill was scorched in its entirety, leaving a smoldering skeleton as a reminder of what once stood at the site. With the fire extinguished, officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which they have deemed suspicious because of the mill's vacancy at the time of the blaze, according to CBS Rhode Island affiliate WPRI-TV. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. German anti-migrant sentiment has been on the rise ever since the country took in a large amount of migrants coming into Europe and Germany. This sentiment only increased after news broke about the sex attacks in Cologne and other places throughout Europe in which hundreds of migrant men sexually assaulted women during New Year's celebrations. However, the most recent incident involving a mob in one German city truly has officials feeling disgusted. The incident in question occurred in Bautzen, in Saxony, when a group of between 20 and 30 Germans stood outside a hotel that had been repurposed into a home for asylum seekers and watched it burn, according to AFP. Making the situation even more troubling, some members of the mob worked to impede responding firefighters dispatched to the scene. During that time firefighters reportedly received "disparaging comments" about their attempts to put out the flames from members of the mob who showed "unabashed delight" as they looked on. It's unclear what the source of the fire was, but due to persisting anti-migrant sentiment, the behavior of the mob and the "fire accelerant" found at the scene, officials are treating it as a possible arson attack, according to The Telegraph. No one was hurt during the altercation, but two men in their 20s were temporarily arrested for defying police orders. Members of Chancellor Angela Merkel's left-right "grand coalition" government, expressed outrage over the incident, as well as a related one that occurred two days prior, calling them disgusting. "Racists are pathetic lawbreakers, a disgrace for our country. Shame on you!" exclaimed deputy foreign minister Michael Roth. "Those who shamelessly applaud when houses burn and scare refugees to death are displaying disgusting and revolting behaviour," said Justice Minister Heiko Maas. Maas told media group RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland he was stunned by the actions of far-right groups, which he says no longer classify as free expression and have become a threat to public safety. "Verbal radicalism is a prelude to physical violence," he said, noting that after the country let in nearly 1.1 million asylum seekers last year, officials recorded more than 1,000 retaliatory criminal acts against refugee shelters across Germany. Saxony registered the highest number of attacks. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. As Sharp Corp. struggles to stay afloat, the Japanese electronics maker is allegedly in the final phases of deciding between rescue offers from Taiwan's Foxconn and the Innovation Network Corp. of Japan (INCJ), according to Reuters via Yahoo! News. Sources familiar with the matter, who have opted to remain anonymous, have further stated that Sharp's 13-member board met on Saturday to discuss the rival takeover proposals. The results of the board's discussions will allegedly be announced on Thursday, a day after the company's regularly scheduled meeting. Though Sharp has had multiple offers in the past, including from South Korean tech giant Samsung, the ailing Japanese electronics manufacturer is allegedly leaning toward Foxconn's offer, reports ZDNet. Foxconn has allegedly offered Sharp an investment of $5.9 billion, far above INCJ's offer of $2.65 billion. However, INCJ chief executive Toshiyuki Shiga has announced that its offer, though less than Foxconn's, would benefit the beleaguered electronics company more. "People often compare the bid price offered by us and Foxconn, but the concept of our plan is totally different from Foxconn's. We want to create an entity that can compete in the world," Shiga said, reports The Wall Street Journal. Sharp, however, seems intent on following up with the Foxconn deal, with the company recently sending a delegation to Taiwan to negotiate. As for Foxconn, Chairman Terry Gou is optimistic about the Sharp deal, stating that he hopes that a deal would be signed by the end of February. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A Texas town may be called Crystal City, however there is nothing crystal clear about its water supply after reports of black water flowing out of the pipes in resident's home have surfaced. News that comes after its mayor, city manager, mayor pro temporare, a city council and a former council were arrested following allegations of corruption. Welcome to #CrystalCity Texas where the water is Crystal clear - NOT pic.twitter.com/24AEkXsqzM NaphiSoc (@NaphiSoc) February 19, 2016 The city finds itself in a situation similar to Flint, Mich., where residents don't have any water they can drink. Reports of the black water, which had been compared to oil due to how dark it was, surfaced on Wednesday after residents say the tainted water unexpectedly started flowing out of their faucets, according to Fox San Antonio. "It smelled as soon as I turned on the water we were getting ready for showers and I smelled it and then I started getting the text from my friends 'hey is this happening at your house look what's going on at mine," a woman identified only as Nora told Fox San Antonio. "We didn't get a warning; we didn't get a warning that this was going to happen," she added. The incident has been blamed on dirt and mud buildup that contaminated the city's water supply after city workers flushed out the city's elevated tower, according to the San Antonio Express-News. The Texas Commission on Environment Quality (TCEQ) have since made efforts to clean the water supply, but there is still some debate on whether the water is safe for use. Carlos Ramirez, the city's water superintendent, said that the water was declared safe for use as of Saturday morning. However, TCEQ media relations manager Andrea Morrow tells a different story. "While the most recent samples testing for water pressure, chlorination, and bacteria have come back in the acceptable range, we would like to wait until we have the complete suite of sample results back until we can give the all-clear," she said, according to CNN. As the residents wait to get an all-clear, they have been receiving water from other Texans - an act that Joel Baras, the only City Council member not facing charges, was grateful for. "There are caring people in Southwest Texas," said Barajas, who is now the point person for all of the city's departments after the other officials were arrested. The water sample results are expected back by Tuesday at the earliest. In the meantime, residents are urged to continue boiling water before using it. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. If you haven't noticed, Kim Kardashian has been wearing her hair in braids a lot lately, and while the style, which people are calling boxer braids on social media, looks great on her and has even become much more popular since she started rocking them, is this really a new trend? MTV UK posted an article titled "How To Do Boxer Braids" on Friday, referring to the style as the "simple double Dutch braided style" that has been taking over Instagram the past few months with the hashtag #BoxerBraids. It then gave helpful step-by-step instructions on how to achieve the look and even posted photos of a few celebrities, including Kardashian, Hailey Baldwin and Zendaya, sporting the look. "The A-list are loving boxer braids right now," the tweet read. "So here's an easy way to do them yourself." While there's nothing wrong with the style and people wanting to copy the look, the article is sparking a lot of backlash from people who are quickly realizing that the braids are not a "new favorite" and simply an old classic: Cornrows. So are these "new" boxer braids, aka double Dutch braids, any different than cornrows or similar braid styles like French braids that have been around for decades? "The Dutch braid is the opposite of a French plait," hair stylist Marta Nunes explained to the Daily Mail. "You start the same by dividing the hair in two and starting with a triangular section at the hairline. You divide your triangle into three even pieces of hair. Here is where the difference begins. With a French plait you tuck strands of hair under the plait. With a Dutch braid you take it over; you reverse it so the braid is on the outside rather than on the inside." Other websites offer tutorials on how to do Dutch braids and cornrows, and the difference is so small that you barely notice at first glance, according to Yahoo! Style. On one site, Chocolate Hair Vanilla Care, the two styles demonstrated look nearly identical while a French braid vs. a Dutch braid look very different. "Calling the style 'boxer braids,' the British division of the music television channel made a fool of themselves and it's something that Black Twitter couldn't let go without serving hilarious clapbacks," Essence wrote, providing several tweets of people calling MTV UK's article ridiculous. "From mocking the new name of 'innovative' hairstyle to simply reminding MTV UK that this is a look Black people have been rocking for years, the reactions were priceless." Last July, Kardashian's little sister Kylie Jenner posted a photo of herself with a similar style, and Instagram users went off on her for sporting cornrows, as HNGN previously reported. "Hunger Games" actress Amandla Stenberg even started a feud when she commented, "When u appropriate black features and culture but fail to use ur position of power to help black Americans by directing attention towards ur wigs instead of police brutality or racism #whitegirlsdoitbetter." When Jenner responded, Stenberg, who had been open about the issue of white individuals wearing cornrows in the past, took to Twitter to respond with a long statement about cultural appropriation. "Black features are beautiful. Black women are not. White women are paragons of virtue and desire. Black women are objects or fetishism and brutality," she wrote. "This, at least, seems to be the mentality surrounding black femininity and beauty in a society built upon eurocentric beauty standards. While white women are praised for altering their bodies, plumping their lips and tanning their skin, black women are shamed although the same features exist on them naturally." @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the series of bombings targeting strongholds of Syria's ruling regime Sunday that left at least 130 dead and scores of others injured, according to Syria's state-run SANA news agency. The bombings began Sunday in the early afternoon when two explosions from two car bombs ripped through a pro-Assad area in Homs, reported CBS News. The death toll for that incident remains disputed, with SANA reporting 39 people dead, while London-based monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports the death toll as 46. The twin blasts were soon followed by several more in Damascus when a suicide bomb car and two suicide bombers struck in the Sayyidah Zaynab district near the revered "Lady Zeynab" Shia Muslim shrine. Unlike the first bombing incident, there appeared to at least be some agreement on the death toll, with media sources saying that at least 83 were killed and 178 others injured. It was initially unclear who was behind the attacks, but ISIS soon claimed responsibility via the Telegram messaging app, according to CNN. Even with the militant group's admission, its still unclear why it did it. It's noted that ISIS is opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime and has been fighting against both the government, as well as other Islamic rebel groups in the area as it seeks to take control of more territory as it continues its bid to establish an Islamic Caliphate worldwide. However, this particular incident comes at a time when the United States and other world powers have been trying to negotiate a ceasefire in Syria's five-year civil war that has left at least 250,000 people dead and nearly 7 million internally displaced. The peace efforts appear to have done little to deter the warring factions, though conversely, Sunday's incident did little to deter the proceedings of the ceasefire. "We are closer to a ceasefire today than we have been, and I take nothing for granted about this," U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters at a joint press conference with Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, noting that a ceasefire is still "possible". @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The United States and Russia have reportedly agreed to the terms of a partial ceasefire in Syria that would go into effect at midnight Friday, according to a report from the Obama administration. The details of the ceasefire are still unclear, however ISIS- and al-Qaeda-linked Nusra Front militants are confirmed to be excluded from the pact, reported Reuters. Thus allowing continued airstrikes against both terrorist factions. After agreeing to the terms of the truce, the terms were detailed to a negotiating team representing the Syrian opposition, who has until noon Friday to approve them. The leader of the opposition alliance has since declared that rebel factions have agreed "in principle" to the mediated temporary truce; while Riad Hijab, the groups representative, also called on Russia, Iran and the Syrian government to cease ongoing attacks, lift blockades and release prisoners in Syria. This development comes after an initial agreement on Feb. 12 by Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, at a meeting with other world powers. The truce was slated to go into effect last Friday but the deadline passed, according to the BBC. The pair held near daily discussions to to hammer out problems in the arrangement and speaking to reporters on Sunday, Kerry said that they were closer than ever to reaching an agreement. "We are closer to a ceasefire today than we have been, and I take nothing for granted about this," he told reporters at a joint press conference with Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, according to CNN. Now with all relevant parties agreeing to the ceasefire, all that remains is for U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin to complete the provisional agreement in principle. Once done, an official statement about the agreement is expected to be made. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. News, events, history, and other mid-week tidbits. Tuesday, October 25, 4:30 7 p.m. Orr Area EMS Open House Brats and burgers will be served. Event includes a new ambulance tour and blood pressure screenings. For more info: 218-780-3798. Orr Fire Hall 4540 Lake St., Orr Tuesday, October 25, 12 6 p.m. Essentia Health Job Fair Talent recruiters and department managers will be on-site at Essentia Health-Virginia. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to attendnurses, nursing and clinical assistants, surgery technicians, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, human resource professionals, and those interested in environmental services or nutrition services. Essentia staff will greet candidates, conduct an initial screening and filter them to appropriate hiring managers for interviews. Select candidates will be verbally offered a position before leaving. Candidates are asked to bring a resume, but its not required. Attire is business casual. For more info: www.essentiacareers.org. 901 9th St. N., Virginia Suffering two migraine diagnoses in the space of one year is associated with a greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD) three years later, according to a new study.Researchers at National Taiwan University Hospital (Taipei) conducted a longitudinal population-based study involving 41,019 subjects (4090 years of age) with at least two ambulatory visits with a diagnosis of migraine during the year 2001; the control group consisted of 41,019 migraine-free randomly sampled subjects matched by sex, age, comorbidity, and socioeconomic data. The researchers then measured PD-free survival rate and estimated the effect of migraine presence on the risk of developing PD.The results showed that during a median 32-month follow-up, 148 patients in the migraine group and 101 patients in the non-migraine group were diagnosed with PD, suggesting a statistically significant increase in risk for those with migraine. The researchers listed several explanations for the results, suggesting that both migraines and PD could be the result of serotonergic and dopaminergic system dysfunction, or that both ailments could arise from dysfunctional iron metabolism in the brain. The study was published on February 6, 2016, in Cephalalgia.Since this study is an observational study, it is subject to confounding effects arising from imbalance in clinical characteristics between patients with and without migraine. These findings may highlight the importance of early risk assessment for Parkinson's disease in migraineurs, said senior author Prof. Shin-Liang Pan, MD, PhD. Future longitudinal studies with neuroimaging and neurologic examinations are needed in order to elucidate the relationship and the underlying pathophysiological mechanism between migraine and Parkinson's disease.Migraine is a debilitating condition characterized by moderate to severe headaches, and is about three times more common in women than in men. The typical migraine headache is aggravated by routine activity, and is unilateral and pulsating in nature, lasting from 4 to 72 hours. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia. Approximately one-third of people who suffer from migraine headaches perceive an auraan unusual visual, olfactory, or other sensory experience that is a sign that the migraine will soon occur. There has been significant coverage in regional media in recent months on the subject of Citizenship By Investment (CBI) Programmes, which are now operating in five Eastern Caribbean countries. Some of the commentary underestimates the crucial potential value of these programmes for the development of new hotels, as well as for the redevelopment and modernisation of existing resorts. David Jessop of the Caribbean Council wrote in a recent article, At a purely economic level, it is hard to understand why such schemes are not designed to be sustainable in ways that bring con tinuing income to the country concerned. Without any residency requirement there is no long term gain in the form of other taxes or fees. In an earlier report the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) stated, The economic benefits of the property model are unclear. Significant property purchase may raise housing values and help stabilize declining prices albeit only at the high end of the market, as programs impose minimum property values, Both of these observations miss the point - and the potential - inherent in the CBI resort investment model. The fact that the Caribbean Citizenship By Investment Programmes do not require residency make them ideal for financing new tourism accommodation. New build apartments and cottages, with resort facilities, can be developed and sold as real estate to CBI purchasers, who hardly ever stay in their properties, but then make them available to the resort operator as hotel accommodation and share in the rental income. Some existing older hotels, which are struggling financially and in desperate need of updating, can also be converted to CBI resort product. The similar US federal EB-5 programme does actually require investors to take up residency in the States, which does not suit all investors. Nevertheless, the EB-5 programme has been used to fund a large volume of resort development in the Orlando area and one of our clients is utilising that programme for the medium term funding of a US branded resort in the US Virgin Islands. Our consultancy has worked with governments and developers across the Eastern Caribbean in recent years, resulting in one large scale luxury resort which opened last year in St Kitts and a US branded mid market resort scheduled to open in November this year, also in St Kitts. Several other client projects have already achieved planning permission or are at various stages of development in Antigua, Dominica and Grenada, including a US branded conversion of an existing older hotel and several new boutique resorts. Why is the CBI resort investment model so vital for tourism development in the Caribbean? Dr Anthony, Prime Minister of St Lucia, recently cited the persistent decline in foreign direct investment caused by the world financial crisis as the grounds for his government deciding to initiate a CBI programme. The specific critical problem for resort development in the region is the lack of debt finance. Interest in the Caribbean from resort investors has increased in the last two years but debt finance from banks and other financial institutions in the region, particularly for new build projects, is virtually nonexistent. The banks in the region suffered a significant level of loan defaults on resort projects which were badly impacted by the 2008 financial crash. US and European banks, which often lacked previous experience in the region and in the resort sector, suffered even more severely for funding poorly evaluated resort projects in the boom period, prior to 2008. It will be some considerable time before these banks contemplate a return to the Caribbean resort finance market. I have moderated the last two panel sessions on CBI Programmes at both annual Caribbean hotel investment conferences CHRIS in Miami and CHICOS in Puerto Rico. Likely sources of debt finance for Caribbean resort projects today are more likely to be US based hedge funds, trusts and pension funds rather than regional banks. Those institutions - and hotel branded operators - now understand that the CBI resort investment model is a relatively robust basis for hotel development, when structured carefully. While the 2008 crash saw the conventional vacation home buyer market collapse, with buyers abandoning 25% paid deposits, the buyer drop-out rate is negligible once a CBI client commences the process. The two key factors for the sustainability of the CBI resort investment model are the thoroughness with which government agencies vet the CBI applicants and the quality of the investment inherent in the new-build resort or redevelopment of the existing hotel. I believe that the best option for the CBI investor is, firstly, to purchase genuine real estate a condominium, freehold property or a fractional interest in a freehold property far better security than shares in a hotel owning company. Secondly, I believe that the CBI purchase should be made within a formal resort environment not a single stand-alone villa. Implemented correctly, the CBI resort investment model can create a successful ongoing hotel operation of quality, which provides direct employment and boosts overall tourism revenue for the island. Nearly all CBI clients are cash buyers and, therefore, the CBI funded resort can operate as a debt free business going forward. This is a major economic sustainability factor. Resorts fail - not when they cant make payroll but, rather, when they cant pay the bank. Robert Maclellan MacLellan & Associates +599 520 5679 MacLellan & Associates Word of mouth makes - or breaks - bookings at the highest end of hospitality. In your gut you probably believed that. But it has now been validated by research. Reading a Luxury Daily write up of the 2016 Luxury Travel Report this paragraph jumped out at me: "when planning a destination, the top 1 percent is more likely to be influenced by peer reviews than the average traveler. Twenty-nine percent of those surveyed rated the importance of online reviews and ratings as a 9 or a 10 on a numeric scale, compared to only 20 percent of total travelers. The same is true of friends and family recommendations." Read that again. The research is saying that when pursuing bookings by the the top 1% what really matters is your reputation, as related by venues such as TripAdvisor and also by word of mouth from their friends and family. An implication is that the time you are putting into SEO, bidding on Adwords, buying tracking ads and the rest, may be well and good - even necessary - but where this pedal hits the metal is in what people are saying about you, not what you are saying about yourself. SEO is self-promotion. What others say about you has so much more credibility. That principle is so very hard for many old-school sales and marketing execs to grasp - but grasping it is crucial to survival in the 21st century. Ours is an age of the reputation economy. Especially for the 1%. If you are selling a genuinely luxury product, the 1% is who you want. And now we know how to get them. Here's the big question: exactly what can you do to stimulate more and better TripAdvisor reviews and more and better word of mouth from friends and families of the 1%? The answer is also in that 2016 Luxury Travel Report. According to Luxury Daily, "Most revealingly, a whopping 69 percent of one-percenters say that participating in a 'once-in-a-lifetime' activity is something they would like to do regularly on vacations, significantly higher than any other group." You want good reviews? The secret for unlocking them is to really wow guests with memorable service and also with one-of-a-kind experiences. That is the stuff that will get them talking. I have read thousands of TripAdvisor reviews and, honestly, I cannot recall many talking about the threadcount of the sheets, the marble counter in the bathroom, or the tablecloth in the restaurant. What I do read frequently are reviews that point out service home runs and service failures. And when friends tell me about great trips they have been on, what do they talk about? Moments of service magic and also experiences that have etched themselves into memory. Word of advice: experiences cannot be cookie cutter, they really cannot live on a page of activities where guests select one from column one, another from column two. I cringe when hoteliers brag about their menu of "special experiences" because if they are sold to all, probably they are special to none. The best experiences - where the magic happens - are the experiences that are bespoke, created explicitly for this guest, on demand. That is magic. That is where the words will pop from the guest's mouth. Great hoteliers have always gotten this. Face this: the 1% - definitionally - has money (the report pegged $400,000 as the cutoff income for the 1%) and they spend it on travel. But earning your share of that money requires digging deeper, going beyond the formulaic, and really getting to know this guest and her/his wants and exactly what your property is positioned to deliver. The payoffs are there for those who commit to doing the intensive work to win the 1% business and the beauty of this is that when they are won, they will indeed tell their friends. And their friends will come. Will the 1% post to TripAdvisor? My experience tells me that frequently it is easier to get glowing word of mouth passed to friends than it is to win public reviews on TripAdvisor. Why? Maybe the rich are too busy to post to the public review sites - I don't know - but I do personally know destination spas that get a lot of bookings via word of mouth but have comparatively few TripAdvisor reviews. Don't sweat it. If great word of mouth is bringing you business, celebrate that. And just keep delivering the experiences that wow guests. That is the winning formula. Babs Harrison Babs Harrison + Partners Babs Harrison + Partners Powered by HVS, the worlds leading hotel and hospitality consultancy, MexHIC 2017 gives stakeholders a chance to hear from industry leaders and representatives of major hotel brands; network with developers, investors, lenders, and government officials; and engage the many challenges and opportunities of the Mexican and Central American lodging landscape. MexHIC 2017 follows in HVS tradition of organizing leading hotel conferences around the world, including the NYU Hospitality Conference in New York, and annual conferences in China, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Caribbean. Join us March 16, 2017 in Mexico City to cultivate strategies for your hotel and resort program. For more information please contact Liliana Aguilar It looks like you've reached a page that doesnt exist (anymore). Please use the navigation or search above to find content on Hospitality Net. Go back to home Jim Forson Appointed Chief Financial Officer The Board of Directors of La Quinta Holdings Inc. (NYSE: LQ) last week announced that they have appointed Keith Cline to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. In addition, Jim Forson has been named the Company's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Both leaders had been serving in their respective roles on an interim basis. Mr. Cline has strong public-company and brand leadership experience across a number of diverse consumer industries and has served as La Quinta's interim President and Chief Executive Officer since September 2015. Mr. Cline joined La Quinta in January of 2013 as its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer where he helped to lead the Company through its initial public offering. Prior to joining La Quinta, Mr. Cline has served in a variety of executive and senior leadership roles at Charming Charlie, Inc., Express, Inc., The J.M. Smucker Company, FedEx Custom Critical, and L Brands. Mr. Cline began his career at Arthur Andersen & Company and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Akron with a B.S. in Accounting and a M.B.A. in Finance. Mr. Forson has served as La Quinta's interim Chief Financial Officer since November 2015. Previously, Mr. Forson served as La Quinta's Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. Forson joined the Company in 2010 as Vice President and Controller and also served as Acting Chief Financial Officer from 2012 to 2013. Prior to joining La Quinta, Mr. Forson was Senior Audit Manager with Grant Thornton LLP. Mr. Forson graduated with distinction from the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce with a B.S. degree in Commerce, and is a Certified Public Accountant. Regarding his appointment, Mr. Cline said, "I am honored to become the President and Chief Executive Office of La Quinta. This is an outstanding organization with a highly engaged leadership team and employee workforce as well as an enthusiastic community of franchise partners that are dedicated to growing the La Quinta brand. We will work tirelessly to satisfy our guests, create value for our shareholders and continue to make La Quinta a great place to work and to invest." Mit Shah, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, "After a broad and thorough search involving a significant number of highly accomplished executives, the Board believes that Keith's strategic vision, brand experience, team building acumen and his ability to execute make him the right person to lead the Company's future. The Board is confident that Keith and his executive team will optimize the performance of the La Quinta brand to drive long term growth and enhance shareholder value." La Quinta Holdings Inc. (LQ) is a leading owner, operator and franchisor of select-service hotels primarily serving the upper-midscale and midscale segments. The Company's owned and franchised portfolio consists of more than 880 properties representing approximately 87,600 rooms located in 47 US states, Canada, Mexico and Honduras. These properties operate under the La Quinta Inn & Suites, La Quinta Inn and LQ Hotel brands. Mental health should be an election issue, with every party and politician required to declare their hand. But, says mental health campaigner Bressie, neither should we see the issue in isolation... Ireland has never been great when it comes to conversations about our feelings, emotions and mental well-being. In so many ways were an incredible people. But we are not very good when it comes to this. Thats why we need to make our national approach to mental health an election issue. Just look at the number of suicides in Ireland, especially among young people. Something is seriously wrong and we, as a nation, need to do something about it. Over the years, any meaningful conversation in Ireland tended to revolve around alcohol, and take place in a pub. Its going to take time to change that. On the plus side, as a culture Ireland has proven itself to be progressive in the last couple of years, which is really exciting. But we have a long, long way to go. Look at the official statistics: its almost embarrassing, how we fail to look after vulnerable people in this country. We spend barely 6% of our health budget on mental health. Thats just over 100 million. The World Health Organisation says that a minimum of 14% should be spent on mental health. The UK spends 12% to 14% and thats low. Think about it: mental health issues cost 11 billion a year in Ireland and we spend a mere 100 million. Its crazy. Whats more, an awful lot of that 100 million is spent on the medical model, i.e. on drugs. So, even if a politician has no empathy on this, and doesnt give a shite about it, purely in economics terms it makes sense to change things. Which is why I want to see our next government develop an effective, pragmatic strategy to deal with mental health reform. They have to start looking at emotional well-being and mental health issues in a preventive context. Advertisement In life, youre going to have to deal with all types of pressures and crises and the vast majority of people have never been given the life skills to cope with them. There are preventative measures which are based around talk therapy, education, cognitive-behavioural therapy, counselling that actually work. But we have neglected all of this. Which is why the government now needs to look at opening crisis centres for people who are in distress people who may need immediate care, who may have self-harmed, who may be contemplating suicide. I want to repeat that: we need specific crisis centres for these people. They should not be sent into A&E. They need to be brought to a place where theres holistic care for them, both physically and mentally. Thats absolutely paramount. Theyve started to do it in England and its very effective. TACKLING INEQUALITY ISSUES It isnt just down to government. They have to facilitate change but its up to all of us to break down the stigma that surrounds mental health issues. As a society, we have a really funny idea of what therapy is. If you pull your hamstring or hurt your knee, you go to physiotherapy. Yet, if your mind or brain is under pressure, causing stress, anxiety and depression, people feel inhibited. They dont know where to turn. We can go and get help for it: we can go to the physiotherapist for the brain, if you like. But too often we are slow to do that. Therapy is a good thing: we should all do it. Its not just for people with mental health issues. Everyone would benefit from a good therapist. Of course, mental health issues dont arise in a vacuum. A lot of issues we see like homelessness are a product of the rampant inequality in our country. Its disgusting. Inequality is tied closely to all sorts of social issues. Most people in Ireland, when theyre happy, they dont want to acknowledge that inequality exists but it does. Theres people up and down this country that even if they wanted to get help, they couldnt: theyre more worried about trying to feed their children, than spending 50 on trying to get their heads right. So we have to tackle the inequality issues in Ireland. For me, one of the biggest assets we have in Ireland at the moment is a good education system. But counsellors being cut from schools thats outrageous. I am not just talking about students needing counsellors. Visualise this: youre a 25-year-old teacher, just out of college, at your first school. You walk into a classroom where a 14-year-old girl had taken her own life. Theres twenty-eight other girls there and you have to figure out what to say, and how to pick up the pieces, with no training. A teacher should not be in that position. Advertisement We have brilliant teachers but we have to ask: how do we use the education system to arm our youth with much more than the ability to learn? The teachers are vital here. Youve got to ask them what they think is the best way to go forward and facilitate that. GRILL THE POLITICIANS I am not going to tell people who to vote for. Nor should you vote for any politicians or any party, based purely on their mental health mandate. Theres more to being in government than that. You have to look at their economic policies, their social policies, everything. I like Aodhan O Riordan, hes a very progressive politician. He understands with social issues you cant just stick your head in the sand and try not to offend people who are easily offended. His drugs stance is forward thinking. Politicians making progressive, yet controversial decisions as he is thats what I want from a politician. The trouble is that our whole health system is fucked and unfortunately, our mental health system is part of that. This isnt just about money. Its strategic. We have to know where the money is going. If we just blow more money on mental health services and spend more of it on drugs, thats not helping anything. If we just look at mental health in isolation, were fucked. We need to understand the other problems in society and look at how mental health might be linked to them. When someone loses their job, they dont just lose their job and their income: they feel like theyve lost their integrity, their self-esteem, their confidence and these things have to be re-built. In the meantime, when politicians call to your door, dont let them insult your intelligence. Grill them. What are they doing around increased access to talk therapy at a community level? Dont listen to ring-fenced budgets or its high on our agenda: demand specifics. I want to know if my son, daughter, mother or father, going through this stress, that theyve somewhere to go. Do not let them off the hook. Advertisement If it doesnt become an election issue, I want our politicians at least to know, that the electorate really gives a fuck about this. You'll be able to dance your socks off in July! The summer gig diary gets busier and busier with the reconvened Faithless and Irish electronica stompers Le Galaxie teaming up for a Royal Hospital Kilmainham show on July 2. Tickets priced 49.65 go on sale on Friday February 26. Having curated a Faithless 2.0 remix album last year to celebrate their 20th birthday, Maxi Jazz, Sister Bliss and Rollo Armstrong decided the old magic was still very much there and are also working on new tunes, which will likely as not get a Dublin airing. Women of Notes / Mna na Notai is a year long photography and narrative series A new photography and narrative series celebrating some of Irelands most prominent female musicians is being launched next month. Women of Notes / Mna na Notai, is a year-long collaborative project between music photographer Ruth Medjber and music and pop culture journalist Louise Bruton - both of whom have popped up on the pages of Hot Press in the past. The opening exhibition of the series, 'The Musicians', opens on Saturday 5 March in Thirty Four Lennox Street, Dublin 2. It sees everyone from Mary Black and May Kay to Lisa Hannigan, SOAK and Joni (pictured) shot in their own personal style, with their individual journeys, anecdotes and thoughts about the industry profiled alongside. Others to make an appearance include; Heathers - sisters Loah and Feather; Sorcha from Sleep Thieves; Wyvern Lingo; Saint Sister; and Sinead White. Speaking of the series, snapper Ruth said, We want people who come to Woman of Notes/ Mna na Notai to recognise that women working in the music industry are some of the most hard-working and creative people in Ireland. There is an ongoing dialogue about the absence of females in the creative arts: from female voices on air to festival line-up announcements and radio playlists. There is a noticeable absence of female musicians being celebrated at a professional level and we want to showcase the phenomenal women in the creative industries in Ireland. Sadly, as you may have seen, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia passed away last week at the age of 79. As a law student, Justice Scalia helped shape how I analyze laws. Scalia represented the best qualities of a Supreme Court Justicehe was fiercely intelligent, a passionate defender of the Constitution, and a man of uncompromising principle. He interpreted the Constitution from the perspective of the Founding Fathers intentions, and never reinterpreted the Constitution to serve political needs. He believed that the letter of the law matters. In the case of District of Columbia v. Heller Justice Scalia wrote the majority opinion of the Court and confirmed our Second Amendment right to bear arms extends to people and not just the militia. In the case of Planned Parenthood v. Casey, Scalia reinforced his faith in a true democracy and belief that there is no constitutional right to an abortion. The Supreme Court is an equal independent branch of our Federal government, a check and balance on the Executive and Legislative branches. The makeup of the nine Justices on the Court prior to Justice Scalias death was considered by many to be balanced because it represented both conservative and progressive political and legal perspectives. This is why the president should nominate someone of the same line of thinking as Justice Scalia, because without his pure interpretation of the text of the law and the origin of the Constitution we may see a drastic change in the rulings of the court. The most liberal president in our history should not use this as an opportunity to score political points by replacing a conservative Justice with a progressive liberal who believes the Constitution should be reexamined on a case-by-case interpretation. Unfortunately, president Obama has not hidden his intention to replace Scalia with a liberal justice who liberals in the future will be able to rely on for support of their government-centered, government solutions agenda. Article Two of the United States Constitution is clear that the president, shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate Judges of the Supreme Court. Fundamentally, the president can nominate a new Supreme Court Justice, but the Senate also has the Constitutional right & responsibility to not confirm the Presidents nominee until an appropriate conservative mirroring Scalia is nominated. If the President nominates a liberal justice who will interpret the law in a vastly different way than Scalia has, the Senate should continue to vote them down. If the president cares about maintaining the balance of the institution, the foundation of our federal government based on a separation of powers, then he will do the right thing and nominate a conservative Justice to follow in Scalias footsteps. The Senate should reject any of Obamas liberal nominations to the Supreme Court and only confirm a conservative judge who will continue to read our Constitution as a non-living, non-evolving document, whose simplicity is exactly what our Founding Fathers intended a document which empowers the states and citizens of our great nation, not the government. Jason Smith represents Missouris 8th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Contact him at 573-335-0101 or visit https://jasonsmith.house.gov Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. People are human, so they are susceptible to illnesses, injuries and other incidents that can keep them from reporting to work. But people are also human, so some are liable to abuse an organizations absenteeism policy if it is inconsistent, incoherent, or non-existent. Absenteeism is a serious problem for many businesses. When some employees are chronically calling off, showing up late, and asking to go home early, it can affect productivity, customer service, and even the morale of the other employees who do show up to work on time, every day. That makes absence management one of the most critical tasks of any organization, whether they have 15 employees or 15,000. When absenteeism is managed poorly or policies are applied haphazardly and unfairly, it can eat into profits and undermine the culture of an organization. Here, then, are 10 things you can do to improve your absence management so that your organization has a fair, consistent, and productive way to deal with employee absenteeism. 1. Have a Clearly Stated Policy Companies that dont have a clearly defined policy that outlines call off procedures, tardiness, and early outs, its simply asking for trouble. People like to know where the boundaries are. While there will be some pushing of boundaries by some employees, as long as you have a clearly stated policy and enforce it evenly and consistently for everybody with no exceptions, your workforce will have more respect for your org... Virtually all firms have a paid time off (PTO) policy of some sort and most firms do a good job tracking PTO for their non-exempt employees. However, this is not always the case for exempt employees. While it is considered normal to require periodic time reporting for non-exempt employees, many firms are more relaxed when it comes to exempt employees. This presents challenges on how to ensure PTO is recorded properly. Perhaps your firms exempt employee PTO policy is structured and well managed and you use a combination of tools to track time off accrued, scheduled and taken, according to your firms policies. Perhaps you even take it a step further and have implemented a process to compare scheduled days off with actual time recorded and make sure any discrepancies are identified and resolved. If thats your firm, then youre ahead of your competition. However, if youre like a lot of firms that have a PTO policy for exempt employees, but its a little loose and ad hoc, and applied situationally rather than consistently across the firm, youre not alone. Its a good idea to re-evaluate your PTO management process and consider the following questions: 1) How do your employees request PTO? Is it automated, as in Web or e-mail based, or do you use paper forms and voicemail? Do you ask employees to enter PTO information in multiple systems? Exempt employees may or may not be required to submit daily or we... Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 16-02-22 Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article From: The Athens News Agency at Weekend News Bulletin Monday February 22, 2016 CONTENTS [01] President Pavlopoulos sends message of unity and solidarity to the Greek people [02] "Parallel programme" passes in Greek Parliament [03] PM Tsipras puts an end to scenarios over Greece's exit from Schengen [04] Labour Min Katrougalos optimistic first program review to be completed by March 27 [05] An ecumenical government is not the solution to the problems, ND leader Mitsotakis says [06] The main mission of NATO in the Aegean will be surveillance, Alternate Civil Protection Min Toskas says [07] IMF needs to understand that Greece is a European country, FinMin Tsakalotos says [08] Agriculture Minister calls on farmers to see together with the government the large initiatives needed [09] No Afghan national crosses Greece-Fyrom buffer zone at Idomeni since 11 am [10] Weather Forecast [11] Athens Headlines at a glance Politics [01] President Pavlopoulos sends message of unity and solidarity to the Greek people Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos on Sunday sent a message of unity, understanding and solidarity to the Greek people from the city of Ioannina, Epirus. Pavlopoulos is visiting Ioannina for the celebration of the 103rd anniversary of the liberation of the city from the Turks on 21 February 1913. "The history of Epirus is an integral part of the history of our Nation, the Nation of the Greeks," Pavlopoulos stated and pointed out the true national characteristics of Epirus and its people from the post-Byzantine period onwards, that send rather instructive messages for the people and nation. [02] "Parallel programme" passes in Greek Parliament Greek lawmakers late on Saturday voted in favour of the "parallel programme" that aims to soften the austerity measures agreed under the third economic programme. The bill was withdrawn in December after pressure from Greece's creditors. The Syriza-ANEL coalition government voted in favour of the programme. Opposition New Democracy, Golden Dawn and Union of Centrists parties voted against the programme, while the Democratic Coalition, the communist KKE party and To Potami voted "present". [03] PM Tsipras puts an end to scenarios over Greece's exit from Schengen Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras late on Saturday put an end to scenarios over Greece's exit from the Schengen zone. Speaking in Parliament, the prime minister said that any provocation or attack against the country will not remain unanswered, and harshly criticised the main opposition on the refugee issue and the economic policy. He also accused New Democracy of protecting fraudsters and underlined that all cases under investigation, such as the Siemens case, will reach to the end. On the refugee issue, he stressed the Greece reflects the EU human side, adding that our country is at the forefront, despite the difficulties and against the existing xenophobic and extreme ideas, which makes us proud of. Tsipras reassured that scenarios over Greece's exit from the Schengen zone were dismissed in the recent EU summit. On the closure of borders, he said that unilateral actions will not be made acceptable. Regarding the role of NATO, he said that the country's sovereign rights are protected. Finally, he ruled out the possibility of early elections. [04] Labour Min Katrougalos optimistic first program review to be completed by March 27 BERLIN (ANA-MPA/ F. Karaviti) - "We will soon have an agreement that will allow the completion of the first program review" before March 27, Labour Minister George Katrougalos on Sunday said to ANA-MPA, admitting, however, that the negotiation will be hard. Katrougalos, who participated in a conference on the prospects for cooperation on employment organized in Erfurt by the Prime Minister of Thuringia, Bodo Ramelow (Die Linke), in collaboration with the president of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs of the European Parliament Thomas Handel (Die Linke), he stressed that there is great interest from both sides in transferring know-how from Germany, particularly as regards educational technical training programmes. Asked about the negotiations with the creditors on pension reforms, he said that the technical staff is expected to arrive soon in Athens and added that progress has been made. "The negotiation is harsh," he admitted but there is agreement - at least with the Europeans - on the basic issues. And the IMF, he added, has not raised questions as regards the structural elements of the reform. Katrougalos reiterated the European Commission's estimates that the first program review will have been completed by March 27 and the Catholic Easter and therefore the law will pass in Parliament. "Once the partners return, I believe that we are close to a deal. The bill will be immediately submitted to Parliament," he added. The minister also expressed optimism over the outcome of the meeting between Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and the representatives of farmers on Monday. [05] An ecumenical government is not the solution to the problems, ND leader Mitsotakis says "An ecumenical government is not the solution to Greece's problems," main opposition New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Sunday said in an interview with "VIMAGAZINO." He also cleared out that he does not trust Alexis Tsipras and he could not co-govern with him. Mitsotakis stated that he is not asking for elections. "I do not participate in election talk that causes political uncertainty," he said and added: "I am sure I will win the elections whenever they are held ... there is a strong momentum for New Democracy. May aim is, of course, selfmajority, but this does not mean I will not seek collaborations." The leader of the main opposition lashed out at Tsipras accusing of having adopted a dangerous policy in the first half of the year, either as a result of ignorance or arrogance. As he said, he led the country very close to the total destruction and hurt the Greek economy significantly. Regarding New Democracy's policy, he said that it changes and it promotes a totally different political speech. "The main challenge is the organisational restructuring of New Democracy," he stressed. [06] The main mission of NATO in the Aegean will be surveillance, Alternate Civil Protection Min Toskas says "The main mission of NATO in the Aegean will be surveillance," Alternate Minister for Civil Protection Nikos Toskas on Sunday said in an interview with newspaper "Avghi." "NATO will be responsible for the surveillance and observation of migratory flows and then it will notify Frontex, which will act mainly in the Greek territorial waters and will oversee whether the Turks respect the agreement and allow boats to come to our islands or not," he explained adding that NATO will not get involved in identification procedures. He underlined that Greece and Turkey's sovereign rights will be respected. "Turkish ships will not act in Greek territorial waters, and Greek ships will not act in theirs," he stated. Toskas confirmed that Greece has met its commitments as regards the hotspots on islands and the reception centres on the mainland. On the return of refugees, he said: "We cannot accept any more people. We are more than willing to accept these people on humanitarian basis, but agreements need to be made for their return in Turkey or other countries. We are not talking about asylum seekers, but economic migrants." [07] IMF needs to understand that Greece is a European country, FinMin Tsakalotos says Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos in an interview with RealNews newspaper on Sunday sent a message to the IMF to understand that Greece is a European country. He also underlined that the basis for the discussion cannot be other than those agreed last summer. "The IMF must understand that Greece is a European country which has references to the EU acquis and that any obstruction in the negotiations complicates the government's strategy to escape the vicious circle of measures-recession-new measures," Tsakalotos stressed. The Finance Minister estimated that the program review will soon be completed and added that the creditors should not ask for further fiscal measures and pension cuts when the economic performance and the revenues are higher than expected. "We have red lines on the issue of pensions and fiscal adjustment," he explained and noted that part of the discussions for the completion of the evaluation concerns the management of the expenses earmarked for dealing with the refugee problem. He stated that there is no reason for a new recapitilisation of the banks, but as regards the debt, he proposed a political solution that will not transfer the technical solution in the future. "This is the only way to boost demand and support investors," he stressed. Tsalakotos also said that the government's new development law will be presented in spring. [08] Agriculture Minister calls on farmers to see together with the government the large initiatives needed Agriculture Minister Evangelos Apostolou in an interview with 'Avghi' newspaper on Sunday called on farmers to see together with the government the "large initiatives needed for the next day." Ahead of the meeting with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Monday, Apostolou stressed the importance of consensus from all sides in order to find solutions to the problems adding that the government has done its best to improve its proposals on tax and social security issues. He said that the bill presented by the government reinforces, through incentives, the collective forms of organization of production and processing in order to "eliminate the factors that have contributed to the depreciation of the cooperative movement", and help them "survive in the current highly competitive global market environment, by creating healthy cooperative enterprises", achieving low cost production and better prices for their products. General News [09] No Afghan national crosses Greece-Fyrom buffer zone at Idomeni since 11 am No Afghan national is allowed to cross the Greece-Fyrom buffer zone at Idomeni since 11 am as the authorities on Fyrom's side have prohibited it. In addition, the refugees that are allowed to cross the buffer zone need to show an id or a passport along with the documents of the Greek authorities. According to the police, the procedure is very slow and there are around 1,500 refugees at Idomeni while 4,000 have already disembarked from the 80 buses that have stopped at a gas station at Polykastro. [10] Weather Forecast Fair weather and northerly winds are forecast for Monday. Wind velocity will reach 4 on the Beaufort scale. Mostly fair in the northern and western parts of the country with temperatures ranging from 08C-21C. Mostly fair in the eastern parts and temperatures between 09C-22C. Sunny the Aegean islands and Crete, 12C-18C. Fair in Athens in the morning, 09C-21C; Same weather in Thessaloniki, 07C-18C. [11] Athens Headlines at a glance KATHIMERINI: (German Chancellor Angela) Merkel was also discussing Greece's exit from the euro PROTO THEMA: 2,000 refugees enter Greece every day, 200 of them leave Greece TO VIMA: Greece in a 'minefield' ETHNOS: Decision cancels memorandum cuts in salaries and pensions REAL NEWS: (Finance Minister Euclid) Tsakalotos' criticism over the role of IMF ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Memorandum, refugees, polls: (PM Alexis) Tsipras' nightmare RIZOSPASTIS: An antipopular-labour response is needed AVGHI: In front of the solution VRADINI: Retire before you become 60 EPOCHI: Open borders for the time being DIMOKRATIA: Conflict in the Aegean 36, TSOCHA ST. ATHENS 115 21 GREECE - TEL: 64.00.560-63 - FAX: 64.00.581-2 INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.ana.gr - E-MAIL: anabul@ana gr - GENERAL DIRECTOR: Michalis Psilos Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-02-22 Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article From: The Athens News Agency at CONTENTS [01] Farmers open Tempi Valley ahead of meeting with PM Tsipras [02] Greece-Fyrom buffer zone packed with refugees; crossing point closed [03] Four ferries with 1,600 refugees aboard dock at Piraeus port on Monday [01] Farmers open Tempi Valley ahead of meeting with PM Tsipras Tempi Valley on the Athens-Thessaloniki motorway opened and traffic has returned to normal. Farmers, that kept Tempi Valley closed for the last 15 days, said they opened the Valley as a gesture of goodwill and ahead of their scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Monday noon. [02] Greece-Fyrom buffer zone packed with refugees; crossing point closed Congestion prevails at Greece-Fyrom's buffer zone at Idomeni following FYROM's decision not to allow the entrance to Afghan nationals and the imposition of stricter conditions to the entrance of Syrians and Iraqis that have the relevant documents to access the country. According to police's latest figures, over 2,000 refugees are currently waiting at Idomeni camp while 62 buses with roughly 3,000 persons are parked at the nearby gas station which is 20 klm away from the Greek-Fyrom border awaiting police's signal to continue their trip. However, a large number of Syrian or Iraquis refugees, who are allowed to cross only by sawing their documents, have lost their passports of identity cards in their long journey to reach the Greek coasts and according to the new rules they are not allowed to cross the borders. [03] Four ferries with 1,600 refugees aboard dock at Piraeus port on Monday Four ships with 1,600 migrants and refugees arrived at Piraeus port on Monday morning. "Eleftherios Venizelos" carried 729 people from Chios, "Ariadni" ferry carried 590 people, "Nisos Mykonos" carried 209 from Mytilene and 74 from Chios. "Blue Star" carried 4 refugees from Kos. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-02-22 Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article From: The Athens News Agency at CONTENTS [01] Government to submit a comprehensive plan for protecting agricultural income, gov't spokeswoman says [02] University of Peloponnese signs memorandum of cooperation with China's National University of Defense Technology [03] Deaths from flu rise to 124 in Greece [04] Coast Guard rescued large number of refugees throughout the weekend [01] Government to submit a comprehensive plan for protecting agricultural income, gov't spokeswoman says The government will submit a comprehensive plan for the protection of agricultural income and the strengthening of rural areas, government spokeswoman Olga Gerovassili on Monday said to ANA-MPA, noting that the majority of the farmers' movement and roadblocks will be represented in Monday's meeting. Gerovassili expressed confidence that a fruitful and honest dialogue will be held and stressed that the government's policy focuses on the productive reconstruction of the country. [02] University of Peloponnese signs memorandum of cooperation with China's National University of Defense Technology The National University of Defense Technology of China signed a memorandum of cooperation with the University of Peloponnese. The two institutions will develop research projects in areas of common interest as well as other research activities, such as conferences, symposia, seminars and lectures and proceed to the exchange scientific materials and publications. The two institutions will have close cooperation in the fields of literature, linguistics, cultural studies, philosophy, economics, history, political science, international studies, information technology and telecommunications and space technology. [03] Deaths from flu rise to 124 in Greece Another ten people died in Greece during weekend from complications caused by the influenza A (H1N1) virus raising the number of fatalities to 124, while 106 remain hospitalized in intensive care units, the country's center for disease control and prevention (KEELPNO) said. According to KEELPNO, a total of 360 persons have been hospitalized in intensive care units since the outbreak of the unfluenza. [04] Coast Guard rescued large number of refugees throughout the weekend 2,518 refugees and migrants were rescued by the Greek Coast Guard in 45 incidents in the sea regions of Alexandroupolis, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Agathonissi and Farmakonissi from early Friday 19 February 2016 to early Monday 22 February 2016. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has declared that Canada is "back" on the world stage with his new government, but what exactly does that mean? "Many of you have worried that Canada has lost its compassionate and constructive voice in the world over the past 10 years," he told a boisterous crowd the day after winning the October federal election. Advertisement "Well, I have a simple message for you. On behalf of 35 million Canadians, we're back." Ask The PM You now have an opportunity to ask the Canadian leader how that translates into foreign policy and the impact on other countries. A few days before his historic March 10 state dinner with U.S. President Barack Obama, Trudeau will sit down with The Huffington Post Canada for a live-streamed digital town hall. Live from Toronto, the prime minister will answer questions submitted from Canadian and international HuffPost readers and editions though video, social media, and a live audience. Advertisement While other forums have focused on domestic issues, this one will highlight foreign policy and U.S.-Canada relations. What would you ask the prime minister? Post your question in the comments below, or on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #TrudeauTownHall. Your question may be used during the town hall next month. Stay tuned! Also on HuffPost Political battle lines have been drawn between a new Liberal government committing to spend and opposition Conservatives arguing that now is the time to rein things in. But at a press conference Monday, where he confirmed that the deficit will be at least $8.4 billion more than Liberals promised on the campaign trail, Finance Minister Bill Morneau suggested Canadians knew what they were getting when they voted in October. Advertisement Finance Minister Bill Morneau participates in a town hall meeting ahead of pre-budget consultations in Ottawa on Monday. (Photo: Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press) "Canadians made the right choice on Oct. 19," Morneau said. "They chose, in the face of an economy that was facing low growth, to make significant investments. And that's exactly what we're going to do." Liberals promised while campaigning that deficits would not exceed $10 billion. Morneau's fiscal update suggested Canada is on pace for a shortfall of at least $18.4-billion deficit next year, but that's excluding big-ticket promises like major infrastructure investments. Advertisement "The reality now is that it is not a time to spend." Rona Ambrose Morneau said a "less-ambitious" government may see plunging oil prices and volatility as a "reason to hide, to make cuts or to be overly cautious." He added that his first budget won't be a "knee-jerk reaction" to economic shifts, no matter how loud the cries get. When a reporter asked him if some of the Liberals could defer promised spending, Morneau said that his plan was "doubly important" in the face of a volatile economy. "We are moving forward with our plans to make investments in the economy. We're moving forward with our plans that were laid out in our campaign commitments," he said. "That's what we know is the right thing to do in this sort of economic environment and that's what we know Canadians made the choice to do on Oct. 19." He did promise, however, that the government is not looking at hiking consumption taxes like the GST. Advertisement But interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose suggested at a Parliament Hill press conference that Canadians did not sign up for this. 'Newsflash' for Trudeau "The reality now is that it is not a time to spend," she said. "Based on slow economic growth, it's a time for the finance minister to talk about controlling spending." Ambrose blasted the Liberals' decision to raise the deficit cap as a "recipe for waste and mismanagement" and said Liberals can't help themselves when it comes to spending money. Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose speaks to reporters in the foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday. (Photo: Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press) Advertisement She also dusted off an old attack line against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "I have a newsflash for Justin Trudeau that I think he's starting to figure out, and that is that budgets don't actually balance themselves," she said. Ambrose also pointed to numbers released from the Finance Department in January to argue the last Conservative government left behind a surplus. And, in what may be a preview of the debates to come after Morneau's budget is released next month, she wondered why $10 billion the number Liberals promised not to surpass en route to a majority wasn't enough. "Frankly it brings into question the confidence of the finance minister and the prime minister," Ambrose said. With files from The Canadian Press Advertisement Also on HuffPost UPDATE 3:51 p.m.: The book has been pulled from Amazon.ca. EARLIER: The possibility of serial killer Robert Pickton profiting off the sale of a memoir he reportedly wrote behind bars has led to pressure on two major American retailers to pull the book. Mass murderers should not profit from their crimes, and neither should Amazon, wrote user WestCoastBlue. Several reviews on retailers site called the new memoir trash and garbage. Advertisement The 144-page, self-published book titled "Pickton: In His Own Words," is for sale on Amazon and Barnes & Noble for between $20.50 and $22. Amazon screenshot Barnes & Noble screenshot On the back cover, author Michael Chilldres teases a story about a man in prison for life, accused of murdering between six and 49 women who finally tells his story of what happened on his familys farm in Port Coquitlam, B.C. Advertisement Colorado-based publisher Outskirts Press did not respond to The Huffington Post Canada's request for comment. As of Monday, nearly 2,000 people have signed a petition urging Amazon to remove the book from its site. It is not right B.C. Premier Christy Clark said she is at a loss for words over the publication of the apparent memoir. I have trouble understanding it and I think people will want to know that their government is doing everything it can to want to stop him from profiting from this at the very least, she told reporters on Monday. An investigation into the disappearance of dozens of women from Vancouvers Downtown Eastside since the early 80s culminated in Pickton's arrest in 2002. Advertisement He was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder in 2007 after investigators found DNA and remains of 33 women on the farm during an exhaustive excavation of the property. The dilapidated house on his family's pig farm dubbed Piggys Palace was known to police as a site of rambunctious parties. A public inquiry released in 2012 concluded that systemic failures allowed Pickton to kill Vancouver sex workers for years without being caught. The final report authored by Commissioner Wally Oppal made 63 recommendations. Amanda Nahanee, of the Squamish First Nation, stands behind a display with photographs of missing women during the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry public forum in Vancouver in 2011. (Photo: Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press) Advertisement Oppal told The Huffington Post Canada in an interview he was disturbed by the news of the memoir, saying its publication is troubling to everyone, not only to his victims and their families. For him, now, to write about whatever happened or didnt happen and then throw in Biblical sayings for good measure, I think, is disturbing, he said. Ontario has legislation in place that prohibits someone from profiting from crime, but in B.C. no similar law exists, Oppal said. One would think that under our system, that hes put away and we wouldnt hear from him again. And we dont really need his type to be constantly telling us what happened or didnt happen. Advertisement Wally Oppal pauses as he delivers the final report on the findings of the Missing Women Commission in Vancouver, B.C., on Dec. 17, 2012. (Photo: The Canadian Press/Jonathan Hayward) Pickton is currently serving a life sentence. Because he received the maximum sentence under the law for his convictions, 20 other murder charges were stayed. He has no possibility of parole until 2032. Since his conviction, Pickton has made several attempts to exonerate himself, by repeatedly maintaining his innocence in interviews and by launching several unsuccessful appeals. On Sunday, B.C.s public safety minister and solicitor general said the provincial government is asking Amazon to halt sales of the book on its site. It is not right that a person who has caused so much harm and hurt so many people could profit from his behaviour. In a statement, Mike Morris told Global News that officials dont want Pickton to profit from the sale of the book, which only causes more anguish for the victims' families. It is not right that a person who has caused so much harm and hurt so many people could profit from his behaviour, Morris said. Last year, convicted murdered Paul Bernardo made headlines after writing an e-book later sold by Amazon. The retailer eventually pulled A Mad World Order from its site. With files from The Canadian Press Also on HuffPost: A rookie Liberal MP who once flew CF-18 fighter jets says he supports his government's decision to end airstrikes against the so-called Islamic State and thinks Conservatives are trying to "trick" Canadians into believing otherwise. Stephen Fuhr, elected in the British Columbia riding of Kelowna-Lake Country, served as a fighter pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force for 20 years. He retired with the rank of major in 2009. Advertisement Last week, Fuhr was elected chair of the standing committee on national defence. On Sunday, the Conservative Party featured Fuhr in a graphic posted to Facebook and Twitter, saying he "agrees" with Tories on the ISIS mission. The posts included a link to a party website encouraging Canadians to "tell Trudeau this is Canada's fight," criticizing the prime minister for ending the bombing mission before MPs had finished debating the mission. "I think military intervention is part of our responsibility," Fuhr is quoted as saying. According to a Tory spokesperson, the remark came from an interview Fuhr gave to CBC News in Kelowna last September. In a recording shared with The Huffington Post Canada, Fuhr is asked about the Liberal campaign pledge to end airstrikes. "Moving forward, I think, as a balanced approach, I think military intervention is part of our responsibility. That's my personal opinion," he said at the time. "What that looks like moving forward, we'll see." Advertisement Fuhr: Tories twisting and fluffing words The MP confirmed Monday that he said the remark but argued his words are now being twisted. He said he considers the enhanced training mission to be the kind of military role that fulfills Canada's obligation in contributing efforts against ISIS, adding that allies have "enough tactical air support." Tories, he said, are "just trying to fluff up their perspective" because they disagree with pulling the planes. "They realize they lost the last election, they just haven't figured out why." Fuhr said he is fully on board with the strategy and that Canadians who want this country to have a presence in the region have reason to be proud. While the Tories have accused the new government of stepping back efforts against ISIS, Fuhr suggested he puts more stock in the opinion of U.S. Defence Secretary Ash Carter, who reportedly thanked Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan for tripling the amount of military trainers in Iraq. Fuhr said he wasn't overly surprised to see his face pop up in a Conservative post, but laments the debate over Canada's role against ISIS has become partisan. Advertisement "They realize they lost the last election, they just haven't figured out why," he said. On Sunday, Fuhr responded to the Tory jab on Twitter. @CPC_HQ U forgot 2 add that I support our shift in approach as a more effective way to proceed. Nice try #cdnpolipic.twitter.com/Lx1UT2Nj1m Stephen Fuhr MP (@Fuhr2015) February 22, 2016 ALSO ON HUFFPOST: Syrian refugees hold 'thank you Canada' rally at Saskatoon mall WATCH: Around a hundred Syrian refugees gathered at a mall in Saskatoon on Sunday with a simple message for Canadians: Thank you. Posted by Global Edmonton on Monday, 22 February 2016 Shoppers at Saskatoon's Lawson Heights Mall were met with roses and messages of appreciation on Sunday, thanks to a rally held by Syrian refugees. About 100 refugees attended the gathering, most of whom arrived in Canada in the past few months. "We came out here today with our families and kids to really truly thank all Canadians and just tell them thank you from the bottom of our hearts for what they have done for us and how they have welcomed us," organizer Abdul Rahman Shehadah told CBC News through a translator. Advertisement Shehadah and his family have been living in Canada for about two months. The group held Canadian flags, and signs reading "Thank you to all Canadians" and "Syrians love Saskatoon" while handing out roses. Mohammed Al-Helal said he not only wanted to thank Canadians, but to show that he's excited to be a part of his new community. "My main goal is to be positive in this society and learn English and be able to give back and help others in the community and in Saskatoon," Al-Helal told the Saskatoon StarPhoenix. Advertisement Premier Brad Wall said in November that Saskatchewan will be welcoming approximately 850 refugees. Watch a Global News video from the event above. Also on HuffPost: LinkedIn Scaachi Koul took a lot of flak over the weekend for a Twitter call for story pitches that were Canada-centric, especially if you were "not white and not male." She was harassed, received at least one violent threat, and deleted her Twitter account. If you look at the masthead of Canada's major publications, it's not hard to see exactly what she's talking about. Advertisement I've never met Scaachi in real life (or even on the Internet), but I hear we're about the same age. Twitter persona aside, I've always been a huge fan of her writing, which makes me question what I'm doing with my life. No one should be subject to that kind of harassment, let alone someone who's making a salient point about the industry she works in. I started following her career when she was at Hazlitt, writing a hilarious advice column that was always snarky and insightful. She's written some great pieces that tie in her experiences as a racialized woman, and some that are just flat-out great. That being said, there's some legitimate critical discussion that can be had, specifically using her platform on BuzzFeed to shut down criticism from black women about her appearance on a CBC panel. Advertisement But even though I don't always agree with Scaachi Koul, it's completely unacceptable she was harassed off Twitter. It's unbelievable she received violent threats for pointing out something every non-white, non-male journalist already knows -- mainstream media (in general) is not here for you. No one should be subject to that kind of harassment, let alone someone who's making a salient point about the industry she works in. Yeah, sure, she could've been more polite about it so as not to poke the Twitter trolls. Pragmatically speaking, every PoC with a platform knows that the minute you start speaking out about race on Twitter, you'll get harassed, or worse, threatened. But even though I'd never yell about white men myself, tone-policing Scaachi Koul is the opposite of fixing media's diversity problem. Why should people of colour, sexual and gender minorities, be expected to always be polite when demanding a media they deserve -- one that reflects the diversity of their experiences, and the diversity of the country they live in? Should we just sit here and wait for the predominantly white, male media to include our voices? Advertisement If the reaction to Scaachi's call for pitches is any indication, that's not going to happen anytime soon. I'm Chinese-Canadian. My parents came here from Jamaica when they were teenagers and became Canadians. There are few journalists who share even a small part of that experience, and fewer still, any regular columnists. I honestly can't think of any Chinese ones. I'm lucky to work at an organization that values my input, and sees my experiences with race and culture as important. But Canadian media is getting smaller and smaller every day. Budget cuts are forcing some of the country's most talented journalists to take buyouts, or get laid off anyway. Some of us are clinging to our jobs for dear life, because who knows -- you could be next. And as it gets smaller, it'll be harder for Canadian media to diversify, because it'll be less of a priority to include our voices. As her boss Craig Silverman pointed out, Scaachi Koul didn't violate any labour laws. A call for story pitches is not the same as a job application. Advertisement And as Scaachi herself pointed out, "Giving ignored voices preferential treatment is not racism against white people ...it is an attempt to fix all of history." BuzzFeed's move is refreshing, and should be applauded. They're not saying white men -- a group of people whose voices can be found in every major publication in this country -- won't be considered. They're simply reaching out to communities that have never had an equal seat at the table. Disclosure: Scaachi Koul once worked as an editorial intern at The Huffington Post Canada. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook ALSO ON HUFFPOST: Cknight70/Flickr The recent death of the long-serving U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has generated a lot of Canadian commentary critiquing his "originalist" or "textualist" approach to constitutional interpretation and hostility to the use of foreign judicial decisions in U.S. court judgements. Some commentators, including former Canadian Supreme Court Justices have publicly celebrated the fact that they were not influenced by Scalia's adherence to a strict construction of the original intent or plain meaning in their interpretation of the text of the Canadian Constitution. I want to suggest that this is too narrow a metric to judge the importance of Scalia's decisions and dissents to Canada. The first time that I had the chance to see Justice Scalia in action was in 1993 in the oral arguments in the highly contentious international antitrust case, Hartford Fire Insurance Co. v. California. Advertisement Viewed from today's more recent perspective where national competition, tax, securities and banking authorities cooperate in enforcing their respective laws, it is perhaps hard to recall just how explosive issues of the extraterritorial application of U.S. laws were in the Canada-U.S. bilateral relationship. Concern over U.S. courts asserting jurisdiction over an international uranium cartel involving Canadian "national champions" in the 1970s and 1980s led, in part, to Parliament passing the Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act in 1984. The issue in the Hartford case was whether foreign insurance companies who conspired to fix reinsurance rates could be prosecuted in U.S. courts for effects in the U.S. Even though the insurance companies principally concerned were British, the Canadian Government was so concerned about the extraterritorial reach of the U.S. antitrust laws that it filed an amicus curiae brief in the Supreme Court. And through the good offices of Canada's U.S. counsel in the case, I was able to obtain a hot ticket to the oral arguments. On the issue of extraterritoriality, Scalia, writing in dissent, was squarely in the corner of Canada and the Government of the United Kingdom and the foreign insurance companies. The majority held that no "true conflict" counseling non-application of U.S law exists unless compliance with United States law would constitute a violation of another country's law. Writing, in dissent, Scalia, called this a: "... breathtakingly broad proposition, which contradicts the many cases discussed earlier, will bring the Sherman Act and other laws into sharp and unnecessary conflict with the legitimate interests of other countries--particularly our closest trading partners." Scalia argued that U.S. statutes should be interpreted as respecting "international comity" unless the Congress was clear that foreign conduct was to be reached by the statute. He emphasized that: "The activity relevant to the counts at issue here took place primarily in the United Kingdom, and the defendants in these counts are British corporations and British subjects having their principal place of business or residence outside the United States. Great Britain has established a comprehensive regulatory scheme governing the London reinsurance markets, and clearly has a heavy 'interest in regulating the activity'". And more, Scalia was unmoved by the fact that some of the British corporations were subsidiaries of American corporations. He scolded the lower courts for "piercing the corporate veil" to get at those foreign subsidiaries. While Scalia was in the minority in Hartford, in a another contentious later international antitrust case in which Canada filed an amicus curiae brief in 2004, Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. v. Empagran S.A., involving a price-fixing conspiracy among multinational pharmaceutical countries, his "liberal" colleague, Justice Stphen Breyer, writing for the Court adopted Scalia's approach. Breyer concluded that: "Where foreign anticompetitive conduct plays a significant role and where foreign injury is independent of domestic effects, Congress might have hoped that America's antitrust laws, so fundamental a component of our own economic system, would commend themselves to other nations as well. But, if America's antitrust policies could not win their own way in the international marketplace for such ideas, Congress, we must assume, would not have tried to impose them, in an act of legal imperialism, through legislative fiat." Neither Hartford, nor the field of antitrust were aberrations for Scalia. He adopted the same approach in an earlier concurring judgement in 1991 in the Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO) case where discrimination in Saudi Arabia was alleged by a former ARAMCO employee. More recently, in 2009, Scalia wrote the decision for the Court in Morrison v. National Australia Bank Ltd. a case involving the extraterritorial application of U.S. securities laws to transactions conducted traded on the Australian Stock Exchange and on other foreign securities exchanges, but not on any exchange in the United States. Citing ARAMCO, Scalia emphasized that: "... unless there is the affirmative intention of the Congress clearly expressed to give a statute extraterritorial effect, (the Court) must presume it is primarily concerned with domestic conditions." And here is the rub. Scalia's respect for international comity which respects the jurisdiction of foreign countries such as Canada is rooted in his textualist approach to statutory interpretation. Writing in Morrison, he drove this point home: "The results of judicial-speculation-made-law -- divining what Congress would have wanted if it had thought of the situation before the court -- demonstrate the wisdom of the presumption against extraterritoriality. Rather than guess anew in each case, we apply the presumption in all cases, preserving a stable background against which Congress can legislate with predictable effects." So while it may be tempting for some Canadian commentators to dance on the grave of a recently departed conservative jurist, it is worth pausing and reflecting on the fact that on the international comity so important to successive Canadian governments, Scalia's textualism arguably led him more often to be found on our side and leading his more liberal colleagues to our side. Advertisement Thursday, February 18th, I listened with rapt attention to The Right Honourable Paul Martin as he engaged with 5 Former First Nations Chiefs. In the image above, from left to right, they are Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, Matthew Coon Come, Phil Fontaine, Ovide Mercredi and Georges Erasmus. This was our last mainstage panel discussion of a week of sharing and brainstorming to reclaim and rebuild after 20 years of abusive neglect by our Canadian government. The full title of the AFOA conference was "Leadership and Governance: Transformational Change through Education and Capacity Building". The messages of hope and transformation rang throughout the week without naively denying what has happened. The way we have treated aboriginals in Canada is our great shame. This week confirmed to me that they are collectively more forgiving and forward thinking than our previous governments' racist policies. Advertisement I am not new to these stories. While working in youth protection, I saw the pain in families. Also, in 2008, I met Kelly Running-Wolf. As exhausting as it must have been, Kelly patiently, calmly and quietly shared the destruction that residential schools had on his family to all who would listen. It was not an attempt to guilt the white man, but rather to awaken us while helping his people heal. When I worked with clients racked by grief, I learned far too well that healing begins through talking. So, we talked. A little known fact about the residential schools is that when they were built, these were the only schools in Canada that included a cemetery to bury the children that would die. His sister was in one of those cemeteries. Despite all he had seen, Kelly managed to walk in the white man's Christian world with loving forgiveness while keeping true to the spiritual practices of respect and honour of his ancestors. He found healing and sobriety with one foot in each world: as a Canadian and a First Nation member. Eventually, cancer took him from his many friends, but not before he was able to help many, many young people in his community. I know he was with me in spirit this week. AFOA 2016 National Conference Although I was invited to share my program about conflict styles in the workplace, this was an incredible opportunity to learn more about aboriginals' concerns and joys. I felt that everything they are asking for is overdue. But mostly, the way these industrious and proud communities could stretch a buck and make things out of nothing was truly awe inspiring. Advertisement 5 Things First Nations want to see improved in Canada: 1-The right to self-determination. Stop saying that this country was built on two nations, English and French. They were here first and want an equal voice of governance. Colonization of First Nations continues to be practiced in Canada and they are thrilled that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is sensitive to the previous policies of First Nations extinction and are cautiously optimistic. 2-Education for their children. According to First Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde, (the nicest guy you'll ever meet BTW) in Quebec, the government will spend $6,500 per year per child in an aboriginal school. The English school systems will receive $12,000 per child. The French school system will receive $20,000. They spoke with great hope at the ending of these discriminations in the near future. 3- Safe drinking water According to this CBC report,400 out of 618 reserves have struggled with unsafe drinking water in a 10 year span. We should fix that. 4- Federal Law review The last 10 years have been spent in the expensive court systems to fight omnibus bills that ignored land rights and treaties. First Nations believe in using natural resources responsibly for sustainable mutual collective benefit. They have a personal stake in seeing our economy grow instead of dealing with litigation. The new government has committed to reviewing all the laws that have been passed in bad faith and are sitting down to dialogue about appropriate revenue sharing and benefits sharing. 5-Close the Gap NATO said that Canada listed 6th in standard of living in the world. Our aboriginal communities ranked 63rd on that same list. We have depleted their resources. When they objected to treaties being tossed aside, we have systematically cut their funding. The majority now live in 3rd world country standards. They are asking, ever so nicely, to please stop doing that and make it right. Advertisement The Good News Today, despite this being our collective shame, the First Nations leaders want to move forward towards healing. Canadians can regain our national pride through dialogue, love and mutual efforts. They spoke of fresh air happening for the first time in 10 years of darkness. In fact, for the first time ever, when the First Nations Chiefs met recently, Justin Trudeau was the first sitting Prime Minister to ever join them at their meeting. He brought along Finance Minister Bill Morneau, whom they appropriately call "Big Money Chief". They know their past well and they have a vision of positive leadership for the future. The people sitting around me were bright, educated leaders with an incredible sense of humour. They are ready to heal within their communities and help grow our collective Canadian economy. A few of the former First Nations Chiefs expressed the dream of celebrating alongside Canadians as fellow Canadians at our upcoming anniversary. Someone at my table said they had never thought like that before but the elevation of respect has put wind under the eagle's wings. Kelly would have loved this! I love that dream! Let's make it happen! Do you know a company or an organization who wants to increase their collaboration? I'd love to speak to them. I visited the Soviet Union for the first time in 1979. In those years, my head was full of Russians, from Dostoevsky and Solzhenitsyn, to Akhmatova and Mandelstam. While spending several months in London, I saw a billboard advertising Aeroflot trips to the Soviet Union and, on a whim, I flew alone to the USSR. The atmosphere behind the Iron Curtain was dark and oppressive. I soon discovered it was dangerous to meet Russians -- dangerous for them. Everyone was watched. Through a friend at the BBC, I'd arranged to meet Kevin Rouain, the BBC correspondent in Moscow. Advertisement After a disconcerting taxi ride through the industrial-sized blocks of high-rise apartments lining Moscow's suburbs, we visited several dissidents, which eventually led to my organizing the international congress: The Writer and Human Rights in Aid of Amnesty International in Toronto in 1982. Svetlana was the subject in the foreground of my book, but there was always that murderous backdrop. The challenge was to keep the two worlds in sync. When HarperCollins, U.S., accepted my proposal to write a biography of Svetlana Alliluyeva, it was easy to recall that dramatic trip. I asked myself: what would it have been like to be Svetlana Alliluyeva, the princess in the Kremlin? No one could encounter her without knowing she was the daughter of the Vozhd (leader), which meant danger, risk. In the course of researching Svetlana's life, I interviewed over 40 people. The geography I covered was as vast as the history. I traveled to Russia, Georgia, England and across the U.S., scouring archives and hunting down interview subjects. Advertisement Not unexpectedly, the most resonant part of my journey was my trip to Moscow, in the course of which I visited the Kremlin; Svetlana's Model School 25; Moscow University where she studied; the Gorky Institute where she worked; the House on the Embankment, where she lived with her two children (it was formerly nicknamed the House of Detention because so many of its elite were sent to camps or executed in the 1930s and 1940s); the Government archives where I read her poignant adolescent letters to her Papa; the Memorial Archives dedicated to victims of the Gulag, her friends among them. I was time travelling into the past, examining a life that spanned the history of the 20th century. It was all there: the Gulag; Stalin's Terror of the late 1930s; World War II and the tragic cost to Russia; Stalin's anti-Semitic plots of the 1940s; the Cold War and its ruthless intrigues on both sides. Svetlana was the subject in the foreground of my book, but there was always that murderous backdrop. The challenge was to keep the two worlds in sync. In Moscow it is the members of Stalin's family who remain most dramatically present in my mind. What impact did my vaulting them into their painful pasts have on them? I met Svetlana's cousin, Leonid, the son of her mother Nadya's sister, Anna. Stalin condemned Anna to seven years of solitary confinement in Lubyanka prison in 1947; her cousin Alexander, whose father, Pavel Alliluyev, shocked by the repressions, died of a heart attack in 1937 and whose mother Eugenia was also arrested in 1947; Sasha Burdonsky, the son of Svetlana's alcoholic brother, Vasili. Burdonsky hated both his grandfather and his father who had abandoned his mother and placed him in the hands of a deeply abusive stepmother. Advertisement Burdonsky told me: "I admired Svetlana as a woman and as a human being... She had her father's intelligence, his will, but not his evil." These were conversations I will never forget. Improbably, the past assaulted me in Moscow in an unexpected way. The fourth night in the apartment I'd rented for myself and my two researchers, we received a call at midnight from the landlord. The police intended to bring the suspect involved in the murder that had occurred in our apartment three months previously in order to videotape her confession. If we weren't home, they would kick the door in. "Murder!" I said. "Well, yes," he explained. An American businessman from Miami had picked up a woman in the trendy Arbat district. When they'd returned to the apartment, she'd spiked his drink. He was found dead the next morning. At 2:30 a.m., the police pulled into the parking lot. The lead detective extended his hand, apologizing for the lateness of the hour. The cops behind him were laughing. One said: "In the old days we didn't need to apologize." When I recounted our brush with the police to Russians I met, they didn't seem surprised. It was just a Moscow thing. Writing biography, there is always a subtext -- the many adventures involved in the search. In writing about Elizabeth Smart, I will always recall my amusing breakfast with Peter Ustinov who, as Elizabeth's sister Jane told me, had met "Betty" Smart at acting school in London. Advertisement When I told Ustinov that the Betty Smart he'd known wrote By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept (he'd never connected the two) he remarked: "She must have been a Charlotte Corday in the secret service of love." In writing Gwendolyn MacEwen's biography, I was fascinated by the novel she'd written about the pharaoh Akhenaten. I got to spend three weeks in Egypt on a private tour with Donald Redford, the world specialist on Akhenaten, along with six of his patrons. The day I booked my flight, the Egyptian terrorist group, Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya, declared war on tourists. I went by myself to visit the pyramids of Giza, the others having seen them too many times. Frightened tourists stayed away. I must be one of the few people since the 19th century to have visited Cheops' tomb alone; and to race across the desert on a camel, a single guide at my side. If writing biography brings adventures, a biographer must also be a kind of metaphysical detective, asking -- what was this life, how was it lived? And it must be a life lived with enough intensity that it sustains one's obsession. Will I write anther biography? I will have to catch my breath. Advertisement You can never predict the life of a book. I could not be more thrilled with the reception Stalin's Daughter has received. To be shortlisted for the RBC Taylor Prize is a great honour. The prize is noted for the rigour of its juries, which is evident in this year's selection of the remarkable books by my four fellow finalists. I am deeply grateful. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook MORE ON HUFFPOST: Prime Minister David Cameron addresses MPs in the House of Commons in London, to lay out his case for staying in the European Union. PA/PA Wire David Cameron has been told by eurosceptic Tory MPs to be kind to Boris Johnson after the bruising the London Mayor received in the House of Commons over his support for Brexit. The Prime Minister tonight confronted members of the Conservative 1922 committee of backbench MPs, knowing a large number are disappointed their leader will campaign to stay in the European Union. Advertisement His 25-minute face-to-face with around 100 Tory MPs in a Westminster backroom followed straight after a statement to the House of Commons marked by his brutal attacks on Johnson, the hugely popular politician who will oppose Cameron and campaign to leave. After the meeting, Conservative MP Steve Baker, one of the partys most prominent eurosceptics, revealed he had urged the PM: Please be kind to Boris. The MP for High Wycombe added that Cameron was warm to the idea and his suggestion was greeted with levity, pointing out the PMs over-arching message was to be mutually respectful in a robust contest. But he acknowledged there would be moments of high passion and drama as the Tories stand on opposite sides in the months leading up to the June 23 referendum, and the campaign wont be pure as the driven snow at all times. Advertisement Baker, co-chair of the Conservatives for Britain group, told reporters: I said: I know its hard, but please be kind to Boris'. There was a peal of laughter. He said: Of course Ill be kind to Boris. Hes going to be respectful to all colleagues. Its very clear the Prime Ministers intention. - its that we be mutually respectful in a robust contest that helps the country to make the right choice for our country. "The Prime Minister was absolutely clear that he respects people being in different sides. Boris Johnson listening to the Prime Minister set out his case for staying in the EU Speaking about the relationship between the London Mayor and Cameron, he added: They are people who have known each other for a long time, and its about high drama. And I felt for Boris. Hes taking quite a beating at the moment in the press, and obviously he took a bit of a bruising in the Commons. But hes a big man and Im sure hell bounce back from it. Baker argued that Johnsons stance was out of principle and true belief since it was perfectly clear hes paying some price for it. Advertisement Hes a great inspiration to many people. Like Heineken, he reaches parts others dont, he went on. Baker denied the be kind plea was indicative of a backlash among Tory backbenchers. He said: There are going to be moments of high passion and drama and its not going to be possible for the campaign to be as pure as the driven snow at all times. But we are going to be respectful of one another, measured and cautious. And sure we concentrate on the issues. When asked whether the Prime Minister heeded the call, Baker said: It is quite clear to me there is no malice from the PM on this. I cant tell you that I have never been a bit sharp with somebody. Nobody here is without sin, are we? Everyone is capable of being a bit sharper than they meant. David Davis, the Tory MP and long-standing out campaigner, told HuffPost UK afterwards: If the Prime Minister wants mutual respect he must lead by example. Cameron arrived at the meeting after being on his feet for more than two and a half hours in the Commons as he answered questions on the deal he secured in Brussels last Friday. Advertisement As the entered the room to meet with Tory MPs at 6.30pm, he was greeted by the sight of some of the party's most vocal eurosceptics - Baker, John Redwood, Philip Davies and Sir Bill Cash - sitting together in a row facing the door. Mr Baker was even wearing a large Vote Leave badge on his jacket lapel and while he joined in with the customary banging of the table as the Prime Minister entered, Davies and Sir Bill did not. After removing his jacket to speak, the Prime Minister acknowledged the different views on the EU deal within the room, but urged for mutual respect in the months ahead. It was at this point that Baker urged the PM to 'be kind to Boris'. One Tory backbencher who was in the room told the Huff Post UK that: "Cameron didn't quite say sorry for what he had said to Boris, but he said something along the lines that people will lose their heads a few times between now and the referendum." Mr Cameron said the party needed to keep its focus on June 24 - the day after the referendum - and not get completely sidetracked by the campaign. Advertisement Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh drew cheers when he reminded those in the room that "the real enemy is Corbyn." Boris Johnson has suffered a verbal pummelling from David Cameron over claims that there could be a second referendum if Britain votes to quit the EU. In his most savage public attack on the Mayor of London, the Prime Minister ridiculed his fellow Tory MP with a withering assessment of the idea that a Leave vote would allow the UK to negotiate a better deal with Brussels. Advertisement Boris had already been dubbed the Vicky Pollard of British politics for his latest no but, yes but approach to the EU referendum, hinting that an Out vote could be followed a new negotiation and a fresh referendum. His allies made clear to HuffPost UK on Monday night that he had dropped the second referendum idea some time ago and now felt the UK could have a "positive exit" with a free trade and co-operation arrangement with the EU. David Cameron in the Commons The clarification came after Mr Cameron had aimed a series of barbs at Mr Johnson, as he confirmed for the first time that if voters backed Leave he would trigger straightaway the legal process for Britain severing its ties with the EU. Advertisement As a frowning Mr Johnson looked on, the PM warned that a second referendum was not on the ballot paper on June 23 and added that the idea of Brussels being forced into a fresh negotiation was for the birds. And in what seemed like a jibe at the Mayors private life, he even said he did not know of any couples who have begun divorce proceedings in order to renew their marriage vows. Boris was also ridiculed by Labour MPs - one of whom heckled Speak for England, Boris! - as he tried to ask his own question to the Prime Minister during the Commons statement on the latest UK-EU reform deal. Boris Johnson, on the defensive for once On a day when the Mayor felt a backlash in Parliament and in the City over his dramatic decision to opt for Brexit, Mr Cameron fought back with his passionate case for staying in the EU. Advertisement Relations between No.10 and City Hall hit a new nadir on Sunday after Boris gave the PM just nine minutes notice via text message of his decision to back the Leave campaign. In his Daily Telegraph column, he wrote: There is only one way to get the change we need and that is to vote to go; because all EU history shows that they only really listen to a population when it says No. Boris leaves home A clearly bullish Mr Cameron pounced on the Mayors argument, as Downing Street aides made clear that Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the formal process for a country to quit the EU, would start the same day the result of the referendum came in on June 24. For a prime minister to ignore the express will of the British people to leave the EU would not just be wrong; itd be undemocratic, Mr Cameron told MPs. Advertisement And in a thinly-veiled reference to Boriss Tory leadership ambition, Mr Cameron pointed out that he was not standing for re-election as Prime Minister and so had no other agenda going into the referendum campaign. He added: "I hope I've demonstrated today there's plenty of punch in this campaign". The PM launched a broadside of verbal attacks on the Mayor including: I have known a number of couples who have begun divorce proceedings but I do not know of any who have begun divorce proceedings in order to renew their marriage vows. I wont dwell on the irony that some people apparently want to use a leave vote to remain. We should also be clear that this is a final decision. "I am not standing for re-election. I have no other agenda than what is best for our country. I'm standing here telling you what I think. On diplomacy, the idea that other European countries would be ready to start a second negotiation is for the birds. Advertisement If the British people vote to leave, theres only one way to bring that about and that is to trigger article 50 of the treaties and begin the process of exit. And the British people would rightly expect that that should start straightaway. Praising Boriss father as a blond bombshell, just hours after he claimed his son had made a career-ending decision in backing Brexit Friends of Boris told HuffPost UK that he had not even noticed the PM's jibes about having 'an agenda' or about 'marriage' vows. and was relaxed about both. They conceded that there had been some confusion over the Mayor's position, but he had never intended his Telegraph column to be interpreted as a hint of a second referendum. The Mayor was instead trying to point out that a 'Leave' vote would put the UK in a strong position to secure a free trade and cooperation deal "without the supranational elements" of being a member of the EU, one insider said. Advertisement Downing Street had earlier stressed that a vote to leave is a vote to leave" and rejected the idea that voters could have a second go at the EU issue even if they opt for the UK to go it alone on June 23. The idea of a second referendum has been pushed by Dominic Cummings, Vote Leaves campaign director and Michael Goves former special adviser. It is seen by some on the Out side as a valuable way of reassuring the public that a Leave vote would not automatically lead to a leap in the dark, and in the process getting as many floating voters on board as possible. But Mr Johnson had decided some time ago that the second referendum plan would not work, a friend said. Both In campaigners and Eurosceptics today said it would be politically impossible for the Prime Minister to do anything to subvert the will of the British people in the referendum. Advertisement Mr Cameron also faced his own MPs at the backbench 1922 Committee, many of whom will be campaigning against him in the referendum. As sterling crashed on the markets in the wake of Mr Johnsons statement on Sunday, he also came under fire from some of his closest supporters. Tory MP Mark Field said the Mayor had given the impression he was not an Outer and feared the City of London could be reduced to an offshore centre as Eurozone financing shifted over the Channel after a Brexit vote. With Boris Johnson attracting yet another media scrum of attention for his every move, No.10 also stressed that the referendum would give everyone a vote, rather than just one individual. Mr Cummings today again floated the suggestion that the Prime Minister did not have to trigger an instant exit after a Leave vote. . Advertisement @tnewtondunn Triggering A50 immediately wd be mad & won't happen. Informal talks before any legal process triggered is only rational policy odysseanproject (@odysseanproject) February 22, 2016 But Eurosceptic economist Andrew Lilico said that the votes outcome should be obvious. .@odysseanproject@tnewtondunn The referendum is a referendum over whether we leave the EU. A Leave vote = we Leave = Article 50 triggered. Andrew Lilico (@andrew_lilico) February 22, 2016 Richard Tice, co-founder of Leave.EU, said of Boris: The referendum question is plain and simple, do we stay in or leave the EU? When the British people vote to leave there will then be negotiations on the terms of departure, not new terms to stay. We are concerned that he still harbours a belief that the EU can be reformed and that the best way to achieve this is to vote Leave and then open up fresh negotiations. A spokesman for UKIP was equally scathing: "This referendum isn't a negotiating ploy, it is a decision. UKIP are utterly opposed to the idea of two referendums - if the British people vote to Leave the European Union on June 23rd it should mean exactly that. Advertisement Boris Johnson's decision to back British exit from the European Union may be "career ending", his father has claimed. Stanley Johnson said on Monday morning that his son was wrong to want the UK to leave the EU. "I happen to disagree with Boris, I have been a Europeanist all my life," he said. Advertisement Boris has been accused of choosing to back Brexit in order to further his political career by setting himself up as the frontrunner to succeed David Cameron as Conservative Party leader. The next Tory leader, and prime minister, will be chosen by Conservative MPs and grassroots members - who are seen as more eurosceptic than the population at large. But Stanley Johnson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I can't think of any more career ending move to do what he did yesterday," he said. "He is leaving the mayoralty in May. If he wanted a nice job in the Cabinet on May 8, this is certainly not the way to do it." Advertisement Stanley Johnson has worked as a Conservative MEP as well as a European Commission official. He said of his son: "I think he has done a really well-thought-out move. When I say move, it is a move in the sense it represents his deep conviction that at this moment this is what he needed to do. Honestly, I think to say this is a careerist sort of move would be a total travesty." However asked if Boris' decision to back Brexit set him up to take over as prime minister before 2020, Stanley Johnson replied: "Who can say?". FAMILY SPLIT: London Mayor Boris Johnson wants EU exit, not all of his family agree. Heres his dad Stanley Johnson pic.twitter.com/JJUO0JH70y BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) February 22, 2016 Revealing his decision to campaign against the prime minister's renegotiated EU membership package, Boris said yesterday: "I don't think that anybody can claim that this is fundamental reform of the EU or of Britain's relationship with the EU." Defence secretary Michael Fallon dismissed the suggestion the London Mayor's decision was a blow to Cameron. "I think that was expected. I dont think anyone is particularly surprised by that," he told Today. Advertisement "The overwhelming majority of the Cabinet have decided to back the prime minister and the special deal he has got back from Brussels and Boris has taken the opposite view. Fallon added that "obviously" the prime minister "would have liked more support from Boris". Boris Johnson cycles through members of the media as he leaves his home this morning. Six Cabinet ministers have decided to defy the prime minister and campaign for Britain to leave the EU. But the the defence secretary insisted the government split would not do lasting damage. "When its all over and the votes have been counted you can be sure the government will come together again," he said. Writing in his weekly column in The Daily Telegraph, Mr Johnson said the EU was fuelling political alienation and the rise of extremism as voters witnessed the "impotence" of national elected politicians to deal with issues such as immigration. "That enrages them; not so much the numbers as the lack of control. That is what we mean by loss of sovereignty the inability of people to kick out, at elections, the men and women who control their lives," he said. Advertisement "We are seeing an alienation of the people from the power they should hold, and I am sure this is contributing to the sense of disengagement, the apathy, the view that politicians are 'all the same' and can change nothing, and to the rise of extremist parties." A cabinet minister has been pressured into placing a bet on David Cameron's fate should Britain leave the EU live on breakfast TV. Culture Secretary John Whittingdale appeared on 'Good Morning Britain' on Monday to talk about his role in the Vote Leave campaign, advocating Britain's withdrawal from the European Union in the upcoming referendum. Advertisement Presenter and renowned belligerent Piers Morgan took the opportunity to coax a 1,000 punt from Mr Whittingdale, after arguing David Cameron couldn't hope to stay as prime minister if Brits opt to vote leave. Piers Morgan cornered the Culture Secretary on Monday's 'Good Morning Britain' Piers Morgan said: Ill bet you 1,000 to charity that if you guys win - and you may well - David Cameron has two hopes of remaining prime minister: no hope and Bob Hope. To which Mr Whittingdale hesitated before conceding: Alright, go on then. Watch a clip of the exchange, above. Advertisement John Whittingdale appeared on 'Good Morning Britain' on Monday Despite having taken advantage of the relaxation of collective responsibility to campaign against the prime minister's belief Britain should remain in the EU, Mr Whittingdale was confident that David Cameron would remain in post even if voters chose Brexit. He told 'Good Morning Britain': Even if we vote to stay in we will be in a better place than we were before under the old terms. "But if the British people decide that its not enough and that we should leave then he will respect that decision and he will be the first to go and negotiate a new deal so that we do get the best possible outcome. A mother has revealed the heartbreak her family have suffered under Britain's immigration rules, explaining how her toddler thinks his dad "is a phone" due to him being unable to live in the UK. Speaking on the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme, a woman named only as Amira, explained how the current rules meant that she was effectively living as a single mother in Britain. Her plea comes as a number of families are at the Supreme Court today to challenge the government's rules on low income families, such as Amira's. Advertisement Amira, a British citizen, left the UK for Syria to marry her husband Ahmed in Damascus. She was able to return and bring her young son with her when violence escalated badly but because Ahmed is Syrian, he was unable to join them. Under the current rules, amended in 2012, there is a mandatory requirement for a UK sponsor must have a minimum gross annual income of 18,600 before they can invite in partners from non-EEA (European Economic Area) states. Previous rules only required a couple to demonstrate they could maintain themselves without recourse to public funds. 'My son thinks a phone is his father' my film on Skype families created by immigration rules @VictoriaLIVE tomorrow pic.twitter.com/pcCmFvseMj Divya Talwar (@DivyaTalwar1) February 21, 2016 Advertisement Amira explained how she was desperate to stay in Syria but made the decision to come to the UK because she did not feel it was fair to bring up her young son in the war-torn country. She left her husband Ahmed behind and is raising her son Jude alone. Speaking to reporter Divya Talwar, Amira said: Ahmed has been watching his son, Jude, grow up on video calls. "My husband needs a visa and I don't meet the means or requirements to bring him on a spouse visa, I will never earn 18,600 as a single mother. "I'm trying to find work. I've been trying for a very long time. "I wish Ahmed could have come with me but he couldn't come here, because we are not rich enough basically. "My son has been denied his father. He's missed Jude's first birthday, him crawling, him walking. "My son is damaged because of this. He thinks a phone is his father, and that's dreadful, that's horrible. Advertisement According to the Press Association, a High Court judge ruled the introduction of the "minimum income requirement (MIR)", which increases if there are children, was an unjustified interference with human rights. Around 15,000 children are part of Skype families - only able to speak to one of their parents over the video chat service - according to the Children's Commissioner for England. But the Court of Appeal allowed an appeal by Home Secretary Theresa May. Families begin to gather at the Supreme Court for #MMcasepic.twitter.com/SBg2sikEiL BritCits (Sonel) (@BritCits) February 22, 2016 Now the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, is to make a final ruling in a number of linked cases. The Divided Families Campaign says the Home Secretary's policy is "obstructing family reunion for tens of thousands of people". Advertisement The case centres on judicial review applications brought by two British citizens, referred to as AM and SJ who cannot meet the requirement and MM, a refugee from the Lebanon in a similar position, and his nephew AF. In another case, SS, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is challenging a refusal of entry clearance as the spouse of a refugee who became a naturalised British citizen, but whose earnings are below 18,600. Immigration tribunals allowed her appeal under Article 8 (right to private and family life) of the European Convention on Human Rights. But the appeal court ruled she had not demonstrated "compelling circumstances" justifying the granting of entry clearance. High Court judge Mr Justice Blake ruled in the judicial review challenges that the financial requirements set out in rules introduced in July 2012 amounted to a ''disproportionate interference with a genuine spousal relationship''. Three appeal judges - Lord Justice Maurice Kay, Lord Justice Aikens and Lord Justice Treacy - disagreed and said the requirements ''are lawful''. Lord Justice Aikens said in the lead judgment that he was "very conscious of the evidence submitted by the claimants to demonstrate how the new MIR will have an impact on particular groups and, in particular, the evidence that only 301 occupations out of 422 listed in the 2011 UK Earnings data had average annual earnings over 18,600". But the Home Secretary had analysed the effect of the immigration of non-EEA partners and dependant children on the benefits system and "the link between better income and greater chances of integration", said the judge. She had "struck a fair balance between the interests of the groups concerned and the community in general.'' George Galloway: "Not for the first time you've misled me by asking me to come in and talk about the referendum but instead wanting to talk about me." Jo Coburn: "Im sure we haven't misled you." GG: "If you had told me that I was coming in to discuss me, I would have said there are much bigger issues that the British people are occupied by." JC: "You want to defend what you're doing here..." GG: "I don't want to defend me at all. You're not my judge, you're not fit to be my judge." JC: "Well thank you very much. All I am tying to say is are you going to be a benefit to this campaign if there are people who are going to walk out?" GG: "You asked me to come into this studio. I didn't ask you, you told me you wanted to hear my views on the referendum." JC: "And I do. Are you happy to link arms, to use the prime minister's expression, with others that you don't agree with?" GG: "I don't link arms with anybody. It's a binary choice. You're 'In' or your 'Out'. JC: "What do you say to those people who obviously don't feel it is bigger than their personal antipathy towards you?" GG: "Well more fool them. I hope they are not going to vote for the EU because they don't like me, that would be avery foolish and childish. You asked me to come here, presumably because you thought I had something that some people might be interested to hear." JC: "Yes and we will get onto it..." GG: Well I don't know when we will get onto it, we have almost finished the interview." JC: "How do you know? I might have you on here for another ten or fifteen minutes." GG: "I very much doubt that." JC: "You're right. I'm not going to have you on for another ten fifteen minutes." GG: "Please stop this, you mislead me into coming in here today and every question you've asked has been about me." JC: "When have you ever not wanted to talk about you, George Galloway." GG: "It's so childish, it's so tabloid, it's so Daily Mail." JC: "God forbid we should ever be tabloid here at the BBC." Tory MPs prompted cross-party laughter in the House of Commons after a well-timed heckle aimed at Jeremy Corbyn. The Labour Party leader was responding to David Cameron telling Parliament about his new deal with the European Union when he faced a jibe from the Tory backbenches, thought to be two MPs in harmony. Advertisement Corbyn said: "Last week, like him, I was in Brussels meeting with heads of government and European leaders of socialist parties. One of whom said to me Two Tory MPs: Who are you? Jeremy Corbyn fixes Tory MPs with his trademark stare One of the MPs sledging the leader of the Opposition was Christopher Pincher, who was happily re-tweeting praise for the heckle. Advertisement Corbyn attempted his trademark geography teachers stare. Nooo. Noo. Noo, what they said Mr Speaker was He added: Mr Speaker, if the party opposite would care to think for a moment about what is going on. At this point, as Chancellor George Osborne and Theresa May, the Home Secretary, cracked up on the Tory benches, even Labours Shadow Home Secretary, Andy Burnham, fought off a smile. Jude Law joined calls to help children living in the Jungle camp - but not everyone was pleased with his efforts to help the young refugees. The actor visited the camp in Calais to see first hand the squalid conditions in which many people are forced to live. Advertisement He said: "I wanted to see it for myself. You can't have an opinion on something until you see it; experience it. It seemed to me that the pressing issue was the kids that were unaccompanied and living in awful conditions, and their plight needed to be highlighted. Jude Law on his visit to the 'Jungle' camp in Calais He also visited the Good Chance theatre, set up in the Jungle by British volunteers last year, alongside charity Help Refugees. Advertisement Along with a number of other high profile figures, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Frankie Boyle and Richard Branson, Law has signed an open letter to David Cameron urging him to allow unaccompanied children in the Jungle to be reunited with family in the UK. But despite Laws good intentions, reaction to his visit was mixed on social media. Many were quick to criticise him If Jude Law wants to look after immigrants he can. They are NOT in danger - they are in France. They can stay there or go home Malcolm Wood (@Askrigglad) February 22, 2016 @SkyNews another celebrity trying to make them self into a do-gooder!! Hello we can see straight through you!! tiger22 (@nwa2275) February 22, 2016 @SkyNews More luvvie idiocy. These migrant "children" (probably adult men) are in FRANCE. It is safe in FRANCE. Devonboy (@Toryboy1960) February 22, 2016 @SkyNews Millionaire thinks poor people should have more refugees in their street. No thanks, mate. Let them live with you. Chutney (@hootsforu) February 22, 2016 Advertisement @SkyNews How many has he offered to accommodate? Oh wait; his ego means there is no room in any of his houses - Another 'Bono' of hot air Christopher John (@mrchrisjohn) February 22, 2016 @SkyNews Nothing gets on my tits more than celebs' do-goodery. You serious about this? Quit your day job and do full time humanitarian work. Mehran (@the_mehran) February 22, 2016 While others, including comedian Omid Djalili, commended him Well done Jude Law: https://t.co/tQE8CDE1Je Omid Djalili (@omid9) February 19, 2016 Well done #Jude Law. I don't care if you are a 'luvvie' or rich, using your name and position for good is a wonderful thing to do. Tracy (@_pixiecottage) February 21, 2016 Jude Law with other British writers and actors urge David Cameron to rescue refugee children. Good for them! https://t.co/n1OyMit87o Alan Dean (@CllrAlanDean) February 18, 2016 Advertisement French authorities have given between 800 to 1,000 people until Tuesday evening (7pm UK time) to leave the southern part of the French site which has become home to thousands of refugees and migrants. There are an estimated 4,000 people living in the 'Jungle' at the moment, many of whom have fled war, poverty and persecution, in war-torn states such as Syria and Iraq. Charity Help Refugees said that there are 445 children in the camp, 315 living without their parents. The youngest was found to be a 10-year-old boy from Afghanistan. Jeremy Corbyn has previously been given a tour around the Jungle, while Lib Dem leader Tim Farron, a number of other MPs and even Susan Sarandon have visited the Greek island of Lesbos, where many refugees first arrive in Europe. Men who carry their mobile phone in their pocket could be inadvertently "cooking" their sperm, a new study has suggested. A group of scientists based in Israel monitored more than 100 men over the course of a year. They found that almost half of the men (47%) who kept their phones in their front trouser pocket had low sperm levels, compared to 11% of the general population. Advertisement The study also revealed that men who chatted on the phone for more than an hour each day were twice as likely to have low sperm quality as those who spoke on their mobile for less than one hour per day. Throughout the study participants filled out detailed questionnaires about their lifestyles including their mobile phone usage. They noted down how much time they spent on the phone each day, where they were carrying their phone and whether they received calls while charging their phones. Advertisement In addition to pocket placement and extensive call times being found to negatively affect sperm, the researchers also found that speaking on the phone while charging was linked to lower sperm counts. According to the Daily Mail, Professor Martha Dirnfeld, of the Technion University in Haifa, which carried out the study, said: "The [sperm] levels were down to a number that would make conception difficult. "If you are trying for a baby and it doesnt happen within a year you might want to think of whether it could be your mobile phone habit that is to blame." Speaking to The Huffington Post UK, Professor Geeta Nargund, medical director of Create Fertility, said negative associations between mobile phone exposure and sperm viability and motility have been reported in the past. "Thermal effects could increase the temperature of testes since mobile phones are carried in trouser pockets. Age, smoking and other lifestyle factors also need to be taken into account," she said. Advertisement "Men need to consider the findings of this study, and previous studies of potential detrimental effects of mobile phone exposure on sperm quality, and reduce their exposure. "We need further large randomised studies to establish if the effects are due to heating or radiation or both." The study has also led Professor Gedis Grudzinskas, a fertility consult at St George's Hospital London, to warn men to be mindful of their mobile phone habits. According to The Telegraph he said: "If you wear a suit to work put the mobile in your chest pocket instead of close to your testes. It will reduce the risk of your sperm count dropping. "And do you need to keep the phone right next to you on the bedside table? Some men keep their mobile in their shorts or pyjamas in bed. Is that really necessary?" Advertisement The full findings are published in the journal Reproductive BioMedicine. Guardian columnist Owen Jones has lashed out at Boris Johnson's decision to back the leave the European Union campaign, describing his statement as a "rambling incoherent mess". The 31-year-old poked fun at the London mayor's public image saying Johnson could "run naked smothered in honey down Whitehall and people would say LOL what a legend". Labour-supporter Jones was debating Johnson's EU stance with The Times writer and former Conservative Tim Montgomerie. Advertisement Owen Jones was joined by Tim Montgomerie of The Times Jones was not hesitant to tear down Boris' statement, revealing his support for a Brexit, which he made outside his home on Sunday. "Even by his standards Mr Johnson that was a pretty rambling incoherent mess of a statement. "Those supporting the out campaigns think that normal rules don't apply to Boris Johnson. A normal politician comes up with a statement like that and they'd be ridiculed. "But for Boris Johnson those rules don't apply." During the admission Johnson stressed that he would not share a platform with Nigel Farage or George Galloway and would not take part in any TV debates opposing any fellow Conservatives. Advertisement Back in the BBC studio, Jones sided with Montgomerie's decision to leave the Conservative party amid the Brexit debate. "Tim is the real deal, he is a man of principle a man of belief, he left his political party last week which for any political activist is one of the most difficult raw emotional things you could possibly do. "He supports Brexit from that passionate perspective, [but] that is not the same thing with Boris Johnson. "Boris Johnson has not been 'umming' and 'ahhing' over the last few days - he's not been thinking oh what's best for the British people? What's best for the future of this country? He's been thinking what's best for his own political career," Jones said. Advertisement But perhaps the most graphic moment of the BBC News debate was when Jones described the blonde-haired Conservative backbencher streaking through the streets of London. "He's a character, he is contrived, he has kind of a bumbling image which people find quite adoring in a world full of machine politicians. "At the moment if Boris Johnson ran naked smothered in honey down Whitehall - people would go LOL Boris Johnson what a legend". Hitting back, Montgomerie said: "Boris displayed maturity in that position. He wouldn't be campaigning and debating against other Tories. Advertisement "I think it's still going to be difficult for the party though, reading the articles today by people like Liam Fox and Priti Patel and Michael Gove, there's some very significant criticisms of the Prime Minister's renegotiation deal. They do not have confidence in what he has achieved." After weeks of speculation Johnson made clear in a piece for the Daily Telegraph that he felt an Out vote would force Brussels to give the UK a better deal to thrive on its own terms within the EU. In his article, Johnson admitted there was a risk of tensions that could lead to Scottish independence but argued that most of the evidence I have seen suggests that the Scots will vote on roughly the same lines as the English. His main argument was that Britons needed to vote Leave to halt creeping European federalism, declaring this is the only opportunity we will ever have to show that we care about self-rule. Critics have since pointed out how much Johnson's position on the EU has changed over the years - and recent weeks. Advertisement Pro-Palestine activists have fly-posted more than 100 hundred posters on London Tube trains with messages condemning Israel as an "apartheid" state. London Palestine Action covered existing adverts with their own on Central, Jubilee, Hammersmith, Metropolitan and Overground trains. They read: "Why is BBC reporting biased in favour of Israel?" and "Apartheid is great", among other phrases. Advertisement The action is part of 'Israeli Apartheid Week', a week of action that paints Israel as an "apartheid" state, in reference to South Africa's system of racial segregation. Israel is referred to as an apartheid state by critics who say the Jewish state's policies favour Jews over Muslims. A sign put up by the London Palestine Action group A spokesperson from the group told The Huffington Post UK: "I hope they [commuters] will be surprised by the information placed on these adverts, and get informed so that it raises awareness for the cause. Advertisement "We have more positive reactions than negative ones, but I'm sure pro-Zionists are doing their best to criticise the campaign and dominate debate about the Palestine-Israeli conflict." A sign reads 'apartheid is great'. Some of the signs take aim at the BBC for "bias" and for "reporting in favour of Israel". The group quotes Tim Llewellyn, a former BBC Middle East Correspondent who has said: "We have become used to the fact that, in a BBC newsroom, an Israeli life is worth the lives of an infinite number of Palestinians." Other posters comment on G4S, the biggest security provider in the UK. The signs read: "Over 500 Palestinian children are held without trial at G4S equipped Israeli prisons every year." Commuters and supporters have used the hashtag to reveal their thoughts about the campaign: Advertisement But the campaign has also attracted negative attention from groups and individuals offended by the images. And despite all their noise, we have another #BDSfail - well done @TfL for taking down these lies. https://t.co/RwXGkL0iQw NW Friends of Israel (@NorthWestFOI) February 22, 2016 Some users debated how the posters were placed on the tube in the first place, with one person describing the group as "BDS bigots". BDS is the global movement for a campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel until it complies with international law and Palestinian rights. Advertisement @jimgrim747@MarcusDysch@hendopolis@TfL Exactly. If BDS bigots had done this without permission, the finish wouldn't have been so neat. Ben Marsden (@StilwellRoad) February 22, 2016 A TfL spokesperson told The Huffington Post UK: These are not authorised adverts. It is fly posting and therefore an act of vandalism which we take extremely seriously. Our staff and contractors are working to immediately remove any found on our network. Huff Post UK also reached out to grassroots campaign North-west Friends of Israel for comment but had not yet received a response. A London Jewish Forum spokesperson said: "These posters are awful smears that do nothing to contribute to peace and dialogue, placing significant strains on inter-community relations across London. They are an act of vandalism, seeking to undermine the UK's relationship with Israel and designed to foster discomfort. We welcome Transport for London's commitment to quickly remove them." London Palestine Action states its operational purpose on its website: "We are responding to the 2005 call from Palestinian activists, civil society and grassroots groups for Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) until Israel stops its violations of Palestinian rights by: Ending the occupation and dismantling the Wall End systematic discrimination against Palestinians in Israel Recognising and implementing the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes The protest comes after Cabinet Office minister Matthew Hancock confirmed that the boycotting of goods produced on settlements in the West Bank by local councils and public bodies is to be outlawed. Hancock described the "need to challenge and prevent divisive town-hall boycotts." A G4s targeted poster put up by the group Local authorities and public-sector organisations in Britain will be prevented from boycotting Israeli suppliers under new government rules, and those who do could face severe penalties. Procurement boycotts by public authorities were "inappropriate," the Cabinet Office said in a statement. A girl who grew up idolising Ariel the Disney sea princess has achieved her dream - and now makes her living as a real life mermaid. Melanie Long, 25, grew up surrounded by murals of Ariel in her bedroom and told anyone who would ask that she wanted to be 'The Little Mermaid'. But unlike most childhood dreams and ambitions, hers has come resoundingly true after she moved to Phuket, Thailand, five years ago to travel and work as a diver. Advertisement Melanie making a splash Initially, Melanie, from Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, worked as a scuba diving instructor. The job brought her into contact with a Thai children's charity that were looking for models to dress as mermaids at a gala ball. She then made a mermaid outfit from scratch, worked on her breathing technique and now makes a living from her dream job. She said: "When I was a kid, whenever people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would always say The Little Mermaid. Advertisement "Being a ginger kid you're open to ridicule and the only hero or princess that we, the ginger people, had to look up to was Ariel. "It wasn't something I had ever actively pursued because I never thought it would be a possibility. "So I got into scuba diving thinking that would be as close as I could get to become 'The Little Mermaid'." Melanie always loved the water Melanie spent a year designing and constructing her very own silicone tail similar to those used in films such as 'Splash' and Australian mermaid soap opera 'H2O'. The handmade four-foot long swimmable tail allowed her to enhance the illusion of a real life mermaid whipping its tail underwater. Advertisement She has since found herself in high demand in Thailand for appearances on television, film and music videos as well as at children's parties and weddings. She added: "After a bit of research I realised that there is an entire community of mer-people and looked into making this into something I could make money out of. "Working as a diver you could earn anything between 20 and 80 for a full day of work but being a mermaid was much better paid. It's a dream job. "I eventually started a mermaid pod where I would train other girls to swim like a mermaid and hold their breath underwater. "It got quite lucrative. I suppose you could say that I've been a pretty busy mermaid." Melanie is able to swim up to 85 metres under water without coming to the surface for air. Advertisement Melanie modelling her outfit And the longest amount of time she has been able to hold her breath underwater is an impressive three minutes and 33 seconds without a mask. She said the secret to pulling off the mermaid illusion came from her background as a freediver as it requires a very similar technique. She said: "You need to put both of your feet in together in foot pockets within a monofin which can be quite unusual to get used to. "Swimming like a mermaid is a similar core movement to what freedivers would use when monofinning. "It's an undulation movement and I'd recommend not bending your knees to much as you'd lose a lot of power. "In freediving, you're trying to maximise your efficiency so you don't use as much oxygen so you can stay down longer and being able to hold your breath for a long time is very much part of the illusion of being a mermaid." Advertisement Melanie spent 980 on the raw materials she needed to complete her very convincing scaly turquoise blue tail with pink tips design. But the countless hours of effort which were all worth it once she saw the huge difference between a silicone tail and a fabric one. But now she's about to put her mermaid work on hold to become a student. She has returned to Scotland to study marine science and has conditional offers from Glasgow University, Aberdeen University, Edinburgh Napier and the University of Highlands and Islands all on the table for the autumn. She says working as a diver has opened her eyes to the importance of protecting the ocean environment. Advertisement She said: "Becoming a scuba diver really made me understand the issues that are affecting the oceans right now. You don't really think about it until you've seen it with your own eyes." Melanie's proud mum June, 64, a retired make-up artist, said she never imagined that Melanie would grow up to become a mermaid. June said: "I'm immensely proud of her. I've always encouraged her to follow her dreams but when she was small I never imagined she'd grow up to become a mermaid." Meanwhile, Melanie is in contention for a top diving prize which saw voting close at midnight Sunday. A British tourist is fighting for his life after being stabbed in the head by a robber in San Francisco, according to reports. The 44-year-old was walking with his niece when he was set upon by a man and a woman at around 8.30pm on Friday, The Press Association reported. Advertisement The man is said to be fighting for his life (file photo) He is said to have been stabbed in the head as he struggled to keep the male attacker from taking his bag which contained his passport, money and mobile phone, local news site SFGate reports. The tourist was taken to San Francisco General Hospital, where he is being treated for life-threatening injuries. A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "We are in contact with the family of a British national who is in hospital in San Francisco, and will continue to offer support at this difficult time." Advertisement The man is in hospital An estimated 14,000 thousand lives could be saved every year in the UK if more was done to combat sepsis, a charity has said. The UK Sepsis Trust has called on the Government to raise awareness of sepsis among the public and healthcare professionals. Sepsis is a common and potentially life-threatening condition triggered by an infection. Roughly 100,000 people are admitted to hospital with sepsis every year, according to the NHS. Of those admitted, approximately 37,000 will die from the condition. Advertisement The very young and very old are more susceptible to sepsis, according to the NHS. Sepsis can affect anyone following an injury or minor infection. Some people are more vulnerable such as: people with a weak immune system; the very young and very old; people who have just had surgery as a result of an accident; and those who are in hospital with a serious illness. When a person contracts sepsis, the bodys immune system goes into overdrive. This sets off a series of reactions including widespread inflammation, swelling and blood clotting. This can lead to a significant decrease in blood pressure, which can mean the blood supply to vital organs such as the brain, heart and kidneys is reduced. Advertisement If not treated quickly, sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Early symptoms include a high temperature, chills and shivering, a fast heartbeat and fast breathing. Melissa Mead's 12-month-old son William died after medics failed to spot he had sepsis. She is now calling for heightened awareness of the condition. Last month, a report into the death of William criticised GPs, out-of-hours services and a 111 call handler who failed to spot he had sepsis caused by an underlying chest infection and pneumonia. Mead told the Press Association: "If our doctors aren't recognising sepsis, how are parents supposed to recognise it? That is something I want to raise how do we get that out there? "It needs to be in packs which are given to first time parents, it needs to be on TV like the 'Fast' stroke campaign and the meningitis campaign, it needs to be out there for the general public to grasp. Advertisement "When I called 111 I didn't know that William was seriously ill, I didn't collectively look at William's symptoms and think 'this is sepsis' because I didn't know what sepsis was. "I was checking for rashes all over William because I knew what meningitis was but I didn't know what sepsis was." This week Mead will meet with key health officials including Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, as well as representatives from The UK Sepsis Trust, to discuss what can be done to improve the care for patients with sepsis. She also hopes to discuss how officials can do more to ensure sepsis is recognised earlier and that it is dealt with in a timely manner. Advertisement Dr Ron Daniels, chief executive of The UK Sepsis Trust, said: "An awareness campaign is something we've been calling for for a long time. "That of course is only a part of what's needed. We need to make sure that health professional education is robust and is mandated. We have to have a better measure of outcomes and we have to have some resources available that reward excellent care." He said: "We conservatively estimate that we can save another 14,000 lives across the UK every year, and we would hope rather more than that." The publisher of the Daily Mirror is launching Britain's first new standalone national newspaper for 30 years, which it claims will be politically neutral and treat readers "like grown ups". The New Day, hitting news stands next Monday and priced at 50p, will stand apart from the left-leaning Daily Mirror and avoid "terrifying" readers with sensationalist news, according to its editor, Alison Phillips. Well tell you everything you need to know and we wont sensationalise or terrify you with the news at @thenewdayukpic.twitter.com/NLsL5nV6ou Alison Phillips (@AlisonTheNewDay) February 22, 2016 Advertisement As well as an optimistic stance, its publisher Trinity Mirror also promises no political bias, and it will not have a traditional 'leader' column setting out the paper's views on the day's big topics. Phillips, who will also continue in her current job overseeing the Sunday Mirror, said the public no longer want to be "told what to think" by editors from a "newspaper on high". The cut-price new paper "most certainly isn't a red top", she told Radio 4's Today programme. "Why should I, as the editor of a newspaper, enforce my opinion on my readers?" she asked, saying that easy access to opinions on social media means the public don't want to know what newspaper editors think. Asked on Radio 4 whether the new offering was "Daily Mirror light", she replied: "Absolutely not". "We are not having a political line of our own, we will just tell the story straight," she told host John Humphrys. Advertisement Seize The New Day Seize The New Day. A brand new national paper launching Monday the 29th of Feb. Posted by The New Day on Sunday, February 21, 2016 Phillips said she was targeting a "huge area in the middle" of readers of the Sun and readers of the Guardian, a group of people who didn't want to be "told what to think" any longer. "I could be talking to the editor of the Independent 20 or 30 years ago," remarked Humphrys, suggesting that the New Day would be similar to the Independent which is set to close its print edition in March. Phillips said the paper had spoken to thousands of people over the last year for research, and were targeting a group who were busy and had only 30 minutes to read a paper. The New Day will run to 40 pages every day and be available free from more than 40,000 retailers on its first day, Monday 29 February. It will trial at 25p for two weeks, and sell for 50p after that. Advertisement But Phillips denied the paper would be similar in stance to the Independent and its sister title, the i. She said the New Day would differ by catering to the "mass" market and that Britain doesn't "at the moment [have] a paper that allows people to make up their own opinion". He seemed rather shocked that @thenewdayuk wont have a leader column! pic.twitter.com/VsPTjMmakW Alison Phillips (@AlisonTheNewDay) February 22, 2016 The new paper, with a bright blue masthead, will operate without a website and aims to present positive news to make people "feel good", Phillips explained. She said the paper would focus on in-depth articles and analysis as well as a "ruthless edit" summarising the news. Phillips added that newspapers had "continued to put news out for the same way for 100 years" but hadn't adapted to the "bomb" of that the internet has represented for the UK media. Advertisement Aimed at people aged 35-55, the New Day will have a presence on social media on the Twitter handle @thenewdayuk and a Facebook account but will not have a standalone website. The New Day's publisher said its launch had "nothing to do" with the imminent closure of the Independent as a print title. The move comes despite a sharp decline in newspaper sales as readers switch to online websites. The Independent and the Independent on Sunday newspapers are to close next month and go digital-only. We promise to bring you balanced opinion in @thenewdayuk we wont tell you what to think pic.twitter.com/BUP4ua6m81 Alison Phillips (@AlisonTheNewDay) February 22, 2016 Above all, well try to be positive we hope youll feel better after reading @thenewdayuk... starting next Monday pic.twitter.com/96Lixy8ac3 Alison Phillips (@AlisonTheNewDay) February 22, 2016 Advertisement Trinity Mirror chief executive Simon Fox said it was aimed at men and women but implied women were a more key market, saying it is "targeting a demographic of women and men, others might say men and women - there is a slight nuance". "Over a million people have stopped buying a newspaper in the past two years but we believe a large number of them can be tempted back with the right product," he added. The paper is thought to be run by a small team from Daily Mirror titles. Laurie Hannah, a former Daily Mirror journalist, tweeted that he had been named the News Editor. The paper's choice of name may provide some difficulties online, as it's already a title used by a Christian youth festival and a set of WWE wrestlers. Tom Hiddleston already has an army of fans after performances as Loki in the Marvel films, and now they're calling for their man to be the next James Bond - with good reason. READ MORE: John Le Carre's spy thriller 'The Night Manager' debuted last night on BBC One, and it was clear from the first scenes that Tom, in the role of hotel duty manager Jonathan Pine, a man with a military past, had all the requisite charm, double life plus, most importantly, the ability to wear a suit required of any self-respecting undercover agent. Advertisement Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie star as Jonathan Pine and the villainous Richard Roper in 'The Night Manager' And, with Daniel Craig's reported departure from the 007 franchise after four films, the floor is clear for a new hero, and Tom's fans know just who they think should fill it. Can Tom Hiddleston be the next James Bond please? #TheNightManager Vicki Wardman (@VictoriaWardman) February 21, 2016 #NightManager And the new James Bond is right there on my screen..#TomHiddleston bookfan2 (@Borderbabe1) February 21, 2016 25mins in, and #TheNightManager feels like Tom Hiddleston's James Bond audition. Luke Dady (@TheQuietLAD) February 21, 2016 And there are plenty more where these came from. To be fair, the whole first episode of this enthralling drama had a lot of Bond about it from the start. The seductive opening titles showed a woman's necklace of diamonds coming together, then turning seamlessly into cluster bombs, glamorous boats crossing the sea, all to a mournful soundtrack. Olivia Colman co-stars as Angela Burr, equally determined to bring Richard Roper down We first encountered Mr Pine in Cairo, where he became involved, both romantically and plot-wise with the lover of one of the city's drug lords, a lady he proved disastrously unable to help. Following this opener, we found him again in, working again as the night manager in a luxury hotel in Zermatt, perched on an Alpine peak. Remind you of anyone? There, he encountered face to face for the first time one Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie), the rich as Croesus, amoral businessman who had unwittingly become his Nemesis. Meanwhile, just as Bond has Q and M for backup, so Mr Pine found his London connection in Angela Burr (Le Carre's fictional character turned female for this version, played by Olivia Colman). While she's as determined as Pine to bring down Roper's evil, global machine, it is clear it will be ultimately a battle between two men - possibly to win the affections of Roper's beautiful moll Jed (Elizabeth Debicki), to find out who can hold the longest stare without blinking, to control all the weapons that Roper has put at the disposal of tyrannous warlords, and ultimately, who can stand outside in the Alpine cold for longer in just a perfect suit. The contest is on. Advertisement 'The Night Manager' Episode 1 is now available on BBCiPlayer, and continues next Sunday on BBC One. On Thursday 18th February, Pope Francis added his soporific voice to the American Presidential Election soap-opera by openly criticising Republican front-runner Donald Trump. Francis stated "a person who thinks only about building walls wherever they may be and not of building bridges is not a Christian. This is not the gospel." Predictably, Trump hit back saying "I am a very nice person, and I am a very good Christian... For a religious leader to question a person's faith is disgraceful. I am proud to be a Christian, and as President, I will not allow Christianity to be consistently attacked and weakened." Obviously, there is a big political drive behind Trump's aggressive rebuttal, given that the first bible-belt state, South Carolina, held its primary votes this weekend. However, it also raises some interesting questions about what it means to be "Christian". What Does it Mean to be "Christian"? The bedrock of Christian faith is the narrative that c.2000 years ago, God the Creator took human form in the man of Jesus, who lived, taught, died on a cross, and three days later rose to life. The bible teaches that all people have turned away from God to try to live life their own way, rather than God's way- what the bible calls "sin". The consequences of sin, it maintains, are death and eternal separation from the God. At the cross, Jesus takes the place of humanity, taking the punishment for their sin, thus affording everyone the opportunity to be reconciled with God, and live eternally in paradise with Him. Advertisement According to biblical theology, a "Christian" is simply someone who has accepted Jesus' offer of reconciliation with God, by stopping living life their own way, and deciding to live life God's way- the bible calls this "repentance". Is Trump Right? Therefore, I think Trump is right in one regard (a phrase rarely heard from a Brit). Being a Christian is doctrinally seen as a personal decision involving the individual and the God they believe in. It would therefore seem impossible for one person to judge whether another is truly a Christian or not. They can have a good guess, based on what the individual professes and whether their actions match up. However, not even the Pope would claim to have the ability to look into someone's heart and analyse their true view of God. Is Francis Right? Nonetheless, Francis also has a point. If someone has accepted Jesus by choosing to live life God's way, in accordance with the bible's teaching, their actions should follow suit. The greatest commandment Christians are taught to follow is: love God and love your neighbour. And in Luke 10:25-37, when Jesus is asked "Who is my neighbour?" He replies with the parable of the Good Samaritan. This is a poetic story of unconditional compassionate love between two members of racially segregated, historically unamicable social groups. If one compares this teaching to Trump's rhetoric regarding Mexicans, Muslims, and many other minorities, a conceptual chasm emerges. Christians are told to love the people around them, not ban them or build walls to keep them away. Is Trump a Christian? Higher education reform under the Conservatives has been largely passed by sneaky secondary legislation that pre-empts debate, circumnavigating democratic deliberation to push through undemocratic and ill-thought out proposals. If these reforms are truly the best thing for universities and students alike, as we're consistently told they are, why has our government been so keen to sneak them in the back door, instead of singing them from the rooftops? Many of the defenses of the reforms to Higher Education are based on either misunderstandings of the criticisms, or at times simply outright lies. Despite the much touted 'fact' that the tripling of tuition fees has had 'no discernible impact on student levels' in reality the year the higher fees were introduced in England saw a decline in applications of over 120,000- nearly a tenth of the student population at the time. But arguments about pricing individuals out of an education are not just limited to immediate effects- what happens when the first generation of high-fee payers hit their thirties and are bringing up kids and struggling to pay off mortgages (or sky high rent) when there are not enough graduate jobs to go around? What impact will fee repayments have on those individuals in a decade's time, and the prospects of their children? Advertisement The psychological onslaught of a consumerist mind-set is damaging to those that are still coming too. A recent study conducted by psychologists at University of Winchester and Goldsmiths, London, found that those students that approached their education as a 'consumer' and saw their degree as 'a product they were purchasing' on average received worse grades than those students that instead emphasised academic and intellectual development. Far from this being reason to blame students, it is rather evidence of the toxicity of the attempts to refashion a public good as a private purchase. The other notorious nugget, that it is the 'best loan you'll ever get', is also questionable, with the loans looking increasingly less attractive as time and austerity wears on. A typical example of this was the Chancellors decision, flying in the face of advice from 95% of those consulted, to freeze the loans repayment threshold (despite initial promises not to do precisely this), calculated to be costing graduates an extra 300 a year by 2020- a decision buried away in an obscure part of the Autumn Statement. The already-dubious claims are put under even more strain when you factor in recent developments like attempts at selling off the student loan book to private companies and with Jo Johnson, Universities minister, now seeking to crack down on failed repayments with harsher prosecutions. This is without even mentioning the scrapping of grants and other forms of support, forcing students to shoulder even more debt. Even areas with supposedly devolved powers are feeling the pinch too: with Northern Ireland's budget being cut, Stormont is reducing the funding it is giving to educational institutions, including my university, Queen's. This has led to talk by our Vice-Chancellor, Patrick Johnson of raising our fees, and already the university is merging schools, closing courses and getting rid of staff. Yet Queen's is an example of a growing trend- universities run like 'businesses' and senior managements almost too willing to go along with the austerity mantra- Queen's had a budget surplus of 40 million last year and paid a number of senior staff eye-watering salaries. Far from improving student education, free-market reform has led to universities hoarding cash, lavishing top dogs and pouring resources into marketing gimmicks, whilst student support and learning suffers. Increasingly, in line with being consumers rather than collaborative scholars, we are asked our opinion on the shallow and placated with the superficial, but excluded from the real issues. Advertisement These reforms are meant to save the taxpayer money, and ensure better quality and more choice for students, yet the reforms will fail on both accounts- it has been calculated that, whilst on average students are going to end up paying more for the privilege of being educated over their lifetimes, the government has managed to concoct a system in which this won't actually save the public purse any money- indeed it might even ending up costing tax payers more too. As for 'better quality and choice', education is simply unfit for a market system the same way food or clothing is: students don't really get to choose multiple times which university they go to like you can swap your cereal or deodorant purchases, and the quality of the 'good' in being purchased is not evident sometimes until years after initial 'purchase' when it comes to education. Or to put it in the words of a recent Financial Times article, 'running a university is not like selling baked beans'. Every single university, college and school across the country needs to have its own revolution- a powerful display of student unity and power, one that shows their institutions, their regional powers and Westminster that students are not an easy target and education is not something that can be thrown on the scrap heap. We need to fight against the mantra of austerity and market forces and demanded our government realise the value, as well as the cost of free education and other vital public services. As long as we're seen as apathetic, docile or uninformed, this government that understands the value of so little will continue to run roughshod over our futures, turning our education into corporate training camps, burdening us with debt, stripping us of support and excluding us from decisions. It has been said that I love a bit of publicity, but even I know that having my picture splashed across the front page of The Times newspaper, while being accused of being a 'tax avoider' stretches the old adage 'there's no such thing as bad publicity' a little far. To be called a tax dodger is the second worse thing you can be accused of publicly these days. And when it's completely false you start to wonder why a usually robust organ of the press would allow itself to be manipulated into lowering its standards to insinuate that I am doing something wrong, when the truth is I'm not? And when I say I'm not breaking the law that's not code for I've found a loophole in the tax system, which allows me to duck paying my fair share. My company, Pimlico Plumbers, is not registered abroad in some tax haven, and I'm not operating any complicated tax minimising scheme. There is nothing nefarious going on, I'm not engaged in any way in trying to hoodwink Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs. Advertisement In truth what the paper calls a 'Times investigation' has uncovered the startling revelation that my company, Pimlico Plumbers, uses other self-employed plumbers and trades people (who work exclusively for me) to carry out work. And if that makes me a tax dodger then the entire UK construction industry is in the same boat. It is the way the building industry operates in the UK, and most of the engineers who join Pimlico Plumbers are already self-employed, so I don't change anything about their tax status, which they pay to HMRC in accordance with the law, as do I also. So the question I've been wrestling with all weekend is - what's really behind person's unknown trying to slur my good image, or could it have just been a slow news day? Clearly with David Cameron battling in Europe trying to get the country a better deal and secure a platform for an 'In' vote in June's referendum there were plenty more important stories than - Shock, Plumber Employs Contractors! The truth is that being an outspoken 'rough diamond' (according to The Sun last week) who is prepared to put his head above the parapet and urge people to vote to stay in the EU is something that someone or some group doesn't like, and slurring me as a tax dodger is supposed to shut me up. After all, who do I think I am, a bloke off a south London council estate daring to challenge those who believe they were born to rule? The date is set and the arguments have begun. On June 23rd the people of the United Kingdom will get the chance to vote over their membership of the European Union, and whether the country should remain within the EU, or leave. This will be the most important political decision many people will ever make in their lifetimes. General elections happen every five years, politicians come and go, but if we leave the EU - there is no going back. This is why it is imperative that the media allow the British people to make this decision based on the facts and nothing more. Advertisement For many months now, the British press have been churning out anti-European propaganda. Since when has it been down to the media to decide who will win this referendum? Why is it that the wealthy magnates on Fleet Street could be the ones deciding the results of this referendum by regurgitating their anti-EU rhetoric to their readers? In this referendum the media have a responsibility to explain the advantages and disadvantages of remaining in the European Union in layperson's terms. This will enable people to make an informed decision on the 23rd June over what could end up being the biggest political shake up in many decades. One newspaper which has never said a positive word about the European Union is Richard Desmond's Daily Express. Their front page headlines from the past week include 'You can't win Prime Minister', 'Cameron's EU deal is a con' and 'Cameron's EU deal is no good'. Of course newspapers are allowed to express an opinion, but leave that to the columnists! Biased opinions should not be presented to the British public as matter of facts, especially when some people will literally believe anything they read. Advertisement The media has a huge role to play in this referendum as many people do not understand the political issues involved in order to make an informed decision. The press needs to be politically neutral and present the news factually rather than having media owners exploiting their powerful position in society to manipulate the public into voting in a particular way. The media's coverage of the European Union is a classic example of the Hypodermic Syringe model, where media owners inject a particular message into the minds of its audience, in the same way drugs are inserted into the body. The Hypodermic Syringe Model suggests that the media is so powerful, the audience are powerless to resist the message or reject it meaning they passively accept whatever they read or hear. It is the job of the politicians and political groups to persuade people to join their cause, not the media, a source that the public should trust! Similarly, the media should not actively push a pro-EU agenda. Currently I am unaware of any media organisation that is publicly supporting the cause to remain in Europe, which increases the likelihood audiences will be inevitably be misinformed. Advertisement There are news institutions that are unbiased and present the news on a factual basis. These institutions are almost always on the broadcast platform. The headline on BBC news for example was 'EU deal done, Gove backs Brexit'. Compare that to the Daily Express headlines. At least we don't get Huw Edwards shouting down the teleprompter "The migrants are taking our jobs" or "Stay in Europe and we will have a Jihadi Prime Minister this time next year". It isn't just the broadcast institutions who are impartial in the run up to the referendum. The Independent has been providing objective factual information for its readers. What a shame the newspaper will cease to exist this time next month! It was a similar story with elections in the UK back in 2015, when almost every newspaper publicly supported David Cameron's Conservative party in the run up to the General Election. Of course, this was what the media owners wanted, not necessarily the public who may have relied on these newspapers when voting at the ballot box. Over the past few years, media ownership has become a lot more concentrated with fewer and fewer people having any say over media agenda setting. This has to change as the rich media owners are ultimately the ones who are controlling society's decisions which will impact us all. Advertisement I realise the irony of using a media platform to express this view, and encourage people reading this to be active rather than passive by sharing your opinions in the comments section. Next time you speak to someone well briefed by Leave.EU, Grassroots Out or that other 'leave' campaign make sure to ask them about the campaign coming from the 'stay' camp. "PROJECT FEAR!" they'll cry, listing how those who want to stay are trying to imitate the Scottish referendum and terrify people into believing that there is no life outside the Union. A sense of moral pride, Union Flag waving and repeated mention of The Commonwealth will fill the conversation and you'll be left feeling like there is real hope for this green and pleasant land. And that's nice to hear and feel, but it's not half the story. The weekend just gone saw a historic moment in British history. The Prime Minister came back from Europe with some concessions, a new deal, and went on to declare a referendum on Europe. Whatever your view is on the deal itself, this is something that will be written in history books. Advertisement We heard Cameron, HRH Merkel, and Mr Tusk all declaring they believed they had a deal for the UK. Then the campaigning began proper, and what a campaign. 6 Conservative Minsters declared they were for out and thousands took to the streets to campaign. Including me. I was down in Clapham Junction, proudly wearing a bold blue t-shirt that declared 'IM IN'. I was fashioned with leaflets on jobs and security and my chat with the public began. At no point was there talk of "Britain worse out than in" or "we're all doomed". Instead the message was positive and clear. We spoke on how the EU supported tens of thousands of London jobs and of how the EU gave us greater security. But apparently that message wasn't received as positive by all. "PROJECT FEAR!" the old man shouted at me from outside a well-known burrito house (that I definitely recommend). "Here we go" I thought to myself. The chap came over and so did the same old message. He accused me of scaring people, making them fearful and lying about figures. The message of an EU that supported jobs and provided security was apparently me saying there'd be no jobs or security if out. He got quite heated at me, even called me a 'god botherer' and saying that Syrian refugees deserved to drown as they are too coward to fight. A real classy chap! It left me feeling a bit dull. Maybe it was easier to campaign for out, as you get to wave a Union Flag and shout about Thatcher, Churchill or Hitler. Whereas all I had was some literature on a strong union working together for the good of all. Don't get me wrong, I was not going to switch, but I certainly feared that that kind of campaign by the 'leave' side would sway the British public. Advertisement Then I heard the press today and an equilibrium was established. The leave campaign HAD recruited 6 cabinet members, but two of those are hardly popular with the average Jane (why does it always have to be Joe?). Since when were Gove and IDS the way to reach the public? Meanwhile two Home Secretaries in Theresa May and Alan Johnson came out in favour of staying in. Would that be the immigration and security debate over? After all, if you want rid of terrorists, then Theresa May is the public's choice! I felt relaxed once more and poured another warm mug of Yorkshire's greatest export, proper tea. Messaging began to come out of the stay camp around benefits from lower prices, more stability etc. It was a positive message. Meanwhile over at one of the leave campaigns IDS opened his mouth. "Britain is more at risk of a Paris style attack whilst in the EU". "PROJECT FEAR!" I shouted at my TV. In a mix of both anger and joy. The leave campaign had shown its true colours. This campaign isn't about British pride, it's about fear of the foreigner. Ploughing through my Sunday broadsheet, with a fresh cup of Yorkshire, I read stories on how immigration benefitted our economy (more of that please), of how we will be able to stand up to Putin and China. But none of these stories made it close to headlines. Those that did can only be labelled as fear mongering. Whilst I admit approaching this whole thing through EU tinted glasses, one thing remains clear. Whatever the Stronger In and stay campaign say, we will be accused of scaring and lying. Whatever the 'i'maeurophobegetmeoutofhere.co.uk' group says, I am likely to feel they are projecting fear of the foreigner. Advertisement Meanwhile I believe that the campaign to stay is being positive and sharing a great message on our influence, economy, culture and place in the world. So it seems whatever happens over the next few months one thing is for certain, we will only see and hear one type of campaign. Whatever message scrolls across the 'breaking news' bar at the bottom of 24 hour rolling news, be it positive, negative or just plain neutral, someone somewhere will be shouting at their TV. "PROJECT FEAR" "Staying in the EU will make the UK more vulnerable to Paris-style terrorist attacks," said Iain Duncan Smith, a senior British Cabinet Minister, to the BBC on 21 February 2016: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35624409. This is a common refrain of the "Leave" campaign, those advocating "Brexit", the UK's exit from the EU in the referendum due to be held on 23 June 2016. Opposite of the Truth This threat is exactly the opposite of the truth. Unlike France, the UK has never been part of the Schengen Area and in 1999 was given a formal opt-out from the Schengen Agreement, confirming that the UK was to remain permanently outside Schengen. Schengen What the Schengen Agreement did was to abolish all internal border controls within the Schengen Area. So, anyone admitted into one Schengen state could travel freely around the whole Schengen Area without showing any ID. Someone lawfully admitted to, say, Italy which is a member of Schengen, could therefore move freely to any or all of the other 26 Schengen countries without showing ID, including France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and even non-EU states like Switzerland, Norway and, amazingly, Iceland - but not the UK or Ireland, the only two EU member-states with an opt-out from Schengen. Advertisement Influx of Migrants What about migrants and refugees without permission to enter the EU? The influx of over a million migrants from outside the EU placed great pressure on Schengen. Schengen states such as Austria, Germany, France, Denmark, Norway and Sweden reimposed temporary border controls, which is permitted under Schengen in "exceptional circumstances". A more permanent amendment to the Schengen rules is now in the pipeline. The huge influx into mainland Europe of undocumented migrants and refugees - undoubtedly including a number of terrorists -- can be blamed to at least a certain extent on Schengen. Britain Cannot Blame the EU But Britain cannot point the finger at Schengen -- or the EU -- for the terrorists who have undoubtedly slipped in here too. Not being part of Schengen, Britain can impose as many restrictions on admission as the United States or Australia. The fact that it has not done so is the result of two things: the incompetence of the British Government and the political correctness of the UK's own domestic courts - not the European Court of Human Rights. Britain's Lax Border Controls Here are two recent examples of Britain's lax border controls: The man suspected of masterminding the Paris terror attack on 13 November 2015 that killed 130 people had a picture taken by himself of Birmingham's Bullring on his smartphone: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3367355/Bullring-bomb-plot-New-image-Paris-jihadi-s-phone-points-plan-terror-cell-target-Birmingham-shopping-centre.html Advertisement It was reported on 19 July 2015 that someone extradited to the US for terrorist offences slipped back into Britain unnoticed after being released from prison in the US: http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/National/Terrorism/article1582977.ece The Expansion of Human Rights Law The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has been blamed by the Conservative Party among others for "mission creep", including giving special protection to asylum seekers and illegal immigrants. In The Problem with Human Rights Law published by the thinktank Civitas in 2015 I showed that the fault lay not with the Strasbourg Court but with the UK's own domestic courts. The Solution Being not-so-single at the How To Be Single premiere As expected, Valentine's Day came and went like any other weekend. I went to a Valentine's Bottomless Brunch on the Saturday. On the 14th I was rolled in a duvet like crispy duck in a pancake, eating take away in bed watching Amazon Prime. But other than flakes of seaweed, which keep reappearing in my carpet, the memories of Valentine's Day have disappeared pretty quickly. I like to think of myself as romantic although I doubt anyone's used the word to describe me. I'm not the kind of girl who loves a soppy, rom-com (unless I'm hormonal). The leading ladies are often as weak as the storyline. Their male counterparts always get lines and the laughs, but I knew this wouldn't be a problem with a Rebel Wilson film. Advertisement I was lucky enough to attend the premiere of How To Be Single with my other half, walking just meters away from its fabulous female cast; Leslie Mann, Dakota Johnson, Alison Brie and, of course, Rebel on the pink carpet. After we were nicely warmed up with champagne and canapes, the cast and crew treated us to an introduction to the film (and, yes, Rebel is just as funny without a script). Posing on the pink carpet - Instagram @francesca_ny In the first five minutes you know this isn't the run of the mill "chick-flick". It's easy to draw similarities to "Sex and The City", "Friends" and a little bit of "Eat, Pray, Love" in terms of the location, characters. They even drop a few familiar references, but this film is a leap ahead of other films in its genre. As Rebel Wilson has said in previous interviews, comedy "has been a boys club". But Rebel and Leslie Mann are carving the way for more exciting female roles in Hollywood. Her character, Robin, is a sexually adventurous, functioning alcoholic. Her poker-faced humour is simply genius. It's refreshing that the most sexually liberated character isn't super slim. And, as much as I love "Pitch Perfect's" Fat Amy, I loved that Robin's weight wasn't used a punch-line. She looks fantastic, after all, and we should all admire how comfortable she is in her own skin. Leslie Mann is a great actress and comedian a totally different way. She's been doing it so very well for years without the recognition she truly deserves. Advertisement Don't get me wrong, the film isn't perfect, but I came to laugh and that's exactly what I got. You can pick out flaws with the characters and parts of the plot, but I giggled throughout (and so did the rest of the auditorium). Everyone can relate to the dating dilemmas, most notably the ones about text etiquette - Emojis really are a deal-breaker when used too soon. Dakota's character edges on being a little submissive, but her character redeems herself with the self-reflective ending. Despite what the title suggests, this is no bible to being single, but you won't leave the cinema feeling lonely. There are a few moments which will tug at your heartstrings, but you'll mainly be crying from laughter. Please can Rebel Wilson take/make a leading Hollywood role soon!? How To Be Single is out in the UK now. I highly recommend going with a group of friends. Ideally with a bottle of wine. Advertisement The issue of self-harm and prison life is not well understood. Despite this, there has been recent publicity about this issue. For example, Richard Gardside from the Director of the Centre for Crime and Justice explained in response to the Prime Minister's recent announcement that 'violence, self-harm, suicide and squalid living conditions are nothing new in our prisons'. A study which interviewed prison staff found that many people working in prisons claim that mental illness is a facet of prison life and working in prisons (Jordan, 2011). This is not acceptable and while many politicians and campaign groups are campaigning for better conditions in prison, there is very little advice given about how to deal with people who self-harm. Unlike other recent publicity, this article will explain little known facts about self-harm in prison. Advertisement What is self-harm? MIND defines self-harm as: Cutting or inserting objects into your body Over-eating or under-eating Hitting yourself or the walls Overdosing Exercising or scratching excessively Self-harm appears to be a self-explanatory term; however there are many ways people can harm themselves other than in this list by MIND. While many people assume self-harm means hurting yourself there are many other ways which are less obvious. For example, MIND explains that eating disorders, exercising excessively or scratching or hair pulling are signs of self-harm. The problem with women in prison is that issues such as eating or exercising can also have other implications. In particular, an interesting issue for women in prison is that food can be a way they can resist the power of the prison. For example, research has explained that female prisoners can use food as a way they can have control over their lives (Smith, 2002). Why do people harm themselves? A recent study has been released by the Howard League which is about the cost of suicide. This report explains that the impact of suicide in prison can be costly in a personal sense for the families involved as well as adding an extra financial burden on prisons, health services and staffing costs (Howard League, 2016). Other recent studies have shown how women are more likely to suffer with mental health problems in prison than men (Wright, et al, 2016). Despite this known link between self-harm and prison, there is very little knowledge about why people self-harm. According to MIND, which is a charity that supports people in the community and prisons, there is no easy explanation for self-harming. What can be done for women in prison? The issue of suicide in prison creates headlines and reports. Following a number of suicides of women in prison Baroness Jean Corston undertook a review in 2007 with women in the criminal justice system. This review (Corston, 2007) used the term 'vulnerable women'. In particular Corston (2007) claimed that small numbers of vulnerable women have impacts on care and services which is 'disproportionately large with significant resources spent on health, development, education and social services'. Recent suicides of transgender people in prison have also led to a review by the prison estate in England. Despite this, self-harm is an issue which is not dealt with in a co-ordinated way. Part of the reason for this is that mental health issues are defined in competing ways through labels. For example when women are pregnant, mental health is defined as a perinatal mental illness which is a wide definition that can have serious consequences such as maternal suicide (Edge, 2011). While there has been recent concern about the mental health of women in prison, this has not led to answers that can provide immediate answers about what can realistically be done for women in prison. Advertisement While the prison services recognise extreme acts of self-harm and attempted suicide, there have been concerns for many years about how the prison service should respond and support women in prison. While many campaigns by reformers and research by academics investigate the extreme situation, there remains very little knowledge. MIND explains that many people keep self-harm private and it is painful to have some behaviour understood as self-harm. While it is possible that incidents of self-harm have got worse, with prisons who are stretched to capacity, it is important to take into account that women who are in prison are over-represented by people who are discriminated against and have complex intersecting health, social and welfare issues. A review claimed that female prisoners who report abuse in their lifetime is double male prisoners and self-harm was ten times higher than men (Robinson, 2013). While the recent report by the Howard League have tried to put a cost on suicide in prison, future understandings should also recognize other related issues such as the incidents of self-harm and the possibility of many women in prison who are suffering in silence. Self-harm in women's prisons: is collaborative care and self management the future? Catterline in Winter. Joan Eardley. Images with permission of the NGS There are many powerful pieces in the current exhibition of Modern Scottish Women's Art from the late Victorian era to the early 1960s and the show casts light also on the stories behind the work and the challenges the artists faced. This painstakingly-researched exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh brings together the work of some impressive women, all of whom earned at least a partial living from their creative work at a time when that was unusual. They faced many barriers: professional, such as the bar on married women's employment, personal, such as family opposition, and political such as neglect and lack of recognition. Advertisement The exhibition ends in the early 60s, with Joan Eardley's broiling seascapes, her reclining male nude which subverted the form and was seen as shocking; and the pioneering abstracts of Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, surely two of the UK's most original and important 20th century artists. Many of the artists here worked in Paris or London; several had solo exhibitions. it's a shame that no other gallery has so far voiced an interest in taking this show. In the first room, is a bust by Liverpudlian Gertrude Meredith Williams of a sleeping beggar woman and child: the woman approached Williams when, as an impoverished young artist she maintained a studio in Paris for five years. Williams had no money to give but she fed the pair and worked while they slept. Later, Williams got around the 'marriage bar' which forced women art teachers to resign on marriage, by passing up teaching work for commissions. Spaniards playing cards outdoors by Mary Cameron is entitled "Les Joueurs". An intrepid Victorian traveller, she maintained studios in Madrid and Seville and painted such gorily-realistic canvasses of bullfights that they were later reprinted as anti-bullfighting propaganda (none is included here). Cameron told Scots Pictorial magazine in 1902 that "being an artist 'means hard manual labour. It means pulling up your sleeves and setting to work." Although nominated for membership of the RSA four times, she was never admitted. Here too are sun-dappled female figures by Bessie MacNicol, whose death in childbirth was certified by her artist and consultant gynaecologist husband Alexander Frew, who later committed suicide. After his death his second wife sent all of Frew and MacNicol's paintings to McTear's auction house in Glasgow, many are still unarchived. Advertisement There is work by one of the most famous Scottish women artists, Margaret MacDonald Mackintosh who along with her sister Frances and Charles Rennie Mackintosh were prominent members of the Mackintosh school. Frances, many of whose works were destroyed by her husband, is not included because few of her works on paper survive. "Rest Time in the Life Class" by Dorothy Johnstone, who was forced to resign her teaching post at Edinburgh College of Art on her marriage, shows female students painting a female nude in 1924. Johnstone carried on painting, often at her kitchen table which she preferred to a studio; but there are some poignant works here by her friend Cecile Walton, who stopped painting when her marriage failed and she became a single parent. Her most famous work, a self-portrait of 1920 entitled 'Romance" references Venus and the Madonna, depicting her struggle with the demands of femininity. Mabel Pryde Nicholson's chief subject was her four children and she was punctilious about paying them small sums of money to pose. Pryde and her husband shared a studio but she wrote to her son, the artist Ben Nicholson: "I am longing to work, but I must let Father have the studio as it means cash.' Her daughter Nancy, pictured here dressed as a Harlequin, later married the poet Robert Graves. Two paintings from private collections by Agnes Miller Parker demonstrate her use of Vorticism and Cubism to create complex scenes and suggest that art historians should now recognise her as one of the group of British artists between the wars using European techniques. Advertisement Norah Neilson Gray, a nurse in the First World War, painted a scene in a war hospital in France for the imperial War Museum. In the Second World War, auxiliary Doris Zinkeisen, was among the liberators of Belsen and painted a haunting image of the victims. The exhibition takes as its endpoint the death in 1965 of the first full academician of the RSA, Anne Redpath. Her Matisse-inspired "Indian Rug" is one of the jewels of the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art's permanent collection. Redpath rejected a choice between work or love. She said: 'Young women often come up to me and say 'I'm going to be like you and give up everything for painting' - but that's not how I see it at all. I could never have sacrificed my family to my painting and I don't think anyone else should either. We lived in France for fifteen years and I put everything I had into house and furniture and dresses and good food and people. All that's the same as painting really, and the experience went back into art when I began painting again." Modern Scottish Women, Painters and Sculptors 1885-1965 at Modern Two, the Dean Gallery in Edinburgh continues to June 26, 2016). Advertisement Almost 16 years ago Limewire, a file-sharing site launched and took the UK by storm. Thousands of illegally distributed songs made their way through the popular green color schemed software to the hard drives of music hungry teens in Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales. Alongside the rise of the bedroom DJ slowly began and with it came promotion through sites now long forgotten by a current Snapchat generation such as Myspace. Avicii, Sweden's superstar producer was one of those mixers whose music was unleashed online before the whiff of a record deal could even be considered, before him came a fellow countryman Basshunter and in a remote part of Scotland proceeding all came DJ Rankin. A man synonymous with energetic controversially produced club remixes that took were downloaded thousands of times, taking him as a performer across the UK and world and now back to his native Scotland a decade on. After moving to the nation of kilts and IRN BRU just a few weeks ago i was surprised to see how this solo performer has managed to stand the test of time and still sell out club after club to a whole new wave of music fans. I caught up with Rankin at his latest Scottish event series called "I Am A Raver" to ask how music and technology have changed his life. Advertisement Q1 - What did you want to do when you "became a grown up" and did you know this from a young age? A1 - I always liked the thought of being in the RAF as a Pilot I guess but as most young people if you asked me back then I'd have probably said something outrageous. Q2. - When did you start learning how to DJ? A2 - Well I started messing around with mixing software before I learned to DJ, I remember my remixes started taking off and it just blew up and all of a sudden I had clubs ask me to do gigs so I had no choice but to start learning. I would say I was about 15 or 16 when I got a resident spot at the Universe Nightclub in Coatbridge along with Barry (DJ Pulse) so I got a set of decks and started practicing and learning the ropes. Q3 - What kind of support did you start off with? A3 - In all honesty not much. The problem is I was the first to really do this sort of PCDJ as they called it style of remixing. To me it was just messing around with songs I had no clue what I was actually doing at first it was for my own enjoyment I knew that it was basic, I mean listening back to it obviously it was out of time and just a mash of A cappella but what people forget is I was 13 when I started doing these remixes. I'd let a few mates hear it and they would love it and ask for a copy then it just went from there it got shared out all over and all of a sudden this messing around I did for my own enjoyment was in demand. I never went out originally to be heard or become a DJ it was all harmless fun, I really loved high energy music like the first "Bonkers" CD I will never forget hearing that for the first time I was hooked! The first time I was exposed to that style of music was when I was about 7 or 8 I went over to a friends house and his older brother was playing a set from the Rezerection events and I was intrigued. We went into his room and I saw all the posters and flyers from these events all over his wall I just knew it was for me. I started listening to Tom Wilson on the radio he was a massive inspiration to me I remember meeting him at a gig when I was starting out and he told me he loved what I was doing and to stick at it and that had a big impact on me continuing to learn and take it to the next level. Obviously I realized the stuff I was doing was not professional so I had to move on to learn how to produce myself and polish my mixes but by this time the older stuff I remixed with little knowledge of how its done had already spread like wild fire. The way I see it is, everyone has to start somewhere the difference is my stuff took off before I even knew it when I was very young I think people forget that, its easy to slate something someone done when they were starting out but what a lot forget is I was the first to do this style I had no idea it was going to become something big but I am glad that it did. I still get told to this day I inspired a lot of great DJ's to get into this game thousands of others started to copy the style and made it their own and it just kept getting bigger I'm glad I started something that made so many peoples childhoods and brought joy at those adolescent times because no matter what they say they will always tell you how those remixes brought them joy and still brings them nostalgia and into that fact it also brought some people there first interactions with dance music. Advertisement Q4 - What advice would you give to kids and people of all ages to gain more support? A4 - These days there is a lot of support for young aspiring musicians, producers and DJ's to help them, for example music workshops etc, unlike when I started what I was doing was different it wasn't established like it is now. The problem they face today is the amount of people interested in being in this profession makes it much harder to get a break and make a name with the advances in technology and the internet it makes access to the world without the backing of record companies or funding easier but the downside is this means too many are doing it so its very difficult. The advice I would give is, just believe in yourself don't let people put you down and become disheartened, take everything with a pinch of salt and use it to your advantage. Criticism is good it will make your aim to succeed stronger when people doubt you or slate you all they are doing is giving you the fuel you need to progress toward your goals. Q5 - For aspiring DJs where is the best place to start? A5 - Like I said its very difficult in this day and age but I would say practice get your game on top find something that makes you stand out from the rest. A lot of young DJ's will just do gigs for free to get exposure and experience this can be good but you open yourself up to becoming just another DJ you have to find the right time to break away and make yourself heard don't just become another DJ make sure you have confidence its almost like trying to gain promotion in any job you have to assert your dominance and show you have the will to succeed and nothing will stand in your way. A great example of this recently is a DJ friend of mine called Marko Liv. He has started as an average DJ and worked the ladder moved onto his own events and evolved he is now signed to a major label and playing with the biggest names in the business at the biggest clubs and events and all because he didn't let people take the piss and become another DJ in a massive pool of wasted talent. He pushed and pushed and people then see you have the right mind set to be something more. Q6 - What software did you start off tinkering with? A6 - A program called Acoustica. It was a basic music editing program not really worth shouting about but it was all that was available back then unless you could fork out serious cash for the software the big record companies used it wasn't like today, getting a hold of decent software was hard. Later other things like Atomix came along but I was never a fan of it, though most others started to use it and it became the most common for that style I was already moving onto things like Cubase by the time this came around. Advertisement Q7- What's your favorite style of EDM? A7 - That's a hard one! I always loved old Euro dance style tracks like Snap! and Cappella but then I love Happy Hardcore,Commercial Dance and Old Skool stuff like TTF,I mean TTF are great Jon Campbell (The Time Frequency) is a friend and i have to say he is the only current producers that is still producing that style and i lift my hat off to him for this cos we need more like him in this industry keeping the scene alive. But in all honestly the answer is hard to pick as I think these days most DJ's would agree, you have to love it all, to have a passion for it. Q8 - When the support started to grow and you became more recognized as a producer as well as a DJ. How did it make you feel? How did you act on it to keep your listeners happy? A8 - That was the best when people started to see past the old remixes i had done when I was a kid and they would come and watch me DJ and couldn't believe I was actually good and enjoyed watching my sets and hearing the new material I had produced myself not just remixes. Once this happened I got regular gigs and people took me more seriously, getting involved with Clubland artists like Micky Modelle, John Truelove (The Source) in the studio and then also touring with acts like Ultrabeat, Cascada, Special D, N-trance etc helped a lot. I still tour with these guys today and we always have a great time tearing up clubs. The people who come to these gigs love it, it's almost a taboo to admit they love being taken back to the times they sat outside all night in bus stops and parks with mates drinking cheap cider with these songs blasting from someones mobile phone. Make no mistake they love it. Q9- Did you have any negativity & rejection through the years? (If so how did you deal with and what advice would you give to people in this situation? Advertisement A9 - There's always going to be negativity in the world of music. But like I said before the best way is to just use that as fuel to help you rather than let it get you down. Keep moving forward and the rest will sort itself. Most of the negativity comes from misinformation people listening to rumors and the rumors growing legs. I will get stick for this more than likely its always the way the main thing is no one really cares about the negative stuff people spout really they are just wasting there time and giving you more exposure, if you don't like something don't make a song and dance about it. Q10 - What are some of your best memories over the years? Where have you been? Who have you met? A10- So many, I've travelled all over doing what I love a few that stick in my mind are the Point (O2) in Dublin with Akon was a massive experience also playing at outdoor festivals with Faithless was great, hanging out with 5ive, Fatman Scoop and then playing venues, the Geordie Shore cast came along to party, it's always fun. I could sit forever reminiscing of lots but every gig I play keeps a place in my heart no matter how big or small they are. Q11 - Where are you now in your career? What events & productions have you been involved in and what upcoming events should we look out for? A11 - Working on lots right now more so than ever before. I guess being much older and wiser now helps to get on with it unlike when I was younger it was all just a blur. Next events, I have some in Ireland over Christmas and also some at home in Scotland then on to New Years eve I have a few on the same night the big one being I Am A Raver, an event inspired by what I started all those years ago with other well remembered DJ's like Paul Zitkus, Gary MCF, DJ Pulse, DJ Cammy etc. They are a great bunch of lads and we blow the roof off those sold out gigs we all had a part in the scene we are like marmite some love us some hate us but either way if you come to those gigs you get a serious show with great technical DJ's who can hold our own with any top DJ today. Q12 - How important is music to you? A12 - Music is my life its as simple as that. A lot of people wouldn't realize this but I love all types of music even as far back as Buddy Holly as vast as bands like Screeching Weasel and the Ramones. Music is what makes us as human beings it can shape our lives, it is the most powerful kind of influence in my opinion. It can help us through hard times and give us an escape from stress and other worries, you wont find anyone who doesn't like music in some form and that's what makes it so amazing it can bring people together. With my set it's moved on lots over the years obviously I still play the old classics although re edited and beat matched (laughs) honestly I was tone death when I was young but its good to laugh at how we started. Also, I play new productions I've done but I infuse them with the old to get an all round good vibe from the crowd. Its amazing how many people ask me for new remixes they hear in my sets that I've produced myself they are shocked how far I have come but once again they are comparing me to a 13-14 year old me forgetting the 15 or so years in between I've had to develop. I would say make your sets around what you love and have a passion for don't change your style constantly you need to have a foundation to build around if you keep chopping and changing styles it makes it harder to break out and you just become another DJ. You need to find that one thing that's going to make you stand out from the rest. Advertisement Q13 - Sharing music and creating an atmosphere is 1 of the main things for a good DJ - How do you get the crowd going? A13 - Interaction with the crowd plays a big part. Every DJ will have a different way but if you are a good DJ the music you play breaks the ice, its then just up-to you to shift it from good to great. Q14 - Who inspires you? Who are your role models and favorite music artists? A14 - Well like I said before Tom Wilson was a big influence in inspiring me to push on as a DJ, his son Craig is now a very successful DJ in his own right that shows you how influential Tom was, Craig's a great DJ and another who is breaking out and doing very well and that's cos he learned from the best, Tom. Favorite artists is tough depending on past or present, to name a few though I would say I love what Calvin Harris is doing, TTF (Jon Campbell) for the fact he still keeps it real and produces the right kind of music for his fan base not giving into the pressure of modern music, George Bowie I have a lot of respect for we done some stuff together a few years ago now although the stuff we worked on fizzled out and nothing came of it I still love his passion for music and especially the hardcore and commercial dance scene he also is someone I look up-to. Q15 - What's one of your own favorite songs? A15 - Stuff I produce myself. The old remixes obviously I love and hate at the same time but I love them for what they are...remixes. Q16 - What's your favorite songs of all time? I'm just going to come right out and say it: I think we're blowing this whole Jonathan Ross thing and his subsequent cost to the taxpayer out of the water. Despite being fairly certain that the online report I read included an all-too-common typo, it turns out that we're all in uproar over the princely sum of 500. While it seems strange that a private party might induce such a fee in policing, why would we suddenly pour outrage on this particular case without first gaining some much-needed perspective, the day after we choose to vote to be part of an establishment costing us 0.5% of the GDP. While visiting our country, stars from all over the world trash stages, hotel rooms and AirBnB apartments. Police were called when the 'celebrities' came out of The Jungle, investigators are looking into Celebrity Big Brother contestants' language. In fact, with just a few Google searches, it would appear the Metropolitan Police might have made an appearance at every celebrity bash from Chelsea to Essex. All costing over 500. Justin Bieber alone has been confronted by police on almost every UK visit. And, on top of all that, I don't feel the need to go into the specifics of due balances from the dozens of ongoing celebrity tax dodging scandals. Advertisement For the aforementioned princely sum, it would appear that, while patrolling the site of - what is about to become - a media circus, some police officers filed some forms in relation to traffic coordination. A - probably bitter and uninvited - neighbour became the source of the news after filing a Freedom of Information Act Request - a process that takes up to two months. A Met Police spokesperson, rightly, said: "Local officers will continue to attend and interact at events of all kinds on their areas as part of their normal patrols. Adding: "This is an integral way to foster support and trust in the police and to promote engagement and communication as we do for school fetes and the like." Now I don't want to point the finger. But the "unnamed neighbour" really needs to come forward and explain what went on here. As things stand, an ambiguous non-itemised bill doesn't really explain much. The details of that bill may cause some outrage, but we need to distribute it accordingly. Advertisement For instance: much of the hatred I read is coming toward Ross himself, for having "directed" the Metropolitan Police to do something or other. But it's completely possible that officers spent hours taking photos with celebrities, forcing the cost-per-hour-per-cop to soar - but we will never know because ambiguity conquers all in news. Due to the obviously catty nature of the FOI request, it's unlikely the neighbour will ever come forward for fear of... well, Ross Rage. June 23rd will settle one of the longest rows that has existed in modern British politics - whether the UK remains in or leaves the European Union. Gove's statement making the case for leaving had a few choice phrases in it: "The EU is built to keep power and control with the elites rather than the people" That is rather the problem with most democracies - check the background of the people at the Cabinet table next time Gove, and bear in mind 65% of the people not voting for your party still gives you a majority to control legislation. "your government is not, ultimately, in control in hundreds of areas that matter." To which end, Gove gave an example of olive oil being contained in maximum five litre containers. No mention this is about standardisation, and purity control by amount stored. Or that Member States can go beyond this amount, but our own government after a consultation where one respondent (out of seven people in UK that had) asked for such an increase was refused by our own Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA): Advertisement Also, spare a thought for domestic moggies living in newly built housing being kept a minimum distance from birds on heathland. How dare we think of preserving wildlife as best we can. British born cats should be given the freedom to hunt migrating birds as much as possible, in Gove's new independent UK. Might help keep migration numbers down. Given Gove invoked the American War of Independence, one might have thought we might see flashes of Jeffersonian inspiration. Alas, we did not. If Gove had written the Declaration of Independence, America might still be a colony. The EU provides a mechanism and an institutional infrastructure for elected governments to come together and take on issues which are of mutual concern and benefit: security, trade and environment to name but a few. If we want to increase democracy I am all for the European Parliament making legislation as opposed to passing or amending what is put to them. The petition system to raise concerns is hardly a substitute for that. Advertisement Ironically that would challenge domestic legislatures - so the idea never really gets off the ground. Such democratising of the EU would mean ever closer union. As such, the Council of Ministers of elected government have the real power and checks. The idea that we can remain in the EU and reform all this, is rather a pipe dream. It remains so national governments have control, but little accountability to us for how such accords are produced by the Commission. The EU has only worked as a top down driven processes while economic security was provided. The troubles of the Eurozone, the real austerity and suffering that Greece has gone through, together with Southern Europe trapped with higher unemployment due to no monetary lever - they call the whole process into question. The bigger picture is not clear cut. There will be scaremongering on both sides as to the future, if we vote one way or the other. Notice Iain Duncan Smith saying we will have a Paris Attack, as if London did not already have a sufficient threat for that to happen. If you want value free analysis, well let me know where you can find it. The decision is going to be yours alone, and everyone is going to distort and scare you to be on one side or the other. Advertisement Do not expect an Olive branch from the other side when you have made your mind up. Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, has just backed Brexit. Much of the debate will now switch to arguments that the City will lose out if Britain leaves the European Union, that businesses would relocate to Paris or Frankfurt. I don't see any risk of any significant move from the UK in the event of Brexit. And surely, in any event, there is a risk associated with staying in: there are serious moves afoot towards harmonisation - the Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) is a real issue. This would cause the UK to lose its competitive advantage over other countries, and would cause an outflow of capital and jobs from the UK, probably to non-EU countries. This doesn't matter so much to the EU nations with smaller financial sectors, because their increased tax revenue from an FTT would outweigh the costs. Nations with smaller financial sectors are likely to be more focused on domestic transactions than on international ones, so an FTT would genuinely create income for them. The UK might be able to stay outside an FTT, but we don't have to just trust our current Conservative government on that. We have to be able to trust any future Labour government too. Advertisement One of the pro-EU arguments is that 'it's okay, we have to agree to changes'. Yes, and no. On some issues we do, on others we can be outvoted. The problem is what we mean by 'we'. If an unpopular government votes in a bad law in Westminster, our next government can repeal it. But if it hands a power to Brussels, the next government can't bring it back. So what could cause the City problems in the event of a Brexit? There's no realistic threat of tariffs being imposed between the UK and the EU. Why? Because in the absence of any deal at all, we'd be subject to the Common External Tariff - which provides for tariffs for goods but not for services. The Common External Tariff would be a nonsensical position (for the EU), and for many reasons we would have a better deal than that: there's a legal argument to suggest that we have a right to EEA membership and conditions. There's a self-interest argument from other countries, and there's WTO rules preventing punitive tariffs. There's pressure from EU businesses. Then there is the Lisbon Treaty: Articles 8 and 50 spell out the conditions on which negotiation would be based: a 'special relationship' aiming to establish an area of 'prosperity'. Does that sound like a tariff war to you? Yet that's what's written in the Treaty in the event of Brexit. So I think we can safely rule out the possibility of tariffs. Next, would any bank really want to move financial services away from the UK? Of course, businesses which want to stay in will make empty threats to leave. We know that; Nissan used this tactic in the 1990s to try to force us into the euro. When we didn't join the euro, they did an about-turn and expanded their business in the UK rather than leaving. We're now seeing HSBC doing the same. But the financial services sector is split in any event: note that the hedge funds are generally pretty anti-EU (and have backed this up through campaign donations - which hints that they care somewhat more about the issue than other companies, which have not). A successful financial services sector requires expertise and experience. Neither Frankfurt nor Paris will be offering anything substantially cheaper than what the UK has to offer, Switzerland even less, and even if the talent pool exists they would have to find it. There is a gamble in staff recruitment, especially in that sector. The human cost of relocation is greater than in other industries for this reason. Advertisement Outside the EU, the UK would have to seek to be a low-tax economy for financial services. Generate business, generate employment, generate taxation revenue. We would be far less hampered in this respect as EU members. Consider the possibility: the UK tries to attract investment through low taxation and a regulatory system designed to prevent the worst excesses of the sector's problems of the last decade - but otherwise to interfere as little as possible. At the same time, the EU is adding to the regulatory burden through the FTT. The Common Corporate Consolidated Tax Base is currently in the pipeline in the EU; would the UK not be again seeking a competitive edge? The advantage of English as a global language being factored in, isn't it possible that actually the movement would be in the other direction? That firms would be moving from EU countries to the UK, to avoid the FTT and to take advantage of our reputation in the field. Finally, ask yourself where the future of the UK's financial services industry lies. Is it with the European Union, whose share of world GDP continues to decline? Or is it with the emerging markets? I believe that we need to expand in order to survive, to look wider than we are doing at the moment. But whilst in the EU, such bilateral deals are not permitted. We can't, for example, look towards what will become a highly lucrative Asian market. On trade deals whilst we're in the EU, we have to negotiate our negotiating position. The French will want our negotiating position to be different to the one that we want; the Germans' requests are different still. The upshot of all this is that we might well sign trade deals whilst in the EU which do nothing to help our financial services industry. Outside the EU, we can guarantee that is precisely what the deals will do. As for the question of foreign exchange markets, I don't suspect that this is a problem either. Look at trade in dollars, for example. Twice as much trade in dollars is done in London as in the USA, for example. We don't have to be governed by the USA for that to happen. London is the largest foreign exchange trading market in the world. The strength of our position here isn't relevant to the EU debate: we trade more euros in the UK than the whole eurozone combined. If you said in the 1990s that London's financial dominance was at risk if we didn't join the euro, you'd have been wrong but the argument would have made some sense. Today's debate isn't about the euro, it's about political structures and changes which could only make it easier to do business in the UK. In my last year of primary school, I quite vividly remember one of the ladies that worked on Reception telling me make the most of my years as a student. "They're the best years of your life", she said, "enjoy them". Memory is subjective; I don't remember what I had for breakfast last Thursday, or how trigonometry works, but I have always remembered her comment. Why? Probably because at the time I thought it was a joke. Double maths, early starts and twice-weekly assemblies, and you're telling me this is the best it gets? However, as I progressed from primary to secondary school, these daily struggles seemed laughable. They were quickly replaced with the horror of GCSE Maths, even earlier starts and prefect duties. My two years at sixth form followed, and I was treated to A-level Spanish essays, UCAS applications and an hour each way bus commute every day. Throw in a Saturday job, teenager troubles and deciding what I wanted to do for the rest of my life...it's safe to say I began to mourn Year 4 circle time. Advertisement I read an article on The Independent titled "10 reasons why first year at University will be the best of your life". The best years of my life? About time. So, after a very stressful experience with A-levels, it was safe to say that I couldn't wait to move to a brand new city, study a subject I loved and make some amazing memories. I'll be honest, that was the plan. My first few months living in Birmingham were boozy and brilliant - I made a ton of amazing friends, I genuinely enjoyed my course, and most of all I had all the freedom in the world. Birmingham is the second biggest city in the United Kingdom, and after living in a small town in Essex all my life I couldn't believe how much I had been missing out on. The nightlife, the shopping, the weird and wonderful Brummie accent, it was a whole new world. Nonetheless, reality started to kick in and I learned one very important lesson. University isn't how they portray it in films; there's a side that none of your A-level teachers tell you about. Your workload mounts up, you fall out with your flatmates, you get a bad grade back and have no idea where you went wrong, you're shamelessly poor and you're homesick. NUS conducted a study in 2013 that showed 92% of higher-education students identified feelings of mental distress. I don't need to be a maths whizz to know that is a lot of people. As a second-year student studying English, I weep for the ease of my first term. Now, over half way through Year 2, I have never had so much stress and responsibility. Any University student in the country can tell you it gets tough; contrary to popular belief it isn't all sunshine and Jagerbombs. Advertisement As you may have gathered I'm not a big fan of maths, but even I have noticed a pattern. It seems that the older we get the harder life becomes, so I have decided to make the most of my horrible 2nd term modules, my knackering part-time job and my flatmates 5-day old washing up. I am strong believer in the idea that University will make or break you, but either way you end up with a degree and a lot of life experience. After looking on gov.uk I discovered I will receive my State Pension in 2063, so I'm not sure if I can call University the best, or the worst, years of my life just yet. How beautiful would it be to live in a world where you have the total freedom to be yourself? Have you ever looked up the word "disabled" in the thesaurus? Weakened, lame, maimed, helpless, powerless, incapable, worn-out, out-of-action, broken, bedridden, mutilated, challenged, invalid, useless, deactivated, done for, done in, wrecked, mangled - these words far from describe me as a person. Is this how society perceives me? I am quite the opposite - strong, helpful, powerful, capable, ready for action, whole, always on the go (thanks to my six month old baby), challenging, valid and useful. What if I was a young disabled person seeing these awful words for the first time? I would feel hurt, sad, and certainly not confident. Maybe I would even believe it. Advertisement I remember back in 2008 a model was being interviewed at London Fashion Week - she said: 'New York Fashion Week would rather burn down than see a disabled person appear on the runway'. Fast forward six years, Carrie Hammer casted Dr Danielle Sheypuk (a wheelchair user) to model in her debut show at NYFW. Carrie's goal was to show off her collection and change the world - how incredible is that! NYFW are leading the way when it comes to disability inclusion on the catwalk. FTL Moda consistently use models with disabilities in their shows with the support of Chris Collie, Editor in Chief of Fashion Week Online. FTL Moda producer IIaria Niccolini celebrates diverse beauty at its finest and breaks barriers by creating a platform for the most underrepresented group in fashion. I am grateful to the decision makers in fashion who do recognise the power in diversity. Diversity is trendy, diversity is cool, and diversity sells. The Diesel #Reboot campaign is a fine example of this, Artistic director Nicola Formichetti casted a beautifully unique set of models, including Jillian Mercado a model with a disability - the campaign was strong, creative and powerful. Advertisement Beauty is not one dimensional. Beauty should not be defined by ability, size, age or colour - beauty is for everyone.Disabled. I have never liked the word. It sounds so negative and dated doesn't it? I am proud of my uniqueness and believe individuality should be celebrated. Why try and blend in when you were born to stand out?! I refuse to be labelled. I am not a robot, or a carbon copy. I am a human being. My arm does not define me as a person. It is just part of me, like every other part is. I want every young disabled person to know it is perfectly OK to be you, to love and accept their different body, love their uniqueness and follow their dreams, no matter what.Through my work, I want to change the way the world sees disability and crush these stereotypes. Young disabled people need role models, not just in sport and especially in the creative industries. Disabled people are creative by nature after all. We have to be.Fashion has the power to positively change other people's lives and being a role model is something I hold very close to my heart. As a young girl / teenager, I read all the "in" magazines such as Sugar, Bliss and Shout - I cannot remember ever wondering why there wasn't a girl like me in the magazines, but if there was, I might have been more accepting of my different body during my transition from childhood to teens. Advertisement In this media driven society, more and more people are suffering from depression, anxiety and low self-worth - is this because of the unachievable standard of perfection portrayed by the fashion industry? Heavily airbrushed celebs? Filters on Instagram photos?Imperfection is not ugly; society's obsession with perfection is ugly. There are around 11.9 million disabled people in the UK; this is almost 1 in 5 people and roughly 19% of the population. Consumers with disabilities are the largest untapped market with high street brands missing out on the estimated 1.8 billion a month. Surely it is in a brands best interest to use a disabled model in their advertising campaign?Not just the once, but consistently. The lack of disabled models on the scene makes disabled people feel non-existent, let alone beautiful or fashionable. Consumers want to be empowered by the images we see, not oppressed. I would like to see disability normalised in fashion. Make a disabled model the face and ambassador of your brand; be proud to be part of a positive change, creating the future of beauty, for the revolution of fashion. Advertisement My dreams are valid, my goals are big, and my ambition is strong. I am not a trend, craze or the new little black dress - I am here for the long haul, for all seasons. @DiversitynotDis This February, HuffPost UK Style is running a month-long focus on our Fashion For All campaign, which aims to highlight moments of colour, size, gender and age diversity and disability inclusivity in the fashion and beauty world. I'm sitting in my PJs, a sweatshirt, hair up, no makeup and wrist-deep in typing a blog entry. It looks like a scene straight out of any long-term relationship, only it isn't. I'm writing from my sugar daddy's living room with an amazing glass of Bordeaux in hand. The sweatshirt is from our trip to Santorini. The hair colour was done at one of London's best hair salons. The flush in my cheeks comes from top hot yoga at a studio where I regularly practice - a touch more luxurious a scene than you'd expect for a recently graduated masters student. Three years ago, one of my best friends from university suggested that I look into being a sugar baby. He's suggested a lot of things over the years, so I laughed it off and went back to stressing about how to pay off my student loans (should I sell my eggs? A kidney?). A few weeks later, I came home from a long day of classes to my flatmate, Francesca, in tears over an unexpected legal expense. Her rent was going to be late. Again. My protective instincts kicked in: I was going to help her fix this. We're attractive 24-year-old girls with advanced degrees. We can get out of this one, practicality be damned. I flopped on her bed and jokingly suggested that we become sugar babies. A quick search for such websites yielded a few unsavoury results, but we settled on one that seemed more like a regular dating website: SeekingArrangement.com. We laughed every step of the way, not sure whether we were kidding. It turns out we weren't. Advertisement Francesca went on a date first. She wore a nice black dress, classy heels and her new coat with a big faux fur collar ("does this coat make me look like a sugar baby? It's so fluffy," she giggled). I met her later that evening. She was beaming, hands full of chocolates, excited to tell me every detail about her first date with the man she would spend the next two years in a loving relationship with, but that's a story for another time. I, too, went on some dates. I enjoyed them, and while the first couple of dates weren't as successful, it is so cool to me to meet someone with whom there was no other way my path would cross. Fran and I wanted to think that the premise of sugar daddy dating was a lot sleazier than it actually is. While I'm sure there is something for everyone along a spectrum of styles of arrangement, what we found is that the men on the site were just seeking the opportunity to be generous. They were the first to admit that it was hard finding someone to share their success with without coming on too strong ("excuse me, miss? Can I buy you some shoes? Or take you to this restaurant where you're sweating the bill?"). That said, on date three, I struck gold. Tall, handsome, modest, charming, generous... and with a heart of gold! And for those of you wondering, he's under 40. There hasn't been an awkward moment regarding finances. Our second date was at a two Michelin-starred restaurant, the first I'd ever been to. I didn't know what kind of car he drove until he dropped me off in it - a real James Bond car! He's helped me pay my student loans and lets me have whatever I want, based on mutual trust and respect, of course. I'm not about to run out and buy myself a high-end handbag, but I might get one for my birthday! The best experiences have been the times we've spent together and the times he's let me explore on my own. He's funded several weeks-long trips to Europe, Asia and the US. For my birthday, he sent me to Greece for a month to study yoga and travel before he joined me on my birthday on Santorini for some island hopping ("oh, but you'll need this Panama hat! You should get a massage after carrying your bags. And I don't want you staying anywhere dangerous!"). Advertisement There are few subjects in politics that engender the overwhelming degree of consensus that the issue of post study work visas has done in Scotland. Since the Tory-Lib Dem coalition government scrapped the post study work visa scheme in 2012 there has been growing pressure from Scotland's business community, educational organisations, the Scottish Government and political parties to bring back a post study work scheme for Scotland so that we can reap the benefits that international students bring by remaining here to work once they graduate - filling the gaps in our country's key professions. It is a call that unites all of Scotland's 25 publicly funded colleges, higher education institutions, Colleges Scotland, Universities Scotland, the business community, and all of Scotland's main political parties - even the Scottish Conservatives. Advertisement In a report published last week, the cross-party House of Common's Scottish Affairs Committee - of which I am a member - became the latest body to join the growing chorus of calls for the return of the visa, following a similar move by the Scottish Parliament's Devolution Committee and pressure from the cross-party Post Study Work Steering Group. It's time for the UK government to finally listen. The reluctance of the government to act in replacing the scheme has been deeply disappointing - not to mention damaging to Scotland's economy. There has been an almost universal call for change and Tory ministers must now give assurances that the government will take heed and give proper consideration to reforms. The Tory-Lib Dem decision to scrap the visa was a 'cut your nose off to spite your face' policy. The move might have been designed to make the Tory government look 'tough on immigration' and win back votes from UKIP but the end result for the country has been - as the University of Edinburgh warned - a "brain drain of global talent" caused by top international talent being forced to move away from the UK after graduation despite the contribution they could otherwise make. Taking away the post study visa has undoubtedly made Scotland less attractive to international students - with many struggling to find a job after graduating under the current visa arrangements, which require minimum salary thresholds and impose a maximum four-month timescale. While the UK government has so far been unable to provide specific figures for Scotland, we do know that there has been a drop of 80% in non-EU students remaining in the UK as a whole after graduation. Advertisement Many businesses also find it difficult to sponsor students given the hurdles they must meet under the current system, with arrangements that are bureaucratic, costly and time-consuming. The present situation is bad for Scotland - it's bad for our economy, bad for our society, and bad for families up and down the country as a result. Being bound to the Tories' 'keep them out' immigration culture is deeply damaging to Scotland's higher education institutions, and our very different demographics and population trends suggest that we do need a different approach. Scotland has been challenged by the UK Government to grow its population and use what is available within its powers to develop our working age population. A post study work scheme is an easy and convenient way for Westminster to assist with this without any cost to itself. It cannot be right that we welcome international students to come to our country for three or four years to be educated, and then raise such unnecessary barriers that prevent these talented individuals from staying and contributing to our economy - it is a huge waste of an opportunity. Advertisement The UK government claims its priority is the economy, but without a post study work scheme we are at great risk of falling behind other nations and losing out on the talent and economic contribution of the brightest and best from around the world. With cross party agreement in Scotland and a real desire to see a post study work scheme secured it is vital that the UK government listens to the evidence, proves its commitment to the economy and rethinks its opposition. The government and Jeremy Hunt will portray the imposition of a new contract on junior doctors as a victory over selfinterested enemies of progress. In fact their greatest victory has been over the semantics of the English language. Their audacity has easily matched Meryl Streep's recent attempt to redefine what it means to be black (looking forward to a Dior dashiki from her at this year's Oscars). Words have lost their meaning. A pay cut became a pay rise, getting more weekends out of us for free became 'cost neutral. The Tories remain "The party of the NHS" , despite Jeremy Hunt coauthoring a book outlining how best to dismantle it. Listening to him brings to mind Ricky Gervais explaining Wittgenstein to Karl Pilkington, telling him that even "if a lion could speak English... you wouldn't be able to understand what he was saying". At times Jeremy Hunt has managed to go so far as to bend the very fabric of reality itself. Apparently, 11,000 avoidable deaths and the 'weekend effect' happened, even when evidence pointed out that they probably didn't. Attempting to win an argument under these circumstances is like trying to hit an Agent in The Matrix. This is a tactic they have employed elsewhere - famously having recently managed to make Google 'pay tax'. This is despite the figure being only slightly more than would be enough to cover the postage on what they actually owe. Advertisement Such a tax break in a time of NHS spending cuts may not be entirely unjust though. Many already trust their smartphones and a quick Google search over their doctor to diagnose them. As the NHS is further eroded, the search engine may well end up picking up the slack. It's only a matter of time before Wikihow will be taking you step by step through your own appendicectomy. If there are complications, there will certainly be a subReddit or similar forum page on internal haemorrhage to help you out. As long as you can read faster than you bleed you'll probably be fine. With the role of the doctor taken care of, quite who will be doing the nursing in this postapocalyptic Mad Max future NHS is yet to be seen. The government's dedication to reducing the number of nurses in the UK has been unwavering. Simultaneously discouraging UK students from studying by removing bursaries Advertisement Perhaps I'm being melodramatic - universal healthcare may be around a little while longer. After all, the government have repeatedly proclaimed their commitment to a sevenday NHS service. They want to see more routine elective work taking place in hospitals at the weekend. That this places more patients in this supposedly lethal Lord of The Flies environment, while spreading resources even more thinly is something they've undoubtedly thought about. In any case,I'm sure they have a handy new definition of logic to help them sidestep any tricky questions. For the thousands of children who end up in hospitals each year due to illness and injury, hospitals can be intimidating places. Finding themselves in an unfamiliar environment, removed from home, school and friends, these children are at risk of feeling anxious and alone. Can the incorporation of music and performance positively shape their experiences? A national survey conducted by the Care Quality Commission in 2014 reported that out of 19,000 children, 40% complained about the lack of opportunities to play in hospital. At the charity I co-founded, Create, the young patients we work with talk about what they find difficult about hospital visits, with one parent summing it up to me: Advertisement 'One of the things my daughter has found the hardest is boredom. The children spend a lot of their time being quiet due to consideration for others on the ward.' Hospitals are there to make us better when we're unwell and, as is becoming more widely acknowledged, music can play an important role in speeding up this recovery and making our time in hospital more effective. We've just launched a new series of music and storytelling workshops with our professional musician Graham Rix and playwright/actor James Baldwin in children's wards in Reading, Basingstoke, Oxford and London. These are some of the reasons why we think all hospitals and hospices should embrace music and enjoy the health benefits it can bring. 1.Listening to relaxing music is more effective in decreasing pre-operative anxiety than orally administered sedatives - Patients who listen to music feel less distressed, require less sedative medication, and report better satisfaction with their medical experience. Advertisement 2.Music can help prevent nausea and sickness - Listening to music has been found to be an effective adjunct to antiemetic treatment and can significantly reduce nausea and vomiting in patients who are receiving high-dose chemotherapy. 3.Young patients feel less pain when listening to music - Studies have shown that young patients experiencing neuropathic pain feel a reduction in the intensity of pain when listening to music. 4.Playing and composing music provides an outlet for regaining control of a young patient's own life - Young patients can sometimes feel a sense of powerlessness and a lack of freedom while undergoing treatment. Taking part in music workshops and writing original compositions can reintroduce feelings of individuality and independence, as well as self-confidence in one's own artistic abilities. 5.Music means dancing, and dancing keeps inpatients active - Even when confined to a bed, movement and dancing during music workshops can prevent muscle atrophy associated with prolonged hospitalisation and improve motor skill development. 6.Singing and playing music improves emotional wellbeing - Research has found that music can trigger biochemical stress reducers and produces endorphins in the body, which can significantly improve our sense of emotional wellbeing. Advertisement 7.Singing can help patients with asthma to breathe - Young patients with conditions such as asthma and emphysema can learn how to control their breathing and train themselves to breathe at a pace that suits them. Singing is a fun and communal form of physiotherapy! 8.Writing music improves a young patient's relationships with family members, caregivers and medical staff - Music sessions provide a medium for positive communication between young patients and the adults in their lives. As well as stimulating verbalisations regarding hospital experiences, playing music is also a powerful and effective way of communicating with children who are unable to express how they feel verbally. 9. Interactive music sessions and song-writing can reduce anxiety in young patients and their parents - Seeing a hospitalised child get creative and express their individuality allows parents to see their child in a new light as their strengths are manifested in a refreshingly relaxed and carefree situation. This experience can help to relieve a parent's feelings of anxiety. 10.Playing music is fun! - When a young patient is too unwell to leave hospital, music sessions offer a much-needed hour of carefree joy and laughter. Last year, Create reached 666 young patients across London and the South but needs your help to bring smiles to the faces of young patients during 2016. Please support this project by visiting createarts.org.uk or text CREA28 amount to 70070. Advertisement Follow Create on Twitter: @createcharity This week marks fifteen years since foot and mouth disease swept across Britain in the first major outbreak for over 30 years. On February 19th 2001, a vet carrying out a routine inspection at an abattoir in Essex found a suspected case of foot and mouth which was later confirmed. In a matter of days, the highly infectious disease had spread across the UK, creating a major agricultural crisis. Advertisement The virus, which causes painful blisters in the mouth and under the hooves, rarely affects humans, but as a 'notifiable disease' must be reported if found. The scale and impact of the epidemic was unprecedented and led to the culling of millions of animals in the months that followed. I am sure many will remember the harrowing news footage that filled our TV screens of giant fires burning carcasses of affected cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. Unfortunately by the time the source case was discovered, the premises had probably been infected for several weeks. Consequently, the disease was already wide spread when the first case was detected two days earlier. Once the first case was confirmed measures were put in place to prevent further transmission, including protection and surveillance zones, but unfortunately much of this came into effect too late. In mid-April 2001, at the height of the crisis, up to 100,000 animals were slaughtered and disposed of each day in what was a massive and complex logistical operation. The epidemic lasted for 32 weeks, with the last case confirmed on 30th September in Cumbria. By the time the disease had been eradicated, more than six million animals had been slaughtered. Advertisement Sadly, the 2001 outbreak was not confined to the UK. Sheep exported to Ireland which were already infected with the disease, passed it to a calf at a livestock market. The calf was then exported to the Netherlands causing major outbreak in the country. Never again should we respond to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease like we did in 2001 with a mass cull on this level. Instead, animals on affected farms should be slaughtered and animals on surrounding farms vaccinated. Routine foot and mouth vaccinations are not commercially viable for the industry as they render animals unsuitable for export for a six month period. We should also remember the key role live animal transport played in spreading foot and mouth. It is clear that live export not only transports misery but also spreads disease. David Cameron's sales pitch for a Remain vote in the EU referendum, saw him repeatedly using the phrase he "didn't love Europe." Now hypocritical Boris Johnson says he "does love Brussels," along with the fine wines and expensive holidays, but has announced he will campaign for Britain to leave the EU. The first reaction is that this is simply final confirmation that there is no love lost between the Tory leader and the man who would replace him. Advertisement Yesterday's declaration should actually be understood as Boris Johnson's formal announcement of his campaign to lead the Conservative Party. It has little or nothing to do with Europe. And it is sad that it risks obscuring the strong case for Britain to remain in the European Union, by turning at least part of the campaign in to a proxy war between Johnson and George Osborne, for which of the two is best placed to succeed Cameron. For Labour too, the stakes just got higher. Ed Miliband had already done private work on the case against Boris, in case there had been a snap change in the Tory leadership, prior to the last General Election. Now Labour must defeat the 'leave' argument, not simply in the British national interest, but also because my party won't want a likely principal opponent for the next General Election to be emboldened by an early victory. Advertisement But it is hypocrisy which can be our early weapon to defeat Johnson and his argument. The Brussels correspondent of the Daily Telegraph when I was first elected as Euro MP, I have many times heard and read Johnson describing himself as "pro-European." Famously, he once said this to a national newspaper, adding that he was in favour of a European Community which allowed him to "generally make love to foreign women." But if Johnson wins the EU argument now, it will be Britain which will be screwed. His full name is Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, reflecting his German ancestry. A television programme about his family history, revealed that Johnson was descended from a string of counts and countesses, barons and baronesses, from all over Europe. Describing himself as a "Euro toff", perhaps Johnson's biggest objection to the European Union is that he and his class don't run everything on the continent any longer? Johnson's cynicism is further magnified, when those of us who are from outside London, should be reminded that he is still Mayor of our nation's capital city. Advertisement London is perhaps that part of our country which most benefits from the European Union. Johnson's own adviser Gerard Lyons, said again last week how much the City itself is "pro-EU". The economic study which Johnson commissioned himself - the Lyons Report - showed how London would lose 26 billion in less than twenty years, if British membership of the European Union were to end. There is no clearer evidence that Johnson is putting his personal ambition before the interests of the people we are all supposed to represent. Meanwhile when Johnson launched his own proposals for reforms to the European Union, many of them - including opting-out from the provision for ever closer union, a card system for national parliaments and completion of the single market in services - are proposals precisely included in the package agreed by EU leaders last week. Of course, Johnson wanted to go further in some areas, but "scrapping social and environmental legislation" will never be acceptable to Labour ears, and come as no surprise from the same source who unsuccessfully led opposition to the EU 'cap' on bankers' bonuses. The Tory Right and UKIP share a hatred for European regulation, irrespective of its merits. Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage also have one other thing in common - as the media darlings of television producers. Because of this, both men too often escape serious scrutiny of their political argument. Advertisement So that is now the challenge for the 'remain' side in the EU referendum campaign. The outcome is too important to be played for laughs. So let us challenge the Boris Johnson who once described the European Union as a "prototype to Hitler's wartime Reich." The European Union has entrenched peace and democracy in Europe, and is the most important bulwark against backsliding in Europe's troubled history - which the biographer of Winston Churchill should not be allowed to ignore. And let us challenge the Boris Johnson who said one thing to journalists for his own political ends yesterday, but in an effort to sell that very same book in Germany last year, told the 'Der Spiegel' newspaper: "Look, we can't leave Europe. We're part of the European Continent. We're always going to be a part of Europe psychologically." He was right then, he is wrong now. I think we can all understand the psychology of Mr Johnson. But it is a referendum victory for Britain to remain in the European Union, which can provide us with the last laugh. Richard Howitt MEP is Labour Member of the European Parliament for the East of England and Chair of the European Parliamentary Labour Party. E-mail: richard@richardhowittmep.com Website: www.richardhowittmep.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/richardhowittmep Twitter: If Britain votes to leave the European Union on 23 June, we will leave. This is a fact some leave campaigners seem unable to grasp. In a striking display of lacking confidence in their own ability to win a first referendum, some leave campaigners seem to think that a leave vote will result in a further renegotiation and a second referendum. This has been a course advocated by Boris Johnson, and strongly hinted at in yesterday's statement. This has been led by 'Vote Leave', who have argued, "We do not necessarily have to use Article 50 - we may agree with the EU another path that is in both our interests." Advertisement And we know why. Vote Leave campaign director Dominic Cummings has said a second referendum "enables NO to make a NO vote seem much less risky". So they know there is a risk if Britain leaves and want to cover this up and pretend that a leave vote means something else altogether. This is, however, simply untrue. The Government would trigger what's known as 'Article 50' if the British people vote to leave. This would give Britain two years to negotiate an alternative relationship with the EU. And it would respect the will democratically expressed by the British people who voted for a leave vote. But if leave campaigners do not want to listen to me on this topic, they should look at what they themselves have said over the years. Advertisement Just this weekend, leading leave campaigner Chris Grayling said, "If we vote to stay in the European Union we stay. If we vote to leave the European Union we leave." Unambiguous. Tom Pursglove today said the same. Business for Britain, the organisation set up by Vote Leave chief Executive Matthew Elliott, said Article 50 is the "only one defined" mechanism to leave Europe. We agree. Even Ukip said in their last manifesto that Article 50 "is the option we prefer". Owen Paterson has said that Article 50 is the "only legally binding mechanism" for negotiating a new relationship with Europe. The mouthpiece for much of Vote Leave's output, and never knowingly consistent on his positions, Daniel Hannan MEP, has said that Britain would want to seek "an amicable separation" under Article 50. His campaign partner, Douglas Carswell, has also said that a new agreement should be brokered under Article 50. Arron Banks, head of Leave.EU, has said that those proposing "anything other than Article 50" are a "liability". Advertisement Some leave campaigners, namely Philip Davies MP and David Nuttall MP, went as far as to try to insert a clause to the EU referendum bill to ensure Article 50 was invoked within 28 days of a vote to leave. Steve Baker, head of Conservatives for Britain, has said that Article 50 would determine "the timescale if we were to leave". So when leave campaigners stand up and complain about Article 50, ask yourselves why they have changed their tune. It is because they do not want the very real risk of Britain leaving Europe to be the focus of the debate. They cannot answer the questions Article 50 throws up. How would we renegotiate our relationship with the EU in just two years? What would the damage be from our losing access to trade deals with over 50 countries? Which existing model should we follow, Norway, Iceland or Peru? Can they guarantee that jobs, prices and investment would not be put at risk? It's hard to talk about space mining without thinking of Bruce Willis striding across an asteroid in Armageddon, and the scientists, engineers and lawyers at the forefront of space exploration know it. University of NSW School of Mining Engineering research director Serkan Saydam said off-earth mining preparations were underway but Bruce and his hunky team of riggers were misleading. Advertisement "It's definitely not going to happen like in the movie Armageddon and I can guarantee it's not going to be done by the humans, it's going to be done by the robots," Saydam said. He said asteroid mining would be underway within the next 10 years with mining on Mars within about 50 years. However, the resources collected most likely wouldn't be sent back to Earth. "Bringing back the material is not really economical. We've got to use it in space," Saydam said. He cited about two million near-earth asteroids full of iron ore, copper and nickel as initial sites. He said these resources would most probably be mined and then manufactured into construction material or, in the case of water, turned into a type of rocket fuel. Advertisement While mining and manufacture in an inhospitable environment may sound far-fetched, space archaeologist Alice Gorman said we did it all the time in Australia. "We do have some very specific expertise here," Gorman said. "We have been running huge mining operations in remote locations which bear some geological resemblance to martian landscapes and we're also at the forefront of implementing automation and this is one of the key technologies required." "We have an opportunity with all our expertise to perhaps lead the conversation about space exploration." Australia's mining operations are often done remotely using robotics. There's one great unknown that would potentially slow the progress of off-earth mining -- aliens. Gorman, who is a senior lecturer at Flinders University, said the off-earth mining conversation is based on the assumption that there is no life to interfere with. Advertisement "There's nothing living out there that we know of yet," Gorman said. "There are no ecosystems that can be impacted on and, as a result of this, I would argue that how we understand the space environment and then how we understand mining on it is really very poorly understood." She said that in the same way that mining companies on Earth were required to asses the potential social, environmental and heritage impacts, corresponding regulatory framework should be introduced for celestial mining. "If we did discover evidence of alien life on asteroids or any other bodies, it would change things completely because that is at the core of the current ethical approaches to dealing with the space environment," she said. "The thing I think is a risk though is that once space exploration is in the hands of private corporations, there's not the same level of transparency or accountability that you would have with a national organisation or an NGO. NASA has to account for its activities, a mining company does not. "I could imagine a situation where, in the interests of profit, a mining company may well conceal any evidence they find of possible alien life whether it's still alive or archaeological. Advertisement "We know that kind of thing happens in terrestrial mining so there's no reason to think that won't happen in space and there's far lesser possibility [for surveillance]." There are an estimated two million near-earth asteroids that could be mined. Indeed, when it comes to space laws and surveillance, Western Sydney University space law expert Steven Freeland said global governments needed to introduce legislation before private enterprise went ahead and started doing it. "Space is not a lawless regime," Freeland said. "Space is still highly strategic and highly political and, sadly, highly relevant for the military although space is very much open for business." He said recent legislation introduced in the U.S. to encourage off-earth mining, as well as Luxembourg's plans for a legal framework, needed to be bolstered by a global approach to deciding who owned space's resources. Advertisement "Its important to recognise space is about humanity and we have to avoid the problems and mistakes weve made on Earth," Freeland said. "Conflicts have often arisen out of a desire for one or another country to colonise over resources. "It's really important that people sit down and work this through." by Frank Chen via Getty Images Cyber Attack - this photo portraits a hacker's hands busy at work on some code in the dark. The wide angle close up view gives a unique first person perspective of the hacking activity. Focus was on the keyboard hence the colorful screen is blurred out. Four men and a woman have been arrested by detectives over their alleged involvement in an online child pornography ring operating in Sydney. The investigation, which began in June, led detectives to uncover communications between the accused including images depicting sexual activity with a dog. Detectives say they also uncovered photographs of a naked infant related to one of the men. Advertisement Police allege the photograph of the child was passed from one person to another, while one man is also alleged to have planned a meeting with an infant to commit sex crimes. The investigation began after Queensland Police alerted the Sex Crimes Squads Child Exploitation Unit to the online activities of a man. On Friday, a 49-year-old man was arrested at his workplace in Macquarie Park, and charged with carrying child pornography. He was granted bail to appear at Burwood local court on March 15. Three men aged 61, 50 and 47 -- and a 45-year-old woman from Sydneys west and north-west were arrested in October and November, and will appear at Penrith Local Court on March 18. They have all been refused bail. Advertisement Commander of the state's Sex Crimes Squad, Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett said the unit will continue their work targeting people committing child sex crimes online. This has been an intensive and challenging investigation conducted by detectives from the Child Exploitation Internet Unit who have been thoroughly committed to gaining a result and protecting children, Detective Superintendent Howlett said in a statement released on Monday. The 45-year-old woman was charged with bestiality and conspiring to commit sexual intercourse with a child under 10. The 47-year-old man was also charged with bestiality, inciting sexual intercourse with a child under 10 and using a child under 14 to create child abuse material, among other child pornography charges. Newspix via Getty Images NADUNA, FIJI - MARCH 16 : (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Poles carrying power lines lean precariously along Vaturekuka road in Labasa, Fiji, after Cyclone Tomas struck the Pacific island group. The category four cyclone struck Fiji's eastern Lau group of islands, with winds averaging 175 kilometres an hour. (Photo by Theresa Ralogaivau/Newspix/Getty Images) Emergency workers in cyclone ravaged Fiji say they are in a race against time to reach isolated areas of the country, amid fears the death toll will rise. Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston hit the island archipelago on Saturday with wind gusts up to 325kmph and the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation said authorities confirmed 10 people had died. Advertisement A destroyed Fijian village home in Sanasana. Picture: AP Fiji's Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Siddiq Koya said all visitors to Fiji were accounted for. We understand that friends and families are very concerned, however, we request everyone to remain calm," Koya said. "Cyclone Winston has caused extensive damage to the communications infrastructure, hence, mobile and Internet communications in some parts of Fiji maybe affected. However, communication is active in Suva, Nadi, Denarau and along the Coral Coast." Advertisement Facebook has also activated its disaster emergency Safety Check function, allowing people to check-in as safe for friends and family at home. Oxfam in the Pacific Regional Director Raijeli Nicole said the Fijian Government was still trying to reach isolated regions with no phone connection or assistance. The Fijians are desperately trying to repair severed lines of communication, but they hold grave fears that the news waiting for them will be dire, Nicole said in a statement. Curfew lifted following Fiji cyclone https://t.co/v9wGNh9Zebpic.twitter.com/R7W9NQTLhN Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) February 21, 2016 Given the intensity of the storm and the images we have seen so far, there are strong concerns that the death toll wont stop climbing today and that hundreds of people will have seen their homes and livelihoods completely destroyed. Advertisement CARE Australia advisor Anna Cowley said the search effort was happening without power. There is still a complete power blackout across the main island, Viti-Levu, which has stopped water pumps from working, Cowley said in a statement. In this type of emergency, it really is a race against time to get immediate relief to those who have lost everything and ensure families can stay safe and healthy. We hold grave fears for people living in Fijis outer islands where communities remain cut off from communication lines." An elderly Palestinian woman stands near the rubble of her house after it was demolished by Israeli authorities on February 10, 2016 in the West Bank village of Jeftlek, in the Jordan valley near Jericho.Israel often demolishes buildings constructed without the required Israeli permits in Area C of the West Bank, which is under full Israeli control. / AFP / JAAFAR ASHTIYEH (Photo credit should read JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/AFP/Getty Images) Recently, Sue Klebold has been making the media rounds, promoting her new book "A Mother's Reckoning." For those who may not recall, Sue is the mother of Dylan Klebold, who on April 20, 1999, together with Eric Harris, killed 13 people and wounded 24 in the horrific massacre at Columbine High School in Colorado. Advertisement In her memoir, Sue describes the guilt, despair, shame and confusion that have plagued her in the 17 years since the massacre. She hopes that her book will honor the memories of the people her son killed, and perhaps help other parents whose children may be struggling with mental health issues. Now let's imagine how she would have felt if the federal government or the state of Colorado had decided to demolish Sue's family home as punishment for her son's actions and to deter possible future school massacres - of which, tragically, there have been all too many. The idea is absurd. It's un-American and would provoke universal condemnation. Of course, it could never withstand legal review because it violates our Constitution. It also violates the basic principle of law and fundamental fairness - that people should not be punished for acts they did not commit. Sadly, home demolitions targeted at the families of terrorists has become a central tactic of the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against the current wave of murderous attacks against Israeli civilians. Even more tragically, it has been upheld by the Israeli Supreme Court. Advertisement The next demolitions of two homes are due to take place within days, after a court order postponing them expires. The Supreme Court last week rejected petitions by the families to stop the demolitions of homes belonging to the family of Mohammed Abdel Basset al-Kharoub, who killed Rabbi Yaakov Don, Ezra Schwartz and Shadi Arafa and injured seven others in and the family of Raed Khalil, who killed Aharon Yisayev and Reuven Aviram in a stabbing attack in Tel Aviv on the same day. The government argues that destroying the family homes has the potential to deter possible attackers. The court agreed, saying that "the ability to prevent future bloodshed requires us to harden our hearts and spare potential victims, more so than pitying the house occupants," adding that the price paid by the families would be justified if even one life was saved. More demolitions are coming. On Feb. 5, the Israel Defense Forces handed out demolition notices to seven West Bank households. Already this year, home demolitions have made 18 Palestinians, including seven minors, homeless. Of course, the homes of Jewish terrorists, such as those who firebombed a Palestinian home, killing an 18-month-old baby and his parents in the West Bank village of Duma in July 2015, are not targeted for demolition. The tragedy is compounded by the fact that there is scant to no evidence that this practice actually works. It was actually suspended in 2005 after a military committee chaired by Major General Udi Shani, determined that the effectiveness of the house demolition policy as a counter-terrorism tool was questionable, and that it "walked the line" of legality. The policy was revived in 2014 after the abduction and murder of three Israeli students in the West Bank. Advertisement Other experts who examined the issue also found no positive results. In a book on the First Intifada, retired Brigadier General Aryeh Shalev found that house demolitions did not lead to a decline in the number of violent incidents. Reporters Amos Harel and Avi Isacharoff also looked at the data and found no evidence of a deterrent effect. In fact, the number of attacks actually went up a few months after the policy was implemented. This seems logical. By increasing Palestinian resentment and hatred against Israel, this policy may actually fuel more terrorism and violence down the line. Netanyahu's decision to revive this awful policy probably has more to do with his political need to be seen to be doing something in the fact of the mounting attacks on Israeli civilians and to appease understandable public anger. An ongoing theme in my education blogs has been how do teachers prepare high school students to become not only college and career ready but also active citizens in a democratic society. As a social studies teacher educator I ask pre-service and working teachers as they plan units and lessons to ask themselves what is important for students to know about a topic and why. Periodically in this blog I will address the question "What is important to know and why?" about different topics. I start here with how the United States defines unemployment, a subject in the economics curriculum and something that has come up in the Presidential campaign. My next blog examines the disturbing increase in health, wealth, and education gaps in the United States. Trevor Noah on the Daily Show thought it was hysterically funny. In his New Hampshire primary victory speech Donald Trump said official unemployment numbers were phony. "The number's probably 28, 29, as high as 35. In fact, I even heard recently 42 percent." Laughing, Noah said why not make it 80 percent. At the same time, the Labor Department announced that the number of Americans filing for unemployment insurance actually declined that week. But the thing is the Trump unemployment numbers are not ridiculous and that may explain the rise of both Trump and Bernie Sanders in the Republican and Democratic Party Presidential primaries. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), using the most common definition of "unemployment," the official rate in the United States is currently just under 5 percent. But as The New York Times economics commentator Neil Irwin pointed out in a recent column, there are really a number of ways to define "unemployment" including six used by the BLS. Advertisement The standard definition, what the BLS calls U-3, the unemployed include only people who do not have a job but want one and have actively sought a job in the last four weeks. By this definition, there were 7.8 million unemployed people in January. If you divide 7.8 million by 158 million, the number of Americans who either have a job or are actively looking, the unemployment rate is 4.9 percent. However, if you use the BLS's broadest definition of unemployment, what it calls category U-6, the U.S. unemployment rate is almost double. This category includes people who want to work and looked for a job during the previous year, discouraged workers who stopped looking because of economic conditions, and people who are working part time but want to work full-time job and the unemployment rate rises to 9.9 percent. But as Irwin points out, even this number may be artificially low. In 1999, 85 percent of Americans age 25 to 54 were working. But the figure now is only 81 percent. If we count those missing workers as unemployed, the unemployment rate rises to over 12 percent. And when you add college students who want to work, older people who were forced into retirement, people on disability who would work if they could, and women with children who would work if there were adequate day care, the hidden unemployment rate for the United States is probably over 30 percent. And this does not even include people who have taken low wage unskilled jobs at places like Walmart and Home Depot because skilled factory work has been shipped overseas. The problem of unemployment is also obscured when you examine overall unemployment rates rather than rates for specific demographic groups. According to a recent report by the Great Cities Institute based in Chicago at the University of Illinois thirty percent of 20- to 24-year-old Black men living in Los Angeles and New York City were out of work and school in 2014. In Chicago, the situation is even worse. Almost half of young Black men in this age group were not working or in school. The situation is less extreme for Latino young men, their unemployment rate is twenty 20 percent, but it is still bad. The unemployment rate for similar White young men is still high, but not this high, at ten percent. A New York Times editorial compared the situation in inner city minority communities to the Great Depression of the 1930s. Advertisement Trump's comments can cross as an anti-government conspiratorial rant. But Donald Trump, whatever you may think of him, was not so wrong about work and unemployment. However, the solution to unemployment and underemployment is almost certainly more government involvement in the economy, not less. This is why an educated, college, career and citizenship ready electorate is so crucial to the survival of a democratic society. Private "job creators" have not been able to solve this problem in the past and there is no reason to believe they can in the future. A narrow focus on a recent dramatic event cannot truly clarify how and why a Palestinian East Jerusalem resident stabbed a Jewish Israeli teen in the street or how and why a crowd of Jewish Israelis mistook an Eritrean man for a Palestinian and shot and beat him to death . Instead, as I have come to see clearly during more than a decade of anthropological research in the region, anyone wishing to understand conflicts between Jews and Arabs must keep in mind what happened not only in 2015, but also in 1948. Likewise, one dramatic event between individuals makes little sense without knowing the social and political context within which they acted. Much of my research focuses on one area within Israel, the Negev region that constitutes the country's southern half. The region's residents include Jews and those people variously labeled "Bedouins," "Palestinians," or "Arabs." All are citizens of Israel. Social enmity simmers between these factions, often in less dramatic forms like prejudicial language or employment discrimination, but also through violence and home demolitions. However, people are not born with a sense of belonging to one of these groups and ill feelings toward the other. Rather, group boundaries themselves and the points of contention between them are shaped by both individual life experiences and institutional norms, immediate and historical events. In the case of land conflict, Jewish citizens are legally able to farm and own rural lands, but Bedouin citizens cannot do so. However, there are no current laws explicitly granting certain rights to Jews and barring them from Bedouins. Instead, laws written by Zionist political leaders soon after Israel's establishment in 1948 recognized the style of land ownership practiced by immigrating Jews and rendered illegal the ownership norms of Bedouin families who had lived in the Negev for generations. Several decades of separate schools and other public services and differential access to governmental decision making and funding have entrenched divisions between Bedouins and Jews. Knowing this history is crucial to understanding the current struggles between these residents and finding viable solutions. Likewise, actions taken over the last several decades have created important distinctions between citizens of Israel, Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem, and West Bank Palestinians, which allow some to participate in government, travel freely, and live in well-provisioned neighborhoods and deny these possibilities to others. Israeli laws, physical divisions like the Israeli-built Separation Barrier, and the military occupation in the West Bank are establishing these divisions ever more firmly. Meanwhile, some leaders, who identify as Jewish or Muslim, Zionist or Palestinian, call on their constituencies to take up arms. Enflaming mistrust and aggression often buoys leaders' own bids for power. The apparent enmities between "Jews" and "Arabs," "Israelis" and "Palestinians" have been created and fortified through legal and political maneuvers over the last several decades, not since time immemorial. And even with these legal and political developments, cooperative relationships can and do exist. Many Jews and Palestinians not only tolerate each other peacefully, but actively work together on initiatives like The Villages Group, B'tselem, and the intentional community of Waat as-Salam (Neve Shalom), trying to counteract inequalities and divisions. These are not two inevitably opposed groups in everlasting conflict. Viewing them as such makes the violence dangerously simple to ignore, allowing a status quo that only deepens this conflict daily. Neglecting political inequalities and the history that produced them also points us toward ethically unsound and counterproductive "solutions" such as repression, eviction, and warfare. Instead, attending to the social and political context that has set the stage for violence in and around Jerusalem is a prerequisite for developing just resolutions. Emily McKee, author of Dwelling in Conflict: Negev Landscapes and the Boundaries of Belonging, is an Assistant Professor in Northern Illinois University's Department of Anthropology and Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, and Energy. Even as Yoga explodes in popularity, its essence is being lost. Yoga, an ancient eight-fold practice originally designed to assist sincere spiritual seekers to access deep inner states of meditation and contemplation, seems to have become connected with a pervasive myth that more is better. There is more music played in Yoga classes, more asanas (physical poses), more competition, more heat, more intensity, more challenging poses, more sexy clothing, more scantily clad students and teachers, more scandals. There are more styles and names of Yoga than can be imagined, which always prompts the question I am so often asked: "What kind of Yoga do you practice (or teach)?" Advertisement I am fortunate to be able to respond that, while I have been exposed to two other "styles" of Yoga, I am now learning this practice from an unbroken lineage of teachers extending back to ancient times. My present Yoga teacher, Acharya Shunya, learned Yoga from her grandfather, who learned from his father, a 19th century saint, and from master yogis in the Himalayas (the home of Yoga and many other spiritual practices from India). The true and highest purpose of the practice of Yoga I have been fortunate to learn and teach is Atmabodha: awakening to the truth of our spiritual nature. The aim of Yoga is really spiritual transcendence -- not merely physical dexterity or flexibility. While Yoga asanas (physical poses) do definitely provide the body with many amazing benefits, the real purpose of Yoga is to purify the mind so that it may rest in its true spiritual essence. The word "Yoga" means "to unite" or "yoke together" in Sanskrit. Yoga is a Vidya (body of knowledge) that facilitates union with our own highest consciousness. When we collectively reduce the practice of Yoga to being merely physical, we miss an incredible opportunity to benefit from a great Vidya. Advertisement The danger with the trendy nature of Yoga is that the practice will only continue to lose its philosophical and spiritual foundation and aim. The fact that there are more and more "types" or "styles" of Yoga emerging almost every day, it seems, has reduced the greatness of Yoga to associate primarily with various personalities, rather than with its ultimate purpose. While there may now be many names connected to the practice, there is only one Yoga. And while most people these days may be more likely to associate the phrase Ashtanga Yoga with one of the many styles of Yoga rather than as a way to describe its eight-fold practice, it is important for Yoga teachers to return to the roots of Yoga. At Vedika Global, where I both study and teach, we are blessed to learn not only Yoga, but Ayurveda, Vedanta and other Vedic sciences by studying the source scriptures of each Vidya. This scriptural study ensures that the teachings are as authentic and undiluted as possible in their transmission. There are five Yamas and Niyamas, which are similar to the 10 Commandments, and that form the ethical foundation of Yoga practice. Only when we are living an ethical life, through following the 10 universal values that Yamas and Niyamas represent, can we start to learn Asana and Pranayama (extension of the life force through deliberate breathing exercises). One of the Yamas (literally meaning "self-control") is actually Brahmacharya, which does not mean total sexual abstinence, but rather a mindful reigning in of all the senses. Though the practice of Yoga does have a very physical component, by stressing the importance of control over the senses and the value of modesty, the ancient Rishis (sages) outlined a path of noble living for Yoga practitioners prior to even teaching them physical practices. Advertisement The study of physical Asanas were, in fact, actually designed to support seekers in the practice of Brahmacharya, to access deeper states of spiritual consciousness. Nowadays, we have gone very far from the ideal of Brahmacharya, where modern clothing companies have begun competing to create more and more fashionable Yoga apparel, which reveal more and more bare skin, inviting a titillation of the senses that is about as far from the spiritual ideal of Brahmacharya as one can imagine. With just the way students and teachers alike adorn themselves for Yoga classes these days, it is really no wonder that we are seeing such an increase in false gurus and sex scandals in the Yoga community. And while the word "Yoga" has now begun to become more and more connected with sexy clothing, competition, fearsome poses, and scandals, it is important to note that Yoga Asanas comprise only one of eight total steps along the path of Yoga. "Asana" is a beautiful Sanskrit word that means "seat." By literally strengthening our ability to sit still for extended periods of time to delve deeper into study of the higher Self, devoted practice of Asana and Pranayama lead into the practice of Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses from external objects), Dhyana (sustained meditation), and finally, to Samadhi. Samadhi is a state of Self-realization and equanimity, in which we are able to rise above joy and sorrow and live in the freedom of our true Self. Advertisement Samadhi is a synonym for Atmabodha, a Sanskrit word that derives from the root words "Atma," which is "soul," and "Bodha," which means "to know." The spiritual practice of Yoga, therefore, extends far beyond the physical body and learning more and more advanced Asanas, to empower us with the sacred knowledge of who we really are, why we are here, and how to make the most of our time on earth. If the trend in Yoga is to continue to veer in the direction of more, then my deepest wish is that we may move in the direction of more authenticity, more empowerment, more depth, more healing, more humility, more modesty and more and more illumination, recognition, and realization of the truth of our spiritual essence. Image: Stock Photo. FreeImages.com/Evgenia Pronina Most residents of the former Soviet Union hate the corruption that prevents everyone but a tiny minority from having a shot at a better standard of living. In a sop to the widespread anger about corruption, some countries in the region -- notably Russia and Armenia -- have set up anti-corruption councils. They have been window dressing, however, doing little or nothing to address the problem. The few corruption charges that prosecutors do bring have spawned public cynicism rather than satisfaction, since most have been political -- that is, aimed at helping people in power either sideline political opponents or steal assets of the well-off. Advertisement Meanwhile, corruption is more rampant today in the Commonwealth of Independent States than in the days when the Soviet Union first broke up in 1991. It ranges from the Russian state seizing billion-dollar oil assets, which it then gives to cronies of top leaders, to the theft of a billion dollars from Moldovan banks, to a million-dollar Swiss bank account in the name of a man who is supposed to be a servant of God, the patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church. These days the United States is putting smiles on the faces of those in the former Soviet Union who resent graft by going after corrupt officials and business people from the region. U.S. law allows American prosecutors to seek prison terms or big fines against those from other countries who violate American business, trade, investment or money-laundering laws. The United States has several tools for doing this. One of the most important is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prevents American firms or their foreign affiliates from using bribery to obtain contracts. Advertisement The latest example of the law being used to nail a big shot in the former Soviet Union involves the Russian mobile-telephone company VimpelCom. The company, owned by billionaire Mikhail Fridman, just paid a whopping $835 million to settle U.S. and Dutch charges that it bribed Uzbekistan officials to obtain contracts there. American law came into play because VimpelCom used U.S. banks to launder some of the money it used for bribes, according to the U.S. Justice Department. The Netherlands, which has anti-overseas-bribery laws similar to those in the United States, opened a case against VimpelCom because, although Russian-owned, the company is headquartered in Amsterdam. Although neither American nor Dutch prosecutors named the Uzbek official VimpelCom has admitted bribing, other court filings in the two countries said it was Gulnara Karimova, the daughter of President Islam Karimov. Advertisement VimpelCom "built their business in Uzbekistan on over $114 million in bribes funneled to a government official," according to Preet Bharara, the U.S. District Attorney for the District of New York. "Those payments, falsely recorded in the company's books and records, were then laundered through bank accounts and assets around the world, including through accounts in New York." The VimpelCom settlement, announced on February 19, 2016, followed by only two months a U.S. judge sentencing a top official of the Russian nuclear company Rosatom to prison for four years. Vadim Mikerin, who was president of Rosatom's American subsidiary, pleaded guilty to paying bribes to Russian nuclear-energy officials to obtain contracts for American companies involved in shipping uranium from Russia. Congress passed the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in 1977. For almost 20 years it applied only to individuals or businesses based in the United States. The law was amended in 1998 to cover anyone living abroad who has a business connection with the United States. That amendment is what has allowed U.S. prosecutors to go after business people based overseas who use bribery to obtain contracts. Advertisement U.S. arrests of corrupt Russians living outside America but doing business in the States have generated howls of protest from the Kremlin. It maintains the United States has no right to arrest its citizens outside U.S. borders. One reason the United States does so is that Russia refuses to honor America's requests to extradite Russian citizens to the States for trial. The Russian stance isn't surprising, given that the country condones corruption and that Moscow has given safe harbor to notoriously corrupt officials from other countries, such as deposed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Russia underscored the depth of its anger over U.S. arrests of its citizens overseas with a public-relations broadside in May of 2015 that generated international headlines: It issued a travel warning to its citizens, urging them to be careful where they ventured overseas, lest U.S. authorities pounce on them. The unfortunate truth is that America's stepped-up enforcement of its Foreign Corrupt Practices Act leads to the arrests of only a few hundred corrupt officials living in the former Soviet Union and elsewhere each year. Advertisement But the threat of arrest likely causes some to lose sleep these days. And that anxiety has to sit well with the tens of millions of people in the region who abhor the way that corruption keeps their countries down. Tori Isner: 'We're Honored Just to Be' It's a family thing, the spiritual world. It's a connectedness to everything around you, Mother Earth, Grandmother Moon, Grandfather Sun. Everything is part of the family. The buffalo is your brother. The standing people are the trees. They've been here a lot longer than you have, they can teach you. With us, it's Creator who created the food, created the buffalo, created the rocks, the grass, Mother Earth and everything we have. Creator did that. And we're honored just to walk on it, just to live, just to be. Go stand next to a big rock, see how big you really are. Go look at the ocean. That's Creator, that's beauty. 'The standing people are the trees.' Photo by Barbara Newhall Creator is in everything we do. And in everything we do, we give thanks. If I eat a meal, I make a Spirit plate. I take a little bit of food from everything that I have on my plate and a little bit of tobacco, and put it out on the back porch. That's giving thanks to Spirit for the food that I have and for the abundance that I have. It's just a small thing I can do for the gifts that I get. You acknowledge that everything comes from Creator and that none of this is truly yours. You're just borrowing it. Your body is a vehicle. Like the trees, that's their form. And the plants, that's their form. And the buffalo, and the horses and everything, those are their forms. These are all vehicles to carry the Spirit around. Everything that I am is from Creator. The greatest gift I can give is myself back to the one that created me. I am the only one that can authorize the offering of myself. No one else can. And I do that willingly. This March, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Whole Woman's Health vs. Hellerstedt, a case that will determine the future of an abortion care provision in Texas -- and the most significant abortion case in two decades. Ever since the landmark Roe v. Wade case more than 40 years ago, the Supreme Court has remained steadfast in affirming a woman's constitutional right to safe and legal abortion care. The Whole Woman's Health case seeks to prevent politicians from using deceptive laws to limit a woman's Constitutional right to end a pregnancy. The Texas House Bill2 (HB2), passed in 2013, imposes onerous restrictions on access to abortion care, including a requirement that providers obtain admitting privileges at local hospitals no farther than 30 miles away from the clinic, and a requirement that every health care facility offering abortion services meet building specifications similar to those of ambulatory surgical centers. Together, these requirements would close all but 10 abortion clinics in a state with 5.4 million women of reproductive age, and leave 500 miles between San Antonio and the New Mexico border without a clinic. Advertisement Put simply, laws like these make it nearly impossible for a woman who has decided to end a pregnancy to get the safe, legal, high-quality care she needs. To prevent this from happening, the American Academy of Nursing supports Whole Woman's Health, the lead plaintiff in the case, and is a signatory on one of 45 "friend-of the-court" briefs filed in January. Nurses, as health care professionals dedicated to supporting the health and safety of their patients, recognize that legislation restricting patient access to abortion keeps us from providing the patient care we are trained and dedicated to provide. We support our patients and stand ready to serve them both in the hospital and policy arenas. As a predominantly female profession, nursing is especially concerned by laws that victimize women and seek to sharply limit the reproductive rights guaranteed to them by the U.S. Constitution. By closing clinics, women will be forced to scramble in search of alternative (and often unsafe) means of receiving abortion care. Advertisement But how important is it that nurses support access to abortion care? Data from a recently published study by Dr. Monica McLemore Ph.D., RN show that nurses prioritize the needs of their patients above their own personal beliefs and feelings. Nurses recognize that personal decisions about health are best managed by patients and their caregivers, without the interference of politics and policy. One nurse explained this way, "We, nurses don't make [those] moral distinctions about patients. We deal with people and we say, 'You're my patient. I'm going to do the best I possibly can for you. I'm going to give you the medicine you need. I'm going to make sure you're healthy."' Corporate social responsibility is typically associated with large companies, not small businesses. But as companies of all sizes are quickly learning, social responsibility is a contemporary business imperative. In particular, education-driven initiatives are popular with small and mid-sized business owners. Two out of three mid-sized business owners say they are seeking to improve community engagement through education initiatives aimed at younger community members, according to Business News Daily. Unfortunately, despite the best of intentions, CSR often becomes an after-thought for small business owners who are too busy growing their business to focus on secondary initiatives like CSR. It doesn't have to be. CSR goes hand-in-hand with a smart brand strategy. Consumers vote with their wallets, supporting companies that demonstrate concern for employee welfare, community development, environmental sustainability, and human rights. "We live in a customer-centric and highly connected world where consumers not only want to feel good about their purchase but also want to make use of social media to share the story behind the purchase. Consumer sentiment can make or break a business. Having a positive social purpose and a core message that resonates with your audience can be the key business differentiator." says Creative Brand Strategist Andrew Miller, who works closely with small businesses to help them structure effective CSR programs. Advertisement When Good CSR Goes Wrong: How to Ensure Mutually Beneficial Partnerships When it comes to successfully executing CSR strategy, even big corporations make mistakes, especially if they fail to consider the long-term impact of their efforts to give back. Case in point: Toms Shoes. From a marketing standpoint, Toms Shoes "Buy One, Give One" model is a winner. It's easy for consumers to connect with a concrete concept like putting shoes on a poor child's feet, rather than a more abstract concept like donating 10 percent of profits to research. But while the slogan may be good for business, critics say that the "Buy One, Give One" model creates dependency, zaps local initiatives, and ultimately hurts local businesses. As Michael Matheson Miller, the director of PovertyCure, a group promoting entrepreneurial solutions to poverty, tells Knowledge@Wharton, "Poor people aren't poor because they lack stuff; they're poor because they lack the infrastructure to create wealth." Ultimately, donating a pair of shoes may do more damage to the local economy than good. In other cases, donating a pair of eyeglasses may be just fine if these donations don't undermine an existing local industry. Warby Parker, for example, uses money from every pair of glasses the brand sells to train locals at giving basic eye exams and then sell glasses at a significantly reduced rate. This turns an otherwise needy beneficiary into a responsible consumer, which Warby Park co-CEO Neil Blumenthal says empowers rather demeans the recipient. The company partners with Vision Spring, a like-minded nonprofit, to manage the training and eyeglass sales. So how can you ensure your program is more than just well-intentioned but actually effective? For businesses that wish to alleviate poverty, Miller recommends focusing efforts on ways to create prosperity for families, such as removing barriers to education. In other cases, a "buy one, give one" approach may work, as long as the recipient's needs and environment are carefully considered. Other companies have found success in providing microloans or making scholarship donations that restore community health, rather than just alleviating symptoms or causes. Advertisement Katherine Klein, the vice dean of Wharton's Social Impact Initiative recommends businesses embrace the spirit of innovation and experimentation with their CSR models as "it's not clear yet which approaches have the greatest sustainability and impact." Starting Your Own CSR: 5 Steps to Success Pick the right partner. Small businesses are simply not equipped to manage every aspect of a CSR program on their own, nor should you try. Attempting to do so will simply deplete program resources, along with the energy and enthusiasm your employees have for the program. Let the experts help! Choose a partner nonprofit that naturally aligns with your company's core mission and services. For example, if you run a small optometry practice, you may not be able to fund a "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair" program on the scale of Warby Parker, but you can still support vision initiatives, like the Vision Experience Foundation. Structure for sustainability. You may mean well with your CSR, but if it's not aligned with your business model, it will become a one-time project rather than a sustainable program. Look for ways to blend financial support with volunteer service or in-kind contributions. Consider how your customers or clients will be involved. Don't limit involvement to simply donating a percentage of your annual profits. Consider sponsoring a "day of giving" in the community, where customers, clients, and employees can work together to complete a volunteer project aligned with your CSR. Support community education. Looking to make an immediate impact on your local community? College or advanced degree scholarships are one of the most popular CSR choices that make a direct impact on the recipients' lives. David Resnick & Associates, PC recently launched a scholarship essay contest for students pursuing a two-year or four-year college degree who are interested in attending law school. "The cost of attending college leaves too many students crippled with loan debt or unable to pursue advanced degrees," says David Resnick, the firm's founder. "We chose to offer a scholarship competition in order to empower deserving students to achieve their legal education dreams." Don't shy away from personal causes. When a cause is near and dear to your heart, your passion for this cause will naturally shine through, inspiring your fellow employees as well as customers and clients. For small businesses, choosing personal causes that are closely aligned with the local community will also inspire community-wide involvement that goes beyond just your current employees and customers. For example, Colorado law firm The Sawaya Law Firm gives out "The Sawaya Awards", which recognize Coloradans who are committed to helping themselves and members of their community reach their full potential. The firm also helps community members in need through the Sawaya Foundation, which recently launched a matching fundraising drive to support a Denver police officer who was severely wounded during a routine traffic stop. Advertisement Monitor customer impact. In addition to monitoring the success of your CSR program, you'll also want to understand how customers and clients perceive them. For example, when Tom's started getting pushback from customers about their "buy one, give one" donations, the company reworked their program to make it more sustainable and less disruptive to local communities. (They now invest in companies that match their CSR mission, too.) While it's unlikely that customers will approach you directly about your CSR, if they feel strongly about it one way or another, they probably will discuss it on social media. I like Brand24 and Follow for monitoring social media chatter. You can use these platforms to set alerts for online mentions and specific keywords related to your CSR. Bottom line: While the GOP is busy perpetuating a "racist, sexist, xenophobic demagogue" as their current frontrunner, the democrats -- if nothing more than by default -- continue to serve as their minority-friendly, gender-inclusive, progressive counterparts. We democrats like to think we're the party of common sense, the party of tolerance, the party of compassion. We aren't owned by big business or special interests and aren't swayed by fear mongering. Okay, what I'm trying to say is we're supposed to be the smart ones. And yet, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, head of Hillary Clinton's campai-- I mean the Democratic National Committee, is giving us about as much autonomy as a 16-year-old girl whose dad is a retired Army officer. First, we have a debate schedule that was so blatantly light and ill-timed that I wouldn't be surprised if more people actually saw Gigli in theaters than democratic candidates square off against one another. The DNC originally announced only six debates for the campaign season, compared to 26 at the same time during the 2008 campaign cycle. As it stood, fewer eyes would result in an edge for frontrunner Clinton over the less familiar Sanders. To be fair, the DNC has since sanctioned four more debates, to bring the total to ten, although unconfirmed sources have indicated that all four would air consecutively against the Super Bowl. Advertisement Next comes the issue of superdelegates. Despite that fact that Sanders won the New Hampshire primary by 20+ points, he and Clinton will walk away with the same number of delegates, thanks to Clinton's prior efforts in securing New Hampshire's six superdelegates, who are not bound by the popular vote but by old fashioned politicking. She accomplished this in very much that same way that contestants advance to the next round on Dancing with the Stars. Sure, you vote and those votes are tallied, and you as a proud American have done your due diligence and your voice was heard and freedom and liberty and patriotic buzzwords! But ultimately the producers decide who moves on to next week's show. So despite the fact that a quarter of a million people voted in the democratic primary in New Hampshire, those six superdelegates (half of whom are DNC members) can opt to support Hillary, thereby rendering New Hampshire a theoretical tie despite a more than 20-point margin of victory. Because America! And most recently, DNC leadership has lifted a ban restricting PACs, lobbyists and other moneyed interests from contributing to the DNC; in other words, Wall Street can now siphon unlimited sums of money into the convention. You might remember Wall Street from such exciting events as the 2008 financial collapse and the epicenter of the greatest redistribution of wealth to the top 1 percent of Americans in history! The ban was enacted by President Obama who, after being elected in 2008, said that [political action committees and federal lobbyists] "will not fund my party. They will not run our White House. And they will not drown out the voice of the American people when I'm president of the United States of America." To which the DNC most recently replied, Yes [they] can! But what makes the DNC's decision even more offensive and obtuse is the fact that a central and widely accepted platform of this entire election season is campaign finance reform, rejecting the use of corrupt money in politics, and overturning Citizens United. Ironically enough, the Citizens United case was born out of the conservative PAC's desire to broadcast TV ads criticizing, who else, but the 2008 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Advertisement Clinton has already set up a joint fundraising committee with the DNC, the Hillary Victory Fund, which has raised $26.9 million so far. In all fairness, FEC records show that Sanders, too, has a joint fundraising committee with the DNC. They've raised $1,000. The Sanders joint fundraising committee with the DNC could buy one iPhone 6S. Mark Paustenbach, deputy communications director for the DNC, was quoted as saying, "The DNC's recent change in guidelines will ensure that we continue to have the resources and infrastructure in place to best support whoever emerges as our eventual nominee." I can only assume that he was wearing a t-shirt with Hillary's winky face screen printed onto it. The fact is, like so many in the Democratic party, I am an undecided voter. And be it a blessing or a curse, living in California, I have about as much influence in this campaign right now as Lincoln Chafee had in the first debate. But, as an eventual participant in the primary process, I value my right to choose. What I don't value is being steamrolled by the DNC into having Clinton selected as my nominee by way of backroom politicking and granting special moneyed interests free reign of the political arena. In an election that is so obviously a referendum on the current lopsided economic situation in the country, why play such a narrow-minded short game as to render the Clinton campaign synonymous with the very corrupt system that we're trying to overcome? Without any interference from the DNC, Clinton would hands-down be the frontrunner for the democratic nomination. Let's face it. She has the name recognition, the experience, [insert Clinton stump speech here]. But as Mrs. Wasserman Schultz and the DNC continue to try and hedge their bets, I would not be surprised if the democratic caucus fought back. That might even be to the tune of, say, a $6.4 million dollar injection into the Sanders campaign in a 24-hour period, as was the case after the NH primary. Even if it's $34 at a time, the lowly plebes -- or "Americans," a name they've taken a liking to -- can still make a difference. The point is not whether I want to vote for Clinton or Sanders or Bloomberg or God damnit Lincoln Chafee. It's that I want to choose who I vote for. I mean, come on. We're supposed to be the smart ones. Today is a special day in Dutch political history: it is the birthday of the Party for Freedom (PVV), a party known mostly for its "firebrand" leader, Geert Wilders. Wilders entered Dutch politics as a member of the conservative People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), but left the party after his increased criticism had marginalized his position within the parliamentary faction. After a short period in the Second Chamber as the "Group Wilders" (a group of one), he founded the PVV - which still operates as part of the Foundation Group Wilders, with one sole member (Wilders). Few politicians have influenced Dutch politics so profoundly in such a short period of time as Wilders. While he is often compared to Pim Fortuyn, the flamboyant gay politicians who was murdered in May 2002, Wilders is a very different type of person and politician. In fact, Fortuyn's influence is much less ideological than organizational. It was the short history of the List Pim Fortuyn (LPF), which descended into utter anarchy after Fortuyn's death, that convinced Wilders to maintain total control of his new party. This leads to the bizarre situation, at least in the European context, in which all but one of the PVV representatives in the various sub-national, national, and supra-national parliaments are not members of the political party they represent. While the dominance and omnipresence of Geert Wilders give a strong impression of stability, the PVV has actually had a whirlwind of a first decade. With the exception of the leadership position, very little has stayed the same. Most notably, there have been three major, and closely related, changes: ideological, electoral, and political. Advertisement Ideology: From Conservatism to the Populist Radical Right The ideology of the PVV has changed fundamentally in the past ten years, even if Wilders tends to deny that. As the Dutch historian Koen Vossen has shown, the party started out as a "VVD+," i.e. a conservative-liberal party with strong Islamophobia. In the first years the PVV became more neoconservative, combining still mostly neoliberal economics with a hawkish foreign policy (informed by Islamophobia), but it was not radical right yet. In fact, even in 2010 Wilders was still closer to the VVD than to the French National Front (FN). This has changed radically in the last years. The PVV has adopted an increasingly ethno-nationalist discourse, built around the imaginary prototypical Dutch couple "Henk and Ingrid," who are allegedly threatened by a bureaucratic Brussels (EU), corrupt national elites, mooching immigrants (including East Europeans), and Islamic terrorists. Today the PVV is a standard populist radical right party, combining nativism, authoritarianism, and populism. It has hardened its European policy - wanting the Netherlands to leave the EU- and softened its economic policy - by more openly advocating welfare chauvinism in campaigns, while still mostly voting for neoliberal policies in parliament. It only stands out from other populist radical right parties like the Austrian Freedom Party (FPO) and the FN in its level of obsession with Islam and Muslims, which remains the prime focus of Wilders - not unrelated to the fact that he has been living under 24/7 state protection from Islamic extremists for more than ten years now. Electoral: From the Margins to the Masses The electoral growth of the PVV has been both rocky and steady. The party goes through rises and falls in the polls but overall experiences an upward trend. Its support base has changed slightly; like its ideology its electorate now largely mirrors that of other populist radical right parties (i.e. predominantly male, less educated, working class). Unsurprisingly, the party profits from (European) crises like the Greek economic crisis and the refugee crisis, which Wilders uses to attack both the EU and national elites. Advertisement Scandals seem to affect him much less than his opponents think, however. For example, when Wilders made his supporters shout "less, less, less" (Moroccans) at a party rally in March 2014, almost everyone thought that he had gone too far this time. However, this didn't include the vast majority of PVV supporters, who saw little problem with the statement - which was, as Wilders correctly stated, completely in line with the PVV program. But while support for the party has increased steadily over the past years, Wilders has been king of the polls, bot not of the elections. Both in the 2012 Dutch elections and in the 2014 European elections the PVV did (much) less well than it had done in the polls in the months before. Perhaps this is the only silver lining opponents can take from the recent polls, which all show that the PVV is the largest party in the Netherlands. Political: From the Mainstream to the Margins Ironically, the electoral growth has not strengthened the PVV's political position. Wilders started out as a mainstream politician, slightly to the right of the VVD, who kept his distance from radical right groups and parties in the Netherlands and abroad. He defined politics in very narrow terms, i.e. parliamentary politics, and had as his only aim to create a right-wing coalition government to break the age-old centrist tendencies of Dutch politics. He achieved this in 2010, when the PVV supported a minority government between the center-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the right-wing VVD - under the leadership of VVD leader and Prime Minister Mark Rutte. But after two years he pulled the plug on that coalition, as VVD and particularly CDA demanded further concessions that meant (even) more election promises. As always in Dutch politics, the party that is perceived to have created chaos, such as break up the government, paid the electoral price: PVV lost a third of its electorate, going from 15.5 percent in 2010 to 10.1 percent in 2012. Since being back in opposition the PVV has not just radicalized ideologically but also politically. Over the past years Wilders has made significant strategic changes. For example, after having reserved his anti-establishment attacks mainly for left-wing parties, the Labour Party (PvdA) in particular, Wilders has started a relentless barrage of personal attacks on right-wing politicians in 2012, specifically aimed at his former ally, Dutch Prime Minister Rutte. Advertisement Marginalized at the national level, Wilders surprised many by embracing the new FN leader, Marine Le Pen, at the European level. After a first attempt in the unsuccessful European Alliance for Freedom (EAF), the PVV is now a member of an official political group in the European Parliament, the Europe of Nations and Freedoms (ENF) - together with, most notably, the FPO, the Belgian Flemish Interest (VB), and the Italian Northern League (LN) -all parties that Wilders had denounced as "anti-Semitic" and "far right" until a few years earlier. Finally, Wilders is increasingly supporting extra-parliamentary politics, although mostly outside of the Netherlands. He is the main speaker for Global Islamophobia Inc, speaking at meetings of anti-Islam groups around the globe. Last year alone Wilders spoke for the American Freedom Defence Initiative (AFDI) in Garland (TX), the Australian Liberty Alliance (ALA) in Perth, and the Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the West (better known as Pegida) in its (only) stronghold of Dresden (Germany). All of these changes have brought Wilders and the PVV many new supporters around the world, including in the Netherlands, but not among the people he needs to get into political power. In fact, despite being at an all-time high in the polls, Wilders seems further away from government participation than ever before. As a professional politician, he realizes this, of course. But rather than responding by moderating, he has radicalized even further. In recent statements he has claimed that, as the biggest party in the Netherlands, the PVV cannot be excluded from the next government. More ominously, Wilders threatened with a (suitably vague) "revolt" in the case the other (right-wing) parties would exclude him from power. Boycotting standardized tests may seem like a good idea, but hurts black learners most. A recent trend has begun to gain an alarming amount of steam across the country. The bad rap often given to measures meant to ensure accountability in public education has led a growing group of parents to make the curious choice of allowing their children to "opt out" of standardized state testing in English and Math. In discussions around standardized testing and the opt-out movement, however, what is being missed is the combination of race and class when examining more closely who is opting out and who is affected. The decision to opt out is most often being exercised by suburban whites in better performing school districts. To put it plainly: white parents from well-funded and highly performing areas are participating in petulant, poorly conceived protests that are ultimately affecting inner-city blacks at schools that need the funding and measures of accountability to ensure any hope of progress in performance. For example, in New York, while the numbers of students choosing to opt out was substantial, only 2% of the students who did opt out were from New York City. When the number of students who opt out in a state dips below a certain number in a state--often as high as 95%--it can affect both federal and state funding for school districts. The areas are often hit hardest are often the ones that were already performing poorly, where support and accountability are two imperatives toward improvement. Advertisement This is one of the more obvious examples of the sort of "double bonus" that privilege can create. The ability to opt out of standardized testing without serious concern for the consequences on parents' school districts is only buttressed by the notion of having greater availability of alternative options. Choice in quality education, unfortunately, remains elusive for inner-city families for several reasons. For example, if a particular school zone is lacking in options for good schools, picking up and moving to an area with more choices is often not an option many can afford, information about school quality can be difficult to access, and with the rising-costs of high-quality private school education further out of reach it can make things even more difficult. Simply put, opting out hits the hardest on families that can absorb it the least. Groups of parent activists have been popping up across the country expressing their disapproval over standardized testing. While there should be concerns raised over excessive testing and devoting too much classroom instruction to test prep, the long-term effects of opting out could be even worse, particularly for communities of color. Even more troublesome, the immediate effects of losing federal funding has a real impact on schools least able to take the hit. The negative associations many of us attach to Common Core, standardized testing, and teacher evaluations stem from a false narrative on the state of our education system and short-sighted ideas on how to fix it. Many have been conditioned to focus on the criticisms that the common core method forces teachers to instruct solely for the purpose of passing tests in a system already biased against black and Latino learners. What many of these critics often ignore, however, is the high standards and academic rigor that are often reinforced through the system and the accountability that results for teachers and schools as a result. Standardized testing, albeit imperfect, remains one of the best ways to ensure that teachers, schools, and school districts are held accountable for making sure children are succeeding. Many of issues that those who are protesting the state of the education system do warrant consideration. For every new developed practice in education circles that carries a degree of promise, there seems to be two more that threaten equal amounts of peril. There is little disagreement that current system can stand to be improved. Still, eliminating the existing measures that keep schools honest while also taking measures that will ultimately decrease the funding for students who need it most is a flat out bad idea. Advertisement The Republicans claim to hold nothing so near and dear as the Constitution of the United States. They constantly remind us of this. We hear it over and over again. It's a big applause line in the stump speeches of just about every Republican candidate currently running for president. Well, maybe except for Donald Trump, that is. But Trump can be forgiven for failing to harp on the Constitution because he may not be aware of it. The faithful of the Republican Party constantly boast of their superior devotion to the Constitution. And they baselessly accuse the Democrats, especially President Barack Obama, of failing to abide by the text of the Constitution. Then came the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, the hero of Republicans for claiming to so strictly follow the text of the Constitution. This suddenly opened-up a vacancy on the Supreme Court to be filled by President Obama. A Democrat. Horrors! Advertisement Immediately, the Republicans openly declared that the Republican-controlled Senate would refuse to so much as even consider any replacement nominees proposed by President Obama, regardless of who they might be, simply because this is the final year of Obama's presidential term. Shocking! In fact, perhaps the most stunning aspect of this was their candor. One would have expected these Republicans to lie and deceive by publicly proclaiming that they would indeed welcome any nominee, but then privately they would have intentionally dragged-out the process in order to prevent any nominee from actually being confirmed. Of course, this may turn out to be their Plan B. But in their Plan A, the Republicans openly proclaimed that they would not even so much as consider any nominees whatsoever. The only little problem with this position, of course, is that there is no constitutional basis for it. Advertisement The Constitution grants to the president the power to nominate justices to the Supreme Court, and with the "advice and consent" of the Senate, these nominees shall be appointed. So the Constitution clearly provides that it is the President who possesses the power to fill this current vacancy on the Supreme Court. The Senate's constitutional role of providing "advice and consent" is to consider the qualifications of the president's nominee, and then to either approve or reject the nominee based upon his or her qualifications. But nowhere does the Constitution allow the Senate to flat-out refuse to consider nominees put forth by the President. Furthermore, the power to change the number of justices on the Supreme Court requires an act of Congress, and thus the Senate is unable to accomplish this on its own. So if the Senate were to refuse to consider any nominees whatsoever, not only would this amount to the Senate failing to perform its constitutional duties, but this would also have the effect of the Senate improperly usurping the power unto itself to change the number of sitting justices from 9 to 8. Hardly constitutional. Advertisement In addition, the Constitution contains no provision that would allow the Senate to reject nominations that occur during the last year of a president's term, or to reject nominations whenever the Senate just so happens to be politically opposed to the sitting president. Our Constitution simply does not work this way. My goodness, for the Party that proclaims such faithful observance to the Constitution, the Republicans sure were quick to toss the Constitution right out the window. Man with tied hands color vertical image The subject of U.S. policies on torture is back in the news again. With far too much frequency, I've been seeing media reports of public figures calling for a return to so-called "enhanced interrogation techniques" or, even worse, using dangerous and ill-informed rhetoric in support of reviving these illegal and immoral tactics. Advertisement Yet, the false debate surrounding torture's use and effectiveness has resurfaced in the United States. In light of the renewed attention, every public figure--and indeed, every American--should know the facts about torture. Torture is illegal. Torture is a crime under both international and domestic law. The ban against torture is absolute. There are no exceptions or justifications for its use. It's not allowed in a time of war, national emergency, or in the name of national security. Torture is a crime of such severity that it is considered an affront to all of humanity. As such, it can be prosecuted by any nation regardless of where the crime was committed or the accused person's nationality or citizenship. Debate about waterboarding has been a frequent topic in the news lately, but make no mistake: waterboarding is torture. Waterboarding goes beyond the fear of suffocation--it is a form of slow, controlled drowning tantamount to a mock execution. The act of waterboarding involves strapping someone down, immobilizing them, and then pouring water over their face to begin the process of asphyxiation or drowning. Survivors say mock executions left them feeling they were already dead--many relive these near-death experiences in their nightmares or flashbacks. At CVT, survivors tell us they pleaded with their torturers to kill them, preferring actual death over the constant threat and intolerable pain caused by mock executions. Advertisement In 2009, President Obama signed an executive order banning waterboarding and other forms of torture and cruelty. And in November 2015, led by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), an overwhelming bi-partisan majority of Congress enshrined key elements of that executive order into U.S. law. President Obama's refusal to prosecute perpetrators of torture no doubt undermines the public's understanding that torture is a crime. Torture is ineffective. CVT has extended rehabilitative care to more than 30,000 survivors of torture and brutal war-related atrocities from countries around the world. Time and again, our clients tell us that they would--and did--say anything to make the torture stop. This is true for victims subjected to physical torture as well as psychological torture. It has been proven that torture is far more likely to produce ambiguous and false, rather than clear and reliable, information. A key finding of the Senate Intelligence Committee Study on CIA Detention and Interrogation Program was that the CIA's so-called "enhanced interrogation techniques were not effective." That same Study also describes how the CIA itself determined from its own experience that coercive interrogations "do not produce intelligence," "will probably result in false answers," and had historically proven to be ineffective. Torture is immoral. Torture is a deliberate and systematic dismantling of a person's identity and humanity through extreme physical or psychological pain and suffering. Imagine a family member, a neighbor or an American soldier being subjected to the horrors of mock executions or "rectal feeding." All for no reason other than to assert control, break their will and render them helpless. Advertisement I suspect some people use the term "enhanced interrogation techniques" to mask or justify a deliberate dismantling of a person's humanity, or the systematic infliction of pain and suffering. But this euphemism doesn't make torture any less abhorrent or any more morally acceptable. Torture is torture. And it's absolutely immoral. Torture makes us less safe. Some have argued that the use of torture somehow protects us as a society, somehow makes the American public more safe. There is absolutely no convincing evidence that these assertions are true. In fact the evidence indicates the opposite is far more likely. In resorting to torture of security suspects, the U.S. has strengthened the resolve of adversaries. It also alienates partners and puts the U.S. in the company of human rights violators whose actions we deplore and condemn. Detail of a police officer holding gun. Selective focus with shallow depth of field. Black and white toning. Apple's recent civil disobedience has the country engrossed in a conversation about the balance between privacy rights and security, but let's not forget it wasn't an iPhone that killed 14 people in San Bernardino last December; it was four guns, including two handguns and two assault rifles that had been unlawfully altered to be more powerful and deadly. Strict NRA constructionists will argue it wasn't the guns or stockpiles of ammunition or pipe bombs jerry-rigged to a remote control car that killed innocent county employees enjoying a holiday gathering; it was the two criminals, Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik, who bear responsibility. Advertisement But rights and responsibilities go arm in arm, so if in fact guns don't commit crimes, people do, then guns don't have rights either, including any right to privacy. An individual may have the right to bear arms, but a gun doesn't have any more inherent rights than any other item of personal property, including a smartphone. People have rights and responsibilities, and if you believe the only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun, then isn't the only way to stop a bad guy from hacking a phone also to stop a good guy from hacking a phone? Using a law from 1789, a federal magistrate has ordered Apple to create a technological key to unlock the iPhone used in connection with the mass shooting in San Bernadino, but the company is rightfully questioning the court's authority and cautioning against opening Pandora's box. Any such key engineered for a seemingly good cause, Apple's CEO Tim Cook says, will by default be used as a master key to unlock the iPhones of innocent people everywhere by rogue governments and criminals, causing more damage than good. Advertisement The conflict shines light on the elephant in the room. America's 21st-century justice system is stuck with 18th-century laws because of obstruction by extremists in Washington who complain about the size of government instead of passing new laws that would address today's important challenges of cybersecurity and crime. This issue of encrypted phones created by private companies being inaccessible to law enforcement begs the question whether the feds are ordering Apple to unlock iPhones because government is too big or not big enough. A budget is not the measurement of all things. In today's computer age, power is measured by speed, so it's time we gauge the appropriate size of government by how quickly and effectively it responds to societal challenges. In this case, the challenge isn't necessarily encryption, it's cybersecurity, terrorism and gun violence. Americans are being terrorized by people wielding assault weapons aided and abetted by technology. The smartest phones can't tell the difference between a Chinese spy and an FBI agent. Like guns, iPhones can't distinguish good guys from bad guys, but surely smart people can design smarter phones and guns, and the American people can demand smarter solutions. Instead of -- or in addition to -- ordering Apple to build a technological back door to its phones, why aren't we ordering weapons makers to put technology in their products that can be used by law enforcement to protect us from gun violence? Do guys with assault weapons and stockpiles of high-capacity ammunition -- good or bad -- have a privacy right to carry them in public places undetected? Or do citizens have a right to be alerted by their iPhone when such a weapon comes within shooting range? Why is it a six-year-old child can pick up an iPhone and be prevented from accessing its contents because of a passcode, but that same child can pick up a gun and shoot his three-year-old brother in the face and kill him by accident? Advertisement If a judge can order Apple to create software that can unlock phones that are now impenetrable, why can't Congress order gun makers to lock their guns? Smart technology is available that would significantly reduce the number of gun deaths in this country. Just as your fingerprint can be used to unlock your precious phone, guns have the capacity for technology that would only allow them to fire only when activated by an authorized user. People who are too dangerous to fly in America can still buy guns in America, and more people are killed by gun violence in this country than any other society in the developed world. The justice system has a legitimate argument that some privacy rights have to be given up for the sake of security, so let's stop protecting the privacy of people who shoot and kill others with guns. Recently, my wife and I were privileged to attend a special screening of the new 3-D IMAX movie, National Parks Adventure, at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. A 40-minute thrill ride with adventurers Conrad Anker, Max Lowe, and Rachel Pohl, the movie took us to beautiful places that belong to all of us - vast western landscapes such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Arches, Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks... as well as other natural gems such as the Devil's Tower National Monument in Wyoming and ice draped Picture Rocks National Park in the upper Great Lakes. Core to the movie was the legendary story of Sierra Club founder John Muir and President Teddy Roosevelt camping together in Yosemite Valley. These two unlikely companions forged a powerful friendship that was the genesis for our incredible network of national parks and other public lands today. They shared a vision that the most wild and spectacular places in our nation must be preserved for future generations and open for all to explore, enjoy and protect. President Roosevelt went on to protect hundreds of millions of acres of public lands, establishing a number of national monuments, the U.S. Forest Service and set the stage for creating the National Park Service in 1916. Advertisement This year marks the centennial of the National Park Service. Last year, visitation to our nation's more than 400 national parks hit an all-time high of 300 million visitors, generating jobs and economic opportunities for millions of Americans. And to ensure future generations will continue to experience and steward our parks, President Obama has launched the "Every Kid in a Park" initiative that gives every fourth grader in the nation free access to our national parks and public lands and waters. Yet despite this amazing national resource, our national parks today face grave challenges. Aging and crumbling infrastructure, inadequate staffing levels, threats from oil and gas development, and even lawsuits to take historic names of icons in the parks away from the public. The Sierra Club is prioritizing celebrating the national parks in the centennial year. We are leading hundreds of outdoor outings this Spring that will connect a diversity of Americans to our treasured national parks and other public lands. We are also joining with others in support of legislation, HR 3556, introduced by Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) that would create a new Public Lands Centennial Fund to match donations to improve the conditions of our national parks. These funds would be used to enhance visitor services and outdoor recreational opportunities, restore lands and waters, repair facilities or trails, and increase energy and water efficiency. Representative Grijalva is also leading an effort to establish a new Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument, that would permanently protect 1.7 million acres around the existing Grand Canyon National Park from the threat of uranium mining. I would love to see President Obama and Sierra Club President Aaron Mair, join together at the Grand Canyon, this August, to mark the 100 year anniversary of the Park Service by announcing this new national monument. Advertisement It's now been a month since the crisis at the Creating Change conference in Chicago, and a number of the continuing problems are becoming clearer. These issues intersect in their own manner, parallel to the concept of intersectionality which seems to be driving this iteration of the LGBTQ rights movement. The outcome, to which we are currently trending, however, appears to be one which I still believe few people want, yet which will ultimately damage the movement. I'm prepared to state unequivocally that the LGBTQ community should not, and ethically cannot, associate itself with the "free Palestine" or BDS community. Individual queer persons are, of course, free to believe as they choose and associate with whom they choose. The queer community and its organizations, however, do not have the freedom to do that, and I will discuss the reasons why I believe that to be the case. While the LGBT community has had a global outreach for decades, led by IGLHRC (International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission), its indomitable founder, Julie Dorf, and her late colleague, Paula Ettelbrick, it's only in the past decade that many other organizations have joined IGLHRC (now OutRight) and the Council for Global Equality in spotlighting LGBT communities outside the U.S. The organizational focus has rightly been directly on the LGBT communities in those other nations whose rights were being denied and lives were, therefore, at risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. I do not recall any LGBT campaigns to change the general political structure of any of those nations; the goal was to assist LGBT persons become respected and equal members of their society, however that society was politically structured. Advertisement A recent example was the involvement of the American LGBT community to support its Russian counterpart after the passage of its "gay propaganda law" prior to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. The campaign was directed at encouraging the Duma to overturn the anti-gay law, not to restructure the Duma or overthrow Vladimir Putin. As before, and now since, efforts were focused on Russia's LGBT citizens, not Russia's violation of international law with its invasion of the Crimean peninsula and eastern Ukraine. Similarly, there are many issues around which the American LGBT community can coalesce with respect to the lives of Israeli and Palestinian LGBT individuals. There are organizations that are dedicated to helping those groups with whom queer Americans are involved, most recently A Wider Bridge and its allies in Israel, such as Jerusalem Open House, which assists gay Palestinians. General American LGBT communal outreach to help those populations would be welcomed by them, just as the Russian community welcomed our support over the past few years (and decades in the case of IGLHRC). However, there is no role for the organized American LGBTQ community to take a stand on the larger geopolitical issues in the realm of Israel/Palestine. Such involvement would not only veer radically from previous community international involvement, as described above, but would severely damage the American LGBT community and inhibit its ability to serve those here in most need. Those include many members of the communities of color who suffer from the intersectionalities often described by our younger activists. The state of Palestinians, in general, has no impact on queer Americans, of color or not. Advertisement I'll reiterate - any individual member of the American queer community can involve herself on any issue, and organize around any issue, but not as an official part of any domestic agenda which would threaten to divide that organization from its other organizational allies. To demand that is the height of arrogance. I'm left with the question as to why any group would want to do this. Why is the state of the Israel-Palestine conflict so important to Black Lives Matters Chicago that they participated in an assault on A Wider Bridge at Creating Change last month? Do they really have more in common with Palestinians than Israelis, many of whom are darker-skinned than most Palestinians? Has anyone bothered to notice the skin color of the communities in the Middle East? And, ultimately, why should that matter? Are we back to making Frantz Fanon chic again? All for the sake of a 60's anti-colonialist narrative that has more resonance with radical triumphalist Islamic jihadists trying to colonize much of the Muslim world than white people colonizing black people? Or, just maybe, as has become evident with the anti-Semitic slurs hurled both in Chicago and, most recently, at Brooklyn College, Vassar, and the dismissal of the Shoah (Holocaust) as "white-on-white violence," the movements for black liberation here in America are being co-opted by others with a different, historically vile, anti-Semitic agenda. It's not a coincidence that queer radicals have invited non-queer leaders of the BDS movement to assist them in their demonstrations, including Creating Change. How do these actions help the American queer community, particularly those of color? Are LGBT Palestinians going to move here to defend trans students in South Dakota? Are they going to engage with cis black men and support their love for trans black women? Do they care? Should they care? On the other hand, the Jewish queer community in Jerusalem does what it can, at great risk, to help its Palestinian counterparts, but those efforts are ignored. Those queer activists, in GetEqual and elsewhere, who think they are helping advance their agenda here in the U.S. with their mindless joining of the BDS bandwagon to end Jewish sovereignty and self-determination, will discover that their submission to bullying to appear politically correct will undermine their core mission. GetEqual should, instead, be blocking traffic today in Pierre, South Dakota. Advertisement And while they're at it someone should educate the young "non-leaders" of the current civil rights movement that when your President, who happens to be African-American, invites you to the White House to discuss your issues for 90 minutes, then it is to your community's advantage to take him up on it. Or maybe the President is too Jewish for the radical activists? There is a way out - condemn human rights abuses everywhere, including the U.S., as just happened at the University of Illinois. That would be in the tradition of our community's concern for the global LGBT community. Take the time to listen to Samantha Power, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Hannah Arendt, writing in her book, The Human Condition, in 1958, said that political entities are created by "sharing words and deeds." The "words and deeds" of those prioritizing Palestine within the American queer community are tearing our community apart. In 1871, James McNeill Whistler painted what would become his most famous work, which he titled "Arrangement in Grey and Black" and submitted the following year to the Royal Academy of Art in London for its 104th Exhibition. Both members of the Royal Academy and the British public were unhappy with the work - the Academy came close to rejecting the painting and the public was uneasy with a portrait described solely as an "arrangement" of colors, wanting more of an explanatory title. As a result, Whistler appended the words "Portrait of the Artist's Mother" to the "Arrangement" title just for this exhibition, although that name stuck and the painting has come down to us by the more popular "Whistler's Mother." It is rare that an artist is so demonstrably thwarted in the attempt to describe and title his work ("Take the picture of my mother, exhibited at the Royal Academy as an 'Arrangement in Grey and Black,'" the art-for-art's-sake Whistler wrote in his 1890 book The Gentle Art of Making Enemies. "Now that is what it is. To me it is interesting as a picture of my mother; but what can or ought the public to care about the identity of the portrait?"). However, the incident shows the degree to which a name matters to people who will see and perhaps buy the piece. Titles of works of art seem to matter, but it is not clear why. A seascape titled "Seascape" seems redundant; announcing the location of the seascape ("Penobscot Bay at Nightfall") seems to comfort people. "If the title is obscure or there just is no title, people often ask what they are looking at," according to Bridget Moore, director of New York's D.C. Moore Gallery. Abstract art, on the other hand, often employs a wider range of title possibilities, from "Untitled" and numbering (Robert Ryman's "Classico III" or Sam Francis's "Untitled, No. 11") to a physical description of the artwork (Dorothea Rockburne's "Drawing Which Makes Itself" or Ellsworth Kelly's "Orange and Green") and titles that may mean something only to the artist (Brice Marden's "The Dylan Painting" or Frank Stella's "Quathlamba"). Advertisement The abstract expressionists were fond of titles that didn't help viewers out much -- the recent "Abstract Expressionist New York" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art included Ad Reinhardt's 1963 "Abstract Painting," for instance, or Richard Pousette-Dart's 1943 "Fugue Number 2" or Barnett Newman's 1946 "Untitled" or Mark Rothko's 1945-6 "Untitled" or Clyfford Still's 1944 "1944-N No. 2." - and the current retrospective of the work of Venezuelan painter Carlos Cruz-Diez at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts (through July 4th) is filled with works titled "Physichromie 113-8" and "Physichromie 174." If you have to ask, it's obvious you don't know. For artists, the titles can be as personal as the artist. "It's like naming puppies," said painter Sondra Freckleton. "You see how they behave, and that's what you name them." African-American artist Whitfield Lovell's paintings are often fragments from jazz songs, which inspired them. Giving a name to a work of art is, historically, a relatively recent phenomenon, and it is even more recent that artists provide the title. For instance, Giorgio Vasari, in his 1568 Lives of the Artists, makes reference to a variety of paintings and sculpture by their creators, subject matter, location and patrons, but the actual artworks have no separate names. Titles may not have been deemed necessary when biblical or mythological scenes were depicted - "Madonna and Child" or "The Resurrection" - that everyone knew, or when the work was a portrait: Leonardo da Vinci never referred "La Gioconda" or, as it better known in the English-speaking world, the "Mona Lisa." No one actually knows when titles by artists became standard practice. It may be assumed that artists would begin furnishing their own titles when they started producing artwork independent of patrons or sold by art dealers, a situation that developed in 17th century Holland. However, according to several European art curators at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, there was basically no such thing as artists giving titles to their works in Holland at this time. Inventories gave descriptions of what the compiler saw, and the titles of secular works were usually generic (such as, still-life, merry company, landscape with figures). An exception is Vermeer's "The Art of Painting" that was so named by the artist's wife shortly after his death. Walter Liedtke, curator of European painting at the Met, noted that he ordered the change on the Rembrandt painting historically titled "Aristotle Contemplating the Bust of Homer" to "Aristotle with a Bust of Homer," "because Aristotle was clearly thinking about more than just this bust." He also noted not being completely convinced that the figure is Aristotle - it could be the 13th century Albertus Magnus or just "some philosopher" - but he is sticking with the conventional wisdom in that part. Advertisement Auction houses selling Old Masters list titles on the individual lots, but those titles tend to be descriptive and often based on what it was called the last time it was up at auction somewhere. Retitling makes tracking auction results much more difficult, even when the title is clearly wrong, so auctioneers tend to make no changes. (Chicago auctioneer Leslie Hindman recalled one work titled "Merry Company" when it was obviously the flight into Egypt of the holy family, "but it had gone so long with that title that it seemed more trouble than anything else to make a change.) Some titles refer to the location of the piece (Van Eyck's "Ghent Altarpiece," for example) or are simply descriptive, such as Alfred Sisley's "Still Life: Apples and Grapes," which he painted in 1876, four years before Claude Monet painted his own "Still Life: Apples and Grapes." Neither artist ever recorded such a title in his letters or diaries, so it is unclear where these names came from; it is very likely that a dealer or collector provided the title. Ah, dealers: They really want titles. San Francisco art dealer John Pence noted that he will regularly "interject suggestions" when artists bring in untitled pieces. "Certain words come up when I see a painting." He added that "sometimes, 'untitled' is a perfectly good title, but in general I don't think it's a good solution. And, if artists use it too frequently, it can be a serious bookkeeping problem for the gallery in keeping track of what has been sold to whom." At times, Pence will suggest a change in a title where the artist has used words improperly or unwisely ("it shows ignorance") or add to a title when it might be more specific. Artists are also creatures of habit, who may pursue the same or similar subject in a number of works but need titles that differentiate between them. "Jacob Collins uses the same titles again and again," Pence said. "I tell him, 'Maybe, you should call this one 'Vanitas 3.'" Advertisement Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks on the day of the Nevada Democratic caucus, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Refugee policy is foreign policy. But listening to the Democratic debates, it is easy to get the impression from Bernie Sanders that "foreign policy" means going to war -- or voting against war. Actually, foreign policy often involves removing civilians from the path of war, or resettling civilians whose lives have been devastated by war. It's not about approving wars, but working with allies to react to those devastated by them before entire regions or the world itself is destabilized. We see this today. It wasn't too long ago that Syria was a country of roughly 22 million people living under more or less stable conditions. In the roughly five years that the Syrian Civil War has been devastating the country, the best estimates are that close to half a million people have been killed, and more than half of the total population have been forced to leave their homes. Advertisement By any standard, this is a humanitarian catastrophe. But the enormous number of people who have had to run for their lives have brought with them serious issues for neighboring countries that the whole world has to grapple with. Of the roughly 12 million displaced people, at least 7 million are still within the borders of Syria, but more than 4 million refugees have left the country and gone elsewhere, often to countries which are already facing serious problems. Lebanon is probably the most vulnerable example. Five years ago, it had a population of barely 4 million people; because of the Syrian Civil War, more than 1 million people have entered. In terms of size of population, that would be the equivalent of if roughly 80 million people came to the United States in the space of five years. Except it's even more significant; the U.S. is a wealthy country. In its best days, Lebanon is significantly less so. Facing this immense influx of population, the Lebanese infrastructure has all but collapsed. Garbage is the biggest example of this. For months, the Lebanese government has been simply unable to pick up the garbage of their suddenly sky-rocketing population. When it rained in the capital, Beirut, there were literally "rivers of refuse" going through the city. This is a public health disaster for millions of people, but it also represents a potential destabilization of a never calm country. It was less than three decades ago that Lebanon finished its own civil war, which lasted for most of 15 years, killing 150,000 people. Even before this new crisis, there remained deep tension between the Shiite, Sunnis and Christian populations, who all share this tiny country. Along with the decreased faith in the government, ISIS has emerged as well in the region, most dramatically in their bombing of a Shiite residential area in Beirut, killing dozens and injuring hundreds. So far, it's been months since they have struck, but if daily conflict emerges, we might see the number of refugees in the region rise by even more millions. Advertisement Lebanon isn't the only country struggling with its new arrivals. Turkey has taken upwards of 2 million refugees while dealing with its own civil war. Upwards of a million refugees have made it to Europe, often overcoming horrifically dangerous challenges to even arrive, leaving many corpses floating in the water. Even when they've arrived, many European countries have struggled with the influx. Sweden has taken upwards of 150,000 refugees, many of whom are from Syria, but is reaching its limits. Meanwhile, in the United States, much of the political discourse has been dictated by Donald Trump and others on the right, who have imagined refugees as being all potential terrorists. And there are serious security issues that need to be considered, both in terms of what we conventionally consider as terrorism, but as also became poignant after the events of Cologne. But the larger issue is if the United States can afford to not help friendly nations as they struggle to help the millions of people who are escaping a horrific situation. This is a human rights tragedy, but it's also an opportunity for us to help crucial countries avoid buckling under enormous pressure, and keep the situation from spiraling any further out of control. If the Republican Party has been reverting to jingoism, the debate in the Democratic Party hasn't been much more encouraging. Bernie Sanders has joined Donald Trump in focusing strictly on the issue of ISIS, and arguing for us to ally with anybody possible just so we can defeat them. ISIS is an important issue, but foreign policy isn't just a matter of war. If we do our part for refugees now, we can keep the next war from starting. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has called for the United States to take in 65,000 refugees a year over the next two years. This won't solve the problem, but it would represent a serious and measurable effort to contain it. Bernie Sanders called for letting only 10,000 to enter the United States. That is isn't just a humanitarian issue; it's bad foreign policy. When our friends in the international community are asking us for help, it's all but ignoring their pleas. It means letting a desperate situation get even worse, and increasing the chances of an even worse war. Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, has called for letting in the 65,000 refugees. Advertisement The Iowa Caucus, New Hampshire Primary, and South Carolina GOP Primary are now in the rear-view mirror. Jeb Bush has bailed from the presidential race. It's time to pause and take political stock. Of the four leading candidates -- Donald Trump and Ted Cruz from the GOP, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders from the Dems -- three are anti-establishment. Only Clinton is an establishment candidate. The others surf a giant wave of voter anger that rises from a sense of betrayal. Advertisement The establishment narrative states that America, although troubled, remains sound. We can fix what ails us by tinkering at the margins. The anti-establishment narrative howls that our democracy is fundamentally broken. Only by a political sea-change -- some say "revolution" -- can we right the floundering ship of state. If the aggregate support for anti-establishment candidates indicates our plight, get out the life rafts. -- Three anti-establishment candidates -- -- Three competing political universes -- Trump: Trump appeals most to Americans who favor authoritarian leaders. He struts about as a strong man who will make the trains run on time and America great again. But history's strong men have always needed scapegoats. Trump will bring to heel those who have dragged America down. He'll deport 11.3 million illegal immigrants who are stealing our jobs, "bringing drugs, ... bringing crime," and "raping." And he'll ban all Muslims from entry to the US. Once elected, he won't need our help. To hear Trump talk, most of us are losers anyway. He's a billionaire, by definition a winner. Like Russia's Vladimir Putin -- his political soul mate -- Trump floats above the rules. Rules and decency -- and facts for that matter -- are for losers. Cruz: Cruz' mottos are "government is the problem" and "to God be the glory," making him the darling of the tea party and the religious right. Cruz proposes to eliminate most of the regulatory and safeguard functions of government. Corporate income taxes? End them. The IRS? Abolish it -- along with the Departments of Energy, Education, Commerce, and Housing and Urban Development. The Environmental Protection Agency? Gut it, if not kill it. Net neutrality. No. Regulations on carbon to combat climate change? No need; climate change is a "hoax." Advertisement What does Cruz stand for? The death penalty, fiscal austerity, "free" trade, carpet-bombing ISIS, and anything to do with extracting oil or gas: the Keystone XL pipeline, expanded fracking, and offshore drilling. The world according to Cruz is eerily familiar: it conforms to the extreme libertarian agenda of fossil-fuel magnates the Koch Brothers. Not surprising. Since 2011, Cruz has received more than $1 million in campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry, and his super PAC "Keep the Promise" has netted a whopping $15 million from Texas oil billionaires Dan and Farris Wilks. The god Cruz glorifies is a strange one, devoid of compassion. Immigration or sentencing reform? Not a chance. Affordable health care? Repeal it. A minimum wage? Absolutely not. And a Texas-sized prison-industrial complex to warehouse illegal immigrants. Sanders: To social democrat Sanders, we're in trouble because our politics and economy have been hijacked -- by Wall Street bankers and corporate billionaires (like those funding Cruz). The system has been rigged to benefit a handful of oligarchs. America has become the richest third-world country on the planet. Only those at the very top -- the 1% -- enjoy the wealth. Electing the "right" candidate, in Sander's view, will not by itself right the ship of state. Wresting control of our democracy from the clutches of the oligarchs will take all of us -- engaged in non-violent political revolution. Advertisement Which alternate universe is closest to our reality? Forty-nine years ago, at New York's Riverside Church, Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his most important, stinging, and controversial speech: "Beyond Vietnam." In it, he held a mirror to the American soul, asking us to confront our nation's "triple evils": racism, militarism, and extreme materialism. Many of King's followers turned against him. A year later he was dead, his message too disturbing to the national psyche. Echoes of King's "Beyond Vietnam" linger in Sander's stump speeches. Racism, Sanders acknowledges, is institutionalized in America, which incarcerates more citizens per capita -- predominantly people of color -- than any other country in the world. America remains constantly at war, feeding the insatiable appetites of the neocons and military-industrial complex while draining its economic resources and life's blood. The result of such sacrifice? The complete destabilization of the Middle East, giving rise to ISIS, and the militarization of municipal police forces. Big banks, deregulated during the Clinton presidency, succumbed to greed and developed predatory lending practices. The result: the "Great Recession" of 2008, from which we have yet to recover. And in the guise of "free-trade" pacts like NAFTA and the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), multinational corporations scour the globe for the cheapest labor and the lowest taxes, driving down wages worldwide and offshoring American jobs. Sander's meteoric rise suggests that King's disquieting message about America's evil triad -- racism, militarism, greed -- is finally taking root, almost 50 years late. Why now? Since 2008 America's white lower and middle classes have felt the economic oppression to which people of color have long been subjected. During a riveting moment in the last Democratic debate, Clinton and Sanders both eloquently discussed a disturbing new trend: uneducated, middle-aged white Americans are dying at unprecedented rates from suicide and substance abuse, ostensibly from economic uncertainty and stress. Neoliberal capitalism has turned cannibalistic; it is feeding on our lower and middle classes. Advertisement America's political options are four-fold: 1) tinker around the margins, 2) elect a strong man, 3) gut government and embrace an uncompassionate god, or 4) look ourselves squarely in the mirror, take stock of the real evils, and roll up our sleeves. Photo Caption: Lucia Perez and Dr. Medupe with the 16" telescope at North West University in Mafikeng, South Africa. In my last blog post, New Year, New Focus: STEM Alumnae from Women's Colleges, I shared my 2016 blogging intention for spotlighting STEM alumnae - to inspire the next generation of STEM women while bringing to light the connection between women's colleges and in-demand STEM professionals. So, without further ado, the first amazing STEM alumna I'm spotlighting is Lucia Perez. This aspiring astrophysicist received an undergraduate degree in astrophysics from Wellesley College in 2014 and is now a Ph.D. student in the astrophysics program at Arizona State University (ASU). Advertisement When Lucia received a Fulbright Student Research Fellowship, she decided to take advantage of an outstanding opportunity to study with a leading astrophysicist in South Africa. After learning that the program offered her a unique opportunity to acquire additional experience in her field before starting her Ph.D. program, Lucia decided to take a leave and immerse herself in a different culture and country. I asked Lucia about her fellowship and she replied: "I'm working under Dr. Thebe Medupe, who is perhaps the most prominent black South African astrophysicist. He specializes in theoretical astroseismology (which is the branch of astrophysics that uses the pulsations within stars to determine their properties). He and I are working on studying the pulsations of Herbig AeBe stars, which are a kind of young and very hot star with preplanetary dust clouds. We're combing through our personal stores of images of large pulsating stars, and later this year we'll use the telescopes at SAAO (the South African Astronomical Observatory) and our local 16" telescope to get more information about our candidates. We're hoping to discover and explore new Herbig AeBe stars, or learn more about known ones!" Dr. Medupe promotes astrophysics in the community; he created a program that encourages the study of astronomy by teaching research skills to black South Africans. Come March, Lucia will be helping to recruit students for Medupe's program. She is especially interested in promoting diversity in astrophysics and STEM fields. Advertisement Now, some of you might be wondering about Lucia's interest in studying astrophysics. Initially, she planned to major in physics. In high school, she discovered that physics was interesting as well as challenging. Lucia liked figuring out how things worked, and her affinity for mathematics helped. Although physics was a hard class for her in high school, she kept at it, and soon became proficient. Lucia's decision to switch majors from physics to astrophysics came after taking an astronomy class -- a class she enrolled in "just for kicks" her first semester in college. This introductory course hooked Lucia on the idea of applying physics and mathematics to the study the universe. And the interdisciplinary approach resonated with her. "How much there is left to learn about the universe, and how many different ways there are of getting those answers. Astrophysics brings together physicists, statisticians, chemists, biologists, philosophers, and more to answer the deepest questions we have about the universe." I asked Lucia what insight she has for girls interested in astrophysics and career options for astrophysics majors. "Take as much math as you can; learn physics as early and as often as you can; and go for it! If you want to do it, you can do it. It'll be hard, but you can do it. You might feel like you can't do it, but I'm here to tell you, you can! There's a myth that to be a physicist you need to be a genius--but that isn't true! You just need to be curious, decent with a computer, and willing to try new things. I think a lot of young women will see a B or C grade and tell themselves they can't do it, which is so tragic considering how many boys will get a B or C grade and power through to become the next generation of scientists. Advertisement As a field, I like how inquisitive and broad astrophysics is. It's welcoming to amateurs and newcomers, and it offers so many opportunities to travel around the world and collaborate with others. I'm getting to spend a year doing great research and meeting other scientists in South Africa on a Fulbright Fellowship! With a degree in astrophysics, you can really do anything! You gain excellent quantitative skills and problem solving from physics, and diverse coding abilities from applying the physics to astronomy. You can go into banking (particle physicists use the same coding programs as Wall Street does!), or engineering, or any other career that uses math. Getting a degree in astrophysics teaches you how to think about difficult abstract things using quantitative tools--those kind of skills can take you anywhere." And, if you're thinking of studying astrophysics, or any STEM subject for that matter, find a college where you feel supported, like Lucia did at her alma mater. "I fell in love with Wellesley within hours of stepping on campus. It is so beautiful, and I immediately felt at home amongst the other students, and I was welcomed as an intellectual. (Their incredible financial aid and academic record also helped!) With regards to the all-women environment: it's exactly what made Wellesley so incredible! I went to an all-girl's school from seventh grade on, and I loved the care that the teachers gave to each student and the environment of community and encouragement. I felt like I mattered as an individual, and that people believed in my ability to succeed. When college application time came, I was hesitant to apply to women's colleges; but I applied to Wellesley at my counselor's insistence, since the application was free and Wellesley is amongst the top five liberal arts colleges in the U.S. When I visited Wellesley during the Spring Open Campus weekend and met students and other prospies (prospective students), I got that same feeling that I mattered and that Wellesley wanted me to succeed and that it would support me in that. I could immediately see what a strong feeling of community and intellectual curiosity came from every crevice of that gorgeous campus, and I could see myself being happy and thriving there. I didn't feel that at any of the other schools I visited." I hear comments similar to Lucia's all the time, and that's one of the reasons I encourage all college-bound high school girls to investigate women's colleges. On my blog, Advantages of a Women's College, is a comprehensive list of schools. It's going to be fun watching Lucia's career unfold. I asked her what options she's thinking about and she said, "I like the idea of being able to do scientific research while doing outreach and science advocacy, especially out in popular culture. Or, I might end up working for NASA as a mission scientist or working on large astrophysics problems with one of the national laboratories." Whether you accepted the late Justice Scalia's method of constitutional interpretation as delivering objective outcomes based on neutral principles or conservative outcomes hidden within an originalist office history, there is little question but that his deliberative life affirmed the importance to our republic of a rule of law. It was an affirmation much needed given the increasingly repetitive shrillness of partisan politics which suffuses the presidential primaries. Justice Scalia's funeral mass was fittingly offered by the Justice's son, Father Paul Scalia. Father Paul's inherited wit and physical resemblance to Dad made every father in America listening to him very proud, and hopeful, to be remembered as nicely by their own children. Amidst the thousands bidding the Justice farewell was a highly regarded law professor Edward McGlynn Gaffney. Advertisement For many years, I enjoyed Professor Gaffney's company on the Notre Dame law faculty. Like myself, Professor Gaffney had occasion to know the Justice from service in the Department of Justice and other academic occasions. In filing a report of the mournful day, Professor Gaffney reflected how the late Justice always invited and saw as normal the open debate of first principles. Professor Gaffney surmises that Justice Scalia would think the GOP demand that the President leave his seat unfilled and the work of the Court undone as "shockingly abnormal." But then, there has been an undercurrent of short-changing Barrack Obama from the beginning of his presidency, almost as if, Gaffney reflects, some portion of America never accepted him as "our" president. The importance of language. The adjectives "our" and "your" are separated by a single letter, but sometimes their casual usage aids and abets a separation that reinforces stereotype rather than opens paths of understanding and common ground. In this, not even Justice Scalia and Professor Gaffney, like the rest of us, are always immune. Professor Gaffney recounts a ride to the Scalia home across the Key Bridge to Virginia that was bottled up because someone had leapt over the White House fence. The story illustrates Justice Scalia's keen wit, but unintentionally it also reveals a partisan teasing that is harmless in the story, but troubling if we permit it to become embedded in serious thought. As Professor Gaffney succinctly puts it, some who insist on blocking a replacement for Justice Scalia treat President Obama as if he were three-fifth's president, in the same manner as slaves were labeled three-fifth's persons. But I am getting ahead of a good story; here the story of Professor Gaffney's ride with Justice Scalia as Professor Gaffney recounts it: Advertisement Just before we turned north near the White House he blamed Bill Clinton for the [re-routing] of traffic: "Your president caused this mess, you know." Gaffney replied: "Make that our president, Nino. The constitutional convention rejected the proposed committee of five Platonic guardians. Madison wrote 'there shall be one President of the United States.'" There was silence, except for occasional horns. The Professor finally broke the silence inside the car: "And by the way, I did not vote for William Jefferson Clinton." "Don't give me that baloney" [actually he used another word]. "I know you're a deeply wooly liberal." "If what you mean by 'liberal' is a person who wants to live within the restraints of the Constitution and who believes that both sides of the penny - Liberty and E pluribus Unum - must be preserved carefully in our republic, and then count me in. But you probably believe the same Credo. What's that got to do with respecting our president, whether we voted for him or not?" "Because you liberals generally flock together. Baaa, Baaa. That's why I am surprised that an obvious liberal like you didn't vote for Clinton. Do you mind telling me why you didn't?" "For the same reason you didn't. In our country our constitution allows us to participate in a general election every four years to choose electors who choose the president." Advertisement "Oh for God's sake, you know what I mean." "Yep, and now you know what I mean. By the way what do you think about the Electoral College? Time to get rid of it?" "Not my problem. A classic instance of a political matter textually committed to another branch. If the Electoral College can't do its job, then the House has to decide the question, one vote for each state." "I know my question is a political one, not a judicial one. But the big difficulty is with the political question doctrine of your Court...." Smiling, Justice Scalia turned the table on the Professor: "Would you please make that our Court"? Gaffney took the correction but suggested that judges on the federal courts are still apt to take up political questions, commenting that the Court is so unpredictable that I doubt the justices could be relied on to refuse jurisdiction if a hot case tempted you to put party loyalty over the right result in a presidential election. "It happened in 1876," observed Professor Gaffney, "and it's bound to happen again. Sooner or later the popular vote will go one way and the Electoral College the other way. And I bet that someone will offer Our Court oddball legal theories that the justices will not have the courage to resist." The Justice was not prepared to yield the point. Responded Scalia: "You have no basis for that statement. The 1876 election was obviously wrong because it violated separation of powers. That so-called electoral commission is nowhere in the Constitution. But no one brought that case to our Court. Even the election of 1824 was not a hard case. It was decided exactly as the text says it should be decided. Jackson won more votes than the others, but it was not a popular majority, only a plurality. So it went to the House, where the people's representatives elected Quincy Adams president. That's the will of the people, as the Constitution lays it out." Advertisement Gaffney persisted. "But the very fact that popular vote failed to prevail at least twice shows that it can happen again. Shouldn't we at least have a national debate about whether we keep this system?" "Oh, be my guest. Stir up all the debate you like, and if you amend the constitution to your liking, I will certainly abide by the text of that amendment." The Justice had the better of it that night, but as Professor Gaffney notes, his comment about the Court being tempted unfolded in Bush v. Gore, where the Court 7-2 or 5-4 depending upon how one frames the question stopped the Florida recount, and to some, short-circuited democracy. Writes Professor Gaffney: "Nino didn't have an opportunity to tell me to "get over it," as he did repeatedly whenever he was asked if he had departed from originalism in that case." Professor Gaffney's story is rich with insight about the not so subtle risk that all Americans, judges and professors among them, may too unthinkingly allow politics to substitute for law. Some professors - not the eminent Professor Gaffney -- cynically teach there is no difference. Even one of the greatest jurists of our time may have in an unguarded moment in traffic been too quick or too glib finding the "wooliness" of liberal views. One thing for certain, Justice Scalia for all his confident bravado did not proclaim himself a plaster saint or, as Scalia would say, more than a humble judge. Father Paul took advantage of the more prideful nature of lawyers when he began his funeral homily with a clever bit of misdirection his father would have savored. Said Father Paul: "We are gathered here because of one man. A man known personally to many of us, known only by reputation to even more. A man loved by many, scorned by others. A man known for great controversy, and for great compassion. That man, of course," said Father Paul just barely hiding the joy of the misdirection of the often vainglorious men and women assembled before him, "is Jesus of Nazareth." Advertisement It's been interesting and somewhat depressing to watch the various televised town halls of both political parties over the past few months. As the clock ticks and voters' preferences begin to shape the race for the White House, there has been a correspondingly steep decrease in decorum as the gloves come off. The low point perhaps in a laughable exchange occurred when Pope Francis suggested that it was "not Christian" to build walls when we should create bridges to permit the exchange of people and ideas. One candidate, the presumed Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, called the Pope's words "disgraceful." It appears that Mr. Trump took it personally. For those of us who worry about the decline of civility in America, it's hard to know whether to respond to Mr. Trump as Jimmy Fallon would or Andy Rooney might have done. Saturday Night Live might make an even better setting, perhaps accounting for why several candidates have recently appeared on it. In the end, the Pope wins on debate points and the power of his logic, common sense, prior work experience, current job description, and reported connection to the powers that be. Advertisement This exchange masks an even larger concern for America. Has the American Republic begun to mirror the last stages of the Roman Empire with the drama and techniques of reality television shows infusing and demeaning what should be a critical debate about a common future? Have we become a civilization that craves both "bread and circus" much like the last days of financially- and morally-bankrupt Rome? Is everything a competition now where winning is more important than truth? This is a point in American history perhaps when its colleges and universities can make a lasting contribution to the health of the Republic. It may even be a seminal moment to demonstrate the inherent and lasting value of the liberal arts. Let's be clear at the outset. A college campus is often a very uncivil place. Yet there's a lot that's right in college culture. On most campuses, attending college is an opportunity to form and debate an opinion without opponents debasing it as "disgraceful." It's about the simplicity and earnestness of the Sanders campaign without fully fleshing out the reality of how ideology translates to action that can become law - or even how you pay for it. It's about young women trying to determine whether the experience of Hilary Clinton is a good fit for America and whether Ted Cruz represents where voters are trending. Advertisement A college campus is the first place where students can think reflectively about how to become productive citizens because the campus provides an environment to learn, grow, fail and try again. At the base of most college experience is the much-maligned liberal arts. The liberal arts teach students how to communicate, write, apply quantitative methods, use technology, and work in a collaborative setting. The best colleges and universities steeped in the liberal arts tradition also prepare their students as citizens. It's a good basis upon which to develop more rational dialogue on the issues that this country faces. If this political season demonstrates a precipitous drop in civility across America, perhaps its college and universities can step forward to offer one solution. Any effort must go well beyond student voter registration drives, narrow ideological battles between conservatives and liberals, and visits by political candidates. America's colleges and universities must model civility in public discourse. They should start by becoming more active on issues -- many of them not narrowly political - that are likely to matter in 21st Century America. Its leadership -- especially presidents and provosts -- must have the appreciation and protection of their boards as they take up issues beyond the college gates. The process and structure will matter and entry into public discourse must not mean narrow support for a political party or candidate. Despite the recent dust up, for instance, Pope Francis seems to have mastered the art of how to get this done. Advertisement Other college stakeholders can also play a role no matter where they fit on a college campus. The key is to communicate passionately without being shrill or simply clever, armed with effective data and an inquisitive determination to be good while doing good. Most important perhaps -- and a lesson for the political candidates currently performing as gladiators under the big top in cable town meetings across America -- is that manners matter. The university was once respected because it was the intellectual heart of modern society, shaping through its reflective faculty and inquisitive students constantly changing parameters that moved society forward. Today, however, universities are often on the defense questioned simplistically about why they can't hold down costs while criticized for building endowments to pay for these costs. Polls suggest that American colleges and universities make the national political agenda because of their problems. It's time to regain the intellectual high ground that encouraged Americans to look to them for solutions. Cuba is at a crossroads. Yet it seems some in the United States are hesitant to take the next step, fearful of what could happen if we actively engage and participate in what will undoubtedly be a profound transition. Some of this hesitation appears to emanate from fear. In my view, this fear is wholly unfounded. On the contrary, Cuba poses no threat to the United States, but may provide opportunity, with great potential for commercial interactions, educational exchange, and broader social integration between our two countries. I recently returned from a trip to Cuba as part of a Villanova University delegation of faculty, administrators and alumnae who traveled to the island nation to learn more about its political, economic and social conditions and to explore future opportunities. Given that we represented a Catholic University, we also met with various religious organizations, including Caritas, the Catholic charity, to support their efforts. Advertisement What struck me most was the poor condition of the economy, the public and private infrastructure, and of the political institutions that are presumably responsible for ensuring the health and wealth of the society. While Cuba boasts the highest literacy rates in Latin America and a functional health care system that provides access to all, the overall condition of the economy is bordering on crisis. The bloated bureaucracy has been forced to lay off more than a million Cubans who are then left to fend for themselves in the extremely underdeveloped private sector. The nicest hotels have intermittent electricity and often poorly functioning water and sanitation systems. Internet and telecommunications more broadly is limited and uneven. Several - many historic - buildings are lost to the elements every day. Every day! While Cubans are extremely enterprising and resilient, the system itself is not serving them well. This is something we all can agree on. So, what's the solution? The policies of the past 50+ years have clearly not worked for Cuba, for the United States, nor for the relationship between the two. Indeed, Cubans are fleeing in droves, creating disruptions throughout the Americas. In listening to the current political discourse, one gets the impression that the U.S. has something to fear from opening up our relationship with Cuba. Should we fear a bankrupt country with few remaining natural resources that has been isolated from modern economic influences? In fact, sadly, Cuba's main exports are services - tourism in Cuba and doctors and other health care workers loaned to other countries for a fee. Should we fear a flood of sugar imports if trade were liberalized when Cuba's productivity in sugar production is one of the lowest in the world? Should we fear the government of Raul Castro who, by his own admission, is predicting another year of poor economic performance? Should we fear that others will somehow be inspired by the failed communist system in which one of Cuba's few close allies in the Hemisphere - Venezuela - appears to be moving away from the national socialism that has wreaked havoc on its economic fortunes, perhaps irreparably and will likely curtail the subsidized energy that has kept Cuba afloat over the past decade? Hardly. Advertisement Instead, why not welcome the opportunity to engage, interact, and influence? Our business leaders are eager to explore opportunities and support Cuba's redevelopment. Although tourism is exploding on the Island, the infrastructure to support it is buckling under the weight of rapidly increasing arrivals, especially from Europe and Canada, but also from the U.S. since normalization of relations last year. During our visit, delays at the airport were extensive, and as we learned, quite common. Hotels are sub-par and require significant upgrading in addition to the simple math of the need for more rooms and beds. As Cuba liberalizes its foreign exchange policies (currently, there are two currencies - one for use in the domestic economy and one for tourists) there is growing need for financial services, including credit and debit cards, electronic payments, savings instruments and mortgages, the latter of which will be in increasing demand as Cuba opens up the potential for foreigners to purchase property. And in my industry - education - there is room for collaboration, especially as the government slowly liberalizes the industries and professions that may engage in private commerce requiring training in business, law and other professions. But we should not engage with Cuba solely for commercial ends. There is a compelling humanitarian case for interaction. For better or worse, the United States was partly responsible for the circumstances that led the Revolution of the 1950s and ushered in the period that followed. We also bear some responsibility for the harsh economic conditions Cuba faces today that result from the embargo which, until recently, became increasingly stringent over the past five decades. Advertisement As an educator, I welcome the opportunity for our students to learn about the past, the conditions that have led to the situation Cuba faces today, but mostly I am excited about their opportunity to help shape Cuba's future. Hellaciously hilarious, and enchantingly relevant, humorous Theo Von will be showcasing his brand new "Netflix" special, entitled, "No Offense", on Friday, February 26th. No stranger to stand-up, or television, Von has appeared in season 4 of NBC's, "Last Comic Standing", "Comedy Central", ""Deal With It", a TBS show produced by Howie Mandel, "The Arsenio Hall Show", "Hello Ross", Chelsea Lately", and " Watch What Happens Live". Fighting to control the laughter in between the questions, I spoke to Theo about his new show, future endeavors, and the secrets of comedy. He answered them candidly, and complete with his engaging "New Orleans" accent. Advertisement So, you're in front of a live audience, and no one is laughing. What happens next? At that point you bring it up. You recognize the elephant in the room, "Okay, what's going on here guys", "Am I not what you expected"? " Am I letting you down"? I think you actually open it up and try to get to the bottom of the situation. Then you have a common ground. Before you didn't have a common ground, because they weren't laughing. Now you at least both understand that they aren't laughing. Once you have a common ground, you can build. What's the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you live? There's a lot of embarrassment. I got booed off the stage one time. This was in a University in Florida. The students didn't know that I had to come back out 6 more times, because I was hosting the show. They just thought that I was a comedian opening the show. So they booed me off the stage and I had to go back on 6 more times in between the acts. It got ridiculous. In the end it became the joke that I was coming back out. I had no jokes left, and they weren't entertained, but because I had to keep coming back out, that became a running gag. Tell me about the "Netflix Special". It was really awesome, I got to go back to New Orleans and shoot the special. " New Orleans doesn't have a regular comedy club. The Louisiana comedy scene has been spotty at best, for the past decade. So I decided to get down there and show off that comedy scene. It's a city that has a sense of alcohol, a sense of partying, but it also has a sense of humor. So I think that was the most special thing there. All my friends and family got to come. Where you born funny? I was a breech birth if that's what you mean Not exactly. Were you the class clown? I think I was just loud. I think I was just a blabber mouth. What prompted you to want to do comedy? You get to travel. You get to escape reality, I mean you graduate High School, college, then you start a family, and I think that my life wasn't super growing up so, I'm always trying to put that off. Comedy is a way I can sort of keep that further away. As it progressed, it became more of a job, and I like making people laugh. That's the only time that I feel comfortable, when people are laughing. Advertisement What's your favorite thing about performing live? You feel powerful. Do you have a favorite comedian? There's a man named Jerry Clower. He was a famous southern comedian out of Mississippi. He's gone now but he was very unique. He was a story teller, and I really liked listening to him. I really like black comics. Do you write your own material? I write my own stuff. It's just my life history. Are you impulsive or rehearsed? It's rehearsed, but now it's becoming more impulsive. Now you're just more used to being in front of a crowd. You know if they are going to like a joke before you even tell it. I think that it's something that comes with experience. What's your funniest routine? I tell the story of when I met Brad Pitt. Who is your favorite celebrity that you've met and why? Howie Mandel is my favorite. He's so friendly and he's a family man. For a lot of celebrity's to keep a genuineness about them, I think can be tough, but he really seems to work hard to do that. So tell me what people can expect from "No Offense". Well the "Netflix" show is charmingly offensive. It makes fun of everybody a little bit, including myself. Do you have any new projects on the horizon? I'm writing a book based on a website that I started awhile back. I'm working on a new hour. I'll be touring... Advertisement Tell me something no one knows about you. I could have been a dancer. I just never got my shot at it. You're a new addition to a crayon box, what color are you? Extra black. The black that they have in the box is kind of shoddy. I feel like it is... If you were a porn star, what would your name be? If I was a porn star my name would be, " The Impractical Poker". Mostly innocuous and fairly unknown until a few weeks ago, the Zika virus is suddenly dominating the news. Under scrutiny is the virus's putative link with a congenital birth defect called microcephaly, which causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads and undeveloped brains. Two recent publications [1,2] have documented finding the genome of the Zika virus in the amniotic fluid and brains of fetuses affected by microcephaly from three different mothers. These numbers are still too small to constitute a proof, and in fact, alternative theories are already cropping up: an organization of Argentinean doctors has published a report in which they claim that it's not the virus, rather the insecticide used against the mosquitos, that causes the birth defect. Advertisement But what is Zika and, if the claims about microcephaly turn out to be true, how can it be harmless to most people yet so detrimental to a developing fetus? To answer these questions we have to take a step back and understand how viruses work and why some are endemic in the population, while others seem to come and go in waves. The Zika virus was first isolated in 1947 from a rhesus monkey and from a pool of mosquitos in the Zika forest in Uganda. It belongs to the same family of viruses as dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile virus. However, unlike its close relatives, Zika was thought to be relatively harmless: most infected people experience no symptoms and a few have just a rash and mild fever. Originally confined to Africa, Zika started expanding to Asia in 2007. Since then the virus has spread exponentially. Viruses like Zika are similar to Ebola in that they replicate in animal populations, where they are endemic. Ebola, for example, usually infects bats and jumps to humans who consume meat from infected animals. Zika is found in monkeys, and both monkeys and humans contract it through bites from mosquito carriers. To evade the host's immune system, viruses evolve continuously: as organisms build immunity to fight them off, genetic changes enable viruses to escape the newly made defenses. Most of the people who contract Zika don't even realize they've been infected. They might just notice a pesky mosquito bite. But that pesky bite hints at the virus's covert strength: once inside the mosquito, the virus becomes an invisible enemy, one that hides and migrates through a tiny insect. You can avoid infected people when you see them sniffing and sneezing, but how do you avoid a symptomless agent that spreads through a flying bug? Advertisement You don't. In areas where these mosquitos flourish, children get infected early in life, build immunity against the virus, and don't worry about it ever again. Then why is Zika posing a threat now? The problem arises when the virus moves to a new geographical area and encounters a population that has never been infected before. Pregnant women are particularly at risk: unless they've been infected earlier in life, in which case their immune system can clear the infection before it reaches the fetus, any disease agent that has the ability to cross the placenta is a potential threat. That's true of Zika. Despite its normally mild symptoms, when it reaches the completely naive immune system of a fetus in the early stages of pregnancy it can potentially cause permanent damage. Although the connection between microcephaly and Zika has yet to be confirmed, Los Alamos National Laboratory virologist and epidemiologist Brian Foley does not believe that pesticides are responsible, as hinted by the Argentinean report. "Of course the insecticide application is slightly correlated," Foley says, "because Zika, dengue, and other similar viruses are spread by mosquitoes. So, wherever you find one, you'll find the other, too. The insecticide mentioned in the Argentinean report has been in use since before 2000 and was heavily tested for mammalian toxicity before being put into use. And it is used all over the world for mosquito control, not just in Argentina and Brazil." "We can't exclude that Zika is responsible for microcephaly in areas where it has circulated longer. To detect such links takes careful reporting and record keeping, and most countries do not have really accurate reporting to a central database." Advertisement The truth is, both the insecticide use and the virus are consequences of a global trend: over the past two decades, vector-borne viruses like Zika and yellow fever have spread globally at an increased rate. Why? That human behavior is once again responsible for this new spread comes as no surprise. Increased traveling between continents, a rapidly growing population and, last but not least, a rise in temperatures have created the perfect conditions for mosquitos--and hence the diseases they carry--to spread virtually unstopped. Humid, densely populated areas riddled with stagnant water become the ideal habitat for these bugs. The race for a vaccine has started, and several companies have already announced a schedule to begin human trials in the near future. Unlike HIV, for which making a vaccine has turned out much more challenging than originally anticipated, the genome of the Zika virus is not very diverse. However, making any vaccine is regulated by strict government safety rules that require years of testing. "Under normal circumstances, it takes 10-20 years to make a vaccine," Foley explains. "In an emergency situation, they could push it to two to four years. That's still a long time in the event of an outbreak." It's even longer if you think that Zika may only be the tip of the iceberg of a phenomenon we are bound to see over and over again in the near future. "The distribution, transmission, and abundance of vectors that bear and transmit diseases are being enhanced by global warming," Foley and colleagues state in a recent publication [3]. "The mean global temperature increased approximately by 1 degree centigrade during the last several hundred years. However, during the next 20 years it is anticipated to increase by 2 to 3 degrees centigrade." Geographic areas once too cold for mosquito-borne diseases are now seeing an increase in encephalitic viruses, dengue, and West Nile. Similarly, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia are experiencing an increase in typhoid and cholera due to poor hygiene, stagnant water and climate change. Advertisement So yes, a vaccine can provide a solution. But if this is only the beginning, we need to think globally. It's not just one virus we're fighting but a global change that's happening too fast for the natural world to adapt on its own. Elena E. Giorgi is a computational biologist in the Theoretical Division (Theoretical Biology group) at Los Alamos National Laboratory and the author of the science fiction thrillers Chimeras, Mosaics, and Gene Cards. This content was reviewed by Los Alamos National Laboratory and approved for release under LA-UR 16-20983. For more information, please contact the Los Alamos National Laboratory Communication Office. References [1] Mlakar J, Korva M, Tul N, Popovic M, Poljsak-Prijatelj M, Mraz J, Kolenc M, Resman Rus K, Vesnaver Vipotnik T, Fabjan Vodusek V, Vizjak A, Pizem J, Petrovec M, Avsic Zupanc T. N Engl J Med. 2016 Feb 10. Zika Virus Associated with Microcephaly. PMID: 26862926 [2] A. S. Oliveira Melo, G. Malinger, R. Ximenes, P. O. Szejnfeld, S. Alves Sampaio andA. M. Bispo de Filippis. Zika virus intrauterine infection causes fetal brain abnormality and microcephaly: tip of the iceberg? Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Vol 47 Issue 1. DOI: 10.1002/uog.15831 Now in its thirteenth year, Holistic Holiday at Sea is a weeklong vegan cruise where you get to interact with stars of plant-based health, fitness and cuisine, travel the Caribbean -- very appealing during this miserable winter -- and, as with all cruises, eat great food. These meals just happens to be plant-based. Many presenters have been part of it year after year, including Dr. Barnard, head of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Not only has he seen it grow -- last year, I was one of a mere 1,500 attendees -- he's seen it grow in reach. "There are a great many new folks each year, including a large number of doctors and health professionals," he says "And every year, the chefs outdo themselves. It all just keeps getting better and better." Advertisement Chef AJ, new to the cruise last year, is back this year as one of the keynote speakers. "I'm excited about returning," she says. "I learned so much from all of the amazing speakers and got to spend a week in paradise with like-minded people, made so many new friends while eating delicious food and experiencing a dream vacation." Many attendees say the same. One woman I met last year was back for the sixth time. "I look forward to it all year long," she told me. "I feel so light when I'm here." It's a lightness with lasting power. "Every person who experiences an event like this takes home new information, new tastes, and new motivation that, in turn, will influence many others," says Barnard. "It has a tremendous ripple effect of good health." That's just what Sandy Pukel wanted when he launched Holistic Holiday at Sea a dozen years ago. Pukel spearheaded a Miami macrobiotic center and ran the natural food mecca Oak Feed long before the likes of Whole Foods. He taught vegetarian cooking, he promoted wellness. But he found that unless you keep enforcing good habits, it's easy to slip back to old not-so-healthful ways. Voila, the vegan cruise idea -- providing a week's worth of fun and education for the guests while holding them captive long enough for healing habits to take hold and stick. Advertisement Full disclosure: I met Sandy Pukel several years ago when I did a story about him for the Miami Herald. I have helped consult on shaping the cruise menu. I attended Holistic Holiday at Sea last year and had a blast. I remain his fan, all the more so, having worked on one little part of an event with a bazillion moving parts. So what makes Pukel keep doing it? "My energy level is fueled when I see the thousand of people whose lives are touched by sharing the week with us," he says. Here's hoping when Holistic Holiday at Sea sails next year, I'm on board and so are you. "We are exploring Europe, Alaska and ports beyond," says Pukel. "There are no borders for spreading the word on health and happiness." Sesame Broccoli Miso Soup Cruise Chef Mark Hanna kindly provided this recipe, which he serves to cruise guests. He kindly cut down portions from a thousand to an amount more manageable for those of us making it at home. 4 to 6 servings 7 cups water 1-1/2 pounds fresh broccoli, florets and stems, peeled, cut bite size 1 tablespoon wakame flakes 3 tablespoons barley miso 3 tablespooons toasted sesame seeds 3 scallions thinly sliced for garnish Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add cut broccoli stems. Cook for 5 minutes. Add broccoli florets and wakame flakes and simmer for another 5 minutes. Ladle out 1 cup of soup liquid into a small bowl. Stir in miso and let it dissolve. Reduce broccoli heat to medium. Add the dissolved miso. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 1 minute. Sprinkle on sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Serve hot. Variation: Add 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil along with the miso for a richer sesame taste. LEBANON, NH - NOVEMBER 11: Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders (I-VT) shakes hands with people as he marches in the Veterans Day Parade November 11, 2015 in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Sanders goes into the Democrats second debate this weekend still running strong in the polls.(Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images) Bernie Sanders applied for conscientious objector status during the Vietnam War. He is a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, and he decries the Military Industrial Complex that so many veterans have been a part of. It may come as a surprise then, that thousands and thousands of veterans are "feeling the Bern," as Sanders' supporters are proud to proclaim. So what is it about this Senator from Vermont that has veterans passionately fighting for his election? Advertisement Sanders is and has been one of the most vocal champions for active duty service members, veterans, and veteran's rights for the last three decades. That's right -- the democratic socialist from Vermont, who applied for conscientious objector status during the Vietnam War, has been standing up for veterans for a long, long time -- and Veterans have taken notice. Many vets believe that Sanders has shown great leadership and judgment in his opposition to United States-led actions around the globe; from the first Gulf War, to his infamous opposition of the invasion of Iraq which he predicted would lead to the destabilization of the region and the rise of unpredictable insurgencies. In 2002, then Congressman Sanders spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives, saying: I have not heard any estimates of how many young American men and women might die in such a war, or how many tens of thousands of women and children in Iraq might also be killed. As a caring nation, we should do everything we can to prevent the horrible suffering war will cause. War must be the last recourse.....[And] who will govern Iraq when Saddam Hussein is removed? And what role will the US play in an ensuing civil war that will develop in that country? Will moderate governments in the region who have large Islamic fundamentalist populations be overthrown and replaced by extremists? With the rise of ISIS and the further collapse of neighboring countries in the region, recent history has shown us that Senator Sanders was right to be cautious. Advertisement I voted against the war in Iraq--and not only did I vote against it, I helped lead the effort. Many of the things that I said back then turned out to be true--the massive destabilization of the region. But veterans say that, even more than his willingness to speak up when the country is heading down the wrong path, it is his steadfast support for returning warriors that earn him their loyalty. Over the years, Sanders has been integral in getting key legislation passed to improve and extend benefits for our service members, veterans, and their families. He has received bipartisan praise from key members of the Republican Party, including Senator John McCain of Arizona, who says that he and Sanders "were able to come together and come and pass legislation that was nearly unanimous in both House and Senate. So he does have a record of advocacy for our veterans." ... It is time for full disclosure. I am a veteran of the Iraq War, and I too am "feeling the Bern." I have the names of six Marines tattooed on my right arm. They lost their lives fighting in the streets of Iraq, fighting in a war that never should have been. Since returning, I've lost two more friends to suicide. I am proud to support a candidate for president that has been on the front lines fighting for veterans and active duty service members for decades. He may not be the candidate you'd expect thousands of us to throw our support behind, but we know firsthand the costs of war, and we know an ally to our cause when we see one. In Senator Sanders, we have the chance to elect a Commander in Chief who will think twice before sending our sons and daughters off to war and a President who understands that we are morally obligated to care for them upon their return. Advertisement During his lifetime, Justice Antonin Scalia was revered by conservatives as a stalwart defender of the rule of law and a determined foe of "judicial activism." As his admirers saw it, Scalia stood against decades of jurisprudence that was unmoored from constitutional text, history or principle -- unmoored, that is, from the law. Scalia offered his originalist methodology as a means of ensuring that we are ruled by law, not by ever-shifting majorities or a handful of men and women in black robes. Those who embraced Scalia's originalism touted originalism's capacity to maintain the rule of law as one of its principal virtues. But Scalia was also attacked by progressive scholars throughout his jurisprudential career for -- of all things -- judicial activism. After a brief grace period following his passing, those attacks have resumed. In a recent op-ed, Dean Erwin Chemerinsky points out that Scalia, for all his praise of democracy, for all his criticism of "the Imperial Judiciary," voted against laws enacted by democratic majorities without offering much in the way of deference to those enactments. Cases in point include District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), Citizens United v. F.E.C (2010), and Shelby County v. Holder (2013). Scalia's defenders might be tempted to respond by explaining that it is not "activism" to invalidate laws that are inconsistent with the original meaning of the Constitution. They might be inclined to point out that Scalia's criticism of the Court's decisions to invalidate democratic enactments in cases like Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), Lawrence v. Texas (2003), and Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) rested upon his conviction that the Constitution had nothing to say about abortion, same-sex intimacy, or same-sex marriage, and thus democratic majorities could decide such issues as they chose. But to respond in this way is to fail to grapple with the foundational premise of Chemerinsky's criticism -- namely, that the constitutional provisions that matter in hotly contested cases have no fixed, determinable meaning that is independent of anyone's beliefs about them and, thus, Scalia, no less than the "activists" whom he criticized, necessarily voted on the basis of his personal preferences. In Chemerinsky's view -- and in the view of a number of Scalia's critics, including Professor Louis Michael Seidman, Professor Eric Segall, and Judge Richard Posner -- Scalia was either inexcusably naive about the indeterminacy of the law or deliberately donning the "cloak of judicial modesty" in order to impose his "conservative ideology." Advertisement Defending the notion that the Constitution -- all of it -- has a fixed, determinable meaning would take more than a brief essay. My ambitions here are modest -- to offer a sketch of why judges whose authority is derived from the Constitution cannot perform their duty unless they share Scalia's conviction that "Words have meaning. And that meaning doesn't change." The rule of law is often praised but rarely defined. The term refers to a legal regime in which limits on government power are set by clearly stated, publicly known, rational principles that are independent of the beliefs and desires of any particular individuals. The fundamental evil that the rule of law is designed to extirpate is arbitrary power -- force driven by will rather than reason. Absent the rule of law, might makes right, and trumps individuals' rights -- it is just a question of whose might, and whose rights. The most famous Framing-era defense of judicial review was presented in Federalist 78 by Alexander Hamilton. It remains unparalleled in its concision and persuasive force, and it is centrally concerned with the judiciary's role in maintaining the rule of law established by the Constitution. In Hamilton's view, judicial authority to "void" unconstitutional government enactments is derived from the fact that only enactments that are consistent with the Constitution are laws at all. The government is not the source of its own power -- the American people are the source of its power, and they delegate authority to government officials to act as their agents for limited, specified purposes. Any exercise of power beyond the scope of that delegation is ultra vires -- beyond the government's legal power and authority. As Hamilton put it, "To deny this, would be to affirm, that the deputy is greater than his principal; that the servant is above his master; that the representatives of the people are superior to the people themselves." It would be to affirm that the will of those representatives is superior to the rational limits on government power set forth in the Constitution. The judiciary maintains the rule of law by "guard[ing] the Constitution" and, thus, "the rights of individuals" that the Constitution is designed to secure. Hamilton also recognized that if judges are to determine whether the government has exceeded the limits "assigned to [its] authority," they must "ascertain the meaning of the Constitution, as well as the meaning of any particular act proceeding from the legislative body." If they do not so, they cannot perform the duty that the Constitution assigns to them. Advertisement What Scalia recognized is that Hamilton's defense of judicial review fails if the law is -- as Chemerinsky has argued that it is -- pervasively indeterminate, and decisions in contested cases are "inherently... a product of [judges'] life experiences and views." If Chemerinsky is correct, judges have two fundamental choices. First, they can, as Hamilton put it, exercise "arbitrary discretion" and impose their will on the rest of us. Second, they can simply allow government actors to act as "the constitutional judges of their own powers." Either way, might makes right. Scalia's jurisprudential career was dedicated to the proposition that the rule of law is possible and judges are duty-bound to make it a reality. As a Supreme Court Justice who, like all government officials in all three branches of the federal government, took an oath to "support this Constitution," it would be incoherent for him to take any other position. On what basis could Scalia claim the authority to "void" government enactments that are inconsistent with this Constitution if this Constitution (presumably including Article III, from which Scalia derived his authority) has no fixed, determinable meaning? I have criticized Scalia for his failure to grasp the fundamental character of our law -- for his majoritarian reading of the Constitution, for his inconsistency in enforcing its terms. But his belief that there was a "there there" -- that the Constitution has meaning, that that meaning does not change, and that judges are duty-bound to determine and give effect to that meaning -- should be praised, not faulted. Those who value the rule of law should insist that anyone nominated to replace him share that belief and hold to it, even in the face of criticism from those who regard law as politics by another means. For more constitutional commentary, tune into the Institute for Justice's Short Circuit podcast, presented by IJ's Center for Judicial Engagement Almost everybody is familiar with the phrase: "Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are", which the French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin famously included in his Physiology of Taste. The idea, later expressed by the German thinker Ludwig Feuerbach as "man is what he eats" (much more effective in his native language: Der Mensch ist, was er it) reminds us of how much our food choices have an impact on who we are. Over time, the old adagio has had subsequent incarnations, pointing to various aspects of our relationship to food. One of the best known is Wendell Berry's statement that "eating is an agricultural act," and that as a consequence we are co-producers through our decisions regarding what to buy, consume, and dispose of. Lately food designer Pedro Reissig has turned the assertion on its head: "You eat what you are," highlighting on how ideas and values about who we think we are influence our eating behavior. In their book Philosophers at Table: On Food and Being Human, Raymond Boisvert and Lisa Heldke (whom I had the pleasure to meet for the first time many years ago during a conference on food and philosophy at Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS) extend the conversation to "How are we to eat?", turning the spotlight on the undeniable fact that "food is a fundamental source of meaning and value in human life. Indeed, food is a fundamental source of human life itself." Advertisement The book is delightful, deep but never pedantic. The great philosophers of the past are widely considered and their theories analyzed, but the goal is not to provide a historical excursus on what thinkers of the past wrote about food. The authors compare their work to plumbing, in the sense that they try to understand the nuts and bolts of how things work, and above all how ideas and values - often taken for granted and never fully discussed -- greatly shape the way we understand and interact with the world. There is no more immediate perspective to do this than by looking at food, an experience that everybody, one way or another, shares. Boisvert and Heldke reflect on everyday occurrences, rather than on abstract theories. A discussion about hospitality and whom we invite to our table leads to tackle larger ethical issues, such as the difference between being rational and reasonable, and the inevitability of interdependence among human beings. The topic of taste and pleasure takes us to a critique of theories of knowledge that peg us as detached spectators rather than active participants in our environment. As a matter of fact, the authors point out how "food reveals the inadequacy and inaccuracy of time-worn dichotomies like objective/subjective, mind/body and theoretical/practical." Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during a rally Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, in Reno, Nev. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) People ask: "What has Bernie Sanders done for race relations?" As a minority living in Vermont, I say, just look at Vermont. For a long time now, the narrative in the presidential race has been that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is not in tune with issues of race because he is from the largely white state of Vermont. That Bernie Sanders has not talked about race during his political career. That may be true, but what Bernie Sanders did is far more valuable than just talking about race relations. He took a largely white small rural state and made it welcoming to minorities. Vermont does have a minority population. And the truth is that Bernie Sanders, Pat Leahy and other politicians in Vermont created an atmosphere of tolerance and openness that welcomes minorities. Vermont should be held as a model for other states. Advertisement Unfortunately, I have had a great deal of first-hand experience with racism. Before moving to Vermont, living in more diverse states, I have been called a terrorist, a radical, accused of infiltrating the American government for al Qaeda, and was one of the Muslim American's spied on by the National Security Agency (NSA). Edward Snowden discovered that the NSA was reading my emails and monitoring my phone calls. This is all despite me having served my country as an officer in the United States Navy, holding one of the highest security clearances and never having been presented shred of evidence that I harbored any terrorist tendencies. But because I am Muslim and proud of it, I must be a terrorist. By the prevailing wisdom in the presidential race, a Muslim American spied on by the NSA should never feel welcomed in an overwhelmingly white state of Vermont. There is hardly a large Muslim population in Vermont. However, the truth is that Vermont has been nothing but accepting and welcoming to my family and me. How and why is that? What most people do not know is that Vermont has a significant refugee population. In cities of Burlington and Winooski, there are over 60 languages spoken. In the old largely Catholic mill town of Winooski, Vermont, the city has had to adapt to an influx of refugees from Africa, Bhutan and Nepal. Advertisement In Winooski schools, with a student enrollment of just 826 students, 38 percent require English as a second language services. Yet, the white population of this city is very welcoming to its refugee population. It starts with the language used by our residents. People in Winooski and Burlington do not refer to the refugees as "refugees" but rather as "New Americans." At every point, there is a concerted effort made to be inclusive and openhearted. This welcome with open arms has opened the doors to a future for these New Americans, giving them opportunities to start a business, a family, and a life here in the United States. Of the thousands of refugees who have moved to Vermont, most of them have not left the state. Again, I ask why is overwhelmingly white Vermont with no history of diversity so welcoming to minorities from other parts of the world? How is it that despite the challenges faced by communities that have a significant minority immigrant population mixing with a large white population, Vermont has been able to absorb its minority population? Just look at Minnesota and the challenges it faces. The answer is simple: It is due first and foremost to culture and values of Vermonters themselves, but Vermont's political leaders also deserve credit for this attitude on integration and openness. Bernie Sanders has been in leadership of Vermont since 1981. Since then, Bernie Sanders along with Sen. Patrick Leahy has fostered an attitude of openness and inclusiveness. Bernie took office by advocating against discrimination, maybe not racial discrimination but discrimination nonetheless. Advertisement Bernie Sanders led the way in arguing for fairness, equality and advocating for the poor. It was this populist message that cleared the way for Vermont to absorb and integrate this refugee and minority population. When mayor, Bernie regularly had to take his populist message to the people to get his agenda implemented. Bernie got people used to the idea that government should help people different than them, that government does have a role to play in ending discrimination. Now, I am not saying that Vermont does not have significant work to do in reaching racial equality. Many challenges remain. But when instances of racism arise, we want our leaders to take it seriously and act swiftly. That is exactly what happened. Recently, someone from out of state was delivering a KKK flyer to the homes of African American women. Almost immediately people and political leaders such as the mayor of Burlington and state's attorney attended rallies in protest. The person was caught and now faces charges for disorderly conduct with an enhanced hate crime sentencing. Vermonters sent a strong message that this type of behavior would not be tolerated in Vermont. Bernie Sanders need not run away from the fact that he is from less diverse state of Vermont, but rather he should use Vermont as an example for other states to integrate their minority populations. The entire goal of any civil rights movement be it black, Muslim or immigrant, is to be seen not as a Black American, Muslim American, or immigrant -- but rather just as an American. In a state where a person of color sticks out, the person of color is more readily accepted and celebrated than in many other states. Vermont is not perfect yet, but it certainly has had to deal with racial issues and it has dealt with it better than most states. It is hard to argue that one of its leaders, Bernie Sanders, had nothing to do with the welcoming attitude of Vermont towards minority. Advertisement Asian Americans and African Americans need to hold a summit. There are so many issues now that threaten fragile alliances developed over the past generation through extraordinary personal determination. True leaders had to overcome suspicions, their own as much as on the other side, not to mention lack of enthusiasm from their respective constituencies. Their coalition has remained behind the scenes, barely visible at the grassroots level. There have been tensions for some time. The conflict between Asian immigrant merchants and African American patrons has troubled major cities, flaring up in physical hostility. The aftermath of the Rodney King verdict, with its images of armed Korean shop owners guarding their property against Black residents whom they regarded as a threat, was only the most obvious outbreak of open violence. Whether the danger was perceived or real, justified or not, depended on perspective and politics. (The customers who had no choice where to buy groceries might respond that they had never been welcomed with respect.) More recently, there has been anger about the conviction of New York City police officer Peter Liang, of Chinese descent, for the death of Akai Gurley, an African American. Whether it was another instance in a pattern of law enforcement killing an unarmed black man or selective prosecution of an accident, is an impending flash point. Our figurative black-and-white framing of racial controversies compels us to deem it exclusively one or another, instead of accepting the ambiguity of it possibly being both in some sense. Advertisement Add to that the anger over college admissions, which has been portrayed by demagogues as inexorably pitting Asian Americans against African Americans (and Hispanics) -- a framing that is as inaccurate as it is inflammatory to all involved -- and there is a mess that foreshadows the worst of our changing demographics. It likely confirms the negative perceptions of white observers. Among Asian Americans, I wonder how many would still behave as did the lone Asian American character in Spike Lee's definitive drama, Do the Right Thing. In 1991, the filmmaker had the grocer declare, with an accent, in the midst of a riot or rebellion (another significant choice of terminology), that he was not white but black, "Like you! Same!" Upon reflection, I am not sure the archetypal figure of the grocer, any more than the filmmaker, believed the assertion back then. Not all Asian Americans have sought to be characterized as minorities; for that matter, not all Black immigrants have either. Asian Americans are not without their prejudices, toward African Americans -- indeed, toward whites, even or especially other Asian ethnicities. (There is no useful purpose served here by raising the mirror image, of Asian American victims being targeted in crime, or facing nativist sentiment from blacks indistinguishable from that of white supremacists.) Advertisement There is good precedent. A generation ago, Michael Lerner and Cornel West initiated dialogue between Jews and Blacks. They had the benefit of an historic partnership, dating back to the era of the traditional civil rights movement. Asian Americans and African Americans do not benefit from the same relationship, despite Japanese-American Yuri Kochiyama, an associate of Malcolm X, and Chinese-American Grace Lee Boggs, a radical labor organizer with her Black husband, James Boggs. The Jewish-Black model is apt. Asian Americans have a similar role in public life to American Jews. The Asian newcomers who buy small businesses in the inner city often buy them from Jewish predecessors; if not directly, then in a line of succession. Asian Americans also are concentrated in the professions, with fewer in fields such as law enforcement. The Asian American debate about affirmative action echoes what was on the pages of the Jewish intellectual press that once thrived. At the turn of the millennium, Boston University convened an academic conference on the subject of Afro-Asian encounters. Scholars looked at global interactions among Asians and Blacks. There is a story that hardly anybody knows, including Asians and Blacks themselves, except for Afro-Asians who recall family lore. But there have been communities that overlapped and blended, whether in the Caribbean or elsewhere. And there is a tremendous amount of Asian (specifically Chinese) investment in Africa, though what happens overseas does not much affect Chinatown and Harlem. Not much has been done to reach out on a sustained basis. Every now and then, there is a positive sign. For example, African American Paula Madison recently released a documentary about the search for her Chinese grandfather. Our inspiration should be W.E.B. DuBois, the first public intellectual in this nation, a "race man" who founded the NAACP. He is known for having proclaimed, presciently, that the problem of the twentieth century would be the problem of the color line. That quote, repeated by everyone who wishes to offer an opinion about race, is rarely given in full. The usual recitation doesn't even offer half the words in the sentence. Advertisement What DuBois really said in The Souls of Black Folk was, "The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line -- the relation for he darker to the lighter races of men in Asia and Africa, in America, and the islands of the sea." He was committed to the uplift of a race, with his theory of "the Talented Tenth" who would pull up their brothers and sisters. He situated that profound project within a universal framework. In all of his work (sociological monographs, newspaper columns, novels, plays, speeches), he was dedicated to both African American equality and multi-racial, multi-cultural progressive politics. These ideas were not incompatible; they were mutually supportive. Dear Republicans, I used to be one of you. When I was a religious right activist in the 1970s and 1980s. I fondly remember staying with my friends Jack and Joanne Kemp in their home in Washington DC. Jack was the quintessential establishment Republican of that day. He would go on to run as the vice presidential candidate with Bob Dole. Jack hosted a meeting at the Rayburn House in Washington DC for 50 Congressman and Senators one night in the early 1980s when he presented the film series I produced and directed "Whatever Happened to the Human Race?". That series was the work of Dr. C. Everett Koop (who went on to become Reagan's Surgeon General) and my late father the evangelical evangelist Francis Schaeffer. (The film critic for the Washington Post, Judy Mann, ... in her her film review, fueling accusations of liberal collusion, said that Bishop Fulton Sheen, was one of our colleagues and somehow an instigator of the series. He wasn't. This was a strictly evangelical deal as it were. At the time people like Mann assumed that everything to do with the opposition to abortion was a Roman Catholic "issue".) Advertisement If you've never heard of our movie series (and the book of the same title) you've certainly heard of the people it influenced like the folks who founded Operation Rescue and the rest of the radical "pro-life" movement not to mention the literally thousands of crisis pregnancy centers our series inspired tens of thousands of evangelical viewers to start. By the late 1980s I'd left both my evangelical faith and the religious right. As the New York Times noted in a profile about me I was called a traitor by my former friends. I had grown disenchanted with the ugliness and insularity of our movement (gay bashing and such by people like Dad's and my close friend the late Jerry Falwell). By the 1990s right wing American politics had moved far away from the kind of conservatism Jack Kemp once represented. Where Jack reached out to minorities and got funding for housing and urban urban development projects, the right wingers in the GOP began to try to undo such things as affirmative action. Where Jack had close friends in the black community and generally projected an image of tolerance far beyond mere conservative politics, the GOP became more and more about whites only agendas and was increasingly defined by excluding gays and trying to roll back women's rights. Advertisement Jack and I had a mutual friend in William F. Buckley. He visited my father in Switzerland where Mom and Dad had their ministry of L'Abri called by the New York Times "a part seminary and part think tank.". I remember having tea with Bill several times. The three of us sat on my father's chalet balcony discussing the ugliness of the John Birch society that Bill had stood up against. He'd used the National Review magazine to repudiate them. Dad complemented Bill on having "salvaged conservatism" from people Dad and Bill both referred to as "weirdos" and "nut jobs." Fred Koch, was a leader of the John Birch Society. These were the people Dad and Bill called weirdos. Bill gave his life to trying to rescue conservatism from these extremists. Charles Koch followed his father's footsteps into the John Birch Society in Wichita, Kansas, a hub city for the organization. He purchased and held a "lifetime membership" until he resigned in 1968. The John Birch Society Wichita, bookstore was stocked with attacks on the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King, and Earl Warren. And Charles Koch funded the John Birch Society's promotional campaigns, bought advertising in its magazine, and supported its distribution of right-wing radio shows. The Koch sons would later revive the spirit of the John Birch society under a new more respectable name: the "Tea Party." Advertisement Given that the Tea Party-dominated Republican Party became the party of the "You Lie!" Obama-obstruction era, the Koch brothers had succeeded in reintroducing the very note of hysterical paranoid racism into American politics. This was what Bill did had worked so hard to repudiate. Bill would have never said Obama wasn't a real American, let alone have gone along with the "birther" or "he's a Muslim" nonsense. Donald Trump did not come out of nowhere. He is the creation of the Birch/Koch brothers designs on our democracy. Now the Koch brothers and the Republican establishment are affraid of what they made. Trump exists as the likely Republican nominee for two reasons: First, Neil Postman's prophetic book Amusing Ourselves to Death has been vindicated. It's not coincidental that Donald Trump is a reality TV star. He is the face of a illiterate America that gets its "facts" from TV news and talk radio hosts. He is the result of a celebrity "culture" gone wild. Second, Donald Trump is the creation of white angry lower and middle-class Americans who have come through our educational system that failed to educate them. Sorry to be so blunt but Trump's people never have or would have read the National Review. These are fact-free functional illiterates, creatures of TV news and celebrity culture, Postman's walking dead. The are not moved by facts but their energy is fueled by overt racism, hate, xenophobia, isolationism and ignorance. Advertisement It turns out that what Bill Buckley misunderstood about America was the actual character of white America. Bill thought he could civilize conservatism. But the American right has never dealt honestly with the issue of race. The American right has pretended to embrace desegregation and justice for all but in fact has harbored a hate-filled ignorant white segment who identify with some conservative values but actually are pure and simple fascist reactionaries. These people have always been looking for demagogues to follow in order to "take America back." I know. For a while Dad and I had quite a few of these people following us. Some of them wound up bombing abortion clinics. The Koch brothers winked at the haters as if they could be civilized or fooled. They can't. The Republican establishment played along with people like Ted Cruz in his racist attempts to shut down the Obama presidency, up to the point of even risking our economy. The establishment made anti-Obama lies and hysterical claims "mainstream." You created the Trump climate. You unleashed hate of our first black president and made hate and obstruction respectable in a way Jack Kemp never would have. Now you have what you paid for. Bill Buckley and Jack Kemp are gone. Now you have the sons of the Birch Society funding the rabid dogs of chaos. Their man is Trump. Advertisement With Trump all the Buckley-type pretense of conservatives' ability to moderate their fascist haters has been swept aside. Now everyone can see that the conservative think tanks, magazines like the National Review, serious conservative columnists and commentators are literally meaningless. The truth is out: Trump is your man. His supporters were bought, fed lies, paid for and energized by the Koch/Birchers. Did they really believe that once they'd taught their dogs to kill they could call off the attack? Available now on Amazon Follow Frank on Twitter See Frank's paintings Follow Frank on Facebook Contact Frank at Sent from my iPhone Women have been the stars of many of our biggest sci-fi films recently - from Star Wars: The Force Awakens to The Hunger Games and Gravity. This has been a very welcome development - but we need more women behind the camera as creators of sci-fi, as well. We need the female equivalents of George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and James Cameron. But how do we do this, given the many obstacles in the way of women filmmakers? There is an entire online industry of VFX-driven sci-fi shorts that are launching male filmmakers' careers right now. If women are to direct and produce blockbuster sci-fi films, then we must also enter this arena of online sci-fi shorts. Advertisement I'd like to introduce you to my epic, women-led sci-fi short film UFO Diary, debuting today on Vimeo. UFO Diary is a sci-fi action-comedy about two Women's Army Corps officers in WWII who fight off an alien invasion of Los Angeles. The film recreates a famous WWII air raid, is edited by Emmy Award-winner Mitch Danton, and features stunning VFX by artists from ILM, Weta Digital, and Digital Domain. UFO Diary was recently featured in the January issue of American Cinematographer. UFO Diary is inspired by one of the most famous UFO incidents in history - the Great Los Angeles Air Raid of 1942. We're releasing UFO Diary today to commemorate the upcoming anniversary of the Air Raid on February 25th. In the early hours of February 25th, 1942, a mysterious, unidentified flying object appeared in the skies over Los Angeles. The Army fired a massive barrage of 1400 shells into the night sky - but nothing was shot down, and no wreckage was ever recovered. The incident was witnessed by over 100,000 Angelenos, but remains unexplained to this day. Making a film about the Great LA Air Raid was a colorful adventure in itself. In addition to producing UFO Diary, I also played the lead role of Captain Diana Ravello, a tough WAC captain and former Caltech rocket engineer. Playing Captain Diana involved me climbing over tanks and half-tracks, firing anti-aircraft guns in the middle of simulated WWII combat, getting my hearing blasted by machine-gun fire, and being swallowed up in massive dust clouds from tanks as I ran around a WWII-era fort. It was a great experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Advertisement During all this, I also collaborated on every aspect of the film - from story concept to cinematography to editing - with my filmmaking partner, Jason Apuzzo, the writer-director of UFO Diary. Jason is my husband and one of the most supportive people I know of women in film. We were united in wanting to make a WWII movie with women in the lead roles because we both wanted to tell a WWII story from a fresh perspective. Producing UFO Diary also meant wrangling a cast of over one hundred WWII actors - including some pretty salty military vets (who were my favorites) - and hiring and supervising everyone on the crew, VFX, and post-production teams. I'm excited now to be sharing UFO Diary with you, in part to show that women filmmakers can make sci-fi shorts as spectacular and technically-challenging as any male filmmaker out there. Filmmaking isn't just about hardware and VFX, though. Also very important to Jason and me was honoring the real women who served in WWII. The lead characters in UFO Diary - Captain Diana Ravello and Lt. Margie Petrova (played by Rachel Newell) - are inspired by the real women who served in the Women's Army Corps in WWII. The creation of the Women's Army Corps (known initially as the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps or WAACs, later changed to WACs) marked the first time in U.S. history that women were allowed to serve as anything other than nurses in the Army. Over 150,000 WACs served in WWII, despite enormous opposition from many in the Army. According to an official U.S. Army history of the WACs, in addition to carrying out support functions like operating switchboards and sorting mail, WACs also flew planes, served as scientists, cryptographers, truck mechanics, radio operators, photographers, map analysts, sheet metal workers, armorers, lab technicians, and much more. WACs also worked in the Manhattan Project: they ran the cyclotron at Los Alamos, constructed complex electronics, and managed the flow of sensitive information between scientists in the US and the UK. General Eisenhower said of the WACs in 1945, "During the time I have had WACs under my command they have met every test and task assigned to them . . . their contributions in efficiency, skill, spirit and determination are immeasurable." Advertisement According to recent research by the U.S. Army Women's Museum, the WACs did a great deal more in WWII than was publicly acknowledged, because the Army did not want people to know that women might be placed in combat zones. For example, museum researchers recently discovered that more than 100 WAC women pilots flew planes in combat units - contradicting official histories. Also, there were WACs who were trained to fire anti-aircraft guns - a top-secret project known as Battery X. We reveled in depicting exactly this kind of unacknowledged "secret history" in UFO Diary. In our story, Captain Diana Ravello and Lt. Margie Petrova are intrepid camera-women assigned to make a documentary about women's service in the Army. In the course of filming their documentary with a 16mm camera, they infiltrate a restricted area of the fort and come across a menacing alien saucer. Diana and Margie pursue the saucer and fight it off in a huge, night-time air-raid over the skies of LA. I was honored to get to know a number of real WACs while making UFO Diary. These WACs, who served in the 1960s and '70s, were kind enough to share some of their personal experiences with me. Some of these experiences were very difficult, but others were very inspiring. The WACs in UFO Diary might have fought an alien spacecraft - but it is these tough and courageous ladies who overcame discrimination to serve their country in real life who are the true heroes. With an intense debate taking place right now about women being allowed into all combat positions in the U.S. Armed Forces, it's important that people understand the real history and achievements of the WACs. What has also encouraged us during the making of UFO Diary is the strong support we've received online. Despite what some might think about the online fan-boy mentality (and it certainly exists), there are many men online who are actually very supportive of our film and its pro-woman message. UFO Diary's Facebook page already has almost 7000 page likes and 24,000 combined post likes, even before the film's launch. Many of our fans are males of all ages and ethnicities, and many of them are military veterans. Advertisement So this brings me to the question: why is it so important that women have a voice in sci-fi? My answer is: women are over 50% of the population of this planet. If humanity is to evolve, we must incorporate the ideas and experiences of the majority of the population, much of which has been traditionally excluded from having a voice in storytelling and popular culture. It is our stories that shape us and drive us forward. Women must have a voice in sci-fi, because it is the most forward-looking of our storytelling forms. We must have a voice in shaping our future. GREENVILLE, SC - FEBRUARY 21: Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders speaks during a rally at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Caroline on Sunday, February 21, 2016. (Photo by Cassi Alexandra/For The Washington Post via Getty Images) Bernie Sanders has positive favorability ratings. He's the only leading candidate in 2016 with positive favorability ratings. If you care about losing to a Republican this year, then you should care about this fact. Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump do not have positive favorability ratings. 59% of Americans distrust Donald Trump. 67% of Americans find Hillary Clinton "not honest and trustworthy." Yes, more Americans trust Donald Trump than Hillary Clinton. I explain in my latest YouTube segment that because 67% of American distrust Hillary Clinton, only Bernie Sanders can prevent a xenophobic billionaire from making decisions in the Oval Office. I also highlight why negative favorability ratings, in addition to an ongoing FBI investigation, pave the way for a Trump presidency if Clinton is the nominee. Advertisement Not many people know that 67% of Americans find Hillary Clinton "not honest and trustworthy." Not many Democrats know that 30% of Democratic voters distrust Hillary Clinton, in addition to a startling 74% of Independent voters in America. Since 43% of Americans are politically independent, Trump has the edge over Clinton, especially since Trump donated money to Clinton's Senate campaigns and foundation. In addition, Republicans and especially Trump will make Clinton's ongoing FBI investigation and trustworthiness problems the central themes of every televised debate and every political advertisement. Things are bad for the Clinton campaign when a former Obama intelligence official believes Hillary should "drop out" of the presidential race. Ultimately, nobody wins a general election without better favorability ratings than his or her rival, and Bernie Sanders is the only leading candidate with positive ratings in 2016. For a great visual experience, please watch Brian Hanley's animated rap videos, highlighting exactly why Bernie destroys Trump. Or, you can just read this article explaining why Bernie Sanders destroys Trump. By the way, if anyone tries to disparage my ability to predict future events, just remember Clinton's statement that she "always tried" to tell the truth. Like Clinton, I can simply say that "I always tried to predict accurately." As it stands, I won't concede tight races in Iowa or Nevada and Bernie Sanders demolished the Clinton campaign in New Hampshire. Advertisement It's amusing that Hillary supporters don't see the irony in gloating over razor sharp wins, when Bernie Sanders was over 40 points behind just eight months ago. When it's all said and done, my greatest prediction is the headline of an article written in June of 2015 titled Why Bernie Sanders Will Become the Democratic Nominee and Defeat Any Republican in 2016. I don't care what people think of me, but I've been saying Sanders will win the presidency since last summer. I was also right about Bernie cutting into Clinton's lead in the polls. According to Real Clear Politics, Bernie is only 5.6 points (nationally) behind a $2.5 billion campaign that was "inevitable" to everyone. Back then, very few people were talking about Bernie Sanders truly battling Clinton, but I was, and to troll me on social media because Clinton barely scored "wins" only proves my overall point. As for South Carolina and Super Tuesday, every stunning upset will be magnified exponentially, especially since Clinton is only 5.6% above Sanders nationally according to Real Clear Politics. The fact Hillary Clinton accepted $133,450 from prison lobbyists, after Bill Clinton apologized for making mass incarceration "worse," will affect the South Carolina primary. My friend Tim Black goes into great detail about Clinton's prison lobbyist money in this segment of Tim Black TV. Mr. Black also has an important message for the voters of South Carolina. Advertisement In 2016, Bernie Sanders will be able to defeat the Clinton machine, primarily because he's honest, and Hillary Clinton once made up a story about surviving Bosnian sniper fire. If you disagree, please name the last winning presidential candidate with Clinton's negative favorability ratings. Therefore, before elaborating on why Hillary Clinton "always tried" to tell the truth, let me explain how I became a Bernie Sanders supporter. In June of 2015, I had dinner with a childhood friend at a Mexican restaurant in Pasadena. He was wearing a "Bernie" tee shirt, and I had just been published in The Baltimore Sun, voicing my support for Martin O'Malley. After a couple of margaritas, we started talking about politics and Hillary Clinton's stranglehold on the Democratic nomination. I explained that I'd never vote for someone who once stated "No, I don't regret giving the president authority because at the time it was in the context of weapons of mass destruction, grave threats to the United States, and clearly, Saddam Hussein had been a real problem for the international community for more than a decade." You see, after a couple of margaritas, I can recite exact Hillary Clinton quotes from as far back as 2004. My friend then asked, "Bernie Sanders voted against Iraq, he stands for everything you stand for, why don't you vote for him?" I smiled and agreed, but explained that Sanders could never win because he was a socialist. Yes, H. A. Goodman actually made that argument. After writing about Elizabeth Warren, Jim Webb, Martin O'Malley, and even a Republican (only because of Clinton's neoconservative war policies), I still wasn't truly ready to join a burgeoning political movement. After all, he just couldn't win, right? I had written about Bernie in April, but wasn't as passionate as most supporters. Advertisement I wasn't convinced until some weeks later, after realizing that Bernie Sanders wasn't a "Fox News socialist," but a Democratic-Socialist like FDR, Teddy Roosevelt, and other presidents. I did my homework (especially with Clinton's inability to maintain a "commanding" polling lead over Obama), and I became part of a political revolution encompassing black, white, Latino, Asian, and Americans of all religions and backgrounds. By supporting Vermont's Senator (active in the Civil Rights movement and arrested in 1963), I joined a movement that rattles establishment politicians and pundits. Very quickly, I realized we'd never have another Bernie Sanders again, perhaps in our lifetimes. I wrote a piece in The Huffington Post titled It's Official -- Bernie Sanders Has Overtaken Hillary Clinton In the Hearts and Minds of Democrats, that just hit 733,000 Facebook likes. I then wrote a piece in The Hill titled Sanders's integrity and honesty worth more than Clinton's billions that hit 117,000 Facebook Likes. I've kept at it, and I'm willing to write-in Bernie's name, no matter what happens; a great number of progressives agree with me. We now have a chance to elect someone capable of fixing structural issues pertaining to Wall Street, foreign policy, and American politics. There's a reason Bernie Sanders voted against the Iraq War and "blasted" Alan Greenspan in 2003, five years before the Wall Street collapse. There's also a reason Hillary Clinton voted for the Iraq War and won't disclose transcripts that earned her and her husband $153 million from Wall Street. Finally, Clinton's issues with transparency are highlighted by Carl Bernstein in this CNN interview. As for why 67% of voters distrust Clinton, nothing exemplifies this dilemma better than a Washington Post article titled Hillary Clinton's terrible, horrible, no good, very bad answer on whether she's ever lied: Advertisement PELLEY: You talk about leveling with the American people. Have you always told the truth? CLINTON: I've always tried to. Always. Always. PELLEY: Some people are gonna call that wiggle room that you just gave yourself. CLINTON: Well, no, I've always tried -- PELLEY: I mean, Jimmy Carter said, "I will never lie to you." CLINTON: Well, but, you know, you're asking me to say, "Have I ever?" I don't believe I ever have. I don't believe I ever have. I don't believe I ever will. I'm gonna do the best I can to level with the American people. Rest assured, President Hillary Clinton "will always try" to tell the truth in office. Nothing examples Clinton's issues with trustworthiness better than this interview. The Bosnian sniper story is a close second, followed by the convenience of a private server. There was a law in our primary school. Anyone who spoke in Urdu was fined Rs 5. Teacher's pets would sniff around the entire day smelling for potential culprits. We were expected to speak only in English; we were enrolled, after all, at an English-medium school. Our administration didn't have to worry much about students speaking in Punjabi. The one out of a hundred who would dare to do this was immediately ridiculed by all the students and he would never dare to speak that language in school. We adopted that attitude and even in our O and A Level exams we considered Urdu a secondary subject which didn't require serious attention as much as English or Physics. The result today is that most of us have adopted English as our first language, in which we feel most comfortable conversing, verbally and in writing. For most of us trained at such institutions, even recalling the complete alphabet of Urdu is a marvelous feat. Most of us can't speak Punjabi. Today we dominate the political, social, economic, and business circles of Pakistan. We are "the cream", as we were told again and again at school (in English). And yet, despite my access to these avenues of privilege, all related to my knowledge of this language, I am an alien in my own land, estranged from what I am suppose to represent internally and externally. Today if I happen to sit in a public transport vehicle or at a truck dhaba I fail to communicate with the people around me. These are the people we refer to (in English) as "the masses" or, as a lot of people now like to say, the real Pakistan. I fail to appreciate their jokes, their music, their movies, etc. and they mine. Most of these people have never read the articles I have written. The only thing that we have in common is the green Pakistani national identity card. It makes me wonder about the futility of representing them and documenting for them the various aspects of our society in a medium which evades them. Advertisement This introspection began a few days ago while I was talking to a friend of mine, Iqbal Qaiser, the author of Historical Sikh Shrines of Pakistan. He told me that the famous 17th century Punjabi poet, Sultan Bahu, was adept in Persian, the English of that time, and wrote over 100 books in the language. However, today if his name is alive it is basically because of a poem that he wrote in Punjabi, Se Harfi. The reason for that is the language used in it. It came from the people, talked about them, and in a language that they understood. The people in turn rewarded him by keeping him alive forever. The same can be said about Baba Farid Shakar Ganj, Guru Nanak, Bulleh Shah, and many more. All of these Sufi saints were learned in the Englishes of their time, which were Persian and Arabic, but they adopted Punjabi because they realized that if they were to connect with the struggles of the people they would have to take up their language. Persian at the time was the official language of India. The struggles of the masses were against the Persian-speaking state functionaries. It would therefore have been ironical to use Persian, which was one of the mediums of oppression. English today in Pakistan has acquired the status of what Persian did for centuries. It was brought by imperialist rulers and was used as a medium of subjugation. Being well-versed in English meant material progress, whereas knowledge of Persian, Arabic, or any other language receded to the status of unimportant 'vernacluars'. In present-day Pakistan one notices a similar trend. Writers in English newspapers are paid better than their Urdu counterpart (Writers in Punjabi newspapers don't get anything.) Knowledge in English opens all avenues, which cannot be said about the other languages. The problem here is not learning English, but embracing English at the cost of all the other languages, especially the mother tongue. This repudiation of a particular language is just not jettisoning a language but an entire culture and an entire section of the population that comes with it. For someone to understand the Punjabi culture it is important to read Waris Shah, Guru Nanak and Baba Bulleh Shah's poetry. However, for the elite of this province, which finds it difficult to communicate in this language, pleading for a case for them to understand these is a far cry. Advertisement During the days of Persian dominance there was a famous folk proverb in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa that epitomizes the resentment of the masses against the elites: Rajia didh farsi bole A satisfied stomach speaks in Persian There is a famous folk story in Punjabi which still a lot of old people from rural areas recall. This is situated in the Gujrat region of present-day Pakistan at some time during the Mughal era. A young boy traveled from his house to get higher education. Naturally all his education was in Persian. Like any other educated boy of today, he repudiated his mother tongue and only conversed in the language of the elites. Once he fell sick and his mother was taking caring of him. In his state he kept sayingaab aab. However, the mother being an uneducated woman didn't know what he was asking for. Saying aab aab, the boy died. Later the mother found out that aab in Persian is water. Wailing over the dead body of her son, she said the following verse: Aab aab kar moiyon bachra Farsiyan ghar gale Je jana pani mangda Bhar bhar dendi payale Oh my son you died saying aab aab This Persian has destroyed houses If I had known that my son has been asking for water I would have served vessels of water The example of Sultan Bahu sent me into a reverie. I could write 100 books in English, and yet after my death no one would remember me because I never belonged to my people? The following keynote speech was delivered on February 11, 2016, at the Security Talks at the Prince Carl Palace event in Munich, Germany. State Minister Huber,Ambassador Scharioth,Ambassador Ischinger,Distinguished guests,Ladies and gentlemen, Good evening, and thank you for the warm welcome and introduction. I am truly privileged to address the prestigious German Atlantic Association. Just last November, at the Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers' meeting in Luxembourg, I quoted Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling's well-known quip, that "East is East, West is West, and never the two shall meet." Naturally, I pointed out the sea change over the past century. We now live in a world where East and West, Asia and Europe, have not only met, but for all intents and purposes, are sailing on the same boat. Advertisement So, no wonder that last year, my number one destination was Europe, rather than Asia or the Americas. I visited Europe more than ten times, and this year again, my visit to Munich marks another good start. Korea is the EU's strategic partner and NATO's global partner. Korea and Europe enjoy robust cooperation across the board, in the political, security, economic and cultural fields. Indeed, Korea is the only country in the world to have signed three major agreements with the EU - the Framework Agreement, the Free Trade Agreement and the agreement on joint crisis management operations. And my government is committed to fostering greater connectivity between Asia and Europe. That is why my government has been working on what we call the Eurasia Initiative, to link the two physically, digitally and culturally. So, through so many different ways, Korea and Europe are becoming natural partners. This partnership is underpinned by the fact that we share not only common values and the historical experience of rising from the ruins of war, but also our respective alliance structures, which are evolving to further the peace and security of our regions and beyond. Let me expand on this in greater detail. In Europe, for almost seven decades, NATO has been keeping the peace and security, and has safeguarded its prosperity. It is the greatest success story of collective defense in history. How? I believe that one of its greatest strengths has been its "ability to adapt," like NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg recently mentioned. Advertisement And as the world has moved from the Cold War to the post-Cold War age of globalization, NATO's stage has expanded from Europe to other regions, including Libya and Afghanistan. Its agenda now covers not only traditional security issues, but also non-traditional security issues such as WMD, terrorism, cyber security and anti-piracy. NATO is going beyond its traditional role of a regional, trans-Atlantic security organization and is assuming the role of a global security provider. Such expanded role befits a world where geopolitical factors, such as Ukraine and Syria, and transnational agendas, from terrorism and violent extremism to refugee crises, cannot be contained in a particular region. Indeed, we in Asia and Korea are hardly immune from the impact of developments elsewhere in the world. The influx of refugees into Europe has been in the headlines, but you may be surprised to hear that even in Korea, over a thousand Syrians have applied for refugee status. Moreover, the terrorist attacks in Jakarta last month by an ISIL-affiliated group demonstrate that there is no safe haven from the specter of terrorism and violent extremism. So, more than ever before, crises and conflicts are becoming boundless and borderless. However, I believe that such a complex and interconnected security environment is actually creating more space for NATO and Korea to maneuver together in many ways. In other words, after all we share the Eurasian continent, being connected at the eastern and western ends. So, let me elaborate on how we can work together. First, just as NATO has contributed to the peace and security of post-war Europe, the Korea-U.S. alliance has been playing a pivotal role for peace and security in my part of the world. The Korea-U.S. alliance is a linchpin of the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific. Advertisement Moreover, NATO served as the security bulwark during the process of German reunification. Just as German reunification was instrumental in ushering in greater peace and prosperity in Europe, we in Korea have the vision of contributing more to the peace and prosperity of our part of the world and beyond through Korean unification. Second, Korea and NATO are like-minded partners who share the core values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. This means we have strong foundations to work together as global partners in addressing the challenges of our times. Already, Korea was an active participant in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, and operated a Provincial Reconstruction Team from 2010 to 2014. For the past five years, we have been providing 500 million US dollars to support both the security and the socio-economic development of Afghanistan. Korea and NATO are also working hand in hand in other regions and on other issues as well, from tackling piracy in the Horn of Africa, to countering terrorism and violent extremism, and strengthening cyber security. Third, NATO has been a steadfast and reliable partner in Korea's efforts to build up trust in Northeast Asia. NATO's concept of "cooperative security" was a good source of inspiration for our Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Initiative, or NAPCI for short. In Asia, there is a mismatch between its growing economic interdependence and its shortfall in political and security cooperation. This is what we call the "Asia paradox," and what Dr. Chipman, who is here with us today, has fittingly described as "strategic unease." NAPCI is part of our efforts to overcome the Asia paradox. We in Korea are working to nurture trust and resolve the institutional deficiency of our region through NAPCI. Like NATO's cooperative security, we too are reaching out to partners both within and beyond our region, including NATO, the EU and ASEAN. Advertisement Ladies and gentlemen, At this moment, Northeast Asia is back in the headlines because of the latest developments you all know well. I would like to share my thoughts on the gravest threat to peace and security on the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia posed by North Korea's ongoing nuclear weapons and missile programs. Last month, the international community witnessed two contrasting and diverging developments. On the sixth of January, North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test of the past decade in spite of the repeated warnings from the international community. Just ten days later, the sixteenth of January, decade-long international sanctions were lifted as a result of the agreement between the E3+3 and Iran. These two events happened within just ten days, but what kind of effects will they have on Iran and North Korea, ten years down the line? All of us here today can imagine the huge differences. The international community has condemned North Korea's nuclear test in one voice. However, Pyongyang has flaunted its disregard and derision towards us all by launching a long-range missile just one month after its nuclear test under the disguise of a satellite. Pyongyang went on to reveal its intention to actually use its nuclear arsenal. North Korea's leader recently stated that it will continue to increase the quality of its nuclear force so as to be capable of making nuclear strikes. These repeated provocations and its persistent defiance of the authority of the UN Security Council call into question its qualifications as a member of the UN. At this very moment in New York, the members of the UN Security Council are discussing a new resolution to impose robust and comprehensive sanctions against North Korea. Just yesterday, I was in New York to confer with the members of the UN Security Council and the Secretary-General. My message was clear: Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and missile programs are a clear and present danger to us all, and none of us are free from their destructive reach. As the organ with the primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security, the Security Council must take tough and effective sanctions. At the UN, I emphasized that this should be the "terminating resolution" to ensure that North Korea does not venture to conduct its fifth and sixth nuclear tests. In addition to the Security Council, I believe that individual countries and international organizations can also play a crucial role. That's why I have come here, as I wanted to meet our NATO and European partners to consult and formulate joint measures. And because we must face this challenge together. Advertisement First, this is because North Korea is an unprecedented serial offender, conducting four nuclear tests and launching six long-range missiles. It has used deception and non-compliance of UN Security Council resolutions for its nuclear weapons and missile programs. I am not aware of any other country that has been so repeatedly and consistently disregarding such UN resolutions. If we go on business-as-usual vis-a-vis North Korea's repeated nuclear tests and its advancement of nuclear weapons and missile capabilities, including ICBMs and SLBMs, the entire world could fall prey to Pyongyang's nuclear blackmail. Second, North Korea's nuclear weapons programs currently represent the greatest challenge to the global non-proliferation regime. North Korea is the only country to have conducted nuclear tests in this century, blatantly violating the Security Council's resolutions. North Korea's acts also run counter to NATO's commitment to WMD non-proliferation. Third, the rise of terrorism and violent extremism and the development of nuclear weapons by the unpredictable regime in Pyongyang could turn the nightmare scenario of nuclear terrorism a reality. And last but not least, we should not forget that North Korea's misguided pursuit of nuclear weapons also has a domestic price tag, and ordinary North Koreans are paying for it. The North Korean regime is ignoring their humanitarian plight and tramping down on their human rights. Indeed, the UN Commission of Inquiry's report on North Korea's human rights violations highlighted this very point. So, North Korea's ever advancing nuclear weapons and missile programs are an extraordinary threat which requires an extraordinary response. That's why yesterday, my government made the difficult decision to completely shut down the Gaesong Industrial Complex. Now, I believe that it is time for the international community to show zero tolerance to North Korea's unbridled provocations. Now is the time to put unbearable pain on Pyongyang so it will make the right strategic choice, as Iran has already done. Our NATO partners can play a pivotal role in that regard. Advertisement Ladies and gentlemen, NATO has grown into more than a trans-Atlantic alliance; it is an essential contributor to international peace and security. The crucial role it plays reminds me of the words of Willy Brandt, quote, "peace, like freedom, is no original state which existed from the start; we shall have to make it, in the truest sense of the world," unquote. His words are in line with our vision: to ease geopolitical tensions in Northeast Asia and achieve Korean unification, and thereby contribute to the peace and prosperity of Asia, Eurasia and beyond. Stephanie Visser has been drawn to art since she was a child, although it was not always an easy journey. Raised in Michigan, she started painting and drawing early on. She continued through high school where she was awarded a national merit scholarship. However, Visser stayed true to her dream of becoming an artist (much to her parents chagrin), and she was told she would not receive any financial assistance. Visser continued to focus on her art and attended Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, MI. She later continued her fine arts education at Western Michigan University and finally Pasadena College of Art and Design. By Stephanie Visser - Perseus Untitled 002 74w x 57h The artist went on to exhibit in galleries all over the United States and to this day strives to create on a weekly basis. She currently resides in West Hollywood and most recently exhibited her abstract paintings at the prestigious 2016 LA Art Show. Her work has been featured at TAG Gallery and bG Gallery at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica, as well as Wallspace Gallery, Santa Monica Art Studios and more. In 2014, Visser was diagnosed with cancer. "It was a wake up call," said Visser. The artist is still dealing with the repercussions of the illness. She has had a series of seven surgeries and has yet another scheduled in the upcoming months. Luckily, it was non-metastatic. Art played a huge role in her healing process. She began a new series called Emotion. She went home to Michigan and spent time with her family as well as time alone painting. She said she put all her emotions into the work and just let it pour out. "I came through changed, stronger, more real." She said she created the Emotion series to show that what we all feel is more alike than different. "No matter where we live, what we look like, or how much we have, we eventually all face the same things," said Visser. "Life is a great equalizer of people." By Stephanie Visser - Perseus Untitled 003 74w x 57h Advertisement Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gives a thumbs up during a South Carolina Republican primary night event in Spartanburg, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. Trump claimed a big victory in South Carolina's Republican primary Saturday, deepening his hold on the party's presidential field as the contest moved into the South. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Once again, the media picked up the sensationalism of Trump's use of vulgarity and lack of political correctness; however, they neglected to report Trump's pro-torture platform. While Trump has defended himself, stating that he was only repeating what a woman in the crowd said, the crowd's reaction was worrisome. By calling Cruz a "pussy," Trump, insinuated that Cruz was inept for refusing to reinstitute waterboarding. Advertisement The crowd was not in stunned silence following Trump's antic. Quite the contrary, cheers erupted in a chant of, "Trump... Trump.... Trump." Their reaction expresses an inability to accept the human rights violations conducted by the United States following the four strikes of 9/11. In light of vast evidence, many in the United States still refute the government's brutal and systematic regime of torture. The 2014 Senate Intelligence Committee Report on Torture, which took five years and $40 million dollars to compile, provides indisputable evidence of the horrors committed by the CIA. In regards to waterboarding, the CIA conducted brutal interrogations. The international human rights community recognizes waterboarding as a form of torture, yet the US government developed and sanctioned guidelines to limit the brutality of the CIA's "enhanced interrogations." Under these guidelines, operatives were to restrict airflow to the lungs for only 20-40 seconds while pouring water over a detainees face in a controlled manner. These sanctions were rarely followed. Video footage shows operatives throwing large amounts of water over detainees for minutes at a time. The Senate report found waterboarding to be "physically harmful, inducing convulsing and vomiting." The report goes on to state that Khalid Shaykh Mohammad, the man considered the architect behind the 9/11 attacks, was waterboarded 183 times in a month, which officials constituted as a "series of near drownings." The US government created a bureaucratic regime of torture. We played with fire, and abuse quickly escalated. Not only did operatives ignore the "guidelines" for torture, they developed their own unsanctioned tactics. Advertisement The 2009 CIA Inspector General Report discloses in the interrogation of Al-Nashiri, the mastermind behind the bombing of the USS Cole, operatives placed an unloaded handgun to his head and threatened him with a power drill. Both of these tactics led Al-Nashiri to believe he would not leave CIA custody alive. Under the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Convention against Torture, the CIA actions distinctly fell under the definition of torture. Despite this, there has been no accountability for the horrendous atrocities committed by the CIA. There has not been a single prosecution as The Department of Justice has refused to prosecute any one of these violations. Human Rights violations in the Americas are by no means unique to the US, however, the US stands as an outlier in its refusal to search for justice in the aftermath of abuses. South and Central America are widely considered the global model for transitional justice, a nation's ability, through judicial or non-judicial action, to provide redress for previous human rights abuses. The International Center for Transitional Justice sees Argentina as the example for transitional justice in the Americas. Argentina has sought justice for the gross injustice, namely disappearances and torture, conducted under the military regime that lasted from 1976-1983. Initial attempts to prosecute human rights violators following the 1864 Nuncas Mas (Never Again) report saw early success as nine military leaders were convicted of war crimes. However, a military backlash forced the government to suspend its investigation into the military's crime, pass blanket amnesty laws, and provide presidential pardons to the convicted. Despite setbacks, the International Center for Transitional Justice reports that human rights groups continued to lobby for justice. In 2001, the blanket amnesty laws were deemed unconstitutional. Prosecutors reopened cases against war criminals. Further progress was made when the Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that the presidential pardons of 1985 were unconstitutional. Naomi Roht-Arriaza of World Politics Review reported in 2014 that 2,071 individuals had been prosecuted, resulting in 370 convictions. Similarly, Chile struggled to bring its war criminals to justice. Like Argentina, Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet established amnesty laws to curtail investigations into the military's human rights abuses for 1973-1978. Following the fall of Pinochet, democratically elected leader Patricio Aylwin promised to redress abuses. Roht-Arriaza states Chile's path to justice has not focused heavily on prosecution; rather, they have established a repartitions program. The Chilean government allocated a lump-sump compensation and pension to the families of suffered under the military regime. Chile has also provided families and torture survivors with free medical programs and psychological care. More recently, transitional justice has reared its head in Colombia. Although Colombia has been engaged in the longest armed conflict in the Western hemisphere, in 2015 the FARC began peace talks with the government. Colombia Reports states, as part of these peace talks, the government seeks to hold accountable those, directly and indirectly, involved in human rights abuses. Colombia Reports has compiled a cohesive list the possible punishments for human rights abusers. The FARC members who take responsibility for their actions will serve on public work projects designed to assist the victims of their abuse. Members who admit to serious war crimes will face 5-8 years of restricted freedom in a non-traditional setting. Those who refuse to admit guilt will face the most serious penalty, 20 years behind bars. As Colombia attempts to reunite its nation, their government understands the importance of championing human rights and holding violators responsible for their actions. Argentina, Columbia and Chile serve as examples of highly successful transitional justice programs; however, progress is being made all over South American in nations such as: Brazil, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Peru. Advertisement Even Canada has administered transitional justice. When one thinks of our northern neighbors, our minds drift to maple syrup, cold weather, and politeness, not human rights abuses. However, Canada has committed atrocities, and like the nations of South America, they have sought justice. In 2008, Canadian Prime Minster Stephen Harper offered an apology statement to former students of the Indian Residential Schools. His apology outlined a long-lasting policy of abuse against Canada's aboriginal communities. Beginning in the 1870's, the Canadian government began to separate Aboriginal children from their families, communities, and traditions and forced them into Indian Residential Schools. The idea being that Aboriginal culture was inferior and children must assimilate into dominate society. Over the course of a century, 150,000 children would pass through the system. Many survivors carry stories of emotionally, physical, and sexual abuse. Harper made his apology on behalf of all Canadians. Similar to Chile, the Canadian government established a compensation program, which, according to the Government of Canada's website, paid out $1.6 billion to surviving victims. Transitional justice has become mainstream in the Americas, yet, the US remains stubbornly resistant to accountability for its use of torture. Admitting we tortured was a step in the right direction. This admittance came in Obama's infamous "we tortured some folks" address, in which no form of apology can be found for the actions of the CIA. Since this address, the Senate Intelligence Committee Report on Torture has only further proved US culpability. Despite the detailed accounts of abuse, no attempt to administer justice has been made. Those who created a regime of institutional terror are allowed to enjoy their retirement peacefully. Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and Mike Hayden should be behind bars. These men created an administrative system that did not control torture but gave a green light for interrogators to violate people over and over. MONG LA, MYANMAR - FEBRUARY 16: Young men chat at a pagoda overlooking the city on February 16, 2016 in Mong La, Myanmar. Mong La, the capital of Myanmar's Special Region No. 4, is a mostly lawless area where Chinese tourists are able to cross the border for exotic poached animals, gambling, and prostitution. (Photo by Taylor Weidman/Getty Images) My rebuttal to Joshua Kurlantzick's "Pivotal Moment" In light of the recent US-ASEAN summit in Sunnylands, California, I would like to take this opportunity to pen a rebuttal to Mr. Kurlantzick's take on Myanmar, outlined in "Pivotal Moment", which appeared in the Democracy Journal earlier this month. While the author has made a few valid points, I believe his stance on U.S-Myanmar foreign relations simply does not reflect the reality on the ground. In this article, I argue why the United States should bet on Myanmar's economic potential, why the U.S focus on Mainland and Maritime Southeast Asia need not be viewed as a zero-sum game, that Myanmar's political progression has not stalled, and that increased U.S engagement will not alienate young Myanmar democrats. I also argue that focusing on foreign aid alone would undercut American competitiveness in Myanmar, and that the power-balance between the United States and China in the region is not America's only economic challenge. Advertisement Mr. Kurlantzick's article begins on the following premise: "First, the White House has focused too much on the countries of mainland Southeast Asia, which have provided minimal strategic benefits in return. This focus on mainland Southeast Asia has distracted attention from the countries of peninsular Southeast Asia that are of greater value strategically and economically." While it is true that the current engagement bears minimal benefits in the case of Myanmar, the article neglects to look at long-term potential benefits that could emerge from a strategic alliance. Myanmar only recently opened up to the global economy in 2011, and there is widespread consensus that the country has much potential. An untapped financial market, a wealth of natural resources, strategic geographic location, and labor potential emanating from large youth population, are all appealing factors to foreign investors. To be fair to Mr. Kurlantzick's assessment, Myanmar's economy is one of ASEAN's smallest. However, with key developments in government policy, capacity building, and changes in corporate behavior stemming from a more competitive environment and access to foreign capital, it can and will surely rise to the ranks of its more developed neighbors. There is ample evidence to support this notion - for one, The Economist recently named Myanmar "country of the year" with the highest potential for growth. Additionally, the claim that supposes American focus on Mainland and Maritime Southeast Asia as a zero-sum game is unfounded. A shift of U.S. engagement toward Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore should not come at the expense of its ties with mainland Southeast Asia. Taken together, the ASEAN region has the fifth highest GDP in the world, and the organization of Southeast Asian nations continues to strive to work in sync with one another, through annual summits and its developing ASEAN Economic Community. The U.S. relationship with the region - both mainland and maritime - should be viewed holistically. Advertisement Secondly, Mr. Kurlantzick claims, "... increased U.S. ties with mainland Southeast Asia have facilitated political regression by empowering brutal militaries, condoning authoritarian regimes, and alienating young Southeast Asian democrats. Reform has stalled in Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia. This political regression will have strategic downsides for the United States: In the long run, young Southeast Asians--the region's future leaders--will become increasingly anti-American...." Political progression has not stalled in Myanmar. The recent general elections ushered in an overwhelming win for the former opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD) and currently, both houses of the National Parliament and the State and Regional Parliaments are dominated by NLD MPs, a political outcome the United States has been advocating for more than 25 years. Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the military are in talks about power-sharing in the lead-up to when the new administration takes office in less than two months. The general public sentiment post-election has been nothing but optimistic. Claims that reform has stalled due to ongoing skirmishes in ethnic areas, arrests of activists, and curbed freedoms of speech do not reflect how far the country has come. There should have been an expectation that the initial frenzied pace of reform in 2011 and 2012 would eventually slow, given the priority to establish long-term economic and political policies; many of these policies have been open to public comment and have been drafted by respected international institutions and organizations. Though at times it appears that Myanmar has regressed, it is unrealistic to expect a brutal dictatorship to transform into a full-fledged democracy overnight. In terms of public opinion, the United States is held in high regard in Myanmar, especially among its youths. The Obama Administration's ongoing initiatives in culture and educational exchanges, including the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), Southeast Asia Youth Leadership Program (SEAYLP), Study of the U.S Institute for Scholars (SUSI), International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), and the Fulbright and Humphrey Fellowships have also positively reinforced that sentiment through local youth leaders. If anything, only further stalling and backtracking on the U.S's side will garner doubt and skepticism among the local populace, a sentiment I share with my contemporaries back home. Mr. Kurlantzick continues, "Myanmar remains extremely politically and economically unstable. Its volatility precludes investment and makes it difficult for the government to provide any substantive cooperation to the United States" Lack of U.S. engagement in Myanmar is not the sole result of political instability, rather remaining restrictions and mixed messages from both the Obama Administration and the U.S. Congress further hamper involvement. President Obama in his historic speech at the University of Yangon in 2012 promised that positive political trajectory on Myanmar's side will see increased social, political, and economic cooperation from the United States. After all the progress Myanmar has made thus far, what tangible economic steps has the Administration really taken on its part to deliver on this promise? Despite the easing of the broadest sanctions, and a handful of general licenses that allowed Myanmar's basic economic sectors to function (including banking and trade networks), much of the sanctions regime remains intact. The U.S. Treasury Department's "SDN List" prohibits American businesses and individuals from engaging with many still sanctioned local corporations and Myanmar nationals. Despite a process to delist individuals and companies if they demonstrate, in a verifiable way, changed business practices and support for reform, there has been only one major removal. The SDN List thus continues to pose a major barrier to American businesses that wish to invest in the country. Anyone who thinks the U.S. is doing too much or moving too fast with respect to Myanmar, quite frankly, is delusional. If anything, it is not doing nearly enough. Additionally, the article goes on to claim, "In Myanmar, members of the military allegedly have been involved in new paramilitary groups emerging throughout the country, burning down Muslims' homes and shops, massacring Muslim families, and bombing Muslim quarters of cities. Suu Kyi has said little about these attacks, drawing widespread criticism from the international community for her silence." The Rohingya issue and anti-Muslim sentiment in Myanmar pose real problems, but this claim is largely exaggerated. Critics of Myanmar on this issue in particular tend to forget that the growing anti-Muslim sentiment is a challenge shared in many countries across the globe - with the refugee crisis in Europe, and the rise of Trump-ism in the United States, all of which share entrenched societal xenophobic and racist sentiments. Since the Rakhine State riots in 2012, the paramilitary movement in Myanmar has lessened. The NLD earlier this month openly condemned Buddhist extremist groups such as Mabatha and the 969 movement, a commendable approach that will be reflective in its policies and legislation, moving forward. At the root of the problem, as Suu Kyi has repeatedly explained to the international community, is the issue of Rule of Law and proper enforcement. Acts of aggression have been committed on both sides, and the situation of Muslims in Myanmar, though deplorable, does not constitute genocide. Additionally, transforming the ways people view Muslims is inherently difficult, a problem the United States knows all too well, and is not limited to Buddhist nationalist groups and paramilitary organizations. Tolerance and acceptance are values that must grow organically to spread throughout the country. The article suggests, "...[the United States] should restore the emphasis on democracy and human rights in the region. Washington also should refocus its aid on democracy promotion in East Asia, a policy shift that would be easier for Clinton if she were President, as she has been a longtime advocate of rights and freedoms in Asia." I am, by no means, countering this to claim that democracy promotion through development aid from the United States is not important or necessary in Myanmar's case. But why does it have to be mutually exclusive from trade and investment? There is only so much development aid can accomplish, particularly given the political reality on Capitol Hill as a major challenge and an emphasis on earmarks and priorities that may fail to reflect reality on the ground. Foreign aid makes up less than 1% of the national budget and even that has received cuts this fiscal year. If partnered with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects from American companies operating in Myanmar, will not the U.S be able to better implement development programs in an increasingly robust and developed Myanmar? Finally, with respect to the power balance between the United States and China in the region, Mr. Kurlantzick writes: Advertisement "The possibility that mainland Southeast Asian states will ally themselves more closely with China unless the United States aggressively cultivates them has also proved an unconvincing argument for the pivot. Myanmar is distancing itself from China. Many Myanmar officials note that the government is desperate for Western aid, investment, and relationships, and that a slower process of economic and diplomatic normalization with the United States would not have curbed that hunger for Western investment and relations." While anti-Chinese sentiment among the populace exists, the political reality is that Myanmar cannot and will not turn its back on China. The two countries are too economically, socially, and politically intertwined that it would be unrealistic for Myanmar to cut ties with China in its embrace of the West. Myanmar's priority as of now is purely focused on its development, meaning the new administration is going to take a more pragmatic approach and partner with whichever nation that makes the most economic and political sense to do so. Moreover, China is not the only partner the United States is competing against in Myanmar. Japan is another regional giant that does not have China's reputational disadvantage and the United States' stringent regulations and limitations in place. The European Union too has lifted much of its remaining sanctions on Myanmar since 2012, and Canada has signaled it intends to do the same. As I predicted months ago, it's likely to be Donald John Trump vs. Hillary Rodham Clinton, a genuine Battle of New York, in the U.S. general election. There are still primaries to go before we sleep, but as South Carolina and Nevada voters proved Saturday night, the likely trend line is not breaking. On the Democratic side, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders might fight all the way to the July 25 convention in Philadelphia, forcing Secretary Clinton to expend precious resources, while tilting her even further to the Santa Claus fringe, in order to fend him off. However, in the end, she has Democratic insiders (read: super-delegates) in her pantsuit pocket. You see, the Democratic Party's way of awarding delegates is fundamentally corrupt and elitist ("We pander to minorities, students, and progressives, but you don't think we trust them with the party, do you?"). Therefore, if you are a threat to the Super Pac status quo, you must win by a decisive margin to turn the super-delegate count your way. And Socialist Sanders is not going to feel that level of Bern, especially with "progressive" economist darlings like Paul Krugman castigating his economic plan as "voodoo of the left" and Sanders himself as "not ready for prime time." Even though Sanders and Clinton are almost equal in popular votes and voter-selected delegates, Clinton is crushing the Vermont Senator in the overall delegate count due to her purchase on most of the party's super-delegates (read: establishment party hacks). Advertisement As for Trump, his only threat is if the GOP race quickly consolidates down to himself and one other opponent. Unfortunately, for Trump haters, that consolidation is not happening fast enough. If that consolidation does not occur before March 15, Trump could win some "yuge" winner-take-all primaries, which begin on that date. After Mr. Trump crosses that Rubicon, consolidation becomes increasingly moot. Thus, urgent phone calls to drop out are likely being made right now by GOP apparatchiks to Dr. Ben Carson (Gentle Ben doesn't have a prayer, but he's staying in the race to spite fellow fundamentalist Ted Cruz for the latter's dirty tricks in Iowa ) and John Kasich, the prickly aw-shucks Governor of electorally vital Ohio. Kasich's best shot is to hold on until March 8 (when Michigan votes) and March 15 (when Illinois, Missouri and Ohio all cast ballots). If Kasich does not win at least two of those four Midwestern states, it will be too little, too late to catch "The Donald" (though a Veep slot could remain in play). When the inevitable happens and Kasich and Carson join God-awful Jeb (who, Praise the Lord! finally "suspended" his ridiculous campaign) in the expanding dropout pool, it should redound to Senators Rubio and Cruz. However, given Rubio's strong second place showing in the Palmetto State, such consolidation should give him a slight edge. Advertisement Ted Cruz is just too rabidly evangelical to gain deeper traction outside of fundamentalist strongholds, as well as his home state of Texas. Rubio (a transparently slick, hypocritical and homophobic snake in his own right) vs. the more socially liberal Trump (who's effectively closeted his true feelings on gay rights) could get intriguing. However, consolidation around Rubio won't be enough to overcome Trump's sizable advantage after Super Tuesday, unless, come the Ides of March, Rubio carries his home state of Florida, where polls show Trump leading by a lot. Unfortunately, for Rubio, most Republican voters this cycle are not looking for a Junior Senator who looks and acts like he is delivering a canned speech at Boys State. That would destroy their narrative that America made a bad choice with the inexperienced Junior Senator from Illinois, Barack Obama, the Teleprompter Kid. The GOP base wants an experienced, confident "killer," as Trump would put it, who can stand up for working class Americans on trade, illegal immigration, and on keeping their children out of fruitless quagmires abroad. Moreover, they want a ferocious no-filter truth-teller who can eviscerate Mrs. Clinton on her documented lies to the families of Benghazi victims and on her role in covering up her husband's infidelity. In these voters' minds, Hillary was a hypocritical and duplicitous enabler of Bill Clinton's serial abuse of women. Though they are willing to stomach loose talk from Potty-mouth Trump, GOP voters don't want the country embarrassed again by Mr. Clinton's personal peccadilloes (especially when L'Affaire Lewinsky caused Mr. Clinton to hesitate in taking out Osama bin Laden for fear of being accused of a Wag the Dog maneuver). Though looking at slack-jawed Bubba on the trail these days, he doesn't seem all there anyway, so it's hard to see how much damage the vegan ex-POTUS could do, even with a Viagra prescription. Finally, the GOP wants someone who will use our enormous American advantage to confront enemies like Iran, Russia and China, rogue states like North Korea, and economic competitors like Germany, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and South Korea. GOP voters see Trump as the last, albeit mercurial, hope to call out other nations who are blithely coasting on a liberal safety net because Uncle Sam is paying, with enormous blood and treasure, for their ultimate national defense. These voters are sick and tired of the U.S. doing the heavy lifting in various theaters (including an expanding role in the Pacific, as Defense Secretary Ash Carter recently confirmed to Charlie Rose) without being directly or indirectly compensated for playing protector of last resort. Advertisement I visited Altes Europa this past week for the Berlin International Film Festival (or Berlinale), which I previously thrashed in this space. The open borders crowd in leftist hotbeds like Berlin - where naive politicians and war-weary citizens feel free to caricature Trump and diss the U.S. - conveniently forget that without America, a newly expansionist Russia would have co-opted parts of Poland, the Baltics and most of the Ukraine by now, or at least used its energy leverage to keep Europe quiescent. How soon Germans forget that it took Reagan standing up to the Soviet Union to open the door to reunification. Various parts of the GOP base, along with moderate Reagan Democrats, now realize that it might take a Machiavellian narcissist like Trump to keep a wily pig like Putin and his "little green men" out of Europe's backyard. This is no time for the gentleman politics of Reagan and Gorbachev. As even GOP evangelicals instinctively grasp, this is the age of the trash-talking, go-for-broke, ad hominem celebrity death brawl. And in Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin might finally have met his cheesy, egomaniacal match. On Saturday night, the Berlinale gave out its Golden Bear to the tedious refugee documentary Fire At Sea, while championing refugee or pro-refugee filmmakers throughout the boring, if heart-felt, ceremony (I was in attendance). Of course, this shameless liberal posturing hides an inconvenient truth. Germany - hamstrung by its own anti-surveillance edicts - still counts on the U.S. to do the heavy lifting in fighting radical Islamic jihadists, who don't give a camel's arse about how nice the German people are to Muslim refugees. ISIS and its affiliates just want Germans and all other "apostates" dead. Moreover, they will use whatever opening Germany gives them to set up shop in German cities, recruit terrorists, and, if that is ever compromised, to commit atrocities on German soil. Against this sleeper cell backdrop, the only major hurdle for Trump is in winning over the GOP's hard-right neocon base, some of whom he alienated in coming out so strongly against the Bush family and their deceitfully sold Iraq War. One could hear Trump backtracking on the Bush-bashing in his Sunday interview with CNN's Jake Tapper. He instinctively knows that the GOP's hawks - for whom U.S. boots on the ground is always the unblinking solution to any conflict - do not yet trust that a non-interventionist like Trump will do what is necessary to crush ISIS in its caliphate. Ironically, it is on this very head that a closet hawk like Hillary Clinton might have her one clear opening against the billionaire real estate tycoon. The War Party in Washington is much more likely to see massive U.S. boots on the ground in the Middle East if "3AM Call" Hillary is elected President. Advertisement ATLANTA, GEORGIA- FEBRUARY 21: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the Georgia World Congress Center, Sunday, February 21, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. Trump won the South Carolina Republican primary over nearest rivals Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX). (Photo by Branden Camp/Getty Images) Writing that headline shocks me as much as it probably shocks some of you. There's no mistaking the fact that, since announcing his candidacy last summer, Donald Trump has been a loose cannon who has not only stirred up tremendous controversy, but has also shaken up the entire political process. Trump has managed to alienate most ethnic groups living in America, insult women with his sexist comments, allow violence against protesters at his rallies, insult journalists and restrain freedom of the press at his rallies, and even now is engaged in an ever-escalating feud with fellow Republican candidate Ted Cruz. Advertisement I share the views of many, more moderate and even liberal voices: The possibility of a Trump presidency is a scary thought just based upon how he handles day-to-day campaigning. What kind of restrictions on Muslims is he willing to support should he actually be elected? Will he curtail First Amendment protections on free speech, the press, and religious freedom as his actions on the campaign trail suggest? These are very serious questions which need equally serious consideration by those considering giving Trump their vote in the upcoming primaries and especially in the general election. But as scary as the possibility of the Trump House may be to the majority of the American public, there is an even scarier possibility hot on Donald Trump's heels: Ted Cruz. Cruz has managed to turn around a previously lackluster campaign by narrowly winning the Iowa caucuses earlier this month and is now trending generally second only to Trump in most polling. Trump, in fact, seemed destined to win Iowa, but the voters shook up those results. What will be most telling is how accurate the polls are, or if the voters will upset Trump yet again as primary season wears on. What Americans need to be clear on is that, regardless of Trump's antics and misguided politics, he is still a relative lightweight compared to Ted Cruz. What we are going to explore for the rest of this article, then, is just why a Ted Cruz presidency could end up fundamentally changing America for the worse and for a significant period of time. Ted Cruz: A Proven Track Record of Cruelty This is the absolute most important reason why Ted Cruz must be stopped from attaining the presidency. Unlike Donald Trump, who has never held public office, Cruz has a documented, proven, and indisputable track record of being a crass, mean, and outright cruel human being whenever it suits his own political interests. Advertisement Ted Cruz is a former Solicitor General for the state of Texas, having served in the position in 2003. Prior to this, he worked as a lawyer and even served as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist. He also served as a policy adviser for George W. Bush's presidential campaign and, in 2001, served as director of the Office of Policy Planning for the FTC before ultimately launching his Senate bid (Source). During his tenure as Solicitor General of Texas, an old case involving a man named Michael Wayne Haley came to Cruz's attention. In 1997, Haley had been arrested for stealing a calculator from a Wal-Mart in Texas. Under the law, Haley should have been sentenced to no more than two years in prison, even with prior convictions. However, another statute reserved for habitual offenders was mistakenly applied to his case, resulting in a sentence of sixteen years. Somehow, neither Haley's defense attorney, the prosecutors, nor the judge involved in the initial trial realized that this mistake had been made. CNN explains that the reason Haley should not have been charged under this law was because of timing; his previous convictions did not fit the requirements under the "three strikes" law ultimately used in the sentencing. Once Haley learned of the mistakes in his sentencing, he filed a writ of habeas corpus, claiming that he was innocent of being a habitual offender under that specific statute and petitioning for his release. This is where Ted Cruz now became involved. As solicitor general, he led the charge in Texas' fight disputing Haley's claims. The official argument used by the state of Texas effectively amounted to, "Because you did not bring up this mistake during your official trial or on appeal, you can't do it now. So you have to stay in prison for your entire sentence": The State of Texas conceded that Haley's criminal record made him ineligible for habitual offender treatment. But the State still wanted Haley to serve the extra 14-plus years on the ground that he had waived the argument he now was making -- having failed to raise the objection at trial or on direct appeal from his conviction and sentence. Using one of those lovely obscurities of the law, the State argued that Haley's claim was "procedurally defaulted" -- which is another way of sticking your tongue out and screaming "Hah-hah, too late!" The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with Haley, setting the stage for his release -- or, at least, it should have. However, Ted Cruz fought on; the Haley case actually worked its way all the way to the US Supreme Court, Cruz refusing to allow a hardened criminal like this petty thief out of prison just because the court screwed up. Even Justice Anthony Kennedy was taken aback by Cruz's determination to keep a calculator thief behind bars for literally eight times the normal maximum sentence: "Is there some rule that you can't confess error in your state?" Haley was ultimately released after serving six years. The CNN article referenced above has a very good, detailed recounting of the saga, though it fails to mention Cruz's involvement. But a far more recent example of Ted Cruz's basic lack of humanity comes directly from the campaign trail, when he looks a young woman brought to the US as a child in the eye and says that he would have her deported: Let's just put aside for a second what the actual law says, and the broader immigration debate. You are basically talking to a child! This brief exchange alone shows that Ted Cruz is an emotionless, empty shell without a soul. Coupled with the fact that he would work tirelessly to keep someone locked up for longer than the law even allows over a petty crime shows without a doubt that Ted Cruz has no compassion, no sense of integrity, and absolutely no sense of humanity. This is arguably the most dangerous type of person you could ever elect to one of the most important leadership positions on the planet. Advertisement Religious Lunacy, Not Liberty: In Cruz We Trust? But if we need yet another reason to not elect Ted Cruz as president, it would be his religious lunacy. Ted Cruz is fighting a war against Christianity that does not exist. In fact, Cruz is such a fanatical Christian that even his rallies virtually turn into revivals: "And I don't want occasions like this to end without realizing that God is in control and Ted Cruz is committed to not only conservative philosophy but with conservative theology as well," he continued. "He's going to make us a great president to make our nation a great nation again." At another rally in January in Iowa before the caucuses, Cruz had heavy-hitting evangelicals in attendance, including James Dobson and Bob Vander Plaats of The Family Leader and continued soliciting prayers for his campaign: "If we allow non-believers to elect our leaders, we shouldn't be surprised when our government doesn't reflect our values," Cruz said to widespread applause. Cruz called for increased voter turnout among evangelical caucus-goers, using the type of overtly religious rhetoric that has galvanized support from social conservatives and propelled family-values candidates such as Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum to first-place Iowa finishes in 2008 and 2012. Cruz asked that attendees pray for him by asking for peace for his campaign, for the wisdom granted to the Biblical Solomon and for the well-being of his daughters, Caroline and Catherine. Remember that the Constitution of the United States possesses no religious litmus test for the presidency. From Article 2, Section I: Advertisement No person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty-five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States. Let's see: Must be natural-born (Cruz is fighting hard on this one!), 35 years old, and a resident within the United States for 14 years. No, I don't see anything stating, "shall be of the Christian orthodoxy and versed in the ways of Christianity and Christianity alone." But for Ted Cruz, this seems to be the only qualification that matters. Answering questions about his loyalty to the Republican party and recent attack ads questioning both that loyalty and his commitment to Christianity, he responded (emphasis added): "I'm a Christian first, American second, conservative third and Republican fourth," said Cruz, who is currently a distant second place, behind Trump, for the GOP nomination in several national polls. "I'll tell ya, there are a whole lot of people in this country that feel exactly the same way." Cruz also seems willing to put his money where his mouth is. At an event in New Hampshire recently, he announced his intention to trample both on the First Amendment and the Constitution's call for a separation of church and state by decreeing that he will make school prayer mandatory. He subsequently doubles down on this: Advertisement "Education starts with God," said Cruz. "From there, all else can be taught. It will increase test scores, stop teen pregnancy, and make America a better place." Full disclosure: I have never read the Bible and have no intention of doing so. I believe it is a work of fiction. This is my right under the United States Constitution. Ted Cruz, while simultaneously chanting that we need to observe the Constitution of the United States, wants to do away with this aspect of the Constitution. I'm going to let Cruz's own Web site highlight this hypocrisy: Ted Cruz has spent a lifetime fighting to defend the Constitution -- our nation's founding document and the supreme law of the land -- which was crafted by our founding fathers to act as chains to bind the mischief of government and to protect the liberties endowed to us by our Creator. But while Ted Cruz likes to talk a good game about religion and good Christian values and constitutional principles, he is certainly not above twisting those beliefs to suit his own political agenda. Recall that when the northeastern U.S. was devastated by Superstorm Sandy, Cruz was a very vocal opponent of giving its residents any government assistance: "This bill is symptomatic of a larger problem in Washington -- an addiction to spending money we do not have. The United States Senate should not be in the business of exploiting victims of natural disasters to fund pork projects that further expand our debt." But Cruz also promised God-fearing Texans all the aid they could get when Texas was hit with devastating floods last summer: "Today, Texans are hurting. They're hurting here in San Marcos. They're hurting in Wimberley. They're hurting in Houston. They're hurting all across the state. Democrats and Republicans in the congressional delegation will stand as one in support of the federal government meeting its statutory obligations to provide the relief to help the Texans who are hurting." But not content to shame only the citizens of the Northeast, Cruz saved one of his most biting, targeted remarks for New Orleans, which you probably recall was almost wiped out by Hurricane Katrina in 2005: "It's not a secret that Texas is one of the states where kids get the strictest upbringing and are taught to follow the letter of God. And look at New Orleans, for example -- it's a city of sin, where the Devil has a home. It's almost a no-brainer, really." What we have in Ted Cruz, then, is the most sanctimonious, religiously maniacal hypocrite perhaps to have ever been elected to public office. Ted Cruz is a Bible-thumping lunatic who expects every person to live by his own version of what Christianity means and will seemingly stop at nothing to enforce his vision and deny every right given to us under our own Constitution which doesn't fit his vision, while simultaneously touting that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and must equally be defended. I would challenge anyone to find a way to mesh these hopelessly contrasting dynamics! Advertisement Even more frightening: Imagine if any of our remaining Supreme Court justices either dies or retires while Cruz is in office, giving him the opportunity to further tilt the balance of the Court. There will be an assault on abortion rights, overall women's rights, and LGBT rights like we have never before seen in America. An America run by evangelicals dictating the laws of our country in biblical terms would then be possible -- basically enacting a Christian version of Sharia law. Just Like McConnell: Scaring the Electorate And if even this isn't enough to discredit Ted Cruz from claiming the presidency, there is also his attempt to effectively rig the Iowa caucuses with a mailer accusing potential voters of election violations for possibly not having voted in previous caucuses and elections. Cruz's campaign attempted to shame Iowans into caucusing for him by revealing the full names and addresses of voters to their neighbors, purportedly also with publicly-available voting records. For some, as indicated in the previous link, this backfired and actually cost Cruz at least some votes and support. More telling, though, is that at least some of the data Cruz included in the fliers was fake. The mailers were even denounced by Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, who said in part: "Accusing citizens of Iowa of a "voting violation" based on Iowa Caucus participation, or lack thereof, is false representation of an official act. There is no such thing as an election violation related to frequency of voting. Any insinuation or statement to the contrary is wrong and I believe it is not in keeping in the spirit of the Iowa Caucuses." The Cruz mailers are reminiscent of those sent out by Mitch McConnell's campaign during the final days of his 2014 campaign against Alison Lundergan Grimes, one of which I personally received: Advertisement Realistically speaking, what would YOUR first thought be if you saw this in your mailbox? cc @AlisonForKY pic.twitter.com/b9kzqm2BHd Jason Fuller (Twitch: GamerMan_X) (@BlueLightsShine) November 1, 2014 In these fliers, the McConnell campaign declared that anyone who voted for Grimes would themselves be committing "election violations." This was nothing more than a scare tactic to not only keep Kentuckians from voting for Grimes, but likely to prevent those who did not support McConnell from going to the polls altogether. The psychological force behind such a tactic is immense, especially as voting rights as a whole have become such a critical issue in America over the last few years with the Supreme Court's neutralization of the Voting Rights Act. So explain to me how Ted Cruz's version of Mitch McConnell's voter intimidation in any way defends the rights given to us under the Constitution? Analyzing the Election Math The trick, then, is whether or not Trump can maintain his overall lead against Ted Cruz (BREAKING NEWS: Literally as I write this, Trump has just been declared the winner of South Carolina's primary today by major media outlets). According to The Hill, Trump is even projected to beat Hillary Clinton in recent polling! Should Cruz overtake Trump, it would be logical to assume that if Hillary is indeed the nominee, she could be crushed by him in November -- which would be the absolute worst-case scenario for America. The onus, then, is actually on the Democrats to pick the right candidate to fight not only Donald Trump, but also Ted Cruz. With Cruz more popular in evangelical circles than Trump, this could end up being the swing group which moves the election needle towards Ted Cruz should he somehow overcome the Trump juggernaut. With over eight months to go before election day, there is still plenty of time for the ghosts of Benghazi, Wall Street, the E-mail scandal, and even her husband to haunt Clinton's campaign. The Republicans over the years have shown themselves to be very adept at manipulating the narrative of divisive Democratic candidates. S Advertisement Republicans have been blaming Obamacare's expansion of Medicaid, the state-federal health care program for the poor, for Colorado's budget woes--even though the Obamacare expansion of Medicaid didn't cost Colorado anything. State Sen. Tim Neville, who's leading a pack of Republicans vying for the chance to unseat Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet, jumped on the baseless Medicaid-bashing bandwagon in a Jan. 4 interview with the "Americhicks," Molly Vogt and Kim Munson, on KLZ 560-AM. Neville: I believe it's time for the government to re-prioritize, and of course the 800-pound gorilla in the room is the Medicaid expansion, which the governor did several years ago, eating every single dollar that we have in increased expense. Not only is this false, but it's really mean, as it pits everything else the government is struggling to pay for (roads, schools, etc.) against funds for the (mostly) working poor, especially those undeserving old and disabled people. Maybe Neville really meant that he thinks Medicaid is costing the state too much--which, again, would have nothing to do with Obamacare. The program's costs are increasing, but less than in previous years, due to the growing numbers of elderly and disabled people who are enrolled. If he's worried about Medicaid costs, Neville should explain how he wants to "re-prioritize" government, as he put it, and specifically how he'd cut Medicaid or alter it. Neville is known to be unafraid of expressing his Tea Party views, but I can't find any explanation from him on this one. I don't think Neville would follow the lead of GOP Sen. President Bill Cadman, who declined to explain how he'd change Medicaid but, instead, he actually told a reporter to put the question to Democratic Speaker of the state House, Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, even though she's never suggested cutting Medicaid, as Cadman essentially did last month. Advertisement Co-authored by Michael Soto, co-founder of Spark Collaboration. Job-related stress is causing companies hundreds of billions of dollars each year. According to one study, 78 percent of workers put their stress levels at medium to very high, and some of them have missed a day of work (31 percent) or even quit their jobs (40 percent) because of it. But not in Sweden. And the reason why may be as simple as a cup of coffee. Swedish culture has a marvelous tradition known as "fika." While it roughly translates to drinking coffee, it is much more than that. Fika is a scheduled opportunity to slow down to connect and bond with others. As Carl Honore has said in his TED talk, In Praise of Slowness, "by slowing down at the right moments, people find that they do everything better." To many in the US this may all sound like a waste of time, but a recent BBC article highlights how this workplace tradition may in part, according to OECD data, contribute to Sweden's higher productivity than countries known for their long work hours such as the US, Japan and Korea. Growing amounts of research shows the importance of face-to-face interactions in promoting both productivity and innovation. And yet, independent workers and organizations alike don't have systems in place to meet the 'right' people. Advertisement Following conversations (yes, over coffee) about how we approach this in our own work at Weleet and Spark Collaboration, we decided to share our experiments aimed at tackling this challenge. Our hope is that by discussing our own experiences we can bring more attention to the importance of taking breaks and making time to meet others, not as a sacrifice to productivity but precisely as a way to augment it and to boost creativity at the same time. Jennifer started Weleet to create a true coworking community. And yet, she often finds that at Weleet coworking sessions--especially those hosted at brick and mortar coworking spaces--people close themselves off with earphones, head down to do their work and leave without making time to build relationships with others. This tendency is slightly curbed when the coworking venue is a cafe, and greatly curbed when the coworking venue is a home. The latter two naturally lending themselves to more organic coffee breaks throughout the day. While people are coming together to work and cannot spend the entire day chatting with one another, it's those short spurts of interaction with coworkers - coworkers either in the traditional sense or in the remote worker sense - that not only boost productivity but often leave room for sparks of creativity. The challenge is how to find a balance and make time to meet others. Weleet "CoLabs" sessions do this by encouraging community members to facilitate and host their own collaborative sessions. Weleet CoLabs sessions are different from regular coworking sessions in a few ways: Advertisement First, they focus on the exchange of skills, knowledge or collaborative work. Second, they have a clear structure or curriculum with coffee breaks scheduled in. Third, they cover topics that are interesting and specific to Weleet's community of remote workers and entrepreneurs. Just as Weleet Colabs sessions aim to help freelancers make time in their day to meet others, Spark Collaboration is helping organizations to build relationships internally so that employees can learn about other areas of the company. In 2012, Michael began using coffee breaks to encourage coworkers to mingle with each other and was amazed at the serendipitous stories that emerged through bringing pairs together from across the office. The coffee breaks were fun, but were also helping to do serious work through breaking down silos, facilitating the efficient flow of information and promoting engagement. Furthermore, the use of coffee breaks as scheduled moments to step out and meet someone meant that people's work was not radically disrupted. Through Spark, Michael has worked with ever larger organizations and is increasingly focused on helping to make the best introductions either through organizational network analysis (ONA) which can help identify silos or by developing communities of practice that cross-cut traditional organizational units. In both cases, a simple coffee can work wonders as it links disparate groups of independent workers and allows employees to share and learn from each other's perspectives. Our respective experiences highlight the importance of making the time to meet others, as well as ensuring it is a standard fixture in your day to day routine. The Swedish fika is a natural part of the workday, and no matter which approach you take, meeting a new person a day goes a long way. Advertisement So. Our best recommendation for the next time work is stressing you out? We call him the father of our country, but no one ever called him Pops. He was not that kind of guy, George Washington. He was aloof. Haughty. Vain. Writer Bill Bryson, writing in his delightful book Made in America, reports that he preferred his men call him "Your Excellency." Washington was neither a back-slapper or back-slappee; he hated being touched by strangers. He could be touched in other, surprising ways. When things didn't go his way -- and they frequently didn't -- Washington was known to weep in public. (During one march through New Jersey, he watched through watery eyes as an army of 30,000 men shrank to 3,400.) By all accounts, the George he defeated in the war, a monarch to the palace born, was a lot more fun to be around than the colonial upstart. Being a fun guy seems hardly to have occurred to Washington. This austere, regal leader of a bawling, brawling, newly born democracy seemed more intent on being respected rather than popular. Advertisement Rules loomed large in his life, so large that at the age of 16, he'd already written a treatise on the rules of social engagement, something called "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation." Rule No. 1 in what's come to be known as "George Washington's Rules of Civility" came to dominate his view of life life: "Every Action done in Company ought to be with Some Sign of Respect to those that are Present." This and most of his subsequent (and heavily Capitalized) rules suggest it wasn't mere pompousness or insecurity that prompted his apparent haughtiness -- it was the bedrock of his personality; he was only abiding by rules he'd long before set for himself. One can only imagine how he'd react to the spectacle of the men and women who would kill to inherit the presidential mantle whose fabric he so fastidiously tried to weave. His book of commonsensical admonitions is as fresh today as back when, especially, for example, if you've ever had to sit next to someone with ear buds in their ears: "In the Presence of Others," he wrote, "Sing not to yourself with a Humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet." Advertisement Even at 16, he had a thing about protecting his personal space, not a bad idea when you remember how dangerous life could be, biologically speaking: "Wry not the mouth and bedew no man's face with your Spittle by approaching too near him when you Speak." And it wasn't only his famous wooden chompers than kept a smile off his official portraits: "Do not Puff up the Cheeks, Loll not out the tongue, rub the Hands, or beard, thrust out the lips, or bite them or keep the Lips too open or too Closed." Clearly, anyone who cared as deeply about civility as Washington did couldn't have relished living the politician's life of flesh-pressing, baby-kissing and unbridled bloviation. But he answered his country's call for a war-hero president, a job made no easier by his painful awareness of history's gaze: "There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent." I'll leave it to Bryson to summarize this fine figure of a misunderstood and mythologized man: He genuinely and nobly wanted only what was best for his country. Such was the hysteria that greeted his triumph over the British that he could have had any tribute he cared to ask for -- a kingship, a lavish life pension, his own Blenheim Palace on the Potomac. He asked only to be allowed to a quiet life at Mount Vernon. Instead, he was elected president. Twice. Unanimously. Bryson writes that he requested Congress not pay him a salary, but only meet his expenses "a position all the more honorable when you consider he was chronically hard up." When he made the trip from Mount Vernon to New York City for his inauguration, he had to borrow 100 pounds to pay his costs. Advertisement Washington saw his job as setting the standard for everyone who would follow him, a job he did exceedingly well. If most of his successors and wannabes couldn't and can't measure up to those stirring standards, shame on them, not him. #FITN First In Nation Republican Leadership Summit, Nashua, New HampshireCrowne Plaza NashuaAddress: 2 Somerset Pkwy, Nashua, NH 03063Every four years, the political world descends upon New Hampshire to take part in the aFirst-in-the-Nationa Presidential Primary. On April 17th and 18th that excitement will again percolate in the Granite State for the #FITN Republican Leadership Conference.Donald John Trump Sr. (born June 14, 1946) is an American business magnate, investor, television personality and author. He is the chairman and president of The Trump Organization and the founder of Trump Entertainment Resorts. Trump's extravagant lifestyle, outspoken manner, and role on the NBC reality show The Apprentice have made him a well-known celebrity who was No. 17 on the 2011 Forbes Celebrity 100 list.Trump is the son of Fred Trump, a wealthy New York City real-estate developer. He worked for his father's firm, Elizabeth Trump & Son, while attending the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1968 officially joined the company. He was given control of the company in 1971 and renamed it The Trump Organization.In 2010, Trump expressed an interest in becoming a candidate for President of the United States in the 2012 election, though in May 2011, he announced he would not run. Trump was a featured speaker at the 2013 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). In 2013, Trump spent over $1 million to research a possible run for President of the United States in 2016. I'm cool with you removing me from your friends list if you don't like this post. You can even disown me if you like. But Donald Trump isn't a good person, nor would he be a good president. I can understand a difference in politics. I can understand if you don't like a government run by Democrats. I can understand if you don't like certain ideologies, like Socialism. But I can't understand why you would support someone as hateful, sexist, racist and ignorant as Donald Trump. How do you support him so blindly? Ask yourself, are you a racist, sexist, hateful and ignorant person as well? I hear his supporters saying they like him because he tells the truth, because he's so rich he can say whatever he feels like with no apologies. Just because Trump is saying these things doesn't suddenly make them right. It's not okay to discriminate against an entire religion based on a small percentage of its followers who have become terrorists by twisting the words of the religion to fit their crazy ideals. It's not okay to marginalize an entire race of people, saying things like all the Mexicans are lazy, that they are all stealing our jobs and bringing drugs into our country. Advertisement White people also have bad apples. So does every race of people. We're all human. Some humans are really bad people. Some are really good. And it doesn't matter what color they are, it makes no difference whatsoever. Trump says he is just telling the truth. But whose truth? There are lazy people in every race and there are dangerous violent people in every race and every religion. Kicking all Muslims out of the country is not the answer, nor is it the acceptable behavior of a person in an extremely powerful position, like the President of the United States. The Japanese Internment camps were wrong, Segregation was wrong, Slavery was wrong. We fought wars amongst ourselves to rise above racism and hatred. In WWII more than 60 million people died worldwide. Why? Because of twisted people who were whipping up the population into a frenzy and making ridiculous statements, killing innocent people simply because of their race or religion. The United States lost more than 400,000 lives fighting in that war, against the same ideas that Trump is pushing. The idea that certain religions are more dangerous than others and the idea that people should be judged based on the color of their skin rather than the content of their character. "They always say it's so important to make your voice heard, to get out and vote. But I'm not sure if it's ever been more important than now." We're still healing from the damage inflicted by the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Vietnam, Iraq and the War on Terror. And it isn't just ISIS or Al-Qaeda. It's our own people in this country killing their fellow countrymen over differences of opinion, like whether or not you believe abortion is okay or what kind of political ideology you support. And then there are just the plainly insane people who finally snap and go on shooting rampages for no discernible reason at all. They just went mad. Advertisement The kind of leadership Trump is displaying is irresponsible and dangerous. His virulent ideas are seeping into the brains of his supporters. Supporters who think it's okay to say things like "light the mother@!$%#er on fire" while a protester is being dragged out of one of his rallies. Maybe the protester was wrong to be where he was at the time, but no matter what he did, there was no reason to set him on fire. In fact, there is NEVER a reason to set anyone on fire. Unless it's because they are dead and they wish to be cremated. Trump's supporters are angry, and anger is infectious. I can tell you as a non-supporter of Trump I am just as angry. We need the kind of leader that seeks to bring us together, not tear us apart. Why do we have to fight against helping each other, against common sense, against a united Nation? The American Dream is a nightmare and we are feeding it, making it worse every day. Trump is a bully, a loud mouth, ignorant, sexist, racist, disgusting example of how horrible humans can potentially be. He is the crazy person at your dinner table who won't stop running his mouth. The only reason he is allowed to carry on with his ugly hateful rhetoric is because you have too much respect for Grandma to get into a fist fight in her home. He's the guy you have to endure until he leaves, all the while hating every minute that you have to occupy the same space. Lucky for us, this isn't Grandma's house, so feel free to punch him in the mouth in the form of getting out and making your vote count. They always say it's so important to make your voice heard, to get out and vote. But I'm not sure if it's ever been more important than now. Differences of political ideals are one thing, I can agree to disagree on many matters across a wide array of topics, but racism isn't one of them, neither is hate, neither is the belittling of women or the judgment of others based on their appearance or their disability, or their sexual preference. By supporting Trump do you think things will go back to the way they were? Back when gay people had to hide in fear, back when people of any other color than white had to worry about getting lynched, back when it was okay to openly hate? Do you think empowered women will suddenly quit their jobs and go back to the kitchen ? Because electing Trump won't make any of that come true. We're past that as a nation, or at least I thought we were. Advertisement "I can agree to disagree on many matters across a wide array of topics, but racism isn't one of them, neither is hate, neither is the belittling of women..." If you're not a racist, bigoted, misogynistic jerk, then voting for Trump simply because you don't like Democrats is wrong. If you are one of his supporters and you're just a racist and you don't care who knows it then vote for him, but know that the good people of America will not stand for it and he will never win a fair election. And please consider pursuing an education and work on your empathy toward your fellow human beings. Whatever led you to believe that racism is okay can be unlearned if you open your mind. I'm sorry that you were raised to believe that you deserve better treatment than the rest of the people on the planet that have different views than yours, worship different gods than you and have skin that isn't white. To all the people, of all the races and religions that Donald Trump stands against, to all the women that don't meet his standards of beauty, to all the good Muslims, and Christians, Mormons and Catholics and Jewish, Italians, Irish and Asians, to the African-Americans and Native Americans, to anyone who has ever been persecuted, belittled, made to feel inferior or bullied based on ignorance like the kind that Trump is spewing, please, I implore you to get out and vote against him. Don't let the progress of this great nation be halted. We've come too far. In this country we FIGHT and DIE for freedom, for Truth and Justice. We fight for what's right. And what Trump is doing and saying isn't right. Some have attributed the following statement to Abraham Lincoln*: "I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and cause me to tremble for safety of my country; corporations have been enthroned, an era of corruption in High Places will follow, and the Money Power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the People, until the wealth is aggregated in a few hands, and the Republic destroyed." Advertisement And he couldn't be more right. Trump IS the one percent, he IS working on your prejudices, and he WILL destroy the Republic if he is elected, make no doubt about it. If you don't believe me, just look at the level of crazy coming out of his own mouth: "[I am] calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on" -- Donald Trump. That's religious discrimination. "An 'extremely credible source' has called my office and told me that Barack Obama's birth certificate is a fraud" -- Donald Trump. That's an outright lie. "Arianna Huffington is unattractive, both inside and out. I fully understand why her former husband left her for a man - he made a good decision." -- Donald Trump. This is sexism, and just plain rude. "You know, it really doesn't matter what the media write as long as you've got a young, and beautiful, piece of @!$%#." - Donald Trump. This is misogyny at its finest. Advertisement "I will build a great wall -- and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me -- and I'll build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words." - Donald Trump. The words of an arrogant hate monger. "When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending the best. They're not sending you, they're sending people that have lots of problems and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists... And some, I assume, are good people." -- Donald Trump. Racist. "Our great African-American President hasn't exactly had a positive impact on the thugs who are so happily and openly destroying Baltimore." -- Donald Trump. Racist. "If I were running 'The View', I'd fire Rosie O'Donnell. I mean, I'd look at her right in that fat, ugly face of hers, I'd say 'Rosie, you're fired." -- Donald Trump. The words of an @!$%#. "The beauty of me is that I'm very rich." - Donald Trump. So Vain. "It's freezing and snowing in New York - we need global warming!" - Donald Trump. Ignorant. "My fingers are long and beautiful, as, it has been well documented, are various other parts of my body." - Donald Trump. Gross. Advertisement "I think the only difference between me and the other candidates is that I'm more honest and my women are beautiful." - Donald Trump. Sexist. As if women are possessions rather than people. And also a lie. A lie about how honest he is. How can you support this man? "The best book about friendship I've ever read." That's what I wrote, some years ago, about Let's Take the Long Way Home, Gail Caldwell's memoir of her friendship with Caroline Knapp. Two writers, private in the important ways, both triumphantly sober --- and then Caroline was diagnosed with cancer and died, seven weeks later, at 42. Caldwell's writing is restrained, but no matter. Her book rips your heart out. "The Narrow Door" is just as good. But much more complicated. When Paul Lisicky meets Denise Gess in the early 1980s, he's 23, a fledgling writer, a graduate student at Rutgers. She's 30, a teaching assistant, author of a much-praised novel, "Good Deeds." Their professional differences are the least of it. He's an introvert, in the closet, nervous in the classroom. She's open, inspiring, the kind of teacher who collects disciples. And yet they become close friends, "a little bit in love... and not able to say it." All this changes over the years. She has an affair with a Famous Writer (John Irving), who spurns her; he has an affair with a Famous Writer (Mark Doty), and marries him. His books get published; hers have trouble finding a home. And then there is the not small matter of her personality. Her smile "could turn diamonds to black powder," but Denise is also contentious, redlining emotion on a calm day --- at some point, she'd make Jesus look for the exit. Advertisement And, of course, she dies. Lung cancer, brain cancer, even cancer in her heart. But on the way to that slow, painful death, she is fiercely herself --- that is, emotional and grateful. Which is where the book starts: Election Night, 2008, a few months before her death. We're in Philadelphia, in Denise's final apartment, the one she moved to because she could no longer climb the stairs. Here's the first paragraph: Our feet are warm. Our faces shine. The room is getting dark, the night coming a little sooner these days. Should I turn on a lamp? Then the prospect of dinner changes our placement toward that dark. The chicken stew on the trivet. The moist leaves in the hard black bowl. The macaroni and cheese still bubbling, although it's long been out of the oven. For a moment, we're no longer eight years into the new century, in Philadelphia, in a loft apartment that's too big for us, but inside a cave, a tight, sweet space. We give our joints and muscles over to the heat of it, the spell, the hearth at the center of things. Our gestures say, we're here for you, time. We're all right with you. We're not straining against your grasp. No concerns about the side effects of the latest round of chemo earlier in the day. No cheering on the small miracle of the meal, the first meal she's cooked since July's diagnosis. No anxieties about the election, the results of which will crackle across the country, throughout the world. No steroids, no PET scans, no CAT scans, no ports, no hoods, no wigs, no hair coming out in wads--none of it. We are the four points of the clock: her mother at three, her sister at six, me at nine, Denise at midnight. See how we hold that clock in place? Nothing but us now, one breath, one body in the room. This table, this bread, these forks lifting again and again to our mouths. Gorgeous, say I. And so does Jennifer Senior, in The New York Times: "She glows on the page, looking for all the world like a woman who's swallowed the moon." Advertisement After dinner? Denise gets up and dances. "Not a timid dancing, but a life-large, goofy, it's-great-to-be-in-my-skin dancing." That shift in mood mirrors the book's shifts in time. "The Narrow Door" jumps around, but not in an arty or "literary" way. It's how Lisicky seems to remember Denise. Listening to Joni Mitchell, and then a digression on Joni. During the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the earthquake in Haiti. And a parallel story, set against Denise's bewildering kaleidoscope of love affairs: Paul's evolution as a lover and then husband. And then...but let's leave Paul's story there. Beyond the pleasure of reading a book that is exemplary, start to finish, what's in "The Narrow Door" for you? Simply this: What's the condition of your friendships? How are you getting on with the people who are most important to you? Are you close? Are you drifting apart? In one incisive paragraph, Lisicky describes a scenario we know: Losing a lover: You don't need to be told how hard it is... It's different with a friend. The breaking up is more diffuse, though breakup isn't even the right word for it. Whatever it is, it happens over time, and soon old patterns are breaking: no email in the morning, no phone call at night. A week goes by, silence. Another week, a deeper silence. There's a long estrangement in the Denise-and-Paul story. And that's just one of many twists and turns in this complicated relationship and in Paul's equally complicated relationship with his husband. Preview of that story: Paul is the successor to Mark Doty's previous lover, gone now for 16 years. But not really gone. Paul has had to train himself not to think "replacement --- I am not his great love." The book takes a toll. The high drama sometimes wore me out --- I think my life is intense, but these people are professionals --- and yet that serves the book. In the inevitable deathbed chapter, life slowed for me as it did for everyone in that room: "time without boundaries." Advertisement Sure, I cried, and often. But more, "The Narrow Door" made me want to call a few people, and say the magic words, and feel at home in the world. It's hard to think of a book that can give you more than that. ---- Listen: Paul Lisicky reads from the book, click here and here. On May 20th, Taiwan will take another step in a democratic process begun thirty years ago - a process started under the rule of a dictator. Tsai Ing-Wen will be sworn in as Taiwan's fourth democratically elected President and first woman to have ever held that office. She appears to possess a quietly determined temperament. She will need it as she tackles a range of thorny challenges within Taiwan and from the Chinese mainland. Advertisement Tsai brings back to power Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), a party known in the past for angering Beijing and championing independence for the island of more than 23 million. She is confronted with a population that is both very different from that on the Chinese mainland and yet one that is more intertwined with life and business on the mainland than ever before. She will need to placate an ever more aggressive government in Beijing and a restless population at home that is suffering from a serious economic downturn. But my perspective here goes back 40 years. Ms. Tsai's passage to Presidency began with a ruthless and authoritarian ruler - a man who was in power when 20 year old Tsai was studying law at Taiwan National University. (She went on to other degrees at Cornell and the London School of Economics.) Advertisement Taiwan's leader was the son of President Chiang Kai-shek. Known to some Americans as "G-mo," the "Generalissimo" had headed Nationalist [Kuomintang] rule of China from 1928 until he was ousted by the Communists and fled to Taiwan. There he ruled until his death. I sat down with the Generalissimo's son for lunch on Saturday January 3rd 1976. Chiang Ching-kuo had assumed most of his father's powers in the final years of the Generalissimo's life. The elder Chiang, who died in April 1975, appointed his son head of the secret police in 1950, Defense Minister in 1965, and Premier in 1972. I was expecting to meet a stern, formal, figure displaying an authoritarian streak. His father had certainly projected that image: thin, upright bearing, high Sun Yat-sen collar. Chiang Ching-kuo struck me as an unimposing figure. He was dressed casually in a rumpled, loose fitting blue jacket. It was the kind of attire he felt brought him closer to the people. A genial smile on his face, he spoke over lunch of the remarkable economic growth of Taiwan. Advertisement For all his charm, Chiang ran his nation under strict "martial law." Taiwan opposition figures overseas described to me his ruthlessness. Over a period of fifteen years, he approved the arrest and torture of political prisoners. Activists held him responsible for many deaths. In 1976, he was still ordering the detention of political opponents; anyone criticizing his rule. On the mainland, of course, the Cultural Revolution raged through its final years. Ailing, Mao Zedong was in his last year. Whatever human rights abuses Taiwan citizens endured, it was nothing compared to those across the Strait. My colleague Bill Hartley of the Wall Street Journal joined me as we spent much of the day with Chiang in the city of Tai Chung, on the west coast of central Taiwan. Gateway to the mountains and Sun Moon Lake, Chiang said he liked to get away from the capital, broaden his political base, and promote his goal of Taiwan "self-reliance." The Wall Street Journal portrayed Taiwan glowingly in early 1976. "Chiang leads an island 1/3 larger than the state of Maryland," Hartley wrote "yet a booming industrial nation - 9 % GDP growth per year and per capita income of $700 per year." The island has of course changed remarkably. Today Taiwan tries to maintain 2 percent growth. Per capita income stands at $ 22,000. The Chinese mainland struggles to keep growth above 6 percent and reach a $ 9,000 a year per capita income. Advertisement That Chiang had dictatorial tendencies was not a surprise to anyone studying his background. In 2000, former diplomat Jay Taylor (who I knew in Beijing and Havana) wrote a definitive biography of Chiang. "The Generalissimo's Son," provided a remarkable account of Chiang's education. 16 year old Ching-kuo was sent to Moscow in 1925. At the "Sun Yat-Sen University of the Toilers of China", Chiang met the 22 year old Deng Xiaoping who had just arrived from Paris after joining the new Chinese Communist Party. Taylor writes that Chiang was "fascinated by Deng and his days in Paris." While Deng returned to China in January 1927 to rise in the ranks of the Communist Party, Chiang remained in Moscow (some have said he was a virtual hostage of Stalin) until 1937 when he returned to China with a Russian wife and a Marxist/Stalinist perspective on government. The younger Chiang's authoritarian streak was on display well into the 1980's. He watched his classmate Deng Xiaoping rise to become the most powerful man in China by 1978 and begin to open up the nation the following year. In 1985 Chiang was "re-elected" President in a typical dictator's poll with more than 95 % of the vote. Advertisement After that things began to change. It is likely that ill health pushed Chiang to look more carefully at his legacy and loosen his grip on power. He did not oppose the founding of the Democratic Progressive Party in 1986. The Party which President-elect Tsai heads today was formed on a platform of "self-determination." He provided Singapore leader Lee Kuan-yew, on a visit to Taipei in the summer of 1986, details of how he intended to transform Taiwan's political system. He wondered aloud if his reforms might influence the progress of democracy on the mainland. In 1987, Chiang lifted 38 years of "martial law." In short, as one writer put it: "before he died, the Generalissimo's son made himself the last dictator." Two of Chiang's proteges became democratically elected Presidents. In 1996, I covered the election of Lee Teng-hui, Chiang's independent minded Vice President. Beijing clumsily tried to influence the elections by military threat and intimidation. Lee won with 54 % of the vote. Gone were the days of contrived 95% victories. Advertisement Report from March 1996.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hghuZDuHph8 Another Chiang protege, more acceptable to Beijing, was elected in 2008 and again in 2012. Ma Ying-jeou capped his career last year in Singapore with a famous handshake with China's President Xi Jinping. The evolution of democracy in Taiwan and Chiang Ching-kuo's role in it, makes one wonder about other authoritarians in Asia. Might another Chinese leader make a rare historic move and usher in reforms? There are now clear front runners for the presidential nominations of the two major political parties, Donald Trump for the Republicans and Hillary Clinton for the Democrats. Baring some unforeseen occurrence in the next month, that's likely to be the matchup as we head into the general election in November. Sure, it's possible that one of them could still lose, but it's just not likely at this point. Given the likelihood of a Trump versus Clinton match up, it's not too early to talk about who they might pick as their running mates. The choice of running mate is the most significant decision that a presidential candidate makes prior to the election. It, more than anything during the campaign, gives us a sense of their priorities and what type of presidency they want to have. It's anyone's guess who they will end up choosing, but one thing is clear, this election is setting up to be a clear choice between those who are culturally modern and those who reject our multicultural reality in 2016. Our choice will be between a ticket that holds vision of America that includes everyone and one that doesn't. Trump is a divider who is playing on the fears of mostly white working class voters by demonizing people who aren't like them. He says that America has declined, and once we deal with the Mexicans, Muslims, and others who are different, then we can make America great again. Clinton knows that America is already great and all of us, no matter who we are, working together, can make it better. Advertisement While Trump's campaign to divide us along our cultural differences is unproductive and will ultimately lead to his defeat, he does recognize that we are united in one thing. We are united in our disgust for the political status quo and partisan bickering that has held our country back. We are united in our desire for our broken government to work again for everyone. If Clinton wants to capitalize on that unity, she has to demonstrate that she's in touch with the mood of the country and that she gets it. Rather than choosing a predictable "up-and-coming" Democratic establishment type as a running-mate, she can show that she understands that the country wants a different type of politics by thinking outside the traditional partisan box. Hillary Clinton should ask John Kasich, the Republican governor of Ohio, to join her in creating a "unity ticket." It's time for a national ticket that reflects our national desire for a new type of politics for our modern America. I'm not the only one talking about the possibility of a Clinton-Kasich ticket. MSNBC host Chris Matthews floated the possibly back in May of last year, and I know that lots of other people have been thinking about it. Kasich, of course, is a candidate for the Republican nomination for president himself, but it's clear that his fledgling campaign will soon be coming to an end. He's a wildly popular governor who is culturally modern and inclusive in his views, but he just doesn't fit into today's culturally out of touch Republican Party. For instance, when GOP frontrunner Donald Trump first proposed his atrocious ban on Muslims entering the United States, Kasich said, "That's not who we are as Americans." He's right, but the recent exit polls from South Carolina's GOP primary showed that 75% of those voters agreed with Trump, so it's clear that is exactly who today's Republican Party is. Advertisement It would be a good fit. Kasich is a right of center pragmatist who would compliment Clinton's left of center pragmatism. A Kasich pick would show that a Clinton administration would be focused on governing, not just on being elected and re-elected. He's a proven leader who has been an effective legislator and governor. Of note, he worked with former President Clinton back in the 1990s to balance the federal budget. That was the last time that happened! There's a political upside, too. Kasich has the natural ability to really connect with people emotionally. He understands that all politics is personal and he shows it on the campaign trail. That was recently on display in a town hall meeting in South Carolina when the video of his embrace of a young man went viral and showed America that he's a caring person. It's no secret that showing that ability to connect personally hasn't always come easily for Clinton. He'd bring a big dose of compassion to that ticket. I'm sure that Kasich would do it if asked. That's because he puts his country before his party, and there aren't many in politics today who you can say that about. Clinton has the opportunity to demonstrate that, too, by bringing him on the ticket. Finally, a Clinton-Kasich ticket would win in a landslide. It would also utterly destroy the Republican Party and lead to the fundamental political recalibration our country wants. Anecdotally, everyone I mention it to says they would vote for that ticket. I know I would! I know that Clinton hasn't even won enough delegates to secure the nomination yet, but this isn't a no-brainer. An outside-the-box decision like this will take time for her to come to, so let's throw it out there now for her to start to consider. Let's hope she does. As Senator Bernie Sanders' campaign has grown in national prominence, his ethno-religious roots have become an ever more popular topic. In the Forward, Daniel Katz argues that the Sanders' appeal lies not in "socialism," but in "Yiddish socialism." When he won the New Hampshire primary, my Jewish Facebook friends--of many different political stripes--cheered a "historic" moment for the Jewish people, as did the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. Reading against the grain, Stephen Prothero argues that Sanders is "the most Christian" candidate in the campaign, but his interpretation is grounded in the Jewishness of Jesus. No one is going to have the final word on Bernie's Jewish-ness, Christian-ness, Not Jewish Enough-ness, atheism, or spiritual-but-not-religious identity-- not even Bernie himself. Bernie Sanders is the ultimate Jewish Rorschach test of our cultural moment. We see what we want to--or expect to?-- in the inkblots. They tell us more about what we mean by "Jewish" or "religious" than they do about the candidate. Does Brooklyn make you Jewish? In a campaign season where #newyorkvalues may or may not be a euphemism for "Jewish liberal," this notion is not beyond the pale. Similarly, a vast number of articles that have compared the senator to the author's grandfather, uncle, or other cranky relative--often one present at a Passover seder. Here, Jewishness is about clan. It is a cadence with a location. It is fundamentally associated with home-based religious practice. Passover is one of the most widely observed Jewish festivals, and seders are a site of rich cultural memory. It doesn't matter what Bernie believes. If we can picture him hunched over the haggadah, he just might be Jewish. We have welcomed him to our collectively imagined table: Elijah in the dining room, with the good china. Advertisement A slew of other litmus tests have been applied to assess Bernie's Jewish bona fides. High holiday observance? He campaigned at Liberty University last Rosh Hashanah. Support for Israel? Present. Complex. Did he become a Bar Mitzvah? Yes. The Holocaust? His father lost relatives back in Europe. Does belief in God make you Jewish? Sanders has made broad statements about "spirituality" bringing people together. Many writers bring up the "a" word: atheism, which is perhaps the greatest electoral stumbling block in the land. Belief in a deity, however, is not the sine qua non of defining religion. The very notion of our term "religion" is historically based on Christianity, a religion in which faith is central. Other traditions do not always fit into this box so neatly. Does democratic socialism make you Jewish? Does democratic socialism make you Jesus? Historically, American Jewish history is deeply interwoven with many political causes, including socialism and workers' rights. For some commenters, this is a badge of Bernie pride: Jewish ethics are why Bernie cares for the poor. Or, as Jay Michaelson puts it: "secular, progressive Judaism is, itself, a kind of religion." For other Jews, the revival of this history, however tame, is cause for concern: a Jewish democratic socialist on the national stage could spark anti-Jewish backlash. The 1950s and McCarthyism still loom large in the American Jewish imagination. Social equality is also the key to interpretations of Bernie as a "Christian" candidate. Prothero appeals to Sanders' "prophetic" sensibility and to the deep similarities between Jesus and Bernie's economic plans. In the wake of Pope-and-Trump gate, Pat Bagley's Friday political cartoon portrays Pope Francis turning away from the GOP field, declaring, "I'm going with the Jewish guy." It has come to this: Christianity ironically superseded by Jewish adherence to Jesus' sense of universal justice (itself a rather Christian reading). Or is this trope the same old thing: a "good" Jew being claimed as, in fact, Christian? Advertisement Much of the fuss around Bernie's Jewishness relies upon the rhetoric of closeting. Headlines like "Bernie Sanders Finally Opens Up About His Jewish Childhood" abound. Is Jewishness still a skeleton in the family closet? Or is it as plain as the nose on one's face? Speaking to the Atlantic, Professor Jonathan Sarna quipped, "He could hardly run away from it--everyone knows he looks like Larry David." Does comedy make you Jewish? Most recent major candidates have appeared on a late night comedy program at some point, but was Bernie Sanders' meta-appearance with Larry David perhaps, somehow, different? What would it mean if Jews moved from the writers' room to Oval Office? One thing is clear: some Jews want Bernie to be more out, loud, and proud. In one piece, Vermont Rabbi James Glazier is quoted as saying, "I know he's Jewish and I know he has a good heart, but give us something, make us feel proud of you ... He owns his own spiritual journey. But we need a Jewish hug from him every once in a while." However he is characterized, a level of Jewish liberal longing will follow him. My own vote remains genuinely undecided, but I, too found myself playing this game the other day. Let's call it the Jewish grandparent trap. My brain conjured memories of my maternal grandmother, who was a deep part of my childhood education in democracy. She came of age in the 1930s. She was of the generation who spoke Yiddish, supported unions, and trended left. Grandma Ettie told me you could always fight City Hall, and that you MUST vote. She was a good Jewish atheist who lit Shabbat candles and kvelled when I became a Bat Mitzvah. She was in no way a contradiction. Grandma Ettie would vote for Bernie, I thought. Or at least be very proud. Trump said, "George W. Bush made a mistake. We can make mistakes. But that one was a beauty. We should have never been in Iraq. We have destabilized the Middle East. They lied. They said there were weapons of mass destruction and there were none. And they knew there were none." Now, in recent days, we've found out that despite what he's been saying, Donald Trump didn't always oppose the war in Iraq, like he says he did. Just before the launch of the war, Trump, when asked by Howard Stern if he supported the invasion of Iraq, Trump said, "I guess so." Still, that doesn't negate the fact that Trump made a bet -- that going after the decision to go to war in Iraq would be a winner in the GOP. Three states and two big wins later, it seems that he is right Going a step beyond, Ted Cruz, who seems to be Trump's main competition, was one of the few Senators who voted against sending small arms to Syrian insurgents -- a vote that flies in the face of the interventionism touted by Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham. In fact, since Graham dropped out of the race, not a single GOP candidate rushed to defend the Iraq war -- not even Jeb Bush. Of course, there are other factors at play. A huge part of Trump's appeal to the conservative base is his sexism, racism, jingoism, Islamophobia, and more. Ted Cruz plays to all of those as well, and tosses in "Christianity under attack" for good measure. Still, there is something for Democrats to pay attention to, here. For years, many Democrats were skittish about going too hard after the decision to go to war in Iraq, or use it as a basis to oppose further military intervention in the region. They saw folks, like myself and others, being tarred as "defeatist" or "Neville Chamberlain" or worse. Even recently, a lot of Democrats were afraid to oppose the idea of getting deeply involved in the Syrian civil war, lest they get tagged as weak on national security. To them and to the eventual nominees up and down the Democratic ballot, it couldn't be clearer -- the position of those opposed to the Cheney/Bush view of America's role in the world, is the prevailing opinion of voters in both parties. The Iraq war wrong. We were misled into the war. It caused the upheaval and explosion of insurgent groups that has brought us ISIS. Our best move, militarily, is to stay out of Middle East sectarian conflict. Politically, there is no reason, anymore, to support military interventionism. Now the question is whether the entirety of the Democratic party will realize it. Making your first feature documentary is hard, and it's a process that you rarely get a close look at. This is why I decided to start documenting my own struggle as a filmmaker. About three years ago I started working on my debut feature doc called The Pearl Of Africa. Making it seems to be impossible, which I why I decided to create a vlog about my struggle to make the film. The Pearl Of Africa is a story about love, hate and being transgender, in one of the worlds most transphobic places, Uganda. Advertisement Through the life of Ugandan trans woman Cleopatra Kambugu, who was forced to flee to Kenya after being "outed" as homosexual, in one of Uganda's major tabloids. We get a deep personal look at what it means to be transgender in Uganda. Today's electronic, silicone-skin sex robots are becoming ever more real these days and may soon be mirroring sad and even explosive human emotions. This troubling possibility is explored in a new off-Broadway production of The Good Girl produced by the Joyseekers Theatre at the 59e59 Theaters in Manhattan (February 11-28). In its fast-paced 50 minutes, Australian author Emilie Collyer's play packs a wallop---bringing together sex and violence, vulnerability and longing, tender kisses and rape. Collyer, a playwright, poet, and short story writer, won the Melbourne Fringe Best Emerging Writer Award in 2013 when the play was presented as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival. But what gives the play punch is less the writing but the ferocity of the performances. The Good Girl is set in an urban brothel of the future where Anjali (played with wit and intensity by Leah Gabriel) is a madam supervising a robo-prostitute whose orgasmic cries we sometimes hear coming from an off-stage bedroom (voiced by actress Tamara Sevunts). The play's second character, Ven (Giacomo Baessato) is the robot's maintenance man whose power tool is a drill (and the play also has plenty of jokes about his bodily tool). Ven comes to fix the sexbot that is malfunctioning---she cries, which she's not supposed to do--but the robot's emotions turn out to be a projection of Anjali's own responses to a television program about children with disabilities. The play is partially a cautionary tale about the dangerous technologies we create, but the real focus is on the very raw feelings and dueling relationship between the characters, and the brutal wishes of the robot's clients. Advertisement Much of the play is a wary sexual dance between Anjali and Ven---they come closer, then tensely break away. At first she looks like an ideal mother-figure to him---she's making a cake, she lets him lick chocolate batter from the mixer. When they briefly relax with a diverting computer program, he fleetingly looks like the perfect man to her --a "poet-carpenter," a mechanic social-worker, a gourmet-chef--and he admires her "flashing eyes and raging beauty." Soon, though, they discover the roiling rages they each have within them. In many sci-fi tales about men with robot women (think The Stepford Wives), the men like facsimile females because they are soothing, compliant creatures who fulfill all their desires. But some men also want more than mere pleasure dolls. As Ven tells tells Anjali in The Good Girl, "regular, ordinary guys" who used to be happy with women who were submissive and sweet now find that boring and "want something more. Terror. Or anger. Desperation. Rape." There is a male client who will pay good money to have the robot all to himself for six months, and wants to escalate her reactions so that they engage in possessiveness, jealousy, paranoia, and rage---"like relationships used to be." To make the robot feel real terror, Anjali herself will have to feel it too. He also has special request for the robot to be a throwback to an earlier female stereotype---"a nagging domestic housewife" who has some of Anjali's own pickiness. Under pressure from emporiums that are selling cheap copies of robots, Anjali goes along with the plan, with terrible consequences. Advertisement Collyer's world of human relationships is a complicated one--full of ambivalence, with the longings for closeness and the tensions that tear people apart. The robot herself learns from these very human feelings that lay smoldering beneath the surface. The play's writing is not flawless--some ideas are muddled, some sequences are more incoherent than surreal ---but Adam Fitzgerald's fast-paced direction and the high-key acting keep the audience riveted. I have known Harper Lee for a long time. OK, truth be told, I didn't really know her; I got to photograph her twice. It is no secret that Harper Lee despised attention including writers and photographers, but this writing is not about photographing the literary giant. It is also not about what her groundbreaking novel evoked in us including insight into racism and equality and dignity and the ultimate human condition. Nor it is about her reclusive life in Monroeville, a town known the world over. On many occasions journalists from all corners of this planet have descended on the sleepy Alabama city to chronicle her life. (Sleepy Alabama is responsible for introducing the term, "Meat and Three," the world. The first time I heard it, I just told the waitress, "It will just be me") Advertisement This writing is about that one line in To Kill a Mocking Bird that made me stop reading, put the book down, close my eyes, and increase my awareness of the Oxygen molecules entering my body: "Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing." Something else caused me to do the same. I almost lost my life in 1992 due to a ruptured aneurism in the brain. I miraculasly survived what kills over 90 percent of people. Now every breath is a gift. Why do things become precious only after we confront the thought of losing them? What about our homes? Our cars? Our jobs? Our spouses? Our cats and dogs and gold fish? My 24 year-old-son, Zade, lost his gold fish (Lovey), when he was seven. You would have thought the Pope had died. And yes, there was a funeral and a burial, along with trips all over town for a gold fish that looked the same. (As if they were different looking. To Zade, they were.) What if we were afraid of losing our lives? Would we live a little fuller? Would we love a little deeper? And would we inhale with a little more awareness of those tiny atoms we can't even explain? Advertisement Would we kiss our spouses a little longer, and go to sleep with our hand on their heart? Would we look at our kids walking off to school and thank the heavens they are in our lives? Would we walk into our jobs with all of its stresses, and smile at our coworkers like it's our first day? Would we take a bite of that sandwich like grilled cheese hasn't been invented yet? Would we live every day like it's our last? Would we squeeze the nectar out of every minute of every day, the sweet nectar that makes you drunk on life's sensational beauty, seductive allure, and overwhelming magic? Thank you Harper Lee for making us realize that life is worth living. In light of Harper Lee's recent passing on February the 19, I wish to share a little about her, through the eyes of my maternal Grandmother. My Grandma, Louise Townsend (1926 - 2009), went to school with Harper Lee. They both went to the University of Alabama, in Tuscaloosa. Grandma Louise majored in English with a minor in French Studies; she was also a Crimson Tide fan, yet that's neither here nor there! Grandma Louise graduated from The University of Alabama in 1947, which is the same year that Harper Lee graduated. Once while relaxing with Grandma at her home, we looked through her old college yearbook together. "That's Harper Lee!" she exclaimed a few times. I could hear the pride in her voice. At the time (I'm embarrassed to admit), I had no idea who Harper Lee was. To be fair, I was about thirteen years young. So I asked who she was; Grandma told me that Harper was a famous author, the creator of the American Classic To Kill a Mockingbird. "She's a Pulitzer-Prize winning writer!" I reasoned that that sounded significant, so I pressed further. "What was she like?" Grandma described a witty woman who contributed to their school newspaper, and its humor 'zine, the Rammer Jammer. Grandma said that Harper went on to edit the Rammer Jammer, and that people thought that she had a great sense of humor. I inquired more, intuiting that this person was really something. A perplexed look danced across Grandma's face. "I just don't get it. She was smart, but she was our class clown. One of the main things that I recall was that she'd bum cigarettes off of me. I'd share cigs with her at parties!" I laughed. "Grandma! You know that that's not good for you." My Grandma grinned. "We didn't know then." "What else, Grandma?" She paused, reviewing memories. "I remember Harper putting her feet up on her desk, and cracking jokes. She was a goofball. We were all surprised when such a serious book came out of her...." I grinned back at Grandma, and quipped, "Don't judge a book by its cover." Advertisement Two weeks ago now I found myself once again at my church's Ash Wednesday service. On that February 10, I am looking out at the congregation of over 80 people sitting in the beautiful stone chapel. Unlike the others, I'm seated on the altar in the choir stalls alongside the other musicians. For us, this feels like any routine performance at church -- several hymns, music for the imposition of ashes, the prelude and the postlude. It is easy to lose the meaning of this peculiar Lenten observance in the ordinariness: The service is opened with a welcome, and worship leaders soon pray and read from the books of Joel, 2 Corinthians, and Matthew. It seems like any other regular Sunday morning, except for the altar swathed in purple, the color of penitence and waiting. Yet the deeper meaning becomes apparent as we are asked to confess our sins, and my pastor delivers her homily on "giving up" and "taking on" during this season. Like so many modern Christians, I come from a background of multiple denominations -- "half" Lutheran, "half" Catholic, partially raised in a Congregational (UCC) church, and currently attending a Presbyterian one. Following my mother's traditions, I still give up something for Lent, fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and refrain from eating meat on Fridays (instead having fish, once the humble fare of the poor). Catholics and some other denominations fast every Friday of Lent, not eating their light dinner until after sundown. Although not all denominations follow these stricter practices, all do recognize Lent as a time of somber reflection, penitence, and preparation for the coming resurrection. Advertisement But why? Trying to answer this question, I found myself in the respective offices of Case Western Reserve University professors, Dr. Jonathan Tan and Dr. Joy Bostic. Dr. Tan has an academic focus in the Christianity of East Asia, particularly in China, and worldwide Catholicism. He sits behind his cluttered desk, surrounded by a seeming library of books -- taking out more than eight in the course of answering my questions, the references stacking up into a kind of ancient ruin. Dr. Bostic, on the other hand, has a simpler office, the decorations and art reflecting her academic focus on women and African Americans in Christianity. She speaks with a soft and calming voice as she patiently explains to me about this uniquely-Christian practice. In the early Church (2nd-4th cent.), sin was not a private straying from the will of God, but a public one, additionally going against the Christian community and all that it stood for. For this reason, penance was an act of public shaming, in which the sinner was excommunicated from the church and barred from communion. In order to be welcomed back, the sinner had to undergo a period of penance, during which one fasted, prayed, and wore sackcloth and ashes (a kind of all-purpose scarlet letter). The clothing of oneself in sackcloth and ashes is an ancient Hebrew tradition, symbolizing sorrow, mourning, and mortality. There are numerous instances of it in the Old Testament, most notably in the book of Jonah (wherein the whole city of Ninevah, from the king to the lowest beggar, don these habits of mourning and penance in order to regain the favor of God). The forty days of Lent -- a symbol of Jesus' forty days in the desert, and the Israelites' forty years of wandering in the desert -- was a time of preparation for baptism. The period of penance lasted from Ash Wednesday to Maundy Thursday, and new believers were welcomed into the church on Good Friday before Easter. Advertisement This practice of public penance, however, was so severe that many were too afraid to be baptized until their death beds. Over time, the practice was phased out and simplified into the symbolic ritual of Ash Wednesday, which first appeared in the Gelasian Sacramentary (7th or mid-8th cent.) You are dust, and to dust you shall return. The murmurings of the pastor pierces a silence that exists outside of the musicians' rendition of "The Glory of These Forty Days," and "What Wondrous Love is This." And then a true silence exists as the the last chord rings, and the two women turn to place the ashes on one another and then on us musicians: "Repent, and believe in the gospel" she says to me. "Amen," I whisper. As the congregation later files out of the sanctuary to fellowship and a light meal, conversation once again turns to the subjects of ordinary life. Although later we'll go home and wash the ashen cross off our foreheads (some sooner than others), we have been marked. Our beliefs of repentance, mercy, and the path of Christ have been drawn on our foreheads to remind us "whose we are." Yet whether it was intended to or not, the ash also marks us out as different; in the words of Dr. Bostic, it implicitly and explicitly points to our identity as Christians. As all of us begin to leave the church, we will face others who do not wear or are unfamiliar with the black cross-shaped smudge. But the world has changed. The ashen cross on our foreheads is no longer a symbol of public shame, or of our Christian beliefs alone. As ugly as it seems, as uncomfortable as answering questions may be, it is has become something that is part of who we are. It is a symbol and testimony to a collective identity. An identity we should not be afraid to be a part of. As anyone who follows my social media knows, I support Hillary Clinton for president. I also like Bernie Sanders... his unabashed liberalism, his candor and his wild enthusiasm for making America that beacon on the hill, resonate with me as it does with many in my generation. But the Democratic establishment bashing I hear in his speeches is just plain wrong-headed. The way he spits the words "We're taking on the democratic establishment" suggests a cabal of faux liberal stuffed shirts sipping wine in rooms with many leather bound books that smell of rich mahogany while the progressive agenda burns around them. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Over the last 20 years, the GOP has waged a very well-vunded, highly disciplined and inflexibly dogmatic campaign to undo many of the bedrock new deal, square deal, great society, and environmental victories our predecessors secured for the American people. Thanks to the efforts of policy experts, campaign operatives, fundraisers, media spokespersons and even politicians who are collectively known as the Democratic establishment, we've seen these crucial legal protections not simply defended from these attacks, but expanded! Advertisement Across the nation today, women in our union are rising to enthusiastically support a candidate for president of the United States who is the most qualified, the best prepared and the fiercest defender of Americas families. Hillary Clintons campaign has served to mobilize so many of my sisters along the campaign trail, and their enthusiasm and commitment fills me with enormous optimism for what we can achieve. She is committed to helping Americas families raise wages and improve benefits, to fix the student loan debt and, finally, to gain equal pay for equal work. Many of them were out knocking on doors during the Presidents Day weekend, including in Nevada, ahead of the Democratic caucuses where Secretary Clinton won 53 percent of the vote. They are motivated because they know she will strengthen our families and our communities, defending critically needed public services. Advertisement We want to make sure our members know how to participate in the process, and where to go, said Sonja Whitten, a Nevada Department of Welfare and Social Services employee and vice president of AFSCME Local 4041. She and other volunteers were educating members about how Secretary Clinton has championed working families and will fight for public services and the workers who deliver them. That message came through loud and clear in Iowa, where Secretary Clinton won union households 52-43 over Sen. Bernie Sanders, with 21 percent of caucus goers coming from union households. This is how we know we can make a difference. Not only do union members vote in higher proportion the rest of the electorate, they also work hard to get out the vote among colleagues, family, friends. Because of the hard work on the ground by active and retired AFSCME activists like Jessie Vroegh and Susan Rowe, we were able to knock on more than 8,000 doors, engage in more than 11,000 one-on-one conversations with members, and put in more than 1,000 volunteer shifts for the campaign during our Get-Out-To-Caucus program. We talked with members about Hillarys personal story, of substantive success on policy issues that affect so many Americans, Vroegh said, about how she was the first to work on a real plan for health care reform, and then how she created the Childrens Health Insurance Program. She will listen to us that was a big part of our message to members. Advertisement Secretary Clintons commitment to working families and to worker rights was on display during the Democratic debate Feb. 11. Speaking in Wisconsin, she took the opportunity to criticize anti-worker Gov. Scott Walker for slashing education funding and worker rights. Weve got to stand up for unions, for working people who built the middle class, and who are being attacked by ideologues, she said. The next day, she doubled-down on her support for union workers in an opinion piece in Medium, pledging to fight for higher wages and better jobs for American workers. The American labor movement knows how to get it done: by organizing, she wrote. We see it all the time when working people join together and bargain collectively, wages go up and families are better off. It is this concern for American families a lifelong mission going back to her days working for the Childrens Defense Fund and reflected in her 1996 book, It Takes a Village that inspires women to rally behind her. Laura Leavitt, who retired from Nevadas Early Intervention Services, assisting children with special needs, thanked Hillary for her work helping children when she met the then-senator from New York in 2008. Senator Clinton said, No, thank you! Youre making a difference in their lives, Leavitt recalls. It was so gratifying. I think she will be a great President. Advertisement Did you know the women below are military spouses? I can guess it probably wasn't the first thing that came to mind. Kate Middleton is arguably the world's most famous military spouse. We are captured by her grace and beauty and let's not forget her seemingly fairytale life as a Royal. Queen Rania of Jordan is another military spouse who has touched the world with her compassion and commitment to children and family. These military spouses are true leaders with a global platform that comes with being a Royal. But military spouses don't need a title to garner a global platform because military spouses are leaders themselves. You might not know it but these incredible Americans are military spouses too. Sandra Day O'Connor Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Like all military spouses she went where the military sent her spouse! During WWII she ended up moving to Frankfurt, Germany and worked as a civilian attorney. After returning, she pursued private practice, raised her family, accepted appointments, embarked on a political career and was appointed to the Arizona State Supreme Court, which launched her to the U.S. Supreme Court. Judge Patricia Ann Millett Judge Millett was appointed to the United States Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit by President Obama in 2013 and is rumored to be one of the potential Supreme Court Justice nominees. Judge Millett has an incredible resume from graduating at the top of her class from Harvard Law School to arguing 32 cases before the Supreme Court. Judge Millett is also a military spouse having endured the same hardships of deployment even while she was arguing before the Supreme Court! Judge Millett is an impeccable example of drive, determination and true leadership. Advertisement Senator Kelly Ayotte Senator Ayotte, of New Hampshire, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010. Prior to becoming a U.S. Senator, she was New Hampshire's first female Attorney General and a former prosecutor. Senator Ayotte is a military spouse and uses her national platform to provide veterans with better healthcare and ensures our national security is our highest priority. In addition, when it comes to international affairs she is one of the top Republican leaders. The U.S. Senate only has 20 women Senators currently serving. It is impressive but not unexpected that one of those women leaders is a military spouse. Cindy McCain Cindy McCain is Chairwoman of the Board of Hensley & Company. Cindy has a Master of Arts in Special Education from USC and beyond her duties at Hensley & Company she has dedicated much of her time to programs and initiatives helping children around the world. An avid philanthropist, she also leads humanitarian initiatives with special attention to the serious sex trafficking epidemic. Cindy's leadership style is certainly something military spouses can identify with, tackling issues head-on and quietly leading by example. In the week before Valentines Day, United Technologies expressed its love for its devoted Indiana employees, workers whose labor had kept the corporation profitable, by informing 2,100 of them at two facilities that it was shipping their factories, their jobs, their communities resources to Mexico. A few workers shouted obscenities at the corporate official. Some walked out. Others openly wept as United Technologies shattered their hopes, their dreams, their means to pay middle-class mortgages. Three days later, 1,336 workers at Philadelphias largest remaining manufacturer, Cardone, learned that company planned to throw them out too and build brake calipers in Mexico instead. Two weeks earlier, a Grand Rapids, Mich., company called Dematic did the same thing to its 300 workers. Advertisement No surprise. In the first decade of this century, America lost 56,190 factories, 15 a day. Republican presidential candidates talk incessantly of building a physical wall to keep impoverished Mexican immigrants out of America. What they fail to offer is an economic barrier to prevent the likes of United Technologies and Cardone and Dematic from impoverishing American workers by exporting their jobs to Mexico. The president of Carrier, owned by United Technologies, gathered the Indianapolis factory employees, skilled workers who earn an average of $20 an hour, and informed them that the corporation planned to kick them to the curb but expected them to perform to the highest standards until Carrier opened a new plant in Monterrey, Mexico, where workers will be paid $3 an hour. Carrier President Chris Nelson told the group, This was an extremely difficult decision. Such difficulties for poor, poor United Technologies! It was making a nice profit at its Indianapolis and Huntington factories. But it was not the big fat profit it could pocket by paying Mexican workers a mere $3 an hour, providing $3 an hour in health or pension benefits, and doing it all in the nation with the longest work weeks among the 36 countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. It would be extremely difficult for United Technologies to abandon Indiana after the corporation grabbed $530,000 from the pockets of hard-working Hoosiers over the past nine years as the states economic development agency forked over taxpayer cash to the corporation. Advertisement It would be even more difficult to turn its back on America considering that United Technologies grabbed $121 million from a federal tax credit program established specifically to ensure that green manufacturing jobs remained in the United States. Carrier took $5.1 million of those tax credits in 2013. This is strictly a business decision, Nelson told the jeering workers. It wasnt because of anything they had done. It was just that Mexico allows corporations to exploit its people in ways that America does not. Its minimum wage is 58 cents an hour, while the United States requires at least $7.25. For now, at least. Some GOP president candidates (Donald Trump) have said they think thats too high. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) ensnared Mexican and American workers in a race to the bottom. And the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a free trade deal among 12 countries instead of just three, would place American and Mexican workers in an even worse competition. Theyd vie for jobs with forced and child labor in places like Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam. Under NAFTA, cheap American grain shipped to Mexico without tariffs destroyed peasant farming. And that prompted migration north. Meanwhile, American factories saw desperate Mexicans willing to work for a pittance, a government unwilling to pass or enforce environmental laws, and because of NAFTA, no tariffs when the goods were shipped back to the United States. That propelled factory migration south. Advertisement Before NAFTA, the United States had a small trade surplus with Mexico. That disappeared within a year, and now the annual trade deficit is approximately $50 billion. Though it has been 22 years since NAFTA took effect, a report issued last week by the AFL-CIO says, Labor abuses in many cases are worse now than before NAFTA. . . In short, NAFTA has contributed to labor abuses, not improvements. The report says the Mexican government fails to enforce labor laws and refuses to ensure that workers can form independent labor unions to try to protect their own rights. In fact, the report says, The human and labor rights situation in Mexico is rapidly deteriorating. As a result, workers are powerless and completely at the mercy of corporations. So corporations like United Technologies can pay them $3 an hour and get away with it. This is not good for Mexican workers. And its not good for American workers. The AFL-CIO report makes it clear that the TPP would worsen the situation because it would give corporations like United Technologies the option of moving to places like Vietnam where they could pay trafficked workers and child laborers $1 an hour. Or less. Advertisement Just like with NAFTA, theres nothing enforceable in the TPP that would stop the labor abuses. It would facilitate corporations forcing workers from Indianapolis, Philadelphia and Monterrey, Mexico, into competition with 14-year-olds laboring 60-hour-weeks for $1-an-hour in Malaysia. Just like United Technologies, these corporate CEOs would say it was strictly business to offshore American mills, industry that had served as city centers for decades, even centuries, factories so synonymous with towns that the communities took their names like Ambridge (American Bridge) and Hershey, which, by the way, laid off workers at its Pennsylvania home in 2007 and opened a chocolate plant in Monterrey, Mexico. The AFL-CIO investigation of the TPP determined that it would do nothing more than increase corporate profits while sticking workers in the United States and elsewhere with lost jobs, lower wages and repressed rights. For 22 years NAFTA has destroyed subsistence farming in Mexico and good, middle class factory jobs in the United States. Maybe corporations have made out like bandits. But the banditry should be stopped for the heartache it has caused on both sides of the border. As Carrier President Nelson told the Indianapolis workers, members of my union, the United Steelworkers, that he was taking their jobs from them so that shareholders and corporate executives could make a few extra bucks, the workers protested. Nelson kept saying, Quiet down. Lets quiet down. Advertisement John T. Conway, who died on Feb. 12 at the age of 92, was a force. And he triumphed in many things -- as a Navy engineer, an FBI special agent, an attorney, a congressional staffer, a presidential appointee, a utility executive, a husband and a father. I am glad to say that John was my friend, and that I was the beneficiary of his joy and generosity. I knew him for more than 40 years. And I knew him to be a man for whom everything was an adventure. He sought it and it sought him. If you were lucky enough to know John, you were swept along in his adventure. I was swept along in the corridors of the Capitol, which he knew inside out from his days as a staffer on the storied Joint Committee on Atomic Energy. I was swept along in the labyrinth of offices at Consolidated Edison Company in New York, when he was executive assistant to the chairman. I was swept along into the arcane and essential work of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, when he became its first chairman, appointed by President George H.W. Bush, in 1989. Advertisement And I was swept along on K Street in Washington, when John was headed for a favorite watering hole. He was an Irishman from New York, where his father was a policeman for 30 years. John was Irish in the best sense of that: He enjoyed a drink and loved the companionship that went with it. John was a raconteur who took time to ask questions. You always felt he knew a lot more than you did -- and this was for the simple reason that he did. An evening in his company was a time to laugh, but also a time to learn. A 42-page interview that FBI historians conducted with John in 2009, as part of an oral history of the agency, can be found online. In this remarkable document, John discusses his attempts to see active duty in World War II and his extraordinary career at the FBI. John had told me a lot about his life as an FBI special agent, including how close he had come to turning a Soviet spy. He said he felt cheated not to have closed the deal. Advertisement He was both an engineer and an attorney - with degrees from Tufts University and Columbia University School of Law -- so he was well-suited to the nuclear business in Washington. From the 1950s, the nuclear world was populated with giants. John stood tall even among that august company. He joined the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy in 1958 as an assistant staff director, and became its executive director in 1968. It was the only joint committee of Congress that has ever had the power to introduce legislation -- and as such, it was something of a law unto itself. It had very private offices in the Capitol, accessed by a discreet elevator that was almost under the dome. All the committee members were there because of their devotion to nuclear energy. They sought their assignments because they believed in nuclear energy for defense, electricity generation and medicine. Democrat and Republican were as one where nuclear was concerned. The chairmanship switched between the House and Senate every two years, but the committee's policy of collective aims never varied. Many of its members were national figures such as Sen. Henry "Scoop" Jackson (D-Wash.), Sen. John Pastore (D-R.I.), Sen. Clinton Anderson (D-N.M.), and John Anderson (R-Ill.), who ran for president as an Independent. Because of the secrecy which surrounded it and the depth of knowledge among its members, Congress was usually swayed by the committee. In short, it got what it wanted. Making sure that happened was John Conway. As executive director, his influence in Congress and in its vassal agency, the Atomic Energy Commission, was considerable. He was at the right hand of members during an expansion of nuclear power and in dangerous days of the Cold War. He circled the globe as the quiet man who smoothed things out -- some critical, as in Moscow with Sen. Jackson, or in Rome with Sen. Pastore. Advertisement When Pastore was chairman of the committee, he took John with him on a trip to Rome. Now Pastore was a short man, and John was a tall, raw-boned one. They traveled together at a time when Europe was littered with what were called "counterpart funds." This was local currency that had accumulated in U.S. embassies in payments, but could not be repatriated and converted into dollars. At the U.S. Embassy in Rome, John was given a big roll of lira -- a common practice at that time when congressmen visited European countries. With the roll in his jacket pocket, John accompanied Pastore for an audience with the Pope. Pastore was a devout Catholic, and John told me he thought this was the highest point of the senator's life. The audience began in curtained room in the Vatican, and involved Pastore, John, the Pope and his aide. Before they left the room, the Pope handed a glass-and-metal crucifix to Pastore, who clutched it to his chest, profoundly moved. Then the Pope indicated that he and Pastore should go to another room where, presumably, the senator received a papal blessing. John and Pope's aide stood looking at each other in the curtained room. He was so grateful for his boss's audience with the Pope and the gift of the crucifix that he felt some reciprocation was needed. Having brought no presents, John handed the Pope's aide the roll of lira. Then the aide, who thought this generosity required major reciprocity, threw back the room's curtain to reveal a great tub of identical crucifixes. He grabbed a bunch and handed them to John. Big problem. If Pastore had found out that they were given to all, he would be devastated. And if John declined the offer, there might be an international incident. So he stuffed them into his shirt and crossed his arms over his chest to keep them from clinking. Advertisement Soon, John was reunited with Pastore. The two left the Vatican -- with John suffering painful pricking from his burden. When they were back on a Roman street and Pastore was distracted, John unloaded his burden into a trash can. "Ask John. He will know what to do," they used to say all over Washington. And he always did. ALEPPO, SYRIA - DECEMBER 4: Smoke rises after the war crafts belonging to the Russian Army bombed the semi-trailer trucks which were carrying humanitarian aid in the Kafr Nasih region in northern Aleppo, Syria on December 4, 2015. (Photo by Beha el Halebi/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) GENEVA -- The humanitarian crisis in Syria has gone on so long and is so devastating in its social impact -- with a huge migration, some direct and some coming from people in the existing camps in the countries surrounding Syria -- that we can lose sight of the military dangers that are now threatening the Middle East. It has long been feared in NATO that the Syrian crisis would spill over into a wider war, but that moment is closer now than it has ever been before. Any serious analysis of the start of the First and Second World Wars reveals that a lack of clarity of intention is extremely dangerous. Advertisement At least there is an ongoing dialogue between Secretary of State John Kerry and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. And, of course, it is possible that words have been spoken between these two and/or between President Obama and President Putin that has made the position of the respective parties clearer than might appear. The time has come, however, given that cease-fire after cease-fire has been broken, for a very clear statement from NATO's secretary general regarding its position and not left any longer to just bilateral exchanges between the U.S. and Russia. We can all hope that the latest cease-fire, which goes into effect on Saturday, holds. But more clarity is needed. Kerry, left, and Lavrov in Zurich on Jan. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool) Since Russia first commenced airstrikes over Syria on Sept. 30, the situation on the ground has changed dramatically. It is easy to forget that Russia was responding to a request from Syrian President Bashar Assad to help keep open vital road connections between Damascus and the Mediterranean that were threatened by fighting. As seen from the Russian viewpoint, responding to that request was legitimate, since Russia has had, at the invitation of the Syrian government, naval bases in Syrian territory for over 45 years. It has to be recognized that other permanent members of the U.N. Security Council have responded to such requests from other countries in the past, claiming their military interventions were legitimate. The Russians made clear that they were also coming in to help deal with the threat of the so-called Islamic State in Syria. It soon became apparent, however, that the Russian targeting strategy was less concerned with ISIS than tilting the balance of the civil war in favor of Assad and that Russian forces are now using tanks to target rebel strongholds in and around Aleppo. Saudi Arabia has now moved fighter jets to Turkey with the aim of carrying out strikes inside Syria and has agreed to deploy special forces coming into Syria via Turkey. Advertisement Turkey is making it clearer by the day that it may feel it necessary to move from shelling mainly Kurdish positions inside Syria to moving troops and tanks into Syria. Meanwhile, concerns are being raised about Turkey invoking Article 5 of the NATO treaty, if Turkish forces were to be attacked by Russia or Syria. A Syrian walks past the rubbles of damaged buildings after the Russian airstrikes in Aleppo, Syria on Feb. 18, 2016. (Ibrahim Ebu Leys/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) NATO has every right to advise caution on Turkey, its fellow NATO member. But in these circumstances, following the Russian intervention -- now that its full nature is revealed -- it is very hard to argue that that it is not unreasonable for both Saudi Arabia and Turkey to contemplate such action. NATO needs to establish two clear positions: That it will not become embroiled as an alliance in fighting on the ground in Syria. It will, however, respond to any attack that threatens the territorial integrity of Turkey. Without clarity on these two issues, it seems there is a real danger of a military spillover. It may be that nothing can prevent a regional war. For the last few years, I have been arguing that no acceptable settlement is possible on the basis of a unified country without passing through a stage of geographical separation where cease-fires have a chance of holding. Advertisement It is much harder to get separation now -- some may say impossible -- unless imposed by Turkey and Saudi Arabia and possibly Jordan as well as Assad and Russia. Better that temporary solution than a fight to the end that we are very close to seeing. Kerry and Lavrov should look again, as joint chairmen of the Vienna peace process, at geographical separation -- a tried and proven technique of bringing wars to an end and allowing time for an eventual stable peace within a unified country. LISTEN HERE: By Mark Green Ron Reagan and Ron Christie debate a week of huge news -- will the Nevada and South Carolina contests lead to a Clinton-Trump showdown that'd determine control of two branches of government? By refusing to consider any nominee this year, is the Senate GOP treating Obama as "three-fifths of a president?" And is Scalia's legacy "colossal"(GWill) or, "Like the confederate flag, a venerated relic," (MGreen)? The GOP Race. Listening to the GOP presidential debates is like a screening of a literal "Liars Poker" given how leading candidates are shouting "liar, liar," mostly at Cruz. Q: Who came up with the GOP "11th Commandment" that Republicans shouldn't speak ill of their competitors? Ron Reagan cops to the fact that it was indeed his father "because he thought it a bad idea to give ammunition to Democrats in a general election and personally was not comfortable with that approach. Clearly, today's Republican candidates didn't get that memo and sharply contrast with the Democrats' debates." Ron Christie too laments this spectacle. "They should tell us what they're FOR rather than provide sound-bite after sound-bite to help Hillary or Bernie this Fall." Ok, that's nice, but what do you do as if a candidate and your opponent is a "sociopathic liar?" Christie sticks to his guns and suggests they do as [his friend] Kasich does, say you're not going to dignify their charges and get back to policy. [Host: How's Kasich doing again?] Advertisement He's then asked the hard question for a principled Republican: Is Trump a once-in-a-century freak, or does he reflect something bad about his party? He thinks 50 percent of each, "Yes, he's a carnival barker, and a good one, but Republican voters understandably don't believe their leaders any more since they were promised various conservative things which never materialized. [End Obamacare!]" Reagan and Host are more in the camp that Trump's ascendance reflects the reality that half the GOP base is fringy and, well, a bit intolerant when it comes to racial minorities and Muslims. Host: Won't Trump become a near prohibitive favorite to win the nomination if it becomes a three-person contest and neither Rubio nor Cruz exit the race before Super Tues/SEC primaries in 10 days? And why would either quit since each thinks he was destined to be president from in utero and each probably loathes the other more than they dislike Hillary? Neither disagrees with that analysis though Reagan provocatively asks, "Does anyone think that Trump actually wants to be president of the United States?" At this point, yeah! Reagan argues instead that it's all about the attention and his brand. (Maybe at the start, but now? Be careful what you wish for...) The Democratic Race. Ok, it's clear the contest involves two progressive candidates (one more so), though temperamentally it's inspiration versus perspiration - a heart-felt idealist versus a deeply experienced pragmatist. In that context and before the Democrats' South Carolina primary contest next week -- when half the votes with be from African-Americas -- what does our panel think of Clinton's sharp language chiding Sanders for saying that Obama was "weak" and a "disappointment"? Christie: "speaking obviously as the black panelist, I think that it's disgusting to see the Democrats pandering to one ethnic group rather than on general policies. With Hillary all I hear is 'I'm a woman, hear me roar' and a sense of entitlement for a coronation." Both Rons agree that Sanders is not an ideal candidate personally -- sorta old and grumpy -- but "running with the clarity of a message that's resonating." Advertisement Host: Yes great message, with Pew poll showing 63 percent of all Americans, including majority of Republicans, agreeing that the economy and elections are rigged by special interests, but he questions Christie on Hillary's so-called "coronation." "She might have shown some of that in 2008 but not this round. She's working her tail off. And for those belittling her as a unethical phony, if a martian landed knowing nothing but how she presents herself in town hall meetings, they'd conclude she was a candidate who was smart, poised, versed and ready to be commander-in-chief." Predictions: Each thinks that in a hypothetical Trump-Clinton, there's a 90 percent chance Clinton wins by a margin approaching 10 points. (Unasked was a Rubio-Sanders contest, which Republican leaders to a person hope is the case.) A Supreme Test for Congress and the Court. So who's right on choosing Scalia successor -- McConnell-Grassley saying let voters decide by electing the next President or Obama-Sandra Day O'Connor thinking that it's this President's and Senate's obligation? Reagan says the Constitution and precedent are clear since all six nominees in the past century who were considered in the last year of a presidential term got a vote in the Senate, including his father's nominee, Anthony Kennedy. "How can the Senate refuse to even consider Appeals Court judge Svi Srinivasan who was unanimously confirmed by the Senate only a few years ago?" Christie, on the other hand, points out the hypocrisy of Senators Obama, Schumer, Biden urging a filibuster of Samuel Alito yet now insisting on President Obama nominating someone who's then voted on. Putting aside that they objected to a specific person named Alito versus an entire party today objecting to anyone named by a two-term president and even if x,y,z were hypocrites, that doesn't answer the question of whether this Senate should or will consider a nomination. Christie then urges that "the American people should decide by electing a new president this year rather than by a lame duck president going out the door." Advertisement Ron Reagan then wonders why Obama is chopped liver since he's twice won the office and still is the president. We then have a spirited conversation about why the Republican Senate, according to a 61-year-old black woman quoted in the New York Times, is in effect "treating him as three fifths of a president." Whoa. The Apple of their Ire. When Clinton and Sanders were asked where they stood on the battle between federal prosecutors asking Apple to help de-encrypt the San Bernardino killers' cell phone and Apple. The candidates firmly agreed with both since privacy and security were paramount. Photo: Charles Todd Who is Charles Todd? If you aren't familiar with "his" many previous novels, you might be surprised to learn Charles Todd is the mother-and-son writing team of Charles and Caroline Todd. Caroline has a BA in English Literature and History, as well as a Master's degree in International Relations. Charles has a BA in Communications Studies, and a culinary arts degree. No Shred of Evidence, the 18th Inspector Ian Rutledge mystery, takes place on the north coast of Cornwall, where four young women are boating on the River Camel. They see a young man on another boat that appears to be sinking. While making a valiant effort to save him, he's struck on the head by an oar. An eyewitness, a local farmer, accuses the women of attempted murder. Ian Rutledge is called in to review the case. Since the victim is in a coma, there's no one to refute the eyewitness's account. Rutledge must deal with competing forces in trying to determine if the women tried to hurt the young man, and what may have motivated them. Other complications arise, and very little is what it seemed to be as the investigation reveals long buried issues and likely motivations. Advertisement Ian Rutledge suffers from "shell shock" due to an incident that occurred during World War I. Will you tell our readers about that? Caroline: During the Great War, while on the battlefield, Rutledge had to execute a young man, Hamish MacLeod, for refusing to obey an order. This necessary but drastic measure permanently scarred Ian. Today, we'd say he suffered from PTSD; but at that time, it was referred to as "shell shock". Wartime events leave their marks on so many people. Rutledge carried his wound with him from combat to Scotland Yard. Of course, his scars were psychological. Rutledge is an interesting character, and Hamish plays an important role in all the books because his execution haunts the Inspector. And, the reader knows what's going on in Ian's subconscious. Charles: Hamish is not a ghost; he's an omnipresent memory in Rutledge's mind. Normally, the task of executing a soldier would have fallen to a sergeant, but in the early stages of World War I, sergeants were in short supply, having been the ones to go over the top first and to get mowed down routinely, in trench warfare. Advertisement The term "shell shock" describes the psychological disorder attributed to the effects of the explosive capacity of artillery shells on affected soldiers. We now call it PTSD, and better understand its origins encompass much more than battlefield sounds. Nonetheless, no matter what you call it, often people suffering from it feel they must hide how they feel because it's frequently seen as a sign of weakness. How has Ian Rutledge evolved over the course of this series of mystery novels? Caroline: After the war, most doctors believed men suffering from "shell shock" were unlikely to commit suicide; but they were wrong, many did. Inspector Rutledge tries his best to cope, despite the very nature of his police work which draws him into a world of many horrors, including having to kill people and search for murderers. Over the course of the series, he's learned to deal with this dichotomy. But for those women readers who are wondering about his love-life, romance will have to wait a while until he's dealt more thoroughly with these issues. Charles: Over the course of time and in the previous novels, Hamish enables the reader to gain special insight into Rutledge's thinking as he solves various crimes. Advertisement Caroline: Rutledge has been very interesting to create. We've talked to psychiatrists and psychologists who have treated people with PTSD, and learned how the disorder is often complicated by survivor's guilt. The afflicted person feels, 'I've killed so many people or have sent so many people to their deaths, why do I deserve to live?' You hear these questions from people who have served in Iraq or Vietnam and in other bloody conflicts. And of course, this issue haunts Ian Rutledge. As Americans, what made you decide to write about Ian Rutledge, an Englishman? Charles: We both love and enjoy English history. My mother exposed me to books like Treasure Island, King Arthur, among others. Over time, Caroline's interests have broadened to include the Elizabethan period. I've branched out to other eras such as the American Civil War. Caroline: So World War I was less common ground for both of us. And we felt it would be good to set the novels in England because the U.S. entered the war relatively late. Britain suffered far more than we did, socially, politically, and physically. Charles: And it was such an important historical event. Even today, we're still dealing with some of the repercussions of World War I in the Middle East. What's the process by which two people collaborate to write a novel? (Laughter) Caroline: When we started out, we were as green as could be. We tried doing the writing separately and then putting it together. It wasn't working. By the third chapter of the first book, we realized if we were going to collaborate, we both had to know everything each of us did, beginning with the research. We needed to work on the book together as it progressed. We didn't outline. We used the first scene as the jumping-off point for the story. We began working on the novel scene by scene. We would discuss each scene; write various versions of it; then select the agreed-upon very best version before moving on to the next scene. Advertisement We follow that process with each book, and of course, Rutledge and the other characters tell us who the killer is. Charles: When we first sat down to write, our motivation wasn't to create a commercially successful novel. We wanted to have fun doing something together. Both of us enjoy mysteries, so writing in that genre was very appealing; and it's been great fun sending Rutledge to places all over England which we have visited. When we write, we let the story evolve. We don't begin the process having all the answers. There's going to be very little excitement for the reader, if at the outset, we know every twist and turn the book will take. As mother and son, are there any generational problems in writing the Ian Rutledge mysteries? Caroline: I don't think so because Rutledge's era is before either of ours. We bring different perspectives to our collaboration, but it's really about what their world was like and how they felt about something. It's not about us. If we were writing contemporary fiction, our generational differences might make it more difficult. Charles: I agree. Because we are writing about a different time, there are no generational differences between us. Advertisement What's coming next from Charles Todd? Caroline: We've just turned in the manuscript for the next book in the Bess Crawford series, and we've begun another Ian Rutledge novel. Writing two novels a year, along with short stories, keeps up quite occupied. Congratulations on writing No Shred of Evidence, a beautifully written novel bringing a different era very much alive in a suspenseful and compelling way. "Cannabis Cures Cancer" is a seductive warcry for a growing faction of pro-pot proponents, especially when it comes to medical usage. The phrase itself is alliterative, provocative and begs curiosity even from the plant's staunchest opponents. It's also sensational, unproven and, at its core, untrue. As a longtime cannabis imbiber, activist and advocacy journalist, I've yearned to believe it, written heart wrenching articles about parents who've tried to save their children with it and heard anecdotal evidence from raw juicers to full plant extractors that they've seen it work where nothing else has. Really kicking in with Rick Simpson in 2003, who claimed to have cured his own skin cancer with cannabis oil alone and was thereafter pumping out reports of cures, charity treatments and miracles until driven out of Canada to flee the feds. This crackdown, for the most part, lent credibility in the cannabis community to Simpson's claims that full extract cannabis oil cured cancer and was scaring Big Pharma. The problem is that though there are many who've reported having been cured or seeing their tumor begin to shrink once they began rigorous cannabis treatments, their stories are overwhelmed by the number of instances where individuals end chemotherapy for the oil at a painful or crucial juncture and die within weeks or months. Their quality of life is always reportedly improved. The nausea and pain from chemo goes away, the appetite returns, words flow more easily and many have an easier and more dignified passage. These are blatant instances of failure to cure, but unparalleled successes in bringing comfort to the terminally ill. Advertisement The biggest argument extractors and activists use toward cannabis being a cure is that scientific studies show cannabis to kill certain cancerous cells. The first issue is that there are many types of cancer that manifest themselves uniquely and require different, targeted treatments. The only blanket statement that could possibly apply to cancer "in general" is that it sucks. The second issue affects the first substantially: the ethics behind human testing. The reason it's impossible for the foreseeable future to get cannabis to the human trial stages, even if Federally descheduled tomorrow, is that in the current medical community it would be absolutely unethical for a doctor to ask her patient to refuse proven treatments in lieu of unproven plant extracts. A time may come that there are enough believers and overwhelming anecdotal evidence that it would be unethical to not allow human trials. For now, though, it's not going to happen. According to cancer.gov, preclinical cannabinoid research shows antitumor effects, "including induction of cell death, inhibition of cell growth, and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis invasion and metastasis." Meaning that it has been shown to have spectacular abilities, like cutting off the blood flow nourishing a tumor, keeping a tumor from spreading and killing off mutated cells. In petri dishes and mice. So is, "Cannabis has shown the potential to fight certain cancers and tumors," a better argument? Yes, but only with massively important caveats, like keep going to the doctor and take the Western medicine shaming down a few notches. Dr. Lester Grinspoon, Associate Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of the first credible books to explore the safety then efficacy of cannabis, said this, "I think the day will come when it or some cannabinoid derivatives will be demonstrated to have cancer curative powers, but in the meantime, we must be very cautious about what we promise these patients." Advertisement Cancer rears its destructive head in many forms and locations. The allopathic oncology already developed and tested against specific varieties has saved lives. Their uses and success rates can be quantified. Now, as an adjunct to traditional therapy, I say yes, most definitely add cannabis to your treatment plan. Let it knock out chemo/radiation side effects, ease the mind, bring back smiles, appetites, appreciations and uplifted moods. Pump yourself or loved one full of concentrated cannabis oil (tested and toxin free) and do keep hope that it will slow or stop the gripping disease. Just don't stop seeing your doctor. Listening to doctors of oncology when life is at stake should be your first and ongoing defense. There is no way to definitively say at this point which cannabinoids, dosages, strain combinations or frequencies of administration are needed to abandon known medicines. We can't even say it's a real possibility. I'd love to see painful, good/bad cell annihilating treatments like chemotherapy become an integral part of our past, but until pot can be proven to do chemo and/or radiation's jobs better than they, ditching them purely for cannabis is simply not a good idea. Pope Francis delivers his blessing at the end of a special jubilee audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Pope Francis continues to startle and confound American observers. There was his famous "Who I am to judge" comment when asked about a gay priest. There was his encyclical Ladudato Si, that placed climate change and the environment as central concerns for Catholics. Last week, Pope Francis apparently waded into the muck and mire of American politics stating, "A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian." Now Pope Francis has also called for the worldwide abolition of the death penalty -- a call that has a rather discordant resonance especially given recent retrospectives on the life and work of the late Antonin Scalia, the most prominent Catholic in Supreme Court history and an ardent death penalty supporter. Advertisement The question is whether a new Catholic political orthodoxy is emerging -- one that is more comfortable for Democrats than Republicans. In a word, I would say "no." But that's not to day that there's nothing new or important going on when it comes to Catholics, politics and the ever surprising pontificate of Pope Francis: American Catholicism may very well be entering the global Catholic mainstream. It's true that many Catholic liberals, many of whom happen to be Democrats, have been enjoying a kind of schadenfreude when it comes to the situation confronting their conservative Catholic sisters and brothers. "The shoe is on the other foot now," some liberal Catholics say, after years of being harangued for disagreeing with the theological and policy stances of John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Instead of delivering lectures about Catholic "docility" and obedience, some Catholic conservatives are parsing Papal statements -- their relevance, authority, and claims -- in a much more nuanced way that would seem familiar to Catholic liberals who struggled with papal pronouncements in prior decades. Of course, there is also full-throated criticism of Pope Francis, even among bishops, that would have been denounced as positively unseemly if the target had been John Paul II or Benedict XVI. Advertisement Catholics -- both clergy and laity -- who ignore climate change and our environmental responsibilities, dismiss the ethical problems with the death penalty and its uneven application, and fail to acknowledge a preferential option for the poor, are all being challenged by Pope Francis. And this challenge may very well be more complex and troubling for those who place themselves right of center on the political spectrum. That much certainly seems to be true. But it's not as though American Catholic liberals are not subject to equally deep and troubling challenges. Pope Francis has certainly not softened Catholic teachings on abortion, although he does wish to bring a renewed experience of mercy to those impacted by abortion. While Pope Francis has seemed to relax rules and regulations regarding contraceptive use in the face of the Zika virus, he is doing nothing that departs from the papal precedent set Pope Paul VI when he addressed the dangers facing nuns in the Congo. And as far as contraception is concerned, Pope Francis has seemed to speak and act in a way that supported lawsuits against the HHE mandate. Pope Francis himself has also been accused of "building walls of his own" when it comes to LGBT issues. With regard to his personal religiosity, Francis has a strong devotion to Mary, deep respect for popular Catholic religiosity, and goes to confession regularly -- there's nothing particularly radical in that, unless one envisions a Catholicism that sheds much of its religious distinctiveness because it simply seems outdated or unfashionable. The Catholicism that Pope Francis articulates and embodies does not conform to the stereotypical categories of "conservative" and "liberal" in an American sense. Selectively listening to the Pope's words to fit a preconceived political program is just as bad as dismissing him entirely. If Pope Francis is changing the emphasis of issues for American Catholics, that's only because we American Catholics -- both conservative and liberal -- have not been listening carefully enough. In the constant back and forth over how to characterize Pope Francis's significance for American Catholicism, I think what comes through most strongly is how peculiar and idiosyncratic American Catholicism actually is. Advertisement I was in the Philippines a month ago and a professor at a highly-regarded Catholic university in Manila mentioned to me that America didn't seem to be very good on the "culture of life": which meant issues ranging from abortion to the death penalty onto immigration and the needs of the poor. For many Catholics outside of an American context, these issues naturally go together. If they're put together in an American context, everyone gets uncomfortable. This Wednesday, Malcolm Hoenlein, chairman of the Conference of Presidents in America, said in an interview that anti-Semitism is definitely on the rise in the U.S. What's more, a few seconds prior to mentioning rising anti-Semitism, host, Attila Somfalvi, asked him, "If you had to pick one danger for the Jewish community... what is the greatest danger for the next five years?" Hoenlein's reply was, "The first danger is internal unity--unity among the Jews, within the Jewish community, and between Israel and the Jewish communities." It is very encouraging to see that such a pivotal figure in American Jewry acknowledges unity as our foremost problem. It is far less encouraging to think of the obstacles this view must overcome before it becomes mainstream within the Jewish community, both in the U.S. and in Israel. At present, the atmosphere within the American Jewish community is fraught with mistrust and alienation, and the upcoming elections are deepening the chasm between supporters of the "Donkeys" and supporters of the "Elephants." Similar to the U.S., the political public discourse in Israel has reached new heights of animosity and virulence during the last elections, and has since refused to abate. Regrettably, for the majority of us to recognize just how crucial unity is to our survival, it seems to require more of the ingredient that normally pushes us together, namely anti-Semitism. Without Jew-hatred we would never want to unite and would continue to champion wanton capitalism and competition as though they were God's gift to humanity. It is only when the world bashes us collectively that we remember that actually we are the ones who engendered the motto, "Love your neighbor as yourself," and that we have been promised that in this lies our salvation. Advertisement It is very natural not to desire unity. When we think of it, we immediately think of the compromises and concessions we would need to make, and who wants that? But here's where we get it wrong. Consider this: If you could raise your children in such a way that they would never have to compromise and could always do what they wanted and have what they wanted, and it would still not make them spoiled rotten, would you not want it for them? This is exactly the great benefit of the special unity that the people of Israel developed through loving our neighbors as ourselves. When you feel so united that you are as one entity, then the more powerful each element in the united collective becomes, the more the collective benefits. In practical terms it means that we can and should develop our unique capabilities to the maximum, but we should do so for the sake of society instead of for ourselves. This is a concept to which every Jew is inherently inclined, and which, if implemented, unleashes unimaginable powers into society. In such an atmosphere we could truly be who we are without having to waste energy erecting defenses, since we would know that each of us contributes our unique selves to the betterment of the whole. Instead of competing, we would encourage each other to be unique, to thrive, and to excel because we would know that the gain of each of us is the gain of all of us. Advertisement This is the type of "light unto nations" we should aspire to be. It is the type of society of which British historian, Prof. Paul Johnson, wrote in A History of the Jews: "At a very early stage in their collective existence they believed they had detected a divine scheme for the human race, of which their own society was to be a pilot." In the United States, K-12 students face many challenging issues such as decaying schools, overcrowded classrooms, drugs, alcohol, pressure to get good grades, and peer acceptance. In South Dakota, students may be facing a far more dangerous condition if Governor Dennis Daugaard does not veto HB1008, a bill that promotes transgender discrimination in schools by requiring all students to use the restroom that corresponds with their birth gender. I asked Anthony Eftimeo, Chair of the Los Angeles chapter of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, to give his thoughts on the bill and the detrimental effect it could have on not just transgender youth, but the entire nation. "The anti-trans bathroom bill HB1008 that recently passed in South Dakota creates a very negative and hostile environment for transgender students. HB 1008 creates a negative and ultimately hostile school climate. A hostile school climate affects students' academic success and mental health." Advertisement Transgender students who experienced higher levels of victimization because of their gender expression were more than three times as likely to have missed school in the past month than those who experienced lower levels (58.6% vs. 18.2%). Transgender students have statistically higher levels of depression and lower levels of self-esteem. (Data from GLSEN 2013 National School Climate Survey) The passing of Bill HB1008 sends a sad and dangerous message to trans students in South Dakota. All students deserve a safe and welcoming learning environment, and having access to the restroom that matches your gender identity is mandatory. Everyone at GLSEN Los Angeles is asking South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard to veto HB 1008." **** I interviewed Kathie Moehlig, Executive Director of TransFamily Support Services in California. She gave me her thoughts on why this bill is particularly dangerous for our trans youth. "Requiring students to use the facility that corresponds with their birth gender regardless of their expressed gender identity harms all students. For example, a youth who presents as male, but was born female, would have to use the girls' restroom. Not only would the girls in the restroom feel uncomfortable having someone with an expressed male identity sharing that facility, it would constructively "out" the transgender male simply by him being in the girls' restroom. As a result, transgender students are at greater risk of harassment, bullying, and violence. Transgender students in these situations often refrain from using the facilities at all while at school, putting them at risk for urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and other medical issues. Transgender students tend to miss more school, have lower grades, and higher dropout rates. Far more serious is the suicide rates. Currently, 47% of trans youth have attempted suicide due to lack of support, so placing them in a hostile environment only increases that percentage." Kathie Moehlig was recently working with families and the administration in a situation that involved a transgender youth using facilities in a California school. As a result, she had further insights on the legality of HB1008: "Not only is HB1008 dangerous, it is illegal under federal law. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program, such as a public school, that receives federal funding. The U.S. Department of Education has issued binding guidance and there are rulings from numerous federal courts that clarify that Title IX protects students from discrimination based on their gender identity, and that it is unlawful to exclude transgender students from facilities that correspond to their gender identity." **** The passing of HB 1008 almost went under the radar of many equality and civil rights groups, with it passing the South Dakota Senate on February 16, 2016. This gave the bill four short days to be signed or vetoed by the governor. I urge Governor Daugaard to consider the negative effects this bill could have on the great state of South Dakota. HB1008 is illegal under federal law and puts the already at-risk transgender youth population at even greater risk. Surely Governor Daugaard does not want bigotry and intolerance to be his legacy. A pistol on a table. Two new gun violence prevention organizations, Prosecutors Against Gun Violence and The Consortium for Risk-Based Firearm Policy, have just produced a new report that deserves the widest possible distribution and discussion. Entitled Firearm Removal/Retrieval in Cases of Domestic Violence, the report not only highlights the degree to which gun access makes domestic violence so much more violent and deadly, but also presents case studies on removal/retrieval strategies that are currently employed in different states. Leaving aside for a moment the report's content, there is one other significant reason why this is such an important and valuable report. Because for the first time we have an approach to gun violence which brings together all the major GVP stakeholders: law enforcement, legal, prosecutorial, public health, non-profit, GVP advocacy -- I hope I'm not leaving anyone out. It's a very impressive list. Advertisement To quote the report: "Guns and domestic violence are a lethal combination." The report cites the fact that there is a five-fold increase in deaths when either person (usually a man) in a domestic dispute has access to a gun. If the report had given all the scholarly citations which exist to support this statement, we could spend lots of time scrolling down to get to the rest of the text. NRA nonsense to the contrary (see below), what happens when a gun is part of an argument between domestic partners is an indisputable fact. Guns can be taken away from persons engaged in domestic disputes either through a Court action or by law enforcement called to the scene of the dispute itself. The fact that 32 states do not have any statutes authorizing on-scene seizures of weapons is, to my mind, a remarkable failure of government to fulfill its 'compelling interest' to keep communities safe. Because no matter how strong or effective a Court-ordered removal/retrieval action happens to be, there will always be some gap in time between when the dispute occurs and when a gun has to be given up. The report notes that half the women killed by intimate partners had contact with the criminal justice system related to the dispute within one year prior to their deaths. But when the cops show up at the front door because someone calls them and says that there's a big fight going on in the apartment down the hall, does this type of incident, which happens all the time, count as 'contact' with criminal justice? I have my doubts. The part of the report that I find most disconcerting are the maps which show what types of removal strategies are sanctioned by state laws. Typical of state gun laws, it's a hodge-podge of statutes, with a few states requiring gun removal after the issuance of an order, other states granting implicit removal authority, but many states making no mention of gun removals at all. In this third group, for example, we find Texas, Missouri, Louisiana and Georgia, which just happen to be four states whose overall gun violence rates far exceed the national average. Any chance there's a connection? Advertisement The NRA will tell you there's no connection at all. In fact, in their obsessive attempts to find new markets, Gun Nation has been trying to convince women, in particular, to defend themselves with guns. The latest screed in this respect comes from that idiotic loudmouth Dana Loesch, who has just put out another video claiming that gun control is the 'real war against women' because only a gun can equalize the physical differences between women and men. In recent years, there has been political escalation in Indonesia with regards to the issue of Papua. In particular, this is the result of reports produced on the increasing activities of the Papuan independence movement, orchestrated by its leader, Benny Wenda. Some have even argued that the issue could have significant implications for the bilateral ties between Indonesia and the UK. It is widely known that Wenda, who has been granted political asylum from the British government since 2003, has been campaigning increasingly aggressively for Papua's independence after receiving the support of Oxford City Council. In 2011, the Indonesian government issued a Red Notice and International Arrest Warrant for Wenda following accusations of several assassinations and shootings; regardless of the fact that Jakarta recently decided to repeal the Red Notice. In January this year, the Indonesian security service accused Wenda of being involved in the attack on a police station in Papua. Even though Wenda denied the accusation, the dispute between the Indonesian government and Wenda's movement continues today. Advertisement So far, the government in Jakarta has not taken stern measures against the Papuan independence movement. The lack of proactive steps by the government has sparked criticism from members of parliament, who have stated repeatedly that Jakarta's failure to hold a dialogue with Wenda's movement could potentially enhance the insurgency and violence in Papua. Parliamentary concerns are reasonable as, currently, Indonesia is struggling to improve its local economy and accelerate infrastructure development in Papua. To achieve this, the issue of security is becoming one of the biggest obstacles; there has been an increase in incidences of shootings against the workers. Wenda's increasingly vigorous propaganda is believed to actually destabilise the security in Papua. With these conditions, political dialogue, undeniably, is the only option to resolve the issue. Through its intelligence service, the Indonesian government has attempted to bring Wenda to the discussion table. However, the initiative was rejected outright by Wenda and he continues to campaign for Papuan independence from his base in the UK, through his movement, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP). Undoubtedly, the warming of the political situation in Papua, as well as increased security tension, are not only damaging to the political stability and security in Indonesia, but also potentially detrimental to the government in London. This can be attributed to the following factors: First, Wenda's presence is likely to be a stumbling block to stronger cooperation between London and Jakarta. In reality, Indonesia-UK relations have grown significantly in the last few years; especially in the field of the economy, culture and security. However, if London continues to provide a safe home for Wenda, it may lead to a crisis of confidence from the Indonesian government. This may significantly disrupt London's plan to make Indonesia a main investment target in Asia. Advertisement Secondly, Papuan independence is a highly sensitive issue in Indonesia. The flare-up in Indonesian politics, which the public interprets as UK support for Papuan independence, could threaten UK investments in the country, especially British Petroleum (BP)'s operation in Papua. While most cases of violence in Papua are associated with the American mining company Freeport, it is possible the public will blame BP as one of the foreign companies that exploits and damages Papua's natural resources. Obviously, this will be detrimental to the UK as BP has invested nearly $12 billion dollars in Papua. Third, the British government's silence over Wenda's political activities in the UK could trigger an Indonesian crisis of public confidence in London. Undeniably, it would be a boomerang for the UK considering that, previously, Indonesia has had strong trust in the British; in particular, its role to advance the country's education sector. Overall, it is vital that the issue is addressed not only by the Indonesian government, but also by the UK, which has been silent on the political activities of Benny Wenda. Policy makers in London need to acknowledge that the issue of Papua is sensitive in Indonesia, which could become a boomerang for the British themselves. Political dialogue must be held between the two countries, and should include Wenda. If this is not done, these situations will have long-term negative implications, especially with regards to security and development in Papua. Protesters march through the streets to the Cambridge University Students' Union in Cambridge, England, in protest of former head of IMF Dominic Strauss-Kahn who is due to address the students, Friday, March 9, 2012. The protesters said the university should not give a platform to a man with such a troubling attitude toward women, Dominique Strauss-Kahn's career collapsed after he was charged with sexual assault. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) On college campuses around the country, a new rallying cry is being heard: "yes means yes!" This is the motto of the affirmative consent movement: a movement that combines a new approach to educating college students about sexual consent with college policies that require students to gain affirmative consent for each stage of a sexual interaction. This new definition of sexual consent comes in the wake of a growing recognition that for years, colleges (like the legal system outside of college campuses), did not appropriately address sexual assault claims. Until the current movement, even when we addressed sexual assault, the default was still to presume that women always consented to sex with men, unless they clearly stated "no" or physically resisted. But in a society where patriarchal values still hold strong, we need to reorient our idea of sex away from women being required to forcefully resist and protest unwanted sexual attention. Advertisement To address sexual assault and move towards a more equal society, we have to shift the presumption from one of male access to women's bodies absent refusal, to one where no one is assumed to consent to sexual contact unless they make clear that they do. But the way affirmative consent is being implemented as an educational and disciplinary policy falls in line with past approaches to social panics about young people's behavior that have proven unavailing in actually addressing the issues. We have a history of not talking honestly to young people about risky behavior. In the 1980s there was a push to address young people's drug use, in response to public health concerns about the effects of drugs on teens' health. That movement spawned the D.A.R.E. program in schools, which used a "scared straight" approach to teaching kids to say no to drugs. This approach to drug use prevention spawned ads showing drug users' brains as fried eggs, and the idea that marijuana is a "gateway drug." With the benefit of hindsight, we know that these programs were not effective. As one former participant in D.A.R.E. said, because of the program he "was afraid that maybe the first time I tried anything, I would die." The problem with this approach is that it posits as the only acceptable life choice a completely unreasonable goal: never try drugs or alcohol. Most teenagers at some point try drugs or alcohol, and when they don't immediately suffer the forewarned harms, they learn to distrust and disregard the information those adults provide to them. In the 1980s and 1990s a focus on teen pregnancy gave rise to federally-funded abstinence-only education programs. These programs teach students that sex is only acceptable within marriage, that heterosexual sex is the only acceptable form of sex, and do not teach students medically-accurate information about pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, or contraception. Needless to say, studies have demonstrated that these programs do not prevent adolescent sexual activity or pregnancy, and in fact may lead students to engage in riskier sexual behavior than if they have scientifically accurate sexuality education. Ninety-five percent of Americans have sex before marriage. Just as it is not realistic to expect adolescents to never try drugs or alcohol, it is not realistic to expect them to wait until marriage to have sex. Advertisement In the midst of our current anxiety about sexual assault on college campuses, we are seeing the same lack of nuance, the same black and white statements about acceptable behavior, and will likely see the same lack of appreciable outcomes as we have seen in these past attempts to scare adolescents away from potentially risky behavior. Sexual assault is a real and pervasive issue on college campuses, "yes means yes" should be the motto rather than "no means no," and colleges (and more importantly, middle and high schools) have a role in educating students about sexual consent. But the way they are approaching this issue is not likely to lead to the cultural change they want. The current policies and practices, and the educational campaigns tied to those policies are extreme and absolutist. First, colleges are stretching the concept of inability to consent due to alcohol beyond any real life understanding of what incapacitation means. Colleges (for example Cornell and Brown) are now warning students that they cannot have sex with someone who is "intoxicated," not "incapacitated." While it is true that college students have a lot to learn about safe alcohol consumption, telling them that they can't consent to sex if they have had any alcohol is untrue, and undermines the entire message about incapacitation. Second, complainants in these college processes and the colleges themselves are employing the concept of "coercion" to cover nearly any instance in which one party later regrets a sexual encounter or wishes they hadn't engaged in it. In cases I know of complainants claimed they were coerced into having a sexual encounter even though they admitted to voluntarily engaging in sexual activity (sometimes even initiating it), because they assumed the young men would not let them end the sexual encounter so they never tried to express a desire to stop it. Some of these young men were found responsible for sexual assault and disciplined by their colleges. Third, colleges are using an unrealistic definition of affirmative consent, requiring there to be affirmative, enthusiastic (preferably verbal) consent to each and every aspect of a sexual encounter. I know of students who engaged in clearly consensual interactions, including the other person saying "I want to have sex" and "do you have a condom," or whose partners initiated the sexual encounter and performed sexual acts on them, who are nonetheless found responsible for sexual assault because over the course of a multiple-hour encounter they touched the other person once or twice without first getting verbal consent. Of course we want young people to learn to recognize and wait for enthusiastic consent. We want them to embark on sexual encounters with the goal of ensuring that if there is any doubt about whether the other person is consenting, they should not be engaging in sex with that person. But do we want to tell them we will punish them as sexual assailants when they engage in what in the rest of society we consider perfectly consensual sex that falls short of these aspirations? Advertisement As with all potentially risky actions adolescents engage in, sexual activity and sexual consent exists on a spectrum. We can all agree that sex undertaken with sober, enthusiastic, verbally communicated consent between two adults is not rape. We can also agree that sex that is physically forced, that is actually coerced, or that occurs when one person is incapacitated, asleep, or unable to appreciate the nature of their actions is rape. The government, colleges, and educators are trying to figure out where between those two extremes we draw the line between what is acceptable and what is not and how we communicate that line to young people. That is not an easy task. But we have to be able to acknowledge to adolescents, and to teach them to navigate, kinds of sex that may not be everything we hope their sexual encounters to be, but are nonetheless not assault. There is a real grey area -- sex that is regretted, sex that makes someone feel sad after, sex that is not fun, or even bad, sex that you wish you could take back because of its social or emotional ramifications. But it is unrealistic, and denies people (mostly women) any sense of agency, to say that people cannot consensually engage in anything short of completely sober, enthusiastic, mutually pleasurable sex. Adolescents know that most adults have tried drugs and alcohol, that most adults did not wait until marriage to have sex, and that adults frequently engage in fully consensual sex after having a drink or two. Students learning the current college sexual assault procedures and definitions know that the administrators telling them that they commit sexual assault if they don't get verbal consent before each touch are not going home to their partners and asking for verbal consent every time they touch them. In the world outside of college people who have sex have to navigate grey area, and we need programs that teach students how to become adults who are ready to enter that world. When the adults instructing adolescents on how to have sex are hypocritical -- offering a clear "do as I say, not as I do" message -- the entire message is likely to be ignored. We are setting adolescents up to reject the ridiculous sexual standards we are setting for them without obtaining the tools they need to know how to assert themselves and understand one another so that they can have the kinds of healthy, consensual experiences we claim to want for them. "Danke," the cashier says to me as I walk away with my groceries from one of the supermarkets in Turkey. I am not German. And despite the name Natasha, I am not Russian either. Then I must be the blonde from Scandinavia, Australia, or The Netherlands. Nope, Nope, Nope. I go on to tell them I am from the United States. Usually, the country does not register until I finally just say "America." Most of the time I get a cheerful and friendly response, once in a while I will get resentment. But more often than not I will just get confusion. "Wow, Americans never come here," or "Oh, we don't meet many Americans traveling." Actually, in a majority of my travels, I have only met a small handful of fellow Americans. Now, maybe I am just staying at the wrong places, but for the most part, I am surrounded by all the other nationalities of the world besides my own. Advertisement So what is it? Why Don't Americans Travel Internationally? We have so much to offer in our own country This one is easy and is always my first line of defense. The U.S. is one massive country. Not only is it gigantic, but it is diverse. You can literally go from building a snowman in 20 weather to sipping pina colada's in the Florida Keys all within a 3-hour flight -- no currency exchanges, no red eye flights. We have extremely pricey passports Obtaining a passport isn't exactly cheap. At $135, we have the fifth most expensive passport in the world. That may not seem like a lot to some people, but keep in mind that takes 19 hours of work at minimum wage. We are led to believe that international travel is expensive Beyond that whopping $135 for a passport, international travel can be extremely inexpensive. However, we are shown that traveling is for the rich, and advertisements lead us to believe that travel is for people living the extravagant lifestyle enjoying a private villa in the French Polynesia. The number one question I get asked is "How can you afford to travel like you do?" Some research and a visit to the World Wide Web will tell you that travel can be incredibly cheap. Most days, I travel on a budget of less than $35 a day -- and yes that is including parts of Western Europe! Put your purchases on credit cards to rack up airline miles, sleep in hostels, travel during the off-season, or do a work exchange in a foreign country. We aren't given vacation time The average amount of paid vacation time is two weeks. According to Forbes, the United States is the only advanced economy that does not require employers to provide paid vacation time. To make it worse, Forbes explains that nearly 1-in-4 Americans do not receive any paid vacation or paid holidays. I have friends in France that enjoy more than an entire month of vacation! It's time Americans received the time off that they work for, and deserve. Advertisement We don't use our vacation time That's right, the nearly 3-in-4 Americans that do receive paid vacation time fail to even use it! Oh my, are we that committed to work that we can't even take some time to enjoy ourselves? The U.S. Travel Association found that the average American fails to use even five vacation days a year. By not taking these days off, Americans are essentially paying their employer to be at work. The result? America becomes an overworked, overstressed, and ultimately unhealthy society. We are in some serious debt Students in America are facing a major debt issue. I know many people, and personal friends of mine, that would love to travel, but are so crippled by the enormous amount of debt they acquired pursuing a degree that they simply cannot afford it. Another article by Forbes states that America is suffering from over $1 trillion in student loan debt, surpassing credit card debt. Holy.Cow. We think you have to speak the language The only language I can speak fluently is English. It's embarrassing and I hate to admit it, but it does get me around the world. I didn't speak Turkish in Turkey, Spanish in Ecuador, or Japanese in Japan (okay, that was a tough one). However, I lived! I did more than just live, I got from point A to point B, I bought things at the grocery store, I even got a great haircut with no common language spoken between me and the stylist. Like a large majority of Americans, I am fortunate enough to be a native speaker of English, the international language. It's always respectful, and fun to learn at least a few words of the language of whatever country you're in, but English is prevalent around the world. If you really can't figure it out, turn to Google. We are scared We live in a nation of fear. We are just scared, and of what I'm not quite sure. Every time I leave for a trip my parents get nervous for my safety. This is confusing to me considering mass shootings are becoming the daily norm in the U.S. The most notable places I recall being unsafe are in America. In most foreign countries 99 percent of the people are friendly, and just going about their daily lives. The police in the U.K. do not even carry guns, and the first person to be shot and killed by police in Iceland was in 2013. The world is not on the brink of destruction, and never once in the 40-plus countries, I traveled to so far, have I ever felt threatened. We are just plain old ignorant Regardless of facts, there are people that preach nothing but red, white, and blue. I am not knocking my country, for there are many things I love about it; However, we can be an ignorant bunch. The media is partially at fault all, what we see in the U.S. is sensationalized news. World news is only covered if it directly affects us negatively, or is some mass tragedy. When I turn on Al Jazeera, Euro News or BBC News while abroad, I actually see WORLD news. It's embarrassing when I travel and foreigners know the latest American politics, but I couldn't tell you the latest in their home country. There is a serious lack of information about the world affairs in the United States. We seem to be in an isolated bubble, where Americans are afraid of the unknown, or even worse just don't care. I've met Americans that can't locate Australia on a map, warned me not to get sold into sex slavery in Thailand, and come across a few that think Tokyo is the capital of China. Advertisement This article was originally seen on The World Pursuit Co-authored with Richard Burt Since 1962, the year after the Berlin Wall was constructed, the annual Munich Security Conference (MSC) has helped propel conversations on many critical issues: the Cold War; nuclear arms control; the fall of that Wall and German reunification; 9-11; the Iraq War. Two years ago, the conference was all about NSA and new strains on US-European cooperation. Last year -- Ukraine and the new Russian aggression. This year, the focus of the conference was ISIL and the chaotic and murderous civil war in Syria, Russia's new role there, perceived American passivity, and Europe's continued inability to get its act together. From February 12-14, some 1,000 or so leaders and global citizens gathered under one roof in one hotel in one of Europe's most dynamic regions to grapple with these issues. The atmosphere in the corridors was, as usual, fevered and serious - this is not just an urban, mini-Davos, but rather a forum focused solely on essential security questions whose interloping dynamics will define the years ahead. Advertisement With the announcement late last Thursday night of a new plan for cessation of hostilities in Syria, the differences between Russia and the West were on sharp and vivid display. Secretary John Kerry, whose indefatigable energy and optimism have driven the Syrian peace process, declared belief that the bombs would cease in one week - but he was unable to point to significant US response if the effort failed. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sourly walked through all the obstacles to peace while highlighting Russia's central support for Bashar Al-Assad, against whom the West and Sunni Arabs unite. When pressed to place odds on the success of Russia's efforts to defend Assad, Lavrov grimaced and said, "49%." British Foreign Secretary Hammond, to his right, quipped, "I don't speak Russian, but I would have thought from his tone that his prediction would be 0%." Syria's neighbors differed on their outlook for peace in that country. Saudi Foreign Minister Al-Jabeir derided any progress made with Assad remaining in power, while Iran's Zarif scoffed at any solution that excluded him. Iraq's Prime Minister al Abadi vowed to drive the Islamic State out of the country by year's end. Jordan's King Abdullah, who rules a country where 1 in 5 residents is a Syrian refugee, implored the US and Europe to help bring peace to Syria, and called for Europe to reconcile with Islam. Consensus on a path forward seemed distant. Putting the Syria conflict in a global and strategic context, Russia's Medvedev warned of a "new Cold War," pitting the West against a Russia whose motives, history, and actions were badly misunderstood. He called on the West to understand Russia's pursuit of peace congenial to its unique historic ("national") interests in Crimea and Ukraine, citing the millions of ethnic Russians and coreligionists living in each region. Foreign Minister Lavrov, plainly worn down and displaying none of the equanimity and balance for which he is known, echoed Medvedev in darker and more bitter terms; the sometime ally and partner of John Kerry seemed pushed past the possibility of real reconciliation. With Lavrov, one has the feeling that he understands the need for diplomatic solutions, but that his boss in the Kremlin won't let him off the leash to pursue them. Advertisement At the same time, Ukraine's President Poroshenko feared a confluence of crises that would leave Ukraine exposed: a deal between the West and Russia that would lift Crimea sanctions on Russia, in exchange for Russian acquiescence in a Western solution for Syria. Given the tremendous pressure on European leaders from the hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees, Poroshenko's fear is perhaps not unwarranted. America remains strongly opposed to any such linkage, but as European leaders consider their domestic audiences, the possibility of mounting European (and Middle Eastern) pressure for linkage is deeply concerning. Meaning: out with Assad, a brokered peace in Syria, curbs on migrants fleeing to the heart of Europe - and a grudging, informal acceptance not only of Crimea's status but of Russia's strength in Ukraine and its near-abroad. While many conference participants called for enhanced "American leadership," few could clearly define what this meant (not, of course, for the first time). The Munich proceedings emphasized that Europe confronts an historic array of crises: the continuing wave of Middle Eastern immigration, Russian assertiveness, political splits between North-South and East-West European Union members, the threat of Brexit, and the likelihood of another Greek Eurozone crisis. The conspicuous inability of the EU to develop a common approach on refugee policy clearly underscored that the "European project" now confronts its gravest threat. As the delegates departed on Sunday, they were left to ask themselves: has the relative peace and stability of the post-Cold War era come to an end, and have we now entered a new period of great power conflict and more generalized international anarchy? Advertisement As I reflect on Black History Month, the person who most impacted my intellectual development, my passion for writing and for leading is James Baldwin. Baldwin was short in stature, but towering in his intellect. He spoke across generations through powerful prose, with groundbreaking novels like "Go Tell it On the Mountain", a semi-autobiographical tale of a young black boy coming of age, grappling with his complex relationship with the black church and a with his father. I read that book and was forever changed. Baldwin's pen was his weapon, producing essays on contemporary art to modern activism. Suffocating from U.S. racism, he courageously found space in France to write and think, to be. Paris became Baldwin's second home as a struggling young artist and Saint Paul de Vence became the place he spent his final years. Baldwin's life, viewed through solely a romantic lens, was that of a cosmopolitan, a Hemingway-esque man of the world who wrote, traveled, and enjoyed life. But he was more than that. He was a humanist who was deeply rooted in America, with his identity shaped by this country's history. He was a storyteller who revealed the sins of an adolescent country, a democrat who believed in pushing the American experiment to its limits, and an activist engaged in civil rights struggle, eschewing greater fame and fortune for the sake of social justice. He was heroic in his outspokenness. He was also openly gay. Advertisement Baldwin was unapologetic about his sexual identity, and paid a price for it. He was shunned by many in the mainstream civil rights community and criticized for his writings, namely Giovanni's Room, a novel about a love affair between two men. He disrupted for many the grand narrative of what Black male leadership looks like - the hyper-masculine, heterosexual male with a church going family. Baldwin personally caused ruptures in my own heterosexual male privilege through his words, through his courage, and I thank him for that. Baldwin was a truth teller who found solace in words. He talked about his early life in Harlem, where he found refuge from the tough streets in public libraries, reading every book he could get his hand on. Unfortunately, refuge, like Baldwin, is what a lot of LGBT youth are still seeking. We are witnessing the perennial castigation and rejection of LGBT young people, particularly LGBT youth of color, in our homes, communities and schools, and it is curtailing our progress as a nation. LGBT issues are becoming hyper-visible in media lately, but LGBT youth are still rendered invisible in every day life, in our discussions of "youth matters" or school climate concerns. For example, nationally, Republicans are waging a war to make it more difficult for LGBT youth to be protected in schools and communities in a number of states, and targeting to shoot down President Obama's budget proposal for funds to support this population. These actions run counter to reality. Here are some sobering statistics: According to GLSEN, oLGBT are twice as likely than their peers to be kicked, shoved and harassed in school. o80% of LGBT youth of color report hearing gay used in a negative or derogatory way in school. Advertisement According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness: o 40% of the homeless youth served by agencies identify as LGBT oDemographically, LGBTQ homeless youth are disproportionately African American or American Indian, and often from low-income communities, and from poor or working class families. oStudies indicate that once homeless, LGBTQ youth are at higher risk for victimization and suffer higher incidents of mental health problems and unsafe sexual behavior than straight homeless youth. They experience an average of 7.4 more acts of sexual violence toward them than their heterosexual peers and are more likely to attempt suicide (62 percent) than their heterosexual homeless peers (29 percent). Since my blog centers on Tri-Sector Athletes in Education who are making a difference, providing solutions, we do have shining examples of those advocating for LGBT young adults. The Hetrick Martin Institute (HMI), a non-profit organization based in New York founded in the late 1970s has made it its mission to support LGBT young adults. HMI works cross-sector with government, private and non-profit organizations to provide social services such as counseling to referral services for housing to a place where students can wash their clothes. The founders of HMI didn't stop there. In 1988 HMI, in partnership with the New York City Department of Education, created Harvey Milk High School (named after the murdered gay activist and elected official from San Francisco), a school that educates and supports over one hundred LGBT young adults, the first of its kind in New York City. As a public high school, Harvey Milk is open to all students, not just LGBT. But it still caused a stir when it was founded. Many felt a segregated school for LGBT students was morally or socially wrong, a throw back to a pre-Brown v. Board era and protested to shut it down. But Harvey Milk prevailed, still serving young adults, providing an environment that is transforming lives, and providing a salient model for other schools to learn from. Advertisement In a remarkable turn of events, both Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush recently came to the defense of their political arch-rival Donald Trump when Pope Francis called into question Trump's Christian commitments. The Pope, apparently, has no business calling out anyone on their faith, because faith is a private matter, something that is between an individual and God. Bush spoke for many when he said: "I think his Christianity is between he and his creator - don't think we need to discuss that." Part of Rubio's and Bush's defense stems from the desire to give politicians as free a hand as possible in determining the course of America's future. Who wants an inconvenient Christian teaching, like the forgiveness of wrongdoing or the command to love one's enemies, to get in the way of exercising America's might or realizing America's exceptional destiny? As the evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr., the president of Liberty University (and an endorser of Donald Trump), put it to CNN, "Jesus never intended to give instructions to political leaders on how to run a country." Christian faith belongs in the privacy of the home and the confines of the church sanctuary. It has nothing to do with how economic, environmental, or military policies are decided. It's all very convenient because it means that political leaders, while professing to be Christian, can act as practical atheists. They can, upon entering the political realm, act as if their faith is irrelevant. What sort of faith is that? Jeb Bush gave one clear answer: it is the kind of faith that is nobody else's business. Though Bush has publicly wondered about the authenticity of Trump's claims to be a Christian, more recently he has said that he won't question someone else's faith because "I honestly believe that's a relationship you have with your creator." This is a position that has widespread sympathy, even among non-Christians, because it is easy to appreciate how scary and uncivil our world would become if everyone made it his or her business to cast judgment on the authenticity of the lives of others. Advertisement Scripture says, "Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged" (Matthew 7:1-2). It is tempting to read this passage as recommending the withholding of judgment altogether, and therefore as an endorsement of the privacy of faith. This is a mistake. What the passage really intends is to put a stop to hypocrisy, which is why it continues, "Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?" (7:3) To be Christian, or anything else for that matter, people must make judgments about what is good or bad, praiseworthy or meriting condemnation. The question is whether we will be hypocrites in our judgments. When people are hypocrites they cease to be humble and merciful, unable to appreciate that they make mistakes and need to do better. When people believe that faith cannot be called into question, they reduce faith to a matter of personal convenience. This is the perfect faith for a consumer society, because it is the faith of people who believe everything should be available on the terms of their own choosing. But this is precisely not what scripture allows people to affirm. Faith is a matter of discipleship, which is to say it is a matter of being taught to live into the ways of love for others. It is about being accountable to Jesus as the one who shows people what love looks like in the diverse contexts of our shared life together. It is noteworthy that Jesus' teaching was not confined to the private spaces of home and the temple. They happened and were realized in the marketplace and in agricultural fields. People with political power worried about his influence. Though faith clearly is a personal matter, something to be worked out in fear and trembling, it is a mistake to believe that faith is a private matter. Why? Because when faith is reduced to the private domains of life it ceases to have public and broadly interpersonal effect. The test of Christian faith is not what people individually choose or want. The only real test is the test of love. Jesus put it plainly when he told his followers to love others as he loved them. Love is the crucial thing because love is the power that nurtures relationships, reconciles divisions, and heals the world. As such it must have political, social, and economic effect. Jesus does not call people to the cozy confines of the home or church. He calls them to go out into the world to share love rather than hate, and to practice humility and mercy rather than arrogance and belligerence. Faith is a personal and a public thing. It is the kind of thing that can be judged by the kind and quality of its fruit, which is why Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). If love is absent, someone other than Jesus is being followed. Advertisement It was a little after 7 pm on a Monday. Every seat in the Montana Tech auditorium was filled. In addition, students and faculty were on the stage, on steps, in aisles. Many others were outside trying but unable to enter. There was a sensation of vibrant anticipation. A mild mannered and distinguished plasma physicist, Ian Hutchinson, with an accent as unmistakably English as his tweed jacket stood below a large screen. He was the unlikely cause of the excitement. And, for a highly respected Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics University, the subject of his presentation was arguably even more improbable: "Faith and Science are they Friends or Foes? ". The event was part of the Veritas series of Forums. Christian life is a beautiful choreography between the intricate struggles of existence and the sublime invitations of the Gospel. It is challenging enough by itself without imagining conflicts that have essentially no basis in reality. There is, currently, a fairly widespread cultural perception that Christianity is at best uninterested in scientific matters and at worst hostile towards science. Many young people, in particular, view the two as if on a collision course or already in open warfare. Advertisement This is not new. The so called age of "Enlightenment" contributed to the pejorative notion of Christianity as unenlightened with lasting results. More recently some Marxist, Existentialist and Utilitarian philosophies have portrayed the Christian Churches as obscurantist institutions. The hostility is now considerably less intense but the scars of its deep wounds have penetrated layers of popular culture and permeated academia. History, however, gives persuasive evidence that this conflict is a fabrication. Since the 1890s until this day, the proportion of physicists, mathematicians and biologists who are devout believers is relatively high and remarkably steady. Contrary to a common opinion, scientists are not feeling increasingly uncomfortable with their dedication to both scientific research and religious conviction. Hutchinson remarked that he finds more believers among his scientific colleagues than among professors of Humanities. A new generation of brilliant historians has also applied exceptional scholarship to the understanding of the foundational role of Christianity in the emergence of Western Science. The Religious Genesis of Science has three main sources: _The God of Nature: Since the medieval scientist understood nature as creation, making scientific observations of reality was honoring God. Advertisement _The first universities were predominantly Church foundations, starting in the 1080s in the Italian city of Bologna. For centuries religious universities were the only scientific institutions. _The fundamental importance of theory: When scientists first applied mathematics to the study of nature, they were using a principle that had been the common practice of theologians since the very early Church. Metaphysical concepts provided the rational language with which to speak about God. Theology had shown the way to science: Reason is the primary investigative tool. David Lindberg, a profoundly insightful historian of science brilliantly points out that it is the "fate of all foundational contributions to human knowledge to be considered pointless and utterly irrelevant by subsequent generations who take their seminal intuitions entirely for granted." From Pythagoras to the incomparable Newton and beyond many of the giants of science were not only religious but also profoundly mystical. The imaginary conflict between science and religion cannot possibly honor their monumental human and scientific achievements. During the Forum, Ian Hutchinson called "scientism" - the belief that only science can achieve knowledge of reality - a form of religion. He also showed convincingly, in my opinion, that the reduction of all knowledge to science is based on arguments that are not themselves strictly scientific but more properly metaphysical. Advertisement To illustrate various legitimate methods of describing reality, he offered definitions of himself from the perspective of physics, biology, chemistry, psychology, philosophy and religion. All of which were true and compatible. Most movingly he spoke about his personal spiritual journey with transparent sincerity. After a fascinating conversation with a moderator that covered how science and faith are conceptualized in the modern world, he took numerous questions such as: .Is it legitimate for religion to suggest ethical limitations to science? .Is the presenter deliberately ignoring historical evidence of the Church persecuting scientists? .Could you talk to us about the Higgs boson, the "God particle"? .Can science strengthen or weaken belief? It was an event of great intellectual stimulation that drew enthusiastic curiosity and interest. It reflected an undernourished hunger for philosophical thought and historical inquiry. I particularly admired Hutchinson's ability to communicate his passion for both science and his Christian faith. It was an inspiring evening of Academia at its original best. Note: Veritas Forums are events that engage students and faculty in intellectual investigation and conversation about the hardest questions of life and the modern relevance of Jesus Christ and other world views in addressing these questions. Ian Hutchinson is a professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is currently conducting research on producing practical energy from controlled nuclear fusion reactions. He is the author of "Monopolizing Knowledge" on the subject of Scientism, Reason and Religion. Advertisement Did a relationship ever sour so quickly as the Common Core and public opinion? Back in 2010 when the college- and career-ready standards were shiny and new, leaders from business and higher education as well as a certain U.S. Secretary of Education praised their rigor, coherence and attention to critical thinking. Within a year, 45 governors and D.C. had rushed to adopt them as their own - a move a majority of teachers and parents viewed favorably. Then, implementation happened. Many teachers felt rushed to produce results. Parents couldn't understand their child's homework. Their anxiety fed chatter on talk radio and social media that did the incredible. It united anti-corporate progressives and anti-government tea partiers in opposition to the new standards and the assessments that go with them. States once on board with the program began to bail in face of angry constituents. Recently, though, the mood appears to be shifting back into neutral. Presidential candidates deliver variations of the "repeal Common Core" line to applause, but the issue doesn't seem to be gaining much traction in the race. The newly reauthorized ESEA deflates anti-Common Core messaging by explicitly forbidding the federal government from compelling or encouraging state adoption of any set of standards, including the Common Core. After a flurry of state legislative proposals were introduced to undo the standards, only a handful were ever signed into law, and in some of those states, the replacements aren't substantively different from the ones they tossed. Advertisement New studies related to the Common Core could prompt a wary public to give the standards a second look. In the first, a Harvard research team led by Thomas Kane surveyed a representative sample of teachers and principals in five Common Core states about implementation strategies. They were then able to match responses to student performance on the Core-aligned assessments, PARCC and Smarter Balanced. According to their report, Teaching Higher: Educators' perspective on Common Core implementation, three out of four teachers have "embraced the new standards" either "quite a bit" or "fully." When asked how much of their classroom instruction changed, a similar proportion said it had by one half or more. Four in five math teachers say they have increased "emphasis on conceptual understanding" and "application of skills," while an even higher proportion of English teachers reported assigning more writing "with use of evidence." All are attributes emphasized in the standards. The research team then related the survey results to students' scores on the new assessments after controlling for demographics and prior achievement. While they did not find strategies of particular impact on English language arts, they did identify math practices that were associated with higher student scores: more professional development days; more classroom observations "with explicit feedback tied to the Common Core"; and the "inclusion of Common Core-aligned student outcomes in teacher evaluations." Casting light on such strategies is only worthwhile, however, if there is also evidence that the Common Core are good standards. Enter the Fordham Institute. The education think tank assembled a team of 40 experts in assessment and teaching to evaluate the quality of PARCC and Smarter Balanced. For comparison, they examined the college-ready aligned ACT Aspire and MCAS, the highly regarded Massachusetts state assessment. The grades 5 and 8 test forms were analyzed against criteria developed by the Council of Chief State School Officers for evaluating "high-quality assessments" that aim to assess college- and career-readiness. Advertisement The short version. All four tests scored highly for "depth," that is, items that are "cognitively demanding." PARCC and Smarter Balanced, however, edged out both ACT Aspire and MCAS in "content." The researchers conducted an additional analysis against other assessments and found the Common Core-aligned tests also "call for greater emphasis on higher-order thinking skills than either NAEP or [the international] PISA, both of which are considered to be high-quality challenging assessments." Whether or not participating in national standards is a good idea is a decision that should rightfully be made by individual states. There are many legitimate political arguments for going either way, and each state will likely view it differently. But whether the Common Core standards - in full or in part - represent the expectations a state should have for all its students is an educational question that is worth considering on its own merits. Here in the state of Utah our 2016 legislative session is in full swing. Only lasting a mere 45 days the session is one of the shortest in the nation. Despite being such a short length Utah legislators pass hundreds of bills every year, oftentimes with many bills being passed on the final day of the session. Up at the Utah State Capital representatives, lobbyists, and other interest groups work to pass bills ranging on a wide variety of topics including issues such as education, criminal justice, healthcare, business and the economy. One of the larger influences in Utah politics, if not the largest, is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The LDS Church, as it's often referred to, frequently voices their opinion on political issues they feel are important or relevant. Since nearly 60% of the state are members of the LDS faith including about 80% of Utah legislators, it's understandable to see that the LDS Church has considerable clout over Utah's political process. Here in Utah we see time and time again how a simple press release or statement from the Church is enough to either urge legislators to support a bill, or have the reverse effect thereby squashing any previous support for a bill. As a Utah Mormon I believe that this kind of political influence has reached an unhealthy balance and needs to stop. I do not believe one group or special interest should have so much power and influence in our political process here in Utah. In our current legislative session Utahns have already seen two issues arise in which it becomes quite clear just how involved the LDS Church is in Utah politics. Advertisement Two bills before the Utah legislature, of which the LDS Church has weighed in on both, deal with the issue of medical marijuana. One of the bills (SB89) raises no objections from the Church since it does not allow the use of products containing THC. On the other hand SB73 proposed by Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Saratoga Springs IS opposed by the Church. The bill allows the whole marijuana plant to be used by patients who get a recommendation from their doctor. It would also allow for medical marijuana use of products that contain THC and gives a broader list of illnesses that qualify someone access to medical marijuana. A statement from the Church asserts the bills are very different: "These two competing pieces of legislation take very different approaches when it comes to issues like access, distribution, control and the potential harm of the hallucinogenic compound, THC." Of course what happened next didn't surprise me "After the church issued a statement last week opposing Madsen's bill, the senator said one and perhaps two senators had switched their votes and were opposing the measure." I do not believe the LDS Church should have this kind of powerful influence. What's also bewildering to me is that the bill the Church opposes is scientifically backed. Research has shown that use of the whole marijuana plant is much more beneficial then just the extracting certain parts of the plant. Like many other issues, I will always stand on the side of science and reason rather then subscribe to the misinformed unscientific information that the LDS Church props up. Another bill making its way through the legislature that the LDS Church decided it needed to voice opposition to was SB107. The bill seeks to strengthen Utah's extremely weak hate crime laws. As it currently stands the law doesn't clearly define what a hate crime is and doesn't include language about people's specific characteristics such as race, disability, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. This of course gives the law almost no bearing and makes it nearly impossible to prosecute someone who has committed a hate crime. Like before the Church released a statement in which they gave untrue information about the pending bill. "The Mormon church cautioned the Utah Legislature on Wednesday against passing any new laws that would "alter the balance" between religious liberties and gay and transgender rights as reflected in last year's landmark anti-discrimination legislation. "The Utah Legislature achieved something extraordinary last year," church spokesman Dale Jones said in a written statement. "Interests from both ends of the political spectrum are attempting to alter that balance. We believe that the careful balance achieved through being fair to all should be maintained." Advertisement We need to talk about your passport photo. The fluorescent lighting isn't doing your skin any favors, your mouth is halfway between a smile and frown, and every time you look at it, you're painfully reminded about that time you decided to give yourself bangs. Well, maybe we're projecting a little... Either way, that's why we're stoked about ItsEasy, a new app that lets you take your own passport photo, in your own home, on your own phone. Miracles do happen, people. Following a simple set of guidelines in the easy-to-navigate app (don't mind the random Albert Einstein bobbing around), take as many photos as you need to get to the one. Then, either send yourself a digital copy of your glamour shot or pay a small fee to have it printed (in the correct size, of course) and shipped to you. Advertisement While it's not actually necessary that you look baller in your passport pic, when it comes to the stress and inconvenience of traveling, it's the little things that count. Related: Also on HuffPost: Why the Boys Were Hated Scottsboro, the county seat of Jackson county in northern Alabama, is a charming southern village with some 2,000 inhabitants situated in the midst of pleasant rolling hills. Neat, well-tended farms lie all around... A feeling of peace and leisure is in the air. The people on the streets have easy kind faces and greet strangers as well as each other cordially... the village celebrities, such as the mayor, the sheriff, the lawyers, lounge and chat democratically with the town eccentrics and plain citizens. Strolling around observing these things, it is hard to conceive that anything but kindly feelings and gentle manners toward all mankind can stir the hearts of the citizens of Scottsboro. It came as a shock, therefore, to see these pleasant faces stiffen, these laughing mouths grow narrow and sinister, those soft eyes become cold and heard because the question was mentioned of a fair trial for nine young Negroes terrified and quite alone. Suddenly these kindly-looking mouths were saying the most frightful things. To see people who ordinarily would be gentle and compassionate at the thought o[f] a child - a white one - in the least trouble, who would wince at the sight of a suffering dog - to see these men and women transformed by blind, unreasoning antipathy so that their lips parted and their eyes glowed with lust for the blood of black children, was a sight to make one untouched by the spell of violent prejudice shrink. The trial judge, A.E. Hawkins, a dignified, fine-looking, gray-haired Southern gentleman, who was absolutely convinced in his own mind that he had done everything to give the Negroes a fair trial, gave himself away so obviously at every other sentence he uttered, that any person with mind unclouded by the prejudice which infected him could have pointed it out. The other officials and citizens with whom I discussed the case also made it disconcertingly clear that they regarded the trial of the Negroes and the testimony given at it, not as an honest attempt to get at the truth, but as a game where shrewd tricks were to be used to bring about a result already decided upon in the minds of every one of them. They all wanted the Negroes killed as quickly as possible in a way that would not bring disrepute upon the town. They therefore preferred a sentence of death by a judge, to a sentence of death by a mob, but they desired the same result, and were impatient with anything that slowed up the conviction and death sentence which they all knew was coming regardless of any testimony. They said that all negroes were brutes and had to be held down by stern repressive measures or the number of rapes on white women would be larger than it is. Their point seemed to be that it was only by ruthless oppression of the Negro that any white woman was able to escape raping at Negro hands. Starting with this notion, it followed that they could not conceive that two white girls found riding with a crowd of Negroes could possibly have escaped raping. A Negro will always, in their opinion, rape a white woman if he gets the chance. These nine Negroes were riding alone with two white girls on a freight car. Therefore, there was no question that they raped them, or wanted to rape them, or were present while the other Negroes raped them - all of which amounts to very much the same thing in southern eyes - and calls for the immediate death of the Negroes regardless of these shades of difference. As one southerner in Scottsboro put it, "We white people just couldn't afford to let these N[----]rs get off because of the effect it would have on other N[----]rs." In answering the question then, of why ordinarily kind, mild people are aroused to such heartless cruelty against boys who have done them no harm, and if their case were fairly investigated quite likely would be found to have harmed nobody else either, one it brought up against the ugly fact that these pleasant people of the South, the Civil War notwithstanding, are still living on the enslavement of the Negro race. And this brings one to a second ugly fact, that when this is so, the subjugating race cannot afford to have any regard for decency, honesty, kindness, or fairness in their treatment of the black race. These traits are exclusively for relationships with their own people. The thing that stands out above everything else in their minds is that the black race must be kept down; as they put it, "The N[----]r must be kept in his place." Repression, terror, and torture are the means that will do it. Why Society Neglected the Boys The third question of why these nine young Negroes who have been sentenced to death after a hasty legal ritual has been said over their heads, have never been given a chance to be anything but the illiterate, jobless young itinerants they are, lies tied up with the whole problem of the denial of civil, social, and economic rights to the Negro in America. It can be answered completely only by a study of the discriminations practiced against the Negro in all phases of his life - educational, residential, economic segregation. We pride ourselves in this country upon having a free and compulsory educational system. Why then did these young Negroes, all under age, not know how to read and write? Because the subjugating white race is not concerned to see that black children go to school. It is not to their interest to educate the Negro. They profit too much by having a race under their feet who will do the dirtiest, the hardest of their work. It is not to their interest to see that the Negro has the same legal and social rights as the white man. Southern whites feel to their marrow-bone only one thing about the Negro, and they say it over and over. Hundreds of thousands of them have been saying it for generations. They will continue to say it as long as anyone will listen. It is their only answer to the Negro problem. It is their reply to the questions of the Scottsboro case - the N[----]r must be kept down. Having studied surging devotion to Santa Muerte over the past seven years, I was confident that Pope Francis would condemn the skeletal folk saint during his recent Mexican tour. The ideal place to denounce the mushrooming cult of the Bony Lady (one of her common monikers) seemed to be in Ecatepec, a gritty suburb of Mexico City where the skeleton saint has legions of devotees and which lies in close proximity to Mexico's leading Santa Muerte temple, in the district of Tultitlan. To my surprise, however, the Argentine pontiff wasted no time and rebuked the object of the fastest growing new religious devotion in the Americas during his first full day in the country. During a scathing rebuke of his fellow bishops, the first New World pope called out Santa Muerte as a dangerous symbol of narco-culture. "I am particularly concerned about those many persons who, seduced by the empty power of the world, praise illusions and embrace their macabre symbols to commercialize death in exchange for money which, in the end, "moth and rust consume" and "thieves break in and steal" (Mt 6:19). I urge you not to underestimate the moral and antisocial challenge which the drug trade represents for Mexican society as a whole, as well as for the Church." "The magnitude of this phenomenon, the complexity of its causes, its immensity and its scope which devours like a metastasis, and the gravity of the violence which divides with its distorted expressions, do not allow us as Pastors of the Church to hide behind anodyne denunciations. Rather they demand of us a prophetic courage as well as a reliable and qualified pastoral plan, so that we can gradually help build that fragile network of human relationships without which all of us would be defeated from the outset in the face of such an insidious threat. Only by starting with families, by drawing close and embracing the fringes of human existence in the ravaged areas of our cities and by seeking the involvement of parish communities, schools, community institutions, political communities and institutions responsible for security, will people finally escape the raging waters that drown so many, either victims of the drug trade or those who stand before God with their hands drenched in blood, though with pockets filled with sordid money and their consciences deadened." "Praise illusions and embrace their macabre symbols to commercialize death..." is an obvious reference to the saint of death, which had already been condemned by name by the President of the Pontifical Council for Culture, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravassi during a four-day visit to Mexico in May, 2013. That both the pope and a high-ranking Vatican official have condemned veneration of a folk saint who only became known to 99 percent of Mexicans in the past fifteen years is most extraordinary. Latin America is home to scores of other folk saints that aren't recognized by the Church, including Argentine skeleton saint, San La Muerte, yet only Mexican Santa Muerte has been singled out for rebuke. Santa Muerte's latest and most powerful condemnation derives from three major factors. First, as the fastest growing new religious devotion from Canada to Chile, Saint Death presents stiff competition to a Church that has already been in sharp decline in Latin America since the 1970s, and now for the first time ever has also lost members in the United States, where the Catholic percentage of the population dropped from 24 to 21 percent between 2007 and 2014. Already in a state of panic over burgeoning Pentecostalism, the Church in Mexico and Central America now has to contend with a heretical folk saint which mostly claims devotees who still consider themselves Catholic, especially in Mexico where some 75 percent of all Santa Muertistas reside. Second, the Church views veneration of the Bony Lady as tantamount to Satanism since death is the antithesis of the eternal life that Jesus Christ made possible to believers through the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Moreover, Catholic saints are real human beings who were canonized for being paragons of holiness. Since death isn't a human being it can't possibly be a saint, such as the wildly popular patron of lost causes, St. Jude Thaddeus, who because of competition with Santa Muerte in Mexico is now the only saint of more than 10,000 that has a monthly feast day, in Mexico City and beyond on each 28th day of the month. Advertisement Finally, the first Jesuit pope specifically denounced the skeleton saint as a "macabre symbol" of narcos who have sent tens of thousands of their compatriots to an early grave over the past decade. Though he doesn't receive much media coverage on it, Pope Francis is a major anti-drug crusader who recently warned his fellow Argentines to avoid "Mexicanization" of the country. At the behest of the Mexican Church, former president Felipe Calderon fingered Santa Muerte as religious enemy number one in his war against some of the drug cartels. In fact, it was the Mexican army's bulldozing of some forty Saint Death shrines on the border with Texas and California that led me to write the first academic book on her burgeoning devotion. Undoubtedly, the death saint does have a significant following among cartel members, but so does Mexico's most popular Catholic saint, St. Jude, who is believed to be open to requests for miracles of dubious morality when he is represented with a staff in his left hand. In addition, most of Sante Muerte's estimated 10 to 12 million devotees in the U.S., Mexico and Central America are not involved in the drug trade. The very same day that the Argentine pope weighed in on the skeleton saint, the top Santa Muerte leader in Mexico, Enriqueta Vargas, who presides over Templo Santa Muerte Internacional in Tultitlan, issued a communique in defense of the faith. "We the devotees of Santa Muerte reject the unjust condemnation by Pope Francis because it's an attack on the freedom of worship of our faith and the respect that must exist among the diverse religious groups. It conceptually violates the Constitution and laws that govern religious faith. In conclusion, I declare that it's wrong of him to judge and generalize peoples' activities since in all cults and religions there are good people and bad people." Will the Canadian youth seize the opportunity to become the leaders of their generation? On the 12th of February, McGill University hosted the United Nations (UN) Secretary General M. Ban Ki-Moon for a speech addressing young students and leaders of Canada. Remarkably, this address also marks the return of Canada on the UN scene following a decade of disengagement under the Harper premiership. "We are back !" announced Justin Trudeau on the night of his election as new Prime Minister of Canada. During his election campaign, Trudeau made it clear that he plans to revive Canadian engagement with the UN and their common values of hospitality, compassion, and commitment to humanitarian efforts. Ban Ki-moon emphasized this promise at the beginning of his speech : "He has recommitted Canada to the United Nations. I am here to recommit the United Nations to partnership with Canada" Ban Ki-moon, UN'SG, February 12th 2016 -- McGill University, Canada The new model of government laid by Trudeau's administration suggests that the youth of Canada will play an influential role in Canadian government and politics. The current political climate appears to be ideal for the youth in Canada to step in and assume positions of leadership on the national and international level. In effect, as the new Canadian vision re-aligns itself with United Nations, so too do we see a convergence of the skill-sets needed and the assets of the Canadian youth. Leadership : the strengths of Canada and its youth 1. A dynamic, educated, and diverse youth Diversity is one of the hallmark features of the Canadian population. In 2011, Canadian citizens born outside of Canada represented a staggering 20.6 percent of the total population, the highest rate among the G8 countries. The population of Canada is also among the youngest in the G8. Moreover, this young population is an educated one, with nearly 90 percent having completed secondary education and 70 percent of young people aged 25 to 29 year-olds holding a postsecondary degree. The diversity of Canadian youth is a major asset for Canada, as its youth is more able to apprehend the challenges of cross-cultural differences. Justin Trudeau shared his vision of diversity in front of young leaders and Global Shapers at the last WEF in Davos : "Today, I had the privilege of discussing with progressive, energetic, and engaged community leaders and activists from around the world on how they influence the narrative on international diversity. By holding a meaningful dialogue, we are showing the world that these young people understand, as Canada does, that pluralism is the key to building resilient, confident nations around the world." M. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, 21 January 2016 -- Davos, Switzerland From a global point of view, nearly half of the world's population is under the age of 25: "The students here are part of the largest generation of youth in history. The world, though 4 billion years old, is still very young, with half of the global population under 25." Ban Ki-moon, UN SG, February 12th 2016 -- McGill University, Canada The youth, therefore, constitute a critical mass able to position itself as an important stakeholder in the public debate. Understanding the singularity of this youth, Ban Ki-moon reminded young McGill students : "You are not here at McGill just for yourselves, but for our common future. I call on you to give back as a global citizen. Rise to the challenges of your generation" Ban Ki-moon, UN SG, February 12th 2016 -- McGill University, Canada While advocating for a pragmatic leadership: "Keep your head above the clouds and your feet firmly planted on the ground then advance step by step" Ban Ki-moon, UN SG, February 12th 2016 -- McGill University, Canada 2. Youth involvement: the culture of volunteerism in Canada Canada has a deeply-rooted culture of volunteerism. More than 13.3 million people-accounting for 47 percent of Canadians aged 15 and over-did volunteer work in 2010, which amounts to a devotion of almost 2.07 billion hours. More than half of people aged 15 to 24 years (58 percent) and nearly half of those aged 25 to 34 years (46 percent), reported having done volunteer work in 2010. It is evident, therefore, that a culture of volunteerism is ingrained in the habits of the Canadian people, particularly among the youth. Volunteering and social activism are effective ways of encouraging participation in social change and human development both locally and globally. Like social activism, volunteering can be oriented towards change and serve a specific purpose. It can, for example, be used to influence the definition of agendas or policies. Through direct exposure, volunteering has the potential to transform individuals; becoming aware of a particular situation or problem, whether environmental, political, or social, volunteers are able to change their perspectives and, in turn, their attitudes and behaviors towards the challenges that we face. Volunteering and social activism are, therefore, mutually supportive in that they serve the same purpose by engaging people from different backgrounds. Volunteering can help initiate the first step towards a long-term commitment, while social activism plays a more prominent role in leadership, by defining sectors of engagement and mobilizing people. Ultimately, social activists need the contributions of volunteers to achieve the change that they seek. Advertisement 3. A government that practices public consultations Justin Trudeau and his cabinet are planning public consultations on many issues. Most recently, this has been evident on the issue of the budget by the Minister of Finance, who moved coast to coast to gather the views of Canadians, and made use of social media to broaden his outreach. Moreover, the Prime Minister has been very active on the two major social networks: Twitter and Facebook, where his total reach includes over 3 million followers and supporters, on which he regularly provides updates about the progress of some of his government's projects. Given the social media presence of generation Y and Z, this provides a potential avenue for young Canadians to make their voices heard, collectively influence policies, and remind their government of their commitments. As the Minister of Youth, Justin Trudeau is exceptionally well-positioned to serve as interlocutor for this medium of conversation with Canada's youth. Last October, the 193 members of the United Nations including Canada have adopted 17 new sustainable development goals. For these objectives to translate from theory to practice, it is as much the duty of the youth -- who are important stakeholders on many of these matters -- as it is for politicians to ensure that these goals find practical applications in the local, national, and international policies. "This is essential for our new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. World leaders adopted it last September to end the tyranny of poverty. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are for all countries, rich and poor. They are a promise to all people, especially young people, who can hold their Governments accountable for these promises and help achieve them." Ban Ki-moon, UN SG, February 12th 2016 -- McGill University, Canada 4. The tradition of Canada for peacekeeping and humanitarian action Peacekeeping is an essential component of the Canadian identity. It was a Canadian, Lester B. Pearson, who, during the Suez crisis in 1956, proposed the creation of a task force of the United Nations, giving birth to the peacekeeping operations. Justin Trudeau indicated that he will submit the candidature of Canada for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council of the United Nations as soon as a place becomes available. The Canadian public opinion, and particularly that of the Canadian youth, widely supports peacekeeping operations and further political engagement on this arena. The resolution 2250 that Ban Ki Moon implemented in December should motivate young Canadians to engage accordingly: [...] "I have been calling for empowering young peacebuilders. The Security Council answered this call last December by adopting resolution 2250 (2015) on youth, peace and security. This was a major breakthrough for how we make peace at the United Nations. Until now, young people were generally seen as good enough to fight wars, but not to negotiate peace. Resolution 2250 (2015) is our commitment to address this injustice and give young people the voice they deserve." Ban Ki-moon, UN SG, February 12th 2016 -- McGill University, Canada Ban Ki-moon's legacy for Youth : FILE- This June 20, 2014 file photo shows the Rikers Island jail with the New York skyline in the background. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio plans to announce his $130 million, four-year plan to overhaul how the nationas most populous city deals with mentally ill and drug-addicted suspects, diverting many to treatment instead of jail. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File) In October 2014, New York City erupted in outrage at the story of Kalief Browder. Browder spent three years in confinement awaiting trial for stealing a backpack. Browder--who was 16 when he was first sent to Rikers--tragically committed suicide in 2015. He was held at Rikers because, like many of the City's most vulnerable residents, he could not post his $3,000 bail. Money bail, even when set in the hundreds of dollars, is a hurdle that keeps many of the City's least well-off residents behind bars--awaiting trial--for lengthy periods. A 2010 Human Rights Watch report on the City's jail system notes that 87% of those who had bail set at $1,000 or less could not pay at their initial appearance, resulting in detention. According to former Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals Jonathan Lippman, "[f]ar too many individuals awaiting trial who pose no risk to public safety are incarcerated simply because they cannot afford to post the bail amount set by the courts." Advertisement Despite calls for the City to shorten pretrial stays and to decrease the number affected, over the last decade, the average period of pretrial confinement in City jails has lengthened. Moreover, reform initiatives announced through the Mayor's Office fall far short of helping individuals who aren't flight risks but can't afford money bail to get out of Rikers. NYC Criminal Justice Agency data notes that in 2003-04, the average length of pretrial detention was 18 days for accused misdemeanants and 51 days for felons. In fiscal year 2015, according to (non-disaggregated) information acquired by the Cato Institute through Freedom of Information Act requests, the average incarceration period for all pretrial detainees at Rikers Island was 55.6 days, up from 54.1 days in 2014. The median detention period, seven days, remains unchanged since 2004. Notably, 55.04% of fiscal year 2015 pretrial confinements involved African Americans, totaling 29,223 detainees. While this is not necessarily indicative of racism in policing, reform would undoubtedly help alleviate the burden money bail places on the city's African American community. For most misdemeanors cases, releasing on recognizance with pretrial supervision is a better option than money bail or incarceration because the vast majority of misdemeanants are not flight risks or otherwise dangerous to society at large. As Elizabeth Glazer of the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice notes, "[m]ost people--93 percent in New York City--who are released without bail or other conditions before trial return to court within 30 days of their scheduled court date." Advertisement According to the same Criminal Justice Agency data, by a conservative estimate, nearly a third of felony detainees were not flight risks, and another 17% were low-to-moderate risks to society at large. In those cases, the Agency adds, supervised release or money bail would be more appropriate than custody--a policy that would help reduce the City's jail population. Pretrial custody directly affects low-income individuals' ability to maintain employment. The longer the period that someone is in jail--with the financial and personal pressures imprisonment imposes--the more inclined that individual is to accept a plea bargain regardless of the strength of the state's case. Additionally, pretrial confinement is associated with more severe case outcomes, particularly in sentencing. On July 8, 2015, Mayor Bill DeBlasio's Office announced a $17.8 million initiative to reform the city's bail process. While the Mayor's initiative is laudable, reducing the population at Rikers will take bolder steps. "City officials estimate that eliminating cash bail for defendants under the [Mayor's] program will cut the average daily population at Rikers--which is about 10,000--by about 200," reposts the New York TimesYet, there are thousands of individuals awaiting trial on Rikers Island on an average day. The Independent Budget Office's 2014 Budget Options report notes that "[a]t any given time two-thirds of the inmates in Department of Correction (DOC) custody are pretrial detainees." In fiscal year 2015, 53,097 inmates wereadmitted as detainees and discharged from City Department of Corrections facilities. A reduction of 200 from the daily average is not enough. After over a decade with little progress, City officials need to make more aggressive efforts, such as expanding underutilized pretrial supervision programs to more low-to-moderate-risk defendants and eliminating money bail in most, if not all, misdemeanor cases. State Senator Michael Gianaris recently proposed such an effort. Advertisement Ending cases like Browder's takes more than a drop in the bucket. For nearly forty years, working and middle class families have been taking an economic beating at the hands of political and economic elites. Forty years! (I first wrote a major piece on these trends, titled "The Declining Middle," for The Atlantic in 1983.) And for the same forty years, economic elites have kept tight control of the political system, preventing those grievances from breaking through. Instead, regular people increasingly gave up on politics. Or they embraced heroes who promised change, but didn't or couldn't deliver much (Obama), or who turned out to be total phonies (John Edwards), or who represented flash-in-the-pan moments (Howard Dean), or who were all things to all people (Bill Clinton) -- deepening voter cynicism that the system was rigged. Advertisement And the economic screwing of ordinary Americans, and the Wall Street lock on policy, just kept worsening. And people kept giving up on politics. On the Republican side, Presidents like Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush used nationalism, militarism, racial backlash and government-bashing to divert attention from the plain pocketbook frustrations of regular working Americans. Paralyzing government promoted the GOP twin project of empowering elites, and discrediting liberals as instruments of believable change. And both the screwing and the cynicism deepened. Both parties were loose, awkward coalitions dominated by Wall Street. On the Republican side, socially liberal financial moguls made common cause with anti-abortion, anti-gay, often anti-black and anti foreign, fundamentalist conservatives. Many of these social conservatives didn't like Wall Street. And on Wall Street, meanwhile, many of the billionaires were embracing gay rights, abortion rights, black colleagues, and were snickering at the evangelicals in the dogpatch. Advertisement Yet the GOP alliance held because it served both groups. Until Donald Trump blew it to smithereens. Meanwhile, the Democrat Party was the same sort of marriage of convenience. The Congressional party and the labor movement were mostly progressive. But Wall Street called the tune for the presidential party. Bill Clinton declared that people who work for a living shouldn't be poor. But he also declared that the era of big government was over. He appointed a few good liberals, but the power positions in the economic portfolios went to Wall Streeters. Deregulation of finance, and more insecurity for regular people, followed. Barack Obama followed much of the same script, embracing social liberalism but giving the power positions on the economy to the same proteges of Robert Rubin. And then Bernie Sanders blew it up. Remarkably, there is accidental convergence of an anti-Wall Street populist on the Republican side, and an anti-Wall Street populist on the Democratic side. This did not have to happen. It was a sheer accident of timing that Trump and Sanders, each improbable by himself, both decided to run the same year. Both are tapping the same, legitimate voter rage. But here the symmetry ends. Trump is now the odds-on favorite to win the Republican nomination, while Sanders is still the underdog for the Democratic slot. Advertisement The Takeaway: 1. It Ain't Over. Pundits are now declaring the Democratic contest over based on a sliver of votes in Nevada. That's premature. Clinton is poised to win most of the Southern Super-Tuesday primaries March 1. But Sanders could still gain ground as the campaign heads back north. This election is anything but linear in its trend. There will be stumbles and reverses that we can't imagine. 2. A Whiter Shade of Trump. If Clinton wins the nomination, she will risk losing a lot white working class votes to Trump. Depending on how more populist she can become on the issues, she may or may not win the enthusiasm of the Sanders base. At the MSNBC-Telemundo Las Vegas Town Hall February 18, she tried to get to Sanders' left on bashing Wall Street, and it didn't sound convincing -- it just sounded opportunistic and desperate. I was the candidate who went to Wall Street before the crash. I was the candidate who went to them and said you are wrecking our economy. What you are doing with mortgages is going to bring us down. .... I go further than Senator Sanders does because I want to go after all the other bank bad actors. The bad actors like hedge funds, the bad actors like AIG, the insurance company. Like Countrywide mortgage. I take a backseat to nobody in being very clear about what I will do to make sure Wall Street never crashes Main Street again. And, that you can count on. Well, maybe. Clinton still won't release the transcripts of her Wall Street paid speeches. In fairness, some presidents who were far from leftwing in their prior careers became more progressive in office, because events demanded it. That describes Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson (but tragically not Barack Obama.) Could Hillary Clinton rise to the occasion and become another mobilizing force for drastic change? If she doesn't, all of the economic rage that has stoked the Trump and Sanders campaigns will be that much more potent in 2020. If Sanders does lose to Clinton, there will still very likely be upwards of 1,000 Sanders delegates at the Philadelphia convention. And if Clinton doesn't sound a lot more like Sanders, they will be booing, not cheering, the party nominee. Advertisement 3. Sanders Needs to Pick Up His Game. Last week, there was a dust-up over Sanders' economic numbers. An economist at the University of Massachusetts, Gerald Friedman, projected very high rates of economic growth for Sanders' economic program. Several moderate liberal economists, all with ties to Clinton and Obama, pounced, arguing that that Friedman's numbers did not add up. By week's end, Beltway economists were feeling very satisfied that they had demolished Sanders' credibility. What these worthies don't get is that the voters are paying less attention to the words than the music. Sanders' song is the music of aspirational change, and he is attracting people who are tired of getting an economic screwing. Beltway budget-crunchers will not take down Sanders by challenging his arithmetic. That said, Sanders does need a far better organized campaign. He is still relying in a pick-up team for his economic advice. The Sanders campaign was doubly embarrassed when Friedman, though a lefty economist, turned out to be a Hillary Clinton supporter. The campaign looked like amateur hour. As he becomes a higher-profile candidate, his program will get an even more intense vetting. 4. Will Elizabeth Warren be the Veep? If Sanders is the nominee, having denied the nomination to the most prominent woman in American politics, he will be under intense pressure to name a woman as his running mate. Turning to a centrist to balance the ticket would make no sense--it would deny who he is and his entire reason for running. There are other plausible women, but naming Warren would redouble the campaign's grass-roots energy. Advertisement And if Hillary Clinton is the nominee, she will need someone to win the excitement of the Sanders base. Sanders himself? Probably not. But Warren is a more convincing version of Sanders than Sanders. Two women? Are you crazy? Hey, for most of our history, presidential tickets have been two men. Just sayin'... 5. Populist Insurgencies Usually End Badly. Ever since the days of William Jennings Bryan and Huey Long, and more recently with Fred Harris and then Ralph Nader, populists raise a lot of energy and hope, but seldom get elected. (FDR and his cousin Teddy, were both accidental populists.) This is a year when economic reality cries out for populist remedy. The risk is that a rightwing populist demagogue will gain ground by blaming the wrong scapegoats, or that a candidate representing Democratic continuity will fail to take popular grievances seriously. 6. Almost Anything Could Happen. There has been talk of an independent candidacy by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. If the two parties respectively nominate Trump and Sanders, Bloomberg could well run. But the greater likelihood, if the Democrats nominate Clinton, is that Bloomberg stays out; and Republican elites, who loathe Trump, will find a traditional conservative to run as a Republican independent. Wouldn't that be something to watch? -- Robert Kuttner is co-editor of The American Prospect and professor at Brandeis University's Heller School. His latest book is Debtors' Prison: The Politics of Austerity Versus Possibility. Advertisement Last fall, social innovation went to Geneva to attend the global prom. That's how I looked at The Social Innovation and Global Ethics Forum (SIGEF), an international event organized by Horyou that brought together nonprofits, renowned speakers, social entrepreneurs and the general public for three days of dialogue around pressing issues, such as social empowerment and equal access to water. To build on the momentum of the SIGEF Event, Horyou.com -- the social network for social good -- has launched #GreatDoingGood, a website and campaign to support the social good promoted by the Horyou platform. The campaign has gathered dozens of testimonials from people across the world about why it's great to do good, in an effort to inspire people across the world to engage in positive actions. #GreatDoingGood ups the ante by making a game around the various videos and offering the winner a $1500 prize, with an additional $1,500 going to the NGO of the winner's choice. Horyou is also organizing a social media challenge in support of the #GreatDoingGood campaign by inviting people to share a good action on social media and challenge their friends to do the same, creating a virtuous cycle of positive actions. Advertisement How do social media opportunities like #GreatDoingGood foster concrete action with philanthropy? I think these opportunities create an ideal onramp for people to be more engaged with social issues and solutions, and empowered to make a difference. Campaigns that involve ordinary people inspiring others through word of mouth have the potential to make philanthropy more relatable and accessible, demonstrating that small actions can generate big, positive results. It's not just individuals that benefit from campaigns like #GreatDoingGood; companies also reap rewards. In fact, I'd argue that companies should leverage campaigns like #GreatDoingGood to increase employee interest in volunteering and giving and demonstrate how they're becoming greater in the act of doing good. Social media is an important -- and often overlooked -- way for companies to communicate this message with employees, and #GreatDoingGreat is tailor made for just that. A report by LinkedIn and Altimeter Group found that 54 percent of engaged employees read content by their company through social media. The study, which focused on the behaviors of companies that were found to the the best at engaging their employees, concluded that these top performing companies built relationships with their employees through social media and by leveraging their core values to empower their employees to be brand ambassadors. "It all begins with authentic, meaningful engagement and content," the report noted. Other highlights of the report reveal: Employees maintain a more optimistic outlook at top socially engaged companies relative to other companies: 52 percent versus 41 percent. 40 percent of engaged employees cite their company's social media communication as the source for keeping informed on important news. 38 percent of engaged employees are more likely to share relevant company content with coworkers and customers when the company shared content in social media. 20 percent of employees are more likely to feel inspired based on how companies use social media to engage with them. Socially engaged employees are more likely to feel proud about their companies' leadership than employees that are not socially engaged. Socially engaged employees are not just connected to those in their own department, they also expand their networks to include other employees, customers, and prospects. A full 59 percent of engaged employees use social media to build relationships within the company. Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer walks off the stage after delivering the keynote address Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, at the Yahoo Mobile Developer Conference in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) I don't envy Marissa Mayer. Yahoo's CEO has struggled to turn the tech company around in recent years. Now she faces pressure from activist investors who want her to engage in "strategic alternatives" -- boardroom speak for a sale of Yahoo's core business. There's no single reason for Yahoo's decline, but if there had to be one, it would be the company's inability to anticipate smartphones. Yahoo cut its teeth making popular desktop web properties like Yahoo Finance, Yahoo News, and more recently Yahoo Fantasy. By the time Mayer joined Yahoo in July 2012, the ship had already sailed on mobile. Mayer tried to stem the tide of change with a string of acquisitions, notably Tumblr in 2013, but none of them propelled the company's growth. Advertisement It's not difficult to see why Yahoo's investors are getting anxious. Its stock has sunk over 30% in the last year, and its valuation is being propped up by stakes in e-commerce giant Alibaba, and Yahoo Japan. Since the IRS ruled out a tax-free Alibaba spinoff last year, shareholders have insisted Mayer meet with potential suitors for its core businesses. That's too bad, because Yahoo might have made a fantastic digital media company. In the world of search engines, for example, Yahoo isn't doing so hot. It claimed about 12% of search market share in January 2016, compared to Google's 64%. What Yahoo does have, however, is a massive online audience. How large, you ask? Its web and mobile properties have an aggregate 205 million monthly unique visitors -- more than BuzzFeed and The Washington Post's websites combined. And while BuzzFeed has recently questioned the usefulness of unique visitors as a measure of overall reach, let's assume a content-centric Yahoo would be able to grow video and direct-to-platform audiences on top of its existing websites and apps. Sustainable media companies are at least one thing Yahoo is not: lean. Buzzfeed has roughly 1,300 employees creating content for 80.4 million unique visitors. That's about 62,000 visitors per employee. Yahoo, on the other hand will have roughly 9,000 employees when it completes its latest round of layoffs -- about 23,000 visitors per employee. If the company shed some of its less popular products it could probably enjoy a healthy, if not explosive, ad business. Advertisement A transformation like the one I'm describing would be dramatic, and probably difficult to pull off. It would also come with caveats. Even though a slimmed-down Yahoo could be a viable media company, plenty of its users are attracted by consumer products like Yahoo Mail or Flickr. It's not clear they would return to a media-centric Yahoo. If it were to pivot, Yahoo should evaluate its properties to see what's driving traffic and what isn't. The company's traffic acquisition costs -- money it spends to attract visitors -- were up over 300% year over year in the quarter that ended last December. Afghan boys learn and memorize Koran at a Madrassa during the month of Ramadan in Kabul on July 15, 2013. Throughout the month, devout Muslims must abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset when they break the fast with the Iftar meal. AFP PHOTO/ Massoud HOSSAINI (Photo credit should read MASSOUD HOSSAINI/AFP/Getty Images) I am writing to discuss the situation in Afghanistan in terms of the less-mentioned points. I am saying less-mentioned points, because firstly I graduated from philosophy, which may offer you a new perspective. Second, I want to share my own experiences, rather than official reports which are available easily. Afghanistan is a country which still has few reliable demographics. Only a recent report by the U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) pointed out that Afghan Ministry of Education officials had repeatedly been profiting off of aids for the schools that actually didn't exist in the country. The report stated that the donors had been provided with fraudulent data and statistics of schools. So the United States might have paid aid money for schools that did not exist. Advertisement Since this is related to public education which cares for little boys and girls, how can we trust in statistics related to critical issues like academic freedom? So let's take a look at Afghanistan in general to know the background. And then we will take a closer look at academic freedom. Rich BackgroundAfghanistan, culturally and politically, is considered as a part of the Middle East. The great Pakistani poet and intellectual, Muhammad Iqbal, called it "the heart of Asia." It is bordered by Pakistan in the south and east; Iran in the west; Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan in the north; and China in the far northeast. This geographical spot tells us that what we can expect to hear from Afghanistan is associated with international policy on one hand and the Middle Eastern societies on the other hand. Its thousands of years of history made Afghanistan a cradle of ancient civilization. Through history Afghanistan has been target for numerous military campaigns including Alexander the Great, Muslim Arabs, Mongols, British, Soviet Union, and currently the Western powers led by the US after 9/11. Over 99% of its population is Muslim with majority of Sunni-Islam. During the Islamic period, Afghanistan has produced many world-famous figures of Islam including: Abu Hanifah, the founder of the largest school of Shariah within Islam, al-Farabi and Avicenna the great Muslim philosophers, al-Afghani the father of Contemporary political Islam, and Rumi, the favored Sufi poet. Advertisement Alongside Iran and Turkey, it is among the first countries in the region which began modernization, establishing constitution, sending girls abroad for education and the like in 1923, around a century ago. Over the last decades, this process of modernization through many evolutions and revolutions leads to the current Afghanistan which illustrates a deep crisis in both the national and religious identity. Academic freedom in Afghanistan. I am so sorry in expressing the negative points, but I think I have to talk about them because by ignoring the tragic events we cannot overcome them. Currently more than one hundred universities and high education institutes, public, private, and non-profit organizations, are running in Afghanistan. Kabul University, the first modern institute of higher education in Afghanistan was established in 1932, 84 years ago. Although the numbers and popularity of academic institutes is growing up, especially in the last decade, academic freedom is not growing. I would like to mention merely three reasons for that: First, religious authority. In Afghanistan, like many other Islamic countries, modern schools are known in contrast to traditional schools or seminaries (Madrasa). This indeed reflects the opposition between modern and traditional schools, and thus, Mullahs and intellectuals. Unfortunately, many religious issues are considered taboo like the necessity of the Islamic state, the real meaning of Jihad and so on. Advertisement Also the three decades civil war has resulted in people being far from education and more religiously fundamentalist. New Madrassas are growing up, particularly by Saudi Arabia's funding which promotes a very restricted and literal meaning of Islam. This limitation implies that academics do not touch the fundamental concepts of current situations. Second, political powers. For many reasons including the political process of modernization, extension of Marxism, Jihadist Islam, tribe tensions, failure of national identity, and most importantly loss of previous order, there are many local powers in Afghanistan who cannot tolerate to be criticized in academia. Ironically, you can openly criticize the central government, due to its dependence on international funds, but not the local and regional power, for example the governor of Balkh or Nangarhar, or tribe leaders. If you are not supported or at least connected to another local power, it is impossible that you can exercise your academic freedom in classes. The problem is that if you are connected to another regional power, the deal among local powers means you have to play in terms of their relationships. Another problem is that criticizing a political leader can be interpreted easily not only as insulting a political leader but as a symbol of a tribe. For example, criticizing Shah Masoud, Hikmatyar, Mazari, and Dustom can be understood respectively as insulting Tajiks, Pashtuns, Hazaras, and Uzbeks, the large races in Afghanistan. Advertisement This complicated situation threats academic freedom so much. I'll give two personal examples -- one from an everyday city and the second about the capital. When I was heading a university in Farah, I asked my colleagues to not criticize the Taliban's fundamental concepts in the university because that region was influenced by the Taliban. The second is more interesting. Once I wanted to give a lecture in the philosophy department of Kabul Education University. They told me that they will provide for me the chance to give a free public speech if I accept to discuss an issue that nobody understands anything of at all. The colleague justified his position saying if you talk decisively, you have to take a side in the discussion and it will harm my position because I invited you and the opposite side will become angry with me! Third, the academic against academic freedom. High educational centers in current Afghanistan consist of public and private owners. The public centers are suffering from corrupt administration; in recent years Afghanistan was among the most corrupt societies alongside Somalia and North Korea. With regards to academic freedom, firing, hiring, and promotion in the public institutions happen if an individual only keeps the academic activities far from others' sensitivity which is as vast as your imagination. Let's give you a personal example. I was advised to control my expression in teaching the History of Islamic Philosophy in the National Academy of Sciences in Afghanistan, the only public research authority in the country while I was working as its adviser. It occurred because some colleagues thought this history insulted their religious beliefs. Of course, if I wanted to promote in the Academy, I had to sensor my research so much, even in the history of Islam. The private institutions threaten the academic because of financial or racial interests. Last September, the United Nations (UN) ratified 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to serve as benchmarks for every nation to ensure global prosperity, protection of the planet, and an eradication of poverty. This Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom. We recognise that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. All countries and all stakeholders, acting in collaborative partnership, will implement this plan. -- Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, United Nations Goal 4 of the SDGs was a unique goal focused purely on education. This is the first time such a standalone education goal has been set and ratified. Advertisement Goal 4--Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning For those who agree with the role that the UN plays, it is hard to disagree with any of the goals or much of the wording. The call for a Quality Education - not merely access to any education - is a grand step in ensuring that all children, and not just those from high-income countries, have a quality education. But what do we mean by a quality education? There are some who argue that the threshold of quality education is met by focusing only on literacy and numeracy, but the SDGs are a recognition that this definition is insufficient and outdated. Education is not simply a content delivery system; rather, it is a system designed to help all children reach their full potential and enter society as full and productive citizens. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon set the SDG process in motion in 2012 by declaring that every child must be in school, and the quality of those schools must improve so that students are prepared to be productive citizens, ready to lead the future. Education must fully assume its central role in helping people to forge more just, peaceful and tolerant societies. -- Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations Advertisement We must make sure that what comes out of the indicator roundtables taking place in 2016 defines and addresses the term Quality Education. Too many times, we have seen the meaning of words be adjusted, stripped, diluted, or subjected to complete metamorphoses. Words and phrases like accountability and data driven have had their well-intentioned and appropriate meanings changed. Accountability is now code for teacher evaluations linked to student academic achievement, while data driven too often equates to test scores only. The meaning of a Quality Education is one that is pedagogically and developmentally sound and educates the student in becoming an active and productive members of society. A Quality Education is not one that is measured purely by a test score or by how many words per minute a 5-year-old can read. To hark back to these simplified measurements is to do a disservice to both the student and the phrase Quality Education itself. This week, two leading education organizations that represent over 30 million educators globally--ASCD, based in the Washington, D.C., metro area, and Education International (EI), based in Brussels, Belgium--released a statement in support of the SDGs and the pursuit of quality education for all. In the statement, ASCD and EI define a quality education: A quality education is one that focuses on the whole child--the social, emotional, mental, physical, and cognitive development of each student regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. It prepares the child for life, not just for testing. Advertisement A quality education provides resources and directs policy to ensure that each child enters school healthy and learns about and practices a healthy lifestyle; learns in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe for students and adults; is actively engaged in learning and is connected to the school and broader community; has access to personalized learning and is supported by qualified, caring adults; and is challenged academically and prepared for success in college or further study and for employment and participation in a global environment. A quality education provides the outcomes needed for individuals, communities, and societies to prosper. It allows schools to align and integrate fully with their communities and access a range of services across sectors designed to support the educational development of their students. A quality education is supported by three key pillars: ensuring access to quality teachers; providing use of quality learning tools and professional development; and the establishment of safe and supportive quality learning environments. The statement also describes the current state of education in the world and calls on educators to promote a whole child approach to education: The SDGs reflect a global consensus in our young century that education is a human right and a public good that is critical to the health and future of the world. But ours is a world of severe challenges, with millions of students under fire, unsettled and unschooled due to conflict and governments globally failing to meet their funding commitments to education, especially with regard to their poorest citizens. Education advocates have a responsibility to promote policies that integrate schools, communities, and nations into a system that supports development of the whole child, ensuring that each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. Advertisement In just a few months the world will have a new largest cruise ship in history: Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas. RCCL's new 227,000-ton vessel is due to set sail from Southampton, England, on May 22. The STX shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, constructed the Harmony of the Seas and is in the process of finalizing it. The Harmony of the Seas will sit higher and wider than its sister mega ships, the Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, which are currently the biggest passenger cruise ships in the world, and will accommodate 100 more passengers, bringing its total passenger capacity to 6,000 plus crew. Advertisement Considering booking a cruise on the Harmony? I hope you are the type of vacationer who enjoys large crowds and lots of attractions and commotion in favor of a quiet, understated cruise experience. As an experienced maritime attorney, I feel that the addition of a new mega ship to Royal Caribbean's fleet, doesn't necessarily mean its safety has been increased. Think of the Harmony as a floating mega resort -- much like what might surround you at a theme park in Orlando or on the Vegas Strip. The Harmony will combine many of the latest gadgets and gimmicks found on other RCCL mega ships, like robotic bartenders, which prepare and serve drinks with actual bionic arms, a two-story waterslide, and virtual windows in windowless cabins -- real-time video monitors depicting the views passengers would actually be seeing outside the ship if the staterooms had real windows. The Harmony will also be the widest ship ever made, three meters wider than the Oasis and Allure, resulting in larger cabins, which is good news for passengers. For those who book a suite, special VIP areas of the ship will include an exclusive lounge, a sun deck, and a restaurant called the Coastal Kitchen. Denmark, Aarhus, Female barista pouring milk into coffee cup Dear Talia, After reading your post on Medium detailing the absolute struggle you dealt with while working for a Bay Area based corporation, I felt it imperative to address your concerns and above all, your obvious need for financial assistance. It sounds like you've hit some real post Haitian earthquake style hard times, so maybe some advice will help while you drink the incredibly expensive bourbon you posted on your Instagram account and eat that bag of rice, which was the only other thing you could afford! Advertisement My name is Stefanie. I'm not much older than you. I will be turning the big 3-0 in three weeks time. It seems like a lifetime ago I sat in my sophomore year apartment crying about how I would never again be able to relate to "Baba O'Riley" or "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant." But here I am, having survived my 20s with some grace and a lot of humility. However, despite our less-than-a-decade difference in age, it seems we are worlds apart in the concept of work ethic. But somehow, I'm not surprised. Those five little years are incredibly important. "Despite our less-than-a-decade difference in age, it seems we are worlds apart in the concept of work ethic." When I was 22, I was let go from an office job. My first post college job. I was sent out into the employment-seeking word three weeks after Lehmann Brothers crashed and two months before the economy went into absolute free fall. But on that Halloween when I was let go, young and confused and scared, I wandered into a bar where the old Irish bartender was a family friend, hoping he'd give me a drink and some advice about my plight. Advertisement I, too, was an English major. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with that. Work in marketing? Try my hand at journalism again? PR? No clue. All I knew was my dreams of being able to move out and live in the City with my friends had just been dashed. Listening to my problems, like most bartenders do, Mike walked away and came back with the General Manager of the restaurant. I was offered a hostessing shift two days a week that paid $15 an hour (which worked out to a weekly paycheck, after taxes, of $168.00). I agreed to it. It would be temporary, but it would be better than making nothing at all. I'd do that while looking for another job that was more my speed, something my mother could be proud of, something worthy of my English Language and Literature degree and my Chaucer reciting mind. Little did I know that in just about a month's time, I would be looking for a job alongside thousands of men and women who had been in the industry for 10, 15, 30 years. And the positions I'd be offered would all be unpaid internships. Something I simply could not afford. Sure, it'd be great to tell people I was working for Conde Nast or Vogue, but what wouldn't be great would be the fact that I couldn't afford to be slave labor, even if it helped my resume. Reality had to take over and I accepted that. So I worked in a restaurant. Nine months later, after living at home with my mom and commuting on the LIRR each day to stand at a hostess desk and bring patrons to their tables, running into old high school classmates who were working in finance or PR and eating my pride when they detailed (and usually lied about) their "amazing" jobs, I was offered a cocktail waitressing shift at my restaurant. Advertisement Sure, it was on the worst night of the week. Sure, I had never made a drink before. But it would potentially be an extra $200 to $400 increase a week. I jumped at it. And the extra money I was making made the high school classmate I served who worked for Barclays Capital, who made rude comments about how I "seemed to being doing great in life" worth it. Even if I went and cried in our private party room after and questioned how I had ended up clearing the plates of people I went to high school with. Two weeks later, I was at a five-star hotel in Charleston for a week's vacation. And that was worth so much more than the approval of a guy whose last name I couldn't remember. "Turning this girl's inability to work for what she wants into a conversation about poverty ... and wage issues is utter bullshit." Six months later, I was offered the weekend baetending shifts for the month of December. Long hours, lots of stress, I smelled like bad citrus and stale beer most of the time, I had to miss Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Eve with my family and friends, but I jumped at the opportunity. And all of a sudden, after about a year, I was making enough money to live. And after several years, I was making enough money to live well. A year later, I was making enough money to move into the City with my best friend. I worked four days a week making anywhere between $50,000 and $60,000 a year -- more than many of my former classmates with much more flexibility and far better hours. I was able to travel three times a year, go out with my friends, pay rent, pay for groceries. Above all, I was able to write. And at 26, I signed to a talent agency in LA and began my journey into television screenplay writing. Advertisement All of this was afforded to me not in the first month I was working at a restaurant, but after I put in the hours, made the sacrifices and sucked up my pride in order to make ends meet and figure out what I wanted to do and how to do it. I gave up holidays with my family in order to work extra shifts and make the good tips. I put up with people making rude comments, assuming I was just a wanna-be actress, assuming I didn't go to college, all to make money. I lived with my mother, my first roommate, and then moved in with two others soon after because living in New York by yourself is a luxury, not an affordable option. I commuted 40 minutes each way each day at first, sometimes missing the late night train and having to sit in Penn Station for an extra hour or two waiting to get home. I dealt with the pitying looks of my former classmates or their parents when they would see me at the hostess stand or walking into the service station in my heels, laughing to myself knowing their child was hating their "amazing" job. I paid my dues. I did what I had to do in order to survive, with the help of my family. I was gracious and thankful and worked as hard as I could even if it was a job that sometimes made me question my worth. And I was successful because of that. Had you ended your whole whining disdain about full health coverage and expensive copays by saying you had taken a job at Starbucks or a waitressing job in order to make money while you were on the search for a new job that requires the basic knowledge most teenagers with a Twitter account hold these days, I'd have maybe given you credit. Advertisement Saying you moved in with several roommates to cut costs, tried to budget in a way that was more practical, and applied for jobs that were more about salary and growth than bragging rights and trends, I'd say hey, she's making an effort. But you are a young, white, English-speaking woman with a degree and a family who I would assume is helping you out at the moment. And you are asking for handouts from strangers while you sit on your ass looking for cushy jobs you are not entitled to while you complain about the establishment, probably from a nice laptop. To you, that is more acceptable than taking a job in a restaurant, or a coffee shop, or a fast food place. And that's the trouble with not just your outlook, but the outlook of so many people your age. You think it is somehow more impressive to ask strangers for money by writing some "witty" open letter than it is to put on your big girl pants and take a job you might be embarrassed by in order to make ends meet. And as someone who not only took the "embarrassing job," but thrived at it, made bank from it and found a career path through it, I am utterly disgusted by your attitude. Being an English major isn't the problem. Minimum wage isn't the problem (in this case). Do I like Yelp? Not particularly. Do I like that CEOs make pathetic amounts of money? Not particularly. But turning this girl's inability to work for what she wants into a conversation about poverty (Poverty! She lives in the Bay Area alone and has a corporate job and can afford fancy bourbon! Not exactly the picture of a third world crisis!) and wage issues, is utter bullshit. " Trust me when I say, there are far more embarrassing things in life than working at a restaurant, washing dishes or serving burgers at a fast food window." This is about this girl's personal responsibility to be an adult and find a job, or two (God forbid she have to give up a weekend day to be a waitress), an an affordable living situation and an affordable city in which to work. Yelp, as bad as it is and as much as I hate the assholes who use it to pretend they are New York Times food critics about the Applebees on Walnut St., is not the issue in this moment. The issue is that this girl doesn't think working a second job or getting roommates should be something she has to do in order to get ahead after three months of an entry level job in the most expensive city in the country. She believes Yelp should cover the cost of the financial decisions she's made which include living alone and accepting that salary, two options that any sane person would never make. She believes she deserves these things that most of us would call luxuries. And that's the problem entirely. You expected to get what you thought you deserved rather than expected to work for what you had to earn. Work ethic is not something that develops from entitlement. Quite the opposite, in fact. It develops when you realize there are a million other people who could perform your job and you are lucky to have one. It comes from sucking up the bad aspects and focusing on the good and above all it comes from humility. It comes from modesty. And those are two things, based on your post, that you clearly do not possess. Trust me when I say, there are far more embarrassing things in life than working at a restaurant, washing dishes or serving burgers at a fast food window. And one of them, without one shred of doubt, is displaying your complete lack of work ethic in public by asking for handouts because you refuse to actually do work that at the ripe old age of 25 that you think is unworthy of your witty tweet-creating time. Protesters attend a rally in the Brooklyn borough of New York Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, in support of a former NYPD police officer Peter Liang, who was convicted of manslaughter for the 2014 shooting death of Akai Gurley, in a housing project stairwell. The 28-year-old Liang, who testified the shooting was an accident, could be sentenced to 5 to 15 years for shooting Gurley, who was unarmed. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle) I'm a proud Chinese American, but today I am disappointed by those in my community who rallied this weekend in support of Peter Liang, the NYPD officer who killed Akai Gurley and was recently convicted of second-degree manslaughter. My parents and many of their friends attended these rallies or have spoken up in support of Liang. They have stayed silent and very far away from any Black Lives Matter protests, but they find the time to pay attention and show up when it is a member of their community. Chinese Americans are arguing that it is unjust that Liang got convicted while the many white cops who have killed unarmed Black people before him walked free. White cops such as Daniel Pantaleo, who killed Eric Garner with a chokehold, and Darren Wilson, who shot Michael Brown, are regularly acquitted of these killings. In the case of Peter Liang, there are more ambiguities. At least as the official account goes, he did not see Akai Gurley before his gun accidentally discharged and his bullet ricocheted off a wall and fatally struck Gurley. I share my parents' outrage that white cops who much more clearly targeted unarmed Black folks have somehow gotten non-indictments. I think there are clear disparities between the way Liang was treated versus the way Pantaleo was treated, particularly as Pantaleo was a veteran cop who should have known better. Advertisement But that doesn't change the fact that Akai Gurley died needlessly because of a rotten system that Liang was part of. This is a system in which police routinely conduct unwarranted public housing patrols just to look for suspicious activity, which is what Liang was doing when he shot Gurley. The facts are that Liang had his gun on the trigger when there was no imminent threat -- he was there proactively, not in response to an event -- and when he did find out that Gurley was shot, he did not immediately provide medical care. I hope that Liang's conviction is a precedent, and that we will continue to convict, instead of letting cops who kill off the hook. This is not the first time that a cop has killed a Black person during a public housing patrol and it will likely not be the last time, if we maintain the status quo. The status quo is that an unarmed Black person is killed by cops and George Zimmerman types every 28 hours in this country. Peter Liang killed someone -- a father, son a brother -- and he should be held accountable. I asked my dad to imagine that Akai Gurley were his son, killed for nothing more than trying to enter an apartment. He immediately responded, without stopping to actually consider my question, "but imagine if Peter Liang were your son." That he was willing to consider Liang but not Gurley as his son is indicative of a broader trend I see among many (East) Asian Americans. They are angry when they see injustice against people who look like them, but not when they see injustice against Black, Latinx, and Muslim/ South Asian communities. Other people of color are dehumanized to them. Even when the injustice is stacked a human life versus a possible 15 years in prison. Advertisement I think many Asian Americans are focusing on Peter Liang as an individual instead of as part of a system that's broken. The system is made of people like Liang who, accidentally or not, feel the need to have their guns out in the absence of provocation. It's also a system in which Black folks can face life sentences for nonviolent drug crimes, while cops walk free (or serve much shorter sentences) for taking innocent lives. Where is the outrage over that discrepancy? Many Asian Americans fail to see this systematic violence as related to them, when in fact history has taught us that white supremacy is a revolving door that deems different groups of marginalized folks as "unsafe" based on what benefits white people at the time. White people will always find new reasons to profile people of color as criminals, spies, terrorists, and so forth, and Asian Americans are not immune. When the tide of favorability turns against us, I would hope that other people of color would stand in solidarity -- just as Asian American folks need to stand in solidarity now. The flawed logic of protesting one type of racism while implicitly condoning another, far more violent type of racism is bewildering to me. I saw people in the Liang rallies this weekend holding signs that quoted Martin Luther King Jr. and bore sentences like "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." That they failed to see the irony in this escapes me. My parents see Peter Liang as a victim of the mounting pressures of Black Lives Matter. They are calling him a "scapegoat," particularly as Akai Gurley's death happened just four months after Eric Garner's death. When I look at this situation, I see a potential for change -- change that happens case by case through activists fighting for change, through the criminal justice system, and through precedents. Liang's conviction is a step towards justice. Call it good timing. This afternoon, the United States Senate will observe one of its most hallowed traditions: the annual reading of President George Washington's farewell address, penned in 1796. Every year, a senator is assigned to read the address into the Congressional Record, and then adding his or her signature to a leather-bound book that is kept by the secretary of the Senate for posterity. This observance began during the Civil War. This year, the honor goes to Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware - the first state to ratify the Constitution. When Sen. Coons takes to the floor (and C-SPAN) to read Washington's words, I hope Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will be listening. Perhaps it will remind McConnell of another Senate tradition: providing Supreme Court nominees with a fair hearing and timely vote. Advertisement More than a tradition, it's the Senate's constitutional duty. The Senate's historical office writes that President Washington's principal concern in his address "was for the safety of the eight-year-old Constitution. He believed that the stability of the Republic was threatened by the forces of geographical sectionalism" and "political factionalism." Two centuries later, with McConnell threatening to use his power to keep a seat on the Supreme Court vacant until well into 2017, we should all be concerned about the safety and stability of the Constitution. Keeping a tie-breaking seat empty on the highest court in the land is unprecedented, extraordinarily reckless, and shows a blatant disrespect for the rule of law and the third branch of government. Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the overseer of nomination hearings, got an earful from his constituents last week on the court opening, according to the New York Times. Confronting Grassley for his apparent willingness to aid and abet McConnell's obstructionism, an Iowa Republican reminded him that providing fair consideration of a nominee is "all about good governance." Another constituent told Sen. Grassley that delaying any consideration for over a year until a new president is in office "is not representing us. It's representing your party." The annual reading of President Washington's message continues to be relevant today: our senators should put country before party. Advertisement Here are some of Washington's words that Sen. Coons will read to his colleagues today: "The Constitution which at any time exists, until changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government. All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations under whatever plausible character with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle and of fatal tendency. ... [Partisan factions] are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion." Heady thoughts, to be sure, but deeply relevant to the dispute about filling the Supreme Court vacancy in the wake of Justice Antonin Scalia's death. Americans rightly expect the Senate to fulfill its responsibilities and provide a fair hearing and timely vote to the president's forthcoming Supreme Court nominee. Since the 1980s, it has taken no more than 100 days from the date of nomination for the Senate to complete its task. Since the founding of our country, it has taken no more than 125 days. President Obama has over 330 days left in office. There is plenty of time on the calendar. Moreover, the Senate has a long history of confirming Supreme Court justices during a presidential election year. The Supreme Court does not shut down just because there's a presidential election in November, and the President's powers last for four full years. The Senate has confirmed justices during an election year six times. Most recently, the Senate confirmed Justice Anthony Kennedy in 1988. Then, as today, the Senate was controlled by one party and the White House by the other. Advertisement If McConnell isn't interested in President Washington's warnings about partisanship, perhaps he could review some of his own. "Under the Constitution, our duty is to provide advice and consent to judicial nominations," McConnell said in 1986. "It is clear under our form of government that the advice and consent role of the Senate in judicial nominations should not be politicized," he continued in 1990. "Whether it's small-claims court or the Supreme Court, Americans expect politics to end at the courtroom door," he argued in 2010. Traveling alone is not a new experience for me. I have ventured far out of my comfort zone by doing citizen science in Africa, Ecuador, St. Lucia and Mexico. In the next year I will travel to Australia and Indonesia to do a citizen science trip with Dr. Andrea Marshall, Director of the Marine Megafauna Foundation. These trips have been incredible experiences of growth for me, and I have added friends from all over the world who are as passionate as I am about conservation, particularly in the ocean. Enjoying the drift! Why do I travel alone? I seek experience and knowledge. My first volunteer trip in Mozambique was eye opening in many ways. Could I travel all the way to Africa by myself? Yes. Could I perform the necessary tasks to do my volunteer job? After a shaky start, the answer became yes. Could I witness the culture and learn from it? At times it was extremely difficult, but yes, I learned a lot about the people of Mozambique, and Ecuador, and Mexico. I learned, most importantly, that I was capable and could thrive, and survive, on my own. I also learned about my own culture, and looked for ways to make it better by contributing my experience and knowledge of the world, and encouraging others to step out as well. I know many women who are afraid to travel on their own, but it is very empowering. Namaste. I also travel alone because of my husband's health. Two years ago, Randy had a double lung transplant, a sudden and inexplicable journey that was taken with the support of our family and friends. Randy is now doing well, but traveling can be problematic for a person who takes anti-rejection medications and immune system suppressants. We have taken trips together, but he has become ill on many of them, from flying, or being in crowds. My citizen science is usually ocean-based, and involves scuba diving. Randy is not diving at the moment, and we are unsure if he will ever dive again. One thing is sure: he cannot travel unless he is reasonably close to a major medical center with a transplant team. The developing nations are not safe locations for him. Advertisement Lake Tahoe is becoming a favorite destination for Randy and I, and I had the opportunity to enjoy Lake Tahoe in the snow. Randy made the decision not to go because I would be staying, and playing, in a casino. Talk about a germ fest! I understood his reasoning, and went alone. I never mind being by myself in a casino, or staying in a hotel alone. However, I wanted to go boating to see Emerald Bay and I decided to go snowmobiling. I signed up for the tours. It was as though I was invisible. When I caught people looking at me, I saw questions in their minds. Why was I alone? No one interacted with me except a couple staying at my hotel, and I am the one who initiated that conversation, which was short. I had the feeling people were afraid of what I might tell them because it would make them uncomfortable. Widowed? Divorced? Friendless? Believe me, they did not want to know my story, whatever it was. Couples interacted, families interacted, but they did not want to interact with me. I felt a little unnerved by the silence and the quick glances, and a little lonely as well. It surprised me that a midlife woman traveling alone should be almost shunned. At least, that's the way it felt. I enjoyed my trip, and loved the experiences I had. Lake Tahoe in the snow is a winter wonderland! However, I find myself curious as to why a midlife woman in these situations should find herself ignored. I wonder if men who travel alone also feel like they have on an invisibility cloak? What do you think? Ever had this experience? Are midlife women alone invisible? Earlier on Huff/Post50: The death of a family member triggers a flurry of decisions, all of which must be made in a time of great emotional stress. At the center of the decisions is a single question--how should the dead be mourned and memorialized? The "right" answer can vary significantly based on religious beliefs, family politics, social norms, and the economic capacity of the family. Many families are relieved to be able to hire a funeral director to take care of all of the practical details, but there is a growing interest in "home funerals," in which human remains are prepared for disposition in the home, rather than at the funeral parlor. As described in a recent New York Times article, remains may be washed and dressed by family, members of a religious community, or a funeral director. Surrendering control of the corpse to a funeral director immediately after death, allowing it to be embalmed, and displaying it in an open casket is often referred to as the "traditional" American funeral, but in fact that has only been the "tradition" for a little over a century. Until the end of the 19th century, most American funerals were home funerals. Families may choose home funerals for many reasons. For some, ritually preparing human remains for burial has significant religious implications. For others, it is a last meaningful act of love. For too many, the "traditional" American funeral, which averages $8,500 plus the cost of the burial plot, is simply beyond their means. Advertisement Throughout the world, home funerals are routine and accepted. In the United States, a country that prides itself on religious liberty and the freedom of self-expression, the growing interest in home funerals represents a challenge to the commercial funeral industry. That industry has responded as economics expect, by engaging in classic "rent seeking" behavior and lobbying state legislatures to enact restrictive laws that insulate it from competition. In the case of home funerals, the competition comes from families themselves. Sixteen states require that human remains be embalmed or refrigerated within a particular time period after death (usually 24-48 hours). (Those states are: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas, and Virginia.) Four of those states (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Texas) require that human remains be refrigerated below a particular temperature (typically 35-40 degrees). Virginia already requires that human remains be embalmed or refrigerated within 48 hours after death. Virginia State Senator Kenneth Alexander, a funeral director, has proposed Senate Bill 595 to specify that the remains must be refrigerated at a temperature of no more than 40 degrees. This bill has been received with appropriate outrage by funeral consumer advocates and some funeral directors. Legal requirements that human remains must be embalmed or refrigerated after death are classic examples of industry rent-seeking. By requiring "refrigeration," particularly at a specific temperature, rather than simply permitting cooling via dry ice or other means, these states place heavy burdens on families and religious communities that want to care for remains at home. Advertisement On the surface, these requirements seem reasonable. Aren't human remains a health hazard? Don't these laws prevent public health nightmares? Actually, it turns out, unembalmed and unrefrigerated human remains don't pose significant public health risks. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that "[t]here is no direct risk of contagion or infectious disease from being near human remains for people who are not directly involved ... handling dead bodies." The CDC further advises that those directly handling human remains can protect themselves from potential bacteria and viruses by wearing gloves and washing their hands. "The sight and smell of decay are unpleasant," the CDC advises, "but they do not create a public health hazard." The World Health Organization (WHO) agrees. "The widespread belief that corpses pose a major health risk is inaccurate. Especially if death resulted from trauma, bodies are very unlikely to cause outbreaks of diseases..." The WHO also advises that "[d]ead or decayed human bodies do not generally create a serious health hazard, unless they are polluting sources of drinking-water..." The Association Francaise d'Information Funeraire advises that there are three methods for preserving human remains before final disposition: dry ice, refrigeration, and embalming. The use of dry ice is the "common traditional technique for preservation at home," the Association reports, and "[i]t gives perfect results in 95% of the cases." Tourism, a topic discussed when China Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani last January in Tehran, has become central to the Islamic Republic agenda, especially after finalizing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action last month. In recent years, Iran has laid the groundwork to capitalize on the large number of Chinese citizens traveling abroad, more than 100 million in 2014. Deputy of Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO) Morteza Rahmani Movahed, disclosed in June 2014 that Iran plans to attract 5 percent of China's overseas tourists and desires to boost the number of overall foreign visitors from 4.5 million in 2013 to 10 million by 2019 within the framework of the 2025 Vision Plan. He noted that Iran desires to draw 20 million annual tourists in the next decade, generating an estimated $25-30 billion. Iran has steadily invested in its tourism infrastructure and the world is taking note. Its ranking in the World Economic Forum, Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, has improved in the past four years, from 114 in 2011 to 97 in 2015. However, Tehran did not make the report's Middle East and North Africa list of Top 10 most tourism-ready economies. Advertisement Steady progress notwithstanding, Iranian officials have stated that improvements are needed because it lacks adequate tourism infrastructure. "Iran lacks the proper infrastructure required to survive in the highly competitive tourism market," chairman of Iran-China Chamber of Commerce Assadollah Asgaroladi said in 2014. "Even if we succeed in attracting the targeted 5 million Chinese tourists by [2015], we would not have sufficient hotels of international standard to accommodate the travelers nor do we have enough number of trained Chinese tour guides," he added. To its credit, Tehran has recognized these weak spots and moved to increase the number of hotels and create educational framework to produce quality Chinese speakers. Advertisement In 2014, Iran overhauled its hotel industry, investing $220 million in hotels and other similar establishments. Officials have strategized to build more four-and-five star hotels, as only 130 out of 1,100 hotels hold this status. "By 2025, the number of four-and-five star hotels in Iran must rise to 400, ICHTO head Masoud Soltanifar, recently told PressTV, further noting that 125 are presently being erected. Starting this March, Iranian officials plan to offer an income tax-exemption for five-years to incentivize companies to build more hotels, particularly in less developed parts of the country, Seyed Kamel Taqavinejad, head of Iranian Tax Administration said, according to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, IRNA reported. In 2009, University of Tehran and Yunnan University of China joint-sponsored the first Confucius Institute in Iran, educating 57 students during its inaugural year. Other institutions, including University of Tehran last December, have launched Chinese language programs. To entice Chinese travelers, Iran has overhauled its entire visa protocol, decreasing visa processing time to less than 48 hours, removing visa requirements for Chinese visitors touring Iran for up to five days, and lengthening its on-arrival visas from 14 days to 30 days. Advertisement To accommodate a rise in tourists, last October, direct-flights increased in frequency between the two nations. Iran's Mahan Air, now departs three-times per week and China Southern Airlines also flies nonstop to Iran. Direct travel will benefit Iran's business and tourism sectors, as economic and investment delegations jockey to enter the Iranian market. Why has Tehran gone to such lengths to court Chinese tourists? The simple answer is money. Renminbi, Chinese currency, will become official world tenure in October 2016, therein allow Chinese travelers to carry hard currency. This exchange, given that Chinese travelers spent a combined $165 billion in 2014, should spark the Iranian economy. During President Xi's first trip to Iran last month, the two countries decided to escalate trade to $600 billion during the next decade, and agreed on major financial deals, including likely having the world's largest bank in terms of money, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, open branches in Iran. This deal, if finalized, should pay high dividends to both countries. According to The Washington Post's Robert Barnes, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's death has plunged the nation's politics into turmoil. It may be more accurate to say the late justice's passing has cast a long shadow across an already dimly lit Republican Party -- a party whose erstwhile leader is the very poster boy for xenophobia. As much as they despise acknowledging it, folks like Reince Priebus, Ted Cruz and especially Jeb Bush now know that 69-year-old braggart, Donald J. Trump, has taken over their party. Finely distilling and loudly amplifying the same wedge issues that once assured GOP victories, Trump has made the party unimaginably toxic. The damage Trump's doing to the party of Lincoln is more elemental than even the deadly policy blunders of George W. Bush. Recall, those blunders -- perhaps worst among them the war in Iraq -- led former Republican congressman from Virginia, Tom Davis to famously lament that if the party's brand were dog food, stores would remove it from their shelves. Advertisement Forget dog food. The GOP could only hope to be dog food at this point. Think kyrptonite. Trump's GOP is kryptonite to those finest of American qualities: tolerance, optimism and diversity. But it's also Miracle Grow to our lowest common denominators: fear, hate and intolerance. Billionaire v. Pope Transitioning the kryptonite metaphor to the religious debate and reducing it a step further, Trump's particular brand of intolerance and fear-mongering about immigrants and refugees is antimatter to the rays of hope and lessons about love and tolerance Pope Francis offered during his sojourn through Mexico these past few days. A quick physics lesson: Antimatter obliterates its material counterpart out of existence in the material universe. Put that in your crisper for a minute. What emerges is a crystal-clear revelation: Trumpism, such as it is, threatens the very existence of love and tolerance. Ah, love -- that stuff upon which Christianity is supposed to be based. No wonder the pope called out the would-be Great Wall of Mexico builder, Donald Trump, as "not Christian." Advertisement Meanwhile, following in the footsteps of many of his most illustrious predecessors, including Pope John Paul II who apologetically entered the fray of Cold War politics in the 1980s and 90s, last week Pope Francis sounded a note of Ronald Reagan as a denouncer of walls and a proponent of bridges. "Warsaw, Moscow, Budapest, Berlin, Prague, Sofia and Bucharest have become stages in a long pilgrimage toward liberty," the pontiff said during an address in Ciudad Juarez across the border from El Paso that featured reverberating audio and optics of epic proportion. By comparison the pseudo-populist meanderings and drab, online backdrop of The Donald's "counterattack" looked downright puny as the GOP front-runner attempted to respond to Pope Francis. Trump even included a warning about terrorists possibly attacking Vatican City. "If and when the Vatican is attacked by ISIS, which as everyone knows is ISIS's ultimate trophy, I can promise you that the Pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been President because this would not have happened. ISIS would have been eradicated unlike what is happening now with our all[-]talk, no action politicians," reads part of Trump's statement at donaldjtrump.com. The contrast between Francis's subtlety and substance versus Trump's complete lack thereof couldn't be more profound. One presents words for the millennium, the other blabs on about issues of momentary import. Advertisement "It is admirable that in these events, entire peoples spoke out -- women, young people, men, overcoming fears, their irrepressible thirst for liberty speeded up developments, made walls tumble down and opened gates," the pope continued in his riff about the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Iron Curtain more than 25 years ago. Not on Air Force One Still, ultraconservative American clerics felt compelled to rush to Trump's defense when his self-proclaimed Christian piety was called into question by Catholicism's titular head. "My advice to the [p]ontiff -- reach out and build a bridge to Donald Trump," admonished Pastor Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, from his own "epic" perch called Facebook. "Who knows where he may be this time next year!" I know where Trump will be next year -- or at least where he will not be. So do President Barack Obama and old-guard Republican, Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina. Both have unabashedly predicted that Trump will never be President of the United States. I'll go out on a limb and predict that around this time next year, Donald J. Trump will be on his second-hand airplane, pitching yet another reality show -- maybe even to NBC. Advertisement However, if America is what the current president, an old-guard Republican and this journalist think it is, Trump will not be on Air Force One in 2017 pitching into the dustbin of history the unscripted reality of America's crucial and -- dare I say it -- huge role in the affairs of humanity. #Trumpothelcown Though only, as far as I can tell, the second Twitter user following a single reference by someone with the handle @yikesks (props to you, Yikes) to coin the hashtag #trumpotheclown, I hope I have the courage to never back away from it -- even if (God help us) Trump were elected to the presidency. Trump's clown status was solidified when he said on national television that the reason Fox News anchor, Megyn Kelly, was "unfair" to him during a debate was because she "had blood coming out of her wherever." Of course, the needle of my clown-o-meter had already begun ticking upward following Trumpo's declaration that most undocumented Mexican immigrants are rapists. Recently, I saw firsthand what a joke Trump really is to many Mexican people during a tour guided by transplanted American former journalist, Derrick Chinn. Chinn, a native Ohioan, lives in Mexico and has been loving it for 10 years. He founded "Turista Libre," an authentic-Tijuana tour company, which the Washington Post and numerous media outlets have described as a look into side of life in a Mexican border town that as anything but bleak. On Chinn's tour a couple of weeks ago, I and a gaggle of fellow reporters from San Diego snapped a flurry of iPhone and Android photos of a mural painted on the fence separating the U.S. and Mexico near Tijuana that expresses one Mexican artist's response to the GOP front runner's Mexicans-rape comments. The mural, shown at the top of this article, depicts Trump with a ball gag strapped to his big mouth. The English title reads, "Rape Trump." (FILE PHOTO) In this composite image a comparison has been made between former US Presidential Candidates Jimmy Carter (L) and Gerald Ford. In 1976 Jimmy Carter won the presidential election to become the President of the United States. ***LEFT IMAGE*** 1986: Former US President Jimmy Carter appears on February 1986, in London. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** 1974: American President Gerald Ford, stands on August 22, 1974. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) It was bound to happen again. The real surprise is that it took this long. Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders are not accidents coughed up by history. They're the foreseeable products of a flawed political reform instituted a half century ago. The reform grew out of the bitter 1968 Democratic nominating race, which was fought against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. The anti-war challenges of Eugene McCarthy and Robert Kennedy drove President Lyndon Johnson from the race. Yet, party leaders, who controlled most of the convention delegates, picked Vice President Hubert Humphrey as the presidential nominee even though he had not entered a single primary. Advertisement Insurgent Democrats were outraged, and after Humphrey narrowly lost the general election, they engineered a change in the nominating process. State parties were instructed to choose their convention delegates through either a primary election or a caucus open to all registered party voters. The reform had obvious appeal. What could be more democratic than giving control of presidential nominations to the voters? The problem with this reasoning is the assumption that voters can handle any task they're given. Reformers failed to recognize that their nominating system would attract a large field of contenders. The November election offers the voters a choice between two contenders, who represent opposing party philosophies, easing the voters' task. In the nominating race, however, the candidates all wear the same label and can number in the double digits, as in this year's Republican contest. How do you make heads or tails of that many possibilities? The reformers also didn't recognize that their nominating system would be brokered by the news media. It's hard to imagine an intermediary less suited to the task. Journalists are not equipped for the job of sorting the candidates by their fitness for the presidency. Journalists are in the business of finding good stories. Advertisement Donald Trump is a good story. The press has given him what every candidate seeks -- reams of coverage. Even the media's attacks are a boon. Republicans hate the press and its attacks are a seal of approval for a Republican candidate. The media are to Trump as they are to ISIS. The more outrageous the act, the more likely it is to get headlines. And when the press combines the headlines with criticism, the true believers are more convinced than ever that they're on the right path. The Sanders story is different but we've seen it many times before. It's David vs. Goliath, which requires the press to pump up David and tear down Goliath. The damaging Clinton emails that have made headlines for months on end testify to the truth of journalist Walter Lippmann's claim that the media "make of moles mountains, and of mountains moles." Are the 2016 nominating races as unique as they've been portrayed to be? Actually, no. They resemble the 1972 and 1976 presidential campaigns -- the first to be waged under the reformed nominating system. George McGovern won the 1972 Democratic presidential nomination with a mere 25 percent of the primary election vote. He was positioned to the left of his Democratic rivals, who divided the moderate vote, enabling McGovern to slip through to nomination. In the November election, he got clobbered by a margin of 61 percent to 38 percent. In 1976, Jimmy Carter won the Democratic nomination even though he, too, received far less than a majority of the primary vote. Carter's luck was that he was to the right of his seven Democratic rivals, who divided the majority of the vote. When the race finally narrowed to two candidates, Carter lost every single primary. However, his delegate lead by then was insurmountable. Although Carter then narrowly won the November election, he faltered at governing. His policy ideas were too middle-of-the-road to suit the liberal Democratic majorities in the House and Senate. Advertisement The McGovern and Carter candidacies convinced Democratic leaders, as well as those on the Republican side, that the reformed nominating system was risky, and they moved to rein it in. Super delegates, chosen outside of the primaries and caucuses, were devised as a way to give party leaders a voice at the conventions. Money and endorsements were funneled toward establishment candidates as a means of giving them a boost. States stacked their primaries, a la Super Tuesday, in order to help candidates who could raise the huge sum of money required to mount a large-scale, multi-state TV ad campaign. These adjustments largely worked as intended. Nevertheless, the possibility was always there that the nominating process could go haywire. It's inherent in the system's design. You know how they have those signs along roads that tell you to watch out for falling rocks? You know how you always ignore them? Well, there's a place near where I live where you really do have to watch out, and it claimed another vehicular victim recently. It's called Glenwood Canyon, specifically the area around the Hanging Lake Rest Area, and every couple of years a big boulder or two will fall from the canyon wall onto Interstate 70. It happened again the other day, with the boulder taking out the trailer of a semi. Thankfully, the driver was unharmed, but for the time being, the rockfall has closed the highway in both directions between Glenwood Springs and Dotsero. What that means is that if you want to drive from Aspen to Denver, you have to go about 180 miles out of your way, adding about four hours to the drive. But that's not the issue. That has happened before. What's so awesome about it this time is the way drivers are responding. Advertisement You see, once upon a time, back before cellphones did all of our thinking for us, people bought atlases that they kept in their cars. These books of maps typically covered all the states, Mexico and most of the Canadian provinces, showing people where the major roads were and how to get from Point A to Point B. Nowadays, people simply enter where they are and where they'd like to go and then blindly follow the directions their GPS or phone tells them to take. This, unfortunately, has led to a bit of confusion. If one were to seek directions from Aspen to Denver from Google Maps right now, one would be directed to take the Eagle-Thomasville road over Crooked Creek Pass. Apparently, Google Maps is smart enough to recognize that I-70 is shut down but not smart enough to realize that the Eagle-Thomasville road, a narrow dirt track, is closed in the winter. MapQuest still suggests using I-70, despite the highway being closed, but the site does warn you that the traffic in Glenwood Canyon is "heavy" right now. As alternate routes, MapQuest suggests either the Eagle-Thomasville road or Highway 82 over Independence Pass, which is paved but is also closed at the moment and buried beneath many feet of snow. Bing Maps suggests I-70, too, but only lists Independence Pass as an alternate. Advertisement The day after the rockslide, The Aspen Times ran a story about how hundreds of cars showed up at the Independence Pass closure gate. This included a number of semis that were stuck there for about seven hours. This is significant because all along Highway 82, there are signs saying that vehicles over 35 feet in length are not allowed. Semis can't even make it over the pass in the summer. The best of all, though, is that police in Pitkin County had to put up signs telling people that Hagerman Pass between Basalt and Leadville was not open. Apparently, a number of drivers thought they could use it as an alternate route. Hagerman Pass is a horrible road under the best of circumstances -- navigable for most SUVs and pickups but high, long and very, very bumpy. It's also very closed in the winter, but someone who didn't know that and drove up to the closure gate would find himself or herself 13 miles from civilization and 36 miles from the nearest gas station or cellphone service. The really sad thing, though, is that if the rockslide had happened in the summer, none of the map sites even knew the best alternate route anyway. Much better than any of the options presented is the Cottonwood Pass road between El Jebel and Gypsum, which can actually save drivers time on their way from Aspen to Denver. It's a very good, graded, oiled dirt road that never gets too high, although it's a little hairy in one spot. But in the summer, any car can make the drive. It's absolutely astounding that the map sites could miss it. Advertisement Of course, it, too, is closed in the winter, although perhaps this latest I-70 closure and the ensuing wave of stupidity can persuade Eagle County to improve the road, keep it open year-round and get it recognized by search engines. I've always been a big advocate of just such an idea, but perhaps that's a column for another time. For now, I'm just glad I don't have to drive anywhere anytime soon. Afghan security force members destroy an illegal poppy crop in the Noor Gal district of eastern Kunar province on April 29, 2014. Citing the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, John Sopko, the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, said January 2014 that the rise in opium production is expected to continue and threaten the stability of the Afghan government. AFP PHOTO / Noorullah Shirzada (Photo credit should read Noorullah Shirzada/AFP/Getty Images) In October 2001, the U.S. launched its invasion of Afghanistan largely through proxy Afghan fighters with the help of Special Operations forces, American air power, and CIA dollars. The results were swift and stunning. The Taliban was whipped, a new government headed by Hamid Karzai soon installed in Kabul, and the country declared "liberated." More than 14 years later, how'd it go? What's "liberated" Afghanistan like and, if you were making a list, what would be the accomplishments of Washington all these years later? Hmm... at this very moment, according to the latest reports, the Taliban control more territory than at any moment since December 2001. Meanwhile, the Afghan security forces that the U.S. built up and funded to the tune of more than $65 billion are experiencing "unsustainable" casualties, their ranks evidently filled with "ghost" soldiers and policemen -- up to 40% in some places -- whose salaries, often paid by the U.S., are being pocketed by their commanders and other officials. In 2015, according to the U.N., Afghan civilian casualties were, for the seventh year in a row, at record levels. Add to all this the fact that American soldiers, their "combat mission" officially concluded in 2014, are now being sent by the hundreds back into the fray (along with the U.S. Air Force) to support hard-pressed Afghan troops in a situation which seems to be fast "deteriorating." Advertisement Oh, and economically speaking, how did the "reconstruction" of the country work out, given that Washington pumped more money (in real dollars) into Afghanistan in these years than it did into the rebuilding of Western Europe after World War II? Leaving aside the pit of official corruption into which many of those dollars disappeared, the country is today hemorrhaging desperate young people who can't find jobs or make a living and now constitute what may be the second largest contingent of refugees heading for Europe. As for that list of Washington's accomplishments, it might be accurate to say that only one thing was "liberated" in Afghanistan over the last 14-plus years and that was, as Alfred McCoy points out in "How a Pink Flower Defeated the World's Sole Superpower," the opium poppy. It might also be said that, with the opium trade now fully embedded in both the operations of the Afghan government and of the Taliban, Washington's single and singular accomplishment in all its years there has been to oversee the country's transformation into the planet's number one narco-state. McCoy, who began his career in the Vietnam War era by writing The Politics of Heroin, a now-classic book on the CIA and the heroin trade (that the Agency tried to suppress) and who has written on the subject of drugs and Afghanistan before for this site, now offers a truly monumental look at opium and the U.S. from the moment this country's first Afghan War began in 1979 to late last night. There is no doubt that social enterprise (SE) is the new black in business. Since 2012, Forbes has had a special section of their 30 under 30 list dedicated specifically to social entrepreneurs, and media outlets all over the world are excited to share inspirational ideas such as Jordyn Lexton's Drive Change, a food truck that hires and teaches previously imprisoned young people in New York City. Unfortunately, despite there being much talk, we have limited knowledge of the actual impact of social entrepreneurs. It's time to stop talking about social entrepreneurship and start collecting data, measuring outcomes, and helping enterprises mature from small-scale solutions to national-level impact. A Day in the life of Drive Change. Video by Zagat The first step is to increase our understanding of the sector. Thus far, most countries do not collect data on social entrepreneurship. The exception is the UK, with their Small Business Survey from the Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS). According to their criteria, 5% of sampled small and medium businesses qualify as social enterprise. Although the UK is a flagship when it comes to supporting social entrepreneurship, there are still many questions left unanswered. How many jobs are created? How much is contributed to the GDP? How much are SEs contributing to reach the Sustainable Development Goals? This lack of comprehensive data is reflective of a larger issue: we need to be less concerned with talking about how great social entrepreneurship is, and more concerned with measuring actual impacts. Advertisement Answering these questions is important because SEs are not operating in a bubble, but rather in a context of governmental policies, not-for-profit organizations and international development strategies. Once we assess how well social enterprises perform in comparison to solutions provided by government policies, we can start to understand where they can work together to create strategic synergies. Furthermore, we can understand when the government should step out of a market and just support social enterprises, or when it should step in with its own policy solutions. This is the key to bring the local strategy from social enterprises to national-level impact, and data will help us do that. The second step is to increase financing for social enterprises and to make it more effective. The good news is that interest over time in the topic "impact investing" has been steadily increasing for the past five years (Google Trends), with the term shifting from a little-known topic to a buzzword in the social impact community. However, financing is still limited and social entrepreneurship is surrounded by uncertainties: interacting with marginalized people, relying on limited infrastructure, working in developing countries, facing political obstacles, or even mix of all of these. Given these constraints, could the sector really produce global companies that generate impact and profit? Could it produce its own Facebooks and attract more venture capital? The answer is yes. Look at Kiva - their micro loan platform moved more than $800 million to micro entrepreneurs in 83 countries, with 98% repayment rates. So is there anything to learn from the venture capitalists of Silicon Valley, such as Andreessen Horowitz and Google Ventures that will make more Kivas possible? Their success relies broadly on a simple strategy to face uncertainty and mitigate risk in entrepreneurship. First, you amass capital and build a reputation so only the best startups compete for your funds. Then, you invest in 100 businesses. Ninety percent of the time you will lose money. Nine percent of the companies will do okay and have mediocre returns. And the one business that succeeds to become the next Facebook will compensate for all of the losses and generate new venture capital. Advertisement It's an attractive strategy, but in comparison to tech startups, social startups have limited returns on investment, and the pockets of social investors aren't as deep. To mitigate risk, a successful strategy has been to create large competitions for the funds and find the cream-of-the-crop startups in which to invest. A great example is the Hult Prize, the world's largest social entrepreneurship competition, with 25,000 participants from across the globe and a million dollar prize. Despite its worldwide reach though, under 1% of teams go on to become actual enterprises, and there is currently only one winner of the funding. The localized "on-campus edition" of the Hult Prize also strategically opened more channels for funding by having teams compete in a quarterfinal round of the competition within their university, and involving local senior executives and investors are invited as judges of the innovative ideas. On our campus, the Stockholm School of Economics, the winner Kazi Connect received a spontaneous reaction from 5 of the judges, who affirmed they would be willing to invest in their idea right then! Hult Prize itself has hinted that they started exploring the creation of a social impact fund to diversify their portfolio of social businesses, which is a great step forward and a good example for other social impact investors. Team Kazi Connect and judges celebrate their victory in Hult Prize at Stockholm School of Economics. Photo by Sanne Johnsen. A student once asked: To change everything, we need everybody to take action. How will you engage others in developing a brighter, more just global community? Finally, thanks to Paris COP21, it seems there is a better awareness of what it will take. If we have any hope in maintaining CO2 levels to 2C over pre-industrial levels, and prepare the next generation for a new normal, why not mobilize the nearly 100,000 schools that comprise the US Department of Education? As a loyal board member and former staff of the Green Schools Alliance (GSA), I'm excited to report that 21 large districts have come together to collaborate on more sustainable school options. Represented by their sustainability personnel, these districts have formed the District Collaborative to accelerate hands-on environmental action in school communities across the nation. Over the years, district sustainability officials had shared frustrations over higher prices for more sustainable products and policies that encumbered their work. This sparked a conversation about collaborating to affect major change, particularly in purchasing. Instead of creating their own separate association, they asked the Green Schools Alliance to house the coalition. Advertisement The Collaborative, open to districts with more than 40,000 students, is currently comprised of 21 U.S. school districts - eight of which are among the 12 largest districts in the country. These districts affect the lives of 3.6 million children in 5,726 schools with more than 550 million square feet of building area. They have committed to working together and joined the Alliance as individual members, pledging to reduce their climate and ecological impact; connect their students to nature; and educate and engage their communities on climate and conservation. These districts concur that every child has a right to learn, engage, and play in a healthy and sustainable environment where every person is aware of and accountable for their impact. Together, they will work in four key areas: Leveraging collective purchasing power to increase access to sustainable alternatives; Influencing local, regional, and national policy decisions; Building and sharing district-level best practices; and Contributing to the development of district-level sustainability programs. The Collaborative is excited to be working within the GSA to develop programs that directly impact students, including project-based STEAM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Art-Mathematics) initiatives and leadership training programs for middle and high school students. Later in 2016, the Green Schools Alliance will be releasing a new version of its online community, still based on its long-term goals of peer-to-peer networking and best practices sharing. The new community will enable students and school professionals to more easily search for resources to make their school more sustainable and learn the leadership skills to affect that change. The second phase of the online platform will include a web-based measurement and reporting platform/dashboard that will improve data collection and reporting of resource efficiencies and other sustainability programs in member schools. Advertisement Getting to this point has not always been smooth, but I have always believed that the Green Schools Alliance would finally be understood as a model of transparency for schools everywhere, while also providing a roadmap to sustainability. The charter members of the District Collaborative are: New York City Department of Education, NY Chicago Public Schools, IL Clark County School District, NV Broward County Public Schools, FL Houston Independent School District, TX Orange County Public Schools, FL Fairfax County Public Schools, VA The School District of Palm Beach County, FL The School District of Philadelphia, PA San Diego Unified School District, CA Denver Public Schools, CO Austin Independent School District, TX Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA San Francisco Unified School District, CA Boston Public Schools, MA District of Columbia Public Schools, DC Oakland Unified School District, CA Detroit Public Schools, MI Lincoln Public Schools, NE Fayette County Public Schools, KY Kansas City Public Schools, MO If your district has more than 40,000 students and is interested in joining the collaborative, email us at districts@greenschoolsalliance.org Rivers, the great, ever-changing highways of water on the banks of which nearly all early civilizations were built. Nehir in Turkish, rio in Spanish -- the river's signifier in almost every language is beautiful, conjuring images of life and death, of settlement and flight, of the unstoppable flowing movement and renewal of all things. Their names -- Ganges, Nile, Congo, Amazon, Danube -- evoke entire worlds. Here is my list of the nine greatest river journeys in the world. 1. Amazon An aerial view of the Amazon The Amazon basin is an empire of water. Coursing through an area of 11 million square miles, the Amazon River encompasses more than a quarter of the world's water currents. Its volume represents half of all water movement on the planet. It sucks liquid from eight countries, slurping snowmelt from glacial streams and vast stretches of wetland, dashing it down waterfalls and high jungle gorges, gurgling, stirring and plowing it so far into the Atlantic that a sailor may dunk a cup in the sea 50 miles beyond the sight of land and taste fresh water. It can reach a width of 118 miles and contains 20 percent of the world's fresh water. It is called the "River Sea." Floating lazily through the rainforest while swinging in a hammock and watching pink dolphins splash in the nearby waters is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and organizing a trip down the Amazon's entire length can be done with relative ease, as the river serves as the only highway for many towns isolated in the dense jungle without road access. Advertisement There are a number of options, depending how far upstream you wish to begin. This includes luxury state-of-the-art cruise vessels with air-conditioned rooms and experienced guides who will identify the animals you encounter, to rickety transport barges where you can sleep in a tangle of hammocks for a few dollars a night. To get up close with the wildlife and visit local communities, it's best to tackle the river in stages, making many stops along the way to explore the Amazon's smaller tributaries and flooded forests. >> Check out Amazon cruises from Iquitos. 2. Nile The Nile at Aswan, Egypt For thousands of years the Nile -- its profound, regular deliverance of flood water bringing fertility to the African desert and giving birth to one of the world's first great civilizations some 9,000 years ago -- has long captivated the imagination of travelers. It is the longest river in the world, flowing some 4,900 kilometers (3,060 miles) from the womb of the Blue Nile at Lake Tana in the Ethiopian highlands, down through Sudan and all the way to the Mediterranean Sea at Alexandria. A straight journey from source to delta is impossible due to the number of cataracts and dams that disrupt the Nile's flow, but there are many vessels that can ferry you in spurts down- or upstream, including luxurious river boats and small sail-powered feluccas. Few are those who have faced the hazards of tropical disease, civil unrest and crocodiles to attempt the entire journey from beginning to end alone, but it is not impossible to do with canoe or kayak -- it's been accomplished before. >> Browse Nile River cruises. 3. Congo Sunset on the Congo River Another great African river that strikes fear and excitement into the hearts of those who hear its name is the Congo; there is nothing that can really prepare you for a voyage along its waters -- it is an incredible journey through one of the world's least explored areas. Advertisement The river itself is central Africa's greatest geographical feature, an enormous body of water which snakes its way through the rainforest to pour its bosom into the Atlantic Ocean. At some 3,000 miles in length, the Congo acts a massive drainage channel for the Congo Basin and is the second most powerful river in the world after the Amazon. It is also the world's deepest river. Though you may not encounter the degree of peril that faced the travelers who came before you, the Congo remains a challenging journey and is not advisable to attempt alone. However, those brave and lucky enough to traverse the region will discover cultures largely untouched by the outside world. Some adventure tourist companies offer multi-day expeditions from Lisala to Kisangani, visiting a number of small villages along the way and docking each night to give passengers a chance to interface with locals. Alternatively, you can explore different sections on your own via riverboat steamer, alongside colorful Congolese families and their animals (including, sometimes, crocodiles, monkeys, pigs and tortoises), many of which offer private rooms. To give you an idea, a trip from Kinshasa to Kisangani takes about two weeks. 4. Mississippi A steamboat on the Mississippi River When Mark Twain first penned his iconic story about runaways Huck and Jim floating lazily down the Mississippi River in an attempt to flee society, the grand river had already solidified into an indelible part of American identity. Through lush forests, big cities and sprawling rural vistas, the Mississippi slices through the heart of the United States, beginning in Minnesota at Lake Itasca and rolling all the way to the Gulf of Mexico at New Orleans -- some 2,350 miles. It is the largest river in the country and drains about 41 percent of the continental U.S. Advertisement It is fairly simple to arrange a Mississippi River cruise with varying degrees of luxury all along the river's route -- you can even try your luck gambling on one of the southern floating casinos which plow around for nights on end. The more adventurous can tackle the river Huck-style and float and paddle their way down the whole length, which takes about 70 days. For this there are many riverside restaurants, grocery stores and campsites to refuel on food and sleep. 5. Ganges Ganges River. Photo courtesy of David Joshua Jennings. Many Indians view the waters of the Ganges, the most sacred river in Hinduism, as having fallen straight from heaven. It is the life-giving artery for much of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, fed by a network of streams originating in Western Himalaya and flowing some 2,510 kilometers to the great delta of Bangladesh. Those who live on its banks wash their clothes in it, bathe in it and worship it. Floating down the Ganges one can witness the most intimate rituals of life and death, passing bathing ceremonies and cremation ghats, and its path courses through some of the most mesmerizing towns in the world, including the holy cities of Varanasi and Haridwar. Various types of vessels offer transport across and down the river throughout India and Bangladesh, including big car ferries, wooden canoes and wicker coracles. However, no local form of transportation offers an avenue to travel the whole river source to mouth. Various tour companies do offer package tours on cruise ships, some of which last up to 16 days and include meals and visits to a number of cities and villages along the way. Advertisement 6. Danube Nighttime on the Danube River at Budapest Drifting slowly down the Danube with a wine glass in hand aboard a cruiser is perhaps the best way to experience the beautiful landscapes, cultural heritage and centuries-old architecture of Central and Eastern Europe. You will pass vineyard-lined valleys and beautifully preserved medieval towns through Germany, Austria, Hungary, Serbia and Romania (cruises can be easily arranged in each of these countries). Sites along the Upper Danube include Nuremberg, Germany, home to the Imperial Castle and Palace of Justice (the meeting place for the 1946 war crimes tribunal); the Vienna opera house in Vienna, Austria; the world-famous Benedictine abbey in Melk, Austria; and St. Stephen's Basilica and the Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest, Hungary. A highlight of the Lower Danube is the Iron Gates, a spectacular gorge which runs between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains and forms the boundary between Serbia and Romania. >> Read more: Cruising through Germany on the Danube and Rhine 7. Volga The Volga River at Myshkin, Russia The mighty Mother Volga, with its wide purling waters and graceful ships, holds a special place in the hearts of most Russians. Rising from a small spring in the Valdai Hills northwest of Moscow, the river flows southeast in a great arc over 3,690 kilometers before dumping into the Caspian Sea near the northwestern border of Kazakhstan. And much of this length is still surrounded by wild beauty. Like most rivers on the list, human interaction with the Volga has a long history. The lower end of the river was the cradle of Indo-European culture 7,000 years ago, and the Volga has played a central role in Russia's history and folklore ever since. Today almost 50 million people -- a third of Russia's population -- live in the Volga basin, and many of Russia's greatest cities call its banks home. The best way to experience the Volga is aboard a Russian river cruise ship during the summer months. These range anywhere from 10 hours to three days and often stop at medieval cities and little-visited towns along the way. A popular choice is the section from Moscow to Astrakhan, which covers practically the whole length of the river. Advertisement 8. Yangtze Wu Gorge, part of the Three Gorges system, on the Yangtze River The Yangtze is China's greatest river -- it has been an important transportation route for several thousand years. Its headwaters originate deep in the Tibetan mountains and from there flow for some 6,000 kilometers (about 4,000 miles) into the Pacific Ocean. Only the Amazon and Nile are longer. Ancient Chinese civilization first developed along the Yellow River and thereafter spread to the lower Yangtze basin and the rich agricultural lands of Sichuan. Serving as the main link between these areas, the Yangtze has played a pivotal role throughout most of Chinese history. Today, many of China's greatest cities lie along the its banks, including Shanghai, Yangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan and Chongqing. To travel it you can hop along the river in stages using different forms of aquatic public transport, or you can sign up with one of the tour companies, which offer cruises of various lengths and luxury. Cruises last three to nine days and generally plow between Shanghai to Chongqing, with many stops along the way. The most famous part of the river is the Three Gorges area between Chongqing and Yichang. This route has changed considerably after the recent Three Gorges Dam project, but it is still definitely worth doing. >> Check out Yangtze River cruises. 9. Orinoco View over the Orinoco River At 2,140 kilometers, the Orinoco, which is located almost entirely in Venezuela, is the third largest river in the world. It begins at the Delgado Chalbaud mountains and ends in a wide delta which branches into hundreds of rivers and waterways that flow through 41,000 square kilometers of swampy forests before reaching the Gulf of Paria and Atlantic Ocean. This encompasses the largest tropical delta in the world. Advertisement The delta's maze of narrow creeks and channels, which cut between thousands of low islands of palm forests and mangroves, is the Orinoco's main draw, as this area is extremely rich with diverse flora and fauna, including jaguars, pumas, ocelots, red howler and capuchin monkeys, capybaras, manatees, dolphins, macaws, parrots, toucans, harpy eagles, anacondas, iguanas, caimans, turtles, piranhas, stingrays and catfish (to name a few). Is Hillary Clinton regaining the media frame of inevitable Democratic nominee? Probably. Is that a good thing for her? We'll see. It not infrequently has not been. She never wanted a coronation, did she? With the prospect of a long though now brighter struggle with socialist Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders still in store, the former secretary of state/New York senator/ first lady nonetheless took a huge step toward locking down the Democratic presidential nomination with her relatively narrow 5-point win in Nevada. After her 2 to 1 Silver State lead over the holidays turned into a tie following the record Sanders win in New Hampshire, Hillary Clinton -- with a very big boost from big Bill, aka former POTUS -- showed her true grit once again as she eked out a hard-fought win that virtually guarantees she will emerge from February with a long-anticipated 3-1 record. Landslide Hillary's far smaller margin of victory in Iowa looms especially large today. Advertisement That is because she can count on a very big black vote delivering a big win in the February 27th South Carolina primary. After that, she seems well-positioned to win most of the states voting on a sort of "Super Tuesday" on March 1st. Why is that? Because Hillary will get a wholly unintended and entirely ironic boost from the right-wing Republicans who run most of the old Confederate states. Wanting to further concentrate Southern influence in the Republican Party, they moved many Southern states to the same date, March 1st. And the large black populations in those states, while unable to do much to make their red states go Democratic in the general election, can concentrate their Democratic primary votes for a favored candidate. Who, in this instance, is Hillary. The Clintons have long had a strong relationship with the black community. While they couldn't hold the black vote against the rise of Barack Obama eight years ago, for obvious reasons, once he demonstrated he could win in a white state like Iowa, the Clintons never burned their bridges. In fact, Hillary has largely clung to Obama's coat in this campaign. And he returns the favor to his first-term secretary of state, repeatedly making pro-Hillary comments, especially in the aftermath of Sanders's big New Hampshire victory. Advertisement Without those signals from Obama, Sanders might well have achieved the huge breakthrough in Nevada that Clintonland clearly feared over the past week-and-a-half. African Americans turned out big for Hillary in Nevada, nearly matching the Latino vote there. Despite the fortuitous surfacing of a photo of Sanders getting arrested in a '60s civil rights demonstration, Hillary pulled off an overwhelming black vote in Nevada, beating Sanders 76-22. Which more than counter-balanced a real breakthrough for Sanders. For the curmudgeonly New Englander, who has spent decades repping a nearly all-white constituency, won the Latino vote in Nevada. As CBS reported, according to news media entrance polling, Sanders beat Hillary among Latinos, 53-45. This, despite the presence of old friend Dolores Huerta, the legendary United Farm Workers co-founder, television star Eva Longoria, and impressive LA Congressman Xavier Becerra all campaigning hard in Nevada for Hillary. The Clinton campaign, obviously loathe to admit this, claims that Hillary really won the Latino. Forgetting the CBS report linked above, it accuses the Sanders campaign of lying. Of course, last week, the Clinton campaign claimed that the Nevada vote would be nearly as white as Iowa and New Hampshire. Heh. National polling just prior to the Nevada vote showed Sanders and Clinton in a dead heat among Latino voters around the country. Advertisement It turns out that the Sanders economic message also works with Latinos. What a non-shock, right? Latinos will be a significant factor in a number of upcoming states. But not, for the most part, in the next two weeks. With Hillary's campaign quite well organized on the ground, Sanders needed a big trend-oriented turnout. He didn't get it. Nevada turnout this year was roughly a third lower than it was during the ultimately inconclusive 2008 Obama-Clinton battle. In all this, Hillary was greatly aided by the sudden post-New Hampshire intervention of her super PAC. Long intended for the general election only, the Hillary super PAC took on the chore of spending in South Carolina and states to come, allowing Hillary's official campaign to concentrate its resources on Nevada. In this, Hillary was also aided by the efforts of the Service Employees' PAC. While anecdotal information indicates major rank-and-file support for Sanders, SEIU leadership ran TV and radio ads for Hillary in Nevada, where they also sent scores of organizers. Then there was the casino factor. Bill Clinton has become a familiar figure in Las Vegas. He became even more familiar in Las Vegas since the New Hampshire primary as he and Hillary campaigned up and down the Vegas Strip. Advertisement At the end, the Vegas casinos, in a heartwarming show of civic-mindedness, decided to pay casino workers who took hours off work to participate in the Nevada presidential caucuses. Hillary ran up huge margins in those casino worker caucuses. The official story, by the way, is that former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who spearheaded the drive to move Nevada to the opening tier of contest states and is officially neutral, worries that Sanders can't win the general election. He thus asked the Culinary Union, also officially neutral this time after backing Obama to little effect in 2008, to see if it could drive up casino worker caucus participation. Of course, getting workers paid while off caucusing is not a decision in union hands. In any event, Hillary is on track for the nomination. But if Sanders can keep raising big money online -- which requires showing his cause-oriented donors that he is making real progress -- he can win a huge number of delegates even if he does not win states outside New England. That's because the Dems, unlike the Republicans (as the opponents of Donald Trump may soon learn) are geared more toward proportional representation than winner-take-all. Hillary may just keep grinding out an inevitable victory, much as Obama did against her in 2008. What can go wrong, right? Well, even though I do expect Hillary to be the nominee, a couple things can go wrong. She may prove to be a grating winner. Or a group of voters down the track may just get tired of her and shift their votes to the alternative. Advertisement Or she and/or Bill may make a big mistake. Or someone may release a recording of one of her extraordinarily lucrative Wall Street lectures. Or her e-mail scandal (which seems mostly unfair, with the supposed classified materials all classified after the fact, and all of it in an environment of over-classification) may go critical, perhaps with a new legal pitfall. Though it is hard to see the Obama Justice Department actually indicting her, given the president's obvious preference for her. As in most competitions, it's best not to let a dangerous opponent hang around the contest too long. But there doesn't seem to be much Hillary can do about that. Especially against a candidacy that defines itself as part of a "political revolution." In addition to seeking the presidency, Bernie Sanders is on a mission to establish democratic socialism as a major alternative in American politics. I'd say he's succeeding. Wouldn't you? Steve Inskeep of NPR went to Iran for a short while several weeks ago to report on the public mood following the JCPOA. His trip was widely reported on NPR and on February 19 he got to repeat a summary of his conclusions on the PBS NewsHour. Mr. Inskeep speaks no Persian, has little or no knowledge of Iranian culture. His reporting on Iran has been relentlessly negative. Certainly there are a lot of concerns, especially about the future of economic activity, but the message Mr. Inskeep chose to report is one of doom and gloom and pessimism. Maybe he hopes for a post in a Republican administration. What Mr. Inskeep seems not to understand is Iranian discourse; and he is a very bad interviewer. His inquiries were superficial and clearly biased. In face-to-face situations such as he was documenting where he asks people point blank whether the economy or their personal circumstances are good or not, they regularly say no. And this is the gist of his entire report. Each episode features yet another person who thinks the economy will never recover, that the JCPOA will yield no results. But Iranians have been answering in this manner for decades--maybe centuries. Before the Revolution, after the Revolution. During the Revolution. When asked directly about such matters, the normal response is to portray a glass half-empty. Perhaps it is fatalism, perhaps a fear of expressing too much positive prediction lest evil be lurking to shatter one's hopes. But it is a discourse style, not an accurate representation of true thought. Advertisement When one looks at life in Iran there is of course good cause for pessimism, but there is also palpable evidence of economic progress and social change. In one of his reports he features two women who own a successful fashion store. They are dressed in stylish clothing in bright colors, and they own their own business. Even twenty years ago, this was a rarity. When he reports how bad they think Iran is, his reporting is belied by the very circumstances under which he is carrying out his interview. He reports on successful businessmen and officials whose main complaint is that they are not more successful than they are. He makes a great deal of corruption, and there is no doubt that corruption is very widespread in Iran, but it is also the case that expressing envy of others is a national sport in Iran, where social hierarchy is a dominant dimension in social life. If there are others who are doing better than ones self, corruption is nearly always stated as a prime reason. Countering this negativity regarding status and the future are moments of great kindness, charity and joy in Iranian life. On balance Iranians find many moments of happiness even in hardship. Mr. Inskeep never reported on the hospitality of Iranians, the pleasure in social occasions or the positive enthusiasm with which he was undoubtedly greeted. Nor does he say even one word about the beautifully restored historical and natural sites in places like Isfahan and Shiraz that give such pleasure to Iranians and non-Iranians alike. Americans who have never been to Iran would on hearing his reports be led to think of it as a sour, dark place with glowering negative people. Those of us who know Iran know how to look beyond the discourse and see what is really there with a balance of positive and negative. Advertisement I note that Mr. Inskeep is clever and canny, but looking at his reporting over the years one cannot conclude that he is much of a friend of Iran, or even-handed in his reporting. His reporting on the nuclear program was continually sensationalistic. implying in every report that Iran was up to no good. He once featured an interview with neo-conservative extraordinaire Michael Ledeen, who went to Orange County to solicit funds to overthrow the Tehran government as if Mr. Ledeen was entirely reasonable in his views. Hindustan Times via Getty Images BAHADURGARH, INDIA - FEBRUARY 20: Jat community members protest demanding reservation in government services on February 20, 2016 in Bahadurgarh, India. A mob of around 10,000 people carrying weapons from the surrounding villages of Rohtak were also seen vandalising private property. Police and army have not been able to reach the area as yet. At least one person was killed and 20 others were injured on Saturday in Haryana's Jhajjar after Indian Army personnel fired on Jat protestors, demanding reservation in jobs and education, turned violent and tried to set government buildings on fire. Jat leaders rejected the offer made by the state government and said that the stir would continue till their demand is met. (Photo by Ravi Choudhary/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) NEW DELHI -- The Haryana government on Sunday decided to grant the OBC status to Jats after their community leaders held a meeting with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, said Anil Jain, who is BJP incharge of Haryana. It has been decided that in coming Assembly session, OBC status will be granted to Jats, said Jain. Advertisement After meeting with Home Minister, Jat Sangharsh Samiti leader Jaipal Singh Sangwan appealed for end to agitation in Haryana and said that their demands have been met. Haryana was on the edge on Sunday as fresh incidents of arson and violence shook the state with a ninth town being brought under curfew as the Jat agitation for quota under OBC entered the eighth day so far claiming 10 lives. The Jat stir also hit Delhi with the Arvind Kejriwal government announcing closure of schools tomorrow as part of water rationing after supply from Haryana was disrupted. The national capital also witnessed big traffic jams in some parts. Ten persons have been killed and about 150 injured during the ongoing Jat stir, Haryana DGP Yashpal Singhal said even as claimed that steps were being taken to restore water supply to Delhi and clear road and rail blockades. Advertisement "According to the information we have so far, in the entire state 10 people have been killed and about 150 injured," he said. As the situation turned volatile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh appealed for calm. "I appeal to all to maintain peace and ensure that there are no untoward incidents," he said. The Home Minister met a delegation comprising Minister of State for Agriculture Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, BJP MP and former Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh and Haryana Minister Abhimanyu rs to find a way to resolve the situation. With violent protests by Jats escalating, Haryana Minister Anil Vij today made it clear that talks cannot be held with a "mob" and said Jats should form a committee to hold parleys with the state government. Road and rail traffic through Haryana destined for North India from Delhi side remained disrupted with bus and train services remaining suspended. In the wake of shooting air fares airlines announced additional flights to Chandigarh and Amritsar today. Advertisement Curfew was imposed in Kaithal city in the wake of ongoing Jat agitation after tension erupted in the town due to protests by Jats and tussle between Jats and non-Jats. With this, now Kaithal has become ninth city where curfew has been clamped after Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, Jind, Hisar, Hansi, Sonipat and Gohana town of Sonipat district. While several roads have been blocked in Kaithal, protesting Jats have put up a tent in the middle of Hissar- Chandigarh national highway to express their anger for not being included in OBC category. Markets, shops and commercial establishments remained shut in the wake of violent protest unleashed by agitating Jats. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India HuffPost Staff Moviegoers who recently watched Deadpool in Indian theatres may have come away disappointed by the number of cuts in the expletive-laden superhero flick (it even prompted some people to start an online campaign to help reform the Central Board Of Film Certification's guidelines). However, those looking forward to Alejandro G Inarritu's Oscar-nominated The Revenant, releasing this Friday, can breathe easy. According to a report on SpotboyE, the historical action-adventure film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy, has been passed with very few cuts. Advertisement While instances of the words 'b***h' and 't**s' have been muted, the rest of the film which involves more profanity, non-sexual nudity, graphic violence (including the infamous scene in which DiCaprio's character gets mauled by a bear), and a rape sequence has been left untouched. A spokesperson from Fox Star Studios, which is releasing the film in India, told SpotboyE: "CBFC was particularly impressed with The Revenant as it has won quite a few prestigious awards and is a frontrunner at the Oscars. The Board members said they wanted audiences to experience the film as it is, without any cuts. The Board members also specifically mentioned that if it was any regular film, they wouldnt have been so easy, as words like b**tard and f**k have been passed without any mutes." The same courtesy also seems to have been extended to Tom Hooper's The Danish Girl, also nominated for several Oscars. The drama, starring Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander, has several scenes depicting partial or full-frontal nudity. However, it was passed by Pahlaj Nihalani's CBFC without any cuts, reported The Telegraph. Ditto for Tom McCarthy's Spotlight, which reportedly impressed Nihalani so much that he told DNA that the board actually contemplated certifying it for all ages before settling on an 'A' certificate and no cuts. Advertisement In sharp contrast, the sex comedy Dirty Grandpa, starring Robert De Niro and Zac Efron, has been rejected outright by the Censor Board, said another SpotboyE report. It may also not help that the film has received generally poor reviews. That The Danish Girl, Spotlight, and now The Revenant have managed to escape the Censors' wrath is certainly heartening news and we hope that there are more such instances. However, the larger question to ask is this: if the CBFC can be uncharacteristically open-minded with a film simply because it has Oscar buzz, does that mean that other films don't deserve to be viewed in their entirety? What gives Nihalani and Co the right to play film critics and censor a film solely on the basis of how good they think it is? Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also see on HuffPost: ANI/Twitter A student of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was allegedly beaten up by BJP workers today after he shouted out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pleading him to listen to the students' voice. The Prime Minister was addressing the convocation ceremony of the university, asking the students to "keep alive and nurture the 'student' in oneself as a vital impulse to attaining one's life's goals". However, the show didn't go as planned. Advertisement Just as PM Modi was leaving the stage after finishing his address, a student, Ashutosh Singh, reportedly shouted slogans demanding Students' union and students' polls at BHU. "Modiji hum chhatron ki awaz suniye" (Modiji please listen to the students), he reportedly shouted. He was then grabbed by the police and then attacked by BJP workers, according to reports. WATCH:Student in PM's program in BHU raises slogans,demands revival of Student union, slapped by someone in audiencehttps://t.co/SyaeOpKWP0 ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 In the video, the student is seen being dragged out while someone from the audience slaps him. "The students union has been prohibited since 1997. The students here are suppressed and not allowed to raise their voice," Ahutosh told ANI. Meanwhile, students and teachers from BHU are protesting outside the University over Dalit Scholar Rohith Vemula's suicide. Advertisement Varanasi: Protests outside BHU where PM Modi was attending convocation ceremony, police lathicharge protesters pic.twitter.com/kunhVSKZV9 ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 Despite Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla's request that no protests should occur at the PM's BHU event, a certain section of students and teachers had decided to go ahead with their protests against Dalit Scholar Rohith Vemula's suicide. Several Dalit organisations have planned to protest over Vemulas suicide and attempts to saffronise the university. According to this Indian Express report, professors cite glaring incidents of discrimination and atrocity that students belonging to the Dalit community repeatedly face on the campus. Professor M P Ahirwar, the general secretary of the SC/ST Teachers Welfare Society, told Express, One Ashish Gautam has topped in all five years of BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) but gold medal is being given to an upper caste student of paramedical course (BPharma). The authorities shifted research scholar Pukhraj Meena to another department after a year." Advertisement The teachers say that Vemula's suicide has motivated the students to raise their voice against the harassment. Contact HuffPost India Also See On HuffPost: ASSOCIATED PRESS DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics, shows the new the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge during the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2016 event, on the eve of this weekas Mobile World Congress wireless show, in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Manu Fernadez) Korean electronics giant Samsung introduced two new entrants, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, to their Galaxy S line of flagship phones at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) currently underway in Barcelona. Advertisement The world's second largest phone-maker didn't experiment too much with the look of the new devices, sticking to the design ethos of their hugely successful Galaxy S6 series. Samsung's Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge were very impressive phones. So the company has concentrated on working on the weaker parts such as battery and durability based on customer feedback. They have added a microSD card slot and waterproofing to both of the phones. Both the phones will run on 64-bit quad-core processors. Samsung is most probably shipping all the phones of the S7 series in the US with Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 and they will ship the phones with their own Exynos processor elsewhere in the world. Both the phones will have 4 GB of RAM. Initially, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge will be available only with 32 GB internal memory. Later, Samsung will release the 64 GB version. Memory is expandable up to 2 TB through microSD card. The company also said that the tray which holds the microSD card will act as a second SIM tray in select markets. Since dual-SIM phones are popular in India, it is highly likely that Indian market will get this version. Advertisement There is not much difference between the two phones apart from the size and battery. Galaxy S7 has a 5.1-inch QHD display while the Edge variant will have 5.5-inch QHD display. Last year, Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge both had a 5.1-inch display and later in the year the company had released a 5.7-inch Galaxy S6 Edge+ along with its Note 5 phablet. Samsung has bumped up the battery in both the models as well. Galaxy S7 hosts a 3000 mAh battery while Galaxy S7 Edge hosts a significantly bigger 3600 mAh battery. Both the phones are equipped with quick charging capabilities. Both the devices can also be wirelessly charged. While most of the companies with metal phone design have stayed away from wireless charging, Samsung is supporting multiple standards for that. Interestingly, Samsung has persisted with mircoUSB for charging and data transfer instead of adhering to the new USB-C standard used in Nexus phones. Galaxy S6 series had a fantastic camera. To improve on that, Samsung reduced the sensor size to 12 MP for the primary camera but introduced new technology measures. The camera lens has an impressive aperture of f/1.7. Apart from that, it has smart OIS and dual-pixel technology for low lighting. That means even without laser-guided focus technology, the camera will perform better even in low light. Advertisement The phones run on Android Marshmallow 6.0 with TouchWiz UI customization on the top. They also support Vulkan API for a better gaming experience. Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge both will support Samsung Pay with Near Field Communication (NFC) and Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST), which allows users to pay with the device even if the vendor only has a conventional credit card machine. Samsung also announced a magnetic extendable camera lens add-on and wireless charging battery expansion cases for both the phones. Samsung had put a lot of emphasis on Virtual Reality (VR) in yesterday's event. They were live-streaming the event in 360-degrees which can be streamed through Gear VR. They released a 360-degree camera for shooting VR images, videos and other content called Gear 360. That was not it. They had Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg come and talk about VR. Facebook is a major stakeholder in Oculus, the company which supports Samsung in making Gear VR. Zuckerberg said, "VR is the new future and 360-degree content is the next big thing. We at Facebook, have established a social VR team which will work on Facebook apps making them more VR friendly and enjoyable". Advertisement Both the phones will be available in black and gold colours. Galaxy S7 Edge offers two more variants, namely silver and platinum. The phones will be available in the US from 11 March. There is no announcement on International release or pricing. This is a key year for Samsung in India as Apple is trying hard to open stores and gain a foothold here. So, after launching the mid-range premium phones Galaxy A7 and Galaxy A5, and also gaining the top spot in the smartphone market share last year, they will likely launch the flagship Galaxy S7 series soon after the international release. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India ASSOCIATED PRESS People block Chandigarh Shimla highway in Panchkula in Haryana state, India, Sunday Feb. 21, 2016. As thousands of members of an underprivileged community in northern India continue to protest to demand government benefits, the more than 16 million people in India's capital are facing a water shortage as a result of the violent demonstrations, which have left many dead. (Kapil Sethi. via AP) CHANDIGARH--Haryana Cabinet today decided to introduce a bill on the Jat reservation in the coming session of the state Assembly. "A bill will be brought in the coming session of Haryana assembly," state's Education and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ram Bilas Sharma told reporters after a cabinet meet. Advertisement The meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar took stock of the prevailing situation in the state due to the ongoing Jat quota stir. Sharma said the date of the Assembly session was yet to be decided. ALSO READ: Haryana Government Will Grant OBC Status to Jats With violence continuing in the state, the minister said 16 people have died in the agitation. He made a reference to the recent all-party meeting, which had been called by Khattar in the wake of the Jat quota stir. "In the all-party meeting, the chief minister had told Congress and INLD members that the two parties should sit together and come out with a draft (on the reservation issue). "We had said that from the government side we will bring a bill in the Vidhan Sabha after taking into consideration their draft," said Sharma, who holds portfolio. Advertisement Sharma said that his party had yesterday announced setting up of a five-member committee under a senior union minister to examine the quota demand for Jat community in government jobs. A committee headed by Union minister Venkaiah Naidu has been formed to look into the demand for reservation. The committee under Naidu will have BJP vice-presidents Satpal Malik and Avinash Rai Khanna, besides Union ministers Mahesh Sharma and Sanjeev Balyan. Regarding the situation in Haryana with reports of fresh incidents of violence in different parts, Sharma said "the cabinet took stock of the situation prevailing in Haryana. Sharma said, "as far as road transport is concerned, that is normalising." "Rail traffic on Delhi-Chandigarh track has resumed from Delhi to Rewari, Mahendergarh, Loharu, Bikaner, Alwar, Jaipur normal," he claimed. Advertisement Asked that the financial loss due to the ongoing agitation that had been pegged at Rs 20,000 crore, Sharma said the state government has sounded the Centre about it. "Exact figure can be arrived only once different departments will make full assessment about the damage, which will take some time," he said. On incidents of Jat versus non-Jat clashes being reported from some places, he said "whatever happened was unfortunate." Asked if the state government had "failed" to bring the situation under control, he said the government is taking steps while exercising restraint. Death Toll At 16, Violence Continues Violence continued to rage in the state with stone-pelting mobs attacking security personnel trying to clear a road blockade and torching government vehicles even as the death toll in the nine-day old Jat quota stir was put at 16. Advertisement As protesters continued to block some roads including the arterial Delhi-Ambala Highway, the Centre directed security forces to use force to clear blockades. "The security forces were asked to use force to clear all the places where the protesters were squatting affecting communication network and water supply," a Union Government official said in Delhi. Properties damaged due to #Jat agitation in Rohtak (Haryana) pic.twitter.com/xiU3y2gwdI ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 The All India Jat Aarakshan Sanghursh Samiti (AIJASS) later in the evening announced lifting of its dharnas on national and state highways in view of the BJP setting up a committee under a Central minister to examine the quota demand for the Jat community. Besides Sonipat, fresh incidents of arson and violence erupted in several districts including Rohtak, Kaithal and Hissar. Advertisement Sonipat Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Rattan said personnel of Army, paramilitary forces and the police who were trying to clear a road blockade in the district were attacked by the mob which pelted stones on them and also used lathis. Some security pesonnel were also injured. "Yes, there are casualties, may be one or three, but I can't give any exact figure immediately," he told PTI. The mob went berserk setting on fire government vehicles, indulging in vandalism and attacking the security forces, the DC said, adding there was tension in the entire area. The latest incident came within hours after two columns of the Army comprising around 150 personnel, besides CRPF and Haryana Police contingents took control of the Munak canal at around 4 AM today from protesters who had cut off the water supply to Delhi, from Akbarpur-Barota in Sonipat. Following fresh incidents of arson and violence, curfew was reimposed in five villages of Hansi sub-division, Hissar city limits and Kaithal. Curfew was imposed in five villages of the district and shoot-at-sight orders issued following a face-off between Jats and other community members. Advertisement Senior Haryana Minister Ram Bilas Sharma told reporters after a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar that 16 people have died in the ongoing Jat agitation. Making a fresh appeal for an end to the agitation, Sharma said a Bill will be brought in the coming Assembly session of on the Jat reservation issue. When asked what will be the shape of the Bill, he said the date for the commencement of the assembly session was yet to be decided and did not elaborate on the details. The Jat protesters also continued to block some roads including in Rohtak, Hissar and Bhiwani districts. Road traffic on various national and state highways from Hissar to various destinations, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Sirsa, Siwani and Bhiwani remained suspended. Advertisement Railway traffic from Hissar to various destinations including Delhi, Ludhiana, Bhiwani and Sadulpur also remained suspended. Haryana Government has announced a relief of Rs 10 lakh to family of each deceased. Besides, a government job will be given to a family member and no case against innocent would be registered, Agriculture Minister O P Dhankar said. Efforts to reopen the crucial Delhi-Ambala National Highway failed today with protestors putting up blockade at several places between Panipat and Delhi. The highway connects Delhi with North India, including Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. As efforts were on to clear the blockade at Larsoli between Ganaur and Murthal, two other blockades were reported from Beeswan Meel near Rai and Kamaspur near Bahalgarh with protestors taking on the security personnel. The police had used force including lathicharge on the protestors at both the places. Incidents of violence were also reported from Kaithal where also curfew was lifted last night, but reimposed today. Advertisement A large number of stick-welding protesters vandalized a mall and several shops in the violence-hit district today where army and police have been deployed. Agitators also set afire a two-wheeler and vandalized some other vehicles in the district, officials said. Later, several members from non-Jat community took out a protest march against the administration for its alleged failure in providing safety to their shops and commercial establishments. They raised slogans against the administration. A government vehicle belonging to local SDM in Meham in Rohtak district was set ablaze by protesters. Rohtak and other areas had witnessed major damage to public and private property after the Jat protest turned violent. According to reports, blockades were also lifted in Kurukshetra and Jhajjar areas. To clear the rush of passengers, the Railways ran a special train from Chandigarh to Delhi. The train ran from Chandigarh to Anand Vihar station in Delhi and was diverted from Ambala on to Saharanpur route to reach the national capital since the mainline Ambala-Delhi rail route has still not been cleared for rail traffic, a Northern Railways spokesman said. Advertisement Water Supply In Delhi To Be Released Water supply to the national capital from Haryana is expected to be fully restored tomorrow after security forces took over control of the Munak canal and evicted all the Jat protesters from that place. Thank u army, thank u centre for securing munak canal back. Great relief for delhi Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 22, 2016 Top government sources said 35 per cent of the canal, located at 100 km from Delhi in Sonepat of Haryana, has been operationalised today as protesters had damaged the supply line thereby disrupting normal flow of water. ALSO READ: SC Seeks Status Report From Haryana Govt Over Delhi Water Supply "Repairing work is going on and we hope that by tomorrow it will fully be operationalised with its maximum capacity," a source said. Sluice gates at Khubru and Gadbidroli, part of the Munak canal, were badly damaged and repair works were going on in full swing, the sources said, adding all protesters who were squatting at the site, were evicted. Advertisement Director General of CRPF Prakash Mishra said "part supply" has been restored by security forces from the Munak canal by joint forces led by a CRPF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) who took control of the canal early today at about 4 AM. The force has also taken control of the Saifabad water plant in Delhi's Narela area, a senior official said. Commanders of the paramilitary supervising Jat protests operations said 12 companies (about 1,200 personnel) of the CRPF and others drawn from the army and paramilitary SSB have been posted for the security of the canal who will also help engineers and labourers to restore it. A women contingent of Rapid Action Force (RAF) has also been stationed there, they said. They said that the force, which has deployed the largest number of 49 companies among various security forces, has been asked to clear the "lines of communication" like blocked roads and stuck traffic in the state witnessing protests by Jats. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said the situation in Munak canal is "okay now". "As per my information, the place from where the water is diverted is being properly guarded and the army is helping the local administration," he told reporters in Delhi. Advertisement Haryana's Irrigation Department officials are at the spot and carrying out repairs in Munak canal. Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has called a state Cabinet meeting to take stock of the situation in the wake of the Jat agitation. Delhi has been facing water crisis following cut in its supply from Haryana due to the stir, prompting the city government to order closure of all schools today and rationing of water. Haryana DGP Yashpal Singhal had said yesterday that their first priority was to restore Delhi's water supply from Akbarpur Barota point in Sonepat. Haryana's Additional Chief Secretary (Home) P K Das had said they were facing difficulty in evicting protesters from Munak Canal and had temporarily suspended the effort to evict them as the situation could turn volatile. However, after BJP announced setting up of a committee to examine the quota demand of the community yesterday, fresh attempts were made to persuade the protesters to vacate the canal area. Advertisement (With inputs from PTI) Contact HuffPost India Also See On HuffPost: ANI/Twitter NEW DELHI -- Five JNU students, including Umar Khalid, who the police have been looking for in connection with a sedition case, returned to the university campus on Sunday, saying they did not do anything wrong but were "framed" using "doctored video". They are expected to meet with the university vice chancellor today. 5 JNU students charged with sedition to meet University Vice Chancellor today #IndiaFirst TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) February 22, 2016 While police rushed a team to the campus on receiving information about them, the students maintained that "they will not surrender but police can come and arrest them". The five students Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya, Rama Naga, Ashutosh Kumar and Anant Prakash had gone missing from the campus since February 12 after JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested in a sedition case lodged in connection with an event held on the campus against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru where anti-naitonal slogans were allegedly raised. #JNURow : Umar Khalid, who raised anti national slogans, addressing students in JNU pic.twitter.com/QB9M2EZa3k ANI (@ANI_news) February 21, 2016 According to Ashutosh, former president of JNU students union and a PhD scholar at varsity's School of International studies, they "have come back with a view of supporting the enquiry. The massive support we got from students and others from across the globe gave us the strength to return. I, Rama, Anirban and Anant were around but did not come in public due to atmosphere of mob lynching." Advertisement He, however, maintained that the four of them were not in touch with Umar Khalid and had spoken to him last on February 9, the day of the event. Ashutosh said the students were in Delhi itself and that the decision to return on Sunday evening had been taken individually and not collectively. "We didn't do anything wrong but were being framed using doctored video. We will not go anywhere now and will be part of the movement against the branding of university as anti-national," he said. The five students also participated in a march, shouting slogans and demanding release of Kanhiaya and addressed a gathering of students at varsity's administrative block where the protests have been going on ever since the controversy erupted. Advertisement Khalid denied that he had any terrorist links, while Anirban maintained that it was the look-out notice issued by police which made him decide to come back. "I am disturbed at the way I have been attacked and I am also angry at the comments posted against my sister on social media," Khalid said. Police said the students have not surrendered and a team has been rushed to the varsity. "We had received some information about their reported presence on campus. A police team was rushed to the varsity to enquire out after we received information that they were spotted on the campus. The team has right now been positioned outside JNU," a senior police official said. "So far nobody has surrendered. The officials at Vasant Kunj North police station have been asked to wait for them to present themselves before the police and surrender. If they don't come till morning, police team will be sent tomorrow to arrest them. No crackdown can be conducted at this hour," he added. When contacted the university officials, maintained that they had no information about their presence in the varsity's premises. Advertisement The varsity Vice Chancellor Jagdesh Kumar later said that the entry for police as well as media persons has been barred for now and a call in this regard will be taken tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, an emergent meeting of the left-backed All India Students Association (AISA) was underway at the campus to decide futre strategy. Shehla Rashid, vice president of the JNU students union also spoke to the crowd saying that those accused are innocent. "They are ready for whatever is going to happen. We know there are policemen inside in plain clothes here," Rashid said. "We want everything to happen in the glare of the cameras." Sources in the university said that few other students which the police had sought information about from the authorities, including Riyaz and Rubina, were also spotted on the campus. Advertisement (with PTI inputs) Contact HuffPost India Also On HuffPost: Hindustan Times via Getty Images NEW DELHI, INDIA - FEBRUARY 21: Thousands of people including ex-servicemen take out a unity march against 'anti-national' activities in Jawaharlal Nehru University Campus over the hanging of 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, from Rajghat to Jantar Mantar near Mandi House on February 21, 2016 in New Delhi, India. The protest was organised under the banner 'March For Unity To Save The Country'. JNU has been on the boil over the arrest of its student's Union President Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges after some students organised a meet to mark the anniversaries of executions of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. Delhi's Patiala House Court on Wednesday sent JNU student union leader Kanhaiya Kumar to judicial custody till March 2. (Photo by Sushil Kumar/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) The lawyers who led the attacks on students and journalists at the Patiala House Court were caught on camera, in an India Today sting operation, admitting that the assault was pre-planned. Arrested JNU student Kanhaiya Kumar was dragged, kicked and slapped by lawyers at a Delhi court while being taken for his bail hearing. Advertisement A 200-strong group of lawyers was shouting slogans inside the Patiala House Court complex when Mr Kumar was brought for the hearing. Slogans of "Goli Maaro, Phaansi Do (shoot him, hang him!)" were heard by witnesses. Meanwhile, a group of police stood there and did nothing. In a big revelation, some of the lawyers said today that the whole thing was orchestrated. One of the lawyers even said that they plan more such attacks. He said that when Umar Khalid, the JNU student who has also been charged with sedition, is produced, he will kill him by hurling a petrol bomb at him. The lawyers revealed that goons, clad in lawyers uniforms, were brought in from outside for the attack. They also claimed that the 1,000-strong police force stationed at the court were fully supportive of their action. Vikram Singh Chauhan, who spearheaded the attack on both the occasions, told India Today TV channel that Kanhaiya Kumar was assaulted for three hours. Confirming the claim, his aide Yashpal Singh, who is a former additional secretary of the BAR Council, said that Kumar was beaten up until he soiled his pants. Advertisement Singh claimed that from the 1,000-strong police force stationed at the court were supportive of the lawyers actions. Every policeman there said that had they not been in uniforms, they too would have joined us (in the attack), Yashpal Singh claimed. During the attacks on 16 February, there were about 1000 policemen present at the Patiala House Court. The lawyers admitted that it was not a spontaneous attack and in fact, goons were brought in from outside too. Advertisement "We beat up Kanhaiya Kumar for three hours to make him say Bharat Mata ki jai, Chauhan said. "We bashed him for three hours. He wet his pants. We beat him up so much," he added. 'We beat him (Kanhaiya) for three hours & asked him to say Bharat Mata ki jai' #OperationPatialaHouse#NEWSROOMhttps://t.co/zNaZArw7oW India Today (@IndiaToday) February 22, 2016 Next time he is brought in, I will bring a petrol bomb and I dont care if i am booked for murder ... I will go Kanhaiyas cell and beat him up there ... To tell you the truth, the police was fully supporting us, said one of the lawyers, who was caught on camera beating up the students. 'Even if I am charged with murder, I will not leave him (Kanhaiya Kumar)' #OperationPatialaHouse#NEWSROOMhttps://t.co/GNmOzNJn3X India Today (@IndiaToday) February 22, 2016 Earlier, the lawyers had claimed a mob of students had resorted to the violence and not the advocates. Advocate Yashpal Tyagi, who was caught on camera during the attack, told a press conference that their fight against "anti-nationals will continue" and "they would not tolerate anything said or done against the country. Advertisement The lawyers also claimed that there was no complaint or evidence against them and the mob of students had indulged in the violence. Chauhan, who told the TV channel, in the sting operation that he beat up Kanhaiya Kumar for three hours was also present at this press conference. The apex bar body, Bar Council of India, sought the Supreme Courts response as to whether it should proceed with the proposed inquiry against lawyers who had allegedly participated in the violent incidents in the Patiala House court complex on February 15 and 17 when jailed JNUSU leader Kanhaiya Kumar was being produced in connection with the sedition case. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also See On HuffPost: Joe Athialy/Flickr They say the world is watching us. A New York Times editorial today proves just that. And well, the impression isn't quite nice. In a stinging editorial, The New York Times has blamed the Modi government for cracking down on JNU students and stifling freedom of expression in India. Advertisement The authoritarian drift of the Modi government has come under sharp criticism by the newspaper which squarely blamed it for the lynch mob mentality witnessed in New Delhi in recent days. An opinion piece on Kanhaiya Kumar, the JNU student who was arrested on charges of sedition, says that this "confrontation raises serious concerns about Mr. Modis governance and may further stall any progress in Parliament on economic reforms." The newspaper carried a separate article on the events in Delhi after the arrest of Kanhaiya Kumar, JNU student leader, on charges of sedition and said that the message was clearviolence in the name of ultra nationalism is acceptable. "Responsibility for this lynch-mob mentality lies squarely with Mr. Modis government," it notes. Not just the Prime Minister, NYT also takes a dig at his government and other ministers. Quoting Home Minister Rajnath Singh--If anyone raises anti-India slogans and tries to raise question on the nations unity and integrity, they will not be spared,-- the editorial said that "Mr. Singh apparently does not realize that, in a democracy, voicing dissent is a vital right, not a crime." Advertisement In the concluding sentence, NYT asks the Indian Prime Minister to rein in his ministers or risk sabotaging India's economic progress. "Mr. Modi must rein in his ministers and his party, and defuse the current crisis, or risk sabotaging both economic progress and Indias democracy," it notes. Meanwhile, Frances leading daily Le Monde said in an editorial that the horizon of Indian democracy has been oddly clouded since the coming to power of Modi. The arrest of a student of JNU and a former professor in Delhi, accused of sedition, is the latest illustration of the authoritarian drift of a Hindu nationalist government..., said the piece. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also See On HuffPost: Joe Athialy/Flickr The agitating Jats in Haryana set up blockades. They set buses and motorbikes ablaze, ransacked a parliamentarians house, attacked police chowkis, and took control of a water canal supplying 3/5 of Delhis water. At least a dozen people died. All this to make that most national of demands more quotas. Rajnath Singh, the home minister, the man who threatened the strongest possible action against students shouting slogans at JNU, has also responded to the Jat agitation with alacrity. He has met with Jat leaders. He has declared a bill would be moved soon in the Haryana Assembly so Jats can get Other Backward Class status. He has formed a committee. He has appealed for peace and calm. The Indian state has made it amply clear. It listens to the mob. Speak loudly AND carry a big stick and the home minister will meet you more than halfway. Merely chant slogans loudly and you can be charged with sedition, videos of your speeches doctored and played on prime time television, and you can be beaten up by lawyers in a courthouse. Advertisement In a nail-biting scene in To Kill a Mockingbird, whose author Harper Lee just died, young Scout blunders into a lynch mob thats gathering around the jailhouse. The sheriff Heck Tate has been sent off on a snipe hunt. Only Atticus Finch is around, a one-man line of defence between the mob and its target. You know what we want, a man says. Get aside from the door, Mr. Finch. Into this crowd of sullen-looking, sleepy-eyed men steps Scout. And she tries to strike up a conversation with the only man she recognizes. Dont you remember me, Mr. Cunningham? Im Jean Louise Finch. You brought us some hickory nuts one time, remember? The man is impassive but Scout soldiers on. I go to school with Walter. Hes your boy, aint he? Aint he, sir? The conversation falters and sweat gathers at the edges of her hair. And then something strange happens. Mr. Cunningham squats down and takes Scout by both shoulders. Ill tell him you said hey, little lady, he says. And then he tells his friends Lets clear out. Lets get going, boys. And they leave, shuffling off in ones and twos, back to their ramshackle cars. Advertisement Its a scene that resonates because even in a dark American South of lynch mobs and racial violence, its a reassuring reminder of some kind of basic humanity, a flickering but real point of connection that binds all of us across yawning political divides. But as the rhetoric around the JNU crisis keeps getting uglier and uglier, one wonders if we are in danger of severing that connection. Put another way if a young Scout had stepped up to that mob of men in lawyers robes in the Patiala Courthouse would they have left as well, embarrassed into decency, shuffling off in ones and twos? The Indian state has made it amply clear. It listens to the mob. The scariest aspect of what is happening today, beyond legal questions of sedition or no sedition, is that the mob is being empowered by the state. The mob is not being dispersed. Instead the mob is being garlanded. The BJP wants to drape that encounter in the colours of the national flag, tut tut about the violence but excuse it in the name of blood-boiling patriotism. It thinks there is short-term political dividend in that but as Mukul Kesavan writes, what is being damaged is the long-term authority of the republic itself. When vigilante justice is publicly celebrated by majoritarian mobs and winked at by complicit policemen, the rules by republics live, shrivel a little. If this happens often enough, republican institutions begin to defer to a bullying nationalism. The political party thinks its safe because its on the same side as the bullying nationalist but ultimately no one is safe from a mob that tastes blood neither Kanhaiya Kumar nor that young Tanzanian woman in Bengaluru. By definition a mob is a Hydra-headed beast that eventually no one can control it as L K Advani discovered when the hordes he had fired up brought down the Babri Masjid without his bidding. What a mob does is it allows everyone in it to no longer feel ashamed about displaying the uglier bully in them. It finds courage in numbers. A rape is a secret furtive act. A gang rape is a shared act of bravado, a statement of power, a way of teaching someone a lesson. What is even more scary now is that the media in its appetite for TRPs is not shy about egging on that mob. That is what NDTV anchor Ravish Kumar was trying to tell us with his darkened television screen the other night. Television, he warned was not about asking questions, anymore. It was about maro, maro, pakdo, pakdo. (attack, attack, seize, seize). It does not shy away from airing doctored videos or hearing Bhartiya court zindabad as Pakistan zindabad as an output producer at Zee News has alleged about his former employer. Both media and politicians see far more dividend in being at the head of the mob, instead of trying to hold it back. We are in the business of making blood boil like the Hutu radio jockeys in Rwanda who exhorted the crowds to go kill Tutsi cockroaches. Advertisement An Indian student carries a flower and holds a poster during a protest at the Jawaharlal Nehru University or JNU against the arrest of a student union leader in New Delhi on 18 February, 2016. A few, like Swapan Dasgupta, eventually admit that they erred in sending out a doctored video. But they are still unable to say sorry for doing that, to try and undo the damage that a doctored viral video can create. The damage, alas is not just to Kanhaiya Kumar. It is to the idea of the state as an entity bound by laws and due process with the presumption of innocence. It is to this idea of the state that JNU student Umar Khalid is surrendering by saying My name is Umar Khalid and I am not a terrorist. Whether that is true or not, whether he is a Jaish-e-Mohammed member as the Internet claims or fiercely atheist as his family claims, he is placing his trust in the state, its Constitution and its laws. Can the same be said for the lawmakers and lawyers who would proudly beat up someone in the courthouse long before hes even faced a judge? Or the politicians who will not punish them? You just hold your head high and keep those fists down, advised Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. No matter what anybody says to you, dont you let them get your goat. Try fightin with your head for a change. But that's just in fiction. In real life the mob is happy to kill the mockingbird. Its name is mockingbird. It must be a seditious anti-national pest anyway. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also See On HuffPost: sketchydesi If you know how to tie a sari, you might have learned how to tuck a samosa properly. Not so, as Soni Satpathy-Singh, a 35-year-old recipe developer from New York found out. I think Im getting the hang of how to fold a samosa, but dear lord, the sari? No. Whenever I put one on, it ends up looking like I am wearing a toga, she told HuffPost India. Singh recently posted a mini-tale on her blog sketchydesi.com of what were to happen if one actually attempted the intricate folds that both require as a fast means to kill two desi birds with one stone, and it is hilarious (see below). Advertisement Wrapping A Samosa Vs Tying A Sari See Gallery Click around, and along with her yummy Indian recipes, Singh has added some extra masala to her blog with quick-witted illustrations and instances of growing up as an ABCD: American Born Confused Desi, sans the confusion, as she puts it. I think people have a desire to see food and culture presented in a way that speaks to their experiences of having grown up with both Indian and Western influences, she said. They want humour that taps into that and I think thats what Sketchy Desi does. Initially a private chef, Singh who was born in Tennessee (her parents hail from Odisha) took to blogging to cook and write for myself instead of other people. What started out as a fun project, quickly gained ground and Singh, who has developed a knack for uncovering funny Indian moments, is now working on pushing out foodie greeting cards, along lots of sketching, cooking and recipe testing with Vee Ladwa, her graphic designer. Advertisement Here are a few of her other creations: New recipe comic premiering tomorrow on my new website! AND this print will be available for purchase tomorrow as well. How do YOU like your #eggs ? #ilikemyeggsscrambled #ilikemyeggsrunny #ilikemyeggsfertilized #eggslut #eggcurry #curry A photo posted by Sketchy Desi (@sketchy_desi) on Jan 24, 2016 at 7:00am PST #tiffany #tiffanyandco #tiffin #tiffinbox #relationshipgoals #valentinescards #valentinesgift Get it at Zazzle.com/SketchyDesi, Loves! A photo posted by Sketchy Desi (@sketchy_desi) on Jan 15, 2016 at 11:23am PST A lil subtle #sexy #foodpun talk never hurts. Werk those innuendos this #valentines Go to Zazzle.com/SketchyDesi to purchase! #chaat #chaatmasala #chat A photo posted by Sketchy Desi (@sketchy_desi) on Jan 12, 2016 at 7:46pm PST #desiaunties #happyholidays #bugaboo buy it at Zazzle.com/SketchyDesi A photo posted by Sketchy Desi (@sketchy_desi) on Dec 2, 2015 at 2:05pm PST Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Hindustan Times via Getty Images INDORE, INDIA - FEBRUARY 16: ABVP members stage demonstration against the anti-national voices raised in JNU recently at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya campus on February 16, 2016 in Indore, India. JNU has been on the boil over the arrest of its student's Union President Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges after some students organised a meet to mark the anniversaries of executions of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. (Photo by Shankar Mourya/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) A group of intellectuals and artistes has termed those who allegedly raised anti-national slogans on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus as no less dangerous than Pakistan-based terror group JeMs chief Maulana Masood Azhar, even as the authenticity of the video that was aired by some television channels that showed students shouting anti-national slogans remained questionable. "The anti-national slogans raised on educational campuses shake our consciousness. If slogans are raised on reputed campuses for fragmenting India, resolutions are made to destroy it, and if Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru is hailed as a martyr, it is shameful and disconcerting," an appeal which has the consent of 33 individuals, including intellectuals and artistes, says. Advertisement "We think it to be a well-planned conspiracy by anti-national forces and we believe that those raising such slogans are no less dangerous in their thinking than the terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar," the appeal which has been endorsed by actors Anupam Kher and Paresh Rawal, journalist Swapan Dasgupta, former Lok Sabha Secretary General Subhash Kashyap, economist Bibek Debroy, lyricist and adman Prasoon Joshi, among others, said. Terming the JNU incident as an indication of lurking "danger", they said, "We welcome ideological dissent against the government, but such slogans are unacceptable to all patriots." They said some people were trying to "cover up" the incident under the garb of "freedom of expression". "How can this be called freedom of expression when it questions the supreme judicial decision. Some people have stood behind such nefarious elements for political benefit.They forget that idolising Afzal Guru insults the Supreme Court, the President and Parliament," they said. Advertisement Maintaining that they favoured "debate and dissent", the group asked whether there could be debate on the country's destruction or Guru's hanging. Support has been pouring in for JNU and its students from various parts of the country after Kumar's arrest. Last week faculty of Delhi IIT expressed solidarity with JNU. "Do Afzal Guru's hanging and 'India go back' slogan come within the ambit of dissent. Political allegiance may be different, but the country should be loved. What ideological freedom is this that slogans that are raised from across the border, from the homes of Kashmiri separatists, are also raised from the campuses in Delhi and Jadavpur," they said. The group said the incident was part of a conspiracy by anti-national forces to "incite people" and "polarise" the country. "They (anti-national elements) know the government will try to check them and then they will accuse the government of repression and call it 'worse than emergency' to create instability," they said. The group said earlier an attempt was made to raise the issue of alleged intolerance, then a "manufactured environment" was created about repression of dalit students. Advertisement "When those did not succeed, now there is this anti-India conspiracy in the garb of ideological freedom. We denounce it and appeal to people not to allow them to succeed," they said. N Gopalaswami, Rajat Sharma, Udit Narayan, Madhur Bhandarkar, Roop Kumar Rathor, Malini Awasthi, Pushpesh Pant, Kamal Kishor Goenka, Narendra Kohli, Chitra Mudgal, Girija Devi are also part of the group. A producer with Zee News channel quit last week, disappointed with the channels coverage of the JNU issue, after it was widely pointed out that sedition-accused JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumars speech did not actually have anything anti-national. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also See On HuffPost: Zee News/Screenshot NEW DELHI -- Deeply distressed with the coverage of the Jawaharlal Nehru University row by Zee News, a producer quit the channel on Feb. 19, and made his concerns public in a Facebook post on Sunday. "We, journalists, question others but not ourselves. We are called the Fourth Estate of democracy. But are we, our institutions, and our coverage, democratic?" Vishwa Deepak wrote on the social media platform. Advertisement Deepak said that attempts to stir up "nationalism," and portray JNU Students' Union president Kanhaiya Kumar as a "traitor," are "dangerous." "My resignation is dedicated to lakhs and crores of Kanhaiyas and those JNU students who strive and make sacrifices with dreams in their eyes," he wrote. Kanhaiya, a PhD candidate from Bihar, was arrested on charges of sedition for allegedly raising "anti-national" slogans, and making a speech following an event to mark the third third anniversary of Afzal Guru's execution on Feb. 9. It has been widely pointed out that Kumar's speech did not contain an "anti-national" content, and in any case, the charge of sedition is only invoked if words, spoken or written, are accompanied by disorder and violence and/ or incitement to disorder and violence. Advertisement According to Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah, slogans raised included, "Afzal we are ashamed because your killers are free,"War will continue until Kashmir's freedom," "Go India Go Back" and "Long live Pakistan." In a letter to Zee News, reproduced in the FB post, Deepak questioned why the media agency played a video with a caption 'Pakistan Zindabad', but in actuality there was no audio of the slogan. The journalist said Zee News had not established Kanhaiya's presence in the footage from the JNU campus before declaring him to be a "traitor." "We played the video, which didn't even have the 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogan, repeatedly to spread unrest. There were some voices come out of the darkness. How did we establish that this was Kanhaiya and his friends. Kanhaiya said a thousand times that he did not endorse anti-national slogans, but we did not pay any heed because our coverage followed the NDA government line," he said. Deepak asked who would be responsible if one of those students, who had been dubbed as a "traitor" by the media, was harmed because of irresponsible coverage. Read Deepak's full post here. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also on HuffPost India: About the magazine All Animals, our award-winning magazine, is packed with stories about how your donations are changing the world for animals. Inside each issue, we give you the latest on how you're helping us fight for all animals, as well as profiles of people on the front lines, tips for caring for your pets and protecting wildlife, heartwarming tales of rescue and rehab, actions you can take and more. Beautifully illustrated and thoroughly researched, All Animals will inspire you and keep you informed on the issues you care about. Hutchinson's Orscheln Farm store has become a Bomgaars location The Hutchinson store was one of 73 the FTC said Tractor Supply could not own due to anti-trust concerns. Transition to new store could take 15 months. On Feb. 19, AIG Commercial CEO Robert S. Schimek announced to clients and brokers through a letter that AIGs Commercial Insurance leadership team had been reorganized. The move is a response to major shareholder and activist investor Carl Icahns proposal to streamline AIG into a smaller company.The steps we are taking will reinforce what you have traditionally valued in AIG: the financial strength to be there for the long term, underwriting and claims expertise, innovative solutions for emerging risks, and multinational capabilities, Schimek stated in the letter.According to Schimek, the new leadership team for Commercial Insurance would be composed of Lex Baugh as leader of the Liability and Financial lines, George Stratts for Property and Special Risks, Jeremy Johnson for U.S. Commercial, Anthony Baldwin for U.K. and AIG Europe Ltd., and Carol Barton for Multinational.Other senior executives were also appointed. Rick Woollams was named Chief Claims Officer for Commercial, Madhu Tadikonda was selected to be the companys Chief Underwriting Officer, and Cindy Launer was promoted to Chief Operating Officer.Icahn urged AIG back in October 2015 to split into three companies, asserting that it would benefit everyone involved, particularly shareholders. He also reasoned that the break-up would help AIG limit regulation.Since taking the position of CEO in 2014, Peter Hancock and his management team have been reorganizing AIG as a response to Icahns challenge. Global insurance firms AXA and Allianz are about to seal a deal to distribute their products through Asian banking group CIMB. The Malaysian Insider reports that the firms, along with Japans Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Holdings have made final bids to the Kula Lumpur-headquartered bank which could be as much as $200 million. It would give the insurers access to customers of CIMBs 1,000 outlets for a decade. Canadas Manulife agreed a 15-year bancassure deal with DBS Group Holdings last year. The growing middle classes are a rich source of potential growth for insurers.Global insurer Zurich is planning to sell its business units in South Africa and Morocco according to media reports. Bloomberg says that the potential sales are part of a strategic review of the general insurance business which is under pressure following unexpectedly high claims in 2015. The firm has already announced that it is pulling out of the Middle Easts general insurance market while continuing the more-profitable life insurance business. No firm decisions have been made on the South African and Moroccan units.Britain will decide if it is to stay in the European Union when the polls open and June 23 but the body that represents the insurance industry says staying in is the best option. The director general of the Association of British Insurers, Huw Evans, issued a statement shortly after the referendum date was announced:"The UK economy benefits from membership of the EU single market and being part of the world's largest trading block. Membership guarantees the right to do business in 27 other countries on an equal footing. The UK gains from this arrangement; we sell 21 billion (U$29.97 billion) more in insurance & long-term savings products to the rest of the EU than they sell to us, he wrote."As a global insurance centre of excellence, the UK has a major influence in shaping the rules of the EU. And as the undisputed financial services centre of the EU, the whole of the UK is able to benefit from the jobs, tax revenue and economic prosperity this position brings." There were fewer workers compensation claims in California last year than in 2014, though severity of those claims has kept costs from declining too dramatically, according to a new report from Milliman and Keenan Healthcare.The report, in its second year, collects data from 35 hospital and individual facilities in the state to create a report benchmarking comp costs. Analysts examine factors including claims frequency and severity, medical and indemnity costs and the impact of any reforms on the comp system.Researchers found that the projected 2015 loss cost per $100 of payroll was $2.20, and severity per paid indemnity claim increased almost 5.5% from 2005 through 2014.One reason for this shift in severity could be the increasing number of aging workers in California.According to the report, workers between the ages of 36 to 55 account for more than half of the paid indemnity claims and for workers under the age of 30, average severity was much less. Researchers note that in addition to higher average costs per indemnity claim for injured employees over age 30, as workers age a given workers compensation incident is more likely to result in an indemnity payment.Increased litigation also played a role. While litigated claims constitute just 20% of the total claims with indemnity payment, they account for 54% of total incurred losses, Milliman and Keenan said, as litigated claims exhibit significantly higher average claim severity.Other trends identified in the report include a flattening of overall losses per $100 of payroll from 2005 to 2014, and estimates of costs per indemnity claim for accidents during 2014 dropped 10% since 2013.Californias workers compensation environment is complex and always changing, and there are many challenges that employers and hospitals must contend with, Richard Lord, principal and consulting actuary with Milliman and Keenan, said of the report. The informationcan help both employers and hospitals make more informed decisions regarding workers compensation and help them develop plans to improve their overall results. Clarksburg Finds New Town Accountant CLARKSBURG, Mass. The Select Board last week found a new town accountant. Donna Estes was selected for the 10-hour post after meeting town officials most important criteria: municipal experience. Estes, currently town accountant for Williamstown, more than fit the bill. "We're getting someone who's already doing what we're looking for," said Select Board member William Schrade. Officials have been concerned over getting someone with strong municipal experience to prevent any backsliding of the town's financial position. It had recovered under the hand of former Town Accountant David Fierro, who resigned last month. Officials interviewed five other candidates with strong accounting experience, but not enough municipal to make them comfortable. The former Clarksburg resident whose husband, John, taught at Clarksburg School for many years, has worked in both public and private accounting. She attended what was then North Adams State College for accounting and later earned her certification. She worked in a bank, for Patten Corp., as an account manager for Storey Communications, and for a Vermont magazine, before becoming financial assistant to the superintendent in Williamstown. Estes is retiring in July after 14 years working for first the school and then as accountant for the town. "I don't ever take shortcuts," she told the Select Board. "That's setting yourself up for something not to go right." Estes assured the board she was familiar with all the required state forms and procedures, and keeps up to date on any changes. Letter: Why I Am Voting for Hillary Clinton on March 1 To the Editor: I first met Hillary Clinton in 1992 in Pittsburgh at a Bill Clinton rally during his first presidential campaign. Hillary shook my hand warmly with both of hers and thanked me for attending. For the next 24 years, I watched her campaign for senator from New York, her run for the presidency in 2008, and her service in the Obama administration as secretary of state from 2008-2012. Her New York Senate campaign was admirable for the way she listened carefully to the voters as she traveled up and down the state and responded to their questions sensibly and forcefully. Her 2008 presidential campaign was fraught partly with her natural attack mode and partly the result of bad advice from her advisers. Her service as secretary of state was impressive and unique, for the version of our country's principles and power diplomacy that she carried to the rest of the world. Now, in her present campaign for the presidency, as she speaks across the country, those 24 years of experience in national and world politics have transformed Hillary into the one and only candidate who is presidential. For the first time in the 40 years, I have worked in presidential campaigns, I actually enjoyed watching the Democratic debates. Here's why. In her determined and practical style, she makes clear where she stands. Education: Make public college debt-free. Fund universal pre-K. Close tax loopholes for the wealthy. Guns: Ban several types of assault weapons. Repeal protections for gun makers. Create a comprehensive background check system and close loopholes. Health care: Give the government a role in setting insurance rates. Expand Obamacare. Immigration: Continue and expand Obama's programs to waive deportation. Give undocumented residents a path to legal status. Close all private immigration detention facilities, allow the undocumented to buy into Obamacare and encourage states to offer in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants. Tela Zasloff Williamstown Four More Shots Please S3 Review: This Old Wine In New Bottle Doesn't Get You Drunk As Easily Anymore We work towards an equitable, gender-just, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector We work towards an equitable, gender-just, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector We work towards an equitable, gender-just, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector We work towards an equitable, gender-just, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector The content you are trying to view is exclusive to our subscribers. To unlock this article: Egypt is de facto a socialist country. Despite the removal of references to the terms 'socialism' and 'socialist' from the 1971 constitution in its 2007 amendments and the absence of these terms in the current 2014 constitution, the laws still adopt the concept. The Egyptian Labour Law reflects this concept. It is employee-biased and limits employers' rights. For example, if local parties under a fixed-term contract continue the working relationship beyond the original term of the contract, or agree to automatic renewal and do not create a new contract, the contract is automatically renewed and becomes an indefinite-term contract. This restricts the employer's right to terminate the employee. Thus, an employer that does not wish to be put in the position where they cannot terminate an employee whose performance does not meet expectations should consider entering into a short-term fixed-term contract, renewable as many times but pursuant to new analogous contracts that are freshly executed each time. Once this expires, the employee will have no rights of compensation under the law. Military leave While the Labour Law largely dictates employment requirements, there is a question over an employer's position with regard to an employee who is required to undertake military service. If an employee is on a fixed-term contract which he must interrupt to undertake military service and returns after his contract ends, there is a question whether the employer must reinstate him in accordance with the Law on Military and Patriotic Service (127/1980). Article 43 of the law (as amended) provides that (Arabic text prevailing): The administrative body of the state, municipality units, general authorities, public sector companies, business public sector companies, private companies, associations and institutions and employers must keep, to whom is undertaking his military service, staying thereafter or called in for service thereafter amongst the employees, their position or analogous position until the end of the military service, the stay thereafter or the call in thereafter. The said position may be filled on temporary basis during such period The employee or worker shall return to his job or work kept therefore if he so requests within 30 days from the day he is released from military service or the stay thereafter and within one week from the date of his release after the in-call for service. He must be returned to work within 60 days from the date of submitting the request. The date of submitting the request shall be the date of his reinstatement at work If the employee or worker does not submit his request on time or start his work within 30 days or a week, respectively, from the date of the reinstatement order, the request to be reinstated may be rejected unless the delay is for due cause. The employee or worker shall remain entitled during his military service, the staying thereafter and the in-call for service thereafter, to his promotions and bonuses, as if he were performing his work. The service period shall be added to their work period and accounted for in respect of the bonus and pension. He shall also be accounted for the additional service periods and additions in the calculation of such bonus or pension according to Law No. 90 for the year 1975 on Insurance, Retirement and Pensions of the Armed Forces. The service period shall be deemed successfully completed if the employment was under probation. During the period of stay after the military service and the in-call for service, all material and moral rights and other advantages including allowances, bonuses and production incentives disbursed to their peers at their original work locations shall be paid thereto in addition to what the Ministry of Defense pays therefor for the stay or call period. Because the law does not stipulate whether reinstatement is obligatory even if an employee is on a fixed-term contract that has expired several questions are raised: it is unclear whether Article 43 creates a new right for the employee and imposes a new obligation on the employer; it is similarly unclear whether Article 43 is limited to indefinite-term employment contracts and events where the period of absence for military service does not extend beyond the term of the fixed-term employment contract. The Egyptian Cour de Cassation does not view Article 43 as a special clause that prevails over the Labour Law and contract. They have adopted the scholars' opinion that there should be no automatic extension with regard to fixed-term contracts. The undertaking of military service is not a tool to prevail over the nature of terms and conditions of the employment contract. It is a step towards equality between the interests of the employer vis-a-vis those of the employee. Ayman Nour Violet Ezirike Chinelo Agom-Eze While adjudicating a dispute between an international oil company and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigerian Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) recently held that where there is a conflict between an agreement and statute, the provisions of the statute prevail. Although this was a positive decision for the foreign company, it nevertheless highlights the negative impact the lack of clarity in Nigeria's tax regimes could have on foreign investment. The case in question emanated from a conflict between the provisions of the Modified Carry Agreement (MCA) executed between an international oil company and a government agency and the provisions of the Petroleum Profits and Tax Act (PPTA) in the interpretation of deductions of capital allowances. The MCA provides that approval of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) should be obtained before any deductions of capital allowances. In contrast, the PPTA allows for deductions without prior approval. The position of the law as espoused by the TAT appears to be at variance with the position of the FIRS, which puts equity interest over economic interest in calculating petroleum profit tax. An earlier decision of the TAT (Gazprom v. FIRS) addresses the fundamental issue of the clarity of tax regimes. In the instant case, the issue surrounded the registration and charge of tax by the non-resident company with a contract to perform services for a Nigerian company. In interpreting section 10(2) of the Value Added Tax Act, the TAT held that the non-resident company is only required to register and charge VAT where it carries on business in Nigeria. It was further held that since the subject was a contract to perform services for a Nigerian company the same did not apply and reverse charges could not be imposed. The disposition of the TAT to provide clarity to a complicated tax regime is a vote of confidence in the adjudication of tax related issues. Nonetheless, it is pertinent to consider the prolonged effect of unclear tax laws on foreign investment as this lack of clarity could act as a barrier to entry when companies are unable to ascertain future costs. In countries like India and Cambodia, the unclear tax rules are currently affecting tax returns and hindering possible foreign investment. The Nigerian government must therefore take implicit cues from these matters and establish a clear single stream tax policy, particularly in light of the economic instability facing the nation. Violet Ezirike and Chinelo Agom-Eze At Keating Law Offices we believe that the motorists and the insurance companies who should be responsible for protecting the injured bicyclists must be held accountable. Too often the bicyclist is blamed for a bicycle accident and the insurance companies try to take advantage of this unfair bias against bicyclists. That is why we are committed to representing bicyclists who have suffered injuries in a crash. Far too often, without skilled legal representation the bicyclist is at a massive disadvantage when pitted against a giant insurance company. One of the nation's leading bicycle litigation firms, the attorneys at Keating Law Offices have spent years fighting on behalf of bicyclists' rights. Attorney Michael S. Keating is the Chair of national trial lawyer association's Bicycle Litigation Committee. Keating Law Offices is an Illinois-based law firm that is dedicated to representing bicyclists and their families when they or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle crash. In most instances, bicycle crashes are preventable and could have been avoided. The result of bicycle crashes are that injuries and, tragically, even deaths are common results.At Keating Law Offices we believe that the motorists and the insurance companies who should be responsible for protecting the injured bicyclists must be held accountable. Too often the bicyclist is blamed for a bicycle accident and the insurance companies try to take advantage of this unfair bias against bicyclists. That is why we are committed to representing bicyclists who have suffered injuries in a crash. Far too often, without skilled legal representation the bicyclist is at a massive disadvantage when pitted against a giant insurance company.One of the nation's leading bicycle litigation firms, the attorneys at Keating Law Offices have spent years fighting on behalf of bicyclists' rights. Attorney Michael S. Keating is the Chair of national trial lawyer association's Bicycle Litigation Committee. We work with other firms throughout the country as co-counsel on bicycle crash cases. Press Release: IMF Mission Concludes Visit to Honduras Press Release No. 14/420 September 12, 2014 An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Mr. Lisandro Abrego, visited Honduras during September 2-12 to discuss a three-year Fund-supported program. The mission met with Minister Coordinator of the Government Jorge Hernandez Alcerro, Central Bank Governor and Head of the Economic Cabinet Marlon Tabora, Minister of Finance Wilfredo Cerrato, other senior government officials and representatives of the private sector. Mr. Abrego issued the following statement in Tegucigalpa today at the conclusion of the visit: We began discussions on a three-year program that could be supported by a financial arrangement with the IMF. These discussions have been productive and good progress has been made toward reaching agreement on the macroeconomic policies and structural reforms. The main objective of the program is to preserve macroeconomic stability in Honduras while improving conditions for sustainable economic growth and supporting efforts to reduce poverty in a fiscally affordable manner. The program would facilitate policy implementation, bolster investor confidence, and catalyze resources from multilateral institutions and donors. The mission and the authorities agreed that to bolster the public finances it is essential to reduce the deficits of the state-owned electricity company and the central government. There was also broad agreement on the policy measures that would need to accompany these efforts, many of which are already being implemented, especially to support the ongoing process of reducing the deficit of the central government. In addition, we concurred that reductions in overall expenditure should be accompanied by changes in its composition to create room for social spending to help reduce poverty while protecting investment to support economic growth. These negotiations often take time and the next step is for our discussions with the Honduran government to continue in Washington D.C. in the next few weeks, with the goal of reaching agreement on a Fund-supported program within the previously agreed schedule. Finally, the mission would like to thank the authorities and private sector representatives for a cordial and productive dialogue, as well as for their excellent cooperation and hospitality. Press Release: IMF Deputy Managing Director to visit Chad and Cote d'Ivoire Press Release No. 16/68 February 21, 2016 Mr. Mitsuhiro Furusawa, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will visit Chad and Cote dIvoire on February 21-27, to engage with policymakers and other stakeholders in both countries and to underline the strong relationship with the institutions African member countries. The visit to Chad will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the close relation with the country over the last few years. In NDjamena, Mr. Furusawa will meet with President Idriss Deby Itno and other senior officials, the private sector, and representatives of the civil society. I very much look forward to productive meetings with President Deby and his teams as they address important challenges, notably the combined effects of a sharp and persistent decline in international oil prices and elevated regional security threats, Mr. Furusawa said ahead of the trip. Despite these challenges, the economic performance has been broadly satisfactory and the Fund stands ready to continue to provide financial and technical assistance to help Chad tackle its immediate challenges and achieve its developmental aspirations, Mr. Furusawa added. In Cote dIvoire, the Deputy Managing Director will meet with President Ouattara and Prime Minister Kablan Duncan, as well as private sector executives, civil society representatives, and students. The visit to will allow Mr. Furusawa to discuss the countrys exceptional economic performance and the ways to sustain it and ensure that it benefits all. Cote dIvoire has achieved an impressive economic performance over the past four years, with growth averaging 8.9 percent per year. I commend the authorities for this accomplishment and look forward to ours discussions. Mr. Furusawa said. Revenue Mobilization and International Taxation: Key Ingredients of 21st-Century Economies by IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde By Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund Abu Dhabi, February 22, 2016 As prepared for delivery Good morningSabah Al-Khair Ministers and Governorsthank you for honoring us with your presence. It is a great pleasure to speak before such a distinguished audience. Dear Minister Al-Tayer: Thank you for your generous hospitality and the gracious introduction, and thank you, Dr. Al-Hamidy, for joining hands with us to organize the Arab Fiscal Forum. This event is taking place at a pivotal moment not only for this region but for many other countries that have seen fiscal issues rise to the top of their policy agendas. Or, to be more precise, it is taxation that has risen to the agenda in many countries. If you wonder why this issue has become so important, let me assure you that this is nothing new in the history of mankind! Already some 260 years ago, the great philosopher and economist Adam Smith noted: Little else is required to carry a state to the highest degree of opulence...but peace, easy taxes, and a tolerable administration of justice. It is striking that he singled out taxation alongside peace and justice as the key to a successful society. This insight is now more important than ever. Today, I would like to take Adam Smith into our modern time and talk about two ingredients of taxation for successful 21st-century economies. The first one is the ability of countries to generate robust government revenue. This is, of course, the lifeblood of modern states. This is what allows governments to provide public goods that support strong and durable growth. The policeman on the beat, the nurse who is attending to a patient, the teacher who is inspiring young minds, the scientist who is conducting cutting-edge basic research: these are only some of the people who could not do their work without reliable government income. Now, we all know that, right now, there is in many countries a pressing need to generate higher and more reliable revenue, although not necessarily for the same reason. For example, oil exporting-countries are adapting to a new reality of low commodity prices. Developing economies need more domestically generated revenue to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals. And some advanced economies, especially in Europe, need higher fiscal revenue to bolster their economic recovery and financial stability. The second ingredient of successful 21st-century economies is international taxation. This is an essential means by which governments mobilize their revenues in a globalized economy. Recent headlines about Google, Starbucks, or Ikea have underlined that an international tax system needs to work for everybody. We need a system that discourages the artificial shifting of profits and assets to low-tax locations. And we need a system that discourages overly aggressive tax competition among countries. In other words, we need a tax system in which ordinary citizens are convinced that multinational companies and wealthy individuals are contributing a fair share to the public purse, to the common good. While talking about these two angles of taxation, I would also like to highlight the role of the IMF in helping counties achieve the best possible form of government financingone that is reliable, fair, and efficient. 1. Revenue Mobilization So let us start with the first ingredient of successful 21st-century economiesrevenue mobilizationwhich is on the minds of so many policymakers, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. Higher government revenues would create much-needed fiscal room for maneuver and allow for more spending on all the things that drive potential growth over the medium term, including infrastructure, healthcare, and education. In addition, more reliable sources of revenue would help avoid volatility in public expenditure and pro-cyclical fiscal policy. Oil exporting-countries This is particularly important for oil-exporting countries that have been heavily affected by the recent plunge in oil prices. Last year, for example, oil exporters in the MENA region lost more than US$340 billion in oil revenue from their budgets, amounting to 20 percent of their combined GDP.1 Not only have oil prices fallen by around two-thirds from their most recent peak, but supply and demand-side factors suggest that they are likely to stay low for an extended period. The size and likely persistence of this external shock means that all oil exporters will have to adjust by reducing spending and increasing revenue. Of course, the fiscal adjustment needs vary from country to country. For instance, thanks to their prudent polices, most members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are now in a position where they can pace their adjustment over several years and thus limit the impact on growth. It is also worth remembering that GCC economies have made large fiscal adjustments in the pastand I am confident that they can do it again. At the same time, these economies need to strengthen their fiscal frameworks and reengineer their tax systemsby reducing their heavy reliance on oil revenues and by boosting non-hydrocarbon sources of revenues. This would help bolster growth and job creation and, at the same time, help to maintain debt sustainability and strengthen resilience. It also provides a unique opportunity to design tax systems that emphasize fairness, simplicity, and efficiency. How can GCC countries achieve this? Start by putting in place a simple system that initially focuses on VATideally, a harmonized regional VAT. Even at a low single-digit rate, such a tax could raise up to 2 percent of GDP. Add to this a greater emphasis on corporate income taxes, as well as property and excise taxes. And continue to invest in building tax administration capacity that could eventually allow for the introduction of personal income taxes. Progress is already visible in many countries. In Kuwait, for example the IMF has assisted in the study and design of broad-based taxes, such as VAT and business profit tax. This work has contributed to a national dialogue on why and how Kuwait should diversify its revenue sources. Proponents of reform arguerightlythat this would allow the country to better manage the fiscal risks associated with volatile oil prices. Middle-income oil importers & low-income countries Likewise, many middle-income oil importers are also facing significant challenges in revenue mobilization and designing more equitable tax systems. Oil importers in the MENA region, for example, generate tax revenue of about 13 percent of non-oil GDP, on averagecompared with 17 percent in other emerging and developing economies.2 Clearly, there is scope for revenue increasesagain, by broadening the tax base, making personal income tax more progressive, and eliminating privileged corporate income tax regimes. A good example is Tunisia, where some export-oriented companies benefited from extremely favorable tax treatment and limited regulations over the past three decades. It is estimated that the total cost of fiscal incentives for these privileged firms amounted to about 2 percent of GDP in 2012.3 The Tunisian government has since halved the tax differential between these companies and their less privileged peers. A further reduction of this tax differential would maintain Tunisias competitiveness, while creating a more equitable and efficient system. What about low-income countries? In these economies, additional fiscal space is critically needed to provide the opportunity for greater investment in human capital and infrastructure. New IMF research suggests that once the tax-to-GDP ratio reaches 12 percent, real GDP per capita increases sharply.4 Countries should, therefore, aim to remain comfortably above this thresholdsay, above 15 percent. In about half of all developing countries, tax ratios are below 15 percent of GDPcompared with 18 percent in emerging economies and 26 percent in advanced economies.5 This is why domestic revenue mobilization is an imperative for those countries that are seeking to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals. It means implementing tax systems that are simple, broad-based, and fair. Of course, it also means thatonce revenues are raisedthey must be spent efficiently and effectively in support of inclusive growth. Strong fiscal institutions and public financial management are essential. These are areas in which the IMF is providing extensive technical assistance and capacity building every day. 2. International Taxation Let me now turn to international taxationanother key ingredient of successful 21st-century economies. As I noted previously, taxation is the tool that allows governments to mobilize their revenues. But these vital efforts can be undermined by overly aggressive tax competition among countries. This beggar-thy-neighbor strategy hurts everybody. As you know, tax evasion and avoidance is not only hitting the headlines recently, but is also at the top of the global policy agenda. This reflects frustration in many countries at a time of rising fiscal pressures and modest global growth. It also reflects anger among many ordinary citizens around the world over rising inequality of income and wealth. In fact, there is a widely shared recognition that too many multinational companies and wealthy individuals are gaming a creaking system of international taxation that is no longer fit for the modern global economy. Let me be clear: significant progress has been made in recent years. A good example is the automatic exchange of taxpayer information among governments. This new global standard will make it harder for wealthy individuals to avoid income and wealth taxes by moving assets to offshore locations. These low-tax locations have become part of the increasingly vigorous debate on excessive income and wealth inequality. According to one estimate, about 30 percent of Africas financial wealth is held offshoreand the percentages are thought to be even higher in some major oil-producing countries.6 The BEPS project On the corporate side, we have also seen significant progress. Let me highlight the recent agreement by the G20 on measures to prevent base erosion and profit shifting. This so-called BEPS project led by the OECD is an important step in the right direction, because it seeks to prevent multinational companies from artificially shifting profits to low-tax locations. The OECD estimates that government revenue losses from this kind of tax avoidance have grown to as much as $240 billion a year, or 10 percent of global corporate income-tax receipts. In other words, the BEPS project is good news for countries that are seeking to protect their national tax bases and bad news for corporate tax avoidance strategies. Nevertheless, much more work needs to be done both in terms of substance and scope. On substance, it is clear that the BEPS rules are designed to work within the traditional architecture for international taxation. This system was developed nearly a century ago for a world in which cross-border trade was far less important and took place almost entirely in physical goods. Todays big challenges include the taxation of traded services and the shifting of intellectual property across borders. This shift in the global economy is set to continue, and more value-added will likely come from services and intellectual property rather than fields and factories. This is why we need an international taxation system that is truly fit for the 21st century. We also need a system that works for all economies. For example, a major effort has been made to include developing economies in the discussions that led to the BEPS rules. But these measures do not fully address some of the specific needs of these countries. Their gains from curbing tax avoidance could be significant: estimates by IMF staff suggest that lost tax revenues in developing economies are equivalent to 1.3 percent of their GDP, compared with one percent in advanced economies.7 Of particular concern to developing economies is the indirect, offshore transfer of interests in certain assetstelecoms or mineral licenses spring to mind. In some cases, this practice has caused hundreds of millions of dollars in lost government revenue. This can be a huge blow to low-income countries that may already have fragile public finances. The IMF has a special responsibility here because of our global membership and because of our ability to provide world-class technical assistance and training on a global scale. Our key objective is to help develop approaches to all of these taxation issues that are relevant and appropriate for our low-income members. And we are not doing this alone, but very much in cooperation with our international partners: the World Bank, regional development banks, and the United Nations. 3. The Role of the IMF Let me expand a little on the Funds role in achieving fair and reliable government financingit is the unsung story of many small successes, one step at a time. It is based on our unique experience of working with our member countries over more than 70 years. This gives us the ability to cover the full spectrum of fiscal issuesthrough our research, policy advice, and direct technical assistance and training. This is how we can address the specific needs of our 188 member countries. The lions share of our technical assistance is provided to our low- and middle-income members. For example: We work with Ministries of Finance on their expenditure policy and public financial management so that high-quality public services are delivered in a transparent and cost-effective manner. We assist our members in establishing fiscal rules, strengthening public debt management, and managing natural resource wealth. And every year, we help more than 100 countries improve their domestic revenue mobilizationthrough analysis and hands-on assistance on tax policy and administration. Over the past five years, our worldwide technical assistance on revenue mobilization has more than doubledand we plan to further expand this work as we respond to strong demand from our members. In this particular area of technical assistance, success often depends on a combination of political resolve and long-term commitment. This why the Fund has developed deep, long-standing relationships with many of our low- and middle-income membersand I am pleased to say that these efforts have helped produce tangible results. Just to give you a few examples: In Kosovo, the Fund helped align the countrys tax administration with internationally recognized standards, including the introduction of electronic filing of tax returns. These measures allowed Kosovo to boost its tax revenue by 8 percent in 2013. In Peru, the IMF has over several years supported the government in adopting a more modern tax administration and improving revenue performance, especially on VAT. These reforms contributed to an increase in the tax-to-GDP ratio from 15 percent in 2010 to 16 in 2014. In Senegal, IMF technical assistance helped trigger a jump in the number of tax payers subject to VAT and led to a sharp increase in revenue collection from medium-sized enterprises. Senegal has used these fresh resources to drive growth and poverty reduction. These are only some examples of where our technical assistance has helped to move the needle. To be clear: while our members are learning from us, we constantly learn from them, too. We enrich our policy advice by making use of the wealth of data from our technical assistance work and our close links with our members on fiscal issues. Both domestic revenue mobilization and international taxation will feature prominently in our Article IV reports over the next few years. It means that our insights from technical assistance will feed even more into our country surveillance workwhich, in turn, will improve the effectiveness of our technical assistance. This mutual learning process is taking place right nowright here at the Arab Fiscal Forum. For all of us, this is a unique opportunity to listen, learn, and engage in a regional dialogue on pressing revenue and tax policy issues. Conclusion Before we engage in these discussions, let me conclude by returning to Adam Smith, who wrote in the Wealth of Nations: Political economyproposes two distinct objects: first, to provide a plentiful revenue or subsistence for the peopleand secondly, to supply the state or commonwealth with a revenue sufficient for the public services. My main message today is this: creating successful 21st-century economies requires robust government revenues and an international tax system that works for everybody. These ingredients are essential for growth, fairness, and development. They provide the fertile ground for the prosperity of nations. And we at the IMF are ready to play our part for the benefit of our membership. Shukran! 1 IMF estimate. 2 IMF, Staff Discussion Note: Fair Taxation in the Middle East and North Africa. 3 World Bank estimate. 4 Unpublished IMF research. 5 IMF Fiscal Monitor. Tax to GDP ratios do not include social security contributions. 6 Gabriel Zucmans book: The Hidden Wealth of Nations. 7 IMF, Working Paper: Base Erosion, Profit Shifting and Developing Countries (May 2015). Imperial Valley News Center Secretary of State John Kerry's Meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas Washington, DC - Secretary Kerry met in Amman today with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The Secretary and President Abbas discussed ongoing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem, as well as at the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount. The Secretary continued to urge for calm and a decrease in violence, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric. He stressed the commitment of the United States to seeking a sustainable two-state solution and to working with all parties to that end. He also reiterated our policy on the illegitimacy of Israeli settlements. Finally, the Secretary reviewed with President Abbas the progress achieved in Geneva this week by the ISSG and the UN, in particular the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the development of draft modalities for a cessation of hostilities in Syria. Imperial Valley News Center Stanford professor uncovers roots of George Orwell's political language Stanford, California - In his new book on George Orwell, Stanford English Professor Alex Woloch writes that Orwell's anti-totalitarianism can only be understood in relation to his democratic-socialist political beliefs. And much of this is revealed in how Orwell used language, according to Woloch, a scholar of 19th- and 20th-century fiction and literary theory and the chair of the Stanford Department of English. For his book Or Orwell: Writing and Democratic Socialism, Woloch studied Orwell's essays, journalism and documentary writing, especially a series of columns that the British writer penned for the socialist weekly Tribune. Titled "As I Please," those columns represent a part of Orwell's writing that scholars have never examined so closely before. In doing so, Woloch seeks to understand Orwell's often hard-to-pin-down political views while highlighting the "very complicated texts he crafted to express his political opinions." If "we all have a responsibility to make political judgments," Orwell's work "illustrates how deeply such judgments can be informed by the craft and constraints of writing." Political thinking, in this light, can draw on the same resources as literary writing: irony, experiment, variety and imaginative precision, he said. Perhaps by reading Orwell more carefully, and paying attention to his formal and linguistic subtlety, Woloch suggests, society today can create a more humane political culture. Beyond 1984 To those readers familiar only with Animal Farm and 1984, Orwell is one of the greatest anti-communist and anti-totalitarian writers of the 20th century, Woloch noted. To others, he is an avatar of plainspoken common sense. But Woloch rises above this stereotypical image of Orwell as "a naturally virtuous person," by examining the author's writing and reconciling Orwell's ethics and political vision. For example, Woloch said, Orwell's 1946 essay "Why I Write" reflects his primary political orientation. In it, Orwell famously stated: "Every line of serious work I have written since 1936 has been written, directly or indirectly, against totalitarianism and for democratic socialism, as I understand it." Woloch believes that each of the two halves of this statement must be given equal weight, and that we cannot understand Orwell's anti-totalitarianism if we do not consider it in relation to his democratic-socialist thought. However, a key Cold War introduction to Animal Farm in the United States simply omitted the last phrase "for democratic socialism, as I understand it" leaving only what Orwell was "against." The absence of the phrase serves as a metaphor in Woloch's book for Orwell's own persistent engagement with the elusiveness and complexity of language, writing and form. Between theory and politics Woloch became interested in Orwell in part through his own political commitments and his sense that Orwell's work speaks to contemporary political concerns. He finds it suggestive, and a little amusing, that the first serious U.S. presidential candidacy of a self-identified democratic socialist (Bernie Sanders) should occur just as his book is being published. At the same time, the book is motivated by a set of scholarly and theoretical concerns. Much of English literary criticism in the last three decades has been dominated by different strands of deconstructive theory, which, as Woloch puts it, "can find political ideology in almost any writing." In other words, deconstructive theory looks for the subliminal political ramifications of literature. While this approach has been fruitful in interpreting any number of written works, it falls short when confronted with an author like Orwell. That is because Orwell's political commitments are clear to even the most naive reader, Woloch said. He noted, "Theory doesn't always know what to do with a writer like Orwell." Woloch uses close reading and theory to get underneath the skin of Orwell's prose, not to reveal hidden political opinions, but rather to show how Orwell's language informs and makes possible those views. This new turn is in part made possible by the first complete works of Orwell, published in the 1990s. The complete works, which included his prolific journalism alongside his more well-known novels and essays, made clear to scholars just how important something like the weekly "As I Please" column could be to understanding the writer. "We want a figure like Orwell, we want that voice to comment on [the terrorist attacks in] Paris or to comment on [Donald] Trump. But my book is about the complexity of bearing witness. It's about the complex forms of writing that a writer like Orwell would want to enable and foster," Woloch said. Safari tourism: Costs, benefits studied in Benjamin Gardners book Selling the Serengeti Seattle, Washington - Benjamin Gardner is an associate professor in University of Washington Bothells School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences and chair of the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies African Studies Program. He answered a few questions about his book Selling the Serengeti: The Cultural Politics of Safari Tourism, published in February by University of Georgia Press. Whats the concept behind this book? The book tells the story of how safari tourism in the East African country of Tanzania shapes the very meaning and value of the landscape and how Maasai communities there have organized to fight for control of their land. In 2006 an ecotourism company purchased land from the Tanzanian government for a nature reserve to protect African wildlife and benefit local communities. Projects like these abound across the globe under the name of community conservation or integrated conservation. Though some are more successful than others, the premise of using Western knowledge and markets to transform landscapes for conservation is rarely questioned. In the communities known as Loliondo, however, the largely Maasai community organized and resisted the project on the grounds that it took away their land and enforced a colonial idea of conservation where people had no place. What has happened since then? Almost 10 years since the land was purchased the project is still in the center of a political maelstrom. Despite the companys best efforts to win support from the community, most residents continue to organize against the project. In doing so, they have come together to voice their own vision of conservation that is compatible with their pastoralist livelihood. This might sound like an all-too-familiar story of an indigenous group being displaced and dispossessed of its land by foreign investors in the name of progress and development. The twist, however, is that the communities see some tourism companies as allies in their political struggle. I wrote this book to understand why this was happening and what we could learn from it, as well as to tell the exceptional story of communities fighting against dominant ideas and powerful actors. You write of the changes that neoliberal reforms brought to Tanzania and the African ecosystem known as the Serengeti. Would you explain? Tourism is often seen as a passive activity, one that simply adds value to already existing areas. But tourism in Tanzania is an industry that depends on specific notions about African nature and wildlife, what their value is and how best to protect them. Nested in these common understandings of the meanings and values of African wildlife are discourses ways of thinking that empower certain groups to speak for African nature and wildlife. These empower Western conservationists over local people. In fact, Maasai residents of northern Tanzania have historically been viewed as a threat to the very landscapes they have managed for hundreds of years. The late 1980s brought the fall of Tanzanias socialist government and the onset of structural adjustment reforms. Liberalization led to the dismantling of many state institutions and opened new possibilities for civil society groups to organize. Benjamin Gardners Selling the Serengeti discusses safari tourism in the East African nation of Tanzania.Daily Mail, UK These Maasai were particularly active in building grassroots organizations to articulate longstanding claims to land and natural resources, as well as to their own political voice. With the opening up of the economy came an increase in tourism investment, which unleashed new interests on the landscape. While most tourism companies see themselves as economic actors, they play an equally important role in the politics of conservation and development. With limited resources for development, state institutions and local communities often depend on their relationships with investors to manage their land. In this new paradigm relationships with investors become proxies for longstanding struggles over land and civic rights. The ecotourism company stressed conservation and development. But you and your students also noted the implicit idea that foreign whites are in a better position to care for African nature than are the African residents of that place, in this case the Maasai. How prevalent is this colonial thinking here in the 21st century? In the film, Serengeti Shall Not Die, famed German zoologist and conservationist Bernhard Grzimek says that the Serengeti is the cultural heritage of the whole of mankind. On their own, statements like this may sound generous and innocent. But this quote and the film are one of many different examples where the universal value of African nature is upheld as fact. This discourse is more than a way of thinking about Africa and African wildlife it is a way of acting. Tanzania seminar, fall 2016: Gardner and fellow UW Bothell School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences professor Ron Krabill will take a group of UW students to Tanzania in the fall of 2016 on an exploration seminar called Critical perspectives on ecotourism in Tanzania to examine many of the issues raised in the book and Gardners ongoing research in the area. The seminar is funded by a UW Global Innovation Fund grant. Learn more online. For example, when the ecotourism company purchased land for their own nature reserve, they directly benefit from the power of this discourse. When Maasai challenge them and their true interests, the question of money is easily pushed aside for more ethical considerations. The ecotourism company echoed Grizimek directly, saying, We dont own this land. It is for our children and our childrens children. Such statements can either sound ridiculous given they purchased the land for $1.2 million dollars or simply reflect the common sense belief in conservation as a universal value. Conservation as we know it today in Africa was set in motion under colonialism. While many independent governments like Tanzania have embraced conservation for their cultural heritage and economic productivity, conservation thinking continues to favor certain ideas and the people who advocate those ideas. In the case of Loliondo conservation, this thinking continues to empower people who speak for the universal value of African nature. When struggles over conservation involve questions of development, local people are often seen as parochial and culturally uninformed. This is one of the ways that colonial legacies continue to influence contemporary politics almost 50 years after most African nations have achieved their independence. You conclude describing a land-rights victory of the Maasai people in dealing with the Tanzanian government. What do you think the future holds for the Maasai, and for the tourism industry in the Serengeti? The struggle over land rights and conservation is a very fluid dynamic. The Maasai have recently lost a court case against one of the tourism companies described in the book. The hopeful part of the story is that the Maasai have continued to advocate for their vision of conservation and development. Ideas alone dont often stop powerful transnational interests and actors, but ideas that lead to collective action locally, nationally and internationally do matter profoundly. Against all odds Maasai in Loliondo have continued to show that their ideas do matter and have value despite not fitting neatly into popular narratives about conservation and development. Their efforts have so far prevented several attempts to create new protected areas on their land. Voters take note: Virtues, not vices, lead to more effective political leadership Berkeley, California - Do politicians get more done if they are more prone to virtue or to vice, if they are inclined toward justice and humanity or to a self-serving social strategy? New research from UC Berkeley shows that stable virtuous traits enhance the ability to convert power into influence, at least when it comes to the 151 members of the U.S. Senate who served between January 1989 and December 1998. The study, recently published in the journal Psychological Science, concluded that exhibiting virtuous traits was a plus in terms of getting others in Congress to co-sponsor proposed legislation following a senators ascension to a committee chair role, while the exhibition of vices provided no such boost. The findings contribute to a long-standing debate about the role of morality and ethics in leadership and support the contentions of Greek philosopher Aristotle over his Italian Renaissance counterpart Niccolo Machiavelli, who argued that the manipulative and emotionally detached are more likely to succeed. The researchers who produced the paper, Virtues, Vices and Political Influence in the U.S. Senate, include Leanne ten Brinke, a forensic psychologist and Banting Postdoctoral Fellow at the Haas School and UC Berkeleys psychology department; Sameer Srivastava, an assistant professor in the Haas School of Businesss Management of Organizations Group; Dacher Keltner, a UC Berkeley psychology professor and co-director of UC Berkeleys Greater Good Science Center; and Christopher Liu, an assistant professor of strategy at the University of Torontos Rotman School of Management. Senators who exhibited signs of being virtuous became more influential when they were appointed to leadership roles, wrote the collaborators. In particular, courage, humanity and justice are all necessary when a person acts in the interest of other people and may be especially relevant for the success of politicians. We found that virtues amplified influence, said Srivastava, who is teaching a course at the Haas School of Business this semester on power and politics in organizations. Vices did not have much impact. The researchers said their results have important implications for voters. Citizens would be wise to consider a candidates virtue in casting their votes, which might increase the likelihood that elected officials will have genuine concern for their constituents and simultaneously promote cooperation and progress in government, they wrote. At the same time, the researchers said their work represents U.S. politics in a specific historical era, and that they could not rule out the chance that in other contexts or periods of history more Machiavellian approaches to influence might yield different results. Among other findings of the teams work: There were no significant differences in virtues or vices between Republicans and Democrats. It appears that the behavioral traits are stable, reflecting an established social strategy. The UC Berkeley-led team assessed 141 male and 10 female members of Congress for behavioral signals of vices and or virtues that they displayed on publicly available C-SPAN videos. It took a trained team of Berkeley-Haas undergraduate research assistants close to a year to evaluate the first minute of one video per senator that was randomly selected for coding of verbal and nonverbal behavioral, as outlined below. The coding guidelines were developed by Keltner and ten Brinke, based on standard behavior traits. Here are some examples of how they measured virtuous behavior: The use of humor or eyebrows furrowed in concentration can reflect such characteristics as creativity, curiosity, and open-mindedness consistent with the virtue of wisdom. Speaking in a loud voice with no stammers or eyes narrowed in determination can indicate bravery, honest, and persistence in line with the virtue of courage. Sympathetic tones of voice or facial expressions indicate love, kindness and social intelligence or the virtue of humanity. Expressions of humility such as a slight smile, modest dress or eyes directed downward show characteristics of self-regulation, forgiveness and modesty or the virtue of temperance. The virtue of transcendence and its characteristics of gratitude and hope can be witnessed in expressions of awe. Meanwhile, here are some examples of how vices were coded: A lack of emotional expression, or a smile in response to others pain or failure, which reflect aggressiveness or lack of empathy, is consistent with psychopathy. The use of first-person pronouns is tied to grandiosity and a sense of entitlement, or the vice of narcissism. A lack of self-conscious emotions or expansive posture can signal manipulation and emotional detachment linked to Machiavellianism. Researchers said they chose the first minute of each video because those segments tended to be more standardized than other recordings, were generally uninterrupted, and usually began with a formal request to enter their speech into the record, followed by a short description of their legislation or issue. This information was compared with the senators abilities to enlist colleagues as collaborative rather than symbolic co-sponsors on legislation. The latter can be distinguished from the former because such bills tend to include a large proportion of all senators as co-sponsors. As a next step, Srivastava said that he and Liu will be exploring language use in the U.S. Senate to see what it can reveal about influence dynamics among members. Keltner and ten Brinke are examining virtues and vices among hedge fund managers, who ten Brinke said operate in an arena where virtue may not be the best strategy. Brain size might put mammals at extinction risk Stanford, California - Many of the pressures that have put the world's animal life on the precipice of the sixth mass extinction are easy to spot: pollution, climate change, over-hunting, fractured habitats. Now research suggests one more potential factor: relative brain size. In a study published today in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, a Stanford researcher has found that relative brain size is correlated with the endangerment status of modern mammals. Although cause-and-effect is not clear, the discovery could help design more effective conservation strategies, particularly for small-bodied species, or identify at-risk mammals. The finding comes as something of a surprise. Research has long shown that larger brains have been correlated to cognitive advantages and traits, such as the ability to thrive in a new landscape. "If the landscape becomes colder, an animal might not be able to grow dense fur, but these animals can problem-solve," said study author Eric Abelson, who conducted the work when he was a doctoral researcher in biology Professor Rodolfo Dirzo's group. "They might use cognition to overcome a colder environment by building a warmer nest, or choosing to spend more time in the sun." But there's a tradeoff to these benefits, Abelson said. Neural tissue is incredibly expensive to grow and support, so the animal has to eat more or spend fewer calories doing other things. This expense, Abelson said, might expose such animals to a bigger hit from the other pressures typically related to extinction, such as resource scarcity. Or there might simply be scenarios that a relatively larger brain can't out-think a relatively bigger brain, for instance, may not help an aquatic animal that lives in polluted waters. In his study, Abelson calculated the relative brain size a measure that normalizes absolute brain size compared to body size of several hundred living mammal species. He then compared this to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) list of the current endangerment status of those mammals and found that the species with larger relative brain sizes were more likely to be endangered with extinction. Furthermore, smaller mammals with a larger relative brain size seemed to fare the worst. This is just a start to understanding the role brain size plays in the extinction vulnerability of mammalian species, Abelson said; additional studies are needed to better understand the relationships between brain size and extinction risk. For now, though, he thinks that the discovery might provide another tool for assessing which mammals might be at risk, or would benefit from preventive conservation efforts. "Right now, conservation efforts could benefit from better predictions of which animals might become endangered in the future," said Abelson, who is currently a researcher at the U.S. Forestry Service's Pacific Southwest Research Station. "Understanding the role that relative brain size plays in endangerment risk might give us another tool to identify the animals that might face trouble down the road." The data also revealed that the cost-benefit trade-off of a relatively large brain plays out differently in small-bodied mammals than in large ones, a pattern that Abelson plans to investigate further. He hopes that insights into an easily measured trait brain size might play a useful role in designing new conservation strategies. Humans settled, set fire to Madagascars forests 1,000 years ago Cambridge, Massachusetts - Theres no question that our species has had a dramatic impact on the planets physical environment, particularly over the last few centuries, with the rise of modern industry, transportation, and infrastructure. But as new research shows, humans have been transforming the landscape, with lasting impacts, since long before the start of the Industrial Era. Scientists from MIT and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst have found that a widespread and permanent loss of forests in Madagascar that occurred 1,000 years ago was due not to climate change or any natural disaster, but to human settlers who set fire to the forests to make way for grazing cattle. The researchers came to this conclusion after determining the composition of two stalagmites from a cave in northwestern Madagascar. Stalagmites form from water that percolates from the surface, through the soil, and into a cave. These finely layered pillars can be preserved for thousands of years, and their composition serves as a historical record of the environment above ground. From their analysis, the team found that around 1,000 years ago, both stalagmites calcium carbonate composition shifted suddenly and completely, from carbon isotope ratios typical of trees and shrubs, to those more consistent with grassland, within just 100 years. Was this landscape transformation triggered by climate change? The teams results suggest otherwise. Around the same period, they found that oxygen isotope levels remained unchanged in both stalagmites, indicating that rainfall rates and climate in general remained relatively stable. We went in expecting to just tell a climate change story, and were surprised to see a huge carbon isotope change in both stalagmites, says David McGee, the Kerr-McGee Career Development Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at MIT. Both the speed at which this shift occurred and the fact that theres no real climate signal suggest human involvement. The teams results are published this week in the journal Quaternary Science Reviews. Caving for clues McGee, who studies the composition of stalagmites as an indicator of past climates, teamed up with lead author Stephen Burns, professor of geosciences at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst; Laurie Godfrey, professor of anthropology also at UMass Amherst; and colleagues at the University of Antananarivo in Madagascar. Godfrey has been studying the extinctions of giant lemurs that occurred in Madagascar over the past 1,000 years. Populations of other large animals declined dramatically around this time, including pygmy hippos and giant tortoises. The megafaunal extinction was likely accelerated by habitat loss and the widespread destruction of forests at the time. However, its been difficult to pin down exactly why the forests shrank, and when. Scientists who have analyzed sediment deposits from ancient lakes in the region and in other parts of Madagascar have observed an increased abundance of charcoal microparticles a signal of fire. Theyve also noticed a spike in grass pollen levels, indicating a larger extent of grasslands. But dates for these sediments are uncertain. McGee says stalagmites offer a more precise record of environmental change. Youd think stalagmites in a cave are insensitive to whats going on in the landscape above them, McGee says. But because theyre basically fossilized groundwater deposits, precipitated in very regular layers, theyre a fairly sensitive recorder of climate and ecosystem changes. In a 2014 expedition to the island, Burns, Godfrey, and their Malagasy colleagues collected samples of stalagmites from Anjohibe Cave, a large cave system in northwestern Madagascar. They sent two meter-long stalagmites to McGee to analyze at MIT. Seeing a shift In the lab, McGee and research scientist Benjamin Hardt determined the ages of each stalagmites layers by measuring the ratio of uranium to thorium a common geological dating technique, but difficult in these samples given their relative youth. Burns then measured their carbon and oxygen isotope ratios. All plants take up carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. While carbon dioxide in the air consists of a fixed isotopic ratio of carbon-12 to carbon-13, all plants preferentially take up carbon-12. Among plants, trees and shrubs more strongly exclude carbon-13 compared with grasses. When the dating and isotope results were put together, McGee and Burns observed a dramatic shift in the ratio of carbon-12 to carbon-13 around 1,000 years ago in both stalagmites. What we see in the record is that the change from carbon isotopes that look like forest, to isotopes that look like grassland, happens really rapidly, within a century, and it would be unusual for a forest to naturally completely turn into grassland that quickly, McGee says. With additional analysis, Burns and McGee determined there was no corresponding change in oxygen isotopes at the time, eliminating climate change, or any natural drop in precipitation, as a trigger for forest loss. Godfrey and others have found evidence that humans settled on Madagascar around 3,000 years ago and later adopted a more agrarian lifestyle, introducing cattle to the island before 1,000 years ago. McGee says the results suggest that humans used slash and burn techniques around this time to create pastureland for cattle. I think this is one more piece of evidence that human impacts on the environment dont just start with Europeans and the Industrial era, McGee says. Going forward, Godfrey says the team plans to sample more caves across Madagascar to determine the timing and extent to which humans transformed the landscape. The transition from ephemeral forager to dedicated agro-pastoralist occurred, probably across Madagascar, around 1,000 years ago, Godfrey says. We know that a dramatic landscape transformation occurred in the northwest. We know that this transformation was not triggered by climate change. But we dont yet know whether similar shifts, also unrelated to natural aridification, occurred elsewhere on the island, and if so, when, exactly. We are currently seeking to answer these questions. This research was funded, in part, by the National Science Foundation and National Geographic Society. Watch: This Video Of Woman Failing At Archery, Hitting Arrow On Head Is Hilarious Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Disney has offered a first, real glimpse of the Star Wars land set to open at Disneyland in Anaheim and Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney Resort in Orlando. Forming part of ABC's televised special Disneyland 60, celebrating the park's landmark anniversary, the short segment was introduced by none other than Han Solo himself, Harrison Ford. Primarily revealed were a few key pieces of concept art for the lands, keeping specific rides a secret, yet teasing the area's general atmosphere. Initially announced last August at Disney's D23 Expo, the Star Wars lands will mark the company's single biggest park expansion, currently primed for 14 acres each; bigger even than the planned Avatar land at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The area will see guests enter a "never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life"; including the chance to pilot the Millennium Falcon, step into the battle between the First Order and the Resistance, taste local delicacies, and visit a cantina. Check out the art below (via The Hollywood Reporter). First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience Show all 15 1 /15 First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience ABC/Disney First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience ABC/Disney First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience ABC/Disney First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience ABC/Disney First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience ABC/Disney First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience ABC/Disney First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience ABC/Disney First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience ABC/Disney First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience ABC/Disney First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience ABC/Disney First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience ABC/Disney First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience ABC/Disney First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience ABC/Disney First glimpse at Disneyland's 'Star Wars' experience ABC/Disney This isn't, of course, the first entrance of Star Wars onto Disneyland property. Motion simulator Star Tours has been a part of the park since 1987, landing a major upgrade back in 2011; with Star Wars recently taking over the entirety of Tomorrowland with its 'Seasons of the Force' event, which featured Space Mountain's themed-overlay Hyperspace Mountain. Yet, splintering the highly successful franchise into its own area is the biggest possible weapon in Disney's arsenal when it comes to combatting the encroaching popularity of Universal Studios, currently in the midst of expanding their own Harry Potter-themed lands. An opening date is yet to be set for the two new areas. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} As Rooney Mara prepares to grace the red carpet at Sundays Oscars ceremony, she will be all too aware of the diversity crisis casting a shadow over the glitzy event. The Carol star is up for Best Supporting Actress, making her part of the second consecutive all-white list of acting nominees. While Charlotte Rampling and Meryl Streep have drawn criticism for their defensive remarks over #OscarsSoWhite, Mara has kept quiet, not wanting her thoughts on the sensitive issue to be reduced to a soundbite. Perhaps a more pressing reason for her silence, however, lies in her recent turn in the whitewashing spotlight after playing Native American princess Tiger Lily in Pan. Mara found dealing with the widespread controversy tricky despite enjoying her time on the production. There were two different periods; right after I was initially cast and the reaction to that and then the reaction again when the film came out, she told The Telegraph. I really hate, hate, hate that I am on that side of the whitewashing conversation. I really do. I dont ever want to be on that side of it again. I can understand why people were upset and frustrated. Hollywood whitewashing controversies Show all 11 1 /11 Hollywood whitewashing controversies Hollywood whitewashing controversies Scarlett Johansson cast as Motoko Kusanagi in Ghost in the Shell Blonde, white US actress Scarlett Johansson was announced to be playing the clearly Japanese character Motoko Kusanagi in Hollywood's Ghost in the Shell remake, much to the dismay of Asian film fans Hollywood whitewashing controversies Tilda Swinton cast as The Ancient One in Doctor Strange Marvel sparked outrage when Anglo-Scottish actress Tilda Swinton was cast as Tibetan mystic The Ancient One alongside Benedict Cumberbatch in Doctor Strange Hollywood whitewashing controversies Zoe Saldana was criticised for 'blacking up' to play the considerably darker-skinned soul singer Nina Simone in Nina AP Hollywood whitewashing controversies Jake Gyllenhaal stars in Prince of Persia The half Jewish, quarter Swedish actor was cast to play a Middle Eastern Prince in Disney's 2010 film Hollywood whitewashing controversies Rooney Mara as Tiger Lily in forthcoming film Pan Mara was been cast in the role of American Indian Tiger Lily, sparking an online protest from angry film fans Warner Bros Hollywood whitewashing controversies Christian Bale plays Moses in Ridley Scott's Exodus: Gods and Kings Ridley Scott claimed he would never cast 'Mohammed so-and-so from such-and-such a country' in a lead role in his Biblical epic, and went on to cast an entirely white cast instead Hollywood whitewashing controversies Jim Caveziel plays Jesus in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ Catholic star Mel Gibson chose to cast a Caucasian American actor in the role of Jesus for his controversial film AP Hollywood whitewashing controversies Micky Rooney plays a Japanese neighbour in Breakfast at Tiffany's Who better to play Holly Golightly's Japanese neighbour IY Yunoishi than American actor Mick Rooney. At least Hollywood has come some way since 1961 YouTube Hollywood whitewashing controversies Ben Affleck as Tony Mendez in Argo Ben Affleck became the subject of a few editorials in Latin American newspapers for casting himself (an American with English, Irish, Scottish and Swiss ancestry) as a Mexican CIA operative Hollywood whitewashing controversies Jennifer Connelly plays Alicia Nash in A Beautiful Mind Alicia Lopez-Harrison de Larde was a naturalised US citizen from El Salvador, but was played by an actress of Jewish, Irish and Norwegian descent YouTube Hollywood whitewashing controversies Chinese actresses cast in Memoirs of a Geisha What better way to alienate Japanese cinemagoers than to cast three Chinese actresses in the lead roles in a film about Japanese culture REUTERS A recent Hollywood diversity report found that women of colour were less likely to be featured as a significant character in a film: just 27 per cent had major roles, as opposed to 38 per cent of white females. Do I think all of the four main people in the film should have been white with blonde hair and blue eyes? she asked herself. No. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Hollywood is a tough place to crack. That doesn't stop the idle dreamers, though; for stars in their eyes make them blind to those kinds of impossibilities, as they ram themselves repeatedly and forever into the barriers of fame. Nothing will deter the obsessed; not even the passage of 23 long years. Back in 1993, after the release of Wayne's World 2, Trevor Schindeler came up with an idea. An idea for Wayne's World 3; and, like a man possessed, he set about writing his synopsis. Thus, the embattled journey to get someone from within "Fortress Hollywood", as he phrases it, to notice his work began. "I sent out query letters to everyone associated with the Waynes World franchise including producers, directors, writers, and actors," he writes. "I was stonewalled. No one would even read my synopsis." A second treatment in 2001 earned it the name Wayne's Leisure World: The Final Sequel, which sees Garth (Dana Carvey) and Wayne (Mike Meyers) retired and growing old disgracefully in the year 2047; Schindeler, having never written a screenplay before, carefully studied the previous movies and their screenplays so he could produce his own. It was there, he believes, his "raw talent" would finally be recognised. Again, he was stonewalled. Every single rejection letter he received clearly outlined a policy of not reading any unsolicited submissions; yes, "Fortress Hollywood" was built to be unbreachable. Unless, perhaps, there existed a way to bypass its walls entirely? Thus, Schindeler arrived unto the world of crowdfunding. If Hollywood wouldn't listen to his genius, maybe the internet would. He's now set up a crowdfunding page to purchase outdoor advertising and further promotion for his unproduced screenplay, which he promises is "well-crafted and brilliantly funny". In fact, you can make your own judgement by reading it here. The opening scene involves Wayne developing the powers of invisibility so, there's that going for it. "Hollywood has circled the wagons to keep people like you and me out," Schindeler proclaims as his manifesto. "Playing by Hollywoods rules is not working. That is why I am mounting this social media campaign to storm the barricades of Fortress Hollywood." Considering 2016 brings absolutely no word of Wayne's World 3, it's questionable as to why Schindeler is still plugging away at this dream. But, hey, better late than never. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyArts email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} It had to be big, it had to be busy, it had to be wacky. But maybe it was a bit too much. Lena Dunham and her crew are back for Girls, Season 5 on HBO, the hotly anticipated penultimate series, leaving less than 20 episodes for the twenty-somethings to figure out their lives. The first episode takes place at Marnie and Desis wedding in the country. Marnie Michaels (Allison Williams) remains neurotic and controlling, and fiance Desi (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) is reliably bohemian with a constant touch of marijuana in his veins. In fact, all of the characters are just like their old selves five years on. Jessa (Jemima Kirke) is selfish and blunt, Shoshanna (Zosia Mamet) babbles away and has a Japanese hair style, and Hannah's (Dunham) self-absorbed nature is welcomed like an old friend Shes [Marnies] going to be married to someone she barely knows. She barely knows him? her boyfriend Fran (Jake Lacy) asks. No I barely know him, youre not even listening to what Im saying, she replies. Charmingly kooky ex-boyfriend Adam (Adam Driver) is awkwardly inserted into the plot, popping out from behind a door and saying "hello". He has a stiff but brilliant exchange with new boyfriend Fran, and says: I have evolved, as if creator Lena Dunham is insisting the show has moved on with time, although it doesnt feel like it. Hannas gay ex-boyfriend Elijah (Andrew Rannells) and Desi are meditating in their underpants, alongside a black man called Wolfie at least a slight improvement on the shows lack of ethnic diversity. Theyre transcended, they should be back any minute, chips in Ray, sitting like a God in his brown leather armchair, simultaneously disapproving and amused by everything he sees. There is no mention of his new political career, which had to be one of the highlights of the previous season. In just 30 minutes character development might be stagnant but there are plenty of talking points. Desi gets cold feet before the wedding, Adam kisses Jessa we got a hint of this in season 4 when they bonded at Alcoholics Anonymous - Hannah rages against Marnies freakish control over her wedding vision, and takes out her frustration by having rumpus sex with Fran in the car outside. Then BOOM. The big moment: Desi has been engaged eight times. Does Marnie know that? His cold feet turns to attempted suicide in the nearby lake, floating like a crucified Jesus among pondweed and pouring rain. I dont deserve her! he cries out in anguish. It falls to Ray to save him, who swims into the pond in his suit. Love is about sacrifice and destiny, he tells him as they both bob in the green water. His heroic act is elevated by the fact that Marnie is the love of his life - probably the largest character turnaround of the five seasons, as Ray had always been brutally saracastic and aloof. Despite the unstructured chaos, there are genuine laugh out loud moments, one being when Marnie negotiates with the make-up artist for the big day: Lets do, like, a Ralph Lauren and Joni Mitchell artistic but also with a nod to my cultural heritage, which is white Christian woman. When it all goes wrong, the make-up artist screams: Sophia Bush, grateful. You, twats! Despite the plentiful laughs and plot twists, the episode had the end result of feeling like a bomb had gone off the entire casts storylines, eccentricities, fall outs and make ups were crammed in, with constant witty one-liners firing off like shards of leftover shrapnel. Rather than the weaving narrative of earlier seasons, this episode felt too bitty for the viewer to re-connect with any of the characters. Loyal viewers may think longingly to the very first episode five years ago - the argument Hannah has with her parents at a restaurant as she persuades them not to cut off her allowance. It felt real, grounded in the storyline of a young, struggling intern in Brooklyn. Now, the characters are verging on their late twenties and are still in limbo, but the narrative is less subtle and more wacky like "Broad City". If this season turns out to be less convincing than earlier years, there will be less chance for real emotion or genuine heartbreak. (Who could forget the moment Adam said he no longer felt the same way about Hannah?) Having said that, viewers will definitely be tuning in for the rest of the season. Saying goodbye to these familiar faces will be hard at the end of season 6. It feels like the end of an era, for them and for everyone, and it has to be witnessed, no matter how disappointing. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyArts email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Warren Richardson has won first prize at the World Press Photo awards for his powerful black-and-white picture of a migrant passing a baby through a barbed wire fence while crossing into Hungary from Serbia. The Australian photographer snapped the moving moment on 28 August last year and judges knew it was important as soon as it was submitted. It had such power because of its simplicity, especially the symbolism of the barbed wire, said Francis Kohn, jury chair and photo director of Agence France-Presse. We thought it had almost everything in there to give a strong visual of whats happening with the refugees. I think its a very classical photo and at the same time its timeless. World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners Show all 15 1 /15 World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners 'Tough Times for Orangutans' by Tim Laman (USA): Nature, 1st Prize Stories A Sumatran orangutan threatens another nearby male in the Batang Toru Forest, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. The lives of wild orangutans are brought to light. Threats to these orangutans from fires, the illegal animal trade and loss of habitat due to deforestation have resulted in many orphan orangutans ending up at rehabilitation centers Tim Laman/World Press Photo World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners 'Storm Front on Bondi Beach' by Rohan Kelly (Australia): Nature, 1st Prize Singles A massive 'cloud tsunami' looms over Sydney as a sunbather reads, oblivious to the approaching cloud on Bondi Beach Rohan Kelly/World Press Photo World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners 'Exposure' by Kazuma Obara (Japan): People, 1st Prize Stories "My mother said that it was a typically quiet day, warm and windy. She and my father opened the window and they felt completely safe on the day of the explosion, the 26th of April 1986." The worlds worst nuclear accident happened on 26 April 1986 at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Just 5 months after the disaster, a girl was born in Kiev just 100 km south from Chernobyl. The wind included a great amount of radioactive elements, and the girl became one of the victims of the tragedy. This series of pictures represent the last 30 years of the life of that invisible girl. All pictures taken on old Ukrainian color negative films, which were found in the city of Pripyat, located 5 km from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant Kazuma Obara/World Press Photo World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners 'Waiting to Register' by Matic Zorman (Slovenia): People, 1st Prize Singles A child is covered with a raincoat while she waits in line to register at a refugee camp in Presevo, Serbia Matic Zorman/World Press Photo World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners 'Hope for a New Life' by Warren Richardson (Australia): Spot News, 1st Prize Singles, World Press Photo of the Year A man passes a baby through the fence at the Hungarian-Serbian border in Roszke, Hungary Warren Richardson/World Press Photo World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners ' Aftermath of Airstrikes in Syria' by Sameer Al-Doumy (Syria): Spot News, 1st Prize Stories Sameer Al-Doumy/World Press Photo World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners 'Europe's Refugee Crisis' by Sergey Ponomarev (Russia): General News, 1st Prize Stories Refugees arrive by boat near the village of Skala on Lesbos, Greece Sergey Ponomarev/World Press Photo World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners 'IS Fighter Treated at Kurdish Hospital' by Mauricio Lima (Brazil): General News, 1st Prize Singles A doctor rubs ointment on the burns of Jacob, a 16-year-old Islamic State fighter, in front of a poster of Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, at a Y.P.G. hospital compound on the outskirts of Hasaka, Syria Mauricio Lima/World Press Photo World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners 'An Antarctic Advantage' by Daniel Berehulak (Australia): Daily Life, 1st Prize Stories Daniel Berehulak/World Press Photo World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners 'China's Coal Addiction' by Kevin Frayer (Canada): Daily Life, 1st Prize Singles hinese men pull a tricycle in a neighborhood next to a coal-fired power plant in Shanxi, China. A history of heavy dependence on burning coal for energy has made China the source of nearly a third of the world's total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the toxic pollutants widely cited by scientists and environmentalists as the primary cause of global warming Kevin Frayer/World Press Photo World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners 'Talibes, Modern-day Slaves' by Mario Cruz (Portugal): Contemporary Issues, 1st Prize Stories Abdoulaye, 15, is a talibe imprisoned in a room with security bars to keep him from running away. Series portraying the plight of Talibes, boys who live at Islamic schools known as Daaras in Senegal. Under the pretext of receiving a Quranic education, they are forced to beg in the streets while their religious guardians, or Marabout, collect their daily earnings. They often live in squalor and are abused and beaten Mario Cruz/World Press Photo World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners 'Haze in China' by Zhang Lei (China): Contemporary Issues, 1st Prize Singles A city in northern China shrouded in haze, Tianjin, China Zhang Lei/World Press Photo World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners 'Vetluga's Hockey' by Vladimir Pesnya (Russia): Sports, 1st Prize Stories Evgeny Solovyov, head coach of HC Vetluga preparing the stadium for the match. Players of an amateur hockey team in provincial Russia before, during and after a game in the regional championship in Vetluga, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Russia Vladimir Pesnya/World Press Photo World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners 'FIS World Championships' by Christian Walgram (Austria): Sports, 1st Prize Singles Czech Republic's Ondrej Bank crashes during the downhill race of the Alpine Combined at the FIS World Championships in Beaver Creek, Colorado, USA Christian Walgram/World Press Photo World Press Photo Competition 2016 winners 'Sexual Assault in America's Military' by Mary F. Calvert (USA): Long-Term Projects, 1st Prize Stories US Army Spc. Natasha Schuette, 21, was pressured not to report being assaulted by her drill sergeant during basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Though she was hazed by her assailants fellow drill instructors, she refused to back down and Staff Sgt. Louis Corral is now serving four years in prison for assaulting her and four other female trainees. The US Army rewarded Natasha for her courage to report her assault and the Sexual Harassment/ Assault Response & Prevention office distributed a training video featuring her story. She is now stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Series portraying women who have been raped or sexually assaulted during their service with the US Armed Forces. At the moment, only one out of ten reported sexual violence cases goes to trial and most military rape survivors are forced out of service. Victims suffer from the effects of Military Sexual Trauma, (MST), which include depression, substance abuse, paranoia and feelings of isolation Mary F. Calvert/World Press Photo Richardson, who is currently based in Budapest, Hungary, has explained a little about how his photo came about. I camped with the refugees for five days on the border, he said. A group of about 200 people arrived, and they moved under the trees along the fence line. They sent women and children, then fathers and elderly men first. I must have been with this crew for about five hours and we played cat and mouse with the police the whole night. I was exhausted by the time I took the picture. It was around three oclock in the morning and you cant use a flash while the police are trying to find these people, because I would just give them away. So I had to use the moonlight alone. Other winners were also announced across eight categories, with photos covering a range of world news from the Paris attacks and the Nepal earthquake to the aftermath of airstrikes in Syria. Winners and finalists will be showcased in a touring exhibition opening in Amsterdam on 16 April. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyArts email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Just in case you were in any doubt that the BBCs new Sunday night ratings hopeful The Night Manager was a spy drama, the opening credits helpfully confirmed it in four seconds flat. Martini glasses, speedboats, diamonds and chandeliers abounded as the Bond-esque theme tune hammered over the top. And as the lead character, played by Tom Hiddleston, came into view it was clear that an opportunity to move away from the cliched Bond image had been missed. Based on the bestselling John le Carre novel, Hiddleston was practically Daniel Craig blond, smooth, toned and handsome. The only thing he wasnt was a spook, but as Cairo hotel night manager Jonathan Pine he still turned a fair few heads. After catching the eye of the beautiful Sophie Alekan, mistress of the hotels owner, Freddie Hamid, he soon found himself embroiled in the dark underworld of espionage. Sophie slipped him some secret paperwork relating to an arms deal between Hamid and renowned British businessman Richard Roper one day and the next he was calling on the British Intelligence Service (to little effect) while she was being murdered. Sophie described Roper, played in pantomime villain style by Hugh Laurie, as the worst man in the world but she clearly isnt familiar with Lauries alter TV ego. This flashy, well-spoken, weapon-selling Brit had nothing on the sadistic, self-loathing, apathetic American Dr Gregory House. Initially set against the chaos of the 2011 Egyptian uprising, the backdrop was sumptuous but the action was a little predictable. From the second seductress Sophie entered the foyer, it was obvious Pine was going to get sucked in. And as soon as you learned who she was, you knew she was living on borrowed time. But when the story fast-forwarded four years to a snow-covered Switzerland, where Pine was now working at another plush hotel, the plot started to pick up. As his path crossed with Ropers for a second time, anger and guilt motivated Pine to once again seek the help of a British agent in particular Angela Burr (Olivia Colman) who had tried, and much to her own frustration failed, to help him the first time. Colman was excellent as the doggedly determined Burr, driven by the desire for justice but constrained by budgets and political game-playing. Mr Pine, what happened in Cairo chills me to the bottom of my soul, she said. I know you cant forgive the man who did that the question is, what are you prepared to do about it? I think we can all predict the answer to that. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The South African retail group which gatecrashed Sainsburys 1.3bn bid for the Argos owner Home Retail Group is the subject of a major tax investigation in Germany, where its European offices are based. Steinhoff Internationals offices in the German city of Westerstede were raided by German prosecutors in December as part of an investigation into its tax affairs. In its prospectus when it floated shares on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange later that month, it admitted it was subject to investigations by tax authorities in Austria, Germany and South Africa due to its use of so-called transfer pricing, where companies can shift profits to lower tax jurisdictions. Both Google and Starbucks have come under fire for using such practices. The company run by horseracing tycoon Markus Jooste has repeatedly paid way under the official corporation tax rate in South Africa. Recent research showed it paid 11.2 per cent corporate tax there over the past five years compared with the official rate of 28 per cent. News of Steinhoffs potential tax troubles add further spice to its looming takeover battle with Sainsbury. Steinhoff threw Sainsburys takeover into disarray on Friday night when it said it was considering a rival bid for HRG, with an identical plan to offload the Homebase chain and retain Argos. Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year. The Independent understands that Andy Bond, the former boss of Asda, has been advising Steinhoff on its plansin an unofficial capacity. The renownedUK retailer is close to Steinhoffs major shareholder Christoffel Wiese, whose Pepkor is backing Mr Bonds discount clothing chain Pep & Co. Mr Bond declined to comment but one source confirmed he was acting as Mr Wieses eyes and ears. Mr Wiese is a South African billionaire who currently owns New Look. As well as having a 17 per cent stake in Steinhoff, Mr Weise is also a board director. Sainsbury will this week request an extension to Tuesdays Takeover Panel deadline for its bid. Thanks to a rise in Sainsburys share price, its offer for HRG, funded in a mixture of cash and Sainsbury shares, is worth 167p a share, not far off the 175p Steinhoff proposed on Friday night. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Is there a seismic shift happening in fashion? Or is it all a storm in a teacup? There's something that feels unstable and mid-flux right now, designers uncertain as to what they should offer, what consumers may want. How is this uncertainty reflected on the catwalks? By a disparate offering, by logos and names changing and shifting, and by collections composed largely of the small stuff: handbags, shoes. Fragments of a whole. That isn't what London is known for. London is about the big gesture, the grand scheme. But the autumn/winter 2016 collections feel bitty, composed of pieces to be pulled apart and individually digested rather than hearty, meaty fashion statements. JW Anderson described his looks as snapshots, saying that he wanted observers just to get a sense of the clothing rather than something material to clutch onto. He didn't say the latter, but I felt it was implied. And you grabbed at bits of this show at shirt-dresses bound with leather, at studded bags and glittering shoes, with a magpie sense of lust. The head-to-toe looks felt, if not redundant, then more of a backdrop to single pieces that excited. You didn't want to become this woman, but you wanted a bit of her. Anderson is one of those creatives bucking against the existing system: his Loewe collections are presented in a Paris already plastered with advertising images for collections yet to be shown. The consuming public see it before the industry insiders we only arrive in the city after they've been plastering billboards for about a week. There's a kind of hollow desire in that: you can see, but you can't buy. Which is what lots of people are seeking to challenge. Burberry is the ringleader, collapsing well-defined categories together with alarming abandon Christopher Bailey rolled CEO into his job as chief creative officer (that means designer, in corporate parlance) in May last year; this year, he lumped together the disparate, differently priced strata of the Burberry empire (labelled Brit, London and Prorsum), and just called them Burberry, straightforward and simple. As of September, he won't be talking in seasons any more, but just delivering two shows of clothes each year. The industry is abuzz: is it the end of fashion, or its next incarnation, a newer, better model? Autumn/winter: Alexander McQueen I'm on the fence because I like to think all this bullish corporate jargon of profit margins, sell-through and in-store drop shouldn't affect the creative side. It does, of course. But can't they be divorced, at least when it comes to the direction propositions of a catwalk show? It's impossible to subjugate the commercial to the creative even Paris haute couture, those hand-made clothes with six-figure price-tags and barely 1,000 customers worldwide, feels the necessity to crow its financial viability today. However, the creative is easily subsumed by the demands of commerce. And that's the worry if designers start to fiddle about with the order of seasons and focus on delivering more clothes faster, rather than making them better. Because ultimately, better clothes are what will secure a designer's future, big or small. Fashion weeks around the world Show all 6 1 /6 Fashion weeks around the world Fashion weeks around the world Mercedes-Benz China Fashion Week is held in the art district of Beijing Getty Fashion weeks around the world Tess Van Zalinge, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Amsterdam autumn/winter 2016 Fashion weeks around the world Sivico Qiao Dan, Mercedes-Benz China Fashion Week, spring/summer 2016 Fashion weeks around the world Broadcast:bo Wang Tao, Mercedes-Benz China Fashion Week, spring/summer 2016 Fashion weeks around the world Saint Tokyo, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia, spring/summer 2016 Fashion weeks around the world Tarik Ediz, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia, spring/summer 2016 Burberry may be rebranded, but Bailey isn't yet under the yoke of his own financial creation. Creatively, his autumn/winter 2016 collection was satisfying, in a way his previous offerings have missed. It was filled, like Anderson's with fragments of clothing you'd like to buy: a good coat, a studded, patchworked python shoe, a metallic dress. It's odd that Burberry has lopped the term Prorsum off its label. That's Latin for forwards, which is what their approach is. Like Anderson, Bailey is thinking not of the poetry of clothes, but of the product. He's not selling a dream, he's selling a dress. It's indicative of a new pragmatism, of head over heart. It slightly quashes the romance of the industry. But it shifts stock. The flip-side? A clutch of collections with disparate but strong and original voices, vocal in their support of an old-fashioned way of working. Sarah Burton's tone at Alexander McQueen always seems plaintive, a hold-out against the might of a luxury behemoth (Kering, the owners of the label). This season, Burton's pregnancy shifted her show from Paris to London, for practical purposes only, rather than any perceived shift in inspiration or focus. And there was no overwrought nationalism, just a dreamy meander of over-the-top, out-of-left-field eveningwear that relates to nothing in particular, bar her own personal predilections for decoration and after-dark embellishment. It was, perhaps, a little restricted no clothes for before five, no price-tags below several grand. But it was lovely enough, in its better parts, to make you dream of a life that would necessitate clothes like those. Maybe that'll be geared up to hawking a handbag or two. However, it wasn't the sole aim. Erdem (Rex) Models clutched handbags at Christopher Kane. They also wore plastic sheeting wrapped about their heads and trod out in clothes that resembled cardboard boxes and dishrags lost and found, he called it, not meaning left luggage at a train station but another of those magpie eyes. It made you wonder if Kane had perhaps lost it, a little: it's his tenth anniversary and you remember collections that challenged notions of shape and taste, reconfiguring contemporary fashion with neon elastic or crushed velvets. This felt more like tinkering with surfaces with blurry floral prints, furs, dresses dripping in feathers or jangling with gewgaws. However, by the end, he had found it. If this collection wasn't one of Kane's previously signature, singular, love-it-or-hate-it propositions, it was informed by a similar idea of taking the unloved and overlooked and elevating them to luxury, in turn challenging conventions the industry is cleaving to ever more conservatively. JW Anderson Erdem Moralioglu's collection was similarly minded: set amongst a dusty cinematic mise en scene, snippets of Hitchcock's Rebecca on the soundtrack, remembrance of frocks past. The past frocks, however, were hazy memories rather than the direct references quoted by others, delicate fil coupe slips, capelets and bias gowns weighted down with sequins, panne velvet threaded with ribbon in faded dressing-up box shades of baby-blue, verdigris and mildew. They were old-fashioned in a good way, not fustily. Yet they still worked, in abstraction. It would be easy to imagine a woman wearing them, wanting them, looking good. The litmus test, of both commerce and creativity. They made you sigh; they'll maybe make you buy. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} If thus far an overriding theme or aesthetic mood is yet to emerge from the London collections, its true to state that autumn/winter 2016 is a season of comebacks. First there was the return of Mulberry, absent from the London fashion week calendar since 2013; and also the homecoming, of sorts, of the Alexander McQueen label after 15 years showing womenswear in Paris. No official reason was given, but designer Sarah Burton is heavily pregnant, which possibly forced the brands hand. Back in 2013, Burtons first pregnancy resulted in a scaled-back show of just ten looks. This time, it was a full compliment of 42 outfits, but the show nevertheless felt scaled-back, creatively. Burtons motifs of vainglorious lipsticks, compact mirrors and vanities butterflies embroidered and woven into gauzy dresses, felt like something familiar and safe. There was a surrealist bent, but deeper symbolisms of vanity were, ironically, subjugated by their superficial prettiness. Likewise, those observers who saw Burtons pearl-edged clock-faces and perceived a sly wink at time ticking away - perhaps for Burton to depart McQueen, as rumoured, for Dior - were probably reading too much into a bit of embroidery. Nighttime was another inspiration for the collection, evidenced directly in embroideries of starry skies and moons across chiffon evening capes and diaphanous dresses, and obliquely in the fact that this collections focus was resolutely after dark. Which is fine - its tough to imagine many women wearing Burtons McQueen during the day, even when she shows it. Her coats and suits, even for day, tend towards the grand, habitually fur-trimmed and embroidery-bedecked, with dubious practical applications. There were a few this time, wide-cut and embellished with more of those lips and lepidoptera, marred with the same sense of impracticality. Thats not always an issue, of course: plenty of women lead lives and bank cheques that allow for the impractical, if its attractive enough. More worrying is that these kind of day clothes dont feel especially contemporary; they hung heavy, both physically and with effort. Contrast that with the dozen or so outstanding gossamer evening gowns, nudie-look stuff flecked with exquisite embroidered mythological animals, a pair in silver and gold draped with narrow capes and yet more glitter, and you knew where Burtons heart was. Alexander McQueen Autumn/Winter 2016 (Getty) Theres nothing wrong with that kind of focus, of course - women would fight to wear these dresses, although whether theyll be celebrity endorsement of paid-up customers is open to debate. As a chapter in McQueens history, thought, this felt more like treading water than breaking new ground. Was Mulberrys staid brand profile reinvigorated by the arrival of new designer Johnny Coca? Sort of. A transplant from the remarkably successful team built by Phoebe Philo at Celine, Coca has turned attention onto Mulberry like never before in recent history. Namely, positively - Mulberrys press has recently focussed on the brands botched corporate leadership, its value dropping from around 1.5 billion to something closer to 400 million. The companys pretax profit for the year to March 31 2015 stood at 4.5 million in 2012, it was 36 million. So theres no quibbling about what to do - stop the rot, sell more stuff. The real question is: how? Mulberry Autumn/Winter 2016 (Getty) Mulberry brass are hoping Coca is the answer, with a string of Celine hits under his studded, chain-slung belt. Coca likes studs, and chains, and sprinkled both liberally over his first collection of chunky bags, including reconfigured Mulberry classics like the best-selling Bayswater (press-studded down the side, so the whole thing can be pulled apart) and a host of new designs. A table backstage fairly heaved with bags before the show: the clothes, however, were still at the studio being finished. Coca laughed affably and shrugged. He was under no illusions that Mulberrys clothes are a small cog in a giant machine - and indeed, Cocas previous experience has focussed on accessories. How to focus an entire fashion show on that is trickier. While backstage Cocas attention was on the reconfigured bags - many snapping open to cleverly lie flat (great for storage and packing) - front of house it became more about the total look. And while that worked for day, with Cocas neat line in military capes and loden or navy melton-wool coats, clattering stud-embellished kilts and bikers, it fell apart at night. The slipping strap of one of far-too-many far-too-short baby-doll dresses exposed a models nipple - it felt like, as opposed to McQueen, the whole after-dark proposition was a bit of a boob. Coca has redesigned Mulberrys label - hes revived a styling of the name he found in the archive, from 1971. He said it looked honest. I think his clothes are honest too, as is his attempt to bring back the lustre lacking from the Mulberry name. Itll take more than a change of typeface, but Cocas show was a step in the right direction. Even if its just the first of many needed. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Mobile phones could be cooking the sperm of people who have them in their pockets, according to a new study. Talking on a phone thats charging and leaving it close by on a bedside, as well as storing handsets in a trouser pocket, could be reducing the sperm count of men, according to a major new study. Men who used their phone for more than two hours per day were found to be twice as likely to have low sperm quality, compared to those who used them for less than an hour, according to a new study published in Reproductive BioMedicine. People who talked on the phone while it charged were twice as likely to see problems, according to the Israeli study that tracked 109 men. The study claimed that the effects on sperm are so strong that for some people it would make conception difficult, and experts have warned men that they should keep their phone away from their trouser pockets if possible. The researchers have speculated that electromagnetic active and heat energy coming from the phone can cook sperm, causing it to die and leading to plunging fertility rates. The study lends support to the idea of a link between a reduction in male fertility rates that has come alongside the surging popularity of mobile phones. Science news in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Science news in pictures Science news in pictures Pluto has 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen Pluto has a 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen that is doing strange things to its surface, Nasa has found. The mysterious core seems to be the cause of features on its surface that have fascinated scientists since they were spotted by Nasa's New Horizons mission. "Before New Horizons, everyone thought Pluto was going to be a netball - completely flat, almost no diversity," said Tanguy Bertrand, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center and the lead author on the new study. "But it's completely different. It has a lot of different landscapes and we are trying to understand what's going on there." Getty Science news in pictures Over 400 species discovered this year by Natural History Museum The ancient invertabrate worm-like species rhenopyrgus viviani (pictured) is one of over 400 species previously unknown to science that were discovered by experts at the Natural History Museum this year PA Science news in pictures Jackdaws can identify 'dangerous' humans Jackdaws can identify dangerous humans from listening to each others warning calls, scientists say. The highly social birds will also remember that person if they come near their nests again, according to researchers from the University of Exeter. In the study, a person unknown to the wild jackdaws approached their nest. At the same time scientists played a recording of a warning call (threatening) or contact calls (non-threatening). The next time jackdaws saw this same person, the birds that had previously heard the warning call were defensive and returned to their nests more than twice as quickly on average. Getty Science news in pictures Turtle embryos influence sex by shaking The sex of the turtle is determined by the temperatures at which they are incubated. Warm temperatures favour females. But by wiggling around the egg, embryos can find the Goldilocks Zone which means they are able to shield themselves against extreme thermal conditions and produce a balanced sex ratio, according to the new study published in Current Biology journal Ye et al/Current Biology Science news in pictures Elephant poaching rates drop in Africa African elephant poaching rates have dropped by 60 per cent in six years, an international study has found. It is thought the decline could be associated with the ivory trade ban introduced in China in 2017. Reuters Science news in pictures Ancient four-legged whale discovered in Peru Scientists have identified a four-legged creature with webbed feet to be an ancestor of the whale. Fossils unearthed in Peru have led scientists to conclude that the enormous creatures that traverse the planets oceans today are descended from small hoofed ancestors that lived in south Asia 50 million years ago A. Gennari Science news in pictures Animal with transient anus discovered A scientist has stumbled upon a creature with a transient anus that appears only when it is needed, before vanishing completely. Dr Sidney Tamm of the Marine Biological Laboratory could not initially find any trace of an anus on the species. However, as the animal gets full, a pore opens up to dispose of waste Steven G Johnson Science news in pictures Giant bee spotted Feared extinct, the Wallace's Giant bee has been spotted for the first time in nearly 40 years. An international team of conservationists spotted the bee, that is four times the size of a typical honeybee, on an expedition to a group of Indonesian Islands Clay Bolt Science news in pictures New mammal species found inside crocodile Fossilised bones digested by crocodiles have revealed the existence of three new mammal species that roamed the Cayman Islands 300 years ago. The bones belonged to two large rodent species and a small shrew-like animal New Mexico Museum of Natural History Science news in pictures Fabric that changes according to temperature created Scientists at the University of Maryland have created a fabric that adapts to heat, expanding to allow more heat to escape the body when warm and compacting to retain more heat when cold Faye Levine, University of Maryland Science news in pictures Baby mice tears could be used in pest control A study from the University of Tokyo has found that the tears of baby mice cause female mice to be less interested in the sexual advances of males Getty Science news in pictures Final warning to limit "climate catastrophe" The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued a report which projects the impact of a rise in global temperatures of 1.5 degrees Celsius and warns against a higher increase Getty Science news in pictures Nobel prize for evolution chemists The nobel prize for chemistry has been awarded to three chemists working with evolution. Frances Smith is being awarded the prize for her work on directing the evolution of enzymes, while Gregory Winter and George Smith take the prize for their work on phage display of peptides and antibodies Getty/AFP Science news in pictures Nobel prize for laser physicists The nobel prize for physics has been awarded to three physicists working with lasers. Arthur Ashkin (L) was awarded for his "optical tweezers" which use lasers to grab particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells. Donna Strickland and Gerard Mourou were jointly awarded the prize for developing chirped-pulse amplification of lasers Reuters/AP Science news in pictures Discovery of a new species of dinosaur The Ledumahadi Mafube roamed around 200 million years ago in what is now South Africa. Recently discovered by a team of international scientists, it was the largest land animal of its time, weighing 12 tons and standing at 13 feet. In Sesotho, the South African language of the region in which the dinosaur was discovered, its name means "a giant thunderclap at dawn" Viktor Radermacher / SWNS Science news in pictures Birth of a planet Scientists have witnessed the birth of a planet for the first time ever. This spectacular image from the SPHERE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope is the first clear image of a planet caught in the very act of formation around the dwarf star PDS 70. The planet stands clearly out, visible as a bright point to the right of the center of the image, which is blacked out by the coronagraph mask used to block the blinding light of the central star. ESO/A. Muller et al Science news in pictures New human organ discovered that was previously missed by scientists Layers long thought to be dense, connective tissue are actually a series of fluid-filled compartments researchers have termed the interstitium. These compartments are found beneath the skin, as well as lining the gut, lungs, blood vessels and muscles, and join together to form a network supported by a mesh of strong, flexible proteins Getty Science news in pictures Previously unknown society lived in Amazon rainforest before Europeans arrived, say archaeologists Working in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, a team led by archaeologists at the University of Exeter unearthed hundreds of villages hidden in the depths of the rainforest. These excavations included evidence of fortifications and mysterious earthworks called geoglyphs Jose Iriarte Science news in pictures One in 10 people have traces of cocaine or heroin on fingerprints, study finds More than one in 10 people were found to have traces of class A drugs on their fingers by scientists developing a new fingerprint-based drug test. Using sensitive analysis of the chemical composition of sweat, researchers were able to tell the difference between those who had been directly exposed to heroin and cocaine, and those who had encountered it indirectly. Getty Science news in pictures Nasa releases stunning images of Jupiter's great red spot The storm bigger than the Earth, has been swhirling for 350 years. The image's colours have been enhanced after it was sent back to Earth. Pictures by: Tom Momary If men want to avoid the effects of mobile phones on their fertility, such as if they are looking to conceive, then they should leave turn off their devices while they charge or keep them from the groin area, the study concludes. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The post-roast walk was a regular fixture of my childhood. Every Sunday lunchtime, we'd stuff our faces with potatoes and gravy and apple pie, before heaving ourselves from the dining table, lacing up our boots, and heading out into the drizzle with our over-excited dogs. I never wanted to go, of course. Who wants to tramp through mud bickering with their parents when they could be cozied up on the sofa with a cup of tea and more apple pie? Inevitably, I'd whinge for the first mile before hitting my stride; thrashing out pent-up teenage angst by stomping angrily through puddles. I always finished the walk bright-eyed, ruddy-cheeked, and cheerful. So I felt a pang of nostalgia when Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury came under fire on Twitter this weekend after saying parents who don't take their children on country walks are irresponsible. In an interview with You magazine, Bradbury said: I think parents have a duty to make sure their children get regular exercise and are exposed to the outdoors. Bradbury even suggested countryside walks should be put on the national curriculum. The TV presenter, who is currently fronting new ITV series Best Walks with a View, was quickly accused of being another middle class celeb living in an ignorant bubble. Wholesome family walks have, after all, typically been the preserve of privileged Middle England. In 2009, there was even a government-backed campaign to encourage more people from ethnic minorities to visit the Lake District. At the time, it was estimated that only one in 10 visitors to the Lakes were from non-white backgrounds and champions were sought from ethnic minority groups to inspire others to enjoy the great outdoors. Bradbury has since clarified her stance on Twitter, saying she was misinterpreted and actually meant that outdoor walking of any kind is beneficial, not just walking in the countryside. And, despite my teenage tantrums, I have to agree with her. Whether you walk through squelchy fields or over slippery city cobbles, there's something salutary about spending long, active hours outside in the company of friends or family. Perhaps it's the fresh air, perhaps it's the opportunity to spend time thinking only of putting one foot in front of the other, but walking clears a messy head. Especially in this very digital age. Psychotherapist Jonathan Hoban believes walking therapy is essential for shaking off the stresses of modern life and suggests people leave their mobile phones at home when going out for a walk. Burn out and work stress is the highest it has ever been, he says. Going for walks, getting out, connecting with family when people do that, it allows them to process what's happening in their day. Spain's great walking trails Show all 5 1 /5 Spain's great walking trails Spain's great walking trails Ordesa Peak practice: Monte Perdido in Ordesa National Park Spain's great walking trails Pyrenees Pyrenees on the GR 11 Spain's great walking trails Cavalls El Cami de Cavalls GR 223 Spain's great walking trails Ebro Camino Natural del Ebro GR 99 Spain's great walking trails GR 7 The longest path of all GR 7 Hoban runs walking therapy sessions in locations across London which he says help reduce anxiety, work stress, anger, blood pressure, and depression even just an hour's walk in your lunch break is enough to make a difference. Hoban also agrees with Bradbury, claiming that family walks should be drilled in when children are young. I think parents need to lead by example, he says. So children grow up learning that when we go out for a walk, that's our time. Work is down, phones are off, that is our time to reconnect. Of course, the beauty of rambling, as Bradbury pointed out, is that it's completely free; all you need is a route. For me, family walking is an opportunity to catch up with people I don't see often enough. I'm visiting my parents this weekend, actually, and fully intend to trudge through the park with them, putting the world to rights, and clearing the cobwebs. (And, now that I'm an adult, I no longer do it begrudgingly.) So, perhaps parents should heed Bradbury's advice and drag their children off the sofa and into the fresh air. They might whinge for the first mile but they'll soon find their feet. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Cowering underneath your duvet after lights-out as you try to convince yourself that the knocks and gurgling of the radiator are not coming from a monster may be a familiar childhood memory - but fear of the dark lingers into adulthood for many people. A YouGov survey of 2,000 adults by Go Glow found that 40 per cent were scared of walking around their house in the dark. A further one in 10 said they were so scared of darkness that they would not use the toilet at night. However, being scared of the dark isn't as wholly irrational as it may seem. Known as nyctophobiam, the feeling of dread caused by being in darkness is essentially a form of anxiety. The reptilian part of the brain is to blame for such distressing emotions, from the fear of heights and potentially dangerous animals to the terror buttons can cause some people. Fears are hardwired into the brain in one of three ways: by observing and learning the fears of others as a child; from a traumatic experience, like being attacked by a dog; or by a process known as anchoring, where a person has a fright and the brain links a nearby object to the feeling of fear. Such experiences plant the seeds of phobias, and cause sufferers to be cast into fight or flight mode when they encounter their fear. Not only inconvenient, a fear of the dark has also been linked to trouble sleeping at night, according to researchers. In pictures: Britain's biggest fears Show all 13 1 /13 In pictures: Britain's biggest fears In pictures: Britain's biggest fears Cynophobia Fear of dogs 3 per cent said they were very afraid, 11 per cent of respondents said they were a little afraid. Mans best friend, but can also bite Getty Images In pictures: Britain's biggest fears Hemophobia Fear of blood 3 per cent very afraid, again 11 per cent a little afraid. Often little more than squeamishness, though harks back to very sound human instinct that people are better off with blood on the inside Getty Images In pictures: Britain's biggest fears Nyctophobia Fear of darkness 3 per cent very afraid, 12 per cent a little afraid. Probably would have been higher if survey respondents had not been 18 or over Getty Images In pictures: Britain's biggest fears Coulrophobia Fear of clowns 4 per cent very afraid, 8 per cent a little afraid. Who can blame them, after the incident of the Northampton Clown? Getty Images In pictures: Britain's biggest fears Agoraphobia Fear of crowds 4 per cent very afraid, 17 per cent a little afraid. Also known as the fear of public spaces, and often linked to anxieties over panic attacks Getty Images In pictures: Britain's biggest fears Pteromerhanophobia Fear of flying on an airplane 7 per cent very afraid, 17 per cent a little afraid. Though statistically the safest mode of transport, air travel safety concerns are understandably at a high given recent news events Getty Images In pictures: Britain's biggest fears Trypanophobia Fear of needles/getting shots 8 per cent very afraid, 16 per cent a little afraid. Overall this phobia affects just 19 per cent of those aged 60+, compared to 32 per cent of 18-24-year-olds Getty Images In pictures: Britain's biggest fears Musophobia Fear of mice 9 per cent very afraid, 17 per cent a little afraid. One of the big phobias showing the apparent fear gender gap 16 per cent of male respondents said they were afraid of mice to some degree, compared to 34 per cent of women Creative Commons In pictures: Britain's biggest fears Claustrophobia Fear of being closed in a small space 14 per cent very afraid, 29 per cent a little afraid. Now were getting into seriously scary stuff. In total, only a quarter of us are not at all afraid of confined spaces Creative Commons In pictures: Britain's biggest fears Arachnophobia Fear of spiders 18 per cent very afraid, 24 per cent a little afraid. Fair enough, when giant spiders hide in bunches of bananas at supermarkets Getty Images In pictures: Britain's biggest fears Glossophobia Fear of public speaking 20 per cent very afraid, 36 per cent a little afraid. Into the top three fears, which are experienced by the majority of British people Getty Images In pictures: Britain's biggest fears Ophidiophobia Fear of snakes 21 per cent very afraid, 31 per cent a little afraid. If youre not really afraid of snakes, count yourself in the brave minority some of them can even beat up crocodiles Getty Images In pictures: Britain's biggest fears Acrophobia Fear of heights 23 per cent very afraid, 35 per cent a little afraid. Also known as vertigo, this is Britains greatest fear and understandably so, given large drops have the potential to kill Rex Features A team at the Ryerson University Sleep and Depression Lab conducted a small study which lead them to believe that this may be because those who are able to sleep easily are more accustomed to noise over time, while those afraid of the dark are more likely to anticipate sounds, according to the British Psychological Society. Taryn Moss Ryerson University Sleep and Depression Lab said at the time: "As treatment providers, we assume that poor sleepers become tense when the lights go out because they associate the bed with being unable to sleep." But be warned if sleeping with the light on is your coping mechanism. Researchers at Ohio State University found that sleeping with the light on can be bad by affecting brain structure and raising the risk of depression, according to Stylist. Professor Colleen Carney of the Ryerson team told the magazine that, as with many fears, exposure therapy is the simplest solution. "You go into the situation, you take stock of what level of anxiety you have, and then you just wait If nothing bad happens, the anxiety will abate. It might take a while, but it eventually does," she said. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Campaigners have welcomed the latest study to show that homeopathy "treatments" are no more effective than a placebo, and called for the technique to be cut from the NHS. A working group by Australias National Health and Medical Research Council reviewed 176 trials of homeopathy in 68 different health conditions to test whether the practice worked. Writing about the study for the The BMJ journal blog, group chair Professor Paul Glasziou said he began the review with an I dont know attitude but concluded homeopathy had no discernible convincing effects. He added that Samuel Hahnemann, who created homeopathy in an attempt to move medicine on from blood-letting and purging, would be disappointed by the collective failure of homeopathy to carry on his investigations, but instead to pursue a therapeutic dead end. Recommended Read more Homeopathy found to be effective for 0 out of 68 illnesses Homeopathy is a controversial method based on the principle that like cures like and that diluting substances that cause particular symptoms can remove those symptoms in a patient. Many homeopathic remedies consist of substances that have been diluted many times in water until there is none or almost none of the original substance left, the NHS states on its website. Critics argue that this essentially means that homeopathic remedies are therefore no more than placebos and that the NHS is wasting money by annually spending 5million on them. In 2010, the House of Commons Select Committee published a report concluding that homeopathy is not efficacious and that explanations back it are scientifically implausible. However, the NHS currently offers homeopathic treatments in two hospitals as well as in a number of GP practices. The Good Thinking Society, which campaigns against homeopathy, said the latest study bolstered scientific consensus that the treatments do not work. Charity spokesman Michael Marshall told The Independent that offering homeopathy is "damaging the reputation of the NHS" and "boosting the reputation of complete quackery." Stressing that he believes homeopathy should not be banned from public sale, he argued that people should be properly and impartially informed about what treatment actually involves. He added that cutting homeopathy from the beleaguered health service would free up money for other services such as cancer treatment, as well as smoking cessation clinics and obesity awareness campaigns which save money in the long-term 5 million could go a long way to helping people who are currently ill and preventing people from getting ill and instead it is being frittered away on sugar pills. It is such a no brainer that this money is better spent elsewhere. He warned that although homeopathic treatments contain substances so diluted that they can no longer be detected and therefore cannot directly harm a person, Mr Marshall said that legitimising the treatment can lead people to taking problematic healthcare decisions. While the NHS condones homeopathy it legitimises the practice, said Mr Marshall, citing cases where private homeopaths have claimed to cure cancer and advised patients to forego vaccines. The NHS could act as a pathway to these very dangerous claims very easily. And its very hard to track that kind of thing because there are very few people who say that I was given this advice that was deadly by a private homeopath because I first saw an NHS homeopath. Kier Liddle, a health services researcher at the University of Sterling, also highlighted the wider issues of homeopathy and those who visit developing countries to promote the idea. Health news in pictures Show all 40 1 /40 Health news in pictures Health news in pictures Coronavirus outbreak The coronavirus Covid-19 has hit the UK leading to the deaths of two people so far and prompting warnings from the Department of Health AFP via Getty Health news in pictures Thousands of emergency patients told to take taxi to hospital Thousands of 999 patients in England are being told to get a taxi to hospital, figures have showed. The number of patients outside London who were refused an ambulance rose by 83 per cent in the past year as demand for services grows Getty Health news in pictures Vape related deaths spike A vaping-related lung disease has claimed the lives of 11 people in the US in recent weeks. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has more than 100 officials investigating the cause of the mystery illness, and has warned citizens against smoking e-cigarette products until more is known, particularly if modified or bought off the street Getty Health news in pictures Baldness cure looks to be a step closer Researchers in the US claim to have overcome one of the major hurdles to cultivating human follicles from stem cells. The new system allows cells to grow in a structured tuft and emerge from the skin Sanford Burnham Preybs Health news in pictures Two hours a week spent in nature can improve health A study in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that a dose of nature of just two hours a week is associated with better health and psychological wellbeing Shutterstock Health news in pictures Air pollution linked to fertility issues in women Exposure to air from traffic-clogged streets could leave women with fewer years to have children, a study has found. Italian researchers found women living in the most polluted areas were three times more likely to show signs they were running low on eggs than those who lived in cleaner surroundings, potentially triggering an earlier menopause Getty/iStock Health news in pictures Junk food ads could be banned before watershed Junk food adverts on TV and online could be banned before 9pm as part of Government plans to fight the "epidemic" of childhood obesity. Plans for the new watershed have been put out for public consultation in a bid to combat the growing crisis, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said PA Health news in pictures Breeding with neanderthals helped humans fight diseases On migrating from Africa around 70,000 years ago, humans bumped into the neanderthals of Eurasia. While humans were weak to the diseases of the new lands, breeding with the resident neanderthals made for a better equipped immune system PA Health news in pictures Cancer breath test to be trialled in Britain The breath biopsy device is designed to detect cancer hallmarks in molecules exhaled by patients Getty Health news in pictures Average 10 year old has consumed the recommended amount of sugar for an adult By their 10th birthdy, children have on average already eaten more sugar than the recommended amount for an 18 year old. The average 10 year old consumes the equivalent to 13 sugar cubes a day, 8 more than is recommended PA Health news in pictures Child health experts advise switching off screens an hour before bed While there is not enough evidence of harm to recommend UK-wide limits on screen use, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have advised that children should avoid screens for an hour before bed time to avoid disrupting their sleep Getty Health news in pictures Daily aspirin is unnecessary for older people in good health, study finds A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that many elderly people are taking daily aspirin to little or no avail Getty Health news in pictures Vaping could lead to cancer, US study finds A study by the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Centre has found that the carcinogenic chemicals formaldehyde, acrolein, and methylglyoxal are present in the saliva of E-cigarette users Reuters Health news in pictures More children are obese and diabetic There has been a 41% increase in children with type 2 diabetes since 2014, the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit has found. Obesity is a leading cause Reuters Health news in pictures Most child antidepressants are ineffective and can lead to suicidal thoughts The majority of antidepressants are ineffective and may be unsafe, for children and teenager with major depression, experts have warned. In what is the most comprehensive comparison of 14 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs to date, researchers found that only one brand was more effective at relieving symptoms of depression than a placebo. Another popular drug, venlafaxine, was shown increase the risk users engaging in suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide Getty Health news in pictures Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults at higher risk of heart disease, study claims Researchers at the Baptist Health South Florida Clinic in Miami focused on seven areas of controllable heart health and found these minority groups were particularly likely to be smokers and to have poorly controlled blood sugar iStock Health news in pictures Breakfast cereals targeted at children contain 'steadily high' sugar levels since 1992 despite producer claims A major pressure group has issued a fresh warning about perilously high amounts of sugar in breakfast cereals, specifically those designed for children, and has said that levels have barely been cut at all in the last two and a half decades Getty Health news in pictures Potholes are making us fat, NHS watchdog warns New guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body which determines what treatment the NHS should fund, said lax road repairs and car-dominated streets were contributing to the obesity epidemic by preventing members of the public from keeping active PA Health news in pictures New menopause drugs offer women relief from 'debilitating' hot flushes A new class of treatments for women going through the menopause is able to reduce numbers of debilitating hot flushes by as much as three quarters in a matter of days, a trial has found. The drug used in the trial belongs to a group known as NKB antagonists (blockers), which were developed as a treatment for schizophrenia but have been sitting on a shelf unused, according to Professor Waljit Dhillo, a professor of endocrinology and metabolism REX Health news in pictures Doctors should prescribe more antidepressants for people with mental health problems, study finds Research from Oxford University found that more than one million extra people suffering from mental health problems would benefit from being prescribed drugs and criticised ideological reasons doctors use to avoid doing so. Getty Health news in pictures Student dies of flu after NHS advice to stay at home and avoid A&E The family of a teenager who died from flu has urged people not to delay going to A&E if they are worried about their symptoms. Melissa Whiteley, an 18-year-old engineering student from Hanford in Stoke-on-Trent, fell ill at Christmas and died in hospital a month later. Just Giving Health news in pictures Government to review thousands of harmful vaginal mesh implants The Government has pledged to review tens of thousands of cases where women have been given harmful vaginal mesh implants. Getty Health news in pictures Jeremy Hunt announces 'zero suicides ambition' for the NHS The NHS will be asked to go further to prevent the deaths of patients in its care as part of a zero suicide ambition being launched today Getty Health news in pictures Human trials start with cancer treatment that primes immune system to kill off tumours Human trials have begun with a new cancer therapy that can prime the immune system to eradicate tumours. The treatment, that works similarly to a vaccine, is a combination of two existing drugs, of which tiny amounts are injected into the solid bulk of a tumour. Nephron Health news in pictures Babies' health suffers from being born near fracking sites, finds major study Mothers living within a kilometre of a fracking site were 25 per cent more likely to have a child born at low birth weight, which increase their chances of asthma, ADHD and other issues Getty Health news in pictures NHS reviewing thousands of cervical cancer smear tests after women wrongly given all-clear Thousands of cervical cancer screening results are under review after failings at a laboratory meant some women were incorrectly given the all-clear. A number of women have already been told to contact their doctors following the identification of procedural issues in the service provided by Pathology First Laboratory. Rex Health news in pictures Potential key to halting breast cancer's spread discovered by scientists Most breast cancer patients do not die from their initial tumour, but from secondary malignant growths (metastases), where cancer cells are able to enter the blood and survive to invade new sites. Asparagine, a molecule named after asparagus where it was first identified in high quantities, has now been shown to be an essential ingredient for tumour cells to gain these migratory properties. Getty Health news in pictures NHS nursing vacancies at record high with more than 34,000 roles advertised A record number of nursing and midwifery positions are currently being advertised by the NHS, with more than 34,000 positions currently vacant, according to the latest data. Demand for nurses was 19 per cent higher between July and September 2017 than the same period two years ago. REX Health news in pictures Cannabis extract could provide new class of treatment for psychosis CBD has a broadly opposite effect to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component in cannabis and the substance that causes paranoia and anxiety. Getty Health news in pictures Over 75,000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS Mr Bransons company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an 82m contract to provide childrens health services across Surrey, citing concerns over serious flaws in the way the contract was awarded PA Health news in pictures More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively Getty Health news in pictures Landmark study links Tory austerity to 120,000 deaths The paper found that there were 45,000 more deaths in the first four years of Tory-led efficiencies than would have been expected if funding had stayed at pre-election levels. On this trajectory that could rise to nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020, even with the extra funding that has been earmarked for public sector services this year. Reuters Health news in pictures Long commutes carry health risks Hours of commuting may be mind-numbingly dull, but new research shows that it might also be having an adverse effect on both your health and performance at work. Longer commutes also appear to have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, with those commuting longer 33 per cent more likely to suffer from depression Shutterstock Health news in pictures You cannot be fit and fat It is not possible to be overweight and healthy, a major new study has concluded. The study of 3.5 million Britons found that even metabolically healthy obese people are still at a higher risk of heart disease or a stroke than those with a normal weight range Getty Health news in pictures Sleep deprivation When you feel particularly exhausted, it can definitely feel like you are also lacking in brain capacity. Now, a new study has suggested this could be because chronic sleep deprivation can actually cause the brain to eat itself Shutterstock Health news in pictures Exercise classes offering 45 minute naps launch David Lloyd Gyms have launched a new health and fitness class which is essentially a bunch of people taking a nap for 45 minutes. The fitness group was spurred to launch the napercise class after research revealed 86 per cent of parents said they were fatigued. The class is therefore predominantly aimed at parents but you actually do not have to have children to take part Getty Health news in pictures 'Fundamental right to health' to be axed after Brexit, lawyers warn Tobacco and alcohol companies could win more easily in court cases such as the recent battle over plain cigarette packaging if the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is abandoned, a barrister and public health professor have said Getty Health news in pictures 'Thousands dying' due to fear over non-existent statin side-effects A major new study into the side effects of the cholesterol-lowering medicine suggests common symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness are not caused by the drugs themselves Getty Health news in pictures Babies born to fathers aged under 25 have higher risk of autism New research has found that babies born to fathers under the age of 25 or over 51 are at higher risk of developing autism and other social disorders. The study, conducted by the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, found that these children are actually more advanced than their peers as infants, but then fall behind by the time they hit their teenage years Getty Health news in pictures Cycling to work could halve risk of cancer and heart disease Commuters who swap their car or bus pass for a bike could cut their risk of developing heart disease and cancer by almost half, new research suggests but campaigners have warned there is still an urgent need to improve road conditions for cyclists. Cycling to work is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer by 45 per cent and cardiovascular disease by 46 per cent, according to a study of a quarter of a million people. Walking to work also brought health benefits, the University of Glasgow researchers found, but not to the same degree as cycling. Getty Homeopaths who declare they can treat malaria, dengue fever and even AIDS. Homeopaths funded largely by the worried well in the west. Homeopaths who seek the prestige and respectability of their 'treatment' being offered on the NHS. Responding to the study, the British Homeopathic Association told The Independent that Professor Glasziou seriously misrepresented the nature of the clinical research evidence in homeopathy. "The review also focused on medical conditions and failed to recognise that homeopathy is based on individualised treatment, not on a named medical condition," it said. The Department of Health said that the NHS has a "duty" to make sure money is spent on the most effective treatments. Minister for Life Sciences, George Freeman MP said: "We are currently considering whether or not homeopathic products should continue to be available through NHS prescriptions. We expect to consult on proposals in due course." Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Patients at an A&E in north London have said they were told to go home unless their condition is life-threatening over a Tannoy system. North Middlesex Hospital in Edmonton put out the message advising those waiting to see a doctor to go home if they didn't have life-threatening illness because there would be an eight hour wait. The message said: We would ask anyone who doesnt have a life-threatening illness to go home and come back in the morning. The announcement - which came at around 11pm - said the wait to see a doctor would be approximately eight hours for adults and six for children - prompting several people to leave. A spokesman from the hospital confirmed they were forced to put out the request after 450 casualties arrived during one shift on Friday night. One eyewitness told the Sunday People there were 100 people in the waiting room at one point and more than a dozen patients on trolleys lining the hospital walls because there were not enough cubicles. Several were forced to wait on the trolleys for several hours. The spokesman said: We can confirm it was it was exceptionally busy on Friday at North Middlesex Hospital with 450 cases coming through the door. In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK 20,000 Junior Doctors marched through central London in protest at the new contract changes the government is trying to impose which they say will be unfair and unsafe In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Junior doctors protest in London In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK 4 year old Cassius takes part in a demonstration in Westminster, in support of junior doctors over changes to NHS contracts, London In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Protest over proposed changes to junior doctors' contracts, Leeds In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Junior doctors and NHS staff protesting against the health service cuts and the proposed contract changes offered by the government outside Parliament In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Junior doctors and NHS staff protesting against the health service cuts and the proposed contract changes offered by the government outside Parliament In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Over 5000 junior doctors rallied in Waterloo place, before marching through Whitehall and onto Parliament Square, in opposition to Jeremy Hunt's new working conditions for doctors In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Demonstrators listen to speeches in Waterloo Place during the 'Let's Save the NHS' rally and protest march by junior doctors In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Junior doctors marched in London to highlight their plight In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK A protester at a demonstration in support of junior doctors in London That included a number of major cases of resuscitation and blue-light ambulance cases. We were under pressure and we were seeing waits of up to seven hours. We did inform people to come back the next day if their cases werent urgent because we were under such pressure. He said the hospital had been overwhelmed for a week and that the previous Monday had seen 100 waiting patients, 15 on trolleys in the corridors and 16 ambulances in the car park. Recommended Read more NHS winter crisis underway as hospital trusts run out of beds Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: The Government has put the NHS under huge strain so overworked staff are struggling to cope and patients are being let down. Rather than look for continued conflict with dedicated NHS workers, ministers should be working with them and giving the NHS the cash it needs. It comes as the British Medical Association announced it was planning a series of escalating strikes which could see junior doctors staging their first ever full walkout after Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced he would unilaterally impose a new contract on them. Junior doctors claim the contracts are dangerous for patients and reacted with fury at new sample rotas issued by NHS bosses which show them working for as many as three weekends in a row. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Raising awareness of the danger of sepsis could save the lives of 14,000 people each year, according to a charity. The campaign comes after 12-month-old William Mead died after his GP and an NHS 111 call operator did not spot that he had sepsis, a report into his death found. His mother Melissa Mead, 29, is supporting the drive by the UK Sepsis Trust to heighten awareness of the condition which is the second biggest killer in the UK after heart disease, and claims the lives of 44,000 people each year. The term sepsis describes the condition where the immune system goes into overdrive and can cause inflammation, swelling and blood clots. This can cause a drop in blood pressure, which cuts blood supply to vital organs. If the condition is not treated immediately, it can result in organ failure and death. Early symptoms include fever, chills and shivering, a fast heartbeat and quick breathing. Symptoms of more severe sepsis or septic shock include feeling dizzy or faint, confusion or disorientation, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea and cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin. Mrs Mead, from Penryn, Cornwall, is set to join representatives from the UK Sepsis Trust at a meeting with health officials including Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Monday 22 February to discuss how the condition can be better dealt with. The UK Sepsis Trust has said that 14,000 deaths could be prevented annually if the the public was better educated, a national registry which documents progress in sepsis care was established, and healthcare professionals were better trained. Mrs Mead told the Press Association: If our doctors aren't recognising sepsis how are parents supposed to recognise it? That is something I want to raise - how to we get that out there? "It needs to be in packs which are given to first time parents, it needs to be on TV like the Fast stroke campaign and the meningitis campaign, it needs to be out there for the general public to grasp. "When I called 111 I didn't know that William was seriously ill, I didn't collectively look at William's symptoms and think 'this is sepsis' because I didn't know what sepsis was. "I was checking for rashes all over William because I knew what meningitis was but I didn't know what sepsis was." Health news in pictures Show all 40 1 /40 Health news in pictures Health news in pictures Coronavirus outbreak The coronavirus Covid-19 has hit the UK leading to the deaths of two people so far and prompting warnings from the Department of Health AFP via Getty Health news in pictures Thousands of emergency patients told to take taxi to hospital Thousands of 999 patients in England are being told to get a taxi to hospital, figures have showed. The number of patients outside London who were refused an ambulance rose by 83 per cent in the past year as demand for services grows Getty Health news in pictures Vape related deaths spike A vaping-related lung disease has claimed the lives of 11 people in the US in recent weeks. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has more than 100 officials investigating the cause of the mystery illness, and has warned citizens against smoking e-cigarette products until more is known, particularly if modified or bought off the street Getty Health news in pictures Baldness cure looks to be a step closer Researchers in the US claim to have overcome one of the major hurdles to cultivating human follicles from stem cells. The new system allows cells to grow in a structured tuft and emerge from the skin Sanford Burnham Preybs Health news in pictures Two hours a week spent in nature can improve health A study in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that a dose of nature of just two hours a week is associated with better health and psychological wellbeing Shutterstock Health news in pictures Air pollution linked to fertility issues in women Exposure to air from traffic-clogged streets could leave women with fewer years to have children, a study has found. Italian researchers found women living in the most polluted areas were three times more likely to show signs they were running low on eggs than those who lived in cleaner surroundings, potentially triggering an earlier menopause Getty/iStock Health news in pictures Junk food ads could be banned before watershed Junk food adverts on TV and online could be banned before 9pm as part of Government plans to fight the "epidemic" of childhood obesity. Plans for the new watershed have been put out for public consultation in a bid to combat the growing crisis, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said PA Health news in pictures Breeding with neanderthals helped humans fight diseases On migrating from Africa around 70,000 years ago, humans bumped into the neanderthals of Eurasia. While humans were weak to the diseases of the new lands, breeding with the resident neanderthals made for a better equipped immune system PA Health news in pictures Cancer breath test to be trialled in Britain The breath biopsy device is designed to detect cancer hallmarks in molecules exhaled by patients Getty Health news in pictures Average 10 year old has consumed the recommended amount of sugar for an adult By their 10th birthdy, children have on average already eaten more sugar than the recommended amount for an 18 year old. The average 10 year old consumes the equivalent to 13 sugar cubes a day, 8 more than is recommended PA Health news in pictures Child health experts advise switching off screens an hour before bed While there is not enough evidence of harm to recommend UK-wide limits on screen use, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have advised that children should avoid screens for an hour before bed time to avoid disrupting their sleep Getty Health news in pictures Daily aspirin is unnecessary for older people in good health, study finds A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that many elderly people are taking daily aspirin to little or no avail Getty Health news in pictures Vaping could lead to cancer, US study finds A study by the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Centre has found that the carcinogenic chemicals formaldehyde, acrolein, and methylglyoxal are present in the saliva of E-cigarette users Reuters Health news in pictures More children are obese and diabetic There has been a 41% increase in children with type 2 diabetes since 2014, the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit has found. Obesity is a leading cause Reuters Health news in pictures Most child antidepressants are ineffective and can lead to suicidal thoughts The majority of antidepressants are ineffective and may be unsafe, for children and teenager with major depression, experts have warned. In what is the most comprehensive comparison of 14 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs to date, researchers found that only one brand was more effective at relieving symptoms of depression than a placebo. Another popular drug, venlafaxine, was shown increase the risk users engaging in suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide Getty Health news in pictures Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults at higher risk of heart disease, study claims Researchers at the Baptist Health South Florida Clinic in Miami focused on seven areas of controllable heart health and found these minority groups were particularly likely to be smokers and to have poorly controlled blood sugar iStock Health news in pictures Breakfast cereals targeted at children contain 'steadily high' sugar levels since 1992 despite producer claims A major pressure group has issued a fresh warning about perilously high amounts of sugar in breakfast cereals, specifically those designed for children, and has said that levels have barely been cut at all in the last two and a half decades Getty Health news in pictures Potholes are making us fat, NHS watchdog warns New guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body which determines what treatment the NHS should fund, said lax road repairs and car-dominated streets were contributing to the obesity epidemic by preventing members of the public from keeping active PA Health news in pictures New menopause drugs offer women relief from 'debilitating' hot flushes A new class of treatments for women going through the menopause is able to reduce numbers of debilitating hot flushes by as much as three quarters in a matter of days, a trial has found. The drug used in the trial belongs to a group known as NKB antagonists (blockers), which were developed as a treatment for schizophrenia but have been sitting on a shelf unused, according to Professor Waljit Dhillo, a professor of endocrinology and metabolism REX Health news in pictures Doctors should prescribe more antidepressants for people with mental health problems, study finds Research from Oxford University found that more than one million extra people suffering from mental health problems would benefit from being prescribed drugs and criticised ideological reasons doctors use to avoid doing so. Getty Health news in pictures Student dies of flu after NHS advice to stay at home and avoid A&E The family of a teenager who died from flu has urged people not to delay going to A&E if they are worried about their symptoms. Melissa Whiteley, an 18-year-old engineering student from Hanford in Stoke-on-Trent, fell ill at Christmas and died in hospital a month later. Just Giving Health news in pictures Government to review thousands of harmful vaginal mesh implants The Government has pledged to review tens of thousands of cases where women have been given harmful vaginal mesh implants. Getty Health news in pictures Jeremy Hunt announces 'zero suicides ambition' for the NHS The NHS will be asked to go further to prevent the deaths of patients in its care as part of a zero suicide ambition being launched today Getty Health news in pictures Human trials start with cancer treatment that primes immune system to kill off tumours Human trials have begun with a new cancer therapy that can prime the immune system to eradicate tumours. The treatment, that works similarly to a vaccine, is a combination of two existing drugs, of which tiny amounts are injected into the solid bulk of a tumour. Nephron Health news in pictures Babies' health suffers from being born near fracking sites, finds major study Mothers living within a kilometre of a fracking site were 25 per cent more likely to have a child born at low birth weight, which increase their chances of asthma, ADHD and other issues Getty Health news in pictures NHS reviewing thousands of cervical cancer smear tests after women wrongly given all-clear Thousands of cervical cancer screening results are under review after failings at a laboratory meant some women were incorrectly given the all-clear. A number of women have already been told to contact their doctors following the identification of procedural issues in the service provided by Pathology First Laboratory. Rex Health news in pictures Potential key to halting breast cancer's spread discovered by scientists Most breast cancer patients do not die from their initial tumour, but from secondary malignant growths (metastases), where cancer cells are able to enter the blood and survive to invade new sites. Asparagine, a molecule named after asparagus where it was first identified in high quantities, has now been shown to be an essential ingredient for tumour cells to gain these migratory properties. Getty Health news in pictures NHS nursing vacancies at record high with more than 34,000 roles advertised A record number of nursing and midwifery positions are currently being advertised by the NHS, with more than 34,000 positions currently vacant, according to the latest data. Demand for nurses was 19 per cent higher between July and September 2017 than the same period two years ago. REX Health news in pictures Cannabis extract could provide new class of treatment for psychosis CBD has a broadly opposite effect to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component in cannabis and the substance that causes paranoia and anxiety. Getty Health news in pictures Over 75,000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS Mr Bransons company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an 82m contract to provide childrens health services across Surrey, citing concerns over serious flaws in the way the contract was awarded PA Health news in pictures More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively Getty Health news in pictures Landmark study links Tory austerity to 120,000 deaths The paper found that there were 45,000 more deaths in the first four years of Tory-led efficiencies than would have been expected if funding had stayed at pre-election levels. On this trajectory that could rise to nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020, even with the extra funding that has been earmarked for public sector services this year. Reuters Health news in pictures Long commutes carry health risks Hours of commuting may be mind-numbingly dull, but new research shows that it might also be having an adverse effect on both your health and performance at work. Longer commutes also appear to have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, with those commuting longer 33 per cent more likely to suffer from depression Shutterstock Health news in pictures You cannot be fit and fat It is not possible to be overweight and healthy, a major new study has concluded. The study of 3.5 million Britons found that even metabolically healthy obese people are still at a higher risk of heart disease or a stroke than those with a normal weight range Getty Health news in pictures Sleep deprivation When you feel particularly exhausted, it can definitely feel like you are also lacking in brain capacity. Now, a new study has suggested this could be because chronic sleep deprivation can actually cause the brain to eat itself Shutterstock Health news in pictures Exercise classes offering 45 minute naps launch David Lloyd Gyms have launched a new health and fitness class which is essentially a bunch of people taking a nap for 45 minutes. The fitness group was spurred to launch the napercise class after research revealed 86 per cent of parents said they were fatigued. The class is therefore predominantly aimed at parents but you actually do not have to have children to take part Getty Health news in pictures 'Fundamental right to health' to be axed after Brexit, lawyers warn Tobacco and alcohol companies could win more easily in court cases such as the recent battle over plain cigarette packaging if the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is abandoned, a barrister and public health professor have said Getty Health news in pictures 'Thousands dying' due to fear over non-existent statin side-effects A major new study into the side effects of the cholesterol-lowering medicine suggests common symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness are not caused by the drugs themselves Getty Health news in pictures Babies born to fathers aged under 25 have higher risk of autism New research has found that babies born to fathers under the age of 25 or over 51 are at higher risk of developing autism and other social disorders. The study, conducted by the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, found that these children are actually more advanced than their peers as infants, but then fall behind by the time they hit their teenage years Getty Health news in pictures Cycling to work could halve risk of cancer and heart disease Commuters who swap their car or bus pass for a bike could cut their risk of developing heart disease and cancer by almost half, new research suggests but campaigners have warned there is still an urgent need to improve road conditions for cyclists. Cycling to work is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer by 45 per cent and cardiovascular disease by 46 per cent, according to a study of a quarter of a million people. Walking to work also brought health benefits, the University of Glasgow researchers found, but not to the same degree as cycling. Getty Dr Ron Daniels, chief executive of The UK Sepsis Trust said: "We need to make sure that health professional education is robust and is mandated. We have to have a better measure of outcomes and we have to have some resources available that reward excellent care. "We conservatively estimate that we can save another 14,000 lives across the UK every year, and we would hope rather more than that." Additional reporting by PA Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Thousands of people with learning disabilities are still languishing in institutions, despite Government promises to provide care for them in the community in the wake of the Winterbourne View scandal, a report has warned. Around 900 more vulnerable disabled people than previously thought are still being housed in asylums in breach of the pledge, Sir Stephen Bubb, chief executive of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, has warned. Abuse of patients with learning disabilities and autism was filmed in May 2011 at Winterbourne View, a private hospital in South Gloucestershire, by a BBC Panorama team. Reports commissioned in the wake of the scandal found people were being admitted to hospitals inappropriately because support was not available in the community. They were then becoming institutionalised and isolated from their families, making it hard for them to leave. As a result, the Government made a promise to move everyone with learning disabilities or autism who was inappropriately housed into the community by June 2014. That deadline was missed. A new deadline, for numbers of inpatient beds to be reduced by half, was set for 2019. But Sir Stephens report, Time For Change The Challenge Ahead, questions the progress made so far and calls for an independent evaluation. It would be a needless scandal if we came to 2019 only to find one more promise has been broken, he said. He also warned that without a robust system of measures and sufficient staff, institutional cultures would pop up in the community. Institutional practices are not synonymous with malicious intent, he said. Where there are not enough staff to provide a personalised service, institutionalised forms of working are more likely to emerge. The scale of reforms needed are far more challenging than originally thought, he added, with an extra 10,000 staff needed to support people to live in the community. And with at least 1,300 people expected to move out of hospital care by 2019, there is a critical need for supported housing for the vulnerable. Housing for people with learning disabilities should be exempt from proposed housing benefit caps, the report stated. Sir Stephen also called on the Government to appoint a learning disabilities commissioner to champion the interests of vulnerable patients. Just as a childrens commissioner was established following the Victoria Climbie Inquiry, there is a firm argument for establishing this post. It would have a statutory duty to promote and protect the rights of all people with learning disabilities and their families, he said. In a separate report published on Monday, the Royal College of Nursing said the number of people with learning disabilities in hospitals increased unnecessarily in 2015. Health Minister Alistair Burt said: It was only recently that NHS England announced a major programme to move people with learning disabilities out of hospital and into their communities, a move welcomed by Sir Stephen Bubb. This, combined with the increase in specialist staff including nurses, will transform care. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A new study is set to be released detailing the key elements to a fulfilling and sexually satisfying relationship. Those behind the research, due to be published in the Journal of Sex Research, noted there were five different types of communication that led to sexual satisfaction. And, according to the Wall Street Journal, the researchers concluded that each of the five types contributed to a happier relationship for women and men. They are: 1) Being praised by their partner for something they did in bed 2) Being asked by their partner for something they want 3) Asking for something they want from their partner 4) Teasing during the day over the phone or via email 5) Asking for feedback on how something felt Festivals of love around the world Show all 16 1 /16 Festivals of love around the world Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Brazil Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Results also highlighted five types of mood setting that were more common among satisfied couples, ranked in importance: 1) Saying "I love you" 75 per cent of satisfied men and 74 per cent of women said their partner said "I love you" during their last sexual encounter 2) Engaging in "sexy talk" 3) Laughing about something funny that happened during sex 4) Lighting candles or dimming the lights 5) Playing background music The study was conducted by researchers at Chapman University in Orange, California, California State University, Sonoma State University, and at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. It saw almost 39,000 married or co-habiting heterosexual men and women asked to rate their current sexual satisfaction, and during the first six months of the relationship. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} British men who use prostitutes while abroad on stag parties should be prosecuted in the UK under new laws that make paying for sex illegal, according to a report backed by a senior MP. Sex tourists and businessmen who pay for prostitutes on expense accounts would also be criminalised under the proposals in the Sex Buyer Law report published today. The report, commissioned for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Prostitution by the campaigning group End Demand, says payment for sex in the UK should be made illegal and recommends Parliament strongly considers extending the offence to payments abroad. Although the APPG has yet to formally respond to the report, the idea already has the support of its chairman, Gavin Shuker, Labour MP for Luton South. Speaking personally, I think the idea has merit for one simple reason: many peoples first experience of buying sex takes place abroad, he said. Research published by the British Medical Journal in 2014 found that among the 11 per cent of men in Britain aged 16 to 74 who have paid for sex, the majority (63 per cent) reported buying sex outside of the UK, mainly in Europe. Case study: We had english men over for the ryder cup Mia De Faoite was drawn into working as a prostitute in Dublin between 2005 and 2010 as a result of her heroin addiction. When I stepped out there for the first time I had no idea what it would take from me, she says. It stripped every bit of dignity from me I ever had. She experienced regular violence, including gang rape. But even the ones who arent violent dont treat you as they would other women. You are there to be used. A change in the law to criminalise buying sex and decriminalise selling it would send a massive psychological message to the women in her position, she says, and would have made it easier for her to seek help. Its saying society has decided that what is being done to you is not acceptable. Ms De Faoite firmly believes that the law must apply at home and abroad to stop sex tourism. We had Americans and English men over for the Ryder Cup and the horseracing. Taxi drivers would sometimes bring them. When Northern Ireland criminalised buying sex last June, there was a rise in sales of women and girls in border counties of the Republic of Ireland, she added. Diane Martin, one of the authors of the Sex Buyer Law report, herself a former prostitute, said that other research has shown men are more likely to buy sex where countries laws and culture encourage its purchase. Stag parties visiting Amsterdam and men confronted with a lunchtime deal on offer from a mega-brothel in Germany get the message that buying sex is normal, she said. Paying for sex is currently legal in the UK, although some particular aspects surrounding prostitution such as soliciting and kerb crawling are illegal. Norway passed a ban on buying sex at home and abroad in 2008. The purchase of sex has also been illegal in Sweden since 1999, although the law there does not cover use of prostitutes overseas. The APPG has been calling for adoption of the Nordic model, which criminalises buying sex while decriminalising its sale, since 2014, when it published a report highlighting the scale of violence against women in the sex industry. The MPs then asked End Demand, which campaigns to end commercial sexual exploitation, to investigate further. Love and sex news: in pictures Show all 31 1 /31 Love and sex news: in pictures Love and sex news: in pictures What makes a perfect penis? Scientists have now answered one of these great unknowns. According to a new study, general cosmetic appearance is the most important penile aspect when it comes to what women value down there. This is swiftly followed by the appearance of pubic hair, penile skin, and girth. Length comes in at number six, with the look of the scrotum trailing closely behind. The least important facet of the phallus, say the scientists, is the position and shape of meatus, the vertical slit at the opening of the urethra. Getty Love and sex news: in pictures Half of divorcees had doubts on their wedding day Over half of divorcees considered abandoning their husband or wife-to-be at the altar on their wedding day, a new study has revealed. On top of likely worrying about wedding favours and making sure guests behave on their big day, 49 per cent of divorcees admitted they were unsure before the ceremony that their marriage would last. Some 15 per cent of divorcees polled said they were so wracked with doubt that they felt physically sick in the run up to their wedding. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Students who marry after studying the same subject Picking a university subject is already difficult enough for young people. But heres an extra piece of data to weigh on your decision: you may be picking a life partner as well. Dan Kopf of the blog, Priceonomics, analysed US Census data and found that the percentage of Americans who marry someone within their own major is actually fairly high. About half of Americans are married, according to the 2012 American Community Survey (part of the Census). And about 28 per cent of married couples over the age of 22 both graduated from college. (The survey didnt recognise same-sex marriages for the 2012 data, but it will for 2013 onwards, says Kopf). Sean Gallup/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures How much sex we have (and how much we'd like) As a nation, we dont have as much sex as we would like, a survey has (somewhat unsurprisingly) confirmed. In a poll of 1523 people by YouGov, 64 per cent of Britons said they would wish to have sex at least a few times a month. The same sample said that only 38 per cent had sex at least a few times a month. In addition, 10 per cent said they wished to have sex every day, a goal which only 1 per cent admitted reaching. Rex Love and sex news: in pictures The new female condom Picture an internal condom. The chances are youre thinking of something which resembles a carrier bag. However, this could all be about to change with the new VA w.o.w. Condom Feminine. Not only is it a wireless, Bluetooth enabled, vibrating interactive device, which comes available in the shape of a heart, but the manufacturers think youll love it more than not using a condom at all. Love and sex news: in pictures One in five Brits admit to having had an affair One in five British adults admits they have had an affair, according to a new poll. 20 per cent of male respondents and 19 per cent of female respondents admitted to having had an affair in a new poll of 1660 respondents by YouGov. Orlando /Three Lions/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures The UK's favourite sex position Casting aside the myth that Brits are a prudish bunch, a new survey has revealed that doggy style is the nations favourite sex position. As many as a quarter of UK adults surveyed said doggy style was their favourite way to indulge with a partner. Missionary, which is sometimes scoffed at the most boring position, was favoured by a fifth of the 1,000 people surveyed by high street sex shop Ann Summers, seeing it come in as third under "woman on top". Caiaimage/REX Love and sex news: in pictures Who's most likely to cheat? Men and women who are economically dependent on their spouses are more likely to cheat, a new study has revealed. Researchers have found that men who are solely financially dependent are more like to cheat than women, at 15 per cent and 5 per cent respectively. Men who are rely on their wives may cheat because they are undergoing a masculinity threat by not being the primary breadwinner as is culturally expected, said study author Christin L. Munsch, a UConn assistant professor of sociology. Eye Candy/REX Love and sex news: in pictures Jailed for loud sex noises A woman who breached a court order barring her from causing nuisance by making "loud sex noises" was sent to jail. Gemma Wale, of Small Heath, Birmingham, was given a two-week prison sentence after a civil court judge concluded that she had breached the order by "screaming and shouting whilst having sex" at a "level of noise" which annoyed a neighbour. Rex Features Love and sex news: in pictures Photo of wedding guest proposing to girlfriend in front of bride and groom goes viral When the staggering amount time, money, and effort that goes into to planning a wedding is considered, it seems pretty obvious that all guests have is to do is turn up with some gifts, and not upstage the couple. But this fact seems to have escaped one man, whose grinning face has gone viral after he decided to propose to his girlfriend in front of the bride and grooms top table. The photo, which has been viewed over 1.4 million times on Reddit, shows a boyfriend perched on one knee in front of his crying girlfriend. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Sexual fantasies The results of a sex survey are busting the myth that Britons are sexually repressed, by revealing how the majority of women have lived out their sexual fantasies. As many as 81 per cent of women and 77 per cent of men have shared and acted out fantasies with a partner with having sex in public topping the list of turn-ons. The study also laid bare the influence of TV and film on our desires, with three-quarters of couples saying they had inspired them. Meanwhile, a further three quarters of women and over half of men have played out a fantasy theyd found in a book. LEO RAMIREZ/AFP/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures The world's sexiest nationalities Irish men are the worlds sexiest, according to a survey of thousands of jet-setting women. In a poll of 66,000 of single American women who use MissTravel.com, as many as 8,000 said that Irish men are the sexiest. Around half of the females who took said they were turned on by Irish men said their accent influenced their choice, according to the Irish Times. ANDREW COWIE/AFP/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures More sex = happiness? Couples were asked to double the amount of sex they had each week over a three month period by researchers at the Carnegie Mellon University, who compared them to couples who had their normal amount of sex. Their findings, published in the Journal of Economic Behavior, went against advice given by the average self-help book having more sex doesnt automatically make a person happier. Instead, couples who were instructed to have more sex reported a decrease in happiness levels. Mood Board/Rex Love and sex news: in pictures Most sexually satisfied countries It is often considered the most amorous nation on the planet, but France doesn't even feature in a new list of the most sexually satisfied countries. According to a Durex global survey of 26,000 people, aged 16 and older, across 26 countries, only 44 per cent of people are fully satisfied with their sex lives. In the wake of these results, AlterNet has compiled a list of the 12 most sexually satisfied countries, with Switzerland, Spain and Italy topping the list. INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Sex o'clock They say women are from Venus and men are from Mars but a new sex survey suggests that members of the opposite sex seem to operate in different time zones too. While women like to get steamy between 11:21pm on average, men are more likely to be turned on at the rather inconvenient time of 7:54am. These times fall into the broader timeslots of 11pm and 2am for women, and 6am and 9am for men. PIERRE ANDRIEU/AFP/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures More sex = more money People who have more sex are likely to earn more, new research claims. The research, partly conducted from the responses of 7,500 people, found employees who have sex two or three times a week earn 4.5 per cent more than colleagues who do not. Rex Love and sex news: in pictures The effects of watching porn Contrary to suggestion that porn desensitises viewers to sex, a study has found that it doesn't "negatively impact sexual functioning" and in fact boosts couples' sexual attraction to one another. In research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, scientists at the University of California tested the effects of visual sexual stimuli on men in relationships, finding that it "is unlikely to negatively impact sexual functioning, given that responses actually were stronger in those who viewed more VSS." Rex Love and sex news: in pictures 'I have herpes' A woman diagnosed with herpes at the age of 20 has written an emotional essay about living with the common condition to fight the stigma surrounding it. Ella Dawson, now 22, said she had never had unprotected sex and thought she wasn't the sort of person STDs happened to when the symptoms first appeared during her time at university in the US. She wrote that the diagnosis initially felt like a punishment for her values and relationships and worried her that telling boyfriends would ruin her love life. Ella Dawson Love and sex news: in pictures More sleep, better sex A new study could have a simple answer to enhancing your sex life just get a good nights sleep (if you are a woman at least). A study conducted by a team at the University of Michigan Sleep and Circadian Research Laboratory found women who get an extra hour of sleep at night reported higher levels of sexual desire and were more likely to have sex with their partners. Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Swipe right A woman has detailed her experiences of a week of always swiping right on Tinder. By opening the floodgates, as Ms Caster describes it, she receives scores of messages from different men and not all are terrible. Love and sex news: in pictures The most adulterous town in the UK Ever wondered what the neighbours are up to? Well if you live in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, then the answer is probably... having an affair. The bustling East Midlands town has been granted the dubious honour of being the UK's top spot for infidelity with a total of 941 affairs reportedly taking place right now. According to The Official Infidelity Index 2015, which was released this week, 2.54 per cent of the towns population are currently seeing someone they shouldn't. REX FEATURES Love and sex news: in pictures Average penis size revealed Scientists have measured more than 15,000 mens penises in an effort to find out what size is normal. Researchers at Kings College London and a London NHS trust said they hoped the review would help address the concern that some men have about their penis size and aid people suffering from anxiety and distress. They revealed that the average flaccid penis is 3.6ins (9.16cm) long, or 5.2ins (13.24cm) when stretched, and 3.7ins (9.31cm) in circumference. Erect penises are 5.1ins (13.12cm) long on average and 4.5ins (11.66cm) in girth. Rex Love and sex news: in pictures One true love Men fall in love more times in their life than women, according to a new survey. 2,000 adults were asked about relationships, and discovered that more than half of men say they've loved more than one person their lifetime. For women, it's markedly fewer, with only 45 per cent saying they've had multiple loves. Love and sex news: in pictures Dating site for 'beautiful people only' A self-proclaimed elite dating website has removed around 3,000 members because they were "letting themselves go". BeautifulPeople.com describes itself as the largest internet dating community exclusively for the beautiful and puts peoples photographs to a members vote to decide if they are allowed in. But administrators have now shown that the rigorous 48-hour selection period is not a permanent pass by taking thousands of profiles down, mainly because of weight gain and graceless ageing. Love and sex news: in pictures Sex is a 'miracle cure' Regular exercise including sex, walking and dancing are miracle cures staring us in the face and could dramatically cut our risk of cancer, dementia, heart disease and diabetes, leading doctors have said. In a new review of existing evidence which reveals the full extent of benefits that can be accrued from exercise, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges said the improvement in health and savings to the NHS could be incalculable. Susannah Ireland Love and sex news: in pictures Pornhub searches by age of user Pornhubs prolific Insights blog fires out many reports of sociological interest, none more so than its latest on age, which lays bare different age groups' sexual proclivities. Looking at the most popular searches among 18-24s, there are several familial terms including 'step mom', 'milf', 'mom' and 'step sister', a trend that seems to die out somewhat in users' 30s. By 65, 'massage' becomes the top term, while 'granny' perhaps unsurprisingly also hits the top ten. PlaceIt/Just Another IKEA Catalog Love and sex news: in pictures Mature sex Research into the sexual lives of more than 7,000 men and women between the ages of 50 and 90 in England reveals that half of men and almost a third of women aged 70 and over were still sexually active, with around a third of these sexually active older people having sexual intercourse twice a month or more. Around two-thirds of men and over half of women thought good sexual relations were essential to the maintenance of a long-term relationship or being sexually active was physically and psychologically beneficial to older people. Getty Creative Love and sex news: in pictures The secret to an eighty year marriage Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that 42 per cent of marriages in England and Wales end in divorce, and the average British marriage which ends in divorce lasts 11 years and six months. Helen and Maurice Kaye, now aged 101 and 102, have been married for 80 years, and say the secret is: I think its important to have patience and tolerance. You're two entirely different people who suddenly live together, which can't be easy. But if you love each other, you get over the difficulties. Love and sex news: in pictures Valentine's Day porn Pornhub saw a (slight) drop in traffic on Valentine's Day as people focused on pleasuring their partners rather than themselves. Everywhere, it is, except for London. Overall UK traffic dipped 3 per cent across the UK, with Plymouth and Oxford seeing the biggest drops of 11 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. In fact every major city spent less time watching porn bar London, the Pornhub audience for which grew by 2 per cent. Getty Love and sex news: in pictures 1 in 10 men paying for sex A tenth of British men have admitted to paying for sex, according to a new study. Professionals aged 25 to 34 who binge drink and take drugs were found to be the most likely to have used the services of prostitutes, based on findings from a study of 6,108 men. Around 11 per cent of subjects, in the study published in the Sexually Transmitted Infections journal, have ever paid for sex in their lifetime and four per cent admitted to doing so in the last five years. Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Questions that determine if you're in love The existence of love and its nature is something that has troubled philosophers for centuries, but a pair of scientists believe they have a set of questions that yield "clear empirical evidence" of it, or at least whether your relationship will end in divorce. They are: 'How happy are you in your marriage relative to how happy you would be if you weren't in the marriage?' and 'How do you think your spouse answered that question?' Columbia The result the Sex Buyer Law report, which was produced by an independent commission including Diane Martin and a former detective superintendent is due to be launched in Parliament on Tuesday. It concluded that a law similar to the Nordic Model is needed here. The proposals will be contested, however. The Independent revealed earlier this month that a major survey of sex workers, submitted to the Home Affairs Committee after it announced its own investigation, found that nine out of 10 are against criminalising the buying of sex and eight out of 10 fear it would impact on their safety. EU police say Estonia becoming a hub of sex tourism Recommended Read more Sex worker jailed for allowing clients to sexually abuse her daughters In 2013-14 there were more charges for loitering and soliciting than for the crimes of pimping, brothel-keeping, kerb-crawling and advertising prostitution combined, the End Demand report said. Ms Martin says prostitutes find it harder to leave the sex industry when they have these offences on their criminal record. As things stand, people wanting to exit not only have to get over the psychological impact and stigma attached to what theyve been doing, but they also have to worry about convictions for loitering or soliciting popping up on their record, she said. These are often people with histories of abuse, who have been criminalised while the people who exploited them have walked away. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Bosses at more than a third of the companies in the FTSE 100 have signed a letter declaring that Britain is better in the European Union, saying a Brexit would threaten investment in the UK and lead to potential job losses. The letter is being co-ordinated by 10 Downing Street and is expected to be released on Tuesday, but signatories are known to include the chairmen or chief executives of Vodafone, BAE Systems, GlaxoSmithKline, easyJet, Barclays, BT and Shell. In an attempt to show it is not just big City banks which are opposed to Brexit, all industries are included, ranging from retail and media to manufacturing and energy. Recommended Read more Boris Johnson confirms he will campaign for UK to leave EU A number of smaller company bosses and entrepreneurs have also been corralled into signing by Richard Reed, founder of the Innocent drinks company, who has previously made grave warnings about the insane amount of red tape that would engulf small businesses if Britain left Europe. Sky News reported that the letter would say: Following the Prime Ministers renegotiation, we believe that Britain is better off staying in a reformed European Union. Businesses like ours need unrestricted access to the European market of 500 million people in order to continue to grow, invest and create jobs. What has the EU ever done for us? Show all 7 1 /7 What has the EU ever done for us? What has the EU ever done for us? 1. It gives you freedom to live, work and retire anywhere in Europe As a member of the EU, UK citizens benefit from freedom of movement across the continent. Considered one of the so-called four pillars of the European Union, this freedom allows all EU citizens to live, work and travel in other member states. What has the EU ever done for us? 2. It sustains millions of jobs A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, released in October 2015, suggested 3.1 million British jobs were linked to the UKs exports to the EU. What has the EU ever done for us? 3. Your holiday is much easier - and safer Freedom to travel is one of the most exercised benefits of EU membership, with Britons having made 31 million visits to the EU in 2014 alone. But a lot of the benefits of being an EU citizen are either taken for granted or go unnoticed. What has the EU ever done for us? 4. It means you're less likely to get ripped off Consumer protection is a key benefit of the EUs single market, and ensures members of the British public receive equal consumer rights when shopping anywhere in Europe. What has the EU ever done for us? 5. It offers greater protection from terrorists, paedophiles, people traffickers and cyber-crime Another example of a lesser-known advantage of EU membership is the benefit of cross-country coordination and cooperation in the fight against crime. What has the EU ever done for us? 6. Our businesses depend on it According to 71% of all members of the Confederation of British Influence (CBI), and 67 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the EU has had an overall positive impact on their business. What has the EU ever done for us? 7. We have greater influence Robin Niblett, Director of think-tank Chatham House, stated in a report published last year: For a mid-sized country like the UK, which will never again be economically dominant either globally or regionally, and whose diplomatic and military resources are declining in relative terms, being a major player in a strong regional institution can offer a critical lever for international influence. Britain will be stronger, safer and better off remaining a member of the European Union, it concludes. A survey by the Institute of Directors also shows that 60 per cent of its members support remaining in Europe. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} UK workers employment rights are at stake if Britain votes to leave the EU. Maternity leave and sick pay have been absent in a referendum debate that has centred on welfare payments for migrants, child benefits for those living overseas and protection for the City of London, as demonstrated in the Statista chart below. These have become the basis of the deal agreed by David Cameron in Brussels, ready for the British people to vote on June 23. But many of the rights we take for granted at work are the result of the UKs membership of the EU, from holiday pay to the right to work free from discrimination. Many of these rules were introduced in the form of directives at EU level and were implemented in the UK with new laws. That means they cannot be overturned without changes to primary legislation, which requires parliamentary approval. Sweeping reforms seem unlikely to be politically attractive given that UK voters have come to expect a certain level of workplace protection, Kathleen Morrison, professional support lawyer at Brodies LLP, told the Independent. She said it is more likely that exit from the EU will lead to occasional tinkering around the edges for certain rights. Unlikely to change Maternity pay: UK maternity rights already far exceed the EUs minimum requirements, providing 52 weeks maternity leave as opposed to the EU minimum of 14 weeks, so any reduction seems doubtful. Holiday pay: Basic holiday provision is also unlikely to be a target for significant reform, given that the UK again exceeds the EU minimum providing 5.6 weeks holiday as opposed the EU minimum of four weeks. Discrimination: The EU outlaws discrimination based on sex, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and gender reassignment. It also requires equal pay for men and women. Any change to these rules would be extremely unpopular in the UK. At risk Holiday entitlement for those off sick: the Government would be free to make changes to the right of workers on sick or maternity leave to carry their unused holiday entitlement to another year. Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year. Commission and overtime: A future government might also seek to exclude payments such as commission and overtime from holiday pay, contrary to recent changes at EU level. Transfer of undertakings: TUPE rules protecting staff terms and conditions when jobs are transferred or outsourced could be at risk, according to Frances OGrady, general secretary of the TUC. Redundancies: OGrady also said Brexit jeopardises EU laws that oblige firms to inform and consult workers when they plan redundancies. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The concentration of the crew of a helicopter gunship which crashed in Afghanistan had been affected by a visit from former Eastenders actor Ross Kemp, an official Army report has suggested. According to the report, the visit from the 51-year-old actor was a contributory factor to the overall focus of the crew in the accident almost eight years ago. Kemp was one of several visitors to the 40million Apache AH1 helicopter in September 2008 while carrying out filming for TV series Ross Kemp in Afghanistan. Both crew members, including the pilot, managed to escape the crash with minor injuries. The accident resulted in the helicopter losing its tail and enduring serious damage to its rotor blades. According to the Ministry of Defence board of inquiry, disorientation experienced by the pilot when he entered a dust cloud during a transition served as a significant contributing factor to the crash. The board added: In summary, it is clear to the board that this accident was caused by the disorientation of the HP when conducting a poorly executed transition downwind, with inadequate aircraft performance and engulfed in heavy recirculation. The board believes that the crew lacked sufficient experience for the complex, high end, unsupervised operation, had become fatigued and were distracted at a critical juncture. (PA) Making a reference to the day Kemp visited, it continued: Whilst not a distraction at the time of the accident the board believes it was a contributory factor to the overall focus of the crew. The Essex-born actor was in Afghanistan while filming a Sky One British documentary series about British soldiers fighting in the War in Afghanistan. The two-part series involved Kemp and a small film crew shadowing troops fighting in Helmand Province. People news in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 People news in pictures People news in pictures 7 October 2015 Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in an ice hockey match between former NHL stars and officials at the Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons EPA People news in pictures 6 October 2015 German designer Karl Lagerfeld (R) and model Cara Delevingne (C) appear at the end of his Spring/Summer 2016 women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a Chanel airport during the Fashion Week in Paris, France Reuters People news in pictures 5 October 2015 Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne addresses the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The Chancellor argued that reducing the payments to people in low paid jobs would give them economic security by reducing the Governments spending deficit Getty Images People news in pictures 4 October 2015 Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston takes a moment in the centre of the field with his daughter Frankie Thurston, holding dark-skinned doll, after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The image quickly became the talking point of Australias National Rugby League Final and provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many praising Thurston for giving his child a toy that promotes inclusiveness and diversity Getty Images People news in pictures 3 October 2015 Pope Francis gives a thumbs-up as he greets people at the end of an audience to the participants of a meeting organized by the "Food Bank" at the Paul VI audience hall in Vatican Getty Images People news in pictures 2 October 2015 Britain's Finance Minister George Osborne (L) throws an American football as he meets with former American football players Dan Marino (2nd R) and Curtis Martin (not pictured) at 11 Downing Street in London, ahead of the New York Jets playing against the Miami Dolphins at London's Wembley Stadium on 4 October Getty Images People news in pictures 1 October 2015 An honor guard opens the door as Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall to attend a meeting with members of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia People news in pictures 30 September 2015 Former Mrs America Lisa Christie, who alleges misconduct by Bill Cosby, holds up photos of her younger self during a news conference at the law office of attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Matt Damon has defended himself against claims that he instructed gay actors to remain in the closet. He had said I think youre a better actor the less people know about you and sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether youre straight or gay, people shouldnt know anything about your sexuality but an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show said, I was just trying to say actors are more effective when theyre a mystery. Right? Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Marion Cotillard has said that there is no place for feminism in Hollywood. Speaking to Porter magazine, she saidFilm-making is not about gender/ You cannot ask a president in a festival like Cannes to have, like, five movies directed by women and five by men. For me it doesnt create equality, it creates separation. I mean, I dont qualify myself as a feminist." Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Paul Walkers daughter, Meadow, is suing Porsche over her fathers death in a lawsuit that claims he was trapped in the burning car because of design flaws and the seat belt. The Fast and Furious star was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in hit a pole in California in 2013. The driver, his friend Roger Rodas, also died when the vehicle burst into flames. AP People news in pictures 28 September 2015 Robert Mugabe waits to address the United Nations General Assembly. The leader of Zimbabwe reportedly exclaimed 'We are not gay!' as he criticised Western nation's "double standards and attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs. In 2013 he described homosexuals as worse than pigs, goats and birds. Reuters People news in pictures 28 September 2015 South African comedian Trevor Noah hosts the first 'Daily Show' since taking over from Jon Stewart as host. Stewart had presented the US satirical news show since 1999 and was described by Noah during the show as a 'Political father' 2015 Getty Images People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Sir Elton John may have received a phone call from the real Vladimir Putin. Mr Putin's spokesman announced he had made contact weeks after the singer was duped by pranksters pretending to be the Russian President. Getty People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was mistakenly declared as the artist who produced the Mona Lisa by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith. It was in fact Leonardo da Vinci. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 A new biography claims Donald Trump expected to be dead by 40 and never marry. The Guardian says the a new book also claims that in 1980, Mr Trump manufactured a fake vice-president of his real estate conglomerate, whom he called John Baron. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 The Dalai Lama has said that Britain's policy towards China is just about 'Money, money, money.' And asked 'Where is morality?' People news in pictures 24 September 2015 Puff Daddy secured the number-one spot on the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list, with the publication calculating he made an estimated $60million (39m) between June 2014 and June 2015. An MoD spokesperson said following the release of the report: Our highly skilled pilots are trained to deal with all kinds of emergency situations and incidents like this are extremely rare. To suggest that this was caused by the filming of a documentary would be disingenuous. Additional reporting by Press Association. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} An Egyptian novelist has been jailed for two years after sexually explicit chapters from his novel were serialised in a state-owned newspaper. The case against Ahmed Naji was brought by a private citizen who claimed reading the excerpt caused him distress and heart palpitations. The decision to jail Mr Naji for two years for public indecency on Saturday comes after he was acquitted of the charge in January. Prosecutors appealed the acquittal by arguing the chapter violated public modesty. Mr Naji has the right to appeal the latest verdict. People news in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 People news in pictures People news in pictures 7 October 2015 Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in an ice hockey match between former NHL stars and officials at the Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons EPA People news in pictures 6 October 2015 German designer Karl Lagerfeld (R) and model Cara Delevingne (C) appear at the end of his Spring/Summer 2016 women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a Chanel airport during the Fashion Week in Paris, France Reuters People news in pictures 5 October 2015 Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne addresses the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The Chancellor argued that reducing the payments to people in low paid jobs would give them economic security by reducing the Governments spending deficit Getty Images People news in pictures 4 October 2015 Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston takes a moment in the centre of the field with his daughter Frankie Thurston, holding dark-skinned doll, after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The image quickly became the talking point of Australias National Rugby League Final and provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many praising Thurston for giving his child a toy that promotes inclusiveness and diversity Getty Images People news in pictures 3 October 2015 Pope Francis gives a thumbs-up as he greets people at the end of an audience to the participants of a meeting organized by the "Food Bank" at the Paul VI audience hall in Vatican Getty Images People news in pictures 2 October 2015 Britain's Finance Minister George Osborne (L) throws an American football as he meets with former American football players Dan Marino (2nd R) and Curtis Martin (not pictured) at 11 Downing Street in London, ahead of the New York Jets playing against the Miami Dolphins at London's Wembley Stadium on 4 October Getty Images People news in pictures 1 October 2015 An honor guard opens the door as Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall to attend a meeting with members of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia People news in pictures 30 September 2015 Former Mrs America Lisa Christie, who alleges misconduct by Bill Cosby, holds up photos of her younger self during a news conference at the law office of attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Matt Damon has defended himself against claims that he instructed gay actors to remain in the closet. He had said I think youre a better actor the less people know about you and sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether youre straight or gay, people shouldnt know anything about your sexuality but an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show said, I was just trying to say actors are more effective when theyre a mystery. Right? Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Marion Cotillard has said that there is no place for feminism in Hollywood. Speaking to Porter magazine, she saidFilm-making is not about gender/ You cannot ask a president in a festival like Cannes to have, like, five movies directed by women and five by men. For me it doesnt create equality, it creates separation. I mean, I dont qualify myself as a feminist." Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Paul Walkers daughter, Meadow, is suing Porsche over her fathers death in a lawsuit that claims he was trapped in the burning car because of design flaws and the seat belt. The Fast and Furious star was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in hit a pole in California in 2013. The driver, his friend Roger Rodas, also died when the vehicle burst into flames. AP People news in pictures 28 September 2015 Robert Mugabe waits to address the United Nations General Assembly. The leader of Zimbabwe reportedly exclaimed 'We are not gay!' as he criticised Western nation's "double standards and attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs. In 2013 he described homosexuals as worse than pigs, goats and birds. Reuters People news in pictures 28 September 2015 South African comedian Trevor Noah hosts the first 'Daily Show' since taking over from Jon Stewart as host. Stewart had presented the US satirical news show since 1999 and was described by Noah during the show as a 'Political father' 2015 Getty Images People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Sir Elton John may have received a phone call from the real Vladimir Putin. Mr Putin's spokesman announced he had made contact weeks after the singer was duped by pranksters pretending to be the Russian President. Getty People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was mistakenly declared as the artist who produced the Mona Lisa by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith. It was in fact Leonardo da Vinci. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 A new biography claims Donald Trump expected to be dead by 40 and never marry. The Guardian says the a new book also claims that in 1980, Mr Trump manufactured a fake vice-president of his real estate conglomerate, whom he called John Baron. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 The Dalai Lama has said that Britain's policy towards China is just about 'Money, money, money.' And asked 'Where is morality?' People news in pictures 24 September 2015 Puff Daddy secured the number-one spot on the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list, with the publication calculating he made an estimated $60million (39m) between June 2014 and June 2015. The novel, Istikhdam al-Hayat, or Using Life, was serialised in Egypts most widely read literary review magazine: Akbar al-Adab. The newspapers editor, Tarek El Taher, has been ordered to pay a 10,000 Egyptian pound (904) fine. Ibrahim Eissa, a prominent columnist and talk show host in Egypt, was one of several writers who expressed outrage over the decision and wrote a front page column in the al-Maqal daily criticising President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi. Your state and its agencies, just like those of your predecessor (Islamist Mohammed Morsi), hate intellectuals, thought and creativity and only like hypocrites, flatterers and composers of poems of support and flatter, Mr Eissa wrote. Additional reporting by Reuters and Associated Press. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Jude Law has called for the British Government to allow children living in the Calais "Jungle" migrant camp to come to the UK if they already have relatives living here. The 43-year-old actor called for the demolition of the southern part of the camp to be delayed until children are granted protection by French or British authorities. The charity Help Refugees estimate there to be 445 children - 315 alone without their parents - living at the soon-to-be-demolished Calais camp which faces imminent eviction. The Talented Mr. Ripley actor spoke candidly about the dangerous living conditions of the camp at a performance at the actual site on Sunday. No adult should be living here. Let alone kids. Its dangerous. These are children living with adults they dont know risking lives to try and cross to the UK and they need looking after. When asked what he believes the British and French government should do, Law explained they had three demands. The most important is to cessate the demolition because it buys everyone time. The second thing is to recognise the Dublin three, which means the children who have guardians in the UK are allowed to be reunited with those guardians. I mean I think they should be fast tracked. The other issue is that those who dont have guardians in the UK should be fast tracked into the French asylum system, but get them out of the camp. Law took part in a performance with other British performers and migrants, including a 15-year-old Sudanese boy who escaped Darfurs war zone, which involved reading out noteworthy historical and literary letters. The south London-born actor has also been at the forefront of an open letter to David Cameron which asks the government to allow children from the Calais camp who have relatives in Britain to be reunited with their families. The letter included 100,000 signatures and was signed by Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Idris Elba, Gillian Anderson, Helena Bonham Carter, Ai Weiwei, Meryl Streep and more. The letter calls on the British government to intervene as a matter of urgency in the situation in Calais. Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' Show all 8 1 /8 Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' Heavy rainfall has turned the camp into a 'swamp' The Hummingbird Project Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' Heavy rainfall has turned the camp into a 'swamp' The Hummingbird Project Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' Heavy rainfall has turned the camp into a 'swamp' The Hummingbird Project Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' People gather outside the Eritrean church at the camp The Hummingbird Project Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' Heavy rainfall has turned the camp into a 'swamp' The Hummingbird Project Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' Heavy rainfall has turned the camp into a 'swamp' The Hummingbird Project Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' A fire at the camp destroyed shelters for 180 people The Hummingbird Project Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' A fire at the camp destroyed shelters for 180 people The Hummingbird Project This is a humanitarian crisis that needs to be acknowledged as such, and it is imperative that we do everything we can to help these innocent and highly vulnerable refugees, especially the minors, as swiftly as is humanly possible, it read. The camp in the French port of Calais was due to be forcibly evicted on Tuesday at 8pm and bulldozed the following day but the eviction has been put on hold for the moment. French courts chose to postpone the eviction after a census carried out by Help Refugees discovered that a great deal more refugees were living in the part of the camp allocated for demolition than the French authorities had initially predicted. A judge will visit the camp on Tuesday to re-evaluate the situation and the case will be heard later in the day. Up to 6,000 migrants - most of whom are from the Middle East and Africa - live in squalor in the so-called Jungle shanty-town. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A jealous new bride who perhaps quite liked the idea of being Mrs Edwards, a solicitors wife fatally stabbed her husband after he was told he was being made redundant, a court has heard. Sharon Edwards, 42, is accused of murdering criminal lawyer David Edwards, 51, at their home in Chorley, Lancashire, two months after they married in Las Vegas in June last year. Astonishingly, the couple went to a pub after the attack and the police had to take Mrs Edwards home after she was found arguing in the street with her husband. He was found dead in his bed the following day. Recommended Read more British honeymoon couple drown in South Africa six days after wedding Mr Edwards, who met his future wife in June 2014, was plainly besotted with Mrs Edwards, while she was domineering, possessive and very jealous, the prosecutor, Anne Whyte QC, said. He was also recorded saying that his new wife hit him rather hard and could knock him out with one punch. Miss Whyte told Manchester Crown Court: The prosecution say that Sharon Edwards was violent towards David Edwards well before his death and that David Edwards response to that violence was to tolerate it and not report it to the police. Despite the turbulence that was to characterise their relationship, he... plainly felt that she was the one for him. After returning from a holiday in Spain in August last year, the couple argued and Mrs Edwards 19-year-old daughter who is to be a witness for the prosecution saw Mr Edwards in the bathroom calling for help and cleaning blood from his chest, the court was told. Ms Edwards allegedly then told her daughter that said she had put a kitchen knife to his chest but had not intended to hurt him. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty UK news in pictures 12 September 2022 Crowds line the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, as King Charles III joins a procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS UK news in pictures 11 September 2022 Members of the Public pay their respects as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, is driven through Ballater AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 10 September 2022 Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wave at well-wishers on the Long walk at Windsor Castle AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 9 September 2022 King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort wave after viewing floral tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Buckingham Palace Getty UK news in pictures 8 September 2022 A screen commemorating Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in Piccadilly Circus, London Britain EPA UK news in pictures 7 September 2022 Police officers stand guard after Animal Rebellion activists threw paint on the walls and road outside the Houses of Parliament in protest, in London, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 6 September 2022 Queen Elizabeth II welcomes Liz Truss during an audience at Balmoral, Scotland, where she invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2022 Visitors at the PoliNations garden in Victoria Square, Birmingham, which is made up of five 40ft high tree installations and over 6,000 plants. The PoliNations programme aims to explore how migration and cross-pollination have shaped the UKs gardens and culture PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2022 Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews take part in the traditional Pier Walk along the harbour walls of St Andrews before the start of the new academic year PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2022 The Massed Pipes and Drums parade during the Braemar Highland Gathering at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2022 Number 12 Company Irish Guards at Wellington Barracks, central London, before commencing their first Guard Mount at Buckingham Palace PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2022 A salmon leaps up the weir at Hexham in Northumberland, despite the drought warnings and low water levels, the River Tyne is still flowing well allowing the salmon and sea trout to head up river to spawn. Every year tens of thousands of salmon make the once-in-a-lifetime journey along the Tyne to spawn, having been out a sea PA The court heard that Mr Edwards would not say what had happened and despite bleeding from the chest and leg and being visibly injured, the couple went to the pub. Ms Whyte said: There was blood on his T-shirt and shorts and around his leg. There was a cut to his head and blood coming down his neck. People expressed concern about him [at the pub] although Sharon Edwards notably did not. Jurors were told the couple were in a habit of drinking too much but that Mr Edwards consumption increased after meeting his partner and, with it, his injuries certainly increased. The pair were later found arguing in the street, where Ms Edwards was behaving in an accusing way before being taken home by police. The following morning Mr Edwards was found dead in bed with visible injuries. Blood was also found on the carpet and in the kitchen. During the couples relationship, Mr Edwards friends and colleagues were said to have been very concerned for his welfare after seeing his injuries. Ms Whyte said that he would say he fell down the stairs or had walked into the garage door. They were injuries which he would, quite often, seek to minimise when people asked him about. Those who knew him were highly sceptical about his protestations that his injuries had been caused accidentally, she said. Others said they started to see a decline in his appearance, his professionalism as a solicitor, in his self-respect. Ms Whyte said he would appear at court looking dishevelled and had disclosed to some colleagues that he had been hit with objects including a coffee table, an ashtray and had his ear bitten. Before his holiday he was asked not to come back to work which was perhaps just one of the reasons why the holiday was not an unmitigated success. The trial continues. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The family of a young British woman are appealing online for help finding their daughter after she went missing while backpacking in Thailand. Grace Taylor, from Swanage in Dorset, is travelling alone and went missing on 16 February from her hostel in Pattaya. The 21-year-old's mother, Sam Taylor, said she had made contact with her daughter on Monday morning who was in a "stressed and frightened state" and said she was worried people were trying to hurt her". She has since gone missing again after failing to arrive at Krabi airport and board a flight booked by her family following the phone call. A family member is due to fly out to Thailand on Monday evening. Writing on Facebook, Ms Taylor said: Grace contacted us at 11am today from Ao Nang, she was very stressed and frightened saying that people were trying to hurt her and were following her and she wanted to come home. We calmed her down and booked her a flight from Krabi tonight but she never arrived at the airport by taxi and has gone missing again. We are desperately worried, all previous backpacker sightings have reported that she is disorientated and not of a good mental state [sic]. Please can I reach out to the backpacker community once again to look out for her and get her safe. We are flying out tonight to come and bring her home. Dorset police have said an investigation is underway and they are liaising with Interpol. A spokesman from the force said: "We received a call on Sunday morning reporting a missing woman travelling alone in Thailand. "The family haven't been able to speak to her since Tuesday, February 16. "We are now liaising with Interpol and an investigation is underway." Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Boris Johnson heckled David Cameron as he directly attacked the London Mayor's position during his speech on the upcoming EU referendum. During the speech, the Prime Minister described the referendum as a "straight democratic decision" to leave or stay, with no second negotiation followed by a second referendum. Mr Johnson had suggested a no vote might not necessarily result in the UK pulling out of the EU altogether, and instead could create a "new relationship based upon trade and cooperation". As Mr Cameron made his attack on the Mr Johnson's position, he reportedly shouted "rubbish, rubbish". Boris mumbles 'rubbish' to PM The Prime Minister ended his speech with a second dig at Mr Johnson, saying: "I'm not standing for re-election. I have no other agenda than what is best for our country." Boris Johnson announced his decision to go against David Cameron and "advocate Vote Leave" on Monday. He described the EU as "a political project that has been going on for decades, and is now in real danger of getting out of proper democratic control". Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Even as the European Commission insisted that it would keep out of Britains referendum campaign, Brussels officials were privately scathing about some of Boris Johnsons claims as he set out his reasons for supporting Britains departure from the EU. Mr Johnson suggested British sovereignty was at risk from plans being hatched to bolster the single currency through closer integration, including budgetary union; but officials dismissed this as one of the very issues addressed in David Camerons weekend agreement. The deal confirms the rights of all non-euro members, and also says that Britain need not be part of ever-closer union, said one. On that score, Boris has clearly ignored the results of Camerons renegotiation. Recommended Read more David Cameron openly ridicules Boris Johnson over leaving the EU Mr Johnson also complained that just 4 per cent of commission officials were British. However, the commission is seen as the one EU institution where officials are supposed to consider only the wider European good, rather than their own countries narrower interests. Far more important for Britain, say officials, is its greater voting weight in the Council of Ministers (29 out of 352, or 8.4 per cent) and the proportion of its members of the European Parliament (73 out of 751, or 9.7 per cent). The London mayor admitted that Britain would need to replace each of the EUs 50-plus trade deals with its own bilateral deals, but said this could be done within two years. That timetable was rejected as fanciful: UK civil servants would have to relearn the art of trade negotiations almost from scratch, officials said, and would negotiate from a distinct disadvantage. Boris mumbles 'rubbish' to PM Labour MEP Richard Corbett rejected Mr Johnsons claim that EU lawmaking was undemocratic. EU legislation is approved by two bodies: the Council of Ministers, drawn from democratically elected governments; and the directly elected European Parliament. The European Commission only proposes legislation, he said. Mr Johnson cited several examples of interfering EU rules: bans on using old tea bags in compost, on children inflating balloons and on powerful vacuum cleaners. Officials said each was a distortion or an outright lie. Most of these are Euromyths, one said. Composting tea bags is not banned at all. The only rule on balloons is that latex ones need to carry warnings to parents. And vacuum cleaners only need labels to help energy efficiency. Mr Johnson followed the EU as Brussels correspondent for The Daily Telegraph in the early 1990s. Among his claims was that the commissions headquarters would be blown up to make way for a mile-high tower. It is still in place today. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} David Cameron has publicly hit out at Boris Johnsons backing for the EU leave campaign, hinting that the Mayor of London may have made the decision with his career in mind. On a day in which media coverage of the EU referendum has been dominated by the decision of Mr Johnson to back Brexit, Mr Cameron used a statement in the House of Commons to hit out at his fellow Tory MP. I am not standing for re-election, he Mr Cameron said, apparently a veiled reference to Mr Johnsons leadership ambitions. I have no other agenda than what is best for our country. I'm standing here telling you what I think. Mr Cameron also ridiculed Mr Johnsons ambiguous apparent suggestion in a recent newspaper column that voting to leave could lead to a better deal for Britain in Europe. We should also be clear that this is a final decision, he told MPs, arguing that a second renegotiation was not on the ballot paper. I wont dwell on the irony that some people who want to vote to leave apparently want to use a leave vote to remain. But such an approach also ignores more profound points about democracy, diplomacy and legality. The PM said that the idea that other EU states would give Britain more changes to EU structures was for the birds. Mr Cameron was egged on his his criticism by opposition MPs. Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron urged the PM was thwart the blonde ambition behind him reference to Mr Johnsons trademark hair. Former Labour leadership Yvette Cooper also asked the PM to condemn Mr Johnsons claim that Britain could easily negotiate new trade deals outside the EU because it "used to run the biggest empire in the world". Mr Johnson was reportedly seen to shout rubbish from the backbenches during Mr Camerons speech and was described by observers as looking very cross. What has the EU ever done for us? Show all 7 1 /7 What has the EU ever done for us? What has the EU ever done for us? 1. It gives you freedom to live, work and retire anywhere in Europe As a member of the EU, UK citizens benefit from freedom of movement across the continent. Considered one of the so-called four pillars of the European Union, this freedom allows all EU citizens to live, work and travel in other member states. What has the EU ever done for us? 2. It sustains millions of jobs A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, released in October 2015, suggested 3.1 million British jobs were linked to the UKs exports to the EU. What has the EU ever done for us? 3. Your holiday is much easier - and safer Freedom to travel is one of the most exercised benefits of EU membership, with Britons having made 31 million visits to the EU in 2014 alone. But a lot of the benefits of being an EU citizen are either taken for granted or go unnoticed. What has the EU ever done for us? 4. It means you're less likely to get ripped off Consumer protection is a key benefit of the EUs single market, and ensures members of the British public receive equal consumer rights when shopping anywhere in Europe. What has the EU ever done for us? 5. It offers greater protection from terrorists, paedophiles, people traffickers and cyber-crime Another example of a lesser-known advantage of EU membership is the benefit of cross-country coordination and cooperation in the fight against crime. What has the EU ever done for us? 6. Our businesses depend on it According to 71% of all members of the Confederation of British Influence (CBI), and 67 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the EU has had an overall positive impact on their business. What has the EU ever done for us? 7. We have greater influence Robin Niblett, Director of think-tank Chatham House, stated in a report published last year: For a mid-sized country like the UK, which will never again be economically dominant either globally or regionally, and whose diplomatic and military resources are declining in relative terms, being a major player in a strong regional institution can offer a critical lever for international influence. He had written in his Daily Telegraph column this morning that voting to leave the EU would be seen as an opportunity by Brussels to strike a new and harmonious relationship with Britain interpreted by some as the possibility of remaining in the EU. Mr Cameron made clear that that believed remaining in the EU after a referendum was not an option and that to do so would be undemocratic. The assessment that Mr Johnsons move put him in poll position for the Conservative leadership was not shared by all. The MPs father, Stanley Johnson, this morning said his son had thrown away a position in Mr Camerons Cabinet by making the pledge to back out. Boris mumbles 'rubbish' to PM I cant think of a more career ending move than to do what he did yesterday, the former MEP told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. The Mayor of London, whose term of office ends in May, is however now the bookies favourite to replace Mr Cameron as Conservative leader for the first time, according to PaddyPower. A recent survey of a panel of members by the website ConservativeHome found a close race in which eurosceptic candidates had gained at the expense of those in favour of remaining in the EU. This weekend Mr Cameron announced that Britain would hold its in-out referendum on membership of the European Union on 23 June of this year. The vote follows a renegotiation of the terms of membership of the EU by the Prime Minister. The PM has granted his Cabinet colleagues permission to campaign on opposite sides of the referendum an unusual approach to government collective responsibility. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Boris Johnson has thrown away a position in David Camerons cabinet following his decision to campaign for Brexit, his own father has said. Stanley Johnson, the former Conservative MEP and co-chair of Environmentalists for Europe, rejected reports his sons decision was part of a wider political calculation in an ambition to become the Tory leader. I cant think of a more career ending move than to do what he did yesterday, he said. On Sunday, the London mayor said that after a "huge amount of heartache" he had decided to go against David Cameron and campaign to leave the EU. I will be advocating vote leave or whatever the team is called, I understand there are a lot of them because I want a better deal for the people of this country, to save them money and to take control. That is really what this is all about. On Monday, his father said that any suggestion this was to further his long-standing ambition of becoming Britain's next prime minister was a "travesty". Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Stanley Johnson said: Honestly to say this is a careerist move would be a total travesty. I cant think of a more career-ending move than do to do what he did yesterday. Hes leaving the mayoralty in May, if he wanted to get a nice job in the Cabinet on May 8 this is certainly not the way to do it. He added: What Boris has done and I, by the way, dont think I agree with this but what he has done is put on the table what the real issue is and the real issue is do the British people accept the loss of sovereignty that entails being part of the EU. Boris Johnson: Cameron's bete blond Show all 5 1 /5 Boris Johnson: Cameron's bete blond Boris Johnson: Cameron's bete blond 653622.bin Boris Johnson: Cameron's bete blond 653601.bin Getty Images Europe Boris Johnson: Cameron's bete blond 653602.bin GETTY IMAGES Boris Johnson: Cameron's bete blond 653603.bin Getty Images Europe Boris Johnson: Cameron's bete blond 653604.bin GETTY IMAGES Now, I personally accept it because Id much prefer to be a small fish in a bigger pond than a big fish in a small pond. That is the issue and Boris has posed that very clearly today and we should all be grateful to him for that. Asked on 5 Live on Sunday evening whether he thought his son had thrown away the Cabinet position, Stanley Johnson responded: "Of course he has. I would have thought completely thrown away. He might have had a chance to build Boris airport in the Thames for heaven's sake. No but seriously, you cannot say this is as a result of careful political calculation, on the contrary." Stanley Johnson is not the only member of Boriss immediate family that is campaigning for an opposite outcome in the European referendum on June 23. Jo Johnson, Boriss brother and also an MP, wrote on his Twitter account: UK universities and our superb science base key to our future as a knowledge economy much stronger inside EU. On Monday, David Cameron will face scrutiny from MPs as he addresses Parliament for the first time with details of the deal he has secured on EU reform. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Stay David Cameron This will be a once-in-a-generation moment to shape the destiny of our country. And we will all need to look at the facts and to ask searching questions of what either choice would really mean. I do not love Brussels. I love Britain. So when it comes to Europe, mine is a hard-headed assessment of what is in our national interest. Like many, I have had my doubts about the European Union as an organisation. I still do. But just because an organisation is frustrating it does not mean that you should necessarily walk out of it, and certainly not without thinking very carefully through the consequences. I believe we are stronger, safer and better off inside this reformed European Union. And that is why I will be campaigning with all my heart and soul to persuade the British people to remain in the EU. Sajid Javid If this years referendum were a vote on whether to join in the first place, I wouldnt hesitate to stand up and say Britain would be better off staying out. But the question were faced with is not about what we should have done 43 years ago. Its about what we should do now, in 2016. Recommended Read more Boris Johnson confirms he will campaign for UK to leave EU Thats why, with a heavy heart and no enthusiasm, I shall be voting for the UK to remain a member of the EU. The fallout from a leave vote this summer would only add to economic turbulence that is, quite possibly, about to engulf the world. The fight for reform is not over and if Brussels fails to recognise that, I can see a time when walking away may be the right thing to do but in a more benign global economic environment and under a UK Government that makes a credible case for leaving. Leave Michael Gove Far from providing security in an uncertain world, the EUs policies have become a source of instability and insecurity. Razor wire once more criss-crosses the continent, historic tensions between nations such as Greece and Germany have resurfaced in ugly ways and the EU is proving incapable of dealing with the current crises in Libya and Syria. The EU is an institution rooted in the past and is proving incapable of reforming to meet the big technological, demographic and economic challenges of our time. But by leaving the EU we can take control. Indeed we can show the rest of Europe the way to flourish. This chance may never come again in our lifetimes, which is why I will be true to my principles and take the opportunity this referendum provides to leave an EU mired in the past and embrace a better future. Priti Patel The British public want less Europe and more Britain. By restoring the British values of democracy and self-determination which date back to Magna Carta, Britain will be a stronger, more secure and more prosperous country. We should be in no doubt that by staying in the EU, nothing will change. The European Commission and Court will still have the powers to interfere in our way of life. But there is a better way. Following a vote to leave, Britain will be able to untangle the labyrinth of EU laws and regulations that have held our country back. Our international voice will once again be heard in its own right on international bodies such as the World Trade Organisation. Free from the protectionist and anti-market sentiments of some in Europe, we will be able to seek and secure new trading opportunities. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Conservative MPs lined up in the Commons to put themselves in the opposite camp from the leader in the four-month battle over Britains membership of the European Union. As the Prime Minister insisted his deal in Brussels would mark a new relationship with the EU, a majority of Tory speakers argued that his agreement did little to return powers to the UK and signalled their determination to campaign for Brexit. It was left to senior Labour, Liberal Democrat and SNP figures to argue that it was in Britains interests to remain in the 28-nation bloc although they could not resist accusing Mr Cameron of putting the countrys future at risk because of Tory divisions on Europe. Recommended Read more David Cameron openly ridicules Boris Johnson over leaving the EU The Eurosceptic assault on the Prime Minister was led by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who challenged him to explain to the House and to the country in exactly what way this deal returns sovereignty over any field of law-making to these Houses of Parliament. Mr Cameron responded: This deal brings back some welfare powers, it brings back some immigration powers, it brings back some bail-out powers, but more than that, because it carves us forever out of ever-closer union, it means that the ratchet of the European court taking power away from this country cannot happen in future. The veteran Tory, Sir Bill Cash, told him that laws affecting the UK were made by other countries, introduced by the European Commission and enforced by the European Court of Justice. The only way to get out of that and return our democracy is to leave the European Union, he said. Nick Clegg said: This referendum is about the future of our country, its not about the future of a divided Conservative party. (PA) Jacob Rees-Mogg, the North East Somerset MP, gently mocked the Prime Minister for spending 40 hours in Brussels, getting through four clean shirts and a packet of Haribo sweets, implementing the promises on Europe set out in the Labour manifesto. He said: Is the governments policy basically [to] always keep a hold of nurse, for fear of finding something worse? David Davis, the former Europe Minister, challenged the Prime Minister over how much plans for curbs on EU nationals receiving in-work benefits would reduce immigration. Mr Cameron did not answer directly, but said the prospect of being entitled to up to 10,000 in benefits was a big incentive to come to Britain. The former Cabinet minister, Peter Lilley, said that over the past two decades, Britain has voted against 72 measures in the European Council and been defeated 72 times. He said: The pace of defeat is accelerating. If we make the mistake and take the risk of remaining in the EU, how many defeats do you expect in the next two decades? Kenneth Clarke provided a rare voice of Tory support (PA) Kenneth Clarke, the former Chancellor, provided a rare Tory voice of support, saying: Future generations will benefit from some of those concessions, particularly those on enlarging the single market, guaranteeing our access to parts of it, deregulating and engaging in major trade deals with outside. Nick Clegg, the former Deputy Prime Minister, said: This referendum is about the future of our country, its not about the future of a divided Conservative party. He said: If Britain in the future wants to stand tall in New Delhi, in Beijing, in Washington, in other global capitals, Britain must continue to stand tall in our own European neighbourhood. Mr Cameron responded that the only person who might want the UK to leave the EU is Vladimir Putin. Ed Miliband, the former Labour leader, said that on all the major issues such as trade, climate change, terrorism and security Britain had more influence inside the bloc than outside it. The Prime Minister said: The big picture is this when it comes to getting things done in the world that can help keep people safe in our country, a bigger, better deal on climate change, do we get more because we are in the EU? Yes. Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, said his party overwhelmingly supported EU membership because it provided jobs and protection for workers, investment and action on the environment. He dismissed the Prime Ministers deal as largely irrelevant and said it would have no impact on the case to remain in the EU. What has the EU ever done for us? Show all 7 1 /7 What has the EU ever done for us? What has the EU ever done for us? 1. It gives you freedom to live, work and retire anywhere in Europe As a member of the EU, UK citizens benefit from freedom of movement across the continent. Considered one of the so-called four pillars of the European Union, this freedom allows all EU citizens to live, work and travel in other member states. What has the EU ever done for us? 2. It sustains millions of jobs A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, released in October 2015, suggested 3.1 million British jobs were linked to the UKs exports to the EU. What has the EU ever done for us? 3. Your holiday is much easier - and safer Freedom to travel is one of the most exercised benefits of EU membership, with Britons having made 31 million visits to the EU in 2014 alone. But a lot of the benefits of being an EU citizen are either taken for granted or go unnoticed. What has the EU ever done for us? 4. It means you're less likely to get ripped off Consumer protection is a key benefit of the EUs single market, and ensures members of the British public receive equal consumer rights when shopping anywhere in Europe. What has the EU ever done for us? 5. It offers greater protection from terrorists, paedophiles, people traffickers and cyber-crime Another example of a lesser-known advantage of EU membership is the benefit of cross-country coordination and cooperation in the fight against crime. What has the EU ever done for us? 6. Our businesses depend on it According to 71% of all members of the Confederation of British Influence (CBI), and 67 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the EU has had an overall positive impact on their business. What has the EU ever done for us? 7. We have greater influence Robin Niblett, Director of think-tank Chatham House, stated in a report published last year: For a mid-sized country like the UK, which will never again be economically dominant either globally or regionally, and whose diplomatic and military resources are declining in relative terms, being a major player in a strong regional institution can offer a critical lever for international influence. Angus Robertson, the SNPs leader at Westminster, said he was certain that Scots would demand a fresh independence referendum if the UK was forced out of the EU against the will of Scotland. He also warned against using so-called project fear tactics, which the SNP claims were used against it in the 2014 independence referendum. Mr Cameron insisted he would make a positive case for remaining in the EU and insisted the vote was one for the whole of the UK. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Junior doctors are furious after updated "example" rotas showed them working as many as three consecutive weekends - despite politicians promising "no doctor will be ever be expected to work two weekends in a row". Medics vented their frustration following the release of rotas by NHS Employers - the umbrella organisation representing all healthcare trusts - which only guarantee they will not work more than half the weekends in a 15-week period. Many of them suggested on Twitter that the new rotas show NHS chiefs are out of touch with what it is like to work in the health service: Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt originally said "no doctor will ever be rostered on consecutive weekends" during his speech in Parliament to announce he would "unilaterally" impose the contract on junior doctors after talks with the British Medical Association broke down. In a statement on their website they said "no doctor will be expected to work consecutive weekends without their agreement" but an updated FAQ said instead doctors will not be forced to work more than half of weekends over a 15-week period (a ratio of 1:2). Instead NHS Employers said they would issue "good practice guidance" asking trusts to avoid scheduling junior doctors to work consecutive weekends. In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK 20,000 Junior Doctors marched through central London in protest at the new contract changes the government is trying to impose which they say will be unfair and unsafe In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Junior doctors protest in London In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK 4 year old Cassius takes part in a demonstration in Westminster, in support of junior doctors over changes to NHS contracts, London In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Protest over proposed changes to junior doctors' contracts, Leeds In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Junior doctors and NHS staff protesting against the health service cuts and the proposed contract changes offered by the government outside Parliament In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Junior doctors and NHS staff protesting against the health service cuts and the proposed contract changes offered by the government outside Parliament In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Over 5000 junior doctors rallied in Waterloo place, before marching through Whitehall and onto Parliament Square, in opposition to Jeremy Hunt's new working conditions for doctors In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Demonstrators listen to speeches in Waterloo Place during the 'Let's Save the NHS' rally and protest march by junior doctors In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Junior doctors marched in London to highlight their plight In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK A protester at a demonstration in support of junior doctors in London On Friday, Health Minister Ben Gummer wrote a guest blog for Mumsnet saying the new contracts were "a better deal for doctors as well as safer for patients". He said: "The new contract will make it easier for hospitals to make sure there are enough doctors at weekends and will also protect doctors from working two weekends in a row, or even more hours than they do at the moment. "No doctor will be ever be expected to work two weekends in a row. We hope this will improve work-life balance - an issue we take very seriously." The sample rota for an ITU (intensive threapy unit) shows doctors working three weekends in a row (NHS Employers) But Dr Mohsin Khan, a 28-year-old junior doctor working in London, told The Independent: "When the first rota came out last week I asked NHS Employers several times to clarify whether their rules or the minister's' words were incorrect, as they contradicted. "They updated their rota over the weekend without explaining why it still didn't match the rules set out by ministers. The update now just said the rota was essentially one weekend in every two. "NHS Employers may think no consecutive weekends is the same as a max average number of weekends going to the umpteenth decimal point - but tell that to your child if you don't see them for 3 weekends in a row because you're doing 13 hours shifts weekend after weekend." Department of Health officials argue the rotas are illustrative, not indicative. They insist no junior doctor will be made to work consecutive weekends, but that they will be allowed to if they wish. A spokesperson said: The Secretary of State has been clear that under the new contract no junior doctor will be forced to work consecutive weekends - although he accepts the BMA argument that if doctors choose to work consecutive weekends, perhaps to allow them to take more time off subsequently, the new contract should not prevent this. "This means doctors get the best of both worlds - a brake on being forced to work successive weekends combined with greater flexibility if they wish to improve work-life balance. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Parts of the NHS might have to be privatised if the controversial TTIP trade deal between the European Union and the United States is signed, according to a legal expert. The advice, which was commissioned by the Unite Union, was drawn up by Michael Bowsher QC, a former chair of the Bar Councils EU law committee, the Guardian reported. The Government has also received legal advice on the issue but has refused to publish it despite freedom of information requests. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) could become an issue in Junes EU referendum, particularly among left-wing voters. Recommended Read more Corporate tax avoidance in the UK may be about to get even worse Mr Bowsher said TTIP, which is expected to be finalised this year, might force the NHS to contract out some services to private firms. It would also make it difficult to hand back contracts to the NHS. The lawyer, in a report to be published on Monday, concluded there was a real and serious risk that the Government would not be able to make key decisions about the NHS because ministers would be constrained by the trade deal. The solution, he said, was for the NHS to be excluded from the agreement, by way of a blanket exception contained within the main text of TTIP . Gail Cartmail, Unites assistant general secretary, told the Guardian: The UK government has no right to allow EU bureaucrats to negotiate away our ability to control the future of our NHS. David Cameron has the power to exclude the NHS from the trade deal he must act and prevent the irreversible sale of our NHS. However the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, which is leading on the TTIP negotiations, said: The NHS is under no threat whatsoever from the TTIP deal or any other trade and investment agreement. It cannot force the UK to privatise public services or prevent it from regulating in the public interest and any suggestion to the contrary is both irresponsible and false. It will remain up to the UK government and devolved administrations to decide how to run publicly funded health services, including whether private companies should be involved. Where a service has previously been provided by a private provider, this is not irreversible. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A plan to release a colony of rattlesnakes on an empty island in a Massachusetts reservoir has prompted fears the deadly snakes will breed like rabbits and kill everybody. Only 200 of the endangered reptiles are left in the state, and there are concerns that loss of habitat and deaths caused by humans could cause the species to go extinct. In order to prevent this, authorities plan to release a colony of the snakes on an island named Mount Zion in the Quabbin reservoir, the states largest body of water. Public concern comes from the fact that the rattlesnakes are able to swim, and the island is connected to the mainland by two causeways. Tom French of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, the director of the project, said he had received many concerned phone calls and emails. People are afraid that were going to put snakes in a place of public use and that they are going to breed like rabbits and spread over the countryside and kill everybody, he told Fox News. Mr French said the concerns were unfounded and that rattlesnakes will not attack unless provoked. He claims there have been no rattlesnake bite incidents in his 32 years of working with the wildlife agency and that the last death from a rattlesnake bite was in colonial times. A number of the snakes will be raised in Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, before being put on the island in about two years when they have matured enough to survive on their own. He said that on Mount Zion, the rattlesnakes will be free from human interference and will have plenty of chipmunks and mice to eat. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Relatives of some of the 26 adults and children killed in the Sandy Hook massacre have asked a judge to hold responsible the maker of the military assault used in the attack. In a case that could have huge ramifications, a lawsuit brought by the families of ten of those who were killed at a Connecticut primary school in December 2012, has claimed that Remington Outdoor Co, maker of the AR-15 assault weapon, made and sold a military-style weapon without regard for the unreasonable and egregious risk of physical injury to others. The lawsuit also names the firm that distributed the weapon, and the local gun shop which sold it to the mother of Adam Lanza. The lawsuit claims the AR-15 assault rifle has no legitimate civilian use (Wikipedia) Lanza killed his mother before launching his assault on the school in the villlage of Newtown, killing 20 children aged between 6 and 7. Six teachers were also killed, before Lanza shot himself in the head. A judge in Connecticut is on Monday hearing evidence from lawyers for the family members, and from the companies named in the 2014 lawsuit. The AR-15 was designed as a military weapon. Born out of the exigencies of combat, the AR-15 was engineered to deliver maximum carnage with extreme efficiency, says the lawsuit of the families. The AR-15 proved to be very good at its job. It has endured as the US Armys standard-issue rifle and has more recently become a valuable law enforcement weapon. The lawsuit adds that the weapon has little utility for legitimate civilian use. It says that its size and firepower mean it is a liability for home defence. Adam Lanza, 20, killed 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School. He first killed his mother before taking her guns and driving to the school. He killed 20 children in the first grade along with six adults before killing himself. (Getty) But there is one civilian activity in which the AR-15 reigns supreme: mass shootings, it adds. Time and time again, mentally unstable individuals and criminals have acquired an AR-15 with ease and they have unleashed the rifles lethal power onto our streets, our malls, our places of worship and our schools. Representatives from Remington, the distributor Camfour Inc, and the East Windsor gun shop that sold the rifle to Nancy Lanza, are are scheduled to appear in the Bridgeport courtroom, where the arguments will be heard by Superior Judge Barbara Bellis. They are expected to argue that the lawsuit is thwarted by the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. The 2005 federal law protects gun makers from lawsuits attempting to hold them responsible for crimes committed with their products, the Associated Press reported. The victims lawyers claim the lawsuit appears to be the first of its kind against a manufacturer to claim that exception. Nicole Hockley, the mother of six-year-old Sandy Hook victim Dylan Hockley, said gun companies must be held accountable for marketing and selling the AR-15, a killing machine designed only for military use, to violence-prone young men. No lawsuit will ever bring Dylan back to our family, Mrs Hockley told reporters. No lawsuit will ever bring back any of the 26 innocent lives that were stolen or bring peace to the families that will never recover from this. She added: Were bringing this lawsuit to save other families from having to live with the nightmare that we do every single day. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The sister of a Muslim student killed in North Carolina last year has challenged Donald Trump to meet with her after the Republican presidential candidate made admiring comments about executing Islamic terrorists with "bullets coated in pig blood". Suzanne Barakat, 28, is the sister of Deah Barakat, who was fatally shot alongside his wife, Yusor Abu-Salha, 21, and her sister, Razan Abu-Salha, 19, a little more than a year ago. The couple had been married two months earlier and both were students at the school of dentistry at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Razan was a second-year student at North Carolina State University. Their neighbour, Craig Hicks, turned himself in to police later that day and has been charged with three counts of murder. Investigators are determining whether it was a hate crime, though his wife has said that the attack began over a parking dispute. Campaigning ahead of the South Carolina primary last Saturday, Mr Trump illustrated his belief in the importance of being tough on terror with a war story about Gen John Pershing. In his recounting, which has not been historically verified, Pershing once captured 50 militants and had his soldiers kill 49 of them with bullets dipped in pigs blood. This is something you can read in the history books, Mr. Trump said. Not a lot of history books, because they dont like teaching it. Donald Trump easily won the South Carolina primary (Getty) After hearing his comments, Ms Barakat issued her invitation on Twitter on Sunday night. She asked Mr Trump to meet me in person and tell me my brother, Yusor & Razan were deserving of the bullets. Trump speaks as if he is the authority on American Muslims, she told the New York Times. Well, if you mean it then call me up and meet with me and lets have a chat. Trump vs. Pope beef Mr Trump, who easily won the South Carolina Republican primary, has not yet responded to Ms Barakats request. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} On the frontline in Brazils fight against Zika, widespread failures to diagnose the virus and under-reporting of suspected cases are triggering claims of deliberate attempts to downplay its spread. Doctors, nurses and patients in north-eastern state Pernambuco, the area worst affected by Zika in Brazil, claim that ahead of this summers Olympics, authorities are failing to test for the virus on a vast scale. At best, experts say, health authorities are failing to register thousands of potential cases because they are overwhelmed by the crisis. But some suggest there has been a widespread, even deliberate, failure to diagnose Zika in the worst affected country. Experts claim this incomplete diagnosis process has led to fewer confirmed patients. Health authorities in Pernambuco admit that extensive testing is not done on all cases, pointing out that in an epidemic, doctors must give priority to pregnant women and children, because of the links to the birth defect microcephaly. Last year, the city of Recife in Pernambuco experienced around a third of Brazils reported cases of microcephaly. In nearby Olinda, exterminators said there has been a significant increase in people with symptoms of Zika or chikungunya, a similar virus spread by the same mosquito, in the last six months. Paula Elane, 35, a statistician for the Brazilian environmental health organisation, Ceval, which is responsible for spraying the streets with mosquito repellent, said that the teams 10-strong extermination team find around 100 cases every day in Olinda. Since the outbreak began, Brazil estimates that there have been between 500,000 and 1.5 million, but admits it has been forced to stop counting due to the size of the epidemic. Ms Elane also claims that, despite the rapid spread of the virus, there has been no rise in assistance from the government of President Dilma Rousseff, despite her pledges to fight the outbreak. She said: I believe the government has tried to cover this situation up as there is a lot at stake this year. We have municipal elections and the fact that carnival and the Olympics will bring in such a large amount of money to the country has caused them to downplay the situation. The Zika virus - in pictures Show all 5 1 /5 The Zika virus - in pictures The Zika virus - in pictures A three-month-old, who has microcephaly, in Recife, Brazil. A rise in microcephaly cases is thought to have been caused by the spread of the Zika virus in affected countries Getty Images The Zika virus - in pictures A mother holds her baby who has microcephaly Getty Images The Zika virus - in pictures A five-month-old baby, who has microcephaly, in Recife, Brazil Getty Images The Zika virus - in pictures A pediatric infectologist examines a two-month-old baby, who has microcephaly, in Recife, Brazil Getty Images The Zika virus - in pictures A baby affected with microcephaly The Zika outbreak is not the first time the Brazilian government has faced criticism for its failure to respond. Arthur Chioro, a doctor trained in the field of public health, was removed from the Ministry of Health last September when the dengue epidemic, also caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, was raging. Ms Rouseff handed over control to career politician Marcelo Castro. Mr Castro has incurred widespread scorn for his reaction to Zika, issuing statements including one saying he hoped women protect themselves less than men from mosquitoes because they expose their legs. The people of this area are pulling together and working in a charitable sense for one another, Ms Elane told The Independent. We have not received any monetary or logistical support, but we are constantly being pushed to increase our workload. In the 12 years I have worked at the agency, I have never seen anything like this. Zika is thought to be behind a spike in cases of micro-encephalitis - an inflammation of the brain contracted in the first months of pregnancy - which can stunt the growth of the foetus's head (Getty) She claims health workers are failing to fully diagnose Zika as part of an effort to keep down official numbers. Many, like Ms Elane was when she displayed feverish symptoms, are not given anofficial diagnosis. She was told it was likely to be chikunguya and given pills for her headaches. The only thing the hospital gave me was a certificate to take three days off work, she said. Ana Lucia Hilario, a postgraduate professor in epidemiology at the Recife University, says the government cannot put in place appropriate measures to stop the outbreak if they are failing to accurately diagnose Zika. Education is key when aiming to prevent the spread of disease, she said. Meanwhile, a lack of investment in preventative measures has left people afraid, and the areas where the infection is rife are unprotected. Women are not leaving their houses as they are frightened of getting sick, Ms Hilario said. There isnt funding to provide homes with mosquito nets, therefore no one in the favelas has them. The government has deployed 220,000 troops to areas affected. But a few days after deployment in Olinda, soldiers were absent from the favelas and the town centre, the worst-hit areas. Gilda Seara, 37, a nurse at a public hospital in Olinda suspected she had Zika, but had to wait 15 days before the results of her test came through, despite doctors saying they would be ready in hours. Ms Seara estimates 40 per cent of the people in her street have had the same symptoms, which include high temperature, joint pain and inflammation and a rash. The government argues that, unable to cope with all cases, hospitals are giving priority to pregnant women. When asked why more extensive testing was not being done, the Pernambuco Ministry of Health admitted that during an epidemic definitive tests could not be carried out. It said: We are only doing definitive tests on pregnant ladies and babies with microcephaly. Dr Angela Rocha, 67, chief infectologist of Oswaldo Cruz Hospital in Recife, said that resources are not being put into sanitary improvement, which is the main reason this crisis is spreading. Adreana Scavuzzi, 42, a health co-ordinator at the Imip Hospital in Recife, said the government had not been quick enough to catch up with monitoring the disease. Each disease has a notification form associated with it in order to send and notify the government, but for Zika there was no such form as it is new to the continent. The first increase in cases came in August 2015, yet the platform was not put into place until December 2015. She says that no financial or logistical help has been given to the hospital by the government. The hospital had to organise its own task force. Without correct data capture how are we supposed to comprehend the severity of the situation and do anything to battle it? asks Ms Scavuzzi. There is no reason to think it is going to be just here in Recife; the outbreak could spoil the Olympic games. That is, said critics, part of the problem for the Brazilian government. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Hundreds of churches across America are defying the US government and offering support and sanctuary to immigrants who face deportation. Some of them have literally offered a resting space to people, aware that federal agents are unlikely to carry out arrests inside their premises. Against a backdrop of rising anti-immigrant rhetoric as the election campaign has gathered pace and a series of arrests of undocumented migrants by federal agents, the churches have spoken out against what they say are unChristian and inhumane attitudes. They say that families are getting torn apart, and in many cases parents being forced to make agonising decisions about whether or not to leave behind a child who was born in the US if they themselves are forcibly deported. Hilda and Ivan Ramirez have taken sanctuary at a church in Texas (NPR) We think it is our duty to show welcome and support to those in need, said Pastor Noel Anderson, a coordinator with the non-profit group Church World Service. These are all values that are passed on in our faith traditions. The so-called New Sanctuary campaign echoes the civil disobedience efforts led by US churches during the 1980s and 1990s, when Christian communities stepped in to provide help to thousands of Salvadorans and Guatemalans fleeing the violence of civil wars. Activists say that for all the efforts they have made on behalf on behalf of migrant rights, undocumented immigrants still face huge uncertainty and vulnerability. Earlier this year, it was announced that federal agents had begun arresting dozens of illegal immigrant families, many of whom had fled violence in central America. In January, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said 121 adults and children had been detained as part of a move to deport a new wave of illegal immigrants. The families taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were living in Georgia, Texas and North Carolina As I have said repeatedly, our borders are not open to illegal migration, Mr Johnson said in a statement. If you come here illegally, we will send you back consistent with our laws and values. For all the accusations levelled at Barack Obama by Republicans about being soft on immigration, since assuming office in 2009 the Democratic president has deported more than 2.5m people, an increase of 23 per cent from his successor George W Bush. Ravi Ragbir, an activist with New Yorks Judson Memorial Church Reports suggest that it is likely Mr Obama will be on schedule to deport more people than the 19 presidents who governed the United States from 1892-2000 combined. We call him the deporter-in-chief, said Ravi Ragbir, an activist with New Yorks Judson Memorial Church, an historic congregation located next to Washington Park Square. Sitting in his office in the offices of his 100-year-old church on the edge of Greenwich Village, Mr Ragbir estimated that since 2007, his team had worked with around 300 people who faced deportation. Many were from African countries and the Caribbean, while more recent immigrants were from central America. He said that only two people had ended up being forced to leave the country. The New Sanctuary movement is not just about providing a safe space, its about highlighting the problems and the policies, he said. He added: Martin Luther King once said that everything Hitler did was legal. That is, just because there are laws it does not mean they are moral. We are saying that if they are breaking up families, then its immoral. New Yorks Judson Memorial Church is one of hundreds across the country helping immigrants (Andrew Buncombe) Among the most recent churches to have joined the grass-roots effort was St Andrews Presbyterian in Austin, Texas. Earlier this month, the congregation took in Hilda and Ivan Ramirez, a Guatemalan mother and her nine-year-old son. Im really afraid that theyll deport me. Thats why I came here, Ms Ramirez told National Public Radio. I dont think immigration agents will break down the door and take me away. I feel safe here. The 28-year-old Mayan said she fled an abusive father-in-law, violent crime and a bleak economy 19 months ago. Last year, the government denied her and Ivans asylum requests. Ever since, she has feared an arrest by federal agents. They know where she is because she wears an electronic ankle monitor. The Rev Jim Rigby, pastor of St Andrews, said the church was searching for a lawyer who will request a stay for the mother and son from the Board of Immigration Appeals. It is unclear how long that will take. Speaking from Austin, Mr Rigby told The Independent the situation facing many individuals who had lost their deportation battles was a tragic. Protesters in California demonstrate over ICE raids (Reuters) I feel so better being able to do something. Even if something does happen now, its better than to have done nothing, he said. Mr Rigby said he believed politicians were targeting immigrants and ratcheting up their rhetoric in an effort to rally their supporters. Its unethical, its scapegoating, he added. The move by the churches in response to the raids by ICE agents mirrors the role for centuries of places of worship of all faiths as place of sanctuary. A 2011 memo from ICE stated that agents should avoid arresting anyone at churches, schools, hospitals and public demonstrations unless the person was a terror suspect or a dangerous criminal. Penned by former ICE head John Morton, the document said immigration authorities could to take into consideration factors such as whether an immigrant had a criminal background, was a parent to an American-born child or had sought education in the US. Mr Ragbir, the New York-based activist, said campaigners were motivated by both their faith and their humanitarian concerns. He said: How do you separate faith from your humanity? Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump, the billionaire bulldog with no ties to Washington and barely to his own party, thundered to a wide victory in the crucial South Carolina Republican primary, further confounding those who thought his braggadocio not to mention tangles with the Pope would undo him. With the last results coming in, Mr Trump appeared to have captured roughly a third of the vote, a good ten points ahead of his nearest rivals. There was a brawl going on for second place between senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, with the former seemingly inching ahead. Jeb Bush, the son and brother of former presidents who sagged into single digits, announced he was ending his candidacy, one that had started with great promise and the benefit of over $100 million in outside financing. It spelled the likely end of the Bush dynastys hold on the Republican establishment. Hilary Clinton needed Nevada to be her firewall against Mr Sanders On the other side of the country in Nevada, meanwhile, Hillary Clinton achieved a narrow, but critically important, victory over Senator Bernie Sanders in caucus voting, offering some reassurance to her supporters and donors that she has found a way to turn back his surprisingly potent challenge. While Mr Sanders made up great ground to come within five points of her, his campaign needed a win there. The continuing rise of Mr Trump may be pushing Democrats to resist the lure of Mr Sanders and stick with Ms Clinton with the thought if it comes to stopping him actually taking residence in the White House she may in the end be better equipped to do it than a democratic socialist from Vermont. This is your campaign, she told her supporters in Las Vegas. It is - it is a campaign to break down every barrier that holds you back. Were going to build ladders of opportunity in their place, so every American can go as far as your hard work can take you. She and Mr Sander meet next in the Democratic primary in South Carolina next Saturday. Back in South Carolina, it was unquestionably Mr Trumps night. When you win its beautiful, Mr Trump told his supporters repeating his pledge to build a wall on the US-Mexico border and make Mexico paid for it. He notably missed the opportunity to pay tribute to Mr Bush for his campaign. But behaving badly doesnt seem to harm him. Some in the party are wondering whether his grab for the party nomination can now be thwarted or if he has become unstoppable. History is on Mr Trumps side: no Republican who has won both New Hampshire and South Carolina did not go on to win the nomination. GOP candidates battle for survival in South Carolina With most of the results in, Mr Trump stood at 32.6 per cent while Mr Cruz and Mr Rubio had 22.4 per cent and 22.2 per cent. The radically conservative Mr Cruz may face a problem longer term. This was a state with a very large block of evangelicals which are his base - a full three quarters of voters described themselves as born-again evangelicals in exit polling and yet the gap with Mr Trump was wide. Mr Rubio, the Florida Senator, who had fared poorly in New Hampshire, had arguably more reason to celebrate. He had clearly been boosted by a big endorsement from the popular Governor of the state, Nikki Haley. He has attempted to distinguish himself as the candidate of a new generation of Republicans, stressing the new century and his youth. Anger meanwhile has clearly been a driver of the Trump train. Just over half of the Republican voters said they felt betrayed by their own party leaders, a stunning number. Speculation that the mogul had gone too far at times, attacking former President George W Bush over the Iraq War, and then calling Pope Francis disgraceful after he called his Christianity into question was not borne out. But he has also benefited from the crowded and fractured field beneath him, in particular with Mr Rubio, Ohio Governor John Kasich and until last night - Mr Bush all battling to emerge as the establishment alternative to him and Mr Cruz and thus dividing the anti-Trump forces. However, his ability to replicate tonights win in the states around the corner, including Nevada on Tuesday and 12 states voting on so-called Super Tuesday one week later will become trickier if the field continues to narrower. After tonight this has become a three-person race and we will win the nomination, Mr Rubio declared as the last results came in, disregarding Mr Kasich and also Dr Ben Carson who apparently was remaining in the race in spite of placing last in South Carolina. This country is ready for a new generation of conservatives to lead it into the 21st Century, Mr Rubio went on. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Children in Italy plan to crowdfund 3 million to buy an unspoilt island to keep it out of rich buyers' hands, La Stampa reports. The youngsters, from a middle school in Mosso, Piedmont, want every Italian child to donate 50 cents so they can buy the island which they would rename isola dei regazzi The Childrens Island. Budelli, currently known also as the Rose Island, is an uninhabited island in the Maddalena archipelago, between Sardinia and Corsica, famous for its pink sandy beaches, and is considered the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, the website reports. The children said: The message we want to convey is this: if all Italian school pupils donate 0.50 each we could raise the 3 million needed to win the next auction, which means this piece of heritage wont fall into the hands of a stranger. They have so far raised 75 from the towns 1,500 residents, which they said seems small, but its a first step. The island has been at the centre of political wranglings for several years, with New Zealand banker Michael Harte having paid 2.94 million for the island when it was auctioned in 2013. According to La Stampa, the business tycoon had initially drawn up conservation plans for the island, but local politicians opposed them and wanted to bring the island back under state control following the previous owners bankruptcy. Boys from Mossa school (Non si s-Budelli lItalia/ Facebook) Although the Kiwi businessman eventually won custody of the island, the New Zealand Herald reports he has since given up on the project, with his lawyer citing persistent opposition as the reason. The children got the idea for the project after they read the news about Mr Harte in Sundays La Stampa, and had a discussion about what might happen to the island in class. Francesco Grillo, a student at the school, told the paper: We read about the businessman trying to buy it and at the point we thought we could make the dream of maintaining it in public hands a reality. They have since launched the campaign, called Non si s-Budelli lItalia, on Facebook. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Bombings claimed by Isis in the Syrian cities of Damascus and Homs killed nearly 130 people on Sunday, highlighting the threat posed by the extremists as the country's warring factions fight for the northern city of Aleppo and world powers chase an elusive cease-fire. The blasts came as Secretary of State John Kerry said that a provisional agreement has been reached on a cessation of hostilities that could begin in the next few days. But he acknowledged that it's not finalized and all parties might not automatically comply. A series of blasts ripped through the Sayyida Zeinab suburb of Damascus, killing at least 83 people and wounding more than 170, the official SANA news agency said. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on local Syrian activists, said the blasts killed 62. SANA said the bombs went off near schools during the afternoon rush hour. The neighbourhood is home to one of Shiite Islam's holiest shrines, which his heavily guarded by Lebanon's Hezbollah movement and other Shiite militiamen from Iraq and elsewhere. Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV said the blasts were caused by a car bomb and two suicide bombers. At least 30 people were killed in a series of attacks, including a car bombing, near a Shiite shrine south of Damascus (AFP/Getty Images) The bombings in the central city of Homs killed at least 46 people and wounded dozens, according to Syria's Foreign Ministry. The Observatory said 57 people, including 11 women, were killed by two car bombs set off in a mostly Alawite neighborhood. Syrian President Bashar Assad hails from the Alawite minority, an offshoot of Shiite Islam. Syrian TV footage from Homs showed streets filled with debris and mangled cars, and the charred body of a man being taken away on a stretcher. Footage from Sayyida Zeinab showing people running in narrow streets as others carried the wounded, including several children. He's alive, he's alive, a man shouted as he tried to administer CPR to an unconscious man. The TV later called on citizens to donate blood. The Islamic State group claimed both attacks. The extremists are dug in on the outskirts of the two cities and have repeatedly targeted Shiites, who they view as apostates deserving of death. The deadly blasts may strengthen the government's argument that it should press ahead with a major offensive in the north of the country, where troops backed by Russian airstrikes are close to sealing off Aleppo, once Syria's largest city and commercial hub. Syrian insurgents, including Western-backed rebels, seized several neighborhoods in 2012. The heavy fighting near Aleppo led to collapse of peace talks earlier this month. World powers later agreed on a cessation of hostilities to begin within a week, but the deadline passed with no letup in the fighting. Kerry has since reached out to his Russian counterpart, and during a visit to Jordan on Sunday, said they had struck a provisional agreement and must now reach out to the opposing sides on the ground. Russia is a key ally of Assad's government, while the U.S. backs some of the rebels fighting to overthrow him. Kerry declined to go into the details of the agreement, saying it is not yet done. The modalities for a cessation of hostilities are now being completed, Kerry said, adding that it was possible over the course of these next hours. Assad meanwhile said his government was ready to take part in a truce as long as it is not used by militants to reinforce their positions. We announced that we're ready, Assad told Spain's El Pais newspaper in remarks published Sunday. It's about preventing other countries, especially Turkey, from sending more recruits, more terrorists, more armaments, or any kind of logistical support to those terrorists, Assad said in English in the interview, which was also carried by state news agency SANA. In pictures: The rise of Isis Show all 74 1 /74 In pictures: The rise of Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters of the Islamic State wave the group's flag from a damaged display of a government fighter jet following the battle for the Tabqa air base, in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from Islamic State group sit on their tank during a parade in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from the Islamic State group pray at the Tabqa air base after capturing it from the Syrian government in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from extremist Islamic State group parade in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping A video uploaded to social networks shows men in underwear being marched barefoot along a desert road before being allegedly executed by Isis Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping Haruna Yukawa after his capture by Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping Khalinda Sharaf Ajour, a Yazidi, says two of her daughters were captured by Isis militants Washington Post In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Spokesperson for Isis Vice News via Youtube In pictures: The rise of Isis A pro-Isis leaflet A pro-Isis leaflet handed out on Oxford Street In London Ghaffar Hussain In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Isis Jihadists burn their passports In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid A man collecting aid administered by Isis in Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid A woman collecting aid administered by Isis in Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid Local civilians queue for aid administered by Isis. Since it declared a caliphate the group has increasingly been delivering services such as healthcare, and distributing aid and free fuel In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces detain men suspected of being militants of the Isis group in Diyala province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Mourners carry the coffin of a Shi'ite volunteer from the brigades of peace, who joined the Iraqi army and was killed during clashes with militants of the Isis group in Samarra, during his funeral in Najaf In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi Shiite Turkmen family fleeing the violence in the Iraqi city of Tal Afar, west of Mosul, arrives at a refugee camp on the outskirts of Arbil, in Iraq's Kurdistan region In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi A photograph made from a video by the jihadist affiliated group Furqan Media via their twitter account allegedly showing Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi delivering a sermon during Friday prayers at a mosque in Mosul. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared an Islamist caliphate in the territory under the group's control in Iraq and Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq Shiite's Al-Qubba Husseiniya mosque explodes in Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq Smoke and debris go up in the air as Shiite's Al-Qubba Husseiniya mosque explodes in Mosul. Images posted online show that Islamic extremists have destroyed at least 10 ancient shrines and Shiite mosques in territory - the city of Mosul and the town of Tal Afar - they have seized in northern Iraq in recent weeks In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq A bulldozer destroys Sunni's Ahmed al-Rifai shrine and tomb in Mahlabiya district outside of Tal Afar In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces celebrate after clashes with followers of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi, in front of his home in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi at his home after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis A vehicle burns in front of a home of a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi woman holds her exhausted son as over 1000 Iraqis who have fled fighting in and around the city of Mosul and Tal Afar wait at a Kurdish checkpoint in the hopes of entering a temporary displacement camp in Khazair In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees Displaced Iraqi women hold pots as they queue to receive food during the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, at an encampment for displaced Iraqis who fled from Mosul and other towns, in the Khazer area outside Irbil, north Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria A militant Islamist fighter waving a flag, cheers as he takes part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa. The fighters held the parade to celebrate their declaration of an Islamic "caliphate" after the group captured territory in neighbouring Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters wave flags as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province Reuters In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters travel in a vehicle as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Fighters from the Isis group during a parade with a missile in Raqqa, Syria. Militants from an al-Qaida splinter group held a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria, displaying U.S.-made Humvees, heavy machine guns, and missiles captured from the Iraqi army for the first time since taking over large parts of the Iraq-Syria border In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters during a parade in Raqqa, Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Fighters from the Isis group during a parade in Raqqa, Syria. Militants from the splinter group held a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria, displaying U.S.-made Humvees, heavy machine guns, and missiles captured from the Iraqi army for the first time since taking over large parts of the Iraq-Syria border In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters hold a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters during a parade in Raqqa, Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria A member loyal to the Isis waves an Isis flag in Raqqa In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi anti-government gunmen from Sunni tribes in the western Anbar province march during a protest in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. The United Nations warned that Iraq is at a "crossroads" and appealed for restraint, as a bloody four-day wave of violence killed 195 people. The violence is the deadliest so far linked to demonstrations that broke out in Sunni areas of the Shiite-majority country more than four months ago, raising fears of a return to all-out sectarian conflict In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces hold up a flag of the Isis group they captured during an operation to regain control of Dallah Abbas north of Baqouba, the capital of Iraq's Diyala province, 35 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq Isis fighters parade in the northern city of Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Volunteers, who have joined the Iraqi army to fight against the predominantly Sunni militants from the radical Isis group, demonstrate their skills during a graduation ceremony after completing their field training in Najaf In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Kurdish Peshmerga troops fire a cannon during clashes with militants of the Isis group in Jalawla, Diyala province In pictures: The rise of Isis Lieutenant General Qassem Atta speaks during a press conference Iraqi Prime Minister's security spokesman, Lieutenant General Qassem Atta speaks during a press conference about the latest military development in Iraq, in the capital Baghdad. Iraqi forces pressed a campaign to retake militant-held Tikrit, clashing with jihadist-led Sunni militants nearby and pounding positions inside the city with air strikes in their biggest counter-offensive so far In pictures: The rise of Isis A police station building destroyed by Isis fighters An exterior view of a police station building destroyed by gunmen in Mosul city, northern Iraq. Iraq's new parliament is expected to convene to start the process of setting up a new government, despite deepening political rifts and an ongoing Islamist-led insurgency. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani issued a decree inviting the new House of Representatives to meet and form a new government In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq Smoke billows from an area controlled by the Isis between the Iraqi towns of Naojul and Tuz Khurmatu, both located north of the capital Baghdad, as Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces take part in an operation to repel the Sunni militants In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An elderly Iraqi woman is helped into a temporary displacement camp for Iraqis caught-up in the fighting in and around the city of Mosul in Khazair In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi Christian woman fleeing the violence in the village of Qaraqush, about 30 kms east of the northern province of Nineveh, cries upon her arrival at a community center in the Kurdish city of Arbil in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi woman, who fled with her family from the northern city of Mosul, prays with a copy of the Quran AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq The body of an Isis militant killed during clashes with Iraqi security forces on the outskirts of the city of Samarra Reuters In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi civilians inspect the damage at a market after an air strike by the Iraqi army in central Mosul EPA In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Members of the Al-Abbas brigades, who volunteered to protect the Shiite Muslim holy sites in Karbala against Sunni militants fighting the Baghdad government, parade in the streets of the city AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Shia tribesmen gather in Baghdad to take up arms against Sunni insurgents marching on the capital. Thousands have volunteered to bolster defences AFP/Getty In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis A van carrying volunteers joining Iraqi security forces against Jihadist militants. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced the Iraqi government would arm and equip civilians who volunteered to fight AFP/Getty In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters of the Isis group parade in a commandeered Iraqi security forces armored vehicle down a main road at the northern city of Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq An Islamist fighter, identified as Abu Muthanna al-Yemeni from Britain (R), speaks in this still image taken undated video shot at an unknown location and uploaded to a social media website. Five Islamist fighters identified as Australian and British nationals have called on Muslims to join the wars in Syria and Iraq, in the new video released by the Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Al-Qaida inspired militants stand with captured Iraqi Army Humvee at a checkpoint belonging to Iraqi Army outside Beiji refinery some 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Baghdad. The fighting at Beiji comes as Iraq has asked the U.S. for airstrikes targeting the militants from the Isis group. While U.S. President Barack Obama has not fully ruled out the possibility of launching airstrikes, such action is not imminent in part because intelligence agencies have been unable to identify clear targets on the ground, officials said In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants attacked Iraq's main oil refinein Baiji as they pressed an offensive that has seen them capture swathes of territory, a manager and a refinery employee said In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants from the Isis group parading with their weapons in the northern city of Baiji in the in Salaheddin province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq A smoke rises after an attack by Isis militants on the country's largest oil refinery in Beiji, some 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of the capital, Baghdad. Iraqi security forces battled insurgents targeting the country's main oil refinery and said they regained partial control of a city near the Syrian border, trying to blunt an offensive by Sunni militants who diplomats fear may have also seized some 100 foreign workers In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group stand next to captured vehicles left behind by Iraqi security forces at an unknown location in the Salaheddin province. For militant groups, the fight over public perception can be even more important than actual combat, turning military losses into propaganda victories and battlefield successes into powerful tools to build support for the cause In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq An injured fighter (C) from the Isis group after a battle with Iraqi soldiers at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis aiming at advancing Iraqi troops at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis group taking position at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis group inspecting vehicles of the Iraqi army after they were seized at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq One Iraqi captive, a corporal, is reluctant to say the slogan, and has to be shouted at repeatedly before he obeys Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Iraqi captives held by the extremists Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Iraqi captives held by the extremists Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group force captured Iraqi security forces members to the transport In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group transporting dozens of captured Iraqi security forces members to an unknown location in the Salaheddin province ahead of executing them In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq A major offensive spearheaded by Isis but also involving supporters of executed dictator Saddam Hussein has overrun all of one province and chunks of three others In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group executing dozens of captured Iraqi security forces members at an unknown location in the Salaheddin province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis militants taking position at a Iraqi border post on the Syrian-Iraqi border between the Iraqi Nineveh province and the Syrian town of Al-Hasakah In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis rebels show their flag after seizing an army post AFP/Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis militants waving an Islamist flag after the seizure of an Iraqi army checkpoint in Salahuddin Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Demonstrators chant slogans as they carry al-Qaida flags in front of the provincial government headquarters in Mosul, 225 miles (360 kilometers) northwest of Baghdad. In the week since it captured Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul, a Muslim extremist group has tried to win over residents and has stopped short of widely enforcing its strict brand of Islamic law, residents say. Churches remain unharmed and street cleaners are back at work Assad's government refers to all the armed groups battling to overthrow him as terrorists. Turkey and Saudi Arabia are among the leading supporters of the insurgents. Assad said the Aleppo operation is not about recapturing the city, but closing the roads between Turkey and between the terrorist groups. The United States, Russia and other world powers agreed February 12 on a deal calling for the ceasing of hostilities within a week, the delivery of urgently needed aid to besieged areas of Syria and a return to peace talks in Geneva. Aid shipments were allowed into several besieged areas last week. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he welcomed the latest provisional agreement and called on all regional powers to use the window of opportunity to exert their influence on the warring parties. In northern Syria, meanwhile, the Syrian army captured 31 villages on Sunday that were controlled by IS, according to the pro-Syrian Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen TV and Hezbollah's Al-Manar station. Both outlets often have reporters embedded with Syrian troops. AP For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Muslim countries have a responsibility to play a primary role in combating terrorism, a prominent Saudi Arabian prince has said. Prince Turki al-Faisal, an influential and outspoken member of the Saudi royal family, made his comments as the oil-rich kingdom hosts an 18-day military exercise with 20 members of a recently announced Islamic counterterrorism alliance. Speaking to reporters in Abu Dhabi, Prince Turki said: "I consider this a leading and commendable step that should have happened sooner and thank God it has taken place," "It's no secret, unfortunately, that in our world today the majority of terrorism-related acts, its victims are Muslim," he said. "Therefore, it is our responsibility as Muslim countries to play the primary role in fighting this disease that has impacted us all." The Prince, who headed Saudi Arabias General Intelligence Directorate for more than two decades until September 2001, added he has not seen any indication from Saudi leaders that if Saudi troops were deployed to Syria, they would also fight President Bashar al-Assads regime. "The world community has the capability, economic, political, military and otherwise, to put a stop to the killing," he said. "I think it is high time that people said enough is enough, but simply saying it is not going to do it. There has to be concrete action on the ground to put a stop to the killing." 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Show all 10 1 /10 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In October 2014, three lawyers, Dr Abdulrahman al-Subaihi, Bander al-Nogaithan and Abdulrahman al-Rumaih , were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for using Twitter to criticize the Ministry of Justice. AFP/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2015, Yemens Sunni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced into exile after a Shia-led insurgency. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition has responded with air strikes in order to reinstate Mr Hadi. It has since been accused of committing war crimes in the country. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Women who supported the Women2Drive campaign, launched in 2011 to challenge the ban on women driving vehicles, faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities. The government warned that women drivers would face arrest. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Members of the Kingdoms Shia minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses All public gatherings are prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as inciting people against the authorities. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2014, the Interior Ministry stated that authorities had deported over 370,000 foreign migrants and that 18,000 others were in detention. Thousands of workers were returned to Somalia and other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses, with large numbers also returned to Yemen, in order to open more jobs to Saudi Arabians. Many migrants reported that prior to their deportation they had been packed into overcrowded makeshift detention facilities where they received little food and water and were abused by guards. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organisations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact Amnesty. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison for using his liberal blog to criticise Saudi Arabias clerics. He has already received 50 lashes, which have reportedly left him in poor health. Carsten Koall/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Dawood al-Marhoon was arrested aged 17 for participating in an anti-government protest. After refusing to spy on his fellow protestors, he was tortured and forced to sign a blank document that would later contain his confession. At Dawoods trial, the prosecution requested death by crucifixion while refusing him a lawyer. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in 2012 aged either 16 or 17 for participating in protests during the Arab spring. His sentence includes beheading and crucifixion. The international community has spoken out against the punishment and has called on Saudi Arabia to stop. He is the nephew of a prominent government dissident. Getty Notably missing from the alliance of Muslim-majority countries which includes Pakistan, Sudan, Jordan and neighbouring Gulf states is Iran. Tensions between the kingdom and Iran have strained even further following the execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, which triggered protests in Iran and the ransacking of the Saudi Embassy there. This led to the two counties severing both diplomatic and trade ties. Prince Turki said "the ball is in the Iranian court" when it comes to any hope of improving ties. "The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expressed publicly that Iran's interference in the affairs of Arab states is a situation that is unacceptable," he said. Associated Press For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} This is the untold story of the three-and-a-half-year siege of two small Shia Muslim villages in northern Syria. Although their recapture by the Syrian army and by Iranian Revolutionary Guards and Iraqi Shia militias caught headlines for a few hours three weeks ago, the world paid no heed to the suffering of these people, their 1,000 martyrs, at least half of them civilians, and the 100 children who died of shellfire and starvation. For these were villages that remained loyal to the Syrian regime and paid the price and were thus unworthy of our attention, which remained largely fixed on those civilians suffering under siege by government forces elsewhere. Nubl and Zahra should be an 18-minute drive off the motorway north-east of Aleppo but the wars front lines in the sharp-winded north of Syria have cut so deeply into the landscape that to avoid the men of the Jabhat al-Nusra and Isis, you have to drive for two hours along fields and broken country roads and through villages smashed and groined by the Syrian offensive. Syrian and Iranian flags now hang from telegraph poles outside the damaged village mosques, a powerful symbol of an alliance that brought these peoples years of pain to an end. Among them were at least 100 Sunni Muslim families perhaps 500 souls who, way back in 2012 chose to take refuge with their Shia countrymen rather than live under the rules of the Islamists. The police commander, Rakan Wanous, kept meticulous records of the siege and deaths in Nubl and Zahra and recorded, with obviously bitter memories, the threatening phone calls he took from the Nusra forces surrounding his two villages. Wanous was also officially in charge of many other towns that had fallen to Nusra. Yes, he said bleakly, the calls came from the neighbouring Sunni village of Mayer. Once, they told me they were going to come and slaughter us and slaughter me and I told them: Well, lets wait until you get here and see. On another occasion, they threatened to shower us with chemical weapons. Syrian volunteers aged 50 to 70 in the northern towns of Nubl and Zahra are fighting against forces opposing the Syrian regime (Getty) Wanous was deeply upset in recalling this. Had some of the calls came from people he knew personally? I asked. Yes, he said. The ones who threatened me often were from my own police force. They came from my own policemen of course, they had my mobile number. Some calls came from sons of my own friends. Of Wanouss 15man police force, five stayed loyal to him. The other 10 defected to Nusra. From the start, Nubl and Zahra were defended by their own pro-regime militiamen, a force perhaps 5,000-strong who were armed with rifles, rocket launchers and a few mortars. Up to 25,000 of the original 100,000 civilian inhabitants managed to flee to Turkey in the early days of the fighting. The rest were trapped in their homes and in the narrow, shell-blasted streets. We reached a period after a year when we were in despair, one of the local civil administrators, Ali Balwi, said. We never expected this to end. Many of the civilians died because their wounds could not be cared for. We ran out of petrol early on. They cut off all electricity. Drone video shows levels of devastation in Homs, Syria The villages sole link with the outside world was the mobile phone system that operated throughout the siege so that civilians and militiamen could keep in touch with families and friends in Aleppo. Mohamed Nassif, a 61-year old civil servant, recalled how he had, in desperation, called the UN in New York to plead for help and humanitarian aid for the villages. I spoke to someone he was a Palestinian lawyer at the UN Human Rights office in New York and I asked if there was any way the UN could lift this siege and help us. I asked for humanitarian aid. But they did nothing. I did not hear back from them. When the siege began, Wanous said, the Syrian government resupplied the villagers with food, bread, flour and medicine. The helicopters also dropped ammunition. There were three or four flights every day during the first year. Then at about five oclock, at dawn, on 30 June 2013, a helicopter came to us with some returning villagers from Aleppo and a staff of seven teachers for our schools who were to hold the school exams here, Wanous said. Someone in Mayer fired a rocket at the helicopter and the pilot managed to steer it away from the village and it crashed on the hillside outside in a big explosion. There were 17 on board, including the pilot and extra crewman. Everyone died. The bodies were in bits and all were burnt. That was the last helicopter to fly to us. The wreckage of the helicopter still lies on the hillside. But there were Syrian Kurdish villages to the north of Nubl and Zahra and Kurdish fighters from Afrin tried to open a road to the besieged Shia; yet Nusra managed to block them. So the Kurds smuggled food to their Syrian compatriots by night. There are differing accounts of what happened next. Some in the village admitted that food prices became so high that poor people could not afford to eat. The authorities say that at least 50 civilians died of hunger. Fatima Abdullah Younis described how she could not find medicine for her sick mother or for two wounded cousins who could not be cared for and died of their injuries. Gods help was great for us and so we were patient, she said. But we suffered a lot and paid a heavy price in the blood of our martyrs. During the siege, Ms Younis learned that her nephew, Mohamed Abdullah, had been killed in Aleppo. She and her husband have lost 38 members of their two families in the war. But the war around Nubl and Zahra is far from over. I drove along the route from Bashkoi, which the Syrian and Iranian forces took to reach the villages, and found every house, mosque and farm destroyed, the fields ploughed over, olive trees shredded by the roadside. Big Russian-made tanks and trucks carrying anti-aircraft guns blocked some of the roads driven in one case by Iraqi Shia militiamen with Kerbala written on their vehicle and just to the east of one laneway a Syrian helicopter appeared out of the clouds and dropped a bomb on the Nusra lines half a mile away with a thunderous explosion and a massive cloud of brown smoke. Ramparts of dark, fresh earth have been erected alongside many roads because snipers from Nusra and Isis still shoot at soldiers and civilians driving out to Aleppo. In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Show all 19 1 /19 In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrian boys cry following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian defense ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov speaks to the media in Moscow, Russia. Konashenkov strongly warned the United States against striking Syrian government forces and issued a thinly-veiled threat to use Russian air defense assets to protect them AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrians wait to receive treatment at a hospital following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Alepp Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov speaks at a briefing in the Defense Ministry in Moscow, Russia. Antonov said the Russian air strikes in Syria have killed about 35,000 militants, including about 2,700 residents of Russia AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Jameel Mustafa Habboush, receives oxygen from civil defence volunteers, known as the white helmets, as they rescue him from under the rubble of a building following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civil defence members rest amidst rubble in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A girl carrying a baby inspects damage in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members look for survivors at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members carry an injured woman on a stretcher at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Volunteers from Syria Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, help civilians after Russia carried out its first airstrikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria The aftermath of Russian airstrike in Talbiseh, Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Smoke billows from buildings in Talbiseh, in Homs province, western Syria, after airstrikes by Russian warplanes AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Air Forces carry out an air strike in the ISIS controlled Al-Raqqah Governorate. Russia's KAB-500s bombs completely destroy the Liwa al-Haqq command unit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia claimed it hit eight Isis targets, including a "terrorist HQ and co-ordination centre" that was completely destroyed In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A video grab taken from the footage made available on the Russian Defence Ministry's official website, purporting to show an airstrike in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A release from the Russian defence ministry purportedly showing targets in Syria being hit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia launched air strikes in war-torn Syria, its first military engagement outside the former Soviet Union since the occupation of Afghanistan in 1979. Russian warplanes carried out strikes in three Syrian provinces along with regime aircraft as Putin seeks to steal US President Barack Obama's thunder by pushing a rival plan to defeat Isis militants in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria, a thousand kilometres away. The targets include ammunition factories, ammunition and fuel depots, command centres, and training camps A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis There seemed no animosity towards the Iranians whose battledress is a lighter shade of camouflage than the Syrians and whose weapons and sniper rifles seem in many cases newer and more sophisticated that the old Syrian military Kalashnikovs and you had to talk to the families in Nubl and Zahra to understand why. Many of them had visited the great Iranian shrines in Najaf and Kerbala and several women, including Fatima Younis, had sent their daughters to Tehran University. One of her daughters had like other young women from the villages married an Iranian. One of my daughters studied English literature, the other Arabic literature. My Iranian son-in-law is a doctor, Younis said. So, of course, when the Iranians arrived with the Syrians, they were greeted not as strangers but as the countrymen of the villagers own brothers-in-law. The foreign forces came to us because they felt our suffering, Younis said. We appreciated their sacrifices. We are proud of them for helping us. But we are Syrian and we have loyalty for our country. We knew that God would help us. But what of their Sunni neighbours? One old woman holding a grandchild in her arms said it would be very difficult to forgive them, but her younger companion was more generous. Before the attacks, we were like one family, she said. We didnt expect we would ever have a problem in the future. But we are simple people and we can forgive everybody. A poster in Nubl featuring Vladimir Putin, Bashar al-Assad and the Hezbollah leader Sayed Hassan Nasrallah (Nelofer Pazira) There was no sign of Hezbollah fighters in the villages, although everyone said they accompanied the Syrians and Iranians into the battle. But there was one imperishable sight on the walls: a newly minted poster showing the faces of Vladimir Putin, President Bashar al-Assad and Sayed Hassan Nasrallah, the Lebanese Hezbollah leader. Rarely, if ever, have the forces of Russian Orthodoxy, the Alawite sect and Shia Islam been brought so cogently together. The men who defended Nubl and Zahra they also used a B-9 rocket launcher to shoot at Nusra at first called themselves the National Defence Force and then just the National Defence. It remains unclear whether they were partly made up of pro-government militias although such units scarcely existed in this region at the start of the war. The police commander, Rakan Wanous, is an Alawite or, as journalists always remind readers, the Shia sect to which Assad belongs. Indeed, he is the only Alawite in the area. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A planned ceasefire to end the bloodshed in Syria will come in to effect on 27 February, the US and Russia have announced. Vladimir Putin hailed the agreement with optimism, describing it as a "real step forward that can stop the bloodshed", and saying Moscow would use its influence on President Bashar al-Assad to try make sure it is observed. "We will do whatever is necessary with Damascus, with the legitimate Syrian authorities," the Russian President said during a televised address, AFP reports. In a statement, the White House said Mr Putin and Barack Obama had discussed the deal over the phone. The US said Mr Obama remained committed to "the shared goal of degrading and ultimately destroying Isis", which is not covered by the ceasefire. Recommended Read more Isis claims responsibility as at least 130 killed in Damascus and Homs It said the truce will apply to those parties to the Syrian conflict that have indicated their commitment to and acceptance of its terms. This does not include Isis, the al-Qaeda-linked Nusra Front and "other terrorist organisations designated by the UN". Air strikes by Syria, Russia and the US-led coalition against these groups would continue, according to the statement. It said armed opposition groups taking part would have to confirm their involvement on 26 February. The deal also sets up a communications hotline and calls for a working group to monitor ceasefire violations. Violations are to be addressed by the working group with an eye toward restoring compliance and cooling tensions. In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Show all 19 1 /19 In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrian boys cry following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian defense ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov speaks to the media in Moscow, Russia. Konashenkov strongly warned the United States against striking Syrian government forces and issued a thinly-veiled threat to use Russian air defense assets to protect them AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrians wait to receive treatment at a hospital following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Alepp Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov speaks at a briefing in the Defense Ministry in Moscow, Russia. Antonov said the Russian air strikes in Syria have killed about 35,000 militants, including about 2,700 residents of Russia AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Jameel Mustafa Habboush, receives oxygen from civil defence volunteers, known as the white helmets, as they rescue him from under the rubble of a building following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civil defence members rest amidst rubble in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A girl carrying a baby inspects damage in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members look for survivors at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members carry an injured woman on a stretcher at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Volunteers from Syria Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, help civilians after Russia carried out its first airstrikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria The aftermath of Russian airstrike in Talbiseh, Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Smoke billows from buildings in Talbiseh, in Homs province, western Syria, after airstrikes by Russian warplanes AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Air Forces carry out an air strike in the ISIS controlled Al-Raqqah Governorate. Russia's KAB-500s bombs completely destroy the Liwa al-Haqq command unit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia claimed it hit eight Isis targets, including a "terrorist HQ and co-ordination centre" that was completely destroyed In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A video grab taken from the footage made available on the Russian Defence Ministry's official website, purporting to show an airstrike in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A release from the Russian defence ministry purportedly showing targets in Syria being hit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia launched air strikes in war-torn Syria, its first military engagement outside the former Soviet Union since the occupation of Afghanistan in 1979. Russian warplanes carried out strikes in three Syrian provinces along with regime aircraft as Putin seeks to steal US President Barack Obama's thunder by pushing a rival plan to defeat Isis militants in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria, a thousand kilometres away. The targets include ammunition factories, ammunition and fuel depots, command centres, and training camps A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis The deal also calls for "non-forcible means" to be exhausted before other means are pursued for punishing transgressors. US Secretary of State John Kerry welcomed the deal, saying: If implemented and adhered to, this cessation will not only lead to a decline in violence, but also continue to expand the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian supplies to besieged areas." UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also praised the agreement, saying: "Above all, it is a long-awaited signal of hope to the Syrian people that after five years of conflict there may be an end to their suffering in sight." Speaking to Reuters, Syrian opposition leaders said they were downbeat about the chances of success for the ceasefire. Bashar al-Zoubi, head of the political office of the Yarmouk Army, a Free Syrian Army group, said he expected Damascus and its Russian allies to continue to attack opposition-held territory on the pretext of fighting the Nusra Front. "Russia and the regime will target the areas of the revolutionaries on the pretext of the Nusra Front's presence, and you know how mixed those areas are, and if this happens, the truce will collapse," he said. On 12 February a caesefire was agreed by world powers to come in to effect within a week, but that deadline passed and violence continued. On Sunday 140 people died in bombings in Homs and Damascus. More than 250,000 Syrians are believed to have been killed in the conflict since it began in March 2011. Additional reporting by various agencies For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Thousands of students from Manchester are set to Reclaim the Night by marching through the streets of the city to highlight growing violence towards women, street harassment, and victim-blaming. Jess Lishak, womens officer at the University of Manchester Students Union, outlined the importance of the event as being an incredibly empowering and uplifting event for women and people who have experienced these issues in a statement to The Mancunion. Last year, over 2,000 students, and men and women from the general public, took to the streets of Manchester to make the march the largest-ever Reclaim the Night event in the UK. This year, though, organisers are hoping to make the event even bigger on 25 February. The importance of the event has been highlighted in statistics, such as those from a Home Office study, which showed one in five women to have been sexually assaulted since the age of 16. Despite this, only 15 per cent felt able to report incidents to the authorities. Other statistics from Rape Crisis have shown there to be around eleven adult rapes happening every hour in England and Wales, while a recent survey brought to light that one in five women experienced unwanted sexual contact in school. A further one in three female students in the UK have reported being sexually assaulted or abused while at university, reports The Telegraph. Lishak said: Unfortunately, its the case that, right now, if you bring women from across the world together, the experiences theyre most likely to share are of violence, or of the fear of violence. Regardless of our differences, women know that overwhelming feeling of fear. Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Show all 19 1 /19 Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Afghanistan Recommendation: I urge the Government of Afghanistan to adopt legislative reforms to ensure that sexual violence offences are not conflated with adultery or morality crimes and to establish infrastructure for the delivery of protection, health and le gal services to survivors. I call on the Ministry of the Interior to accelerate efforts to integrate women into the Afghan National Police, thereby enhancing its outreach and its capacity to address sexual and gender-based violence Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Central African Republic Recommendation: I urge the authorities of the Central African Republic to ensure that efforts to restore security and the rule of law take into account the prevention of sexual violence and that monitoring of the ceasefire and peace agreement explicitly reflects this consideration, in line with the joint communique of the Government and the United Nations on the prevention of and response to conflict-related sexual violence signed in December 2012. I further encourage the authorities to make the rapid response unit to combat sexual violence operational and to establish a special criminal court Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Colombia Recommendation: I commend the Government of Colombia for the progress made to date and its collaboration with the United Nations, including through the visit of my Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict in March 2015. I encourage the authorities to implement Law 1719 and continue to prosecute cases of sexual violence committed during the conflict to ensure that survivors receive justice and receive reparations. Conflict-related sexual violence should continue to be addressed in the Havana peace talks, as well as in the resulting accords and transitional justice mechanisms. Particular attention should be paid to groups that face additional barriers to justice such as ethnic minorities, women in rural areas, children, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals and women abused within the ranks of armed groups. I encourage the Government to scale up its protection measures and share its good practices with other conflict-affected countries Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Congo Recommendation: I urge the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to ensure full implementation of the armed forces action plan against sexual violence, to systematically bring perpetrators to justice and to deliver reparations to victims, including payment of outstanding compensation awards. I call on donors and the United Nations system to support the Government in its efforts and to pay increased attention to neglected areas, including unregulated mining regions Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Iraq Recommendation: I commend the Government of Iraq for its national action plan for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and urge its swift implementation, including by training its security forces to ensur e respect for womens rights. Programmes to support the social reintegration of women and girls released from captivity by ISIL are urgently needed, as is community-based medical and psychological care. The capacity of the United Nations system should be enhanced through the deployment of Womens Protection Advisers or equivalent specialists Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Libya Recommendation: I urge the national authorities in Libya to implement Decree No. 119 and Resolution 904 of 2014 to ensure redress for all victims, including those affected by the current conflict, through the establishment of multisectoral services and the adoption of legislation to categorically prohibit sexual violence Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Mali Recommendation: I urge the Government of Mali, with support from United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict, to develop a comprehensive national strategy to combat sexual and gender-based violence and to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers so that services can reach remote areas. I further call on all parties to ensure that conflict-related sexual violence is addressed in the inter-Malian dialogue and that perpetrators of sexual violence do not benefit from amnesty or early release Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Myanmar Recommendation: I urge the Government of Myanmar to continue with its reform agenda and, in the process, take practical and timely actions to protect and support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and to ensure that security personnel accused of such crimes are prosecuted. Sexual violence should be an element in all ceasefire and peace negotiations, excluded from the scope of amnesty provisions and addressed in transitional justice processes. It is critical that women be able to participate consistently in and influence these processes Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Somalia Recommendation: I reiterate my call to the Federal Government of Somalia to implement the commitments made under the joint communique of 7 May 2013 and its national action plan to combat sexual violence in conflict, including specific plans for the army and the police. I encourage the adoption of a sexual offences bill as a matter of priority Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life South Sudan Recommendation: I urge the parties to the conflict in South Sudan to adopt action plans to implement the commitments made under their respective communiques. I call upon the Government of South Sudan to address the negative impact of customary law on womens rights and to reflect international human rights standards in national law. I also encourage the African Union to make public and act upon the report of its Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Sudan (Darfur) Recommendation: I call upon the Government of the Sudan to grant the United Nations and its humanitarian partners unfettered access for monitoring and the provision of assistance to people in need in Darfur. Given that there has been grave concern over sexual violence in Darfur for more than a decade, I encourage the Government to engage with my Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict to develop a framework of cooperation to address the issue comprehensively Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Syria Recommendation: I acknowledge the Governments invitation to my Special Representative to visit the Syrian Arab Republic and call upon the authorities, in the context of such a visit, to agree on specific measures to prevent sexual violence, including by members of the security forces. I condemn the use of sexual violence by ISIL and all other parties listed in the annex to the present report and call on them to cease such violations immediately and allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Yemen Recommendation: I urge the authorities in Yemen to undertake legislative reform as a basis for addressing impunity for sexual violence, ensuring the provision of services for survivors and aligning the minimum legal age of marriage with international standards. I further call on the authorities to engage with local community and faithbased leaders to address sexual and gender-based violence and discriminatory social norms Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Bosnia and Herzegovina Recommendation: I urge the relevant authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to harmonize legislation and policies so that the rights of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence to reparations are consistently recognized and to allocate a specific budget for this purpose. I further call upon the authorities to protect and support survivors participating in judicial proceedings through, inter alia, referrals to free legal aid, psychosocial and health services, as well as economic empowerment programmes Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Ivory Coast Recommendation: I urge the Government of Cote dIvoire to ensure the effective implementation of its national strategy to combat gender-based violence and the action plan for FRCI, and call on the international community to support these efforts. It is critical to accelerate disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and strengthen law enforcement to ensure that ex-combatants who have been reintegrated into the transport sector do not pose a risk to women and girls who are reliant on those services. The Government and the international community must provide monitoring and awareness-raising to mitigate the possibility of a recurrence of sexual violence in the context of the presidential elections to be held in October 2015 Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Liberia Recommendation: I call on the Government of Liberia to continue its critical efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence including through the United Nations-Government of Liberia Joint Programme, and in the context of recovery from the Ebola virus epidemic Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Nepal Recommendation: I encourage the Government to ensure that survivors of conflict-related sexual violence are recognized under the law as conflict victims, which will enable them to access services, judicial remedies and reparations. I further call on all parties involved in the transitional justice process to ensure that the rights and needs o f survivors of sexual violence are addressed in institutional reforms and that these crimes are excluded from amnesties and statutes of limitations Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Sri Lanka Recommendation: I call upon the newly elected Government of Sri Lanka to investigate allegations of sexual violence, including against national armed and security forces, and to provide multisectoral services for survivors, including reparations and economic empowerment programmes for women at risk, including war widows and female heads of household Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Nigeria Recommendation: I encourage the Government to implement its national action plan on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) to ensure that womens protection concerns are mainstreamed throughout its security operations. I also call upon the authorities to guarantee security in and around internally displaced persons camps and to extend medical and psychosocial services to high-risk areas The womens officer has also described the number of women disclosing their experiences of sexual assault, rape, and violence to her as being shockingly well past the three-digit mark. Lishak also condemned the controversial tampon tax policy, and said: Everywhere we look, women are bearing the brunt for the harm, fear, and violence inflicted on us - psychologically, physically, and now financially too. However, rather than let such facts silence the students of Manchester, Lishak said they light a fire under one of the strongest forces you can come across. She added: Women will rise and, collectively, we have the power to fight, we have the power to challenge - and we have the power to change. This year, uniquely, there will also be a youth and families block, focusing on the need for proper education on consent and healthy relationships. This follows on from sessions the organisers have been putting on in local youth groups and schools about campaigning and the issues Reclaim the Night raises. Alongside this, they have also been conducting pop-up events in areas around the city where students feel most unsafe, reclaiming them for a few hours with music, poetry, and light. Lishak explained all this work is about building a movement, adding: Reclaim the Night is not just about reclaiming one street on one night, but a force for change and empowerment for as many people as possible. If you've been affected by any of the issues in this article, please visit Victim Support or Rape Crisis for help and advice Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Political correctness has warped the mindset of highly-educated staff, a politician has said, after a universitys chancellor was quick to condemn two students for wearing dark-coloured face masks in an apparent mistaken blackface attempt. Chancellor Beverly Kopper, of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the US, issued a widely-circulated message in which she criticised the students, who sent a Snapchat image of themselves wearing the exfoliant facemasks, for being hurtful and destructive. She continued: A disturbing racist post that was made to social media was brought to my attention. This post was hurtful and destructive to our campus community. While social media can certainly bring about positive change, it can also be a place that deeply hurts and harms others. Shortly after, though, according to the local WKOW 27 news site, Senator Stephen Nass - who is also vice-chair of the Senate University and Technical Colleges Committee - released a statement in which he condemned Koppers reaction, saying her message misled students, parents, and the public by confirming a racist event had occurred, even though it really hadnt. He said: The racial over-reaction of chancellor Beverly Kopper and other UW-Whitewater administrators without first checking the facts of the situation is a stark example of how political correctness has warped the mindset of highly-educated university administrators. Frankly, these are the people responsible for educating our sons and daughters, but they seem incapable of applying reason or common sense. Kopper spoke with NBC and said the students in question were remorseful. She said: They indicated they had no negative intention, that this was a facial...not realising the reaction that would come from this post. A UW-Whitewater spokeswoman also told Fox6 News staff had spoken with the two students, adding: It was determined they were using a cosmetic facial mask and did not intend to cause harm to anyone. The statement, however, said the chancellor responded to the situation at the time after the photo received a negative reaction from the student body and parents. Members of the universitys Black Student Union have, however, called for administrators to look at how the incident - along with another separate one - have highlighted how there problems on campus. The head of the union told Fox6 News: The fact is were allowing ignorant things like that to take place without any repercussion or without any type of education. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Viennas distinct neighbourhoods are its beating heart each alluring in its own way. Gratzlhotel is about enjoying those districts as a local (or at least as close to a local as you can get on a weekend break). The group converts former retail and commercial premises into sleek flats packed with piles of hipster magazines, iMacs, and posh picnic baskets in lieu of minibars. In December 2015, it opened its new clusters of apartments, each grouped around a local cafe or bar that acts as an ad-hoc reception. But the original Belvedere apartments (formerly known as Urbanauts) the first of which opened in 2011 are well worth a look too; theres a former tailors, an old blacksmiths and a converted art gallery. The Tobacconist is one of these. Yes, its a former fag vendor, which opened in 2013 as a retro one-room place to stay in Viennas 4th district the Wieden neighbourhood. Its a mere five-minute walk from the citys newly finished, white-roofed, international Hauptbahnhof station, to which those who prefer slow travel can catch a train from London in two stops and around 10 hours. The rooms In Austrian German, a tobacconist is called eine trafik which is apt as your head is about 15ft from the road in this ground-floor bolt hole. Luckily very few cars pass along this part of Belvederegasse, and when you open the blinds in the morning you look right out on St Elisabeths Church, which rises from a pretty square like a blooming flower. The decor inside is minimal: plain walls, some 1950s-style tiling in the bathroom. Everything is clean, simple, and well chosen: Gratzlhotel is run by architects and designers, and it shows. The bed is comfortable, the shower room is utilitarian but pleasant. Theres a desk with a computer, kettle and teas, and a basket of treats (for a price) such as Austrian wine and crisps. To get in, youre emailed a code to access a safe outside the door which contains your key, and if you need help, theres a mobile number on a piece of paper. Theres not much to remind you that this used to be a shop, but a great treat is to sit in the giant window and simply observe life passing slowly by in this civilised, residential district. The bathroom Out and about Vienna is a flaneurs city the joy of simply strolling its neighbourhoods is huge. If you want art, youre spoiled; take a five-minute walk to the east and youll find the celebrated Schloss Belvedere (00 43 1 7955 7134; belevdere.at) where, among other works, is Gustav Klimts The Kiss. Ten minutes north is Karlsplatz, with its weirdly Baroque Karlskirche. The old Karlsplatz station buildings, by Frei Otto, are among the worlds most impressive examples of Art Nouveau, with rich ornamental gold decoration, and leafy motifs. Much more famous is The Secession Gallery (00 43 1 587 53 07; secession.at), just across the other side of Karlsplatz square, which houses paintings from the turn of the century. Theres a bike that you can use, for a charge, which is parked outside the flat a nice touch if you prefer getting around on two wheels. The food and drink Theres no kitchen at the Tobacconist, and although the team recommends breakfast at the nearby Cafe Goldegg (00 43 1 505 9162; cafegoldegg.at), it would be even better to include a coffee and a Viennese pastry in the room rate. There is, however, a cute map in the room, showing other eateries nearby. For a true taste of Vienna its cliched but still delicious visit Gasthaus zur Oper (00 43 1 512 2251; plachutta.at) which is up beyond Karlsplatz and has been recently refurbished. Its warm and modern yet incorporates elements of a much older wooden building, with nooks and crannies. It is, simply, a homage to the Wiener schnitzel and the star dish comes in bubbling breadcrumbs with a potato salad and enough bread to feed a regiment. They brew their own pilsner here too, which is really rather nice. The essentials The Tobacconist, Belevederegasse 22, Vienna, Austria (00 43 1 208 3904; graetzlhotel.com). From 85 per night, room only. The writer travelled with Railbookers (020 3780 2222; railbookers.com) which offers three-night breaks in Vienna from 429pp, including B&B accommodation, outbound rail travel from London St Pancras via Brussels and Cologne, and a flight back to London. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} When Danny Meyer, one of New Yorks most influential restaurateurs, calls time on tipping, people take notice. Last November, Meyers Union Square Hospitality Group decreed it would completely overhaul its service culture, increasing some menu prices, distributing the profits equally among front and back of house staff, and dropping tipping. The practice was introduced at the groups fine-dining restaurant The Modern at the Museum of Modern Art, and next week, Maialino, an Italian-inspired spot in the Gramercy Park Hotel, follows suit. Meyers worker-friendly innovation, Hospitality Included, was broadly welcomed by the industry; a few other restaurants announced they would do the same. But this move is still very much the exception to the rule; ditching the time-honoured American practice will be a huge cultural shift. For many holidaymakers, tipping continues to be confusing; no one wants to leave a restaurant thinking they have short-changed the waiter. As a general rule, tipping is not optional in the United States and you should only withhold tips in a case of outrageously bad service. If service charge has not already been added, its customary to leave about 15 to 20 per cent of the total bill (before tax). In Canada, Seetorontonow.com advises leaving about 15 per cent of the pre-tax bill, or a little more in high-end restaurants. On this side of the Atlantic, things are also confusing. In the UK, many consumers struggle to understand the difference between service charges and tipping for good service. Generally service charges are distributed to all staff, although some restaurant chains have attracted negative publicity for pocketing the money. In France, there are no hard and fast rules for tipping; it is entirely at the discretion of the diner. There is no pressure to leave additional cash, as service is included in the final bill. Similarly, in Italy, tipping is not compulsory and service is included in the bill. Staff are contractually forbidden to ask for a tip, but if you want to leave something for exceptional service, you can. According to Jon Warren, founder of San Sebastian Food, in certain parts of Spain it could be perceived as disrespectful to leave a big tip. A gesture of five or 10 per cent is about right if you have had a particularly fantastic experience, he says. The Greek hospitality industry has had a hard time recently, so most restaurant staff are grateful for any extra cash. Tipping is optional but is it is common practice among locals and foreigners to leave anything up to about 10 per cent of the bill. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Charles Dickens features heavily in Thanet, but this walk between Margate and Broadstairs is a tale not just of two towns rather than cities but of two installations. Margate has certainly been lifted, not just by the Turner Contemporary gallery but by the reopening last year of Dreamland, the retro-theme park. In their very different ways both are well worth visiting, but standing on Margate sands I cant help feeling that there has been a magical seascape here all along, and it just needed some bold building or rebuilding to enable the wider public to take that on board. The sands stretch out invitingly from the front door of the Turner Contemporary, Margates stately lampposts are ornately entwined with dolphins and sturgeon in an echo of the Victoria Embankment in London. At the end of the harbour arm stands the Shell Lady, a quirky, doll-like sculpture of Sophia Booth, Turners long-standing mistress. Unlike many coastal paths, this route is almost entirely flat, with none of the ups and downs you can find elsewhere, so its pretty easy going. This is partly thanks to squat bridges that traverse the chines; the man-made gaps dug out by farmers to access seaweed but which were quickly exploited by smugglers. The Kent coast is not short of stirring walks, but this trail, starting amid the seaside paraphernalia of Margate and striking east along the banks of the Thames Estuary, skims along less travelled clifftops before winding south to Broadstairs. The coastal scenery is often strikingly beautiful and is a reminder that while the White Cliffs of Dover hog the headlines and the wartime melodies, the same stirring geology runs unbroken along this coastline. The coastal path runs across the top of Walpole Bay offering the first clear views of Kents striking chalk cliffs. The chalk runs along the sea bed too, and can give the shallow waters a milky, translucent appearance. The chalk soil and beaches are fantastic for many plants and birds, and all year round you can expect to see the black-and-white flash of an oystercatcher with its luminous orange bill and plaintively mewing call. In places, the sea spray has splattered the path, attracting lichens that turn the soil a fetching shade of pea-green. Down in the sands, as the tide retreats you can still spot over-wintering and passing birds, such as the curlew. And towards the end of this month you may even see the vanguard of spring returnees, such as the stiff-winged fulmar, smaller and more acrobatic than your standard seaside gull. The path loops out around a large expanse of grassland past a pumping station at Foreness Point, and the first uninterrupted views of the sea stacks of Botany Bay. Huge lumps of chalk pockmark the beaches and are proof that nature can create sculptures as impressive as anything on display in the Turner Contemporary. The sea stacks here, shaped like giant oil drums, reach 40m in height. North Foreland lighthouse (Alamy) Ahead, jutting its flint turrets and defences out into the estuary is the imposing Kingsgate Castle, built in 1760. Looking towards the castle across Kingsgate Bay you realise just how vulnerable the chalk coastline is: cracks and crevasses some of them quite dizzying rupture the cliffs while a zig-zag staircase wobbles its way unevenly down to the beach. Kingsgate Bay is a hauntingly scenic beach, bookended by cliffs that act magically like a whispering wall, bouncing the echoes of waves from end to end. The northern end of the beach is marked by a delectable arch that has been whittled away by the tides. Beyond Joss Bay, the path dog-legs across North Foreland Hill to pass North Foreland lighthouse. The hexagonal building looks as though it was painted yesterday in the trademark Trinity House sparkling white and green colour scheme. Theres been a warning light here since 1499, though the foundations of the current building were laid in 1791. The path edges slowly through the genteel suburbs of Broadstairs, with its gated mansions and manor houses. The path slips between houses and the coast, past Bleak House, both the former home of Charles Dickens (and where he wrote David Copperfield) and a smuggling museum, before depositing me in Viking Bay, where the grand facades of Broadstairs seafront glower down at the coastal hiker. I return to Margate late in the day. The sun, unexpectedly, is setting over a beach that I thought faced east but actually looks west. The honeyed glow is almost warm: the terrace of the Sands Hotel conveniently overlooks this spectacle. Of all the sundowners in all the world, Margate, surprisingly, punches above its weight. Kingsgate Castle (Alamy) Getting there Southeastern trains (southeasternrailway.co.uk) run between London St Pancras/ London Victoria and Margate. Staying there Mark Rowe stayed at the Sands Hotel, Margate (01843 228228; sandshotelmargate.co.uk). Doubles from 130, B&B. Travel essentials Distance: 9km/ 5.5miles Time: Three hours OS Map: Explorer 150, Canterbury & The Isle of Thanet Directions: Initially follow the Viking coastal trail signs from the Turner Contemporary and then the coastal trail, which sometimes dips inland but rarely strays far from the sea. To return from Broadstairs to Margate, either take the five-minute train journey (nationalrail.co.uk) or bus No 56 (Traveline; 0871 2002233). Sunday and Bank Holiday service routes are operated by the Thanet Loop, route 32 and 8/8A8X. More information: visitthanet.co.uk Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} When the British Parliament voted to recognise the state of Palestine in 2014 it felt like an historic moment. As Palestinian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, I thought that Britain was at last going to start putting right the wrongs that it did to my people. More than a year later and it would seem that the opposite is true. This is exemplified by the invitation of the British Inter-Parliamentary Union to the Speaker of Israels Knesset, Yuli Edelstein to address both Houses on 2 March. Edelstein lives on an illegal Israeli settlement built on Palestinian land and he publically opposes Palestinian statehood. He even supports initiatives such as Lobby for Greater Israel, whose members want to colonise what is left of Palestinian land. I am quite incredulous that Edelstein, in view of what he represents, is being given a platform in Parliament itself, the bastion of British democracy and the self-same Parliament that only a short time ago voted to recognise the Palestinians right to self-determination and a state of their own. Israel is building more and more illegal settlements and expropriating vast amounts of Palestinian territory. There are now 237 settlements and approximately 570,000 settlers in what constitutes a creeping annexation. Israel: From independence to intifada Show all 7 1 /7 Israel: From independence to intifada Israel: From independence to intifada 26973.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26974.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26975.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26976.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26977.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26985.bin Robert Capa/Magnum Israel: From independence to intifada 26986.bin Robert Capa/Magnum Yuli Edelstein lives in the settlement of Neve Daniel near Bethlehem. He personifies Israeli intransigence and all that is wrong with the current extreme right-wing Israeli government of Netanyahu. Is welcoming such a man to the beating heart of British democracy indicative of something more worrying? I am referring to the way in which the current British government is reneging on its long-held policy positions on illegal Israeli settlements and on the two-state solution. Only recently, the Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond condemned illegal settlements as an impediment to peace, a view held by his international partners. The two-state solution has been a baseline for the Middle East peace process since the Oslo Accords but what has Britain done in practical terms to hold Israel to account in relation to its illegal settlements? And what about the many other breaches of international law, such as home demolitions, detention of Palestinians without trial, and its war crimes in Gaza? What pressure has it put on Israel? What has it done to help protect the Palestinians under an oppressive occupation? In fact, the current British government has done everything to protect and enhance its ties with Israel. This has amounted to record levels of technological and scientific cooperation, investment and trade levels at some $7 billion a year. In a recent interview, the British Ambassador to Israel David Quarrey said that "the relationship between Britain and Israelis probably stronger and deeper than it has ever been". He is right there. The British government is even trying to squash all dissent at home, and is undermining British democracy by restricting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israeli products and institutions complicit with the occupation. Of course, the UK is free to conduct trade and cooperate with any partner it wishes, but all I ask is that it is even-handed in its relations with the Palestinians. The British Government's failure to hold Israel to account has led to popular action by the British public to make ethical choices and support a boycotts. But now the Government says public bodies are banned from such actions, crucial parts of the BDS movement have effectively been criminalised. Instead of finally trying to redress historic injustice, Britains inaction is helping to perpetuate it. In his speech to the Knesset during a state visit in 2014, David Cameron said he was proud that Britain played a major part in creating Israel. Is he also proud of Britains policies towards the Palestinians? As Israel grabs more and more Palestinian land for its illegal settlements, everyone knows the prospect for a two-state solution, for a Palestinian state, becomes more remote. Britain has condemned illegal settlements and argued for a two-state solution. So are we to assume that these long-held policy positions were just empty words? And does Britain think that security in the region can be restored without a just peace for the Palestinians? Britain can no longer ignore its deep moral obligations to the Palestinians. It is unfortunate and sad to see such a great power now turn its back on them. Manuel Hassassian is Palestinian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Any predictions about the outcome of the EU referendum are pointless at this early stage, but already we can make a very clear judgment on one important dimension of this whole saga: David Camerons management of the Conservative Party is not going to plan. Cameron offered the referendum in order to keep his party united before the election and because he feared the threat posed by Ukip. From his perspective, the decision made sense then, with polls suggesting that he would lose the election and with some of his Cabinet colleagues as restive as ever over Europe. The hellish problem for a leader who offers a referendum is that at some point he has to hold it. That is the tricky part and it is proving much trickier than Cameron had hoped, with at least half his backbenchers likely to support the Out campaign, along with Michael Gove and Boris Johnson two heavyweight internal opponents. In effect a significant section of Camerons parliamentary party is declaring openly that it does not rate his deal and is dismissing the Prime Ministers claim that his negotiation achieves fundamental reform. Such a breach between leader and parliamentary party will never be repaired. We should not be surprised. Since Margaret Thatcher, the Conservative Party has tormented its leaders over Europe. As Cameron made a Commons statement on his new EU deal, I thought of John Major in the mid 1990s, a leader who was forced to hold a vote of confidence after losing a vote on the Maastricht Treaty and who then stood down as leader while still Prime Minister in order to fight a leadership contest. Now here was Cameron making his statement to near silence on the benches behind him, the leader who once told his party to stop banging on about Europe about to bang on about little else and banging on in a way that will be opposed by many Tory MPs even though he tried to appease them: what persistent contortions. Over the weekend, on a BBC programme, I asked a couple of Tory guests, Nick Herbert and Michael Forsyth, when they thought the in/out referendum had become inevitable. Herbert, who supports the In campaign, said that the seeds were sown when Tony Blair refused to hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, the equivalent to the planned EU constitution. Forsyth, who was a close friend of Margaret Thatcher and an Out supporter, dated the origins to the day when most of the EU signed up to the single currency. I place the start of the current drama a little earlier, back to the Conservatives conference in 1992, a few weeks after the UK had humiliatingly pulled out from the exchange rate mechanism. The gathering was as raucous as Labour conferences from the late 1970s and early 1980s, shouting matches in fringe meetings and sometimes in the hall. The issue of course was Europe. The Conservative Party, so pragmatic and loyal to its leadership, was changing in front of our eyes. What has the EU ever done for us? Show all 7 1 /7 What has the EU ever done for us? What has the EU ever done for us? 1. It gives you freedom to live, work and retire anywhere in Europe As a member of the EU, UK citizens benefit from freedom of movement across the continent. Considered one of the so-called four pillars of the European Union, this freedom allows all EU citizens to live, work and travel in other member states. What has the EU ever done for us? 2. It sustains millions of jobs A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, released in October 2015, suggested 3.1 million British jobs were linked to the UKs exports to the EU. What has the EU ever done for us? 3. Your holiday is much easier - and safer Freedom to travel is one of the most exercised benefits of EU membership, with Britons having made 31 million visits to the EU in 2014 alone. But a lot of the benefits of being an EU citizen are either taken for granted or go unnoticed. What has the EU ever done for us? 4. It means you're less likely to get ripped off Consumer protection is a key benefit of the EUs single market, and ensures members of the British public receive equal consumer rights when shopping anywhere in Europe. What has the EU ever done for us? 5. It offers greater protection from terrorists, paedophiles, people traffickers and cyber-crime Another example of a lesser-known advantage of EU membership is the benefit of cross-country coordination and cooperation in the fight against crime. What has the EU ever done for us? 6. Our businesses depend on it According to 71% of all members of the Confederation of British Influence (CBI), and 67 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the EU has had an overall positive impact on their business. What has the EU ever done for us? 7. We have greater influence Robin Niblett, Director of think-tank Chatham House, stated in a report published last year: For a mid-sized country like the UK, which will never again be economically dominant either globally or regionally, and whose diplomatic and military resources are declining in relative terms, being a major player in a strong regional institution can offer a critical lever for international influence. Cameron had a chance to resolve the issue when he was first elected, a point of maximum strength for a leader. Instead modernisation of his party took the tamer form of social liberalism and, in particular, support for gay marriage. This was not insignificant, but far less thorny as an issue than Europe, the real cause of anguish in the Conservative Party. Now he hopes for cathartic resolution in the most nightmarish of circumstances, an in/out referendum in government with a party that is still split. As I have written before, parts of the Conservative Party have become Bennite, followers of Tony Benn a leading opponent from the left of the UKs membership of the EU in the 1975 referendum. Like Benn they are gripped by the questions of democratic accountability and the sovereignty of the UK parliament. The Tory Bennites make may powerful points, as did Tony Benn. They were right about the euro when they argued that currency union was impossible without political union. They are right to recognise the central importance of accountability, the seemingly dry theme that connects every drama from the failures of the Mid Staffs hospital to the future of the European Union. But in relation to the EU there are answers to their fears about democratic connections. The phrase pooled sovereignty is not some woolly evasion. To take one example of many: if we want the rules that govern the free market to be democratically agreed, elected leaders must meet to decide what happens and elected representatives must keep an eye on what non-elected officials do in carrying out the will of the leaders. Outside the EU, UK leaders would be at least as constrained what David Cameron describes as the illusion of sovereignty. That is a good phrase as are some of the others Cameron has deployed in recent days. He is in persuasive form. Believing in his position, Cameron is authentically authoritative. That is not the case so far with Boris. Even a showman like him cannot act when in anguish. His Daily Telegraph article was partly an argument to vote Out in order to get a better deal from the EU, what Tony Blair would call a Third Way. Boris is not a one hundred per cent outer and will therefore be less formidable than many hope or fear. Charisma is only potent when accompanied by conviction. Boris is not wholly convinced. He is more or less alone with his anguished Third Way, a route that Cameron confidently mocked and demolished in his statement to MPs. But many Conservative MPs suffer few such doubts and are more than convinced that they are battling for British democracy. They will remain convinced whatever the outcome of the referendum. Their convictions, and not Boris, are the challenge for Cameron now and for his successor later. Expect many more contortions. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Shortly before he first become Prime Minister in 2010, David Cameron delivered a barnstorming performance on TV in which he flayed his then rivals, Nick Clegg and Gordon Brown, as craven dupes of the EU who give in to everything that comes out of Brussels. To his many Eurosceptic fans, this was vintage stuff. After all, he had just ordered the Tories to quit the main centre-right group in the European Parliament too pro-European in his view and lined them up with a ragbag of eccentric, far-right MEPs, some ultra-nationalists, others anti-Semites. As Mr Cameron rallies his allies in a now deeply divided Cabinet behind the European cause ahead of the vote on 23 June, the Brexiteers will undoubtedly want to remind the public of Mr Camerons old form as a would-be St George, intent on skewering the Euro-dragon. How much embarrassment this causes depends on how he responds to the charge of flip-flopping. The Prime Minister would be well advised like St Paul to make a virtue of his new-found zeal for a cause that he once despised. Either way, he must lead the campaign ahead of the referendum with much more fire and conviction than he showed in the shambolic lead-up to the independence referendum in Scotland, when a kind of natural inertia and passionless diffidence on his part left the 300-year-old union hanging by a thread. Mr Cameron got lucky in Scotland. Like his old hero, Margaret Thatcher, he is often lucky. The problem with being blessed with good fortune, however, is that it invites complacency. Baroness Thatcher ended up believing herself invincible and so, against a mass of sound advice to the contrary, ploughed on with the poll tax. She was toppled soon after. Mr Cameron must not make the same mistake over Europe and try to wing it in his usual way, with glib phrases about how his Herculean efforts have secured Britain a new deal in the club. The Prime Minister may be right to assume that Britons are not instinctive revolutionaries and that as in Scotland caution about taking leaps into the dark will play into the hands of those defending the status quo. But he would be mad to bank on this. In Michael Gove, he has a formidable opponent, all the more so because there is not a scintilla of personal hostility between the two men. On the contrary, Mr Gove has taken pains to remind us what a fine fellow and a great Prime Minister he thinks Mr Cameron is except on Europe. But, for all his legendary politeness, Mr Gove has a rapier-sharp mind and can be relied upon to press home well thought-out arguments in favour of a British exit. He has failed to lure Theresa May into his camp, but that loss is more than compensated for by the addition of Boris Johnson. With the breezy, populist Mayor joining forces with the cerebral minister, Mr Camerons team is up against it. His own closest ally, the Chancellor, George Osborne, has none of Mr Johnsons easy charm and way with crowds. Mr Johnson is a bigger hitter with the public but many of Mr Camerons other allies are same-olds without much pulling power. We also do not yet know whether Ms May is going to be a conductor or just a passenger on the Cameron Euro-bus. She may feel she has done enough for him simply by not joining the Brexit camp. She is also, let us not forget, interested in replacing Mr Cameron at some stage, and may feel reluctant to antagonise the Eurosceptic constituency in the Tory party by taking a high profile in the In campaign. In short, the Prime Minister faces a steep ascent up a deceptively treacherous mountain, not a gentle stroll in the hills. It is vital for all our sakes that he gets to the top rather than Mr Goves team, but let us hope he realises he must fight for victory, not take it for granted. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} You would have needed a heart of stone not to be moved by the pictures of Faye Burdett, the two-year-old from Maidstone, Kent, struck down by meningitis, who died on Valentines Day. Her parents posted pictures of their daughter in her hospital bed, covered in spots and blotches and festooned with wires and tubes, to raise awareness of the dreadful disease. A vaccine against meningitis B, the strain from which Faye died, has been available since last year but only to babies born on or after 1 July. The cost of vaccinating all children was considered too high. Now a parliamentary petition to extend the vaccinations to all children up to the age of 11 has attracted 650,000 signatures, a record. It is not difficult to see why there has been an unprecedented outpouring of support. Parents have lived in terror of meningitis for generations because it targets the young, strikes with unnerving speed and ferocity and kills one in 10 of those it infects. As many as a quarter of those who survive suffer permanent disabilities, including brain damage and loss of limbs. The meningitis B vaccine, called Bexsero, took 20 years to develop. It was licensed in 2013 but there then followed two years of bitter negotiations between the Department of Health and the manufacturer, Novartis, and UK distributor GlaxoSmithKline, over its cost. In November 2014, the health department accused the Swiss company of holding the Government to ransom, a claim Novartis hotly denied. A deal was finally reached last year on what the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) said was a cost-effective price, reported to be 20 a dose. Up to four doses are needed depending on age. By comparison the meningitis C vaccine, introduced in 1999, costs 7.50 a dose. Based on these figures, providing the meningitis B vaccine to the seven million children in the UK aged up to 11, with an average of two doses each, would cost almost 300m. In a tax-funded system such as the NHS, to which we contribute according to means and take according to need, it is critical that the use of resources is seen to be fair. The JCVI has already ruled on the cost-effectiveness of the vaccine and decided against extending it to all young children. It would be wrong for public opinion to trump scientific judgement. However the rules on e-petitions say that any petition with more than 100,000 signatures will be considered for parliamentary debate and the case should indeed be heard. Campaigners might consider that there are two sides to this debate. Their anger, as so often in the past, is directed at the Government for refusing to pay for vital treatments. Yet it is the pharmaceutical companies whose high prices deny funds to other parts of the NHS. If it is deemed too costly to extend vaccination to all under-11s, a compromise proposed by Sue Davie, chief executive of Meningitis Now, would be to introduce it for the under-fives, who are the most vulnerable. That would represent a huge, one-off boost to the UK market for the vaccine. As a gesture of goodwill, Novartis, the manufacturer, and GlaxoSmithKline, the distributor, should respond by making the vaccine available at a nominal cost. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} It was little over a year ago I stood alongside MEPs at my university to advocate for Britain remaining inside the European Union. Much has changed since then. Today I find myself on the other side. I have been bitterly disappointed by the Prime Minister's failure to achieve substantial reform for Britain. If the UK chooses to remain inside the EU, it will be shackled to a political union that is economically stagnant and appears increasingly unable and unwilling to respond to challenges and the concerns of members. One such challenge Cameron has failed to address is the EU remaining institutionally undemocratic. The European Parliament, the only directly elected EU body, crucially lacks the power to initiate legislation and therefore we, the people of Europe, lack the ability to create laws. Instead, the power to initiate legislation rests solely with the non-elected European Commission. This is important given that 13 per cent of laws in Britain are created by the EU and that 2/3 of our regulation is influenced by Brussels. It is ironic that the leadership of parties in the UK who are ardent supporters of Lords reforms, a weaker body than the commission, seem content to ignore the democratic deficits in the EU. But we should not expect the democratic deficit to be eliminated any time soon. Cameron did successfully manage to secure Britain the power to escape ever closer integration, but the EU has proved unwilling to address its fundamental faults. If the EU was a country applying to itself it would not satisfy the democratic standards required for membership. It is for this reason Britain must leave. Alongside this is the fact Cameron has failed to address British concern over how our immigration system operates. Our system remains broken, discriminating against non-EU immigrants who often have the necessary skills our economy needs and have historic links to Britain through the Commonwealth. Cameron has claimed his reforms will help bring down EU migration to Britain through agreed changes in welfare policy. Although his reforms are welcome in principle, they will do little to help reduce immigration as the vast majority of immigrants move to Britain to work, not claim benefits. I am a candidate for the 2016 local elections in Colchester, one of the fastest growing towns in Britain, where the impact of unfettered immigration from the EU on public services and housing are clear. It is important, of course, not to blame immigrants themselves for these problems but nor does this mean we should be afraid of advocating for a fairer and more regulated immigration system. The EU is no longer working for Britain and other members' interests. Its unrelenting belief in a federal union, its stated goal, has left it unable to reform for the better. Its refusal to change is fostering the extremism it aimed to alleviate. From Sweden to Greece and all in between, moderates are shunned or look to be punished by the electorate as dissatisfaction with the EU comes to the forefront. With the EU unwilling to change, Britain must leave and it is disheartening that principled out campaigners, such as Sajid Javid, have abandoned values for political gain. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} I will vote to remain in the EU, as I had always intended. I wouldnt want Mr Cameron to think that my vote has in any way been swayed by his efforts to achieve a new deal, which have achieved very little. Instead, this whole referendum charade has been nothing more than a sop to his Eurosceptic party members and a beauty parade for the next leader of the Tory party. It is shameful that such an important issue has been reduced to petty Tory party manoeuvrings. Beryl Wall London W4 Your political editor did not go far enough in his analysis of Boris Johnsons strategy in backing Brexit (22 February). Should the country vote Out in Junes referendum, Oliver Wright made clear that Boris would indeed be seen as the front-runner to become Prime Minister. But I think Boriss calculation runs deeper. Had he backed staying in the EU, and the country voted Out, he would be dead meat. But with the stance he has taken, even if the country votes In, he stands to gain. He will have won the backing of the outers and could market himself as having the guts to stand for Britains interests above his political career. But given all his blathering about wanting to negotiate a new deal with the EU, he will say that his record shows that he has done his selfless best, but he is nonetheless a realist and is willing to commit to working for Britains best interest in the EU. Elizabeth Graham London W2 There is truth in Boris Johnsons point that the EU only really listens to a population when it says no. That is why his decision to vote leave makes perfect sense. Under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, a vote to leave would trigger two years of negotiation, which would concentrate our partners minds and might well produce a better deal that the UK could then accept. Dr Eamonn Butler Director, Adam Smith Institute, London SW1 So we now have a date for the EU referendum and I will be voting to stay in. Not because Im overwhelmingly a fan of the EU in its present state; it is deeply flawed and a great disappointment. But because, in or out, what happens within continental Europe will affect us whether we turn our backs on it or not, and I fear that a Europe without the UK as an engaged part of it would be less stable and predictable. At the age of 76 I am just about old enough to remember how we ran things in Europe before the EU (for all its faults), and I can promise you, it wasnt better for anybody. Over the period since the first EU referendum, in 1975, the UK has had the opportunity to exert our undoubted influence to work with our like-minded northern European partners to achieve the reformed pan-Europe organisation which we all need to ensure both our future prosperity and security. Unfortunately we have squandered this opportunity with in-fighting, back-stabbing and navel-gazing, and David Camerons recent effort has only served to project an image of us as a nation of whingers. Our Australian cousins must be rolling on the floor with mirth. Peter Allen Towcester, Northamptonshire David Cameron has achieved nothing from the weeks of negotiations with the EU members. He says we will be stronger in the EU. In what way? We are already a member of the UN and Nato. Our closest ally has always been the US. There is no way in this world that any western country would withhold any information on imminent terrorist attacks. Just who does the PM think is going to invade the UK? The Romans? The Vikings? The most likely invasion will be through the open borders system, as shown by the Paris attacks. The PM claims we will be better off. We will never be better off while Brussels is tying our hands on every decision we wish to make and everything the PM has brought back has to be rubber-stamped by the EU before it can be put into force. What we wanted was control of our own borders, economy and courts; we have got none of these. Dave Croucher Doncaster Knowledge of history is best used to help chart the future. The Out campaigners are looking back to the glory days of the 19th century, when Britain ruled much of the world and could afford to be totally independent. Our fortunes are now much reduced and we are dependent on others for much of our needs. To think that we can stand up to power blocks and multinational companies on our own is a dangerous delusion. We need friends and to be part of a powerful trading entity which is called the European Union, warts and all. David Winter Yeovil, Somerset It is becoming ever more difficult to decide which way to vote in the forthcoming European Union ballot. Both sides seem to be making a convincing argument. After spending several months considering the benefits for trade and peace, I found myself leaning towards Remain. Then, with the considerations of sovereignty and greater protection of borders, I felt pulled towards Leave. Now, I see that Iain Duncan Smith and Michael Gove are among those leading the call to leave. Oh dear, time for me to think again. Martin Smith Ryton, Tyne and Wear Did atom bomb save Japan from Stalin? It is hardly surprising that George Elsey (Obituary, 22 February) continued to justify the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. But the big question, for which Elsey might have been the surviving witness, was: what did the White House Map Room say about Red Army deployments in Manchuria at the beginning of August 1945 and Soviet Union preparedness for a major assault? It is inconceivable politically that the US could have accepted its sacrifices in the Pacific and watched rapid Soviet control of all East Asia without action. The atomic bombings cannot be taken out of their wartime historical context, but what the White House staff knew at the time is more important historically than whether they justified their positions later in other contexts. We can read of US strategic focus on the Soviet Union at the time but I would have wished to learn what they knew. If the crucial knowledge of that Map Room passed from the known to the unknown with the passing of George Elsey, that itself should be noted. Roger Macy London N1 Dont blame the speed cameras You report (17 February) that the Dutch traffic information service claims that nearly two dozen big hold-ups in 2015 in Holland were 100 per cent caused by speed cameras. This is a remarkable example of causation: it can only mean that speed cameras controlled distant cars so that they travelled faster than local speed limits and then, coming near to the cameras, were made to slow down abruptly, causing shocks to the travel flow. Personally I prefer an entirely naturalistic explanation. It is known that the optimum driving speed regime for smoothly flowing traffic occurs when the speed variations of all vehicles are minimised; but there are always feckless drivers who dont care about speed limits. The resulting problems have nothing to do with speed cameras. Professor Guy Woolley Nottingham Social care could save NHS budgets The sheer scale of the NHS deficit being racked up as we speak should come as no surprise to the Government or the public (Hospitals under pressure to cook the books, 16 February). One of the major causes must be the extra strain being placed on the NHS because of severe cuts in social care budgets; some 4.5bn has been cut in the last five years, resulting in fewer care home places and less care for people in their own homes. Inevitably, people end up having to stay in hospital, adding to the huge financial burden the NHS is facing. We must fund social care better and merge health and social care into one coherent department that cares for our nations health and social care, from the cradle to the grave. Every pound spent on looking after someone in their own home, in a care home or through day care should be viewed as an investment in their quality of life and in saving money from that ever-growing NHS deficit. Mike Padgham Chair, Independent Care Group (York and North Yorkshire), Scarborough The Boris and Donald show If Cameron loses the referendum on the EU and is forced to resign, and Boris Johnson is made Prime Minister; if Donald Trump, through some misadventure, becomes President of the US, the stage is set for the commedia dellarte. Johnson as Harlequin, the buffoon, and Trump as Scaramouch, the braggart, or maybe Pantaloon, foolish and wealthy. Their antics should keep us amused. But it will not be humorous but very worrying for all of us. T A G Foss Tintinhull, Somerset Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} It brings home to you just how bad the declines in our wildlife are becoming when somebody feels they need to go on a curlew walk. For the radio and TV producer Mary Colwell feels that someone has to draw attention to the plight of a much-loved bird, which seems to be slipping steadily to extinction in Britain, while the country is looking the other way and she is planning a 500-mile sponsored trek to publicise it. To add to all the other British wildlife losses in recent years, which have left us with a flora and fauna as impoverished as anywhere in Europe, the curlews sudden and rapid decline across Britain and Ireland will greatly sadden anyone who loves our remaining wild places. The wading bird with the long decurved bill has a haunting song, a long drawn-out mournful bubbling, which is very much the springtime music of our uplands, moorlands, marshes and sea coasts; WB Yeats and Dylan Thomas both celebrated it in verse. But so fast has been its fall in numbers that two months ago the curlew was put on the Red List of the UKs most endangered birds, and a new study of its status suggested it should now be considered Britains highest conservation priority bird species. Just in the past 20 years, the curlew has declined by more than 50 per cent on average across England and Scotland, and by more than 80 per cent in Wales. In Ireland where Yeats once called on it to cry no more, because its song put him in mind of his lost love it has crashed in numbers by well over 90 per cent, and is now sliding rapidly towards extinction. Although there are a number of different reasons for the curlews decline in different places, Colwell, a nature writer and long established producer with the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol, wants people to wake up to the fact that, if we do not take drastic action to save it, we will lose the bird for good. She is planning a six-week, 500-mile walk from the West of Ireland to the East of England to raise awareness of its plight and funds for its conservation. Starting in Sligo on 21 April, she will trek across the breadth of Ireland to Dublin, take the ferry to Holyhead and hike across North Wales to the Shropshire Hills, the Peak District and eventually Lincolnshire, finishing in Boston on 29 May, after a walk lasting 38 days. En route she will be giving talks and media interviews and herself interviewing conservationists struggling to save Numenius arquata, in collaboration with Birdwatch Ireland, the British Trust for Ornithology and the RSPB. Im doing it because I love curlews, Colwell said. Their call has been described as the essence of the wilderness. Their decline has been very drastic, but we can do something about it. Im walking to raise awareness and funds for curlew projects. Theres still time to help them. Curlews need wet, rough pasture to nest, and their decline has largely been driven by loss of this habitat in Ireland, especially, by the stripping of boglands for peat to be used as fuel; elsewhere there has been widespread forestry planting and other developments which have destroyed nesting sites. In England, she said, one of the main threats to curlew nests seems to be a natural one: increased predation by a rising number of foxes. Healthy populations of curlews nest in loose colonies and are able to band together to make a joint attack on a predator, but when their numbers drop they are no longer sufficient to mount an effective defence. Britains curlews are not just important for the UK, they are estimated to represent about a quarter of the total world population, which is declining as a whole. The birds in the British Isles are declining faster than anywhere else. If we lose them, were not just losing another bird species, Colwell said. Were losing part of our heritage. Curlews are woven into peoples folklore and memories. Their call is plaintive, almost in a minor key it does something to people. They are the spirit of wild places. Colwells appeal for the crowdfunding of her walk, and also a recording of some beautiful spring curlew song, can be viewed or heard at: crowdfunder.co.uk/the-curlew-walk/? Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Oscars take place this Sunday. At the 1991 awards John Singleton was nominated for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for his film Boyz n the Hood, making him the youngest person ever to be nominated for Best Director and, in contrast to this years all white awards, the first African-American to be nominated for the award. The film, which starred Cuba Gooding Jr alongside Ice Cube and Lawrence Fishburne, tells the story of a young black teenager growing up in South Central Los Angeles, surrounded by gang activity and serious violence. Watching the film, one thinks this is a world away from the experience of young teenagers growing up in the UK now. But, though different and perhaps not quite as extreme, the reality of life for some of our young people in Britain is not at all dissimilar. Serious youth violence and the proliferation of gang activity hit the UK headlines in a big way from 2007, starting with the shooting of Andre Smartt-Ford in broad daylight at an ice rink in my constituency. What followed was a catalogue of tragedy on the streets of London, with 29 teenagers losing their lives in 2008. The number of fatalities abated, but the problem never went away. Following recent falls between 2009 and 2012, the last three years has seen a notable upsurge in the levels of violence. The number of serious youth violence offences has increased by 13.4 per cent and the number of offences the Met associates with within gang activity increased by 25 per cent during this period in the capital. Whereas 11 teenagers were murdered in 2014 in London alone, 17 were killed in 2015. The reasons for what is happening are many and varied, but are not new. Yes, some of the young perpetrators of these acts come from dysfunctional chaotic families, often with a history of domestic violence. However, many come from stable families where you have two parents sometimes holding down two jobs each just to make ends meet, with the result that they dont have enough time to spend with their children. There is then the issue of the lack of things for young people to do youth provision outside of school hours is lacking and youth work is not treated with the respect it deserves. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty UK news in pictures 12 September 2022 Crowds line the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, as King Charles III joins a procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS UK news in pictures 11 September 2022 Members of the Public pay their respects as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, is driven through Ballater AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 10 September 2022 Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wave at well-wishers on the Long walk at Windsor Castle AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 9 September 2022 King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort wave after viewing floral tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Buckingham Palace Getty UK news in pictures 8 September 2022 A screen commemorating Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in Piccadilly Circus, London Britain EPA UK news in pictures 7 September 2022 Police officers stand guard after Animal Rebellion activists threw paint on the walls and road outside the Houses of Parliament in protest, in London, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 6 September 2022 Queen Elizabeth II welcomes Liz Truss during an audience at Balmoral, Scotland, where she invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2022 Visitors at the PoliNations garden in Victoria Square, Birmingham, which is made up of five 40ft high tree installations and over 6,000 plants. The PoliNations programme aims to explore how migration and cross-pollination have shaped the UKs gardens and culture PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2022 Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews take part in the traditional Pier Walk along the harbour walls of St Andrews before the start of the new academic year PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2022 The Massed Pipes and Drums parade during the Braemar Highland Gathering at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2022 Number 12 Company Irish Guards at Wellington Barracks, central London, before commencing their first Guard Mount at Buckingham Palace PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2022 A salmon leaps up the weir at Hexham in Northumberland, despite the drought warnings and low water levels, the River Tyne is still flowing well allowing the salmon and sea trout to head up river to spawn. Every year tens of thousands of salmon make the once-in-a-lifetime journey along the Tyne to spawn, having been out a sea PA We also have a popular culture which glamorises the lifestyle that goes with gang culture with insufficient education at school to spell out the realities of what it brings. And then, for those who leave school, there are not enough job opportunities. A disproportionate number of young people who are perpetrators of crimes are out of work the youth unemployment rate is more than double the total rate. So what is to be done? In government Labour introduced the notion of Every Child Matters, where the strategic aim was to provide wrap around care for children from before school started until after long after school had finished. I think it is high time we adopted an Every Teenager Matters approach a more targeted version of that initiative to address this problem. Second, we need to elevate the standing of youth work and develop it to be seen as a profession as opposed to something that many community minded people will do in addition to a full time job youth work is a full time job and it needs to be properly funded. Third, the Government should reverse their decision to disband the Ending Gang Violence and Exploitation Peer Review Network, which consults on best practice in this area to local authorities and others. This is due to end in April. Fourth, we need to ensure that our young are properly taught in schools about the consequences of what they do. Finally, the leaders of the groups that go around perpetrating these acts of violence need to be targeted in a concentrated way by the Police, who should adopt a zero tolerance policy. There is no doubt more that can be done beyond these suggestions. On Tuesday I will be leading the first prime time debate in the House of Commons on these issues because only when we properly focus and show a will to get to grips with this issue, will we be able to stop the tragedy that continues to blight the lives of the next generation. Chuka Umunna is the Labour Member of Parliament for Streatham and a member of the Home Affairs Select Committee. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} But my religion says its wrong. It is 2015 and Im sitting in a small meeting with parents at my new school, where 99 per cent of the students are Muslim. Along with the head teacher, Im showing parents the picture books the school wants to use to teach LGBT equality. They would be taught as part of the No Outsiders programme that I helped introduce upon my arrival at Birminghams Parkfield Community school. Under this scheme children are taught to welcome all human beings, regardless of race, sexuality, disability or gender identity. One of the parents is concerned. They say that by teaching LGBT equality we are disrespecting their faith as a Muslim. I tell them about the Equality Act 2010 and what it means for people in Britain. In the words of the Equality Commission, "The Act simplifies, strengthens and harmonises the current legislation to provide Britain with a new discrimination law which protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society." We return to the collection of books that include stories about children with disabilities, different animals working together to fly a kite and two young children liking different things but still being friends. One book shows two princes getting married and another is about a boy who wants to wear a dress. Many parents have been cautious at first, nervous about how to align LGBT equality with their religious beliefs. But after reading the books used in the No Outsiders scheme and being made to see LGBT equality in the context of civil rights, this has been changing. Following calm and respectful discussions in small groups, many parents have agreed there is nothing being taught that could threaten their faith. It's just about people who are different. It's about respect, said one. Unfortunately people havent always been so understanding. My experience as a gay teacher has taught me a lot about peoples attitudes, and how easily they can be transferred to children. People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Show all 10 1 /10 People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Caitlyn Jenner People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Miley Cyrus Getty People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Kristen Stewart People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Cara Delevingne People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Keegan Hirst People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Ruby Rose People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights St Vincent (who's in a relationship with Cara Delevingne) People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Annie Lennox People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Ellen Page People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Justice Anthony Kennedy Back in 2008 I was delivering a lesson about challenging homophobia at a school in Coventry. Ive never met a gay person and I never want to! said one 15-year-old student. He obviously didnt know about my sexuality, and it crossed my mind not to shatter his world. Later on I told him that he had actually met a gay person because hed met me 20 minutes ago. He was astonished and pushed himself back in his chair as if I was contagious and he might catch something. Naaah! Thats bad! Moments like these raise an important question, and one that Ive struggled with since becoming a teacher: why share my sexuality with pupils at school? Is it worth it? I recently spoke to a colleague who said that he never told his staff that he was heterosexual, so why was I so bothered about telling everyone I was gay? Its simple. There are no misconceptions around straight people. There is no hate because of their sexuality. There is no fear. But there is towards members of the LGBT community, and it needs to be challenged. Children go to school to learn, and its up to us to make sure that equality is always on the curriculum. While it may be tough at times, schemes like No Outsiders will help Britain become even more inclusive than it already is. And it already seems to be working. Is it true youre gay, sir? December 2015, a nine-year-old pupil asks me as were walking back from a Christmas celebration at a local church. Before I can reply, they continue: Its ok if you are. Because there are no outsiders at our school! I tell the child I am gay and he nods, before asking if weve got PE that afternoon. No outsiders in our school: Teaching the equality act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat available here: http://ind.pn/1VzzGIa Follow Andrew on Twitter: @moffat_andrew Mr Kenny had earlier insisted he was referring to opponents in Fianna Fail Taoiseach Enda Kenny has held up his hands following two days of controversy over his remarks about "whingers". After initially saying the comment was directed at locals in his home town of Castlebar, Co Mayo, and later claiming he was talking about Fianna Fail, Mr Kenny said he wanted to withdraw the remarks. The Taoiseach had also declined an early opportunity to apologise while on the campaign trail in Co Clare. "Mea culpa," he said. "I accept that I should have clarified my remarks. "This is strictly a local issue." Mr Kenny said it was "nothing to do with any member of the public", and added: "I unreservedly withdraw that." The Taoiseach's remarks at an election rally in Castlebar on Saturday afternoon were criticised by Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, while Tanaiste and Labour leader Joan Burton said "whingers" is not a word she would use. Asked on Sunday if he regretted the comments, Mr Kenny said: "No, I don't. Some of them wouldn't know sunshine if they saw it." And it took him until a Monday morning interview on Waterford Local Radio before he revealed he was aiming his annoyance at Fianna Fail politicians in Castlebar. Mr Kenny took close to two days to hold his hands up over the comments. He continued: "And why wouldn't I? Don't I deal with them for so many years? They are quite entitled to give me their anxieties and their concerns." At the weekend election rally, the Fine Gael leader claimed Castlebar was home to "all-Ireland champions" for complaining, adding: "I mean the whingers that I hear every week saying there's nothing happening." Mr Kenny's Fine Gael is under pressure in the final four days of the election campaign after a series of opinion polls suggested the outgoing coalition with Labour has little prospect of being put back in office. Bookmakers predict a Fine Gael-Fianna Fail coalition is the most likely outcome. Tanaiste and Labour leader Joan Burton said "whingers" is not a phrase she would use, but denied the remarks showed an outgoing government out of touch with people who are not feeling any sense of an economic recovery. "It is not a term I would use, but I think the important thing is the Taoiseach has heard that people have issues and difficulties," she said. Ms Burton said p eople in rural Ireland particularly were waiting to see any sign of the economy bouncing back. "That pinch is definitely still there," she said. "People are entitled to put their views during a general election campaign." The Taoiseach was barracked by a handful of protesters as he visited Eishtec offices in Waterford and o ne elderly woman was knocked over as gardai moved the campaigners away from Mr Kenny's car. In a separate protest, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin was hounded out of some estates in Crumlin, Dublin, by a handful of anti-water charge protesters. Trevor Lawlor has been jailed for life for attacking two women in their homes in front of their children (Greater Manchester Police/PA) A convicted sex offender, originally from Dublin, who attacked two women in their homes in front of their children has been jailed for life. Trevor Lawlor, 32, raped one of his victims in view of her toddler son and was only prevented from raping the other complainant when her boyfriend unexpectedly returned to the house. Sentencing Lawlor to a minimum of 10 years in prison, Judge Hilary Manley told him: "I am convinced that you have a hatred for women and a need to use, degrade and humiliate them. "Put simply, I am wholly satisfied you pose a dangerous and substantial risk to the public, particularly women and children." Manchester Crown Court heard Lawlor raped a woman in his home country in 2002 in "chillingly similar circumstances" when he forced his way into the home of his victim after he lied he was being chased by police. In the early hours of July 10 last year, Lawlor entered an address in Newton Heath, Manchester, uninvited, and awoke his victim while she was in bed lying next to her young son. He threatened to slit the woman's throat if either made a noise and then removed his clothing before his victim's partner returned. Following a struggle in the bedroom, Lawlor fled the scene only in his underwear and T-shirt and knocked on the door of a woman who lived nearby. Known to the defendant, the woman let him in after he told her he had been kidnapped and needed to escape his attackers. Justin Hayhoe, prosecuting, said the complainant's charity was repaid in a "shocking manner" with a violent and gratuitous assault on her while her toddler son was in her arms. Lawlor - under the influence of alcohol and drugs - repeatedly punched her to the head and face as his victim eventually feigned unconsciousness, as she believed she she was going to be killed, said the prosecutor. Before he raped her, Lawlor shouted to the baby: "This is all your mother is worth", and: "This is what your f****** mother deserves." The badly beaten woman managed to escape her home and alert a neighbour, who only recognised her by her voice. The neighbour then went to retrieve the baby who was also blood-soaked and appeared to be traumatised and "in a daze". Judge Manley told Lawlor he had "stolen the innocence" of his first victim's son, who witnessed the entire episode, while "only time will tell" what psychological impact had been caused to the second victim's son. She said: "This was a campaign of rape and sexual assault against vulnerable women in their homes in the direct presence of their young children, with no effort to spare those children of the traumatic spectacle - in fact, quite the reverse." Lawlor, of Failsworth, was arrested in Manchester city centre later the same day of the attacks and made no comment to detectives. He went on to plead guilty at earlier hearings to rape, attempted rape, assault by penetration, wounding with intent to cause grievious bodily harm, trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence and making a threat to kill. Lawlor was given a life term for the rape and concurrent sentences for the other offences. Formerly of Blanchardstown, Dublin, Lawlor committed his earlier rape aged 18 after he said he drank more than 15 cans of alcohol. Jailed for six years in 2004, when he was arrested he reportedly told police: "I didn't know what came over me, I am not like that." Manchester Crown Court heard that Lawlor appeared before a district court in Ireland in February 2014 for a number of matters including failing to notify the authorities of his address in accordance with being a registered sex offender. Hunter Gray, defending, said Lawlor expressed his remorse to his two victims. He said: " He wants to change. He knows his behaviour is wrong. He is willing to access any support he can get so that (the complainants) or any female is not subjected to this sort of conduct again." Judge Manley stressed that Lawlor could not be considered for release by the Parole Board until the minimum term had expired, and if freed would be on licence for the rest of his life. Pre-tax profits dropped sharply at Sean Ward (Fish Exports) from 3m to 825,992 in the 12 months to the end of July 2014 The owners of one of the largest fish exporting firms in the country shared a dividend windfall of 300,000 in 2014, new figures show. But accounts recently filed with the Companies Office show that pre-tax profits dropped sharply at Sean Ward (Fish Exports) from 3m to 825,992 in the 12 months to the end of July 2014. The Donegal-based firm recorded the drop in profits in spite of revenues increasing by 13pc, going from 41.9m to 47.2m. The dividend payout of 300,000 followed a payout of 400,000 in 2013. It was paid to the company's parent firm, Fimarex, which is controlled by Sean Ward, Muriel Ward, Michael Callaghan and Brigid Callaghan. The company has been situated at Killybegs for over 20 years and specialises in the processing of pelagic fish - mackerel, herring, blue whiting and sprat - with the company exporting to Europe, Africa, Russia and the Far East, including China. It is one of the largest exporting companies operating in Ireland's seafood industry, which contributes about 700m annually to national income and employs 11,000 people with Killybegs the largest fishing port. The firm's profits declined after the company's cost of sales and administrative expenses increased sharply. The figures show that the cost of sales increased from 36m to 41.4m while administrative costs went up from 765,365 to 2.92m. The directors state that the continuation of this level of turnover is materially dependent on national landing quotas of pelagic species and the ability to purchase the same. Accumulated profits at the firm totalled 21.65m. Bank of Ireland (BoI) is on course to pay its first dividend since 2008 next year, according to the firm's chief executive, Richie Boucher. The bank's chief executive said that dividend payments would be re-installed next year based on the bank's 2016 profits. Mr Boucher also ruled out plans to raise capital and said that there has been a continued reduction of those in arrears. "This was always in accordance with our own plans, one of the things that we did in the first week of this year was we repaid the preference shares, which had previously been owned by the Government," he told RTE's Morning Ireland. "We have used some of our capital to do that, our businesses are performing well, we are generating profits, so we anticipate if that scenario continues then we will be in a position to start paying dividends next year based on the 2016 profits," Mr Boucher said. The bank reports this morning that all its trading divisions were profitable last year and that group loans grew substantially. According to its preliminary results for 2015, BoI now has 3.9bn of net new lending at the core of its loan books. Speaking about the results Mr Boucher said the bank was well positioned to meet credit demand. "With our strong franchises, we are well positioned to meet credit demand which is recovering as the Irish economy grows and confidence returns. We generated an underlying profit before tax of 1.2bn in 2015, 30pc higher than the equivalent figure in 2014 of 921m," Mr Boucher said. BoI says that it reduced non-performing loans last year by a further 3.8bn and that it has maintained progress towards dividend capacity. The bank now has 85m of customer loans on its balance sheet while customer deposits account for around 90pc of group funding. Mr Boucher went on to say that he was optimistic about the bank's growing potential to deliver a dividend. "We have maintained our progress towards dividends and have updated our distribution policy. The strength and momentum in our businesses gives us confidence in the groups prospects and in our ability to continue to focus on our duty to responsibly develop our profitable, long term businesses and better serve our customers, in a way that delivers attractive sustainable returns to our shareholders. Mayor of London Boris Johnson speaks to the media outside his home in Islington, London, where he said he is to campaign for Britain to leave the European Union in the forthcoming in/out referendum. Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA. Irish executives' fear of the impact of a Brexit on this country has grown as the referendum draws near, but fewer than last year believe a Brexit will happen, a new survey indicates. Of 330 senior executives surveyed by headhunters Merc Partners, 87pc said Brexit would have a negative overall impact on the economy of the Republic of Ireland, a four-point increase on a year ago. But just 25pc thought it likely that the UK will leave the EU in the next five years, down from 36pc last year. Almost two-thirds of respondents said the biggest impact of Brexit on Irish business would be its effect on trade, with question marks over the relationship between a United Kingdom outside the EU and the single market. "This research demonstrates that by far the most serious consequence of Brexit would be its impact on trade and trade barriers. Eight out of 10 respondents also want Irish political and business leaders to become actively involved in the campaign to keep the UK in the EU," said Ruth Curran, a partner at Merc. "On the positive side, almost three-quarters of respondents felt Brexit would make Ireland more attractive for multinationals to invest," Ms Curran added. Britons will go to the polls on Thursday, June 23, with an 'Out' vote likely to have ramifications far beyond Ireland. Economists tasked by German think tank the Bertelsmann Foundation have produced a stark calculation of the resulting hit to per-capita incomes. "We don't know what would come our way with a Brexit," said Gabriel Felbermayr, director of the Centre for International Economics at the Ifo Research Institute in Munich and one of the authors of the report. "But what is completely sure is that it would create enormous uncertainty, and there is very good empirical evidence to show how poisonous uncertainty is for trade flows and economic development." Mr Felbermayr and his colleagues calculated that even under the best-case scenario, the UK and Ireland would suffer income reductions in excess of 5pc. In the 'isolation' scenario - in which Britain would lose barrier-free access to continental trade - that damage soars to more than 20pc. (Additional reporting Bloomberg) Green REIT, an Irish property investment firm, has filed a profit of 67.1m in the six month period ending December 31 2015, down from 74.3m in the previous year. In the firm's interim results its EPRA net assets grew by 7pc following the successful implementation of its investment strategy. Earnings per share in the firm also fell from 11.1c to 10c, while EPRA earnings per share grew 1.9c per share, up from 1.2pc in the same period in 2014. Chairman of Green REIT, Gary Kennedy, said he was pleased by the shareholder returns the investment strategy was delivering. "The Board is confident that the continued implementation of our asset management and development strategy, against the favourable backdrop of a strong commercial property market and supportive Irish macroeconomic fundamentals, will deliver further shareholder returns in line with our target. We look forward to the year ahead with confidence," Mr Kennedy said. Meanwhile, Green Property REIT Ventures chief executive, Pat Gunne, said the firm is looking to improve its Irish occupancy rate. The Irish commercial real estate market continues to be supported by the growth in the Irish economy, and in particular foreign direct investment which, despite the global headwinds, has remained very resilient. "Our focus in Green REIT continues to be on the active management of our 1bn investment portfolio, where we have 99pc occupancy, and the development of our five projects in Dublin, where we expect to add to our very strong list of existing tenants," Mr Gunne said. Wholesale gas prices have almost halved in the last year, with Irish businesses benefiting significantly, says a new report. So far this month, prices are 44pc lower than in February 2015, according to electricity and gas supplier Vayu Energy. Vayu, headed by managing director Colm Kennedy, said the collapse is due to "an overwhelming supply of gas in Europe and a very robust storage position for this time of year. "Irish wholesale gas prices have now almost halved in euro terms (down 48pc) compared with the average monthly price recorded for February over the previous three years (2013-2015). This has had a significant impact on the energy costs of many Irish businesses purchasing gas on the wholesale market, particularly in the industrial and commercial segment," Vayu added. The company's senior energy analyst Gillian Lawler said there appears to be more downward price pressure on the horizon, with Europe coming out of winter with stock levels well above normal. "Seasonal demand should fall from here on. So barring any unplanned outages or a sustained period of cold weather, there appears only to be more downward price pressure on the horizon. This will be welcomed in particular by energy users in the commercial and industrial sector," she added. A spokesperson for Brinks today said that the Irish cash-in-transit market has not been profitable in recent years More than 200 jobs are to be lost after cash-in-transit firm Brinks confirmed that it is to cease its operations in Ireland. Trade union Siptu said it is very angry with the decision after reaching a major restructuring deal with the company as recently as last month to safeguard Brinks future. However, a spokesperson for Brinks today said that the Irish cash-in-transit market has not been profitable in recent years, and they do not see opportunities for growth going forward. The job losses will affect staff in Dublin, Cork and Galway. Siptu Organiser Brendan Carr said staff at the firm are extremely disappointed. Unfortunately, despite the sacrifices of its workforce and their willingness to adapt to the companys demands it has still decided to end its operations, said Mr Carr. These jobs have been endangered, in part, due to the operation of low cost employers in the security industry. The workers are extremely disappointed by this announcement. Mr Carr said he hoped the staff would be able to find new employment but he criticised Brinks one month after it reached a deal with staff to secure their jobs. These workers are licensed to work in the cash in transit industry and where possible it is hoped that they can transfer to a new employer along with the contracts that are currently being serviced by Brinks Ireland. Only last month, union representatives finalised an agreement with management on a major restructuring deal which we were ensured would safeguard the companys future in Ireland. These companies do not adhere to the established terms and conditions of employment in the cash in transit sector. Here are the main business stories from this morning's papers: Irish Independent * Irish executives' fear of the impact of a Brexit on this country has grown as the referendum draws near, but fewer than last year believe a Brexit will happen, a new survey indicates. Of 330 senior executives surveyed by headhunters Merc Partners, 87pc said Brexit would have a negative overall impact on the economy of the Republic of Ireland, a four-point increase on a year ago. But just 25pc thought it likely that the UK will leave the EU in the next five years, down from 36pc last year. * Wholesale gas prices have almost halved in the last year, with Irish businesses benefiting significantly, says a new report. So far this month, prices are 44pc lower than in February 2015, according to electricity and gas supplier Vayu Energy. Vayu, headed by managing director Colm Kennedy, said the collapse is due to "an overwhelming supply of gas in Europe and a very robust storage position for this time of year. * The owners of one of the largest fish exporting firms in the country shared a dividend windfall of 300,000 in 2014, new figures show. But accounts recently filed with the Companies Office show that pre-tax profits dropped sharply at Sean Ward (Fish Exports) from 3m to 825,992 in the 12 months to the end of July 2014. The Donegal-based firm recorded the drop in profits in spite of revenues increasing by 13pc, going from 41.9m to 47.2m. The Irish Times * British Prime Minister, David Cameron, has been dealt a blow by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who says that he will throw his weight behind a 'leave' vote in the upcoming Brexit referendum. The UK is to vote on whether or not to stay in the European Union in June with many uncertainties still looming about the terms of the exit. Mr Johnson said that he had gone through 'a huge amount of heartache' before reaching a decision. * Cereberus, the US private equity firm, is to wind up Mick Wallace's M&J Wallace firm just weeks after winning a 2m judgement against him. The Wexford TD was unable to prevent Cereberus from obtaining a High Court judgement for 2m arising from debt for the firm. Micheal Leydon has been appointed as a liquidator to the firm. * Bank of Ireland is expected to pay its shareholders a dividend for the first time since 2008. The bank is due to release its full year figures for 2015 on Monday and it is understood that it will pay a dividend to its shareholders in 2016. According to a report in The Irish Times, the dividend will not be paid until the first half of next year following the bank's AGM. Irish Examiner * iMob Media, the location-based digital marketing platform, has struck a major deal with Three, which will allow it to target specific customers with offers and incentives. The firm is headed up by former Eircell chief executive, Stephen Brewer, who said the team at iMob was very pleased with the new deal. The Dublin-based start-up uses geo-fencing to identify when a customer is close to a particular shop or offer. * China's national debt is set to continue increasing over the course of the next four years according to a report by Bloomberg. Policymakers are looking to prevent a deeper slowdown without triggering a credit blowout. In a survey conducted by Bloomberg, 70pc of analysts said they saw the debt ratio increasing for the next three years at the very least. * The pressures currently facing Irish business have changed according to the latest quarterly Business Monitor Report. In the final three months of last year, pressures facing Irish business resembled those that face firms in a growing economy. Over half of the businesses surveyed cited competition and discounting by their competitors as a key issue. When the late, great Dean Martin was proclaiming to the world as far back as 1953 that "when the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's amore," for some it was more than just "amore". It was a spectacular market opportunity. Fast forward another 60 years or so and there's figures to show that every single day of the year, some 13pc of the entire American population are sitting down to a pizza. It is also the favourite fast-food for college parties and nights in watching Netflix. Indeed, since 1984, Americans have even set aside a special month (October) to pay homage to the flatbread topped with tomato and cheese. They call it National Pizza Month. But back in the 1950s, there was one man from the American midwest town of Ann Arbor, Michigan, who may have felt that Deano's popular ditty was inspiration sent straight down from Heaven. He was Tom Monaghan, who in 1960 went on to found the enterprise we know today as Domino's Pizza. He sold the company in the 1990s for over $1bn and has since spent a great part of that fortune on Catholic charities and educational establishments. Domino's is a truly worldwide enterprise. It is the second-largest pizza chain after Pizza Hut, with over 12,000 outlets and 11,000 employees. While its branding is global, its international markets vary. For instance, in Japan a squid topping is available, in India it offers spicy cheese and in Brazil the cinnamon dessert pizzas are much requested. Its founder is, of course, 'one of our own'. More accurately perhaps, he has two Irish grandparents, born in Tipperary and Cork. Having set up the company in 1960, he conceived a clever strategy of building outlets close to military establishments or colleges. It paid off and 20 years later it was a worldwide phenomenon. Mr Monaghan sold out to Bain Capital in 1990. Now in 80 countries, Domino's has 4,700 outlets in the US and 7,000 internationally. It generates revenues and profit from royalties from its franchisees, revenues from its own stores and sales of food and equipment in the US and Canada. Franchisees are governed by a master agreement usually restricted to one company per country. There are exceptions, like the agreement for UK and Ireland, while another expanded master franchise covers Australia, New Zealand, Belgium and the Netherlands. Last year, Domino's had a record store growth in its international business and grew in the US. The international business was driven mainly by Australia, Brazil, Turkey and the UK. The US pizza market is estimated to be worth $32bn. Interestingly, 50pc of this market is online, giving the big players like Domino's a competitive advantage over local pizza operators. Group revenue last year increased to $2.2bn, driven by higher supply-chain revenues. US revenue, at $640m, shows company-owned stores contributing $380m, the remaining being royalties and fees from its US franchisees. International fees and royalties contributed $164m, up 10pc from the previous year. Operating income at $400m shows a consistent increase each year since 2011. The shares are not cheap, hovering around $112, below its yearly high of $120, and the stock has doubled in the last five years. The company now has a market value of $6bn. Earnings per share is $3.47, up from $1.90 in 2011. The business yields strong free cash flow of $180m driven by consistent franchise royalty payments and supply chain revenue. The company's free cash flow is deployed towards its shareholders and last year $82m was spent on share repurchases or, as some might say, extra topping for the investor pie. Domino's is a growth stock and worth considering, but its hefty price earnings multiple of 32 is a bit rich. Nothing in this section should be taken as a recommendation, either explicit or implicit to buy any of the shares mentioned Michael Gove has broken ranks with close friend David Cameron on the vexed question of Britain's position in Europe. One of David Cameron's closest political allies has broken ranks with the UK prime minister on the vexed question of Britain's position in Europe. Michael Gove, the UK's justice secretary and an ex-journalist, declared his support for the 'Out' campaign in a 1,500-word essay published over the weekend. "It pains me to have to disagree with the Prime Minister on any issue. My instinct is to support him through good times and bad," Mr Gove wrote. "But I cannot duck the choice which the Prime Minister has given every one of us. In a few months time we will all have the opportunity to decide whether Britain should stay in the European Union or leave. I believe our country would be freer, fairer and better off outside the EU". As the most senior Tory politician to back an EU departure Mr Gove's move is a fillip to the 'Out' side, a broad church encompassing left-wing firebrand George Galloway and UKIP leader and former commodity broker Nigel Farage. Other senior Tories in favour of an 'Out' include Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers, the leader of the House of Commons Chris Grayling. and Work and Pensions Secretary of State and former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith. London Mayor Boris Johnson confirmed yesterday that he too will join the 'Out' side. But the vast bulk of the Tory cabinet has rowed in behind Mr Cameron, with the referendum now confirmed for Thursday, June 23. Aside from the main issue at hand, the question now is whether the Tory party can make it through the voting process unscathed. In his essay, Mr Gove said Europe is the only significant issue on which he and Mr Cameron have differed, but with so much at stake and cutting rhetoricians like Mr Farage and Mr Galloway on Mr Gove's side, the four months before the polls are likely to test the men's relationship. Ireland will be watching closely. A Brexit and the concomitant uncertainty about Britain's relationship with the single market would have this country's exporters gnawing their nails, but so would the fractured Tory government that may eventuate in the event of an 'In' vote. Grassroots Tories are largely Eurosceptic and as of yesterday, Tory MPs who had publicly made their minds up are narrowly in favour of leaving, according to data compiled by the political blog Guido Fawkes. Whatever the outcome in June, choppy waters are ahead. ARRIVING: Left, Lucinda Creighton with Renua candidate Patrick McKee at the count for the Kilkenny by-election There will be a live debate hosted here on Independent.ie today from 4pm featuring some the youngest candidates from some of the major political parties. Councillor Jennifer Cuffe from Fianna Fail, Senator Kathryn Reilly from Sinn Fein, Councillor Noel Rock from Fine Gael and Councillor Patrick McKee from Renua Ireland have agreed to take part in the 'Count Us In' Youth Debate today. The debate is moderated by Irish Independent Political Correspondent Niall O' Connor and questions submitted via social media are being managed by Independent.ie Social Media Editor Clare Cullen. The debate is part of the 'Count Us In' campaign which aims to encourage 18-24 year olds to be politically vocal and active ahead of the General Election on February 26th, and aims to give the youngest candidates a voice. Requirements are that the candidates in the debate must be under thirty years of age. Due to studio restrictions, the debate will be limited to four candidates and each party represented has agreed to put forward a candidate that meets the criteria. Count Us In are encouraging interaction online and anybody who wishes to submit a question to the candidates may do so by tweeting with the hashtag #CountUsIn. Expand Close Patrick McKee (Renua), Jennifer Cuffe (FF), Niall O'Connor, Kathryn Reilly (SF), Noel Rock (FG) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Patrick McKee (Renua), Jennifer Cuffe (FF), Niall O'Connor, Kathryn Reilly (SF), Noel Rock (FG) More on the Campaign: Expand Close Jennifer Cuffe (FF / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jennifer Cuffe (FF Count Us In has been taking video submissions from young people discussing an issue that matters to them. See some of the submissions so far: Expand Close Kathryn Reilly (SF) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kathryn Reilly (SF) Submissions page Submit your own video Expand Close Noel Rock (FG) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Noel Rock (FG) Read more: Expand Close Patrick McKee (Renua) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Patrick McKee (Renua) Damien Molony is the most 'unactorly' of actors. There is no bravado, grandiosity or showbiz anecdotery with this man: he is quiet, softly spoken and unassuming. Molony is a good-looking fella, but not in an alarmingly handsome way, which means he has a chameleon quality that allows him to disappear into his characters. His ordinariness was key to Anthony, his character in Crashing, the comedy series that just finished its run on Channel 4. Anthony is a nice guy, well-intentioned but a bit of a wimp (and a bit of an eejit too). As a character, he's the polar opposite of Molony's other big TV role, DS Jack Weston in Suspects, the mostly improvised Channel 5 cop drama that also stars Cold Feet veteran Faye Ripley. Jack is a real lad - cocky, sure of himself, verging on swaggering. He's very sexy, too - a sharp contrast to the uptight vampire Hal, Molony's first ever TV character in cult hit Being Human. Molony always wanted to be an actor, but growing up in the village of Johnston Bridge, Co Kildare, he had no idea how to go about it. His father is the local doctor, and Molony manages to make the ordinary things of his childhood sound magical: "I grew up loving the showmanship of WWF wrestling, the humour of The Simpsons, the heroics of MacGyver," he says. "I was always in awe of the ceremony of ordering popcorn and Maltesers and taking your seat at the cinema or the pantomime at the Gaiety." After leaving school, Molony went to Trinity College Dublin where he did a four-year degree in business and politics. Instead of making a beeline for Players, the college's famous acting society, he avoided it: "I always thought you might need an 'in' with Players," he explains. When Molony did eventually become involved, it was by chance. "A guy on my course was supposed to be doing a part in Two Gentlemen of Verona. He came up to me one day and said 'I'm terrified. I can't do it. Would you do it for me?'" As he neared the end of his degree, friends told him he should apply to drama schools in London. "I thought, "Yeah, why not?'" he says. The would-be actor found a place at the Drama Centre London and graduated in 2011. By that time Molony was already working professionally, having been spotted by a casting director for the role of Hal in Being Human, a BBC 3 show that had already run for three series when Molony auditioned. Hal had previously been played by Aidan Turner - Molony was then drafted in as a replacement. It was a daunting first TV job - yet he won over even the most ardent Turner fans with his performance: "It was a real honour to take over from where he left off," he says. The revamped Being Human ran for another two series, after which Molony played a Victorian policeman in Ripper Street before moving on to a modern cop role in Suspects. And although Molony has worked solidly for the past five years and gone from success to success, he's still awestruck at how he makes his living: "I still pinch myself when I'm on set or when the director calls 'Action' or the curtain opens on stage. I've got butterflies in my stomach even now talking about it." Crashing is on Channel 4 On Demand Gangland criminals are willing to shoot at anyone who gets in their way, the Head of the new Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau tells Paul Williams on tonight's TV3 documentary on the current landscape of gangland Dublin. Every time a criminal gang goes to carry an operation, they factor in they could come across the Guards," Detective Chief Superintendent Michael OSullivan reveals on the one hour documentary fronted by Special Correspondent with INM, Williams. "Putting it in perspective, very many criminal investigations have been prevented in mid-stream, before individuals had been shot. Criminals had been arrested on route to shoot people as recently as a couple of months ago and on route to carry out various other activities, so they always factor that in, whether theyre going to meet the guards on route or at scene or on the way back, and it certainly would appear. "Id be very fearful for any guards or members of the public who would have got in their way, he says on Paul Williams: Gangsters at War, airing tonight at 9pm. Following his revealing segment on the Late Late Show last Friday night, Williams charts the latest developments in the feud between two Dublin gangs headed up by the 'godfathers of Irish crime' Christy Kinahan and Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch. Williams unearths the history behind the feud, the rapid growth of the Spanish based 'Kinahan cartel', and the events leading up to the recent gangland killings of David Byrne and Eddie Hutch Senior within four days of each other in the capital. Expand Close A member of the ERU team on Paul Williams: Gangsters at War / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A member of the ERU team on Paul Williams: Gangsters at War The feud has put crime at the centre of the 2016 election campaign as the electorate prepare to cast their votes for their preference on who should form the next Irish Government. Seldom on a bus journey are passengers asked to keep their heads down to avoid bullet fire but this will be the case for those brave souls hoping to get a taste of the 1916 Rising from the safety of a double decker. Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe was on hand to help launch the latest addition to Dublin Bus Tours, the 1916 Tour - Beyond Barricades. Setting off from OConnell Street, the guests are thrown straight into the fighting as they hear the words from prominent Irish republican Helena Moloney, who fought front and centre during the rebellion. A troupe of actors from the award-winning theatre company ANU Production don various guises of those involved in Rising during the interactive 90 minute tour. Among the prominent sites of Easter Monday 1916 visited include City Hall, Dublin Castle, St. Stephens Green, Four Courts, North King Street and the GPO. Hear the real stories of people behind the Rising including the struggle of the female leaders and the tearful words of Nora Connollys last goodbye to her father James, says Dublin Bus CEO Ray Coyne. The tour guarantees historical accuracy from script to costumes, on board a specially designed bus that transports you back to 1916 from the get go. Speaking at the launch of the tour, Minister Donohoe added: 1916 is undoubtedly the most renowned period in our countrys history. As we approach the centenary of the week that led to the birth of the Irish State, people are looking to find out more about the events surrounding the Rising, any possible family connections to what went on and the experiences of the men and women who fought at the GPO and other landmark sites. [This tour] promises an accurate and convincing portrayal of the rebellion to Dubliners and those coming from further afield. The 1916 Tour - Beyond Barricades tour takes place from Monday to Sunday, and goes from 10:30 am, 1 pm and 3 pm; with later routes available on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7pm and 9pm. Ticket prices are as follows: 25 adults 23 students and senior citizens 15 children 60 family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) 10 pc discount for booking online, offer excludes the family ticket, as this is already discounted. The 1916 Tour - Beyond Barricades is not suitable for children under 12 year, Dublin Bus Tours added. THE Supreme Court has overturned an order requiring the State pay 400,000 damages to two mussel fishing firms over a ban on fishing for mussel seed in Castlemaine Harbour, Co Kerry. The decision was made by a five-judge court in a three-to-two majority ruling. The judgments centred on how to address the State's liability for actions which detrimentally affect private individuals. The High Court in 2013 awarded 125,000 damages to Cromane Seafoods Ltd and 275,000 to O'Sullivan McCarthy Mussel Development Ltd, related firms involved in mussel fishing since 1979. The companies sued the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and the State arising from a 2008 Ministerial ban on fishing for mussel seed which involved closing Castlemaine Harbour for several months in 2008. The companies complained the mussel seed season was over when they were let back into the harbour in 2008 and they suffered further losses when a similar situation arose in 2010. Castlemaine Harbour (Cromane) has been a Special Protection Area (SPA) since 1979 in accordance with an EC Birds Directive while a wider area of protection, a Candidate Social Area of Conservation, was opened in 2000 under the Habitats Directive. This meant the site amounted to a "Natura 2000 site" with the result the harbour closes each year for a period to allow for stock conservation. The Minister's authorisation was also required for obtaining mussel seed. After the European Court of Justice ruled in 2007 Ireland had not correctly transposed the Habitats Directive, concerns arose in the relevant Departments about risk of adverse environmental impact on the Castlemaine Harbour SPA due to gathering of mussel seed. That led to the 2008 decision not to open the mussel seed fishing activity normally expected in the summer months. The fishery was not opened until October 5 by which time predators had eaten the mussels, leaving the companies with no mussel stock. A delay opening the harbour in 2010 left them in a similar position. The High Court found operational negligence by the State in failing to carry out proper scientific investigations or monitoring between 2000 and 2008. Those would have provided proper base line studies for the prompt carrying out of an appropriate assessment to permit timely reopening of the harbour for mussel seed collection, it held. There was a breach of the companies' legitimate expectation the harbour would reopen annually for mussel seed collection because the Minister would operate a regime of granting aquaculture licences and manage the harbour appropriately, it also ruled. By the time the European Commission indicated it was going to allow a certain amount of toleration for the harbour as a special case, the mussel predators had come and gone, the High Court also said. The companies operated lawfully, were entitled to expect the regime would continue, and suffered loss and damage, the court concluded. A majority Supreme Court, comprising Mr Justice John MacMenamin, Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne and Mr Justice Peter Charleton, overturned that decision. The majority court upheld the appeal in relation to legitimate expectation and operational negligence. While Mr Justice Frank Clarke and Ms Justice Mary Laffoy agreed the State was entitled to win its appeal concerning findings of negligence and legitimate expectation where Cromane was concerned, they disagreed it had no liability for operational negligence concerning O'Sullivan McCarthy. That company was entitled to damages arising from the 2008 harbour closure, they said. BLAKE O'Donnell, a son of retired solicitor Brian O'Donnell, has described as "scurrilous" a bank's claims against him and others about the imminent sale of a valuable property in London. Blake, who is also a solicitor, was responding to claims made in the High Court last week by Bank of Ireland (BoI) when it sought orders preventing members of the O'Donnell family and three British Virgin Island-registered companies from dissipating an estimated st6m (7.7m) expected to come from the sale of a property called Columbus Courtyard in London's Canary Wharf. Expand Close Brian O'Donnell and his son Blake / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Brian O'Donnell and his son Blake When the matter returned before the court today, Blake O'Donnell said he had been "caught on the hop" by the bank's application. He had not been furnished with many of the legal documents submitted by the bank as part of its application for an order preventing assets from being dissipated. He now found himself having to fight the matter in three different jurisdictions, Ireland, the UK and BVI. He asked the court to put the matter back for six weeks to allow him respond to the bank's claims. His father, Brian, told Mr Justice Hedigan that BoI had no interest or relationship at any stage with the Columbus Courtyard property. Stephen Dowling Bl, for the bank, said his client was concerned about the proceeds of the sale being dissipated and was standing over the claims it had made to the court. Counsel said the six week adjournment was too long. Mr Justice John Hedigan said he wanted to be fair to the parties, in what was a complex matter. He wanted to have the "status quo" preserved. He was prepared to adjourn the matter for six weeks to allow Blake O Donnell prepare a sworn statement in reply to BoI's claims. However, the judge said he would still hear Wednesday BoI's application to extend the injunction granted last week, pending the full hearing of the dispute. This was unless the sides could come to an agreement between themselves over BoI's application that undertakings previously given in relation to dealings in the BVI interests being converted into formal court orders. BoI was concerned these undertakings were no longer enough and wants them to be replaced with court orders. A GP appearing before a Medical Council inquiry over her care of a female patient who later died of advanced colon cancer was today found guilty of poor professional performance. A number of the allegations, however, faced by Dr. Intan Besri, of Dublin 13, were not proven beyond reasonable doubt. Dr. Besri, a general practitioner working as a locum at the College Gate Clinic at Ballymun Road, Glasnevin, Dublin, faced a number of allegations in relation to Breeda Fayne, who was seen by the GP on two occasions between February and April 2012. Mrs Fayne, who died of advanced colon cancer two years ago, in February 2014, made a complaint to the Medical Council in April 2013. Today, the inquiry, which began November last, was informed that Dr. Besri was willing to admit to six of the factual allegations, and that these allegations constituted poor professional performance. The factual allegations Dr. Besri admitted to were in relation to her failure to develop an appropriate management plan for Ms. Fayne, who came to visit her on 8 February 2012, and failure to make adequate notes regarding that visit, or a visit on 11 April 2012. On foot of these admissions by Dr. Besri, the inquiry committee found that these six allegations were proven as to fact and that, collectively, they amounted to poor professional performance. In announcing their findings, the committee members offered their condolences to Mrs. Faynes widower and son, who were present at the inquiry. The committee chairman said they were aware that, for both parties, this was a difficult process. Sanctions will be determined at a later date. Simon Mills, representing Dr. Besri, today requested that the sanctions imposed on Dr. Besri be at the lower end of the scale. He pointed out that this was an isolated care involving a single patient and while there was ultimately a tragic outcome for Mrs. Fayne and her family, it was never alleged that any act or omission on the part of Dr. Besri lead to Mrs. Faynes death. Since 2012, Dr. Besri, who obtained her medical degree from the University College Dublin in 2001, has taken a number of steps to develop herself professionally, and has implemented an improved note-taking system, Mr. Mills pointed out. He added that, since the outset of the inquiry, Dr. Besri has admitted that her note-taking in relation to Mrs. Faynes visits were not adequate and, having reflected with an open mind upon the evidence given by an expert witness to the inquiry in November, admits that she failed to create an adequate management plan for Mrs. Fayne during their visit on 8 February 2012. The inquiry previously heard that, in her letter of complaint, dated April 2013, Mrs. Fayne said she went to visit Dr Besri in February 2012, complaining of pain on her left side. Dr Besri requested an abdominal MRI for Mrs Fayne but, instead, an MRI of the pelvis was performed, for reasons unknown to the inquiry. In her letter, Mrs Fayne said her pain worsened throughout the year and, in November 2012, she visited another doctor. Some investigations were performed and, in December of that year, she was advised that she had advanced colon cancer. A notorious convicted murderer threatened to rip the head off a prison officer leaving the man fearing for his life, a court has heard. Jeffrey Dumbrell (35), who is serving a life sentence, was being held in a high security segregation unit at the time but has since moved to a wing with a number of other prisoners and hopes someday to rejoin the general prison population. Dumbrell, formerly of Emmet Road, Inchicore, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to making threats to kill a prison officer at Wheatfield Prison on December 10, 2014. He has 10 previous convictions including murder, assault and larceny. Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned sentencing until tomorrow. Garda Stephen Cullen told Ronan Kennedy BL, prosecuting, that the prison officer was in an office in the segregation unit when Dumbrell stormed in. Dumbrell tried to pick up a chair but was prevented from doing so and was very aggressive towards the prison officer. He told the man: If you ever get smart with me through the gate, I will rip your f**king head off. The incident lasted about one minute before Dumbrell left the office. The following day there was another verbal exchange after the prison officer noticed Dumbrell pacing in the recreation area in an agitated state. The prison officer said he would take any threats from Dumbrell very seriously. He said he felt stressed and was looking over his shoulder ever since. He felt his life was in danger. The court heard the prison officer did not wish to attend court or complete a victim impact statement. Gda Cullen agreed with John Berry BL, defending, that Dumbrell was a notorious prisoner. He agreed that until recently Dumbrell and one other prisoner had been held in an extra high security unit manned by a group of dedicated prison officers in Wheatfield Prison. He agreed that in the time since this incident Dumbrell had been offered a path to a more relaxed regime and he was now in a closely controlled and monitored wing with up to eight other prisoners with a view to maybe someday rejoining the general prison population. Mr Berry said he was instructed that the guilty plea was motivated by remorse and Dumbrell's desire to show he was capable of change. He submitted that Dumbrell had shown signs of progress. He said his client had for a long time been in something akin to solitary confinement but now found that by co-operating with the prison authorities he was in a far better situation and hoped his high security status would be reduced in the years ahead. Mr Berry noted Dumbrell would come before the sentence review group at seven year intervals and said he wanted to start putting in place the building blocks of a better future. He asked the court to structure a sentence to show Dumbrell that what he had done was worthy of commendation and that his current path was far more advantageous to him. April OBrien had 32 convictions, 20 of them for theft A shoplifter with a "prolific" history of theft stole Lego and other toys for her child while "kitting out" their home, a court heard. April O'Brien (23) was given a nine-month suspended sentence for a series of thefts from city stores. Judge Anthony Halpin warned her she was "running out of chances". O'Brien admitted stealing toys worth 49 at Dealz, Moore Street, last November 26. She stole two Disney dolls and a Lego set worth 137 from Smyth's, Jervis Street, last March 3 and two more Disney dolls worth 67 on March 11. She took 22 worth of sweets and chocolates from Tesco, Fleet Street, last May 29 and toiletries worth 58 from Clery's, Talbot Street, on June 24. This year, O'Brien stole cosmetics worth 60 from Boots, The Ilac Centre, on February 8 while carrying a foil-lined bag to pass security sensors. She stole blades worth 90 from the same shop the next day and was remanded in custody until she entered guilty pleas. Dublin District Court heard she had 32 previous convictions, 20 of them were for theft. O'Brien, with an address at Fettercairn Ring Road, Tallaght, had become "desperate" to provide for her two-year-old child and "in a misguided way decided to obtain funds by thieving", her solicitor Clare Barry said. Drug She had been attempting to "kit out her house" for her child, she added. The accused had a history of drug abuse. "She has a prolific history of thieving," Judge Anthony Halpin said. "It seems she can't go into a shop without taking something. Does she not know you have to pay for it?" The judge suspended several concurrent nine-month sentences for 18 months. Burglars are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their techniques (stock photo) Burglars are using battering rams, similar to those seen on US police drama shows, as well as hi-tech equipment, to target homes and elderly people in rural areas. A security expert has also highlighted how electric-signal jammers disguised as cigarette boxes and costing as little as 40, walkie-talkies and drones are being widely used by gangs in areas close to the M50 and other major motorways. The gangs are also using spikes to scale the walls of homes with external wall insulation in a series of 'spider burglaries' to target upstairs windows which are often not alarmed as homeowners look to save costs on expensive security systems. Now, there are fears in the security industry that more common trends in the UK will be adopted by burglars here. Gardai are investigating a number of burglaries in the Dublin area, where they suspect criminals used jammers to prevent alarms activating. Police in the UK have been looking at a spate of burglaries that occurred after criminals targeted bungalows and removed the first four rows of roof tiles to enter family homes. They then left the bungalows through the front door. Fairco Windows and Doors managing director, Jim Toal, said he was called out to more than 12 burglaries across Ireland every week to offer crime-prevention advice. He also advises gardai and neighbourhood-watch groups about crime prevention. "By virtue of us being out there and seeing so many burglaries in a week, how many other companies are attending to other burglaries? "The day of the opportunistic burglar is gone. The new generation plan and execute their burglaries professionally," he said. Mr Toal said the new generation of burglars and crime gangs were willing to put in huge amounts of reconnaissance work to make sure they could carry out robberies without risk of being caught. Warning This is especially the case in 'chain burglaries', where gangs station members armed with walkie-talkies at strategic points, including near the local Garda station, giving the intruders a two-minute warning of any interruption. "When it comes to more sophisticated alarm systems, burglary teams are taking the chance that the alarm is monitored through the phone line and simply remotely copying the (internet) address of the transmission system and jamming the alarm," said Mr Toal. "These transmission jammers are readily available to would-be thieves for as little as 40 and are operational up to a 30-metre radius." According to Mr Toal, the only way to prevent a burglary is to make your home impenetrable with burglar-proof locks and windows. A talented musician has been put into an induced coma after a tragic swimming pool accident in Portugal. Niall Dennehy, of the Cork-based band Art Crimes, suffered serious injuries when he apparently tripped and fell into the water. He was immediately rescued by shocked onlookers. However, he is understood to have suffered serious head and respiratory injuries. Mr Dennehy is the son of well-known Cork publican Con Dennehy, who also served as head of the Irish vintners lobby for many years. The Dennehy family immediately flew to Portugal on hearing of the freak accident. His father said the young man was now making slow but steady progress and they were hopeful he would be able to return to Ireland within weeks. "It will be a long and slow road," Mr Dennehy. "We do not know exactly when we will be back, but we are hopeful," he said. Niall is a drummer and percussionist. His band received rave reviews at 2015 Guinness Cork Jazz Festival and was touring their debut album Radio. Leo Varadkar is one of the Fine Gael heavyweights dispatched to help in marginal constituencies Photo: Caroline Quinn Six Fine Gael Cabinet ministers have been ordered to get outside their own constituencies in the coming days in a major bid to assist other candidates engaged in the battle for a seat. The party has today launched its so-called 'ground war' strategy, aimed at shifting votes from stronger to weaker candidates in key constituencies. As part of the Fine Gael plan, Cabinet heavyweights such as Health Minister Leo Varadkar, Finance Minister Michael Noonan and Agriculture and Defence Minister Simon Coveney have been told to leave their constituencies and help marginal candidates in other ones. This approach is being adopted in relation to 10 constituencies in total, three of which are in Dublin, three in Leinster and four in Munster. A number of MEPs, including Mairead McGuinness and Sean Kelly, have also been dispatched in their respective regions as Taoiseach Enda Kenny also aims to complete a 48-hour whistlestop tour. But Fine Gael's wider plan to shift support from stronger to weaker candidates, as revealed by the Irish Independent on Saturday, is likely to prove controversial. In 20 constituencies, voters will be urged to support the weaker Fine Gael candidate in the field in the run-up to polling day. This will either be communicated via letter, face to face on the canvass, or through Facebook messages delivered by the party's director of elections and Dublin MEP Brian Hayes. The first constituency chosen as part of the 'ground war' strategy is Dublin Bay North, where Fine Gael is running three candidates: Jobs Minister Richard Bruton, councillor Naoise O Muiri and party activist Stephanie Regan. Mr Bruton is seen as being in the running for either the first or second seat. But the party's internal polling shows that O Muiri could take the final seat if the overall Fine Gael vote is managed properly. The party has taken the decision to send a letter to voters in Clontarf - signed by Brian Hayes - which calls for them to vote O Muiri, Bruton and Regan in that order. "If the Government is to be re-elected, it is vital that Fine Gael secures two seats in Dublin Bay North," the letter states. "Recent opinion poll research has shown that we can do this, but we will need to manage our vote. "I am appealing to all supporters of the Government parties in the Clontarf area to vote Number 1 Naoise O Muiri, Number 2 Richard Bruton and to vote Number 3 Stephanie Regan." The letter, which was due to arrive in people's homes today, is co-signed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny. But Ms Regan said last night that the decision to push her into third spot was based on "a falsified poll". "While my initial response was, of course, to feel an obligation to co-operate and to work as a team, it became clear that this decision was more to do with the 'boys club' mentality and that Regan was being sent to make the tea," she said. Senior party sources last night said the move was essential in "rebalancing votes" ahead of polling day and that a similar strategy would be implemented in 19 other constituencies. However, the move will be seen as risky, as it involves senior TDs being asked to jeopardise a portion of their vote. Slogan Details of the Fine Gael plan emerged as Taoiseach Enda Kenny delivered a rallying call to supporters at the chq Building in Dublin yesterday. With days to go until polling, the party is also set to fine-tune its message, selling the "success of society" rather than solely the "success of the economy". The move is partly in response to feedback from rural candidates that the slogan 'Keep the recovery going' is not working. "It may have been too Dublin-focused," said a source. "While we can't abandon it entirely, it does need to be tailored." The sitting TDs in Cork South-Central are all household names far beyond the boundaries of the constituency. In 2011 it was the only part of the country to return two Fianna Fail TDs, and according to today's poll, its voters appear to believe that giving Micheal Martin and Michael McGrath a chance was the right decision. Mr Martin, a former school teacher, was first elected to the Dail in 1989. Over 14 years in Cabinet he served as Minister for Education (1997-2000), Minister for Health (2000-2004), Minister for Enterprise (2004-2008) and finally as Minister for Foreign Affairs until he resigned from Cabinet in 2011. His transfers brought Mr McGrath over the line for the final seat. Mr McGrath, a father of seven, first won his way into the Dail in 2007 and took over as finance spokesman following the death of Brian Lenihan in 2011. His star has risen steadily since and many, including his own constituents, now tip him to be the next leader of Fianna Fail. Across on the Government bench, Cork South-Central has three representatives. The most high-profile is Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney, who has been in the Dail since October 1998 when he took the seat held by his late father. He was tasked with overseeing the compilation of Fine Gael's manifesto for this election and is one of the three names - along with Leo Varadkar and Frances Fitzgerald - who are consistently quoted as frontrunners for the leadership of Fine Gael whenever Enda Kenny steps aside. According to the Millward Brown poll for the Irish Independent, his seat is safe - but many within the party will be disappointed that he will not have enough support to help colleague Jerry Buttimer into the reckoning. Mr Buttimer was a first-time deputy, but stood out as the chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee that oversaw the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill in 2013, and he was to the forefront of Fine Gael's campaign on marriage equality. And the Labour Party's Ciaran Lynch can claim that he has done the State some service with his work on the Banking Inquiry - even if voters don't thank him for it. There's no doubting that Cork South-Central has more than its fair share of famous names. Michael McGrath is set to top the poll for the Cork South-Central Constituency Photo: Tom Burke Click to see a bigger version of the graphic Fine Gael and the Labour Party are set for a double whammy and will both lose a seat in Micheal Martin's home constituency, according to a new poll. The popularity of the coalition parties has plummeted in Cork South-Central and two sitting TDs appear out of the running with just four days left until polling. Ciaran Lynch, the Labour Party TD who chaired the Banking Inquiry, is in seventh place in the newly redrawn four-seat constituency. And in a massive blow for Fine Gael, Jerry Buttimer, who has headed the Oireachtas Health Committee and took a central role in the marriage-equality referendum campaign, is also a long way off being competitive. The Millward Brown study for the Irish Independent shows that Fianna Fail's finance spokesman Michael McGrath will top the poll on 19pc. This is a reverse of 2011 when Mr Martin won the most first preferences and brought Mr McGrath in on transfers. Sinn Fein's candidate Donnchadh O Laoghaire is in second place on 18pc and looks certain to take a seat. The remaining two seats will be taken by Mr Martin and Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney, who are on 17pc. However, the huge gap beyond that to Mr Buttimer on just 9pc will be a massive worry for Fine Gael. Party headquarters had hoped that a potential surplus for Mr Coveney and the elimination of Mr Lynch could help him secure the final seat. But the strong showing of Mr O Laoghaire, who is just 26, will have severely dented that ambition. It will also reflect badly on Mr Coveney, who is considered a frontrunner to succeed Enda Kenny as leader of the party. Fine Gael had hoped he would achieve a surplus. The poll involved face-to-face interviews with 497 adults at 46 sampling points in Cork South Central from February 15-18. There is a margin of error of 4.4pc. In 2011, Fine Gael and Labour collected 39pc of first-preference votes, compared with 27pc for Fianna Fail. But Mr Martin's party is now on course to win 36pc, leaving it a full 10pc ahead of Fine Gael. The swing away back towards Fianna Fail can be partly explained by the level of dissatisfaction with the Government. Popular Some 70pc of voters said they were unhappy with the work being done by the outgoing Coalition. Satisfaction with Enda Kenny is well below the national average at just 22pc, while Labour Party leader Joan Burton fares even worse on 19pc. At the same time, almost half of voters say they are satisfied with the performance of Micheal Martin as leader of Fianna Fail. But Mr McGrath is by far the most popular TD when constituents were asked who they consider to have been most effective over the past five years. A particularly interesting finding is that people in Cork South-Central are willing to pass their votes between the traditional Civil War parties. Some 29pc of Fine Gael supporters said they would transfer to Fianna Fail, while one in four Fianna Fail voters would divert their second preference to Fine Gael. At 48pc, Sinn Fein is considered the most toxic party for transfers - but the Labour Party is only slightly behind on 46pc. Overall, Fianna Fail is the most transfer-friendly, ensuring that both sitting TDs should be safe. Like the other constituencies featured in the Irish Independent series of polls, the health service rated as the most important issue by voters. Some 34pc said the state of our hospitals would be to the forefront of their minds on election day. At 16pc, management of the economy was cited as the second most important topic, while the housing crisis came third on 12pc. Despite the number of high-profile candidates in the constituency, just 1pc said ensuring they had a local minister would affect their voting decision. Fianna Fail's finance spokesman would make a better leader of the party than Micheal Martin, a slim majority of their constituents believes. While Mr Martin has the backing of most Fianna Fail supporters in Cork South-Central, some 38pc of all voters in the constituency favour Michael McGrath as party leader. This compares with 37pc who opted for Mr Martin, while 9pc said neither of them. The result is backed up by a finding that more than one in four constituents described Mr McGrath as the most effective TD for the constituency over the past five years. This put him well ahead of Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney (16pc), Mr Martin (12pc), Fine Gael's Jerry Buttimer (10pc) and the Labour Party's Ciaran Lynch (5pc). Even 10pc of Fine Gael supporters backed Mr McGrath as the best local representative. Mr Lynch, who has been a TD since 2007, is likely to put part of his poor showing down to the national trend away from the Labour Party - but also the fact that he has spent much of the past year working on the Banking Inquiry. Twice as many Fianna Fail supporters cited Mr McGrath as the best performer, compared with Mr Martin. However, on the issue of leadership, 53pc of Fianna Fail voters believe Mr Martin should continue at the helm of the party, compared to 38pc who would like to see their other sitting TD take over. One in five people described Mr Martin as the least effective TD for Cork South-Central, followed by Mr Buttimer and Mr Coveney on 13pc each. Constituents clearly have a mostly positive view of the Fianna Fail duo, with just 9pc believing that Mr Martin was the worst performer and just 2pc saying Mr McGrath. The Millward Brown poll for the Irish Independent also asked 497 adults who they would like to see as the next leader of Fine Gael. More than one in three backed their local representative, Simon Coveney, but the Health Minister Leo Varadkar also made a strong showing on 21pc. Just 5pc named Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, who is seen as the other frontrunner for the job. Half of Fine Gael voters went for Mr Coveney, compared with 31pc for Mr Varadkar. James Bannon getting a lift off the Garda today, inset left, Paul Hogan, inset right, James Bannon A SINN Fein candidate has demanded an apology by 3pm tomorrow from a sitting TD or he will press charges against a canvasser for the alleged theft of election leaflets. Gardai had to be called to a housing estate in Ballymahon, Co Longford this evening after a heated dispute between Paul Hogan and Fine Gaels James Bannon. Mr Hogan told the Irish Independent he has five witnesses who saw someone they believed to be a canvasser for the TD remove his literature from post boxes in the Creevaghbeg estate. The newcomer said the Fine Gael team arrived in the estate just as he was finishing and were spotted removing leaflets. I asked him [Mr Bannon] is this the sort of dirty tricks you running, Mr Hogan. As a row developed it is alleged that a bundle of Labour leaflets were also spotted in a car linked to the Fine Gael canvass. Mr Hogan said he decided to call gardai after some of the Fine Gael team left the estate. They came within five minutes. He [Mr Bannon] sat into the garda car and they brought him down to the station to charge his phone, Mr Hogan said. Ill give him until 3pm to make an apology and give back my literature or Im going to press charges. He said that gardai believe it would be possible to bring charges under the Electoral Act. Its the lowest of the low, Mr Hogan said. However, Mr Bannon has tried to play down the incident. He said that he was not in the immediate vicinity when the incident developed. I understand a member of my canvass team was reading a leaflet and immediately replaced it. It was a simple misunderstanding. When a Garda car arrived after a period of time, I sat in voluntarily to clarify the situation, he said. Meanwhile, Labour Party minister Ann Phelan stormed out of a live debate on her local KCLR radio station last night. Ms Phelan, the minister for rural affairs, left the discussion involving all 15 candidates in the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency, saying she was fed up of the whole bloody lot of ye. Brendan Barron challenges Micheal Martin's tour of Crumlin before it is halted by anti austerity protesters this morning. Picture: Gerry Mooney Micheal Martin's tour of Crumlin is halted by anti austerity protesters this morning. Picture: Gerry Mooney Micheal Martin's tour of Crumlin is halted by anti austerity protesters this morning. Picture: Gerry Mooney Micheal Martin's tour of Crumlin is halted by anti austerity protesters this morning. Picture: Gerry Mooney Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin was forced to abandon a walkabout in Crumlin village today after being confronted by a small group of anti-austerity charges protesters. Mr Martin was about to start a canvass with Cllr Catherine Ardagh when the group arrived at her constituency office chanting "banks got bailed out, we got sold out". Mr Martin was quickly diverted into a car, along with Ms Ardagh but the protesters stood in front of and refused to move. There were no gardai present but Mr Martin was flanked by around 10 Fianna Fail canvassers. He then left the car and attempted to walk down Crumlin's Main Street before going to a newsagents in an effort to evade the group. However they continued chanting outside. Expand Close Micheal Martin's tour of Crumlin is halted by anti austerity protesters this morning. Picture: Gerry Mooney / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Micheal Martin's tour of Crumlin is halted by anti austerity protesters this morning. Picture: Gerry Mooney The Fianna Fail leader accused one protester of "abusing" Ms Ardagh and tried to explain that his party's policy is to abolish water charges. He also claimed they were being "undemocratic" by trying to prevent him walk the streets. Expand Close Brendan Barron challenges Micheal Martin's tour of Crumlin before it is halted by anti austerity protesters this morning. Picture: Gerry Mooney / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Brendan Barron challenges Micheal Martin's tour of Crumlin before it is halted by anti austerity protesters this morning. Picture: Gerry Mooney Eventually Mr Martin's car was driven a short distance away to another street and he moved at pace to get to it before the group but they again blocked the roadway. Eventually after a short stand-off the protesters allowed the car to pass. One protester, Brendan Barron, told Independent.ie: "I wanted to ask Catherine Ardagh why she has the lowest attendance record in Dublin City Council." Meanwhile, a group of around a dozen water charge protesters greeted Taoiseach Enda Kenny at an event in Waterford with shouts of 'Kenny, Kenny, Kenny, out, out, out" The loud protest came as Mr Kenny arrived at the offices of Eistec. There was scuffles as Gardai sheparded Mr Kenny's car through the small group of protesters. As Mr Kenny went inside to speak at a Fine Gael event announcing the parts plan to grow jobs in the regions, they remained outside. 'Enda Kenny in his ivory tower, this is called people power," they chanted. Speaking afterwards, Mr Martin said: That happens. Its an occupations hazard. The only comment I would make is people should have freedom of movement irrespective of who they are. We should be entitled to canvass. He said the protest was deliberately orchestrated to prevent freedom of political action and freedom of canvassing. I dont think its particularly good in a democracy. Former Fine Gael politician Seymour Crawford has denounced claims he is linked to the concerned citizen who challenged Sinn Fein deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald over her party's tax policies. The former CavanMonaghan TD said he took serious exception to reports that the member of the public who took Deputy McDonald to task over plans to kill pensions during a press conference in Dublin was, as claimed by some, his brother. Read More I wish to state that my two brothers are dead; John in 1998 and the Reverend Joe in 2014. The fact that these statements were made to defame my name and that of my Fine Gael Party, which I was so proud to serve over 20 years, is simply outrageous and typical of Sinn Feins efforts to gain power. Read More Mary Lou McDonald was speaking to reporters when Mr Crawford interrupted to complain about Sinn Fein's tax policies. Refusing to give his name, and described himself only as a concerned citizen and a small business man, Mr Crawford accused Sinn Fein of planning to "kill pensions" and taxing high-earners "out of existence". The number of people sleeping on the streets of Dublin has risen THE number of new homeless families has more than doubled in Dublin in the past month compared to the same period last year. An extra 134 families and 269 children were made homeless in the capital in January, an increase of 78 compared to the same month last year. Nine of these families became homeless last month for at least the second time. It means that there are now 769 homeless families in the capital. A total of 41 families became homeless during December and over Christmas. The Peter McVerry Trust is fearful that the increases could be a sign of a worrying trend while Focus Ireland said ending the homeless crisis must be a top priority for the next government. The Dublin Simon Community said that unaffordable rents have a huge role to play in the crisis. Peter McVerry Trust CEO Pat Doyle called for the next Taoiseach to intervene after the General Election and prioritise the issue. We really hope that this figure is a post Christmas spike and will not be a trend repeated for the rest of the year. If this figure of 125 new cases is repeated or even exceeded on a monthly basis throughout the year the consequences would be enormous. Once the next Government is formed we need to see a high level response led by the next Taoiseach to dealing with the homeless emergency we need all relevant Government departments working with frontline agencies to tackle the issue. Dublin Simon Communitys Sam McGuinness said the government needs to move away from emergency response measures. As rents remain unaffordable and as the gap between rent supplement and market rents continues to widen, more and more children, families and individuals will be pushed into homelessness. If we look at January 2015, this is a 114pc increase. Many of these families are accessing hotel rooms with no facilities to cook or clean and often just a bed to share. This is totally unacceptable and the longer these increases continue the more detrimental the impact will be on their lives in the long term. Nothing has been found by police in their fresh land search for Lisa Dorrian's remains. Searches began on land outside Comber, Co Down after new information was provided to the investigation team in a bid to end the 11-year agony of the family of the missing woman. The general location was searched in 2012 for a vehicle but police were concentrating on a different section of land in a bid to find Lisa's body. Police confirmed today that no human remains were found but that a number of items were removed for further examination. Lisa Dorrian, 25, from Bangor, Co Down, vanished after a party on a caravan site 20 miles away in the coastal village of Ballyhalbert on the Ards peninsula on February 28 2005. Her body has yet to be found but police believe she was murdered. Read More Despite a series of arrests, the identification of around 4,000 potential witnesses and more than 275 searches, no-one has been brought to justice. Detective Chief Inspector Justyn Galloway, from Serious Crime Branch, said: Our enquiries are continuing. We would again appeal to those individuals who know what happened to Lisa to provide that information. "This would enable Lisas family to have some degree of closure as they face another anniversary of her disappearance in the coming days without the answers they so desperately crave and deserve. In January this year Lisa's broken-hearted mum Pat (59) died without ever finding out the truth about what happened to her beloved daughter. Sinn Fein's Mary Lou McDonald looks at party president Gerry Adams before a press conference at Wynn's Hotel in Dublin yesterday Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire Sinn Fein has confirmed its plans to campaign against Britain leaving the European Union. Speaking following a strategy meeting in Dublin yesterday, party leader Gerry Adams and the North's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said they were opposed to a so-called 'Brexit'. Mr McGuinness also strongly criticised the stance taken by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers, one of a number of UK cabinet members who say they will campaign for a 'Brexit' in the referendum on June 23. "Already, many questions have been raised in the North of a British Secretary of State who has a position to leave the European Union, whether that person has the best interests of people of the North at her heart," Mr McGuinness said. The senior Sinn Fein politician also said he was disappointed at the decision by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to support Britain leaving the EU. Mr Adams said although Sinn Fein was critical of the workings of the EU, the prospect of a 'Brexit' was deeply concerning. "We want to see it more democratic, we want to see it more citizen centred," the Louth TD said. "But we are against one part of the island being dragged out, if by chance, the people of Britain vote to leave. So we will be campaigning for people to stay, notwithstanding our critical position." Mr Adams added that a 'Brexit' could result in border controls between the Republic and the North and that such a scenario would be extremely worrying. A young Irish Muslim had a glass bottle flung at her as she waited for a bus, while another was told by his religion teacher to Shut up, Allah. These are just a handful of accounts included in a new study calling for tougher laws to tackle Islamophobia in Ireland. Muslims living in this country continued to suffer both physical and verbally abuse, as well as widespread discrimination, according to the Immigrant Council of Ireland, who have released a highlighting the experiences of Irelands 65,000 Muslim residents. Read More The man then flung a glass bottle at her, which smashed directly in front of her. That is the worst experience I ever had... Thank God I wasnt ahead cos it would have hit me. I just kind of looked at him... I was so confused. Another Irish Muslim spoke of an attack shortly after September 11, 2001. Read More He continued: I was with friend of mine on public transport at the time when Bin Laden was killed they just basically attacked us for being Muslim and for wearing scarf. We were in hospital, myself and my friend that day [as a result of the assault]. I was there till about 4 am and my friend was there overnight because she had to be monitored, because she was really hurt, her head and stuff [the perpetrators] said: Are you upset because Bin Laden died? Was he your dad? Stuff like that. So it was, you know, clearly because who we were. The study on Islamophobia shows also includes evidence, says the Immigrant Council, of racism by teachers, Gardai, and members of the media. A young female student complained nothing was done after a classmate asked her: Is it true your dad is a terrorist? Read More In one school incident, a teacher told a female student wearing a hijab to take that stupid thing off your head, while at a different school a boy in sixth class was told to Shut up, Allah when he challenged his teacher over comments she was making about Islam during a religion class. In one Dublin university a number of lecturers were reported as blatantly racist by Muslims students, with one allegedly that a lecturer repeatedly refused to correctly grade his paper because he was Muslim. The report says that Irelands education system is effectively segregationist because of its problematic enrolment policy. Read More The report goes on to detail incidents of attacks on mosques, private property and individuals. The Immigrant Council of Ireland says the research highlighted the need for legislation to combat hate crimes and discrimination. Chief Executive Brian Killoran said:There are sections of this study which will be uncomfortable to read in terms of the experiences of hatred, discrimination and racism. "[Its] recommendations are wide-ranging and will require change in almost every area of official policy not just for lawmakers, but for schools, employers, the Gardai and many others including civil society organisations such as the Immigrant Council. Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch at the funeral of his brother The feuding gangs behind two recent murders in Dublin are prepared to turn their guns on the gardai, according to one of the senior officers spearheading the massive Garda investigation mounted in response. Detective Chief Superintendent Michael O'Sullivan described the Regency Hotel attack in which drug dealer David Byrne was shot dead as a "milestone" in criminal history and said it is comparable in magnitude to the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin. The head of the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (DOCB) provides a frank assessment of the gangland crisis in a special one-hour documentary on TV3 tonight. Presented by INM's Special Correspondent, 'Paul Williams: Gangsters at War' charts the latest developments in the feud between criminal godfathers Christy Kinahan and Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch. In an exclusive interview, Chief Supt O'Sullivan admits the gangs are more violent than before and pose a heightened threat to gardai on the streets. "We have a criminal grouping in broad daylight heavily armed, posing as guards, carrying out a brutal and vicious murder with no regard for members of the public," Chief Supt O'Sullivan said. When asked whether the gangs posed an increased threat to gardai on the streets Mr O'Sullivan added: "Yes, it is more dangerous, it is dangerous - but we're trained for it. "The Emergency Response Unit and the Regional Support Units are very good units and well capable of dealing with any threat." But he said that no expense would be spared to smash the feuding gangs and the massive investigation would continue "as long as it takes". "I can understand the sense of pubic fear and it's well justified. But we in An Garda Siochana have met challenges like this many times before." - 'Paul Williams: Gangsters at War' airs tonight at 9pm on TV3 It's complicated: Leslie Mann and Dakota Johnson negotiate romance and the city in 'How to Be Single'. Reviewed this week are How to be Single, Freeheld, The Uncountable Laughter of the sea, Bone Tomahawk and The Finest Hours. The target demographic for How to Be Single is not long-married oul' ones. It is the 20-something, mostly female and occasionally unattached audience who relate to the protagonists of the film. The message of sorts is about finding yourself before you find anyone else. It aims to be a subversive take on the romcom and although the tone is uneven and borderline weird at times, the cast is good and there are some laughs and the target audience will have fun. Alice (Dakota Johnson) finishes college and decides she needs some time alone from her long-term boyfriend to discover who she really is. As soon as she arrives in (a very nice version of) New York, she meets Robin (Rebel Wilson), a wild, free, sexually successful party girl who introduces her to Tom (Anders Holm), a slutty barman with attachment issues. Tom, peculiarly mentors both Alice in her search for complication free sex and serial husband seeker Lucy (Alison Brie). Alice is staying with her sister Meg (Leslie Mann) a doctor who is studiously anti-relationship and procreation, until she isn't. With a few extra men, Damon Wayans Jr, Jake Lacy and Nicholas Braun they all conduct different versions of experiments in singledom and relationships. Rebel Wilson is now effectively typecast and how you feel about the type will influence how funny you find her. Johnson is an appealing lead and although the message is mixed and some of the scenes are awkwardly badly written, it holds together fine over two hours and there are funny moments. 2 Stars AO'C Now showing Freeheld Cert 15A The subject matter of Freeheld feels like an interesting marker of progress to a post-marriage equality Irish eye, but it is a lot more potent in its native United States where liberalism and conservatism are more at loggerheads than ever. However while it tells an important and interesting story, the manner in which director Peter Sollett and writer Ron Nyswaner do so is plodding and emotionally over-egged. Oddly, despite the lesbian-led narrative and two very good performances from the female leads, it is a straight male character who steals the show. Video of the Day To be fair, Michael Shannon is having a quietly golden moment and has been stealing a few shows lately. In Freeheld he plays Detective Dane Wells, the long-term partner of Det. Laurel Hester (Julianne Moore), one of the few women who have not fallen for his charms. He is surprised to discover the reason for this when, in her 40s and very much in love with 20-something Stacie (Ellen Page), Hester comes out. Annoyed at not having been confided to, Wells gets the best character arc coming around to fight for Hester when, dying of cancer, she is denied the right to transfer her pension to Stacie because of their sexuality. As Laurel and Stacie deal with illness and try to fight for the same rights as straight couples, Wells joins forces with super camp gay rights activist Steven Goldstein (Steve Carrell) to become a reluctant hero. Half love story, half kind of courtroom drama, over-egging the emotion in the film diminishes the storys emotional richness. So, three stars for story rather than delivery. 3 Stars AO'C Now Showing The Uncountable Laughter of the sea Cert: Online Expand Close Migrant Kerryman Patrick O'Neill. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Migrant Kerryman Patrick O'Neill. Not content with placing an unforgettable full-stop on the third highest grossing film of all time, the Skelligs and Kerry at large get another rich outing on the big screen. While The Force Awakens depicted the iconic ocean peaks as an otherworldly setting, this startlingly beautiful meditation on man and nature goes for a more earthy brand of mysticism. Migrant Kerryman Patrick ONeill (above, among other things, a filmmaker, poet and musician) and co-director Paris Kain chose Fr Padraig O Fiannachta as a tourguide through natures magnetism and healing powers. Now in his 89th year, the eminent and decorated linguist, scholar and poet is a much celebrated spiritualist who has dedicated his life to the simple values of beauty, language and light. Quite a find in terms of a film subject. O Fiannachta puts things to us and lets them settle amid wild visual wonders. Why cant we learn to be content with less? If consolation and serenity are to be found in nature, why have we reached a tipping point through our disconnect from it? The words are softly uttered by a voice as unshakeable and weathered as the Dingle Peninsula itself. Gaelic poems and Latin benedictions, gently subtitled, waft over the spacious, wide-screen views. Drone footage gives a dragonflys perspective through mossy woodlands and ancient ruins where O Fiannachta himself might walk in contemplation. There are sensual, sweeping vistas taken from helicopter and drone over the Killarney Lakes and rugged sea cliffs, but also finely detailed macro shots of butterflies or clouds of pulverised stone wafting off the end of a sculptors chisel. Cristiano Casones cinematography gives pride of place to that uniquely western Irish species of light. There may be no discernible narrative in The Uncountable but that is not really the point here. This is an hour-long immersion into something ethereal, woozy and visually unforgettable. A meditative film up there with Baraka. 4 Stars HAW theuncountablelaughterofthesea.com Bone Tomahawk Cert: 18 Expand Close Oddly brilliant: Richard Jenkins and Kurt Russell. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Oddly brilliant: Richard Jenkins and Kurt Russell. Oddly brilliant: Richard Jenkins and Kurt Russell. In keeping with the idea that the best use for Kurt Russell these days is in talky, blood-letting westerns, Bone Tomahawk would appear to be a familiar proposition for anyone who survived Tarantinos bloated The Hateful Eight. Writer-director-polymath S Craig Zahlers film outdoes Tarantino both for absurdism and gore, it is far superior. Playing out like some kind of high-class B-movie genre clash (offbeat Coens-esque dialogue, period western setpieces, a sharp swerve into body horror and wilderness dread), Zahlers debut is certainly not for the faint-hearted despite its relatively frivolous tones early on. Still sporting his Hateful Eight handlebar, Russell plays Sheriff Hunt, called to the village saloon one night when a bedraggled stranger (David Arquette) turns up and unsettles the peace in the sleepy outpost. Once the drifter is behind bars and night has fallen, the town doctor (Lili Simmons) and a young deputy are mysteriously kidnapped. It turns out to be the work of a savage, cannibalistic tribe of natives (referred to only as troglodytes). Hunt sets out with his doddery remaining deputy, Chicory (the ever-brilliant Richard Jenkins), the doctors injured husband (Patrick Wilson) and a dapper fast-shooting playboy (Losts Matthew Fox). Off they ride into the heart of prairie darkness on a rescue mission, a journey as beset with misfortune as it is with wry wit. Awaiting them at their destination is some of the most laughably shocking movie gore youll see this year. That it still somehow feels an essential part of the overall tapestry is incredible, and part of the reason Zahler is a talent to watch closely. Bonkers, bloody and oddly brilliant, this is destined to have a long and fruitful cult life ahead of it. 4 Stars HAW In selected cinemas The Finest Hours Cert 12A There are lots of films about heroes but strangely few about the heroes who save lives at sea. The Finest Hours sets out to change that, documenting the largest small boat sea rescue in the history of the US Coast Guard and, in a way, honouring coastal rescue teams across the world (such as those who do it on a voluntary basis in Ireland.) Its a simple story, well told and delivered. A family film that although being schmaltzy in places, manages to create a good sense of excitement. Director Craig Gillespie sets out the two sides of a story that will converge in roiling seas. In Massachusetts in 1952 Coast Guard Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) is a youngest son and only brother who missed out on fighting in WW2 and feels a little inadequate. He is preparing to marry modern woman and switchboard operator Miriam (Holliday Grainger) when an enormous storm hits and Bernie is called upon. Out at sea an oil tanker is snapped in half by the storm and half the crew is left on a powerless ship. They reluctantly agree to accept the unorthodox plan of Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck), a man they dont like, but trust. Its a Disney movie about heroism. There are sweeping strings and a clean cut, cigarette and swearing-free environment. But the emotion of the piece is honest, the performances solid and the special effects great. Not a truly great film, but a really nice one. 3 Stars AO'C Now Showing Coming out as transgender can be extremely scary and it can be particularly frightening when it comes to opening up to family members. Oscar OLeary Fitzpatrick from Dublin has opened up about the weekend he told his parents he was transgender and said he was fully prepared to begin a new life in England if they did not accept him for who he truly was. "When I was about 18 I felt it was time to tell my parents I'm transgender. I was so afraid of their reaction that I actually wrote a letter, left it on top of my pillow and went to England for three days. I didn't think it would happen, but I was prepared to stay if they didn't accept me, the Trinity College student told photography project Humans of Dublin. The teen then left the letter in his bedroom ahead of a weekend trip to England. The Trinity college student revealed that a written letter was the only way he could open up to his mum and dad and believed that by being away he would allow his parents to comprehend and react to the news. I'm very close to my family so I think giving them some breathing room was the best thing to do. They could get their first reactions and all of their initial feelings out there without saying it and maybe regretting it in the future, he said. "When I was about 18 I felt it was time to tell my parents I'm transgender. I was so afraid of their reaction that I... Posted by Humans of Dublin on Saturday, 20 February 2016 Fortunately for Oscar, his parents have been completely supportive of his transition and he admitted that he has never been more comfortable in himself. Im very lucky because they're supporting me in every way possible ever since. I would never have imagined three years ago that I could be as happy and comfortable in myself as I am now. It's weird growing up and not being able to imagine what your future will be like. I wish there was someone when I was younger who'd be able to tell me I can and will be happy, he said. Oscar believes that many Irish people underestimate the difficulty of transitioning, and that there is little medical support available to transgender people. I don't think as many people know how logistically difficult it is to transition and to seek support because there are so few doctors that would treat transgender people. I'm lucky to be in a college where I have free support, and as I was the first one to get it, other people can follow my path now. It's still difficult, but you can get there." Campaign: Graham Linehan and wife Helen (left) shared their heartbreaking story and have called for the abortion laws in Ireland to change so another mother like Savita Halappanavar, would not have to die unnecessarily When Helen became pregnant in 2004, we were overjoyed. So excited were we, in fact, that we broke the 12-week rule and told the news to friends, family, the milkman and whoever else crossed our path. At the 11-week scan, we learned why there was a 12-week rule. We were stunned to hear that the foetus had a condition known as acrania, a fatal abnormality. Our baby's skull would not fully encase the brain. The doctors were very clear; if our child even made it to full term, it would not survive for long after birth. We were devastated, and together we numbly took the decision to end the pregnancy. There was no way we would put a child, or Helen, through that kind of trauma, and thankfully the UK's health system meant that a few days later we were able to move on with our lives. We went on to have two children, one of them born in Ireland after we moved back there for a couple of years. It was at a playgroup in Dublin that one of the other mums told my wife that the operation we had received in the UK would have been illegal in Ireland. When Helen told me this, I literally couldn't believe it. I knew of Ireland's stringent abortion restrictions, but surely they didn't extend that far? I did some research and found that it was indeed the case that the excellent medical care we received in the UK was illegal in Ireland. I still struggle with this knowledge. The country of my birth was telling me that at the moment of conception, my wife's human rights evaporated. I had brought the woman I love to a place where she wasn't safe. We're back in England now, and I realise that Helen and I are among the lucky ones. It was horrific to lose a much wanted baby, but we were supported by brilliant doctors and nurses who guided us through the ordeal with compassion. Our questions were answered quickly. In Ireland, these same questions are met with silence. Irish doctors, nurses and midwives are legally forbidden to offer this support. If they do, they face a possible 14-year jail term. Expand Close Campaign: Graham Linehan and wife Helen (left) shared their heartbreaking story and have called for the abortion laws in Ireland to change so another mother like Savita Halappanavar, would not have to die unnecessarily / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Campaign: Graham Linehan and wife Helen (left) shared their heartbreaking story and have called for the abortion laws in Ireland to change so another mother like Savita Halappanavar, would not have to die unnecessarily Think of all the stages Helen and I would have been forced to go through had we received our diagnosis in Ireland. In the midst of the shock, grief and despair, we would have had to figure out how to access the health service of another jurisdiction without a referral, as it's also illegal for an Irish doctor to refer patients to abortion services in the UK. And that's just the beginning. Finding a clinic, booking the flight, waiting for the date, checking into a hotel and then the procedure itself, another taxi, another flight, and back home to the country that spat us out. And even there, we would have considered ourselves lucky. Many can't afford to travel, and in these cases, Irish law forces women to deliver the foetus no matter what the impact on their physical or mental health. To force a woman to continue a pregnancy which, in cases of fatal foetal abnormality, only has one outcome, is cruel beyond belief. By now I'm sure you've read many of these stories. They often end with a sick punchline. Like the woman who was not able to take her son home in a coffin for a family burial and so his remains arrived in a jiffy bag by courier. This is gothic horror. This is barbarism. This is Ireland in 2016. And all of this is happening in the face of international human rights bodies repeatedly telling Ireland that its laws are violating the human rights of its women and girls. It is not just women with fatal foetal impairment diagnoses that are being harmed. No woman or girl should face a criminal penalty (never mind 14 years in prison) for exercising her right to health care and autonomy over her own body. Since Helen and I shared our story, we've heard from dozens of families affected by this issue. We've also received a substantial amount of negative, hateful correspondence. One person said that Helen had denied our baby "9 months of love", a bizarre and disgusting thing to say. Some even try to dismiss our experience claiming that there is no such thing as a fatal foetal abnormality, a flat-out lie that is insulting and deeply distressing for anyone who has had to confront that reality. Then there are those who seek to confuse the issue. For instance, why would anti-choice groups try to equate fatal foetal abnormality with disabilities like Down's syndrome? The two are not remotely related. Death is not a disability. The truth is that they know there is enormous sympathy for people who receive this diagnosis, and so they want to make it something it is not. If they had a strong case, they wouldn't have to lie. One person who contacted me after seeing the film (see YouTube link below) complained that I had made Ireland look like a backward place from a Hammer horror film. It seemed that for him, the film was the problem, not the issue it addressed. As I say, when it comes to our laws on abortion, the way we treat women in Ireland is the stuff of gothic horror. Rather than avoid that fact, or be insulted by the very suggestion of it, we might be better working to change it. To our collective credit, the vast majority of Irish people want to see that happen. Polling has consistently shown support for access to abortion and not just in cases of fatal foetal abnormality. The Irish people are fundamentally compassionate; they want to support women. The vast, vast majority are outraged that we continue to dictate to women how they deal with their reproductive lives. The Irish State has a history of treating women and girls despicably. In 1984, 15-year-old Ann Lovett and her newborn baby died after she gave birth to him alone in a grotto near the graveyard in Granard. Thousands of women were enslaved in the Magdalene laundries; hundreds more suffer with the ongoing consequences of a symphysiotomy performed without their consent. The Irish State has no right to dictate to women any more. I believe that the vast majority of Irish people trust women. They want all women to have access to the kind of medical care and support that Helen and I received in London. It is the moral cowardice at the centre of the Irish political system that continues to deny Irish women their human rights. It's the Irish political system that criminalises women and girls, like my wife, who face these tragic circumstances. It's time for Irish politicians, and those seeking public office, to acknowledge the current abortion laws. Laws which do not in fact prevent women from having abortions but instead force them to travel to another country to have a termination. The brutal impact of these laws can be seen in the lived experiences of women forced to leave their families at a time of such intense personal tragedy. It's been three years since Savita Halappanavar died of sepsis after being denied the abortion she repeatedly requested. Do we need to wait for another tragic case before we act? I hope not. I hope that another woman need not die because the Irish political system is too cowardly to deal with the issue proactively. This week, Ireland goes to the polls. I hope that on every doorstep, in every public debate, in every phony photo-op, politicians are repeatedly asked: do you trust Irish women? If you don't trust the women of Ireland to make these choices, you have no business seeking to represent them. One last thing. If you've been affected by this issue, please tell your story. Having seen you do it first, the next person to tell their story will find it easier. And the voices raised against changing this barbaric law will have to deal with the reality you have lived. It's a big thing to ask. It's deeply private; no-one's business but your own, and you shouldn't have to do it. But in the last 35 years, over 162,000 women have left Ireland for the UK in order to have a termination. You're out there somewhere, and if you're not heard from, Ireland can go on pretending that you don't exist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYpRBR93TdU Fertility experts have advised men to avoid keeping their mobile phone in their front pocket or on their lap as it can significantly reduce their sperm count and impact fertility. New research has found that using a mobile phone in close proximity to the testicles for as little as an hour can have an impact on sperm count. The study found 47pc of the men tested, who kept their phones in their front pockets for the duration of the day, had significantly lower sperm counts than men who did not. Professor Martha Dirnfeld, of the Technion University in Haifa, said: "We analysed the amount of active swimming sperm and the quality and found that it had been reduced. "We think this is being caused by a heating of the sperm from the phone and by electromagnetic activity." More than 100 men were analysed throughout the course of the study which was carried out in Israel. Fertility experts advised me to avoid speaking on the phone while it is charging, and to refrain from holding mobiles on their laps. The study was published in the journal Reproductive BioMedicine, and is part of developing research which suggests that cellular phone use is having a worrisome impact on male sperm counts and quality. In Western countries, the quality of mens sperm is continuously decreasing, which is impacting fertility. Professor Gedis Grudzinskas, a fertility consult ant St George's Hospital London and in Harley Street said: " Men need to think about their well being and try to stop being addicted to their phones. "If you wear a suit to work put the mobile in your chest pocket instead of close to your testes. It will reduce the risk of your sperm count dropping or dropping so much. "And do you need to keep the phone right next to you on the bedside table. Some men keep their mobile in their shorts or pyjamas in bed. Is that really necessary?" Professor Dirnfeld said: "I think this is a warning to men to change their habits to improve their chances of having children. Women generally don't carry their mobiles on them so maybe a mobile phone won't affect their fertility. That's not something we have looked at." If the people who won that enormous EuroMillions jackpot a few weeks ago are looking for a very private retreat in which to hide away and enjoy their new-found wealth drinking Cristal and feasting on foie gras and truffles, watching Catfish on a continuous loop without any risk of being judged, then they could do worse than Ard na Mara. The waterfront estate sits on 94 acres against a backdrop of glorious mountain scenery and enjoys magnificent views across Bantry Bay towards Adrigole lighthouse and the Sheeps Head peninsula. In the summer months, the landscape is covered in the purple rhododendron that grows wild in these parts. Expand Close Ard na Mara / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ard na Mara Ard na Mara was built by the current owners and, although they own other homes in Europe, they have used it as a permanent residence rather than holiday house. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and feature sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, mature forests and a beautiful lake setting, plus large expanses of lawn on which helicopters can land if the 90-minute drive from Cork Airport proves too taxing. There are paddocks suitable for horses, a network of proper roads on which to put the Lamborghini through its paces, and a turf field, just in case the new owners feel the need to nod in the direction of keeping things real and get down and dirty by cutting their own turf. The private shoreline is 2km long with numerous spots suitable for safe swimming. Deep water in front of the house, along with the boat shed and pier already in situ, will make Ard na Mara of particular interest to sailors and anglers. The Beara peninsula coastline is rugged and exceptionally beautiful. There are two houses on the property: the main house and a separate log cabin used as a guest house. Privacy and seclusion have been priorities for the current owners and the layout of the estate has been developed with this in mind. The architect-designed main house was built in 1994 and has 279 sqm of living space spread across two floors, and across two stone cottages. The property was built to make the best of the waterfront setting and to maximise the views. The house cannot be seen from the road, and can only be glimpsed from the water or from one or two houses in the far distance. As currently configured, the main house has only two bedrooms, although there is plenty of space available to provide for additional bedrooms. The current owners have located the master bedroom suite in the stone cottage nearest to the water. There is a second bedroom in the cottage located further away from the sea that forms the second part of the main house. The interiors are comfortable, stylish and modern but without ostentation. The separate guest house, built in the early 2000s, is 375m away from the main house as the crow flies and 1 km by road. The Finnish-style log cabin was made in Germany and has three bedrooms and an open-plan living area with fully fitted kitchen and a large feature fireplace. One of the bedrooms opens out onto a terraced area to the front of the house. The main house cannot be seen from the guest house, and is suitable for either staff or guests. The nearest village to Ard na Mara is Adrigole, a few miles down the road, which has an art gallery and coffee shop and a couple of pubs. The closest town is Castletownbere, about a 45 minute drive away, location of the famous McCarthys Bar. The town has a well-stocked SuperValu, but this remote location is not, as selling agent Ron Kreuger of Engel and Volkers points out, somewhere from which youd want to be nipping out for a forgotten litre of milk, particularly on a stormy winters night. The best restaurant in the area, Mulcahys, is to be found in Kenmare, over the hair-raising but very scenic Healy Pass. Its one of only two restaurants in Kerry to be included in this years McKennas Guide Top 100 Restaurants in Ireland and is well worth a visit although its probably not a journey to be undertaken in the Lamborghini. Expand Close Ard na Mara is set on 94 acres of West Cork coastline / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ard na Mara is set on 94 acres of West Cork coastline Ard na mara, Reenabulliga, Adrigole, Co Cork Miriam Donohue explains why she has fallen for Uganda, extending her volunteering trip for several months. It's 5.30 am and the drone of morning prayer drifts from the nearby mosque, waking me from a restless sleep. A fusion of other sounds invades my consciousness. Cockerels crow, Ibis birds shriek, crickets chirp, dogs bark. I can hear a baby's cry in the distance. I open my eyes. My "shroud", a white mosquito net, covers the bed. The heat is suffocating this morning and I am sticky and sweating. No air-conditioning here. Still half asleep I feel confused and for a few seconds wonder where I am. With a jolt I realise I am not at home in my comfortable, cosy bed in suburban Dublin 14. No, I am in Uganda. I lie for a few moments pondering and asking the question I have asked myself several times in the last six weeks. "What on earth am I doing in Africa?" If you had told me six months ago that I would be living in Kampala, feeling so alive and at home here working for Hospice Africa Uganda (HAU), a charity whose mission is to bring peace and comfort to people dying from cancer, HIV/AIDS and other serious illness, I would have laughed. If you had told me that I would be extending my volunteering stint by several months to work as a consultant with HAU I would have said you were mad. What me? The hard-bitten, driven, cynical journalist and media woman off on a mission to help the dying? Never. Expand Close African Queen, Murchison falls, Uganda / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp African Queen, Murchison falls, Uganda But life takes the most unexpected twists. Things happen that are out of our control. At 51 years of age, and with both kids reared, personal circumstances took a very sad turn for me and my life turned upside down. So here I am. In Africa. I am no stranger to travel. As a journalist I have been lucky to have seen many interesting places around the world. I am a former Irish Times Asia Correspondent, and was based with my family in Beijing for two years. Every day was an exciting new adventure there. I was the first Irish journalist to get into North Korea. I travelled to the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia. Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan and Hong Kong as part of my job. And for three months I covered the war against terrorism after the September 11 attacks in New York, based first in Pakistan and then in Afghanistan when the Taliban were routed by the Americans. After a hectic career (Irish Times news editor, travel editor, features editor and a stint on political reporting followed after I returned from Asia) I came to a full stop. I was burnt out, and at 45 I took a generous redundancy package and left full-time journalism to do media consultancy which I combined for the last three years with a regular column for the Irish Independent. I first came in touch with the hospice movement in 2013 when I was asked to edit a fund-raising book for the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF). I admired the organisation and got an understanding about end-of-life issues and palliative care. The following year I took up a one-year contract with IHF, working as their communications and advocacy manager. And that is how I met the person who I hold largely responsible for my being here in Africa. Expand Close Miriam in Uganda / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Miriam in Uganda The eighty-year-old Nobel Peace Prize nominee Dr Anne Merriman is an inspirational woman, one in a million, internationally renowned for her work bringing palliative care to Africa. Born in Liverpool, she joined the Medical Missionaries of Mary in Co. Louth in the 1950s and went to medical school in UCD and qualified as a doctor. After spending time working in Nigeria, Britain and Singapore, she set up Hospice Africa in 1993, and then Hospice Africa Uganda, which was to be the model for palliative care for developing countries with limited resources. By this time she had left the MMM Order. Starting with one patient and enough money to pay three staff for three months, today HAU employs 85 people and cares for around 2,000 patients a month at its three centres in Uganda. All of its services are outreach and care is delivered in people's homes. HAU is also educating doctors and nurses from many other African countries in palliative care at the Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care at its base in Kampala. Spreading the knowledge is how Dr. Anne sees palliative care reaching all corners of Africa. Health care in Uganda is very undeveloped; 95 per cent of people who get cancer will not access chemotherapy or radiotherapy, let alone see an oncologist. There is only one radiotherapy machine for the entire country with a population of 36 million, and that is often broken. There is still the scourge of Aids, although Uganda has led the way in Africa in tackling the virus. Now approximately seven per cent of the population is infected, down from a high of more than 30 per cent. With treatment and cure for cancer and Aids and other serious illness at such a low rate, palliative and end-of-life care is all important. Oral liquid morphine is key to helping HAU staff provide peace and dignity to desperately ill people in their last weeks and days. Dr Anne devised an oral liquid morphine formula when she worked in Singapore. She introduced the morphine to Uganda and it is made on site at the HAU headquarters and dispensed to patients on home-care visits by specially trained doctors and nurses. The morphine relieves pain and stabilises patients, ensuring their last days are more bearable for them and their families. HAU manufactures enough oral liquid morphine to meet all the demands in Uganda today, funded by the Ugandan Government. I met Dr Anne in 2014 when the Irish Hospice Foundation hosted a reception in Dublin to mark her Nobel Peace Prize nomination. I was blown away by her remarkable story, her vision and her energy - but was concerned to hear how she had to battle to raise funds so HAU would survive. We met again in Dublin last October. We discussed her needs here in Uganda. HAU had a clear need for a communications and advocacy expert to work with its fundraising unit. I had skills HAU could use and was in a position to travel. So it was settled. I would come to Uganda after Christmas as a volunteer for six weeks to help put a communications, advocacy and fundraising strategy in place. My first few days in Uganda were quite a culture shock. All the travel I had done in the past did not prepare me for Kampala; its dry heat, dusty pot-holed roads and chaotic traffic, the poverty, and the warmth of the people. I was staying with Dr. Anne, whose house is full of fun and love. Happy chaos! She has 10 dogs, five cats and her extended family, the three girls who work for her (all single mothers) and their gorgeous kids. The HAU team are also a big family. I was greeted warmly by everybody on my first day at headquarters before the daily morning prayers at 8am, complete with singing and drum beating. There is nothing like being thrown in at the deep end, and as part of my induction I went with a Home Care Team, made up of Dr Stephen, Nurse Rose Light and a community volunteer Portius, to visit patients. We go to Busaka, a poor slum area of Kampala to visit a very ill patient, Margaret. She has HIV/AIDS and cervical cancer and is living in a mud hut in a swamp area which gets heavily flooded during the rainy season. When we arrive Margaret is lying outside on a mat in the baking heat. Her 17-year-old daughter Mary is caring for her. She says she can't afford the fees for school (education here is not free - don't ever complain about the Irish health or education system again). The team gently lifts Margaret into her one-room home and put her lying on a mattress. There is no food and no money to buy any. Morphine is dispensed. The team leave a little cash and some supplies. There is a discussion about getting money to pay Mary's school fees so she can resume her education without which she will have no hope once her mother passes away. At the end of the visit, Dr. Stephen invited Mary to say a prayer. I was amazed to hear her thank God for all the blessings he had bestowed on them. Her mother was dying of cancer, they lived in dreadful conditions, there was no money for the next meal and she still felt blessed. The next patient is Norah who has breast cancer. Her family raised the funds so she could have one round of chemotherapy. There is no money to continue the treatment and she is deteriorating. She takes off her dress when we arrive in her two-room house and her infected tumour is exposed. I nearly get ill. The same stories repeat themselves day after day in my first few weeks. I come across desperately poor and ill people for whom the Hospice Africa Uganda care teams are like angels. Without the morphine they would be in agony facing a traumatic end. I come to truly realise the meaning of palliative care and "hospice". In Ireland when we hear of hospice we think of a building where people go to die. Here in Uganda, hospice is a philosophy - to care for loved ones and to allow them die in comfort and peace at home. What is really sad are the children. Every Tuesday a dozen or so come to the HAU day care centre for respite. Some are doing well and are stable. Others, such as Josephine, are not so well. She is seriously mentally handicapped and is wheelchair bound. Yet she greets me every Tuesday with a screech and a smile. I become friends with 22-year-old Shammim, who has cancer in the face but with the help of hospice she is doing really well and helps with the younger children. The "playroom" has very little - broken toys, odd lego parts and jigsaw pieces, outdated books. No art materials. I do an appeal on Facebook and am heartened by the many offers of used and new toys for the children. The Irish are everywhere and it's no different in Kampala. Dubliner Joan Kelly has been here for years and runs the Yellow Haven Resort overlooking Lake Victoria with her husband Ronald. She is chair of Hospice Africa Uganda. One of the HAU patients is 90-year-old Franciscan Missionary nun Sr. Cosmas, or Dympna Cullen, from Churchtown in Dublin. She came to Uganda in 1947 and is being treated for breast cancer. As the time to fly home drew nearer I knew I wasn't ready to leave. I could not believe how quickly I had settled in and how connected I was with Uganda, the people, the culture and most importantly with HAU and their mission. Yes, it is tough going at times. I have bouts of homesickness. But I was finding a peace here. And what is a few more months out of a lifetime? So another chat with Dr. Anne (who at 80-years-of-age has more energy than I have) and it has been agreed I will stay until May. Not entirely as a volunteer - they will pay my accommodation. I won't need much to live on beyond that. I am hoping to use the time to put necessary communications and fundraising systems in place to ensure the organisation survives and sustains. I have also been given a special responsibility here. Lydia, who works for Dr. Anne, has a two-year-old daughter Pearl, and this week gave birth to baby Liam (a name inspired by the Irish Hospice Foundation Bereavement Services Manager, Dr. Susan Delaney, who visited here recently). Lydia plans to have both children christened next month and I am to be Pearl's godmother. My very own African daughter. So once May comes, who knows? Powerful is the pull of Africa. Hospice Africa Everyone on this planet deserves to die with dignity, no matter their race, creed, or background. I am currently in Kampala volunteering with Hospice Africa Uganda, an inspirational organisation that works to ensure people in one of the poorest parts of the world have the chance to die in dignity and pain-free. It costs just 25 a week to care for a cancer patient, and provide them with liquid morphine for pain control. That is 100 a month. My initial target here was to raise 3,000 which was exceeded. I have now increased this to 5,000, a figure that will help care for around 50 cancer patients in one month. Donate here. Thank you, Miriam. Full view of saint Vicente church in the city of Bilbao Basque Country Spain It's famed for San Sebastian's Michelin-starred cuisine, but the Basque Country has lots of delicious surprises to spring. There are a few things first-time visitors to the Basque Country are primed to expect. Some of the world's finest dining experiences in the region's culinary capital, San Sebastian - famed for its high concentration of Michelin stars - for example. There is its startling architecture, including masterpieces by Frank Gehry: Bilbao's Guggenheim of course, but also the rolling mass of rose-tinted titanium that is the Marques de Riscal winery in Rioja Alavesa. And, of course, there is a fiercely independent people with a unique language that pre-dates the Indo-European base for Latin. But what this first-timer hadn't expected was to be side-swiped by one beautiful Basque surprise after another. How those green bulging hills which nest around industrial-chic Bilbao so swiftly transform from a forested mountainous coastline into a wooded plateau leading to a tumbling landscape of olive groves and vineyards. Expand Close Exterior of Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, Basque, Spain / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Exterior of Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, Basque, Spain How these winelands are spotted with contemporary wineries from world-class architects (Calatrava's undulating Ysios winery, Mezierres's cathedral-like CVNE headquarters, Aspiazu's gravity-harnessing Bodega Baidorri), honeycombed by a warren of cellars in hilltop hamlets like Guardia, and scattered with enough wine-themed museums, hotels and spas to keep the most dedicated of oenophiles sated. There is the medieval core of the region's administrative capital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and coastal routes that keep throwing up real-deal fishing ports built by sea-faring folk who know how to eat, drink and party. Even well-trodden San Sebastian is full of surprises. A first-timer could be forgiven for presuming that the Michelin-starred temples dotting the city's hills are rooted in the most rarefied of food cultures, a playground for only the most deep-pocketed. But it turns out that in the Basque country, food is a great leveller. And you don't have to stray far from the golden cove of Playa de la Concha to find yourself knocking elbows with all walks of society in the common pursuit of a great plate of food and a glass of something local to wash it down with. Follow the curve of the strand far enough and you'll hit the fishing port with its languid restaurant terraces. But stray inland from here into the narrow Old Town streets and you're in prime pintxos territory. Expand Close Full view of saint Vicente church in the city of Bilbao Basque Country Spain / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Full view of saint Vicente church in the city of Bilbao Basque Country Spain Pintxos, for the uninitiated, are the Basque answer to tapas - though long since elevated from casual snack to their own elaborate 'nano-gastronomy'. It's a challenge not to get stuck in gems like Gandarias Jatetxea (restaurantgandarias.com), rightly famed for its foie pintxo, or Bar Borda Berri (Calle Fermin Calbeton 12), where treats like octopus a la plancha with membrillo will set you back about 3 a pop. But that would be to miss the point of pintxos, which is to propel you from one buzzing bar to another, fuelled by numerous glasses of txakoli, the local white wine. Anyone with a fondness for this zippy tipple can pop into some of the nearby coastal family-run vineyards (getariakotxakolina.com/wineries), as we did with a guide who proclaimed it the "perfect morning wine". Sipping on a glass of Talai Berri txakoli, watching the mid-morning sun climb over the rolling vines tended by fourth-generation wine-maker Bixente Eizagirre Aginaga and his daughters (one of whom conducts English tours by appointment), I was inclined to agree. Later, we spun down to the salty walled port-town of Getarria for a peak at the fastidious women canning pristine anchovies at the Maisor workshop. This historic maritime town was home to Elcano, the first man to circumnavigate the globe in 1522. You could happily spend a day here, lunching bayside on chargrilled red mullet before meandering through its cobbled 14th-century streets at pintxo o'clock. But we had other plans. A short taxi ride into the hills overlooking San Sebastian brought us to the Petritegi sagardotegia (cider house), where we were greeted by Jokin Otano, a fifth-generation cider producer (petritegi.com). Expand Close El Peine de Los Vientos, the famous sculpture by Chillida in San Sebastian, Euskadi. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp El Peine de Los Vientos, the famous sculpture by Chillida in San Sebastian, Euskadi. "You'll find plumbers and politicians here, painters and bankers - all drinking and eating together," he told us proudly. It's certainly convivial, with lots of friendly jostling to catch the cider poured directly from the cellar's barrels as the tradition of txotx dictates, before piling back into vast wooden-beamed dining halls to eat slabs of chargrilled steak and salt cod omelette and shout choruses at one another. It's not hard for an Irish visitor to feel peculiarly at home in this compact, history-soaked corner of green Spain where eating and drinking are excuses for talking and singing. And with San Sebastian's action-packed European Capital of Culture 2016 programme (dss2016.eu) to come, more surprises will too. Get there: Aer Lingus (aerlingus.com) flies direct to Bilbao every Tuesday and Saturday. PESA (pesa.net) offers a direct hourly bus from Bilboa Airport to San Sebastian (16.50, 80 minutes), and there are several buses every hour from Bilbao city centre with PESA and ALSA (alsa.es). Rioja Alavesa can be explored by car or bus, with the Rioja Alavesa Wine Route Enobus (rutadelvinoderiojaalavesa.com) linking Bilbao to the winelands. See also spain.info. Where to stay: The Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra (hlondres.com) in San Sebastian is a historic four-star in a prime beachside location overlooking Playa de la Concha - splurge on a room with a view. Hotel Viura, Villabuena, Alava (hotelviura.com) is a modern boutique offering set in the heart of Basque's Rioja winelands. Expect playful modernist cuisine from skilled chef Juan Carlos Ferrando. It's the perfect base in the Rioja region. Read more: To each, according to his needs Credit: Airbus Obese passengers could be given more room on planes if rows of benches instead of individual seats are introduced by airlines. This appears to be the plans of Airbus after the aircraft manufacturer filed a patent for bench seating in planes that can be adjusted to fit the space needs of the passengers, whether its for families with small children, customers with mobility issues or men or women who require more width than others. The re-configurable passenger bench seat could put an end to the debates and disputes revolving around the varying circumference of fliers. Just last year, a man on an Etihad Airways flight sued the airline, accusing it of forcing him to contort his body for long periods because of the grossly overweight person in the next seat. There have also been numerous calls for larger passengers to pay for extra seat space, with Samoa Air introducing a passenger charge by wait, rather than per seat, in 2013. The same airline then unveiled a new "XL class" to cater for larger customers, creating a wider row for passengers weighing more than 286 pounds (130kg). Expand Close The seats could help accommodate a family with small children Credit: Airbus / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The seats could help accommodate a family with small children Credit: Airbus Airbus does not outline how the exact pricing for a bench space might work, but says in modern means of transport, particularly in aircraft, optimum utilisation of the space available in a passenger cabin is of major economic importance. The patent, filed last year but published this month, read: The cabin layout, particularly the layout of the passenger seats arranged in the passenger cabin, such as the allocation of a row of passenger seats to business class or to economy class for example, should be as flexibly, rapidly and easily re-configurable as possible. Expand Close To each, according to his needs Credit: Airbus / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp To each, according to his needs Credit: Airbus Airbuss patent is the latest in a number of ambitious plans to transform the way we fly. A Zodiac Aerospace patent in December imagined how passengers might be better accommodated in the hold with tv screens playing images from the outside, rather than actual windows. While an Airbus design from October considered introducing a mezzanine level in planes so that passengers could sit above their fellow fliers. Another Zodiac design from 2015 had passengers facing each other, in alternating backwards and forwards seats to increase a plane's seating capacity. As with any patents, however, theres no guarantee flight benches will be on any of your trips in the near future. But there just might come a time when its not only your hand luggage that is measured before boarding. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] 'In an era when species are becoming extinct and climate change is a terrifying reality, is it appropriate to continue hunting animals for so-called fun?' Posters of assorted politicians assuming people-pleasing poses are plastered everywhere around this country town. You never hear the various parties debate animal welfare. That isn't important compared to other issues. Yet last year the bill for putting down horses - in Dublin alone - was more than 1m. Animal rescue centres around Ireland continue to be overwhelmed and underfunded. But aside from the financial cost is the very real damage to our reputation. Sweden, which plays saviour to thousands of dumped Irish dogs every year, has expressed dismay at our lax laws. In their country, a dog is part of the family - not a fad to forsake when it no longer suits. And the chasm is widening. A sentence of 20 years was recently handed down to a man who organised dogfights in the US. And many Spanish municipalities are banning bullfights. Plenty in this country share their changing attitude to our fellow creatures - as demonstrated by the Letter of the Week in this newspaper on February 7 that praised Joe Kennedy's excellent piece on the pleasure we get from observing foxes. Yet despite this, we are one of the few countries in the western world that condones bloodsports - or 'rural pursuits', to use the euphemism that conveniently couches the cruelty involved in these perverse pastimes. It's ironic to note, this centenary year, that hare coursing and fox hunting originate with the Black and Tans and the British ruling class respectively - a fact that doesn't seem to bother Sinn Fein. It's true we hunted in ancient Ireland. But we also respected animals, in the manner of Native Americans. As the legend of The Children of Lir shows, we honoured our connection to other species. That is a long way from modern-day commercial claptrap. Surely bloodsports are only 'rural' in the sense that they happen in the country. Where is the evidence that either 'sport' shows any appreciation or respect for our wildlife? Predictably, only the Green Party gives a damn about animal welfare. So-called 'new' party Renua actually wants to increase bloodsports to cash in on a particular type of tourist. Why not bring back dogfights too, Renua? That'd be a profitable solution to all those abandoned pets. In an era when species are becoming extinct and climate change is a terrifying reality, is it appropriate to continue hunting animals for so-called fun? What about the rest of us, whose genuine rural pursuits involve catching a glimpse of a fox or hare when out hiking? Last year, we updated our morals when it comes to marriage. Isn't it time we held a referendum about the way we treat animals, especially in so-called rural pursuits? When it comes to summing up the late George Redmond, his son John put it best in the eulogy he delivered to the hundreds of mourners who gathered to pay their respects to the former Dublin assistant city and county manager last Friday morning. "It was the gospel according to George, that's the way it was with him," John Redmond recalled to nods and smiles of acknowledgment from the family, friends and associates who attended his father's funeral in the sylvan setting of St Mochta's Church in Porterstown. Fr Paul Ward, for his part, described the 92-year-old who passed away last Wednesday morning following a short illness, as a Christian man who had been in "public service for many years". While there are many people who might beg to differ with that charitable description, having followed Mr Redmond's frequently colourful and at times infuriating post-retirement appearances before the Planning Tribunal and his dealings with the Criminal Assets Bureau, it should be noted that the former Dublin Corporation official's dogged protestations of innocence very nearly saw him arrive at heaven's pearly gates with the proverbial clean sheet. In terms of the Flood Tribunal, its 2004 interim report finding that Mr Redmond had corruptly received payments from the developer Tom Brennan was withdrawn in 2014 on foot of legal proceedings. Mr Redmond's imprisonment on criminal charges of corruption meanwhile was to be a short-lived experience after the judgment in his case was quashed on the grounds of being unsafe, allowing him to walk free after serving just six months of a 12-month sentence. That's not to say George Redmond won every battle in the war he waged to clear his name from being associated with the greed, corruption and unashamed graft that besmirched Dublin's planning process in the 1980s. Indeed, even as he goes to meet his maker, the finding by the Planning Tribunal in its final report that Mr Redmond had been complicit in the former Fianna Fail TD Liam Lawlor's efforts in 1988 to demand payments of 100,000 (127,000) for each of them from the developer Tom Gilmartin still stands. Quite apart from that damning indictment, there were other episodes in Mr Redmond's life that aren't so easily erased from the public memory, notwithstanding the willingness of the Irish as a people to let the sins of the dead die with them. It was February 1999, when George Redmond arrived off a flight from the Isle of Man in Dublin airport to be greeted by officers from the Criminal Assets Bureau acting on intelligence in relation to his unusual excursion. A cursory search of the briefcase in Mr Redmond's possession showed that he was carrying approximately 300,000 (381,000) in cash and cheques, money which he claimed he was bringing home to take care of his legal fees. The cash in his case represented a mere fraction however of the 1.2m (1.5m) the former Dublin city official had funnelled through some 20 accounts in various banks and building societies between 1979 and 1989 while subsisting on an annual salary of 29,000 (36,800). Having investigated Mr Redmond's financial affairs, the Planning Tribunal found he had been in receipt of regular payments from a variety of builders and property developers since the 1960s. Such was the extent of the monies involved, the tribunal noted that he had benefited to the tune of "one substantial house per annum free". "These accretions cannot be explained as being the proceeds of savings from Mr Redmond's salary or the interest earned on savings," the tribunal concluded. Defending his actions, Mr Redmond insisted the monies he had received were in return for advice he had given on issues where the outcome had no effect on the interests of his employers. He also maintained that he had only given advice when asked, and that he had never solicited any of the payments he received. While the Planning Tribunal's original chairman, Mr Justice Feargus Flood, concluded in his interim report in January 2004 that Mr Redmond had received a corrupt payment of 12,000 from Joseph Murphy Jr of Joseph Murphy Structural Engineering (JMSE) and three corrupt payments, totalling between 16,000 and 20,000, from Michael Bailey of Bovale Developments in the late 1980s, both findings were reversed last year following a settlement of a legal action taken by Mr Redmond against the tribunal. Also reversed as part of the same settlement was Mr Justice Flood's finding that Mr Redmond, Mr Murphy, Mr Bailey and a fourth man, Frank Reynolds, had sought to obstruct the Planning Tribunal's work. While it's clear that the former Dublin city and county official's long-running fight against the tribunal paid off in the end with all conclusions and adverse findings against him removed from the redacted version of its final report, there was little he could do to reverse the impact of his appearances as a witness before its public hearings in Dublin Castle. For while the Flood Tribunal - as it was known and referred to originally - featured a memorable cast of characters which included the likes of the 'whistleblower' James Gogarty, former justice minister Ray 'Rambo' Burke, lobbyist Frank Dunlop and the late Liam Lawlor, the notoriously parsimonious George Redmond presented an extraordinary figure. Both the journalists who covered the tribunal's business and the hordes of old-age pensioners who used their free bus passes (introduced by former Taoiseach Charles Haughey) to attend, were often left wide-eyed by the sight of Mr Redmond tucking into his packed lunch in between giving testimony in relation to his dealings with developers and other businessmen. In the course of giving evidence, he claimed variously to have received 25,000 (31,675) from James Gogarty of JMSE in return for introducing him to Bovale chief, Michael Bailey (a claim Mr Gogarty disputed), and to have been given a personal "thank you" of 10,000 (12,670) from the late Tom Roche Sr of National Toll Roads plc (NTR) in return for helping to advance the delivery of the West Link toll bridge in Dublin. Outside of those monies, Mr Redmond claimed had been paid to him for his assistance, there was also the matter of the 50,000 (63,350) he received from the builder Tom Brennan off the back of winnings from horse races. This, Mr Redmond claimed, had been borne out of Mr Brennan's desire to share his good fortune with him out of "affection and other reasons". Apart from Tom Brennan, there were others who were especially kind. Mr Redmond told the tribunal, for instance, how the Gallagher Group's Paddy Treacy was minded to let some of their success "rub off on me" with "a little something for yourself, little fellah". The tribunal's senior counsel Des O'Neill didn't appear to be properly convinced of this, noting: "The something you got from them was five times your salary." Even in the midst of his tribunal travails, there were still those who found themselves strangely compelled to help George out. Indeed, one city-centre cafe owner thought it might be a nice idea to offer him a free lunch shortly after he began his stint in the witness box. This warm fuzzy feeling wore off, however, as George kept coming back expecting the same deal, day after day. Of all the names that cropped up in the course of Mr Redmond's evidence to the tribunal, the businessman and amusement arcade owner Jim Kennedy was inarguably the closest to him. In one jaw-dropping piece of evidence surrounding their relationship, Mr Redmond revealed how he had loaned Mr Kennedy and another individual, the bookmaker Malachy Skelly, a total of 110,000 (139,370) in 1980 in the absence of any written agreement or formal repayment schedule. The tribunal heard that while Mr Skelly had repaid 10,000 to Mr Redmond, believing it to be sufficient to cover his share of the lesser loan amount of 40,000 which he had taken jointly, Mr Kennedy had never repaid any of the outstanding capital on this or the 70,000 he had borrowed individually. While Mr Redmond conceded the loan arrangement with Mr Kennedy had been unusual, he denied that the money was an investment in the lands of a stud farm in Lucan which had doubled in value after being rezoned in the 1980s. This and the tribunal's other explorations of the relationship between the two put Mr Redmond under pressure that was, at times, almost palpable. On another occasion, the inquiry's senior counsel Des O'Neill raised the issue of a planning file relating to a house Mr Kennedy had owned in Strawberry Beds in Lucan, which officers from the Criminal Assets Bureau had found in the course of searching Mr Redmond's home. Commenting on this, Mr O'Neill asked: "Of the hundreds and thousands of files in Dublin County Council about planning applications, one of four found itself in your home, 10 years after you retired. Why did you retain this file?" Mr Redmond insisted his interest in the file had nothing to do with Mr Kennedy, telling the tribunal that he had been considering the possibilities surrounding a nearby site. The potential significance of the Kennedy file arose from the fact that the house had been the subject of an application for planning retention just before the local authority had acquired it through a compulsory purchase order to facilitate the construction of the West Link toll bridge by National Toll Roads, a company controlled by Tom Roche Sr. Mr Redmond said he had no recollection of Mr Kennedy telling him the house had no planning permission. Premium John Downing Opinion Pension reforms are dicey territory but grand plan by minister Heather Humphreys just might win through Pension system changes all across the western world have a great propensity to infuriate those most feared by politicians: the grey brigade. And when the oldies take to the streets, they usually play for keeps. This General Election demonstrates the gaping disconnect between the Irish people and our politicians. In polls, citizens repeatedly state that their primary concern is health - yet it is crime, 'fiscal space' and the make-up of the next government that dominate the campaign. Scrutiny of the parties' manifestos throws some light on where they stand on health. What's most obvious from the Government parties is their abandonment of their flagship policy of universal health insurance from the 2011 election. The Labour Party no longer even mentions health insurance in its health policy, while Fine Gael kicks it into the distant green fields, having openly abandoned its 2011 plan for compulsory private health insurance. Fine Gael, Labour, Sinn Fein and the Social Democrats all commit to introducing universal healthcare although Fine Gael and Labour fail to show how they now intend to achieve universal access - in particular how to get rid of two-tier access to hospital care. Fine Gael's manifesto promises to increase private health insurance coverage, which, in the absence of universal health insurance, implies continued unequal access for public and private patients. Sinn Fein, the Social Democrats and the People Before Profit/Anti-Austerity Alliance clearly nail their colours to a tax-funded, universal health system, akin to the British NHS. Noticeably, Fianna Fail and Renua make no commitment to universal access based on medical need, indicating their intent to maintain the current status quo, which privileges access to essential diagnosis and hospital treatment for those who can afford to pay privately. Only Sinn Fein specifies how it will undo two-tier hospital care - by building up the public health system's capacity and investing in public hospitals. Sinn Fein says it would end private care in public hospitals and withdraw all tax reliefs for private health insurance within a term in government. There is unanimity among all parties on the importance of delivering more healthcare through primary care: more GPs and practice nurses, better access to diagnostics and the management of chronic diseases, more care provided at home and in the community. However, there are differences between the parties in the extension of free GP care - Labour is still committed to universal free GP care, this time by 2021, Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein would extend it on the basis of low income, while Fine Gael is no longer committed to universal free care. There is consensus for some quick wins from most parties - issuing medical cards to 10,000 children who get Domiciliary Care Allowance who are currently without them, reducing drug costs, expanding free and subsidised dental coverage and the introduction of a sugar tax. They are all looking for more staff, more hospital and community services and a larger budget allocation. Obviously this is dependent on them having the revenue to do all this. But credibility is an issue for all parties. Fine Gael and Labour's failure to deliver their two flagship projects - universal primary care and universal health insurance - makes it hard to believe any of their commitments this time round. All parties make commitments to tackle over-crowding in emergency departments, long waits for hospital treatment and therapies such as speech and language, but again, given the failure of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour to deliver on these while in government, it's very hard to have faith in them now. Fine Gael and Labour want to lower drug charges, charges they increased during these last five years in government. Fianna Fail wants to abolish drug charges it introduced for medical card holders and increase the numbers of home-help hours it slashed while in government. Fianna Fail is all for primary care - even though it oversaw the publication of the primary care strategy in 2001 that largely remained unimplemented when it left office 10 years later. Sinn Fein is promising to abolish all drug charges and public hospital charges, pledging a system free at the point of delivery. It's the party with the most radical health policy in the run-up to this election. However, its credibility must also be questioned - its plan quite clearly states it would abolish all tax reliefs for private health insurance, even though Gerry Adams (wrongly) denied that this was its policy on his Sean O'Rourke radio interview last Thursday. What will influence health policy in the next five to 10 years is the make-up of the next government. Will it maintain the status quo or progress universal access to high-quality care? The next Programme for Government will indicate the direction taken. However, if past form is a good gauge of future performance, then it's really the minister that matters in health. A coalition is inevitable. Whoever holds the health ministry will yield most power to determine the critical path health will take in the years ahead. Ultimately it is their responsibility to reconnect Irish people and politicians by delivering a high-quality health system, accessible to all. Britain has a deal with its EU partners and the referendum date has been named as June 23. It is an important date for the future of every citizen in the United Kingdom and, indeed, for the European Union's 500 million citizens. But it has huge implications for this country for a number of key reasons. Britain is by far our largest trading partner. For better or worse, these two neighbouring islands for the past 1,000 years at the very least, have had a very close relationship. Northern Ireland's unique status makes for huge direct and immediate ramifications for this jurisdiction should British voters opt to leave the EU next June. So we must make our voices heard loud and clear in the coming months. The looming referendum date makes the production of stable government all the more desirable in this Friday's General Election. Outgoing Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan long ago made it clear that the Dublin Government cannot, for the reasons cited above, remain silent in the upcoming campaign. There must be an effort to influence Irish people resident in Britain, Irish opinion formers in British life and British people resident in Ireland who are eligible to vote in this in/out referendum. Already, we are disappointed to learn that the Democratic Unionist Party has come out strongly for a 'No' on June 23. This is an extraordinary stance, given the direct benefits that the EU has brought the North in both food and agribusiness, not to mention regional and social fund grants. Then there are the EU 'peace grants', which were unleashed with great goodwill and minimal fanfare within days of that first IRA ceasefire in 1994. Between the years 1995 and 2013, this has amounted to 1.3bn. More positively, the SDLP, Sinn Fein and Alliance are all set to support an 'In'. We look forward to Sinn Fein, as the bigger nationalist party, putting in a strong campaign in the coming months. The stakes are extremely high here. Mr Adams must heed the Stack family's plea Brian Stack's family has been campaigning for justice for a very long time. The prison officer was brutally shot in Dublin in 1983 and died from his wounds after 18 months of suffering, which greatly hurt his family. It took 30 years for the IRA to admit the killing. That admission came at a meeting set up by Mr Adams himself. But more recently, Austin Stack, son of Brian and a tireless campaigner for finding the truth about his father's murder, has told us he has credible information suggesting that two senior Sinn Fein figures, who each currently hold public office, were responsible for the killing. Austin Stack has asked Mr Adams to put his information to the pair concerned. But Mr Adams has said he will not do this, insisting that it is now a matter for the gardai. For the rest, the Sinn Fein president excels in condemning the killing and expressing sympathy with the Stack family. None of this is good enough. Let's recall that Mr Adams has already facilitated a breakthrough meeting and remains in a unique position to extend practical assistance to the Stack family. All of us must revere the memory of Brian Stack and all the other security force members who gave their lives. Mathew Horne is to star as young Mr Grace in Are You Being Served? Sitcom Are You Being Served? is due to return to British screens after more than 30 years. The one-off special is set in 1988 and picks up where the comedy last left off, following the misadventures of the retail staff in fictional London department store Grace Brothers. It is due to be filmed next month in front of a studio audience in Media City, Salford. It will then air on BBC One later in the year. Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft's original comedy first aired in 1972 on BBC One, and ran for more than 10 years. The new special will be written by Derren Litten, who is known for his work on Benidorm and The Catherine Tate Show. "Writing a new episode of Are You Being Served? has been the most fun I have ever had as a professional writer. We have an amazing cast, a brilliant producer and a great director," said Litten. "It was just too exciting an opportunity to pass up," he added. The special follows young Mr Grace (Mathew Horne) as he tries to modernise Grace Brothers but faces problems with Mr Humphries (Jason Watkins), Captain Peacock (John Challis) and Mrs Slocombe (Sherrie Hewson). As well as the old favourites, there are some new additions to the cast, including Jorgie Porter as Miss Croft, and Kayode Ewumi as Mr Conway. Are You Being Served? will be directed by Dewi Humphreys and produced by James Farrell. Video of the Day Shane Allen, who commissioned the show, said: "The Are you Being Served? special is a riot of a script from Derren and has attracted a real comedy pedigree cast to pay homage to this glorious and much-loved show." It was commissioned as part of the BBC's "landmark comedy season", designed to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the television sitcom. TV presenter Laura Whitmore upstaged some of the celebrities with this stunning gown. Photo: PA Laura Whitmore at the NME Awards 2016 at the O2 Brixton Academy, London LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Laura Whitmore attends the Felder Felder Show during London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2016/17 at Freemasons' Hall on February 19, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images) Laura Whitmore (left) and Leonardo DiCaprio (right) at the 2016 BAFTAs Laura Whitmore has finally spoken about that BAFTA awards after-party. The I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! Now! presenter was the subject of speculation after she was pictured in a group including Leonardo DiCaprio. The 41-year-old star recently added a first Bafta to his Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild statuettes for playing frontiersman Hugh Glass in The Revenant - and is favourite to land his first Oscar next Sunday. During an exclusive interview with Hello! magazine, 30-year-old Whitmore refused to comment on the reports linking her to DiCaprio. Expand Close LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Laura Whitmore attends the Felder Felder Show during London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2016/17 at Freemasons' Hall on February 19, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Laura Whitmore attends the Felder Felder Show during London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2016/17 at Freemasons' Hall on February 19, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images) "Everyone was just having fun - there was a lot of dancing," she said. However, Whitmore, from Bray, did speak to the magazine on the subject of the qualities she is looking for when it comes to finding her ideal man. Expand Close Laura Whitmore at the NME Awards 2016 at the O2 Brixton Academy, London / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Laura Whitmore at the NME Awards 2016 at the O2 Brixton Academy, London A sense of humour is high on her list. "Someone who can make me laugh and with whom I can have fun," she told Hello!, (inset) which is out now. Expand Close Laura Whitmore attending the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Laura Whitmore attending the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London "I love banter, so someone who can keep me on my toes. I don't mind having a few arguments. "I'm not interested in big, over-the-top gestures but little things, like I'll keep the ticket stubs from a gig I was at, or a T-shirt." Video of the Day Whitmore beat 3,000 hopefuls to land a job at MTV in 2008. She has worked on I'm A Celebrity's ITV2 sister show since 2011 and the stars she has interviewed include George Clooney, Robert Downey Jr and Justin Bieber. Whitmore, who is happily in a relationship with British rocker Rory Williams, will host a surprise leap-year proposal from a woman to her boyfriend during an advert break on ITV later this month. When asked if she would pop the question herself if the situation arose, she said: "It depends. "If he wasn't asking and I wanted to get married, I'd be like, 'Hey, let's do this'. Television presenter Laura Whitmore has said the guests at the Bafta after-party, including winner Leonardo DiCaprio, had "fun". The I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! Now! presenter sparked speculation in the press about her association with the Titanic star after they were pictured together. Hollywood heartthrob DiCaprio is cleaning up this awards season. He recently added a first Bafta win to his Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild statuette for playing frontiersman Hugh Glass in The Revenant. The 41-year-old is favourite to land his first ever Oscar when the Academy Awards take place on February 28. During an exclusive interview with Hello! magazine, 30-year-old Whitmore refused to comment on the reports linking her to DiCaprio. "Everyone was just having fun - there was a lot of dancing," she said. However, Whitmore did open up to the magazine on the subject of the qualities she is looking for when it comes to finding her ideal man. A sense of humour is high on her list. "Someone who can make me laugh and with whom I can have fun," she told Hello! "I love banter so someone who can keep me on my toes. I don't mind having a few arguments. Video of the Day "I'm not interested in big, over-the-top gestures but little things, like I'll keep the ticket stubs from a gig I was at, or a T-shirt." Born in Wicklow, Whitmore beat 3,000 hopefuls to land a job at MTV in 2008. She has worked on I'm A Celebrity's ITV2 sister show since 2011 and the stars sh e has interviewed include George Clooney, Robert Downey Jr and Justin Bieber. Whitmore will host a surprise leap-year proposal from a woman to her boyfriend during an advert break on ITV later this month. When asked if she would pop the question herself if the situation arose, she said "It depends". "If he wasn't asking and I wanted to get married, I'd be like, 'Hey, let's do this.' I don't see why not in this day and age. Girl power and all that." ::Read the full article in Hello! out now. Harrison Ford unveiled the first details of the highly anticipated Star Wars Experience The Star Wars expansion at Disney's American theme parks will include a virtual reality ride that allows fans to pilot the Millennium Falcon, fight in a battle between the Resistance and the First Order and meet droids and aliens. Harrison Ford and robot droid BB-8 unveiled the first details of the highly anticipated Star Wars Experience during a special on American television celebrating Disneyland's 60th anniversary called The Wonderful World Of Disney: Disneyland 60. The rides will be the newest galactic addition to Disneyland in Anaheim, California and Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The Han Solo star introduced the plans saying: "Star Wars is, for lack of a better word awesome. "I'm so blessed that I had the opportunity to be a part of it, to walk in these iconic locations. And soon, you'll be able to do that as well. Not in a galaxy far, far away, but in a place close to home." The programme showed off new concept art from the attractions, including some shots from the cockpit of the Falcon as it flies into battle. Ford later introduced the first orchestral performance of Star Wars Live In Concert in front of an enthusiastic audience at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Dame Helen Mirren sported a pair of silver Mickey Mouse ears on a blue hat as she introduced the programme celebrating the history of the theme park. During the tribute Sir Elton John debuted new song Wonderful Crazy Night in addition to performing his Oscar-nominated song Circle Of Life from The Lion King in front of the famous pink castle at Disneyland. Jessie J performed When You Wish Upon A Star from Pinocchio and Fall Out Boy delivered a rendition of I Wanna Be Like You from The Jungle Book. A Turkish court has charged 14 people in connection with last week's suicide car bombing in Ankara and ordered them to be jailed pending trial, the state-run news agency said. Seven other people were released with charge. The Anadolu Agency said the 14 are suspected of aiding a terror organisation, forging official documents and fraud. It was not immediately clear what role they played in the February 17 attack, which targeted buses carrying military personnel and killed 28 people. A Turkey-based Kurdish militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the government insists it was carried out by a US-backed Syrian Kurdish militia group in collaboration with Turkey's own Kurdish rebels. Turkey is pressing the US to halt support to the group, which is a key force in the battle against the Islamic State group. A man lays a tribute at the scene of the shootings in La Loche Photo: AP A 17-year-old boy charged in the shooting deaths of four people in northern Canada could be sentenced as an adult if he is found guilty of the crimes, The Canadian Press reported on Monday. The Crown prosecutor on the case told a courtroom in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, that he will apply for the accused to be sentenced as an adult if convicted, the news agency said. It said the teen will next appear in Saskatchewan provincial court on April 12. An official at Meadow Lake provincial court referred a call to a government spokesperson, who could not be immediately reached. Police arrested the teen, who cannot be publicly named under Canadian law because he is under 18, last month after a Jan. 22 shooting at a high school and home in remote La Loche, Saskatchewan, about 600 km (375 miles) northwest of Saskatoon. He faces four counts of first-degree murder, seven counts of attempted murder and unauthorized possession of a firearm. Seven people were wounded. Teachers returned to the high school on Monday for the first time since the shooting, according to local media reports. The community's elementary school will reopen on Tuesday, Canadian Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said on Twitter. On a day when mockingbirds sang outside the courthouse that inspired her classic American novel, author Harper Lee was laid to rest in a private ceremony, a reflection of how she had lived. The few dozen people who comprised Lee's intimate circle gathered on Saturday at a church in the small Alabama town of Monroeville, which the author used as a model for the imaginary town of Maycomb, the setting of her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. Lee died on Friday aged 89. Lee's longtime friend, history professor Wayne Flynt, eulogised her in a ceremony at First United Methodist Church. Afterwards, her casket was taken by silver hearse to an adjacent cemetery where her parents, AC Lee and Frances Finch Lee, and sister, Alice, are buried. A spray of red and white roses covered the family headstone at the cemetery. Flynt said he delivered an address that Lee specifically requested years ago. Entitled 'Atticus Inside Ourselves', it was a tribute Flynt gave in 2006 when she won the Birmingham Pledge Foundation Award for racial justice. Flynt said Lee liked the speech so much she wanted him to give it as her eulogy. "I want you to say exactly that," Flynt quoted Lee as saying at the time. "Not one thing more, and not one thing less." "If I deviated one degree, I would hear this great booming voice from heaven, and it wouldn't be God," Flynt said in an earlier interview. Details of the service were fiercely guarded. The author, who for decades had declined media interviews, had wanted a quick and quiet funeral without pomp or fanfare, family members said. The town was appropriately sombre a day after their native daughter's death. Black bows adorned the doors of the old courthouse in Monroeville where Lee as a child, like her literary creation Scout Finch, would peer down from the balcony as her lawyer father tried his cases in the courtroom. Mockingbirds chirped among camellia bushes outside the courthouse on a warm Alabama morning that teased the arrival of spring. Jared Anton, of Hollywood, Florida, sat outside the old courthouse during part of a planned vacation through the South. He said reading the book - in which attorney Atticus Finch defends a wrongly accused African-American man - was one of the reasons he decided to become a lawyer. "It had an impact on me when I was younger. I wanted to do the right thing, to stand up to people, to defend the innocent," Anton said. "It is the greatest American novel. Name one that really has had more of an impact on Americans than that book." A Michigan man who worked as an Uber driver was denied bail at an arraignment on Monday for the fatal weekend shootings of six people in Kalamazoo as police searched for a motive in a case raising questions about how the car service vets its drivers. Jason Dalton, 45, who faces 16 charges including six of murder that can bring life in prison, made his first court appearance and did not enter a plea. He appeared via a video link and was seen on a monitor at the Kalamazoo County court wearing glasses and dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit as two guards flanked him. Expand Close Jason Dalton: Photo: Facebook / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jason Dalton: Photo: Facebook When asked if he had a message for the community, Dalton, who remained emotionless through the proceedings, said he preferred to remain silent." The judge denied bail and set March 3 for the next hearing. Read More Prosecutors alleged Dalton randomly shot multiple times at people during a five-hour period on Saturday at an apartment complex, a car dealership and a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Kalamazoo, about 150 miles (240 km) west of Detroit. Police were investigating reports Dalton also may have driven customers of the Uber car-hailing service the night of the rampage. Two people were wounded in the shooting, including a teenage girl who was initially thought to have died. "The Kalamazoo community is reeling from these senseless acts of violence that took so many innocent lives from us," said Jeffrey Getting, the county's prosecuting attorney. Read More Initial checks with a key federal agency indicate Dalton was unknown to both law enforcement and counter-terrorism agencies for having any kind of known connection to extremist groups. U.S. President Barack Obama said on Monday he has spoken to the mayor and top law enforcement in Kalamazoo about the shootings and pledge whatever federal support they need. Read More "Earlier this year, I took some steps that will make it harder for dangerous people like this individual to buy a gun. But clearly, we're going to need to do more if we're going to keep innocent Americans safe," Obama said in remarks before the National Governors Association at the White House. An Uber representative confirmed Dalton was a company driver and had passed background checks. The attack renewed interest in how the company screens drivers, who use their personal vehicles to ferry customers at prices generally below those of established taxi companies. Critics say the company never meets potential drivers in person. Michigan State Police said the shooting began at about 5:30 p.m. (2230 GMT) on Saturday with the report of a woman wounded outside an apartment building. At about 10 p.m., Richard Smith and his son Tyler were killed at the car dealership. Dalton allegedly opened fire outside the restaurant about 15 minutes later, killing four women identified as Mary Lou Nye, 62, of Baroda, Michigan; and Dorothy Brown, 74; Barbara Hawthorne, 68; and Mary Jo Nye, 60, all of Battle Creek, Michigan, state police said. The victims apparently were chosen at random and shot multiple times, prosecutors said. A gunman, who seemed to choose his victims at random, opened fire outside an apartment complex, a car dealership and a restaurant in Michigan, killing at least six people during a rampage that lasted nearly seven hours, police said. Authorities identified the shooter as 45-year-old Jason Dalton, an Uber driver who police said had no criminal record. They could not say what motivated him on Saturday night to target victims with no apparent connection to him or to each other. "How do you go and tell the families of these victims that they weren't targeted for any reason other than they were there to be a target?" Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting said yesterday at a news conference. Dalton was arrested early yesterday in Kalamazoo following a massive manhunt. He is expected to be arraigned today on charges of murder and attempted murder. Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas described a terrifying series of attacks that began about 6pm on Saturday outside the Meadows apartment complex on the eastern edge of Kalamazoo County, where a woman was shot multiple times. She was expected to survive. A little more than four hours later and 15 miles away, a father and his 18-year-old son were fatally shot while looking at cars at the dealership. Fifteen minutes after that, five people were gunned down in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel restaurant along Interstate 94, Mr Matyas said. Four of them died. A 14-year-old girl had earlier been reported among the fatalities, based on a pronouncement by medical officials. But police later said that she was taken to hospital in critical condition. Authorities did not believe the shootings were targeted at specific people, describing them as "our worst case scenario," Mr Matyas said. Dalton was arrested without incident at about 12:40am, after a deputy spotted his vehicle driving through Kalamazoo after leaving a bar parking lot, authorities said. Mr Matyas declined to disclose anything found in the vehicle except for a semi-automatic handgun. By midday, authorities were investigating a Facebook post that indicated the suspect was driving for Uber during the manhunt and had taken at least one fare, Mr Getting said. A spokeswoman for Uber confirmed that Dalton had driven for the company in the past, but she declined to say whether he was driving on Saturday night. "There's no common denominator with any of these," Mr Matyas said. "This person was just waiting in the parking lot of the apartment complex. The one at... the dealership, they were looking at cars. The ones at Cracker Barrel, they were just sitting in their cars. There is absolutely no common denominator... through race, age, anything." In 2013, Barbara Bush told an interviewer that she didn't want her son, Jeb, to run for president. "There are other people out there who are very qualified," she said, "and we've had enough Bushes." Jeb ignored his mother's advice - only to discover that the American people agreed with her. His defeat in South Carolina, where he placed fourth with less than 8pc, was truly humiliating. It's a state with a history of backing Bushes for president - a deeply religious place with strong ties to the military. This time, however, it chose Donald Trump, who spent much of the televised debates ridiculing Bush. It also gave joint-second place to Marco Rubio, a protege of Jeb's from the days when he ran Florida. There were signs that this wasn't Jeb's turn from the beginning. He led the polls in early 2015 - but not by very much. Surveys suggested that voters respected him but weren't excited. The enthusiasm gap was filled quickly by Trump, and every advantage that Bush enjoyed suddenly looked like a negative. His ability to speak Spanish and his appeal to Hispanic voters were not winners in a year dominated by fears over illegal immigration. His calmness and undoubted intelligence played out poorly in his intense TV matches with The Donald. Bush's attempts to tap into the zeitgeist were misjudged. He tweeted a photo of a handgun with his name printed on the barrel and was mocked across several continents. His biggest problem was his family's history. In the early stages of his candidacy, he tried to distance himself from the Iraq War. In South Carolina, where Trump called George W Bush a liar, Jeb switched to defending his brother's honour. The former president was sent into campaign. What the Bushes failed to appreciate is that their name is now tarred by the credit crunch, ballooning deficits and body bags. The Democrats have settled for Hillary Clinton, in part, because the Clintons are associated with the wealthy, serene Nineties. It's akin to the Democrats voting against the Kennedys - which they did in 1980, when Ted Kennedy also came to an ignominious end in a president primary he thought he had in the bag. Dynasties rise and fall. That's democracy. That said, Jeb emerges from the primary season with honour intact. If he endorses Rubio and gifts him his money and contacts, then, conceivably, he might rescue the Republican Party from Trump. Moreover, the Bush family still has one ace up its sleeve: the ever popular Barbara. "My mom is the strongest woman I know," Jeb boasted in his final debate. Trump retorted: "She should be running." Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Debris is scattered around damaged buildings at Susui village in Fiji, after Cyclone Winston tore through the island nation. (New Zealand Defense Force via AP) EDITORIAL USE ONLY A family stands outside their damaged home after Cyclone Winston swept through Ba on the northern side Fiji's Viti Levu Island, February 22, 2016. Reuters/Jay Dayal/Handout via Reuters A remote Fijian village is photographed from the air during a surveillance flight conducted by the New Zealand Defence Force. Reuters/NZ Defence Force/Handout via Reuters The death toll from a ferocious cyclone which tore through Fiji over the weekend has risen to 18 as the authorities began to send aid to hard-hit outer islands. They were still having trouble communicating with some islands, including places like Koro Island which suffered some of the worst damage. And more than 6,000 residents across Fiji were staying in emergency shelters after their homes were broken or swamped. Winds from Cyclone Winston, which tore through Fiji over the weekend, reached 177mph, making it the strongest storm in the Southern Hemisphere since record-keeping began. Getting emergency supplies to Fiji's far-flung islands and remote communities was the government's top priority said Ewan Perrin, the permanent secretary for communications. Fiji is home to 900,000 people, and has more than 100 inhabited islands. "The logistics of getting supplies and equipment to remote communities is difficult," he said. "Some have lost their jetties and it's uncertain if airstrips are able to be landed on." Mr Perrin said the authorities were sending a vessel to Koro Island filled with medical supplies, food and water. Crews on the boat would build temporary shelters for those people on the island whose homes had been destroyed. He said the electricity network across Fiji remained patchy, and in some cases power had been deliberately cut to prevent further damage. Mr Perrin said clean water was also a challenge, and people were being asked to boil their water, treat it with chemicals or drink bottled water, but Fijians were taking the disaster in stride. "The people here are fairly resilient and they're accustomed to these things happening," he said. "Most are going about their business or helping clean up. There's been a very well-co-ordinated disaster response and we're deploying quickly." Mr Perrin said most of the people who died in the cyclone were hit by flying debris or were in buildings which collapsed. A handful of people were in hospital with severe injuries, he said. Fijians were finally able to venture outside on Monday after the authorities lifted a curfew that had been imposed on Saturday evening. A 30-day declaration of a state of natural disaster remains in effect, giving police extraordinary powers. "The damage has been widespread, homes have been destroyed, many low-lying areas have flooded, and many people have been left stunned and confused about what to do," said Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in a televised address to the nation. He said the police and military had been brought in to help with rescue operations and the general clean-up, and that government agencies were working overtime to clear roads and restore power. "This is a time of sorrow, but it will also be a time of action," Mr Bainimarama said. "We will stand united in the face of this disaster." Tourism minister Faiyaz Siddiq Koya said all tourists in Fiji were safe and there was no significant damage to the majority of hotels on the main island. Fiji is a popular tourist destination, known for its beach resorts and scuba diving. Cyclone Winston hit Fiji on Saturday and moved westward overnight along the northern coast of Viti Levu. Fiji's capital, Suva, located in the southern part of the main island, was not directly in the cyclone's path and avoided the worst of its destructive power. All schools will be closed for a week to allow time for the clean-up, and three universities will be closed until further notice. The main international airport on Viti Levu has been reopened. Australia's government has taken a tough line on asylum seekers from the Middle East and Asia An Australian-born baby from an asylum-seeking family from Nepal was discharged from a Brisbane hospital after a 10-day stand-off between medical staff and the government. They were at odds over whether the baby should be sent back with her parents to the Pacific island nation of Nauru. Baby Asha was flown 2,100 miles from an Australian-run immigration camp on Nauru to a hospital in Brisbane in late January for treatment for scalding burns from hot water. She was treated at the Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, but doctors said on February 12 they would not discharge her if she was to be immediately sent back to Nauru. Immigration minister Peter Dutton said on Monday that Asha had been released from the hospital to live temporarily with her parents in private rental accommodation paid for by the government. He said they were in community detention, which usually means asylum seekers are able to move freely in the community but must reside at a designated address every night. The government still intends to send the family back to Nauru after a court hears their challenge against deportation, Mr Dutton said. "We are not going to allow the message to get out that people can come to Nauru, come to Australia for medical assistance, and that will be their ticket out into Australian society - that is not going to happen," he told Nine Network television. The family is among 267 asylum seekers facing deportation to Nauru after travelling to Australia for medical treatment or to support a sick relative. Hundreds of protesters calling for Australia to accept these asylum seekers have maintained a vigil outside the hospital since the doctors announced they would not send Asha back to Nauru. Australia has all but stopped asylum seekers from the Middle East and Asia attempting to reach its shores on boats from Indonesia in the past three years by refusing to allow them to ever settle in Australia. They are sent to immigration camps on Nauru and Australia's closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea. 'Police in England have released pictures of an Asian man, thought to be in his 30s, taken during an altercation outside a Birmingham post office'. Photo: PA A flip-flop wearing attacker with a distinctive pointed nose has headbutted a man for taking too long to use a cash machine. Police in England have released pictures of an Asian man, thought to be in his 30s, taken during an altercation outside a Birmingham post office. The 34-year-old victim was left with a black eye following the incident near Birchfield Road post office in Aston at 11.15am on January 4. CCTV footage showed the attacker, wearing a navy blue Nike hooded top and light blue Adidas bottoms, driving off in a silver Nissan Qashqai. Catching Pc Leigh Harrison said: "This was a completely unprovoked attack. "The victim was using the ATM for no longer than a couple of minutes, but apparently that warranted being headbutted. "Anyone who reacts so irrationally, and so violently, needs catching, so I'd urge anyone who believes they recognise the man to contact me. "The man was wearing flip-flops, unusual given that it was the middle of winter, while the CCTV seems to show him having a prominent, angular nose." Mark Harding was said to have been "stunned" when the attempted heist in the upmarket Belgravia area of London was intercepted A low-level career criminal soiled himself when an attempted 1.28m (1m) jewellery raid was halted by armed police, a court heard. Mark Harding was said to have been "stunned" when the attempted heist in the upmarket Belgravia area of London was intercepted by Metropolitan Police, Southwark Crown Court was told. Harding, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary along with three accomplices, looked embarrassed in court as the moment their plan was foiled was recounted by defence counsel Simon Pentol. Speaking at the sentencing hearing Mr Pentol, who described 45-year-old Harding as "an unsuccessful, low-level perennial criminal with a drink and drugs problem", said: "On arrest, he looked utterly stunned and soiled himself. "His reaction when arrested gives an indication of the type of man he is. He soiled himself when an officer put a gun in his face." Harding, in the dock, put his head in his hands and rocked forward and backward as details of the incident were heard in court. Harding and fellow defendants Rashid Alleyne, Gavin James and Peter Costello arrived at Eaton Place on September 22 last year attempting to steal at least 1 million jewellery. They all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary at a previous court appearance. Mr Pentol said his client, who had 28 convictions for 64 offences, had racked up a debt to a drugs lord when a courier job went wrong some months earlier. Describing his normal pattern of burgling non-dwelling properties, he said: "He is not the sort of man who would spend an afternoon sipping tea in Belgravia." Harding, a crack cocaine addict, also pleaded guilty to two counts of handling stolen goods - a van connected to the failed raid, and 100,000 worth of luxury hair extensions. Mr Pentol said: "He knows he has to change his life now." One day, someone will write a book about David Cameron and Boris Johnson. The problem will be that if it's accurate, no one will believe it. After all, the international standing of a nation hanging on the complicated and not entirely mature relationship between two men from the same school and university dining club is the stuff of cliched fiction, not reality. To listen to each man talk about the other is to be in no doubt that theirs is an intense personal rivalry, and yet also something else, rather more familiar, and even affectionate, than the typical political duel. They may be competing on the national stage to show who is best, but you get the impression the audience they are playing to is an altogether smaller group: members of the extended family of privilege that both joined when they were boys at Eton College. Ah, Eton. Many of the analyses of both men that mention their school do so without insight, overlooking the fact that most voters don't care about their schooling anywhere as much as the pundits do. But as people who know them well can tell you, they themselves care, these two Etonians. They care very much. Mr Johnson, below left, is a little older than Mr Cameron. At school, he was a star, a scholar and a prefect, over-talented and over-confident in a place that prides itself on producing boys with unrivalled amounts of both. By contrast, Mr Cameron, below right, was relatively ordinary, by the standards of the place, at least: no scholarship, no prefect's waistcoat. Only one of them talked of one day being "World King" and only one of them was regarded as a future national leader. And it wasn't the one who is now Prime Minister. Imagine how that plays out now. Mr Cameron beat the star of stars to the top prize, yet Mr Johnson has never seemed to acknowledge that victory, much less respect it. He can rarely resist the chance to tweak the tail of the man he sometimes describes as "Cameron Minor", a little chap from one of the lower forms. And Mr Cameron wouldn't be human if he did not feel a tiny niggle about Boris and his antics. Here he is, a PM at the peak of his powers who has made a genuinely historic gambit over Europe and all anyone wanted to know was if Mr Johnson was going to deign to back him or not. Rightly so, too. Never mind the fuss about policy details. Personality matters more here, or at least two personalities. Mr Cameron is the Remain camp's biggest asset. But the advantage he gives could be cancelled out by a "Boris for Britain" call to Leave. Imagine how Mr Cameron feels about the prospect of Mr Johnson deciding the outcome of his European gamble - and thus, the manner in which his premiership ends. As for Mr Johnson, imagine being the cleverest of the clever, someone extraordinary, and seeing the greatest jewel pocketed by someone, well, ordinary. That is an awfully big itch to go unscratched. So who's winning between Dave and Boris today? The man with the big job or the man with the first-name popularity? Well, we are fast approaching what could finally be a moment of clarity. Europe may well decide the duel between Cameron Minor and the World King once and for all. The man who leads the winning campaign in the referendum will not just secure himself a place in British history, he will claim a much more personal victory too. Britain and the West must brace for reprisal terror attacks by Islamic State terrorists after a string of battlefield defeats for the militants in Iraq and Syria, military commanders fear. More than 18 months of air strikes have begun to weaken the extremist movement, meaning it may lash out overseas to show it remains powerful, a coalition spokesman claimed. The air campaign coupled with attempts to cut off funding to the groups war machine means Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (Isil) leaders have had to slash wages for fighters, draft conscripts and recruit children. Col Steve Warren, US Army spokesman for the coalition fighting Isil, said the flow of foreign jihadist fighters wanting to join the groups self-styled caliphate in Iraq and Syria had slowed. Isil is now "beginning to lose and we see them in a defensive crouch", he said in an upbeat assessment of the campaign to roll back Isils lightning advances across Syria and Iraq in 2014. But he admitted the militants had so far been able to recruit new fighters as fast as they have been killed and warned the coalition is "not going to kill our way out" of the crisis. Coalition commanders were now beginning to see the fraying around the edges of this outfit as they begin to crack underneath this pressure", he said. Intelligence assessments suggest the extremist movement, also know as Daesh, could respond with Paris-style terror attacks on the West. Col Warren said as the coalition continues to "squeeze this enemy, as this enemy continues to feel that its back on its heels", it could hit back in desperation. He said: "They are going to want to show the world that they are still viable and one of the ways that they could do that is through a high visibility attack outside of their so-called caliphate". He said he had no intelligence about a specific threat, but the threat was something we are aware of, this is something that through our various intelligence communities, we are discussing amongst nations. He went on: "We do not view a Paris attack or a San Bernardino attack as a sign of strength, as many have interpreted it. We view it as exactly the opposite. Col Warren warned Britons wanting to travel to join Isil that they would likely be killed. He said: You will either be killed by your so-called partners, who have executed each other with grotesque regularity, or you will be killed by ground forces in Syria or Iraq, who dont want you there, or if you manage to survive either of those two things, you will be killed by coalition airpower. He said the drone campaign to kill Isil leaders and high-profile figures such as Mohammed Emwazi, the British Isil executioner known as Jihadi John, had sown paranoia within the movements ranks and led to a purge of suspected informers. When we killed Jihadi John, what we saw was an immediate frenzy of activity inside of Daesh, where they rounded up their own fighters, there was a spike in executions over the next several days and an adjustment to their communications. These strikes sow fear and paranoia inside the organisation, which is why they are so helpful. Disillusion and a realisation among would be jihadists that "this caliphate isn't all unicorns and rainbows'', has hit recruitment he said. Isil is still able to replenish its ranks despite losing as many as 1,000 fighters each month, however, and the movement can still count on around 20,000 to 25,000 militants. Shashank Joshi, a research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) security think-tank, said "the picture is more balanced than the coalitions positive assessment. He said coalition gains had so far been plucking the low-hanging fruit", but it would take years to defeat Isil and the jihadists could easily spring up elsewhere. Trying to retake the northern Iraq city of Mosul would be the hardest task yet. He said: That kind of serious, intense urban warfare is ultimately going to be the challenge we face in expelling Isis from Iraq and Syria." Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Syrians gather at the scene where two blasts exploded in the pro-government neighbourhood of Zahraa, in Homs province. Photo: AP Bombings claimed by the Islamic State group in the Syrian cities of Damascus and Homs killed nearly 130 people on yesterday, highlighting the threat posed by the extremists as the country's warring factions fight for the northern city of Aleppo and world powers chase an elusive ceasefire. The blasts came as US Secretary of State John Kerry said that a "provisional agreement" has been reached on a cessation of hostilities that could begin in the next few days. But he acknowledged that it's not finalised and all parties might not automatically comply. A series of blasts ripped through the Sayyida Zeinab suburb of Damascus, killing at least 83 people and wounding more than 170, the official SANA news agency said. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on local Syrian activists, said the blasts killed 62. SANA said the bombs went off during the afternoon rush hour. The neighbourhood is home to one of Shiite Islam's holiest shrines, which his heavily guarded by Lebanon's Hezbollah movement and other Shiite militiamen from Iraq and elsewhere. Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV said the blasts were caused by a car bomb and two suicide bombers. The bombings in the central city of Homs killed at least 46 people and wounded dozens, according to Syria's Foreign Ministry. The Observatory said 57 people, including 11 women, were killed by two car bombs set off in a mostly Alawite neighborhood. Syrian President Bashar Assad hails from the Alawite minority, an offshoot of Shiite Islam. Syrian TV footage from Homs showed streets filled with debris and mangled cars, and the charred body of a man being taken away on a stretcher. Footage from Sayyida Zeinab showing people running in narrow streets as others carried the wounded, including several children. The Islamic State group (Isil) claimed both attacks. The extremists are dug in on the outskirts of the two cities and have repeatedly targeted Shiites, who they view as apostates deserving of death. The deadly blasts may strengthen the government's argument that it should press ahead with a major offensive in the north of the country, where troops backed by Russian airstrikes are close to sealing off Aleppo, once Syria's largest city and commercial hub. Syrian insurgents, including Western-backed rebels, seized several neighbourhoods in 2012. The heavy fighting near Aleppo led to collapse of peace talks earlier this month. World powers later agreed on a "cessation of hostilities" to begin within a week, but the deadline passed with no letup in the fighting. Kerry has since reached out to his Russian counterpart, and during a visit to Jordan yesterday, said they had struck a "provisional agreement" and must now reach out to the opposing sides on the ground. File photo dated 06/06/14 of Russian President Vladimir Putin, as the findings of the inquiry into Alexander Litvinenko's death will be revealed today, nearly a decade after his fatal poisoning sparked an extraordinary murder inquiry. The new ceasefire for Syria will take effect on Saturday The US and Russia have agreed on a new ceasefire for Syria that will take effect on Saturday. Syria's warring government and rebels still need to accept the deal. The timeline for a hoped-for breakthrough comes after the former Cold War foes, backing opposing sides in the conflict, said they had finalised the details of a "cessation of hostilities" between President Bashar Assad's government and armed opposition groups after five years of violence that has killed more than 250,000 people. The truce will not cover the Islamic State group, the al Qaida-linked Nusra Front and any other militias designated as terrorist organisations by the UN Security Council. But where in Syria the fighting must stop and where counter terrorism operations can continue must still be addressed. And the five-page plan released by the US State Department leaves open how breaches of the ceasefire will be identified or punished. The announcement came after Presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone on Monday, capping weeks of intense diplomacy to stem the violence so that Assad's government and "moderate" rebel forces might return to peace talks in Geneva. A first round of indirect discussions collapsed almost immediately this month amid a massive government offensive backed by Russian airstrikes in the northern Syria. Obama welcomed the agreement in the call with Putin that the White House said was arranged at the Russian's request. The White House said Obama emphasised the key is to ensure that Syria's government and opposition groups faithfully implement the deal. "This is going to be difficult to implement," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest. "We know there are a lot of obstacles, and there are sure to be some setbacks." Putin called the agreement a "last real chance to put an end to the many years of bloodshed and violence". Speaking on Russian television, he said Moscow would work with the Syrian government, and expects Washington to do the same with the opposition groups that it supports. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also welcomed the agreement, saying it is "a long-awaited signal of hope to the Syrian people". But he warned that much work lies ahead for its implementation. The leader of a Saudi-backed Syrian opposition alliance said in a statement that rebel factions have agreed "in principle" to an internationally mediated temporary truce. Riad Hijab did not elaborate but urged Russia, Iran and the Assad government to end attacks, lift blockades and release prisoners held in Syria. Syrian officials said the government was ready to take part in a truce as long as it is not used by militants to reinforce their positions. Both sides have until Friday to formally accept the plan. SC Supreme Court hears challenge to 6-week abortion law The SC law, temporarily blocked until the court considers its fate, is being challenged on the grounds that it violates privacy rights in constitution. Few expectations from the budget are clarity on FDI in e-commerce and simplification of the indirect tax regime. Reduce state wise differences in indirect taxation to simplify pan India operations for many companies especially startups. Either GST comes soon or taxation improves. Also, reduction of import duties with an option to allow businesses to Make in India will be a welcome move. Subsidies at ground level will make Entrepreneurs feel protected & safe. Digital literacy and mobile internet penetration intier 2, tier 3 cities are other areas onto which we would like to see the Union Budgets focus.We need only two things: one, more bandwidth/spectrum; and two, a level playing field on taxes. Why should a rich, old, viable, lucrative medium like print advertising be exempt from service tax, while the fledgling, entrepreneurial, technology driven Internet advertising is skimmed?Startup India action plan has showcased some signs of encouragement for startup ecosystem and from this year budget too we expect similar positive support from the government. For any startup ease of starting a business is crucial. We need a supportive environment on compliance front to reduce the paperwork so the founder can execute his idea faster. Also tax holidays/exemption on service tax in initial years would help startups to deploy their funds effectively to make their foundation stronger. Also there should be smooth process of deployment of funds government has reserved for startup. This would definitely encourage the promising entrepreneur community in India.Following the Jan Dhan Yojana and the new payment bank licenses, it is only logical that we are likely to see a large outlay in the Budget to build rural connectivity so as to enable increased digital penetration within unserved segments of the population. Building brick and mortar bank branches will take too long and it is imperative that access to a bank and the ability to send and receive Mondaywill be digital. We are also likely to see a reduction in excise duty on hardware required to promote a Digital India."The govt should discuss special plans and incentives for offline retailers to compete with FDI funded online retailers. The offline retail is largest employment generator in the country and govt should bring about major incentives for this sector. Also, the budget should have specific measures to increase digital connectivity across the country."The recently launched Startup India initiative has stirred-up optimism amongst entrepreneurs. However, there still subsists a need to exempt startups from direct and indirect taxes, with MAT (Minimum Alternate Tax) being the key one as it will help entrepreneurs reduce burden and cash outflows. While tax holiday certainly brings a sigh of relief, it may not be beneficial for many technology startups who do not make profits in initial years of their commencement. Therefore, such startups should be able to claim benefits of tax holiday of 3 years within a period of minimum 5 years from inception. Furthermore, since service tax liability proves onerous for entrepreneurs, there is a need to reconsider that as well. Another critical aspect is the elimination of long-term capital gain taxes for investors in unlisted startups so that they are able to attract more funding from angel investors. Considering the pace at which tech startups are growing in India, it has become even more crucial for us to push the Digital India initiative. Currently, the IT penetration level in India is at 19 percent which is quite low as compared to other developed and developing countries. For us to realize the dream of a digitally connected country, it is imperative to have a robust digital infrastructure in place and encourage mobile internet usage amongst citizens as much as possible. Moreover, tax relief for buyers on purchase of computers and mobile phones will also enhance internet penetration in the country.I feel that at this point the impact of Digital India or Make in India is only in the media. It is not just about removing red tape and corruption; the real situation on ground hasn't changed much. The global outlook is also gloomy at present, as the industry is saddled with high debt. The stock market and regular investment options are not giving good returns. Unemployment and hidden underemployed is at an all-time high.In such a strained business environment, the 4th industrial revolution in the form of robotics can help revitalize the flagging global market. I feel the Government must provide long-term fiscal incentives to attract global investment in robotics to India. The infrastructure of high speed web has to be built at the cheapest cost so that smart IOT appliances can perform to their true potential and solve our everyday issues. Even the ecosystem of chips and other important components has to be built to match the global standards. This will ensure that world scale manufacturing of finished products moves to India in the longer term. Moreover, a move must be made to steamroll the GST bill through at any cost, as it will lead to a greater ease of doing business. Even if the bill is passed today, its impact on businesses will only be seen after 12 to 18 months. Therefore, the Government must take up the matter of the GST bill on an urgent basis. The local direct and indirect taxes account for 30 to 40 percent currently; as such, a move will have to be made to reduce these taxes to half in order to support businesses within the country. The 4th industrial revolution is right around the corner in form of robotics. Let us have a national plan to capitalize fully on it.The Union Budget is expected to keep up the good work set in motion by the Start Up India, Stand Up India initiative. With the fintech industry emerging as a big market segment for the Indian economy, the Government must look to consolidate the alternate banking and financial transactional spacein the upcoming budget as it looks to give digital commerce a big boost. As such, we are expecting a relaxation of norms and increased ease of doing business for digital wallets owing to the disruptive impact and ubiquitous accessibility that they offer. An increase in the limit of capital that wallets can handle will definitely add to the user convenience and fuel the growth of the industry.We are also looking forward to a deeper, more integrated service provision in association with nationalised and private banks to further the cause of financial inclusions.Road map to GST in the upcoming budget will go a long way in both increasing the ease of doing business and reducing the cost of doing business. Further rationalisation of local taxes into GST will also pave the way for incubation and higher growth of digital businesses. Fiscal incentives for broadband infrastructure penetration and consolidation of broadband play is required to usher in digital revolution and to bring India on par with developed countries."With the year starting on Hon'ble PM's Start Up India Movement announcement and various proposed measures this year's budget could be revolutionary milestone towards strengthening India's start-up movement - ofcourse provided that the proposed measures are implemented with right spirit and right fine print! Further, we are aware of the Special Committee that is being constituted under the Ministry of Finance to look at various innovations to ease up start up funding which we believe is also looking at domain of crowdfunding. We are hopeful, that similar to other developed nations acknowledging and opening up crowdfunding, India too would look at this medium positively as it can well sync up with several newly proposed measures such as proposed INR 10,000 Crore start-up fund (where a possible plug in with crowdfunding can bring true elements of market validation of innovative ideas as well as engage larger communities to come on board) as well as National Start up Hub (where it can connect early stage start ups with other enablers). In short, we expect and hope that this budget would place a new milestone towards acknowledging and supporting the role of entrepreneurs in shaping the next India. Replying to Sarika Kodag of IIFL, says, What is your call on the Indian economy? What is your outlook for the re-insurance broking industry in India? Brief us about company financials? What will be your expansion and growth plans going forward? What are the current opportunities and challenges that you face in the industry? How do you differentiate between concepts such as political risk insurance, credit insurance, and terrorism insurance? How many clients do you have currently? Launch of any new services for the current fiscal? is a lawyer by qualification and has been with the insurance industry for close to 25 years as of 2014. He has both insurance company and broking Insurance experience, both in India and abroad. Within insurance domain, he has been on the Business Development / Marketing space for the last 18 years. He has a degree in English Literature and Law (with elective subject in Insurance) from University of Madras and also has an Associateship of Insurance Institute of India specializing in Marine Insurance. He is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt holder from BIS. Mr. Arunachalam is also key contact for Bharat Re in the UNiBA Partners, which is a global brokers Network, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium with more than 52 members represented in over 120 locations world-wide. Through this network Bharat Re gets opportunity to service mid-segment Multinational Corporations operating in India and also places insurance business of Indian corporate who set up business abroad. Mr. Arunachalam has been spearheading a number of initiatives through sophisticated peer-group interactions with certain insurance companies and other entities in India.Pioneers in the profession of Corporate insurance consultancy with high level of experience in advising medium and large corporates with enhanced role post liberalization of the insurance sector in India and also post de-tariffing of the Indian general insurance market after 2006. Very active in key sectors like textiles & garments, chemicals, bulk drugs, pharma, petrochemicals & energy sector. Proven expertise in areas like Business Interruption insurance and ris management for emerging risks such as renewable energy, executive liability, project insurance etc. Our team of senior professionals comprises of over a dozen Chairman / CXO level professionals from leading insurance / broking companies in India.T.L. ArunachalamIn the Reinsurance Division, our clients are insurance companies for whom we place their book of business, either on treaties or on facultative (per-risk) basis.India is fast emerging as a major global manufacturing hub across sectors, especially in defence production and auto/auto ancillary. Make in India should certainly bring in higher volumes of FDI into India especially from Europe. With China slowing down and other compelling economic factors, it is natural that the major markets are looking at India to gain access to an educated, trained, and young population and cheaper labour and benefit from an investor-friendly government.Bharat Re is into both Direct broking and Reinsurance broking due to our Composite licence. In Direct broking, we handle clients directly, providing them cutting edge risk management and insurance solutions. In the Reinsurance Division, our clients are insurance companies for whom we place their book of business, either on treaties or on facultative (per-risk) basis. Permission given to global reinsurance players such as Lloyds, other leading reinsurers setting up their branches/offices in India, and GIFT City taking shape in Gujarat would definitely spur growth not just for Indian market placements, but also regional markets such as SAARC, MENA, and SE Asia and distant markets eagerly looking at capacity, experience, and support.We would be ending the year with about Rs.300 crore gross premium placed and are planning to grow at 12% rate on current levels. Our growth is linked to market conditions in terms of revenue parameters regulated by IRDA and market conditions governing premium rates.We are planning to move into some new geography such as Orissa in the coming financial year and certain other pockets where manufacturing units are concentrated. We would also build on our capabilities on provide LIA services to banks, and provide risk consultancy services. Our Reinsurance business is growing well and we would be reaching newer markets in the coming financial year.The opportunities include new investments coming into India through FDI, growth in investment in the domestic market, and the government encouraging new business via start up route.These are specialist insurance products that are highly critical to entrepreneurs because they capture extraordinary risk exposures investment abroad in a business venture would have all these risks one of them is relevant to which business opportunity depends on the destination country- if it is a volatile political environment both political and trade credit exposure would be there. In the current market we can structure credit insurance, which includes political risk also or a standalone political risk insurance product also. Terrorism international can be in conjunction with a property insurance cover and generally in large projects or operational risks, it is possible for us to put in place a standalone terrorism and sabotage insurance cover, for which, we can obtain terms from international reinsurance markets.Since we have a high degree of specialization in providing solutions to corporate clients, we have built a strong book of business with about 700 business customers located across the country. We are gradually building our book of business, based on our service capabilities and value additions.We are already on our way to put in place strong employment benefits in practice with the help of experienced team members in the domain who can ensure that our clients are looked after. Likewise, our specialization in Liability Insurance products is also in place and we have a front seat view of an active and vibrant liability insurance market in India with a highly evolved and internationally relevant product liability, CGL, and cyber liability insurance products. We are sure in the next fiscal about seeing good scope. announced its latest publication on which provides a comprehensive analysis of the Self Drive Car Rental Market in India. The report covers various aspects such as market size of self drive car rental market players, fleet size of self market. It also includes segmentation by organized and unorganized market players in self drive car rental segment, penetration of organized self drive car rental market players in metropolitans, segmentation by different booking channels, different segments of fleet models, and different pricing packages on the basis of duration of the travel, Intracity and Intercity usage.The report also provides the segmentation by different consumer profiles on the basis of gender, age group and occupation. The report also provides competitive landscape and profile of major players operating in Self Drive Car Rental market of India. The future analysis of overall India Self Drive Car Rental market and by segments has also been discussed in each of the sub segment. The report is useful for existing self drive car rental market players, new startups emerging in this rental segment and other stakeholders to align their market centric strategies according to ongoing and expected trends in the future.The India Self Drive Car Rental market has witnessed a growth in recent years on account of rising demand for long distant and weekend trips fueled by introduction of new technologies, increasing fleet size, rising geographical penetration and entry of new players. The surge in growth is majorly originated from growth in weekend trips. The growth in Self drive car rental has been largely led by the various factors such as security mechanisms adopted, affordable pricing packages, increasing demand and entry of new player in market. The Self Drive Car Rental market is comprised of large companies, with Zoom Car and Myles being dominant Players in organized self drive segment generating revenues by possessing a large portfolio of fleet. The India Self Drive Car Rental market revenues have grown at a CAGR of ~% from FY2010-FY2015.According to the Ken Research report, the India Self Drive Car Rental market will grow at a considerable CAGR thus reaching INR ~ million by FY2020. Increasing competition and rising advertisement expenditure on research and development, mounting tours and travels expenditure and increased transparency relative to brick and mortar stores and emergence of a large number of new market players will act as catalysts for the segment.Favourable consumer dynamics such as rising number of digitally active users along with increase in personal disposable income would rise in the market in upcoming future. Increasing penetration by self drive car rental players in different geographies of the country is anticipated to give a boost to India Self Drive Car Rental Market. Lack of effective government regulations and industrial standards along with enhancing competition are few of the major challenges which will affect the growth of this industry in the future, according to Research Analyst, Ken Research. CCI has cleared the proposed merger of Sistema Shyam Ltd's operations into Reliance Communications.The Bombay High Court recently admitted the application for merger between Reliance Communications (Rcom) and Sistema Shyam Teleservices Ltd. (SSTL).The Bombay High Court has directed RCom to convene a Court-Convened Meeting of Reliance Communications' shareholders on Tuesday, 8 March 2016 at 11 am.Report says that the company is finalizing a notice of the above meeting to be sent to its shareholders and taking necessary action in the matter.Reliance Communications Ltd is currently trading at Rs. 51.2, up by Rs. 0.75 or 1.49% from its previous closing of Rs. 50.45 on the BSE.The scrip opened at Rs. 51 and has touched a high and low of Rs. 51.7 and Rs. 50.45 respectively. So far 4927929(NSE+BSE) shares were traded on the counter. The current market cap of the company is Rs. 12556.9 crore.The BSE group 'A' stock of face value Rs. 5 has touched a 52 week high of Rs. 91.8 on 01-Jan-2016 and a 52 week low of Rs. 45.65 on 25-Aug-2015. Last one week high and low of the scrip stood at Rs. 53.9 and Rs. 47.1 respectively.The promoters holding in the company stood at 58.85 % while Institutions and Non-Institutions held 29.49 % and 10.38 % respectively.The stock is currently trading above its 100 DMA. The market share of Nestle's Maggi noodles has shrunk by almost half, according to Nielsen data. The share of Maggi dropped to 42% in January from a high of 77% in the year-ago month, reports a business daily.ITC Foods' Sunfeast Yippee brand of instant noodles is a close second with a 33% market share, says the paper.Others such as Nissin's Top Ramen and Cup Noodles, Ching's Secret, Wai Wai and HUL's Knorr have also seen improvement in their market share at the cost of Maggi, according to the newspaper.Maggi was banned last year in June over allegations of excessive lead and mislabelling of monosodium glutamate (MSG). It returned to stores only in early November.Separately, reports indicate that the head of Nestle's Asian business is hoping to restore revenues in India within three years.In an interview with a Swiss newspaper, Nestle's Wan Ling Martello said that all five factories that produce Maggi noodles had resumed production but not all flavors had returned to store shelves.A complete recovery of Indian revenues by Maggi could take around three years, she said, citing experiences with similar crises elsewhere. Moody's Investors Service, ("Moody's") has assigned a first-time Baa3 issuer rating to Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL).The outlook for the rating is positive.RATINGS RATIONALE"HPCL's Baa3 rating combines its baseline credit assessment of ba2 and a two-notch uplift under Moody's joint-default analysis methodology for government-related issuers, because of its 51.1% ownership by the Government of India," says Vikas Halan, a Moody's Vice President and Senior Credit Officer.Halan explains that the two-notch uplift reflects HPCL's strategic importance to the Indian government (Baa3 positive) because of the company's position as the country's third-largest state-owned refiner of crude oil and the third-largest distributor of petroleum products."HPCL's issuer rating also reflects our expectation that the company's financial profile will continue to improve, on the back of improved refining margins, higher marketing margins for petroleum products in India, as well as high levels of capacity utilization for the refinery at Bhatinda in which it owns a stake," adds Halan.HPCL fully owns two refineries one at Vishakhapatnam and the other in Mumbai with a combined capacity of 14.8 million tons per annum. The company also owns 48.8% of HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL, unrated).HPCL and Mittal Energy Investments (unrated) together own a refinery at Bhatinda with a capacity of nine million tons per annum and a high complexity score of 12.6 on the Nelson Complexity Index, making it among the top three most complex refineries in India.HPCL accounts for HMEL on a proportionate consolidated basis, however Moody's views HMEL as an integral part of HPCL's business profile and therefore fully consolidates the company into HPCL's credit profile. While HPCL exhibits a low level of financial leverage on a standalone basis, its fully consolidated metrics are weak because of HMEL's very high levels of borrowings.HMEL started operations in 2012 and continued to have operational problems up until the fiscal year ended 31 March 2015 (fiscal 2015).For the nine months ended December 2015, HPCL reported a standalone adjusted EBITDA excluding the effects of inventory valuation losses of INR85.9 billion compared to INR76.6 billion for the same period the year before.Earnings at HMEL improved during the nine months ended 31 December 2015, driven by an increase in refinery utilization levels.HMEL's throughput registered 8.3 million tons for April to December 2015, as opposed to 7.3 million tons for full fiscal 2015. As a result, its adjusted EBITDA excluding the effects of inventory valuation losses increased to INR44.4billion from INR17.5 billion for full fiscal 2015. Moody's expects this improvement to be sustained, such that HMEL's leverage will fall slowly.Moody's points out that the improvement in HPCL's consolidated earnings during the nine months ended 31 December 2015 was also driven by higher marketing margins for petroleum product distribution in India, following a decline in product prices in the international markets and diesel price deregulation in the country.On a fully consolidated basis, HPCL's retained cash flow to debt was at 4.6% in fiscal 2015, which was largely due to high levels of inventory valuation losses and weak performance of HMEL. For fiscal 2016, Moody's expects HPCLs retained cash flow (RCF) to debt to improve to in excess of 15%, which will be appropriate for its BCA.Moody's notes that the government demonstrates a high degree of influence over HPCL's strategic decision making process, because of the government's ability to appoint all of the directors on HPCL's board. Moody's therefore expects the government to provide strong support to HPCL in times of distress.Consequently, Moody's assesses the dependence and support scores for HPCL at 'Very High' and 'High' under Moody's joint default methodology for government-related issuers. Such an approach is in line with Moody's assessment for other government-related issuers such as Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (Baa3 positive) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (Baa3 positive).The deregulation of diesel prices and the sustained low oil price environment has led to a structural decline in total fuel subsidies in India. The total fuel subsidy for fiscal 2015 fell to INR724 billion compared to INR1.4 trillion in fiscal 2014. For the six months ended 30 September 2015, the total subsidy burden amounted to INR159 billion.Nonetheless, the government has been making a near full reimbursement of fuel subsidies to HPCL and other state-owned oil marketing companies since fiscal 2011. Such a situation is in line with Moody's expectations. Moody's continues to expect that the government will provide full reimbursements such that the oil marketing companies do not have to absorb any material net under-recoveries.However, in the absence of a transparent and predictable framework for fuel subsidy sharing, the risk of an adverse move by the government cannot be completely ruled out.HPCL's issuer rating is currently on par with India's sovereign rating, and will only be upgraded if the sovereign rating is upgraded.Upward pressure on HPCL's baseline credit assessment (BCA) may build up over time, if the company's credit metrics improve meaningfully, such that its RCF/debt is maintained in excess of 20% on a sustained and fully consolidated basis.HPCL's issuer rating may face downward pressure if:(1) India's sovereign rating is downgraded,(2) The government makes changes to the subsidy framework that are more negative for HPCL,(3) HPCL's BCA deteriorates below ba3, or(4) The government's ownership in HPCL falls below 51% or its control decreases by some other means, both of which would require a reassessment of the level of support incorporated into HPCL's issuer rating.Downward pressure on HPCL's BCA could build if:(1) The company loses significant market share for petroleum product distribution,(2) Stronger competition from non-government players develops, resulting in a lowering of the marketing margins achieved in 2014; although Moody's believes such a situation is unlikely to occur over the near term,(3) HMEL fails to maintain high levels of capacity utilization, resulting in overall refining margins for the company weakening and(4) HPCL embarks on a large debt-funded capex plan.Credit metrics indicative of a downgrade of BCA include RCF/adjusted debt below 10% on a fully consolidated basis. A downgrade of BCA will not automatically lead to a downgrade of HPCL's issuer rating. With the budget just around the corner, CNBC-TV18 approached Allcargo Logistics ED & COO Prakash Tulsiani to understand the companys expectation from the budget. Tulsiani is hopeful that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill will pass through the house this time while anticipating that the industry will get its due recognition as an important industry.Tulsiani sees the greater need for including logistics industry in Make in India initiative and expects the government to incentivize the sector. He explained that the logistics sector is an export-oriented industry, which needs incentives in place to help it gain rail freight corridor as and when industrial parks are set up. Other from this, Tulsiani also sought clarity on fund allocation and implementation status of inland waterways and Sagar Mala as he mentioned that these policies appear to be attractive.While disclosing the companys expansion plans, Tulsiani noted that the construction of the companys Container-Freight Station (CFS) in Kolkata is likely to conclude by year-end. The company has acquired land from the port trust in Kolkata for this project. The outlet in Kolkata is said to have outlet worth Rs 35 crore, according to Tulsiani.Apart from this, the companys board has given a go-ahead for the acquisition of CCI Logistics. The company currently offers warehousing, logistics and distribution services to a range of industries including FMCG, auto, chemical industry and Pharma.The company will acquire the controlling interest in the company and expects the capex to take place over the next three months. Tulsiani said that the valuation process is about to begin, and the acquisition is due to receive statutory and regulatory approvals. He added that the valuation of the said company could be disclosed in next three months.Tulsiani steered away from disclosing the financial details of the target acquisition stating that it will cloud the valuers judgement. He reiterated that the specific details about the deal will be revealed once the valuation is done. Tata Motors cool new hatchback, much applauded at its first public showcase at the Auto Expo 2016, in New Delhi (Greater Noida), was today renamed TIAGO with the culmination of a successful crowdsourcing of the name through the #Fantastico Name Hunt. The company had announced the intent to rename previously named Zica (acronym derived from Zippy Car) as the right and responsible action following the hardships caused by the virus outbreak across many countries. The Company today, also announced the winner of this campaign - Mr. Libi Thomas (Facebook handle- Thomas Notthe Train), whose entry matches the selected name.Taking forward the spirit of innovation, the TIAGO, designed for young car buyers, exudes cutting edge design, technology and driving dynamics to address a new customer segment for Tata Motors with new benchmarks and exciting product experience. The Company will apply for regulatory registrations and is working towards the market launch by March end.According to Mr. Mayank Pareek, President, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors, "We are delighted with the response and support we have received from our well-wishers across the globe through the Fantastico Name Hunt campaign. We are proud to announce the new name - TIAGO for our next new hatchback. We have begun working towards launching this stylish car and are determined to place it in the market addressing all relevant needs of the target audience."The #Fantastico Name Hunt commenced with a global crowd-sourcing initiative, inviting netizens, both within and outside India, to participate in the name hunt for the car. Within three days, 48 million enthusiasts engaged with the brand on social platforms with more than 37,000 car enthusiasts submitting their suggestions through social and mobile channels. TIAGO became the chosen name from the final three entries - Tiago, Civet and Adore that were opened up for the audience voting.The TIAGO will be the first car to showcase the new IMPACT design philosophy which emphasizes on immediate IMPACT at the first sight and a lasting IMPACT overtime. With inputs from the Pune, UK and Italy design studios, the Company is all set to roll-out a series of exciting, stylish cars, with new design credos. This car reaffirms this and reinforces the company's future design direction. Tata Consultancy Services , a leading IT services, consulting and business solutions organisation, has been awarded Business Superbrands status for 2016. TCS Superbrands status has been awarded following the most recent evaluation of the long-running annual survey, which has been identifying the UKs leading business-to-business brands since 2001. The process was managed by The Centre for Brand Analysis (TCBA) and involved a survey of 2,500 individual business professionals across the UK, as well as the independent and voluntary Business Superbrands Council. The two audiences judged nearly 1,500 brands, which they assessed on three key criteria: quality, reliability and distinction. The Superbrands report is the latest recognition of TCS enhanced brand strength. The company was recently ranked as the world's most powerful IT services brand by Brand Finance with a score of 78.3 points earning it an AA+ rating. TCS is also the fastest growing brand within its industry over the last 6 years. The companys overall brand value has increased from US$ 2.34 billion in 2010 (when the first evaluation of the TCS brand was conducted) to US$ 9.04 billion in 2016; a growth rate of 286%. Rated as the #1 company in customer satisfaction across the IT Services industry in the UK, TCS has continued to raise its brand profile over the past 12 months by leveraging its digital capabilities. This has included initiatives such as the ElectUK app, which was created in 2015 to engage UK General Election voters by turning their smartphone into a Big Data social media analytics tool. The innovative nature of the app and the surrounding campaign has earned it several awards including Best mobile brand campaign at the Social Buzz Awards and the Public Relations award in the technology sector by PRCA. TCS innovative Youth Report on the digital workplace of the future was awarded a Gold rating for Communications at the Corporate Engagement Awards 2015. TCS also supports the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering and is collaborating with the Royal College of Art in London to build a Design Innovation Lab. In recognition of its digital initiatives, TCS was ranked as one of the most innovative companies in the world by Forbes Magazine. As an employer of more than 11,000 people in the UK, TCS is also considered a major employer brand in the country. This focus on people is reflected in several recent awards, including TCS being named as the #1 employer in the UK by the Top Employers Institute earlier this month and was also named Company of the Year at the 2016 Employee Engagement Awards. The company also won an HR Distinction award for Innovative Use of Technology in 2015. Working with over 40 partners TCS is also driving community engagement and impact in the areas of health, sustainability and education. TCS has been investing in its IT Futures programme to help address the UKs IT skills gap. Since its inception in 2013, through partnering with TeachFirst, MyKindaCrowd and STEMNET, IT Futures has helped reach over 25,000 young people across the UK with IT challenges, coding and application design competitions and classroom teaching. As part of this initiative, TCS has set up a partnership with the British Council to create 1,000 paid internships, giving UK graduates the opportunity to live and work in India for a year. Shankar Narayanan, Country Head, UK & Ireland, TCS, said: It's an honour to be recognised amongst such hugely influential brands, many of which are TCS partners or clients. The efforts of our 11,000 UK employees our best brand ambassadors will continue to build our brand, evolve our customers businesses and help strengthen the UK's position as a leader in the digital economy." Stephen Cheliotis, Chief Executive of TCBA and Chairman of the Business Superbrands Council said, A potent reputation is a critical advantage for a company. As an annual barometer of brand strength, those companies performing well in this years Business Superbrands survey can take confidence in their reputation. Being a leading Business Superbrand is not just about being the most well-known, but also about standing out from rivals and being perceived to consistently deliver a good quality service or product. The fact that the Business Superbrands process canvasses both business-to-business marketing experts and business professionals reaffirms on all counts that the brand is performing well. reported cautioned Source: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana FLAME University 2015 Economic Survey Union Budget said article Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan YojanaBut the primary goal, direct transfer of government subsidies to people, has not overcome two challenges: linking the unique identification (Aadhaar) card to PMJDY; and getting beneficiaries to use the bank account. The speed of adding accounts, asearlier, was outpacing the delivery of benefits, and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Raghuram Rajan, in 2014,banks against focussing on numbers alone.Less than half the 210 million Jan Dhan accounts were seeded with Aadhaar as of January 31, 2016, the data indicate. More than 30% of these accounts have been at zero balance, meaning the account holder was not using the account.States struggling to link Aadhaar to PMJDY include Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Kerala and Jharkhand. These states together linked less than 40% accounts to Aadhaar.It is important that these states fall in line, as subsidies on cooking fuel, auto fuel and food grain impose a multibillion-dollar subsidy burden, the government has said.The government is estimated to have spent Rs 266,700 crore ($45 billion) on subsidies in 2015, of which Rs 122,700 crore ($20 billion) was spent on food, Rs 71,000 crore ($12 billion) on fertiliser and Rs 60,300 crore ($9 billion) on oil.EstimatesRevised EstimatesBudget EstimatesSource: Government of India, Kotak Institutional EquitiesUp to half of these subsidies are misappropriated, according to various estimates.One of the biggest reforms that India has embarked upon is moving to a market-pricing mechanism across a variety of products such as cooking fuels, auto fuels, food grains and fertilisers, a Kotak strategy report said.It takes time to properly implement policies in India, more so for financial schemes like PMJDY as a lot of people are unaware of words like bank, loan, subsidy, said Santosh Kumar, professor of public policy and administration at, Pune.The integration of PMJDY, Aadhaar and Mobile (JAM) could be an important component of structural reforms. The idea of JAM, as propounded in theand, was to identify the beneficiary and deposit subsidies directly into her bank account.A policy does not work by itself, said Kumar. The government must have a strong political will to implement the policy properly by scrubbing it of discrepancies.There are two aspects to financial inclusion: one is bank accounts and the second is access to credit. The scheme announced by the Prime Minister addresses the first problem. The issue of making credit available to small borrowers remains,C Rangarajan, former chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister in The Hindu.Anpublished by RBI in May 2013 reveals that more than 42% of rural credit is sourced from non-institutional agencies. Rural credit markets in India is characterised by the coexistence of both formal and informal sources of finance and the market is fragmented, RBI concluded after four rounds of survey. augustineveliath Sharmila Tagore extended her stay in Pakistan for one more day after the Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency Immigration stopped her from crossing the Wagah Border on Sunday. The Bollywood veteran was in Pakistan for a four-day visit to attend the Lahore Literary Festival. Tagore missed her Amritsar-Mumbai flight after she was told that the 'police report' of her stay in Lahore, was missing from her travel documents. The Punjab government had given her 'official protocol' to cross the border after she met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. In fact, some police officials were also escorting her to the Wagah. According to an FIA, a protocol official accompanying Tagore contacted the police station concerned and arranged the report in about two hours through fax. The yesteryear diva had missed her flight by that time and hence decided to extend her stay there. "By the time the police report matter was resolved Tagore, who was waiting at the guest room, changed her mind to cross the border. She decided to leave for India on Monday and returned to hotel on the Mall Road." - An immigration official said. dawn Tagore had opened the two-day Lahore Literary Festival last week. During her trip to Pakistan, she had said that both the countries bear similarities in terms of culture and lifestyle. " From crossing the border to a Chughtai painting, old Hindi songs in my hotel room here remind me of how similar India and Pakistan are." - Sharmila Tagore at the Lahore Literary Festival The actress had also called on Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at his palatial Jati Umra residence in Raiwind, who had invited her for dinner. Prime Minister Sharif, we hear, is an admirer of Tagore, and is quite delighted with her Lahore visit. All thanks to the cast and crew of the film Neerja that the world now knows the story of a braveheart who sacrificed her life only to save the life of passengers. Everyone is talking about Neerja's courage and bravery and why not? The story should have been told years ago! There was no mention of Neerja Bhanot's sacrifice in textbooks or history books. Now the world knows Neerja Bhanot's story, all thanks to Sonam Kapoor's realistic and apt portrayal of Neerja. Fox Star India Apart from the film, here's what a PAN AM survivor revealed about those last few unfateful hours where Neerja was single-handedly tackling the crisis situation. Dr Kishore Murthy, a survivor from the ill-fated flight recalled Neerja's last few minutes of the battle and here's what all he revealed. I was on my way to the US to attend an international conference. We were to take a Pan Am Mumbai-Frankfurt-New York flight. It came as a surprise to us at Bombay airport when we were told the flight would first land at the Karachi International Airport and then proceed to Frankfurt. Prior to our departure, we had heard that all airports in Pakistan and India were on high alert as the Americans had bombed (Libyan ruler Colonel Muammar) Gaddafis palace (in retaliation for the Libyan involvement in the bombing of a Pan Am flight, which crashed at Lockerbie, Soctland). When we landed in Karachi, the aircraft was hijacked by Libyan terrorists but Neerja, who was well trained in anti-hijack measures, alerted the pilots and they escaped through the cockpit window. There were approximately 400 passengers in the plane at the time and Neerja was communicating between the hijackers and the passengers and keeping everyone calm. 25-30 passengers were killed and a large number were injured. The terrorists began screaming in Arabic. They made 300 passengers move to the front of the economy cabin. Four terrorists took position in four corners of the cabin and started shooting and throwing grenades. One person opened the door that led to the wing of the plane. I remember Neerja screaming to that passenger that he should use another escape route where there was an emergency chute. But he jumped from the wing to the ground and was, as a result, paralysed. It was very sad. But that wasnt the end. They were probably angry with Neerja because of the way she was thinking on her feet, marshaling the limited resources available to her and saving so many passengers. I was in the sixth row of the economy class and vividly remember how they shot her at point blank range in front of me. I was shocked to see her dying. One cannot express those feelings in words. Whenever I think of that moment, I wonder: Is this humanity? What has a 23-year-old done to deserve this? She was only trying to help people. You know, Neerja was the first person who could have run away. She was trained and she knew what was happening. She was at the entrance of the aircraft when the terrorists boarded. She could have escaped like the pilots did, but she didnt do it. That shows her guts and her inner strength. She was truly a great leader. This memory is so vivid that, even now, after 30 odd years I cant forget her lovely face. She was an angel. If at all there is a God, for me it is her. We talk of God but no one has seen Him. Like me, there are 300 odd passengers who survived because of her. I feel this film on Neerja should have been made a long ago. This is the bravery we should be talking about.A young lady commanding a plane, negotiating with terrorists, keeping the passengers calm and maintaining her cool is the kind of bravery you rarely see in life. We came to know the terrorists were caught at Karachi airport and jailed in Pakistan for many years. After they escaped, they were caught by American forces in Bangkok and are still in jail. Neerja saved Indian and American lives that unfortunate day. I request the people of India to watch this film" Bollywoods biggest megastar Amitabh Bachchan is one of the most respected celebrities in India. Apart from the good work that he has done throughout the years, his humility is what makes him a true superstar! DNA Big B has been super-active on social media platforms like FB, Twitter and Instagram and time and again he makes his fans and followers nostalgic by sharing some of the best throwback pictures from his journey as an actor. From poems to blog, hes surely winning the social media game like a boss. Recently, he shared a photograph from his old days where he had sent a picture as part of a talent hunt audition. He even revealed that this was the photograph which made judges reject him! Yes, who could have thought that Amitabh Bachchan would have faced rejection too? Heres the picture that could have ended Big Bs career even before he could start! Read on: As many as 10,000 students of 15 colleges affiliated to the B R Ambedkar University have been barred from appearing for next month's exams over non-payment of examination fees. This comes after police found CCTV footage of some college representatives trying to pile pressure on senior assistant Satyendra Singh to waive the exam fees, which are to the tune of Rs 3 crore. Preliminary investigation and varsity sources suspect 45-year-old Singh's refusal to buckle under their pressure led to his murder on February 12. NYT "Students of 15 colleges will not be allowed to take their exam on grounds of non-payment of examination fees. They will not be allowed to fill their exam forms," university spokesperson Manoj Srivastava said. Although this decision jeopardizes future of thousands of students, those demanding immediate action in Satyendra Singh's murder case view it as the "right decision". Akhilesh Chaudhary, head of the University Employee Union, which has been on strike to demand justice for Singh, said, "Such corruption took life of an honest employee. University should not function till criminals are arrested." When it comes to providing help and relief during a crisis, Khalsa Aid, an International Sikh Relief Organisation is doing more than some governments can do. Started in 1999, the Khalsa Aid draws inspiration from Guru Gobindjis message recognise the entire human race as one. Their most recent act of selflessness was seen when the volunteers visited Bangladesh and offered relief to Rohingyas, the refugees suffering a chronic food crisis. Here are ten times when their volunteers went out of their way to help those who needed help. 1. When the Khalsa Aid volunteers gave food to Rohingyas in Bangladesh facebook 2. When their volunteers distributed food to stranded commuters during the Mumbai floods. Image Credit: Youtube 3. When they provided flood relief in Chennai. CHENNAI FLOODS: Our wonderful volunteers providing much needed emergency floods relief in Chennai, India. pic.twitter.com/0mL14pkQUN Khalsa Aid (@Khalsa_Aid) November 22, 2015 4. And langar to Syrian refugees. Khalsa Aid serving Syrian Refugees in Serbia. Our teams landed in Serbia last Thursday and ever since have been... Posted by Khalsa Aid on Saturday, September 12, 2015 5. They also installed a water pump in a village in Malawi. Image Credit: Khalsa Aid/Facebook 6. When they extended support to 9 orphanages in Haiti. Image Credit: Khalsa Aid/Facebook 7. They are supporting 250 families which were affected by the 1984 riots. 8. They were there in Manipur with hot meals for people affected by the floods. Image Credit: Khalsa Aid/Facebook 9. When they served langar to Nepal earthquake victims. During the Nepal Earthquake relief, Khalsa Aid volunteers served over 350,000 hot meals over 6 weeks in Kathmandu. Our volunteers ARE our HEROES. www.khalsaaid.org Posted by Khalsa Aid on Monday, September 7, 2015 10. When they funded a liver transplant operation. Since he announced the launch of a mobile phone for Rs 251, Mohit Goel has faced widespread scepticism, along with visits by police and income tax officials at his rented two-storey office in Noida. TOI However, the Amity University graduate insists that he will not only deliver the phones at the stunning price he has quoted, but also make a profit of Rs 31 on each handset sold. "Why am I being hounded? What wrong have I done?" Goel asked in the course of an exclusive interview. The director of Ringing Bells insists that his new venture is not a fly-by-night operation and will begin customer deliveries from April 15. "Has there ever been a case of income-tax evasion against me or my company, or has there been an FIR filed against me in any police station? Why am I being called a 'bhagora'? I intend to do a valid business, just like any other startup, and I have a business plan ready." Twitter The company claims it has received over 7 crore registrations on its website since it started accepting applications on February 18. "We are taking online bookings for only 25 lakh units in the first batch due to limited supplies, while giving another 25 lakh through offline distributors. I will deliver the handsets before June 30. All the money that we receive from customers through the payment gateway will be kept in an escrow account and we will touch it only when we deliver the devices." The company has an account with ICICI Bank. Twitter Goel, and his much-older confidant Ashok Chadha, who is the president of the company, insists that there have not been any infringements on design and other matters. "Some of the devices had the Adcom branding as we sourced panel (screen) from them. However, the final device will have our branding and the phone will have the same features and design that we had showcased." Tech2 The dual SIM Freedom 251 device carries a 4-inch display, 1 GB RAM, 8GB internal memory with a 1.3 GHZ quad-core processor, dual cameras and comes with a charger, headphone and one-year warranty. The duo say that they have a carefully laid-out business model to manage the disruptive price for the device. "The price that works out per device is roughly around Rs 1,500," Chadha says. He insists, though significantly lowering it down from the Rs 2,500 he had announced on the day of the unveiling of the device. "We will source the devices from a supplier in Noida, who will be assembling the units for us after getting components from Taiwan." TOI And while we do this, we also start the work to identify land and suppliers for setting up our manufacturing locations. For this, we have identified Noida while also looking at locations in Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Bihar and Punjab," Chadha says. And just how does he bring down the cost to Rs 251, and also earn a profit? "Economies of scale gets it down to around Rs 1,200, and thereafter an online sales model cuts down marketing and sales expenses, giving us further savings," he says. And to this we will add marketing piggybacks from companies whose applications we load on the devices. We will save around Rs 300 per device more through this," Chadha says. India Today The unveiling of the phone on February 17 had created quite a flutter among existing handset suppliers, prompting industry body Indian Cellular Association to file a complaint with the government. (ICA) - which has members such as Samsung, Apple, Sony, Lava, Micromax, Karbonn, Motorola and HTC - ICA president Pankaj Mohindroo wrote a letter to telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, expressing doubts about the intentions of Ringing Bells, saying it is not possible to supply a phone for Rs 251. Also, there were allegations that the company had ripped off the design of the prototype from American phone major Apple's iPhone, while also giving out devices sourced from a local electronics importer Adcom. Mint The company is also talking to large e-commerce companies, such as travel website Goibibo, to get their apps on the devices. "We will also monetize from the heavy traffic on our website and will make it into a marketplace for other brands to hop on. This will also help us to bring down the cost." Following the lifting of the brief President's rule in Arunachal Pradesh last week, rebel Congress leader Kalikho Pul has been sworn in as the eight chief minister of the north-eastern state. PTI He belongs to a small ethnic group called Kaman Mishmi, which lives on both sides of the Indo-China border. His journey to becoming the CM of an Indian state is nothing short of amazing. Kalikho Pul whose name literally means a better tomorrow had a childhood of struggle. He lost his mother when he was just 31-months-old and his father at the age of five. I grew up in an aunts house, getting only one meal for picking firewood from the jungle. One day I ran away and joined a carpentry school, where they gave me a stipend of Rs 1.50 a day,The Indian Express quoted Pul. NELive The school drop-out then served as a casual night chowkidar at Rs 212 per month, besides selling paan and beedi to attend a night school. My job was to lower the national flag from the pole at sunset, sit on the verandah all night as chowkidar, then raise the flag early the next morning", he said. Even while at school he started taking up small contract jobs like making bamboo fence, and huts. He managed to buy four second-hand trucks, by the time he reached Class XI. Pul who did his BA in Indira Gandhi Government College, Tezu, also built his own house worth Rs 2.73 lakh when he was in the final year of his college. It was during his college days, Pul entered politics through students union, from where the Congress gave him a ticket to the state Assembly. PTI The 46-year-old who took office on Friday has the support of 18 rebel Congress MLAs, and two Independents and outside support from 11 BJP MLAs. All five students, who were on the run from the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus since February 12 including Umar Khalid, are now back. Twitter Ashutosh, Anant Prakash Narayan, Rama Naga, Anirban Bhattacharya and Umar Khalid are now back on the campus and among the student protesters at the administrative block. Delhi: Student Umar Khalid who allegedly raised anti national slogans, in JNU Campus pic.twitter.com/N5aRlWpj5O ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 #Visuals Delhi: Student Umar Khalid who raised anti national slogans, in JNU Campus pic.twitter.com/H6DP4eO6Dj ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 However it is not yet clear whether the Delhi Police will go ahead and arrest the students. Police had launched a massive manhunt for them in the past ten days ever since the controversy over the anti-national slogans broke out. After resurfacing in the campus, Khalid addressed a group of students and faculty members where he attacked the media for the disinformation campaign against them. I am not a terrorist He began his speech by saying that "my name is Umar Khalid, and I am not a terrorist." He also said that despite being involved with politics in the campus for seven years, he never identified himself as a Muslim. He also said he was farmed because the government needed an excuse to target the campus. Media trial He lashed out at the media houses, which ran doctored videos and fake information on him. "In the past ten days I got to know more things about me from the media, which I myself didn't know", he said. He also rejected some reports that he had planned similar meetings in 17 other universities. He also said that to expect apology from those media was fooling oneself. Feared mob lynching, not police Khalid said he never feared his life by for the safety of his family. He said his sisters were threatened by rape and acid attacks. He also claimed that he was being dragged into the controversy due to his father's past association with SIMI. Will continue the fight Despite the targeting on their activities, Khalid said their fight will continue and no one can intimidate them. JNU, one of the most prestigious universities in India has been on the boil for nearly two weeks, ever since the controversy over Afzal Guru event broke out. Police first arrested Students Union leader Kanhaiya Kumar for alleged sedition after some TV channels showed him shouting anti-India slogans. Others including Khalid had gone missing ever since. Prime Minister Narendra Modi seems to be making news just because of publicity gimmicks these days. Why should we question his silence on any issue when he is delivering such amazing 'feel-good' news everytime he is out among his citizens. Like on Sunday, when he touched the feet of a 104-year-old woman from a village in Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district because she sold her goats to build two toilets at her home. Isn't she a poster-grandma for Swacch Bharat? She Is Felicitating Kunwar Bai from Kotabharri village at the launch of 'Rurban Mission' in the state's Naxal-hit Rajandgaon district, Modi said her efforts to make her village open defecation free was a big sign of changing India. To build toilets at her residence, she had sold-off her 8-10 goats and then urged villagers to build lavatories too. But she never heard it on TV or read it in papers "An elderly woman of 104 years who stays in a remote village, does not watch TV or read papers, but the message of building toilets under clean India mission somehow reached her. She sold off her goats to build toilets at home and also encouraged others from the village to build toilets," Modi said. Four clusters of villages in Rajnandgaon, Dhamtari, Bastar and Kabirdham districts of the state will be developed in the first stage of the Rurban Mission that intends to bridge the rural-urban divide by bringing civic and infrastructural amenities to villages. An abandoned, decrepit bungalow in Ratnagiri district has become the new centre of attraction. While drug addicts and couples have been frequenting the three-storey building in Mumbke village of Khed taluka, people visiting Ratnagiri make it a point to take a selfie in front of the bungalow. And not without a reason. An abandoned, decrepit bungalow in Ratnagiri district has become the new centre of attraction. While drug addicts and couples have been frequenting the three-storey building in Mumbke village of Khed taluka, people visiting Ratnagiri make it a point to take a selfie in front of the bungalow. And not without a reason. Screengrab The bungalow is the childhood home of fugitive terrorist Dawood Ibrahim. His father, Ibrahim Kaskar, had built the bungalow and locals say the house is very close to the don's heart. After the income-tax department attached the property, the local police have been maintaining extra vigil to ensure it is not encroached upon. Area residents go to great lengths to ensure couples don't misuse the property. When Mumbai Mirror visited the don's erstwhile home, called Dawoodcha Bangla, an elderly man tried to shoo the correspondents away. When the reason for the visit was explained to him, Ibrahim Duduke opened up. "We have been asked by the local police to keep an eye on the property. This building has been standing here for last 32 years. It used to be lively when the don resided here with his family. But now for the past so many years, no one has come here. This is as an abandoned property and the cops come here occasionally and conduct a check," he said. India Today Like everything else that Dawood owns, this property too has come to have a life of its own - and legends around it. While some locals believe that the house is haunted, others believe that Dawood visits the bungalow - in disguise - every once in a while. "You should not go near it. It is haunted. I have seen many girls who became possessed after visiting the bungalow. He has done some black magic so that people do not go near his property. Even the police are scared to go near it," Hura Khadas, a housewife said. "Dawood still comes here. He comes in disguise. Just last week he had come here. It's his village, his house and he comes here often,"Sana Mukadam, a senior citizen, said. TOI Despite the bizarre beliefs and the rumours, villagers say the bungalow has become a tourist attraction of sorts. "Whoever comes here makes it a point to take a picture," said Mukadam. The police have intensified patrolling in the area and have started a new system called e-beat to secure it. "We have installed infrared sensors in Dawood's properties. Our patrolling party has to register their attendance by the chip which is fitted in their baton. This is how we ensure that they have visited the area said," said Sanjay Shinde, SP Ratnagiri. The collector of Ratnagiri told Mumbai Mirror that Dawood owns 15 properties in Mumbke village and all of them are in his mother Amina Ibrahim's name. "We are only caretakers of the properties as it is under the Kolhapur I-T department. We are taking all precautions to ensure that these properties remain secure so that things proceed smoothly when they are auctioned. It is a private property sealed by I-T dept," said B. Radhakrishnan. According to sources, Dawood's distant relatives still live in the area and secretly look after the bungalow, and occasionally pay taxes. The local police have got a whiff of a plan that the properties will be encroached upon in order to prevent the auction planned by the I-T department "Till that is done, we are taking extra care of the properties," said Radhakrishnan. Follow us on freedom 251 telecom min summons ringing bells management New Delhi: The Department of Electronics & Information Technology (DEiTY) has today summoned top officials of Ringing Bells, the Noida-based company that created quite a stir by announcing the launch of Freedom 251, arguably the world's cheapest smartphone. The officials of the company have been called in to for a meeting to discuss certain issues. Although the official reasons behind the officials being called have not been revealed, IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had asked Secretary Aruna Sharma to check the credentials and claims of the company that offered the cheap smartphone. Ringing Bells, which offered the phone, has been under a storm following its announcement to launch the world's cheapest smartphone. While the website for bookings suffered outage ever since the online registrations opened, there were issues raised by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who even termed Freedom 251 as a huge scam' on account of the company's registration papers. Besides, the company has also been visited by sleuths from the Income Tax department and the UP Police looking to check its credentials. The company has also faced severe flak from unhappy customers who were unable to book the phone on account of technical difficulties. Experts have also pointed to the uncanny similarity of the icons and design of the phone with the iPhone, drawing criticism and ridicule in equal measure. However, the company has dismissed allegations of copyright infringement saying the sets sent out for reviews were only prototype dummies and the actual phone will have a different interface. The company said it will begin delivering the handsets from April and expected to finish the process by 2016 end. As per company officials, 30,000 people had paid the amount, including shipping charges for the handsets. The rest of them will pay once the phone is delivered. The company said it received 3.7 crore bookings on Thursday when the phone was launched, and 2.8 crore on the second day. On Saturday, it got another 85 lakh bookings, after which orders were suspended. Latest Business News Follow us on freedom 251 will make rs 31 profit on each phone sold claims founder New Delhi: After the launch of the cheapest smartphone in India, there is widespread scepticism surrounding the jaw dropping price of Freedom 251. Mohit Goel, who launched the phone, faced visits by police and income tax officials at his office and lot more. But he claims that he not only will deliver the phones at the price he has quoted, but the company will also earn a profit of Rs 31 on each handset sold. In an exclusive interview with TOI the director of Ringing Bells asked "Why am I being hounded? What wrong have I done?" Goel also insisted that his new venture is not a fly-by-night operation and will begin customer deliveries from April 15. "Has there ever been a case of income-tax evasion against me or my company, or has there been an FIR filed against me in any police station? Why am I being called a 'bhagora' (who'll run away with the money)? I intend to do a valid business, just like any other startup, and I have a business plan ready." The company claims that since it started accepting applications on February 18 it has received over 7 crore registrations on its website. "We are taking online bookings for only 25 lakh units in the first batch due to limited supplies, while giving another 25 lakh through offline distributors. I will deliver the handsets before June 30. All the money that we receive from customers through the payment gateway will be kept in an escrow account and we will touch it only when we deliver the devices." The company has an account with ICICI Bank. Goel and Ashok Chadha, who is the president of the company, insisted that there have not been any infringements on design and other matters. "Some of the devices had the Adcom branding as we sourced panel (screen) from them. However, the final device will have our branding and the phone will have the same features and design that we had showcased." When asked how does he bring down the cost to Rs 251 while also making a profit, Chadha replied "Economies of scale gets it down to around Rs 1,200, and thereafter an online sales model cuts down marketing and sales expenses, giving us further savings," he says. And to this we will add marketing piggybacks from companies whose applications we load on the devices. We will save around Rs 300 per device more through this." On February 17 after the launch of Freedom 251 there was a lot of excitement among handset suppliers, which then lead the industrial body Indian Cellular Association to file a complaint with the government. ICA is members with Samsung, Sony, Apple, Lava, Karbonn, Micromax, Motorola and HTC. Pankaj Mohindroo, ICA president, wrote a letter to telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, expressing doubts about the price of Ringing Bells, saying it is not possible to supply a phone for Rs 251. The company is also talking to various e-commerce companies, such as travel website Goibibo, to get their apps on the devices. "We will also monetize from the heavy traffic on our website and will make it into a marketplace for other brands to hop on. This will also help us to bring down the cost." Latest Business News Follow us on pan am hijack survivor reveals how neerja bhanot was shot dead New Delhi: Ever since Ram Madhvani's Neerja' starring Sonam Kapoor in the lead was announced, everyone was curious to know about the real Neerja Bhanot. Neerja' has been the story of courage and fearless attitude of one brave-heart soul Neerja Bhanot who, at the age of 23, saved the lived of over 300 passengers on Pan Am Flight 73 that was hijacked in Karachi in September 1986. While everyone is appreciating Sonam Kapoor's performance in the movie and are saluting the sacrifice of Neerja Bhanot, a survivor of the fateful incident has come forward recalling the dreadful incident. I saw her getting shot. She was shot in the head, point blank. Sitting in the sixth row from the front, I saw her during her last moments, Dr Kishore Murthy, who was one of the survivors Pan Am hijack, told a leading daily. Read More: Neerja Bhanot was not the 'hero' of Pan Am hijack, claim crew members Neerja was absolutely calm and efficient through the horrific episode. She was the first one to alert the captain, the co-pilot and first officers about a possible hijack and it was on her instruction they made their way out from the cockpit, ensuring that the plane could not take off. She was a true global citizen and did not discriminate between Indians and Americans. I remember she and another flight attendant helped us out of the exit door when one of the terrorists was targeting us. There was constant firing of rounds. The auxiliary power unit had failed and the terrorists feared a commando attack. Hence, they started firing indiscriminately. She was very caring towards all the passengers, especially the elderly and children. I didn't see her lose her cool for even a moment. She was very efficient during the crisis, he recalled further. Dr Murthy's wife Dr. Veena Bharti, who has worked closely with Neerja's family to document her life, has revealed some important details about Neerja's death. She has dismissed the reports saying that Neerja died while protecting three children. She was guiding the passengers to the emergency exit. That is when the terrorists were firing constantly fearing a commando attack. They saw Neerja relentlessly trying to help the passengers out and that is when they caught her by her ponytail and shot her point blank, Dr. Veena was reportedly quoted saying. Neerja's sacrifice didn't go unnoticed and the brave-heart soul became the youngest recipient of India's highest peacetime military award for bravery, the Ashok Chakra. Latest Bollywood News Follow us on 5 absconding jnu students return say they feared mob lynching New Delhi: Five JNU students, including Umar Khalid, who have been charged with sedition, dramatically surfaced on university campus late on Sunday night, saying 'they did not do anything wrong but were framed using doctored video'. The five students are: Umar Khalid, Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and Anirban Bhattacharya. All 5 had disappeared from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus after the February 9 event that was held to mark the anniversaries of executions of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front co-founder Maqbool Bhat. All the students said that 'they escaped and hid fearing mob lynching and not Delhi Police'. While police rushed a team to the campus on receiving information about them, the students maintained that 'they will not surrender but police can come and arrest them'. "We were laying low and did not come to public life because we feared mob lynching and not police," Rama Naga, general secretary of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU), said. Earlier, Khalid, addressing students in front of the admin bloc of the JNU, said he was not a terrorist and the BJP-led NDA government 'needed an excuse to target the campus'. "My name is Umar Khalid and I'm not a terrorist," Khalid said, condemning the media trial that branded him a terrorist. "The attack (on the university) is not because of the program which was organised on Feburary 9, but because the government needs an excuse to attack us." "The media, all this while, presented a lot of things about me. The media trial, this propaganda... I know what my family is going through," he added. He also refuted the media reports that he made 800 calls to 'Gulf or Kashmir' a few days before the program was organised. JNU has been on the boil over the arrest of its students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges following the February 9 event. According to Ashutosh, former president of JNU students union and a PhD scholar at varsity's School of International studies, "They have come back with a view of supporting the enquiry. The massive support we got from students and others from across the globe gave us the strength to return. I, Rama, Anirban and Anant were around but did not come in public due to atmosphere of mob lynching." He, however, maintained that the four of them were not in touch with Umar Khalid and had spoken to him last on February 9, the day of the event. Ashutosh said the students were in Delhi itself and that the decision to return on Sunday evening had been taken individually and not collectively. "We didn't do anything wrong but were being framed using doctored video. We will not go anywhere now and will be part of the movement against the branding of university as anti-national," he said. The five students also participated in a march, shouting slogans and demanding release of Kanhiaya and addressed a gathering of students at varsity's administrative block where the protests have been going on ever since the controversy erupted. Khalid denied that he had any terrorist links, while Anirban maintained that it was the look-out notice issued by police which made him decide to come back. "I am disturbed at the way I have been attacked and I am also angry at the comments posted against my sister on social media," Khalid said. A senior Delhi Police official said that a tem has been positioned outside the university campus and that nobody has surrendered. "We had received some information about their reported presence on campus. A police team was rushed to the varsity to enquire out after we received information that they were spotted on the campus. The team has right now been positioned outside JNU," a senior police official said. "So far nobody has surrendered. The officials at Vasant Kunj North police station have been asked to wait for them to present themselves before the police and surrender. If they don't come till morning, police team will be sent tomorrow to arrest them. No crackdown can be conducted at this hour," the official added. When contacted the university officials, maintained that they had no information about their presence in the varsity's premises. With Agency Inputs Latest India News Follow us on mumbai court seeks date for second round of depositon by david headley Mumbai: A court here today directed the Prosecutor in 26/11 Mumbai attacks case to check with US authorities their availability for a second round of depositon of Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, who had earlier this month made damning disclosures on the plotting and execution of the daring strike during his testimony. The direction was issued by Sessions Judge G A Sanap after lawyer of key 26/11 plotter Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal informed the court that he wanted to cross-examine Headley for four days. The court directed Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to contact the US authorities, check their availability for Headley's second round of deposition and inform the court of the details by February 25. Once the availability of the authorities concerned in the US is checked, the court will fix dates for Headley's deposition. Jundal's lawyer Abdul Wahab Khan also moved applications objecting to Headley being made an approver in the 2008 terror attacks case besides making pleas seeking copies of certain documents and CDs. On February 13, the day on which Headley's week-long deposition ended, the court had adjourned the case for cross-examination by Jundal's lawyer for a future date. Headley, who is serving a 35-year jail term in the US in connection with the terror attacks case, had given insights to LeT and Al-Qaeda's plans to target India, during his testimony which began on February 8. He spoke about how Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI provides "financial, military and moral support" to terror outfits LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen and how LeT had planned and executed the 26/11 attacks and the role played by ISI officials, involving him too. He also claimed that LeT had planned an attack at a conference of Indian defence scientists at Taj Mahal Hotel a year before the 26/11 strikes and had even prepared its dummy. Deposing via a video-link from the US, the 55-year-old terrorist had told the court that Ishrat Jahan who was killed in an alleged fake encounter in 2004 in Gujarat was an operative of LeT. Headley had also stated that Al-Qaeda was in touch with him to attack Delhi's National Defence College and unravelled the plot by LeT and ISI to target Mumbai airport, BARC and the Naval air station here. He also visited the Indian Army's Southern Command headquarters at Pune in 2009 on the instructions of ISI's Major Iqbal, who wanted him to recruit some military personnel to get "classified" information, the court was told. Latest India News Follow us on jat stir death toll rises to 16 as fresh violence erupts in haryana Chandigarh: The government's promises and the call by some Jat leaders to end protests appeared to bear little fruit as violence continued to rage in Haryana after a brief halt in the morning. Rampaging mobs torched government vehicles and pelted stones at security personnel who were trying to clear a road blockade in Sonipat. Firing by security personnel led to the death of three protesters, sources said. Offiical confirmation on the numbers is yet to come. Meanwhile, the death toll in the Jat agitation, which is in its ninth day, has risen to 16. The continuation of road blockade by Jat protestors seeking reservation in government jobs and academic institutions led to the Centre directing security forces to use force to clear the places including the Delhi-Ambala Highway. "The security forces were asked to use force to clear all the places where the protesters were squatting affecting communication network and water supply," a Union Government official said in Delhi. The All India Jat Aarakshan Sanghursh Samiti (AIJASS), later in the evening, announced lifting of its dharnas on national and state highways in view of the BJP setting up a committee under a Central minister to examine the quota demand for the Jat community. Besides Sonipat, fresh incidents of arson and violence erupted in several districts including Rohtak, Kaithal and Hissar. Sonipat Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Rattan said personnel of Army, paramilitary forces and the police who were trying to clear a road blockade in the district were attacked by the mob which pelted stones on them and also used lathis. Some security pesonnel were also injured. "Yes, there are casualties, may be one or three, but I can't give any exact figure immediately," he told PTI. The mob went berserk setting on fire government vehicles, indulging in vandalism and attacking the security forces, the DC said, adding there was tension in the entire area. The latest incident came within hours after two columns of the Army comprising around 150 personnel, besides CRPF and Haryana Police contingents took control of the Munak canal at around 4 AM today from protesters who had cut off the water supply to Delhi, from Akbarpur-Barota in Sonipat. Following fresh incidents of arson and violence, curfew was reimposed in five villages of Hansi sub-division, Hissar city limits and Kaithal. Curfew was imposed in five villages of the district and shoot-at-sight orders issued following a face-off between Jats and other community members. Senior Haryana Minister Ram Bilas Sharma told reporters after a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar that 16 people have died in the ongoing Jat agitation. Making a fresh appeal for an end to the agitation, Sharma said a Bill will be brought in the coming Assembly session of on the Jat reservation issue. When asked what will be the shape of the Bill, he said the date for the commencement of the assembly session was yet to be decided and did not elaborate on the details. The Jat protesters also continued to block some roads including in Rohtak, Hissar and Bhiwani districts. Road traffic on various national and state highways from Hissar to various destinations, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Sirsa, Siwani and Bhiwani remained suspended. Railway traffic from Hissar to various destinations including Delhi, Ludhiana, Bhiwani and Sadulpur also remained suspended. (With PTI inputs) Latest India News Follow us on jat stir death toll rises up to 19 as protests spread to rajasthan Chandigarh: Haryana continued to grill today as the ongoing agitation by Jats over quota demand entered its ninth day with the death toll now rising to 19. Violence continued and some areas remained tense despite leaders calling for an end to the agitation after the government promised meeting all their demands. Meanwhile, the violent protests also echoed in eastern Rajasthan where protesters damaged two buses and blocked railway tracks and highway, prompting the district administration to impose prohibitory orders. On Monday morning, angry protesters burnt down a roadways bus near Dhormui oil depot and damaged another bus in Sewar area. The impact of the fresh spate of violence could also be seen on trains. "Deeg, Jaipur and Mathura highways and Jaipur and Mumbai railway tracks are closed," Additional SP Bharat Lal Meena said. Compensating for the loss of the family members of the deceased, the Haryana government announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of the 19 killed, Haryana's Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ram Bilas Sharma said today. Employment to one family member has also been guaranteed by the state government with the promise of no false cases getting registered against anyone, he added. According to officials, a total of 19 persons have so far lost their lives in the agitation and 183 were injured. Also, 320 cases have been registered and 102 persons have been arrested. Sharma said that the government has also decided to assess the role of all officers, both civil and police administration, for any act of omission and commission during the agitation. The Cabinet reviewed the prevailing situation and the steps to defuse the tension across the state at the earliest. An official release said while blockades at several places have been lifted, efforts are on to remove the remaining 449 blockades on rails and roads. The Haryana Roadways has suffered a loss of Rs 15 crore as 33 buses have been set on fire and 99 others damaged, the release said. As the Indus company, which operates towers of telecommunication in the state, is facing shortage of diesel, the mobile phone service can be affected in the state, it added.. Out of 2,370 petrol pumps in the state, 381 have become dry. And out of 387 LPG agencies, 185 are without their stock, the release said adding the state government is trying to ensure their supply through Punjab. Out of 26 petrol pumps damaged in the agitation, eightare in Rohtak, five in Bhiwani and six in Jhajjar. However, there is no shortage of kerosene in the state, the release added. (With PTI inputs) Latest India News Follow us on umar khalid others must join probe delhi police chief bs bassi New Delhi: A Delhi Police team has been positioned outside the gates of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) as five students, including Umar Khalid, accused of sedition sat cordoned off in the admin block. Speaking to media, Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi said that all accused must join the ongoing probe and if 'students are innocent, they should provide proof of their innocence'. He said that the police officials have been asked to wait for the students to surrender themselves. "World is full of opportunities and options," Bassi said when asked whether police will enter JNU campus to arrest accused students On the other hand, the University administration has called a meeting of top varsity officials to discuss the resurfacing of five students on campus who the police were searching for in connection with a sedition case. Police officials, who are positioned outside the varsity campus since Sunday night after they got inputs about presence of the students on campus, said they will talk to the Vice Chancellor after the meeting and ask him to direct the students to surrender. JNU Registrar Bhoopender Zutshi said he got to know about the presence of the students on the campus from media reports only and has not heard from any of them so far. Five JNU students, including Umar Khalid, who the police have been looking for in connection with a sedition case, on Sunday surfaced on the campus, saying they did not do anything wrong but were 'framed' using a doctored video. Among the five was Umar Khalid, whom the police have been looking for since February 11. Khalid has been on the police's radar after he was named as the person who organised pro-Afzal Guru event that led to arrest of JNUSU Kanhaiya Kumar. All five students are: Umar Khalid, Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and Anirban Bhattacharya. Latest India News Follow us on jnu row police university officials to hold talks on umar khalid s arrest New Delhi: The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration has called a meeting of top varsity officials on Monday to discuss the resurfacing of five students on campus who the police were searching for in connection with a sedition case. Police officials, who are positioned outside the varsity campus since Sunday night after they got inputs about presence of the students on campus, said they will talk to the Vice Chancellor after the meeting and ask him to direct the students to surrender. JNU Registrar Bhoopender Zutshi said he got to know about the presence of the students on the campus from media reports only and has not heard from any of them so far. "We are having a meeting this morning in which the issue will be discussed and the future course of action will be decided," he said. Zutshi, however, did not comment on whether the varsity officials will interact with the five students before taking a call or not. Police officials said they are waiting for the VC to direct the students to surrender before them. "All of them are here to join the movement against branding of the Varsity as a den of anti-nationals.They have not been issued any summons so the question of them surrendering doesn't arise. If police arrests them they will cooperate with the enquiry," JNU Students' Union Vice President Shehla Rashid Shora said. Five JNU students, including Umar Khalid, who the police have been looking for in connection with a sedition case, on Sunday surfaced on the campus, saying they did not do anything wrong but were "framed" using a "doctored video". Latest India News Follow us on jnu row umar khalid moves hc for surrender seeks police security New Delhi: Amid a building standoff between the Delhi police and the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) over the arrest of five students accused of sedition for allegedly raising anti-India slogans, one of the accused students Umar Khalid today moved the Delhi High Court exprerssing his willingness to surrender, but said he needed security in view of the attack on JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar outside the Patiala House court complex. According to sources, Khalid's plea has been turned down by the HC on some technical grounds. He is expected to make a fresh plea in the Delhi HC tomorrow. Meanwhile, uncertainty continued to loom large over the arrest of Khalid from the JNU campus with vice chancellor M. Jagadesh Kumar assuring the teachers' association that the administration would not allow police inside the campus and Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi, on the other hand, calling upon the five students to join the probe. The five students accused of sedition surfaced in the campus late on Sunday evening. There was speculation that they may be arrested. JNU's decision not to allow police inside the campus came after a general body meeting between the JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) and the vice chancellor, in which the teachers put forward five demands. JNUTA's demands to the vice chancellor include disallowing police inside the campus, removal of the registrar, reconstitution of the committee to investigate the matter, dropping all charges of sedition and criminal conspiracy against students and release of Kanhaiya Kumar on unconditional bail. "The VC said he will respond to the points put forward in the meeting tomorrow (Tuesday). He also assured that police will not enter the campus," JNUTA general secretary Bikramaditya Choudhary said. The five students Umar Khalid, Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and Anirban Bhattacharya said they escaped and hid themselves fearing mob lynching and not police. They had disappeared from the JNU campus after the February 9 event held to mark the anniversaries of executions of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front co-founder Maqbool Bhat. JNU has been on the boil over the arrest of its students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges following the February 9 event. Anti-India slogans were allegedly raised at the gathering. Bassi told reporters that the five students should join the probe and prove they are innocent. "They (the students) should join the probe. If they are innocent, they should present evidence of their innocence," Bassi told reporters. Asked if police would enter the JNU campus to arrest the students, Bassi said: "I am confident that my team is competent enough to deal with the matter. The investigating officer would take the best available option. The world is full of opportunities and options," he said. "Police have proper evidence against the one who has been arrested, and in future too arrests will be made only after proper probe," Bassi added. Khalid, who addressed students in front of the administration block of JNU late on Sunday evening, said he was "not a terrorist", adding that the BJP government "needed an excuse to target the campus". "My name is Umar Khalid and I'm not a terrorist," he said, condemning the media trial that branded him a terrorist. "The attack (on the university) is not because of the programme which was organised on Feburary 9, but because the government needs an excuse to attack us. "The media, all this while, presented a lot of things about me. The media trial, this propaganda... I know what my family is going through," he added. He refuted media reports that he made 800 calls to the Gulf or Kashmir a few days before the programme was organised. A retired professor of JNU, meanwhile, came down heavily on the vice chancellor for letting the university plunge into an "unprecedented crisis" and said allowing police inside the campus was a "disaster" by him. (With IANS inputs) Latest India News Follow us on hindu priest killed in bangladesh islamic state claims responsibility Dhaka: In its first such attack targeted at the Hindu community, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) today claimed to have murdered a 50-year-old head priest at a Hindu temple in Bangladesh in an area bordering India. Identified as Jagneshwar Roy, the priest has been claimed to have been brutally killed at Sonapota village yesterday in a pre-dawn attack in northern Panchagarh district's Deviganj Upazila. A statement issued by the dreaded terror group, which was published by an US based private SITE Intelligence Group, mentions, In a security operation, soldiers of the Caliphate liquidated the priest - the founder and head of the Deviganj temple that belongs to the Hindus. "One of his companions was hurt after being targeted with light weapons in the area of Panchagar in Northern Bangladesh, and the Mujahideen returned to their positions unharmed," it further added. The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors online jihadi activity, said that the ISIS claimed responsibility for killing Roy in a communique posted by the IS-linked Amaq News Agency on Twitter. The claim could not be independently verified. Motorbike-borne assailants, said to be over three in number, pelted stones at the house of Roy in the premises of the Santagourhiyo Temple which prompted him to come out following which the killers pounced on him and slit his throat, according to a devotee in the neighbourhood. Roy, who founded the temple in 1998 and served as its principal and chief priest since then, was preparing for the morning prayers when stones were hurled at the temple. A blood-stained cleaver was recovered from the spot, authorities said, adding that the motive for the killing was not clear. A probe was launched into the attack to nab the assassins who fled the scene on a motorbike, firing gunshots and hurling crude bombs to avoid being chased, injuring two including a neighbour who had rushed to the spot to save Roy. His murder is the first attack on a Hindu priest and the fifth assault on minority religious communities including Shia Muslims and liberal Sufi preachers in the past six months by suspected Islamists. Hindus make the Sunni-majority country's largest minority with nearly 10 per cent of the total population of 160 million. However, a senior police officer overseeing the investigation questioned the authenticity of the ISIS claim and said the initial investigation found that the banned Jamaatul Mujahideeen Bangladesh (JMB) and fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami could be linked to the murder. "In the past several cases of such clandestine murders, we heard about the IS involvement, but our investigations found those claims to be unfounded... rather locally brewed militant or Islamist groups were found to be directly involved in the killings," the officer told PTI requesting anonymity. Panchagargh's police chief Giasuddin Ahmed also questioned the ISIS claim, saying "the statement issued in the name of Islamic State is entirely bogus". Officer-in-charge of Debiganj police station in Panchagargh Babul Akhtar told reporters that in an overnight raid, police arrested two suspected JMB operatives and an activist of Jamaat's student wing suspecting their links to the murder. Bangladesh Puja Udkapan Parishad, a major forum of Hindus in the country, and Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council condemned the incident and demanded the culprits be exposed to justice in quickest possible time. People of different strata of society today staged a street protest forming a human chain in Panchagargh with similar demands. Systematic assaults in Bangladesh over the last five months have killed nine persons including two foreigners besides wounding nearly 100 others. Italian aid worker Cesare Tavella was killed by unidentified assailants in Dhaka in September and five days later, Japanese farmer Kunio Hoshi was murdered. Both attacks were claimed by Islamic State-affiliated militants. Also, moderate Sufi saint Khizir Khan, progressive book publisher Faisal Arefin Dipon, and a Sufi shrine worker were murdered while two Christian pastors, one an Italian doctor, narrowly escaped attacks. The SITE had earlier reported that ISIS claimed responsibility for the murder of Hoshi at Rangpur, the attack on a Shia mosque in Bogra and another on a Shia procession in Dhaka. But law-enforcing agencies and the government had dismissed the claim, saying the Middle-East-based radical group had no presence in Bangladesh. (With PTI inputs) Latest World News Follow us on pathankot attack india agrees to pakistan s request for sit team visit says minister Islamabad: Pakistani Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has confirmed that India agreed to receive Pakistani investigators for probing the involvement of any group or people from its soil in Punjab's Pathankot IAF base attack. Chaudhry Nisar said the only condition India made was that it should be informed at least five days before the visit of the Pakistani investigators, Dawn online reported. "Our SIT (Special Investigation Team) will visit India in the next few days. India has already been informed through a letter by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. India has agreed to it," he said on Sunday when asked about the registration of an FIR in Pakistan against the Pathankot airbase attackers, believed to be from Pakistan. Chaudhry Nisar did not say if India also agreed to allow the investigators to visit the Pathankot airbase as there were reports that New Delhi would not allow them to enter the base area. He was of the opinion that the registration of the FIR was necessary to fulfil certain legal requirements to hold investigations and verification of the information shared by India with Pakistan. The FIR was also necessary to acquire data from service providers of those telephone numbers through which the attackers had talked to someone in Pakistan from inside the Pathankot airbase. "These (phone) numbers have been made part of the FIR," he said, adding that "further investigations will be held on the basis of this FIR." The minister recalled that an FIR was also lodged in Pakistan following the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He said some arrests were made in connection with Pathankot attack but investigations were still on to establish their links with the telephone numbers or with those people whose names were provided by India. He refused to give details about those arrested, saying it was a "sensitive matter". With IANS Inputs Latest World News Follow us on syrian tv two blasts in the city of homs 32 killed 29 wounded Beirut: Two blasts in the central Syrian city of Homs killed at least 32 people and wounded 29 Sunday in the latest wave of violence to hit the city in recent weeks, state TV said. The television report said Sunday's blasts struck in the pro-government neighborhood of Zahraa a frequent target for similar explosions. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on a network of activists around Syria, said the blasts killed 25 and wounded more than 100. The Observatory said the blasts were caused by two vehicles rigged with explosives after reporting earlier that it was not immediately clear if the second was caused by a car bomb or a suicide attacker wearing an explosive belt. State TV said the blasts occurred at about 8:15 a.m. (06:15 GMT) saying they were the result of two car bombs. The report aired footage of the destruction caused by the blasts. Debris and mangled cars filled the streets and the charred body of a man was seen being taken away on a stretcher. The Zahra neighborhood is predominantly Alawite, the minority sect to which President Bashar Assad belongs. Homs, once dubbed the capital of the Syrian revolution, has been hit with a wave of explosions in recent months, killing and wounding scores of people. Two blasts hit the Zahra neighborhood on Jan. 26, killing 20 and wounding more than 100 people. Latest World News Follow us on will bring back jobs from india and china trump tells american Washington: Barely a few days after praising India saying it as doing rather well, Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump today alleged that countries like China and India were taking away jobs from US and said he would bring back those jobs for the Americans. Trump made the remarks while predicting that he will earn a tremendous amount of support from African-Americans. Notably, the business magnate has a number of real estate interests in India. You are seeing the stories when African-American leaders are saying, my people really like Trump' because I am going to bring jobs back from China, from Mexico, Japan and Vietnam and India...and all these places that are taking our jobs and I'am going to bring back jobs, he told CNN. I'm going to do great with the African-Americans. African-American youth is 58 per cent unemployed. African-Americans in their prime are substantially worse off than the whites in their prime, and it's a very sad situation, the 69-year-old said. Trump, known for being openly critical of many countries like China, Mexico and Japan in many of his speeches, had last month said India is doing great but no one talks about it. His remarks yesterday came after his emphatic victory in the South Carolina primary. The victory gave him two wins and one second-place finish in the first three primaries and consolidated his front-runner billing. Trump also predicted that the presidential contest will be between him and Hillary Clinton and they will bring out the greatest turnout in US history. Frankly, if she (Clinton) gets indicted, that's the only way she's going to be stopped. I think it's going to be Hillary and myself, the real estate mogul said. They say it will be the largest voter turnout in the history of United States elections...we have such a low voter turnout compared to a lot of other countries so I think it will be the greatest voter turnout in history. If its Hillary against me, that is going to be a tremendous turnout...I am gonna win, Trump said. The former reality TV star said he expects to win enough delegates to clinch the Republican nomination before the party's convention in July. I don't think we're going to have a convention, a brokered convention. I think it's unlikely. I think I'm doing better than that, he said. Trump also laid out his own road map to general election victory, pinpointing two statesMichigan and New York-that he said he would sweep into the Republican column. I'll win states that aren't in play. I'll win states that Republicans don't even think of, Trump said. (With inpts from PTI) Latest World News Follow us on budget session likely to get off to a stormy start on tuesday New Delhi: Despite efforts to broker peace between the opposition and the government, the Budget Session of Parliament is set to start on a stormy note on Tuesday. Several issues like the JNU row, Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula's suicide set to dominate the proceedings of both the Houses. Also the Pathankot IAF base terror strike and the ties with neighbouring Pakistan will be discussed on the floor of the House. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with leaders of opposition parties on February 16, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu will hold another all-party meeting tomorrow to reach out to political rivals for smooth functioning of Parliament. The same day, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan will also hold consultations with leaders of all parties in the House. A meeting of the Congress Working Committee has been convened by party chief Sonia Gandhi on the eve of the session. The deliberations at the meeting is expected to set the tone for the Budget session. At the Monday meeting, Congress will finalize its floor strategy for the session. Chairing a meeting of leaders of all parties from Rajya Sabha, Chairman Hamid Ansari yesterday reminded political parties "time has come to assure the public that parliamentary democracy does work and is sensitive to the needs of the people." The remarks come in the backdrop of last two sessions being a virtual washout with the opposition and government locking horns over a number of issues including the key reform measure of GST. The government has already said it is open to debating the JNU row in Parliament or any other issue that the opposition wants to take up. Naidu had also held a meeting of leaders of a number of opposition parties on February 4 where it was decided to have a full-length session and not to go for any curtailment of its duration despite assembly elections in five states. Govt keen to push legislative agenda The government has a heavy legislative agenda to push through in this session. A list of 74 items of business has been compiled by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs on the basis of responses received from various ministries and departments which, according to sources, contain 62 legislative Items and 12 financial Items. It was decided to give 26 items 'top priority' as the ministries wanted them to be introduced and passed in the Budget session itself. A total of 16 bills, including the GST Bill, Lokpal (Amendment) Bill, Factories (Amendment) Bill and the Anti-Hijacking Bill are pending in Parliament -- five in Lok Sabha and 11 in the Rajya Sabha. The government will also push for the passage of a bill to replace the ordinance to amend the Enemy Property Act, which was promulgated on January 8. An ordinance lapses 42 days/6 weeks from the day a session begins unless a bill to replace it is cleared by Parliament. The ordinance amends the 47-year-old Enemy Property Act to allow custodians to continue to retain control over such properties. The government is keen to push its legislative agenda in the Budget session, including the pending bills on GST and real estate, thwarted in the last two sessions, while the opposition is raring to target it on a host of issues, including the JNU row, Hyderabad Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula's suicide, imposition of President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh, and terror attacks in Pathankot and Gurdaspur. Raising questions over the process of the appointment of Vice Chancellors of JNU and Delhi University, a number of opposition parties have come together against the government, accusing it of "undermining" the autonomy of the institutions. Naidu had last month met Sonia Gandhi seeking cooperation for the early passage of the crucial GST and the real estate bills but Congress said the government has offered nothing substantial on its three demands on the key tax reform. The session will commence on February 23 and will focus largely on the financial business of the government. The General Budget will be presented on February 29. The first part of Budget Session will end on March 16 and the second part will be convened from April 25 to May 13. On February 16, the Prime Minister had reached out to the opposition by holding a meeting of leaders of major political parties. In the first such exercise initiated by Modi against the backdrop of repeated stalling of Parliament sessions, he had sought their cooperation saying, "I am not the Prime Minister of BJP alone but the entire country." The Winter Session had ended on December 23, leaving the Goods and Services Tax Bill and a number of other measures in limbo. The government's legislative agenda had suffered a serious setback due to lack of support from the numerically stronger Congress-led opposition in Rajya Sabha. With PTI Inputs Follow us on conspiracies to destabilise government defame me pm modi Bargarh (Odisha): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today alleged that disgruntled NGOs and black-marketeers were conspiring to destabilise the government and "defame" him and asserted that he will not bow to any machinations. He said "some people" were not able to digest the fact that a "chai wala" (tea seller) has become the Prime Minister and hence were conspiring all the time to bring him down. "You would have seen in the recent past, there is attack on me all the time. Some people are continuously at it. They are not able to digest how Modi became the Prime Minister, how a 'chai wala' became the Prime Minister, they cannot swallow it," a combative Modi said addressing a farmers' rally here. Without naming anybody or any specific instance, he said he had taken some steps because of which "these people are facing problems". He made the remarks while talking about the neem-coating of urea being done to avoid its pilferage and routing to chemical factories like in the past. "Since we have done neem coating, will those chemical factories which were looting not be angry with Modi? If something is against Modi, will they not help it? Will they not shout against Modi," he asked the gathering. The Prime Minister said that NGOs receive money from foreign countries and his government was seeking the account. "We said let it come but give account of the funds received. The moment we started asking for accounts, they all got together and said 'Modi ko Maaro', 'Modi ko Maaro' (hit Modi), he is seeking accounts from us," he said and asserted that "the country needs to know where the money that comes in is being spent. It is in the law." He said since the government started asking for accounts, "they all (NGOs) got together and have been conspiring all the time how to finish Modi, how to remove Modi government and how to defame Modi. "But my dear brothers and sisters, you have elected me to cure the country of this disease and I am doing this. "Whatever they may say against me, I am not going to deviate from the path of the work you have entrusted me. I am not going to stop, or get tired and there is no question of bowing to it." The Prime Minister said he knows what is "irritating" and "pinching" his detractors but "we will not allow the country to be looted or destroyed." The Prime Minister focussed his speech on the initiatives of his government for the welfare of the farming community, including Irrigation scheme, Crop Insurance Scheme and Soil Health Card scheme. He said even the Start-Up scheme launched by him recently could be used for the development of the agriculture sector as it was not confined to hi-tech sectors like IT only. Modi said his government was giving thrust to the agriculture sector as he was convinced that the country can have 2nd Green Revolution in which Odisha and other eastern states should take the lead. "I am your 'pradhan sewak'. Can we all together, the Centre and the states, work to ensure that the farmers' income is doubled by 2022, the 75th anniversary of the country's Independence? Let us all make some contribution to fufill the dreams of those who fought for the Independence," he said. With regard to the 2nd Green Revolution, he said the entire eastern region is full of natural resources including water and has the potential to emerge as the place for production of food grains to feed the entire nation. "Odisha has so many rivers like Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani and others. The state is blessed with water resources. If Odisha wants then it can be number one in agriculture," Modi said. Claiming himself as committed to the protection of farmers interest, he appealed to the farmers to make ample use of the Crop Insurance scheme as it will help them during the time of crisis. He said the newly-launched scheme is so good, as compared to the earlier ones, that even the critics have not been able to criticise it. "Even the opponents, the farmers, the states, all have welcomed the new Crop Insurance scheme. But I am not satisfied with this appreciation. I seek your help to ensure that at least 50 per cent of the farmers in the country take this policy," the Prime Minister said. He said the earlier schemes were such that only 20 per cent of farmers utilised it and even many of them quit as they found these were not beneficial. Highlighting the benefits of the Crop Insurance scheme like the cap of 2 per cent on premium unlike "upto 50 per cent earlier", he said if more farmers take the policy, it would mean more financial burden on the government. "Usually the governments would avoid any scheme that increases financial burden on it. But I live for the farmers. If the money goes, let it go. After all, it is going to the farmers only," Modi said. Talking about some of the benefits of the scheme, he said now the farmers can get compensation even if only one-third of their crop, Modi said. Earlier, compensation would be given only if 50 per cent of crop was damaged. He said the soil health card scheme has already started and the farmers getting benefits out of it. The Prime Minister said besides crop production, the farmers should also focus on the fisheries, poultry, diary, forestry and honey production. "If you (farmers) plant trees in one-third of your land, you may meet the expenses of your daughter's marriage by cutting certain timbers. You need to do it for increasing the income of the family," Modi suggested to the gathering which chanted 'Modi.. Modi.. Modi', all through his 50-minute long speech. Stating that transformation in India's agriculture sector has to be made, the Prime Minister said his government has pledged to develop the eastern states besides north eastern states. "The economic activities in eastern part of the country must increase," Modi said. Follow us on court rejects suspended rjd legislator raj ballabh yadav s bail plea Biharsharif: A local court in Biharsharif today rejected the anticipatory bail petition of suspended RJD legislator Raj Ballabh Yadav in connection with a rape case. Additional District and Sessions Judge (I) Rashmi Shikha rejected the bail plea after hearing both sides for over an hour. During the hearing, the minor victim's lawyer opposed the bail plea of the legislator citing the Supreme Court judgments and also contended that the accused cannot be granted bail under POCSO Act. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) 2012 was formulated to effectively address sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children, the counsel said. The lawyer also submitted that the victim has made a statement charging the fugitive legislator with raping her at the latter's residence in Nawada. His lawyer contended that the legislator should be given bail claiming the family members of the victim have been giving contradictory statements. On February 15, the ADJ court had issued arrest warrant against the legislator and three others in connection with the rape case. It had also issued another warrant to carry out searches at the legislator's residence at Pathra village under Mufassil police station of Nawada district where he had allegedly raped the minor girl on February 6. Raj Ballabh Yadav, who had served as minister in Rabri Devi government in the past, remained untraced after his arrest order was issued by Deputy Inspector General of Police Shalin today last after finding the complaint of the minor victim girl's family true. Nalanda police yesterday took the absconding legislator's son Akhilesh into custody from Anisabad in Patna on the charge of destroying evidence in the case. A fellow RJD legislator Prakash Bir had on February 16 said that Raj Ballabh Yadav would surrender before the court on February 18. RJD suspended Raj Ballabh Yadav from the party on Sunday last. The party also served a show-cause notice to the legislator. He won from Nawada seat in the recent Assembly election. Follow us on don t bring religion and region into jnu row bjp to opposition parties New Delhi: Amidst the raging JNU row, BJP today accused opposition parties of invoking "religion and region" to "protect" some accused and asserted that it will not tolerate "anti-India" activities on campuses and those doing so will find themselves behind bars. BJP National Secretary Shrikant Sharma also hit back at opposition parties over their charge that the Narendra Modi government was misusing the sedition law as he quoted official data to claim that maximum arrests under it were made in Bihar, where JD(U)-RJD-Congress alliance is in power and which has been ruled by Nitish Kumar for over 10 years. Twenty eight out of 55 arrests on the charge of sedition have been made in Bihar, he claimed. "The issue is about national unity and integrity. BJP will ask Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, his friend Omar Abdullah and Arvind Kejriwal to not politicise it. They are being driven solely by vote bank politics. By invoking religion and region, the likes of Abdullah are trying to protect those involved in shouting unacceptable slogans against India," he alleged. The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister had yesterday tweeted, "I am a Kashmiri Muslim AND I am not a Ramdev supporter/follower. I would better prepare for my interrogation." What Gandhi and Abdullah are doing is "negative and destructive" politics, Sharma alleged, adding that they should instead contribute towards constructive politics. "By linking such a sensitive issue to religion and region, he is only trying to protect the accused," he said. Anti-India activities have long taken place on campuses but the BJP government will not tolerate it, he said, adding, "Those who engage in it will find themselves behind bars." Follow us on army takes control of munak canal water supply in delhi to resume soon New Delhi: Normal supply of water to Delhi from Haryana, which had been disrupted due to the Jat stir, is likely to be restored today as security forces have taken control of the Munak Canal after evicting Jat protesters. Two columns of the Army, CRPF and Haryana Police personnel took over control of the canal at around 4 AM, official sources said, adding that all protesters who were squatting at the site were evicted. Good news. Army takes control of Munak canal gates. Trying to assess in how much time water would reach Delhi and whether any damage done to canal lining, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted this morning. Haryana's Irrigation Department officials are at the spot and were engaged in carrying out repairs at the spot. Normal water supply should be restored during the day, the sources said. Earlier this morning, Arvind Kejriwal urged the Central government to get the Munak canal started in Haryana, saying the national capital had 'completely run out of water'. "We've completely run out of water. I appeal to the Centre with folded hands to immediately intervene and get Munak canal started in Haryana," Kejriwal said in a tweet. With the national capital facing a severe water crisis as the Jat stir in Haryana shows no signs of subsiding, the city government has ordered all government, private schools and government offices to be closed today. The Munak canal in Haryana, which supplies water to many parts of Delhi, was shut down after it was vandalised by a section of Jats demanding quota in government jobs and educational institutions. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia this morning said that there was no water supply to his residence. "So! dry day starts from today (Monday)? No water supply at my home this morning. No hope to get water in Munak canal. Tough days ahead for Delhi," he said in a tweet. The government has termed the water crisis in the national capital 'unprecedented' and warned that the situation might worsen in the next few days if the supply from Haryana was not immediately restored. It has also deferred all examination and admission process due to the ongoing water crisis. "The ongoing examinations and admission process will be postponed. The situation will be assessed and further decisions will be taken afterwards," Sisodia said. Yesterday, the Chief Minister had chaired a high-level emergency meeting to discuss the crisis. He said that barring Rashtrapati Bhavan, offices and residences of the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, defence installations, hospitals and fire brigade, water will be rationed equally among others. He said his residence and office will also come under water rationing. "Barring President, PM, CJI, defence installations, hospitals, fire brigades- water to be equally rationed amongst all. Please save water," Kejriwal had said. The Delhi government had on Saturday late night moved the Supreme Court, seeking a direction to the Centre to intervene and ensure water supply from Munak canal. Delhi has nine water treatment plants which together produce 820 million gallons per day (MGD) of potable water. Of these, only two - Sonia Vihar and Bhagirathi - fed by water from Uttar Pradesh are operational. The current production is only 240 MGD. Delhi gets its bulk of water supply from Haryana. Follow us on jat stir manohar lal khattar likely to visit rohtak to monitor situation Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is likely to visit Rohtak, the epicentre of Jats stir for quota, to take stock of the situation in the town, official sources said today. Khattar along with some of his senior Ministers and top officials is closely monitoring the situation, the sources added. Khattar, who became the first non-Jat Chief Minister in Haryana after 18 years in 2014, has appealed to the people to maintain law and order in the state. "No one will be benefited by damaging public property. I urge everyone not to be swayed by unfounded rumours and maintain peace in the state," he said in his appeal earlier. Notably, Khattar's native village Nindana falls in Rohtak district. The Jats have been agitating to press for reservation under OBC quota. Follow us on jayalalithaa sacks cabinet minister bv ramana over private photos on social media Chennai:Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa on Saturday dismissed Milk and Dairy Development Minister BV Ramanaa from her cabinet and also dismissed him from his party post. Accordinh to reports, two days after private photos of Tamil Nadu milk and diary development minister B V Ramana and a woman were circulated on social media, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa removed him from the cabinet on Saturday. Ramanaa was also removed from the party post. He was Tiruvallur west district secretary of the AIADMK. The action came on the last day of the last session of the 14th assembly. Governor K Rosaiah issued a statement announcing Ramana's removal from the council of ministers.Sources in the AIADMK said he was sacked for causing an embarrassment to the party and AIADMK leadership. On Friday, pictures of Ramana with a woman, said to be his 'second' wife were circulated in Whatsapp. The minister failed to turn up in the assembly on Friday and Saturday, the fag end of the interim budget session. (With inputs from IANS) Follow us on just fir in pathankot attack won t do manohar parrikar New Delhi: Mere registration of an FIR in the Pathankot terror attack case is not enough, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said, making it clear that Pakistan should do serious investigation to India's satisfaction. "Registration of a case is merely a step ahead but it won't do. There should be serious investigation. Our effort is that they should take legal action to our satisfaction," he said. Pakistani authorities have lodged an FIR in connection with the Pathankot terror attack without naming JeM chief Masood Azhar who India has accused of having masterminded the strike. Parrikar also ruled out withdrawing army from Siachen, a call often made by Pakistan, saying no such question arises and noted that India occupies highest peaks there. Such things can be considered only after Pakistan establishes its credentials that it is worthy of trust, he told Aaj Tak tonight. He also asserted that India will hit back at terror groups in their own language. Those who inflicted pain on India will have to pay, he said. "When, what and how it will be done will depend on our convenience," he said. Follow us on pm modi lauds 104 yr old woman who sold her goats to build toilet Kurrubhat (C'garh): A 104-year-old woman from a village in Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district who sold her goats for constructing toilet at her home, today came in for special praise by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who said it is a big sign of changing India. Modi felicitated Kunwar Bai from Kotabharri village of Dhamtari for her efforts to make her village open defecation free, during the launch of Rurban Mission' at Kurrubhat village in the state's Naxal-hit Rajandgaon district today. Two development blocks - Ambagarh Chowki and Chhuriya of Rajnandgaon were also declared open defecation free by the PM during the programme. An elderly woman of 104 years who stays in a remote village, does not watch TV or read papers, but the message of building toilets under clean India mission somehow reached her. She sold off her goats to build toilet at home and also encouraged others from the village to build, Modi said. Kunwar Bai had sold-off her 8-10 goats to build two toilets at her home. Subsequently, she started showing other villagers the toilets at her home while informing them about its importance. Now every home in the village has toilets. Calling it as a major change taking place at the roots of the country, Modi said, The country is changing. It seems when a woman at a remote village makes efforts to fulfil dream of clean India mission, she is an inspiration for everyone, especially youths. I would like to tell media that you don't cover me but spread the story of this woman all over the country, the PM urged. Modi also praised the residents of two Ambagarh Chowki and Chhuriya blocks for being open defecation free with toilets at all homes. Even a Prime Minister has to think before enforcing taxes (on public), but people in these blocks without hesitation decided to slap fine on those who defecated in open which is a good initiative for the welfare of society, he said. Making an area open defecation free is a biggest advantage and respect to our mother and sisters who have to go down to fields and forests (to relieve themselves). I bow my head in respect to them, Modi said. We would make sure that each and every home of the country should have toilets by October 2019 under Clean India Mission', he added. Modi also felicitated Phoolbasan Bai Yadav, a social worker for her efforts towards development of economically and socially backward women in the state. She was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2012 for her work. On the occasion, the PM also highlighted the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna. Follow us on pm modi to visit chhattisgarh today Raipur:A multi-layered security blanket has been thrown over Raipur and Rajnandgaon districts for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tour of Chhattisgarh on Saturday. Modi will launch a number of schemes including the key Rurban mission' at Kurrubhat village in Rajandgaon, while upcoming State capital Naya Raipur will also witness unveiling of several programmes. The Prime Minister will arrive at the Swami Vivekanand Airport in Raipur at 8-45 a.m. by Air Force's special plane and will leave for Satya Sai Hospital where he will lay foundation stone of dwellings to be constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, a public relation official said here. Modi will then leave for Kurrubhat by a chopper where large-scale deployments of police and paramilitary forces have been made in and around the village. Modi will launch the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission at around 11 a.m. Special Protection Group (SPG) officials in coordination with State police and paramilitary officials are dealing with security arrangements, a senior police official said. The multi-layered security will keep a hawk eye at the venue where everybody will be frisked before entering. Armed guards have been deployed at all strategic locations, he said, adding patrolling has been intensified in interior forest pockets adjoining Maharashtra border, he said. Under the Rurban mission, a cluster of smart villages will be developed on lines of smart cities. In the first stage, four districts - Rajnandgaon, Dhamtari, Kabirdham and Bastar - will be covered under the scheme where development works will be carried out in four different clusters which will draw an investment of Rs 120 crore, the public relation official said. Murmunda village cluster in Rajnandgaon will cater to 16 village panchayats. Modi, on the occasion, will also declare two development blocks of Rajanandgaon - Ambagarh Chowki and Chhuriya - as open defecation free. Similarly, security has been beefed up at Naya Raipur where around 1,500 security personnel will be deployed. Chief Minister Raman Singh on Saturday visited the venue at Naya Raipur and took stock of the preparations, he said. Under the Housing for all' scheme, 40,000 homes will be built for average and lower income group, he said. On the occasion, the Prime Minister will also lay foundation stone of electronic manufacturing cluster to be set up under the Make In India mission in Naya Raipur. Joseph Lewis Betrayed Click to Read an Excerpt "Action and adventure are the words of the day in this thrilling, well-written, page-turner from Joseph Lewis." Caught In A Web Click to Read an Excerpt "This important, nail-biting crime thriller about MS-13 sets the bar very high. One of the years best thrillers." Spiral Into Darkness Click to Read an Excerpt "[] The authors descriptions are amazing and paint a gripping picture that keeps you hooked in." Author of the Week: Joseph Lewis After having been in education for forty-four years as a teacher, coach, counselor and administrator,has retired. He uses his psychology and counseling background in crafting psychological thriller/mysteries. Were excited to announce that indmin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com. A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets. Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials. If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details. Trump: Secret Papers May Link 9/11 to Saudi Arabia By 28Pages February 21, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " 28Pages " - Defending his attention-grabbing assertions that the U.S. invasion of Iraq was an enormous mistake facilitated by the George W. Bush administrations misleading of the American people, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump this week indirectly referred to 28 classified pages said to link the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the 9/11 attacks. It wasnt the Iraqis that knocked down the World Trade Center. We went after Iraq, we decimated the country, Irans taking overbut it wasnt the Iraqis, you will find out who really knocked down the World Trade Center, because they have papers in there that are very secret, you may find its the Saudis, okay? But you will find out, Trump said at a Wednesday campaign event in Bluffton, South Carolina. Trumps implied promise to declassify the 28 pages sets him apart from the remaining Republican and Democratic presidential aspirants, filling a gap created when Rand Paul suspended his campaign. Last summer, Paul introduced Senate Bill 1471, which, if passed, would direct the president to release the 28 pages, and he pledged to release them himself if elected to the White House. Green Party candidate Jill Stein has also called for their release. (Then-Senator Hillary Clinton co-signed a 2003 letter to President Bush demanding the release of the 28 pages, but has been silent on the topic since.) Jeb on the 28 Pages: From Shrugs to Sarcasm When asked about the 28 pages last summer, Jeb Bush said hed never heard of them. This month, asked if he would like to see the 28 pages his brother classified, Bush sarcastically replied, Yeah, Id like to see em. You got em? Among the many who would like to see em: 9/11 family members and survivors whose lawsuit against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been imperiled by what former Senator Bob Graham calls a pervasive pattern of covering up the role of Saudi Arabia in 9/11, by all of the agencies of the federal government, which have access to information that might illuminate Saudi Arabias role in 9/11. Vague Reference Dampens Impact Trumps comments brought renewed attention to the classified, 28-page chapter in the 2002 report of a joint congressional intelligence inquiry into 9/11. However, the impact would have certainly been greater had he specifically referred to 28 pages rather than cryptically referencing secret paperswhich he did time and again on the campaign trail, in an interview with Fox News and during CNNs Thursday night town hall. Given the dearth of mainstream media coverage of Trumps Saudi Arabia reference, its clear his vague allusion to secret papers left journalists baffled. For example, though Mediaites Tommy Christopher was among the first to report it, his brief piece struck a snarky tone, made no reference to the 28 pages, and concluded with a dismissive statement that no evidence has ever been presented that the government of Saudi Arabia was behind the attacks of 9/11. Following his lead, most of those sharing the Mediaite story on social media ridiculed the notion that there are secret papers implicating the Saudis. However, former Senator Graham, who co-chaired the intelligence inquiry that produced the 28 pages, said they point a very strong finger at Saudi Arabia as being the principal financier of 9/11. Two of the 9/11 hijackers received financial, lodging and other assistance from a Saudi citizen who lived in San Diego and who is widely thought to have been an operative for the kingdom. There are also serious questionsand a FOIA lawsuitswirling around a wealthy Saudi family that had ties to Mohammed Atta and which fled Sarasota two weeks before 9/11. The Saudi Slaughter in Yemen By Adil E. Shamoo February 21, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Huffington Post " - Although the Saudis have promised a high-level committee to investigate civilian deaths from their airstrikes in Yemen, they continue to strike civilian targets with countless deaths and destructions. For instance, among those recently killed in an airstrike on an abandon cement factory were "people in parked cars, a grocery store owner, a pharmacist and shoppers." The nationalist insurgents, the Houthis, have also unfortunately contributed to the increased casualties as they try to repel the invaders and defeat the local groups opposed to them. The civil war in Yemen, compounded by the Saudi invasion, has so far displaced 2.3 million people. It has left 5,700 dead, among them 2,500 civilians. Two thirds of the deaths have resulted from airstrikes. And 82% of the population requires assistance and medical supplies. The United States fears that 14.4 million Yemenis are at risk of "severe hunger." To add to the misery of the Yemeni people, the United States just approved the sale of weapons to the Saudis worth $1.3 billion. Among the weaponry are air-to-ground ordinances that included 22,000 bombs. From 2010 to 2014, the United States sold $90 billion worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia. Initially, among the U.S. weapons sold to the Saudis were the internationally banned cluster bombs. The Saudis have feared Yemen for a long time. They worry that the Houthis and their allies will destabilize the Saudi regime and export revolutionary zeal to the Saudi people. The fear of losing their power is why the Saudi royals, with the help of the majority Sunni regimes in the Gulf, launched an air and ground war against Yemen. Riyadh hopes to reinstate the former government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansoor Hadi and make Yemen a satellite country of Saudi Arabia. Facing an onslaught by the highly equipped Saudi forces with American help, the Houthis were obliged to ally with the unsavory former president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, to defend Yemen. Although calls for talks have gone nowhere, a new effort is underway to hold negotiations in Europe under the auspices of the UN. The Saudis have made the poorly supported claim that they are fighting a proxy war with Iran in Yemen. Unfortunately, the Obama administration parrots these lies in its official statements, which the major media then repeat. The Saudis and the Gulf States have conjured up Iranian's involvement in order to justify their war on Yemen. In the meantime, al-Qaeda is deepening its roots and widening its reach in and around the country. US support for the Saudi regime has continued despite the invasion and the resulting humanitarian disaster. The United States provides the Saudis with intelligence and helps to enforce the current naval blockade. Moreover, in January, Secretary John Kerry said, "We have as solid a relationship, as clear an alliance, and as strong a friendship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as we ever had, and nothing has changed." Kerry's level of support for the Saudis contrasts sharply with the U.S. claims of supporting freedom, democracy, and human rights worldwide. Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the world. The Saudis and the Gulf states are some of the richest countries in the world. And yet the Saudis, the Gulf States, and the United States are destroying Yemen, which had been a potential outpost of democracy in the region. Again, the United States derailed a potential democracy to serve a totalitarian regime, the Saudi Arabia. The United States bears the moral and legal responsibility for facilitating a potential genocide in Yemen that results from the current war and the population's lack of food, basic health, and sanitation. The United States keeps wondering why the people of the region continue to harbor the worst terrorists. The reason lies in part because the United States has chosen alliances with dictators for the sake of oil and the stability of corrupt regimes. Adil E. Shamoo, a professor at the University of Maryland's School of Medicine, is an Institute for Policy Studies associate fellow and a Foreign Policy In Focus senior analyst. Follow Adil E. Shamoo on Twitter: www.twitter.com/twitter@AShamoo Wanting to avoid direct confrontation with Russia, it relies on deception conning Moscow to cease bombing terrorist infested northern Syrian areas where US special forces are deployed, claiming theyre supporting are moderates. On the phony pretext of modestly increasing military-to-military communication and cooperation beyond last Octobers memorandum of understanding, relating to safety protocols for Russian and US warplanes operating in Syrian airspace, Defense Secretary Ashton Carters spokesman Peter Cook said: [The Pentagon] provided a geographical area that we asked (Moscow) to stay out of because of the risk to US forces on the ground to protect their safety in a dangerous situation. So far, Russia honored this request, he explained. Its a thinly veiled con, a ruse, Moscow will see through and reject. Washington wants to give terrorist elements it supports (falsely called moderates) breathing space, a chance to rearm, regroup and add new fighters to their ranks. Turkey provides them safe haven, aids their movement cross-border into Syria while continuing to shell northern Syrian-based anti-terrorist Kurdish YPG forces, OKd by Washington. Fact: US policymakers pretend to want peace. They intend endless war to accomplish their objective eliminating sovereign Syria, replacing it with US-controlled puppet governance. Fact: Diplomatically negotiating with Washington assures disaster. Terms agreed on are systematically breached, negotiating partners irresponsibly blamed. Fact: US imperial aims are pure evil, wanting all independent governments eliminated, especially Russia and China. Fact: Its aim for dominion over planet earth depends on it. Fact: Its strategy relies on endless wars, raping and destroying one country after another Syria in the eye of the storm. If Putin goes along with the Pentagons request to cease bombing areas infested with US-supported terrorists, everything Russian air power and Syrian ground forces accomplished so far will be jeopardized. Washington will be in a stronger position to turn things around in its favor perhaps able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Establishing a safe zone in northern Syria will become a platform for US-supported continued war while talking peace strengthening terrorist forces, aiding their advance into other areas. The most fundamental rule to follow in dealing with Washington is knowing it cant be trusted not ever. Hegemons yield nothing. They want things entirely their way, letting nothing interfere with their imperial aims. Hopefully Putin and other Russian officials are too smart to fall for Americas ruse. Continuing their anti-terrorism campaign nationwide is vital to have any hope for eventually liberating Syria. Washington doesnt negotiate. It demands. Hoping bilateral or multi-lateral talks will gain important concessions is a major mistake. A military solution alone can save Syria. US rhetorical support for cessation of hostilities and resumption of peace talks is pure subterfuge aiming solely to undermine Russias effective war on terrorism, essential to continue unobstructed. Michel Chossudovsky explained Washingtons strategy, saying its to protect remaining US sponsored terrorist positions in Northern Syria including those of the ISIS from Russian airstrikes. He cited a Secret Pentagon document. (T)he ultimate objective was (and likely remains) to create an Islamic State Caliphate (Salafist Principality) in Northern Syria. Defeating Americas objective depends on Russian air power and Syrian ground forces maintaining unrelenting pressure, continuing their effective campaign, rejecting the Pentagons thinly veiled scheme to undermine it. Preserving Syrian sovereignty depends on it along with foiling Washingtons Middle East agenda, part of its grand plan to rule the world unchallenged. Would Russia Use Nukes to Defend Khmeimim? Week Nineteen of the Russian Intervention in Syria By The Saker February 21, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " - There are persistent rumors that top Turkish military commanders, categorically oppose any attack on Syria and that they want no part in a war with Russia. I dont blame them one bit as they understand perfectly well two simple things: first, Turkey does not need a war, only Erdogan does; second, when Turkey is defeated, Erdogan will blame the military. There are also signs of disagreements inside the USA over the prospects of such a war, with the Neocons backing Erdogan and pushing him towards war just as they had done with Saakashvili while the White House and Foggy Bottom are telling Erdogan to cool it. As for the Turks themselves, they have shelled Kurdish and Syrian positions across the border and, on at least two occasions, a small military force has been seen crossing the border. From a purely military point of view, it makes absolutely no sense for the Turks to mass at the border, declare that they are about to invade, then stop, do some shelling and then only send a few little units across the border. What the Turks should have done was to covertly begin to increase the level of readiness of their forces then and then attacked as soon as Russians detected their preparations even if that meant that they would have to initiate combat operations before being fully mobilized and ready. The advantages of a surprise attack are so big that almost every other consideration has to be put aside in order to achieve it. The Turks did the exact opposite: they advertised their intentions to invade and once their forces were ready, they simply stopped at the border and began issuing completely contradictory declarations. This makes absolutely no sense at all. What complicates this already chaotic situation is that Erdogan is clearly a lunatic and that there appears to the at least the possibility of some serious infighting between the Turkish political leaders and the military. Furthermore, there appears to be some very bad blood between the USA and the Erdogan regime. Things got so bad that Erdogans chief adviser, Seref Malkoc, said that Turkey might deny the US the use of Incirlik Air Base for strikes against ISIL if the US does not name the YPG as a terrorist group. Erdogan later repudiated this statement, but the fact remains that the Turks are now directly blackmailing the USA. If Erdogan and his advisors seriously believe that they can publicly blackmail a superpower like the USA then their days are numbered. At the very least, this kind of irresponsible outbursts shows that the Turks are really crumbling under the pressure they themselves have created. Still, the fact that Turkey has not invaded yet is a tiny minute sign that maybe, just maybe, the Turks will give up on this crazy notion or that they will limit themselves to a mini-invasion just a few miles across the border. The military would probably prefer such a minimal face saving option, but what about Erdogan and the crazies around him? Maybe the Turkish military ought to realize that the country is ruled by the madman and do something about it? Still, the Russians are taking no chances and they have put all their forces into high alert. They have very publicly dispatched a Tu-214r her most advanced ISR (Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance) aircraft. You can think of the Tu-214R as an AWACS for the ground, the kind of aircraft you use to monitor a major ground battle (the regular Russian A-50Ms are already monitoring the Syrian airspace). In southern Russia, the Aerospace forces have organized large-scale exercises involving a large number of aircraft which would be used in a war against Turkey: SU-34s. The Airborne Forces are ready. The naval task forces off the Syrian coast is being augmented. The delivery of weapons has accelerated. The bottom line is simple and obvious: the Russians are not making any threats they are preparing for war. In fact, by now they are ready. This leaves an important question to be asked: what would the Russians do if their still relatively small force in Syria is attacked and over-run by the Turks? Would the Russian use nuclear weapons? At least one reporter, Robert Perry, as written the following: A source close to Russian President Vladimir Putin told me that the Russians have warned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Moscow is prepared to use tactical nuclear weapons if necessary to save their troops in the face of a Turkish-Saudi onslaught. Is that really possible? Would the Russians really use nuclear weapons of things get ugly in Syria? The Russian Military Doctrine is very clear on the use of nuclear weapons by Russia. This is the relevant paragraph: 27. The Russian Federation reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to the use against her and (or) her allies of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, as well as in the case of aggression against the Russian Federation with the use of conventional weapons in a way which would threaten her very existence as a state. The decision to use nuclear weapons is taken by the President of the Russian Federation. There is no ambiguity here. Unless Russia is threatened as a state she will not use nuclear weapons. Some will, no doubt, say that the official military doctrine is one thing, but the reality in Syria is another one and if the Turks overrun Khmeimin Russia will have no other option than to use nukes. There is a precedent for that kind of logic: when the US deployed the 82nd Airborne in Saudi Arabia as part of Desert Shield the Pentagon fully understood that if the much larger Iraqi army invaded Saudi Arabia the 82nd would be destroyed. It was hoped that the USAF and USN could provide enough air sorties to stop the Iraqi advance, but if not it was understood that tactical nuclear weapons would be used. The situation in Syria is different. For one thing, the Russian task force in Syria is not an infantry tripwire force like the 82nd in Iraq. The terrain and the opposing forces are also very different. Second, the Russian contingent in Syria can count on the firepower and support of the Russian Navy in the Caspian and Mediterranean and the Russian Aerospace Forces from Russia proper. Last but not least, the Russians can count in the support of the Syrian military, Iranian forces, Hezbollah and, probably, t he Syrian Kurds who are now openly joing the 4+1 alliance (Russia, Iran, Iraq, Syria and Hezbollah) turning it into a 4+2 alliance I suppose. There is one important feature of this 4+2 alliance which ought to really give the Turks a strong incentive to be very careful before taking any action: every member of this 4+2 alliance has an extensive military experience, a much better one than the Turkish military. The modern Turkish military is much more similar to the Israeli military in 2006 it has a great deal of experience terrorizing civilians and it is not a force trained to fight real wars. There is a very real risk for the Turks that if they really invade Syria they might end up facing the same nightmare as the Israelis did when they invaded Lebanon in 2006. In the meantime, the Russian backed Syrian forces are still advancing. Since the beginning of their counter-offensive the Syrians have succeeded in recapturing all of the strategic locations in western Syria in slow and incremental steps and they are now threatening Raqqa. See for yourself: The bottom line is this: the size and capabilities of the Russian task force in Syria has been expanding and the level of collaborations between the elements of the 4+2 alliance has been increasing. Add to this the capability to deploy a regimental-size (and fully mechanized) Airborne force in Latakia if needed, and you will begin to see that the Turks would be taking a major risk if they attacked Russian forces even if Russia does not threaten the use of tactical nukes. In fact, I dont see any scenario short of a massive US/NATO attack under which Russia would use her tactical nuclear weapons. Frankly, this situation is far from resolved. It is no coincidence that just when a ceasefire was supposed to come into effect two terrorist attacks in Turkey are oh-so-conveniently blamed on the Kurds. It sure looks like somebody is trying hard to set Turkey on a collision course with Russia, doesnt it? Making predictions about what the Turks and their Saudi friends will do makes no sense. We are clearly dealing with two regimes which are gradually losing it: they are lashing out at everybody (including their US patrons), they are terrified of their own minorities (Kurds and Shia) and their propensity for violence and terror is only matched by their inability in conventional warfare. Does that remind you of somebody else? Pentagon Mercenaries: Blackwater, Al-Qaeda whats in a name? By Finian Cunningham February 21, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " RT " - CIA-linked private security companies are fighting in Yemen for the US-backed Saudi military campaign. Al-Qaeda-affiliated mercenaries are also being deployed. Melding private firms with terror outfits should not surprise. Its all part of illegal war making. Western news media scarcely report on the conflict in Yemen, let alone the heavy deployment of Western mercenaries in the fighting there. In the occasional Western report on Al-Qaeda and related terror groups in Yemen, it is usually in the context of intermittent drone strikes carried out by the US, or with the narrative that these militants are taking advantage of the chaos to expand their presence in the Arabian Peninsula, as reported here by the Washington Post. This bifurcated Western media view of Yemen belies a more accurate and meaningful perspective, which is that the US-backed Saudi bombing campaign is actually coordinated with an on-the-ground military force that comprises regular troops, private security firms and Al-Qaeda type mercenaries redeployed from Syria. There can be little doubt in Syria despite Western denials that the so-called Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL)) jihadists and related Al-Qaeda brigades in Jabhat al-Nusra, Jaish al-Fateh, Ahrar ash-Sham and so on, have been infiltrated, weaponized and deployed for the objective of regime-change by the US and its allies. If that is true for Syria, then it is also true for Yemen. Indeed, the covert connection becomes even more apparent in Yemen. Last November, the New York Times confirmed what many Yemeni sources had long been saying. That the US-backed Saudi military coalition trying to defeat a popular uprising was relying on mercenaries supplied by private security firms tightly associated with the Pentagon and the CIA. The mercenaries were recruited by companies linked to Erik Prince, the former US Special Forces commando-turned businessman, who set up Blackwater Worldwide. The latter and its re-branded incarnations, Xe Services and Academi, remain a top private security contractor for the Pentagon, despite employees being convicted for massacring civilians while on duty in Iraq in 2007. In 2010, for example, the Obama administration awarded the contractor more than $200 million in security and CIA work. Erik Prince, who is based primarily in Virginia where he runs other military training centers, set up a mercenary hub in the United Arab Emirates five years ago with full support from the royal rulers of the oil-rich state. The UAE Company took the name Reflex Responses or R2. The NY Times reported that some 400 mercenaries were dispatched from the Emirates training camps to take up assignment in Yemen. Hundreds more are being trained up back in the UAE for the same deployment. This is just one stream of several soldiers of fortune going into Yemen to fight against the uprising led by Houthi rebels, who are in alliance with remnants of the national army. That insurgency succeeded in kicking out the US and Saudi-backed president Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi in early 2015. Hadi has been described as a foreign puppet, who presided over a corrupt regime of cronyism and vicious repression. Since last March, the Saudis and other Persian Gulf Arab states have been bombing Yemen on a daily basis in order to overthrow the Houthi-led rebellion and reinstall the exiled Hadi. Washington and Britain have supplied warplanes and missiles, as well as logistics, in the Saudi-led campaign, which has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths. The involvement of Blackwater-type mercenaries closely associated with the Pentagon can also be seen as another form of American contribution to the Saudi-led campaign. The mercenaries sent from the UAE to Yemen are fighting alongside other mercenaries that the Saudis have reportedly enlisted from Sudan, Eritrea and Morocco. Most are former soldiers, who are paid up to $1,000 a week while serving in Yemen. Many of the Blackwater-connected fighters from the UAE are recruited from Latin America: El Salvador, Panama and primarily Colombia, which is considered to have good experience in counter-insurgency combat. Also among the mercenaries are American, British, French and Australian nationals. They are reportedly deployed in formations along with regular troops from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE. In recent months, the Houthi rebels (also known as Ansarullah) and their allies from the Yemeni army who formed a united front called the Popular Committees have inflicted heavy casualties on the US-Saudi coalition. Hundreds of troops have been reportedly killed in gun battles in the Yemeni provinces of Marib, in the east, and Taiz, to the west. The rebels use of Tochka ballistic missiles has had particularly devastating results. So much so that it is reported that the Blackwater-affiliated mercenaries have abandoned the Taiz front after suffering heavy casualties over the last two months. Most of the Blackwater operatives killed in Yemen were believed to be from Colombia and Argentina; however, there were also casualties from the United States, Australia and France, Masdar News reports. Into this murky mix are added extremist Sunni militants who have been dispatched to Yemen from Syria. They can be said to be closely related, if not fully integrated, with Al-Qaeda or IS in that they profess allegiance to a caliphate based on a fundamentalist Wahhabi, or Takfiri, ideology. These militants began arriving in Yemen in large numbers within weeks of Russias military intervention in Syria beginning at the end of September, according to Yemeni Army spokesman Brigadier General Sharaf Luqman. Russian air power immediately began inflicting severe losses on the extremists there. Senior Yemeni military sources said that hundreds of IS-affiliated fighters were flown into Yemens southern port city of Aden onboard commercial aircraft belonging to Turkey, Qatar and the UAE. Soon after the militants arrived, Aden residents said the city had descended into a reign of terror. The integrated relationship with the US-Saudi coalition can be deduced from the fact that Aden has served as a key forwarding military base for the coalition. Indeed, it was claimed by Yemen military sources that the newly arrived Takfiri militants were thence dispatched to the front lines in Taiz and Marib, where the Pentagon-affiliated mercenaries and Saudi troops were also assigned. It is true that the Pentagon at times wages war on Al-Qaeda-related terrorists. The US airstrike in Libya on Friday, which killed some 40 IS operatives at an alleged training camp, is being trumpeted by Washington as a major blow against terrorism. And in Yemen since 2011, the CIA and Pentagon have killed many Al-Qaeda cadres in drone strikes, with the groups leader being reportedly assassinated last June in a US operation. Nevertheless, as the broader US-Saudi campaign in Yemen illustrates, the outsourcing of military services to private mercenaries in conjunction with terrorist militia is evidently an arm of covert force for Washington. This is consistent with how the same groups have been deployed in Syria for the purpose of regime change there. Home Sign up for our FREE Daily Email Newsletter The Mad Violence of Casino Capitalism By Henry Giroux February 21, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Counterpunch " - American society is morally bankrupt and politically broken, and its vision of the future appears utterly dystopian. As the United States descends into the dark abyss of an updated form of totalitarianism, the unimaginable has become imaginable in that it has become possible not only to foresee the death of the essential principles of constitutional democracy, but also the birth of what Hannah Arendt once called the horror of dark times. The politics of terror, a culture of fear, and the spectacle of violence dominate Americas cultural apparatuses and legitimate the ongoing militarization of public life and American society. Unchecked corporate power and a massive commodification, infantilization, and depoliticization of the polity have become the totalitarian benchmarks defining American society. In part, this is due to the emergence of a brutal modern-day capitalism, or what some might call neoliberalism. This form of neoliberal capitalism is a particularly savage, cruel, and exploitative regime of oppression in which not only are the social contract, civil liberties and the commons under siege, but also the very notion of the political, if not the planet itself. The dystopian moment facing the United States, if not most of the globe, can be summed up in Fred Jamesons contention that it is easier to imagine the end of the world than to imagine the end of capitalism. He goes on to say that We can now revise that and witness the attempt to imagine capitalism by way of imagining the end of the world.1 One way of understanding Jamesons comment is through the ideological and affective spaces in which the neoliberal subject is produced and market-driven ideologies are normalized. Capitalism has made a virtue out of self-interest and the pursuit of material wealth and in doing so has created a culture of shattered dreams and a landscape filled with Broken highways, bankrupt cities, collapsing bridges, failed schools, the unemployed, the underpaid and the uninsured: all suggest a collective failure of will. These shortcomings are so endemic that we no longer know how to talk about what is wrong, much less set about repairing it.[i] Yet, there is a growing recognition that casino capitalism is driven by a kind of mad violence and form of self-sabotage and that if it does not come to an end what we will experience in all probability is the destruction of human life and the planet itself. Certainly, more recent scientific reports on the threat of ecological disaster from researchers at the University of Washington, NASA, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reinforce this dystopian possibility.2 The undermining of public trust and public values has now given way to a market-driven discourse that produces a society that has lost any sense of democratic vision and social purpose and in doing so resorts to state terrorism, the criminalization of social problems, and culture of cruelty. Institutions that were once defined to protect and enhance human life now function largely to punish and maim. As Michael Yates points out throughout this book, capitalism is devoid of any sense of social responsibility and is driven by an unchecked desire to accumulate capital at all costs. As power becomes global and politics remains local, ruling elites no longer make political concessions to workers or any other group that they either exploit or consider disposable. Security and crisis have become the new passwords for imposing a culture of fear and for imposing what Giorgio Agamben has called a permanent state of yatesexception and a technology of government repression.[ii] A constant appeal to a state of crisis becomes the new normal for arming the police, curtailing civil liberties, expanding the punishing state, criminalizing everyday behavior, and supressing dissent. Fear now drives the major narratives that define the United States and give rise to dominant forms of power free from any sense of moral and political conviction, if not accountability. In the midst of this dystopian nightmare, there is the deepening abyss of inequality, one that not only separates the rich from the poor, but also increasingly relegates the middle and working classes to the ranks of the precariat. Concentrations of wealth and income generate power for the financial elite and unchecked misery for most people, a fear/insecurity industry, and a growing number of social pathologies. Michael Yates in The Great Inequality provides a road map for both understanding the registers that produce inequality as well as the magnitude of the problems it poses across a range of commanding spheres extending from health care and the political realm to the environment and education. At the same time, he exposes the myths that buttress the ideology of inequality. These include an unchecked belief in boundless economic growth, the notion that inequality is chosen freely by individuals in the market place, and the assumption that consumption is the road to happiness. Unlike a range of recent books on inequality, Yates goes beyond exposing the mechanisms that drive inequality and the panoply of commanding institutions that support it. He also provides a number of strategies that challenge the deep concentrations of wealth and power while delivering a number of formative proposals that are crucial for nurturing a radical imagination and the social movements necessary to struggle for a society that no longer equates capitalism with democracy. As Yates makes clear throughout this book, money now engulfs everything in this new age of disposability. Moreover, when coupled with a weakening of movements to counter the generated power of capitalists, the result has been a startling increase in the influence of predatory capitalism, along with inequities in wealth, income, power, and opportunity. Such power breeds more than anti-democratic tendencies, it also imposes constraints, rules, and prohibitions on the 99 percent whose choices are increasingly limited to merely trying to survive. Capitalists are no longer willing to compromise and have expanded their use of power to dominate economic, political, and social life. For Yates, it is all the more crucial to understand how power works under the reign of global capitalism in order to grasp the magnitude of inequality, the myriad of factors that produce it, and what might be done to change it. Screen Shot 2016-02-19 at 10.18.51 AM Accompanying the rise of a savage form of capitalism and the ever-expanding security state is the emergence of new technologies and spaces of control. One consequence is that labor power is increasing produced by machines and robotic technologies which serve to create a large pool of more or less unemployed people. Moreover, as new technologies produce massive pools of unused labor, it also is being used as a repressive tool for collecting unlimited biometric and genetic information of all of its citizens.[iii] The ongoing attack on the working class is matched by new measures of repression and surveillance. This new weaponized face of capitalism is particularly ominous given the rise of the punishing state and the transformation of the United States from a democracy in progress to a fully developed authoritarian society. Every act of protest is now tainted, labeled by the government and mainstream media as either treasonous or viewed as a potential act of terrorism. For example, animal rights activists are put on the terrorist list. Whistleblowers such as Edward Snowden are painted as traitors. Members of the Black Lives Matter movement are put under surveillance,[iv] all electronic communication is now subject to government spying, and academics who criticize government policy are denied tenure or worse. Under neoliberalism, public space is increasingly converted into private space undermining those sphere necessary for developing a viable sense of social responsibility, while also serving to transform citizenship into mostly an act of consumption. Under such circumstances, the notion of crisis is used both to legitimate a system of economic terrorism as well as to accentuate an increasing process of depoliticization. Within this fog of market induced paralysis, language is subject to the laws of capitalism, reduced to a commodity, and subject to the tyranny of the moment.emaciated, impoverished, vulgarized and squeezed out of the meanings it was resumed to carry.[v] As the latest stage of predatory capitalism, neoliberalism is part of a broader economic and political project of restoring class power and consolidating the rapid concentration of capital, particularly financial capital.[vi] As a political project it includes the deregulation of finance, privatization of public services, elimination and curtailment of social welfare programs, open attacks on unions, and routine violations of labor laws.[vii] As an ideology, it casts all dimensions of life in terms of market rationality, construes profit making as the arbiter and essence of democracy, consuming as the only operable form of citizenship, and upholds the irrational belief that the market can both solve all problems and serve as a model for structuring all social relations. As a mode of governance, it produces identities, subjects, and ways of life driven by a survival-of-the fittest-ethic, grounded in the idea of the free, possessive individual, and committed to the right of ruling groups and institutions to exercise power removed from matters of ethics and social costs. As a policy and political project, it is wedded to the privatization of public services, the dismantling of the connection of private issues and public problems, the selling off of state functions, liberalization of trade in goods and capital investment, the eradication of government regulation of financial institutions and corporations, the destruction of the welfare state and unions, and the endless marketization and commodification of society. Nothing engenders the wrath of conservatives more than the existence of the government providing a universal safety net, especially one that works, such as either Medicare or Social Security. As Yates points out, government is viewed by capitalists as an institution that gets in the way of capital. One result is a weakening of social programs and provisions. As Paul Krugman observes regarding the ongoing conservative attacks on Medicare, The real reason conservatives want to do away with Medicare has always been political: Its the very idea of the government providing a universal safety net that they hate, and they hate it even more when such programs are successful.[viii] In opposition to Krugman and other liberal economists, Michael Yates argues rightly in this book that the issue is not simply preserving Medicare but eliminating the predatory system that disavows equality of wealth, power, opportunity, and health care for everyone. Neoliberalism has put an enormous effort into creating a commanding cultural apparatus and public pedagogy in which individuals can only view themselves as consumers, embrace freedom as the right to participate in the market, and supplant issues of social responsibility for an unchecked embrace of individualism and the belief that all social relation be judged according to how they further ones individual needs and self-interests. Matters of mutual caring, respect, and compassion for the other have given way to the limiting orbits of privatization and unrestrained self-interest, just as it is has become increasingly difficult to translate private troubles into larger social, economic, and political considerations. One consequence is that it has become more difficult for people to debate and question neoliberal hegemony and the widespread misery it produces for young people, the poor, middle class, workers, and other segments of society now considered disposable under neoliberal regimes which are governed by a survival-of-the fittest ethos, largely imposed by the ruling economic and political elite. Unable to make their voices heard and lacking any viable representation in the process makes clear the degree to which the American public, in particular, are suffering under a democratic deficit producing a profound dissatisfaction that does not always translate into an understanding of how neoliberal capitalism has destroyed democracy or what it might mean to understand and challenge its diverse apparatuses of persuasion and power. Clearly, the surge of popularity behind the presidential candidacy of a buffoon such as Donald Trump testifies to both a deep seated desire for change and the forms it can take when emotion replaces reason and any viable analysis of capitalism and its effects seem to be absent from a popular sensibility. What Michael Yates makes clear in this incisive book on inequality is that democratic values, commitments, integrity, and struggles are under assault from a wide range of sites in an age of intensified violence and disposability. Throughout the book he weaves a set of narratives and critiques in which he lays bare the anti-democratic tendencies that are on display in a growing age of lawlessness and disposability. He not only makes clear that inequality is not good for the economy, social bonds, the environment, politics, and democracy, Yates also argues that capitalism in the current historical moment is marked by an age that thrives on racism, xenophobia, the purported existence of an alleged culture of criminality, and a massive system of inequality that affects all aspects of society. Worth repeating is that at the center of this book, unlike so many others tackling inequality, is an attempt to map a number of modalities that give shape and purpose to widespread disparities in wealth and income, including the underlying forces behind inequality, how it works to secure class power, how it undermines almost every viable foundation needed for a sustainable democracy, and what it might mean to develop a plan of action to produce the radical imagination and corresponding modes of agency and practice that can think and act outside of the reformist politics of capitalism. Unlike so many other economists such as Paul Krugman and Joseph Stiglitz who address the issue of inequality, Yates refuses the argument that the system is simply out of whack and can be fixed. Nor does he believe that capitalism can be described only in terms of economic structures. Capitalism is both a symbolic pathological economy that produces particular dispositions, values, and identities as well as oppressive institutional apparatuses and economic structures. Yates goes even further arguing that capitalism is not only about authoritarian ideologies and structures, it is also about the crisis of ideas, agency, and the failure of people to react to the suffering of others and to the conditions of their own oppression. Neoliberal capitalism has no language for human suffering, moral evaluation, and social responsibility. Instead, it creates a survival-of-the fittest ethos buttressed by a discourse that is morally insensitive, sadistic, cannibalistic, and displays a hatred of those whose labor cannot be exploited, do not buy into the consumerist ethic, or are considered other by virtue of their race, class, and ethnicity. Neoliberalism is the discourse of shadow games, committed to highlighting corporate power and making invisible the suffering of others, all the while leaving those considered disposable in the dark to fend for themselves. Yates makes visible not only the economic constraints that bear down on the poor and disposable in the neoliberal age of precarity, he also narrates the voices, conditions, hardships and suffering workers have to endure in a variety of occupations ranging from automobile workers and cruise ship workers to those who work in restaurants and as harvester on farms. He provides a number of invaluable statistics that chart the injuries of class and race under capitalism but rather than tell a story with only statistics and mind boggling data, he also provides stories that give flesh to the statistics that mark a new historical conjuncture and a wide range of hardships that render work for most people hell and produce what has been called the hidden injuries of class. Much of what he writes is informed by a decade long research trip across the United States in which he attempted to see first-hand what the effects of capitalism have been on peoples lives, the environment, work, unions, and other crucial spheres that inform everyday life. His keen eye is particularly riveting as he describes his teaming up with Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers in the 1970s and his growing disappointment with a union that increasingly betrayed its own principles. For Yates, the capitalist system is corrupt, malicious, and needs to be replaced. Capitalism leaves no room for the language of justice, the social, or, for that matter, democracy itself. In fact, one of its major attributes is to hide its effects of power, racial injustice, militarized state violence, domestic terrorism, and new forms of disposability, especially regarding those marginalized by class and race. The grotesque inequalities produced by capitalism are too powerful, deeply rooted in the social and economic fabric, and unamenable to liberal reforms. Class disparities constitute a machinery of social death, a kind of zombie-like machine that drains life out of most of the population poisoning both existing and future generations. The politics of disposability has gone mainstream as more and more individuals and groups are now considered surplus and vulnerable, consigned to zones of abandonment, surveillance, and incarceration. At one level, the expansive politics of disposability can be seen in the rising numbers of homeless, the growing army of debt-ridden students, the increasingly harsh treatment of immigrants, the racism that fuels the school-to-prison pipeline, and the growing attack on public servants. On another level, the politics of disposability has produced a culture of lawlessness and cruelty evident by the increasing rollback of voting rights, the war waged against womens reproductive rights, laws that discriminate against gays, the rise of the surveillance state, and the growing militarization of local police forces. Yates argues convincingly that there is a desperate need for a new language for politics, solidarity, shared responsibilities, and democracy itself. Yates sees in the now largely departed Occupy Movement an example of a movement that used a new discourse and set of slogans to highlight inequality, make class inequities visible, and to showcase the workings of power in the hands of the financial elite. For Yates, Occupy provided a strategy that can be and is being emulated by a number of groups, especially those emerging in the black community in opposition to police violence. Such a strategy begins by asking what a real democracy looks like and how does it compare to the current society in which we live. One precondition for individual and social agency is that the horizons for change must transcend the parameters of the existing society, and the future must be configured in such a way as to not mimic the present. What is remarkable about The Great Inequality is that Yates does not simply provide a critique of capitalism in its old and new forms, he also provides a discourse of possibility developed around a number of suggested policies and practices designed to not reform capitalism but to abolish it. This is a book that follows in the manner of Dr. Martin Luther Kings call to break the silence. In it Yates functions as a moral witness in reporting on the hardships and suffering produced by grotesque forms of inequality. As such, he reveals the dark threats that capitalism in its ruthlessly updated versions poses to the planet. Yet, his narrative is never far from either hope or a sense that there is a larger public for whom his testimony matters and that such a public is capable of collective resistance. The Great Inequality also serves to enliven the ethical imagination, and speak out for those populations now considered outcast and voiceless. Yates provides a furious reading of inequality and the larger structure of capitalism. In doing so he exhibits a keen and incisive intellect along with a welcomed sense of righteous fury. Notes. [i] Tony Judt, Ill Fares the Land, (New York, N.Y.: The Penguin Press, 2010), p. 12. [ii] Giorgio Agamben, The Security State and a theory of destituent power, Philosophers for Change, (February 25, 2014). Online: http://philosophersforchange.org/2014/02/25/the-security-state-and-a-theory-of-destituent-power/ [iii] Ibid., Agamben, The Security State and a theory of destituent power, [iv] George Joseph, Exclusive: feds regularly monitored black lives matter since ferguson, Intercept (July 24, 2015). Online: https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/07/24/documents-show-department-homeland-security-monitoring-black-lives-matter-since-ferguson/; Deirdre Fulton, Exposed: Big Brother Targets Black Lives:Government spying can be an effective way to chill protest movements, warns Center for Constitutional Rights, CommonDreams (July 24, 2015). Online: http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/07/24/exposed-big-brother-targets-black-lives [v] Zygmunt Bauman and Leonidas Donskis, Moral Blindness: The loss of Sensitivity in Liquid Modernity, (Cambridge, UK: Polity Press, 2013), p. 46. [vi] I have taken up the issue of neoliberalism extensively in Henry A. Giroux, Against the Terror of Neoliberalism (Boulder: Paradigm, 2008) . See also, David Harvey, A Brief History of Neoliberalism (New York: Oxford University Press, 2007); Manfred B. Steger and Ravi K. Roy, Neoliberalism: A Very Short Introduction (New York: Oxford University Press, 2010); Gerad Dumenil and Dominique Levy, The Crisis of Neoliberalism (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2011). Henry A. Giroux, Twilight of the Social (Boulder: Paradigm, 2013); Henry A. Giroux, and in Against the Violence of Organized Forgetting: Beyond Americas Disimagination Machine (San Francisco: City Lights, 2014); Wendy Brown, Undoing the Demos: Neoliberalisms Stealth Revolution (Cambridge: Zone Books 2015). [vii] Michael D. Yates, Occupy Wall Street and the Significance of Political Slogans, Counterpunch, (February 27, 2013). Online:http://www.counterpunch.org/2013/02/27/occupy-wall-street-and-the-significance-of-political-slogans/ [viii] Paul Krugman, Zombies Against Medicare, New York Times (July 27, 2015). Online: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/27/opinion/zombies-against-medicare.html?_r=0 This essay is excerpted from the introduction to The Great Inequality by Michael D. Yates. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. What's your response? - Scroll down to add / read comments Sign up for our FREE Daily Email Newsletter For Email Marketing you can trust Donate Please read our Comment Policy before posting - It is unacceptable to slander, smear or engage in personal attacks on authors of articles posted on ICH. Those engaging in that behavior will be banned from the comment section. Bashar al-Assad: 80 Countries Support The Terrorists In Syria EL PAIS interviews the Syrian leader at a crucial juncture in the conflict in the country By David Alandete February 21, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " El Pais " - Next month marks five years since the uprisings that plunged Syria into one of the bloodiest wars that can be remembered in the history of the Middle East. At least 260,000 people have died in the conflict, according to the United Nations. Five million have sought refuge abroad. Europe has taken in a million of them, in what is one of the worst humanitarian crises of the last century. Three thousand people have drowned trying to cross the Mediterranean in the past year. Bashar al-Assad, who became president of the country following the death of his father in 2000, soon lost control of a good part of the country in the conflict, as large cities such as Homs and Aleppo fell into the hands of the rebel militias. He has recently managed to recover these opposition strongholds and his army has launched an offensive to cut off the rebels access and supply routes from Turkey, supported by Russian aerial bombardments, which have proved decisive since they began in September. The Syrian president on Saturday received EL PAIS in a Damascus residence amid heavy security measures. He gives this interview at a time when he is now talking about retaking the entire country and winning the war, just four days before peace talks are due to be renewed in Geneva and with it not yet known whether a ceasefire announced by the United States and Russia on February 12 will have an effect after the deadline to implement it expired on Friday without success. He says that his next mission is to pursue Islamic State (ISIS) in the heart of its operations, in its self-proclaimed capital in Raqqa. The Syrian president tells the refugees that they can return to the country without fear of reprisals and accuses the Islamist governments of Qatar and Turkey of having promoted the war in Syria a stage on which, he admits, not only the interests of a state are being measured, but also those of an entire region, with Saudi Arabia and Iran as powers in the conflict. Question. This week you have allowed humanitarian aid to go into seven besieged areas. Some claim there are at least 486,000 people living in those areas, some for even more than three years. Why did this happen so late in the conflict? Answer. Actually, it hasnt happened recently; its been there since the beginning of the crisis. We never placed an embargo on any region in Syria. Theres a difference between an embargo and the army surrounding a certain area because of the militants, and thats natural in such a security case or military case. But the problem with those areas is that the militants themselves took the food and the basic needs of those people, the people there, and gave it to their militants or sold it to the people at very high prices. As a government, we never prevented any area from having assistance, including the areas under the control of ISIS, like Raqqa in the north thats been under their control, and before that the Al-Nusra Front [the local branch of Al Qaeda], for nearly three years now. Weve been sending them all the salaries for the retired people, all the salaries for the employees today, and we send them vaccines for the children. Q. So, food and salaries even still go into Raqqa and other ISIS strongholds? A. Exactly. So, if we send it to Raqqa, which is under the control of ISIS, because we think as a government that we are responsible for every Syrian person, how can we not do it in other areas? Thats not realistic, thats a contradiction. So, thats why I said its not recently; we never stopped allowing the assistance or food. Q. It will continue to happen? A. Exactly. Q. A truce was announced by Russia and the United States. Is the Syrian government willing to respect the cessation of military operations in Syria? A. Definitely, and we announced that were ready, but its not only about announcing, because maybe the other party will announce the same. Its about what you are going to do on the ground. A ceasefire is about if you want to say ceasefire, its not the correct word, because a ceasefire is between two armies or two countries its better to say cessation of hostility, or, lets say, stopping the operations. Its about, first of all, stopping the fire, but its also about other complimentary and more important factors, preventing the terrorists from using the ceasefire or the cessation of hostility to improve their position. Its about preventing other countries, especially Turkey, from sending more recruits, more terrorists, more armaments, or any kind of logistical support to those terrorists. There is a United Nations resolution, or Security Council resolution, regarding this point thats not implemented. If we dont provide all these requirements for the ceasefire, it will be against the stability; its going to make more chaos in Syria, it may lead to a de facto division of the country. Thats why if we want to use the ceasefire, it is positive providing these factors. Q. So, there will be still some fighting even though theres this ceasefire, at least against some of the armed groups? A. Yes, of course, like ISIS, like Al-Nusra, and other organizations or terrorist groups that belong to Al Qaeda. Now, Syria and Russia have announced four names: Ahrar al-Sham and Jaysh al-Islam [Army of Islam] and Al-Nusra and ISIS. Q. Your forces have surrounded Aleppo. Its one of the big strongholds of the opposition. When do you expect to fully regain control of that city? A. Actually, we are in the middle of the city, so, yes, a large part of the city is under the control of the government, and most of the inhabitants of the other parts emigrated from the militants-controlled area to the government-controlled area, so its not about recapturing the city. Actually, its about closing the roads between Turkey and between the terrorist groups. That is the aim of the battles in Aleppo now, and we succeeded recently, we could close the main roads. Of course, its not a complete seal, lets say, between Aleppo and Turkey, but it makes the relation between Turkey and the terrorists much more difficult. Thats why Turkey has been shelling the Kurds recently, for that reason. Q. What comes after Aleppo? Is the Syrian Army even willing to go into Raqqa, the so-called capital of ISIS? A. In principle, we should go everywhere, but now we are fighting on more than 10 fronts in Syria. Recently, we advanced towards Raqqa, but were still far from it. So, as a principle, yes, we are moving to Raqqa and other areas, but the timing depends on the results of different battles now, so we cannot tell the timing exactly. Q. Russia has started an aggressive campaign of aerial bombings here in key opposition strongholds. This has been a turning point in the conflict. Some claim that you have the upper hand now. Do you think you could have made it without foreign help? A. Definitely the Russian and the Iranian support were essential for our army to make this advancement. To say that we couldnt have made it is a hypothetical question, because its an if, so nobody knows the real answer of the if. But we definitely need that help for a simple reason: because more than 80 countries supported those terrorists in different ways, some of them directly with money, with logistical support, with armaments, with recruitments. Some other countries supported them politically, in different international forums. Syria is a small country. We could fight, but in the end, theres unlimited support and recruitment for those terrorists. You definitely need international support. But, again, this is a hypothetical question I cannot answer. Q. Regarding these Russian aerial bombings, are you concerned about civilian casualties? On Monday, there was a bombing in a hospital and 50 people were killed. The United States has claimed that the Russians caused it. A. Some other officials in the United States said they dont know who did it, thats what they said later. These contradictory statements are common in the United States, but no one has any proof about who did it and how it happened. But regarding the casualties, of course this is a problem in every war. Of course I feel very sad for every innocent civilian who dies in our conflict, but this is war. Every war is bad, you dont have a good war, because you always have civilians, and you have innocent people who are going to pay the price. Q. So, how do you explain to your people, to the Syrians, that there is a foreign army carrying out operations here that can cause civilian casualties? A. No, no. We dont have any evidence that the Russians attacked any civilian targets. They are very precise in their targets and they always attack, every day, the bases or the targets of the terrorists. Actually, its the Americans who did this, who killed many civilians in the northeastern part of Syria, not the Russians. Not a single incident has happened regarding the civilians so far, because they dont attack in the cities; they attack mainly in the rural areas. Q. Talking about foreign armies, how would you react if Turkey and Saudi Arabia follow through with their statements that they plan on sending troops here to allegedly fight the Islamic State? A. As you said, allegedly. But if it happens, were going to deal with them like we deal with the terrorists. Were going to defend our country. This is aggression. They dont have any right to interfere, politically or militarily, in Syria. This is a breach of international law, and as Syrian citizens, the only option we have is to fight and defend. Q. Turkey has started bombing from their territory into Syria. A. Exactly, and before that bombing, Turkey was sending the terrorists, its the same, the same goal, the same effect, in different ways. So, Turkey has been involved in Syria since the very beginning. Q. Saudi Arabia tried to unify the opposition in a conference in Riyadh. Some people linked to Al Qaeda were present in those meetings. Do you recognize any of the rebel groups as a legitimate party with whom you can negotiate in the whole opposition? A. You mean the rebels who are fighting on the ground? Q. Yes. A. No. Legally and constitutionally, everyone who can hold machine guns against the people and against the government is a terrorist, in your country, in my country, in every country in the world. You cannot say they are legitimate. They could be legitimate when they give up their armaments and join the political process. This is the only way in every country to rebuild your country or to change whatever you want to change, whether the constitution or the laws or the government, everything, you can do it, but through political process, not through armaments. Q. So, all those who are fighting, you deem them terrorists? A. Unless they announce that they are ready to join the political process. Then we will not have any problem with them. Q. So those people who have been fighting, who take away their ideals or their intentions, if they lay down arms, can they come back? A. Well give them amnesty, and that happened, it has happened during the last two years, and its accelerating recently. Many of them give up their arms and some of them have joined the Syrian Army now and they are fighting ISIS with the Syrian Army, and they get the support of the Syrian Army and the Russian airplanes. Q. So if, as you just stated, those who have taken up arms against the government here are all terrorists, with whom are you exactly negotiating in Geneva? A. Im talking about the recent Geneva, Geneva III, that failed. It was supposed to be a mixture of the people who are trained in Saudi Arabia, a mixture of terrorists and extremists or their supporters, and some of them Al Qaeda, and the other, lets say, independent or other opposition who live outside or inside Syria. So, we can negotiate with those Syrians, with those patriotic Syrians who are related to their country, but we cannot negotiate with the terrorists thats why it failed. Q. What about those opposition activist leaders who have been imprisoned since before the conflict in 2011? A. All of them left prison a long time ago, and most of them are in the opposition. Q. All of them? A. All of them. We dont have any of them. Before 2010, all of them left. Including some of them who were terrorists, but they were sentenced for a few years, lets say five or whatever, and when the crisis started, they joined the terrorist groups again. Q. You have proof of that? A. Yeah, of course. One of them was the one who was killed, Zahran Alloush; he was imprisoned for several years, because he was Al Qaeda-affiliated. When the crisis started, he formed his own terrorist group, and this group is one of those four that I mentioned that we consider terrorist groups. Q. Some claim that there are 35,000 foreign jihadists. Four thousand came from Europe. The Spanish government has stated that there are some 300 who hold a Spanish passport. What will happen to these people if the Syrian Army captures them? A. The Spanish? Q. In general, the foreign jihadists. A. First of all, we are dealing with them like any other terrorist. When you deal with them as terrorists on a legal basis, theres no distinguishing between the nationalities, but if you want to talk about, lets say, sending them to their countries, or extraditing them to their governments, it should be through relations between the institutions in the two countries. Q. Regarding this, what do you think attracts so many foreigners into Syria right now? A. Mainly the support theyve been sent. Its active, not passive, its actually active from the outside. Saudi Arabia is the main financier of those terrorists. They put them in airplanes, send them to Turkey, and through Turkey to Syria. The other attractive factor is the chaos; when you have chaos, this is very fertile soil for the terrorists. The third factor, the ideology, because they belong to Al Qaeda, this area, in our religious culture, in the Islamic culture, has a special place after Mecca and the other holy places and Jerusalem. They think that this is where they can come and create their own state. Of course, theyre going to expand later to other places, but the thought is that they can come and fight and die for God and for Islam. For them, this is jihad. Q. Regarding what would happen if the Syrian government claimed control of all the territory. Would you start a political process? Would you be willing to go to elections again? A. The natural thing, first of all, is to form a government, a national unity government where every political party can join if they have the will. This government should prepare for the new constitution, because if you want to talk about the future of Syria, because if you want to discuss with different parties how to solve the problem, the internal problem now Im excluding the external support of terrorists you need to discuss the constitution; you want to change it, you want to keep it, you want to change the whole political system, that depends on the constitution. Of course, the Syrian people should vote for that constitution. After the constitution, according to the new constitution, you should have early elections, I mean parliamentary elections. Some mention presidential elections. If the Syrian people or the different parties want to have elections, it will happen. Ultimately, solving the political aspect of the problem has nothing to do with my personal opinion. If Turkey or Saudi Arabia send troops, were going to deal with them like we deal with the terrorists Q. W A. The most important thing is how I see my country, because Im part of my country. So, in 10 years, if I can save Syria as president but that doesnt mean Im still going to be president in 10 years. Im just talking about my vision of the 10 years. If Syria is safe and sound, and Im the one who saved his country thats my job now, thats my duty. So thats how I see myself regarding the position, Im talking about myself as a Syrian citizen. Q. Would you still like to be in power in 10 years? A. Thats not my aim. I dont care about being in power. For me, if the Syrian people want me to be in power, I will be. If they dont want me, I can do nothing, I mean, I cannot help my country, so I have to leave right away. Q. Let me read from a United Nations Human Rights Council report that was published on February 3, and it said detainees held by the government were beaten to death or died as a result of injuries sustained due to torture. They say war crimes have also been committed. What do you have to say to this? A. Thats based on what the Qataris made about a year ago or more, when they forged a report made of unverified pictures of injured people and unverified sources and sent it to the United Nations, and this is part of the propaganda against Syria. Thats the problem with the West and propaganda; they use unverified information to accuse Syria and to blame it and then to take action against it. Q. The whole world was shocked by the image of little Alan Kurdi, the Syrian refuge, three years old, who was washed ashore dead on a Turkish beach. How did you feel when you saw that? A. This is one of the saddest parts of the Syrian conflict; to have people leaving their country for different reasons. But beside the feeling, the question for us as officials that has been asked by the Syrian people: what are we going to do? What action has been taken either to allow those refugees to come back to their country or not to leave at all? You have two reasons here. The first one that we have to deal with, of course, is the terrorism, because those terrorists not only threaten people, but those terrorists deprive the people of the basic needs of their lives. The second reason is the embargo that has been implemented on Syria by the West, mainly the United States, of course, that caused more difficulties for the people to live here, especially in the health sector. So, we need to deal with these reasons in order to prevent this tragedy from being dragged on for a long time. Q. You mentioned that some of those refugees are running away from ISIS, but some of them also claim that they are running away from the government, or from the campaigns of the government in some areas in Syria. A. I can give you the contradicting facts that you can see while you are in Syria: that the majority of the people who live in the area controlled by the terrorists have emigrated to the area under the control of the government. So, if they want to flee from the government, why do they come to the government? This is not real. But at the same time, whenever there is a battle, shooting, a fight between the government and the terrorists in a certain area, it is natural for the majority of the population to leave that area to go to another area, but that doesnt mean they escaped from the government. Some of the families who emigrated to the government-controlled areas are the families of the fighters themselves. Q. Almost five million refugees have fled Syria according to international counts. One million have crossed into Europe. What guarantees do those people have that they can come back freely without fear of any reprisals? A. No, of course they can come. It is their right to come back, unless somebody is a terrorist or killer. Some of them, and I think a good number of them, are government supporters who didnt leave because theyre afraid of the government, but, as I said, because of the standards of living that have deteriorated drastically during the last few years. So, of course they can come back without any action being taken against them by the government. We want people to come back to Syria. Q. What can the Syrian government do to stop that flow of refugees that has caused so many people to drown in the Mediterranean Sea. What can be done? A. As I said, it is not only about Syria, its about the rest of the world. First of all, Europe should lift the embargo on the Syrian people; they dont have an embargo on the Syrian government, it is against the Syrian people. Second, Turkey should stop sending terrorists to Syria. Third, as a government, we have to fight the terrorists, definitely, and we have to keep the living moving forward by any means in order to allow the Syrians to stay in their country. This is the only way that we could bring those people back or convince them to come back to their country. And Im sure the majority of them want to come back to Syria. But, as I said, in the end you need to have the basic or minimum requirements for living. Q. When you came to power, you promised democratic reforms; those times came to be known as the Damascus Spring. Some people claim that if those reforms had come faster, a lot of lives would have been spared. Other people claim, mainly the opposition, and also the United States, that if you had stepped down, a lot of lives would have been saved. What do you have to say to that? A. The question is: what is the relation between what you have mentioned and Qatar sending money and then sending armaments and supporting terrorists directly? What is the relation? What is the relation between that and the role of Turkey in supporting terrorists? What is the relation between that and the existence of ISIS and Al-Nusra coming to Syria? So, the link is not correct. If you want to change the president or the prime minister or any system in your country, in any other country, you only have the political process to move through. You cannot use armaments. It is not an excuse to have armaments to say that I want to change the system or I want democracy. Democracy wouldnt happen through armaments. And the experience of the United States in Iraq is still telling. The same in Yemen. President Saleh left because of the same allegations. What happened in Yemen? Is it better? That is not correct. There is no relation. We can achieve democracy through dialogue, but at the same time through the upgrading of the society towards the democracy, because democracy is not only the constitution or the president or laws and so on. These are tools or means to achieve it. But the real democracy, as a base, should be based on the society itself. How can we accept each other? This is a melting pot area; you have different ethnicities, different sects, different religions. How can they accept each other? When they accept each other, they can accept each other politically and this is where you can have real democracy. So, it is not about the president. They tried to personalize the problem just to show that it is a very simple problem: remove the president and everything will be fine. No one can accept it. Q. In these five years since the conflict started, do you think as you see the country now, with many heritage sites destroyed, a lot of lives lost, that you would have done anything differently? A. In general, if we want to talk about the principles, from the very beginning we said that were going to fight terrorism and were going to make dialogue. We open dialogue with everyone except the terrorist groups. And we allowed the terrorists at the same time, we opened the door for them, if they want to lay down their armaments to go back to their normal life to be offered with full amnesty. So, thats the principle of the whole solution. Now, five years later, I cannot say that was proved to be wrong, and I do not think that we are going to change those principles. Implementing the policy is different sometimes, because it depends on different officials, different institutions, different people, individuals. Anyone could make mistakes, and that would happen. So, if you want to change something, if you can change those mistakes that have been made in different places, thats what I could have done, if I turn back the clock. Q. So, from your perspective, from the very beginning you labeled those protests that were in Daraa and Damascus as terrorism, as infiltrated by foreign powers. How do you view those first demonstrations against the government? A. At the very beginning, you had a mixture of demonstrators. First of all, Qatar paid those demonstrators in order to put them on Al Jazeera and then to convince the international public opinion that people are revolting against the president. The highest number of those were 140,000 demonstrators all over Syria, which is nothing, as a number, thats why we werent worried. So, they infiltrated them with militants to shoot at the police and to shoot at the demonstrators, so you have more revolts. When they failed, they moved to send the tools to support the terrorists. But do we have demonstrators who demonstrated honestly, who wanted change? Of course we have, of course, but not all of them, you cannot say all of them, and I cannot say all of them are terrorists. Q. You visited Spain twice. Both Presidents Jose Maria Aznar and Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero visited Syria while in office. How have the relations been with Spain ever since? A. Spain is against any adventurist solution in Syria. This is something we appreciate. They didnt support any military action against Syria, they said thats going to make it more complicated. They didnt talk about deposing the president or interfering in our national affairs. They said everything should happen through a political solution or political process. This is very good. But at the same time, Spain is part of the EU, of the European Union. That makes Spain restrained by the decision of that union. We expect Spain to play that role, to convey the same message and its political point of view regarding our conflict to the EU. Q. And in Latin America, where have you had the most support, do you feel? A. Generally, and thats strange, and maybe sometimes unfortunately, that those countries very far away from Syria have a much more realistic vision about what is happening in Syria than the Europeans, who are much closer. We are considered the backyard of Europe. Im talking about the formal and official level, and about the popular level. They know much more, and they support Syria politically in every international forum, and they havent changed their position since the very beginning of the crisis. Q. Brazil has one of the biggest Syrian communities abroad. How have relations been with the government of Brazil? In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Information Clearing House has no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of this article nor is Information ClearingHouse endorsed or sponsored by the originator.) Privacy Statement The 1500-year-old Bible, which was discovered in Ankara, Turkeys capital, in 2000, refutes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Moreover, it says that he was not the son of God but a Prophet, who didnt die and ascended into heaven alive. The 1500-year-old bible was found in Turkey, in the Ethnography Museum of Ankara It also states that it was Judas Iscariot who was actually crucified and calls Apostle Paul the Impostor. This information was taken from the gospel of Barnabas, who in this work is one of the twelve apostles. There is a theory that the modern Bible was formed out of four canonical gospels by the Catholic Church during the Council of Nicea, while the Gospel of Barnabas as well as many others were ommitted. The book along with antiquities, illegal excavations, and explosives were reportedly confiscated from a group of smugglers in a Mediterranean-area operation. It is written in the Aramaic laguage with gold letters and onto loosely-tied leather. The Bible that contradicts the New Testament teachings of Christianity is reportedly valued up to 40 million Turkish Liras (about $28m). While authenticity of the book is still under question some experts and religious authorities believe that it is original. However, some scholars branded the Gospel of Barnabas Bible a forgery written during the Middle Ages. Meanwhile, the Vatican has asked Turkish authorities to let them examine the contents of the book. Source:Naij President Muhammadu Buhari will travel to Saudi Arabia and Qatar to engage officials of both countries in further talks to ensure stability of oil prices. Nigeria, yesterday, agreed to freeze the countrys crude oil production at 2.2 million barrels per day this month, same as the level recorded in January, in a bid to address the declining price of crude oil in the international market. Saudi and Russia had earlier announced they were freezing output. The President, who would be away for a week, will be accompanied on the journey by a high-powered Federal Government delegation, including the Minister of State (Petroleum) and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu. A statement by the presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, yesterday, stated: Ongoing efforts by Nigeria and other members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, to achieve greater stability in the price of crude oil exports are expected to be high on the agenda of discussions between President Buhari and the Saudi monarch. Crude oil prices and market stability will also be on the front burner when President Buhari goes on to Doha, Qatar, on Saturday for talks on Sunday with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The statement said the President would also hold meetings with heads of international financial organisations and multilateral associations in Saudi Arabia and visit Medina and Mecca to pray for greater peace, prosperity and progress in Nigeria before going on to Doha. Speaking earlier after a meeting with Qatars Energy Minister, Mohammed Al Sada and Qatar Petroleum Chief Executive Officer Saad Sharida Al Kaabi in Doha, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, had said the decision was in support of the decision of Saudi Arabia and Russia to freeze oil production. Nigeria will continue to look at the possibility of increasing production, not to sell it, because we have local consumption that is essential for us. Right now, we are not even exporting the quantity that OPEC has given us. Demand from domestic refineries is at least 500,000 barrels of oil a day, he explained. The Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has faulted the state governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayoses opposition to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy of the Federal Government, saying his stance smacks of deliberate ploy to conceal fraud. The opposition party in the state expressed dismay that Fayose was the only governor opposed to the transparency policy of the Federal Government in spite of the fact that all other governors, irrespective of party affiliation, had queued into to save their states from fraudulent practices among government officials. The Ekiti Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement on Monday, described the governors recalcitrant attitude portraying Ekiti State as an island, as a dangerous and reckless behaviour, saying Fayoses aversion for accountability in financial matters had ulterior motive to allegedly defraud the state. TSA is aimed at ensuring that all government earnings are paid into a single account to ensure accountability and check fraud unlike in the past where several governments accounts were scattered in many banks to perpetrate frauds. For a governor who describes himself as a friend of the poor to oppose a policy that will make the same poor people enjoy the benefits of transparent governance is the height of irresponsibility and a confirmation of allegations of fraud against the governor in his handling of financial issues. We can now see the reason why the governor has opened several channels of revenue collections to be paid into several phoney accounts that revenue collection officers are describing as opaque, Olatunbosun explained. The Ekiti APC spokesperson added: We all know that Governor Fayoses second coming to the Ekiti State Government House is for nothing but to feather his bottomless pocket, kill the dream of a better Ekiti State and destroy the dignity and legacies of Ekiti fore-fathers as we have seen him do in his several cloudy conducts in governance. As we speak, Fayoses administration keeps a secret account not known to the state treasury into which taxes and fines he has mindlessly imposed on Ekiti people are paid, notably fines on traffic offences and suffocating taxes he imposed on poor traders that he deceived with abundance of life during campaigns. After sacking thousands of workers in youth empowerment scheme and permanent secretaries; after cutting monarchs and workers allowances and running grants and after stopping funding the social security scheme for the elderly and security agencies but increased his personal monthly security vote from N100m to N250, Fayose hired less than 200 political appointees as against over 800 appointees by Governor Kayode Fayemi, yet he tells Ekiti people that he pays the same N2.6 billion that Fayemi paid as salaries and allowances to workers monthly. Olatunbosun explained that the reason for Fayoses opposition to TSA was to hide these details to perpetrate fraud, noting that there was no way the governor could have been paying the same bill Fayemi paid as monthly wages to workers. Fayose has no explanation to make to Ekiti people on how he spent N22b refund on federal road projects, the N2b ecological fund, several billions of naira statutory allocations to the state and LGAS and N9.1 bailout cash, among others. Fayose has not said anything about the Internally Generated Revenue of the state, which he has embarked upon with an aggressive drive thereby bringing untold hardship on the citizens. What of the school fees he introduced in primary and secondary schools, including high fees in tertiary institutions? Olatunbosun queried. According to the opposition spokesman, the government ran several fictitious accounts on the alleged instructions of the governor a practice he stressed must not go unchallenged by the people who would be ultimate beneficiaries of TSA policy being promoted by the Federal Government. We wish to draw the attention of Governor Fayose to the fact that Ekiti State cannot be an island in the country by refusing to abide with the financial regulations of the Federal Government, failure of which the state will face the usual threat of theft as we experienced during the governors first tenure. Fayose has gone his usual way of blackmailing the Federal Government in order to cover his own fraudulent actions and motives. We call on all Ekiti citizens home and abroad to call the governor to order to stop his unnecessary belligerent attitude to the Federal Government simply because he belongs to the opposition. Fayoses attitude will cause dire consequences on the hapless citizens of the state, as corporate organisations planning to invest in the state will think twice on the governor bitterly averse to transparency while at the same time unleashing taxes that cannot be accounted for. Once again, we call on the EFCC, the CBN and ICPC to beam their searchlights on Ekiti States various fictitious accounts that Fayose prefers to a single accounting system that checks frauds. We are confident that the findings of these agencies will reveal the reason why Fayose is opposed to the TSA policy, Olatunbosun concluded. A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday suspended the trial of alleged mastermind of the 2010 Independence Day bombing in the nations capital, Charles Okah, pending his recovery from surgery in the National Hospital. Justice Gabriel Kolawole, who suspended the trial ruled that In view of the absence of the accused who had undergone a medical surgery in the National Hospital, Abuja, the trial shall be suspended till March 10 at 11:30am. He said the suspension would help the suspect recover and attend his trial. Justice Kolawole, however, ordered that Obi Nwabueze, standing trial alongside Mr. Okah be remanded in Kuje prison and produced at the next adjourned date. At the last sitting, the court ordered the Nigeria Prison Service to provide tight security at the hospital during the period Mr. Okah was expected to undergo surgery. The court had ordered that after the surgery, Mr. Okah would be produced in court on the next adjourned date to face his trial. (NAN) The detained former Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Colonel Ojogbane Adegbe, has washed his hands off the N10billion largesse to delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential nomination convention. Col. Adegbe, who was reportedly picked up by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) about two weeks ago, told his interrogators to ask the former presidents erstwhile Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, Waripamowei Dudafa to account for the cash. According to a source at the EFCC, the ex-ADC said when the suitcases containing the cash were brought as messages for the then president, he merely handed them over to Dudafa. Col. Adegbe said military law forbids him from opening any message meant for the president, unless otherwise instructed. Also yesterday, it was learnt that the embattled ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (retd.), has been linked with the ongoing probe of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). The former defence chief was moved to Lagos last week as part of the investigation of NIMASA, The Nation newspaper reports. The EFCC is believed to be putting finishing touches to its investigation of military officers suspected to have been involved in the $2.1b arms procurement scandal. The N10billion withdrawn from the oil block account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for PDP delegates to its nomination convention in 2014 has been a source of concern to the anti-graft agency because it was based on the instruction of the former president, according to a source close to the investigation. The source said: The ADC has spoken with investigators. He said when the suit cases containing the N10billion were brought as messages for the ex-President, he did not open them but he handed over the items to SA Domestic Affairs. He said as ADC, the military law forbids him from opening any message meant for the President, unless directed by the C-I-C. So, it is only the SA Domestic Affairs, who has sneaked out of the country, who will need to provide the list of beneficiaries. This is the status of the case. If Dudafa does not show up, we may declare him wanted in connection with the N10billion cash or seek the courts permission to attach his property. We are exploring mutual legal assistance with some countries to fish out Dudafa wherever he is hiding abroad. The former NSA said he handed over the N10billion given to the delegates to Dudafa and the ADC. He made the revelation in his Statement of Witness/Accused Person, which has been filed in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) He said: That I am aware in November, I cannot remember the exact date. My office requested the CBN to exchange N10billion from the account of the Office of the National Security Adviser domiciled in CBN. The money was for delegates that attended the nomination convention for the PDP presidential nomination. The money was paid and sent to Hon. Dudafa (SSAP Household) and ADC (C-I-C) for distribution on the instruction of the President. On retired Air Chief Marshal Badeh, the source said: We moved him to Lagos in connection with the ongoing probe of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) during the tenure of the former Director- General, Dr. Patrick Ziadeke Akpobolokemi. You know that a High Court has ordered the arrest and seizure of assets of a former Niger Delta Militant, Government Tompolo. We are already searching for the suspect. The outcome of the investigation in Lagos will determine whether or not Chief Marshal Badeh will be part of the trial of Akpobolokemi and Tompolo. Lebanons justice minister says he is resigning over what he calls Hezbollahs domination of the countrys government. Ashraf Rifis announcement on Sunday came two days after Saudi Arabia announced it was suspending $3bn in aid to Lebanons army in protest against hostile positions it said were inspired by Hezbollah. There is an armed party that is dominating the governments decision, Rifi, a fierce opponent of Hezbollah, said in a statement, referring to the Shia group, which is represented in Lebanons parliament but also maintains a powerful military wing. Hezbollah has used this government to consolidate its project of a mini-state. It wanted to use it as a tool to extend its control over the state and its decisions, AFP news agency reported Rifi as saying. I will not accept becoming false witness and covering for those trying to dominate the state and its institutions that is why I am presenting my resignation. Hezbollahs media channel Al Manar reported that Judge Alisse Shebtini was assigned the post of acting justice minister. Rifi accused Hezbollah of being responsible for the political crisis in Lebanon that has left the country without a president for the last 21 months. He also said the Iranian-backed Hezbollah was destroying Lebanons relations with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), in an official ceremony held in Lagos on Saturday, February 20, has been named the Man of the Year by The Sun newspaper. The former Lagos governor has been hailed as the political mathematician who ushered in the reigning Buhari/Osinbajo led federal government. There are a few things about Tinubu that you know but probably never knew, like how he became known as the Jagaban. INFORMATION NIGERIA has put together these 6 interesting facts about him Also known as Jagaban, a name most people know but dont know how it came about. The Emir of Borgu in Niger State, Hrh Alh. (Senator) Haliru Dantoro Kitoro III [Mai Borgu] in 2006 named National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator (Asiwaju) Bola Tinubu Jagaban of Borgu. The friendship between the emir and Tinubu dated back to their years in the Senate in the 90s. Just before a military take-over in December 1993, Tinubu was elected Senator for the Lagos West constituency in Lagos State., that was how his political career began in 1992. Tinubu became a founding member of the pro-democracy National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which mobilized support for the restoration of democracy and recognition of the 12 June results. He went into exile in 1994 and returned to the country in 1998 after the death of military dictator Sani Abacha. In April 2007, after the elections but before the new governor, Tunde Fashola took over, the Federal Government brought Asiwaju Bola Tinubu before the Code of Conduct Tribunal for trial over alleged illegal operation of 16 separate foreign accounts. In January 2009 the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission cleared Bola Tinubu and governors James Ibori of Delta State and Obong Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom State of charges of conspiracy, money laundering, abuse of office and official corruption in relation to a sale of V-mobile network shares in 2004. He holds a degree in Business Administration from the Chicago State University, Illinois. If you didnt know..Well, now you do!!! Youd be forgiven for thinking if you were on trial for the death of a teen, your online presence would be at the back of your mind. But three of the four people accused of killing Kejuan Brown, 17, at a South Carolina bowling alley were said to be more preoccupied with the cameras than the courtroom. Jamari Trayvar Fair, 18, Dennis Ezell Gibbs, 19, and Albert Lavern Taylor, 22, are facing murder, assault and battery by a mob charges as well as possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Another 15-year-old suspect faces the same charges, though police havent released his name for legal reasons. He turned to the cameras and said: Whats up, yall? You can follow me on Twitter follow me on Instagram, Snapchat. Brown was found in the car park with a suspected gunshot wound to his chest, said Easley Police Chief Tim Tollison. Tollison added that a vehicle which had been described by witnesses was found at a nearby store, where the suspects were taken into custody. Its believed Brown and the suspects got into a row on social media before the shooting. The trial continues. UK Metro. The Nigerian military has said it is yet to confirm the purported arrest of a Boko Haram kingpin known in Hausa as Bashir Sarkin Yanka (Bashir the Slaughter King), who had been acting as Abubakar Shekau in some visual materials of the terrorist sect posted on social media. The Civilian JTF in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State at the weekend claimed the arrest of Bashir. The arrested suspect was reported to have confessed to the Civilian JTF that he had acted as Shekau the elusive terrorist leader in some videos and was responsible for the death of his (Bashirs) mother, two sisters and brother aside his involvement in mass slaughters. Reacting to the purported arrest, the spokesperson of Operation Lafiya Dole in the North-East, Air Commodore Dele Alonge, said the military could not immediately authenticate the report. According to him, the Nigerian military had sustained its counter-insurgency operations where some terrorists had been eliminated and others apprehended in the North-East. Alonge said: As you are aware, the Nigerian military has succeeded in routing out terrorists from some of their hideouts in the North-East, and, in the process, some were eliminated and others had been arrested. We cannot at the moment provide the identities of those in our custody or in other places until after we have conducted thorough investigations, he said. Speaking further, the Operation Lafiya Dole spokesman said the military arrested two suspects, Audu Umar and Hassan Umar, for smuggling themselves among the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) brought from Pulka to Gwoza IDPs Camp in Borno State. He said the suspects, all male, were undergoing interrogation by the military and intelligence operatives. Radioactive material that went missing in Iraq has been found dumped near a petrol station in the southern town of Zubair, ending speculation it could be acquired by the Islamic State of Syria and the Levant (ISIL) group and used as a weapon. Officials told Reuters news agency on Sunday that the material, stored in a protective case the size of a laptop computer, was undamaged and there were no concerns about radiation. Reuters reported last week that Iraq had been searching for the material since it was stolen in November from a storage facility belonging to US oilfield-services company Weatherford, near the southern city of Basra. It was not immediately clear how the device, owned by Swiss inspections group SGS, ended up in Zubair, around 15km southwest of Basra. Jabbar al-Saidi, chief of the security panel within Basra provincial council, said: A passer-by found the radioactive device dumped in Zubair and immediately informed security forces which went with a special radiation prevention team and retrieved the device. After initial checking I can confirm the device is intact 100 percent and there is absolutely no concern of radiation. Iraqi forces and ISIL are engaged in battles across the western province of Anbar, especially around the urban centres of Ramadi which is now largely controlled by government forces and Fallujah, which is still held by the fighters. Since being pushed from the centre of the provincial capital Ramadi in late December, ISIL has launched near-daily attacks on Iraqi forces, especially on the outskirts of the city. An Iraqi security official close to the investigation said it had been established soon after the radioactive material was stolen that it was being kept in Zubair and controls had been tightened to prevent it being taken out of the town. Aljazeera. The Commanding Officer of the 3 Battalion, Effurun, Delta State, Lt. Col. Igwe Omoke, has said that Nigeria needs an entire army to adequately protect its oil and gas assets. Lt.-Col. Omoke made the disclosure at the weekend when members of the House of Representatives Committee on Gas Resources visited the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC), in Warri. The commanding officer said the criminal justice system was an obstacle to efforts to protect critical national assets. Lt.-Col Omoke, who took the lawmakers, led by the committees Chairman, Fredrick Agbedi, on a tour of the devastated Egwa 1 gas pipeline in Warri South West, also stressed the need for communities hosting oil and gas facilities to protect them against vandalism. He said: I think the issue is to find a holistic approach to dealing with this kind of situation and I am sure that your presence here is to kick start the process of dealing holistically with this problem. When the incident happened, I dashed to Egwa 1. One thing that struck me was how can such a critical infrastructure not be manned? When we say we can do more, I think that is where it comes to play. It is vast; we are just talking about NGC, we have the SPDC, we have the Chevron, we have the Agip, so many of them with their pipelines crisscrossing the entire Niger Delta. So I want to say, Sir, that it will take an army, not a division, to man these pipelines. We also take care of other things. I can tell you that in the last one week I have received about 21 petitions, notifying the multinational companies of their intentions, I mean the communities writing to me, copying me their letters to the multinational oil companies, telling me their intentions to stop the activities of the multinational companies, as either not to pump crude or to stop their workers from coming to work, because of allegations, ranging from their inability to meet up with their GMOU to other things. When you say we should man those places, I think the army is doing its best. Immediately that thing happened, the first thing I did was to locate other critical areas, vulnerable points and man them. I asked the multinational companies to tell me other places, such as Egwa 1 Manifold that is not manned so that I can place my soldiers and that was what we did. You will recall that from then till now, we have not recorded any subsequent one, especially in those critical areas. The committee condemned the recent destruction of oil and gas facilities in the creeks of Delta State, describing it as criminal and unacceptable. Agbedi, who spoke on behalf of the committee members, urged the NGC to table its constraints, especially in the area of vandalism, promising to help the company in solving its problems. Earlier, the Managing Director of the NGC, Babatunde Bakare, decried the constant destruction of the companys pipeline, describing it as a major challenge, to which the nation recently lost some 500 million metric cubic feet of gas. Former Vice Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University (A.B.U) Zaria and spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi, has called on northern states governors to explain to Nigerians the rationale behind their trip to Saudi Arabia to solicit for loans. The Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF, and Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, last month reportedly led a high level delegation of five northern governors to the headquarters of the Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to negotiate a multi-billion dollar loan. The move was condemned by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign and Domestic Debts, Senator Shehu Sani, who said the governors action was unconstitutional, as they lacked the powers to embark on external borrowing without passing through the federal government as encapsulated in the Debt Management Office Act 2003, Section 21 and External Borrowing Guidelines, 2008-2012, paragraph 2.1. Speaking in Kaduna at the weekend, the NEF chieftain expressed concern about the size of the loan, which is yet to be disclosed, and the purpose of the loan. According to Prof. Abdullahi, the governors cannot borrow to go for party, they must let us know the quantum of this loan and what theyll use the loan theyre getting for. The elder statesman continued: There should be a part of the system that would allow the state governments to borrow money, but our trouble with borrowing is where they are going to put that borrowed money. Are they going to put that money in areas of production? The state governments should tell the country what these loans are in terms of quantum and what the loaned money are going to be used for. This is because, it is when they tell Nigerians the amount they are asking for and the reason why they are looking for the loans, that we would be able to make intelligent suggestions on whether the loans are worth going for or that Nigerians should reject it because it is an additional burden not only for now but for the future generation. So, while the governors should be allowed to look for loans in accordance with laid down procedure; they should be able to tell the Nigerian state what those loans are about in addition to the size of the loans. Mr. Abdullahi, however, agreed that the country is in difficult situation in virtually all the levels from federal, states and down to the local government level. There is no question about the difficult situation. The challenges ahead of the Nigerian state is how to increase avenue for revenue generation and the present administration has already indicated that it is high time Nigeria moved away from a mono-product economy, in this case to move away from oil dependence and diversify the economy into other areas such as agriculture and solid mineral resources, he added. Proserv, which is headquartered in Aberdeenshire, UK, specialises in drilling, production, marine and subsea solutions and services for the global energy industry. The company operates worldwide from 25 sites in four geographical regions: UK, Scandinavia, Middle East, Africa & Asia and North & South America. Our people are fundamental to the success of our organisation and remain at the heart of our achievements. At Proserv, we aim to develop our business around a valued and motivated workforce that encourages personal development and allows our people to flourish and realise their fullest potential. Job Title: QHSE Advisor Role Synopsis The QHSE Advisor is responsible for the implementation and maintenance of all QHSE processes in Nigeria and ensures compliance with all QHSE reporting locally and as required by the QHSE function at a regional level. The role requires a dedicated and dynamic individual with operational QHSE experience who is capable of developing and supporting Proserv personnel to ensure full support to the QHSE objectives of the organisation. Key Accountabilities (includes, but not limited to the following) Maintain and develop local management system in line with Proserv corporate and regional requirements and broadcast changes to staff Work with the regional QHSE team to implement, maintain and improve Proservs QHSE standards Ensure compliance to QHSE standards for all work undertaken within Proserv Nigeria Maintain an operational focus to ensure that quality of product and service is high and that work is undertaken safely Co-ordinate and maintain records for all QHSE presentations, Tool Box Talks (TBT) and town hall meetings Conduct internal audits and inspections highlighting areas of improvement and ensure required changes are implemented Conduct supplier audits in line with Proservs audit schedule and business requirements Support LEAN and 5s implementation Visibility and leadership in the principles of quality, health, safety and environmental protection Report and investigate any non-conformity or incident in line with company policy and standards Compliance Requirements Proserv have a Business Ethics Policy (the policy) which provides guidance to all employees in their day to day roles as well as helping you and the business comply with the law at all times. The incumbent must read, understand and comply with, at all times, the policy along with all other corresponding policies, procedures and directives. Please refer to the Proserv Intranet to access a full copy of the policy and corresponding policies, procedures and directives. Should you have any difficulty accessing the Intranet then please make your line manager aware, as soon as possible, and they will assist you with access. QHSE Responsibilities Demonstrate a personal commitment to Quality, Health, Safety and the Environment Apply Proserv, and where appropriate Client Companys, Quality, Health, Safety & Environment Policies and Safety Management Systems Promote a culture of continuous improvement, and lead by example to ensure company goals are achieved and exceeded Qualifications Education Essential NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent Auditing qualification Preferred Degree or equivalent in related QHSE subject or Engineering / Manufacturing Experience Essential 5yrs experience within a manufacturing environment Proven track record of previous QHSE role Preferred 3 yrs experience at a supervisory level within a manufacturing environment Experience in internal and external auditing Click here to apply A member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly representing Brass Constituency 1 on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Israel Sunny- Goli, has cautioned youths in the Niger Delta region against sabotaging oil facilities. Sunny-Goli said rather than sabotage oil facilities, youth in the region should support the efforts of the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu and President Muhammadu Buhari to reposition the oil industry. He said the current administration was waging war against corruption that had afflicted the oil industry over the years. He, therefore, pledged to mobilize the people of his constituency and the Niger Delta to support Buharis efforts to sanitize the oil industry. He also promised that his team would assist the relevant authorities with useful information that would expose economic saboteurs in the coastal communities of the region. Sunny-Goli, who is the Minority leader and House Committee Chairman on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), spoke in Yenagoa, the state capital at the weekend. According to the lawmaker, Mr. Kachikwu had demonstrated commitment in reforming the oil sector since his appointment as the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Minister of State for Petroleum. He insisted that the people of the region would be the greatest beneficiaries of a reformed oil sector in terms of development and empowerment. He said: President Muhammadu Buhari has provided another opportunity to re-position the oil industry through Dr Ibe Kachikwu and we the people of the Niger Delta especially in Bayelsa must support the efforts of the current administration. The recent decision to build mega filling station in each senatorial district is a welcome development. Aside the fact that it would ensure efficient distribution and country-wide penetration of petroleum products, for us in coastal communities of Bayelsa state it is a welcome development as we would now have access to petroleum products. Also the decision to discuss and negotiate with international oil companies and banks to raise capital for new drilling which would raise Nigerias output to 2.5 million barrels per day is a laudable idea which the people of the region must support. The discussions with oil majors on how to revamp oil assets like refineries and decisions to advertise for concessions for pipelines and depots are progressive ideas which the people of the Niger Delta have yearned for over the years. More importantly the discussions with the National Assembly on the need to speed up the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which oil communities would benefit from is what every Niger Deltan should support. On pipeline vandalism and attack on oil facilities, Sunny-Goli commended the recent moves by the Federal Government to mobilize the military to prevent sabotage, just as he called on other security agencies to collaborate with the military to rid the Niger Delta region of economic saboteurs. No one ever looks at checksums, claims the attacker behind the Linux Mint breach. That needs to change. The attack against Linux Mint's website, where users were tricked into downloading a modified ISO Linux Mint 17.3 Cinnamon from a Bulgarian server, highlights the risks of downloading software from the Internet. Just because the download link is on the official (thus, trusted) website is not enough to guarantee the software itself is safe. Users have to verify the authenticity of the software themselves. "Hackers made a modified Linux Mint ISO, with a backdoor in it, and managed to hack our website to point to it," project lead Clem Lefebvre posted on the Linux Mint blog. Lefebvre has taken the entire server offline to contain the breach and fix the issues. Getting trusted software While the general recommendation is to rely on official sources, that advice is not so helpful when the official sources are compromised. In the first postintrusion blog post, the Mint team told users to consult the ISO's MD5 checksum to ensure the downloaded file matched the string posted on the website. In fact, users should always verify the checksum before installing to make sure the file hasn't been tampered with. Users should look for download links served up over HTTPS and not HTTP where possible, said Wim Remes, a Rapid7 manager. While Lefebvre said HTTPS would not have helped in this specific case, it's a good thing to look for. "Verify the SSL certificate in case you are questioning the source," Remes said. While MD5 checksums are widely used, they aren't the best choice for verifying file authenticity because MD5 hashes are weak and can easily be cracked. The more secure alternative would be to generate SHA256 checksums. Even SHA-1, which has its own security weaknesses, would be a better choice than MD5. There's another, more pressing problem with Mint's advice about using MD5 checksums: If the attacker has access to the website to be able to modify the download links to point to a malicious download, then presumably the attacker can post the modified file's checksum to the site, which appears to be exactly what happened, according to ZDNet. This is why maintainers should adopt signed checksums for their software, and users need to get in the habit of verifying downloads with public keys. In this case, the developers would sign the software with their private key, and the users downloading the software package would verify the signature with the available public key to ensure authenticity. With signed checksums, attackers can't easily put up modified ISOs and fake checksums. Assuming, of course, that attackers don't somehow steal the private PGP key and password as well. Pro tip: Don't store the private key and password on the public server. To be fair to Mint, the team does sign releases with a PGP key, and the file is available on its download server, but it isn't easy to find. This isn't a problem with only Mint, though. Many distributions, even Ubuntu, make it difficult for users to find the signature file, let alone the instructions on how to verify the signature. Tails, the paranoid's choice of Linux, offers clear instructions on how to verify PGP signatures when downloading the ISO. More software developers, not Linux maintainers alone, should adopt the practice. The key mistakes The attacker compromised the website by exploiting a flaw in WordPress to get a www-data shell. While the site had the most recent build of the popular content management platform, the attackers were able to find a way in because the site used a custom theme and had "lax file permissions for a few hours," Lefebvre said. The team appears to have made other mistakes beyond file permissions. The attackers were able to break into the community forums and related user information. Setting aside the question of whether Mint should be using phpBB -- frequently criticized for security vulnerabilities -- the database was not properly secured. The person claiming responsibility for the breach posted part of a configuration file on Hacker News showing that Mint had selected the same database username as the database name itself, "lms14." The database password appeared to be "upMint." Perhaps "the insanely secure db credentials had something to do with the breach? But what would I know," the poster wrote. Anyone who downloaded Linux Mint 17.3 Cinnamon on Feb. 20 should immediately get rid of that file and redownload the correct ISO. If the ISO, which has been modified to run a DDoS botnet, has already been installed, the system should be taken offline and re-installed with the real ISO. Remes also suggests using an older, verified version and then using the update/upgrade packages from the repository instead of just grabbing a new ISO. The "Linuxmint.com shell, php mailer, and full forum dump" was available for sale on underground forums hours after the attack was made public, according to Yonathan Klijnsma, senior threat intelligence analyst for Fox-IT, a Dutch security firm. Anyone who had a forum account should immediately change their passwords if they had been reused on other sites. Lefebvre claims this is the first time Linux Mint has experienced anything more serious than a DDoS attack and that communication is important part of recovery. "It's also important we communicate about this attack because we're not talking about downtime or inconvenience here, this is a call to action," he said. People who are affected by the breach need to know what is happening so that "they don't get hurt or used going forward," he wrote. Nemenoff Report 10/21/2022 The PRICE Futures Group - 39 minutes ago Financials: Dec. Bonds are currently 116 lower at 11830, 406 for the week. The 5 and 10 Yr. Notes are about unchanged. For a change of pace the yield curve has slightly narrowed with the longer... US Presidential Cycles and the SPX Performance Elliott Wave Forecast - 39 minutes ago A lot has been said and written about both the Democrat and Republican economic plans for a better economy. We believe in free enterprise and limited regulation, allowing humans to create and expand at... Supply Versus the FED The PRICE Futures Group - 50 minutes ago Oil prices might be fighting the Fed but a warning from FERC about natural gas shortages in the Northeast and the fact that diesel and heating oil inventories are at the lowest levels since 1951, should... Cotton Futures Weaker Into Friday Barchart - Fri Oct 21, 7:24AM CDT Cotton prices are working with AM losses of 108 to 127 points so far for Friday. At the Thursday close futures were 18 to 89 points lower, extending the big decline from Wednesday. The 2023 crop closed... CTZ22 : 77.78 (+0.49%) CTH23 : 77.46 (+0.26%) CTK23 : 77.17 (+0.17%) Cash Market Led Thursday Cattle Trade Barchart - Fri Oct 21, 7:24AM CDT Live cattle futures kept a tight range on Thursday, ending the session mixed with nearby contracts higher up by 27 to 60 cents. USDA confirmed $148 trades in the South on Thursday, with Northern cattle... LEV22 : 149.850 (+0.05%) LEZ22 : 151.725 (+0.03%) LEG23 : 154.825 (-0.02%) GFV22 : 175.850 (+0.16%) GFX22 : 178.650 (+0.62%) Hogs Higher WTD through Thursday Barchart - Fri Oct 21, 7:24AM CDT Following 4 consecutive up days, December hogs cooled off with a 35 cent pullback on Thursday. Dec has seen 8 green candles of the past 12 sessions for a net $12.60 gain since 10/4. The other front months... HEZ22 : 88.350 (+1.52%) HEJ23 : 93.425 (+0.32%) KMZ22 : 97.975 (+1.14%) With their recent $25 million gift to University of California San Francisco, Bay Area philanthropists Bill and Susan Oberndorf have become the latest private funders to make a major gift to drive new research in psychiatry and behavioral sciences. We've reported before about the role of philanthropy in neuroscience and psychiatric researchareas that have traditionally lagged in federal support. In 2014, we covered Ted Stanleys $650 million commitment to the Broad Institute, writing, "researchers hope [the gift] can kickstart a new golden age of research into psychiatric illness." And late last year, we wrote about a $20 million research gift by Ray and Dagmar Dolby Family Fund's thatlike the Oerndorfs' giftalso went to UCSF. Related: Recently, I looked at the Leon Levy Foundation, which for the last decade, has provided neuroscience fellowships to New York-area research institutions, largely to keep top research talent from defecting to other, better-funded fields. UCSF says the Oberndorf Foundation's unrestricted commitment plays a similar role, enabling the university to recruit and retain the most promising early-career scientists working on basic research in psychiatry. The $25 million gift follows a previous $5 million gift from the Oberndorfs to create a distinguished professorship in psychiatry. UCSF says that support enabled them to recruit a world-renowned child psychiatrist who is an expert on the genomics of autism and Tourette syndrome. Just as important, UCSF says, the Oberndorf's support "has galvanized many other philanthropic investments in UCSF neuroscience." Grants and programs like these reflect development in the science itself: Knowledge and study of neuroscience and the biological components of mental illness have accelerated in recent years. In other words, the field of neuroscience is catching up with other areas of medical research. That translates into increased hope for progress against very difficultand costlydisorders. Over the next decade, says UCSF, basic science into the brain promises to revolutionize our understanding of the most serious psychiatric illnesses, including autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, depression and anxiety. These are not rare conditions: Twenty percent of the population will suffer some kind of psychiatric or behavioral problem. For example, our aging population faces substantial challenges from the various forms of dementia, while a World Bank study forecasts that by 2030, depression will become society's most expensive health care issue. The Oberndorfswhose Bay Area giving has also gone to education, the environment, arts and culture, and human serviceshave been strong supporters of UCSF for more than two decades. Bill Oberndorf volunteers as chair of the UCSF Board of Overseers, and the couple has invested in several important projects at the school, including UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay, the Sandler Neurosciences Center, and the UCSF Helen Diller Family Cancer Research Building. The newest NIH budget included a long-needed boost in funding for neuroscience and psychiatry research, but levels are still not commensurate with the impact of psychiatric and behavioral disorders on people and the healthcare system. Hopefully, philanthropy will continue to grow its commitment to these research areas, but federal public funding has to expand in coming years, or the human and financial cost to society will be far higher. Many foundations like to show their hometown some local love. And then there's the MacArthur Foundation. The Chicago-based grantmaker's Creative & Effective Institutions program awards organizations that are "important to their fields and to the foundations goals for those fields, exhibit strong leadership and governance, have demonstrated impact that is likely to continue into the future, and are ready to implement a plan for expansion or sustainability not just of the programs but of the organization itself," according to MacArthur. Since its inception in 2006, the program awarded grants to organizations from all over the world. For example, as previously noted here at IP, 2013's class of winners hailed from India, Mexico, Ecuador, Kenya, and the United States. But that was then. The foundation announced that it will direct all of its MacArthur Awards for Creative & Effective Institutions to arts organizations residing in Chicago. Grants range from $200,000 to $1 million each will be given to 14 Windy City-based groups spanning the fields of jazz, theater, film, dance, opera, visual art, and more. As always, winning organizations already received some MacArthur funding and are nominated internally. So what gives? Why the change? Well, just to be clear, MacArthur has always been a strong local funder of the arts. And as president Julia Stasch said, the foundation felt like now was a good time to reaffirm that commitment by making a bold statement to the Chicago arts community at large: There's always some question, in a period of transition in the foundation particularly in a foundation like MacArthur, in Chicago about its continuing commitments to Chicago. So we thought this would be a good year to have the recipients drawn exclusively from the arts and culture community. Obviously, we feel very strongly about the city's vibrant cultural life, and at the same time we could underscore our commitment to our hometown. The key word in Stasch's quote is "transition." When she came aboard last year, we wondered if she'd be able to streamline a foundation that seemingly wanted to be all things to all people. At the same time, we were curious to see if Stasch would lead the foundation toward bigger, risker bets she's the consummate insider; prior to her gig as interim president she was vice president for U.S. Programs. It's precisely these types of words transition, risk, bets that probably kept Chicago-based MacArthur recipients up at night. Much like Darren Walker over at Ford, who talked about streamlining the foundation's grantmaking, nonprofit directors and their boards sweat bullets whenever buzzwords like "evolution" and "reorganization" and "transition" are thrown about by new executives, and rightly so. Arts organizations prefer less sexy words. Consistency. Predictability. Stability. And so MacArthur is essentially saying to the Chicago arts ecosystem, "Things may seem a bit up in the air at the moment, but we're with you. We've got your back." Secondly, if MacArthur's decision sounds like an interesting experiment, it's because, well, it is an experiment. "Contrary to the way that we've approached this award in the past, where they were given to organizations from around the world, doing it thematically like this arts and culture in Chicago was an experiment," said Stasch. It's an experiment that's just one piece of MacArthur's larger funding pie to Chicago arts organizations. We crunched the numbers and the 14 winners of this round of Create & Effective Institutions grants netted a grand total of $6,500,000. According to a MacArthur Foundation statement, it provides annual support to more than 300 arts and culture groups in the city, totaling more than $10 million annually. And as the word "experiment" suggests, Chicago-based arts organizations shouldn't expect this to be an annual occurrence, at least as far as the Creative & Effective Institutions program is concerned. Next year, Stasch noted, MacArthur may present the awards to reflect other "themes" beyond geography or sector. The issue of how much to fund locally is a perennial one for top foundations with big ambitions. How do you effect major change without turning your back on the community in which you operate? For some global foundations, like Rockefeller, one answer is to have a separate local program. A number of the big foundations that have scaled up in the past 15 years or 20 years Gates, Hewlett, Packard, and Moore all have distinctive local programs. Another big foundation that has recently scaled up, Helmsley, created a New York City regional grants program in 2014, as we reported. Related: Oh, Right, Help Thy Neighbor: Helmsley Takes on New York's Problems Another wrinkle to all this is how regional funders struggle to maintain their local focus, resisting the siren call of acting on a larger stage. The Barr Foundation is a good example of a funder that's been disciplined in this regard, ending a nascent global program and doubling down in its home area. That decision struck us as smart because Barr doesn't have the big bucks of a place like Hewlett or Packard. It's more likely to truly have impact with a narrower focus. As one of the true giants of the foundation world, MacArthur has, if anything, lately raised its sights in terms of being a global and national player, taking bold steps to tackle problems like climate change and mass incarceration. But don't worry, Chicago, MacArthur hasn't let ambition go to its head or forgotten where it came from. Related: If you follow crowdfunding efforts, you can't help but be struck by just how widely this fundraising approach is being used to support an increasingly wide array of causes by an ever more diverse set of institutions and individuals. All of this activity raises the question of whether any nonprofit can use crowdfunding for just about anything? The answer to that question has to be no, of coursecrowdfunding is no magic silver cupyet it's unclear exactly what the parameters of this strategy are. Where does it work best, where does it mostly fail? And why? The way we're addressing these questions at Inside Philanthropy is by looking at multiple examples of crowdfunding, in search of whatever secret sauce we can find. Which brings us to Hawaii. Youve probably never heard of the ohia tree, but it happens to be one of the most important plants in Hawaii and its under threat from a deadly fungus that is wiping out trees across the Big Island. Can crowdfunding lend a hand here? Maybe, judging by a well-run campaign by the University of Hawaiis conservation laboratory. Marian Chau, manager of UHs Lyon Arboretum Seed Conservation Laboratory, thought crowdfunding would be a perfect solution to help address this problemand apparently she was right. The GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $25,000 in just 18 days and is well on its way to reaching the $35,000 goal. Chalk that up to UHs extremely savvy marketing, which features a hashtag (#OhiaLove), plenty of local media coverage, and great assets like a virtual e-card and beautiful photography. Rewards run the gamut from a hug from Lyon Arboretum staff (for $10 gifts) to a full-color custom t-shirt ($500) to a private, docent-led tour of the arboretum ($1,000). The campaign also capitalized on Valentines Day with a special e-card that donors can send to those in honor of whom theyve made a gift. The beautiful card features donated art and design work. Funds will go toward seed collection trips that will ensure the labs ohia seed stores will remain robust even if the rapid ohia death fungus continues to destroy local trees. FedEx has reach. Were talking massive reach on a global scale. And the company has a long history of supporting organizations in areas of the world in which it operates, which is pretty much everywhere, but you would hardly know. We just dont hear much about FedExs charitable giving. Which is a shame, because we really like highlighting the good work major multinational corporations like FedEx are doing. Lord knows we've written a ton about the philanthropy of FedEx's arch rival, UPS, which has carved out a super-smart and valuable niche for itself as a unique funder that uses its vast logistical network to respond to global humanitarian disasters. (UPS wealth also underwrote creation of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, by the way.) Related: UPS Is Everywhere, and So Is Its Foundation Well, here's some big news about FedEx we can pass along: The company made a recent announcement that it would invest $200 million in over 200 global communities by the year 2020 through a new program called FedEx Cares. Upon the announcement, Patrick Fitzgerald, senior vice president, FedEx Integrated Marketing Communications said, This new strategy builds on that heritage and takes it to the next level by focusing on ways we can use our operational strength and business expertise to address social challenges. By the numbers, FedEx will dedicate an average of $40 to $50 million annually to global causes that fall within its five main focus areas, including delivering resources to disaster areas, developing sustainable transportation solutions, increasing employment opportunities for young people and underserved populations, improving road safety, and encouraging entrepreneurship for women and minorities. Although the announcement is recent, FedEx isnt wasting any time. FedEx is committing some $50 million to providing resources to disaster areas and regions of the world that need them the most. Details are a bit sparse regarding whats going where, but what we do know is that $50 million is immediately available for disaster preparedness and relief efforts. FedEx isnt new to the disaster preparedness, relief and response field. Its been offering up financial and in-kind support in domestic and international disaster areas for years. And disasters of the natural variety arent the only matters that pique FedExs funding interests. For instance, the Memphis-headquartered company recently partnered with a Memphis water utility to donate some 12,000 bottles of water to the residents of Flint, Michigan. The Flint water crisis is clearly a manmade disaster as city officials switched from Detroits water system to drawing water from the Flint River. Speaking of water, it just may be a focal point of funding in the coming years for FedEx Cares. Patrick Fitzgerald touched on the topic upon the announcement, saying, "One thing that I have learned as weve gone through various natural disasters is the importance of water and our ability to get water in. Whether it be from an earthquake, hurricane or other type of disaster, water is desperately needed." This is just speculation, of course. But stay tuned. Big things are coming from FedEx, sooner rather than later. Self-storage developer French Property Management LLC (FPM) intends to build a three-story facility on a 1.6-acre vacant lot in Indianapolis that last housed a Chevrolet dealership. The company has agreed to buy the land, contingent on its applications for rezoning and design approval. The property at 1450 N. Pennsylvania St. is owned by the estate of local businessman Bill Mays, who died in December 2014, according to the source. The citys Regional Center Hearing Examiner will review the project design on Feb. 25, but no date has been scheduled to discuss the rezoning request. The $8 million facility would comprise 650 units ranging from 25 to 300 square feet. Units would be accessed from an interior drive and a large elevator. Self-storage real estate investment trust Extra Space Storage Inc. would manage the facility, the source reported. King Park Development Corp., a local, nonprofit development group, wrote a formal letter to the city opposing the project. The proposed development will detract from the historical significance of the Old Northside neighborhood, the group wrote, according to the source. The property has been vacant since the Payton Wells Chevrolet dealership closed in 2007. FPM maintains a residential boom in the downtown area has created additional demand for self-storage. We want to provide a product that is very underserved, FPM CEO Jim Adams told the source. Theres a considerable number of people who are moving downtown. The presence of contaminants on the property and its mid-block orientation make the site unattractive for residential or retail use, Adams said. FPM self-storage facilities are marketed under the Storage Depot name. Founded in 2004, the company operates five locations in the Indianapolis area and has four other facilities in development, the source reported. Last spring Muhammadu Buhari won the presidency of Nigeria by promising to snuff out corruption and revive Africas largest economy. Nine months later the economy is reeling from the crash in the price of oil, and no one can accuse the country of being graft-free. In mid-February, Buhari, 73, sacked the heads of 26 federal agencies and government-owned companies, many of whom had been part of former president Goodluck Jonathans old guard. Among those who got the ax was Aliyu Yahaya Gusau, director-general of the Budget Office of the Federation, who had served only six months of a four-year term. No reason was given for the massive change in personnel, although a standoff over alleged padding and kickbacks built into the 2016 federal budget probably didnt help. That Buhari waited so long to clean house has raised eyebrows. The former army major general previously ruled Nigeria for 20 months after seizing power in a 1983 coup, and during that time he waged a so-called War Against Indiscipline that included stunts like forcing civil servants who showed up late for work to do frog jumps. But Nigerias finances could use some of that self-restraint today. In a bid to kick-start the nations $568.5 billion economy, Buhari proposed a record 6.1 trillion naira ($30.6 billion) budget for the year. But there were several apparent omissions or irregularities, including 10 billion naira in funding for the Ministry of Education that had no clear purpose on the line item. Such details were an embarrassment, given Buharis vow to battle corruption, and one the government can ill afford with oil expected to generate a paltry 30 percent of government revenue rather than the 75 percent it once did. The president faces a government deficit of $15 billion, or roughly 3 percent of gross domestic product. In late January, Nigeria asked for $2.5 billion in emergency loans from the World Bank Group and another $1 billion from the African Development Bank. The countrys foreign exchange reserves have plunged from nearly $50 billion a few years ago to just over $28 billion. The Excess Crude Account, a rainy-day fund, has dwindled to just $2.3 billion from a peak of $62 billion in September 2008, when petroleum prices touched $147 a barrel. Nigeria isnt exactly looking for a bailout from the International Monetary Fund at least not yet nor would Buhari necessarily welcome the idea. During his brief reign in the 1980s, he routinely squabbled with the IMF. The Funds managing director, Christine Lagarde, stopped in Nigeria in January on her first official visit of the year and called on the government to abandon the nairas peg to the U.S. dollar to relieve some of the strain on public finances. Corruption packs a budgetary wallop too. According to numbers recently made public by Abubakar Malami, Nigerias attorney general and Justice minister, over the past 12 years the government has recouped more than 2 trillion naira in looted federal money. Sambo Dasuki, who served as national security adviser in ex-president Jonathans administration, has been detained over $2.1 billion in missing funds that were intended for munitions to fight Islamist insurgency group Boko Haram. Other former senior officials also face corruption charges. Many observers at home and abroad remain unconvinced of any progress, though. About three quarters of Nigerian respondents to a Transparency International poll published in December said they thought corruption had risen during the past year. The organization ranked Nigeria 136th of 175 countries for its perceived level of corruption in 2015. PricewaterhouseCoopers recently claimed that Nigerias economy could have been 22 percent larger in 2014 if corruption were on a par with that of Ghana, No. 56 on Transparency Internationals list. Talk about damning with faint praise. Follow Anne Szustek on Twitter at @the59thStBridge. Clients to significantly benefit from deal, insurance boss says Federal safety officials have proposed more than $33,000 in fines against a Florida-based circus operator for a tent collapse that killed two people and injured dozens in New Hampshire. Robert Young, 41, and his 6-year-old daughter, Annabelle, died Aug. 3 when a storm with winds up to 75 mph blew through the Lancaster Fairgrounds, toppling the tent just minutes after about 100 people had settled in to watch the first of two planned shows. Young and his daughter were from Concord, Vermont. Fifty other people were injured, including two circus employees. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Feb. 18 that Sarasota-based Walker International Events failed to properly erect the tent and ignored severe weather and high-wind warnings from the National Weather Service. Inspectors determined that the company failed to use required tent stakes, properly anchor the stakes or replace damaged stakes. The agency also found hazards that put circus employees at risk of electric shock, burns and cuts, such as the use of inappropriate electrical equipment in wet areas and a lack of fire extinguishers in areas where employees worked with open flames. No enforcement action will bring the victims home to their families and community, but we want to send a message to this and other employers to follow proper procedures at all times and take effective and appropriate action to prevent an incident such as this from every happening again, said Rosemarie Ohar Cole, OSHAs New Hampshire director. The company has 15 business days from the time it received the citations Feb. 4 to respond and to challenge the proposal. A phone number for the company was out of service on Feb. 18, but an OSHA spokesman said company officials will be meeting with OSHA on Feb. 24 to discuss a settlement. After the collapse, Lancaster fire officials said Walker International did not have a place-of-assembly permit required by state law for the performance but had received the permit for shows in 2010 and 2011. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Workers' Compensation New Hampshire The death toll from the strongest tropical cyclone ever to hit Fiji climbed to at least 20 as aerial surveillance of affected areas showed entire villages were obliterated as the Category-5 storm roared across the South Pacific nation at the weekend. A state of natural disaster remains in place across Fiji as officials and aid agencies begin to survey the destruction. In the eastern part of the archipelago, 150 houses have been confirmed as destroyed, according to the United Nations humanitarian affairs office, and photos taken by a New Zealand air-force plane posted to Facebook by Fijis government showed rows of flattened houses, uprooted trees and felled power lines. Streets in Nadi, the tourism-dependent countrys travel hub, were flooded during the storm, though flights from the airport there resumed Monday. Given the intensity of the storm and the images we have seen so far, there are strong concerns that the death toll wont stop climbing, Raijeli Nicole, Oxfams regional director for the Pacific, said in an e-mailed statement. Hundreds of people will have seen their homes and livelihoods completely destroyed. Tropical Cyclone Winston, which the Fiji Meteorological Service classified as being at the highest level on the five- step Australian scale, brought winds of up to 220 kilometers (137 miles) an hour as it peaked over Fijis eastern islands late Saturday and early Sunday local time, making it the most severe cyclone on record to make landfall there, according to MetService, New Zealands meteorological office. While Winston has weakened to a Category 4 and has moved west of Fiji, a flood warning remains in force for some low-lying areas. Schools are closed for a week to check for damage and universities are shut until further notice. Storm Surges Akapusi Tuifagalele, director of Fijis National Disaster Management Office, confirmed 20 people had been killed as a result of Cyclone Winston, the Pacific Islands News Association reported. Three of the deaths were in Nadi, and two other people died during storm surges in the northern part of Fijis biggest island, Viti Levu, PINA said. Other reports indicated some of the dead were crushed by houses and debris. More than 4,000 people continued to take shelter in evacuation centers throughout the country, which has a population of about 900,000 dotted throughout more than 300 islands. There are Fijians out there who are without water, without a roof over their heads, without food and without essential services, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said in a statement on the governments website. It is our duty to determine their needs and provide them with the support they need as soon as possible. Australia pledged A$5 million ($3.6 million) in aid to Fiji to assist in the immediate clean-up and has also offered to send military aircraft to help survey the damage, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said in an e-mailed statement. At least 1,300 Australians are registered as being in the country with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Bishop told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Sunday. Australia is advising all citizens to avoid traveling to Fiji. The Fiji Red Cross was starting to ship relief supplies to stricken areas, according to Twitter posts. Ahmad Sami, the acting chief of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Fiji, described it in an online video Sunday as the nations worst disaster ever. Winston hit outlying islands in neighboring Tonga last week before circling back toward Fiji. At the peak of its strength, the cyclone generated wind gusts of up to 325 kilometers an hour, downing weather stations in Fijis eastern islands, according to Emma Blades, a meteorologist in Wellington at MetService. More than 20 people were killed in March last year as Cyclone Pam, another Category 5 storm, hit directly into Vanuatu, about 750 miles northwest of Fiji. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Australia Zurich Insurance Group AG is fixing how it detects risks after miscommunication among units aggravated losses from a port explosion in China last year, Chairman and acting Chief Executive Officer Tom de Swaan said. There was accumulation of risk there, which was not sufficiently detected, de Swaan said Friday in an interview at Bloomberg headquarters in New York. Switzerlands biggest insurer suffered $275 million in losses due to the Tianjin explosion, which contributed to a decision to abandon a proposed takeover of RSA Insurance Group Plc. The problem was that some units took on risks at the port without realizing that other parts of Zurich had already written similar policies. Different information systems did not communicate well enough, he said. We have already strengthened our accumulation management. Zurich also decided to raise prices for risky customers and shake up management. De Swaan hired Assicurazioni Generali SpAs Mario Greco to take over as Zurichs next CEO in March. He replaces Martin Senn, who stepped down in December. Seasoned Expert We wanted a seasoned insurance expert, de Swaan said. And we wanted somebody who had CEO experience. Senn was previously chief investment officer. His predecessor, James Schiro, had led PriceWaterhouseCoopers, one of the worlds biggest accounting firms, before joining Zurich. The insurer is also reshaping its business mix. Zurich started a process to sell South African and Moroccan units, according to people familiar with the matter. The company struck a $1.05 billion deal in December to buy a U.S. crop insurance business from Wells Fargo & Co. Crop insurers protect farmers against weather-related losses and have been pressured recently as lower commodity prices squeeze revenue. De Swaans company previously had assumed 25 percent of Wells Fargos crop risks through a reinsurance agreement, and is confident that Zurichs focus on data analytics will help the business under full ownership. When it came up for sale, we thought, Why share that knowledge, for 75 percent, with others? de Swaan said Friday. We can substantially improve the performance of the business and take not only 25 percent of the upside, but 100 percent. With assistance from Jan-Henrik Forster. Related: Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Profit Loss British corporate leaders will likely vote for the U.K. to remain a part of the European Union, according to lobby groups for business, manufacturing and financial services. The Institute of Directors said the deal reached by Prime Minister David Cameron and EU leaders is sufficient for more than 600 of its members to vote to stay in the bloc. Manufacturing group EEF said six in 10 of its members want to remain, based on a poll before the negotiations in Brussels were concluded. The contents of the agreement would do little or have no bearing in changing that view, the EEF said. Cameron and EU leaders agreed on new terms to the U.K.s membership of the bloc on Friday, including curbs on welfare for other EU citizens arriving to work in the U.K. The deal also included provisions for the U.K. financial services industry, measures making it easier to block unwanted regulations, and agreement that the EU goal of ever closer union doesnt apply to Britain. Voters will decide in a referendum on June 23 whether Britain will leave the bloc. The prime minister has fought hard for this deal and has secured changes, in particular on reducing the burden of pointless or excessive red tape, said Simon Walker, director general of the IoD. The issue is of course much larger than this agreement. Our members have concerns about the way the EU operates in some areas. But this is balanced against the ability to trade easily across the single market, he said. Easier Exporting The bosses of around half of the U.K.s biggest companies are expected to sign a letter backing Camerons campaign to keep Britain in the EU, the Financial Times reported, without saying where it got the information. Heads of companies including BAE Systems, Shell, Rio Tinto will sign the letter, which will be published Tuesday, it said. The EEF, which represents engineering, manufacturing and industry firms, said 61 percent of its members want to remain in the EU, mainly because membership makes it easier for companies to export. British manufacturing has been in the doldrums for years, as the strength of the pound and weak demand abroad weighs on exports. Companies, particularly those interested in exporting, do not see the point of the U.K. cutting itself off from its major market, EEF Chief Executive Officer Terry Scuoler said. They reject the idea that the U.K. faces a straight choice between exporting to the EU or expanding its global reach. Banking Support TheCityUK, which represents U.K. financial services firms, said access to the single market has been a major factor in making London a leading global financial center. While leaving the EU may not be ruinous for the U.K. economy, it would most likely lead to a loss of jobs and a faltering in economic growth, said Chris Cummings, the groups chief executive. About 60 percent of business leaders polled by the IoD after the deal was secured also said they would vote to remain in the EU, with 82 percent strongly supporting the agreement to make businesses more competitive by lowering administrative burdens and repealing unnecessary legislation. The Confederation for British Industry the countrys biggest business lobby said Saturday that most of its members say being in a reformed EU is better for jobs, growth and prosperity. Business Secretary Sajid Javid said on Sunday that the economic risks of leaving were too great in the current climate. The British Chambers of Commerce said that while businesses will be relieved that a deal has been reached, it falls short of their expectations. The group represents thousands of businesses of all sizes across industries. The choice facing businesses and business people is now becoming clearer, British Chambers of Commerce Director-General John Longworth said. For business, it is a choice between remaining in a largely unchanged EU, albeit with some potential new safeguards for the U.K., or a future outside the EU, with the near-term uncertainty and disruption of leaving. Related: Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Europe Leadership Manufacturing After a successful pilot, Hiscox has launched Hiscox Trader, a new e-trading solution for U.K. commercial insurance brokers in partnership with insurance technology specialists Open GI London. The new cloud-based technology enables brokers to give their customers an indication of price for a wide range of Hiscox products in a matter of seconds, and provides a full quote in a matter of minutes. Hiscox policies available via Hiscox Trader include professional indemnity, office, public and products liability and newer covers such as cyber and data insurance. Our brokers told us they want it to be even easier for them to quote and sell Hiscox products to their clients. We worked closely with a number of our broker partners to understand how we could develop an online trading system that would meet their needs and the result is Hiscox Trader a major step forward in our e-trading capabilities, said Peter Chapman, e-trading manager at Hiscox. Its flexibility means product and underwriting changes can be quickly incorporated, which enhances the service we offer our brokers and helps them to cement their client relationships, Chapman added. Being given the opportunity to work with Hiscox on their new e-trading system has been a great experience for First Insurance Solutions, according to Scott Williams, head of Professional Indemnity at First Insurance Solutions, the Maidstone, England-based insurance broker. The ease and speed of quoting has dramatically improved, referrals have fallen, and our conversion rate has increased significantly. David Kelly, director at Open GI London, added: Over the last few months we have been working closely to form a strong partnership with Hiscox UK and deliver a market leading technology solution. With Hiscox Trader, commercial lines brokers can access their impressive product range even more efficiently and effectively. More details about Hiscox Trader can be found via Hiscoxs website. Topics Agencies Commercial Lines New Markets The National Weather Service says that the threat of substantial spring flooding in North Dakota is low, including along a river in the eastern part of the state that has caused millions of dollars of damage in the last decade. The outlook shows a 50 percent chance that the Red River that divides North Dakota and Minnesota will reach 20 feet in the Fargo area, which is 2 feet above flood stage. The chance of major flooding is about 5 percent. The Fargo and Moorhead, Minnesota, area dealt with three straight years of high water beginning with a record crest in 2009 that destroyed about 100 structures and led to a massive sandbagging effort to save the city. Fargo last experienced significant flooding in 2013. The weather service says the snowpack and snow water equivalent are at 40 to 80 percent of normal in most areas and parts of western North Dakota have no snow on the ground. The climate outlook calls for warmer-than-normal temperatures with near-normal precipitation heading into spring. There just isnt that much snowpack to worry about, said Greg Gust, weather service meteorologist in Grand Forks. So unless we get some really big snow dumps in March, we wont have much runoff kind of like last year. Hydrologists say heavy spring rains or ice jams could lead to some minor flooding in some areas of the Souris, Missouri and James River valleys. Devils Lake is expected to have a typical late-spring rise this year, Gust said. The ice-covered lake currently is down about 11/2 feet from this time last year. There is virtually no chance the lake will succeed its record level set in June 2011 The next flood report is scheduled for March 3. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Flood A south Louisiana flood board has won a legal round in its fight against oil and gas companies over coastal wetland damage. A state appeal court ruled last week that the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East legally hired a team of lawyers in 2013 to pursue the case. The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association challenged the flood boards right to hire private lawyers. But the state 1st Circuit Court of Appeal said the board was within its rights and that former Attorney General Buddy Caldwells office was correct to say the hiring complied with state law. While it was a victory for the flood board, a major test lies ahead at a federal appeals court, where the board hopes to overturn a U.S. District judges 2015 dismissal of the lawsuit. SLFPA-E launched the suit against nearly 100 oil and gas companies in 2013, saying drilling activities and dredging of canals cause erosion of wetlands that provide a natural hurricane buffer for New Orleans. U.S. District Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown ruled last year that federal and state laws did not provide any avenue by which the levee authority could successfully bring suit. The board later voted to pursue an appeal at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where arguments are set for Feb. 29. Industry supporters characterize the suit as a potential windfall for lawyers and an unwarranted attack on a vital Louisiana industry. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits USA Legislation Louisiana Flood Energy Oil Gas North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced the arrest of Jacob Christopher Mullins, 28, of Fremont; he is charged with one count each of embezzlement by an insurance agent, financial card fraud and obtaining property by false pretense. Department of Insurance criminal investigators accused Mullins of taking money from insurance customers at a Wilson insurance agency without applying it to their insurance policies between January 2014 and January 2016. Investigators also allege Mullins used customers cards to make insurance purchases without their consent. Mullins was arrested in Wilson County on Feb. 15 and placed under a $3,000 bond. The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. Source: North Carolina Department of Insurance Topics Agencies North Carolina Working Part-Time Versus Full Time With employers increasingly hiring more part-time workers and fewer full-time staffers, many in the workforce are considering the viability of part-time employment. Beyond the obvious income ramifications, there are hosts of advantages and disadvantages to consider when determining if the part-time employment model works for you. Key Takeaways Working part-time is ideal for family-oriented individuals especially those who value the opportunity to pick up their young children from school. Part-time workers enjoy increased free time in which to pursue extracurricular activities. Not only can part-timers save on gas and car maintenance costs, but they may also be able to shave dollars from their monthly auto insurance premiums. More Free Time to Pursue Other Projects and Activities Arguably the biggest advantage of working part-time is the increased free time with which to pursue extracurricular activities. For those lacking the requisite academic credentials for their dream job, a part-time position may serve as a stepping stone that affords the flexibility to obtain the certification needed find roles in their desired profession. Others may use part-time jobs to climb the ladder within an existing field. For example, an individual with a social work degree can obtain part-time entry-level work that lets them simultaneously earn the graduate degree needed to land a more lucrative mental health job. Part-time jobs also appeal to those nurturing special projects, such as writing, civic outreach, and artistic endeavors. Such pursuits offer immense personal fulfillment, even if they dont bring in large paychecks. Opening Doors to New Job Opportunities When there are no full-time positions available within a given company, workers may accept part-time employment to position themselves as the obvious candidate when a coveted full-time slot becomes available. A part-time job can also help individuals gain experience and training in fields unfamiliar to them. After all, an employer who may be reluctant to hire an inexperienced person on a full-time basis, may be inclined to hire an eager candidate on a part-time basis if they express an enthusiastic desire to learn the trade. Opportunity to Earn More Money Although it may sound counter-intuitive, working part-time can sometimes enable an individual to make more money especially if they are capable of balancing more than one job. For example, a person who pairs a 30 hour-per-week gig with another 20 hour-per-week gig may pull in a greater combined income than a single full-time position would provide. Furthermore, given that many full-time salaried positions demand 50- to 60-hour workweeks, this individual may still end up working fewer total hours. Reduced Stress Levels and Improved Health Studies show that full-time workers tend to feel worn out, due to insufficient time needed to exercise, enjoy the sunny outdoors, and generally commit to a healthy lifestyle. Contrarily, part-time workers have more time to hit the gym more often and get a better nights sleep. Part-time employment also allows for more efficient management of daily tasks like grocery shopping, doing the laundry, and completing other household chores, ultimately resulting in more order at home. Paradoxically, voluntary part-time workers often experience decreased financial stress, because they conform spending to align with their income. This behavior is antithetical to the phenomenon known as lifestyle inflation, where ones expenses actually expand with increased income. In other words: those capable of adjusting to a slightly lower standard of living often discover that working fewer hours is favorable to the demands of working full time. The Importance of Family Working part-time is ideal for family-oriented individuals especially those who value the opportunity to pick up their children from school. Furthermore, part-timers may save on day care expenses, which may exceed the extra money earned by working full-time. Although a certain income level is necessary to provide for ones family, those who earn just enough to pay for essential living expenses, while sacrificing luxury goods, may find short-term work to be an unacceptable trade-off. Saving Money on Transportation Costs One possible situational advantage to part-time work lies in the area of transportation costs. Case in point: an individual who finds part-time work near their home may save more on transportation expenses than those who commute an hour or more daily to a full-time job. Not only can part-timers save on gas and car maintenance costs, but they may also shave dollars from their monthly auto insurance premiums, which are often mileage-dependent. Investors looking for greater diversification or trying to tap into fast-growing parts of the world may have considered emerging-market economies, such as Brazil, Russia, India, or China. Of those, Russia is certainly the largest in terms of landmass, but it ranks only 11th in terms of worldwide gross domestic product (GDP)well behind China (second) and India (sixth), and just ahead of Brazil (12th). While the U.S. ranks as the world's largest economy with a GDP of $23 trillion, Russia's nominal GDP comes in at $1.78 trillion. Key Takeaways Russia's GDP is primarily made up of three sectorsagriculture, industry, and service. The agricultural sector makes up about 5.6% of GDP, while industry and services comprise 26.6% and 67.8%, respectively. In 2021, Russia experienced its best GDP growth since 2008, posting a 4.7% growth rate. For 2022, the expected GDP growth rate is -6%. For 2022, the expected GDP growth rate is -6%. In February 2022, the U.S. and other countries imposed new sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Russia: Then and Now The initial transition period for Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 was tough, as it inherited a devastated industry and agricultural sector along with a formerly centrally planned economy. The regime introduced multiple reforms that made the economy more open, but a high concentration of wealth still continued. Russias economic growth rate remained negative during most of the 1990s, before the start of the subsequent golden decade. From 1999 to 2008, Russia's GDP grew by at least 4.7% each year. This expansion made Russia one the fastest-growing economies. This growth, however, was mostly driven by the boom in commodity prices, notably oil. The Russian economy got a jolt as oil prices dippedtriggered by the 2008-09 global financial crisisexposing Russias dependence on oil. The economy gradually recovered as oil prices stabilized. The Russian economy then grew at a decent pace for 2011 and 2012, but structural issues started to emerge that caused a slowdown during 2013. The next couple of years brought a continued slowdown as the country faced multiple issues including falling oil prices, geopolitical pressures, and sanctions by the West due to its invasion of Ukraine. Its GDP fell 2% in 2015. Russia's GDP managed to grow in each year from 2016 to 2018, before tapering off and falling 2.7% in 2020. In 2021, Russia saw the best GDP growth since 2008, posting a 4.7% growth rate. For 2022, however, the expected GDP growth rate is -6%. In February 2022, Russia once again invaded Ukraine. On Feb. 22, 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden announced sanctions against Russia in response to its military aggression against Ukraine, including the advancement of Russian troops into two separatist regions of eastern Ukraine. The administration noted this is the "first tranche of sanctions that go far beyond [the previous invasion of Ukraine in] 2014, in coordination with allies and partners in the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and Australia." The sanctions are mostly economic and include blocking two state-owned Russian financial institutionsVnesheconombank and Promsvyazbank and their subsidiaries, which provide financing to the Russian military, from accessing the U.S. financial system. Other sanctions include the U.S. Treasury prohibiting the purchase of new Russian sovereign debt and banning U.S. companies and individuals from buying sovereign debt in the secondary market. Five Russian elites and their families have also been targeted. Russia's GDP Composition Russias GDP is largely made up of three broad sectors: a small agricultural sector that contributes about 5.6% to GDP, followed industry and service, which contribute 26.6% and 67.8%, respectively. Agricultural Harsh weather and tough geographic conditions make cultivation of land arduous and restricted to a few small areas of the nation. This is one of the main reasons behind the minimal role of the agricultural sector in Russias economy. The country's agrarian sector is characterized by the coexistence of both the formal sector, represented by large producers for commercial purposes, and the informal sector, where small landholders produce for self-sustenance. The sector includes forestry, hunting, and fishing, as well as cultivation of crops and livestock production. Despite being a large exporter of certain food items, Russia is a net importer of agriculture and food. Other than the non-availability or shortage of certain food products domestically, a few factors explain Russias rising food imports. One is higher inflation in Russia vis-a-vis its trading partners, which makes foreign imports more price-competitive. The second reason is its sound economic progress, especially from 2000 to 2008. This boom period led to income growth, further pushing up consumer demand for food, which was met by imports. In 2014, in response to the West's food embargoes, the Russian government banned certain food categories for import including dairy, meat, and produce from several countries such as the U.S. and those of the European Union, which significantly cut Russia's share of food imports. Industry The contribution of Russias industry sector to its GDP has remained more or less stable, averaging about around 30% over the last decade. For context, the U.S. only generates about 18% of its GDP from industry. Industry comprises mining, manufacturing, construction, electricity, water, and gas. Russia has an array of natural resources, with a prominence of oil and natural gas, timber, deposits of tungsten, iron, diamonds, gold, platinum, tin, copper, and titanium. Major industries in Russia have capitalized on the country's natural resources. One of the prominent industries is machine building, which suffered heavily after the disintegration of the Soviet Union as there was a severe shortage of capital. This business re-emerged with time and is the leading provider of machinery and equipment to the other industries in the economy. By order of importance, the fuel and energy complex (FEC) is one of the most crucial industries for the Russian economy. While post-Soviet Russia ostensibly enjoys a market economy, its leaders have deemed its dominant energy sector too crucial to leave to the caprices of independent buyers and sellers. The idea of energy extraction and refinement being open to private enterprise, something more common in the U.S., is not commonplace in Russia. Oil, natural gas, electricity, and more are under de facto control of the federal government. The FEC comprises the mining and production of energy resources, processing, delivery, and consumption of all types of energy. The FEC complex not only supports multiple sectors in the economy, but its products are also Russia's main exports. The country is the third-largest oil producer in the world, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. The nation accounted for 11% of the total world oil production. Service Sector The service sector currently comprises over 56% of the country's GDP and employs the most people in the countrymore than 67% of the population. The key segments of the Russian service sector of late are hotel and catering services, construction, culture and entertainment and trade. It is often pointed out that as the crisis that accompanied the fall of the Soviet Union devastated agriculture and industry, it gave services a chance to accelerate. What Are the Main Parts of Russia's Economy? Russia's GDP is mainly composed of three sectorsagriculture, industry, and service. Agriculture contributes about 5.6% to GDP, followed industry and service, which contribute 26.6% and 67.8%, respectively. How Does Russia Rank in World Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? Russia stands 11th in terms of global GDPwell behind China (second) and India (sixth), and just ahead of Brazil (12th) among large emerging-market economies. What Is Russia's Biggest Industry? Russia has a heavy dependence on producing fuel and energy. The country's so-called fuel and energy complex comprises the mining and production of energy resources, processing, delivery, and consumption of all types of energy. Those enterprises support multiple sectors in the economy, and its products are Russia's main exports. The Bottom Line Russia will likely need to further diversify to establish a more balanced economy that is less susceptible to commodity price moves. Focusing on its manufacturing and service sectors may help achieve more sustainable long-term growth. Although the GDP composition reflects the growing importance of services, it is oil exports that drive most of its economy. We recommend the best products through an independent review process, and advertisers do not influence our picks. We may receive compensation if you visit partners we recommend. Read our advertiser disclosure for more info. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a professional designation for the financial planning profession. Financial planners can earn the CFP designation after completing the CFP Board's education, exam, experience, and ethics requirements. One of the more challenging steps in the process, the CFP exam, is a pass-or-fail test. You may register for the CFP exam after meeting the CFP Board's education requirements. Once you pass the exam, you will be one step closer to becoming a CFP professional, one of the most elite financial planning designations. To create our list of the best CFP exam prep courses, we compared each program's features, including reputation, cost, guarantees, course materials, in-person classes, special features, and more. These are the best CFP exam prep courses for aspiring CFP professionals. Irish American actor Aidan Quinn has said Michael Collins would not be happy with modern Irish politicians. Quinn, who was raised in both Dublin and Offaly, starred in the 1996 film about the Irish icon starring Liam Neeson. The film is being re-released to mark the 1916 Centenary. "A part of him would be proud and part of him would be dismayed and pissed off, like the rest of us," said Quinn, who was speaking at an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the film as part of the Audi Dublin International Film Festival. Quinn, played republican politician Harry Boland in the film, admitted he's not as familiar with Irish politics as he used to be, since he spends most of his time in the United States, the Irish Independent reported. Michael Collins director Neil Jordan, who joined the cast and crew members gathered to celebrate the anniversary of the film, agreed that the legendary leader would not be a fan of contemporary politicians. "I think it's lucky he's not around actually. The landscape has changed so much really," said the Sligo native. Jordan said he was fond of People Before Profit Alliance candidate Richard Boyd Barrett, but added: "He's not Michael Collins either. Actor Alan Rickman, who died last month at 69 after a battle with cancer, played Eamon DeValera in the film, which will be released on Blu Ray for the first time next month. Quinn said Rickmans Irish roots were very important to him. "Year's after filming, I met [Alan] in Whelan's at a concert and I realised he had a huge affinity for all things Irish that he loved. "He was a lovely man and an incredible talent and he'll be missed." Speaking of the late film star, Jordan said both the film and playing DeValera on screen were very important to Rickman. The Audi Dublin International Film Festival runs until February 28. Today, August 28, marks World Sauntering Day so we in celebration, we implore you to leave the car behind and see Ireland while getting a breath of fresh country air. May through October is walking tour season in Ireland. And theres nothing quite like a walking tour in the company of a local Irish guide to make you feel welcome and get to know the cities and towns of Ireland. If you are arriving in Dublin, look up Pat Liddy, a well-known historian, author and artist. Pat and his team of tour guides offer five different walks with different themes Trinity College and Georgian Dublin; Mummies, Spirits and Hidden City; Viking and Medieval Quarter, Celts and Cathedrals; and Dublin Highlights. Read more: Mayo and the Cliffs of Moher tours Each tour reveals little-known facts and stories about Dublin and its landmarks. Tours depart from the front of the Dublin Tourism Office. Visit www.walkingtours.ie for more. By the time the tour ends, you may have sore feet but also a good grasp of the citys history and prime sights. Most importantly, youll have seen Dublin through the eyes of a Dubliner, and that beats taking a bus ride or boat cruise. Other companies that also offer walking tours in Dublin include Historical Walking Tours of Dublin; Literary, Historical & Musical Tours; Literary Pub Crawl; Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl; and the 1916 Rebellion Tour. Moving into the Irish countryside, walking tours with local guides first started in Wexford Town, an easy and interesting stroll for visitors with its narrow streets and a sprinkling of Viking and Norman landmarks. Read more: Galway and the West tours In the mid-1960s, members of the Old Wexford Society, a social club for history buffs, began taking tourists on Walking Tours of Historic Wexford each evening on a voluntary basis to encourage more tourism for the Southeast of Ireland. Today this service is carried on by the local Wexford Tourist Office, to provide a walking encyclopedia of Wexford facts and trivia. The tour route winds its way along Wexfords long main street, evolved over the centuries from a Viking market trail, including narrow passageways such as Keysers Lane, a corridor so narrow that you can shake hands with someone walking on the opposite footpath. Other points along the route include town walls and tollgates as well as Selskar Abbey, dating back to the 12th century; St. Iberius Church, built in 1660; the Bullring, a market square where bull-baiting was introduced in 1621; and the Cornmarket, once the central marketplace. Visit www.visitwexford.ie for information. Read more: Dublin and surrounding areas tours Forty miles to the west, Viking sites are similarly the focus of Walking Tours of Historic Waterford, conducted by the award-winning guide, Jack Burtchaell. Jack puts his tour members to work immediately by asking for volunteers to play the roles of Strongbow, Aoife, Diarmuid MacMurrough, and other leading characters in Waterfords early centuries. With the history lesson conveyed in this easy-to-follow vignette, Jack then leads the way on a walk around Waterfords core area from the Viking era Reginalds Tower (built 1003) beside the River Suir to the medieval city walls and two cathedrals, both designed by the same local man, John Roberts. A wellspring of local trivia (i.e., the first frog in Ireland was released in Waterford), Jack makes his way around Waterford by bike when not guiding a tour, always eager to seek out new sources of fun facts. Read more: Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way tours The popular harborfront resort of Kinsale has two walking tour choices. The Heritage Walk is an informative tour led by local historian, educator, and writer Dermot Ryan. A native of Kinsale, Dermot conducts an illustrated town walk using old photos and original maps, dating back to the 1600s, to meld history with the present. Dermot also provides added insight by describing the changes he has seen in the town over the past 60 years. Visit www.kinsaleheritage.com. Alternatively, join a Historic Stroll in Old Kinsale, with emphasis on Irelands coastline, with a mix of maritime history and lore. Rimmed by a wide-sheltered harbor and a unique star-shaped fort, Kinsales harbor has always been a focal point for shipping and trading, evolving to be one of Irelands principal wine ports in the 17th and 18th centuries. Don Herlihy, a former seaman, and his cohort Barry Moloney lead these daily walks and also explain Kinsales link to the Lusitania, a ship sunk off the coast in 1915. Visit www.historicstrollkinsale.com. Not all walking tour guides are men. Jane OBrien leads walks around her hometown of Ennis, Co. Clare. With a gentle yet confident voice and a quick smile, Jane keeps her flock of tour members together by placing a decorative Ennis Walking Tours badge on each participant. The small adhesive label is not only an identity tag but good memento for a travel diary as well. Sharing the same surname as the early kings of Clare, Jane tells tales of the OBriens and other local residents including a mad monk and a banshee, as well as famous visitors (Daniel OConnell, Eamonn de Valera, Charles Stewart Parnell, and more). The route traces a small road once known as The Causeway as well as the towns oldest street and lane (Francis Street and Chapel Lane), a sculpture trail, and bow-ways, covered pedestrian passageways unique to Ennis. Visit www.enniswalkingtours.com. Read more: Northern Ireland and Game of Thrones tours Have you taken a walking tour in Ireland? Let us know in the comments below. * Originally published in 2013. Updated in 2019. The largest recorded die-off of seabirds, known as murres, occurred this year on the Alaskan coast. Katie Orlinsky for Al Jazeera America WHITTIER, Alaska David Irons, a biologist who specializes in Alaska seabirds, was checking on a friends boat in Whittier, a coastal community south of Anchorage, on New Years Day when he spotted a line of white dots along the beach. He walked down to investigate. There were just dead murres everywhere. It was incredible, he said. I estimated 8,000 birds in a little bit more than a mile. Common murres are sharp-billed black-and-white seabirds that feed on small fish. In the weeks after Irons discovery, scientists and volunteers found thousands of dead and dying murres on Alaska beaches, the largest murre die-off on record. Sick murres also began to turn up in Alaska's interior, hundreds of miles from the ocean. The massive seabird die-off is part of a larger story about the health of Alaskas oceans as sea temperatures rise. For more than a year, scientists have been cataloging smaller, unexplained episodes of animals dying on beaches including other birds, sea otters, sea lions, several species of whales, starfish and fish. In all cases, the suspected cause of death has been linked to warmer sea temperatures, and some scientists suspect there is also a connection to the toxic algae that thrive when temperatures tick up even a few degrees. We are having water that is 5 degrees [Fahrenheit] warmer over a huge area. At the same time, we are having these unusual mortality events, said Heather Renner, a supervisory wildlife biologist at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses 2,500 coastal Alaska islands. We dont have any proof they are linked, but they are happening at a time when the ocean is warmer than its been for ages. The mother of a teenage boy was sentenced to one month's imprisonment over her teenage sons poor attendance at school. The woman was warned last year she would go to prison if the attendance record of the now 16-year-old did not improve after Limerick District Court was told he had missed 23 out of 26 school days While his attendance rate improved in September, solicitor Kate Kiely, representing TUSLA, the Child and Family Agency, said the boy has not attended school since the midterm break last October and that the rate of absenteeism for the current academic year was 66.2 percent. Seeking to have the matter finalized, Kiely said the legal proceedings were initiated more than two years ago and that TUSLA was of the view that matters had reached the end of the road and that the situation is not going to improve. She said it had been hoped the youth would engage with Limerick Youth Service but informed the court he has not engaged in any way. Kiely said all possible services have been made available to the defendant and her family. Perhaps the only thing that will make a difference is a conviction, she added. Solicitor Sarah Ryan, representing the boys mother, said her client just cant get her son to go to school despite her best efforts. She said the situation is more difficult given the absence of a male figure in the household who the teenager respects. Having considered the matter, Judge Marian OLeary imposed a one month prison sentence. She adjourned a number of similar prosecutions, relating to two of the womans daughters to March 16, warning she may face a similar penalty. The girls, who are aged 15 and 13, have both missed more than a third of all school days during the current academic year and have been late on numerous occasions. The woman was released on bail pending an appeal against the imposition of the prison sentence. H/T: Limerick Leader. Demand for funeral celebrants has surged across Ireland, as more and more families look to lay their loved ones to rest in non-religious ceremonies. According to one prominent funeral director, as many as 15 out of every 100 funeral services are now taking place outside the traditional church setting, up from one in every 100 just a decade ago. Lorraine Mancey O'Brien, who up to recently has focused on providing wedding celebrants through her organization Marry Me Ireland, has responded to the growing demand by setting up a course specifically to train funeral celebrants. Although humanist ceremonies remain a popular option for those looking for non-Catholic, secular funerals, Mancey O'Brien, the founder of the Institute of Celebrants, said her focus is on providing personalized ceremonies which are not attached to any particular group or set of beliefs. "We started a course last year to train funeral celebrants, which we're rolling out every six months, and by June this year we will have 30 funeral celebrants on our books, she said. "As Ireland becomes more secular, people are looking for alternatives, not just in weddings, but also in funerals. We set up the course in response to funeral directors, who approached us to provide fully-trained celebrants because they've noticed there's such a growing demand for it among their clients. "It's about providing a very personal ceremony, which has no agenda and which is specifically designed around the deceased and the wishes of his or her family. If the family wish, the ceremony could certainly involve a bit of spirituality or religion, or a prayer or a hymn. It is entirely up to them, but the focus is on making the event as meaningful and empathetic as possible, whether that be in the choice of music or the words that the celebrant says at the service. "For example, at a recent funeral for a man who enjoyed a drink, it was his family's wishes that a bottle of whiskey was brought to his coffin. That might not have been allowed to happen in the Catholic Church. Read more: Ancient Irish funeral and wake customs recalled this Halloween season "Our celebrants conduct their services in crematoriums and funeral homes. We'd be delighted if the ceremonies could take place in the Catholic Church, but we're not allowed. I hope that changes in the future. "There's been a lot of enthusiasm from people wanting to become funeral celebrants and the people we are training have often been touched by acute grief themselves. Amongst the people on our books, we have funeral directors, embalmers, a couple of parents and a former Catholic priest." Trish Cameron, a registered celebrant with broad-based spiritual group Temple of Eiriu, said she's conducted a dozen funerals over the past few years, but stressed she thinks the number could be much higher if people realized there was an alternative to traditional services. "They are definitely becoming more popular, because chief mourners want services that are more personal to the deceased. But we need to get the word out there that there are other options other than church funerals and that we are available, Cameron said. Meanwhile, celebrants have also noted a steady rise from parents looking for alternative options to christenings and First Communions. "I've done oodles of baby welcomings over the past number of years, which are very easy to organize and usually take place in the family home, Cameron said. Mancey O'Brien added, "Baby welcomings and alternatives to Communion or confirmations are still quite peripheral, but we will definitely see a rise as the country becomes more secular. It's important that people who don't want a church ceremony for significant events in their children's lives have another option." A New York teacher has filed a legal complaint with the NYC Human Right Commission over a parent/teacher conference scheduled on St Patricks Day this year. Lawyers for Frank J. Schorn, an Irish American public school teacher, alleges that the New York City Department of Education is violating the civil rights of Irish American teachers in the school system, who are obligated by contract to participate in the parent/teacher conferences. The insensitive scheduling of parent teacher meetings on March 17th has put me in an untenable position of choosing between my ethnic and religious heritage and my duty to help my students, said Frank Schorn, who serves as Vice Chair of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center. I foresee being prevented from attending any Irish cultural events on March 17th. Dr Brian ODwyer, the senior partner at the law firm ODwyer and Bernstien serves as the Chair of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center. This year the mayor instituted three new school holidays, he said. One observing the Lunar New Year and the others recognizing Muslim religious holidays. We are not asking that the mayor accommodate New Yorks oldest immigrant community by declaring a school holiday. We are instead asking that the Department of Education make a minor change to its schedule so that the religious observance of thousands of teachers and parents who celebrate the feast day of St. Patrick be recognized and honored. Read more: Irish New Yorkers call for St. Patrick's Day official school holiday According to the filed complaint, the parent/teacher conference, of which there are only two per school year, is scheduled for Thursday, March 17 at 4:30pm. Because of the scheduled meeting, Irish American teachers say they are being denied the opportunity to participate in the St Patricks Day Parade, which is not only a celebration of Irish heritage but also a religious activity celebrating the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of the Archdiocese of New York. According to a press release from ODwyer and Bernstein, Schorn and members of the Irish caucus of the New York City Council made repeated requests to the Department of Education to change the date for the conferences for both Irish American teachers and parents. ODwyer stated, The scheduling of the conferences on the most sacred day for Irish Americans not only interferes with the religious observance of the many Irish-American school teachers and administrators employed by the Department of Education, it similarly interferes with the rights of the parents of children enrolled in the New York City school system and that they also must make a choice between discussing their childs scholastic progress or observing a religious feast day, reads the press release. The complaint requests an injunction prohibiting the scheduling of parent/teacher conferences not only this year but on any St Patricks Day in the future. In a city which celebrates its diversity and its accommodation for people of all religious and ethnic identities, it is particularly upsetting that the Department of Education has so blithely ignored the legitimate religious and ethnic expressions of Irish American New Yorkers. If you thought the Donald Trump presidential race was strange to begin with, did you ever think hes just part of a worldwide Jesuit conspiracy and a secret agent for the St. Ignatius battalions? Thats the phony baloney claim made on Reddit recently which has since gone to top of the Google search charts and drawn a response from a prominent jesuit in the magazine America. As a conspiracy theory this knocks Obama born in Kenya into a cocked hat. But as Father Jim McDermott of America magazine writes, it is one that has clearly gained followers He writes I know, its just one crazy link. Except its the one ranked highest by Google. It is also not the only post in the top 10 with a similar message. In fact only two of the top ten links about Donald Trump and Jesuit dont have something to do with the apparent Jesuit-Trump conspiracy that no one has had the courtesy to let me know we are in on. (If you only have time to sample one piece from this magical universe, may I suggest the first few minutes of this YouTube post about why, during the Jesuit Paris Attacks, a woman believes Donald Trump got switched out by his clone. It begins I was watching Fox News this morning. It seems where the Donald is concerned no theory is outlandish enough. The author of the viral reddit post states Donald Trump is a false flag candidate, or not what he appears to be and writes: Donald Trump has been the subject of media frenzy as of late. It seems that a considerable amount of those who subscribe to alternative sources of information are Trump supporters. They see him as some kind of rebel, going against both the Republican and Democratic parties . Could it be though, that Donald Trump is a "false flag candidate" being used to secure the vote of the ever-increasing independent constituency in order to inevitably lull the US into a false sense of positive political novelty and thus to subsequently impose Jesuitical right-wing fascism leading to a nationwide race war as devised by the masters of class adversarialism, the Sons of Loyola? The article goes on: It very well could be. Here is why: Trump claims to be Presbyterian, yet he attended Jesuit Fordham University for two years and then transferred to the covertly Jesuit-controlled University of Pennsylvania. Ah thats it Donald attending Fordham University made it clear he was a Jesuit stooge. Theres also an anti-semitic passage saying the Jews and Jesuits are all in this together--SURPRISE. He even investigates Trumps children. At the end the writer concludes: There you have it; Trump, in addition to being affiliated with both Jesuit Fordham and covertly Jesuit UPenn, has at least three children who are all alumni of Penn and notorious Jesuit Georgetown University! Whether it be Trump, Jeb Bush, Hillary Clinton or even Bernie Sanders that ends up winning the 2016 election, all of these candidates are connected to Rome and all will only serve to implement the tyrannical, neo-Romanist policies of the Papacy and its professed soldiers of the Jesuits. I always thought Sanders, who is Jewish was really a secret Jesuit archbishop didnt you? Bishop Bernie. Lord what is the word coming to Donald Trump a secret Jesuit agent, the pope trying to take over America (hes a Jesuit too, though he did just accuse Trump of not being Christian, which puts something of a spanner in the works for this plot). Maybe we can start a new rally cry Vote for Donald Trumps clone (let's call him Dolly after the first cloned sheep. Our slogan? Hello President Dolly, goodbye impostor Donald. In his new book, Peacerunner: The True Story of how an ex-Congressman helped End the Centuries of War in Ireland, Penn Rhodeen tells the story of former Congressman Bruce Morrison, and his vital role in the Northern Ireland peace process. Below is an extract from the book entitled "First Journey to Ireland." You can read an interview with Bruce Morrison about the book here. Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland August 1987 One policeman studied the passport while two of the others aimed their assault rifles straight at the American standing no more than six feet away, facing them. His passport was the special type issued to members of Congress, but in this moment, there didnt seem to be anything special about it. The congressman, Bruce Morrison of Connecticut, made matters worse when he pulled out his notepad and started writing down the identification number of the cop holding his passport. But Morrison couldnt help himself: Hed been a legal aid lawyer, and collecting identification information was instinctive. The cop grabbed the pad and shouted, What are you doing? Im taking down your number. Thats an offense, collecting information about the security forces! I thought thats what the numbers are for. For Gerry OHara, Morrisons host in Derry, being held at gun -point wasnt a new experience. He watched the exchange, guns on him, too, with a mixture of amusement and alarm that he knew to keep to himself. OHara was an official of the Irish political party Sinn Fein, invariably described as the political arm of the outlawed Irish Republican Army (IRA). Because the IRA had been waging a violent campaign for Irish unification since the early twentieth century, Sinn Fein had been classified as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States. OHara, whose insistence that the police use his Irish name, Gearoid O hEara, annoyed them to no end, knew that his Sinn Fein involvement was the reason he and his guests were in this mess. Hed been through it hundreds of times, often facing several stops in a single day. Although he knew from past experience that the cops werent likely to open fire, he was still concerned that Morrison, glaringly inexperienced with police in Northern Ireland, might inadvertently escalate the situation. I remember thinking, You dont know what youre dealing with, OHara later recalled, adding with a bit of wistfulness that Morrison was only doing what you would do in a normal society. But in 1987, Northern Ireland was anything but a normal society. The British army had occupied it since the early years of the Troubles, the tense and violent time that began in the late 1960s, when increasingly assertive Catholics began demanding an end to the pervasive discrimination against them in all realms of life, including abuses by the Northern Ireland police force, the Royal Ulster Constabulary (known as the RUC). For more than two decades, the IRA had been engaged in guerilla warfare with the British army, the RUC, and various loyalist paramilitary organizations, all of which reciprocated in full, violent kind. In the July before Morrisons arrival, there had been six killings. The toll for the year would reach nearly a hundredthirty-nine of them civilians. In such a small country, the effect was profound and terrible: No one felt safe. Violent death could come at any moment. The RUC, known for its rough treatment of Northern Irelands Catholic minority, seemed more like an army than a local police force. Its men aggressively patrolled the streets in armored Land Rovers and British Saracen personnel carriers, wielding British army weapons and often decked out in full riot gear. Morrison had never been to Ireland before, though hed been in Chile on congressional human rights business and had witnessed how the notorious Pinochet dictatorship imposed its military and police presence on civilian life. In his travels through Northern Ireland, he found the military and police presence in everyday life to be even more oppressive than under Chiles military dictator. Before the RUC stopped them, OHara was giving Morrison and Dennis Prebensen, an American supporter of Irish unification who had invited his congressman to Northern Ireland, a tour of his city. Because it was his town, OHara was at the wheel. He knew that a car with plates from the Republic of Ireland, driven by a local Sinn Fein official and carrying two strangers, could well provoke a police stop. Hed warned his passengers of that possibility and told them that if they did get stopped, theyd follow the standard protocol Sinn Fein had devised to avoid being detained and maybe sent seventy-five miles away to the Castlereagh Holding Centre in East Belfast. Wed realized, OHara later explained, that the pretext for taking you off to some army barracks for three or four hours was that they needed to search the car. So we developed a tactic of saying, Well, if you want to search the car, theres the keyslet me know when youre finished, and we would walk off. For his part, Morrison assumed that OHaras warnings about getting stopped were exaggerated. He told himself, Its Gerrys job to tell the American congressman how awful it is. This isnt going to happen. So he was genuinely shocked when things turned bad. The men were driving on Queens Quay, a major street running alongside the River Foyle. They were headed through the warehouse district toward Guild Hall, an ornate Victorian symbol of the British Empire and therefore a constant provocation to the Irish. Suddenly it happened, all in a blur: armored Land Rovers, a Saracen troop carrier, OHara jamming on the brakes. Memories differ on the precise sequence of the events leading to the stop, but what happened next remains clear to all three: About a dozen heavily armed police piled out, shouting and gesturing angrily as they surrounded the car and rousted the men out. Some were dressed like conventional police, but others looked ready for combat, with helmets, bulletproof vests, and fatigue pants tucked into their boots. Assault rifles were fixed on the captives. OHara, who had been forced facedown over the front of the car, was the reason for the stop. What are you doing with a terrorist scumbag like him? one of the cops shouted at the Americans. As more questions came flying at Morrison, OHara assumed the role of his guests lawyer, yelling, You dont have to answer! This, of course, made the cops even angrier. The police searched the car, and when they found Prebensens stash of books on Irish history and republican heroes, they didnt hold back their contempt. After they were done with the car, their activity and questions ebbed a bit, but their rifles remained high. It wasnt clear that they had any specific objective beyond harassing OHara and whoever had the bad judgment to ride with him. OHarawho at seventeen had been in the midst of the 1972 Bloody Sunday Massacre, in which British paratroopers shot and killed fourteen unarmed demonstrators in Derry, including OHaras close friend Gerry Donaghy, also just seventeenremained convinced that an actual shooting was unlikely. Morrison felt protected by his office, confident that the British government wasnt about to shoot a member of the US Congress. If hed realized that the police holding him had no idea what a congressman was, he might have worried a little more. As time passed, Morrison had the feeling that the police didnt seem to have anywhere to go, and whether we had anywhere to go was of no interest to them. In truth, OHara and the Americans werent on a tight schedule. Morrison and Prebensen had arrived in Derry a day or two earlier and were staying at OHaras home. This outing was supposed to be a relaxed tour of Derry from a Sinn Fein point of view. Morrison had already taken other tours; in order to get a full picture of the situation, he had asked the American consulate to recommended an itinerary. Hed also taken a tour with John Hume, leader of the Social Democratic Labour Party (SDLP), which was made up of moderate Catholics who opposed violence and focused on economic development as a key to progress. The differences in viewpoints were revealing and sometimes amusing. Hume, for example, had proudly shown the Americans a housing estate hed helped get built. When OHara took them to the same estate, his message was quite different. See how they designed the streets? OHara asked. Thats so the tanks can come in. Indeed, OHara never let up. When Morrison said the situation was complicated, OHara snapped, Its not complicated: Brits out! Still at gunpoint, Morrison thought about how this situation would play out back home. He found it interesting that all three of them were being held so close together along the fence by the river. It wasnt like Gerry was separated as the Sinn Fein guythe presumptive terroristand Dennis and I were told to sit in the car, which would have been the American version. This had a very different flavorlike we were all in the company of a terrorist and we were all gonna to be investigated. After ten or fifteen minutes passed, another officer, older and clearly of a higher rank, appeared on the scene. He spoke with the RUC men and examined the papers theyd collected. OHara watched him as he studied Morrisons passport; it was clear to OHara that this officer knew exactly who he was dealing with and that he understood that he had an international incident on his hands. But the new arrival never spoke to the detainees. There was still plenty of time for Morrison to take the strange situation in. That it wasnt happening on some blasted out street late at night, as was so often shown on television, but instead near the handsome center of the city on a bright summer morning, made it all the more bizarre. He noticed pedestrians on the river side of Queens Quay crossing over to the other side as soon as they spotted the scene ahead and only crossing back when they were well clear of it. Three men were being held at gunpointmaybe a new experience for them, maybe notbut everyday life was still going on, with a few minor adjustments. There was nothing in Morrisons background that should have involved him in this centuries-old Irish mess. He had been adopted at birth and had no way of knowing how Irish he might be. His adoptive parentsa Con Ed executive and a librarianwere Lutherans. Theyd raised him in Northport, a pleasant town on the north shore of Long Island. He went to MIT, graduated in three years, and then got a masters degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois. Along the way he realized that he was more interested in working with people than molecules, so he entered Yale Law School in the class of 1973; Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham were classmates. After graduation, he worked as a staff lawyer for New Haven Legal Assistance Association, which provided lawyers to the poor, and within a couple of years became director of the program. After the first year of the Reagan presidency, Morrison felt there were more urgent things to do than head legal aid, so he decided to run for Congress. Since he was a political nobody, it would be uphill all the way. First he had to beat the president of the New Haven Board of Aldermen, who was widely seen as the prohibitive favorite, for the Democratic nomination. Then he had to beat the popular Republican incumbent. In a general election campaign marked by terrific energy, a clear position on protecting Social Security, edgy and inspired advertising, and the failure of the incumbent to recognize the strengths of his upstart challenger, Morrison won by less than one percent of the votes cast. Morrison had an abiding interest in human rights issues, but no special focus on the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Soon after he was sworn in, however, he learned that all new members of Congress with significant Irish American constituencies had to decide whether to join Friends of Ireland, the established vehicle for expressing general support and affection for Ireland, or the less genteel Ad Hoc Committee for Irish Affairs, which wanted Irish unificationgetting the six counties of Northern Ireland out of the United Kingdom and into a 32-county Republic of Ireland. Friends of Ireland avoided controversy; its major concerns seemed to revolve around St. Patricks Day. It was headed by Irishman Thomas Foley, the House Democratic whip. Foley was no friend of Sinn Fein; when it came to Northern Ireland, his sympathies lay with the British position. He abhorred the IRA and anyone who seemed to have the remotest sympathy for their cause. Even when the Irish Peace Process finally began to gather steam in the mid-1990s, Foley, by then Speaker of the House of Representatives, remained determined to keep Sinn Fein away from the negotiating table. The Ad Hoc Committee was headed by Mario Biaggi of New York, who was decidedly not Irish but had a huge Irish American constituency in the Bronx and, as a former New York City police officer, strong support from the citys legions of Irish American cops. The Ad Hoc Committee didnt merely favor a united Ireland politically: Several of its members had close ties with supporters of Irish Northern Aid (Noraid), an American group that aggressively sought funds for the republican cause in Northern Ireland. While Noraid insisted the money was collected to help widows and orphans of fallen IRA heroes, the authorities claimed it was being used for IRA guns and bombs. Morrison was advised by his staff to join Friends of Ireland, and he did so. But before long, he came to feel that it wasnt the group for him. He had a general awareness of the situation in Ireland and, although he didnt have fully formed views on it, he was more interested in substantive issues than Irish celebrations. He didnt favor the more extreme pro-IRA views of some members of the Ad Hoc Committee, but the groups willingness to engage with serious issues impressed him. He hadnt yet committed to switching over when a man named Richard Lawlor asked to meet with him. Morrisons staff was alarmed: You cant meet with this guy. Hes a terrorist. Morrison met with him anyway. Lawlor, a Hartford lawyer and a former Connecticut state representative, was the national vice chairman of Noraid. He was willing to press the case for a united Ireland anytime, anywhere, and he did it well. Lawlor argued to the new congressman that the Catholics in Northern Ireland were being subjected to terrible discrimination in employment, housing, and all other major spheres of public life, as well as widespread deprivations of civil rights and unrelenting abuse by the RUC. As they talked, Morrison didnt think he was dealing with a terrorist. He felt that many of Lawlors points were worth exploring from a human rights perspective. Lawlor urged him to join the Ad Hoc Committee, and in time he did so. He was happier tackling serious questions instead of wondering which green tie to wear on St. Patricks Day. It had been a good twenty minutes since the higher ranking officer arrived at the Derry standoff. The car from the Republic sat empty in the roadway. Things seemed stalled. Morrison, OHara, and Prebensen stayed still, backs to the river, guns still pointed at them. Morrison remembers one of the rifles aimed directly at his knee, a visual echo of the IRA practice of kneecapping: crippling lesser targets with a bullet to the knee. And then, like a sudden summer shower, it was over. Keys and papers were handed back. There was no explanation and, of course, no apology. The police piled back into their vehicles; as suddenly as theyd appeared, they vanished. Life carried on as if none of it had ever happened. The wide River Foyle, glistening in the August light, rolled on in its stately way to the Atlantic Ocean. Pedestrians walked freely alongside Queens Quay, the path ahead unimpeded by any unpleasantness. It was nearly lunchtime. When Morrison got back to the United States a few days later, he called a press conference at the state capitol in Hartford. He told reporters: Northern Ireland strikes you on first impression as a police state. He described himself as a strong supporter of a united Ireland, adding that he would push for relaxing visa restrictions on Irish republican leaders so that Americans could hear different viewpoints. What we hear in the United States comes to us from a British perspective, he said. He denounced the discrimination and abuse and called for efforts to improve economic conditions in Northern Ireland. Back in Congress, he got more involved in Irish issues and became co-chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee. He offered colleagues his impressions of Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, whom he had met with in Belfast. Although many were certain that Adams was IRA to the core, Morrisons impression was different: This is a politician. This isnt a general. This manhis skills, his focus, his way of thinkingis political. Hes a political organizer. I recognize this person. Morrison described his experience in Derry as radicalizing, which at first took the form of support for the cause of a united Ireland. In time, that radicalization developed into something broader and deeper: an unwavering determination to do everything he could to help make peace. He would go on to dedicate untold hours, travel endless miles, and seek out support from anyoneAmerican, Irish or British, Catholic or Protestantwho could help advance the prospects for peace. He brought to bear every aspect of his political know-how and intellectual firepower, and he did it with remarkably little ego. In short, he became a radical seeker of peace in Northern Ireland. Morrison would return to Northern Ireland many times in the coming years and would play a crucial role in the long chain of events that would eventually lead to peace. But as the 1980s drew to a close, his focus was on two enormous projects at home. In Connecticut, instead of running for re-election to Congress in 1990, he would run for governor. And in Washington, he would lead a major overhaul of the immigration laws. Both projects would, in very different and sometimes surprising ways, help him make good on his determination to seek peace in Northern Ireland. You can purchase Peacerunner: The True Story of how an ex-Congressman helped End the Centuries of War in Ireland and read the remarkable story of Bruce Morrison and the journey towards the Northern Ireland peace process here. Fiachra O Cionnaith, Irish Examiner Sinn Fein deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald has accused the "concerned citizen" who challenged her over the party's tax policies at a media event last Friday as having "some brass neck" after it emerged he is a senior hedge fund manager. The Dublin Central TD hit out at Fergus Crawford, the CEO of the Irish branch of Swiss investment firm Sarasin during a public strategy meeting by the party in Dublin yesterday. Mr Crawford had heavily criticised the opposition party over its tax policies and the risk it is posing to jobs in the country over the coming years. However, responding to the details at the Sinn Fein event in Wynn's Hotel, Ms McDonald said Mr Crawford has "some brass neck" to make the claims. "When the conversation happened I wasn't aware of who the concerned citizen was and in the manner of these things you take people as you find them and you have the debate. "The bankers, developers, all of the crew who wrecked this place have now regrouped, and they are now sufficiently emboldened to challenge people like me on the streets of Dublin on the basis of, ironically, our ability to protect ordinary people. "There's a big irony in that and I know it isn't lost on anyone. The man is of course entitled to his view. "But I think it took brass neck, pure hard brass neck on the part of somebody associated with ACC bank [who Mr Crawford worked for before joining Sarasin] to come and attempt to claim their concern was for working people," she said. Note: A previous version of this story said Fergus Crawford was a brother of ex-Fine Gael TD Seymour Crawford. This is not correct. Onlookers celebrated as a suspected arson fire damaged a former hotel being converted into a refugee home in eastern Germany, police said Sunday, raising new concerns about violence toward migrants in a nation that registered more than a million asylum-seekers last year. The blaze in the roof of the building in Bautzen, in the eastern state of Saxony, broke out overnight. Police said no one was injured but a group of people gathered outside, some "commenting with derogatory remarks or unashamed joy" at the fire. While most Germans have been welcoming toward refugees, a vocal minority has staged protests in front of refugee homes, especially in the east. Germany last year saw a surge in violence against such lodgings. Police ordered three people to leave the fire scene because they were hampering firefighters' work and then temporarily detained two of them, whom they described as intoxicated 20-year-old locals, after they ignored the order. Investigators found traces of a fire accelerant at the scene and believe the fire was caused by arson, police said. It wasn't immediately clear whether the building can be restored. Saxony is home to the anti-Muslim and anti-immigration group PEGIDA, and incidents there have caused concern before. In August, a mob in Heidenau, outside Dresden, hurled bottles and fireworks at police protecting a shelter being set up for refugees. PEGIDA, an acronym for Patriotic Europeans against the Islamization of the West, was formed in Germany in 2014, has gained supporters in other Western European countries and has seen a surge capitalizing on anxieties over mass migration. Earlier this month, the group staged rallies in Dresden, Prague, Amsterdam, Birmingham and elsewhere. Far-right groups see Europe's refugee crisis as an opportunity to broadcast their anti-immigrant message. There were 208 rallies in Germany in the last quarter of 2015, up from 95 a year earlier, Interior Ministry data showed. Fires have been set elsewhere over the past year. Arson was suspected at a planned refugee center in Nauen, a town near Berlin. A string of suspected arson fires destroyed planned refugee housing in Sweden. The Bautzen fire came after a mob in the small town of Clausnitz, also in Saxony, on Thursday screamed "We are the people!" and "Go home!" as they blocked a bus carrying asylum-seekers outside a new refugee home. Police drew criticism in that case for roughly hauling some migrants off the bus into the building which they insist was necessary to prevent the situation from escalating and for saying that some of the migrants had made provocative gestures. Saxony Governor Stanislaw Tillich called the two incidents "appalling and shocking" and described the perpetrators as "criminals." "This is abhorrent and disgusting," Tillich told the Funke newspaper group. He pledged that authorities will investigate and "bring everyone responsible to account." Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said that everyone in Germany is entitled to express their concerns "but there is a threshold of decency and law that must not be crossed and this threshold was clearly crossed in the incidents in Saxony," the news agency dpa reported. "It is completely unacceptable for people who are seeking protection from persecution here to be greeted with hatred and agitation," de Maiziere added. Later Sunday, the minister defended police actions in Clausnitz, saying they were right to get all the migrants off the bus quickly and into the building. If the bus had been backed away from the refugee home, "these bawling people would have had their way," de Maiziere said on ARD television. Al Jazeera and The Associated Press Seven out of 12 economists, in a Bloomberg poll, said they foresaw the ratio increasing until at least 2019, with four expecting a peak in 2020 or later. Chinas debt will peak at 283% of GDP, according to the median estimate of eight economists. Policymakers grappling with the fall-out from a credit binge, after the global financial crisis, are also being confronted by anaemic demand for exports and an aging workforce, bringing economic growth to its slowest pace in a quarter of a century. With robust consumption and services struggling to pick up the slack from slowing investment and manufacturing, Chinas communist leaders are striving to put a floor under growth to ensure average expansion stays around 6.5%, through 2020. We doubt the debt ratio will peak before 2020, said Julian Evans-Pritchard, a China economist at Capital Economics, in Singapore. Our model puts the peak in the debt ratio in 2024, but the ratio could rise further, beyond that, if Chinese policymakers fail to implement the necessary structural reforms required to improve credit allocation. Concerns over Chinas borrowing came to the fore last week, when a report showed the countrys banks had extended a record 2.51tn yuan (347bn) of new loans in January. The increase in debt could pressure the countrys credit rating, Standard & Poors said, less than a week after the cost to insure Chinese bonds against default rose to a four-year high. Underscoring the delicacy of keeping credit flowing, but not too fast, the countrys central bank will boost the reserves that must be locked away by some banks. The move reinforced the view that the central bank is striving to prevent a repeat of the 2009-2010 credit blowout, said Tim Condon, head of Asian research at ING, in Singapore. The tightening of liquidity for some lenders follows the monetary authoritys recent announcement that it would adopt a so-called macro-prudential assessment system. This uses commercial banks required-reserve ratios to enforce financial stability. It is almost impossible to identify a specific debt-to-GDP level, or time period, that will tip the Chinese economy into a financial crisis, Goldman Sachs Groups investment management division said in a January report. Comparing the magnitude, and pace, of the increase in Chinas debt-to-GDP ratio to those of other countries, it concluded Chinas increase was among the highest in recent history. Over the weekend, China removed the head of its securities regulator, following a turbulent period in the countrys stock markets, appointing a top state banking executive as his replacement. Leaders are moving to restore confidence in the economy. The announcement on the official Xinhua news agency, on Saturday, followed a string of assurances from senior leaders that China would underpin its slowing economy and would steady its wobbly currency. Xinhua said Xiao Gang, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission since 2013, had been succeeded by Liu Shiyu, chairman of the Agricultural Bank of China (AgBank). IFA national chairman Jer Bergin said Irelands next government must appoint an independent ombudsman to ensure the new grocery goods regulations are effective. Under the regulations, which come into force on April 30, retailers will have to provide transparency and clarity in their dealings with suppliers, through contractual relationships. IFA is looking for a commitment in the next programme for government that a system similar to that in the UK, which is paid for by the retailers themselves, would be put in place here to regulate retailer behaviour, said Mr Bergin. This would ensure that suppliers who are subject to unfair trading practices by retailers can have confidential, effective recourse to an independent ombudsman to investigate and pursue their case. "IFA is concerned that the new Competition and Consumer Protection Commission will not be sufficiently focused on supplier interests to effectively pursue complaints. Meanwhile, French state authorities have searched the offices of Carrefour as part of an investigation into the retailers commercial practices. The search came two days after the French government warned companies against squeezing further price cuts from farmers, according to news agency Reuters. Just as has been seen in Ireland, French milk and meat producers have hosted repeated demonstrations at being forced to operate at a loss because of over-capacity and aggressive pricing pressure from retailers. Carrefour said it is co-operating with the investigation of its commercial dealings. It is of utmost importance for Carrefour to apply current regulations and if mistakes have been made the company will take the necessary measures, said the company. In a joint statement, French agriculture minister Stephane Le Foll and economy minister Emmanuel Macron warned retailers and the food industry not to push for lower prices from farmers and reminded them that companies found to have employed abusive trading practices could be fined up to 5% of their revenue. The French government has no power to impose how much retailers and the food industry pay farmers, but it has increased the number of inspections being carried out by its competition, consumption and fraud directorate to check legally required contract negotiation procedures are being followed. In light of the current plight of French animal farmers, the ministers have made clear to the retail and food processing industries that it will not be acceptable that the 2016 commercial negotiations lead to lower prices, in particular for milk products, said Mr Le Foll and Mr Macron in a joint statement. Carrefour shares fell by 7% in the days following the search and are down 24% over the past three months. A new government will be formed and theyll be off and running. It would be a real shame, however, if the content of all the debates, the proposals, arguments and commentaries are not heeded and integrated in large measure into the next programme for government. Where clear measures can be introduced to provide economic and societal benefit, then the next government must accelerate these and make them happen. Not to deliver on current promises being made will be the recipe for an electoral disaster the next time round. ICOS and our members want a promise from the next government that it will focus specifically on the creation of a stronger rural economy. Since our inception in 1894, ICOS has been working at developing and establishing rural co-operatives to support rural farmers and businesses in helping themselves. The prime example of success in these initiatives can be seen in the vibrancy and economic contribution of the multibillion co-operative dairy processing industry, national livestock marts, and co-operative enterprises in many industry sectors. Co-operatives are sometimes referred to as the children of distress as their foundations are based in difficulties in communities or enterprises but who are also without any support from private or public services. Co-operatives in Ireland are following on this tradition of self-help and looking at providing solutions to issues being faced in the agriculture and rural co-operative sector rather than just highlighting problems. ICOS has published a manifesto with a number of suggested policy changes that can support and facilitate the development of more co-operative businesses in Ireland. Its not rocket science but it does require a commitment from the next government. This ICOS manifesto looks at the wider rural enterprise sector. It highlights sectors with potential to develop new Irish-made jobs and income streams for rural communities, which are widely acknowledged as being left behind in a Dublin-focused economic recovery. The co-operative model is under-utilised in many rural sectors, including tourism, craft, artisan food, and renewable energy to name a few. The structures intrinsic in our co-operatives lend themselves to sustainable rural economic and community development but there is a deficit in understanding of the model in national and local support structures. Renewable energy is to get a boost in 2016 with the announcements of a renewable heat incentive and a solar tariff to be confirmed this year. With many lessons to be learned from our experience with wind, community support will be vital for the progress of these initiatives. There is also great scope for communities to produce renewable energy themselves. The co-operative social enterprise sector, established to tackle social, economic or environmental issues, should be promoted and supported by the next government as an additional means of generating economic activity in rural areas. It has a great potential to reverse the decline in rural communities. We have launched a new agri-taxation proposal to combat extreme income volatility in the dairy sector. The objective is to address a weakness in the existing income averaging system, which provides a benefit to farmers when profits are rising but can be a cost around your neck when profits are falling. Targeted for the next budget, the proposed ICOS 5-5-5 income stability tool would allow farmers, who are participants in the five-year income averaging scheme, to voluntarily defer up to 5% of their milk receipts in any given year. The money would be retained in their names in a recognised, interest bearing fund, to be managed by their co-op, as a loan-stock-type instrument. The money can be drawn down at any time, and subject to income tax at the time of draw down, but in any case, the funds must be drawn down within five years. This 5-5-5 proposal on its own will not solve income volatility in the dairy sector but it can help farmers to manage the worst extremes. Our beef sector is also vulnerable to many factors and our co-operative livestock marts are looking at alternative ways of doing business to sustain the 100,000 family farms producing beef in this country. The power of retail multiples and beef processors through labelling conditions and restrictions on cattle movements is unfairly driving prices down for beef farmers. We want that addressed. A programme of European Investment Bank funding to support the rural sector was announced in 2015. This should be implemented rapidly by the Department of Agriculture to ensure cash flow on farms and rural businesses isnt restricted by our banking sector. Siobhan Mehigan is a co-operative development executive with the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS). More detail on these proposals can be seen on www.icos.ie For more election news, analysis and general banter join us HERE Thats the view of the Irish Farmers Association, which has called for an immediate review on the farm-gate prices being paid to producers. Field vegetable and protected crops chairman Matt Foley said producers are supplying vegetables at a loss. He said exceptional levels of rainfall and mild weather have led to issues on all winter field vegetable crops. Waterlogging and higher disease levels have resulted in crop losses running up to 30% across all lines. In some instances entire farm businesses are in jeopardy, he said. Mr Foley said this crisis was inevitable and had been flagged by the IFA to retailers for some time now. Continuing price wars among the retailers has resulted in unsustainable farm-gate prices, he said. Growers have limped along with poor returns and survived only due to exceptional yields and recent benign winters. However, the current crisis was always a question of when and not if it would occur. "Existing producer returns include no accommodation for natural yield reductions and leave no leeway for reinvestment in farm businesses. He called for an immediate review on the farm-gate prices being paid to producers, who are supplying at a loss. Growers are making decisions on planting programmes and many are debating the viability of proceeding at current farm-gate prices. Input costs continue to spiral upwards, including the recent increase in the minimum wage, while farm-gate prices continue to decrease, he said. Mr Foley said retailers must be genuine about supporting Irish produce and restore a viable margin for the primary producer. In September last year, the IFA addressed this subject at an emergency meeting of the EU council of agriculture ministers meeting in Brussels. The IFA called upon the EU to address the basic issues of imbalance in the food-supply chain, and the severe income pressure on primary producers from farm-gate prices below the cost of production in most sectors, including dairy, grain, beef, pigmeat, lamb, fruit, and vegetables. The internet has changed the way we buy airline tickets, bank, and shop and, according to Dublin company Webdoctor, is now in the process of changing the way we visit our doctor. Co-founder and CEO Oisin Kim says, since setting up in 2014, his company has treated over 12,000 patients online. He believes that acceptance of online consultations is growing in both Ireland and Europe, and expects his company to be treating several hundred thousand patients a year within five or six years. Back in 2014, Webdoctor started out by offering repeat prescriptions for the contraceptive pill, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. Mr Kim says: We have now increased this to eight conditions, including a home test for sexually transmitted infections and, in August last year, we went live with a video consultation service. He noted that the company has since held over 500 online consultations. Supported by Enterprise Ireland, Webdoctor raised just over 1m last year, which it is now using to grow its team, expand its range of services to include health screening, and to explore new markets in the UK and Europe. The advantages of our service for patients are that its cheaper and more convenient over half the people who use it do so outside of the hours of 9 to 5, says Mr Kim, explaining that the service is also widely used by people with conditions such as sexually transmitted infections which they are too embarrassed to see their GP about. The repeat prescription service is available 24/7 and costs 25, while online consultations are available between 7am and 12pm and cost between 28 and 35. The company does not deal with serious illnesses but Mr Kim estimates that Webdoctor can safely treat between 75% and 80% of the typical conditions patients visit their GPs with. Early last year, the company launched a home test kit for sexually transmitted infections. It is currently in trials with a blood test kit used for standard tests such as cholesterol, glucose, thyroid. This is scheduled for launch at the end of March. Prior to setting up Webdoctor, Mr Kim and his brother Howard ran a consultancy firm working on large-scale internet systems. They became interested in using technology in the medical arena when they computerised the practice of their GP, Dr Sylvester Mooney. He was struggling with volumes of paper files and we helped him select a new system. "We began discussing ways of using modern technology to improve communication and efficiency. We spent a few years talking and thinking about it, says Mr Kim. After that they sat down with him while he was dealing with test patients. We looked at how his interaction worked and began building a road map and developing a platform. In September 2013, Webdoctor was set up with a team of seven made up of four technical staff, including the Kim brothers, in addition to Dr Mooney and two other doctors. Initially they worked part time but switched to full time when the company launched its initial service in 2014. Self-funded at the start, Webdoctor became a High Potential Start Up company last year and raised 1m. Since then the staff has grown to 10 and two more doctors are being recruited. Company plans for this year include expanding the service offered by Webdoctor to include online consultations with other medical practitioners. We are also working on a halo approach to providing on-demand appointments online, says Mr Kim, further explaining that this will involve building up a network of GPs to provide online consultations. Also in the pipeline is a plan to offer the technology to GPs on software as a service basis, so that they can offer their patients online consultations in addition to ones held in their surgeries. Mr Kim says that in terms of online doctor services, Europe is around four or five years behind the US but he believes the gap is narrowing. Within three years he expects Webdoctor to have a turnover of in excess of 1m. Company: Webdoctor.ie Location: Dublin CEO: Oisin Kim Staff: 10 Business: Online doctor service Website: www.Webdoctor.ie Monday February 21, 1916 RESTRICTION OF PAPER IMPORTANT NOTICE To Readers of the Examiner. It is expected that the Government proposals, which entail heavy curtailment of supplies to newspaper owners and others, will be shortly enforced. This will necessarily lead to a reduction in the size of newspapers, and no waste of any kind on the printed editions can be permitted. Agents and Vendors will, therefore, be good enough to exercise the most rigid economy in ordering present supplies. Tuesday February 22, 1916 KILLARNEY PRIEST VOLUNTEERS Rev. Donal OSullivan, Professor, St. Brendan s Seminary, Killarney, has volunteered as chaplain to the forces. COUNT BERNSTORFF U.S. INDIGNANT. New York, February 20th. All the morning newspapers indicate their displeasure with big headlines, and many practically accuse Count Bernstorff of having turned the German Embassy into a publicity bureau for the purpose of influencing American sentiment into pro-Teutonic channels, through the systematic giving out of misleading statements. The Heralds Washington correspondent saysThreats that a certain Ambassador will be sent home if the unfair Press propaganda does not cease are made by an official who is in a position to make such threats good. The ambassadors dismissal could have thrown the Rising plans into disarray. Count Johann Heinrich von Bernstorff was the diplomat in New York who was relaying messages to Berlin of the required arrangements to supply guns for the Irish Republican Brotherhoods planned Rising at Easter. Wednesday February 24, 1916 This ad is for one of the family businesses of Tomas MacCurtain command-ant of the Irish Volunteers Cork Brigade, and his brother Sean. Tomas took on the flax mill, factory and shop at Thomas Davis Street in Blackpool the year before, and it was there he would be shot dead by police as Corks Lord Mayor in March 1920, in front of his wife Elizabeth. Friday February 25, 1916 THE WOMAN OFFICIAL (From to-days Daily Chronicle). Paris, Thursday. Much has been written about the employment of women in private offices and businesses in France, as well as in the capacity of ticket collectors on the Metropolitan railway and in tram cars. The movement has gone much further than this, however. In the Government offices in public and municipal administrations...the employment of women is being more and more generalised. Not merely as heretofore as copyists or shorthand typists, but as recognised officials occupying posts requiring personal initiative and responsibility. In this sense the war has wrought a veritable revolution here. The opening of such situations to women has, it is said, given excellent results... They have introduced a happy change from the impersonal mechanical conceptions of their work, which their male predecessors too often displayed. Saturday, February 26, 1916 MAGDALENS ASYLUM. PEACOCK LANE Tomorrow, as has been announced in our advertising columns, the annual Charity Sermon in aid of St Mary Magdalens Asylum, Peacock Lane. will be preached by the Rev. Father Matthew, O.S.F.C. By the help of contributions of the Cork people, and by the work of the inmates, this institution has been able to carry out a most noble and meritorious charity for more than a century. More items from the same weeks Cork Examiner at www.theirishrevolution.ie The party has set out its proposals for Dublin City, which would include a directly elected mayor, a freeze on public transport fares, and two new garda units to tackle anti-social behaviour and serious organised crime. Fianna Fail would give local authorities new use it or lose it powers to encourage developers to build and stop land hoarding. Under the plan, Dublin councils would also be urged to provide automatic residential planning permission within building regulations to small vacant sites in the city and inner suburbs. However, this would expire within two years if not used, and developers could face other monetary penalties. The partys Dublin spokesman, Senator Darragh OBrien, said: We do believe in penalties. We dont want people hoarding land. There is a housing crisis there. It would be a penalty in relation to a tax penalty and also looking at rezoning for land. We did propose this in the previous government as well, where you would have a penalty of up to 80% of the value if that was sold on and it wasnt used in the time. What we are trying it do is incentivise people to move it along, he said. Mr OBrien said the measures outlined in A Dublin for All are aimed at tackling crime and homelessness, and improving health and transport services. The party would aim to address gangland activity through the establishment of a serious and organised crime unit in Dublin. He said: Weve seen unfortunately very, very recently serious gangland crime, murders within our city and county. As that has happened this Government has taken 700 guards away from Dublin. We are committing to 700 additional guards, Dublin public order unit, and a Dublin transport police. This needs to be tackled. Our citizens deserve to be safe. However, the number of gardai in this new unit, as well as another unit to address public order in the city centre, would be decided by An Garda Siochana and would have to be taken out of the 700 additional members promised. Tougher measures to stop repeat burglaries, and mandatory sentences for assaults on older people are also contained in the proposals. Mr OBrien said: We will also get tough on burglars. Parts of the capital have seen a jump of almost 80% in recorded burglaries over the past two years. We will have mandatory sentences for repeat burglary offenders. We will also establish a dedicated Dublin City Centre Garda Public Order Unit to combat drug dealing and anti-social behavior on the capitals main commercial streets, he said. Rent supplement levels would be increased by 10%, and the party has also committed to delivering 15,500 social homes for Dublin in the next five years if elected to power. Meanwhile, Fianna Fail finance spokesman Michael McGrath said protection from the vulture funds for SMEs and mortgage holders is a key issue that must be immediately dealt with by the incoming government. There have been very worrying reports over the weekend that vulture funds are holding back on taking action against SMEs and mortgage holders until after the election, he said. Clearly these funds feel that there is limited sanction in the law as it currently stands to prevent putting SMEs into receivership or seeking repossession of family and buy to let properties. The incoming Dail must amend the legislation to ensure that any borrower who has entered into a restructuring arrangement and who is sticking to it, cannot have that payment structure cancelled by the acquirer of a loan or an agent operating on their behalf. Climate experts said Monday that ocean temperatures played a key role in strengthening Cyclone Winston, which slammed into Fiji on Saturday night with 200-mph winds, killing at least 29 people and flattening villages. The warmer the sea-surface temperature, the stronger a tropical cyclone can get, Bob Henson, a meteorologist and climate blogger at Weather Underground, told Al Jazeera in an email. Sea-surface temperatures have been especially warm this year across much of the tropical Pacific, largely as a result of the current El Nino on top of the long-term warming, Henson said. In addition to the past years record temperatures, the weather phenomenon known as El Nino a periodic warming in sea surface temperatures in the western equatorial Pacific is also believed to have played a role. Fijis meteorological service last October issued its seasonal forecast warning of above-average cyclone activity for certain parts of the South Pacific because of El Nino, said Clare Nullis, media officer for the World Meteorological Organization. "The impacts of tropical cyclones, especially on small island states, are expected to increase because of more torrential rainfall and higher sea levels associated with climate change," Nullis added. Because El Nino years translate to a lower sea level and rainfall in the western Pacific where Fiji lies, those effects of climate change may not have contributed to the storm's strength, "but there does seem to be a link with El Nino," Nullis said. Flood warnings remained in effect in some low-lying areas of Fiji as Winston moved farther away on Monday, according to the Fiji Meteorological Service. Officials said the death toll could rise once reports come in from Fijis remote, outer islands, which have been cut off by the storm. Cyclone Winston forced thousands of residents to flee to evacuation centers or hunker down in their own homes Saturday night. Climate models generally agree that the world can expect a greater proportion of storms to reach Category 5 strength in in the coming decades. Thats why Fiji has taken the United Nations climate negotiations so seriously becoming the first nation in the world to ratify the treaty last week that was signed by 195 nations in Paris in December. Fiji, like other Pacific island nations vulnerable to rising seas, storm surges and extreme weather like Cyclone Winston, will likely see more extremely strong storms in the future as ocean temperatures continue to rise, experts said. The worlds oceans absorb much of Earths extra heat, and with global temperatures on the rise because of climate change, ocean temperatures have soared, data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has shown. Experts have shown that the earths oceans have soaked up more than 90 percent of the atmospheres excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases. Tropical cyclones are heat engines at heart: they transfer energy from low-latitude oceans to the higher-latitude atmosphere, Henson wrote in a blog post Monday. As human-produced greenhouse gases continue to pump energy into Earths oceans (where more than 90 percent of the excess heat from those greenhouse gases is stored), it is no surprise that some of that heat is being expressed in the form of record-setting typhoons, hurricanes, and cyclones," Henson added. After one weekend poll put her party on just 4%, Ms Burton also dismissed warnings from economists about being prudent with the economy and said workers deserved relief. She said a couple both on 35,000 each would get five times more tax relief under Labour than under a Sinn Fein-led government. Mixed weekend polls still leave Labour with single-digit support, with the closing days of the campaign now in sight. A Red C poll left the party with 8% while a Behaviour and Attitudes survey found just 4% of people would vote for Labour. But Ms Burton, launching the partys priorities for low and middle- income workers, said it was not difficult to keep the partys candidates upbeat. The party leader had said at the weekend she was a fighter, after the shock poll, which some suggest was down to her poor performance during last weeks RTE leaders debate. The last TV debate, among the four major party leaders, will take place tomorrow, at which Ms Burtons performance will be closely watched. Launching Labours proposals to save workers cash, she claimed that only her party would ensure that tax cuts benefit lower and middle-income earners the most. If people want to see restoration, recovery, and fairness, they have to give very serious consideration to the Labour partys programme which is costed. Labour outlined how a teacher on 44,900 a year would pay 1,768 less tax, a nurse on 34,000 would pay 1,200 less, and a retail worker on 21,800 would save 1,000. Ms Burton said that Sinn Feins offer to any of those workers was a very large fat zero, as well as what was being offered by the Social Democrats. Criticising her opponents election promises, Ms Burton said: I think it is a poor economic programme that suggests that workers get no tax relief at all. Labour has promised to eliminate the USC for those on up to 72,000 over five years. Personal tax credits would also be withdrawn for those on over 100,000. The Labour leader also had warnings for any party thinking of relying on independents for support in government after the election. I think it would be quite difficult to keep their constituency lists satisfied. Inevitably, people in the next-door constituencies would want the same. The recovery has to bed down. But doing that with groups of independents who would have very local commitments, a lot of which would easily run into a couple of million [euro] at a time, would be very difficult she said. She noted this happened 15 years ago during Fianna Fail-led governments. In those days, there was an awful lot of money around, so it was very possible to satisfy those demands. I think people underestimate how difficult it might be to do that this time, said Ms Burton. Labour, with another opinion poll due out today, is now at a fragile point in the campaign and will look to stress its core message this week. This, say party sources, will include emphasising what would happen if Labour are not in government and differentiating itself from other parties, including Fine Gael. The new LG G5 comes with a removable battery slot and additional features such as a camera and a speaker that can be slotted into this area with the battery at the base of the phone. The Korean firms president Juno Cho described the new device as an adventurous theme park in your pocket. Google is also working on a modular smartphone where users can add and remove features, though it is thought to be far from completion. A small second battery inside the phone keeps it running while any swap is made. LG made the announcement at a press conference ahead of the Mobile World Congress technology show that begins in Barcelona today. The G5 will also have an always-on screen, though LG added this will only highlight part of the screen and use less than 1% of the battery every hour. The phones rear camera also comes with a wide angle lens, which can be used to take photos in a 135 degree range wider than the viewing range of the human eye. Meanwhile, Huawei unveiled a hybrid laptop to compete with the iPad Pro and Microsoft Surface. The two-in-one device, which is called the MateBook, functions as a laptop, but the screen can be detached to operate as a tablet, which will run Microsofts Windows 10. It will come with a 12-inch full HD touch screen, with 8GB of memory for mobile use. According to the report, drawn from focus groups of 66 Muslim men, women and children living in Dublin, some participants were verbally abused or assaulted in public by assailants shouting Allahu akbar, making references to Islamic State, or, in one case, asking the question: Are you Bin Ladens wife? Public spaces including public transport, shops, and restaurants are also referenced in claims of discrimination. According to the report: There is a distinct security theme emerging in this study in the manner in which Muslim women, predominantly, are pursued in shops and shopping malls, mainly by security guards but also by shop staff. There is also criticism of the gardai, including a specific experience of being singled out for attention by a member of An Garda Siochana while others were ignored and a perception among Muslim communities that gardai will treat their own (read as white, Irish, and Catholic) better than those perceived as other . The report also reflects the view of participants that Muslims are homogenised and that younger Muslims born and bred here can feel excluded even when they strongly identify as being Irish. The report, entitled Islamophobia in Dublin Experiences and How to Respond, was written by James Carr of the Department of Sociology in the University of Limerick. In the foreword, Brian Killoran, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said there was an urgency attached to addressing the issues, considering two mosques, as well as private properties were subjected to graffiti and bricks thrown through the windows during the period of the research. The report also found that some participants do not trust the Irish media, particularly with regard to a perceived oversimplification of issues such as the war in Syria, and the idea that Irish and Muslim were mutually exclusive terms. The report also claims there is a level of discrimination experienced within the school system, either through limited access to education in the first place or regarding the teaching of religious education. In some cases, it is claimed the discrimination is more explicit, referring to allegations of abuse from other students and staff. As for employment, the report outlines peoples claims of discrimination, including a number of issues emerged that centre on religious identity, either in the form of religious dress or through the identification of a person as Muslim on the basis of their name. Access to employment is cited as being difficult, alongside claims of discrimination in the workplace. However, the report also shows that many of those interviewed have a strong bond with Ireland and with Dublin as their home city. The report, which is to be published today, contains a raft of recommendations, including a call for the swift implementation of hate crime legislation. Their descendants have lived in Addis Ababa Zoo ever since. Slightly smaller than other African ones, Ethiopian males have distinctive dark manes extending down their breasts and along their bellies. Five years ago, scientists ran DNA tests on 15 of the Addis Zoos 20 lions. The animals proved to be unique, their genes uncontaminated by ones from elsewhere. Though not sufficiently unique to merit species or sub-species designation, they were genetically distinct enough to justify special conservation efforts. However, this was seen as a lost cause; few, if any, wild lions were thought to remain in Ethiopia or in nearby Sudan. This has turned out not to be the case; Hans Bauer of Oxford University has just announced that there are lions in Alatash National Park in north-west Ethiopia and in the Dinder National Park across the border in Sudan. Local people knew the animals were there but, up to now, the experts dismissed their claims. Born Free, the film based on Joy Adamsons book about Elsa the lioness, was released in 1966. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film, the Born Free Foundation declared 2016 the Year of the Lion and sponsored an expedition to Alatash. The team, led by Dr Bauer, searched for signs of the cats and broadcast lion calls over loudspeakers. The breakthrough came with the discovery of pugmarks. Then camera traps were set up at strategic locations. Like the motion-sensitive security devices we use to protect our properties, the cameras take flash photographs of animals moving in front of them. Soon the scientists were rewarded with pictures of the lost lions of Ethiopia. Dinder Park, adjacent of Alatash on the other side of the border with Sudan, must also have lions, the study team concluded. This vast wilderness area is much larger than Alatash and seldom visited by people. The two parks have little surface water, so there are relatively few animals on which big cats can prey. There are likely, therefore, to be only one or two lions per 100km2 there, giving an overall population estimate of 100 to 200 lions for the entire ecosystem, of which 27 to 54 would be in Alatash, says Bauer. Given the scarcity of food, lion prides are likely to be small, not more than three or four individuals. Prides elsewhere in Africa usually have about half a dozen members. Groups of up to 30 are occasionally recorded. Lion populations are declining relentlessly throughout Africa. Numbers have fallen by 50% to 75% in the last 35 years. The cats now occupy only 8% of their former range. The North African Barbary lion, which roamed the Atlas Mountains into the 20th century, is gone. So is the Cape lion of South Africa. Three quarters of the original lion habitat has been lost to massive land-use conversion. As the human population of Africa increases, so does the demand for bush-meat, which is cheaper than farmed equivalents. In cities, bush-meat has become an exotic delicacy. Wildlife trapping is organised, almost on an industrial scale, in some areas. Big cats are also targeted for the illegal trade in body parts. Governments are criticised for neglect. From their point of view, lions are a nuisance and of no economic value except for tourism. Sixty-seven locations in Africa still have significant numbers of lions but only 15 areas are thought to support more than 500 animals. Over 96 million people live in Ethiopia, the second most populous African country, and two million more are added each year. That lions should have survived there is remarkable. The discoveries at Alatash and Dinder mean that the map of lion distribution can, for once, be extended, a most welcome development. This time, however, outgoing Coalition TDs are feeling the brunt of complaints about many issues, from water charges to housing and wind turbines. The anti-government sentiment is especially strong in Waterford City, where Independent Alliance co-founder and outgoing TD John Halligan and Sinn Fein senator David Cullinane are expected to do well. Fine Gaels John Deasy, further west in Dungarvan, will also get strong support, as he is seen as a rebel Government TD. He also has a good following over agriculture issues, as well as further afield from his town base. Cullinane, who has run in the past three general elections, has fallen just short on each occasion, but could be lucky this time. In the last election, he got 9.9% of votes. But, come voting day, this Friday, and with increased backing for Sinn Fein, he will be in a good position to win a seat. The status of Waterford Hospital is an ongoing concern across the county, especially its limited cardiac service and because patients must often go to Cork for treatment. This means you can only have a heart attack before 5pm during the week, and not at all on the weekend, say locals. In 2012, 20,000 people took to Waterfords streets to protest cuts for the hospital. There are also claims that the IDA have created fewer jobs here. The county has one of the highest rates of people in JobBridge programmes. High-profile company closures, including Talk Talk and Waterford Crystal, have also dented confidence. Water charges and local authority housing are also concerns for constituents. With only a minor boundary addition from south Tipperary, the four-seat constituency remains largely the same. The county spreads over the Comeraghs, to Dungarvan, Lismore, and Tramore, while the city includes Waterford City west, Waterford City east, and Waterford City south. Incumbent TDs Ciara Conway of Labour and Paudie Coffey of Fine Gael will have a fight on their hands to retain their seats, given the backlash against the Government. Fianna Fail, which lost two seats here last time, hopes to take back one via councillor Mary Butler. While it is her first general election, the retail business woman, will have help from the eight other party councillors Fianna Fail managed to get elected in the local elections. Another to watch here is the Greens and former Greenpeace activist Grace OSullivan, who secured close to 30,000 first preference votes in the European elections. At a Jeb Bush staff meeting in the conference room of a Phoenix hotel in May, a text message popped into the phone of his senior adviser and long-time confidante Sally Bradshaw that sent aides scrambling for the television: He said it. It had been four days since Bush and his team rehearsed how to extinguish the political firestorm hed ignited by saying, astonishingly, that he would have agreed with then-president George W Bush to invade Iraq in 2003 even if and this was the killer hed known the intelligence was faulty. Bush took days to spit out the prepared answer as he wrestled with himself over an issue that touched on two of the biggest stumbling blocks in his quest for the Republican presidential nomination, ones that were obvious from the beginning: Critiques of his family and the stagecraft of modern political campaigns. When Bush finally reversed course on the Iraq question, on May 14, his aides alerted Bradshaw as Bush awkwardly installed a mea culpa at the end of his stump speech, struggling to speak in complete sentences as a confused crowd traded glances. If were all supposed to answer hypothetical questions knowing what we know now, what would you have done? I would not have engaged, I would not have gone into Iraq, Bush said, before trailing off in an avalanche of qualifications. The moment, in retrospect, crystallised how hard it would be for Bush to win. On Saturday he ended his bid to become the Republican nominee, bringing to a close the modern era of GOP politics and at least for a generation ending the reign of a remarkable political dynasty. One problem with Bushs campaign, of course, is that the rules by which the dynasty had always operated did not apply in this season of the angry outsider. Bushs record of accomplishment as Floridas governor not to mention his vast war chest were relegated to mere footnotes as the race progressed. It was as though his very personality was reduced to two words by Donald Trump low energy and voters shook their heads, realised that Trump had put his finger on it, and agreed. Bush never recovered. To blame Trump is to forgive Bush. The other problem was Jeb himself. From the beginning, there was a dreamy, philosophical air to his effort. As he mulled his decision to enter the race, he focused on his interior thought processes, speaking of the need to be able to campaign joyfully. By the end, he seemed to be observing himself from a remove. I feel like Im in some sort of play, Bush said in his penultimate town hall on Friday. Were all part of a narrative. He wanted to sell himself as a thoughtful conciliator, an effective administrator, an adult. Most of the signs in the Republican Party were pointing in the opposite direction. Bush viewed himself as a persuader, but the partys agitated base longed for a validator. He spoke about showing his heart to voters. Conservatives wanted to see his fists. The irony of the whole effort was that Bush had used his fists. He had bloodied his knuckles in just the kind of political street fighting that so many Republicans now are seeking. As Florida governor, he survived a multimillion-dollar campaign launched by teachers and state-employee unions to unseat him. As governor, he had relished twisting arms and knocking heads in his own party to drive through landmark school-choice legislation. But from the beginning of this campaign, the younger Bush struggled to get his message out. One problem was that, as Bush stumbled through the summer and autumn, Right to Rise held its fire, sitting on its enormous haul. It was only in late October that the super-Pac began pouring money in earnest in early-state markets and failed to move the needle. When the votes and dollars were tabulated, the numbers were gaudy. The Bush organisation spent over $5,000 (4,500) per vote in Iowa, where he finished sixth, and New Hampshire, where he finished fourth, according to a Washington Post analysis. In a normal year, buoyed by his vast financial advantage and establishment support, Bush may have been able to survive his early stumbles and steep learning curve as a candidate. But it was not a normal year, because one of his adversaries was not a normal candidate. Bush memorably laughed at the mention of Trump during an interview on Fox News the day the New York businessman announced his campaign, a day after Bushs own formal launch. But the dismissiveness which Bush immediately apologised for with a sly grin on his face ignored potential red flags. Trump, who had flirted for years with running, was leading or near the top of several Republican primary polls four years earlier. Almost out of the gate, Trump had tagged Bush who, as a governor, had rebuffed Trumps attempt to build casinos in Florida with the low-energy label. Bush, for the record, is not low energy. At that point, he was out-hustling almost everyone on the campaign trail. He was raising money almost every time he sat down for a meal, impressing donors with his executive prowess. But it was a memorable phrase, capturing something about how Bush physically carried himself (he often slouched his shoulders, appearing to make his 6ft 4in frame smaller), his thoughtfulness, his lack of overt aggression. When Bush fought back, his voice rising, you could feel him willing himself to confront the bully which only reinforced the original insult. Trump wasnt the only beneficiary of Bushs struggles. Another was his former Florida protege and young man in a hurry Marco Rubio. Many in Bushworld believed that, once they announced their huge fundraising haul, Rubio, blocked from his obvious sources of money in Florida, would wait his turn in another year. But Rubio, with his generational message, Hispanic background, and immense ambition, interpreted the situation differently, setting off a psychodrama as rich as the Bushs with Trump, though often more veiled. Rubio bided his time. But with Bush weakened by Trumps attacks, Rubio saw an opening. On October 28 in Boulder, Colorado, he took it. That was the night of the third Republican presidential debate, where Bush needed a strong performance. Instead, he appeared overmatched on stage as Rubio stole Bushs knife an attack on Rubios truancy in the Senate, one that obviously was going to come and turned it on his former mentor. In the final days of the campaign, in the week before the South Carolina primary, Bush doubled down on family, which was after all, the foundation of his campaign. But the Bush dynasty was also its biggest weakness. After more than a year, voters were still asking Bush at town halls how hed be different from his brother and father. He seemed to sense the futility. If youre not going to vote for me, Bush said. I hope youll pray for my family at least. Messages have been fine-tuned, some badly; economic calculations have been completed, some inaccurately; party leaders have spoken, some clumsily; and promises have been made, some brazenly. Surprise results in weekend polls sent shockwaves through the parties. Some political figures were jubilant, others were dismayed. Labours woes were compounded by a leaked Sunday Times poll, on Friday night, which showed its support halving, and dropping to 4%. Immediately, the Anti-Austerity Alliance and People Before Profit were boasting about their new-found 5% level of support, while Independent Alliance de-facto leader, Shane Ross, could not wipe the smile off his face yesterday, after his group went ahead of Labour. Labour is in dire straits. Even given the room for error in that new poll, it will be a tough week ahead for the party that, five years ago, brought 37 TDs to the Dail. Under current predictions, Labour would be lucky to get 10 returned. But party strategists are more optimistic. They point to last-minute decisions by voters, and a possible swing in their favour. The junior coalition partner also plans a last-minute leaflet blitz, as part of its efforts to go above 10% on polling day, this Friday. These will focus on the theme of only with Labour. The leaflets, which will be dropped through peoples doors, will focus on why only Labours tax plans would best help low-and middle-income earners, why only its position in government will address social issues (such as a move to repeal the Eighth Amendment), and why only its presence in government would guarantee investment in services. It remains to be seen if the ploy works. Meanwhile, Enda Kenny went the way of incumbent leaders and election gaffes, yesterday, when he declared that some of his own constituents were All-Ireland champion whingers giving out about the recovery not working. Yes, thats right. The man who wants to be the first Fine Gael taoiseach returned successfully dropped a complete clanger in his own backyard, in Castlebar, on Saturday night. Furthermore, when asked by the media, yesterday, if he regretted the remarks, a somewhat giddy Kenny replied (to loud applause from Fine Gael handlers): No. Some of them wouldnt know sunshine if they saw it. Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern was also prone to the odd gaffe during election campaigns, when he said, in the 2007 race, that those complaining about the economy overheating were cribbers and moaners. You would have imagined, though, that Mr Kenny would have been more humble about people who disagreed that the recovery has been steaming ahead, as Fine Gaels campaign has been suggesting it has. Indeed, privately, Fine Gael ministers want to row back on the keep the recovery going message, which the party has plastered all over the country. This was also evident during a final party rally at election headquarters in Dublin yesterday. Mr Kenny never mentioned the phrase once. Expect his critics, though, to seize on the whingers remark in the days ahead. Fine Gael insiders admit the party is well short of its target 35% in the polls. Most senior figures were hoping for a mid-60s in the number of seats. Its a bit too late for panic stations, though, and, instead, vote management will be crucial in constituencies, as well as last-minute messaging on the ground. All eyes tomorrow will turn to the final TV leaders debate. The RTE event could be a do-or-die moment for Labour leader, Joan Burton, who underperformed in the last two and is under huge pressure. Nonetheless, she could have the most to gain. However, most attention is expected to focus on Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, and their interaction, as both bid to win the middle ground and destroy each others record in office. While Mr Martins performance in the debates, and in the campaign, has surpassed expectations, Mr Kenny has most to lose. The Taoiseach has kept a calm, statesman-like persona during exchanges and we can probably expect the same when all four leaders face the cameras, one last time, tomorrow night. No-one, especially not Mr Kenny, will want to slip up just days before polling. The pendulum of power is swinging. But it isnt swinging from one party to another. It is swinging towards groups, coalitions, and alliances outside of the mainstream. It is swinging, especially, towards candidates willing to step into the political ring and fight elections outside of any party machinery, and without a party brand. We are seeing the rise of the Independents. In the 2007 election, Independent candidates were a marginal force. They received 5.1% of first preferences, and won just a handful of seats. In 2011, Independents received 12.1% of first preferences and won 14 seats. Now, with days to go before the election, a Red C poll has put independents and others (a category pollsters use to handle the sheer variety of different affiliations) at 28% (+2%). This rise is against the backdrop of the failure of any mainstream political party to surge ahead. If the Independents popularity holds up, they, collectively, may hold the balance of power in the Dail. There are lots of reasons for their rise. People are angry with politics and politicians. Many are sick of parties and the way they fight elections. Disaffection with politics and political parties has been on the increase not only in Ireland, but in mature democracies across the world. From Beppe Grillo in Italy to Podemos in Spain and Ukip in Britain, anti-establishment sentiment is building, and voices and movements have sprung up to puncture the complacency of business-as-usual politics. Independents, shedding the bind of party discipline, are an important part of this angry insurgency. Theres another reason too. Fighting a general election is daunting to anyone, but has always been especially difficult outside of a party machine. The practical difficulties of going it alone are numerous, but probably the most difficult for non-celebrity candidates is to get the visibility, the name recognition needed so that, come election day, voters actually remember who you are. Parties have always been essential for this: A supply of volunteers, a media department handing out interviews and grappling for column inches, and a ready-made brand where voters, at a glance, know what you broadly stand for. Independents have none of this. No party support or machine, no protective spokespeople, and little access to the resources and PR muscle that professional political parties provide. Newspapers and broadcasters struggle to know how to handle Indep-endents they cant be dealt with as a group, they arent a voting bloc they sometimes dont even have a logo. However, all of this is changing. The conventional furniture of politics the party machinery, press spokespeople, coverage in the mainstream media all matters a little less than it used to. The practical disadvantages facing Independents have got a bit less formidable, and the reason for this is the rise of social media. The digital world can now much more cheaply and easily be used to replace and replicate the benefits that only parties could once bring, and those sitting outside of the political establishment have readily, hungrily taken up this opportunity. Independents, and other non-mainstream groups are on the rise, using social media to close the gap with their better funded, more established mainstream opponents. A vitally important platform where this is happening is Twitter. How they use Twitter radically varies; Independent Kevin Murphy has sent over 1,800 tweets during the campaign so far, the second-most of any candidate. Some have sent just a handful. Some are barely followed at all on Twitter, while Shane Ross has over 35,000 followers, more than any candidate other than Gerry Adams and Enda Kenny. Overall, Independent candidates are very active on Twitter. Together, they have sent over 12,000 tweets, around a quarter of the total sent by all candidates in the election so far, and thousands more than the collective output of any of their mainstream rivals. It isnt just the Independents. Members of non-mainstream groups have also gone into overdrive to pump out digital messages. Over the course of the campaign, the Greens have sent, on average, 146 tweets per candidate (who are on Twitter in the first place). The Anti Austerity Alliance has sent 151. The Social Democrats have sent 518. Fianna Fail has sent, on average, 89 tweets per candidate, and Fine Gael just 73. The three most prolific tweeters, Social Democrats Ken Curtin and Anne-Marie McNally, and Independent Kevin Murphy, have sent more tweets together 5,413 at the time of writing than every single Fianna Fail candidate combined. All of this digital noise begins to win these candidates what they most desperately need, days out of an election: Visibility. Over 30,000 tweets have mentioned an Independent candidate since the start of the campaign. This isnt as much as the 55,000 mentioning Fine Gael, or the 57,000 mentioning Sinn Fein. But take away Mr Adams, and other members of Sinn Fein are mentioned 29,000 times. Take away Mr Kenny, and other members of Fine Gael are mentioned 36,000 times. Take away Joan Burton, and Labour has over 20,000 mentions. Independents, without a nationally famous figurehead, are in the same ball park. Whatever happens on polling day, this particular earthquake will continue to rumble, and the familiar architecture of Irish party politics is beginning to shake under our feet. Carl Miller is research director at the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media @carljackmiller The blunt-talking billionaire posted his second straight victory in South Carolinas Republican primary, ending any lingering doubts that he could transform his passionate supporters into voters. On the other side of the country, Hillary Clinton blunted concerns about her viability with a clear victory over Bernie Sanders in Nevada, the first state to test the Democrats appeal among a racially diverse group of voters. Trump, now the clear leader in the delegate race, cemented his standing as his partys favourite. No Republican in modern times has won New Hampshire and South Carolina and then failed to win the nomination. Having proven his mettle in South Carolina, Trump emerged well-primed for more winning as the primary heads toward a cluster of southern states. Its tough, its nasty, its mean, its vicious, Trump said of the rollicking presidential campaign. Its beautiful. When you win, its beautiful. Though Trumps victory was vindication for political mavericks whose hunger for an outsider has defined this years campaign, those fortunes didnt extend to Sanders. After winning the second contest in New Hampshire, the self-declared democratic socialist came up in short in Nevada, where Clinton collected the majority of delegates and told gleeful supporters that, This one is for you. For Jeb Bush, it was the end of the line. His donors ready to bolt, the political scion dropped out of the race after failing to break into the top three. Trump routed his rivals by capturing roughly one-third of the votes in South Carolina. Senator Marco Rubio edged fellow freshman Senator Ted Cruz for second place. John Kasich shrugged off a weak performance in South Carolina, a conservative state the Ohio governor had largely written off. From here, Republicans and Democrats swap places, with the GOP candidates preparing to face off in Nevada and the Democrats four days later in South Carolina. The bigger prize comes a few days later, when a dozen states vote on March 1, with oodles of delegates up for grabs. A string of victories for Clinton and Trump in those Super Tuesday contests would give them commanding leads in the delegate race, dampening prospects for their rivals to catch up. Already, Trump leads Republicans with 61 of the needed 1,237 delegates, while Clinton has 503 to Sanders 70, including superdelegates who back the candidate of their choice. When Trump jumped into the race eight months ago, most Republican leaders dismissed the real estate mogul, insisting the die-hards packing his amped-up rallies were fans, not real voters. Not anymore. The biggest question facing Republicans now is whether those seeking to spoil a Trump nomination have simply run out of time. Both Cruz and Rubio hinted at their strategy for knocking him out as they addressed supporters after polls closed. We are the only campaign that has beaten and can beat Donald Trump, said Cruz, the victor of the Iowa caucuses. If you are a conservative, this is where you belong because only one strong conservative is in a position to win this race. Rubio, the fresh-faced son of Cuban immigrants, has insisted hes the only Republican that can best Clinton or another Democrat with a voting public thats growing younger and more diverse. Having finally dispensed with Bush, he confidently told supporters in Columbia that this has become a three-person race. This country is now ready for a new generation of conservatives to guide us into the 21st century, Rubio said, flanked by South Carolinas Indian-American Governor Nikki Haley and African-American Senator Tim Scott. Clintons victory was a relief for her campaign following her blowout loss in New Hampshire. She captured voters who said electability and experience were important to their vote. But in sign of Clintons continuing vulnerability, Sanders did best with voters seeking someone caring and honest. We have come a very long way in nine months, Sanders said. He waxed that the wind is at our backs. Backed by a powerful network of small-dollar donors, Sanders has plenty of funds. Ben Carson vowed to keep campaigning despite lagging far behind his fellow Republicans. Only 67 people survived the camp, fleeing in a revolt, shortly before it was destroyed. Treblinka, north-east of Warsaw) is notorious as the most vivid example of the Final Solution, the Nazi plan to exterminate Europes Jews. Unlike at other camps, where some Jews were assigned to forced labour before being killed, Jews brought to Treblinka were immediately gassed to death. Only a few mostly young, strong men, like Willenberg, who was 20 at the time were spared from immediate death and assigned to maintenance work. On August 2, 1943, a group of Jews stole weapons, set fire to the camp, and headed to the woods. Hundreds fled, but most were shot and killed by Nazi troops in the surrounding mine fields, or captured by Polish villagers, who returned them to Treblinka. The world cannot forget Treblinka, Willenberg said in 2010. He was shot in the leg, as he climbed over bodies piled at the barbed-wire fence. He catapulted over. He kept running, ignoring dead friends in his path. He said his blue eyes and non-Jewish look allowed him to survive in the countryside, before he arrived in Warsaw and joined the Polish underground. The rapid growth of Internet access in emerging economies, experts say, reflects a growing recognition by governments and multilateral organizations that expanding access is an economic imperative in a globalized world. Though most of the increase Pew found came in a handful of the largest emerging economies, including China, Malaysia and Brazil, Pew found that emerging economies on the whole appear to be "catching up to their developed peers. Even so, the digital divide remains pronounced. A country's per capita income remains one of the strongest indicators of whether an individual uses the Internet. Among the world's 11 most advanced economies, a median of 87 percent are Internet users, Pew found. At 94 percent, South Korea had the highest percentage, followed by Australia (93 percent), Canada (90 percent), the United States (89 percent) and the United Kingdom (89 percent). Africa and South Asia, meanwhile, continued to lag far behind. Several of the countries surveyed including Burkina Faso, Uganda and Ethiopia have Internet usage rates below 20 percent. Even Africas two largest economies, South Africa and Nigeria, have relatively meager figures just 42 and 39 percent, respectively. Even as mobile Internet infrastructure improves in the poorest regions of the world, income inequality within these countries appears to be a major obstacle. In India, for example, the high cost of data services relative to the per capita income puts connectivity out of reach for roughly 78 percent of Indians. Overall, though, Pew's findings suggest the continued growth of mobile Internet access is key to shrinking the digital divide. The 16 percent increase in smartphone ownership in some countries, such as Turkey, the jump was as high as 42 percent since 2013 is encouraging, experts say, bolstering the predictions of many economists that the upwards trend in Internet usage could mirror the mobile phone boom seen in Africa and Asia during the early 2000s. If that is the case, Africans could add as much as $300 billion to the continent's economic growth by 2025, according to a 2013 study by McKinsey Global Institute. The blaze broke out overnight. Police said no-one was injured, but that a group of people gathered outside, some of them commenting with derogatory remarks or unashamed joy on the fire. Police ordered three people to leave the scene because they were hampering firefighters work, detaining two of them, whom they described as intoxicated 20-year-old locals. Authorities believe the fire was caused by arson, but they are investigating every possibility, senior regional police official Bernd Merbitz said. While the majority of Germans have been welcoming toward refugees, a vocal minority has staged protests in front of refugee homes, especially in the east, and the country last year saw a surge in violence against such lodgings. Saxony is home to the anti-Islam and anti-immigration group Pegida. Across the state in Clausnitz, a mob screaming We are the people and Go home blocked a bus carrying asylum seekers outside a new refugee home on Thursday. Mohawk Local School District officials said Izaha Akins, of Marion, Ohio, visited the high school in December and claimed to be a lawmaker replacing another senator. They realised theyd been duped when Republican Senator David Burke, of Marysville, showed up to speak weeks later, as scheduled. Burke said in an email that when he learned about the hoax, he and the school immediately began working with law enforcement. He said, This was an extremely elaborate scheme and not as simple as walking through the door. The Blade newspaper of Toledo reported that Akins said he was making a point about school security in small communities. He was charged recently with felony counts of telecommunications fraud and impersonating a peace officer. These country schools think it cant happen to them, Akins told The Blade in a brief interview. He said he wanted to prove a point that these kinds of things can happen. They could easily have Googled me, and they didnt. School officials say Akins knew that Burke was scheduled to speak to a class on January 14, and called to bill himself as Burkes replacement as senator and available to speak earlier. He arranged to visit on December. 15, provided his real name, presented his drivers licence at the school that afternoon, got a tour of the school from the principal, then gave his presentation and left, Mohawk Schools Superintendent Ken Ratliff said. The presentation was about being active in politics, political processes, Ratliff said. Everyone thought it was legit; bought into it, including the teacher. Authorities said Reineke Ford provided a car and driver for the day to the supposed legislator. The Blade said Reineke Motors general manager Tony Flood said its not unusual for the dealership to help the nearby school district. Primary profanity ban ENGLAND: Parents at a primary school in Devon have been told not to swear when picking up their children, the Sun reported. A note to mothers and fathers at Heathcoat Primary said: We have sadly noticed that some adults have been swearing on the school grounds. We know that children get upset when they hear these kinds of words and can copy them. Clear skies claim ENGLAND: The Royal Air Force has reportedly been accused of interfering with the weather by the government of Cyprus so Tornado and Typhoon aircraft can fly missions to Syria and Iraq in clear conditions. It has been reported that the strange claim emerged after local weathermen forecast heavy rain for early February only for the period to stay dry. A newspaper on the Mediterranean island reported that the Cypriot government was accusing British forces of cloud-seeding a technique which involves using a chemical to divert rain clouds. Push for private schools ENGLAND: Parents are applying for places at top private schools before their children are even born, it was reported. Some mothers are even timing Caesarean deliveries in order to have the best chance of getting the choices they want. William Petty, from admissions experts Bonas MacFarlane, said: We have the most in-demand private schools in the world. Slither and beans USA: An Oregon food distribution company has halted some shipments of canned green beans after a Utah woman said she found a severed snake head in a can. The unsettling discovery was made at a Mormon church in Farmington, Utah, while women and youth were preparing a meal for older members of the congregation. Troy Walker said she was taking beans out of a slow cooker when she spotted something odd, KSL-TV in Salt Lake City reported. It looked pretty much like a burnt bean, and then as I got closer to lift it off the spoon, I saw eyes, Walker said. Thats when I just dropped it and screamed. Christi Smith was also cooking that evening and said it was a very small snake that had clearly been cut up. After the kids all came to see it, they threw out several other large pots of string beans that were also cooking, before looking inside. Who knows where the other parts of that snake were? Smith said. Walker said she took the snake head and empty can back to the grocery store where she bought the food. She took a picture of the snake head to send to Western Family, an Oregon-based food distribution company whose label was on the can. Sharon McFadden, vice president of quality control for Western Family, said that the company takes the matter seriously and is working with the supplier that produced the green beans to find out what happened and how many cans came from the batch. Asia India Pledges US$250 Million to Help Rebuild Quake-Hit Nepal India on Saturday pledged US$250 million for post-earthquake reconstruction in Nepal as the two countries try to heal strained ties. NEW DELHI India on Saturday pledged US$250 million for post-earthquake reconstruction in Nepal as the two countries try to heal strained ties following protests in Nepal over the countrys new constitution. The assistance, covering housing, health, education and cultural heritage in Nepals earthquake-hit areas, is part of an accord signed by the countries foreign ministers during Nepalese Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Olis visit to India. Nearly 9,000 people were killed in a 2015 earthquake and aftershocks in Nepal. Nearly a million houses and buildings were damaged. Oli and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also inaugurated on Saturday a transmission line for the supply of Indian electricity to Nepal under an Indian credit line of $13.5 million. Nepal will use $100 million of the Indian assistance for the construction of 50,000 houses in the 14 districts most severely affected by the quake. Under the accord, $50 million each would be utilized in the health, education and cultural heritage sectors in 31 earthquake-hit districts of Nepal. Oli said the main purpose of his visit is to clear the misunderstanding that surfaced in the last few months. Political protests in Nepal disrupted the supply of petroleum and other products from India, creating a rift in bilateral relations. Nepal blamed India and its support of ethnic Madhesi protesters for the disruption in supplies, a charge denied by India. The Madhesis called off their blockade early this month, easing severe shortages of fuel, medicine and other supplies that persisted in Nepal since the blockade and a general strike in the south started late last year. The Madhesis in southern Nepal say the new constitution carved Nepals seven states unfairly with borders that cut through their ancestral homeland. They want a larger state, more government representation and more local autonomy. More than 50 people were killed in protest-related violence in the past six months. Asia US Rejected N.Korea Peace Talks Offer Before Last Nuclear Test: State Dept. The United States rejected a North Korean proposal to discuss a treaty to end war because it did not address denuclearization, says the State Department. WASHINGTON The United States rejected a North Korean proposal to discuss a peace treaty to formally end the Korean War because it did not address denuclearization on the peninsula, the State Department said on Sunday. State Department spokesman John Kirby made the comment in response to a Wall Street Journal report that the White House secretly agreed to peace talks just before Pyongyangs latest nuclear bomb test. The newspaper, citing US officials familiar with the events, said the Obama administration dropped its condition that Pyongyang take steps to curtail its nuclear arsenal before any peace talks take place, instead calling for North Koreas atomic weapons program to be just one part of the discussion. Pyongyang declined the proposal, and its Jan. 6 nuclear test ended the diplomatic plans, the newspaper reported. To be clear, it was the North Koreans who proposed discussing a peace treaty, Kirby said in an emailed statement. We carefully considered their proposal, and made clear that denuclearization had to be part of any such discussion. The North rejected our response, he said. Our response to the NK proposal was consistent with our longstanding focus on denuclearization. The isolated state has long sought a peace treaty with the United States and other parties in the 1950-53 Korean War, as well as an end to military exercises by South Korea and the United States, which has about 28,500 troops based in South Korea. North Korea said on Jan. 6 it had tested a nuclear device it claimed was a hydrogen bomb, provoking condemnation from its neighbors and the United States. Weeks later, it launched a long-range rocket carrying what it called a satellite, prompting renewed criticism. On Jan. 16, Pyongyang had demanded the conclusion of a peace treaty with the United States and a halt to US military exercises with South Korea to end its nuclear tests. But US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said then that Pyongyang needed to demonstrate by its actions that it was serious about denuclearization before any dialogues could start. The Korean War ended in 1953 in an armistice, not a peace treaty, signed by the United States, representing United Nations forces; the North Korean military and the Chinese army. Now North Korea wants those three sides and South Korea to sign a treaty. Burma Burmas Income Tax Code Clarified Burmas Internal Revenue Department releases a notice regarding changes to the individual income taxation system for the 2016-17 fiscal year. RANGOON Burmas Internal Revenue Department released a notice on Friday regarding changes to the individual income taxation system for the 2016-17 fiscal year, including specific measures regarding monetary relief and exemptions. The IRD released an official notice in the state-owned newspaper The Mirror that any citizens with an annual income of less than 4.8 millions kyats (US$4,000) will be exempt from paying income tax. It stated that the effective start date will be April 1. However, basic monetary relief and other personal relief for spouses, children and dependent parents will be deducted from the annual taxable income. Income tax will then only be imposed on individuals with an annual net salary over two million kyats (US$1,625) after the deduction, the notice stated. According to the notice, the basic monetary relief for individuals will be 20 percent of their annual income and not more than 10 million kyats (US$8,120). Personal tax relief of one million kyats (US$812) for each dependent parent or spouse and 500,000 kyats (US$406) for each child will also be granted annually. Life insurance premium fees and social security funds will also be deducted. According to a calculation system in the notice, a rate of five percent tax will be imposed on people who earn between two and five million kyats, 10 percent for those who earn five to 10 million kyats, 15 percent for those earning between 10 and 20 million, 20 percent for those earning 20-30 million, and 25 percent for citizens who earn above 30 million kyats annually. An official from the Rangoon office of the Service Department for Tax told The Irrawaddy, under the condition of anonymity, that the governments tax revenue will not fully reflect the incomes of its taxpayers. The official said that employers are responsible for employees monthly income tax deduction; the government then generates tax based on declared salaries, which may differ from actual income. Burma collected about 4.3 trillion kyats from tax revenue in 2014-15 while about 3.8 trillion kyats were collected in 2013-14. Books New Translation Recalls Prison and Politics under Burmas Junta The Lizard Cage by Karen Connelly, newly translated into Burmese, focuses on the experience of an activist behind bars under the previous military regime. RANGOON Under decades of repressive military dictatorship in Burma, thousands were jailed for their political activities, including student leaders, politicians, monks, artists and others. Many of the stories of their time spent behind bars have gone unheard. The Lizard Cage, a novel newly translated into Burmese, offers a window onto the travails of the countrys prisoners of conscience. The award-winning Canadian author, Karen Connelly, visited Burma in the 1990s and over the years interviewed several former political prisoners inside the country and along the Thai-Burma border. She was eventually banned from entering Burma under the military regime but The Lizard Cage, her debut novel, was published in 2005. The book tells the story of a Burmese student leader who was jailed for more than twenty years and held in solitary confinement in the notorious Insein Prison for penning protest songs that were used in pro-democracy movements. He lost contact with his brother who fled from the country to the Thai border following the nationwide pro-democracy uprising in 1988. The book won the UKs Orange Broadband Prize for New Writers in 2007, was shortlisted for the US Kiriyama Prize for Fiction in 2006 and listed for the Impac Dublin Award the same year. It has already been translated into several languages. My original book was banned here for a few years, Connelly writes in the preface to the new edition. I once imagined that my book would be translated and published here one day But I couldnt have said whether it would be published legally. Connelly attended the launch of the Burmese translation in Rangoon on Friday, alongside former political prisoners including The Irrawaddys English edition editor Kyaw Zwa Moe, National League for Democracy (NLD) lawmaker Nay Phone Latt, and PEN Myanmar chairperson Ma Thida. During the event at Pansodan Scene gallery in downtown Rangoon, Connelly told the audience she was glad that the new Burmese translation could bring this recent history to life. Prisons were a kind of life-learning classroom [under the previous junta]. We cant exclude the experience from Burmas politics or from history, said Kyaw Zwa Moe, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison as a 19-year-old for his role in student-led protests. We were banned from writing and reading. But we tried to learn there. If you can come out of prison mentally healthy and physically strong despite physical and mental torture and the terrible conditions, you passed the examination. San Mon Aung of Our Literature Publishing House told The Irrawaddy the organization decided to publish the Burmese edition to let readers know the hardships political prisoners endured under the previous military regime. The book hits stores this week and is 4,000 kyat. Burma Parliament in Favor of Continued Discussions on Climate Change Lower House MPs discuss a proposal urging the government to take preventative measures to address socioeconomic problems caused by unusual weather patterns. Lower House parliamentarians will discuss an urgent proposal on climate change this week, with some lawmakers urging the government to take preventative measures to address socioeconomic problems potentially caused by the weather pattern El Nino. A proposal for the discussion was raised in Mondays session by Dr. Maung Thin of Mandalay Divisions Meiktila constituency. He explained that Burmas public could face more natural disasters, such as forest fires, drought, flooding as well as agricultural and health problems this year, in keeping with meteorological warnings. The collaboration between current government ministries and non-governmental organizations is needed to tackle current and future problems, he told the assembly. The proposal received the support of 391 voteswell over the two-thirds of votes needed to move forward with the discussion. Nine MPs voted against the proposal and 18 abstained from voting. MPs who supported a continued discussion on the matter warned of a water shortage during Burmas summer, March to May, after El Nino passes its peak period this month. The countrys Ministry of Health also warned of the higher temperatures in a public announcement last week. Thein Tun, of Irrawaddy Divisions Kyaung Kone constituency, advocated for the proposal, saying that Burma should learn from lessons of past El Nino experiences. Quoting archive figures, he cited a period from 1997-98 in which 18 towns across the country experienced unusually high temperatures while the 15 towns faced severely decreased rainfall. Burma faced severe floods across twelve of its 14 states and divisions in July and August 2015, during the first phase of El Nino. Over 100 people were killed due to floods and landslides, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and 1.6 million people affected. Burma Stressing Unity, UNFC Forms New Team to Lead Peace Dialogue A UNFC meeting in Thailand ended Sunday with the forming of bodies tasked with resolving ongoing conflict and negotiating with the incoming government. CHIANG MAI, Thailand A meeting of ethnic armed groups in Thailand ended on Sunday with the forming of two separate teams tasked with resolving ongoing conflict in northern Shan State and leading peace negotiations with the incoming government. During the four-day meeting in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, nearly 50 leaders of the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) discussed developments in the countrys military and political affairs as well as the prospects for federalism. One of the outcomes of the meeting was the creation of a five-member negotiation team led by Nai Hong Sar, a senior negotiator for Burmas ethnic armed groups. The body will aim to reduce tensions between UNFC member the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Shan State Army-South (SSA-S), a non-member. We will try to have both sides, who have expressed a desire to negotiate, meet. A ceasefire is necessary for public safety, said brigadier general Sao Sai Htoo of the Shan State Progress Party, the political wing of the Shan State Army-North, a member of the UNFC. The UNFC in December spoke with SSA-S members about ending the conflict, but no gains were made in cooling tensions. Over 4,000 people in Kyaukme and Namkham townships have been displaced after fighting, which first broke out late last year, intensified earlier this month. It is not that easy [to resolve], said Khu Oo Reh, UNFC general secretary. We have to find out the proper approach to negotiations. The UNFC also restructured its Delegation for Political Negotiation (DPN), which now includes 13 new members led by Khu Oo Reh, in preparation for political talks with the incoming government. Some ethnic leaders contend that a genuine ceasefire is hampered as the current government has only expressed a desire to meet with ethnic groups individually, rather than with the entire UNFC body. Burmas chief peace negotiator, Aung Min, asked to meet with some of the strongest armed groupsincluding the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the SSPP, the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the RCSS and the Karen National Union (KNU)in Chiang Mai this week. UNFC members, however, said that they do not want to meet as individual groups. We will only meet under the UNFC title, said Khu Oo Reh. And we are against the divide-and-meet policy that the [current] government is using. Current UNFC members are all non-signatories of the so-called nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), concluded in mid-October. The UNFC suspended two of its members, the Chin National Front (CNF) and the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO), from the alliance after they signed the pact. The KNU left the alliance prior to the NCA signing. Membership applications have been received from other ethnic armed groups, including the active Arakan Army, whose potential for joining the council was discussed at the meeting. Khu Oo Reh said that the UNFC suggested that the Arakan Army merge with the Arakan National Council, which is already a UNFC member. We formed an intervention committee for them [the two Arakan groups] to help a merger take place no later than May of this year, Khu Oo Reh said. The UNFC was formed in late 2010 to represent most of Burmas ethnic armed groups during peace negotiations with the government. Many UNFC members were also members of the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT), which led negotiations with the union government during the peace process before it was replaced by a restructured body. Burma World Bank Pledges Ongoing Development Support for Burma The World Banks vice president for East Asia and the Pacific has pledged to continue development support for Burma, according to a statement issued Monday. RANGOON The World Banks vice president for East Asia and the Pacific pledged to continue development support for Burma, according to a statement released on Monday following a meeting in Naypyidaw with Aung San Suu Kyi. In the statement, Axel van Trotsenburg reaffirmed the World Banks strong partnership with Burma as it endeavors to cooperate toward ending extreme poverty and promoting growth. The vice president met with National League for Democracy (NLD) representatives, including Suu Kyi on Monday, as well as senior government officials in Naypyidaw including Minister of Finance Win Shein and Lower House Speaker Win Myint to discuss the World Banks support for the country. [Burmas] historic transformation over the last couple of years has delivered significant economic gains, said van Trotsenburg in the statement. Between 2011 and 2014, [Burmas] economy grew at an average rate of 7 percent per year, which is among the fastest in East Asia. The country now has the opportunity to advance reforms further so growth will benefit more people across geographical areas, ethnic communities and income groups in [Burma]. Priority issues in the meetings between Trotsenburg and Burmese officials were closing the gap in access to basic services, lessening rural poverty while raising agriculture productivity, generating a competitive business environment, expanding financial inclusion and access to energy, and strengthening public sector governance. In 2015, the World Bank Group created its first Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Burma for 2015 to 2017. The CPF details how the World Bank Group can support Burma along its path to a more prosperous democratic government, the statement said. The World Bank re-engaged with Burma in 2012 and since then has pledged to spur development of the countrys economy and infrastructure. Burma Environmental Network Demands Incoming Govt End Salween Dam Projects Save the Salween Network, a group of river protection and ethnic civil society groups, has called on the government to halt all Salween River dam projects. RANGOON Save the Salween Network (SSN), a group of nine river protection and ethnic civil society groups, released a statement on Monday calling on the incoming government to halt all projects on the Salween River, which extends through China, Burma and Thailand. In accordance with the new governments promise to guarantee ethnic rights and set up a federal democratic system, the Save the Salween Network urges the new government to stop all plans to build dams on the Salween River, as they will have disastrous impacts on the lives of countless ethnic communities in Burma, the statement read. This is not only going to create misunderstanding between ethnic peoples and the new government, but will also have impacts on ethnic armed groups and the current peace process. Saw Tha Phoe of Karen River Watch, a network member, said that the SSN is worried about news of an agreement between the Chinese and Burmese governments on Feb. 2 to build 18 new dams along Burmas rivers, though details of the agreement were not publicized. The government did not officially release any details about the 18 dams. We just know that there are plans to build dams along the Salween River, Saw Tha Phoe told The Irrawaddy. We want to know why this is being so hurriedly done when the governments term is ending. When the NLD [National League for Democracy] government takes power, they will have to take care of what the previous government did. According to Saw Tha Phoe, six hydropower dams are already underway on the Salween River: Kunlong, Mann Taung, Mong Ton (Tasang) and Naung Pa in Shan State, Ywathit in Karenni State, and Hatgyi in Karen State. The Burma Rivers Network has said previously that these dam projects, which have a combined capacity of 15,000 megawatts and which are funded by Chinese, Burmese and Thai investors, pose a threat to the future of locals and to the Salween basins rich biodiversity. The Mong Ton dam, planned on the Salween River in Shan State, will be the largest hydropower project in Southeast Asia, and will threaten the lives, homes and property of countless communities in Shan, Karenni, Karen and Mon states, the network said. According to research along the Salween by earthquake experts, the building of dams will have seismically disruptive impacts on major fault lines, and should definitely not go ahead, the network added. The current Salween dam projects, the network said, are also violating the human rights and indigenous rights of local people. The Salween dam projects are fuelling tension and conflict between different ethnic armed groups, SSN said. Government troops are also using the pretext of providing security for the dams to expand their presence in ethnic areas. This is threatening the peace process and the lives, homes and property of local ethnic peoples. Among the wounded and killed in Damascus were a number of women and children. SANA / AFP / Getty Images The death toll in Damascus reached to more than 60 people. SANA / AFP / Getty Images The damage in Homs came from two coordinated bomb blasts. SANA / Reuters Estimates of the number of people killed in Homs vary. The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at more than 50. SANA / Reuters Onlookers and security forces inspect the crater left by one of the bombs in Homs. AFP / Getty Images The site of a double car bomb attack in Homs, Feb. 21, 2016, one of a series of bombings in Syria on Sunday. AFP / Getty Images U.S. officials said Monday that the United States and Russia have agreed on a plan for a ceasefire in Syria starting Saturday that would exclude attacks on the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Al-Qaeda's local affiliate. The officials said that the two sides have agreed on the terms and conditions for the cessation of hostilities. A formal announcement is expected after Presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin speak on the matter by telephone. The officials weren't authorized to speak about the matter publicly and demanded anonymity. The announcement would cap weeks of diplomacy that intensified in the past few days, aimed at reaching a temporary truce that would allow the parties to return to the negotiating table in Geneva. A first round of indirect talks collapsed rapidly last month after the government launched a massive offensive backed by Russian airstrikes in the northern province of Aleppo, near the Turkish border. The leader of a Saudi-backed Syrian opposition alliance said in a statement that rebel factions have agreed in principle to an internationally mediated temporary truce. Riad Hijab did not elaborate on the terms, but called on Russia, Iran and the Syrian government to stop their attacks, lift blockades and release prisoners held in Syria. Residents of the Syrian capital earlier Monday expressed skepticism about talk of a provisional agreement for a truce, a day after a wave of ISIL bombings killed about 130 people in government-held areas near Damascus and another city. Details of the tentative ceasefire between the government and insurgents, announced in Jordan on Sunday by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, have not been made public. Even if a truce were to take hold, ISIL would not be a party to it. The Russian Foreign Ministry put out a statement earlier Monday saying that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Kerry spoke two more times by telephone on Sunday and agreed on the parameters for the ceasefire. The statement said those parameters were then reported to Putin and Obama. No further details were immediately available. The U.N.'s special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, told The Associated Press on Monday that this week is shaping up as crucial for diplomatic efforts to help end the fighting, though he declined to provide details of the negotiations. Sunday's blasts that ripped through the Sayyida Zeinab suburb of Damascus and the central city of Homs were among the deadliest bombings in government-held areas in Syria's devastating civil war. ISIL claimed both attacks. The group's fighters are dug in on the outskirts of the two cities and have repeatedly targeted pro-government strongholds. De Mistura condemned the bombings and said it suggested the group is feeling cornered amid an intensified diplomatic push to end the five-year war. The U.S. also condemned the barbaric terrorist attacks. Inside the Hamidiyeh Souk, a popular Damascus bazaar which is typically crowded with shoppers, people said they were worried that a cease-fire would not be evenly observed and could leave the Syrian authorities vulnerable. I hope there will be no ceasefire, because if there is a ceasefire, Turks will increase their support for criminals and traitors, said Ahmad al-Omar from the northern Aleppo province, adding that Turkey may seek to let opposition fighters in via its border with Syria. Others at the bazaar echoed President Bashar Assad's statements that a ceasefire could give an advantage to rebel forces and ISIL. I believe that those proposals now are a pretext to stop the advance of the Syrian army, which is trying to liberate the homeland, Ahmad al-Issa said. The Associated Press reported from the bazaar on a government-approved visit. On Monday, the Kremlin announced that Putin spoke with the emir of Qatar, a key supporter of the rebels fighting to topple Assad. The two sides agreed to intensify bilateral contacts at various levels to facilitate the settlement of the crisis, the statement said. Putin also discussed Syria with King Salman of Saudi Arabia, another leading backer of the rebels, in a phone conversation on Friday. Syrian officials said the government was ready to take part in a truce as long as it is not used by opposition fighters to reinforce their positions. Syrian troops backed by Russian warplanes are waging a major offensive in the northern Aleppo province, trying to seal the border with Turkey, a key supporter of the rebels, before any truce is reached. Meanwhile, the Syrian government's supply route by land to the city of Aleppo was cut by heavy fighting Monday as the army, supported by allied militias and the Russian air force, fought to consolidate its recent gains in the northern province. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on a network of contacts to monitor the war, said opposition militias assaulted government-held positions around Khanaser, a town southeast of Aleppo, setting off intense clashes that have lasted through the day. Khanaser lies along the government's only access route to the city. Fighting has been fierce in Aleppo province in recent weeks amid a government offensive to cut off the rebel stronghold. Among the youth sitting around the Syrian capital's landmark Omayyad mosque, at the entrance of the old souks, few wanted to talk politics. Those who did expressed their wariness of a political solution after several rounds of unsuccessful peace talks. It's good for the Syrians to stop fighting but it will not happen, said Awuj Aqeel, a student. "Every time they agree on a truce for a period of time and then they break it." The Associated Press [gallery type="slideshow" ids="106918,106919,106920,106921,106922,106923,106924,106925,106926,106927"] Most people know little of Burmas ancient Pyu people but for the ruins of their civilization at Sri Ksetra, Halin and Beikthano in central Burmathe first sites in the country to receive UNESCO World Heritage status. Now another ancient city in Lower Burmas Irrawaddy Delta is believed to be as old as the Pyu sites, the size of which would have been greater than the old royal capital of Mandalay. The laterite stone city covers an area of eight square miles and is located near Taung Zin Village in Ingapu Township, Irrawaddy Division. About three miles into the village lies the site, believed to have been built more than 2,300 years ago during the Pyu period. As it is a remote place, only monks went there to meditate in the past. In 2008, at the instruction of my senior monks, I started to live in a hermitage here, and conserve the ancient religious buildings and cultural heritage of the city, said Pinna Siri, a monk at the on-site Kyet Pyin Monastery. With the help of people from nearby villages, Pinna Siri cleared the area of brush and in 2009 he invited historian Phone Tint Kyaw to observe the citys ruins. Phone Tint Kyaw came with a team, and after studying alphabets, laterite structures and Buddha images there, he concluded that they might be the works of the Pyu, one of Burmas most ancient civilizations. It was the presence of Brahmi-based script that tipped him off; Phone Tint Kyaw explained that the writing system found at the site is the same as those documented in three other Pyu cities, as well as in Pegu and Danyawaddy in Arakan State. The alphabet was used from the sixth century until the third century B.C. The Brahmi script disappeared as the empire of King Ashoka collapsed after he died, said Phone Tint Kyaw, referring to the Indian emperor who passed away in 232 B.C. His conclusion is further supported by carvings found at a stupa identical in style to those found at a religious site in Shwe Taung town in Pegu Division. In addition, bricks in the steps were laid vertically in the city, in the architectural fashion of Pyu period. I assume that that city came to ruins before the fourth Pagan period, before King Anawrahta succeeded to the throne, said Phone Tint Kyaw. Weve found nothing about that city in the historical records of fourth Pagan period and the Mon period. If that city still existed that time, it would have been mentioned in the historical records of Pagan. Lost City by the Sea There were 22 Pyu city-states which existed between the sixth and third centuries B.C. One is described as Pinle Pyu, which translates to Sea Pyu. Its location was previously unknown, but Phone Tint Kyaw speculates that the ancient city in Ingapu Township might be Sea Pyu. In Pyu historical records, there was a city called Pinle Pyu. It was called that because it is located near the sea. I think the old Ingapu city is Pinle Pyu because it is the only city that is the size of a royal city and is located near the sea, he explained. According to the administrative structure of Pyu period, only the monarchs could build large cities; feudal lords were only allowed to build cities half or one-third of the size of a royal city. The city in Ingapu Township was built on a mountain ridge over 100 feet high, to a backdrop of the Arakanese mountain range. The town was designed around pagodas, stupas and water sources. Stone walls were constructed on the left and right sides of city, while vast plains and smaller villages lay to the east. They built the city systematically. There were sentry boxes on the ridges on the left and right sides of the city and the entrance was built in the middle. So, there was only one entrance for merchants, envoys or enemies to get into the town, said Phone Tint Kyaw. As it covers an area of eight square miles, the city in Ingapu is one of the biggest Pyu settlements after Sri Ksetra in Pegu Division. Government Intervention is Needed Previously, the oldest ruins found in Irrawaddy Division could be dated back to the Ava period, which began in the 1300s. The discovery of a Pyu city which predates the Ava period would have implications for the history not only of the Irrawaddy Delta but also of Burma. Phone Tint Kyaw has called for systematic excavation of the Ingapu site and Pinna Siri, the Kyet Pyin Monastery monk, has called on the government to protect the area. He said that that some people who do not know the historical value of the ancient city have used the laterite blocks to pave roads and have removed ancient buildings to make way for cultivation. It is important that the government immediately takes care of the old city as an ancient cultural heritage zone, said Pinna Siri. Even now, a company is reclaiming the land at what was the site of an elephant stockade in the ancient city and it has been destroyed. I am doing as much as I can, but government intervention is needed right now, he added. At present, there is only one city designated for conservation by the Ministry of Culture as in Irrawaddy DivisionMyaungmya. The Naypyidaw Department of Archaeology, National Museums and Libraries studied the Ingapu site in 2013, but have not yet taken measures to designate the ancient city as a cultural heritage site. Personnel from the Naypyidaw headquarters inspected the old Ingapu city. So far, we have not yet received any instructions for the ancient city, said Thida Win, assistant director of Irrawaddy Divisions Department of Archaeology, National Museums and Libraries. In the meantime, Pinna Siri is collecting artifacts discovered by locals at the site. Locals find earrings, pipes and broken pots while farming. I have asked them to donate those things to me. So far, I have kept around 20 bricks and old pipes, he said. Though there are over 350 ancient cities documented in Burma, the Department of Archaeology, National Museums and Libraries has only excavated materials from around ten of them. Only through the systematic excavation of these old cities will a standardized history of Burma be able to be compiled, said Phone Tint Kyaw. It is important for a country to have standardized history. Even our neighbor, Thailand, has compiled a standardized history. To write [this kind of] history, we need to systematically excavate and study the old cities. I believe the old Ingapu city would have played a part in the history of our country, he said. Translated by Thet Ko Ko. The Irving Police Department is currently investigating an offense of Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student. The case involves a male teacher and a female student in the Irving Independent School District. On Wednesday, January 20, 2016, the mother of the victim alerted Irving ISD administrators of a school teacher possibly having an improper relationship with her daughter. School administrators immediately notified an Irving Police School Resource officer. Irving Police detectives were then notified. The investigation has revealed that in December 2015 and January 2016 Irving High School teacher, Farley Ashford Simon, 60 years-of-age, was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a 17 year-old female student. Simon was a JROTC instructor at Irving High. According to police, Simon and the teenager had sex at Luzon Park in Irving (near Beltline and Shadygrove) during Christmas break. Simon admitted to police investigators that he took the student to Luzon Park, but denied having sexual intercourse with her. Detectives also found that on January 8th, Simon rented a room at the Best Western on SH183 in Irving and the registration showed two guests staying in the room. Text messages and a photo of them having sex in the motel room found on the victim's phone and tablet confirm the sexual relationship. Detectives at this time do not believe Simon was involved with any other students. On February 19, 2016, Simon was arrested and booked into the Irving City Jail on two charges of Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student. The bond was set at $25,000 each. Simon has bonded out of the Irving Municipal Jail on both charges. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Irving Police Department or an Irving ISD staff member. This investigation is ongoing. A booking photo of Simon is attached. Texas messages found on the victim's phone and tablet confirm the sexual relationship between the victim and Simon. Irving ISD has issued the following statement on this case: On January 20, 2016, Irving ISD officials learned of allegations against a male teacher at Irving High School. The district immediately began its investigation and placed the teacher on leave. In addition, Irving ISD officials contacted proper agencies on that same day. The teacher, who has been employed by Irving ISD since 2014 as a JROTC instructor, was arrested by the Irving Police Department on February 19. While privacy laws prevent us from sharing specific details, we can reassure our families that we took immediate and appropriate action. Being on administrative leave prevents the teacher from working with students and being present on any Irving ISD property. Monday, February 22nd, 2016 (9:27 am) - Score 1,594 The CEO of Sky UK (Sky Broadband), Jeremy Darroch, has today made a final plea in the hope of encouraging Ofcom to split BT from control of their national telecoms network (Openreach), which Darroch claims is the only way to encourage investment in 1Gbps+ FTTH/P broadband and to stop BT [sweating] its copper assets for slower connectivity. Sky has made no secret of the fact that it favours separation, although they claim that their position is about more than catering for commercial self-interest, even though that will surely make up a big part of it. Likewise Darroch points to all of the other countries that are now rolling out pure fibre optic broadband, which is restrained in the UK by BTs approach. On the other hand his remarks follow after a weekend of reports in which sources inside Ofcom and BT appeared to all but confirm that the regulator would NOT split the operator, although they do look set to keep the option on the table and also seem likely to make BTs network more accessible for rivals (here). Jeremy Darroch said (Open Letter): BT has shown little willingness to invest in fibre to the premises. Instead, it plans incremental upgrades to decades-old copper cables as the final connection to homes and businesses, falling far short of the potential of a true fibre network. Indeed what it has chosen to invest in faster broadband, has come largely at the expense of investment needed to maintain the existing copper network, resulting in the service levels so many complain about. It is naive to think that under the existing structure anything will change. This approach will not deliver the 1Gb/s speeds Britain needs and anything less is unambitious. Investing in copper in 2016 is, as Henry Ford would have put it, like breeding a faster horse rather than building a car. But because BTs broadband network faces little competition, BT sweats its copper assets for as long as possible, knowing it will not lose its captive customers and continue to earn decent profits even if it does not invest in fibre. Sadly it is often not economically viable for other providers to roll out separate ultrafast networks. We are working with TalkTalk to trial fibre to the premises in York. While demand is encouraging, it is difficult to achieve a reasonable return on investment while BT Retail remains tied to Openreach. Freeing up Openreach would allow the right level of investment to be made. Mind you its important to reflect that Sky arent promising 100% FTTP/H coverage and indeed in last years interview the operator told ISPreview.co.uk, It is improbable that FTTH/P networks will reach 100% of UK premises. For example, in New Zealand their current target is 80% of premises by 2022, with the remaining premises served by other high-speed broadband technologies. We believe this is the sort of outcome the UK should be aspiring to. Some hybrid-fibre / copper solutions will still be required. On the other hand some FTTP/H providers, such as Cityfibre, Gigaclear, B4RN and Hyperoptic, have managed to make a workable business out of deploying ultrafast FTTP/H services into the areas that BT so often misses. However B4RN isnt commercial and the others have yet to earn back their investments (could take a few years). Smaller altnet ISPs may also be the losers if an independent Openreach were to hoover up all the big investment opportunities, although that hasnt stopped some of those same providers (e.g. Gigaclear and Hyperoptic) from tentatively backing calls for a BT split (here). BT would of course contest that broadband in the UK is still ahead of most European countries, particularly the big boys of Germany, Spain, Italy and France. BT believes also that its future 300-500Mbps G.fast technology will give consumers the speeds they need, with less investment and over a much shorter period of time than FTTP/H would take to deploy. But Darroch points out that more EU countries are planning to invest in FTTP/H networks and as a result we could eventually be overtaken. Elsewhere Darroch says that the current situation, where some consumers are left to wait two weeks for their broadband to be connected (it can be months on some new builds), is unacceptable for a modern society. At this point we dont have much data for comparison, but we know that DSL connections in other countries (e.g. Spain) can sometimes also take 2-4 weeks. Finally, Darroch states his belief that the actual process of separation is not complicated, although this is perhaps an over simplification and appears to assume that BT wouldnt contest the move or throw up too many arguments. In any case Ofcom looks set to try a half-way house solution and if BT doesnt play ball then the prospect of separation may yet return, but even then it might not be the simple quick fix that Sky expect. The Republican Party faces an array of well-documented existential crises, ranging from an inability to connect with an increasingly diverse electorate to the rise of the tea party. Outsider Donald Trumps status as the GOP presidential front-runner highlights the partys weakness. But Democrats are facing a major challenge all their own. A 2014 Gallup poll found that the percentage of Americans who identify as Democrats is at the lowest point since the 1950s. The party hemorrhaged supporters from 2008 to 2014, falling from 36 to 30 percent of national voters in the span of six years (Republicans saw a 2 point drop in the same period.) Whats going on? Certainly, voters are frustrated with Washington, which has been deadlocked and bitterly partisan, particularly over the past eight years. And racial animus undoubtedly drove some supporters out of the Democratic Party after the election of Barack Obama in 2008, although this is nearly impossible to verify through polling. But a major reason is that the mainstream Democratic Party has abandoned the white working class, a segment of the population that used to make up the backbone of the party. Rather than sending a message that poorer white Americans still matter to the party, Democratic elites tend to dismiss them as racist, uneducated and uninformed. Research shows that working-class Americans are the people who have lost the most worldwide as a result of free trade and outsourcing, with real wages dropping over time. And in 2008, the housing bubble burst, wreaking havoc predominantly in lower-income communities. For the white working class in particular, the price has been steep. Recent research by two Princeton economists found that while death rates among all other racial and ethnic groups are falling, death rates have been rising among middle-aged white Americans, particularly those with no more than a high school degree. Dramatic increases in suicide and substance abuse, notably of heroin and prescription opioids, are the primary drivers of the additional deaths. Deepening poverty and persistent unemployment are at the root of it all. Nearly all the full-time, well-paying jobs created since the recession have gone to college graduates. Meanwhile, Democrats have failed to support, and at times helped to destroy, the unions that used to protect this segment of society. They have failed to find ways to keep manufacturing communities alive against the forces of globalization. White working-class people are understandably angry. They used to believe middle-class security was an attainable goal. Now they dont. Belief in the American Dream has plummeted among white Americans. From 1986 to 2015, a period of economic stagnation for working-class communities, the percentage of young, white Americans who said the American Dream does not exist nearly tripled. Not every IBM i shop needs a big data warehouse to store and analyze information about their operations. But for those organizations whose data needs go beyond basic reporting capabilities, it is good to know there are tools like HelpSystems SEQUEL Data Warehouse, which was formally called RODIN and which the company just released at version 8.0 with substantial new functionality. It has been a year-and-a-half since HelpSystems acquired Coglin Mill, the Rochester, Minnesota, based company that developed RODIN. Once dubbed the IBM i platforms best-kept secret, RODIN provided enterprise-grade data preparation capabilities and extract, transform, and load (ETL) functionality that hundreds of IBM i shops have relied upon. Now called SEQUEL Data Warehouse (SDW), the software has been fleshed out at version 8.0 with significant new functionality. Enhancements in the areas of change management and error reporting have already garnered interest from the RODIN installed base, says Alan Jordan, senior development manager. While the SDW software is stable and mostly bug-free, errors can crop up during data warehousing activities, according to Jordan. This is especially true when you consider that data warehouses are typically used to consolidate operational data from multiple systems. No matter what mechanism is used to move that datawhether its ETL, data push, continuous change data capture (CDC), or all of the abovethe process is dependent upon other servers, database management systems, and network links to operate correctly. While our customers often tell us RODIN/SDW is one of their most stable and reliable products, things can go wrong, Jordan says. Remote connections may fail due to network issues, security issues, or application changes. During ETL, business rules may reject bad data. All of theseand moreneed to be monitored and we need to make it easy for the responsible parties to get an email notification, with as much info as possible for them to take action. RODIN/SDW already had some error reporting, Jordan says. But as more functionality was added to the software, it became apparent that the software needed a better framework to make it easier to extend event notifications to data warehousing project manners in a consistent manner, he says. The re-design has also allowed us to add notifications in many new areas, he says. For example, if, while developing the data warehouse tables and ETL processes, a build fails, the relevant listings can now be automatically sent via email to the team lead for investigation. Similarly if a problem should crop up in SDW itselfa rare but theoretically possible occurrencethe joblog will automatically get sent to someone to investigate, potentially even to the HelpSystems support team. Imagine getting a call from your vendor with the solution to the software problem you may not yet be aware of! Jordan says. The event notification capabilities arrive via the embedding of another HelpSystems product, called ESEND, into SDW. ESEND allows individual users to subscribe to specific events or to subscribe to events of a specified variety. It also automatically includes attachments, such as the error report or joblog, to the emails. The second main area of enhancement in SDW 8.0 focuses on improving the management of change within an active data warehouse project. In a large data warehouse environment, Jordan explains, its not uncommon to see multiple developers working on different pieces of the puzzle. Its not uncommon to see 500 data warehouse and data mart tables, with indexes, materialized query tables (MQTs), and views built over them, all with their own ETL feeds and metadata logs. There can easily be thousands of moving parts to manage in the development process, Jordan tells IT Jungle. Then consider the ongoing maintenance, with changes, enhancements, additions etc. In a traditional development environment (i.e., writing RPG code), shops use Aldon, Turnover, or other change management packages to manage all of this. But that is not practical with SDW. So Jordan and his team decided to implement better change management in the software. The rebuilt change management module starts with the concept of a project, which must be defined before any development work can begin. All activity against the project is tracked, and each developer is assigned a default project. Even if developers dont sign into a project, the software tracks the changes. And all attributes of the data element, such as type and length, are now monitored. Our previous implementation of this was enough for most of our customer base, Jordan says, but weve recognized we could do better, and we have, by adding full project support. Now a project manage has better tools to see what objects are associated with a small one-day project, or a longer term huge effort. Every development process/step is logged against a project, and it is easy to see all associated definitions, or promote them as a group. A number of other enhancements made it into this release, including improvements to the graphical user interface (GUI), which the product has offered for the past decade. Jordan expects many more enhancements to SDW in the coming years. We have always had a lengthy roadmap of features we want to add to the product, and that investment will continue under HelpSystems, he says. I would say the product roadmap will likely never be complete, as there will always be new directions and concepts that customers will request. RELATED STORIES HelpSystems Grows With RJS And Coglin Mill Acquisitions Coglin Mills ETL Makes Data Warehousing on IBM i More Attractive Coglin Mill Keeps Pace With BI, Data Warehousing Demands Coglin Mill Debuts Lower Cost Versions of ETL Tools Data Warehouses: Know One When You See One? IBM Updates DB2 Web Query Business Intelligence Tool In a world where outlandish claims, one-upsmanship, and hyperbole are as certain as the sun rising each day, its no exaggeration to describe the late Al Barsa as the greatest IBM midrange advocate of all time. Like the system itself, Barsa was brilliant and meticulously thorough. He knew the system as well as anyone. The IBM midrange community needs more people like Al Barsa. Not that it has none. It simply needs more. Barsa was a real piece of work, and that should be interpreted in the most complementary way. He could be difficult. He could be eccentric. But he not only provided sound advice to more than 200 IBM i (AS/400 at that time) shops in New York, New England, Pennsylvania, and Ohio that were customers of Barsa Consulting, he willingly and enthusiastically shared his knowledge with the IBM midrange community. He was a volunteer who supported COMMON and the Long Island Systems User Group. Barsa was always prepared. And he relished the opportunities to make a case for the platform. But he also sounded off, letting IBM know when he thought Big Blue could do more or could do better. Shortly after Barsas death in 2008, COMMON created the Al Barsa Memorial Scholarship, an annual award presented to an individual who exemplifies Barsas commitment and dedication to the IBM i community. Seven people have received the award, all of them noted for their advocacy and their community activismsharing and caring. In order beginning with the most recent recipient, that list includes: Charles Guarino, Pete Helgren, Pete Massiello, Scott Klement, Mike Pavlak, Larry Bolhuis, and Paul Rogers. From now until April 22, COMMON is soliciting nominations for the yet another IBM i advocate with Barsa-like tendencies. Anyone can make a nomination and self-nominations are also approved. The general guidelines include: A demonstrated commitment to the IBM i community Evidence of advocacy User group volunteerism Examples of helping others succeed Several of the past winners knew Barsa well. Guarino says receiving the Barsa Memorial Scholarship was a highlight of his career. He became acquainted with Barsa through the Long Island System Users Group (LISUG), where Guarino has served as president and board member. Guarino is also an instructor and a subject matter expert best known for his Rational Developer for IBM i sessions at COMMON and at local user group meetings around the world. Charles Guarino has helped a ton of IBM i developers learn modern development skills. Al was a brilliant perfectionist in everything he did and took great pride in his work. He was an expert in his craft and he loved the AS/400 community, where he was a giant, Guarino says. Barsa was also friends with Pete Massiello, who shares Barsas passion for the IBM i. Massiello has also volunteered a great many hours for COMMON and LISUG. Hes served as COMMON president on multiple occasions and also on the board of directors. Hes also a past recipient of the Al Barsa Scholarship. Al had a great heart, and was always willing to help everyone, Massiello says while leading into a story that backs up Guarinos comment about Barsa being a perfectionist. Al used to do his Everything You Wanted to Know About System Values, But Were Afraid to Ask sessions. When he first started to do the presentation, it was in foils. (Background templates for PowerPoint presentations.) He had two projectors, and he asked me if I could flip the foils for him at his session during a COMMON conference. I said sure. So, then he told me, he wanted me to come to his office to flip the foils in a practice session. I said to him, You have done this plenty of times, why do you need to practice? He said, The practice is not for me; its for you.' I told him, I could handle flipping foils. Well, if you knew Al, you knew the outcome. I was in his office later that week doing a dry run. Afterward, Al took me out to a great dinner, where we talked AS/400 all night. Al was full of knowledge, and always willing to share that knowledge, and always a professional. I do miss hanging out with him. Barsa was an engaging personality and being engaged in the IBM i community has a great deal of significance for Pete Helgren, who received the Barsa award in 2014. We have a rare gift in that we have a tight community that is interested in sharing knowledge in and evangelizing about the IBM i. Community members tend to be mature professionals, who are eager to share and mentor folks who are entering the IT arena. COMMON is the best vehicle to engage and support that community, he says. Helgren attended his first COMMON conference in 1999, when he made a presentation on using iSeries data with Microsoft Office. Since 2005, hes been sharing his knowledge through educational sessions at every COMMON conference in the United States. Hes also presented topics at COMMON Europe in 2011 and 2012. Hes been on the COMMON Board of Directors since 2009, serving as secretary for two years and is currently executive vice president. Hes also a proponent of open source software on IBM i and enjoys sharing that knowledge with IBM i community members. As you can see, advocacy for the IBM i is common thread that connects the past Barsa award recipients, but its the sharing of information that creates the community fabric. Nominations for the 2016 Al Barsa Memorial Scholarship can be made by downloading the form from this link. Completed forms can be emailed to Michelle August, president of the COMMON Education Foundation, at michelle_august@common.org or faxed to 708-974-5622. The recipient receives a no-cost registration to the 2016 COMMON Annual Meeting and a commemorative plaque. Nominations must be a current COMMON member (local user group memberships and corporate memberships qualify). Self-nomination is acceptable. RELATED STORIES Albert Simon Barsa, Jr., 1953-2008 New RDi Ready For IBM i Developers IBM i Multiple Language Support Generates Value Decisions Open Source Lures The Killer App Closer Conference Puts IBM i System Management In Spotlight This domain name expired on 2022-10-16 03:46:24 Click here to renew it. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to breaches of IT security, according to a newly published survey which finds that security of data and IT systems is a growing concern for business leaders across Australia. Despite facing the same online risks as larger corporates, research by recruitment agency Robert Half the shows that small and medium businesses typically use fewer data protection tools than large companies. According to the survey, more than six in ten (61%) large companies use security software compared to 44% of small companies and 45% of medium companies while little over one in two (55%) large companies use hard drive encryption compared to 30% of medium-sized companies and 24% of small companies. In addition, its revealed that large companies (52%) are more than twice as likely to have network security systems in place as small companies (24%) and medium-sized companies (18%). This is leaving these companies vulnerably exposed to breaches of IT security, says David Jones, Senior Managing Director of Robert Half Asia Pacific.Across all Australian companies, CFOs and finance directors rank IT security as their number one business concern this year and, only finance leaders of small businesses bucked this trend, with 34% citing the economy as their main issue for 2016.Of the CFOs and finance directors surveyed, 218% say IT security is their primary primary business concern in 2016.The survey also found that small businesses use fewer data protection tools/services than medium and large companies, while 3% of Australian CIOs/CTOs do not use any tools/services when it comes to protecting their customers personal information.IT security is critical to the success of every business around the world. A breach of data security can be extremely damaging for a business both in terms of financial and reputational fallout. It is therefore critical for all companies - regardless of size - to take a protective approach to IT security, says Jones.Companies are increasingly investing in software and infrastructure designed to protect IT systems. Not surprisingly, IT security specialists with the niche skills needed to help companies recognise and protect themselves against key data security risks are in high demand.According to the survey, companies are using a variety of tools and services to protect corporate and customer information, with security software (50%) and password management systems (44%) the tools most commonly employed by Australian companies.These disparities in the take up of IT security measures are a concern for the business community In recent years larger companies have increasingly invested in cyber security measures, and this has encouraged cyber attackers to cast their gaze at more vulnerable entities, Jones says.This further highlights the need for small and medium businesses, which have become an increasingly attractive target for hackers, to invest in the necessary IT security tools and specialised IT talent. Issues business leaders are most concerned about in 2016: Australia Small businesses Medium businesses Large businesses IT & data security 28% 23% 33% 26% Economy 26% 34% 19% 25% Skills shortage 18% 13% 20% 19% Regulatory and compliance changes 15% 19% 15% 11% Rising business expenditure 8% 6% 9% 8% Cost structure optimisation 5% 5% 2% 11% Source: independent survey commissioned by Robert Half among 160 Australian CFOs and finance directors Operator in-flight roaming revenues will hit nearly $3 billion by 2020, doubling the value estimated for 2016, including mobile voice, data and SMS. This is according to a new report from Juniper Research, but despite this lofty multi-billion amount, in terms of total operator billed mobile roaming revenues, in-flight roaming will only represent around 5% of revenues globally by 2020. Junipers new research is entitled Mobile Roaming: Regulations, Opportunities & Emerging Sectors 2015-2020, and noted that these revenues will largely be driven by increasing data usage while on-board an aircraft. As always, Juniper's research is on sale to relevant parties at relevant prices. The research argued that these revenues would primarily stem from consumers being attracted by a combination of price reductions the result of reduced retail roaming charges and an increase in the availability of higher speed data services (2.5G to 3G & 4G). Unsurprisingly, the increasing number of service introductions by airlines has translated into an increasing number of active users over the past 12 months. For example, AeroMobile reported a 56% increase in the number of passengers using in-flight roaming in H1 2015, compared to H1 2014. It's important to note that in-flight mobile roaming is different to in-flight Wi-Fi, in that one connects your phone's SIM to the network via satelitte link, whereas the other connects your phone or device to an in-flight Wi-Fi network, although both offer a connection to the outside world. Sadly, most Australians are still to experience in-sky Wi-Fi or in-flight mobile roaingm, unless theyve travelled internationally where the service was available, and while NBN satellites are slated to allow Aussie airlines to allow sky-high Wi-Fi over the great down under that is the worlds biggest island sometime this decade, presumably sooner rather than later, were still waiting. In other countries, a lack of in-flight Wi-Fi or a separate in-flight mobile roaming service isnt the problem, the problem is price being a critical barrier to adoption. Junipers research observed that while in-flight roaming trends closely follow terrestrial roaming trends, roaming charges continue to be significantly higher. For example, Vodafone NZ charges $2.3 per minute for making a voice call and $13 per MB for data usage on selected airlines. Meanwhile, Vodafone UK charges $5 per MB for up to 5MB, then $27 for every 5MB after that; for voice it charges approximately $3 for making a call. Those pretty pennies add up to something pretty pricey! Juniper notes that 'nearly all traffic, whether free or paid for, is delivered via a satellite and there are inherent satellite charges to be included.' More below, please read on. The research found that while there is great uncertainty amongst stakeholders on how this market will develop, in-flight mobile service providers will continue to bundle satellite charges into their wholesale roaming packages. Research author Nitin Bhas added: High in-flight mobile roaming charges will continue to be a key hurdle for the industry. Given the steep pricing levels for in-flight roaming, the average annual spend per mobile roamer on in-flight and maritime roaming services will only represent a modest increase over the forecast period. Naturally, there is a new whitepaper entitled The Rise & Fall of the Roaming Empire and its now available for free download together with further details of the full research. Australia's attorney-general George Henry Brandis is a man who knows very little about technology. Being an educated individual at least going by his CV one would thus assume that he would steer clear of areas that are bound to embarrass him. Unfortunately, this is not the case with the current Apple v FBI situation. Alas, Brandis, who is best known for being unable to explain the term "metadata", does not fear emulating Don Quixote. Like the man from La Mancha, he rushes headlong into conflict and flails blindly around only to end up with egg on his face. Like many ministers and politicians in Australia, Brandis also never misses a chance to act as a lapdog for the US government. It is somewhat shameful for Australians to see an officer of their sovereign government with his tongue hanging out in this manner but then they never picked the man for the job. Over the last week, Brandis who is also known for spending enormous amounts of taxpayer money on bookshelves for his personal abode once again came forth with foolish comments on an issue of which he knows little and understands even less. When Apple chief executive Tim Cook declared on Wednesday that the company he heads would not be obeying a court order to create what is effectively a backdoor into its mobile operating system, iOS, Brandis decided that the time was right for a bit of sycophancy. And so Georgeto the government-funded Australian Broadcasting Corporation: "We would expect, as in Australia, that all orders of courts should be obeyed by any party which is the subject of a lawful order by a court." And, for good measure, he added: "Frankly, if data is encrypted in a way that is entirely inaccessible, without the co-operation of the ISP or the maker of the device, then that makes inaccessible relevant investigative information that would hitherto have been accessible and that's a problem for law enforcement." Now let's look at a few facts. Try as it might, the US government has been unable to come up with even a skerrick of evidence that mass surveillance of its populace has helped to curb terrorism. Brandis knows this. Or he should. And in the Apple-FBI case, Apple has been helping the FBI since January in its bid to access the data on an iPhone which was being used by Syed Rizwan Farook, one of the terrorists involved in an attack in San Bernardino last December in which 14 people were killed. Brandis does not seem to be aware of this. Yet he opens his big mouth and spouts. Given all the evidence that has come to light since Tuesday last week, if Apple is forced to obey this court order, then the US justice system will be the laughing stock of even Zimbabwe. Brandis, a lawyer, an alumnus of the University of Queensland and Magdalen College, Oxford, and a man who says that people have the right to be bigots, would also be in the same category. Truly did the great Mark Twain say that, when ignorance was conjoined with confidence, then success was assured. In the Soviet Union, justice meant show trials. In the post-Soviet successor states of the 1990s, the judicial system was for sale. But today, justice in most of the former Soviet region is defined by politicized prosecution where who is prosecuted and who is not all depends on power. Consider the recent British inquiry into the death of former Russian intelligence agent Alexander Litvinenko. After British police traced the nuclear trail of the polonium used to kill Litvinenko from London to Moscow, linking it to two Russians, Russia refused to prosecute or extradite either, and even gave one of them a medal. Faulty justice in the former Soviet Union, however, is not limited to Russia. Whether its Georgias attempt to silence a critical television network or Azerbaijans jailing of journalists, the practice is alive and well. Post-Soviet legal systems are used not to address injustice, but as a political weapon wielded by prosecutors to benefit those in power. The current dysfunction has deep roots. In the Soviet period, judges and prosecutors were considered to be on the same team and functioned as extensions of government policy. Justice in its legal form flowed from the state to the citizen, enforcing the states will. It was next to impossible to use it to protect citizens against the state. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, money transformed the system. Suddenly the law, which had always represented power, was the guardian of trillions of dollars worth of business assets. In recent months, both the Russian and the Ukrainian general prosecutors Yury Chaika and Viktor Shokin, respectively have come in for criticism. Chaika has been under scrutiny for converting his power into cash. An investigation by Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny alleges that Chaikas family illegally stole millions of dollars in assets from other companies and rigged government tenders, knowing that they would never face prosecution because of Chaikas position. Chaika denies the allegations, and has even suggested that Navalny is putting them forward on behalf of British-American investor William Browder. Browders name touches on another dark chapter in post-Soviet justice. In 2006, corrupt Russian officials raided his Hermitage Capital Management and claimed $230 million in fraudulent tax refunds. The funds accountant, Sergei Magnitsky, tried to expose the fraud and was detained for 11 months without trial. He eventually died in detention and was posthumously convicted of the fraud. Mobile World Congress 2016 is where many smartphone and gadget makers launch their 2016 range a notable exception being Apple that do their own thing in September. Today we saw announcements from LG and Samsung both doing much the same thing albeit in slightly different ways. Frankly, it is hard to do much with the current form factor a glass slab. LG released a 360 camera so did Samsung. LG released a new VR headset with an integrated screen. Samsung has an Oculus VR headset that uses a Galaxy S6 or S7 as the screen. LG released a modular phone that allows different modules to be plugged in presently a Cam Plus and Hi-Fi Plus as well as a removable battery. LG wins on this count although Samsung has wireless charging as well. LG have dual rear cameras a 16MP and an 8MP wide angle. Dual camera support is a feature of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 system on a chip. LG has an edge here, but Samsung also make some of the best smartphone cameras, so we need to see these in real life use to make a determination. Both LG and Samsung have micro-SD support about time. Samsung has IP68 water resistance it has the edge here. Both use amazing AMOLED screens draw. They are worthy competitors on almost every count including price. So what is new? It is easy to compare smartphone hardware but frankly, this year the advances were evolutionary, not revolutionary. The real action is around the ecosystem and the internet of things. For example, both LG and Samsung now have optional devices that work with the smartphone at extra cost (presumably although Samsung is throwing in its Gear VR headset for pre-orders from Telstra). LGs modular approach adds some value to the smartphone albeit at extra cost. I think its Cam Plus will be a winner. LG has also gone to USB-C Samsung remains micro-USB. Both are using Android Marshmallow and will skin it with their own apps and user experience (UX). This helps to make both a little stickier less risk of change as you get used to the UX. HP seems to be one of the sole companies to release a Windows 10 Mobile smartphone called the x3 Elite. It is a commercial, top end, product using Continuum for frictionless multi-screen transitions between a phone scenario and a desktop PC. Lesser known Alcatel Onetouch rebranded as Alcatel and released its 5.2 IPS LED Idol 4 and 5.4 Idol 4S, AMOLED screen flagship smartphones with free VR goggles for the 4S (uses the phone screen). Alcatels strategy is volume, and its prices will be significantly lower than the other flagships. Huawei is pushing its VR system stating its VR or nothing well, augmented reality too - forming a parallel reality. VR or at least 360 photography seems to be the must have item this year and how the smartphone, 4/4.5/5G is the platform to enable that. Why should you own a Sony? Why are you proud of it? Kazou Hirai President and CEO of Sony thinks it is because Xperia X will redefine the smartphone Xperience. At the Mobile World Congress Sony announced a number of concepts the Ear (Bluetooth earpiece), Eye (Bluetooth camera), Projector (Pico projector) and Agent (an intelligent household agent). These are concepts, some of which will come to life in 2016 and change how we interact with Sony smartphones. Sony Mobile will continue to create increasingly personalised and intelligent products and services that empower you to do more, and live more creatively than ever. Our products and services will connect you to each other and become essential and beloved parts of your lives. said Hiroki Totoki, President and CEO at Sony Mobile Communications. With our continued passion for technology, we will keep adding new and exciting features to evolve our smartphones. At the same time, we want to change how you access information and interact with friends and family in a closer, natural and more meaningful way. Enter the Xperia X series X, X Performance, and XA (budget line) read on The X series add new layers of intelligent technology across popular and acclaimed Xperia features: camera, battery and design, to make every day smarter and simpler. For example: The camera has predictive hybrid auto-focus lets you choose your subject and then predicts its motion, so you can capture the action in perfect focus, free from blur. Sonys smart battery management and Qnovos Adaptive Charging technology will provide up to two days use. Xperia X uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 processor and Xperia X Performance used the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor for ultra-fast connectivity. A slightly curved glass display within a rounded, continuous frame (also extended to Xperia XA), which features a stunning edge-to-edge display A range of matching Style Covers and in four elegant finishes; White, Graphite Black, Lime Gold and Rose Gold. And to the concepts (note reference is to US Summer Winter in the Southern Hemisphere) Xperia Ear is a next-generation wireless ear-piece that brings a new way of communicating, without compromising on enjoying the world around you. It provides you with useful information such as your schedule, weather and the latest news to keep you up-to-date on the go. Powered by Sonys voice technology, it responds to verbal commands, so you can ask it to make a call, perform an internet search, dictate a message or navigate to a certain location. It enables you to face forward and get things done, for a convenient hands-free experience. It connects to your Android smartphone via NFC or Bluetooth and talks to a host application, where you can customise settings, including the info you need when you first connect in the morning, touch commands and app notifications. Its lightweight and comfortable soft silicone ear-bud is built for continuous wear, with IPX2 water-protection and all-day battery life3. Its available in Graphite Black and the innovative case doubles as a charger, so you can simply pop it in when you need to recharge. Xperia Ear will roll out from Summer 2016. Xperia Eye is a conceptual vision for an ultra compact, wearable wide-angle lens camera - with the flexibility to be easily attached to clothing or worn around the neck. It represents a proof-of-concept exploration to bring Sony's acclaimed camera and sensing technology to its smallest ever form-factor - featuring a 360-degree spherical lens for a natural field of view. Its intelligent shutter technology will use facial and voice detection to capture images, allowing you to enjoy and preserve lifes moments without thinking about the technology. Xperia Projector concept will enrich, empower and stimulate creative family communication using a natural and interactive interface projection on any clear surface. It will respond to touch, voice and gestures just as you would interact with your smartphone screen. Xperia Agent concept is a vision for a personalised assistant. It will enhance everyday life by responding to voice and gestures - providing you with useful information, communication assistance and home appliance controls. It is also powered by Sony's voice technology and will respond to a number of commands and has a built-in camera and projector display for projecting content onto surfaces. Acer is venturing outside PCs with new products to update car software and prevent accidents. The company's first products for cars, including a headset that monitors brainwaves for driver fatigue, are being shown at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week. The Taiwan company is also showing a telematics product to track car movement and keep in-vehicle software updated. Acer is entering the automotive business as a way to make money outside the slumping PC business. Success in PCs has eluded Acer, whose computer shipments have been falling since the netbook boom ended with the expansion of the tablet market in 2010. The headset idea is a novel one, though details about how it works weren't immediately available. It may have been spun off from many available headset products, like Emotiv, designed to detect mental states. The headsets operate like EEG machines and associate the brain wave readings with algorithms to detect fatigue and other mental states. Acer didn't say when the product would be released. Acer is also providing a way for in-vehicle software to be updated over-the-air with its OTA+ software product. The open-source software has been developed based on specifications recommended by GENIVI, an industry consortium that boasts some top car makers among its members. The car update feature is especially handy as there is a growing trend for automakers to deploy their own applications to cars. The software will ensure secure data transfer and deployment, Acer said. Acer didn't say when the technology would become available. Major hardware companies like Intel and Nvidia -- which are also members of GENIVI -- are developing components that power in-vehicle systems. So it's possible that Acer's OTA+ technology work with cars running those chips. Acer has a head start in the automobile market over rival PC makers Dell, Lenovo and HP. Apple and Google have already developed in-vehicle entertainment, messaging and mapping systems for cars via smartphones. This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. The deadliest attacks occurred on a congested residential and commercial street in the town of Seyda Zeinab on the outskirts of the capital, Damascus. According to a security official and two residents, a suicide car bomber struck as families were shopping at a popular fruit and vegetable market, and then two other suicide bombers on foot detonated their payloads as rescuers gathered, according to a security official and two residents. A fourth explosion was from a propane gas canister. At least 83 people died and more than 170 wounded in a series of blasts ripped through the suburb, he official SANA news agency said. . SANA said the bombs went off near schools during the afternoon rush hour. The attacked had come as Secretary of State John Kerry announced a preliminary ceasefire. during a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. "What we are trying to achieve is a process with precision and commitment, and if we get that, that's the best opportunity for the people of Syria to see the violence reduced," he said."Will every single party agree automatically? Not necessarily." Around Syria's biggest city, Aleppo, Russian planes and the Syrian army are battling together in a huge offensive designed to cut off the opposition's supply lines. "There is no such thing as a cease-fire," said Syria's Minister of Information Omran al-Zoubi. "The Syrian army is coming and it will enter every town in Syria." President Obama would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the next few days to come up with ways to lessen the violence. Ken Ham, the founder and leader of Answers in Genesis, announced recently that his religious organization may hire people who are not in complete agreement with his religious beliefs. Ham is the person who was successful in suing Kentucky so that he can get tax incentives for his Noah's Ark-themed attraction located in Williamstown, a city in Northern Kentucky. He announced his intention during a tour of the Ark Encounter. His staff is still establishing the criteria for employment for the 510-foot (155 meters) boat. Ham won a million-dollar religious freedom case against the state Kentucky for his Ark Encounter in January. The federal judge who heard the case ruled that state officials violated Answers in Genesis' First Amendment rights by refusing its inclusion in a sales tax incentive amounting to millions of dollars. Gregory Van Tatenhove, the U.S. District Judge, ruled that the Tourism Cabinet of Kentucky did not include the Ark Encounter in the tax incentive due to its "religious purpose and message." "Atheist organizations and other secular groups have been falsely claiming that AiG/Ark Encounter should not receive a facially neutral tax incentive in Kentucky because of our Christian message," said Ham in a Facebook message. Employees of Answers in Genesis are required to sign a statement of faith that includes the belief in creationism, which had led Kentucky officials to withdraw an offer of $18 million in tax incentives in December 2014. This resulted in the court legal battle which eventually led to Ham's victory. An update on the matter indicated that Ark Encounter, according to Ham, may use a separate faith statement that may not include the controversial religious requirement. Although the particular statement has not been finalized yet, Ham said it will be made public in a matter of months in advance of the July opening of Ark Encounter. An endangered dolphin calf died in Argentina last week after being pulled out of the sea and used for selfies, then left on the mud, CBC News reported. The news has prompted worldwide outrage after it trended on social media, with the tourists being called thoughtless among other things. In the Youtube video footage of the incident last week, the dolphin is seen as being picked up by a man and then surrounded by a large curious crowd of people trying to touch the animal and pass it around for selfies. The tiny dolphin, which is not more than a few feet long, is finally left to die in the mud. In the video, it can be seen lying motionless. According to the footage, it does not look like anyone in the crowd tried to intervene or to return the dolphin back to the water. The dolphin died at the beach resort town Santa Teresita. Animal lovers and activists, of which the Argentine Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is also one, had condemned the action by insensitive tourists and beachgoers. The AWF released a statement asking people to return dolphins they might find back to the ocean waters. The foundation claimed that the La Plata dolphins, also called Franciscana dolphins, are only found in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. It also said that less than 30,000 of them remain in the wild, Franciscana dolphins are the only type of river dolphin that lives in saltwater. It is categorized "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. The IUNC says that the large part of threats to dolphins are gill nets. Gill nets have been known to drown, injure or attach to marine mammals in the past, causing extreme fatigue to them, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Dolphins cannot live outside of water for too long, because despite being mammals and breathing air, their body temperature gets too high outside water. This is especially true of Franciscana dolphins, who have very thick and greasy skin that provides them warmth. In the run-up to the New Hampshire primary, Republican candidate Sen. Ted Cruz said he would bring back enhanced interrogation techniques if the U.S. faced an imminent terrorist attack. Frontrunner Donald Trump went even further, saying that waterboarding is fine and much tougher than that is fine. But Congress has outlawed the Central Intelligence Agencys enhanced techniques, while professional interrogators say theyre ineffective, and the agency might well refuse to employ such methods again. Why, then, are politicians continuing to propose them? The answer appears to be simple: Most Americans support torture. Pew, for example, found in 2005 that 45 percent of Americans approved of torture (versus 52 percent opposed). By 2007, that number had risen to 48 percent and, by late 2009, to 54 percent. The release of the Senates torture report in 2014 made no difference: Pews most recent poll found that 58 percent of Americans said the use of enhanced interrogation techniques could be justified. Support for torture is particularly strong among Republicans: In the 2015 poll, for example, a hefty 73 percent came out in favor, compared with 46 percent of Democrats. Moreover, after the terror attacks in Paris and San Bernardino late last year, Americans are particularly concerned about national security. No wonder, then, that Trump, Cruz and their GOP rivals support harsh interrogation: They are reflecting the preferences of most Republican voters. But there is more to these polls than meets the eye. Those who do back torture tend to support its use in exceptional circumstances, such as the ticking time-bomb scenario, when a bomb is about to go off and torture is required to find it. When politicians say they will reauthorize the rough stuff, it is usually for such restricted situations. While this might amount to occasional support for harsh methods, it is hardly the same as unqualified enthusiasm. So, a CBS poll from 2014 found that 49 percent of Americans thought enhanced interrogation techniques were sometimes justified, versus 36 percent who did not. Apologists for waterboarding often emphasize that it was used sparingly, by the CIA as former Gov. Jeb Bush said recently, which points to an underlying belief that such tactics should not be routine. At the New Hampshire debate, for example, Cruz said he wouldnt bring back enhanced interrogation in any sort of widespread use because bad things happen when it spreads. Ohio Gov. John Kasich said he is comfortable with the current legislative ban on torture, but feels there could be a Jack Bauer moment when harder methods are needed. Jack Bauer is, of course, not a real person, but the fictional hero of the TV series 24, who often tortures captives to find ticking bombs before they detonate. But the ticking bomb hypothetical is just that a hypothetical which, according to veteran FBI interrogator Jack Cloonan, doesnt happen in reality. The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, in its long study of the CIAs interrogation program, never found an example of this hypothetical ticking bomb scenario, said its former Committee Chair, Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Besides, even if such situations did arise, there is no reason to believe torture would help. Jose Padilla, for example, was suspected of planning a radioactive dirty bomb attack in the U.S., but he was caught thanks to intelligence from non-coercive FBI interrogations, not from CIA sessions. Indeed, veteran interrogators, backed up by burgeoning scientific research, insist that coercion doesnt provide reliable information. About this Blog This blog is currently subject to a short break - we'll pick up the action again in a little while. SHARE By of the A 33-year-old Milwaukee man is facing charges in the fatal shooting of Robert J. Brown, who died this month after walking into a hospital with a gunshot wound. John E. Nash was charged Saturday with homicide by negligent handling of a dangerous weapon. His bail was set at $10,000, and he is due back in court March 1 for a preliminary hearing. Brown, 44, was shot about 7:15 p.m. Feb. 13 in the 3000 block of W. Wisconsin Ave., according to Milwaukee police. Nash and another man were drinking beer and vodka-cranberry cocktails at a friend's house near N. 22nd and W. Townsend streets with Brown, the criminal complaint says. The man later told police Nash was armed with a gun, which had malfunctioned in the past, according to the complaint. The three men decided to purchase food at El Rey, and Brown drove because he had not been drinking. Nash was sitting in the back seat of the car when his gun fired, the complaint says. Brown was shot in the side and drove to Aurora Sinai Medical Center, where he walked in for treatment. Police officials say because Brown's death was ruled negligent, it will not be included in the city's homicide total reported to the federal government, which follows the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting guidelines. As of Monday, nine homicides following those guidelines have been recorded in the city this year, according to records maintained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. That total does not include two killings that authorities ruled were self-defense, nor the negligent homicide of Brown. SHARE By of the Sure, the adage is "you get what you pay for," but travelers on tight budgets choose Megabus because it's cheap and fairly reliable. Except when the bus adorned with graphics of a large pink-faced bus driver clad in a megabus.com cap ignites and eventually explodes in flames. A Megabus traveling from Chicago to Milwaukee on Sunday ended its journey abruptly when the bus driver pulled to the side of the road because of a mechanical issue. Which quickly turned into a small fire and then a larger fire as everyone fled the bus safely. Among the passengers was the New York Times' Frugal Traveler, whose tweets and photos were assembled into this Gawker story. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that the bus was in Illinois on Highway 41 in north suburban Lake Forest and 40 passengers were on board when the fire occurred. Judging from the reports from Lucas Peterson, who writes for the New York Times' Frugal Traveler blog, passengers eventually arrived in Milwaukee on another Megabus. SHARE By of the Reporter Gina Barton's Unsolved series followed the cold case investigation into the homicide of John Zera. Now, 40 years after John's murder, investigators have uncovered a potential new clue. Gina joins today's podcast to talk about the latest develpoment in the case, as well as the role investigative journalists play in reporting on cold cases. We'll also hear from editor Jim Higgins on a Pulitzer-prize winning play that's coming to town. And editorial editors David Haynes and Ernie Franzen discuss how their team covered the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. To download today's show, or to subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher Radio, click here. SHARE James Dokos By of the A Greek Orthodox priest pleaded guilty Monday to embezzling more than $100,000 from his former parish in Wauwatosa, but under a deferred prosecution deal he will get only a misdemeanor conviction if he stays out of trouble for a year. Neither the Rev. James Dokos nor his attorneys, Patrick Knight and Franklyn Gimbel, made any comment after a hearing before Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Jeffrey Conen. Dokos, 63, of Chicago, was charged in 2014 with using about $100,000 intended for Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church for lavish dinners, jewelry for his wife and everyday expenses. He had been the pastor at the church about 20 years. By the time he was charged, Dokos had already been transferred to Sts. Peter and Paul in Glenview, Ill., one of the largest and most affluent Greek Orthodox churches in the Chicago area. Theft in a business setting of more than $10,000 which is a felony carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, plus five years of supervised release and a $25,000 fine. But Conen agreed to withhold entry of judgment, and if Dokos meets various reporting and community service requirements, in a year Conen will instead enter judgment for misdemeanor theft. As part of the agreement, Assistant District Attorney David Robles said he will recommend an unspecified fine at that time. Robles also told Conen that he met earlier in the month with members of Annunciation to explain the agreement and take questions. He said Dokos has already paid restitution of more than $10,000, and that the plea settles all known criminal and civil actions arising from Dokos' conduct. George Karcazes, a longtime member and volunteer in the Glenview parish, attended Monday's hearing. "The biggest reason this is an insult," he said afterward, "is the bishop tried to get him off." Karcazes was referring to a letter sent, under seal, to Conen. Karcazes, a lawyer, said he planned to seek to have the letter unsealed. He said for two years after news broke of Dokos' criminal charges in Wisconsin, some 40 families left the Chicago-area parish, and stewardship dropped $250,000. Dokos was eventually suspended as pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul, but he remains a priest in good standing. Karcazes said he gets assigned to help out as needed at other Chicago area parishes. Some of the money Dokos took from a trust intended to benefit Annunciation Church went to Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, the No. 2 official in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, to which the Wauwatosa church belongs. Karcazes said that when the Sts. Peter and Paul parish council president asked Metropolis officials to put Dokos on leave during the criminal case, he was instead removed from his position. According to the criminal complaint against Dokos: The theft was discovered by Annunciation's parish council in 2013, months after Dokos had transferred to Glenview. From 2008 to 2012, he diverted money from a trust a couple had left for the construction of a cultural center at the church while he was serving as successor trustee after the death of the trust's creator. Ervin and Margaret Franczak created the trust in 1984. In 2004, Margaret Franczak, as the surviving trustee, named Dokos her successor. The last of several amendments to the trust occurred in 2007. Upon Margaret Franczak's death, Dokos was to get $5,000, a car and any property of the trust. Twenty thousand dollars was to go to three charities, and all the rest to the church for a cultural center. Margaret died in 2008. Dokos turned over $1.1 million to the church. But investigation revealed money remained in the trust, the complaint says, and Dokos had changed the address on the trust's bank account to his home in 2008. Over the following years, according to the complaint, Dokos wrote checks for more than $110,000 for "clearly personal expenditures," such as gifts to his daughter, his cable bill, medical expenses, $5,000 for jewelry for Dokos' wife, trips and credit card bills. SHARE By of the Madison Taxpayers cut nine checks for five figures including one for more than $93,000 to members of Gov. Scott Walker's security team last year after a federal agency found the state had wrongly withheld overtime pay from them. In all, taxpayers had to pay more than $577,000 to nine current and former members of the team to cover overtime pay from May 2013 to May 2015, according to the State Patrol. That's a period when the GOP governor was ramping up his run for president an effort he abandoned in September amid fundraising trouble and plummeting poll numbers. The security team provides round-the-clock protection for Walker and occasional security for his family, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and visiting officials. The biggest payment went to Sgt. Eric Dante, who was paid $93,284. The three sergeants who received the next highest payments got amounts similar to each other Scott Gouin, about $77,000; Luke Kraemer, about $76,000; and Ricky Fitzgerald, about $73,000. Three others were paid between $62,000 and $66,000 each, one was paid about $55,000 and one was paid about $10,000. All those payments came on top of the employees' regular pay of $70,000 to $82,000 a year. "This is over the top," said Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton). "He's the governor of a Midwestern state; he's not the president of the United States." Erpenbach said the payments were the latest sign Walker had gotten carried away with security costs. He said he didn't hold the state troopers who protect Walker responsible for the big payouts. "I think they have every penny coming to them because they were just following the governor's orders," Erpenbach said. "They didn't do anything wrong. Governor Walker did." Members of the security team did not respond to requests for comment from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The state had to make the payments because the federal Department of Labor determined the State Patrol had wrongly withheld overtime pay from them. It worked with the state to calculate what was owed over the two-year period it reviewed. The payment system that was found to be improper was established in 2006 under Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle. Under that setup, the troopers could receive overtime pay only in very limited circumstances. But the Department of Labor determined the troopers were due 11/2 times their regular pay at the same point as most other workers are after they work 40 hours in a week. Governors have long received protection 24 hours a day, even when they are on vacation or political trips. Doyle, for instance, took his security team with him to Cancun, Mexico, in December 2010, just before leaving office, for a conference on climate change. Walker in recent years has traveled more extensively than Doyle did because of his presidential run. That meant numerous trips to early primary states, along with a few overseas jaunts. Walker's campaign and political organizations paid the airfare and hotel costs of the security team during that time, but not the troopers' salaries. Those costs were left to taxpayers. Soon after the State Patrol learned it owed the back pay, it cut the size of the security detail in half and rescinded $4-an-hour raises it had given to members of the team in February 2015. After the pay cut, many members of the unit now make a base pay of about $32 an hour, or about $67,000 a year. The smaller team is being augmented by other troopers who rotate into the unit for short stints. That arrangement is meant to contain overtime costs. The security team continues to build up overtime, according to records released by the State Patrol. From mid-May through the end of the year, eight members of the team collected a combined $61,000 in overtime. The largest amount went to Gouin, who received about $10,000 in overtime during those seven months. State Patrol spokeswoman Patty Mayers said she did not have information about how much in overtime was paid to troopers who rotated into the team for short periods. That made it impossible to determine whether overtime costs are being brought down under the new system. This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Patty Mayers' last name. SHARE By of the The Department of Natural Resources has outlined plans to sell 5,900 acres of state land, but the deals avoid potentially controversial properties involving spring ponds coveted by trout anglers and lake frontage sought by a wealthy political donor of Gov. Scott Walker. The targeted land goes before the Natural Resources Board on Wednesday in Madison. The sales would help address a directive from the Legislature requiring the agency to put up for sale 10,000 acres by mid-2017. Lawmakers ordered the sales in 2013 because of worries over the rising costs of the state's land purchase program. Details posted by the agency show that land would go to both government and private interests and call for selling: 23 parcels totaling 2,405 acres to local units of government and tribes. 35 parcels totaling 2,486 acres to adjoining landowners where the public has no legal access to the land. 24 parcels totaling 1,009 acres that would be sold by competitive bid. All told, the DNR manages 1.5 million acres across Wisconsin. The DNR had identified other parcels for sale, including land that contained spring ponds in Langlade County. Those properties now are not planned for sale, according to Doug Haag, who oversees the agency's real estate program. In August, after the DNR circulated a tentative list of properties, trout anglers protested the sales because of the ecological significance of the ponds and their native brook trout populations. The ponds, scoured by glaciers, are fed by groundwater and feed nearby streams and lakes. Another parcel not scheduled for sale is 1.75 acres of frontage on Rest Lake in Vilas County to business executive Elizabeth Uihlein. She and her husband, Richard, are major Republican political donors, including to Walker, and are founders of Pleasant Prairie-based Uline Corp. The Journal Sentinel reported Jan. 29 that Walker's affiliated Unintimidated PAC filed documents with federal authorities saying it received $3.7 million in the last half of 2015. Of that, Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein contributed $2.5 million. The Rest Lake property had been on the Natural Resources Board's agenda in September, with DNR officials saying they had reached a deal to sell the 100-foot strip of waterfront for $275,000. The parcel had been identified for possible sale as part of the master planning process at Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. But the transaction triggered objections after the newspaper reported the buyer was Elizabeth Uihlein, who owns an adjacent 11-unit condominium. The condo does not have direct lake access. The board tabled the sale on Sept. 23 at its meeting in Bowler. Does the DNR plan to sell the land to Uihlein? "It's undetermined at this point and it's not on the agenda," said agency spokesman George Althoff. "That's kind of where it is. Obviously, at this point it's not going anywhere." The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has been popular, but some Republican legislators have raised concerns over rising costs. Interest on the debt exceeds more than $1 million a week, officials have said. The program named for former Govs. Warren Knowles, a Republican, and Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat has acquired more than 650,000 acres in the past quarter-century, including multimillion-dollar acquisitions from paper companies. Supporters have credited the deals with keeping the land open for recreation and timber harvesting. Money from land sales will pay down debt from the program. To find suitable land, Haag said the agency combed through old files, read through agendas of board meetings dating to 1992 and studied computerized maps to identify landlocked and isolated parcels. No land from official project boundaries will be sold. The DNR has over 600 such projects, such as state parks and natural areas, with established boundaries. The DNR's aim is to shed properties deemed surplus, help manage land more efficiently and, in many cases, retain deed restrictions to ensure the public can use it. During its analysis, the DNR discovered 1,940 acres had never been sold as intended. The agency had been required to negotiate land for sale or exchange in one of the state's largest purchases ever. The 1999 purchase of 32,000 acres for $25 million from Packaging Corp. of America gobbled up timber company land and stream, river and lake frontage in Iron, Oneida, Lincoln and Vilas counties. From that deal, known as the "Great Addition," the DNR was required to negotiate the sale or exchange of 7,000 acres with county or tribal governments. Haag said there is no reason why nearly 2,000 acres were never sold. But a budget paper from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau in 2005 said some counties, instead of taking ownership of that land, preferred to continue getting payments from the state in lieu of property taxes. George Meyer, a former DNR secretary who criticized the proposed sale to Uihlein and has questioned other DNR moves under Walker, said he supports the agency's latest plans. Meyer is executive director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. He lauded the transparency of the process and said that, with one exception in Forest County, the deals met the criteria of his group, which reviewed every parcel. The criteria: Oppose sales of land with water resources unless it is landlocked or is sold to another government entity. Haag said the state has not started negotiations, but many potential buyers have been tracking developments. Jane Severt, executive director of the Wisconsin County Forests Association, said counties are likely to have different views. Some might think they can't afford it. But others will likely favor buying, if the land meshes with their holdings. Another attraction is counties could generate income by selling timber, she said. Wisconsin company wrestles with the FDA over an infant formula Nikos Linardakis says the FDA has stymied efforts that he and James Esselman have made to launch their Bene Baby Co.s product. The prophecy is more than seeing into the future. For the prophecy sees without the element of time. For the prophecy sees things as they were, as they are, and as they always shall be. A criminal investigation is ongoing at the Copper Lake and Lincoln Hills secure juvenile detention facilities that share a campus about 30 miles north of Wausau. Credit: Journal Sentinel files SHARE By of the Madison A staffer at a troubled Northwoods youth prison has been put on paid leave pending an investigation of the medical treatment of a juvenile who was taken to a hospital this month. The situation comes amid a criminal probe of Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls, which share a campus 30 miles north of Wausau. Corrections Secretary Ed Wall is stepping down next month, and other top leaders at the Department of Corrections could change soon as well, a spokeswoman for Gov. Scott Walker said Monday. About 50 agents and attorneys raided the schools in December as they investigate allegations of prisoner abuse, child neglect and sexual assault. More recently, the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation took over the probe. Joy Staab, a spokeswoman for the Department of Corrections, declined to provide details about the incident that led to the worker being put on leave, citing medical privacy laws. She said the employee was put on leave while officials review the handling of the matter, calling the decision standard practice in such situations. At least 23 workers have been put on paid leave since late 2014. Two workers have been fired; some have resigned, retired or returned to work, but most remain on paid leave, according to the department. According to a source familiar with the recent incident, a youth grew sick over the weekend of Feb. 13 and was taken to the hospital Feb. 15. Wall is being replaced by Jon Litscher, a former corrections secretary. Litscher may appoint new people to other top positions, said Laurel Patrick, a spokeswoman for the governor. She declined to say who would hold key positions, such as communications director, chief legal counsel and legislative liaison. "When a new cabinet secretary is announced, he or she has discretion over building their leadership team. This is not an uncommon practice," Patrick said by email. Wall has said he plans to return to his previous job at the state Division of Criminal Investigation, which is involved in the Lincoln Hills investigation. A spokeswoman for Attorney General Brad Schimel has said if that happens, Wall will be put on paid leave to protect the integrity of the investigation. Schimel has said the investigation could take another year, so taxpayers would have to pay Wall's salary while he was not working during that time if he returns to his previous job. SHARE By of the Madison Conservative senators pushed a state bill Monday to fine so-called sanctuary cities for immigrants, seeking to revive a proposal that appeared stalled last week. GOP senators Duey Stroebel of Cedarburg and Steve Nass of Whitewater called on their fellow Republicans to schedule a vote on the bill, which passed the Assembly on Tuesday and helped spark a major protest at the Capitol on Thursday. It's unclear that any local government in Wisconsin is actually doing what AB 450 seeks to prevent. On Friday, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald's office said it was unlikely to pass that house when it meets on March 15. That drew a sharp reaction from Stroebel and Nass. "It is ridiculous that under current law any Wisconsin municipality could deliberately refuse to cooperate with the federal government's ability to remove dangerous individuals from Wisconsin. The safety of Wisconsinites should be our top priority," Stroebel said in a statement. Fitzgerald gave little ground. "With nearly 200 bills currently available for scheduling in the Senate, it is the responsibility of bill authors to ensure that their proposals have sufficient support within the caucus for passage. AB 450 falls into that category along with every other piece of legislation," he said in a statement. An estimated 20,000 Latino and pro-immigrant demonstrators converged Thursday on the Capitol to protest the controversial legislation, which would impose financial penalties on local governments that block police from asking criminal defendants about their immigration status. The demonstration was the largest at the Capitol since the labor protests of 2011 and led some employers of immigrants to close for the day. Besides the sanctuary city bill, the Assembly and Senate last week also sent Gov. Scott Walker SB 533, which would curtail identification cards issued by local governments. Together with the national debate over illegal immigration, the pair of state bills has sparked the ire of some in Wisconsin's Latino community and raised questions about whether pursuing them could hurt Republicans at the ballot box in November. Businessman and voucher school advocate Zeus Rodriguez of the group Hispanics for Leadership praised Fitzgerald's stance on the sanctuary bill on Friday. There's "much more important work to be done instead of antagonizing the fastest-growing demographic," Rodriguez tweeted Friday. Supporters of AB 450 say Madison, Racine and Milwaukee County have adopted policies that might fit the definition of a sanctuary city. Local officials such as Madison Police Chief Michael Koval and Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. have said they are not operating in that way. Clarke, who supports the bill, said his office already cooperates with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Koval, who has criticized the bill, has said Madison is not a sanctuary "by any stretch of the imagination." SHARE By of the A 75-year-old woman was pinned under a running car in an alley and died Sunday night in Milwaukee. The woman was killed sometime between 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. in the 4300 block of N. 64th St., where officers responded to a report that a car had been left running in the alley, police said in a news release. When they arrived, they found the woman pinned under the front wheels. She was pronounced dead at the scene. How she became pinned under the car wasn't clear, but police called it a "tragic accident" with no evidence of foul play. Reddit Email 0 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | Daesh (ISIS, ISIL) said Sunday that it was behind the horrific bombings that struck Shiites in Damascus and Homs. Twelver Shiites congregate in the Sayyida Zainab district of Damascus, the Syrian capital, around the tomb of the Prophet Muhammads granddaughter. Car bombs and suicide bombers wearing bomb vests there killed over 80 and wounded 173. Only last month, 71 were killed in this district by Daesh bombs. Daesh or ISIL deeply hates Shiite Muslims and takes delight in massacring. In Homs, Daesh car bombs killed 57 in a predominantly Alawite area, Zahra, which has been the site of numerous such attacks in the past 5 years. Alawites, some 10% 14% of the Syrian population, dominate the top government posts and are much reviled by Daesh and the Nusra Front (al-Qaeda in Syria). Interestingly, in the wake of the bombing in Homs, residents staged a another protest against the government of Bashar al-Assad for not providing them with as much security as it provided to the army. The city has been protesting in this way for months. The bad news for the Syrian revolution is that the people of Homs mostly fear the opposition (including al-Qaeda and Daesh) and the main complaint of many of them is only that the government isnt being effective enough in crushing them. The Nusra Front (al-Qaeda in Syria) had controlled part of Homs and seemed poised to take the whole city until the 2013 intervention of Hizbullah, the Shiite Party-Militia, from Lebanon. The last of the defeated al-Qaeda fighters had to leave Homs last year. Daesh turned to carbombings because it is in danger of being demoted from caliphate to just a run of the mill terrorist organization In Iraq, it just has two major cities left, Fallujah and Mosul, and the Sunni clansmen of Fallujah are increasingly rebelling against it. In Syria, it faces a determined push by the Syrian Arab Army of Bashar al-Assad to expel it from the eastern hinterland of Aleppo, the countrys largest city up in the north near Turkey. The M15 highway stretches from Aleppo to al-Raqqa, with the latter being the capital of Daesh territory. The Syrian army is extending itself east from Aleppo just south of the highway, and has taken about 19 villages in this area, killing at least 50 Daesh fighters in the process. Others turned tail and ran away to al-Bab northeast of Aleppos, the last major regional center Daesh controls in the immediate vicinity. Rayyan is one of the places captured, just to the east of Aleppo. Related video: Euronews: A deadly day in Syria as dozens die in Damascus and Homs Reddit Email 0 Shares Maan News Agency | JERUSALEM (Maan) Israeli forces on Sunday demolished a Bedouin school for children in the Abu al-Nuwaar community near the town of al Eizariya in the occupied West Bank, a spokesperson for the Al-Jahalin Bedouin community said. Atallah al-Jahalin told Maan that Israeli forces, accompanied by 30 vehicles and a delegation from Israelis Civil Administration, raided the area and destroyed the sole school in the community. Residents said Israeli forces told them the school was demolished because concrete structures were forbidden in the area. Israeli forces also reportedly seized the contents of the school. Al-Jahalin added that Israeli forces briefly detained two youths who were protesting the demolition, both of whom were released after the demolition. After the demolition, primary students held a sit-in where the school once stood while wearing their uniforms and holding school books in protest. On Wednesday, the Coordinator for Humanitarian and UN Development Activities for the occupied Palestinian territory Robert Piper said the number of Palestinians displaced in 2016 is already equivalent to over half of the total number displaced in all of 2015. Piper called on Israel to immediately halt all demolitions in the occupied West Bank, which he said were in violation of international law. Most of the demolitions in the West Bank take place on the spurious legal grounds that Palestinians do not possess building permits, Piper said. But, in Area C, official Israeli figures indicate only 1.5 percent of Palestinian permit applications are approved in any case. So what legal options are left for a law-abiding Palestinian? The UN documented 283 homes and other structures destroyed, dismantled, or confiscated between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15. The measures displaced 404 Palestinians, including 219 children. Another 1,150 Palestinians were also affected after losing structures related to their source of income, according to the UN. The destruction was focused in 41 locations, many in Palestinian Bedouin or herder communities in Area C, the over 60 percent of the West Bank under full Israeli military control. Piper highlighted previous statements by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon that Israeli zoning and planning policies are restrictive and highly discriminatory. International law is clear Palestinians in the West Bank have the right to adequate housing and the right to receive humanitarian assistance, said Piper. As the occupying power, Israel is obliged to respect these rights, the UN official said. Repeated calls by international bodies for Israel to cease the displacement of Palestinians living in the occupied Palestinian territory have done little in the past to stop ongoing demolitions or settlement expansion onto Palestinian land. The EU earlier this week condemned Israeli policy regarding demolition and settlement expansion that the body said made the possibility for an independent Palestinian state impossible. Via Maan News Agency Reddit Email 0 Shares TeleSur | Children make up 36 percent of the those making the perilous migration journey across the sea, often to flee conflicts. As the refugees crisis surges on with thousands of refugees from the Middle East attempting to cross the Mediterranean on route to Europe, two children have drowned every day since September 2015 and the death toll of victims continues to climb. According to the U.N. refugee agency UNHRC, UNICEF, and the International Organization for Migration, the iconic image of drowned Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi is the just the face of a larger epidemic of child deaths in the Mediterranean, where at least 340 child refugees, including many babies, have drowned. An average of two children have drowned every day since Sept 15 crossing the Mediterranean https://t.co/VNPtWL5wss pic.twitter.com/XxNc9q7d9f UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) February 21, 2016 In the face of the heart wrenching crisis, the international groups called for urgent efforts to help refugees safely escape the harsh conditions they are facing without putting themselves in more grave danger. "It is a humanitarian catastrophe in the making that demands the entire worlds engagement. These tragic deaths in the Mediterranean are unbearable and must stop, said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. Clearly, more efforts are needed to combat smuggling and trafficking. Grandi added that safe travel options for refugees must be prioritized to as part of the effort to tackle the crisis. According to the international organizations, children now make up 36 percent of the migrating population, meaning children are increasingly at risk among those making the perilous journey by boat from Turkey to Greece in a course on the Aegean Sea that has proved to be a deadly passage for refugees. The Aegean Sea btwn Turkey & Greece is among the deadliest routes for refugees & migrants https://t.co/0sVpkFAMPZ pic.twitter.com/Pf4rQci8B6 UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) February 21, 2016 And the death toll just keeps rising. In the first month and a half of 2016, 410 people out of the 80,000 making the Mediterranean trip have drowned, marking a sharp 35-fold increase from the beginning of 2015, the organizations reported. Counting lives is not enough. We must act, said IOM Director General William Lacy Swing. This is not only a Mediterranean problem, or even a European one. It is a humanitarian catastrophe in the making that demands the entire worlds engagement. Experts have pointed out that unreliable boats and inadequate lifesaving equipment on board do not provide the necessary insurance to make sure refugees can make a safe passage. Rough winter seas that boaters are now facing only make matters worse. To reduce the death toll at sea people must be allowed to travel legally & safely to #Europe https://t.co/6wUd2orK0x pic.twitter.com/4kgSRYAAIv UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) February 21, 2016 We may not have the ability now to end the desperation that causes so many people to try to cross the sea, but countries can and must cooperate to make such dangerous journeys safer, said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. No one puts a child in a boat if a safer option is available. According to UNHCR, a total of 80,000 refugees landed in Europe in the first six weeks of 2016, surpassing the first four months of 2015 refugee arrivals combined. Over 3,700 people died trying to cross the Mediterranean in 2015. Via TeleSur Related video added by Juan Cole: Euronews: Every day child migrants drown in the Med, the UN reveals Fiat Brazil has long wanted to enter the profitable, five-passenger, mid-size, double cab, pick-up truck segment in South America. In 2007 the automaker ended a deal with Tata because the Indian automaker's truck design was entirely unsuitable for Brazil. The locally designed and made Strada compact pick-up was homologated for only two rear seat passengers so a new design was called for. The new Toro is the answer. About 43cm/1.7 in. shorter than competitors, it offers the same nominal one tonne/2,202lb payload in diesel-powered form. The ambitious bit is Fiat's plan to to sell 50,000 units a year. Established mid-size pick-up competitors Chevrolet S10, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200, VW Amarok and Nissan Frontier together shifted 116,000 units last year. The target includes exports of up to 10,000 per year to Latin America, NAFTA, and European Union countries. Fiat Brazil light commercials have been exported widely in the past and included right hand drive Uno-based small pickups for the UK and New Zealand. To accomplish its lofty goals for the Toro, Fiat is counting on keen prices domestic tags from BRL76,500/US$19,200 (FWD, flexible-fuel engine and six-speed automatic) to BRL116,500/$29,200 (AWD on-demand, turbodiesel and nine-speed automatic). This has been achieved, among other reasons, by using the Jeep Renegade powertrain and a large difference in Brazilian excise tax between SUVs (diesel, 25%) and pick-ups (10%). The Toro's driveability is a new segment benchmark. Unitary construction, rather than body-on-chassis, and coil -sprung four-wheel independent suspension with multilink rear, carefully calibrated electrically-assisted steering and automobile-like driving position explain this. A 2.99 m/117.7in wheelbase results in adequate room for three adults in the rear seat with a seat back less upright than most competitors'. Styling is another highlight; it was done here in Brazil and inspired by the Cherokee and is not too radical. It draws bystander attention and demonstrates that the local design studio has achieved international status. The clever, split cargo bay door is quite light and makes loading easier as you don't have to reach over a folded down tailgate. Optional cargo bay doors have built-in, foldable plates to extend load bay length for hauling long objects, a clever idea. The option uses the standard tail lights and provides an illuminated space for a second registration plate as the main one is obscured when the extension is in use. Inside, materials are a slightly lower standard than in the Renegade, a change justified by both price and heavy duty work intent. The Toro, in line with rivals, is not fitted with an electric parking brake. The multimedia screen is just five inches, minute by current standards. The automaker expects a 40% demand share for flex-fuel engines (no manual gearbox for now) and 60% for diesels for which a six-speed manual is offered for the intermediate, Freedom trim version. The flex-fuel engine power output was improved to 137 bhp from 130 bhp. Despite this it had proved underpowered in the Renegade and this is even more noticeable in the new pick-up which is about 10% heavier. As'ad's Bio As'ad AbuKhalil, born March 16, 1960. From Tyre, Lebanon, grew up in Beirut. Received his BA and MA from American University of Beirut in pol sc. Came to US in 1983 and received his PhD in comparative government from Georgetown University. Taught at Tufts University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Colorado College, and Randolph-Macon Woman's College. Served as a Scholar-in-Residence at Middle East Institute in Washington DC. He served as free-lance Middle East consultant for NBC News and ABC News, an experience that only served to increase his disdain for maintream US media. He is now professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus. His favorite food is fried eggplants. NEWSLETTER Sign up Tick the boxes of the newsletters you would like to receive. Just Drinks Daily News The top stories of the day delivered to you every weekday. Just Drinks Weekly News A weekly roundup of the latest news and analysis, sent every Monday. Just Drinks Magazine The industry's most comprehensive news and information delivered every quarter Cheese Tortellini Soup with Kielbasa, Kale, and Cannellini Cheese Tortellini Soup with Kielbasa, Kale, and Cannellini Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 12 ounces fully cooked smoked kielbasa sausage, thinly sliced 1 large onion, chopped 1 cup chopped fresh fennel bulb 4 large cloves garlic, minced 1 1/2 T chopped fresh thyme 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper 10 cups low sodium chicken broth 4 cups chopped kale 1 15 ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 1 nine ounce package cheese tortellini 1 cup freshly grated or shaved Parmesan cheese Instructions Heat the oil in a large heavy pot. Add the kielbasa, onion, fennel, garlic, thyme, and crushed red pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 12 minutes, stirring regularly, until the vegetables are soft and the kielbasa is lightly browned. Add the broth and bring the pot to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and add the kale and cannellini. Simmer about 4 minutes. Add the tortellini and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the pasta is cooked through but al dente. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with about two tablespoons of the Parmesan. This cheese tortellini soup with kielbasa, kale, and cannellini is so crazy good. It's also incredibly easy to make.This soup contains one of the major super foods, kale, as well as cannellini beans, which are supposed to help lower blood pressure.Then there's the Polish smoked kielbasa. It was all I could do not to just pick out all of the kielbasa out of the pan and eat it.I hate to admit it, but I had never tried Polish smoked kielbasa before, but now I am in love with it. Where have you been all of my life?I found this recipe while exploring myassigned blog, Fearless Homemaker , written by Amy. If you're not familiar with Secret Recipe Club, it's a group of bloggers who secretly make each other's recipes every month and then reveal to whom we were assigned.In fact, Amy recently had me as her assigned blog, and posted this gorgeous version of my slow cooker chicken chil i.Amy is Boston raised, but now lives in Tennessee after attending Vanderbilt for college. Her blog is about chronicling her adventures in learning how to bake, cook, craft, and host dinner parties. Her profile photo with an oversized martini glass says it all.I had a hard time narrowing down the recipe I would make for this month's Secret Recipe Club. Among my other choices were her, and thisboth bookmarked to be made very soon.This soup is so delicious!! It is served with a topping of about 2 tablespoons of grated or shaved Parmesan or an Italian blend, which melts right into the soup, adding the perfect amount of umami.If you prep the vegetables in advance, you can get this soup on the table in 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. You can also prep the soup in advance, leaving out the tortellini. Reheat the soup, add the tortellini, cook for about 5 minutes, and serve.I loved this soup with thin baguette slices toasted with garlic and cheese.After the recipe, check out all of the Secret Recipe Club deliciousness. Donald Trump is taking aim at the "Ricketts family" this morning after it was disclosed that Marlene Ricketts the wife of Joe Ricketts was behind an anti-Trump super PAC that pummeled Trump in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Trump issued a veiled threat against the family on his famous Twitter account, after accusing them of "secretly" spending money against his presidential bid. For the record, Ricketts' donation was publicly disclosed this weekend by the Federal Election Commission. Trump's tweet: "I hear the Rickets family, who own the Chicago Cubs, are secretly spending $'s against me. They better be careful, they have a lot to hide!" Marlene Ricketts fired back, saying Trump was too "unpredictable" to be president. "Marlene Ricketts shares the disappointment of many Trump supporters who believe that our leaders in Washington have failed us, and also believes our next President must be a principled leader. In her view, Donald Trump has not been a consistent conservative and therefore would be unpredictable as our party leader," said Brian Baker, an adviser to the Ricketts family. Marlene Ricketts gave $3 million to a super PAC known as "Our Principles PAC." It was created in January with the help of Katie Packer, a former aide to Mitt Romney in his 2012 presidential campaign. Ricketts is the wife of Joe Ricketts, the founder of TD Ameritrade, a successful online trading company. She and Joe are the parents of Pete Ricketts, the governor of Nebraska. The Ricketts family has been involved in politics for several years. Most notably, they are the principal donors behind a political committee known as "Ending Spending" that has helped to defeat various politicians whom the organizers deem are not conservative enough on tax and spending issues. Earlier this year, the Rickettses supported Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker for president, who dropped out of the race in September. So far, they have not publicly embraced any of the remaining candidates in the field. But it's clear they don't like Trump. A survey conducted on Jan. 19 was distributed to all University of Nebraska at Kearney students regarding new restaurant options for the Nebraskan Student Union. Options included Panda Express, IHOP, A&W and Chick-fil-A. After the survey that the UNK students voiced their opinion through the democratic process, Chick-fil-A won. However, a second email was sent on Feb. 12 by the student body president stating that although Chick-fil-A won by an overwhelming amount, a new survey was going to be distributed because of Chick-fil-As discriminatory policies voiced by a section of students. It would appear that UNK is contradicting its vision statement, which says, preparation of students to lead responsible and productive lives in a democratic, multicultural society. Furthermore, the opinion stated by Chick-fil-A CEO Dan T. Cathy in 2012 regarding same sex marriage has since then been explained and the website clearly states: Treat every person with honor, dignity and respect regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender. Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks, which is among restaurants in the UNK union, expressed his opinion on traditional marriage during a March 2013 shareholders meeting. According to Forbes, he responded to a shareholders question that challenged Schulz for supporting same-sex marriage because it had a negative effect on share values. Schultz said not every decision is economic, but if any shareholders thought they could achieve better than a 38-percent return, they were welcome to invest in other companies. Both CEOs had their First Amendment right to freedom of speech and religion. There are students on UNKs campus who do not support Starbucks and purposefully do not buy at the Starbucks. This proves that we can live in disagreement and tolerate others opinions without having a huge disagreement. Once again, we are talking about buying chicken and coffee, not buying others beliefs and views. Hannah Beck, Kearney 89 Shares Share The American health care system is set up to care for a certain subset of the population sick people people with chronic disease, acute illness, acute injury, and complex disorders like cancer or metabolic issues. The problem is, this set up doesnt create market incentives to care for the well effectively, or to identify those at risk for disease and efficiently and reliably intervene, at scale. To reconcile this cognitive dissonance between sick-care and health-care, government agencies like CMS, are now funding population-based care strategies. The idea is, the health care system should anticipate patient needs at the population level, stratify those needs by risk, and disseminate preventative interventions locally, based on traditional indices like blood tests and screening protocols and emerging metrics like ICD-10 Z codes to identify social determinants of health. Now that the federal government is redefining the relationship between communities and health systems, it seems logical to anticipate future opportunities to redesign one of the most outdated physician roles: the doc in the box. But the baffling thing is, that is not what is happening. Despite CMS new Accountable Health Communities model and the NIHs recent Precision Medicine Initiative, it seems the latest innovations in health care delivery are aiming to do what we are already doing better to map the genome, decipher codes in our blood, and screen with increasing precision to identify disease earlier and decrease associated health complications and systems costs. But the building-based, physician-centric, model of medicine America has relied on for decades, maybe even centuries, isnt serving us well anymore. The hands-on, face-to-face, one-on-one, physician-patient relationship is changing and the bedside, fee-for-service paradigm doesnt fit how patients access information and more importantly, doesnt pay for keeping patients well. Thinking outside the doc in a box In the future, instead of caring for thousands of people in a primary care panel, I think physicians will care for hundreds of thousands of people across a grid. And they will provide that care, in teams. The grid will be color-coded by risk factors. Incorporating data from smartphone usage, credit card spending behaviors, typographical maps of cities that chart access points for public transit, healthy food, parks and recreation, public learning, and other staples of public life. Those access points will be rated by the degree of mobility they generate socially, economically, and physically. High-rated areas will become models for low-rated areas, and low-rated areas will be first in-line for public resources to re-engineer the environment people live and grow in. This model places mobility, equity, and the capacity to maximize human potential at the center of innovations that create and sustain health. It also positions physicians among a team of professionals who operate integrated public systems. Those systems will be powered by data algorithms that understand the connections between human physiology and the lived experiences that nurture or threaten that physiology, to ultimately predict risk rather than simply identify existing disease, early. If future systems can predict risk at scale and are oriented to respond those risks with mitigating resources or information that informs and supports patient decisions, then in the future, physicians will also be expected to be architects of resource distribution, partners in city planning, advocates for social justice, and champions of equity. There will likely always be a need for physical care of patients with ailments that require treatments best administered at the bedside. But the advent of technology to provide remote care, analyze multi-variant data that predicts human behavior, and supports patient and provider decision-making with rapid access to information and resources, shifts the future of medical practice outside of buildings. With a new legion of ancillary providers, it is time to free the doc in the box and expand the vision of medical care to include the future of physician practice. Rhea Boyd is a pediatrician who blogs at rhea, md. and can be reached on Twitter@RheaBoydMD. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Whether weve already fallen into a bear market, as ace market analyst Jim Stack argues, or whether the current bounce in stock prices will reignite the aging bull market, its a good time, in my view, to dial down the risks in your investments. Even if we avoid a bear market for now, the bull market that began in 2009 is tired and ready to be put out to pasture. But instead of bailing out of stocks completely, I recommend moving some of your money out of aggressive stock funds and into lower-risk fare. Youll limit your losses if the market resumes its decline, yet youll still have exposure to stocks, which have always produced the strongest long-term returns. Below are my favorite stock funds for a bear market. Not surprisingly, they tend to deliver below-average swings in their results. All did relatively well during the catastrophic 2007-09 downturn, and all are run by proven managers who have produced healthy returns over the long haul. Subscribe to Kiplingers Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. Save up to 74% Sign up for Kiplingers Free E-Newsletters Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplingers expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail. Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplingers expert advice - straight to your e-mail. Sign up Its almost as if the managers of AMG Yacktman Fund (symbol YACKX (opens in new tab)) pick stocks with bear markets in mind. With 16% of the funds assets in cash and 38% in consumer-staples stocks, the fund exhibited 17% less volatility than Standard & Poors 500-stock index over the past three years. That defensive strategy was out of favor until recently, which is why Yacktman trails the index by an average of 3.4 percentage points per year over that period. But so far this year, the fund has lost just 1.5%, compared with a drop of 5.9% for the S&P 500. And over the past 10 years, the fund gained an annualized 9.3%, topping the S&P by an average of 3.0 percentage points per year. Yacktman is a family affair. Veteran Don Yacktman and his son Steven run the fund, along with Jason Subotky, who joined the Yacktman shop in 2001 and was named comanager in 2009. (All returns are through February 18.) Dont expect American Century Equity Income (TWEIX (opens in new tab)) to keep pace in strong markets. The fund, the least volatile of my picks, wins by not losing. In 2013, for instance, when the S&P 500 soared 32%, the fund lagged by 13 percentage points. But Equity Income more than makes up the difference in lousy markets. So far this year, the fund has broken even, and over the past 15 years, the fund returned an annualized 7.3%, beating the index by an average of 2.6 percentage points per year. Phillip Davidson, who has been one of the funds managers for more than two decades, and two comanagers invest only in income-paying securities. About 20% of the fund is invested in convertible stocks and bonds and in straight preferred stocks, all of which are typically less volatile than common stocks. Whats more, 43% of the fund is invested in defensive sectors: consumer-staples companies (those that make necessities), health care and utilities. Todd Ahlsten and Ben Allen, the managers of Parnassus Core Equity Investor (PRBLX (opens in new tab)), say that investing in companies that meet their funds social and environmental criteria leads to better returns. Whether or not that is so, this socially screened fund has delivered superb results. Over the past 10 years, it earned an annualized 9.0%, an average of 2.7 percentage points per year better than the S&P 500. And it has beaten its average peerfunds that invest in large companies with a blend of growth and value attributesin nine of 10 calendar years through 2015. Although the fund displayed above-average volatility in the early part of that period, it has been about 10% less volatile than the index over the past five years. Vanguard Dividend Growth (VDIGX (opens in new tab)) has essentially all the strengths of the non-Vanguard funds in this article and adds the big bonus of low fees. It charges just 0.32% annually. During the 10 years that Wellington Managements Donald Kilbride has run Dividend Growth, it has returned an annualized 8.2%, an average of 1.9 percentage points per year better than the S&P. Yet the fund has been nearly 18% less volatile than the index over the same period. Kilbride looks for companies with strong competitive advantages that can keep hiking their dividends. One-third of the fund is in consumer-staples and health care stocks, both defensive sectors. In short, Kilbride invests in just the kind of big blue chips youd want to own if you thought a bear market was on the way but didnt want to abandon stocks entirely. Vanguard Health Care (VGHCX (opens in new tab)) is a sector fundnot usually what youd want to own in a bad market. But health care is different. Demand for health care is close to inelastic, and research is bringing previously unthinkable advances to medicine at a rapid pace. Consequently, health cares share of the economy mounts with monotonous predictability. Over the long term, Vanguard Health Care has crushed the market. Its 10.9% annualized return over the past 10 years beat the S&P index by an average of 4.5 percentage points per year. And during the 2007-09 rout, the fund lost 36%, compared with a plunge of 55% for the S&P 500. Surprisingly for a sector fund, Vanguard Health Care has been about 13% less volatile than the S&P 500 over the past 10 years. It also has been about 20% less volatile than the average health care mutual fund. Vanguard Health Care is run by Wellington Managements Jean Hynes, who at last report had more than 40% of its assets in traditional drug makers and less than 20% in riskier biotechnology stocks. Expenses are just 0.34%. Steve Goldberg is an investment adviser (opens in new tab) in the Washington, D.C., area. (Kitco News) - Demand for gold in Britain appears to strong with prices against the British pound on the rise at the start of the week as the country faces a significantly weaker currency and uncertainty over a Brexit continues to grow. Despite seeing broad-based weakness in currency markets, gold, priced in pounds is almost 1% on the day, last trading at 857.95 an ounce. Golds gains arent surprising as the pound has seen significant weakness. Overnight, the pound saw its biggest one-day drop since 2009 and is currently down more than 2% against the U.S. dollar. The selloff came as rhetoric heats up over Britains future in the European Union. British voters will head to a referendum vote June 23. Over the weekend, London Mayor Boris Johnson threw his support behind the yes Brexit vote, saying that concerns the British economy will collapse if it leaves the euro are wildly exaggerated. However, leading up to the referendum announcement, many businesses, including international bank HSBC, has said that it will move its headquarters out of London if the country leaves the European Union. Other high profile politicians have said, in support of a Brexit, that the nations membership in the European Union and its open border has made it easier for terrorists to slip into the country. But Defense Secretary Michael Fallon argued that EU membership made the U.K. safe. "We need the collective weight of the EU when you are dealing with Russian aggression or terrorism. You need to be part of these big partnerships, he said. British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Saturday that he would lead the campaign to keep the nation in the EU. He will be speaking in an emergency meeting to his partys Members of Parliament in support of a EU membership, highlighting the landmark deal reached with European officials that promised Britain more control and autonomy and decreased welfare payments to migrants. By Neils Christensen of Kitco News; nchristensen@kitco.com Follow Neils Christensen @neils_C (Kitco News) - Gold prices are solidly lower in early U.S. trading Monday, on profit-taking pressure from recent gains, a higher U.S. dollar index on this day, and amid generally improving risk sentiment in the world marketplace early this week. April Comex gold was last down $20.30 at $1,210.40 an ounce. March Comex silver was last down $0.288 at $15.085 an ounce. There is keener risk appetite in the world marketplace Monday. World stock markets were mostly higher on the day. Chinas Shanghai stock index rallied 2.3% Monday, following weekend news that Chinese authorities announced a secondary home sales tax cut. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward solidly higher openings when the day session begins. Nymex crude oil prices are posting decent gains and trading just above $30.00 a barrel. The other key outside market finds the U.S. dollar index posting solid gains Monday, on an upside correction from recent selling pressure. In overnight news, the British pound is under sharp selling pressure as Londons mayor has come out against the U.K. staying in the European Union. There will be a referendum held on the matter in June. The Euro zones Markit purchasing managers survey (PMI) came in at 52.7 in February from 53.6 in January, for the lowest reading in over a year. This report falls into the camp of the European Central Bank monetary policy doves, who argue for fresh stimulus from the ECB soon. U.S. economic data due for release Monday includes the Chicago Fed national activity index and the U.S. flash manufacturing PMI. (Note: Follow me on Twitter--@jimwyckoff--for breaking market news.) Wyckoffs Daily Risk Rating: 2.5 (Trader and investor market risk aversion is not elevated today.) (Wyckoffs Daily Risk Rating is your way to quickly gauge investor risk appetite in the world market place each day. Each day I assess the risk-on or risk-off trader mentality in the market place with a numerical reading of 1 to 5, with 1 being least risk-averse (most risk-on) and 5 being the most risk-averse (risk-off). Technically, April gold futures prices are still in a two-month-old uptrend on the daily bar chart and the bulls still have the overall near-term technical advantage. A bullish symmetrical triangle pattern has formed on the daily bar chart. Bulls next upside near-term price breakout objective is to produce a close above solid technical resistance at the February spike high of $1,263.90. Bears' next near-term downside price breakout objective is closing prices below solid technical support at $1,150.00. First resistance is seen at the overnight high of $1,226.90 and then at Fridays high of $1,235.30. First support is seen at the overnight low of $1,202.50 and then at $1,200.00. Wyckoffs Market Rating: 6.0 March silver prices have seen a four-week-old uptrend on the daily bar chart negated Monday and the bears have gained some downside momentum. Silver bulls next upside price breakout objective is closing March futures prices above solid technical resistance at the February high of $15.99 an ounce. The next downside price breakout objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at $14.50. First resistance is at the overnight high of $15.37 and then at $15.57. Next support is seen at the overnight low of $14.945 and then at $14.75. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 5.0. By Jim Wyckoff, contributing to Kitco News; jwyckoff@kitco.com Follow me on Twitter @jimwyckoff SHARE Carly Rae Jepsen (Contributed photo/Hazel&Pine) By Alan Sculley, Special to the Kitsap Sun Carly Rae Jepsen's 2012 hit "Call Me Maybe" was the kind of blockbuster single that for some artists could be overwhelming. In addition to dealing with sudden fame, there's pressure that comes with trying to follow up a hit song. And "Call Me Maybe" was a whopper, selling 18 million copies while going No. 1 in dozens of countries, including the United States, where it held the top spot on the "Billboard" magazine Hot 100 chart for nine weeks. Jepsen, who last summer released her new album, "E-Mo-Tion," has seemed to take the success and notoriety of her signature hit in stride. If anything, Jepsen says, the success of "Call Me Maybe" gave her more confidence as a songwriter and opened the door for her to pursue other projects like her role as Frenchy in Fox's Jan. 31 live presentation of the musical "Grease" that might not have come her way without the notoriety of "Call Me Maybe." "I have to be honest in saying I probably went through more than one emotion with that song," Jepsen said in an early February phone interview. "The one I keep going back to is just gratitude and excitement that something took off in a way that it kind of had a life of its own. And from that, it's made my life better. I've experienced a freedom, especially recently I'm realizing I can take on passion projects and making music that I love and doing projects like (playing) Frenchy in 'Grease' because of the joy of being an artist. I really feel like a great big part of that reason was getting so much exposure from that initial hit. So I feel very lucky to have that be a part of my story and my career." A native of Mission, British Columbia, Jepsen, 30, did a good bit of musical theater growing up, but eventually decided she wanted to write and sing her own music. Her break came when she auditioned in 2007 for "Canadian Idol," that country's counterpart to "American Idol." She finished third, and this led to a Canadian record deal and eventually the release of "Call Me Maybe." That tune began getting airplay in Canada late in 2011, which is around the time a fellow Canadian, Justin Bieber, heard it. Bieber started tweeting about it and then made a viral video parody of "Call Me Maybe" (with Selena Gomez and Ashley Tisdale among others) that caught on like wildfire across the Internet. Soon Jepsen had signed on with Bieber's manager, Scooter Braun, and Bieber's record label, Schoolboy Records, and a worldwide smash of a single. In 2012, Jepsen released her first globally released full-length album, "Kiss." Along with "Call Me Maybe," the album included "Good Time," Jepsen's duet with Owl City, which reached number eight on "Billboard's" Hot 100 singles chart. By 2013, Jepsen had started turning her attention toward making her next album. But she put the project on hold in early 2014 so she could play the title role in the Broadway production of "Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella." It was no small challenge to return to acting in one of theater's most prestigious settings a full-on Broadway production. "It just was not something I had done on this level before," Jepsen said. "Luckily, I felt confidence, and I think I gained more by being with a team that embraced me there with 'Cinderella.' They were really aware that this was a new experience for me, but very patient in teaching me, and I think I showed up ready to work and take inasmuch as I could every day." After her run with "Cinderella," Jepsen finished the "E-Mo-Tion" album and found her focus as she tapped into the spirit of '80s pop created by the likes of Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and Prince and mixed it with modern up-tempo pop. "I think what was important to me to find out what it was that I loved about pop music in the writing of this second album," Jepsen said. "I went on a big search. It was probably 200 songs in the making to narrow it down to the 12 songs that made this album. I really fell back in love with the '80s and wanted to kind of incorporate that sound into my own idea of pop." The album's synth-driven, dance-friendly songs like the peppy "I Really Like You," the percolating "Gimme Love" and the catchy, smartly mechanical "Your Type" are more sophisticated, multifaceted and deeper lyrically than much of today's mainstream dance-pop. Jepsen said she's not getting overly glossy with her live show this spring as she plays a set that leans toward songs from "E-Mo-Tion." "There was a conscious decision made to really keep it focused on the music," she said. "We're looking more at the focus of making it a musical pop show, which I feel like for me is probably my forte versus dancing or other crazy things. I feel like songwriting and singing are my safe zones, and I'll stick to that." Preview Carly Rae Jepsen Where: The Showbox, 1426 First Ave., Seattle When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29 Tickets: $30 Info: (206) 628-3151, www.showboxpresents.com/ SHARE Sarah Ioannides begins her second season on the podium for the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra with a Feb. 27 concert in Gig Harbor. Sarah Ioannides will conduct a program of music by Beethoven, Debussy and Alvars when she brings the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra north to Gig Harbor for a Feb. 27 concert. By Michael C. Moore, mmoore@kitsapsun.com TACOMA Sarah Ioannides isn't just building bridges as the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra's music director. She's also crossing them. Ioannides begins her second season on the TSO's podium with a program of spring-inspired music that includes Beethoven's "Pastorale" symphony (No. 6), and a road trip north of the Tacoma Narrows. The first of a season-opening brace of concerts, Feb. 27, will be at Gig Harbor's Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, with the orchestra's home opener set for the next night in the Rialto Theater in Tacoma. Though TSO has been to Chapel Hill on two previous occasions to contribute to holiday-season performances of "The Messiah," this is the first full-orchestra march across the Narrows Bridge. "There seemed to be a keen classical music audience there," said the Australian-born, London-raised Ioannides, who's in the second year of a five-year pact to lead TSO. She's also music director of the Spartanburg, South Carolina, Philharmonic. "It's good for us to take our concerts to some different places, expose more people to what we're doing. The program for the two season-opening concerts also includes Debussy's "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" and the harp concerto of Elias Parish Alvars, with Valerie Muzzolini Gordon as guest soloist. Ioannides said the concerto affords concertgoers the rare opportunity to hear the harp, alongside two other, more familiar pieces seemingly geared toward ushering in the spring season. "I always aim to present a program that would be really satisfying, and to some degree be in familiar territory," who splits time between Tacoma and her home in Stafford Spring, Conn., where she and husband Scott Hartman who teaches trombone at Yale University and their three children have been based. "With spring coming, the 'Pastorale' seemed to fit. It's about being out in the countryside, where he would go to escape the stresses of his everyday life. Being out in nature was very meaningful to him, and wanted to capture that in this symphony." Ioannides is no stranger to the kind of long-haul commuting that her current coast-to-coast routine requires. She did double duty with the Spartanburg Philharmonic and El Paso Symphony Orchestra for several years, and in a New York-London commute earlier in her career. Since she's settled in her TSO post, her family travels right along with her. "It's a life change," she said. "It's a long haul from Yale, but that's nothing new to us. We're part of our community there, and we've become part of our community here. "It's just a bit different for us," Ioannides added of her brood, the eldest of which will be in fourth grade next fall. "It's a bit of a challenge with things like sleepovers and parties, but we make it work. At this point, they seem happy with it." The signs point to the family being a part of the Tacoma community for quite some time, especially since she's already announced that she'll end her tenure at Spartanburg after the 2016-17 season. Her goal here is to continue to grow TSO into a "very important and vibrant part of the whole South Sound." Muzzolini Gordon currently is Principal Harp of the Seattle Symphony. The native of Nice, France, is a faculty member of the University of Washington's School of Music. PREVIEW TACOMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Who: Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, Sarah Ioannides, music director; Valerie Muzzolini Gordon, harp What: A program of music featuring works by Beethoven, Debussy and Alvars Where: Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, 7700 Skansie Ave., Gig Harbor When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 Tickets: $80-$12 Information: 800-291-7593, tacomasymphony.org SHARE Thinkstock Much like the clothing industry, the wine industry is getting its spring lineup ready for the new season. Three very spring white wines I've recently tasted were in the French way that is made from French grapes and in a very French style. The grapes were pinot gris, columbard and viognier. Other French grapes often found in the Alsace region and in Germany are gewurztraminer, Muller-Thurgau, and riesling. Pinot gris, also known as pinot grigio in Italy, is the gray-skinned pinot grape. Pinot blanc is the "white"-skinned pinot and pinot noir, or nero in Italian, is the black-skinned pinot grape. There is another, very obscure cousin to these well-known pinots, and that is pinot meunier. It's rarely found outside of the Champagne region of France. These cousins have one thing in common besides the "pinot" in their name. They are mutant ninja pinots. Pinot gris is a somatic mutation of the color genes that control the skin color. Pinot blanc is a further mutation and can produce pinot gris or pinot noir. The DNA profiles of the gris and blanc are identical to pinot noir. Recently, I happened across the Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris and was delighted with the elegance and complexity of the wine. The elegance and complexity can be attributed to several winemaking techniques used to produce this wine. The grapes were pressed rather than crushed to produce smoother flavors. Then the juice was slowly fermented at cold temperatures to enhance the fruit flavors. Another technique is sur lie, which is the practice of conditioning a wine on the spent yeast cells. This produces an additional flavor profile in the wine. In addition, fermenting in stainless steel enhances the fruit flavors. It would be a great match with salmon whether grilled, smoked or seared. Add a little pasta and a cream sauce and you're in heaven. Other pairing candidates could include pork and julienne ginger wrapped in lettuce leaves, halibut with chili jam, shrimp salad with garlic croutons and panko-crusted salmon. Another stunning wine recently tasted is the Michel Gassier Les Piliers 2013 from southern Rhone. This was also made with care by removing 100 percent of the stems, cold skin contact for 48 hours, partial racking of the must (the freshly pressed grape juice that contains the skins, seeds, and stems of the fruit) and fermentation in vats. It's quite exotic with aromas and flavors of passion fruit, citrus and apricot. Made from 65 percent colombard and 35 percent viognier, it would pair wonderfully with pasta with Gorgonzola cream, sushi, stir-fry or an orange and red onion salad. We're all familiar with the fragrant viognier grape but colombard is something we may have tasted but didn't know we were tasting. Colombard is one of the blended grapes used in both cognac and Armagnac. The prolific grape, ugni blanc, or trebbiano if you were Italian, makes up about 95 percent of cognac production. Trebbiano is one of the most widely planted white grapes in the world. Originally from Italy, it is also widely planted in France. It's most commonly used as a blending grape. Frascati, another wonderful spring time wine, is a blend of trebbiano and malvasia bianca. Frascati can be made in either a dry or a sweet style and either still or in a spumante (sparkling) style. The dry table wines are the most popular. They are labeled as novello, superiore, or novello superiore. The Malvasia gives a refreshing citrus aspect. The trebbiano is more delicately flavored with floral notes that add a striking acidity to the wine. Any fish dish would pair mighty fine with this dry wine. Another white recently revisited was the Montinore Estate Borealis. Established in 1982, Montinore Estate lies at the northern end of the Willamette Valley appellation. The vineyards are planted to seven grape varieties: pinot noir, pinot gris, gewurztraminer, riesling, Muller-Thurgau, teroldego and lagrein. The 2014 Borealis is a blend of gewurztraminer, Muller-Thurgau, riesling, and pinot gris. This blend of grapes covers the full fruit spectrum on the nose with peach, yellow apple, pineapple and bright citrus popping out, accented with whiffs of litchi and fresh rose petals. On the palate it starts with a soft, slightly sweet expression of ripe peach and pear balanced with zingy citrus, which evolves into a delicious long, crisp finish of tropical and stone fruit. Spicy Asian, Thai or Indian dishes are the way to go for pairing. With all that juicy fruit, a little bit of spice would work very nicely. Many of these grape varieties can be tasted at Taste Washington, on April 2-3. Taste Washington, the nation's largest single-region wine and food event, brings together over 225 wineries and 70 restaurants. This is a great opportunity to learn about these grape varieties and what to pair with them. For more information, visit TasteWashington.org. Cheers! Mary Earl has been educating Kitsap wine lovers for a couple of decades, is a longtime member of the West Sound Brew Club and can pair a beer or wine dinner in a flash. She volunteers for the Clear Creek Trail, is a member of the Central Kitsap Community Council and a longtime supporter of Silverdale. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Plenty of sunshine. High around 80F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low around 50F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. SHARE Thomas Cummings, a World War II veteran and Blount County native who will receive a honorary high school diploma. Cummings was a Porter High School student when he was drafted to serve in World War II. Today, Thomas is 92 years old and lives in Zephyrhills, Fla. (HILDA PRESLEY/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS SENTINEL) Thomas Cummings and his wife, Elsie, pictured recently at their home in Zephyrhills, Fla. Thomas Cummings, a World War II veteran and Blount County native, will receive a honorary high school diploma. Cummings was a Porter High School student when he was drafted to serve in World War II. (HILDA PRESLEY/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS SENTINEL) Thomas Cummings and his wife, Elsie, pictured recently at their home in Zephyrhills, Fla. Thomas Cummings, a World War II veteran and Blount County native, will receive a honorary high school diploma. Cummings was a Porter High School student when he was drafted to serve in World War II. (HILDA PRESLEY/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS SENTINEL) By Mike Blackerby of the Knoxville News Sentinel Seventy-three years ago, Blount County farm boy Thomas Cummings traded his school books for a machine gun and a front-row seat to history in the Pacific Theater. After completing his freshman year at now-shuttered Porter High School, Cummings' education was interrupted when he was drafted by the Army in 1943 to serve in World War II. "I had to go defend my country," said the 91-year-old Cummings, who has lived in Zephyrhills, Fla., since 1952. "I was glad to go. I would go again if I had to." While his former classmates were crossing the stage to "Pomp and Circumstance" in 1945, Cummings was serving as a heavy machine gunner with the Army's 579th Anti-Aircraft Battalion in faraway outposts like New Guinea, Luzon and the Philippines. He was witness to some of the seminal events of World War II. Cummings said he was "behind the lines and preparing to go into battle in the Philippines" when the second atomic bomb was dropped by the U.S. on Nagasaki, Japan, on Aug. 9, 1945. He was on the troop ship John D. Ford, within sight of the battleship USS Missouri where the Japanese surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945. "We were about 100 yards from the Missouri when they signed the treaty in Tokyo Bay," Cummings said. During the occupation of Japan, Cummings helped guard notorious propagandist Tokyo Rose and former prime minister Hideki Tojo, who orchestrated Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. After the war, Cummings painted houses with his brother in Blount County. He later moved to Florida, where he worked in a paint factory. Cummings, who will celebrate his 70th wedding anniversary with his wife, Elsie, in August, said he has had few regrets in life. Except for one he never received his high school diploma. That was finally remedied Friday when the Blount County Veterans Affairs Office awarded Cummings his diploma. His niece, Hilda, and her husband, Charles Presley, accepted the honorary diploma on Cummings' behalf. "I put it in the mail today," said Hilda Presley on Friday. "He was anxious to get it and told me that he might be the 'top dog' in Zephryhills now." Presley said her uncle was simply doing "what he was asked" when he was drafted. "He recognized the importance of it," she said. "He had a lot of grit and did what he was supposed to do." Presley said her uncle told her his life will come full circle when he finally gets his diploma in the mail. "He told me it completes his records," Presley said. Nathan Weinbaum, director of veterans services in Blount County, said the honorary diploma program is the least the country can do for its aging veterans. He estimates only 697,000 World War II veterans are living, including 13,000 in Tennessee. "The program is through the state of Tennessee for World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans whose education was interrupted for war-time service," said Weinbaum. "The No. 1 thing was the student had to be on course to graduate. We send the request to the school. They research it and send the request to the state. Then, the state sends the diploma back to the school, which signs it." Weinbaum said his office has presented six local veterans with their diplomas in the past two years. "It's an honor to do this," Weinbaum said. "This veteran is 91 years old. It makes him feel appreciated, and that's why we do it." Cummings said he's grateful for the gesture. "I've been about 71 years getting my diploma, and it's really something to finally get it," he said. "I never thought I'd get a diploma, being 91 years old." SHARE UT names vice provost, dean of graduate school Dixie Thompson will be vice provost and dean of the graduate school at the University of Tennessee, effective April 1. In her new role, she will oversee all graduate education on the Knoxville campus and at the UT Space Institute. Previous vice provost and graduate dean, Carolyn Hodges, left the position in January and returned to her faculty role. Thompson has been on the faculty since 1994 and has also served as a department head and college associate dean. She is a professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies. Baker Center hosts 2 guest speakers Two guest lecturers will visit the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee this month. Marianne Wanamaker, assistant professor of economics at UT, will speak about "Discrimination and the American Economy" at 1:15 Wednesday in the Howard Baker Reading Room. And at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 29, Samar S. Ali, an international conflict mediator and Nashville lawyer will present "Countering Violent Extremism in Syria and Beyond" in the Toyota Auditorium. Ali's lecture will be filmed by C-SPAN for broadcast in early March. Both events at the Baker Center, 1640 Cumberland Ave., are free and open to the public. Law, engineering launch joint effort The University of Tennessee will launch a graduate certificate in contractual and legal affairs in engineering and construction in fall 2016. The certificate is a joint program between the colleges of law and engineering and gives lawyers a background in construction and engineering and gives engineers a background in law. Participants must be current law students or engineering graduate students. Others wanting to pursue the certificate must first be accepted to the UT graduate school. News Sentinel Staff Gov. Bill Haslam SHARE The F-bomb A speaker during the public comments section of this past week's Knoxville City Council meeting delivered some colorful, or offensive, language by dropping an F-bomb during remarks on the Magnolia Avenue streetscape plan. Describing her search for an affordable Knoxville residence, Rachel Wanyoike told council members she spent five years "wandering this (expletive) city looking for housing." Perhaps sensing the discomfort in the room after her adjective choice, Wanyoike interrupted herself. "Yeah, I cursed because this is my life," she said. "This is my life. This is a spreadsheet to y'all, but this is my life." The F-bomb aired live on Community Television Knoxville's broadcast of the meeting. The station has no two-second delay and as a rule does not edit public meetings, said David Vogel, the station's general manager. By Thursday afternoon the uncensored version was still available on the CTV website, ctvknoxville.org. Vogel said staff there plans to replace it with a censored version and would also bleep out the expletive on rebroadcasts over television. Early voting deadline Tuesday is the final day to cast a ballot in Knox County during early voting. So far, local Republicans are significantly outpacing Democrats when it comes to which primary ballots Knox County voters choose to pull. At the end of this past week, 12,399 voters cast a ballot in the Republican primary, compared to 5,327 voting in the Democratic primary. Tennessee has open primaries, which means that voters can choose to pull a ballot in any party's primary contest, regardless of their own political affiliation. The most popular voting location out of the county's 10 polling sites has been the Downtown West, where 4,722 people have voted. Carter's early voting location is on the bottom with a turnout of 397 voters. Voters can pull a ballot at any early voting location. They are City County Building, 400 Main St.; Love Kitchen, 2418 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.; Downtown West, 1543 Downtown West Blvd.; New Harvest Park, 4775 New Harvest Lane; South, 6510 E. Chapman Highway, Suite A; Carter Library, 9036 Asheville Hwy.; Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Dr.; Merchants Dr./North, 4952 Clinton Hwy.; Halls Recreation Center, 6933 Recreation Lane; Karns Senior Center, 8042 Oak Ridge Hwy. But if you miss the early voting deadline, don't worry. You can still turn out with the masses from a dozen other states on Super Tuesday, one week from today. For more information on voting, or to register to vote, visit the Knox County Election website at knoxcounty.org/election or call 215-2480. Former Knoxville Mayor Victor Ashe has called closing to the public an upcoming meeting of the Douglas Henry State Museum Commission a mistake. SHARE Victor Ashe, former mayor of Knoxville and U.S. ambassador to Poland. By Tom Humphrey of the Knoxville News Sentinel NASHVILLE Former Knoxville Mayor Victor Ashe, recently appointed to the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government's board of directors, is protesting a closed meeting planned by another board of which he serves as a member. The board governing the Tennessee State Museum, officially known as the Douglas Henry State Museum Commission, has scheduled an eight-hour "workshop" for March 28 to discuss the selection of a new museum executive director to succeed Lois Riggins-Ezzell at some point. In an exchange of email with Tom Smith of Nashville, who chairs a museum board committee on "succession planning" that set up the workshop, Ashe said the meeting should be open to the public. Smith said that it should not and suggested Ashe was being unreasonably critical. "I'd have thought you would be delighted to be included in the workshop to provide your input, instead of continuing to question every little thing we do," Smith said in an email provided by Ashe to the News Sentinel. Ashe's rejoinder to Smith's email: "Questioning whether a meeting is open to the public is not a little thing as we were briefed by the (attorney general) at our last meeting on the broad issue. I would hope one can raise questions without being criticized for doing so. You surely by now are aware of my lifelong backing for open meetings and should not be surprised or irked when I do so. I do not take it personally when you differ with me and suggest we keep our differences at that level." An email sent by Danielle Whitworth Barnes, deputy commissioner and general counsel to the state Department of Human Resources, inviting members to the March 28 session, states that members of the commission "will engage in an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as it relates to staff talent. All commissioners have been invited to relay and analyze the brutal facts of the talent pool and engage in a competency sort. Trish Holliday, an assistant commissioner in the Department of Human Resources, will guide the discussion and collect feedback. "This feedback will be essential as we continue forward in the analysis of the workforce. Because the session is designed for commissioners to relay information to Dr. Holliday for workforce analysis, this meeting will be considered a working session and not open to the public," Barnes' email states. In his email to Smith, Ashe called closing the meeting to the public "a mistake." Smith disagreed. "(Commission board) Chair (Steve) McDaniel appointed a search committee at the last meeting, I am its chair. This appointment was his right and didn't require commission approval, just as this workshop didn't require commission approval. Nor does whether or not it's a 'public meeting' require the commission approval," Smith wrote in replying to Ashe. The state's Open Meetings Act, also known as the "sunshine law," requires governmental meetings to be open to the public if they involve any deliberation toward a decision with some exceptions. Smith said in his email that there would be no deliberation at the workshop, though "feedback is encouraged and I assume will be confidential." Deborah Fisher, executive director of the Tennessee Coalition on Open Government, noted that the state has provided $120 million of taxpayer money toward construction of a new state museum scheduled to open in December 2018 with the board overseeing the construction process. There is no exception to the Open Meetings Act for discussion of personnel matters, she said. "Why would they want to start meeting in secret?" Fisher asked. "Closing meetings is becoming a problem across the state and more officials on governing boards need to start asking questions before they go down that path. It's not transparent. And it's certainly not in the spirit of Tennessee's Open Meetings Act." Ashe, who also has served as U.S. ambassador to Poland and as a Republican state senator, has been a vocal critic of the museum's management, specifically Riggins-Ezzell, the facility's executive director since 1981. In August he suggested a bias against East and West Tennessee existed in the purchase of art exhibits after two members of the Tennessee State Museum Foundation board contended contemporary artwork was being purchased in violation of museum policies. A list of the museum's contemporary art purchases from Jan. 1, 2008, to January 2014 showed a majority of purchases as opposed to donated artwork, including some items purchased by the Tennessee Arts Commission, then given to the museum came from Middle Tennessee artists. Ashe also suggested that a replacement for Riggins-Ezzell be in place by the end of 2016 to help guide construction and organization of the new museum. Smith said Ashe's comments show he has a "personal vendetta" against Riggins-Ezzell that is "irresponsible and irrational." SHARE Curry Todd State Rep. G.A. Hardaway (D-Memphis) By Tom Humphrey of the Knoxville News Sentinel NASHVILLE Republican state Rep. Martin Daniel of Knoxville joined Democratic Rep. John Mark Windle of Livingston and Secretary of State Tre Hargett in separating two quarreling legislators in a confrontation that occurred during a House floor session last week. WKRN-TV of Nashville aired a video of the interaction between Reps. G.A. Hardaway, D-Memphis, and Curry Todd, R-Collierville. The episode began after Todd on Thursday tried to shut off debate on a bill involving historic monuments notably including a bust of Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest now on display at the state capitol despite efforts of Black Caucus members, including Hardaway, to have it removed. The bill, which passed the House and awaits Senate approval, would make it more difficult to remove such monuments. The video shows Hardaway approaching Todd, speaking to him, then walking away only to come back gesturing and pointing apparently in response to a remark made by Todd. Daniel, Windle and Hargett then appear stepping up to intercede in what the television station described as "a near tussle" between Hardaway and Todd. The station said Hargett declined to comment while a Todd spokesperson said the matter was "just a discussion." Hardaway was quoted by the Nashville Scene as saying "two gentlemen were having a passionate discussion" and denying that he called Todd racist with an accompanying expletive after Todd made a dismissive comment. Daniel did not return a reporter's weekend call seeking his perspective on the confrontation. A new Nissan Leaf electric car gets its battery charged at Twin City Nissan in Alcoa. (G. CHAMBERS WILLIAMS III/NEWS SENTINEL) SHARE By Tom Humphrey of the Knoxville News Sentinel NASHVILLE A bill adding $150 to the cost of licensing an electric vehicle in Tennessee, which legislative staff estimated would add $2 million annual to revenue for the state's highway fund, has died quietly in a Senate committee. No member of the Senate Transportation Committee would make the required motion for passage of SB1451 when sponsor Sen. Mark Green, R-Clarksville, brought it before the panel. There was no debate beyond Green's explanation of the measure, which he said would end the "free ride" now enjoyed by electricity-powered cars that avoid paying the state's gas tax. As drafted, the bill would have also added $75 to the license fee for a hybrid vehicle. Green told committee members there was some confusion about defining a "hybrid" and he had prepared an amendment to drop the fee increase for hybrid vehicles. That was not discussed either after no one made the necessary motion. Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville, said afterward that he, and apparently other members of the committee, felt the bill represented a piecemeal approach to resolving the state's need for more money in the highway fund and preferred to wait for a more comprehensive solution. Green said he had also heard similar comments from colleagues. Gov. Bill Haslam has spent months declaring a need for more road-construction revenue, but without making any specific proposal one almost certain to involve increasing Tennessee fuel taxes, which have not been raised since 1989. Tracy was among lawmakers urging the governor to wait until next year, a suggestion the governor has accepted. Haslam has proposed transferring $130 million in surplus general fund money to the highway fund this year about half the amount proposed by Tracy, House Speaker Beth Harwell and some other legislators. A demonstrator opposed to immigration restrictions watches from the gallery in the Senate Chamber on Monday in Nashville. The state Senate has passed a resolution on a 27-5 vote directing Tennessees attorney general to mount a legal challenge to the federal refugee resettlement program. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) By Richard Locker, locker@knoxnews.com NASHVILLE The state Senate overwhelmingly approved a resolution Monday directing officials to file a lawsuit challenging aspects of the federal government's refugee resettlement program in Tennessee. The resolution by Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, declares that the federal government has refused to meet its obligation under federal laws to consult and collaborate with the state over the resettlement of refugees in Tennessee, and is forcing Tennessee to spend state tax money on refugees without specific approval by the Legislature as required by the Tennessee Constitution. That spending includes benefits and services like Medicaid that the federal government requires the state to provide to eligible refugees or risk losing all Medicaid money, according to the resolution. It "directs" the state attorney general to either file a new lawsuit or join other states that have already filed suits, seeking a declaratory judgment in the federal courts that the federal government is failing to comply with the Refugee Act of 1980 and that the appropriation of state funds without specific approval by the Legislature be prohibited. If Attorney General Herbert Slatery declines to sue, the resolution allows the speakers of the Senate and House to hire outside counsel to file suit. The resolution now goes to the House, where debate on the issue has not yet been scheduled. It passed the Senate on a 27-5 vote, with Sens. Steve Dickerson, R-Nashville; Thelma Harper, D-Nashville; Lee Harris, D-Memphis; Sara Kyle, D-Memphis; and Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville, voting against it. Sen. Bill Ketron, R-Murfreesboro, was absent. Several dozen protesters, under the auspices of the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition, appeared in the Capitol and Senate galleries to oppose the bill, calling it an effort to stop refugee resettlement in Tennessee. After the vote, Stephanie Teatro, co-executive director of TIRRC, said the action "is a shameful moment for Tennessee. The Senate has just voted to close the door on refugees fleeing persecution. In the midst of a global refugee crisis, this resolution places our state on the wrong side of history." But Norris rejected that argument during the floor debate. "I know there are folks here in the gallery today arguing the rights of immigrants and refugees. I'm arguing the rights of citizens and sovereignty in Tennessee. The two are not mutually exclusive. There are overlaps." He said later, "What could be more than welcoming than a state willing to stand upon its rights under the state and federal constitutions to protect the people within its borders. Or on the contrary, would you feel welcome in a state that did not stand on its rights, to defend your rights, to defend the peace, safety and happiness of the people of this state. Nonsense. You come here more likely than not because you flee those places where you had no such rights. Would you feel welcome in a state that had those rights but didn't rise to enforce them? Of course not." Norris said that testimony in a Senate committee earlier by state Safety Commissioner Bill Gibbons indicated that federal authorities have declined to respond to Gibbon's requests for information on how refugees are vetted before being placed in the state and other information. "This doesn't stop Tennessee from taking refugees," said Sen. Mark Green, R-Clarksville. "It's not a statement against refugees. We in Tennessee have a heart to take care of those people. However our federal government has failed to protect us. It's very clear that some people who want to do us harm have infiltrated these refugees." Sen. Rusty Crowe, R-Johnson City, said Tennesseans "are welcoming but we need to know about the people being placed in our state. We need to know who they are, where they come from and where they are being placed." Senate Minority Leader Lee Harris, D-Memphis, said many Tennesseans oppose the resolution. "They'd like to protect the vulnerable, they'd like to keep people safe and they'd like to be welcoming and inviting and tolerant. And they'd like for us to have a fair reputation world wide as a welcoming volunteer state." Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, called the resolution "a thinly veiled attempt to halt refugee resettlement in Tennessee. Closing our doors in the faces of families fleeing violence and terror undercuts who we are as Tennesseans. In addition, the state does not have 'veto power' over refugee resettlement." Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia participates at the third annual Washington Ideas Forum at the Newseum in Washington on Oct. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) SHARE By Michael Collins of the Knoxville News Sentinel WASHINGTON Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's death has not only touched off a political brawl over who should name his successor, it also could complicate the confirmation of two Tennesseans nominated to become federal judges. A year ago this month, President Barack Obama nominated Nashville attorney Waverly Crenshaw Jr. for a federal judgeship in Tennessee's Middle District. U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton III of Memphis was nominated last May to become a federal judge in the state's Western District. Both nominees have won the approval of the Senate Judiciary Committee and have been waiting for months for the full Senate to schedule a vote on their confirmation. But the fight brewing over Scalia's successor could delay a vote on all pending nominations, including the two Tennesseans, said Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law who closely tracks the judicial nominations process. "Often, just everything else shuts down while a Supreme Court nominee is in the process," Tobias said. "It doesn't have to, and there's no reason for it, especially with (nominees) on the floor. But I think it will be another excuse that could be used by the Republicans." Senate Democrats have been complaining for months that Republicans have been dragging their feet on judicial nominees since the GOP regained majority control of the Senate a year ago. A report last fall by the liberal advocacy group Alliance for Justice charged that the pace of nominees confirmed by the new Republican-controlled Senate is the slowest in 60 years. The Senate confirmed just 11 nominees in all of 2015, and five of those came toward the end of the year. One was Travis McDonough of Chattanooga, who was confirmed in December to a federal judgeship in Tennessee's Eastern District after waiting for more than a year. So far this year, the Senate has confirmed five judges. But 17 others already cleared by the Judiciary Committee are still waiting for a vote. Obama said last week the political battle over whether he should nominate Scalia's successor or whether that decision should fall to the next president is just an extension of the fight that has played out in the Senate over other nominees. "We've almost gotten accustomed to how obstructionist the Senate has become when it comes to nominations," he said during a news conference last Tuesday in California. Obama noted the judicial nominees awaiting confirmation were all approved unanimously by the Judiciary Committee, "so Republicans and Democrats all agreed that they were well-qualified for the position," he said. "And yet we can't get a vote on those individuals." Of the 17 awaiting confirmation, Crenshaw has been on hold the longest. His nomination has been pending on the Senate floor since last July. "I just don't understand what's going on with Crenshaw," Tobias said. "He's well-qualified. It's an emergency vacancy. It absolutely needs to be filled. The Tennessee senators argued it should be filled last year, and it hasn't been." Crenshaw should be next in line for a confirmation vote since he has been waiting the longest. Stanton, who has been waiting since the end of last October, should be third or fourth in line, assuming the Senate takes the nominees in the order in which they were sent to the floor. Confirming either of them wouldn't be all that difficult or time-consuming. In fact, it could be done in just a matter of minutes if Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell would only schedule a vote, Tobias said. "Hiding behind the Supreme Court nomination is just an excuse, really," he said. "It's just a matter of setting (the vote) and making it a priority." Even if the vote on their nominations is delayed because of the squabble over the Supreme Court vacancy, Tobias said he expects both Tennesseans to be confirmed this year. "It's just a matter of when," he said. Michael Collins is the News Sentinel's Washington correspondent. His weekly Tennessee in D.C. column highlights Volunteer State lawmakers, causes and connections. Contact him at 202-408-2711 or michael.collins@jmg.com. SHARE Early voting ends Tuesday, leaving Knox County voters with just two more days to avoid the long lines anticipated on the primary Election Day on March 1. Knox County Election Administrator Clifford Rodgers has been urging people to take advantage of the early voting period, in part because he expects a strong turnout in the highly competitive presidential primaries and in part because of the lengthy ballot. That is sage advice. The unorthodox presidential primaries have generated great interest, but important local primary elections are on the ballot as well. By the end of the day on Thursday, 10,768 people had taken advantage of early voting. Another 1,082 voters had returned absentee ballots. Voters can pick which primary they want to participate in. By a huge margin, more people in Knox County have voted in the Republican primary than in the Democratic primary 8,316 to 3,529. Only five people skipped the partisan primaries altogether and voted only in the nonpartisan school board races. The long ballot might be daunting to many voters. At the top of the ballot is the Republican primary slate first the list of presidential candidates, some of whom have already dropped out of the race, followed by the names of 189 potential at-large delegates to the Republican National Convention. GOP voters can vote for up to 14. After the Republican slate comes the Democratic presidential contest. The Tennessee Democratic Party does not select at-large delegates via elections. Last, but certainly not least, come the local primaries. With Republican voters spending large blocks of time scrolling through the ballot, lines likely will move slowly on Election Day. Rodgers emphatically advises elderly voters and Democrats to vote early. We are not endorsing any of the presidential hopefuls or at-large Republican delegates, but we have made picks in the local races that feature more than one candidate. In the Republican primary, we endorse: n Law director Nathan Rowell. n Property assessor Jim Weaver. n County Commission, Dist. 2 John Fugate. n County Commission, Dist. 4 Hugh Nystrom. n County Commission, Dist. 6 Brad Anders. In the Democratic primary, we endorse: n County Commission, Dist. 1 Rick Staples. n County Commission, Dist. 2 Laura Kildare. In the nonpartisan Board of Education election, we endorse: n Dist. 2 Grant Standefer. n Dist. 5 Reuben "Buddy" Pelot. There are 10 early voting locations scattered throughout the county the City County Building, Love Kitchen, Downtown West, New Harvest Park, next to Gold's Gym in South Knoxville, Carter Library, Farragut Town Hall, Clinton Plaza Shopping Center, Halls Recreation Center and Karns Senior Center. For the final push, the Election Commission is extending the hours at all early voting locations. They will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and Tuesday. We urge our Knox County readers to vote early, but if that is not possible, by all means go to the polls on March 1. It might take more time, but democracy is worth it. By Choi Sung-jin A new car has 800-1,000 semiconductors, which carry out diverse functions ranging from folding and unfolding side mirrors, communicating between vehicles and providing multimedia services. The advent of a smart car era will sharply increase the importance of these automotive semiconductors. It is no coincidence then that Korea, which has relied on imports for these computer chips, appears set to localize them. The government plans to reduce Korean automakers' dependency ratio of more than 90 percent on the United States, Japan and Europe, and expand the domestic makers' share in global markets. IK Semicon, a "fabless" (fabrication-less) semiconductor company, which designs but does not make, chips, has supplied motor-controlling IC products to GM Korea and Hyundai Motor Group, according to industry sources. The company, which has recruited many executives and employees from the former LG Semiconductor, managed to win the supply contract after five years of effort and has also been involved in some government-initiated projects. Silicon Works, a fabless affiliated with the LG Group, has mass produced automotive sensors and supplied them to automakers here and abroad since 2014. The company plans to promote its automotive semiconductor business as a new growth engine and aims to increase related sales to at least 100 billion won ($81 million) by 2018, or 10 percent of its total turnover. iA, which has designed automotive semiconductors and supplied them to Hyundai Motor, is also pushing to reach its annual sales target of 10 billion won this year. In addition, Hyundai Autron, a Hyundai Motor Group subsidiary, is setting up a department responsible for designing automotive semiconductors, reflecting the rising interest in this business sector among major business groups, the sources said. Dongbu Hitek, meanwhile, is pushing to launch a foundry that manufacturers automotive semiconductors, in partnerships with the domestic fabless companies. According to HIS, a market researcher, the automotive semiconductor market is expected to top $30 billion this year and reach $40.7 billion in 2021. But domestic manufacturers have failed to come to the front in this growing business, in part because of the strong "trust factor," which did not allow suppliers to be changed once contracts were signed. Automotive semiconductors must undergo a confidence test for more than 18 months, during which the suppliers must prove their products last far longer than chips for home use or industrial use, and attain a zero failure rate under diverse environments. "Domestic automakers have depended on foreign suppliers, including NXP, Infineon and Renesas, for more than 90 percent of their demands," an industry executive said. The sources said Korea's domestic businesses were too small in scale and did not have enough experience to compete with their foreign counterparts. To develop this sector more rapidly, large companies interested in this business -- such as Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, SK Hynix and Hyundai Motor -- should team up with smaller, specialized semiconductor companies to reinvigorate the industrial ecosystem for automotive semiconductors, they added. By Jhoo Dong-chan Shim Dong-sup KIETaC Chairman China's state-funded Qingdao Jinshi is expected to invest a total of two trillion won($1.62 billion) in Korean e-commerce companies, a state-run agency said Monday. Qingdao Jinshi is a state-funded company which runs the largest e-commerce firm in China specializing in Korean goods. The decision was made after the Korea-China Electronic Trade and Commerce Forum, which was held by the Korean Institute for Electronic Trade and Commerce Promotion (KIETaC) at the COEX in Gangnam-gu, southern Seoul, Jan. 6. "Chinese Qingdao Jinshi Holdings CEO Jang Jinliang promised to invest a total of two trillion won in Korean companies during the forum," said KIETaC Chairman Shim Dong-sup Monday. "The company has agreed to pick promising e-commerce companies in Korea with KIETaC and invest 300 billion won at first. After evaluating its initial investment, Qingdao Jinshi plans to expand its scale to 1.5 trillion won in further investments." Additionally, the company will invest 200 billion won to establish a matching fund with KIETaC to help develop the country's e-commerce companies and industry infrastructure. On Jan. 6, a total of 900 company representatives in Korea and China, including Alibaba Group and CCTV-affiliated e-commerce companies participated in the forum in an effort to promote the e-commerce market and a unified single digital market in East Asia. The forum was the first of its kind and was held two months after President Park Geun-hye, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to boost e-commerce in the region by establishing a single united digital market. Seoul hosted the trilateral summit in November. "It is notable that Korea took the leading position in boosting e-commerce and establishing the unified digital market project in the region during the forum," said Shim. "KIETaC will host another e-commerce forum with Japan later this year and the trilateral e-commerce forum early next year. A series of international e-commerce forums encompassing three countries will contribute to promoting the single digital market in East Asia." Shim also said that the KIETaC will open the Qingdao e-commerce support center in the institute to help Korean companies who seek to set up e-commerce businesses in the Special Economic and Technological Development Zone (SETDZ) in Qingdao. KIETaC was established by the government in November to help local companies connect with the e-commerce market. Shim has led the agency since then. By Choi Sung-jin Japan is Korea's fiercest competitor in global export markets, especially in the United States, a private think tank says. According to Hyundai Research Institute Sunday, Japan had the highest "export similarity index" to Korea, with 58.8 points, far higher than comparable indices of 44.8 points for China and the U.S., and 48.8 points for Germany. The index measures the similarities of the export products of two specific countries with ranges of between 0 and 100. The higher the figure, the more similar are the products. Korea's highest export similarity index was with China, while Germany had the highest export similarity index with Japan and the U.S., the institute said. With global trade falling more than 11 percent last year, competition among the world's major exporters intensified, it said. The export similarity index between Korea and four other major exporters rose 1.2 percentage points on average. Competition between Korea and Japan was especially tight in the U.S., almost the only growing market last year, as shown by Japan's similarity index of 61.2 points, followed by Germany's 54.3 points and China's 36.8 points. "These indices show Korean exporters competed in high-end U.S. markets with their counterparts from the two advanced countries," the report said. "To expand exports further, domestic companies need to target the U.S. markets for end consumer products more actively while strengthening the competitiveness of intermediate goods exported to China." By Lee Hyo-sik SK Group Vice Chairman Chey Jae-won The local business sector is paying close attention to SK Group Vice Chairman Chey Jae-won and other jailed business tycoons, wondering whether they will be allowed out of jail ahead of the Independence Movement Day on March 1. The Ministry of Justice will hold a parole board meeting today and finalize a list of prisoners for parole. SK Group is hoping that the younger brother of Chairman Chey Tae-won will be included on that list. LIG Group officials are also keeping their fingers crossed for the early release of former Vice Chairman Koo Bon-sang. Chey was sentenced to three and a half years for embezzling and misappropriating 46.5 billion won in company money. He has so far served 37 months. Koo has served 40 months out of his four-year term. He was put behind bars on fraud charges in October 2012 for deceiving investors into purchasing the group's fraudulent commercial papers. Under the law, those who serve more than one-third of their prison sentence are eligible for parole, suggesting that Chey and Koo could have been released earlier. But mindful of negative public sentiment against leniency toward white-collar crime, the government has been reluctant to grant them parole. But last August, the government released SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won on special pardon in time for the 70th anniversary of the nation's independence from Japanese occupation (1910-1945) on Aug. 15. In return, the chairman has been leading the nation's third-largest family-controlled conglomerate to hire more workers and expand investments. An executive at one of Korea's major business associations, who refused to be named, said the government should consider releasing Chey and Koo this time. "We hope that parole be granted to those who deserve it, regardless of who they are," the executive said. "Just because they are rich and members of chaebol families, we cannot deny them their legal rights. They should be treated the same as anyone else. They should be given a chance to actively be involved in managing their companies and contributing to the economy." When contacted by The Korea Times, SK Group refused to comment on the issue, only saying that it will wait and see how the situation unfolds. By Lee Hyo-sik Lee Joon-yong, honorary chairman of Daelim Industrial Daelim Industrial and 12 other builders here were found to have colluded to win construction orders from Korea Gas Corp. (KOGAS) at lower-than-market prices, according to the country's anti-trust agency Monday. The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) said it will hold a meeting of senior officials in March to confirm its preliminary findings and impose a fine on the colluders, which will likely amount to hundreds of millions of dollars. The latest bid rigging will likely tarnish the images of Daelim, headed by vice chairman Lee Hae-wook, and other local builders, as well as adversely affect their efforts to secure construction orders abroad amid the global economic slump. Lee is the eldest son of honorary chairman Joon-yong. FTC notified the builders of its findings last December and asked them to submit written opinions. The 13 companies took part in the construction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks in Samcheok, Gangwon Province, from 2005 to 2012. KOGAS, the state-run natural gas supplier, placed the orders. In 2005, the Daelim-led consortium won the first contract worth 600 billion won ($500 million). Doosan Heavy Industries won the second project valued at 544 billion won in 2007. Two years later, a consortium led by Hyundai Engineering & Construction secured the third worth 230 billion won. The FTC said that prior to the bidding, the builders met and decided that one would submit a lower price than others in order to obtain the contract at a low price. "We will hold a meeting in March and decide how to penalize the colluders," an FTC official said. Industry analysts estimate that the fine could reach as high as 500 billion won, the largest ever in the country's history. In 2014, 28 builders were fined a total of 435.5 billion won for fixing prices in the construction of a high-speed railway connecting Seoul and the nation' southwestern region. Daelim's spokesman said the builder has fully been cooperating with ongoing FTC probe. "For now, we will wait to see what the FTC does in the coming days," he said. After the anti-trust agency imposes a fine on Daelim and the other builders, KOGAS said it will promptly seek compensation through filing a lawsuit. "We will file a suit against companies involved in the Samcheok LNG project if they are found to have rigged the bids," a KOGAS official said. "We will take all possible actions to penalize lawbreakers." A model promotes KDB Daewoo Securities' new wrap account product in this file photo. / Courtesy of KDB Daewoo Securities By Nam Hyun-woo KDB Daewoo Securities said Monday it has introduced a Growth-Value Investment Wrap Account that invests in companies which are undervalued compared to their growth potential. According to the securities firm, the new product seeks stable benefits through mid- or long-term value investment into domestically listed companies which KDB Daewoo sees as undervalued based on its analysis of their Price Earning to Growth Ratio (PEGR). The PEGR compares a stock's current value and the company's earnings growth at the same time. Along with the PEGR, KDB Daewoo said it will consider other indices such as the price-to-book ratio and return on equity to build a list of companies. After in-depth analysis and valuation of the companies, the securities firm will decide whether it will include them in the portfolio. The firm stressed that the new product is a combined approach of growth and value, investing on value, but putting more weight on growth. "As the global economy lapses into the so-called new normal era, companies are facing a tougher environment to create revenue," said Kim Bun-do, KDB Daewoo Securities' wrap account trading department general manager. "Thus, value investing that does not take growth into consideration may have a high risk of failure." "So KDB Daewoo released the new product in order to reflect the changes in the investment environment into value investing," Kim added. The firm added that the new product is available at every KDB Daewoo Securities branch across Korea and the minimum amount a person can invest is 10 million won ($8,100). By Nam Hyun-woo The Financial Services Commission (FSC) said Monday that a Korean delegation to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has successfully contributed to its creation of a consolidated strategy on combating terrorist financing. During the plenary meeting of the FATF last week in Paris, the inter-governmental body approved a fresh strategy on improving and updating its understanding of terrorist financing risks, particularly the financing of the Islamic State following attacks in Paris last year. The strategy seeks to counter all terrorist financing. Also the body agreed to maintain its sanctions on North Korea and keep 11 other designated countries, including Syria, as subjects for monitoring. The FATF is an inter-governmental body aimed at setting standards and promoting effective implementation of measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the international financial system. It is headed by the former FSC Chairman Shin Je-yoon. The FSC said the FATF will focus on developing detailed measures to implement its policies and tools to share information on terrorist financing among governments. The next FATF plenary and working group meetings will be held in Busan from June. 18 to 24 where Shin's tenure will end. The office of Seoul's Gangnam district said Monday it is supporting local enterprises at an international fashion expo in New York this week. The Gangnam District Office said it is financially supporting six firms specializing in womenswear, including MAG&LOGAN and Sweet One Eighty, at the Fashion Coterie, which will run from Monday to Wednesday (local time). The enterprises have been selected based on their brand awareness, competitiveness, preparedness and stability, according to the district office. The district office said it is spending some 85 million won in total to cover entry fees and other marketing expenses for the companies. The fashion exhibition, which will take place at the Javits Center in New York, is a large-scale expo that gathers some 1,800 companies and 37,000 buyers from across the world, the Gangnam district office said. After showcasing their products at the expo, the companies will discuss possible export opportunities with local buyers and take part in a seminar on entering the New York market, the district office said. The district office said it is planning to help some 90 other local companies take part in expos in and outside of South Korea this year. (Yonhap) By Chung Ah-young Gong Ji-young Celebrated novelist Gong Ji-young may face defamation charges for accusing a former priest of misusing charity funds. The Seocho Police Station in southern Seoul said Monday that it sent the case to prosecutors, asking them to charge her with defamation after a four-month investigation. Last July, Gong claimed on her Facebook page that Kim, a former Catholic priest of the Masan Diocese in South Gyeongsang Province, misused the funds raised to help residents in Miryang protesting a state-run power provider's plans to build extra-high voltage transmission towers there. She said Kim didn't deliver the money to them at all, and also accused him of misappropriating other funds. Kim immediately filed a complaint against Gong, claiming his reputation was severely damaged due to Gong's groundless accusations. Police confirmed that Kim sent part of the funds to Miryang residents. Police said that Gong's claim lacks evidence to prove her suspicions. Gong posted a message on Facebook Monday, saying: "I hope the court case reveals more truth." A network of second-generation Korean-American leaders plans to increase cooperation with South Korea in bolstering the economic partnership between the two countries, promoting Korean culture in the United States and other areas, its leader said Sunday. Lee Je-hoon, director of the Network of Korean-American Leaders (NetKAL) Fellowship Program at the University of Southern California, made the remark in an interview with Yonhap News Agency to mark the 10th anniversary of the program. Launched in 2006, NetKAL is a six-month leadership training program designed to help participants expand their professional networks, build coalitions, communicate effectively and lead transformations, while defining their own multifaceted role as a Korean-American leader, according to the program. So far, a total of 226 fellows have participated in the program, most of them graduates from such top universities as Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, UC Berkeley and USC. In their 30s and 40s, many of them hold responsible positions in various areas, such as David Ryu, a Los Angeles councilman, and Ron Kim, a New York State assemblyman. "Not only building a network among next-generation Korean-American leaders, we are also studying ways to increase cooperation with South Korea. With the implementation of the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement in March 2013, NetKAL has bigger roles to play," Lee said. Lee said NetKAL can help link various areas between South Korea and the U.S., and facilitate exchanges between them. NetKAL fellows could also play a role in efforts to counter Japan's territorial claims to South Korea's easternmost islets of Dokdo and resolve the issue of Japan's wartime sexual slavery, Lee said. Other NetKAL fellows include David Lee, a State Department adviser at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, and Jessica Shim, a MSNBC producer. Lee said that South Korea plans to establish the "Foundation of Global Korean Leaders" in an effort to help raise young Korean-American leaders in the U.S. NetKAL plans to work closely with South Korea through the foundation, he said. Former Sookmyung Women's University President Lee Kyung-sook will head the foundation, Lee said. (Yonhap) The Seoul Administrative Court on Monday judged as legitimate the tax authorities' imposition of value added tax (VAT) on a private language institute offering English telephone language services to students through a contract with a foreign call center. The BCM Education Group filed a suit against a tax office in Seoul last year demanding the revocation of some 49 million won of VAT levied in 2009 on its educational service for the attendees of the institute through contracts with a Philippine call center. The Seoul court said that any business should pay VAT when it pays for a service from foreign corporations that have no domestic offices or branches. BCM, the plaintiff, has insisted that the educational service for students is subject to tax exemptions as provided in VAT rules. But the court said the VAT exemption rule does not apply in this case, the as the Philippine business provided telephone English lectures to BCM under separate business contracts between the two. (Yonhap) By Kang Seung-woo Some Chinese banks operating near the border with North Korea have frozen bank accounts held by North Koreans, by suspending deposit and transfer services, according to a media report Monday. Among the banks is the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the country's largest bank. If the report from the Donga Ilbo is correct, the banks' moves contrast with the Chinese government's negative reactions to the international community's actions to impose additional sanctions on Pyongyang for its recent provocations that violated United Nations' (U.N.) resolutions. However, the South Korean foreign ministry said it was unable to confirm the report, adding that it was closely monitoring relevant Chinese moves. "ICBC has suspended all deposits and transfers of all currencies, including the Chinese yuan and the U.S. dollar, of its North Korean bank accounts," the newspaper reported, citing an employee from the ICBC Dandong branch. Dandong in Liaoning Province, linked to the North Korean city of Sinuiju through a single-track rail bridge, serves as the major conduit for nearly three quarters of all trade between the two countries. Citing a Chinese businessman who imports North Korean minerals, the report also said another Chinese bank stopped taking deposits and conducting transfer services for the accounts held by North Korean nationals. The U.N. Security Council is debating a fresh resolution to impose harsher sanctions on North Korea in response to its Feb. 7 rocket launch and Jan. 6 nuclear test, and the punitive actions are expected to focus on blocking trade and further squeezing the North's finances. As a result, the Chinese banks are believed to have taken such measures to manage potential risks in advance. In addition, last week, U.S. President Barack Obama signed into law a package of tough sanctions on North Korea calling for imposing mandatory sanctions on those assisting the repressive state over its nuclear and missile programs, cyber-attacks, human rights abuses and import of luxury goods. It is also aimed at choking off sources of cash for the regime by sanctioning trade in coal, minerals and precious metals, and blacklisting those helping with Pyongyang's money laundering, counterfeiting, cash smuggling and narcotics trafficking. "Chinese companies engaging in mineral trade and other embargoed goods with North Korea are expected to be hit hard when the U.S. sanctions take full effect," another Chinese trader told the newspaper. "Many businessmen here are concerned about whether their trade partners in the United State, Europe and South Korea will block their imports because their products are made by North Korean workers," the trader said. An official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The South Korean government will continue to call on China to play a constructive role in helping North Korea make the right decision." By Kim Bo-eun Elementary and middle schools must request a police investigation if a student is absent for more than two days for no stated reason and their whereabouts are unknown. This will also be applied if a student does not attend school for the same time period even if their whereabouts are known. The Ministry of Education introduced the measures Monday, following a series of cases in which students absent from schools for a long period were discovered to have been abused or even killed by their parents. The measures will go into effect from the spring semester in March. Currently, schools are required to contact the parents of students who have been absent for more than seven days without clear reasons and encourage them to send the children to schools. If the absence continues, the schools are required to notify local community offices. However, if the absence continues despite the offices' encouragement, there are no guidelines after this. According to the new regulations, a teacher should contact the student or their parents during the first and second days of absence. If contact is unavailable, the teacher must visit the student's home together with a social welfare worker. If the student's whereabouts are not confirmed at this stage, the school must request a police investigation. If the teacher meets the parents during the home visit but the student keeps not showing up at school, the student and the parents or any guardian will be called in to the school for counseling with a school committee comprised of the school principal, vice-principal, homeroom teacher, parent representatives, child protection institution staffers and police officers. If absence continues for more than nine days despite such measures, a special organization within the regional education office will take charge of the student. The organization will check the whereabouts and safety of the student. If this remains unconfirmed, it must ask the police to investigate. The ministry is also taking stricter care of transfer students. Up until now, students were able to transfer without the former school confirming if the student's address had changed. Now the schools will be required to check this. The heads of community centers will also be required to notify the new school of the transferring student. In December, an 11-year-old girl was found to have been starved and abused by her father who prevented her from attending school for more than three years. This prompted a nationwide inspection into long-term absent students. During the investigation, it was found that a seven-year-old boy was killed in 2012 by his father at home in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. He had been absent from school for four years. In another case, a middle schoolgirl was also found to have been killed by her parents a year ago. By Jun Ji-hye A senior ruling party lawmaker criticized China, Monday, for applying a double standard regarding the possible deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery by the United States in Korea. Rep. Yoo Ki-june of the ruling Saenuri Party said that China is opposing the THAAD deployment in South Korea while upgrading its own surveillance capabilities. He cited the fact that Beijing has already deployed strategic missile units, military satellites and radars which provide surveillance coverage of the entire Korean Peninsula, referring to China's expression of concern that the radar of a THAAD unit is capable of snooping on its military activities. "In November, China disclosed its missile unit's advanced radar, with a range of thousands of kilometers, and strategic missiles, with a range of 14,000 kilometers, which can be loaded with nuclear warheads. Those were unknown in the past," he said during a radio appearance. "If China's logic had been applied, it should have let Korea know about the deployment in advance as it could damage Korea's national interest." On Feb. 7, hours after North Korea launched a long-range rocket in violation of U.N. resolutions, South Korea and the United States announced their decision to officially discuss THAAD deployment here to better deter nuclear and missile threats from the Kim Jong-un regime. The first meeting of the allies' Joint Working Group to iron out details of the deployment, including a location, is scheduled for later this week. China has long been opposed to bringing the THAAD battery onto the peninsula, out of concerns of the radar coverage. Last week, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei argued that THAAD "damages China's national security interests," calling on Seoul and Washington to withdraw the plan. By Lee Kyung-min Tens of thousands of secondary school students may not be able to wear school uniforms for the upcoming semester, as suppliers based in the Gaeseong Industrial Complex (GIC) are unable to deliver the goods in time after the complex was shut down due to strained inter-Korean relations. Those students may have to wait for up to two more months to buy new uniforms, while the new semester begins on March 2. A day after South Korea announced the shutdown of the inter-Korean industrial park on Feb. 10, North Korea expelled all South Korean workers from the complex. According to Mansun, a uniform subcontractor to Hyungji Elite, the largest school uniform manufacturer here, more than 80,000 sets of uniforms were left behind in its factory in Gaeseong. "When we were forced out, we were not allowed to take our products with us," an official from Mansun said. "Not only us but three other subcontractors for school uniform manufacturers were prevented from bringing the products, causing the uniform supply shortage." Currently, their factories here are operating round the clock to meet the demand at the earliest possible date, he said. "For uniform manufacturers, February is the busiest time of the year, a month before students go back to school. We are doing our best to help mitigate students' and parents' inconvenience," he said. Hyungji Elite provides uniforms to 679 schools nationwide, accounting for 16 percent of the total. Parents expressed frustration as the soured inter-Korean relations are affecting their children's school life. "Children are meant to start the new semester with brand new clothes and new sprit. This nonsense is negatively affecting children," one parent said. In response, the Ministry of Education recommended schools allow students to dress casually until they are able to buy the full uniform set. "We requested schools to submit a report if students have to come to school not properly dressed due to the GIC shutdown," a ministry official said. "Until students are able to do so, we recommend that schools allow a casual dress code," the official said. "We have been collecting opinions and reports from schools since last Friday, and we will help minimize confusion." The ministry is considering holding a campaign to encourage students to wear secondhand uniforms from their seniors who have outgrown them or graduated. By Kang Seung-woo President Park Geun-hye has called on the nation to remain on high alert over North Korea's possible terrorist attacks against South Korea. "The nation should keep a readiness posture against another North Korean provocation because Kim Jong-un has ordered his officials to concentrate capabilities for terrorist and cyber attacks on the South," Park said during a meeting with her secretaries at Cheong Wa Dae, Monday. "The government needs to make extraordinary efforts to ensure the safety of our people." Park referred to Kim only by his name, without mentioning his title, a move that is quite rare here and can be viewed as disrespectful by the North Korean leader. Her call for a tight readiness came as the repressive state is highly expected to launch terrorist-style attacks against South Korea in the near future. Last week, the government said that the North's Reconnaissance General Bureau is preparing for these under Kim's directives to intensify preparation for them. In addition, South Korean police recently said that North Korean hackers sent massive amounts of spam emails to South Korean public organizations last month in an apparent bid to launch a cyber attack against the South. Park instructed her Cabinet members and secretaries to pay attention to residents on border islands to keep North Korean provocations from damaging their safety and livelihoods. "Under the current grave situation, the government should try to make sure they will make a living without fear of security," she said. On Saturday, the North conducted a firing drill near Baengnyeong Island, one of five border islands, to rekindle tensions between the two Koreas. Inter-Korean tensions have been skyrocketing since Pyongyang's Jan. 6 nuclear test and Feb. 7 rocket launch, with the United States responding by deploying strategic assets. Park said the nation, together with the international community, will take measures to create an environment, where the North cannot survive without change. "We have already taken some special steps, while closely coordinating with the international community," she said. Angered by the North's series of provocations, the Park government shuttered the Gaeseong Industrial Complex earlier this month, claiming that South Korea's money paid into the joint factory park had been used for the development of the North's weapons of mass destruction. At the same time, the President called for efforts to revive the sluggish economy, saying that escalating tensions on the peninsula may weigh upon it. South Korea and six Central American countries will launch their third round of negotiations about a free trade agreement, the trade ministry here said Monday. The talks will be held in San Francisco, U.S., from Monday to Friday, local time, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The six Central American countries are El Salvador, Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. South Korea FTA Director-General Cheong Seung-il will meet his counterpart Melvin E. Redondo from Honduras during the negotiations. Throughout the five-day negotiations, the two parties will discuss key topics including the product, finance, service and investment, government procurement and cooperation sectors as well as the labor and environmental chapters. The two sides have met two times, including once in Seoul, since they announced the start of negotiations for the seven-way FTA in June last year. The six countries ranked fifth in terms of a combined gross domestic product of US$220.2 billion with a population of 46.2 million according to the trade ministry. South Korea's trade with the Central American countries reached $4.1 billion last year, slightly down from $5 billion in 2014. Asia's fourth-largest economy has made efforts to expand the FTA networks with around 50 countries including the U.S. and China. (Yonhap) South Korean civic groups staged a series of rallies Monday, denouncing what Japan has designated as a day to promote its claim to South Korea's easternmost islets of Dokdo. Over 100 South Koreans who belong to civic groups promoting South Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo held a joint press conference in front of the Japanese Embassy in central Seoul, urging Tokyo to scrap "Takeshima Day" and Japanese textbooks that distort history. In 2005, Japan's Shimane Prefecture, which claims administrative sovereignty over the islets, designated Feb. 22 as a day to promote Takeshima, the Japanese name for Dokdo. Since then, Shimane has hosted various programs to strengthen its territorial claims on the islets on this day. The civic groups also demanded the South Korean government nullify the 1998 fisheries agreement signed by Seoul and Tokyo, which designated a part of the East Sea where the two countries' Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) overlap each other as a joint fishing zone. Later on the day, other civic groups held similar press conferences, condemning Japan for attempting to infringe upon South Korea's sovereignty over the territory. The rocky outcroppings, which lie in waters between the two countries, have been at the center of a diplomatic row since Japan's colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula in the early part of the 20th century. South Korea has rejected Japan's claim to Dokdo since the country regained its independence from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule and reclaimed sovereignty over all its territories, including Dokdo. (Yonhap) The roads connecting Paju, Gyeonggi Province, and Gaeseong, North Korea, are blocked with barricades following the shutdown of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex on Feb. 11. / Yonhap Analysts skeptical about possible resumption of GIC during Park's term By Yi Whan-woo The Gaeseong Industrial Complex (GIC) was the last remaining channel between the two Koreas in their reconciliatory efforts and it must reopen as soon as possible, analysts said last week. However, they were pessimistic that the inter-Korean industrial park in Gaeseong, North Korea, would resume operations during President Park Geun-hye's remaining term. Park's presidency runs until February 2018. The observers pointed out that it was Seoul, not Pyongyang, that decided on Feb. 10 to completely close the GIC in response to the Kim Jong-un regime's fourth nuclear test on Jan. 6 and long-range rocket launch on Feb. 7. The critics also cited that the conservative Park administration demanded Pyongyang's denuclearization as a precondition to the reopening of the GIC, which they said was "the most unlikely thing to happen in the coming years." "It's crucial to maintain and expand inter-Korean reconciliatory efforts as a preparatory step for unification between the two Koreas, and in that regard, reopening the GIC is not optional but essential," said Kim Yong-hyun, a professor of North Korean Studies at Dongguk University. "It's regretful that our government demanded something unrealistic from Pyongyang concerning the GIC." The GIC remains in the dark in this photo taken from Paju, Gyeonggi Province, on Feb. 15. South Korea cut electricity to the GIC in line with its Feb. 10 decision to completely shut down the inter-Korean industrial park. / Yonhap A U.S. expert voiced a similar view. "It would be wonderful if the GIC could be reopened, but I don't see it as likely or even feasible," said Frederick Carriere, a senior fellow at Syracuse University's Korean Peninsula Affairs Center, in an e-mail. "At least, it is hardly likely to happen during the remaining term of President Park Geun-hye, or even during the term of the next administration, unless a dramatic shift occurs in the political environment of the Korean Peninsula." Peter Beck, the Asia Foundation's former Country Representative in Korea, said in an e-mail that the GIC was "the last ray of light from President Kim Dae-jung's Sunshine Policy." The policy was aimed at encouraging exchanges between the two Koreas and bolstering Seoul's economic assistance toward Pyongyang. But the conservatives criticized the program, claiming it recklessly aided the secretive state while failing to end its development of nuclear weapons as well as other weapons programs. Beck also pointed out that Park's hawkish predecessor Lee Myung-bak kept the GIC open even though he banned all other inter-Korean trading activities from May 24, 2010, in retaliation to North Korea's sinking of South Korean warship Cheonan in March of the same year. Calling Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests "nothing new," Beck added "I don't think Gaeseong (industrial zone) will reopen while President Park remains in office." He also said, "We have always known that Pyongyang pockets some of the workers' wages, but anyone who tells you how much and what those funds have been used for should be asked to provide proof." According to the Ministry of Unification, North Korea had diverted $100 million annually, including wages paid to its workers, received from the South to the development of weapons and propping up its cash-strapped regime. Unification Minister Hong Yong-pyo, however, said there is no hard evidence of such exploitation of the GIC for its military ambitions. North Korea retaliated against the South's move on Feb. 11 by expelling all South Korean workers and freezing all South Korea-owned assets at the GIC. Park Won-gon, an international relations professor at Handong University, speculated that the GIC will follow in the footsteps of the now-suspended joint tourist program to Mount Geumgang in North Korea. Pyongyang has seized all assets, including condominiums, at its mountain resort after Seoul suspended the tours in 2008 in protest of the shooting death of a South Korean tourist there who crossed into the off-limits zone. Since then, North Korea has promoted the Mount Geumgang tour program to other countries and drawn international tourists, mainly from China. "Pyongyang won't simply wait for a dovish president to succeed Park. It will make sure plants at the GIC will run regardless of inter-Korean relations and one of the options will be inviting Chinese investors to buy plants," Park Won-gon said. "It's also possible that the impoverished regime will sell all assets at the GIC to China and make the industrial zone into a military base." The GIC opened in December 2004 in line with the June 2000 inter-Korean summit between Kim Dae-jung and then-North Korean leader and Kim Jong-un's late father Kim Jong-il. A total of 124 South Korean companies, mostly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), had been employing some 54,000 North Korean employees before the Feb. 10 decision. A senior U.S. diplomat handling missile defense will visit Seoul next week for meetings with defense, foreign affairs and American military officials, the State Department said, suggesting the trip is related to the proposed deployment of the THAAD missile defense system to the South. Frank Rose, assistant secretary of state for arms control, verification and compliance, will be in Seoul from March 4-6 "for meetings with the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, U.S. Forces Korea, and at the Blue House," the department said in a release. The Blue House refers to the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae. The State Department did not say what the topics of those meetings will be. But all of the agencies his interlocutors belong to are involved in the THAAD issue. That suggests the trip has something to do with the matter. On March 6, Rose will also lead the U.S. delegation in the U.S.-South Korea Space Policy Dialogue, it said. Shortly after North Korea's Feb. 7 long-range missile launch, South Korea and the U.S. jointly announced they would begin official discussions on the possible placement of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system in South Korea. That ended more than a year of soul-searching by Seoul over how to deal with the issue amid Washington's desire to deploy the system and China's intense opposition to it. The North's twin provocations of its fourth nuclear test on Jan. 6 and the missile test a month later gave Seoul justification for the decision. China has claimed THAAD can be used against it, despite repeated assurances from Washington that the system is aimed only at deterring North Korean threats. Beijing expressed regret after the South and the U.S. announced the decision to hold THAAD talks. Despite the decision to begin official consultations, the two countries have insisted that they have not launched those talks yet. (Yonhap) The United States had exchanged views with North Korea over Pyongyang's proposal to hold peace treaty talks, but no agreement was reached as Washington insisted that denuclearization should be the top priority for such talks, a diplomatic source said Sunday. The exchange took place via the North's mission to the United Nations, known as the "New York channel," after North Korea renewed its calls for peace treaty talks with the U.S. to formally end the 1953 armistice that halted the Korean War, the source said. But the two sides failed to reach an agreement as Washington insisted that such talks should first deal with denuclearization as the top priority before the issue of a peace treaty, the source told Yonhap News Agency on condition of anonymity. Earlier, the Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. had agreed to hold peace treaty talks with North Korea on condition that the discussions also deal with denuclearization, but Pyongyang rejected the U.S. counterproposal and went ahead with its fourth nuclear test. The exchange was one of several unsuccessful attempts that U.S. officials say they made to discuss denuclearization with North Korea during the second term of President Barack Obama while also negotiating with Iran over its nuclear program, the report said. "To be clear, it was the North Koreans who proposed discussing a peace treaty. We carefully considered their proposal and made clear that denuclearization had to be part of any such discussion," State Department spokesman John Kirby said. "The North rejected our response. Our response to North Korea's proposal was consistent with our longstanding focus on denuclearization," he said. It is not new that North Korea wants a peace treaty with the U.S. to formally end the Korean War. But Pyongyang pressed the demand harder late last year after Foreign Minister Ri Su-yong made the demand during a speech at the U.N. General Assembly in October. The U.S. has said the demand is a nonstarter as long as the North pursues nuclear ambitions. U.S. officials have stressed that the communist regime has got the order wrong and should first focus on negotiations to end its nuclear program. Daniel Kritenbrink, senior Asian affairs director at the National Security Council, said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency in December that everything is possible if Pyongyang demonstrates its seriousness about denuclearization. Earlier this week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi proposed to hold peace treaty negotiations with Pyongyang in tandem with denuclearization talks, but the U.S. rejected the proposal, saying denuclearization remains its top priority. (Yonhap) China-bound exports of North Korea's natural resources should be blocked to improve the efficiency of economic sanctions being ramped up against the reclusive communist country in the wake of its recent provocative actions, a local think tank said Monday. Pyongyang's total exports have been shrinking in recent years, mostly affected by a marked drop in overseas sales of its natural resources. The Korea Economic Research Institute cited the correlation as a major avenue that the international community should tap into to improve efficiency of sanctions on the country. "The recent shrinkage in exports was the result of a significant drop in exports of its natural resources ... Its natural resources exports continued to decline into the third quarter of last year," the think tank said in a report. "Behind the positive growth of the North Korean economy after 2010 was its abundant resources buried under the ground and high-quality labor force, which combined to expand its trade with China," it added. "Pyongyang's efforts to secure foreign currencies could hit a snag should the China-bound exports continue to decline." The report said that North Korea's natural resources exports to China rose to an all-time high of $1.84 billion in 2013 but fell to $1.52 billion in 2014. During the same period, the ratio of natural resources to its total overseas shipments fell from 63.2 percent to 53.7 percent. North Korea depends almost entirely on China for its overseas trade. The heavy reliance on China could further increase down the road after South Korea recently shut down the operation of an inter-Korean industrial complex in the North's border city of Kaesong in apparent retaliation against its recent series of provocative acts. The North drew international condemnation by conducting its fourth nuclear test early this year, which was followed by a recent rocket launch which is regarded by many experts as a disguise for a test of its long-range missile technology. (Yonhap) President Park Geun-hye called on officials Monday to ensure the safety of South Koreans, citing North Korea's possible terror attacks against the South. South Korea "should put in place a thorough readiness posture against another North Korean provocation," Park said in a meeting with her senior secretaries. Tensions have spiked on the Korean Peninsula over North Korea's nuclear test and long-range rocket launch in recent weeks. Park said Kim Jong-un has ordered officials to concentrate on capabilities for terror attacks and cyberattacks on South Korea, referring to the North Korean leader. She did not use his official title, in the latest sign of her personal distrust of the young North Korean leader who pursues nuclear and missile programs. On Saturday, North Korea's Foreign Minister Ri Su-yong reaffirmed Pyongyang's "consistent stand opposing all forms of terrorism" in a condolence message to his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu over a recent deadly bomb attack in Turkey. Still, it remains unclear why there is an apparent sign of discrepancy in North Korea over terrorism. South Korean police have recently said that North Korean hackers sent massive amounts of spam emails to South Korean public organizations last month in an apparent bid to launch cyberattacks against the South. North Korea has a track record of staging terror attacks against South Korea in the past few decades, including the 1987 midair bombing of a Korean Air flight that killed all 115 people aboard. (Yonhap) The military plans to look into how serious the noise caused by North Korea's anti-South broadcasting is, an official said Monday, as front-line residents raised complaints about the inter-Korean psychological warfare operations, which have continued for nearly two months. Right after North Korea's nuclear test on Jan. 6, Seoul resumed its loudspeaker campaign along the tensely guarded border in retaliation, blaring messages critical of the North Korean regime and leader Kim Jong-un. In response, Pyongyang started its own loudspeaker broadcasting operation toward the South although the North Korean loudspeakers only make a loud buzzing sound, instead of recognizable political messages due to either low speaker quality or an insufficient power supply. Following the North's long-range rocket launch on Feb. 7, which South Korea and its allies denounced as a long-range missile test, Seoul expanded the scale of its psychological warfare tactic vis-a-vis Pyongyang. As the around-the-clock broadcasting has continued for nearly two months, it has become a major source of irritation among the residents of border towns who complain about the noise. "As complaints were filed by front-line residents over North Korea's anti-South loudspeaker broadcasting, (Seoul) has decided to gauge the actual level of the noise from the North's loudspeakers," a military official said. The official said the military will send an inspection team to front-line villages in the near future before drawing up countermeasures. Sources said the inspection will also look into if the South Korean side of the loudspeakers are also responsible for the noise complaints. "If our side's anti-North loudspeaker broadcasting causes any inconvenience to residents, we could consider moving them to appropriate places," the official said. South Korea "plans to start discussions on ways to help lessen the inconvenience to the residents," Moon Sang-gyun, spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense, said in a briefing on the issue. (Yonhap) Barcraft TV released a footage of a bomb disposal elephant Chishuru, a 17-year-old African elephant is his own bomb disposal expert. Trained in South Africa and funded by the U.S. Army, the elephant has a 97 percent success rate, and can detect even the smallest trace of explosives. Using elephants like this began when researchers realized that a herd of elephants tracked by GPS in Angola were avoiding landmines left in fields during a civil war. The researchers found that an elephant's incredible trunk could detect even the smallest amount of TNT that had been dissolved in acetone on filter paper. According to Ashadee Kay Miller, a zoology student at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, the elephant detected 73 out of 74 TNT samples. However, because putting an elephant into the field would be dangerous and impractical, researchers will use drones to collect scent samples from a suspected area and bring them to a trained elephant. Actress Lee Young-ae on popular TV drama series, "Jewel in the Palace (2003)" / Korea Times Mahyar Adibi, an economist who earned his PhD in economics from Seoul National University / Korea Times By Kang Hyun-kyung When Lee Hee-soo, a professor at Hanyang University Department of Cultural Anthropology, visited Iran in August 2007, he found that the nightlife in downtown Tehran was not what it used to be. The anthropologist had been there many times for excavation projects, but unlike before, the city seemed bleak there were few cars running on the streets and hardly any people around. Lee learned from his Iranian colleague that the city become quiet at night because most Iranians were at home watching the historical drama "Jewel in the Palace," which depicted the spectacular rise of a girl named Jang-geum from her humble background to serving as the royal physician during the Joseon Kingdom. Considering that women's social and political participation were not permitted during the patriarchal, caste-based society of that time, the drama shows that Jang-geum was a trailblazer. Iranians were drawn to the 60-episode Korean drama, giving it an average viewer rating of around 90 percent. "One of the questions that I had received most from my Iranian friends was what the next story would be," Lee said. He said he was embarrassed because he had no prior knowledge of the drama. When the drama became a big hit in Korea in 2003, he was on an academic stint in the United States. "All Iranians whom I had met talked about the drama, which I couldn't follow because I had not seen it," he said. The professor also received a warm welcome from the locals who knew he teaches students at Hanyang University, the alma mater of actress Lee Young-ae. Some restaurant owners who knew his connection to the actress even refused his payments for his meals. After returning to Korea, Professor Lee downloaded all 60 episodes of the show and watched them for several days. He said he felt doing so was part of his job. "As an anthropologist working closely with Iranians, I thought I had to know what it was about." Lee said he eventually realized why so many Iranians loved the historical drama. "When I asked Iranians about what the drama meant for them, one of them said it was his story, but I didn't understand what he meant," he said. After watching the entire drama, the professor realized that Iranians might have identified with the lead character, who survived numerous challenges, including political infighting, before her dream came true, seeing parallels with their own situation. According to Lee, Iran, as a Shiite state, had a long history of persecution by Western powers and tensions with neighboring Sunni countries. Lee said ordinary Iranians were hit hard by the three-decade-long economic sanctions. The sanctions were first imposed in 1979 after Iranian protestors seized the American Embassy in Tehran and its occupants in response to the U.S. government's permission for the exiled Shah of Iran to enter the United States for medical treatment. The United States froze about $12 billion in Iranian assets, including bank deposits and other properties. Iran had also been slapped with multi-layered sanctions by a U.S.-led coalition and the European Union for its nuclear program. Nuclear-related assets were frozen, and travel bans were imposed on key figures who were involved in developing the country's weapons of mass destruction program. Iran criticized the countries that joined the sanctions, claiming that its nuclear program was for peaceful purposes. Jewel in the Palace aired in the Middle-Eastern country when it was going through one of its toughest times. According to Professor Lee, many Iranians found hope from watching the drama. Lee Young-ae became a heroine in Iran following the drama's phenomenal success there. Although the show's last episode aired about a decade ago, Iranian economist Mahyar Adibi said the Korean actress is still popular among Iranians. Adibi spent the last five years in Korea working on his PhD in economics at Seoul National University, which he finally completed last week. According to Adibi, the actress' influence in Iran is most evident in the fashion and beauty industries; because of her, many Iranian girls have showninterest in Korean fashion and skincare products. "Iranian people have found cultural similarities with Koreans, too, because the colorful traditional Korean dresses worn by the female characters cover their whole bodies, just like the traditional Islamic costumes that Iranians wear," Adibi said. "The soap opera also emphasized family values and respect for older people. As an Islamic country, Iran also shares these values, which make them feel even closer to Koreans." He said Jewel in the Palace was a game-changer, triggering the Korean drama boom in Iran and motivating many young Iranians to learn more about the country, its culture and its people. "I think the drama was able to influence the Iranians' way of life, partly because television is one of the few major tools that entertain people in Iran and that bring families together to watch dramas in the evening," he said. In 2009, another Korean drama series, "Jumong" or "Prince of Legend" featuring actor Song Il-gook, became popular in Iran. The historical drama, which describes the life of Jumong, the founder of the Kingdom of Goguryeo, garnered an average viewer rating of 85 percent. The drama's popularity in Iran was not lost even on the country's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In September 2009, when it became a big hit in Iran, he mentioned the historical drama in his speech, saying he was aware of the popularity of the TV series and many Iranians were watching it. He went on to say it was a good show, and Iran could make better epic movies if filmmakers or producers pay attention to its rich cultural heritage. In an open-ed piece for The Korea Times in 2009, Iranian Mahdi Sadati said the Internet facilitated the spread of Korean dramas across Iran. In "Korean Movies: Cultural Envoys for Iran," Sadati said approximately 23 million Iranians had access to the Internet as of 2009, and many Iranian fans created websites and blogs for Korean celebrities and offered great deals for copies of Korean movies and dramas. He said in Iran, there are no copyright laws for foreign movies and software, so many websites are able to offer free downloads of popular TV dramas. Iran has emerged as the land of opportunity for Korean companies following the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions in January in return for Iran's freezing of nuclear facilities. Professor Lee said the Korean drama boom in Iran is a positive sign for Korean companies seeking business opportunities there. He said Korea-Iran relations started to sour after Korea joined the United States-led sanctions against Iran in 2010 over the Persian country's nuclear program. "Iranians were able to build such a cultural bond with Koreans through dramas during the sanctions," he said. "Korea's affinity with Iran will help Korean companies." By Nam Sang-so When Dr. Jang Myon (1899-1966) was assigned to Washington as the first ambassador of the Republic of Korea in December 1949, he hid a concise English-Korean dictionary in his diplomatic briefcase. "It's our codebook, sir," explained a cryptographer at the foreign ministry. "You'll receive coded message like 19.6, 105.11, 76.13. 19 nineteen is the page number and six is the sixth word down on the same page which would read for example: Request additional food aid immediately.' You should send your confidential messages in the same manner to Seoul. We have the same book." So I was told the fascinating story while I was serving as one of the codemakers in the Korean Navy a half century ago. It was the threat of enemy interception that motivated the development of ciphers: techniques for disguising a message so that only the intended recipient can read it. The history of codes and ciphers is the history of the battle between codemakers and codebreakers, an intellectual arms race that has had a dramatic impact on the course of history. Historians in both the U.S. and Japan cite that the vulnerability of Japanese naval codes and ciphers was crucial to the outcome of World War II. Every Japanese code was eventually broken, and the intelligence gathered made possible such operations as the victorious American ambush of the Japanese Navy at Midway and the shooting down of Adm. Yamamoto, the commander-in-chief of the Combined Japanese Fleet, in Operation Vengeance at Buin, New Guinea. The Japanese naval codes were primarily book ciphers which worked like this: the sender composes his message and then consults the codebook. Common words and phrases are replaced with a group of numbers and letters. The receiver then looks up each group in the corresponding codebook and reassembles the message. It is called super-enciphering, basically the same as Ambassador Jang's codebook, only his dictionary was not ciphered. In early 1942 when the U.S. began detecting signs of an impending attack in the Pacific, the Japanese encoded its target as "AF," and U.S. intelligence struggled to decode the two letters. So the codebreakers at Pearl Harbor devised an ingenious experiment to confirm the identity of AF. It asked Midway by underwater cable to broadcast a radio message that the island's desalinization plant had broken down. The radio message was broadcast without encryption to ensure that Japan could read it. The note was intercepted by Japanese intelligence and reported by a message encoded in their JN25 code stating that AF's desalinization plant was out of order. That coded message was again intercepted by the Pearl Harbor station, who concluded that AF meant Midway Island. Thus, the U.S. was able to enter the battle with a very good picture of where, when and in what strength the Japanese would appear. The Japanese, by contrast, remained totally unaware of their opponent's true strength and dispositions. By the time the battle ended, Japan had lost 3,057 soldiers, 4 aircraft carriers and 248 aircrafts. The Battle of Midway is considered the turning point of the Pacific War. Some politicians blame the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of Korea for failing to detect signs of the North's alleged H-bomb test and condemn its slipshod operations. The politicians may do so in order to gain votes but we should know that the secretive NIS would never divulge their true information. Just relax: the NIS together with U.S. intelligence would never miss that information. The writer is a Japanese-English-Korean translator. His email address is sangsonam@gmail.com. A summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, hosted for the first time in the United States, achieved mixed success. President Barack Obama considered the meeting, held Monday and Tuesday in Sunnylands, Calif., important to his "pivot to Asia" policy. He also used it via relations with ASEAN members Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam to counter growing Chinese influence. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam already contest China's claim to pieces of rock and reefs in the South China Sea that Beijing is developing and may be militarizing. Although American objectives were served by holding the discussions, there was no mention of China in the joint statement released afterward. Most ASEAN members have important trading relationships with China and are reluctant to put them in jeopardy while the United States confronts the Asian giant. Some of the justification in the communique for taking common approaches to maritime problems in Southeast Asia referred to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which the United States, ironically and unfortunately, has not yet ratified. Attendance by Asian leaders was good, and among the Communist heads were Cambodian President Hun Sen, a former chief of the brutal Khmer Rouge, and Malaysia's Najib Razak, cleared last month of charges that he embezzled $681 million from a government fund. Myanmar's outgoing president, Gen. Thein Sein, and the newly elected Aung San Suu Kyi skipped the event due to their government's transition. The event was upstaged a bit by the death Saturday of Justice Antonin Scalia; none of the questions at Obama's post-summit news conference dealt with the gathering. Even so, in terms of future U.S. relations with this part of the world, the conference was well worth holding. This editorial appeared on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. By Shin Jang-sup What would happen if Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, the leading and number two electronics companies in Korea, merged and announced that, within two years, that the merged company would be split into three, say, SLG Smartphones, SLG Consumer Electronics, and SLG Semiconductors? Most people would probably be baffled by this news and take it negatively. It is common wisdom among business experts that it normally takes quite a long while for a merged company to proceed from "physical merger" to "chemical merger" especially when big companies with different cultures are combined. In fact, we have more failed cases than successful ones in mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Moreover, it is very difficult to find a business rationale of dividing the merged company into three almost immediately. However, this is what is actually happening in the U.S. Dow Chemical and DuPont, the leading and second largest chemical firms, which decided to merge last December and, within two years, to break this merged company into three separate ones agriculture, material science and specialty chemicals. DuPont's central research lab, the first industrial science lab in the U.S. founded in 1912, would disappear in history in the process. Massive layoffs are being carried out in order to achieve the $3 billion cost-cutting goal set out by the merger plan. What is conspicuously missing here is any mention of extra costs that would be incurred when the three separate companies will need to rebuild R&D and marketing forces in two years' time. The merge-and-split decision is largely a mystery from the business point of view, although DowDuPont painstakingly emphasized that it was an effort to survive increasingly intense competition in the world market. It is no longer a mystery, however, if one examines what had been going on in Dow and DuPont before they eventually agreed to the merger-and-split. Both companies received attacks from activist hedge funds and the decision can be better understood as "financial engineering" by those activist funds. In the middle of 2013, Trian Fund Management, which claims to be a champion of "constructive activism," demanded that DuPont break its current businesses into three and cut costs by as much as $1 billion by, for instance, shutting down DuPont's central R&D center. It also requested the company to buy back as much as $5 billion in stocks to prop up its stock price. Trian had not been in the shareholder list of DuPont but it made the demands immediately after buying about 2 percent of the company shares from the public market. Moreover, DuPont was then performing quite well, its operating profits rose from 9.5 percent in 2008 to 14.9 percent in 2014. Ellen Kullman, then CEO of DuPont, was appalled by the demands and fought back. The battle continued for two years and DuPont narrowly won it at the proxy voting in May 2015. Major proxy advisory firms such as Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis sided with the activist fund. Even CaLSTRS (California Teachers Retirement System), a long-term shareholder of DuPont, sided with Trian. (It was later learned that it had already invested a substantial amount of money in Trian.) DuPont won the proxy battle mainly due to the support from its retail shareholders. On the other hand, Dow Chemical was on the receiving end of attacks from another activist hedge fund: Third Point. In January 2014, the hedge fund bought 2.3 percent stake of Dow shares and requested Dow management to split its low-value-added businesses and increase share buyback. As Dow management refused to do so, Third Point opened a website specifically designed to criticize Dow management and their alleged "broken promises." Dow eventually agreed to a one-year truce with Third Point in November 2014 by accepting two directors nominated by the hedge fund in return for its discontinuing criticisms of the management. The two new directors were under "golden leashes," special extra compensation made by Third Point. The merger-and-split deal was mainly engineered by these two activist hedge funds. Ellen Kullman, who won the battle against Trian, retired in October last year and her place was filled by Edward Breen, former CEO of Tyco, who was strongly backed by Trian. Breen immediately started a talk with Dow for the merger. How could activist hedge funds, which hold only small minority stakes of 2 to 3 percent, exert such a strong influence on corporate giants such as Dow and DuPont? This is mainly because giant institutional investors including pension funds and mutual funds are often throwing their support for the actions of those hedge funds. These institutional investors claim they pursue long-term investments. However, their executives and fund managers are normally evaluated and paid by their short-term performance and naturally have a strong incentive to ally with activist hedge funds. The term, "co-investments," is therefore employed by financial experts to describe this kind of alliance. A Silicon Valley executive who had to fend off activist attacks even called them "terrorists". Professor Steven Solomon who runs a DealBook column in the New York Times said, "companies, frankly, are scared" and now "the mantra in corporate America is to settle with hedge funds before it gets to a fight over the control of a company." He even argued, "When historians look back at this era, they will see this [Dow-DuPont] deal as a turning point when corporate leaders threw up their hands and surrendered to activist shareholders." In fact, corporate giants such as Apple, GE and Qualcomm, recently all settled with hedge funds as soon as they were targets of these attacks. What should be done about this then? One way to tackle this is to rebalance regulations over corporations and those over institutional investors. The current financial regulations in the U.S. as well as in Korea are based on presuppositions that corporations are stronger entities while institutional investors, often grouped as "minority shareholders," are weaker entities. That might have been true in the past. But the reality in the financial and business world now is completely reversed. A handful of institutional investors often hold the majority in a public company. By reflecting the new reality, regulations on institutional investors should be strengthened while those on corporations should be relaxed. The most important one, to me, among the new regulations seems to make institutional investors behave in the interest of the real owners of the money. They are simply "fiduciaries" of the real owners and are allowed to cast votes on their behalf. In the U.S., for instance, about 40 percent of the money entrusted in hedge funds came from pension funds. Pensions are future claims of ordinary people in preparation for their retirement. If hedge funds are using this money to damage the long-term viability of companies and remove job opportunities for workers, this behavior goes against the objective of pensions. Regulators should remain vigilant and devise measures to keep the behavior of institutional investors in line with the interest and intention of the true owners of the money entrusted to them. Shin Jang-sup is an economics professor at National University of Singapore and former adviser to Korea's finance minister. He can be reached at ecssjs@nus.edu.sg. Christine Lagarde, the first woman ever to lead the International Monetary Fund (IMF), just won a well-deserved second term. The multinational lending agency's executive board renewed a five-year term for Lagarde, who assumed office in 2011 on the heels of the global financial crisis. What has made Lagarde's leadership special is that aside from economic issues, she has paid attention to universal causes such as gender equality and climate change. As one of the most powerful women leaders selected by Forbes magazine, many expect Lagarde to continue showing leadership in promoting women's rights. Lagarde has said that women face an "insidious conspiracy" that keeps them from equal representation in the ranks of power and that this needs to change not just for women's sake, but for economies' sakes. We hope she will keep up her efforts to empower women worldwide. During a New Year interview with a local economic daily, the former French finance minister said that she wants to renew her tenure so that she can continue to build on the progress she has made at the IMF. Her supporters have lauded her first tenure for strengthening the fund's ability to support its members with policy advice, capacity building and financing, while revitalizing relations with emerging markets and developing members in particular. With sliding oil prices and markets in turmoil, the global economy is facing dim prospects. The reappointment gives her important tasks ahead. As managing director, she will need to guide members to macroeconomic stability while navigating geopolitical tensions in areas like China, Greece and the Middle East. China will continue to be the IMF chief's biggest priorities. Under Lagarde's leadership, the Chinese yuan was added as a reserve to the IMF's elite currency basket, called the SDR. This decision was not without controversy, as it gave China more influence in global economic matters. Her first international appearance will be at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Shanghai on Feb. 26 and 27. The world will be looking to hear her policy direction for expediting China's reform and restructuring. Shim Hyun-chul By Kim Rahn Shim Hyun-chul, photojournalist for The Korea Times, won an award at an annual news photography contest hosted by the Korea Press Photographers Association (KPPA). With his photo titled "The Last Bow," featuring the late Keangnam Enterprises Chairman Sung Woan-jong, Shim won the runner-up prize in the "people in the news" category for the 52nd annual contest. In the photo published in last year's April 9 edition, Sung bows during a press conference in Seoul held the previous day where he denied allegations of embezzlement and influence-peddling. A day after the conference, Sung committed suicide, making the photo one of his last official appearances. He left behind a list of eight politicians who allegedly received kickbacks from him, two of whom the prosecution indicted. LG Chem said Monday it has signed a deal with the U.S.-based automaker to supply batteries for the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivan, seen in this photo. / Courtesy of Chrysler website By Lee Min-hyung LG Chem has signed a battery supplement deal with Chrysler, diversifying its distribution channels in the North American market. The world's leading supplier of electric vehicles (EV) batteries said Monday that it will supply 16 kWh battery cells and battery management systems (BMS) for Chrysler's Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivan to be manufactured from the end of this year. With the deal, LG Chem is now in business with all of the so-called "Big Three" clients in the U.S. automobile market, having previously signed contracts with GM and Ford. In 2009, LG Chem was named the exclusive supplier of EV batteries for the GM Volt. The company also signed a deal with Ford in 2010. Under the deal, LG Chem secured hundreds of billion won in sales but the company did not disclose the exact amount. The latest EV battery contract will help the company tighten its grip in the mid to large battery business, for which it produces EV batteries and energy storage systems (ESS). Currently, the largest portion of its revenue comes from this segment. "The deal will play a crucial part in our plan to generate 1.2 trillion won in EV battery sales this year," said an LG Chem spokesman. Last year, the company recorded 700 billion won in EV battery sales, while ESS sales have yet to catch up to that level due to market infancy. The company plans to manufacture EV batteries at its facility in Michigan. LG Chem built the factory in 2012 to meet the growing demand from its U.S. clients. As of the end of last year, the company is running four production lines there. In the U.S., the company can produce batteries for more than 120,000 plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) each year. Its Korean production line holds a capacity for some 350,000 PHEVs, followed by 180,000 in China. Under its R&D initiative, the company established LG Chem Power (LGCPI) in the U.S. in 2000, engaging in developing and manufacturing various battery products. Lee Ung-beom, president of LG Chem's energy storage division, said in a statement, "We are going to push for leadership in the global battery market, backed by a strong alliance with the big three U.S. clients." So far, LG Chem has formed EV battery partnerships with 20 automakers in major markets in the U.S., China and Germany. The global EV battery market is expected to be worth $18.24 billion by 2020, surging more than five times from $3.26 billion in 2013, according to market researcher B3. By Yoon Sung-won KT said Monday it will set up a standardization alliance for the trial service of a fifth-generation (5G) network with telecom companies in Korea, Japan and the United States. The company said it has reached an agreement with NTT DoCoMo in Japan, Verizon in the U.S. and SK Telecom in Korea to establish the 5G Trial Specification Alliance during the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. It also stressed that it will encourage more global network equipment makers to join the alliance, accelerating the international standardization of 5G network technologies. "As KT's 5G technology capability has already been proven during a test for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, we will continue to push to establish Korea as the birthplace of 5G networks through the alliance," KT's network strategy division head Seo Chang-seok said. The four companies participating in the alliance will first cooperate from this year through 2018 for the development of a 5G trial service. They will first build a standardized platform and expand reliability of standards through 5G wireless connection tests, KT said. It also said the alliance will set the global standards by analyzing the pros and cons of a frequency range higher than 6 gigahertz, which is expected to be used for the 5G trial service for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. KT has worked with global network equipment manufacturers since June 2015 and jointly determined key technologies and parameters for designing 5G devices and system chips such as frequency and channel range, frame structure and coding schemes. It said the PyeongChang 5G standards, which were determined in the process, have also been considered as the standard for the alliance, giving the company an advantage in leading the race for 5G technology development. KT said the alliance will allow companies to efficiently set the schedule for 5G trial projects and services in each country while helping global telecom equipment makers plan their development of related services. SK Telecom, left, and Intel employees demonstrate a prototype of a fifth-generation (5G) network device at the telecom company's exhibition booth at Fira Gran Via, the venue for the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2016 in Barcelona, Spain, Monday. / Courtesy of SK Telecom By Kim Yoo-chul BARCELONA, Spain SK Telecom agreed with Facebook, Monday (KST), to jointly develop Telecom Infra Project (TIP) technology, hoping to sharpen its telecom infrastructure and mobile devices. TIP is an engineer-focused initiative driven by operators, infrastructure providers and system integrators to re-imagine traditional approaches to building and deploying telecommunications network infrastructure. As network capabilities are crucial for steady enhancements to data-intensive devices and social networking services, the Korean telecom operator aims to explore new business opportunities through open collaboration. "SK Telecom has become a founding member to promote the TIP business and we hope more companies will join us," SK said in a statement, adding that it will explore new approaches and technologies across three focal points: access, backhaul and core management. "The project groups within these areas will leverage the unique engineering and operational expertise of each member, focusing on developing new technologies for deployment in both developed and emerging markets," the company said. TIP's priority is to disaggregate hardware and software layers in the traditional network stack and recombine these elements to boost efficiency in urban and rural deployments, said the release. "TIP will also collaborate on development of technologies such as 5G and new technologies that will pave the way for better connectivity and richer services," it added. The TIP initiative is now being supported by some leading telecom companies such as Deutsche Telekom of Germany, as well as Nokia and U.S.-based chip giant Intel. "SK Telecom plans to contribute to TIP by sharing the company's 5G patents and other network solutions based on virtualization technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV)," the release stressed. Facebook said it was excited to sign an agreement with the Korean company to promote TIP. "Facebook is excited to work on TIP," Jason Taylor, Facebook's vice president of infrastructure, said in the statement. "The challenge of meeting exponentially growing network demands while increasing access and lowering costs has never been greater. We will all need to work together to make existing and next-generation building blocks more flexible and to accelerate the development and adoption of more efficient technologies." On a related note, SK Telecom said it formed an alliance with its chief domestic rival KT, as well as Verizon Wireless of the United States and NTT DoCoMo of Japan to establish the 5G Open Trial Specification Alliance, a move aimed at standardizing 5G. The alliance will focus on 5G radio interface testing and aims to provide the wireless industry with the ability to test and validate key technical components. "Coordination is already underway, with technical trials occurring during the 2016 and 2018 timeframe," it said. One of the main themes of this year's Mobile World Convention (MWC), here, is the rapid rise of 5G wireless technology, which is much more advanced than contemporary 4G technology, as leading technology firms are actively working to support the early coming of the advanced wireless technology. "In order to conduct 5G trial services and commercialization as well as proliferate the 5G ecosystem as early as possible, it is important to establish 5G specifications more quickly," Pyo Jin-hyo, head of SK's network technology center, said in the statement. Participants wear Gear VR headsets, virtual reality (VR) devices, provided by Samsung Electronics during an announcement made by the firm at the CCIB center in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, on the eve of the opening of the Mobile World Congress 2016. / Yonhap Zuckerberg joins Unpacked event By Kim Yoo-chul BARCELONA, Spain Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, the latest models in its flagship smartphone lineup, at the CCIB center here, Sunday. Samsung hopes the new Galaxy series will win back customers lost to Apple and Chinese vendors. On top of upgraded features and components, the new handsets introduce a virtual reality (VR) ecosystem with new pairing devices the Gear 360 camera and Gear VR headset, Samsung said. The Gear 360 features two fisheye lenses enabling consumers to film 360 degrees with their cameras. Ko Dong-jin, president of Samsung's mobile business, said the company seeks to improve people's lives with its smartphones and VR devices. "I feel deep responsibility to hundreds of millions of people around the world who love our products," Ko said during a presentation. "We can transform our customers' lives." The two S7s have metal and glass designs. They have improved water resistance, very-fine image sensors for better pixels and upgraded battery life. "Better pixels equal better picture image," Ko said. "Expanded battery capacity and life is aimed at helping consumers record their daily memorable moments with a clearer image." The S7 comes with a 5.1-inch super AMOLED display, and the S7 edge with a 5.5-inch. The new series will be available for pre-order on March 11 globally. Consumers in selected countries will get a free Gear VR headset when they place pre-orders during the promotion. During the event, Ko stressed the company's move to expand Samsung Pay and its mobile security software Samsung KNOX. "Samsung Pay will be expanded to Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Singapore, Spain and the United Kingdom by the end of this year," he said. The new models feature a rear camera with "dual pixel" technology which helps deliver sharper, brighter pictures even in lower lighting. Samsung Electronics Mobile Business President Ko Dong-jin, right, poses with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg during the Unpacked event for the new Galaxy smartphones at the Congress Center Barcelona (CCIB), Spain, Sunday. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics Mark Zuckerberg Monday's event also had another surprise, as Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the podium to talk about VR devices. He said Samsung Electronics has made significant contributions to introducing VR at affordable prices. "VR is the next platform, where anyone can create and experience anything they want," Zuckerberg said. "For right now, it's mostly used for gaming. That's quickly evolving." Zuckerberg said VR will allow people to do lots of things in a wholly different way from sitting around a virtual campfire with friends any time they want to holding spontaneous meetings. "That's why Facebook is investing so much in VR, so we can deliver these new social experiences. VR is going to be the next social platform. And that's why we're working with Samsung. Samsung is the only company that can build the OLED screens at the scale needed to deliver the low-persistence rending, which is necessary to make VR a mainstream technology. "We've been working to make Facebook the best platform for 360 video. 360 videos are even more immersive. You feel like you're actually there," the Facebook CEO said. He said Facebook has created new teams with Samsung to develop new social applications for VR. Analysts expect the release of the two Samsung phones to reinforce its position as this year's largest smartphone vendor. "Mobile games generate over 85 percent of total mobile content and services revenues. Because of this, Samsung should use the S7's gaming capabilities to accelerate partner marketing opportunities. VR is the key tool for smartphone manufacturers to use in 2016 to market flagship smartphone models," said Ian Fogg, head of mobile analysis at IHS Technology, a market research firm. Fogg said the Gear 360 is critical to help Samsung persuade consumers it is time to upgrade their two- or three-year-old smartphones, which cannot benefit from new VR experiences. A group of diverse but like-minded individuals, the members of ARC have come together in their common desire to fight hatred, bigotry, intolerance and violence because of the harm these antisocial behaviors cause to our society. In that effort, we will not use or sanction the use of illegal actions (such as violence or intimidation) in pursuit of our desired aims and if we learn of anyone who does use these unethical methods we will report those individuals to the authorities. Instead, we will use the guarantees found in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that ensure freedom of legal speech and expression. How Does One Ascribe Value? Human Beings as Body and Soul It is important to recognize that it is man himself who is created in the image of God, not just his spirit or his mind. Certainly our physical bodies are a very important part of our existence and, as transformed when Christ returns, , they will continue to be part of our existence for all eternity (see 1 Cor. 15-43-46, 51-55). Our bodies have therefore been created by God as suitable instruments to represent in a physical way our human nature, which has been made to be like God's own nature.2 The Value of the Human Body References What value is the human body and how should we treat it? That's a big question, but it's one that should concern pretty much everyone, since everyone has a body. It should especially concern the Christian, as Christian theology has much to say about our bodies. Yet, I don't think a lot of Christians have given this particular topic a lot of thought.First, there are a lot of voices in Western culture offering differing opinions of the value of our bodies. We see some demanding more organically grown crops and no GMO-modified foods; others encourage us to be good to ourselves through exercise and the reduction of stress. Yet at the same time these trends are increasing, so is the number of people who are modifying their bodies as a form of self-expression. Tattooing has become commonplace and unsurprising. Other types of modifications include implants, piercings, and ear tunnels. Some opt even more extreme changes like branding, scarification, tongue splitting, and so on.Of course, one should never assume all these are part of the same continuum. They may not even be in the same category, depending on how one defines those categories. But this is my point in exploring these issues. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I'd like to at least more clearly define the questions and do so using a Christian perspective. Non-Christians may have a completely different take, one that may comport to their worldview, but I hope to find some common ground to begin the discussion between Christians here.What value does a body have? To answer that question, one must first understand what we mean by value. Value can either be extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic value is the value bestowed by an external source. For example, a child can value an old blanket or a soldier values his fiancee's letter from home, but those are extrinsic values. The object is perceived as valuable by the valuer. Items like an iPhone, currency, and even gold are considered valuable because people place a value for those items. Perhaps the item's rarity or the fact a metal won't tarnish make people agree it's more valuable than not, but if those conditions change, the value of the item will change. That's why the price of gold fluctuates and you can't buy anything with Confederate money. Extrinsic value has no value in and of the thing.Intrinsic value is different. Intrinsic value comes simply due to the nature of the thing itself. For example, human life has intrinsic value . That's why we won't take the life of a prisoner to use his organs to save research scientists. It's why we shudder at concepts like eugenics and cannibalism. Human life holds an intrinsic value because human beings are intrinsically valuable. We are beings made in the image of God and as image-bearers we are unique in God's creation. We are able to relate to ourselves, each other, and to God in a way no other part of his creation can. And because all human beings carry this image of God, it means all human beings are intrinsically valuable.As human beings, we must recognize we are made of two components: body and soul. 1 God's design for humans is for us to exist as bodily beings. God created us this way and h calls his creation good. While there are many passages in the Bible of people surviving their bodies (Gen 35:18, Ecc. 12:7, 1 Sam. 28:15, Luke 16:19-31,Rev.6:9), the Bible clearly shows these disembodied souls are in an intermediate state. Prior to eternity, both the saved and the lost will be resurrected, meaning they will be re-embodied, so they can live out eternity once again as body and soul. This means the body is a crucial component of what it means to be a human being. Wayne Grudem writes:Secondly, God himself became embodied in the person of Jesus of Nazareth (John 1:14). In one way, this sanctifies the human body, as it is seen as a fitting vessel for the Son of God to dwell in. Because Jesus is fully human, his body will also exist for all eternity. His body wasn't a temporary dwelling, but it is how we will experience him in heaven (Rev 5:6). Christ's redemption entails both our bodies and our souls, and just has Jesus resurrected with the same body he had before his death, we too will be resurrected with our own bodies. They may have new attributes. They may be healed or made whole, but they will essentially be our bodies.Given these two criteria, I believe our bodies hold intrinsic worth, too. This means it is an especially heinous when groups like ISIS or Sierra Leone's Revolutionary United Front uses amputation and mutilation as tactics to instill terror on others. 3 This is also why we see crimes like rape as abhorrent. While rape does have a psychologically damaging dimension, the physical act is a violation all by itself. Imagine a woman being raped while drunk or under anesthesia. Even if she is unconscious and cannot remember the trauma, the crime is in no way diminished. This is because her body has been violated by another.All of this is to simply try to focus our minds on what kind of value we mean when we say the body is valuable. In subsequent posts, I'll try to tease out the incredibly wide range of ways we treat our bodies and ask what that means to their value. I'm interested in your thoughts as well. But let's first agree that Christians hold our bodies are not valuable because our minds would hate to part with them or some portion of them. Our bodies are valuable intrinsically. They have value because of what they are. In all, some 9,300 decorative gold pieces were found here, not including the 'uncountable golden beads'. Picture: Vera Salnitskaya The royal tomb known as Arzhan 2 in the modern-day Republic of Tuva - to many, the most mysterious region in all Russia - is some 2,600 years old but its valuables match any trove from any era anywhere in the world. Here inside a mound 80 metres wide was buried a warrior tsar with a sway that plainly reached over a vast territory of mountains and steppes, and whose magnificent possessions indicated close contacts with other civilisations. Forget the notion of barbaric Siberian nomadic tribes in this epoch: well, don't quite forget. These ancient warriors used the skulls of their vanquished foes as drinking cups, according to no less an authority than Greek historian Herodotus. This is an important new study of aluminum hydroxide (AlOH) adjuvant and Gardasil vaccine compared to saline placebo. This study is the result of a collaboration between the Shaw research group at the University of British Columbia and the Shoenfeld research group at Tel Aviv University. Dr Yehuda Shoenfeld is an internationally known expert on autoimmune diseases and editor of high-impact journals on autoimmune diseases. He has investigated ASIA syndrome (autoimmune syndrome induced by adjuvants) for many years. Dr Shaws group played a relatively minor role in this study. Most of the work was done by the Shoenfeld group. This paper was accepted by the vaccine industry-friendly journal Vaccine, and then temporarily removed 4 weeks later. The Vaccine journal is probably the most important journal in the vaccine field. The vaccine industry definitely noticed this paper. The Vaccine journal is very pro-vaccine, and is well-funded by the industry. Its sometimes described as prestigious, but this is not a reasonable description. The Vaccine journal is merely well-funded. Vaccine has published sloppy, low-quality papers defending vaccine safety. Perhaps its prestigious to have a vaccine-critical paper accepted by the Vaccine journal. Vaccine has a low bar for papers praising vaccines, and a high bar for papers critical of vaccines. Reasons for the removal have not yet been released (as of Feb 20, 2016). The publisher (Elsevier) has stated: The article in question has been temporarily removed as requested by Vaccines Editor-in-Chief Gregory Poland. In addition, Dr Poland has recommended the article be further reviewed. We will let you know when we have more information. Dr Gregory Poland is a vaccine scientist at the Mayo Clinic. His bio is here: http://www.mayo.edu/research/faculty/poland-gregory-a-m-d/bio-00078220 Dr Poland is vehemently pro-vaccine. In this editorial, he calls for the funeral of antivaccination campaigns: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1010594 Dr Poland has in the past worked for Merck (the manufacturer of Gardasil). Dr Poland is reported to have worked on the safety review committee for Gardasil. However, we have been unable to find details about this relationship. This new paper is important because it shows serious safety problems with both Al adjuvant and Gardasil. It reported harm (abnormal behavior and memory/learning impairment) at the lowest dosages of Al adjuvant tested so far. Gardasil caused autoimmune activity against the brain (specifically, it caused the production of antibodies reactive to brain proteins). Each human dose of Gardasil contains 225mcg Al from the adjuvant. This corresponds to a dosage of 225mcg/40 kg =5.6mcg/kg per dose for a typical (40kg) tween girl. The mice in this study received the same dosage: 5.6mcg/kg in 3 doses (17mcg/kg total). The mice were 6-weeks old and the doses were spaced one day apart, in all groups. The mice were type C57BL/6, a widely-used research mouse with no particular susceptibility to brain diseases or autoimmune diseases. The Al adjuvant dosage used in this study is far smaller than the amount of aluminum adjuvant injected into infants per the recommended CDC vaccine schedule: Birth (Hep B): 74 mcg/kg (250 mcg for 3.4 kg infant) 2 month: 245 mcg/kg (1225 mcg for 5 kg infant) 4 month: 150 mcg/kg (975 mcg for 6.5 kg infant) 6 month: 153 mcg/kg (1225 mcg for 8 kg infant) In this experiment, there were four groups, with 19 mice in each group. Control group: Received 3 injections of harmless saline. Al adjuvant group: Received 3 x 5.6mcg/kg Al in the form of AlOH adjuvant. As noted, this is the same dosage of AlOH adjuvant received by a 40kg teenage girl receiving all 3 doses of Gardasil. AlOH is generally considered the strongest immune activator of the Al adjuvants (other forms are Al phosphate and Al sulphate), and seems to have the greatest potential for neuro- and immune- toxicity. Gardasil Group: Received 3 doses of Gardasil vaccine in the same dosage received by a 40kg teenage female. The Gardasil also provided 3 x 5.6mcg/kg Al in the form of AlOH adjuvant. Gardasil + pertussis toxin group: Received 3 doses of Gardasil with pertussis toxin (Pt) added . Pt was added because it is known to increase permeability of the blood-brain barrier, and the researchers hypothesized that increased permeability of the BBB may increase damage to the brain. The results generally did not support this hypothesis. Results with Pt added were not significantly different than gardasil vaccine alone. RESULTS After receiving the injections, the mice were subjected to a variety of behavioral tests (at 3 and 6 months) and laboratory analysis. 5 mice from each group were sacrificed before the 6 month tests, so only 14 mice per group were used for behavioral testing at the 6 month date. Selected results are explained below. The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary Read more Selected items from the media, our in box and other LA Observed sources. Posted occasionally often in the morning. Politics, cops and courts Business and labor groups thought they were working together to oppose the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative now gathering signatures for the Los Angeles ballot. Then labor last week introduced its own ballot measure aimed at affordable housing and more. LAT LA Times investigation: Police in six Southern California counties have shot more than 2,000 suspects since 2004. Only one officer was prosecuted he was acquitted. LAT LA's rising crime rates are going up at among the highest pace in the nation. LA Weekly Mayor Eric Garcetti is quietly raising money for the LA 2024 Olympic group, including from groups with a stake in City Hall decisions. DN Southern California Gas is fighting a request to disclose how much methane as released during the three-month Aliso Canyon well leak. DN Hillary Clinton will be in town today for fundraisers in Studio City and Hancock Park. City News Service Steve Lopez columnizes that the 2016 presidential race is so bad he cant look away. Just don't let your children near the TV set. Unless you want them to hear that science is just a rumor, rape victims should be required to give birth to their assailant's spawn, and we should hold off on replacing deceased Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia until after the next Super Bowl." LAT Scott Hounsell, the former head of the Republican Party in Los Angeles County, has been accused by prosecutors of sending inappropriate messages online to teenage girls. He denies it. LAT Construction of the California high-speed rail line will begin now in Northern California, not the LA area. KPCC After 10 years, neighbors of a Wilmington oil drilling operation still complain of health and environmental issues and, now, the response to Porter Ranch. LAT The latest recall effort targets Valley councilman Paul Krekorian. LAT Media and books The Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Press Club has voted to rename one of its top prizes the Bill Rosendahl Public Service in Journalism Award, for reporting that results in improving the civic life of a city or region in California. It will be given annually. Anabel Hernandez, a fellow with the Investigative Reporting Program of the Graduate School of Journalism at UC Berkeley, scored the interview with Emma Coronel Aispuro, wife of El Chapo, that aired Sunday in Spanish on Telemundo. LAT Margaret Sullivan, for awhile the New York Times public editor, will be a weekly media columnist for The Washington Post. Poynter Sunset Magazine has opened a hip new headquarters in Oakland's Jack London Square. KQED How easy was it for the Orange County Register's first pot reporter to get a medical marijuana card? OC Register The former Los Angeles Times home in Orange County will become a creative business park. OCBJ Stop calling every news article clickbait. Poynter KCAL reporter Brittney Hopper posted pictures from her wedding and return to work. Instagram Place Lifting of sanctions on Iran could mean trouble for California's pistachio crop. Christian Science Monitor How a once-seedy North Hollywood motel has become a model for helping the homeless. DN Yes, the El Nino effect may have peaked for the year and is weakening in the Pacific. And another winter heat wave arrives this week. AP, LA Weekly How did an LA indie record label wind up releasing Yoko Ono's new album? LA Weekly Baseball history class comes straight from the top at Cal Lutheran. DN The site, named NEG II, is located in Wadi Ein-Gev, west of the Sea of Galilee and south of the Golan Heights town of Katzrin, and is estimated to cover an area of roughly 1,200 square meters (three acres).In a series of excavations, archaeologists found numerous artifacts pointing to a vast human settlement including burial remains, flint tools, art manifestations, faunal assemblage and stone and bone tools. While other sites from the same period have been unearthed in the area, the Institute of Archaeology at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem said thatin that it contains cultural characteristics typical of both the Old Stone Age known as the Paleolithic period and the New Stone Age, known as the Neolithic period.Although attributes of the stone tool kit found at NEG II place the site chronologically in the Paleolithic period, other characteristics such as its artistic tradition, size, thickness of archaeological deposits and investment in architecture are more typical of early agricultural communities in the Neolithic period, said chief excavator Dr. Leore Grosman. Characterizing this important period of potential overlap in the Jordan Valley is crucial for the understanding of the socioeconomic processes that marked the shift from Paleolithic mobile societies of hunter-gatherers to Neolithic agricultural communities, she added.According to Grosman, NEG II was likely occupied in the midst of the cold and dry global climatic event known as the Younger Dryas, when temperatures declined sharply over most of the northern hemisphere around 12,90011,600 years ago. Affected by climatic changes, groups in the area became increasingly mobile and potentially smaller in size, she said. NEG II, however, shows that some groups in the Jordan Valley may have become larger in size and preferred town-like settlements to a nomadic existence.Researchers said this shift in settlement pattern could be related to climate conditions that provided the ingredients necessary for prehistoric man to take the final steps toward agriculture in the southern Levant. "It is not surprising that at a number of sites in the Jordan Valley we find a cultural entity that bridges the crossroads between Late Paleolithic foragers and Neolithic farmers, Grosman said. PRESS RELEASE Commodity Debt Is Subprime Debt in Financial Meltdown Feb. 19, 2016 (EIRNS)The size and shape of the debt collapse going on in the Wall Street financial system are presented again in a Bloomberg News column today, "Commodities $3.6 Trillion Black Hole." Here, the blow-out of $1 trillion in "high-yield" or junk oil/gas debt, is subsumed by "Bloomberg Gadfly" columnist Christopher Langner in the bigger blow-out of commodity debt: the "MBS/derivatives meltdown" of 2016. Since 2008, with continuous zero-interest-rate money being printed by the trans-Atlantic and Japanese central banks, the 5,000 largest commodity companies (oil & gas, metals & mining, iron & steel) doubled their debt to $3.6 trillion; within that, metals & mining nearly tripled its debt; oil & gas nearly quadrupled it in seven years. The result is that whereas in 2010, those companies in total had more annual operating income than debt (debt was equal to about 10 months of earnings), now their debt is equal to 8.3 years worth of current earnings. On top of that huge leverage is another $1.5 trillion in securitizationlargely added by British and Hong Kong banks in the huge "carry trade" into China on the back of Chinas vast production and use of commodities for industrial development and $40 trillion nominal value of commodity derivatives and credit derivatives on commodity companies. Commodity prices have fallen to a 25-year low and have now stayed there for a full year. This debt is not being serviced; 47% of it has been downgraded one or more times by S&P in the past year. Default rates on commodity debt are already in the range of 15% of the total. A Bank of America analysis (not mentioned by Langner) states that "corporate balance sheets are the most unhealthy they have ever been (all-time high leverage in HG [high-grade, or investment gradeed.] and HY [high-yield, or junked.)." And what about Wall Street balance sheets? Langner estimates that "investors," including shadow-bank funds of all kinds and pension funds, hold $2.1 trillion of this basic commodity debt; banks hold $1.5 trillion of the debt and are exposed to the vast majority of the derivatives. He concludes by estimating that $1.5 trillion in basic commodity debt is only 1.5% of the trans-Atlantic and Japanese banks total assetsbut subprime mortgage instruments were less than 1% of their assets in 2008. PRESS RELEASE Russia Seizes Upper Hand in Syria as U.S. Flounders in Syria, Says Stars & Stripes Feb. 19, 2016 (EIRNS)Stars and Stripes, the military daily, today provides further evidence of Russias competence in its objectives in Syria and the strategy which it has adopted to achieve the objectives. In an article entitled, "Russia Seizes Upper Hand in Syria as US Flounders in Syria," author John Vandiver writes, "Unity between air and ground forces and a clear objective have enabled the Russians to turn the tide of the Syrian civil war, reverse the fortunes of their longtime ally President Bashar Assad and leave the already muddled American strategy in Syria in tatters." "Putin has seized control of events and established himselfand not President Barack Obamaas the indispensable power broker in Syria.... [U]nlike the U.S., which failed at attempts to develop enough reliable local forces, Russia has been able to coordinate its air campaign with effective partners on the ground the Syrian army and its Iranian allies." Stars and Stripes further reports: "Those tactical advantages are now on full display around Aleppo in northwestern Syria, whose fall to the regime could deliver a decisive blow to the five-year rebellion, carving out an expanding swath for Assad in Syrias west." Vandiver also slaps down all the commentators who "widely predicted in the West" that Putin would "find himself stuck in a Mideast quagmire." Its Obama who is stuck. In the LaRouchePAC Friday night webcast, Jeffrey Steinberg reported on a discussion today with Lyndon LaRouche about the Syria situation. "Putin has a very clear sense, Mr. LaRouche emphasized, of the military correlations in this situation and also a very clear sense that Turkey and Saudi Arabia acting on their own irrationality," Steinberg said. And he is luring them into the kind of trap that could be basically enclosed on them on any moment." Its a gravely dangerous situation, Steinberg added, PRESS RELEASE Biden Says He Was For It After He Was Against It: Glass-Steagall Feb. 21. 2016 (EIRNS)In an interview with the Washington Post and Politico aboard Air Force Two last Friday, Feb. 19, Vice President Joe Biden let it slip that he is now for what he previously was against: Glass-Steagall. The Post headed reporter Jim Tankersleys article, In interview, Biden suggests Obamas Supreme Court pick shouldnt be too liberal. Then, midway through the piece, he writes, Biden, who passed on a presidential run of his own late last year, said he continues to speak with both [Hillary] Clinton and Sanders, and that he is not picking a favorite in the race. He embraced several themes that Sanders, in particular, has seized upon, lamenting the growth of economic inequality and the influence of money in politics. Echoing Sanders and many other liberal Democrats, he said he would like to reinstate Glass-Steagall, a longstanding banking regulation that Biden voted to repeal in the 1990s. He noted that a single-payer health care system, which Sanders proposes, was the Presidents position initially. It was Hillarys. Elsewhere Tankersley reports, Is Sen. Marco Rubio the candidate who lived? A memo equating Rubio with Harry Potter -- and Donald Trump with evil Lord Voldemort -- was sent to donors by a super PAC supporting Rubios presidential candidacy, Politico reports. The group, Conservative Solutions PAC, sent the message the day after Rubios second-place finish in the South Carolina primary. Rubio, who is a Republican senator from Florida, narrowly beat Sen. Ted Cruz, but lost badly to Republican front-runner Trump. See more of our top stories on Facebook >> Advertisement In Harry Potter lore, Voldemort, the Dark Lord, had a secret to his strength. His secret was his horcruxes, the fundraising memo read. As each horcrux was destroyed, Voldemort became increasingly vulnerable, not increasingly strong. When all of the horcruxes were gone, Voldemort lost his one-on-one battle with Harry Potter. In the Harry Potter books, horcruxes are objects that contain a part of an evil wizards soul. The wizard cant die unless all of his horcruxes are destroyed. Like Voldemorts horcruxes, the large candidate field shields Trump from harm, the memo went on to explain. At each step of the primary process, Trump is losing his shields, and that is making him more vulnerable. The horcruxes, in this analogy, would be Republican contenders who have dropped out -- first New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and, after the South Carolina primary, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. The memo didnt go so far as to put Rubio in owl-eyed glasses and a boy-wizard uniform, but the Wall Street Journal writes that the super PAC made a clear implication. Extending this analogy puts Marco Rubio in the role of Harry Potter, they noted, probably needlessly. Despite the somewhat tortured metaphor, the super PAC insisted they werent comparing Trump to Lord Voldemort: Note: we are not calling Donald Trump evil. This is an analogy, not a direct comparison. Others have been more than willing to compare Trump to Voldemort, however, including J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books. Actually, Rowling took the comparison several steps further. In December, she tweeted a link to a BBC article suggesting the real estate magnate and the evil wizard had more than a few things in common. How horrible, Rowling commented. Voldemort was nowhere near as bad. The super PACs memo has brought out the inner nerd in several political observers. In Vox, journalist Libby Nelson said the message was a poor analogy for the presidential race. While its true Rubio needs to defeat Kasich, Sen. Ted Cruz, and Dr. Ben Carson whom the email accused of being horcruxes to get the nomination, it is extremely unlikely that Trump has actually embedded pieces of his soul in their bodies, Nelson wrote. The good news for Rubio is that horcruxes lodged in living creatures can be destroyed by killing the host, she explained further, so hed merely have to murder his rivals instead of seeking out a basilisk or the sword of Gryffindor and destroying the horcruxes all before Trumps lead in the delegate count becomes bulletproof. The next Republican nomination contest is Tuesday in Nevada. Polls show Lord Voldemort leading Harry Potter there by at least 20 points. ALSO Harper Lee was my David Bowie: How Mockingbird changed one writers life What do poets Kevin Young, Lucia Perillo and Allen Ginsberg have in common? In the age of Google Maps, why walk the 4,000 mile Nile River? Levison Woods book explains *FEEBATES* As discussed at the post An Effective and Comprehensive Climate Plan, feebates are the best way to combat climate change. Particularly effective ... 9 years ago The well failure at Southern California Gas Co.'s huge Aliso Canyon storage facility is evoking the worst of energy fears: snuffed-out pilot lights, rolling blackouts and a system too unreliable for the modern age. Now that the utility has plugged the leak that began Oct. 23, fouling the air with natural gas and methane, attention has turned to the future of the gas storage field, which is the largest in California and ranks fifth nationwide. On Monday, the Senate energy committee will hear a bill by Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) to extend a moratorium on injecting gas into Aliso Canyon, ordered by Gov. Jerry Brown, until Southern California Gas completes safety measures that ensure that the community wont be subjected to future gas leaks. Advertisement By Pavleys account, two-thirds of Porter Ranch residents near the storage facility favor closing the operation for good. But that suggestion has prompted a great deal of hand-wringing. The heads of the three major state energy agencies fired off a joint letter to the governor raising concerns about system reliability. An in-depth study is underway with a report due back by April on the effect of the loss of gas storage at Aliso Canyon. Questions abound about whether permanent closure of the Aliso Canyon facility would destabilize the Los Angeles-area energy supply. The last thing Southern California Gas needs, quite frankly, is for a second well to leak or crack, Pavley said. At the same time, I realize it cant be done, she said of permanently closing Aliso Canyon. Troubles with the storage facility began long before anyone smelled or became sickened by spewing gas. They include: As many as 39 of the sites 115 wells were developed prior to 1954, and lawmakers say they need to be brought up to modern standards. A lack of connections between the Southern California Gas system and those of the states other gas utilities such as Pacific Gas & Electric Co., which operates a large field in Northern California. Reliance on Aliso Canyon to supply 60% of the gas used by Southern California Gas 5.6 million residential customers, 215,000 commercial and industrial users, and 52 electric power plants. The whole L.A. area is dependent on one natural gas facility, said Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), during a news conference last week. Thats why I cant say shut it down. Even injecting gas into Aliso Canyons other wells depleted by the leak and to reduce pressure in the field isnt a foregone conclusion without assurances that the facility is safe. I would say theyve got a very heavy burden of proof, Sherman said. Southern California Gas is lobbying hard to ensure that the storage facility doesnt permanently close. The utility says it is committed to taking actions to prevent another leak. Theres a lot at stake for the utility. Join the conversation on Facebook >> Gas storage is part of Southern California Gas long-term strategy to capitalize on the need to stockpile excess electricity generated by solar and wind power. The entire energy industry and states across the country California in particular are seeking economical ways of capturing the power generated by these renewable sources. Dennis Arriola, president and chief executive of Southern California Gas, told the Los Angeles Times editorial board last summer that the company was investigating the conversion of solar and wind-generated electricity into a gas that could be injected into existing storage facilities. The technique, in use in Germany, employs electricity either to transform water into clean-burning hydrogen gas or to combine hydrogen with carbon dioxide to produce methane gas. Shutting down Aliso Canyon could end that potential revenue stream. Of more immediate concern is supplying customers when they need it most. About a quarter of the natural gas that the utility delivers goes to fuel power plants. The commercial and industrial sector taps a quarter. And residential customers consume another 25%, with the rest used by wholesale customers, refineries and natural gas vehicle stations. The natural gas still held in Aliso Canyon is expected to last about a year, unless unusual weather patterns force more use of heating and cooling systems that drive up electricity and gas demands. Without Aliso Canyon, said Stephanie Donovan, a Southern California Gas spokeswoman, gas supplies needed to meet Southern Californians demand would have to come from other sources, including other storage fields. Depending upon the nature of the demand, however, those sources could be too far from the Los Angeles Basin to meet peak demand. Just two of Californias 12 natural gas storage facilities come close to Aliso Canyons capacity. Pacific Gas & Electric operates the McDonald Island facility in San Joaquin County, about 325 miles north of Aliso Canyon. McDonald Island has a working capacity that is about 5% less than that of Aliso Canyon. And Wild Goose Storage runs the Wild Goose Gas storage facility in Butte County, about 450 miles north of Aliso Canyon, with a capacity that is about 14% smaller. But Southern California Gas isnt able to readily draw from those fields because there are no pipeline interconnections. Aliso Canyon is a natural, underground rock formation that created a unique opportunity for holding natural gas until needed. Its enormous size made it the focal point of Southern California Gas storage operations. Donovan said Aliso Canyon and other storage facilities help keep fuel costs lower for customers. During high-demand times in the summer and winter, Southern California Gas can tap its storage facility rather than purchasing gas from outside suppliers at premium prices. Robert Weisenmiller, chairman of the California Energy Commission, said his agency, the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Independent System Operator are studying the effect of the potential loss of storage at Aliso Canyon on the reliability of the energy system. We have concerns, Weisenmiller said. Meeting demand in the L.A. area with any loss of storage at Aliso Canyon during summer and winter is going to be difficult. One of Weisenmillers concerns is that if there is a widespread natural gas outage, the utility will have to relight pilot lights at each house as PG&E did in the Discovery Bay area of Contra Costa County after a late-December outage. They literally were going house to house relighting the pilot lights, Weisenmiller said. Its not pretty. The U.S. Energy Information Administration issued a brief statement of concern Feb. 1 about the implications for energy system reliability in the region from any loss of storage at Aliso Canyon. The agency, part of the U.S. Energy Department, is reviewing the issue, noting: It is not yet clear how much storage capacity will be available at the Aliso Canyon facility, and in what time frame. Those who advocate closing the storage facility argue that the four-month leak shows material weakness at Aliso Canyon that poses serious concern to human health and safety. Its not a question of what will happen if we close Aliso, its what will happen if we keep it open, said Michael Aguirre, a San Diego lawyer who has fought power and gas utilities over management of their operations and lack of public disclosure. Aliso is a bright, flashing red light signal of the danger of our addiction to carbon-based electricity. Sherman and Pavley say part of the answer might be to phase out some of the wells, such as the ones that are more than 50 years old. Those older wells, Sherman said, make up just 14% of the capacity at Aliso Canyon. The two lawmakers want, at a minimum, improvements to ensure the safety of the wells before Southern California Gas starts pumping gas back into the wells. They would like wells sealed to protect against leaks; infrared cameras installed so residents can see whats going on inside the storage units; shut-off valves added to serve as a stop-gap measure if something goes wrong. Who pays for the improvements? Californians already are footing the bills for other utility mishaps. For example, the failed steam generator replacement at the San Onofre nuclear plant is costing Southern California Edison ratepayers more than $3 billion. And there are increasing costs for improvements to the electric grid to help with the ongoing transition to clean energy from the sun and wind. Sherman said he believes shareholders of Sempra Energy, the parent company of Southern California Gas, should pay for costs created by the leak. And he said utilities must be prevented from relying so heavily on a few huge facilities, as Southern California Gas did with Aliso Canyon. Too big to fail, Sherman said, is too big to exist. ivan.penn@latimes.com Twitter: @ivanlpenn Interested in the stories shaping California? Sign up for the free Essential California newsletter >> ALSO Southern California Gas Co. opposes legislation to require new tests of all Aliso Canyon wells Porter Ranch gas leak permanently capped, officials say L.A. County Supervisor Antonovich calls for air-quality spot checks in Porter Ranch area The struggle between Apple Inc. and federal officials over unlocking an iPhone used by one of the shooters in the San Bernardino terror attack is a legal battle, but for Apple, its also a battle to stay in its customers good graces. The tech giants latest move on that front is a question-and-answer page on its website laying out its objections to a federal judges order issued last week that requires the company to help unlock the phone. On the page, Apple says that it is possible to create the new operating system demanded in the court order, but that it would be dangerous to do so. Advertisement The Cupertino, Calif., company said this requested software would remove security features to make it easier for the government to unlock the phone through brute force, meaning officials could quickly try thousands of passcodes. It would be wrong to intentionally weaken our products with a government-ordered backdoor, Apple said on the site. If we lose control of our data, we put both our privacy and our safety at risk. Apple also objected to the court order because, it said, the order could set a legal precedent that could expand the governments powers and possibly lead to requests for software that would enable officials to do other things, such as record conversations or track a users location. But this kind of precedent would take years -- and many court decisions -- to establish, said Jim Dempsey, executive director of the UC Berkeley Center for Law and Technology. The government is being a little disingenuous in arguing its just about this one case, he said. I think Apple is being a little disingenuous in arguing the resolution in this particular case will decide the issues forever in all future cases. He said Apple would be free to argue for different outcomes in other cases before other courts if the issue moved through the appellate court system. In a motion filed Friday seeking to compel Apple to comply with the judges order, federal prosecutors said they were not asking for a master key for all Apple phones, but rather software to unlock this particular phone. It said the company could keep the software and destroy it after it was used. On the question-and-answer page, Apple said that if it created the software that the government is demanding, it would be relentlessly attacked by hackers and cybercriminals hoping to steal it. The only way to guarantee that such a powerful tool isnt abused and doesnt fall into the wrong hands is to never create it, the company said. The company also said law enforcement agents nationwide have already said they have hundreds of iPhones they will want Apple to unlock if the FBI wins this case. Apple said it has not unlocked iPhones for law enforcement agents in the past. The company has, however, followed court orders to extract data from devices running operating systems older than iOS 8, but Apple said it is not able to use that process with more recent operating systems. Apple also pushed back on accusations from federal prosecutors that its refusal was based on its concern for its business model and public brand marketing strategy. Absolutely not, the company said. We feel strongly that if we were to do what the government has asked of us -- to create a backdoor to our products -- not only is it unlawful, but it puts the vast majority of good and law abiding citizens, who rely on iPhone to protect their most personal and important data, at risk. For more business news, follow @smasunaga. Southern California Gas Co. is pressing to defeat state legislation to require new testing of all wells at its closed Aliso Canyon gas storage field before operations can restart at the field. The gas company has argued for months that it could restart operations without testing all 115 active injection wells. A bill pending in the state Assembly would require those tests and other steps before operations are restarted. Public files show the company told regulators in December that 73 wells were safe to resume gas injections into the underground reservoir. The statement came two months before the utility plugged a methane leak that had set back state efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and forced about 5,300 households in the Porter Ranch area to relocate. Advertisement There was no mention in the files how the company determined those wells were safe. The list included nine wells drilled in 1945 or earlier, including three that have records of underground leak repairs. In January, the gas company sought a permit for major reworking of one of those wells. In February, it sought a permit to rework a second of those safe wells. Four other wells in Aliso Canyon have also required major work since October. Permits show those include a newer well, drilled in 1978, even though the primary focus by the company and regulators has been on the condition of much older wells. Gas company records show that a test on that well in September found temperature changes sometimes indicative of a leak. In an interview earlier this week, company executives were unsure of what work was being done on the seven wells. California requires permits only for permanent changes to a wells outer structure, suggesting the work is major. State oil and gas regulators ordered the utility in December to stop injections because of the massive leak, which began in October. Gov. Jerry Brown repeated the dictate in an executive order in January. On Wednesday, the state Division of Oil Gas & Geothermal Resources released recommendations it received from experts calling for extensive testing of all wells before operations resume. The agency has not yet acted on the recommendations and gas company executives this week said they were not certain if they would challenge such rules. The pending legislation, authored by Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), also would require extensive testing but it would go further, making the process public and requiring agreement by multiple regulatory agencies before operations are allowed to resume. Pavley said concurrence by other agencies is vital. Residents should ask themselves whether they believe regulations from the Division of Oil Gas & Geothermal Resources or a statute would provide the most certainty. Her concern is that once the leak is stopped, we would quickly go back to business as usual, Pavley said. Southern California Gas said it has taken no formal position on the bill. Ill tell you we will be supportive of any new regulation that comes out from the legislative side or it comes out from the regulatory side, Chief Executive Dennis Arriola said in an interview Thursday. However, records and interviews show the company has actively recruited others to oppose the bill, which has been approved by the Senate and faces a critical hearing in the Assembly on Monday. Those surrogates argue that if Aliso Canyon is not put back into use soon, the utility will be unable to provide sufficient natural gas this summer to gas-fired electric power plants. They also say the inability to buy and inject gas when it is cheapest during the summer may mean price hikes next winter. Their arguments include warnings of brownouts. Seniors need to be able to cook and heat their homes now and face the summer knowing they will have a dependable supply of electricity... said a letter opposing the bill filed by Congress of California Seniors President Hank Lacayo. Phone calls to the seniors organization were not returned. Annual reports show Southern California Gas parent Sempra Energy is a financial backer of the Sacramento-based organization and the gas company is a major sponsor of a business institute named after Lacayo. His letter followed a form-letter template circulated by Southern California Gas, as did others lodged in opposition to Pavleys bill. Interested in the stories shaping California? Sign up for the free Essential California newsletter >> Brad Jensen, public policy director for the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, a business development agency, said that without Aliso Canyons fields in use, I dont think there is enough storage capacity for the gas company to fuel power plants during peak demand periods. Jensen said he was asked by the gas company to oppose Pavleys bill. The utility has a representative on the development agencys board of directors. Though the state Public Utilities Commission and other agencies raised concern about such shortages last month, no official reports say Southern California Gas cannot meet energy demands in the Los Angeles Basin without Aliso Canyon. The U.S. Energy Information Administration is doing that research, staff at the federal agency said, but a draft report is not available. Monthly reports on underground gas storage in California collected by the federal energy administration show the gas company has more storage capacity beyond what it uses to supply core customers. The utility sells a third of its storage space in Aliso Canyon and three smaller fields to non-core customers, including market traders, according to documents made public. The amount of gas stored in Aliso Canyon that had been sold to that secondary market was blacked out. paige.stjohn@latimes.com Times staff writer Alice Walton contributed to this report. ALSO Apartment teetering on the edge of a ocean cliff is demolished Coronageddon has begun: 91 Freeway closed in Corona for 55 hours California couple pleads guilty to smuggling 911 sea turtle eggs from Mexico Designed by architect Wallace Neff, this Spanish Colonial Revival home in Pasadena features beamed ceilings, ornate fireplaces and vibrant landscaping with hundreds of citrus trees. The house sits on 2.15 acres of fully fenced grounds and was originally built for Caltech scientist Clark Millikan, son of Nobel Prize winner Robert Millikan. Location: 1500 Normandy Drive, Pasadena, 91103 Asking price: $5.95 million Year built: 1932 Architect: Wallace Neff House size: 9,008 square feet, six bedrooms, seven bathrooms Lot size: 93,851 square feet Features: Hardwood and tiled floors, outdoor fireplace, beamed ceilings, wine cellar, loggia, gym room, guest house by the pool, remodeled kitchen with white marble counter tops and adjoining family room with private veranda and fireplace. Advertisement About the area: In January, 11 single-family homes were sold in the 91103 ZIP code area at a median price of $515,000, according to CoreLogic. That was a 10.4% decrease from January 2015. Agents: Aason Alms, Partners Trust Real Estate, (626) 399-4696. To submit a candidate for Home of the Day, send high-resolution color photos via Dropbox.com, permission from the photographer to publish the images and a description of the house to neal.leitereg@latimes.com. We all know Leonardo DiCaprio is going to win an Oscar for the great suffering he endured to survive The Revenant. (Have you heard? It was hard making this movie!) And wed be shocked if we didnt see Brie Larson (Room), Sylvester Stallone (Creed) and Alejandro G. Inarritu (yes, again, for The Revenant) on stage, thanking their colleagues/agents/makers for their awards. Voters like them. They really, really like them. But to win your Oscar pool this year, youre going to have to burrow a bit deeper (theres no getting around the short films, sorry) and correctly guess among The Big Short, Spotlight and The Revenant for best picture. Well have a full slate of predictions up later this week. In the meantime, heres a cheat sheet on the eight categories that will make or break your Oscar pool. Advertisement PICTURE The journalism drama Spotlight grabbed critics attention at Telluride and Toronto film festivals and went on to win several critics groups prizes in December. Then The Big Short took the Producers Guild honor in January, a big deal because the PGA uses the same preferential voting system as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Then Spotlight won the Screen Actors Guild Awards cast prize and, shortly afterward, The Revenant took top honors with the Directors Guild and the British film academy. This splintered set of prizes has created a scenario in which you can make a justified case for any of the three movies. The fledgling production company Open Road Films has spent heavily on its Spotlight campaign, hoping to win its first best picture Oscar. The well-crafted film has prompted the Catholic Church to take a meaningful look at the issue of clerical sexual abuse. For voters who like to reward movies that make a difference, Spotlight provides that opportunity. The Revenant would seem to have momentum on its side, an elusive concept to be sure, but one that seems to have an impact on the psychology behind voting. Its the movie winning the prizes at the time when academy members were voting. And people like to vote for the winner. Researchers call it the bandwagon effect. We like to use it as a way of partially explaining why a movie like The Kings Speech somehow prevails for best picture. The Big Short, like Spotlight, is an issue-oriented movie and because its sickening look at Wall Street shenanigans dovetails with many of the populist issues being raised (mostly by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders) on the presidential campaign trail, it feels provocative and relevant. Its a jolting call to be vigilant and not allow the 2008 financial apocalypse to happen again. Its also, of this trio, probably the most entertaining movie, though Paramount has been careful to avoid the C word (thats comedy ... what were you thinking?) in its marketing, fearing voters regard it as too lightweight. The X factor here is the academys preferential voting system, which asks voters to rank the movies in order. This year, there are eight best picture nominees. Ballots will be sorted into stacks based on voters first choice. PricewaterhouseCoopers accountants will then eliminate the movies, one by one, that have the fewest No. 1 votes, redistributing those ballots to the remaining movies based on second-place and, sometimes, third-place rankings. (The accountants could look even deeper, depending on the ballots order and the movies still in the running.) The process ends when one movie has 50% plus one of the total votes. Why does this matter so much? Because the preferential system rewards consensus choices, movies that show up consistently in the first, second and third spots on voters ballots. The Revenant is a movie passionately loved by some as, in the words of filmmaker Rod Lurie, ultra cinema, and dismissed by others as a revenge movie with pretensions of art. It figures to show up high and low on academy members rankings. We wonder, though, if it has enough of those second- and third-place votes needed to win the Oscar. Thats why were going with The Big Short. That and weve been calling it for Adam McKays movie before it won the PGA. It seems silly to change now based on underwhelming evidence. The Revenant is probably the safer pick. Enough academy members seem to be willing to reward Inarritus audacious efforts just a year after giving him three Oscars for Birdman. But well stick with the underdog. FILM EDITING The two leading contenders are Margaret Sixels Herculean effort on husband George Millers Mad Max: Fury Road and Hank Corwins lightning-like work on The Big Short. Both won honors from the American Cinema Editors last month. Give the slight edge to Mad Max, though if Corwin wins, it will be a clear signal of strength for The Big Shorts best picture chances. COSTUME DESIGN With nods for Carol and Cinderella, Sandy Powell now has a dozen nominations to go along with her three Oscars. Shell probably win a fourth this year. Unless voters really want to give Carol something (an inclination that, sadly, were doubting), shell be fitted for a glass slipper for her sparkling work on Cinderella. Potential upset: Oscar-winner Jenny Beavan, who took the British film academys costume award for Mad Max. SOUND EDITING AND SOUND MIXING The two sound categories are obviously related, but, more often than not, the Oscars split. Sound editors find and put together everything you hear in a movie; sound mixers determine how an audience hears the assembled work. The mixing award often goes to music-themed movies. (Whiplash and Les Miserables were recent winners.) The editing Oscar tends to reward whiz-bang, bullet-heavy movies. Its possible that Mad Max: Fury Road wins both these Oscars, but we like The Revenant, which won the sound mixing award Sunday with the Cinema Audio Society, to take the mixing Oscar. Mad Max should win editing. VISUAL EFFECTS Its possible Star Wars: The Force Awakens takes this Oscar for sheer volume alone. But best picture nominees typically dont lose in this category to movies that werent likewise nominated. Thats why we like Mad Max: Fury Road. ANIMATED SHORT There are three strong possibilities here: Pixars affecting Sanjays Super Team, the emotionally devastating Chilean short Bear Story and Don Hertzfeldts wildly inventive World of Tomorrow. Were giving the Hindu heroes of Sanjays Super Team the slight edge, believing voters will want to reward diversity where they can find it this year. DOCUMENTARY SHORT All five nominees are deserving, but its hard to pick against the high-profile Body Team 12, which tells the story of the Ebola crisis through the eyes of a female Red Cross worker. Its a well-made, eye-opening movie. Beyond that, the filmmakers embedded with an Ebola team. That action alone is going to win a few votes. LIVE ACTION SHORT Ave Maria, a geopolitical satire about a group of nuns helping Israeli travelers, should receive some votes, as will the gently comic Stutterer. But were going with Shok, a tale of friendship between two Albanian boys during the Kosovo war. Its ending lands a punch to the gut that leaves a lasting impression. glenn.whipp@latimes.com @glennwhipp As Downton Abbey nears the end of the road, let us pause to remember one thing: No matter how bad things might be in our own lives, at least Lady Mary is not our sister. The series penultimate episode is packed with enough drama for an entire season, making up for what has otherwise been a rather uneventful final run. All the big moments we look for from Downton Abbey are here: A surprise inheritance, an engagement, a breakup, another engagement, a shocking death and a shocking near-death, a wedding. There are also parasols and scenic walks through tall grass and some truly stunning fashion. Best of all, there is absolutely no discussion of hospitals! Hurray! Anchoring it all is a cataclysmic confrontation between Lady Mary, whos never been more petty or cruel, and Poor Old Edith, who finally finds herself on the brink of happiness after enduring more misery than a Lars von Trier heroine. Advertisement When Berties boss and distant cousin unexpectedly dies of malaria in Tangiers, Bertie suddenly becomes the new Marquess of Hexham. (Hes the Cousin Matthew of Brancaster, malaria the Titanic) and Lady Edith, who couldnt make her dolls do what she wanted, as Lord Grantham so kindly puts it, is about to be a very rich lady with a very big house and a very fancy title to match. Except for Mary, who looks like someone put castor oil in her tea, the Crawleys can barely contain their glee at the news. Golly gumdrops, what a turnup! says a giddy Lord Grantham, momentarily forgetting that, you know, someone just died. The exuberance is a tad premature, because there is the not-insignificant matter of Marigold that must be resolved. Both Rosamund and Cora, to their credit, insist that Edith should come clean before accepting Berties proposal. But, Edith being Edith, she cant quite bring herself to do it. Instead, she says cryptic things such as my life is not that simple as a look of barely sublimated panic spreads across her face -- and viewers everywhere scream JUST TELL HIM! at the television. (Nobody registers anxiety quite as effectively as Laura Carmichael, do they?) Meanwhile, Branson, who seems to have replaced his commitment to liberal politics with a curiously strong investment in Marys love life, conspires to bring Henry Talbot back to Downton Abbey. The plan backfires spectacularly. When Henry shows up unannounced, claiming he was doing various car things nearby, Mary gets miffed, and the tension explodes in a fight that plays like a gender-reversed scene out of Pride & Prejudice. My birth is respectable, so it cant be that, which forces me to believe it is my lack of money and position that present the problem, says Henry, the Elizabeth Bennet in this scenario. Arent you better than that? Mary doesnt take kindly to being accused of gold-digging, and angrily storms off. But shes even unhappier the next morning, when she turns up at breakfast and discovers that Henry has gone. Mary being Mary, she decides to lob a metaphorical grenade at Edith by accidentally revealing the truth about Marigold. Just like that, a brokenhearted Bertie calls off the engagement and heads off to Tangiers -- though, with a two-hour special yet to go, its probably safe to assume hell return. Mary has done some despicable things over the years, including other acts of romantic sabotage, but this is easily the worst. Its perfectly understandable when she confronts her nasty, jealous, scheming bully of a sister using a five-letter word heretofore applied only to Isis the dog. Credit goes to Julian Fellowes for pushing Mary, this shows de facto protagonist, into uncharted emotional territory this late in the series, and for testing the limits of viewer sympathy more than ever. In a terrific scene with the Dowager, whos summoned back from France to intervene in the family crisis, Mary is initially full of bluster but eventually admits to what we all knew all along: She doesnt really care about Henrys lack of status and is actually just terrified of becoming a crash widow for the second time. You are the only woman I know who likes to think herself cold and selfish and grand, says Violet. I believe in rules and tradition and playing our part. But theres something else: I believe in love. In suspiciously expedient fashion, Henry is summoned back to Downton, Mary confesses her love and they get married. Theres a brief pause for Mary to visit Matthews grave -- cue the waterworks -- but otherwise its a change of course so abrupt and so complete as to induce whiplash, and its especially sudden given that Mary doesnt even bother explaining to Henry the real reason for her monstrous behavior. But never mind all that because: wedding!! This episode is nothing if not a showcase for the women of Downton, particularly Carmichael and Michelle Dockery, who share another terrific scene just as Mary prepares to head down the aisle. Even though Mary has ruined her life (for at least the second time), Edith somehow manages to be the bigger person. In the end youre my sister, and one day only we will remember Sybil or Mama or Papa or Matthew or Michael, she says, by way of explaining her presence on Marys wedding day, until at last our shared memories will mean more than our mutual dislike. The episode sets up a nice if unexpected parallel between Mary and Thomas, two characters whose frosty demeanor masks a deep-seated vulnerability and who find themselves in crisis. Thomas, rejected from his umpteenth job application, slits his wrists in a desperate, cry-for-help suicide attempt. In an act of unusual kindness, Mary brings Master George for a visit. Ive done and said things, I dont know why, says Thomas, reflecting on his isolation. I cant stop myself. Its strange. I could say the same, Mary replies. Mercifully, Carson and Lord Grantham decide not to let Thomas go -- at least not right away. Things are going better for Barrows peers, Molesley and Mrs. Patmore, though both face some adversity along the way. Mrs. Patmores brand new B&B is in danger of becoming known as a house of ill repute when its revealed that an adulterous couple stayed there for the night. The folks upstairs catch wind of her troubles and decide to generate some positive press by paying a visit for tea. Of course, Carson -- whos really become insufferable lately -- objects to the Crawleys involvement in this tawdry local brouhaha, despite the fact that, as Mrs. Hughes points out, plenty of scandalous behavior has taken place at Downton Abbey over the years. Thankfully, Lord and Lady Grantham ignore his protests, and the photo op goes off without a hitch. For Mr. Molesley, the major obstacle is a room full of poorly behaved schoolchildren who -- surprise, surprise -- are most definitely not interested in spending an entire term studying the decades of history leading up to the Glorious Revolution of 1688. That is, until Molesley heeds Baxters advice and tells his charges that he works in service, thereby earning street cred with the working-class youngsters. You must never think education is just for the toffs, he says. Psst, Julian Fellowes, wheres our Molesley spinoff? Follow @MeredithBlake on Twitter MORE: Downton Abbey recap: How the other half lives The Walking Dead recap: Brief lull disrupted by mysterious stranger In Better Call Saul, Breaking Bads creators have another success on their hands The bruising political fight over housing construction in Los Angeles just got way more complicated. For months, labor unions and business groups have been working together to defeat a ballot proposal, known as the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative, thats been billed as a crackdown on real estate overdevelopment. They have tried to present a unified front, arguing the proposal would bring housing production to a sudden halt. But that alliance came under serious strain last week, after union leaders revealed they had, without the support of business groups, submitted a competing measure for the Nov. 8 ballot, one that puts new hiring and affordable housing requirements on real estate projects. Advertisement MORE: Get our best stories in your Facebook feed >> Business leaders, some of them caught by surprise by the new proposal, said it too is a threat to the development of new homes. The labor initiative is just going to kill small and mid-sized apartment projects in the city of Los Angeles. Theyre just not going to get built, said Stuart Waldman, president of the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn. How labor and business get along in coming months could have major implications for the city, which is grappling with steadily rising rents and growing homelessness. The Neighborhood Integrity Initiative, still in the signature-gathering stage, calls for a two-year moratorium on major development projects that require changes to planning and zoning rules. Backers of the proposal, including the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, say it will provide relief to Angelenos who are seeing rent-controlled apartment buildings razed and replaced by luxury housing developments. Fighting that measure is a coalition of unions, business groups, affordable housing advocates and other organizations. But the business leaders now face a potentially awkward task: work with labor leaders to stop one L.A. housing measure while simultaneously combating them on a second housing measure in the same election. It puts business in a tough spot because labor is probably the most important ally in fighting the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative, said real estate developer Mott Smith. But if you are pro-housing production you probably have to oppose this [union measure] too, which would alienate labor. Waldman and other foes of the AIDS Healthcare measure dismissed the idea that their coalition, which has been meeting privately for weeks, is in any way fractured as a result of the union ballot proposal. Everybody understands the extreme threat that the anti-housing initiative poses to the citys economy, affordable housing and housing for middle-class families, said Mike Shimpock, a spokesman for the coalitions campaign. And thats going to override any ideological or political differences people might have. Those assurances have not entirely silenced the frustration. Carol Schatz, who heads the downtown Central City Assn., said her group belongs to the coalition fighting the AIDS Healthcare measure. Nevertheless, labor officials in that coalition never told the Central City Assn. they were working on a separate ballot proposal, she said. Its outrageous, Schatz added. The behind-the-scenes machinations come in the midst of a real estate boom that is bringing high-rise residential projects to downtown, Hollywood, Koreatown and other neighborhoods. Backers of both the union measure and the AIDS Healthcare proposal say the burst of construction activity is producing a negligible amount of affordable housing. Nevertheless, supporters of the AIDS Healthcare measure reject the notion that their proposal will cause housing construction to stop in the city. They contend their measure would affect only a small percentage of the citys real estate projects those that need changes to existing planning and zoning laws. The Neighborhood Integrity Initiative says no more rezoning piece by piece, no more overnight millionaires because [developers] cut a deal with the City Council to put a huge building on a tiny lot, said Jill Stewart, spokeswoman for the Coalition to Preserve L.A., which formed to promote the measure. The union measure, backed by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, also targets real estate projects that need changes to planning and zoning rules, such as those that regulate a buildings height. But under the union proposal, developers of those projects would, in many cases, need to pay for affordable housing and ensure that a percentage of their construction workers live in Los Angeles and are economically disadvantaged. Supporters of the union measure, formally known as the Campaign for a Better L.A., say they remain committed to stopping the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative. At the same time, they made clear they had done little to sell their own housing measure to members of the business community. Instead, organizers obtained support from anti-poverty advocates, construction trade unions and the Southern California Assn. of Non-Profit Housing, a group that represents nonprofit developers. For us, the most important business group is the folks who on a daily basis build the affordable housing for the low-income amongst us, said Kokayi Kwa Jitahidi, the labor federations director of policy. Business leaders were not kept entirely out of the loop. Two days before the union measure was submitted to the city clerk, the labor federation sent its final draft to the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. The proposal was also discussed at a Feb. 11 meeting called by City Council President Herb Wesson for business and housing leaders to discuss the November election. During that meeting, union leaders offered a broad brush strokes outline of their ballot proposal, said Wesson spokeswoman Vanessa Rodriguez. Wesson has not taken a position yet on the measure because it has not qualified for the ballot, she said. Both proposals will need 61,486 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot, according to city officials. City Hall lobbyist Jerry Neuman, an opponent of the AIDS Healthcare measure, said he wished that business leaders had been given an opportunity to shape the union proposal. Nevertheless, he said he is prepared to keep working with labor officials in fighting the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative. I think we have aligned interests, he said. david.zahniser@latimes.com Twitter: @davidzahniser ALSO A tax hike that no one could quibble about The Aliso Canyon gas leak has been plugged; now what? Only one of Californias pot legalization initiatives has the green that counts She spread her sneakers the width of her shoulders as she struggled to take a step just inches from the security of her walker. Her fingers wrapped around the kitchen sink to hold on tight. Two stabilizing rods protruding from her hips slowed her down, and she winced as she dipped into squats like an ungainly ballerina. Julie Swann-Paez, a mother to three children, doesnt dwell on the day that led her here. Her dreams dont take her to the room where it happened. Advertisement That room was the conference room at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, where the 50-year-old Swann-Paez found herself curled on the floor, hugging her knees as bullets tore through the air and into bodies. Someone walked up behind her and fired a bullet through her pelvis, shattering it into pieces. Blood and urine soaked her pants. She felt around for wounds and tried hard not to sink out of consciousness. Three minutes later, Swann-Paez was shot in the pelvis once more. Julie Swann-Paez, left, shot twice in the pelvis during the terror attack in San Bernardino, does physical therapy at her home. Im honestly just not used to being cooped up, she says. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) See the most-read stories this hour >> She thought of her children and her husband and sent them a text: Love you guys. Was shot. Two months after 14 people were killed and 22 wounded in the worst terrorist attack in the United States since 9/11, Swann-Paez has endured four hours of surgery and a month in a hospital and rehab. She spends her days practicing walking and building strength in her core. The furniture decorating her home now doubles as exercise equipment. She works her way back to the living room, where her physical therapist watches from the doorway, warning her not to overdo it. Her arms find the bar top in front of her and she braces against the counter, lowering into a push-up position while teetering on her toes. My son says, Well, you need to strengthen your core, Mom, Swann-Paez says. And I say, Well, you know, theres a little problem in the abdominal area here. She laughs and looks down at the rods tugging at her pajama pants. :: After a light breakfast potluck of muffins and doughnuts, the San Bernardino County health department employees gathered at the Inland Regional Center on Dec. 2 took a break. It was around 11 a.m. Some headed toward the bathrooms. That would be a stroke of luck. Swann-Paez and a few of her co-workers decided to grab their cameras and take pictures in front of the Christmas tree. As they struck their first pose, Swann-Paez heard a loud noise near the back door. Thats when I saw him come in and I got down, she said. I thought, This couldnt be. I thought it was a drill. Julie Swann-Paez folds a handmade blanket someone sent her after she was shot twice at the Inland Regional Center on Dec. 2. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) The shooter who walked into the conference room had the build of a man, Swann-Paez said. Authorities identified Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, as the perpetrators of the attack. Swann-Paez knew Farook in a casual way, but the gunman was covered in black from head to toe and wearing a mask, she said. Whoever was shooting didnt say a word. It wasnt until Swann-Paezs son, Nick Paez, visited her in the hospital later that day that she learned who was behind the attack. They think its your co-worker, Nick Paez told his mother. That doesnt make sense, she replied. They were congratulating him for having a baby. She spent those first days after the shooting connected to a morphine drip. One of the bullets had ruptured her bladder. For about a week she couldnt drink water. On a Sunday night, she was handed her first cup after being shot. She clutched it, cool to her face. She was so happy, Paez, 26, said. She looked like she was going to Disneyland, the smile she had on her face. :: See more of our top stories on Facebook >> Im honestly just not used to being cooped up, Swan-Paez says, adjusting herself on the recliner on a recent afternoon. I am used to being on the go.... Now Im stuck. Cant move, cant get out of bed, cant lay on your side. And you know its very isolating. Swann-Paez had been the family manager, handling household errands and making sure everyone else was doing fine. Before, she used to struggle with accepting help even from her husband, Jesus. But after she was shot, she had to rely on him as the easiest of tasks rolling over, walking down the hall became grueling challenges. She takes Tylenol to endure the pain; a muscle relaxant to sleep through the night. In her first weeks at home, Jesus Paez lifted her legs onto their bed when it was time to turn in for the night. In rehab, he helped her bathe and get to the bathroom. He still picks things up off the floor and ties her shoes because she has difficulty bending down. The shooting didnt make Swann-Paez a fearful person. She says she struggles with finding the best way to express her gratitude for being alive. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) She hates inconveniencing her family. Thats my struggle, she says. What she wont do, Swann-Paez says, is let her mind linger too long on the day of the mass killing. With each session of physical therapy, she hopes to get closer to the dream she will allow to invade her mind time and again: a sand-filled summer playing on the beach and walking next to her 11-year-old daughter, Ellie. Swann-Paez said she struggles with finding the best way to express her gratitude for being alive with her husband and children. She wonders how she can thank all the people, including those she never met, who sent her get-well cards and quilted her blankets. The shooting didnt make her a fearful or more cautious person. It showed her the good, Swann-Paez says. She falls silent to keep from crying, then gives in. Its the only thing that brings her to tears: gratitude. That weighs heavily on me, she says. I cant figure out how to tell people how thankful I am. This is the hardest part of recovery, she says much harder than dealing with the shooting itself. sarah.parvini@latimes.com Twitter: @sarahparvini MORE ON SAN BERNARDINO FBI searches home of San Bernardino terror gunmans brother Apple CEO says helping FBI hack into terrorists iPhone would be too dangerous After San Bernardino shooting, one doctor seeks ways to turn the golden hour of treatment into minutes Los Angeles and Orange County authorities are investigating a series of officer-involved shootings over the weekend that resulted in three deaths. One incident occurred about 4:30 p.m. Saturday in Anaheim when officers fatally shot a gunman after he shot and wounded another man and fired at a police helicopter involved in his pursuit. Officers fired at the gunman after he refused orders to drop his weapon, said Anaheim Police Sgt. Daron Wyatt. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, he said. Advertisement NEWSLETTER: Get essential California headlines delivered daily >> The next shooting occurred in Los Angeles County about 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Sheriffs deputies were following three men in a car as they sped through residential streets in Paramount and came to a stop in a driveway. The deputies opened fire after the driver put the car in reverse and hit a deputy. The driver was shot in the leg, and he and the two passengers were arrested after he rammed the car into another vehicle while trying to escape, said Deputy Lisa Jansen, a spokeswoman for the Sheriffs Department. One of the passengers pointed a weapon at the deputies as they approached on foot, but investigators have not found the weapon, Jansen said. The deputy who was struck by the car was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released from the hospital Saturday night. The driver is expected to survive his shooting injury, Jansen said. In Inglewood early Sunday, police shot two people during a confrontation, authorities said. The incident began when officers got a call about a suspicious vehicle stopped near Manchester Boulevard and Inglewood Avenue about 3:10 a.m., said Scott Collins, a spokesman for the Inglewood Police Department. The officers noticed the woman in the car had a gun and ordered her and a male occupant to exit the vehicle, Collins said. Officers then took cover and opened fire, hitting both people. The woman was pronounced dead shortly after the shooting, and the man succumbed to his injuries after paramedics took him to a hospital. No police officers were injured. Collins would not say whether the pair had refused to exit the vehicle or whether the woman had shot at or pointed the gun at police officers. In San Pedro, an off-duty LAPD officer exchanged gunfire with a suspect after a drive-by shooting, which left one man dead early Saturday, authorities said. The officer was driving his personal vehicle near 12th and Gaffey streets about 2:15 a.m. when he witnessed the drive-by shooting, said Los Angeles Police Department Officer Mike Lopez. The officer followed the suspects sport utility vehicle, which stopped about a mile away, at which point the suspect fired at the officer, Lopez said. The officer returned fire, Lopez said, but the SUV sped west on Santa Cruz Street. Several rounds hit the officers vehicle, but he was not injured, Lopez said. It was not clear whether the officers gunfire struck the suspect. Police had no further description of the suspect, who remains at large. frank.shyong@latimes.com Times staff writers Kate Mather and Stephen Ceasar contributed to this report. ALSO Man stabbed to death in Silver Lake area in possible road rage incident Murder, torture, drugs: Cartel kingpins wife says thats not the El Chapo she knows Autumn Johnson, the Compton girl who was shot and killed in her crib, is laid to rest Before the Saturday morning service, mourners slowly made their way up to the small lavender casket inside Judson Baptist Church in Carson. There lay 1-year-old Autumn Johnson in a purple ruffled dress, white shoes and a pearl necklace. As tearful men and women walked away, some shook their heads in disbelief. Autumn was killed Feb. 9 when a bullet struck her as she lay in her crib at her familys home in Compton that had been targeted by gunmen. The assailants remain at large. Advertisement A woman held onto the childs casket and cried, Why did she go? The childs father, Darrell Johnson, lifted up the purple lace and touched his daughter one last time. Before the casket was closed, a pink teddy bear was placed inside. Then the service began. Autumn was a beautiful child, her grandfather Jeffery Wandick told the crowd. I just hope this starts something and is not just the end of a life. It doesnt need to happen to anyone else. Throughout the service, Autumn was remembered as a gregarious child who had just begun to walk. She loved food, family said, and liked greeting people with, Hey! In a slide show, she was shown wearing purple cat ears. A photo of her birthday cake yellow with pink frosting flashed across the screen. Then there was a video of Autumn on a table, playing with a bottle, and Autumn in her fathers arms, waving. Even the dancers hired to perform were crying. One ran from the room. Politicians including the Compton City Council and Rep. Janice Hahn (D-San Pedro) also attended. Autumns life mattered, Hahn said through tears. She said her heart broke into a million pieces when she saw Autumn in the casket. For anything we didnt do, we apologize, she said. Darrell and Blanche, I just want you to know ... my heart is broken. The childs mother, Blanche Wandick, who was preparing a bottle for her daughter when Autumn was shot, stood at the podium, Johnson by her side, and said the baby changed her life. The first time I held her, she smiled at me, she said. She shared memories of their time together. I miss my baby, she said. Its just so hard. I feel like my life is over. I wish it would have been me instead of her. She was my future, my firstborn. Hicks told mourners that the childs short life had so much purpose. She said her nephew, Johnson, has been criticized by the public, but said hes a good man and father. Authorities said Johnson is a gang member who could have been the target, but are still investigating the motive. Youre a good father, and dont let anyone take that away from you, she said. Read the latest Essential California newsletter >> Outside, Jeffery Wandick reiterated that Autumn cannot be a prop. Theres too much of this going on, he said. Those that can be saved need to be saved right now. For his family, he said, getting to this point, has been a struggle. The healing process starts now, he said. Moments later, the casket was placed inside a black hearse. Blanche Wandick leaned in and gave her baby a goodbye kiss. nicole.santacruz@latimes.com @nicolesantacruz ALSO Inglewood police shoot two suspects, killing one, during confrontation Chula vista police search for man who set his girlfriends house on fire Man stabbed to death in Silver Lake area in possible road rage incident All lanes of the 91 Freeway in Corona, which is closed this week for major construction work, will reopen Monday at 4 a.m. as scheduled, transportation officials said. The progress of our crews has been phenomenal, Anne Mayer, executive director of the Riverside County Transportation Commission, said in a statement Sunday. All of our efforts are on schedule or ahead of schedule, thanks to the hard-working crews and to the people who followed our advice to steer clear of the area. NEWSLETTER: Get essential California headlines delivered daily >> Advertisement The six-mile stretch of freeway between Interstate 15 and California 71 was shut down at 9 p.m. Friday so road crews could begin demoliton and repaving work. Once the roadway reopens Monday, the lane configuration will have changed, so commuters are urged to be cautious through these new areas, said Eliza Echevarria Perez, public affairs manager for the Riverside County Transportation Commission. Crews this weekend have been working to tear down the western half of the Maple Street Bridge that extends over the freeway. By Sunday morning, they had completed 90% of the demolition and removed above 2,000 tons of concrete. Once the overpass section is demolished, workers will install support beams over the westbound lanes of the 91 so construction can proceed on a new Maple Street flyover. Crews are also repaving a section of eastbound 91 near Interstate 15. Mayer said she was pleased to see that drivers Saturday were steering clear of the region and traffic was flowing in the closure area. She asked motorists to be mindful on Sunday as well. Today, we need motorists to do the same, she said in a statement. We do not want motorists to be complacent and think, Oh, traffic wasnt bad yesterday, so lets head toward Corona. This is exactly what we dont want to happen. Officials said the best detours are the 57 or 60 freeways as well as the 10, 210, 215 and 605. Commuters can also take the Metrolink commuter train -- those who buy one ticket can get another free over the weekend. The construction work is part of the 91 project, which calls for new lanes, toll lanes, auxiliary lanes and connectors from the northbound I-15 to the westbound 91 and from the eastbound 91 to the southbound 15. Follow @RosannaXia for more Southern California news. ALSO More Oscars road closures start in Hollywood Deputies shoot motorist during confrontation in Paramount Man stabbed to death in Silver Lake area in possible road rage incident The public battle between Apple and the FBI over a court order requiring the tech giant to unlock the San Bernardino gunmans iPhone continued to heat up Monday. Tim Cook sent a letter to Apple employees saying: The case is about much more than a single phone or a single investigation. At stake is the data security of hundreds of millions of law-abiding people, and setting a dangerous precedent that threatens everyones civil liberties. Meanwhile, FBI Director James Comey said in a statement Sunday that the scale of the San Bernardino attacks, which left 14 people dead and 22 people injured, warranted the pursuit of all leads, including reviewing Syed Rizwan Farooks iPhone 5c. Advertisement I hope folks will take a deep breath and stop saying the world is ending, but instead use that breath to talk to each other, Comey said. We simply want the chance, with a search warrant, to try to guess the terrorists passcode without the phone essentially self-destructing and without it taking a decade to guess correctly. Thats it, Comey said. We dont want to break anyones encryption or set a master key loose on the land. Comeys statement served as a rejoinder to comments made earlier in the day by Apple attorney Ted Olson, who predicted the FBIs request would unleash Pandoras box and compromise the privacy of millions of Apple customers. Theres no limit to what the government could require Apple to do if it succeeds this way, Olson told host George Stephanopoulos on ABCs This Week. But Apple has to draw the line at re-creating code, changing its iPhone, putting its engineers and creative talents to destroy the iPhone as it exists, Olson said. Cooks employee memo was obtained by several news organizations, including the Verge and BuzzFeed. Apple also issued a Q&A to its customers. The order would set a legal precedent that would expand the powers of the government and we simply dont know where that would lead us. Should the government be allowed to order us to create other capabilities for surveillance purposes, such as recording conversations or location tracking? This would set a very dangerous precedent, the Q&A said. The FBI has been investigating the Dec. 2 attack by Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, who stormed into the Inland Regional Center and gunned down his coworkers from the San Bernardino County Public Health Department. Investigators believe Farooks smartphone, issued to him by the county, may contain critical communications around the time of the shooting. The FBI has a warrant to search the iPhone, but Apples encryption technology erases the phones data after 10 failed attempts to break the passcode. After the San Bernardino shooting, Apple provided the FBI with data from Farooks work iPhone that he had backed up remotely. But he did not save to iCloud from Oct. 19 to the date of the attack, leaving about seven weeks of potential messages, texts and photos for investigators to review. Maybe the phone holds the clue to finding more terrorists. Maybe it doesnt, Comey said Sunday. But we cant look the survivors in the eye, or ourselves in the mirror, if we dont follow this lead. Last week, U.S. Magistrate Judge Sheri Pym of Riverside ordered Apple to aid the FBI in unlocking the phone. Hours later, Apple CEO Cook released an open letter to Apple customers saying that it would resist the judges order. Cook said the federal government has asked the company to build a backdoor to the iPhone, a request that it considers too dangerous to create. FULL COVERAGE: Apples fight with the FBI >> The government suggests this tool could only be used once, on one phone. But thats simply not true, Cook wrote. Once created, the technique could be used over and over again, on any number of devices. In the physical world, it would be the equivalent of a master key, capable of opening hundreds of millions of locks -- from restaurants and banks to stores and homes. No reasonable person would find that acceptable. The U.S. attorneys office responded by filing a motion to compel Apples compliance with the judges order. The government said it was not asking for a master key to Apples phones but for software that opened this particular iPhone. Once created, the government said, Apple could keep the software and destroy it after the phone was unlocked. In his statement Sunday, Comey said the debate over Farooks phone showed how awesome new technology ... creates a serious tension between two values we all treasure -- privacy and safety. Urging the public to recall the innocent Americans who were victimized, he said it was not up to corporations, nor the FBI, to reconcile those two priorities. It should be resolved by the American people deciding how we want to govern ourselves in a world we have never seen before, Comey said. Meanwhile, several victims of the attack will file a legal brief in support of the governments attempts to push Apple to unlock the iPhone. Stephen Larson, who is representing the victims, said he was approached by the U.S. attorney and asked if he would consider assisting the victims and representing their interests in a brief. Larson said the victims have a compelling interest in the outcome of this issue. The law enforcement interest is in terms of their criminal investigation and potential prosecution. The victims interest goes beyond that, goes beyond just a prosecution or criminal investigation. It goes to the bigger questions: How [could this] have happened? Why were these victims targeted? Is there any continued issue or concern ... and part of it is trying to bring some kind of closure to this whole process. Any information that can shed light on why this happened and what information was being discussed about these victims by the terrorists, that helps bring some degree of closure. Larson would not comment on how many victims he is representing. He said he will file an amicus brief by early March. Los Angeles Times staff writers Christopher Goffard in Los Angeles and Brian Bennett in Washington contributed to this report. Twitter: @matthjourno and @LATChrisGoffard Join the conversation on Facebook >> MORE ON APPLE VS. FBI: Apple vs. FBI: Battle over unlocking phone gets nastier Apple and feds reveal San Bernardino shooters iCloud password was reset hours after attack Justice Department questions Apples motives in refusing to help FBI A 45-year-old hiker died Saturday after falling about 1,500 feet down a mountainside from a trail near Mt. Baldy, authorities said. During the weekend, at least two others were injured after sliding several hundred feet down the mountainside from nearby trails. Shortly after 2 p.m. on Saturday, a helicopter rescue crew from the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department arrived at Mt. Harwood, just east of Mt. Baldy. Advertisement The man, a resident of San Diego, was hiking on the north-facing side of Mt. Harwood near the Devils Backbone trail when he fell about 1,500 feet down a very narrow, steep ice chute, said sheriffs Cpl. Mike Ells, who was in the helicopter for the rescue. NEWSLETTER: Get essential California headlines delivered daily >> To reach the hiker, the sheriffs helicopter had to maneuver a narrow canyon in which the helicopter blades were about 10 feet from the mountainside, Ells said. A rescue medic was lowered 70 feet to the man, who was hiking with two others, all of whom were wearing crampons, Ells said. Crampons are metal spikes that attach to boots and provide traction for icy, treacherous trails. The man had major injuries and was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he was pronounced dead. His name was not released pending notification of his family, according to a statement from the San Bernardino County coroners office. The Sheriffs Department said in a statement that it is investigating the hikers death. Earlier Saturday, a man hiking near the Cucamonga Trail and Icehouse Saddle slid head-first about 900 feet down the mountainside. At some point, he hit a tree and was knocked unconscious, Ells said. The man had been wearing snow chains on his boots, which provide moderate traction for winter conditions. The man was rescued via helicopter and was taken to a hospital in serious but stable condition, Ells said. On Sunday about 3 p.m., a woman fell about 300 feet near the Icehouse Canyon and Cucamonga Trail, Ells said. Her fall was stopped when she hit a clump of pine trees. She was rescued at an elevation of 7,200 feet and was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, including scrapes and burns, Ells said. She had been wearing chains on her boots. Earlier this month, a pair of deaths and a slew of rescues prompted officials at Angeles National Forest to shut down several trails. On Feb. 2, 23-year-old Daniel Nguyen slipped and fell 1,500 feet to his death after struggling to help a friend on the Devils Backbone trail. The Sheriffs Department said it took nearly three hours in ice, snow and wind to retrieve his body. On Feb. 6, Dong Xing Liu, 47, slipped and fell of the side of Icehouse Saddle and died of his injuries. His wife, who had been hiking with him, also fell but survived with major injuries to her lower body, sheriffs officials said. For breaking news in California, follow @MattHjourno. ALSO Apple attorney: FBI order could destroy the iPhone as it exists 3 people were killed in police shootings in L.A. and Orange counties this weekend Autumn Johnson, the Compton girl who was shot and killed in her crib, is laid to rest The Supreme Court resumed hearing arguments Monday for the first time since Justice Antonin Scalias unexpected death and immediately plunged into a heated dispute over police powers that underscored how the remaining eight justices might find themselves increasingly deadlocked this term. As they considered whether to give police more leeway to stop and question people in high-crime neighborhoods, the justices appeared split along familiar ideological lines, raising the possibility of what some predict could be several 4-4 votes without Scalia. Before arguments began, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. opened the session with a tribute to Scalia, whose seat was draped with black cloth. The conservative justice was found dead at a Texas resort Feb. 13. Advertisement We remember his incisive intellect, his agile wit and his captivating prose, Roberts said. But we cannot forget his irrepressible spirit. He was our man for all seasons, and we shall miss him beyond measure. NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj >> Once arguments got underway, the justices -- now evenly split between Republican and Democratic appointees -- voiced starkly different views on the case. At issue is whether to relax the so-called exclusionary rule and permit the use of evidence that was found after an officer had illegally stopped a pedestrian or motorist. Justice Sonia Sotomayor said the nation was in danger of becoming a police state if officers can stop every person on the corner, ask for identification, check for warrants and then search them if one is found. But the chief justice said he saw no problem with an officer asking for identification from a man seen leaving a suspected drug house and checking to see if he had an outstanding arrest warrant. While the case heard Monday centered around events in Salt Lake City, much of the argument focused on Ferguson, Mo., which exploded into unrest in 2014 after a white police officer shot and killed an unarmed black man. Subsequent investigations into the practices of the Ferguson Police Department found that more than two-thirds of the citys residents had outstanding warrants, mostly for unpaid parking tickets and minor fines. Justice Elena Kagan said she was surprised beyond measure at how many people have outstanding warrants in many of the nations cities. It would dramatically change the incentives for police if they were told they could stop people for questioning and check for a warrant and then search and arrest anyone who had a warrant on file. The case heard Monday began when a police officer in south Salt Lake City was watching a house where illegal drug sales were suspected, based on an anonymous tip. After some time, he saw Edward Strieff exit the house and walk toward a convenience store. The officer stopped him in a parking lot. See more of our top stories on Facebook >> The officer asked for Strieffs identification, and after making a call, learned that Strieff had an outstanding warrant for a minor traffic fine. The officer then searched Strieff, found methamphetamine in his pocket and arrested him. A Utah judge refused to suppress the evidence because the officers search was triggered by the news of the outstanding warrant. But the Utah Supreme Court threw out the case against Strieff on the grounds the officer had no legal basis for stopping him in the first instance. The liberal justices said they would be troubled by a ruling that encouraged the police to stop people routinely, hoping they might have an outstanding warrant that would justify searching them or their cars. The conservative justices said only a tiny percentage of people in most communities have outstanding warrants, so police would not be inclined to make stops for that reason in most of the nation. The justices will meet behind closed doors to vote on the case of Utah vs. Strieff. If a majority can agree on an outcome, they will begin writing an opinion. If not, the Utah Supreme Court ruling could be affirmed on an equally divided vote. On Twitter: @DavidGSavage ALSO A fast growing club: Countries that use drones for killing by remote control Only one of Californias pot legalization initiatives has the green that counts Passenger: I warned Uber of erratic driver before Kalamazoo killings began An Uber driver accused of killing six people in a shooting rampage in Michigan gave rides the same day to several passengers who warned the company about him, including one who called 911 over his driving, company officials said Monday. Uber officials did not disclose the nature of the complaints they received Saturday about Jason Brian Dalton, 45, of Kalamazoo, who was charged with murder Monday in a series of random shootings on the same day he apparently drove several Uber customers. One passenger, who took a ride from Dalton about an hour before the first shooting, told local media that he called 911 and contacted Uber after Dalton ran through stop signs and drove through medians and lawns. Advertisement Uber representatives declined to clarify whether the company had allowed Dalton to keep driving after receiving several alerts about him, citing the ongoing law enforcement investigation. Though the transportation company has a policy of immediately suspending drivers accused of violence, Ubers chief security officer, Joe Sullivan, said the firm preferred to first contact the driver and investigate complaints about bad driving, because not all of those complaints turn out to be 100% fair or accurate. 1 / 6 Flowers lie near a makeshift memorial outside a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Kalamazoo, Mich. According to police, a man drove around Kalamazoo fatally shooting several people at multiple locations on Saturday, including the parking lot of the restaurant. Authorities identified the shooter as Jason Dalton. (Andraya Croft / Associated Press) 2 / 6 Members of the community pray before the start of the Kalamazoo Community Prayer Service at Centerpoint Church on in Kalamazoo, Mich. A gunman who seemed to choose his victims at random opened fire Saturday outside an apartment complex, a car dealership and a restaurant in Michigan, killing six people in a rampage that lasted nearly seven hours. (Andraya Croft / Associated Press) 3 / 6 A member of the community prays before the start of the Kalamazoo Community Prayer Service at Centerpoint Church in Kalamazoo. (Andraya Croft / Associated Press) 4 / 6 A rose is placed in the door at the Kia Dealship where a gunman went on a shooting rampage in Kalamazoo, Mich. (Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images) 5 / 6 A general view of the Cracker Barrel where a gunman went on a shooting rampage in Kalamazoo, Mich. (Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images) 6 / 6 A vehicle driven by a suspect in multiple shootings sits at at Ransom and Porter streets in downtown Kalamazoo, Mich., after the driver was arrested in Kalamazoo. (Ed Finnerty / Associated Press) In the United States, 911 is the panic button when serious incidents occur, Sullivan said. Dalton sat expressionless Monday as he was arraigned via video in a Kalamazoo County courtroom packed with television cameras, which had gathered to broadcast the news of yet another American mass shooting. The violence in Kalamazoo did not last a few bloody minutes, as it had in the San Bernardino or Newtown, Conn., mass shootings, but came in waves over five hours. No motive has been given. Investigators counted three crime scenes in Kalamazoo County: an apartment complex, a car dealership and a Cracker Barrel parking lot. Six people were killed and two injured. Officials suspect Dalton of acting alone. In court, Dalton showed little emotion as Kalamazoo County District Judge Christopher T. Haenicke took several minutes to read through the 16 criminal charges filed, which included counts of murder, assault and weapons violations. After detectives told Dalton he had the right to remain silent, Dalton ultimately told detectives under Miranda that he took peoples lives on 2/20/2016, Kalamazoo Public Safety Det. Cory Ghiringhelli testified in court, the Kalamazoo Gazette reported. Jason Brian Daltons home in Cooper Township, Mich. (Andraya Croft / Associated Press) Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeffrey Getting said investigators were still checking whether Dalton legally owned the handgun officials say he used in the shootings, the newspaper reported. Dalton took a deep breath when the judge announced that the charges included the attempted murder of a 14-year-old girl. Dalton said yes when the judge asked whether he understood the charges. When Haenicke asked whether Dalton would like to talk about his connections to Kalamazoo, the suspect responded, I would prefer just to remain silent. Haenicke ordered Dalton held without bail. Officials say the attacks began at 5:42 p.m. Saturday at the Meadows apartment complex on the eastern end of Kalamazoo County, where Dalton is accused of shooting a woman multiple times. Officials said she was severely injured but was expected to survive. The next shooting happened at 10:08 p.m., when, officials say, Dalton fatally shot a father and son at a Kia car dealership. At 10:24 p.m., officials say, Dalton shot and killed four women in a Cracker Barrel restaurant parking lot and seriously injured a 14-year-old girl. Dalton was arrested after a sheriffs deputy saw his car leaving a bar in downtown Kalamazoo, and he was pulled over without incident, officials said. Officials found a gun during the arrest, they said. About an hour before the first shooting, Dalton had been acting strangely and driving dangerously, one passenger said. Dalton picked up Matt Mellen for an Uber ride about 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and Dalton had a dog in his back seat and introduced himself as Me-Me and not Jason, Mellen told WWMT-TV. After Dalton took a telephone call about a mile from Mellens house, Dalton started driving really erratically, Mellen said. We were running stop signs, kind of driving through medians, driving through the lawn, speeding along and then, finally, once he came to a stop, I jumped out of the car and ran away, Mellen told the television station. He wouldnt stop. He just kind of kept looking at me, Well, dont you want to get a ride to your friends house? and I was like, Well, yeah, but I want to get there alive, you know, Mellen said. Mellen said he contacted police and Uber to get this guy off the road, calling the trip a pretty scary ordeal. Dalton signed up for Uber on Jan. 25 and had given more than 100 rides, receiving a generally positive rating of 4.73 out of 5 before the day of the shootings, Sullivan, the chief security officer at Uber, said in a conference call with reporters Monday. Officials said Dalton passed a background check and did not appear to have a criminal record. Sullivan said that with 3 million rides a day, the company gets a number of reports on a daily basis regarding incidents both large and small. Those reports are monitored by a support staff that works 24/7. On the same conference call, Uber safety advisory board member Margaret Richardson called the focus on Uber a distraction given the availability of guns to people who shouldnt have such easy access to them. Daltons family, in an unsigned statement released through a Kalamazoo attorneys office, expressed shock and disbelief at the shootings and said they were devastated and saddened for the victims. This type of violence has no place in our society, and we express our love and support for everyone involved, the statement said. We intend to cooperate in every way that we can to help determine why and how this occurred. Daltons next court appearance is scheduled for March 3. matt.pearce@latimes.com Twitter: @MattDPearce See more of our top stories on Facebook >> ALSO Kalamazoo shooting: Heres how Uber does its background checks Hiltzik: After Kalamazoo, shouldnt Uber stop opposing background checks? Passenger: I warned Uber of erratic driver before Kalamazoo killings began As the rambunctious race for the Republican presidential nomination transforms into a more nationally oriented contest, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz are battling not only for political dominance but also much-needed campaign cash to take on front-runner Donald Trump and blitz the airwaves to reach voters in a bevy of states. The campaigns turn to Nevada briefly for its caucuses this week, but one week later looms Super Tuesday, when Republican voters in a dozen states will make their choices. Cruz has the advantage of more than twice as much cash as Rubio, but he also faces greater pressure to make gains in those mostly Southern states, especially on his home turf of Texas, with his conservative and religious message. Rubio was catapulted forward not only by his second-place finish behind Trump in South Carolina, but also by the anticipation that high-dollar donors will flip to him after former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush exited the race following a poor showing. Rubio aides spent Sunday aggressively scooping up funders loyal to Bush, who now see the youthful-looking Latino as the GOPs best hope to coalesce behind a candidate to take on Trump. Advertisement I started getting phone calls from people within my group of donors saying, Where do we go now? Well go where you go, said Bobbie Kilberg, an influential GOP donor from Virginia who had been along with her husband, Bill, finance co-chairs for Bush. The couple decided Sunday morning that they would join Rubios campaign. He has the best and perhaps the only chance now of coalescing the mainstream part of the party and hopefully winning the nomination and being the one person who I think can take on Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton, she said. See more of our top stories on Facebook >> The money race is crucial to keep the campaigns competitive with Trump, the celebrity billionaire who has dominated the Republican contest mostly on his own dime, with a big assist from free media attention, deeply concerning GOP officials that he is on an unstoppable march to the partys nomination. Wealthy donors, though, are showing some reluctance to pile more money into a fluctuating field that still has five candidates, especially after Bush supporters ferried $118 million to a super PAC backing him with little to show for the investment. The Bush campaign itself raised an additional $31 million. In Nevada, the states most sought-after funder, casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, is not yet jumping in. And the industrialist Koch brothers network of well-financed groups is also remaining on the sidelines. The question a lot of donors are asking is, Wheres the accountability? said one Republican strategist not aligned with any campaign who would discuss donors concerns only on condition of anonymity. I think donors feel a little burned. Campaigns can burn up as much as half a million dollars a day in the 10 days between now and March 1, when the big collection of states up for grabs will offer a sizable number of delegates and perhaps the momentum that would come from a strong showing in the South. Cruzs grass-roots army of small-dollar donors has consistently funneled more money to the Texas senators campaign than any other GOP candidates donors. He has $19 million in cash on hand, his spokeswoman said. But Cruz faces more pressure to chalk up wins in the Southern states after a disappointing showing in South Carolina, when evangelicals flocked to Trump. The Texan fell 1,000 votes behind Rubio for a third-place finish. His conservative religious and tea-party-inspired message has the best chance to resonate with voters in the South, especially in his delegate-rich home state of Texas. Kellyanne Conway, who runs one of the large super PACs supporting Cruz, is ready with new ads against Rubio including on his absenteeism from the Senate after having spent $9 million so far to pump up Cruz and attack his rivals. Also promising fresh warfare is a Rubio-backed super PAC, Conservative Solutions, coming out with a multi-state, multimillion-dollar advertising effort beginning Tuesday, spokesman Jeff Sadosky said in a memo. Hopes are lower for Rubio in the South, where he is expected to do best in the suburban and white-collar professional exurbs outside Atlanta and in northern Virginia, giving him time to replenish his war chest before his next big must-shine challenge in his home state of Florida on March 15. Bushs departure should open doors for Rubio, even though the two campaigns were engaged in a fierce rivalry. And he needs the money, having just $5 million cash on hand, and operating on a shoestring budget in the last months as big money flowed to Bush. My phone was blowing up last night and this morning with Jeb Bush supporters coming over, said Nick Iarossi, a fundraiser for Rubio. All of the Jeb supporters [have] Marco as their second choice. Others, though, are skeptical that frustrated Bush backers, particularly those who gave big checks to a pro-Bush super PAC, will easily do the same for Rubio. Rubio has scheduled a fundraising swing to California in mid-March, a person close to the states donors said. Bush had some very loyal donors, said Cruz campaign manager Jeff Roe, who called it kind of fools money to assume wealthy donors will easily give again. Although Bushs departure dramatically narrowed the Republican field by removing a substantial candidate, the race remains crowded. Ohio Gov. John Kasich barely competed in South Carolina, pushing instead on to states in the Midwest and Northeast more hospitable to his more moderate brand of conservatism. Ben Carson, the neurosurgeon who finished last in South Carolina, is pressing forward to the other Southern states, where he enjoys a following from conservative religious voters. Those candidates may not have the cash to seriously compete, but they probably have enough to stay afloat and that draws votes that could help coalesce the GOP behind a candidate who could directly confront Trump. Trump, meanwhile, has few money woes as the real estate and casino magnate is largely self-financing his presidential bid without deep reliance on the donor dollars the other candidates need to pay staff and gas up their planes. Twitter: @LATSeema and @lisamascaro ALSO How Jeb Bush went from favorite to also ran in eight humiliating months Analysis: Democrats move left, Republicans move right, middle ground disappears Why neither Hillary Clinton nor Bernie Sanders can claim a win in the Latino vote in Nevada Donald Trump pounds Ted Cruz as Nevada vote nears On the eve of the Nevada caucuses, Donald Trump blasted Republican presidential rival Ted Cruz on Monday night while describing his other chief opponent Marco Rubio as a nice guy. This guy is sick, Trump said of the Texas senator after accusing Cruz of being a chronic liar. Theres something wrong with this guy. At a raucous rally of about 5,000 supporters at a casino resort on the south end of Las Vegas, the Manhattan billionaire was by turns bellicose and playful. Build that wall! the crowd chanted as soon as he walked onstage. Were going to build the wall, and whos going to pay for that wall? Trump asked. Mexico! the crowd shouted. Were not kidding, Trump said of his proposed $8-billion border wall. Were not going to be the dummies any more, folks. Were going to be the smart ones. Trump later confessed that he enjoyed watching himself on television and loved a recent Time magazine photograph showing the back of his head while he was speaking to a big crowd. I had my hair combed so perfectly, he said. It was so good. I dont know if they did a touch-up, but I liked it. On a more belligerent note, Trump drew cheers when he said waterboarding did not go far enough for interrogation of terrorist suspects. And when police ejected a protester, Trump said that in the old days he would have been carried out on a stretcher. Id like to punch him in the face, Trump told the cheering crowd. In one of several broadsides against Cruz, Trump said he holds up the Bible and he lies, and then he holds up the Bible again and he lies. He said it was a thing of beauty when Rubio, a Florida senator, called Cruz a liar in the last GOP presidential debate. Cruz lost the evangelical vote in South Carolina, Trump said, because they dont like liars. Among other things, Trump took issue with Cruzs accusation that he opposed transferring the federal governments vast Nevada land holdings to private owners. Its not a subject I know anything about, Trump said. At a news conference Monday afternoon in Las Vegas, Cruz defended his integrity, saying both Trump and Rubio question his honesty only to distract attention from their history of deviating from conservative ideology. Whenever anyone brings up their record, Cruz said, they both follow the same pattern: They scream liar, liar, liar rather than discuss substance. To the editor: Kudos are due to the intrepid leaders of the California High Speed Rail Authority. Their timely relocation of the first operating segment of their bullet train now San Jose to Bakersfield and no longer Burbank to Fresno follows their unhappy collision with fiscal reality. (In a major shift, bullet train will start in Bay Area, not L.A., officials say, Feb. 18) Similarly, kudos are belatedly due to the intrepid stewards of the Titanic for the timely relocation of their wooden lounge chairs from the forecastle deck to the stern deck following their unhappy collision with an iceberg. Robert I. Schwartz, Thousand Oaks Advertisement .. To the editor: The Rail Passenger Assn. of California welcomes the decision of the High Speed Rail Authority to construct north from Bakersfield to link with an electrified Caltrain system at San Jose. At the same time, money will be spent on the long overdue modernization of Los Angeles Union Station, permitting through services between the north and south of the region. Coupled with the removal of the capacity-choking bottlenecks that prevent Metrolink and Surfliner trains from reaching their potential, in effect what will be created is two regional mobility systems that should tie together the planned and existing investments in subway and light rail lines to create better choices for citizens in the most populated areas of the state. In an ideal world, we would see simultaneous construction of the link between the San Fernando Valley and Bakersfield. This could be a private enterprise project put out to the industry for proposals, perhaps for a toll railroad or some other form of joint venture. Absent that, I have no doubt that Southern California politicians will find a way to fund the missing link once they see how the northerners enjoy the benefits of swift, electric-powered transportation. Paul Dyson, Burbank The writer is president of the Rail Passenger Assn. of California and Nevada. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Devout cannabis advocates and social justice reformers believe this may finally be the year that California voters legalize all marijuana, and that optimism has led to a mashup of proposed statewide ballot measures -- more than 20 filed so far. They vary from a one-sentence constitutional amendment that simply declares California adults are free to grow, own [and] purchase marijuana to a 62-page treatise on how to best regulate and tax legal pot. But just one has attracted the deep-pocketed donors and leading advocacy groups to emerge as the clear favorite to make the November ballot -- the so-called Adult Use of Marijuana Act. Advertisement Join the conversation on Facebook >> That was in no small part thanks to the backing of Napster co-founder and former Facebook President Sean Parker, who so far has donated $1 million of the $2.25 million raised by the campaign. The initiatives bankroll dwarfs the funds collected by rival marijuana initiative campaigns, and prompted a few to abandon efforts because they lacked the money to compete. Momentum behind the Parker-backed initiative was further strengthened by an endorsement from Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. The 2018 Democratic gubernatorial hopeful chaired a blue-ribbon commission to determine the best way to legalize recreational marijuana in California while still limiting childrens access, targeting illegal activity and regulating the drugs cultivation and sale. We stood down. Basically, he sucked all the funding oxygen out of the air, and we were left high and dry, Dale Gieringer, director of the state chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said of the Parker donations, tongue firmly in cheek. Still, these groups take it seriously. Id describe it as a hostile buyout by a billionaire ... so small growers are going to be in real trouble, Gieringer added. Gieringer was involved in a competing marijuana initiative sponsored by the California Coalition for Cannabis Policy Reform, also known as ReformCA. The group suspended its campaign in December after some of its board members opted to join with the Parker-backed initiative. Of the 20 separate ballot measures to legalize recreational marijuana or expand protections for medical marijuana users and suppliers, six already have failed to qualify, and supporters of another four have effectively abandoned their efforts. None yet have qualified for the ballot. Lynne Lyman, California director of the Drug Policy Alliance, said her organization held over 100 consultation meetings with local governments, law enforcement agencies, environmental leaders and the cannabis industry as it drafted a version of the legalization. It ultimately joined forces with Parker, who for years has been one of its generous financial supporters. It was rough-and-tumble politics -- 2015 was not easy for any of us, Lyman said. But in the end, what came out of that was the best initiative to have ever been drafted. The California chapter of the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People also abandoned its legalization measure. Alice Huffman, president of the civil rights organization, said after getting scooped by the Parker initiative she decided to join his effort, and negotiated for changes to address the NAACPs top priorities: to end the arrest of thousands of nonviolent cannabis users and to resentence those already convicted of marijuana crimes that would be reduced or rescinded under the initiative. Im not advocating for the use of marijuana. Im advocating for social justice, Huffman said. They gave us the five or six things we asked for. The Adult Use of Marijuana Act would allow Californians 21 and older to possess and use up to an ounce of marijuana, prohibit advertising targeting minors and would impose a 15% tax on retail sales of the drug. The cultivation, distribution and sale of recreational marijuana would be regulated by the state, and exporting marijuana out of California would be prohibited. We have the largest coalition thats ever supported a marijuana measure, probably in the country, said Jason Kinney, spokesman for the Adult Use of Marijuana Act campaign. We were determined that this measure would be the consensus measure on the ballot regarding regulating marijuana ... not everyone is going to get what they want. Along with the money from Parker, the political committee running the campaign for the measure has received $500,000 from Drug Policy Action, (backed by wealthy investor George Soros). The group also got $250,000 from New Approach PAC, formed by family members of the late billionaire insurance executive Peter Lewis of Progressive Corp., state campaign finance records show. Both groups championed legalization campaigns in other states, and Proposition 19, a 2010 pot legalization initiative that California voters rejected 53.5% to 46.5%. Californians for Sensible Reform, a political committee funded by Weedmaps Inc. in Orange County, also donated $500,000. Weedmaps, founded by Justin Hartfield, maps medical marijuana dispensaries on mobile devices. Hezekiah Allen of the California Growers Assn., which represents growers and other businesses in the cannabis industry, fears the interests influencing this vote could wipe out Californias small marijuana operations and lead to big marijuana companies akin to the nations powerful tobacco giants. We dont want there to be a Philip Morris of marijuana, he said. For a initiative to qualify for the November ballot, supporters must collect 365,880 petition signatures from registered voters. And competition this year is stiff: More than 60 statewide initiative campaigns have been authorized to circulate petitions. Well-funded campaigns have the edge, since they have the resources to pay $3 or more per signature to hire workers to stand outside stores and on street corners corralling bypassers. For those campaigns relying on volunteers to pass around petitions, the threshold can be daunting. Well see, said John Lee of Americans for Policy Reform, which has two initiatives depending solely on volunteers. Our measure, by far, has the most support from the cannabis community. We were grassroots from conception, he said."But theres no money except for the money going to the Sean Parker initiative. Lee muttered an expletive when asked if anyone from the Parker-backed initiative had asked for his support. They did nothing to reach out to the cannabis community, he said. In fact, people are talking about counter-campaigns to oppose it. California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana after voters approved Proposition 215 in 1996. Since then, Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska have legalized recreational use, to varying degrees. Recent opinion polls show Californians are warming to the idea of legalization. A 2015 poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California found 53% of Californians supported legalizing recreational use of the drug, a high since polling began. There used to be a lot less enthusiasm about legalization, said Berton Duzy of Simi Valley, statewide coordinator for one of the measures using volunteers and vying for the ballot, the California Cannabis Hemp Initiative. But were finally getting some traction. This is Duzys fourth effort since 2008. Other groups are trying to keep the recreational use of pot illegal and ban privately owned medical marijuana cultivation and dispensaries and replace them with government-run operations. The vast majority of people have no idea of the dangers of todays high-potency pot, said Roger Morgan, a Sacramento-area businessman supporting the initiative. If we lose, I feel that California and America are never going to be the same. Under California law, if two or more initiatives on the same issue qualify for the ballot, the one that receives the most votes trumps all others. Dale Sky Jones of ReformCA said fighting Parkers measure would have been costly and could have turned negative in a way that would hurt the overall effort. We stood down to avoid mutually-assured destruction, Jones said. At a certain point, the writing is on the wall. Why fight it? This is something we all want. phil.willon@latimes.com Follow @philwillon on Twitter for the latest news on California politics. ALSO That blockbuster California ballot will be a $452-million battle L.A. County supervisors move to halt commercial marijuana cultivation Gavin Newsom takes risk by seeking to legalize recreational pot use Im Christina Bellantoni, welcoming you to Monday with todays Essential Politics. Here we go! Donald Trump blocked out the sun. That quote came from an aide to Jeb Bush, disappointed as the former Florida governor ended his candidacy Saturday night in South Carolina. But it really could have come from anyone, as the winnowed field attempts to topple the clear GOP front-runner. (For what its worth, every Republican who has won both New Hampshire and South Carolina has gone on to be the nominee.) Advertisement Trumps victory and Bushs dramatic tumble from sure-thing to also-ran illustrate just how strange this campaign season has been. The pressure is on for Sen. Marco Rubio, who eked out a second-place finish by just about 1,000 votes more than Sen. Ted Cruz. Cathleen Decker sees the road ahead as having no middle ground thanks to both parties pulling to the left and right, while Michael Finnegan breaks down what Trump, Rubio and Cruz are betting on to win in Nevada. CLINTON GETS TO GIVE HER FIRST REAL VICTORY SPEECH After defeating Sen. Bernie Sanders in Nevada by five and a half points, thanks in part to strong support from women, Hillary Clinton surely was breathing a sigh of relief. But as Evan Halper reports, Clinton isnt out of the woods yet. Her campaign faces a problem it never thought it would: money. There are only so many people in Hollywood with $2,700 to give. Eventually you burn through them, one source told him. Thats perhaps one reason the former secretary of State struck a tone of brotherhood and pointedly said she and Sanders agree on many things in her fundraising ask Saturday. And its definitely why she spent Sunday attending fundraisers in the Bay Area and will be in Los Angeles today doing the same thing. Clinton will attend a Monday evening conversation with Hillary hosted by Mike Roberts and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe and co-hosted by Jonathan Beutler, Yih-Gwo Ching, Simon Pang and Yee Phong Thian. JUST GETTING STARTED Sanders made clear he views the contest as a long game, and his team is seeking volunteers to make calls for Super Tuesday. But consider another data point that goes far beyond the contests in March. Team Sanders already is organizing a rally in Los Angeles for May Day which honors manual labor workers and has been a major marker for advocates of immigration reform. The campaign doesnt say the candidate will attend, but the forward thinking and the continued squabble over who won Latino voters in Nevada shows Sanders is not ceding this vote to Clinton. A volunteers page for the downtown Los Angeles May Day March and Rally calls for a $15 minimum wage and collective bargaining rights, and says the group stands with Sanders in fighting income inequality. THE ROAD AHEAD We are tracking whats next for the Republicans and the Democrats, and covering this weeks town halls, on Trail Guide. Our reporters on the ground will keep it up all week. Make sure to follow @latimespolitics so you dont miss a moment. If youre let down that two more contests are ticked off the calendar, dont fret! Theres another caucus tomorrow as Nevada Republicans assemble to choose their preferred candidates. (Dont miss Mark Z. Barabaks explainer on why polls are unreliable in the Silver State.) And Democrats will vote in South Carolina on Saturday. DOING THEIR CIVIC DUTY IN THE STATE NEXT DOOR Christine Mai-Duc spent the weekend with Californians who took time off work and ponied up the gas money to hit the streets for the presidential campaign in Nevada. She spent time with Sanders and Clinton loyalists, and found them both fitting into and defying stereotypes. But each made clear they have deep emotional ties to this contest. Read the story. Our team was all over the caravans headed to the Silver State, tracking them on Snapchat (follow latimespolitics) and showcasing what its like for a congressman from L.A. to go door-to-door in a place where hes not recognized. THE POLITICS OF POT When it comes to legalizing marijuana, its starting to look as if no one can compete with Sean Parkers piles of cash. Some of the advocates behind more than a dozen competing measures are taking the if you cant beat em, join em attitude, while others are considering all-out pot warfare against the former Facebook executive and Napster founder. Phil Willon details how in this case, its the green that counts. TIME TO NEGOTIATE? Melanie Mason got the goods on Assembly Republicans wish list for the healthcare-plans tax Gov. Jerry Brown stuck in his annual budget. With several things on the list of demands already in the works and some prominent tax watchdog organizations staying neutral, it sounds as though the GOP is getting ready to deal. And George Skelton takes stock of a tax increase proposal that not even the anti-tax Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn. is fighting. You can follow whats happening in Sacramento on our Essential Politics news feed. CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATS GATHERING FRIDAY Vice President Joe Biden will headline the California Democratic Party convention at the end of the week. State party activists also will hear from outgoing Sen. Barbara Boxer and agree on a platform, not to mention be confronted with the Senate contest to replace Boxer between Rep. Loretta Sanchez and Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris. That will get most of the attention, but as Javier Panzar outlines, some important work will be happening behind the scenes as party activists gather to choose their favorite candidates in endorsement caucuses for congressional races up and down the state. The nod at this level is a minor but important establishment boost in races where every vote matters in the June 7 top-two primary. Most candidates won their endorsements at even smaller, local gatherings last month, but five contests in competitive territory remain open after the local activists bucked expectations. Of those, three members of Congress are in the uncomfortable position of walking into the convention without something they might have expected to be perfunctory: full backing from Democrats back home. All three are taking this seriously and will appear in person to make their case. GOING AFTER GAVIN Gun rights groups vowed to fight Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsoms proposed gun-control initiative, and they are starting to make good on that promise. The initial criticism, Willon reports, is suggesting Newsom was exploiting the attacks in San Bernardino to help his gubernatorial campaign. LEADERS NEUTRAL FOR NOW House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi isnt taking sides in the Democratic presidential contest. Appearing in Southern California last week, Pelosi praised Clinton as the most experienced but lauded Sanders for attracting young people to politics. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid did not endorse before Nevadas caucuses but said Saturday he will be picking someone in the coming weeks from Washington. PODCAST: TRAIN TROUBLES? Last weeks news of a major change in plans for Californias bullet train could be one of the most important developments for the project in years. Sacramento Bureau Chief John Myers reporter roundtable takes a closer look in this weeks episode of the California Politics Podcast. They also discuss the frenzy over Harris being mentioned as a possible nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court and handicap the likely propositions for Novembers statewide ballot. You can subscribe to the free podcast here. TODAYS ESSENTIALS -- Kurtis Lee crafted this handy guide to all the people Trump has insulted. -- Chelsea Clinton tells Kate Linthicum she cant understand why anyone would think her mother is cold or unfeeling. -- Steve Lopez writes about a presidential race so awful you cant look away, and Mary McNamara assesses Trump and Clinton ripping up Hollywoods presidential script. -- Patrick McGreevy gets at an issue bubbling in Sacramento, writing that as lawmakers consider licensing daily fantasy sports websites in California, compulsive bettors and those who treat them are warning that a new generation of problem gamblers is being created in the state. -- McGreevy also reports that investigative files involving police shootings and sustained misconduct by officers would be made public under legislation proposed to lift the veil of secrecy and restore public confidence in law enforcement. -- An L.A. City Councilman faces a recall effort. -- Get excited. The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is coming up. LOGISTICS Did someone forward you this? Sign up here to get Essential Politics in your inbox daily. And keep an eye on our politics page throughout the day for the latest and greatest. And are you following us on Twitter at @latimespolitics? Please send thoughts, concerns and news tips to politics@latimes.com. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. Criminal case is initiated at the 2nd Garrison Investigation Division of the General Military Investigative Department in relation of the death case of two servicemen. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of Investigative committee of the Republic of Armenia, according to preliminary information, machine-gunner, private soldier T. Sloyan fired at the face of junior sergeant Kamo Hovhannisyan on February 19 at about 06:50. The latter immediately died, after which T. Sloyan committed suicide by shooting himself. All necessary investigative activities are underway to find out all the circumstances and motives of the crime. Earlier it became known that Defense Army soldiers Kamo Hovhannisyan and Temur Suloyan, born in 1997, received fatal injuries during the incident of February 18 at about 07:00 in the conservation area of a military unit, located in the southeast direction of Defense Army. NKR Defense Ministry shares the grief of the loss and extends condolence to the family members, relatives and fellow servicemen of the dead soldiers. When Charlie Sheen went on national television last fall and told the world he had HIV, he said he hoped his predicament would prompt others to protect themselves against the virus that causes AIDS. They certainly did. A research letter published Monday in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine says Google searches about HIV hit an all-time high after the former Two and a Half Men star made his announcement on Nov. 17. On that day, Americans Googled HIV about 2.75 million times more than researchers would have expected if Sheen hadnt revealed his medical news. Advertisement See more of our top stories on Facebook >> Among those Web searches, about 1.25 million also included terms related to condoms, HIV symptoms and testing. The study authors consider these searches directly relevant to public health, according to their report. Sheen disclosed his HIV status in an interview with Matt Lauer on NBCs Today show. He said he had become infected four years earlier though he was not entirely sure how it happened and that he paid millions of dollars to a prostitute who threatened to go public with pictures of his anti-retroviral medications. I have a responsibility now to better myself and to help a lot of other people, Sheen told Lauer. Hopefully with what were doing today, others may come forward and say, Thanks, Charlie, thanks for kicking the door open. To see if they did, researchers examined all Google searches related to HIV that occurred between Jan. 1, 2004, and Nov. 24, 2015. That allowed them to estimate how many times Google users would have searched for HIV if Nov. 17 had been a typical Tuesday. The team, led by San Diego State University public health expert John Ayers, calculated that the actual number of searches was 417% higher than would have been expected, according to the report. In addition, the researchers found that searches about condoms were 72% more common than usual in the first 24 hours after Sheens news broke; searches about HIV testing were 214% higher than usual; and searches about HIV symptoms jumped by 540%. Altogether, Sheens interview was followed by the greatest number of HIV-related Google searches ever recorded in the United States, according to the study. The researchers have a name for this sudden interest in HIV: the Charlie Sheen effect. That is an apparent reference to the Katie Couric effect, a documented increase in screening colonoscopies after the journalist had one on live TV to raise awareness about colon cancer prevention. But Google searches are only the beginning, and public health experts should conduct further studies to see whether this spike in online research translates into a higher rate of HIV testing, the study authors said. While no one should be forced to reveal HIV status, Sheens disclosure may benefit public health by helping many people learn more about HIV infection and prevention, they wrote. More must be done to make this benefit larger and lasting. That point was echoed in a short commentary by Dr. Mitchell Katz, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. The key question for health experts, he wrote, is how to take advantage of the publics prurient interest in the lives of prominent persons to educate people about important medical issues. Its impossible to predict when the next bombshell revelation will occur. But when it does, its a safe bet that a celebrity-obsessed culture will flock to the Internet in search of all the detail it can get. The job of public health is to be certain that the right information is easily available when people seek it, Katz wrote. We can provide more effective messages about public health if we adapt traditional methods of health education to our increasingly social media-driven world and make sure the messages are available in advance of the next celebrity disclosure. Sheen, for his part, was gratified to learn that his personal story had indeed become a teachable moment. Heres how he expressed his feelings on Twitter: Follow me on Twitter @LATkarenkaplan and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook. MORE SCIENCE NEWS Male sellers on EBay make 25% more than women Newly discovered Ebola-fighting antibodies could aid vaccine research Men on testosterone: marching feistier -- and a little happier -- into old age The debate over whether Britain should vote to leave the European Union took a turn Monday from the merely contentious to the intensely personal. Prime Minister David Cameron delivered an impassioned plea to members of Parliament to reject a so-called Brexit and sign up for a deal with the EU that, he argued, would make Britain stronger, safer and more prosperous. But what made the appearance remarkable astonishing, the Daily Telegraph wrote was the bitter diatribe that Cameron aimed at London Mayor Boris Johnson, laying bare not only the personal rivalry between the two, but also the deep divisions that threaten to tear the Conservative Party apart and distract from the EU debate. Advertisement MORE: Get our best stories in your Facebook feed >> Standing before the House of Commons, Cameron delivered a blistering attack on those who argue that voting to exit the EU in a nationwide referendum in June could enable Britain to negotiate a better deal with Brussels or pave the way for a second referendum on the issue. He said a vote to leave the EU was definitively not an invitation to rejoin. Although he did not mention anyone by name, Johnson who announced Sunday that he would support leaving the EU was unmistakably the object of his attack. London Mayor Boris Johnson leaves his home by bicycle on Monday. (Chris Ratcliffe / AFP/Getty Images) Speaking at times above loud heckles, Cameron culminated his speech with a particularly pointed jibe: I have known a number of couples who have begun divorce proceedings. But I do not know any who have begun divorce proceedings in order to renew their marriage vows. Johnsons first marriage ended in divorce after attempts to reconcile. Before Johnson announced his decision, Cameron had been openly trying to win over his support. The mayor, who is also a Cabinet member, reportedly texted the prime minister of his decision nine minutes before going public. The prime ministers remarks to Parliament offered a glimpse of what could be four bruising months for the Conservative Party, which will find out whether it is big enough to accommodate both Cameron and Johnson. NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj >> Cameron was undoubtedly speaking to an audience larger than just Parliament when he urged support for the EU deal in the upcoming referendum. We are a great country and whatever choice we make, we will still be great, he said. But I believe the choice is between being an even greater Britain inside a reformed EU, or a great leap into the unknown. In a rare moment for the House of Commons, Cameron found himself being jeered by the Euroskeptic members of his Conservative Party but cheered by his opponents on the Labor, Liberal Democrat and Scottish National Party bench. Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn described the EU referendum as an historic choice and stressed it is in the best interests of the country to stay. We believe that the European Union has brought investment, jobs and prospects, he said. Two major casualties of 2015s general election campaign former Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg and former Labor Party leader Ed Miliband also stood to voice their support for the stay campaign. The Scottish National Partys leader in Westminster, Angus Robertson, said Scotland was so vehemently in favor of staying in the EU that an exit vote could spark demands for a second Scottish independence referendum to protect our place in Europe. But it was the scathing attack on Johnson that caused the most stir. Until Sunday, the exit campaign lacked a big hitter who could grab headlines and galvanize public support. Johnson could now be that man. Known for his disheveled clothes and wayward blond hair, he is the most well-recognized member of the Conservative Party after the prime minister. He said the decision caused him a great deal of heartache. but many believe his decision was less ideologically driven than strategic because of his desire to hold the keys to 10 Downing St. one day. Im not standing for reelection, Cameron said, clearly alluding to Johnsons ambitions. I have no other agenda than what is best for our country. Johnsons father found himself defending his sons decision Monday. I think to say that this is a careerist sort of move is a total travesty, Stanley Johnson said in a BBC radio interview. I cant think of any more career-ending moves than to do what he did yesterday. If the attack upset Johnson, he did not show it and later stood up to ask the prime minister to explain how this deal would return sovereignty to Britain, but the feelings of betrayal are unlikely to be forgotten by either side quickly. Boyle is a special correspondent. Three months ago, most Canadians had never heard of Harjit Singh Sajjan. But after newly elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tapped him to be defense minister in November, a 2006 photograph of the former soldier went viral on the Internet. It shows him on duty in Afghanistan, wearing a wide smile, bushy beard, camouflage flak jacket and wraparound sunglasses. But it was his head wear that attracted the most attention: a turban. Advertisement Sajjan is a Sikh immigrant from India. His appointment to the Cabinet is a testament to Trudeaus willingness to break tradition. The first person of color to run Canadas 100,000-person defense department and military, the 45-year-old former police detective is neither a career officer nor defense policy wonk. See more of our top stories on Facebook >> Until Sajjan was elected to Parliament last fall, he had never been a politician either. Now he is the point person in implementing Trudeaus campaign promise to end Canadas fighter jet bombing operations against Islamic State militants. Sajjan announced the move this month. In an earlier interview with The Times, he explained: We are going to be adjusting our resources to have a greater and meaningful impact on the mission and meet the needs of the coalition. For the most part, Canadians have welcomed Sajjans appointment. Badass became the standard description on social media. One military officer was reprimanded for posting racist comments on the Canadian forces Facebook page. Sikhs in Canada number about 500,000 or just over 1% of the countrys population though their turbans, beards and gravitation toward politics and activism have made them more visible than many other minorities. They now occupy four of 30 positions in Trudeaus Cabinet. Born in a farming village in the state of Punjab, Sajjan was a beneficiary of Canadian immigration reform under Trudeaus father, then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, that encouraged family reunification. Sajjan arrived in Vancouver as a 5-year-old with his mother and sister to join his father, a former police constable who had immigrated a few years earlier and worked in a sawmill. He grew up in South Vancouver, an immigrant enclave with a large Sikh population. After graduating from high school in 1989, Sajjan joined the reserves and immediately encountered cultural conflict. The Sikh religion, a monotheistic faith that originated in the 15th century, generally requires its adherents to keep their hair uncut and wrapped in a turban. Because that made it impossible to wear a standard gas mask, Sajjan invented and later patented a protective hood that solved the problem. His first deployment overseas was a North Atlantic Treaty Organization peacekeeping mission to Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1997. Two years later, the soft-spoken Sajjan joined the Vancouver Police Department as a patrol officer and was eventually promoted to a plainclothes detective in the gang unit. He would encounter buddies from his old neighborhood, which was a hotbed of gang activity. I was sometimes arresting people who were more physically fit and smarter than me, he recalled. It was sad to see them end up this way. His unlikely rise to the top defense job started with a 2006 leave of absence from the police department to deploy to Afghanistan as a reservist. It was during that operation that Sajjan posed for the now-famous photograph. Sajjan was originally sent to Afghanistan as an administrative officer. But his Canadian commander, Maj. Gen. David Fraser, had other plans for him. In Frasers estimation, the Taliban was nothing more than a criminal organization, and who better to gather intelligence on a criminal organization than a police detective? Harjs name came up as a cop whos a reservist, Fraser said. He made Sajjan his liaison to Kandahars governor, which opened access to a wide range of people. It helped that Sajjan spoke Punjabi, which is similar to a dialect spoken in Kandahar, and that the Afghans could identify with the oppression Sikhs had long endured. Sajjan immersed himself in the community, like a cop walking the beat, Fraser said. Sajjan focused on the U.S.-led coalitions strategy of keeping young Afghan men out of the Taliban by offering them jobs. Money was a huge part of the Talibans recruitment of fighters, so we out-hired them and gave Afghans jobs for existing projects, such as helping to build irrigation canals, he explained. He said he found it surreal to be in Afghanistan, a country where 21 Sikh soldiers fought to the death more than century earlier to protect a British army post under attack from 10,000 Pashtuns. The battle cemented the reputation of Sikhs as warriors. Sajjan was cementing his own reputation as an intelligence asset. In 2010, he was back in Afghanistan when U.S. Army Lt. Gen. James Terry, commander of the famed 10th Mountain Division, asked him to join the unit as a special advisor. Sajjan resigned from the Vancouver police to take the job. I couldnt get another leave of absence, so I quit, Sajjan said. People thought I was nuts because I would lose my pension. But the reason I joined the military was to serve, so how could I walk away from this? He said he also understood the symbolic importance of a Sikh in such a position. Here a senior commander of one of the most famous divisions in the U.S. military asked for me by name to come work for him, he said. Back in Canada in 2011, Sajjan became the first Sikh to command a Canadian reserve regiment. Politics was never in his plans, until Trudeau recruited him to seek the nomination as the Liberal Partys candidate for Parliament in the Vancouver district where Sajjan had grown up. Im a good judge of character from my work as a detective, and saw that he wants to make a difference and so do I, explained Sajjan, who is married to a doctor and has two small children. In the October election that swept Trudeau and his party to power, Sajjan captured nearly 50% of the votes to defeat the incumbent Conservative. Sajjan said he was as surprised as everybody else when Trudeau asked him to be defense minister. In 2015, Canadian CF-18 jets dropped more than 500 bombs on Islamic State targets, primarily in Iraq. The jets will be pulled from combat this month. At the same time, Canada will increase the number of special forces training Kurdish fighters in northern Iraq from 69 to more than 200. Sajjan said the new approach places a greater emphasis on intelligence gathering than combat. The shift is not without critics, including Sajjans old mentor, Fraser, now retired from the military. He said he believes Canada should continue with its bombing mission to maintain the momentum by the Kurdish, Iraqi and Syrian forces that has placed Islamic State militants on the defensive. Though Fraser favors defense ministers without military backgrounds, he said he believes that Sajjan possesses sincerity, intelligence and commitment that will serve him well. Sajjan said he hopes his years in uniform will help motivate the troops, and maybe Canadians in general. His photograph from Afghanistan continues to be shared on social media. If someone looks at that image and thinks, Wow, if this guy can do this stuff, I can too, then Ive inspired people along the way, which has always been my goal, he said. But it is just a picture, and life has a way of humbling you if you have any type of arrogance. Guly is a special correspondent. ALSO Islamic State frees Syrian Christians held since 2015 for ransom A fast growing club: Countries that use drones for killing by remote control Murder, torture, drugs: Cartel kingpins wife says thats not the El Chapo she knows She sweeps into the restaurant dressed elegantly in black slacks and a sleeveless, pale pink blouse, a white ribbon tied demurely at the neck. Her bag is Prada. If there are bodyguards, they have waited discreetly outside. As wife of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, the notorious leader of the Sinaloa cartel, Emma Coronel Aispuro seems anxious not to cause a scene as she moves into a private room in the crowded restaurant, a popular seafood place on the sweltering banks of the Tamazula River. She smiles softly and speaks quietly. I dont have any experience at this kind of thing, she says. Advertisement Si desea leer esta nota en espanol, haga clic aqui. The 26-year-old former beauty queen has never spoken publicly about her eight years of marriage to a man who has headed one of the worlds most violent criminal organizations, responsible for much of the marijuana, heroin, methamphetamines and murder produced in Mexico. Now, she says, she wants to get out an urgent message: Her husbands life, she says, is in danger. She fears he may not survive his current stint in El Altiplano, the prison where he has been in solitary confinement since Jan. 8. Thats when Mexican authorities grabbed him in a shootout in the Pacific town of Los Mochis, almost six months after his second breakout from the maximum security lockup. Get all Times exclusive reports. Subscribe today for unlimited digital access >> They want to make him pay for his escape. They say that they are not punishing him. Of course they are. They are there with him, watching him in his cell, Coronel says. They are right there, all day long, calling attendance. They dont let him sleep. He has no privacy, not even to go to the restroom. Guzmans fabled escapes most recently, via a nearly mile-long tunnel dug under a shower in his cell have been a source of embarrassment for Mexican authorities, and they appear determined to avoid a third. Since his latest confinement, his wife has been allowed to see him only once, for 15 minutes. She says her husband is slowly being tortured and is suffering from dangerously elevated blood pressure. I am afraid for his life, she says. Guzman, 58, is facing at least half a dozen federal indictments in the United States. He is accused of leading an organization that trafficked at least 1.8 million pounds of cocaine between 2003 and 2014 to the U.S. and many other countries around the world. Federal prosecutors say his hit men carried out hundreds of killings, assaults, kidnappings and acts of torture during that period. This is not the Guzman that Coronel professes to know. She describes her husband as a loving family man, even if he was imprisoned or on the run for the entire eight years of their marriage. She claims to know little of the details of his professional pursuits. He is like any other man of course he is not violent, not rude, says Coronel, who insists she has never seen her husband act violently or take drugs. I have never heard him say a bad word. I have never seen him get excited or be upset at anyone. Her husband, she says, calls her his queen. Though El Chapo has become one of the most recognized figures in the world, his wife has largely remained in the shadows. Her name emerged in September 2007, when Mexicos Proceso magazine published a cover story about how the teenager on her 18th birthday had wed the drug lord after winning a local beauty contest. Four years later, the Los Angeles Times reported that Coronel who was born in San Francisco and has U.S. citizenship had given birth to twin girls in Lancaster, outside Los Angeles. NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj >> Coronel is the third wife of the drug lord, who is 32 years her senior. Her daughters are among 19 children he is said to have fathered. She dismisses, though, the oft-repeated reports of Guzmans brutality toward women. He would be incapable of touching a woman with bad intentions, of trying to make her do something she didnt want to do, Coronel says, speaking calmly, almost in a monotone, as she described a life that started in the rural hills of Durango and somehow became a twisted fairy tale of romance, intrigue and fear fear for a husband almost constantly on the run, for her family, for the international legal drama that lies ahead as he faces criminal charges in the United States. It has been a life, she says, lived always in the eye of the hurricane. Yet she says she has accepted that she is powerless to change it. What if? doesnt exist, she said. If her husband is extradited to the United States to stand trial probably foreclosing once and for all any possibility of another escape she will be present. I will follow to wherever he is, she says. I am in love with him. He is the father of my children. :: Like many stories of love, theirs began at a dance, this one in the hamlet of La Angostura, one of many scattered ranchos in the town of Canelas, Durango, in the midst of Mexicos Golden Triangle, a heavily fortified land of poppies and marijuana dominated by the powerful Sinaloa cartel. He was dancing with another girl. I was dancing with my boyfriend at that time I had a boyfriend and we crossed paths right in the center of the dance floor. He flirtatiously smiled at me. After a while a person told me, The man asks if you want to dance with him. And I said, OK. Because in the ranchos, even though you have a boyfriend, you can dance with every person who asks you to dance. So I said, Of course! The encounter was brief, she says, and she did not see Guzman again until several months later. Love at first sight it wasnt, she insists. See more of our top stories on Facebook >> Coronel was born July 2, 1989, in San Francisco, where her mother, Blanca Estela Aispuro, was visiting relatives. Her mother was a homemaker and her father was a farmer, planting beans and corn, she says. When she was 11, her parents again sent her to California, but after a year she says she returned home, having missed her family and her country life. Months after that first encounter with Guzman, she decided to enter a beauty contest at the annual Coffee and Guava Fair in Canelas. She says proudly that she won many votes in her own right, and not, as the Mexican press has reported, because El Chapo had sprinkled cash to fix the result. At the time, Guzman was in his customary role as a fugitive. In January 2001, he had busted out from a maximum security prison in Puente Grande, Jalisco. Still, the wanted man played the role of suitor. He made frequent visits to the Coronel home, sometimes during local fiestas or dances, though Coronel said that he did not give her lavish gifts. I would say what won me over was his way of talking, how he treated me, the way we began to get along first as friends and from that came everything else, Coronel says, blushing at the memory. He tends to win over people by his manner of being, of acting, the way he treats people in general. A picture of Ines Coronel Barreras, father-in-law of drug trafficker Joaquin Guzman and father of Emma Coronel. The photo was displayed during a news conference after his arrest in 2013. (Alfredo Estrella / AFP/Getty Images) A priest in Canelas married the couple at her family home on July 2, 2007, her 18th birthday. She wore a white dress, appearing as a princess, very beautiful! There were few guests, just relatives and friends, none of the grooms family. Her parents never tried to stop the wedding, she says. For years, there have been reports that the wedding was not only a union of a powerful, 50-year-old man and a teenager who had fallen in love with him, but of two influential factions in Sinaloas complex drug-producing hierarchy. Ignacio Nacho Coronel Villarreal, a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa cartel shot to death by authorities in 2010, has frequently been identified as Emma Coronels uncle (this has never been officially stated by the Mexican government, and Coronel insists it is not the case). In 2013, the U.S. Treasury Department identified Emma Coronels father, Ines Coronel Barreras, as a major drug trafficker and one of Guzmans two top lieutenants under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act, enabling the U.S. to begin blocking his assets. Coronel Barreras, 48, and his son, Ines Omar Coronel Aispuro, were arrested on drug trafficking charges in 2013, based on allegations that Coronel Barreras popularly known as the Father-in-Law in the cartel coordinated drug shipments from Mexico through Arizona for the Sinaloa cartel. His daughter says both her father and her brother are innocent of the charges, which she believes were an attempt by the government to seize control of her familys assets. Her youngest brother, Edgar, was arrested in August on charges of having helped Guzman in his prison escape the previous month. Coronel says her life has been one of watching and waiting. Once married, she moved to Culiacan, Guzmans base of operations, finished high school and entered the university to study journalism. She saw her fugitive husband only sporadically sometimes it was every weekend, sometimes shed wait months before being summoned. While Forbes magazine had named her husband as one of the worlds richest men, Coronel said she never lived a life of opulence and her husband was dismissive of the list, telling his wife at one point: One has to ask the magazine: Where is all this money? Do they know? Because I dont know where it is. Likewise, Coronel says she never saw her husband with drugs or weapons. I went when he was already in an established location and he was very calm, Coronel recalls. She began to view the unusual family dynamic a bit differently in August 2011, after her twin girls were born in a hospital in Lancaster. When one has children, the way we think and see life changes, she says. For me it was then when I started thinking about the situation, that everything was kind of complicated. She began wondering if her daughters, now 4 years old, would spend their lives paying the price for all that has happened. It makes me deeply sad to think that in these moments they cant see their father, that when theyre older they can be judged, that someone might single them out for things they have no idea about. As for her husband, she says she has never seen him fearful or agitated, not even in moments of great stress. He doesnt show at any moment he is worried about something, she says, describing him as very intelligent, though he lacks formal education. What did trouble him, she said, was his growing status as a narco-legend and his inability to control his own story. Guzman had long wanted to collaborate on a film about his life, in part to counter what he viewed as untruths and sensationalism. To put exactly how things are and everything that has happened until now, told by him, she explains. The Mexican actress Kate del Castillo, known for her role as a female drug kingpin in a popular telenovela, was exploring such a film project after Guzman, an admirer, reached out to her. It was Del Castillo who teamed up with Sean Penn, the Hollywood actor and director, on a clandestine visit to Guzman last year while the drug trafficker was still on the run. Penn wrote a colorful story for Rolling Stone about the encounter. What drew Coronels wrath and that of her husband, she believes is a video posted with the article in which Guzman, sitting in front of a fence in a country setting, acknowledges he has worked in the drug trade since he was 15 drawn to it because of the poverty in the rural mountains. Coronel said that publishing the video, whose rights were granted not by Penn but by Del Castillos company, was a betrayal. Her husband, she said, believed that the footage would be used only as background information for a text article. Del Castillos lawyer, Los Angeles attorney Harland Braun, said the drug lord clearly understood that the actress was there to talk about a movie a project he said she is still pursuing. Hes admitting [in the video] to being a drug trafficker. And the point that hes in the drug business, that embarrasses him? The whole point of the movie is that hes in the drug business. What shes saying doesnt make any sense. Then there was the affectionate exchange of messages between her husband and Del Castillo, leaked to the Mexican publication Milenio after his latest arrest. You are so beautiful, my friend, in every way, Guzman told the actress in one of them. I will take care of you more than I do my own eyes. Coronel said she did not find the exchanges troubling. I think it was the first time they met. How could it be a personal relationship? she said. At no time did I feel jealous of Kate. Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, one of the worlds most powerful drug kingpins, gained folklore status during his decade-plus on the lam, evading authorities thanks to his skill at building secret tunnels from his assorted mountain hideouts, urban safe h :: The end of their early life together began in February 2014, when she was suddenly whisked to her husband at the Miramar Tower in the port of Mazatlan, Sinaloa. It was early on the morning of Feb. 22 when the authorities moved in. At 6 in the morning we heard some noises as if they were knocking down the door, Coronel recalls. Men with guns entered the room and demanded, Where is El Chapo? Her husband emerged from the bathroom and told them, Calm down, Im here. Coronel said she heard what she believed were U.S. drug enforcement agents at the scene. It was not until a month later that she and her daughters were able to visit Guzman at El Altiplano. Ironically, she saw him more frequently during that period than during any other. Then, on July 11, 2015, she heard the news that he had escaped again, this time via an elaborate tunnel. Between July 2015 and January 2016, she says, she had only two encounters with her husband, now back to his familiar fugitive role. He just wanted to have a nice time with his daughters, Coronel says. To be in peace. Then, on Jan. 8, she followed reports that her husband had been captured in Los Mochis, while he was reportedly escaping in a stolen car, and Coronel again found herself driving toward El Altiplano prison. She waited three days before she was allowed 15 minutes with her husband. This time, it was clear, prison guards were taking no chances. He was completely shackled, handcuffed, the guards stayed there with us all the time, some centimeters away, recalls Coronel, who said she was in tears when she saw her husbands state. They were armed and hooded. They had helmets with cameras and they were always recording. As she left the prison, she recalls, her husband had a few encouraging words. Dont worry, he told his wife. Everything will be all right. --------------- ABOUT THIS REPORT This story is published as a collaboration with the Investigative Reporting Program of the Graduate School of Journalism at UC Berkeley, where Anabel Hernandez is a fellow. The interview is also being broadcast by Telemundo. ---------------- Times staff writer Patrick J. McDonnell in Mexico City contributed to this report. Hoy: Lea esta historia en espanol ALSO A new force in drug trafficking reaches Tijuana Uber driver arrested after 7-hour Kalamazoo shooting rampage leaves 6 dead At 15 cents a gallon, its the cheapest gas in the world -- yet Venezuela worries Islamic State on Monday released the last of some 230 Assyrian Christians kidnapped a year ago in Syria after receiving millions of dollars in ransom, Christian officials said. Younan Talia of the Assyrian Democratic Organization told the Associated Press that about 40 remaining Christian captives were released early Monday and are on their way to the northeastern town of Tal Tamr. Younan said the release came after mediation led by a top Assyrian priest in northern Syria. Advertisement The extremists captured the Assyrians, members of an ancient Christian sect, in February 2015 after overrunning several communities on the southern bank of the Khabur River in northeastern Hassakeh province. NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj >> Kidnapping for ransom is a main source of income for the extremists. In November, Islamic State said it killed a Norwegian and a Chinese captive after demanding ransom for their release two months earlier. Talia said Isis demanded a ransom of $18 million for the Assyrian Christians. He said the figure was later lowered following negotiations. He said he did not know the final amount. Osama Edward, director of the Stockholm-based Assyrian Human Rights Network, said 42 Christians, mostly young women and children, were released. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said 42 were released, including at least 17 women. A Syrian Christian figure said the worldwide Assyrian community launched a campaign for the captives release shortly after they were abducted. He said a bank account was opened in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil and donations began to flow in from around the world. We paid large amounts of money, millions of dollars, but not $18 million, said the man, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the sensitive mediation. We paid less than half the amount. The official added that the fate of five Assyrians who went missing during the abductions was still unknown. Isis attacked a cluster of villages along the Khabur River, sending thousands of people fleeing to safer areas and capturing the Assyrians over a period of three days. Over the next two days, the extremists picked up dozens more from 11 communities near Tal Tamr. The Hassakeh province, which borders Turkey and Iraq, has become the latest battleground in the fight against Islamic State in Syria. It is predominantly Kurdish but also has Arabs, Assyrians and Armenians. See more of our top stories on Facebook >> On Friday, the predominantly Kurdish Syria Democratic Forces captured the Isis stronghold of Shaddadeh in Hassakeh, where some of the kidnapped were once believed to have been held. Many Syrian Christians, who make up about 10% of Syrias prewar population of 23 million, left for Europe over the last 20 years, with the flight gathering speed since the countrys conflict began in March 2011. ALSO A fast growing club: Countries that use drones for killing by remote control Kerry says Syria is close to a ceasefire, but bombings claim dozens of lives Airstrikes cutting into Islamic States cash supply, U.S. says Secretary of State John F. Kerry announced Monday that final arrangements have been made by U.S. and Russian diplomats for a cessation of hostilities to take effect in Syria by weeks end. It was the second such announcement in less than two weeks, and Kerrys comments were met with the same skepticism as earlier efforts to halt the deadly violence ripping Syria apart and spreading across its borders. We are all aware of the significant challenges ahead, Kerry said in a statement. This is a moment of promise, but the fulfillment of that promise depends on actions. Advertisement Despite working out some details, the latest proposal contains some of the same flaws as the last version. Most importantly, the principal warring parties the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad and the militant factions battling to oust him are not yet signatories to the agreement. In addition, U.S.-led coalition airstrikes, and separate Russian airstrikes, may continue against Islamic State, Al Nusra Front and other terrorist organizations as designated by the United Nations Security Council. In the past, Russian warplanes have repeatedly hit targets that Moscow says are terrorist groups, most recently in the besieged city of Aleppo. But Washington says those groups are legitimate anti-Assad opposition fighters, some backed by the U.S. and its allies. Syria said Monday that it would continue to attack groups it considered to be terrorists, the broad term it often uses to describe all of its political or military opponents. Indeed, the diplomatic breakthrough passed with little effect in Syria, where pro-government troops continued their push to secure border areas in the northwestern province of Latakia, seizing control of a string of villages in the mountains, while also continuing their weeks-long offensive in Aleppo. A watchdog group, the pro-opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, also reported that Islamic State militants fought alongside other Islamist rebels to cut off a strategic supply road in Aleppo province. The road, which runs through the village of Khanaser, about 30 miles southeast of Aleppo, is an important lifeline for government-held areas of Aleppo. Rebels also skirmished with a Kurdish-dominated coalition of militias, the Syrian Democratic Forces, in northern Aleppo. A cessation of hostilities, which is less comprehensive than a cease-fire, was first declared by the U.S., Russia and other world powers on Feb. 11, to take effect in a week. That deadline was missed and another frenzy of diplomatic talks followed. Mondays deal was sealed after President Obama spoke by telephone to Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the White House and Moscows news agency Tass. This is going to be difficult to implement, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest acknowledged to reporters. Kerry said a letup in fighting would allow additional routes to open for the delivery of badly needed humanitarian aid throughout Syria. That, too, had been part of the earlier agreement, but aid only began to trickle in. In a joint U.S.-Russia statement, some details were outlined on how the deal would be played out in the battlefield: The Syrian army and its allies, as well as all opposition groups, must confirm acceptance of the cessation, reporting to the U.S. or Russia, by midnight Friday. The participants agree to refrain from acquiring or seeking to acquire territory but are allowed to use proportionate force when responding in self-defense. They also agree to grant rapid, unhindered and sustained access to humanitarian agencies for the distribution of food, medicine and other aid to all people in need. To handle possible violations, the U.S. and Russia will set up a communication hotline and make every effort [to] rapidly de-escalate tensions. Non-forcible means should be exhausted whenever possible before resorting to use of force, the agreement says. The deal does not spell out any kind of on-the-ground monitoring or verification force. Obviously there are still pieces of this that need to be fleshed out, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said in Washington. Asked how this agreement would prevent Russia from bombing moderate opponents on behalf of Assad, Toner added: Ultimately, its up to the parties to buy into this, or not, whether its Russia or others. You have to test the commitment or goodwill of everyone who is a stakeholder in this process. He also acknowledged that it was all but certain that the next round of peace talks scheduled for Thursday would not take place. An earlier attempted round collapsed. Special correspondent Nabih Bulos contributed to this report. For more news about global affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson ALSO Islamic State frees Syrian Christians held since 2015 for ransom The Syrian cease-fire is unlikely to lure many refugees home 60 million refugees: a crisis that has outgrown its 65-year-old solution Australian Researchers Close To Finding Solution On Mending Broken Hearts media@latinoshealth.com By Czarmecin Feb 15, 2016 11:00 AM EST There is a growing rate of cardiovascular problems, which makes heart transplant even more popular. However, finding organs are challenging. Once the organ is available, it needs to be handled properly for a successful transplant because once it is damaged it will no longer be beneficial. Australian researchers have found a way to solve the problem. According to Brisbane Times, Australian scientists are on track to find a solution in mending broken hearts. Last year, 381 organs were available for transplantation. However, due to a range of issues including damages during transportation, only 81 could be used. Professor John Fraser, who is from Brisbane's Prince Charles Hospital Critical Care research group, revealed that donor hearts are stored and transported on ice. However, they do not receive constant oxygen supply, which is another reason they become damaged. Fraser is hopeful that this problem will soon be resolved through an experimental Swedish machine donated to the hospital. The said equipment supplies the donor heart with enough oxygen during storage and transport while keeping it cold to reduce damage. "In a country as vast as Australia, time is of the essence," Fraser said. "Using these innovative techniques hearts can be retrieved from vast distances." Fraser also notes that, with the said machine, hearts will be efficient for transplant and they perform better. Aside from this, the said technology is also able to reboot hearts that are previously considered dead. Many are hopeful that, with this device, the number of hearts available for transplant will increase by 40 percent. The researchers, surgeons, engineers, and nurses from Prince Charles Hospital, Alfred Hospital in Melbourne and St. Vincent's Hospital in Sydney are set to join the research trial that will begin on Sunday. According to Medline Plus, during transplant, the heart must be donated by someone who is brain-dead but is still on life support. The donor heart must closely match to the patient's tissue type to reduce the chances of the body to reject it. During the operation, the patient will be put into a deep sleep with general anesthesia and a cut through the breastbone will be made. A heart-lung bypass machine will be used to support the body while the surgeon works on the heart. The diseased heart will be removed and the donor heart will be stitched in place. Once this is done, the heart-lung machine will be removed as the transplanted heart do its job of supplying the body with blood and oxygen. Tubes will be inserted to drain air, fluid and blood out of the chest and to allow the lung to fully re-expand. This operation is usually performed during severe heart damage, heart failure, heart defects or life-threatening abnormal heartbeats. Subscribe to the latinos health newsletter! New Lab Grown Mini-Brains the Key to Ending Animal Testing? media@latinoshealth.com By Staff Reporter Feb 15, 2016 06:00 PM EST A team of researchers is now growing small cellular balls that act like small brains that claim to replicate the functions of a real brain. With this, the researchers hope this could one day end the use of animals in laboratory testing. Ars Technica reports that a team of researchers from Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health has collaborated with other medical researchers around the country to culture "mini-brains" in the lab. The researchers detailed how they have successfully developed mini-brains made up of neurons and cells of the human brain. To create the mini-brains, the researchers used skin cells from healthy adults as their starting point according to Motherboard. For eight weeks, these cells were cultivated to grow into brain cells. After eight weeks, the mini brains develop four types of cells and two types of support cells, known as astrocytes and oligodendorcytes. One of the cells creates myelin that insulates the neuron's axons and allows cells to communicate faster. According to study leader Thomas Hartung, professor and chair for Evidence-based Toxicology at the Bloomberg School, 95 percent of drugs that show promise during animal testing fail once they are tested on humans with great expense of time and money. "While rodent models have been useful, we are not 150-pound rats. And even though we are not balls of cells either, you can often get much better information from these balls of cells than from rodents," Hartung was quoted by Motherboard in a press release. The findings were announced last Friday during the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington. The "mini-brains" that can be personalized based on whose cells they came from also aim to help scientists study a wide variety of diseases and health problems, from autism and Parkinson's to multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's. This revolutionary process claims to offer accurate test results and could aid in the development of new and more effective drugs. "There are a variety of places where a mini brain could be useful," Wayne Drevets of Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. was quoted by Ars Technica. Drevets, who was not involved with the research, offers his opinion about the revolutionary process. He and the other researchers at the conference added that the process may offer a cheaper, more ethical and more realistic model for human health than mice and other animals. Motherboard reports that millions of animals around the world are used for laboratory testing. Animal groups such as PETA and the Human Society have expressed their disapproval based on moral and economical grounds. According to Hartung, hundreds of mini-brains can be grown from the same batch of cells, around a hundred in a single petri dish. He is currently applying for a patent for his mini-brains and plans to produce them commercially in 2016. Check out a report by Discovery Channel on a similar technology: Subscribe to the latinos health newsletter! New Tuberculosis Test Won't Need Sputum Samples for Diagnosis media@latinoshealth.com By Christon Jervil Feb 21, 2016 07:36 AM EST A more simplified process of Tuberculosis (TB) testing, and a cheaper one at that, could be on the way as researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine were able to uncover a gene expression "signature" that can tell whether someone has active TB via a simple blood test. The new screening procedure for the diagnosis of active TB was detailed in a study, which was published online last Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine. The new blood test could pave the way for a new screening without the need to ask the patient to produce and cough up phlegm samples. "If someone can't produce adequate sputum, or if you have a kid who can't follow directions," then it would be hard to diagnose them, said Tim Sweeney, MD, PhD, one of the authors of the study. Significance of the Study The positive development that goes along with this study is significant not only in providing a more accurate test to identify members of the population with active tuberculosis but also in evaluating the progress of patients and to see how well they respond to different treatments. "Thus, it can be used not only for diagnosis and to inform treatment, but also to study the effectiveness of different treatments. The test's hugely accurate negative response would be especially helpful in monitoring the effectiveness of treatments during clinical trials," said Purvesh Khatri, PhD, assistant professor of medicine and senior author of the paper, via a news release from the university. Tuberculosis By The Numbers According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB was the cause of death for around 1.5 million people back in 2014, about 10 percent of which are children. Those who come from low and middle-income countries are more prone to the disease with more than 95 percent of TB deaths occurring in those countries. The leading health agency in the world estimates that there were about 43 million lives that were spared from the disease because of diagnosis and treatment between 2000 and 2014. The death rate from TB was reduced to 47 percent from 1990 up until 2015. And, through the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals, the WHO hopes to put an end to the TB epidemic by 2030. TB Definition and Symptoms TB is an infectious bacterial disease that is caused by the pathogenic bacterial species called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This type of bacteria commonly affects the lungs and can be spread from one person to another through droplets from the throat and lungs of people with the active respiratory disease. Some of the symptoms of TB are coughing, which may include sputum or blood, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats. The respiratory illness can be treated with the use of antibiotics for a period of six months. Subscribe to the latinos health newsletter! South Dakota could become the first state in the country to require transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms of their sex at birth, after the state Senate recently passed legislation calling for the action. All that remains is the signature of Republican Gov. Dennis Daugaard, who has previously expressed support for such a measure. Advocates of the bill insist it protects the privacy of students, while those opposed argue it discriminates against vulnerable adolescents. Opponents of the bill also say the measure will lead to more bullying. It also circumvents the Constitution and could lead to the state being legally obligated to dole out millions to settle potential lawsuits. Rep. Soli: we don't get to decide what's hurtful to someone else; we owe LGBT community an apology #SDLeg #LegCoffee ACLU South Dakota (@ACLUSD) February 20, 2016 Rep. Soli: we don't get to decide what's hurtful to someone else; we owe LGBT community an apology #SDLeg #LegCoffee ACLU South Dakota (@ACLUSD) February 20, 2016 Schools Obligated to Provide 'Reasonable Accommodation' Under the plan, schools would be obligated to provide "reasonable accommodation" for transgender students. The limited options range from single-occupancy bathrooms to the "controlled use" of staff-designated restrooms, locker rooms or shower rooms. Recently, Republican Sen. David Omdahl urged all his colleagues to get behind the bill to "preserve the innocence of our young people." Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota and Human Rights Campaign have been just as active in expressing their opposition to the measure and have directly called on Daugaard to veto the legislation. "History has never looked kindly upon those who attack the basic civil rights of their fellow Americans, and history will not treat kindly those who support this discriminatory measure," Chad Griffin, the president of the LGBT-rights organization Human Rights Campaign, said in a recently released statement. Rhetoric Heats up Transgender advocates have also directly criticized Omdahl for a number of comments he has reportedly made about transgender individuals during the debate about the legislation. "I'm sorry if you're so twisted you don't know who you are," he said at a recent event when directly quizzed about the bill. "I'm telling you right now, it's about protecting the kids, and I don't even understand where our society is these days." Recently, several other states have also considered tackling the issue. Late last year, the city of Houston was the stage for a bitter public fight over nondiscrimination legislation that centered on LGBT rights. Advocates of the law stress the legislation is in direct response to changes made by the Obama administration to the federal Title IX anti-discrimination law related to education. Federal authorities have long insisted barring students from restrooms that match their gender identity is in violation of the law. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenpress state news agency introduces on the air of Lratvakan.am all that you will read, hear and see on todays news. Changes in APPA (car insurance) system. Drivers are given an opportunity to fill in the request form and abandon the scene without the consent of the insurance company if the damage does not exceed 50 thousand drams. What problems will this change solve? President of "Achilles Center for Protection of Drivers' Rights" NGO Eduard Hovhannisyan will refer to these and other issues today, on February 22. He will also refer to other traffic issues. National Assembly regular four-day session kicks off on February 22. 137 issues and 39 international agreements are included in the agenda of the session. In the context of lifting sanctions from Iran, director of Modus Vivendi research center Ara Papain will speak about Armenian-Iranian relations, possible construction of the railway, as well as intensification of Russian-Turkish relations. Family planning culture in our country. Healthy lifestyle as the guarantee of womans health and natural prevention of many diseases. Gynecologist Nelly Avagyan and family doctor Zara Sahradyan will touch upon the topic. What kind of PR technologies is practiced in Armenian politics? Are they productive and is black PR widespread in our country? Sociologist Aharon Adibekyan and political technologist Karen Kocharyan will speak on the issue. Writers Union organizes a visit to Komitas Park and Pantheon on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of writer Vahagn Davtyans death. More on these and other topics is available on armenpress.am. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Mitt Romney is rumored to be on the verge of endorsing Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Reports are the 2012 Republican nominee for president has been eager to lend his support to Rubio. As of early Sunday, details about how he would officially announce his support were still being worked out. Word is Romney delayed making his position official partly due to his respect for former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. But after Bush placed fourth in South Carolina and officially suspended his candidacy after yet another poor primary showing, Romney is reportedly ready to move. Announcement Could Come Before Nevada Primary Romney spent at least part of the weekend in Utah, and speculation is building he could be ready to formally announce support for Rubio before Tuesday's Nevada Republican caucus, a contest Romney easily won during both his 2008 and 2012 runs at the White House. Backing from Romney would be Rubio's highest-profile endorsement since he announced his candidacy, and it would offer yet another clear signal that the GOP establishment might be ready to rally around the Florida senator in hopes of slowing down current party front-runner Donald Trump. Rubio was rumored to have made Romney's short list of 2012 vice presidential candidates and even spent the Fourth of July weekend with him at his New Hampshire vacation home. Romney ultimately chose Paul Ryan as a running mate. Donald Trump Rolling Along With Trump having just walked away the winner in the South Carolina primary and reports he leads in 10 of the next 14 states set to go to the polls, the rumored endorsement couldn't come at a much more opportune time for Rubio. Nonetheless, Rubio has staunchly denied all reports of Romney being ready to declare him the candidate of his choice. "I have no reason to believe he's anywhere near endorsing anyone," he said. Trump walked away with roughly 33 percent of the vote in South Carolina, while Rubio and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz both managed just 23 percent each. The Zika virus has continuously made headlines in the past months. However, aside from the health risks it poses in Latin America, it also affects its economy. Brazil and Zika Virus Brazil has been in an economic downturn since the 1930s and Zika virus is making things worse. The country is already facing several economic issues, like low commodity prices, political uncertainty and the ongoing bribery scandal involving the government-run oil company, Petrobas. In fact, their economy is forecast to shrink by 3.5 percent this year. The Zika virus, which is linked to microcephaly, urges pregnant women to reschedule their flights in the country. This affects Brazilian tourism. However, pregnant women are not a large subset of travelers. Economists are hopeful that with Brazil's economy being so low versus the U.S. dollar, many Brazilians will opt to stay at home during vacation. This could keep the tourism sector of the country alive, even if foreigners will shy away from the region. "The negative impacts from Zika ... [could be] counteracted by a general increase in domestic tourism that we're expecting in 2016 because of the situation with exchange rates," said Amanda Bourlier, an analyst at Euromonitor International. Airline Bookings Fall Meanwhile, a new report suggests that airline booking to Latin America declined after U.S. warns travelers about the Zika virus. Booking to Latin America regions hit with the mosquito-borne virus fell by 3.4 percent from a year ago, following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevent travel advisory on Feb. 10. When the World Health Organization called the Zika outbreak an international emergency on Feb. 1, it accelerated the downturn, with bookings plunging 10 percent between the said dates. The ForwardKeys study reported that there were 3 percent fewer bookings made to Brazil between Jan. 15 and Feb. 10 compared to the number of bookings a year ago. Tourist hotpots with Zika outbreaks, like Martinique and U.S. Virgin Island, experienced steeper declines at 24 percent and 27 percent, respectively. "We have to watch (for developments on the virus) because if it really should explode, obviously it will have an effect on all of the Caribbean routes," said Bjon Kjos, Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA Chief Executive. Economic Impact The economic impact of Zika virus in Latin America and the Caribbean may reach 3.5 billion dollars this year. Unfortunately, if the mosquito-borne disease is not contained quickly, the said figure may rise, according to World Bank. At the time, the initial estimate of economic impact was 0.06 percent of the annual gross domestic product across the region. However, this could be more than one percent in some countries, especially in those areas that depend on tourism, like the Caribbean. Latin America is becoming a favorable spot for investors looking to expand their portfolio or grow their businesses. Among well-established companies pouring money into the region include trade company Terra Funds in real estate and AT&T in telecoms, which announced their ventures in separate instances over the weekend. Real Estate Potential Tierra Funds became the first exchange-traded fund (ETF) company to solely concentrate on building real estate investment trusts (REITS) in Latin America. It invested $2 million worth of assets in December and developed the product called Tierra XP Latin America Real Estate (LARE), which allows individuals or institutions to purchase and double their dividends against 150 listed real estate equities. James Anderson, who heads the Pennsylvania-based ETF, is convinced that the Latin American region is poised for growth and gain, and predicted that the improvements could happen in the next five to 10 years. Anderson isn't new to the Latin American real estate landscape, as he has been dealing with the local industry since the 90s. What is LARE? Investments for LARE are tapped into "balanced and diversified" Brazil, Chile and Mexico real estate markets and are tracked by iShares MSCI, which issues the ETF bonds globally. Anderson said that unlike most REITS, LARE is considered as a "safe-haven" asset and it's less volatile than other products and equities. For emerging markets, the LARE is a passive product that grows in the long-term and can complement other investments in stocks or bonds. For those keen to invest, the finance man has some advice. "Investors should always consult with their financial advisor prior to making investment decisions as well as read an investment's literature," Anderson said. AT&T's $10 Billion Investment Meanwhile, AT&T announced in a press release that it is launching its platform and telecom solutions in targeted sites in Mexico. The company is set to roll out 6,000 kilometers of fiber operations to boost wireless connectivity in the country, with the goal of servicing 100 million businesses and consumers by 2018. "By bringing the entire scope of the AT&T capabilities to bear, we're helping our customers turn trade-offs of the past into combination plays of the future. Our software-centric network lets us create and deploy integrated solutions faster, infusing agility into our customers' own operations. For customers, that means a competitive advantage," said AT&T's chief marketing officer Steve McGaw. The news comes as Facebook, Google and Microsoft set up shop in Bogota, Colombia in the last few years, sparking a tech boom in the Latin American region. The video below provides more information about Mexico's tech developments: Fidel and Raul Castro have been the leaders of Cuba for the past 60 years but it will end on Feb. 24, 2018 when Miguel Diaz-Canel finally takes over. The 55-year-old became the first vice-president of the Council of State back in 2013 and has been given the stamp of approval by Raul Castro. "Comrade Diaz-Canel is not an upstart nor improvised," the younger Castro said when Diaz-Canel became vice-president. But who is this person that was endorsed to become Cuba's next president? Who is Miguel Diaz-Canel? Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez was proclaimed by Raul Castro as his successor in 2013. He has been working his way up the Cuban hierarchy in the last 30 years, serving in provincial positions and as minister of higher education. Diaz-Canel is seen as a serious man in front of the cameras but is rumored to be funny and a Beatles fan. He is an electrical engineer who graduated from Marta Abreu University of Las Villas in 1982. The 55-year-old is active on social media and regularly posts images of him with the president. "He is well-liked, young, well-educated, and he's gone through all the different hoops. That he is admired in the often snippy world of university circles is very significant and shows he has the talent for handling people," professor Rafael Betancourt of the University of Havana said. Will He Have the Same Power as the Castro Brothers? "He will be a puppet. The power is in the military forces," Cuban dissident and human rights activist Antonio Rodiles said. Many political analysts have a feeling that Diaz-Canel is just a temporary leader as third-generation members of the Castro family will likely end up ruling Cuba after him. Raul Castro's son Alejandro is currently a colonel in Cuba's Interior Ministry security forces while his son-in-law Luis Alberto Rodriguez Lopez-Callejas is also a colonel in the army. The Cuban armed forces are believed to have almost all of Cuba's money and control most of the island's economy. They reportedly control banks, gas stations, real estate, restaurants and the tourism industry. However, it should be noted that both Alejandro and Lopez-Callejas are not seeing eye-to-eye at the moment. "The military may not be a threat, but it will always be there. Diaz-Canel has an arduous road to walk," former Cuban intelligence agent Arturo Lopez Levy said. Barack Obama will become the first U.S. president to travel to Cuba in nearly 90 years. Obama and his wife Michelle will be visiting the Caribbean island from March 21 to March 22. It comes more than a year after the U.S. and Cuba made a decision to restore diplomatic ties. "I believe that the best way to advance American interests and values, and the best way to help the Cuban people improve their lives, is through engagement. By normalizing relations between our governments and increasing the contacts between our peoples," Obama said. Cuban Itinerary For his trip to Cuba, the POTUS will be meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro to discuss the recent progress in the relationship between the two countries. Some of the topics include democracy, establishment of businesses, freedom of speech, human rights, religion and trade relations. "My visit will be an opportunity to keep moving forward. I'll meet with President Castro to discuss how we can continue normalizing relations," the POTUS said. Obama will also be meeting with members of civil society and Cuban entrepreneurs to talk about creating new opportunities for the people. They will be looking for a way to introduce a new business enterprise in Cuba as many American companies have penetrated the Cuban market. The establishment of more Wi-Fi hotspots will also be a topic of discussion. Many Cubans will finally be having access to the internet and the rest of the world. "We're still in the early days of our new relationship with the Cuban people. This transformation will take time. I'm focused on the future, and I'm confident that my visit will advance the goals that guide us," Obama added. Republicans Respond Two GOP presidential candidates with Cuban ancestry responded to the announcement of Obama's visit to Cuba. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio are both opposed to the president's agenda on the communist nation; instead, both are interested in making Cuba free. "My family has seen firsthand the evil and oppression in Cuba. The President should be advocating for a free Cuba," Cruz wrote on Twitter. The Texas senator's father is from Cuba but left before Fidel Castro came into power. Meanwhile, the Florida senator does not want to end the Cuban embargo but wants the improvement of human rights in the island. Both of Rubio's parents emigrated from Cuba to the U.S. before the revolution started. Obama has received the support of both Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. As the 2016 U.S. presidential elections loom, thousands of legal Latino residents are becoming U.S. citizens, especially in Nevada, Florida and Colorado. The reason? It's Donald Trump. Recently, there has been a measurable and substantial increase in Latino voter registration after an "anti-Latino" presidential hopeful, who stereotyped Hispanics as rapists and drug dealers, made waves in U.S. politics. Because of the infamous speech, several Latinos are eager to participate in the upcoming elections. Business tycoon Donald Trump initially made headlines after he became one of the most criticized Republican presidential candidates due to his harsh remarks and strong views against Mexicans and immigration. According to political experts, Trump's assertive demeanor and perceptions on Latinos and immigrants could lead to his epic downfall, regardless of his notoriety. "Trump Effect" Latinos make up one of the largest minority groups in the U.S. As a matter of fact, they comprise 13 percent of all eligible U.S. voters, with a record of 27 people Iin which almost 50 percent are millennials. The surprising rise in new voter registration among Latinos is attributed to the so-called, "Trump Effect." "We've seen more people this year that want to become citizens and specifically because they want to vote against Trump," Ben Monterroso of Mi Familia Vota stated. Aside from tapping into disaffected voters this year, Trump's immigration tirade also resulted to an "unintended consequence," where naturalized and voter registration efforts where combined "to mobilize voters off Trump's rhetoric." While the exact number of the newly naturalized citizens remains unclear, it will likely affect the decisions at the ballot box in the upcoming 2016 U.S. presidential elections. Pope Francis vs. Donald Trump Meanwhile, the latest "war of words" between Pope Francis and Trump is also expected to add to Latinos' eagerness to participate in the upcoming elections. The Pontiff's strident comments on immigration and the Mexican border came after he hosted a mass in Ciudad Juarez. "A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian," Pope Francis said on Trump's standpoint on immigration. "This is not in the gospel." "As far as what you said about whether I would advise to vote or not to vote, I am not going to get involved that," the Pope added. "I say only that this man is not Christian if he said things like that." Trump, on the other hand, responded by saying that the Pope is a "very political person," who doesn't understand the American-Mexican relations. "If and when the Vatican is attacked by ISIS, which as everyone knows is ISIS's ultimate trophy, I can promise you that the Pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been President because this would not have happened," Trump wrote in a statement. "For a religious leader to question a person's faith is disgraceful. No leader, especially a religious leader, should have the right to question another man's religion or faith." Latino Supporters Donald Trump has a controversial immigration platform, which includes creating a wall along the border and increasing deportations. And while his camp insisted that they have Latino support, most polls show otherwise. Monterroso even added that when Trump speaks badly about the Latino community, people become more anti-Trump and anti-Republican. He also stressd that the Pontiff aims to raise the issue and is not only urging Catholics but the whole Christian community to "welcome the stranger." Donald Trump tops the South Carolina primary polls, but will his anti-immigration views and policies help him win over the US Latino community? Billionaire and presidential hopeful Donald Trump came out on top at the SC Republican primaries in South Carolina and New Hampshire. "A number of the pundits said, ... 'Well, if a couple of the other candidates dropped out, if you add their scores together, it's going to equal Trump.' They don't understand that as people drop out, I'm going to get a lot of those votes also," said Trump as he celebrated his victory. The GOP race is heading towards the state of Nevada where around 28 percent of the population is Latino. Trump proposes three core principles on immigration, which will put the needs of the country first rather than others. The first one is to put a wall across the southern border. The second one involves passing laws guided by the Constitutional system of government. The last one involves improved job, wage and security opportunities for all Americans. As for the wall border, Trump proposes to have the Mexican government pay for it. He alleges that Mexico and its people have been bleeding the United States dry through billions of dollar remittances from illegal immigrants and wreaking havoc through crimes once they enter. His immigration reforms also include deportation of criminal aliens, detention of illegal aliens to be sent home, larger penalties for those who overstay and getting rid of "birthright citizenship," wherein children who are born in the United States from illegal immigrants are granted citizen status. In June of last year, the billionaire accused Mexicans of "bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people." Latino celebrities pleaded with the community to not vote for Trump in line with his views as well as for Cruz and Rubio or any major Republican candidate. Carlos Santana, America Ferrera, Aubrey Plaza, George Lopez, Zoe Saldana and Ivonne Coll were only a few of the 22 who signed the letter. "From accusing Mexicans of being rapists to kicking Jorge Ramos out of his press conference, Trump has spent the entirety of his presidential bid stoking unfounded anti-immigrant fears and deeply offending our communities," the missive signed by well-known Latino celebrities said. "Latinos should understand that Donald Trump embodies the true face of the entire Republican Party. Sadly, he speaks for the GOP's anti-immigrant, anti-Latino agenda." Famous musician Carlos Santana urged Latinos and Americans to be united and vote wisely. Dolores Huerta, a civil rights leader, also spoke out about the issue, saying that the presidential candidates have been using immigration as a platform to cast immigrants in a bad light. She adds that Latinos have influence and power to decide who the next President will be. The police and the minority communities in Elkhart, Indiana came together to forge a stronger bond and address the different issues in the city. From immigrant issues to unjust treatment at the hands of the police department, the locals took to the podium to air their concerns in a public meeting at the Tolson Community and Youth Center. Organized by Latino community advocate Delia Vazquez, the gathering saw around 50 attendees including Elkhart Mayor Tim Neese, Elkhart Police Chief Ed Windbigler, a representative from the Mexican Consulate in Chicago, immigration attorney Felipe Merino, Windbigler and Neese. One of the main issues that was brought up by the community were the fear of undocumented immigrants of being caught driving without a license. The crime could get them jailed and eventually deported. "I drive every day full of fear that they'll give me a ticket," Belen Santiago stated during the gathering with the city officials. The group also discussed other significant issues that plague the community including police treatment of Latinos and the shaky bond between the Elkhart police and the local Latino community. There are also locals who said that some members of the police force are guilty of illegally profiling Latinos. No specific solutions were promised or concretized during the get-together, but those who were present revealed that it was only the first step in the efforts to building a better connection across the city. Francisco Collio, pastor at El Refugio Baptist Church, kicked off the meeting by explaining what the various groups hoped to achieve. "We want to have a relationship, the Hispanic community, with all the authorities here," Collio explained. The police chief expressed a similar sentiment, saying the meeting was "a starting point" in fixing the problems between his department and the Latinos. He also called for the creation of a special committee to address the issues that have been discussed by the city representatives, adding that he would be supportive if the state allowed undocumented immigrants to get their drivers' licenses. "There will have to be many more meetings like this so we can keep the door open and do something," Windbigler said. "The bottom line is we have to explore what we can do to make things better for everybody." Lupita Zepeda, one of the active Latino community members, suggested cultural training for police who deal with minorities such as Latinos and African-Americans. Windbigler revealed that this is something he would consider doing. The Latino vote is still in dispute among the different camps of the presidential candidates. Hillary Clinton's group is rebutting the claims that rival Senator Bernie Sanders won Nevado's Latino vote by 8 percentage points. Clinton's spokesperson Nick Merrill went on Twitter and dismissed the reports of entrance polls that revealed a Sanders victory in the Nevada caucuses. "I don't typically like to swear on Twitter, but by all accounts so far this is complete and utter bull----," Merrill tweeted. "But the finding that Mr. Sanders won the Hispanic vote is at best extremely questionable -- and, at worst, wrong." The Saturday caucuses in Nevada were won by Clinton who got 53 percent of the vote compared to Sanders' 47 percent. The Latino share is still currently in dispute as the entrance polls showed that the latter secured the bulk of the demographic vote despite the loss in Saturday. Arturo Carmona, deputy political director for Bernie 2016, explained what the win means for the candidates at this point in the presidential race. "What we learned today is Hillary Clinton's firewall with Latino voters is a myth," Carmona said in a press release. "The Latino community responded strongly to Bernie Sanders' message of immigration reform and creating an economy that works for all families. This is critically important as we move ahead to states like Colorado, Arizona, Texas and California." Clinton also fired back at the reports and dismissed the entrance polls in a CNN interview recently. She said that her own team's analysis pointed that the data of the polls weren't completely true. "We don't believe that the so-called entry polls are particularly accurate," the former secretary of state stated. Meanwhile, it has also been discussed in reports that there is no foolproof way to determine which candidate emerged with the most Latino votes during a caucus, even with entrance and exit polls implemented in the different sites. There are two ways to estimate the numbers of ethnicity or race -- whether this is regarding Latinos or not. One is to look at the entrance polls from Edison Research for Associated Press and television networks. The other method is to see the results of the precincts with a high number of Latino voters and determine the majority winner from there. The first method supported Sanders' claims while the second one backed Clinton, but neither offers a definite and indisputable answer for the ultimate winner of the Latino vote. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. If 4 years ago Viken Piliposyan was told that he will leave Aleppo for Yerevan and will start cooking in Armenia, create a small cafe and think of new dishes, it would seem real neither for him, nor for his family. Viken, who possessed a sewing workshop and two huge markets in the central streets of Aleppo, was considered a successful businessman in Syria, but in Yerevan everything changed: he had to start from the beginning again. Four years ago he arrived in Armenia for just two weeks, leaving everything in Aleppo. But now the huge workshop and the markets are plundered and lay in ashes. We could not even assume that the war in Syria would take this form and would not end for so long. We arrived in Yerevan and the airport shut down. It was impossible to return to Aleppo and we remained here, Viken says. For nearly one year Viken worked in different places in Yerevan, tried to establish a business but failed. Like many others, he was also disappointed and soon decided to try searching luck in Europe. He left for the Netherlands with his family. But living there for 3 months they realized that there is no better place than Yerevan. Three months later, when we were waiting for residency documents, we understood that we prefer living in Yerevan rather than being a refugee in Europe, Viken says, adding that his trip to Europe is a life experience and states that one must take lessons from his mistakes. If we had not gone, we would always think that it is better abroad, but now we know that there is no better place than Yerevan, Viken says and states that his second attempt to start a new life in Yerevan was more successful. It is said a businessman is a businessman irrespective of where he is, while a professional businessman can establish a business in any situation and under any circumstances. In Yerevan Viken remembers his maternal grandfather who was serving as a cook for the Syrian army. Vikens military service passed with his grandfather, in a military canteen. He leaned cooking there. Viken sets a small cafe in Yerevan called Tauk. The main dish of the cafe is also called Tauk. The recipe of the dish prepared from chicken was invented by Viken. The visitors of the cafe, the number of whom grows day by day, confess that Tauk is a serious rival for shaurma. Viken states that it is a requisite to invest love, struggle, believe and work hard in order to achieve something. Now Viken works 14 hours a day: he is the director, cook, waiter and cleaner of the cafe. He says he tried to make Tauk a bright place where people will prefer to have a lunch, spend time in the evenings and enjoy Syrian dishes. Every dish must be prepared with love. I am often asked if it is not hard to invest so much love, as I prepare hundreds of dishes every day. My answer is no. Love is fed with love. The more you give love, the more you get back, Viken says. He tells that the war and permanent movement from country to country have quite changed the characters of his family members. The most important of them is living for today. None of us thinks of the future. No one knows what will happen tomorrow, next week, and we do not think of what we will do tomorrow, where we will live, Viken says, adding that the Syrian war proved that a blast of one mine can wreck any dream and goal. HASMIK HARUTYUNYAN Hillary Clinton did win the Nevada caucuses but Democratic presidential rival Bernie Sanders' campaign has plenty of reasons to stay positive on the campaign trail. On Feb. 20, Clinton won the caucuses with 53 percent to Sanders' 47 percent, scoring 6,365 delegates to 5,710 delegates, respectively as of Monday afternoon. Mixed Expectations Spin For weeks, perhaps months, prior to the Nevada caucus, Clinton was widely, and comfortably, expected to win the state, but as a Sanders email to supporters acknowledged, the former secretary of state narrowly surpassed the Vermont senator in the delegate count. Of the 35 delegates up for grabs, Clinton's Nevada won 19, just a few more than 15 delegates that went to Sanders. In a statement released on Saturday, Sanders acknowledged he called Clinton to congratulate her win but he was still proud of his campaign in the state. "I am very proud of the campaign we ran. Five weeks ago we were 25 points behind and we ended up in a very close election. And we probably will leave Nevada with a solid share of the delegates," Sanders said. "I am also proud of the fact that we have brought many working people and young people into the political process and believe that we have the wind at our back as we head toward Super Tuesday. I want to thank the people of Nevada for their support that they have given us and the boost that their support will give us as we go forward." According to Ilya Sheyman, executive director of MoveOn.org Political Action, a progressive organization, Sanders' Nevada peformance proved he can compete against an established candidate such as Clinton. "A few weeks ago, skeptics rejected the idea that Bernie would even be competitive in Nevada. Yet today, he has won a substantial share of the state's delegates, demonstrating that he can be competitive across the country. The skeptics were wrong -- Bernie's message is resonating across diverse communities and his campaign is gaining support everywhere it goes. The results in Nevada prove that we have a real race for the Democratic nomination," said Sheyman, adding that Sanders is "well positioned heading to South Carolina, Super Tuesday and beyond." Taking into account Clinton's Iowa win and Sanders' New Hampshire primary win, Clinton leads the overall delegate count with 502 delegates to Sanders' 70. Clinton appears to have an overwhelmingly lead but that's due to superdelegates, who are delegates who have already allocated their support to a candidate even before the state's primary or caucus. Funding Without the superdelegates, the delegate count can be considered close, but one area where the Sanders campaign is leading is funding. His presidential campaign raised nearly $21.3 million in January, once again from small donors who donated an average $27. Since the launch of his presidential bid on April 30 to Jan. 31, ahead of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing, Sanders' campaign raised $94.8 million. from more than four million contributions. "Our campaign is a strong grassroots movement supported by middle-class Americans from working families, not billionaires trying to buy elections," said Sanders' campaign manager Jeff Weaver in a statement regarding the donations. "This campaign is built for the long haul and is drawing millions of new people into the process." But with more donations, there is also more spending. The Sanders campaign did outspend Clinton in January, spending $34.9 million, over $15 million more than the former New York senator's campaign. Did Anyone "Win" the Latino Vote? The caucus method makes it slightly difficult to determine who really won the Latino vote and by what standards. A statement from the Sanders campaign states the Vermont senator won the Latino vote but the Clinton campaign thinks otherwise. Citing entrance polls, the Sanders campaign states it won the Latino vote by eight more percentage points. "What we learned today is Hillary Clinton's firewall with Latino voters is a myth," Sanders campaign Deputy Political Director Arturo Carmona said. "The Latino community responded strongly to Bernie Sanders' message of immigration reform and creating an economy that works for all families. This is critically important as we move ahead to states like Colorado, Arizona, Texas and California." Meanwhile, Clinton traveling press secretary Nick Merrill utilized Twitter to respond to Carmona's statement. I don't typically like to swear on Twitter, but by all accounts so far this is complete and utter bullshit. pic.twitter.com/LDwMQUaF5o Nick Merrill (@NickMerrill) February 21, 2016 The Clinton campaign dismissed the entrance poll since there was broad-based turnout. Clinton and Sanders' next election is the South Carolina Democratic presidential primary, scheduled for Feb. 27. __ For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com. The ACLU North Carolina office says officials are "diligently" monitoring the immigration situation there after attendance among students at one Durham high school dropped by at least 20 percent in the wake of several teens being taken into custody by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. "We're one of a few groups paying close attention to the situation," policy council representative Susanna Birdsong told Latin Post on Monday. "Ideally, we would like to see the raids stop and individuals and families stop being terrorized." North Carolina high school students were pushed to the forefront in the national debate over immigration after Riverside High School senior Wildin "David" Guillen Acosta was recently accosted and taken into custody by ICE agents as he left his home for school. Attendance at North Carolina Schools Declines Since then, several media outlets have reported attendance at some schools among Latin students has dramatically dipped, with many simply electing to stay home over fear of being confronted by prowling ICE agents. More recently, teachers and administrators at Riverside High took it upon themselves to mail out school work and letters of encouragement to Guillen Acosta, who has now been moved to a Georgia immigration detention center where he awaits possible deportation. "He's one of my favorite kids," said math teacher Matt Miller, who has also written a letter to President Obama expressing his sentiments. "We're doing everything we can to get [Guillen Acosta] out." Guillen Acosta arrived in America in 2014 after fleeing violence in his homeland of Honduras. Initially, he went before an immigration judge, but never returned to court amid growing fears of being deported. In all, at least six students from North Carolina have recently been taken into custody by ICE agents. Agency sweeps have targeted teens believed to be among thousands of unaccompanied minors and mothers with small children who illegally entered the U.S. since 2014. Durham School Board Calls for Raids to End The Durham Human Relations Commission, the Durham City Council and the Durham County Board of Education have all now backed resolutions calling for the raids to stop and for government officials to release all the teens from the area who have been detained. Reports are nearly half of the 20,800 cases involving unaccompanied children that have gone through immigration courts over the last two years have resulted in removal orders, meaning at least 9,700 children and teens across the country now find themselves the targets of ICE agents. "It has to stop," said Birdsong. "It's the only thing that will calm all the fears of the people." North Carolina is now home to the nation's sixth fastest growing Latino population, which in 2011 accounted for 8.6 percent of the state's overall population, or about half of the national average of 16 percent. U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew met the group of bondholders reiterating Puerto Rico's need to have access to a debt-restructuring regime to solve its severe and rapidly deteriorating fiscal and economic crisis. Treasury representative said in a statement, "Lew urged all stakeholders to come to the table. He warned that a disorderly default - a likely outcome in the absence of Congressional action - could trigger protracted and costly litigation." Lew also told the group of bondholders that Puerto Rico needs an "orderly restructuring" of its debt that would require approval by U.S. Congress. He told them it was essential that the small U.S. territory crumbling under $70 billion in debt needs Congress to pass laws establishing a process on orderly restructuring of the Caribbean island's debt. But some creditors have fought such a move and so far Congress, requested by Puerto Rico and the White House to give it the right to enter bankruptcy protection, has not obliged. Puerto Rico has been locked in recession for a decade, and defaulted on some debt payments at the beginning of the year. Despite sweeping spending cuts and some policy reforms, it has not been able to stop the deterioration of its budget deficit. President Obama earlier stated in the Democrat's retreat in Baltimore, "My administration has put forward a comprehensive proposal to give Puerto Rico the necessary tools to address its crisis, create a path to recovery." "And the most urgent tool that we need right now - a comprehensive restructuring authority - costs taxpayers nothing and will help more Americans regain control of their own economic security. That's the kind of thing Democrats believe in," Obama added. Lew also said that the people of Puerto Rico are sacrificing, but unless that sacrifice is shared by creditors in an orderly restructuring, there is no path out of insolvency and back to growth. Without congressional action, Puerto Rico will face a long and difficult recovery that could have harmful consequences for the American citizens who call the island home. Time is running short for Puerto Rico. The government has not paid tax refunds, it has raided state pension funds, and it owes money to suppliers and contractors. Jim Millstein, former Treasury official and a restructuring expert advising Puerto Rico's governor, said they are at the point where suppliers are stretched as far as they can stretch them. He added that it would mean no more supplies for hospitals or schools and further blows to the economy. "When we don't give taxpayers their money, that means that's money they aren't spending," he said. Money paid to bondholders is flowing out of the territory, hurting growth further. Millstein said, "We have to get something done with creditors; otherwise, there will be widespread defaults." South Africa's ruling party, African National Congress (ANC), has alleged the diplomats of the United States of having "irregular activities" in attempt to spur regime change inside the country. The ANC party will be discussing this matter to the concerned authorities in Washington. In a report by ABC News, the spokesman, identified as Keith Khoza, said the ANC party will be talking to officials in Washington through diplomatic channels regarding their concerns. These concerns include the accusations made by ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe that the United States is planning a regime change in their country. Mantashe added during a march for non-racialism in the capital of South Africa, Pretoria, that the regime change elements that they are observing are similar to those in Libya and Egypt, Yahoo News reported. Mantashe added that the "meetings in the American Embassy are about nothing else other than mobilization" for the supposed regime change. He added that they are aware of a program wherein they take young South Africans to the United States for six weeks and bring them back to "plant them everywhere." However, these allegations were dismissed by the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, Patrick Gaspard. He pointed out that the young people being questioned are part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. This was started by U.S. President Barack Obama in 2014, The Guardian reported. The initiative by Obama aims to help in supporting young African leaders and to help them strengthen their democratic governance so as to improve the peace and security all over Africa. Gaspard echoed his sentiments on Twitter, saying he is "incredibly proud of the work my U.S. embassy colleagues" do every day in South Africa, specifically the projects about health, education, and job growth. It is unclear when ANC will be talking to the officials in Washington to express their concerns. They have not yet released a statement after Gaspard's tweets. US District Judge P.Kevin Castel has agreed on dropping of charges against Iranian national Alireza Moazami Gouzard following the wider agreement between US and Iran governments. Gouzard is one of the Iranian nationals to have their Interpol detention requests dropped. Judge Castel previously threatened to deny the dropping of charges against Gouzard demanding the prosecutors to elaborate the "significant foreign policy interests" that grounded the dismissal. As reported by Newsweek, Castel also urged not to approve the request if it is grounded on reasons that contradict public interest. However, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cronan responded to Judge Castel stating that the prisoner swap that caused for dropping the charges filed against Gouzard was a unique agreement that was based on extraordinary situations aiming to get back the freedom of the American prisoners detained in Iran. According to Reuters, the judge has stated in his February 18 order that he was satisfied with the explanations provided by the prosecutors and that the conduct of the foreign policy in the US is committed not to the judiciary but to political branches of the government. President Obama's prisoner-agreement with Iran succeeded to reclaim the freedom of five Americans which included the Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian. In return, the US government offered clemency to seven Iranian detained in the United States and dropped charges against 13 Iranians outside of America. Gouzard was charged in 2012 he tried to purchase aircraft materials from US supplier to be shipped to Iran. Per Newsmax, he was arrested in Malaysia in 2012 in connection to the case, although, he was later freed after the country denied the US' request for extradition. He was considered an Iranian fugitive by the US authorities ever since, but is now cleared of such charges as part of the prisoner exchange agreement. Castel's approval cleans out the only known issue against President Obama's move to free the jailed Americans. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. In the near future it will be clear when the bill on the Armenian Genocide will be included in the agenda of the plenary session of the Knesset, the Chairman of the Armenian National Committee Hakob Sevan said during a phone conversation with Armenpress. "We are currently working on determining the exact date. We expect this to be clear in the nearest future. As we know, the bill on the Armenian Genocide was discussed in Knessets Education, Culture and Sports Committee and now we are waiting for it to be included in the plenary session s agenda and discussed, "Hakob Sevan said. He noted that positive changes are observed in Israel regarding the Armenian Genocide issue. There has been considerable progress in the approach of Israels Knesset towards the Armenian Genocide issue in recent years. We are carrying out works on different levels. In particular, we are working with those MPs who have a positive stance regarding the Armenian Genocide, "Hakob Sevan said. According to him, their number is growing. Hakob Sevan also positively evaluated the conferences and initiatives which were organized in scientific institutions on the issue of the Armenian Genocide. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. More than 1200 shots from different caliber weapons were fired by the enemy towards Armenian positions in the line of contact in Nagorno Karabakh during the weekend. As "Armenpress" was informed from the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR), NKRs Defense Army mostly refrained from response actions and confidently continued carrying out military duty. Jun 15, 2015, 2:24pm ET Honda to retire Civic Hybrid, CNG The green Civics will be dropped so the company can focus on a \"sporty driving character.\" Honda has confirmed that its Civic Hybrid and Natural Gas variants will not return for the 2016 model year. The 'green' models will be retired as the company introduces the 10th-generation Civic, scheduled to arrive later this year. "With two new engines on the new Civic, including our first turbo engine, we are targeting class-leading fuel economy for Civic, with EPA highway fuel economy a few ticks above 40 miles per gallon," the company said in a statement. The comments suggest the non-hybrid Civic could offer fuel-efficiency numbers close to the current Civic Hybrid's city/highway rating of 44/47 mpg. The most fuel efficient non-hybrid in the lineup has a 31/41 mpg rating. In a separate statement, the company suggests the Accord Plug-In Hybrid will be the top fuel-sipping model in the lineup, while the Civic will narrow its focus on performance and handling. "These moves will allow greater focus on Civic's sporty new driving character," Honda executive VP John Mendel told Autoblog. The next-generation Civic will be offered with a range of powertrains, including a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A high-performance Type-R range topper will arrive in 2017, more than a year behind the entry-level models. Dominick Nixon Dominick Nixon, 23, of the 300 block of Old Forge Drive in Bath. (Courtesy photo) A Bath man inflicted skull fractures in a fight outside a bar that have landed him in Northampton County Prison for at least a year. Dominick Nixon, 23, was one of a handful of men who fought about 2 a.m. Oct. 11, 2015, outside the Tally Ho Tavern in Bethlehem. Nixon punched and kicked Kerry Borger, breaking his skull and inflicting injures from which Borger is still attempting to heal, according to Assistant District Attorney Kelly Lewis Fallenstein. "I believe that he is a danger to society," said Nixon's probation officer, Timothy Werkheiser. Nixon and Borger were among seven people fighting among one another. Lewis Fallenstein said surveillance video of the fight makes it difficult to make out who inflicted injuries to whom. Members of the melee have refused to cooperate with police, she said. So a plea deal made sense, she said. She agreed to drop an aggravated assault charge after Nixon pleaded guilty to simple assault, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct. Werkheiser pointed out that the fight came 23 days after he was released from prison on a drug possession charge. He was charged with drunken driving in Lehigh County in 2014. "You had two bad years," Northampton County Judge Emil Giordano told Nixon. "Are you beyond this in your life?" "Yes, Your Honor," Nixon said. The judge credited attorney Matthew Potts for negotiating a favorable deal for Nixon. He will serve one to two years in county prison followed by three years of probation. He told the former Northampton Area High School student not to slip up again. "Your next step is state prison," the judge said. Lewis Fallenstein said Gabriel Middleton, 24, of Allentown fought alongside Nixon. So did Terrell Mitchell, 24, of Whitehall, she said. Dan Kyle, 24, of Hellertown, fought along with Borger, according to Lewis Fallenstein. Each of those three pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. A Maryland man is accused of stealing a religious statue while dining at a Bethlehem Thai restaurant. (file photo) Joseph Francis Kotler, 22, of Arnold, took the gold Buddha statue after dining between 8 and shortly before 11 p.m. Friday at Thai Thai Restaurant, 509 Main St., police said. When Kotler left the restaurant, an employee noticed the statue, valued at $1,000, missing from the lobby area, according to police. The statue had been involved in daily religious practices for more than 20 years, city police said. Another employee told police she saw Kotler handling the statue before leaving in a white sedan. Another witness claimed to police he saw Kotler leave with the statue, police said. Police said they were able to identify Kotler through a credit card used to pay for the meal. The statue, however, was found at a home in the 500 block of Hillside Avenue in Bethlehem, according to court records. Kotler is charged with theft and receiving stolen property. He was arraigned before District Judge David Tidd, who set bail at $2,500 unsecured. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A Bethlehem woman free on bail in an attempted kidnapping case is accused of giving a man crack to smoke, cutting him and then hitting him with a car when he refused to pay her, city police said. Bethlehem police say a woman cut a man, then hit him with a car after he refused to pay for crack. (Sarah Cassi | For lehighvalleylive.com) Melanie Santos, of the 800 block of Atlantic Street, is in Lehigh County Jail on two counts of aggravated assault, as well as possession of an instrument of a crime and possession of a small amount of marijuana. The 24-year-old is being held in lieu of $40,000 bail. Bethlehem police were called at 11:47 a.m. Friday to the 600 block of 16 th Avenue on the city's west side. They found Santos and Julian Jordan; Jordan had a cut near his right eye, and bruises and cuts on both knees. Jordan told officers he was riding in a car driven by Santos on West Broad Street, when she gave him some crack, which he smoked, police said. As they got close to the church at Broad Street and 16 th Avenue, Jordan asked Santos to drop him off in the church's lot, police said. When Jordan was getting out of the car, Santos demanded to be paid for the drugs, and Jordan refused, police said. Santos used a box cutter to cut Jordan near his left eye, and the two struggled before Jordan was able to take the box cutter away, police said. Jordan got out of the car, and Santos reversed quickly to try to strike him, police said. Jordan began to run down an alley, when Santos sped after him and hit him with the car, knocking him to the ground, police said. Jordan ran onto a nearby porch for safety and waited for police. Santos was arrested in December after allegedly knocking on a woman's door, asking about a dog and then trying to force the woman into a vehicle. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Immediately after the declaration of independence by Armenia in 1991, close and friendly relations were established between Armenia and Iran. Both Armenian and Iranian officials have always emphasized the high level of political relations between the two countries, while the sides see great potentials in economic sector that has not been fully utilized so far. After lifting international sanctions from Iran, broad prospects rise for Armenia, as Irans neighbor and centuries-old friendly country, to engage in regional developments on the one hand, and further deepen Armenian-Iranian economic relations on the other hand. Armenpress briefs the latest developments in Armenian-Iranian relations. New window in Armenian-Iranian relations After lifting sanctions and barriers from the Islamic Republic of Iran, great opportunities rise for Armenia, and these new realities are the focus of attention of the Armenian side. What are the odds for Armenia to become a priority transit route linking the Gulf ports with the Black Sea ports? To answer these and other issues of bilateral relations, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan conveyed a consultation on February 19. Interestingly, the series of consultations of the President with Ambassadors of Armenia to foreign countries aimed at activation of economic relations with partner states kicked off with the consultation with the Ambassador of Armenia to Iran. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Armenia to Iran Artashes Tumanyan, referring to the key importance of North-South corridor, stated its huge importance for the Iranian side as well. The next issue refers to transport corridor. It is of key importance for us. When recently Minister of Transport of the Republic of Armenia Mr. Beglaryan was on a working visit in the Islamic Republic of Iran at the invitation of his counterpart, it was officially declared in front to mass media representatives that Iran announces about its state policy of 4 corridors. One of them passes through the Republic of Armenia. It was an important announcement that also fits in global geopolitical projects, the Ambassador said. A conference headlined Republic of Armenia-Islamic Republic of Iran: 25 years of cooperation held at Yerevan State University recently also referred to the past, present and future of Armenian-Iranian relations. Chair of Iranian Studies Department Vardan Voskanyan recalled a statement made by Iranian President Rouhani that Armenia, as the first state to adopt Christianity, and Iran, as an Islamic state, are unique neighbors, with exemplary relations which is an advantage for both sides. Seyyed Kazem Sajjad, the Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) to the Republic of Armenia, who attended the conference, also spoke about the necessity to deepen Armenian-Iranian relations. He stated that there is no political problem in intergovernmental relations and there are no limitations to develop them. The Armenian community in Iran plays an important role in bilateral relations. In the words of the Ambassador, the Iranian authorities take measures for the preservation of Armenian heritage in Iran. Iran is also the supporter of settling the Nagorno Karabakh conflict through negotiations. In an interview with Armenpress the Ambassador has stated, We have always announced that the conflict must find a negotiated settlement. Iran has always supported dialogue. Seyyed Kazem Sajjad brings Irans nuclear deal as an example, which proved that dialogue can solve many issues. As refers to the economic sphere, according to Ambassador Sajjad, there are good prerequisites for the development of bilateral relations and Armenias membership to the Eurasian Economic Union is another advantage. Bilateral trade turnover and economic cooperation Armenia-Iran trade turnover in 2015 was 276 million and 360.7 thousand USD, 5.8% of Armenias total trade turnover. As for exports and imports, last year Armenia exported to Iran goods worth 78 million and 22.6 thousand USD, which is a decline of 6 million and 953.2 thousand against the previous year. Iran exported to Armenia goods worth 182 million and 460.6 thousand USD produced in third countries and Iranian made products worth 198 million and 338.1 thousand USD. Both the Armenian and Iranian sides believe that the bilateral trade turnover is not sufficient considering the existing potentials. The construction of Iran-Armenia railroad has been subject for discussions for years. Some clarity may arise regarding the issue when an Iranian expert group arrives in Armenia in the near future to conduct on-site observation. The arrangement was made during the visit of Armenian Minister of Transport and Communications to Iran. As refers to Irans access to the EAEU market via Armenia, Iran calculates its possible profits in case the project comes to reality. At the start of the year two major delegations arrived in Armenia to familiarize themselves with the situation and to clarify the opportunities that can emerge in case of entering to the mentioned market through Armenia. Iranian officials under Armenian roof Mutual visits and cultural events are planned for the near future aimed at further deepening and diversifying Armenian-Iranian relations. According to the Ambassador, it is necessary to create opportunities in conformity with the Islamic culture in order to foster the tourist flow to Armenia. Armenia is a peaceful, beautiful and hospitable country where Iranians will visit with great pleasure. Centuries-old cultural ties and current cooperation Ambassador Seyyed Kazem Sajjad attaches great importance to the development of cultural ties between the countries as well. Ministry of Culture of Armenia and Irans Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization cooperate in the works of including the Blue Mosque in Armenia in UNESCO's World Heritage List. Armenian-Iranian cultural interactions date back to centuries ago. Head of Islamic Culture and Relations Organization Abouzar Ebrahimi brought interesting examples during the Yerevan conference, mentioning that numerous Iranian artists imitated Armenian artists at the beginning of the 20th century. Referring to the Iranian-Armenian community, Ebrahimi stated that the 4-century history of Armenians in Iran has always served as the best example of co-existence in multinational Iran. Ani Nazaryan, Samson Hovhannisyan A Kentucky man who stayed overnight at the Forks Township home of a stranger allegedly made off with the homeowner's two guitars, valued at $5,300. Wayne Farley, of Forks, in 2014 reported to police that his National lap steel guitar, valued at $300, and his Martin 12-string Pete Seeger baritone guitar, valued at $5,000, were both missing. The alleged thief -- Richard Todd Shell, 42, of Corbin, Kentucky -- on March 21, 2014, stayed at Farley's home in the 1500 block of Waverly Street. Shell was a friend of Michael Wayne Couch, who knew the woman watching Farley's home while he was away, according to police. After their stay, Couch's girlfriend took the men to Philadelphia International Airport for a flight to Louisville, Kentucky, police said. Both men had guitars in their possession, the girlfriend allegedly told police. Police said they learned Couch and Shell on March 23, 2014, sold three guitars to a guitar store in Kentucky. Two of them belonged to Farley. Shell is charged with theft and criminal conspiracy to commit theft. He was arraigned overnight before District Judge David Tidd, who set bail at 10 percent of $25,000. In lieu of bail, Shell was taken to Northampton County Prison. Court records show an arrest warrant has been issued for Couch through the district judge's office. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Kutztown University stabbing Authorities said they were looking for perpetrators, seen in surveillance photos fleeing the scene of a stabbing early Feb. 20, 2016, in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, that left a student at the state university there in serious condition. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com) (Courtesy photo) UPDATE: Kutztown stabbing suspect charged, is not a student, police say Kutztown University's president said Monday the campus community is safe, while calling for vigilance following a weekend stabbing that seriously injured a student. Police in Kutztown, the borough in Berks County that is home to the state university, said Sunday they had identified three suspects in the attack on the 22-year-old victim. Police did not, however, announce any arrests or details on the perpetrators. The Reading Eagle reports police had interviewed the three. The student was stabbed in the neck and ribs about 12:45 a.m. Saturday on Noble Street, several blocks east of campus. "Those of us who are familiar with the Kutztown University community understand that this is an isolated incident," university President Kenneth S. Hawkinson said in a statement. "However, we also understand that no place is immune to crime. "While, overall, we consider Kutztown University and the borough to be safe environments, we must continuously encourage each other to remain vigilant in all places at all times and to take personal safety seriously." Borough police on Twitter on Monday said Kutztown Area Transport Service Inc. paramedic Horace Foraker and EMT Sydney Shade have been credited with saving the life of the injured student, who was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township. Doctors say Paramedic Foraker & EMT Shade @KutztownEMS likely saved the life of the victim in the #kutztownstabbing. Great job & Thank you! Kutztown PD (@KutztownPD) February 22, 2016 Hawkinson, in his statement, thanked borough police for their handling of the situation, first responders, campus police and others from the university who assisted in identifying the assailants. He also listed measures taken to enhance the security of students, faculty and staff, including 24-7 patrols of campus, safety training offered beginning at student orientation, on-campus escorts, emergency call stations throughout campus, emergency alerts, shuttle buses and regular safety reviews. "For off-campus residents, we have helped the borough implement KUBoK, a crime watch program that patrols the town streets Thursday through Saturday when student foot traffic is heaviest," Hawkinson stated. "Many of our faculty, staff and students volunteer for this effort. "In addition, we have established a university/community committee to discuss all issues that may affect the university and borough." Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. ipad Phillipsburg officials are going paperless for their meetings. The mayor, council and clerk are getting iPads that will replace their 30-plus-page meeting packets and come with the entire town code for reference. (iStock file photo) Paperless council meetings mean a little more to Phillipsburg Mayor Stephen Ellis, who recently retired from the state park service. "No more cutting trees down," he said. It hopefully will also mean improved communication and more information immediately available at officials' fingertips as they make decisions behind the dais. Phillipsburg's mayor, council and clerk this week are to receive iPads that will replace their usual meeting packets, which can be more than 30 pages each, Clerk Victoria Kleiner said. It is part of a broader technological effort for meetings that will eventually see screens directly connected to the clerk's tablet to help residents follow along, and a printer to fulfill information requests as they're made. "No more of this 'I'll get it to you,'" Ellis said. The iPads mean a town officer won't have to deliver meeting packets to officials, and that the council will have the entire town code immediately available if they need to look something up during a session, Kleiner said. The council also will have access to their official email accounts. The tablets and keyboards cost about $3,000, which comes from the town's budget line for office technology, the clerk said. "It will be an adjustment but I believe it will be liked," Kleiner said. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Renewed calls have been made for the removal of the courthouse from the town centre after three arrests near the court on Thursday afternoon amid ugly scenes. Renewed calls have been made for the removal of the courthouse from the town centre after three arrests near the court on Thursday afternoon amid ugly scenes. The trouble seemed to spark following the conclusion of a sentencing matter in the circuit court. Three members of the Travelling community were given prison sentences for their part in an affray in the street in 2012 involving steel bars, in which a man received a head injury requiring staples. A garda spokesperson said that while there were no reports of injuries, three arrests were made on the day, one of whom was a juvenile. The juvenile is now being processed through the National Juvenile Diversion Programme. The other two men, one in his 20s and the other in his 40s, are both local and they have been charged with public order offences. The garda spokesperson has revealed that the gardai are studying CCTV footage and further arrests are expected. Gardai confirmed that the incident was the result of a court case on the day, and events escalated after people who had nothing to do with what was going on became involved. Downtown Portlaoise said traders and residents cant take any more. SEE PAGES 2&3 YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Pope Francis urged the world leaders to suspend death penalties for a year, "Armenpress" reports citing BBC. Addressing pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square in Rome, the Pope said that the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" applies to both the innocent and the guilty. "Even criminals have the right to life, which was given to them by God," Pope Francis said. He also urged them not only to cancel the death penalty, but also to improve the conditions of the prisons. In May last year I stood before a busy church hall in Lytham St Annes and stated my support for fracking. I was the Lib Dem candidate for Fylde, a constituency on the fracking front line. It was a lonely position to take, but I felt Id struck the right balance between the need for secure domestic energy, and the need to protect the natural environment. Only the incumbent Tory MP agreed with me. However, my support for fracking was conditional. On that day, I promised voters, that if elected, I would fight for regulation with real teeth, and work hard for a massive investment in renewables. I told voters that, If elected, and robust regulation is not forthcoming, I will not hesitate to vote in favour of ban. Predictably, I was not elected MP. However, at Spring Conference I aim to keep my promise. Faced with new evidence and circumstance, one is allowed (indeed should) re-evaluate. Firstly, since their victory in May, the Conservatives have systematically gone about removing the green crap. More gas only makes sense if it used as bridge to renewables. Whats clear now is that Conservative energy policy will mean that far from being a bridge, domestic shale gas will in fact lock us into burning fossil fuels. Secondly, the government has refused to put in place appropriate environmental regulation, including an industry specific regulator. Instead they are bulldozing over local planning decisions, taking decisions affecting local people out of their own hands. When unread emails from 38 degrees stacked up in my inbox, I told voters I would fight for regulation. We cannot wait 5 years for the next election it will be too late. Thirdly, Camerons dash for gas comes at the very time the world emphatically signaled in Paris the end of the fossil fuel era. Britains fantastic renewables potential means we have the opportunity to not only lead this change, but gain economically. But if we invest in the wrong fuel, we will end up on the wrong side of history. * Freddie van Mierlo is a Lib Dem member and was the Parliamentary candidate last year for the constituency of Fylde. A NEW 24-7 petrol station is currently under const-ruction on a site that has been left vacant for many years, on the Dock Road. The former derelict site at Mount Kennett was previously occupied by Top Garage, which ceased operations a number of years ago and has not been occupied since. On November 4, 2014, Limerick City and County Council planning office received the application from John ONeill Retailing (Clarina) Ltd, and was given the go-ahead by the council on April 28, 2015. The new retail unit will also be a Topaz petrol station, according to recent planning files. When open, it will be the third of its kind in the city; with the Topaz station on the Dock Road, and the Inver petrol station on Ballinacurra Road, which opened recently. Metropolitan mayor Cllr Jerry ODea said that he is delighted to see confident business activity in the city. As metropolitan mayor, I am delighted to see the confident business activity in Limerick. People talked for a long time about the absence of cranes, but now we are starting to see a resurgence in building activity everywhere. Developments like this show confidence, and that we have our rates structure right, and also that there has been huge inward investment in the city in recent times, he enthused. The Fianna Fail councillor said that it is hugely welcome that businesspeople are taking over derelict or inactive sites in the city. We had these what you might call derelict eyesore sites, which were for various reasons maybe in control of banks, or the owners. But obviously the confidence is there now in Limerick for people to go ahead, raise finance and get these things going. We still have a few more eyesores around the city. But slowly, month by month, we seem to be getting rid of them. He added that he would love to see the city centre revitalised, rejuvenated and reinvested in. I am applauding the people who are investing in their businesses, and I am calling on the others, who maybe a little bit worried, to take that leap of faith, because Limerick is moving onwards and upwards. According to the plans, there will be 100 square metres of retail space, four self-service fuel dispensers, one car charging point, six 20,000 litre underground fuel storage tanks, parking space for 15 cars and bicycle stands, landscaping and ancillary works. Efforts were made to contact Mr ONeill, but he was unavailable to comment on the development. ON the second floor of the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation offices on Harcourt Street, Dublin, a team of gardai and civilians engage in an ongoing battle against cybercrime in its many different guises. The team, the Computer Crime Investigation Unit, is led by Inspector Michael Gubbins, a native of Kilmallock. Over the last decade the unit has played a key role in helping to solve some of the most high profile cases in the history of the State including the convictions of Joe OReilly for the murder of his wife Rachel, Sharon Lying Eyes Collins for conspiring to murder her former partner and his two sons; and Graham Dwyer for the murder of Elaine OHara. There was no moment as such. It was a job that interested me, says Insp Gubbins, 46, of his reason for choosing a career in the gardai. He made his decision around the time he was doing his Leaving Certificate at St Josephs secondary school in Kilmallock. He went to Templemore in 1989 and since then has been stationed across Dublin - in Kevin Street, Blanchardstown, Donnybrook, Crumlin, and the Computer Crime Investigation Unit which forms part of the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation. Computers were something that I thought I would like to learn more about. I saw that it was an area that was going to take off, said Insp Gubbins who started working in the Computer Crime Investigation Unit in 1997. Over time, I would have completed courses, worked on cases and gone to courts. I had completed a number of basic computer courses and an opportunity came up then to join the Computer Crime Investigation Unit. They were trying to build the strength of the unit and they asked me if I would be interested. In 2002 he was promoted to sergeant and then in 2013 was promoted to inspector. I went to Crumlin and then I came back as the inspector in charge of the Garda Computer Crime Investigation Unit. A typical day in the unit begins at 9am. You would begin by going through your email and your correspondence and reports from the investigators. I would be liaising with other members throughout the country and also contacting colleagues in Europol or other international law enforcement agencies including the FBI, and the United States Secret Service and the the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3). You would also be meeting different umbrella groups around the city here, working with the banks and doing presentations and awareness campaigns. Last month, Insp Gubbins and the unit were working on a Distributed Denial-of-Service or DDoS attack which involved a massive amount of data requests being directed at a particular network in order to overwhelm it and disrupt access. One of the government websites targeted in the cyber attack was bombarded with traffic from more than 50,000 internet addresses in the space of just three seconds. During his career Insp Gubbins has worked on two of the countrys most high-profile trials - the case of Lying Eyes Sharon Collins and the murder of Rachel OReilly. He has appeared on Prime Time and Crime Call. Rachel OReillys badly beaten body was found in the bedroom of her home in the Naul, Co Dublin by her mother on October 4, 2004. Her husband was found guilty of her murder after a trial in 2007. I would have analysed a number of mobile phones in respect of this case. Other members attached to the Computer Crime Investigation Unit would have examined CCTV, computers and emails. During the trial, Inspector Gubbins, who was then a detective sergeant working with the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigations, said he had received three telephones and had recovered the text messages and burned them to disk. Det Sgt Gubbins explained that he identified a number of texts on the phone of Nikki Pelley, the woman with whom Joe OReilly was having an affair. He also gave evidence in the infamous Lying Eyes case which saw Clare woman Sharon Collins convicted of soliciting a Las Vegas hitman to kill her partner and his two children. I examined the majority of computers in that case. During the trial in June 2008, Insp Gubbins, then a detective garda sergeant, said that a desktop computer, stolen from the offices of Downes & Howard, had been used to search for the terms hitman, assassin and contract killer on key dates in August 2006. Det Sgt Gubbins said that the user of the computer searched using the term hitman and accessed the site Hitman.us, and received an email from killers_at_hitman.us. The unit established that they visited the Revenue website and the Government information website looking for inheritance information and also called to Irishwills.com. They also bought a three month supply of the weight loss drug Reductil from an online pharmacy website in the name of Sharon Collins. In an ever changing online world where hacking and data breaches are becoming more and more common, the Computer Crime Investigation Unit is constantly keeping abreast with changes in modern technology. Most of the officers, including Insp Gubbins, have a Masters in Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation from UCD. Insp Gubbins along with his team have developed an excellent working relationship with the the centre for cybersecurity and cybercrime investigation at UCD. We are always learning. We are always going on courses trying to upskill and keep everyone at the highest level of knowledge in this area. We do courses with Cepol. We do a lot of work with our colleagues in Europe through the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) Europol. We would liaise with them a lot. Such is the sophistication of technology, cybercriminals can be thousands of miles from the scene of the crime. They can download everything they need to commit a crime online, and theres little training required. According to Insp Gubbins, there are five areas which the unit highlights as crime areas. You have Distributed Denial of Service which is where your system is attacked and your website cant function and your customers cant get to you. Then you have a form of extortion whereby if you dont pay them they will carrying out the Distributed Denial of Service. In relation to an incident reported in Limerick last month which saw female scam artists befriend two males through Facebook, film them in a compromising position and then threaten to post the clip on their Facebook page unless they received a sum of money, Insp Gubbins said he is aware of such incidences occurring but they often go unreported. People would ring occasionally to inquire about it and you would give them some advice on the matter but they dont necessarily report it to the gardai. Another crime area identified is Romance Fraud. Romance fraud is a confidence trick involving feigned romantic intentions towards a victim, gaining their affection, and then using that goodwill to obtain money from them. People end up forwarding money to people they have never met but they have formed a relationship with them online. Its common enough. Two more technical areas identified are CEO fraud and Invoice Redirection Fraud. Insp Gubbins explains how they work. So you are in the Limerick Leader and somebody pretends to be your boss. They email you and say can you transfer money to this I am after buying something. Invoice redirection is where somebody pretends to be one of your suppliers and change their bank account details. For example, you get an email from somebody pretending to be the Limerick Leader and they say our bank account details have changed can you please pay your future bills to this bank account. Then the bill comes in, you pay into the criminals account, and the money is gone. According to Insp Gubbins the criminals are very well organised and many people fall victim to the hoax. A lot of them would be companies. CEO Fraud and Invoice Redirection Fraud is mainly directed at companies and not small companies either, and not small amounts. A lot of work carried out by the Computer Crime Investigation Unit is examining computers in relation to child abuse images. We would see a lot of that, says Insp Gubbins. An investigation could be based on a complaint, a victim coming forward, and again from working with our colleagues internationally we might get some information about an individual and we investigate it when I say we I mean the gardai and thats how we would identify these people. While there are always cases that get more attention, for Insp Gubbins, the profile of the case is irrelevant onceits a job well done. It doesnt matter if it is the smallest case or the biggest case, we in the Computer Crime Investigation Unit are happy when we do a good job, are found to do it right and proper, and have helped in a prosecution. STRIKE action has once again been averted by the Irish Medical Organisation at the University Hospital Limerick, following weeks of disputes as a result of intern doctors who were not getting paid for overtime work. According to a spokesperson for the IMO, though the claims have now been processed by UHL, not all non-consultant hospital doctors [NCHDs] have been paid in full. IMO assistant director of industrial relations, Eric Young, said that strike action was imminent if overtime payments were not processed by February 8. According to Mr Young, another condition set out by IMO was that the UL Hospitals Group would have to develop arrangements to avoid further non-payments for overtime work; and a letter of explanation would have to be sent. However, he told the Limerick Leader that these arrangements have yet to take place, and it seems to be mainly an IT thing. They have also yet to receive a letter, he said. On January 20, a spokesperson for the UL Hospitals Group said that it would develop a system that would avoid future non-payments. In addition, fortnightly meetings are to take place between NCHD representatives and the HR department, UL Hospitals Group, to address any issues that arise. UL Hospitals Group greatly values the hard work done by all of our highly skilled NCHDs and looks forward to final resolution of this matter, the spokesperson stated. Mr Young welcomed the Goverments decision to transfer routine tasks from non-consultant doctors to nurses and midwives, saying it was a very positive development. A TEENAGER who was named the Limerick Person of the Year 2015 has vowed to promote positive mental health in her native place for as long as I live. Katie Whelan, 19, was honoured for her Lisas Light mental health awareness campaign which was named after her cousin, who sadly took her own life. Im very sure that my cousin is looking down, proud, and for as long as I live I will be promoting positive mental health in Limerick and helping people who are thinking about taking their own lives, Katie told the attendees at this years award ceremony at the Clarion Hotel. The University of Limerick student who hails from Dublin Road came up with a simple yet effective method of giving hope to those struggling with lifes challenges. She decided to put big bright boxes with illuminated positive and life affirming messages in dark places to help people going through dark times. She started with Thomond Bridge. Her late cousin, Lisa, she said, is always in her thoughts. I can always feel her with me. I never used be able to talk about her but now I can talk about her constantly so that strength is there because of her. Katie was chosen from 12 monthly recipients to be named the Limerick Person of the Year 2015 at the gala ceremony on Thursday afternoon. The special guest at this years ceremony was one of the countrys leading businessmen, Denis Brosnan, who resides in Croom. Mr Brosnan was made an honorary Limerickman in recognition of his outstanding contribution towards the revival of Limerick and the Mid-West region. It is a great honour to be presented with that wonderful memento which will remind me of Limerick in the years ahead, said Mr Brosnan who attended the awards ceremony with his wife Joan. The chair of Limerick Economic Forum paid tribute to the 12 monthly recipients noting what role models they have all been. Guests took a moment to reflect on the lives of two well-known Limerick men who sadly passed away in recent times. The late Terry Wogan a former recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award was fondly remembered, and there was a minutes silence for the late Cllr Joe Crowley who died unexpectedly last week and was laid to rest on Thursday. Meanwhile, there was also special mention for rugby legend Paul OConnell who has announced his retirement from rugby. BOUNDARY pushing contemporary dance artist Philip Connaughton brings an exciting new work to Dance Limerick next month. Whack!!, by Connaughton and long time collaborator Ashley Chen, is billed as a physically and technically demanding piece that shifts between comedy and tragedy, violence and tenderness, and sees the two performers pushing their bodies to their absolute limits. The piece, say the choreographer and performing duo, is based on the idea of obstruction, of two bodies colliding in space, of two performers negotiating each other as obstacles. The physical aggression of Whack!! is counterbalanced by other elements in the piece such as the playful music and the young performer who joins the dancers on stage, with the result a rich, layered environment that explores how humans exist, communicate and compete. Jenny Traynor, Dance Limerick director, said the St Johns Church based dance resource organisation was really pleased to present Whack!!. Philip Connaughton is an exciting contemporary dance artist who constantly pushes the boundaries and seeks new ways to express his ideas, she explained. His long-term friendship with the fantastic French dance artist Ashley Chen brings a tremendous level of trust and understanding to this very physical, but ultimately very entertaining piece. I think Whack!! will really appeal to audiences in Limerick, she added. Whack!! will be performed in Dance Limerick on Thursday, March 3 at 8pm. For more information or to book tickets, see www.dancelimerick.ie. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. More than $1.2 million was raised during the Save a Life telethon on Sunday organized by the SARFthe Syrian-Armenian Relief Fund, Armenpress reports, citing Asbarez periodical. During the course of the six-hour broadcast, community and civic leaders, organizations, schools and other institutions made appeals for assistance for Armenians in the war-torn Syria. The program, which was originating from Horizon Television studios in Little Armenia, was broadcast nationwide on Horizon Armenian Television, US Armenia and ARTN. The telethon, which was being planned for several months now, featured segments highlighting the plight of the Syrian-Armenian community, how SARFs efforts have translated into tangible assistance throughout the years and the impact this support has had on the daily lives of the community there. SARF, which is a collaboration between leading community organizations and religious denominations has been on the forefront of raising awareness and much-needed finances for the besieged Armenian community is Syria. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. The health condition of the President of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia is good. NA Vice President Hermine Naghdalyan informed about this at the beginning of the 4-day session. Dear MPs, I want to inform that the health condition of the President of the National Assembly Galust Sahakyan is good. He already receives treatment at home and will return to work in a few days, Armenpress reports, Naghdalyan said. NA Presidents health deteriorated at around 20:00, on February 17. He underwent medical examination in the Heratsi N1 hospital of Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Heratsi. The cause of the health problem was significant fluctuations in blood pressure. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS: ANC faction member Nikol Pashinyan raised the issue of inadmissibility of preventing the professional activities of journalists at the National Assembly. Pashinyan called on all the MPs to comply with the Code of Conduct when interacting with journalists. Unfortunately, we periodically receive alarms over attempts to prevent the professional activities of journalists or insults and labeling them. I, as an MP, ex-president of Ethics Commission and a journalist, express concern over this situation and want to draw the attention of all of us on the fact that we deal with people linking the public to us in the face of journalists. And I call on all the MPs to comply with Code of Conduct of MPs, Armenpress reports, Pashinyan said. He reminded that the incident between MP Mher Sedrakyan and some journalists is actively discussed by the media, hoping that it will be possible to avoid similar incidents. Such incidents not only negatively impact the reputation of the National Assembly, but also directly hinder journalistic activity, Pashinyan stated, adding that he condemns such behavior. NA Vice President Hermine Naghdalyan noted that they also condemn such behavior. Mr. Pashinyan, we also condemn and join your call. I want to urge all of us in this hall, and out of the hall to comply with Code of Conduct, and this refers not only to the MPs but also journalists. I think this is a general rule for everyone, Hermine Naghdalyan stated. MWC 2016: Is Samsung Galaxy S7 a beefed up S6? Samsung has figured that tweaking what you have, and making it better, is what works for them right now /smart-living/innovation/mwc-2016-is-samsung-galaxy-s7-a-beefed-up-s6-111651819028139.html 111651819028139 story The Samsung Galaxy S7 will arrive in Europe and the US on 11 March, with prices starting 569 (Rs55,700 approximately). No word yet on the India availability and pricing. Photo: AFP When Samsung outed the Galaxy S6 last year, it was lavished with a lot of praise, and not without reason. The praise centred around design, for the S6 was by far the nicest Galaxy flagship smartphones Samsung had ever made. The mix of glass and metal, with some really cool colours, did the trick. Fast forward to this year, and Samsung isnt trying to redesign the wheel. Sensibly so, because it is all about further refining what it already has. And what we end up with is the Galaxy S7 which looks very similar to the predecessor, the Galaxy S6. A quick look at what it is all about. Under-the-hood The flagship for 2016, the Galaxy S7, will inevitably become the Android smartphone that similarly priced Android flagship phones from rivals will try to follow, which makes this the proverbial torch-bearer of its ecosystem. And as far as the spec sheet goes, this is ticking the boxes. Display: 5.1-inch; 2,560x1,440-pixel resolution Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor (or Samsungs Exynos chip in some variants) RAM: 4GB Software: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) Storage: 32GB / 64GB; MicroSD card slot up to 200GB Camera: 12-megapixel Battery: 3,000 mAh battery What immediately stands out is the camera spec12-megapixel, as against the 16-megapixel on the Galaxy S6. What is the reasoning behind what may seem as a downgrade" on paper? Reducing the resolution but keeping the physical sensor size the same has allowed Samsung to increase the size of each pixel. Larger pixels, in turn, are able to capture more light, which directly improves the photograph quality in lighting environments which dont necessarily have the best illumination. Samsung has widened the aperture (from f1.9 to f1.7), which will also allow better contrast and detailing in low-light photos. Samsung has added something known as Motion Photo to the Galaxy S7s camera. It is very similar to the Live Photos feature that Apple introduced with the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. In Motion Photo mode, the camera records a couple of seconds of video with every photo, just to liven up the memories. The Galaxy S7 has a bigger battery3000mAh, as compared to the 2,550mAh battery in the predecessor. When can I buy one? The Samsung Galaxy S7 will arrive in Europe and the US on 11 March, with prices starting 569 ( 55,700 approximately). No word yet on the India availability and pricing. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 12, ARMENPRESS: Armenia is not exempted from the context of Russian-Turkish tensions in Syrian context. The developments either are in favor of Armenia or against, the head of Modus Vivendi center Ara Papyan assesses. Speaking of the possible repeal of Moscow treaty of 1921 by Russia, Papyan noted that it creates a favorable geopolitical situation for Armenia and it should be used. He thinks that the tensions between Russia and Turkey will go deeper, but wont turn into a classical war. Armepress reports that the political analyst considers logical all the calls for Armenia to keep neutrality. Nevertheless, he thinks that is highly improbable as there is a Russian military base in Armenia and Armenia has a problem with the Diaspora in the context of Syrian conflict. Besides, Turkey and the rest of the world dont see Armenia as impartial, rather see it as a Russian ally, though often they overestimate that role, Ara Papyan said at a press conference. He also doesnt agree with the idea that speaking of the repeal of Moscow and Kars treaties Armenia might create security problems as if Turkey wouldnt attack Armenia without those calls if it had the intention. We need to use the current window of opportunity, present our interests, show to the Russian ruling and intellectual circles the lawlessness of Moscow and Kars treaties and increase our defense capabilities, Papyan underscored. Papyan also spoke of the possibility of opening Iran-Armenia railway through Nakhijevan as one of the chances for Armenia to avoid regional isolation. He thinks that building a new railway through Syunik is unrealistic because of technical and financial reasons. Papyan thinks that Armenia should facilitate the opening of Nakhijevan railway before the built up of the Resht-Astara part of Iran-Azerbaijan railway, which is financed by South Caucasus railway company (daughter company of Russia railways). Armenia could suggest opening this railway as a step towards regional peace and security. If Azerbaijan refuses, Armenia should declare that it is its only chance to break the regional isolation and take control over Nakhijevan. It may be a wrong move, but its as inevitable as a surgery in case of grave disease; the alternative would be the slow death of the patient, Papyan concludes. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Amendments in the APPA (car insurance) system will reduce traffic jams. President of "Achilles Center for Protection of Drivers' Rights" NGO Eduard Hovhannisyan told about this in a conference at Armenpress media hall. In case of light damages caused by a car crash, of course, if the damage does not exceed 50 thousand drams, drivers can solve the issue by themselves, without calling an insurance agent. There will be an appropriate form and the drivers can fill it in in case of mutual consent and take the cars away from the traffic. It is an important step as we all know that, particularly in the city centre, what kind of traffic jams occur as a result of car crashes, the president of the Ngo said. The Government of the Republic of Armenia has confirmed the form that is to be filled in by drivers in case of a car crash, allowing drivers not to call any insurance agents in case the damage does not exceed 50 thousand drams. Some philosophers say the mind cannot understand itself, but neuroscientists believe otherwise. SAN FRANCISCO Are humans living in a simulation? Is consciousness nothing more than the firing of neurons in the brain? Or is consciousness a distinct entity that permeates every speck of matter in the universe? Several experts grappled with those topics at a salon at the Victorian home of Susan MacTavish Best, a lifestyle guru who runs Living MacTavish, here on Feb. 16. The event was organized by "Closer to Truth," a public television series and online resource that features the world's leading thinkers exploring humanity's deepest questions. The answer to the question "what is consciousness" could have implications for the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and far-out concepts like mind uploading and virtual immortality, said Robert Lawrence Kuhn, the creator, writer and host of "Closer to Truth." [Superintelligent Machines: 7 Robotic Futures] Materialism to panpsychism Philosophers have put forward many notions of consciousness. The materialist notion holds that consciousness can be fully explained by the the firing of neurons in the human brain, while mind-body dualism argues that the soul or mind is distinct from, and can potentially outlive, the body. Under the notion of panpsychism, a kind of re-boot of ancient animistic ideas, every speck of matter has a kind of proto-consciousness. When aggregated in particular ways, all this proto-consciousness turns into a sense of inner awareness. And other, Eastern philosophies have held that consciousness is the only real thing in the universe, Kuhn said. Neuroscientists and many philosophers have typically planted themselves firmly on the materialist side. But a growing number of scientists now believe that materialism cannot wholly explain the sense of "I am" that undergirds consciousness, Kuhn told the audience. One of those scientists is Christof Koch, the president and chief scientific officer of the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle. At the event, he described a relatively recent formulation of consciousness called the integrated information theory. The idea, put forward by University of Wisconsin-Madison neuroscientist and psychiatrist Giulio Tononi, argues that consciousness resides in an as-yet-unknown space in the universe. Integrated information theory measures consciousness by a metric, called phi, which essentially translates to how much power over itself a being or object has. "If a system has causal power upon itself, like the brain does, then it feels like something. If you have a lot of causal power upon yourself, then it feels like a lot to be you," Koch said. The new theory implies a radical disconnect between intelligence and consciousness, Koch said. AI, which may already be intelligent enough to beat the best human player of the Go board game, may nevertheless be basically subconscious because it is not able to act upon itself. [Artificial Intelligence: Friendly or Frightening?] One critic in the audience noted that there is currently no way to test this theory, and that integrated information theory fails some common-sense tests when trying to deduce what things are conscious. (A thermostat, for instance, may have some low-level consciousness by this metric.) But Koch said he was not troubled by this notion. Many objects people think of as conscious may not be, while some that are considered inanimate may in fact have much greater consciousness than previously thought, Koch said. Implications for AI and virtual immortality If Koch and others are correct that strict materialism can't explain consciousness, it has implications for how sentient a computer might be: A supercomputer that re-creates the connectome, or all the myriad connections between neurons in the human brain, may be able to simulate all the behaviors of a human, but wouldn't be conscious. "You can simulate the mass of the black hole at the center of our universe, but space-time will never twist around the computer itself," Koch said. "The supercomputer can simulate the effect of consciousness, but it isn't consciousness. Such simulated consciousness may a kind of AI zombie, retaining all of the outward appearance of consciousness, but with no one home inside, Kuhn said. That implies that uploading one's mind to a computer in order to achieve virtual immortality may not work the way that many people anticipate, Kuhn added. [The Singularity, Virtual Immortality and the Trouble with Consciousness (Op-Ed )] To create truly conscious AI, researchers may need to develop technologies that can act upon themselves, perhaps more akin to neuromorphic computers, Koch said. (Such computers would operate without any pre-programmed code, instead somehow sensing and reacting to changes in their own physical states.) If humans do somehow succeed in creating superintelligent AI, how can they ensure the technology matures in a way that betters humanity, rather than leading to its demise? David Brin, a computer scientist and science fiction author, suggested that humans may need to look at their own lives to make sure AI doesn't make human existence worse, rather than better. For instance, humans have evolved a lengthy life span in part so that they can nurture children through their unprecedentedly long childhoods, Brin suggested. So perhaps the safest way to raise our AI children is to take a blank-slate "proto AI and put it in a helpless body, and then let it experience the world under guidance," Brin said. "If that's the method by which we get AI, then perhaps we'll get a soft landing, because we know how to do that." Follow Tia Ghose on Twitter and Google+. Follow Live Science @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Defence Minister of Armenia Seyran Ohanyan received Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, Ambassador Andrey Sorokin on February 22 on the occasion of termination of his mission in Armenia. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Ministry of Defence of Armenia, issues referring to cooperation between the Armenian Defence Ministry and OSCE Yerevan Office were discussed at the meeting. Seyran Ohanyan highly appreciated the personal contribution of Ambassador Andrey Sorokin in the expansion of the mentioned cooperation and highlighted the projects implemented in the Armed Forces for the improvement of human rights, strengthening the principles of decent behaviour, and other various projects with the assistance of OSCE Yerevan Office. Ambassador Sorokin, thanking the Armenian Defence Ministry for the productive cooperation, mentioned that the cooperation between the Armenian Defence Ministry and OSCE Yerevan Office is on a high level and can involve more sectors for cooperation in the future. At the end of the meeting Seyran Ohanyan wished Ambassador Andrey Sorokin success in his future career and personal life. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenian National Committee of America continues urging the Congress to condemn Azerbaijani aggression. Armenpress reports a statement is posted on the official website of ANCA, calling on elected officials to pay tribute to the victims of Sumgait, Kirovabad and Baku massacres, as well as condemn the blockade of Nagorno Karabakh Republic and escalating aggression. The statement also calls on the officials to reconfirm their support for the freedom and security of Nagorno Karabakh Republic. When authorities in Webb County agreed that it would be more appropriate and convenient to get a federal court change of venue to San Antonio to try anti-Porfiriato defendant, Francisco Ruiz Sandoval, prosecutors believed they could not handle the case in Laredo. Government prosecutors felt getting a conviction in Laredo on Neutrality Act violations would be difficult on the border because the defendant was popular, well-known on both sides of the border and money interests would support Sandoval. In addition, the government prosecutors were banking on testimony from some of Sandovals associates involved in at least one of three unsuccessful acts of revolt against the Diaz government, some of these individual defendants turning state witnesses. The government believed their witnesses testimony would be reported in the papers (Laredo Daily Times) and likely would influence a jury. (NOTE: Testimony of several defendants, who turned states witnesses, was published in a Border Studies booklet by Stanley Green and Carlos Cuellar in 1991. The booklet (No. 12) was titled Mexican Revolutionaries in Laredo 1890-1891. Expanded versions of these border incidents are also highlighted in Elliott Youngs Catarino Garzas Revolution on the Texas-Mexico Border, 2004.) Sandovals defense attorneys were confident they could favorably impress a jury in Laredo or Bexar County, recognizing that the anti-Diaz movement had rallied other revolutionary elements whose support was felt primarily from individuals and their families who were exiled. Readers familiar with the events of the Catarino Garza Wars and the Garzistas activities have found parts of the testimony of the Sandoval trial in the San Antonio court somewhat humorous. In several chapters touching on the Sandoval trial, the author Young pulled segments of question-answer testimony by witnesses that produced laughter among the jurors and court spectators. The Young narrations, parts rooted in Catarino Garzas Logica de los Hechos, referenced the rebel activities of Sandoval, Dr. Ignacio Martinez, Paulino Martinez and others in the 1880s and 1890s. Sandovals attorney zeroed in on government prosecutors claims that the defendant and his partisans were armed and took weapons to the Mexican side in violation of the Neutrality Act. That argument was settled when the defense quizzed witness Manuel Valdez about Sandovals crossing the river to the Mexican side and back half naked after escaping from Mexican soldiers. The lead defense attorney asked Valdez, Did Sandoval have short undershirt? Valdez replied, Yes, sir. Next question, Did it (the shirt) reach down to his navel? Valdez answered, I did not pay any attention. The attorney followed, If he had a Gatling gun under his undershorts (calzoncillo), do you think you would have seen it? The witness brought the house down when he replied, I might not have seen it. The jury went on to hear more testimony, closing arguments and the judges charge. The jury retired and returned to issue a verdict of not guilty. (Odie Arambula is at oarambula@stx.rr.com) To the editor: Upon hearing about the death of Supreme Court Justice Scalia, I immediately remembered the Rev. Pat Robertson. Rev. Robertson is 85 years old and is head of the Christian Coalition, the Christian Broadcast Network and the 700 Club. He can be seen daily and apparently reaches over 300 million faithful in over 70 countries. In October of 1982, the reverend told his viewers that the God had told him the end of the world would arrive that year. He also predicted, based on his conversations with God, that Mitt Romney would win the presidential election four years ago. The day after 9/11 occurred, he told his listeners that the ACLU, feminists and lesbians were the reason that God had allowed the attacks to occur. In July of 2003, he announced a prayer offensive that lasted 21 days in which he asked his followers to pray for God to remove three Supreme Court justices by way of retirement, ill health or death. Robertson was apparently incensed that three judges, who he considered liberal, had voted to strike down Texas anti-sodomy laws. One of the justices was 83 years old, another one had colon cancer and the third was unidentified. These prayers went up to the heavens and apparently lay dormant for the next thirteen years. Since our universe is over 91 billion light years across, the prayers from the Rev. Robertson apparently just reached the Gods ears. Justice Scalia was a youthful 79-year-old with heart problems and a bit overweight. Unfortunately for the reverend, Scalia was one of the most religious and staunchly conservative justices on the court. I am sure God forgave him for not attending Pope Francis address to Congress last year, but I can only imagine the reverends conversation with God the next day. God, thats not the one I told you to remove. God answers you werent specific enough. Sincerely, David Almaraz Press Releases By Allison Gayne Published: February 22 2016 LI children with autism spectrum recently showcased their talents and abilities at Winter Show held at Gersh Academy in West Hempstead. West Hempstead, NY - February 19th, 2016 - Nearly 120 children on the autism spectrum recently showcased their talents and abilities during the Gersh 201.6 FM radio themed live Winter Show held at Gersh Academy in West Hempstead, where students ages 5 through 21 sang and performed choreographed numbers alongside live tracks of popular radio tunes from personalized playlists they made in class. Culminating the students many hours of hard work and rehearsal time that began in January, the show featured a total of 12 acts that were proudly watched by over 200 parents as well as Gersh Academy students, staff and teachers. Performing to a medley of radio hits of yesterday and today, elementary students sang and danced along such songs as One Directions What Makes You Beautiful and Pharrell Williams Happy; middle school students performed to such tunes as Good Charlottes Game On and Billy Joels Piano Man; and high school students strutted their stuff to such perennial favorites as We Will Rock You by Queen, Im Every Woman by Chaka Khan and On The Radio by Donna Summer. In between musical performances, students also showcased their acting and comedic chops through a staged radio newscast and comedy skit. Celeste Gagliardi, Principal of Gersh Academy, said that Gersh Academys Winter Show is held every year for a very specific purpose. As delightful and enjoyable as it is to watch our students perform in our Winter Show each year, our Winter Show is far more than just a show it is an experience with great takeaways for our students, explains Gagliardi. This show gives our students a forum for channeling their artistry, creativity, self-expression and camaraderie while overcoming the many challenges that so many children with developmental disabilities often face, including speaking, social anxiety and sensory integration deficits that can make it difficult to be exposed to loud sounds, music or noise. Beyond choosing their own music, learning the lyrics and mastering choreographed numbers for performing in the show, the students also designed their own stage sets, which included hand-made vinyl records. They also created themed baskets that were raffled off in an auction held during the show, benefiting Gersh Academys special events and projects. About Gersh Academy Gersh Academy, located in West Hempstead on Long Island, New York is led by veteran Principal Celeste Gagliardi and a team of dedicated professionals. The school provides K-12 educational services for students on the autism spectrum from across the New York Metropolitan area and Long Island. It is the mission of Kevin Gersh, the founder of the school and related programs, as well as the teachers and staff of the school, to provide exceptional services and programs for special education students and, whenever possible, for students to be given the opportunity to return to their home school districts with all the tools and skills they need to be successful and achieve their full potential. For more information about Gersh Academy, please visit their website. Local News, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: February 22 2016 Suffolk County Police rescued three men and are continuing to search for a fourth after a small plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Setauket Harbor last night. Setauket, NY - February 21st, 2016 - Suffolk County Police rescued three men and are continuing to search for a fourth after a small plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Setauket Harbor last night. Four men were traveling in a Piper Archer four-seat fixed wing aircraft when the plane began experiencing engine trouble. A student pilot, Austricio Ramirez, was flying at the time the plane began experiencing difficulties and turned the controls over to the instructor pilot, Nelson Gomez. Gomez landed the plane in Setauket Harbor at approximately 11:05 p.m. and all four occupants were able to exit the plane into the water. Three men, Ramirez, Gomez, and Wady Perez, were rescued by Suffolk County Police officers. A fourth man, Gerson Salmon-Negron, 23, of Queens, remains missing. Ramirez, 25, from the Bronx, Gomez, 36, from Queens, and Perez, 25, from Queens, were all transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where they were treated and released. Officers from the Sixth Precinct, officers, including divers, from the Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau, Suffolk County Police Aviation officers, multiple volunteer fire departments, including divers, the Brookhaven Town Harbormaster and members of the United States Coast Guard responded to the incident location. The search for the missing man was continuing on Sunday. The men had left Fitchburg, Massachusetts and were returning to Republic Airport in Farmingdale at the time of the incident. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. The permanent return to intra-European border controls would significantly slow down the economic growth according to a study in Europe Accumulated growth loss 77-235 billion euros is expected only in Germany by 2025. This is the conclusion of a recent study by Prognos AG on behalf of the Bertelsmann Stiftung, Armenpress reports. One end of the Schengen Agreement would lead to growth and welfare losses. If the barriers within Europe go down again, gets the already weak growth in Europe even greater pressure. At the end of all the people pay the bill, said Aart de Geus, CEO of the Bertelsmann Foundation. So would the reintroduction of border controls lead to massive cost and price increases, which would have a negative impact on economic growth in Europe? Even in an optimistic scenario with a moderate increase in prices for imported goods from other European countries by only one percent the associated lower growth would be substantial. For the EU as a whole, the decline in gross domestic product (GDP) totaled within ten years to around 470 billion euros. In a pessimistic scenario assumes a rise in import prices by three percent. Here, the GDP decline in Germany would add up to 235 billion euros. In France, it would be around EUR 244 billion and for the EU at 1.4 trillion euros. The starting points of the calculations are the delays that would result from the controls at the borders within Europe. Longer waiting times mean higher labor costs for businesses. In addition, the stocks must be increased because just-in-time deliveries cannot be guaranteed. The calculations were commissioned by the Bertelsmann Foundation of the Prognos AG conducted using a macroeconomic model, the 42 countries and thus covers more than 90 percent of global economic output. Sports & Recreation, Music, Movies & Entertainment, Hot Spots & Night Life, Seasonal & Current Events By Long Island News & PR Published: February 22 2016 Joseph Vecsey, Vladimir Caamano, and Leonard Outz will perform at Bay Street Theater on Friday, March 18 at 8:00 PM. February 22, 2016 - Sag Harbor, NY - Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is pleased to announce that Joseph Vecsey is back again to host the ALL STAR COMEDY SHOW WITH OPTIMUM CABLE'S "THE UNMOVERS" on Friday, March 18 at 8 pm. Tickets are $25 and Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is pleased to announce that Joseph Vecsey is back again to host the ALL STAR COMEDY SHOW WITH OPTIMUM CABLE'S "THE UNMOVERS" on Friday, March 18 at 8 pm. Tickets are $25 and available online , or by calling the Bay Street Theater Box Office at 631-725-9500. The Box Office is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 am to 5 pm. The ALL STAR COMEDY SHOW features the rising stars of comedy. Host Joseph Vecsey (Optimum Cable TV, The Call Back Podcast) is a fast rising comedian and is known for hosting this show at Bay Street Theater for the past three years. Special guests for this event include Vladimir Caamano (Montreal's Just for Laughs), andLeonard Ouzts (BET Comic View). Whether it's sharing stories about his days playing professional street basketball with modern Globetrotters or being the sensitive soft dude in relationships, Joseph Vecsey loves making audiences laugh at his expense and sharing his bizarre personal experiences. Joseph made his television stand up debut on Gotham's AXS TV and also co-starred and punched up a web series and commercial for Optimum Cable TV called The Un-Movers. In addition to the spots being on TV, The Un-Movers have over a million views online. This is not the first time Joseph has been a part of a viral video. Joseph acted and co-produced the sketch Sneaker Heads starring star radio personality Charlamagne The God and Guy Code's Andrew Schulz where it reached a million views on Youtube and World Star. Earlier this year, Joseph also wrote, acted, edited, and directed a sketch for MTV2's popular show Uncommon Sense called Stud Walk. Joseph currently has been performing all over New York City, California, and went international hosting the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show in Bermuda at a sold out resort. He also hosts the most popular variety stand up show in the Hamptons at Bay Street Theater where comedians such as Donnell Rawlings from The Chappelle Show (whom Joseph has opened for on numerous occasions) have graced the stage. Joseph also keeps busy writing and acting in sketches that he produces on his Youtube channel while working on feature length screenplays. In 2015, Joseph was an on set writer for Happy Madison's upcoming movie The Do Over starring Adam Sandler and David Spade, which is due out next summer. Joseph also was a contributing writer for the hilarious "BGCP3TV" sketch show promoting the Jordan Brand starring Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Even with stand up, writing, and acting, Joseph still finds time to host The Call Back Podcast that has featured interviews with the world's most successful comedians and entertainers such as Chris Rock, Aziz Ansari, Garry Shandling, Paula Patton, Tom Green, and Romany Malco just to name a few. Joseph has also written articles for the NBA's most popular publication Slam Magazine that featured brilliant comedian Colin Quinn and Power 105's Charlamagne The God. Vladimir Caamano: With the name "Vladimir," few people expect a Dominican from The Bronx to take the stage. His comedic style is the fruit of an immigrant Dominican family living in the cultural mecca that is New York City and is described as an elegant combination of urban grit and intellect. He began polishing his wit in the concrete jungles of The Bronx and Washington Heights, and after graduating from Wesleyan University launched into Standup Comedy. He is an NBC Standup for Diversity Finalist and has been featured on "Gotham Comedy Live" on AXS.TV and NUVO TV's "Standup and Deliver". Vladimir tours nationally and is a regular in the New York scene performing at The Stand, Gotham Comedy Club, New York Comedy Club, and the Comic Strip Live. He is also a Diversity Scholarship Winner at The People's Improv Theater where he is also taking writing courses. Whether discussing his Mother's obsession with Tropicana orange juice, traveling to college without luggage, or telling stories of his outrageous dad, you will enjoy this artist weave a hilarious fabric of truth and absurdity. Comedian Leonard Ouzts, a native of South Carolina and current resident of Chesapeake, Virginia, has been funny as long as he can remember. A young man that grew up in the country life of the south says that is what keeps him humble and allows him to appreciate the finer things in life. In high school, Leonard enjoyed playing football and during a road trip from the State Championships is when he knew he'd found his calling. Leonard joked everyone on the bus ride the entire time. Leonard was mentored by great Comedians such as Micah "Bamm Bamm" White, Bodacious, Angus Black, and Alycia Cooper. "My mentors have all taught me a ton of good information and always pick up the phone when I call," says Leonard. Leonard started doing comedy on a broader level in 2001 and began hitting the stage locally, then traveling the region. His act is primarily centered on family, to current events, and the things he notices while walking down the street. Leonard has goals to entertain all across the country and take comedy by the horns. His long term aspirations include acting, major tours, and writing a book about his experiences. Tickets are $25 and available online , or by calling the Bay Street Theater Box Office at 631-725-9500. The Box Office is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 am to 5 pm. All Star Comedy is sponsored in part by Saunders and Associates, Grenning Gallery, Forever Bungalows, Page at 63 Main, and WBAZ 102.5. Entertainment is subject to change. Family & Parenting, School & Education, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: February 22 2016 At the Upper School assembly, the 8th grade performed authentic Spanish dances. The 3rd grade sang about the months of the year in French under the direction of Madame Anne Sarfati. Old Brookville, NY - February 19, 2016 - Last week, Last week, the Green Vale School celebrated World Language Week with an array of presentations, performances, projects and authentic French and Spanish lunch offerings. At the Upper School assembly, the 8th grade performed authentic Spanish dances incorporating merengue, salsa, and bomba and plena, rehearsing under the tutelage of teachers Senor John Feliciano, SenorKevin Kane and Senora Nydia Aguirre-Calderon. Following that energized performance, the 3rd grade sang about the months of the year in French under the direction of Madame Anne Sarfati. The assembly culminated with a video showcasing the many cultures represented in our faculty, staff and families. Other highlights from the week included the 3rd grade cooking a special dish from El Salvador, and the 8th grade Latin students reading stories in Latin to Kindergarteners. In addition, the 5thand 6thgrade created stunning monuments and posters from French- and Spanish-speaking countries that were displayed as part of the campus World Language Expo. The World Language Department was delighted to present a dynamic and exciting World Language Week, said Senora Barbara Juhel, Chair of the World Language Department. This celebration of the languages and cultures studied at Green Vale, from Kindergarten through 8th grade, was made possible thanks to the facultys and students hard work. With a wide range of projects and performances, we demonstrated our commitment to the schools mission to graduate global citizens. The video highlighting the diverse culture at Green Vale was put together by SenoraMartha-Julia Renderos and can be watched at the Green Vale School website , as can the Spanish dances and French songs. ### The Green Vale School, located in Old Brookville, Long Island, is an independent school Food, Wine, & Dining, Business & Finance, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: February 22 2016 Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) recently participated in a meeting of the Town of Babylons economic development team, which was held at the Great South Bay Brewery. Bay Shore, New York - February 22nd, 2016 - Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) recently participated in a meeting of the Town of Babylons economic development team, which was held at the Great South Bay Brewery. The purpose of the meeting was to not only gather members of the team, but a variety of local stakeholders, in order to discuss the plans and merits of a brewery incubator in the Town of Babylon. Lately, the craft beer industry has enjoyed exponential growth in various communities across the United States. Long Island, in particular, is the home to a number of craft beer labels, such as those produced by the Great South Bay Brewery. Many locally brewed labels have earned nationwide appeal, and in some cases (such as Blue Point) have even been acquired by major beverage distributors. Despite the possibility of a label being acquired by a large conglomerate, having an established and diverse craft beer industry on Long Island can fuel the economy for the long term. In order to facilitate the growth of the craft beer industry, the Town of Babylons economic development team is considering to locate a brewery incubator on a blighted piece of property in Copiague. By locating the brewery at this proposed site, an eyesore will be removed, tax revenue will once again be generated, and future brew masters will have the opportunity to ply their trade. I think the Babylon Brewery incubator is a great idea, for both the Town of Babylon and all of Long Island, said McCaffrey. This incubator can really be the ushering in of a substantial industry here in Suffolk County. Not only will this create jobs, but maybe even increase tourism, both of which are very good things for the economy. The proposed site is located at 1305 South Strong Avenue, and was for many years the home of a defense contractor which tested parts for missiles. At this site, the IDA plans include a massive renovation of the structure which would ultimately provide incubation opportunities for a maximum of ten craft brewers. Additional amenities would be available to the brewers, such as a tasting room, similar to the one at the Great South Bay Brewery. Jobs and industry are so desperately needed here in Suffolk County, added McCaffrey. This is a tremendous opportunity for economic growth that we must fully embrace, and the time is now. For those interested in learning more about the proposed Babylon Brewery, they are strongly encouraged to visit its website. To learn more about the Babylon IDA, please visit their website. Legislator McCaffrey represents Suffolk Countys 14th Legislative District which encompasses the Village of Lindenhurst, Babylon Village, the hamlets of West Babylon and North Lindenhurst, portions of Copiague, North Babylon, and Babylons barrier beach communities. Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Health & Wellness, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: February 22 2016 Nassau County Executive Mangano, Suffolk County Executive Bellone, Nassaus Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter and SCPD Commissioner Timothy D. Sini announced today the creation of the Long Island Heroin Task Force. Baldwin, NY - February 22nd, 2016 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone, Nassaus Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter and Suffolk Police Commissioner Timothy D. Sini announced today the creation of the Long Island Heroin Task Force, comprised of county law enforcement officers to combat the heroin epidemic that is plaguing Long Island and our nation. This announcement took place at the Nassau County Educational Heroin Summit and Rally that was sponsored by the Nassau County PBA, DAI, SOA and 1010WINS and featured government, law enforcement, school and medical experts who discussed the latest treatments to battle heroin and opiate addiction. County Executive Mangano stated, "The Long Island Heroin Task Force will leverage the collective resources of both police departments towards the investigation into drug crimes and to apprehend those who contribute to the heroin epidemic. Together, we will conduct investigations, take down drug dealers through the sharing of intelligence and slow the flow of narcotics into our neighborhoods." The Nassau County Police Department will provide space for the members of the Long Island Heroin Task Force - comprised of four detectives and one supervisor - at an undisclosed location in Nassau County. Federal funds will be utilized to employ an Intel Analyst that will be embedded with the task force. According to statistics from the Nassau County Medical Examiners Office and the Nassau County Police Department Intelligence Unit, the Nassau County Police Department made 709 heroin arrests and 417 Opiate arrests in 2015. Comparatively, in 2014 the Nassau County Police Department made 539 heroin arrests and 369 opiate arrests. In 2015, 245 Nassau County residents experienced heroin overdoses, with 58 of those fatal and there were 115 Opiate overdoses of which 33 were fatal. Also in 2015, the Nassau County Police Department alone administered the overdose reversal agent, Narcan, 416 times. The Mangano administration has trained more than 6,000 citizens to administer Narcan. The dealers who flood our communities with heroin dont care about county lines or any lines for that matter, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said. That is why this historic partnership is critical to fight these criminal operations which cross jurisdictions. At the same time, we also know that law enforcement is just one part of the equation to tackle a public health crisis that is tearing apart communities one family at a time. That is why we must continue to invest in public outreach, treatment programs, as well as drugs like Narcan which can save lives and Vivitrol, which can help stem addiction. According to the Suffolk County Police Department, there were 1,889 heroin arrests in 2014 and 1,898 heroin arrests in 2015. In 2014 there were 109 fatal heroin overdoses and 103 fatal heroin overdoses in 2015. Also in 2014 there were 493 Suffolk County Police Department Narcan administrations with an additional 284 countywide. In 2015 there were 543 Suffolk County Narcan administrations with an additional 223 countywide. Looking to stay up to date about all of the news stories and local headlines that are important to Long Islanders? We've rounded up the top coverage for all of the important topics from multiple sources around Long Island, so you can be sure you've got the most recent update on the top stories for Long Island. Have an idea for a news story? Email us at news@longisland.com Columnists Press Releases YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian will leave for New York from February 24-25 to attend the UNDP 50th Anniversary Ministerial Meeting. Armenpress was informed from the Press, Information and Public Relations Department of the Armenian MFA that it is scheduled for Edward Nalbandian to hold meetings with his counterparts from a number of countries. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. The prequalification competition of tenant of drinking-water network is open. At the present 5 specialized companies are providing water supply and sewerage services which are as follows: Armenian Water and Sewerage, Yerevan Water and Sewerage, "Nor Akunk", "Lori Water and Sewerage" and Shirak Water and Sewerage" CJSCs. As the competition side, State Water Management Committee of the Armenian Ministry of Agriculture has set up an evaluation committee on prequalification competition headed by the Chairman of the State Committee for Water Management Aram Harutyunyan. "Armenpress" was informed from the Committee that the deadline for submission of applications was completed on February 22, at 10:30 am and the Commission opened applications and performed the registration of documents. The Commission has checked the documents and recorded their integrity. The opening ceremony was also attended by representatives of the applicant companies. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan on February 22 received the Chairman of the National Farmers' Union (NFU) Roza Tsarukyan and members of the NFU Board of Directors. At the meeting, issues on the current situation and development of the agricultural sector of Armenia were discussed. As Armenpress was reported from the Department of Information and Public Relations of the Government of Armenia, prospects on development of beekeeping, poultry farming, animal husbandry and veterinary medicine were discussed; various proposals were presented. The Prime Minister noted the importance of continued cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Union of Farmers and instructed the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Armenia Sergo Karapetyan to make the presented proposals topic of discussion in the Ministry. Hovik Abrahamyan proposed the representatives of the National Farmers Union to hold discussions of the raised issues and submit specific projects to the Government. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenian National Statistical Service presented Current-operative preliminary main macro-economic indicators characterizing the socio-economic situation of the Republic of Armenia for 2016 January (as of 22 February, 2016) Armenpress was informed from the information and Public Relations Department of the Armenian Ministry of Economy that socio-economic situation index amounted 105.5%. The growth rate of industrial production amounted to 115.7%, the volume of services - 105.1%, construction - 105.1%, and agriculture - 101.5%. Growth in the trade turnover amounted to 97.3%. For the first time in recent years, it is recorded growth in the construction industry (5.1%). The growth index of economic activity contributed to the growth of real foreign investments in the Armenian economy in 2015. Two small jihadist groups based in the Syrian capital of Damascus Ansar al Sharia and Al Muntasir Billah have sworn allegiance to Abu Muhammad al Julani, the head of Al Nusrah Front. A spokesman for the two factions announced their fealty in a short video posted yesterday on one of Al Nusrahs official Twitter feeds. The fighters appear to be located in the neighborhood of Qabun in northeastern Damascus, where a truce has reportedly kept the rebels from clashing with Bashar al Assads forces. The spokesman (seen above) says the fighters from these two brigades have been fully incorporated into Al Nusrahs ranks and will fight the Russians, the Rafidhi (or rejectionists, a derogatory term used for Shiites) and the Nusayris (a pejorative used to describe the Alawites in Assads regime). Similar to the allegiance videos produced by Al Nusrahs jihadist rivals in the Islamic State, the fighters swear their loyalty to Julani as they stand in a circle, stacking their hands in a show of unity. Julani has repeatedly denounced the rebels truces with Assads government in and around Damascus. In an interview that aired in December, for example, he said the truces are the first step toward surrender, because they only serve the regime at a time when people still have the ability to fight. Julani claimed the rebels were still achieving victories and making significant gains, so they should not compromise with Assad and his allies. He specifically rejected a truce that had been agreed to in the Al Ghouta region on the outskirts of Damascus. One of the journalists who attended Julanis small press conference asked him why Al Nusrah was willing to abide by ceasefires elsewhere, including in the predominately Shiite town of Al Fua in the northwestern Idlib province. Julani answered by saying he wouldnt engage in a discussion of when such truces are religiously acceptable, but he claimed there is a difference between locations far away from Damascus and territory near the capital. He specifically referred to Zabadani in southwestern Syria, near the border with Lebanon. Sunnis, including extremists, have been under siege in Zabadani. And Al Nusrahs ally, Ahrar al Sham, helped negotiate temporary ceasefires in Zabadani that were linked to the fighting in Al Fua and elsewhere. In Oct. 2015, Al Nusrah, Ahrar al Sham and a third group, Ajnad al Sham, created a joint operations room named Jund al Malahim (Soldiers of the Epics) to combine their military efforts in the countryside of Damascus. Al Nusrah has earned the loyalty of a number of groups since late last year. In Sept. and Oct. 2015, the following organizations all officially joined Al Nusrah: Jaish al Muhajireen wal Ansar (JMWA, or the Army of the Emigrants and Helpers), Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad (a predominately Uzbek organization), and Crimean Jamaat (comprised mainly of Crimean Tartars and other Russian-speaking militants). Earlier this month, one dozen religious and military officials in Jund al Aqsa, another al Qaeda-linked group, also decided to join Al Nusrah. The allegiances offered by Ansar al Sharia and Al Muntasir Billah are the latest garnered by Al Nusrah. And they may signal that the al Qaeda branch plans on launching a new wave of operations in Damascus. Such attacks would be consistent with Julanis rejection of any truces in or near the capital. Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. IRGC Saberin Special Forces coat of arms Elite Iranian Special Forces, named Saberin units, have been deployed as part of the broader Iranian expeditionary force to Syria. Irans Ground Forces significantly escalated their involvement in October 2015, coinciding with Russias military intervention. There has been a corresponding spike in Saberin fatalities since the escalation. Their deaths have been publicly announced, and funeral ceremonies have been held in their hometowns across Iran. The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) held its fourth annual commemoration of elite Special Forces killed in combat at the Ground Forces Headquarters in Tehran on Feb. 11. This year, the Guard honored six commanders and eight members of the Saberin Commando Brigade killed during their advice and assist missions in the Syrian Civil War. They also commemorated 19 members killed in a major operation in 2011 against the Kurdish separatist group PJAK (Free Life Party of Kurdistan) in northwestern Iran. IRGC Ground Forces Commander Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour delivered remarks, stressing the importance of winning the wars in Syria and Iraq to defend sacred Shia shrines. He warned that if they failed to achieve victory, Iran could face the same foes and Sunni extremists at its western borders. Origin of Saberin Saberin means the patient ones. According to commanders, the units name is inspired by the Quranic verse Al-Anfal 8:65, which states: 0 Prophet! Inspire the believers to conquer all fear of death when fighting, [so that,] if there be twenty of you who are patient in adversity, they might overcome two hundred; and [that,] if there be one hundred of you, they might overcome one thousand After the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), the IRGC Ground Forces saw the need to establish a special forces unit capable of undertaking difficult combat operations from land, sea, and air. This would be a different function than the Qods Force, the external operations unit. Current IRGC chief commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari founded the Saberin unit in 2000. The current Saberin commander is Colonel Ebrahim Atani. According to Brigadier General Morteza Mirian, the commander of Saberin operations against PJAK in 2011 and deputy commander of IRGC Ground Forces Operations Directorate, the unit emulates from tactics deployed by 11 special forces units, particularly the British Special Air Service. They also studied U.S. special forces. Saberin Special Forces demand ideological commitment first and foremost. The unit also requires its fighters to possess technical knowledge and skills on the battlefield. Saberin places special emphasis on sniper training. Obituary poster for Third Lieutenant Hossein Jamali, who was killed in Syria. The announcement was made on October 29, 2015.[Update: the Saberin fought PJAK in 2011, not 2012.] Amir Toumaj is a independent analyst and contributor to FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. The US targeted a jihadist safe haven in Pakistans tribal agency of Kurram today. The drone strike, which possibly targeted the Haqqani Network, is just the second reported inside Pakistan this year. The remotely piloted Reapers fired four missiles at suspected militant hideouts, according to Dawn. Three jihadist encampments and two vehicles were destroyed in the airstrike. Additionally, three suspected militants, whose identities were not disclosed, were killed during the US attack, Xinhua reported. The strike took place in the Shahidano Dhand area in Kurram. US drones rarely target jihadists outside of the tribal agencies of North and South Waziristan. Haqqani Network operates in Kurram While the target of the strike has not been disclosed, the Haqqani Network a Taliban subgroup closely allied with al Qaeda which operates in both Pakistan and Afghanistan is known to shelter in Kurram. The Haqqanis also are supported by Pakistans military and the Inter-Services Intelligence directorate. The Haqqani Notwork moved its base of operations from North Waziristan to Kurram after the Pakistani military launched an operation against select jihadist groups in June 2014. The Haqqanis were not targeted in the Pakistani military operation, despite claims to the contrary. No Haqqani commanders have been killed or captured since the operation was launched. The US has targeted the Haqqani Network in many drone strikes inside Pakistan since first launching the program in 2004. Of the 391 strikes recorded by The Long War Journal, at least 93 have focused on the Haqqanis or took place in areas administered by the group. Several top Haqqani leaders have been killed by the US inside Pakistan, including Badruddin Haqqani the top deputy and a brother of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the operational commander of the network who is also the deputy emir of the Taliban. The last Haqqani commander reportedly killed inside Pakistan was Abdullah Haqqani, who served as the groups director of suicide operations for Pakistan. Strikes in Pakistan continue to taper off Todays drone attack in Kurram is just the second recorded inside Pakistan in 2016. On Jan. 9, the US is said to have killed five members of the al Qaeda-linked Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan in a strike in South Waziristan. Drone strikes have dramatically tapered off since reaching their peak in 2010, with 117 recorded by The Long War Journal. The US launched 64 the following year, 46 in 2012, 28 in 2013, 24 in 2014, and 11 in 2015. One explanation for the reduction in strikes is that US intelligence officials have claimed that al Qaeda, a primary target of the program, has been decimated and neutralized in Pakistan and Afghanistan and its global operations have been rendered ineffective. However the data does not support these assertions. For instance, al Qaeda is know to have operated at least three training camps in Afghanistan in 2015, including a massive facility that covered 30 square miles. The existence of these camps was only disclosed after US military officials reported on raids against two camps in Shorabak. Al Qaeda has responded to the US drone campaign, which is primarily focused on North and South Waziristan (of the 391 strikes, only 21 have taken place outside of these two tribal agencies), by moving personnel to other locations. Osama bin Laden directed that al Qaeda move key personnel from Waziristan into Afghan provinces. Additionally, al Qaeda maintains a large footprint inside Pakistan, far from the tribal agencies. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Germanys Bundestag involved issue related to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in the agenda of February 25, Armenpress reports citing Radiolur. Alliance '90/The Greens made the mentioned suggestion. Alliance '90/The Greens will prepare a report, which presentation and discussion is scheduled for 45 minutes, on February 25, in the afternoon, at 15:45 (Berlins time). Cem Ozdemir, the co-chairman of German Bundestags Alliance '90/The Greens party, mentioned that the issues is not just on commemoration ceremony but also on presentation and discussion of the draft resolution on the Genocide. The Greens statement is the first topic for reading. In the statement the events of 1915 are clearly drawn as Genocide. I hope that we, the opposition and the government, will manage to agree on the Genocide which was carried out 100 years ago. It will be a very important signal for the successors of those who carried out the Genocide during the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. It must be first noted that it was Genocide, second, Germany was complicit in it and third, we must do everything to reach the Armenian-Turkish borders to open, Cem Ozdemir said. In response to the question how likely is the adoption of pro-Armenian resolution, Cem Ozdemir recalled Germanys top leadership already officially spoke on the Armenian Genocide. Now the countrys government again wants to roll the issue under the carpet because of political interests. I think they will not succeed. I am convinced the reporters will share views and justifications of the Greens, he said. Luton is a large town, borough and unitary authority area of Bedfordshire. Luton and its near neighbours, Dunstable and Houghton Regis, form the Luton/Dunstable Urban Area with a population of about 258,000. Luton is home to Championship team Luton Town Football Club, London Luton Airport and The University of Bedfordshire. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter. For all the latest news from Luton sign up to our newsletter here. Acqualina Resort Receives 5-Star Ratings From Forbes Travel Guide Today, Forbes Travel Guide officially announced that the resort has been recognized as a Five-Star Hotel, marking it the fourth year in a row that the property receives this prestigious, ultra-exclusive industry accolade. Properties who receive this extraordinary achievement are determined by those who demonstrate impeccable and flawless service, exceptional amenities and an overall superior guest experience. To further reinforce today's exciting announcement, Forbes Travel Guide also awarded Acqualina Spa by ESPA with a Five-Star Spa rating. Acqualina Resort & Spa is only one out of four hotel properties in Miami to be awarded a Five-Star ranking this year, while the spa is one of three Miami establishments to receive this honor.Acqualina Spa by ESPA has recently unveiled the installation of a new detoxifying Himalayan Salt Wall, as well as the addition of new treatments to the spa including the AMA Releasing Abhyanga massage, Thai massage and Optimal Skin ProFacial. The Sunny Isles Beach spa is also set to unveil a new opulent Private Spa Suite next month. In addition, Acqualina has produced a user-friendly, interactive app available at the Apple Store to further enhance the guest experience: a multigenerational travel concierge app aimed for families. Acqualina is also home to an immersive AcquaMarine children's program and is set to launch a new arts & crafts program early this year. The five-star resort is independently and family owned and operated, distinguishing the property from other hotel chains who received the award.Forbes Travel Guide is the gold standard for luxury hospitality ratings worldwide, and announces its Global Star Ratings yearly, listing the world's finest hotels, restaurants and spas. Only properties that meet Forbes' hospitality standards the most stringent in the industry achieve a Five Star, Four Star or Recommended rating. Professional inspectors check into and carefully review every property they rate regularly, evaluating more than 500 rigorous criteria to determine a Star Rating that takes the guess work out of travel planning and establishes a global benchmark for luxury travel.We are thrilled that Acqualina is awarded and recognized as a Five-Star property for the fourth year in a row which highlights our most important mission as a property, which is striving to deliver the most outstanding personalized service to our guests. We are constantly improving our programs, guestroom decor, spa offerings and user technology to deliver a seamlessly luxurious experience, whether they are multigenerational families or a couple visiting our hotel or spa, says Deborah Yager Fleming, CEO and Partner, Acqualina Resort & Spa.In addition to today's Forbes Travel Guide announcement, Acqualina Resort & Spa also received the AAA Five Diamond Award for 2016; Acqualina has maintained this Five Diamond Award distinction since 2009. Each year, AAA reviews more than 28,000 hotels across North America and the Caribbean including resorts, historic inns and bed and breakfasts, where only 0.4 percent of all hotels achieve the AAA Five Diamond status. Acqualina was also recently recognized with a superior ranking as TripAdvisor's Top Luxury Beachfront Hotel in the Continental US, which is awarded to the top 1% of all hotels on the site based on reviews and opinions from millions of travelers. The user-generated site features Acqualina Resort & Spa in an elite pool of the Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the United States. Finally, Acqualina has also been recognized in Andrew Harper's 2015 Readers' Choice Awards, showcasing subscribers' favorite hotels and resorts worldwide. Considered quite an extraordinary achievement, Acqualina was voted the top global property in three separate categories including #1 Top Beach Resort, #1 Top Spa Resort and #1 Top Family Resort.To celebrate the latest accolades, Acqualina invites guests to book the Five Star Experience Package. Guests receive the fifth night free when booking a five-night getaway in an Oceanfront Suite and can indulge in other lavish amenities including a special welcome amenity, daily buffet breakfast for two by Il Mulino New York, one 50-minute treatment at Acqualina Spa by ESPA, one bottle of champagne upon arrival, complimentary Internet access and access to the award-winning AcquaMarine children's program. This exclusive package starts at $1,495 per night for a One Bedroom Oceanfront Suite.Visit website: YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Kim Kardashian shared the first photo of 3-month-old son Saint on February 22morning through her app and website, Armenpress reports. In the sweet snap, baby Saint, dressed in a white thermal onesie, is sound asleep as he lays with his arms up in the air. Today is my dads birthday. I know theres nothing more in the world he would have wanted than to meet his grandchildren. So I wanted to share this pic of Saint with you all, the proud mom wrote alongside her sons photo. Prior to posting Saints picture, Kardashian West honored her late father Robert Kardashians birthday on her website. Happy Birthday dad! I cant believe you would have been 72 today. So much has gone on in our lives since youve been gone, and I know you have been my guardian angel seeing everything unfold! I love you and miss you so much! she wrote, sharing a photo of Kardashian smiling. At this writing, Apples battle with the FBI over how much it can and should help in the investigation of the San Bernardino shootings is less than a week old. But already its explosive to say the least. The government has accused Apple of being more concerned with marketing than the fight against terrorism, and Apple has drawn a line in the sand, saying that complying with the FBIs request would undermine the very freedoms and liberty our government is meant to protect. This fight isnt going to be over anytime soon, so well keep this FAQ updated as events unfold. If you have more questionsor want to respectfully debate the implications this case will have on privacy and securityplease chime away in the comments and well do our best to make everything about this confusing case as clear as possible. Where does it stand right now? The United States District Court for the Central District of California issued an order on February 16, giving Apple five business days to respond. Apple posted an open letter to customers on its website explaining its side of the case, prompting government attorneys to file a motion on February 19 disagreeing with Apples view of the situation, and asking the court to force Apple to comply. A hearing is scheduled to take place in Riverside, CA, on March 22. Until then, the lawyers will file more motions, while the two sides also take their case to the court of public opinion. On Sunday February 21, FBI Director James Comey posted at Lawfire that we should take a deep breath and stop saying the world is ending. Apple updated its open letter on Monday February 22 to add its own FAQ on privacy and security, and Tim Cook sent a memo to employees calling on the FBI to drop their request. So far, public opinion is not on Apples side, but this is only the beginning The Basics So the FBI has an iPhone 5c that belonged to the San Bernardino shooter, and they think it has evidence inside? The iPhone 5c in question was used by San Bernardino shooter Syed Rizwan Farook, but it was his work phone, so it technically belonged to his employer, the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health. Farook also had a personal phone as well as a personal computer, but he physically destroyed both before the December 2 shooting. Farook was killed in a firefight with police. In the course of its investigation, the FBI wants to examine the iPhone 5c for evidence. The DOJs court filing from Friday February 19 reads: The government has reason to believe that Farook used that iPhone to communicate with some of the very people whom he and [his also-deceased wife Tafsheen] Malik murdered. The phone may contain critical communications and data prior to and around the time of the shooting that, thus far: (1) has not been accessed; (2) may reside solely on the phone; and (3) cannot be accessed by any other means known to either the government or Apple. But if it was his employers phone, cant they access its data, or at least consent to the search? The San Bernardino County Department of Health did consent to the search, but the iPhone is locked with a passcode (reportedly a 4-digit pin, not something more complex), and apparently the county didnt use good multi-device management practices, because they dont know that passcode and couldnt access anything on the phone without it. From the same February 19 court filing: The FBI obtained a warrant to search the iPhone, and the owner of the iPhone, Farooks employer, also gave the FBI its consent to the search. Because the iPhone was locked, the government subsequently sought Apples help in its efforts to execute the lawfully issued search warrant. Apple refused. Why is Apple refusing to unlock the phone? That wasnt what Apple was asked to doApple actually has no way of unlocking a locked iPhone. Apple does have a way to extract data from a device running iOS 7 or earlier, without having to unlock the phone. Apple has done this before for law enforcement with a proper court orderanother filing by the government estimates at least 70 times. But starting with iOS 8, the data on an iPhone is encrypted by default as soon as you enable the passcode feature. Since Farooks iPhone 5c is running iOS 9, the only way to access the encrypted data it holds is to unlock the phone with the passcode. Since the owner of the phone (Farooks employer) doesnt know the passcode, and Apple doesnt know the passcode, and Farook is dead, the FBI is stuck trying to crack the passcode through brute force. What does the FBI want Apple to do to help brute-force the passcode? The best defense iOS has against a brute-force attack is the Erase Data feature, which will wipe all the data on the iPhone after 10 failed passcode attempts. The iPhone has a 4-digit pin, which shouldnt take too long to crack, but certainly more than 10 tries. So the FBIs request, and the courts February 16 order, is for Apple to create a sideloadable SIF (software image file) of iOS that can run on the iPhones RAM without touching any other data on the device. The FBI wants Apple to sign that software so the iPhoneand only this iPhonewill run it. Once installed, the software would disable that Erase Data setting. The FBI also wants to try passcodes as quickly as possible, so it wants Apple to disable the delay between passcode attempts, plus allow passcodes to be inputted by a computer, either through the iPhones Lightning port or wirelessly, a feature that has never existed in a publicly shipping version of iOS. Thats a big dealas Matthew Panzarino points out at TechCrunch, its asking Apple to introduce a new weakness into iOS. Does the FBI know for sure if the Erase Data feature is turned on? It doesnt seem like itthe FBI just doesnt want to take any chances. From the February 19 filing, emphasis ours: The FBI has been unable to make attempts to determine the passcode to access the subject device because Apple has written, or coded, its operating system with a user-enabled auto-erase function that would, if enabled, result in the permanent destruction of the required encryption key material after 10 failed attempts at entering the correct passcode. What was Apples response? Apple posted an open letter to customers explaining its position. It reads in part: Specifically, the FBI wants us to make a new version of the iPhone operating system, circumventing several important security features, and install it on an iPhone recovered during the investigation. In the wrong hands, this softwarewhich does not exist todaywould have the potential to unlock any iPhone in someones physical possession. The FBI may use different words to describe this tool, but make no mistake: Building a version of iOS that bypasses security in this way would undeniably create a backdoor. And while the government may argue that its use would be limited to this case, there is no way to guarantee such control. Image: Robert Cardin The main argument: Is this a backdoor to one iPhone or all of them? Would the software the FBI is requesting be considered a backdoor? That depends on whom you ask. For example, Bruce Schneier of Harvards Berkman Center for Internet and Society told our colleagues at NetworkWorld, The FBI is asking Apple to reinstall a vulnerability they fixed. He says the iPhone 5c didnt intially have protection against brute-force attacks to guess the passcode, but those were added in 2014 with iOS 8. The governments February 19 court filing definitely disagrees that its a backdoor, mostly because the order is written just for this phone. Apple may maintain custody of the software, destroy it after its purpose under the Order has been served, refuse to disseminate it outside of Apple, and make it clear to the world that it does not apply to other devices or users without lawful court orders. As such, compliance with the Order presents no danger for any other phone, and is not the equivalent of a master key, capable of opening hundreds of millions of locks. But Apple believes that it isthat master key quote is right from Apples open letter. Whether its a backdoor or not, the FBI says they only want to use it once. So whats wrong with a single-use backdoor? The DOJ is saying that the FBI only wants to do this once, thats true. But the February 19 filing uses several other court cases as precedent to bolster its argument that Apple is being unreasonable to refuse this time. In both this San Bernardino investigation and a separate drug case in the state of New York, the government is saying that since Apple helped before, they should be willing to help again. So its a little weird that the FBI wants us to believe that once Apple builds this tool to assist law enforcement to brute-force a passcode, that it wouldnt be used again. Even if that particular software image file was never shared and promptly destroyed, the courts could use this case as precedent to order Apple to build it again. But the government says that this software doesnt ever have to leave the Apple campuswhats wrong with that? The government claims that Apple can retain total control over the software, and even the device itself. Reads the February 19 filing, the Order permits Apple to take possession of the subject device to load the programs in its own secure location, similar to what Apple has done for years for earlier operting systems, and permit the goverment to make its passcode attempts via remote access. But since Apple is being asked to create a tool for law enforcement to use, that tool would have to stand up to scrutiny if any evidence collected with it is ever used in court. Jonathan Zdziarskis excellent blog post Apple, FBI, and the Burden of Forensic Methodology explains this really well. Zdziarski has extensive experience in iOS forensics, working with law enforcement and testifying as an expert in court. He explains that tools used by law enforcement to collect evidence are legally known as instruments, and for evidence collected by such tools to be admissable in court, the court as well as the defense must have confidence that the tools are accurate and their results reproducable. New instrumentsa breathalyzer, a speed-detecting radar gun, or a software tool like this onehave to be tested and validated by a third party like the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) or NIJ (National Institute of Justice), and generally accepted by the scientific community. Thats why breathalyzer tests are admissable but polygraphs are not. On FBIs Interference WIth iCloud Backups https://t.co/VvnoigHdQl Jonathan Zdziarski (@JZdziarski) February 21, 2016 Zdziarski also explains how before iOS 8, when Apple could still extract unencrypted data from a locked device, this was seen as a lab service, not an instrument. In that case, Apple would have to demonstrate to the court (usually through expert testimony or an affadavit) that it had the expertise to run the test, but it could claim trade secrets to avoid detailing the exact methods. But when its law enforcement carrying out the method itself, the standard is different. Now, just because evidence collected by use of this tool might not be admissable in court doesnt make that evidence worthless. Law enforcement could learn something about Farook on his iPhone that they could then verify through other means that are admissable. The iCloud problem Back to Farooks iPhone 5c, is there any other way to get the evidence the government wants? What else did they try? The February 19 filing lists the other methods the government and Apple discussed, and why they wont work, in a footnote on page 18, paraphrased here: Obtain cell phone toll records: The filing says the government has of course done this, but its insufficient since theres a lot more on the phone than call and SMS records. Determine if any computers were paired to the phone: The government says there werent any. Attempt an auto-backup of the device with the related iCloud account: This didnt work because neither the FBI nor the owner (the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health) knew the iCloud password. Obtain previous iCloud backups: The FBI did this too, but the most recent backup was October 19, 2015, but the filing says thats not sufficient and also back-ups do not appear to have the same amount of information as is on the phone itself. But that third method (attempt an auto-backup to iCloud) is where it gets really weird. The iCloud password was reset remotely, shortly after the crime, by the owner, i.e. the county. The February 19 filing says, that had the effect of eliminating the possibility of an auto-backup. As explained by Ars Technica, they way they tried to force it was to take the iPhone to a known Wi-Fi network, plug it in, and leave it overnightwhich should trigger a backup to iCloud if auto-backups are enabled. But it didnt work because the password had been reset so recently. So they werent able to get an iCloud backup? Not a full one. According to the February 19 filing, the FBI has Farooks iCloud backups through October 19, about six weeks before the December 2 shooting. The filing states that the government found evidence in the iCloud account to indicate that Farook communicated with victims who were later killed in the shootings. (Youll recall he killed his own co-workers.) The filing also states: In addition, toll records for the subject device establish that Farook communicated with Malik using the subject device between July and November 2015, but this information is not found in the backup iCloud data. Accordingly, there may be critical communications and data prior to and around the time of the shooting that thus far has not been accessed, may reside solely on the subject device, and cannot be accessed by any other means known to either the government or Apple. Wait, they think there could be data on the phone that isnt in the iCloud backup? Yes, the February 19 filing says thatthey have service records from Verizon that show communications occurred, but those arent in the iCloud backup. The problem with that argument? Theres no way to selectively back up to iCloudits all or nothing. So if communications from July, August, September, and October are not in the October 19 iCloud backup, it would be pretty surprising to find them on the phone. One logical explanation is that they were deleted by Farook before October 19. Whats with this story about the iCloud password being changed, and whos to blame? Its kind of a mess. First, the February 19 filing mentioned that the owner (again, thats San Bernardino County) reset the password for the Apple ID tied to the iPhoneFarooks iCloud password, in other words. The ownerwas able to reset the password remotely, but that had the effect of eliminating the possibility of an auto-backup. So that kind of read like the FBI thought the county had screwed up, but then the next day, February 20, the countys Twitter account tweeted that the FBI had instructed the county to do so. The County was working cooperatively with the FBI when it reset the iCloud password at the FBIs request. CountyWire (@CountyWire) February 20, 2016 The FBI released a statement on February 21 to Ars Technica admitting that yes, it had ordered the password reset. But the FBI still maintains that the iCloud backup wouldnt have everything the investigators would get if they could just get into the phone, which is why the court order was issued in the first place. Rob Shultz The New York case, and why iOS version matters Farooks iPhone is running iOS 9, and passcode-based encryption was added in iOS 8. But if Farooks iPhone was running iOS 7, Apple would still help? Apple has published a set of Legal Process Guidelines (PDF) that outline the process for law enforcement to request assistance from Apple, as well as what information Apple can provide. They read in part: For all devices running iOS 8.0 and later versions, Apple will not perform iOS data extractions as data extraction tools are no longer effective. The files to be extracted are protected by an encryption key that is tied to the users passcode, which Apple does not possess. For iOS devices running iOS versions earlier than iOS 8.0, upon receipt of a valid search warrant issued upon a showing of probable cause, Apple can extract certain categories of active data from passcode-locked iOS devices. However, the governments February 19 court filing states in a footnote, Apple has informed another court that it now objects to providing such assistance. What other court is Apple objecting to? Theres another case pending in New York, in which an iPhone 5s belonging to a suspected meth dealer is running iOS 7, but Apple still doesnt want to help. Why doesnt Apple want to help in New York? In a response filed in the New York case, Apple argues that social awareness of issues relating to privacy and security, and the authority of government to access data is at an all-time high. And public expectations about the obligation of companies like Apple to minimize government access within the bounds of the law have changed dramatically. So the time is right to reexamine the authority given to the government by the All Writs Act, Apple is arguing. It sounds like, from that filing, that Apple just wants out of the iPhone-data-extraction business. The filing explains how starting with iOS 8 Apple doesnt have the technical ability to do what it once did, and that iOS 7 devices like this one are becoming rare as they compromise less than 10 percent of the devices in the U.S. Apple doesnt want to take its engineers time doing the extraction or testifying in court about it, even though the company would be able to claim expenses. After all, as the final reason argues, you cant claim expenses for damage to the brand. Forcing Apple to extract data in this case, absent clear legal authority to do so, could threaten the trust between Apple and its customers and substantially tarnish the Apple brand. This reputational harm could have a longer term economic impact beyond the mere cost of performing the single extraction at issue. The legal fight: What happens next? Whats the deal with the All Writs Act, which Apple is objecting to? Both this new order and the New York case use the All Writs Act of 1789. In fact, in the case going on in the Eastern District of New York, Apple is arguing that extracting data from a drug dealers iPhone 5s running iOS 7 is overly burdensome on manpower and resources, as well as an overly wide application of the All Writs Act. Matthew Panzarino at TechCrunch has a great explanation, and you can also read Apples filing questioning the AWA. According to the Feburary 19 filing in the California case, The All Writs Act provides in relevant part that all courts established by Act of Congress may issues all writs necessary or appropriate in aid of their respective jurisdictons and agreeable to the usages and principles of law. Its kind of a catch-all, in other words: As the Supreme Court explained, the All Writs Act is a residual source of authority to issue writs that are not otherwise covered by statute. The tests are whether the third party is not so far removed from the underlying controversy that its assistance could not be permissably compelled, that the order does not place an undue burden on the third party, and that the assistance is necessary to achieve the purposes of the warrant. In the February 19 filing, the government argues that Apple fails all three tests and thus should be ordered to comply. What happens if Apple refuses? If the February 16 order from Judge Pym stands after Apples appealthe next hearing is scheduled for March 22the company could elevate it through the courts, eventually all the way up to the Supreme Court. This case could prompt legislation in Congress too, according to California Senator Dianne Feinstein speaking on PBS NewsHour. Tim Cook and FBI Director James Comey have both been invited to appear before the bipartisan House Energy and Commerce Committee. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2016 > Tapi Gas Pipeline: Hopes And Challenges by R.G. Gidadhubli It is indeed a historic event that leaders of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India broke ground on the December 13, 2015 giving a big push to the long awaited TAPI gas pipeline project linking Central Asia and South Asia. This ceremony was held in Turkmenistans southern city of Mary in the Karakorum desert which is an important location on this proposed pipeline route. Some basic facts are as follws: the project will be costing about $ 10 billion; the total length of the TAPI pipeline will be 1735 km and the project is estimated to be completed by 2019. In fact the pipeline would start from the Galkynysh gasfield, formally known as the South Yolotan-Osman field, near the town of Yoloten in Turkmenistans eastern province of Mary. There are high hopes and expectations that, when completed, it might significantly ease the energy deficit of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan since the pipeline will carry 33 billion cubic metres of gas per year alongside Afghanistans Herat-Kandahar highway, then via Quetta and Multan in Pakistan ending up at Fazilka that is Indias town bordering Pakistan. Hence it is of great relevance that the Vice-President, Moham-mad Hamid Ansari, attended the function. And he was joined by the Pakistan Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, apart from the Turkmen President, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, and the Afghan President, Ashraf Ghani. Secondly, looking back, this project was conceptualised almost two decades ago in the 1990s after the Soviet disintegration when Turkmenistan became sovereign and indepen-dent. India joined the project in 2010. India imports about 80 per cent of its energy needs of which natural gas constitutes about 46 per cent. Hence this project has great relevance for meeting Indias energy needs. Moreover, as this international pipeline reaches Indias territory, it will reduce the import cost. Indias major gas firm, GAIL, will represent India in the project. Thirdly, there are high hopes and benefits for Turkmenistan as well since energy export by this pipeline will give an additional dimension to enter into the South Asian market and specifically the huge and growing market of India. Moreover, Turkmenistan seems to be rightly considering the desirability of reducing its over-dependence on China, which has become a major importer of natural gas from Central Asia. It is worth noting that in 2009 the Turk-menistan-China pipeline was undertaken passing through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and that has already materialised. There is, however, a difference between this pipeline and TAPI, because the latter passes through a difficult terrain and region which poses security concerns. Moreover, in the Turkmenistan-China pipeline, China actively participated in technical, financial and infrastructural aspects of the pipeline in addition to providing personnel support in the project. Fourthly, coinciding with this event, Turk-menistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for laying a power transmission line along with the TAPI pipeline route. In a way clubbing these projects might give a major hope and advantage for successful completion of projects. Challenges As opined by some Western analysts, there are many challenges facing the TAPI project. Firstly, there are high hopes expressed on this event which might be somewhat misplaced. This is possibly because not even one section of the proposed pipeline has been laid so far, even as the TAPI pipeline consists of four parts passing through four countries. Secondly, the security issue of the pipeline is important and, as opined by US analyst William Byrd, the situation on the pipeline route in several regions of Afghanistan is highly insecure. Some regions of the pipeline are under the control of the Taliban and in some areas the warlords have great influence. For instance, in 2015 the Taliban and militant groups of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan briefly captured villages right on the border with Turkmenistan. Similarly, the pipeline passing through Balochistan in Pakistan is pretty insecure as there have been separatist move-ments prevailing there for many decades. Hence the security arrangement is most essenteal. While it is siginificant that the Afghan President, Ashraf Ghani, has pledged a 7000-strong force to guard the pipeline and its construction, it is being speculated as to whether any measure has already been undertaken in order to involve the Taliban and local power-holders by taking them into confidence including offering economic incentives. In that case it may be asked if the TAPI might help the peace process in the region. Thirdly, the cost factor of the project is important. As per information at present, Turkmenistans state gas company, Turkmengaz, has promised to contribute 85 per cent of the cost of constructing the $ 10-billion pipeline. The rest (of 15 per cent) will be shared equally by the three other partner countries, that is, five per cent each. GAIL will represent so far as India is concerned. But there is every possibility that the cost might go up. In fact the initial cost of the project in 2008 was estimated at $ 7.6 billion and it has increased by nearly 25 per cent already. Hence the possibility of hike in funding of the project could be a reality which will have to be borne by all the stakeholders of the project. In fact some critics question the economic viability of the TAPI for Turkmenistan itself, which will be bearing 85 per cent of the estimated cost of the project, since the total GDP of the country is about $ 45 billion. Under conditions of sharp decline in global energy prices during the last over a year, the Turkmen economy is already facing a major financial crunch being over-dependent on income from energy export-earning petrodollars. Hence it will be a challenge for Turkmenistan to bear the cost of this project. Fourthly, funding of the project is partly linked to the security issue. In fact it appears that in the initial stage some international companies such as Unocol, Delta, which had showed their interest to participate in the project, withdrew mainly due to security reasons. Hence it is now to be seen how international energy and financial institutions will respond to the TAPI. As per reports, while the French major Total company has withdrawn, there are expectations that the Dubai-based Dragon Oil firm might be interested. Moreover, the issue of production-sharing is important for participation by global energy firms for any investment, which may pose a challenge for the project. Fifthly, Turkmenistan proposes to export 90 million metric standard cubic metres (mmscd) of gas through the TAPI over 30 years. Hence as far as sharing of oil is concerned, India and Pakistan are expected to get 38 mmscd each annually, while Afghanistan will get 14 mmscd every year. Thus India will have great benefit as and when the TAPI becomes operative. While there seems to be an understanding on this issue at present, much depends upon the intergovernmental agreement on a longterm basis. But consistency and continuity of the agreement between India and Pakistan will be a major challenge to ensure that gas is supplied to India as per the agreement. Hence institutional and legal issues are also involved for India to take the benefit of energy supplies by the TAPI when it becomes operative. Sixth, at present the price for natural gas is expected to be $ 4 per unit from the TAPI which is almost half of the prevailing price which is an indication that it will be very economical for the three importing countries. But if the overall cost goes up, then the price charged by the TAPI might also go up. Seventh, as announced by the Turkmen President, the TAPI project will be completed by 2019 which seems over-optimistic. In fact as per reports, Turkmenistan had taken seven years to complete the East-West domestic pipeline, which is half the length of the TAPI, linking the eastern part of the country with the Caspian Sea initiated in 2008. Hence the declaration that the TAPI will be operative by 2019 is highly unrealistic; this is all the more when it involves three foreign countries and the security and geographical conditions are very adverse. Moreover, a mega project like the TAPI needs highly qualified specialists and experts for organisational design and construction of the pipeline. Turkmenistan lacks such expertise. In lieu of conclusion, it may be stated that the challenges need to be addressed by the leadership of the participating countries to ensure that the vision of the TAPI project will become a reality and strengthen the economic and political ties between Central Asia and South Asia. Dr R.G. Gidadhubli is a Professor and former Director, Centre for Central Eurasian Studies, University of Mumbai. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2016 > We Learned Nothing from Mumbais Terror AttackWill we Learn Something from (...) IMPRESSIONS At the political level New Delhi handled the Pathankot terrorist strike wisely. Instead of rushing into kneejerk reactions as before, the Prime Ministers chosen path of dialogue with Pakistan was reasserted. Pakistan was asked to take firm action against those linked to the attack. Nawaz Sharifs phone call to Narendra Modi promising investigation and action pointed to a cooperative mood at the political level in Pakistan. What that would mean in practice is far from clear, given the influence of terrorist groups in that country and the unpredictabilities of the hawk elements in their Army. What needs to be taken more seriously at this point is the weakness in our defensive armour that Pathankot has exposed yet again. Aspects of this weakness have been commented upon by security professionals and former military leaders. These and other views must be taken seriously by the decision-makers of the day so that next time terrorists strikeas they certainly willthe response can be decisive and quick. It certainly was not quick this time. Appa-rently there was a tip-off by foreign intelligence agents of an impending attack. This did not seem to have been taken seriously enough. In the 26/11 attack on Mumbai also, foreign intelli-gence reports on suspicious boat movements on the Mumbai coast were not given sufficient importance. The shootout at the Taj Mahal Hotel brought out another flaw in the Indian character the impulse to claim credit in moments of crisis. There were commando leaders who spent more time appearing on TV and spreading the impression that they were the architects of victory. There were even local politicians who inspected the rubble in the Taj to show that they were in command. Did similar oneupmanship cause delays in Pathankot? Military units present on the spot with specialised training in flushing out terrorists hiding in forests and fields were not called into action. Instead, NSG units were called in from Delhi although their expertise lay in close-up action and operations like hostage rescue. Among the military assets at Pathankot are para-commandos of the Army and rapid-action teams thoroughly familiar with the terrain. Yet they were not put in charge of the action. NSG commandos, unfamiliar with the territory and unequal to the action that was called for, ended up with high casualties. Why was the NSG given the upper hand and the more competent locally based Army units kept on the sidelines? Those looking for credit were quick to brief the Home Minister that terrorists had been eliminated in one days swift action. The Home Minister went public with that claimonly to cut a sorry figure as engagements with suddenly surfacing terrorists continued for four days. The Defence Minister admitted that there were lapses. The Home Secretary declared that there were no lapses. This confusion of voices points to an alarming possibility: That we will learn nothing from Pathankot just as we learned nothing from Mumbai. There is no coordination at the top, let alone a system whereby one authorised official alone will brief the nation in crisis situations. There is also no attempt to put in place a unified operational command to tackle national emer-gencies. Political parties make it worse by jumping to partisan positions when the nation should stand as a united force. It is pathetic to watch television screens exploding with Congress spokesmen attacking the inept government and BJP spokesmen praising the brilliance of the government. These robotic party spokesmen are the curse of our country. America needed only one terrorist attack to put in place, overnight as it were, an entirely new Home Security Department with sweeping powers. Its no-nonsense approach to security put restrictions on the civil liberties of citizens. But quickly its security and surveillance system became part of the American way of life. Something similar should have happened in India after the terrorist attack in Mumbai. But we are still talking and groping. The time has come for the Prime Minister to take personal charge of domestic security issues even if its means a sidelining of overseas promotion of Indian goals. He has the power to break the tradition of bureaucratic inertia vis- a-vis terror threats. He has already shown imagination in calling retired Foreign Secretaries and security chiefs for what seems to be a running engagement. This initiative should be extended to include political parties. National security is a national responsibility, not a party matter. Those who stay in the middle of the road get run over. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. 14 people, including nine civilians, were killed on February 22 in a suicide bombing claimed by Taliban insurgents against the Afghan police in a remote area 60km northwest of Kabul, authorities said. Armenpress reports that the bomber targeted a local police chief, injuring him on the eve of the latest round of quadrilateral talks to be held in Kabul in a bid to revive the peace process with the Taliban and end more than 14 years of war. Wahid Sediqqi, spokesperson for the provincial governor, gave a lower toll of 14 dead, including six policemen and eight civilians, and said the bomber was riding a motorcycle. The Taliban claimed responsibility on Twitter through spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid. The attack occurred in the district of Siagerd, a remote mountainous area where the Taliban are firmly entrenched. The target was a commander with the Afghan Local Police (ALP), Seddiqi said, the security force set up by the United States in 2010 to help support the government in its fight against the insurgents. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2016 > Intolerant India versus Make in India by Bincy Mathew With Prime Minister Narendra Modis decision to cut down on his travel abroad in 2016, it is interesting to look back at the past year that had been dominated by headlines of not just the PMs selfies and his focused attention on cameras no matter where they were positioned, but also his bonhomie with world leaders and several of his business tie-ups with the likes of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg who proposed the idea of Free Basics with the stated intention of reaching out to rural India. The list of captivating associations include those between India and the US, while the latter has chosen to increase the fee for H1B visas, despite the hyped visit of the PM to the US in September 2015. Compromises play a significant role in maintaining a balance. For how else would the PM hold his ground despite his chequered past of the Gujarat 2002 riots? Two starkly different images of India have been projected in the mainstream media debates in the past year. One image is that of Vikas: a magical synonym for Indias economic growth that is expected to be furthered without any of the coalition compulsions that caused policy paralysis during the UPA Government. While manufacturing is the buzz-word of Modis Make in India campaign, paradoxically a recent Economic and Political Weekly editorial, January 16, 2016, takes note of the decline in 2015 in the share of Indias core manufacturing sectors (in exports)... to below 50 per cent. On the other hand, the other image is the India of intolerance reflected in the murder of activists, writers and minorities. The returning of awards by Indian writers last year on account of intolerance drew global attention. Interestingly, Union Minister Rajnath Singh in an interview with The Economic Times, November 2, 2015, insisted on taking the blame for intolerance in the country in his capacity as Home Minister. This was with the intent to oppose the trend of heaping blame on the institution of the Prime Minister. The government is thus concerned about incidents that would tarnish its image internationally, instead of taking concrete measures to end the violence. Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi evaded criticism on intolerance in the country by drawing on his global image. This was achieved by forging links with several countries and conglomerates for bringing in investments in India. Our roving Prime Minister travelled to more than 25 countries in 20 months, while juggling State election campaigns in the back-ground of sporadic acts of caste and communal violence. The suicide of Dalit student Rohith Vemula of Hyderabad Central University is a case in point, in the run-up to which Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya had termed the activities at the university as anti-national following a clash between the Dalit students and ABVP activists. The ideology that the Minister (a former pracharak of the RSS) is associated with has long served as the basis for inciting violent communal incidents (last years Atali riots and Dadri killing). Although it is clear that Right-wing groups derive their impunity to kill from the silence of the government, international indifference has allowed Modi to legitimise his majoritarian-style rule based on violence by deflecting attention from intolerance to economic growth. This is basically because these countries choose to overlook violent incidents in India as long as their business interests are served. International Non-reaction But what is even more striking, yet not unfamiliar in the diplomatic arena, is Modis ready acceptance in the international commu-nity. While the 2002 Gujarat riots received condemnation globally with the revoking of his visa for travel to the United States, Modi has today found legitimacy in his vision of a high-growth model of India. Although the recurrence of violence in India is a frightening anomaly, heads of states that India has diplomatic ties with have refrained from raising the topic with the Indian establishment for its failure to curb violence. Instead, the arbiter of democracy seeks to install democracy only in countries that do not toe its global financial strategies. We will of course not see the US drop a bomb in the Indian territory as a reaction to how Modi is turning a blind eye to repeated acts of violence. We do not expect it to be so either. The least that is expected from leaders in these countries is a concrete disapproval of the violence in India, such as the ban on Modis entry into several European States that was in place till 2012. This is not a question of impinging on Indias sovereign matters, one that is likely to be raised. It is rather an acknowledgement that violence is being fomented instead of being curbed when it is within the reach of the government to take effective action. So if a government refuses to crack down on violent elements and fails in any case, is it not a failure of governance? Is this what Modi means by minimum government, maximum governance? The question that ought to be raised by the media is of failed governance. One might also contest that the situation in India is not as bad as what is happening in States like Syria. But it is the rate of violent incidents and how this phenomenon is becoming normalised in India that is unusual. Moreover, looking at Indias past where violence has been orchestrated for electoral gains, the issue being raised here gains relevance. While last year US President Barack Obama raised concerns on communal violence in India, the US has since trodden cautiously on the tightrope of diplomacy and not taken up the issue further. This essentially was the last reaction of another country to Indias manufacture of violence. International business tie-ups have thus in a significant way aided Modi in covering up his complicity of silence. On the other hand, there has been substantial international media coverage on the violence in India, in addition to objections raised by Indian American groups in these countries such as in the US to the situation of human rights in this country. Additionally, several British scholars in solidarity with Indian writers opposed the invitation extended to Modi at Cambridge University during his UK visit in November. Despite these reactions in their own countries, heads of states have not reflected on these issues or taken a stand. For reflection on human rights is not a luxury in these states, some of whom are in any case dealing with the refugee crisis. The Labour Conundrum World leaders are rather happy about the Ease of Doing Business in India, which the Indian Prime Minister is facilitating by seeking further deregulation. Global conglomerates have as a matter of fact found it convenient to follow labour laws in their own countries while seeking flexible labour markets in developing countries where they oppose the formation of unions. This in essence provides the leeway to assign contractual jobs to workers even though skills of permanent workers and work performed is similar. The argument based on deregulation is that laws such as Industrial Disputes Act (IDA) need to be reformed to propel investment. World Development Report 2013: Jobs stated the IDA makes it extremely difficult for firms to terminate employment. The worker is thereby treated as a mere commodity that can be hired and fired at will, as if it were an inorganic entity that could be tossed around arbitrarily by amending laws. For instance, the Rajasthan Government in 2014 amended the IDA that makes it permissible for firms hiring up to 300 workers (up from 100) to shut down a unit without government nod. Additionally, the Small Factories Draft Bill proposes to exclude factories employing less than 40 workers from the Payment of Bonus Act. The requirement of cheap labour in effect has contributed to the growing informalisation in the organised sector. The employment elasticity in the manufacturing sector was higher in the pre-liberalisation period, and stood negative at -0.31 between 2005 and 2010. Moreover, the excitement over creation of jobs in the manufacturing sector would only benefit white collar employees, if at all, for whom job permanency is typically guaranteed, and nothing for blue collar workers given the look-out for a competitive wage market. The wage scenario in any case has not been rosy for workers in the private sector, when a comparison is made with the government, where the income ratio of the lowest to the highest is 1:12. Professor T.T. Ram Mohan in an opinion piece in The Hindu, September 5, 2015, noted: Higher pay at lower levels of government also reflects shortcomings in the private sector, such as hiring of contract labour and the lack of unionisation. So while mainstream debates have centred on positive effects of a flexible labour market on economic growth, the other side has not been thoughtfully discussed. For instance, worker suicides resulting from informalisation have unfortunately not received due attention. In 2010, over 500 workers committed suicide in the garment industry in Tirupur. Workers are basically kept on the tenterhooks by making imminent the threat of sacking, thereby exposing them to exploitation. This creates a feeling of insecurity often leading to suicides. Is this the growth that Modis vikas seeks to achieve? Whose development are we really seeking? Paradoxically, this is the basis of making labour laws more amenable to the industry. This is what Make in India thrives on that is, the emphasis on deregulation. The grand Make-in-India image was tarnished in October last year when Moodys Analytics pointed to the rising intolerance and ethnic tensions in the context of Indias domestic and international credibility. (The Hindu, October 30, 2015) The Government of India dismissed the report as spread of misinformation by the media to bolster its viewpoint. Despite this reaction, the overall global attention has forced the government to defend its international image by terming dissent as an ideological opposition. The image of intolerance will continue to haunt the Modi Governments projected image until it becomes determined to put an end to orchestrated violence. Recent developments in Uttar Pradesh are therefore a cause of concern. With the moving of pink sandstone to Ayodhya despite the Supreme Court order that stayed the Allabahad High Court verdict dividing the site, the likelihood of the administration turning a blind eye to brewing communal mobilisation by the likes of Yogi Adityanath seems inevitable. As the 2017 elections in UP approach, we can only wait and watch. References Unprecedented decline, Economic and Political Weekly, 51.3 (2016): 7. The Economic Times (2015): Elections apart, Amit Shah to get second term next year: Home Minister Rajnath Singh by Ravish Tiwari and Pranab Dhal, November 2. http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-11-02/news/67953367_1_grand-alliance-bjp-leaders-bjp-rule The Hindu (2015):Moodys to Modi: Keep BJP members in check or risk losing credibility by Puja Mehra, October 30. http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/moodys-to-modi-keep-bjp-members-in-check-or-risk-losing-credibility/article7823019.ece The Hindu (2015): Seventh Pay Commission is no ogre by T.T. Ram Mohan, September 5. http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/seventh-pay-commission-is-no-ogre/article7616353.ece?utm_source= MostPopular HYPERLINK http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/seventh-pay-commission-is-no-ogre/article7616353.ece? utm_source=MostPopular&u tm_medium=Com ment&utm_ campaign=Wid getPromo &HYPERLINK http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/seventh-pay-commission-is-no-ogre/article7616353.ece? utm_source= MostPopular&utm_ medium=Comment&utm_campaign=W idgetPromoutm_ medium=CommentHYPERLINK http://www.thehindu. com/opinion/op-ed/seventh-pay-commission-is-no-ogre/article7616353.ece?utm_source=MostPop ular&utm_m edium=Comment&utm _campaign=WidgetPromo &HYPERLINK http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/seventh-pay-commission-is-no-ogre/article7616353.ece? utm_source=MostPopular&utm_med ium=Comment&utm_ campaign= WidgetPromo utm_campaign=WidgetPromo World Development Report 2013: Jobs (2012): Washington, DC: World Bank, 313-327. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EXTNWDR2013/Resources/8258024-1320950747192/8260293-1322665883147/WDR_2013_Report.pdf Bincy Mathew is a freelance journalist based in Delhi. She can be contacted at e-mail: bincymathew 14@gmail.com Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2016 > United Resistance to Fascist Onslaught EDITORIAL Where are we heading? The events of the last few days in and around New Delhis prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University have compelled one to bring this question to the focus of national attention. As if the hurling of the sedition charge against the JNU Students Union President Kanhaiya Kumar before throwing him in police custody and then Tihar Jail was not enough, the shocking spectacle on February 15 of lawyers associated with the ruling party at the Centre pouncing on supporters of Kanhaiya at the Patiala House Courts before attacking young journalists of the print and electronic media performing their professional duty of covering the court proceedings in a savage display of their love for the Indian nation provided ample testimony of the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah-run BJPs fascist proclivities which had been exposed earlier as well even if not in such a blatant manner. And to cap it all, one MLA of the BJP not only violently attacked a CPI worker for allegedly insulting our mother (India) but also exclaimed in an exhibition of rabid national chauvinism that he would have shot the young Communist if he had a gun. What was most shameful was the attack on Kanhaiya himself by the same group of lawyers on February 17. And the police under the Delhi Police Commissioner were found to don the role of mute spectators. The incidents at the Patiala House Courts of February 15 and 17 are a blot on the judiciary precisely because those took place within the court precincts. Even the Supreme Court advocates appointed as court commissioners by the Apex Court were not spared; they had to endure a string of abuses that left them fuming. As a consequence both rule of law and democracy have suffered a grievous blow. The role of a section of the media must come in for severe criticism. Kanhaiya himself spoke of a media trial. Instead of being watchdogs these mediapersons are not only acting as lapdogs of the government but also fanning the most objectionable media frenzy. The anti-India slogans by some persons at the February 9 event in JNU to mark the third anniversary of the execution of Afzal Guru, accused of being a conspirator of the 2001 Parliament House attack, doubtless merited condemnation and Kanhaiya himself did so in his address at JNU on February 11. (See facing page.) But that should not be a licence to launch a fascist onslaught on the democratic right to dissent, one of JNUs distinct hallmarks, in the true legacy of our first PM. Additionally the nation is now being given lessons on nationalism and patriotism by those whose predecessors never participated in the freedom struggle besides being intimately linked to the killers of the Fathor of the Nation; some of them had no hesitation of even eulogising Gandhijis killer, Nathuram Godse, in Parliament. What happened in the last few days constitutes a frontal attack on our democratic rights and functioning. This is nothing short of a concerted, powerful and organised fascist offensive which warrants unified resistance by democrats of all hues. It is most heartening that liberal opinion has come out openly against the threat to the country from the governments subversion of freedom, while simul-taneously the aforementioned unified resistance is taking shape at the political level braving all odds. These are the silver-linings in the overall grim scenario. February 18 S.C. Unique Interactive Malaria Guide for the private sector in Asia 22 February 2016 Malaria Consortium, together with Montrose, has developed an interactive online malaria guide for the private sector in the Asia-Pacific region. This guide will help companies manage the detrimental effects both human and financial that malaria can have on their business and minimise their own negative impact on malaria transmission. Despite having a lower malaria burden than many other parts of the world, malaria in the Asia-Pacific remains a major problem. With an estimated 25 million cases in 2013, the disease takes an enormous toll on both people and economies. For those that are based in rural and semi-urban areas, malaria is a particular concern when it comes to ensuring both a healthy workforce and a steady output. From a human resources view, there is no doubt that malaria is bad for business. Not only does it result in absenteeism, but it also leads to higher healthcare costs for companies, can cause poor staff morale and can increase corporate reputational risk. Indirectly, malaria can weaken labour productivity, influence decisions on savings and investments, impact household solvency and economic abilities, and alter demographic structures. But it is also important for businesses to be mindful of the effects that their activities can have on the disease landscape and mitigate accordingly. For example, requiring employees to work outside at night-time, when malaria carrying mosquitoes are most likely to bite, may result in increased transmission. Construction, mining and industrial sites, with their standing pools of water, can also provide the perfect environment for mosquitos to breed and lead to increased outbreaks. The private sector in the region has the potential to contribute significantly to malaria control efforts if it is prepared to refrain from potentially harmful activities and take active measures to reduce malaria. Such measures could include the improvement of irrigation to prevent the formation of pools of standing water, mosquito net supply and other preventive measures, as well as providing malaria treatment and testing facilities for employees and the wider community especially in more remote locations. This new online Interactive Malaria Guide is a useful tool that will help inform companies of concrete steps they can take to prevent, treat and control malaria. It is designed with those companies working in extractive industries (oil and gas, mining), infrastructure (roads, dam-building), and agri-business in mind, and provides guidance for senior management, site/asset level management, corporate environmental health and safety personnel, and social performance managers. The website contains a wealth of information on malaria in the Asia-Pacific and has an interactive questionnaire approach that helps users find solutions relevant to their context. Our hope is that the guide will help company personnel understand all available options for addressing specific malaria-related problems, reduce the impact of malaria on their business and get more involved in combating malaria. Click here to see the private sector guide. Keywords: Private sector engagement Related content 17 November 2015 Knowledge, attitudes and practices on malaria in Thailand 7 January 2016 Targeting mosquito larvae through Integrated Vector Management Feb. 22, 1936 Clarence D. Klumpp has been re-elected president of the Whittler's Club, a social club of Weedsport men. This is the 18th consecutive term to which Mr. Klumpp has been elected. Other officers re-elected were Fancher Follett, vice president, and James H. Dumary, secretary-treasurer. An executive committee re-named were Charles F. Sloan, Carl F. Gierke and Earl Bates. Feb. 22, 1961 A quarter-million dollar bowling arena will be opening in the middle of April on Route 31, one-half mile east of Weedsport, a spokesman said today. The spokesman estimated the cost of the completed project as between $230,000 and $250,000. Rainbow Lanes will have 12 alleys, a snack bar and a lounge. Food and legal beverages will be sold. The alleys will be equipped with AMF pinspotters. The spokesman said that both open bowling and league play will be welcomed. Feb. 22, 2006 MONTEZUMA Silence and no raised hands. That was the reaction Montezuma Town Supervisor Scott Saroodis received at Tuesday's town board meeting. The question: was anyone against moving forward with a proposal to form what would be Cayuga County's first state historic park? Following this show of public support on what is being called Four Canals State Historic Park, the town board unanimously passed a resolution authorizing Trish Riter, deputy director with the county's department of planning and economic development, to write up a formal proposal to present to the state. Riter will now spend the next month drafting the document, which must be approved by the town board before it is submitted. Residents gathered at the Montezuma town offices Tuesday to hear Riter's ideas about the park, an area of approximately 185 acres in Montezuma that contains remnants of four canals: the original Erie (aka Clinton's Ditch), Cayuga-Seneca, Enlarged Erie and Seneca River (aka Barge Canal). Feb. 22, 2011 Like many people around the country this time of year, Allison Skinner and David Young have been working out and watching what they eat over the past few months. But there's been a little more at stake for the local couple than most people trying to get in better shape. They've been doing it in front of cameras in hopes of winning their dream wedding on The CW Network's newest reality show, "Shedding for the Wedding." The show premieres at 9 p.m. Wednesday and will continue to run at the same time on Wednesdays. They can't reveal many specifics about what they did while filming the show or how they finished, but the Auburn couple says even friends and family will see some major changes take place over the length of the series. Young, who works in a real estate office, and Skinner, an insurance underwriter, spoke with The Citizen while in Southern California last week during a phone interview. At the time, they were wrapping up the final scenes of the show. Police tell the Democrat and Chronicle of Rochester (http://on.rocne.ws/1Tugvk1 ) the two were found with gunshot wounds on Exchange Street in Geneva at about 11:45 a.m. Sunday. One was pronounced dead at the scene and the other died at a hospital. Police say a weapon was found at the scene and no other suspects were being sought. The names of the two people have not yet been released. Marie Claire newsletter Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly. There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions (opens in new tab) and Privacy Policy (opens in new tab) and are aged 16 or over. We're tired of feeling scared - and these authors know exactly how it's done... I have no desire to become an entirely fearless person. After all, fear may hold us back, but it may help us, too. It's the whisper in our ear telling us to get out of the sea when the waves are too strong. It's the pressure on the brakes letting us know when we need to slow down. Think of it as a shield: there to protect you, almost impossible to break through but an absolute necessity when going into battle. That's why I'm sharing five books written by or about women who have valiantly linked arms with their fears - and become all the stronger for it... Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic If ever there was a book to help you deal with fear, this is the one. After meeting people around the world who were stuck in creative ruts, Elizabeth Gilbert responded with Big Magic. She discusses addressing fear head on (rather than hiding from it) with the best creative road trip metaphor: Fear is allowed to be in the car, it's allowed to have a voice, but it's not allowed to have a vote on making decisions in the trip, and it cannot mess with the radio, it has to stay in the backseat. Cheryl Strayed, Tiny Beautiful Things A huge advocate of feeling the fear and doing it anyway, Cheryl Strayed is a compassionate writer informed by her own wealth of experience in everything from tragedy to adventure, as seen in her novel Wild. However, Tiny Beautiful Things is a courageous collection of the columns from her internet agony aunt 'Dear Sugar' days, where the anxious, confused and hopeful turned to Cheryl Strayed for her invaluable advice on love and life. Jam-packed with a mix of heartbreaking and hilarious, but always honest, answers, this is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished the final page. Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, Half The Sky Named after the Chinese proverb Women hold up half the sky, this book tells the true stories of lives many of us will fortunately never have to lead. Authors Kristof and WuDunn highlight the unimaginable hurdles that women and children across the world have overcome to change their own lives for the better. From tragic stories of honour killings, sexual slavery and genital cutting, this book not only highlights the fearful realities of these women, but puts a hand out to the people reading - inviting them to be brave too and help fight for every woman's rights worldwide. Khaled Hosseini, A Thousand Splendid Suns The Kite Runner author Hosseini wanted to tackle a modern day unresolved justice of gender apartheid being forced on Afghan women in this novel. Though fictional, this story highlights the desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear that many Afghan women have had to face - and still do today. I implore you not to be moved by the two protagonists' resilience in a land of injustice and oppression. Malala Yousafzai, I am Malala Education activist and a voice for young girls around the world, Malala Yousafzai came to the public's attention writing for BBC Urdu about life under the Taliban. Her defiance to the Taliban's version of Sharia law led to her being targeted and shot in the head in 2012. I Am Malala is the story of her life, beliefs, hardships and courage. Despite moving to the UK since the shooting following concerns for the whole family's safety, Malala continues to travel the world campaigning for the right to education for every girl and every boy worldwide: "They thought that the bullet would silence us. But they failed. Weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born." Marie Claire newsletter Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly. There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions (opens in new tab) and Privacy Policy (opens in new tab) and are aged 16 or over. From the investments pieces that'll stand the test of time, to the tech innovations that will change the way you shop forever, you'll find all the inspiration you need to curate the ultimate timeless wardrobe... Shop our edit: Best Ankle Boots (opens in new tab) | Ethical Jewellery (opens in new tab) | Best Jeans (opens in new tab) | Best Designer Handbags (opens in new tab) Former FMC counsel David Tubman has served in FMC Commissioner Doyle's office as counsel since 2013 at U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. After being cleared by the White House and U.S. Department of Transportation late last week, starting today (February 22, 2016), Mr. Tubman will be serving as Chief Counsel in U.S. Department of Transportations Maritime Administration (MARAD). William Doyle, U.S. Federal Maritime Commissioner, said in a statement, "David and I have been working together since the beginning of 2002. I know that David will succeed in his new role. He is not only an excellent attorney but simply put -- a great person. I have selected a new counsel, Patrick Parsons, who served as clerk in my office when he attended American University Law School. Mr. Parsons is finishing a project at the Department of Treasury and then he will transition over to the FMC as my counsel." SAAM S.A. has placed orders with the Damen Shipyards Group for two ASD Tugs 2411. SAAM is based in Chile from where it offers towage, logistics and port services in South, Central and North America. With a fleet of nearly 200 vessels it is the largest such operator in the region. At 24-metres in length the ASD 2411 is a compact yet powerful vessel with a maximum bollard pull of 70 tonnes and can be found in operation all over the world. Sturdily built to a state-of-the art design, they are highly manoeuvrable and exceptionally reliable. Damen and SAAM have known each other for many years. A joint venture between SAAM and Smit ordered an ASD Tug 2913 in 2015 for operations in Panama. Additionally, SAAM operates three Damen Stan Tugs purchased between 1995 and 1999. These were ordered through Rene Berkvens, then Damen sales manager responsible for Chile and now CEO of the Damen Shipyards Group. SAAM representatives flew to Damens shipyard in Vietnam, where the two vessels had been built and were then being held in stock, to inspect them. The contract was signed the following day for delivery just three months later, including all the required modifications. The representatives selected the Damen vessels based on their combination of high build and service quality, flexibility and fast delivery times. Damen is also arranging the transport from Vietnam on a heavy lift vessel and is supplying a number of additional services including crew training in Chile. The duties of the vessels will be harbour operations in Chile. After 10 days of training side-by-side and creating a better environment for local citizens. Thailand and the U.S. concluded co-hosting the largest multinational military exercise in Asia, Feb. 19. Approximately 1,500 U.S. Marines, 1,000 U.S. soldiers, 450 U.S. sailors, 275 U.S. airmen, and another 300 from small units and commands came together with Royal Thai service members to participate in the 35th iteration of Exercise Cobra Gold. The annual, multilateral exercise took place in various areas in the Kingdom of Thailand. Cobra Gold secures the future by supporting stability, interoperability, readiness and fostering effective peacekeeping mission, said Glyn T. Davies, the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand. This year, Cobra Gold brought together over two dozen nations with a focus to build and strengthen regional cooperation, allowing for improvement in regional security and ensuring effective responses to regional crises. The exercise consisted of three primary components, a command post exercise, or CPX, humanitarian civic assistance, or HCA, with a military medical symposium and a field training exercise, or FTX. The CPX was a computer-based scenario exercise where various nations work together to conduct and overcome maritime security counter-piracy scenarios. Its goal was to force the different nations to work as a multinational team. The HCA events and the medical symposium assisted with improving quality of life for the local Thai community. The symposium also helped raise awareness and understanding of prevention of disease threats. With the humanitarian civic action, the multination medical symposium and the non-combatant evacuation exercise, we are only improving our response to any future disasters, said Sgt. Jessica Brisbin, an airframe mechanic with Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. During the FTX, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and counterpart nations participated in various events, like jungle survival training, amphibious capabilities demonstrations, special patrol insertion/extraction training and helocast training. By joining together and creating a joint task force, many nations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region were able to accomplish the mission. We already have strong bonds and partnerships with our allies, and I hope when we leave Cobra Gold [2016] that those same bonds and partnerships are ... stronger, said Brig. Gen. Russell A. Sanborn, the commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. From helocasting and amphibious landings, to drinking blood straight from a cobra snake, U.S., Thai and the Republic of Korea Marines created strong bonds and friendships for future relations. We have been partners with Thailand for more than 180 years. One of the great things about this relationship is that it keeps growing to include other nations, Sanborn said. More Media US Dollar and The Global 'Peg Pain Trade' Charles Hugh Smith and Gordon T Long analyze, with 25 slides, the strength in the US Dollar and what we can likely expect going forward. Both see a strong dollar in the future as it becomes, more and more a flight to safety associated with failed monetary / fiscal policies, weakening current accounts and slowing trade around the world. It isn't that the US$ is a paragon of virtue and value, but rather the "least ugly". What We Might Expect 1. A Strong dollar is killing global US corporate profits. This will continue to impact stock valuations, 2. Currency wars favor the US at this point. Global investors with billions to manage can still earn a yield in 30-year Treasury bonds, and yet they also get exposure to future appreciation vis a vis other currencies. 3. The stronger dollar (despite recent weakness) acts as a magnet for global capital, leaching capital out of emerging markets, China, Asia and Europe. 4. What happens in a full-blown currency crisis? If history is any guide, gold and the US dollar both soar as panicked investors seek safe havens. Fallig Currency Reserves The collapse in commodity and energy prices, which can only be described as historic, is presently ravaging the current accounts of many countries dependent on the prices paid for these products. Many sovereign nations have been forced to sell currency reserves to protect their currencies. Chinese Reserves Saudi Reserves The selling of Currency Reserves can clearly be seen in foreign holdings of US Treasuries which has been steadily eroding. Though selling of foreign reserves is temporarily contributing to a weakening US dollar it is likely only short term. In the longer term there is a shortage of reserves in many nations to sustain the current selling before they experience full blown currency dislocations. As global currency instabilities worsen, both video participants see the US dollar as best positioned currency to head higher as the recipient of a flight to "perceived" safety. Falling Currency Pegs Gordon T Long and Charles Hugh Smith both believe ailing Currency PEGs will increasingly take center stage with investors. The Hong Kong Dollar, the Chinese Yuan and the Saudi Arabia Riyal currencies are all focuses of traders and speculators, as are most of the energy exporter nations with a US$ PEG. Individuals and businesses in five nations across central Asia, the Middle East and Africa are paying anywhere from 4 percent to 136 percent more than official exchange rates to get their hands on dollars. This is a growing tell tail sign as black market trading in the US$ is surging. These are signs of turmoil and a desire for "safety". Japan's NIRP Has TriggeredSerious Disruptions to Capital Flows According to Graham Summers at Phoenix Capital, Japan just lit the fuse on a $9 Trillion debt implosion. Hundreds of billions of Dollars in capital will begin fleeing Japan to come to the US. Bank of Japan implemented Negative Interest Rate Policy, or NIRP. It is the second Central Bank to do so. The European Central Bank or ECB first went to NIRP in June 2014. Thus, between Japan and Europe, over 20% of the world's GDP is being managed by a Central Bank with NIRP. More importantly, TWO major currencies in the world are now at NIRP while the US Dollar is at 0.5%. When the ECB went to NIRP it precipitated the lift in the US$. The US Dollar has been in a bull market since mid-2014. It is not coincidence that it started when the Euro first went to NIRP, the minute the ECB implemented NIRP money began fleeing the Euro and moving into the US Dollar. There is much, much more in this 29 Minute video illustrated with 25 slides. Gordon T. Long Publisher - LONGWave Signup for notification of the next MACRO INSIGHTS Request your FREE TWO MONTH TRIAL subscription of the Market Analytics and Technical Analysis (MATA) Report. No Obligations. No Credit Card. Gordon T Long is not a registered advisor and does not give investment advice. His comments are an expression of opinion only and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as recommendations to buy or sell a stock, option, future, bond, commodity or any other financial instrument at any time. While he believes his statements to be true, they always depend on the reliability of his own credible sources. Of course, he recommends that you consult with a qualified investment advisor, one licensed by appropriate regulatory agencies in your legal jurisdiction, before making any investment decisions, and barring that you are encouraged to confirm the facts on your own before making important investment commitments. Copyright 2013 Gordon T Long. The information herein was obtained from sources which Mr. Long believes reliable, but he does not guarantee its accuracy. None of the information, advertisements, website links, or any opinions expressed constitutes a solicitation of the purchase or sale of any securities or commodities. Please note that Mr. Long may already have invested or may from time to time invest in securities that are recommended or otherwise covered on this website. Mr. Long does not intend to disclose the extent of any current holdings or future transactions with respect to any particular security. You should consider this possibility before investing in any security based upon statements and information contained in any report, post, comment or suggestions you receive from him. Copyright 2010-2016 Gordon T. Long Gordon T Long Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Bellamys Organic ready for potential Chinese infant formula regulation changes Bellamys Organic says it is ready for any changes to Chinas regulation of infant formula. As part of its financial report for the six months ending the 31 December 2015, the Australian ]food and drink company, which markets products primarily for young children, said it is aware of potential changes to the regulatory environment in China for cross border transactions. Bellamys Organic however said it was well-positioned to respond to any changes. The confidence comes after Bellamys Organic last week confirmed strong Chinese demand for its products contributed to a record net profit of AUD$13.6 million for the six-month financial period ended 31 December 2015. This was a 325 per cent increase on the same period in 2014. China is however in the process of tightening restrictions around infant formula sold within the country. This includes a new law expected to come into effect soon which limits infant formula manufacturers to three brands each. Bellamys Organic currently sells its products through both retail stores and online stores in China. Online it is sold through the popular shopping websites T-mall and JD.com The company also sells its products in other parts of Asia including Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Malaysia. Are Asian Central Bankers Even Crazier Than Our Own? That the worlds central bankers get a lot of things wrong, deliberately or not, and have done so for years now, is nothing new. But that they do things that result in the exact opposite of what they ostensibly aim for, and predictably so, perhaps is. And its something that seems to be catching on, especially in Asia. Now, lets be clear on one thing first: central bankers have taken on roles and hubris and importance, that they should never have been allowed to get their fat little greedy fingers on. Central bankers in their 2016 disguise have no place in a functioning economy, let alone society, playing around with trillions of dollars in taxpayer money which they throw around to allegedly save an economy. They engage solely, since 2008 at the latest, in practices for which there are no historical precedents and for which no empirical research has been done. They literally make it up as they go along. And one might be forgiven for thinking that our societies deserve something better than what amounts to no more than basic crap-shooting by a bunch of economy bookworms. Couldnt we at least have gotten professional gamblers? Central bankers who moreover, as I have repeatedly quoted my friend Steve Keen as saying, even have little to no understanding at all of the field theyve been studying all their adult lives. They dont understand their field, plus they have no idea what consequences their next little inventions will have, but they get to execute them anyway and put gargantuan amounts of someone elses money at risk, money which should really be used to keep economies at least as stable as possible. If thats the best we can do we wont end up sitting pretty. These people are gambling addicts who fool themselves into thinking the power theyve been given means they are the house in the casino, while in reality theyre just two-bit gamblers, and losing ones to boot. The financial markets are the house. Compared to the markets, central bankers are just tourists in screaming Hawaiian shirts out on a slow Monday night in Vegas. Ive never seen it written down anywhere, but I get the distinct impression that one of the job requirements for becoming a central banker in the 21st century is that you are profoundly delusional. Take Japan. As soon as Abenomics was launched 3 years ago, we wrote that it couldnt possibly succeed. That didnt take any extraordinary insights on our part, it simply looked too stupid to be true. In an economy thats been suffering from deflation for 20 years, even as it still had a more or less functioning global economy to export its misery to, you cant just introduce Three Arrows of 1) fiscal stimulus, 2) monetary easing and 3) structural reforms, and think all will be well. Because there was a reason why Japan was in deflation to begin with, and that reason contradicts all three arrows. Japan sank into deflation because its people spent less money because they didnt trust where their economy was going and then the economy went down further and average wages went down so people had less money to spend and they trusted their economies even less etc. Vicious cycles all the way wherever you look. How many times have we said it? Deflation is a b*tch. And you dont break that cycle by making borrowing cheaper, or any such thing, you dont break it by raising debt levels, and try for everyone to raise theirs too. Which is what Abenomics in essence was always all about. They never even got around to the third arrow of structural reforms, and for all we know thats a good thing. In any sense, Abenomics has been the predicted dismal failure. Now, I remember Shinzo Abe himself at some point doing a speech in which he said that Abenomics would work if only the Japanese people would believe it did. And that sounded inane, to say that to people who cut down on spending for 2 decades, that if only they would spend again, the sun would rise in concert. Thats like calling your people stupid to their faces. The reality is that in global tourism, the hordes of Japanese tourists have been replaced by Chinese (and we can tell you in confidence that thats not going to last either). The Japanese economy simply dried out. It sort of functions, still, domestically, albeit it on a much lower level, but now that global trade is grasping for air, exports are plunging too, the population is aging fast and theres a whole new set of belts to tighten. So last June, the desperate Bank of Japan governor Haruhiko Kuroda did Abes appeal to faith one better, and, going headfirst into the fairy realm, said: I trust that many of you are familiar with the story of Peter Pan, in which it says, the moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it. Yes, what we need is a positive attitude and conviction. Indeed, each time central banks have been confronted with a wide range of problems, they have overcome the problems by conceiving new solutions. And thats not just a strange thing to say. In fact, when you read that quote twice, you notice -or I did- thats its self-defeating. Because, when paraphrasing Kuroda, we get something like this: the moment the Japanese people doubt whether their government can save the economy, they cease forever to believe that it can. Now, Im not Japanese, and Im not terribly familiar with the role of fairy tales in the culture, but just the fact that Kuroda resorted to our Peter Pan makes me think its not all that large. But I also think the Japanese understood what he meant, and that even the few who hadnt yet, stopped believing in him and Abe right then and there. Then again, Asian cultures still seem to be much more obedient and much less critical of their governments than we are, for some reason. The Japanese dont voice their disbelief, they simply spend ever less. Thats the effect of Kurodas Peter Pan speech. Not what he was aiming for, but certainly what he should have expected, entirely predictable. Why hold that speech then, though? Despair, lack of intelligence? In a similar vein, we chuckled out loud on Friday, first when president Xi demanded Absolute Loyalty from state media when visiting them, an Important Event broadly covered by those same media. Look, buddy, when you got to go on TV to demand it, someone somewheres bound to to be thinking you dont have it And we chuckled also when the South China Morning Post (SCMP) broke the news that the Peoples Bank of China, in its monthly Sources and Uses of Credit Funds of Financial Institutions report has stopped publishing the Position for forex purchase, which is that part of capital movements -and in Chinas case today that stands for huge outflows- which goes through private banks instead of the central bank itself. Its like they took a page, one-on-one-, out of the Federal Reserves playbook, which cut its M3 money supply reporting back in March 2006. What you dont see cant hurt you, or something along those lines. The truth is, though, that if you have something to hide, the last thing you want to do is let anyone see you digging a hole in the ground. But the effect of this attempt to not let analysts get the data is simply that theyre going to get suspicious, and start digging even harder and with increased scrutiny. And they have access to the data anyway, through other channels, so the effect will be the opposite of whats intended. And that too is predictable. First, from Fortune, based on the SCMP piece: Is China Trying to Hide Capital Outflows? Chinas central bank is making it harder to calculate the size of capital outflows afflicting the economy, just as investors have started paying closer attention to those mounting outflows, which in December reached almost $150 billion and in January around $120 billion. The central bank omitted data on position for forex purchase during its latest report, the South China Morning Post reported today. The unannounced change comes at a time pundits are questioning whether outflows have the potential to cripple Chinas currency and economy. Capital outflows lead to a weaker currency, which concerns the hordes of Chinese companies that borrowed debt in foreign currencies over the past few years and now have to pay it back with a weaker yuan. The news of the central bank withholding data is important because capital outflow figures arent released as line items. They are calculated by analysts in a variety of ways, one of which includes using the omitted data. The Post quoted two analysts concluding the central banks intention was to hide the true amount of continuing outflows. The impulse to hide bad news shouldnt come as a surprise. Chinas government has been evasive about economic matters from this summers stock bailout to its efforts propping up the value of the yuan. Analysts still have a variety of ways to estimate the flows, but the central bank is making it ever more difficult. And then the SCMP: Sensitive Financial Data Missing From PBOC Report On Capital Outflows Sensitive data is missing from a regular Chinese central bank report amid concerns about capital outflow as the economy slows and the yuan weakens. Financial analysts say the sudden lack of clear information makes it hard for markets to assess the scale of capital flows out of China as well as the central bank s foreign exchange operations in the banking system. Figures on the position for forex purchase are regularly published in the Peoples Bank of Chinas monthly report on the Sources and Uses of Credit Funds of Financial Institutions. The December reading in foreign currencies was US$250 billion. But the data was missing in the central banks latest report. It seemed the information had been merged into the other items category, whose January figure was US$243.9 billion -a surge from US$20.4 billion the previous month. [..] Its non-transparent method has left the market unable to form a clear picture about capital flows, said Liu Li-Gang, ANZs chief China economist in Hong Kong. This will fuel more speculation that China is under great pressure from capital outflows. It will hurt the central banks credibility. [..] All forex-related data released by the central bank is closely monitored by financial analysts. They often read item by item from the dozens of tables and statistics to try to spot new trends and changes. China Merchants Securities chief economist Xie Yaxuan said the PBOC would not be able to conceal data as there were many ways to obtain and assess information on capital movements. We are waiting for more data releases such as the central banks balance sheet and commercial banks purchase and sales of foreign exchange released by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange for a better understanding of the capital movement and to interpret the motive of the central bank for such change, Xie said. Its like theyve landed in a game they dont know the rules of. But then again, thats what we think every single time we see Draghi and Yellen too, who are kept alive only by investors expectations that they are going to hand out free cookies, and lots of them, every time they make a public appearance. And whats going on in Japan and China will happen to them, too: they will achieve the exact opposite of what theyre aiming for. They arguably already have. Or at least none of their desperate measures have achieved anything close to their stated goals. They may have kept equity markets high, true, but their economies are still as bad as when the QE ZIRP NIRP stimulus madness took off, provided one is willing to see through the veil that media coverage and official numbers put up between us and the real world. But they sure as h*ll havent turned anything around or caused a recovery of any sorts. Disputing that is Brooklyn Bridge for sale material. Eh, what can we say? Stay tuned?! Therell be a lot more of this lunacy as we go forward. Its baked into the stupid cake. Professor Steve Keen and Raul Ilargi Meijer discuss central banking, Athens, Greece, Feb 16 2016 By Raul Ilargi Meijer Website: http://theautomaticearth.com (provides unique analysis of economics, finance, politics and social dynamics in the context of Complexity Theory) 2016 Copyright Raul I Meijer - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. Raul Ilargi Meijer Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Ron Paul on U.S. Intervention Failure: Back to Libya The use of the US military overseas seems to have become so commonplace that the Obama Administration can bomb a country with no Congressional input and very little media interest at all. Such was the case on Friday, when the US military killed some 49 people in a bombing run near Tripoli, Libya. We had to bomb Libya, we are told, because Libya has become a hotbed of ISIS activity. The group has been moving training facilities into the country, taking advantage of the chaos. Ironically, it was five years ago this week that the "Arab Spring" uprising began in Libya -- an uprising that was supported by US military force and led to the overthrow of the Libyan government and the murder of its leader, Gaddafi. We were told that the US had to intervene to overthrow Gaddafi so that democracy and human rights could flourish, yet five years after the US-led intervention no one would argue that the country is better off. Instead of bringing Libya democracy, US intervention brought Libya ISIS. So now the US has to go back and bomb Libya some more to take care of ISIS. Will this work? No. Logic tells us you cannot do more of what caused a problem and expect it to fix the problem. As Middle East analyst Hillary Mann Leverett observed after Friday's US attack on Libya, "the problem is, for each one of these targeted killings, what we have seen in the data that at least two more people sign up to join." The United States has made a habit of lecturing other countries about the need to follow the rule of law, yet this seems to be a matter of "do as we say, not as we do." How else can we explain a US attack overseas with no Congressional input? Certainly there was no Congressional authorization for Friday's bombing. The Administration claimed that its authority came from the 2001 authorization to use military force against al-Qaeda in retaliation for the attacks of 9/11. But ISIS did not even exist on 9/11. How can the 2001 authorization be twisted to include bombing Libya in 2016? Libya has been in chaos since its 2011 "liberation," but the country's interim government strongly objected to Friday's US bombing, claiming they were not consulted before the US attack. They called US air strikes a violation of Libya's sovereignty and of international law. They have a point. But the most important point we must learn from the destruction of Libya - and of Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and so on - is that US interventionism has been a complete failure. Hundreds of thousands have been killed in the last 15 years, societies have been broken apart, economies have been destroyed, and property has been flattened. There are no success stories. The neocon plan to remake the Middle East has only succeeded in destroying the Middle East. As a consequence, we are far less safe than before the "war on terror" was launched. ISIS and other terrorist groups have expanded their territory and have even been able to attack in Europe and the US. Our currency has been debased to pay for the trillions of dollars spent in this no-win war. The connected elites have gotten rich while the middle class has gotten poorer. Intervention has failed. It is time to stand up to the neocons and their liberal interventionist collaborators and say "no more!" Dr. Ron Paul Project Freedom Congressman Ron Paul of Texas enjoys a national reputation as the premier advocate for liberty in politics today. Dr. Paul is the leading spokesman in Washington for limited constitutional government, low taxes, free markets, and a return to sound monetary policies based on commodity-backed currency. He is known among both his colleagues in Congress and his constituents for his consistent voting record in the House of Representatives: Dr. Paul never votes for legislation unless the proposed measure is expressly authorized by the Constitution. In the words of former Treasury Secretary William Simon, Dr. Paul is the "one exception to the Gang of 535" on Capitol Hill. Dr. Ron Paul Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. A Martinsville man pled guilty Friday in U.S. District Court in Danville to a federal gun charge, John P. Fishwick Jr., U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia, announced in a news release. Kelly Lovon Johnson, 29, pled guilty to one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, the release said. "Keeping firearms out of the hands of individuals who have lost their legal right to possess a weapon is paramount to improving community safety," Fishwick said in the release. Johnson, who is a previously convicted felon, was found to be illegally in possession of a firearm while also in possession of marijuana, according to evidence presented at trial by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Bassford, the release said. Brian P, McGinn, public affairs specialist for the U.S. Attorneys Office, Western District of Virginia, said in an email: "The firearm was a Quality Firearms International .380 pistol. The offense date was August 29, 2014, and he was officially charged federally on October 28, 2015." The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Martinsville Police Department conducted the investigation of the case, the Department of Justice news release said. In Defence of Marxism is committed to safeguarding your privacy. At all times we aim to respect any personal data you share with us, or that we receive from other organisations, and keep it safe. 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Please let us know if you have any queries or concerns whatsoever about the way in which your data is being processed by emailing the Data Protection Manager at webmaster@marxist.com Supermarket marketing suffers petrol setback in Victoria The Victorian Government yesterday announced its intention to change market practices and diminish misleading petrol price advertising involving supermarkets. From a yet to be announced date in 2016, all Victorian petrol stations must show the full, un-discounted price of fuel on main large outdoor advertising signs. Currently Victorian petrol stations can advertise any discounted price available to drivers with an accepted supermarket receipt. The discount system is widely used by Woolworths Caltex petrol stations and Coles Shell petrol stations. In Victoria. Victorian Minister of Consumer Affairs, Jane Garrett, told Fairfax that the government is not trying to stop discounts, it is just trying to prevent consumers being misled. Fines of AUD$3000 will be issued to petrol stations that advertise the discounted price after the new laws come into effect. New South Wales and South Australian state governments introduced similar laws in 2013. Queensland banned the practice in September 2015. SPRINGFIELD - In a 1944 letter home from serving in the Army Air Forces, Gerald E. D'Amour urged his older brother, Paul, to move on from the supermarket business. The competition is just too tough, Charles L. D'Amour, Gerald's son and now president and chief operating officer of Big F Foods inc, said recently. The advice wasn't taken and the brothers went on to build Big Y into one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England. Springfield-based Big Y now has 63 stores throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts with over 10,000 employees -- including executives and managers, many of whom started off as porters and stock clerks. Founded in 1936 by Paul D'Amour, Big Y is celebrating 80 years in business this year. Big Y had 56 stores and more than 9,200 employees in 2010. The D'Amour family predicts Big Y could grow to 150 stores over the next two decades. But the competition Gerald referred to is, if anything, even more fierce. There are full-line supermarkets like Stop & Shop and Shop Rite, drugstores that carry grocery staples like milk and eggs, big-box department stores like Walmart and Target with expanding grocery lines, discounters like Aldi and Price Rite known for low prices but bare-bones selection, and the warehouse clubs like BJ's and Costco. Then consider the high-end competitors like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Wegman's -- which consistently wins consumer polls as one of the best supermarket chains in the country -- is even expanding into eastern Massachusetts. That's the high end -- Whole Foods -- and the low end -- Price Rite -- squeezing full-line grocery stores like Big Y in the middle. All of them vying for that grocery dollar. The warehouse clubs are one reason the Big Y on Route 20 in Wilbraham has 8, 10 and 20-packs of toilet paper and paper towels stacked on industrial shelving. "Remember the single roll of bathroom tissue wrapped in paper?" Charles D'Amour said. "There was a time that it was all we sold." Changes, both evolution and revolution, were a theme recently when a group of D'Amour family members working for Big Y gathered at the Wilbraham store. They spoke of the long shift into ready-made meals and the growing focus on local products, including local beer. Of course, many of those initiatives are simply returns to the past. Big Y makes extensive use of local farmers, some who supply just one or two Big Y's right in their hometowns. Charles D'Amour said one of the Big Y's longest-tenured employees started off going to local farms, including Atkins orchard. Today, Big Y has some farmers deliver right to stores or to Big Y's distribution center in Springfield, said Claire D'Amour-Daley, vice president corporate communications. The effort to offer local produce means Big Y has to maintain separate billing accounts, separate quality controls. Charles D'Amour marveled at how, with local products, the grocery business seems to be circling it back on itself. His first job in the markets was cleaning and sorting returnable milk bottles. Today, the Wilbraham location is back to selling milk in returnable glass bottles from Shadow Valley Farms in Somers, Connecticut. Eleven D'Amour family members work for Big Y, training in store departments and working their way up to store director trainee, store director and beyond. "There has always been this sense that the family serves the business," Charles D'Amour said. "The business doesn't serve the family." Donald H. D'Amour, Charles' cousin and son of Paul, serves as chief executive officer and Chairman of the board. The D'Amours consider the Wilbraham Big Y a showplace having added their Table & Vine beer, wine and liquor concept to the location in 2014. But its really all about the people, said Christian D'Amour, a store director within the company. The staff at the stores are artists, he said. That goes for the the cake decorators to the sandwich makers to the workers hand-throwing the pizza dough and the folks who arrange the displays. Michael D'Amour, executive vice president, described how Big Y cheese merchants go through weeks of training learning which cheese goes with which meal so on. Big Y has an in-house training program for employees, Big Y University which employees use to add new skills. But Colin D'Amour, also store director, said he can tell quickly if a new employee has the requisite customer focus to work at a Big Y. "You can't teach those customer service skills," he said. And they'll be doing a lot of hiring in the coming years. Last month, Big Y announced that it has purchased three gas stations, currently Shell locations from Pittsfield's O'Connell Oil Associates with plans to turn them into Big Y Express locations . The three -- 75 Russell Street, Hadley; 711 Bliss Road, Longmeadow; 1993 Boston Road, Wilbraham -- are all near existing Big Y. There are currently two Big Y Express locations, one in Pittsfield and one in Lee operated in cooperation with F.L .Roberts. "It's taken us time to figure out the convenience store business," said Claire D'Amour-Daley, vice president corporate communications. "How do we staff those stores? Where should we put them?" Charles D'Amour said the convenience store business is changing. People are looking for better meal choices whether that's in the supermarket or in the convenience store. "Everybody is time starved. But they still want good food," he said. "In the end it all comes back to food." Getting to 150 stores will take some doing, said Matt D'Amour, senior director of real estate, store development. Big Y looks for high traffic spots with good demographics. There are opportunities to grow that store number by infilling, putting more stores into Big Y's existing geographical footprint Big Y is also looking at expanding its reach further east in Massachusetts or into New Hampshire, Vermont or Rhode Island. "We've discussed all those possibilities," Matt D'Amour said. "Everything is on the table." Management discussed, but decided against, the type of reinvention undergone by competitor Price Chopper. In 2014 Price Chopper announced it was rebranding as Market 32. Like Big Y, Price Chopper is family controlled, but based near Schenectady, New York. Price Chopper company has already renovated stores in Pittsfield and elsewhere into its new Market 32 concept abandoning the Price Chopper name while incorporating a lot of the prepared foods and cafe settings Big Y already has. "We aren't going to do anything that radical," Matt D'Amour said meaning no name changes for Big Y. But don't look for Big Y to jettison its own experimental concept -- the Fresh Acres in Springfield's 16 Acres neighborhood. "We are going to keep that," he said. "You are going to see aspects of Fresh Acres spun out into the rest of our stores." Look to see more Big Y's with alcohol, as well. All of the Connecticut locations already sell beer. In Massachusetts, Big Y has the Table & Vine flagship store in West Springfield. Northampton and Wilbraham Big Y locations also carries wine, beer and liquor. Big Y World Class Markets in Franklin and Greenfield have beer and wine. Massachusetts has been increasing the number of liquor licenses one owner can have, from three to five a few years ago, from five to seven this year, and then seven to nine in 2020. Charles D'Amour said expanding alcohol is tricky. Some Big Y locations can't have alcohol because of deed or lease restrictions. For example some locations, like both Westfield Big Y's, already have liquor stores right next door. "A lot of towns don't have licenses available," he said. "Then you have to buy a license from a small business. We don't want to do that." Big Y tried, but abandoned a shop-from-home program where a customers picked out groceries online then came in to pick them up. Competitor Stop & Shop offers the service. "I thought the online system was confusing," Charles D'Amour said. "Also, people want to see, touch and smell their groceries. People don't want to pick out their lettuce and strawberries online." Big Y hasn't jumped on the modern home delivery concept. "What we heard from customers is that they wouldn't want a stranger coming to their house," Charles D'Amour said. But Michael D'Amour, executive vice president, said they might revisit those decisions in the future as technology changes. Jill Haley Rose, certified professional dog trainer, Paws of Nature Family Dog Training & Behavior Consulting, P.O. Box 1462, Westfield Years in business: 12 years with a five-year break, during which I worked for Dakin Humane Society What do you offer and to whom? I offer in-home behavior consultations and private dog training lessons for families that need to resolve behavioral challenges with their dog or need assistance teaching basic good manners. I also offer a Dogs and Storks workshops for expectant families to help prepare their dog for the arrival of a new baby. Why? What motivates you? My drive as a dog behavior specialist stems from my first experiences working in overcrowded shelters in the Midwest. Many of those dogs were young, untrained adolescents with behavior problems. Instead of working on the "back end" after the dogs are surrendered, I want to be on the "front end," helping families to better understand and train their dogs so they are enjoyable family members and remain in their homes. What sets you apart? I have a long history working with dogs, starting over 30 years ago, and I have trained and evaluated thousands of dogs of all breeds and temperaments over the years. I've worked in positions that range from assistant kennel manager for a shelter in the Midwest to veterinarian assistant to apprentice for a large dog walking and dog training company in Oakland, Calif. I am a graduate of the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers and completed an internship in the Behavior Department. What mark do you hope to make on your community? I want to help families in my community achieve a harmonious and successful relationship with their dogs. I take great joy in giving families the knowledge and skill sets to change and improve their dog's behavior. Website: www.pawsofnature.com How people can contact you: jill@pawsofnature.com 413-642-5442 Voices of the Valley is compiled by Janice Beetle of Beetle Press in Easthampton, a PR and communications firm. www.beetlepress.com. To suggest a subject for this feature, email Beetle at janice@beetlepress.com. Though changing times have caused dining out landmarks like the Lido and the Blue Eagle to go dark, a great Italian dining experience can still be found in downtown Springfield. A class act from start to finish, Adolfo's Ristorante rivals the best Boston's North End has to offer. Located in a Worthington Street storefront that looks out onto Stearns Square, Adolfo's is distinguished by its brassy, big city elegance. Handsomely lit tin ceiling, rich wood tones, and cozy booths invite patrons to linger and enjoy. The bill of fare at Adolfo's favors time-honored Italian specialties like Pasta Bologonese ($20), Escarole and Beans ($20) and Chicken Marsala ($23), as well as plates of pasta sauced with Carbonara ($17), Arriabata ($17), and Primavera ($16). A Bone-in Veal Parmigiana ($32) is a house specialty; it's joined by options that include Chicken Gorgonzola ($21), Veal Saltimbocca ($26), and Steak Alla Mama ($30). Seafood selections range from Linguine with Clam Sauce ($24) to a luxurious-sounding Lobster Risotto ($30). Among the starter listings can be found choices such as Calamari Balsamico ($13), Jalapeno Scallops ($14), and a chilled Seafood Insalata for Two ($21). We began our visit by sharing an order of Gorgonzola Stuffed Mushrooms ($11). The eight button mushroom caps were mounded with a mildly spicy (but definitely meaty) filling to which Gorgonzola cheese added tart, buttery richness. Neatly plated on a bed of arugula leaves, the mushroom caps were deliciously superior to the breadcrumb-filled versions we usually encounter. Wild Mushroom Risotto ($20) is a house specialty at Adolfo's, and, in our opinion, it certainly merits that status. Unlike most restaurant risotto in which the rice tends to be soft and mushy, the version at Adolfo's was pleasingly al dente - each grain of rice had just the slightest hint of "chew" to it. An intense mushroom reduction infused the dish, giving it a meaty character few meat-free dishes achieve, and the judicious use of grated cheese let the mushroom character stand out. Mushrooms themselves - a mix of imported and wild varieties - were a prominent part of the dish. Our second entree selection, Adolfo's Broccoli Rabe and Sausage ($22), was equally praiseworthy. Chunky crumbles of sweet Italian sausage had been sauteed in extra virgin olive oil and garlic; minced onion and red bell pepper added vegetal character and sweetness. Tossed with tender crisp broccoli rabe and al dente penne, the dish incorporated an array of taste bud experiences - meaty, fennel-inflected sausage and the bright, pleasantly bitter broccoli rabe - all bathed in a broth-like reduction of garlic, butter, and stock. Home-style comfort food at heart, the dish nonetheless was an experience we'd happily reprise. Meals at Adolfo's include freshly baked bowknot rolls, with a dish of extra virgin olive oil provided for dipping purposes. Salad, however, is not part of the deal, although several such a la carte opinions are available. Fully licensed, Adolfo's is equipped to mix up most any adult beverage desired. The restaurant's wine list offers a number of interesting options, with bottle prices mostly clustered in the $30 to $40 range. Dessert choices at the restaurant can vary, but cannoli, spumoni, and chocolate mousse cake are typical. A wedge of Lemoncello Mousse Cake ($6.25) brought together a tender yellow cake and a lemon curd filling. Lemon buttercream icing was garnished with strips of candied lemon peel, adding another layer of bright citrus character to the dessert experience. A portion of Tiramisu ($6.25) featured all the requisite components - coffee-soaked sponge cake; a lush, creamy filling; and a generous dusting of bitter cocoa to finish things off. Adolfo's also offers a "Finally Friday" lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. In addition to a selection of pasta dishes, "Finally Friday" features luncheon hot dishes like Stuffed Scallops & Pasta ($14.95), and Chicken Francese ($13.95). Sandwich creations range from a Veggie Burger ($8.95) to Grilled Sausage and Broccoli Rabe ($11.95) served on a deli roll. Name: Adolfo's Ristorante Address: 254 Worthington Street, Springfield Telephone: (413) 746-5000 Website: AdolfosRestaurant.com Hours: Dinner served Monday through Wednesday, 4 to 10 p.m.; and Thursday through Saturday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Bar open later. Entree prices: $13.95 - $29.95 Credit cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa Handicapped access: Accessible, with rest rooms equipped for wheelchairs Reservations: Accepted Classic rock band Boston will celebrate its 40th Anniversary with a 2016 tour that stops at Mohegan Sun Arena. The band plays the Connecticut casino on Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Boston debuted in 1976 with a self-titled release that offered three hit singles in "More Than A Feeling," "Long Time" and "Peace of Mind." Tickets for the show are on sale beginning Friday, Feb 26 at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets and locations including ticketmaster.com and by phone at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are priced at $49.50. Look no further for those Summer rental homes, folks, because this lake house has everything you could ask for. Located on the shore of the Congamond Lakes, this newly constructed house sits on the Connecticut line, with a Suffield, CT home address and a lake front beach bordering Southwick water. The home boasts 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms among 4,300 sq ft., and comfortably sleeps up to 16 people. The home overlooks 100+' of waterfront with a private beach, which also abuts a private neighborhood beach ground. A private dock and boat launch are also on the property and available for use. Stunning lake views can be had from the large wrap around deck, or one of two balconies on the second and third floors. Renters can lounge by the fire pit, cook on two available outdoor grills, and relax in a 6 person hot tub overlooking the lake below. Inside, the home features a gas fireplace, a game room with ping pong and foosball tables, and Satellite TV available in all bedrooms. Cook in the state-of-the-art kitchen, or relax in the living room and enjoy the central air and provided Wi-Fi. This home is available for rent on VRBO.com, and has a full 5-star rating on it's 2 reviews. Children and families are welcome, but the owner asks that the primary renter is at least 25 years of age. Pets are not allowed and smoking is prohibited. There is a 7 night minimum for rental, and long-term renters are welcome. puppy.photo.JPG Owners of dogs are required to license their dogs in accordance with state law. In Springfield, owners have been granted an extension until June 30. (File photo / Don Treeger) The sale of commercially bred puppies, kittens and bunnies at pet stores would be banned in Boston under a proposal from City Councilor Matt O'Malley. "The case is that a vast majority of animals in pet stores come from breeding facilities," O'Malley told the Boston Globe. The breeding facilities lead to "unsafe" and "cruel" conditions for the animals, O'Malley said. The proposal has the support of an animal hospital in Boston, MSPCA- Angell, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston. But the owner of the Pet Shop in Brighton, which sells rabbits, told the Boston Herald that he has a federal license. "I don't see it helping," he said when asked about O'Malley's proposal. "Does Weymouth or Cambridge sell bunnies? Are you pushing customers over the city limits?" The proposal is set to be formally unveiled on Monday. The proposal needs a hearing, support from the City Council, as well as from the mayor of Boston, in order to move forward. First elected in 2010, O'Malley represents West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain and parts of Roslindale and Roxbury. Cities that have instituted a ban on puppy mills include Austin, Chicago and Las Vegas. EAST LONGMEADOW The crowd of about 75 people around a tent in the Big Y parking lot clapped after employee Kamryn Bode finished his acoustic guitar version of Frank Sinatra's "That's Life," and faced the American flag while deli worker Elizabeth Judycki sang the "Star Spangled Banner." "Welcome to the grand re-opening," employee service specialist Meaghan Tetrault said from behind the podium under the tent. To the left of the podium, management of the East Longmeadow store stood behind a nearly four-foot-long cake. The North Main Street store celebrated the official opening of the remodeled version of the market, which has stood at that location since 1968. Shoppers will notice a stark difference in the Big Y's appearance and offerings from 21/2 months ago, when the restoration began, and now, store director Michelle Crawford said in an interview. A cafe to the right and health foods section to the left of those walking in, mixed with new decor and lighting throughout the store, give it the feeling of a specialty food shop. Hot soup and sushi along with a new health food department and full-service butcher are among the new sections, many of which sell local goods, Crawford said. "Big Y has always emphasized local (partnership), but now I think they do more so," Crawford said of the chain, which originated in Chicopee in 1936. "That's what's great about working here." Labels such as Carando Classic Italian Foods out of Springfield, Billy C's Raw Honey out of Westfield and Pittsfield Rye are seen throughout the store. During the ceremony, state Rep. Angelo Puppolo, D-Springfield, whose district includes East Longmeadow, parts of Springfield and Wilbraham, also touted the Big Y's local roots and continued engagement with Western Massachusetts. "In every section of my district, I have a Big Y," Puppolo said to the crowd. "You see a lot of commitment (from Big Y) to remain here." East Longmeadow Schools Superintendent Gordon Smith thanked the store's leadership for its charitable giving to the district. To celebrate the reopening, the principals of East Longmeadow High School, Birchland Park Middle School, Mapleshade Elementary School, Mountain View Elementary School and Meadow Brook Elementary School were called up to the front to receive $500 donations and a cake donated by the Big Y. "Big Y is a leader in community partnership, especially in education," Smith said. "We're incredibly appreciative." Some attendees lightly bounced in place in the chilly morning air when the ceremony came to a conclusion. Crawford stood behind the cake with a knife while Tetrault took the microphone. "Since we are in the food business, we thought it would be more appropriate to cut one of our cakes rather than a ribbon," Tetrault said. Drum roll snare rumbled over the speaker and on the cymbal's crash, the cake was cut. AG Healey Fentanyl presser 08-17.jpg From left to right: State Rep. John Fernandes, Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Quincy mother Cathy Fennelly and Attorney General Maura Healey discuss proposed legislation to criminalize trafficking of fentanyl. (Gintautas Dumcius / MassLive.com file) BOSTON - A person convicted of trafficking fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that law enforcement officials say is being mixed with heroin and cocaine, faces up to 20 years in state prison under a law taking effect on Tuesday, Feb. 23. Stronger than morphine and heroin, fentanyl is often mixed with heroin to up heroin's potency, creating an often fatal cocktail, law enforcement officials say. The drug user isn't always aware of the mixing. The new law seeks to close what law enforcement officials say is a loophole, since possession of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute are already criminalized acts, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. "Fentanyl is claiming the lives of people across our state. This new law gives law enforcement the tools they need to prosecute those who traffic this dangerous drug," Attorney General Maura Healey, who authored the law, said in a statement. "More and more, law enforcement is finding heroin laced with this powerful synthetic opioid or being sold in its pure form. This new law will help us combat trafficking and help keep communities safe," she added. Under the law, trafficking more than 10 grams of fentanyl could land a person in state prison up to 20 years. "Most areas have tripled or quadrupled the number of deaths over the last ten years, so it's hit western Mass. as well as eastern Mass," David Sullivan, the district attorney for the northwestern part of Massachusetts, said at a press conference pushing for the law in 2015. "When it comes back from the [toxicologist], you see fentanyl in those heroin doses," Sullivan added. Gov. Charlie Baker signed the law in November 2015. Joann Wheeler Keali'inohomoku passed away December 2, 2015 at the age of 85. An internationally respected educator, author, and researcher in dance anthropology, she was on faculty in the Department of Anthropology at Northern Arizona University (NAU) beginning 1970 and retired as Professor Emerita in 1987. She founded the nonprofit organization Cross-Cultural Dance Resources (CCDR) in 1981 as a site for researchers, students, and dancers, and created an outstanding collection of dance research materials, now accessible at Arizona State University (ASU). The Flagstaff community will remember the 1995 Tibet Week" organized by CCDR. In 2000, CCDR was named by President Clintons White House Millennium Council as worthy of being preserved under the Save Americas Treasures program. Of hundreds of writings, one of her seminal works is An anthropologist looks at ballet as a form of ethnic dance." In 1997 she received an award for Outstanding Contribution to Dance Research from the Congress on Research in Dance (CORD). See Joann's scholarly contributions on the CCDR website. At We Are Montana in the Classrooms distance-learning Brain Awareness Week, UM faculty members from an array of academic disciplines will share their research and lead hands-on and minds-on activities in the study of the most complex organ in the human body. Sessions of approximately 45 minutes will be open to elementary, middle-school, and high-school audiences throughout the week of March 15, 16 &17. Sessions will be open March 23 &24 for schools who have Spring Break during the first week. Presenters will include: http://us10.campaign-archive2.com/?u=db027c253797e2418f8b76aea&id=cd7753ee35&e=8f9cb1399a Donations can be sent to BNC at Max Obuszewski, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212 . Email: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast [dot] net. Chicken will be the best-positioned protein due to its low price position in times of pressure on consumer spending power but rises in production costs and the long-term impact of COVID-19 threaten to disrupt the sector, according to Rabobank. by Felicia Greiff , February 22, 2016 Real-Time Daily's own Tobi Elkin hosted a panel called, "Not So Fast: Why Marketers Still Hold Back Their Programmatic Investments," Monday at MediaPost's Programmatic Insider Summit in Phoenix. (Watch the conference live here.) Elkin said that while programmatic is an effective way of automating at scale (and a projected $15 billion will go through programmatic media channels this year), there are some hurdles in the industry. Just because something is automatic, doesn't mean it's going to be easy, Elkin noted. Still, "data is the new oil," commented Rob Griffin, chief innovation officer, Almighty. Opportunities abound. In fact, a few panelists said they attended the conference to learn about programmatic challenges and possibilities for their brands, including panelist Mike Colella, CEO, Credit Simple. advertisement advertisement Below are some highlights from the panel, which also featured today's keynote speaker Katie Szumowski, VP-media, Vonage; Brett Kaufman, VP-acquisition marketing, Goji; and Itay Rahat, director of CRM product strategy, Warner Music Group. On Programmatic's Increasing Complexity "[Programmatic] is very complicated, and it's hard," said Griffin, especially when you're outsourcing to an agency. Szumowski agreed, saying the little black box is becoming even more complicated. The joke at Vonage used to be that if you wanted people to bail on a meeting, make "SEO" the topic, Szumowski said. Now, programmatic isn't far off from that status, she added. Where to Start Out Griffin recommended that brand marketers get really granular about creative. When you get into mobile, the standard IAB approach to desktop doesn't work well, Griffin said, adding, "I think it's about finding the right partners and looking at different sources of data or existing partners as resources." Szumowski said to figure out internally who are the key stakeholders in decision-making. "I dont think you have to centralize media buying, but you do have to centralize ownership of tech and data," Griffin said. "Id encourage all advertisers to take advantage of their DMP contracts so they can do their own analysis." Kaufman asked fellow panelists how to get new products in front of consumers. Szumowski said to focus on how to test and focus on the end-goal you're trying to achieve. Griffin recommended finding and pushing partners or platforms you're going to work with for more insight. "Work with someone who will get you net new eyeballs," Griffin said. Rahat added that it's important to interrogate data partners and to make sure they optimize any way they can to get the best results. by Philip Rosenstein , Staff Writer, February 22, 2016 On Sunday morning shows, just hours after results of the South Carolina primary were released, Sen. Marco Rubio described the GOP race as a three-man contest. Conversely, Sen. Ted Cruz made the point that historically, you need to win at least one out of the first three states to have a chance at the nomination. In Cruzs calculus, Rubio is the odd man out. What is clear, is that Donald Trump will arrive in Nevada as the anointed GOP favorite. Trump took all 50 delegates available in South Carolina with a comfortable 32.5% of the vote, followed by Rubio with 22.5% and Cruz 22.3%. The two Senators were separated by a mere 1,000 votes. John Dickerson of CBS, who moderated the prickly South Carolina GOP debate, had interviews with the top three Republican candidates on yesterdays Face the Nation. When asked if the nomination was now his to lose, Donald Trump had an un-Trump-like response: I dont think its mine. Certainly, Im leading, theres no question about that. But we have got a long way to go. advertisement advertisement The new modest Trump was regarded by former "Face the Nation" host Bob Schieffer as Mr. Nice Guy, raising the question: With a resounding lead, should we expect Trump to change his tone in an attempt to ease the large downside he has with a significant tranche of GOP voters, particularly of the white-collar breed? Ronald Brownstein, who coincidentally joined Dickersons show yesterday as a panelist, wrote in The Atlantic: The simple equation that Trump has consolidated blue-collar Republicans, while the partys white-collar wing remains divided remains the most powerful dynamic in the race. Trump may have a ceiling, but it is unclear exactly how the newly available voters will be reshuffled in what is now virtually a three-man race. Rubio, to date, appears to be the most likely candidate around whom the establishment will coalesce. Jeb Bush suspended his campaign following the results from South Carolina. The immense failure of the once-expected nominee and most cash-flushed campaign solidifies the apparent rise of an anti-establishment, populist wing of the Republican party. The Trump, Rubio and Cruz campaigns will be in top gear with Nevada caucusing tomorrow and a significant chunk of delegates up for grabs on Super Tuesday. Chuck Todd, of NBC and "Meet the Press, tweeted after the S.C. results: Trump said in his victory speech that he wants to wrap this up soon. Has two early chances: beat Cruz in Tx on 3/1, beat Rubio in FL on 3/15. by Laurie Sullivan , Staff Writer @lauriesullivan, February 22, 2016 Advertising agency executives say Google's decision to eliminate paid-search advertisements from the right rail of search engine query result pages creates more pressure to create and optimize great images and content, and ties the two together with display, video and other media. Here's why. Last year, AOL struck a deal with Microsoft, taking over display, mobile and video ad sales across their inventory in the U.S. and eight other markets. Microsoft also agreed to power AOL search. On Monday the Verizon subsidiary announced the next step of that relationship that would bring premium ad formats to Microsofts properties starting with MSN. advertisement advertisement While this move offers new opportunities for advertisers wanting to connect with consumers on mobile devices through data-driven, interactive display formats, it also proves the need to dot the line from display to search to content. Although this may seem strange, think about it for a moment. Display ads rely heavily on content. The news highlights the importance of cross-channel campaigns. Yes, two separate search engines, but the premise behind cross-channel campaigns supports search advertising and cross-device targeting with content and display. Several agency executives commenting on Google's decision to eliminate right-rail text-based search ads say that if organic content is unable to change as quickly as demand, there will be a stronger need for paid-search ads to accompany content -- even content in display ads, which in a dotted line connects display to content to search. AOL says the expansion on MSN includes ad formats such as Halo, Devil, Billboard, Loft, and Devil Full-Page Flex. They are available on MSN sites in the U.S., Canada, Japan and Spain, and will be available in the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, and Brazil in March. AOLs linear video premium formats will also be available in these markets later in the first quarter of 2016. Just food for thought and a precursor to some of the sessions at the MediaPost Search Insider Summit May 4 through 7 in Key West. Governments and researchers need to pay greater attention to the spread of antimicrobial resistance - or so-called superbugs - in wildlife and the natural environment, according to a new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology. The threat posed by superbugs to human health is well known. But, the study warns, data on antimicrobial microbial resistance in wildlife are scarce. "Superbugs are not restricted to humans and domestic animals. Antimicrobial resistance is present almost everywhere in the environment and in wildlife. Unless we take this into account we will be unable to control the spread of antimicrobial resistance effectively," says lead author Dr Marion Vittecoq of the Tour du Valat - Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands. Overuse of antibiotics in humans and livestock has led to rising levels of drug resistance among disease-causing microbes. In 2014 an independent report commissioned by the UK Government said that superbugs could kill an extra 10 million people a year and cost up to $100 trillion globally by 2050 if not brought under control. Together with a team of French scientists, Vittecoq searched the literature for studies on antimicrobial resistance in wildlife. They found only 210 peer-reviewed papers, revealing worrying gaps in our knowledge as well as some key lessons. Most studies focussed on birds and mammals in Europe and North America, with very little data on developing countries or insects, and concerned only three groups of bacteria, the human pathogens Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp and Enterococcus spp. We need research on a wider range of bacteria and host species because of the complex ways in which bacteria can develop and exchange resistance mechanisms, Vittecoq says: "Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms that may impair our ability to treat severe diseases may be carried and spread by a wide range of bacteria groups including non-pathogenic ones. If we only focus on human pathogens when we search for resistance in bacteria carried by wildlife then we won't get a comprehensive view of the mechanisms present in a habitat." The study makes several key recommendations. It reveals that water plays a major role in the exchange of superbugs between wildlife, humans and domestic animals, and aquaculture and sewage works are key routes by which aquatic environments can be contaminated by antimicrobial drugs and antimicrobial resistant bacteria. "Limiting water contamination may be key to controlling the spread of antimicrobial resistance in natural ecosystems, so a first important step could be to limit water contamination through the development of improved wastewater treatment," she says. The study found that superbugs are most common, and most diverse, in environments that are most affected by human activities, and that omnivorous and carnivorous species of wildlife are most likely to carry and spread superbugs. As a result, the study recommends more research on the potential spread of superbugs, for example by taking advantage of hunting to get samples from game species, and multidisciplinary studies that focus in parallel on humans, cattle and wildlife to get a better understanding of the whole system in which antimicrobial resistance mechanisms are exchanged. It also advocates the 'One Health' approach, a concept that views human, animal and ecosystem health as interconnected and which has been successfully used in studies of viruses such as influenza and SARS. "If we control antimicrobial resistance spread within human and cattle populations but are not interested in limiting the contamination of natural habitats by antimicrobial drugs, those areas may become reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms that may remain there even when they have (hopefully) been eliminated from hospitals and farms", Vittecoq concludes. The recent down-scheduling of overdose antidote naloxone to Schedule 3, making it available over the counter (OTC), must be followed up by regulatory changes that allow take-home programs to dispense naloxone directly to their clients, without need for doctor or pharmacist involvement, according to the authors of a Perspective published online by the Medical Journal of Australia. Professor Simon Lenton, deputy director of the National Drug Research Institute in Perth, and his coauthors, wrote that take-home naloxone (THN) programs "currently provide naloxone via prescription, typically engaging a doctor to attend small-group training sessions". "The doctor must then review participants, and both prescribe and dispense the medication. "While OTC access removes the need for a doctor's prescription, the requirement for dispensing by a doctor or pharmacist remains. "Access to naloxone will be maximised when those providing instructions for use (including, for example, allied health or peer workers) also provide the medication. Thus rescheduling to Schedule 3 does little to simplify dispensing arrangements for current THN programs." THN programs are designed to help manage opioid overdose events in the pre-hospital setting, the authors wrote. "The programs involve training potential overdose witnesses in overdose response (including naloxone administration) and then prescribing and distributing naloxone to potential overdose victims for later use in an overdose situation. Training typically includes education on risk factors for opioid overdose, signs of opioid overdose, basic life support and overdose response, including resuscitation techniques, calling for an ambulance, administration of naloxone, and post-naloxone management." Naloxone is still available on prescription, at a discount. "We hope that the rescheduling of naloxone to make it available OTC will lead to state and territory health officials exploring ways to similarly allow Australian THN programs to dispense this medication directly and cost-effectively to their clients," Lenton et al concluded. Actor Charlie Sheen's public disclosure in November 2015 that he has the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) corresponded with the greatest number of HIV-related Google searches ever recorded in the United States, according to an article published online by JAMA Internal Medicine. John W. Ayers, Ph.D., M.A., of San Diego State University, California, and coauthors used news and Internet searches to examine engagement with HIV-related topics around the time of Sheen's Nov. 17 disclosure. The authors used news trends gathered through the Bloomberg Terminal, which included counts of global English-language reports with the term HIV. Internet searches were gathered through Google Trends and included counts of searches originating from the United States for four categories: HIV, condoms, HIV symptoms and HIV testing. Data analysis was conducted from Nov. 17 to Dec. 8, 2015. The authors report that since 2004, news reports about HIV had decreased from 67 stories per 1,000 to 12 stories per 1,000 in 2015. On the day of Sheen's disclosure, there was a 265 percent increase in news reports mentioning HIV, with more than 6,500 stories on Google News alone, making it among the top 1 percent of HIV-related media days in the past seven years, according to the results. Sheen's disclosure also corresponded with the greatest number of HIV-related Google searches ever recorded in the United States, according to the research letter. The authors note that about 2.75 million more searches than expected included the term HIV and 1.25 million searches were directly relevant to public health outcomes because they included search terms for condoms, HIV symptoms or HIV testing. "While no one should be forced to reveal HIV status, Sheen's disclosure may benefit public health by helping many people learn more about HIV infection and prevention. More must be done to make this benefit larger and lasting," the study concludes. Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends. Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice. On Iran's Islamic Revolution Day, marked every year on February 11, several high-ranking commanders of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which belongs to Iran's ideological camp, harshly attacked the U.S - "the Great Satan" and the symbol of "the global arrogance," in Islamic Revolution terminology. Stating that the U.S. is weak, they boasted of Iran's ideological, military, and geopolitical might in the region, and touted its successes in leading the resistance axis. The IRGC officials also praised the revolutionary value of hostility towards the U.S., which they called Iran's No. 1 enemy, and lauded the might of the martyrs and jihad as sources of Iran's strength that should be cultivated and nurtured in Iran and across the region. The Islamic Revolution, they stated, is not limited to Iran's borders, but spreads throughout the Islamic world and will in future sweep the entire globe, because its message is universal. Warning of U.S. intentions to infiltrate Iran by peaceful means, they said that this could be done via Iran's upcoming elections for the Majlis and Assembly of Experts, or via agents in place in Iran, with the aim of bringing down the regime from within. Following are excerpts from the IRGC officials' statements on the occasion of Islamic Revolution Day 2016: Khamenei Advisor: "The Iran-Russia-Iraq-Syria-Hizbullah Coalition Is On The Verge Of Victory... Iran Has Become The Strongest Country In Western Asia" On Iran's Islamic Revolution Day, February 11, 2016, General Yahya Rahim Safavi, advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said: "America is the Iranian nation's No. 1 enemy. America's hands are drenched in the blood of the martyrs of the Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian, and Palestinian nations. Some try to depict the enemy as a friend, and are unaware of the deceptions and plots of the arrogance [i.e. the U.S.] against the Iranian nation, as well as the plans of the enemies... "The heroism of the people in these [Revolution Day] parades is a great investment and has great strategic potential to thwart new enemy plots against the dear Iranian nation... "The Islamic Revolution brought about the collapse of this bipolar regime of world power [i.e. of the U.S. and the Soviet Union]. Now, the world's power centers are splitting, and, with God's help, Islam's might will be revealed in this century. The liberal-democratic Western culture, and the Western capitalist economy, do not promote humanity's salvation from poverty, injustice, and warmongering. "The [Islamic] Revolution has championed a message of salvation to the nations of the world, by inspiring an atmosphere of hope and enthusiasm among them. [This message] has crossed geographic [borders] and taught the Islamic nations - Palestine, Iraq, and Yemen - the path of hostility towards the arrogance [i.e. the U.S.], of demanding justice, and of attaining liberty and independence... "The philosophy of the Islamic Revolution, of [Ayatollah Ruhollah] Khomeini and [Supreme] Leader [Khamenei], and of your steadfastness... has created the Islamic resistance in the region. "Over the past 50 years, America, the Zionist regime, and some of those that depend on America such as the Al-Saud and Turkish regimes, have dispatched tens of thousands of takfiri terrorist soldiers and launched proxy wars. [They did this with the aim of] ensuring peace and security for the Zionist regime as well as the destruction of the infrastructures of the Islamic nations, with the aim of turning them into burned-out, backwards countries. But I bring to you the news of victory, that the nations belonging to the resistance front - that is, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen - will defeat their enemies, and will, with God's help, crush the American-Zionist-Arab coalition. "The claim that Saudi Arabia wants to dispatch forces to Syria is foolish propaganda. Had it been able to do this, it would have gone into Yemen. "The Iran-Russia-Syria-Hizbullah Lebanon coalition is on the verge of victory. America must know that Iran is determining the fate of the region in favor of the Islamic resistance. Iran has become the strongest country in western Asia. "Some ask why Iran should assist Iraq and Syria. If we do not help Iraq and Syria destroy the takfiri terrorism, it will reach our eastern and western borders. Political logic dictates that we meet our security [demands] beyond [our] borders, and deepen our defense against the threat of the Zionist regime. "Today, the front of Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon is considered Iran's strategic defense depth. The political-military strategy of Iran, Russia, Iraq, and Hizbullah in Lebanon is winning this proxy war. "Now, the greatest enemies of the Islamic Revolution have organized the new plot, about which [Supreme] Leader Khamenei spoke this year... While the policy and administration apparatuses of a certain country are under the influence of the arrogant enemies [a reference to the allies of the U.S.], all decisions in that country will be in accordance with the wishes of the arrogant ones [i.e. the Americans]. "Our enemies want to cause attrition and despair among [Iran's] revolutionary and ideological forces. They want us to believe that we should submit to their goals and agree to capitalism if we want our economic and political situation to improve. The enemy's plan is to create a schism between the people and the regime officials."[1] Image posted to the "Iran.Military" Facebook page, which is close to the IRGC, on Revolution Day (Source: Facebook.com, February 11, 2016) IRGC Deputy Commander: You Have Seen U.S. Forces Kneel In Worship Of The IRGC Brothers; Iran Lacks For Nothing In Order To Become A Global Superpower At a Revolution Day ceremony in Tehran, IRGC deputy commander Gen. Hossein Salami said: "When the Islamic Revolution triumphed, the two superpowers, in the East [the Soviet Union] and the West [the U.S.] came together like two scissor blades to cut Iran to shreds. They responded to this revolution in an organized manner, and set the international system against Iran, and the rest of the superpowers and countries united against it [i.e. Iran]... "[However,] Iran imposed its political will, thus ending the [1980-88 Iran-Iraq] war without a single inch of Iranian soil falling into their [the superpowers'] hands. After they saw that the military strategy did not bear fruit, they used different strategies: economic, scientific, and industrial sanctions, psychological pressure, heavy cultural assault, and the threat of military force. "Had such heavy economic sanctions been applied to any superpower like the U.S., it would have collapsed. But the Iranian nation stood fast, and the leader of the revolution prepared it for a great struggle, and we indeed stood fast... "After the war, we decided to maintain our independence, increase our honor, and change the regional equations in our favor. This great event [did indeed] take place. "When you look at the region today, you realize that Iran's widespread influence has managed to impose its will on America and its regional allies... They do not want [Iran's] revolutionary thought to infiltrate the world, because if it does, it will cost them their breath." "After eight years of [the Iran-Iraq] war, we inflicted four defeats on Israel that demonstrated the might of Islam... There, the region is no longer secure. If you observe the developments in the Syrian [war] arena, and in the world, you will realize who controls the intensity of these developments... At most negotiating tables around the world, Iran is considered one center of power, and the rest face it. "With regard to Syria, all the great superpowers have said that [Syrian President] Bashar [Al-Assad] must go, but Iran said he should stay. Today you see that the Bashar regime still exists, and [you see] how the Syrian [war] arena is advancing. "The resistance fronts in the world were created according to the model of the Islamic Revolution: In Lebanon there is Hizbullah; in Syria there is the popular army; in Iraq there is the strong popular union; and in Yemen there is Ansar Allah. All this is the result of the expansion of the strategic influence of the Islamic Revolution, which has sketched out, from every point in the world, extensive fronts against the U.S. and its allies. "The sanctions could not prevent Iran from producing missiles. You see that Iran can launch precise missiles. This was achieved because of the belief of Iran's young people, which made [Iran] a missile power with technology that perhaps [only] the Russian and U.S. armies possess... "In the naval arena, you have seen the options that we have against them. Three weeks ago, you saw U.S. forces kneel in worship to the IRGC brothers. "We lack for nothing in order to attain political, economic, and military independence, and thus we will become a global superpower. In the years to come, Iran will be one of the world's great centers of power. The deterioration of the superpowers has already begun. This [statement] is [based] not on a feeling, but on reality."[2] Khamenei Representative To Qods Force: All U.S. Facilities Worldwide "Will Be In Danger... Iran's Missiles Will Ignite [American] Submarines... Iran's Military Might Is Bringing The U.S. To Its Knees Before [It]" Ali Shirazi, Khamenei's representative in the Qods Force, said on February 1, 2016: "The folly of the U.S. has been revealed, in a variety of issues. They even thought that the Leader [Khamenei's] illness was a serious matter, and on this issue, some of their spies gave them false information... "The Americans must know that as long as the Iranian nation and its Basij forces are alive in Iran, and as long as the spirit that demands jihad exists, they can do nothing... "If America wants to make a wrong move, all its facilities, anywhere around the world, will be in danger. Iran's missiles will ignite [American] submarines. This is not a [mere] slogan. The military capability of the Islamic Republic [of Iran] is bringing the U.S. to its knees before the [Iranian] nation... "America's folly is expressed in the fact that even after 37 years, it has yet to understand what this regime relies on, and that this lion cannot be fought."[3] Iranian Army Chief Of Staff: "The Islamic Revolution Is Delivering Harsh Blows To The Neck Of 'The Great Satan'... Much Of Our Capabilities Will Be Revealed Only When [The Enemy] Either No Longer Exists Or Cannot Retaliate" At the closing ceremony of Iranian naval maneuvers, on January 31, 2016, Iranian Army chief of staff Hassan Firouzabadi said: "After America achieved nothing in military fighting and face-to-face combat, it has begun to think of the tactic of the 'internal blow' against the Islamic Revolution. But on February 26 [the day of the Majlis and Assembly of Experts elections in Iran], it will be dealt a hammer blow to its rotten body, by a nation that longs for Islam... "Even if all the arrogant powers of the world unite to establish a single force, [such a force] will not compare to the Islamic Revolution [of Iran]; they have already tested our might in a number of ways and with a number of challenges. The blessing of the martyrs' blood and the jihad of the dedicated soldiers of the dear Imam Khamenei give Iran this potential. The front of arrogance has always wanted to fight this achievement [of the Islamic Revolution], using various methods. "As the Great Satan, America never imagined that Iran could stand against it and challenge it to a struggle. America believed that it could easily render us vulnerable. But our might was far greater than it imagined. "Not only is Iran's might today incomparable to its [lesser] might at the onset of the revolution - but its might today is incomparable to its might only a few years ago. This has forced the enemies to adjust their strategies. "America is the source of all the moves in the region, and our might is what made them passive. Today we see America trying a new way to confront us - that is, it has [ostensibly] stepped aside, as primitives and cowards [a reference to Saudi Arabia] arrive on the scene as its marionettes. Because America and its marionettes are being defeated, their next step will be more forceful. "Aside for the Great Satan, we see no other country with capabilities that we consider threatening [to us]. The other countries who speak like this [a reference to Saudi Arabia/Israel] are undoubtedly imitating America, and they are in no way acting independently. "If Iran wishes to make a move, it will do so against the Great Satan. Iran's officials can pinpoint their main enemy [i.e. the U.S.]. Throughout the history of the Islamic Revolution, we have always encountered such things. But today, the Islamic Revolution is delivering harsh blows to the neck of the Great Satan. "Our naval capabilities have grown today to the point where the enemy is only aware of a small portion of them, and unaware of the lion's share of them. What the enemy knows about them today is only what we want [it to know]. Much of capabilities will be revealed only when it either no longer exists or cannot retaliate. "[The enemy] also wanted to destroy the legitimate and anti-Zionist Bashar Al-Assad regime in Syria. But five years later, it has not gotten the results it wants; it is now explicitly stating that it has failed to do so because the Islamic Revolution [regime in Iran] supports the Bashar Al-Assad regime. "I say that the support [that we give] is not limited to Syria, but that [it will reach] wherever the message of the Islamic Revolution [has reached]... For many years, we did not miss a single day of expanding our readiness, and repelling and intimidating the enemy. All our might stems from the devotion of the humble friends of the revolution and the blessing of the blood of the martyrs."[4] Basij Commander: Islam's Penetration Of Europe And The U.S. - The Outcome Of Fighting The U.S. Instead Of Compromising With It On January 29, 2016, Basij commander Mohammad Reza Naqdi said: "Islam has now penetrated the heart of Europe and the U.S. This great success is the outcome of fighting the U.S. instead of compromising with it... Since the onset of the revolution, the U.S. has been hostile towards Iran. Today, American administration officials have been disarmed because each of their plots against the Islamic Revolution has failed. Their slick-tongued arguments also result in failure when they try to show that the [Iranian] people's votes and elections have no impact, with the aim of destroying the [Iranian revolutionary] regime in the name of democracy. "The enemy uses an accursed trick for penetrating Iran. It has infiltration agents and is willing to return $1.7 billion of Iran's frozen assets, even though some credit their own diplomatic efforts for this [referring to the pragmatic camp's promotion of dialogue with the U.S.]. "The enemy has its hands in public organizations [inside the Iranian regime], because the most clandestine espionage centers have been set up as part of such organizations. These are people who infiltrate [another country], redirect its priorities, and deceive [its public]. "The logic of Hussein [the Third Imam] and the logic of 'demand to be a martyr and do not submit to the arrogance' have brought honor to our nation. This is the logic of the Koran, and the [Iranian] religious councils must be wary that the enemy does not strip them of this logic."[5] IRGC Official: If Necessary, We Will Also Take The White House; Jews And Christians Will Not Be Pleased With The Muslims Until The Muslims Obey Them The acting representative for Khamenei in the IRGC, Abdollah-Haji Sadeghi, said on January 31, 2016: "If there is aggression against Iran, rest assured that the IRGC will not allow the aggressors to feel safe, wherever they are. In any event, the IRGC does not seek aggression, but if necessary, we will also take the White House... "The leader [Khamenei] told [Iranian] officials that we must not pin our hopes on the JCPOA, but on the people. The message of the U.S.'s violation of the JCPOA is that the wolf cannot be trusted. Another message is that according to the Koran, the Jews and Christians will not be pleased with the Muslims until the Muslims obey them. "The Iranian nation is weary of the U.S.'s crimes. Therefore, another message of the [U.S.'s] violation of the JCPOA is that [Iranian] officials should stop following the U.S., and should instead should trust their domestic capabilities, because Iran has achieved much thanks to these [capabilities]."[6] Endnotes: [1] ISNA (Iran), February 11, 2016. In February 2016, an anti-smoking advertisement appeared on a Moscow bus shelter that stated that "smoking kills more people than Obama." After photos of the advertisement (which had no attribution) went viral on Russian social networks, the Moscow municipality reported that it was the work of hooligans and that it had been removed. This is not the first time that President Obama has been depicted as a killer in posters on Moscow streets. On January 27, 2016, the pro-Kremlin art group Glavplakat hung a poster proclaiming Obama a killer opposite the U.S. Embassy in the city center. Subsequently on February 11, students from several Russian universities uploaded a video to YouTube in which they called on the UN to stop Obama's "aggression" and to prosecute him for "the thousands of lives he has taken." The following are details about these incidents: "Smoking Kills More People Than Obama" Anti-smoking poster at a Moscow bus shelter (image: Ria.ru, February 17, 2016) The anti-smoking advertisement featuring Obama read: "Smoking kills [even] more people than Obama, although he kills a lot of people. Don't smoke. Don't be like Obama." On February 18, 2016, the Moscow municipality's Mass Media and Advertising Department stated that the poster had been put up illegally "due to hooliganism," and that the department had recorded the violation and removed it.[1] Reports in the Russian media indicate that those responsible have not been caught.[2] Commenting on the incident, liberal Duma member Dmitry Gudkov wrote on his Facebook page that the poster had made him feel "disgusted" and "ashamed," and quoted a joke from the Soviet era, that in Russia freedom of speech means freedom to criticize U.S. presidents while standing in Red Square.[3] Poster Calling Obama "Killer" Opposite U.S. Embassy On January 27, the pro-Kremlin art group Glavplakat put up a poster of Obama captioned "killer" opposite the U.S. Embassy in the center of Moscow. According to the Moscow Times, the poster, which was 10 meters long, was a protest against "the U.S. government planning another military intervention on the territory of another country."[4] The Glavplakat group explained on its website that "the caption 'killer' referred to the new status of the 44th U.S. president, because of his decision to deploy the infamous 101st Airborne Division to Syria."[5] Photo of the poster on the group's website (Glavplakat.ru, January 27, 2016) The poster as published on the group's website (Glavplakat.ru, January 27, 2016) Students Make Video Calling To Stop Obama's "Aggression" On February 11, students from several Russian universities released a video on YouTube, calling on the United Nations to "take immediate action to stop the aggression of the U.S. president" and to prosecute him for "the thousands of lives he has taken." "We sincerely fail to understand why the U.S., represented by its president, has assumed the role of the world's judge, and why the U.S. doesn't acknowledge its responsibility for thousands of civilian lives taken in Libya, Yugoslavia, Iraq, Syria and other countries, the sovereignty of which the U.S. has repeatedly violated," says one of students in the video. According to a Moscow Times report, some of the participants in the clip are members of Molodaya Gvardiya, the youth wing of Russia's ruling party. The universities whose students appear in the clip say that they had not known about the making of the video. [6] Russian students calling on the U.N. to prosecute Obama (Image: Youtube.com, February 11, 2016) Endnotes: The idle musings of a former military man, former computer geek, medically retired pastor and now full-time writer. Contents guaranteed to offend the politically correct and anal-retentive from time to time. My approach to life is that it should be taken with a large helping of laughter, and sufficient firepower to keep it tamed! Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias will depart tomorrow, Tuesday, 23 February 2016, for Cairo, where he will have meetings with the Egyptian leadership. On Wednesday, 24 February, Mr. Kotzias will be received by the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, and, subsequently, by Prime Minister Sherif Ismail. He will then have a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, after which the two ministers will hold a joint press conference. Mr. Kotzias will wind up his visit to Egypt with meetings with representatives of the Greek Egyptian community and the Patriarch of Alexandria. Mr. Kotzias will depart Egypt for Cyprus, where, on Friday, 26 February, he will participate in a meeting of the MED Group. Sometimes young people need help learning how to deal with their emotions. Depression, anxiety, aggression or hyperactivity have caused trouble or worry for many children and their caregivers. According to Dr. Cynthia Miller, sometimes adolescents and children that have been labeled as naughty just need guidance in how to understand their own behaviors, to approach problems and emotions with a different frame of mind. Miller is a psychologist who leads the Beatrice branch of Nebraska Mental Health Centers, which also has offices in Lincoln and Fremont. The center sees patients of any age for a wide variety of treatment, but Miller said she particularly enjoys helping young children overcome their issues, which accounts for about half of the Beatrice centers patients. One of the activities Miller has done with many of her young patients is to color a large poster that all the children contribute to over time. The poster is covered in small animals, leaves and other minute details in a myriad of colors, both realistic and fantastic. But she said the point isnt just to have happy fun time. It can feel really uncomfortable for kids to talk about some of their emotional concerns, Miller said. What Ive found is that if I get something like this out, and its OK for both of us to be looking down at the paper and coloring it makes it so much easier for them to open up and talk about things that are really important. Miller said activities that kids are socialized to do naturally, like puzzles and drawing, provide a calming familiarity while they discuss uncomfortable topics like behavioral and emotional issues, and can sometimes be an outlet for experiences a child might not be able to talk about. The activities also serve as a means of encountering problem behaviors in a controlled environment and learning coping strategies for the emotions a child is feeling frustration or anger when theyre losing a game, or in the case of the poster a strong anxiety when others interfere with something the child wants to control. Part of the function of this poster was you had to be OK with knowing that other people were going to color on it and you couldnt control what other kids were doing. And that element of control is very important with anxiety, Miller explained. Jill Zlomke McPherson, executive director of Nebraska Mental Health Centers, said there are some differences when working with adolescents instead of young children. She said the first step of working with teens is to find a way to connect with them, no matter what that is music, dogs, jewelry, TV whatever. With teenagers, 100 percent its about that relationship. If you try to push before you have that relationship built, then you just have to start over, she said. She said teens also have a different perspective about the rules of the world. While the task with young children is often to help them understand why certain rules exist, the focus with teens usually involves reversing patterns of thought that assume rules simply dont matter. The typical case, according to Zlomke McPherson, is a teen that says I dont have to follow the rules and Im doing just fine. Her reply: Yet you find yourself on probation, sitting in the counselors office, expelled from school, grounded all the time, not hanging out with your friends lets talk about how thats working for you. How about we spend some time talking about your goals, your dreams because this isnt working. Miller, who also sees teens in her offices in Beatrice and Lincoln, said a worrying trend is seeing more young people who are abusing drugs and alcohol. When it comes to helping them, she said its crucial to understand their behavior, without assuming taking the drugs away solves the problem. You have to look at what is the function of that drug use? What is that teenager trying to address thats not been addressed previously? Miller explained. A lot of times with marijuana use, you can have a very socially anxious teenager, and they find that the marijuana use calms them down. Instead of just addressing the marijuana use, why dont we actually correct the problem and come up with a more adaptive way to regulate their anxiety? It can often be members of school staff that take steps to address behavioral problems with students. When those students need additional help, several area schools turn to Blue Valley Behavioral Health, another mental health and substance abuse clinic with offices in Beatrice and throughout Southeast Nebraska. BVBH Executive Director Jon Day said school-age children make up 30-40 percent of the 5,000 patients the clinic sees every year. Day said emotional, behavioral and substance abuse problems are sometimes related to an individual, and sometimes a result of ongoing family issues. He said the clinic involves families in its work as much as possible because that leads to quicker and more lasting change. Day said parents having trouble with their kids isnt anything to be ashamed of, and in fact isnt even uncommon. One thing we know to be fact is that no matter what type of family exists, youre always going to have some type of difficulty with your kids, Day said. Sometimes as parents we feel like its a reflection of us if our kids arent doing well. But every child is unique, he said, and in the end everyone has to make their own choices. Amber Ferguson is the BVBH counselor that coordinates directly with schools to treat emotional and behavioral issues in students. She has various strategies for working with children of different ages, including allowing children with anxiety to set aside 15 minutes every day to worry as much as they want and talk about worries with their family, and then to put their worries in a box for the rest of the day. Things get more serious, though, when a child has experienced painful abuse or trauma. That requires a very careful, step-by-step program to begin the process of helping a child slowly come to grips with what theyve been through and, hopefully, to eventually move past what theyve suffered. Ferguson said the program has been a success for many of those she has helped, even a few with a serious history of abuse. Vermont is set to require such labels this summer. Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts of Kansas released draft legislation late Friday that would block that law and create new voluntary labels for companies that want to use them on food packages that contain genetically modified ingredients. The Senate panel is scheduled to vote on the bill Thursday. The bill is similar to legislation the House passed last year. The food industry has argued that GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are safe and a patchwork of state laws isn't practical. Labeling advocates have been fighting state-by-state to enact the labeling, with the eventual goal of a national standard. Senators have said they want to find a compromise on the labeling issue before Vermont's law kicks in. But negotiations broke down between the food industry and labeling advocates. Roberts said in a statement after releasing the draft that "negotiations will continue in an effort to reach committee agreement." But he said the committee needs to act quickly. The Vermont law kicks in July 1. "We are out of time," Roberts said. "The time to act is now." The committee's top Democrat, Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, said she would continue to work with Roberts on the bill. Food industry groups swiftly praised the draft. "Congress must pass a national food labeling solution that offers farmers, families and food producers the certainty and access to the affordable and sustainable food supply they deserve," said Pamela Bailey, head of the Grocery Manufacturers Association. Scott Faber, head of the national Just Label It Campaign, called it "outrageous" and said Roberts is proposing to deny American consumers the right to know what is in their food. Genetically modified seeds are engineered in laboratories to have certain traits, like resistance to herbicides. The majority of the country's corn and soybean crop is now genetically modified, with much of that going to animal feed. Corn and soybeans are also made into popular processed food ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, corn starch and soybean oil. The food industry says about 75 percent to 80 percent of foods contain genetically modified ingredients. While the FDA says they are safe and there is little scientific concern about the safety of those GMOs on the market, advocates for labeling say not enough is known about their risks. So far, Vermont is the only state set to require labeling. Maine and Connecticut have passed similar laws, but those measures don't take effect unless neighboring states follow suit. Several other states could consider labeling bills this year. Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland says the Republican governor has ignored a Jan. 29 request Cummings made with Democratic Rep. Brenda Lawrence of Michigan. Cummings calls that inconsistent with Snyder's public claims of accountability for the Flint crisis. Cummings urged Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah, chairman of the oversight panel, to demand documents from Snyder on behalf of the full committee. Snyder has agreed to appear before the oversight panel, bowing to demands by Cummings and other Democrats that he explain his role in a cost-cutting move that resulted in a public health emergency caused by lead-contaminated water in Flint. It has been far too many years since the Woke theology interlaced its canons within the fabric of the Indoctrination Realm, so it is nigh time to ask: Does this Representative Republic continue, as a functioning society of a self-governed people, by contending with the unusual, self absorbed dictates of the Woke, and their vast array of Victimhood scenarios? Yes, the Religion of Woke must continue; there are so many groups of underprivileged, underserved, a direct result of unrelenting Inequity; they deserve everything. No; the Woke fools must be toppled from their pedestal; a functioning society of a good Constitutional people cannot withstand this level of "existential" favoritism as it exists now, unending. Air Force Gets Its Own Combat Dive Badge After Using the Navy's for Years Air Force officials said there is a notable distinction between Navy divers and their divers, which was a key reason for... The U.S. stepped up airstrikes in northeastern Syria against Islamic State targets Sunday while suicide bombings blamed on the terror group in western Syria killed more than 100. At least 50 were killed and more than 200 were wounded Sunday in a series of blasts at a vegetable market in the Damascus suburbs, according to Syrian state television. In the central city of Homs, two suicide car bombings killed at least 57, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. The ISIS attacks came as Secretary of State John Kerry sought to revive talks on a "cessation of hostilities," whose initial deadline last Friday came and went while fighting continued on several fronts amid Russian airstrikes. Kerry, who was in Jordan, told reporters he spoke again with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on a temporary halt to hostilities. President Obama was also expected to be in contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, Kerry said. "I do believe that in the next few days, during which time we try to bring this into effect, there is somehow going to be a tipping point," Kerry said of the prospects for a limited ceasefire in the Syrian civil war that the United Nations estimates has killed more than 250,000 and displaced millions. "A cease-fire requires an understanding of obligations. You have to be specific about who is doing what, about what is required of each," Kerry said. "We are very clear that if you don't choose to be part of it, then you are choosing to perhaps make yourself a target." Kerry said relief columns had managed to reach several areas outside of Damascus but continued fighting in other areas had blocked efforts by the U.N.'s World Food Program and humanitarian groups to truck in aid. The U.S. has thus far ruled out airdrops to areas where the U.N. said civilians were at risk of starvation. In northeastern Syria, the U.S. carried out 18 airstrikes Sunday against ISIS targets and in support of offensives by the U.S.-backed and mostly-Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces, according to Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF)-Operation Inherent resolve led by Army Gen. Sean MacFarland. Previous reports by CJTF said that the U.S. conducted nine airstrikes in Syria on Feb. 20 and also nine on Feb. 19. The U.S. has maintained that strikes against ISIS in Syria will continue no matter the outcome of the negotiations on a cessation of hostilities. Nine of the 18 latest airstrikes focused on ISIS targets in Hasakah governate in northeastern Syria. The SDF last Friday claimed to have routed ISIS fighters from the city of Shadadi, the last ISIS foothold in the Hasakah area bordering Iraq. Shadadi includes hundreds of oil and gas wells, a major source of ISIS funding. In a video briefing to the Pentagon last Thursday, Air Force Lt. Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, said that his command currently was reviewing allegations that U.S. airstrikes in Hasakah last week may have killed 38 civilians. "I have been made aware of the potential civilian casualties that have happened at Hasakah," Brown said. "And like we do for every potential civilian casualty, we go through an assessment -- to assess the credibility" of the allegations. "We'll go through an assessment process and eventually an investigation if required," he said. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at richard.sisk@military.com. Related video: MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. During a Celebration of Life ceremony, family, friends and fellow Raiders gathered to honor the life and legacy of retired Master Sgt. Eden M. Pearl, at the Base Theater at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 19, 2016. Master Sgt. Pearl succumbed to his wounds on Dec. 20, 2015, more than six years after his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device while deployed to Herat Province, Afghanistan in 2009. He was one of those guys the Marines tell stories about in the Marine Corps, so I couldnt wait to meet (him) said Phillip Noblin, who met Pearl in 2002, when Pearl was his team leader at 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force. Just off the stories, I had built up this picture of this battle-ax swinging Viking of a beast of a man. By 2002, Pearl had already built himself a reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the reconnaissance community. He had deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, completed Amphibious Reconnaissance School, Scout Sniper School, and the Rigid-hull Inflatable Boat Coxswains Course. He was a very consummate professional, and commanded respect everywhere he went, said Noblin, who described Pearl as a leader who always took the time to teach and train younger Marines. (On his team) you always wanted to make sure you did the right thing because Eden was your team leader and you didnt want to let him down. Pearl completed four more deployments with II MEF, in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom I and Iraqi Freedom II. It was shortly before his fifth deployment that Pearl was introduced to his wife, Alicia, a U.S. Navy corpsman stationed in Virginia. After a long-distance relationship, the two received orders to deploy with the same unit, but two months from deployment, Alicia found out she was expecting. He had a plan, to be together for some time, engaged for some time, said Alicia, but we both knew we were right for each other and we wanted to be together, so he was just so excited when he found out. The couple married days before his deployment and their daughter was born just two weeks before his return in 2005. (She) was his joy, said Don Hoemann, long-time friend of Pearl. He had this carrier that he bragged about continuously and did so much in-depth research on, and hed carry her absolutely everywhere. Hed be up to his knees in muck, and shed be on his back, hiking with him. In April 2005, Pearl then received orders to 2nd Special Operations Training Group, Special Missions Branch, as a Dynamic Assault/Entry Instructor. (When I arrived) Eden was kind of in charge over there, which was funny because on paper there was probably a (gunnery sergeant) over him, said Noblin, founder of Brothers in Arms Foundation. But he had that about him, you could be in a room with majors and captains, but if Eden was talking they were listening. He was the guy who had been there and knew all the skills, and at the time, that was with only 10 years in. Pearl was with the Special Missions Branch in 2006 when the unit was reassigned and re-designated at Marine Special Operations School (MSOS), U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. At MSOS, Pearl was assigned as Lead Instructor and was integral in the development of the Individual Training Course (ITC). An explosive ordinance disposal technician with 3rd Marine Raider Support Battalion, who met Pearl in 2006 described Pearl as a very intense individual. His reputation as a recon Marine was already legendary with all of us, so in a way it was hard not to be in some kind of awe when you first met the guy, said the EOD tech. In 2008, he was assigned to Marine Special Operations Team 8211, Fox Company, 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, with Pearl as his team chief. Eden was (the teams) anchor, our go-to guy with anything, said the EOD tech. We all would have followed him anywhere because we knew without a doubt that he would do the same for any of us. In 2009, MSOT 8211 deployed to Herat Province, Afghanistan. While on a routine convoy, Pearls team was ambushed and an IED was detonated directly under his vehicle. Two service members were ejected from the vehicle and survived, three others, including Pearl, were caught inside. Pearl was the only service member from inside the vehicle to survive. I don't pray often, but that night I prayed it wasn't one of our vehicles, and more specifically not his, said the EOD tech. As you can imagine, the entire team was caught pretty off guard to that kind of a blow; having that anchor, brother, leader and friend taken from you. Pearl suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns to 97 percent of his body. He was medically evacuated from country and only days later to Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, where he underwent multiple surgeries and skin grafts. After a couple of months, Pearl had a severe stroke that put him into a temporary vegetative state, but after 16 months he was transferred to a facility in Florida, that catered to his cognitive care needs. In 2013, the Brothers in Arms Foundation, together with the Gary Sinise Foundation, helped build a home in San Antonio that was accessible to care for Pearl in a home setting. I dont think most people would have survived those initial injuries to begin with and the fact that he made it out of (Brook Army Medical Center) after 16 months is amazing, and the fact that he was even able to come home and spend more time with us here, is kind of miraculous, said Alicia. He truly was an incredible man, father and husband. Pearls wounds and recovery not only led to the development of multiple medicines but also several procedures that will help future burn victims. His survival was the leading factor for the Brothers in Arms foundation, which continues to support wounded and fallen special operations Marines. Alicia and Hoemann attribute his survival to his ceaseless warrior spirit. (Eden) was the epitome of a fighter, he was not going to give up, said Hoemann. Even with family and work it wasnt an option to give up and not give 110 percent. He fought every day for what he thought was best for his Marines and his family. Pearl was retired in September 2014, where he continued to live in San Antonio with his family, until his passing on Dec. 20, 2015. He is survived by his wife Alicia, daughter Avery, and a community of Raiders with an example to live up to. I only wish that more guys coming up through MARSOC could have been influenced by him, said the EOD tech. (Eden) was a full package deal that could do it all. I will never forget the moments that I had with him, to know him, and have the honor to work beside him. You love the blog, so subscribe to the Beervana Podcast on iTunes or Soundcloud today! 6:36pm: Parra will receive $520K plus a potential $1.28M in bonuses if he makes the Majors, Jon Heyman tweets. 9:08am: The Cubs announced that theyve signed left-handed reliever Manny Parra to a minor league contract and invited him to Major League Spring Training (Twitter link via the Chicago Tribunes Mark Gonzales). Parra is represented by CAA. Last year, the 33-year-old Parra logged a 3.90 ERA with 6.4 K/9, 1.7 BB/9 and a 45.9 percent ground-ball rate in 32 1/3 innings for the division-rival Reds. That marked his third straight season with Cincinnati after five years with the Brewers, so by signing with the Cubs, hell continue on in the only division hes known (at least for the next few weeks). Milwaukee tried Parra out as a starting pitcher for much of his time in the organization, but hes struggled to a 5.44 ERA out of the rotation in his career (74 starts) as compared to a 4.01 ERA coming out of the bullpen. Right-handed batters have given Parra plenty of trouble in his big league career, hitting him at a .290/.370/.440 clip, whereas lefties have posted a .254/.330/.391 batting line. Those career marks against lefties are somewhat misleading, however, as Parra has excelled against southpaws since being removed from the rotation. Over the course of his three years in Cincinnati, Parra faced 249 left-handed batters and held them to a paltry .222/.285/.333 slash. The Cubs already have a number of left-handed relief options in camp, including Clayton Richard, Travis Wood and Rex Brothers all of whom are on the 40-man roster. Beyond that trio, lefties Jack Leathersich and Edgar Olmos are in camp as non-roster invitees. Suffice it to say, Parra faces significant competition and perhaps an uphill battle as he seeks to make the roster. The Nationals will sign right-hander Juan Gutierrez to a minor league deal, according to MLBTRs Steve Adams (on Twitter). The deal does not include an invite to Washingtons big league camp. Gutierrez appeared in 114 games for the Royals, Angels and Giants over the 2013-14 seasons, posting a 4.08 ERA, 6.7 K/9 and 2.47 K/BB rate over 119 relief innings. The 32-year-old was non-tendered by San Francisco following the 2014 season and re-signed with the team on a minor league deal, though he exercised a June 1 opt-out clause in his contract since he wasnt on the Giants Major League roster. Gutierrez signed on with the Phillies and Nationals on minor league deals as well in 2015 but never cracked the bigs, ending up with a 3.98 ERA over 61 innings at the Triple-A level. DETROIT, MI - Federal safety regulators are weighing whether to expand a recall of potentially defective and explosive Takata airbag inflators by up to 70 million to 90 million inflators, Reuters reports. The recall currently covers about 29 million airbags in 19 million vehicles in the U.S. The potentially faulty part has been linked to at least 10 deaths, including nine in the U.S., and more than 100 injuries. Defective airbags supplied by Takata have in some cases exploded and sent metal shrapnel flying through vehicles. The chemical propellant that ignites the air bag inflators - ammonium nitrate - can be damaged by moisture over time in humid environments. Once damaged, the propellant becomes explosive. If you suspect your vehicle is included the recall, you can plug your vehicle identification number into NHTSA's VIN lookup at vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/. David Muller is the automotive and business reporter for MLive Media Group in Detroit. Email him at dmuller@mlive.com, follow him on Twitter or find him on Facebook. Downtown Birmingham is home to high-end retail, luxury condos and a vital office market - and, as of this year, it's also the location of a record-setting price for a land deal in Metro Detroit. The property at 298 Old South Woodward generated a $7 million selling price for two vacant buildings and a parking lot sitting on a combined 26,000 square feet of land. The price represents $11.6 million per acre, according to its listing agent, Robert Pliska. "It's probably one of the most strategic properties left in Birmingham," said Pliska, managing director of SVN Property Investment Advisors LLC in Birmingham. The location is at the corner of Old South Woodward and Brown Street, right in the center of the hub of downtown. The property is an office building at the northwest corner; a second building with an address on Brown; and a surface parking lot with frontage on both streets. When both buildings ended up vacant, owners WMSR Co. decided to sell instead of upgrading the decades-old buildings - once home to Weir Manuel Snyder & Ranke real estate offices - to re-lease them. "The piece of land is in a strategic location," Pliska said. "As a result, it created demand and we were able to get a high price." Part of the reason for the record-setting price is the anticipation in Birmingham for what could be developed on the property. "It really is a prime location," said John Heiney, executive director of the Birmingham Shopping District. "It's very visible. It's one of those pieces. People have been excited about the huge potential for that space." Zoning allows mixed-use development on the property, and Heiney said many of those projects end up incorporating retail, office and residential spaces. The reason includes the nationwide trend toward urban, walkable communities, said Eric Banks, principal of CORE Partners in Bingham Farms. The land price also sends a signal about trends in rental rates in Birminham, Banks said. The deal for 298 South Old Woodward serves as a barometer, Banks added. "You can only justify that kind of a number ... if you can go vertical and if rents are essentially at new highs," Banks said. That's exactly what's happening in the downtown Birmingham market, where occupancy rates are high. Heiney said retail occupancy is about at 98 percent. Banks cited mid-$30s per square foot for rarely available highest-quality office space. Retail space, he added is edging up to the $40-$50 per square foot range. In comparison, that's at least 30 percent higher than many places in downtown Ann Arbor. And next to those rental rates, Banks said, "redevelopment opportunities can be hard to come by." The core blocks of Birmingham off of Old Woodward end up serving as a downtown for four additional communities, Pliska said: Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Bingham Farms and Franklin. That population of those communities totals about 100,000 people, even as the city of Birmingham is home to just more than 22,000. Demographic data shows the city is 95 percent white; 74 percent of residents have a bachelor's degree or more education; the median household income was $101,529 in 2010. It's an affluent area that draws upscale tenants to its commercial buildings, even as the downtown retains a range of businesses - like supporting not one but two shoe repair stores. Retailers with national recognition include lululemon, West Elm furniture, Evereve, Blue Mercury, while popular restaurants include Mat Hatter Bistro, Toast and Churchill's Bistro. "It's a little community that thrives," Pliska said. New construction taking place already downtown include the Balmoral, which was completed in 2015, and The Forefront, luxury condos above new retail space at 400 Old South Woodward that is under construction by Jonna Luxury Homes. In addition, The Palladium Building is finding new life since A.F. Jonna Development Co. purchased it in 2014. The buyers of 298 Old South Woodward are Woodward Brown Ventures, an entity registered to Karen Long on Pierce Street. The group was able to close on the property after a previous deal fell apart. Greg Bockart of Colliers International represented the buyer, who was not ready to disclose plans for the property. He described the new ownership as local, and involved in a lot of different projects outside of the area. "This would be their first big local development project," Bockart said. He said that he expects more transactions in downtown Birmingham this year, given the number of conversations that are taking place to try to prompt property owners to sell. "Birmingham is probably the most expensive market for land and real estate in Michigan," Bockart said. He added about 298 South Old Woodward: "You can't beat that corner." Paula Gardner is Michigan business reporter. Contact her by email or follow her on Twitter. ADA TOWNSHIP, MI - Researcher Dr. Michael Fossel has charted a bold course for the bio-tech company he co-founded from his 180-year-old farmhouse near Ada. He plans to cure Alzheimer's Disease. Fossel, a neurobiologist who has studied the science of aging for decades, says there's enough scientific knowledge and research about aging to put together the pieces and cure one of the most tragic age-related diseases in our culture. "It looks like we can finally begin to address age-related diseases and do something about them," said Fossel, the co-founder of Telocyte, a bio-tech company that hopes to start human trials of its Alzheimer's cure within the next year. "I think we what we can do is finally show it's not a matter of perhaps slowing and treating the symptoms, but we can do something to reverse the problems of Alzheimer's Disease," said Fossel, a former emergency room physician at Mercy Health St. Mary's and lecturer at Grand Valley State University's bio-medical program. It's the culmination of 30 years of research Fossel has conducted into the causes of aging. In 1996, he published "Reversing Human Aging," the first of several books he has published about the causes of and research surrounding the aging process. In his most recent book, "The Telomerase Revolution," Fossel that explains how an enzyme in part of the chromosome holds the key to aging. The book has been well-received by scientists. The Wall Street Journal named it one of 2015's five best books for science lovers. Telocyte, which Fossel co-founded with British tech-entrepreneur Peter Rayson, is in the process of raising money to support the clinical trial process and get permission for human trials from the Food and Drug Administration Unlike much of the medical research and treatment surrounding Alzheimer's Disease, Fossel said his company is going for a cure for the cell-aging process that causes the disease, instead of a treatment that might alleviate the symptoms. "I don't want people to spend 20 years longer in a nursing home," he said. "I want them to spend 20 years wrestling with their grandkids." Rather that starting with a drug that will modify the course of the disease, Fossel said his approach is to change the cells that trigger the disease. It's an approach that challenges the assumptions surrounding Alzheimer's and its treatment, he said. While medical industry has created an infrastructure to deal with and treat Alzheimer's, Fossel said his approach would eliminate the need for treatment, just as the polio vaccine eliminated the need for iron lungs in the 1950s. Connecticut-born Fossel came to West Michigan in 1984 after graduating from Stanford University with a doctorate and medical degree in neurobiology and research methods. His bride, Joy, was a Southeast Michigan native whose family had spent their summers in Castle Park, a resort along Lake Michigan near Holland. He and Joy, a partner at the Varnum law firm in downtown Grand Rapids, settled on an 180-year-old farmstead in Ada. While practicing emergency medicine at St. Mary's, Fossel kept abreast on the research associated with aging. He taught at Michigan State University's Medical School and Grand Valley State University and wrote text books on the topic. In recent months, Fossel has focused on getting Telocyte funded and its "telomerase" treatment approved for human clinical trials. Fossel compares medical research into aging to the fable of the blind-folded men describing an elephant - one focusing on the tail, another on the leg and another on the trunk. While all of the researchers may be correct in their analysis, Fossel he said hopes his latest book will encourage a more holistic approach to the causes of aging on a cellular level rather than the symptoms. Jim Harger covers business for Mlive Media Group. Email him at jharger@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter or Facebook or Google+. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Jason Brian Dalton, the man accused of killing six people and injuring two others in Kalamazoo on Saturday, worked as an insurance adjustor. But the world knows him as the Uber driver who allegedly killed between fares. Uber has surfaced on thousands of headlines about the tragedy. Some have labeled him the "Uber killer." It's a public relations nightmare for the company that adopted a free-wheeling entrepreneurial business model that by-passed the highly regulated taxi industry for one that relied on a cell-phone app between the driver and rider. While Dalton is not accused of killing any of his customers, anecdotes suggested he carried Uber riders in his Chevrolet HHR between killings. One rider reportedly asked Dalton in jest if he was the killer on the loose in Kalamazoo that evening. On Monday, Joe Sullivan, chief security officer at Uber, issued the following statement: "We are horrified and heartbroken at the senseless violence in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Our hearts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this devastating crime and those recovering from injuries. We have reached out to the police to help with their investigation in any way that we can." While verifying Dalton was an Uber "driver/partner," a spokeswoman for Uber noted that police have confirmed Dalton had no criminal record and reiterated the company's ban on having firearms in an Uber vehicle. "We have reached out to law enforcement and are in contact with them," she said. The company planned to host a conference call with reporters at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22. "That Crisis Communications 101," said Jeff Lambert, president and managing partner of Lamberts Edward and Associates, a Grand Rapids public relations firm. Uber needs to disassociate itself with Dalton while communicating with its customer base, drivers and the general public, Lambert said. "I would try to keep this as close to a one-or-two-day story as possible," said Lambert. "To do that, you want to move the focus away from your brand." Further down the road, Uber will be faced with the challenge of responding to regulators and licensed competitors who will use the Kalamazoo killings as a primary example of why taxi companies need to be regulated, Lambert said. Mary Ann Sabo, president of SaboPR, said early attempts by the company to distance itself from the story may have been a mistake. "Their CEO and others on the leadership team need to be clearly visible at this point and have conversations with the media where they take the tough questions," said Sabo, whose Grand Rapids firm specializes in crisis management. "In addition to expressing sympathy for the family, Uber needs to talk about the process it uses to connect riders and drivers, reinforcing all the things that they do right -- background checks before someone is hired, an emergency contacts feature on the app that allows friends/family to "ride along" with you and a rating system that allows the marketplace to regulate both riders and drivers. "If they plan to change some of these policies, or at least explore the possibility of doing so, now would be a good time to share that information," said Sabo, a former Grand Rapids Press business reporter. "Uber also would do well to communicate directly with its drivers and riders via text or the notifications feature on its app," Sabo said. "Again, an expression of sympathy and a reminder of the safety protocols that are baked into their process would be a great starting point." Timothy Penning, a public relations professor at Grand Valley State University, said Uber will bear some responsibility in the public eye, whether it's deserved or not. "Issues include whether this shooter is an 'employee' or not," Penning said in an email. "Having said that, I would argue that ethics as well as crisis communication theory would say that Uber is responsible in part for this, even if not directly to blame. "The public and even law enforcement may wonder how Uber vets its drivers as safe, and Uber needs to respond to that and potentially change policy given this situation." Jim Harger covers business for Mlive Media Group. Email him at jharger@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter or Facebook or Google+. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- It's National Margarita Day! Where will you celebrate? I'm checking out a few places today in the Grand Rapids area today, including a big party at the new Lindo Mexico restaurant, 1742 28th St. SW, in Wyoming. My friend Raul Alvarez reached out to me a couple weeks ago to tell me about Lindo's plans for today (Feb. 22, 2016) as part of National Margarita Day. "Mariachi music! Margarita flights! It's going to be a lot of fun," he said. How do you say no to such an invitation? The Margarita flights begin at 3 p.m. today at Lindo Mexico. The music begins at 6 p.m. I'll be there at 3 p.m. with my friend Amy Sherman, who is better known as a craft beer expert, but she also loves a good margarita. She's up for the task. We even convinced MLive photographer Emily Rose Bennett to tag along. We'll be posting photos on Twitter and maybe even do a Periscope video or two. In addition to my trip to Lindo Mexico, I'm hoping make a couple extra visits: Tomorrow is #NationalMargaritaDay. So take life with a grain of salt ... And maybe add a little lime and tequila ...! Posted by Donkey - Taqueria on Sunday, February 21, 2016 Donkey Taqueria, 665 Wealthy St SE, in Grand Rapids: They were on my search for Michigan's Best Taco and finished in the Top 10. I figure this is a great time to revisit them for a taco or two, and even a margarita. They also have margarita flights. Doors open at 11 a.m. I plan to stop in about 2 p.m. I also have a plaque I want to drop off. Beltline Bar, 16 28th St. SE: Even though they are known for the Famous Wet Burrito, the Beltline Bar makes a great House Margarita! Today -- for National Margarita Day -- you can get the house margarita for $5 during Happy Hour, 3-6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close. I'm hoping to stop in about 4 p.m. National Margarita Day is Feb 22nd! At The Beltline Bar, our house margarita is Tequila, triple sec and sweet lime... Posted by Beltline Bar on Thursday, February 18, 2016 That's a lot of margaritas! Where are you celebrating today? Please let me know in the comments section below or email me: gonzo@mlive.com. I would love to check a few others around the state. Obviously, it won't be today! Have a great week, everyone. I'll be releasing my Top 10 list for Michigan's Best Dessert on Thursday, Feb. 25. John Gonzalez is a statewide entertainment writer for MLive. He covers food, beer, travel, events and coordinates Michigan's Best. Email him at gonzo@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+. Complete Michigan travel, destination and event information available via Michigan.org Your RSS feed from RSSFWD.com. Update your RSS... BAY CITY, MI -- A Bay City police officer might not be alive today if he hadn't ducked when shots rang out as he and others were serving an arrest warrant. "If he hadn't been leaning forward, he would have been much more severely injured, especially given where the rounds hit the window and the door," said Michigan State Police Special 1st Lt. David Kaiser of the incident that began a 22-hour standoff between police and an armed Bay City man. About 11:41 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, Bay City Public Safety Officers Wayne Stockmeyer, Chad Warren, James Lyman, and David Petro -- all with the department's VIPER Unit -- attempted to serve a bond violation arrest warrant on 38-year-old Leroi D. Kocsis, already charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a relation between the ages of 13 and 16. Leroi D. Kocsis In their effort to arrest Kocsis, the VIPER officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle Kocsis was in at McKinley and North Van Buren streets. Kocsis did not surrender and instead fled into his residence at 600 N. Sherman St. He retrieved a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, police report. He then opened fire on the pursuing officers through a window. Stockmeyer was still in an unmarked truck when the shooting began, according to Bay City Public Safety Director Michael J. Cecchini. "There were several shots that struck Officer Stockmeyer's truck, through the door and through the window," Cecchini said. Stockmeyer leaned forward to avoid gunfire and to exit the truck, Cecchini said. One of Kocsis' rounds grazed Stockmeyer in the back, giving him a flesh wound, Cecchini said "Had he not been leaning forward, it would have been very, very bad," he said. "He's very fortunate." Lyman returned fire, forcing Kocsis to retreat deeper into his home. The four officers then took cover behind their vehicles and were pinned down by Kocsis' gunfire, police report. Michigan State Police Lt. Pat Darrow of the Tri-City Post and Michigan Department of Corrections Investigator Chad Bellinger arrived with an armored BearCat vehicle and rescued the VIPER officers, Kaiser said. Soon after, additional officers with the city police, Bay County Sheriff's deputies, and a state police Emergency Support Team responded and cordoned off the area for several blocks. For nearly 22 hours, Kocsis engaged police in a standoff. About 8:45 p.m., troopers fired tear gas canisters into Kocsis' home. At 9:17 p.m., Kocsis posted on his Facebook: "Tear gas equal gas mask." At 9:38 p.m., he published: "N again mo gas." His final post was at 9:58 p.m., when he wrote "Last post my phone dead love real (expletive)." After hours of hearing no word from Kocsis, the state police deployed a robot into the home at 9:11 a.m. Saturday, finding Kocsis on the first floor, dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head, Cecchini said. At some point, a battering ram on a state police BearCat vehicle struck the house. This was done in part to open an area for police to deploy an approximately 600-pound bomb squad robot, according to MSP Lt. David Simon, commander of the Tri-City Post. By Saturday afternoon, as police sifted through the scene, the house was largely reduced to a state of ruin. The front porch was damaged, several windows were broken, the front of the structure bore a gaping hole, and debris littered the lawn. Due to a prior conviction, Kocsis was prohibited from owning guns, Cecchini said. Kocsis was arraigned on the sexual assault charges in early January. They stem from a 14-year-old girl alleging Kocsis had sex with her in July 2012. His case was scheduled for a settlement conference before Bay County District Judge Mark E. Janer at 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 26. At the time of the standoff, Kocsis was free on a $250,000 cash-surety bond, posted on his behalf by a bonding agency. Court records indicate his bond was revoked due to his alleged victim on Thursday, Feb. 18, filing a report that Kocsis had driven by her residence while she was parked in a car, and then drove at her car in an attempt to strike it. The state police are handling the criminal investigation while the public safety department will conduct a separate, internal inquiry. The VIPER officers are off work until the investigations conclude. Stockmeyer was treated for his wound at McLaren Bay Region hospital and released the day of the shooting, Cecchini said. Cecchini said he was grateful to community members for their support in the tense situation and its aftermath. As the standoff dragged on, citizens contributed coffee to the officers and the American Red Cross provided them with sub sandwiches, Cecchini said. "The support of the community has been great," he said. "I've received a lot of emails and various communications from the citizens of Bay City. A lot of well-wishes and great support." BAY CITY, MI -- News of "shots fired" on Sherman Street in Bay City first came over police scanners before noon Friday, Feb. 19. A police officer had been shot serving a felony arrest warrant. The standoff that ensued lasted almost 22 hours, ending when police entered the house at 600 N. Sherman St., at 9:11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, and found 38-year-old Leroi D. Kocsis dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In those tense hours, neighbors and friends of the gunman gathered near the standoff through the day and night. Several times, the popping sound of tear gas rounds were heard being fired into the house, and the gas was seen wafting from the scene. Here's a blow-by-blow rundown of the standoff: 11:45 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19: Four undercover officers with the Bay City Public Safety Department approach the house at 600 N. Sherman with a warrant for the arrest of Kocsis. The man fired at officers, and a bullet grazed the back of one of the officers. The gunman retreated into the house. Noon Friday: Officers from Bay City, the Bay County Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police, and eventually FBI negotiators, converge on the scene, closing several nearby streets. About 12:30 p.m. Friday: McLaren Bay Region hospital is put on lockdown, with nobody allowed in or out, for about 2 1/2 hours until more is known about the situation on Sherman Street. The officer who was shot was at the hospital for treatment. In addition, nearby Immanuel Lutheran School and Bay City Academy go into "secure mode" to protect children in classes there. 12:40 p.m.: Kocsis takes to his Facebook page and makes the first of several declarations on social media during the siege: "I love everybody n my daughter n corrupt police have forced my hand." 1 p.m. Friday: Bay City Public Safety Director Michael J. Cecchini identified the man as Kocsis. Kocsis told police negotiators that he had people inside the house with him. Friday afternoon and evening: Friends of Kocsis offer encouragement and support to him on his public Facebook page. Some urge him to surrender peacefully. Other commenters rage against his actions. Negotiations were taking place between Kocsis and police. Police said they hoped to have Kocsis surrender peacefully. Police asked residents on North Sherman and Sheridan to leave their homes, according to multiple residents. Police were surveying the scene from some of those homes, according to residents. Friday afternoon: Cecchini said officers were trying to arrest Kocsis on a bond violation. In January, he was arraigned on two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a relation between the ages of 13 and 16. The charge is punishable by up to life imprisonment. Mid-afternoon: Neighbors express shock that a police standoff would unfold on their block. 6 p.m. Friday: Bay City Mayor Kathleen Newsham says public safety and the officers' safety are the top priority of the city during the standoff. 8:45 p.m. Friday: Police fired tear gas canisters into 600 N. Sherman St., the home owned by Kocsis, according to Michigan State Police Special 1st Lt. David Kaiser. At 9:23 p.m., additional shots of some kind were heard. About that same time, a vehicle was towed from around Kocsis' house. Early Saturday morning: The neighborhood is quiet, and Cecchini describes the situation in a video by the eirie flashes of police lights, Dawn Saturday: Police said they hadn't heard from Kocsis for hours as the standoff continues. 9:11 a.m.: Police enter the house and find Kocsis dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Saturday morning: At a press conference, Cecchini said no other people were found in the house after the standoff. Kocsis apparently was alone the entire time. 10 a.m. Saturday: Police said they were working to get electrical and gas service restored that was cut off to the neighborhood during the siege so people could return to their homes. DETROIT, MI -- Parolee Marcus Hightower, 33, wanted in connection with missing 4-year-old Savannah Walker and her mother, Heidi Walker, turned himself into Detroit police Sunday morning. As of Monday, he remained jailed but hadn't been charged with any crime, Detroit Police Officer Dan Danikowski said. "There's no new information," the officer said Monday morning. The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said it hadn't received a warrant review request from state or Detroit police as of Monday morning. Walker and Savannah were last seen with Hightower in Detroit and he was listed as a suspect on the Amber alert issued by the state police after 2 a.m. Saturday. Less than four hours later, the bodies of a female and a child were found in a burned, vacant house on Detroit's east side. The house on Lakeview Street is about three miles from the Cadillac Boulevard address listed in the alert. Authorities have not yet identified the bodies, a process state police reported Sunday could take "a few days." The deaths could be linked to the Amber alert, Detroit Police Chief James Craig said. "Preliminarily we believe it could be the missing mother and daughter, but we can't confirm that." Autopsies were performed on the bodies by the Wayne County Medical Examiner Sunday. " ... They are unidentified and the cause and manner is pending," Wayne County spokesman Lloyd Jackson said in an email. "The Medical Examiner is waiting for a positive ID from family so no further information can be released until a positive ID is made." Police were looking for Hightower and a black 2004 Ford Explorer, which has since been located by Detroit police, according to an updated Amber alert. Walker and Savannah were first reported missing on Tuesday, Feb. 16, in Livingston County. Walker's adult daughter went to the police with "sketchy" information that her mother might be dead, according to the county sheriff and undersheriff. A deputy did some work on her case, including tracking Walker's cell phone to Detroit, and then recommended she contact authorities with jurisdiction, such as the state or Detroit police. Hightower is on parole for assault with intent to do great bodily harm and other crimes. He was sentenced in November 2007 in Wayne County to at least five years in prison and released in September 2014, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records. In addition to assault, he has been convicted of second-degree child abuse and weapons offenses. Anyone with information related to the Amber alert is asked to call 313-596-1616 or 911. FENTON TWP, MI - Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell said it appears it was a tragic accident that led to the death of four children and two adults Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 at a home in Fenton Township. Police were called shortly after 2 p.m. Feb. 21 to the 13000 block of Stony Brook Pass in the Stony Brook subdivision where they discovered the family dead in different rooms inside the two-story home. "It appears that the accident may be caused by carbon monoxide in the home," said Pickell. The four children, including three boys and one girl, were 2, 4, 7, and 9-years-old. A generator had been running inside the lower level family inside the home, Pickell said. He described them as "a very loving Christian family who attends church regularly." The family had suffered a power outage Friday, with the last contact by anyone made around 9:30 p.m. Feb. 19. The father of the husband at the home discovered the family on Sunday, Pickell said. The state Department of Health and Human Services estimates that hundreds die and thousands are sickened each year by carbon monoxide across the country. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is produced when fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil are burned. Deadly fumes can develop within minutes in enclosed spaces, entering the bloodstream and cutting off delivery of oxygen to the body's organs and tissues. The first symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may be headache, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, and nausea. As more of this gas is inhaled, it can cause unconsciousness, brain damage and even death, according to DHHS. Thirty four people in Michigan were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning in 2013, according to the most recent state statistics. The leading cause for those deaths was faulty furnaces or water heaters, followed by generators. Four years ago, three people were killed in a Christmas Day carbon monoxide poisoning that officials blamed on a faulty furnace. Earlier this month, a Kalamazoo man was killed and five others sickened by a carbon monoxide leak in a Cass County home. After waiting to enter the home because of toxic fumes inside, Pickell said "We're in the house now and we're going to start going room to room and identifying the family members." Deputies from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, along with Fenton Township firefighters, Linden police, and a crew from Consumers Energy. Genesee County Undersheriff Chris Swanson had described the scene as "horrific" after investigators were able to enter the home, a sentiment echoed by Pickell. "It's very difficult just talking to the undersheriff who was in the house and saw all the bodies in the different rooms," he said. "No matter how long how many investigations we conduct, seeing young children, an entire family wiped out is just a very, very sad thing." Pakistani clerics block un-Islamic child marriage bill Pakistani lawmakers have withdrawn a proposal to impose harsher penalties on those who arrange child marriages after it was scuttled by a religious body who branded it "blasphemous" and against Islam, sources told AFP Friday. The proposal, which would also have raised the legal age of marriages for females from 16 to 18, called for "rigorous" punishment up to two years in prison for those who organize child marriages, still common in some parts of Pakistan. Marvi Memon, a member of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), had moved to amend existing child marriage legislation in the lower house but was forced to withdraw her bid after it was rejected by a parliamentary committee on religious affairs, a source familiar with the development told AFP. A representative from the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) had dubbed the amendment to the Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Bill 2014 as "anti-Islamic" and "blasphemous" during the committee meeting, the source said. The CII was formed in 1962 to advise parliament on the compatibility of laws with Sharia. Its recommendations are non-binding, and it has drawn widespread criticism in the past for other rulings -- including in 2013, when it suggested making DNA inadmissible evidence in rape cases, instead calling for the revival of an Islamic law that makes it mandatory for a survivor to provide four witnesses to back their claims. "Marvi wanted deletion of the word 'simple' punishment for those involved in arranging child marriages to 'rigorous' or 'two-year' punishment in the actual legislation," the parliamentary source, who did not want to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter, told AFP. "Marvi also wanted the age for girls' marriage to be raised from 16 years to 18 years, which does not in any way violate the teachings of Islam," the source said. The original law stipulates the age of marriage at 16 for women and 18 for men but Pakistani religious scholars believe it is not in accordance with Islamic teachings. They say there is no specific age limit for marriage in Sharia as an individual can marry when he or she reaches puberty and puberty cannot be defined by age. Rights activists strongly criticized the rejection of bill. "It is a pity that the committee came under the pressure of the council's unjust ruling," leading rights activist I.A. Rehman told AFP. Branding the decision "absurd", he warned the council was paving the way for its own disbandment and calling its stance a setback to efforts to safeguard human rights in Pakistan. Because there are fewer crimes more disgusting than this:As if theres not enough sick old perverts getting their hands on children, they also get religious sanction? Seriously, this is one fucked up religion. Not bad enough that women get treated like shit over there, now the children are subjected to the sick desires of some ancient pedophile who is incapable of courting a full grown woman oh wait, they all get married off at puberty. Can any of these deviants get off on another adult? Probably not. And the real reason behind this horrific nonsense is that some mullah or sheik or whatever gets tired of their current squeeze, so they go out and marry another child.And dont give me any of that moral relativist bullshit dont care that its part of their religion or culture or whatnot. Messing with kids is the act of a coward a psychosexual crippled braindead set of nerve endings that has to rationalize the ugliness with religion.Short eyed shitbags. Sickening.Till the next post then. Engineers will have to acquire a professional licence if they want to practise in Myanmar in future. Though the law requiring registration was passed two years ago, authorities have been slow in enforcing it. There are about 500 registered senior engineers (RSE) and 350 professional engineers (PE) in the country who hold engineering licences. Many more are working without licences, said Myanmar Engineering Council (MEC) chair U Win Myint, who is also deputy minister for construction. As reported in state-owned media, at a recent ceremony awarding PE certificates, U Win Myint said, Engineers who work without a licence face action under the law. The announcement led to a flood of applications for licences to the engineering council, according to one engineer, who requested anonymity. Engineers now need a licence the way doctors need a medical licence to practise here, he said. However, MEC vice chair U Aung Myint told The Myanmar Times that the focus was mainly on ensuring chief engineers are licensed, as they bear special responsibility for on-site operations. The engineer-in-charge must have a licence [PE or RSE] issued by the council. Other engineers can work under their supervision, he said. RSE engineers can lead construction projects of up to eight storeys, and PE engineers can work on buildings with eight storeys or more, he said, nothing that there has been an increase in applications for both qualifications. But critics say the system of awarding licences is haphazard and the content of the exams is not relevant to real engineering work. Ko Wai Lin Aye, general field engineer at Schlumberger, said, Many people arent happy with the process. He said the MEC had no standardised system or plan for awarding licences, and that the content of the courses was not relevant to engineering in practice. Civil engineer Ma Thair Nu Swe, who has five years experience, said acquiring a licence was time-consuming, particularly for engineers who were already working. When I started work no licence was required. Now that I have to get one, its difficult to find the time. There are so many unlicensed engineers. They should allow time for us to get the qualification, she said. Yangon requires a separate licence for civil engineers on construction projects, issued by Yangon City Development Committee s Department of Engineering (Building). Deputy department head U Nay Win said some engineers working in the city would need both qualifications. We grant building permits to projects supervised by an engineer with a YCDC licence. Holders of the PE or RSE licence have to have the city licence as well, because they have to be familiar with city regulations, he said. Born in Myanmar, educated at UC Berkeley, knitwear wunderkind Steven Oo has the fashion world in stitches the cozy, sexy kind, that is. After an explosive start saw him debut his graduate collection at the prestigious NY Fashion Week in 2010, he now prefers a slow-and-steady approach to building a career, speaking to Weekend like a seasoned veteran of the trade. Youve made quite a name for yourself how does it feel to be so successful at such a young age? Truth is, Im not so young. Born in 1984, I just turned 31, and having finished college and graduate school Ive already worked in the industry for six years now. How has your and your familys lives changed following your success? I dont think our lives have changed per se but since the industry I am in is much different from what they are used to doing, they sometimes feel that my job is more fun and playful because I work with models, photographers, magazines and events. Theyre not quite used to the attention fashion commands in a way. Where do you stay most often? Do you miss living in Myanmar? Did you make it back to vote? I like to say I live in the skies because I do a lot of travelling. I have moved my bases every couple of years from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and now to Shanghai. I do eventually hope to return to Myanmar and operate out of there but the current circumstances arent ideal for my industry. And unfortunately a volcano in Bali exploded which resulted in the cancellation of my trip back to Yangon in November. What do you like or dislike about your career? The ever-changing cycle of fashion. I live for the creative aspect of my industry but the commercial aspect sometimes overpowers the creative part. Luckily, I have branched into different areas of design, both creative and commercial, for a fulfilling career. What influences your aesthetic? Do you have any style idols? Most of my inspiration comes from textural patterns from both nature and architecture. Knitwear design is different, in that we are designing the textile as well as the style, so I have a deep interest in interesting textures to translate to stitches. Where do you draw inspiration from? Because I design multiple lines, I get inspiration from different sources. For my commercial lines, the inspirations are simpler as the garments created needs to have a saleable value to them but for my creative projects, I usually get inspiration from nature and architecture. Anything else to say? Fashion is an industry that is very good at packaging. What you see on the outside will always be the flawless beautiful side of it, but most people do not understand the inner belly of the beast without actually experiencing it. If anyone is truly passionate about being in the industry, they need to at least try interning at a real company. What design schools teach you does not include the harsh realities of the outside world. The fighting may have died down in northern Shan State, but the scars, physical and mental, remain. Tensions are still high. Armed clashes between the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army-South and the largely Palaung-speaking Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) have not resumed since February 19, and the wooded hillsides no longer ring with the echo of gunfire, at least for the time being. On the front line of the conflict, in Kyaukme township, villagers near the conflict zone are clearly traumatised. Thousands of families have been driven from their homes in 23 villages, with most taking refuge in monasteries. Many are angry at the TNLA aggression that they believe started the fighting, and have accused the group of a range of human rights abuses. U Han, 69, an ethnic Shan living in Nyaung Bin Hla village, said the RCSS/SSA controlled a nearby mountain, Loiyin, a communications centre for the troops in the area. On February 12, fighting broke out between the RCSS and TNLA troops based in his village and four others near the mountain on February 12, and continued non-stop for 12 days, he said. We live very humbly. We even feed anyone who comes to our village. But we have greatly suffered from this conflict, he said, clearly angry. He showed a reporter from The Myanmar Times the bullet holes inside and outside his house and the damage done to his truck by gunshots fired by the TNLA. They shot at my home, even though they knew no soldiers were inside, he said. All the men in Nyaung Bin Hla village took to the hills to hide when the Palaung army came, for fear of being beaten or worse on suspicion of favouring the enemy, he said. This area has been under RCSS control for 10 years, but the Palaung army arrived just three years ago, he said. On the other side of the hill, villagers in Nyaung Maung showed a reporter four houses that had been burned down. They said eight civilians had been ill-treated by the TNLA soldiers. Ma Hsang Loi, 33, said she refused to flee when the fighting broke out because she had to look after her sisters three young children. When TNLA soldiers came on February 7, they arrested six villagers on suspicion of supporting the RCSS, she said. Her 73-year-old father, U Hsang Taw, and another villager were detained and tortured when they tried to persuade the TNLA to let the villagers go, she said. They put a gun near my fathers head and fired several times, and kicked him in the jaw so hard he could not eat for days, she said. Her father and the others were released on February 13, she said. Daw Par Mine, 56, said Palaung-speaking TNLA soldiers had tied her up in her house, and she had seen them beat and kick villagers. Speaking through an interpreter, she said she had done her best to feed the victims. They put three villagers in Palaung uniform and forced them to march in front of them to the mountain where the RCSS [was positioned]. The villagers were all crying, she said. Her brother, U Hsang Taw, 70, was one of the victims. They managed to escape when the TNLA column struck a landmine. The TNLA forced the women in the village to cook and carry water for them until they left the village on February 14. I wont have Palaung people in my home any more, she said. At least six RCSS/SSA soldiers and a civilian, a 15-year-old boy, were killed during shelling, she said. The RCSS refused to confirm the figure. Not all villagers accuse TNLA troops of committing abuses. Daw Myint Myint Than, a resident of Nyaung Bin Hla, said the Palaung soldiers did not mistreat residents, but they confiscated eight mobile phones. A Palaung soldier found K400,000 and jewellery that a villager had lost, and gave it back to him, she said. She said she had prepared meals for both armies when they occupied her village. I dont hate Palaung people. Not all of them are bad, she said. Sergeant Sai Loi, the head of an RCSS squad, said that the RCSS would continue to fight until the TNLA had been driven from around Loiyin mountain. Palaung civilians may pass through the territory, but not soldiers, he said. It was not possible to confirm claims by RCSS soldiers that Kachin-speaking soldiers in TNLA uniform had also been involved in the fighting, including a 300-strong detachment of the Kachin Independence Army. But TNLA chair Tar Aik Bong said this information had been fabricated by our enemy ... to draw other ethnic nationals into the conflict. We do not have KIA fighters. Neither the Kokang [Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army] nor the KIA supported us in the current fighting. These groups even urged us to hold talks. Saying they are acting behind the scenes is a baseless accusation, he told The Myanmar Times in Chiang Mai. On the accusations of rights abuses by TNLA soldiers, he was more equivocal but said all information coming from the conflict area needed to be examined closely. The real situation should be known exactly. There may be some accusations that differ from the real situation on the ground. The RCSS/SSA signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement last October in Nay Pyi Taw, but the TNLA did not, having been excluded from the process by the government. Only eight of the more than 20 ethnic armed groups in the country signed the document, a development thought to have exacerbated the conflict in some parts of the country, where former allies are now on opposing sides. Members of parliament have called on armed groups engaged in fighting in Shan State to drop their weapons and head to the negotiating table. Shan Nationalities League for Democracy MP U Sai Wan Hlaing Kham said on February 18 that some TNLA members wanted to stop fighting. The clashes between the TNLA and the RCSS since February 7 have reportedly displaced more than 5000 people in northern Shan State. Additional reporting by Lun Min Mang An umbrella organisation of ethnic armed groups has formed a five-member team to help negotiate an end to fighting in northern Shan State that has forced up to 5000 people to flee their homes. The United Nationalities Federal Council formed the team at a four-day emergency meeting in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, that ended yesterday. Clashes erupted between the Restoration Council of Shan State and the Taang National Liberation Army a UNFC member on February 7. A Myanmar Times reporter in Kyaukme township said the fighting had largely stopped there on February 19, but the situation remains tense. UNFC deputy leader Naing Han Thar, who is also a senior official of the New Mon State Party, will lead the team. UNFC spokesperson Khoo Oo Re said on the sidelines of the meeting in Chiang Mai that he did not think a negotiated solution would be easy to achieve. The team will start by negotiating with each side separately. Both sides have their own stance that cannot easily be understood by others. The new negotiating team will first learn the real situation between the two groups so that it can help them reach a solution, he said. TNLA officials told The Myanmar Times last week that it was still too early for them to sit at the same table with the RCSS because fighting is continuing. Both sides have blamed each other of starting the conflict, while residents affected by the violence have accused both groups of committing rights abuses. Meanwhile, in its statement at the end of the Chiang Mai meeting, the UNFC condemned what it described as the governments use of the nationwide ceasefire agreement to widen divisions among ethnic armed groups. We strongly condemn the governments strategy of divide and rule, which promotes hatred and conflict among ethnic nationals, the statement said. The nationwide ceasefire was signed in October 2015 by eight armed groups, including the RCSS. No current members of the UNFC are signatories. Two armed groups the Chin National Front and the Pa-Oh National Liberation Organization were suspended from the UNFC after signing the ceasefire. With the countrys deadly jade industry increasingly under international scrutiny after hundreds of scavengers were buried in landslides, the Amyotha Hluttaw is taking the infamously unregulated extractive industries sector to task. The illegal plundering of natural resources will be put to an end, according to National League for Democracy MP from Kayin U Saw Moe Myint, who is also a member of the Amyothas natural resources and environmental conservation committee. The committee is to try to prohibit illegal excavation of minerals in Myanmar during the five-year term of this parliament, he told The Myanmar Times after parliament on February 19. How exactly the illicit and highly lucrative exploitation of resources will be stopped he didnt say. It is the responsibility not only of the government but also of the companies investing in mining which need to collaborate with experts so that proper supervision and accountability are brought to the sector, U Saw Moe Myint said. He added that the current mines extracting precious gems, oil, minerals, offshore natural gas and other resources do not comply with international standards. Experts and concerned departments are unable to supervise these sizeable industries throughout the country, which has led to environmental degradation and poor safety practices. According to the Natural Resource Governance Institute, Myanmar ranked last out of 58 countries surveyed on legislative protections, reporting practices, safeguards and quality control, and corruption. In all four benchmarks, Myanmar was perceived as failing. The NLD has promised to oversee fair distribution across a federal Union of profits reaped through natural resource extraction. Billions of dollars are at stake, most of which is currently lining the pockets of state- and military-owned enterprises. The jade industry alone has been valued around US$31 billion per year, or about half the nations GDP. According to the NRGI, more transparency and greater autonomy over natural resource revenue streams could be integral to peace building in resource-rich, conflict-ridden states like Kachin, Shan and Rakhine. In a recent report, the institute urged establishing a public consensus on resource revenue sharing. I believe that these situations will be rectified through proper channels, said MP U Saw Moe Myint. As for our committee, we will try to retain our environment resources such as water, land and forest that are being destroyed by mining unsystematically, he said. The candidates for the 15-member Amyotha Hluttaw natural resources and environmental conservation committee were submitted for consideration on February 19. The committee will be headed by U Kyaw Thiha, NLD MP for contituency 12 in Mandalay Region, while U Sa Khin Zaw Lin, NLD MP for Ayeyarwady Region will serve as a secretary. The members are U Saw Moe Myint, NLD, Kayin; U Khan Maung Myint, NLD, Kachin; U Ye Htut, NLD, Sagaing; U Khin Maung Win, NLD, Sagaing; U Nyi Sein, Taarng (Palaung) National Party; Daw Thiri Yadanar, NLD, Mon; U Sai Thar Sein, USDP, Kayah; Daw Shan Mu, NLD, Kayah; U Han Win Thein, Thanintharyi, NLD; U Myint Naing, Arakan National Party, Rakhine; U Tun Tun Oo, NLD, Mandalay; U Maung Maung Ohn, NLD, Ayeyarwady; and military MP Lieutenant Colonel Tun Myint. Committee chair U Kyaw Thiha said that the group will aim to ensure wealth from mineral resources is put to use for the country, and to control excavation of minerals so as not to destroy the environment by excessive or irresponsible extraction. Mineral resources are very important for the country. Excavating excessively could lead to major environmental impacts on the country. So the committee is formed as a check and balance on the mining sector, he said. Translation by Thiri Min Htun Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will today meet her partys Speakers from the state and regional parliaments in Nay Pyi Taw, although they say they are in the dark as to why they have been summoned to the capital. The talks come ahead of a meeting tomorrow with all 14 regional Speakers including those from Shan State and Rakhine State, who are not from the National League for Democracy where they will discuss the formation of the Myanmar Parliamentary Union. The MPU will comprise the Speakers and deputy speakers of each hluttaw and will be led by the chair of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. It is a new initiative from the NLD no such body existed in the previous parliament and is designed to improve coordination between the various legislative bodies, according to the NLD. U Aung Kyaw Oo, Speaker of the Mandalay Region hluttaw, told The Myanmar Times that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will meet the Speakers today at an office in the parliamentary compound. He said he had not been told what was on the agenda and expected to spend most of the meeting listening. I do not plan to raise any issues about our regional parliament. I will go to listen to what Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has to say to us. I think she will speak to us about the parliamentary process, he said. In contrast, Yangon Region Hluttaw Speaker U Tin Maung Tun said he will discuss his plans for parliamentary committees and several other issues during the meeting. As The Myanmar Times reported last week, the Speaker has said he will form nine committees in the Yangon Region Hluttaw a significant change in policy from the last parliament, when the Union Solidarity and Development Party Speaker refused to form more than two. NLD spokesperson U Tun Tun Hein confirmed the meeting with the NLD Speakers would take place today but said he was also unsure of the agenda. I think the meeting has been arranged by the [Daw Aung San Suu Kyis] office, not the NLD headquarters, he said. Thanks to its crushing win in the November 2015 election, the NLD was able to appoint the Speakers and deputy speakers in 12 of the 14 state and region parliaments. In Rakhine State, a representative of the Arakan National Party which holds a near-majority was appointed Speaker, while the military and USDP combined their seats in the Shan State Hluttaw to elect a USDP official as Speaker. Government plans to coax armed groups that refused to sign the nationwide ceasefire back to the negotiating table may already have hit a snag, with armed group sources saying they are already headed for a dispute over the format of the meetings. Chief government negotiator U Aung Min was scheduled to fly to Chiang Mai today to meet with non-signatory armed groups, after announcing plans to reinvigorate the peace process over the weekend. But sources in the United Nationalities Federal Council, which includes nine armed groups that did not sign the ceasefire, said yesterday they expected the trip to be postponed because the government wanted to negotiate with armed groups individually. They have instead demanded collective talks. Myanmar Peace Center officials insisted last night that the trip was going ahead as planned. A source among the eight signatories to the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), which was signed in October 2015, confirmed that the government is seeking meetings with individual armed groups. He said the government wants to focus its attention on negotiating a deal with a number of influential members of the UNFC, particularly the Kachin Independence Organisation, rather than all of the blocs members. He said U Thein Sein is likely to try to hold another ceasefire signing ceremony before he leaves office on March 30. I think U Thein Sein will try to sign the NCA with some non-signatory groups, said the armed group leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Analysts say the decision to reach out to the groups is a move designed to polish the legacy of the outgoing government, with the incoming National League for Democracy-backed administration due to take over in little more than a month. The plan was announced at a meeting of the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee on February 20. The committee was formed by armed groups that signed the ceasefire, together with representatives of the government, military and political parties. U Aung Min said at the meeting he would travel to Chiang Mai to try to bring [armed groups] into the NCA community. As the NCA has been signed by some groups and the process for political dialogue is starting, it is a good time if they want to participate in the process, he said. Myanmar Peace Center official U Aung Naing Oo said U Aung Min would listen to what they say and urge them to sign the ceasefire. Unity has been a source of controversy for ethnic armed groups for decades. In the 1980s and 90s, most cut bilateral deals with the government but were left disappointed that these did not lead to any political settlement. The issue reappeared when the government excluded three armed groups from signing the NCA because they were fighting the Tatmadaw in the Kokang region. This prompted most members of the UNFC to boycott the agreement, despite having previously agreed on the text of the ceasefire. The governments latest strategy appears designed to test their resolve again. But senior officials within the UNFC said there would be no budging on the collective negotiation policy. At a four-day emergency meeting in Chiang Mai that ended yesterday, they formed a new negotiating body, the Delegation for Political Negotiation, to lead talks between non-signatories and the government. The 11-member team includes one representative from each UNFC member, and two representing the bloc as a whole. We will not meet the government separately. We will meet under the UNFC name, said Khoo Oo Re, the groups general secretary and spokesperson. This delegation will negotiate with both the new and current governments. He said that in order to reach the UNFCs goals a genuine federal Union, democracy, national equality and self-determination the first step was to stop the fighting. We will then seek a political solution collectively. All who should be involved [in negotiations] will be allowed to [participate] at a level suitable for them, he said. The UNFC resolution on collective negotiating highlights the challenges that Daw Aung San Suu Kyis NLD government will face once it takes office. She has promised to assume leadership over the peace process and said she wants to bring all groups back to the negotiating table. However, Myanmars constitution and political context dictate that she will not have a free hand to enter talks with ethnic armed groups. The military will control several key ministries in her cabinet, as well as the National Defence and Security Council. Constitutional blocks mean that she will likely need military support to become president an outcome that would require her to make some significant concessions. Another development in Chiang Mai could complicate the peace process further. According to Khoo Oo Re, at least three armed groups have requested to join the UNFC in recent months. These include the recently renamed Democratic Karen Buddhist Army formerly known as the Klohtoowar group which is led by two sacked members of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army. We dont want conflicts by bringing more groups into the UNFC. And we replied to them that we cannot currently deal with the matter and would take time to learn if their applications should be considered, Khoo Oo Re said. The application from the Arakan Army consumed a significant portion of the Chiang Mai meeting. The AA was one of the three groups excluded from the peace process along with the Taang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army due to their involvement in the fighting in the Kokang region last year. Its acceptance into the UNFC is far from straightforward. Like former armed ethnic group alliance the National Democratic Front, the UNFC has a policy of only allowing in one armed group from each ethnicity, and it already counts the Arakan National Council among its members. Khoo Oo Re said he believed the two Rakhine groups should negotiate first and see if they can combine into a single force within the UNFC. Such unification would improve their representation and they will be able to gain more support from their people, he said. The groups application to enter the armed ethnic bloc will be reviewed and discussed at the UNFC annual conference, which will probably be held in August. Additional reporting by Thu Thu Aung The US embassy in Yangon said it was deeply concerned over clashes involving ethnic armed groups and the military in northern Myanmar that have displaced thousands of people, warning that the violence threatened to unravel the countrys delicate peace process. Heavy bouts of fighting broke out last week in Shan State between two ethnic armed groups in the region, the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA). The US embassy is deeply concerned about ongoing clashes in Shan State involving the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), and the military, the embassy said in a statement published late on February 19. We urge all sides to exercise restraint and recommit to dialogue so that the peace process may remain on track, and those displaced can return to their homes and resume their lives, it said. Since the beginning of the month at least 4300 people have fled their homes seeking refuge from the violence, according to estimates from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The conflict has exploded in townships in the north of Shan State a region home to the Palaung ethnic group, whose interests the TNLA says it represents. The RCSS has previously been based further south. The TNLA has accused the Myanmar army of assisting the RCSS, which is one of eight groups that signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement with the government and the military in October. The TNLA was blocked from participating in the peace process by the government, and was one of around a dozen armed groups that did not sign the accord. Five foreigners accused of multiple offences of fraud involving the use of fake bank cards or electronic equipment to withdraw cash can be tried together, Yangon Regions High Court has decided. The decision means that the cases of a British man and four Indian citizens will be taken up together and that separate trials in each of the eight townships where the alleged offences were committed will no longer be required. U Yan Naing, who represents the defendants, had applied to the High Court for the amalgamation of their cases in order to speed up the legal process, which has been lagging. Niranjan Rasalingam, a 29-year-old accounting graduate from the UK, was initially charged with credit card fraud. He was arrested following a complaint from KBZ Bank on November 22, 2014, after using prepaid cards from the UK-based Tesco Bank to withdraw cash from ATMs in Yangons Pabedan and Botahtaung townships. He denies the charges. Speaking through his legal team on February 16, Mr Rasalingam told The Myanmar Times that he was detained for three days in a police station, while being denied both food and consular access. He said he had only signed the confession which was in Myanmar language, which he does not read, write or speak due to hunger and fatigue. Two of the Indian defendants, Pandiyan Balu and Rajkumar, stand accused of credit card fraud committed on November 16, 2014. However, stamps in their passports indicate that they arrived in Myanmar only on November 18, the Indian embassy in Yangon has confirmed. Indian diplomat Neil Jain said the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs had failed to respond to a letter from the Indian embassy about the case. We will take it up again with them. At the same time we are meeting the family members and lawyers, said Mr Jain. One of the Indian nationals remains at large. According to police, the four men stole funds from six private banks on 58 occasions, and when three of them were arrested they were in possession of 35 bank cards, two memory sticks, an iPad and over K2.5 million. A Botahtaung Township Court official said, Since the number of townships these foreigners are accused of committing offences in is so great, there are practical difficulties in proceeding with the charges separately. He said the cases had now been referred to the Yangon Region High Court, although no date has yet been set for the start of the hearing. In a separate fraud case, a Bulgarian defendant, named as Dimo Velinov Ivanov, was arrested in December 2014 after a police investigation involving checks at airports, hotels and guesthouses. The Bulgarian defendant, along with an at-large acomplice, is accused of fraudulently withdrawing millions of kyat from ATM machines. A police raid of the mans room at City Star Hotel, Kyauktada township, Yangon, netted nearly K50 million (US$38,500), as well as hundreds of smart cards and electronic equipment suggesting fraudulent card use. Over the years, I have been lucky enough to visit most of the countrys major provincial hubs. From Kengtung to Myitkyina, Dawei to Sittwe, I find they each have a unique appeal. With variations in local food, language and culture, these towns are excellent examples of Myanmars diversity. Sadly, they also showcase shared experiences of mismanagement during the decades of choking military rule. Regional garrisons take up prime real estate and, in some towns, people lament that only the roads used by the local commander get first-class upgrades. They hope that the National League for Democracy can offer better government. A whole new generation of legislators is expected to rapidly master official responsibilities. Tempered expectations are prudent but, in the long term, prosperous and peaceful provincial towns should be the priority for the NLD. Why does this matter? First of all, these towns all service vast hinterland regions. For the majority of Myanmars people, many tens of millions, they offer a rare window into rapidly changing economic and political conditions. Bustling with commerce and energy, far from the razzle-dazzle of Yangon, or the uber-elite preoccupations of Nay Pyi Taw, each presents a glimpse of what the country could become. Thriving towns will have improved healthcare, education, communication and transportation. Everyone benefits when opportunities in provincial areas grow to match what is on offer in the cities. Second, all the big towns see people on the move. Many are migrants from the countryside, hoping to exchange their sweat and toil for a regular cash payment. Others have made some money and are looking to get up the first entrepreneurial rungs. Then there are those who use their time in the provinces to save and plan for the next journey toward social and economic success: Mandalay, Yangon or beyond. This connective role becomes apparent when you spend an afternoon at a bus station, down by a river port, at a railway terminus or waiting for the next flight out of town. While journeys are long and often bumpy, there is no shortage of people queuing to get on the move. Third, the major provincial centres are already hotspots of political intrigue. The stories do not always make the national news, but there is no doubting the level of local interest in electoral competition. Under the 2008 constitution, it is the 14 state and region capitals that host the most accessible sphere of legislative action. In many cases, the hluttaws have taken up space in old State Peace and Development Council facilities. After the 2010 election, meeting rooms of the dictatorship were retrofitted as legislative chambers. These are the same chambers that are now welcoming the red wave of victorious NLD politicians. They carry the hopes of local voters, fed up with the entrenchment of Tatmadaw interests. Finally, and most importantly, many of Myanmars provincial hubs are directly adjacent to areas defined by long-term conflict. The first time I went to Kengtung in the early 2000s, I remember a friendly Shan intellectual offering a potted history of the regions wars. By his count, there were elements from 34 different armies and militias in the surrounding mountains. I still dont know if that was an exaggeration. With such troubled histories, the peace process will rely on life getting better in the major towns. Hpa-an is another good example. The last time I drove the road out to Myawady on the Thai border a handful of armed groups, including the Tatmadaw, sought to control the traffic and collect their fees. Such low-level extraction fades into insignificance when we consider the super profits funnelled through towns like Lashio and Myitkyina. So much of Myanmars wealth is in the hands of those who call the shots in the provinces. None of this will get any easier to manage, at least until the central government can generate unanimous support for a muscled-up federal model. For now, there are already indications of direct challenges to the NLD, especially in Rakhine, Shan and Kachin states. It is not obvious that Daw Aung San Suu Kyis instinct for centralisation will offer the space for a new conversation with the provinces. Finding the right balance between local preferences and national politics will need goodwill on all sides. As these stories develop, it is helpful that better information now tends to be available promptly. When big news breaks in Sittwe or Dawei we usually hear about it before too long. Journalists can hunt around for local stories without much fear of official reprimand. Even foreign academics have succeeded in gaining long-term research access in important provincial towns. This new knowledge of local politics and economies will benefit national decision-making and should also help to dilute the emphasis on Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. Myanmars provincial towns will never get as much attention as their big-city peers. But their development should be watched carefully by anyone hoping to understand the next chapter of political and economic change. New Mandala Nicholas Farrelly is director of the Myanmar Research Centre at the Australian National University. His column appears in The Myanmar Times each Monday. [February 22, 2016] AppDirect Makes Major Expansion in EMEA with Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider Program Today at Mobile World Congress (News - Alert), AppDirect, the leader in cloud service commerce, announced several new partnerships and regional offices in Europe, highlighting the company's success in helping service providers and value-added resellers (VARs) go to market as Microsoft (News - Alert) Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partners. Dustin, one of the leading Nordic resellers of IT products and services, is one of AppDirect's newest partners in the region to join as a CSP. In addition, longtime AppDirect customers TeliaSonera, one of Europe's leading telecommunication service providers and Swisscom, Switzerland's leading telecommunications provider, have come online as CSP partners. AppDirect's growth in the region has been accelerated by increased demand for its cloud service commerce platform, which allows service provider and value-added reseller partners to sell cloud services such as Microsoft Office 365 to their business customers. AppDirect helps global providers sell Microsoft cloud solutions as both Microsoft Syndication and CSP customers through its flexible and extensible platform. For Syndication Partners, AppDirect offers Dual Service Management, a set of capabilities that eases the transition from the Syndication to CSP program by allowing partners to transact simultaneously as both partner types. For service providers and VARs that have not previously sold Microsoft services, AppDirect also enables companies to meet all Microsoft criteria, get to market, and begin selling Office 365 and other cloud services as approved CSP partners quickly and cost effectively. As demand to sell Microsoft cloud services through AppDirect's platform has intensified, AppDirect has opened new offices in London, England, and expanded its Munich, Germany, offices to help service new and existing partners. In all, AppDirect now has offices in Munich, Montreal, Ottawa, Boulder, Calgary, London, Paris, San Francisco, Stockholm, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo. Additionally, with its recent acquisition of cloud and technical support services provider Radialpoint, AppDirect now provides partners with the "human element" for selling, onboarding and supporting Office 365 and other SaaS (News - Alert) applications via its premium support services. These services ensure that AppDirect partners can sell and onboard Office 365 users quickly, reliably and with zero downtime. "Microsoft's cloud services are some of the world's most widely used business applications," said Richard Dufty, Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Strategic Partnerships at AppDirect. "For modern-day service providers and VARs, selling services like Office 365, CRM and Enterprise Mobility Suite offers a huge opportunity to keep an ongoing and lasting relationship with business customers. Through the AppDirect platform, we're able to help any service provider, whether they've sold Microsoft's products before or not, get up and running quickly as a Cloud Solution Provider and begin monetizing Office 365 and many other business applications." Supporting Quotes from AppDirect's EMEA Partners: Dustin "We're focused on helping our customers find the best solutions for their IT challenges so they can focus on their core business. The cloud-based business model is becoming more predominant and our partnership with AppDirect is an important step in helping our customers across the Nordic region on their cloud journey," said Jens Haviken, Head of Services and B2B Norway. Swisscom "Swisscom has helped people access new technologies for more than 150 years and we're proud to continue that tradition by constantly opening new possibilities for our customers," said Thomas Bachofner, Head of Products & Marketing Small and Medium Enterprises at Swisscom. "Cloud-based applications such as Microsoft Office 365 are making it easier for businesses to succeed. Complimentary to our communications and IT offerings, we see these cloud services as critical to helping us deliver value to our customers. Working as a Microsoft CSP partner with AppDirect, we know we can get Office 365 to customers faster and more seamlessly than ever." TeliaSonera "We're bringing the world closer for millions of customers everyday through the services they need and use," said Fredrik Lundberg (News - Alert), Global Partnership Manager at TeliaSonera. "AppDirect allows us to operate as a Microsoft CSP partner and put those services in our customers' hands." Solution providers and VARs who are interested in selling and distributing cloud services from Microsoft and thousands of other SaaS developers through AppDirect can go to http://go.appdirect.com/microsoft. About AppDirect AppDirect is the cloud service commerce leader making software and products accessible globally. The AppDirect cloud service commerce platform unites providers, developers and consumers of cloud services into a single ecosystem. This makes it easy for businesses to find, buy, manage and monitor cloud services from a central location and delivers new opportunities to distribute, sell, and market cloud services. AppDirect-powered marketplaces, billing and distribution, and reselling services help providers - including Telstra, ADP, Samsung, Deutsche Telekom and others - connect millions of businesses to solutions from Microsoft, Google, Box (News - Alert) and more. AppDirect is headquartered in San Francisco with global offices. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160221005060/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] According to a recent report from TrendForce, Chinese brands made up 40 percent of smartphone shipments last year, eating into the market shares of established brands like Apple, Samsung, HTC and LG. As a result, it seems these manufacturers have redoubled their smartphone efforts this year, with Samsungs Galaxy S7 promising a return to fan-favorite features like microSD storage and HTC focusing on mid-range offerings. LG, meanwhile, has taken a unique and exciting approach with the introduction of a modular smartphone at Mobile World Congress (MWC). The device, dubbed the LG G5, allows users to replace parts of the phone much like Googles Project Ara, but perhaps a bit less ambitious. This somewhat more conservative approach allows the G5 to offer a familiar Android-based mobile experience with a design that seems to be a natural evolution of LGs prior mobile devices. Key features of the G5 include a 5.3-inch display, two rear-facing cameras that allow users to capture 180-degree images, an eight-megapixel front-facing camera, and a removable battery. In fact, removing the battery is what reveals the modular design of the G5. The G5s modules, which LG calls its Friends, plug directly into the G5s bottom which, when removed, also pulls the battery from the interior of the phone. It may sound like a finicky process but, by all reports, its pretty smooth. The first module available for the device is the LG Cam Plus, which features an enlarged camera grip and extra battery power. A physical shutter button, dedicated video recording key and LED indicator enable the LG Cam Plus to provide a traditional camera experience with the G5. The second module is the LG Hi-Fi Plus, an external 32-bit DAC and amplifier combo unit tuned by Bang & Olufsen to provide a superior audio experience. Alongside the G5, LG also unveiled new VR offerings, including the LG 360, which enables 360-degree video recording; the LG 360 Viewer, a virtual reality headset; and the LG Rolling Cam, which is essentially a ball with a camera that can be controlled via smartphone. Edited by Rory J. Thompson HARARE - Ghanaian reggae star Blakk Rasta, 41, will be the star performer at the seventh edition of Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima) to be held on February 25 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC). The 2009 winner of the National Award for Cultural Excellence (Ghana) broke onto the music scene with the album Rasta Shrine that spawned the hits Afreeka swit and Keep on Rockin/ I & I Rastas. He has three albums under his belt with his most famous being his 2005 album Ganja Minister that featured British reggae artiste Macka B. Blakk Rasta, who is also a radio presenter on Hitz FM in the West African country, courted controversy in June last year after he alleged that 80 percent of members of Parliament in Ghana smoke marijuana. The reggae artistes controversial remarks led him to be hauled before that countrys Parliament where he was only forgiven after tendering an apology. Zima publicist Farai Chapoterera told a press conference yesterday that Blakk Rasta would be the headline act at a concert to be held in honour of President Robert Mugabe that will come immediately after the Zima ceremony. This years Zima Awards ceremony is running under the theme, Celebrating leadership through music. We will be using our platform as a major player in the music sphere to honour President Robert Mugabe. We are excited to announce an additional showpiece that will come hot on the trail of the awards ceremony. Zima will host a concert dubbed Well Done Bob. This concert is a musical celebration of Robert Mugabe the teacher, father, uncle, president and continental icon, she said. Chapoterera added that the concert, to be headlined by Blakk Rasta, will feature some of Zimbabwes leading musicians. Among his many hits, Blakk Rasta has penned a song titled Mugabe which is a tribute to the president. Blakk Rasta is scheduled to arrive in the country on February 20 and will perform both during the awards and at the Well Done Bob concert which will follow immediately after the awards ceremony. Apart from honouring local artistes, the forthcoming Zima will honour late reggae legend Bob Marley with a Lifetime Achievement Award even though the departed Jamaican stars family still hasnt communicated whether they will attend the event. We spoke to the right person Rita Marley and she was grateful about the recognition. We are still waiting for her confirmation if she will manage to come for the event, said Chapoterera. Yesterday Zima added two more categories the media category and the public vote categories to the list of nominees unveiled in September last year. We would also like to take this opportunity to announce additional nominees for the awards. The first are the top 10 nominees for the song of the year award. This is a public vote category and fans are encouraged to vote via whatsapp. Voters should send a message with the keyword ZIMA7 and the name of the song to 0718 678 601, she said. The songs that members of the public can vote for are: Eriza by Jah Prayzah, Alleluya by Roki and ExQ, Ebenezer by Rev T Chivaviro, Disappear by Winky D, Takuda Kumbofarawo by Killer T, Gulekwete by Soul Afrika, Makanaka Jesu by Michael Mahendere, Ndomira Pamuri by Janet Manyowa, Chimwe Nechimwe by Blessing Shumba and Kana Zvandibata by Fungisayi Zvakavapano-Mashavave featuring Killer T. Paulina Opei receving her plague fro Ag. CMO of MTN Noel Kojo-Ganson 22.02.2016 LISTEN A 57-year-old public health nurse, Paulina Opei, has been adjudged ultimate winner of MTN Heroes of Change season two and she walks away with a cash amount of GH100,000 from MTN to support her charity project. The MTN Heroes of Change gives out money to support an individual engaged in an extraordinary charity activity in Ghana. This is the second edition. Paulina Opei was among the top ten finalists shortlisted from over a thousand nominees who are all doing amazing charity projects across the country. She set up the 'Save Our Lives' orphanage at Anwia Nkwanta in the Ashanti Region for abandoned children and orphans from some of the most poverty-stricken communities in the country. Madam Opei runs the orphanage with her own salary and occasional donations from individuals and organisations. Apart from providing shelter and food, Madam Opei supports the orphans with formal education and provides them the opportunity to have a brighter future. It has not been easy. It is a surprise to me. Let me first of all give glory to God for how far He has brought us, Madam Opei noted and expressed gratitude to the MTN Foundation on behalf of the ten finalists after receiving her dummy cheque, a plaque and a citation. An amount of GH20,000 was also given to each of the three winners of the three respective categorieshealth, economic empowerment and educationwhile the seven other finalists walked home with an amount of GH5,000 each. . The education category was won by Pastor Joseph Jehu-Appiah, a pastor at the Victory Bible Church (Elohim Sanctuary). He set up the Mephibosheth Training Centre solely dedicated to caring for disabled children within the society. The children are schooled at the centre and are provided with clothing, food and housing facilities. Dr Emmanuel Bidzaikin, who established and runs the only hospital in Nakpanduri, a community in the Northern Region, won the health category, while Nayina Karim, a 46-year-old social entrepreneur who established a rehabilitation centre for malnourished children at Karaga in the Northern Region, won the economic empowerment category. The Chief Executive of MTN Ghana, Ebenezer Asante, speaking at the ceremony, encouraged the winners to continue to impact positively on the lives of the needy. The stories of the heroes should challenge all of us to go the extra mile in everything we do. For us at MTN, the greatest result we hope to see from this project is to see more heroes being born, the CEO added. Heroes of Change is sponsored by MTN and produced by Farmhouse Productions. Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - Four civilians were killed Monday when protests against United Nations peacekeepers turned violent in the Central African Republic, with gunfire and looting reported across the capital Bangui, the UN said. Five UN peacekeepers were among 14 people injured during the demonstrations called by a coalition of civil society groups to demand the withdrawal of the more than 10,000-strong MINUSCA force over alleged failures to stop the rise of armed militias. The groups also organised a one-day strike in the capital to press demands for a pullout. MINUSCA "intervened from the early hours of Monday in Bangui to dismantle the barricades erected by hostile demonstrators", the UN force said in a statement. The force said it "strongly condemns the incidents that struck several areas of the capital and regrets that they led to the death of four civilians and injured 14 people," adding that five of the injured were peacekeepers. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric called for calm in the capital and said that patrols would be strengthened. The MINUSCA statement rejected the protests as a "smear campaign" against the peacekeeping force, and threatened "international criminal prosecution" for those accused of violence against the mission. Armed militias have been blamed for dozens of deaths in recent weeks. Earlier this month, 30 people were killed and 57 wounded when fighters from the Muslim Seleka militia group staged an attack in the central town of Kaga Bandoro. A few days later, 11 people were shot dead in a camp for displaced people in Ngakobo, northeast of Bangui. The MINUSCA force is seeking to support the administration of President Faustin-Archange Touadera, who was elected in February. Gervais Lakosso, the coordinator of the civil society coalition calling for the UN to withdraw, said Monday that "wherever the UN forces go there is violence". "Civil society believes MINUSCA has shown passivity and complicity," he added. One of the world's poorest countries, the Central African Republic descended into sectarian bloodshed after the March 2013 ouster of president Francois Bozize, a Christian, by the Seleka rebel alliance. This triggered revenge attacks and a spiral of atrocities between Christian and Muslim groups in which thousands were slaughtered and a tenth of the population displaced. Accra, Feb. 20, GNA - The Ghana Education Service (GES) has urged Teacher Unions to exercise restraint as the relevant partners work in concert to ensure that the outstanding claims of teachers are properly validated before payment to save the national purse. Responding to the issues of arrears and the threat of industrial action at a press conference, held on Friday, the Director General of the GES, Mr Jacob Kor , said: 'The exercise to scrutinise documentation of all staff will continue until all bad nuts are removed. "Therefore Metropolitan, Municipal and District Directors of Education have to be diligent in scrutinising claim documents submitted by all GES staff". 'We have surplus money left and I see no reason why people should go on strike, it is unfortunate that the teacher unions have taken this stand despite all efforts by the National Labour Commission, Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Controller and Accountant General, Ministry of Finance, Ghana Education Service, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, and the teacher unions to come to an understanding." Mr Kor explained that the Non-Payment of Salary arrears to the 2013 and 2014 batches of newly recruited teachers, teachers on promotion, and those who were to be re-instated into the Service, was because the claims had to go through some processes. These include the collation of the names of the affected teachers and the validation of the claims before payment was made. Mr Kor said under the process for the resolution of all outstanding issues, it was scheduled to pay salary arrears on or before 30th June, 2015 under the auspices of the Chief Director of Ministry of Finance. However, it was later detected that some teachers were holding fake documents, including certificates to support their claims while others were not at post. He confirmed that out of the 14,575 input forms that were initially submitted for processing and payment, 6,268 were found to be genuine with all the supporting document, while the remaining 8,307 were queried by the Audit Service. The Director General said, as at December 31, last year, the genuine list of 6,383 beneficiaries were re-submitted through the Regional Education offices to the GES Headquarters by the district education offices while 7,750 supplementary input forms were awaiting submission to the Audit Service. 'Following a decision taken at a technical meeting in the presence of the teacher unions we have submitted the data of 7,590 applicants to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission with copies to the Ministry of Finance, 'he said. "All the 6,268 teachers whose claims were validated have since January 1, 2016 been dully paid. "Also, an amount of GH1,235,244.00 have been made as Vehicle Maintenance Allowances to deserving teachers". He said as at 30th October, last year, GH2,340,150.02 was being paid as transfer grant to 2,248 beneficiaries, while other monies had been paid in other allowances such as overtime to 1,781 staff of the GES. GNA 21.02.2016 LISTEN Accra, Feb 21, GNA - The Microfinance and Small Scale Loans Scheme (MASLOC) has disbursed 80 tricycles to the youth in the Western Region. The youth would receive the keys to the cycles after making part payment and they would pay the rest by installments during their use. Mrs Sedina Tamakloe Ationu, the Chief Executive Officer of MASLOC, who handed over the keys to 25 persons who had, however, made part a payment, entreated them to see the tricycle business as a viable venture that could change their living conditions because of the adherent profits. She said the provisions were also focused at reducing poverty under President Mahama's agenda of Transformation and Changing Lives. The tricycle business is to support the youth to engage in Youth in Agriculture and other activities that would enable them to lead meaningful and decent lives through their own innovations. GNA Cape Coast, Feb 21, GNA - A Coalition of Central Region Youth, fronted by the Cape Coast Polytechnic (C-Poly) Alumni Association, has said it may sue the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) over the selection of polytechnics for conversion to Technical Universities. It also appealed to President Mahama to hold on with making any statement regarding the selection and conversion of Polytechnics to technical universities in his State of the Nation address until this matter was resolved. The coalition, whose membership has risen to nine groups, in less than a week of its formation, has said it wanted the NCTE to provide satisfactory answers on the selection process and other related issues by Monday, February 22, otherwise it would consider other options. 'Our lawyers are looking at the possibility of taking legal action against the NCTE on the matter,' a statement read by the spokesperson of the Coalition, Mr. Richmond Yeboah, at a media conference, held on the C-Poly Campus, on Friday, stated. The statement, which was to rebut NTCE's response to the Coalition's enquiry into alleged unfairness in the selection process, described NTCE's response as 'unsatisfactory, hollow, and unacceptable'. It said the response suggested that NCTE had no justification or whatever to exclude the C-Poly from the list of six polytechnics to be converted without recourse to its ranking; and that it totally disagreed with the NTCE's position that the process was transparent and objective. Government is set to convert some polytechnics into technical universities in September in fulfilment of it's the National Democratic Congress's campaign promise of bridging the gap between academia and industry and training students with employable skills for economic transformation. At a media conference on Monday, February, 15 , the Coalition enquired why C-Poly had been left out of a list of six polytechnics to be converted in the first phase, though a technical committee set up by the NTCE in July last year, to assess the 10 polytechnics had ranked C-Poly as the sixth. The coalition did not understand why, Ho Polytechnic ,which was ranked seventh, was on the proposed list and, therefore, accused the Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Tertiary Education, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa of favoring Ho Polytechnic, in line with an alleged statement to the on the issue. The Deputy Minister has denied any interference or wrong doing, describing the allegation as, 'wicked'. In a response to issues raised at the said conference, the NTCE issued a copious statement on Thursday, February 18, explaining among other issues that the Technical Committee's report to the NTCE was advisory and that other consultative meetings were held before the six polytechnics were selected. It said the process was done in a transparent manner devoid of room for individuals or groups either based on political or regional considerations and that polytechnics that do not meet the conversion criteria for the first phase would be assisted to upgrade to meet the eligibility criteria. But to this the Coalition, at its second media conference the following day, reacted urging the NTCE to clarify, among others, the essence for which the Technical Committee was set up, if its report was for advisory purposes and subject to review by the NTCE. It also asking the NTCE to make public, the criteria it used in assessing the polytechnics in their own review, after receiving the Committee's report; likewise the recommendations of the technical committees. According to the statement, contrary to the argument that the C-poly was not ready not for the conversion, the Polytechnic had rectified all the shortcomings, such as weak governance and the retooling of its laboratories, which were identified by the Technical committee, during its assessment. The coalition comprise the Central Region Youth for Development; Fante Students' Association; Concerned Youth of Cape Coast North; Cape Coast Development Association; Abura Youth Confederacy; Ghana Muslim Students Alumni; Students' Representative Council; and the Market Women's Association. GNA Accra, Feb 21, GNA - The Ghana Medical and Dental Council has inducted into office 229 newly qualified medical and dental practitioners; thus further boosting Ghana's healthcare delivery system. The new practitioners are from the University Of Ghana Medical School; the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology School of Medical Sciences; the Dental School, Kumasi; the University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences, and the University for Development Studies School of Medicine and Health Sciences. They also include also foreign-trained practitioners who took and passed the Council's registration examination. They were issued with provisional registration certificates to enable them to undertake their two-year housemanship in accredited health institutions, a prerequisite for permanent registration. Their second year would also serve as their National Service. Earlier in the week, 403 Physician's Assistants were also inducted into office, which brings the total number of healthcare professionals being admitted into the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to 632, the largest batch ever to be enrolled. Mr Alex Segbefia, the Minister of Health, in a speech read on his behalf, at the ceremony at the weekend, in Accra, said the induction was taking place at a time when the health sector was beginning to rethink its strategy for securing the health of the nation. 'This is because today's health care system is increasingly being defined by the demands of access, safety, quality and cost,' he stated. 'Our disease burden continue to be dominated by preventable and easily treatable diseases and the persistent burden of childhood communicable diseases, for which preventive and simple curative measures are widely available, says a lot about the progress we have made over the years,' he stated. The Minister, therefore, urged the young doctors to take up the challenge of making a difference where those before them had not. Mr Segbefia advised them to commit themselves to the philosophy of self-development through active and continuous learning and involvement in professional development programmes so as to ensure competent services at all times. Dr Ernest Yorke, a member of the Council, implored the newly qualified doctors and dentists to make good use of the experience of their seniors and to seek their counsel when the need arose. 'Keep updating your knowledge because the fields of Medicine and Dentistry are evolving very rapidly,' he advised them. 'Try and avoid fraud; apart from a jail term, you may lose your license,' he cautioned. 'Life is not all about service, work hard, but find time and refresh. In all things seek the face of the Lord and his counsel,' Dr Yorke advised. Dr Eric Asamoa, the President of the Council, who inducted them into office, gave the assurance that their job opportunities were awaiting. Dr Ebenezer Appiah-Denkyira, the Director-General of the GHS, advised them to be humble and to let the health of their patients be of paramount concern to them. He urged them to accept postings to the districts; where they stood the chance of gaining better experience. GNA Accra, Feb. 21, GNA - Bishop John Daly Anglican Junior High School at Tunga in the Ablekuma West District has emerged the Best Public School in the 2015 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The school presented 46 students for the BECE out of which 35 had aggregate six to nine while 11 students had between aggregate 10 and 13. The school, thus, placed second out of 210 public schools in Accra that sat for the examination. It also placed 15 out of 595 public and private schools combined results in the Ghana Education Service examination analysis. Madam Berty Quansah, the Headmistress of the school, said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency during the inauguration of a GH35,000 modern toilet facility for the school. She said: 'I put a lot of confidence in my students who gave me the assurance that they can do it. We have done it due to discipline and proper supervision from both the students and teachers.' Madam Quansah said there was the need for every teacher to exhibit greater consciousness, commitment and sacrifice to efficiently teach their students. It was a fundamental responsibility of every school to create a friendly environment that would encourage the children to seek help in their academic work to ensure good performance, she said. Madam Quansah said the perception that students in public schools did not study hard was a thing of the past and urged the students to continue to take their studies seriously and not depend on information from their peers. She urged the parents to contribute their quota by providing the needs of their children and appealed to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to provide security at the school to ward off squatters whose activities could affect teaching and learning. Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ablekuma West Constituency, who inaugurated the facility, said she was impressed about the school's significant academic performance by scoring 100 per cent in various examinations and congratulated the teachers for their hard work. She said the achievement was worthy of emulation adding; 'as future leaders you must work towards achieving academic excellence because that is the surest way you can make an impact in life.' Mrs Owusu-Ekuful promised to contribute her quote towards the creation of a congenial atmosphere for the holistic development of students of the school. Mr Samson Okai, the Chairman of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), expressed gratitude to the MP for the provision of 50 dual desks and advised the students to continue to be serious with their studies. The project was executed by the PTA, the School Management Committee and the St. Augustine Anglican Church at Dansoman in Accra. GNA Elmina, Feb.21, GNA - One person died on the spot when the Mercedes Benz Saloon car he was driving crashed head-on with a Mercedes Benz cargo truck, at the CP section of the Elmina-Takoradi Highway, on Saturday night . Three persons were also injured in a related accident. The deceased, identified as Captain Maxwell Afful, a Naval Officer, 55, was said to be travelling from Mankessim to Takoradi around 2200 hours. Superintendent Godfred Asare, the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Police Commander, told the GNA that the deceased on reaching the spot tried to turn to a nearby washing bay but crashed into the truck, with registration number WR 831 P, which was carrying copra, and was travelling from the Western Region to Nigeria. He said the Police, with the support of the Elmina Fire Service, had a hectic time removing the body from the mangled saloon car. The Truck, which fell on its side in the middle of the road at the accident spot, caused both vehicular and human traffic as the way was diverted and also, a lot of residents trooped to the place to catch a glimpse. Whilst the traffic was being controlled by the police, another Mercedes Benz Cargo truck, carrying beams and scraps, and travelling from the Takoradi direction, was signaled to slow down but the driver failed to stop. However, on seeing the accident truck in the middle of the road it veered off and crashed into a stationary taxi cab on the shoulder of the road, he said. It somersaulted and hit another taxi cab with two passengers on board, which was in a curve awaiting direction from the Police, injuring the three in the process. Supt Asare said the taxi driver was on admission at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), while the two passengers had been treated and discharged. The body of the Captain has been deposited at the CCTH. GNA 21.02.2016 LISTEN Buipe (NR), Feb. 21, GNA - Portions of the Buipe Central Market was gutted last Thursday with more than 20 stalls razed to the ground, while rendering many market women out of business. The cause of the fire is not yet known but personnel from the Central Gonja District Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) told the GNA that the incident was still under investigations. The Buipewura, Abdulai Jinapor II, speaking to the media in Buipe, after visiting the market to assess extent of damage, called for support to rebuild the market immediately to ensure that the women continued with their businesses. He expressed concern about the alarming rate of fire outbreak in the country, saying, 'People are deliberately setting these fires for their personal gains and until we go beyond the Fire Service to investigate them little progress would be made'. He alleged that in democratic countries such as Ghana, coup d'Atres could no more take place and the only way was for some people to engage in negative acts to defame the government of the day so that the citizenry would lose faith in the Government. He said, 'We need to, therefore, go beyond using the personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service and seek the services of the National Security to unravel the mystery fires in the country to ensure that business persons do not suffer from the practice'. 'I am not just saying this because the Buipe Market has burnt but I am more concerned about the livelihoods of market people, especially women, who suffer the most when these markets are burnt,' he stressed. The Buipewura said Ghanaians were united and gave the assurance that those who were involved in the burning of the Buipe Market would be brought to book, if found. He, however, commended the Central Gonja District Command of the Ghana National Fire Service for the swift response to bring the fire under the control and called on the District Assembly to consider building market pavilions to replace the current wooden structures. GNA 22.02.2016 LISTEN SOME IMPORTANT OBSERVATIONS We briefly mentioned the concept of self-made in Part 2 of the series. In fact, any person who claims exclusive right to being self-made is an Orwellian liar, a symbol of boastful exuberance. Rapper Tupacs claim to that exclusive right of being a self-made millionaire in his hit song, Hit Em Up, instantiates our point. In effect it is society that makes and unmakes individuals! This is a truism in human history and as well across societies whether communitarian or ruggedly individualistic. This is because of our natural status as social animals. It is also no secret that both the modern church and secular politics feed on the blood of human beings, mostly on gullible persons. Not even the autocracy of the state or the statism Dr. Otabil conveniently lambasts now and then can escape the importance of the human person in matters of political actuation. He is a hugely successful man notwithstanding what his detractors and enemies would have us believe. Even more important, his dedicated congregation has been part of the story of that successful journey of his. Therefore, the church and the state are nothing without the masses. This is why Dr. Otabil cannot claim to be apolitical any time he goes political. But his call for citizen democracy is in order. We, on the other hand, have called for grassroots democracy and grassroots activism as means through which we can effect meaningful radical political conscientization of the masses and positive change in the Ghanaian society. Perhaps, it is through grassroots democracy and radical conscientization of the masses that constitutional revolution, which Dr. Otabil should have called for, can overthrow statism. This is what the Constitutional Revolution of Iran did for the Iranians. We are however glad that Dr. Otabil realizes that fasting and prayers cannot overthrow statism. GHANAIANS VERSUS THE STATE The government is trying its best to build public services to make it easier for the private sector to function as it should. In this sense the state is not hijacking and monopolizing businesses in the private sector. What Dr. Otabil is saying as regards the states monopolizing and hijacking businesses is purely a partisan perception, and therefore lacks generic experiential affirmation. The private sector needs to take advantage of these public services as the state cannot do everything for the masses as well as for the private sector. Neither can the government nor the private sector go it alone. Frankly, government, the state, and the private sector need each other! Adam Smith, Karl Marx, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Cheikh Anta Diop, Thomas Hobbes, Joseph Stiglitz, to name but a few, have all demonstrated the importance of the state or of political authority in the constitutional transaction of human affairs. In fact, this is the only experience man has known throughout history. The fact is that neoliberal economic ideas have never worked anywhere. WHAT OUR DEDICATED READERSHIP SHOULD KNOW Dr. Otabils statement to the effect that We cant just be happy because a road has been tarred. We cant just be happy that we didnt have electricity now we have electricity. We cant be happy with minimalscitizens must have an appetite for better is unfortunate, unfortunate because minimals is what even some of the most ardent aficionados of free-market capitalism demand of governments. Besides, he is happy because his congregation has made him and his family fabulously rich and therefore statism could not mean a lot for him, for his family, for he is a statist himself when it comes to management of his investments and spiritual matters, especially Christian eschatology. On the other hand state interventionism is what has given rise to the so-called Asian Tigers (see The East Asian Miracle: Where Did Adam Smith Go Wrong). Ghanas political class and technocrats can learn from the Asian Tigers. Finally, we have spent some time on Ghanaweb and other news portals discussing what Adam Smith, one of the so-called modern fathers of free-market capitalism, expected of national governments in terms of their roles or contributions to free-market capitalism. An interesting aspect to his commentaries is that he devoted 3 chapters out of a total of 5 of his book, The Wealth of Nations, to discussing everything governments could and should do to make laissez-faire capitalism more effective (see the content of the subtle Adam Smith on State Intervention or Regulation of the Market under the topic What Ghanaians Can Learn from Pope Francis 2). In this regard, Dr. Otabil is saying the exact opposite of what Adam Smith said in his influential book. Of course, the former is neither a student of economic history, history of philosophy, economics, history of knowledge, nor cliometrics, and therefore his intellectual lapses, however small or big, in any of these areas are understandable and pardonable. This is not to say he is ignorant of deep intellectual questions as they relate to statecraft, political economy, political sociology, and development economics. Nevertheless, we say this because we have religiously been following his intellectual development since the early days of the formation of his church, in addition to reading some of his major books and listening to many of his recorded pulpitry and sociopolitical commentaries, although we can say on authority that many of his political commentaries are platitudes of conventional political and spiritual pulpitry. What he may not possibly have known is that neoliberal economics has never worked anywhere. But limited state intervention is always required to make laissez-faire capitalism more efficient. This is a fact of the human experience. Even most of those ardent aficionados of Smithian free-market capitalism conveniently avoid discussing the 3 chapters of The Wealth of Nations in public. The reason being that they cannot stand the hypocritical contradictions that come with the simultaneity of uncritically upholding and advocating the tenets of free-market capitalism and strictly adhering to the exegetical originalism of the books contents, the 3 chapters we previously referred to. That said, what Dr. Otabil may have also referred to as minimals constitutes the basis of Smiths call for limited state (or government) interventionism in the marketplace, unless, of course, the former is deeply worried about the seeming outrageous prize tags attached to these minimals under the NDC. In that case Dr. Otabil is somewhat justified if that, indeed, were the case. As a matter of fact, the more recent bus branding controversy is an example, a controversy that offers a teachable insight into his righteous indignation. We all should be deeply worried about governments profligate spending (deficit spending), political corruption, indifference to the plight of the masses and national development, and gross policy misprioritization. Keeping government on its toes should be the way forward. DR. OTABILS RIGHTEOUS HYPOCRISY Thus, it does not make practical sense whatsoever when Dr. Otabil provocatively claimed to look forward to the day when government settles down to employing roughly five percent of medical doctors in Ghana. How many medical doctors did the state under President Kufuor employ? One percent? Two percent? Three percent? Four percent? Even so, is the governments duty to establish private practices for medical doctors? Which government in human history has done this? Everything aside, how is it possible for some medical professionals to have opened their own private practices in the country? Is the government preventing Dr. Otabil and his church members and the private sector from establishing private practices for medical doctors? And has the incumbent government ever threatened to interfere or is already interfering in the internal affairs of the Central University College (CUC), an institution of higher learning founded by Dr. Otabils ICGC? His inexcusable partisan politics is tarnishing the credibility of his public image because, among other things, not every member of his flock is NPP! Neither is the NPP better than the NDC. Both are merely different sides of the same political coin, for neither cares for the masses and Ghana. It is ironic how Ghanaians want the state to do everything for them but still complain and nag when the state, which creates the enabling political climate for itself and for the private sector, takes advantage of the enabling environment to recoup its investments. And we would have wished if he could muster the courage to take the state to court and have the court reverse the constitutional encroachment of statism upon the Ghanaian political landscape. Dr. Otabil should have set a precedent for us during the Kufuor presidency. Let us wait and see what he will do in the case of a potential Fuhrer Akufo-Addos government if he does not succeed with the Mahama government. Let Dr. Otabil never forget how managers of the private sector have colluded with the state in the spate of scandals arising from the illegal judgment-debt disbursements. Of course, there are also those Christians who believe tithes are theologically and doctrinally illegal! What does Dr. Otabil got to say about this? WHERE WE AGREE WITH DR. MENSA OTABIL Yet his critique of the political establishment does not take anything away from his grasp of political morality vis-a-vis the spate of political corruption, wanton wastage of public resources, and gross misprioritization of strategic and tactical policies, the same way Fela Kuti on the track Coffin for Head of State castigates pastoral indulgence in material flamboyance and profligacy, political corruption, and politicians sponsoring people for Hajj when the country basic public services. In this regard, we need more of the Dr. Otabils in the political or presidential seat rather than being on the fence screaming his lungs out, where, if we may also add, his political lungs will be swallowed in the tone-deaf cacophony of incumbent intransigence. We would rather he stayed out of partisan politics completely so as to preserve his respect, honor, pastoral and intellectual sovereignty, and integrity, for he is an individual who is respected the world over. As a matter of fact, he is one of the few intelligent leaders we have in Africa today. And no one can take this fact from him on the condition that he does not allow partisan politics to destroy his rich legacy. Yet we also think if his private concerns and particularly those of his church and university are failing to compete successfully with state enterprises and bureaucracies, the best option for him at this moment and those who manages of his private concerns to consider or look into is getting to the bottom of why this is so, rather than throwing his political tantrums and misplaced insinuations about. Benchmarking, knowledge management, gap and risk analysis, critical success factor, strategic imperatives, and core competency are a few areas he and his advisors can look into. After all, only a handle of national economies are doing so relatively well today. CONCLUSION We may therefore suggest to him to begin writing those of his speeches he allows Samuel Atta-Akyea, Fuhrer Akufo-Addos cousin, to write for him. It is believed that one of the speeches in which Dr. Otabil called members of the ruling party evil persons and also diagnosed them as suffering from schizophreniasevere mental sicknesswas written for him by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, who doubles as his lawyer. The phrase evil persons looks more like what David Frum, John Bolton, Yossef Bodansky, Condoleezza Rice, and a number of persons on the political right in America called the axis of evil. Fortunately, both of the two phrases the axis of evil and evil personssuffering from schizophrenia fit the screwed-up political psychology of our non-patriotic, callous, and clueless politicians. Reference Ghanaweb. Atta Akyea wrote Otabils evil speech. Sourced from the Herald Newspaper. November 14, 2012. David Frum. (2003). The Right Man: The Surprise Presidency of George W. Bush. New York, NY: Random House. We shall return with the concluding installment (PART 4) The 2016 flagbearer of the Peoples National Convention (PNC), Edward Nasigire Mahama has urged youth in the Madina Zongo Community to vote the ruling NDC out of power in November. According to him, the NDC has nothing good to offer them. He therefore called on them to support and vote the PNC to win the 2016 Presidential and parliamentary elections. Dr. Edward Mahama made the call when he paid a courtesy call on the Madina Zongo Community Chief, Alhaji Baba Seidu at his Palace in Madina last Saturday. He used the opportunity to officially inform and seek the blessing of the Zongo Chief about his intention to lead Ghana. Present at the palace were about 35 sub chiefs and Imams who together with Chief Alhaji Baba Seidu gave a rousing welcome to Dr. Mahama and his entourage. Addressing the gathering of party sympathizers and youths at a short ceremony at the palace, Dr. Edward Nasigire Mahama told the youth about his New Force programmed aimed transforming their future. The youths of 18, 19, and 20 up to 25 years and above are the people Im looking for to work with so that you can plan your life for 10 years from now. If you are a trotro Driver, you will be a transport owner and if you are a taxi driver, you will be controlling a fleet of taxis by the transformation strategies of the New Force, he assured the youth. He advised them not to waste their votes on both the ruling NDC or the opposition NPP since they have nothing good to offer them but only lies. Dr. Mahama lauded the Alhaji Baba Seidu for taking the trouble to invite his 35 sub chiefs and Imams to the palace to welcome him. Niamey (AFP) - Counting began in Niger's presidential poll Sunday in an election that has seen incumbent Mahamadou Issoufou promise a first-round "knockout" blow to his opponents, who are already crying foul after a tense campaign. A vast nation endowed with an abundance of uranium, gold, coal and oil but among the poorest on the planet, Niger is electing a head of state, as well as a new parliament, with Issoufou hoping for a second five-year term. "Everything has gone well in an atmosphere of calm and serenity. There are some shortcomings but Ceni (the electoral commission) is taking measures to allow voters to exercise their right to vote," commission president Ibrahim Boube said, adding that voting in some areas had been pushed back to Monday after electoral material did not arrive in time. A total of 7.5 million people were eligible to vote at 25,000 polling stations across the country on the edge of the Sahara desert, where security is a growing concern after attacks by jihadists from neighbouring Nigeria, Mali and Libya. The election results are expected within five days. Security was tight with forces on patrol across the country, including the capital Niamey, where voting got off to a delayed start in many parts of the city due to the late delivery of ballot papers and other materials. Interior Minister Hassoumi Massaoudou said earlier Sunday that the vote was going smoothly "especially in Diffa, where voting material arrived on time", referring to a border region that has been hit by frequent Boko Haram Islamist violence, and where some 200,000 displaced people were eligible to vote. After voting in Niamey, Issoufou said "there will be only one winner, and that will be Niger", saying he hoped the election would reinforce the country's democratic structures. In an interview with AFP on Thursday, the 63-year-old said he was "absolutely" confident of victory. Issoufou said he had met his pledges on boosting growth and infrastructure, while shoring up security in the face of jihadist attacks. Defence remains a top budget priority in Niger, with the remote north threatened by jihadists operating out of Mali and Libya while the southeast tries to fend off attacks by Nigeria-based Boko Haram. In December, the government said it had foiled an attempted military coup. Known as the "Zaki" or "Lion" in Hausa, the majority language in Niger, the former mathematician and mining engineer faces 14 competitors, including an ex-president. Should he fail to win a first-round victory, his rivals, who have accused him of planning to rig the result, have agreed to unite behind whoever scores highest among them for the second round. - 'Grossly unfair' - Niger's opposition denounced the election late Sunday as "grossly unfair", saying there had been vote rigging and a problem with duplicate voter cards. "In many places the opposition ballots were missing," said Moussa Harouna, a representative of Seyni Oumarou, a runner-up in the 2011 presidential race. "We discovered voter card duplicates with prefabricated family books for these cards," he said, adding that in some places voting did not start until the end of the day. Niger's first-ever democratically-elected president, Mahamane Ousmane, 66, is also running. The threat of unrest hangs over the vote. "If Issoufou wins in the first round, it's because he has cheated. If this happens we will go on strike and there will be clashes," an Amadou activist said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Tensions edged higher after Niger's top court approved a controversial plan to allow voters to cast their ballots without identity papers, sparking an opposition outcry. "This could pave the way for fraud," Moussa Tchangari, a leading civil society and opposition figure, said ahead of the vote. Niger, which has a history of military coups, has only had multi-party democracy since 1990. "It's been a long time since we've seen such interest (in the election). It reminds me of the early days of democracy," said one voter, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity. AngloGold Ashanti has called for the immediate restoration of law and order in Obuasi and on the mine to enable it to continue with its feasibility study to get the mine back on track. Mr Eric Asubonteng, Head of Operations at AngloGold Ashanti, said they had been in contact with government at various levels since the withdrawal of the military from the mine, and would continue to liaise with government to ensure that law and order was restored. Our position is that we want the mine operational area to be secured, Eric Asubonteng, Head of Operations said while expressing fears that if the situation is not resolved quickly, the illegal miners might entrench themselves. He said the invasion of the concession by illegal miners was not a healthy one as AngloGold Ashanti was working to get investors to help turn the mine around. Obviously this is not a very helpful situation. Towards the end of last year we were looking for partners. Randgold came into the picture and they subsequently pulled out. "We have since then be working on how best to get it back on track and having a security situation like this doesnt help investment decisions at all, Mr Asubonteng said. Anglogold Ashanti partially suspended operations, rendering only essential services following clashes between illegal miners and some of its staff, leading to the death of the companys Communications Manager, John Owusu. He said the current situation was a big worry to the company: Weve pulled out our non-essential staff so you can reasonably expect that even if there is a new investor sitting on the wings wanting to come in, this is a situation that would negatively impact their decision, he said. KONADU OPENS UP: WHY I CONTESTED MILLS Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings has finally told the story about why she decided to contest President John Evans Atta Mills for the flagbearer position of the NDC in 2011 ahead of the 2012 polls. 5 FIGHT FOR JBS SEAT The Electoral Commission has set April 5, 2016 for the conduct of a by-election in the Abuakwa North Constituency of the Eastern Region to elect a new MP. EC MAKES U-TURN ON STEERING COMMITTEE The Electoral Commission appears to be unyielding regarding the setting up of the National Election Steering Committee, as it has asked the public to disregard media reports that the Commission had dropped plans to use the controversial committee for the November general elections. $18M WORTH OF GOLD IMPOUNDED Security officials at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Wednesday busted a syndicate attempting to smuggle 12 boxes of gold weighing about 480 kilograms out of the country. GOOD NEWS FOR GHANAIAN BUSINESSES The South African High Commission has announced plans to grant 10 years visa to Ghanaian businessmen and women for whatever business transactions they intend to carry out in that country. CDD OFFERS EC ADVICE The Head of Research and Programmes at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), Dr Franklyn Oduro, has urged the EC to take useful lessens from the controversy surrounding the setting up of the election steering committee to broaden consultation. PRESIDENT PROMISES FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS President John Dramani Mahama has said his administration would do everything under his purview to ensure that the November 7 general election is free and fair. ADB APPOINTS DANIEL ASIEDU AS NEW MD Mr Daniel Asiedu has been appointed the new Managing Director of Agricultural Development Bank Limited (ADB). MAHAMA ANNOUNCES GHC100,000 SUPPORT FOR ACCIDENT VICTIMS President John Mahama is in the Brong Ahafo Region capital, Sunyani, visiting survivors of last Wednesdays deadly bus accident in which 63 passengers perished. GOLD SMUGGLING SPIKES AS GRA SEIZES $18M WORTH OF THE COMMODITY Concerns about gold receipts to the country have further heightened following the detection and seizure of a large amount of gold bullion meant for export without declaration and proper documentation. FIVE POLYTECHNICS ASSUME VARSITY STATUS THIS YEAR Five polytechnics in the country are lacing up their boots as they prepare to change their status to technical universities come September this year. DANIEL ASIDU MOVES TO HEAD ADB PASTOR OTABIL IS NOT AN NPP MEMBER NPP The NPP has denied allegations that Dr Mensah Otabil, head Pastor of ICGC, is a member of the party. PUT GHANA FIRST RAWLINGS, KUFUOR URGE EC, STAKEHOLDERS Two former Presidents have shared their thoughts on the electoral process, underscoring the need for all measures to be put in place for peaceful elections in 2016. EC, POLITICAL PARTIES FIRGHT OVER FUTURE OF ELECTION STEERING COMMITTEE The controversy surrounding the setting up of an Election Steering Committee by the EC appears not to be ending. Seoul, South Korea Amid rising concerns of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula from the recent nuclear tests and satellite launch by North Korea, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) hosted a peace forum on February 19 at the Grand Ballroom in Coex Hall, Seoul. The theme of the forum was Humanity on the Crossroads of Conflict and Peace, Which Way Should We Choose? Attended by over 1,800 renowned figures from all sectors of the society political and religious leaders, NGO representatives, and journalists- across 13 countries, the HWPL peace forum served as a platform to gather the hearts of leaders and civilians to join in HWPLs work of peace and deliver the message for promoting peace in the hopes of bringing peace on the Korean peninsula and beyond. The participants pledged to take actions and collaborate on peace promoting activities. Mr. Keun Park, a former Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations and Monk Mujin of Hwang-Ryeun Buddhist temple delivered congratulatory speeches. Heavenly culture is what is provided to humanity without cost just as the light, rain, and air. Today, this remarkable forum with the purpose of achieving world peace through heavenly culture offers a historical moment to awaken the urgency of the unification of the only divided nation in the world, said Mr. Keun Park. Soon-Hwee Jang, Doctorate in Politics and Director of the Korean Institute of Cultural Security, Young-Sook Kang, Vice President of the National Unification Advisory Council, and Ki-Chul Lee, Doctorate in Theology at International Christian Mission Council spoke on the topic of Humanity on the crossroads of conflict and peace, which way should we choose? Political leaders of major countries proclaim peace and peaceful resolution at any chance, however, in reality, we find ironies at the lack of any instrument or tool being implemented to support their proclamation. In this world of despair, it is the hope for humanity that one person makes a tireless effort to create peace by reviving the spirit and culture of peace. Through the Mindanao Peace Agreement and the World Alliance of Religions Peace activities, HWPL Chairman Lee has brought hope that peace can be realized, said Mr. Jang. In his keynote speech, HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee said, In the crossroads of conflict and peace, in order to cease conflicts, a law is needed. A law for humanity, the one that disposes of all means that initiate war and armed conflicts must be proposed to be implemented. HWPL is currently undertaking an international law initiative which signifies the big leap towards transforming armed weapons into daily instruments and resolving religious conflicts. IWPG Chairwoman Nam Hee Kim added, Women leaders and students throughout the world are uniting their efforts to urge for this international law to become effectively implemented. We have come to a point of time when youth can freely pursue their dreams and their passion and efforts for peace can be guaranteed and recognized. At the HWPL Forum, a total of 18 HWPL Publicity Ambassadors were appointed including Peter Kim, the head of the International Medical Volunteer Organization (UN registered). In addition, 20 HWPL Publicity Ambassadors and 7 IWPG Publicity Ambassadors from mainland China were appointed. At the closing ceremony of the event, about 1,000 leading figures signed the World Peace Agreement to urge for the implementation of the International Law on the Cessation of War and Achievement of World Peace. Each of them pledged on behalf of his/her people and nation, to do their best in their endeavor for the Cessation of War and Achievement of World Peace. At the lobby of Grand Ballroom, Cheon-ji News special photo exhibition on War and Peace was held. Participants were able to get a glimpse of life during the Korean War and the current Civil war in Syria. This exhibit let the viewers experience the atrocities committed during war-time captured by cameras and learned about HWPLs footsteps of peace in current conflicted areas of the world. HWPL, through the HWPL International Law Peace Committee, consisting of prestigious international law professionals, will publicly present the Declaration on the Cessation of War and Achievement of World Peace in March 2016. There is much attention directed at the Declaration since it will include articles on the most controversial global issues as well as solution. 22.02.2016 LISTEN The Nation Liberia has and continues to be hit harder by the lack of integrity and corruption at its highest peak from all spheres of the Liberian society since her existence as a people thus giving these menaces the upper edge to win the wars on eradicating them! Interestingly, I see big billboards erected along the roadside precisely on the Tubman boulevard with the inscription my future is in your hands so stop the corrupt activities placed there by the Liberia anti corruption corp. despite all the efforts and strategies put in place to avoid these malfeasances on the part of the working populace! Distastefully, the LACC has to design these kinds of informative medium using a toddler to appeal to the conscience of Liberians to stop this dreadful ways of life that is accepted across the Nation as a norm of Liberians daily living! From all indications, this depict that the wars on the lack of integrity and massive corruptions won the battle as in the words of the Liberians Leader CORRUPTION IS A VAMPIRE as such the leadership is so furious and disappointed with the manner and ways those entrusted with public offices conducting themselves especially on accountabilities! The various integrity entities including the LACC AND PPCC are left with no alternative but to take these discussions of lack of integrity and corruption to the public as a reminder that the Nations again has fallen prey to the wars on these very vices that took Liberia to fourteen years of senseless wanton killing and destructions of lives and properties? The issues of integrity and corruption has been age long activities that has characterized the daily routine from the common men in the slum communities to those elected officials in the porch areas within every sectors of the Liberian society to the extent that those accused of lack of integrity and corruption are praise to the highest heaven by the very electorates! Lets borrow, few lines of the great African Pan-African Professor Patrick P.L.O Lumumba of Kenya in his speech at the Kenyan University symposium on the topic the Tragedy of African Schizophrenia wherein he talked about the very masses vilifying the few good people who stand for the truth and praise the criminals that steal from national coffer for as long the rouge can bank roll their private pockets at the detriment of the entire nation! Again Professor Lumumba also indicated that in Africa the anti graft commissions to be seem actually working in the eyes of the power that be must pretend to be fighting corruption and lack of integrity in order to remain a longer in their positions! Or else considered yourself a sack person or group of person if only you want to be robust in the fights against these menaces as was the case with him when he served as the head of the Kenyan anti graft commission! I am in no way liking the professor experience to that of Liberia at the level of the anti graft commissions but why Liberians are yet to see those accused be speedily trail and verdicts render for a decade now since this present administration resume the administrative affairs of the people of Liberia! Well, some will definitely argued the Liberian government under this administration has and continues to fight corruption and will want to give an example of the of the former Liberia telecommunication authority boss and indeed the current National port authority boss ongoing case! The situation has been lots of corruption cases spring up in recent pass from numerous government institutions but all Liberians witness was those heading these institutions was either replaced and transfer to position that the public will have no direct dealing with them for a period of time! Again to the big billboards erecting in places in Monrovia and I guess in major cities around Liberia will be the argument of many of the died hard supporters of the power that be indicating that because the government is very serious in fighting these menaces are the reasons these steps are taking to prevent would be corrupt officials! The sticky issue has been that because of these malfeasances including corruption and integrity this Nation Liberia has and yet to experience equal distribution of the Countrys wealth, accused person or group of persons given their days in court to account for their stewardships at the post of assignments despite the lives that was sacrifice in order for the Nation to move forward in her developmental and human resource capacity building drives! The question that leaves on my mind as I pulse to rethink of how these ugly vices including corruption and integrity that has destroy this Nation to the code and yet those accused continues to be praise by the very masses that are crying out the loudest as long some of them got the pocket bank roll with these ill-gotten wealths yet expecting difference results keeps one wondering if something fundamental is not wrong with mindset of the people of Liberia? The author is a Liberian broadcast journalist and can be reach at +231886224134/+231776590725 or E-mail: [email protected] Casely-Hayford 22.02.2016 LISTEN "... Any Ghanaian leader (or wannabe leader), who uses his liberty to bad-mouth Dr. Kwame Nkrumah...who does not with the same side of their mouth admit that the coup...was orchestrated by foreign governments serving their own permanent interests, who fails to inform Ghanaians...that the Ankrah-Kotoka-Afrifa-Harlley-Busia-NLC bunch lied to Ghanaians, that leader, that wannabe leader, is a dangerous, unbalanced African....(Prof Lungu, 20 Feb 16). Yes, it was a sad day from where we sit! It was a sad day 10 Feb 16 when we read Mr. Sydney Casely-Hayford's article on Ghanaweb. Titled "Siding with our President", that article was, in our humble opinion, a huge disservice to Occupy-Ghana and non-partisanship. More important, it was an unnecessary punch not only at the work, but also, at the memory of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Kwame Nkrumah, after all, still is the single most important individual directly responsible for the Unitary Ghana Mr. Sydney Casely-Hayford enjoys today, tethered to Occupy-Ghana as he always makes sure to remind us. In short, how OccupyGhana's Mr. Sydney "Aha a y? din papa" Casely-Hayford could in good conscience and balanced intellectual panache drag Dr. Kwame Nkrumah into his essay is totally beyond us. It was disappointing, to say the least! Fact is, we used to think that OccupyGhana and Mr. Casely-Hayford were above "dead" partisanship. After all, Occupy Wall Street/USA, from whence we presume "OccupyGhana" borrowed their name, have never wasted their time and energy bashing Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, or Benjamin Franklin, for that matter. In short, we were misinformed! Or, we simply assumed too much introspection and generosity on the part of Mr. Sydney Casely-Hayford. And so, we had the misfortune of reading his regurgitation of 1966-era coup-plotters' fabrications, smears, and lies. You know, the same fabrications, smears, lies, and excuses long debunked by facts in international development records, and verifiable, hard-nosed, diplomatic history long ago in the public domain. Did Mr. Sydney Casely-Hayford, our latter day Kwame Nkrumah basher, hear General Ankrah, Kotoka, Harlley, Afrifa, and the "rascal" civilians who over threw Nkrumah, did he hear them inform Ghanaians they were sponsored and directed by the CIA to over throw Nkrumah in 1966? To the very end of his meandering and at times confusing essay, "Aha a y? din papa" Casely-Hayford only succeeded in regurgitating half-truths and lies. It is a version of history the NLC (Nonentities, Liar, and Crooks) and their rascal civilian handlers (foreign and domestic) fooled Ghanaians and an absented-minded world into believing in 1966. But, this is 2016! Kwame Nkrumah has not been responsible for the development of Ghana in 50 years, for two generations, and counting. Or, is "Aha a y? din papa" Casely-Hayford so traumatized by the policies and record of contemporary Ghanaian politicians that he's lost track of time, hence the "confused" essay we read the other day, with its Mahama-beaming ingratiating twerks? READ: "But I agree wholeheartedly with our President when he claims that just like Kwame Nkrumah who spent all our money building infrastructure and investing in useless edifices and factories, which we had to leave to rot because he did not see that the source of raw material input needed to be developed in tandem with infrastructure and couldnt see that private enterprise in the end trumps central control and resource manipulation, failed with a bankrupt Ghana and a ruined economy" WE SAY: What in the hell is Mr. Casely-Hayford trying to communicate, beyond that apparent visceral hatred of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah? That 80-word paragraph does not jive! It is incomplete! It does not make sense! Actually, we are thinking that is what you get when you throw caution to the wind. It is what you get when you uncritically and unjustifiably attempt to make minced meat of the greatest African who ever lived on the continent of Africa in modern times. Even so, the biggest problem with Mr. Casely-Hayford's article was his avoidance of elementary data to speak to the charges he leveled against Dr. Nkrumah. For instance, today, every learned village idiot recognizes that there are irrefutable records that show that Nkrumah's democratically elected government was overthrown directly by the hands of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). They know that Ankrah, Afrifa, Kotoka, and the rest of the traitors ("rascal" Busia included), were all manipulated into fronting the overthrow. They know that the overthrow was directly a US/Western foreign policy goal achieved without regard to the interest of Ghanaians not fooled by imported "sardines, corned beef and ice cream" missing from the shelves of urban food stores in the run up to the overthrow. So, this, we will say today, 50 years after the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah: Any Ghanaian leader, or wannabe leader, who uses his liberty to bad-mouth Dr. Kwame Nkrumah for his policy failures, who does not with the same side of their mouth admit that the coup that overthrew Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was orchestrated by foreign governments serving their own permanent interests, who fails to inform Ghanaians (the young ones, especially), that the Ankrah-Kotoka-Afrifa-Harlley-Busia-NLC bunch lied to Ghanaians, that leader, that wannabe leader, is a dangerous, unbalanced African who does not truly believe in the capability of Ghanaians and Africans to manage their own affairs. So, the question still remains: Did Ankrah, Afrifa, Kotoka, Harlley, "rascal" Busia, and the rest of the traitors communicate to Ghanaians in 1966 that the CIA and other foreign governments were in fact the sponsors and dictators behind the 24 February, 1966, coup d'etat that toppled Kwame Nkrumah's CPP government? Maybe Mr. Sydney "Aha a y? din papa" Casely-Hayford will come back and explain to Ghanaians, including the young ones, exactly how, why, and under what conditions Kwame Nkrumah was "escorted off the scene" that day in 1966. Then, when Mr. "Aha a y? din papa" Casely-Hayford is done, maybe he will also entertain us by explaining how a country experiencing economic difficulties in the 1960s, much of it manipulated and created by foreign governments frowning on the independence of Africans, why those same Africans must today fault the African government they had freely elected, when they was no road map for the Africans worth a "penny". In 2016, 50 years since the overthrow, won't you tell us, Mr. Sidney "Aha a y? din papa" Casely-Hayford, how much all that Unitary Ghana (and then some), is worth to you, and Mr. Mahama, on your side? To be continued.... SOURCE: Sydney Casely-Hayford. Siding with our President. 10th February, 2016 http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Siding-with-our-President-414369. NOTE 1. Fair-Trade Oil Share-Ghana (FTOS-GH/PSA Petition/Campaign): Read about it, join it, sign it: https://www.change.org/p/ghana-fair-trade-oil-share-psa-campaign-ftos-gh-psa ). www.GHanaHero.Com/FTOS_Gh_Campaign , for more information. (Join the action! Read mo! Listen mo! See mo! Reflect mo!). Prof Lungu is Ghana-Centered/Ghana-Proud. @professorlungu - Twitter Prof Lungu is based in Washington DC, USA. Subj: OccupyGhana's Casely-Hayford Bashes Kwame Nkrumah So He Can Side With Mr. Mahama? Brought to you courtesy www.GhanaHero.com21 February, 2016. The New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Nhyaeso in the Ashanti region Dr Richard Anane has described as "alien" some recent developments in the party. In his view, the spate of bickering that bedeviled the party in the recent past is as a result of intolerance for divergent views. The national chairman of the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition Paul Afoko and its general secretary Kwabena Agyepong are currently under suspension over actions the party claims are inimical to its political fortunes. Mr. Afoko is however in court contesting his suspension. Commenting on the development, the former Roads and Highway minister under the erstwhile Kufuor administration told Kwesi Pratt on Hot issues on TV3 that it is time the NPP did an introspection of its values. Lack of respect for the view points of others in the party is very worrying. When you are in a party you must accept the fact that it is made up of all manner of people and not all of them will share your views... this is one of the major things some of us think seem to be going on currently in the NPP which may not auger well for the party. I believe the party will purge itself of whatever is alien and ensure that the true beliefs of the NPP succeed," he stated. He continued: If you look at charges proffered against them (Afoko and Agyapong) then you want to believe that there is something amiss. We believe that whatever happens we should be able to solve our problems at home. My worry is that; once this thing happens in the NPP, we should not be thinking Its just an NPP problem, we should be looking at the entire democratic dispensation in the country because it could also happen in the NDC tomorrow; next time it could even happen to a presidential candidate. That is why some of us think that the party will have to sit up and purge itself of whatever will not inure to the benefit of the democratic dispensation that we are in. I know the party is capable of doing this. 22.02.2016 LISTEN The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Germany Chapters attention has been drawn to the above article which appeared in your esteemed portal, Ghanaweb, Diaspora News of Thursday, 31st December, 2015 and wishes to set the records straight. We find it interesting that Mr Kwaku Anane-Gyinde has attributed the current economic crisis in Ghana to what he describes as embedded corruption and incompetence of the Mahama-led government. It is very obvious that Mr. Anane-Gyinde was speaking from his NPP lenses and not as it reflects the situation on the ground. Without wasting time, it is crucial to do a quick comparison of the corruption perception indices (CPI) he relied on partly to assert rather erroneously that Ghana is the second most corrupt country in Africa. Between 2001 to 2008, a time the NPP headed by President Kuffour were at the helm of affairs of government, the CPI for Ghana were: 3.4, 3.9, 3.3, 3.9, 3.5, 3.3, 3.7 and 3.9 respectively; from 2009 to 2015 when the NDC took over the affairs of government, the CPI were 3.9, 4.1, 3.9, 4.5, 4.6, 4.8, and in 2015 Ghana scored 47, the equivalent of 4.7 respectively. Ghana was also ranked 56 out of 168 countries in the world. For the avoidance of doubt, a brief definition of this nomenclature called corruption perception index (CPI) could do us good. Corruption perception index was created by Transparency International in 1995 and it is a ranking of countries according to the extent to which corruption is believed (subjective) to exist. It ranks countries on a scale of 0 - 10, with zero indicating high levels of corruption and 10 indicating low levels. Mr. Anane-Gyinde should know by now that even though Ghana enjoys and has a high media per capita, the NDC government led by President John Daramani Mahama has scored better in terms of corruption perception over the last three years. The NDC government has not paid lip service to its mandate and responsibilities to the good people of Ghana when it comes to the fight against corruption. Indeed, significant steps have been taken in this direction. The multi-million-cedi fraud that hit the National Service Scheme which involved the National Director and 38 others came to light because the President had caused those investigations to be carried out. Of the GH86.9 million involved, GH30 million has so far been recovered from implicated officials while investigations are still ongoing. In addition, some of the alleged officials have been dismissed from their positions and currently standing trial in court. The Communications Team of the NPP in Germany, the organ via which Mr. Gyindes assertions found public space and attention indicate further that corruption not only impacts negatively on the entire economy but it also diverts resources needed for national development into the private pockets of party cronies and government officials which in effect deprives the ordinary Ghanaian of critical social services such as health, sanitation and education. Mr. Anane-Gyinde is oblivious of the fact that a sitting Member of Parliament of the NDC is standing trial for his alleged involvement in the misappropriation of funds at GYEEDA of which he was the director. If the NDC government is diverting resources into the pockets of their cronies, would a sitting MP go on trial? A little bit of research could have averted such crass ignorance and misinformation on governments determination towards fighting corruption, unless one was deliberately being mischievous. In case Mr Kwaku Anane-Gyinde and the Communication Team of the NPP-Germany have so soon lost their sense of retentive memory, a quick recall of just a few corruption-laden records also at a time Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was Attorney General and Minister of Justice will suffice: Between May 2003 and 2004, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Private Sector Development and President's Special Initiatives failed to account for 1.36bn in the Auditor Generals report. This was an amount which was supposed to have been paid out as salaries and fees to non-existing employers and companies. Not even the list of those who benefited from the payment could be provided? The Auditor General could also not even find relevant documents on contacts and appointment letters to specify remunerations that were claimed to have been paid to employees. Mr. Anane-Gyinde should also recall how 2,153 garments, worth 995 million, sewn to promote the National Friday Wear Programme, were distributed free of charge by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Private Sector Development and Presidential Special Initiative to unknown people. Is this alien to corruption? I am wondering if he got to know that the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited awarded 14 contracts worth 1.4 billion in 2004 through single sourcing, instead of through competitive bidding as provided by Section 43(1) of the Public Procurement Act, 2003. Does Mr Kwaku Anane-Gyinde and his cohorts know of an unexecuted consultancy fee of 221 million which was paid by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Private Sector Development and President's Special to five consultants it engaged between January and November 2004 to provide business plans for eight districts, within 35 days of their engagement but as at June, 2005 no business plans had been submitted to the ministry by the consultants? This is just coming from one ministry and the list could go on. But more interestingly, all these happened at a time Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the man charged with the constitutional duty to fight corruption in government at the time. So if he couldnt do then what will make him do it if accidently ascends the high office of the land? Isnt it therefore amazing that the NPP still feel obliged, with all its battered moral standing on this subject matter of corruption, to accuse functionaries of the National Democratic Congress? Or could it be the case of the pot calling the kettle black? A few additional facts should settle this matter: In 2009 the Auditor Generals report revealed that NPP used a whopping 60 billion Cedis of the tax payer's money from the TOR debt recovery levy and HIPC reliefs to fund a Government Communication Strategy which turned out to be a conduit via which state funds were siphoned for political campaign. The audit report showed that the auditors could not find details of this strategy and how it was executed, but for only evidence of dubious payments to amorphous groups such as BLOW, PRIM, and FIRST RESPONDERS. Why was Mr. Yaw Osafo Marfo, then Education Minister sacked by President Kuffuor? Was it not due to his dubious scandal involving the printing of some textbooks by McMillan for Ghanaian schools? Yet today the same Mr. Osafo Marfo believes that those who come from resource-deficient places should not rule the country. It is obvious Mr Kwaku Anane-Gyinde heard of Alhaji Moctar Musah Bamba, former MP and former Deputy Minister for Presidential Affairs who co-floated a company called 'Emirates Investments Limited' and used Presidential letterheads to guarantee private loans. The company attempted defrauding a bank with a letterhead from the 'Office of the President' with a forged signature of the Minister for Private Sector Development purporting to give a Government of Ghana guarantee. I am pretty sure you knew he was involved in a junk bond visa scam which further exposed an incredible abuse of the Presidency. One could go on and on but it is wise to implore Mr Kwaku Anane-Gyinde and his NPP-Germany Chapter to get a copy of a widely circulated book written by Dr Gheysika Agambilla, a former Deputy Finance Minister under the NPP in which he described the NPP's approach to politics and governance as procurement politics. Dr Agambilla also told American officials that there was widespread corruption in the Kuffour regime especially in the forestry sector. I hope the NPP recall the leaked US diplomatic cables. Even in opposition now diversion of party cash in the NPP in recent times involving the then First Vice Chairman now acting Chairman, Freddie Blay together with the NPP National Treasurer Mr. Abankwa Yeboah in connivance with the NPP Flagbearer Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is a daily occurrence. It is public knowledge and a matter of police record that over Ghc5m (50 billion old cedis) of NPP cash realized from the filing fees of NPP parliamentary candidates was wired into a secret Ecobank account, tussle over which led to the suspension of Chairman Paul Afoko and General secretary Kwabena Agyepong. Just a few months ago, the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Antwi Botsiako a.k.a Wuntume was also accused of diverting about Ghc30,000 (300,000,000) cedis after their Kumasi Stadium poorly patronized fundraising Programme. And only just last week, the controversial NPP Northern Regional Chairman, Daniel Bugri Naabu came under intense pressure to cough up 500,000 old cedis meant for party activities in the region which he diverted for his personal benefit. This is a party that wants the good people of Ghana to entrust into their care the keys to the VAULT OF BANK OF GHANA AND ALL OUR TAXES? If crocodiles eat their own eggs, what will they not do to the eggs of other creatures or animals? Ponder over it! Mr. Anane-Gyindes asertion that governance under the NDC regime has been reduced to an avenue to create, loot and share while government has become a fertile ground for open theft as evidenced by the Kar Power saga, the Ameri scandal and the recent bus branding scam all of which happened within a period of one month is nothing but vile propaganda. The end to dumsor in Ghana is ample testimony to the value and wisdom in going for those power badges. Only ill-intentioned nation wreckers will view this decisive move which has resulted in this massive relief from the debilitating power outages an avenue to line pockets. In the meantime, some bit of advice for Mr Kwaku Anane-Gyinde will be appropriate: next time you get the opportunity to address Asanteman Royals Union, talk to them about development of mother Ghana and Asantema, not about Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who has recently lost sense of what Asanteman has done and can do for him and the NPP to the extent of failing to even pay a courtesy call on Otumfuo while in Kumasi soliciting for funds to run his campaign. Eye Zu, Eye Za Long live NDC, On behalf of National Democratic Congress (NDC) Germany Communication team. Jerome Kpan German Chapter Secretary +4915210246793 22.02.2016 LISTEN How fortunate for governments that the people they administrate dont think-----Adolf Hitler. Which he followed with: The great masses of the people will more easily fall victims to a big lie than to a small one. Many at times, we hear people say: The voice of the people; is the voice of God. Sometimes this same conjecture is replicated as; the will of the people; is the will of God. I have been brainstorming on these statements for days now. I couldnt help but put my ideas on paper. The statement mostly reads the people have spoken and the voice of the people is the voice of God. I would like to state clearly that, while the first part of the statement may be true the second however, the voice of the people is the voice of God is absolutely incorrect and non scriptural. This is a statement that I have heard many times from my youth, and has been used by the devil to cunningly deceive people into believing that what is popular is of God. Vox populi, vox Dei is a Latin phrase that means the voice of the people is the voice of God. This expression was first used by Alcuin. Alcuin was an English scholar who was later described by Einhard (a dedicated servant of Charlemagne) as "The most learned man anywhere to be found. The full quotation from Alcuin reads: Nec audiendi qui solent dicere, Vox populi, vox Dei, quum tumultuositas vulgi semper insaniae proxima sit, which is translated as; And those people should not be listened to who keep saying the voice of the people is the voice of God, since the riotousness of the crowd is always very close to madness. The usage indicates that the phrase had long since become an aphorism of common political wisdom better put, a biting aphorism. But is the will of the people, the will of God..? According to Alexander Hamilton; The voice of the people has been said to be the voice of God; and, however generally this maxim has been quoted and believed, it is not true to fact. The people are turbulent and changing, they seldom judge or determine right. While religionists and theologians assume that this is Gods world, it is not! Let me repeat, this is not Gods worldit does not reflect His Way. Its customs, beliefs, values, philosophies, traditions and practices are not of God. But God is callingand working witha small number of people, whom He is training for a very special purpose. In the book of 1 Samuel 8:5-22, there is a wonderful story of the children of Israel; Gods chosen people who wanted a king at all costs. They came to the man of God named Samuel and told him they wanted a king, he spoke to God, and God told him His mind to speak to the people but they refused to listen. They said they wanted a king like all the other nations and that certainly was not Gods voice or even his mind because he revealed his mind to the king to speak to them but yet still they rebelled. In verse 18 and 19 he told them how wicked the king would be, how he would enslave them and abuse them and that they would cry out to God because of the wickedness of the king but God would not hear them. Nevertheless they refuse to obey Gods voice through his servant. In the book of 1kings 13: 11 25 another story is told of a young prophet who was sent by God on a mission with clear instructions that he should not stop to eat, drink or go back by the way he came. After completing his assignment he left but an older prophet came after him and told him I am a prophet to, God spoke to me by an angel and said you should come with me to eat, drink etc. Whilst at home with the old prophet the word of God came to remind him of His instructions from God through the mouth of the same old lying prophet. On his way back he was killed by a lion because he listened to a voice that he thought was the voice of God. Clearly in these stories the voice that was being heard was not Gods; the peoples choice of a king, was not Gods voice either. This statement( the people have spoken and the voice of the people is the voice of God.) has been used by many people and leaders as a means of deceiving people into believing that decisions made by large groups or crowds of people are representative of God speaking. This is absolutely false and in many cases is used as a means of manipulation. When the Nation of Israel refused the rule of God through his prophets and insisted on having a king like the other nations God allowed them to choose their own form of government which in their case at that time was a king. Through the centuries different types of governments have arisen some with more merit perhaps than others. Democracy allows us to choose through the process of voting to put in office the person we think will do the best job. This does not guarantee that the individual chosen is the choice of God to rule the people. Evil men through the democratic process have gained the upper hand and became dictators. This is why people of faith should pray for wisdom from God to make the right choice at election time. However whether we win or not we are to honor and obey those who rule over us while they are in office according to Romans 13:1-7. A man may not be the choice of God but if enough people who do not know God or His ways vote for the man he is going to get into office. This is why people of faith should pray for wisdom and seek to discern the will of God at election time. Sometimes we make a mistake or we are outnumbered. Furthermore, once the man is in office we must honor and obey him as our leader according to Romans 13:1-7 unless he orders us to disobey God. If he gives us a law that requires us to act contrary to the law of God, it is NOT valid! As Christians we have a right to disobey that law. According to Acts 5:25-29, the apostles been commanded by the rulers not to preach the Word of God. Peter stood against the rulers and boldly said; IT IS BETTER TO OBEY GOD THAN MEN. The apostles continued to preach the gospel as Christ had commanded them to do in Matthew 28:18-20, and Mark 16:15-16. Politicians who give freebies during elections equally claim that the voice of the people is the voice of God. I disagree strongly. Rather its MONEY that spoke and Ecclesiastes 10:19 says money answereth all things. Other than that why do they campaign during elections If God has already chosen them to lead? Many at times Politicians share money during election and in some cases are able to buy elections. So lets be very clear about this. When it relates to politics, be informed that God plays no part in politics. God may have allowed the corrupted elements to succeed in buying votes to win the election; however, he played no part in what went on in choosing a political leader. God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in truth and in spirit. The basic tenet of politics is falsity. A politician is defined as a schemer who tries to gain advantage in an organization in sly or underhanded ways. (Word web) The bible says MANY ARE CALLED BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN!! That in itself is an indication that the voice of the masses many times will be contrary to the will of our creator!! I wish that persons of the faith would speak more forcefully to the involvement of representatives of Christianity or the faith, in a POLITICAL CAMPAIGN riddled with hurtful, derogatory and denigrating utterances never once challenged by them as being UNGODLY In Exodus 32, the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we dont know what has happened to him. Aaron heeded to their call (the voice of the people) and instructed the people to Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me. It would interest you to read the rest of the story but my line of reasoning here is; the voice of the people resulted in the making of the golden calf..But was that the voice of God? The voice of God is a voice of truth, justice, love, honesty, integrity, etc. What people usually respond to is a voice of greed, corruption, lies, hypocrisy, dishonesty etc., and voice of God is very far from that. Consider also; Our Blessed savior was delivered by the Jews to Pilate their Governor. Pilate, although heathen tried all ways to save Jesus, and being the custom at the feast of the Passover, to release to them a prisoner ,at their choice, he propose to them Christ or Barabbas(a murderer and robber). And what was the voice (the wish) of the people? John 18:40 reads; But they shouted back, "No! Not this man. We want Barabbas!" Pilate asked, What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?. They all answered, "Crucify him!"(Matthew 27:22).As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!" But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him."(John 19:6) When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!"(Matthew 27:24) Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. (Mark 15:15) Now let us Judge if the voice of the people; was indeed the voice of God? Even in our political history, we are told that the citizens had cried (voice of the people) "let the blood flow" prior to and after June 4th, 1979. But was that the voice of God at all? I believe your answer is an emphatic No. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. (1 peter 2:15) Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.( Ephesians 5:15-20) The voice of the masses is never to be paralled with the voice of God, likewise the will of the masses must never be paralled with the will of God. "All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent."-- Thomas Jefferson RENDER THEREFORE UNTO THE POLITICIAN WHAT BELONGS TO THE POLITICIAN (YOUR VOTES), AND TO GOD THE THINGS (YOUR HEART/MIND) THAT ARE GODS.Ernest Aggrey. Ernest Aggrey([email protected]) Mrs. Charlotte Osei 22.02.2016 LISTEN The public image and credibility of Ghanas Electoral Commission suffered what Abdul Kwaku Baako Jnr, Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide, will describe as fatal injury during the 2012 Presidential Election Petition trial at the apex court of the land, the Supreme Court. The trial exposed the extremely bizarre things that took place as far as the conduct of the previous election was concerned, leaving many people with serious doubts about the outcome of the elections, as declared by the then boss of the commission, Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan. Even the affirmation of the outcome in favour of President John Dramani Mahama by the Supreme Court was not enough to alter the serious doubts many people had about the credibility of the elections. The EC is at the very heart of the nations democratic experiment. And coming from outside to head such a critical institution, carrying an unfortunate baggage of such level of credibility crisis, one would have expected Mrs Charlotte Osei to go every extent to rebuild public trust in the commission. That would have been her topmost priority. But, it looks like the woman who is largely seen as not possessing the kind of competence and right attitude required for the office she now finds herself is determined to even chip away the jot of trust she came to meet at the EC. Even though many Ghanaians, especially members of the opposition, continue to question her sense of fairness and neutrality in handling the affairs of the EC, Mrs Charlotte Osei still appears to think that it makes no sense to amend her ways to regain some amount of trust from the public. Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, former Executive Director of the Danquah Institute, and others will not be wrong to think that the EC boss has not acted in a way that chimes with the sincere intentions of an independent, impartial umpire as far as her conduct, so far, is concerned. Indeed, her attitude to the agitations for a new voters register to replace the incurably flawed 2012 register upon which President Mahama was declared the winner of the previous election was even enough to convince many people that she was in cahoots with the NDC. Having sided with President Mahama and the NDC to jettison the idea of compiling a new register, Charlotte is still not ready to do a validation of the existing register to ensure that all the names found in the register represent genuine and existing voters, as recommended by her own 5-member panel. And what could be the reason other than a dogged determination to protect some ghost votes that could be credited to President Mahama and the NDC through manipulation of the electoral process? It indeed sounded very comical when the EC boss argued against the idea of compiling a new register on grounds that the exercise would open up 30,000 conflict zones in the country, creating the impression that she was concerned about the peace and stability of the nation. Well, we want to draw Madam Charlotte Oseis attention to the fact that if she is really interested in the peace of the country, then she must rather be very worried about her own conduct, which is gradually preparing the grounds to send Ghana on a slippery path of political turmoil. We wish she will listen to the wise counsel from former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who has called on her and the entire EC to be truly independent in the discharge of their mandate as a referee in the November 7 polls. At this stage in her professional life, the best of advice Charlotte Osei can get from anybody who wishes her well is what the former president is asking her to do: to be guided by truth, patriotism and the fear of God, to ensure a peaceful election, bearing in mind that she is a citizen as well as employee who is accountable to the country and the people. 22.02.2016 LISTEN I was engaged in a conversation with my good friend in Uganda ,Guaviya . We mostly hold such conversations, hoping to know about the happenings in each of our countries (Ghana and Uganda). He is very passionate about Pan Africanism and he shares in the same belief for a "United Africa for Progress", a situation that gets us closer, most often in arguing over issues of concern to not just our respective countries but our Continent as well. He had been offline in recent times, since there was no access to the internet, hence social media, following the ban on social media prior to their elections which elected Yoweri Museveni as their President for his fifth term . We discussed the intriguing happenings in Uganda and the house arrest of their main opposition leader Kizze Besigye for reasons no one knows . He informed me on the fact that Soldiers were all over the place and the security services had been reduced to puppets for the incumbent President,a circumstance I find quite consistent in African Politics. "The Security Service misinterpret their core mandates by doing the bidding of the incumbent". I told him ,Ugandans have come a long way from the era of Edward Mutebi Mutesa II to Apolo Milton Obote to the Controversial Iddi Amin Dada and to Yoweri Kaguta Museveni He asked me a simple question enquiring if same could happen in Ghana? "Can President Mahama decide to use every possible means to win the November Polls?" He went ahead to ask whether Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo ,the Flagbearer of the Largest Opposition Party in Ghana ,could be maltreated and manhandled in same fashion as Kizze Besigye was being treated currently in Uganda and even the house arrest after the elections? (The pictures below shows the route to his house of Kizze Besigye and how it has surrounded by the Security Personnels there ) I did answer his question by making him understand that Ghana is different from Uganda and in as much as the president has the powers ,what is happening to Kizze Besigye now can never happen to the opposition leader here . He sent an emoji to signify his support to Ghana as we head towards a heated electioneering process in November and gave me a smile . I smiled back and he said no one thought same could happen in Uganda after Museveni assured the people of a free ,fair and transparent elections. He said "okay Tinkaro ,let's wait and see". I made him understand my surprise over why the youth won't stand up for Kizze and made him understand that in Ghana you don't just do anything and go Scot - free, giving credence to our historical records of fighting against oppressors and to demand for our freedom and that Ghanaians are not cowards . He laughed again and said ,Tink Africa ( Tinkaro ) ,let's wait and see . I kept thinking as to whether these same drastic measures could be adopted by our current government in its desire to win this election against the opposing parties . In Uganda the government collaborated with the Electoral Commission,the Security Service and other top placed agencies . I looked at the outfit of our Current EC and asked whether our elections will be different from Uganda's elections . I looked at the pantomality of our security service and asked whether our elections was going to be different from that of Uganda . I kept thinking about the ban on social media in Uganda and couldn't help remembering the self acclaimed International expert (Irbard) making the same argument that Ghana should think of banning Social media during the election period. I have the conviction that such cannot happen in Ghana but l hope to look back to this day and accept what l write today as true, my belief in the wisdom of the people of Ghana, or whether I actually made a mistake, hoping the goodwill of the people is greater than any personal sentiment. I pray for the best for my country and l hope for a free ,fair and transparent elections regardless of any contestation to this claim. There is a new hope for Africa . The Writer Is Richmond Asare Tinkaro ( RAT) and the local NUGS President for University of Ghana 22.02.2016 LISTEN Ghana's former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings has in a meeting with the new American Ambassador to Ghana, Robert Porter Jackson, called on all stakeholders in the forthcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections to ensure the highest levels of transparency to guarantee a peaceful process. It appears people have reached a saturation point, nevertheless what is important is for all stakeholders to ensure the highest level of vigilance is maintained to guarantee peaceful elections, the former President said. Flt Lt Rawlings also called for the United States support in ensuring an impartial and credible electoral process during the courtesy call by Ambassador Porter Jackson last Wednesday. TUAREG ISSUE On Africa, former President Rawlings asked the United States and other nations to help check the spread of extremist tendencies. He intimated that there was the need to do justice to the Tuareg people in Mali, stating that, it is imperative and important that the rights of the Tuaregs are also recognized if we want to contain throat-slitting extremist groups from gravitating towards our sub-region. On the unstable situation in Libya, he said the people should be allowed to elect their leaders through a democratic process without due influence or imposition of puppet regimes by the West. Flt. Lt. Rawlings, who is a former African Union High Representative for Somalia, also called on the United States to help avert famine in Somalia as millions of men, women and children are at risk of starvation due to drought. At the global level, he welcomed the United States renewed relationships with Cuba and Iran and commended the Obama administration for staying the course in spite of strong opposition to the thawing of relations with Tehran. Men and women of conscience will be gratified about the new relationship between the United States and Cuba and most especially that it is happening in the lifetime of Fidel Castro. US-IRAN RELATIONS He added that: Men and women of conscience will also be gratified about the new relationship between the US and Iran and I am glad the US has stayed the course in spite of the opposition that she was encountering. After all Iran is the country that suffered the loss of over 200 men, women and children who were blown out of the sky in international airspace; it is also Iran whose citizens and soldiers were killed by chemical weapons attacks. Flt Lt Rawlings also called on the United States to bring its influence to bear on the Yemeni issue because the media was not giving much attention to the plight of the starving and thirsty victims of the war. He called on the United States to use its influence to address the humanitarian situation to allow medical supplies, water and food to the deprived. People are being starved of food, medical aid and water, yet we dont hear reports of war crimes allegations made against those responsible. And yet we are hollering and ranting and raving about the same issues in Syria, the former President said. President Rawlings and Ambassador Porter Jackson also discussed the transfer of two Guantanamo Bay detainees to Ghana and the political situation in Nigeria. Ambassador Porter Jackson said he was happy to be in Ghana and cited Trade, Health, Education, Peace, building strong institutions and good governance as his priority areas. Present at the meeting were Fred Odisho of the American Embassy, Nana Fredua Agyeman Manu an Entrepreneur and Investment Banker, Dr. Anthony Dzegede, Agricultural Engineer and NDC Parliamentary candidate for Klottey Korle, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings. 22.02.2016 LISTEN According to Ghana Statistical Analysis,2005, agriculture employs about 60% of the Ghanaian working population. No wonder Asiamah(2005) considers agriculture as the backbone of Ghana's economy and will remain so as long as no alternative is found. Agriculture in the years past was the best course of study in our educational institutions. In view of this, agriculture was given the neccessary attention in our educational sector. Agriculture was studied right from lower primary to junior secondary school where final exams (B.E.C.E) were written. I personally became interested in agriculture when I was in primary and became more aggressive of the course when I went to AWISA PRESBY BOARDING SCHOOL. This gave me the zeal to further the course when I went to ODA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL(ODASCO). But what do we see nowadays? Agriculture has been fused to the sciences in the junior high school level and no attention is even paid to the subject in the primary level. This has caused a lost of interest in agriculture as a course of study in senior high schools. Due to this,most of the senior high schools which were offering agricultural science as a course of study have dropped the course. Schools which are not offering the course have also never dreamt of implementing the course. There are a number of private senior high schools in Ghana but none of them is offering agricultural science as a course of study. This is even killing the course more. Moreover, what I have observed is that, most Ghanaian parents do not want their wards to offer agric science as a course in senior high school and higher institutions.What I am asking is that, which people should attend the various Agric colleges in Ghana. No wonder these agric are collapsing gradually. It's very pathetic when at times I meet some of my friends from other schools offering different courses and all the teasing me that "Agriculture is farming". "You this big man you have been sent to the University to learn how to farm, its better you go to some village and get yourself some plots of land and farm than spending your resources on school". In fact, there is a negative attitude towards agriculture in Ghana and it is killing the interest of the course. It will be some time where you will not find anybody offering agricultural science even in the tertiary level because the interest has been lost in the second cycle institutions and there will be no class for agric. So, what will be the future of agric in Ghana??? Students needed to be trained to become intellectuals in Agric sector will be no more. Who will take care of the COCOBOD,CRIG and other Agric sectors in Ghana and occupy big positions in agric in the international level???. What will be the consequences of our indigenous farmer in the rural areas who produce our daily bread?? What kind of food crops are they going to produce for market?? I am pleading therefore, to the government to provide better policies that will improve the interest of agriculture as a course of study in Ghana. Also Ghana Education Service should structure the syllabus in such a way that it will become more attractive to Ghanaian students. Paul Aninakwa Kwakye (0265385951/0248578989). ( [email protected] ). Presidential staffer Clement Apaak has said the NPPs continuous lampooning of the Chair of the Electoral Commission since she was appointed a few months ago, is part of a grand scheme by Ghanas biggest opposition party to prepare the grounds to reject the results of this years elections. The NPP has opposed the Electoral Commission (EC) on various decisions and accused the chairperson of being in bed with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). The Danquah-Busia-Dombo party petitioned the EC over some 76, 000 individuals it said were foreigners on Ghanas voters roll but the request was dismissed. The party also accused the EC of fielding some individuals with bias towards the NDC in the recently inaugurated 18-member steering committee meant to oversee the general elections on November 7. But Dr Apaak, in an interview with Ekow Mensah-Shalders on Class91.3FMs Executive Breakfast Show on Monday February 22, 2016, said the concerns of the NPP were being addressed one way or the other and their criticisms were baseless. My partys position is that this is all part of a grand agenda to prepare the minds of their supporters to reject the outcome of the November polls. We believe that we are going to win, and because they have no message to present to the people, they are sowing the seeds to have legitimate ground to reject the outcome, which is most unfortunate, he stated. Dr Apaak said he did not understand why the NPP was creating a bad image for the EC, as that could have a negative impact on the elections. It is the only body that we can count on for a fair and transparent election. If we demonise the EC at this early stage, then quite clearly we are sowing the seed for a major disagreement on the outcome of what they are already propagating, he warned. Dr Apaak, therefore, cautioned the members of the NPP to be decorous with their comments about the work of the EC Chair. We have been very restrained in our comments on the EC and I will wish you would ask the NPP why they have the tendency to go after the EC. This, I believe, didnt start with Madam Charlotte Osei; it began with Dr Afari Gyan and had its way to the present, he further noted. Airtel Ghana has been named ChangeMaker Company of the Year for Corporate Social Responsibility under the International category for Social Impact through Employee Engagement within the Bharti Group. Airtel Ghana received the highest honor (Gold) for its significant and far-reaching efforts to integrate social responsibility across its products, services, operations and its innovative employee CSR initiative Make your Change. The award was presented at Bharti Airtels 2015 ChangeMaker Awards event in New Delhi. This is the second consecutive year that Airtel Ghana has won this Award. The ChangeMaker Awards honors companies within the Bharti group that have embedded CSR into their operations and are driving meaningful impact within their countries of operations. The Award was presented to Airtel Ghana by Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, Sunil Bharti Mittal. Commenting on the recognition, Hannah Agbozo, Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, Airtel said Corporate Social Responsibility is integral to our business strategy and culture at Airtel Ghana. This award speaks to the dedication of our employees to making a difference and driving positive impact in the communities where they work and live. Additionally, the honor highlights our companys commitment to sustainable investing and the continued effort in empowering our employees to be the change they want to see in their communities. In addition to the award, Airtel Ghana was recently honored for being the Best CSR Company for Education by the Ghana CSR Excellence Awards and also recognised for the third year running as the Best Community Relations Programme of the Year at the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Excellence Awards. Airtel is Ghanas fastest growing telecommunications network providing unparalleled communication, connectivity and collaborative solutions to its customers. About Bharti Airtel Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 3 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In India, the company's product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed DSL broadband, IPTV, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services and mobile commerce. Bharti Airtel had over 353 millioncustomers across its operations at the end of January 2016. To know more please visit, www.airtel.com About Airtel in Africa Airtel is driven by the vision of providing affordable and innovative mobile services to all. Airtel has 17 operations in Africa: Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Airtel International is a Bharti Airtel company. For more information, please visit www.airtel.com, or like the Airtel Ghana Facebook page via www.facebook.com/airtelgh or follow us on Twitter via the handle @airtelghana. 22.02.2016 LISTEN Ever heard the figurative expression Achilles' heel? It means one's weakest point and takes root in Greek mythology. I deem it important to share the myth with you. Achilles, the famous Greek hero of Iliad, was the son of Thetis and Peleus, the bravest hero in the Trojan War. When Achilles was born, his mother, Thetis, tried to make him immortal by dipping him in the River Styx. As she immersed him, she held him by one heel and forgot to dip him a second time so the heel she held could get wet too. The heel, therefore, remained untouched by the magic water of the Styx and it remained vulnerable. He was thus killed by Paris, who pierced his heel with an arrow. To this day, any weak point is called an Achilles heel. We all have one weakness or another. My good friend Kofi Django has a weakness, which I've recounted in this column on numerous occasions. His weakness for the bottle is acclaimed. Despite having the gift of prophecy, Kofi Django cannot resist the smell of alcohol. His addiction to booze is what has continued to hamper his financial progress in life. Abusuapanin would be wondering why the analogies. My intention is to buttress the point that we all have our Achille's heel, and Zu-za is no exception. I'm not a fan of Zu-za, but I just can't help admiring some of its positives. Please do not shake your head because even Lucifer has his positives. Zu-za is one party in this country that understands what it means to win power. Members may have their differences, but they would not mind suppressing their parochial interests for the good of the party when it comes to fighting for power. They may have dissenting opinions on party decisions; but they do not use their long pens to write damning articles about the party they profess to love. Indeed, hardly do you see them washing their dirty linen in public. The icing on the cake for me is how they defend their own. Unlike Osono who throw their own to the dogs in the name of being democrats, Zu-za would defend their own to the hilt. Despite all these positives, one may still wonder why Zu-za is not attractive to some of us. Yes, they defend one another; do not wash their dirty linen in public; and know how to win elections, through fair or foul means. After winning the election; what next? Abusuapanin, Zu-za's action in power is what makes it unattractive to unadulterated patriots like us. Its track record shows that it mismanages the economy and loots the state's coffers when it is in power. Indeed, any true democrat and patriot would not be happy with the various create, loot and share schemes on parade today. That is the Achilles' heel of Zu-za. . It is no secret that some officials of the Opana government colluded with Woyome to siphon cowries in the name of judgment debt. Despite an order from the highest court of the land for him to refund the cowries, the greedy bastard has refused and is still walking free. Do you know why? The man will spill the beans if he is pushed to the wall. The last time we heard from Opana on the issue, he told us a funny tale. More than a week has elapsed since the Supreme Court dealt with the suit Opana used as excuse for not going for our cowries, but we've seen no action from Opana. Trust Opana to give another Kwaku Ananse story when next asked about the Woyome cowries. Other create, loot and share schemes in the name of judgment debt under the Zu-za government are the Waterville saga, messy Isofoton deal, Gallopers palaver etc. All these cowries have been used to line people's pockets with the connivance of public officials, who have the responsibility of protecting the public purse. The sad SADA saga, the wanton looting in the name of GYEEDA and the messy AMERI deal cannot be forgotten so easily. As I said a few weeks back, I could not hold my tears when I watched the sad SADA saga on Joy News. I wept for this country because we have leaders who would gleefully cover-up such mess and turn around to tell us they are fighting corruption. The last time I commented on the messy Smartty deal that led to the re-branding of the MMT buses, I said I wouldn't refund a cowry if I were the Smartty lady. I said so because I was under the mistaken belief that there was a genuine contract. But now that clear evidence points to the contrary, I fully support the call for a full refund with interest. I take this opportunity to salute the likes of OCCUPY GHANA and IMANI for their resolve to protect the public purse. I've followed the Afriwave saga and it is more than obvious that IMANI has provided copious evidence to support their claim of fraud. The voodoo explanation about a transpositional error reminds me of the Electoral Commission's excuse during the election petition hearing in 2013. Laughable, isn't it? For sure, the Achilles' heel of Zu-za is its greed and penchant for using 'create, loot and share' schemes. Just as Paris pierced the heel of Achilles, so should Osono keep on drumming on the numerous corruption schemes by Zu-za. For the cock is at its weakest when pecking corn. See you next week for another konkonsa, Deo volente! Seth Terkper Finance Minister 22.02.2016 LISTEN The central government is broke to the extent that it cannot fund the activities of sector ministries anymore. As a result, the Ministry of Finance has directed some departments and agencies, which are already cash-strapped, to cede 15 percent of their Internally Generated Funds (IGFs) to the sector ministries. For instance, health institutions like the Accra Psychiatric, Ankaful and Pantang Hospitals, which have to rely on their meager internally-generated funds to feed inmates, are required to transfer 15 percent of their proceeds to the Ministry of Health and retain 85 percent. Of late, government has been borrowing huge amounts of money from the capital market to pay salaries and service maturing debts. A statement issued and signed by Major (rtd) M.S. Tara, Chief Director of the Ministry of Finance recently, which made this known, said the policy was part of rationalization measures introduced by government. An estimated amount of GH295,807,849.86 is expected to be realized from the implementation of the policy this year. It said the Controller and Accountant-General should open non-tax revenue clearing /holding accounts for the MDAs under the various sector ministries at the Bank of Ghana (BoG) or Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB). . Additionally, you are kindly requested to open or nominate various dedicated accounts at BoG and/or GCB for each of the affected sector ministries and umbrella organizations to receive 15 percent from their respective agencies. Similarly, the heads of the affected MDAs, who have not furnished this Ministry with their operational accounts, are also requested by copies of this letter to furnish this ministry with their respective operational accounts at BoG and/or GCB to receive 85 percent of the revenue proceeds from the clearing/holding accounts, it said. It added that the said operational accounts should be submitted to this ministry immediately after the receipt of this letter to enable us issue the appropriate instructions through Controller and Accountant General Department (CAGD) to BoG and GCB for smooth implementation of the policy directive. [email protected] By Cephas Larbi 22.02.2016 LISTEN Patrick A.K. Akorli (left) presenting a Certificate of Service to one of the retirees Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL) has given special awards to retiring staff who served the company between nine and 40 years. They were presented with Certificates of Service and some GOIL products. Patrick Akorli, Managing Director of the company, commended the workers for their zeal and loyalty to the company, emphasizing that the workers were retiring peacefully and joyously. He lauded management's working relationship with the workers' union and attributed that to the modest successes chalked by the company. Mr Akorli urged workers to always strive to work in good faith and think about the sustainability of the company. He commended the management team for the support and teamwork over the years. Ofori Sarkwa, Finance Manager of the company, advised the retirees to invest their retirement benefits wisely to protect their future. A Business Desk report Daniel Asiedu 22.02.2016 LISTEN The Board of Agricultural Development Bank Limited (adb) has appointed Daniel Asiedu, immediate-past Managing Director (MD) of Zenith Bank as the bank's new MD. Chairman of the board, Nana Soglo Alloh IV, who disclosed this in a recent statement issued in Accra, said Mr. Asiedu's appointment takes effect from March 1, 2016. Mr. Asiedu, a seasoned Banker and financial specialist, brings on board his rich experience in the banking industry having been at the helm of affairs of Zenith Bank in Ghana as the Managing Director for over a period of six years and served the Zenith Group for over a period of 16 years. Daniel Asiedu is a chartered accountant by profession with about 20 years working experience. . He has extensive expertise in auditing, business consulting, general banking, financial management and investment. His working experience ranges from Pricewaterhouse, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Zenith Bank Plc, Volta River Authority (VRA) and Standard Trust Bank Ghana Ltd (now UBA (Gh.) Ltd). He holds a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and an Executive Masters degree in Business Administration (Finance Option) from the University of Ghana. Daniel has also attended many courses both locally and internationally, including Executive Management courses at Harvard Business School, Columbia University, The Wharton Business School (University of Pennsylvania), Stanford Graduate Business School, Kellogg School of Management, INSEAD and Euromoney Training. He takes over from Stephen Kpordzih. A business desk report Bunmi Brookman in a handshake with one of the head teachers 22.02.2016 LISTEN Dentsu Aegis Network Ghana, a leading media advertising company in Ghana, recently donated office furniture and standing fans to teachers of the Tesano Cluster of schools. The gesture formed part of the Dentsu Aegis Network Ghana's corporate social responsibility to develop the community. Member of Parliament (MP) of the Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah, who assisted in identifying the schools as worthy beneficiaries of the gesture, praised the media advertising company for the support. Head teachers of the schools comprising Tesano 1 Primary and Kindergarten, Tesano 2 Primary, Tesano JHS and Danboi JHS were present to receive the donation. They expressed gratitude for the gifts, stating that they would motivate the staff. Bunmi Brookman, HR Business Partner of the company, presented the items on behalf of Dentsu Aegis Network. . She explained that Dentsu Aegis Network was committed to impacting the lives of people within Tesano community and therefore the donation was one of the company's corporate social responsibility initiatives. Dentsu Aegis Network Ghana is also examining various creative ways of implementing such initiatives in the Tesano community, including adopting the Tesano Cluster of Schools as its Charity of the Year, she noted. The company provides best-in-class expertise and capabilities in brand, media and digital communications services and has presence in 145 countries. A business desk report Freddie Blay addressing newsmen after the programme 22.02.2016 LISTEN THE ASHANTI Regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) yesterday (Sunday) inaugurated its campaign team for the November 7 elections, with a strong call on members to secure 90% of the valid votes to be cast in the region for the party. Acting NPP National Chairman, Mr. Freddie Blay, who inaugurated the group, stated emphatically that the party needs to win more votes in the region to help Nana Akufo-Addo to become Ghana's next president. In this regard, he stressed that the Ashanti Region, which is one of the NPP's fortresses, should provide 90 to 95 percent of the valid votes so that the party's ambition of emerging victorious in the elections would be realized. Mr. Blay, who was being frank, indicated that the party was not happy about the votes that it garnered in the region during the 2012 elections, and charged the members to buck up this year. He pointed out that winning 90 percent of the valid votes to be cast in the region should not be difficult for the NPP to achieve, noting that with hard work, good planning and dedication, it would hit the target easily. The Ashanti Regional NPP campaign team comprises all the 16 regional executives and twelve appointed officers, totaling 28 members, chaired by Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka Wontumi, the Regional Chairman. Complacency . Mr. Freddie Blay sternly cautioned the party against complacency in the region, and charged the members to work assiduously to maximize the party's votes. He stressed that complacency could prevent the NPP from achieving its 90 percent votes target. The acting National Chairman stated that every loyal member of the party should campaign wherever they might find themselves so that more votes could be secured for the party during the polls. Jabs Mahama Mr Freddie Blay descended heavily on President Mahama and his National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, accusing them of drawing Ghana back in its development journey since their assumption of office. He said the NDC had destroyed all the gains that the NPP administration, led by President Kufuor, made for the country, observing that the NDC doesn't have any credible campaign message to woo the voters this time. He noted that even though it is an undeniable fact that the NDC government has failed to perform, the NPP also needed to campaign vigorously in order to prevent it (NDC) from causing an upset. FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi 22.02.2016 LISTEN An assortment of clothing and medicines has been donated to Muslim inmates at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons by a group of Muslims in commemoration of the birthday of Prophet Mohammed. The donation, an annual affair which has been running for the past fifteen years, is put together by Alhaji Sibaway Zakariya, aka Paapa Angola and Malam Faatullahi. The Imam of the Nsawam Prisons, DSP Mohammed Muktar Adam who expressed delight said the contents would be inspected today. The prison Imam speaking on the health of the inmates explained that the National Health Insurance Scheme assessed the health needs of the inmates after which it registered them. Unfortunately, the drugs required to support the clinic is still out of reach of the facility. The visit to the facility was led by the National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu who prayed for the inmates and the country's peace. He told the inmates to give everything to God. Paapa Angola who had chats with some of the Muslim inmates expressed worry at the number of youth from the faith in the prison. According to him most of the Muslim inmates got into prison through bad upbringing and prayed parents to ensure that they bring up their children properly. Some of those who find themselves in prisons suffered the effects of broken homes. I met a young man who had his leg amputated. As a diabetic patient he had a sore but this degenerated and had to be amputated. Now the other leg too has developed symptoms as the first one. . The inmate whose name we are withholding is serving 50 years but appears to have served ten years already. Paapa Angola painted another pathetic picture of an inmate whose wife came to visit him with his three year old daughter. He picked his little daughter and put her on his back. His family members who had come to visit him broke down upon seeing the spectacle. He is serving time for robbery. He told me how he was nabbed with a firearm during a robbery operation. He is serving a fifty year jail term he said. There are close to 900 Muslim inmates in the Nsawam Prison. While some of them are there for robbery others were jailed for doing drugs. One of them complained about how even after a promise by the President to order a remission of the sentences of some prisoners, nothing has happened so far. The president promised that he would pardon a certain category of prisoners such as those jailed for fraud and stealing but only 51 were released under this. Some 349 inmates were interviewed but to date there are still here. The general amnesty which was promised last year is yet to happen, he said. At the time of the visit to donate the drugs, the prison had a population of 3,350 inmates with Muslim youth making close to a thousand, a figure which Paapa Angola found outrageous especially those jailed for robbery. The items which were donated were made available by various groupings one of them Intergovernmental Institution For Micro Algae Spirilula Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM) through its Egyptian goodwill ambassador. By A.R. Gomda 22.02.2016 LISTEN State prosecutors in the case involving the four Yemenis standing trial for possessing fake passports in Ghana were unable to present a witness yesterday. According to ASP Stephen Adjei, the investigator who was due to testify in the trial had been taken ill and rushed to the hospital few minutes into the case. The trial judge Aboagye Tandoh had no option than to adjourn hearing until Feb. 25, 2016. They are Esmail Yahya Zeyad aka Evra Allerson; Gaafar Eissa Yahya Amer aka Ciro Carlos; Waleed Ahmed Yahya aka Debuchya Allard; all students and Eissa Yahya Amer businessman. The case investigator was the second prosecution witness after Detective Superintendent Mohammed Abdul Manan, an officer of the Fraud Unit of the Ghana Immigration Service at the Kotoka International Airport had testified. He has been telling the court how the four Yemenis arrived in Ghana with 3 forged French passports and one other Yemeni passport. D/Supt. Manan among other things stated the forged passports were blank and glaring so much that one did not require the use of a machine to detect it. The immigration officer said the accused persons who had French passports also had Yemeni passports adding that when they were questioned about the visas they used to board the flights, the accused persons could not answer. He said investigations revealed that the accused persons had Malaysia departure stamps in their passports. According to the prosecution the four on November 24, 2015 forged official document being the Republic of France Passport Number 04417928. They are facing an additional charge of possessing fake Emergency Entry Visa. The accused persons were arrested by the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra last year with different names in their French passports on board Ethiopian Airline Flight ET 920. . A further search on them revealed that all the accused persons had Yemeni passports. When the French passports with different names were examined they were found to be fake. The accused persons have variously denied the offence. [email protected] By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson 22.02.2016 LISTEN The Kintampo Government Hospital authorities are threatening mass burial for unidentified bodies at the hospital's morgue. Some unclaimed bodies from last Wednesday's road tragedy that killed 63 people are going bad, according to Dr Owusu Fosu, the medical superintendent of the hospital. Inadequate space in a mortuary with a capacity of 15 persons, weak refrigeration system, low voltage and the resultant stench has forced the hospital to arrive at this decision. Bereaved families had begun moving to various mortuaries in the Brong Ahafo Region to find deceased family members. According to Adom FM's report as at Thursday, most families were unable to convey the bodies of their identified relations, as it was late in the night to complete the necessary paperwork. Last week, 35 accident victims of another road accident were admitted at the hospital, which has contributed to stretching the hospital's emergency drugs. Dr Fosu said the hospital's National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) indebtedness is also to blame for the hospital's inability to get emergency drugs. A non-governmental organisation, IQRA Foundation, was on hand to offer relief by donating some items to the hospital. The foundation also promised to engage their sponsors in Saudi Arabia to secure an ambulance for the hospital. The current ambulance which is being used by the hospital was donated by Alhaji Asuma Banda in 2006, but it has no siren. 22.02.2016 LISTEN Students of Accra Academy on Thursday availed themselves in their numbers for a voluntary blood donation exercise. The exercise, held at the school's premises, was organised by the Old Boys Association of Accra Academy, in collaboration with management of the school and the National Blood Transfusion Service. It formed part of the 85th anniversary celebration of Accra Academy, which was launched officially in 2015. Speaking to DAILY GUIDE on the sidelines of the exercise, chairman of the planning committee for the 85th anniversary celebration and Bleoo 74, Samuel Victor Quao, stated that the initiative was aimed at inculcating into the students the spirit of voluntary service to the nation. . Touching on the anniversary celebration, Mr Quao pointed out that series of activities were still lined-up for the celebration that was launched in October 2015. Activities remaining for the celebration, DAILY GUIDE learned, include a dinner dance which is to be held at the Banquet Hall, State House on August 20, this year, a home-coming and founders' day celebration scheduled for July 23, among others. Blood Donor Recruitment Officer at the National Blood Transfusion Service, Mark Kofi, who was in-charge of the exercise, in a chat with DAILY GUIDE, appealed to Ghanaians to cultivate the habit of donating blood voluntarily to the blood bank on a regular basis. According to him, many a Ghanaian do not see the need to donate blood to the National Blood Bank unless their sick relatives are in need of it; a development he claimed is a serious challenge for hospitals and the blood service. 22.02.2016 LISTEN Mannan Sambian, 32, has been arrested by the police in connection with the latest clashes that erupted on Thursday at Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo in the Northern Region. The Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), ASP Ebenezer Tetteh, who confirmed the arrest to DAILY GUIDE, said the police arrested Mannan Sambian upon a tip-off. Matches were found in his pocket and police suspect he was part of the syndicate that was preparing to burn more houses in the area. He indicated that on Friday night, the clashes erupted again which resulted in the death of one Daniel Nyankpin, 32 and burning of three houses. So far two persons have been confirmed dead while 40 houses had been burnt in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo area. One of the warring factions alleged that police personnel stationed at the area shot and killed Daniel Nyankpin on Friday. Response by the police . According to ASP Ebenezer Tetteh, the allegation cannot be substantiated because the police were informed about the incident and moved to the area to discover the dead body. He stated that during investigations at the scene, the police retrieved a SMG bullet, adding that the police do not use SMG but AK47. The military also use G3 so the question is where is the SMG coming from because the police cannot fire SMG bullet with AK47? According to him, the body of the deceased was released to the family for burial after post-mortem. Security has been boosted at some specific locations in the town owing to the situation in Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo presently. It would be recalled that fresh clashes erupted in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District of the Northern Region between the Jamon and Jafouk clans over the legitimate occupant of the skin in the area, forcing residents to flee the town with their families. Investigations conducted by DAILY GUIDE indicate that some people on motorbike opened fire at some residents, who were sitting close to the police station. ASP Ebenezer Tetteh indicated that security personnel stationed at Bunkpurugu had been ordered to defend themselves in the event of any attack by some disgruntled persons, adding that during the recent clashes the police were attacked by some persons in the area. From Eric Kombat, Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo 22.02.2016 LISTEN Some heads are thick while others are light. But there are just right heads who will wish Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo well in his quest to be voted into being President of the Republic of Ghana. And from what I see, it is the thick heads and the light heads who wish the gentleman will never be president. I am convinced such of the motherland are wishing in vain. So far, I have counted one thick head, one light head and one thick and light head. They will carelessly say he is not fit to be president. Of course he who said that is fit to be that vulgar. Less brain people share the characteristic of less smart people who are often vulgar. A thick head just said Nana Akufo-Addo is not prepared to be president. None among his congresspeople since June 3, 1989, has been prepared to be president. None has, and has had, the knowledge, political experience and knowhow of the osono man. It is all a Goebbelian trick: get the thick heads, light heads and even dunder ones to keep repeating he is not fit, not this, and not that and a gullible compatriot electorate will buy into it. I don't know who is tasked to do the debunking in the osono camp. But they should aggressively respond to expose all those who have been schooling on the job with our money because they took up positions they knew nothing about making things work. I don't know exactly the language and vocabulary in which they made those wild statements. But it would seem they are not completely clear about what is can, what is cannot, will not (unfit, they say not fit) and wish not. ['not prepared' My own reading is that they are basically talking wish not. That would imply idle talk because wishes cannot be just ridden or idle talked because they neither horses to ride nor the right thinking speak I know a prime minister down under who when a finance minister told the opposition leader he will never be prime minister. The opposition leader dethroned the former finance minister prime minister. Then he went along to be the longest serving prime minister. I bet the thick heads and light heads have never known anything like that. They are small read, close-minded and of a lot of ignorance. . Pity is they who cannot appropriately measure when they should speak and what they should say or not say when they open their mouths to say something. People wish, work and grab for themselves and perhaps their kin. Such people are more likely to be thick heads or light heads. The thick heads know what they are doing to the rest of my compatriots with their thievery. Light heads are lured and hoodwinked into the thievery. They enjoy it, though, once immersed and would do everything to defend their thievery and that of the thick heads who have co-opted the light heads. You cannot get too much loan, or too little development to break a thick barrier and enter into a thick head. Light head, though, easily accommodates incompetence, deceit and mediocrity. Either through ignorance or gullibility, the light head is available to be preyed upon by the thick head. Sad but true, the thick may be endowed with high intelligence or great talent. Rather than use that not just to personal benefit but to help with the common development effort, they lack the aptitude to rise beyond narrow personal and ethnocentric interests and use their giftedness to cheat and steal from the common purse. Lucky us in the motherland; that is, those of us who are in for her good, her good and her good. Thick heads, light heads, all together are fewer than us. We are many; they are few. Try as they would, they would never derail the motherland agenda to be great; so great among the greatest of the greatest. Great nations are built by minds and not necessarily heads. Minds are in heads. The thickness or lightness of a head is more a function of the soundness of the mind in those heads. A lazy mind will give you a thick head or a light head. A sharp mind, on the other hand, will give you the right head. With most of us of the right mind, and therefore, of the right head, there is always more than a chance that the less than constructive thick and light heads would yield to the right heads who would then fix the motherland towards goodness and prosperity. So even when a combination of thick heads and light heads tear down what has been built before them there is still the chance right heads will return to rebuild. Development made expensive by slow-down, right? By Kwasi Ansu-Kyeremeh 22.02.2016 LISTEN EIGHT TRUCKS were burnt beyond repairs as a ferocious fire hit parts of Zone 8 of the Suame Magazine in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, last Saturday. The incident occurred around 12:30 am when the artisans had closed from work. Eyewitnesses could not state exactly what started the blaze, which was said to be spreading fast and consuming everything it came across. Apart from the trucks, the fire also destroyed vehicle parts and the various wooden structures in which the parts were being stored. People at the scene said they woke up only to see a disturbing spectacle of fire burning the trucks and the wooden structures. The fear-stricken people tried to quench the blaze but their efforts proved futile because it was very intense and scary to approach. The people then placed a distress call at the office of the Ghana National Fire Service and personnel rushed to the scene to ply their trade . Even though the fire was said to be very fierce, the fire fighters reportedly managed to douse it before it could cause more havoc. But before the firemen were able to bring the inferno under control, it had already consumed the eight trucks, the vehicle parts and the wooden structures. When DAILY GUIDE visited the area Saturday morning, some of the affected people were seen openly contemplating their losses. Some of them appealed passionately to the government to come to their aid. FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi 22.02.2016 LISTEN A 106-year-old woman got her wish to meet President Barack Obama in the White House after a two-year social media campaign. Virginia McLaurin, a Washington D.C. resident since 1941, opened her arms wide and shouted a joyful Hi! as she greeted the president in a new video released by the White House on Sunday. At the White House to celebrate Black History Month, she told the president Its an honor, its an honor. She also got a hug from the First Lady and, unable to contain her excitement, a dance as well. I wanna be like you when I grow up, Michelle Obama told her. You can, McLaurin replied. McLaurin, an African-American woman, was born in 1909 in South Carolina and has lived through 18 presidents. In 2014, a Facebook page was created with a video of herself, and an online petition was started to get her to meet the president. . For the petition, she wrote: I didnt think I would live to see a Colored President because I was born in the South and didnt think it would happen. She wrote briefly about her experiences and what shes seen in her long life and how much that life has changed. I remember when we didnt have any electricity. I had a kerosene lamp. I remember the first car model Ford. I was living here when Martin Luther King was killed She wrote to the president, I could come to your house to make things easier. I pray to the Lord that I would be able to meet you one day. And finally, on Sunday, she danced with the First Family. At the presidents house. -upi 22.02.2016 LISTEN The Coalition of Unemployed Nurses and Midwives has again called on government to fast-track the posting of members to the various hospitals across the country. According to the coalition, they are under a bond by government to serve the country after completion of their studies; however, the employer has delayed unduly in processes involved in getting them cleared and posted to the various health facilities. It is totally unacceptable when we have over 2,000 qualified health professionals sitting at home while the nurse to patient ratio in the country is 1:22 as compared to the WHO standard of 1:3, a statement by the coalition read. Nutakor Selassi, spokesperson for the coalition, disclosed that the group, comprising unemployed registered general nurses, psychiatric nurses, midwives and community health nurses, completed their various training programmes and licensed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana in March 2014 to practise in the country under a bond of at least five years after a mandatory. He said, The normal system is that after you complete rotation, you buy forms and go for interview before being posted but in our case nothing has been done. We are having licence, professional certificate and National Service certificate and now we have been in the house since August. Mr Nutakor indicated that as at Friday, the Ministry of Health had not responded to their call when we went there on Friday the official in-charge of the posting, Dr Asabre, said he was working on our clearance for us. The coalition had indicated their intension to petition President John Mahama on February 29 if the minister does not respond swiftly to our demand for immediate postings. By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri File photo 22.02.2016 LISTEN I am sad, I am in grieve and pain, I am mourning - my soul, heart body and brains are bombarding like never before. I am in such a sorrowful mood because my family, your family and our family members are gone for good. Until perhaps we meet in the heavens, we cannot call them our loved ones again. I wish to extend my condolences to the whole Ghanaian and most especially to the individual families who have lost their precious loved ones in last Wednesday's gory tragedy at Kintampo. I share in their grieves and pains too not because I also lost a loved one but because I am a Ghanaian and they that lost their innocent lives are also Ghanaians. They are my fellow country men and women. May their gentle souls rest in perfect peace. The spirit of mother Ghana is weeping for she has lost a huge human resources. If I can recall rightly, the last time we encountered such huge human loss was on June 3rd,2015. Must we continue to lose precious citizens and human resources to accidents barely every one year? It beats my imaginations when such tragedies comes but we don't find lasting solutions to them. I am not saying what happened last Wednesday was the fault of any person because accidents are unforeseen and inevitable but what happens after such accidents have occurred can be attributed to human mistakes and negligence. People have been giving so many concerns after the incident. Some are very annoying to hear or read them. I read a news article on one of Ghana's news portals that, the driver in front of the metro mass bus was possibly sleeping before the incident happened....this they say was according to an eyewitness. Assuming without admitting the fact that the driver was sleeping, can we solely blame him for that? Were the passengers in the car asleep too that they could not alert to driver to take a rest? Somewhere in 2011, I was traveling to Tarkwa in a sprinter bus...at a point the driver was speeding more than I could contain. I was in the front seat of the bus; it was only one seat so only myself and the driver was in the front section of the brand new sprinter bus. In between Obuasi and Dunkwa on-offin, I realized the driver was dozing...yes he was! The car jumped into pot-holes for more than three times and just after it, that was the moment the driver would realize and come back to normalcy. ....As confused as I was in front of the car, I asked the driver if he was feeling sleepy but he said no. But I knew he was lying. My only prayer was for us to get to Dunkwa so I will report him to the police officers at the Dunkwa Atekyem police station. God finally got us there and I intentionally told the driver to make a stop for me pass out water and he obliged. I went straight to the police officer at the counter and reported our driver was dozing. As honorable as a police officer will be, he followed me to the car and ordered the driver stop and take some rest. To be honest, most of the passengers didn't take it lightly with me...they insulted and villified me but I did not care. After all, I was protecting me own life. The insults continued but to our surprise, the driver slept for more than 40mins before we continued the journey. On the way from Dunkwa, the driver asked how I managed to master the courage to do that but said to him, as human as we are, we can not cheat nature. When a man needs a sleep, he can not do anything meaningful until he satisfy the body of sleep. We had a long chat from that point and he even gave me his mobile number. Today, Senior Joe as he is affectionately called is my friend. Sometimes we as passengers must insist on our rights because life os sacred. I also think from Kumasi to Tamale is such a long journey for the metro mass busses to be having only a driver. They to have get backups! I have traveled to Tamale and Damongo before so I really know what it means for only a driver to be driving such a bus with huge number of passengers. We must have our priorities right as a nation and people. Other rumors says the bus was somewhat faulty...a state owned transport system is left to deteriorate without any care. Just because its government owned? It is sad for us to live in such a country. A driver at the metro mass station at Abrepo junction (Kumasi) after the accident told me, he can attest to the fact that some of the busses have been in the use for more than three years with no maintenance work on them...what a pity? Again, I blame no one for the accident but I can blame somebody for the numerous deaths after the accident. Kintampo government hospital was the nearest health facility to take care of all emergencies after the accident. They have only one ambulance car which can carry at most two persons at a time. As even with those who were rushed to the hospital in other cars, I am told were dumped on the bare floors because there were no beds for them to sleep on. No emergency drugs, inadequate health personnels and lack of other necessities caused more to die. But we have a ministry responsible for health which is annually given taxpayers monies to guarantee our health needs such as what happened at Kintampo. Greed is has taken over our leaders to do what will benefit Ghanaians at their own gains. They spend our monies to themselves. As if that was not enough, I also heard some ministers after the accident was flown in a helicopter to Kintampo hospital. To me, it was not a bad thing to do but what makes it bad is that, the so- called leaders left all the way from Accra to Kintampo with nothing. They didn't go with drugs, beds, and even a backup of medical officers to compensate the inadequate staff at Kintampo. Not as if they didn't know that the Kintampo facility lacked all these things..they knew but as some bunch of careless and useless politicians, they refused to think. Yes they didn't think of the lives we were loosing but their political expediency. None of the politicians that went there was in the capacity to even treat a patient of headache so what was the merit of their emergency flight to the place? Perhaps to watch more people die? Are we serious as a nation? Do we have priorities? Do our "I care for you" politicians of this time understand what it means to loose such human resources? I heard the president took to his twitter page to express his shock over the incident. Good but it was needless. A president don't wait till state transports kills many citizens before he goes to social media to shed crocodile tears. Invest in our stated owned transports. Set priorities in our transport sector to reduce such disasters, Mr President. You branded your images on busses which are weak in body and capable of killing your nationals with huge sums of Ghana cedis without thinking of maintaining them first to make them safe and strong for use? Mr presdient, Ghanaians are not mediocres. Don't take us for granted. Your twitter messages will not bring back the souls we have lost but if you had put in much efforts in improving our transport busses, you could have saved all these people. Please sack your irresponsible health ministers. They lack ideas. They could have ordered for a back up medical team to beef up the situation in Kintampo or better still that helicopter could have been used to transfer most of the injured passengers to bigger health facilities like KATH,KORLE-BU,Tamale teaching hospital and 37 military hospital. If this was done, it was possible we could have saved more lives instead of some bunch of greedy ministers wasting state resources on fuel and allowances that very day. We deserve the best. Ghana is the only hope for you and I. It is our land and home. God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong. The writer: Richard Sarpong (An agriculturist and entrepreneur) Email: [email protected] With the worrying trend of its indebtedness to health facilities for several months, Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, Bishop of Koforidua Diocese has called on the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to expedite action in paying Health facilities for services rendered under the scheme, since the health facilities were suffering. He made the appeal in an interview with the Media, Saturday at Battor, during the joint launch of the 24th World Day of Sick between the Accra Archdiocese and the Koforidua Diocese at the Battor Catholic Hospital. The Bishops call comes in the wake of numerous others, appealing to the government and the NHIA to reimburse the health facilities for services rendered to subscribers of the National Health Insurance Scheme. As a result of the undue delays by the NHIA in paying health facilities, since May last year, some hospitals are grinding to a halt, he said. This is negatively affecting health delivery across the country. He reiterated his call to the NHIA to do whatever it takes to save the situation, because the hospitals are suffering. The Bishop who read Pope Francis message on the theme: Entrusting Onself to Merciful Jesus like Mary: Do whatever he tells you (John 2:5), explained the importance of the World Day of the Sick, and said the day was instituted by Pope St. John Paul in the 90s to raise awareness among health workers and the public on the need to be compassionate in sharing in the suffering of the sick. Saying that health workers profession was a vocation, and a call to help alleviate the pains of the suffering sick, the Bishop charged them to make the care of the patient their utmost priority. He however, thanked health workers for their good works they were doing over the years, urging them to keep up it. Very Rev. Fr. Francis Adoboli, Vicar General of the Accra Archdiocese, who chaired the function, underscored the need to for people to value their health since it was critical for the development. He said the Catholic Church has since established health facilities to further Jesus Christs healing ministry to bring care to the many marginalised people in the society. In a welcome address, Mr. Donatus Duncan Adaletey, Administrator of the Catholic Hospital, Battor, reminded health workers to extend love, respect and be compassionate to their patients, since they were important. He said times have changed and patients have become more enlightened due to the availability of information on the internet, and warned health workers to guard against medico-legal issues because one big problem can cripple a health facility forever. Calling for patients to be treated with dignity, the Administrator, who is also the Executive Secretary of Health in the Accra Archdiocese, urged health workers in Ghana particularly those in Catholic health facilities to always use words of welcome, thank you and sorry in their service. In the face of capitation, it is only courtesy to patients that will attract them to patronise our facilities, he added. The Administrator announced a Gh c 1 per month Leprosarium project some staff at the Catholic Hospital were already contributing to support the inmates at the Ho Leprosarium on subsequent World Day of the Sick. Dr. Solomon Brookman, Medical Superintendent at the Hospital in a brief remark, said compassion was paramount in health delivery, and urged health workers to be compassionate, and be friendly to their patients. At the programme, Madam Marie Helegbe of the Catholic Hospital Battor and Mr. Raphael Amuzu Dzameshie, of the Orthopaedic Training Centre, Adoagyiri-Nsawam, were awarded with a citation and presents as the Best Workers for the Senior Staff Category in the Accra Archdiocese and Kofordua Diocese respectively. Likewise Mrs. Emelia Amoah, of the St. Andrews Clinic, Kordiabe, and Madam Charlotte Aboagye of the Holy Family Nurses Training College, Nkawkaw were also presented with citation and awards for the Junior Staff Category, for the Accra Archdiocese and Koforidua respectively. Mr. Victus Kwaku Kpesese, Executive Secretary for Kofordua Diocesan Health Service, noted the essence of the awards, and defined the criterion used to shortlist those awarded, noting that it was based on long term dedication and merit in their works. At function were representative of Traditional authorities, as wells rep of several health facilities and institutions in the Accra and Koforidua Arch/Dioceses. The Catholic Hospital Choir which sang melodious tunes to spice up the function was in attendance, as well representatives of health facilities were . 22.02.2016 LISTEN When many thought the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is ticking the right boxes for 2019, the party leadership came up with something unique. There appear to be a drama series which never in want of Acts and Scenes with its peculiar dramatis personae as professional politicians or garrison commanders. When one is left to think that one event is at anti-climax, another event within same plot is in raising action. The question on the minds of the audience is: When will this film come to an end? Since its shock defeat in the presidential election in March, 2015 the party is still licking its wounds. Will the party ever be able to play the role of the opposition? Will it just self-destruct or seek a merger with other political parties to challenge its bitter rival, the All Progressives Congress (APC)? Should it change its name to a more acceptable name that Nigerians will easily identify with? All these are the questions bothering the post-Presidency PDP. Sometimes in January, a former political adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Ali Gulak stormed the Wadata Plaza (also known as PDP secretariat) and openly declared himself as the chairman of the party. Many thought things can only get messier as a court declared that any politician from the North East geo-political zone could take over the office of national chairman meaning that that Uche Secondus was occupying the position illegally. No one then needed to tell Mr. Secondus that his romance with the title acting national chairman is over and a substantive national chairman will soon be appointed! On Tuesday 17th February, we received the much-awaited news of whom to occupy the exalted position. It was not to be Mallam Nuhu Ribadu neither was it to be Gulak. But to our greatest surprise it was to be the ex-Borno Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff. I had to run multiple tests just to be sure of the authenticity of the news! On the same day, the blogosphere was filled with information of a man accused of sponsoring Boko Haram as being unanimously nominated as the substantive national chairman of Nigerias largest opposition party. I came across a post on Twitter by a known PDP supporter who maintains that Modus appointment is a Good strategic decision. My first instinct on reading his tweet was to know if this man knows what constitutes a Good strategic decision at all in relation to Sheriffs appointment. My best guess about the Good strategic decision PDP made about Modu Sheriff is probably based on the assumption of his political and financial prowess. Some of Modus supporters recall his experience as two term Borno state Governor and his understanding of the politics of the North East as an important advantage the party may capitalize on in 2019. These people also maintain that considering the financial challenges the party may be facing, Modu appears to be the game changer. While on the surface, these two positions may look potent, let us be quick to register our reservations. First, the PDP looks to be making the same mistake again. The case of Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, a former Governor of Kano in 2014 should be instructive in this regard. With the way the party leadership celebrated (including President Jonathans famous Azonto dance) when he defected from APC one will think the state was already in the bag. Second, one also recalls how the party overestimated the political prowess of people like Musiliu Obanikoro, who promised to deliver Lagos and groups like Afenifere which promised to deliver Yoruba votes in 2015 to the party. If the result of the recent Borno elections are anything to go by, we may not too far from correct to think the party is still overrating some politicians. The rest, as they say, is history! For the records, the situation the party found itself today is not new. The party will not be the first to lose its priced possession; neither will it be the last. So no one should continue weeping for, or lose sleep over that for the party. The party has to be able to weather the storms, so it must work extra hard, if not harder; fight tooth and nail; and go the extra mile to maintain its only one thing left its brand. For the purpose of this piece, we will look at a brand as an image or feature that suddenly comes to mind when a product, service or idea is mentioned. We may also try to see it in the traditional sense as a name, design, symbol or distinguishing feature that sets a product or service apart. Giving these two definitions, can we say the PDP needs a brand? If the partys brand must be worked on, then whatever the party strategists were thinking about before appointing Modu Sheriff as national chairman needs some thorough analyses. It was Mr. Olisa Metuh, incidentally the same man who accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014 of housing sponsors of Boko Haram, was the man who reportedly made the much-awaited announcement. Metuh said. However, the peculiar trend of the Nigerian version summarizes a well-considered agenda of national destabilization for a purely selfish political cause. We pointedly finger the opposition. And the evidence for that pointed fingering is: we recall statements by some politicians, vowing to make the country ungovernable for President Jonathan on the eve of the 2011 general election. At the time he made this statement, Modu Sheriff was still in APC. The question Metuh will struggle hard to answer is, What has suddenly changed? For those who do not know, Modu Sheriff has been at several times been linked with the notorious insurgent group in the North East- the Boko Haram. In fact, some sources claim he was the principal financier of the group since its inception before his fallout with Muhammed Yusuf, the groups leader who was murdered in 2009. Associating the partys brand with this man-bad enough as it is- cannot be regarded as a Good strategic decision as my friend will want us to believe. Now, I will not like to act like a deaf man who only sings the last song he heard before becoming deaf. Rather, I believe the politician should be made to come out and clear his own name. I recently ran into a transcript of his interview with BBC Hausa Service in a frantic attempt to clear his name. He said, Therefore, I am more concerned than anybody in this country, because what Borno State did for me has not been done to any other indigene. You know, in Borno State, a governor has never been re-elected apart from me; in Borno State, no senator has ever been elected thrice apart from me. So, Borno people have done everything for me, and there is no one in this world that I know other than Chad, which I think could help Borno,(Leadership 21 December, 2014). The truth is that Modu may be innocent of all the allegations about his sponsoring book Haram, but another thing is whether anyone believes him! Let us be quick to admit that all political parties in Nigeria presently, without exceptions, suffer from the brandlessness, but the PDPs case looks peculiar. When one talks about small governments and big businesses, we are either thinking about the United States Republicans or the British Conservatives. When the issue is about the welfare state, we need not look further than the Democrats or the Fabians. What image does the party portray to Nigerians and the world with the face of Sheriff as its national chair? Let us equally think with the PDPs think-tank in assuming Modu Sheriff knows and can deliver the votes come 2019. Since every serious political party have the primary objectives of winning elections, the partys strategists may be right in this regard. (I do not know of any party, if not properly so-called that is formed for the purpose of being in opposition.) Having said that it is my considered opinion that Sheriff as national chairman may not achieve optimal results for the party in the next election. This is because, the fact that APC presented a certain General Buhari who won 12 million votes in the North, and ultimately won the presidential election, does not automatically translate into victory for PDP if they present say, a Sambo Dasuki even though he is a Sokoto prince or make billionaire Sheriff its chairman! Theres only one reason why people vote an incumbent out of office: when they find someone better. You have to present the voters with a better alternative to your opponent. Show them why your candidate is clearly different, and why that difference makes him a superior choice. The party will have a difficult task convincing the typical Northern voter, considering the terrible reputation the PDP has with Northern politicians, especially the insults its members hurled at the APC on African Independent Television (AIT), making it look like being a Northerner was evil during the 2015 electoral campaigns. We keep our fingers crossed to see how the party rebrands its image in the strategic Northern region, the worst hit since the inception of Boko Haram insurgency. Let us keep fingers crossed how Modu salvages this situation for the party! If PDP strategists do a proper diagnosis of its post-presidency era, they should realize the fact that even with a block vote from the South-East, their ambition of staging a comeback into Aso Rock in 2019 remains a pipe dream. This is because the only base the party can boast having real political presence is in that zone. This is why there is a school of thought that the party the action(s) of Gulak and his supporters the other time in the partys secretariat is to prevent the party from degenerating into a south east party. Justifying this position will be that the perhaps most visible leaders in the party (Secondus, Metuh and Ekweremadu) are Igbos. Though many party supporters may not like to admit this, most PDP supporters I know today on social media appear to come from that region! If, by chance, (I am just engaging in speculation) the partys strategists are only interested in considerably reducing APCs and Buharis strong showing in the North east by Modus appointment, it may consider drawing to its side the North-Central geopolitical zone where Buhari has not historically had it so good. In this case, maybe, the party could consider presenting Bukola Saraki, a party protege in APC. But Saraki will need to first survive the onslaughts of the hard-fighting APC on his position as Senate President. Whatever the PDP strategists were thinking before appointing Sheriff, I may not know since I am not a member of the party. But something is sure- the party will do a hard job reconciling their earlier views that APC sponsors Boko Haram. Another job will be how they explain to us who stole their thinking cap when taking the Good strategic decision? Olalekan Waheed Adigun is a political risk analyst and an independent political strategist for wide range of individuals, organisations and campaigns. Email: [email protected], [email protected] Follow me on twitter: @adgorwell NPP Vice-Presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, NPP, says Ghanaians must reject the governments claims it has made massive investments in projects. He said the government of the National Democratic Congress was simply trying to hoodwink the people into a false sense of hope when the reality points to the contrary. Dr. Bawumia outlined these six reasons he believes Ghanaians must reject the governments claims. He was delivering a lecture on the topic The Role of Financial Discipline and Investment In National Development at a National Financial Literacy and Investment Summit organised by the University Students Association of Ghana (USAG) at the University for Development Studies, Wa Campus. Where is the rest of the money and what could it have done? Bawumia asks and answers Dr. Bawumia pointed out that the NDC had increased Ghanas debt in seven years by GHC90 billion, from GHC9.5 billion at the end of 2009 to some GHC99 billion currently; an equivalent of some 37 billion dollars at the time of borrowing. First, If you sum the cost of all the loan financed projects listed in the green book (even including those with artistic impressions, it is less than $7 billion. Meanwhile, the government has borrowed the equivalent of $37 billion so where is the rest of the money? Indeed, given the resources at its disposal one should expect at least four times the quantum of investment that the NDC claims to have undertaken, Dr. Bawumia said, as he began listing the six reasons. Dr. Bawumia proceeded to list a number of things the over 30billion dollars from borrowing the NDC cannot account for, could have done, which proves that contrary to the claims, the NDC has done a bad job at giving Ghanaians their due after undertaking unprecedented borrowing in the last seven years. The close to $30 billion of borrowing that was not used for projects could have inter alia: Developed the Rail network from Accra to Paga and transformed many parts of the country just by this investment. Solved the water problems in Ghana Solved the energy problem and not put the country through 4 years of dumsor at the cost of human lives and collapsing businesses and unemployment Put in place at least 1000 kilometres of asphalted roads in each region. There will be no major road problem left in any region after this. Transformed Agriculture in the Northern regions, Afram Plains and Ghana through investment in machinery, irrigation and dams Put in place one world class hospital in each region Buy at least 1000 ambulances for the Ghana Ambulance service Set up factories with the private sector across the country to add value to our raw materials and create jobs. On the issue of jobs, the question is, if the government has taken a whole 4 years to solve a basic problem like Dumsor, how long will it take to address unemployment? At this pace, many of the unemployed youths will be over the pension age before the NDC finds a solution to the unemployment problem. Equip our existing health and education institutions with state of the art facilities Build an additional 600 of the Senior High Schools the government is currently trying to build, he said. Fact: Investment to GDP has declined and affected Economic Growth The second reason, according to Dr Bawumia, is the fact that the data shows that contrary to all the claims of the NDC, infrastructure spending as a proportion of GDP has declined from an average of 11% between 2001 and 2008, when Ghana had no oil, to 5.7% between 2009 and 2015. He explained that it was critical to measure investment by looking at its proportion to GDP because looking at just the nominal figures does not tell the full story. To explain this point, if a person tells you they have invested GHC 1000 in the education of their children and another tells you they have invested GHC 2000, you cannot conclude that the second person has invested more in his or her children if you do not compare it against the number of children in the family. If the first person has one child and the second has 10 children, then the investment of the person with one child will be higher (i.e. GHC1000 per child compared to GHC200 per child for the second person). It is in this context that when we measure the impact of investment, we look at it relative to the GDP of a country. If as a country, your investment in infrastructure relative to GDP is declining, then your growth is likely to decline. This background is very important to understand what is happening in Ghana today, he said. Overpricing of projects and resort to mediocrity The third reason why I say the NDC is attempting to hoodwink Ghanaians with claims of massive infrastructural investments is that most of these projects are overpriced as a result of the single source procurement method, which has become the procurement method of choice for this government, as we saw in the SADA, GYEEDA, KARPOWER, SMARTYS bus branding etc.. I would like to see for example the government explanation from the government quantity surveyors of the costing on the Kumasi airport runway for $23.8 million. However, you and I know that they would not explain because they cannot explain, Dr. Bawumia noted. Touching on the fourth point, Dr. Bawumia stated that since all governments undertake infrastructural products, it is disingenuous for the NDC to claim that as unprecedented, especially when compared to resources accrued, the NDC has done far less investments in infrastructure compared to the NPP government under former President John AgyekumKufuor for example, which had less than ten times the resources the NDC has had in seven years. The nations road network increased by 18,736 km and 29,970 km during the four (4) and eight (8) years of NPP-led administration respectively. At the end of year 2008, the network size met as at the end of December 2000 had been increased about 80%. In contrast, the NDC government has thus far added only 3,772 km to Ghanas road network. This means that the NPP constructed 8 times more roads (km) than the NDC even though they had 10 times more money. Yet when you listen to Government propaganda, they will tell you of the massive road investments they are making. Unfortunately for them the facts completely disprove their attempt to hoodwink Ghanaians. Indeed, it was His Excellency President Mahama who told us that any government touting projects as achievements is conducting an exercise in mediocrity, So what has changed? The real fact is that the NDC has no real achievements to point to outside the undertaking of some projects hence their resort to mediocrity, he said. So-called Massive Investments Have Not Translated into Job Creation & Production The fifth reason why I say the NDC is attempting to hoodwink Ghanaians with claims of massive infrastructural investments is that infrastructural investment is not supposed to be for its own sake but to increase productivity and production in the economy. The proof of the pudding, as they say, is in the eating. If you have indeed undertaken massive and unprecedented infrastructural investment, then why is the economy collapsing? - Why is the NHIS in trouble?Why is unemployment on the increase? Why are businesses collapsing? Why is agricultural growth stagnant? Why is manufacturing growth negative? Why is the government having difficulty meeting statutory payments? he queried. The facts therefore show that the impact of the NDC infrastructure investments have not translated into increased output, job creation and better living conditions for the people of Ghana, Dr. Bawumia added. Ghanaians Can Rather Relate to a Worsening in Social Services and Conditions The sixth and final reason why the NDCs claims of projects should be rejected, according to Dr. Bawumia, was the fact that the so-called massive investments being claimed by the NDC have not translated into an improvement in social services. Dr. Bawumia touched on vital areas like Water, Health and Education to explain that despite the huge claims of the NDC, the ordinary Ghanaian cannot relate to an improvement in services and relief. The NDC claims to have put in over a billion dollars in the area of water infrastructure. Yet, today many places across the country are seeing the worst shortages of water in decades. So what is the essence of the claims being made by the NDC with respect to investments in water when after seven years, the people are rather seeing worse shortages than they were before these so-called investments? he asked Touching on Health, Dr. Bawumia pointed out that despite the claims of huge investments, the reality for many Ghanaians was the fact that the NHIS is failing. He also noted that despite the claims of massive investments, many existing hospitals are crying for basic equipment to deliver health care to the people. What Ghanaians can relate to is the many illnesses and drugs which have been taken out of the NHIS care lists, the Capitation policy and the situation where patients seeking to be treated on the basis of possession of the NHIS Card are turned away in favor of patients with money. For many Ghanaians, the sad reality is that the killer Cash and Carry program, which the NPP worked to cancel, has been technically introduced back as a result of the failure of the NHIA. Again, despite these huge claims of investment, our Hospitals across the country, keep crying over very essential equipment and facilities. I had this sad reality hit home when a close relative passed away last year as a result of the lack of oxygen at Tamale Teaching Hospital. The recent closure of certain departments in Korle-Bu also re-emphasizes this point, he noted Dr. Bawumia cited the recent gory Kintampo accident as another example of how despite the huge claims of investments in Health, the Ghanaian people cannot relate to an improvement in healthcare. The latest case which brings this sad reality into focus was the gory Kintampo accident last week, which claimed over 60 lives. According to the Medical Superintendent of the Kintampo Government Hospital (where all the victims of the accident were sent), Dr. BismarkOwusuOfosu, who spoke to the BBCs Sammy Darko, some victims of the accident who were brought in alive died because the Hospital lacked some vital logistics and medicine. There is no supply of oxygen. Even Common Emergency Drugs are not available Dr. OwusuOfosu said while addressing the media on Thursday. Also, the Acting Administrator of the Ambulance Service in the BrongAhafo Region, Samuel Karikari, confirmed to Citi News that at the time of the accident, the only Ambulance in Kintampo was out of commission. He confirmed that the nearest Ambulances to where the Accident occurred were all not functioning. These factors ensured that it took emergency services several hours to get to the scene and save the lives of the victims. So again, what is the point in the claims of massive investment in the Health Sector when after seven years and with over 200 billion in Resources, we cannot sustain the Health Insurance Scheme which was functional when Ghana had less than 10 times the resources this government has had; and cannot provide vital logistics for our existing Hospitals and service our Ambulances to save the lives of our countrymen?, he probed. Is Every Investment Necessary or Prudent? Ending his dissection of the NDC claims of massive investment, Dr. Bawumia stressed that investments must be assessed critically on the impact it makes to productivity and lives and not just on the basis of numbers that are bandied around. It is, therefore clear that despite the huge claims of investment, the reality for many Ghanaians is that livelihoods have worsened and social services are not functioning. One point I would like to make is that investments must be assessed critically on the basis of what they mean to production and lives and not just on the basis of numbers. For example, early reports on the Kintampo Accident, which was later confirmed to the Graphic by the Police, indicate that the Accident could have been caused by a faulty brake. So while the government may add the recent GHC 3million rebranding of the MMT Buses as an investment in the Metro Mass Transit Company, the question is, would this investment not have been more prudent if it was put in the maintenance and servicing of these Buses? Will that not have saved more lives and improved on the effectiveness of the MMT, compared to the decision to rebrand these Buses? he asked. 22.02.2016 LISTEN Armed robbers are said to have taken over the Institute of Planning and Technology (IPT) in Kumasi, robbing people at gunpoint, The Chronicle has gathered. Shops are said to be broken into, and the armed robbers have taken their robbery to private hostels, including Georgies, where students of the University of Education Winneba (UEW-K) reside are at the mercy of these miscreants. Residents of Tanoso Jericho are also living in fear, following the presence of armed robbers in the area. Shop owners at IPT, near Asuoyeboah, also a suburb of Kumasi, are unhappy about the spate of robberies, as some armed robbers, numbering eight, recently attacked some hostels in the area and unleashed terror on some students. They beat and robbed students of their monies, computers, handsets and other items at gunpoint. A couple of weeks ago, two UEW-K students were robbed a few metres from the eastern exit of the school. In the said incident, it is reported that the two students, who initially resisted giving out their belongings, were swiftly surrounded by eight more thugs, wielding knives and other offensive weapons. This forced the students to surrender and give out their bags, which contained iPhones and laptop computers. The situation has forced students to walk in groups at night, fearing that they could be attacked and robbed. The Assembly Member of the area, Martin Owusu Antwi, indicated in an interview that the students have not reported any incident to him, and he is unaware of robbery at the hostels, but revealed to this paper that the armed robbers breaking into peoples shops had already been reported to the Tanoso Police Post. The Ashanti Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Mohammed Yussif Tanko, declined to comment on the growing insecurity at IPT and Tanoso. From Richard Owusu-Akyaw, Kumasi Nana Amankwah Kodom II, Chief of Adumasa in the Bekwai Municipality, has expressed grave concern over the delay in the execution of reinforced concrete rectangular drains at Ofoase Kokoben in the Ashanti region. He has complained that in July 2014, the Ministry of Water Resources Works and Housing approved the award of a contract for the said project, but the contractor, Messrs Delovely Company Limited of Accra, is yet to commence the project. What baffles the chief is the fact that, the approval of the contract had been communicated to the Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Finance Minister, Public Procurement Authority, the Auditor General and the Municipal Chief Executive of the Bekwai Municipal Assembly. The Adumasahene said, following the approval of the contract by the Ministerial Entity Tender Committee of the Sector Ministry, he had assured his subjects of governments assistance in the execution of the project but two years on , the government seems to have reneged on its obligation. The chief wondered if the government was only making an empty promise when he awarded the GHc1,459,079.60 contract to the contractor for completion in 12 months. The contract was to be directly supervised by the acting Director of Hydrological Services Department, one Mr. Osei Wusuansah. Nana Kodom said the government must come out to explain the delay and save Nananom from blame. He said it is time the government delivered on its promises by monitoring the effective implementation of duly approved projects on contract. The Adumasahene has also called on the government to consider the rehabilitation of the Senfi/ Ofoase Kokoben roads which he said are currently in bad state. From Sebastian R. Freiku, Kumasi Chief Executive of the Ghana Minerals Commission, Dr. Tony Aubin, says it is wrong for the public to look up to the Commission to deal with illegal mining, popular known as galamsey. In an exclusive interview with Adom News, Dr. Aubin noted that, by law, galamsey is a crime and therefore falls under the purview of the police and not the Minerals Commission. He explained that in the same way we report theft to the police and not Commission for Human Rights and Administrative, and we report traffic violation rules to the police and not the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority, we must report galamsey operators to the police and not the Minerals Commission. Dr. Aubin however, noted that the Commission has the approval of President John Dramani Mahama to regularize the operations of some galamsey operators and also change the status of small-scale miners who are actually into large scale mining. In line we that, he said, the Minister of Lands and Mines has sanctioned a plan for the Commission to engage all stakeholders in the mining sector to work towards re-categorization of small-scale miners using large-scale equipment, and the regularization of galamsey operations into legal and tax-paying entities. We believe if we do that it will reduce illegal mining drastically so that we would not have to waste state resources to fund police and military swoops on galamsey operators, he said. Dr. Aubin is however, worried that most of those who wrongfully accuse the Commission of not stemming galamsey are themselves secretly involved in galamsey either directly or remotely. He said the profile of people behind galamsey operations shows that some of them are pastors, lawyers, chiefs, security chiefs, politicians and other supposed well-meaning people in society. Very often when we meet at the District or Regional Security Council level to plan on how to storm galamsey sites and make arrests, people from the meeting tip the galamsey operators off and get away before the taskforce get to the sites, he said. The Minerals Commission boss also noted that even though the mining laws are clear on the fact that foreigners are not allowed to do small-scale mining in Ghana, some locals bring in people from China, India and other countries and front for them to do small-scale mining in Ghana. When the police arrest these lawless people you often get people in high places calling and demanding the release of those people, he noted. Dr. Aubin believes it is hypocrisy and greed of some respected people in society that is making the fight against galamsey a complex one. Accra, Feb. 19, GNA - Ghana and the United States have signed the Security Governance Initiative (SGI) Joint Country Action Plan agreement. The SGI is a US Presidential Initiative that offers an enhanced approach to security sector assistance beginning with six African countries; Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Kenya, and Tunisia. It offers a comprehensive approach to improving security sector governance and capacity to address threats. In the initial year, 65 million dollars would be dedicated to the initiative; while in subsequent years, the US would provide additional funding commensurate with maturing program needs and expansion to additional countries. Together, the US and the participating six African countries would work to improve security sector institution capacity to protect civilians and confront challenges and threats, with integrity and accountability. The SGI programme would differ in each country, reflecting specific partner country challenges, goals, and objectives. Ms Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, speaking at the signing ceremony in Accra, said the initiative would strengthen the nation's security system for investigations, for the gathering of evidence, prosecution and ultimately the protection of the citizenry. She said the initiative would focus on cyber security, maritime security and boarder surveillance and boarder control. 'And a cross cutting issue that covers the three areas is also the administration of justice; especially as regards effective analysis of evidence, gathering of evidence, and prosecution of offenders; to ensure that people who fall foul of our laws do not feel that because the institutions of states that are responsible for enforcement are not able to handle the responsibilities as efficiently as one would like, that somehow or the other, they would be able to get away with impunity,' she stated. Ms Tetteh said implementation of the initiative would involve short, medium and long term actions, all with the view of making sure that the security systems would improve their efficiency as quickly as possible. 'It is our belief that as we go through the process of implementing this programme, we will come out with stronger institutions that are more robust, more competent and that will help give us the protection that we want to meet the emerging threats that we have identified in these particular areas,' Ms Tetteh said. 'It is indeed our pleasure to continue our strong cooperation with the US Government in this area; and to several other areas in which we have joint activities where we have joint programmes and initiatives and which has inure to the benefits of the people of Ghana,' she added. She lauded the US Government for its continued support towards Ghana's socio-economic development over the years. Mr Robert Porter Jackson, the US Ambassador to Ghana, described the Joint Country Action Plan as a roadmap for a successful partnership. He said the recommendations in the agreement would inform the programme design and implementation of the SGI in Ghana. GNA Walewale (NR), Feb. 22, GNA - The Bangmarigu Community Bank made a net profit of GHE 86,051.00, showing a decline of 9.3 per cent compared with the previous year's total of GhE 94,837.00. Mr. Daniel Sandow, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, who announced this attributed the dip in operational returns to the difficult business environment. He was addressing the annual shareholders meeting at Walewale in the West Mamprusi District. He told owners of the bank that despite the challenges, they were able to grow its assets from the year 2013 figure of GHE 5,806,096.00 to GHE 6,331,350.00 in 2014. During the period, total deposits also rose to GHE 4,896,752.00 from GHE 4,148,488.00, representing an increase of 18 per cent. At the same time, the shareholders' fund shot up from GH 732,263.00 to GH 744,239.00 while the bank's noncurrent assets increased by GH 248,610 - climbing from GH 556,742.00 to GH 805,352.00 and he said this was due to the construction of a new head office building. Mr. Kwadwo Aryeh Kusi, Managing Director of ARB Apex Bank, reminded the management and board of rural and community banks to stick to good corporate governance - transparency, discipline, fairness and accountability. He pointed out that this was important to sustain them on the path of progress and win over more customers. They should continue to give priority to good customer care, something he said was the basis of business growth. 'Satisfactory customer service means meeting the expectation of our numerous customers' and he therefore advised that the banks should be innovative in their customer service delivery. Mr. Kusi asked them to research into the needs of their customers and tailor their products to meet these needs to ensure customer satisfaction and retention. He noted that the banking industry had become more competitive and urged continuous staff training to upgrade their skills. He applauded the management of the Bangmarigu Community Bank for its impressive performance. GNA On Friday, February 19th, the annual meeting of the French Teaching Committee for military cooperation took place at the Alliance Francaise in Accra. This teaching project, created in 2003 by the military cooperation of the Embassy of France to Ghana with the Education Department of the Ghanaian Army, allows officers to learn French in order to lead military operations in francophone countries. To date, six French language centers offer French lessons, with experienced Ghanaian teachers who were partially trained in France. The annual French Teaching Committee meetings objectives were to report back the results of the year 2015 and then to propose new goals for 2016. During the year 2015, 103 students attended French lessons. Most of them passed a specific French language exam in order to obtain the DELF (Diploma in French language studies). Within this framework, the military cooperation plays a role of pedagogical and material support. During the meeting, the French language center that delivered the best results in 2015 received the diploma of best center 2015: it is the Burma Camp French language center. Indeed, with the help of teachers, the center succeeded in registering 25 students to the DELF exam and performed the highest success rate to the exam with 96%. 22.02.2016 LISTEN Saudi Arabia has put on trial 32 people, almost all of them members of the kingdoms Shia minority, accused of spying for Iran, local media report. The defendants face charges including treason, establishing a spy ring with Iranian intelligence and passing on sensitive data on military zones. Most of the 32 are from Saudi Arabias restive Eastern Province, with one an Iranian national and another an Afghan. Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran have escalated in recent weeks. Saudi Arabia broke off diplomatic relations with Iran in early January following the storming of its embassy in Tehran by protesters angered by the execution of a prominent Saudi Shia cleric and three other Shia. Saudi officials insisted Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr was guilty of terrorism offences, but Irans supreme leader said he had been executed solely for his criticism of the Sunni monarchy. Sectarian strife . The defendants who went on trial at the Specialised Criminal Court in the capital Riyadh on Sunday were detained in 2013, Saudi media reported. They include several well-known figures in the Shia community who are not involved in politics, including an elderly university professor, a paediatrician, a banker and two clerics, according to the Reuters news agency. Eastern Province is home to most of Saudi Arabias Shia Muslims. They make up less than 15% of the national population, and many claim they suffer discrimination. Dissent is rarely tolerated in Saudi Arabia, and between 2011 and 2013 more than 20 people were shot dead by security forces and hundreds more detained. Shootings and petrol bomb attacks also killed several police officers. -bbc 22.02.2016 LISTEN Thousands of migrants and refugees have been stranded near Athens and on Greeces northern border after Macedonia stopped allowing Afghans in. Some 5,000 people were stuck on the border and another 4,000 arrived at Piraeus port, as Macedonia said only Syrians and Iraqis would be let in. Greece has protested at the decision, but Macedonia said Afghans were not being let in by other countries. Last week Austria imposed a daily limit of 80 asylum claims. Although EU officials said the Austrian decision was incompatible with human rights conventions, Balkan states along the migrant route from Greece have responded by implementing their own restrictions. In the past year, the vast majority of migrants and refugees arriving in Europe have taken the route through Greece, in the hope of claiming asylum in Germany or other EU countries. More than 1.1 million people arrived in Germany alone in 2015. After Syrians, Afghans made up the second largest number of people seeking asylum in the EU in 2015, according to official figures . Last November, Slovenia and other Balkan countries announced they would only allow in refugees from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, where armed conflicts were taking place. Macedonia said it was now halting access to Afghans as well, because Serbia had itself imposed restrictions, although that was disputed by the Belgrade government. Police from Austria and the Balkan states agreed new guidelines for letting in migrants last week, which reportedly include a photo-document issued by the authorities on the Macedonian border with Greece. The Athens government fears the new restrictions will prompt a build-up of migrants and refugees on its territory. The UN has already counted more than 94,000 arrivals from Turkey on Greeces Aegean islands since the start of this year. Greeces junior immigration minister said he was hopeful the issue would soon be resolved with Macedonia but there were fears the number of stranded migrants could increase. . The first indication of that came with the arrival on Monday of four ships in the port of Piraeus carrying some 4,000 migrants from the Greek islands. They were intending to continue their journey to the Macedonian border at Idomeni. Almost 5,000 people were already waiting either at Idomeni or on buses a short distance from the border. German politicians have reacted with dismay to the change in Austrian policy, which includes a 3,200 daily limit on the number of migrants and refugees being allowed transit through the country. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere complained the number was far too high and sent the wrong signal. If others think that they will dump a greater burden on Germany, we wont accept that in the long term, he said. His opposite number in Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, complained that Germany was sending mixed signals. Germany could not promise Greece that it would continue pursuing its open-border policy while also demanding that Austria stop everyone coming through, she argued. Germans have been shocked in recent days by two anti-refugee protests in the eastern state of Saxony. Dozens of protesters blocked a bus carrying families to a shelter in the town of Clausnitz on Thursday night, hurling abuse and chanting we are the people. Two nights later, a shelter for asylum-seekers was set alight in Bautzen as onlookers were filmed applauding the action. Government spokesman Steffen Seibert condemned the Clausnitz attack as cold-hearted and deeply shameful. -bbc 22.02.2016 LISTEN Russia has said bomb attacks which killed at least 140 people in Syria were aimed at subverting attempts to reach a political settlement. Russias foreign ministry condemned the atrocious crimes of extremists. Sundays attacks hit the Shia shrine of Sayyida Zeinab, south of Syrias capital Damascus, and the city of Homs. So-called Islamic State (IS) said it carried out the attacks. Both targeted areas dominated by Islamic minorities reviled by IS. Four blasts in Sayyida Zeinab killed at least 83 people, according to state media. A monitoring group reported that 57 people, mainly civilians, were killed in a double car bombing in Homs. The UK-based activist group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) put the toll from the Damascus attacks at 120 and said they were among the deadliest to occur during the whole of Syrias civil war. SOHR also reported on Monday that heavy fighting had cut off the governments only supply route to the northern city of Aleppo. IS and other Islamist militia had cut the road between Aleppo and the town of Khanasser to the south-east, it said. More than 250,000 Syrians have been killed in the conflict. Some 11 million others have been forced from their homes, of whom four million have fled abroad including growing numbers who are making the dangerous journey to Europe. The Sayyida Zeinab district is the location of Syrias holiest Shia Muslim shrine, said to contain the grave of the Prophet Muhammads granddaughter. . The district was hit by suicide attacks last month that left 71 people dead and which IS fighters also said they had carried out. On Sunday US Secretary of State John Kerry said a provisional agreement had been reached with Russia on a partial truce. However he admitted issues remained to be resolved and said he did not expect any immediate change on the ground. Earlier this month, world powers involved in the crisis in Syria agreed to seek a cessation of hostilities, but the Friday deadline came and went. In Homs, the blasts happened in a predominantly Alawite district, the sect to which President Bashar al-Assad belongs. One of the early centres of the uprising against President Assad, Homs was once dubbed the capital of the revolution. But rebels left the city late last year under a ceasefire deal, leaving the city in government hands. The latest blasts came as President Bashar al-Assad told reporters Syrian refugees should not be scared of returning home. Mr Assad, who has long been accused of persecuting his own people, said ordinary Syrians who had fled the conflict due to the standard of living that has been deteriorating drastically could go back without fear of action by the government. -bbc 22.02.2016 LISTEN If you listen to some so called experts on naira, one would think that once naira is devalued, all problems would be solved. The fact remains that there is no way Nigeria can get more foreign currencies than the amount of oil sold. If you want foreign currency, you must earn it by selling something: oil or non-oil products or borrow. Only fools spend more than what they earn to justify business as usual. Something must give cut your spending of foreign currency or starve! They dont get it, naira is already devalued at Bureau De Change. What Central Bank needs right now, is control payments to foreign banks to minimize Central Bank agents round tripping and manufacturers abuses. Only Central Banks or banks drafts; no foreign cash should be floating around creating excess naira at any price. The less frivolous naira chasing dollars the more naira appreciates. No country, not even USA can satisfy Nigerians insatiable craving for foreign cash. It may strike some of us that high demand for dollars at any price rather than go to the Central Bank to justify their reason at 200 naira, is creating panic in the market. You can be rest assured dollar grabbers are not making N18,000.00 a month. Even if he is making one million, that fool and his naira will soon part. Real problem are the poor that have to buy imported rice, chicken, tomato, bread and avian water if those are the only commodities available in the local markets. Chaos free loaders want: See our poor groan and curse if they have to buy imported expensive food available at the market; but for how long? It will get to a point when those food and goods will sell beyond the reach of the common man. As we saw in other countries like Venezuela and Cuba, resulting in scarcity. Governments with good intention would try to provide for the poor by rationing. It does not look good or work, not in a country like Nigeria. We all hate rationing. This is why Capitalists say the market should determine the price. If food and goods get too expensive, only those loaded with money, the rich buy leaving none on the table for the poor. Socialist governments think that everyone must have equal opportunity because the rich did not get there fairly by pulling themselves up by the bootstraps. Indeed, the system is rigged to favor the children of the rich whose parents have looted the country dry, putting us in a mess. Both local and foreign manufacturers are threatening to close for lack of raw materials. There is nowhere else in the world foreign companies establish without negotiating the amount of local content in materials, labor and profit. So when companies like Cadbury depending primarily on cocoa, claim they need raw materials from outside, they drain our foreign reserves. It is also true of automobile assemblers (not makers), beer or sugar drinks and food processing plants. By the time we get to Zimbabwe dollar, even the middleclass and the wealthy would not be able to afford the price of imported goods and services. It would be left to the filthy rich, which are very few. This is why the people say when it gets to the point when the rich would have eaten all the poor, they would only have themselves to eat. So there is no end in sight to the fall of the naira and at certain point, we would start blaming good and bad governments policies. Fortunately, we have a choice. We either go on importing food, goods and services we cannot afford by demanding more dollars or we can grow our food, manufacture our own goods and render our own services. There is problem; our food, goods and services are not up to standard of those we import. These excuses are not entirely true, since we buy subsubstandard products wrapped in fine exotic papers. We must raise our standard and lower local price to compete. High standard can only be perfected after many trials, errors and practice. Even in those cases where our standards are higher or better, inferiority complex would not let us appreciate our own products. You must have heard about lace materials that were made in Nigeria, shipped across the border and imported back with foreign labels before they can be admired and sold in the market or Ariaria (Aba) shoes labeled made in Italy, China or USA before Nigerians can buy. Cheap Chinese import of lower quality materials, killed our textile industry. Slippers, decorative mats, bags, beanbags and carvings made in the North and appreciated worldwide as gift but are not well patronized in Nigeria. It is worse in the Southern part of Nigeria when it comes to food production. Any disruption by man or natural disaster in the North creates scarcity in the South. Even Diaspora appreciates African made products than where there is bigger market at home. Case in point illustrates the reason we foolishly buy dollars and pounds at any price while local tomato rut. Rich men would go to Shoprite for imported tomato and pay five or ten times the price of local tomato. Recently we had a glut of local tomato; selling for N300.00 per big basket that was normally sold at N5,000.00. Unfortunately no adequate storage or factories that could turn the glut into profit by processing them into tomato paste. See Tomato Glut In Katsina If that is all our problems, education and information may solve it. But deep-seated inferiority complex is more difficult to cure. African countries are more loyal to the goods and services of the colonial masters. We have been brained washed that, in order to be civilized, we must act and copy their behaviors, their taste and patronize their services. Little did we realize that no matter how much we tried, we could only be glorified copycats, never those we wannabe. Africans taste for foreign food, goods and services as consumers of ready-mades and producers of nothing has no limit. Since African politicians can get their hands on local currencies easily by looting, they flood BDC without reservation to buy dollars, pounds or franc. The Africans that work and sweat for these currencies hardly spend it the way looters that hardly know the value of money do. So no matter how much currency they print, it is taken and used to enslave them. After buying all they have, the same currency they print is used to buy their natural resources, their services and their land is used to grow and produce the same food they refuse to eat and grow in the first place. The difference is that when those food are grown on the land they have lost control of; the price, where and who agribusinesses sell them to, is dictated to Africans. This is why the first or appreciable money an African makes; he spends most of it outside Africa in the countries of his colonial masters. He cannot do without French francs, British pounds and American dollars, none of which is printed in African countries. The easiest way to acquire these foreign currencies is to seek inflated profits, so he can exchange his own currencies at whatever price the BDC dictates. He neither controls nor dictates the market; colonial masters do. 22.02.2016 LISTEN MEN who slip their phone into the pocket of their jeans could be 'cooking' their sperm. A new study has shown the practice of carrying a smartphone in your trousers can have a drastic effect on fertility rates. Scientists in Israel, who monitored over 100 men for a more than a year, found that 47 per cent of the men who kept their phones in their front trouser pocket had low sperm levels, compared to 11 per cent of the general population. But it wasn't just close proximity to the wedding tackle which affected the sperm count. The study also found that men who chatted on the phone for more than an hour each day were twice as likely to have low sperm quality as those who spoke on their mobile for less than one hour per day. And using the phone while it's charging was also damaging. . Each participant noted time spent on the phone each day, where they were carrying their phone and whether they received calls while charging their phones. Professor Martha Dirnfeld, of the Technion University in Haifa, said: The levels were down to a number that would make conception difficult. If you are trying for a baby and it doesn't happen within a year you might want to think of whether it could be your mobile phone habit that is to blame. Professor Gedis Grudzinskas, a fertility consult at St Georges Hospital London, warned men to take note of the study. He said: If you wear a suit to work put the mobile in your chest pocket instead of close to your testes. It will reduce the risk of your sperm count dropping. And do you need to keep the phone right next to you on the bedside table? Some men keep their mobile in their shorts or pyjamas in bed. Is that really necessary? N'Djamena (AFP) - A Chadian student was shot dead and five others wounded Monday when soldiers broke up a protest over a girl's brutal gang rape, as demonstrations showed no sign of abating ahead of a presidential vote. The death was the second in a week of protests by students who have taken to the streets of the capital N'Djamena and beyond to express rage over the gang rape of a girl named Zouhoura, which has been blamed on the sons of senior officials. The unprecedented wave of protests that erupted on February 15 comes ahead of a presidential vote in April, which incumbent Idriss Deby Itno, in power for 26 years, hopes to win in one of the world's poorest countries. "Soldiers fired at students leaving one dead and five hurt," a hospital worker in the northern city of Faya Largeau told AFP by phone. Last Thursday, the Chadian government slapped a ban on unauthorised demonstrations with the minister for security and immigration accusing students of "sowing disorder" and saying they were "being manipulated by politicking groups." The ban came after police used teargas to disperse students in N'Djamena gathering to protest the death of 17-year-old demonstrator Abbachou Hassan Ousmane, who was killed in a earlier protest over the rape. The trouble erupted after a girl was allegedly kidnapped and gang-raped by five young men who then posted a video online showing the victim naked and in tears. The video has since been taken down. The footage sparked widespread public anger, with police arresting five suspected rapists -- three of them the sons of generals -- and four alleged accomplices, including a son of Foreign Minister Moussa Faki Mahamat. Zouhoura's father, who filed a complaint over the attack, is a candidate in the April 10 elections. But the arrests have done little to appease the students' rage. - 'We ask for justice' - Seventeen students arrested on Friday for protesting in Massaguet, 80 kilometres (50 miles) from N'Djamena, were still in detention Monday, according to the Chadian Convention for the Defence of Human Rights (CTDDH). In a statement, the group blasted "the gratuitous and arbitrary arrest of 17 students who were expressing their anger over the despicable act carried out by the sons of senior officials, and over the murder of young Abbachou." It also accused police of "torturing" the detainees at the police station. After the protest ended, a fire ripped through the town's market. Police accused demonstrators of setting fire to two shops, claiming the flames then spread across the market. In N'Djamena, students at two major high schools skipped class in protest on Monday after a similar protest on Friday, an AFP journalist said. "What little Zouhoura suffered was a barbaric, despicable act ... We ask for justice, to set an example. I am shocked. This must not go unpunished," Therese Mekombe, who heads an association of women jurists, told AFP. According to Chadian news website JournalduTchad.com, the suspected rapists are being held a high-security prison in the country's north. - 'Enough' - Clamping down on dissident voices, Deby's regime has blocked access to Facebook and other social media networks used by protesters, an AFP journalist said. Civil society groups have stepped up calls for Deby's departure. Last week, opposition movements gathered at the Union of Syndicates headquarters launched a campaign entitled: "That's Enough". "This campaign's aim is to call for Deby's departure. The Chadian people can't take five more years. It's enough, he has to go," campaign spokesman Younous Ibedou told AFP, saying a series of peaceful protests would take place from from February 24. A collection of poems dedicated to Zouhoura, written by young boys and girls, has also been published, according to another local website named Tchadinfos.com. The poems are dedicated to the memory Abbachou Hassan Ousmane "who died a martyr" as well as to women's rights activists, "and to Zouhoura, a victim of collective sexual violence." Tension seems to be heightening within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Eastern Region as the President search for a nominee to fill the deputy Eastern Regional minister portfolio. The deputy Eastern Regional Minister's seat became vacant after President John Dramani Mahama elevated the deputy Minister, Madam Mavis Ama Frimpong, to a substantive Eastern Regional Minister. Expectations among party gurus, constituency and regional executives are very high as the party faces what political analyst describe as crucial elections on November 7. There seem to be two factions within the Eastern Regional Executives who are lobbying for two different candidates to fill the portfolio. As few members of the regional executives are lobbying for one candidate of their choice while another group made up of the Party's grassroot members and sympathizers are equally rooting for another candidate. Interestingly, the two names that have popped up are all members of the Eastern Regional Executive Committee. The Eastern Regional Youth Organizer who double as the New Juaben North Parliamentary candidate Mr. Appau Haruna Wiredu and the Regional Secretary, Mr. Kevor Mark- Oliver, according to reliable source within the NDC, have been ticked for the portfolio. Adom News' Maxwell Kudekor reports that the Eastern Regional Chairman, Mr. Bismark Tawiah Boateng, is lobbying for Appau Haruna Wiredu. Other members of the regional and branch executives including some party gurus at the Flagstaff House are rooting for Kevor Mark Oliver to be nominated for the deputy minister portfolio. 22.02.2016 LISTEN Kintampo (B/A), Feb. 22, GNA - The government has taken steps to complete a hostel project left abandoned for more than 10 years at the Kintampo College of Health and Well-Being. Mr. George Kumi Kyeremeh, an official of the Health Ministry, said the project to house female students, would be funded from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund). Addressing the maiden alumni home-coming event of the college at Kintampo, he said Tropical Architects Consult, a Ghanaian architectural consultancy firm, has been engaged to supervise the job. He did not, however, tell how much would be involved, except to say that the firm would liaise with the Brong-Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council to award the project on contract and ensure that it was delivered on schedule. The announcement comes as a refreshing piece of news given the severe accommodation problem facing the college. The two-day home-coming meeting, organized by the Management of the college, was meant to create an opportunity for the past students to acquaint themselves with the current state of affairs and identify ways they could help to make things better for their alma mater. It was also to adequately inform them about the proposed upgrading of the school into a university college. Mr. Isaac Azindow, the acting Principal, complained about inadequate infrastructure, describing this, as a major constraint. He pointed out that only 450 students out of its student population in excess of 2,300 were currently housed on campus with the rest in private facilities. He said apart from the fact that some of the private hostels were unsuitable, there was an added downside - financial and social exploitation of the students Mr. Azindow announced that through its own internally-generated revenue, it had started building a nine three-bedroom apartment to accommodate the tutors, and said the project was now at the roofing stage. The decision to provide decent accommodation for teaching staff, he said, was to help attract more qualified tutors and invited the alumni to support the project. GNA Savelugu (N/R), Feb 22, GNA - A group of Dutch students, teachers and volunteers have begun a week-long exchange programme at Yoo Roman Catholic (R/C) Junior High School (JHS) at Savelugu in the Northern Region to learn more about the culture of the country. The exchange programme dubbed 'Going Global' was to enable the v Dutch numbering 31 to learn more about educational, cultural, social, economic and political systems of the country. The programme was organised by Savana Signatures, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Tamale in partnership with Edukans Foundation, a Dutch organization. As part of the programme, Dutch students, teachers and volunteers will sit through classroom lessons at the host school (Yoo R/C JHS) as well as interact with members of the Yoo community to learn more about their social and cultural set up. Mr Abdulai Alhassan Red, Savelugu/Nanton Municipal Chief Executive, who spoke at the ceremony at Yoo R/C JHS at Savelugu on Monday to welcome the Dutch to the school lauded the initiative and advised pupils of Yoo R/C JHS to learn more about each other's culture. Mr Red assured them of the Dutch of the Ghanaian hospitality at Savelugu urging them to be ambassadors for the Savelugu/Nanton Municipality (S/NM). Mr Abdul Rashid, Assistant Director of Education in-charge of NGOs at S/NM commended the Dutch team for coming to experience Ghanaian culture saying this would go a long way to establish good relations between the two countries. Mr Rashid commended Savana Signatures for resourcing some schools in the S/NM with computers to enhance ICT education as well as implementing projects that helped to empower the girl-child. Mr John Stephen Agbenyo, Executive Director of Savana Signatures said Yoo R/C JHS was selected as the host of the exchange programme because it had been a beneficiary of some of its projects and urged pupils of the schools to do well to learn about dutch culture. Mr Frits Kruiswijk, Senior Programme Advisor of Edukans Foundation spoke about the importance of the exchange programme and lauded Christians and Muslims in the country (Ghana) for their peaceful coexistence. Madam Patricia Dumbah, Headmistress of Yoo R/C JHS commended Savana Signatures for its initiatives at helping to improve the capacity of teachers of the school in ICT as well as implementing programmes to empower the girl-child at the school. GNA 22.02.2016 LISTEN Accra, Feb 22, GNA - Ms Joselyn Dumas, an actress and a Television presenter has joined a team from Airtel Ghana led by Managing Director, Mrs Lucy Quist to mentor over 300 pupils from the Mataheko Cluster of Schools in Mataheko, a suburb of Accra. The mentoring session, which is part of the Smartphone Network's Evolve with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative, is meant to transform mindsets about STEM and to empower young people to believe they have the potential to be the best they can. A statement issued in Accra by Mr Richard Ahiagble, Head, Corporate Communications and copied to the Ghana News Agency said Ms Dumas who signed up as a volunteer for the Evolve with STEM initiative encouraged young people to 'dream, aspire and challenge themselves to be the best in whatever they set their minds to'. She said 'as future leaders of this country, you must believe in yourself. You must believe that you possess in you all the talent, ability and brain power to be whatever you dream of becoming. All you need to do is work hard to achieve your dream". The statement said Dr. Yaw Okraku-Yirenkyi, Ghana Robotics Academy Foundation (GRAF) also taught the pupils how to programme robots to undertake complex tasks and maneuvers by using basic science and mathematical principles - a clear demonstration of how what they are taught in class can be applied in real life. Mrs Quist expressed gratitude to GRAF and Joselyn Dumas for supporting the Evolve with STEM initiative. She said 'We at Airtel Ghana are grateful to Joselyn for her enthusiasm and support towards this initiative. She was one of the first people to sign up for this project when we first launched it in December and having her here today to inspire these young people is commendable. 'We cannot over emphasize the fact that we need STEM to accelerate our development in all areas and the need to positively inspire and empower young minds for the future. This is what Evolve with STEM is all about', she added. Evolve with STEM is an Airtel Ghana CSR initiative spearheaded by the Managing Director and current CIMG Marketing Woman of the Year, Lucy Quist. The initiative which is under the auspices of the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) is also supported by the Exploratory, an initiative of the African Women Advocacy Project and the Ghana Robotics Academy Foundation. GNA 22.02.2016 LISTEN Accra, Feb. 22, GNA - The Private Enterprises Federation (PEF) has urged government to decentralize the application process in acquiring licenses and permits through the use of an electronic platform with complementary bank accounts to reduce delays and save time. The Federation believes that the processes would require that applicants file scanned copies of all supporting documents through a designated website created by the respective agencies receiving applications and enable them pay application fees directly into the agency's account. This, the Federation said, would help reduce the time it takes to process applications by business enterprises as well as serve as data base for reference and research purposes. Nana Osei Bonsu, Chief Executive Officer of PEF, made the call when he spoke during a panel discussion in Accra on the Ghana Journalists Association programme dubbed: 'Business Advocate' on Ghana Television. The programme on the topic: 'Streamlining the Processes and Procedures for Permits, Certificates and Licenses for Business Operations', is supported by BUSAC Fund, Denmark Embassy, United States Agency for International Development and the European Union. Nana Bonsu said business organizations in the country have expressed worry about the unjustified delay in the processes they go through to obtain a license to operate, adding that a prospective applicant had to go through six frustrating processes to get a permit. The Federation is urging government to resource agencies mandated in processing the acquisition of licenses and permits for business operations to perform effectively. He was of the view that the private sector can be more competitive if these agencies are adequately resourced to perform satisfactorily adding that the little budget released to these agencies delays effective and efficient delivery of service. Nana Bonsu said a study of the regime for business registrations in the country was carried out in 2008 at the request of the Ministry of Trade and Industry to review the time and cost for complying with requirements for registration with the Companies Registry, and various local government authorities. He said as a follow up to that study, in 2009 the USAID in partnership with PEF sponsored a research study to establish all licensing and permit requirements affecting businesses in the country. The study, he said, revealed that a total of 145 or more business licenses or permit requirements were in force in the country and this affected businesses to varying degrees. Nana Bonsu said the Federation recommended that a percentage of user fees be charged by the respective agencies to be retained for the day to day running of the agencies including purchases of logistics and its maintenance. 'The Federation also recommended a sustained public education [effort] through brochures explaining requirements, processes and timelines to help the businesses understand the policies and laws that govern the operations of the respective agencies as well as the application processes and procedures employed to service the business community', he said. Mr Ben Azure, Vice Chairman for Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment, Science and Innovation, urged agencies to fast track the processes since any delays caused in acquiring the licences and permits added to the cost of doing business. Mr Charles Okyere, the Managing Partner at Lawfields Consulting, urged business organisations to channel their grievances to the Parliamentary Select Committee for redress, adding that stakeholder engagement is critical in solving the issues. Mr Alhassan Mohammed, Principal Officer, Town and Country Planning Department, said the department is currently understaffed and is operating at a minimum level 34 per cent of technical staff. GNA Accra, Feb. 22, GNA - The Police Wives Association (POLWA) has undertaken a peace march in Accra to remind Ghanaians to safeguard the peace, unity and security of the nation. The peace campaign brought together wives of the personnel of various security services from the Navy, Fire, Prison, and Army marching from the Kwame Nkrumah Circle through some principal streets of Accra to the Efua Sutherland Children's Park amidst brass band music. It was on the theme: 'Police Wives March for Peaceful Election 2016, Think Peace, Eat Peace, Drink Peace,' with the wives holding placards with inscriptions such as 'Sweat in Peace; Don't bleed in War, One Nation; One Destiny, It Is Peace we want. Mrs Charity Kudalor, President of the Association, said peace remained the pre-requisite for development and must, therefore, be preached to the entire nation. 'As citizens of our nation, we are calling all and sundry to give peace a chance in this election year. This is the time Ghana demands from us that civic duty to blow the trumpet of peace and to educate everybody in our neighbourhood to play their role to keep the nation intact,' she said. Madam Kudalor said some neighbouring countries had witnessed unrest leading to loss of lives and properties, and Ghana should not travel that path. She called on the youth not to allow themselves to be used by any political leader or party to incite violence in the nation. Madam Kudalor challenged the media to remain neutral in their sacred duty of disseminating information to the public, and to curtail the phone-in programmes that had the tendency to plunge the country into political turmoil. Commissioner of Police (COP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, Director General in charge of Operations, Ghana Police Service, urged all to contribute their quota in sustaining peace in the country. He said the National Election Security Taskforce had been formed to protect and defend the nation in the upcoming election. Representatives of the various political parties who participated in the programme pledged their support to maintain peace in the country during and after the November 7 elections. GNA Sunyani, Feb. 22, GNA - Alhaji Suallah Abdallah Quandah, Brong-Ahafo Regional Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, has appealed to journalists to put the national interest at the centre of everything they do. They should exercise good professional judgement to save the nation from avoidable and needless tension, especially as preparations towards the November 7 polls, gather momentum. He gave the advice at a three-day training workshop held for selected journalists from across three regions - Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo and Eastern. It was jointly organized by the Legal Resources Centre, an NGO, with support from the British High Commission in Accra under the theme 'Election 2016: Promoting responsible and peaceful electoral leadership' He reminded the media that it had critical role to play to keep the society united and peaceful, adding that, this enjoined the media to be factual, unbiased, accurate and credible. Mr. Francis Ameyibor, Coordinator of the Communication for Development and Advocacy, asked journalists to avoid exaggeration being judgmental or engaging in sensationalism. They should uphold high professional and ethical standards he said, adding that, they must never allow partisan political preferences to influence their reportage. Ms Daphne Lariba Nabila, Executive Director of the Legal Resources Centre, told them to be abreast of the electoral laws so as to report accurately on the coming elections. GNA We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. business Hope to monetise Rs 1500 crore by 2016 end: Pirojsha Godrej The company plans to launch phase II of Trees project in coming weeks said, Pirojsha Godrej, MD & CEO Godrej Properties. you are here: PMVs stock has risen 17% in the past 12 months. Premier Investments own many well-known brands in Australia. What happened to the Premier Investments share price? At the time of writing, shares of Premier Investments Limited [ASX:PMV] were 0.62% on Monday. The share price is currently trading at $12.90. Why did PMV shares do this? PMVs stock has risen 17% in the past 12 months. Premier Investments own many well-known brands in Australia. These include Just Jeans, Dotti, Jacqui E, Portmans, and Jay Jays. However, these chain stores have reached maturity, and there isnt much further growth potential in Australia for these brands. The real reason behind the PMV share price rise over the past 12 months comes from international expansion of the Smiggle and Peter Alexander stores. Smiggle, in particular, is seen as a big driver of future growth. It turns out parents are willing to spend big on flashy, shiny, and colourful stationary items for both tween and under age brackets. Smiggle products are all of those things. Over the past two years, Premier Investments has rolled out Smiggle stores in Singapore, New Zealand and the UK. Over the next five years, PMV plans to have at least 200 Smiggle stores in the UK alone. While revenue for 2015 was flat, net profit after tax grew $15.1 million, to $88.1 million. PMV paid a 51 cent dividend for the 2015 financial year. What now for PMV? PMV has become a volatile stock since pushing past $10 per share in September 2014. In the last twelve months, this stock has traded between $11.35 and $14.51. Youll find PMV rises and falls depending on consumer sentiment and Australian retail trading results. The volatility of this stock would suit short term traders. However, the stocks future growth relies heavily on international expansion. Any puttering in retail sales overseas particularly the UK will hurt the companys revenues. Shae Russell, Money Morning Emma Wall: Hello and welcome to the Morningstar series, "Why Should I Invest With You?" I'm Emma Wall and I'm joined today by Lewis Grant, manager of the Hermes Global Equity Fund. Hi, Lewis. Lewis Grant: Hi, there. Wall: So, there has been a lot going on in markets recently and over the last six months investors have looked to what they think are safe stocks to protect them from the market downturn and we've just been talking, you've got a really interesting point about the fact that actually perceived safety is not the same as actual safety, is it? Grant: I think that's fair and I think it's understandable why investors have been looking over the last six months for safety. I mean, there has been a lot of uncertainty about global growth, about China. Really no one knows which direction the economy or the market is going to go in. So, people have been looking for these seemingly safe names, high-quality names, strong balance sheets, names which are paying a consistent dividend have been really highly sought after. So, dividend has been the king and it's that stable dividend that people have wanted. But what I found quite interesting is that people have completely ignored the valuation on these stocks and it's almost been quality at any price which again is kind of understandable but it makes me slightly nervous and that safety has itself become a risk. And the reason I think that is because if we start to see a turn, if things start to pick up, certainly these companies can't justify the high valuations. Suddenly, safety doesn't really justify premium and we could see some strong drawdowns in these names. But then on the other hand, this is maybe slightly more negative view, if things keep going badly, these dividends, these consistent dividends maybe they are not quite as consistent as we thought and the classic example there is within the energy sector. So, with the oil majors haven't really suffered as much as we might have expected given the low oil price. And actually, if the oil price isn't really going to pick up, maybe these oil majors can't actually pay those dividends anymore. And as soon as they cut or even scrap their dividend that becomes a whole different proposition for investors. Wall: And does this apply to those stocks also which have become known as bond proxies, these sort of utility-like stocks that just kick off a dividend no matter what, like pharmaceuticals for example. Grant: I think that's exactly right. I think it is the fact that we are looking for bond proxies. It is the fact that investors are desperate for yield that has led them towards some of these names. And let me be clear, I'm not saying they are all bad companies, I'm not saying they are all bad investments and there were a lot of companies that we hold that could be thought of as bond proxies. But I'm just saying there are cases where we look at companies and we say, is that valuation actually justified? I mean, I understand people are nervous, I understand that fear is all that drives the market at times, but you've really got to think about value at the same time. Wall: So, what you are saying is perhaps if you already own these, it's not a bad thing, but for new money flowing in at this point at this price, it's not the place to go? Grant: I think that's fair. I think there are better growth opportunities and I think there is never a good time to completely ignore the value of what you're paying for your investment. Wall: So, then I suppose that leads us to where are the greatest opportunities? Where are you looking to add new money? Grant: I think short-term I can understand why you have to pay attention to this quality and you shouldn't really worry too much about the valuations in the short term, but we are not short-term investors. At the Hermes Global Equity Fund we look for investments for five years plus. So, last year we spoke about our preference for Japan. That worked for a whole and then truthfully, it hasn't worked recently. People have got nervous. They have left that part of the market. But long-term the reasons for Japan still hold up and actually, long-term Japan still looks cheap compared to its own history and certainly compared to the U.S. and Europe. And the corporate governance changes, the reason we got so excited last year, that all remains true and actually companies are now talking to their shareholders more. There is more transparency. And companies are sitting on all that cash. So, what interests me actually as companies start to increase transparencies, companies start to talk to shareholders, they'll realise that shareholders want them to deploy that cash and we could actually see buybacks and dividends coming from Japan which then again attracts that investor who is looking for yield. Actually, maybe Japan is the next place to look. Wall: Lewis, thank you very much. Grant: Thank you. Wall: This is Emma Wall for Morningstar. Thank you for watching. The release of the 2016 B.C. provincial budget on Tuesday (February 16) included one crucial provision that might prove to be a major factor in the regions housing markets this year: substantial tax exemptions for buyers of new homes. Any home worth up to $750,000 would be subject to property transfer tax exemption that would allow the buyer to save up to $13,000. The offer is valid for any newly constructed residenceincluding townhomes, condo units, and detached homesas well as for newly-subdivided existing homes. For the tax breaks to take effect, the buyer should be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident who would live in the property for at least one year after the purchase. Previously, the perk only applied to residential properties priced up to $475,000. A positive side effect that government officials are looking forward to is the easing of price and demand pressures in the market. In Metro Vancouver you'll see fully 50-70% of the market fall into that less than $750,000 range, Finance Minister Mike de Jong told Business in Vancouver. We should be capturing the bulk of the market and creating some incentive for more homes to be built. We'll be working with municipalities to facilitate that and we'll be tracking closely the impact they have on market behaviour, de Jong said. To cover the costs entailed by the expanded exemption, the B.C. government raised the property transfer tax on homes priced above $2 million, from 2 per cent to 3 per cent. This is estimated to yield an additional $75 million in revenue. Foreclosures Still Growing in Nearly Half of States Foreclosure activity declined on a month-over-month basis nationwide in January although completed foreclosures were up significantly on an annual basis. However RealtyTrac reports that filings continue to rise in many states and in some cases such as the state of Oklahoma and one of its largest cities the increases were substantial and appeared to have been driven by foreclosure starts. Overall filings across the various categories reported by RealtyTrac were at the lowest level in nearly ten years according to RealtyTrac's monthly report. There were 95,186 filings of all types, notices of default, foreclosure starts, and completed foreclosures (REO) during the month, the fewest since July 2006. The number was a decrease of 8 percent from December and 11 percent from a year earlier. Completed foreclosures fell 26 percent compared to December to a total of 29,275. The number however represented a 32 percent increase from January 2015 and was the 11th consecutive month of year-over-year increases REO. Foreclosures were initiated against 41,471 properties during the month, a -1 percent change from the previous month and down 18 percent from a year earlier. It was the seventh month that foreclosure starts had declined on an annual basis. Starts continue to run at about the same level as before the financial crisis. Twenty-two states and the District of Columbia ran counter to the national numbers. As noted Oklahoma led with a jump in total filings of 74 percent on an annual basis. Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Alabama all posted year-over-year increases of 35 to 40 percent. Completed foreclosures were up in 34 states and the District of Columbia. New York led with an annual surge in REO of 263 percent. Texas followed with a +198 change along with New Jersey (up 132 percent), Georgia (up 76 percent), and Maryland (up 72 percent). Foreclosure starts increased in 12 state and the District, most notably Oklahoma which rose 289 percent and Massachusetts, up 49 percent. The states with the highest foreclosure activity overall in January were New Jersey, Nevada, Maryland, Florida and Delaware. Metro areas with the highest foreclosure rates in January were Atlantic City, New Jersey, Trenton, New Jersey, Fayetteville, North Carolina, Tampa, Florida, and Las Vegas. Year over year increases in overall foreclosure activity were noted in 17 of the largest 50 metro areas with the biggest in Oklahoma City (143 percent), Buffalo (up 103 percent,) and Louisville, 89 percent. What have you gained through your volunteer experiences? Oh my goodness! My life has been enriched beyond measure in more ways than I can say. Ive learned lots; not only have I gleaned information and knowledge but, by working with volunteers wiser than I, Ive acquired a modicum of wisdom, insight and a greater understanding of how things and people work. Teamwork is another benefit of volunteering: Its definitely rewarding to be part of a hard-working team. Ive been a workerbee in every Midland ISD bond election for more than 40 years. Presently, I am a workerbee for public television. One great benefit of volunteer work is lifelong friendships. I have had the opportunity to work with people I might never have gotten to know otherwise. People who volunteer are generally upbeat, positive and optimistic; its impossible to stay down in the dumps when you are on the team with a bunch of committed and enthusiastic volunteers. Another neat benefit of volunteering is seeing results. I was a workerbee in the effort to pass a bond issue to build a new airport terminal building in the 1990s and, arent we still proud and grateful for the results of that effort! For someone who is looking to make a difference but doesn't know how, what would you recommend? For those who want an overview of Midland, Leadership Midland, developed by the Midland Chamber of Commerce is one way; Midland 101, developed by the city of Midland is another. A whole host of volunteer opportunities can be identified by the United Way of Midland, including those with the many agencies funded by United Way. Additionally, Midland Memorial Hospital, the Midland County Public Library and all the MISD campuses utilize volunteers. The Arts Council of Midland, Midland Community Theatre, the Petroleum Museum, the George Bush Childhood Home and the Museum of the Southwest have lots of varied volunteer opportunities as do CASA of West Texas, Christmas in Action, Habitat for Humanity and Basin PBS! One of the most enduring slogans for Midland is The Skys The Limit. The can do spirit of Midland is contagious. From its earliest days, the people of this community have believed they could do whatever they set their minds to and they have and still do. We who live in Midland today are the fortunate beneficiaries of those folks and its neat to see the torch carried forward by lots of volunteers on all fronts. What is your favorite memory from volunteering in Midland? Thats a tough question. Ive been volunteering in Midland since 1972 and lots of memories vie for favorite. One contender could be serving on the citys Planning and Zoning Commission: it is demanding and sometimes controversial, but so important for the orderly development of our city. Another contender might be serving as treasurer of the Junior League of Midland. That was during the 70s when we did everything by hand and it was almost like a part-time job. It inspired me to take accounting classes at Midland College and UTPB. The favorite memory I look forward to is seeing Basin PBS move into the Ritz Theater in downtown Midland. How long has Midland been your home, and why have you stayed? Midland has been home since June 1972 and Ive loved every minute of these 43 years. Midland is a great place to live, to work, to raise a family, to volunteer! We have everything the big cities have: arts, culture, sports, great healthcare, great education, good jobs, good shopping, good air service and low crime, easy commutes and the friendliest people on the planet. Briefly describe your community involvement and detail which organizations you previously and currently serve: I have been involved with the League of Women Voters since we came here in 1961. I have tutored and served on the board of Midland Need to Read. At St. Anns Catholic Church, the Prayer Shawl Ministry and the Lazarus Committee are two places I am a part of. In the Prayer Shawl group, we meet once a week to knit and crochet shawls that are given to anyone needing comfort for illness or any difficult time. The Lazarus Committee meets with families to help with funeral plans for a loved one. I taught at St. Anns School when our children were growing up, and have done some volunteering there through the years. What is the League of Women Voters and how did you become involved? League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government by all citizens. The League neither supports nor opposes political parties or candidates. The Voters Guide is one way that we bring candidate information to the community. The Midland Reporter-Telegram publishes the guide as a service to the voters of Midland. I first joined the League in Tyler as a newlywed. That was back when voters paid a poll tax in order to register. The League opposed and lobbied against the poll tax, but ironically, to register voters, we had to collect. We were transferred to Midland after a few years and my first meeting in Midland was a few weeks after we arrived. I have been on the LWV board most of the years since then. How have your volunteer interests changed throughout time? My volunteer interests have remained the same all these years: education of voters, literacy for children and adults. What unexpected lesson have you learned through your volunteer experiences? An unexpected lesson is learning that there is always someone to help you no matter the job. How long has Midland been your home, and why have you stayed? Midland has been good to us; My geologist husband, Herb, and I are retired and stay because we love the people of Midland. KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) An Uber passenger said he called police to report an erratic driver more than an hour before the driver allegedly began a series of three random shootings that killed six people in Michigan. Matt Mellen told Kalamazoo television station WWMT that he hailed a ride around 4:30 p.m. Saturday. He said driver Jason Dalton introduced himself as Me-Me and had a dog in the backseat. Mellen sat in front. About a mile into the trip, Dalton got a phone call, and when he hung up, he began driving erratically, blowing through stop signs and sideswiping cars, Mellen said. We were driving through medians, driving through the lawn, speeding along, and when we came to a stop, I jumped out of the car and ran away, Mellen said. He said he called police and that when he got to his friends house, his fiancie posted a warning to friends on Facebook. Mellen said he also tried warning the ride-hailing service. Im upset because I tried contacting Uber after I had talked to the police, saying that we needed to get this guy off the road, Mellen said. Since Daltons arrest, several people have come forward to say that he picked them up for Uber in the hours after the first attack. The Associated Press could not immediately confirm those accounts. Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller said Uber is cooperating with law enforcement officials, and he believes the company will help us fill in some timeline gaps. Investigators are particularly interested in communication between Dalton and Uber, as well as customers he might have driven, the sheriff said. Questions about motive and Daltons frame of mind are going to be the hardest to answer for anybody, Fuller said. He expects some answers to emerge in court, but he doubts they will be satisfying. In the end, I ask people, because I keep hearing this question of why, What would be the answer that would be an acceptable answer for you? They have to think about it for a moment, and they say, Probably nothing. I have to say, You are probably correct. I cant imagine what the answer would be that would let us go, OK, we understand now. Because we are not going to understand. Dalton, 45, was charged Monday with six counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. He was expected to be arraigned later in the day. Authorities allege that he shot the first victim outside of an apartment complex and that he shot seven others over the next several hours. Authorities have not provided a motive. The victims in the Saturday night shootings had no apparent connection to the gunman or to each other. The attacks began outside the Meadows apartment complex on the eastern edge of Kalamazoo County, where a woman was shot multiple times. A little more than four hours later and 15 miles away, a father and his 17-year-old son were fatally shot while looking at cars at a car dealership. Fifteen minutes after that, five people were gunned down in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel restaurant. Four of them died. Two people were wounded, the woman shot at the apartment complex and a 14-year-old girl hit at the restaurant. A spokeswoman for Uber confirmed that Dalton was a driver for the company, but she declined to say whether he was driving Saturday night. Uber prohibits both passengers and drivers from possessing guns of any kind in a vehicle. Anyone found to be in violation of the policy may be prohibited from using or driving for the service. A man who knows Dalton said he was a married father of two who never showed any signs of violence. Gary Pardo Jr., whose parents live across the street from Dalton in Kalamazoo Township, described him as a family man who seemed fixated on cars and often worked on them. He would go a month without mowing his lawn but was very meticulous with his cars, Pardo said, explaining that Dalton, at times, owned a Chevrolet Camaro and two Hummer SUVs. Progressive Insurance confirmed that he once worked for the company before leaving in 2011. Dalton was an insurance adjuster who did auto-body estimates and once taught an auto-body repair class at an area community college, said James Block, who has lived next door to him for 17 years. He loved to do things outside with his kids like taking them for rides on his lawn tractor, Block said. Daltons wife and children were unhurt, authorities said. Authorities were interviewing Dalton and reviewing his phone. They did not know if a handgun found in the car belonged to him. Tammy George said the woman who was shot outside the apartment building is her next-door neighbor. She and her family heard the gunfire, ran outside and saw the woman on the ground. Four bullets flew into a closet of Georges home, she said. Her son, James, was playing video games with two friends a few feet away from where the bullets pierced the wall. I checked out the back window and saw a car speeding off, said James George, 17. With a population of about 75,000, Kalamazoo is about 160 miles west of Detroit. It is home to Western Michigan University and the headquarters of popular craft beer maker Bells Brewery. The city also is known for the anonymously funded Kalamazoo Promise program, which has paid college tuition of students who graduate from Kalamazoo Public Schools for more than a decade. Associated Press writers Mike Householder and Tom Krisher in Kalamazoo, and Don Babwin in Chicago contributed to this report. Oil and gas wells across Texas and the country could soon be subject to stricter emissions regulation and government inspections under a policy change under review at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The proposal, released quietly last summer at the same time the administration unveiled a plan to combat climate change by cutting methane emissions from oil and gas wells, would amend the rules on whether a group of wells are classified as a single source of pollution or multiple sources of pollution. What might sound like arcane legalese could mean that wells that had been allowed to operate relatively free of federal oversight would be considered what the EPA calls a major source of pollution. That would force companies to, among other things, begin publicly reporting toxic air pollution, buy higher-quality emission control equipment and work to reduce ozone pollution around cities. Lawyers representing oil and gas companies are still trying to figure out the full scale of the regulatory impact. But some are concerned the new determination might also extend standards on greenhouse gas emissions for new oil and gas wells, like the methane rule, to existing wells. An EPA spokesman last week said while the proposed change could mean some new regulations for existing oil and gas wells, it would not mean those wells have to meet the methane rule and other standards set for new wells. There are more than 1 million active oil and gas wells across the United States. How many would be affected remains unclear, attorneys say. But for an industry struggling under a historic drop in crude and natural gas prices, the prospect of more government regulation has set off a flurry of opposition from companies, trade groups and state regulatory agencies, including the Texas Railroad Commission. Already, companies are gearing up for a legal fight on an issue that has been a source of contention between the industry and government going back decades, said Lee Fuller, executive vice president of the Independent Petroleum Association of America. Over the years, the EPA has tried to find ways to aggregate existing sources to try and bring them under their authority, he said. But the purpose of the (Clean Air Act) isnt to throw a broad blanket over an area and call it one source just for the purpose of trying to get more regulation. The final rule is not set to be released until this spring, the EPA said. According to agency documents, officials are considering two possible interpretations of whether a well is a major source, one that would group together any wells within a quarter mile of each other. The other would include those wells and any deemed to be related by function, which could theoretically pull in wells on a common pipeline or that feed the same processing facility. The industry has largely acquiesced to the first option. But under the latter, oil and gas operations across the Eagle Ford and Permian Basins could find themselves answering to federal regulators, under a similar level of oversight that EPA now applies to oil refineries and coal-fired power plants. The regulatory burden on state and federal regulators of exposing thousands of existing sources to new regulation would be immense. The manpower from both industry and regulators and the associated economic burden will far outweigh any perceived environmental benefit, Ed Longanecker, president of the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association, wrote in a comment on the EPA proposal in December. The expansion of EPA authority would help cement the environmental legacy of a president who has made cutting greenhouse gas emissions one of his signature issues. Attention has only increased since December, when President Barack Obama pledged along with other world leaders to reduce carbon emissions to try to prevent a more than 2-degree Celsius increase in world temperatures. They went after cars first. Thats about one-third of greenhouse gas emissions, then power plants, which is about another third. Now theyre going after oil and gas, said Robert Meyers, a Washington energy attorney and former EPA official. Even if existing wells arent forced to comply with the methane rule, the hope is if the EPA does begin grouping wells together, the companies that operate them will go ahead and voluntarily upgrade their equipment to stay below pollution thresholds, said Michael Freeman, an attorney with the activist group Earthjustice. Simply for administrative ease it creates a major incentive for companies to reduce emissions, he said. The move to increase federal authority over the energy sector puts the White House squarely at odds with state oil and gas regulators around the country. In Texas, where energy represents close to 20 percent of the economy, officials at the Railroad Commission and Commission on Environmental Quality carry enormous power in monitoring how oil and gas is drilled and produced. But the railroad commission is also charged with preserving the economic health of Texas oil and gas reserves, for the benefit of Texans. In a letter to the EPA in December, Lindil Fowler, former acting executive director of the railroad commission, said the well aggregation rule would harm the industry with a negligible benefit for the environment. It is this commissions hope that EPA will retain the regulatory flexibility of the states under the current rules and abandon the proposed arbitrary, capricious, overly burdensome and unnecessary one-size-fits-all approach, he wrote. Pat Sullivan AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says after meeting with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto that he's confident the two will continue strengthening "economic and cultural bonds" between their governments. The two leaders met Monday in Houston to discuss progress on a joint energy task force announced last year. That agreement is designed to help Texas benefit from recent energy reforms in Mexico. In the next few months information about how our communitys school district has underperformed will come to the forefront. For many, we expect, it will be a surprise. We know it was for us. Superintendent Ryder Warren warned our community about how bad it appears to be, and the facts bear this out. However, we are not going to dwell on where our school district has been but where we expect it to go -- and that is in a new direction. We plan to provide more information in future editorials. Today, we offer our expectations for a community that has seen how its districts education system measures up. First and foremost, this is a community problem that has been developing over many years, and our whole community must be committed to leading our education system to higher performance. We are happy to see the conversations taking place with business and foundation officials, community leaders and residents concerned about education. Second, our deficiencies in education cant be blamed on the teachers working hard inside the classrooms. We have serious concerns that the community is going to use teachers -- who have been drowning in a sea of the latest and greatest programs -- as the scapegoat for the districts problems. Third, our community and education leaders must come forward with a completely different mindset than we have had in the past. When a community comes forward to reclaim its education system the result will mean changes that many people havent experienced before. Fourth, there are programs in our community that are working very well. We must celebrate our successes and replicate them when possible. Lastly (for this article), we must hold ourselves accountable. In the private sector, when things go bad, change happens. Unfortunately, we looked the other way for way too long, and this community ultimately deserves a great deal of the blame for its lack of interest as the education system declined. Moving forward, we are waiting to see the timeframe for a system set up by community leaders working with Educate Texas. This is a call to action, and we want to see our community, education, business and foundation leaders all demonstrate that buy-in is needed when taking on a project like this. Without that buy-in, how do we expect Midlands residents to follow? Whether we are talking about educating tomorrows leaders, developing an educated workforce, making sure all Midlanders have a chance for a quality education or proving tax dollars are being spent on an education system Midlanders expect, this community has to step up and fix the problem. Community Editorial Board Jaime Alexander, civic volunteer Miguel Bustilloz, attorney Michele Harmon Cobb, instructor at University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Alison King, Warren Charitable Foundation director of operations John Love III, Midland City Councilman, District 2 Charlene Romero McBride, Hispanic Cultural Center of Midland executive director Guy McCrary, Permian Basin Area Foundation president and chief executive officer Mark Nicholas, president of Nicholas Consulting Group Kathy Robinson, former MISD principal Jessica Rule, founder of SHK The Advertising Firm In the days since the tragic death of Justice Scalia, there has been much debate over the propriety of President Obamas nominating his replacement, and the Senates duty to hold confirmation hearings. Frankly, the debate has had little to do with principle and everything to do with politics. For example, in 2007, Senator Mitch McConnell argued against delaying hearings for President Bushs judicial nominees. But in 2016, the same Sen. McConnell is threatening to deny any hearing for any Obama nominee for the Supreme Court. Unsurprisingly, in a similar unprincipled way, Democrats who were in no rush to hold hearings for outgoing President Bush nominees are quick to urge a full and fair hearing for whomever President Obama nominates. In my view, the correct constitutional thing to do is to hold the hearings. The Constitution could not be clearer. Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 provides in relevant part that the President shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint ... Judges of the Supreme Court. ... Discretionary words like may or can are not used, rather the strong imperative shall is used to describe the Presidents duty. Consequently, a strict construction of the Constitution, like that championed by the late Justice Scalia, would mandate, not merely allow, the president to nominate somebody to fill his seat. Surely there is no sensible construction of shall nominate or shall appoint with the qualifier unless he is in his last eleven months of office. Similarly, it should not be the privilege of the Senate to deliberately hamstring the Presidents solemn duty under the Constitution. Furthermore, from a purely practical perspective, failure to nominate and approve a Supreme Court Justice until the arrival of President Clinton, Sanders, Cruz, or Trump would leave the Supreme Court with eight Justices for probably more than a year. If all decisions were unanimous or nearly unanimous, that would not be a major issue. But many are not, and where the Court is divided 4-4, the lower court decision would be allowed to stand although it would have no precedential value. Lets see what that would mean for Texas. Currently, the court is considering Texass recent abortion laws, specifically the requirement that all abortion facilities meet the standards of other ambulatory surgical centers and that doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the clinic. The lower court held that these standards were constitutional for the El Paso clinic because El Paso women can get abortions at Santa Teresa, New Mexico, a short distance away. However, they were unconstitutional for the McAllen clinic because women would have to travel a greater distance to obtain an abortion. If the Supreme Court were to divide 4-4 on this question, that dichotomy would remain indefinitely. And frankly, whether one is pro-choice or pro-life, that seems like an unsatisfactory solution. I am aware that some people believe that a more conservative president (were that to happen in the next election) would appoint a justice more to their liking. Historically that has not proven to be the case. Conservative President Eisenhower appointed Chief Justice Warren and Associate Justice Brennan, both among the most liberal Justices to ever sit on the Court. President Reagan appointed Justices Scalia (not the most conservative Justice on the Court despite popular opinion to the contrary) and Kennedy. Those two Justices were part of a 5-4 majority that invalidated Texass flag desecration statute, thereby allowing a Communist flag burner contemptuous of America and the Republican party to go unpunished. Clearly that was not a conservative vote. Similarly Justice Stevens (a Ford appointee) and Justice Souter (a George H.W. Bush appointee) were among the most liberal Justices on the Court on which they sat. It works the other way too. Liberal President Kennedy appointed conservative (as it turns out) Justice White to serve on the Supreme Court. The reason this happens so frequently is because justices are not beholden to the president who appointed them. They are, as they ought to be, independent thinkers. And that is what we need; not a conservative, not a liberal, but an independent thinker who will decide each case according to his or her best judgment. Let us hope that we get such a justice, and get him or her soon before the country is harmed by a spate of 4-4 decisions. The Democratic Party Chair ... GOP, MRT should remember elections and consequences David Rosen Midland County Democratic Chair Lets start with Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution. ... he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, ... Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for ... We constantly hear from Republicans that President Obama does not follow the Constitution, and yet, the Constitution explicitly says he shall nominate not maybe, not except in an election year, not if Republicans tell him not to nominate. What we have here is the partisan hypocrisy of hate. Republican senators are saying, We despise President Obama so he shouldnt do something that the Constitution calls for him to do. Republicans have set up arbitrary and false equivalents that are pure applesauce. Justice Scalia himself would see no exception for an election year. It was said that no president in 80 years has presented a nominee to the court during an election year. That is untrue. Over the entire history of the country, there are over a dozen examples of presidents nominating justices in their last year in office. Rather than include all the examples, I refer you to the national newspapers where there are extensive articles about who was nominated when and whether they were confirmed. Elections have consequences. Whether we personally approve of the person in the White House, that person is president for their constitutionally prescribed term of office, four or eight years. Not three or seven years. President Obama would be shirking his duties as president not to nominate a justice. As for the Senate majority leader declaring that he will not allow any Obama nominee to be approved, that is pure partisan politics of the worst kind. When a nominee is turned down by the Senate, there has always been a good reason having to do with the nominee, not with who selected that nominee. Whether the nominee has a racist past, has sexually harassed people or has openly flouted the law, these are things that usually stand in the way of a nomination. The Senate should review a nominees background and not reject them because of who nominated them. This is their constitutional duty. I was very disappointed to read the Reporter-Telegrams editorial saying we should let the voters decide who gets to appoint the next Justice. As Scalia would say, That is argle bargle. The voters did decide. We are part of a nation. The majority rules in the U.S., not the media. The people of the United States spoke three years ago when they reelected President Obama by a clear majority of 5 million votes and an Electoral College majority with 332 electoral votes. Is he not still in office? The Reporter-Telegram editorial board may wish he was not in office, but he is. President Obama has a constitutional duty to decide who to nominate a new Justice to the Supreme Court. Note: Punctuation and spelling quoted on Article II, Section 2 are directly from the original document per the US Archives. The Politico ... For GOP, political, principle tactics point to the same solution Ernest Angelo, Jr. Former Republican National Committeeman for Texas The hottest political issue today was ignited by the tragically unfortunate death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. President Obama immediately made it political with his pledge to quickly submit a nomination to replace Scalia. Historically, a lame duck president has seldom been able to have a nominee for the Supreme Court submitted and approved in the last 12 months of his term. It has been more than 80 years since that has happened. Despite the historical precedent, the news is full of statements from Democrat leaders and left-wing commentators attempting to put pressure on the GOP Senate majority to approve an Obama nominee. The hypocrisy of Democrat Sen. Chuck Schumer is particularly worth noting. In 2007 he vowed to stop any judicial nominee submitted by President George W. Bush, nearly 18 months before the end of his term. The Democrats totally politicized and ultimately destroyed Robert Bork when he was nominated by President Reagan, thereby radically changing the process of selecting Supreme Court Justices. The advice and consent role of the Senate was never totally free of partnership before Bork. Since then it nearly always has been bitter and contentious, particularly when the White House and Senate were each controlled by a different party as they are today. The Democrats have made ideology an overriding criteria in stopping GOP nominees and in choosing their own nominees. Litmus tests on issues like abortion have been rigorously pursued. Subsequent court rulings have demonstrated their success in achieving the desired results. Democrat appointees on todays Supreme Court almost always rule in lock-step agreement on issues of national import. On the other hand, the GOP has continuously appointed individuals with strong judicial qualification while too often inadequately examining their past records to determine with certainly that they are believers in strict interpretation of the constitution. The result has been GOP-appointed judges who often join with the activist Democrat appointees to invent new laws and twisted interpretations of existing laws, as most recently demonstrated by the two Obamacare decisions. In contrast, Justice Scalia was the rock-solid advocate of strict interpretation of the Constitution. Consequently, we now find ourselves with a sharply divided court. The stakes are huge, with issues such as the Second Amendment, abortion, religious liberty, presidential overreach, and immigration hanging in the balance. A liberal appointee to the court almost guarantees massive erosion of the Second Amendment, further expansion of abortion and the impairment of religious liberty. The replacement of Justice Scalia therefore becomes a clear cut issue for the Republican Party. There can be no compromise. The GOP electorate is overwhelmingly out of touch with its base and cant seem to get anything right. Capitulation to President Obama by approving his nominee to replace Antonin Scalia, regardless of who that nominee might be, would be the final straw. First, there is no chance the president will appoint a Justice sharing Scalias views. Second, the GOP has no legal obligation to approve a nominee and third, it would be political suicide. Accusations of obstructionism, racism, gender bias must be ignored as the farcical ranting of the left that they are. This is a time when the correct political tactic also is the correct principled tactic. The government professor Expect both parties to use a hyper-politicized process to gain an electoral advantage Sondra Richards Associate Professor of Government Program Chair of Government The death of Antonin Scalia has put the Supreme Court, politics and ideology on center stage for the 2016 presidential election. Before we get lost in the political fray, we should reflect on the historical context of Supreme Court nominations. Fundamentally, it is a two-step process. The president nominates a qualified candidate. The Senate holds hearings as part of its authority to consent (or not) to the presidents nominee. Ideally, the consent is based on the merit of the nominee, since a position on the Supreme Court is for life (during good behavior). As difficult as it is to imagine today, the confirmation process was not always burdened by political considerations. Essentially, with a few exceptions, until 1969, the confirmation process was relatively brief and friendly. Nominees were confirmed by large margins. This peaceful pattern of confirmations to the Supreme Court ends in 1987 with Robert Borks confirmation hearings. A Ronald Reagan appointee, Bork is a particularly well-qualified nominee based on his legal expertise. However, he is not confirmed because of his extremely conservative record. With Bork, we initiate an era of highly politicized Supreme Court confirmation battles, where ideological orientation trumps professional merit in the confirmation process. As politicians and the public have realized the growing role of the Supreme Court in significant policy decisions, the ideological make-up of the Court becomes a high-stakes political game. Fast forward to the current vacancy on the Supreme Court. At the risk of borrowing a tired cliche, the unforeseen death of Antonin Scalia creates a perfect storm in American politics. Replacing Justice Scalia represents a critical choice for American democracy. After all, the new justice could result in a significant shift in the courts ideological make-up, switching a primarily 5-4 conservative majority to a potential 5-4 liberal majority. A shift in ideological orientation is not just an academic matter. It is meaningful to the American public, as any ideological shift in the court makes a real difference in our lives from money in political campaigns to same-sex marriage. In many ways, the Supreme Court has become another member of the political class. And, while I believe they have played an important role in advancing democracy, particularly in the civil rights arena, the increasing emphasis on ideology in a highly charged and politically polarized environment undermines public trust in judicial decision-making. While the court is partially responsible for their growing role in the political fray, the primary responsibility must be placed on elected officials presidents and senators who have politicized the nomination and confirmation process. Unfortunately, this political season will do little to return us to the Founding Fathers vision of a court insulated from political passions. Unfortunately, I believe, the nomination process will likely be dominated by the political calculus, rather than professional merit and substantive concerns. Politically, the Democrats want a nomination process that will hurt Republicans in the upcoming presidential and congressional elections. Since the public will be paying more attention than usual to the Supreme Court nominee, the right nominee has the potential to increase turnout by motivating Democratic voters, particularly minority voters, to show up at the polls. Additionally, a Republican majority that plays the role of obstructionist again may be damaged as they enter the general election season. After all, past obstructionist moves have not particularly benefitted Republicans among the electorate. Similarly, the Republican party will use the confirmation process, or lack thereof, to motivate turnout on their behalf. After all, if a Republican president is not elected, then the risk taken by the Senate in not following through (or half-heartedly entering a meaningless confirmation process) on their constitutional obligation for consent will be of no consequence. If Republicans lose the presidential election, they also lose the court. That could be a strong rallying cry to get Republicans to the polls. While I may long for the days when professional merit took priority over political calculus, the current process will likely be a hyper-politicized continuation by both parties to gain electoral advantage. Furthermore, with an aging Supreme Court, this nomination and confirmation is just the beginning of what may be a battle over the ideological heart of the court. Consider DA candidates skills, abilities I would like to thank the voters of Midland County for giving me the honor of being your district attorney since August 2007. It has been a privilege that I have taken very seriously. For that reason, I feel that I must set the record straight regarding the current political race to fill my position. I did not seek office again to give the citizens of Midland County the opportunity to decide who should be the next district attorney rather than the governor appointing a successor. Because of the wording of some of Will Lundys campaign presentations and campaign material, several citizens have continued to express to me that they have gotten the impression that I hired Mr. Lundy in December 2014 anticipating and encouraging that he run for the office when I retired. This unfortunate impression was never intended by Mr. Lundy and is not accurate. I hired Mr. Lundy to be an assistant district attorney in the felony section of the office. His position has no supervisory or administrative duties. Further, some other voters are also under the impression that I hired Laura Nodolf, intending that she be my successor. This impression was also not intended by Mrs. Nodolf and is not accurate. Al Schorre, my predecessor in the office, hired Mrs. Nodolf straight out of law school 13 years ago to be a misdemeanor attorney. He later promoted her to be a felony prosecutor. I continued her employment in the office when Mr. Schorre retired in July 2007. I promoted her to a felony trial team chief and later to be my first assistant in the area of general office administration in 2012 and later in supervising the trial team chiefs and attorneys. I hope this helps in clearing up any questions you might have as you cast your votes. In deciding who should be the next Midland County district attorney, please look at the candidates skills and their abilities to manage the Midland County District Attorneys Office, one of the largest law offices in Midland County. Teresa J. Clingman, Midland district attorney Candidate letters (Candidate letters have a 200-word limit) District Attorney Lundy will ensure fair treatment I am supporting Will Lundy for district attorney. I have known Will for many years. I can assure you that Will can and will work hard to see that all are treated fairly and without favor. More importantly, as with most of us, he has matured over the years to become a man of sound judgment. Please join me in voting for Will Lundy for our next district attorney. Todd Westmoreland Nodolf has executive experience Seven and a half years ago, we elected a president that had no executive experience. It is an understatement to say it has not gone so well. We in Midland have the same sort of election choice this year in our next district attorney. Laura Nodolf has over five years of executive experience. Her opponent, Will Lundy, has zero executive experience. Mr. Lundy has 29 years of experience in law, yet much of that experience is in civil litigation. Ms. Nodolfs experience is exclusively in criminal prosecution. Mr. Lundy admits he has little technological experience. Ms. Nodolf is very technologically savvy and, in fact, has helped develop the software the District Attorneys Office currently uses. Mr. Lundy claims his age gives him maturity. In my experience, neither age nor maturity translate into good judgment or effective management skills. If elected, Ms. Nodolf will bring a smooth, seamless transition to the DAs office. Cases will continue to move efficiently through the system. Mr. Lundy will bring a heavy learning curve if he is elected. Midlands citizens deserve to have an experienced district attorney, not an unproven leader. I urge you to vote for Laura Nodolf. Rebecca Buffum Lundy has experience, mature judgment I will be voting for Will Lundy for District Attorney. As a parent and an owner of a business in Midland County, I am mindful of the critical role played by the office of the district attorney. I believe Will Lundy has the broad experience and mature judgment to fulfill that role. It seems important that, although Will has vast experience as a prosecutor, he has also served as a lawyer in the oil and gas business (with Texaco), a business vital to our community. I believe Will is the right person at the right time to be our next district attorney. Joe Schwalbach Nodolf served many positions in DAs office I proudly endorse Laura Nodolf to be our next Midland County district attorney. As a native Midlander and having known Laura for most of the 13 years that she has worked for the Midland County DAs office, I can attest that her values and character align with those of West Texans. In addition, Laura is a principled prosecutor that has a record of pursuing justice for those she represents. While recently serving as a member of the grand jury in the 441st District Court, I have a first-hand account to Mrs. Nodolfs judgment and temperament in the courtroom and can honestly say that hers is beyond reproach. Finally, the past 13 years Mrs. Nodolf has held most positions and worn many different hats within the Midland County DAs office. This tenure has provided Mrs. Nodolf with invaluable experience, and I submit the right experience to lead the DAs office beginning day 1. In closing, Laura Nodolf possesses the right values, character, principles, judgment, temperament and experience that Midlanders need in our next chief prosecutor. Join me in supporting and voting for Laura Nodolf, as the next Midland County district attorney. M. Devin Phiffer Lundy best-suited to tasks of DA I have known Will Lundy for most of his life. He is a native Midlander, and he is committed to this community. I am recommending your vote for Will for district attorney. The job of district attorney requires the ability to work with all constituencies in the community to see that cases are fairly presented and tried well. Will Lundy is the candidate best suited to this task. James M. Alsup Nodolf operates with fairness, integrity As a native of Midland, it is without reservation that I proudly endorse Laura Nodolf to be our next Midland County district attorney. I can attest that her invaluable experience as a leader in the Midland County DAs office, along with her unyielding commitment to justice, makes her the most qualified candidate. In her 13 years of service and dedication to Midland and its residents, she has tried more than 200 jury trials, supervised attorneys and support staff, and was instrumental in the adoption and application of innovative technology to enhance the operations of the District Attorneys Office. I have personally witnessed Lauras tenacity in the courtroom where, as a prosecutor, she pursues justice with determination, diligence, discipline and refined legal expertise. Laura has a strong moral compass and operates both personally and professionally with fairness, careful consideration and integrity. She has a track record for sound decision-making and sage direction. Laura is committed to serving our community and ensuring our safety. She will instill confidence in those she supervises and the citizens she serves. As a fellow constituent committed to justice, I implore you to vote for Laura Nodolf for Midland County district attorney. Jennifer Hochman Yeager Lundys leadership will keep city safe I am supporting Will Lundy for district attorney and encourage all Midlanders to cast their vote for him. I have known Will and his family for more than 20 years and know him to be a tough prosecutor. Will has the maturity and judgment to make an excellent district attorney. Wills leadership will keep Midland safe for our children and grandchildren. Please join me in voting for Will Lundy to be our next district attorney. Darla J. Fisher Nodolf has skills, knowledge for job Recently, I retired from Midland Police Department after 30 years of service. During my career, I have had the privilege to work with Laura Nodolf on cases including murders, sexual assaults and crimes against children in preparing for prosecution. Laura always gives sound advice. Laura gives 100 percent to her job and her family. She makes herself available not only to law enforcement but to the citizens of our community. Laura has the knowledge and skill to be the most effective and efficient district attorney for Midland County. I urge the voters of Midland County to elect Laura Nodolf as the next district attorney. Lt. B.J. Land Lundy has maturity, judgment to fill role I write urging all Midlanders to vote for Will Lundy for district attorney. I grew up in Midland and only recently moved back. In the meantime, I had the privilege of serving 29 years as the district attorney of Brazos County (Bryan/College Station). The single most important role a district attorney fills is the ability to discern those cases where there was a mistake made from those cases that pose a real threat to the community. Will Lundy has the maturity and judgment to fulfill this role. As a former district attorney and someone who knows Will, I invite you to join me in voting for Will Lundy to be our next district attorney. Bill Turner Nodolf is hard-working, tough, fair I believe Laura Nodolf will make an outstanding district attorney for Midland County. As a criminal prosecutor, I know her to be hard-working, tough and fair. She has tried more than 200 jury trials in her 13 years in the Midland County DAs office, a trial experience level that few attorneys in Midland can claim. In the community, I know her to be generous with her time, devoted to charitable work, community improvement and sharing her faith. As a neighbor, I know her to be generous and kind to her friends and their children. Laura is an asset to Midland on any level and I could not recommend her more highly as Midland Countys next district attorney. Sean Guerrero Lundy will be dedicated to community John and I have known Will Lundy for more than 30 years and know him to be a man of integrity who loves Midland. He grew up here and will be dedicated to making this community a better place to live. We can wholeheartedly endorse Will as our next district attorney and believe that he deserves your vote on election day. Nancy Bergman Nodolf has skills, concern for community I moved to Midland five years ago, and one of the first people to welcome me was Assistant District Attorney Laura Nodolf. We didnt meet in a professional capacity but because our kids attended the same preschool. We quickly became friends, and I learned about her passion for serving Midland and making it a safer place. I witness her care firsthand through service at Junior League of Midland where she gives tirelessly, while being an amazing wife, mother and ADA. She devotes time to nonprofit organizations; March of Dimes and Bynum School are just a couple that have benefited from her voluntarism. Laura is dedicated to MISD and is a member of two elementary PTAs. Like me, Laura wasnt raised in Midland, but she has made Midland her home and has been vested in the betterment of our community for more than 12 years. Many people know that Laura is a talented litigator and tough ADA. Because I know Laura personally, I am blessed to see the softer side of her and believe that, combined with her legal skills, her concern for our community is what will make her a great DA. Please cast your ballot for Laura Nodolf. Nicole Rogers Lundy has experience, judgment I ask all citizens to join me in voting for Will Lundy for district attorney. The office of district attorney is vested with great discretion, and mature judgment is critical to the role. Trial and managerial skills are a given, but judgment comes with maturity and experience. Will Lundy has the breadth of experience and judgment to see that justice is done in each case. Please vote for Will Lundy. Dr. Karen M. Carr Nodolf promotes transparency, efficiency I would like to take this opportunity to endorse Laura Nodolf in her candidacy for Midland County district attorney. I have known Laura since she began working in the District Attorneys Office 13 years ago. Through the years, I have found Laura to be a skilled advocate and concerned about her ethical obligation to seek justice, not just convictions. Laura has pushed for transparency in her office long before she became the first assistant, and well before it was mandated by the Legislature. Laura has proven to be a firm but fair prosecutor. As the first assistant, she has pushed for the creation and introduction of technology into the office to further promote transparency and efficiency in the office. She has worked on both the administrative side, as well as the advocacy side of the office, which have prepared her to handle all aspects of this demanding position. I believe Laura is the best candidate for the job and would encourage you to vote for her, as well. Raymond K. Fivecoat Nodolf is innovative, accountable, driven The city of Midland is truly fortunate to have Laura Nodolf as a candidate for the office of district attorney. Laura has spent the past 13 years of her career practicing law here in Midland. She has more than 200 jury trials under her belt and currently serves as the first assistant district attorney. Laura has the experience needed to lead the District Attorneys Office effectively. Laura is innovative, persistent and accountable. I was president of the Junior League of Midland last year and had the privilege of serving on the board of directors with Laura. In her role as public relations vice president, Laura implemented a social media campaign and changed the face of the way the league will advertise going forward. I have seen for myself the passion with which she brings to every obstacle she encounters and I am faithful in my belief that she is the right choice for this office. Laura is tenacious, driven and makes everyone around her want to be a better person and a harder worker. Laura will serve the county of Midland well in the office of district attorney. Please join me in supporting Laura Nodolf. Michelle Dinger County Commissioner, Precinct 1 Ramsey has necessary knowledge, experience I am writing to offer my wholehearted support for Scott Ramsey, the Republican candidate for Midland County commissioner Precinct 1. I have known Scott for three years as a welcoming neighbor first, and more recently in a business context. Scott is a 30-year resident of Midland and has been an outstanding resource for my family, introducing and exposing us to his knowledge of Midlands culture and citizens. Scotts broad experience across business, management and land negotiation through numerous economic changes in the energy sector makes him a candidate prepared to help manage Midland Countys budget and ongoing projects through the current downturn. As a man, Scott holds strong family values and a worldview that mirrors that of the constituents in our precinct. As a commissioner, he will represent the people of Precinct 1 honorably and ensure that our voice is heard and priorities are met. Scott has the common-sense approach and drive needed to make a difference in the future of our region. I cannot stress enough my confidence in Scott Ramsey. Ezra Yacob Texas Supreme Court Place 3 Massengale best-qualified for seat on court Don and I are supporting Justice Michael Massengale for the Texas Supreme Court Place 3. Judge Massengale presently sits on the Houston-based First Court of Appeals. He has the endorsement of Texas for Lawsuit Reform PAC, a nonpartisan group that advocates civil justice reform. He is a conservative Republican that also has endorsement of Texas for Fiscal Responsibility, Texas Right to Life PAC, Texas Medical Association Tex PAC, in addition to several other conservative organizations. Don and I have met with him and discussed his knowledge concerning oil and gas issues that affect our area should they reach the Texas Supreme Court. We believe he is the best-qualified candidate on most issues including oil and gas. Therefore, we encourage Midlanders to vote for Michael Massengale for Texas Supreme Court Place 3. Gwyn Sparks President Cruz has success as principled conservative There were two editorials critical of Ted Cruz in the Feb. 7 Reporter-Telegram. Michael Gerson, a sometimes conservative columnist, described Ted as self-serving because, according to Gerson, Cruz only fought against Obamacare for personal gain. His leadership of the Senate fight and the shutdown that occurred in Gersons analysis were disastrous for the GOP. Typical of the inside the beltway crowd, he cant understand that the Cruz stand against Obamacare inspired the grassroots and led to a record win for the GOP in 2014. Turns out Gersons hit piece was almost a positive compared to the diatribe by the left wing, Washington Post columnist, Dana Milbank. He starts by calling Cruz anti-Semitic using unbelievably twisted reasoning to arrive at that conclusion. It continues as Milbank, without citing any names, says those who know him best seem to despise him most. Strange that this despicable man could have won a large majority election to the U.S. Senate. Despite endless attacks from all sides, including the longest serving governor and the ethanol lobby, the man everyone hates, Ted Cruz, won a solid victory in Iowa. Milbank slanders Cruz with unsupported charges of misrepresentation in various situations regarding numerous individuals. He also distorts the facts regarding the Carson incident that Rich Lowry, also in the Feb. 7 edition, does a fairly good job of explaining. Ted Cruz is achieving success on the national level because he is a principled conservative who understands the frustration of millions of us who have seen GOP majorities fail time and again to do what they promised to do. We have lost conservative elections with two moderates but the establishment just cant come to grips with the fact that a principled conservative can generate majority support. Ernest Angelo Jr. Clinton is not presidential material I am writing in response to David Rosens letter in the Feb. 14 edition. How long have you had your head in the sand? Hillary Clinton has 150 FBI agents investigating her. She has lied to the American people about her emails. Some of her so-called nonclassified emails were beyond top secret that she put on a common server. She allowed four wonderful men, including the American ambassador, to be killed in Benghazi and did nothing to stop the terrorists from killing them. She then paraded around Washington blaming a video made in California for the attack. The FBI has an email that she sent to her daughter, telling her that it was a terrorist attack, not the video. She must have forgotten to tell the American people that. I remember the Whitewater trials in Arkansas where she sent two innocent women to prison for five and eight years, lying to save herself. She walked away with only a fine. She has been Obamas puppet on a string. She greatly needs to go to a come-to-Jesus meeting so she will tell the truth for once. She is definitely not presidential material. Loretta Schneider Letters policy There is a 350-word limit; candidate letters have a 200-word limit. Letters must be submitted to letters@mrt.com. Deadline is noon Thursdays for the following Sunday. Reporter-Telegram policy limits individuals to one letter in a 30-day period. Letter-writers should include phone number and address. Failure to do so could delay letters publication. On Friday a New York City Judge denied Kesha's attempt to get an injunction against Sony Music and Dr. Luke, who she alleges sexually assaulted her. This in effect forced her to honor her contract with Sony and continue recording, prompting responses from female artists from across music like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Lorde and Demi Lovato. After taking a public beating over the weekend with the revival of the #FreeKesha campaign, Dr. Luke's attorney Christine Lepara calling the rape allegations "outright lies." In a statement to Rolling Stone, Lepara disputes the claim that Kesha isn't "free" to record anywhere else. "The New York County Supreme Court on Friday found that Kesha is already "free" to record and release music without working with Dr. Luke as a producer if she doesn't want to. Any claim that she isn't "free" is a myth," Lepara stated. She added that Sony and Kemosabe Records, Dr. Luke's imprint has invested $11 million promoting Kesha's career thus far, though does not mention how she has delivered on that. "Tellingly, Kesha never reported any purported abuse or rape to any law enforcement authority, or even to Sony Music, and further swore under oath in another matter, while accompanied by her team of lawyers, that it never occurred. The goal of Kesha's counsel throughout has been to obtain a more lucrative contract through a shameless campaign of outrageous claims they will never stand behind in a court of law," wrote Lepara. At the hearing on Friday, the judge ruled against Kesha's injunction that would have allowed her to record outside of Dr. Luke's scope of influence. The judge had to sift through the messy case where Dr. Luke's lawyers deny any allegations of sexual assault and claim to have invested $60 million in Kesha's career. Kesha for her part says she feels trapped and cannot record being around her alleged abuser. There are still some legal options left for Kesha as the battle will continue on. 2015 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Please enable JavaScript to experience the functionality of this website. - MWEB Sarkodie should have been bigger than ... A teen accused of "deliberately" running over an Orange County deputy turned himself into the Sheriff's Office early Monday afternoon. Jancarlos Ortiz, 15, has been charged with attempted murder on a law enforcement officer and is being held in juvenile jail, the Sheriff's Office said. On Friday, Sgt. Marcy Pearce, a 22-year veteran of the force, was struck by a vehicle Friday morning near 853 High St. in Orlando as she moved in to arrest Ortiz, who had active custody orders, deputies said. She was treated at Orlando Regional Medical Center for head, back, hand and foot injuries. According to deputies, Ortiz hit the gas, speeding into Pearce with his car, then took off. A female juvenile probation officer who was riding in the car with Pearce called for help. She was not injured. On Saturday morning, the vehicle that deputies say Ortiz was driving and used in the incident on High Street a stolen white 2011 Nissan Versa was found abandoned at 7210 Leighton Way, deputies said. The teen also has a lengthy rap sheet: In October 2015, he was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing to elude, armed burglary, two counts of grand theft and trespassing a conveyance. "This was a bold action that this young man took today," Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said today. "That's the sad part ... 15 years old and already in trouble with the law, and, again today, taking the action that he took. We want to certainly hold him accountable for his actions even though he's a juvenile." News 13 typically does not identify juvenile crime suspects, per our crime guidelines, but we released the teenager's name because deputies said he could be a threat to the public. (Tony Rojek, staff) Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Hale County is presenting a Texas Friendly Instructor Workshop from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 3 at the Hale County AgriLife Extension office, 225 Broadway Street, Suite #6, in Plainview. Customer Service Training provides instruction to business managers and employees, community organizations, and a variety of other groups. The goal is to empower employees through enhanced customer service skills. Only 27 years old, local musician Raymond Everett has already had a long music career; starting off in his dad's band and performing at age 5 to playing drums at the Tejano Global Awards in 2013. But in 2016, the "sit-in" musician will mark a new chapter in his career as Everett has announced that he has gained the official sponsorship of Michelob ULTRA. "It feels great, I never thought I would have this opportunity," said Everett, whose first show as a sponsored musician will be playing drums with Audi Castillon at the 2016 Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair in San Antonio on March 18. "It's just amazing to be sponsored," Everett said. So what does it mean to be sponsored? Well, Everett said his gigs will get the full promotional push from the beer company's marketing team. In June 2015, Everett started his own "sit-in" musician business making him a musical hired-hand for bands looking for a temporary player. Everett is proficient in drums, bass and Bajo-sexto, a type of 12-string guitar commonly used in Mexican-style music. Everett has virtually been playing non-stop gigs since grade school and can easily jump from genre to genre such as Tejano, Christian music, rock, R&B, punk, pop, jazz and country. "I enjoy being a sit-in musician, it keeps me on my toes," Everett said. With the sponsorship, at every gig Everett chooses, he will have the full support of Michelob ULTRA from on-site promotional teams, merchandise and free posters. Everett has already worked with the sponsorship before, as he plays drums in the Plainview Tejano band Sin Igual which was sponsored by Bud Light. Though he is not really a drinker, Everett said gaining sponsorship can boost an independent musician's career, something he learned from his professors while studying commercial music at South Plains College. Everett attended the college after graduating from Floydada High School in 2007. It was at SPC's music program that Everett learned the importance of not only playing well, but the importance of presenting yourself in a professional way. Everett has done this by creating marketing media packages which highlights Everett's musical bio and photos as well as shows video of him performing different styles with different instruments. The packets help Everett book gigs and helped him land the sponsorship, as the company was impressed at his initiative and dedication to professionalism. "When you're on stage, you're representing them as well, so you have to present yourself right," Everett said. Everett first started playing drums at the age of 5 in his dad's (Raymond Everett Sr.) band Estables Del Norte out of Muleshoe. Everett said his dad first noticed his son playing drums on pots and pans and quickly realized he had exceptional musical timing. "So he bought me a little drum set," Everett said. Everett said he practiced with his dad constantly and covered a lot of Elvis and Buddy Holly. One day, Everett said the two were attending a church Jamaica in Muleshoe and his father found out one of the bands didn't make the gig. Everett's father happened to have an electric guitar in the car and a pair of drum sticks for Everett. The two filled-in the spot and Everett has been performing ever since. "By age 7 I began to play drums with a Norteno band out of Olton called Centenarios. While in junior high I was in jazz band and stage band. While in high school band, I received the Phillips Sousa Award. Outside of high school in my spare time, I played bajo-sexto with Grupo Orgullo West Texas Pride out of Hereford." After graduating college, Everett hit the Lubbock music scene playing venues with the funk band Element Keeping the Funk Alive. During the summer of 2011, Everett was called to sit in to play bass for Climbing Blind, a Christian Alternative band. They toured for "I'm on Fire Ministry" out of Springlake-Earth. He then joined Grupo Cyclon and opened for artists like Micheal Salgado. In 2012, Everett received an opportunity to play drums at the Tejano Music National Convention in Las Vegas with musician Audi y Zentimiento. In 2015, Everett opted to start his own "sit-in" business as a way to spend more time with family while making money by taking the stage in shows and other events. "It's always great to get paid for doing something you love," Everett said. A 12-year-old Abernathy girl has been crowned as the ninth Miss Rodeo Texas Princess. Kennady Johnson, daughter of Cullen and Melissa Johnson, won the title June 30 in San Antonio. "I could not believe they had called my name. I was the new Miss Rodeo Texas Princess 2010," Johnson said. "There are only a few girls in the entire state that have been able to say that." She went into the competition as Miss Rodeo SandHills Princess 2010. The Miss Rodeo Texas pageant, held annually to select the Princess rodeo queen to represent the state, awarded Johnson with a $500 scholarship, trophy saddle, trophy belt buckle and several other prizes. She also succeeded in winning honors in the categories of personality, appearance, photogenic and horsemanship. Johnson, who is home-schooled, will be a seventh grader in the fall. She has been active in 4-H for four years, holding the offices of president, first-, second- and third-vice president, secretary, treasurer, photographer and reporter. She has been recognized as First Year 4-Her and Bronze Star Recipient, youth leader for the Abernathy Clover Kids (a mentoring program for K-2nd graders) and member of the Abernathy 4-H Club, Hale County Horse Club and Hale County Council. She also is a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and a member of Harvest Christian Fellowship. The new Miss Rodeo Texas Princess participates in numerous rodeo and horse show activities: open and 4-H horse shows and rodeos in barrel racing, pole bending and break-away roping, member of the Texas Junior High Rodeo Association (TJHRA) and the Stock Horse of Texas (SHOT). Johnson's previous pageant titles have been Miss Rodeo Panola County Cattleman's Association 2010, Miss Rodeo TJHRA Region I Princess 2010 and Miss Rodeo Bar-None Princess 2008. Johnson will represent the Lone Star State in numerous rodeos and community events, serving as a goodwill ambassador and spokesperson for Texas Western heritage and specifically the sport of rodeo. "I am very excited to have won the title of Miss Rodeo Texas Princess, and I am ready to begin my reign and make appearances all over the great state of Texas," Johnson said. "Miss Rodeo Texas is a wonderful organization that helps young ladies achieve their dreams. I will use this title to be a positive role model and to encourage other girls in their own ambitions. I am so thankful for this organization and for everyone who has helped me. I will make them proud." A Texas tradition for almost five decades with the first Miss Rodeo Texas being crowned in 1963, the Miss Rodeo Texas Pageant has produced seven Miss Rodeo Americas. Since the inception of the Miss Rodeo Texas Pageant, Miss Rodeo Texas has served as a vibrant, colorful goodwill ambassador of rodeo, the official sport of Texas, working closely with professional rodeos, rodeo associations and community organizations to preserve the state's Western heritage and to keep the Western industry alive and flourishing. Contestants from all over the state participate in the Miss Rodeo Texas program, competing for thousands of dollars in scholarship awards and other prizes with three age groups vying for three crowns. The Miss Rodeo Texas contest consists of pageant winners from 19-24 years old. The Miss Rodeo Texas Teen consists of winners from 14-18 year old. The Miss Rodeo Texas Princess competition consists of 9-13 year old contestants. The selection of each of the rodeo queens is based on horsemanship, appearance and personality competitions with the crowning of the winners on coronation night in San Antonio. Miss Rodeo Texas 2010, Celesta Harvey, will compete in the Miss Rodeo America pageant in December in Las Vegas in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (PRCA). The coronation of Miss Rodeo America 2010 will be in early December 2010. Johnson and her family send a special thanks to SandHills Stock Show and Rodeo, Drs. Webb and Webb, Radical Cheer and Tumbling, St. Clair Orthodontics, Plains Capital Bank, Childress Photographic Group, and other "very supportive family and friends." - - - www.miss-rodeo-texas.com NORWICH, Conn. A New York man has been found guilty of murder in the 2008 shooting death of a man outside a Connecticut bar. Jose Ramos, of Queens, New York, was convicted of one count of murder on Friday in Norwich Superior Court. He faces up to 60 years in prison when hes sentenced April 29. Authorities say Ramos shot 29-year-old Tynell Hardwick in the head on Oct. 10, 2008 outside a now-closed bar in Norwich. They say Ramos shot Hardwick with a rifle after the two got into a dispute earlier that evening inside the bar. Ramos was arrested in September 2012 following an investigation by the Eastern Connecticut Cold Case Unit. His attorney had said that Ramos suffered from mental health issues. KALAMAZOO, Mich. A gunman who seemed to choose his victims at random opened fire outside an apartment complex, a car dealership and a restaurant in Michigan, killing at least six people during a rampage that lasted nearly seven hours, police said. Authorities identified the shooter as Jason Dalton, a 45-year-old Uber driver who police said had no criminal record. They could not say what motivated him in the Saturday night shootings to target victims with no apparent connection to him or to each other. How do you go and tell the families of these victims that they werent targeted for any reason other than they were there to be a target? Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting said Sunday at a news conference. Dalton, who was arrested in Kalamazoo following a massive manhunt, was expected to be arraigned Monday on murder charges. Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas described a terrifying series of attacks that began about 6 p.m. Saturday outside the Meadows apartment complex on the eastern edge of Kalamazoo County, where a woman was shot multiple times. She was expected to survive. A little more than four hours later and 15 miles away, a father and his 18-year-old son were fatally shot while looking at cars at the dealership. Fifteen minutes after that, five people were gunned down in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel restaurant, Matyas said. Four of them died. These are random murders, Matyas said. Dalton was arrested without incident about 12:40 a.m. Sunday after a deputy spotted his vehicle driving through downtown Kalamazoo after leaving a bar parking lot, authorities said. Matyas declined to disclose anything found in the vehicle except for a semi-automatic handgun. By midday, authorities were investigating a Facebook post that indicated the suspect was driving for Uber during the manhunt and had taken at least one fare, Getting said. A spokeswoman for Uber confirmed that Dalton had driven for the company in the past, but she declined to say whether he was driving Saturday night. Uber prohibits both passengers and drivers from possessing guns of any kind in a vehicle. Anyone found to be in violation of the policy may be prohibited from using or driving for the service. A man who knows Dalton said he was a married father of two who never showed any signs of violence. Gary Pardo Jr., whose parents live across the street from Dalton in Kalamazoo Township, described him as a family man who seemed fixated on cars and often worked on them. He would go a month without mowing his lawn but was very meticulous with his cars, Pardo said, explaining that Dalton, at times, owned a Chevrolet Camaro and two Hummer SUVs. Progressive Insurance confirmed that he once worked for the company before leaving in 2011. Dalton was an insurance adjuster who did auto body estimates and once taught an auto-body repair class at an area community college, said James Block, who has lived next door to him for 17 years. He loved to do things outside with his kids like taking them for rides on his lawn tractor, Block said. Daltons wife and children were unhurt, authorities said. The suspect was in contact with more than one person during the rampage, authorities said, but they would not elaborate. Prosecutors said they do not expect to charge anyone else. Authorities were interviewing Dalton and reviewing his phone. They did not know if the handgun belonged to him, Getting said. This is every communitys nightmare when you have someone going around just randomly killing people, no rhyme, no reason, Getting said. Tammy George said the woman who was shot outside the apartment building is her next-door neighbor. She and her family heard the gunfire, ran outside and saw the woman on the ground. Four bullets flew into a closet of Georges home, she said. Her son, James, was playing video games with two friends a few feet away from where the bullets pierced the wall. I checked out the back window and saw a car speeding off, said James George, 17. On Sunday morning, Tammy George came outside to clean the parking lot. I was worried about the kids coming out and seeing their moms blood, she said. I cleaned it up. No kid should have to come out and see their parents blood on the ground. During a Sunday morning news conference, some law enforcement officials wiped teary eyes or got choked up. When the news conference ended, Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell and Department of Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley embraced. The four people killed outside the restaurant were identified as 62-year-old Mary Lou Nye of Baroda and 60-year-old Mary Jo Nye, 68-year-old Barbara Hawthorne and 74-year-old Dorothy Brown, all of Battle Creek. Police did not release the names of the two victims killed at the car dealership, but Mattawan Consolidated Schools Superintendent Robin Buchler confirmed they were Tyler Smith and his father, Rich. A 14-year-old girl wounded at the restaurant was hospitalized in critical condition. With a population of about 75,000, Kalamazoo is about 160 miles west of Detroit. It is home to Western Michigan University and the headquarters of popular craft beer maker Bells Brewery. The city also is known for the anonymously funded Kalamazoo Promise program, which has paid college tuition of students who graduate from Kalamazoo Public Schools for more than a decade. Mike Householder and Tom Krisher in Kalamazoo and Don Babwin in Chicago contributed to this report. HARTFORD Pending legislation would grant legal protections to a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue a child trapped inside. Introduced Monday by the General Assemblys Judiciary Committee, the legislation would provide an affirmative defense against criminal or civil penalties to any individual who enters the vehicle of another by force to remove a child, so long as the individual believes the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury. Similar legislation was raised last year in response to the July 2014 death of a 15-month-old Ridgefield child who suffered from heat stroke in a vehicle, said state Rep. Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, a member of the Judiciary Committee. The childs father thought he left his son at day care and went to work, but later found out the child was in the back seat of his vehicle the entire work day. During the same week in July 2014, three other children were left in hot cars but didnt succumb to the heat. Since the Ridgefield incident, and many others throughout the state that didnt result in death, theres just been a movement to try to make people immune from liability if they happen to see a sleeping child alone in a car, Candelora said. A bill raised last year with the same intent was unanimously approved by the Judiciary Committee, but never went forward. Two other bills were also proposed by the Committee on Children and Transportation Committee. While a majority of lawmakers support the intent of such legislation, Candelora said, there are complications to consider. The pending bill extends legal protections to an individual with reasonable belief that breaking into a car is necessary to protect a child, as long as the individual uses no more force than reasonably necessary in the situation. This is sort of subjective, Candelora said. In some situations, such legislation could be used as a defense for criminal activity, he said. Someone who breaks into a car to steal something could make the excuse that they were actually trying to help a child, and seek protection under the law. I think thats where its met opposition, he said. We have to balance that law with other criminal laws. Last year, the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association submitted testimony to the Transportation Committee opposing the idea. The association argued that if someone were acting reasonably while breaking into a vehicle to save a child, they wouldnt be liable in the first place because theyre already protected by the states immunity laws. In addition, the association said the legislation would have required more of the rescuer than simply acting reasonably. For instance, a provision in last years bill would require someone to contact emergency personnel before entering a vehicle to help a child, the association pointed out in testimony to the Transportation Committee. This years legislation requires that emergency personnel be contacted within a reasonable period after someone enters a vehicle. State Rep. Christie Carpino, R-Cromwell, co-sponsored the legislation before the Judiciary Committee last year. During a public hearing on the bill, she testified that even on a 60 degree day, it takes only 20 minutes for the temperature in a vehicle to climb high enough to be deadly to a child. Last February, a child was left in a car outside a business, Carpino testified. Employees at the business saw the child and reported what they saw, but the child remained in the car. Legislation granting immunity in the situation would allow the employees to act quickly to get the child out of the car without the fear of legal repercussions, she stated. In a statement provided Monday, Carpino said she proposed the legislation last year to save childrens lives. Nobody should ever hesitate to save a child, she said. In a locked car extreme temperatures can prove to be deadly in minutes. House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, said he supports the legislation as written, but noted that bills often change while being considered by different committees. State Sen. Dante Bartolomeo, D-Meriden, co-chairwoman of the Committee on Children, said a similar bill passed her committee unanimously last year. Time ran out, and the bill never reached the House, she said. While its unclear if the pending bill would change anything legally as pointed out by the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association it could give people a level of comfort, Bartolomeo said. In a society that is so litigious, people do give it that second thought. Between 1991 and 2013, an average of 37 children died annually in the U.S. due to heat stroke in vehicles, according to kidsandcars.org, a public safety awareness group. Around 87 percent of those children are three and younger. In over 50 percent of the deaths, a parent unknowingly left the child in a vehicle. aragali@record-journal.com 203-317-2224 Twitter: @Andyragz This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LAREDO Former President Bill Clinton exhorted South Texans today to support his wife's presidential campaign to ensure the continuation of the region's economic progress. We've got to do this together, he said. We have got to get rid of the political dysfunction in Washington. Speaking to a supportive crowd of several hundred students and others gathered in the gym at Texas A&M International University, Clinton touched on economic and immigration policies and called his wife a change-maker who has paid attention to South Texas throughout her political career. There are people who want to build walls. Hillary wants to build ladders of opportunity to empowerment and bridges to people who will be our partners, not our enemies, Clinton said. It's a clear choice. Earlier, Clinton helped raise funds for his wife's campaign at a fund-raising reception at the home of U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo. Cuellar told the university crowd that Laredo was prospering under NAFTA, which was backed by Bill Clinton, and the crowd booed when Cuellar mentioned Donald Trump's call for a border wall. The event was the closest the city has come to center stage in the campaign since Donald Trump visited last year to denounce the state of border security. Bill Clinton now heads to Dallas for an evening event at Paul Quinn College. Adding punch to the Clinton campaign's final push was former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who campaigned on her behalf in San Antonio on Monday. jgonzalez@express-news.net Twitter: @johnwgonzalez More than five dozen drivers in Bexar County drew felony drunken driving charges in January, according to county records. RELATED: These are the San Antonio roads with the most drunken driving arrests in the last 3 years One of those drivers is accused of killing a person while driving drunk: Bryan James Contreras has been charged with intoxication manslaughter, a second-degree felony punishable by a maximum 20-year prison sentence. Contreras was allegedly driving in a pickup truck north in the southbound lane of Interstate 35 just over the AT&T Parkway on the East Side at around 4 a.m. on Jan. 9 when he collided with another pickup truck travelling south. Police told mySA.com that the driver of the southbound truck died at the scene. The booking photo for Contreras is not currently available, Bexar County authorities said Friday. RELATED: Bexar County: 125 people arrested in 2015 for driving drunk with a kid in the car In total, law enforcement officers in Bexar County made 65 felony drunken driving arrests in January 2016, according to figures provided by the Bexar County District Attorney's Office. One suspect, Gilbert Mendez, drew two charges of intoxication assault for the same incident on Jan. 14. Here are the number of felony charges broken down for January: Intoxication manslaughter: one Intoxication assault (third degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison): four Driving while intoxicated with child passenger under 15 years old (state jail felony punishable by up to two years in prison): seven Driving while intoxicated third or more (third degree felony): 55 RELATED: Alleged drunken drivers in Bexar County killed 11 people during 2015 In 2015, Bexar County law enforcement officers operating made 6,568 DWI arrests in 2015, according to the district attorney's office. More than one in 10 of those arrests 783 total resulted in felony-level drunken driving charges. MySA.com reported on felony DWI arrests in Bexar County every month in 2015, along with other angles on the deadly issue of drinking and driving in San Antonio. Here are the total number of felony drunken driving arrests in Bexar County by month in 2015: Scroll through the slideshow to see suspects arrested in 2015 on suspicion of driving drunk with kids in the car. jfechter@mySA.com Twitter: @JFreports SAN ANTONIO A man who died in an apparent suicide following an explosion at his home on the Northwest Side has been identified as 58-year-old Steven Moring, according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner. According to the San Antonio Fire Department, 21 SAFD units responded to the home in the 8500 block of Pendragon Street after receiving reports of a blast around 4 p.m. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A West Texas grand jury has indicted a 57-year-old woman whose husband died of strangulation involving a "hair wad" at a motel in October. Grand jurors in Randall County indicted Mary Elizabeth Cheatheam on a murder charge on Wednesday, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported Friday. An autopsy report showed an "upper airway obstruction with hair wad" contributed to the Oct. 9 death of Samuel Luke Cheatheam at an American Motor Inn in Amarillo. RELATED: Police: North Texas woman, boyfriend waterboarded mentally disabled boy, tied up his genitals Autopsy results confirmed that the death was a homicide, the Amarillo Police Department said in October. Police arrested Mary Cheatheam that day. RELATED: Oklahoma stripper arrested for threatening Texas senator after she accused him of stalking her The 57-year-old woman pleaded insanity in January, but the court struck down the plea after a court-ordered psychologist later deemed her competent to stand trial, the newspaper reported. "We believe that we can prove at trial that she was the only person present at the time of his death," Randall County Criminal District Attorney James Farren told the newspaper. "We believe it is likely that he was somewhat incapacitated at the time and that she took advantage of that situation. It is likely that the evidence will show that there were numerous substances that contributed to his condition." Mary Cheatheam is currently being held in Randall County Jail on a $500,000 bond. RELATED: Texas man convicted of killing 'American Sniper' Chris Kyle seeks new trial Online court records show Mary Cheatheam was convicted of deadly conduct, a Class A misdemeanor, in 2001. Records also show that Samuel Cheatheam was convicted in 1999 of assault on a family member, a Class A misdemeanor, and of driving while intoxicated third or more, a third-degree felony in 2001. jfechter@mySA.com Twitter: @JFreports This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The wife of notorious Mexican drug cartel lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman defended her husband and alleged that Mexican prison officials are endangering his health in an exclusive interview that aired Sunday on Telemundo News. RELATED: 'La Patrona,' financial operator for Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman captured in Mexico Emma Coronel Aispuro, a California-born pageant queen, told Mexican journalist Anabel Hernandez that her husband's health has deteriorated in the Altiplano prison since Mexican Marines recaptured the Sinaloa cartel leader on January 8. "I am afraid for his life," Coronel told Hernandez."We don't know if he is eating well. We don't know what his situation is because we haven't seen him." "They want to make him pay for his escape," Coronel said. "They say that they are not punishing him. Of course they are. They are there with him, watching him in his cell. They don't let him sleep. He has no privacy, not even to go to the restroom." RELATED: Alleged Sinaloa cartel hit man 'The Surgeon' arrested for drug possession near Texas border The drug lord's July 2015 escape from the Altiplano prison was considered a major embarrassment for the Mexican government. Marines finally caught up to Guzman at a home in Los Mochis in January of this year. RELATED: Photos surface of new Mexican criminal organization declaring war on powerful drug cartel The TV special, titled "The Queen of El Chapo," detailed Aispuro's life with Guzman including when and where the pair were married, her life as Guzman's wife and the drug lord's relationship with his twin daughters. "Not everything people say is true," Coronel says in the interview. "I think that all human beings have the right to have at least the basic things for life handy. They are not giving that to him." Scroll through the slideshow for nine takeaways from the network's interview with the wife of a notorious drug lord. jfechter@mySA.com Twitter: @JFreports SAN ANTONIO Portions of South Central Texas will likely see thunderstorms, damaging winds and even hail Monday night, according to the National Weather Service. NWS Meteorologist Trevor Boucher said the roughest weather in the region is expected to hit an area to the west of San Antonio, including Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Uvalde. Hermelinda Gomez stayed strong through illnesses, deaths in her family and a move to another country all while being a devoted mother, caring grandmother and a gracious neighbor. In May 2008, Gomez had her first stroke and six months before that went through heart surgery. Because of the the stroke, Gomez lost her speech and went to therapy for it and was in-and-out of hospitals. Her family remained by her side and never left her alone. I had to leave the hospital room at times, her daughter, Bertha Pena said. It was just hard for me to watch,but she carried so much strength in her. Gomezs next stroke was in November, which left her left eye blind. With the combination of her stokes and a recent bad fall, Gomez died on Feb. 17. She was 82. Born and raised in Mexico, she married her late husband, Concepcion Gomez, at 17. While living with her grandmother, her husband would travel back-and-forth from Mexico to the U.S. for work. In 1955, Gomez had two children. After her second child, Ramiro, died in an accident when he was 2 years old, the Gomezes moved to the U.S. to live in San Antonio. More Information Hermelinda Gomez Born: Oct. 29, 1933, Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, Mexico Died: Feb. 17, 2016, San Antonio Preceded by: Husband, Concepcion Gomez; son, Ramiro Gomez; parents, Gabina and Manuel Vega and sister, Eva Cruz. Survived by: Daughters Maria Elena ZepedaBertha Pena, and Laura Gomez; sons, Carlos Gomezand Pedro Gomez; brother-in-law, Lalo Gomez; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; brothers, Luis, Oscar and Juventino Vega; sisters, Angelica, Teresa and Rebecca Vega; and numerous nieces and nephews. Services: Rosary at 7 p.m. on Monday at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Ave. Mass on Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower, 1715 Zarzamora, interment to follow at San Fernando Cemetery #2, 746 Castroville Road. See More Collapse While raising five children in San Antonio, Gomezs husband brought over his 12-year-old brother from Mexico to live with them. She raised him like he was one of her children. Her daughter Maria Elena Zepeda said didnt complain and never refused to help anyone. When her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimers, doctors recommended that she place him in a nursing home, but she refused to do so. She cared for him 24/7 while also being there for her family until he died, said Pena. During the time her husband was ordered to be on bed rest, Gomez, all by herself, cooked 500 dozens tamales and gave to her daughters to sell them, said Zepeda. After her husband died, Gomez kept busy by cooking for her family and neighbors, crafting, sewing and taking care of her house. She mowed her own yard, brought the trash in, along with her neighbors trash, and fixed everything she could, said Pena. Cooking was something she loved to do and was good at, Zepeda said. My mothers food was the best and she always had a lot of it. After her first stroke, Gomez wanted to show appreciation to her children for never leaving her side in the hospital. So, she asked them to meet at her house for dinner, which she cooked for them, every week. The family did so, every Wednesday, for the last seven years until she died. When she first asked us, she never told us why, Pena said. When she told us a couple of years ago, the reason, it just meant so much more to us. She had a heart of gold and her joy was helping others. Shes just incredible. paguirre@express-news.net 7-Eleven, KFC, McDonalds, Burger King and Circle K have already begun accepting payments via the mobile service in China. MCLEAN, Va. Apple hopes China is the land of opportunity for mobile payments, reports USA Today. This week the tech company launched its Apple Pay mobile-payment service in China, the market that Apple Pay vice president Jennifer Bailey told Reuters could be Apple Pays largest. The service launched in September 2014 in the United States as a new payment service that will transform mobile payments, although by some accounts merchant adoption has been slow. However in China, the news source writes that about a dozen Chinese banks are already partnering with Apple on Apple Pay, with more coming onboard later this year. In December 2015, Apple announced a new partnership with China UnionPay. Apple Pay has revolutionized the way millions of people pay every day with their iPhone, Apple Watch and iPad, said Eddy Cue, Apples senior vice president of Internet software and services. China is an extremely important market for Apple, and with China UnionPay and support from 15 of Chinas leading banks, users will soon have a convenient, private and secure payment experience. Since the announcement, USA Today reports that UnionPay has issued more than 5 billion UnionPay cards in China and abroad, kind of Chinas answer to MasterCard and Visa. Beyond Apples own physical retail stores in China, 7-Eleven, KFC, McDonalds, Burger King and Circle K have begun accepting the payments in the country. By Lambert Strether of Corrente. To foreshadow, my answers will be no, since the boundaries of the Obama Coalition have become so hazy its only useful as a concept to the lazier sort of pundit or the more venal variety of consultant, and maybe so, at least after we change the article from definite to indefinite and say An Obama Coalition. But first, what do we mean by coalition? To answer that question, well first define faction. In Federalist #10, in one of those passages thats so up-to-date it hurts, Madison writes: By a faction, I understand a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adversed to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community. (So, you could think of a white supremacist organization as a faction adversed to the rights of other citizens, and you could think of the American Tobacco Institute, say, as adversed to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community.) Madison goes on: The diversity in the faculties of men, from which the rights of property originate, is not less an insuperable obstacle to a uniformity of interests. The protection of these faculties is the first object of government. From the protection of different and unequal faculties of acquiring property, the possession of different degrees and kinds of property immediately results; and from the influence of these on the sentiments and views of the respective proprietors, ensues a division of the society into different interests and parties. The latent causes of faction are thus sown in the nature of man; and we see them everywhere brought into different degrees of activity, according to the different circumstances of civil society. (At this point I will pause to point out that to Madison, property must have been a superset of property in human beings.) And Madison goes on to recommend a republican, as opposed to a democratic, form of government, to handle the case where a faction includes a majority of the voters. To us, factions are important because they are the components of coalitions (Poli Sci wonks please chime in here.) From the Hans Noel in the Mischiefs of Faction blog (2012): Madison had never seen a modern political party, and its rather likely that if he did, he would say that it was a faction. But it wasnt what he had in mind. He was thinking about groups with a common interest. Something closer to an interest group. But modern political parties are coalitions of many different interests. Indeed, they are formed in part to directly surmount the obstacle Madison put in front of them. The republic is large, and the individual interests in it are small. It is hard for them to coordinate and organize. But they do. And to do so, they use the institution of a political party. It And further: one notable feature of contemporary parties is how much they really do agree. We do not live in the age of the oversized New Deal coalition, uniting northern liberals and southern conservatives in the Democratic Party. Or even the union of Taft and Eisenhower wings of the Republican Party. While the parties are still coalitions, with significant internal disagreements, for the most part the two parties are now ideologically cohesive, and the division between the parties is orders of magnitude more important than squabbles within them. (Calling them ideologically distinct is, I think, better than polarized, but I am getting at the same idea.) So, parties are (1) coalitions of factions; and abstracting a bit from Noel, we can expect such coalitions to (2) persist over many election cycles; the New Deal coalition certainly did. Following Noel, a coalition (3) has scale: Its oversized or ideologically cohesive. Further, following Madison (though this is elided by Noel) we can expect (4) the protection of different and unequal faculties of acquiring property to be central to the material basis for faction formation (as one might expect in a capitalist society). Finally, note that neither Madison nor Noel give consideration to (5) power structures (for example, leaders and followers, or the national and the local) within factions. (Factional power structures are important because they raise the question of different rights to property, especially rents, among factional members, which makes the faction vulnerable to what we might call The Three Cs Credentialism, Clientelism, and Corruption. If the Obama Coalition is anything, its coalition within the Democratic Party. If we use the test of (1) factions, (2) persistence, (3) scale, (4) property interests, and (5) power structures, how does The Obama Coalition, as a concept, stack up? Not well.[1] Since time presses, I will discuss only the first three. (However, its very easy to fit both youth (debt) and Blacks (reperations) under the aegis of factional property rights issues. And well see power structures in action when we discuss Nevada.) The Obama Coalition: Factions If there is indeed an Obama Coalition, we should be able to define it by identifying the factions that comprise it. This is surprisingly difficult; in fact, most journalists simply assume the slippery term is well-defined. For example, CNN (2016): The question for Clinton, as she faces a closer-than-expected race with Sanders and a potentially tight general election, is how much Obama helps her as she seeks to mobilize the Obama Coalition of 2008 and 2012 but tries to mitigate the impact of his political failings. Ditto David Plouffe, on the McConnells first move in the upcoming Scalia replacement battle: Well, the Senate GOP might have just ensured the Obama Coalition turns out in 16. Dem WH for 16 straight years, Dem Senate in 17. Geniuses. (Bonus points for the party of stupid riff, which explains 2010 and 2014 so well, right?) At the Times, we get slightly higher grade analysis in 2015: If [Clinton] won, it would suggest that the so-called Obama Coalition of young, nonwhite and female voters is transferable to another Democrat. At least were naming factions now, though I find placing all Blacks, all Hispanics, all Asians, as well as, presumably, Native Americans, the multiracial, etc. under the heading of non-white a little breathtaking.) Of course, thats not how Iowa Pollster Anne Selzer defines it in 2016: Sanders leads by eight points with people who say this is the first time theyll participate in the caucus, Selzer said. He leads by over 20 points with people who say they consider themselves independent, and people who are under age 45 . Now thats the Obama Coalition. (No factions at all, here.) Nor is it how WaPo defined it after the Democratic debacle in 2014: The DSCC spent $60 million on its Bannock Street Project to maximize turnout of the Obama Coalition blacks, Latinos, unmarried women and young people . (Back to factions, but not all women; just unmarried and/or young women. And not all non-whites.) And from the Washington Monthly, before the 2014 debacle, from Ruy Teixeira and John Halpin: Some observers argue that since the ranks of the white working class are declining, Democrats should simply rely instead on their rising Obama Coalition of minorities, unmarried and working women, seculars, Millennials, and educated whites living in more urbanized states. (So now we have not the white working class, but presumably all minorities (working class or not, along with working women (presumably neither white nor working class), plus seculars, Millennials, and educated whites living in more urbanized states. (Teixeira and Halpin are big drones in the Democratic hive mind, so to be fair I looked up two of their deliverables for the Center for American Progress: 2012 (PDF) and 2015 (2015). Athough The Obama Coalition features prominently in the titles of both works, neither actually defines the term.[1]) And heres Teixeira in 2016, interviewed in WaPo: PLUM LINE: You define the central question of 2016 as: Can the Obama Coalition survive? Can you explain what you mean? RUY TEIXEIRA: The Obama Coalition in 2012 consisted of the minority vote (blacks, Latinos, Asians, and those of other races); the millennial generation; and more educated white voters . If you look at the support rates these groups gave to Obama in 2012, and walk those support rates into the probable representation of these voting groups in 2016, the Obama Coalition would deliver a third victory for Democrats. (So, women out (!!), educated (i.e., well off) whites in, minorities in, Millenials, so-called, in, and including, presumably, the well-educated fraction of the latter two factions.) Well. I hope I have persuaded you that the Obama Coalition is, if not exactly meaningless, meaningful only when the factions that comprise it are defined by the person using the term. (I mean, last I checked, there are a lot of women voters out there, so youd think that whether they were in or out of Obama Coalition would be a big deal. But authorities totally disagree!) Oh, and oddly, or not, unions arent part of the Obama Coalition at all, by any definition. Nor are wage workers. However, Ive got to make assumptions about factional membership in order to write the rest of the post. So Im going to arbitrarily posit that the Obama Coalition comprises at least Blacks, Hispanics, women, and youth. (A functional definition of the Obama Coalition might be that it is designed to enable discourse about faction while erasing discussion of Madisons property rights. For the purposes of this discussion, Im accepting that function.) The Obama Coalition: Coalition Persistence If the Obama Coalition, assuming it to exist as I have defined it, is to persist over many election cycles, it shouldnt be easy for anybody to break it up. (After all, it took immense, generation-long and well-funded efforts by conservative revanchists to fracture the New Deal coalition, so that seems a reasonable baseline). So lets look at the youth vote in the Iowa caucus, from the entrance polls: Look at the youth vote: Sanders peeled it right off. As the Atlantic puts it: In the Iowa entrance poll (which questions voters on the way into a caucus, rather than on their way out the door, like exit polls in primaries) Sanders amassed astounding margins among young people. He crushed Clinton by an almost unimaginable six to one84 percent to 14 percentamong voters younger than 30. For those tempted to dismiss that as just a campus craze, he also routed her by 58 percent to 37 percent among those aged 30 to 44. The point is not that Clinton, or Sanders, is the true and pure earthly representative of the (purely notional) Obama Coalition, but that if there were such a coalition, it wouldnt split like that. The same is true in New Hampshire: In Iowa, Sanders peeled off youth. In New Hampshire, Sanders peeled off women. Again, if the Obama Coalition were a thing, that shouldnt be able to happen. At least it shouldnt be able to happen as easily and quickly as it did. (Note that Iowa and New Hampshire are both white! is no defense for the Obama Coalition as a viable concept; youth is youth; women are women, at least in the usages and definitions given by the users of the term.) Finally, the same peeling off process may have happened in the Nevada caucuses. From the initial coverage: In Nevada, Hillary Clinton wins black voters, loses Hispanics. Clinton partisans argued that the entrance polling methodology was off, given that Clinton won Clark County, which is Hispanic heavy. The polling firm responded by saying that youth voted disproportionately for Sanders, and that there were more youthful Hispanic voters this year than previously. The Times dithered and came down that Clinton may have won the Hispanic vote, but modestly. Regardless: (1) if the Obama Coalition were a thing, that shouldnt be able to happen. We might also remember that (2) Harry Reid and the Culinary union carried the Strip, and hence Clark County, for Clinton. Power structures arent supposed to be part of the Obama Coalition model because power is not virtuous, I imagine and yet here it is! Finally (3) even if Sanders won only a substantial minority of Hispanics, that should dispose of the canard that hes running a campaign for whites only (or, in the stronger terms that it is no longer even necessary to state, that he and his supporters are racists). The Obama Coalition: Coalition Scale Recall that Noel posited a distinction between an overly broad party coalition like the New Deal Coalition, with the more ideologically coherent coalitions of today. If indeed the Obama Coalition is a thing, it has managed to achieve the worse of both worlds: Neither overly broad, nor ideologically coherent. Taking favoring the wealthy as a proxy for more precise ideological positions on jailing bankers, or single payer, or free college, check this result from New Hampshire: Again, if the Obama Coalition were a thing, a result like this would not be happening. Conclusion Even if The Obama Coalition is a nonsense, An Obama Coalition makes sense. Of course, we know that from the 2010 debacle. WaPo (2013): Heres what the 2008 and 2012 elections taught us: President Obama built a national political coalition the three main pillars of which were African Americans, Hispanics and young voters that Republicans couldnt come close to touching. Heres what the 2010 election taught us: That Obama Coalition is not directly transferrable to all Democratic candidates. (Factions listed; women thrown under the bus.) But the 2010 disaster wont prevent the 2016 Clinton campaign from doubling down. WaPo (2016): Clinton has paid close attention to the building blocks of Obamas coalition including Iowas small but growing population of minority voters, which the president activated on his winning caucus night. For good or ill, the Obama Coalition is not a coherent concept, although the political class behaves as if it were. This is, of course, simply a critique of the concept, and not a recommendation for action by any candidate; I leave that to Democratic strategists. Readers? NOTES [1] The closest we get is from 2015: The heart of the Obama Coalition is the minority vote. In 2012, President Obama received 81 percent support from communities of color, a group that made up 27 percent of all voters. Obviously, the heart of is not a definition. And theres also that troubling assumption that all Blacks, all Hispanics, and all Native Americans are necessarily grouped under communities of color. Notice also the absence of women and youth. Or wage work even as a category. Yves here. Im a bit late to weigh in on the scurrilous attacks on the Sanders budget plan, and more important, on Gerald Friedman, a UMass-Amherst economics professor who modeled it in detail and gave it favorable marks. Full disclosure: I know Friedman but only casually, having met him at speaking events and conferences. I have also cross posted some of his work from Triple Crisis. Let us be clear about the vehemence of the salvos aimed at Friedman: this isnt just a bad case of tribalism and intellectual dishonesty. This is purveyors of a failed orthodoxy refusing to indulge any consideration of plans that would show how badly theyve mismanaged the economy. The original sin of Friedmans model of Sanders plan is that it projects GDP increases in excess of 5% for several years running before growth levels moderate. Mind you, Friedman did this using a completely standard model. So the real issue is about the assumptions, which Krugman and his allies refused even to look at, instead falsely accusing Friedman of being a Sanders ally who cooked up numbers. In fact, Friedman has no connection to the Sanders campaign, has donated to Hillary, and isnt sure how he is voting this year. Weve embedded one of the first rebuttals to these shameful attacks, from Jamie Galbriath, as well as Friedmans own request for an apology at the end of this post. But lets focus first on the underlying bone of contention. Had Krugman and his fellow enforcers deigned to make a good-faith response, the key issue would be what fiscal multipliers to assume on Sanders ambitious spending program. When an economy is at less than full capacity, and our labor force participation rate shows that it clearly is, fiscal multipliers are greater than one. That means GDP will grow more than the amount of deficit spending. That means that the bugaboo of budget scaremongers, that the debt to GDP ratio will grow, isnt operative. The denominator, GDP, grows faster than the numerator, the debt (mind you, we are being charitable and accepting the neoliberal frame rather than giving you the MMT point of view). Moreover, no less an orthodox economist than Larry Summers has strongly advocated infrastructure spending, one of the big priorities in Sanders plan, as having a particularly high fiscal multiplier of 3. Thats because well targeted infrastructure has all sorts of spillovers in terms of economic productivity beyond the direct effect of getting more income to people with a high propensity to spend. But even with that in Sanders plan, as Galbraith stresses, Friedmans assumptions even on the fiscal multipliers were conventional: Professor Friedman starts with a fiscal multiplier of 1.25, and shades it down to the range of 0.8 by the mid 2020s. Is this not credible? If thats your claim, its an indictment of the methods of (for instance) the CBO, the OMB, and the CEA. A handwaving argument against the Friedman analysis is that with an aging population, the US cant achieve the projected growth levels. From Ron Baimans rebuttal: To the argument that changing demographics have made prior Emp/Pop ratios unobtainable, see Figure 2 below which shows that the current ratio is 3% below its demographically adjusted pre-2008 Emp/Pop ratio. Paid Family leave, child care, equal pay, youth job programs, should significantly drive up the Emp/Pop ratio, whether this is measured after adjusting for demographics or not. As Klein points out, is it really that unrealistic to hope that we can achieve things are a reality in Canada? Moreover, with baby boomers having very little in the way of retirement savings (even if they had any, the financial market returns available in the decade immediately prior to the targeted retirement age are a huge determinant of how much you wind up with, so financial repression is killing 401(k)s), you can be sure that many will need to or will choose to continue working after 65 if they can find acceptable work. Another factor that argues for upside has been the low household formation rate among young people due to high unemployment. That means that if the job market for them improves on a sustained basis, youd see catchup in household formation, and in turn, for demand for homes. Additional refutations: And just below is a long-form takedown by Bill Black. I hope youll not only read Friedmans letter, embedded at the end of this post, but also contact the public editor of the New York Times and demand that Krugman correct his utterly false remarks about Friedman. Being a Nobel Prize winner does not give you a free pass on accountability or legal liability. Friedman has a strong case for libel and the Times should have the good sense to recognize that and act accordingly. By Bill Black, the author of The Best Way to Rob a Bank is to Own One and an associate professor of economics and law at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Originally published at New Economic Perspectives If you depend for your news on the New York Times you have been subjected to a drumbeat of article attacking Bernie Sanders and the conclusion of everyone serious that his economics are daft. In particular, you would know that four prior Chairs of the Presidents Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) (the Gang of 4) have signed an open letter to Bernie that delivered a death blow to his proposals. Further, you would know that anyone who dared to disagree with these four illustrious economists was so deranged that he or she was acting like a Republican in denial of global climate change. The open letter set its sights on a far less famous economist, Gerald Friedman, of U. Mass at Amherst. It unleashed a personalized dismissal of his competence and integrity. Four of the Nations top economists against one non-famous economists at a school that studies heterodox economics. That sounds like a fight that the referee should stop in the first round before Friedman is pummeled to death. But why did Paul Krugman need to tag in to try to save the Gang of 4 from being routed? Krugman proclaimed that the Gang of 4 had crushed Friedman in a TKO. Tellingly, Krugman claimed that anyone who disagreed with the Gang of 4 must be beyond the pale (like Friedman and Bernie). Indeed, Krugman was so eager to fend off any analysis of the Group of 4s attacks that he competed with himself rhetorically as to what inner circle of Hell any supporter of Friedman should be consigned. In the 10:44 a.m. variant, Krugman dismissed Bernie as not ready for prime time and decreed that it was illegitimate to critique the Gang of 4s critique. In Sanderss case, I dont think its ideology as much as being not ready for prime time and also of not being willing to face up to the reality that the kind of drastic changes hes proposing, no matter how desirable, would produce a lot of losers as well as winners. And if your response to these concerns is that theyre all corrupt, all looking for jobs with Hillary, you are very much part of the problem. The implicit message is that four famous economists had to be correct, therefore anyone who disagreed with them must be a conspiracy theorist who is very much part of the problem. Paul doesnt explain what the problem is, but he sure makes it sound awful. Logically, the problem has to be progressives supporting Bernie. Two hours later, Paul decided that his poisoned pen had not been toxic enough, he now denounced Sanders as a traitor to the progressives who was on his way to making Donald Trump president. To point out the problems in the Gang of 4s attack on Friedman was to treat them as right-wing enemies. Why was Krugman so fervid in its efforts to smear Friedman and prevent any critique of the Gang of 4s smear that he revised his article within two hours and amped up his rhetoric to a shrill cry of pain? Well, the second piece admits that Gang of 4s smear of Friedman didnt get into specifics and that progressives were already rising in disgust at Pauls arrogance and eagerness to sign onto a smear that claimed rigor but actually didnt get into specifics while denouncing a scholar. Paul, falsely, portrayed Friedman as a Bernie supporter. Like Krugman, Friedman is actually a Hillary supporter. Sanders needs to disassociate himself from this kind of fantasy economics right now. If his campaign responds instead by lashing out well, a campaign that treats Alan Krueger, Christy Romer, and Laura Tyson as right-wing enemies is well on its way to making Donald Trump president. If we combine both of Pauls screeds we see that the only way to disagree with a prominent economist is to demonize them as either corrupt or enemies. They are apparently inerrant. Paul was eager to use authority raised to the second power (the Gang of 4 plus both barrels two hours apart The Full Krugman) to prevent anyone actually looking at the Gang of 4s letter and Friedmans study. Indeed, as I was finishing this first article in a series on their smear I found that Krugman has tripled down on his smear of Friedman with a Sunday column. Jamie Galbraith Scores a One-Two Punch KO on the Gang of 4 and Krugman Alas, Krugman ran into Jamie Galbraith, who is not susceptible to Pauls edicts of intimidation. Jamies piece is wonderfully concise and should be savored in its entirety. But here are the two key takeaways. Jamie destroyed the Gang of 4 and Krugman. Jamie made two simple points. First, Friedman is a supporter of Hillary Clinton, not Bernie. That means there is every reason to believe he did not engage in voodoo economics as Krugman charged in order to help Bernie. It also means that Pauls demand: Sanders needs to disassociate himself from this kind of fantasy economics right now is bizarre. Why would Sanders need to disassociate himself from a Hillary supporter? Second, Friedmans study is utterly conventional in terms of the macro models that Krugman has been praising for years in his column. The results he calculates, that Krugman dismisses as fantasy and voodoo are in fact the normal product of the normal models Krugman and the Gang of 4 rely on. Friedman, Jamie, and I all have many doubts about those models, but not Krugman and the Gang of 4. Why does the standard model generate such powerful results for employment and growth? It does so because Bernies plan to spur the economy is far larger than current policies or anything program to spur the economy supported by Hillary. As Jamie phrases it: What the Friedman paper shows, is that under conventional assumptions, the projected impact of Senator Sanders proposals stems from their scale and ambition. When you dare to do big things, big results should be expected. The Sanders program is big, and when you run it through a standard model, you get a big result. That, by the way, is the lesson of the Reagan era like it or not. It is a lesson that, among todays political leaders, only Senator Sanders has learned. Give the conventionality of Friedmans study, using a methodology that the Gang of 4 and Paul all embrace, what accounts for the mocking, dismissive tone of the Gang of 4s letter and Krugmans rhetorical race to the bottom with himself to demonize Friedman and Bernie? One might assume that Friedman had made a glaring error and that the Gang of 4 had discovered the error in the course of their rigorous review of his modelling of Bernies proposals. We are concerned to see the Sanders campaign citing extreme claims by Gerald Friedman about the effect of Senator Sanderss economic planclaims that cannot be supported by the economic evidence. Friedman asserts that your plan will have huge beneficial impacts on growth rates, income and employment that exceed even the most grandiose predictions by Republicans about the impact of their tax cut proposals. Thats how the Gang of 4 leads, and those two sentences are an enormous tell in the sense that word is used in poker. They are not attacking him for the model he used, they are not attacking him for his inputs, and they are not attacking him for a computation error. They are attacking him because their own models predict that Bernies plan would produce huge beneficial impacts. To state what should be obvious to any economist, much less the Gang of 4 and Krugman, that is not a logical criticism of Friedman or Bernie. The Gang of 4 and Pauls criticisms are historical. When modest economic measures are taken to spur growth we observe only modest impacts on growth. That is not a logical argument against Friedman modelling Bernies proposals. Again, Im perfectly open to a critique that says the standard models are so badly flawed that such a projection should not be relied upon, but that is not what the Gang of 4 and Krugman do. They love the flawed models. The Myths Economists Tell That Friedmans Modeling of Bernies Plan Exposes Orthodox economists just hate the results of Friedmans model, for the results support Bernie, rather than Hillary. Worse, they show that orthodox economists claims that the government can do little good is a myth. They set out to kill the messenger, Friedman, even though Friedman shares their support for Hillary. The Gang of 4 and Krugmans reaction to Friedmans use of their own models has an odd, disturbing parallel made famous by my colleague Randy Wray. [In] an interview Nobel winner Paul Samuelson gave to Mark Blaug (in his film on Keynes, John Maynard Keynes: Life/Ideas/Legacy 1995). Samuelson said: I think there is an element of truth in the view that the superstition that the budget must be balanced at all times [is necessary]. Once it is debunked [that] takes away one of the bulwarks that every society must have against expenditure out of control. There must be discipline in the allocation of resources or you will have anarchistic chaos and inefficiency. And one of the functions of old fashioned religion was to scare people by sometimes what might be regarded as myths into behaving in a way that the long-run civilized life requires. We have taken away a belief in the intrinsic necessity of balancing the budget if not in every year, [then] in every short period of time. If Prime Minister Gladstone came back to life he would say uh, oh what you have done and James Buchanan argues in those terms. I have to say that I see merit in that view. Orthodox economists are appalled by federal government deficits and stand in terror at the possibility that the public might ever understand how much the government could accomplish for the benefit of the American people if it got over the myths that a government with a sovereign currency is really just like a regular household and cannot run persistent deficits. Friedmans modeling of Bernies plan is so terrifying to the Gang of 4 and Krugman because it shows under the orthodox economic models that the government can be a powerful engine of producing huge beneficial impacts. What is required is that our President has the nerve to junk the orthodox economic myths. As Jamie Galbraith wrote, When you dare to do big things, big results should be expected. The Gang of 4 then evince another tell. They decry the fact that the standard models predict huge beneficial impacts from Bernies plan because the use of standard models undermines our reputation as the party of responsible arithmetic. The concept of responsible arithmetic is wondrous. Notice that they do not claim that Friedmans arithmetic is inaccurate in the sense of making a computational or data input error. Nor do they attack his use of the conventional models they embrace. No, their criticism is that they hate the results of Friedmans accurate arithmetic. They point out no errors in Friedmans arithmetic. There is no indication that they ever checked out the accuracy of how he modeled the impacts of Bernies plans. This means, as Jamie Galbraith observes, that the Gang of 4 and Krugman have smeared Friedman and Bernie. Here is the Gang of 4s claim: We have applied the same rigor to proposals by Democrats, and worked to ensure that forecasts of the effects of proposed economic policies, from investment in infrastructure, to education and training, to health care reforms, are grounded in economic evidence. I certainly hope that statement is a knowing lie, for otherwise they owe an enormous apology to the Republicans. The Gang of 4 claims that they apply the same rigor to modeling policy proposals by Democrats as they do in their modeling of proposals by Republicans. Their claim is that that rigor has exposed Friedman to be someone who is gaming the arithmetic in a shockingly dishonest manner to help Bernie. Ive already noted the embarrassing failure to reveal to their readers that Friedman supports Hillary, not Bernie. But what grievous errors of arithmetic did Friedman commit that were disclosed by the Gang of 4s rigor[ous] review of his modeling? The Gang of 4, and Krugman, present no errors, and no analysis of Friedmans study. They present no evidence that they conducted any review, much less a rigor[ous] review of Friedmans modeling that disclosed any arithmetic errors. They literally simply hate the results of their own standard models because they show that Bernies plan produces huge beneficial impacts. The Gang of 4 and Krugman Should Retract and Apologize to Friedman Jamie Galbraith called the Gang of 4 and Paul out on their smear and their disgusting effort to substitute authority for logic, integrity, and intellectual honesty. The effort to use authority to destroy Friedmans reputation, with no identification of a single arithmetic mistake in using their own models is reprehensible. The Gang of 4 and Krugman should retract their letter and blogs and personally apologize to Friedman. It is despicable to abuse authority and status. Krugmans Smear of Laura Tyson and Ode to the (All Male) Economics Pecking Order Paul is famous for his arrogance and his dismissal of the work of economists he considers to be lesser in status. This makes his imperious demand that no one critique the Gang of 4s smear of Friedman all the more ironic, because Laura DAndrea Tyson is a member of the gang. Perhaps Paul has forgotten his smear of Ms. Tyson when, in 1993, she was the first woman appointed to chair the Presidents Council of Economic Advisers. The chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers has generally overshadowed the two other members, working directly with the President while the others have stayed in the background, their names almost unknown to the public. But as a macro-economist, Mr. Blinder is likely to play a prominent role on the council, since he is considered more suited than Ms. Tyson to performing a crucial task of the council: assessing the impact of proposed policies. I will be vastly reassured if Alan Blinder is named to the Council of Economic Advisers, said Paul R. Krugman, a macroeconomist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who had himself been a candidate for the chairmanship. He would provide the necessary analytical skills that Laura Tyson lacks. Mr. Krugman and many other macroeconomists, particularly those in academia, have come to consider the three-member Council of Economic Advisers as their embassy in Washington. Because they view the council as their chief means of influencing Administration policy, they urged Mr. Clinton to appoint a top macroeconomist who would properly practice their skills and represent their views. Her appointment also raised the issue of rankings within the profession. Mr. Krugman and other economists argued that after 12 years of Republican Administrations, the chairmanship of the council should go to one of the Democrats among the ranks of the top macroeconomists. Despite what people say about economists always disagreeing with each other, there is agreement on rankings within the profession, Mr. Krugman said. There is a pecking order, he continued, citing Nobel laureates in economics like Paul Samuelson, Robert M. Solow and James Tobin as those at the pinnacle in the over-65 generation. All are Democrats. Mr. Blinder, Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Krugman, also Democrats, are ranked among the top 20 or so in the younger generation. There is in fact a pecking order that has closed off Krugman to many important advances for decades because the advances were not made by people he considers to be sufficiently exalted in his pecking order. I am sure, however, that Ms. Tyson feels the irony that Krugman has now elevated her so high in his pecking order that no one is permitted to critique the Gang of 4s smear of Friedman. Note that Krugmans dismissal of Tyson was based on the fact that she had no expertise in macroeconomic modelling precisely the skill necessary to critique Friedmans modelling of Bernies economic proposals. Paul cant even maintain logical consistency in his smears. Ms. Tyson may wish to reflect on Krugmans earlier sexist smear of her, based on status. I hope doing so will prompt introspection about her own role in smearing Friedman. But you will learn none of these things in the New York Times, where the Upshot column, without any analysis, treats the smears of Friedman as revealed truth. Upshot does not mention Jamie Galbraiths destruction of the Gang of 4 and Krugman. The stories inaccurately portray Friedman as a Bernie rather than a Hillary supporter. The column inaccurately claims that Friedman has made extreme assumptions. The results do not flow from idiosyncratic assumptions by Friedman. The huge beneficial impacts flow from the standard models and the far larger magnitude of Bernies plans to revive the economy. Yes, the Davos Democrats that Krugman once routinely reviled in Washington, D.C. do often roll their eyes at Bernie. The Davos Democrats, as Krugman once aptly pointed out, have been wrong about a vast range of economic issues. They are not rigorous, they are arrogant, errant, and represent the Wall Street wing of the Democratic Party. A considerable number of Americans have figured that out. Read Tom Franks new book (Listen, Liberal) if you want the revolting details. ResponsetoCEA ResponsetoCEA Response-to-Krugman Response to Krugman Its a mystery why Syriza remains a darling of the European left when it keeps selling out its voters and its supposed allies. Now in reality, Greece is a vassal state, yet commentators in Europe for the most part refuse to acknowledge that Syriza running a modern day Vichy government, legitimating an economic occupation. The latest example of Syrizas opportunism comes via Reuters (hat tip Mark Ames). Greece, Cyprus, and Israel just formed a joint deal. A close reading of a Reuters report shows the pact does more for Israel than for anyone else: Israel, Cyprus and Greece have agreed to deepen their energy, security and tourism ties in the Eastern Mediterranean, a deal that may have implications for Israels testy relationship with the European Union, too. The agreement, signed in Nicosia last week by a beaming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Greek premier Alexis Tsipras and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, focused on energy and the exploitation of natural gas deposits off Israel and Cyprus. The Leviathan and Aphrodite fields are unlikely to start exporting before 2019 or 2020. Nevertheless, the ambition is to transport gas by pipeline, possibly via Turkey, or in liquefied form by ship to Europe, plugging the East Mediterranean into Europes grid and providing an alternative to Russia which has far worse relations with the EU due to the Ukraine crisis. Even this section requires some parsing. First, recall that during the 2013 Cyprus banking crisis, which really was a proxy war between Germany and Russia, the Cypriots tried offering access to the offshore gas fields to Russia in return for aid. You can see why the Russians demurred: youd want to be sold development rights, not a more vague deal in exchange for aid. But on top of that, at the time the Russians expressed reservations because they understood the Turks had a claim on the same gas field(s). I have not seen any updates and would be interested in getting more informed commentary, but multiple countries exploiting the same resource can lead to nasty outcomes, as the first Gulf War attests. Iraq was unhappy with Kuwait over the fact that Kuwait was pumping more than Iraq thought was Kuwaits share of an oil field that both countries could access. And mainstream outlets (no less than the Economist) reported not long after Iraq invaded Kuwait was that Iraq had sent messages to the US making clear that it was planning to move against Kuwait, and thought it had gotten tacit approval for its invasion. Second, any development is years away, and almost certainly depends on energy prices being higher, likely markedly higher, than they are now. And it does not just depend on developing the fields, but also on building the transport facilities, either LNG storage and/or a pipeline. So with the gas development depicted as the most important element of this pact, the benefits to Cyprus are uncertain and years away. As far as the rest of the deal is concerned, it sounds awfully aspirational, as in nebulous. Again from Reuters: As well as attracting more visitors and investment, Cyprus and Greece hope some of Israels high-tech success will rub off on them and lift their economies, both bailed out by the EU and IMF. Theres also Israeli know-how in defense, migration, cyber-security and counter-terrorism to draw on. Its no secret that Greece and Cyprus are economically prostrated and are therefore ripe to be picked clean by investors. And one has to assume those opportunities, such as they are, have been pretty well picked over. While Israel GDP is comparable to that of Greece ($288 billion in purchasing power parity terms versus Greeces $285 billion), it runs trade deficits, which means its not in the capital export (foreign investment) business in a big way. And as much as technology upskilling would be beneficial, high tech industries dont tend to employ a lot of people, and Greece needs more employment. Despite the uncertainty of the returns to Cyprus and Greece, Israel is getting geopolitical bennies right away. Again from Reuters: There is also a more nuanced potential benefit for Netanyahu: more partners inside the EU who may be inclined to defend Israels interests or at least not lean immediately towards the Palestinians on Middle East issues. With France issuing an ultimatum to Israel at the weekend saying it would recognize Palestine as a state if a new peace initiative doesnt succeed Israel is hoping its new allegiances in the EU will help head off the French threat. Greece has traditionally been pro-Palestinian and was expected to remain so when Tsipras, a leftist, was elected last year. The same went for Cyprus to an extent. But the Palestinians now regard both as having shifted allegiance. In EU debates, Israel has traditionally looked to Germany, Britain, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic, among others, to protect its interests With the new regional alliance, Greece and Cyprus may be more inclined towards Israel, which has also had some success at winning over Italy, another pro-Palestinian nation in the past. When EU foreign ministers issued a hard-hitting statement on the Middle East peace process on Jan. 18, diplomats said the critical language towards Israel was softened slightly after Greece refused at first to sign off on it. Greece may see it as a secondary benefit to be more aligned with Germany on this front, since it has enough friction with the creditor countries as it is, and may prefer to concentrate its limited chips on those issues. But thats based on the faulty premise that Germany is negotiable on these issues, when in the 2015 bailout talks it went from being rigid to punitive. And despite the talk of Greece benefitting from technology transfers from Israel, it is Israel so far that is a beneficiary: Israel has already used the presence of a Russian-made air defense system located in Greece, which was originally supplied to Cyprus and traded to Athens, to train fighter pilots on how to thwart technology now being deployed in Syria. In other words, while Syriza may have felt that Greece can no longer afford allies like Palestine that dont provide tangible benefits, Israel appears to have exploited Greeces desperation very effectively, gaining an EU/Eurozone supporter for virtually nothing in the way of concrete commitments. Nicely played. Premier Auto Suites was designed to look like a subdivision. Each garage could have fit six vehicles, and each garage would have had an upstairs area where owners could hang out. SHARE A rendering of Premier Auto Suites. By Laura Layden of the Naples Daily News For Mike Werchek, the dream of building the ultimate man cave is over. Collier County commissioners have rejected Werchek's plans to build a classy home for classy cars at the northeast corner of Livingston and Radio roads, next to Briarwood, a private, gated residential community. The local developer won't appeal the decision, and it looks like commissioners won't reconsider their vote. Commissioners voted 4-1 against the project, known as Premier Auto Suites, on Jan. 12. County staff supported it and so did the Collier County Planning Commission, which voted unanimously to recommend approval to county commissioners, with conditions. While some Briarwood residents fought it, others wanted the project, including owners in the two condominium developments that would have been its closest neighbors. The project, proposed on about 16 acres, was described as a place where auto collectors could store their cars and hang out with like-minded souls. It would have looked more like a residential subdivision, offering air-conditioned suites with second-story lofts, oversized garage doors, private bathrooms and Internet access. It would have included a private club for gatherings and special events. Geared toward the wealthy, the suites had a starting price in the $200,000s. While similar projects have been built elsewhere, Werchek wanted to make his the premier one in the country. Werchek sought to amend the Briarwood planned unit development to add private clubs and private parking garages as intended uses in an area zoned as community commercial. As part of his request, he wanted the county to let him build a more intense project, and to be more flexible with its landscaping requirements. A few residents in Briarwood spoke against the project before county commissioners voted on it, including Kim Bennett, who got involved as chairwoman of her community's architectural committee. She called the proposed development irresponsible, saying she feared it would become an eyesore and a headache for neighbors, hurting their property values. "It's an experimental use and it's in our neighborhood, next to our homes. So it's very emotional for us that you're taking an experiment that doesn't actually have a zoning and trying to pigeon it into a zoning that's not a real reality," she told county commissioners. The project with up to 148 private garages would have gone in County Commissioner Penny Taylor's district. Werchek said he thought he had her support, but Taylor didn't like his plans, arguing at the meeting that the location wasn't right and that it would be too hard to police the project, the likes of which has never been seen in the county. "It's a fantastic idea," she said. "I'm not sure it's such a great idea right next door to residential." The project, she said, also seemed to be ever-changing and she feared what it would ultimately become once built. While it was first described as a community to store fancy cars, she'd later heard it could also be a place to put motorcycles and boats, and she worried about the noise and pollution that could come from the revving and flushing of engines. After the meeting, Taylor said she won't change her mind. "You have to have three votes to reconsider it. When it is 4-1, there is no way. It's not going to happen," Taylor said. Instead, she's asked the planning commission to create a definition for this type of use and to bring it back to county commissioners to see if they want to add it to the local land development code, so it would be clear where such projects could be built in the future. The auto suites would have been Werchek's first commercial project in Florida. His company, Werchek Development, now builds custom homes in the posh Port Royal neighborhood. County commissioners Georgia Hiller, Tom Henning and Tim Nance sided with Taylor, voting against the project. Henning agreed it was more of an industrial use that didn't belong next to homes. He seemed convinced that the project would become a repair and maintenance shop, especially since the glossy brochure for the garages showed lifts. "Boys are boys," Henning said. "They still want to tinker. I don't care how much money they got." Collier County Commissioner Donna Fiala advocated for the project, saying she thought it would be far less intrusive and intense than the Lowe's home improvement store once planned at the site, or a strip shopping center, which is likely to be the alternative. "Guys need a place to go. ... You know, man cave type of a thing," she said. "Where man is never wrong?" Henning asked quizzically, looking over at Fiala. "That's right, we women stay away from it," she answered. Frederick Hood, a senior planner with Davidson Engineering Inc., who represented Werchek at the board meeting, told commissioners the developer was willing to make more concessions to gain approval, including not allowing boats to be stored there. He tried to reassure commissioners that the owners of the suites wouldn't be doing maintenance on site. "The people that are going to own these are not looking to work on their cars," Hood said. "They have people to do that. They are for the parking of their high-end vehicles. That's it." He told commissioners there would be rules for owners, which management would include in the condominium documents and enforce. "We have been working very hard to bring a new use to Collier County," Hood said. Werchek spoke briefly at the meeting, saying he wanted to build the best car community in the country and that he thought Naples was the perfect place to do it, with so many wealthy car lovers living here. He was clearly disappointed after the vote, saying he would have never worked for two years on getting approval if he'd known Taylor and other commissioners were so against it. "No one would have even known we were there. We would just be paying property taxes," he said. He sold 40 suites before the project was shot down, he said, and the day after the commission vote he sent an email to buyers telling them it was dead and asking them where to send their deposits. Now, he said he'll likely just build a retail center on the land since he got such a good deal on it. Werchek isn't the only one who is disappointed by the county commission's vote. Anne Marie Tibaldi, president of the Dover Parc Condominium Association in Briarwood, said residents in her community would have lived closest to the project and most were in favor it. "Now we've got vagrants in there with tents," she said. "Terrible, terrible, terrible." Robert Norton, 76, a seasonal Naples resident from Massachusetts, had reserved a condo to store some of his cars. Although he's found another spot in Naples to put his cars and his business, it's not nearly as fancy. It's in an industrial park, there are only a handful of units for car owners and there isn't a clubhouse. "I'm quite upset that the thing did not go through," he said. "It was going to be a great addition to Naples, I thought. I was dumbfounded." SHARE The Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University will host training programs, workshops and events February and March. Tune in online 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 1 for "The Ask Webinar Series: How Do I Access Capital for My Business?" Free monthly, regional networking meetings that include in-depth discussions on business concerns and B2B networking. Networking meetings run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and lunch is included. Upcoming dates and locations: Lehigh Acres, March 2 at 1261 Homestead Road; Fort Myers, March 16 at 3903 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. Information: astirn@fgcu.edu; 239-745-3706 The Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will hold its 2016 Spring Job Fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 3 at Hodges University's Fort Myers Campus, 4501 Colonial Blvd. Information: 239-418-1441; info@hispanicchamberflorida.org Appointments Kevin Quinn has been named senior vice president and private client adviser with U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management in Naples. To submit your business news directly online, go to naplesnews.com/BIZwire or email news@naplesnews.com. SHARE WASHINGTON There was a time when gentlemen didn't read other gentlemen's mail. That, of course, was when spying was considered a dirty business and some were punished by death for doing so. But without the allies' code breakers of World War II, the result might have been considerably different or at least prolonged. The technological revolution has changed the gentlemen's unspoken truce. The government not only can't seem to protect its secrets, it finds itself unable to convince one of the nation's major corporations to unlock the private communications of a major terrorist even on a limited basis. Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook has decided that it is more important to preserve the privacy of its customers and the principles of a society free of government surveillance than to allow the FBI access to the encrypted messages on the iPhone of a mass murderer. The bureau has possession of the phone Syed Rizwan Farook used before he and his wife unloaded on a banquet hall full of his fellow workers, killing 14 in San Bernardino, California, in December. But it hasn't been able to open the device's secrets. A judge last week was persuaded to order Apple to create software that would accomplish that. Apple is challenging that order in court. Apple's stance as a defender of security is in many ways admirable. The Big Brother aspects of potentially unfettered government intrusion into our lives make the technological giant's concerns real. Americans already must deal with the prospect of less and less privacy in their daily activities. But Farook was a terrorist, motivated by the distorted beliefs that have produced death and destruction by fanatics in the Middle East. This is not just a routine criminal case and it needs to be examined in a different light. How must one deal with the threat of unfettered communications and plots by those who would try to destroy our social fabric if those designated to stop such acts are denied the tools to thwart them? Increasingly sophisticated technology has made that among the most difficult questions we must solve. The answer must come initially not from the courts, but from the White House and the Congress. President Barack Obama said last year he would not seek legislation to force tech companies to open encrypted data to law enforcement agencies, obviously fearing ultimately unfettered access that would be misused not only by official government bureaus but by our enemies and competitors abroad. Apple, for instance, sells more of its iPhones in China than in the United States and one of Cook's arguments is that foreign powers would find and misuse the key to the private business of its customers. That may be well and good, but it doesn't solve the current problem of ferreting out those who would harm us who can be linked to the likes of Farook and his wife. There has to be a solution to this quandary. The FBI has said it wanted only to crack the code to this one device. The bureau's defenders argue that the narrowness of the FBI request makes Apple's resistance unreasonable if not downright unpatriotic. Donald Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, has suggested boycotting Apple products until it complies with demands. That hardly seems a viable or fair solution. However, a knowledgeable friend of mine proposes that Apple crack the encryption itself and deliver the contents of the phone to the bureau. No bureau person would be present and the Apple technicians would not be allowed to review the material under strict supervision of the company's top officials. This sounded like a reasonable suggestion to me, but I am also sure that there would be any number of arguments against it and certainly it doesn't provide a long-term answer. What happens next time? Whether Obama or the next president likes it or not, there needs to be some sort of solution provided by legislation that protects our rights to privacy at the individual and corporate levels while setting up supervised access to information necessary to track and derail those with murderous intent. It is one of the thorniest problems we face and no solution is likely to be infallible. In some instances the price we pay for our freedom from intrusion may be quite high. But it always has been. SHARE Gerard Fischer, Naples Wrong conclusion A letter writer concluded that Donald Trump's popularity, so feared by the Republican establishment, is because of their Congressional obstruction to President Obama's edicts. The writer couldn't be more turned around wrong on that conclusion. It's that they, the newly elected Republicans, had promised to overturn these unconstitutional Obama mandates, but instead were compliant in funding them. The rank-and-file citizens have found a voice to express dissatisfaction with all of Washington, not the writer's claim of isolated anger at a dysfunctional legislative branch. Trump was created by Obama's excesses. Don Koogler, owner of luxury homebuilder Koogler Homes based in Cape Coral, has promoted his son to oversee the new Island Series of homes. Dan Koogler, 30, joined the family business in 2014 as a construction supervisor managing subcontractors at multiple job sites, directing project requirements and handling the work schedule. In January, the younger Koogler completed his first build out of an entire home the 2,499-square-foot Amador showcase home in Cape Coral, the first residence in the newly launched series. A native of Iowa, Dan Koogler moved to Cape Coral in 1996 and graduated from Mariner High School in 2004. While in high school, he worked with his father in homebuilding, and following graduation worked as an electrician specialist installing low-voltage products for residential and commercial properties. After three years as an infantryman with the Armys 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Koogler attended and graduated from DeVry University in Colorado Springs, Colo., in April 2014 earning a degree in business management. I am proud of Dans accomplishments and his service, said Don Koogler, a master woodworker who has been building homes in Southwest Florida for 21 years. He has proven himself and it gives me great pride to assign him with our new Island Series of custom homes. The two models in the Island Series of custom homes are The Amador (in French, the love of poetry) and The Renomme (pronounced ray-no-MAY), which translates to renowned. Island Series homes showcase tropical living under air with 15-foot Koogler Signature ceilings. Features include a gourmet kitchen with quartz countertop, marble backsplash, wood cabinets, an island with double sink, dishwasher and breakfast bar for six, Samsung stainless steel appliances, and rope lighting. The homes have 18 x 18-inch floor tiles throughout, 12-foot hurricane-impact glass sliders, 8-foot solid-core interior doors, epoxy flooring in the garage, custom trey ceilings with 8-inch molding, surround sound 5.1 capabilities, custom his-and-her closets in the master suite, and laundry room with Samsung washer and dryer and under mount sink. Outside details include paver driveway, lanai and pool deck, resort-style pool and spa, and a kitchen with wet sink, commercial-grade range hood, laminate cabinets and built-in YETI cooler. Koogler Homes office is located at 434 S.E. 47 Terrace Suite B, Cape Coral. Contact Dan and Don Koogler at 239- 542-4540 for more information. Online at KooglerHomes.com. The latest procedures to smooth wrinkles and rejuvenate the face will be explained at a free seminar Friday, March 4 conducted by facial plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Prendiville. The seminar, which includes a light lunch, starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa at 17260 Harbour Pointe Drive in South Fort Myers. The seminar is free, but reservations are required by calling 239-437-3900. Laser resurfacing is one of the more popular and effective procedures to rejuvenate the face and reduce wrinkles and skin irregularities such as blemishes and acne scars, according to Dr. Prendiville. Individuals with fine lines or wrinkles around the eyes or mouth or on the forehead are good candidates for laser resurfacing as are individuals with shallow scars from acne, Dr. Prendiville said. The laser beam used in laser resurfacing removes the outer layer of skin while simultaneously heating the underlying skin, called the dermis. This action works to stimulate growth of new collagen fibers. As the treated area heals, the new skin that forms is smoother and firmer. The two types of lasers most commonly used in laser resurfacing are carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium. The newest version of CO2 laser resurfacing is the fractionated CO2 which uses very short pulsed light energy or continuous light beams that are delivered in a scanning pattern to remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage. Erbium laser resurfacing is designed to remove surface-level and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face, hands, neck or chest. One of the benefits of erbium laser resurfacing is minimal burning of surrounding tissue. This laser causes fewer side effects such as swelling, bruising and redness so recovery time is generally faster than with the CO2 laser, Dr. Prendiville said. Using before and after photos of actual patients, Dr. Prendiville also will discuss the latest advances in facelifts, eyelid lifts, nose surgery, lasers and reconstructive surgery during the March 4 seminar. He will review injectable wrinkle fillers Botox, Sculptra, Juvederm; Restylane, Restylane Silk, Radiesse and Voluma. Another new advance that Dr. Prendiville will discuss is SculpSure, which is approved by the FDA as the worlds first non-invasive fat-melting laser device to treat stubborn fat in just 25 minutes. SculpSure is available exclusively at the Assuage Luxury Spa in Naples, where Dr. Prendiville serves as medical director. Attendees will be able to make an appointment for a free consultation with Dr. Prendiville. Dr. Prendiville is the only Fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon in Fort Myers who is certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. He is recognized nationally as a facelift expert with more than 20 articles published in medical journals and he has served as guest editor for Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. In 2015, he was selected as one of 100 doctors in the nation to receive the prestigious RealSelf 100 Award from RealSelf, the leading online community that helps people make confident choices in elective cosmetic procedures. Dr. Prendiville has been a reviewer on RealSelf.com since 2008 and has now achieved Distinguished Member status for his responses to patients with questions about facial plastic surgery and skin rejuvenation techniques. Dr. Prendiville also is the past president and secretary/treasurer of the Florida Society of Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Prendiville graduated with his M.D. degree with high honors from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., and served his residency at Georgetown University. He was awarded a Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at St. Louis University in Missouri, where he was a clinical instructor in the St. Louis University Department of Otolaryngology. All surgeries are performed at Dr. Prendivilles state-of-the-art Surgical Center adjacent to his office in South Fort Myers at 9407 Cypress Lake Drive. The Surgical Center is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF), which is the largest accrediting body for outpatient surgical facilities in the United States. Tom Moran, Managing Director Investments, Senior PIM Portfolio Manager of Moran Edwards Asset Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors (www.MoranEdwards.com), will host a Meet the Portfolio Manager seminar on Friday, February 26, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Naples Daily News Community Room, located at 1100 Immokalee Road in Naples. Moran will discuss his outlook for the economy and the market. Seating is limited. Make a reservation by calling 239-513-2511. With over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Tom Moran has received local, national, and industry recognition for his ability as a financial advisor. Moran was recently named one of the Top 400 Financial Advisors in the country by Financial Times for the second consecutive year and to the prestigious Top 100 Wirehouse Advisors list for the third consecutive year by Registered Rep magazine. He was also named a Southwest Florida 2015 Five Star Wealth Manager by Gulfshore Life magazine and Five Star Professional. Additionally, Moran was ranked by Barrons as the #1 Advisor in Southwest Florida on its list of Top 1,000 Advisors for 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 and on its list of Top 1,200 Advisors for 2014 and 2015; and was ranked by Barrons among the Top 100 Advisors in the Nation in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. Moran was also recently named one of Naples Daily News inaugural 25 Over 50 award recipients. Morans experience and solid reputation as a knowledgeable professional in his field have also made him a reliable source for various media outlets. He has been interviewed and quoted by Forbes, Barrons, and Gulfshore Business, and has authored articles on a variety of financial and economic topics for local and national industry magazines. Gulf Bay Group of Companies (Gulf Bay) has selected Fort Lauderdale-based EDSA as the landscape architect for Mystique, the new ultra-luxury high-rise in the exclusive Pelican Bay community in Naples. The 21-story Mystique will feature 68 estate and four penthouse residences on one of only two remaining developable land parcels in Naples between The Ritz-Carlton on the beach and Port Royal. Under the direction of Aubrey J. Ferrao, who founded Gulf Bay Group of Companies in 1986, Gulf Bay has successfully completed 14 luxury properties along a 1.5-mile stretch of Gulf-front land within Pelican Bay. We are pleased to name EDSA as the landscape architect for the ultra-luxury high-rise, Mystique, said Ferrao. EDSA has over 50 years of experience in planning, landscape architecture and urban design. With a broad portfolio of domestic projects as well as international projects in over 100 countries, EDSA is one of the worlds most renowned landscape architecture firms. Throughout EDSAs history, their projects have earned the firm over 250 awards recognizing their innovation, power to improve quality of life and the ability to stand the test of time. Reservations for Mystique are underway, with Naples-based Premier Sothebys International Realty serving as the exclusive listing agent. The on-site Mystique Sales Center opened in late December and serves as the base of operations for the Mystique sales team. The sleek and contemporary sales center reflects the modern architectural style of the ultra-luxury high-rise and showcases several features of Mystiques sophisticated and refined design, including luxury kitchen and bath vignettes. The developer for Mystique is Pelican 1 Owner LLC, an equal partnership between an affiliate of the global investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) and an affiliate of the Gulf Bay Group of Companies. In addition to its history in Pelican Bay, Gulf Bays other award-winning developments include The Brittany on Park Shore Beach; Marco Beach Ocean Resort on Marco Island; and the 4,000-acre award-winning, master-planned community of Fiddlers Creek. The Gulf Bay Group of Companies completed and under development build-out market value of luxury residential properties is estimated in excess of $5 billion. KKR is a leading global investment firm that manages investments across multiple asset classes. KKR had $98.7 billion in assets under management as of Sept. 30, 2015. For more information about Mystique, visit the sales center at 6885 Pelican Bay Blvd., log onto www.MystiquePelicanBay.com or call 239-598-9900. Regulators and prosecutors are under increasing pressure to bring charges not only against companies, but also against individual corporate officers. Compliance officers in particular are in the legal crosshairs and running scared. No one benefits if compliance officers head for the doors. Their jobs involve a high degree of tension (and are hard to fill). Fear of criminal prosecution, financial penalties and reputational damage should not be added to the stress. The rights and responsibilities of compliance officers should be defined by clear and binding guidelines, including a safe harbor for those who play by the rules. I propose a compliance officers bill of rights. A compliance officer's role is often advisory, not executive corporate decisions are ultimately made by management and the board of directors. However, the compliance officer should have a seat at the table when significant decisions impacting compliance are made. Broadly speaking, a compliance officer's responsibilities include the following: Understanding the federal and state rules governing the company; understanding the company's business environment; communicating legal requirements to company personnel; implementing a compliance monitoring program that includes account governance, policies and procedures, training, and risk assessment; and communicating with management and the board on compliance matters. These are substantial responsibilities. Compliance officers should be held to a reasonable standard of diligence in fulfilling them, taking into account resource constraints. But a compliance officer cannot rationally be responsible for assuring that thousands of employees follow compliance requirements. Except for cases where there is egregious dereliction of duty, a compliance officer should not be branded as a criminal. A compliance officer who fulfills the responsibilities above should have the following rights and protections: Support from management in ensuring company compliance, including the meaningful involvement of the compliance officer in every corporate discussion that significantly impacts compliance. Support from board or a board committee to which the compliance officer reports regularly on compliance issues. Exemption from government claims of personal liability against the compliance officer, except for willful or grossly negligent conduct. Exemption from personal liability for violations of law by employees which a compliance officer could not reasonably have been expected to discover. Indemnification by the company, including a pledge to pay the compliance officer's legal or other expenses in defending against allegations of misconduct. Exemption from personal liability when a government entity brings an enforcement action against a company without having previously issued a regulation prohibiting the specific practice, that is, when it engages in rule-writing by enforcement. In the wake of the financial crisis, compliance officers have assumed enhanced responsibilities. Their jobs require talent and motivation. Wouldn't it be better to define basic rights for those willing to fill this vital role than to stand by as talented professionals spurn these jobs as thankless and dangerous assignments? Jeremiah Buckley is a partner at BuckleySandler LLP. Before entering private practice he served as Republican staff director of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee. Supermarkets will also be barred from deliberately spoiling food in order to stop it being eaten by people foraging in stores' bins. In recent years, growing numbers of families, students, unemployed and homeless people in France have been foraging in supermarket bins at night to feed themselves. People have been finding edible products thrown out just as their best-before dates approached. Some supermarkets doused binned food in bleach, reportedly to prevent food poisoning from items taken from bins. Other supermarkets deliberately binned food in locked warehouses for collection by refuse trucks. Food waste facts No need for GMOs Don't be fooled by that 100 percent 'real' label Profit trumps health Fraudsters are winning (NaturalNews) After being tipped off about possible fraud in the cheese industry, tested a variety of Parmesan grated cheeses available for purchase in grocery stores around the U.S., and discovered that a significant number of manufacturers are lying about what exactly is in their products.An independent laboratory hired bylearned that a number of grated parmesan cheeses marketed as containing 100 percent "real" cheese, are in fact laced with exceedingly high levels of cellulose , "a common anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labels cellulose as a GRAS (generally recognized as safe) ingredient, however, restricts it use, requiring that products not exceed between two and four percent. Well, it turns out that cheese producers are using a lot more than that."Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese, from Jewel-Osco, was 8.8 percent cellulose, while Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s Great Value 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese registered 7.8 percent, according to test results. Whole Foods 365 brand didn't list cellulose as an ingredient on the label, but still tested at 0.3 percent. Kraft had 3.8 percent."Whole Foods denied the claims, suggesting the test produced a false positive. Wal-Mart too questioned the testing, while Kraft and Jewel-Osco maintained that they take great pride in the quality of their products ... whatever that means.So, why the heck are cheese producers loading their products up with wood? The answer is that additives like cellulose are cheaper than the real deal. Cutting corners in this fashion allows for maximized profits and reduced production costs."Of all the popular cheeses in the U.S., the hard Italian varieties are the most likely to have fillers because of their expense. Parmesan wheels sit in curing rooms for months, losing moisture, which results in a smaller yield than other cheeses offer. While 100 pounds of milk might produce 10 pounds of cheddar, it makes only eight pounds of Parmesan."The two-pound difference can equal out to millions of dollars for producers, according to Dean Sommer, a cheese technologist at the Center for Dairy Research in Madison, Wisconsin.The testing also discovered that some grated Parmesan producers are using cheaper cheddar instead of real Romano. Castle Cheese, an imitation cheese manufacturer based in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, is being reprimanded by the FDA for usingin three brands marketed as containing 100 percent Parmesan cheese.Instead, they were filling 100 percent Parmesan grated cheeses with Swiss, mozzarella, white cheddar and cellulose."According to the FDA's report on Castle, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, 'no parmesan cheese was used to manufacture' the Market Pantry brand 100% grated Parmesan Cheese, sold at Target Corp. stores, and Always Save Grated Parmesan Cheese and Best Choice 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese, sold by Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc., which along with its subsidiaries supplies 3,400 retail stores in 30 states," reportsSimilarly to the way in which small organic farms , producing food in a responsible and sustainable manner, are being put out of business by large suppliers posing as "organic," who fail to adhere to the strict organic standards, honest cheese makers are finding it difficult to compete with fraudsters selling shoddy products at a reduced cost.Neal Schuman, a cheese producer who prides himself on making high-quality, pure cheese, says Americans deserve to know if the cheese they sprinkle on their pizza or penne is fake."The tipping point was grated cheese, where less than 40 percent of the product was actually a cheese product," said Schuman. "Consumers are innocent, and they're not getting what they bargained for. And that's just wrong."Here's further proof: "DairiConcepts, a Springfield, Missouri-based cheese maker that's a subsidiary of Dairy Farmers of America, said on its website that in a test of 28 brands, only one-third of label claims about protein levels in grated parmesan were accurate."They implicated fillers such as cellulose Cellulose may not be that safe, either. Healthy food activist Food Babe explains that cellulose is actually indigestible by humans and has no caloric value. "The food industry tricks consumers who eat foods with a high cellulose content to feel full physically and psychologically without having consumed many calories." (NaturalNews) U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts has sent a letter to the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asking the agency to look into ways to combat the growing epidemic of prescription opioid abuse , in part by examining the impact of increased use of medical marijuana as a substitute for pain control.The letter to Dr. Thomas Friedan to the Atlanta-based CDC acknowledges the widening epidemic and notes that it continues "to grow at an alarming pace.""I continue to hear stories from constituents across" her state who are "affected by this crisis," Warren wrote, adding that parents were fighting for their kids, doctors for patients and communities "fighting for each other."Warren cited a statistic from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health which claims that there were 1,100 confirmed cases of unintentional opioid overdoses in 2014, up 65 percent from 2012. She added that the 2014 estimate "is the highest ever in Massachusetts."But she also noted that prescription painkillers were the leading cause of the epidemic, and that, according to the National Institutes of Health on Drug Abuse, "the U.S. remains the largest consumer" of prescription opioids in the world."Despite accounting for 5% of the global population" Warren wrote, "Americans consume 75% of prescription opioid medications in the world. In 2013, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reported that more hydrocodone acetaminophen (trade name Vicodin) was prescribed to Medicare beneficiaries than any other drug. Prescribers specifically those in primary care settings are truly on the front lines and have the ability to stem the tide of this growing epidemic ."In her letter, Warren asked Friedan's agency to collaborate with the National Institutes of Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Drug Enforcement Administration to learn more about:-- the long-term impact of opioids on children who are treated at a young age;-- the "use, uptake, and effectiveness of medical marijuana as an alternative" to opioid therapy for pain management "in states where it is legal";-- The "impact of the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana on opioid overdose deaths"; and-- the implications for increased use of fentanyl, another frequently prescribed painkiller, and how it "may be contributing to opioid overdoses and deaths."Warren said she "applauds" the work the CDC has already undertaken in regards to examining the epidemiology of the opioid epidemic and the support of similar work being done in various states, as well as the agency's effort to "provide guidelines to prescribers on the use of painkillers for chronic pain treatment.""These guidelines are aggressive and provide much-needed direction for primary care physicians treating chronic pain while making clear that there are certain circumstances for which opioid prescriptions are appropriate," she wrote. "The guidelines are an important step in combatting this epidemic, much like those issued by the Massachusetts Medical Society, which also provide prescribing guidance for patients with chronic pain, as well as acute pain."She said state guidelines are in line with those issued by the CDC, in that there is a greater emphasis on determining when opioid use is appropriate in terms of pain management and duration."Additionally," she said, "I hope that the CDC continues to explore every opportunity and tool available to work with states and other federal agencies on ways to tackle the opioid epidemic and collect information about alternative pain relief options."She said that while the CDC already has a vast body of knowledge and data about the opioid crisis, "there is still much we don't know."As reported by Medical Marijuana Update , pot continues to be illegal in a number of states and on the federal level despite its proven health benefits, which includes treatment for chronic pain."Scientific studies have proven that the use of marijuana can benefit those of us suffering with certain health conditions. Anecdotal evidence also abounds that marijuana has been useful in treating multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, insomnia, pain, anxiety, cancer, antibiotic-resistant infections, Tourettes syndrome and more," the site reported. Presidential candidate Donald Trump never shies away from stirring up controversy on the campaign trail and on social media, but on Monday morning hes got a new target to go after: the owners of the Chicago Cubs. Trump, who is fresh off of a victory in the South Carolina primary over the weekend, went after the Ricketts in a tweet accusing the family of donating money to campaigns to prevent him from winning the nomination: I hear the Rickets family, who own the Chicago Cubs, are secretly spending $'s against me. They better be careful, they have a lot to hide! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 22, 2016 That accusation has merit, as USA Today reported on filings that show Marlene Ricketts, the wife of T.D. Ameritrade founder J. Joe Ricketts contributed $3 million to a Super PAC that has gone after Trump with mailers and other tactics during some of the early primary states in this election cycle. This isnt the first time the Ricketts family has gotten involved in the political fray. The family was one of Wisconsin governor Scott Walkers primary financial backers during his presidential bid, and they also contributed money to Mitt Romney during the 2012 election against President Barack Obama. A 34-year-old Chicago man has died after being hit by a hit-and-run driver on the city's Northwest Side over the weekend. Just after 5 a.m., Chris "Guerito" Sanchez was crossing the street at Milwaukee Avenue and West Belmont in Chicagos Avondale neighborhood when he was struck by a white SUV, according to police. The vehicle then sped off. Authorities believe Sanchez was catapulted nearly 30-feet from the impact of the hit. He was rushed to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in extremely critical condition. Paramedics tried to revive him, but he was soon after pronounced dead. Sanchez's cousin, Maria Cartage, told NBC 5 when she saw a post about his death on Facebook, she couldn't believe the news. Chris was such a wonderful guy, Cartage said. He was loving to everybody and very generous. He was a great friend and a great cousin and brother. Sanchez, who worked as a mechanic, had just lost his mother in March of last year. He and his father had plans to visit her grave together on the day of the fatal accident. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help offset the costs of his burial and funeral service. "It is a young life cut short and we are still reeling from the information, barely able to assimilate the reality that Chris is gone," the GoFundMe page writes. "We pray that Chris is now in his Mom's arms and has found rest and peace." Major Accident Investigation Unit is investigating the accident. Investigators hope cameras at a nearby tattoo parlor and school can lead them to the driver behind the wheel of the SUV. A high-ranking staffer for Governor Bruce Rauner is leaving his post to join Republican presidential candidate John Kasich's campaign, the campaign announced today. Mike Schrimpf, Rauner's Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, is leaving his position with the governor to serve as communication director for Kasich, according to a statement from the campaign. Schrimpf worked on Rauner's 2014 campaign and prior to that, worked in communication positions for the Republican Governors Association, according to his LinkedIn profile. "Mike has worked well with our organization for many years at RGA and will be a good fit with the team," campaign manager Beth Hansen says in the statement. "He is an excellent communication thinker and leader who knows how to work effectively in senior positions with large teams." Schrimpf's twin brother Chris serves as a senior communication advisor with Kasich's campaign and travels with the candidate, the statement adds. According to an Aug. 2015 Chicago Magazine profile, the Schrimpf brothers are both from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Mike attended Tufts University before joining the RGA in 2008. A spokesperson for Rauner told NBC 5 that Schrimpf "remains a trusted adviser to Governor Rauner and will continue to advise the Illinois Republican Party throughout the year." According to the governor's office, Lance Trover will assume Schrimpf's role from his current position as communications director. The United States and Russia have agreed on a new cease-fire for Syria that will take effect Saturday, even as major questions over enforcing and responding to violations of the truce were left unresolved. Syria's warring government and rebels still need to accept the deal. The timeline for a hoped-for breakthrough comes after the former Cold War foes, backing opposing sides in the conflict, said they finalized the details of a "cessation of hostilities" between President Bashar Assad's government and armed opposition groups after five years of violence that has killed more than 250,000 people. The truce will not cover the Islamic State group, the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front and any other militias designated as terrorist organizations by the U.N. Security Council. But where in Syria the fighting must stop and where counterterrorism operations can continue must still be addressed. And the five-page plan released by the U.S. State Department leaves open how breaches of the cease-fire will be identified or punished. The announcement came after Presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone Monday, capping weeks of intense diplomacy to stem the violence so that Assad's government and "moderate" rebel forces might return to peace talks in Geneva. A first round of indirect discussions collapsed almost immediately this month amid a massive government offensive backed by Russian airstrikes in the northern Syria. Obama welcomed the agreement in the call with Putin that the White House said was arranged at the Russian's request. The White House said Obama emphasized the key is to ensure that Syria's government and opposition groups faithfully implement the deal. "This is going to be difficult to implement," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest. "We know there are a lot of obstacles, and there are sure to be some setbacks." Putin called the agreement a "real step forward that can stop the bloodshed." Speaking on Russian television, he said Moscow would work with the Syrian government, and expects Washington to do the same with the opposition groups that it supports. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also welcomed the agreement, saying it is "a long-awaited signal of hope to the Syrian people." But he warned that much work lies ahead for its implementation. The leader of a Saudi-backed Syrian opposition alliance said in a statement that rebel factions have agreed "in principle" to an internationally mediated temporary truce. Riad Hijab did not elaborate but urged Russia, Iran and the Assad government to end attacks, lift blockades and release prisoners held in Syria. Syrian officials said the government was ready to take part in a truce as long as it is not used by militants to reinforce their positions. Both sides have until Friday to formally accept the plan. Even if the cease-fire takes hold, fighting will by no means halt. Russia will surely press on with an air campaign that it insists is targeting terrorists but which the U.S. and its partners say is mainly killing moderate rebels and civilians. While IS tries to expand its self-proclaimed caliphate in Syria and neighboring Iraq, Nusra is unlikely to end its effort to overthrow Assad. The Kurds have been fighting IS, even as they face attacks from America's NATO ally Turkey. And Assad has his own history of broken promises when it comes to military action. All of these dynamics make the truce hard to maintain. "We are all aware of the significant challenges ahead," U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said. "Over the coming days, we will be working to secure commitments from key parties that they will abide by the terms." Kerry said the cessation could lead to less violence, expanded humanitarian deliveries and help support the U.S. goal of a "political transition to a government that is responsive to the desires of the Syrian people." Like previous U.S.-Russian statements, however, Monday's document says nothing about Assad's future perhaps the biggest stumbling block to a sustained peace. The plan largely follows the blueprint set by Washington, Moscow and 15 other countries at a conference in Germany earlier this month. That agreement called for a truce by Feb. 19, a deadline that was missed. Beyond the new cease-fire date, the agreement sets up a "communications hotline" and, if needed, a working group to promote and monitor the truce. Violations are to be addressed by the working group with an eye toward restoring compliance and cooling tensions. The deal also calls for "non-forcible means" to be exhausted before other means are pursued for punishing transgressors. Any party can report violations to the working group being co-chaired by the U.S. and Russia. The two countries also will share "pertinent information" about territory held by rebels accepting the truce. The timing of the cease-fire is only days ahead of Moscow's proposal earlier this month for it to start on March 1. Washington rejected that offer at the time, saying it wanted an "immediate cease-fire" and not one that would allow Syria and its Russian backer to make a last-ditch effort for territorial gains in the Arab country's north and south. While negotiations dragged, however, Russian airstrikes pummeled areas in and around Aleppo, Syria's largest city, and Assad's military made significant gains. Inside the Hamidiyeh Souk, a popular Damascus bazaar, people expressed worries that a cease-fire wouldn't be evenly observed, leaving Syrian authorities vulnerable. "I hope there will be no cease-fire, because if there is a cease-fire, Turks will increase their support for criminals and traitors," said Ahmad al-Omar, who is from Aleppo province in the north, adding that Turkey may let opposition fighters in through its border with Syria. The Associated Press reported from the bazaar on a government-approved visit. But rebels who engage in violence could see their Western support cut off. In recent days, U.S. officials have spoken about the cease-fire being a "self-policing" mechanism. If a group fights Assad's military, according to this logic, it essentially aligns itself with militants considered to be terrorists and can then be attacked. That has the opposition concerned about Assad or Russia trying to provoke it into acts of self-defense. The conflict began with violent government repression of largely peaceful protests in 2011 but quickly became a full-blown rebellion against Assad and a proxy battle between his Shiite-backed government and Sunni-supported rebels. A U.S.-led coalition is only attacking the Islamic State and other extremist groups, not Assad's military. The Syrian government's supply route by land to the city of Aleppo was cut by heavy fighting Monday as the army, supported by allied militias and the Russian air force, fought to consolidate its recent gains. They are trying to seal the border with Turkey, a key supporter of the rebels, before a truce is reached. Parents at Dallas' Lakewood Elementary School are asking questions after dozens of students were out of school Monday. The school was closed last March because of a carbon monoxide problem. Then 50 students stayed home sick Monday, which is more than double the normal amount. The Dallas Independent School District said air quality in the school is check out to be normal, but some parents think something isn't right. "Well, it's just all the elements are starting to come back together again the illnesses, the symptoms. They leave the school, they get fresh air, all of a sudden they feel better again," said parent Meredith Manak, whose son is in the fourth grade at Lakewood. Last March, 11 students and three staff members reported feeling ill. The school was evacuated and closed for two days after a contractor reported high levels of carbon monoxide in the building. The problem was ultimately blamed on a dead owl found in the buildings ventilation system. In a statement to parents Monday, a Dallas ISD spokesperson assured them, "as of today, no abnormal environmental conditions have been identified." And the statement went on to say the air quality at the school is testing normal. "I feel like the school and DISD appears to be doing everything they can, but obviously there is still a problem," said parent Paul Manak. "We don't know what that is, but we need to figure it out quick." Dallas ISD says it is going to continue to monitor the air quality. The principal at Lakewood is also urging any parents with concerns to talk to her. District officials said they're testing the water at the school as a precaution. The results of the test are expected later Wednesday. Online: Dallas ISD Lakewood Update, Feb. 23 A gunman who seemed to choose his victims at random opened fire outside an apartment complex, a car dealership and a restaurant in Michigan, killing at least six people during a rampage that lasted nearly seven hours, police said. Authorities identified the shooter as Jason Dalton, a 45-year-old Uber driver who police said had no criminal record. They could not say what motivated him Saturday night to target victims with no apparent connection to him or to each other. "How do you go and tell the families of these victims that they weren't targeted for any reason other than they were there to be a target?" Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting said Sunday at a news conference. Dalton, who was arrested in Kalamazoo following a massive manhunt, was expected to be arraigned Monday on murder charges. Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas described a terrifying series of attacks that began about 6 p.m. Saturday outside the Meadows apartment complex on the eastern edge of Kalamazoo County, where a woman was shot multiple times. She was expected to survive. A little more than four hours later and 15 miles away, a father and his 18-year-old son were fatally shot while looking at cars at the dealership. Police did not release the names of the two victims, but Mattawan Consolidated Schools Superintendent Robin Buchler confirmed they were Tyler Smith and his father, Rich. Fifteen minutes after the dealership shooting, five more people were gunned down in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel restaurant along Interstate 94, Matyas said. Four of them died. The four people killed outside the restaurant were identified at a Sunday morning news conference as 62-year-old Mary Lou Nye of Baroda and 60-year-old Mary Jo Nye, 68-year-old Barbara Hawthorne and 74-year-old Dorothy Brown, all of Battle Creek. A 14-year-old girl had earlier been reported among the fatalities, based on a pronouncement by medical officials. But police later said that she was hospitalized in critical condition. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder visited hospitals Sunday to meet with her family and the family of another victim. He says the girl is "working hard to stay alive," and called the shootings "senseless violence at its worst." Authorities did not believe the shootings were targeted at specific people, describing them as "our worst-case scenario," Matyas said. "These are random murders," he said. Dalton was arrested without incident about 12:40 a.m. Sunday after a deputy spotted his vehicle driving through downtown Kalamazoo after leaving a bar parking lot, authorities said. According to NBC affiliate WOOD, Dalton took fares between the shootings. Matyas declined to disclose anything found in the vehicle except for a semi-automatic handgun. "In this particular case, we're just thankful it ended the way it did before he could really kill anybody else," Matyas said. By midday, authorities were investigating a Facebook post that indicated the suspect was driving for Uber during the manhunt and had taken at least one fare, Getting said. A spokeswoman for Uber confirmed that Dalton had driven for the company in the past, but she declined to say whether he was driving Saturday night. Uber prohibits both passengers and drivers from possessing guns of any kind in a vehicle. Anyone found to be in violation of the policy may be prohibited from using or driving for the service. A man who knows Dalton said he was a married father of two who never showed any signs of violence. Gary Pardo Jr. told The Associated Press that Dalton is "a family man that for all intents and purposes seemed to stick with his family." Pardo's parents live across the street from Dalton in Kalamazoo Township. Dalton was in contact with more than one person during the rampage, authorities said, but they would not elaborate. Prosecutors said they do not expect to charge anyone else. "There's no common denominator with any of these," Matyas said. "This person was just waiting in the parking lot of the apartment complex. The one at ... the dealership, they were looking at cars. The ones at Cracker Barrel, they were just sitting in their cars. There is absolutely no common denominator ... through race, age, anything." Authorities were interviewing Dalton and reviewing his phone. They did not know if the handgun belonged to him, Getting said. "This is every community's nightmare when you have someone going around just randomly killing people, no rhyme, no reason," Getting said. Tammy George said the woman who was shot outside the apartment building is her next-door neighbor. She and her family heard the gunfire, ran outside and saw the woman on the ground. Four bullets went into a closet of George's home, she said. Her son, James, was playing video games with two friends a few feet away from where the bullets pierced the wall. "I checked out the back window and saw a car speeding off," said James George, 17. On Sunday morning, Tammy George came outside to clean the parking lot. "I was worried about the kids coming out and seeing their mom's blood," she said. "I cleaned it up. No kid should have to come out and see their parent's blood on the ground." During a news conference Sunday morning, some law enforcement officials wiped teary eyes or got choked up. When the news conference ended, Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell and Department of Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley embraced. With a population of about 75,000, Kalamazoo is about 160 miles west of Detroit. It is home to Western Michigan University and the headquarters of popular craft beer maker Bell's Brewery. The city also is known for the anonymously funded Kalamazoo Promise program, which has paid college tuition of students who graduate from Kalamazoo Public Schools for more than a decade. Police said they were called to a radio station after a scuffle broke out Monday between Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, who is running for re-election, and former Dallas council member Dwaine Caraway, who is challenging him. No arrests were made. Dwaine Caraway says he lost his cool while defending the constituency during a shared radio appearance Monday with Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price that led to a physical scuffle. Caraway said the fight erupted during a commercial break when Price became irritated and the two men exchanged words at radio station KHVN, known as Heaven 97. The fight was so serious both men had to be physically restrained by others in the studio. Censored video of the altercation that broke out Monday between Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price and Dwaine Caraway. "He got up out of his chair. Of course when he got up, then of course I did," Caraway said. "We went back and forth with some words. The little campaign worker of mine got into the middle as everyone in the room got in the middle to try to bring calm." NBC 5 News The campaign volunteer, George Nash, said he was injured when he tried to keep the two candidates apart. "People were holding back Caraway. I stepped in to hold back Price because he was moving forward," Nash said. "As I was doing that, John reaches around and grabs my neck. I knock his hand down. That's where these scars came from. And then he grabs my arm and pulls me and scratches my arm and tries to throw me up against the wall out of the way." WARNING GRAPHIC LANGUAGE: Micah B. Phillips, a candidate in the race for Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Prices seat, recorded the scuffle between Price and challenger Dwaine Caraway, a longtime political rival of the commissioner. Nash said he spoke with police and that crime scene investigators took pictures of his injuries. Asked if he would press charges, he said it depends on what happens with the police investigation. Gromer Jeffers, political reporter for The Dallas Morning News, analyzes the scuffle between John Wiley Price and Dwaine Caraway. A Dallas police statement said detectives from the assaults unit of the Crimes Against Persons division are investigating and trying to obtain videos of what happened. Micah B. Phillips, a candidate who is also challenging Price for his seat, recorded the scuffle between Price and his longtime political rival. Phillips also told The Dallas Morning News that Caraway threatened to kill Price during the incident. Caraway denied it and said Price was the aggressor. Phillips said he would share his account of the incident in a news release at 10 a.m. Tuesday. He also said he would release the video of the scuffle he captured. A fight broke out around midday Monday between longtime Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price and former Dallas council member Dwaine Caraway. Price couldn't immediately be reached for comment. Caraway released the following statement on his Facebook page Tuesday. "There are two sides to every story. We are in complete compliance with the police investigation that is currently taking place. The truth will soon come to light. I appreciate your continued support, and I ask that you forgive me for my actions. I am passionate about my cause, my movement, and my platforms. I do not condone violence, however I will not be subjected to bullying. I am not afraid to stand up for the city of Dallas, Why? Because It's Time! -D.Caraway" Police called to radio station KHVN after scuffle between Dwayne Caraway and John Wiley Price during debate pic.twitter.com/Btf6w3BUys ScottGordonNBC5 (@ScottGordonNBC5) February 22, 2016 Caraway talking to police. He says verbal argument turned physical when Price grabbed volunteer by throat. pic.twitter.com/IBjCAkORub ScottGordonNBC5 (@ScottGordonNBC5) February 22, 2016 NBC 5's Todd L. Davis contributed to this report. A wild overnight crash downed several power lines, shut down a freeway and caused power outages in Montebello, officials said on Monday. Just after 11 p.m. Sunday, a driver crashed into a pole, sending several power lines flying across the 5 Freeway and onto the street near the intersection of Telegraph Road and Greenwood Avenue about 11 p.m., according to the Montebello Police Department. Fire crews at the scene had to wait for Southern California Edison workers to deenergize the power lines before they could rescue the driver due to the risk the downed wires posed. Firefighters cut through the car's roof and extricated the driver from a sedan. The driver was transported to St. Francis Hospital with moderate injuries. It is unclear if drugs or alcohol were involved. Several lanes on the 5 Freeway were temporarily shut down after one of the wires landed on vehicles heading northbound, officials said. Several motorists got out of their cars as they waited for the wires to be removed. Officials said the incident should serve as a reminder to always stay away from downed wires. More than 1,200 SoCal Edison customers were affected by power outages following the crash, officials said. About one dozen customers remained without power Monday. The intersection of Telegraph Rd. and Greenwood Ave. was shut down through the afternoon during repairs, officials said. Power was expected to be restored by 5:30 p.m., according to SoCal Edison. Grief counselors will be on hand Monday at a local elementary school as students return to class without one of their classmates - a first grader who was shot and killed while playing outside an apartment complex in northeast Miami-Dade over the weekend. King Carter, just 6-years-old, was playing outside with friends in the parking lot of The Colors apartments, located in the 1200 block of Northeast 103 Lane Saturday afternoon around 2:35 p.m. when police say two men got out of a dark, four-door sedan and opened fire. Police say that immediatly after the shooting, the two shooters got back into the car, while witnesses say a third person behind the wheel sped off. Carter was transported to the hospital but later died. It is not known who the intended target may have been. Carter was a first grader at Van E. Blanton Elementary School in northwest Miami-Dade. Counselors will be available to assist teachers and students alike in coping with the difficult news of Carter's murder. Meanwhile, hundreds came out for a vigil and march Sunday afternoon at the complex where Carter was killed. Residents, relatives and community leaders delivered impassioned statements calling for an end to senseless gun violence. I ran everywhere around asking where is King? And me, I had to find my son with his eyes open. Me! I found my son, man, said Santonio Carter, the young boy's father, through tears. Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho urged anyone with information to come forward immediately. "Do not wait another second, another minute, another hour," he said. "For there will be another mother and father who shall grieve." "Please tell us that you saw something," said an emotional Miami Dade Commissioner Jean Monestime. "Our children must be able to play in the parking lot, in the backyard. This has got to stop, for God's sake." The rally was followed by a march along the route that Carter took daily to school. Rapper and community activist Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell joined the rally and the march. Campbell was familiar with the victim and his family, and called in particular on the men of the community to speak up and take responsibility. "If these black men don't take responsibility of their community, nobody is going to help us but us," Campbell explained. At the end of the march, Carter's father explained that the only thing keeping him going is his faith. "I know the Lord's word, I know the Lord's will. The Lord don't make mistakes. I know my son is absent from the body. That means he is present with the Lord," he said. Miami-Dade Police are offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to information and arrests in the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS. The ice may be groaning on the frozen Minnesota lake where Mark Rylance and Jim Lichtscheidl are mulling lifes mysteries, but the dialogue is solid and crisp if sometimes as rascally as a sturgeon with zero interest in your bait and tackle. Nice Fish, the latest offering in the inaugural season of the new St. Anns Warehouse, arrives in Brooklyn Bridge Park from an engagement at the American Repertory Theater, outside Boston. The 95-minute rumination is conceived, written and adapted by Oscar nominee Rylance (Bridge of Spies) and Louis Jenkins. Jenkins, a longtime Minnesota prose poet who has frequently been a guest on A Prairie Home Companiona variety show Nice Fish often calls to mindcan arguably be said to have come to national attention in 2008, when Rylance, accepting a Tony Award for Boeing-Boeing, recited one of his pieces in place of a formal acceptance speech. That same speech (When you are in town, wearing some kind of uniform is helpful ), incidentally, repeats early on in Nice Fish, which showcases Rylance and Lichtscheidl (a vet of Minneapolis Guthrie Theater) as Ron and Erik, 50-something high school buddies of mismatched talents who head out to this spot at the end of ice-fishing season. While there, the duo meet a by-the-book state nature official (Bob Davis); an old-school spear fisherman, who is something of a lure-whisperer (Raye Birk, in a role that until recently was going to be played by Jenkins himself); and the spear-fishermans granddaughter (Kayli Carter), whose attire is inappropriate for the weather, though she is unaffected by such realities. There are a remarkable number of quick-cut scene changes in Nice Fish, which ultimately is one more in a line of opportunities for Rylance to showcase his doddering good humor. By plays end, hes in a pink nightie, mimicking what seems to be the pronouncements theatergoers might make in a post-curtain analysis of this showexcept shortly thereafter we realize hes instead offering a critical summation of a full human lifespan (Some of the scenery was nice ). Todd Rosenthals set design is a marvel of hyper-dramatized perspective. At the plays start, a set of piercing lights appear upstage. The scene goes to a blackout, and then Erik and Ron are downstage, preparing to drill holes in the ice. It took a moment to realize the lights wed just seen were the headlights of their truck, arriving at the lake. Likewise, other features on or around the lakea house, which for some reason has a sauna; miniature versions of some supporting charactersare imagined with the same distorted perspective. Director Claire van Kampen, a longtime Rylance collaborator clearly having her fun here, was recently in charge of historical music arrangements for the PBS miniseries Wolf Hall, in which Rylance was Thomas Cromwell. I sometimes feel like a hooked trout when Im in a Rylance audience. I squirm a little at the mercy of his stream-of-consciousness, before finally settling down and accepting the rhythmic cadencesfalling for it hook, line and well. As it turns out, his work here is no fish story. Though U.K. born, the heralded performer spent part of his youth in Wisconsin, and so thats where his Ron hails from. Nice Fish doesnt have an urban sensibility that will be instantly appealing to New York theatergoers, but on the other hand, its nice to get out of town at this time of year, isnt it? Nice Fish, through March 27 at St. Anns Warehouse, Brooklyn Bridge Park, 45 Water St. in DUMBO. Tickets: Starting at $66. Call 718-254-8779. Follow Robert Kahn on Twitter@RobertKahn UPDATE: Police arrested Farrell Tuesday. NEW DETAILS HERE After arresting a driver in a violent Northeast Philadelphia wreck that left three people dead in a ripped apart car, Philly Police released the photo of a second driver believed to be involved in the street racing crash. Police said officers from the Accident Investigation District served a warrant at Christopher Bloomfield's Knorr Street home and arrested him without incident about 10:15 p.m. Saturday. Bloomfield, 20, is accused of driving a 2007 Acura at more than three times the speed limit on Sandmeyer Lane near Red Lion Road in Bustleton the night of July 29. On Monday, police announced an arrest warrant for homicide by vehicle and related charges for Ryan Farrell of the 10000 block of Northeast Avenue. Investigators said that Farrell and Bloomfield were street racing at the time of the wreck. Police said Bloomfield lost control well doing about 75 mph at a curve and slammed into a tree. Killed instantly were 17-year-old Sabrina Rhoads, 17-year-old Yvette Gonzalez and 20-year-old Felip Hernandez. Bagdon Arutyunov, 17, suffered severe head trauma in the crash but survived. A judge arraigned Bloomfield on homicide by vehicle and related offenses and sent him to jail on $2 million bail. Police released Farrell's photo in hopes that someone will recognize him and contact accident investigators at 215-685-3180 or call 911. Family members of the victims have been pushing for an arrest for months after the crash. They told NBC10 they believe Bloomfield was reckless and should be held accountable. "I think that this is what all the families have pushed for," said Kelly McDade, the aunt of one of the victims. "We just don't want our loved ones to be forgotten." Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has asked his campaign spokesman to resign after he shared a video from the University of Pennsylvanias student newspaper that implied fellow Republican presidential candidate Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) insulted the Bible. The Daily Pennsylvanian recorded Rubio walking into the lobby of a hotel in South Carolina Saturday and running into Senator Ted Cruzs father Rafael Cruz as well as Cruzs campaign staffer. The video shows Rubio pointing to a Bible the staffer is holding and commenting on it though its unclear from the audio what exactly he says. When the Daily Pennsylvanian initially posted their video however, the captions stated that Rubio said not many answers when pointing to the Bible, according to the Talking Points Memo. Ted Cruzs national spokesman Rick Tyler then shared the video with the not many answers caption on Facebook Sunday. Rubios spokesperson quickly responded to the video, stating that Rubio was misquoted in the caption. He then tweeted a video with what he claimed was the correct caption, showing that Rubio actually said, Got a good book there. All the answers are in there, when gesturing towards the Bible. This video has correct transcript; any other is another dirty trick by Cruz camp. How do I know? I'm in the video!! https://t.co/llZGimU5Jp Alex Conant (@AlexConant) February 21, 2016 Rick Tyler later deleted the video from his Facebook page and issued an apology. I want to apologize to Senator Marco Rubio for posting an inaccurate story about him here earlier today. The story... Posted by Rick Tyler on Sunday, February 21, 2016 (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); He also explained the situation further during an interview with Fox News. "The Daily Pennsylvanian put up that video and they put the captions of what they said was the transcript on that video," Tyler said. "I just checked it five minutes ago. The Daily Pennsylvanian is sticking by their transcript. Look, I know it to be wrong...He said there are a lot of answers in there and the transcript says the opposite. So I know it not to be true. I've asked the Daily Pennsylvanian to correct it and take it down. But they haven't done that." Monday afternoon Ted Cruz told reporters he asked for Tylers resignation. While Cruz called Tyler a good man, he also said, We are not a campaign that is going to question the faith of another candidate for president. Meanwhile the Daily Pennsylvanian removed the not many answers caption from the video. They also issued the following statement: This article has been updated to remove a quote in the video by Marco Rubio that has been called into question, regarding the book the staffer was reading. We have replaced the video above with the raw footage without subtitles. Though our original transcription reflects what we originally heard, after reviewing the audio, we feel it is too unclear to say for sure. The transcription on the video was created and posted before a Cruz staffer told us that the book he was reading was the Bible. We showed the staffer in the video this footage on Sunday morning, and he did not correct our transcript. We have reached out to him for comment. The third hiker in a month has died after hiking Mt. Baldy trails Saturday, the coroner's office confirmed. A 45-year-old San Diego man was killed after slipping while on the Devil's Backbone trail. He fell 1,000 feet down the mountainside, the San Bernardino County Coroner's office said. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said a 911 call came in from a fellow hiker who saw the fall. The sheriff's department launched a helicopter to search for the man, and transported him to Arrowhead Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead. The coroner's office would release his name once his next of kin was notified. Mt. Baldy is located in the San Gabriel Mountains in San Bernardino County. The trails were closed Feb. 8 after two hikers died within a week. The trails were later reopened. "When you get on the backside of those mountains, those trails are only about a foot and a half wide," Mike Ells of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said. "They take one bad step, there's nothing to stop them." For over a year and a half Marlene and Fernando Torres spent a combined 500 hours helping to build their new home and it may have come just in time. The couple found out theyre expecting a baby due next week. Yeah, we're growing and we start growing here, Marlene Torres told NBC 7, unable not to smile. We have three bedrooms, so the little one and the new oneI guess it was meant for us. After that year and a half of hard work the Torreses and five other families are living in new homes in Imperial Beach thanks to Habitat for Humanity The organization dedicated the homes Sunday praising the hard work of the owners and volunteers. Its been a long process, Marlene said from inside their new house. We did a lot of things on our house and our neighbors: painting, caulking, tiling, everything. Mr. and Mrs. Torres agreed it wouldnt have been possible to buy a home without the help of Habitat for Humanity. Your down payment is actually working on your own house, Fernando Torres explained. Lori Pfeiler, CEO of San Diego Habitat for Humanity, said Habitat for Humanity partners with a variety of cities within the county where land is available to build homes. We were really celebrating that six families now are home, Pfeiler said. They have an affordable mortgage and theyre low income families, theyre hard working families, theyve helped build these homes and today we had a home dedication. Pfeiler said the Imperial Beach had 10,000 square feet of land available where they were able to fit six town houses. When youre dealing with housing in San Diego land is very expensive, Pfeiler explained. San Diego county is a very unaffordable housing market. So were dealing with families that are earning between 50 to 80% of the area median income. For Fernando and Marlene its more than a house. Its where their kids will grow up. It's a beautiful day. We were waiting for this day. The day we finally have our house, Fernando added. The Uber driver accused of killing six people and injuring two others in a Saturday evening rampage in Kalamazoo, Michigan, picked up and dropped off passengers between shootings, NBC affiliate WOOD reported. The suspected gunman, identified by police as 45-year-old Jason Dalton, was arrested following a massive manhunt in Kalamazoo. He was expected to be arraigned Monday on murder charges. An Indianapolis-area man, who went to the southern Michigan city with his family Saturday night for a show, told WOOD that he ordered an Uber ride after someone warned him to be careful because there was a gunman shooting people randomly around town. The man, identified only as Derek, told the station that he was at Bell's Eccentric Cafe on Porter St. with his wife, mother- and father-in-law, and hailed a car from the ride-sharing app to return to their hotel, deciding it was safer than walking. Derek's driver, Jason, arrived in a dark-colored Chevy HHR. According to Derek's digital receipt, shared with WOOD, Dalton arrived at Bell's at 12:12 a.m. "My father-in-law mentioned from the back seat, you know, the situation with the shooter, Derek told WOOD in a phone interview. I kind of jokingly said to the driver, Youre not the shooter, are you? Derek said the driver shook his head and gave him a "sort of 'no' response." I said, Are you sure? And he said, No, Im not, Im just tired,' Derek continued. And we proceeded to have a pretty normal conversation after that. Derek told WOOD that Dalton appeared to be calm and he did not smell gunpowder or notice any weapons in the car. The family of four arrived at the Radisson Hotel where they were staying, seven minutes from the cafe, at 12:19 a.m. The fare cost $5.23, the invoice shows. Dalton was arrested less than 20 minutes later near Porter St., according to WOOD. Derek awoke on Sunday to discover that his Uber driver was in fact the suspected gunman. Its a little jarring. I dont think that its really set in yet, Derek told WOOD. The ride-sharing company confirmed that Dalton, 45, was an Uber driver and said he had passed a background check. A Maryland woman police believe is responsible for the death of her two toddlers was once again found incompetent to stand trial, but the prosecution now wants their own doctors to examine her. The judge approved Monday the state's attorney's request for an open hearing on Catherine Hoggle's competency. States Attorney John McCarthy also requested that his own doctors involved in the hearing. "Our request today was essentially that the court set -- in open court -- a hearing that would allow us to explore the conclusions reached by the evaluating doctor at Clifton T. Perkins," McCarthy said. McCarthy says the hearing will also allow the judge to explore questions with the defendant herself. Hoggle is charged with misdemeanor child neglect, abduction and hindering law enforcement in connection with the 2014 disappearance of Sarah and Jacob Hoggle. Hoggle has been found incompetent to stand trial several times, and has been ordered to continue to treatment at Perkins Hospital Center. Hoggle's attorney, David Felsen, believes the prosecution's doctors will not uncover any new information. "The evaluation that's going to be set in 60 days is going to essentially be the argument that you see here," Felsen said. "I understand the family's position. We have sympathy for the family." Hoggle, whom police say was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, said she left her children with someone where they would be safe. She has refused to say where they are, and authorities have said they believe the children are dead. But Sarah and Jacob's father is still holding out hope. "She possibly killed my children, but at the same time, I think that they're out there. I dont have that feeling inside of me that they're not with me anymore," Troy Turner said. Hoggle's next hearing will be held on April 25. A Boston fire department official will learn his punishment this week after being found guilty of corruption charges. A jury earlier this month convicted Edward Scigliano IV, a district chief, on larceny and procurement fraud charges. The Kingston resident was accused of stealing nearly $50,000 in public money. Prosecutors say he directed a company that provided emergency vehicles to the department to issue more than $32,000 in checks to his personal credit cards. He claimed he was authorized to receive the money, which was from credit balances owed the city. Prosecutors say Scigliano directed another vendor to buy more than $17,000 worth of items for Scigliano's personal use, including a gas grill and television. Scigliano has been on unpaid leave from the fire department since 2012. He faces sentencing Thursday. Service animals can be life-savers for people who genuinely need their assistance. But lawmakers in several states, including Maine, are worried that loose definitions and rules surrounding service animals may be allowing some people to abuse the system. I think there are a few people committing fraud, said Barbara Archer Hirsch, lawyer for the Maine Human Rights Commission. She recently served on a Task Force created by the Maine Legislature to study service animal issues. It was formed out of concern for fake service animals. Archer Hirsch explained that its difficult to prove people are misrepresenting their pets as service animals because there is no uniform test or certification for them. She said anecdotally, she hears about people bringing untrained and poorly behaved animals in public places, claiming they are necessary service animals. She said in some cases, doctors are writing notes for emotional support dogs, and people mistakenly think they have the same thing as a service animal. People get their emotional support dog for housing, and then they think its a service dog for all purposes, said Archer Hirsch. Owners of service dogs say they are seeing suspicious animals in public more frequently. Suzan Morris brings her service dog, Friday, almost everywhere she goes. He assists her when her multiple sclerosis impairs her mobility, and is especially helpful for retrieving items. Hes very loving, and very mellow, said Morris. She said she and Friday increasingly come across service dogs in public places that are misbehaving, and sometimes aggressive. The behavior is the big give away, she said. Morris said people may not realize the harm they are causing when they misrepresent their pets as service dogs. She said an untrained dog can distract a service dog, even scare it. In the event of an emergency, that dog may not be ready to assist its owner if it is around a misbehaving animal. On top of that, she feels the reputation of service dogs is being tarnished. Businesses are fed up, theyre asking to see IDs, said Morris, who supports a federal testing and certification for service dogs. The Maine Task Force has come up with several recommendations, which are being written into a new bill. They include: -More public education about the difference between a pet, service animal, and emotional support animal (assistance animal) -Increasing the penalty for misrepresenting a service animal to $1,000 -Encouraging Maines Congressional delegation to take action on a federal level Other states considering similar laws include: Arizona, Hawaii, New York, and Virigina. A Vermont man is facing charges after a police officer saw that he was holding a syringe loaded with heroin in front of a St. Albans school. Affiliate WPTZ reports 26-year-old Patrick Coleman of St. Albans was charged with possession of heroin and violating his parole. Police say the arresting officer saw a car in front of Barlow Street School on Sunday with two people inside, and when he approached the car, a woman stuffed items into her purse and Coleman was holding a syringe. St. Albans police add that a search of the car found lots of drug paraphernalia. Police say they responded to a reported overdose Sunday in Attleboro, Massachusetts, only to find a meth lab. Investigators and hazmat crews were on the scene of a three-unit condominium complex at 205 Knight Ave. Police confirm 52-year-old Robert Acheson was arrested and charged with manufacturing crystal meth. He will be arraigned in court Monday. One person was transported to the hospital and neighbors on either side of that building have been evacuated from their homes as a precaution. Neighbors say they're shocked this was happening so close to where they live. "To be surrounded by this type of environment is kind of odd," said Brandon Laford. "Little bit alarming, I guess." Matthew Petrucci had no idea his next-door neighbor was allegedly cooking meth. "There was nothing ever shady going on around here," he said. Attleboro Police were on the scene, along with representatives from the Drug Enforcementa Agency and the Massachusetts State Police bomb squad. Authorities say a dancer at a Providence strip club has been arrested in connection with a bank robbery for the second time in a month. Police say 27-year-old Shannon Sampson, of Cranston, Rhode Island, was apprehended Saturday at the Warwick Mall. She's charged in connection with a robbery earlier Saturday at a Citizens Bank branch in Coventry. Police say a woman entered the bank around noon and passed the teller a note before leaving with "a small amount" of money. Sampson was arrested Feb. 10 in connection with a Cranston bank robbery after police found her in a Massachusetts motel room bed with cash possibly linked to the holdup. Her attorney declined to comment on the Feb. 10 charges. It's unclear whether she has an attorney to comment on the new charges. Does Bernie Sanders still see a path to victory? Sanders says "the short, three-letter answer is Y-E-S," and he'd like reporters to please stop asking him when his campaign will end. While visiting workers at the Iron Workers Local 7 headquarters in Boston Monday afternoon, Sanders pledged to stay in the Democratic nomination fight with Hillary Clinton for a long, state-by-state slog. Sanders noted that while he lost Nevada, he came away with nearly as many delegates as Clinton, saying the difference is "not so important" in the quest to 2,400 delegates needed to win the nomination. Sanders says he hopes to win in Massachusetts on March 1, the day of the Super Tuesday contests. Around 7 p.m., Sanders will hold a rally at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Meantime, Sanders' supporters Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the duo behind Vermont-based Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream are in Boston to serve up free "Bernie's Yearning" sundaes outside of their Newbury Street store. They'll also be participating in an ice cream rally at the Middle East in Cambridge. Super Tuesday, a day on which several states hold their primaries, including Massachusetts, will take place on March 1. Hillary Clinton wins in Nevada, Donald Trump takes South Carolina, Marco Rubio comes in second to Trump and all political minds are trying to figure out what it all means. "We have a five-man race, and I think that it's going to be, you know, not easy," Trump said. All the leaders hit up the Sunday morning talk shows except Clinton. "I have a big advantage, but it's a long way from being won," Trump said. Despite Trump's South Carolina win, mainstream Rebpublicans are credited with Rubio's rise to second place after finishing fifth in New Hampshire. "About 70 percent of Republicans around the country have said, 'we want someone other than Donald Trump to be our nominee,'" Rubio said. The two winners Saturday won by large margins. Democrat Bernie Sanders blamed that on voter turn out in the Nevada caucuses. "We did not do as good a job as I had wanted to bring out a large turnout," Sanders said. But one group feeling the burn more than most is young people. So Clinton is working hard before Super Tuesday to court younger voters, like Wellsley College's Ellie Dougherty and her friends who came to Newton, Massachusetts, Sunday to get out the vote for Hillary. "While gender is not a sole criteria on which I'm basing my vote, I will say that it's extremely important to me to have a woman in the highest political position," Dougherty said. It's anyones guess as Super Tuesday inches closer. Andy Sexton, CEO of the Matthew Project, introduces a series of tributes from the charity to its founder, Peter Farley. Andy Sexton, CEO of the Matthew Project, introduces a series of tributes from the charity to its founder, Peter Farley. Cliff look alike at Cromer Church breakfast Cliff Richard tribute performer Will Chandler will be the speaker at a special Mens Breakfast at Cromer Parish Hall next month, and all men are welcome to come along. Read more Heartsease Lane Methodist church to close As part of a reorganisation of the Norwich Methodist Circuit, Heartsease Lane Methodist Church will be closing towards the end of the year. Read more Free Julian of Norwich reflection and prayer day The Friends of Julian of Norwich present a free Quiet Half-Day with Robert Fruehwirth, author and former Priest Director of the Julian Centre, on Saturday November 12, 10.30am-2pm. Read more What it means for us to repent Nigel Fox believes that now is the time for a tide of repentance, and shares his thoughts about what that actually means for our society. Read more Christmas card shop opens in Norwich church Thousands of Christmas cards from around 30 local Norfolk charities have gone on sale today (October 19) at the Original Norwich Charity Christmas Card Shop inside St Peter Mancroft church in Norwich city centre. Read more Revelation Christian Resource Centre and Cafe Revelation in Norwich is a Christian resource centre, offering a bookshop, a meeting place and a welcoming refuge for refreshment open to visitors of any faith or none. Read more Farewell as Yarmouth church leader moves on Captain Marie Burr, the Salvation Army leader in Great Yarmouth, has paid tribute to everyone at the church and charity after she left her post at the end of last month to move to a new role. Read more Norwich Cathedral chorister in BBC final Norwich Cathedral chorister Alice Platten has her sights set on being crowned BBC Young Chorister of the Year after reaching the final stages of the prestigious nationwide competition. Read more Norwich to hear pastor, Policeman and tramp tale Essex Baptist Pastor Dave McDowell has been a Policeman, fed orphans in India and lived under a boat as a tramp. He will tell his remarkable story at the October dinner of Norwich FGB on Wednesday October 26. Read more Pioneer UK leader speaks at Sheringham church Ness Wilson, national leader of the Pioneer network of churches, was the main speaker at a day of teaching and worship held at Lighthouse Community Church in Sheringham on 12 October, to be followed up by Word and Worship sessions at October half term. Read more Norwich event to give tips on bouncing forwards St Stephens in Norwich will be hosting an evening in October with Patrick Regan OBE, as he explores themes from his book Bouncing Forwards. Read more Youth for Christ lights a fire in north Breckland North Breckland Youth for Christ will be putting on a mini residential camp this year to coincide with Bonfire Night. Read more Delia Smith interviewed at Norwich church Top TV cook and well-known writer Delia Smith spoke about her faith at SOUL Churchs weekly Chapel gathering on October 11. Read more Children's Christian holiday club in Briston A half term childrens holiday bible club is taking place in Briston next week, and there is no charge to take part in the fun. Read more Ashill church puts on music to touch the soul The Fountain of Life Church in Ashill is hosting an afternoon concert in early November with classical, jazz, opera, ballads and pop classics. Read more Fakenhams new rector is officially installed Rev Tracy Jessop has been officially installed as Rector for Fakenham during a service at Fakenham Parish Church on Tuesday September 27, fourteen months after their last reverend retired. Read more Norwich homeless charity holds information evening Homelessness charity St Martins is holding an information evening on Thursday 3rd November at The Forum in Norwich for anyone who would like to know more about the work of the charity and to potentially become a volunteer. Read more Among the carnage of OpenStack startups that have failed or been acquired, one vendor seems to be bucking the trend and achieving real scale. Mirantis, the self-styled "pure-play OpenStack company," has gained funding, mind share and, most importantly, customers on a continual basis. Mirantis has already helped build and deploy clouds for companies such as Cisco, Comcast, Ericsson, NASA and Samsung and they've now added to the list with the news of another customer - this time furthering their geographic footprint. The Middle East and Africa (MEA) isn't an area that first comes to mind when one thinks about technology adoption, but it has some interesting traits that make it worth watching - a huge (and growing population) and some companies (and countries) with significant oil revenues that can be put to use for big-ticket projects. That is the case with Saudi Telecom, MEA's largest telco and one which extends far beyond Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Telecom Company (STC) has a presence in nine countries and serves over 100 million customers. Its fiber-optic network spans some 137,000 kilometers. STC has built a public cloud offering to deliver to its customers but, interestingly, is also leveraging Network Function Virtualization (NFV) to eek out the greatest efficiency and increase agility from that aforementioned network resource. Additionally, STC is working with Mirantis to deliver future private cloud services. While much has been made of high-profile telcos pulling out of the public cloud market (a case in point being Verizon, which recently shuttered its own cloud offering), the fact remains that for specific telcos, delivering a public cloud offering is a smart move. Telcos with a customer base with particular requirements, telcos servicing a market not supported by the incumbent public cloud vendors, and telcos in remote locations can all benefit from delivering public (not to mention private) cloud services. The MEA opportunity, in particular, seems rosy. According to Cisco, MEA will generate the highest cloud data traffic growth in the world, with cloud data forecast to increase to 260 Exabytes (260 billion Gigabytes) by 2018. Mirantis has invested heavily in next-generation services delivery on OpenStack and were pleased to partner with an innovation leader like Saudi Telecom, said Boris Renski, co-founder, and CMO of Mirantis. More and more of the worlds fast-growing telecommunications providers are turning to OpenStack as the preferred platform for their new cloud services. An additional point of interest in all of this is the fact that CloudStack, OpenStack's rival platform, saw good success from telco customers. It is interesting to see OpenStack secure a number of these opportunities. Here are a couple of news tidbit from Mobile World Congress that caught my eye. Wi-Fi hack experiment highlighted reckless actions by MWC attendees Its likely that many people flooding into the Barcelona Airport over the weekend were headed for Mobile World Congress a destination which should be filled with people who are smart and knowledgeable regarding mobile devices, but Avast Software called some attendees behavior reckless. Avast conducted a Wi-Fi hack experiment at the airport, setting up Wi-Fi networks with names such as Starbucks, Airport_Free_Wifi_AENA and MWC Free WiFi; four hours, eight million data packets and 2,000 users later, Avast concluded that trade show visitors threw caution to the wind when looking for a public Wi-Fi connection. + MORE FROM MWC: See all the news from the mobile conference + While people may know open Wi-Fi is anything but secure, they leave their device settings to automatically connect to wireless networks. Avast could see the identity of the device and the user for 63.5% of the people who unwittingly participated in the experiment; 50.1% used an Apple device, 43.3% had an Android device, and 6.5% used a Windows Phone. Some of the other data gleaned by researchers from the Wi-Fi hack included that nearly 62% of folks used Google for searches or to check Gmail, 52% had the Facebook app installed, and 1% used dating apps. MasterCard to expand Selfie Pay Also at MWC, MasterCard announced its plan to push out its pay-by-selfie facial recognition program to 15 countries this summer, including the US, UK, Canada, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. The credit card company allows users to authenticate using biometrics via an app on their phone, tablet or PC. Users still input their credit card info for online purchases, but if an authentication check is required, then consumers can use a phones fingerprint sensor or snap a selfie. Selfies require the user to look and blink at the camera to prove its a living-breathing person and not just some thug holding up a photo. 92% of the people who participated in MasterCards Selfie Pay pilot program preferred it to using passwords, MasterCard told the BBC. People hate passwords, said Ajay Bhalla, MasterCards chief of security solutions. "In the modern world everyone has a mobile phone and there is internet connectivity everywhere. So, we should be able to use biometrics [instead] to authenticate ourselves." But those are not the only biometric solutions MasterCard is considering to eliminate fraud. The company told the Financial Times it is also testing voice and iris scanning, as well as investing in using smartphones and connected wearables to measure the consumers heartbeat to authenticate credit card transactions. The point of these programs are to stamp out false declines. You know the drill; you buy something online only for the purchase to be declined because it is somehow suspicious and flagged as potentially being fraud. MasterCard told FT that it spends $118 billion annually on false declines 13 times the total amount lost to actual credit card fraud. One out of six consumers experience transactions which are falsely declined due to suspected fraud. Bhalla said, Nobody likes being falsely accused of something, but thats what it feels like when a transaction is falsely declined. As criminals have become smarter, efforts to prevent fraud have resulted in an increase in genuine transactions being declined. Whether or not you jump on the biometric bandwagon to authenticate yourself for MasterCard purchases is up to you. The Internet of Things (IoT) is set to skyrocket over the next five years, with more than 50 billion devices expected to be connected by 2025, according to market research firm ZK Research (Disclaimer: I am an employee of ZK Research), up from just 5 billion today. It seems that new IoT technologies and services are popping up daily as every vendor is looking to capitalize on IoT's momentum. Ive recently had conversations with executives from Spirent, one of the leading network testing vendors. The very nature of what Spirent does means they need to start thinking about the implications of new products several years before they hit the market. This means they have somewhat of an insider perspective on the market and the challenges associated with the expected growth. They shared with me that their carrier and vendor customers are facing a real challenge today as all of these new devices come to market, how to ensure they can connect to the network and do so at a scale much greater than ever seen before in any previous wave of technology. Be it a small RFID tag placed in the field, to a collar on a pet, or a sensor in a cars dashboard, everything needs to find its way onto the network reliably and securely. The challenge is that with thousands of new devices and too few overarching standards, the industry has to act quickly to create and agree on a better way speed the pace for IoT devices to get certified when they come to market. Its time for a change in the networking industry. To understand what needs changing, its prudent to look at the current state of testing. Today, a new smartphone takes about two months and $1.5 million to get tested, certified and approved before being put in consumer hands and registered with a carrier network. This certification process and cost structure has been in place since 2008 and is fine for an industry where there are a few hundred new mobile devices from about a dozen vendors release each year. But how will this model work when there are exponentially more devices from orders of magnitude more suppliers? Also, the devices are no longer phones and tablets. Now we are connecting everything from cars to parking meters to appliances to personal wearable endpoints. The industry needs to work together to reduce the cost, complexity and time it takes for products to become certified. There are a number of new problems that arise with IoT as the new devices can be remotely located, need to be in place for long periods of time and be embedded in other systems. As a testing vendor Spirent is addressing the new challenges in the following three ways: The development of standards. Spirent is working to connect the eco-system of companies and carriers to allow devices to ship anywhere on the planet without customized configurations or complex configuration systems. Helping companies design and build their products with IoT in mind. Spirent wants to enable applications and devices to function properly within their given vertical markets. Spirent will be introducing new tools in 2016 that make it easier for companies to focus on building their applications without having to worry about the complexity of wireless radio frequencies and the collection of emerging M2M protocols found in different industries. Streamlining the certification process. The company is working to help change testing to be optimized and efficient to address the scale and diversity of IoT. One component will be self-certification with analytics tailored to specific verticals. For example monitoring heartbeats in the healthcare vertical or testing moisture in a field. Quickening the pace of baseline testing, using analytics and implementing security will be necessary to support the wave of 50 billion IoT devices by 2025. Spirent is committed to driving this change and I expect that carriers will step up in their efforts, as it will be a benefit to everyone. Once upon a time in Florida, there was Terremark, an IaaS provider heavily invested in both IaaS and VMware infrastructure. It was tooling along, looking good like many platform providers in the embryonic stage of Cloud-on-the-Hoof (CotH). The wild and wooly days had Rackspace, Saavis, AWS, and another half-dozen Managed Services Providers, ISPs-looking-for-more, and startups a-plenty. Azure was only a Microsoft dream. Salesforce was just hitting third gear. ServiceNow was trying to Unicorn. Facebook hadnt even gone public. Obama was in his first term. Verizon paid a premium for Terremark. When announced, Verizon offered $19 and Terremark was trading just above $14. Where Verizon could have made an enormous infrastructure steal, its now mostly toast. But theyre not the only visible mistake. Look to HPs Helion and others in the ditch to answer the great question: what happened? Heres the one word answer: marketing. The old axiom, if you make it, they will come, is spoken only by hucksters. Lets take some other time-honored axioms to prove the point. The smoker you get, the player you drink* Yeah, smoke that strange tobacco, and you can be convinced of anything. If you want the answer to the question of why Openstack remains strong while Eucalyptus has drowned, it comes down to reality. As difficult as Openstack is (and certainly not for civilians), it works. Yes, it has some wild and wooly problems, and is like riding nine horses at once. Heres the upside: a lot of horsepower. Heres the downside: a lot of oats. The better mousetrap of computing is a myth. Amazon went low-dough, low-margin, and attracted millions. It hums along, creating itself as an asset every day. Its approachable on the low-end, while a wickedly-convenient resource on the commercial end. Anyone can use it. No 18 holes with dinner is needed, so its cost of sales is frighteningly low. New school marketing is: get your name out where your audience watches. Old school is 18 holes with dinner, but the CEO no longer tells the CIOwere going with Oracle, so get ready. Instead, to stay flexible, the CIO has his kitchen cabinet, e.g. sources of influence that make sense to him, and watches the trends carefully, making sure that vendors are evolving at the same pace as their organizations and especially, their competitors. You Can Tune A Piano, But You Cant Tuna Fish* I look to Ciscos very successful acquisition machine for how to buy, integrate, and make money from acquisitions. Theyre very resourceful, and their M&A team is one of the best in the business. Theres a plan on how to turn the acquisition into an integrated program that its clientele will understand, and evolve their overall goals. I watched Eucalyptus, purchased by HP, and wondered will HP actually try to become a software company, after much of its software had ended in a ditchincluding database software for telecoms, and much other good stuff. HPE is a great engineering company. One go-round with OneView convinces most people that software is done only to make hardware work. Yet their server hardware is killer. Verizon is a telecom company, worried about its multiple competitors, mobile, datacomm, Xfinity/Comcast, their government business, and has an ugly reputation with the general public. Xfinity does, too, but it didnt stop them from buying NBC. Verizon now has AOL. See a trend here? The trend isnt working with IT infrastructure. Will someone buy Yahoo? Will it be T-Mobile? I dont think so. Certainly Yahoo is slimming up for acquisition or spin-offs. Does this make you an Internet company? No. You might get a nice chunk of Alibaba. Thats it. You build communities by using honey, not vinegar. You become fiercely loyal to your clientele. You learn what they like, and offer it at a rational price, and then do this again, over and over. If youre going to sit in your nice corner office and make pronouncements, youre already turning to stone*. *Thanks to Guitarist Joe Walsh for the aphorisms. One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 NOTICE: This Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is intended for persons living in Australia. paracetamol & metoclopramide hydrochloride (as monohydrate) Consumer Medicine Information What is in this leaflet This leaflet answers some common questions about METOMAX. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist. All medicines have benefits and risks. Your doctor or pharmacist has weighed the risks of you taking METOMAX against the benefits expected for you. If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Keep this leaflet with your medicine. You may need to read it again. What METOMAX is used for METOMAX is used to treat nausea experienced with migraine headaches. Migraine is a condition that is thought to be caused by the widening of certain blood vessels in the brain causing a recurrent headache that normally affects one side of the head. Migraines are usually described as intense, throbbing or pounding pain that involves the temple, but can sometimes be located in the forehead, around the eye or the back of the head. There are many symptoms that may accompany migraines; nausea (feeling sick) is one of the most common. METOMAX contains paracetamol and metoclopramide hydrochloride (as monohydrate). Paracetamol is an analgesic, used for temporary relief from pain (such as headache). Metoclopramide is an anti-emetic, used to control nausea and vomiting caused by migraine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about why METOMAX has been recommended for you. Your doctor or pharmacist may have recommended METOMAX for another reason. This medicine is not addictive. METOMAX is a "Pharmacist Only Medicine". It is available without a doctor's prescription but your pharmacist's advice is required. Before you take METOMAX When you must not take it Do not take METOMAX if you are allergic to: paracetamol (e.g. Panadol) metoclopramide (e.g. Maxolon, Pramin) any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include: shortness of breath wheezing or difficulty breathing swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body rash, itching or hives on the skin. Do not take METOMAX if you have: bleeding from the stomach and/or digestive tract intestinal blockage recent surgery on the stomach and/or intestine phaeochromocytoma, a rare tumour of the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland is located near the kidney. Do not use if you have epilepsy (fits). Do not give METOMAX to children under 18 years. Do not take this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal. If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor. Before you start to take it Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your doctor or pharmacist will discuss the risks and benefits of taking METOMAX during pregnancy. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are breastfeeding or wish to breastfeed. METOMAX passes into breast milk, and although the effect on your baby is not known, there is a possibility that your breastfed baby may be affected. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions: epilepsy breast cancer Parkinson's disease, a condition affecting muscle control and movement kidney or liver problems you have had movements that you cannot control, mainly of the tongue, mouth, jaw, arms and legs after taking metoclopramide or medicines used to calm emotional and mental problems. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you plan to have surgery. METOMAX should not be taken immediately after certain types of operations. If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about any of the above, tell him/her before you start taking METOMAX. Taking other medicines Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop. Some medicines and METOMAX may interfere with each other. These include: medicines used to prevent blood clots medicines used to treat epilepsy pain relievers such as codeine and morphine some medicines found in travel sickness, hayfever and allergy, stomach cramps and, cough and cold preparations medicines used to treat anxiety or help you to sleep medicines used to treat certain mental and emotional conditions, such as schizophrenia tetracycline antibiotics levodopa, a medicine used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease digoxin, a medicine used to treat heart failure other paracetamol containing products. These medicines may be affected by METOMAX or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist has more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking this medicine. How to take METOMAX Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet. If you do not understand the instructions on the pack, ask your doctor or pharmacist. How much to take Take METOMAX strictly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. The initial dose for adults is 1-2 capsules. METOMAX should be taken at the first sign of a migraine attack. If symptoms persist, repeat every four hours. The maximum dose for adults is 6 capsules in 24 hours. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Your dose may be different from those on the pack, depending on your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you. METOMAX is not recommended for children below 18 years of age. How to take it Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water. When to take it Take METOMAX at the first sign of a migraine attack. How long to take it for METOMAX is not intended for long-term use. Do not take for more than a few days at time unless advised to buy a doctor. If you take too much (overdose) Immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you think you or anyone else may have taken too much METOMAX. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. There is a risk of delayed, serious liver damage. You may need urgent medical attention. If you take too much METOMAX, you may feel dizzy, sleepy or drowsy, confused, sweaty, vomit, have pains in the stomach, have convulsions or fits, or experience uncontrolled muscle movements or notice yellowing of the skin. While you are taking METOMAX Things you must do If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking METOMAX. Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking this medicine. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they become worse, tell your doctor. Things you must not do Do not use METOMAX to treat any other complaints unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to. Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms. Do not take METOMAX with any other products containing paracetamol, unless advised to do so by a doctor or pharmacist. Things to be careful of Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how METOMAX affects you. METOMAX may cause drowsiness, tiredness or dizziness in some people. If any of these occur, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking METOMAX. Combining METOMAX with alcohol can make you more sleepy or drowsy. Side effects Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking METOMAX. METOMAX helps most people to relieve some of the symptoms associated with their migraines. But it may have unwanted side effects in some people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects. Do not be alarmed by the following list of side effects. You may not experience any of them. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you: indigestion drowsiness fatigue, tiredness restlessness trouble sleeping dizziness, headache feeling sick, also called nausea bowel irregularities. The above list includes the milder side effects of METOMAX. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following: unusual changes mood, such as anxiety, depression or agitation uncontrolled and repeated movements of the arms, legs, eyes, mouth, tongue, face and jaw. This may be a sign of tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder which can be potentially irreversible. The above list includes serious side effects which may require medical attention or hospitalisation. If any of the following happen, stop taking METOMAX and see your doctor immediately, or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital: symptoms of an allergic reaction such as, skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing; wheezing or shortness of breath a sudden increase in body temperature, extremely high blood pressure, stiff muscles and severe convulsions. These could be signs of a serious side effect called neuroleptic malignant syndrome severe drowsiness or sleepiness bluish colouration to the skin, a symptom of blood condition called methaemoglobinaemia. The side effects listed above are rare, but serious and require urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people. After taking METOMAX Storage Keep METOMAX where children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines. Keep your capsules in the pack until it is time to take them. If you take the capsules out of the pack they will not keep well. Keep your capsules in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25C. Do not store METOMAX or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave METOMAX in the car or on window sills. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines. Disposal If your doctor or pharmacist tells you to stop taking METOMAX, or your capsules have passed their expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any that are left over. Product description What it looks like METOMAX is a capsule marked with a Greek alpha symbol on the green section and "P500|M5" on the yellow section. Each pack contains 10 capsules. Ingredients The active ingredient in METOMAX capsules is paracetamol 500 mg and metoclopramide hydrochloride 5 mg (as metoclopramide hydrochloride monohydrate). The capsules also contain the following inactive ingredients: colloidal anhydrous silica magnesium stearate purified talc sodium starch glycollate black ink (PI 2328, 2343) gelatin capsule size 0 (PI 11306). METOMAX contains sulfites. Supplier METOMAX is supplied in Australia by: Alphapharm Pty Ltd trading as Viatris Level 1, 30 The Bond 30-34 Hickson Road Millers Point NSW 2000 www.viatris.com.au Phone: 1800 274 276 Diabetes describes a disease where the body is not receiving a sufficient supply of insulin. It commonly inflicts the pancreas, the organ responsible for insulin production. More specifically, it inflicts the cells that produce insulin, which are found in the endocrine tissue of the pancreas. However, new results from the Yoshiya Kawaguchi lab suggest the exocrine tissue, which is responsible for digestion, could have a role in treatment. "The pancreas is constituted of two tissues that are structurally and functionally distinct, which makes it unique", says Prof. Yoshiya Kawaguchi of the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, which is why most researchers attend the endocrine tissue for diabetes. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today However, while the exocrine and endocrine tissues operate independently in mature pancreas, they are formed at the same time during pancreas development. Kawaguchi wondered if diseased exocrine tissue could cause deficiencies in the production of endocrine cells. To investigate this possibility, his team constructed mice that depleted the Pdx1 gene, which in the pancreas is exclusively found in exocrine tissue. The result was underdeveloped pancreas, but in addition, and surprisingly, the mice showed diabetes phenotype, such as low insulin levels, suggesting endocrine development was also affected. However, what caught the researchers' attention was which cells had changed. Endocrine progenitor cells that did not have the mutation in the mutant mice also showed poor survival. These results suggest non-cell autonomous effects, which describes the phenomenon where cells with genetic defects may cause malfunction in neighboring, genetically healthy cells, and could have important implications for diabetes treatment. "This is an exciting finding", explains Kawaguchi, adding, "It means the exocrine cells secrete something that promotes the differentiation and survival of endocrine cells during development". This substance, Kawaguchi hopes, could lead to promising treatments for diabetes. Implications of the Rapid Spread of Zika with a Focus on the Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market and Human Vaccines Market What can be expected as the Zika outbreak progresses? Which areas are going to be the most affected? This visiongain report discusses the future direction of the Zika virus outbreak and the implications of its spread. It also discussed the infectious disease diagnostics market and the global human vaccines market, both of which are forecast to 2026. The pipeline for Zika virus diagnostics and vaccines is explored. Our 78-page report provides 28 tables, charts, and graphs. Understand the virus and the future of the current outbreak. Our new study lets you assess the impact the virus might have on a number of regions, and the complications that have so far been associated with it. Forecasts from 2016-2026 and other analyses show you commercial prospects This report provides forecasts for both the infectious disease diagnostics market and the human vaccines market to 2026, and discussed the possible future contributors to these markets in relation to the Zika virus. Discover the symptoms, transmission, history and economic and social impacts of this virus. See revenue forecasts for the associated markets How will associated markets perform to 2026? Our study forecasts revenues in the following related markets: Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market Global Vaccines Market Leading Vaccine Manufacturers and Companies Searching for a Zika Virus Vaccine The number of patients infected with the Zika virus is predicted to soar, and the need for a vaccine is becoming ever more apparent. We discuss some of the leading international vaccine manufacturing companies, and then take a look at the companies that are currently developing vaccines or the Zika virus. Companies included in this report include: GlaxoSmithKline Merck Pfizer Sanofi Bharat Biotech Inovio Pharmaceuticals Discover capabilities, progress, and commercial prospects, helping you stay ahead. What does the Zika virus outbreak mean for the future? Our new report discusses issues and events regarding the Zika virus outbreak, currently in Central and South America. You will find discussions, including analysis of past outbreaks, the virus' modes of transmission, symptoms. Future trends include: Increasing economic and social pressures related to the virus Development of a vaccine will lead to large financial returns The virus is likely to spread from its current territories, to include the US and possibly much of Southern Europe, Africa and Asia. How the Zika Virus Report report helps you In summary, our 78-page report gives you the following knowledge: Understanding of the structure, replication mechanisms and transmission modes of the Zika virus An in-depth history of previous Zika virus outbreaks and detail the viruses spread from Africa Study of the potential spread of the virus, looking at the areas in which the virus' vectors are able to survive on a global scale Intelligence on important markets that will be affected by the Zika virus outbreak Revenue forecast for the Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market covering the period 2016 to 2026 Revenue forecast for the Global Vaccines Market covering the period 2016 to 2026. Profiles of leading companies operating within the vaccines market Significant social and economic issues arising from the spread of the Zika virus Conclusions and recommendations You will find quantitative and qualitative analyses with independent predictions. You will receive information that only our report contains, staying informed with this invaluable business intelligence. SOURCE Visiongain Zika: The virus has emerged as a major public health threat that's rapidly spreading through South and Central America and the Caribbean. Usually a relatively mild illness, Zika may be linked with birth defects such as microcephaly, and with the neurological disorder Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Where and when will Zika strike next? Scientists funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases (EEID) program are looking for answers in three places in Ecuador. NSF's EEID program is a joint effort with the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Mosquito bites Zika is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes -- the same mosquitoes that carry dengue and chikungunya viruses, and that were historically responsible for yellow fever. Since 2007, 39 countries have reported cases of Zika, according to the World Health Organization. A few days after a female Aedes aegypti mosquito bites a virus-infected person, the mosquito can develop its own infection, which it then transmits to the next person it bites, says Erin Mordecai, an ecologist and infectious disease specialist at Stanford University. Only female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes bite humans; males feed on nectar. Aedes aegypti, found in tropical and sub-tropical areas, often breeds in small pools of water near human houses and other developments. Buckets, flower pots and used tires are favorite sites. Unlike other mosquitoes that bite people only in the evening, Aedes aegypti bites throughout the day, increasing exposure to viruses like Zika. Seeking Zika A group led by Mordecai is studying the socio-ecology and climate responses of dengue and Zika virus transmission by catching Aedes aegypti mosquitoes at three sites in southern coastal Ecuador. "The research has the potential to provide basic knowledge that will help control all mosquito-borne pathogens, while also being extremely timely," says Sam Scheiner, NSF EEID program director. "Diseases like Zika virus are likely to continue. This project will help us find ways to get a handle on future such outbreaks." Mordecai's work builds on a long-term collaboration, led by scientist Anna Stewart of the State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, with the Ecuador Ministry of Health and Ecuador National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology. Ecuador is one of 26 countries in the Americas that has reported active Zika virus transmission, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Ecuador towns where the EEID researchers are working -- Machala, Huaquillas, and Portovuelo/Zaruma -- vary in climate, elevation and socioeconomic conditions, and in their amount of mosquito-borne disease. In recent studies, Machala had the highest abundance of Aedes aegypti larvae of all sites surveyed in 10 countries in Latin America and Asia, indicating high risk for virus transmission. The scientists are counting mosquitoes by using vacuums mounted on backpacks to collect adult mosquitoes, and by setting egg traps designed to mimic the small containers of water that are Aedes aegypti's natural egg-laying habitat. The team is also identifying the viruses the mosquitoes carry. By collecting weather and social data, the group hopes to discover the socioeconomic and environmental factors that put people most at risk for diseases carried by Aedes aegypti. The research is focused on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity that may affect human mosquito exposure, and social factors such as housing type, household size and wealth. Ultimately, the biologists hope to halt viruses the mosquitoes transmit by learning what environmental conditions promote dengue and Zika, in particular. The risk landscape Studying interacting factors allows researchers to understand the "risk landscape" for Aedes-transmitted diseases, according to Sadie Ryan, an ecologist and medical geographer at the University of Florida who is collaborating on the research. Taking a local approach then broadening it, the scientists believe, will allow them to find out when and where interventions -- such as in vector control, healthcare infrastructure, environmental modification, education, and climate change early warning systems -- may be most effective. In addition to surveying mosquitoes and viruses in the field, the biologists are developing mathematical models to discover how disease transmission by Aedes aegypti responds to temperature, important for predicting future changes in virus transmission under climate change, says Mordecai. "Mosquitoes are tiny and cold-blooded, so their growth, development, and survival depends upon the temperature around them," she says. "Disease transmission is a complex process. It's important to understand how mosquitoes and the viruses they carry respond to temperature, to know when and where virus transmission will increase as Earth warms." CVCC informational meeting scheduled Officials at Central Virginia Community Colleges Business and Allied Health Division, along with local county and city high schools, will be hosting a Partnership Informational meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at Central Virginia Community College Merritt Hall, room 5122. The meeting will focus on EMT/Paramedic, HVAC, machinist, registered nurse and welding occupations. High school students interested in these career study certificate programs are encouraged to attend the meeting. For more information, contact the Business & Allied Health office at (434) 832-7680. Business alliance launches jobs website The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance has launched a new local online hiring hub for job-seekers and employers, called NOW HIRING. Now Hiring can be found at www.lynchburgregion.org. It joins VaJobMatch.com affiliated with The News & Advance as well as Indeed.com, Monster.com and other websites offering information about job openings. The websites debut comes in the wake of one of the regions biggest job losses in several years. On Feb. 5, Genworth Financial announced it would lay off 200 employees in Lynchburg. In light of the news at Genworth and in light of how many people were going to be displaced, we really thought this would be a great opportunity to match employers with employees, said Christine Kennedy, chief operations officer for LRBA. Kennedy said the website will be updated every two weeks, usually Tuesdays. She said it will continue as long as our service has the demand that it has. The Business Alliance has 817 businesses as active members. The website is a partnership with the Workforce Investment Board, which operates a career center at the Plaza on Memorial Avenue. Womens Luncheon Series planned The 2016 Womens Luncheon Series, with the theme of Strong, will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at Oakwood Country Club, 3409 Rivermont Ave. The speaker will be Karen Simonton, chief administrative officer at OrthoVirginia. Engineers Week event to be held at Sweet Briar Engineers Week will be celebrated at the Florence Elston Inn at 450 Sweet Briar Road in Sweet Briar from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday. The event, hosted by the Center for Advanced Engineering and Research, is featuring guest speaker Dr. Kathryn Thornton, former NASA astronaut and a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. Cost is $20 per person. For more information, call Paulette Porter at (434) 381-6447 or email her at pporter@sbc. United Way plans Hollywood Glamour event The United Way of Central Virginia is hosting a fundraising event, dubbed Hollywood Glamour. Local emcees Tony Camm and Jeff Taylor will host mini-performances, raffle and silent auctions. The event will be Sunday at the West Manor Estate in Forest. Attendees also will watch the 88th Annual Academy Awards. To purchase a ticket or for more information, email tabitha.abbott@unitedwaycv.org. Virginia Trades Expo to be held in Altavista A Virginia Trades Expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. March 2 at the Virginia Technical Institute, 201 Ogden Road in Altavista. The event is titled, Oh the Places Youll Go. For more information, call (434) 369-8200. Boy Thunder's secret identity will be revealed in January's Batman/Superman: World's Finest #11 - but who is he? Boy Thunder is secretly "someone DC fans have known for decades" - but who? Increased security for Chaguanas North Secondary In a statement yesterday, Minister Garcia said classes will resume as scheduled today. In light of the serious nature of the situation, Minister Garcia also indicated that he will be visiting the school, along with his Executive Team tomorrow following the culmination of the National Consultation on Education in Tobago today. In the statement, Minister Garcia confirmed that school security at the Chaguanas North Secondary will also be beefed up considerably, and also reiterated that any form of school indiscipline or violence will not be tolerated. He said he has discussed the matter with National Security Minister Major General Edmund Dillon, who confirmed that there will be regular police patrols close to the school to ensure the safety of all Consultation on Education today at Magdalena Grand This according to a release from the Ministry of Education (MOE ). Minister of Education Anthony Garcia is expected to attend. Todays consultation is the last event in a series that sought to allow members of the public to contribute to Trinidad and Tobagos educational agenda. Over the last five weeks, a number of channels were used to collect opinions, concerns and suggestions from members of the public. Among the methods used by the Ministry to garner responses were street surveys undertaken in the seven Trinidad Education Districts and Tobago by MOE representatives, radio call-in sessions, written submissions via social media outlets Facebook and Twitter as well as via email. Written contributions were accepted at the Ministrys head office or education district offices and the questionnaire was also available on the Ministrys website. The first two public consultations were held at the Teaching and Learning Complex at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine and the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA), in San Fernando. According to the Ministry, there are a number of proposed objectives following the consultation, including revised examination regimes; enhanced curriculum offerings at the primary, secondary and early childhood levels; amendments to the Education Act and review of the Concordat to reflect current realities and future plans; a revised Tertiary Education and Skills Training Policy; and a reduction in incidents of violence, bullying and indiscipline in school. Lord Howard says UK-Caribbean links will remain strong Lord Howard made the comment in response to a question from economist Dr Ronald Ramkissoon, moderator of a members networking luncheon meeting held by the Chamber at the bpTT Executive Box at the Queens Park Oval in Port-of-Spain. The meeting was organised last Thursday to welcome Lord Howard to Trinidad. He is in the country for several days to promote the strengthening of bilateral trade between the UK and the Caribbean as indicated by British Prime Minister, David Cameron during his visit to the Caribbean last year. The British Prime Minister was in Brussels last Thursday for the beginning of talks with EU leaders on Britains future in the union. He is seeking a number of changes to the treaty which established the EU, among them limits - a so-called emergency brake on benefits for migrants living and working in the UK. Lord Howard said if Britain does decide to leave the EU the strong historic links between the UK and the Caribbean will continue and the UK will be able to make its own trading arrangements with the countries of the Caribbean and will not necessarily be bound by the trading arrangements made by the EU. Dr Ramkissoon also asked Lord Howard what the region could do to increase tourist arrivals from the UK and Europe, particularly in light of declining energy prices. Lord Howard replied that the Caribbean has many natural advantages, among them its climate and friendly people which he said is one of the Caribbeans greatest natural assets. He added that the region is being helped at the moment by the unrest in the other parts of the world to which people from the UK and Europe would normally go to holiday. He said he thought the region was doing well in attracting tourists but advised that the Caribbean needs to ensure that its standards of service are high, that the standard of the facilities which it offers to visitors is also high and that the Caribbean remains a stable part of the world because the regions stability is also one of its big selling points. According to a statement distributed by the Chamber, Lord Howard is a member of the UK House of Lords and has held senior Parliamentary positions in the UK Government for almost three decades, key ones being Leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition from 2003 - 2005. He also served as Secretary of State for Employment and Home Secretary during 1993 and 1997 in the John Major Cabinet. The delegation on his visit to Trinidad is led by Dr Ian Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of the British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce and Deputy CEO, Pauline Wade. They are accompanied by John Entwistle, past President of the British Chambers of Commerce in the UK. Lord Howard and his delegation paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Anthony Carmona yesterday and were also scheduled to meet Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon. Brothers Who Haven't Spoken in Decades Both Want to Be Mayor (Newser) December brought the news that Johns Hopkins University planned to attempt the first penis transplants in the US; now, the first candidate has been selected. An American soldier wounded in an explosion in Afghanistan will be the first person in the US, and the third in the world, to undergo a penis transplant. The first was in China in 2006, though the patient was so disturbed by the donated organ that he asked for it to be removed, while the second, in South Africa in 2014, was so successful the man fathered a child. Reuters reports the unnamed American patient sustained significant groin injuries and lost the majority of his penis in the explosion. The transplant could happen within a few weeks, pending the availability of a donor organ that fits the necessary age (within five to 10 years of the recipient) and skin color parameters. The Washington Post looks at the donation part of the equation, noting that the Johns Hopkins team has voiced worries that some individuals may shy away from becoming an organ donor over the thought of losing his penis after death. A Johns Hopkins Q&A on the transplant clarifies that "many people might think that organ donation means unquestioned consent for donation of all organs. That's not the case with the face, hand, or penis"; the consent of the deceased's family is required in those cases. Johns Hopkins is currently looking only at US servicemen as potential transplant candidates, with more than 60 identified as possibilities, per the Post. The transplant team notes potential patients must be physically and mentally up for the procedure; psychiatric evaluations for the patients can be up to a year long. (Read more about the only successful transplant to date.) (Newser) A Texas town where nearly every top official was arrested earlier this month has a new problem: Its tap water just turned black and smelly, CNN reports. Residents of Crystal Citya municipality of 7,500 near the Mexican bordersaw the liquid emerge from taps on Wednesday. "It looked like black sludge," a resident tells KSAT. "We didn't get a proper warning. They didn't post anything or send out any type of message to warn the residents. It was pretty scary." The city says it happened because a raised water tank was emptied and flushed out, causing "all sediments and deposits sitting on [the] lower portion of [the] tank to run through distribution lines," per a press release. Recently hired water official Carlos Ramirez says the tank hadn't been cleaned in 20 to 25 years. "The previous administrations neglected it," Ramirez says. "We had to clean their mess." Ramirez says the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (which shipped bottled water into Crystal City) declared the water safe Saturday, but a TCEQ rep sees it differently. "We would like to wait until we have the complete suite of sample results back until we can give the all-clear," she says. "We may have these as soon as Tuesday." Worse, the FBI already arrested most of Crystal City's senior officials for allegedly accepting kickbacks and bribes. "Right now, there's not really anyone in charge to oversee and to make people aware of the condition of the water," says a school official. Residents are being advised to use bottled water or boil tap water for at least two minutes, the San Antonio Express-News reports. (Investigators of the water crisis in Flint, Mich., say manslaughter charges are possible.) (Newser) It was only research. So says a German mayor who, via a post on his town's official Facebook page, inadvertently busted himself for checking out online porn. Thomas Koppl of Quickborn, in the course of a political debate, posted a screenshot of the German constitution to Facebook. He neglected to crop out the tabs at the top of the browser, though. Among the pages shown in the now-deleted screenshot were "Punishment Porn Videos," "BDSM porno videos," and "German slut punished." The "cringeworthy mistake" was covered by German-language newspaper Bild, and after a Facebook user shared the story, Koppl himself commented on it, notes the Telegraph. Koppl 'fessed up to looking at the porn sites (according to the Local, he first tried to deny he took the screenshot) but wrote that it was merely to get "clued-up" on BDSM after hearing two guys talking about it while waiting for a ski lift. But he says he didn't actually watch any porn because his Internet connection was too slow. Instead he read a Wikipedia entry on Fifty Shades of Grey. The verdict? Koppl says he's sure BDSM is fine and dandy if you're into it, but "I find it rather disturbing." One commenter had a question for the mayor of Quickborn: "Are you going to change the signs in the town to Quickporn?" (In the US, a porn site has given a scholarship to a middle-aged mom.) (Newser) It's no surprise that Mexico is keeping a very close eye on drug lord Joaquin Guzman after recapturing him for the second timebut that doesn't mean his wife has to like it. In her first public comments about "El Chapo," beauty queen Emma Coronel says she fears he may not survive the "slow torture" of solitary confinement at El Altiplano, the prison he left through a mile-long tunnel last year. "They want to make him pay for his escape. They say that they are not punishing him. Of course they are. They are there with him, watching him in his cell," Coronel says, per the Los Angeles Times. "They don't let him sleep. He has no privacy, not even to go to the restroom." The Telemundo interview with Coronel was recorded in Mexico in mid-February and aired Sunday night, NBC News reports. Coronelwho married Guzman on her 18th birthday eight years ago, when he was 50has dual American-Mexican citizenship and gave birth to his twin girls in California in 2011. He is believed to have at least 17 other children. Coronel says she only saw her husband twice during his months as a fugitive last year. "He just wanted to have a nice time with his daughters," she says. "To be in peace." She claims to know little of Guzman's drug empire and says she has never seen him use drugs or violence. "He is like any other manof course he is not violent, not rude," she says. "I have never heard him say a bad word. I have never seen him get excited or be upset at anyone." (When authorities closed in, Guzman temporarily escaped through a door hidden behind a mirror.) (Newser) Dorothy Hollingsworth was just 7 when her brother Tom left the family farm in Indiana to join the Army a few months before the US entered World War II. She never saw him again. Now, more than 70 years after Pfc. Thomas E. Davis was killed in one of the war's final, major battles, a tangible reminder of her beloved sibling has been found on the Pacific island of Saipanone of his Army dog tags. Cultural historian Genevieve Cabrera found the discolored metal tag sticking out of the soil of a farm field on Saipan in early 2014. It was embossed with Davis' name, serial number, hometown, and other information. Cabrera recently gave the tag to members of Kuentai, a Japan-based organization that has found the remains of soldiers on Saipan. The group notified the AP this month, and the AP tracked down Davis' family. Davis joined the Army in September 1941 and served in the 165th Infantry Regiment of the 27th Infantry Division. He earned the Silver Star on Saipan in June 1944 for risking his own life to rescue a wounded comrade. He died on April 30, 1945, after he was shot by a Japanese sniper while again helping a wounded soldier, according to what Hollingsworth says military officials told the family. Four years later, his body was brought back for reburial in his hometown. While it is relatively common to find canteens, weapons, and even unexploded shells on Saipan, dog tags remain a rare find, Cabrera says. Kuentai representatives say they'll arrange to meet the Davis family in the US to hand over the tag. Hollingsworth, 82, says a 57-year-old nephew named after Davis will likely get it. (Other tags on Saipan may belong to a missing soldier.) (Newser) Residents of this North American country can no longer compete on Jeopardy! What is Canada? The TV game show's eligibility guidelines now single out Canadians, saying that "at this time we are precluded from accepting registration information from Canadian residents. We are currently evaluating this matter." The Ottawa Citizen reports potential candidates must take an online test during a once-annual test period, and 2016's test went live in Januarywith a required ZIP code field; Canadians don't have those. "Wow," the Citizen quips. "And we thought Donald Trump would build that wall, like, after the election." The Toronto Star weighs in, noting, "Alex Trebek may be one of the only Canadians on Jeopardy! next season." Indeed, Trebek hails from Sudbury, Ontario, and holds dual citizenship, NPR reports. In a response to the Citizen, Trebek says the Canadian exclusion is an "issue affecting my native country and the show I love," and he suggests "Canadian online privacy laws" are responsible for the ban. As far as which law, the Citizen speculates that anti-spam legislation in effect since mid-2014 may be to blame. (Companies must now get express permission to email Canadians, rather than just provide an opt-out.) The Star surveyed government departments to get to the bottom of it and came up empty-handed. A lawyer well-versed in privacy laws says, "These hurdles are very easy to get around" (after all, Microsoft was able to figure it out). Trebek mentions that people are in the contestant pool for 18 months, so there will be Canadians on the show this year. In fact, there will be one competing Monday night. (A Jeopardy! rarity happened in January.) (Newser) Sorry, Pink Floyd, you no longer hold the sole claim to sounds from the dark side. In an upcoming episode of the Science Channel's NASA's Unexplained Files, audio from Apollo 10which flew to the far side of the moon in 1969, two months before Apollo 11's moon landingreveals conversations among the astronauts as they hear odd sounds from the cosmos through their instruments, CNN reports. "Did you hear that whistling sound, too?" one asks. "Sounds like you know, outer-space type music," another answers. "I wonder what it is." Whatever "it" was, astronauts Eugene Cernan, John Young, and Tom Stafford were wary of informing their higher-ups what they were hearing while out of contact with Earth. "Shall we tell [NASA] about it?" one asks, per Fox News. "I don't know," says another. "We ought to think about it." They opted for silence, thinking such a report might "cast doubt on their suitability for future spaceflight," per CNN. The tapes were labeled "classified" after the craft returned to Earth and placed in the space agency's archives, the New York Daily News reports. The transcripts were revealed in 2008, but this is the first time the audio has been publicly heard. In addition to "we're not alone" speculation, one theory for the eerie sounds, which lasted about an hour, is that charged particles may have clashed with a magnetic field, RT.com notes (though it adds the moon doesn't have a magnetic field to speak of). Meanwhile, per CNN, a NASA technician who's interviewed on the Science Channel show insists that "radios in the two spacecraft [the lunar module and the command module] were interfering with each other"an assertion that ex-astronaut and show voice-over Al Worden disputes. "The Apollo 10 crew is very used to the kind of noise that they should be hearing," he says during the broadcast. "Logic tells me that if there was something recorded on there, then there's something there." (NASA erased original footage of the moon landing.) (Newser) Don't mess with Jessica Conti's garlic knots. That appears to be one of the lessons from an incident that took place in a Florida pizzeria Friday night after a woman apparently took issue with how the staff prepared her dish, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports. Per a Flagler County Sheriff's Office report, 25-year-old Conti ordered at Palm Coast Pizza, but when her order was up, she was peeved the knots came coated in cheese, got "verbally argumentative," and demanded her money backwhich she received from one of the clerks in what she perceived as a disrespectful way, the Orlando Sentinel notes. Enter Vincent Conti, 23, Hareem Jones, 26, and Shawn Cody, 32, who then allegedly rushed in to help Conti trash the place. Employees told police the foursome shoved a cash register and fax machine onto the floor, threw food and pizza boxes everywhere, and, in what may have been a final act of rebellion against the cheese, lobbed a glass Parmesan cheese container at a TV, amounting to what workers estimated to be less than $1,000 in damages. The suspects took off afterward, but they apparently were regulars: Witnesses IDed them for cops, who caught up with them at a nearby residence and arrested them all on burglary and criminal mischief charges. Jones got hit with an additional charge of marijuana possession after cops say they found a joint in his pocket during his arrest. (A guy sued a pizzeria he tried to rob.) (Newser) Bald eagles are making a comeback, but on Saturday in Maryland, 13 of them were found dead. Investigators were called to a farm on the Eastern Shore that day after a man who was searching for antlers shed by deer stumbled upon four of the dead eagles, the Baltimore Sun reports; officers found the other nine on the grounds. Officials aren't saying whether the eagles were purposely killed, though one says there were "no obvious signs of trauma with these birds." The US Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating what the Washington Post notes is "the largest single die-off of bald eagles in the state in 30 years." Three of the 13 birds were mature, meaning they are "the ones we all love that look like the national bird," a spokesperson for the Maryland Natural Resources Police saysthey had white heads and brown bodies. Two were close to maturity, and the rest were immature and did not have any white feathers. A reward of $2,500 is being offered for information that leads to a conviction, the Sun reports, even though it's not yet clear whether a crime was committed. One possibility is that a landowner put out poison to control a rodent problem and the eagles ate poisoned animals, NBC News reports. (Read more bald eagle stories.) Republican frontrunner and real estate mogul Donald Trump recently called on his supporters to boycott Apple products or any of its services until the Silicon Valley giant agrees with FBI to help create a "backdoor" through which the government could gain access to San Bernardino shooter's phone. "What I think you ought to do is boycott Apple until such time as they give that security number. How do you like that? I just thought of that!" said Trump as he spoke before a crowd in a town hall event in South Carolina before voters went to cast their votes in the primary as quoted by The Guardian. Trump also made a subsequent tweet reaffirming his boycott plea coming from his iPhone. Meanwhile, privacy advocates are stepping up efforts in backing up Apple's beef with FBI. As a matter of fact, 30 demonstrations are planned to be held at the company's 30 store locations nationwide. "People are rallying at Apple stores because what the FBI is demanding here will make all of us less safe, not safer. Their unconstitutional attack on our digital security could put millions of people in danger, so we're giving those people a way to get their voices heard," remarked Evan Greer of the Fight for the Future- an organization that promotes free and open internet system and net neutrality as stated in a news report by the International Business Times. In another development, new survey data seems to have debunked previous large margins Trump had over his GOP rivals. In a CBS-sponsored poll tracker, earlier data between February 10-12 showed Trump garnering 42% of people voting for him in the primary. But as most recent data comes in, the percentage of likely voters slides down to 36% although the number remains well ahead of the next most preferred candidate with 22%. American air offensive on the order of President Barrack Obama pounded an ISIS camp in Libya where foreign jihadist fighters were reportedly shaped up for sophisticated warfare training resulting to at least 49 deaths and 6 injured. Unconfirmed and sometimes conflicting information also suspected that two Serbian embassy employees might have been unfortunately including among the casualties. The two civilians, namely, communications officer Sladjana Stankovic and driver Jovica Stepic were kidnapped in Sabratha in November last year. "Our forces watched this training camp for weeks leading up to the operation, and...there were no indications of any civilians present...we, nevertheless, express our deepest condolences...When conducting our operations, the U.S. military goes to extraordinary lengths to limit the risk of civilian casualties, and in our campaign to defeat ISIL we will continue to do so," Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said as quoted by CNN. Post-Gadhafi Libya has now become a failed state as the fragmented political after the dictators unsavory demise led to a multi-sided civil war involving hundreds of armed militia groups each carving its own piece of territory or areas under its own sphere of influence. Under this fragile security environment, ISIS jumped from having slight or modest presence to an increasingly powerful faction jockeying for power. "This is something that can only flourish in a political and security vacuum. That's why something must be done," remarked UN envoy and German diplomat Martin Kobler as mentioned in a report by the New York Times. Meanwhile, the weakened Libyan transitional government issued a statement of condemnation against the US airstrike that destroyed an alleged ISIS camp in Sabratha. "Any interference, similar to the one that has taken place, will be considered an open and flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the Libyan state and international law," the statement reads as quoted by RT News. Israeli officials and their Palestinian counterparts are currently engaged in advanced phase of talks of reaching a compromise deal intended to end the hunger strike of a Palestinian detainee in Israel. Mohammed al-Qiq is a Palestinian journalist who was accused of being involved with the terror activities of militant Hamas that currently runs West Bank of the divided Palestine. He was picked up by Israeli security forces and was detained without charges being filed on November 21. According to a report by Haaretz, the deal both sides are working on is the planned transfer of al-Qiq to Al-Makassed hospital- a medical facility run by Palestinians in East Jerusalem which falls under Israeli control. But the journalist indicates that he refuses such proposal. "He refuses to be cared for in Makassed because it is located under Israeli sovereignty and he says he will not be retained in custody. He said, 'It's death or freedom, and if Israeli security has something against me, it must bring me to justice, rather than to hold me under administrative detention without trial or charge'," remarked former Arab-Israeli MP Afou Agbaria as quoted by i24 News. The Israeli Supreme Court has just suspended al-Qiq's detention due to his deteriorating health. The detained journalist refused to eat or drink anything except tap water. The doctors, however, indicate they might have to force feed him as a drastic life-saving measure. Meanwhile, the policy of detention without formal lodging of charges has prompted criticism from the international community particularly from the United Nations and the EU. Known as "administrative detention", the controversial policy has its roots in British Mandate-era of Palestine which allows security forces to imprison alleged subversive elements without charge. "I ... call for all persons subject to administrative detention to be either charged or released immediately," said U.N. envoy on Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking Nickolay Mladenov as quoted by Reuters. President Yoweri Museveni's three decades-long hold to power is unlikely to end any time soon following a controversial decision by the election commission to officially declare him the victor Saturday despite numerous accusations of rigging the election to perpetuate his rule by the political opposition. According to a report by CNN, preliminary exit polls indicate that the incumbent President garnered 62% of the votes cast overshadowing the 34% votes received by his closest rival, Kizza Besigye. But the opposition leader who heads the Forum for Democratic Change refused to accept the election results and insisted on an independent counting of election results. Besigye is currently under house arrest since Friday in his residence in Kampala on the pretext of preventing the opposition of sowing confusion and disorder with their plan of publicly announcing unauthorized election results. "Please reject the temptation to ratify this sham election...Let us denounce this electoral theft by withdrawing our recognition of the regime and ceasing to cooperate with it. Let us have the strength and the courage to finish this struggle. I know deep in my heart that Uganda shall be free!" remarked Besigye as quoted saying by Al Jazeera news. In a report by The Guardian, Yoweri Musevini has been in power since 1986 after waging a guerilla war for 10 years. The most recent elections is his fifth. Under his rule, Uganda has seen significant strides against HIV/Aids, restoring stability after years of armed conflict, and initiated economic growth through liberalization and attraction of foreign direct investments. However, the last ten years have been unpromising as seen in the reversal of earlier gains by his administration. Regulatory filings indicate that Google successfully protected billions of dollars of its revenues from the prying eyes of tax agencies worldwide and saved around $2.4 billion by moving the bulk of its overseas profits to Bermuda-based Dutch subsidiary. The news came to public light after first reported by the Dutch magazine Quote explaining that the heart of the tax avoidance scheme is what accounts term as 'Double Irish' and a 'Dutch Sandwich'. Google moved its profits through its Dutch subsidiary, Google Netherlands Holdings to Bermuda- a tax haven for corporations. The government in Bermuda charges no income tax to companies. Many multibillion dollar transnational companies are facing accusations of dodging tax obligations in countries where they operate. "Google complies with the tax laws in every country where we operate," said Google in an email statement as quoted by Bloomberg news. According to a Business Insider report, Google's 10-year tax scheme allowed its parent company, Alphabet, to bear just a 6% tax rate on non-US profits. Just last week, the search engine giants was grilled in the British parliament over its 130 million pounds ($186 million) back tax bill despite the fact that the tech company's UK revenue amounted to 24 billion pounds- a big gap in income and tax payments. Tax avoidance has taken a more political agenda across the EU as a result of citizens' outrage of what they perceive as unethical and greedy. "As the public have got to understand better what corporate tax avoidance is, there is a clear sense of outrage that is going well beyond a small group of protesters - it's something that the public feels is really not right with the current system," said War on Want's tax justice campaigner Murray Worthy as mentioned in a report by the BBC. Federal officials have opened up an investigation into the deaths of 13 bald eagles that were found near the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The Maryland Natural Resources Police's spokeswoman, Candy Tomson, stated that they had received a call regarding four dead eagles from a man at around 2:30 p.m. this past Saturday. The man had been out looking for deer antlers when he came across the deceased birds near a farm in Caroline County. He initially believed that the birds were dead turkeys. When the officials arrived at the scene, they found an additional nine dead bald eagles in a field located on Laurel Grove Road in Federalsburg. The field is just west of the 3,800-acre Idylwild Natural Area. After the officials tagged all of the the birds and took pictures of the scene, the Maryland Natural Resources Police handed the investigation over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Thomson said. The agency will now be in charge of determining causes of death. Officials have not suggested that the bird were intentionally killed. They also have not provided any updates on the case since Saturday. Bald eagles, the country's national bird symbol, were taken off the Federal Endangered Species list in 2007. In Maryland, specifically, the birds were taken off of the threatened and endangered species list in 2010. However, under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, it is still illegal to hunt the birds. Violators can received two years of jail time or a maximum fine of $250,000. Republican candidate Marco Rubio's campaign for presidency has received the highest amount of funds from Wall Street than any other candidate from either party, a new Reuters review found. According to the review, money coming from supporters who work at banks and investment firms, which include Bank of America Corp, Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., has totaled more than $4 million since Rubio, the senator from Florida, started his campaign last year. The analysis found that the average donation per person was more than $200. The candidate who came in second was Florida Governor Jeb Bush with $2.45 million in Wall Street donations. Since Bush announced the end of his presidential campaign after only getting 7.8 percent of the votes in the South Carolina primary, future donations could be headed toward Rubio's campaign. Reuters reported that some Bush supporters said they were ready to back Rubio financially. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton was third with $723,361. Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, who is self-funding his run for presidency, did not make it in the top 10 of the list. Trump received $1,566 from bank employees with the majority of that money coming from merchandise sales as opposed to donations. Although donations from Wall Street are not necessarily positive, especially since many people blame banks for the recession, having extra funds could be helpful in a tight race. "The idea of raising cash from Wall Street is a tricky one," University of Iowa professor Tim Hagle explained. "Even on the Republican side, there's a certain mistrust among the base for that sector. [But] the advantages of having the additional funding at this critical time seem to be worth the extra criticism that might come his way as a result." Rubio and Ted Cruz, the senator from Texas, are currently neck-in-neck for second. In the most recent South Carolina primary, Rubio barely edged out on top of Cruz with 22.5 percent. Cruz received 22.3 percent of the votes. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 90%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches.. Tonight Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this evening. Low 26F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 50%. Lahore: Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore could not cross the Wagah Border into India today as Pakistans Federal Investigation Agency Immigration stopped her for not having a police report of her stay in Lahore. Tagore, who had come here on a four-day visit to participate in the Lahore Literary Festival (LLF), was escorted by police to get to Wagah Border. The Punjab government had given her official protocol after her meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. However, when she reached Wagah Border the immigration officials told her that police report was missing from her travel documents. On her inquiry that cant I go with this document, the immigration official said No. An FIA official told PTI that a protocol official accompanying Tagore contacted the police station concerned and arranged the report in about two hours through fax. By the time the police report matter was resolved Tagore, who was waiting at the guest room, changed her mind to cross the border. She decided to leave for India on Monday and returned to hotel on the Mall Road, the official said. Perhaps, missing her flight Amritsar-Mumbai was the reason to extend her stay in Lahore for one more day, he said. During her stay in Lahore, Tagore called on Prime Minister Sharif yesterday at his palatial Jati Umra residence in Raiwind and had a dinner with him and his family members. She was warmly received by the family members of Sharif especially his daughter Maryum Nawaz. Sharif, an admirer of Tagore, also inquired her about the health of iconic actor Dilip Kumar. The prime minister told Tagore that Pakistan wanted cordial relations with India. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Varanasi: On the day of Prime Minister Narendra Modis scheduled visit to his Lok Sabha constituency on February 22, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is also likely to visit the Ravidas temple in Varanasi. On the occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti, the Prime Minister will first visit the Ravidas temple in the morning hours. He will spend 15 mintues at the temple and then will head to address the Banaras Hindu Universitys centennial year convocation function. After delivering the convocation address as the chief guest, the PM would fly back to Delhi the same day in the afternoon. The BHU Vice Chancellor Girish Chandra Tripthi today told mediapersons that the Prime Minister has declined to accept the varsitys proposal to be conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws during its convocation ceremony. Kejriwal would reach Varanasi at around 12:10 PM from Delhi and will head to the Ravidas temple where he will stay till 2:45 PM before returning to the national capital. It would be the first visit of Kejriwal since he lost the Lok Sabha election to Modi from Varanasi constituency in 2014. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Srinagar: Striking a tone different from optimistic ally BJP, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti today said only time can tell if the two parties form government as she would move ahead only when convinced that dreams of her late father Mufti Sayeed for Jammu and Kashmir can be fulfilled. Mehbooba, a Lok Sabha member from Anantnag, talked about the unfortunate developments of JNU as she prepared to leave for Delhi, a visit she insisted was only to fufill her duties as an MP. That only time can tell, was the cryptic response of the PDP president to reporters when they asked her if there was any forward movement in talks with the BJP for government formation in the state. BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav, after a meeting with Mehbooba here three days back, had said: Talks were positive. Both parties are positive that the state will benefit by continuing with the arrangement which guided our 8-9 month old government. We can give a stable government with the same arrangement. This view is on both side... I hope, yes, there will be continuation of previous arrangement. Mehbooba, who attended first public function today since Sayeeds death on January 7, said coming to power was not her goal. If we feel, we can fulfill the dreams of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, then only it is worth it. If the situation continues as it is, then my inheritance (the people of the state) is enough for me, she told party workers earlier. She said her late father, throughout his political career spanning over five decades, had struggled for the betterment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Only 12 years of his long political career, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was in power. However, he remained alive (in politics) due to the support of the people, Mehbooba said. He did not sacrifice his life so that I can get the chair. He sacrificed his life for you, she said. Madhav had said the leaders of PDP will arrive in Delhi shortly to discuss fixing of timeline on a few issues which have found a mention in the alliances Common Minimum Programme. However, Mehbooba today said her visit to Delhi was only related to her duties as a Lok Sabha member. The Parliament session is starting on Feb 23... I am going to attend it. I have asked questions... if Parliament is allowed to function. There are issues like JNU, which is unfortunate, Haryana (Jat agitation), we dont know what will happen in Parliament, she said. She decried attempts to pronounce verdict on the students accused of raising anti-national slogans on the JNU campus, saying it should be left for the court to decide. Apprehending possible harassment of students from Kashmir, she said she has asked her party leaders to take up with the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh any issues concerning the students from the state at the JNU. Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing political stalemate ever since Sayeed passed away on January 7 after leading a coalition government with BJP for 10 months. The state is currently under Governors Rule since no party staked claim to form government. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Umar Khalid and four more absconding students, alleged of raising anti-India slogans, have been staying inside Jawaharlal Nehru University campus since late night yesterday. Ready to surrender Khalid addressed students inside the campus to claim that he is not a terrorist and has been framed by media trials. He also claimed that allegations of making two visits to Pakistan are baseless as he does not own a passport. Cops on the other hand have clamped varsity campus to ensure Khalid and others arrest if they not surrender within time limit. Khalid is scheduled to meet vice chancellor of University today. The five students Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya, Rama Naga, Ashutosh Kumar and Anant Prakash had gone missing from the campus since February 12 after JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested in a sedition case lodged in connection with an event held on the campus against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru where anti-naitonal slogans were allegedly raised. According to Ashutosh, former president of JNU students union and a PhD scholar at varsitys School of International studies, they have come back with a view of supporting the enquiry. The massive support we got from students and others from across the globe gave us the strength to return. I, Rama, Anirban and Anant were around but did not come in public due to atmosphere of mob lynching. He, however, maintained that the four of them were not in touch with Umar Khalid and had spoken to him last on February 9, the day of the event. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Water scarcity in Delhi has reached to a limit where people may have to face severe problems if Munak canal remains shut for one more day. Raising concern Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed Centre to interfere and take quick measures to re-start functioning at Munak canal, which was forcefully blocked by protesters in Haryana. We've completely run out of water. I appeal to the centre with folded hands to immediately intervene and get munak canal started in Haryana Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 22, 2016 Later, he informed that Army has taken control of Munak Canal gates and with minor repair work Delhi is likely to get water by evening today. Gud news. Army takes control of munak canal gates(1/2) Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 22, 2016 Trying to assess in how much time water wud reach Del n whether any damage done to canal lining. Will keep u updated(2/2) Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 22, 2016 Thank u army, thank u centre for securing munak canal back. Great relief for delhi Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 22, 2016 On Sunday, Delhi Jal Board made special arrangements to ensure people dont face much problems with water scarcity in some parts. Water Minister Kapil Mishra reviewed the contingency plan for water management in West, North, North-west, Outer and Central Delhi and said tankers will deliver water at 663 points to partially meet the shortage of 480 million gallons per day (MGD). These points will keep rotating. Plan is to cover around 2,000 points by evening tomorrow, Mishra said. In the meeting, DJB informed the Minister that it has made 140 filling points functional, creating 14 new filling points overnight, where tankers will be filled up all through the night. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : One tech news that sent the business market haywire last week was the announcement of Freedom 251 by Noida-based Ringing Bells. The news quite literally disrupted the mobile market and brought with it some serious doubts of scams and fraud. The phone was launched at an event the scale of a big fat Indian wedding but soon drove into a controversy after reports of the company shoddily re-labeling Adcom Ikon 4 units as Freedom 251 with a whitener came out in the market. Then some experts also slammed the company for cheating elements from the premium Apple iOS. Let us take a look at some of the controversies surrounding the world's cheapest smartphone: 1. Specifications in a limited Price The phone is offering 4-inch WVGA IPS display, 3.2 megapixel auto-focus rear camera, 0.3 megapixel front camera, 1.3 GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB of internal storage with SD card support, 1450 mAh battery, and Android 5.1 Lollipop OS in just Rs 251 which is highly doubtful. Tech experts and companies maintained that the rate could not be below Rs 3,500 even after a subsidised sale. However, Ringing Bells president Ashok Chaddha claimed that company aims to set up a marketplace, the earnings of which will go into bringing down the price of the smartphone from an ideal Rs 2,300 or Rs 2,500 to just Rs 251. But, how, we still dont know and probably have to wait. 2. Design or copycat Many would not know that Freedom 251 is actually Adcom Ikon 4 in disguise, in fact Adcom logo was erased shoddily with a whitener to achieve the feat. Then it is covered by a flag of India painted atop. Meanwhile, media which reviewed the product claimed that the specifications are very different from those publicised by Ringing Bells. Ringing Bells president Ashok Chaddha refuted claims and said that the review units are in fact "not the final piece," and that they "were to serve only as prototypes given FOC to a limited list of persons". He further redirected queries to Sanjiv Bhatia - the Director of ADCOM - to reveal the truth. 3. Interface It is very similar to Apple iOS in looks, however seems to be an Android phone but is yet not listed as an Android partner. The company has however maintained that it is registered with Google Android Developers Platform and clarified its stance by issuing a screenshot of an order receipt from Google. 4. Certifications It is not yet listed on the BIS certifications page but is expected to begin delivery on February 25. It is also not accused of being registered with Qualcomm, which is a mandate for all 3G handsets, the company clarified that the phone runs the Spreadtrum chipset, hence no requirement. 5. Bookings and technical glitches The Freedom 251.com faced major technical glitches and frequently the website was downed due to overload on server. Them initially the website was not accessible without removing the standard 'www' prefix. The owner of Ringing Bells, the company which has been the hot news ever since its Rs 251 smartphone named Freedom 251 was launched, has claimed that as many as 25 lakh cellphones have been booked and 5 crore registrations have been made. Then payment confirmation notice was also not received by customers forcing another round of controversy. Lucknow: A day after alleging that Samajwadi Party did not fulfil its promises, Shahi Imam of Delhis Jama Masjid Maulana Ahmad Bukhari today met Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who assured him to look into his demands. We reminded the CM of the promises like reservation, special arrangement for education in Muslim-dominated areas, employment in security forces etc made in the partys 2012 Assembly poll manifesto and requested him to fulfil them, Bukhari told reporters after the meeting. The CM heard our demands and assured to fulfil them within next three months, he said. Bukhari had yesterday demanded that the Samajwadi Party government fulfil all the promises made to Muslims in the last Assembly elections within three months or they will be forced to review their decision on extending support to it. Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty as Real Madrids hopes of catching La Liga leaders Barcelona were all but ended with a 1-1 draw at Malaga on Sunday. Madrid remain nine points behind Barca with 13 games to go after Raul Albentosa cancelled out Ronaldos opener. Atletico Madrid also failed to gain significant ground on Barca as they were held 0-0 at home by Villarreal to move eight points behind in second. However, Gary Nevilles upturn in fortunes as Valencia boss continued with a third win in a week, 2-1 at Granada. Zinedine Zidanes men were left to rue Ronaldos miss from the spot to make it 2-0 before the break when Carlos Kameni dived to his left to parry the three-time World Player of the Years effort. It is obviously going to be difficult because we have dropped two points, but we wont give up, said Zidane. There are 39 points still to play for. You think the league is lost, but the players and myself dont believe that. Madrid were without the injured Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale, while James Rodriguez was left on the bench by Zidane. The visitors were lucky to go in front as Ronaldo headed home Toni Krooss free-kick despite clearly standing in an offside position. There was no doubt about the penalty award two minutes later, though, when Ronaldo was brought down by Weligton. Yet, despite being normally lethal from the spot, the Portuguese was denied by a fine low save by Kameni. Malaga missed a great chance to level before the break as Jesus Navas parried Duje Cops shot into the air and Sergio Ramos got back to clear the looping ball off the line. And Navas then made an incredible stop just after the restart when Nacho turned Juanpis cross towards his own goal. Yet, the Madrid stopper was finally beaten when Malagas two centre-backs combined for the equaliser as Weligtons low cross was coolly slotted home at the back post by Albentosa. Seoul: South Korean tech giants Samsung Electronics and LG showed off their new flagship smartphones on Sunday as they fight for consumer affections with new features at a time of slowing global smartphone sales. Samsung launched two versions of its new premium phone, flat screen Galaxy S7 and the curved screen Galaxy S7 edge, in Barcelona where the industry is gathered for the start of the Mobile World Congress today, in its latest attempt to remain ahead of Apple. While the new models included a better battery and a card slot to expand memory for pictures and other media, analysts said the upgrades may not be enough to revive sales. Forrester consumer mobile analyst Thomas Husson said the new Galaxy devices offer mostly incremental value to consumers via more advanced technology specifications. Rival South Korean tech firm LG sought to steal Samsungs thunder by unveiling its new premium handset, the G5, its first modular smartphone which is made using different components that can be independently or replaced such as a removable battery. The G5 comes with several accessories such as a sound system developed by Danish firm Bang & Olufsen and a virtual reality headset which will allow it to compete with a the headset launched by Samsung late last year, the Gear VR. With its modular design, to change batteries and add accessories, LGs new flagship smartphone is renewing LGs portfolio and a smart attempt to challenge its eternal Korean rival, said Forrester analyst Thomas Husson. The product launches at this years congress come as the industry finds itself in an uncomfortable position: Samsung was only able to boost its market share moderately and Apple saw iPhone sales fall for the first time on an annual basis in the final quarter of last year, according to Gartner. The market research firm said that the 9.7 percent increase in smartphone sales in the final quarter of last year over the same period in 2014 takes the industry all the way back to 2008 when the global economy was in crisis. LGs parent company LG Electronics net profit halved last year on the back of a global economic slowdown and increased competition in the mobile sector but LG CEO Juno Cho remained optimistic. We think smartphones best days are still ahead, he said at the presentation of the new phone. Analysts said handset makers face a tough choice. Focus on the low-price segment, where sales volumes are large but margins become thin. Or focus on features which can differentiate their phones. We are moving towards a logic of segmentation and improvement, with a better camera or more autonomy for example, maybe some advances in virtual reality, but there will unlikely be any major innovation, said Thomas Husson, an analyst at Forrester. Mumbai: Key 26/11 plotter Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundals lawyer today informed a court here that he wanted to cross-examine Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley for four days. Also, Judge G A Sanap today directed Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to contact US authorities, check their availability for Headleys second round of deposition and inform the court by February 25. Once the availability is checked, the court will fix dates for Headleys deposition. Meanwhile, Jundals lawyer Abdul Wahab Khan also moved applications objecting to Headley being made an approver in the 2008 terror attacks case besides making pleas seeking copies of certain documents and CDs. Earlier on February 13, the day on which Headleys week-long deposition ended, the court had adjourned the case for cross-examination by Jundals lawyer for a future date. Headley, who is serving a 35-year jail term in the US in connection with the terror attacks case, had made some damning disclosures about LeT and Al-Qaedas planned to target India, during his testimony which began on February 8. He spilled beans on how Pakistans intelligence agency ISI provides financial, military and moral support to terror outfits LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen and how LeT had planned and executed the 26/11 attacks and the role played by ISI officials, involving him too. He also revealed that LeT had planned an attack at a conference of Indian defence scientists at Taj Mahal Hotel a year before the 26/11 strikes and had even prepared its dummy. Deposing via a video-link from the US, the 55-year-old terrorist had the court thatIshrat Jahanwho was killed in an alleged fake encounter in 2004 in Gujaratwas an operative of LeT. Headley had also revealed that Al-Qaeda was in touch with him to attack Delhis National Defence College and unravelled the plot by LeT and ISI to target Mumbai airport, BARC and the Naval air station here. He also visited the Indian Armys Southern Command headquarters at Pune in 2009 on the instructions of ISIs Major Iqbal, who wanted him to recruit some military personnel to get classified information, the court was told. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Banaras: In another intolerant behaviour by BJP workers, a student who shouted out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi was beaten up for his alleged stand. According to reports, Ashutosh Singh, a student of BHU had shouted about student body elections at BHU while PM Modi was leaving the stage. Soon he was grabbed by the police and then allegedly attacked by BJP workers. This comes a month after PM Modi's speech was disrupted at the Ambedkar University in Lucknow by two sloganeers. They were later escorted out by the police and detained for questioning. WATCH:Student in PM's program in BHU raises slogans,demands revival of Student union, slapped by someone in audiencehttps://t.co/SyaeOpKWP0 ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 The protest also come days after two incidents rocked the campus politics in India. JNU student Kanhaiya Kumars arrest for sedition and the suicide of Hyderabad university scholar Rohit Vemula last month has already created an uproar in society against government. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : With the Budget session of Parliament beginning tomorrow, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is most likely to skip the G20 meeting of Finance Ministers and central bank governors on February 26-27 in Shanghai. Additional Secretary from Finance Ministry Dinesh Sharma would be attending the meeting as most of the officials, including Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, would be busy with the Budget. Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan will participate in the deliberations. Jaitley, according to sources, will not be travelling to China as he would be tied up with 2016-17 Budget. The second full fledged Budget of the NDA government will be unveiled in Parliament on February 29. China is currently holding the chair of the G20, which is a grouping of 20 developed and developing nations. The G20 Summit, in which Prime Ministers and heads of states of these countries will participate, will be held at Hangzhou on September 4-5. The G20 meetings assume significance as it comes they come in the backdrop of troubled global economy and volatility in stock and currency markets. International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its latest World Economic Outlook has lowered global growth projections to 3.4 per cent for 2016, from earlier estimated 3.6 per cent. India, however, stands out as a bright spot among major economies as it is expected to clock a growth rate of 7.6 per cent in 2015-16 as per CSOs estimates. New Delhi : The craze among Indians for a memorable wedding is one of the factors that contributes to countrys burgeoning make up industry which is growing at a rate of 20 per cent annually, an expert said today. People in India are spending more than those in countries like the US on make-up. The Indian weddings are one of the major boosters for this industry which has evolved in a big way, Vivek Bharti, heading the Bollywood Hollywood International (BHI) Make Up and Hair Styling Academy in Mumbai, told PTI. He was speaking on the sidelines of an international workshop in Mumbai which began today where Hollywood celebrity makeup artist Donald Simrock is the guest. In USA, around 150-200 dollars are spent on bridal make up, but in India spending Rs 14,000-Rs 15,000 on bridal make up is not a big thing. There are some weddings where more than a lakh is spent on it. We always want to make the weddings memorable, Bharti said. He said since wedding is an elaborate affair in India, so much of importance is given to dressing-up and styling. If girl looks super beautiful, that picture is kept for generations. It is always treasured, he pointed out. Bharti said the make up industry has been picking up at a pace of 20 per cent annually and awareness about it (make up) is growing at the rate of 50 per cent. You can see this from the booming salon industry in India, he said. The expert said that the perspective of people towards make up industry has also changed. In past it was only uneducated people who were into this trade. Now the children from best of the families take up this as a full-time profession, he said. It has become a highly paid profession. A good make up artist can earn more than the salary of a corporate companys vice president, he claimed. New Delhi : With Railway budget scheduled to be placed on February 25, RJD President and former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today criticised the BJP government at the Centre for pushing it to serious crisis. Prasad, who served as Railway minister in the UPA I government, in his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted two recent flawed policy moves of Railways. The decision to recklessly increase financial leverage manifold by signing MOUs for borrowing of USD 40 Billion from institutions like LIC and JICA, that too for un-remunerative and cash guzzling projects like Bullet train is likely to prove suicidal, particularly when Railways is not generating enough cash to meet its operating expenses, he said. Secondly, Railways has set up many committees whose denominator focused prescriptions of cost cutting, unbundling and privatisation is playing havoc with the already low morale of Railways employees. It is fuelling all kinds of scare mongering about job losses and the very future of Railways as a government entity, Prasad said. Such speculation should be nipped in the bud as Railways is a web of life that weaves people and markets into a diverse yet unified India, Prasad added. Likening Railways to a Jersey cow, a breed of dairy cattle, he said it was not in good health at present. Your (Modis) government has neither milked nor taken good care of it. It has fallen sick. If your government does course correction by reversing anti-poor and employee unfriendly policies, the Jersey cow (Railways) can be restored to sound health and start giving plentiful milk (returns), he said. As corrective measures to come out of financial morass, Prasad said it would require unwavering commitment of the top leadership in monitoring of trains, the core operating performance, rather than monitoring twitter. Leadership has to act here and now, not in TV studios and seminars, but in FOIS control room and marketing and investment strategy sessions, he said in his letter and added it has to play a catalytic role in galvanising its internal strengths by balancing commercial objectives with its social obligations. Bengaluru: Karnataka government has set a May 15 deadline for investors, who signed pacts during the recent investors meet, to submit their project details to the state government. I am not going to wait for long, because I have asked senior nodal officers of these projects to get initial steps going. After three months, or by May 15, if investors had not taken steps to submit their application along with choice of location and details of land use to Karnataka Udyog Mitra (KUM), I will treat them as not interested, Industries Minister R V Deshpande said. He told reporters here that the intention behind setting up the deadline was to attract investments and see all Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) signed, during Invest Karnataka 2016 Global Investors Meet, fructify. Why are we setting a deadline? We want investments. We want all the MoUs to fructify and we are working in that direction. There is a time-limit for all these things. Deshpande noted that as many as 122 MoUs and Expression of Interests were signed across sectors, amounting to Rs 1.27 lakh crore investments. As many as 1,080 projects with investments of Rs 1.77 lakh crore, with a potential to create 4.82 lakh jobs had been approved by single window agencies of various departments and the High-Level Clearance Committee, he said. To a query on whether the industry captains had raised concerns on infrastructure issues in Karnataka to set up their units outside Bengaluru, Deshpande said government is trying to take all stakeholders - power, energy and developers among others - together. He said Karnataka would add 2,500 MW power and also alternative power resources including solar, separately. Deshpande said he had met power minister D K Shivakumar, who had informed him that 2,500 MW would be added by June-July. Solar and other alternative power also would be added, he had said. So the situation is not going to get worse, but only improve, Deshpande said. He said government was providing uninterrupted power to industries without resorting to load shedding. The government was also addressing infrastructure issues, he said, adding that the talks with industry captains have been fruitful and successful so far. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, named by India as the mastermind of the Pathankot attack, has been under protective custody since January 14, Pakistan Prime Ministers Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz has said. He also said it was for India to decide on dates for Foreign Secretary-level talks, postponed in the wake of the terror strike. Aziz said a Special Investigation Team from Pakistan may visit Pathankot in the first few days of March to probe the attack and that his country was pursuing the investigation seriously. He said one of the mobile phone numbers linked to the attackers was traced to the terror groups headquarters in Pakistans Bahawalpur and called the lodging of the FIR in connection with the Pathankot assault as a logical and positive step in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Aziz told Karan Thapar of Headlines Today that Azhar, along with a few other operatives of the JeM, has been kept under protective custody and that some of the terror outfits premises have also been sealed. He said action will follow against Azhar and others the moment evidence becomes available. This is for the first time a top functionary of the Pakistan government has confirmed that Azhar is in custody in that country though there were earlier reports to that effect. Aziz said the FIR filed four days back in the Pathankot attack case has created legal basis for a Special Investigation Team of Pakistan to visit India to collect evidence. He said India has agreed to the SIT visit. Asked about Defence Minister Manohar Parrikars comment that SIT will not be allowed to go inside the IAF base in Pathankot, Aziz said access to crime scene always helps the investigators. On holding of the Foreign Secretary-level talks between the two countries, Aziz said the ball is in Indias court. The answer to it lies entirely with India, he said, adding he hoped prime ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif will meet on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington next month. Pakistani authorities had lodged an FIR in connection with the Pathankot attack on February 18, without naming Azhar. The FIR was filed against unknown persons after weeks of probe into the terror assault that had led to the postponement of Foreign Secretary-level talks. It was registered at Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) centre in Gujranwala, Punjab province. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh today briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation in Haryana arising out of Jat agitation for reservation and violence. During the half-an-hour meeting, Singh gave a detailed presentation about the agitation and subsequent violence as well as the steps taken to restore normalcy in Haryana, official sources said. The Home Minister also told the Prime Minister about the meeting he had with a delegation of Jat leaders yesterday and the decisions taken in it, sources said. Last night, Singh had announced that a committee headed by Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has been formed to look into the demand for reservation in central government jobs for Jats. BJP general secretary Anil Jain also had announced that the BJP government in Haryana will bring a legislation in the coming session of the Haryana assembly to give OBC status to Jats. The Centre today directed security forces to use force to clear all blockades put up by Jats whose violent agitation has paralysed normal life in Haryana. Water supply to the national capital from Haryana is expected to be fully restored tomorrow after security forces took over control of the Munak canal and evicted all the Jat protesters from that place. Violence continued to rage in Haryana today with stone-pelting mobs attacking security personnel trying to clear a road blockade and torching government vehicles even as the death toll in the nine-day old Jat quota stir was put at 16. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Fresh violence was reported once again in the district of Rohatak and Hisar on Monday. Violent protest continued even after the assurance of reservation quota by BJP leaders to the Jat community. However, curfew was lifted from some of the areas and the state saw some life after days of violent protests. So far 19 people have died and scores injured in the violence that engulfed the state over the last few days. Here are the top developments of the day on Jat agitation HM Rajnath briefs Prime Minister on Law and Order Home Minister Rajnath Singh today briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation in Haryana arising out of Jat agitation for reservation and violence. During the half-an-hour meeting, Singh gave a detailed presentation about the agitation and subsequent violence as well as the steps taken to restore normalcy in Haryana, official sources said. The Home Minister also told the Prime Minister about the meeting he had with a delegation of Jat leaders yesterday and the decisions taken in it, sources said. Haryana govt announces compensation Haryana government today announced full compensation for damage caused to private properties as well as ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of the 19 killed in the Jat agitation for reservation. The state government has decided to give full compensation to the loss of properties, both commercial and residential, in the Jat stir, state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ram Bilas Sharma said here. An ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh will be given to the next of kin of the persons killed in the ongoing agitation and employment to a member of the family of the deceased. Also, no false cases would be registered against anyone, he said. Life limping back to normaly in Haryana Life in violence-torn Haryana was limping back to normal today with Jat protesters starting to lift blockades in various parts of the state after the BJP announced setting up of a committee under a Central minister to examine the quota demand for the community. After remaining on the edge for several days, normalcy was returning to some cities like Kaithal and officials expect the situation to improve considerably in other affected areas today. Authorities had lifted curfew from Kaithal and its nearby town Kalayat yesterday. However, in Rohtak, the epicentre of pro-quota Jat agitation, curfew remained in force even as there was no report of any incident of violence and arson in the last 24 hours. Indo-Pak bus services, rail routes take a hit The Samjhauta Express and other buses running between India and Pakistan were cancelled today as the rail and land routes connecting the countries were hit by the ongoing Jat reservation stir. Samjhauta Express, that was scheduled to arrive in India from Wagah railway station of Lahore, was cancelled today. The Pakistan railway authority was informed well in time about the disruption of rail traffic in India due to massive protests on the railway tracks and G T Road National Highway, an official said. He added the Delhi-Attari special train, which was also scheduled today, has been cancelled. Two bus services between Delhi and Lahore were also cancelled owing to the road block in Haryana, the official said. SC asks people to maintain peace The Supreme Court today refused to accord urgent hearing of a PIL seeking directions to restore law and order in Haryana in the wake of the Jat quota agitation, saying it had no reason to believe that the government was not taking due action. We have no reason to believe that the government is not taking action in the matter. We appeal to the people to maintain peace and not damage property. We can only say amity and brotherhood be there among all communities. Rest is for government to decide, a bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice U U Lalit said. Rajnath reviews Haryana situation with top officials Rajnath reviews Haryana situation with top officials s violence continued unabated in Haryana, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today took stock of the prevailing situation in the state with top officials, including NSA Ajit Doval, Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag besides others. The Home Minister was given a detailed presentation by senior officials on the violence during the agitation and blockades put up by the Jats, who have been demanding quota, official sources said. Singh told all concerned that all necessary steps must be taken to bring back peace and normalcy in Haryana and there should be no compromise in maintaining law and order. The Home Minister was told that around 7,300 paramilitary personnel have been deployed, besides Army columns, to assist the state government to deal with the situation arising out of the violence, sources said. Delhi continues to face serious water crisis Delhi continued to be hit by serious water crisis as the city is yet to get water from Munak canal originating in Jat quota stir-hit Haryana, Water Minister Kapil Mishra said. Water treatment plants at Wazirabad, Chandrawal and Okhla were today restarted by the Delhi Jal Board after treating the high level of ammonia in raw water supply from the Yamuna. No water received from Haryana as yet. Team DJB has started Wazirabad, Chandrawal and Okhla. Crisis still serious, Mishra said in a tweet. Mishra was present at the Wazirabad plant when DJB engineers succeeded in running it at 25 per cent capacity. It is expected to attain 50 per cent capacity later, a senior DJB official said. With Inputs from PTI For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. I always have been at home in restaurants. It began during the 1970s with trips to my grandfathers place, Risolis Steakhouse in Harrison, N.Y., where I would sneak behind the bar to fool around with the soda gun or gobble up maraschino cherries until I was high on sugar. As a child growing up in Fairfield, there were family celebrations and holidays spent at Dogwoods (later Sidetracks) and the Golden House in Westport, and weekend afternoons at the Center in downtown Fairfield and the Villanova in the Southport section of Fairfield, where my fathers softball team would gather after games. As a teen, I lolled about at Howard Johnsons, lingering over cheap bowls of ice cream and coffee refills so that I could justify occupying the booth. I only hope I left a decent tip. Not long after, I began waitressing at Friendlys in Southport, after an unsuccessful attempt at the Pie Plate. When I was legal, Id hang out at Als Place and the Lemon Tree Lounge in Southport. I wish I had made it to Ottavios (for the Candy Man alone), but I managed to visit the Driftwood Lounge before it closed, a young persons bucket-list item. One might say it was the kind of bar that time forgot, but time did catch up with it, as well as the other restaurants mentioned here. Restaurants are more than the building or decor. They become beloved because of who is in the kitchen or behind the bar, setting down your meal or sitting in the seat beside you. Patti Woods, a fellow 1988 Fairfield High School alum, recently wrote The Lost Restaurants of Fairfield (Arcadia Publishing, $21.99). My stroll down memory lane began with her advice: This is just a start. Your personal stories and memories complete the picture. Use this book as a tool. Ask your friends what they remember, what their favorite restaurant was and what dish they really wish they could have just one more time. You might be surprised just how long the conversation lasts. Here are a few excerpts: The apple (pie) in the towns eyes With its yellow and brown decor; big, shiny globe light bulbs and glass display cases, the Pie Plate restaurant (operated by former baker and owner Art Green) was the place to get dessert from the early 1970s through the early 1990s. Set in a strip mall near The Circle, the Pie Plate was more than just pies. The large menu offered diners everything from soup and sandwiches to full meals. But of course, it was the pie that attracted people. We were always busy, said Beth Herde, a waitress at the Pie Plate from 1977 to 1980. I can remember times when the line was out the door. On the regular menu, there was apple, of course, and other fruit pies such as blueberry, peach, strawberry rhubarb, apricot, pineapple and cherry. For a short time in the summer, fresh strawberry pies were available. .... Then there were the cream and custard pies: banana, banana fudge, chocolate, black bottom, pineapple, coconut, apple, blueberry and cherry. Then there were the prize pies pecan, mince, pumpkin, cream cheese with fruit, lemon meringue, chocolate nut chiffon, strawberry chiffon and coconut custard. Pie was served by the slice, and for an extra 20 cents, you could have your pie in true New England style and add a slice of Swiss or cheddar cheese. People really liked the Dutch apple pie, said Herde. Glitz and glamour On May 27, 1963, what had once been a supermarket ... reopened as the towns ritziest banquet hall Ottavios, named after (owner Otto) Veglios father. After a remodeling job that cost over $100,000, the former grocery store (where Circle Diner sits today) was converted into a 12,000-foot red-carpeted facility with accommodations for up to 700 diners. Ottavios was decked out in a Mediterranean theme, and fold away partitions divided the dining area into four separate rooms. Each meal would start with hors doeuvres, followed by manicotti or antipasto, sherbet and an entree: lobster tails, surf and turf, roast beef, prime rib, filet mignon, boneless stuffed chicken, poulet au champagne, chicken Francaise, veal Milanase, veal Francaise or veal cordon bleu. We did everything New York style, said Veglio. Fairfield never saw a Venetian table until I brought it in. In addition to a spread of desserts, another option for parties was the Candy Man a waiter who would offer lemon ice and a cart full of candy while Sammy Davis Jr.s The Candy Man played over the speakers. The end of an era Fairfields downtown had two working-class neighborhood bars that achieved local legendary status (before both closing in 2006). Als Place had been a bar since 1935. The Driftwood opened in 1967. (The Driftwood) was far from fancy. The wood-paneled room had a bar and a few tables. A coat rack was available to hang your jacket, and photos and beer signs lined the walls. Behind the bar, bottles were lined up, along with American flags and a sign that said, I can only please one person per day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow doesnt look good either. If you wanted a beer or a Canadian Club and water, this might be your place. A glass of wine or a fancy martini? Youd best move along. Behind the bar, Millie Larsen poured drinks from day one. In the 1950s, she worked down the street as a bartender at Rudys (now Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill). She settled into the Driftwood, where her regular patrons called her Mom. On Sundays, she would cook a buffet, which she would serve up for free to patrons so they wouldnt drink on empty stomachs. It was the kind of place where, instead of playing pool or darts, youd sit and shoot the breeze. One of the things that made this such a good bar was that we did not have that many fist fights, she was quoted as saying in the Connecticut Post. I mean, there were a few, but there was always somebody here whod break it up. Reprinted with permission from The Lost Restaurants of Fairfield, by Patti Woods. www.arcadiapublishing.com. chennessy@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @xtinahennessy It was the bird of the year, maybe of many years a hermit warbler, a beautiful Pacific Coast bird that ended up hanging around for a week or more near the Farmington River, not all that far from my house. People drove from all over the Northeast to see it from New Jersey, New York and all over New England. I heard of one woman in New York City who called Uber and hired a driver to take her to the town of Barkhamsted, where the bird was hanging out. It was a prize for all kinds of lists. I didnt see it. I heard about it a little late. I didnt catch on right away how rare it is. I let my days fill up with other things. Then bitter cold, an ice storm, rain and wind made birding unlikely for a few days. By the time I arrived at the river to see it, it was gone. In short, I was inattentive, unfocused, inactive. I screwed up. You should be kicking yourself, said Milan Bull, senior director of science and conservation for the Connecticut Audubon Society. I was not alone. Bull didnt see it, either he was traveling out of state when the hermit warbler experience was in full swing. Neither did Hunter Brawley, land manager of the Naromi Land Trust in Sherman. By the time I heard about it, I heard it was already gone, Brawley said. (He also had gone birding in Costa Rica and Panama earlier this winter. Seeing gorgeous tropical birds can keep Connecticut rarities in perspective.) Nor did Margaret Robbins, the owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Brookfield. I was just busy with the store, she said. But I definitely wished I could have seen it. Why even if you think birding is a little nutty was this such an event? Simple. Its been 40 years since a hermit warbler showed up in New Haven. There are probably only a few birders around today who saw it then. Its not just rare here; its rare throughout the East, said Patrick Comins, director of bird conservation for Connecticut Audubon, who dropped everything to see the warbler. Its a bird of the Pacific Coast forests. You normally have to travel to the Cascade Range to see it. Even there, its not all that easy to see. Its a bird that lives in the Douglas fir forests, Bull said. It stays high up in the tops of those trees. And like many warblers, its brilliantly colored. When I saw it, it was sitting on top of a hemlock, with a really bright yellow head, said Ken Elkins, education programs coordinator at Connecticut Audubons Bent of the River center in Southbury, who wisely dropped what he was doing to drive over to Barkhamsted. You could just tell it was something special. Its a beautiful bird, Comins said. No one knows exactly how this particular bird got blown a continent away from home. A reasonable guess might be that in an El Nino year like this one, the violent winds hitting the West Coast picked up this bird and carried it along. Comins also pointed out that this year has seen several western birds showing up in Connecticut flycatchers, a Townsends solitaire, a western tanager. In the fall, there were reports of Franklins gulls another western species scattered throughout the state. Elkins, of Bent of the River, said ornithologists are speculating that all these birds rode into the state on the same wave of autumnal winds. People think the warbler may have been in the state since November, Elkins said. Nobody noticed it until the end of January. The fate of the bird is now unknown. It hasnt been seen in many days. In my opinion, I think the bird is dead, a victim of three horrible days of Arctic cold, sleet and rain, Bull said. It was completely out of its habitat. Others think its just moved on maybe even headed home. I prefer to think it isnt dead, said Robbins, of Wild Birds Unlimited. It may have just realized Hey, Im in the wrong place. One reason I did not jump to it with the hermit warbler is that, in general, my luck in seeing rarities is about on par with my skill at picking Powerball, or even winning $150 in free groceries at my local supermarket. My rule is, the rarer the bird, and the farther it is I have to travel to see it, the less chance Ill have of actually seeing it, Bull said. But standing on the bank of the Farmington, looking in vain for the hermit warbler, I did see a peregrine falcon perch atop an iron bridge. I heard Canada geese honking above the rivers rush. I saw a mixed flock of bluebirds and cedar waxwings rearranging their colors blue, orange, yellow, sleek olive brown, black as they moved from bush to bush. I saw a sharp-shinned hawk fly in and scatter those birds away. It was not a wasted morning. I will keep my eyes open, checking websites, in case the rare one returns. But I also think of Peter Matthiessen a great writer who was also a full-bore birder. At the end of his book The Snow Leopard, which recounts a grueling three-month trek in the Himalayas, he realizes he was spared the desolation of success that would have come with actually seeing what he set out to see. Have you seen the snow leopard? Matthiessen writes. No! Isnt that wonderful? Contact Robert Miller at earthmattersrgm@gmail.com Between the 2011-2015 election 53% of support lost by the Conservative Party of Canada supported climate action TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, Canadians for Clean Prosperity launched a new research study showing that if the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) wants to return to power, they must address Canadian concerns for the environment. Furthermore, the research shows that contrary to stereotypes, environmental issues are important to conservative voters. An analysis of voter opinions and choices in the 2011 and 2015 election found: The number of climate conscious Canadians who voted Conservative declined dramatically since the last election: 53% of voters the Conservative Party lost between the 2011 and 2015 elections support climate action. The research clearly indicates that the Conservative base wants action on climate change: more than 1 in every 4 Conservative voters support climate action and expect government action on the file. The majority of Canadians care about the environment: demographic analysis of the research shows that the difference between a "climate conservative" and their non-green counterparts is relatively minor. "The challenge for the CPC and their next leader is to give Canadians a credible, conservative action plan to address the threat of climate change. Failure to do so could mean the continued decline of the Conservative vote share," says Mark Cameron, Executive Director, Canadians For Clean Prosperity. "The data demonstrates that during the 2015 election the majority of Canadian voters were pro-climate action voters - they supported action to reduce greenhouse gases and the implementation of carbon pricing. Given this massive support, it would be very difficult for Conservatives, or any party to form a majority government without securing the support of sizable portion of this group. Even if climate issues are not "ballot questions" (the defining issue upon which voters make their choice), voter's confidence and support for a party is sure to be impacted by its stance on climate action." he concludes. The full report is available for download: http://www.cleanprosperity.ca/poll Research Methodology: As the 2015 election neared, Canadians for Clean Prosperity sought to understand how these issues were viewed by the conservative voter coalition, how support for climate action was interacting with party choices, and whether conservatives can construct a winning coalition in the absence of climate action supporters. To that end, Vox Pop Labs were asked to analyze their extensive and unique data set to provide in depth analysis of these issues. Vox Pop Labs operate a national voluntary survey via the popular "Vote Compass" application. With a sample size of 108,932 and substantial demographic and psychographic data, they are able to accurately weight their sample to reflect Canada's geography, gender, age, education level, language, religion, religiosity and civic engagement to reflect the population of Canada according to census data and other population estimates. By segmenting and weighing this data, Vox Pop Labs are able to accurately describe the shifting patterns of the electorate between 2011 and 2015 election, and inform our conversation. About Clean Prosperity: Canadians for Clean Prosperity seeks to build enduring political support for market-based policies that generate growth while conserving our environment. We educate and influence governments, legislators, political, business and other thought leaders, and give Canadians who share our vision the tools to influence their leaders and representatives. About Vox Pop Labs: Vox Pop Labs is a civic tech and data initiative founded and operated by a team of statisticians and social scientists. Its digital products have engaged millions of users worldwide. Its analytical services draw on unique data and methods to generate exceptional insights for media, government, commercial, and non-profit institutions. SOURCE Canadians for Clean Prosperity For further information: Media Contact: Mollie Anderson, 416.777.2327 x201, [email protected] The Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, on Saturday described the former President Goodluck Jonathans Almajiri school initiative... Ganduje said this in an interview with reporters in Abuja.He explained that the former administration was ill-advised to pursue a policy which inadvertently helped to perpetuate the stigmatisation of Aljamiri children.According to him, the Aljamiri school system is limited in scope and only able to absorb an insignificant number of pupils who are likely to have bigger problems integrating into the larger society.To address this challenge, Ganduje said his administration had put in place strategies to fully integrate the Almajiri schools pupils into the normal school system.The governor, who admitted that his state accounted for the largest number of Almajiri children, revealed that he had written President Muhammadu Buhari about the matter.He said in the letter, he articulated the challenges, his plans and possible areas of partnership with the Federal Government.Ganduje said, The last Federal Government introduced the Almajiri schools but the school is not well articulated, it is a wrong policy.For example in my village, we have this school with only 50 students and in Kano, we have over 3 million Almajiris and the number of Almajiri is almost a problem to the number of schoolchildren so, the issue is not creating a school. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has threatened to shut oil companies whose activities negatively affect the environment and... The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has threatened to shut oil companies whose activities negatively affect the environment and residents of their host communities.NHRCs Executive Secretary, Prof. Bem Angwe, said this after inaugurating an investigative panel on the complaints by some host communities on environmental pollution caused by activities of oil companies on Monday.He regretted that past reports produced by various government regulatory agencies and institutions were ignored by the affected companies.Angwe said his agency had earlier raised a team which undertook an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas.He assured that the era of impunity is over as the commission would ensure that its own report is fully implemented.We will not allow this impunity to continue. So we have decided to carry our special investigations into the activities.After this, we will take the report to the Federal Government of Nigeria and in line with our mandate, we will ensure that these report is implemented to the letter.Like we have said, this commission will not hesitate to shut down oil companies that today violate the rights of the people of Nigeria.On whether the NHRC possesses the power to shut the erring companies, Angwe said it was part of the mandate of the NHRC to investigate all issues bordering on rights of Nigerians. The Lagos State Government has described the out break of the fatal febrile rash illness in Otodo Gbame community area of the state as me... The Lagos State Government has described the out break of the fatal febrile rash illness in Otodo Gbame community area of the state as measles.The disease was confirmed as measles virus through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique carried out at the Virology Reference Laboratory, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba.Four throat swabs and one blood sample was examined among the victims.This is in addition to the five blood samples taken to the Central Public Health Laboratory, Yaba that also tested positive for IgM, a blood marker for infection with measles virus. A former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has urged the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal to void ... A former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has urged the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal to void the warrant for arrest issued against him on January 14 and February 8 by Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos.Justice Buba issued the warrant for Tompolos arrest for his failure to honour summons issued on him in respect of 40 counts of alleged N45.9bn fraud levelled against him and nine others.The judge had in a ruling on February 8 dismissed an application by Tompolos lawyers, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, seeking to vacate the arrest warrant on the claim that Tompolo was not properly served with the summons.Following Tompolos continued absence in court, Justice Buba, on Friday last week ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to seize some assets belonging to Tompolo pending when he would appear in court to answer the charges.In a statement on Sunday, Adegboruwa, however, said his law firm and that of Oyetibo had since Thursday filed an appeal against the arrest warrant issued on Tompolo by Justice Buba.In their 10 grounds of appeal, Oyetibo and Adegbroruwa contended that Justice Buba erred in law when he refused to set aside the warrant of arrest issued against him (Tompolo), when there was no evidence to show that he had been notified of the summons and the criminal charge pending against him, before the Court.The lawyers also argued that Justice Buba ought to have ascertained that the EFCC duly complied with the order of the court for substituted service, by posting the charge at the correct address as contained in the order of the court.They also urged the appellate court to declare that the application leading to the issuance of the warrant for Tompolos arrest was not competently placed before the court, because the counsel that signed and filed it on behalf of the EFCC failed to affix his seal thereto, as required by law. DSC_9594e.jpg Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno helps cut the ribbon for the Moonachie facility of Flomo USA. (Office of the Governor) ( ) MOONACHIE -- Wendy Shen, CEO of the Nygala Corporation/Flomo USA, could have moved her company to New York or Pennsylvania when the lease at the company's facility in Teterboro. It might have been cheaper and both states were likely to offer incentives to Flomo for leaving New Jersey. But the company stayed in-state, leasing a 100,000 square-foot building on Moonachie Avenue. "We didn't want to lose any employees," Shen said. The company expected to lose almost half its workforce. "Job retention is very important." Flomo, a manufacturer and seller of gift, party, holiday and office supplies, employs about 40 people. The company moved to Moonachie despite higher property taxes and even though it didn't qualify for any state incentives. However, the location is close to its customers in New York and New Jersey and has access to several major highways, Shen said. And the company received help from the state in other ways. The Business Action Center has worked with Flomo to make introductions to foreign consular officials, smoothing the path to trade in Mexico, Colombia , El Salvador, Costa Rica and Guatemala. Shen was grateful enough to invite Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno to a ribbon cutting on Wdnesday. Jim Kirkos, CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce, said being business-friendly can sometimes carry as much weight as tax credits. "The state and legislature need to make sure we have the capacity to continue to offer incentives where appropriate, but more importantly, we just need to have a good business friendly posture," he said. Shen brought Flomo to the U.S. in 1992, when it was a stationery business that belonged to her father. The company sells products to wholesalers and retail chains, but is launching a an e-commerce website called Glittzie that will offer products in smaller quantities to customers like teachers who buy their own classroom supplies. Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. NORTHVALE - Police called to a vacant home on a report of an alarm found the emaciated corpse of a dog inside, authorities said Monday. Officers were called to 442 Crest Dr. on Feb. 18 because there was water coming out from under a garage door and the house alarm had sounded, police Chief William Essmann told northjersey.com. The emaciated dog appeared to have been left alone for an extended period of time in deplorable conditions, according to the report. Public records show the home is owned by Dustin and Jennifer Cook. Dustin Cook, 36, is currently in the Bergen County Jail on weapons charges, jail records show. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Sometimes issues presented to Bamboozled are resolved with great difficulty and months of explanation, prodding and negotiations with a company. Sometimes, no solution ever comes. But now we have a first. A consumer issue was resolved without Bamboozled making a single phone call or sending a single email. It started when Marilyn Holtzman of Ewing Township asked for help. After seeing her neighbor install solar panels, Holtzman decided to see if solar was a good option for her home. She made an appointment with NRG Home Solar of Princeton. Two salesmen came to her home on Nov. 12, 2015, and Holtzman listened to the pitch. She said she was hesitant, but she signed up for a leasing program that would be contingent on her house being able to support the panes and be in the right path of the sun. That information would come with an inspection the following week. The first salesman left, Holtzman said, but the second stayed to chat a bit longer. Marilyn Holtzman of Ewing says a salesman from NRG Home Solar accidentally broke two Kiddish cups, used during a blessing on Jewish holidays, while visiting her home in November 2015. Holtzman says NRG Home Solar has not responded to requests to pay for the damage. The pictured Kiddush cup, with a repaired crack in the stem, was hand-made for Holtzman's son's bar mitzvah. "He then picked up his jacket and in swinging it over his shoulders, he accidentally knocked over two goblets displayed on the top of my dining room hutch, which was directly behind him," Holtzman said. "One was crystal and one was ceramic. They fell to the floor and broke." The incident also chipped a ledge on the breakfront, she said. Holtzman said the salesman apologized and said the company would pay for the damage, and that Holtzman should send him an email with an estimate. Holtzman wasn't exactly angry - she knows that accidents happen. But the broken items had sentimental value that couldn't be replaced with cash. "Both of these goblets were actually Kiddush Cups that were part of a display of other Kiddush cups, and each one is specifically related to one of my children," she said. Kiddush Cups are used in the ritual blessing of wine in the Jewish faith, and each of Holtzman's children received his or her own cup upon their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Holtzman said the fall left the stem of the crystal cup smashed into many pieces. The second, she said, was a one-of-a-kind ceramic handmade cup that cannot be replaced. "I have tried gluing it together but that is imperfect," she said. "The crack is obvious and therefore unusable for any ritual." Holtzman sent the estimate to the salesman on Nov. 14. She estimated the crystal piece to be worth about $30 per an online search, while the ceramic cup was valued at somewhere between $75 and $100 by the daughter of the deceased artist who created the cup. Marilyn Holtzman of Ewing says a salesman from NRG Home Solar accidentally broke two Kiddish cups, used during a blessing on Jewish holidays, while visiting her home in November 2015. Holtzman says NRG Home Solar has not responded to requests to pay for the damage. The pictured Kiddush cup was an heirloom piece Holtzman wrote that her son would try to repair the breakfront on his next visit to her home, and she wasn't asking for any money for that. She also did some more research on the company, and she said she found some negative online reviews that made her uncomfortable. There were also 43 complaints about NRG to the in the past three years -- 42 were listed as resolved -- but the company's BBB accreditation was revoked in November 2015. The BBB gives the company an "F" rating. So on the same day that she sent the estimate to the salesman, she exercised her right to rescind the deal and cancelled by fax to the home office in Texas. A week later, the salesman responded to Holtzman's message, saying in an email that a check would be mailed on Dec. 14, and if she didn't receive it a few days after, that she should contact him again. By Dec. 21, the check hadn't arrived, so Holtzman emailed again. The salesman didn't respond, so she emailed again on Dec. 24. Still, no response. Nor was there a response to her follow-up emails and calls. "Although there is not a great monetary value involved, how do I place a price on the sentimental value?" she said. That's when she reached out to Bamboozled. THE UNUSUAL RESOLUTION We reviewed Holtzman's email records and started to look into the company. While we researched, we arranged for Holtzman to meet our photographer on Feb. 9. Here's where things got interesting. The day after Holtzman's photos were taken, she reported good news. "I am still digesting the results of your work," she said. Two reps from NRG had called her within minutes of each other, she reported. But hang on, we said. We hadn't reached out to the company yet. Then, we received a message from an NJ Advance Media editor, who received an email from NRG. The spokesman said the company had seen Holtzman's photos on NJ.com, and it wanted to make a statement. "We've spoken with and apologized to Mrs. Holtzman for the actions of one of our employees, who was terminated in December 2015 and no longer works for our company," said spokesman Erik Linden. "Additionally, we are reimbursing Mrs. Holtzman for the cost of her damaged goods and hope to serve her in the future as one of our thousands of satisfied solar customers in New Jersey and across the nation." - That explained it. The photos of Holtzman were posted in a gallery in the NJ.com photos section for future use with this story, and a Google alert notified the company about the photos before we made the call, and NRG took immediate action. That's a Bamboozled first. Not only did NRG apologize to Holtzman, but it also promised to mail her a $250 check "as payment for the replacement of the damaged items as well as an additional amount for our shortfall," a rep told her in an email. We called Linden, the spokesman, to explain what happened. Linden said he was grateful to learn about what happened so the company could make it right, and he explained that the terminated employee never passed on the message. "Our first thought was if only we had known sooner, we would have solved her situation more quickly and efficiently," Linden said. "We take these things seriously." A screen shot of NRG Home Solar's Better Business Bureau's page. We also gave Linden an opportunity to comment on the company's status with the Better Business Bureau. He said the problem with the company's rating was related to one customer's complaint. "We serve thousands of customers across New Jersey and around the U.S. and are very pleased with our overall record of customer satisfaction," Linden said. "That said, we are approaching a resolution to a single customer's issue and look forward to a full recertification with the Better Business Bureau in a timely fashion." In the meantime, Holtzman said she will donate her $250 check to the Jewish Community Center of Princeton Mercer Bucks (JJC-PMB). "I would preface my decision to pay it forward by saying that I pursued NRG for the principle, not the money," Holtzman said. "They did the right thing and in turn I want to contribute this payment to the JCC-PMB. The center has long been an important part of my family and is currently in need of funds to continue their good work in the community." "What started out as very hurtful has become very positive," Holtzman said. Have you been Bamboozled? Reach Karin Price Mueller at Bamboozled@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KPMueller. Find Bamboozled on Facebook. Mueller is also the founder of NJMoneyHelp.com. Stay informed and sign up for NJMoneyHelp.com's weekly e-newsletter. CAPE MAY COUNTY -- A 20-year-old South Jersey man has been charged with sexually assaulting a juvenile and taking nude photos of his victim, according to authorities and jail records. The Cape May County jail's website lists Christopher Fox as being charged with "filming another person's intimate parts without consent." It also stated he is charged with aggravated sexual assault in which the victim is "helpless or incapacitated." Fox, a resident of the Rio Grande section of Middle Township, was taken into custody at his home early Friday after a search warrant was executed, the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release Monday. Suspected cocaine, marijuana, "numerous" electronic devices and a .380 caliber handgun were seized when Fox was arrested, the release said. He is also charged with endangering the welfare of a child, certain persons not to have a weapon, as well as drug possession and distribution charges, the county prosecutor's office said. Authorities said he also took inappropriate pictures of the juvenile. Fox remains held on $250,000 bail at the Cape May County jail as of Monday morning, the jail's website said. Prosecutor Robert Taylor declined to provide more details about the case because the victims are juveniles. Ocean City police and Middle Township police also took part in the investigation. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Professor Longhair plays at the 1977 Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans.(The Michael P. Smith Archive at The Historic New Orleans Collection) WASHINGTON (AP) The House Jan. 6 committee plans to unveil "surprising" details at its next public hearing about the 2021 attack at the U.S. Capitol. The session Thursday afternoon is likely to be the last public hearing before midterm elections next month. The panel is expected to include new evidence from the U.S. Secret Service about its actions with Donald Trump that day. Ahead of a report later this year, the panel is summing up its findings. The committee says Trump, after he lost the 2020 presidential election, launched an unprecedented attempt to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden's victory. They say the result was the deadly mob siege of the Capitol. Community Its now easier than ever to connect and chat with others in your local area. You can connect with your community by asking general questions, give area updates and recommendations and even let your community know about local events that are taking place. February 22 WHEN NATURE CALLS A series of graphite animal studies by Daniel Vallieres. February 22 February 23 February 24 February 25 February 26 February 27 February 28 A series of graphite animal studies by Daniel Vallieres. What began as an exercise in rendering the subtleties of realism accurately depicting texture, composition, values resulted in an exhibition dedicated to illustrating the personality of animals and encouraging viewers to reflect on the detailed beauty of the animal kingdom. "When Nature Calls" is part of the Emerging Artist Program by Artists on Elgin in association with Science North. Runs Feb. 1 to May 2 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Science North, 100 Ramsey Lake Rd.In just two hours, while youre sipping on a glass of wine, beer, or cocktail, a performing artist will guide you through a painting step-by-step. At the end of the night you will take home your own unique masterpiece. This is a 19+ event. $45 per adult (drinks and food are extra). Event begins at 7 p.m. at Fionn MacCools, 1070 The Kingsway.Guillaume Boudrais-Plouffe looks into the poetic relationship between the mines and the blueberry bushes that thrive on the Nickel citys black rock. With an approach that alternates between fiction and reality, the fantastic and the banal, tradition and the present, this project will incorporate vernacular decorative techniques through multisensory installations and performance art interventions. Runs Jan. 22 to Feb. 27, 12 p.m.-6 p.m. at Galerie du Nouvel-Ontario, 174 Elgin St.The camera obscura is a very old discovery but the process is still utilized by contemporary scientists, teachers, artists and others to demonstrate the wonder of our world, where our landscape is literally turned on its head. Free admission. Runs February 13 to March 5 at the Open Studio, 93 Cedar St., unit 303.Have more fun at Bingo with over-sexulous Aunt Zelda (a.k.a comedian Shawn McClaren) at Boardwalk Gaming Sudbury, 940 Newgate Ave., 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., boardwalkgamingsudbury.com.Easter Seals Ontario will host the annual Dancing with the Easter Seals Stars presented by Norman Piche & Associates, Private Wealth Management. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour, a four course dinner, then a live dance competition showcasing local celebrity dancers and their professional partner. These pairings will spend the next few months preparing two dances for the evening competition. Celebrity judges along with guests will determine which dance team will be the STARS for 2016. Tickets are $100. Event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Caruso Club, 385 Haig Street.The Northern Artist Gallery/Artists on Elgin is hosting a Card & Gift Bag Painting workshop for beginners. Workshops are free of charge and all materials are supplied. All ages welcome. Please bring a smock or wear clothes that you don't mind getting paint on. Only six spots available per time slot, phone 705-674-0415 or email info@artistsonelgin.ca to reserve your spot. Artists on Elgin, 168 Elgin Street. Time slots are: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.One day ski bus trip to Antoine Mountain in Mattawa. Pricing includes transportation and lift ticket, $99/adult, $79/youth. Purchase your tickets at ADVENTURE365, 444 Barrydowne Road.Enjoy live music, dancing, sweet treats. The event is a fundraiser for the Cristina Care Fund through the Northern Cancer Foundation, which helps cancer patients who must travel for treatment. Tickets are $25. The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Caruso Club, 385 Haig Street. If you're interested in our local MPP's analysis of the provincial budget, the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce is holding an event next week you might want to attend. If you're interested in our local MPP's analysis of the provincial budget, the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce is holding an event next week you might want to attend.The chamber's next President's Series Luncheon takes place at the Holiday Inn starting at 12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29, and features Sudbury Liberal MPP Glenn Thibeault.The provincial government releases its budget Thursday, Feb. 25. It will feature the Ontario government's ninth straight deficit.Mr. Thibeault will be joining us immediately following the release of the 2016 Provincial Budget to highlight the priorities identified and what this means for both Sudbury and Northern Ontario, the chamber said on its website.Mr. Thibeault's address will also discuss the importance of strengthening Greater Sudbury's voice at Queen's Park. Hear first-hand how this budget will impact our economy and have the opportunity to ask Mr. Thibeault your questions, directly.Tickets to the event cost $80 for general admission and $45 for chamber members. Visit sudburychamber.ca to purchase tickets. City seeks volunteers for lead testing program The Ontario Ministry of the Environment passed a mandatory regulation in 2007 that requires municipalities to regularly sample potable water in homes and businesses for potential lead contamination. Homeowners are responsible for the safekeeping and care of their indoor water meter and outdoor remote reader. File photo. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment passed a mandatory regulation in 2007 that requires municipalities to regularly sample potable water in homes and businesses for potential lead contamination. In a press release, the City of Greater Sudbury said it is seeking volunteers in Sudbury, Onaping and Levack to participate in its 2016 lead testing program. Property owners with homes or businesses constructed prior to 1960 are eligible to apply for testing for lead in their drinking water at no charge. To register for the lead testing program please telephone 705-674-4455, ext. 3630 or register online at www.greatersudbury.ca/leadtesting. Municipal workers conducting lead testing in the homes of volunteers possess accredited identification and will never attempt to sell, install or modify household plumbing. Residents who receive an unsolicited offer for lead testing from individuals claiming to represent the City of Greater Sudbury are asked to contact the Greater Sudbury Police. Volunteers will be contacted twice annually, from December to April and June to October, to schedule an appointment for testing by a licensed water operator. Each appointment will require approximately one hour and direct access to a household tap. Volunteers will receive a written report of confidential test results. The City of Greater Sudbury supplies drinking water that is safe and virtually free of lead content, a press release from the city said. Naturally occurring lead levels in municipal water are usually non-detectable (below 0.5 parts per billion) and are always well below the Health Canada maximum allowable limit of 10 parts per billion. For more information, phone 3-1-1 for municipal services. Missed the footy over the weekend? Check out who won, who lost and which players impressed in all the weekend's games. World Club Series: Roosters 38, St Helens 12 Key points The NRL went one up in the World Club Series against their Super League counterparts after Jayden Nikorima starred in the Roosters' thrashing of St Helens. Dragons 46, Warriors 10 They're predicted to be one of the NRL's biggest improvers but the Warriors were on the wrong end of a 46-10 thumping at the hands of the Dragons in Nelson. Bulldogs 20, Storm 0 James Graham and Tony Williams suffered injuries and David Klemmer is on report following Canterbury's 20-0 NRL trial win over Melbourne. Rabbitohs 22, Titans 20 South Sydney's script with Sam Burgess and Greg Inglis in the lead roles played out to perfection in the Rabbitohs' 22-20 win over the Titans on Saturday night. Sea Eagles 58, Ipswich Jets 0 Manly's Brett Stewart and Tom Trbojevic suffered injuries in the side's 58-0 demolition of Ipswich in a NRL trial in Sydney. Raiders 34, Knights 28 The Raiders held off a strong second-half comeback from Newcastle to take a 34-28 win in the teams' final trial match of the year in Orange. Sharks 30, Wests Tigers 30 The Cronulla Sharks earned their second straight pre-season draw after a thrilling 30-30 deadlock with the Wests Tigers. Eels 22, Panthers 8 Key points The new-look Parramatta Eels beat the Penrith Panthers 22-8 in a four-tries-to-two affair at Pepper Stadium. World Club Series: Broncos 42, Wigan Warriors 12 Key points The Brisbane Broncos' preparations for 2016 continued in excellent fashion with a big World Club Series win over Wigan at the DW Stadium. World Club Challenge: Cowboys 38, Leeds Rhinos 4 After a tight first half the North Queensland Cowboys put on a show to romp to a 38-4 win over Leeds Rhinos in the World Club Challenge. GARY "Crisscross applesauce," said Dionne Cobb, as her second-graders gathered around her in a semicircle on the floor for a sing-along at Ambassador Christian Academy. Cobb then used the theme tune from the old television show, "The Addams Family," to help children remember the days of the week and months of the year: "Days of the Week. (clap, clap). Days of the week. (clap, clap). There's Sunday and there's Monday, there's Tuesday and there's Wednesday, there's Thursday and there's Friday, and then there's Saturday. Days of the week, days of the week, days of the week. (clap, clap)." Across the street in the middle school building, Yamina Jackson is teaching seventh-grade science, going over the circulatory and cardiovascular systems. She explains the circulatory system as a network of organs and vessels responsible for the flow of blood, nutrients, hormones, oxygen and other gases to and from cells. She lectures about the lungs, a pair of elastic, spongy organs used in breathing, located just behind, and to either side of the heart. "Can you live without a lung?" Cobb asks her students. A block away, Ambassador houses a handful of freshmen and sophomores. In Timothy Ojo's algebra class, freshmen are working on a group quiz in preparation for a major test the next day. They solve the problem by themselves, then talk about it, helping them to reinforce what they've learned and perform their best on the state-mandated End-of-Course Assessment on algebra. Ambassador Christian Academy is one of numerous private schools in Northwest Indiana. It has 288 children enrolled from age 1 to 10th grade. In the fall, the school will expand to 11th grade and the following year, it will expand to include seniors. Of the 288 students enrolled, 201 of them use a voucher to help with tuition. A voucher, or Indiana Choice Scholarship, allows a family to use public school dollars to attend private school. The private school was established 18 years ago by Gary-based Embassies of Christ Kingdom Ministries, headed by Pastors Cedric and Joyce Oliver. Ambassador Academy has been graded a C for the 2014-15 school year by the Indiana Department of Education. Ambassador Principal Vercena Stewart said religion, the cornerstone of the school, is taught at the beginning of every school day. As Stewart walks through the building and greets different classrooms, each say: "(We are) blessed and highly favored, walking in divine hope in the mighty name of Jesus." Once Bible study is over, Cobb moves into her first lesson for the day, reviewing addition and multiplication facts and looking at the day's weather with students. A Gary native, Cobb taught English as a second language in Japan for nearly two years before returning to the city. "My family is here. I came home to visit in 2011, and my grandmother wasn't doing well so I stayed," she said. This is Cobb's fifth year teaching at Ambassador Academy, and she said she wouldn't teach at any other school. "I chose a Christian school because I also want to teach the kids about God," she said. "So many of the students only know about their own home and don't know about the global world that's out there, that there are other places besides where they live. God has me here for a purpose." Cobb said she uses music and song, because she knows that helps children learn. "In my class, you'll see a lot of music and games and fun," she said. Cobb said it's important to get her second-graders ready for the state-mandated ISTEP-Plus exam when they're in third grade, but she said it's also important to help them become independent and critical thinkers. "During reading, we have close reading strategies, where they have to underline, highlight and prove their answer," she said. "That's a big deal, because they'll have to do that on ISTEP in third grade." GARY Local businesses will have a chance to work on the Gary/Chicago International Airport's upcoming master plan project. The Airport Authority has chosen three finalists to manage the project, and each of those will have a booth at a March 8 business expo where local businesses can pitch their services. The three finalists will then build their teams of contractors prior to interviews with the Airport Authority commission on March 29. Those finalists were not revealed at Monday's meeting of the airport authority in the airport administration building. "A part of the scoring matrix is on local inclusion," airport Executive Director Dan Vicari said during the meeting. The firms will also be given credit for including "disadvantaged business enterprises" on their teams. The airport is creating a brochure to be distributed by the city, Chamber of Commerce and other organizations encouraging local businesses to meet with the three finalists. "I have a big concern we let everyone know" about the opportunity, commission Chairman Stephen Mays said. "We invite the community to participate." The brochure will contain information on the expo, what types of businesses might find work on the project, and how to prepare for the expo. The airport's last master plan was completed in 2001, and included the $174 million runway extension that went into service last summer. John Lucas of project manager AECOM told airport commission members that a "final walk-through" for that project would be conducted when the winter breaks. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management and Federal Aviation Authority will participate in that evaluation. PORTAGE A Georgia man was arrested Saturday evening following a police chase involving multiple police agencies. Martel Ivy, 20, of Austell, Ga., was charged with resisting law enforcement, criminal recklessness and reckless driving. He may also be facing auto theft charges. The incident began just before 6 p.m. when police received a call about a reckless driver in the area of Ind. 249 and AmeriPlex Drive. Police resonded and spotted a 1999 Lexus being driven erratically on streets within the AmeriPlex at the Port business park. Police attempted to stop the car, but Ivy continued to drive, at one time hanging his head and both arms out the window to show his middle fingers to an officer behind him, according to the police report. Ivy drove onto Ind. 249, then onto eastbound U.S. 12, southbound Ind. 149 and finally onto westbound U.S. 6. Police from Ogden Dunes, Burns Harbor and the Porter County Sheriffs Department joined the pursue. A Portage officer performed a PIT, or precision immobilization technique, on the car in the 400 bock of U.S. 6 in front of R&B Customs. According to the report, the officer drove his squad car head-on into Ivys, pinning it between the fence and squad car. Police said Ivy then got out of his car, jumped on the roof and jumped into the fenced-in parking lot of the business. Officers from Porter County and Ogden Dunes entered the fenced-in area, found Ivy and placed him under arrest. Police also learned the car he was driving had been reported stolen from Michigan City earlier in the day. Ivy was taken to Porter County Jail. MERRILLVILLE Students and staff at Miller Elementary School mourned the loss of a treasured teacher Monday after the teacher's son fatally shot his parents and then killed himself. Olga Meeks, 65, and her husband, John Meeks, 66, each died from a gunshot wound at their home in the 3600 block of West 79th Avenue, according to the Lake County coroner's office. Their mentally ill son, Eric Meeks, 34, who lived with them, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. Merrillville police were called to the home about 9 p.m. for a well-being check after Olga Meeks missed a planned visit with relatives Saturday night. "They said that was unlike her to do that, and when they didn't hear from her, they called for a well-being check (Sunday night)," Merrillville Police Cmdr. Jeff Rice said. When officers arrived at the home, they found the garage door up and discovered Olga Meeks' husband, John, dead inside, Rice said. Officers secured the scene, went inside and found Olga Meeks dead upstairs. Eric Meeks' body was found beside her, Rice said. There was no indication of a struggle. "Neighbors never heard or saw anything," he said. A revolver was recovered at the scene, and all spent rounds were accounted for, he said. The ownership of the weapon remains under investigation. The street where the three family members lived remained quiet Monday morning, with the exception of idling Chicago broadcast media trucks. A blue car sat in the driveway of the family home on the northwest corner of Hendricks Street and West 79th Avenue. Neighbors did not answer knocks at their doors. A motive for the shootings was not yet known Monday morning. Rice said the deaths may have occurred sometime Saturday. Rice said Eric Meeks had a history of mental illness and lived in a residential facility in Hobart operated by Regional Mental Health Center. An officer was stationed at that facility Monday morning, and detectives planned to conduct interviews there later in the day, Rice said. Olga Meeks worked as a substitute teacher in the past and most recently as a reading aide at Miller Elementary School in Merrillville, school officials said Monday. "The Merrillville Community School Corporation has tragically lost a beloved colleague," a statement issued by the school district said. "Olga touched the lives of hundreds of children throughout the years and has been a vital member of the Miller Elementary staff." Miller Principal Jennifer Griffin said Olga Meeks was "a true asset to the Miller family." "Her love for the students and staff was evident the moment she walked through the doors," Griffin said. "She was always willing and eager to do whatever was needed at any time. She will be dearly missed by us all." Griffin said social workers and counselors would be on hand all week at the school to assist students and staff members with the grieving process. Gary native Renetta DuBois, a former reporter and anchor for Lakeshore Television, said Olga Meeks was an elementary school teacher of hers who became a friend. "She was the sweetest person," DuBois said. "Very soft spoken, very calm and calming." Olga Meeks taught Spanish at the former David L. Duncan Elementary School in Gary now the Frankie W. McCullough Academy for Girls across from the Delaney Community public housing complex, DuBois said. "I could tell she genuinely cared about teaching us," DuBois said. "This was an all-black school and there was no difference between her and any of us, she treated everyone the same. She went out of her way to make sure we all excelled." DuBois said she often turned to Olga Meeks for help, even in her broadcasting career. "Even as an adult, when I was working for Lakeshore, I'd call her to verify Spanish pronunciations before I'd go on air," DuBois said. DuBois said Olga Meeks was friends with her mother, Debra Parr of Gary, who worked with her at the school. DuBois, Parr and Olga Meeks often attended movies together, with Meeks choosing dark chocolate her favorite as a movie theater candy. Parr was supposed to go to a festival to see Oscar-nominated movies with Olga Meeks on Saturday, DuBois said. DuBois, who is currently a reporter and anchor for WJBF News Channel 6 in Augusta, Georgia, said she and her mother were not aware their friend's son had mental health issues. "She was very private about that," DuBois said. Nick Meyer, director of external communications for NIPSCO, said John Meeks was an employee at the Bailly Generating Station in Chesterton. "Our thoughts are with their family and friends during this difficult time," Meyer said. Eric Meeks worked as a cook at Gary Sportsmen Club in Crown Point. "It was a shock when I heard what happened this morning," said Dave Nanista, a chef who hired him. Eric Meeks' last shift at the club was Friday night. "He was in on Friday and walked out," Nanista said. "He had a list of things to complete and he seemed upset, didn't complete them and left." Nanista said he was aware of Eric Meeks' mental health issues and often discussed them with him. "We talked a lot about some of the troubles he had," Nanista said. "He was coming along. Sometimes, when he'd leave upset, I'd call and talk to him at home and he always appreciated that." Nanista characterized Eric Meeks as "a great worker." "He always looked forward to coming to work and we looked forward to having him," he said. "He showed up every day for work. There were a couple of times my kids had to come with me when I had to cater some events and the kids loved him. He was great with kids." Nanista said Erik Meeks appeared just recently to be thinking about future endeavors. "He was very involved in the Knights of Columbus, and he talked about using some of my recipes for events with them," Nanista said. "He was very forward thinking at that time." INDIANAPOLIS A proposal to give the East Chicago City Council the option of temporarily replacing jailed Councilman Robert Battle, instead of removing him, hit a few hiccups Monday at the Statehouse. State Rep. Greg Steuerwald, R-Avon, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said he is open to amending Senate Bill 146 with the council member-replacement provision suggested by state Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, but believes it needs a little more work. Specifically, committee members objected to the proposed laws use of disability to describe the jailed councilman, preferring inability, while at the same time wanting to expand the measure to cover all situations where local officials might be unable to fulfill their duties, including health reasons. In that case, state Rep. Thomas Washburne, R-Inglefeld, said hes not certain about cutting off pay and benefits to a replaced councilman who might be in the hospital for a few weeks, instead of in jail. Steuerwald also identified problems with the underlying legislation that would provide legal immunity for private colleges that share student data with the state. He decided to hold the measure for revisions ahead of a committee vote now set for Monday. Under Browns plan, if a majority of the City Council agrees Battle is unable to perform his duties while incarcerated, they could declare him disabled, and a temporary replacement would be selected by precinct committeemen in the Democrats 3rd District. Should Battle be acquitted of federal drug and homicide charges tied to the Oct. 12 killing of Reimundo Camarillo Jr., 31, in East Chicago, he could regain his office by giving notice he is once again able to perform his duties and a council majority agrees. HAMMOND Renovating the current City Hall to make it more technologically productive, energy efficient and ADA compliant could cost more than $5 million. That information is contained in a resolution the City Council is expected to vote on Monday night. The resolution says the costs of renovating the current City Hall at 5925 Calumet Ave. "to make it more technologically productive, energy efficient and fully" compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act is expected to be more than $5 million. Council members, however, said they have yet to see a report that was done on the cost of renovating the current structure. That report, done by a local architect, is only a rough estimate anyway, according to Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., who Friday indicated the actual costs could be significantly less or more. The resolution being considered Monday would focus on the cost of renovating the former Calumet National Bank Building, at 5231 Hohman Ave., to relocate Hammond City Hall there. The council and mayor took a tour of the historic building earlier this month. The resolution would include the hiring of a construction manager and architect. McDermott on Friday estimated it could take three or four months to complete the study. If the City Council decides not to go forward with the relocation, he said the city would look at the actual costs of repairing and modernizing the existing structure. McDermott said he has not lobbied any council members one way or another about the issue. Both McDermott and City Council President Michael Opinker indicated they were pleasantly surprised with the bank building, but also said they didn't know what issues might arise with a closer inspection of the structure. "I think we can move a lot of departments in without knocking down a single wall," McDermott said. Opinker said "I was very surprised. I thought it was going to be in a lot worse shape than it was." He said he thought the upper three floors appeared to be in worse shape than the first six floors of the structure and there would still have to be a lot of work done, including new carpeting, windows, and modern wiring. McDermott and some others have also contended moving the building will help the downtown area economically, although some council members indicated they need more information before deciding to leave the historic structure along Calumet Avenue that has served as City Hall since 1935. MERRILLVILLE Dance your own dance. Give yourself permission to breathe. Know your numbers. Let go of stress. Laugh as much as possible. Using music, dancing, health screenings and even dessert with doctors, Franciscan Alliance delivered that message to more than 800 women and a few men during Sundays fifth annual Day of Dance at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza. The Spirit of Women-sponsored event has grown in popularity each year, said Bill Bero, communications and media relations specialist with Franciscan Alliance. The Spirit of Women events occur around the country during February to emphasize heart health and inspire participants to take charge of their own health. In addition to information about heart health, Sundays event featured new offerings including line-dance instruction, a healthy habits program, carpal tunnel assessments, practice opportunities to learn hands-only CPR and information about sleep assessments, Bero said. About half of those attending registered for the first time. One of them, Christina Oliver of Griffith, said she learned about the program as a member of Omni Health & Fitness in Schererville. I love Zumba, Oliver said as she stood in line for a free photo session with a Viking-horned headdress and a handlebar mustache as her chosen costume. Sometimes Im a zero at Zumba, she added with a chuckle. Chitona Williams, of Merrillville, was also a newbie. My friend, Shonette Watson, invited me. Im loving the dancing, Williams said. A veteran of Day of Dance, Heidi Vaseloff, of Schererville, brought along two novices her mother, LNora Sanders, of Griffith, and her daughter, Kirsten Rex, of Schererville. The trio went through a number of screenings. Vaseloff and Rex learned how to perform CPR using the hands-only technique on mannequins to the beat of the Bee Gees Stayin Alive. That song has the required 100 beats per minute for effective CPR, one of the instructors told the women. I learned CPR a number of years ago. When I was recertified, I was taught this method, Sanders said as she watched the training. As in past years, the bone density screening drew long lines of participants. Among them was first-time attendee Sara Saltanovich, of Dyer, who said she learned about the Day of Dance as an Omni member and brought along her daughter and her best friend. I thought Id like to participate and Im glad I did. I just had my blood pressure taken and it was good, Saltanovich said. Its wonderful what they do for women. Its never too early to start teaching females to make good health and life decisions, said Marilyn Devine of the Northwest Indiana Fit4Mom Stroller Strides program. Devine invited moms who belong to the program to attend the Day of Dance. One of those moms, Jane Wallace arrived with her 3-month old daughter, Mila, secured in a baby carrier strapped to her chest. All smiles, the baby kicked her legs and seemed to enjoy the music and activity. Its all about health and promoting fitness. We need to start early, Devine said. Marlene Minyo, of Chesterton, said she marks the Day of Dance on her calendar and keeps all the test results from the previous Franciscan Alliance events shes attended in her records at home. One of Minyos screenings involved testing for lung function. After sustained blowing into a device that measures lung function, Minyo learned her lungs are within the normal range. This helps to give you more information, she said. In addition to bone density and lung function, the tests offered this year were screenings for atrial fibrillation, balance assessment, blood glucose, blood pressure, body fat analysis, carpal tunnel assessment, podiatric problems and stroke risk assessment. Nurse practitioners were on hand to help participants interpret the screening results. Health care professionals from Franciscan Alliance facilities also provided information about breast self-exams, cardiac screening, diabetes education and nutrition, early heart attack care, lung cancer risk information, sleep disorders and smoking cessation. Two Dessert with the Docs sessions returned by popular demand this year. These town hall-style meetings about cardiovascular disease allowed participants to talk with Dr. Matthew L. Kamin and Dr. Faheem. Kamins session dealt with Heart Attack: Its Not Just Chest Pain while Ahmad talked about Say Yes! to the Stress Test. DYER Dyer is moving forward with plans to build a new fire station No. 2 at the southeast corner of Calumet Avenue and 213th Street. The current fire station at that location dates from 1978 and will be used for several months during construction of the new fire station, said architect Ray Szany, who presented drawings and explained how the larger fire station would be positioned on the site. Town Manager Rick Eberly requested a zoning change for that corner from its current rural development to business commercial. The B-2 zoning would allow the new station to be built without the need for setback variances, something that would be necessary with the more restrictive B-1 classification. In addition, a B-2 zoning would allow for commercial development in the future if the town ever decided to sell the land. Commission attorney Bill Enseln suggested rezoning the property B-2 to be used for the purpose of municipal business. That would allow other Dyer departments to use the facility and property. The Plan Commission voted 5-0 to approve that limited use rezoning. The rezoning also included a change of the current stations address from 820 213th St. to 1319 Calumet Ave. The ordinance governing the rezoning will need to be rewritten by Enseln before the matter goes to the Dyer Town Council in March. The new fire stations design provides space for the departments larger 51-foot long ladder truck as well as smaller fire trucks measuring 25 feet, 33 feet and 36 feet. It will also include a 700-square foot police area with an office and a bay for a police vehicle. In other business, the Plan Commission voted unanimously to amend its rules for informing residents about public hearings. Previously, when a developer or individual property owner asked for rezoning or other changes, that person had to send certified mail about a public hearing to other property owners within 30 feet of the site. That had to be done within 10 days of the hearing and it had to be advertised in the newspaper 10 days before the hearing. The new regulation, which took effect immediately, also requires the posting of signs announcing the public hearing 10 days prior to that hearing. Town officials will determine the location of those signs, which will cost about $25 each. The town's building department will print out and laminate the signs. HAMMOND Purdue University Calumet celebrated its tenth Chinese New Year Dynasty Party on Sunday in Alumni Hall. The event featured performances from students from Purdue University Calumet, Northwest Indiana Chinese School and Parisi Chinese School. Thomas Keon, PUC chancellor gave the opening remarks. We really appreciate having our international students as part of our fabric at Purdue Calumet, Keon said. It makes us who we are. This Chinese New Year celebrates the year of the monkey. Keon said that the year of the monkey promises luck for the upcoming unification with Purdue North Central University to form Purdue University Northwest. One of the lucky directions in the year of the monkey is northwest, Keon said. As we become Purdue Northwest, lets all hope that our monkey brings us luck this year. Alumni Hall was decorated with Chinese lanterns and banners. Chinese candy and lanterns were placed on each of the tables. Performances included song and dance numbers from PUC students, children from the Northwest Indiana Chinese School and Parisi Chinese School and a traditional Qipao fashion show. The children performers sang songs including Five Little Monkeys and Two Tigers. PUC students danced to songs including What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction and We Are All in This Together from the Disney movie High School Musical. PUC students Zhiyu Wen, Tianning Pu, Yuankun Wang and Memory Gambino served as the MCs for the evening, and spoke to the crowd in both English and Chinese. During this time, Chinese families unify, celebrate, eat traditional Chinese foods such as dumplings, and light off fireworks, Gambino said. Shuhui Yang, associate professor of computer science at PUC, served as the head adviser for the event. She took over after Chenn Qian Zhou, professor of mechanical engineering at PUC, stepped down. Zhou initially helped start the event at PUC. This event used to be just for Chinese students with a majority of them being engineering students, but now this event is popular with the whole community, Zhou said. The event concluded with a Chinese dinner for attendants, totaling about 250. PUC provided security for the event. The event was sponsored by PUC organizations, the PUC Office of the Dean of Students, the Northwest Indiana Chinese Schoolo and the Parisi Chinese School. VALPARAISO Underage drinking is a huge problem in Porter County and one that needs attention drawn to it, said Dawn Pelc, program manager for the Porter County Substance Abuse Council. Pelc was in the liquor aisle at Strack & Van Til grocery store on U.S. 30 on Sunday watching as high school students placed warning stickers on packaged liquor and beer. "It's a good way to get the information out and it's a good way to get the kids involved. It's also a reminder to parents," Pelc said. Chris Bengtson, vice president for Strack & Van Til, said his store agreed to be part of the program after he had spoken to Porter County Coroner Chuck Harris. "We wanted to support this effort ... Some parents think it's OK to provide liquor to their children and we don't agree," Bengtson said. The bright colored stickers affixed by the students state: "Keeping it real. Providing alcohol to a minor is illegal. Think twice. The penalty is: Up to a $5,000 fine and up to one year in jail." The Sticker Shock Project was customized by the PCSAC and was adopted by a group of junior-level students who mentor freshman at Wheeler High School, school guidance counselor Mike Rosta said. The students in the Freshman Mentor Program jumped at the chance to take part in the program, Rosta said. And the timing has also been right, Rosta said, because there have been several recent underage drinking arrests by police in Porter County. Those arrests include at a party held in Porter Township on Feb. 13 in which at least 33 young people were drinking and using illegal drugs in the basement and front lawn at a house in the 300 block of Phillips Road. "We planned this well ahead of that and we hope the kids and parents learned their lesson," Rosta said. Porter County Police Sgt. Jamie Erow said police have seen an increase in the number of minor consumption arrests. Erow noted that police have zero tolerance for teens who are caught drinking alcohol. Those aged 18-20 who are tested for alcohol will go to jail and face a fine and sentence while those 17 years of age and under will be released to their parents. Those 21 years of age and older caught providing alcohol to a minor can be fined $5,000 and spend up to a year in jail, Erow said. Although not a member of the Wheeler program, Chesterton High School senior Eric Noe was one of three teens affixing the stickers on packaged beer at Strack & Van Til. "Our county has a bad underage drinking problem and we have to respond to it," Noe said. Noe said that the stickers are more for the parents than the teens. "If they are underage then how are they getting it?" Noe said. Kadie Spoor and Calysta Woods, both members of the Freshman Mentor Program at Wheeler High School, were busy placing the stickers on the packaging. "Hopefully those who buy alcohol for underage teens will think twice after seeing the sticker," Spoor said. Stacy Ballog, who was shopping for groceries, said she thinks the program is a good one. Ballog, the parent of four including two Wheeler High School students and one college student, welcomes the idea. "The more awareness the better. There's a huge problem, " Ballog said. VALPARAISO The Harre Ballroom at Valparaiso University was awash in a sea of red, yellow and orange decor Saturday for the universitys Chinese New Year celebration, sponsored by the Confucius Institute. The annual event is organized, with the help of volunteers, by Jianyun Meng, director of VUs Confucius Institute and a professor at the university for more than 20 years. Meng said Chinese families typically celebrate New Years Day in the temples, praying for good health and prosperity in the new year. Chinese New Year, which is Jan. 1 on the lunar calendar, continues with the Spring Festival and runs for 14 days, culminating with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day. This year, on the Chinese calendar, New Years Day is Feb. 8 and the Lantern Festival is Feb. 22. The festival, complete with games and prizes and traditional foods, takes place in the square in front of the temples, Meng said. VUs celebration included a buffet of traditional Chinese foods, such as meatballs, chicken wings, fried rice, and spring rolls. Vendors displayed tables offering Chinese snacks and games and riddles for prizes. Celebrants could also try on traditional Chinese kimonos and other garments and pose for photos. Guests were treated to performances, including singing, a demonstration of tai chi, and music by VUs Meifeng Traditional Chinese Orchestra. Dan Kudrna, of Valparaiso, brought his sons, J.D., 9, and Dodge, 16, to the event, which he learned about from VU students who are interns at his local business, GoYodel. If they hadnt told me about this, I wouldnt have known about it, Kudrna said. This is great. Im looking forward to seeing the performances. Warren and Charlene Yu, of Valparaiso, attended the event with their daughters, Inez, 18, and Carissa, 11. We want to be supportive of the students, Charlene Yu said. Many of them are our friends. Meng said the festival at VU began more than 20 years ago on a very small scale. The festival has grown to include at least 200 students, staff and community residents so that it now requires the use of all the unions ballrooms. Im really happy and proud, Meng said. Our job is to help promote harmony on this campus. We see more and more people of other ethnicities here. Just as Confucius, an ancient Chinese teacher and philosopher for whom the institute is named, promoted peace and harmony, Meng feels the festival does the same for the extended Valparaiso community. We need harmony, and we feel this can bring people together, Meng said. WASHINGTON Some victims and affected families in the mass shootings in southern California will file court papers in support of a U.S. magistrate judge's order that Apple Inc. help the FBI hack into a locked iPhone as part of the terrorism investigation, a lawyer and others said Monday. A Los Angeles attorney, Stephen Larson, said he represents at least several families of victims and other employees he declined to identify but who were affected by the shootings. He said the U.S. attorney in the case, Eileen Decker, sought his help. Larson said he will file a brief supporting the Justice Department before March 3. The victims "have questions that go simply beyond the criminal investigation ... in terms of why this happened, how this happened, why they were targeted, is there anything about them on the iPhone things that are more of a personal victim" view, Larson said. George Valasco, whose 27-year-old niece Yvette Velasco was killed in the shooting, said his brother Yvette's father agreed to be named in the brief. "Frankly it's difficult to understand why Apple would not jump at the opportunity to help uncover whatever information the phone may contain," according to a family statement. "We're not talking about an ordinary case here this is an act of terrorism, where 14 Americans lost their lives, and many more were seriously injured. It's potentially a matter of national security, where other Americans' safety could be at risk." An appeal by victims in the case gives the Justice Department additional support in a case that has sparked a national debate over digital privacy rights and national security interests. Magistrate Judge Sheri Pym in California ordered Apple last week to assist investigators by creating specialized software that would let the FBI rapidly test random passcode combinations to try to unlock the iPhone and view data stored on it. The county-issued iPhone 5C was used by Syed Farook, who with his wife, Tashfeen Malik, killed 14 people at an office holiday party in December before they died in a gun battle with police. The government said they had been at least partly inspired by the Islamic State. The couple physically destroyed two personal phones so completely that the FBI has been unable to recover information from them. Farook had worked as a county health inspector. Larson said the government has a strong case because of Farook's diminished privacy interests as a "dead, murderous terrorist" and because the phone was owned by his employer, the county government. "You're weighing that against the interest of enforcement in an investigation and the victims and their interest in obtaining this knowledge," he said. Gregory Clayborn, whose 27-year-old daughter, Sierra, died in the attack, said he hasn't been asked to join the case but believes Apple is obligated to unlock the phone. "This makes me a little bit angry with Apple," Clayborn said. "It makes me question their interest in the safety of this country." Clayborn said he owns Apple products and understands why the company wouldn't want the FBI to have the software to access anyone's phones. But unlocking one for the FBI, he said, is "as simple as it gets." Larson, a former U.S. district judge, said he knew Pym, the magistrate, and described her as an "extraordinary jurist" when she argued in his courtroom as a then-federal prosecutor. Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook acknowledged in a letter to employees earlier Monday that that "it does not feel right" to refuse to help the FBI, but he said to do so would threaten data security for millions by creating essentially a master key that could later be duplicated and used against other phones. "We have no tolerance or sympathy for terrorists," Cook wrote in an early morning email. "When they commit unspeakable acts like the tragic attacks in San Bernardino, we work to help the authorities pursue justice for the victims." Cook's email came hours after FBI director James Comey said in an online post that Apple owes it to the San Bernardino victims to cooperate and the FBI "can't look the survivors in the eye, or ourselves in the mirror, if we don't follow this lead." Apple's supporters planned to protest the FBI's demands on Tuesday evening outside Apple's stories in about 50 cities in the U.S., the U.K., Germany and Hong Kong. In Washington, people were being asked to protest outside the FBI's headquarters. According to a new survey by the Pew Research Center, 51 percent of Americans said Apple should unlock the iPhone to assist the ongoing FBI investigation, while 38 percent said Apple should not to ensure the security of other users' information. Eleven percent gave no opinion. The telephone survey was conducted Feb. 18 through Feb. 21 among 1,002 adults. ___ Myers reported from Los Angeles. AP writer Eric Tucker contributed to this report. Follow Tami Abdollah on Twitter at https://twitter.com/latams and Amanda Myers at https://twitter.com/AmandaLeeAP. IDOMENI, Greece Macedonia closed its border to Afghan migrants early Sunday, Greek police said, slowing the admission of refugees to a trickle and leaving a growing bottleneck of people stuck at their shared border. A Macedonian police spokeswoman denied there was any new prohibition regarding Afghans, blaming the problem on Serbia, the next nation along the Balkans migration route into Western Europe. By early afternoon, about 1,000 migrants were waiting at the Greek border camp in Idomeni and at a gas station only 17 kilometers (11 miles) away, 80 buses with 4,000 more migrants were waiting to take them to the border. Greek police said Macedonia refused to let Afghans through because Serbia made the same decision and officials feared the migrants would get stuck in Macedonia. "The authorities of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia informed us that, beginning at dawn Sunday, they no longer accept Afghan refugees because the same problem exists at their border with Serbia," Petros Tanos, spokesman for Greek police's Central Macedonia division, told The Associated Press. Despite the reports, about 500 migrants of all nationalities made the trek on foot from the gas station to the border Sunday. "I can no longer wait," said 17-year-old Ali Nowroz, one of the trekkers from the Afghan city of Jaghori Zeba. "We have spent three nights in the cold, we are hungry. They told me that the borders have been closed to us. However, when I started from Afghanistan I knew borders were open for us. I am going to the Idomeni border crossing to find out and ask why they have closed it." Since dawn Sunday, only 150 refugees from Iraq and Syria were allowed into Macedonia, on top of 310 allowed in Saturday. At the border Sunday, two Macedonian and two Czech policemen were thoroughly inspecting the documents of Iraqi and Syrian migrants and would only let them pass if they had passports or ID cards. Previously, Macedonian authorities had accepted Greek police documents attesting that an individual had been processed. "Me and my brother have been waiting for three days here but we cannot cross because we have no passports," said Hadi Dakhil, a 25-year-old from the Iraqi city of Shingal. "The Turks confiscated them and, without them, the Macedonian authorities will not accept us." EU countries have sought to cap the influx of refugees after more than one million people entered in 2015. Nations along the entry route have agreed to jointly control the flow of migrants through their territories. Macedonian police spokeswoman Natalija Spirova Kordikj told the AP that her country had not closed its borders to Afghans, saying nine had been admitted Saturday and one came through after midnight. Kordikj said it was Serbia that had stopped admitting Afghans. At a migrant collection center in Tabanovce, on the Macedonian side of its border with Serbia, 617 Afghan refugees are waiting to be allowed into Serbia, Kordikj said. A Serbian official, in turn, said the decision to block refugees from Afghanistan was made by Austria and Slovenia. Serbian Labor Minister Aleksandar Vulin said Sunday that "everyone can move in accordance with the rules set by Austria and Slovenia." "Serbia does not decide who can pass through its territory without consulting the states up the migrant route," he said. "(Our) borders are open, Serbia has not closed its borders with Macedonia or Bulgaria in any way." At the Idomeni refugee camp, Greek police prevented Afghan migrants from crossing the border, and back at the gas station, they persuaded some to board buses back to Athens, 540 kilometers (335 miles) away. A high-ranking Greek police officer who insisted on anonymity said police were trying to avoid a pileup of rejected refugees that could lead to violence. So far, the Afghan refugees are peaceful but frustrated. "I have been in the camp for two days, waiting to cross and continue my journey to Germany," said Masoud Jahangirg, 19. "They informed us today that borders are closed to us and I wonder why. I don't know what to do. I can only wait. But why accept only the Syrians and the Iraqis and not us?" ___ Testorides reported from Skopje, Macedonia. Jovana Gec contributed from Belgrade, Serbia On the heels of a shooting that injured two police officers Saturday morning, community leaders in Bedford-Stuyvesant come together to denounce violence in the city. Speaking just a block from where the two officers were shot, members from the anti-violence group Advocates Without Borders called for collective action to fight crime, urging others to speak up. "We have to be very resilient and consistent with regards to denouncing this violence in our community," said Tony Herbert. "If we stop coming out and making noise about it, then folks are going to start to become complacent, and we can't afford that." Anti-violence advocates also urged elected officials to play a more active role, in particular, singling out Mayor Bill de Blasio to meet more frequently with local officials. Why leave a fairy tale just the way it is? The French choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot is fond of skewing tradition, preferring to delve into the psychological underpinnings of his characters. In his rendition of Cinderella, he focuses on the heroines deceased mother, who has returned to her daughters life as the Fairy. He also rids the story of the usual Cinderella trappings: the fireplace, a pumpkin and glass slippers. Her bare feet are dipped in gold glitter. Of the many confusing and random turns in Mr. Maillots high-strung, unfulfilling production, one point is clear: Our Prince has a foot fetish. It may not be a Disney production, but its still goofy. Performed on Thursday at City Center by Les Ballets de Monte Carlo, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, Mr. Maillots Cinderella dates to 1999. (If anything, its dystopian, S-and-M look anticipated The Hunger Games.) Within Ernest Pignon-Ernests clinical white set, the Sisters (Gaelle Riou and Anne-Laure Seillan), with bandages on their heads and matching pastel leotards, are indistinguishable. The raunchy Stepmother (Maude Sabourin) is violent in her desire and anger, which she physicalizes in clipped, aggressive kicks and slashing arms. Mr. Maillot cant seem to decide between showcasing the young lovers or Cinderellas parents, so he gives us both. In the prologue, Cinderella clutches her mothers white dress on one side of the stage, while her father (Gabriele Corrado) and mother (Mimoza Koike, also the Fairy) offer a memory of their love in a conventional mix of passionate embraces and playful partings. Soon, the Mother shows signs of heart trouble and when she finally collapses, gold glitter rains down; as the Fairy, shes a shimmering, golden ghost. Despite his four best friends who follow him everywhere, Lucien Postlewaites handsome Prince is spoiled and hopelessly bored. Cinderellas glitter-bombed feet, more than her face, snap him out of his perpetual ennui. As Cinderella, Anjara Ballesteros is lovely, and the only dancer not overdoing it; there are even moments in the couples sweeping pas de deux that depart from Mr. Maillots usual emphasis on jagged, contained movement. They react, sensuously, to touch, yet this Cinderella with more than three pages of program notes is too busy with its back story to make space for much dancing. Its just pantomime and poses. In the golden age of modern dance, works were choreographed and performed and either kept alive through performance or not performed and thus most likely forgotten. In rare cases, a work might have been filmed, leaving a record for posterity. Recently, when Carla Maxwell, artistic director of the Limon Dance Company, was made aware of a film of Dialogues, a lost work that Jose Limon created in 1951, she set out to bring the piece back to life. At the 92nd Street Y on Friday, in the second week of this years Harkness Dance Festival, Ms. Maxwell and four company members presented their worthy and rewarding efforts at reconstruction. The film, discovered by Norton Owen, the archivist at Jacobs Pillow, is silent and incomplete. Ms. Maxwell and the dancers had to fill in the holes and decide how to connect the choreography with a new recording of a piano reduction of Norman Lloyds complex original score. Limon was born in Mexico, and Dialogues, which he made there, is one of several of his works that address Mexican history. It is a duet in two parts. In the first, set in 1520, the Spanish conquistador Cortes seizes the crown of the Aztec emperor Montezuma. In the second, set in 1867, President Benito Juarez orders the execution of the short-reigning emperor of Mexico, the Austrian archduke Maximilian. Limon gave the characters more general names, and by having one dancer play the native characters (the Emperor and the President) while the other plays the foreign invaders (the Captain and the Archduke), he emphasized historical cycles. This is a what-goes-around-comes-around dance. It ends with the President stepping over the Archdukes dead body. LONDON As sure as showers will fall during London Fashion Week (there were plenty over the last four days), Burberry will provide the starriest front row of the schedule. And so it was on Monday. Just as for seasons immemorial well, a decade, which counts as an eternity in fashion terms the A-list crowd braved the rain, turning out to snap at one another on smartphones (and at photographers who got too close) from the velvet banquettes of the vast show tent in a leafy corner of Hyde Park. But of course this wasnt like any other season, it being the first show since the announcement this month by Christopher Bailey, the Burberry designer, that it would be the last before the label switches to a see-now, buy-now seasonless format for collections. Christopher Kanes outsize talent has propelled him from design stints at Donatella Versace Atelier and Topshop to collaborations with pop luminaries like Kylie Minogue and Beth Ditto. A decade ago Mr. Kane, now 33, introduced his namesake label with a procession of ultratight neon-colored bandage dresses that caught the eye of influential critics and tastemakers. Today he credits his student days at Central Saint Martins in London with inspiring his rescue-and-rehab approach to design: a penchant for pulling a magpie assortment of oddments into a cohesive style. On the day of his show in London last week, he revisited the moment when he knew that fashion would be his calling. Did a single piece from your earliest collections cement your decision to design? The actual Master of Arts collection at school still makes me tingle. I was skint [broke], but I managed to make these dresses. When I look at them now, they look so small and weird. But when you put them on the body, they transformed it. Late Sunday, workers using a crane on a barge pulled the red-and-white aircraft from the water. An online database indicated it was registered to the Positive Rate Gear Up Flight Club, based in Farmingdale. The clubs website showed the plane as being part of the groups fleet of eight small aircraft. Jayne Ann Klein, who lives in the hamlet of Strongs Neck on a bluff overlooking the harbor, saw the lights of the plane as it was losing altitude. He just kind of glided in, very quiet, Ms. Klein said. There was no big, violent thing. There was no crash. A short time later, she said, a police officer pulled his cruiser into the familys driveway. Without saying a word, he jumped out and ran down the backyard steps that led to a beach about 65 feet below. The officer, Charles Scala, said that when he got to the beach he saw a man whose energy appeared to be flagging trying to wade ashore. Officer Scala said he waded out to the man with a life ring and dragged him to safety. Ms. Kleins husband, George, said he got to the beach in time to help bring the man ashore. He didnt have any visible injuries, but he was definitely suffering from hypothermia and shock, Mr. Klein said. The water temperature was 37 degrees at the time, according to the police. The man wore a white shirt with epaulets, Ms. Klein said. According to Mr. Klein, the man said the planes engine had stopped working and that all four people on board had managed to get out of the plane after it hit the water. The problem is there arent enough quality, free programs out there, said Brandy McNeil, the librarys associate director of technology training programs. She added that the library, which currently has 10 technology instructors teaching coding, was seeking financing to expand the program and to hire additional instructors. For students like Joshua Lee, 17, learning to code is another way to address issues in daily life. Joshua, who said he grew up watching young black men in his Harlem neighborhood get roughed up by the police, was part of the group of students who built the Protect & Swerve website and app during a Bronx hackathon in January. It creates a community for teens to gather together and learn and read about the topic and see its not overhyped, he said. Across the nation, Code.org, a nonprofit based in Seattle, has helped introduce coding to millions of students since 2013 through a grass-roots campaign every December in which people sign up to host an Hour of Code in their schools and communities. The campaign has grown to more than 198,000 organized events in 2015, up from 35,000 the first year, said Roxanne Emadi, a spokeswoman for the organization, which also trains teachers and provides curriculum for classrooms. Nearly 400 schools held an Hour of Code as part of Code Brooklyn, a campaign started last summer by Eric L. Adams, the Brooklyn borough president, and Rob Underwood, executive director of Teach CS, which supports computer science training for teachers. Mr. Underwood said the campaign was currently surveying every school in Brooklyn to assess their readiness to teach computer science to students. Bernie Sanderss loss in the Nevada caucuses, 47 percent to 53 percent, reveals a very real weakness of his insurgent challenge to Hillary Clinton. According to entrance polls which may have had some problems of their own, problems that well discuss shortly Sanderss appeal is not broad enough among key groups that traditionally make up the base of the Democratic Party. He lost among women, blacks, nonwhites, and self-described Democrats. But the loss was even more troubling for his camp than that. He also lost highly educated caucusgoers with postgraduate degrees, both the poorest and wealthiest groups, and moderates. He lost those who saw health care and the economy as the most important issues of the election, even though those are key parts of Sanderss platform and issues on which he is most eloquent and persuasive. And perhaps most interestingly, he lost overwhelmingly among people who wanted a candidate who could win in November. Good for him though, only 18 percent of those polled thought electability was the top quality a candidate needed to possess. You only have to look at the Republican winner in South Carolina to understand that this is not an electability cycle, this is a anti-establishment, point-making cycle. Gail: I concede on his personal affability. Arthur: Can I praise him for just a tiny bit longer? I cant help myself. Like or dislike his opinions, they were always so erudite and well written and sometimes even funny. Heres an example: Scalia was an ardent opponent of judges searching beneath the statutory text for legislative intent, which he believed was impossible to discern. In a 1987 case on the teaching of creationism in public schools, after his careful legal arguments, he listed a litany of reasons one lawmaker might vote a certain way: He may have been reluctant to hurt the feelings of a loyal staff member; he may have been mad at his wife, who opposed the bill; he may have accidentally voted yes, and on and on. Gail: His opinions were certainly lively. Including the one youre referring to, which I believe he wrote in support of Louisiana, which claimed that creationism had to be inserted in the public school curriculum because evolution was a discredited theory in crisis under serious scientific attack that was as much at risk as an outmoded paradigm as some believe creation-science to be. My only objection to Justice Scalia was um, his judicial thinking. His idee fixe was that the Constitution was dead. Not subject to interpretation as history moved on and times changed. Arthur: Well, he once said he preferred to say that the Constitution is enduring rather than dead. It would be great if that worked for people as well I think I might prefer to endure rather than to die. Its not that Scalia believed that laws or the Constitution should never change, though. What he rejected were changes that he felt judges were forcing on the nation without a clear textual mandate. It bugged him when the court picked winners in contemporary debates where the explicit text of the Constitution was silent. As Scalia argued often, he had no beef with citizens changing laws or updating the Constitution through proper democratic channels. But he believed in persuasion, not coercion. Heres a classic quote that I think sums up his philosophy: You think there ought to be a right to abortion? No problem. The Constitution says nothing about it. Create it the way most rights are created in a democratic society. Pass a law. And that law, unlike a Constitutional right to abortion created by a court, can compromise. Gail: As far as I know the Constitution doesnt have anything specific to say about restricting corporate campaign contributions. And Congress passed a law. Which Scalia was happy to strike down in one of the most egregious examples of political policy-making in judicial history. To the Editor: Re Poland, Americas Partner in Need (Op-Ed, Feb. 17): Witold Waszczykowski, Polands minister of foreign affairs, represents the new, strongly nationalistic Polish government, which, aside from many controversial domestic policy choices, has contributed to weakening and disintegrating Europe through its foreign policy. He might reflect that Polands security could benefit from strengthening Europes institutions rather than undermining them and reaching over the heads of European governments in quest of special bilateral relations with the United States. JUREK KRZYSTEK Tallahassee, Fla. When Douglas L. Inman began his career as a coastal scientist in the 1950s, little was known about the coastal region where water, land and air come together, which geologists call the nearshore. It was obvious that beaches differed from place to place, but geologists struggled to do much more than classify them according to their shapes. Little was known about the direct relationships among waves, currents and the movement of coastal sediments like sand. Dr. Inman, who died at 95 on Feb. 11 in the La Jolla area of San Diego, helped change all that. At the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla and its parent institution, the University of California, San Diego, he led research that opened the eyes of science to the processes that shape the beach. His death was confirmed by the university. Among other things, early in his career Dr. Inman integrated studies of coastal change with the theory of plate tectonics the idea, new at the time, that the Earths crust comprises a number of moving plates. He was a leading theorist of the idea that coasts comprise littoral cells that every stretch of coast had a source of sand, something to move it and a sink where this sediment ends up. (In California, the sources are typically rivers that carry sediment to the coast, the transport mechanisms are currents that carry sediment along it, and the sinks are the deep submarine canyons that cut almost to shore through the regions narrow continental shelf.) Dr. Inman trained generations of coastal scientists who, building on his insights, created a large and influential body of coastal research and themselves trained still other scientists, who refer to themselves as Dr. Inmans descendants. This unattached ear bathed in pink goo may look like a freaky find from Frankensteins laboratory, but its actually the product of a decade worth of medical research with 3-D printing. Bioengineers from the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in North Carolina crafted the ear along with a jawbone, skull bone and skeletal muscle using what they call an integrated tissue and organ printing system. They then implanted them into mice and rats and found that the 3-D printed biological structures not only stayed alive for several months, but grew. The team members published the blueprints behind their constructions this week in the journal Nature Biotechnology. In the past, medical researchers have created similar chunks of tissue and organ prototypes using 3-D printers loaded with live cells, but many of those prints were either structurally unfit for transplantation or unable to survive within a host. Scientists have placed human-size ear structures into rodents before, but those ears were not 3-D printed, or did not keep their structure for long or did not grow cartilage and blood vessels as this one did. Less than two weeks before London Fashion Week, Mary Katrantzou was feeling good. I like the collection so far, the designer said, referring to her fall/winter 2016 offering, which was presented yesterday though she acknowledged that she was preparing for an emotional roller coaster. Now you like it, because youre excited because a lot of the ideas are going to launch. Then you get stressed before the show, because the ideas havent come back launched and ready, so youre just a bit concerned. And then you feel sick, because you dont know how it will all feel when it comes together. She continued, laughing: So at the moment, youre coming in just before the storm. Everythings good now, and in seven days it wont be. Katrantzou and her team were working on two skirts floor-sweeping, multilayered, dazzling skirts that would be the twin showpieces of the collection. The plan was to create them in tulle; Katrantzou will also design ballet costumes for the Paris Opera this year, so her team has long been discussing how a tulle skirt could best be done, and how you can create volume, in a way that feels modern. In recent seasons, Katrantzous collections have revolved around weighty ideas: cosmology for spring/summer 2016, kenophobia versus Modernism for fall/winter 2015, and Pangaea and Panthalassa for spring/summer 2015. In comparison, this season would almost be a palate cleanser an intricate piece of pop art, that took inspiration from young love. I guess Im in the mood to do something that just feels very fun and upbeat and dynamic and energetic, Katrantzou explained. Its about not thinking too much, and not intellectualizing everything. T visited her in the studio, and then backstage at her London Fashion Week show, to track the progress of these two skirts from conception to runway. Click through the slideshow for their story. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. Veronica Roscoe, who earns $7.75 an hour working at a Burger King here, thought last August that she had won: This city had become the first in the South to approve a local minimum wage. It was, Wow, victory, Ms. Roscoe, 55, said. I was running around the job, acting a fool. But that was before the Alabama Legislature met, and before a showdown between state lawmakers and city leaders about who should have the authority to set wage policy in Birmingham. The dispute is a particularly ferocious version of a divide playing out nationally as cities increasingly move to raise their minimum wages and some states, particularly those controlled by Republicans, try to restrict their ability to set floors on pay. The Alabama Senate is expected as soon as this week to consider a proposal, which the House approved overwhelmingly last week, that supporters believe would effectively end Birminghams ambitions for its own minimum wage of $10.10 an hour. Birmingham officials have reacted angrily and plan to consider a proposal on Tuesday that would put the citys wage mandate into effect the next day, before Republicans could complete work on the bill making its way through the Legislature. It is unclear what, exactly, will come after this weeks machinations, although partisan hostilities and legal arguments seem certain. At the least, the outcome is poised to reshape economic policy in this state and lead to refined strategies in the national debate about income inequality. Senator Bernie Sanders vowed on Sunday to fight on after losing the Nevada caucuses, predicting that he would pull off a historic political upset by this summers party convention. But the often overlooked delegate count in the Democratic primary shows Mr. Sanders slipping significantly behind Hillary Clinton in the race for the nomination, and the odds of his overtaking her growing increasingly remote. Mrs. Clinton has 502 delegates to Mr. Sanderss 70; 2,383 are needed to win the nomination. These numbers include delegates won in state contests and superdelegates, who can support any candidate. She is likely to win a delegate jackpot from the overwhelmingly black and Hispanic areas in the Southern-dominated Super Tuesday primaries on March 1, when 11 states will vote and about 880 delegates will be awarded. Since delegates are awarded proportionally based on vote tallies in congressional districts and some other areas, only blowout victories yield large numbers of delegates. And Mrs. Clinton is better positioned than Mr. Sanders to win big in more delegate-rich districts, like those carved out to ensure minority Democrats in Congress, where she remains popular. WASHINGTON Alarmed at an epidemic of drug overdose deaths, the National Governors Association decided over the weekend to devise treatment protocols to reduce the use of opioid painkillers. The guidelines are likely to include numerical limits on prescriptions, or other restrictions, governors said. Bipartisan concern about the abuse of addictive pain medications unexpectedly dominated sessions of the National Governors Association, and governors said they would take their concerns to the White House, where they are scheduled to hold a business meeting with President Obama on Monday after a more social gathering at the White House on Sunday night. Gov. Peter Shumlin of Vermont, a Democrat, and Gov. Matt Bevin of Kentucky, a Republican, led the effort to press states to take action. WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. The problem began as soon as Bernie Sanders walked into the dining room of the revered and predominantly black Brookland Baptist Church here. Instead of flocking to him, as supporters do at his large college rallies, many of the churchs 780 members present looked up for a moment, then quietly went back to eating their Sunday feast unmoved as Mr. Sanders, the senator from Vermont, tried to work the room. Mr. Sanders delivered remarks at a microphone next to a buffet table offering chicken, collard greens and dinner rolls. We have, in America today, a broken criminal justice system, Mr. Sanders said at the microphone, pausing briefly after this line from his stump speech, which is usually met with applause. Here it garnered very little, and the line for the food kept moving. Brookland Baptist Church proved a tough crowd. His visit here underscored Mr. Sanderss challenge in strengthening his support among black voters in South Carolina, where the majority of Democrats casting a ballot in the states primary on Saturday will be black and where his rival for the presidential nomination, Hillary Clinton, seems to be holding on to a sizable lead. In 1928, Mr. Coolidge and his wife, Grace, boarded a train in Washington and rode for 40 hours to Key West, Fla., where they switched to the battleship Texas for the crossing to Havana, a trip that took two days. They were greeted at the port by Gerardo Machado, Cubas president, and his wife. The couple would host the Coolidges at the presidential palace in Havana and a country home nearby, feting them with two lavish banquets and accompanying them to a jai alai match and a sugar plantation. Machado gave Coolidge a Panama hat, and there was much speculation about how the American president, whose country was in the midst of Prohibition, would navigate the etiquette challenge of being offered a drink of Cuban rum. (He simply turned his back and pretended to be talking to Machado when approached with a tray of daiquiris, one journalist recounted.) News reports at the time indicated that Coolidge, known as Silent Cal for his taciturn demeanor, visibly enjoyed himself. To the Cubans, The Times reported, he now is a smiling, and not a cold and silent, president. Mr. Obama and his wife, Michelle, will make the flight from Washington on Air Force One. The visual of the presidential limousine on the mostly frozen-in-time streets of Havana, crowded with 1950s-era cars, is likely to make for a striking contrast. While the White House has not completed an itinerary, officials said Mr. Obama would meet with President Raul Castro of Cuba though not with his brother Fidel, the father of the 1959 Communist revolution and the embodiment of the enmity of the past as well as political dissidents and entrepreneurs. Among the backdrops that Mr. Obama is said to be considering for a public speech to Cuban citizens is the capitol building in Havana, next door to the National Theater, where Coolidge spoke. Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida, the two Republican presidential candidates of Cuban descent, have harshly criticized Mr. Obama for making the trip, arguing that he is rewarding a repressive regime that deserves to be shunned. Coolidges trip was in part an attempt to defuse the anger of Latin American leaders about American policy in their region. In his address, he spoke of an attitude of peace and good will in the hemisphere, in which small nations are respected. Today, Cuba is her own sovereign, he said, calling the country a complete demonstration of the progress we are making. WASHINGTON Members of Congress will return to work on Monday, convening for the first time since the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in what is expected to be a protracted fight over any nominee offered by President Obama to replace the justice on the Supreme Court. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the minority leader, will take the Senate floor on Monday afternoon, when he is expected to chastise Republicans for using the battle over the nomination to delegitimize President Obama and undermine the governments basic system of checks and balances. Several other Democrats are fine-tuning similar remarks that they expect to deliver throughout the week on the floor, in committee rooms and in news conferences. Republicans who have struggled to form a unified strategy for handling the nomination will be more cautious in their approach. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, said shortly after Justice Scalias death on Feb. 13 that Mr. Obama should not bring a replacement nominee to Capitol Hill, but on Monday he is expected to contain his remarks on the subject to tributes. Senator Charles E. Grassley, Republican of Iowa and chairman of the Judiciary Committee, seemed to adjust his position almost hourly last week during town-hall-style meetings in his state. He is expected to meet with Republicans on his committee on Tuesday, with Mr. McConnell presiding. Anicet-Georges Dologuele, who led after the first round of voting in December, conceded the election an hour after the results were announced. He said the balloting had been marred by widespread fraud, but urged his supporters to remain peaceful and accompany the new president in his endeavor to rebuild the country. Election monitors said that although some fraud occurred at some polling stations, it would not have altered the final vote. Mr. Touadera, 58, is a former mathematics professor and a former rector of the University of Bangui. He was prime minister under former President Francois Bozize from 2008 until 2013, and quit just before Mr. Bozize was overthrown by mainly Muslim rebels known as the Seleka. A downward spiral of sectarian strife followed the ouster of Mr. Bozize as a mostly Christian militia known as the anti-Balaka launched counterattacks against the Seleka; thousands of people were killed, and nearly a quarter of the population was displaced. Mr. Touadera ran as an independent candidate, styling himself as a man of the people, traveling to the provinces by road instead of booking private flights as his rivals did. The new government, which should be established by mid-April after parliamentary elections, will put an end to a transitional government that was put in place in 2014 as part of a peace plan to end the conflict. It will face considerable challenges: The economy was devastated by the conflict that erupted in 2013. About 60 percent of the population lives in poverty. During the election campaign, Mr. Touadera said one of his main priorities was to attract investors so that Central Africans and foreigners alike feel welcome to do business in the country. He said he planned to develop remote provinces, especially in the north, that lack primary infrastructure after years of neglect by previous governments. THIES, Senegal The Islamic States branch in Libya is deepening its reach across a wide area of Africa, attracting new recruits from countries like Senegal that had been largely immune to the jihadist propaganda and forcing the African authorities and their Western allies to increase efforts to combat the fast-moving threat. The American airstrikes in northwestern Libya on Friday, which demolished an Islamic State training camp and were aimed at a top Tunisian operative, underscore the problem, Western officials said. The more than three dozen suspected Islamic State fighters killed in the bombing were recruited from Tunisia and other African countries, officials said, and were believed to be rehearsing an attack against Western targets. Even as American intelligence agencies say the number of Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria has dropped to about 25,000 from a high of about 31,500, partly because of the United States-led air campaign there, the groups ranks in Libya have roughly doubled in the same period, to about 6,500 fighters. More than a dozen American and allied officials spoke of their growing concern about the militant organizations expanding reach from Libya and across Africa on rules of anonymity because the discussions involved intelligence and military planning. Islamic State leaders in Syria are telling recruits traveling north from West African nations like Senegal and Chad, as well as others streaming up through Sudan in eastern Africa, not to press on to the Middle East. Instead, they are being told to stay put in Libya. American intelligence officials, who described the recent orders from Islamic State leaders, say the organizations immediate goal is to carve out a new caliphate in Libya, and there are signs the affiliate is trying to establish statelike institutions there. BAHADURGARH, India India deployed thousands of troops in a northern state on Sunday to quell protests that have severely restricted water supplies to New Delhi, forced factories to close and killed 10 people. The Delhi government ordered schools closed on Monday and rationed water supplies to make sure that hospitals and emergency services had enough. Rioting and looting in Haryana State by the Jats, a rural caste, is symptomatic of increasingly fierce competition for government jobs and educational openings in India, whose growing population is set to overtake Chinas within a decade. The latest unrest threatens to undermine Prime Minister Narendra Modis promise of better days to come for Indians who elected him in 2014 with the largest majority in three decades. As before, Mr. Modi ignored the protests instead giving a speech on rural and urban development in the eastern state of Chhattisgarh, unveiling a statue to a late Indian guru and praising a 104-year-old woman for backing his Clean India campaign. A letter issued last week by Timothy D. Cook, Apples chief executive, announcing the decision not to help the Federal Bureau of Investigation gain access to the data makes no mention of the Constitution. Instead, it talks more generally about the need to protect personal privacy and the security of customer information. As The New York Times pointed out, there may be a significant global business advantage to Apples stance that has little to do with what the law provides. A much greater stumbling block for the government in obtaining encrypted data is the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination, which can be used to thwart efforts to get passwords required to unlock encrypted files. In the world of cryptology, a secret code known only to the user usually means that the information could be kept away from the government unless there is a means to compel the person to reveal it. The Fifth Amendment provides that an individual cannot be forced to be a witness against himself, which generally means the government cannot force someone to disclose information that can be used to convict that person. But whether it lets a person shield electronic files is a more complicated issue. The scope of the privilege against self-incrimination came up last year in an insider trading case, and it illustrates how the courts have struggled to adapt the Fifth Amendment to gaining access to digital information. In Securities and Exchange Commission v. Huang, two defendants were accused of gathering confidential information from their employer, Capital One, about credit card usage at retailers to help identify which companies to buy shares. The bank provided smartphones to its employees, and each had a personal passcode known only to the user. The S.E.C. suspected that the defendants phones, which they returned to Capital One after resigning, contained information that would be helpful to proving the case, so it asked for a court order directing them to reveal their codes so the files could be opened. LONDON The private banking and asset management firm EFG International said on Monday that it had agreed to acquire BSI, the Swiss private-banking arm of the Brazilian investment bank BTG Pactual, for 1.33 billion Swiss francs, or about $1.34 billion. The deal came just days after EFG, which is based in Zurich, said it was in talks to acquire BSI. The combined company would be one of the largest private banks in Switzerland and would have assets worth about 170 billion francs under management, EFG said. The sale came less than two years after BTG agreed to acquire the business from the Italian insurer Generali Group for about $1.7 billion in cash and stock. By combining the complementary strengths of BSI and EFG, we are forming a leading global private bank with strong roots in all language regions of Switzerland, Joachim H. Straehle, the chief executive of EFG, said in a news release. Sysco said on Monday that it had agreed to acquire the Brakes Group, a European food distributor, for $3.1 billion. The transaction includes the repayment of about $2.3 billion of the Brakes Groups debt. Sysco plans to finance the acquisition with new debt and cash, and expects it to be immediately accretive to earnings. The deal comes less than a year after Sysco terminated its $3.5 billion deal with US Foods after regulators determined that the combination would be harmful to consumers by leading to higher prices and lower service. Shortly after, the activist investor Nelson Peltz took a stake in the company and later obtained a board seat for himself and an executive at his Trian Fund Management. The Brakes Group deal has been approved by Syscos board, but will be subject to review by European Union competition authorities. All of this would be fine if you are Google or Facebook and are minting cash. But it seemed wrong for Yahoo to again sponsor the World Economic Forum this year. You may suspect that many at the forum were looking at the Yahoo executives and thinking that this would be their last year there. What a waste of money, and what bad public relations. Instead, what Yahoo is left with is a new strategy, one that is focused on Mavens (Silicon Valley shorthand for mobile, video, native and social platforms), while struggling with cost-cutting and an employee morale situation that Ms. Mayer describes as complicated. The sale announcement is only going to make the situation worse as more employees head for the doors. All that free food buys loyalty only as long as you are a winner, and Yahoo is now in triage mode. All this would make it hard for any board to maintain control. The default, of course, is to pull the ripcord. I had thought that the Yahoo board was taking a stronger stance by trying to buy a year with the Yahoo spinoff, but the board has buckled under pressure, with a potential proxy contest from the hedge fund Starboard Value looming. And indeed, watching videos of Ms. Mayer and the chairman, Maynard Webb, talking about the companys future gives you more a sense that they are more at odds than working together. (Watch the video and make your own conclusions.) Yahoos bankers will now call the usual subjects and run an auction. This typically takes about one to two months, although given the fact that everyone knows the situation here, it may go more quickly. LOS ANGELES Not so fast. In announcing diversity-oriented institutional reforms after a special session of its governing board last month, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences got ahead of its own rules: In fact, some of the deepest planned changes have not met procedural requirements in the groups bylaws, and have yet to be enacted, a spokeswoman for the group acknowledged on Monday. A contentious move to purge the academys Oscar-voting rolls of members who have not been active according to certain guidelines would not be affected by this procedural hiccup. At issue, however, is the academys announcement on Jan. 22 that its 51-member governing board would immediately increase diversity by adding three seats, to which members would be nominated by the president, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, and confirmed by the board. Traditionally, nominees stand for election by the individual branches of the academy, such as the acting, directing and design branches, among others. The academy did not follow its procedural timetable for making that change. The hitch undercuts the academys earlier announcement of what seemed a fait accompli significant structural changes meant to address a wave of criticism over its memberships lack of diversity. While it appears rather unlikely that the board will reverse course, it remains exposed to the possibility that a restructuring could fail to garner the two-thirds majority requirement for bylaws changes. That could happen if a substantial number of governors, besieged by member complaints, were to reverse what was described as a unanimous vote. Mr. Chatti said interest in the watches, which cost $196,000, has been very strong, with current sales on a first come, first serve basis. He also said the company opened La Fabrique du Temps, a 43,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Geneva, in October 2014. The site has not only consolidated Louis Vuittons position in the sector, but has made it possible to significantly increase the companys capacity to make its own movements. There is no question that having all 100 employees with their range of skills and crafts under a single roof has triggered some incredibly exciting and innovative synergies, Mr. Chatti said. We are now viewed as a credible power player, both now and in terms of the future, in a way we perhaps havent been before. Perhaps it is this newfound assertiveness that led Louis Vuitton to make a move this year that sent shock waves through the industry: Beginning this year, the company will no longer be showing at Baselworld, the biggest annual watch fair on the international show calendar. At the end of the day this wasnt a very tough decision to make look around us and how rapidly the luxury world is changing, Mr. Chatti said. The minute a watch goes on display we get clients in stores asking to see it, which we arent able to deliver. Then we make them wait six to eight months before they can buy it, he continued. The format of showing collections once a year no longer works for them, which means it no longer works for us. High in the Jura mountains, in the village of La Cote-aux-Fees, Georges- Edouard Piaget founded his Swiss watch brand with the motto: Always do better than necessary. The phrase continues to embody the companys commitment to excellence, whether in its ultrathin movements or the intricacies of its high jewelry collections. It also neatly mirrors the philosophy of Franck Touzeau, 43, Piagets international watch marketing and creation director since 2008. A business school graduate with an M.B.A. in marketing, Mr. Touzeau also took advanced classes in the complex universes of haute horlogerie and gemology, giving him an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to his role as head of a team that follows a timepieces creation from initial design to production in Piagets fully integrated manufacturing facilities in La Cote-aux-Fees and Plan-les-Ouates, all the way to developing the worldwide marketing strategy of the Richemont group brand. We are a brand with a strong DNA, he said, likening Piagets distinctive hallmarks to those of the French luxury house Hermes. Piagets full integration as a manufacturer and its expertise in developing ultrathin movements mean that we can be really creative at the same time as maintaining our brand image. At first glance, watchmaking and aviation would seem to occupy opposite ends of the manufacturing spectrum. And yet the watchmaker Richard Mille, whose Swiss brand is best known for fashioning avant-garde timepieces from space-age materials, found enough similarities between the two worlds to co-design a watch with Airbus Corporate Jets, or ACJ. As the ACJ managing director, Benoit Defforge, put it: We have the same kind of customer. The result of their two-year collaboration, introduced at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva in January, is the 30-piece limited edition RM 50-02 ACJ Tourbillon Split Seconds Chronograph, available exclusively at Richard Mille boutiques for a staggering $1.05 million. The relationship between the two brands, neither of which had ever engaged in a partnership of this nature, began after a friend of Mr. Milles put him in touch with Mr. Defforge. For the French watchmaker, teaming with the aircraft manufacturer based in Toulouse, France, was something of a fantasy. Im totally mad about Airbus, he said. Ive been a hundred times around the globe. Still, when I see their aircraft I am like a baby. The challenge was to identify the parts of the plane that you could bring to a watch, Mr. Defforge said. We wanted to give the feeling that this watch is an Airbus Corporate Jet, not a watch with Airbus Corporate Jets written on it. Owning a custom timepiece is not about the cost, he said, but about knowing you own something that no one else has, something unique. This is what its all about, I think, he said. He also likes to collect straps, noting that he probably has more straps than watches, like one hundred of them. And when he is not envisioning his next customization, Mr. Khoori keeps his eye on the world of watches. The latest on his wish list, from the Swiss watchmaker Franck Muller, is now his phones screensaver. The watch, a Giga Tourbillon, suits his taste. I dont like the low-profile watch, Mr. Khoori said. I like something that is shiny, that you can see from far. That much is evident in the majlis, the sitting area at the front of Mr. Khooris home, where a Rolex Submariner wall clock, in black, is a dominant feature. On the other side of the room, a number of watch storage boxes, normally kept elsewhere in the house, are stacked on a coffee table to show a visitor. Whether a Franck Muller, a Maurice Lacroix, an Audemars Piguet or a Rolex, each watch, Mr. Khoori said, has its own story. Take, for example, the vintage Rolex Daytona Ref. 16520 with Patrizzi dial, one of about a dozen timepieces that Mr. Khoori said were not for wearing, just for having. It was stroke of luck that allowed him to add it to his collection; he encountered the seller while he was taking several pieces to a watchmaker for repairs. Being in Dubai is very important if you want to show the visibility of the brand, Mr. Pontroue said. Its like being in New York. Thats because the United Arab Emirates, unlike its neighbors, is a tourist hub for visitors from China and Russia and from other Arabian Gulf nations. I remember walking into a Rolex showroom in Dubai Mall around the Chinese New Year a few years ago, only to find it overrun by Chinese tourists, Mr. Nair recalled. But over the past 15-odd months, the dwindling number of tourists has affected sales. Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, a family-owned Swiss watch retailer with 65 outlets in the United Arab Emirates, has done its best to overcome the slowdown by courting collectors at face-to-face events. Last October, for example, the company took the lead in organizing the first Dubai Watch Week, a five-day educational and cultural gathering featuring exhibitions, forums and master classes. Our main objective for 2016 will be to focus on enhancing client experience, Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, vice chairman of Seddiqi Holding, the retailing operations parent company, said in an email. This is no longer just centered around during and after sales service, but rather building an emotional connection with our clients that starts even before they step into our stores. Through events such as Dubai Watch Week and our strategic campaign, which will be activated in the second quarter of 2016, he continued, we hope to create a community of individuals that will appreciate fine craftsmanship and build a relationship with the horological world. In Qatar and Saudi Arabia, powerful retailers, such as the Doha-based Ali Bin Ali Group, control a large portion of the luxury watch business, and, by virtue of their prestige selection, are helping to educate consumers on the finer points of haute horlogerie. A flexible and inexpensive ring that is inserted into the vagina, where it slowly releases an antiviral drug, helped protect African women against contracting H.I.V. from their sexual partners, researchers said Monday in reports on two major studies that included more than 4,500 women. The protection was not complete: Overall infection rates were reduced by only 27 percent and 31 percent, though women who were over 21 fared better. But researchers said that the device was still a major advance and that the results were the most promising to date in H.I.V. prevention for African women. They said they would press ahead to get the ring approved and widely distributed as quickly as possible. The hope was to find something that could be usable enough by women that it would provide H.I.V. protection, and thats what we got, said Dr. Jared M. Baeten, from the University of Washington, who led one of the studies, called Aspire. It gives me tremendous optimism. Globally, almost 37 million people are infected with H.I.V., more than half of them women. The majority of those women live in sub-Saharan Africa, which has some of the highest H.I.V. rates in the world. Three earlier H.I.V. prevention studies in African women failed, largely because participants did not consistently use the methods offered, which included antiviral pills and microbicidal vaginal gels. Men far outnumber women as directors, writers and industry executives. Minorities are drastically underrepresented in acting roles. Lesbian, gay and transgender characters are almost nonexistent. This is the portrait of an epidemic of invisibility in Hollywood described by researchers in a study released on Monday of more than 400 movies and scripted television series from 2014 and 2015. The film industry still functions as a straight, white, boys club, said the study, which was conducted by the Media, Diversity and Social Change Initiative at the University of Southern Californias Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Its release just days before the Academy Awards ceremony echoed earlier findings by the Directors Guild of America and was sure to deepen the debate over the lack of diversity among this years acting nominees. For the second year in a row, the nominations did not recognize any minority actors. The hashtag #OscarsSoWhite should be changed to #HollywoodSoWhite, the study said, referring to the Twitter protest, as our findings show that an epidemic of invisibility runs throughout popular storytelling. Last week, while Mayor Bill de Blasio was downstairs tucking into a pastrami sandwich at the newly reopened Carnegie Deli, Elsie and Pasquale Forino sat in their sky-blue kitchen one floor above having their own breakfast of toast and fruit. When Mr. Forino pressed down the lever on the toaster, the lights dimmed. We used to make vegetarian sausage, sometimes, Ms. Forino mentioned later that day over tea, as the lights dimmed again when the electric kettle was switched on. It doesnt turn out as good with the hot plate. For 57 years, the Forinos have called this five-room apartment at the back of 854 Seventh Avenue home. Though they have only ever been to the deli once, they say they have enjoyed fairly good relations with its numerous owners over the years, a civility they have tried to maintain even after spending nearly nine months without heat or hot water. The gas in the building was shut off by Consolidated Edison in April because the deli had been illegally siphoning fuel. The boiler came back on in January, after a court order, restoring hot water and heat, but not the Forinos cooking line. The deli, meanwhile, is once again turning out Woody Allen sandwiches and knishes as big as bricks. A woman from Staten Island was eulogized in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, on Monday, a cable television star who had a distinctive nickname and a distinctive voice and spoke in a distinctive New York patois; who bought a bigger house to have space for her 500 pairs of shoes and 300 pocketbooks; and who owned a bar that she said had become, like, a tourist trap. And who was known to millions of fans. The woman, Angela Raiola, was a linchpin on the VH1 series Mob Wives as well as the bubbly offshoot that took her nickname, Big Ang, for its title. Her connection to organized crime was through an uncle, Salvatore Lombardi, who had a nickname of his own, Sally Dogs. The creator and executive producer of Mob Wives, Jennifer Graziano, said last week that Ms. Raiola, 55, had died on Thursday of complications of cancer after she came down with pneumonia. Fanning out along the platform at the City Hall subway station in Manhattan, the plainclothes police officers blended in with the morning commuters. As they prepared to board a northbound train, they watched closely, their eyes darting from rider to rider. The team of seven officers was searching for men who use the subways crowded confines to get too close to women. Some furtively touch female passengers, while others rub up against the women they have targeted. At Union Square, Detective Marquis Cross saw a man he recognized from a previous sex-offense arrest standing suspiciously close to a female passenger. As the woman left the train, Detective Cross jogged after her to ask if she had felt anything unusual. She said that she had not, but that the man did seem too close. The officers, all from the New York Police Departments Transit Bureau, were working the Lexington Avenue line, one of the most overcrowded in an increasingly crowded system. The ever-tightening crush of passengers provides easy cover for men who prey on women, the police say. The missives began in earnest late last month after the killing of a former teacher at a Harlem shelter: 11 letters between state and city officials over conditions and violence in New York Citys homeless shelter system. The letters generally followed a pattern, with the state pointing out some flaw in the system and the city responding in clipped but polite fashion. That changed on Friday, after the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which has oversight of homeless shelter systems across New York State, wrote of a reported gang rape that, the police determined over the weekend, never took place. In a letter sent on Monday, the citys top official in charge of homelessness, Steven Banks, accused state officials of engaging in a political media hit by writing their letter before the alleged rape could be investigated and then immediately releasing it to The New York Post. Mr. Banks stopped short of declaring the actions a violation of state law, but he observed in his letter that New York law prohibits making gratuitous reports to law enforcement, including initiating or circulating a false report. A government watchdog group filed a formal complaint with New York City officials on Monday against Mayor Bill de Blasio and the outside political groups tied to him, requesting an investigation into whether their fund-raising and spending violated the law. The move is the latest salvo in two years of public complaints by good government advocates over the groups, run by close allies of the mayor, that grew out of Mr. de Blasios 2013 campaign. They have since advocated for his policies, beginning with the push for universal prekindergarten and, now, the battle over rezoning and affordable housing. The most prominent of the groups is Campaign for One New York, which has hired the mayors top outside political consultants and, as a nonprofit, has raised money for his political agenda outside the citys limits on campaign donations. In a five-page letter sent on Monday, the government watchdog group, Common Cause New York, requested that the citys Campaign Finance Board and its Conflicts of Interest Board look into the mayors actions and those of the groups, which, Common Cause asserts, run afoul of broadly worded sections of the city charter and of campaign finance law, as well as the spirit of those regulations. London I gave a talk last month at the Galle Literary Festival in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. This festival, whose home is in the southern city of Galle, has become over the past decade one of the brightest lights in Sri Lankas cultural firmament. This year, it established outreach festivals in Kandy, in Sri Lankas hill country, and in Jaffna in the North. Taking the festival to Jaffna, the northern province capital, was particularly significant. It is less than seven years since the brutal civil war between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the Sri Lankan Army came to an end. Much has been reconstructed in the North, but the ghosts of conflict still haunt Jaffna, from bullet-marked buildings to the thousands of civilians who were killed in the wars bloody conclusion. Against this background, the festival provided a space for engagement with a wide variety of ideas in a way that does not often happen in a place like Jaffna. It opened with a discussion of Tamil literature, which has a long and important history that has helped shape and define Tamil identity. Acknowledging the sensitivities involved, the festival organizers held the session in Tamil. Strikingly, though, every panelist and many Tamil writers in the audience objected, insisting that it should have been in English. We dont want to be talking just to ourselves, one said. At the same time, the Cameron government has hardly trumpeted the British role in the European Unions leadership on climate change. Without Britains efforts, alongside those of its union partners, France would probably have struggled to reach the new global agreement on climate change that was sealed in Paris in December. Political leaders have rarely spoken of the value and importance of working with Britains European neighbors on sharing intelligence about terrorists or confronting organized crime. Tellingly, the United States wants Britain to stay in the union; Russia, on the other hand, would be delighted if it left. The Cameron government has avoided explaining what leaving the European Union would mean: Economists point to stark possible consequences, including a serious dent to growth or, at worse, a recession. Renegotiating scores of trade agreements would be a huge and prolonged effort. Nor has the government made any provision for the roughly two million Britons living in other European Union countries, including tens of thousands who are unemployed and often claim more in benefits from those countries than migrants in Britain do. The result is that myths and disinformation have flourished. Opinion polls in Britain consistently show high levels of ambivalence, ignorance and suspicion about the European Union. Soon after the draft deal was announced, a YouGov survey showed an increase in support of a British exit, or Brexit, with 45 percent of respondents in favor of leaving the union and 36 percent against although other recent polls have shown a majority in favor of staying in. If a majority in England votes to leave the Europe Union, while a majority of Scots votes to remain, this could lead to another referendum on whether Scotland should remain in the United Kingdom. Nationalists would push for an independent Scotland to rejoin the European Union. Mr. Camerons legacy could then include the breakup of Britain. Unchecked by its leadership, Conservative Party infighting over Europe has intensified. Some members of Parliament have already announced that they will vote to leave the union no matter what renegotiation their prime minister achieves an Ipsos Mori survey found that a fifth of Tory parliamentarians who responded would vote for Brexit regardless of the new deal. According to The Daily Telegraph and the BBC, six cabinet ministers would vote to leave, with six others yet to decide pending the result of the renegotiation. Mr. Cameron already pledged to step down as party leader before the next general election, in 2020. Because of this, some contenders may view the referendum as a wedge issue in the future leadership contest. One likely candidate, Boris Johnson, Londons mayor, has already announced that he will campaign against Mr. Camerons deal. India is in the throes of a violent clash between advocates of freedom of speech and the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and its political allies on the Hindu right determined to silence dissent. This confrontation raises serious concerns about Mr. Modis governance and may further stall any progress in Parliament on economic reforms. The crisis began with the arrest of Kanhaiya Kumar, the president of Jawaharlal Nehru Universitys student union, by the Delhi police on charges of sedition. Mr. Kumars arrest followed an on-campus rally on Feb. 9 that marked the anniversary of the 2013 hanging of Muhammad Afzal, who was convicted of participating in the 2001 terrorist attack by an Islamist group based in Pakistan on Indias Parliament. The circumstances of Muhammad Afzals trial and execution remain controversial. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, a student group affiliated with Mr. Modis Bharatiya Janata Party, and new university leadership appointed by Mr. Modis government were involved in calling the police on campus and singling out Mr. Kumar. The court in New Delhi where Mr. Kumars hearing took place last week was a scene of chaos, as lawyers and B.J.P. supporters chanting glory to Mother India and traitors leave India assaulted journalists and students. The police refused to intervene. A B.J.P. member of Indias legislative assembly, Om Prakash Sharma, who was recorded on camera severely beating a student, said later, There is nothing wrong in beating up or even killing someone shouting slogans in favor of Pakistan, as some students were accused of doing. To the Editor: Iraq is experiencing de facto partition driven by violence, factionalism and eroding state authority. The United States cannot prevent this only mitigate it and buy time for key parties to adapt their policies to help Iraq have a managed breakup. Here is why. First, ISIS will strive to recapture previously held Iraqi cities to maintain its so-called caliphate and preserve its image as leader in the global jihadist movement. Iraqi forces and Sunni tribal militias will need more robust American and coalition support ground forces and air power to eventually defeat ISIS. Second, alienation of the Sunnis continues to breed deep distrust of Iraqs Shiite-led central government. Many Sunnis view Baghdads corrupt policies as a greater threat than ISIS, and therefore cooperate (sometimes passively) with the extremists. To mobilize Sunnis into the fight, the United States must encourage Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to implement reforms that provide the Sunnis more autonomy and access to government jobs. He should also equip Sunni militias with heavy weapons and appoint them guardians of their embattled communities. Third, Iraqi Kurds, who have won autonomy and shed blood against ISIS, expect Baghdad to make revenue- and oil-sharing concessions before committing their soldiers to fighting ISIS again. This will require Mr. Abadi to make compromises that his Shiite base, Turkey and Iran will certainly oppose. Nevertheless, Washington must convince all parties that ridding Iraq of ISIS is in their common interest. To the Editor: Re Bush Familys Party Is Owned by Others Now (news analysis, front page, Feb. 21): Is the Republican Party now the party of Donald J. Trump? Hes supported by only about a third of Republican voters and is winning only because of a fractured opposition. If he wins the nomination, it will be only because many of the primaries award all their delegates to the one who gets more votes than anyone else rather than a candidate supported by the majority of the voters. This is an inherent problem in the way we choose a president. Republicans who oppose Mr. Trump still solidly outnumber those who support him. What really scares me is that supporters of Mr. Trump and Ted Cruz together might actually constitute a majority. That, then, really does speak to the mean mood of the Republican electorate. MARK J. KASWAN Brownsville, Tex. The writer is an assistant professor of political science at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. For all its peculiar horror, cancer comes with a saving grace. If nothing else can stop a tumors mad evolution, the cancer ultimately dies with its host. Everything the malignant cells have learned about outwitting the patients defenses and those of the oncologists is erased. The next case of cancer, in another victim, must start anew. Imagine if instead, cancer cells had the ability to press on to another body. A cancer like that would have the power to metastasize not just from organ to organ, but from person to person, evolving deadly new skills along the way. While there is no sign of an imminent threat, several recent papers suggest that the eventual emergence of a contagious human cancer is in the realm of medical possibility. This would not be a disease, like cervical cancer, that is set off by the spread of viruses, but rather one in which cancer cells actually travel from one person to another and thrive in their new location. So far this is known to have happened only under the most unusual circumstances. A 19-year-old laboratory worker who pricked herself with a syringe of colon cancer cells developed a tumor in her hand. A surgeon acquired a cancer from his patient after accidentally cutting himself during an operation. There are also cases of malignant cells being transferred from one person to another through an organ transplant or from a woman to her fetus. Though these types of floods often produce only a foot or two of standing saltwater, they are straining life in many towns by killing lawns and trees, blocking neighborhood streets and clogging storm drains, polluting supplies of freshwater and sometimes stranding entire island communities for hours by overtopping the roads that tie them to the mainland. Such events are just an early harbinger of the coming damage, the new research suggests. I think we need a new way to think about most coastal flooding, said Benjamin H. Strauss, the primary author of one of two related studies released on Monday. Its not the tide. Its not the wind. Its us. Thats true for most of the coastal floods we now experience. In the second study, scientists reconstructed the level of the sea over time and confirmed that it is most likely rising faster than at any point in 28 centuries, with the rate of increase growing sharply over the past century largely, they found, because of the warming that scientists have said is almost certainly caused by human emissions. They also confirmed previous forecasts that if emissions were to continue at a high rate over the next few decades, the ocean could rise as much as three or four feet by 2100. Experts say the situation would then grow far worse in the 22nd century and beyond, likely requiring the abandonment of many coastal cities. SAN FRANCISCO In the months leading up to Apples standoff with the United States government over the unlocking of an iPhone, the technology industry braced itself for a big demand a back door into all of Apples products, or a way to destroy the companys strong encryption. Instead, the F.B.I. took the industry by surprise and cleverly stopped short of expectations. The bureau asked Apple for something very specific: that it create an alternative operating system for just one phone that would help the government break into the device. The limited nature of the request has helped the government portray this case as a one-time demand, without ramifications beyond the case at hand. In public statements posted on Sunday, the F.B.I. director, James B. Comey Jr. wrote: We dont want to break anyones encryption or set a master key loose on the land. While the F.B.I. is pursuing a narrow focus, Apple is arguing its side as broadly as possible. The company has repeatedly said this case is about much more than the iPhone of one of the attackers from a mass shooting in San Bernardino, Calif., which killed 14. The company has framed the governments request as a larger discussion of privacy and civil liberties, and a slippery slope that could open the way to similar demands in the future. Most people think that trying to download an entire movie to a mobile device is the act of a madman. Or the act of someone with plenty of time and money to burn. But in Europe work has begun on one of the first examples of a new generation of wireless technology that could make mobile movie downloads not quite so crazy. The work, headed by Samsung, Fujitsu and other big companies, on so-called fifth-generation or 5G is set to be completed in a town south of London by 2018. The British project is hardly the only 5G effort underway. Wireless carriers like AT&T and Verizon are also working on 5G projects, and Facebook is even heading a project to bring an open-source version of 5G to consumers. Google is spearheading similar efforts to add rocket fuel to wireless networks. What can be done on a 5G network is expected to be a major conversation point at the Mobile World Congress conference in Barcelona this week. Typically at the annual conference, most of the worlds biggest smartphone and telecommunications equipment makers gather to promote themselves in front of the technology press over who has the must cutting-edge technology. BARCELONA, Spain Mark Zuckerberg on Monday threw his support behind Apple in its bitter battle with the United States government over attempts to gain access to information protected by the companys sophisticated encryption technology. Speaking at the Mobile World Congress, an annual tech and telecommunications conference here, Mr. Zuckerberg said that Facebook would play its part in the fight against global terrorism, but that weakening the digital security of technology companies was a bad idea. A federal magistrate judge, at the Justice Departments request, recently ordered Apple to bypass security functions on the phone of a gunman in the December mass shooting in San Bernardino, Calif. But the company has refused to comply with that order, fearful that it could be forced to create a so-called back door to its encryption technology that could be misused by government agencies. I dont think building back doors is the way to go, so were pretty sympathetic to Tim and Apple, said Mr. Zuckerberg, in reference to Apples chief executive, Timothy D. Cook. The incentive to discover a useful new drug is clear. Patents and exclusive marketing rights granted by the Food and Drug Administration enable drug companies to profit from a monopoly. The monopoly prices allow them to earn enough to recover the cost of developing new drugs the ones that succeed and the attempts that fail as well as profit. There is no comparable incentive to investigate the use of existing drugs as solutions for other health issues, what the University of Michigan law professor Rebecca Eisenberg termed the problem of new uses. Despite the limited financial incentives and investment, over time, some valuable new uses of previously developed drugs have been found. Sometimes new uses are discovered by accident or through publicly sponsored studies. The diabetes drug metformin appears useful in treating breast cancer. Thalidomide, the morning sickness treatment that caused birth defects, is now approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. In 2012, researchers experimenting on mice discovered that a cancer treatment drug showed encouraging early signs of effectiveness against Alzheimers disease. But there is little incentive to evaluate an existing drug for additional uses to the extent required for F.D.A. approval. Though obtaining that approval would be cheaper than developing a new drug, drug companies can encourage off-label prescribing with even cheaper studies than the F.D.A. requires. Additionally, more rigorous testing of drugs for new uses might illuminate harms, hampering drugs marketability rather than helping it. With little to gain and a lot to lose, companies arent eager to invest in new-use studies. Why bother spending millions to get F.D.A. approval of a new use for a medication, when one small study, some key opinion leaders and an army of sales representatives can do the trick instead? Dr. Gellad said. Once a drugs market exclusivity period expires and generics enter the market, companies have even less incentive to test their products for new uses. Generic competition pushes down prices of drugs, which is good for patients who could not otherwise afford them. But at those lower prices, companies cannot recoup the costs of clinical trials to test drugs for new indications. Whats in it for them? WASHINGTON Justice Antonin Scalia loved opera, but he also had a soft spot for Bob Dylan. In a 2010 dissent, for instance, he chastised the majority for refusing to answer key questions in a case about sexually explicit text messages because technology was evolving so fast. The-times-they-are-a-changin is a feeble excuse for disregard of duty, he wrote. Justice Scalia was in good company. Mr. Dylan has long been the most cited songwriter in judicial opinions, said Alex B. Long, a law professor at the University of Tennessee and the author of a 2012 study, The Freewheelin Judiciary: A Bob Dylan Anthology, published in the Fordham Urban Law Journal. It was a 2008 dissent from Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. that really opened the floodgates, Professor Long said. Judges inclination to go to Dylan has actually increased in the past few years, probably as a result of Robertss dissent in that case, he said. Dylan citations are booming in other fields as well. A study last year found 213 references to his lyrics in medical papers. (One was called Nitric Oxide and Inflammation: The Answer Is Blowing in the Wind.) When Jeb Bush formally entered the presidential campaign in June, there was already more money behind him than every other Republican candidate combined. When he suspended his campaign on Saturday night in South Carolina, Mr. Bush had burned through the vast majority of that cash without winning a single state. It may go down as one of the least successful campaign spending binges in history. Here is Mr. Bushs story, as told by his ledger: Positive Advertising: $84 Million When Mr. Bush finally did get in the race, he needed to reintroduce himself to the Republican electorate. After all, it had been eight years since the end of his final term as Floridas governor, and he had spent the intervening period as a philanthropist, consultant and investment banker. His campaign and a super PAC supporting him spent heavily on sunny advertising spots in the hopes of announcing Mr. Bush to the post-Tea Party Republican Party as a credentialed conservative. Clubbing: $94,100 Instead of spending last winter on the hustings of Iowa and New Hampshire, Mr. Bush held off, using the first half of 2015 to raise money in places like New York, Chicago, Texas and Florida. His goal: Raise enough money for a super PAC to scare other candidates especially those with a similar political profile out of the race. Over the entire campaign, Mr. Bushs team racked up tens of thousands of dollars in dinner and event tabs at the Yale Club, the Union League Club of Chicago, Nantuckets Westmoor Club, and more than two dozen other haunts of the well heeled and racquetball-inclined. Valets: $15,800 Donors cars dont park themselves. With an aggressive fund-raising schedule and several major donor gatherings, Mr. Bush and the super PAC, Right to Rise, incurred a proportional parking tab. People: $8.3 Million As Mr. Bushs campaign matured, he and the group supporting him built one of the largest organizations of any candidate in either party, banking that his superior fund-raising would sustain his high overhead costs, which in turn would yield him wins or near-wins in states like Iowa and New Hampshire, where organizing is critical. But Mr. Bushs message experience, civility and technocratic competence did little to win over voters mesmerized by the billionaire provocateur Donald J. Trump, who outshone his rivals with a bare-bones organization and millions in free media exposure. WASHINGTON As a senator more than two decades ago, Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. argued that President George Bush should delay filling a Supreme Court vacancy, should one arise, until the presidential election was over, and that it was essential that the Senate refuse to confirm a nominee to the court until then. Mr. Bidens words, though uttered long ago, are a direct contradiction to President Obamas position in the battle over naming a successor to Justice Antonin Scalia. Mr. Obama has said it is his constitutional responsibility to name a successor to Justice Scalia, who died Feb. 13 at the age of 79. The president has reacted with incredulity to the suggestion by several Republican presidential candidates and senators, including Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, that the decision should wait until after Mr. Obama has left office. Historically, this has not been viewed as a question, Mr. Obama said last week. Theres no unwritten law that says that it can only be done on off years thats not in the constitutional text. WASHINGTON The Pentagon is expected to send Congress a plan on Tuesday for the closing of the wartime prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, which President Obama wants to complete before he leaves office. The Obama administration has been trying to close the prison since 2009 by transferring all lower-level detainees to countries that can meet security conditions, with the rest to be taken to a different prison on domestic soil. But the fate of the plan is uncertain because of a statute banning the military from taking detainees from Guantanamo to the United States. The Republican-controlled Congress has shown little interest in revoking that law. Suzanne Barakat, the sister of a Muslim student killed alongside his wife and sister-in-law last year in an attack in North Carolina, challenged Donald J. Trump to meet with her after a speech in which he spoke approvingly of killing Islamic terrorists with bullets dipped in the blood of pigs. Dr. Barakat, 28, a physician in San Francisco, said the comments and other anti-Muslim rhetoric from Mr. Trump, including a proposal to ban Muslims from entering the country, have contributed to an atmosphere of intolerance that she fears could have deadly consequences. It allows for the Average Joe to see Muslims the way Craig Hicks saw my brother and his wife of six weeks and her sister, she said, referring to the man who killed her relatives last February. As The Other, as subhuman, because of their faith. LA PAZ, Bolivia President Evo Morales of Bolivia said on Monday that he did not yet accept defeat in a contentious referendum to allow him to run for a fourth term, saying that despite the exit polls suggesting that it failed, the final vote count could still favor him. On Sunday, Bolivians voted on whether to allow Mr. Morales, 56, to change the Constitution to allow him to continue as president until 2025, if he kept winning elections. Multiple television exit polls on Sunday night all showed the measure failing by single-digit margins. At a news conference with reporters on Monday, Mr. Morales said that the polls had in fact indicated a statistical tie. He said a final count was continuing in rural areas, where he said he had large support. My request to all sectors, to all groups whether they voted yes or no, is be serious, be responsible and wait for the final result of the Supreme Electoral Committee, the president said. We are optimists. BEIJING The first red alert over air pollution in the Chinese capital almost brought this city to a standstill in December, with schools shut, construction halted and driving restricted. Now, in a swift policy shift, Beijing plans to issue a red alert based on higher thresholds, despite government pledges to better address the toxic air. A red alert, the highest level of a four-tier warning system, will be issued if the daily average air quality index is forecast to exceed 500 for one day, 300 for two days or 200 for four days, Xinhua, the state news agency, reported on Sunday, quoting Beijings environmental agency. The new standards will take effect before the end of March, it said. The air quality index, used in many countries, is an aggregate measure of various pollutants in the air. Currently, any reading above 200 for more than three days in Beijing will prompt a red alert, which activates numerous contingency plans that can disrupt jobs and businesses. Beijings air quality is among the worst in the world, and much of the smog comes from industrial pollution and the burning of coal. It is necessary for the media to restore peoples trust in the party, especially as the economy has entered a new normal and suggestions that it is declining and dragging down the global economy have emerged, the essay said. The nations media outlets are essential to political stability, and the leadership cannot afford to wait for them to catch up with the times, it said. Mr. Xis directives would also make it harder for foreign governments to determine which Chinese journalists operating in their countries are legitimate news gatherers and which ones are agents serving propaganda, intelligence or other official interests. The major party and state-run news organizations have been greatly expanding their operations overseas, including in the United States. Mr. Xis new policy came about because despite the continuing tightening of control of the media over the last three years, Xi is not fully assured that the state media, even the most central ones such as Xinhua and CCTV, are fully under his control, said Xiao Qiang, a scholar in Berkeley, Calif., who researches the partys information control. David Bandurski, the editor of the China Media Project at the University of Hong Kong, said that under Xi Jinping, the centrality of the party is explicit for every single medium. I think the sense is, We own you, we run you, we tell you how things work, he said. The party is the center, and you serve our agenda. This is much more central now, and its being defined for all media platforms, from social media to commercial media. BEIJING China is home to at least 10 White Houses, three Arcs de Triomphe and one Eiffel Tower. But 2016 might signal the end for Chinas more grandiose architecture. A directive issued on Sunday by the State Council, Chinas cabinet, and the Communist Partys Central Committee says no to architecture that is oversized, xenocentric, weird and devoid of cultural tradition. Instead, buildings should be suitable, economic, green and pleasing to the eye. The directive also calls for an end to gated communities. The guidelines come two months after a high-level meeting to address some of the problems that have arisen as a result of Chinas rapid urbanization. The last such meeting was in 1978, when only 18 percent of Chinas population lived in towns or cities. Now, more than 56 percent of the countrys 1.3 billion people are urbanites. The directive also follows President Xi Jinpings criticism in late 2014 of weird architecture. Experts say that as a result of the new guidelines from top leaders, they expect stricter design standards for public buildings. Wang Kai, vice president of the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design, under the Ministry of Construction, said that functionality should take precedence in public buildings. We shouldnt go overboard in pursuit of appearances, he said. DHAKA, Bangladesh Three men were arrested on Monday in connection with the beheading of the highest-ranking priest of a Hindu temple in northern Bangladesh, officials said. Mohammad Babul Aker, an officer in charge of the Debiganj police station in the Panchagarh District, said two of the three men were involved with a banned militant group, Jamaatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh, and the third with the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladeshs largest Islamic political party. The men have been charged with murder and weapons counts. The priest, Joggeshwar Das, 50, was attacked by two men around 7 a.m. Sunday while performing a prayer on his veranda in a village in northern Panchagarh, about 250 miles from the capital, Dhaka, said Gias Uddin, the superintendent of police in the district. Mr. Uddin said the men hurled a bomb and fired two rounds of bullets as they fled the home of Mr. Das to meet a third man who waited on a motorcycle. A Hindu devotee who had come to pray in the temple near the home was hit by a bullet, but his condition was not critical, Mr. Uddin said. NEW DELHI A state government in India promised to introduce a bill to grant coveted backward status to a relatively prosperous caste group, officials said Monday, in an effort to quell protests that have raged for the past four days. The protesters, members of the Jat caste group, had blocked roads around the capital, set fire to railway stations and cars, and temporarily shut down a crucial canal that is a major source of the citys water. Nineteen people were killed in the violence in surrounding Haryana State, and fears of water shortages led New Delhi to close its schools to conserve its supply. The main thoroughfare in the area, Grand Trunk Road, which had been reopened on Sunday, was blocked again by fighting on Monday morning, the police said. Still, a state official said, 80 percent of the roads that had been closed were open again on Monday morning. Roshan Shankar, an adviser to the Delhi government, said the authorities had regained control of a canal that supplied water to New Delhi, though the canal was badly damaged. For now, he said, the government was using existing reserves and other water bodies to meet the need. He said severe, widespread shortages had not been reported so far. PARIS In case anyone missed it, Laurent Fabius, who was the French foreign minister as recently as two weeks ago, accused President Obama of letting down not just Syria but the whole world in 2013. Mr. Fabius said as much as he was leaving office in early February, when he alluded to the dangerous ambiguities on the part of the principal pilot in the Western alliance. He returned to the theme in a radio interview on Europe 1 last Tuesday, with broader strokes and in greater detail, criticizing the United States decision not to launch airstrikes in August 2013 after it was determined that the Syrian government had crossed Mr. Obamas red line by using chemical weapons. It was, Mr. Fabius said, a turning point, not only for the crisis in the Middle East, but also for Ukraine, Crimea and the world. Also among the documents is a letter by General Kiszczak, dated April 5, 1996, and addressed to an official at the Polish Central Archives of Modern Records. In the letter, General Kiszczak, who died in November, explained that he had kept the files hidden so that they would not be used against Mr. Walesa and the Solidarity movement first by the Communist government and then, after 1989, by Mr. Walesas political opponents. General Kiszczak asked that the files be published five years after Mr. Walesas death. Maria Kiszczak, the generals widow, tried to sell the documents to the Institute of National Remembrance for about $27,000. She later told journalists that she had not read her husbands note and that she had made a mistake. Mr. Walesa, 72, has battled similar accusations for more than 20 years and was cleared of collaboration charges by a special court in 2000. He has denied the latest claims in a series of vehement posts on Wykop, a Polish social media website. After the files were released on Monday, Mr. Walesa wrote: Ive lost. But only because almost everyone has believed that there was some treacherous collaboration on my part with the Security Service 46 years ago, incidental and short, but it was there, and at least for a while I got broken. It is not true. Thank you. You have betrayed me, not me you. TEHRAN A group of hard-line Iranian news media organizations says it has raised $600,000 to add to a bounty for the killing of the British novelist Salman Rushdie. Irans former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, issued a fatwa, or religious edict, in 1989 calling for Mr. Rushdie to be killed because of his book The Satanic Verses, which the ayatollah found to be blasphemous and insulting toward Muslims. Mr. Rushdie has since then been living largely out of sight and under the protection of bodyguards. The semiofficial Fars news agency, one of the organizations involved, reported that the new reward money was gathered during a trade fair called the Islamic Republics Digital Media Exhibition. It quoted the secretary of the exhibition saying that the $600,000 had been announced last week to mark the anniversary of the 1989 fatwa. The Iranian government distanced itself from calls for Mr. Rushdies death under former President Mohammad Khatami, a reformist who declared in 1998 that the fatwa had ended. But the religious authorities said it could not be withdrawn by anyone other than Ayatollah Khomeini, who died four months after issuing it. His successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said in 2005 that the fatwa remained valid. UNITED NATIONS First, the government soldiers made sure no food could get into rebel-held towns. Then, government planes bombed what health centers remained in those towns, making sure that those who got sick from hunger had no medical care to save them. That is the harrowing picture painted by the latest report of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the war in Syria. The report, released Monday, chronicles a series of attacks on health care centers by government forces and the Islamic State, and it says the deliberate destruction of health care infrastructure was responsible for driving up deaths and permanent disabilities. To follow the commissions work in Syria it has written 11 reports since August 2011 is to witness how blatantly the laws of war have been broken, with no prospects of accountability. The commission flatly asserts in the latest report that war crimes are rampant by government forces and their armed rivals, and for the first time it sharply points to the very countries that are bargaining over a peace deal for fueling the violence. WASHINGTON The United States and Russia announced an agreement on Monday for a partial truce in Syria, though the caveats and cautious words on all sides underscored the obstacles in the way of the latest diplomatic effort to end the five-year-old civil war. Under the terms of the agreement, the Syrian government and Syrias armed opposition are being asked to agree to a cessation of hostilities, effective this Saturday. But the truce does not apply to two of the most lethal extremist groups, the Islamic State and the Nusra Front, raising questions about whether it will be any more lasting than previous cease-fires. The agreement calls for the Syrian government and the opposition to indicate by noon on Friday whether they will comply with the cessation of hostilities, a term carefully chosen because it does not require the kind of agreement in a formal cease-fire. The United States is responsible for bringing the various opposition groups in line while the Russians are supposed to pressure the government. Washington and Moscow also agreed to set up a hotline to monitor compliance by both sides. President Obama sealed the final terms of the arrangement in a phone call with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, who has become perhaps the most influential player in the Syrian war since Russia thrust itself into the conflict in September on behalf of its client, Syrias president, Bashar al-Assad. Waris Ahluwalia was standing in the middle of Park Avenue Armory last Thursday night, waiting for the Marc Jacobs fashion show to begin, while a series of famous well-wishers came up to greet him. How are you? How are you? the actress Juliette Lewis said to Mr. Ahluwalia as his date for this evening, Natasha Lyonne, gabbed nearby with Zosia Mamet. You made it out! What you did was so great. It made me want to wear a turban. She was, of course, referring to the news that Mr. Ahluwalia a 5-foot-11, nattily dressed 41-year-old Indian-born man who typically shows up at social events like these dressed in a dark custom suit and always in a black or navy blue turban had gotten into a bit of trouble recently when he tried to board a plane. On Feb. 8, Mr. Ahluwalia was due to return home from Mexico City, where hed attended Zona Maco, an annual art fair. At Mexico City International Airport, a staff member for Aeromexico told him he would have to remove his turban for secondary screening before being allowed to board the plane. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) Six lions walked out of Nairobi National Park and were roaming through parts of the city on Friday, scaring residents for a few hours before the big cats returned to the reserve. The lions were first spotted at 4 a.m. near a hospital in the suburb of Langata, and later near Kibera, Kenya's largest slum, said Kenya Wildlife Service spokesman Paul Udoto. A team of wildlife rangers went out to find the lions "prepared for anything" and return them to the park, but the lions were later spotted back in the park, having made their own way back, Udoto said. Nairobi National Park's 45-square-miles (117-square-kilometers) is home to endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and diverse birdlife. The animals roam just six miles (10 kilometers) from downtown Nairobi, which lies north of the park. It's unclear how the lions got out of the park, most of which is surrounded in that area by an electric fence. Occasionally lions will clash with people on the southern side, which is not fenced. In 2012, six lions were killed after the pride of eight lions attacked and killed eight goats of Masaai herdsmen. Only about 2,000 lions are left in Kenya after years of hunting and then poaching. The government has announced plans to build a railway that will traverse part of the reserve. Conservationists have opposed the railway line, saying it will further damage wildlife habitat. The rainfall across Southern California last week only slightly alleviated the record drought, but was welcome nonetheless. The same can be said of a new federal drought-relief bill, S.2533, introduced this month by the states senior U.S. senator, Democrat Dianne Feinstein. This bill wont be everything for everyone, she explained in a statement. But I believe the bill strikes the right balance. It invests $1.3 billion in defined long-term projects while making targeted, temporary changes to water operations that only last for the length of the drought or two years, whichever is longer, and which do not violate environmental laws. A key player on federal water policy is Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, whose district covers farm areas east and southeast of Fresno. After killing the effort to pass a compromise water bill in December, Sen. Feinstein has introduced her own water bill, he told us. While her bill would not bring much additional water to the Central Valley, I hope she succeeds in getting it approved in the Senate. Once that occurs, the House and Senate can enter formal negotiations that could finally bring some relief to Central Valley families, farms and communities, he said It seems to us theres room for compromise, if not this year, then in 2017. Variables include the retirement of Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., a close Feinstein ally on water policy. Both women hail from Marin County. Of the Democratic candidates to replace Sen. Boxer, state Attorney General Kamala Harris comes from San Francisco, but Rep. Loretta Sanchez hails from Orange County and would bring a different regional perspective. Then, of course, theres the presidential election, which could produce a Republican administration with less-restrictive environmental policies than President Obamas. Some farmers praised the Feinstein bill. Shes introduced a bill thats positive, California Citrus Mutual President Joel Nelsen told the Capital Press. We appreciate her work to create a California water bill for the Senates consideration, said California Farm Bureau Federation President Paul Wenger. Along with voter passage of the $7.5 billion state water bond in 2014, the Feinstein bill is a start to alleviating a water crisis far from over in California. LAS VEGAS Sen. Ted Cruz fired his communications director Monday after the campaign mistakenly suggested that Sen. Marco Rubio had disparaged the Bible, further inflaming the open warfare between the campaigns, with Rubio saying the episode reflected a pattern of dishonesty by Cruz. The resignation of the aide, Rick Tyler and the acknowledgment of error by Cruz is a boon to his Republicans rivals, creating the kind of cudgel that could prove powerful at a crucial stage of the nominating contest. Cruz has been facing mounting allegations of dirty tricks by Rubios team, and it came after the Cruz campaign was recently hammered after his allies spread a false rumor that Ben Carson was ending his campaign just as voting in the Iowa caucuses was beginning. Tyler was fired after he had posted a story on Facebook with a video of Rubio containing a subtitle claiming to show the Florida senator saying there are not many answers in the Bible. In fact, Rubio had said it has all the answers. Rubios spokesman, Alex Conant, cried foul, and Cruz announced Monday afternoon in Nevada that he was firing Tyler. Ive spent this morning investigating what happened, and this morning I asked for Rick Tylers resignation, Cruz told reporters during a news conference in Las Vegas. I have made clear in this campaign that we will conduct this campaign with the very highest standards of integrity. Cruz went on to call Tyler a good man, but said that his sharing of the story was a grave error in judgment. It is why, when other campaigns attack us personally, impugn my integrity or my character, I dont respond in kind, Cruz said. But he also dismissed the outrage from Rubios team. I understand that Marcos campaign believes its political advantageous to try to distract the topic from his own record, he said. But, he added, the standards of conduct in this campaign have been made absolutely clear for every member of the campaign. The episode is likely to create another opening for Donald Trump, who has used his enormous media megaphone to highlight allegations of misdeeds by the Cruz campaign, using them as the basis of negative ads. The firing represents a public admission of what Rubio and his aides have angrily claimed for weeks: that the Cruz campaign is undertaking unfair and deceitful tactics to undermine rivals, such as using a manipulated photograph, doctored by Cruz aides, that suggested Rubio had shaken hands with President Barack Obama in front of the Capitol in Washington. Cruzs decision to fire Tyler made the incident a national political story, calling much more attention to it than it otherwise might have received. It was reminiscent of Cruzs decision recently to pull a campaign ad that featured an actress who had starred in pornographic films (she subsequently did national television interviews). But both actions reflect the rigid and fairly narrow case on which Cruz has rested his candidacy that he is the purest conservative and the one who is most committed to his faith. WASHINGTON Imagine an American president in his final year in office, making a historic and carefully choreographed trip to Cuba to extend a hand of friendship to an island neighbor after decades of hostility and mistrust. Long before President Barack Obama had the idea, Calvin Coolidge made the journey to Cuba in 1928 his only foreign trip as president to address a conference of Western Hemisphere nations and declare progress and goodwill toward Cuba after a long period of strain. No sitting U.S. president has returned since. Obama announced last week that he would end that streak with a visit next month, aiming to build momentum toward normalizing relations with Havana before he leaves the White House. Along the way, he hopes to cement his legacy as the leader who broke with more than a half-century of rancor and estrangement and tried a new path of engagement with Cuba. Obamas planned trip bears faint echoes of Coolidges visit 88 years ago, with its message of change and a new chapter. In the intervening decades, the relationship between the United States and Cuba has grown only more complex and fraught with grievances, leaving Obama with a landscape that bears little resemblance to the one that greeted his predecessor in 1928. Coolidge arrived by battleship in Havanas harbor in January 1928. The dramatic entrance came with ceremonial guns booming, a flyover by military planes and an elaborate parade during which he was pelted with roses by tens of thousands of cheering Cubans assembled on streets, balconies and roofs. Cuba declared a national holiday for the occasion. It was the gayest and happiest welcome anyone ever received from this green island in the Caribbean, The New York Times reported from Havana on Jan. 16, 1928. The display underscored American power at a time when the U.S. was a dominant force in Cuba, with the right to intervene in its internal affairs enshrined in a law known as the Platt Amendment, and was inserting itself aggressively in other parts of Latin America and the Caribbean, including Nicaragua and Haiti. The culture of U.S. paternalism prevailed at that time, and the Caribbean was basically a U.S. lake, said Amity Shlaes, the author of the biography Coolidge and the chairwoman of his presidential foundation. The Americans, she said, expected the Cubans to welcome the president with a sense of Dad is coming in his boat, and we love Dad. It is hardly the symbolism that Obama wants to project in March, when he will try to sweep aside decades worth of accumulated bitterness over U.S. imperialism and meddling in Cuba and look to the future. Calvin Coolidge traveled there on a battleship, Benjamin J. Rhodes, Obamas deputy national security adviser, said last week, so the optic will be quite different from the get-go here. Obama and his wife, Michelle, will make the flight from Washington on Air Force One. The visual of the presidential limousine on the mostly frozen-in-time streets of Havana, crowded with 1950s-era cars, is likely to make for a striking contrast. While the White House has not completed an itinerary, officials said Obama would meet with President Raul Castro of Cuba though not with his brother Fidel, the father of the 1959 communist revolution and the embodiment of the enmity of the past as well as political dissidents and entrepreneurs. Among the backdrops that Obama is said to be considering for a public speech to Cuban citizens is the capitol building in Havana, next door to the National Theater, where Coolidge spoke. Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida, the two Republican presidential candidates of Cuban descent, have harshly criticized Obama for making the trip, arguing that he is rewarding a repressive regime that deserves to be shunned. Coolidges trip was in part an attempt to defuse the anger of Latin American leaders about U.S. policy in their region. In his address, he spoke of an attitude of peace and goodwill in the hemisphere, in which small nations are respected. Today, Cuba is her own sovereign, he said, calling the country a complete demonstration of the progress we are making. But Coolidge did not use his visit to tackle the thorniest grievances souring the U.S. relationship with Cuba. He made no mention of the Platt Amendment, which he was unwilling to modify despite Cubas entreaties, nor did he change his position on keeping the heavy tariffs the U.S. imposed on the islands sugar, as Machado had asked him to. Coolidges speech was filled with empty rhetoric and did not forecast a real break with the past in terms of U.S. malevolent designs on Cuba and the rest of the region, said Peter Kornbluh, an author of Back Channel to Cuba, which recounts the history of secret negotiations between the U.S. and Cuban governments over 50 years. For Obama, this trip is really taking a serious stride toward cementing this policy change toward Cuba and consolidating his legacy of using engagement over isolation, Kornbluh added. KALAMAZOO, Mich. Stoic, cooperative and conversational: Thats how police describe Jason Daltons demeanor when they say the Uber driver admitted to killing six people and wounded two others in a Saturday night shooting spree here. But they still have no idea what caused the 45-year-old married father of two to fire at least 30 rounds across three crime scenes Saturday night from a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, shooting victims ranging from 14 to 74 years old. Were not any closer to motive than we were the day of the incident, Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas said Monday after Daltons arraignment on six murder charges and 10 other felony counts. Hes had no (prior) police contact for any reason under the sun. By all accounts, hes an average guy, with a family, and leading an average life. That family went public Monday, condemning Daltons alleged actions and offering their condolences for the victims and their families in a statement to the Detroit Free Press. This type of violence has no place in our society, and we express our love and support for everyone involved. We intend to cooperate in every way that we can to help determine why and how this occurred, according to the statement, which said the family is in shock and disbelief and devastated and saddened for those affected. His eyes nearly invisible behind his glasses frames, Jason Dalton sat motionless Monday afternoon when arraigned on the charges connected to the shooting spree, which officials say occurred while he continued to take Uber fares. In a preceding probable-cause hearing, Kalamazoo Police Detective Cory Ghiringhelli testified to a judge that Dalton, 45, admitted to police that he took peoples lives on Saturday. The probable cause hearing occurred about an hour before the video arraignment in Kalamazoo County District Court, where dozens of media local, national and international filled the courtroom to see the defendants face projected on a flat-screen TV. These were random, unprovoked attacks, Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeffrey Getting later said. Beyond that, were doing the best we can to figure it out. Dalton, of Cooper Township near Kalamazoo, faces six open murder counts, two counts of assault with intent to murder and eight counts of felony firearm. Officers at Daltons probable cause hearing say an eyewitness who picked Dalton out of a photo lineup and video surveillance are among evidence against him. Dalton was given a court-appointed attorney and held without bail. Hes scheduled for a pre-exam conference March 3 and a preliminary examination where evidence against him is to be presented on March 10. Dalton was arrested about 12:45 a.m. Sunday when a Kalamazoo County sheriffs deputy spotted a car matching the description of the shooters vehicle exiting a parking lot at a downtown Kalamazoo bar. The deputy stopped the car and the man was arrested peacefully. A semiautomatic handgun was found in the car. Michigan State Police Detective First Lt. Chuck Christensen said the community remains in shock from the randomness of what happened; normally, things arent as random as this had been. He said the investigation went smooth despite multiple agencies involvement. He was interviewed two separate times by investigators, and we were happy with the results of those interviews, Christensen said. His response through this whole thing was very stoic. Pretty matter-of-fact about the whole situation. Getting said he doesnt know when or if a motive will become clear. He said Dalton indicated hed had contact with as many as three of the victims that night, but the prosecutor declined to give further details. After the first shooting at roughly 5:40 p.m., Getting said Dalton went back to giving Uber rides using the online ride-sharing service that operates similar to taxis. Police believe Dalton began the attacks at a Richland Township apartment complex, shooting a woman four times in the parking lot. The woman is in serious condition, police said. Detective Sgt. Bill Sparrow with Kalamazoo County Sheriffs Office testified Monday that about 10 shell casings were found at the scene, and an eyewitness from the incident picked Dalton out of a photo lineup. Then at about 10 p.m. Dalton allegedly shot and killed a father and son who were sitting in their cars at a Kia car dealership in Kalamazoo about. About 15 minutes later, he killed four people and critically wounded a 14-year-old girl at a Cracker Barrel parking lot in Texas Township, police said. State Police First Lt. Dale Hinz said that the girl, who was shot in the head, is recovering after undergoing surgery on Monday. Theyre optimistic, but she has a very long road toward recovery, he said. She is not responsive yet, as she is heavily sedated. The next days and weeks will be very critical. . Shes still fighting, though. Hinz said Daltons wife and two children have been accounted for. And investigators continue working with Uber to establish a timeline to Daltons locations as the shootings occurred. Joe Sullivan, Ubers Chief Security Officer, said in a Monday afternoon phone conference that the company is devastated by the killings. He confirmed that the company received multiple complaints from customers who said Dalton was driving erratically. But before the shooting, Dalton had a 4.73 rating out of five from customers, and there were no complaints tied to his driving record with the company. Police have said Dalton has no previous criminal record, and indeed no prior charges appear in state records. This individual was simply driving around, gunning down people that he saw, Matyas, the undersheriff, said. There was no rhyme. There was no reason. There was no pattern to any of it. And thats what upsets people most. LAKE FOREST A new drive-through Dunkin Donuts that also sells Baskin-Robbins ice cream is expected to open in Foothill Ranch this fall. The store, set to come to the Foothill Ranch Towne Centre around September or October, will be the second location in California to feature the two brands, franchisee Joe Haupt, president of Spectrum Development Group, said Friday. The first Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins shop opened in Ramona in April 2015. The Foothill Ranch store will offer the full menu from the two brands, Haupt said, including ice cream at the drive-through. We are thrilled to be here and thrilled to become a part of the Foothill Ranch community, Haupt said. Spectrum Development Group will demolish the vacant free-standing bank building near the corner of Portola Parkway and Market Place to build a bigger 4,190-square-foot structure. Dunkin Donuts will share the new building with a fast-casual pizza restaurant, Haupt said. A 10-foot-wide drive-through will wrap around the entire building. The Lake Forest Planning Commission unanimously approved the development of the site on Feb. 11. Haupt and his business partner, Brad Anderson, opened Orange Countys first Dunkin Donuts last year in Laguna Hills. Their newest location will open Wednesday on Jeffrey Road in Irvine. They own the rights to develop 10 Dunkin shops in south Orange County and the surrounding area. Dunkin Donuts plans to open 1,000 locations in California. Nearly 200 are in the works for the greater Los Angeles area. Besides Laguna Hills, Dunkin Donuts has opened locations in Santa Ana and Westminster. Staff Writer Nancy Luna contributed to this report. NEW DELHI The Indian army on Monday wrestled control of a canal outside Indias capital from protesters whose blockades and rioting had cut off water in millions of homes for a third straight day. The unrest was led by a privileged group in Indias society, still stratified by its ancient caste system. The group of farm owners, the Jats, wants to be included in a government classification for the socially disadvantaged that would give its members access to reserved seats for government jobs and schools. Schools and businesses across the capital region were closed Monday after days of rioting paralyzed the nearby state of Haryana, leaving a dozen dead and more than 100 injured. Over the past week, protesters had destroyed businesses and homes, blocked roads, forced the cancellation of more than 1,000 trains and left travelers stranded. The violence prompted curfews in eight districts, including the Delhi suburb of Gurgaon, home to many multinational corporations, some of which closed down or let employees telecommute. In Delhi, tanker trucks delivered water to the hardest-hit areas, and officials called for conservation. The armys seizure of the canal should enable the city to restore service, officials said. They are essentially a farming class, and agriculture is suffering. Thats why they are asking for this reservation in jobs, so they can survive, said Nawal Singh, 60, a Jat who protested in solidarity with others by blocking an intersection in his home town last week. Singh is a retired banker who owns a five-bedroom house and drives a new Honda sedan. India has long reserved special seats in universities and government jobs for tribal communities and Dalits, the Hindi term for the group once called untouchables. Those set-asides were later expanded to include some socially disadvantaged castes, a designation called Other Backward Classes. The Jats who dominate politics and village life in Haryana had long lobbied to be included in this second category, despite their history. Yes, we are in charge, but its not about the past its about the future, Singh said. Of course we were the main landholders in the state, but land is shrinking, land has been divided. If a family has a small plot of land, its very hard for them to survive. Last year, Indias Supreme Court struck down a government plan to include Jats in the reservation system, siding with the judgment of a panel that said they could not be classified as backward and that doing so would deprive more deserving groups of benefits. Last summer, another group of relatively privileged merchants and hoteliers from Gujarat, the Patels, mounted a similar string of agitations. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, after meeting with Jat leaders, said Sunday that a committee would be set up to reexamine the issue, despite the courts ruling. Some critics accused the government of caving under pressure. Is violence the key to everything? You can bring a government to its knees for three days? said Vivek Vats, 43, who runs a mobile-phone shop in New Delhi. Meanwhile, the city was gripped by what Kapil Mishra, chairman of the Delhi water board, called New Delhis worst-ever water crisis. Seven water treatment plants were shuttered. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called for the citys 16 million residents to conserve. Weve completely run out of water, he tweeted Monday. Once the army had evicted the protesters from the canal, Delhi officials said, the plants would open and water would be gradually restored in the city starting Monday evening. Throughout the day in New Delhi, about 140 tanker trucks fanned out to give temporary water to neighborhoods, some of which had been dry since Friday. I have not had a bath for three days, grumbled Akhilesh Maurya, 32, a civil-service student. He said that he and his fellow students were paying double what they normally paid for bottled water and that a street near his home was blocked by protesters. They should not trouble people with their agitation, he said. Common people shouldnt suffer. THIES, Senegal The Islamic States branch in Libya is deepening its reach across a wide area of Africa, attracting new recruits from countries like Senegal that had been largely immune to the jihadi propaganda and forcing the African authorities and their Western allies to increase efforts to combat the fast-moving threat. The U.S. airstrikes in northwestern Libya on Friday, which demolished an Islamic State training camp and were aimed at a top Tunisian operative, underscore the problem, Western officials said. The more than three dozen suspected Islamic State fighters killed in the bombing were recruited from Tunisia and other African countries, officials said, and were believed to be rehearsing an attack against Western targets. Even as U.S. intelligence agencies say the number of Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria has dropped to about 25,000 from a high of about 31,500, partly because of the U.S.-led air campaign there, the groups ranks in Libya have roughly doubled in the same period, to about 6,500 fighters. More than a dozen U.S. and allied officials spoke of their growing concern about the militant organizations expanding reach from Libya and across Africa on rules of anonymity because the discussions involved intelligence and military planning. Islamic State leaders in Syria are telling recruits traveling north from West African nations like Senegal and Chad, as well as others streaming up through Sudan in eastern Africa, not to press on to the Middle East. Instead, they are being told to stay put in Libya. U.S. intelligence officials, who described the recent orders from Islamic State leaders, say the organizations immediate goal is to carve out a new caliphate in Libya, and there are signs the affiliate is trying to establish statelike institutions there. Libya has become a magnet for individuals not only inside of Libya, but from the African continent as well as from outside, John O. Brennan, CIA director, told a Senate panel this month. The rising threat from Libya comes as President Barack Obama is being asked by many of his top military and intelligence advisers to approve the broader use of U.S. military force in Libya to open another front against the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL. While administration officials have disclosed that Obama is mulling over how large of a military campaign to order for Libya, the new intelligence reports and the analysis on the spread of the Islamic State are energizing the high-level debate in Washington and allied capitals. The jihadist threat emanating from Syria and Iraq cannot be defused without addressing the growing danger posed by the terror groups co-conspirators in Libya, Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., who heads the House Intelligence Committee, said Friday. Before resorting to any wider military action, however, the White House and Western allies like Britain, Italy and France are trying to help create a unity government in Libya. The goal is to use such a new central authority to rally dozens of fractious militias to fight against a common enemy the Islamic State. U.S. and European special operations forces could help advise and assist those militias, officials said. Our strong preference, as has always been the case, is to train Libyans to fight, Obama said last week at a news conference in California. Theres a whole bunch of constituencies who are hardened fighters and dont ascribe to ISIS or their perverted ideology. But they have to be organized and cant be fighting each other. As a result, the administration and its allies are taking several steps to prepare to train Libyan troops should a newly formed unity government request such aid. They are also rushing to bolster pivotal African allies outside of Libya as a bulwark against Islamic State expansion on the continent. The Pentagon has proposed spending $200 million this year to help train and equip the armies and security forces of North and West African countries. The United States is about to break ground on a $50 million drone base in Agadez, Niger, that will allow Reaper surveillance aircraft to fly hundreds of miles closer to southern Libya. Col. Mahamane Laminou Sani, Nigers top intelligence officer, said in an interview that his country had increased its border patrols against the threat in neighboring Libya, and French troops stationed in Nigers far north are doing the same. Its a global threat that is not restricted by borders, said Lt. Col. Moussa Mboup, a Senegalese army operations officer who had trained in the United States and France. He spoke here during the Pentagons annual Flintlock military exercise with 1,800 African troops, U.S. Army Special Forces and other Western commando trainers, which ends this month. The Islamic State in Libya is now the most dangerous of the groups eight affiliates, counterterrorism officials say. About half a dozen senior Islamic State lieutenants have arrived from Syria in recent months to build up the franchise, these officials say. New U.S. and allied intelligence assessments say Islamic State commanders in Libya are seizing territory there, starting to tax its residents and setting up quasi-government institutions mirroring the Islamic State playbook in Syria and Iraq. Theyre trying to establish a statewide structure, Brett McGurk, Obamas envoy to the U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State, told U.S. lawmakers this month. The militant group is also starting to move in on the lucrative African migrant-smuggling operations that have been thriving in lawless Libya, developing a new source of revenue for the terror group. The Islamic State in Libya is swelling its ranks through one of the main means its parent in Syria uses: a savvy social media campaign aimed at enticing disaffected young people who are facing few education options and bleak economic futures in their countries. Indeed, intelligence officials said there was emerging evidence that the Islamic State had turned to its affiliate in Nigeria the Islamic militant organization called Boko Haram, which was formerly aligned with al-Qaida to poach young commanders and fighters from al-Qaidas affiliate in northwest Africa and from its al-Shabab franchise in Somalia. Previous attempts by senior Islamic State leaders to reach out directly to those Qaida groups received the silent treatment, the officials said. But the new approach, while still in its early stages, seems to be gaining traction. The Senegalese authorities recently reported that 30 men had gone to Libya to fight with the Islamic State there, trends that officials in Niger, Nigeria and Mali have also noticed. As the Islamic State pushes closer to some of the poorer countries of the Sahel region, like Niger and Mauritania, the authorities here believe there will be no shortage of unemployed young men who are eager to join the fight. LA PAZ, Bolivia When Evo Morales, Bolivias first indigenous president, set Sunday as the date for a referendum to allow him to run for a fourth term, victory seemed likely. The fiery leftist and former coca grower was popular. His campaigns pitch: Without Morales, the sun will hide and the moon will escape. Bolivians, however, appear to have other ideas about his presidency. In recent months, Morales has been abandoned by his once-loyal constituents, coca growers, peasants and indigenous organizations who say he no longer represents them. He has struggled to explain the scandalous revelations of an illegitimate child, angering many in this predominantly Roman Catholic country. And last week, a mob burned six people to death at the city hall in El Alto, the nations second-largest city. Among those arrested in connection with the fire: a former candidate from Morales party. Morales, 56, now struggles to defend his legacy against opponents who say that after a decade in power, he has become another Latin American strongman. Polls ahead of the vote show support for the referendum slipping, though many voters remain undecided. Morales is not alone among leftist leaders suddenly feeling the tide turning against them in this region. Dilma Rousseff, Brazils left-leaning president, faces looming impeachment proceedings over a corruption scandal involving the state oil company. As economies slumped in Venezuela and Argentina, voters turned against social-leaning populists for the first time in years, replacing them with market-oriented rivals. Yet for Morales, who has presided over a national economy that has grown by 5 percent annually, it is an unexpected turn of fortune. An Aymara Indian who was born poor, Morales raised the minimum wage by 400 percent, appointed indigenous leaders to high positions and offered stability not seen in decades of white leadership. In 2014, he was re-elected to a third term with 60 percent of the vote. Jose Alberto Gonzales, president of Bolivias Senate and a proponent of lifting presidential term limits, said Morales had done nothing short of creating a new Bolivia, in which the countrys immense natural gas wealth was redistributed to the indigenous poor. Now the state plays the role of protagonist, Gonzales said. Some of the indigenous constituents that made Morales movement possible, however, now say the opposite. One arena of dispute is the National Council of Ayllus and Markas of Qullasuyu, a powerful federation of indigenous tribes that once backed the president. But when its leadership began to disagree with Morales several years ago, the president created a parallel body that was friendlier to his administration. Those that did not join the new organization say they were ignored. Cristobal Huanca, an indigenous leader who lives along Bolivias Lake Poopo, said he and his people had watched as the combination of water diversion and climate change caused the lake to evaporate. The government did little to help, Huanca said. Our brother Evo cant do anything about climate change, but he always speaks about Mother Earth and does little to defend it, Huanca said. Accusations of strong-arm tactics echo in El Alto, a large, indigenous city high in the Andes. Residents there broke with the presidents party, Movement for Socialism, in 2014, electing Mayor Soledad Chapeton, who opened corruption investigations against union leaders aligned with the group. On Wednesday, the fire at the mayors offices destroyed documents related to the investigation and killed the lawyer heading the inquest along with five others. On Thursday, Braulio Rocha, a union leader, and Wilmer Sarzuri, a former candidate from Morales party, were arrested in connection with the fire. Although the government has denied any connection to the killings, voters like Rita Ticona, a 32-year-old teacher in El Alto, said that the events had frightened her and that she would be voting against the referendum. Its a shame for this country, she said. The political situation has been taken advantage of to commit crimes and end lives. Yet for voters like Jaime Apaza Choque, a 25-year-old taxi driver, accusations of corruption will not be enough to change their minds. The father of five said that he had managed to hold down steady work under Morales and that he would reward the president with his vote. He wasnt the only one to steal. The others did exactly the same, Choque said. And I dont know that whats been said is true. In the meantime, I am able to care for my family and Im good. So I support him. MEXICO CITY International experts for the Inter-American Human Rights Commission said Sunday that they have run into serious obstacles in their investigation into the case of 43 college students who went missing after being detained by police in southern Mexico in 2014. Members of the panel said at a news conference that they were concerned about being given limited access to new information uncovered by government investigators and they criticized leaks of statements from some of those arrested in the case that the panel said dont correspond to the truth. They also said authorities had not allowed them be present for statements by military personnel who were witnesses of the disappearance or been given access to videos that could clarify what happened that night. Later Sunday, the federal Attorney Generals Office issued a statement reaffirming its willingness to work with the expert panel and saying it already is investigating the leaks. It denied that officials have fragmented findings from the governments investigation, which it said remains open. In their first report in September, the expert panel rejected the official version of the government that after being killed, the students bodies were incinerated at a dump. The panel charged at that time that some Mexican authorities had obstructed justice in the case. The students from a local teachers college have not been seen since Sept. 26, 2014, when they were detained after clashing with municipal police in the city of Iguala in Guerrero state. Six other people were killed during the clashes, including some not involved in the confrontation. Government prosecutors have said the police turned the students over to a local drug gang, which killed them and burned their bodies. ALBANY, N.Y. The mayor of Ithaca wants his city in upstate New York to host the nations first supervised injection facility, enabling heroin users to shoot illegal drugs into their bodies under the care of a nurse without getting arrested by police. Canada, Europe and Australia are working to reduce overdose deaths with these facilities, but in the United States, even the idea of creating a supervised injection site faces significant legal and political challenges. That has to change and quickly, said Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick. My father was a drug addict. He split from the family when I was 5, 6 years old, the mayor, now 28, explained in an Associated Press interview. I have watched for 20 years this system that just doesnt work. We cant wait anymore for the federal government. We have people shooting up in alleys. In bathroom stalls. And too many of them are dying. Myrick said he will ask New Yorks Health Department to declare the heroin epidemic a state health crisis, which he said would enable his city to proceed without involving the state legislature. The mayor described his proposal to the AP ahead of a formal announcement planned for Wednesday. Once dismissed as a radical idea, injection sites are increasingly being discussed in response to huge increases in overdose deaths nationwide. In New York state, overdose deaths involving heroin and other opiates shot from 186 in 2003 to 914 in 2012. Ithaca alone had three fatal overdoses and 13 non-fatal overdoses in a three-week span in 2014, prompting city officials to begin looking at alternatives to simply jailing addicts. The city of 30,000, which hosts Cornell University and Ithaca College, is one of New Yorks most liberal communities and is a prime candidate for new approaches, Myrick said. Nurses or physicians could quickly administer an antidote if and when a user overdoses, and addicts also could get clean syringes and be directed to treatment and recovery programs, according to the mayor, who envisions a holistic approach that deals with addiction more like a public health issue than a criminal justice problem. Myrick crafted his plan in collaboration with police and prosecutors, overcoming initially strong opposition from the elected district attorney, Gwen Wilkinson. What brought me around was the realization that this wouldnt make it more likely that people will use drugs, Wilkinson said. What it would do is make it less likely that people will die in restaurant bathrooms. Police Chief John Barber is not totally convinced. He firmly supports other parts of the plan, but said I am wary of supervised injection sites. Spokesmen for the Department of Health and Gov. Andrew Cuomo didnt respond Monday to the APs request for comment. Cuomo has supported needle exchange programs and boosted funding for addiction prevention and treatment, but has yet to take a position on supervised injection. Some pieces of Ithacas plan dont need state approval, such as the creation of a new city office of drug policy and a youth apprenticeship program to give young people alternatives to drugs. Myrick also wants police to send low-level drug offenders to treatment instead of jail, adopting a strategy used in Seattle. Canadas first injection facility, known as Insite, opened in Vancouver in 2003. Every day, 800 users visit, and between 10 and 20 of them overdose each week, but no one has ever died there, according to Dr. Patricia Daly, chief medical health officer at Vancouver Coastal Health, which operates it. These overdoses are completely reversible, Daly said. People die because they inject alone. Insite receives most of its funding from government now, but faced significant initial opposition from officials in Ottawa. A 2011 Canadian Supreme Court decision ordered federal officials to stop fighting the facility, noting that it has saved lives with no discernable negative impact. In fact, overdose deaths dropped 35 percent in the surrounding neighborhood after Insite opened its doors at ground zero for Vancouvers heroin problem, according to research by Brown University epidemiologist Brandon D.L. Marshall. In the U.S., state and federal laws would put both users and operators of such a facility at risk of arrest. Even some former addicts say it should stay that way. Were talking about a government-sponsored shooting gallery, said Mike Gimbel, an addiction expert who served as drug czar in Baltimore County after beating heroin. Its misguided. The addict is going to say: this is cool, a place I dont have to worry about the cops. Why should an addict stop if there are no consequences for their behavior? That said, more funding to provide wider access to effective treatment is the only solution, Gimbel said. We all recognize were not going to be able to arrest our way out of this problem. Myrick expects supervised injection sites to be a hard sell in Albany, let alone in Washington, D.C., but his political sensibilities reflect what polls show is a growing belief among younger Americans that the war on drugs announced in 1971 by President Richard Nixon has failed. I think for a lot of people this is going to sound like a weird concept Arent you just encouraging them to use drugs? he said. But I think its more possible now than at any time in our history. The opioid epidemic is affecting more people and we know we cant wait any longer for the federal government to do something. ANAHEIM An armed man shot and killed by police Saturday afternoon was identified Sunday as Danny Rendon, 30, of Anaheim. Authorities said Rendon had been on a firing spree before he wounded a man and shot at a police helicopter. Police shot him after he was seen from a police helicopter on the 2000 block of West Cris Avenue, allegedly standing over a man who had been shot in the leg. After the gunman fired at the police helicopter, he was confronted by police on the ground. Hear a 911 call of reports of the gunman shooting He was shot and killed after he refused to cooperate, according to Sgt. Daron Wyatt. Police said a gun was found at the scene. Shortly before the encounter with police, the gunman had allegedly fired shots near the 900 block of South Roberts, then was reported firing into the air while driving on North Ball Road and waving his gun in the air. No injuries were reported from those shootings, Staff writer Samuel Mountjoy contributed to this report. SACRAMENTO Californias inspector general gave a failing grade to medical care at a fourth prison Monday as the state tries to regain responsibility for health treatment after a decade of federal control. Valley State Prison in Chowchilla received a failing grade in nine of the 14 benchmarks used by inspectors. Medical records often were missing, misfiled, incomplete or illegible. Medicine often was not provided as needed. Essential supplies and basic equipment were missing from many examination rooms. Problems included a failure to provide inmates with follow-up care after initial appointments. Some appointments were delayed for months, while others never occurred, inspectors found. Nurses repeatedly failed to carry out doctors orders, to identify and act on patients medical problems, or to recognize those with urgent needs. In one case, a patient who went untreated for low blood sodium for three weeks had a seizure that required life-support measures and sent him to an intensive care unit at an outside hospital. Poor care resulted in bad or potentially really bad outcomes, said Steven Fama, an attorney with the Berkeley-based Prison Law Office that represents ill inmates. The medium-security prison houses nearly 3,400 inmates about 40 miles northwest of Fresno. Joyce Hayhoe, a spokeswoman for the federal receiver who runs the prison health care system, said officials are fixing the problems. The inspector general previously found that prisons in Delano, Susanville and Vacaville are providing inadequate care. Seven other prisons have received passing grades, and one prison, in Folsom, has been returned to state control. U.S. District Judge Thelton Henderson said last year that the state must successfully operate all 34 adult prisons for a year before he considers ending a long-running class action lawsuit. Henderson seized control a decade ago after he found that conditions were so poor that an average of an inmate a week was dying of medical malpractice or neglect. LAS VEGAS An ex-convict accused of killing two women and critically wounding a man in a car-to-car shooting just off the Las Vegas Strip served time behind bars in Nevada for pandering and child abuse, according to prison and court records. Omar Jamal Talley, 30, was arrested Saturday and was being held Monday in the Clark County jail in Las Vegas pending a court appearance Tuesday on murder, attempted murder and firing a weapon charges. It wasnt clear if he had a lawyer. An attorney who represented him in a previous case didnt immediately respond to messages. Records showed that a jury in Las Vegas acquitted Talley in 2010 of kidnapping and found him guilty of pandering of a child and child abuse, both felonies. He was sentenced to 3 1 / 2 to 10 years in state prison and paroled last year. Police havent described a motive for the Friday shooting on a Harmon Avenue freeway overpass about a block west of the Strip. They said Talley and the three shooting victims were involved in a fistfight minutes earlier in a parking garage at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. That scuffle was captured on security video, and police said Talley was seen with a gun before getting into a light blue or gray 2015 Toyota Camry rental car from which police said at least five shots were later fired. Killed were Jennifer Margarita Chicas and Melissa Yvette Mendoza, both 27. Their hometowns havent been made public. The Clark County coroner said each was shot in the chest. Police said the wounded man was shot in the lower torso. He was described as 30 years old and from the San Francisco Bay Area. His name wasnt released. The shooting came just days after a similar attack on nearby Tropicana Avenue left two people with wounds that werent life-threatening. Police said they were looking for three women and a man and no arrests were immediately made. IRVINE Hundreds of Christ Our Redeemer congregants got a super sermon on Sunday. First, Cal State Fullerton President Mildred Garcia got on the stage of the African Methodist Episcopal church, moving to the music as the chorus sang. Then it was her turn at the podium. Can you rise to your feet as we welcome our very own President Mildred Garcia, the Rev. Mark Whitlock Jr. shouted over the microphone. The daughter of Puerto Rican migrants and a first-generation college graduate, Garcia told the church-goers she had a simple message. College is for you, she said, as a musician tapped on drums. Its never too early and its never too late. You can attend college. You can afford college. You can succeed in college. Garcias stop was part of the Cal State University systems Super Sunday, now in its 11th year. The program, which kicked off Feb. 14 and runs through Feb. 28, reaches about 100 churches through the state. Its focused on African American communities, historically the most underrepresented group in the university system. Last year, blacks made up about 2 percent of students at Cal State Fullerton; at Cal State Long Beach, blacks made up about 5 percent. Cal State Fullerton is No. 1 in the state at graduating Hispanic students, according to federal data. It ranks fifth in the nation for granting degrees to underrepresented minorities. Nina Boyd, a congregant at the church for several years and an Aliso Viejo resident, liked Sundays message. Two of her kids attended Cal State Fullerton, and her youngest child is thinking about college. Boyd went to Cal State Fullerton herself. Everyone wants something better for our children, she said. Sometimes people dont think certain opportunities are available to them. Boyd, who works for the Orange County Department of Education, said its important for leaders like Garcia to be out there in the community, forming a connection with youths and families and serving as an example. One of the first Latina presidents in the countrys largest public university system, Garcia grew up in Brooklyn, NY., raised by parents who worked in factories. With eighth-grade educations, they told her, The only inheritance a poor family can leave you is a good education. Garcia worked multiple jobs to get her bachelors degree in business in the factory alongside her cousins, at a clothing store, at a delicatessen. When shed come home, her mother would always have food waiting for her. She later got masters degrees from New York University and Columbia University. Because people of color have been underrepresented in higher education, people feel like, Oh, is university the place for me? she said. When I went to college for the first time I remember thinking, Oh, thats for rich people, not for me. Those fears continue. Its important to get rid of those fears. Contact the writer: jclay@ocregister.com WASHINGTON Bernie Sanders says his plan for free college for all could be paid for with a tax on Wall Street trading, a plan that his website says will have the additional benefit of reducing risky and unproductive high-speed trading and other forms of Wall Street speculation. But how would such a tax work? And could it raise the sums of money needed to provide a free college education for all? Financial transaction taxes are not new. Theyre often called Tobin taxes, for the Nobel laureate economist James Tobin, who in the early 1970s pressed for a tax on foreign exchange transactions. Tobin hoped to make foreign exchange markets more stable by curbing short-term speculation. A financial transaction tax has been levied in Great Britain since the 17th century. A tax on Wall Street transactions likely would affect both big traders and mom-and-pop investors, and probably would impose different levies on different types of trading. Sanders own proposal before Congress calls for 0.5 percent on stock trades, 0.1 percent on bond trades and 0.005 percent on derivatives. Supporters of the tax say the burden of the tax would fall largely on frequent traders, while those who buy stocks and hold on to them regardless of market conditions likely would barely notice its effect. Such a tax has the potential to yield billions of dollars. A recent analysis by the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center found that a 0.01 percent tax rate one-hundredth of a percentage point could generate $185 billion over 10 years. Financial transaction taxes are a good way to raise money and they dampen speculation, said Dean Baker, an economist and co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research. They discourage speculation for the simple reason its more expensive. Yet many other economists discredit financial transaction taxes for exactly that reason, arguing that they ultimately reduce asset values and cause trading volumes to drop. You are going to earn some revenue on the tax side but youre going to lose revenue on the capital gain side, said James Angel, a finance professor at Georgetown University. The net impact is going to be revenue raised is a whole lot smaller than the proponents of the bill are talking about. Angel thinks implementing a transaction tax would distort the economy and undoubtedly reduce investments. He also argues it would likely cause financial firms to pass the cost of the tax on to investors. The transaction tax is not going to hit the fat cat fraudsters who brought down the economy, Angel said. They dont trade very often. . At the end of the day its your mutual fund and my pension plan that are going to end up bearing the burden of the tax. Other economists say a financial transaction tax could be instrumental in decreasing high-frequency trading, which occurs on powerful computers that use complex algorithms to spot trends within milliseconds. High-frequency trading is often criticized as risky and increasing volatility in the market. We should see trading going down, said economist Robert Pollin, a University of Massachusetts at Amherst professor and director of the Political Economy Research Institute. Theres nothing wrong with that; theres excessive trading. Trading volume has gone up many, many folds. Pollin, much like Baker, thinks the U.S. should look at the positive effects that financial transaction taxes have had in other countries, especially in the United Kingdom, where a 0.5 percent stamp tax solely on stock trades in the London Stock Exchange generates nearly $40 billion a year. Its operative in the U.K. (and the) financial market is broadly similar, Pollin said. The U.K.s use of a tax on transactions stretches to 1694, when it first enacted the British stamp tax. Today, the U.K.s stamp tax applies to the stock trades its companies make regardless of where they take place. PACIFIC PALISADES Early in his career, Bubba Watson was quoted as saying his goal was to win 10 PGA Tour events and then retire from competition. Sunday, he birdied two of the last three holes at Riviera Country Club to win the Northern Trust Open by one shot his ninth tour title, all since 2010. Does that mean the end of his career is near? I never said it (10) is going to be it, a grinning Watson said after shooting a 3-under 68 to hold off fast-starting and strong-finishing Adam Scott, as well as long-hitting Jason Kokrak. I said I would change my goal. But if I became No. 1 in the world, I would think about moving on It would be nice to go out on top. Watson, 37, is a fidgety, fast-talking free spirit, so who knows what he really means? When he was a rookie in 2006, he called himself a new-age redneck. Why? Because hes from the South he was born in Florida and went to college in Alabama and Georgia and made this revelation: I dont fish, I dont hunt, Ive never been camping, I dont drink beer and NASCAR is not my thing. Yes, he is different. What we do know is that Bubba came out on top over the weekend at Riviera, for the second time in three years, by finishing at 15 under, a stroke ahead of Kokrak (68) and Scott (67), both of whom had the lead before him and finished at 14 under. Dustin Johnson (69) was fourth at 13 under, followed by Marc Leishman (69) and K.J. Choi (69) at 12 under, in a tournament that featured uncharacteristically low scoring because of ideal weather and greens softened by rain before the opening round. Twenty-five players matched or bettered last years winning score of 6 under. We also know Watson came out on top because he caught Kokrak with a birdie on the par-3 16th and passed him with a 2-putt birdie on the par-5 17th. Bubbas birdie on 17 also came moments after Scott had elicited the loudest roar of the weekend by chipping in for birdie from behind the 18th green to temporarily make it a three-way tie at the top. If Kokrak had made a birdie on the final hole or if Watson had bogeyed the final hole, there would have been a playoff. But there wasnt much drama on the 72nd hole, unlike a day before when Bubba had made an all-world up and down for par from below the green near the grandstand. After a 302-yard drive on the 18th Sunday, Watson was so pumped up that he hit a 9-iron from 181 yards. Scott, watching on TV in the scoring area, said he had a heart palpitation when he saw Bubbas left hand slip off the club after contact. But Watsons approach shot settled 12 feet, 9 inches from the cup, to loud applause from the greenside gallery. For a fraction of a second, I had hope, Scott said later. Hes obviously playing well if thats where his mis-hits go. When Kokraks 14-foot birdie attempt burned the left edge of the cup and slid past, Watson needed only to two-putt for the victory. He lagged to tap-in range and then celebrated by doffing his visor to the crowd. Asked about his most significant putt of the day, he quipped, The 10-incher on 18. Thats Bubba. In retrospect, Watson hit a lot of big shots and made the clutch putts when he needed them most, but upon prodding he singled out his 9-foot par putt on the short par-4 10th and his 28-foot birdie putt on the par-5 11th as the ones that gave him hope he could win. A combination of those two gave me the right frame of mind; it really pushed me forward, he said. They got me where I wanted to go. Though Watson began the day with a one-shot lead, the outcome was always in doubt, because there were a lot of fireworks before he even teed off. There was a four-way tie for the lead before Watson hit his first shot, because Rory McIlroy and Scott both eagled the par-5 first hole and Johnson birdied it. And Scott stayed hot, going 4 under through the first four holes and 5 under through No. 6 to take a two-shot lead. Choi also was 4 under through the first six holes. Watson was still two shots behind with four holes to play, but he remained patient and made his move after Kokrak made back-to-back bogeys on Nos. 14-15. Starting the day, it was anybodys ballgame, Watson said. I just held it together and made a lot of key putts a lot of key putts inside 5 feet that could have easily not gone in. Instead, he is celebrating his ninth tour victory and hoping he gets to 10 the no-longer-magic number. You never know when your last one is going to come, he said. But if he gets to 10? When I get to 10 wins, then well bump (up the goal) a few, he said. And if he gets to No. 1 in the world? I have no idea what Peyton Manning is thinking, but it would be nice to walk away with that big trophy him and his team just won, Watson said, smiling. NOTES Cameron Tringale of Laguna Niguel stumbled to a final-round 80 and finished at 4 over, tied for 68th. Irvine resident Brendan Steele (Hemet High) shot a 76 and finished at 3 under, tied for 39th. Ryan Moore aced the par-3 16th, the same hole that Tyrone Van Aswegen aced a day before. When donors gift millions of dollars to universities, its no surprise that they want to keep as close an eye on the money as possible. But how close is too close? A review of major donor agreements with UC Irvine suggests that the level of control sought by the controversial Dharma Civilization Foundation in exchange for gifts of $3 million is greater than that sought by other big donors with names like Samueli, Merage, Beckman and Bren. The Dharma agreements fund professorships in the study of Eastern religions, and create advisory councils so Dharma can keep an eye on who UCI hires and what is accomplished. Some agreements specify the skills successful academics must possess such as facility with Sanskrit and effectively narrow the applicant pool to what some faculty members fear is Dharmas own, hand-picked candidates. When Susan and Henry Samueli (of Broadcom fame) gave more than $25 million to UCI for its engineering and medical schools, agreements did specify that Susan Samueli would be a member of the founding board of advisers for the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine. When Paul Merage (of Chef America/Hot Pockets fame) gave $30 million for UCIs business school, agreements specified that a panel review funding requests for grants. But nothing in the agreements we reviewed appeared as specific as what was in Dharmas. Hundreds of critics, including UCI faculty and students, have gone on record demanding that UCI reject Dharmas gifts. A university committee is reviewing those gifts, and is on the verge of recommending what to do. All of which confounds the donors at Dharma, who say they are willing to consider rewriting clauses that people are uncomfortable with and are eager to meet face-to-face with their critics. When we wrote the agreements, we did not consult other agreements, said Kalyan Viswanathan, executive vice president for the Dharma Civilization Foundation. We didnt ask for any, and we didnt compare any. We wrote what we thought we wanted, and the university administration guided us toward language that was acceptable to them. It went through several levels of review. If that language is now rankling faculty members, the donors are perfectly willing to talk about revising it, Viswanathan said. What should be a matter of simple negotiation is being unusually and regrettably played out in the public domain, he said. We are open to a constructive dialogue with anyone in the university. The donors have proposed meeting with their critics on campus. But university officials have asked them to stand down and not engage directly with faculty. So the donors just wait, feeling like they have no input into the current machinations, Viswanathan said. The donors desire to meet has been communicated to the UCI committee reviewing the agreements, but that committee hasnt made a decision yet, said UCI spokeswoman Cathy Lawhon. The conflict at UCI illustrates the tension between religion, academic freedom and the ever-growing quest for outside money. And in many ways, its big international politics played out on a little stage. Critics draw links back to Hindu nationalist movements in India. They worry that Dharma seeks to place true believers in the Hindu faith into academia and wants to squelch critical study of the religion. Two separate petitions urging UCI to reject the gifts one launched by graduate students, the other by faculty from all over the world have garnered nearly 800 signatures combined. Dharma counters that it simply seeks to upgrade the study and quality of understanding of Indian Dharma traditions, and find Dharma-centered policies to address the challenges facing humanity. The group laments that the majority of scholars studying Hinduism academically in the West are non-Hindus, which has resulted in widespread misrepresentations of the religion that it hopes to correct. This controversy, it contends, is a tempest in a teapot. Contact the writer: tsforza@ocregister.com To retire comfortably in Orange County or anywhere else in coastal Southern California youll need a cool million dollars stashed away in your bank accounts, analysts say. Dont have it? Youre not alone. The majority of Americans older than 55 have no retirement savings at all and, among those who do, half have less than $150,000, a recent study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found. This stands in rather sharp contrast to those at the tippy-top of the food chain. We reported recently that the 100 largest CEO retirement funds among Fortune 500 companies were worth a combined $4.9 billion, equal to the entire retirement savings of 50 million families, comprising 116 million Americans. For that, thank tax code quirks available to CEOs, but not Average Joes, concluded an analysis by the Center for Effective Government and the Institute for Policy Studies. So what can our leaders do to help us woefully unprepared laggards save for our dotage, which will likely be longer and more expensive than currently imagined? A good bit, it turns out. The options range from dangling more saving-incentive carrots and/or sticks before employers and workers to facing the painful but inevitable revamp of Social Security, which still finances most Americans retirements. One of the more ambitious and controversial approaches has been quietly brewing in California and more than two dozen other states: Creating new government-run retirement plans for millions of private workers. Too many head into their supposed golden years with diminished incomes and little or no savings to pay for food, shelter, medical bills and other basics, said California Treasurer John Chiang, who champions the approach, in a recent speech on pension issues in Sacramento. With only Social Security to live on, they face the prospect of toiling until sick, incapacitated or dead. Life expectancies are getting longer at the same time the cost of living is rising. If we do not find a way to help Californians start saving for their own retirement, they will become virtual wards of the state with taxpayers subsidizing their increasingly bleak existence. States are taking the lead in a nationwide push for automatic IRAs, as theyre called, said Lenny Sanicola, an expert in benefits and total rewards at WorldatWork, a nonprofit human resources association. We all want the same thing: We want people to save, Sanicola said. Because if they dont, theyll live 30 years into retirement and run out of money or they wont retire at all. MUCH EASIER TO SAVE California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New York, Illinois and Massachusetts are in various stages of creating publicly administered retirement systems for private-sector workers whose employers dont offer retirement-savings options. Californias effort to form what would be a multibillion-dollar retirement system began in 2012. Critics quipped that California had done such an exemplary job managing its underfunded retirement systems for public workers, it made perfect sense to launch one for private employees, as well. The Legislature pressed ahead with an exploratory California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program nonetheless. The program would require private companies with five or more workers that dont already offer retirement plans to participate. Theyd start out automatically withholding 3 percent or 5 percent of each workers pay for safekeeping in a Secure Choice account. Withholding would increase 1 percent each year until 10 percent of pay is being saved. The account would be portable, following workers from job to job, and fees to run it would be low, about 1 percent. Part-time or full-time workers would be included, unless they took formal steps to opt out. About 6.8 million California workers lack access to retirement savings plans through their employers, and 70 percent to 90 percent would participate in Secure Choice, according to a privately funded feasibility study. Demand for such a program is high, and it is financially viable and self-sustaining even under adverse conditions with poor investment returns and high opt-outs rates, concludes the study. Pubic hearings will be held in Los Angeles on March 1 and in Oakland on March 3 to collect comment. The Secure Choice board is expected to formulate recommendations for the Legislature in March. Proponents hope legislation making Secure Choice the law of the land will follow. That could happen this year, though it will take time to set up the system. Its a very good thing its a no-brainer, said Steve Sass, program director for the Center for Retirement Research at Boston Colleges Financial Security Project. It makes it much easier to save, and thats very important. Ideally, an automatic IRA plan run by the government on behalf of private workers would be the federal governments domain, Sass said. The president has included such a plan in his budget, but its unlikely to survive a contentious Congress in a frenetic election year. California Treasurer Chiang, who chairs the Secure Choice board and is mulling a run for governor, agrees. We cannot wait for a Congress that is unable or unwilling to defuse this ticking time bomb, said Chiang. It is critical that we pass Secure Choice. It would be the largest expansion of retirement coverage since Social Security was enacted in 1935. The concept, however, is not universally embraced. NO, REALLY, TRUST ME The Orange County Business Council awarded Secure Choice a Squirrel in 2012, a title bestowed on legislation it considers distracting. Noting the state has an unfunded pension liability of some $500 billion, it dryly observed: So, based on the strength of its fiscal management skills, the state would like to jump into the deep end of the red ink and develop a NEW pension system for the private sector. No, really, trust me, THIS time I know what I am doing. Encouraging folks at every income level to invest in their future is a great thing, but, hello! Pot, meet kettle, the Business Council wrote. Since even the state cant manage to take their own advice, why should they force more expense and liability on the very businesses that are keeping them from the poor house? The Business Council still feels the same way. Government doing private pensions is an unabashed SQUIRREL! said President Lucy Dunn. Some experts caution that states should avoid setting up systems that could be construed as furnishing guaranteed payouts to private workers. California is being careful in that regard, said Christina Elliott, acting executive director of Secure Choice. The legislation creating Secure Choice specifies that the state would have no liability for the payment of the benefits under the program. Still, Realtor Ron Titus of Costa Mesa isnt comfortable. Not a good idea at all, he said. We have many plans for workers (and non-workers), including several IRA types. Legislators seem to think they need something new for political reasons. Just tweak them to make them simpler the rules are so complicated that people procrastinate. They choose to keep all of their paycheck and promise to contribute one day, but dont. So, it isnt a plan problem, but a behavior problem. Contact the writer: tsforza@ocregister.com Barndominiums are becoming a major home improvement trend in North Texas, thanks to Morton Buildings, a construction company that specializes in converting ordinary barns into luxurious dwellings. They started in the year 2000, and they have since transformed thousands of barns and sheds across the US into beautiful mansions. Paul and Judy Pogue, from McKinney, Texas, are the proud owners of two of the most amazing barndominiums made by Morton one in their hometown and a 10-bedroom one in Oklahoma. The one in McKinney, a 6,600 square-foot steel structure, looks rather boring from the outside, but the inside is simply breathtaking. The old barn is finished with hard wood walls and floors, leather furnishings, chandeliers, a bar, kitchen, and all the other comforts of a luxury home. Until 2001, the Pogues steel barn was used as a home for their champion steers, but after seeing what Morton Buildings could do with a barn, they decided to make a change. Nowadays, their bardominium is one of the most stunning homes in Texas, though you couldnt tell by simply driving past it on a country road. Youd have to go inside and see all the work that has gone into transforming the place into a truly unique abode. Everyone has the same response, Oh my, this is amazing! Judy Pogue told NBC5 News, and looking at these photos of their bardominium I consider that a normal reaction. Both Paul and Judy love all the extra space that their barndominiums provide for Paul, theyre great for housing his collectible cars and trophies of deer, bear, and mountain cat. And Judy likes that theres plenty of room for all their friends and family to gather under one roof. In case youre interested, the cost of Morton bardominium can be anywhere between $80,000 and $200,000. Money well spent if you ask me. The Pogues bardominiums in McKinney and Oklahoma are just two of the thousands of masterpieces created by Morton Buildings. For more, check out the companys Facebook portfolio. Photos: Morton Buildings via My San Antonio 18-year-old Malachi Love-Robinson, from West Palm Beach, Florida, was arrested last week for pretending to be a medical doctor. The teenager had opened a medical practice of his own in a professional medical building at 4700 North Congress Ave., where he swindled patients for thousands of dollars before he was caught and arrested. Interestingly, this isnt the first time Love-Robinson has tried posing as a doctor. In January last year he was caught impersonating a gynecologist in an exam room at St. Marys Medical Center. Then 17, he happened to be wearing a coat with the clinics logo, a face mask, and a stethoscope. The staff at the clinic were flabbergasted and later recalled seeing him roaming the halls for at least a month before the incident. Ive been in practice for 36 years, this is the first time something like this has happened, Dr. Sebastian Kent, OB GYN at the center, told the Sun Sentinel. Its strange. Very, very strange. Photo: New Birth New Life Holistic and Alternative Medical Center & Urgent Care Love-Robinson claimed at the time that he was not trying to impersonate a doctor. I requested to shadow some physicians, he said. The next thing I know, the cops are there. Because he claimed he did not come in direct contact with any of the patients, the center did not press charges and the boy was free to go. But his deceptive streak was far from over he was caught once more in October for posing as a massage therapist without a license at a rehab center in Boynton Beach. He got away easy this time as well, with only a cease and desist notice from the Department of Health. In January, Love-Robinson struck for the third time, in what can only be called his grandest scheme yet. He set up his own clinic New Birth New Life Holistic and Alternative Medical Center & Urgent Care posing as its 25-year-old co-founder, CEO, and President. On the clinics website he calls himself Dr. Malachi A. Love-Robinson PhD, HHP-C, AMP-C, a well rounded professional that treats, and cares for patients, using a system of practice that bases treatment of physiological functions and abnormal conditions on natural laws governing the human body. Photo: New Birth New Life Holistic and Alternative Medical Center & Urgent Care The practice actually took off, with a steady stream of patients visiting Love-Robinsons office. His fraud might have gone undetected for months, if not for the grand opening hed thrown three weeks ago. A few of his family members who attended knew that he was no doctor, so they tipped off the authorities. The police were finally able to arrest him this time, after catching him in the act in an undercover operation. Members of PBNTF and Department of Health conducted an undercover operation at the medical office of Love-Robinson, a spokesperson for the Sheriffs Department said. During this undercover operation, Love-Robinson performed a physical exam on an undercover agent and offered medical advice. He was taken into custody on Tuesday last week, and released on a $21,000 bail Wednesday morning. He is now facing several charges including practicing medicine without a license, grand theft, and fraud. Photo: New Birth New Life Holistic and Alternative Medical Center & Urgent Care One of Love-Robinsons victims, 86-year-old Anita Morrison, claimed that shed paid him over $3,000 in treatment fees. The con-artist visited her home several times to treat her for a severe stomach pain, diagnosing her with arthritis and selling her natural vitamins. During one visit he called an ambulance, and recommended that she leave her keys and wallet at home, assuring that hed lock up after her. But the woman later found out that her bank account was empty. Love-Robinson had apparently forged and cashed three checks without her consent, totalling $2,794. This was in addition to the money shed already paid him for treatment. I had severe pain and I would call him and hell say Ill be right over, I have just the right pill for you for the pain, Morrison said. When he came along I said good, I said God is good, he sent him hes going to help me and this is what turned out. Photo: Malachi Love-Robinson Love-Robinsons grandfather, William McKenzie, is in disbelief over the turn of events. He had genuinely believed that his grandson had started a legitimate practice. Well once he opened up the office and the practice I felt like it was something legit that hes trying to do, McKenzie said. If he has slipped and did something wrong I just ask everybody to pray for him. Sadly, Love-Robinson appears to have no remorse over his actions and is refusing to accept that he committed fraud. In a phone interview with ABC Los Angeles he admitted that he didnt graduate from medical school, but also insisted that there was nothing wrong with his actions. The issue I face now is accusations, he told ABC correspondent Matt Gutman. I have shadowed many doctors. I have been studying this particular field for a while. It may not have been eight years, nine years, ten years. But it has been long enough to, I would say, to justify what I do. There are many types of degrees out there that hold the title of doctor whether they are physicists or engineers. Just because someone has the title of doctor in front of their name does not necessarily imply MD, he added. But the ABC clip clearly shows a reporter revealing the letters MD typed on Love-Robinsons nameplate in his clinic. When asked about this, he simply said that the sign was going to be changed. He also denied stealing money from Morrison, who is old enough to be his grandmother. When the interviewer pressed him for more information, Love-Robinson ended the interview in a huff, saying: I dont appreciate your tone. I dont appreciate they way you are portraying this interview to actually be. Im going to have to cut this interview short. Sources: ABC News, Sun Sentinel, WPBF La Modelo prison in Botoga, Colombia, is notorious for the free reign that its 11,000 odd inmates enjoy. The prisoners completely run the show, with easy access to guns and grenades, while the prison guards do not carry any weapons inside the premises. The inmates frequently resort to violence in order to settle disputes between the left-wing rebels and the right-wing government supporters and paramilitaries that inhabit the north and south wings of the prison, respectively. The rivalry between the two sections has lead to several killings, all of which were carried out in the central area in between the two wings. Members of the guerrilla movement FARC who are imprisoned in the north wing actually carry out their military drills within their section of the establishment. Ammunition is smuggled into the prison and sold at about $1,000 per gun, thanks to the cooperation of corrupt officials. Guns arent the only perks that the inmates enjoy. They use cell phones freely and have access to satellite communication, which allows them to carry on with their criminal activities in the outside world, like drug dealing, kidnapping, and extortion. They even have restaurants inside the prison, one of which is sponsored by FARC and provides free food to left-wing rebels. Other restaurants are run by individual inmates, who pay taxes to the gangs every month. But the most baffling of perks enjoyed by La Modelo inmates is Ciambiazo or big change, in which a prisoner can change places with a visitor from the outside for only 2,000 to 2,500 dollars. Photo: Colprensa/El Nuevo Dia Its the prisoners who control the prison, a guard said, speaking to The Sun. They organise themselves. Were only instruments that survey the walls and control the barriers. Nothing more. Over the years, there have been several reports of gory acts of violence inside La Modelo. In April 2000, 25 prisoners were murdered during a fight. The incident sparked so much publicity that the government of Colombia attempted to change the prison order, shutting down private shops and stepping up security. But the efforts did not make much of a difference 100 inmates escaped only a year later, in June 2001, after FARC members blew a hole in the wall. The organisation actually took responsibility for the incident, with then FARC commander Jorge Briceno boldly stating that it would continue to carry out such actions to free captured comrades from jail. Photo: INPEC This event led to the forced resignation of Fabio Campos Silva, the Director of the Colombian National Penitentiary Institute back then. Several hundreds of employees, suspected of being corrupt, were fired. A three-month prison emergency was declared, during which security was further beefed up. All the shops and restaurants inside were closed, and many inmates were transferred to other prisons. The government is currently building modern jails to house these high-risk inmates, a project that is being funded by the U.S. government. Despite all these measures, the authorities have not been able to put a complete stop to the smuggling of guns. Earlier this year, officials made a shocking discovery the inmates of La Modelo have been disposing of their victims by throwing them into the drainage system. The remains of at least 100 dismembered prisoners and visitors were found in the jails drain pipes. The number of the victims is unknown, but we know its over 100 and could be considerably higher, said Caterina Heyck, an investigator at the attorney generals office. With most of Colombias prison budget being spent to house and care for high profile, maximum security inmates, a permanent solution to La Modelos problems does not seem imminent. Sources: Criminal Justice, Wikipedia, CNN Devra Davis The rush to bathe the world in Wi-Fi radiation, including Googles plan to launch thousands of Wi-Fi satellites in space, has run up against claims that such radiation is especially harmful to children, babies and fetuses. Among those leading the battle to reduce radiation by hard-wiring as many appliances as possible are the National Assn. for Children and Safe Technology and Devra Davis, Ph.D., President, Environmental Health Trust. NACST, which is hosting the Turn It Off 4 Kids initiative claims that The debate is over on the subject of whether wireless radiation, also known as RF-EMF, causes cancer. Some scientists regard RF as a Group 1 Human Carcinogen, placing it in the same category as tobacco, asbestos and benzene, says NACST, referencing studies on Bioinitiative and EMF Safety Network. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, in 2011 classified as a Group 2B Possible Carcinogen the radio frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes microwaves. Those who ask for more time to study the evidence are compared by Davis to those who ignored findings in the 1930s that cigarettes caused cancer. It was not until 1964 that the U.S. Surgeon General came to that conclusion and ordered warnings put on all cigarette packs. Fox TV Carries Message on Children Davis, an epidemiologist who specializes in disease prevention, pleaded the case for protecting children from excessive radiation in a four-minute segment on Fox TV/D.C., Feb. 16. Studies by the World Health Organization and others have shown an increase in brain cancer with ten years of exposure. The radiation reaching a childs brain is twice as strong as the radiation reaching an adult's, she said, citing studies by Environmental Health Trust. It is not the power of the radiation that is the problem but its pulsed nature2.4 billion cycles a second, she said. Microwave ovens, computers and cellphones use the same frequency, she noted. This exposure is repeated thousands of times over the life of a child and we are concerned as are the governments of Korea, Belgium, France and Israel, she added. The exposure will harm our children over the long run. Simply wire these things and eliminate this concern, she told Fox News audience. Dont you give your children umbrellas before they go to school or do you let them get soaked? she asked. New York Unrolls Wi-Fi Terminals NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio unveils a LinkNYC terminal. Mayor Bill de Blasio on Feb. 18 presided over ceremonies unveiling the first of more than 7,500 LinkNYC Wi-Fi terminals that will dot the five boroughs. It will be the biggest and the fastest such network in the world, he said while standing near one of the new fixtures on Third ave. More than 500 will be in operation by the end of July, he said. Internet access is not a luxury, not something thats optional, but something that everybody needs and were going to have fairness, he said. The terminals will provide private Wi-Fi network within a 150-foot radius, free domestic phone service, two USB charging ports, a tablet for accessing the web, and a red 911 button for emergency calls. Data on those using the system will be collected and will be owned by CityBridge. None of the data will be personally identifiable, de Blasio said. The terminals will operate within the microwave frequency of the electromagnetic spectrum at 5GHz which is five billion cycles (microwaves) per second. Data will be transferred at up to one Gigabit. One Gigabit is one billion bits. EMF health advocates say that the terminals will add to the non-ionizing 24/7 burden of microwave radiation already experienced by New Yorkers from cellphones, computers, cell towers, Wi-Fi routers (including the more powerful routers Time Warner, Comcast and others are forcing their customers to take), Wi-Fi utility meters, Wi-Fi on wearable clothes, and other wireless devices and technologies. Daily Mail/U.K. Covers LinkNYC The Daily Mail, U.K., devoted nearly 1,000 words and eight photos to the announcement of the terminals. Companies involved in the venture include Qualcomm and Civiq Smartscapes, said the paper. A column by Nicole Gelinas in the Jan. 11 New York Post said major backers of the $200 million project are Google and Qualcomm. Intersection is credited with the launch of the system. It is owned by a consortium of investors led by Sidewalk Labs, an Alphabet company (a recently formed holding company for Google). Dan Doctoroff is CEO of Sidewalk Labs. Google revenues are $74 billion. A company called Control Group was merged on June 23, 2015 with Titan Outdoor Advertising to form Intersection, said a release by Intersection. Al Kelly, former president of American Express, was named president of Intersection on Feb. 17, 2016. The company is described as one that is redefining the urban experience. Titan described itself as the largest transit advertising sales company in the world in the 1990s with revenues of $800 million. It is headquartered in New York and has offices in major cities. Hundreds of Millions in Ads Expected Doctoroff, speaking at NYUs Center for Urban Science & Progress Feb. 10, said the terminals would produce hundreds of millions of ad income that could be used by New York to improve life in the city. The nine-foot, five-inch tall terminals have four-and-a-half-foot high digitized ads on both sides. Advocates for electro-magnetic health practices say that the Sidewalk Labs terminals are a violation of the civil rights of passersby who can be adversely affected by the radiation. They are circulating petitions to be sent to the New York State Dept. of Technology and Telecommunications and the New York Attorney General saying that the terminals violate the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York City Human Rights law, and the New York State Human Rights Law. Those with electromagnetic sensitivities and many medical conditions would not be able to heed the advice of their own doctors, say the advocates. If a hotspot is put on the street near a home or critical institution to be accessed, many people will not be able to access the building in question without getting serious symptoms and violating doctors orders, they said. EHS a Major Public Health Issue, Says Confab More than 50 doctors, scientists and healthcare professionals, meeting in Paris Feb. 11, signed a document saying electro-hypersensitivity is a major public health issue and calling for more research on the subject. The physical suffering of the afflicted is real although controversy remains in some respects on the subject, said thedocument. Symptoms of cellphone users reported by doctors include headache, stiffness or pain in the neck, ringing in the ears, visual disturbances, muscle twitching, spasms, joint stiffness and cognitive disorders. Second stage victims may experience severe cognitive disorders, loss of concentration, loss of short term memory, heartbeat irregularities, insomnia, chronic fatigue and possible depressive tendency. Especially vulnerable are children, said the meeting. They may experience sleep disorders, dyslexia, attention disorders, lack of concentration, loss of memory and behavioral problems. Lack of treatment of EHS can lead to totally irreversible delirium, spatial disorientation or temporal state of dementia resembling Alzheimers disease which also may occur in young subjects. Spanish-language broadcaster Univision in February reveled major spends for telecommunications lobbying support on Capitol Hill. Univision, the network that serves the U.S. Latino community, is currently undertaking an ambitious bid to drive nationwide Hispanic voter registration, according to a report today by the New York Times. That effort will include editorials, online voter guides, organizing initiatives and town-hall-style forums, as well as an aggressive schedule of advertisements on all of Univisions video and digital platforms, according to the Times. Veteran broadcaster and Univision chief news anchor Jorge Ramos told NPR in February that the network is also currently pushing an aggressive effort to increase political coverage to Millennial viewers via social media. Media mogul Haim Saban, a major financial supporter of Hillary Clinton, maintains a majority stake in Univision. February lobbying registration documents reveal that Univision has now hired lobbying firm Monument Policy Group LLC for Washington, D.C. representation in the telecommunications realm. A nine-member Monument team will handle the Univision account, including founder and partner Stewart Verdery, who was staffer for Senators John Warner (R-VA) and Don Nickles (R-OK) and formerly served as Homeland Security assistant secretary; Andrew Howell, former VP-homeland security policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; and Stephanie Martz, former senior counsel and special assistant to President Obama and chief counsel to Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Univision in February also picked up D.C.-based government affairs firm Kountoupes Denham for help with telecommunications issues. That firm, formerly known as Kountoupes Consulting, LLC, is utilizing its five principals to manage the account. Lisa Kountoupes was President Clintons House liaison, assistant director of legislative affairs at the Office of Management & Budget, special assistant at the Dept. of Energy and staffer on John Dingells (D-MI) Energy & Commerce Committee; Lori Denham was formerly chief of staff to Rep. Cal Dooley (D-CA) and legislative director to former Energy and Commerce Committee member Rep. Darlene Hooley (D-OR); Randi Reid was former legislative director for Rep. Michael C. Burgess (R-Texas); Rose Sullivan was chief of staff to Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MI); and Julie Hershey Carr was former legislative director for Rep. Joseph R. Pitts (R-PA). Finally, Univision has tapped Alexandria, VA-based public policy consulting firm Kelly Cole Strategies for lobbying help on issues related to telecommunications. That account will be headed by Principal Kelly Cole, who was executive VP of the National Association of Broadcasters' government relations department and formerly served as telecommunications counsel for U.S. House of Representatives's Committee on Energy & Commerce. Wi-Fi health advocates list 29 medical groups, schools, libraries and government bodies that are fighting the spread of microwave radiation which they consider dangerous, particularly to children. The Interdisciplinary Society for Environmental Medicine, 3000 physicians in Germany, urges banning cellphone use by children and banning cellphones and cordless phones in preschools, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, event halls, public buildings and vehicles. The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health says the Federal Communications Commissions standard is inadequate because it is based on only one dominant mechanismadverse health effects caused by body heating. FCC also does not address the issue of long-term, chronic exposure to RF fields. The International Commission on Electromagnetic Safety, representing scientists in 16 nations, urges limiting cell phone use by children, teenagers, pregnant women and the elderly. National Library of France removed Wi-Fi and installed only cable connections. Wi-Fi was removed from four libraries in Paris. Russian National Committee for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection warns that cellphones are unsafe even for short conversations. It says children under 16, pregnant women, epileptics, and people with memory loss, sleep disorders andneurological diseases should never use cell phones. UK Department of Education says children under 16 should not use cellphones except in an emergency. University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute says children should never use a cell phone except in an emergency. Voice, the U.K. teachers association, calls for a ban on Wi-Fi in schools. American Bird Conservancy and Forest Conservation Council brought a lawsuit against the FCC because millions of migratory birds are being disoriented by microwave radiation and crashing into cell towers Amateur Radio Relay League Bio-Effects Committee says, The FCCs standard does not protect against non-thermal effects." Explosion in Wi-Fi Causing Illnesses Australian Democrats: The explosion in wireless communications technology is causing widespread illness. Austrian Medical Association warns against Wi-Fi, cordless phones, and cell phone use by children. Ballinderry Primary School, Ireland: Removed Wi-Fi to protect the children. Bavaria, Germany: Recommends no Wi-Fi in schools. European Environmental Agency: Recommends wireless technology be avoided by vulnerable groups such as children. Frankfurt, Germany: Bans Wi-Fi in public schools. International Association of Fire Fighters: Opposes communication antennas on fire stations. Irish Doctors Urge New Guidelines Irish Doctors Environmental Association: Warns that current safety guidelines are not appropriate. Karnataka State, India, bans cellphones in all schools and pre-university colleges. Knowsley, Borough of, England. bans cell phones in schools. Lakehead University, Ontario, bans Wi-Fi on campus. Madhya Pradesh, India, bans cellphones in schools by both students and teachers. Prebandal Preparatory School, Chichester, England, removed Wi-Fi from its campus. Progressive Librarians Guild: Recommends no wireless technology in libraries. Sainte-Genevieve University, Paris: Removed Wi-Fi from its library. Salzburg, Austria: Bans Wi-Fi in public schools. Sebastopol, California: Broke its contract to install citywide Wi-Fi. Therold, Ontario: Broke its contract to install citywide Wi-Fi. Ysgol Pantycelyn School, Carmarthenshirem, Wales, removed Wi-Fi from campus. Margaret Sullivan, outgoing public editor at the New York Times, has been hired by the Washington Post as its newest media columnist. Sullivan officially joins the WaPo this spring. Shell pen a weekly column for the paper which will encompass everything related to digital media, and how that transformation is affecting peoples lives and work, along with journalism, news literacy, privacy and free speech, and media personalities, according to a release posted today on WaPo's website. Sullivan, who announced her departure from the Times in December, currently pens the Public Editors Journal blog, and had famously been critical of the Times use of anonymous sources, which allegedly resulted in inaccuracies made during that papers coverage of the San Bernardino terrorist attacks. Sullivan, a former editor and vice president of the Buffalo News, was the first woman to hold the Times public editor role, and spent nearly four years in that ombudsman position, which details the Times inner workings, the longest serving public editor the paper has had to date. There was great celebration on Monday, October 6 at the 2014 Offaly Enterprise Awards. The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) hosted an evening celebrating business and entrepreneurship in the County. There was great celebration on Monday, October 6 at the 2014 Offaly Enterprise Awards. The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) hosted an evening celebrating business and entrepreneurship in the County. This year, there were two separate Enterprise Competitions, one for existing businesses and another new competition for entrepreneurs aged 30 or under. Tullamore-based company, Future Ticketing Ltd was announced Overall Winner in the 2014 Offaly County Enterprise Awards. Meanwhile, Emma Rose Conroy of Eurostallions was named Offalys Best Young Entrepreneur. Business owners gathered in the Tullamore Court Hotel to attend the evening which comprised a keynote address by adventurer and serial entrepreneur Mr Pat Falvey, and the presentation of the 2014 County Enterprise Awards and IBYE Awards by Colette Byrne, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council. Pat Falvey is highly regarded both as an Adventurer Leader and motivational speaker. In an entertaining and engaging presentation, he shared with the audience his philosophy. Life is like a mountain, and we all have mountains to climb, we all have an Everest, believe in yourself, your goals, never quit, have dreams, go for them and make them a reality. Edenderry-based company Savage Outdoors then presented Pat Falvey with a gift of a climbing accessory, called a Travel Board which was designed by the up and coming company. Colette Byrne, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council took the opportunity to congratulate all the businesses present, and to acknowledge the contribution they make to the County. The 2014 County Enterprise Awards were then announced by Orla Martin, Head of Local Enterprise. The Enterprise Awards are open to businesses that have applied and received Grant aid from the Local Enterprise Office/County Enterprise Board. Those applying submitted a completed application form, a set of accounts, together with marketing material/and or samples of their work. On behalf of the Local Enterprise Office, Orla Martin thanked the two judges Denis Duggan, Enterprise Ireland and Evelyn Reddin, Local Enterprise Office in Laois. The 15 finalists were Premier Business Media Ltd; Dezynamite; Welding Quality Management Services Ltd; Applied Concepts Ltd; Future Ticketing Ltd; TD Cellular Limited; Decontamination Technical Services Limited (DTS Ltd); Pyxis Black Limited; Polar Ice Limited; Brendan Dooley T/A The Print Factory; Yvonne Carty T/A Hey Pesto; Whatzere Queue Smart; Heartworks; Clanwood Organic Farm; Farm TV/Aura Productions. There were six prizes, three category winners and Bronze, Silver and Gold (the overall winner of the 2014 Offaly Enterprise Award)s. The winner will go forward to represent the County at the National Enterprise Awards. Innovation Award: Polar Ice Ltd Best Marketing Award: Dezynamite Best Artisan Food Award: Clanwood Organic Farm Bronze Award: Premier Business Media Ltd Silver Award: Applied Concepts Ltd Gold Award: Future Ticketing Ltd . A group of four friends set up Future Ticketing which launched its game changing ticketing software in April 2014. Since then, over 1.5m in tickets have been processed throughout the system, with over 100,000 satisfied customers. The company has signed contracts with a number of businesses in Ireland and last week signed up its first customers in the UK. Future Ticketing is based in the Innovation Centre in Axis Business Park. Orla Martin thanked Pat Falvey, Colette Byrne, the businesses present and her colleagues in the Local Enterprise Office for their contribution to an uplifting evening. The Local Enterprise Office is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union. . Pictured are Enterprise Awards Winners Group. Back Row L to R: Sean & Orla Clancy, Clanwood Farm, Alison Ritchie, Polar Ice, Seanie & Jesse Morris, Dezynamite, Ronan McGlade, Premier Business Media, MarkCotter, Fred Dolan, Amanda OConnor, Emelyn Murray, Future Ticketing Front Row L to R: Mark Clendennen, Applied Concepts, Orla Martin, Head of Local Enterprise, Sinead Dooley, Cathaoirleach Offaly County Council, Pat Falvey, Colette Byrne, CEO Offaly County Council Loading... OilVoice will be with you shortly... TreeHouse Foods decision to open an office in Omaha, hiring 280 former ConAgra Foods employees, is a silver lining in whats been a stormy year for ConAgras workforce. Is there any chance the Illinois company would brighten Omahas forecast even more by relocating its headquarters here, filling ConAgras shoes in Omahas Fortune 500 lineup? Unlikely, several experts said. Though a former mayor says we should at least try. State and local economic development officials wouldnt comment specifically on whether they were making any pitches for the TreeHouse headquarters, saying they dont talk about recruitment. When ConAgra moves its head office later this year, Omaha will have four remaining headquarters of companies on Fortune magazines list of the 500 largest U.S. companies. Despite a handful of high-profile headquarters moves in the news lately, such a move is still pretty rare, said Phil Schneider, site selection expert with a Wisconsin-based consulting practice. He called a move to Omaha not out of the question, but said of headquarters moves in general: Its difficult to move, and its very expensive. Companies move for strategic reasons, and incentives and business climate are just some of the factors, he and other experts said. They pointed to several reasons why it would make sense for TreeHouse to stay put, even though the 10-year-old company doesnt have a storied history in its location like ConAgra in Omaha since 1922. Those include easy access to OHare International Airport good for traveling to the companys dozens of far-flung manufacturing plants. And they include the growing concentration in Chicagoland of food businesses such as Kraft, Mondelez and ADM, and their support system of food-centric marketing, research, professional services and tech firms. (ConAgra cited this food brain trust as one of its reasons for moving to Chicago.) Meanwhile, TreeHouses chief executive, Sam Reed, a veteran of other food businesses including Keebler, lives only about 5 miles from the company offices. Treehouse Foods senior management is very content with their Oak Brook, Illinois, headquarters location, and there is little likelihood that will change, company spokesman Ron Bottrell said. Still, that doesnt mean Omaha shouldnt try, said former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub. He disagreed with site selectors who say Omaha would be a long shot for a TreeHouse headquarters. I dont think thats true at all, he said. I think Omaha is growing more and more into a city that can support corporate headquarters, and large business activity. He mentioned Omahas central location, cost of living, educational system, telecommunications network and performing arts community as winning attributes. My view is we ought to chase it, he said of TreeHouse. Its food and value-added agriculture priority areas for Nebraska and Omaha business recruiters. He can even envision the company setting up shop in part of ConAgras riverfront campus. The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce is hired by the city to work on economic development efforts; the chamber wouldnt comment on whether its recruiting TreeHouse. TreeHouse said in January it was hiring 280 former ConAgra workers in Omaha, following its agreement to purchase ConAgras private-label food business for $2.7 billion. The private-brands positions are not counted among the 1,000 Omaha jobs that ConAgra is cutting, or the 300 other Omaha jobs that it said would move to Chicago. Commercial real estate brokers in Omaha said TreeHouse is looking for 50,000 to 60,000 square feet of space here, enough to accommodate its 280 workers, but not many more. The company said last week it hasnt selected a location but could soon. The space the company is looking for in Omaha is about the same amount of space TreeHouse leased for its headquarters in 2010 in suburban Oak Brook, down the street from the McDonalds corporate headquarters. TreeHouse also plans to keep regional offices in Downers Grove, Illinois, and in St. Louis. The company now has more than 50 manufacturing facilities and more than 16,000 employees. There would need to be a compelling reason to move the whole headquarters to Omaha, said Dennis Donovan, site selection adviser at New Jersey-based Wadley Donovan Gutshaw Consulting. A move to Omaha from Chicago would go against trends in corporate headquarters location. Headquarters moves today tend to be in one direction: toward bigger urban areas, like Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz USA), Dallas (Sunoco) and Boston (General Electric). And in many cases the moves dont bring many workers. Moves like ConAgras, where top execs jobs move to a bigger city while midlevel positions stay in places like Omaha, can be thought of as executive headquarters, Aaron M. Renn, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, wrote in a 2014 article. Meanwhile, midsize cities like Omaha are seeing more of the types of jobs TreeHouse is keeping here: back office or shared services support roles in research and development, information technology, finance, supply chain and customer service. Putting a headquarters in the same city as a back office doesnt usually make sense, because different attributes position a city well for one or the other, said Darin Buelow, principal at Deloitte Consulting. Even if its headquarters is not in play, TreeHouse still has the potential to grow in Omaha. Buelow said such offices can double or triple in size once a company determines a location is working out. TreeHouse is now the largest player in private brands, expecting revenue of up to $6.5 billion in 2016, with plans to keep gobbling up smaller players. Private brands are products made under grocery stores own labels. With the purchase of ConAgras private-label business, TreeHouses projected revenue would put it in the Fortune 500. That TreeHouse is keeping the 280 jobs in Omaha instead of moving them to Oak Brook or elsewhere is a win, said Randy Thelen, senior vice president at the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership, a group that includes the Greater Omaha Chamber. When it comes to headquarters generally, he said, We certainly are prospecting for them and competing for them. But landing what he calls a second office location is a more common opportunity, he said. Consider that Omaha has major offices for Yahoo, PayPal, Interpublic Group and LinkedIn, which together employ more than 4,000, he said. A second office may not be the crown jewel of economic development that a headquarters is, with its cachet, executive salaries and involvement in philanthropy. But its awfully close, Thelen said. Site-selection expert John Boyd of the Boyd Co. in New Jersey, maintained that Omaha should focus on what he said was its strength as a shared-services hub. Dont be greedy, he said, when asked about chasing a headquarters. Contact the writer: 402-444-1336, barbara.soderlin@owh.com Amidst JNU row, #ChaloDelhi protest rally to rock Delhi Feature oi-Oneindia By Maitreyee Boruah Rallies and counter-rallies have become the order of the day in Delhi in the past few days. The alleged anti-national slogans raised on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus on February 9, during a meeting held to mark Afzal Guru's hanging, has turned into a massive political row. Amidst the JNU controversy, students and activists from across the country will come together to stage a protest rally demanding justice for Rohith Vemula in Delhi on February 23. Chalo Delhi (Let's march to Delhi) organized by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) for Social Justice, University of Hyderabad (UoH), Hyderabad, is likely to see thousands of participants. The campus of UoH is on the boil since the suicide of Rohith. The 26-year-old Dalit research scholar was found hanged in the university campus on January 17. "The Joint Action Committee for Social Justice has stood for the right of every voice like that of Rohith that this government has tried to silence. We have united to demand justice for hundreds of Rohith Vemulas. We appeal to all to join the struggle in Delhi. We, the students, workers, cultural activists and intellectuals, will rally in memory of Rohith's martyrdom, to fight for justice and freedom and to realize the country of our dreams," said a statement published in IndiaResists.com. IndiaResists.com is a free and open online platform for updates and perspectives on people's struggles and democratic movements in India. It's run by a group of independent researchers and activists. Some of the key demands to be raised at the rally are: -Enact "Rohith Act" against the caste discrimination in education spaces. - Punish the culprits (Smriti Irani, Bandaru Dattatrya, Appa Rao, Ramchandra Rao, Alok Pandey and Susheel Kumar). - Remove Appa Rao from the post of vice-chancellor. - Employ a family member of Rohith in the university. - Pay a minimum compensation of 50 lakhs. - Drop the false police cases against the five research scholars. - Appoint a special public prosecutor in the concerned case of Rohith. - Constitute a judicial inquiry (non-MHRD members) into all cases of discrimination and harassment of Dalit, Adivasi, OBC, Religious Minority students in all higher educational institutions. - Implement Affirmative action policies in all higher education institutions, irrespective of the management of the colleges. Several pictures of participants from various corners of the country getting ready to take part in the rally could be seen in the Facebook page of the Joint Action Committee for Social Justice. The protest rally will start from the Ambedkar Bhawan to the Jantar Mantar at 11 am on February 23. The participants will also take part in a candlelight march at the India Gate on February 24. "It has been a month since the institutional murder of Rohith Vemula at the hands of BJP, ABVP and the HCU administration. Rohith was one of the five Dalit research scholars expelled from the hostel and faced social boycott for raising his voice against injustice perpetrated by the fascist and Brahmanical forces in the country," said the statement. "Rohith's death sparked off hundreds of protests across the country in which people demanded justice for Rohith and end to caste discrimination in all spheres of life. But, far from justice, those who abetted the death of Rohith have received promotions to honorary positions, shielded from judicial scrutiny and defended beyond logic while the identity of Rohith and his Dalitness has been questioned by these very same forces. Meanwhile, the ruling government has taken it upon itself to divert the attention of the people towards another institution of higher education, JNU, by declaring it anti-national' on the basis of fabricated intelligence reports, sensationalized news coverage and blatant conspiracy by the RSS led BJP and ABVP. The nexus of the Sanghgirohs in its agenda to establish a fascist rule is unfolding before our eyes in our country. In this hostile climate, we need to unite, expose the Brahmanical Hindutva agenda and fight this fascist assault on the people of this country," the statement added. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, February 22, 2016, 9:16 [IST] Prashant Kishor claims Nitish Kumar in touch with BJP says don't be surprised if he joins hands with it again Ignoring B S Yeddyurappa is not an option available for the BJP Feature oi-Vicky By Vicky In another week the Karnataka BJP will have a new president. The coveted post is a much spoken about one considering the fact the the BJP's strongest leader in the state, B S Yeddyurappa is a front runner. While there are other names in circulation too, a majority in the party feel that he should be made the President or at least told that he would lead the campaign in the next assembly elections. The BJP is in with some choices. The Party's leadership will tread very carefully on this issue and will ensure that at no cost Yeddyurappa is ignored. His strength among the masses of Karnataka is still intact and this one got to witness during the Raitha Chaitanya Yatra which was organised. This yatra was held to protest against the farmer suicides and the inaction by the state government. The entire programme gained a boost only after Yeddyurappa jumped into the fray and this was an indicator that his mass support was intact. Now coming back to the point of the choices before Amit Shah, the party's national chief who will take a decision by this week. He has been given a few choices such as C T Ravi, Nalin Kumar Kateel, R Ashok or even with the option of giving Prahlad Joshi a second term. Why Yeddyurappa cannot be ignored There are many within the BJP who are opposed to the idea of Yeddyurappa being made the party chief in Karnataka. While they may sulk if he is made the chief, deep within they too accept that there is not only single leader in the state who is capable to leading the party to a victory in the state. However, for Yeddyurappa there is just one problem. These are to do with his cases. While he has been given a breather in almost all cases filed against him, there is one case with regard to the CBI investigation into the mining scam which continues to haunt him. In the other cases which were filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, he has been given relief by the courts. While in one case the Supreme Court refused to interfere and vacate the stay given by the Karnataka High Court, in the others the cases have been struck down. The BJP does have the pending cases on the back of its mind and this could just be a bit of a deterrent. The BJP could however argue that the case is still pending and the post being offered to him is of a party and not a government appointment. What if Yeddyurappa is not made the President Now this brings us to the question as to what would happen if the BJP does not give him the post of President on the basis of the cases pending against him. The option being discussed is to make a Yeddyurappa loyalist a President. This would mean the BJP would have a de-facto president with Yeddyurappa being the proxy. However, Yeddyurappa will not settle for this as he is clear that he will not accept anything less than the post of President. The BJP clearly cannot ignore him. As one senior leader in the party puts it, Yeddyurappa has the mass support. Individuals do not win you elections. It is the masses." The only other option that the BJP has if they decide against making Yeddyurappa the President is to assure him that he would lead the assembly elections. After the manner in which he was handled the last time he was Chief Minister, the trust factor from Yeddyurappa's side is not particularly high. However, there is a change in the Party's structure. Yeddyurappa does trust both Narendra Modi and Amit Shah and this could well do the trick. The long and short of it is that the BJP cannot ignore Yeddyurappa at any cost. They need to strike a balance. On one hand they need to show that they will not hand over a post to a person who has cases pending against him as Modi has adopted a no-corruption policy. On the other the BJP needs to bounce back and for this they have only Yeddyurappa who can lead the party to a victory in the state. It is a very tricky situation for the BJP. Will they make him the President or have in place a de-facto? Sources say that if nothing works out, they may just give Joshi a second term as he is considered to be a non-controversial candidate who is not a strong part of any camp in the party. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, February 22, 2016, 10:46 [IST] Will Artificial Intelligence have a disrupting effect on emerging economies? Feature oi-Shradha At the 2016 World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, a report was presented on the changing global employment landscape attributing it to the Fourth Industrial Revolution which included making technological headway in artificial intelligence, machine-learning, robotics, nanotechnology, 3D printing genetics and biotechnology. The report said that these advances will cause widespread disruption not only to business models but also to labour markets over the next five years'. The report also called for enormous change predicted in the skill sets needed to thrive in the new landscape. At the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Washington recently, senior computer scientists have cautioned that intelligent machines will soon replace human workers in all sectors of the economy. "We are approaching the time when machines will be able to outperform humans at almost any task; society needs to confront this question before it is upon us: if machines are capable of doing almost any work humans can do, what will humans do?" asked Moshe Vardi, computer science professor at Rice University in Texas. #Robots will soon move out of factories to replace skilled jobs like lawyers and financial journalism. https://t.co/5ai4GRv6y2 Steven Kotler (@steven_kotler) February 13, 2016 For countries like China and South Korea, which witnessed a booming economy thanks to the availability of cheap labor, this revelation will surely come as a discouraging news. Also, emerging economies such as India, Latin America and Africa may have to reconsider the threat of "premature deindustrialization" which means that low-skill jobs disappear before low-income countries start turning rich- with technology becoming affordable and available. Robots are going to steal more jobs in less developed countries https://t.co/CGJN0WygdM pic.twitter.com/o8Vi644yU8 Fast Company (@FastCompany) February 22, 2016 Back in 2013, two Oxford University researchers, Carl Benedikt Frey and Michael Osborne had stated that in the coming two decades 47% of U.S. jobs were susceptible to "computerization". Based on their analysis the duo have now revealed that : "Industrialisation is likely to yield substantially less manufacturing employment in the next generation of emerging economies than in the countries preceding them. "Increased automation in low-wage countries, which have traditionally attracted manufacturing firms, could see them lose their cost advantage and potentially lose their ability of achieving rapid economic growth by shifting workers to factory jobs," they mentioned in a joint Oxford-Citigroup publication. Change is the only constant? On the one hand where concerns are being raised about Artificial Intelligence (AI) having a disrupting effect on emerging economies, there is also an argument in support of the "Robot Revolution", highlighting the very premise of "change is the only constant". "Innovative, creative and social skills will be in high demand and essential to making you stand out from a crowd of both humans and machines. Creative and technical roles required to maintain computers or robots will probably see man and machine working alongside each other rather than against," writes columnist Neil.C. Huges. Huges points out that having machines to do all the unattractive and time-consuming tasks' will enable us to concentrate on adding value to what is important to us, boost entrepreneurship and learn to fit the current workload around our lifestyle, rather than the other way around. 5 students hiding in JNU professors' residences: ABVP India oi-PTI New Delhi, Feb 22: Members of ABVP today alleged that five students, wanted by the police in a sedition case and have surfaced on the campus after being on the run for over 10 days, were hiding in JNU professors' residences and demanded an inquiry into the matter. "We are very certain that these students are hiding in residences of professors on campus. We demand an enquiry into the same and the teachers supporting these students should also be penalised by the university," Saurabh Kumar Sharma, Joint Secretary of JNUSU said in a press meet. "Last night they suddenly emerged on campus and proudly addressed rallies. A huge gathering of students and teachers even lauded them. We demand that the vice chancellor intervene in this regard and direct the five students to surrender before police. We want JNU administration, varsity security and police to devise a strategy on how that could be facilitated without disrupting the peace on campus," he said. Five JNU students, including Umar Khalid, who the police have been looking for in connection with a sedition case, yesterday surfaced on the campus, and claimed they did not do anything wrong but were "framed" using a "doctored video". JNU is caught in a row in connection with an event against hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru during which anti-national slogans were alleged to have been raised. JNU students' union leader Kanhaiya Kumar is in judicial custody in the sedition case lodged in connection with the event. ABVP had objected to the February 9 event following which the varsity had cancelled the permission for it but the organisers had gone ahead with the programme. PTI Court holds writ by Hindu petitioners in Gyanvapi case maintainable: What does this mean On camera: Varanasi folks in panic as 'ghost in white' goes for a walk on rooftops BHU student demanding revival of students union, thrashed at Modi's event India oi-Sandra Varanasi, Feb 22: While Prime Minister Narendra Modi was addressing students at the Banaras Hindu University on Monday, a student screamed and was later thrashed by some party workers. According to reports, the student named Ashutosh Singh was raising slogans demanding the revival of students union during the centenary year convocation ceremony when he was thrashed by some people. Also read: Modi urges youth to take pride in India's culture "The students union has been prohibited since 1997. The students here are suppressed and not allowed to raise their voice," he said."Modiji hum chhatron ki awaz suniye (Modiji listen to us students)," he said. Modi was leaving the venue when Singh shouted. Police later on escorted Singh out of the venue. Meanwhile, Modi at the event urged the youth to take pride in India's culture and said: "Yoga had existed through the ages but it was only when Indians owned it with great pride that the UN announced an International Yoga Day on June 21." OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, February 22, 2016, 15:53 [IST] How a robbery financed the assassination bid on Narendra Modi India oi-Vicky New Delhi, Feb 22: There has been a relatively quiet investigation that is being carried out in Odisha after the arrest of suspected SIMI members last week. In the year 2013 five members of the SIMI had broken out of the Khandwa jail in Madhya Pradesh and remained at large until recently. While two were killed in an encounter last year, three others were recently arrested at Rourkela in Odisha. This module was being blamed for a series of incidents that took place in the country, but with the probe going deeper, it has been found that they were involved more in robberies rather than acts of terror. Their names have been associated with robberies in Telangana and Madhya Pradesh. The amount looted was allegedly handed over to other members of the SIMI. Investigators have found that the money looted from these banks were shared with a Ranchi module that carried out the Patna blasts in a bid to assassinate Narendra Modi who at that time was running for Prime Minister. They had no money: When the police nabbed the three persons at Rourkela last week, they found that none of them had much money on them. They had been accused of looting three banks between 2013 and 2014 in which they had done away with gold and cash almost to the tune of Rs 1.5 crore. The question is what happened to all this money, if these were the persons involved in the incident. An officer part of the investigation says that the trail leads to Ranchi and Khandwa. It is being alleged that the money was handed over to some operatives in these places. The handing over of the money to the Ranchi module is particularly interesting considering that it was the same module which undertook both the Patna and Bodh Gaya blasts. The NIA which probed both the above mentioned cases had zeroed in on the Ranchi module. The NIA said that it was this module headed by Haider Ali which carried out both the blasts. The Patna blasts was targeted at Narendra Modi. The ongoing investigation suggests that these youth who had undertaken the robbery had shared a portion of the loot with the Ranchi module headed by Haider Ali. OneIndia News I am not a terrorist: JNU's Umar Khalid India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, Feb 22: Umar Khalid, one of the six students accused of raising anti-national slogans at the JNU on February 9, late on Sunday, Feb 21 said he was "not a terrorist", adding the BJP government "needed an excuse to target the campus". "My name is Umar Khalid and I'm not a terrorist," Khalid, who fled the campus after the matter became serious, said, condemning the media trial that branded him a terrorist."The attack (on the university) is not because of the program which was organised on Feburary 9, but because the government needs an excuse to attack us," Khalid said, addressing students in front of the admin bloc at the campus. Khalid, along with four other accused, Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga, Anirban Bhattacharya, returned back to the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus late on Sunday. "The media, all this while, presented a lot of things about me. The media trial, this propaganda... I know what my family is going through," he said. He also refuted the media reports that he made 800 calls to 'Gulf or Kashmir' a few days before the program was organised. JNU has been on the boil over the arrest of its students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges after some students organised a meet to mark the anniversaries of executions of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front co-founder Maqbool Bhat. Anti-India slogans were raised at the gathering. IANS Jana Gana Mana reminiscent of British rule, should be replaced: Gopal Das 'Neeraj' India oi-PTI Aligarh (UP), Feb 22: Doyen of Hindi poetry Gopal Das 'Neeraj' says 'Vande Matram' or 'Jhanda Ooncha Rahe Humara' should replace 'Jana Gana Mana' as the national anthem because the one penned by Rabindranath Tagore is reminiscent of British rule in India. The 92-year-old Padma Bhushan awardee said due to the colonial hangover some saw those working in English as "bade" (big) and others as "chhote" (small). "I have written in English also during my initial years as a poet. But, it was Harivansh Rai 'Bachchan' ji who asked me to focus on writing in Hindi. He told me 'Kavita maatribhaasha mein hi hoti hai' (poetry is done in mother tongue)," Neeraj told PTI in an interview. He also recalled his acquaintance beginning in early 1940s with the legendary Hindi poet and father of Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan, whom he says he has "lap-fed". Asked if he felt there was a bias in the acknowledgement bestowed on litterateurs based on the language in which they work, he said, "Now it is the trend that if someone writes in English, they are taken as big men while those writing in Hindi are small. We have been slaves (of British rule). Subramanian Swamy wants National Anthem to be altered; writes to PM Modi Our national anthem is also from the era when we were a British colony. The Britishers have left, but some still continue to remain slaves (of English)." He said the national anthem was written by Tagore in 1911 at the coronation of George V, the King of United Kingdom. Asked if he was suggesting a change in the the patriotic composition, he said, "Now that it is the national anthem what can be done. Why did we leave 'Vande Matram'... so many people were martyred for Vande Matram... Hindus as well as Muslims. In 'Jan Gan Mana Adhinanayak', 'adhinayak' stands for dictator. 'Jayahe Bharat Bhagya Vidhaata', he is the creator of the destiny of Bharat. Punjab Sindhu Gujarat Maratha, where is the Sindh now in India?" "Even 'Jhanda Ooncha Rahe Humara' was a better song. This is the good song to honour the national flag. But if 'Jan Gana Man' is the national anthem, what can be done... ." He favoured 'Vande Matram' as the national anthem. When asked if that was not in line with the RSS or the BJP, he said, "It is my own ideology. Nobody else has to tell me anything. I am a humanitarian poet. If you read my poetry you would know it. Sangh, BJP or any other... I have no relations with any political party. I have risen above things like these, politics is a third class thing." "I have never written anything cheap. I still write and people invite me to programmes because I say what is right," he said, adding "poetry stands for humanism. There is no bigger truth in the world than human himself," Neeraj told PTI. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, February 22, 2016, 8:38 [IST] Jayalalithaa making deliberate attempt to delay DA case, Karnataka to tell SC India oi-Vicky Chennai, Feb 22: The Karnataka Government will file its objections to the adjournment sought by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, J Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case. In the objections to be filed in the Supreme Court tomorrow, the Karnataka government will say that she is making a deliberate attempt to delay the proceedings. After the case had been posted for a day to day hearing, this is the second time that she has sought an adjournment. The last time she had sought an adjournment was in January on the ground that Justice P C Ghose who is hearing the case is also part of the Constitutional Bench, which is hearing the Arunachal Pradesh case. On Friday, she moved for yet another adjournment on the same grounds. Deliberate attempt to delay proceedings: Karnataka in its objections will state that Jayalalithaa is trying to delay proceedings deliberately. We are not in favour of any further adjournments and want the case to be heard immediately, Karnataka would also state. The matter has already been delayed and we want the hearing to commence immediately, the objections to be filed in the Supreme Court tomorrow would state. When Jayalalithaa had moved for an adjournment of the case on Friday, the court had asked her counsel to circulate the memo for adjournment. Karnataka has received the memo for the adjournment and based on this the objections are being filed. The Supreme Court, on Friday had also indicated that since several constitutional benches have been constituted there is likely to be a reshuffle in the sitting of judges. Justice Ghosh said that there is likely to be change in the Bench. When asked if this point comes up tomorrow, the Karnataka government official said that they will ask for a reconstitution of the Bench immediately. The Bench can be reconstituted in a days time. There is no need to seek an adjournment for a week, the officer also said while also adding that the same would be pointed out to the Bench. OneIndia News JNU: For the first time in 7 years was made to feel like a Muslim, says Umar Khalid India oi-Vicky New Delhi, Feb 22: I have not made 800 calls as is being alleged in the media, said Umar Khalid who according to the Delhi police is one of the organisers of the Afzal Guru event at the JNU. Khalid, along with 4 others against whom a look out circular was issued returned to the JNU campus. "We are back as we have done no wrong, he said. I do not know why the media says that I had made 800 calls to the Gulf or Kashmir. I have not made any such calls," he said. Furthermore, he also added that not once in seven years that he has been at the JNU had he felt like a Muslim. "But in the last 10 days (since the controversy broke out) I have been made to feel like a Muslim," he said. Khalid along with Anant Prakash, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and Anirban Bhattacharya returned to the campus. Government needs an excuse to attack us: He also added that he has no links with any terrorist organisations as has been alleged in the media. It is just not true. He also added that the government needed an excuse to attack the university. "The attack on us is not because of the event that was organised on February 9. It is because the government needed an excuse to attack us. What has happened to me is a result of media trial. They have said all sorts of things about me. I am also very upset that they attacked my sister on the social media. My family is going through a lot," he said. The charges against me are ridiculous. I have no links with any terrorist organisation. All this is part of a campaign against us and we have nothing to hide. Khalid is the most wanted accused, according to the Delhi police. OneIndia News JNU officials to discuss resurfacing of five students India oi-PTI New Delhi, Feb 22: The JNU administration has called a meeting of top varsity officials on Monday to discuss the resurfacing of five students on campus who the police were searching for in connection with a sedition case. Police officials, who are positioned outside the varsity campus since Sunday night after they got inputs about presence of the students on campus, said they will talk to the Vice Chancellor after the meeting and ask him to direct the students to surrender. Also read: Five questions for Umar Khalid, student facing sedition charges in JNU incident JNU Registrar Bhoopender Zutshi said he got to know about the presence of the students on the campus from media reports only and has not heard from any of them so far. "We are having a meeting this morning in which the issue will be discussed and the future course of action will be decided," he said. Zutshi, however, did not comment on whether the varsity officials will interact with the five students before taking a call or not. Police officials said they are waiting for the VC to direct the students to surrender before them. "All of them are here to join the movement against branding of the Varsity as a den of anti-nationals.They have not been issued any summons so the question of them surrendering doesn't arise.If police arrests them they will cooperate with the enquiry," JNU Students' Union Vice President Shehla Rashid Shora said. Five JNU students, including Umar Khalid, who the police have been looking for in connection with a sedition case, yesterday surfaced on the campus, saying they did not do anything wrong but were "framed" using a "doctored video". The students had said that "they will not surrender but police can come and arrest them". PTI JNU row: My son did the right thing in coming back, says Umar Khalid's father India oi-Vicky New Delhi, Feb 22: My son took the right decision in coming back to the JNU, says Dr S Q R Ilyas, the father of Umar Khalid who is also a member of the All India Muslims Law Personal Board. Dr Ilyas told OneIndia from Delhi that it was a good decision that his son and the other students had taken in coming back. On the next course of action, he said that Khalid and the rest will surrender. "Once they surrender, they will apply for bail", he added. [My son is not a traitor, says father of Umer Khalid, alleged organiser of Afzal Guru event] Their decision to come back was a collective one, Dr Ilyas said while adding the entire student fraternity is with them. Further, he also said that he is requesting the Prime Minister to ensure that there is proper security at the courts where the students are being produced. After the incident at the Patiala House Court, there has been a sense of fear. I still doubt how tight the security is, but I am requesting the PM and his government to ensure that the Delhi police handle the situation better. We were all very worried for him and it comes as a relief that he has returned to the campus. I watched him on television last night and even spoke with him. They will surrender if the Delhi police goes to the campus, Dr Ilyas also added. OneIndia News International news brief: Pak's ex-PM Imran Khan's helicopter makes emergency landing & more International news brief: UN ponders rapid armed force to help end Haiti's crisis and more International news brief: Russia is tearing at the very foundations of international peace Biden after UN vote International news brief: Suspect in US Sikh family murder pleads not guilty; N. Korea fires missile and more International news brief: UK PM Liz Truss may be ousted by October 24 International news brief: Confident of Pak's commitment, ability to secure its nuclear assets, says US & more News Flash: Modi Govt has miserably failed to ensure that Parliament functions: Cong India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer New Delhi, Feb 22: JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar's bail plea to be heard by Delhi HC tomorrow. Get the latest national and international news here: 10:05 pm: 3 YSR Congress MLAs Bhuma Nagi Reddy, Bhuma Akila Priya, Aadi Narayan Reddy & a MLC Nagi Reddy join TDP. 9:45 pm: Watch Nek Ram's (martyr Lance Naik Om Prakash's father) message for the soldiers of the nation. #WATCH Nek Ram's (martyr Lance Naik Om Prakash's father) message for the soldiers of the nation.https://t.co/k7ifoaiBvt ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 9:30 pm: There is consensus among all parties that Parliament must function: Sumitra Mahajan, LS Speaker after all party meet. 9:15 pm: The tools that were provided were to address a specific counter terrorism and counter insurgency threat: Richard Verma on F-16 aircraft deal. 8:45 pm: With diversity comes different viewpoints, both our countries celebrated that over the years: US Ambassador to India Richard Verma on JNU Row. 8:25 pm: MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan announces free education from nursery to college for all SC students. 8.10 pm: It is actually the Government that has miserably failed to ensure that Parliament functions normally: CWC Statement. Congress will, in cooperation with other like-minded parties, raise these and other issues when Parliament begins tomorrow: CWC Statement ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 8.00 pm: Contrary to what Govt says, let me once & for all make it absolutely clea-we want Parl to function, to legislate: Sonia Gandhi in CWC meet 7:55 pm: Three AK47s have been recovered during search operation of #PamporeEncounter: Defence Sources. 7:50 pm: To cover up its many failures, Govt again unleashed its divisive agenda by generating unwarranted debate on patriotism & nationalism: S Gandhi. 7.30 pm: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh leaves 7 RCR after meeting PM Narendra Modi. 7.20 pm: CWC also expressed concern in the manner in which fabric of communal harmony is being torn apart: Anand Sharma. 7.10 pm: CWC expressed a serious concern over the serious disturbances triggered in the nation by BJP, RSS & affiliated orgs: Anand Sharma. 7.00 pm: All party meeting called by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, begins. All party meeting called by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, begins. pic.twitter.com/pdQzNHSvjq ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 6.45 pm: I appeal to you with folded hands to stop the agitation and return to your homes: Chaudhary Birender Singh on Jat agitation. Properties damaged due to #Jat agitation in Rohtak (Haryana) pic.twitter.com/xiU3y2gwdI ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 6.35 pm: Have seized more than 50,000 driving licences following SC committee's direction on road safety since Dec 16 '15: Delhi Traffic Police. 6.20 pm: Police has proper evidence against one who is arrested & in future too arrest will be made only after proper probe: BS Bassi,Delhi CP. 6.15 pm: Wazirabad water treatment plant started functioning at 5:30 PM. Ammonia level is under control. #Visuals Wazirabad water treatment plant started functioning at 5:30 PM. Ammonia level is under control. pic.twitter.com/LHEvn4WpgE ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 6.10 pm: I salute the martyrs, the bravery they showed was commendable: GOC Victor Force, Major General Arvind Dutta. Three militants killed, arms and ammunitions recovered - Maj Gen Arvind Dutta (GOC, Victor Force) pic.twitter.com/5vwLJy6ZFf ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 6.00 pm: Army, CRPF & Police evacuated locals from the complex where the terrorists entered: GOC Victor Force, Major General Arvind Dutta 5.56 pm: Chail (Himachal Pradesh), says Wreath laying ceremony of Lance Naik Om Prakash who lost his life in Pampore Encounter. 5.30 pm: We are asking the Univ. to take steps to withdraw sedition charges against students, says Vikram Aditya Choudhary overJNU Row. 5.20 pm: Congress Working Committee meeting underway at Sonia Gandhi's residence, Delhi. 5.19 pm: Congress Working Committee meeting begins at Sonia Gandhi's residence, Delhi. 5.15 pm: Special committee meeting on Jat Reservation agitation at Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu's residence in New Delhi. 5.05 pm: Police will take action at the right time, will take appropriate action according to the law, says Kiren Rijiju on JNU row. 5.00 pm: I am proud of my father, says Arshita, Daughter of Havaldar Raj Kumar Rana Pampore Encounter (who performed his last rites). 4.45 pm: Last rites for Havaldar Raj Kumar Rana (lost life in Pampore Encounter) being performed by his daugher in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. 4.30 pm: 3 casualties in army firing in Sonipat (Haryana) Jat Reservation. 4.15 pm: Mother of Captain Tushar Mahajan at his last rites ceremony after Pampore Encounter in Udhampur. 4.00 pm: Former J&K Dy CM Nirmal Singh pays tribute to Captain Tushar Mahajan who lost his life in Udhampur. 3.47 pm: Former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda's convoy stopped by Police in Mundka at Delhi, says Haryana borderon Jat Reservation. 3.45 pm: Passengers stranded after trains are cancelled due to Jat Reservation protests in Vadodara. 3.30 pm: We want all current issues to be discussed in the Parliament, says Sitaram Yechury. 3.22 pm: Committee constituted under the chairmanship of Venkaiah Naidu on Jat Reservation to meet later today. 3.12 pm: Activist Trupti Desai detained in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar, while on her way to Shani Shingnapur temple. 2.55 pm: Ramdev backs quota for Jats, wants national reservation policy. 2.24 pm: Fire at EDI building in Pampore, encounter between terrorists and security forces is on Fire at EDI building in #Pampore,encountr b/w terrorists &security forces is on(Visuals deferred by unspcified time) pic.twitter.com/LUNHuHGFCc ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 1:58 pm: Supreme Court asks trial court to pronounce judgement in 2002 Gulbarg Society riots case in Gujarat in which Cong MP Ehsan Jafri was killed. 1:20 pm: Railways will give "full refund" to passengers for cancellation of trains due to Jat quota protest. 12:52 pm: Defence Lawyer wants to cross examine David Headley for 4 days . Court directs PP Ujjawal Nikam to communicate this with US authorities. 12:45 pm: Education is an unending process. The real education starts after a student passes out of the university: PM Modi. 12:30 pm: Delhi: Fire breaks out at Ansal towers in Nehru Place; 6 fire tenders at the spot. More details awaited. 12:16 pm: Government has no hesitation in discussing JNU or Hyderabad university or other issues:Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu. 12:04 pm: Umar Khalid should cooperate with us if he is innocent. He should join the probe and prove his innocence, Delhi Police Commissioner, B S Bassi said. 11:51 pm: Northern Railways runs special train between Chandigarh and Delhi's Anand Vihar terminal to clear stranded passengers. 11.40 am: All party meeting called by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu ahead of the budget session, begins in Parliament. 11.30 am: Supreme Court issues notice to Haryana Government, UP Government and Central Government over Munak Canal matter. 11.15 am: We didn't raise anti-national slogans, outsiders did. Up to the VC to decide on issue of our arrest: Rama Naga. 10.55 am: Samjhauta Express between Lahore-Attari also cancelled over Jat stir. 10.47 am: Singhu border in Narela is now open for traffic, Delhi Police. 10.38 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Ravidas temple in Varanasi. 10. 20 am: CID team of Delhi Police is present in JNU campus. 10.02 am: Pampore operation underway. "Our specialized units are in contact, with complete synergy with the CRPFs on the outside": Lt. Gen Satish Dua. 09.55 am: Samjhauta Express cancelled today due to Jat Reservation agitation. Delhi-Lahore bus service also cancelled for today.09.48 am: Congress Strategy meet to take place at 10: 30 am ahead of the budget session. 09:30 am: Haryana Cabinet to meet at 1:30 pm today on Jat Reservation issue. 09:25 am: NH-8 is open but NH-1 and NH-10 are still not open for traffic: Delhi Police. 09:20 am: Srinagar: Wreath laying of Captain Tushar Mahajan & Lance Naik Om Prakash who lost their lives in Pampore attack. 8:56 am: Army along with Rapid Action Force take control of Haryana's Munak Canal that supplies water to Delhi, site cleared up. 8:32 am: Encounter between security forces and terrorists underway in J&K's Pampore. 8:30 am: Jat Reservation Delhi-Chandigarh Highway which was blocked by protesters, has been cleared now. Bike rally organized in West Bengal's Siliguri(Darjeeling district) to promote awareness for "safe driving" (Feb 21) pic.twitter.com/zunfF1Glcq ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 8:20 am: Bike rally organized in West Bengal's Siliguri(Darjeeling district) to promote awareness for "safe driving" 8:15 am: Encounter between security forces and terrorists underway in Jammu and Kashmir's Pampore. Till now, one terrorist has been killed by forces. Five gang members with weapons nabbed by Police in Manipur's Bishnupur (21/2/16) pic.twitter.com/fU6yTBzhGk ANI (@ANI_news) February 22, 2016 8:00 am: Five gang members with weapons nabbed by Police in Manipur's Bishnupur OneIndia News OMG! This part of Assam gets direct train after 69 years of independence India oi-Mukul New Delhi, Feb 22: Ahead of assembly elections in Assam, Centre has given a big gift to people of the state. On Saturday, a direct weekly train from New Delhi to Silchar was flagged off by the Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. The express train will run between New Delhi and Silchar (southern Assam's main commercial city) via Guwahati, New Coochbehar and Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. Suresh Prabhu flagged off Silchar-New Delhi Poorvottar Sampark Kranti special express in a colourful ceremony at Silchar railway station on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, Prabhu said that that by 2020, all the state capitals of Northeast will have direct rail connectivity. Reportedly, this part of the State which is called Southern Assam played pivotal role in Independence movement and is also gateway to Tripura, Mizoram and parts of Manipur. Shocking, even after 69 years of the Independence, southern Assam didn't had any direct train connectivity. Earlier on February 1, the Silchar-Sealdah Kanchanjunga Express began operations, meeting a long-standing demand of the people to link southern Assam with the country's mainland. Southern Assam's Barak Valley was brought on the broad gauge rail map early last year. And a regular passenger train service between Silchar and Guwahati started on November 21 last year. The 210-km Lumding-Silchar gauge conversion project, which was declared a national project in 2004, had been initiated in 1996. The Lumding-Silchar line is the lifeline for southern Assam, known as Barak Valley, and the mountainous states of Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram. These states are heavily dependent on this railway line for supply of foodgrain, fertilisers, petroleum products, construction materials and other commodities. 'Vote bank politics' Meanwhile, Congress has alleged that the government is starting new trains to get electoral benefit. Congress leader Tapas Dey said, "The government wants to woo the electorate before the politically important assembly elections in Assam". OneIndia News (With inputs from agency) For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, February 22, 2016, 13:22 [IST] Arvind Kejriwal gets brutally trolled for allegedly following an adult content account on Twitter Fact Check: Video of Kejriwal falsely shared with claim he spoke about Bilkis Bano case Stone-pelting on Kejriwal's cavalcade: AAP leader India oi-PTI Varanasi, Feb 22: Aam Admi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh on Monday, Feb 22 claimed BJP activists hurled stones at his party leaders here when Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's cavalcade was passing through the area. Police, however, said a scuffle took place between AAP and BJP supporters only after the Chief Minister's cavalcade had left the area. "A few people got injured in the incident. An FIR was registered in connection with the matter," Circle officer of Bhelupur Rajesh Srivastava said. Nearly 16 AAP workers, including women, were injured in an attack by BJP activists while the convoy of Delhi CM was passing, Singh told the reporters. Singh said he had spoken to the SSP Varanasi who has assured him that by tomorrow all the activists, who attacked AAP workers and threw stones, would be sent to jail. He said a complaint for registering a FIR has been given to the police and they are trying to ascertain the identity of the attackers. Arvind Kejriwal was purely on a religious visit to the temple town to offer prayers and such an attack in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Parliamentary constituency is unfortunate, Singh said. "PM Narendra Modi and BJP should feel ashamed for the attack," Singh said. The AAP leader threatened if the Uttar Pradesh government and local police do not act against the attackers his party would launch an agitation. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today offered prayers at the Ravidas temple here. PTI Come celebrate talent with us: An opportunity for Lucknowites to be the face of Josh Studios Bulli Bai app case: Masterminds intention was to get publicity, make own identity, says police Swachh Paryatan app launched India oi-Shradha Aiming at increasing citizens' participation in the protection and upkeep of heritage monuments in India, the Ministry of Tourism in co-ordination with Ministry of Culture has launched the Swachh Paryatan mobile app. "Monuments are a reflection of our heritage. You can do your bit to keep them clean. Download the app and tell us if u spot a dirty patch" said Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Union Minister of State for Culture & Tourism (Independent Charge) & Minister of State for Civil Aviation while launching the mobile app. Dr. Sharma urged people to take up responsibility to protect the precious heritage which has to be transferred to the next generation. Launch of Swachh Paryatan App by Hon'ble Minister pic.twitter.com/ZPRo8J7s9w Incredible!ndia (@incredibleindia) February 22, 2016 The mobile app presently can be used at 25 Adarsh Smarak' or heritage structures such as the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar , Sarnath, Humayun's Tomb, Red Fort and, Khajuraho among others. Launching of Swachh Paryatan App.... Use the App at the 25 Adarsh Smarak. pic.twitter.com/KrVyc3KquY Narendra Modi (@narendramcdi) February 22, 2016 @tourismgoi launches 'Swach Bharat' app. Invites you to join the national cleanliness drive & help keep our monuments clean.@PIB_India Dr. Mahesh Sharma (@dr_maheshsharma) February 22, 2016 Through this app the Tourism and Culture Ministries can now crowdsource their observation of these monuments, as the visitors are now provided with a platform to take pictures of any violations including littering and disfiguring of the structures. According to a previous news report, the pictures taken by the visitors of any violation will be sent to a control room at the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) involved in monitoring and upkeep of these monuments. The nodal officers will set upon fixing the problem and also revert to the visitor who has complained on the action taken. As per the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, if someone destroys, removes, injures, alters, defaces, imperils or misuses a protected monument, he/she shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to three months, or with a fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the Swachh Bharat Mission on 2nd October 2014, throughout length and breadth of the country as a national movement. "A clean India would be the best tribute India could pay to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150 birth anniversary in 2019," said Shri Narendra Modi as he launched the Swachh Bharat Mission at Rajpath in New Delhi. Tension in JNU as students allege police are walking about in plain clothes India oi-Vicky Nanjappa By Vicky New Delhi, Feb 22: As students allege that police in plain clothes roam around the JNU campus keeping a watch on the students who have returned to the campus, a lot of tension is expected during the day. The Delhi police had launched a manhunt against some students stating that they were facing sedition charges after allegedly shouting anti-national slogans during an event condemning the hanging of Afzal Guru on February 9th at the JNU. Delhi police sources tell OneIndia that they will tread carefully and will seek out all help from the administration of the university where these students are concerned. "We have to question them as there is an ongoing investigation," the officer also added. We will surrender: The students who returned to the campus, meanwhile, have said that they will surrender if the police comes to the campus. "However, we want the entire proceeding to be recorded. We hope that the tapes this time are not doctored," the vice president of the JNU students union, Shehla Rashid Shora said while adding that they were glad that their friends have come back. Meanwhile, today is expected to be a hectic day at the university as the police will look to question the students. The Delhi police have been criticised heavily for entering into the JNU campus and arresting Kanaihya Kumar the JNU student leader. The police say that they will need the help of the administration in this regard. We are in talks with the administration on the issue, the Delhi police say. 'This may give sleepless nights to some': Eknath Shinde on sharing dais with Sharad Pawar Not just future of Sena but democracy at stake, says Uddhav Top RBS executive booked for sexual harassment India oi-PTI Mumbai, Feb 22: A top official working for the offshore unit of The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) in the country has been booked for sexual harassment following a complaint from a female colleague, police said today. The accused - a top executive of RBS Plc's offshore unit in India which employs over 12,000 people - allegedly sent obscene videos and messages at odd hours to the complainant, a senior police official said. A case under sections 354A (sexual harassment) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of IPC and The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and relevant sections of IT Act was registered on February 19 at the Bandra Kurla Complex police station, police said. According to police, the accused was harassing the complainant from past one-and-half year by sending inappropriate text and WhatsApp messages with sexual overtones. No arrests have been made so far and investigations are underway, police said. When contacted, a RBS spokesperson said the company has a "well established mechanism in line with the legislation on Anti Sexual Harassment to provide redressal", but declined further comment citing the need to maintain confidentiality. PTI Zee news producer quits over channel's coverage of JNU row India oi-PTI New Delhi, February 22: A producer with Hindi television channel Zee News on Sunday, Feb 21, quit the organisation protesting against the coverage of the JNU row by the channel. Vishwa Deepak, a producer, said in his resignation letter, also shared on social media, "We journalists often question others but never ourselves. We fix others' responsibilities but never ours. We are called as the fourth pillar of the democracy but are we, our organisations, our thoughts and our actions really democratic? "This is not just my question but everybody else's too. The way JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar was framed on the pretext of nationalism and declared a traitor through media trial, this came as a very dangerous trend," he said. Further, he has claimed that he has had objections to the way the channel has played up the JNU issue. Zee News editor Sudhir Chaudhary when contacted said that it is organisation's internal matter. "Zee media is one of the largest media houses in the country. People leaving and recruitments being done is a normal affair. In any case the person concerned was not involved in any stories related to the JNU row. He never discussed any issues with anybody in the organisation if he had any. His resignation is an internal matter of the organisation," he said. . . ... Posted by Vishwa Deepak on Sunday, February 21, 2016 PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, February 22, 2016, 10:37 [IST] Sikh community is strong link in India's relations with other countries: PM Modi Who was Banda Singh Bahadur? Remembering the first Sikh ruler on his death anniversary Kabul attack: India to grant e-visas to over 100 Sikhs, Hindus Indian Sikh man separated from his family during Partition meets his Pakistani Muslim sister in Kartarpur Indian-origin Sikh appointed Kuala Lumpur police chief International oi-IANS By Ians English Kuala Lumpur, Feb 22: An Indian-origin Sikh officer has been appointed Kuala Lumpur's commissioner of police - the highest police rank achieved by a Sikh in Malaysia, media reports said. Amar Singh will replace Tajuddin Mohamed, who will move to federal headquarters as the deputy director of commercial CID on March 14, freemalaysiatoday.com reported on Sunday, Feb 22. Amar Singh held the position of deputy director of CID when his new appointment was announced last week. According to the Malaysia Samachar website, the highest police rank previously achieved by a Sikh was senior assistant commissioner-I when Santokh Singh became police chief of Selangor state. Amar Singh's father and maternal grandfather were both policemen. His father Ishar Singh joined the Federated Malay States Police in 1939, a year after coming to Malaya from Punjab. His maternal grandfather, Bachan Singh, was a constable who joined the force in the early 1900s. Jat row: Lahore-Delhi Dosti bus service suspended amid protests International oi-Jagriti Lahore, Feb 22: In view of ongoing Jat quota agitation, the authorities in Pakistan have suspended the operation of Dosti Bus service between Lahor and Delhi. The decision has been taken at the request of Indian authorities, reported the Dawn online. "The service would be resumed after getting clearance from Indian officials who had expressed their inability to carry passengers to Delhi in the wake of caste-based protests in Haryana," Retired Col Khalid, the manager of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, Lahore was quoted as saying. Jat Row - Bhoopinder Singh Hooda sits on indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar The Delhi-Lahore bus service was officially launched in March 1999. The then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had travelled to Pakistan on the bus on its inaugural run in February 1999. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, February 22, 2016, 13:18 [IST] What does the US actually want in Syria? Kerry urges Palestinians, Israelis to ease tensions International oi-PTI Amman, Feb 22: US Secretary of State John Kerry has met Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas and discussed tensions between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem, the US State Department said. Since October 1, Palestinian knife, gun and car-ramming attacks have taken the lives of 27 Israelis, an American and an Eritrean, according to an AFP count. At the same time, 176 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, most while carrying out attacks but others during clashes and demonstrations. "The secretary continued to urge for calm and a decrease in violence, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric," State Department spokesman John Kirby said yesterday. Kerry was in Jordan where he also met King Abdullah II, a key US ally in the fight against the Islamic State group, in the southern port of Aqaba. A palace statement said the king stressed "the need for the international community and the United States first, to end the stalemate in the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis and to move towards a two-state solution". American diplomats said Kerry and Abdullah also discussed the Syrian conflict. Kirby said Kerry had stressed to Abbas Washington's commitment to seeking a sustainable two-state solution "and to working with all parties to that end". "He also reiterated our policy on the illegitimacy of Israeli settlements," Kirby said. US-brokered peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians collapsed in April 2014 and the prospects of fresh dialogue have appeared increasingly remote. Some analysts say Palestinian frustration with Israeli occupation and settlement building in the West Bank, the complete lack of progress in peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have fed the unrest. On Thursday, the Palestinians welcomed an initiative put forward by France for an international Middle East peace conference, a proposal which Israeli Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed. AFP "Why Narendra Modi can afford to ignore the Palestinians" 'Palestinians want to join world to end conflict with Israel' International oi-IANS By Ians English Ramallah, Feb 22: The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met US Secretary of State John Kerry in Amman and told him the Palestinian leadership was working with the international community to hold an international peace conference to find a 5+1 formula and end the conflict with Israel. The meeting on Sunday discussed the latest developments "in depth and detail", Xinhua quoted Abbas' spokesperson, Nabil Abu Rudeinah as saying. Abu Rudeinah said that Abbas stressed the Palestinian leadership's efforts to "go to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to condemn settlement expansion and end it." He added that the president addressed the efforts to form national consensus government to unify the Palestinian land and people, with regards to the latest round of talks between Abbas's Fatah party and Islamic Hamas movement in Doha. Abbas wants Kerry to talk to the Israelis and help release the striking prisoner Mohamed Al-Qiq, who has been on a hunger strike for 90 days protesting administrative detention, and to release bodies of Palestinians withheld by Israeli authorities, said Abu Rudeinah. Kerry said the Obama administration will continue to exert its efforts till the last moment to maintain the two-states solution in order to achieve stability and security in the region. The Palestinian presidency welcomed statements by French Foreign Minister Lauren Fabius in which he said his country would resume efforts to organise an international conference to "rescue the two-states solution." Fabius said shall this initiative fail, "we must undertake our responsibility and recognise the Palestinian state." Israel rejected Fabius' statements, saying it was an ultimatum that Palestinians would use to fail the talks. The Israeli public radio reported that a senior US official said that direct negotiations between Palestinians and Israel are the best way to reach a mutual agreement. The last round of peace talks stopped in April 2014, after nine months of meetings mediated by the US. A wave of unrest broke out between Palestinians and Israel since last October, killing 180 Palestinians, according to the PNA health ministry, and over 30 Israelis. IANS Vande Bharat Mission phase 6 all set to begin from September 1, 2020 until October 24 Air India's all-women pilot team set to script history by flying over North Pole on world's longest air route With just 1 passenger, Air India plane flies to Dubai from Amritsar Shocking: Man pulls down trousers, urinates on Air India flight International oi-Jagriti London, Feb 22: A man created uproar when he was refused to serve more liquor in an Air India flight from India to Birmingham, media reported. Drunken passenger identified as Jinu Abraham, 39 pulled down his trousers and boxer shorts before urinating in the flight. The accused Abraham, a hospital porter, was aggressive to cabin crew on the flight from India and had to be restrained until the plane had landed at Birmingham Airport. Abraham was slapped a fine of 300 at Birmingham Magistrates' Court as well as being ordered to pay 500 compensation and 185 costs after he admitted his mistake in a court. Air India serves meal in thali, tea in kulhad Abraham admitted that he had drunk two whiskies while on anti-depressant medication, insisting that he could not remember anything he had done, reported the Daily Mail. OneIndia News Bolsonaro and Lula jabs at each other in debate Thieves posing as Zika health workers rob Brazil home International oi-Jagriti Rio De Janeiro, Feb 22: A gang of thieves posing as Zika health workers robbed a home in Brazil's Joinville city, media reported. Three imposters posing as Zika health workers entered a home and ran off with cash and electronics, media reported citing G1 News. After the incident, authorities in Brazil have warned residents to guard against fraudsters. The footage available with the G1 news site shows two men wearing Brazilian army uniforms and a third wearing the white jacket of a health inspector entering into the home on Friday. Zika virus: Know all about the mosquito borne disease that causes birth defect "There have been 220,000 soldiers mobilized nationwide to join 300,000 health workers in house-to-house searches to eliminate possible breeding sites for the Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits the Zika virus." Zika is a disease caused by the zika virus through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. The disease can also be transmitted from pregnant mother to baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, February 22, 2016, 10:05 [IST] 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. PRIME Minister Peter ONeill has warned Pacific island countries to prepare for extreme weather caused by climate change.ONeill expressed concern for the people of Fiji following the destruction caused by Cyclone Winston last weekend.ONeill offered PNGs support to Fiji in its recovery effort following the disaster.The Category Five cyclone Winston, the worst ever experienced in Fiji, is sadly another example of the greatest threat to Pacific Island nations, ONeill said.While our region faces pressure from global economic changes, nothing is more threatening to Pacific Island nations than extreme weather exacerbated by climate change.This threat is real, and we are seeing the destruction brought about by storms of unprecedented magnitude, as well as further extremes of droughts and heat waves.He extended his condolences to communities in Fiji who had lost lives, sustained injuries and had seen property destroyed.PNG stands with our Pacific brothers and sisters in Fiji and we are ready to help where we can, he said.ONeill, as chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum, called on all Pacific Island Nations to place increased focus on preparedness for extreme weather, while working with global partners to limit emissions that will exacerbate the problem in the future.Meanwhile, according to stuff.co.nz, most of Fiji was without power yesterday and some villages have been totally destroyed by Cyclone Winston, with one resident saying she could not begin to comprehend how she had survived.Five people have been confirmed dead after the powerful storm struck on Saturday and overnight.An elderly man of Nabasovi, Koro Island, became the first victim of Winston after a roof top fell on him, the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) confirmed.And Fijian media report deaths including two in Ovalau island, one from Koro Island, one from Tailevu and one from Ra province, in the north of Viti Levu.The country is under a curfew which will be lifted today, at 5.30am, the National Disaster Management Office advised. All public transport services will resume at that time.Civil servants are being asked to report to work today, while the Disaster Office will continue to monitor the situation and update the public. Leviticus 13:1-59 ~ Mark 6:1-29 ~ Psalm 39:1-13 ~ Proverbs 10:10 ~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link ~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~ Old Testament - Today in Leviticus chapter 13 we read about contagious skin diseases and mildew. Quite a chapter! It does make sense to me that this level of detail is given by God on these topics. These instructions were health instructions for the community of Israel as a whole. The NIV Study Bible notes that "the ceremonially unclean were excluded from the camp (the area around the tabernacle and courtyard), where the Israelites lived in tents. Later, no unclean persons were allowed in the temple area, where they could mingle with others." I look at this from the standpoint that they did not have medicines back then to heal people of these contagious diseases - and as such, the only way to keep the diseases from spreading to the entire population was to isolate the sick. I know this doesn't sound compassionate on the surface... but was there a better option at that time? In the New Testament we read about Jesus curing people of leprosy, which was a couple of thousand of years later. It's obvious that skin diseases were a major issue in Moses' day and through Jesus' day - as was mildew during Israel's rainy season of October through March - particularly along the coast and by the Sea of Galilee where it is very humid. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Leviticus chapter 13 begins at this link and you'll see a few "Next Commentary" links at the bottom of each page to take you through the chapter. On a side note, leprosy, or Hansen's disease, is still in existence in our world today, though at much lower incidence rates than ever before. It is a sad disease to learn about... I did a google image search on the word leprosy and was pretty shocked by the pictures. The World Health Organization's website says this - "Today, diagnosis and treatment of leprosy is easy. Essential work is being carried out to integrate leprosy services into existing, general health services. This is especially important for communities at risk for leprosy, which are often the poorest of the poor and under-served. Full control of leprosy has eluded mainly in some parts of Angola, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal, and United Republic of Tanzania." More info on leprosy in our world today is at the World Health Organization's website at this link. All of a sudden now these 3 verses about Jesus and leprosy in Matthew chapter 8 verses 1 through 3 really stand out to me... - "When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean. Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. I am willing, he said. Be clean! Immediately he was cured of his leprosy." New Testament - Today we read in Mark Chapter 6 verse 4 Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family. This verse reminds me that sometimes when we really move forward in our faith, our friends (hometown from the verse above) and our relatives can sometimes not understand what is going on with us. I think there are phases of our walk with God where really it becomes very personal between us and God and through that process God will transform us. And our friends and relatives sometimes may not appreciate our change for various reasons just as Jesus friends and relatives did not appreciate his ministry in this verse. I hope that this verse can be of comfort to you if by chance you are having challenges reconciling your faith and your changed heart with your friends & relatives expectations of who you were in the past. Know that you are on the right path. As long as you are staying focused on God and his will for your life, you may have to accept some loss of honor (per the verse above) in your status with your friends and relatives. You may not seem to be as cool or fun as you once were in your friends eyes. But if in Gods eyes you are loving Him with all of your heart and you are loving your neighbors as yourself, then you are eternally cool and fun in the Kingdom of Heaven. And thats where it really counts. Where are you seeking honor in your life today? In the eyes of your friends and relatives or in Gods eyes? An image for verses 18 & 19: "John kept telling Herod, "It is illegal for you to marry your brother's wife." Herodias was enraged and wanted John killed in revenge, but without Herod's approval she was powerless." - Psalms - Today we read in Psalm 39 verse 5 My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath." This verse is a powerful verse for each of us to meditate upon. I love verse 7 of this Psalm - "And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you." Is this true of your life today? Are you putting your hope anywhere else? Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 10 verse 10 today teaches us - "People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace." This is a great reminder that in the long run it is so much better - more peaceful - to stand up to an injustice or wrong. We should not let things slide. I think this can apply to our own lives as well. If we know we ourselves are doing something wrong, we should not just "wink" at our wrong. But we must reproof it and confess it and let Jesus heal it. Worship God: Based on our Leviticus on clean and un-clean, and how Jesus is our only hope and salvation for eternal cleanliness, I'm reminded of Brandon Heath's great video about being changed by Christ called "I'm not Who I Was": Are you who you were? Click here to be made clean! Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath." Psalm 39:4-5 NLT Prayer Point: Pray that God will remind you daily of how brief your time on earth is. Pray that you would live each day fully for the Lord in light of the brevity of your life. Comments from you & Questions of the Day: Back to Psalm 39 verse 5 above - how does this verse speak to you? Do you feel like life moves fast sometimes? If so, how are you spending your time? Are you being intentional about how you invest your time? Are you being intentional about your work? Your friends? Your finances? Volunteering? Serving others? Loving others? Watching TV or not watching TV? (Have I gone off on my Kill Your Television soap-box yet this year? :) Ill save it for a future post...) Do you think life really is but a breath? Are you spending your breath wisely? With your breath are you constantly loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below! Love, Trust, and Obey Jesus, Mike p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link. p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link. p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks! Inter have confirmed that they have met Mauro Icardi and Wanda Nara with a view to finding a solution that suits everyone. Icardi has not played for Inter since being stripped of the captaincy on February 13, but the situation appears to have finally taken a step forward. General manager Beppe Marotta met Mauro Icardi and Wanda Nara today, the club tweeted. It was a friendly meeting, aimed at finding a solution that suits everyone. It now remains to be seen what the outcome of the meeting was, amidst speculation the striker could undergo knee surgery and rule himself out for the rest of the season. In the week ending 19 February, 2016, in miscellaneous hedge fund news it was reported that Warren Buffetts chosen index fund holds a commanding lead over a collection of hedge funds even though hedge funds performed slightly better in 2015. Warren Buffett's charity bet that a low-cost index tracker would win over a portfolio of hedge funds over ten years has just about two years more to go. CUSIP sees continued slowdown in corporate and municipal bond issuance in the first quarter; JP Morgan Asset strategist Marcella Chow said there is room to run from the current market rout; and Citadel terminated 15 investment executives after one of its stock-trading units dropped 6.5% at the start of 2016. SuMi TRUST and Kairos Investment have launched the SuMi-Kairos Multi Strategy Fund dedicated for Japanese investors; and Captive Alternatives has launched Puerto Ricos international insurer Madison RE. The Eurekahedge Hedge Fund Index ...................... To view our full article Click here Tribes nation-wide and other Americans across the country deeply appreciate Senator Bernie Sanders' efforts in the U.S. Senate to protect tribal sacred land in Arizona known as Oak Flat, located on U.S. Forest Service land, from destruction by foreign-owned mining conglomerates Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton through their U.S. limited-liability company Resolution Copper Mining. Taking on these mining companies and fighting back against the millions of dollars these companies and their allies spent and continue to spend on lobbyists and political contributions, Senator Sanders introduced S. 2242, the Save Oak Flat Act, to correct not only an injustice to Native Americans but also against the American people. This situation is generally unknown to most American citizens. Sanders' legislation, the Save Oak Flat Act, would repeal Section 3003, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange Act (Land Exchange), of the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act, which would privatize part of the Tonto National Forest and transfer Oak Flat, a sacred area of Apaches and other Native Americans, to Resolution Copper Mining, jointly owned by foreign-owned mining companies BHP Billiton (United Kingdom) and Rio Tinto (Australia), resulting in the destruction of this sacred area. Resolution Copper Mining seeks to develop the largest copper mine in North America on this sacred land that will result in the collapse of an area at least 2 miles in diameter and the destruction of the Oak Flat area. The Save Oak Flat Act would immediately halt this giveaway of land and natural resources owned by the American people to foreign-owned mining companies. Sanders' bill is cosponsored by New Mexico's Senator Martin Heinrich and Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin. For centuries, the Oak Flat area in the Tonto National Forest has been considered sacred to Apaches, Yavapais, and other Native Americans. Located about an hour due east of Phoenix, Arizona, this unique and stunningly beautiful land has long played a vital role in Native ceremonies, religion, tradition, and culture. Oak Flat has always been a place where Native Americans in the region have gone to pray, to conduct ceremonial dances, to gather acorns for sustenance, to collect medicines and ceremonial items, and to seek and obtain peace and personal cleansing. Public lands, like Oak Flat, are carved out of the ancestral homelands of Indian tribes, and the historical and spiritual connections of Native Americans to these lands have not been extinguished. The United States has legal and moral obligations to provide access to Native Americans and to protect these traditional territories in a manner that respects the cultural, historical and religious importance to Indian tribes. For over a decade, hundreds of tribal governments, tribal organizations, and hundreds of thousands of individual grassroots activists united in opposition to the Land Exchange to protect these tribal homelands. Because of this staunch opposition, House of Representatives Leadership twice pulled the bill from consideration because it lacked the votes for passage during the 113th Congress. The Senate also refused to advance the bill through regular order. To circumvent and silence this opposition, Arizona Senator John McCain and Representatives Paul Gosar and Ann Kirkpatrick forced a closed-door deal to attach the Land Exchange as a midnight rider into the NDAA in December 2014. In addition to the destruction of this place of worship, the Land Exchange will threaten the water quality and water supply of the region. The Tonto National Forest was established in 1905 principally to protect the region's watershed. However, the Land Exchange will effectively eliminate these protections. Under current plans, the mining operation will require an unsustainable amount of water to operate and leave behind contaminated water affecting the region for generations to come. If Resolution Copper Mining is allowed to develop the massive mine it seeks on Oak Flat, then it plans to mine the area until it has utterly depleted and contaminated all the resources on the land. Its parent companies will pocket the billions of dollars in profits along the way but will abandon the area once all the minerals have been extracted, leaving a massive Super Fund site that the tribes and others in the region will forced to live in. The potential desecration of these lands and privatizing of a national forest is nothing you have ever heard a word about from Hillary or any of the Republicans. Without Bernie Sanders' efforts, these Apaches wouldn't have a chance. Senator Sanders stands up for what is right in his efforts to protect Oak Flat and the American people from corporate greed. That is what kind of President we need, and that is what kind of President he will be! For media questions, please contact Katie Thomas at the Senator's Washington office 202-224-5141, or emailing his press office. This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source. Hanoi Hillary Rides Wall Street Tank (Image by Allan Wayne) Details DMCA Take a close look at the picture of Hillary driving the tank. Can you pick four Goldman Sachs executives who are giving Hillary marching orders? No, it is not the two Vietcong soldiers behind her; they were victims of an unjust war perpetrated by U.S. lies. Disgustingly similar to the Iraq War that Hillary firmly voted for. Going left to right, we have former Goldman Sachs CEO Jon Corzine, who is raising money for Hillary despite being sued by the federal government for defrauding investors. Next is Former Goldman Sachs executive Robert Rubin, who served as Bill Clinton's Treasury Secretary. Then Former Goldman Sachs executive Robert Harrison, who currently serves as CEO of the Clinton Global Initiative (you know, that multi-billion cash cow of the Clintons'). Last and not least is current Goldman Sachs chairman and CEO Lloyd Blankfein, a personal friend of the Clintons and a prominent Hillary backer who is also invested in Hillary's son-in-law and his poorly-performing hedge fund, Eaglevale Partners. In 1972, during the Vietnam War, when Jane Fonda was 34, she visited Hanoi, and protested the war, and in effect, defended the Vietcong. In a famous photo, she posed with Vietcong soldiers and weaponry. She was considered a traitor and branded as Hanoi Jane by U.S. Veteran groups. Forty-three years later, she apologized and said, 'I made a huge, huge mistake that will haunt me to my grave.' Hanoi Jane and Hanoi Hillary (Image by Allan Wayne) Details DMCA What Hillary is doing to our country is equally traitorous; in fact, much more. She is feeding from the trough of Goldman Sachs, the institution that has gravely harmed the United States. Fonda was relatively young and did not know better; Hillary is old, and knows better. She is glib, arrogant, and will never apologize. When she is finished, our country will look like Vietnam. That is the intention of the billionaires who run the country. Our jobs are already being shipped there. Our poor are getting poorer. Hillary is firmly entrenched with the establishment--the one-percenters. In her betrayal of the common folk, and her contribution to the economic free fall of veterans, Hillary is the Jane Fonda of Wall Street. Except she is a traitor to the American people, not Wall Street. If Nevada is any example, however, blacks may elect her, which would be the ultimate irony. Martin Luther King had a dream; and it was not to re-enslave the American people, nor feed at the trough of the institution that bankrupted America. Hillary and her Goldman Sachs buddies, in the modern era, contributed more to the enslavement of the American people than anybody, one simple example being the crushing college-debt enslavement of America's children and young adults, the spoils going to her Goldman Sachs friends. Hillary's seamless obfuscations, purely for political gain, express a cynical and calculated abandonment of youth and idealism. That is her ticket. If you want to vote for more enslavement by the establishment, then vote for Hillary. Wall Street will reward her even more. Goldman Sachs has padded her with $7.5 million, so far. There will be lots more. You can bank on it. Hillary's betrayal of blacks and the poor is not a high-tech lynching; it is Hillary's high-tech pension. Her obscene, arrogant, and cloying coupling with and shrill defense of Goldman Sachs is a de facto, fait accompli that will keep everybody in virtual chains. You cannot see the wrist cuffs; but you are wearing them. Compared to Detective Mark Furman's denial of using racial epithets, Hillary's denial of her quid-pro-quo Goldman Sachs deals makes Furman look like a choirboy in comparison. So as far as the black-voting bloc to reelect Hillary, I say, ok, brothers and sisters, close your eyes and vote for Hillary; she is a wolf in sheep's clothing, except the pigs are not threatened; they are wagging their wiggly tails at Goldman Sachs, and they are feeding at the same trough with Hillary. Chelsea, of course, has chosen the same path, and is open to fair criticism since she has stepped into the fray. After all, she is fully invested in Goldman Sachs. Her husband, Marc Mezvinski, worked at Goldman Sachs and now runs a hedge fund. It is in their blood. The fund is not doing well (translation: losses). I wonder who will get screwed when it crashes? Undoubtedly not the CEOs. There is a glimmering insouciance in Marc's eyes that remind me of Pharma 'Bad Boy' Martin Shkreli. Perhaps it is just me. I do not hang with the country-club crowd. I assume the photo below could be a stockholder meeting. In spite of Hillary's golden "wool" suit, nobody looks happy. Chelsea's father-in-law, however, spent five years in prison for scamming $10 million out of family and friends in a Ponzi scheme. Hopefully, the fruit does not fall too close to the tree. The 2008 crash of Wall Street, courtesy of Goldman Sachs, was basically a Ponzi scheme. Anybody see a pattern here? For the Clintons, money is intoxicating. It is Hillary's cocaine. Power is her aphrodisiac. If GW Bush had the guts to speak, he would say, "fool me once... can't get fooled again." But he knows better; he is making tens of millions giving banks speeches, too. I imagine he makes a slurping sound when he feeds at the trough. If Hillary becomes CEO of America, she will take marching orders from Goldman Sachs, although her buddies will likely re-title themselves as think-tankers, instead of bankers. Frankly, Hillary's Bankers should be called Banksters to accurately describe their gangster soul. But Hillary has no shame. By embracing these criminals and ignoring the damage that Goldman Sachs has inflicted on our country, Hanoi Hillary is a worse traitor than Hanoi Jane. Compare the cost of the Vietnamese War verses the Wall Street crash. The Defense Department reported that the overall cost of the Vietnam war was $173 billion (equivalent to $770 billion in 2003 dollars). Veteran's benefits and interest would add another $250 billion ($1 trillion in 2003 dollars). The price tag for the Wall Street bailout is often put at $700 billion--the size of the Troubled Assets Relief Program. But TARP is just the tip of the iceberg of money paid out or set aside by the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve. In her book, It takes a Pillage: Behind the Bonuses, Bailouts, and Backroom Deals from Washington to Wall Street, Nomi Prins uncovers the hush-hush programs and crunches the hidden numbers to calculate the shocking actual size of the bailout: $14.4 trillion and counting. In a nutshell, the crash largely occurred because Bill Clinton, to bankers' delight, (with Hillary's blessing) deregulated our economy. Jane Fonda was protesting and trying to stop the war; Hanoi Hillary is pro-war; she fully supported the Iraq War, and she is currently a paid and parcel, hack of the illuminati that brought America to its knees, and has insured that America's children will be poorer than their parents, and most of us will remain pawns to the predatory corporate powers. Her family has garnered $153 million just from speeches. There is no stop to her greed. A vote for Hillary is a capitulation to corporations. And yes, Hanoi Hillary has a traitorous heart. (Article changed on February 22, 2016 at 13:31) (Article changed on February 22, 2016 at 13:39) (Article changed on February 22, 2016 at 14:14) (Article changed on February 22, 2016 at 14:24) (Article changed on February 22, 2016 at 14:27) (Article changed on February 22, 2016 at 14:33) (Article changed on February 22, 2016 at 14:36) (Article changed on February 22, 2016 at 14:37) (Article changed on February 22, 2016 at 14:43) (Article changed on February 22, 2016 at 14:49) (Article changed on February 22, 2016 at 14:57) (Article changed on February 22, 2016 at 15:58) (Article changed on February 22, 2016 at 16:02) (Article changed on February 22, 2016 at 19:35) (Article changed on February 22, 2016 at 19:37) (Article changed on February 23, 2016 at 11:41) Reprinted from AlJazeera Israel is forcing Palestinian schools in occupied East Jerusalem to switch over to an Israeli-controlled curriculum. Children of Gaza photo by Ali Noureldine (EPA) (Image by Jordi Bernabeu) Details DMCA Jerusalem -- Israel is to put financial pressure on Palestinian schools in occupied East Jerusalem in an effort to make them switch over to an Israeli-controlled curriculum, according to local activists and officials. Almost all of East Jerusalem's schools currently use a syllabus developed by the Palestinian Authority, a Palestinian government-in-waiting created in the mid-1990s by the Oslo accords. Before that, they relied on the Jordanian curriculum. Palestinian officials have slammed the move, warning that it is part of intensified efforts by Israel to disconnect East Jerusalem from the neighboring West Bank and entrench its control over the 300,000 Palestinians in the city. Peace efforts have long been premised on Israel ending its occupation of East Jerusalem and recognizing the city as the capital of a future Palestinian state. "This attack on our curriculum is part of Israel's war on Palestinian identity," Sabri Saidam, the Palestinian education minister, told Al Jazeera. "Israel is working to consolidate its illegal occupation." Israel tried to impose the Israeli curriculum when it first occupied East Jerusalem in 1967, but was forced to relent after parents and pupils staged months of strikes and protests. Civil rights groups, meanwhile, fear Palestinian schools will have little choice but to submit to the Israeli scheme if they do not want to face further budget cuts in an East Jerusalem education system already chronically underfunded by Israel. Palestinian pupils, local activists say, will be presented with a curriculum that denies their history and identity, and places a strong emphasis on Israel's official position that all of Jerusalem is its "eternal, unified capital." "We don't want our children to be told that al-Aqsa is not our holy place, that the Palestinian flag is not our flag, that the land belongs to the settlers, and that Ariel Sharon is a hero," said Hatem Khweis, a spokesman for the Union of Parents' Committees, a Palestinian group campaigning for improved education in East Jerusalem. The plan to switch curriculums came to light after senior Israeli education officials divulged details to the local media. Last year only 1,900 Palestinian high-school pupils in East Jerusalem -- about 5 percent -- studied the Israeli curriculum. Israel operates an almost entirely segregated education system between Jewish and Palestinian pupils, both in Israel and in occupied East Jerusalem. Saidam said that Israel was required under international treaties it had signed to provide a public education that respected the occupied population's heritage, identity and culture. Israel's education minister, Naftali Bennett, who is also leader of the settler party Jewish Home, said he wanted to "provide a strong tailwind to any school that chooses the Israeli curriculum. My policy is clear: I want to aid the process of Israelization." Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). William K. Black February 21, 2006 Bloomington, MN Paul Krugman is plumbing new depths of moral obtuseness, arrogance, and intellectual dishonesty in what is now his third smear of the well-respected economist Gerald Friedman in two days. My prior column discussed Krugman's two columns on February 17, 2016. Here is Krugman's lead in his column dated February 19. On Wednesday four former Democratic chairmen and chairwomen of the president's Council of Economic Advisers -- three who served under Barack Obama, one who served under Bill Clinton -- released a stinging open letter to Bernie Sanders and Gerald Friedman, a University of Massachusetts professor who has been a major source of the Sanders campaign's numbers. The economists called out the campaign for citing "extreme claims" by Mr. Friedman that "exceed even the most grandiose predictions by Republicans" and could "undermine the credibility of the progressive economic agenda." That's harsh. But it's harsh for a reason. But why did they send a "harsh" and "stinging" letter in a manner calculated to try to destroy the career of an economist? If they found a grievous error in Friedman's work, why didn't they email him and point it out? Why did they personalize the attack and suggest that he must be doing it for Bernie? Why did they personalize their attack on Bernie, who did not commission Friedman's study? Why has Krugman tripled-down on the personal attacks on Friedman and Bernie? Here are a few things that a reader would want to know, but would never learn from the Gang of 4 or any of Krugman's three efforts to smear Friedman. First, Friedman is a political supporter of Hillary Clinton. He did not gin up an economic study to benefit his favored candidate. He looked at the economic impact of Bernie's proposals because that is what macroeconomists do. It is not clear whether the Gang of 4 did the minimal due diligence to discover this fact before they decided to smear Friedman by implying that he was a political hack shilling for Bernie. It is certain that they know now and should immediately correct their open letter, formally withdraw it, and apologize to everyone they smeared. It is certain that Paul Krugman has known since, at the latest, his second post smearing Friedman and Bernie that Friedman, like Krugman, is a Hillary support. Krugman has not bothered to tell his readers that critical fact, and continues to smear Friedman in a manner designed to convey the opposite to his readers. This is unworthy of him. It is clear that Krugman realized almost immediately after his morning post on February 17, 2016 that the Gang of 4 and he had been caught red-handed in a smear of Friedman and Sanders. His second post, two hours later, admitted that the Gang of 4's smear was devoid of any logical criticism of Friedman. As Krugman phrased it, the open letter "didn't get into specifics." Yes, that's part of what makes it a smear. You call an economist's work garbage ginned up to support his favorite candidate -- and you never provide a logical explanation with a single specific of what the economist supposedly did so wrong that he should be, not corrected, but publicly humiliated. And no, they did not leave the specifics out of their open letter in order to avoid humiliating Friedman while sending him a detailed private email detailing his grievous specific errors. The truth is that the Gang of 4 and Krugman launched their smear of Friedman without pointing out a single error in his work. Indeed, that only begins to reveal the truth, for Krugman plainly did not evaluate the accuracy of Friedman's modelling before he chose to smear Friedman. Two of the economists, Austan Goolsbee,and Laura D'Andrea Tyson do not do macro modelling and Alan Krueger is overwhelmingly a labor economist. Christina Romer is the only true macroeconomist. Goolsbee and Tyson would not have been able to critique Friedman's modeling and even with Alan Krueger's econometric skills he would have had to invest a great deal of time to be able to do so. I would love to take the deposition of each member of the Gang of 4 and Krugman. Journalists need to ask just how long each spent reading Friedman's studies and obtain the contemporaneous notes they made during their reading an analysis of the studies before they wrote the letter. I guarantee that the answers will shock readers. Did even one of you consider the ethics of trying to destroy Friedman's career as a cynical means to your desired end of harming Bernie's election prospects? What you have done is an unethical abuse of power and status for the most unseemly of goals -- political advantage. One of the reasons we can be so confident that any deposition and document discovery request revealing the Gang of 4 and Krugman's contemporaneous notes would be so shocking is that a journalist has gotten into the fray and tried to bail out the Gang of 4 and Krugman. She did not understand that she was actually damning both by checking with the Gang of 4 on what work they actually did before launching their public smear campaign. She reported on the sole basis for the Gang of 4's smear: "This was not because they reran the numbers, to be fair, but because they seem far-fetched." I will take this slowly for the benefits of journalists who wish to write about this subject. That sentence condemns the Gang of 4 and Krugman. Note that her effort at "fair[ness]" lasted exactly one clause. You can condemn a study without having rerun the numbers if (a) the researcher gimmicked the inputs or (b) used a bogus model. As I noted in my first column on this subject many of us would agree that the standard macro models are grossly unreliable. But that is not what the Gang of 4 and Krugman are asserting, for Friedman used the same models that the five smearers embrace. That leaves us with two sources of criticism. Data entry and computational errors are one source, but there is no suggestion that the Gang of 4 and Krugman have done the analysis necessary to discover such errors. They do not assert any such error. The remaining source of criticism would be that Friedman gamed his inputs. He could, for example, have put in a fiscal multiplier vastly larger than economists such as the Gang of 4 and Krugman believe exists. That is not, however, their criticism. It isn't for two reasons. First, several of the economists involved are not expert in the debate about proper multipliers. Second, the economists involved that are most expert on multipliers have been arguing for years that the multipliers are substantial, and arguably larger than those that Friedman used in his study. What an economist cannot do is what the Gang of 4 and Krugman have done: I have no problem with your inputs, your model, or your math -- but I hate your results so I'm going to abuse my status to smear and try to destroy you and the candidate I oppose. Reread the journalist's sentence that unintentionally condemns the Gang of 4 and Krugman: "This was not because they reran the numbers, to be fair, but because they seem far-fetched." Focus on the second (vague) misuse of the word "they." You can complain about inputs on the basis that they "are" (not "seem") "far-fetched" -- i.e., contrary to the known facts about multipliers. There is a critical difference between inputs to and outputs from a model. You cannot dismiss a study just because the outputs "seem far-fetched" -- and you certainly can't smear the economist on the basis of your "priors" about what those outputs would be. Your contrary priors, after all, have just been falsified by the model. The phrase "seems far-fetched" is a statement of the Gang of 4 and Krugman's "priors" -- priors that were implicitly falsified by Friedman's study. CIA-linked private "security" companies are fighting in Yemen for the US-backed Saudi military campaign. Al-Qaeda-affiliated mercenaries are also being deployed. Melding private firms with terror outfits should not surprise. It's all part of illegal war making. Western news media scarcely report on the conflict in Yemen, let alone the heavy deployment of Western mercenaries in the fighting there. In the occasional Western report on Al-Qaeda and related terror groups in Yemen, it is usually in the context of intermittent drone strikes carried out by the US, or with the narrative that these militants are "taking advantage"of the chaos "to expand" their presence in the Arabian Peninsula, as reported here by the Washington Post. This bifurcated Western media view of Yemen belies a more accurate and meaningful perspective, which is that the US-backed Saudi bombing campaign is actually coordinated with an on-the-ground military force that comprises regular troops, private security firms and Al-Qaeda type mercenaries redeployed from Syria. There can be little doubt in Syria -- despite Western denials -- that the so-called Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) jihadists and related Al-Qaeda brigades in Jabhat al-Nusra, Jaish al-Fateh, Ahrar ash-Sham and so on, have been infiltrated, weaponized and deployed for the objective of regime-change by the US and its allies. If that is true for Syria, then it is also true for Yemen. Indeed, the covert connection becomes even more apparent in Yemen. Last November, the New York Times confirmed what many Yemeni sources had long been saying. That the US-backed Saudi military coalition trying to defeat a popular uprising was relying on mercenaries supplied by private security firms tightly associated with the Pentagon and the CIA. The mercenaries were recruited by companies linked to Erik Prince, the former US Special Forces commando-turned businessman, who set up Blackwater Worldwide. The latter and its re-branded incarnations, Xe Services and Academi, remain a top private security contractor for the Pentagon, despite employees being convicted for massacring civilians while on duty in Iraq in 2007. In 2010, for example, the Obama administration awarded the contractor more than $200 million in security and CIA work. Erik Prince, who is based primarily in Virginia where he runs other military training centers, set up a mercenary hub in the United Arab Emirates five years ago with full support from the royal rulers of the oil-rich state. The UAE Company took the name Reflex Responses or R2. The NY Times reported that some 400 mercenaries were dispatched from the Emirates' training camps to take up assignment in Yemen. Hundreds more are being trained up back in the UAE for the same deployment. This is just one stream of several "soldiers of fortune" going into Yemen to fight against the uprising led by Houthi rebels, who are in alliance with remnants of the national army. That insurgency succeeded in kicking out the US and Saudi-backed president Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi in early 2015. Hadi has been described as a foreign puppet, who presided over a corrupt regime of cronyism and vicious repression. Since last March, the Saudis and other Persian Gulf Arab states have been bombing Yemen on a daily basis in order to overthrow the Houthi-led rebellion and reinstall the exiled Hadi. Washington and Britain have supplied warplanes and missiles, as well as logistics, in the Saudi-led campaign, which has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths. The involvement of Blackwater-type mercenaries -- closely associated with the Pentagon -- can also be seen as another form of American contribution to the Saudi-led campaign. The mercenaries sent from the UAE to Yemen are fighting alongside other mercenaries that the Saudis have reportedly enlisted from Sudan, Eritrea and Morocco. Most are former soldiers, who are paid up to $1,000 a week while serving in Yemen. Many of the Blackwater-connected fighters from the UAE are recruited from Latin America: El Salvador, Panama and primarily Colombia, which is considered to have good experience in counter-insurgency combat. Also among the mercenaries are American, British, French and Australian nationals. They are reportedly deployed in formations along with regular troops from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE. In recent months, the Houthi rebels (also known as Ansarullah) and their allies from the Yemeni army -- who formed a united front called the Popular Committees -- have inflicted heavy casualties on the US-Saudi coalition. Hundreds of troops have been reportedly killed in gun battles in the Yemeni provinces of Marib, in the east, and Taiz, to the west. The rebels' use of Tochka ballistic missiles has had particularly devastating results. So much so that it is reported that the Blackwater-affiliated mercenaries have "abandoned the Taiz front" after suffering heavy casualties over the last two months. "Most of the Blackwater operatives killed in Yemen were believed to be from Colombia and Argentina; however, there were also casualties from the United States, Australia and France," Masdar News reports. This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. In October 2001, the U.S. launched its invasion of Afghanistan largely through proxy Afghan fighters with the help of Special Operations forces, American air power, and CIA dollars. The results were swift and stunning. The Taliban was whipped, a new government headed by Hamid Karzai soon installed in Kabul, and the country declared "liberated." More than 14 years later, how'd it go? What's "liberated" Afghanistan like and, if you were making a list, what would be the accomplishments of Washington all these years later? Hmm... at this very moment, according to the latest reports, the Taliban control more territory than at any moment since December 2001. Meanwhile, the Afghan security forces that the U.S. built up and funded to the tune of more than $65 billion are experiencing "unsustainable" casualties, their ranks evidently filled with "ghost" soldiers and policemen -- up to 40% in some places -- whose salaries, often paid by the U.S., are being pocketed by their commanders and other officials. In 2015, according to the U.N., Afghan civilian casualties were, for the seventh year in a row, at record levels. Add to all this the fact that American soldiers, their "combat mission" officially concluded in 2014, are now being sent by the hundreds back into the fray (along with the U.S. Air Force) to support hard-pressed Afghan troops in a situation which seems to be fast "deteriorating." Oh, and economically speaking, how did the "reconstruction" of the country work out, given that Washington pumped more money (in real dollars) into Afghanistan in these years than it did into the rebuilding of Western Europe after World War II? Leaving aside the pit of official corruption into which many of those dollars disappeared, the country is today hemorrhaging desperate young people who can't find jobs or make a living and now constitute what may be the second largest contingent of refugees heading for Europe. As for that list of Washington's accomplishments, it might be accurate to say that only one thing was "liberated" in Afghanistan over the last 14-plus years and that was, as TomDispatch regular Alfred McCoy points out today, the opium poppy. It might also be said that, with the opium trade now fully embedded in both the operations of the Afghan government and of the Taliban, Washington's single and singular accomplishment in all its years there has been to oversee the country's transformation into the planet's number one narco-state. McCoy, who began his career in the Vietnam War era by writing The Politics of Heroin, a now-classic book on the CIA and the heroin trade (that the Agency tried to suppress) and who has written on the subject of drugs and Afghanistan before for this site, now offers a truly monumental look at opium and the U.S. from the moment this country's first Afghan War began in 1979 to late last night. Tom How a Pink Flower Defeated the World's Sole Superpower America's Opium War in Afghanistan By Alfred W. McCoy After fighting the longest war in its history, the United States stands at the brink of defeat in Afghanistan. How can this be possible? How could the world's sole superpower have battled continuously for 15 years, deploying 100,000 of its finest troops, sacrificing the lives of 2,200 of those soldiers, spending more than a trillion dollars on its military operations, lavishing a record hundred billion more on "nation-building" and "reconstruction," helping raise, fund, equip, and train an army of 350,000 Afghan allies, and still not be able to pacify one of the world's most impoverished nations? So dismal is the prospect for stability in Afghanistan in 2016 that the Obama White House has recently cancelled a planned further withdrawal of its forces and will leave an estimated 10,000 troops in the country indefinitely. Were you to cut through the Gordian knot of complexity that is the Afghan War, you would find that in the American failure there lies the greatest policy paradox of the century: Washington's massive military juggernaut has been stopped dead in its steel tracks by a pink flower, the opium poppy. For more than three decades in Afghanistan, Washington's military operations have succeeded only when they fit reasonably comfortably into Central Asia's illicit traffic in opium, and suffered when they failed to complement it. The first U.S. intervention there began in 1979. It succeeded in part because the surrogate war the CIA launched to expel the Soviets from that country coincided with the way its Afghan allies used the country's swelling drug traffic to sustain their decade-long struggle. On the other hand, in the almost 15 years of continuous combat since the U.S. invasion of 2001, pacification efforts have failed to curtail the Taliban insurgency largely because the U.S. could not control the swelling surplus from the county's heroin trade. As opium production surged from a minimal 180 tons to a monumental 8,200 in the first five years of U.S. occupation, Afghanistan's soil seemed to have been sown with the dragon's teeth of ancient Greek myth. Every poppy harvest yielded a new crop of teenaged fighters for the Taliban's growing guerrilla army. At each stage in Afghanistan's tragic, tumultuous history over the past 40 years -- the covert war of the 1980s, the civil war of the 1990s, and the U.S. occupation since 2001 -- opium played a surprisingly significant role in shaping the country's destiny. In one of history's bitter twists of fate, the way Afghanistan's unique ecology converged with American military technology transformed this remote, landlocked nation into the world's first true narco-state -- a country where illicit drugs dominate the economy, define political choices, and determine the fate of foreign interventions. Covert Warfare (1979-1992) The CIA's secret war against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan during the 1980s helped transform the lawless Afghan-Pakistani borderlands into the seedbed for a sustained expansion of the global heroin trade. "In the tribal area," the State Department would report in 1986, "there is no police force. There are no courts. There is no taxation. No weapon is illegal... Hashish and opium are often on display." By then, the process had long been underway. Instead of forming its own coalition of resistance leaders, the Agency relied on Pakistan's crucial Inter Service Intelligence (ISI) and its Afghan clients who soon became principals in the burgeoning cross-border opium traffic. Not surprisingly, the Agency looked the other way while Afghanistan's opium production grew unchecked from about 100 tons annually in the 1970s to 2,000 tons by 1991. In 1979 and 1980, just as the CIA effort was beginning to ramp up, a network of heroin laboratories opened along the Afghan-Pakistan frontier. That region soon became the world's largest heroin producer. By 1984, it supplied a staggering 60% of the U.S. market and 80% of the European one. Inside Pakistan, the number of heroin addicts went from near zero (yes, zero) in 1979 to 5,000 in 1980 and 1,300,000 by 1985 -- a rate of addiction so high the U.N. called it "particularly shocking." According to the 1986 State Department report, opium "is an ideal crop in a war-torn country since it requires little capital investment, is fast growing, and is easily transported and traded." Moreover, Afghanistan's climate was well suited to this temperate crop, with average yields two to three times higher than in Southeast Asia's Golden Triangle region, the previous capital of the opium trade. As relentless warfare between CIA and Soviet surrogates generated at least three million refugees and disrupted food production, Afghan farmers began to turn to opium "in desperation" since it produced such easy "high profits" which could cover rising food prices. At the same time, resistance elements, according to the State Department, engaged in opium production and trafficking "to provide staples for [the] population under their control and to fund weapons purchases." As the mujahedeen resistance gained strength and began to create liberated zones inside Afghanistan in the early 1980s, it helped fund its operations by collecting taxes from peasants producing lucrative opium poppies, particularly in the fertile Helmand Valley, once the breadbasket of southern Afghanistan. Caravans carrying CIA arms into that region for the resistance often returned to Pakistan loaded down with opium -- sometimes, the New York Times reported, "with the assent of Pakistani or American intelligence officers who supported the resistance." Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. Homestyle country breakfast fans, start your engines. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store could be opening the West Coast's first restaurant in Tualatin's Nyberg Rivers shopping center as early as late summer, The Times reported. The Southern-themed restaurant submitted an architectural review and land use application for a 10,112-square-foot restaurant and porch in October. The application has since been deemed complete and awaits an administrative decision, Tualatin planning manager Aquilla Hurd-Ravich told The Times. The Tennessee-based company was also looking into a Beaverton location off Southwest Canyon Road near Highway 217, but ultimately the Beaverton Planning Commission voted to deny the application. "There is a level of ... excitement for the company because this will be our first location this far west," Janella Escobar, a spokeswoman for Cracker Barrel, told The Times. "We are definitely excited about it." If approved, the Tualatin Cracker Barrel would be the first restaurant the company has opened on the West Coast. The closest current location is outside of Boise. More to come. -- Samantha Bakall sbakall@oregonian.com Follow @sambakall While black churches have long led the charge against racism, the white Christian community has largely held back, says author Jim Wallis. He's on a nationwide mission to change that, including in Portland. Wallis's newest book, "America's Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America," is an indictment of white Christian apathy and inaction towards systemic racism. We interviewed Wallis about the book last week. Wallis has turned his book tour into a series of town halls, meeting with local faith and justice leaders in each city along the route. He was in Portland Monday, and leaders gathered at First Christian Church in the morning for a conversation about Wallis's book and racism in the City of Roses. The panelists were: Leroy Barber, a pastor at Imago Dei Eastside and former director of Word Made Flesh Jo Ann Hardesty, head of the Portland chapter of the NAACP and former state representative Ron Werner, a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church Adrienne Cabouet, a Black Lives Matter organizer in Portland Here are a few takeaways from their conversation. Their responses have been edited for brevity and clarity. Yes, Portland is friendly and liberal. But it has a race problem. Cabouet: I'm from Boston. I've lived in New York and Miami and I can say unequivocally that Portland is the most racist place I've lived. It is subtle, but it is constant. It is people moving when you sit by them on the bus. It is not being called back when you see an apartment - showing up to see an apartment and you're told, 'Oh, there's nothing available.' It is white people touching your hair. It's pervasive. It's constant. Because it is so subtle a lot of people I know spend a lot of time thinking, 'I feel angry. I feel hurt. Is it just me, though? Or is it everybody else?' It takes a while to recognize that it's everyone else. Barber: I've been in Portland almost three years and one of the shocking things for me is how much Portland celebrates whiteness. I'm still trying to get used to that. Whiteness is celebrated here. It is the center of culture. It is what everything else is measured up against. Hardesty: We didn't declare a housing emergency until white middle class people started getting rent hikes. I find it ironic that all of a sudden we have a housing emergency, but 10,000 people of color were displaced from their neighborhoods and not a peep. If you want to make a meaningful difference, it's not enough to preach a sermon series on race, share relevant articles on Facebook and/or show up to the occasional protest. Barber: You've got to invest in leaders of color. Being relevant socially, understanding some of what's happening around the problem of prisons and mass incarcerations - we know that stuff, but the investment is missing. Cabouet: It's important that we recognize that investing in the black community is an intentional process. White supremacy was an intentional construct. It's not a human nature. It was a capitalist strategy. This is going to require very intentional dismantling of the system. Werner: Part of our history is that we get excited, as progressives, and maybe we'll show up at a protest once or twice. But how do we become accountable to institutions and groups that are working on this? When you're in relationship, you're accountable to continuing to show up. Yes, I am still racist and I still benefit from racist systems and I will show up in public and get it wrong and I will still show up the next day. Not being blatantly, aggressively racist doesn't absolve white people of responsibility for systemic racism and racial bias. Werner: There are Dylan Roofs of the world who actively go into places and shoot people of color. But for the rest of us, it's like the moving sidewalks in airports. We're just standing there, and the system is doing what it's supposed to do to move us along. Wallis: If we benefit from oppression, we are responsible for changing it. I am a white baby boomer, the beneficiary of the biggest affirmative action program in the nations history. My father was a navy veteran from WWII. He got a free education in his GI bill. He got a house. My government made my white family middle class. All the white GIs got that. The black GIs didn't get it. Hardesty: Hate is the loudest voice in our presidential election campaign. If we, people of good will, allow hate to be the biggest, the loudest voice out there, then I'm fearful. I've updated my passport, so if Donald wins I'm out of here. When we hear the stupidity about building a fence or keeping Muslims out, I wonder where the faith leaders are. That's not the God we worship. Where are our faith leaders? Are we in a church just having a sermon, or are we out on the street with the people? Feeling guilt and shame isn't a helpful response from white people. Werner: What I find with white students, white youth, white clergy, is guilt and shame. We tend to shrink. I feel like a lot of my work has been very personal - how do I not be led by guilt and shame? What I hear from leaders of color is that they don't need my guilt or shame. They don't need a shared article on social media - they need me to move from being an ally to being an accomplice. My great grandfather was in the Klu Klux Klan in Nebraska. I saw a photo of my mom dressed up in black face for Halloween when she was a teenager. Racism ran deep in my family and it still runs deep in my family. So part of my journey has been addressing my own narrative. The goal isn't a post-racial society. It's a rich, multicultural one with equality for all. Wallis: In the biblical narrative, I love the beginning of Genesis, and I love the end. Revelation 7: 'After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.' This is no post-racial society. This is no homogeneous Christian society. This is in the richness of what God created. It's a matter of getting back to the text and then applying the text. The Elms The Elms retirement community in Forest Grove. UPDATE: Forest Grove retirement home owner posts bail, violates terms of release, is arrested again Forest Grove police have arrested the owner of a retirement community on accusations of sex abuse and burglary. Herbert "Howard" Sahnow Detectives arrested Herbert "Howard" Sahnow, 72, on Monday morning at The Elms after a Washington County grand jury indictment accused him of one count of first-degree sex abuse, three counts of second-degree sex abuse, 16 counts of third-degree sex abuse and seven counts of burglary, police said. Sahnow's arrest comes after a five-month investigation, said Capt. Mike Herb, police spokesman. There are seven alleged victims, Herb said. Some of them are residents of The Elms, 2030 Elm St. in Forest Grove, he said. Two alleged victims are believed to be former retirement center employees, he said. The alleged abuse occurred at the Elms over the last few years, Herb said. Sahnow also is accused of unlawfully entering the apartments of several alleged victims, he said. The retirement community "is designed for senior adults who wish to maintain their independent lifestyle but need some assistance," according to the community's website. Its main building opened in 1989, the website says. A representative answering phone calls for The Elms declined to comment late Monday afternoon. Detectives want to speak with "anyone who has had any alarming or coercive contact with Mr. Sahnow," Herb said. Anyone with information should contact the police department at 503-992-3260. -- Tony Hernandez and Jim Ryan thernandez@oregonian.com; jryan@oregonian.com By E.J. Dionne WASHINGTON -- There is an imbalance in the argument at the heart of the 2016 presidential campaign that threatens to undercut the Democrats' chances of holding the White House. You might think otherwise. The divisions among Republicans are as sharp as they have been since 1964. Donald Trump may be building on the politics of resentment the GOP has pursued throughout President Obama's term. But Trump's mix of nationalism, xenophobia, a dash of economic populism and a searing critique of George W. Bush's foreign policy offers a philosophical smorgasbord that leaves the party's traditional ideology behind. Jeb Bush, the candidate who represents the greatest degree of continuity with the Republican past, is floundering. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, both Cuban-Americans, are competing fiercely over who is toughest on immigration. So much for the party opening its doors to new Americans. As for the less incendiary John Kasich, he probably won't be relevant to the race again until the primaries hit the Midwest. Add to this the GOP's demographic weakness -- young Americans are profoundly alienated from the party, and non-whites will only be further turned off by the spectacle created by Trump, Cruz & Co. -- and the likelihood of a third consecutive Democratic presidential victory is in view. But then comes the imbalance: If there is a common element in the rhetoric of all the Republican candidates, it is that Obama's presidency is an utter disaster, and he is trying to turn us, as Rubio keeps saying, into "a different kind of country." You'd imagine from hearing the Republicans speak (Kasich is a partial exception) that we are in the midst of a new Great Depression, have just been defeated in a war, have lost our moral compass entirely, have no religious liberty, and are on the verge of a dictatorship established by a slew of illegal executive orders. Oh, yes, and the president who brought about all these horrors has lost the authority to name a Supreme Court justice, no matter what the Constitution -- which should otherwise be strictly interpreted -- says. You can laugh or cry over this, but it is a consistent message, carried every day by the media whenever they cover the Republican contest. The Democrats offer, well, a more nuanced approach. True, Hillary Clinton has embraced Obama more and more, seeing him as a life raft against Bernie Sanders' formidable challenge. In particular, she knows that African-American voters deeply resent the way Obama has been treated by Republicans. (No other president, after all, has ever been told that any nomination he makes to the Supreme Court will be ignored.) Tying herself to Obama is a wise way of shoring up her up-to-now strong support among voters of color. Nonetheless, because so many Americans have been hurt by rising inequality and the economic changes of the last several decades, neither Democratic presidential candidate can quite say what hopefuls representing the incumbent party usually shout from the rooftops: Our stewardship has been a smashing success and we should get another term. Sanders, in fact, represents a wholesale rebellion against the status quo. He tries to say positive things about Obama and how the president dealt with the economic catastrophe that struck at the end of George W. Bush's term. But the democratic socialist from Vermont is not shy about insisting that much more should have been done to break up the banks, rein in the power of the wealthy, and provide far more sweeping health insurance and education benefits. A good case can be made -- and has been made by progressives throughout Obama's term -- that if Democrats said that everything was peachy, voters who are still hurting would write off the party entirely. But ambivalence does not win elections. Running to succeed Ronald Reagan in 1988, George H. W. Bush triumphed by proposing adjustments in Reagan's environmental and education policies, but otherwise touting what enough voters decided were Reagan's successes. Democrats need to insist that while much work remains to be done, the United States is in far better shape economically than most other countries in the world. The nation is better off for the reforms in health care, financial regulation and environmental protection enacted during Obama's term and should be proud of its energetic, entrepreneurial and diverse citizenry. If Clinton, Sanders and their party don't provide a forceful response to the wildly inaccurate and ridiculously bleak characterization of Obama's presidency that the Republicans are offering, nobody will. And if this parody is allowed to stand as reality, the Democrats will lose. E.J. Dionne's email address is ejdionne@washpost.com. Twitter: EJDionne. (c) 2016, Washington Post Writers Group AX171_42BA_9.JPG The Oregonian, Wed., Feb. 17, 2016 (Staff) No-coal legislation: Hurrah for Oregonian reporter Ted Sickinger's determination in getting to the bottom of the bait-and-switch legislation (House Bill 4036) developed by the state's two big utilities and environmental groups more interested in claiming environmental victory than actually achieving it. As Oregon Public Utility Commissioner John Savage wrote, the bill would not result in less greenhouse gas emissions in the West -- just erase them from the utilities' books and the consciences of some Oregonians, while depriving the public of the PUC's knowledgeable participation in the process. Pursuing this hollow exercise while muzzling the PUC is shameful. Kudos also to The Oregonian editorial staff for taking Gov. Kate Brown to task for flubbing her transparency promise. Robert Marritz Northeast Portland SALEM -- Legislation that would limit but still allow gun sales when background checks take longer than expected barely cleared the Oregon House on Monday. Right now, Oregon gun-buyers can obtain firearms by default if a background check takes more than three days -- a provision modeled after federal law. House Bill 4147, approved on a 31-28 vote, would extend that wait to 10 business days. The bill emerged after a mass shooting at a Charleston, S.C., church that left nine people dead. The suspected gunman, federal authorities found, was allowed to purchase his weapon after errors pushed his background check past the three-day window. HB 4147 initially sought a ban on default sales in Oregon, making gun buyers wait as long as it took for a check to finish. Those checks are conducted by the Oregon State Police. Rep. Jeff Barker, D-Aloha, and a former Portland police officer, insisted on 10 days before letting it out of the House Judiciary Committee. "People are concerned that it wasn't a long enough period to do the check," Barker said of the current three-day window. But Barker thought a blanket ban on default sales went too far. "At some point we need to have a cut-off date that's solid," Barker said, "and doesn't require an innocent citizen to keep proving their innocence." Data from the state police found delays in just 8,467 -- or 3.2 percent -- of the 262,838 background checks conducted last year. Most went through within minutes. Buyers whose checks faced delays, however, were five times more likely to be denied. Of more than 600 denials in the last four months of 2015, 52 involved a fugitive from justice and 205 were from would-be buyers with felony convictions. Dozens of other denied buyers had convictions for assault or menacing. Lawmakers sparred passionately over the bill's merits and potential effects. Democrats cast HB 4147 as a modest, practical step toward keeping more guns away from people whom society has decided shouldn't have them -- people including domestic violence abusers and other would-be mass shooters. They shared several stories of violence done by intimate partners to make their point. "It doesn't close the [Charleston] loophole. But it makes it tight enough to catch a few more people who might exploit it," said Rep. Lew Frederick, D-Portland. "It changes little for lawful purchasers. But it makes it a little harder for an unlawful purchaser." Republicans, in turn, argued the bill would join other measures they've opposed in recent years -- burdening, as they see it, lawful and scrupulous gun owners without addressing the root causes of gun violence. They spoke of addressing mental health concerns and embracing religion. They asked HB 4147's supporters whether they could list any shootings in Oregon that might have been avoided by the 10-day window. Barker and others could not. Opponents of the measure also noted the unusual circumstances that led the suspected shooter in Charleston to obtain his gun: Clerical errors kept an inexperienced investigator from learning, within the three-day waiting period, that the suspected gunman had disqualifying drug offenses. Republicans argued that no amount of extra time would have unearthed that mistake. "The only way to fix the evil in the heart of a person" like the Charleston shooter "is the love of God," said Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer. "God shows that love every single day to every one of us, and all we have to do is accept it. No matter what we do, this bill will not fix the true problem." Barker preemptively addressed a claim from some lawmakers and opponents that HB 4147 would endanger domestic violence victims by making it more difficult to obtain protection. He said legislation approved last year makes clear that someone believed to be in imminent danger could obtain a gun without a background check. That argument from opponents, Barker said, "makes for good political fodder, but it really is an inaccurate statement." Barker also repeated a promise from HB 4147's chief sponsor, House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson, D-Portland, that lawmakers would pour hundreds of thousands more dollars into the Oregon State Police budget to speed up background checks. Beyond airing concerns that background checks and long waiting periods amount to overreach, opponents have repeatedly shared stories of delays and bureaucratic slip-ups by the state police. They say that shows the agency is overwhelmed by work processing the checks. All 25 House Republicans lined up against the bill. They were joined by three Democrats from moderate, coastal districts: Rep. Deborah Boone of Cannon Beach, Rep. Caddy McKeown of Coos Bay and Rep. Brad Witt of Clatskanie. The measure now heads to the Senate. Before the legislative session began, Senate Majority Leader Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, told The Oregonian/OregonLive she considered HB 4147 "a good policy." Gov. Kate Brown has also praised the measure, calling it "common sense." "How many lives saved are enough," Barker asked before voting began, "to justify closing a small loophole?" -- Denis C. Theriault 503-221-8430; @TheriaultPDX Call it Portland Confidential: The Arts Tax Edition. City officials no longer want the public to know who pays the much-maligned arts tax and have proposed changes that may keep taxpayers' identities secret. Although Portland has released taxpayers' names since implementing the tax in 2012, officials now say such disclosures are unreasonable. The proposal heads to the City Council for consideration Wednesday. It's not slated for any public discussion. That's because the change -- from Mayor Charlie Hales' Office of Management & Finance -- has been placed on the City Council's "consent agenda," which is supposed to include only routine, non-controversial matters. UPDATE: Commissioner Nick Fish on Monday requested that the City Council discuss the change as part of the regular agenda. The arts tax has been anything but. The $35 tax, approved by voters in 2012, has been plagued by problems. Most notably, it's failed to generate the expected revenue, in large part because tens of thousands of Portlanders haven't paid, according to a 2015 city audit. What's more, administrative expenses have been higher than expected - and city officials aren't even tracking full costs. The rules for the tax, as currently written, require the city to release the names and addresses for any person who has paid the tax. Last year, the city released such information, and Willamette Week published the list online. The Oregonian/OregonLive later requested a full database including not only taxpayers who paid the tax but also those who received arts-tax notices from the city or who had been assessed a late fee. The city refused to release the records, arguing that disclosing names in the database would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy. The Oregonian/OregonLive appealed to the Multnomah County District Attorney, who ordered release of the database. "As the city has already released the names and addresses of those Portland residents who paid the Arts Tax, it would be logically incongruous to conclude that disclosure of names and addresses in themselves is an unreasonable invasion of privacy," District Attorney Rod Underhill ruled. The city never provided the records. Instead, officials said providing the database would require 20 hours of work that would only be completed if The Oregonian/OregonLive paid an estimated $1,208. And now, more than three years after the City Council required that names and addresses of taxpayers should be publicly disclosed, officials want to keep that information secret. "In the case of an income tax, releasing names and addresses of taxpayers is not a reasonable expectation that taxpayers have," the City Council ordinance reads. "As such, names and addresses of taxpayers who have paid the Arts Tax should remain confidential to the extent the law allows." The City Council is scheduled to vote on the change March 2. Officials are also being asked to rewrite rules to ensure two charter schools receive money from the arts tax. -- Brad Schmidt 503-294-7628 @cityhallwatch The large bird stumbled out of the crate as if stunned. Within seconds, she soared into the cloud-streaked sky over the Willamette River, her massive wings flapping gracefully. The release of a bald eagle in Waterfront Park just south of the Hawthorne Bridge on Sunday was a rare event in Portland. Several hundred people sloshed through the mud to watch as the bird rejoined nature. The eagle landed on top of the RiverPlace Hotel, as if to get her bearings, then circled overhead with three other birds in a dance. Minutes later, she disappeared and the crowd dispersed. "We don't get the opportunity to see this very often," said Diane Kruger of Northwest Portland. The bird was rescued 11 days ago by the society's operations manager, Lacy Campbell, who was on her way to rescue an entangled duck at the same site south of the Hawthorne Bridge. The eagle, spotting prey, dove down and became tangled herself. She had foot wounds and appeared stunned but otherwise was in good shape because she was rescued so quickly, said Deb Sheaffer, the Audubon's veterinarian. The duck had to be euthanized. "Fishing line can really be traumatic," Sheaffer said. The eagle was feisty, said Trudi Stone, a 10-year volunteer at Audubon. That's a good sign. Weighing nearly 13 pounds, she was one of the biggest bald eagles the wildlife center has treated. Audubon officials said that judging from her coloring, she's 4 years old, or a year from being a mature adult. Bob Sallinger, the Audubon's conservation director, said she will probably find a mate in a year. Bald eagles were almost exterminated by the pollutant DDT, Sallinger told the crowd, but they came back under federal and state protection. They were taken off the federal endangered species list in 2007 and in 2012 came off the state list. They're now a common sight, with several dozen nesting pairs in Portland and 200 spotted around Sauvie Island this winter. But the pollution has not gone away, Sallinger said. "Although we banned DDT in 1972, the river is still heavily contaminated with it," Sallinger said. "We still have a lot of chemicals in the environment that are affecting wildlife and people." Sallinger said the Environmental Protection Agency will come out with a plan in April to clean up the Portland Harbor Superfund Site, a repository for a century of industrial waste. In 2000, federal authorities designated the 11-mile stretch north of the Broadway bridge a Superfund site. "The return of the eagle is indicative of the results we can see when we clean up our environment," Sallinger said. The eagles face other hazards. Some are hit by cars, others become injured in territorial fights or are caught in trash in the river. The Audubon Society is treating four other injured bald eagles. Officials hope they, too, can be released near where they were rescued on Government Island, Vernonia, Aurora and Clatskanie. "The hope is that every single animal we get can be released," Campbell said. -- Lynne Terry rat.jpg In a $275,000 lawsuit alleging racial discrimination, Curtis Grecco claims that Asian-American employees at Shanghai Co. left dead rats in and on the food-processing equipment he used. (File photo) A white man who was hired by a bean-sprout processing plant has filed a $275,000 lawsuit against the company, claiming it did nothing to stop the almost all-Asian staff from tormenting him because of his race. Curtis Grecco says Asian-American employees repeatedly threw bean sprouts at him, left decapitated rats in his food-processing equipment and hid his sack lunch from him, according to Grecco's lawsuit filed Thursday in Multnomah County Circuit Court. Grecco was employed by Shanghai Co., at 2800 S.E. Division Street, which produces bean sprouts and wholesale noodles. The company's manager, Cameron Lee, called Grecco's allegations "ridiculous" and suspects they were fabricated to win Grecco a big payout. "Never have I seen discrimination here, and I've worked here for six years," Lee told The Oregonian/OregonLive on Friday. Lee added that the allegations about beheaded rats are upsetting and unfounded. "How off the wall is that?" Lee said. "We get inspected by the FDA. We have pest-control people. We've been in business for 65 years." According to Grecco's lawsuit, he was hired in June 2014 to spin-dry bean sprouts. On his first day on the job, the suit states that the company's only other white employee told him that the employees of Asian ethnicity wouldn't like him because of his race. "That same day, Plaintiff was approached by a couple of the Asian co-workers who stated 'This is for Asians; we don't need any white people here,'" the suit states. Starting on Grecco's second day of work, he found decapitated rats in or on the spin dryer he operated, the suit claims. Grecco began to trap and kill rats in "an attempt to stop this harassment," according to the suit. Grecco's suit claims that he reported a male employee who threw bean sprouts at him to the general manager, Richard Lee, and that Lee responded inadequately by telling the men to ignore each other. A few days later, that male employee bumped and pushed Grecco, prompting Grecco to again complain to the general manager, according to the suit. The suit claims that the general manager responded by telling Grecco that if he punched one of his Asian co-workers in the face, they would leave him alone. The suit claims that in Grecco's last three months of employment, the harassment escalated with multiple employees throwing bean sprouts at him and feigning throwing punches toward him. According to the suit, the general manager overheard Grecco talking on the phone about seeking the help of an attorney and legal action. The suit claims that the general manager responded by exclaiming: "You gonna sue me? Get the hell outta here." The lawsuit states that Grecco later received a text message from the company saying that he'd been fired for sexual harassment in the workplace. The lawsuit lists both Northwest Fresh Foods, LLC -- which does business as Shanghai Co. -- and general manager Richard Lee as defendants. Grecco is the general manager's brother-in-law. Manager Cameron Lee, who is Richard Lee's son and Grecco's nephew, said the company offers a very friendly and non-discriminatory working atmosphere. He said employees of various races -- Asian, white, African American and Latino -- will vouch for that. "They'll tell you how nice a guy my dad is," Cameron Lee said. Salem attorneys Larry Linder and Douglas Davis are representing Grecco. Read the lawsuit here. -- Aimee Green 503-294-5119 In a home that once served as a design studio for a small army of architects, several seventh grade students from area schools recently descended on the site and found quiet places to sit, observe and write about their visit during a chilly winter week. The Seventh Grade Writing Program, hosted by the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, is an annual event that brings young writers in to explore the site in their own written words, along with help from teachers and staff. The program is a four day event every winter, and has been running for the last few years. We get about 600 students through here in the program, said Craig McDonald, director of The Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, which houses both the design studio and the family home of Alden B. and Vada Dow. Currently, Jefferson Middle and Northeast Middle schools are involved with the program. Zion Lutheran has also been involved with the program. The kids get access like other people dont, McDonald said. They get to explore things and get inspirations from the things they see. A tour of the home is part of the visit for the students. Staff stage items to set scenes of how life was lived during the family life in the home, called story starters. A homecoming dress is neatly laid out on the bed of one of the Dow childrens former rooms, and playing cards laid in hands, along with unlit cigarettes and simulated cocktails, adorn one table in a larger room like a scene from a party. McDonald said the students often ask about the inclusion of the prop cigarettes, seen sitting in an ashtray at one of the tables in a large room. We try to make it specific to the time, McDonald said. The staged areas reflect normal life events like the family lived in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. We now know that smoking is bad for you, but these were people who were very much of their time. People smoked back then before they knew it was bad and we want to show kids that people learn over the years. When time allows, students are encouraged to share their writing with others. The writings also serve as springboards for other lessons back in the classroom after the visit. Other writings programs are offered, like the Young Writers Studio, which grew out of the annual school visits. Some students who made the annual pilgrimage during their seventh grade year to the studio asked if other writing-centric visits were possible. So the Young Writers Studio was created, a once a month program that challenges students to create a journal about their visits. During the school year, the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio supplies the busing necessary for the students. The program runs during the summer months as well, but students need to supply their own transportation. This program is open to all sixth through eighth grade Midland Public School middle school students. There is also a program geared toward high school students. A walk through the home will reveal students quietly writing. A student might be sitting in one of the very unique chairs in one of the Dow childrens bedroom, or writing in groups at the large family dinner table. I really do feel at home here, said Christine ODonnell, a well-filled notebook in hand. The Jefferson Middle School seventh-grader was curled up in a chair in one of the bedrooms, quietly writing in her notebook. This is my favorite room. It reminds me of my room at home. ODonnell also attends the monthly Young Writers Studio, and said she loves her visits to the home. I am writing poetry today, she said. I am describing all of the things I see on the shelves and outside. Jacob Bole said that the inspiration for his piece came from his idea of what it might be like to be a visitor with fresh eyes to the home during a time when the Dow family lived there. I wrote a fictional narrative about a person visiting the Dow house and what kinds of things they would see here, like the mobiles, the different types of artwork and the natural use of sunlight, the student said. Riley Nelson said the place that spoke to him in the home was the living room. I wrote about how there were a bunch of different parties that went on here and things in the room like the woven ceiling, he said. The room has a lot of color and flair. Nelson also mentioned the use of natural lighting in much of the house, a feature Alden B. Dow worked into many of his designs. McDonald said that the students have been very respectful of the home. Teachers accompany the students to the site. This is a great day, said Jefferson English teacher Mary Zeitler. The conversations they are having and the curiosity they display are amazing. Zeitler was on hand to help shepherd and guide the three different groups of students who made their way through the historic home. I am amazed at what the kids write about and what stands out to them, she said. It is really something to see how varied and diverse their inspirations are. And those inspirations could be anything, from artwork, to staged scenes and even the unit block construction that makes up much of the home. Staff at the site help answer student questions and keep things running smoothly and on time. Louise Bergdahl, a docent with the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, said she is always glad to hear the students observations and the insight they have when visiting the home. One student told me this house is more modern than modern, she said. Docent Sarah Yoder said she enjoys working with the students. I taught English and I really miss the kids, the retired teacher said. As a docent, Yoder gets a chance to see all kinds of visitors come through the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, but the visits from the young writers are at the top of her list. The kids in particular seem to notice things that we see every day, she said. Docent Randi Kawakita agreed. Yes. They see things the adults dont see, she said. There is such a wonderful payoff. It is a tremendous program. McDonald said that many of the students in the program visited the studio when they were in fourth grade, and often remember the house fondly as part of the school experiences. One student told me this is a part of our history and our heritage, he said. This building continues to inspire. For more information on the educational opportunities offered by the studio, visit www.abdow.org. Michigan Sugar Co. will award more than $15,000 in scholarships this year to help Michigan students pay for college. By providing scholarships to high-achieving students in our community, Michigan Sugar Company is committed to helping prepare the next generation of leaders in Michigan agriculture, said Ray Van Driessche, community relations director of Michigan Sugar. We believe we share a responsibility to invest in the future of our community. By giving a leg up to young leaders, we can keep Michigans Thumb and Saginaw Valley on track for continued success into the future. BARCELONA, Spain Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg vowed Monday to press on with his 3-year-old effort to bring the developing world online, even after Indian regulators banned one of the pillars of the campaign. He said the banned service, Free Basics, was only one program in his Internet.org campaign, so he could proceed with other initiatives. Indian regulators banned Free Basics this month because it provided access only to certain pre-approved services including Facebook rather than the full Internet. "Facebook isn't a company that hits a roadblock and gives up," Zuckerberg said at the Mobile World Congress wireless show in Barcelona, Spain. "We take the hits and try to get better." Though Zuckerberg termed the regulatory defeat "disappointing for the mission and a major setback," he said every country was different, and "the model that has worked in one country may not work in another." This was his third appearance at the Barcelona show to promote Internet access to everyone in the world. He has argued that online connections can improve lives and fuel economic development. To achieve that goal, Zuckerberg has high-flying dreams for someday providing Internet connections through a network of drones, satellites and lasers. Zuckerberg said Monday that Internet.org would launch its first satellite over Africa this year and "we are about to test flying Internet drone solar planes that can fly three months a year." While the drones may someday connect people in areas too remote for cables or cell towers, Free Basics is intended for people who live in areas with Internet service but still can't afford it. Facebook works with wireless carriers in poorer nations to let people use streamlined versions of Facebook and certain other online services, without paying data charges. A low-income resident of urban Manila, for example, can use Free Basics to view the Philippines' GMA News site. "He can be informed. He can research. He can read the news," Ederic Eder of GMA News said. The program varies by country, in offerings and effectiveness. In South Africa, for instance, Facebook partnered with the third-largest wireless carrier, Cell C. But Johannesburg resident Priscilla de Klerk said she couldn't get Free Basics to work on her phone. "Cell C is much cheaper as far as everything else is concerned, but their free Facebook is not a reality," she said. Last fall, Facebook announced a major expansion in Africa, where another regional carrier, Bharti Airtel, said it will offer Free Basics in 17 countries. "They're getting a lot of traction in Africa," said Danson Njue, a Kenya-based telecom analyst with the Ovum research firm. Tech rivals Google and Microsoft also have programs to expand Internet access, he noted, but their approaches are content neutral and involve extending networks to underserved areas. Facebook doesn't pay wireless companies for the cost of Free Basics. Carriers make money if new users eventually move to a paid data plan. Facebook also says it makes no money, as it doesn't show ads, though Zuckerberg has conceded it benefits from gaining users in the long run. While the company hasn't released detailed usage figures, Facebook says Free Basics has brought more than 19 million people online for the first time. That counts any user who didn't have Internet access before, regardless of whether they're currently active. On the Internet.org website, mixed in with videos about impoverished students using Free Basics to study and laborers starting small businesses, Facebook boasts more than 1 billion people "have access" to the service. That's the combined population of regions where it's available, not the number of users. SPRINGFIELD Illinois public schools have been largely unscathed in the state's ongoing budget battle, and Gov. Bruce Rauner would like to keep it that way. In his budget address last week, Rauner called for increased funding for early childhood, elementary and secondary education and for it to be dealt with separately from any other issue. But Democrats, who control the state Senate, want to overhaul the way money is distributed to school districts. They say pumping more money into the system would perpetuate inequalities that have created the widest gap in funding between high-poverty and low-poverty districts of any state. Sen. Andy Manar of Bunker Hill, a Democrat, said the current setup, which was created in 1997 and relies heavily on local property taxes, needs to be addressed before more money is spent. Throwing another log on the burning fire isnt going to put the fire out, Manar said. The governors proposing spending millions more on schools in a broken system. That doesnt fix inequity. And it never will. Rauner proposes spending an additional $55.3 million to fully fund general state aid to public schools for the first time in seven years. That money is supposed to ensure that each district has enough funding to provide every student with an adequate education. Rauner also would spend an additional $75 million on early childhood education, but his proposal would eliminate grants for agricultural education, arts and foreign language courses, and the After School Matters program. Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, supports the governors budget plan. Im all for rewriting the formula, but we also need to do that which we can do in the short term, Barickman said. Until we get that fixed, we should work within the system that exists and fund it fully. Hes sponsoring a bill that would create a panel to craft an evidence-based adequacy and equity formula for the funding of all school districts. It hasnt gotten a hearing. Manar, meanwhile, is preparing to introduce a new version of his overhaul bill, which is designed to funnel more money to poorer districts. Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said any change to the formula should include Chicago Public Schools, which the current system treats separately. The financially troubled district the largest in the state and third-largest in the country is a complicating factor in funding discussions. The Rauner administration late last week announced a probe of the districts finances, and the governor has proposed bankruptcy and a state takeover as options that Democrats flatly reject. On the House side, Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, has reconvened a task force to study education funding. He previously reiterated his support for a tax on income above $1 million to provide additional funding for education. The measure, which would require an amendment to the state constitution, received overwhelming support in an advisory referendum on the November 2014 ballot. School administrators and teachers agree that new revenue is needed to fund schools and that the current formula is flawed. This really comes down to revenue and the need to put more money into education and other areas of the budget, said Jim Reed, director of government relations for the Illinois Education Association, the states largest teachers union. Mike Chamness, spokesman for the Illinois Association of School Administrators, also said more revenue is needed to adequately fund the states schools. The organizations likewise agree that changes to the formula need to be done in a way that prevents any district from losing state funding. The school administrators believe there is room for compromise between Manars ideas and the Barickman bill, which was based on the groups recommendations, Chamness said. But if the reform effort is predicated on the position that we cant have any losers, then the price tag is going to be so high it may not even be achievable, Manar said. FARMER CITY With a weekend of reflection after announcing his intention to resign as mayor of Farmer City, Mike Jenkins retracted his decision Sunday and said he will serve the remainder of his three-year term. I have done a lot of reflecting, Jenkins told The Pantagraph. It is clear that as a community, we need a lot of healing. We need to work together for a better tomorrow. The city is involved in a criminal investigation into the alleged mismanagement of tax increment financing money, which is property tax revenue set aside in a specific area for economic development. On Friday, Jenkins announced his resignation on a Facebook page, but he did not hand in his resignation to the city clerk as required by law to begin the process of stepping down. I had a change of mind, he said. Honestly, the support I received from the community this weekend was the difference. I am in the ministry and there was a lot of prayer this weekend. "I reflected on it and it led me to a passage which says that your burden is heavy and mine is light, so lets exchange burdens. Over the past few months, there has been a lot of weight on me, and I felt as if it had been removed and I was refreshed. I regret the initial post, he said. It exposed a weakness in me and sometimes pressure does take a toll. Earlier this month, Jenkins announced he was cooperating with the Illinois State Police and the DeWitt County state attorneys office on an investigation into the possible exploitation of the TIF 1 district in Farmer City and indicated that TIF money may have been illegally dispensed. A full audit of all TIF 1 district funds is now underway. One councilman, Willard McKinley, resigned, returned $14,608 in funds he had collected and later asked to return to his vacant seat. Jenkins, who is in his fifth year as mayor, said he will honor the request and most likely will call for a special meeting in the coming weeks to return McKinley to the seat. The council is not scheduled to meet until March 21. Also, safeguards are now in place to ensure there are no TIF issues in the future, he said. This community has seen great momentum and improvement and distance from any good-old-boy system over the past six years and we all deserve a city free from any impropriety and distrust, he said. BLOOMINGTON Mental Health First Aid Training classes will remain affordable, thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Women to Women Giving Circle of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation. The money will go to the McLean County Health Department that coordinates the training with several community partners. The grant allows those partners to offer Mental Health First Aid courses at a reduced rate, said Sally Gambacorta, community health manager at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, which is among the community partners. "This fits in line with our overall goal of making the training affordable and accessible for all community members to help learn about mental illness and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness," she said. Since the health department, BroMenn, the community foundation, McLean County Center for Human Services, Central Illinois Area Health Education Center at Illinois State University and OSF St. Joseph Medical Center began partnering on Mental Health First Aid in 2014, more than 500 people have been trained in the eight-hour class to understand and help people in mental health crises. "If people are looking for a way to get involved and help improve the mental health environment in our county, attending a Mental Health First Aid training class should be at the top of their list of things to do," said Laura Beavers, health department manager of behavioral health services. "The more people know about mental health and mental illnesses, the better equipped we become as a community to recognize and respond to individuals that may be in need of support, before their situations escalate into something potentially much more serious." A list of upcoming classes and registration information is at http://health.mcleancountyil.gov. Classes are $10 per participant. The grant covers the cost of a workbook for each participant. BLUE MOUND More than 70 years ago, Lt. Robert Peck Wilcox of Blue Mound was shot down over France while serving as a bombardier with the 8th Air Force. A French family hid him for more than eight months, believed to be the longest any American was protected from the Nazis in occupied France. But in the wine region near Bordeaux where he was hidden, the people who live there have not forgotten him nor the brave people who risked their lives to rescue him. As part of recent festivities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end to World War II, a ceremony honored Wilcox and his benefactors in the tiny town of St. Simon de Pellouaille. Wilcox, who served as a rural mail carrier in Blue Mound after the war for 23 years, died in 1999. His granddaughter, Kari Foster, made the trip to France for the ceremony. Blue Mound is a small town about 10 miles southwest of Decatur. Foster, who grew up down the road from her grandfather, was contacted via Facebook by an Englishwoman hired to find the aviator's family. I was a little skeptical, said Foster, adding she'd posted the story of her grandfather's adventure on the social media site. It was just such short notice (for the trip), but there was no stopping me, said Foster, who has been fascinated by her grandfather's story for as long as she can remember. She's kept her grandfather's diaries and newspaper clippings of his return visits to France and now has become friends with French people who were acquainted with Wilcox. Bernard Ballenger, who has written articles on the war, visited Blue Mound in October with his wife, Dominique, and two grandchildren. They put French flags on my grandparents' graves, Foster said. They're in the Hall Cemetery in Blue Mound, right behind our house. The Ballengers hosted Foster during her visit. They took me sightseeing every day, Foster said. They took me on the route he walked before he was hidden. They showed me where my grandfather bailed out and landed. She saw the distillery where Wilcox hid the first night he was on the ground. The next night, he came upon Frederic, a teen who was on a bicycle. Frederic took him home and told his mom and dad, 'Here is an American.' They decided to hide him. Wilcox was kept mostly in an attic, over a stable. No one else in the little village knew he was there, Foster said. Wilcox returned to France to visit his benefactors in 1967, '77, '80 and '83. Foster met an 85-year-old woman named Helen, who lived next door to the now-deceased family who sheltered Wilcox. He wrote them constantly, two or three times a month to different people, Foster said. He would write his letters in French, using the dictionary. The plane in which Wilcox flew on Dec. 31, 1943, was never recovered. After anti-aircraft flak opened a hole in its nose and caused an engine fire, the crew bailed out and the plane crashed into the ocean. Wilcox had dropped the bombs as they approached their target, the Cognac airport. In the end, Foster's visit and meeting the people who helped save her grandfather "was one of the biggest honors I ever had, she said. A 77-year-old Siberian pensioner has launched a heartbreaking search for his dog who was believed to have been kidnapped. For two weeks now, he has been braving the sub-zero temperatures of the streets in his home city with a sign reading, "Help me find my friend." The Mirror reported that Vladimir Davydov, a pensioner from Bratsk, has been patiently searching for his nine-year-old German Shepherd dog named Yan, whom he calls "my only friend in this life." Yan was taken by unknown dog snatchers. Davydov has been roaming in the city streets day and night with the sign. Attached to it is Yan's picture. Davydov narrated to The Siberian Times that he left Yan at the gate of his office to sort out paperwork. He said that he suddenly heard Yan whining. "By the time I reached the gate on my crutch, he was no longer there. I saw only blue car disappearing." The old man said it is not the first time that Yan has been kidnapped. Last year, his beloved pooch was also stolen and was found wounded 12 kilometers away from their home. He prayed that just like last year, he will be reunited again with Yan. "I hope ... I ask God, let them give me back my dog," Davydov said. "I'll pay them. I will give them half my pension. You see, I do not have anyone." "Yan is the only big dog here, so large and tame," he narrated. "He grew up in the yard playground with the kids. These children now already have their own children. And they come and attach Yan to their sledges to have a ride with him." Dozens of volunteers are now helping Davydov find his beloved companion. Notices about the missing dog have already been posted around the city and neighboring villages. The researchers from University of Maryland School of Medicine have found a new medication of MERS, a respiratory disease. The study is issued in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Medical News Today reports that the scientists discovered the treatment which is an antibody that impedes the MERS virus. The antibody was emitted by cows that had been genetically adapted to simulate particular aspects of the immune system. The cows were given shots of MERS vaccine that produced the large quantity of anti-MERS bodies. The antibodies were then refined to yield the therapeutic claim that was tested in the MERS-infected mice. "These results are very promising," Matthew B. Frieman, Ph.D., one of the researchers of the study and an Associate professor of Microbiology and Immunology at UMSOM said. "This is important not only because it gives us a potential way to attack MERS, but also because it provides evidence that using these transgenic cows can rapidly produce therapeutics." The study was made in partnership with global health experts and scientific community such as SAB Biotherapeutics (SAB), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Naval Medical Research Center and Novavax. "Through this collaborative team, we've brought together the top talent of the scientific community, global health experts and novel technologies to demonstrate the efficacy, safety and responsiveness of our human antibody therapeutic," Dr. Eddie Sullivan, Ph.D., President and CEO of SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc. said. "As we complete successful studies targeting various diseases, we're realizing the potentially broad application and significance of our platform in addressing these global health threats." There was an epidemic of MERS last year in South Korea when a traveler returned from Saudi Arabia and then infected many people. There were over 30 people who were killed as caused by MERS across the country. WebMD states that MERS was first discovered in the Middle East in 2012 and has spread in Asia. It is a deadly respiratory illness that is caused by a virus called coronavirus. It is also referred to as MERS-CoV. It is a cousin of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) with symptoms like cough, fever and shortness of breath. As of this writing, there is, unfortunately, no cure for this medical condition yet. A man in Germany will spend the next 14 year behind bars after being found guilty of murdering his pregnant lover and their unborn child. The killer allegedly burnt his young family alive because the thought of fatherhood wasn't particularly appealing to him. According to Mirror, Eren Toben and his friend Daniel Meuller, both 20, were slapped with jail time over the weekend for the gruesome killing of 19-year old Maria Peiner last January 2015. Both men were ceaselessly blaming each other when they were brought in police custody last year. However, the blaming game turned into mute silence during the recent court hearing. As per Daily Star, Toben and Meuller lured Peiner into a heavily forested area on the outskirts of Berlin. Toben then attacked the mother-to-be with a piece of wood before stabbing her with a bread knife. Both men then drenched the hapless Peiner with gasoline and set her on fire. The assailants thought they had committed a well- executed crime, but they were too caught in the moment to erase all evidence of the murder. Surely enough, Peiner's body was found by casual passers-by the following day, along with the bread knife Toben had used to stab Maria. The body was discovered at around eight in the morning. Hikers were directed to the crime scene by dogs who became restless while passing by the area, News 24 reported. Forensic experts soon confirmed that it was Toben's fingerprints on the handle of the bread knife. Further investigation found out that Peiner was still breathing when her killers set her aflame. Judge Regina Alex said, "For him [Toben] the crime was a solution, he wanted a free, happy life which he had control over. He abused Maria's love for him to lure her into an ambush." She added that Meuller could have chosen not to take part in the murder but aided his friend anyway just for the sheer enjoyment of seeing the "destruction of another human being's life." This list is part of a Paste series of bottom shelf liquor and craft beer style tastings. Click here to view all entries in the series. In more than three years of conducting these blind tastings, theres only been a couple of occasions when I was genuinely disappointed in the number of entries we received for a particular beer style. One of those occasions was the first time we tackled a tasting of American pale ales, in 2016. A year earlier, we had conducted a blind tasting of 116 IPAs. A few months later, we would absolutely blow that out of the water by blind-tasting an absurd 247 IPAs. But sandwiched in the middle was 83 pale ales. It wasnt a low number, per sestill probably higher than the average tasting for us at the timebut it seemed a disservice in my mind to the legacy of American pale ale as a style. Because we should never forget that pale ale was once the very backbone, the heart and soul, of the craft beer industry. Thanks to the pioneering efforts of breweries such as Anchor and of course Sierra Nevada, it was the style that introduced the American palate to the joys of American-grown hops and eventually led to development of so many new varietals from countries such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. We would never have reached the modern era of northeast-style IPAs if not for the millions of pints of good old fashioned pale ale consumed on the stools of American brewpubs in the 80s, 90s and 2000s. Nevertheless, pale ale certainly went through a lull there, for a while. The advent of session IPA sucked much of the wind from its sails, as did the abandonment of subtle flavors for the bigger and bolder ones found in IPA and DIPA. Once the most American beer style of them all, APA seemed all but depleted as of a couple of years ago. But then a funny thing happened. Drinkers cooled on the session IPA concept somewhat, but not on the idea of sessionable beer styles. As more subtle and balanced styles came back into the vogue, an ever-expanding portfolio of new hop varietals encouraged experimentation. And what better place to do it than in pale ale? Today, the style once again seems to be coming back into the vogue, and the numbers are appropriately much higher151 pale ales for this blind tasting. So welcome back, pale ale. The times have changed, and the beer style has drastically changed at the same time, but we still love you. There has most definitely been a changing of the guard, and youll see it reflected in the results but thats mostly because these beers have gotten that much tastier. As in most of our blind tastings at Paste, the vast majority of these pale ales were sent directly to the office by the breweries that choose to participate, with additional beers acquired by us via locally available purchases and the occasional trade. We always do our best to reach out to breweries were aware of that make exemplary versions of particular styles, but things always do slip through the cracks. We apologize for a few significant omissions that we couldnt acquire, either due to seasonality or market shortages. There will never be a perfect tasting lineup, much as we continue to try. - This is a tasting of pale ales, largely determined by how the breweries chose to label their products. All beers had to be labeled as pale ale in some capacity. No imperial pale ales or session IPAs were accepted. When in doubt, we simply allow a brewerys marketing to define a beers style, and expect them to stick to the designation theyve chosen. - All types of adjuncts and flavorings were allowed. - There was a limit of two entries per brewery. The beers were separated into daily blind tastings that approximated a sample size of the entire field. - Tasters included professional beer writers, brewery owners, brewmasters and beer reps. Awesome, style-appropriate glassware is from Spiegelau. - Beers were judged completely blind by how enjoyable they were as individual experiences and given scores of 1-100, which were then averaged. Entries were judged by how much we enjoyed them for whatever reason, not by how well they fit any kind of preconceived style guidelines. As such, this is not a BJCP-style tasting. It was difficult for me to cut off the ranked portion of this list at 50. Honestly, it was. There was such a densely clustered section of scores in the middle of the pack for this style that there was scarcely a difference in the average score received by beers at #40 and #70. Which is to say, there were a lot of really solid pale ales in a wide variety of styles that fell at numbers 60 or 70 of the 151. I dont mind saying that the godfather of American pale ales, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, was among them. Thats just how it goes, in a style that has evolved so much. Nevertheless, heres the entirety of the field. It was certainly a fascinating challenge to see so many distinct styles of pale ale in competition with one another. As always, the beers below are simply listed in alphabetical order, and as such are not ranked. I repeat: These beers are not ranked. Able Seedhouse + Brewery Cosmic Fruit Able Seedhouse + Brewery Easy Tiger Against the Grain Extra American Alaskan Brewing Co. Freeride APA Alesmith Orange X Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. Day Trip Austin Beerworks Flavor Country Baere Brewing Co. Strip Mall Pale Bear Republic Grand Am Bent Paddle Brewing Co. Kanu Blackberry Farm Southern Fellowship Boneyard Beer Co. Incredible Pulp Bonfire Brewing Co. Kindler Boulevard Pale Ale Breckenridge Brewery Mango Mosaic The Burnt Hickory Brewery Ezekiels Wheel Central Waters Brewing Co. HHG APA Common Roots Brewing Co. Time APA Common Roots Brewing Co. Ultra Modern American COOP Ale Works Spare Rib Pale Ale Crux Fermentation Project Play Wave Dogfish Head Dragons & Yum Yums Dogfish Head Yuz So Good Drakes Brewing Co. 1500 Due South Brewing Co. Citrafied Elysian Brewing Co. Superfuzz Eventide Brewing Pale Ale Farnham Brewery 32 APA 1st Republic Brewing Co. Republic Pale Ale 4-Hands Brewing Co. City Wide Four Peaks Brewing 8th Street Pale Ale Four Peaks Brewing Pitchfork Pale Ale Fremont Brewing Co. Session Pale Ale Fremont Brewing Co. Universale Good People Brewing Co. Pale Ale Goose Island Old Man Grumpy Great Divide Denver Pale Ale Great Lakes Brewing Co. Burning River Great Raft Brewing Commotion Half Acre Daisy Cutter Heavy Seas AmeriCannon Henniker Brewing Co. Miles & Miles Highland Brewing Co. Saint Tereses Pale Ale Hops and Grain Brewery Terpene Dream Hoops Brewing No. 15 Pale Ale Idletyme Brewing Co. Zogs Pale Ale Indeed Brewing Co. Day Tripper Ipswich Ale Lagunitas Dogtown Lone Tree Brewing Co. Peach Pale Ale MadTree Brewing PSA Nebraska Brewing Co. Cardinal Pale Ale Night Shift Brewing Whirlpool NoDa Brewing Co. Jam Session No-Li Brewhouse Red, White & No-Li Pale Ale One World Brewing Hop & Soul Rye Pale Ale Orpheus Brewing Dichotomy Oskar Blues Dales Pale Ale Our Mutual Friend Brewing Co. Inner Light Our Mutual Friend Brewing Co. Wizards Bong Parish Brewing Co. Envie Point Beer SPA Prison City 4 Piece Proof Brewing Co. Half Sister Proof Brewing Co. Madison Soci-Ale Red Brick Brewing Co. Juicy Joe Rhinegeist Brewery Mosaic Rutland Beer Works Hide and Seek Schlafly Pale Ale Second Self Beer Co. ATaLe Service Brewing Co. Ground Pounder Shorts Brewing Co. Cashmere Empire Shorts Brewing Co. Space Rock Sierra Nevada Pale Ale Simple Roots Brewing Co. Citra and Amarillo Sketchbook Brewing Co. Honeybird Societe Brewing Co. The Statesman Squatters Full Suspension Pale Ale Starr Hill Brewery Grateful Steel String Brewery Rubber Room Rye Pale Ale Stone Brewing Co. Ripper Straight to Ale Juicy Bunny Strange Craft Beer Co. Simply Simcoe Surly Brewing Co. Rising North Surly Brewing Co. Xtra Citra SweetWater 420 Tallgrass Brewing Co. 8-Bit Track 7 Brewing Co. Hoppy Palm TRVE Scorn Two Roads Shop Series Pale Ale Union Craft Brewing Duckpin Upslope/Westbound and Down Idaho 7 Pale Ale Urban Artifact Finn Wicked Weed Napoleon Complex Widmer Brothers Brewing Co. Drifter Wolfs Ridge Brewing Ridge Trail Wolfs Ridge Brewing Snow Cone Wormtown Brewery Bottle Rocket Worthy Brewing Prefunk Yards Philly Pale Ale Yazoo Brewing Co. Pale Ale City: Telluride, CO ABV: 6.7% The verdict: We tasted this bigger-than-usual pale ale on what ended up being pretty easily the strongest single day of tasting (out of 10 days overall), which means its all the more impressive that it stood out enough to creep into the top 50. Russell Kelly is a nice meeting of pale ale styles both old and new, which makes sense when you see that its hop bill is split between old school (Chinook) and new school (Mosaic). Perfumey, slightly catty and pine needle-y on the nose, it gives way to a softer tropical fruit sweetness on the palate, along with a notably creamy texture and soft mouthfeel. 6.7% ABV is a little big to get away with calling yourself pale ale, but we certainly wouldnt kick this one out of bed for so minor an infraction. I dont believe weve had anything from this brewery before, but I assume this wont be the last. City: Woburn, MA ABV: 6.5% The verdict: The novelty of tasting pale ales in 2018 is that both older and newer styles of pale ale are equally effective, when done well. This tasting was certainly deluged with hazy, northeastern-style pales, but theres still just as many bearers of the classical style. This one from Lord Hobo is closer to the luminous style of today, and you certainly know it when you put your nose near the glass. The nose is profoundly juicy, with lots of fresh, bright orange juice and passionfruit, although its a bit drier on the palate than you would expect from the beautiful nose. Subsequent passes also reveal a slightly twangy element of tartness that some drinkers might not appreciate, but it wasnt enough to hurt most tasters appraisal of the beer. Note to hazy IPA producers: This is how you want your hazy IPA to look, if at all possible. Not like mud. Like this. City: Walland, TN ABV: 6% The verdict: Things we expect out of Blackberry Farm: Really nice saisons and farmhouse ales. Things we dont expect out of Blackberry Farm: Canned American pale ales? Waaahh??? When this showed up in the mail, I thought to myself have I ever even had a non-farmhouse beer from Blackberry Farm?, and I think the answer is no. I half expected that might mean this beer was a Belgian pale ale, but nopeits really a pretty classical American example. Not overly assertive in any particular dimension, Screaming Cock combines some orange blossom/grass/orange peel on the nose with light impressions of crackery malt, while staying dry. Very drinkable and approachable, and overall a pretty spot-on example of west coast pale ale circa 2008 or so. Works for us. City: Munster, IN ABV: 6.5% The verdict: The undead elephant in the room, its Zombie Dust! This beer occupies such an interesting place in the pale ale hierarchy today. Five or six years ago, it was being cited as THE stand-out example of new American hop varietals at workspecifically Citra, a hop varietal weve all come to love. Today? Well, there are just so many more beers with similar profiles out there in the world, and this beer is a major reason why. Zombie Dust manages to maintain the #1 spot in the Beer Advocate rankings for now, thanks to all of its previously banked reviews, but the rest of the field has certainly taken its lessons to heart. None of this is to say its not still a good beer, because it certainly is. Theres a variety of citrus impressions on the nose (grapefruit, tangerine), followed by light tropical impressions and plenty of pine as well. Theres also enough bitterness, so often now absent in this style, that every tasting sheet mentions something along the lines of solid bitterness or lingering bitterness. The bottom line is that Zombie Dust still encapsulates a lot of what is popular in modern hoppy beer, but its descendents have taken its concepts that much further. City: Burlington, VT ABV: 4.7% The verdict: Zero Gravity is one of those breweries weve now sampled in a handful of tastings, and theyve performed pretty well, but I still havent managed to form a strong overall impression. They do, however, produce pretty much the type of beers you expect from the squad of brewers in Burlington, VTwhich is to say, everything seems to be hazy, and pretty solid at that. This one isnt quite as assertive or explosive as some of the other Vermont beers in this tasting; lightly floral and citric on the nose, with some muted tropical fruit notes and a distinctive black tea quality to its malt profile. Slight bitterness rounds everything out, with a slight touch of corny sweetness. Its not the juice bomb that you expect many of the hazy pale ales to be, but thats not a bad thing. City: Hood River, OR ABV: 5% The verdict: This is an aptly named beer, because this pale ale is just bright, friendly and uber approachable. Uncomplicated and positively cheerful in terms of its profile, it invites the drinker with light aromatics of lemon, resin and maybe a touch of white grape. Drinkability is through the roof, as the overall palate is super clean and quaffable, before developing slight sweetnessone person described it as lemon candyon the back end. The only objection was from drinkers who could have used a little bit more intensity, but man, this one is dangerously drinkable. It would be a spectacular food beer with some fresh seafood or grilled chicken satay skewers. City: Denver, CO ABV: 5.8% The verdict: Theres a modern subset of pale ale that combines some of the current juicy fixation in the American craft beer landscape with an equal portion of the drier, older school pale ale sensibility, and this beer from Epic is that kind of example. Its not a hazy, NE-IPA type of beer, but its also not lacking in a bit of that juice factor, either. On the nose, tasters got plenty of resin and lemon citrus, segueing into a distinct note of dankness. From another score sheet: Orange juice, big bright citrus and weed. Easy to enjoy, all the way. City: Blanco, TX ABV: 5% The verdict: The great thing about pale ale is how universal it isthere are great ones in every region and every state. So it is with this entry from Real Ale in Texas, another pale ale that deftly balances a few different influences. Big tropical melange on the nose, begins one score sheet, noting orange juice on the palate, as well as a crisp, lightly grainy malt backbone. Modern pale ale with OJ juiciness and good balance reads another. Refreshing, uncomplicated and easygoing. City: Asheville, NC ABV: 5.8% The verdict: The more we hear about One World Brewing, the more it sounds like this could be the latest Asheville brewery to garner next big thing status in the southeast. We still havent had a chance to try many beers from them, but Baby James is certainly an intriguing start. This is a NE pale ale without a doubt, but not an overwhelming one, flashing plenty of citrus and dank resin notes while remaining very drinkable. Low in bitterness and a bit thin in terms of body, its a quaffer, but cant quite match the textural fullness of some of the other hazy versions of this style. Still, I look forward to swinging by this place on my next Asheville weekend. City: Tunbridge, VT ABV: 5.7% The verdict: Of all the many Vermont breweries producing hazy, hoppy beers these days, Upper Pass seems like one of the most easily justifiable to get excited about. This is an area that faces a considerable amount of competition in terms of breweries producing samey beers, but the more Upper Pass we have, the more they seem to distinguish themselves from the pack. First Drop is a very juicy beer, and one that feels bigger than its 5.7% ABV, boasting funky and explosive notes of blood orange and toasted malt. Its big and slightly syrupy on the palate, with lingering citrus juiciness and touches of darker fruit and caramel. It almost gives the impression of an older variety of American pale ale that has been hazed and evolved into a new state, which is an interesting thought. Certainly a nice change of pace, and one for the juice chasers to check out. City: Denver, CO ABV: 4.6% The verdict: Im not sure what digging up a corpse has to do with citrusy pale ales, but thats standard TRVE nomenclature for you! In their minds, they must associate the act with crisp, feisty pale ale, because thats what we have in Exhumation. Resin and bright lemon/grapefruit citrus are the centerpiece of this lightly hazy beer, finishing in a lingering, slightly woodsy note of pine sap. Its light of body and indeed lighter in general than one might think from the appearance, which contributes to some very easygoing drinking. Very clean and composed; we can dig it. This is a beer for 20 oz glassware. City: Hood River, OR ABV: 5.7% The verdict: It really is sort of amazing how quickly the fruited IPA craze came and went, isnt it? Only a few years ago, people were losing their minds about the first batches of Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin, but it seems like just as quickly, beer geek palates adjusted and the overly fruited, syrupy IPAs quickly fell out of vogue, replaced by beers that achieved similar profiles through the use of hops alone. Still, its really not impossible to make a hop-forward beer with fruit; you just have to use that fruit with some deftness, which is what Full Sail pulled off here. It honestly helps that the name is an oversellthe level of citrus is not what any NE-IPA drinker would call maximum, but it is nicely integrated. From one score sheet: Sweet pine needles and perfume with moderate bitterness; woodsy, with twists of grapefruit and orange. The clean, slightly pithy citrus impressions provide a slight throwback to the pre-juice era of pale ales, while a dry finish promotes drinkability. Overall, quite solid. City: Utica, NY ABV: 5.5% The verdict: Some classics of the genre manage to hold up over time and never quite go out of style, and it would appear that Saranac Pale Ale is one of them. This is just about everything you expect from classic American pale ale, although its interesting that its profile is derived from a mix of both American and English hops. Pine and grapefruit citrus are wonderfully balanced on the nose with hints of toasty malt sweetness and a touch of woodsy resin. Theres nothing complicated at all about this, but everything just works. Keep it flowing and dont change a thing. City: Brooklyn, NY ABV: 5.4% The verdict: This hazy pale ale was previously known as Hootie-Hoo, but now its just Hootie, with nary a blowfish in sight. It works well in the NE-pale ale arena, bringing a considerable amount of both fruitiness and green characteristics to the table. A very nice nose of pithy grapefruit gives way into juicier mango/tropical fruitiness, along with resin and slight cattiness. Theres even a bit of bitterness there to round everything out, but not much in the way of malt to speak of. Overall, its a drinkable hazy pale ale with no shortage of parts in motion. City: Williston, VT ABV: 5.4% The verdict: First things first: Elaborate Metaphor is a pretty sweet NE-pale ale name, and I wish that Id thought of it first. Secondly: Zounds, this beer is a hoppy punch in the face, both in terms of intensity and complexity. Theres just a whole lot of things going on at onceits like a battle royale of flavors. Theres tons of tropical fruit juiciness, dankness, cattiness, stone fruit and even a modicum of bitterness. Truth be told, its not a very attractive beer to look at either, but we came to admire its pedal-to-the-metal intensity. One score sheet refers to it as thick, ripe, tropical fruits that are a little ridiculous. Another calls it a trip to hop island, whatever that means. So yeah, this one goes big, and it works. City: Charlton, MA ABV: 5.3% The verdict: Credit to Tree Housedespite the fact that the brand is overwhelmingly associated with NE-IPAs, the brewery does manage to produce a wide variety of flavors, even if they share consistent themes. Lights On, as a result, is its own beastit doesnt taste like a miniaturized version of popular Tree House IPAs such as Julius or Green. This one is a bit more exotic and less explicitly juicy, with notes of guava, pear and soft citrus, backed by wisps of doughy malt. The mouthfeel is soft and supple like most Tree House beers, but the overall hop profile doesnt strike us in quite the same, assertive way as it does with most of the brands IPAs. Lights On is a bit more of a thoughtful beer than the likes of Juliusstill very tasty, but not one that aims to blow the doors off. You might say that it seems to put wish fulfillment a little bit lower on its priorities list. City: Freeport, ME ABV: 5.5% The verdict: It wouldnt be a Paste blind tasting of a hoppy beer style without one (or more) Maine Beer Co. representatives in the ranked portion, now would it? This particular brew is a single hop beer with El Dorado, a varietal that many craft brewers have tinkered with but not many seem to have nailed down in terms of its profile just yet. It presents here with a lot of orange citrus that mixes into a floral and uniquely herbaceous bouquetlike citrus and wildflower perfume, perhaps. It certainly has ample complexity for a single hop pale ale, but theres another MBC representative we like even more. City: Chicago, IL ABV: 4.7% The verdict: Half Acre is always one of Chicagos most dependable producers of hop-forward beer styles, so it was no surprise to see Tuna crack the rankings. What might be more surprising is to see this beer in the rankings rather than their iconic pale ale Daisy Cutter, but its a good illustration of how our collective palates have come to appreciate the modern flavors of hoppy beer styles. Where Daisy Cutter has considerably more malt balance, Tuna is a more focused expression of the hop character that many drinkers are seeking right now. Perfurmey on the nose, its very well balanced between impressions of citrus zest (lime zest, which is neat) and freshly cut grass/earthiness, with an ever-so-slightly toasty malt balance, while packing plenty of volume of flavor into its 4.7% ABV frame. Definitely an ideal drinker at a Chicago summer baseball game, if you can get it. City: San Diego, CA ABV: 6% The verdict: This beer from Alesmith, named in honor of the great Tony Gwynn, is one of those modern classics that will probably never go out of style. Conceived right before the craze for juicy hop flavors began in earnest, its a pure expression of that classic West Coast style with just a tiny hint of the tropical fruit infusion that was on the horizon at the time. Floral on the nose, with grapefruit citrus, pine and a subtle hint of pineapple, its wonderfully balanced. As one tasters notes call it, a 300 yard drive, straight down the middle. But its the down the middle part, rather than the length, that really captures the essence of this beer. City: Eugene, OR ABV: 5.4% The verdict: Ninkasi refers to this beer as your call to experience the Pacific Northwest, which sounds a bit like a tourism ad, but something about that wording just seems to fit this pale ales ethos. This is a classical, balanced, and yet very tasty take on APA, featuring sweet orange zest, wheat bread-like graininess, a bit of fresh grass and just a little bit of lingering residual sweetness. Its the kind of beer that doesnt necessarily get a lot of discussion at the table during a blind tasting, but everyone still scores very well regardless. It also apparently generates philosophically inclined tasting notes: This mix of approaches yields a whole greater than the sum of its parts. I guess thats what you call an x-factor. That, or really good balance. City: Buena Vista, CO ABV: 6% The verdict: Another for the solid, classic American pale ale file is this entry from Eddyline Brewery. Its the kind of beer that youd never mistake for IPAit just has that ineffable aura of pale ale about it, and we can appreciate that. Perfumey, fairly assertive hops are a treat on the nose, with notes of lemon citrus but especially resin and pine needles. The same notes follow through on the palate, with a lingering, woodsy sort of spice that feels very mountains or Pacific Northwest to us. This isnt complicated, fancy or modern. Its just good. City: La Vista, NE ABV: 4.9% The verdict: One of the interesting things about the Mosaic hop is how different it can be from location to location or batch to batch, even in Mosaic single-hop beers. More than almost any other varietal, it has a reputation for being an x-factoryou never quite know what youre going to get out of it. Kros Strains single hopped Mosaic pale ale does pull some of the expected juicy/tropical notes from the hop, but it also features some of the less common Mosaic notes as wellgreen and grassy, floral, herbal and an exotic frutiness that one (obviously southern born) taster described as Muscadine grape. This was one of those beers where seemingly every taster got a slightly different impressionbut all agreed that the results were very interesting. So I suppose that means your mileage may vary, but youre likely to enjoy the experience. City: Paso Robles, CA ABV: 5.5% The verdict: This was a weird tasting, in the sense that we got more entries than I was expecting, but also routinely got multiple entries from breweries I was pretty sure were no longer brewing pale ale at all. One of those was Firestone Walker, which retired its classic Pale 31 only a few months ago to a collective gasp from the lovers of great, old-school pale ales. As such, I wasnt really expecting to get a pale ale from them, but instead we got not one, but two! The first, C-Hops, is like slipping into an old, comfortable pair of blue jeansa more than suitable stand-in for Pale 31. A medley of pine, grapefruit, orange and very lightly grainy malt is featured, but this beer really stood out to us most strongly as a grower, in the sense that peoples scores for it tended to rise each time they went back for repeated sips. As one taster wrote, subtly transcends eras from piney to tropical. Or as another said, Mild citrus, mild everything, but drinks super easy. Dont get us wrong, well continue missing Pale 31 (and Double Jack, for that matter), but every time Firestone replaces a classic, they seem to come back with something equally good. City: Paso Robles, CA ABV: 5% The verdict: Oh, and while were on the topic of Firestone Walker its always amusing how things like this work out in blind tastings. Even better is the fact that this pale ale, EX-1, managed to wind up with the exact same averaged score as C-Hops. So really, take your pick as to which is #27 and which is #28. That isnt to say that the two are very similar, because theyre really not. EX-1 is far more in the nouveau style than the more throwback C-Hops, featuring a really lovely nose of peach/apricot stone fruit, seguing into juicy orange citrus and a touch of balancing graininess on the palate. This one struck us as the more juicy, soft and slightly sweeter of the two, and is presumably the entry that would get more attention in the modern craft beer landscape. Very pleasant, all around. The fact that something like this isnt ranked even higher speaks to the overall strength of the field from this point forward. City: Munster, IN ABV: 5.5% The verdict: Yum Yum, the less heralded Three Floyds sister pale ale to Zombie Dust, is an interesting bird, and a mix of seemingly disparate influences. The brewery mentions the use of a proprietary hop blend, which I can believe, because each tasting sheet seems to get different impressions of the final product. Biscuity, with grassy notes, light bitterness and citrus pith reads one. Mildly citrusy, but with enough malt to back it upwould order numerous times reads another. There are more exotic elements here as well, but theyre subtlea bit of earthiness, and an almost peppery spice that we cant quite be sure is there. This strikes us as a beer that will reveal more of itself each time you go backwe may have only scratched the surface on it in this tasting. City: Boulder, CO ABV: 5.9% The verdict: Boulders Upslope Brewing Co. is a brewery that regularly does well and flies under the radar in Paste blind tastings, but this was still something of a surprise, because theyre not technically a place we usually associate with hop-forward beer. Sure, Upslope Christmas Ale is a classic of the genre, but pale ale? Well apparently they make a very solid entry here as well. Citra Pale Ale is on the simple side, but its giving the consumer exactly what they want: Nicely juicy tropical (pineapple) and citrus (pink grapefruit) hoppiness, with enough residual sweetness to really make both of those notes pop. That sweetness is key to a lot of modern hop-forward beers, and its pulled off really well here. This one is just really easy to enjoy. City: Freeport, ME ABV: 6% The verdict: MBCs classic flagship pale ale is always a treat, and this tasting was no exception. This is one of the beers that helped to start the style down the road to NE-IPA, and it still stands up pretty beautifully today. Its quite perfumey on the nose, with sprinklings of tropical fruit (passionfruit?), subtle citrus juiciness and light bitterness that is sometimes overlooked in the current generation of hoppy beers. Says one score sheet: Lightly juicy and very bright and inviting. What Id expect a NE-PA to be all about. This is one of those very drinkable, quaffable examples of the style that actually seem significantly lighter in terms of ABV than the still modest 6% it possesses. If it was labeled as 4.5% ABV, youd still believe it, and thats a good thing in this case. City: Aurora, CO ABV: 5.8% The verdict: Dry Dock says this beer is just dry-hopped with Cascade, which is hard to believe, given all the interesting fruit impressions we were getting from it. You certainly do get some of those classic Cascade floral notes on the nose, but theres an exotic tropical fruit note somewhere in the background as well that captivated a couple of tasters. One described it as lychee, while another admitted there was simply something exotic I cant quite put my finger on. Regardless, Breakwater features a subtle residual sweetness while having very little bitterness, making for a very drinkable pale ale that well have to return to again at some point. City: Broussard, LA ABV: 5.5% The verdict: Youve heard of double dry-hopped beers, right? Well screw that noise, manQUAD HOP ALL THE BEERS. Apparently thats what Parish decided to do with their pale ale, Envie, and dear lordwhat a result it turned out to be. Suffice to say, theres a crazy amount of hops involved in this beer, and the juice is very much loose as a result. Massively fruity on the nose, this beer is redolent in notes of intense citrus/mango/apricot-like stone fruit, all at once. One tasters notes compare it to a beer from Richmond, VAs Triple Crossing, the brewery that placed two beers in the top 5 of our tasting of 176 DIPAs. In fact, the only criticisms of this beer come from score sheets where the tasters were more or less overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the hop juiciness. Not for the faint of heart, but for the lovers of juice? Absolutely. City: Asheville, NC ABV: 5.5% The verdict: There was discussion now and then throughout this tasting about which of the beers on the table might be made using Lupulin Powder, one of the next big thing tech advancements within craft beer in the last few years, but this pale ale from Burial removes all doubt by straight-up saying double dry-hopped with Lupulin Powder. So there you go. The effect is a very pure, concentrated form of hoppinessstrong, clean flavors of lemon and tangerine candy, followed by resin, with a light body and very low bitterness. Every score sheet says lemon on it somewhere, so thats definitely one of the operative flavors here. This one is very bright, pure and uncomplicated, which seems to be one of the hallmarks of Lupulin Powder as far as we can tell. It produces beers with very clear, singular hop flavors, of which this one is a good example. City: Norfolk, VA ABV: 5.2% The verdict: Its funny how you can never really know what to expect in terms of body/mouthfeel when you pour a beer that looks like this one. Some of them are ridiculously thick and chewy, as the opaque quality might lead you to expect, but others such as this pale ale from Benchtop are far lighter in texture than you might expect. Regardless, it works well here, in a pale ale that features delicate flavors of grapefruit juice, grass and green resin/cattiness. Unlike a lot of the hazy pale ales, it still finishes pretty drywhich, coupled with the light body, makes for a very drinkable beer. I think this is our first time tasting something from Benchtop, but Ill remember that name in the future. City: Charlotte, NC ABV: 4.5% The verdict: In terms of packing a lot of flavor into a pretty small package, this pale ale from Triple C really excels. Its a lot of things at once: Lightly juicy (orange, mostly), floral and slightly grainy, while remaining on the drier side. As it warms, tasters got more of the green side of the hop spectrum, with grassy and resinous notes that linger on through the finish. At only 4.5% ABV, you could hardly ask for much more in terms of classical American pale aleand with a modern twist. City: Hammond, IN ABV: 6.2% The verdict: There was once a time when Three Floyds was the de facto brewery that any beer geek would mention in reference to northern Indiana, but these days, 18th Street is making a name for itself in the same region. This hazy NE-PA smells like a fistful of fresh hop pellets on the nose, an aroma familiar to any homebrewer who has ever stuck his nose into a bag of Citra and inhaled. On the palate were getting plenty of juicy orange and maybe a little bit of pineapple, as well as a slightly tangy/tart quality that makes Chasing Paper majorly refreshing. This certainly qualifies on the refreshing front more than a lot of the hazier pale ales, which tend toward sheer decadence. City: Tampa, FL ABV: 5% The verdict: This is one of those beers that feels like its never quite gotten its due because it exists in the same portfolio as a much better known bigger brother. Fresh Jai Alai IPA is still one of the industrys tastiest hop-forward beers, and passion for it sometimes makes people forget that Cigar City also brews some really good pale alesmore on that a few entries from now. Invasion has been around for a while, and its been really good for just as long. Its the picture of balance, with a deftly executed profile of tropical fruit (mango, clementine oranges) on the nose, followed by grassiness and just a hint of bitterness. A slightly creamy texture and hint of bready malt ties everything together. It does have some similarities to the profile of Jai Alai, actually, but in an even more sessionable package. Nothin wrong with that. City: Astoria, OR ABV: 5.2% The verdict: Its interesting that Fort George doesnt play up the hazy or northeast quality of this beer anywhere on the can as far as we could see, and we were hardly expecting it to look like it does as a result. It may not be the prettiest of the hazy beers, but it certainly has it where it counts. The nose is expressivebombastic, reallyin terms of juicy fruit impressions, to the point that one taster actually wrote you can smell the haze. Peach, passionfruit and orange juice are major players, as is an overall dearth of bitterness. This drinks really easily, with a soft texture that is very inviting. Just another piece of evidence that big, tasty NE-PAs are being produced in every corner of the country at this point. City: Mt Pleasant, SC ABV: 5.5% The verdict: A modern classic in the genre of pale ales at this point, it feels like One Claw is probably a beer that has inspired a lot of imitators making hop-forward rye pale alealthough Terrapin also deserves a shout-out for their trendsetting original. This one is an interesting exercise in balance, incorporating more character on the malt side of the spectrum than most, thanks to that slight rye bread note from the malted rye. Hops are on the citrusy side, but reservedly soa beer that is slightly more zesty than juicy. Bitterness is also restrained, and the mouthfeel is soft and creamy. In general, this isnt one of the more assertive pale ales, but it is one of the best balanced. City: Berkeley, CA ABV: 5.2% The verdict: Were starting to think that its no exaggeration at all to say that Fieldwork may be the hoppiest brewery, pound for pound, on the face of the Earth. These guys are just nuts; they have never met a beer style that they wont hop the bejeezus out of. No matter what they send to Paste blind tastings, they always have that one thing in commonthey make explosively hoppy beer. This one is a real assault on the senses, with intense resin and grassiness in the immediate first rush, followed by a bomb of tropical fruit juicinesslots of pineapple in particular. Theres also some solid bitterness backing everything up, but man, the volume is just cranked up to 11. Even on a table full of other hoppy beer, you stick your nose into this glass and say dear lord, thats a lot of hops. If that sounds like something thats likely to make you happy, then this is your sort of beer. City: Tampa, FL ABV: 5.5% The verdict: Using a bunch of Citra hops in a pale ale is almost sort of like cheating, isnt it? Theyre just so tasty, and so agreeable. You might hear debate on certain varietals, but who in their right mind doesnt like Citra? And as an extension, who in their right mind wouldnt like this beer? Cigar Citys second pale ale in four spaces within this ranking is just a people pleaser, plain and simple. Bright and juicy, with lemon/orange citrus notes that slowly fade into a bit of greener, grassier impressions, it packs just a little bit of bitterness but is mostly just an easily consumed delight. The prominent citrus gives this one an almost shandy-esque qualityits light, refreshing and focused on what its trying to do. Not complicated, but very tasty. City: Atlanta, GA ABV: 5.7% The verdict: Its always fun in the course of one of these blind tastings when we discover a really good, newer beer from our own backyard that none of us have sampled before. Atlantas Red Brick Brewing Co. is the citys oldest craft brewery, but theyre by no means resting on their laurels. Soul of the City is a new pale ale that is thoroughly in the nouveau style, featuring a blend of Denali, Crystal and Citra hops, and with it, Red Brick has captured something very interesting. Perfumey on the nose, with notes of sweet pine needles and stone fruit, it segues into some unique fruitiness on the palate, which one taster swore reminded him of pears. This combination of hops certainly created something unusual, but it was unanimously appreciated. City: Utica, NY ABV: 5.8% The verdict: I honestly expected we might end up with a sizable number of Belgian, wild, or otherwise mixed culture pale ales in this tasting, but there really werent very many. However, the few we did get were captivating, starting with this entrant from New York. It strikes us as something you would label as farmhouse pale ale, possessing some of the qualities of Belgian/saison yeast, without a ton of the wilder funk of brettanomyces. Clove, banana and Belgian esters meet restrained grassy/citric hops in a beer that threw tasters for a loop in their first passes, but eventually this one found a lot of fans. Or as one person wrote, unique and excellent from front to back. This beer gets more mileage out of its yeast profile than it does the hops, but this is pale ale and not IPA, after all. City: Brooklyn, NY ABV: 4.5% The verdict: Everyone loves the flavors of NE-PA and NE-IPA, but the thing people dont want to talk about with the style is the fact that a large number of those beers have a tendency to be well, rather samey. Once youve had plenty of hazy IPA, its just not often that you try a new one and think huh, I havent tasted something like that before. Thats one of the things we enjoyed about this offering from Threesit brings a bit of weirdness, in a good way. Big, lush tropical fruit notes are all over the nose, with exotic impressions of passionfruit, papaya and mango. It also strikes us as slightly tart, but that acidity works well with the overwhelming fruitiness to make the flavors feel authentic. As one taster wrote, surprisingly clean finishits different, but it works. Theres a lot going on here, and we appreciate the complexity of the fruit-forward hop profile on display. City: Austin, TX ABV: 5.9% The verdict: Its probably not the tagline that a brewery would choose, but this beer was proof of the fact that looks arent everything. They dont show well in the photo, but this beer was absolutely packed with floatiesthose particles of dead yeast still in suspension that look like unappealing snowflakes when the beer is agitated. Despite that, however, the beer itself is pretty damn great. Smooth and creamy on the palate, its loaded with plenty of citrus (grapefruit zest!) and resin notes, and even a bit of that exotic, berry-like fruitiness that you sometimes get from Mosaic as a varietal. Moderate bitterness reminds you of just why we historically have added hops to our beer, while crisp, understated malt offers just enough balance to put up a fight. Its another excellent Texas pale ale. City: El Segundo, CA ABV: 5.5% The verdict: Its safe to say that any time that a taster describes your beer as guzzle-able, youve probably done a pretty good job. This classic Citra-based pale ale from El Segundo is an oddity in its genre these days in the sense that it comes in a 22 oz bottle, which seem to have gone the way of the dodo as far as hoppy styles are concerned. But it is whats inside the bottle that counts, and this is just a classic pale ale by any estimation. Its not hugely flavorful, per se, but it is close to the platonic idealbig citrus and pine on the nose, with light juiciness and good hop depth that forges out into grassy and earthy notes on repeat visits, backed up by a little bit of crackery malt. What else can you say? Not all beer is guzzle-able, but this is. Note: Apparently this beer also comes in 12 oz stubby bottles as well, so its not just the 22 oz bombers after all. City: Auburn, NY ABV: 6.1% The verdict: When youre the maker of the #1 IPA in our last blind tasting of 247 IPAs, youre always entering into a new blind tasting with a certain degree of expectations firmly in place. With Illusion of Knowledge, Prison City lives up to the bar weve already set in our minds for them. This one is bright and tropically inclined, with lush flavors of pineapple and mango. At the same time, its still quite light of bodyvery easy drinking, very approachable, very tasty. It does what all of the best NE-PAs do, which is to balance drinkability and pleasing texture with a certain fruity decadence and hint of sweetness. Thats what the style is all about, and this is a prime example. City: Denver, CO ABV: 4.5% (or 5.2%) The verdict: Were not exactly sure of the ABV on this one, as the listed number is different in a few places online, but if its only 4.5%, then damn, they packed plenty of flavor into that number. Denvers Cerebral is a brewery that has been working its way up the rankings in Paste tastings lately, and now theyre within sniffing distance of the top. Muscle Memory is very soft on the palate, with big, clean citrus (orange, but especially lemon), resin and lemongrass herbaceousness, but is also one of the drier takes on the NE-PA wave at the same time. Its a beer that made multiple tasters independently write that they dig it in their notes, which isnt something I can usually write. In fact, one wrote that I dig it thoroughly, so there you go. City: Bend, OR ABV: 5.5% The verdict: The last time we blind-tasted 83 pale ales it was this bad boy that took home the crown, and Boneyards superlative beer hasnt slipped a bit, two years later. This is just a great example of a modern pale ale that forges connections between the past and the present. Very few of these write-ups have contained words such as caramel, when once upon a time this would have been commonplace. The reality of the style is that those types of beers have difficulty exciting fans of modern hoppy beer, but Boneyard makes it work by truly fusing older flavors with newer ones. Juicy, blood orange-like citrus is an exotic centerpiece to a beer streaked with tropical fruit, florals and a toasty, slightly caramelized malt backbone. It tastes, for all intents and purposes, like a miniaturized version of a great DIPA. Even in a field that was very different than the last time we sampled it, Bone-A-Fide is still a true stand-out. City: Decorah, IA ABV: 6.2% The verdict: Weve been trying approximately forever to get some Toppling Goliath into these blind tastings, and for the first time ever, it happened in pale ale. And really, where else would you do itTGs PseudoSue is one of the best-rated pale ales in the world, and one of their best-known beers. And after tasting it, we can pretty much all agree that yep, the hype is real. This beer is beguiling and delicious, with an ultra soft, plush texture and sweet (although actually fairly subtle) flavors of peach, orange and passionfruit. It has a way of sort of building over timeeach time we went back to PseudoSue, it was as if its flavors had intensified, and yet it simultaneously remains dangerously drinkable. If you have any fondness at all for modern hops, its hard to imagine who wouldnt enjoy this. City: Carrboro, NC ABV: 6.3% The verdict: The best compliment I can pay to this brettanomyces pale ale is that if everyone could make a beer like this, then everyone undoubtedly would. However, judging from the relative lack of brett beers we received in this tasting, its clear that most places havent made brett pale ale work on such a sublime levelthat, or theyve just saved it for IPA, which would be a shame. Brett Mon is just a lovely, vivacious synthesis of both wild ale and pale ale/IPA elements; its almost shocking how well everything works together. Big brettanomyces funkiness is the star of the show, with lots of hay/barnyard/leathery influences, but not to be outdone are the big tropical fruit impressions, a complex bouquet (one taster wrote Trix cereal, but in a good way) that is balanced with the wild yeast profile in terms of intensity. Brett Mon is simultaneously refreshing, assertive and adventurous. Its really a spectacular beer, and we cant wait to have more wild ales from these guys in North Carolina. City: Berkeley, CA ABV: 5.4% The verdict: When I was writing above about the certifiable hop lust of Fieldwork Brewing Co. in reference to the Batch 2 pale ale, I was picturing in my mind what Ive come to think of as the prototypical Fieldwork beerintensely green, resinous, dank, citrusy and somewhat intimidating. Thats one of this brewerys signature profiles, but it turns out they can also make velvety, juicy masterpieces like Painted Gold, and woahthis is a showstopper. This one is what the internet would no doubt describe as thicc, a very chewy, creamy, juice-bomb of a beer that made one taster actually underline the word juice on his score sheet. Big, bold citrus shines through with waves of orange, followed by sweet mango and even a bit of toasty malt. One taster was even reminded of the sweetness of a very ripe dessert banana, and thats not the sort of tasting note you see on pale ales every day. As another score sheet put it: An absolutely on point version of the big, all-in hazy-juicy NE-PA. City: Atlanta, GA ABV: 4.7% The verdict: Well, it finally happened. In more than three years of doing this, I dont believe weve ever had a #1 beer in a blind tasting style that came from Pastes native Atlanta, but the drought is finally over. Monday Night Brewing, who brought home two medals from GABF in 2017 and also opened their second facility within the city, is an ascendant brewery in the Southeast, and its time to recognize it. Han Brolo, the pale ale in question, is unique, possibly among all of the entries, for the fact that it is brewed with lactose, as is common among the so-called milkshake IPAs popularized by breweries such as Tired Hands. Unlike true milkshakes, however, Han Brolo isnt made with any fruit purees, vanilla or additional sweetenersjust plenty of hops. The results are pretty sublime, accentuating the fruit flavors and juiciness without adding an overwhelming amount of residual sweetness. From one score sheet: Super citrusy, full of tangerine and apricot, soft and semi-sweet. Just delicious. From another: Nailed it. Modern, but not too over-the-top NE-PA. From yet another: Yum. Juicy tangerine deliciousness. This beer walks that delicate line between decadence and drinkability, and emerges just barely on the right side. The use of lactose only enhances the silky texture, but its the hops that are doing most of the heavy lifting. Its an outstanding pale ale, and #1 in our field of 151. Jim Vorel is a Paste staff writer and resident craft beer guru. You can follow him on Twitter for much more beer writing. Looking at history in the rearview, the cultural mores of bygone eras tend to appear either quaint, or barbaric, or tragically loony. The Salem witch trials scored a hat trick by being all three at once. Maybe you can boil the horrors of that persecutory campaign down to extreme religious conservatism, a general and ill-advised acceptance in the existence of the supernatural, and, perhaps most of all, high public tensions wrought by overarching social division; whether over land disputes or parishioner rights, people in 1690s Salem Town were on edge and just waiting for an outlet in which to expend their frustrations. When local murmurings about witchcraft began to circulate among townsfolk, gruesome outbursts of blind zealotry were just inevitable. Robert Eggers first directing and writing effort, The Witch, is all about the fears that fueled that period, though the film occurs about 60 years before Salem made its terrible contribution to New England history. The Witch places a Puritan family, exiled from their colony following a frank exchange of ideas about how best to practice Christianity, on the edge of civilization in 1630s New Hampshire. Left to their own devices, they establish their new homestead along a forest line that happens to be the den ofsurprise!an especially nasty witch, who proceeds to visit awful torments upon the group as they collectively lose their marbles. The Witch is of a piece with It Follows and The Babadook, horror movies that made their first splash at the Sundance Film Festival and went on to dominate conversations about horror cinema in their respective release years. But unlike those films, The Witch is rooted in a very real and very specific time and place via which it gives its audience the heebie-jeebies. With some clever editing, The Witch could just be a sobering historical drama about the inescapable grasp religious paranoia had on settlers living in the 17th century. However fantastical the picture may or may not beyour mileage will vary in that departmentthe work Eggers and his lead, Anya Taylor-Joy, put into realizing these Puritan fears on film is breathtaking in its grim veracity. Eggers and Taylor-Joy made a stop in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to screen The Witch at the Brattle Theatre, on a press tour that put them smack-dab in witch country. Paste sat down with the pair the day after the screening, when we talked about The Witchs historical contexts, the thrill of showing a New England horror movie to a New England audience, locational authenticity, the heritage of fear, and the cultural reclamation of feminine power. Robert Eggers: Were you at the screening last night? Paste: No, I had a family obligation and I couldnt make it, but Eggers: It was totally bonkers. Im like, Yeah, Im back in witch country! This is great. Anya Taylor-Joy: I had to take an hour when I came home to be like, This is amazing! Whats going on! Paste: So how was it at the Brattle? How did you find the experience of touring this in front of a New England audience? Eggers: I mean they were so pumped. And again, its witch country, people had all these really specific witch questions Taylor-Joy: They knew what Enochian was! Eggers: Yeah! And people were telling me stories of the witch lore of the building, like, three buildings down I mean, thats fun. Taylor-Joy: It was wonderful. It was an absolutely incredible experience. Paste: I like to say this about Boston crowds, the New England crowds: Theyre very savvy, and if they get you in front of them, they really love to pick your brain. Thats good. I wish Id been there! Eggers: No, no, of course. Paste: So coming into New England, were you maybe more excited, or maybe a little bit more anxious, bringing this back to New England, just because of the locality? Eggers: Well, we screened at the New Hampshire Film Festival so that some of my family could see it, because we didnt know that this wide release was going to happen. I was very concerned that New Englanders were going to be mad that we shot the film in Canada. I was disappointed that we had to do that. However, it ended up being really great, because we had to be so isolated in order to find a forest system with enough white pines and hemlocks to possibly pass as New England Taylor-Joy: It wouldnt have been the same. Eggers: Well, we had to go way off the map in Canada to do that. So we ended up in this extremely remote place, which wouldnt have quite been the same here. But in any case, when we were screening in New HampshireI knew this was going to happenbut people just kept raising their hands, saying, like, My backyard looks like that! You could have just shot this in my backyard! I was just like, Sorry, guys! [laughs] Paste: I was thinking, when I was watching it, Ive seen that forest before! Because it does come very close to matching certainly, in my experience, the southern parts of New Hampshire, or Vermont, or other parts of New England Eggers: Yeah. Thats where Im from, so thats what I was trying to articulate. Paste: I would say that worked. I imagine theres a lot of anxiety about that, because the entire thing is about authenticity, and if you cant nail authenticity in the setting, you know? Was that the biggest challenge going in for you? Because you have so many other period details that you have to get right, and then you have to get the outdoors right, too. Eggers: Sadly, most people are, you know, sitting on their butts in front of screens, and couldnt tell a red pine from a hemlock if their lives depended on it. But yeah, certainly some of my friends were like, Where are the oak trees? Where are the oak trees? What the hell? But the thing is, we could only get this film financed by shooting it in Canada, and by shooting it in this one particular region. So, you know, my producers, they were saying, Okay, well, we have this opportunity to do this in Canada. I was like, Well, I have to see if they have the right trees. And they were like, Rob, they have the right trees. Let me tell you right now, they do. If you want to make this film, they have the right trees. Paste: So lets talk about Eggers: Lets talk about trees some more! Paste: That is what readers want to know about: trees. I mean, hey, trees can be exciting! But maybe not when youre talking about The Witch. Taylor-Joy: Totally. Paste: Theres more interesting stuff going on here. So, I know were in the February part of the movie season, but Ive already noticed a trend in horror movies that have come out this yeartheres a tendency to totally upend the movie with some obnoxious twist that recalibrates the entire movie. Its a dishonest tactic. But The Witch doesnt do that. The Witch is very up-front. I was curious if you felt like that kind of forthrightness is an important quality for making maybe not just a horror movie, but movies in general. Eggers: Twists 99.9 percent of the time do absolutely nothing for me. I dont care. I just think, Ugh. Come on, please. Give me a break. And I saw Arthur Millers View From the Bridge on Broadway recently, and theres a point in the middle of the play in which the narrator says, You can see the end of this coming a mile away. And all it did was make you more excited to see the predictable ending. So I dont think that a twist necessarily makes anything better. We articulate the witch visuallyalso known as, We show the witch [laughs]early on so that we can understand what the stakes are right away, because the audience doesnt know what a 17th century witch means. Taylor-Joy: Thats my favorite play! Eggers: Is it really? Taylor-Joy: It really is! Eggers: It would be. Paste: Youre talking about what a 17th century witch looks like, and theres another trend in horror going back to maybe close to the last decade, where witches are slowly starting to become a modern pop cultural fixture, whether its a cheesefest like Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunterswhich, were not really going to that for authenticityor American Horror Story: Coven Eggers: Lords of Salem! Paste: The Conjuring, and yeah, Lords of Salemthings like that Eggers: Vin Diesel: Witch Hunter? I know thats not what its called, but thats what it should be called. Paste: It should be! That would have been a much better title. So I guess Im wondering if you have a take on where this new fascination with witches dating up to 2016 is coming from. Eggers: I thinkthis makes me sound a little bit whatever, but I do think that we are, thankfully, trying to grapple with reclaiming feminine power as a mass culture. So on the one hand there are all these witches, and on the other, there are sort of these timid attempts at things like slapping armor on Snow White, and Alice in Wonderland, which really are just ruining fairy tales, but then having Daisy Ridley be the new Christ of one of the worlds most popular contemporary religions is kind of at the other end of all that, and I think its important. Taylor-Joy: Totally. Paste: I like that answer, for one thing. Ive been doing a lot of researchI have books about witchcraft and Satanism piled up this high [indicated with hands] at my house, just to read about backstory and things to do with this movie, and female power comes up a lot. Feminine power comes up a lot. Taylor-Joy: Yeah. Paste: When you were reading the script, Anya, did that element strike you? Was that something that pulled you in and made you want to do this? Taylor-Joy: Well, I mean Im not gonna lie to you. Paste: Good! Taylor-Joy: [laughs] I dont lie very well! But you know, I hadnt read that many scripts when I first read The Witch. So I wasnt well versed enough to think about things like themes, and also, Rob didnt set out to write a feminist movie. Its just that feminism jumps off the page, you know? The Witch is feminist. Eggers: Its intertwined. Taylor-Joy: Exactly. Eggers: Its unignorable. Its the same thing with like, whatever, English Calvinism. Taylor-Joy: Its there. Its bursting out of the script. Paste: You cant divorce one thing from the other. Taylor-Joy: Exactly! But my experience reading the script for the first time was that my body shut down on itself. Before auditions and stuff I dont really get nervous, because Im pretty, like, Cest la vie, if its for me its for me, if its not its not, but this one, I was so nervous and anxious. Imagine me crawling up the walls with my fingernails and chewing on a dog toy. It was like that level of, Ahhhhh! Whats going on?! Paste: [laughing] I want someone to shoot that now. Taylor-Joy: [laughs] And I kind of sat down and I dissected it, and I thought, What is it about this thats making me feel this way? Because something is happening that I dont understand. The first thing was that I was confused by the fact that, like, it was only reading the script the second time that I realized, Oh, this language is different from the way that people speak nowadays! It felt very natural to me. It was a real way into the world, and it would have been wrong to have it any other way. You know what I mean? The second thing was, I felt like the fear I was experiencing was not mine. It was not Anyas, in the 21st century. It was not my fear. It was ancestral. I was brought up Catholic, and it was like this old, old fear, this primal fear, that was just passed down from generation to generation, and I had forgotten that I was afraid of these things from a kind of ancestral mindset. Eggers: And it means a lot to me to hear that. Definitely one of my intentions was for her to feel, like, an inherited nightmare. Paste: And thats kind of what this movie, certainly for a New Englander, is. When you think about witching in New EnglandI mean, this is nowhere near the Salem witch trials, but thats where my mind immediately goes. Its one of our regions most shameful histories, I think its fair to say. Taylor-Joy: Well, I think a lot of people forget that this is real life. That was not a fairy tale. Its easy to separate yourself from it, but what Robs really done is kind of, like, hold up this fear that lives within all of us, because as human beings, its all of our histories. He forces you to look at this and be like, Remember this? Youre really, really scared of this, by the way. Does that make sense? Eggers: Mmmhmm! Taylor-Joy: Thank you. Paste: Makes sense to me. Taylor-Joy: Thanks! Paste: I had my own kind of version of that experience just while sitting and watching it man, who was it? Drew McWeeny at HitFix, out of Sundance last year, had the best quote about this movie, something to the effect of, It feels like were watching something we should not be seeing. And I think that is the absolute perfect way to describe it. Its like youre peering into someone elses experience. Like you said, this is realeven though there is totally a witch in it, and the movie makes no bones about that; this is a reality of New England history. Eggers: And it was their reality. Because of course, people are like, Well, is there a witch, or is it religious hysteria? Well, look at Salem, man. When they finally admitted that they were wrong, it wasnt because witches dont exist. It was just that those women, and a couple of men, werent witches. But maybe a couple of them were! And besides, the devil was there, you know, so. Paste: Im super interested to know, did you ever at any point while making this think, Well, I could have a witch in this movie, or I could just leave the witch out and have the fear be the period hysteria about witches? Eggers: No. I mean, I think you can still interpret this film as being [about] a psychological witch. Even though you see her, I think you could do that. Which is cool! But no. Definitely there were conversations about it, but I always stuck to my guns. Plus, I really feel, and I may have already said this in this interview, that we needed to see that witch in the very beginning even if she doesnt exist physically, because we needed to know what the stakes are. We needed to understand. Taylor-Joy: Because for the family, thats what the witch is. I think we have a very Disneyfied, sterilized version of what an evil witch is nowadays. For that family, in that time, its not the way that we look at witches, like, Oh, witches arent real. That was what a witch was, and that witch was capable of doing all of the things that the witch in our movie does. That was the fear of it, so Robs right: You needed to see her because you needed to be like, Oh, theyre in trouble! Paste: This is what they were for people, whether they existed or not. Eggers: Rightwhether they existed or not. Taylor-Joy: And its a terrifying thing. You need to be able to invest in their fear. Paste: The sense I get from hearing the two of you talk about this is that its about finding a balance between history and these supernatural elements, as opposed to leaning more toward one or the other. Eggers: Well, its about articulating the period understanding of those supernatural elements, but doing it, photographing it, articulating it with restraint in a way where you could say that aside from, like, three shots, anything supernatural that happens you could almost justify scientifically. Even the poison apple. Its just small enough. Boston-based critic Andy Crump has been writing online about film since 2009, and has been scribbling for Paste Magazine since 2013. He also contributes to Screen Rant, Movie Mezzanine, and Birth.Movies.Death. You can follow him on Twitter. He is composed of roughly 65 percent Vermont craft brews. The comparison seems too easy to make. Donald Trump. Kanye West. Two narcissistic egomaniacs. Both wildly overestimate their influence, both say things that no decent person would ever think of saying, and both find themselves constantly embroiled in controversy, with passionate defenders battling the legions of harsh critics. And both are black holes of media attention. Trump has dominated news coverage of the 2016 presidential election since he entered in June; some analysts claim that hes already saturated the market so much that his continued dominance only benefits him in the negative, by keeping his opponents out of the news. Meanwhile, Kanye has recently completed the most brilliant album release of all timesure, it was messy, clumsy, and full of fits and starts, but The Life of Pablos name changes, associated Twitter beefs, Soundcloud singles, and ultimate launch party at Yeezy Season 3 took up most of the culture media landscape for the better part of a month. It has simultaneously boosted Tidal to the top of the app store and resurrected illegal downloading at heretofore unseen rates. If Donald Trump and Kanye West are brand salesmen, and the objective of brand salesmen is to achieve maximum possible exposure, both are unequivocally at the top of their respective fields. More than that, though, both men have achieved levels of acclaim and support that seem impossible for such controversial figures. Criticism of Trumpstemming from comments on Mexican immigrants, lies about Muslim crowds cheering 9/11, sexist diatribes against Megyn Kelly, and bush-league verbal assaults on his competitordoesnt stick to the Teflon candidate. At the very least, it hasnt hurt his numbers in national polls, where he continues to lead the field of Republican candidates by a sizable margin. Likewise, Kanye has proven his ability to say just about anythingfrom insinuating Bill Cosbys innocence of rape to claiming that he made Taylor Swift famousand still gain public influence. Proof, beyond the statistics on The Life of Pablo: hes acquired 2 million more Twitter followers in the past month, giving him the fastest-growing following on the Internet. Even if a large percentage of his Twitter fans actually despise him, they acknowledge his importance by the mere act of paying attention to what he has to say. The most effective way to silence a voice, as minorities in America are so painfully aware, is to ignore it. Now, we must ask the more difficult questions: why havent Trump and Wests chronic spurts of political incorrectness marginalized them? And how do the answers to the first question impact the inherent societal value of each man? The answer to the first question is simple on the surfaceboth Trump and Kanye have tapped into some part of the public psyche more effectively than anyone else. They have a self-awareness of their own influence, and they arent hesitant to flaunt it in self-declaration of their own greatness. For people who tend to mistake confidence for competence (i.e. the majority of humans), the brash arrogance is taken for charisma, which draws more followers, which gives Trump and Kanye more reason to see themselves as vastly important. To be fair, had they not succeeded earlier in lifehad Trump not found massive success in real estate, or had Kanye not achieved critical and popular acclaim from the beginning of his recording careerthe cycle of narcissism never would have started. But once it kicked off, each man had the mentality necessary to become a black hole. Yet theres a crucial distinction to make when comparing the egos of Donald Trump and Kanye West, one that gives the latter far more redemptive quality: Kanye knows and admits that he is fallible. Trump does not. Kanyes entire career has been defined by self-contradiction and, more than that, his awareness of his own self-contradiction (a topic Ive written about at length). Even on The College Dropout, before he had become a game-changing rapper, he was simultaneously discussing his own desire for material goods and wealth while ripping the white supremacist economic system that engendered that desire. All Falls Down, even after all these years, still defines his perception of the worldIm so self-conscious, Kanye raps, and that self-consciousness of his own hypocrisy has never faded. The chief contradiction Kanye has battled has changed over the course of his career. When he became famous in the mid-2000s, it was the fight between his lust for fame and his acknowledgement that fame enslaves the famous (best typified by Flashing Lights). Then, it was the contradiction between having everything he could ever have dreamed of while losing his mother, the most important influence in his life, resulting in the alienation and depression that made 808s and Heartbreak such a powerful album. Since then, weve seen Kanye rip into other artists (Taylor Swift, Beck, Wiz Khalifa, et. al.) while claiming that everything he does is for artists benefit; weve seen him rap repeatedly about fucking hoes, even as he holds down what appears to be a steady marriage with Kim Kardashian; weve heard him describe his influence in all sorts of hyperbole even while giving glory to God like a good Christian man. Many have turned on him through these struggles, and this is entirely justified. But the key to Kanye is that all of his internal struggles have taken place in the public sphere, his scars borne by the art for which he would die. A man who cannot admit his own flaws would be incapable of creating POWER or Runaway, respectively the thesis statement for Kanyes career post-Graduation and his most cathartic moment. The twin centerpieces to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, itself the aural version of a Greek tragedy, they serve as intensely private meditations on the glories and burdens of influence transmuted into public confessions, proof that Kanye is tortured by his inability to be both the greatest artist of all time and its most beloved. Theres a reason his Twitter profile picture is still the Suicide King from the single release artwork of POWERhe is the Suicide King of music, one of its greatest icons and most detestable personalities, an anti-hero to rule all anti-heroes. And anti-heroes, unlike true villains, have a capacity for redemption, because they know their flaws and are constantly trying to heal the wounds they inflict over and over again. Anti-heroes apologize to Taylor Swift. They apologize to Beck. And they continue to seek absolution for their flaws, as Kanye does on The Life of Pablo. For all the braggadocio on a track like Feedback, the internal torment and struggle to overcome himself is never mutedlisten to the three-song stretch starting with FML and ending with Wolves, and its impossible to deny that Kanye still harbors deep self-dissatisfaction. Donald Trump is not an anti-hero, because he has not apologized to anyone and never will. He doesnt expose his restless, self-contradictory psyche to the worldif it even exists. In the recent Republican debate in South Carolina, Donald Trump refused to admit that he could be wrong about anything (I wont count the joke about his wife as a concession). Such an attitude has proven to be the norm for him throughout this election season. Hes passed off his numerous trips to federal bankruptcy court as sound business decisions, and hes passed off his various insults with different versions of I love (insert insulted party), theyre great, Im friends with them. Instead of expressing regrets for his extramarital affairs, he defends them with pride. Rather than displaying the candor of self-inspection that Kanye West has done over the past decade, Donald Trump has moved forward with seemingly little regard for anything aside from his own presidential ambitions. While such a manner of living without regret is admirable in some sense, it also means that Trump must be judged as a single-minded entity, standing firmly behind everything he has ever said instead of being afforded the nuances of thought that an admitted self-contradictory person like Kanye West possesses. And if we judge Donald Trump as simply the sum of all he has said over the course of this presidential campaign, we have no choice be to conclude that he would make a piss-poor president with little capacity for winning over Congress, foreign leaders, or the vast swaths of the American populace he has offended in his ruthless dogfight to gain enough support to win the presidency. Conducting himself with unshakable hubris and the mentality that he must win every deal might have worked in Trumps business affairs, and its certainly contributed to his becoming a larger-than-life personality. But choosing leaders with proven hubris tends to end badly for the people selecting the leaders. And I, for one, dont want to see President Donald Trump having to attempt his first redemption story in the Oval Office, with Americas fortunes and American lives hanging in the balance. To be clear, Im not supporting #Kanye2020. But Donald Trump could stand to learn from his introspection. Zach Blumenfeld is a Paste intern and would like nothing more than to witness a Trump-Kanye debate. Follow him on Twitter (@zachblumy). Its not often that you encounter a song or a lyric that transcends space and distancethat, no matter the time or season, gives you that warm and fuzzy California dream feeling. Best Coasts new album, California Nights, does just that. I spoke with frontwoman Bethany Cosentino about her latest tour, her views on sexism in the music industry and growing up through songwriting. Best Coast played at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia, PA, alongside Cherry Glazerr and Wavves. Paste : Best Coast kind of emerged during the rise of tropical-punk bands, like Abe Vigoda, The Drums, Surfer Blood. And your newest album, California Nights, still captures your always ultra-dreamy aesthetic, but songs like California Nights have an almost shoegaze influence while songs like Heaven Sent capture a kind-of raw early 90s riot girl feel. How did you come about conceptualizing this latest album? Bethany Cosentino: I mean I think that over the span of five years since making Crazy For You, I think not only have I really grown as a human being, as a woman, but also as an artist and a songwriter. I think that one of the really cool things about my collaborative process with Bobb is that [he] is always kind of on the same page as me so if I write a song and I send it to him and I say, I want this to kind of have a Go-Gos feel, or I want this to have a Yo La Tengo kind of guitar part, I can kind of throw out these references to him. He understands them and hes usually right on board with them. We pretty much agree on almost everythingwhich I sometimes feel like Im going to jinx it by saying thatbut we honestly, for being collaborators, dont have a lot of arguments. We dont really reach a lot of spots where one of us has to say, no. I think that knowing that I have the support of somebody like Bobbalways encourages me to just follow my intuition and go with things. And I think that with California Nights, we really just said, were not going to have any limitations. Were not going to say, OK we can only be influenced by A, B, and C. You can definitely see with each song that theres different influences sprinkled all throughout the record. Paste : In an interview with the AV Club in 2012, you mentioned experiencing a lot of growing up between your albums Crazy for You and The Only Place. Do you feel as though you have experienced even more personal growth between Fade Away and California Nights? Cosentino: Yeah, like a million percent. I have definitely grown up a lot. I always refer to touring as adult daycare, because you have to have a tour manager whos saying, you have to be awake at this time, you have to be at this place at this time, youve got an opening to take a shower at this time in the day. You really have someone managing your life for you for various periods of time. And then you go home and youre like, oh shit, I dont have anybody thats telling me to get up and go to the radio and do this promotion, or whatever. And I think that when you get off the road, you get home and youre kind of like, OKI am an adult living in society, I need to take care of myself and take care of things. I think that prior to doing Best Coast, I was just cruising through life and was not really necessarily thinking so much about the outside worldwhich I know is a very selfish thing to say, but Im totally fine with admitting that I was young and selfish. Now I really view things more like, OKhow am I going to make it through this month or this week or this day and be satisfied with what Im doing, but also at the same time do something meaningful for other people? And I think that creating music has allowed me to have that sort of feeling. Whereas before, I was sort of just kind of like, I guess Im in a band now, and Im just doing this. I think over the span of four years, or three years, or whateverhowever long its beenIve definitely grown a lot more, even to the point where I can admit that I was young and selfish at one point, because I think back then I would have said, Im not selfish, what the hell are you talking about? Paste : I know that Best Coast as a touring band has a lot of great rotating musicians. Has there been any time in the bands career when you have thought about making a larger, more permanent roster? Cosentino: Our live band has always really reflected sort of upon the vibe of whatever it is were kind of doing at the time. I think that the beginning when we were touring Crazy For You, it was very simplisticwe were able to have just three people and get the message and the melodies and the point of the music across. I think that the fact that we have five people on stage, whereas before it was only three, it makes a lot more sense at this point in our career because it allows us to really get that sort of bigger sound out to the audience that is coming to see the music. And it also means that we get to do a new spin on songs from Crazy For You and The Only Place and even some of the singles and B-sides that we released even before we were making records. Its definitely a really cool feeling to feel like we have this band now, whereas in the very beginning it was just me and Bobb, and that was our band. And so to think that we were that and now were five people on stage with multiple guitars and many pedals and keyboard and all sorts of stuff is definitely a cool feeling to know that weve grown that much. Paste : I read your essay on sexism in the music industry on Lenny Letter. Its such a shame that female artists face such ridicule and criticisms primarily based on gender. But in light of this, what advice would you give to young women who are aspiring to make a career for themselves in this industry? Cosentino: I think the biggest advice that I can really give is just to stand up for yourself. Be vocal about stuff. If somebody does something that makes you uncomfortablewhether its working with a shady publicist, or working with a manager that freaks you out, or even if youre playing a show and someone yells something ridiculous and rude and foul at you, if it makes you uncomfortable, you have to really speak up about it and stand up for yourself. Because by standing up for yourself, youre also standing up for other women, and not just yourself but for other people. And I think that, for me, just from knowing that my experiences have been shitty, theyve also allowed me to have a story to share with the world and to inspire other people, and to also provide a voice for women who dont necessarily have a voice, or dont have a platform to share their voice. That makes me feel a bit better about the situation. So, the biggest piece of advice I can give is to be vocal and dont ever feel like you have to say youre sorry for something. If somebody is making you uncomfortable and you dont want to put up with it, you dont have to put up with it. I understand that in the music industry, that there is a fear sometimes that if you stand up to somebody, you feel like you might lose your job, or all of the sudden you might lose a story in a magazine or suddenly somebodys not going to care about your record anymore. That totally exists as a woman in the music industry, but I think it also is important to speak up. And if you experience something like that, or if you say fuck off to somebody and then you lose something, you always have that story to tell. I definitely think were at a point now where, yes, it does suck that women are still dealing with thisnot just in music, but in all industries. But it does feel like the community is becoming a lot more empowering and that womens stories are really starting to be taken more seriously, which is an important step. And I would encourage any women out there, in any field, to just be themselves and be vocal and dont be afraid to just stand up for yourself. Paste : Lastly, are there any places you are looking forward to visiting while on opposite-of-best coast, here? Cosentino: Im definitely excited to play in New York. I think that will be really fun. New York is always an insane day, or at least I think were there for a day. Its always crazy because there are so many people that we work with, there are so many people that I am friends with. Its always a city where we get to catch up with people, but I also feel like we have really good shows there. We actually havent played a proper New York show in a really long time, so I think it will really be very cool. Also looking forward to playing in ChicagoI always really like being in Chicago and playing shows there. And Kansas City, because I get to see my mom. She lives in Omaha, so shes going to come to Kansas City and hang out with me for the day. [laughs] Taylor Galloway www.taylorgalloway.com www.instagram.com/lostfloridian Cassandra Nguyen www.instagram.com/tinyjerk 1 of 30 Best Coast Taylor Galloway 2 of 30 Best Coast Taylor Galloway 3 of 30 Best Coast Taylor Galloway 4 of 30 Best Coast Taylor Galloway 5 of 30 Best Coast Taylor Galloway 6 of 30 Best Coast Taylor Galloway 7 of 30 Best Coast Taylor Galloway 8 of 30 Best Coast Taylor Galloway 9 of 30 Best Coast Taylor Galloway 10 of 30 Best Coast Taylor Galloway In 2008, Jay Seldin began wandering around an island most Americans would never have even considered visiting. The award-winning photographer captures Cuba on film and leads photo-tours focused on cultural exchange, and in doing this, has been welcomed into the homes of many Cuban families. Now that the travel embargo between Cuba and the U.S. is being lifted, many Americans are scouring to find tour operators to take them there, as if this sort of change can happen overnight. While you wait for this to fall into effector while you build up the courage to visit a country that has long been considered an enemy to AmericaSeldins new photography book, The Cubans, offers a rare glimpse inside this mysterious place. For a view this authentic, youll have to book a tour with Seldin himself. But for now, get to know the Cuban culture through his revealing photos and insider knowledge to the nation. Heres a sneak peek at what hes collected over years of travel in Cuba. Paste Travel: As someone whos developed close relationships with Cuban people, how do they feel about increasing tourism from the U.S.? Jay Seldin: The Cubans I am in touch with are looking forward to the increase in American tourism. For the Cubans that are in the tourism trade and service trade, Americans are very generous. The opportunity to hear from Americans about what is happening in the world is very important to them, since most people in Cuba do not have access to the Internet. We are a source of information for them. PT: What has surprised you most about the Cuban people? JS: I would have to say their perseverance. The Cuban people are survivors and have such a great sense of family life. PT: What is one thing that makes Cubans and Americans similar? JS: I believe that the arts and creativity are one of the things that link Cubans and Americans. PT: What is your favorite photograph youve ever taken in Cuba and why? JS: I have a number a favorites relating to different situations that Ive photographed. But here is one thats high on my list. Its titled Waiting for Relatives, Jose Marti Airport, Havana, Cuba. Its high on my list of favorites because of its complexity. The image has so many faces with different emotions showing. Many Cubans come to the airport hoping to meet up with their relatives from the States. With little information as to when they are coming, they arrive and wait, and wait. 1 of 11 Waiting for Relatives, Jose Marti Airport, Havana: "Waiting for relatives at the airport is a pretty common thing to do. Most people aren't even sure if their family members will be showing up from the U.S. that day. Communication between the U.S and Cuba is very difficult, even now." Jay Seldin 2 of 11 Street Posers with Two Cuban Men, Old Town, Havana: "Street posers are people who ask for money when you photograph them while they are working a crowd. Here they are taking a break." Jay Seldin 3 of 11 Crawl to the Church Steps, San Lazaro Church, Rincon: "During the Feast of San Lazaro on Dec. 17, people crawl to the church to ask for help from the saint to cure illnesses within their family." Jay Seldin 4 of 11 Gimnasio de Boxeo Rafael Trejo, Old Town, Havana: "This is the famous boxing gym in Havana where three-time Olympic gold medalist and heavyweight champion Teofilo Stevenson trained." Jay Seldin 5 of 11 Rationbook, Havana: "Everyone has one of these for state food rations." Jay Seldin 6 of 11 May Day "Give Me Five!", Revolution Plaza, Vedado: "May 1 is Cuba's Workers' Day. This group is marching with a 'Give Me Five' poster, referencing the '5 Amigos' that were being held in United States jails, who the cubans wanted sent back home. They were returned the day that Obama and Castro signed their agreement." Jay Seldin 7 of 11 Martial Arts + Dance, Sports Complex, Havana: "A young boy practices his martial arts and dance routine at the sports area in Havana." Jay Seldin 8 of 11 Tobacco Farmer, Vinales: "A typical tobacco farmer in the countryside of Vinales." Jay Seldin 9 of 11 Santeria Fortune Teller, Cathedral Plaza, Old Havana: "The women in white are religious people of the Yoruba faith. Fortune telling is how they make extra money." Jay Seldin 10 of 11 Life on Calle Genios, Close to the Malecon, Havana: "Inside a typical apartment along the waterfront." Jay Seldin 11 of 11 Apartment Balconies, Centro Havana: "Balconies like these are typical in Havana apartments." Jay Seldin On Friday, Kesha was hit with the devastating news that her injunction request against her producer/alleged rapist Dr. Luke would be denied. Kesha was left sobbing in the back of the courtroom, and much of the Internet was left fuming over what seemed to be a massive miscarriage of justiceif not legally, then morally. Fortunately, Kesha is not without her supporters. Public statements hit the Twitterverse from the likes of Grimes, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, Lily Allen, Lorde, and Demi Lovato. Now Taylor Swift has joined the cause with a huge splash, donating $250,000 to Kesha to help with any of her financial needs during this trying time, per a representative. When Taylor saw the heartbreaking courtroom photos of Kesha, it was then that she knew she needed to do something, a source close to Swift told Rolling Stone. For those who have criticized Swift as a fake feminist, this should serve as notice that the superstar is willing to put her money where her mouth is. Well have more for you on the Kesha case as it unfolds. Regardless of your opinion on her music, this is a critical moment for the rights of women in the music industry. So heres a thought: if youre the wife of the Governor perhaps you shouldnt sleep with another man in front of your office window with the door wide open. I mean, I know that Alicia and Peter have an understanding, and that Jason is smoldering, but for a woman who has had her reputation on the line more than once you would think she would be oh-so-slightly more careful. But Alicia and Jason finally acted on months of chemistry and did the deed. But the next day Jason doesnt pick up when Alicia calls. Later he tells her that hes worried because shes the Governors wife. (Um, that was also true when you slept with her Jason.) You want things simple. I want things simple too, Alicia seductively tells him. But we all know Alicias life is anything but simple. The big news was the return of the much-beloved Elsbeth Tascioni who Eli hires to find out why exactly the FBI is investigating Peter. Elsbeth is doing her quirky thing until she suddenly has to pull herself from the case, because she realizes she has a conflict of interest. Enter Elsbeths equally quirky ex-husband Michael (guest star Will Patton). He figures out that one of Peters major donors is Elsbeths client. So the FBI isnt going after election rigging, but something else entirely. Alicia is part of a top-secret judicial committee deciding if the American government is justified in killing a member of ISIS known to be the recruiter of many terrorists. The big reveal is the ISIS member is an American and Alicia argues that, as an American, he deserves due process. But shes dismissed from the committee before the final decision is made. The U.S. government thinks shes the leak. Shes not, of course, but the storyline brings back the NSA wiretap for one last hurrah. The NSA was most likely the cause of the leak because, not only have they been listening in on Alicias phone calls, but theyve also turned her phone into a hot mike and can pick up any conversation shes having near her phone. In the final moments of the episode, it appears the wiretapping will come to an end and we bid a fond farewell to NSA geeks Tyler and Stephen. Im thinking this whole thing was just a way to not leave the NSA storyline open-ended because shoehorning them into this episode was awkward. Meanwhile back at a Lockhart, Agos and Lee, the natives are acting crazier than usual. David Lee is worried that Diane is trying to turn the place into an all-female firm. David hires Jason to investigate (really, you think he could have found another investigator?) and Cary tries to not-so-subtly get info out of Lucca over lunch. Jason uses his pillow talk time with Alicia to see if she and Diane are plotting to have an all-female firm. The whole story line is rather disappointing. Nobody is acting like the smart, savvy characters they actually are. As we head to the series finale, I really want every episode to be outstanding. Unfortunately this one wasnt. The military case was interesting but abruptly cut short when Alicia was dismissed (although we did learn that the U.S. Government did kill the American ISIS member). And the stuff at the firm just seems like more spinning of wheels. But I remain convinced that Elsbeth deserves her own series. She was as glorious as ever. Stray Observations: The greatest hit parade of guest actors continuesPatrick Breen, who hasnt been on the series since the third season, reprised his role of Captain Terrence Hicks. I keep wondering if the writers are going to take this drinking problem of Alicias to the next level. Because right now, it is as if Jason can cure depression and alcoholism. No new episode next week, but the series returns on March 6 with Stockard Channing and Dallas Roberts back as Alicias mother and brother. Was Alicia booted from the committee because they thought she was the leak, or because she was offering a dissenting opinion? I feel like Marissa should sell her purses on Etsy. Do think its possible that Eli is behind this FBI investigation? Just a thought. Amy Amatangelo is a Boston-based freelance writer, a member of the Television Critics Association and a regular contributor to Paste. She wasnt allowed to watch much TV as a child and now her parents have to live with this as her career. You can follow her on Twitter or her blog. When Google sold off Motorola to Lenovo, they retained one secret division at Motorola called the Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) group that is headed by Regina Dugan, the former director of the U.S. Defense Department's fabled Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) which developed the Internet, satellite navigation and stealth fighters. We covered Regina Dugan in a report regarding Motorola's electric Skin Tattoo project. Google's ATAP group introduced a new project back in October 2013 called Project Ara. It's an initiative that aims to develop a free, open hardware platform for creating highly modular smartphones. In theory the platform was to include a structural frame that holds smartphone modules of the owner's choice, such as a display, keyboard, extra battery or larger camera. It has the potential of revolutionizing the smartphone as we know it. The project has undergone various failures including the fact that the magnetized modules were found to be falling off the frame. Back in early 2014 Patently Apple initially covered Project Ara in a detailed report titled "Could Project Ara's Smartphone by Google be a Game Changer?" While the project appeared to have slipped into the night a surprising development crashed on the world stage at the Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona last night. LG introduced their next-gen smartphone called the G5 that introduces a new family of smartphone modular add-ons. The question remaining: Is this a Project Tango spin-off or did LG simply run with the idea Google first developed to get ahead of the Android OEM pack. I think it could be the latter. On Sunday, LG's mobile chief, Cho Juno, stated during their official debut of the G5 at World Mobile Congress in Barcelona that "With the new phone, LG will create its own fandom culture among users." The G5 has an accessory slot at the bottom, which allows users to swap in different modules. The first module is a camera module called the 'LG Cam Plus' and includes a 1,200mAh battery and buttons for diverse camera functions such as zoom, flash and shutter release. Together with the phone's own battery, the total battery capacity increases to 4,000mAh. The module also features the analogue leather grip of DSLR cameras for better user experience, the company said. A second module is called the 'LG Hi-Fi Plus', a digital to analog converter that offers the best sound quality among smartphones. It is a partnership with Sweden's luxury audio maker Bang & Olufsen. The phone comes with a 5.3-inch quantum high definition display. It has also been refashioned with metal and curved body. Four colors silver, titan, gold and pink are available. LG, which has focused on improving camera functions on its flagship phones, has added a 135-degree wide angle lens this time, along with an upgraded expert mode and user interface. On Sunday, the company also unveiled eight accessories for the G5, including a virtual reality headset and a 360-degree camera that can work with the phone and the accessory modules. It's unknown at this time what modules could be next for their new smartphone or if they'll open up the concept to third party developers. If successful, the modular smartphone concept could be a future trend for everyone in the sector. However, without standardization of the parts, it could be an idea that short lived. This is where Google's Project Ara still holds more promise. For now, LG has the jump on everyone and we'll just have wait and see it they could win any traction with this concept as a single supplier. About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Comments are reviewed daily from 4am to 6pm PST and sporadically over the weekend. If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. This is just one of the many often-quoted statements from the Dalai Lama that continue to land him on top of global lists of influential and inspiring world religious leaders. For several years now, Watkins Magazine has placed the Dalai Lama at the top of their list of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People. He was #1 in 2015, 2014, 2013 (when Thich Nhat Hanh was #2!), and 2012. In their 2016 list, published earlier this month, the Tibetan spiritual leader is once again #1. From their websites 2015 list: Born in Taktser, Tibet/ 6 July 1935 (Cancer/Pig) / Spiritual Leader Born Lhamo Dondrub, Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th Dalai Lama and the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. Tibetan Buddhists believe him to be a reincarnation of his predecessors and the Buddha of compassion. He is a vocal activist for Tibetan independence and has made an incredible contribution to global spirituality. During his first trip to the University of Minnesota in 2011, he was given their highest award, an Honorary Doctor of Letters. On his return trip to Minnesota in March 2014, he spoke at Macalester College which awarded him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. In September 2014, the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag published an interview with the Dalai Lama where he stated the institution of the Dalai Lama has served its purpose, adding that We had a Dalai Lama for almost five centuries. The 14th Dalai Lama now is very popular. Let us then finish with a popular Dalai Lama. The Chinese government responded by saying they would select their own Dalai Lama regardless of his decision. 2014 also saw the release of the documentary film Monk with a Camera and the film Dalai Lama Awakening.His latest book Buddhism: One Teacher,Many Traditions, written with Thubten Chodron, was published in hardback in December. (www.dalailama.com). Other notable Buddhists/Buddhist-inspired individuals include: Did I miss any? Several others could be included in the influence by category, as that allows for plenty of grey area. If you think any of the others listed at Watkins Spiritual 100 List of 2016 should be included here, drop a note in the comments below. Watkins Magazine is produced by the Watkins Bookshop, Londons oldest bookshop specializing in esotericism, mysticism, occultism, Asian religions and contemporary spirituality. According to their website, the criteria along with being alive as of Jan 1st are: The person has to have made a unique and spiritual contribution on a global scale The person is frequently googled, appears in Nielsen Data, has a Wikipedia page, and is actively talked about throughout the Internet. By taking into account the amount of times that a person is googled or how many times their Wikipedia profile is viewed, the list gains a highly democratic and transparent parameter. Additionally, we were highly selective in creating this list and did our best to remove candidates who spread messages that were hateful or intolerant. Ultimately, this list is meant to celebrate the positive influence of todays spiritual teachers. Stay in touch with American Buddhist Perspectives on Facebook: The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Savannah welcomed well over 1,200 faithful from all corners of the diocese for an official Year of Mercy Pilgrimage. Responding to the call of Pope Francis to go on pilgrimage during this Jubilee Year, Bishop Hartmayer invited all the faithful of the diocese to an afternoon of prayer and mercy at the diocesan mother church. Pilgrims had an opportunity to enter the cathedral through the Holy Door which was beautifully decorated. Some arrived early to have a tour of the cathedral, others to save a seat. The afternoon began at 2pm with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Daytime Prayer sung by the cathedral choir. The cathedral was standing room only. One of our diocesan priests, Father Tim McKeown, who has been commissioned as a Missionary of Mercy by Pope Francis, preached a beautiful reflection on Gods infinite mercy. Bishop Hartmayer welcomed the pilgrims visibly moved by their number and diversity. We have come from every corner of the diocese to seek and experience the mercy of God. The practice of pilgrimage has a special place in this Holy Year, because it represents the journey each of us makes in this life. Life itself is a pilgrimage and each of us is a pilgrim travelling along the road, making our way to our desired destination. May todays pilgrimage be an impetus to conversion. By crossing the threshold of the Holy Door we will find the strength to embrace Gods mercy and dedicate ourselves to being merciful with others as the Father has been with us. After Bishop Hartmayers words, Father Mariusz Fuks sung the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Over twenty priests were then available to hear confessions in English, Vietnamese and Spanish at different areas of the cathedral campus. During the time of eucharistic adoration, four choirs of different cultural backgrounds sung. The choir from Saint Benedict the Moor, Savannah sung traditional Gospel songs. The choir from Sacred Heart, Savannah offered eucharistic songs in Spanish. Parishioners from Saints Peter and Paul, Savannah sung in Vietnamese, and finally, the Filipino community from Sacred Heart, Warner Robins sung and prayed. The afternoon concluded with Benediction at 4:30. Many pilgrims remained for the Vigil Mass, celebrated by the Bishop at 5:30. Others quickly returned home since they had a long journey back home. The parish farthest away from the cathedral is well over five hours away. It was a joyful, grace-filled event that will be remembered by all for years to come. Mostly importantly, I am certain that the fruits of this time of pilgrimage will continue to grow and mature as weeks and months continue. Gods mercy was certainly at work among the pilgrims. It was powerful to gather as a diocesan church for a time of prayer. It was wonderful to recognize faces from so many parishes, all together under one roof, praying in the presence of Jesus Christ, in union with our bishop. Below, a video that was produced inviting pilgrims to the pilgrimage. These pictures belong to me and Astrid Soto, all rights reserved. In a commentary piece in the Chicago Tribune, David McGrath, a college professor, explains his transition from believing that homeschooling deprives children of their right to an education to believing that homeschooling is superior to other forms of education. Heres the bit that stopped this homeschool graduate up short: All that changed when I started teaching at the college level, on an evening when I came home from work, slipped off my shoes, collapsed into the recliner and announced to my wife that the best student in my college composition class had been home-schooled. An 18-year-old only child, who had been educated by her parents for all 12 grades, chose a seat in the front row on the first day of class. The following 16 weeks, she maintained eye contact throughout lectures and discussions, listened intently to me and her classmates, raised her hand to offer an observation, an answer or to ask a question when no one else would, followed instructions to the letter, communicated verbally and in writing more clearly than everyone else and received the highest grade on every assignment. She was the first student to arrive, had perfect attendance the entire semester and was a catalyst for every lesson I ventured. McGrath could be describing me as an undergraduate a decade ago. I, too, had perfect attendance, sat in the front, listened carefully, followed instructions perfectly, raised my hand constantly, and got the highest grades on every assignment. I was every professors dream student. I graduated college with a stellar GPA and went on to graduate school at a research university. But you know what? I am not at all okay with the way McGrath is using my story and that of other homeschool graduates like me. Take a look at this bit, for example: In the past 15 years, Ive known of over a dozen home-schooled students in my college freshman and sophomore classes. All were competent in social interaction, and all had already developed their own methods of inquiry for independent learning. Do you know who McGrath didnt meet? Homeschool graduates so severely educationally neglected that college was completely out of the question. According to the Coalition for Responsible Home Education, there are actually a number of reasons to believe that homeschooling depresses college attendance ratespotentially by a lot. The number of homeschooled students who take the SAT and ACT is surprisingly low, and the only extant random-sample study of homeschool graduates found that having been homeschooled decreased the amount of higher education respondents went on to receive. But McGrath wouldnt have any way to know about the educational wellbeing of those other students, because, as a college instructor, hes only seeing the ones who attend college. Let me put it more personally. McGrath didnt met the kids I grew up with who were not educated, and for whom college was simply not an option. McGrath isnt meeting educationally neglected homeschooled children because theyre not going to college. In a study published in 2010, researcher Michael Cogan found that the homeschool graduates at the private university he studied had higher GPAs than their public or private school graduate peers, but you know what he left unexamined? The question of why only 1% of the students at that university were homeschool graduates when a full 3.4% of students were homeschooled in 2011. In other words, Cogan was looking at the cream of the crop, and the other students were simply missing. Im also wondering how McGrath knows that every homeschooled student he has encountered was a good student. Im a college instructor too, and you know what? I dont usually know whether my students were homeschooled, public schooled, or private schooled. Thats because I dont generally have any reason to ask that. Ive taught roughly 250 students over the past year and a half, and Im sure at least some of them were homeschooled, but I wouldnt know because Ive never asked. I suspect that McGrath has also met homeschool graduates who were underprepared for collegeand I know plenty such individuals personallybut doesnt realize it because he assumed they werent homeschooled because they didnt meet his stereotype. Im also put off by McGraths insistence that homeschooled students are automatically independent critical thinkers who love learning and drink up knowledge. Sure, that describes me and others like me, but what about the homeschool graduates I know whose homeschooling consisted of nothing more than being made to fill out worksheets at the kitchen table for years on end? I know situations where homeschooling killed students love for learning. McGrath talks about the benefits of receiving one-on-one instruction, but what of homeschooled children who were one of six, eight, or ten children, who clamored for attention but got lost in the mix because there were too many diapers to change and meals to fix? What of them? Anyway, McGrath goes on as follows: While my experiences are anecdotal, clinical studies have arrived at similar conclusions, such as the one conducted by Dr. Brian Ray of the National Home Education Research Institute. His study of 11,000 home-schooled students found they scored higher, on average, than public school students on national standardized tests by a whopping 37 percentile points. McGrath is a college professor. He should know better than to fall for shitty statistics. The study he cites used a volunteer sample of students from highly motivated highly educated non-poor families. To match the effect of homeschooling you need to compare these students with demographically matched peers, not the public school average. The results of studies that use from a more comprehensive data set (see the data covered here) or pair students with demographically matched peers (see Martin-Chang here) look far different from those released by Ray, whose National Home Education Research Institute is for all intents and purposes an arm of the Home School Legal Defense Association. Theres another point worth noting here. McGrath is an English professor. Why does that matter? Because homeschooling appears to decrease students math scores while either having no effect or a modest positive effect on their reading scores. And its not just me saying that, either. Allow me to quote from an exhaustive research review published by professors Milton Gaither and Robert Kunzman: Given this persistent corroboration across two decades we might conclude, tentatively, that there may be at least a modest homeschooling effect on academic achievementnamely that it tends to improve students verbal and weaken their math capacities. In other words, McGraths experience would likely have been very different had he been a math professor rather than an English professor. The Coalition for Responsible Home Education draws on a variety of different data sources to outline this discrepancy in their post, The Homeschool Math Gap. In fact, there is research to suggest that having been homeschooled even affects students choice of major, making them less likely to major in STEM fields. McGrath probably doesnt know this, but then, has he ever thought to even ask, or to look into it? It sounds as though he did a quick google search, fell for the first statistic that confirmed his anecdotal experience, and determined that there was no need to research further. McGrath began his essay talking about his doubts about homeschooling and his concern about there being little oversight of home-schooled students in half of all states including his own. He finishes his essay with this statement: An estimated 1.8 million students are home-schooled in the United States, often for religious reasons, or for insulation from schoolyard problems such as bullying. But the best reason may be that they get a better education. Yes, thats right, he flat-out states that homeschooled students get a better education. Dont get me wrong, Im glad McGrath has learned that homeschooled students can receive a good education! I am just as unhappy with stereotypes that posit all homeschoolers as backward and uneducated as I am with stereotypes that posit all homeschoolers as innovative and well educated. Both stereotypes are wrong. But while McGrath may have decided that theres nothing at all to be concerned about with regards to homeschooling, I know that this is not the case. The lack of oversight for homeschooling in most states is a very serious problem, and leaves too many children without an education. I saw it growing up, and I see it today in networks of homeschool alumni such as Homeschoolers Anonymous. Some children thrive being homeschooled while others fall on their faces with no way to pick themselves up. I know homeschool graduates whose parents gave up teaching them algebra because it was too difficult. I know homeschool graduates who had to teach themselves to read at 16. I know homeschool graduates whose education was so spotty that they cant pull together a high school transcript. And dont even get me started on child labor law violations, because what Ive seen is completely egregious. We desperately need accountability for homeschooling parents. I am not okay with McGrath using homeschool graduates like me as an excuse to display an utter lack of regard for my less-fortunate friends. I am not okay watching my friends and their pain erased in a paean to an educational method that is only as good as the parents who facilitate it. I am not okay with being part of an argument for maintaining a status quo that deprives children of their right to an education. Count me out. I grew up in an evangelical home and left the Republican Party as a young adult. As Ive watched this years presidential primary play out, Ive been confused by the amount of support Trump has garnered among evangelicals. Ive avoided any discussion of politics with my parents this electoral season, but I hear that my still-Republican parents agree with Trumps positions but find him arrogant, and so are Cruz supporters. This makes sense. Growing up, I remember talk of putting a godly leader in the White House, and Trump very obviously falls short of that standard. But what of all of the evangelicals who do support Trump? After Trumps win in South Carolina yesterday, conservative blogger Matt Walsh put up an angry Facebook post declaring the death of conservatism: Trump won South Carolina, a supposedly conservative Christian state, by a wide margin tonight. A few quick reactions: Dont rationalize this. He didnt win because of Democrats. The man won Evangelicals. The man who JUST THIS WEEK praised Planned Parenthood, and who fishes for applause lines by cussing out his competitors and mocking disabled people, and who cant name a book in the Bible, and who said he doesnt need forgiveness from God, and who brags about sleeping with married women, and who said hed love to date his own daughter because she has a hot body, and who supported the murder of fully developed infant children, and who blatantly lies and then lies again about lying, and who has encapsulated literally the exact opposite of anything that could remotely be considered a Christian value, won with the indispensable assistance of Christians. The anger I feel towards those Christians in this moment cannot be put into words. They should be ashamed. I will pray for them. . . . If Trump wins the nomination, conservatism in this country is officially dead, and the country itself will be close behind it. . . . Get on your knees and pray for this country tonight. Right now. I feel we are on the cusp of something terrible. Pray we avoid it. The comments on Walshs post quickly filled up with evangelicals either agreeing with Walsh or condemning his words quite strongly, and it was there that I finally understood why Trump is doing so well in the polls even among evangelicals. What I came to realize while reading the comments on Walshs post is that many evangelicals are less concerned about having a Christian in the White House than they are about having someone there with the ability to get things done. Many also noted that God has a long history of working through non-believers, and that electing evangelical Christians hasnt aways brought results. A number of commenters wrote of being disillusioned with electing Christians: You are forgetting that Republicans especially evangelicals have been voting for Christians for years. Those same politicians who have run on Christian beliefs and principles have abandoned those very principles during their time in office. Others wrote of the ways God can use non-believers: So 1st thing God has used many non believers or non followers to save his people in the bible. 2nd you cant blackmail him if all his dirt is out in the open. 3rd hes the only republican in a long time that will fight back. Right or wrong he might be our nominee in Nov and yes Ill vote for him then the Dems Some argued that God may have put Trump where he is for just a time as this: Trump is a wrecking ball, which is why people like him. Im not out of line saying I would love to see someone with my values in the WH, but since weve done a TERRIBLE job at discipling this nation, its not likely without a massive, steady assault from progressives on all sides. Perhaps God might use a stealthy wrecking ball in office that can wreck enough of our misteps and mistakes and give us a fresh start. There are a few pastors now talking of Trump possibly being a Cyrus for our generation (who did not know the Lord, but was used by Him to bless the Jews in rehabiting Israel). I believe Isaiah 45 and the book of Nehemiah lays some of this out. God may just have it up His sleeve to pull a fast one on all of us. You know, maybe use one of the foolish things to confound the wise? Others noted that Trump is running for president, not minister: I am not insulted by your thoughts. You are allowed your opinion. I mostly agree with everything you post and mostly agree with everything youve stated in this post but I think that Trump is running for President not Pope or applying to become a minister. This idea was echoed in many other comments as well: I am offended by your words. I AM NOT looking for a Pastor in Chief but a Commander In Chief one that is willing to do what is necessary to get our country back on a financial and safety track or in his words MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN I marched in the first Pro-Life event in Washington DC, I AM a BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN, went to Bible College to work in childrens ministry and deaf ministry. I am thankful there is a man who is willing to STOP illegal immigration, and send back those who came here illegally. I support someone who has strong business savvy. Seriously, consider what we have had for the past 7 years!!!! When you have someone who is willing to do what is necessary to protect, promote and bring his business experience to straighten things out I WILL VOTE Donald Trump For President. I believe he will not cave to lobbyist and will do what is right for the AMERICAN PEOPLE!! Others argued that Trump could be counted on to stand up for Christians: Maybe its finally time to admit we dont want to vote for a Romney conservative who will lose handily to a progressive liberal anymore. Gone are the days that a stalwart Christian will win the nomination. Its time to vote for a man who will at least stand up for Christians even if hes not a hard-nosed evangelical. This idea, too, was repeated by many commenters: If Cruz (whom I like, BTW) gets in with his outspoken evangelical positions, the left and the enemies of religious liberty will be solidified and oppose him so strongly that hell never get anything done. But with a guy like Trump on believers side, they wont see it coming. Plus, I just think Trump will be better able to get things done and defend Christians. I may be wrong, but its a plausible, rational theory. Some compared Trump to Ronald Reagan: Everyone thought that Ronald Reagan, The actor would never make a good politician & look how popular he became! Others raised the specter of Jimmy Carter: Perhaps we should re-elect Jimmy Carter since he was a great Sunday school teacher. Christian values, although very good to have and want in a canidate, simply dont prepare you for office. Frankly, I dont care if he cusses or not. If hell keep us safe. Im all in. Hes the only one who isnt controlled by special interests or lobbyists. #Trump Many, too, declared that Walsh couldnt know the state of Trumps heart, and that no Christian is perfect. Some argued that it was it was un-Christian for Walsh to judge. This should go without saying, but I find Trump and his opinions utterly despicable. I am not one to make comparisons to Hitler lightly, yet even I find Trumps rhetoric about immigrants and his vacuous nationalist speeches reminiscent of Germany in the 1930s. My first grade daughter is afraid Trump will deport her hispanic friends at school. I am horrified at what Trumps popularity and following say about where we are as a nationand who we are as a nation. Still, I am no longer confused about why many evangelicals are supporting Trump and not Cruz. The Bible is full of stories where God uses nonbelievers to accomplish his ends, and I can see how, for them, Trumps boldness might contrast positively with a figure like Cruz. But let me tell you what I cant understandhow they can support a man like Trump and go on claiming that they are basing their beliefs on the Bible and the Bible alone while liberal or mainline Christians are picking and choosing. Its almost like theyve never read what the Bible has to say about immigrants. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. "We're not used to seeing growth in our check business," said Deluxe's Tracey Engelhardt, who reports a 6% to 7% increase in revenue for check orders from businesses and consumers in each of the last three quarters, driven by various factors originating from the pandemic. Trial date set for three detained Iranian journalists 02/22/16 Source: Radio Zamaneh The trial of Issa Saharkhiz, Ehsan Mazandarani and another journalist, who were arrested last November by the Revolutionary Guards in the course of a state operation to "combat infiltrators", is set for March 6. by jailed Iranian cartoonist Hadi Heidari Mahmoud Alizadeh Tabatabayi, the lawyer for the journalists, reported that he received the court notice today and the journalists will be attending court on March 5 before Judge Maqiseh. He reported, however, that he has not yet been granted leave to view the file against his clients. Earlier this month, Alizadeh Tabatabayi told ILNA that following investigations, the investigator has not been able to make a case for "infiltration" and the charge against them is now "propaganda against the regime". His attempts, however, to release his clients on bail or move them from the Revolutionary Guards Prison to a general prison have not proved successful. Last week, Issa Sahakhiz went on a dry hunger strike to protest against his arrest, and while he stopped the strike after receiving promises from the prison authorities, the latest reports indicate he has once again begun the hunger strike after being transferred to solitary confinement without explanation. More than 90 journalists have written to the authorities calling for the release of their colleagues. Iran laying basis for non-oil economy 02/22/16 Source: Press TV Iran expects to attract $15 billion in direct foreign investment this year as the biggest economy closed to international business since the fall of the Soviet Union is humming back to life. Oil-based economy (cartoon by Mohsen Zarifian, Etemad daily) A number of global corporations are eyeing the potential dividends of repressed demand in the country of 80 million people, which is sitting on the worlds biggest oil and gas reserves combined. Several car manufacturers, engineering companies, oil and industrial gases producers have already chipped in with pledges to a number of development projects. Earlier this month, the country signed an agreement with Japan for $10 billion in investment and is seeking similar deals with other nations. Germanys industrial gases company Linde and Japans Mitsui Chemicals plan $4 billion of investment in Iranian petrochemical projects. Italys engineering company Maire Tecnimont has signed a collaboration agreement worth 1 billion euros for construction of refineries and petrochemical plants in Iran. Another Italian company Saipem signed a deal worth between $4 billion and $5 billion to revamp and upgrade Iranian oil refineries and build pipelines in the country. On Saturday, Economy Minister Ali Tayebnia said Iran is seeking $45 billion in foreign investment in next few years. The country's strategic location, political stability and population, he said, have made it an attractive destination for foreign investment. "All these factors have led to a capacity to attract more than $45 billion in foreign financial resources for next year, with about $15 billion in direct foreign investment," he told a news conference in Tehran. Any foreign investment must strengthen Iran's economy, Tayebnia said as he put in his proviso for the plan. We won't welcome any proposal that doesn't lead to transfer of technology and capital or doesn't boost production and exports." President Hassan Rouhani also said investment and transfer of technology was the key to an economic boom. President Hassan Rouhani addresses a forum on labor in Tehran, Feb. 21, 2016. photo by photo by Islamic Republic News Agency We must create an opportunity in which all domestic and foreign investments are employed, he told a forum on labor in Tehran. Rouhani said Iran has now turned threats to opportunities with the lifting of sanctions on the country with its annual output of $400 billion. Today, those who feared Irans name and were competing with each other for distancing themselves from Iran are in a race to come closer and invest in the country, he added. Foreign investment is crucial to Irans efforts to wean itself off oil revenues and develop its non-oil sectors, including agriculture, tourism and mining. Our past experience showed that oil at $147 cannot solve our employment and public welfare problems, Rouhani said. Russian Defense Minister In Tehran 02/22/16 Source: RFE/RL Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has arrived in Tehran, days after his Iranian counterpart visited Russia. Iranian television reported that Shoigu met with President Hassan Rohani on February 21, and was due to also hold talks with Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan during his trip to discuss the "situation in the region." Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu meets Iranian President Hassan Rohani (photo by Islamic Republic News Agency) The visit comes as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said a "provisional agreement" had been reached with Russia on terms of a cessation of hostilities in Syria. Russia and Iran have both been strong backers of President Bashar al-Assad during the nearly five-year conflict. Shoigu and Dehghan held talks in Moscow on February 16, during which the sides discussed the implementation of a January 2015 intergovernmental agreement on military cooperation, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Russia has a contract with Iran to deliver long-range S-300 air-defense missiles, and Tehran has said it plans to ink a deal with Moscow for the purchase of Su-30 fighter jets. Based on reporting by AFP, TASS, and Interfax Copyright (c) 2016 RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org Iran says Airbus A380s 'may not be delivered' 02/22/16 Source: Press TV Iran says it will replace A380 Airbus planes with A350 planes if the conditions for their delivery are not met as agreed - an announcement that has now cast doubts if the advanced planes that the country had earlier said wanted for long-distance flights to the Americas will ever be available to Tehran. Photos: An Airbus A350 plane, traveling from Singapore to France, landed at Tehran's Mehrabad airport on Saturday February 20th to allow journalists and Iran Air personnel to get a close look. (source: Photos: An Airbus A350 plane, traveling from Singapore to France, landed at Tehran's Mehrabad airport on Saturday February 20th to allow journalists and Iran Air personnel to get a close look.(source: Islamic Republic News Agency Farhad Parvaresh, the managing director of Iran Air, has been quoted by the media as saying that Iran may even go for other Airbus models if any problem occurs over the delivery of A380s. In January, Iran signed a major deal worth over $27 billion for the purchase of 118 planes from Airbus. The deal - which is yet to be finalized - was signed during a landmark trip to Paris by Iran's President Hassan Rouhani. Iran Air chief Parvaresh has told the reporters that 16 planes will be A380s that will be - if no problem occurs - delivered to Iran from 2021. He added that 16 planes will also be A350s which he said are even more advanced than A380s. The deliveries of A350s will be materialized through financial facilities that will mostly be provided by Airbus as well as European financial institutions, the official added. Iran will not use its internal resources to fund the purchases of the planes, he added. Iran has a potential order list for 500 commercial planes to renovate its aging fleet. According to Minister of Transportation Abbas Akhoundi, Iran's current civil aviation fleet consists of 248 aircraft with an average age of 20 years, of which 100 are in storage. The country will need to buy 500 commercial jets of various models at a cost of $50 billion and has been talking to both Airbus and Boeing to acquire aircraft under lease or sale/leaseback deals, he has said before. Akhoundi said in January that Airbus's first deliveries to flag carrier Iran Air are due as early as July. Meanwhile, Iran's media reported in mid-February that Iran wants the long-range Airbus A380 planes for long-distance flights to destinations like New York and Toronto, and Rio de Janeiro in the Americas, Tokyo and Beijing in East Asia, Moscow in Europe, Sydney in Australia, and Casablanca and Johannesburg in Africa. An Airbus A350 plane at Tehran's Mehrabad airport - Saturday February 20th, 2016 (photos by Mojtaba Mohammadlou, Islamic Republic News Agency) Intel wants the 5G network of tomorrow to be smarter, not necessarily faster. The computer chip maker hopes to position itself at the forefront of a new era of connected devices that will be able to prioritize data, and deliver speed and bandwidth where they are needed most. One of those cases is improving the connectivity options currently available for "smart cities," a concept that AT&T talked a lot about at CES 2016. Smart water and electricity meters, real-time infrastructure monitoring, and gunfire-detection technology have been around for decades, but often rely on conventional communication channels like radio and telephone lines. Intel wants to connect them with 5G, which won't require a lot of bandwidth, but will require the ability to prioritize their traffic over, say, a busload of passengers streaming Spotify. That means developing "slower but smarter data transfers," according to to Aicha Evans, who heads up the company's mobile chip division. "5G is not just a faster connection," she said during a media briefing last week. "It's going to require us to take into consideration spectrum availability. We waste a lot of our resources today. In some cases, we don't need the speed." After buying the cellular chip business of Infineon Technologies in 2010, Intel has steadily ramped up its mobile device offerings. It has struggled in mobile to compete against rivals like Qualcomm, Samsung, and Apple; Intel lost $4.21 billion on its mobile business in 2014, according to Forbes(Opens in a new window). Intel hopes to chart a new course with its 5G offerings, some of which will be demoed at Mobile World Congress this week. The new chips, such as the XMM 7115, will be based on the Narrow Band IOT(Opens in a new window) standard. Designed with the input of telecom partners like AT&T, they're aimed squarely at the smart cities market and other connected devices that require less data than a smartphone or tablet. One of the partners Intel is working with on 5G is Verizon, for conducting field trials(Opens in a new window). But Verizon has also teamed with Samsung(Opens in a new window) for similar tests, and the two just completed a series of in-building tests. The tests were conducted in a controlled, indoor environment at Verizon's New Jersey headquarters, using Verizon's wired network and Samsung's 5G Hybrid Adaptive Array antenna technology to simulate real-world uses. "Samsung delivered 5G wireless speeds over mmWave band spectrum in several real-world use cases including in-building and mobile environments," the companies said. "During the trials, Samsung also exhibited 4K UHD video content transmission over the air while in a moving vehicle using automatic beamforming multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) technology. "Additionally, Samsung demonstrated the power of a 5G network by successfully streaming live 360-degree virtual reality content in 4K UHD, consisting of 17 independent video feeds, to Samsung Galaxy phones with Samsung Gear VR." Verizon rival AT&T has plans to test 5G this year, too. Verizon says it should be able to get its 5G rollout started in 2018, but AT&T has a more conservative 2020 estimate. Whatever the case, the companies will need to wait until international standards are adopted. I recently got some hands-on time with the PlayStation VR at Sony's Northern California headquarters, and the experience was just plain awesome. I am not a big gamer, but I have to admit that the demo convinced me to buy a PlayStation VR when it arrives in the fall. I played a shoot-em-up game under development. Using special joystick wands, I held and shot a "gun," controlling the direction of what I saw and was shooting at via the VR goggles. I ducked when I needed to duck, laid on the floor to get out of the way of shots coming towards me, and sat shotgun in a getaway car to hold off attackers. Once you play a game in VR, all other games are boring. Sony's position in VR is unique. There are 36 million PS4 owners, all of whom are prime targets for the Playstation VR. With so many potential users, PlayStation VR should be one of the first platforms that VR software developers target. Sony is positioning itself as one of the best ways for developers to reach a massive audience of people ready to spend money on virtual reality. As Dean Takahashi noted on VentureBeat(Opens in a new window), PlayStation VR chief Dr. Richard Marks talked up possible opportunities for developers at the recent Vision Summit in Los Angeles. "With analysts predicting that Oculus VR will sell maybe 1 million of its Rift headsets(Opens in a new window) through the first 12 months, Sony is implying that it could do much better than that," he wrote. One issue is that PlayStation is largely a game platform, and not necessarily one that can be used for broader VR content. While Oculus Rift and HTC's Vive are also optimized for games, it's not their sole focus; we are seeing all types of new VR content for sports, travel, advertising, video, and even industrial applications. Android and iOS VR apps, meanwhile, are passable for showing VR content from a smartphone. So it seems that a gaming platform may not be the best place to develop apps for VR, especially ones that are industrial focused. So a PC-based platform may be more attractive for developers. Still, Sony's audience of 36 million users are a force to be reckoned with as a viable and important audience for VR. For example, the Playstation and Xbox are also vehicles for delivering on-demand movies, TV, YouTube, etc. and can be used for video-related VR. I just am not sure a gaming platform makes the transition to the broader VR apps beyond the gaming and video role it can play in nicely. I do think that when it comes to selling VR headsets in large quantities, Sony will have a big edge over Oculus Rift or HTC's Vive. But we are in the early days of VR and if Sony can ride the Playstation into the VR mainstream of gamers, you can bet that this could serve as a solid catalyst towards jump starting broader demand for VR. FBI Director James Comey on Sunday made a public plea for the American people to support the FBI's controversial request for access to the San Bernardino shooter's iPhone. In an opinion piece(Opens in a new window) penned for the Lawfare blog, Comey suggests that the case "isn't about trying to set a precedent or send any kind of message." The government, he said, simply wants justice for victims and survivors of the tragedy. "We owe them a thorough and professional investigation under law. That's what this is," Comey wrote. "The American people should expect nothing less from the FBI." Last week, a Los Angeles District Court judge ruled that Apple must assist the Bureau in the search of an iPhone 5c owned by San Bernardino shooter Syed Rizwan Farook. That includes disabling the auto-erase function that kicks in after 10 failed password attempts. Once that's lifted, the FBI plans to use "brute force" to crack the code, trying millions of combinations without fear of deleting crucial information. "We simply want the chance, with a search warrant, to try to guess the terrorist's passcode without the phone essentially self-destructing and without it taking a decade to guess correctly," Comey wrote. The controversial court order does not explicitly ask Apple to break the phone's encryption, but rather to develop and install a new mobile operating system to allow the government access to Farook's data. But Apple CEO Tim Cook says that's a slippery slope, suggesting that a backdoor created for the FBI could very easily land in the hands of those with nefarious intent. "Law enforcement agents around the country have already said they have hundreds of iPhones they want Apple to unlock if the FBI wins this case. In the physical world, it would be the equivalent of a master key, capable of opening hundreds of millions of locks," Apple said in a Q&A posted to its website(Opens in a new window). "Of course, Apple would do our best to protect that key, but in a world where all of our data is under constant threat, it would be relentlessly attacked by hackers and cybercriminals. As recent attacks on the IRS systems and countless other data breaches have shown, no one is immune to cyberattacks." The FBI doesn't "want to break anyone's encryption or set a master key loose on the land," Comey insisted. "Maybe the phone holds the clue to finding more terrorists. Maybe it doesn't," he added. "But we can't look the survivors in the eye, or ourselves in the mirror, if we don't follow this lead." In its Q&A, Apple said it has already given the FBI everything it can short of creating that backdoor. "One of the strongest suggestions we offered was that they pair the phone to a previously joined network, which would allow them to back up the phone and get the data they are now asking for. Unfortunately, we learned that while the attacker's iPhone was in FBI custody the Apple ID password associated with the phone was changed. Changing this password meant the phone could no longer access iCloud services." Apple, meanwhile, said its opposition to the FBI's request is "absolutely not" a marketing tactic. "We feel strongly that if we were to do what the government has asked of us to create a backdoor to our products not only is it unlawful, but it puts the vast majority of good and law abiding citizens, who rely on iPhone to protect their most personal and important data, at risk." Late last week, the DOJ filed a motion to force Apple to comply with the court's original order. The agency said it shared the iDevice maker's concern that information needs to be protected, but insists the FBI's order does not compromise that goal. Apple has until Feb. 26 to submit its response to the court. Tech titans Google, Twitter, Facebook, and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, among others, have lent their support to Cupertino in its fight with the FBI. Heads up, international travelers: Lenovo on Sunday announced(Opens in a new window) a new global wireless roaming service that eliminates the hassle of having to buy a separate SIM card when bouncing from place to place. Lenovo Connect is designed to offer low-priced global roaming on a variety of devices, and work across networks and borders. Aimed at businesses and mobile professionals, the new service will initially be available to those in China, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa offering "simple, fast and cost-effective connectivity" from certain Lenovo devices. Lenovo Connect launches this month in China on the LeMeng X3 smartphone and MIIX 700 tablet, offering local pricing on Internet access in more than 50 countries around the world. Lenovo says it plans to expand the service to additional tablets and laptops later this year. It will also be available in 45 EMEA markets this quarter for select ThinkPad laptops, offering "secure data connectivity at competitive rates" in more than 110 countries globally. "With the dawn of 5G and the Internet of Things, we expect to see the telecom market expand exponentially," Lenovo vice president Wang Shuai said in a statement. "Lenovo Connect will help move us into the new, globally connected world by creating a seamless smart connection across networks, services and devices." You may think of Lenovo as just a device maker, but the company is also one of the world's largest mobile virtual network operators, with 11 million customers today. "Lenovo Connect expands upon Lenovo's smart connection strategy to integrate cloud services and communications channels with devices," the company said. Meanwhile, Lenovo also at MWC introduced several new convertible-hybrid laptops for the mobile pro and home user, including the IdeaPad Miix 310. The company is also jumping feet first into the tablet market with the kid-friendly Tab3 7 and Tab3 8, as well as the Tab3 10 Business for enterprise customers. BARCELONAThe Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 is just starting to hit the market, and Samsung and LG are using it in their new VR experiences. But Qualcomm EVP Cristiano Amon says the "next generation Snapdragon"presumably next year's modelwill amp up its VR power into "desktop-type scenarios." Amon was responding to a question about HTC's Vive, which Valve's Chet Faliszek said yesterday requires too much computing power to be used with a mobile device. "One of the bets we've made is in 4K display for mobile, with a high frame rate and a very large GPU investment where the GPU becomes more important than the CPU," Amon said. "We see no limitation to get the use cases you see in desktop to a mobile device, and with the next-generation Snapdragon you're going to see a lot of those devices become commercially available," he said. For the Vive's true walk-around, manipulable VR, its headset needs to transmit HD video at 90 frames per second and sync with low levels of latency only available through cabling to a PC, Faliszek said. Qualcomm is working on overcoming that challenge, Qualcomm's CEO Steve Mollenkopf said. "The importance of timing audio and visual together is very high, but the SOC players [like Qualcomm] have an important advantage so they have the ability to take the CPU and GPU, and have them combined together." Qualcomm's new X16 modem will enable gigabit LTE devices in the second half of this year, Amon said, with gigabit wireless speeds becoming mainstream in 2017 as operators upgrade their networks. "The whole Internet is going wireless and you will need the fiber-like speeds into your smartphone," Amon said. Qualcomm is also working on 802.11ad, a low-latency multi-gigabit wireless technology which could solve local wireless streaming problems to headsets, he said. "We think it's going to be an exciting use case that we're going to be big players in." Edward Snowden didn't reveal anything we didn't already know. At least, he didn't reveal anything that privacy advocates(Opens in a new window) or the global intelligence community(Opens in a new window) weren't already keenly aware of. What Snowden did do was become the public face of digital privacy advocacy backed by a trove of Orwellian PowerPoint slides(Opens in a new window). (It also didn't hurt that he's disarmingly eloquent and possesses boy-next-door good looks which just ooze aw shucks all over the place.) Snowden brought issues of near-unfettered digital surveillance front and center. And people got angry about the loss of their privacy! Or rather, people in the techblogosphere got pretty pissed off about it. The public, for their part, were only so-so outraged(Opens in a new window) by the prospect of mass surveillance. In truth, most people just don't feel like they have any real need to fear surveillance. In fact, people have repeatedly shown that they value convenience far more than privacy. While the polls routinely reflect the public's overall meh-ness regarding government snooping (among U.S. citizens(Opens in a new window), at least), security issues they do care about inevitably arise when the government mandates backdoor vulnerabilities be hardwired into a technological ecosystem. While these backdoors are ostensibly constructed for "nobody but us" to get through (a concept that even has its own shorthand: NOBUS(Opens in a new window)), history has shown that they will be discovered and utilized by hackers and other bad guys. And that leads us to Apple CEO Tim Cook's recent dust-up with the FBI. Cook has taken a startlingly bold stance for privacy in defiance of a judge's order to help the government break into the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino shooters. On its face, this fight appears to be a purely (and admirably) principled stand by the planet's largest publicly traded company. While Silicon Valley has lined up in support of Apple, the reaction from politicians and government officials has been overwhelmingly negative (occasionally bordering on absurdly dramatic(Opens in a new window)). Meanwhile, support from the publicwho this defiance is presumably in service ofhas been painfully tepid(Opens in a new window). While there is no doubt some core principles influencing Cook's defiance, I can't help but think that there's a business-minded agenda in the mix as well. Similar to the way that executives at Facebook and Google are unquestionably earnest in their desire to connect billions in developing countries to the Internet, there also just happens to be an opportunity to make a buck if they are the ones who do the connecting. It would have been exceeding easy for Apple to capitulate to the judge's orders and help the government break into the phone ("sorry, our hands were tied!"), and therefore help infiltrate an unquestionably brutal and threatening fanatical organization. That decision might have drawn some condemnation from privacy advocates, but most people would have remained blissfully unaware that it ever happened. However, when Cook decided to fight the order in a very public way, it helped Apple become synonymous with privacy and security (which might stand in contrast to the rival Android ecosystem and its many, many security issues), not to mention willful non-compliance with authorities. Cynicism might dictate that this non-compliance is all about Apple wanting to sell more iPhones in the increasingly important, if quasi-totalitarian, Chinese market (or anywhere outside the U.S. for that matter). And that may be part of it, though Apple denies it(Opens in a new window). But I think it actually has to do with the products that Apple is preparing for the decade(s) to come. Machines are becoming far more personal. They're getting smaller and lighter; they are with us all day. In a relative blink of history, computers went from taking up entire rooms to being a thing we wrap around our wrists. And they're taking on more tasks all the time; increasingly personal tasks at that. They are handling our financial transactions, monitoring our bodies, and even conversing with us using real language. They are taking over the ways we interact our vehicles, and soon enough will take complete control of them. The line between software and meatware will only continue to blur. I have little reason to doubt that the scorching hot wearables space willin the not crazy futuregive way to implantables(Opens in a new window). That may seem like a sci-fi step too far for many, but mark my words, this is a thing that will happen. If we don't see a commercially available implantable electronic device by 2026, reach out to me, I'll owe you a coke. The transition isn't too hard to imagine. If there was a way for a tiny device to provide a steady stream of visual and audio (and possibly haptic) stimulation that was accessible hands-free at all times, wouldn't you want it? Sound crazy? Look around your local Starbucks and see how just about everybody has their faces buried in their phonesthe fact that they have to actually hold it up with their hands is only an engineering barrier that has yet to be overcome. If getting a tiny device attached to your person was as routine and safe as getting one's ears pierced, a good part of the population would gladly sign up. When I hear doubts that this transition could ever happen (some within the very offices here at PCMag), I am reminded of conversations I had with my parents in the late 1990s when I was scolded (yes scolded!) for a needless and exuberant purchase of my first "cellular phone." You already have a phone at home and work, do you really need to have a phone on you at all times? Fast forward to today and I am routinely contacted (by cell phone) to help these same parents with their smartphone issues. Technology evolves, and people evolve with it. The future promises that technology is gonna get all up in your business. One thing to keep in mind with the coming storm of tech-all-up-in-your-business business is that consumers will only adopt these increasingly intimate devices if they feel secure. This is something that tech luminaries such as Mr. Cook are surely cognizant. The first time someone is injured when a self-driving car is commandeered by a bored hacker in Ukraine, people will stop using that brand of self-driving car. The same goes for the first time someone breaks into the fitness tracker being monitored by your doctor; the supposedly secure wireless payment platform; or yes, the implantable device you can't easily remove. Hackers and bad players have always been with the Internet. As technology drags both our minds and bodies further into The Matrix, consumers will only want to do business with companies that take the security of our most intimate selves very seriously. With its Free Basics initiative, Facebook wants to bring Internet access to the billions of people who don't yet have Web access. In order to find those people, though, the company's engineers are building a world map based on satellite imagery that they hope will be more complete than any census ever taken. The goal, according to a Facebook blog post(Opens in a new window), is fairly simple: match population patterns with the type of technology needed to deliver Internet access. A remote village could be brought online with a combination of Wi-Fi and cellular signals. Conventional terrestrial cables could link a string of fishing huts. The most isolated outposts could be served by a solar-powered drone that can fly for months at a time. Cataloging these population patterns is not as simple as scanning a bunch of satellite images. More than 99 percent of the images Facebook is working with contain no human settlements at all. So its programmers modified the artificial intelligence engine that detects faces in users' photos, teaching it how to search for buildings instead. Twenty countries, 21.6 million square kilometers and 350TB of imagery later, Facebook says its results are not only accurate enough to guide its connectivity efforts, but could also provide governments with a way to verify census data. The data will be released to the public later this year. In the meantime, Facebook is developing the technologies to deliver Internet access at breakneck speed. According to CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the company's drone is already performing weekly test flights. It has the "wingspan of a 747 but weighs about as much as a car," he said during a keynote address today at MWC in Barcelona. "There are solar panels on the wings so it can stay aloft for three to six months at a time." The drone will beam Internet to remote areas with a giant laser, which is proving challenging to design. Zuckerberg likened it to shooting a laser pointer from California and hitting the Statue of Liberty in New York. Sure, its cool to say, OK Google to your Android phone and ask questions like, Whats the best sushi place nearby? or How did Mount Everest get its name? But once the novelty of gimmicky voice commands like those wears off, you may find yourself hardly ever speaking to your Android devicewell, unless youre chatting with a human. Thats a shame, though, because some Android voice commands can be quite useful, simple, and even time-saving. Such everyday activities as creating a reminder or setting your Android alarm clock are (Id argue, anyway) actually easier and faster to do by voice than by swiping and tapping. Same goes for finding where youre going, adding an event to your calendar, or even sending a brief text message. Read on for eight Android voice commands that are actually really useful, starting with 1. Open an app With a single tap, you can open Gmail, Chrome, Google Maps, or any other app that you happen to have sitting front-and-center on a home screen or in the app dock. But hunting for an app thats buried deep down in the application drawer can be a real pain. Ben Patterson Its often easier to open an Android app using voice commands rather than digging around the application drawer. If youd rather not waste time sifting through all your apps for just the right one, try this: Say (for example), Open Kindle app or Open Skitch app. When you do (and assuming the app you asked for is installed on your device, of course), Google will simply open the app. If its not sure which app you want to open, itll present you with the icon for the app it thinks you requested; just tap the blue confirmation button, and the app will open. Bonus tip: You can set your Android phone or tablet to start listening the moment you say OK Google by opening the Google app and tapping Settings > Voice > OK Google detection. 2. Set up a reminder If you need to remind yourself to stop by the ATM on the way home from work, there are a couple ways to do it on an Android handset: the easy way, and the hard way. Ben Patterson You can set up an Android reminder in a flash if you just ask. Heres the hard way: You visit the Google app, tap the hamburger button in the top-left corner of the screen, tap Reminders, tap the little blue + button in the bottom corner, then tap in a title, pick a time from the drop-down menuand so on and so forth. The easy way? Say, OK Google, then, Remind me to stop at the ATM. The Google app will ask you when or where youd like to be reminded; just say, At 5 p.m. or, At Citibank on Court and First, then say, Yes when youre asked whether you want to save your new reminder. Easyand fast. 3. Set your alarm clock Click-click-click-click-click! Yep, thats the sound of repeatedly pressing the hour and minute buttons on a vintage Sony Dream Machineand if you miss the hour or minute by a single click, youll have to cycle all the way around again. Ben Patterson Just ask your Android device to Wake me up at 7 tomorrow to quickly set an early alarm. Sadly, the process is only slightly easier on Googles official Alarm Clock app. First, you open the app, then you tap the Alarm tab, tap the + sign, then dial in the time when you need to roll out of bed. My advice: Skip all that and simply say this to your Android device: Wake me up at 7:15 tomorrow. Google will immediately set your alarm for the appropriate time, and itll even be smart enough to get the AM part right. 4. Send a quick text message It might not be the best choice for, say, transcribing a deep and meaningful communication, but the Google app will do just nicely when it comes to firing off simple text messages via voice command. Ben Patterson Quick text messages like, Meet for dinner? are easily sent via voice command. Just say something like, Text Susan do you want to have lunch, and Google will compose a quick text message and double-check which Susan (and which of her various numbers) youd like to send the text to. Confirm the message, and youre doneno tapping required. 5. Send an email message Just as you can send a simple text message via voice, so can you send an email messagealthough again, the shorter the email, the better. Ben Patterson Composing an email via voice command is almost as easy as sending a text message. Say something like, Email Susan lets have dinner after work and Google will put an email message together, help you pick the right Susan, and send it. Nice, but theres a downside to sending an email message via voice command: You cant add a subject line. 6. Get Google Maps directions There might be a quicker way of getting driving directions other than using Google voice commands, but I doubt it. Ben Patterso Ben Patterson Say, Give me directions to the Empire State Building, and Google will quickly chart a course. Say something along the lines of, Give me directions to the Empire State Building, and Google will quickly put up a map with all the details. Tap the map to see your directions in the Google Maps app, or tap Start to launch driving directions. If you want walking or public transit directions rather than driving directions, just say so. And to plot a street address on Google Maps, just say the address. 7. Play some tunes If you feel like you could use a little Johnny Cash to boost your day, theres an easier way to do it than digging through the Play Music app. Ben Patterson Theres no quicker way to start playing your Johnny Cash collection on your Android device than by asking. Just say, Play Johnny Cash, and Android will immediately queue up one of your saved Johnny Cash albums (assuming youve got some in your Play account). You can also ask Google to play an album or a particular song; unfortunately, asking for a music shuffle doesnt quite work. 8. Set up a calendar appointment Adding a quick event to the Calendar app isin a manner of speaking, anywayeasier said than done. Ben Patterson Need to add a quick meeting to Androids Calendar app? Just ask. Just say (for example), Set up an appointment for noon tomorrow. Google will create a new appointment, ask you for a title, and request a verbal confirmation. The Open Connectivity Foundation plans to introduce a single open-source code base in place of the alphabet soup of standards for the Internet of Things. Its an ambitious goal for the group, which was announced just last week, but it may be possible given the OCFs impressive list of members. Intel, Qualcomm, Microsoft, Samsung, GE and Cisco are among the initial members. Getting all these companies to agree was a big relief for Aicha Evans, corporate vice president and general manager of the Communication and Devices Group at Intel. Her company started two years ago trying to bring everyone in IoT onto the same page, she said in an interview Monday at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. I had goosebumps, seeing all those companies, Evans said. OCF launched on Friday with few details about how it hoped to make all kinds of IoT devices work together. Evans filled out the picture a bit more. Today there are several software platforms for functions like device discovery and authentication, such as the IoTivity project and the AllSeen framework. But under OCF, there will be a single Apache-based code base, Evans said. It wont matter who made the device or the chipset inside it. OCF wont dictate the underlying network protocols devices use to exchange packets, but it will provide a common way to carry out key functions above that layer. For example, when two devices want to communicate or work together, theyll use OCF to figure out the best way to do so. That includes determining what functions each device can perform, what network protocols its equipped for, and what spectrum is available in the area. The industry had to act fast to make sure IoT would work in the long term, Evans said. She raised the spectre of a previous rough rollout when the first smartphone owners tried to use the mobile Internet on 2.5G networks that werent ready for it. If we wait until everybodys putting these machines on the network, were going to have a catastrophe. Its going to make the iPhone debut on AT&Ts network look like a blip, Evans said. Even with the major players on the same page, IoT wont be easy. In the age of 3G and 4G, complying with an established standard has been enough to make sure products work together. Because IoT is more complex than simple voice and data connections for cellphones, companies will have to cooperate one on one to make it work even if theyre competitors, Evans said. The 5G era will be good for Intel, which has had some rough patches in the mobile business, because it will bring together cloud computing along with networks and devices, she said. Intels strong position in data centers and its emerging small computing devices for IoT could bode well for its future in the space. Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook said in an early Monday morning email to employees that the U.S. government should withdraw its demand that Apple help the FBI hack a locked iPhone used by a shooter in the San Bernardino attack. The message, subject-lined Thank you for your support, is accompanied by an online question and answer page that reiterates many of the comments Cook made in a public letter after a magistrate judges order last week. His communication to staff also brushes aside several key government claims made in Fridays filing, including an assertion that the company was acting out of business interests in saying it would not cooperate with an investigation of the California shootings by the FBI. The comments from Apple and its CEO cap a week of back-and-forth filings and statements involving the Justice Department, FBI and Apple, after a U.S. magistrate ordered the company to break its iPhone security protocols to assist federal officials probing the San Bernardino shootings. Earlier coverage: County says software option was not fool-proof solution FBI chief says government not just sending a message Cook states in the letter to employees that the company has no tolerance or sympathy for terrorists and believes abiding by the judges order would be unlawful, an expansion of government powers, and would set a dangerous precedent that would essentially create a backdoor to the encrypted iPhone. This case is about much more than a single phone or a single investigation, Cook wrote, so when we received the governments order we knew we had to speak out. At stake is the data security of hundreds of millions of law-abiding people and setting a dangerous precedent that threatens everyones civil liberties. The question and answer posting acknowledges that it is technically possible for Apple to do what the judge ordered, but that its something we believe is too dangerous to do. Apple also points to the difficulty of keeping such a master key safe once it has been created. The government has said that Apple could keep the specialized technology it would create to help officials hack the phone bypassing a security time delay and feature that erases all data after 10 consecutive, unsuccessful attempts to guess the unlocking passcode. This would allow the FBI to use technology to rapidly and repeatedly test numbers in whats known as a brute force attack. If the companys engineers were to do as ordered, Apple would do its best to protect it the technology, but Cook said the company would be relentlessly attacked by hackers and cybercriminals. The only way to guarantee such a powerful tool isnt abused and doesnt fall into the wrong hands is to never create it, Apple states in the memo. The company has until Friday to formally protest the ruling in court. Cook said the government should withdraw its demand to the judge and form a group to discuss the issues brought up by this case. He said Apple would participate in such an undertaking. Apple said it has continued to cooperate and has tried to help the government since the Justice Department court filings. Much of the rhetoric has focused on whether the Justice Department would actually focus its investigation on a single phone, or whether its move in court represents an attempt to set a precedent for technology sharing that would ultimately be used on multiple phones. This high-profile case would not have existed if the county government that owned the iPhone had installed a feature on it that would have allowed the FBI to easily and immediately unlock the phone. San Bernardino County is disputing a software companys assertion that the county missed an opportunity to allow the FBI to easily access data on the iPhone issued to county employee and San Bernardino shooter Syed Rizwan Farook because the county failed to install an unlocking feature that it purchased. The Associated Press reported Sunday that county software supplier MobileIron Inc. said that if the technology, known as mobile device management, had been installed, San Bernardino officials would have been able to remotely unlock the iPhone for the FBI without the court battle that is now pitting digital privacy rights against national security concerns. County spokesman David Wert, responding to the report in an email Sunday, told The Press-Enterprise: No one has confirmed the countys version of the software could have unlocked the phone. The software is far from infallible. The management software can delete all information in case of loss or theft, track the devices physical location, determine which apps are installed, check battery life and push software updates. Wert said it is up to each department to install the feature, and the Department of Public Health, which employed Farook as an inspector, did not. Wert did not explain why the software was not installed. Wert also said that the APs reporting that Farook signed a statement acknowledging that county-owned digital devices can be searched at any time was incorrect. Employees do not sign such policies, Wert said. Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook said in an early Monday morning email to employees that the U.S. government should withdraw its demand that Apple help the FBI hack a locked iPhone used by a shooter in the San Bernardino attack. The message, subject-lined Thank you for your support, is accompanied by an online question and answer page that reiterates many of the comments Cook made in a public letter after a magistrate judges order last week. His communication to staff also brushes aside several key government claims made in Fridays filing, including an assertion that the company was acting out of business interests in saying it would not cooperate with an investigation of the California shootings by the FBI. The comments from Apple and its CEO cap a week of back-and-forth filings and statements involving the Justice Department, FBI and Apple, after a U.S. magistrate ordered the company to break its iPhone security protocols to assist federal officials probing the San Bernardino shootings. The FBI wants to look at emails, text messages and other data on the phone as part of its investigation into the Dec. 2 terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino that killed 14 people and wounded 22 others. So far, only Farook and wife Tashfeen Malik have been directly implicated in the attack. Both were killed in a later gun battle with police, and investigators are trying to determine whether others directed the plot or assisted the couple during the four-hour period after the attack and before their deaths. Apple Inc. and the Department of Justice are now battling in federal court to determine whether Apple should be forced to obey a court order to help the FBI hack the phone to access the data. A U.S. magistrate last week ordered Apple to provide the FBI with highly specialized software that could be loaded onto the work-issued iPhone 5C used by Farook. The software would help the FBI hack into the phone by bypassing a security time delay and feature that erases all data after 10 consecutive, unsuccessful attempts to guess the unlocking passcode. This would allow the FBI to use technology to rapidly and repeatedly test numbers in whats known as a brute force attack. The only person who likely knew the unlocking passcode is Farook. The iPhone assigned to him also lacked a Touch ID feature, meaning the FBI cannot use the dead gunmans thumbprint to unlock it now. The FBI found the phone in a car after the shootings. Apple has said it will protest the ruling and has until Friday to intervene in court. Apple officials say the court order would cause the company to create a so-called backdoor that would allow access to data on all iPhones. Wert also disputed to the AP the value of the remote management technology because he said Farook or any other county employee could have removed it manually. But that would have alerted county technology employees and led them to intervene. Farook apparently turned off the phones iCloud remote storage function on Oct. 19, about six weeks before the attack. Wert wrote in his email to The Press-Enterprise on Sunday that there have not yet been any discussions at the county about changing policies on employees disabling security or storage settings. This is the first time since the county issued its first Blackberry device in 2003 that law enforcement has needed access to a locked county-owned phone, Wert told the AP. Prosecutors said in court filings that the county gave its consent to search the device. Apple executives said Friday that the company had worked hard to help federal investigators get information off the locked iPhone, suggesting they use an iCloud workaround while the phone was connected to a familiar wireless network so that it would begin automatically backing up and provide access to data. The executives spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing legal process. The executives said Apple sent engineers to work with the FBI on the workaround but the effort ultimately failed. In the governments filing Friday, prosecutors said in a footnote that neither the county nor the FBI knew the password to the iCloud account and the county, in an effort to get access to information on the phone in the hours after the attack, reset the password remotely thereby eliminating the possibility of that workaround being successful. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Southern California couple has pleaded guilty to smuggling more than 900 endangered sea turtle eggs into the United States from Mexico. Hemet residents Jose and Olga Jimenez entered their pleas in San Diego to federal smuggling and conspiracy charges. Authorities say the couple tried to smuggle the eggs into the U.S. in 2014 in coolers under layers of ice, fish and shrimp. The eggs are considered a delicacy and an aphrodisiac in Asia, where they may sell for hundreds of dollars. The couple also agreed to forfeit the eggs and pay up to $9,000 in restitution to the Mexican government. They still could face up to 50 years in prison when theyre sentenced in May. An afternoon fire damaged a double-wide mobile home in Homeland, say Riverside County Fire Department officials. The blaze was reported at 4:23 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, along the 31400 block of Allen Avenue, about a half-mile southwest of the towns post office. Homeland straddles Highway 74, west of Hemet. The crews of five fire engines and a ladder truck were assigned to the incident. Within a half hour, firefighters had confined the flames to the buildings exterior. Southern California Edison workers were summoned to deal with downed power lines. In case you missed it, California Attorney General and Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Kamala Harris made a campaign stop at a union headquarters in Riverside on Sunday, Feb. 21. She covered a lot of ground family leave, abortion rights and immigration among other topics and I didnt have room to include a brief interview I conducted after her remarks. I asked Harris what she knows about the Inland Empire and its challenges. Ive spent some time out here over the years and one of the biggest issues is the economy. Its about jobs, its about housing, she said. For a lot of the young people in this valley its also about affordable education with a specific emphasis on student loan debt. Immigration is another big issue for the region, Harris said. Congress needs to pass comprehensive immigration reform for people who are living in the shadows but want to come out in the light, she said. Theyre living a productive life and they want leadership that actually recognizes that. Harris and Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Santa Ana, are the top Democrats competing for the right to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. I asked Harris why voters should pick her instead of Sanchez. Certainly the case that Im making to the voters about my qualifications is that Ive actually done a lot of this work and I know how the decisions they make in Washington D.C. affect us in California, Harris said. Thats the work Ive been doing my entire career. And I think people want that. They want leadership thats about actually demonstrating performance. Harris has been mentioned as a possible replacement for the late Antonin Scalia on the U.S. Supreme Court. While she has said shes not interested in being that nominee, Harris made it clear where she stands in the debate over whether President Barack Obama should have a role in picking Scalias successor. Theres no question that the president of the United States should be allowed to perform his duties to nominate someone to the United States Supreme Court, Harris said. And there is no question that it would be outrageous if the United States Senate refused to consider that appointment. A hiker in a group of mountains near Palm Springs was the subject of a search-and-rescue mission Monday, Feb. 22. UPDATE: Stranded hiker located Rescuers were working to save the hiker about 12:30 p.m., Palm Springs Police Lt. Mike Kovaleff said in a news release. It was not clear whether rescuers had found the hiker by then. The hiker was without water but was in contact with rescuers by cell phone, the release said. No other information was immediately available. This story is developing. Check back for updates. UPDATE Tuesday, Feb. 23: Bill Gates has also issued a statement on the subject. The FBI and Apple took their arguments outside court Monday in their dispute over whether the electronics company should help the FBI discover any data stored on an iPhone used by one of the terrorists in the San Bernardino massacre. A hearing is set for March 22 on whether Apple can be ordered to build a software program that can help the government discover any material on the San Bernardino County-issued phone, but both FBI Director James Comey and Apple CEO Tim Cook issued statements on the case Sunday night and early Monday, respectively. We simply want the chance, with a search warrant, to try to guess the terrorists passcode without the phone essentially self-destructing and without it taking a decade to guess correctly, Comey wrote in an open letter released late Sunday. Thats it. We dont want to break anyones encryption or set a master key loose on the land. I hope thoughtful people will take the time to understand that. The Apple CEO also called on the government to withdraw its court actions and form a commission or other panel, as some in Congress have proposed of experts on intelligence, technology and civil liberties to discuss the implications for law enforcement, national security, privacy and personal freedoms. Apple would gladly participate in such an effort. Cook described that as the best way forward. Comey repeated that the FBI believes its request to review any material that may be stored on the iPhone used by Syed Rizwan Farook is narrow and can be limited to that phone only. He also said future technology may make outmoded what the agency is requesting now. The relief we seek is limited and its value increasingly obsolete because the technology continues to evolve, the FBI director wrote. Apple has said once such a program is created, other law enforcement agencies might seek a court order asking Apple to create another one unique to the device they want to look at. Observers has said it could also set a precedent in other countries where Apple devices are used. We all know that turning back the clock on that progress would be a terrible idea, Cook said in an early-Monday email to Apple employees. The Cupertino-basd company also released an online Q&A about the case. This case is about much more than a single phone or a single investigation, so when we received the governments order we knew we had to speak out, Cooks letter stated. At stake is the data security of hundreds of millions of law-abiding people, and setting a dangerous precedent that threatens everyones civil liberties. THE ONLY SOURCE The FBI got a magistrate judges order last week telling Apple to create a software program that will work around built-in security measures on the phone used by Farook, a San Bernardino County restaurant inspector, who with wife Tashfeen Malik opened fire on a gathering of Farooks co-workers on Dec. 2, killing 14 and wounding 22. The couple was killed in a shootout with police hours later. The FBI says the iPhone may be the only source for any information related to the shootings, because Farook turned off the iCloud storage feature about six weeks before the attack. The phone was recovered in a warrant search of Farooks mothers car. After Apple issued a public statement saying it would fight the order, the government also filed for a motion to compel Apple to obey the order. Apple has until Friday to file a court response to the order. Comey said in his letter the agency does not know for certain what the iPhone may contain. Although this case is about the innocents attacked in San Bernardino, it does highlight that we have awesome new technology that creates a serious tension between two values we all treasure privacy and safety, Comey wrote. That tension should not be resolved by corporations that sell stuff for a living, he said. In the Apple online Q&A, the company responded to the allegation that its opposition was based on its marketing and business model concerns. Absolutely not. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is and always has been about our customers, the Apple statement said. Apple believes creating a backdoor to enter its products puts the vast majority of good and law abiding citizens, who rely on iPhone to protect their most personal and important data, at risk. The Q&A also recounted Apples efforts to help the government in the investigation, and said that help in the form of suggestions to acquire the phone information continued even after the order was issued. We have done everything thats both within our power and within the law to help in this case. As weve said, we have no sympathy for terroristsAs the government has confirmed, weve handed over all the data we have, including a backup of the iPhone in question. One of the strongest suggestions we offered was that they pair the phone to a previously joined network, which would allow them to back up the phone and get the data they are now asking for. Unfortunately, we learned that while the attackers iPhone was in FBI custody the Apple ID password associated with the phone was changed. Changing this password meant the phone could no longer access iCloud services. In a government filing Friday, prosecutors said in a footnote that neither the county nor the FBI knew the password to the iCloud account and the county, in an effort to get access to information on the phone in the hours after the attack, reset the password remotely thereby eliminating the possibility of that workaround being successful. Apple has until Friday to file a court response to the order. Comey said in his letter the agency does not know for certain what the iPhone may contain. Maybe the phone holds the clue to finding more terrorists. Maybe it doesnt. But we cant look the survivors in the eye, or ourselves in the mirror, if we dont follow this lead, he wrote. UNLOCKING SOLUTION DISPUTED San Bernardino County disputes a software companys assertion that the county missed an opportunity to allow the FBI to easily access data on the iPhone issued to Farook because the county failed to install an unlocking feature that it purchased. The Associated Press reported Sunday that county software supplier MobileIron Inc. said that if the technology, known as mobile device management, had been installed, San Bernardino officials would have been able to remotely unlock the iPhone for the FBI. County spokesman David Wert, responding to the report in an email Sunday to The Press-Enterprise, wrote: No one has confirmed the countys version of the software could have unlocked the phone. The software is far from infallible. The management software can delete all information in case of loss or theft, track the devices physical location, determine which apps are installed, check battery life and push software updates. Wert said it is up to each department to install the feature, and the Department of Public Health, which employed Farook as an inspector, did not. Wert did not explain why the software was not installed. Wert also said that the APs reporting that Farook signed a statement acknowledging that county-owned digital devices can be searched at any time was incorrect. Employees do not sign such policies, Wert said. A Pew Research Center survey found that 51 percent of Americans said Apple should unlock the iPhone, while 38 percent said Apple should not and that it should ensure the security of user information. The remainder gave no opinion. The telephone survey was conducted Feb. 18 through Feb. 21 among 1,002 adults. Staff writer Brian Rokos contributed to this report. RELATED: DA Ramos issues statement supporting victims in FBI-Apple flap Bill Gates disappointed by reports he backs FBI Apple gets more time to file its response Government vs. Apple divided by passion FBI raids home of San Bernardino shooters brother Tiniest bit of evidence can be crucial, expert says Apple opposes order to unlock shooters iPhone Q&A on the Apple vs. Justice Department court fight Complete coverage of the San Bernardino shooting, aftermath The Eastvale City Council on Wednesday, Feb. 24 is set to adopt a bicycle master plan that sets out policies and objectives to connect local neighborhoods to make it easier to get around Eastvale on bike. Development of the bike master plan was funded by the Southern California Association of Governments. Work began in May of 2014. The bicycle master plan was reviewed by the citys planning commission and public safety commission. The planning commission voted 5-0 at its Feb. 17 meeting to recommend adoption of the plan. The Eastvale City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Rosa Parks Elementary School, 13830 Whispering Hills Drive. Information: 951-361-0900. Contact the writer: 951-368-9647 or sstokley@pressenterprise.com Moreno Valley is being hit with a second wave of legal challenges over the World Logistics Center with area transportation and air quality officials among those accusing the developer and city of attempting to circumvent state environmental law. The South Coast Air Quality Management District and Riverside County Transportation Commission announced Friday, Feb. 19, that they have filed additional lawsuits over the 40.6-million square-foot project that would transform the citys eastern side. The air quality district lawsuit was filed Thursday. The transportation agency filed its suit Friday. A coalition of environmental groups also is preparing to file another lawsuit next week, and Riverside County could decide Monday whether to join with a second challenge. The lawsuits are aimed at the Moreno Valley City Councils November vote to adopt three ballot initiatives intended to shield the project from environmental challenges that were filed after the project was approved in August. The council essentially repealed its prior approval and replaced it with nearly identical language. The air board and transportation agency were among those who filed nine lawsuits earlier that contend the city failed to address traffic and environmental concerns as required by the California Environmental Quality Act. This project may be the largest of its kind in the world, said Sam Atwood, a spokesman for the air district. It has impacts on air quality and public health. John Standiford, deputy executive director of the transportation commission, said the agency is joining with the air district in challenging the Moreno Valleys actions on similar grounds. Our concern from the beginning is the lack of mitigation for the traffic impacts for the project, he said. A spokesman for Highland Fairview CEO and president Iddo Benzeevi said Benzeevi could not be reached for comment Friday. Moreno Valley officials criticized the latest lawsuits. Very sad commentary to see these agencies ganging up on Moreno Valley, Interim City Attorney Steve Quintanilla said. I wonder if they are also scrutinizing our neighbors logistic projects with as much zealous vigor. Moreno Valley Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez said a drawn-out legal process will only cause more harm. We just need to move forward and make the WLC the best project it can be, he said. Gutierrez and other supporters of the project say it will bring 20,000 jobs to the city and provide a much-needed boost to its economy. The City Council scheduled an emergency closed-door meeting for Friday evening to discuss the lawsuits. Transportation officials have said that area freeways will see increased congestion with an estimated 68,000 vehicles 14,000 of them trucks and the project fails to provide funding to improve the roads. Air district officials say its would worsen air quality in a region that already doesnt meet federal air quality standards and that the city and developer rejected suggestions that the project utilitize the most up-to-date technology to reduce air pollution. Rather than address the districts concerns, developer Highland Fairview devised a strategy to moot the litigation and avoid judicial review, the air district lawsuit states. The transportation commission lawsuit said two of the initiatives amount to an unlawful exercise of the initiative power and are therefore invalid. The lawsuits seek to have the court order the City Council to rescind its adoption of two of the initiatives and halt the city from approving any permits or other actions allowing the project to proceed. A committee funded with $800,000 from Highland Fairview began collecting signatures for the measures shortly after the project approval, saying they wanted to avoid costly legal delays. In a 2014 case, the California Supreme Court ruled that voter-approved development initiatives are generally exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. The case also allows legislative bodies to adopt them without actually taking them to voters as was done in Moreno Valley. But project critics say state law limits what kind of actions can be approved through the initiative process. The state Constitution prohibits initiatives from benefiting private groups such as Highland Fairview and only legislative bodies can enter into development agreements, according to the lawsuits. Aruna Prabhala, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, called the actions by the city and developer troubling, saying they show a clear attempt to circumvent the state environmental law. The group is among a coalition of environmental groups suing that include the Jurupa Valley-based Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice and will also challenge the initiatives, she said. The CEQA lawsuit isnt going away by adopting these initiatives, Prabhala said. The city has exposed itself to more litigation. Quintanilla said he believes the city is on safe ground, rejecting the arguments made in the lawsuits. If theres any project adopted through the initiative process, its gong to benefit a private developer, he said. This is how some Walmarts have been approved. Staff writer David Danelski contributed to this report. Contact the writer: 951-368-9558 or ighori@pressenterprise.com The Supreme Court is meeting for the first time since the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, as speculation swirls over a potential successor. President Barack Obama has vowed to nominate a candidate to take Scalias seat, but Senate Republicans, backed by their partys presidential contenders, have pledged to block anyone Obama puts forward. Republicans have said the choice should await the next president. Eight justices are expected to take the bench at 7 a.m. PST Monday and resume the courts work. Scalia died in Texas on Feb. 13. He was buried on Saturday. Justice Clarence Thomas said last week that it is hard to imagine the court without Scalia, who served as a justice for nearly 30 years. Scalias sharp questioning of lawyers transformed arguments into lively sessions in which the justices sometimes seemed to be talking to each other, rather than to the lawyers arguing before them. The void created by Scalias death will be visible on Monday. His chair, draped in black wool crepe, will remain in its usual place to the right of Chief Justice John Roberts until next month. Only in late March do the justices plan to switch seats in line with their seniority on the court. Justice Anthony Kennedy is now the longest-serving member of the court, with 28 years of experience. Arguments in two cases are scheduled for Monday. One involves a dispute over preferences given to military veterans seeking Veterans Administration contracts. The other case concerns whether evidence of a crime should be thrown out of court because the police did something wrong or illegal that led to the discovery of the evidence. One of the terms biggest cases, a challenge to Texas strict regulation of abortion clinics, awaits the court next week. KALAMAZOO, Mich. The shootings came out of nowhere, one after the other, and with no apparent connection. A woman was shot multiple times Saturday evening as she stood in the parking lot of her suburban townhouse complex. A few miles away, and a few hours later, a man and his son, who the authorities said was 17 or 18, were fatally shot outside a balloon-lined car dealership near a strip of fast-food restaurants. Minutes after that, along an interstate highway just outside Kalamazoo, four women were fatally shot, and a teenage girl gravely injured, as they sat in their cars outside a Cracker Barrel restaurant. The authorities said a lone gunman, Jason B. Dalton, a driver for Uber, was responsible for the long, chaotic night of terror in this county, and investigators were looking into reports that he was ferrying passengers before the shooting began and perhaps even in between some of the sudden, random bursts. One customer said Dalton took him on a harrowing ride around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, less than two hours before the shootings. Another said Dalton agreed to provide her a ride late Saturday, after the attacks were over. The explosion of violence here left the authorities trying to piece together what might have prompted someone to roam in search of victims. In all, six people were killed and two injured at three shooting scenes across Kalamazoo County, in southwest Michigan between Detroit and Chicago. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 74. Dalton, 45, a former insurance company employee, was arrested without incident in the parking lot of a downtown Kalamazoo bar about six hours after the rampage began. Theres this sense of loss, theres this anger, theres fear, theres all these emotions, Jeffrey Getting, the Kalamazoo County prosecutor, said at a news conference early Sunday. You put on top of that: How do you go and tell the families of these victims that they werent targeted for any reason than they were there to be a target? Over the past year, the country has experienced a series of mass shootings including ones at a church in Charleston, South Carolina; at a community college in Oregon; and at a county government gathering in San Bernardino, California, which was later declared an act of terrorism. President Barack Obama has repeatedly called for the nation to take steps to curb gun violence and carry out stricter background checks. The authorities here did not immediately provide a motive for the rampage. There is some information out there about what was happening in the suspects life, Getting said. You know, of course, it doesnt come anywhere near to explain what hes done. Dalton, who was in custody Sunday and was expected to face formal charges as early as Monday, had no criminal record. Neighbors described him as quiet and polite, though he caught their attention when he occasionally shot a gun out the back door of the house he shared with his wife and two children. He had worked for Progressive Insurance until mid-2011. According to one passenger, he started working as an Uber driver recently. The passenger, Sara Reynolds, 25, said Dalton drove her and a friend to a movie theater on Feb. 14 so they could see Deadpool. In an interview, Reynolds recounted how Dalton had told her that he and his son had also seen the movie. But he also told Reynolds, unsolicited, that he was a new driver for Uber and that he had quickly picked up poor marks. He had just started doing Uber as a driver a day or two ago and that he had already gotten some bad reviews, which was a little weird, so I asked him about it, Reynolds said. And he said it was just drunk kids and his car messing up a little bit. I could tell that he didnt really want to talk about it anymore, said Reynolds, who described Dalton as a little shy and awkward, but he was pretty normal for the most part. Reynolds said she had no complaints about his driving that night. An Uber official who declined to be identified because of the continuing investigation said Dalton had passed a company background check. Joe Sullivan, chief security officer for Uber, said the company was reaching out to police to help with their investigation in any way that we can. Our hearts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this devastating crime and those recovering from injuries, Sullivan said. Another Uber passenger, Matt Mellen, said in an interview with WWMT-TV that a driver who appeared to be Dalton picked him up late Saturday afternoon, and that the man had driven erratically, speeding through the streets, ignoring a stop sign and swerving through traffic. He wouldnt stop, Mellen said. He just kind of kept looking at me like, Dont you want to get to your friends house? and Im like, I want to get there alive. Mellen said he had left the vehicle as quickly as he could. He later told his fiancee what had happened, and she posted a warning on Facebook around 5:30 p.m. Saturday and said they had called 911. He said he also contacted Uber about the ride. Shortly before 6 p.m., in a quiet suburban community northeast of Kalamazoo, shots rang out. James George, 17, said he had looked out the window to see a vehicle speeding away and a woman, wounded, sitting in the parking lot of the development. At least five bullet holes peppered the side of one rental townhouse. The woman, whom the authorities did not publicly identify, remained hospitalized Sunday evening. About four hours later, at a Seelye Ford and Kia car dealership in Kalamazoo, there were more shots. Tyler Smith and his father, Richard Smith, 53, were killed, the authorities said. Then, in a matter of minutes, five others were shot as they sat in two cars parked beside each other at a Cracker Barrel in an isolated area near an exit ramp from an interstate highway. Bullet holes were left in a windshield and the car windows. Four women died of multiple gunshot wounds, the medical examiners office said. They were identified as Mary Jo Nye, 60; Dorothy Brown, 74; Barbara Hawthorne, 68; and Mary Lou Nye, 62. A 14-year-old girl, part of the group, was in critical condition at a hospital. In a nearby mobile home park, Chris Juenemann said she had been watching television when she heard five bangs, which she immediately recognized as gunshots. It was just so loud, she said. Juenemann, whose family has lived there for 17 years, said that the restaurant was always busy, and that serious crime was rare. She said dozens of emergency vehicles soon arrived. More than two hours later, Dalton was arrested. Officers from the Department of Public Safety and deputies from the Kalamazoo Sheriffs Department spotted the suspects car Sunday morning in downtown Kalamazoo and pulled him over and arrested him, the authorities said. No shots were fired. A semiautomatic handgun was found in his vehicle, and the authorities said it appeared to match the evidence from the shootings. Investigators said Dalton had been in touch with more than one person over the course of the evening, and they were examining his cellphone for more evidence. We are very confident that we have the right person in custody, said Getting, the prosecutor. In the rural area outside the city where Dalton lived, police searched his brown, one-story home Sunday morning. Sally Pardo, a retired nurse who lived across the street from him and his family, said she and her husband had always thought of Dalton as a nice guy who worked on cars in his spare time. But he used guns in a troubling manner and sometimes sounded a little paranoid, she said. He periodically shot his gun out the back door, Pardo said. He would shoot randomly into the air. James Block, 53, who said he had lived next door to Dalton for about 15 years, said he was well-mannered and pleasant. Block noted that Dalton bought a guard dog about a year ago after an apparent burglary, and said he had spoken of concerns about people passing through his backyard. Less than an hour after the shootings ended, Dalton agreed to pick up a couple at a local pub, according to Carmen Morren, who said she and her boyfriend had agreed to the ride around 11 p.m. Minutes before the pickup, though, the couple unaware of the shootings happened to change their plans and rode with a different Uber driver. By the grace of God, we ended up canceling the Uber that we had, said Morren, who provided a screenshot that showed Dalton had been the driver for a trip that had been scrapped. We lucked out on that one. Warfare is shithouse for everyone involved, and its been that way since one of our unkempt ancestors first discovered they could crack someone upside the head with a rock. Modern warfares replaced stones with drones but its still shit; maybe even moreso, because instead of fighting against clearly delineated aggressors, much of the planet has found itself fighting an angry, amorphous blob of extremism. That blob also seems particularly fond of going out of its way to fuck up the lives of innocents in the name of its terrible, horrible, no good, very bad ideology. These factors mean that when Q&A assembled a panel including counter-insurgency expert David Kilcullen and Dr Raihan Ismail of ANUs Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, the topic of those attacks taking place in Australia was sure to pop up. Kilcullens take on the issue? Well, hes most definitely not assuming Australias exempt. I think that the answer to that is yes, it is inevitable that we are going to see at least some kind of terrorist attack here in Australia. And I dont mean to be pessimistic, but I think we have to be realistic that if you think the government can protect you from any kind of terrorist attack, youre living in dreamland. For the record, thats an opinion formed by a bloke with a considerable amount of experience: he was even the Chief Strategist of counter-terrorism in the United States. By contrast, Dr Ismail championed the view popularised by Waleed Aly late last year that posited overstating ISIS influence is not a good move at all. Muslims in this country are better integrated compared to some of the European countries for example, so we cant really exaggerate the threat of terrorist attacks happening in Australia. When you exaggerate the threat of terrorism in Australia, there are consequences. When you look at that you are empowering ISIS, because thats exactly what they want they want you to think they are a force, a strong force that can come and attack you. You are empowering the rhetoric of ISIS, and thats something we really have to avoid, because we cant let them dictate and make us afraid. While the program has gone in-depth on issues relating to Syria, Iraq and the unfolding clusterfuck wrought upon the region by the past 20 years of Western meddling, the pairs discussion is proof that those interferences are well and truly felt here too. Whether we take Kilcullens position and assume the worst is around the corner, or Ismails which states we cant let em decide we should be afraid? Well, that may take more discussion than an hour-long panel show can provide. Nevertheless, check out the clip below. David Kilcullen says another terror attack is inevitable. Raihan Ismail says you cant bomb an Ideology #QandA https://t.co/7LfyKfNzkt ABC Q&A (@QandA) February 22, 2016 Source: Q&A / ABC. Photo: Q&A / ABC. Data Republic is an Aussie start up, (funded by the good folk at Westpac), providing the companies of Oz & the US, with a safe & secure haven for data and data exchange, a.k.a. all the insider deets on customer behavior, including triggers and signals that inform their actions. An awesome opportunity has come up for a Content Marketing Strategist (SYD) to step in! As a Content Marketing Strategist, youll be a keen learner who is ready to dig deep and get amongst the data/data-exchange overload of knowledge youre about to consume. Youll be responsible for creating and delivering the content that gets the customers of Data Republic going, and make a zinger of an impression on each and every one of them. Youll be a witty wordsmith who can smash a solid sentence together. Youll also need to be the self-motivated sort, who can also work effectively with others, as youll be working alongside the stellar sales team. If youre keen to be part of a start up who, collectively has 75 years of experience up their sleeve, and is absolutely k-i-l-l-i-n-g it, then apply HERE! Joanie Loves ChaChi is a Sydney based fashion label started up by badass designer Jodi Griffiths. Joanie Loves ChaChi was created with the Australian market in mind, resulting in an absolute beaut of a blend of vintage inspired, boho and folk vibes. An awesome opportunity has arisen for a Fashion Sales Assistant (SYD) to join the swanky Woolahra store. As Fashion Sales Assistant, you will be stellar at selling, possess some strong analytical skills and have no problem meeting (and dominating) sales targets. Youll already have some on-fleek-fashion aesthetic about you, and have some experience with social media platforms. If you dig designer threads, and wouldnt mind a generous clothing allowance to help dat wardrobe of yours, then get em while they hot and apply HERE. News Corp Australia is the nations largest media company operating over 150 household name brands across all-of-the platforms, including The Australian, news.com.au, NT News and of course Sun Newspapers. Sun Newspapers is Northern Territorys only free weekly community Newspaper, offering local, personal and relevant news. A sweet gig has arisen for one news profesh to lead the team as the Editor (DAR)! As Editor, you will already have some serious (and demonstrated) editing experience up your sleeve, have a genuine interest in local news and issues, and be able to lead a talented team into the high performing realm, all while helping them produce some quality content. If youre an experienced editor with an eye for newsworthy content, and youre all about those innovative, collab and creative vibes then get amongst it and apply HERE! The RSPCA is an independent, non-government community based charity providing animals all over Oz with care and protection services. The RSPCA runs a whopping 40 shelters with a selfless mission to prevent cruelty to animals. A rare opportunity has opened up for a Communications Officer (ACT) to join the altruistic guys at RSPCA. As Communications Officer, youll be a natural at conjuring up creative content across all sorts of platforms including social media channels, news outlets, websites and blogs. Youll be efficient at managing many projects at once, and also be savvy in media relations, as youll monitor media reports and contribute to the creation of media releases and statements. If you have a genuine passion in improving the lives of Aussie animals, consider yourself all things enthusiastic, proactive and creative, then shoot through your CV through HERE. DT is the largest and fastest-growing digital agency in Straya, sporting a client list of some badass brands (go check out their site if you dont believe us)! DTs ethos of innovation and adaptation pervades each of their projects and entire organization. An awesome opening has come up at DT for an Account Director (MELB) to get their hands dirty and foster a key client relationship within the team. As a DT Account Director, your sole focus is to identify and create opportunities for DT to add value to their clients business. Youll act as an advisor and will be driven in demonstrating boss business results. Youll be profesh AF as youll lead projects, be a problem solver and act as a partner with the Client Partner and Exec Producer. If you have some serious agency experience (6+ years), consider dat brain of yours strategic and media savvy, and wanna work with like-minded legends like yourself, then get applying HERE. All deets courtesy of Pedestrian Jobs. Dont let your dream job slip you by Love your work! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and get yourself signed up to our Daily Job Alerts. After a 10-day stand-off with hospital staff, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton confirmed this morning that Baby Asha had been at last transferred to community detention in an (albiet small) win for #LetThemStay protesters. Doctors treating Asha had been refusing to discharge her until a suitable home had been identified i.e. not Nauru. Yet this morning, Dutton told media that once Ashas medical problems have been returned, shell be returned either to Nauru or her country of origin, along with the other refugees currently in community detention. Speaking to ABC Radio this morning, Dutton said: Well not allow smugglers to send the message that if you seek treatment in hospital, thats your formula to become a citizen. Once the medical situation has been resolved, people will go back to Nauru. Nothing has changed in relation to this case. The hospital declined to comment to PEDESTRIAN.TV on whether or not they were made aware of Ashas long-term settlement plans before she was discharged, instead directing us to their Facebook page. Their post last night indicates that they were not, saying that the Department further advised that there is no imminent plan for the family to return to Nauru and the familys case is under consideration. Thank you to all those involved in caring for baby Asha and her family in recent weeks. The baby, from the Nauru Posted by Childrens Health Queensland & Lady Cilento Childrens Hospital on Saturday, 20 February 2016 This mornings post, however, makes no mention of her eventual return to Nauru: Baby Asha, from the Nauru Detention Centre, was discharged earlier this morning from the Lady Cilento Childrens Posted by Childrens Health Queensland & Lady Cilento Childrens Hospital on Sunday, 21 February 2016 Dutton has dismissed New Zealands resettlement offer, saying that the deal that was struck was a back-door option to come to Australia. It was a failed proposal under Julia Gillard and that is why it is not acceptable to us in the form the Julia Gillard brokered it. He also took the time to actually criticise refugee advocates yknow, the real villains of this tale. Dutton on #babyasha: Frankly, some people are using this issue to promote their own media profiles #auspol Stephanie Anderson (@stephanieando) February 21, 2016 SMDH. At least the hospital has a more humanitarian-minded sentiment: We can confirm that baby Asha has been discharged from #LadyCilento hospital. Maybe if she visits again it will be as a doctor or nurse. Queensland Health (@qldhealthnews) February 21, 2016 Source: ABC / Nine News / Twitter. Photo. Nine News. Coinciding with yesterdays 15k strong rally to #KeepSydneyOpen, the Sydney Morning Herald ran a BS story in which they claimed that more than two-thirds of NSW residents supported the governments controversial lockout laws. The polling which was commissioned by the Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education and produced by Galaxy Research claimed that 68% of NSW peeps supported the laws, while only 20% opposed them and the remaining 12% were unsure. Yet what the SMH did NOT report, however, was that the polling spoke to just 353 residents aged 18 or over across NSW, which Galaxy confirmed to PEDESTRIAN.TV was a cross-section of all ages and locations. They cited that, as the lockout laws were introduced by the state government, it was a state issue and the polling had to reflect that, despite the only affected area being in Sydney. The Daily Telegraph ran with a similar angle today, quoting St Vincents Dr Tony Sara, spokesman for the Last Drinks Coalition (a group of doctors, nurses, paramedics and police officers in support of the lockout laws) as saying: This [the protesters] are a very vocal minority, with questionable sources of funds, looking after their own personal self interest, their own hip pocket. Ah. Yup. Theres no data to back that up, either. But online its a different story, with actual, legit data analysed by insights company Meltwater categorically showing the vast majority of conversations around lockout laws in the online sphere is negative as in, people fkn hate them. Sure, its a safe bet to say that people against the lockout laws are more likely to jump online and make their voices heard than those in support of them, but the data around the hashtag #KeepSydneyOpen lends itself to an overwhelming majority being in favour of the movement, and thereby *against* lockouts. Heres a breakdown of the 3,217 conversations between the 10th February (when the #CasinoMike hashtag started trending) and the 22nd of February (today): Of those #KeepSydneyOpen conversations: 712 or 22% were positive (green) (green) 476 or 14% were negative (red) (these posts were not negative to the cause, but rather contained negative words like rant, fear, irony, punish, word terms used to express their opinions regarding the lockout laws) (red) (these posts were not negative to the cause, but rather contained negative words like rant, fear, irony, punish, word terms used to express their opinions regarding the lockout laws) 2029 or 63% were neutral (blue) Meltwater uses natural language processing to pick up certain words depending on what is being mentioned, which explains the huge number of neutral tweets, which can be loosely attributed to people talking about the conversation without sounding overly positive i.e. anyone tweeting about yesterdays rally without going over the top. For example, these: I feel like the next step in the #keepsydneyopen campaign is for the Last Drinks body to meet with our suffering nightlife community. Nina Las Vegas (@ninalasvegas) February 21, 2016 Rad to see #KeepSydneyOpen trending first. Surely there are ways to stem violence without destroying a world citys entire night economy. Benjamin Law (@mrbenjaminlaw) February 21, 2016 vs this: This data is in no way an absolute snapshot of the issue, but FFS, lets take a step back before reporting things like most of NSW is supportive of the lockout laws w/o giving the whole story, mmmkay? P.S. Pls enjoy Friendlyjordies absolutely savaging Mike Baird over this lockout law sitch: The Sydney Lock-Out Laws The Sydney Lock-Out Laws Posted by Friendlyjordies on Sunday, 21 February 2016 Source: SMH / Meltwater. Kochanny: We did one last hike before the longest day of the year sports Yvette Gonzalezs mom Erin Gonzalez with stepdad Jim McDade: Weve been waiting so long for justice. I didnt think this day would come. Read more SINCE JULY 29, the families of Yvette Gonzalez, Felipe Hernandez, and Sabrina Rhoads have had to endure "a new normal" that no family should ever endure. The three young friends were killed in a horrific Northeast Philadelphia car crash last summer that also severely injured a fourth pal, Bogdan Arutyunov. For Erin Gonzalez, the new normal is about starting each day with the crushing knowledge that her funny and generous daughter, Yvette, will never make her laugh again. Some mornings, she can barely get out of bed. For Jo-Jo Hernandez, it means figuring out who she is without the big smile and bigger hugs of her son Felipe. Is she still a mother to a child no longer here? For Crystal Smith, sister of Sabrina Rhoads, the new normal means looking at the front passenger seat in her car - the one so frequently occupied by her sweet younger sibling - and being shocked anew by its emptiness. And for Arutyunov, it's about trying to heal from catastrophic injuries that have derailed his life. Their new normal is a nightmare. But at least it finally includes honest-to-God consequences for the two young men police say caused it. Late Saturday evening, police at last arrested Christopher Bloomfield, 20, who was driving the 2007 Acura in which the victims were passengers on July 29. Bloomfield was speeding that night in excess of 75 mph on Sandmeyer Lane, a notorious drag-racing strip in a Somerton industrial park. Police say he was racing a car driven by Ryan Farrell, 20, of Northeast Philly. Bloomfield lost control on a tight bend, and his vehicle exploded into pieces when it hit a tree. Rhoads and Gonzalez, both 17, were ejected from the Acura. Hernandez died in the wreckage. Arutyunov, 18, was thrown into the road, gravely injured. Bloomfield, who managed to survive, fled the scene, leaving his friends behind like roadkill. Farrell took off, too. And for seven months, to the pain and bewilderment of victims' families, both young men roamed the city free of any consequences. Bloomfield's behavior, they say, has been particularly offensive: He posted a 360-degree "selfie" video on Instagram that appears to have been shot while he was driving. So much for being scared straight by his reckless action behind the wheel. He also traded Instagram messages with Sabrina Rhoads' younger brother, who'd accused Bloomfield of showing little remorse for the crash. "Look, I'm not arguing with anyone else about that tragic accident," Bloomfield responded callously to Tyler Rhoads. "I want to move on with my life and live my life. Staying sad and miserable won't fix anything." By early January, it was all too much for Erin Gonzalez, Yvette's mom. She contacted the Daily News for help, her voice trembling with rage and anguish. "He took my daughter, who was my best friend," she sobbed. "Why is justice taking so long?" I wrote of the families' heartache and we put their story on the Jan. 21 cover of the Daily News. And that attention, say the families and at least one police insider, kicked the case into a higher gear. Within 24 hours, fresh eyes were on it. And by late Saturday, the wheels of justice finally moved as fast as that doomed Acura had. Bloomfield has been charged with homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault, involuntary manslaughter, and a slew of other charges. Police have also issued a warrant for Farrell, 20, who will be similarly charged. "I am so emotional right now," said Gonzalez on Sunday morning, her voice shaking as we discussed Bloomfield's arrest. "We've been waiting so long for justice. I didn't think this day would come." Smith, Sabrina's sister, was calm and steely voiced when I reached her by phone. "Call me bitter, I don't care," said Smith, who admits to hounding investigators "nonstop" in the last month. "My sister will never marry or have kids or spend time with her family. I don't want Bloomfield to have those things, either. I can't wait to see him in a courtroom. I want to hear what he has to say for himself." Jo-Jo Hernandez, Felipe's mom, wept through our talk. "This is the first step toward justice," she sighed. "We don't know what the outcome will be, whether there will be a trial or a plea. But there has to be consequences for Chris's choices that night. People always say, 'Oh, drag-racing is what kids do. It's fun. It's harmless.' Kids need to know what can happen." Andrew Baratta, attorney for passenger Arutyunov, is relieved that families will finally get answers to questions that have tortured them since the wreck. Arutyunov, especially, needs details. The crash put him in a coma and broke his pelvis, nose, femur, tibia, ankle, elbow, and orbit, or eye socket. It also punctured his lung, and tore a knee ligament and calf muscle. He faces more surgeries. He has no memory of ever meeting Bloomfield and no idea how he wound up in the car that night. An entire chunk of his memory is gone. Now, with the charges, he might be able to fill in the gaps. "I think every day about what has happened to me" and to his friends, he told me last month. But does Bloomfield think about him and the others? Does Farrell? Now that one has been charged, and the other - God willing - will soon be, the families may finally hear some answers. Whether they also hear an apology, well, that might take an act of God, too. Mountain Biking Worldwide Ltd, the company behind Yak Attack, are pleased to announce that the second event in their series of mountain bike races, Rumble in the Jungle, will once again be title sponsored by Sri Lanka Airlines. The four-day mountain bike stage race will be taking place on the tropical island of Sri Lanka for the second time and has already attracted a strong international field, including defending champion, Ismael Ventura of Spain.Over the 300km course, riders take on the hot and humid jungles to the south of the country, climb through mountain hugging tea plantations and cross the islands highest plateau, Horton plains, before finishing in Sri Lankas cultural capital of Kandy. During the four stages, riders will be treated to the finest Sri Lanka hospitality on offer, complete with 3*+ hotel accommodation, three meals a day and full race support, including nutrition by Torq, race mechanics, and masseurs.Once the racing is over, riders will be transferred via steam train, to the coast for the closing ceremony and a beach party to rival all others. The Sri Lankans certainly know how to enjoy themselves!For 2016, the race is being run as a single category event, with time advantages being applied for gender and age, meaning that everybody is in with a chance of getting amongst the $10,000 prize fund. If this wasnt incentive enough, the overall winner will also receive free entry into Yak Attack, the worlds highest mountain bike race, which, for its 10th anniversary, is heading into the kingdom of upper Mustang.The island of Sri Lanka offers so much more than just excellent mountain bike trails. Theres palm fringed, sun soaked white sandy beaches, world class surfing, wild elephant safaris, Buddhist temples, the list is endless. As the national carrier, Sri Lanka Airlines offers direct flights from many European cities and with only an approximate 10 hour flight time, this jewel in the Indian ocean is more easily accessible than many other exotic locationsRumble in the Jungle takes places from June 12th and there are still limited places available. Full details can be found on the race website Highlights from the 2014 Rumble in the Jungle VIDEO: Washington Officers Shoot, Kill Murder Suspect at End of High-Speed Chase An officer-involved shooting that followed a high-speed chase on Interstate 5 is being investigated Saturday, Lakewood PD said. Officers started pursuing a vehicle tied to an earlier homicide at University Place Care Center at 5500 Bridgeport Way. Pierce County Sheriff's Detective Ed Troyer said a man, who was later identified as 41-year-old Marcos Perea, walked into the aftercare center and fatally shot his estranged girlfriend who worked at the facility shortly after 6 a.m. More than a dozen police cruisers chased the suspect car on southbound I-5. Detective Troyer said the suspect shot at officers at least five times as they chased his vehicle. The suspect drove to Thurston County, turned around, and then headed northbound on I-5, where driver Mary-Colleen Foley watched the events unfold. The high-speed chase ended after a PIT maneuver and spike strips were used. After striking the spike strips, the suspect's car spun out, leaving it disabled near an exit for Tillicum. The suspect got out of the car and took cover behind it. According to Detective Troyer, the suspect first fired at officers, and was fatally shot when officers returned fire. Lieutenant Chris Lawler told KOMO TV 12 officers shot at the suspect: Six Lakewood police, five Pierce County Sheriff's Officers, and one Steilacoom officer. A man suspected of shooting at a Murray, UT, police officer Sunday night has been found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The alleged shooter whose name has yet to be released was found dead in a basement bedroom of a Murray home just before 1 a.m. Monday. SWAT teams were first dispatched to 584 W. Winchester Drive shortly after 8 p.m. Sunday when a man, initially thought to be a burglar or home invader, opened fire at the Murray officer who was responding to the call. The officer was uninjured in the shooting, the Gephardt Daily reports. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print By Suzanne Barlyn (Reuters) Senate Banking Committee Democrats on Monday asked the panels Republican chairman in a letter to clear the backlog of 16 nominations by President Barack Obama to posts related to financial oversight, national security and other areas. The committee, led by Republican Senator Richard Shelby, has failed to carry out one of its basic duties for more than a year, the 10 Democratic banking committee senators wrote in the Feb. 22 letter. It is the only Senate committee that did not act on any nominees last year, the Democrats wrote. Of the 16 nominations pending before the committee, four have been waiting for action for more than a year while others have been in limbo for more than nine months, the Democratic senators wrote. Shelby must stop obstructing the nominations, they wrote in a separate statement. All 10 Democrats on the committee signed the letter, including Senators Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, and Charles Schumer of New York. A spokeswoman for Shelby did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Shelby has said he is concerned that Obama has not nominated anyone as the U.S. Federal Reserves vice chair for supervision, a post created by the Dodd Frank financial reform law, but which has never been filled. We are aware of your concern that the Administration has not nominated anyone to serve as Vice Chair for Supervision at the Federal Reserve, but the response to one vacancy should not be the creation of 16 more, the Democratic banking committee senators wrote. It was unclear why President Obama has not appointed a nominee for the Fed post. A White House spokesperson was not immediately available for comment. The Senate Banking Committee backlog includes Lisa Fairfax and Hester Peirce, Obamas two nominees to the Securities and Exchange Commission and Adam Szubin, nominated as the Treasury Departments under secretary for terrorism and financial crimes. (Additional Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Editing by David Gregorio) Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print In America, public education means schools that are maintained by the government solely to educate the children of a community as part of free public education; one that includes primary and secondary schools. In every school district in the country there is an elected board that is tasked with delivering the best possible education to students without proselytizing or praying to any religions deity according to the U.S. Constitution. Despite this nation has had a wall of separation between church and state since the countrys founding in the First Amendment of the Constitution, evangelicals insist on establishing religion as part of public education. Last week, a federal judge had to remind hard-core Christians that their jobs as school board members does not include proselytizing, praying, and pushing Jesus during public meetings and told them to stop. The latest, but not the last, judicial intervention to stop government-established religion targeted the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education (CVUSD) in California. The school board meetings had become veritable church services replete with member-led explicitly Christian prayers, Christian bible readings, personal testimonials, and revival-type calls to come to Jesus. Although appropriate for a proper traveling tent-meeting revival, a California U.S. District Court Judge informed the Christian evangelists posing as school board members that proselytizing and prayers were not suited for a government funded public school board meeting. Judge Jesus D. Bernal ruled the board members prayers and proselytizing were unconstitutional and ordered them to stop immediately. One of the consequences that state and local taxpayers and students, but not the school district or board, will face is that the Chino Valley Unified School District is on the hook for tens-of-thousands of dollars in legal fees. This is especially painful when the district is already facing serious budget shortfalls likely due to the school board spending its time preaching, proselytizing, and reading bible scriptures instead of conducting business crucial to serve the students. A legal advocate for the Freedom From Religion Foundation that joined angry parents in suing the school district estimated the school boards unconstitutional establishment of religion will cost well over $50,000. It prompted one of the parents angry at the boards promoting their religious agenda to complain that the money spent on legal fees could have been much better spent on students in the classroom. However, regard for the students, or the classrooms, was a very low priority for the school board whose extremely evangelical majority outnumbered the precious couple of board members intent on doing meaningful work on behalf of the students. Parents whose students attended district schools had complained for a long while that the board, and its public meetings, had morphed into a religious outlet for members whose belief was their duty was conducting church services in lieu of board meetings and promoting their own personal political and religious agenda. The parents claimed the issue here was that not only did board members reject the idea of separation of church and state, they planned and used school board meetings as religious services where everyone in the room was targeted for proselytization no matter the age. For example, the CVUSD Board of Education President James Na recently spent valuable meeting time preaching and ended the sermon by telling the audience that their lives begin in the hospital and end in the church; everyone who does not know Jesus Christ go find Him. Another aspiring preacher posing as a school board member, Andrew Cruz, followed the go find Jesus admonition by reading Psalm 143 prior to closing the meeting with a Christian prayer. Neither the parents, district employees, or the FFRF wanted the matter to go to litigation. In fact, the FFRF repeatedly went out of its way to resolve these constitutional violations without costing the district legal fees. Over a year before joining parents and district employees filing the lawsuit, the FFRF began contacting the board asking it to stop scheduling prayers at its meetings. Not sure if the elected officials who swore an oath to follow the U.S. Constitution were aware of its contents, FFRF tried to inform the school board preachers that they were violating the Establishment Clause, the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. and California Constitution. They even informed the board members that there were no valid educational purposes for Christian prayers, bible readings, proselytizing or personal testimonials to no avail. The school board promptly refused the parents and FFRFs request leaving them with no recourse but file suit. Although the Judge ordered the school board to cease making public meetings evangelical church services immediately, the districts official response was that board would evaluate the stop preaching order carefully and then decide on its next steps. It will likely get uglier if the reaction to the lawsuits original filing is any indication. Immediately on learning there was a lawsuit filed, board member Andrew Cruz said preaching and praying at a government meeting did not violate the Constitution and it led him to express his dismay at the countrys leadership. He then encouraged everyone to examine American leadership because what our leaders are doing is eroding our rights and moving away from God. When you really think about it, a century ago they had people who were promoting freedom, our rights, and now things have changed dramatically. Recently, Cruz went on a proper Ted Cruz (no relation) rant trashing gay marriage, invoking the Confederate Flag, arguing that racism is over, and complaining about Californias laws protecting children. If any American thinks these religious maniacs serving in positions of government power, and violating the Constitution, are confined to the deep South bible belt they are sadly mistaken. These fanatics are in every state and every community and they have no intent to stop until they control every aspect of society as their Christian reconstruction and Dominionist Theology mission demands. And, like religious right extremists attacking womens rights, the gay community, and the secular Constitution they enjoy the full political support of religious Republicans and financial support from the Koch brothers. All the while, Democrats and liberals continue giving the theocrats a wide berth no matter the damage the religious fanatics are wreaking on society and especially on public schools. For now though, there is one public school district in California that is safe from theocrats thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation and concerned parents who prevailed with absolutely no assistance whatsoever from even one Constitution-loving politician. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Its funny that Marco Rubio is forced to fend off accusations from Breitbart.com, which has made an industry of inventing accusations against Democrats. Neil Cavuto of Fox News asked Rubio Saturday about a Breitbart exclusive claiming the candidate betrayed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers the 2013 Gang of Eight immigration fight. According to Rubio, We dont even credential them for our events. I literally dont even talk about the things they report because theyre conspiracy theories and often times manipulated. Ouch. It doesnt help, you can be sure, that Bretibart is pro-Trump. That it has even been accused of taking money from Trump to say nice things about him. Here is the transcript from Media Matters for America: NEIL CAVUTO (HOST): You have former ICE officials now, who are saying that your push for enforcement along the border hasnt been consistent. That when you were a part of that Gang of Eight, that you were not making it a priority. When they questioned this Chris Crane, who ran this council group of officers, said thatnot one of the changes we suggested was made to the bill before Senator Rubio introducedit,that he tried and failed with you repeatedly, that your heart wasnt in it. SEN. MARCO RUBIO (R-FL): Yeah, number one, thats not true and hes not an ICE official. Hes the head of a union. And its being reported on a website thats not a credible source. Its the same website that said, Neil, that you guys gave me the questions to the debate because one of the members of my staff has a family member that runs CAVUTO: So this was at Breitbart, so you dont give it any credence,or his remarks any credence? RUBIO: We dont even credential them for our events. This is the same website that reported that Fox News and that you,and youguys,inyour debate gave me the questions to the debate so I could prepare. You know that thats not true. So, I literally dont even talk about the things they report because theyre basically conspiracy theories and often times manipulated. Paul Krugman has an interesting take on the Republican presidential race: Marco Rubio has yet to win anything, but by losing less badly than other non-Trump candidates he has become the overwhelming choice of the Republican establishment. It helps, of course, that Jeb Bush was never really in the race and then dropped out. Trump would probably disagree that after Trump come degrees of losers. He appears to lump them all together as equally inconsequential. Its going to be he and Hillary, he says. Rubio, of course, used to be a Wunderkind. Thats German for a child prodigy, literally a wonder child. That was back in 2012 and 2013. Then he wasnt. He still isnt. Hes just all the establishment has got left to pin their hopes upon. Its a grim situation, as we have observed before. Krugman isnt about to predict Rubios chances, but he makes a very valid observation that others ought to be making (about Kasich as well) and that is that we shouldnt confusing establishment with moderate: one shouldnt treat establishment support as an indication that Mr. Rubio is moderate and sensible. Krugman goes on to mention policy views that would designate him a fringe crank and his willingness to bonfire of civil liberties, and that doesnt even include a tax policy that would leave Mitt Romney paying zero in federal taxes and twice-as-big-as-Bush tax-cuts. Were talking George W. Bush. The tax cuts which, combined with two wars, broke Americas economic back. We have already seen PFAWs take on the Republican field and they too fail to see much difference between candidates. Vote-wise one can be less of a loser than another, but looking at their competence to be president its six of one, half dozen of another; Trump has all the bluster, Cruz the sinister, sheer-evilness, and Rubio the utter cluelessness. Kevin Drum at Mother Jones once put it more bluntly: Rubio is a moron. There is plenty of evidence to support this. That was last summer when Rubio was falling over himself trying to answer whether he thought Bushs invasion of Iraq was a mistake. Today, add to that his work ethic, a recent example of which is his failure to even show-up in South Carolina. Drum said, and this remains true today, Most of the time he sounds like a ten-year-old trying to sound tough in front of the older kids. In a field of also-rans, Rubio barely qualifies as an also-ran. And to listen to Trump, like Cruz, Rubio is not even really an American. It is probably less who he is that has gotten him this far (a barely second place finish in South Carolina) than who he isnt. Were Rubio to actually beat out Trump for the nomination, what Democrats did to the utterly clueless Mitt Romney (e.g. the DNCs whichmitt.com) would pale by comparison to the beating Rubio would face over his already vast compendium of idiotic statements. Top Ten lists began to be compiled the moment he first opened his mouth. Nothing Breitbart can invent can out-do the things Rubio has actually said. Thats how bad it is and a taste of how bad it will be. Breitbart is the least of Marco Rubios problems. His biggest enemy is himself. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Anyone who doesnt live under a bridge has seen the disgusting way Donald Trump supporters speak to and about women. If youre a reporter, its even worse. Its so bad now that women reporters from different networks and perhaps different ideologies are uniting against the hate aimed their way by Trump supporters. Here was Katy Tur of NBCs tweet describing the situation at a Trump rally in Virginia: Trump trashes press. Crowd jeers. Guy by press 'pen' looks at us & screams "you're a bitch!" Other gentleman gives cameras the double bird. Katy Tur (@KatyTurNBC) February 21, 2016 Foxs Megyn Kelly retweeted Tur: Kelly also defended CNNs Sara Murray after Trump called her absolutely terrible: https://youtu.be/h-UoIwMCmtw What is enough? Vocativ did a chart of slurs aimed at Megyn Kelly, which they summarized as, Their language was largely gendered, using phrases like dumb blonde and other words derogatory to women. Bitch appeared the mosta total of 423 times in tweets from the last 24 hoursfollowed by bimbo. Things are so bad for Kelly that she can no longer go on Twitter. In the wake of the Trump feud, Kelly told Jimmy Fallon, I can no longer go on Twitter, she said. Its been a surreal six months. These gendered insults all look very familiar from my own incomings on Twitter, with a few threats/ expressions of a desire to assault. If you report something that doesnt paint Donald Trump out to be the second coming, prepare to be treated this way. Now rabid Trump supporters doing it face-to-face as well. While gendered insults are certainly not limited to the Trump supporters, no other group is so relentlessly and aggressively hateful. Even Chuck Todd agrees that this is dangerous and outrageous: The campaign rhetoric needs to be ratcheted back. This is outrageous and dangerous behavior https://t.co/Qi4eAQxkgb Chuck Todd (@chucktodd) February 21, 2016 Donald Trump is leading this charge, with his references to the p word, calling women pigs, dogs, slobs, and disgusting animals, musing on how he would like this woman to drop to her knees, sneering about Hillary Clinton using the bathroom the list of Trumps hatred for women is seemingly endless. Add his hatred of the press (aka, anyone who might report the things he says and does and thereby hold him accountable) and he is rabid. Trumps cult followers have coalesced around Trumps hatred of the other, so this is just another way that he encourages them to be their worst selves, publicly no less. I have defended Megyn Kelly on several times, from the men on her own network to this latest episode with Donald Trump. It does us no good to deny the poison of gendered insults on women reporters. This has been a political tactic used silence women up throughout the ages. And it works often enough in the world of journalism, a field that much like tech loses a lot of good talent because they dont want to be harassed and threatened, that it must be called out and united against. Donald Trump is uniting women reporters against him with these tactics, and showing what an irresponsible, dangerous leader he is just as a candidate. Can you imagine if he had more power? Portfolio English Edition's premium content is available only for subscribers Learn about the hottest news of the day, along with immediate follow-up analyses and 1000's of exclusive articles with full access to the premium content. Register and apply for a 14 days free trial period. The Guam Waterworks Authority is planning to take over operations of the Tumon Maui Well by March as a pilot project with the larger goal of integrating GWA and military water and wastewater systems. In a meeting with the Consolidated Commission on Utilities on Wednesday, Feb. 17, GWA General Manager Miguel Bordallo said he was seeking approval to move forward with a licensing agreement that would grant the local utility control of the well, which is currently operated by the Department of the Navy. The two entities are also planning to interconnect their systems along Route 3 and Potts Junction, although a timeline for the project is yet to be determined. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. GWA and the Navy signed a memorandum of understanding in 2010, stating that both parties would explore opportunities to integrate military and civilian water and wastewater systems dubbed the One Guam Vision. The memo was meant to address expected water needs resulting from the proposed military buildup. A draft integration plan was developed during the latter half of 2015. Rear Adm. Babette Bolivar, commander of Joint Region Marianas, briefed Speaker Judi Won Pat, of the Guam Legislature, on the status of the initiative on Feb. 10. According to Bolivar, the transfer of operations for the Tumon Maui Well to GWA will be a proof of concept for the partnership between the utility and the Navy, and will give GWA the opportunity to demonstrate its ability to operate Navy assets. The licensing fee for the first year of operations is expected to be $4,800 and may be renewed annually during the first five years. Bordallo told commissioners that the first years fee will be higher than subsequent years because of the initial work involved in the transfer of operations. The fee in following years will be substantially lower, he added. Operating the Tumon Maui Well will allow GWA to pump up to 800 gallons per minute (gpm), or 1.15 million gallons per day, directly into the northern water system. However, at least 200 gpm will eventually need to be dedicated to the U.S. Marine Corps cantonment site at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Finegayan. Cost In addition to the licensing fee, GWA will have to fund the well's operational and maintenance costs. But Bordallo said no other cost would be associated with running the well. We dont pay for the water, he said. Bordallo could not provide the cost for operating the well during Wednesdays meeting but said an operations and maintenance plan has been developed. In order to provide water to the cantonment site, the utility will need to build the necessary infrastructure to create an interconnection between GWA and military systems along Route 3 and Potts Junction. GWA will sell the water to the Navy. My understanding is that the details of what theyre going to pay for the water that they receive has yet to be worked out, Bordallo said. Its not spelled out in the license because we dont know when thats going to happen. While a firm timeline for the interconnection has not yet been finalized, Bordallo said GWA is working toward a completion date within the first year of operating the Tumon Maui Well. Meanwhile, a payment option may incorporate a gallon-for-gallon trade. GWA officials stated that if the utility did agree to a water swap it would be made against water being purchased from the Navy to service southern villages. The 800 gpm GWA will gain from operating the Tumon Maui Well will allow the utility to close four of its wells with undesirably high chloride readings. Altogether, these four wells provide up to 500 gpm, leaving GWA with a gain of about 100 gpm once the interconnection is made and the high-chloride wells are shut down. In addition, the wells closure will help preserve the Northern Guam Aquifer, CCU stated. Yes, at the GEC voting center at the Westin. Yes, at one of the satellite voting centers open on Saturdays. No; I'm voting on Nov. 8. No; I'm not voting in the general election. Vote View Results While it is difficult to date the onset precisely, we entered the Esposito phase of the Obama presidency within the past few years. It is the phase in which Barack Obamas barking leftist mania for rule by decree became manifest. In late 2014, for example, The Hill took a look back at Obamas pen and phone barrage. The barrage continues. Since then we have grown accustomed to it. In Woody Allens Bananas (1971, written with Mickey Rose), it is the phase in which the revolutionary Esposito achieves power in the fictional Latin American backwater of San Marcos. The power promptly goes to Espositos head. Esposito starts issuing proclamations such as this one: From this day on, the official language of San Marcos will be Swedish. Silence! In addition to that, all citizens will be required to change their underwear every half-hour. Underwear will be worn on the outside so we can check. Furthermore, all children under 16 years old are now 16 years old! Video of this scene is below (with Greek subtitles). Bananas is a comedy that plays it for laughs. Barack Obama is about as funny as cancer. We probably entered into the Esposito phase of Obamas presidency long ago, around the time Obama started rewriting unambiguous provisions of Obamacare on his own say-so. Now we seem to be reaching peak Esposito. The thought comes to mind in connection with Rowan Scarboroughs mind-boggling Washington Times report Pentagon orders commanders to prioritize climate change in all military actions. Scarborough explains: The Pentagon is ordering the top brass to incorporate climate change into virtually everything they do, from testing weapons to training troops to war planning to joint exercises with allies. A new directives theme: The U.S. Armed Forces must show resilience and beat back the threat based on actionable science. It says the military will not be able to maintain effectiveness unless the directive is followed. It orders the establishment of a new layer of bureaucracy a wide array of climate change boards, councils and working groups to infuse climate change into programs, plans and policies. The Department of Defense directive is posted online here. In his mania for destruction Obama exceeds Esposito. Esposito would never put his forces to such vacuous tasks. Quotable quote from Roger Pielke Jr., a professor of environmental studies at the Center for Science and Technology Policy Research at the University of Colorado: Current datasets indicate no significant observed trends in global tropical cyclone frequency over the past century. No robust trends in annual numbers of tropical storms, hurricanes and major hurricanes counts have been identified over the past 100 years in the North Atlantic basin. In summary, there continues to be a lack of evidence and thus low confidence regarding the sign of trend in the magnitude and/or frequency of floods on a global scale. Today is the anniversary of the birth of George Washington. Of all the great men of the revolutionary era to whom we owe our freedom, Washingtons greatness was the rarest and the most needed. At this remove in time, it is also the hardest to comprehend. Take, for example, Washingtons contribution to the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Washingtons mere presence lent the undertaking and its handiwork the legitimacy that resulted in success. The conventions first order of business was the election of a presiding officer. Washington was the delegates unanimous choice. Presiding over the convention during that fateful summer, Washington said virtually nothing. In his excellent book on Washington, Richard Brookhiser notes: The esteem in which Washington was held affected his fellow delegates first of allWashington did not wield the power he possessed by speaking. Apart from his lecture on secrecy, Washington did not address the Convention between the first day and the last. The esteem in which he was held by his fellow citizens was similarly crucial to the implementation of the Constitution during his presidency. In 1790 Rhode Island became the thirteenth state to ratify the Constitution. To mark the occasion, President Washington made a ceremonial visit to Newport when Congress recessed in August. Newport welcomed Washington with open arms. In Newport on August 18, according to James Thomas Flexner, Washington completely fatigued the company by briskly walking, fortified by the wine and punch served in four different houses along his route, from nine in the morning until one in the afternoon. In anticipation of Washingtons visit to Newport, the members of Americas oldest Jewish congregation prepared a letter welcoming Washington for presentation to him at a public event on the morning of August 18. The letter was authorized by the congregations board and signed by its president, Moses Seixas. It is Washingtons magnificent letter responding to Seixas that famous as Washingtons testament to religious freedom and that has become famous as one of the classic statements of religious toleration in America. The congregations letter to Washington is not so well known, although the most prominent line in Washingtons letter is an echo of the congregations letter to Washington. By far the most striking feature of the congregations letter is its expression of sheer gratitude to Washington himself and to America for the freedom and equal rights the congregants had attained as American citizens. Here is the congregations letter: Permit the children of the stock of Abraham to approach you with the most cordial affection and esteem for your person and merits ~~ and to join with our fellow citizens in welcoming you to NewPort. With pleasure we reflect on those days ~~ those days of difficulty, and danger, when the God of Israel, who delivered David from the peril of the sword, ~~ shielded Your head in the day of battle: ~~ and we rejoice to think, that the same Spirit, who rested in the Bosom of the greatly beloved Daniel enabling him to preside over the Provinces of the Babylonish Empire, rests and ever will rest, upon you, enabling you to discharge the arduous duties of Chief Magistrate in these States. Deprived as we heretofore have been of the invaluable rights of free Citizens, we now with a deep sense of gratitude to the Almighty disposer of all events behold a Government, erected by the Majesty of the People ~~ a Government, which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance ~~ but generously affording to all Liberty of conscience, and immunities of Citizenship: ~~ deeming every one, of whatever Nation, tongue, or language equal parts of the great governmental Machine: ~~ This so ample and extensive Federal Union whose basis is Philanthropy, Mutual confidence and Public Virtue, we cannot but acknowledge to be the work of the Great God, who ruleth in the Armies of Heaven, and among the Inhabitants of the Earth, doing whatever seemeth him good. For all these Blessings of civil and religious liberty which we enjoy under an equal benign administration, we desire to send up our thanks to the Ancient of Days, the great preserver of Men ~~ beseeching him, that the Angel who conducted our forefathers through the wilderness into the promised Land, may graciously conduct you through all the difficulties and dangers of this mortal life: ~~ And, when, like Joshua full of days and full of honour, you are gathered to your Fathers, may you be admitted into the Heavenly Paradise to partake of the water of life, and the tree of immortality. Done and Signed by order of the Hebrew Congregation in NewPort, Rhode Island August 17th 1790. Moses Seixas, Warden Today, as we contend with the contemporary equivalent of the Babylonish empire, let us send up our thanks to the Ancient of Days for this indispensable man. (First posted February 2006.) Several left-wing organizations are fighting against efforts by states to make sure non-citizens cant vote in the upcoming presidential elections. The leftists came up short when the federal election agency charged with resolving such matters ruled against them. But the leftist groups challenged this ruling in federal court, and the Obama-Loretta Lynch Justice Department has decided to take a dive. It is not opposing the lawsuit to enjoin the election agencys decision in favor of the sates. Hans von Spakovsky provides the background. In essence, it is as follows: The Constitution (Article I, Secion 2 and the Seventeenth Amendment) confers upon states the power to set the Qualification requisite for electors. The left, however, would prefer to see this power exercised by federal bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. Their vehicle for the exercise of such power is the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) an independent federal agency, or so it is supposed to be. Under federal law, the EAC is responsible for designing the federal voter-registration form required by the National Voter Registration Act, known as Motor Voter. While states must register voters who use the federal form, they can ask the EAC to include instructions with the federal form about additional state registration requirements. Some states now require satisfactory proof of citizenship to ensure that only citizens register to vote. When Arizona sought to do so, the usual suspects the League of Women Voters, People for the American Way, Common Cause, Project Vote, and Chicanos for La Causa brought a lawsuit claiming that the EAC hadnt approved such requirements. In 2013, a divided Supreme Court said that Arizona could not implement such a requirement unless and until the EAC agrees to change the instructions for use of the federal form to include the Arizona requirements. However, the majority opinion, written by Justice Scalia, stipulated that if the EAC refuses Arizonas request to accommodate the proof-of-citizenship requirement, the state can sue the EAC and establish in court that a mere oath will not suffice to effectuate its citizenship requirement and that the EAC is therefore under a nondiscretionary duty to include Arizonas concrete evidence requirement on the Federal Form. Arizona duly asked the EAC to approve its requirement that voters prove their citizenship. The EAC, via a single bureaucrat who was not even a commissioner, but only the acting executive director, denied the request. According to von Spakovsky, sources in the Justice Department say that this EAC bureaucrat did not make the decision. Instead, partisan, left-wing lawyers in the Voting Section of the Civil Rights Division at the Justice Department actually drafted the denial letter. If so, this seems like a fundamental violation of the EACs charter. It is supposed to be an independent federal agency, free from the influence of the executive an inherently partisan player. Having lawyers from the highly partisan DOJ Voting Section write agency policy obliterates all semblance of independence and bipartisan balance. It would be outrageous (albeit par for the course) if the Eric Holder Justice Department participated in a decision not to allow a state to verify that only citizens are registering to vote. In any case, once the EAC regained a quorum of commissioners and hired a new executive director, the agency reversed the previously announced policy and permitted Arizona (as well as Kansas) to include citizenship-verification requirements with the federal voter-registration form. In response, the leftist groups mentioned above filed a lawsuit in D.C. federal court seeking to reverse the EACs decision. They want non-citizens to vote in order to help elect a Democratic president. The state of Kansas has moved to intervene in order to defend the EACs decision. The Justice Department should be the principle defender, however. An important part of its job is to defend federal agencies like the EAC when they are sued. However, Loretta Lynch and company have decided to tank the case. In a pleading filed today, the Justice Department consents to plaintiffs request for entry of a preliminary injunction against the EAC. They are trying to make sure that the left-wing plaintiffs win by default. The matter is being heard today before Judge Richard Leon. It seems clear that Kansas should be allowed to intervene in the case, particularly given the dive that the Lynch Justice Department is taking. In addition, Judge Leon should explore the potential conflict of interest that may plague the Justice Department in this case. Kansas cites the alleged participation of DOJ lawyers (described above) in the original EAC denial of permission to require proof of citizenship. If the DOJ wrote the original denial for the EAC and is now charged with defending its subsequent approval, that seems problematic all the more so, since it has chosen not to defend it. Is DOJ refusing to defend the EAC due to a good faith belief that the agencys ruling cannot be defended? Or is it doing so because its lawyers participated (improperly) in the original ruling and now are invested in the seeing the original ruling restored? That, it seems to me, is a fair question raised by allegations of DOJ involvement at the EAC level. Legalisms aside, I believe that DOJ is refusing to defend the EAC due to raw partisanship and ideology. DOJ wants non-citizens to vote because they are likely to vote Democratic. Its as basic, and disgraceful, as that. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Kayode Fayemi, has promised to revoke all dormant mining licences this week. Mr. Fayemi announced this during a one day working visit to Kurupka site in Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger on Monday. He said the administration would no longer accept operators who kept their licences from the purpose they were issued, adding that they would be revoked and issued to genuine mining investors. He noted that most of the land that were allocated as mining sites to miners had been acquired illegally. NAN recalled that the Mining Cadestre Office under the ministry had said that more than 500 mining licences would be revoked due to non compliance with the 2007 Mining Act. He said the ministry would begin formalisation of illegal miners into a structure to enable them to earn their livelihood in a safe environment and according to global standard . We want them to form a cooperative to enable us to give them a structure that the ministry can work with and anybody that refuses to be part of the structure will face the law. We are not going to allow illegal mining to continue; we will bring it to an end; we are not depriving them, but we want to meet up with the Mining Act of 2007, he said. He promised that the Federal Government would devise means of assisting them with necessary equipment and financial support among others. According to him, Gold, which is a vital mineral, is not on the record of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and is being mined in the site. Gold is being smuggled out of the country to other countries without tax, record and revenue to show on a daily basis from the mineral that we are endowed with; this will no longer be acceptable. Speaking at the site, Aliyu Taguwagi, Niger Commissioner for Environment, expressed support to the minister to revoke non-functional mining titles. He said such titles should be re-issued to serious mining investors. He appreciated the ministers plans to legalise the activities of illegal miners in the state. Edward Danladi, the Vice Chairman, Miners Association of Nigeria, called for synergy among the federal, states and other stakeholders to help tackle illegal mining in the state and other parts of the country. Mr. Danladi called on the ministry to provide adequate inspection vehicles for its staff in the state for effective monitoring of areas under exploration lists. He explained that the illegal miners were mostly sponsored by the Chinese, Botswana, Cameroonians and Niger Republic citizens. The Emir of Minna, Farouk Bahago who received the minister and the ministrys minister of state in his palace, expressed appreciation of their plans to legalise mining in the state. Mr. Bahago urged the minister to assist the people with loans and standard equipment to perform their mining activities. No fewer than 1,000 illegal miners are conducting illegal mining operation on the site with manual equipment such as diggers and shovels. The Minister for State, Solid minerals Development, Abubakar Bwari and other top officials of the ministry were on the entourage. (NAN) Ugandas President Yoweri Museveni has dismissed EU and US criticism of his re-election, telling foreign observers not to lecture him. Mr. Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, was declared winner on Saturday but Kizza Besigye, his main challenger, who was under house arrest on Sunday, called the election a sham. Another candidate, Amama Mbabazi, said it was fundamentally flawed one of the reasons the EU observer mission declared the February18 vote as being conducted in an intimidating atmosphere. Chief observer Eduard Kukan said the polls was undermined by a lack of transparency and independence at the electoral commission. Similarly, the US also criticised the handling of the vote and raised concerns about the house arrest of Mr. Besigye, who was in detention for the fourth time in a week, and alleged that his electronic communication had been blocked. US Secretary of State John Kerry called Mr. Museveni on Friday to voice concern over the harassment of opposition figures and the shutdown of social media in Uganda, where Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp, have faced outages since Election Day. In the same vein, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who led a group of Commonwealth observers, said the poll fell short of meeting some key democratic benchmarks. But Mr. Museveni, 71, dismissed the idea that the commission had favoured him and his National Resistance Movement (NRM). They are wrong, they are not serious. I told those Europeans that I dont need lectures from anybody. Mr John Kerry rang me and I told him not to worry, were experts in managing our elections things, Mr. Museveni told newsmen in his country home in Kiruhura, southwestern Uganda. Mr. Museveni has presided over strong economic growth but is accused at home and abroad of repression of dissent and failing to tackle rampant corruption. Critics also say he wants to rule the nation of 37 million people for life, emulating other African leaders who refuse to give up power. Mr. Museveni last clashed with Western donors in 2014, when Uganda passed a law that imposes harsh penalties on homosexuality. Several EU countries cut aid, as did the US which also imposed visa restrictions and cancelled a regional military exercise. In total, more than $100 million in aid was halted or redirected. The development was a significant blow for Uganda that depends on foreign aid for about 20 per cent of its budget. (Reuters/NAN) Saudi Arabia has put 32 people on trial, including 30 members of its own Shiite Muslim minority, accused of spying for Iran, news reports say on Monday. The accused, including an Iranian and an Afghan, were detained in 2013 sparking expressions of concern among Saudi Shiites, who said several people were well known figures in their community and not involved in politics. The trial is the first in recent memory for Saudis accused of spying and may stoke tensions between local Shiite and Sunni Muslims and with Iran, which strongly denied the accusations at the time. The bitter rivalry between the Sunni-ruled kingdom and Iran, a Shiite theocracy, has aggravated wars and political struggles in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and Bahrain and is regarded by many analysts as a cause of regional instability. Tensions escalated further in January when Riyadh broke off diplomatic ties, following the storming of its Tehran embassy by protesters angered at Saudi Arabias execution of a Shiite cleric convicted of involvement in the killing of policemen. According to news reports, Saudis Bureau of Public Prosecution presented the charges against the 32 on Sunday at the Specialised Criminal Court, which tries security offences. The charges included establishing a spy ring with members of Iranian intelligence and passing them sensitive military information, seeking to sabotage Saudi economic interests, undermining community cohesion and inciting sectarian strife. They also included supporting protests in the Shiite-majority region of Qatif in Eastern Province, recruiting others for espionage, sending encrypted reports to Iranian intelligence via email and committing high treason against the king. The accused were also charged with owning banned books and other publications. Among those arrested in 2013 were an elderly university professor, a paediatrician, a banker and two clerics most from al-Ahsa, a mixed Shiite and Sunni region that is home to around half the members of the kingdoms minority sect. Saudi Arabia has blamed sporadic unrest among Shiites in Qatif on Iran, but has never publicly presented evidence of a direct link between those who took part in protests from 2011-2013 and Tehran, which denies any involvement. In 2012, it said the hacking that August of the computer network of state energy producer Saudi Arabian Oil Co (Saudi Aramco) had originated from servers in other countries and some analysts pointed the finger at Iran, which also denied that. Relations between Saudi Arabia and non-Arab Iran soured after the latters 1979 revolution that brought Shiite clerics to power. Saudi Arabia follows the rigid Wahhabi school of Sunni Islam in which Shiism is seen as heretical. (Reuters/NAN) Worried by his countrys dwindling fortunes amidst the low price of crude, Nigerias Muhammadu Buhari is set to meet his Saudi and Qatari counterparts. President Buhari will begin a week-long official visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar on February 22, his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, said on Sunday in Abuja. Mr. Adesina said the President would first fly to Riyadh for talks on Tuesday with King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and senior officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mr. Buhari will be accompanied on his visit by his petroleum minister, Ibe kachikwu, a former top executive of Exxon Mobil and current Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. Achieving a greater stable price of crude oil will top the agenda of discussions, Mr. Adesina said, as OPEC and non-OPEC oil producing countries seek ways to get more money for exported crude. Last week, officials of Saudi Arabia, OPECs largest oil producer, met with their counterparts from Russia, Qatar, and Venezuela where they agreed to freeze production at Januarys level if other oil producers agree. Analysts have mentioned oversupply of crude as one of the reasons for the huge drop in crude oil prices to about $30 per barrel from over $100 last year. Crude oil prices and market stability will also be on the front burner when President Buhari goes on to Doha on Saturday for talks on Sunday with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Mr. Adesina said. The President is also scheduled to meet with leading Saudi and Qatari businessmen in Riyadh and Doha, and invite them to support his administrations efforts to revamp the Nigerian economy by taking advantage of the great investment opportunities currently available in Nigerias mining, agriculture, power supply, infrastructure, transportation, communications and other sectors. The statement said Mr. Buharis other engagements in Saudi Arabia included meetings with heads of international financial organisations and multilateral associations. It stated that before going on to Doha, the President would visit Medina and Makkah to pray for greater peace, prosperity and progress in the country. For the umpteenth time, Taiwo Joseph ran his eyes over and across the names pasted on the schools notice board, and again, he shook his head in disbelief. How could someone who matriculated at the university a year earlier and amid much fanfare to study Medicine and Surgery and who passed all his first year examinations end up in Fisheries Department? At first it seemed like a joke, I was standing there and imagining all kinds of things. Like, what did I do wrong? Who did I offend? said Mr. Joseph (not his real name), 20. Mr. Joseph was among the hundreds of students who participated in a protest within the university campus on February 10, where they accused the management of denying them promotions to 200 level. According to the students, the university authorities introduced new academic rules wherein they unilaterally placed prospective Year Two Medical students into departments other than the ones they had gained admission to study. The decision was taken despite the students meeting all the requirements needed to proceed to medical school. Shifting the goal post The university handbook provides a set of rules used to determine who is eligible to attend the College of Medicine at Idi-Araba, after the first academic session. According to the rules, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, pre-Medical and pre-Pharmacy students (100 level) are categorised under three science groups: Biological, Chemical, and Physical. Category A Pre-Medical and Pre-Pharmacy students registered for Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, Medical Laboratory, Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy require cumulative score average of 50 in the three science group courses at the end of the session, to advance to 200 level of the programme in which the student was admitted into, the handbook stated. Category B Pre-Medical and Pre-Pharmacy students registered for Pharmacology, Physiology, and Radiography require CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) of (at least) 2.00 at the end of the session to advance to 200 level. However, during the academic session, and with the students on course to meeting the criteria, the university hinted at a possibility of most of them not making it to their desired courses of study, a move akin to shifting the goal post in the middle of a game. In the new rules, the cumulative score average of 50 for Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, and Physiotherapy was revised upwards to possession of 4.11 CGPA for MBBS; 3.25 CGPA for MLS; 3.06 CGPA for Physiotherapy; 3.00 CGPA for Nursing; and 3.06 CGPA for Dentistry. Also, the 2.00 CGPA entry qualification for the Pharmacology, Physiology, and Radiography programmes was also revised upwards to possession of a minimum CGPA of 2.50. Angry parents A parent, whose child was studying Nursing, said he was shocked when his daughter brought news to him that she had been to continue her undergraduate programme in the Botany department. My daughter had already told me that she was among the students who had crossed over to 200 level, because they had already pasted their names on the board, said the parent who did not want his name disclosed to avoid victimization. We had even gone to church to give testimonies. She had already resumed at Idi-Araba, intending to be receiving lectures. There she was told that another criteria has come up and which she would not be allowed to do that Nursing. She said the College of Medicine told them that with the new criteria, only few of them would be allowed to go on 200 level, that they had admitted some Diploma students, some A-level students in their gaps. I said What do you mean? I didnt understand all these things. I now followed her to the school, to her department. It was not only the mans daughter, and Mr. Joseph, who were placed into departments other than the ones for which they were given admission even though they met all the stipulated criteria. One Medicine and Surgery student ended up in Pharmacology, a Radiography student was transferred to Microbiology, a Medical Laboratory student was moved to Fisheries. Some others were moved to departments like Psychology, Marine Biology, and Yoruba Education. One of the oldest students in the group, who had bagged a First and Masters degrees in Physiology, but returned to study Medicine and Surgery was taken to Microbiology. So my daughter has been down since then, said the parent. All these students were able to meet up the criteria. In fact, those people that did not meet up, they did not bother to join in fighting for this. Another parent whose daughter was moved from Radiography to Microbiology said the latter department informed her they were not admitting any student because they already had their list. So there is no vacancy as at now, he added. On the day of protest, the parents joined their children as they marched towards the Senate Building to lodge their complaints. We tried to see the Provost, the Dean, the Sub-Dean, even the Vice Chancellor. We were not allowed to see the Vice Chancellor, one of the parents told PREMIUM TIMES. The Information Officer was even threatening to get some of the parents arrested. That was when some of the students flared up. Arrest our parents? For coming to lodge complaints about the injustice meted on their children? Some of them carried placards, they even locked the school gate. The students who protested last week alleged that the new rules were made to allow more Diploma students into the College of Medicine. It was gathered that the diploma students, who pay as much as N400,000 (as against the N55,000 fees paid by the degree students), got 60 percent out of the 150 student quota for Medicine and Surgery. The revision of the academic qualification into the College of Medicine meant that a lot of the students fell short of the minimum entry requirement. For instance, in Medicine and Surgery (allocated a quota of 150 students), out of the 147 students admitted into 100 level, 110 met the entry requirements but only 60 were selected. In Medical Laboratory Science, 69 students were admitted out of which 50 students met the criteria for the MLS programme, but 33 were taken. Seventy-two students were admitted to study Nursing, 35 met the criteria but 27 were allowed to proceed to the College of Medicine. It was the same situation in the other three pre-Medical and pre-pharmacy courses. PREMIUM TIMES sought the university authorities reaction to the claims of populating the College of Medicine with Diploma students. The institutions Senior Assistant Registrar said she could not speak on such matters. The university has already issued a statement on this. I do not have any other information, she added. In the report it issued last week, the school management said the professional bodies regulating the study of medical programmes introduced a fresh index system aimed at allocating quotas to universities. This year, the professional bodies have insisted on the enforcement of the quota upon which accreditation is hinged and hence the college has to conform, said the statement issued by Toyin Adebule, Head of Information Unit. What this means is that only students that are indexed will be registered by the professional bodies to practice after graduation. The statement added that the Senate of the institution at a meeting on 27th January approved the implementation of the re-arrangement to conform to the professional bodies quota in order not to lose accreditation. This has regrettably meant that we have only been able to receive students into the college only up to the number the College of Medicine allowed by the quota, the university stated. We recognize and regret that this has led to some students being unable to cross over into the College of Medicine or their course of choice. Consequently, all candidates who were not successful to be placed in programmes in CMUL (College of Medicine University of Lagos) have been allocated to appropriate programmes on the main campus in Akoka. On Tuesday, the aggrieved students, through their lawyer, sent a letter to the university authorities demanding a rescind of the decision, and reinstating them to their courses of choice. Good enough, the University of Lagos has a Faculty of Law, a Legal Department and a team of external solicitors that can be approached for legal advice if the University has no clarity on the illegality of her actions regarding the ill-treatment of our clients, Jiti Ogunye, the students lawyer, stated in the letter dated February 15. Take notice that if the University fails, refuses or neglects to accede to our demand within seven days of the delivery of this letter, we shall not hesitate to initiate a legal action against the University of Lagos Mr. Joseph said he hopes the threat of a legal action against the university would force their hand to reinstate them into their desired courses of study. I saw Fisheries when I was filling my JAMB form and I did not choose it, he said. If they dont give me the Medicine and Surgery that I applied for and passed the exams, Ill just have to drop out and, maybe, write JAMB again. That would mean Ill probably start 100 level again in the next three years. Many Nigerians would not know where Sao Tome is on the world map, given that the twin island country is of little, if any, strategic importance to Nigeria. That however did not stop former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in 2004, from doling out $5 million as loan to that nation. Mr. Obasanjo also paid out $40 million as loan to Ghana same year. Such were the frivolity and impulsiveness that characterized government spending since the return to democracy in 1999. Between 2004 and 2014, a catalogue of fuzzy loans was indiscriminately granted in off-budget spending to government agencies in what appeared an attack on the nations oil savings. Extra-budgetary sums were dispensed in the name of loans to the foreign countries, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Inspector General of Police (IGP), the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Ministry of Defence and other agencies. Minutes of the December 2014 meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) Post-Mortem Subcommittee obtained by PREMIUM TIMES show that these funds were discretionary, off-budget loans paid out of the Reserve Accounts especially the 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund. According to the report, the loans granted by Mr. Obasanjo to Ghana and Sao Tome came from the Statutory Stabilization Fund Account. Over N18 billion was also taken from the reserve account as loan to the Federal Government for its Pioneer Consumer Car Scheme for public servants in paramilitary agencies. In August 2006, the then President Obasanjo granted N4.58 billion as the first loan while the second and third tranches of N2.8 billion and N10.76 billion were granted in May and December 2007 respectively under the President Umaru YarAdua administration. From the Statutory Stabilization Fund Account, Mr. Obasanjo had pulled out N300 million for IGP to purchase vehicles. In June of 2006 N242.6 million was paid out. Between June and October, two other loans were granted for the same purpose to purchase apparently another set of vehicles. The amounts were N33.9 million and N32.6 million respectively. Separate loans of N4.57 billion and N1.6 billion, dated February 14 and April 3, 2007 were tagged Loan granted to Fund for 2006 Virement. Notwithstanding provisions already made in the budget, INEC, on two occasions, was granted loans to fund the 2011 and 2015 general elections. In May 2007, over N66.7 billion was given to INEC to fund the 2011 General Election. In December 2013, N3 billion was withdrawn from the Statutory Stabilization Fund Account and given as loan to INEC to speed up its readiness for 2015. Given that the Statutory Stabilization Fund is a special fund that requires constitutional mandate for its appropriation, the indiscriminate manner in which the loans were approved for these agencies showed a serial disdain for due process. In September 2010 and February 2011, about N80 billion was taken from the Excess Revenue Domestic and Non-Oil Excess Revenue Accounts as amount borrowed to pay States London Club Debt Buy-back. The money was taken in three installments. While the first N48.44 billion was withdrawn from the Non-Oil Excess Revenue Account in September 2010, two other withdrawals of N28.7 billion and N2.83 billion were made from the Excess Revenue Domestic Account respectively. While some of the withdrawals might be explained as prudent in terms of meeting exigencies associated with economic crisis, the manner they were done were underscored as weak resource governance and mere financial gaieties. On the part of former President Jonathan, series of loans approved by him were to defence and security. They had the most impact in depleting the nations oil reserve. For instance; a loan of N5.5 billion was given to the Office of National Security Adviser in December 2013, for an undisclosed purpose. In the same manner, a loan of N2.56 billion was given to Chief of Naval Staff Coast Guard in December 2013 for equally undisclosed purpose. In what could be said to be an emerging pattern, a loan of N2.56 billion was given to Chief of Naval Staff Coast Guard in 2013. Again the purpose was not declared. Two outstanding loans to the Nigerian Army for training and kitting of recruits were approved at a cost of N2.6 billion and N1.56 billion respectively. Other loans given to the military in 2013 included a N7.3 billion loan to fund Military Pension Scheme, N8.48 billion loan to Fund Military Pension Scheme, N2.36 billion loan to the Army as Operation Internal Security and N10.8 billion loan to Ministry of Defence Headquarters. In 2014, over N2.4 billion was also withdrawn as loan to Nigerian Air Force Operation to meet financial requirements under what was tagged as Air Operation. Another N2.36 billion was granted as Loan to Nigerian Army Quick Response Group and forward operating Bases. The establishment of the Excess Crude Account (ECA) in 2004 and the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) in 2011 was essentially to save for the rainy day. These accounts were respectively populated with the excess dollar revenue that came in periods when oil prices became higher than budget benchmarks. These excess funds would have come in handy for Nigeria as the world is hit by falling oil prices. At various times state governors insisted that these accounts be emptied and shared among the federating states. Other loans granted between 2013 and 2014 included a N9.19 billion loan for subscription to Islamic Development Bank shares; N2.35 billion loan to the Department of Petroleum Resources as 4% Cost of Collection for month of September, 2014; N8.27 billion loan to the Federal Ministry of Power, another loan of N1 billion to the same Ministry of Power; N3.36 million to the Federal Ministry of Finance for verification of solid minerals and N350 million loan to Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc. Yet, other loans were N1.99 billion purportedly released to Health Intervention Workplan/Budget on Ebola Virus Disease; N2.39 billion to Standard Alliance Assurance Ltd being 2013 Armed Forces Group Life Assurance Premium. All the loans, which remained outstanding by October 31, 2015, violated Nigerias fiscal responsibility law and this has made the FAAC Post-mortem committee to recommend that the Office of Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) examine the loans and grants to ascertain those that need to be written off. Details of the loans to NSA, MoD and other security agencies are shown in the table below. Description of Loans to Security Agencies Date Account from which the amount was borrowed Amount outstanding as at 31-10-2015 (N) Loan granted to Ghana ($40 million) and Sao Tome ($5 million) 9/22/04 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 827,578,112.70 Loan granted to IGP for purchase of vehicle 6/22/06 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 242,645,472.70 Loan granted to FGN for Pioneer Consumer Car scheme 8/7/06 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 4,580,507,118.53 Loan granted to IGP for purchase of vehicle 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 33,936,500 Loan granted to IGP for purchase of vehicle 10/5/2006 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 32,626,027.60 Loan granted to FGN for Pioneer Consumer Car scheme 12/8/07 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 10,757,175,000 Loan granted to Fund 2006 Virement 2/14/07 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 4,573,773,678 Loan granted to Fund 2006 Virement 4/3/07 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 1,600,338,003 Loan granted to FGN for Pioneer Consumer Car scheme for Public Servants in the Paramilitary Agencies 5/9/07 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 2,800,000,000 Loan to FGN CRF for funding INEC 2011 General Election 5/22/07 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 66,721,961,807.18 Amount borrowed to pay States London Club Debt Buy-back September, 2010 Non Oil Excess Revenue Account 48,438,019,698.18 Amount borrowed to pay States London Club Debt Buy-back February, 2011 Excess Domestic Account 28,700,000,000 Amount borrowed to pay States London Club Debt Buy-back February, 2011 Excess Domestic Account 2,834,278,720.30 Loan to Federal Ministry of Power 8/30/13 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 1,000,000,000 Loan to Nigerian Army as Operation Internal Security 8/30/13 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 2,368,134,360 Loan to Federal Ministry of Power 2013 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 8,270,000,000 Loan for Subscription of Islam Development Bank 2013 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 9,189,840,000 Loan to Ministry of Defence Headquarters 2013 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 10,847,558,177 Loan to Fund Military Pension Scheme 2013 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 7,306,516,345 Loan to FMF for Verification of Solid Minerals 2013 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 336,077,079 Loan to Defence Headquarters 2013 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 8,479,423,817 Loan to Nigerian Army Quick Response Group and forward operating Bases 12/19/13 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 2,368,134,360 Loan to Chief of Naval Staff Coast Guard 12/19/13 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 2,555,978,376 Loan to Office of the National Chief Security Adviser 12/20/13 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 5,500,000,000 Loan to INEC to speed up its readiness for 2015 12/31/13 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 3,000,000,000 Loan to Nigeria MORTGAGE Refinance Company Plc. 10/2/14 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 350,000,000 Release to Standard Alliance Assurance Ltd amount approved by HMF being 2013 Armed Forces Group Life Assurance Premium 19/05/14 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 2,395,851,978 Release to Health Intervention workplan/budget on Ebola Virus Disease 8/8/14 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 1,992,548,500 Loan to Nigerian Air Force Operation to meet financial requirements for execution of Air Operation 12/9/14 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 2,409,367,700 Loan to Department of Petroleum Resources as 4% Cost of Collection for month of September, 2014 29/10/14 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 2,351,590,959.12 Loan to Nigerian Army for Training and Kitting of 5,000 Recruits 5/11/14 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 2,598,000,000 Loan to Nigerian Army for outstanding balance of 2013 recruitment 5/12/14 0.5% Statutory Stabilization Fund Account 1,558,500,000 TOTAL 247,020,361,789.31 The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday arrested a former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, over the Nigerian Immigration recruitment scam in which no fewer than 20 job seekers died. Also arrested by the anti-graft agency were former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Anaesthesia Nwaobia, and a deputy director who allegedly facilitated the scam. A source at the commission, who cannot be named because she is not authorised to speak on the matter, told PREMIUM TIMES the three suspects were picked up in the evening. They were brought into the commissions headquarters today and will be arraigned on a 12-count charge in the Federal High Court Abuja on Tuesday, the source said. Some of the charges against Mr. Moro and his colleagues include obtaining by false pretence, procurement offences, corrupt practices and money laundering. At least nine job seekers died on March 15, 2014 at the Abuja National Stadium while scrambling to secure seats for a recruitment test into the Nigerian Immigration Service. The stampede ensued after the over 200,000 job seekers scrambled through a poorly organized barricade at the stadium. In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, four applicants died from the stampede while 12 others sustained injuries and were rushed to Rivers government-owned Braithwaite Memorial Hospital. After the March 15 tragedy, several Nigerians demanded the resignation or dismissal of Mr. Moro and the Comptroller-General of Immigration, David Parradang, as well as their criminal prosecution for involuntary homicide. They were accused of putting in place a sham recruitment process that enabled the interior ministry to extort at least N520 million in compulsory levy imposed on applicants. The minister, who initially blamed impatience and refusal by applicants to abide by instructions for the tragedy, later accepted responsibility for the incident. He, however, refused to step down. Speaking on a Channels TVs breakfast programme, Sunrise, on October 20, 2014, Mr. Moro made it clear he would not resign, saying he would rather stay put in office to clear the mess caused by the incidence. The point at which we are now is not about resignation. That time has gone, Mr. Morro said in response to a question over why he refused to quit. At the time (people were calling for his resignation), I think emotions were very high. I was in the eye of a storm. At that time, a lot of options were on the table The issue is do you resign or do you stay to sort out the problem that have been created? I decided that staying and mopping up the mess caused by the lack of proper implementation of our plans is better. Thats the point we are now. The minister said Nigerians should consider the tragedy as an accident which he too did not plan for or envisage. I also have families. I didnt set out on that journey knowing that accident would occur that would lead to the death of human beings. We took everything into proper perspective. If we had succeeded, a few Nigerians would have congratulated us for the job well done. The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has alleged that Governor Rauf Aregbesola was planning to sack striking doctors in the state and replace them with traditional healers and witch doctors. The partys spokesman, Diran Odeyemi, in a statement on Sunday, described the technical sacking of the doctors as a blackmail and a misstep on the part of the state government. Now that all the ill-conceived measures to cow the doctors have failed and the Plan B of replacing them with new intakes had been frustrated by the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Governor Aregbesola, wants to experiment with the use of native doctors, Mr. Odeyemi said. Governor Aregbesola has a rich history of odd actions all in a bid to be unique. If a governor could unilaterally change the education system in Osun from the 6-3-3-4 operating across the country to 4-6-3 by recategorising primary and secondary schools in the state to Elementary, Middle and High Schools, then his plans to replace orthodox medical doctors with native doctors in this modern age cannot be dismissed with a wave of hand. The opposition party also accused many stakeholders in the state of not doing enough to caution the Governor Aregbesola against act that had earned the state negative publicity, charging them not to give up on the state. It is truly depressing that a once shining light among states of the federation could be reduced to the least in every aspect that is noble in the space of five years, he noted. Osun in the last WAEC rating was 29th and least in the entire South West of Nigeria. In 2010, this same state was 9th in the entire country according to WAEC rating. Despite the fact that this and many actions of the present administration left sour taste in the mouth, all stakeholders in the affairs of Osun must not give up. They should rise up against the continued misdemeanor being dressed as governance in Osun state. A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday suspended the trial of alleged mastermind of Abuja 2010 Independent Day bombing, Charles Okah, pending his recovery from surgery in the National Hospital. In view of the absence of the accused who had undergone a medical surgery in the National Hospital, Abuja, the trial shall be suspended till March 10 at 11:30am, Justice Gabriel Kolawole ruled. Mr. Kolawole said the suspension would help him recover and attend his trial. He, however, ordered that Obi Nwabueze, standing trial alongside Mr. Okah be remanded in Kuje prison and produced at the next adjourned date. At the last sitting, the court ordered the Nigeria Prison Service to provide tight security at the hospital during the period Mr. Okah was expected to undergo surgery. The court had ordered that after the surgery, Mr. Okah would be produced in court on the next adjourned date to face his trial. (NAN) A former militant leader declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has headed to the Court of Appeal seeking to set aside the warrant of arrest issued against him. Government Ekpemupolo (also known as Tompolo) is also asking that the charges against him be transferred to a different judge. Meanwhile, his team of solicitors have been instructed to expedite the process of hearing the said appeal, at the earliest possible time, Ebun Adegboruwa, Mr. Ekpemupolos lawyer, said in a statement on Sunday. He is a law abiding citizen who is only demanding that the Federal Government should show compliance with the rule of law and due process, in the filing and prosecution of any crime that may be alleged against him. The relevant law enforcement agencies are being notified with the details of the appeal, so that they may be well cautioned from taking undue advantage of the criminal charge to wreck havoc upon Gbaramatu kingdom or to harass the family, relatives, friends and well wishers of Tompolo. Mr. Ekpemupolo and Patrick Akpobolokemi, the former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) are accused of a multibillion naira fraud at the agency. Others charged alongside them are Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd, Odimiri Electrical Ltd, Kime Engozu, Boloboere Property and Estate Ltd, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Ltd, Gregory Mbonu, and Captain Warredi Enisuoh. A federal court had, on January 14, issued a warrant for the arrest of Mr. Ekpemupolo after he shunned an invitation to appear before the court. On February 8, Justice Ibrahim Buba renewed the arrest warrant and a few days later, the EFCC declared Mr. Ekpemupolo wanted. At the last court sitting, on February 19, the Commission told Justice Ibrahim Buba that the whereabouts of the ex-militant leader remained unknown. We wish to inform the court that the warrant of arrest that this court issued in respect of the first defendant (Mr. Ekpemupolo) has not been executed despite the best efforts of all the security agents in this country, said Festus Keyamo, lawyer to the EFCC. Every security agent in this country is involved in the search for the first defendant. What is unfolding is something that has never been seen before in this country for a very long time. With Mr. Ekpemupolo being at large, the EFCC secured an order for substituted service of the witness summons from the judge. The Commissions operatives travelled to Warri, Delta State, and pasted the summons at his gate at No.1 Chief Agbamu Close, DDPA Extension, Warri, as ordered by the court, according to Mr. Keyamo. Mr. Ekpemupolo said hes challenging the federal courts ruling which dismissed his application to set aside the warrant for his arrest. In the notice of appeal filed on his behalf by the law firms of Mr. Adegboruwa and Tayo Oyetibo, the former militant leader said the court erred in law by refusing to set aside the arrest warrant, when there was no evidence to show he had been notified of the summons and the criminal charge pending before him. Joined as respondents in the appeal are the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Patrick Akpobolokemi, Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd, Odimiri Electrical Ltd, and Kime Engozu. Others are Boloboere Property and Estate Ltd, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Ltd, Gregory Mbonu, and Captain Warredi Enisuoh. Tompolo also complained that the learned trial court should have ascertained that the EFCC duly complied with the order of the court for substituted service, by posting the charge at the correct address as contained in the order of the court, the statement said. Tompolo stated further that the application leading to the issuance of the warrant of arrest was not competently placed before the court, as the counsel that signed and filed it on behalf of the EFCC failed to affix his seal thereto, as required by law. The lawyers further argued that the summons and criminal charge were not pasted at the property on No.1 Chief Agbamu Close, DDPA Extension, Warri, Delta State. The premises shown in the picture exhibited to the affidavit of service as the place where service was purportedly effected is situated at Rifevie Close DDPA Warri Delta State which is not less than 500 metres away from Chief Agbamu Close Warri. The decision of the learned trial judge refusing to set aside the purported service is, with respect, perverse. The wife and four children of a former chairman of the traders union of Birnin Kebbi central market, Dandare Maibulawus, were slaughtered in the early hours of Monday in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. A brother to Mr. Maibulawus, Ibrahim Shehu, said the killing occurred around 4:30am when the unknown assailants stormed his brothers house at Bayan Karaa suburb in Birnin Kebbi. My brother travelled to Cotonuo, Benin Republic when the incident occurred, Mr. Shehu said. The state commissioner of police, Yakubu Jibril, confirmed the incident. He appealed to residents of the area to assist the police with information that would lead to the arrest of the assailants. He also called them to report any suspicious movement of persons around the area. Speaking when he paid a condolence visit to the family, the state governor, Atiku Bagudu, expressed dismay over the killing. He described the killings as sad, bad and a dastardly act. The governor, therefore, called on the security agents to intensify investigation and search for the suspects. Ekiti State has the highest number of residents, among Nigerian states, who defecate openly, two agencies have said. The United Nations Childrens Fund and the European Union state that two in three Ekiti residents engage in open defecation. This is contained in a report jointly presented by the organizations at a two-day media networking and alliance building workshop on Water Sanitation and Hygiene held at Ijero Ekiti. The programme, which ended on Saturday, was sponsored by both foreign organisations; and also featured Open Defecation Free, ODF, campaign. The report stated that of the states 2.7million population, 1.8million engage in the unhygienic practice. It said the Ekiti figure represents 60.8% of Nigerians who defecate openly. The organisations said over 2.5 billion people lacked access to improved sanitation globally, out of which one billion were engaging in open defecation. The UNICEF/EU delegation, led by Mohsena Islam, a Water Sanitation and Hygiene specialist from UNICEF, had earlier embarked on a field trip with Ekiti Media WASH group to Asasa and Temidire Olojofi farm settlements in Aramoko Ekiti, to assess compliance with the campaign against open defecation. Mr. Mohsena disclosed that several achievements had been recorded through UNICEF/EU WASH programme in Ekiti, using Gbonyin and Ekiti West as pilot councils in advocacy for open defecation Free and WASH. In Ekiti , an estimated number of 180,000 people are gaining access to good source of water through provision of hand pump boreholes, he said. In the same way, 29,582 people in Ekiti have gained access to safe water through rehabilitation of 65 hand pumps in Gbonyin. 965 pupils from four schools now have access to child and gender friendly water supply. We have also brought improvement to 250 towns and communities in ODF by providing ten toilets per public. We have also provided technical supports in 313 communities, for them to know various ways to build and take ownership of low cost latrines and how to repair them in case of damage. Stakeholders would continue to step up sensitization and advocacy in rural areas on the need to key into the total eradication of open defecation , to forestall breakout of diseases. The Coordinator of Community Led Total Sanitation, CLTS, in Gbonyin, Kayode Eleso, said many residents were arrested and prosecuted for engaging in open defecation, particularly in Ado Ekiti metropolis; while efforts, were also on to compel every household to have toilets. He regretted that low manpower in the sector was responsible for the noticeable inefficiency of his officers , saying records show that no staff had been recruited since Ekiti was created on October 1, 1996. Lanre Ayeni, a CLTS facilitator and staff of Rural Water Sanitation Agency in Ekiti ,said in her presentation that 748 million of the global population, lack access to hygienic water supply . She said it was so regrettable that 1.8 billion people still use contaminated sources of water, which she said has caused a lot of damage to their health and body systems. Advocacy for open defecation free in Ekiti and good water sanitation is yielding results. Enforcement in the past by CLTS coordinators had failed . What we now use is persuasion and people are gradually changing their perception about this concept. Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, broke his silence on his successor on Saturday in Akure, saying he was looking onto God to reveal a successor with a heart and passion to serve the Ondo people. Mr. Mimiko, who spoke at the 84th edition of the monthly praise thanksgiving programme, tagged Divine Agenda, held at the International Events Centre in Akure, called on the people of the state not to be carried away by the propaganda gimmick of the opposition party in the state. According to him, God will choose the man after His heart to lead the state at the end of his tenure on 24th of February 2017. I also prayed specially that after our tenure , when we bow out, a man after the heart of God will take over in the state, a man that will have the heart for the people, because if you are brilliant and you dont have the heart for the people you cannot succeed, he said. . The man must be sensitive to your needs . When election comes in October, you must lay your bed very well. Dont be carried away with the propaganda ,stay with the real stuff and the good lord will help all of you. The governor also noted that his government had been able to turn the state into a centre of attraction in terms of development in the last seven years, saying developmental projects executed by his administration had become the reference point for good governance across the country. He said his government had performed well in the health sector, agriculture, urban renewal programme and particularly the Abiye initiative, which he said had helped in reducing maternal mortality by 70 percent. We got information that one of us went to Togo for an International conference and delivered a paper on our safe motherhood programme and they said we will receive visitors from the whole of Africa very soon, Mr. Mimiko said. Because at that conference, everybody says from across the continent that they should come to Ondo state to learn the trick of maternal death reduction. Its just amazing, when you look back seven years up, weve reduced maternal death more than 70 percent, this is a verifiable data. We started save motherhood programme to have the best facilities in term of quality services and also offers complete free services . There must be a clear distinctions between quality and affordability. We have proved that we can remove financial barriers completely and still offers qualitative services to our people. Mr. Mimiko further stated that God had blessed the state with uncommon grace, given that the people supported his government through the hard times and during the good times. We are always overcoming all our challenges . God has turned our reproach to blessing most especially on this event centre. The opposition thought that this will be abandoned project, he added. R Sridharan, president of AIPIMA and Vimal Mehra, past-president of AIPIMA, in this interaction, say, the association is doing all it can to... By PrintWeek Team All eyes are on the Awards Night of the 12th edition of the PrintWeek Awards to be held at the Grand Hyatt (Santacruz East, Mumbai) on 2 Nov... For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME. Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire. Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever. Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation. View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union. Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history. Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words. DUBLIN, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/pswzsg/micro_motor) has announced the addition of the "Micro Motor Market by Application (Automotive, Medical Equipment, Industrial Automation, Aircraft, 3D Printing, Construction Equipment and Others), Type, Technology, Power Consumption, Region, & by Aftermarket - Global Forecast to 2020" report to their offering. The micro motor market is projected to reach USD 35.59 billion in 2020, from USD 28.26 billion in 2015 growing at a CAGR of 4.56% The increasing demand from Automotive, Medical Equipment, Industrial Automation, Aircraft, Home Appliance, Electronic information and communications equipment and 3D printers among other industries, would drive the micro motor market. Automotive, Industry automation and 3D printing applications are projected to grow faster than other applications considered. This is mainly because of increase in adoption of automation and 3D printing technology across industries, which would reduce the turnaround time and increase efficiency. Micro motors in lab automation are used in piezo motors power MRI robot, telemedicine robots, pharmaceutical dispensing, endoscopy surgical precision, automated biopsy device, robotic biopsy system, medical pipette, infusion pumps, ultrasound transducer, solution mixers, and temperature regulators among others. With increasing demand for these devices would drive the demand for micro motors. Micro motors play a significant role in the automobile industry. In recent years, there were technological advancement to develop high-quality micro motors to address automotive sector demands for automotive comfort and safety. Features such as fingertip rear & wing mirror controls, electronic climate control with vent movement, and even seat adjustment are growing in demand. These easy-to operate-features powered by micro motors allow the automotive industry to offer and incorporate affordable luxury in all car segments. Asia-Pacific region is projected to have high demand for micro motors aiding to increasing population, increasing construction and mining activities, demand for comfort and luxury features in automotive, and increasing health care centers. Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.20% 2015-2020. In China, industry automation application is projected to grow with a CAGR of 7.88%. The medical equipment application in Germany is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.02%. One of the biggest challenges faced by players in the micro motors aftermarket is counterfeit products. About 40% of the parts that are sold in the aftermarket are fake/counterfeit. Counterfeit products are mainly unauthorized spare parts that are available in the market. These unauthorized parts include those that are not genuine and are sold to dealers by suppliers. The micro motor market is dominated by a few globally established companies such as Mabuchi Motors (Japan), ABB Ltd (Switzerland), Mitsuba Corporation (Japan), Nidec Corporation (Japan), and Johnson Electric Holdings Ltd (China) among others. These companies have employed strategies such as new product development, expansions, mergers, and joint ventures to grow in the micro motor market. Companies Mentioned - ABB Ltd - Asmo Co Ltd. - Buhler Motors GmbH - Constar - Johnson Electric Holdings Limited - Mabuchi Motors - Maxon Motors AG - Mitsuba Corporation - Nidec Corporation - Wellings Holdings Ltd For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/pswzsg/micro_motor Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com SOURCE Research and Markets PETACH TIKVA, Israel, February 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Stockton Group (STK), a leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of plant extract based biopesticides, with great sorrow announces the death of Peter Tirosh, founder of the Stockton Group, who passed away last Friday, February 19, 2016, after a short illness. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160221/335514 ) "Peter was an incredible human being, a special kind of person who put his needs aside in service to another. He was not only the founder and leader of Stockton, but he was like the father and big brother of those who worked with him," explained Guy Elitzur, CEO of the Stockton Group. "Peter's passing has left a deep hole in the hearts of all who have known him and those who have had the pleasure of working with him. Stockton was his second family and his spirit will forever guide us as Stockton continues to advance in Peter's vision for a greener tomorrow." Peter had been in the crop protection business throughout the whole of his professional career. He began his career in 1970 when he took a position on a UN FAO project in Central America. He then continued with a 23 year career at Makhteshim Agan (from 1972 until 1994). In 1994, Peter left Makhteshim Agan and founded AGRIMOR, which later evolved into the Stockton business. In the first years, Peter worked alone and developed a successful trading company. Later on, hand-in-hand with his son, Ziv Tirosh, who served as Stockton's CEO until 31.12.2015, the business evolved into Stockton Group (Stockton), a company which specializes in the development, manufacturing and marketing of plant extract based bio-pesticides. Peter worked tirelessly for our industry. He was dedicated to the land and agriculture, while also investing substantial time, energy and money towards research of biological plant protection and production. He cared about helping to turn the planet green, one plant at a time, in order to create healthier produce for the next generation. The funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 2 pm in Kibbutz Sdot Yam. Brief Biography Peter was born in 1940 in Kazakhstan, to Polish Jews who escaped the Nazi invasion. He spent his first years migrating and in refugee camps. He lost his father and a young brother during the war. He arrived to the recently founded State of Israel in 1949, where he lived in Kibbutz Sdot Yam and he later served as an officer in the Elite Paratroopers Unit. Peter continued to a 45 year career in the global crop protection industry, with 22 years at Makhteshim-Agan (Adama) and 21 years at Stockton. Peter who resided in Netanya, Israel and in Miami, FL. He is survived by his partner Rachel Levy, son Ziv Tirosh, daughter Zohar Tirosh-Polk and his five grandchildren. Obituary on Stockton website To express your condolences, please write to: rememberingpeter@stockton-ag.com, it will appear on our website. On behalf of his family, friends and the Stockton Group, we thank you for your condolences. About the Stockton Group The Stockton Group (Stockton) specializes in the development, manufacturing and marketing of plant extract based bio-pesticides. Its core focus is on their integration alongside conventional chemical products into conventional agriculture spraying programs and creating a balanced, cleaner and healthier agricultural environment. Stockton has an active R&D program for the development of future natural products for crop protection. In this area, the Group has a unique research and development center in Israel and invests substantial resources in developing Bio Control products. Stockton has a variety of products adapted to regional needs, biological parameters and regulatory guidelines, and is active in more than 35 counties worldwide. Stockton's flagship product Timorex Gold is used to control a broad spectrum of crop diseases. The product demonstrates an efficacy similar to that of chemical fungicides, and is suitable for use with both conventional and organic crops. Timorex Gold is registered and sold in over 30 countries. Stockton is an international company established in 1994 as a privately-owned company and has a staff of 40 employees in Israel, and around 120 employees worldwide. The company has offices in 20 countries and operates in about 40 countries. Contact: For more information, please visit our website: http://www.stockton-ag.com , or contact Judy Jamuy at: +972-52-7599242 or judy@stockton-ag.com SOURCE The Stockton Group (STK) DUBLIN, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/vjz5mg/blood_screening) has announced the addition of the "Blood Screening and Typing Markets" report to their offering. A variety of infectious agents can be present in blood, including viruses, bacteria, protozoans, Chagas disease, Lyme Disease, and prions. Blood typing and testing represents the cornerstone of ensuring that transfused blood is safe for the recipient and free of disease. Blood Screening and Typing Markets examines the infectious disease blood typing and the infectious disease blood screening markets, including complete market analysis of the blood screening and typing markets: Worldwide Blood Typing and Screening Sales, 2015 and 2020 (ABO Grouping, Immunoassay Screen, NAT Screen) Selected Blood Typing Innovations Blood Typing by Country, 2015 (%) Infectious Disease Blood Typing Market Share by Company Immunoassay Testing Market by Country, 2015 (%) Selected New Blood Screening Immunoassays NAT Blood Screening Market by Country, 2015 (%) Selected New Blood Screen NAT Tests and Systems Infectious Disease Blood Screening Test Market Share by Company The report provides a comprehensive overview of the blood screening and typing markets, discussing: Risk of Contamination Viral Inactivation by Procedure Basic Blood Types Blood Transfusion Compatibility PCR-Based Screening Tests Licensed by CBER Comparison of Direct and Indirect ELISA Tests Laboratory Screening of Blood Donations for Transfusion-Transmissible Infections, Number of Countries Blood Component Usage Pathogens Commonly Tested in Donated Blood Units Selected Pathogen Screening Innovations Blood Screening and Typing Markets profiles a selection of companies that specialize in blood banking and that contribute molecular test innovation to this segment. Companies discussed include Grifols and Roche Diagnostics. Key Topics Covered: ONE: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Blood Screening Blood Typing The Market for Blood Testing and Typing TWO: INTRODUCTION Reducing Blood Typing Errors Improving Donor Screening Improving Viral Screening Increasing Repeat Donation Rates Enhancing Viral Inactivation Processes Increasing Voluntary Donation Preventing Bacterial Infections Biovigilance Other Safety Precautions Blood Typing Methods of Blood Typing Blood Testing Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT) CBER Licensed NAT Screening Tests Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Amplification CBER Licensed PCR Screening Tests Immunoassay Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Costs and Other Barriers Blood Storage Blood Transfusions Blood Pathogen Screening THREE: MARKET ANALYSIS Blood Banking Gets a Shakeup Blood Typing Blood Grouping and Typing Immunoassays Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) Market Share in Blood Testing FOUR: COMPANY PROFILES Abbott Diagnostics AXO Science Beckman Coulter bioMerieux Inc Cerus Corporation DiaSorin S.p.A Grifols Blood Transfusion Novartis Business International Programs Haemonetics Corporation Hologic, Inc. Product News The Gen-Probe Business Panther System Blood Bank Quest Contract Immucor, Inc. Immunetics Inc. Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Quotient Limited Roche Diagnostics Terumo BCT Verax Biomedical Inc. For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/vjz5mg/blood_screening Media Contact: Laura Wood , +353-1-481-1716, press@researchandmarkets.net Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com SOURCE Research and Markets WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- This morning, the Alliance for Responsible Consumer Legal Funding (ARC) announced new additions to its advisory council: Reverend Charles Atkins, Jr., Professor Terrence Cain, and Becki Gray. These three individuals bring a diverse set of backgrounds in social justice and free market ideals to the council, but all share a passion for advocating on behalf of programs and regulations that provide consumers with more choices. Legal funding helps families and gives them a choice to replace lost income nowwhen they need it mostnot years after they've been injured in an accident. New ARC advisory council members include: Reverend Charles Atkins, Jr. is a community leader and social justice advocate in the New York metropolitan area, and serves as the pastor for the French-speaking congregation at the French Evangelical Church of New York . Atkins is dedicated to serving urban communities through advocating for access to justice. His interest in consumer legal funding stems from his commitment to providing counsel and developing programs to help individuals in need. "The process is set up so that people can't get what they deservewhat is fair," Reverend Atkins said. "Legal funding gives people an option and improves equity in the system." Professor Terrence Cain is a legal scholar at the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock . He has taught classes on employment discrimination and civil liberties over the last decade, and is a published scholar on the topic of legal funding. He maintains a private practice where he specializes in criminal defense, employment discrimination and domestic relations. "Legal funding serves the dual purposes of creating a culture in which justice is more readily accessible and does so while maximizing the efficiency of the litigation process," said Professor Cain. Becki Gray is a public policy leader who currently serves as the Vice President of Outreach for the John Locke Foundation in Raleigh, NC . In this role, she works closely with elected officials and government staff on public policy. Her background in lobbying and in the legal field have made her a go-to expert for commentary on legislative issues. "There is a market for consumer legal funding because there is a need," said Gray. "We need to let the free-market work." About Consumer Legal Funding When people are injured because of the actions of other parties, their economic losses are often compounded by the long wait for insurance companies to resolve cases. As a result, cash-strapped consumers are frequently forced to accept whatever amount the insurance company is offering, even if it is far below the fair value. Consumer legal funding helps people who have suffered an economic loss and have a pending legal claim by providing money to pay for immediate personal needs such as rent, mortgages, car repairs, utilities and groceries, while they wait for their legal claim to settle fairly. Consumer legal funding is a bridge to a fair settlement. In the last decade alone, hundreds of thousands of consumers have benefited from consumer legal funding. For everyday Americans who have been hurt and have little emergency savings, consumer legal funding is a lifeline. About ARC The Alliance for Responsible Consumer Legal Funding (ARC) is a coalition established to promote practices and regulations that lead to informed decisions between individuals and their attorneys. Coalition members include legal funding providers, academics, community activists, public policy experts, and consumers who believe that families should have more optionsnot fewerwhen they've been in an accident. CONTACT: Crystal Olsen (847) 521-4321 [email protected] SOURCE Alliance for Responsible Consumer Legal Funding (ARC) Related Links http://arclegalfunding.org NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Depending on the news one reads, this was either an unfavorable month for the 25 billion-dollar electronic medical records (EMR) industry, or it was its finest hour. This according to Kalorama Information, a market research firm that publishes an annual assessment of the industry. The industry demonstrated its prowess in dealing with a community medical issue that would have been failed by paper records, but also had some negative publicity on IT security. Kalorama Information's most recent report , EMR 2015: The Market for Electronic Medical Records, can be found at: http://www.kaloramainformation.com/redirect.asp?progid=88375&productid=8917410. Kalorama Information First, this month brought news that the lead poisoning water crisis in Flint, Michigan was discovered as the result of searches conducted using data from an Epic EMR system (story: http://www.fierceemr.com/story/flint-michigan-kudos-ehr/2016-02-03.) The key physician involved in the case, pediatrician Mona Hanna-Attisha, quickly reviewed the EHRs of the children whose blood had been tested at the hospital. According to news accounts and the statement of the physician that discovered a problem in Flint, paper records would not have leant themselves to the kind of research needed to detect patterns if only paper was available. "The side benefit of EMR conversion, aside from cost savings, is that practice would improve and providers, academics and governments could obtain better epidemiological information," said Bruce Carlson, Publisher of Kalorama Information. "The visibility of the Flint Michigan story provides a real-world example of the benefits oft-stated during the conversion and incentive campaign." At the same time, recent incidents of medical information being held hostage by hackers, with the most notable being an incident at the Hollywood Presbyterian, have spotlighted fears of record conversion. In the most recent incident the California hospital paid $17,000 to rescue its information from hackers, have spotlighted information security. Hollywood Presbyterian was using a major vendor EMR system. Because the initial ransom demand was in billions, the story went national. This incident at a time when many physicians and hospitals are converting to electronic records and the Federal government has driven conversion was obviously not a postiive development. "Still, 3 out of 4 US hospitals have a basic EMR system and most EMRs are being used without incident," Carlson said. "ransomware attacks are not limited by any means to EMR or healthcare facilities as corporations and even police departments have suffered attacks. " Kalorama notes that there are questions about the role of the actual EMR software in the Hollywood Presbyterian case, as to whether the hospital properly encrypted information, whether staff was properly trained in anti-phishing techniques, whether EMR use audits were conducted, and if anyone was designated as chief security officer there. Such services and consulting offer opportunities for the industry, which has always been as much of a service industry as a software one. As indicated the actual damages of ransomware attacks have so far been minimal. Kalorama sees continued growth in the EMR market. A big focus is going to be in conversion and upgrading of EMR systems. Kalorama Information's EMR 2015: The Market for Electronic Medical Records contains detailed market estimates and forecasts for different segments of the industry. The report can be found at: http://www.kaloramainformation.com/redirect.asp?progid=88375&productid=8917410. About Kalorama Information Kalorama Information, a division of MarketResearch.com, supplies the latest in independent medical market research in diagnostics, biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare; as well as a full range of custom research services. Reports can be purchased through Kalorama's website and are also available on www.marketresearch.com and www.profound.com. We routinely assist the media with healthcare topics. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and our blog at www.kaloramainformation.com. Contact: Bruce Carlson (212) 807-2622 [email protected] www.KaloramaInformation.com Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140801/132634 SOURCE Kalorama Information Related Links http://www.KaloramaInformation.com TEL-AVIV, Israel, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- RADWIN (www.radwin.com) - the global leader in Non-Line-ofSight (NLOS) Small Cell Backhaul solutions today announced its breakthrough patent-pending Drone with Smart Beam-Forming antenna set to completely simplify small cell deployments. RADWINs patent-pending Drone with Smart Beam-Forming antenna simplifies small cell deployments while slashing deployment time and costs. RADWIN offers comprehensive Site Survey Tools to its global small cells customer base. These tools allow carriers to rapidly qualify small cell sites and assess their viability to support NLOS backhaul. There are, however, instances where access to a site is problematic (e.g. when a site is on a rooftop or hard-to-reach street furniture) and highly time-consuming. Now, with the latest addition of a drone that is fully equipped with RADWIN's Site Survey Tools and utilizing RADWIN's unique Smart Beam-Forming antenna, the drone can be navigated to reach a potential site at various heights. The RADWIN-based drone scans potential connectivity in 360 degrees coverage in mere seconds while taking into account all parameters to assure accurate site qualification. Sharon Sher, RADWIN's President and CEO: "RADWIN's manifesto is to continuously deliver innovative solutions that allow mobile operators to significantly reduce their TCO and simplify operations. With the RADWIN Drone which comes fully equipped with Site Survey Tools and Smart Beam-Forming antenna, we are bringing to market a truly revolutionary concept. This solution enables carriers to optimize small cell backhaul placement and slash deployment time and costs. We are set to work with our valued partners and leading Tier-1 customers to integrate the RADWIN Drone into the practices applied by carriers for small cell deployments." Schedule a meeting with RADWIN at Mobile World Congress. Contact: [email protected]; +972-3-769-2820 CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CLIP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOCLsTfQ4_8 About RADWIN RADWIN is a leading provider of Point-to-Multipoint and Point-to-Point sub-6 GHz broadband wireless solutions. RADWIN also offers solutions specifically geared for non-line-of-sight (NLOS) small cell backhaul. Incorporating the most advanced technologies such as a Beam-forming antenna and an innovative Air Interface, RADWIN's systems deliver optimal performance in the toughest conditions including high interference and obstructed line-of-sight. Deployed in over 150 countries, RADWIN's solutions power applications including backhaul, broadband access, private network connectivity, video surveillance transmission as well as delivering broadband for trains and metros. Visit RADWIN: www.radwin.com RADWIN Sales HQ: +972-3-769-2820 US: +1-201-252-4224 Email: [email protected] Media Contact Tammy Levy RADWIN Tel: +972-3-766-2916 Email: [email protected] Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160221/335531 SOURCE RADWIN Related Links http://www.radwin.com WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau: EARLY PRESIDENTIAL RADIO Profile America Monday, February 22nd. The history of radio and the presidency seems to center entirely on Franklin Roosevelt's famous "fireside chats" beginning in 1933 in the depths of the Depression. But the first president to address the nation from the White House over the infant broadcast medium was, ironically, "Silent Cal." President Calvin Coolidge spoke to a coast-to-coast audience on this date in 1924 on the occasion of George Washington's birthday. His words were carried over a mere 42 stations. That year, there were 530 radio stations in the country, broadcasting to just 1.25 million households. Today, there are over 5,900 radio stations employing nearly 83,000 people. Nearly 100 percent of America's 117 million households have radios. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at . Sources: Kane's Famous First Facts, 6212 First broadcast/accessed 12/10/2015: http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/jazz/jb_jazz_radio_1.html Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970, p. 796 Radio industry/ NAICS 515112: http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=BP_2013_00A1&prodType=table Radio penetration/accessed 12/10/2015: https://people.hofstra.edu/geotrans/eng/ch1en/conc1en/telecomdiffusionUS.html Households: http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_14_1YR_DP04&prodType=table Profile America is produced by the Center for New Media and Promotions of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button). Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110428/DC91889LOGO SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau Related Links http://www.census.gov New Delhi, Feb 18 : India on Thursday termed the US supply of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan as "unfortunate" and said it disagreed with the rationale that the fighter jets will be used to fight terrorism. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup, however, said that ties with the US were not "single-issue relationship". Answering questions from media persons here, Swarup said India's concerns on the issue were frankly conveyed by Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar to the US Ambassador Richard Verma. "Obviously, this decision of the US is very unfortunate and it will certainly convey a negative sentiment and I do not see that you know make this a single point agenda with the US. "We have said that we are concerned and we do not agree with their rationale. They are saying that the F-16s will be used to fight terrorism.. We do not agree with this rationale," he said. The Pentagon had said on Tuesday that the supply of additional F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan had taken into account the regional security situation. It had also said that the US looked at its relationships with Pakistan and India as separate and the capability will help Islamabad in its counter-terrorism effort. India had last week summoned the US ambassador to lodge its strong protest against the move by the Obama administration to sell eight F-16 Block-52 aircraft worth $699 million to Pakistan in the face of US lawmakers' opposition to the deal over Islamabad's alleged support for terrorist groups. New Delhi, Feb 19 : Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda on Friday termed the statement made by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh regarding stoppage of the central government's grants as misleading. The central government has recommended highest ever increase in vertical tax devolution from 32 to 42 percent for all states, including Himachal Pradesh, by accepting the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission, Nadda said in a statement. He said the government has also taken a decision to increase the ratio of central government share in all core schemes under centrally sponsored schemes to 90:10 ratio, thus meeting a long-standing demand of Himachal Pradesh. Many of the centrally-sponsored schemes, including Sarv Shiksha Abhiyaan and command area development scheme, where in the state government share used to be in the range of 25 to 35 percent has been brought to 10 percent state share thus giving a substantial relief to the hill state, said the statement. By maintaining 90:10 funding for these states, the National Democratic Alliance government has devolved much more funds than the previous United Progressive Alliance government, the statement said. "Unfortunately, Himachal Pradesh has frittered away this windfall on non-productive assets. The chief minister is still functioning in a dole and patronage mode," Nadda, who belongs to the hill state, said. He said a total tax devolution of Rs.28,225 crore has been estimated to Himachal Pradesh for 2015-20 against actual release of Rs.11,131 crore during 2010-15, an increase of Rs.17,094 crore over a period of five years. Besides, grants-in-aid has also been recommended for the hill state to the tune of Rs.43,810 crore for 2015-20, an increase of Rs.33,356 crore over actual release during 2010-15, he added. The chief minister had expressed concern regarding stoppage of release of grants to the tune of Rs.3,000 crore annually by the centre under the central schemes. New Delhi, Feb 19 : The Supreme Court on Friday transferred, to the Delhi High Court, JNU Students' Union president Kanhaiya Kumar's petition seeking bail as it said that the direct hearing of the bail plea bypassing the high court would set a wrong precedent. A bench of Justice J.Chelameswar and Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre, while transferring Kanhaiya's petition, asked senior counsel Raju Ramachandran as to "what prevented you from going to the high court". "I can understand if you had gone to the high court. You have not even made an effort," Justice Chelameswar told Ramachandran who led the arguments on behalf of Kanhaiya Kumar. In response, he said: "It is impractical, unsafe, and dangerous to me, dangerous to my lawyers who can't perform their professional duty in serenity." "When the facts of the situation are before the Supreme Court, and under the scrutiny of the court...," he said, referring to the violence in the courts. Adding his weight to the plea for hearing of bail petition by the top court, senior counsel Soli Sorabjee said the question is whether their "apprehension is genuine or fanciful". "The lawyers who did (the violence) are not repentant or remorseful. They think that they did was their national duty. It is not an imaginary apprehension. Statements are being made bravely and they are being feted and garlanded," he said. Defending the decision to approach the apex court by invoking its jurisdiction under the constitution's article 32, Ramachandra said there was a "simmering local situation in Delhi's subordinate courts". However describing this proposition as "dangerous", Justice Chelameswar said: "You are raising a dangerous proposition and this argument will be available to a large number of accused. There is a denationalisation of the cases, prominent personalities are involved, and atmosphere (in court) is very serious in so many cases." However, in an shift from Delhi Police's stand that it would not oppose Kanhaiya Kumar's bail plea, Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar said the allegation against the student leader are "very serious in nature". Opposing the plea for the hearing of the bail plea by the top court, he assured full security to Kanhaiya Kumar's legal team. "The high court is capable of looking itself. Capable of performing its duties. They are not incapable." Earlier supplementing Ramachandran's arguments, senior counsel Rajeev Dhavan told the court that he agrees that the accused should first approach the trial court for bail but the question is "whether there is genuine apprehensions of the lawyers and journalists - both were the victims of violence in the Patiala House Court Complex". Meanwhile advocate R.P. Luthra took objection to RSS being described as an "extremist" organisation by lawyer Subhash Chandra who was a part of Kanhaiya Kumar's legal team that faced ire of a mob in the Patiala House Court Complex on February 15. Saying that he was pained by such description of the RSS, Luthra told the court that everything has been designed by the "anti-social" elements to give a bad name to the organisation. At the conclusion of the hearing, as Dhavan sought the court's nod for making public the lawyers panel report on the situation that prevailed in Patiala House Court complex on Thursday, Justice Chelameswar advised him to wait. "Till the bail application is taken up, why don't you let the matter cool down. In a situation like this, one word is enough to infuriate the entire atmosphere," he said. Earlier, the court was given a report by Delhi Police on the situation at Patiala House court complex on February 15 and 17. Kolkata, Feb 20 : The BJP on Saturday accused Jadavpur University vice chancellor Suranjan Das of being a "Trinamool Congress appointee" and failing to identify the students who raised pro-Afzal Guru slogans. Das countered the flak, saying his appointment was the governor's decision and it was not right to politicise the issue. "Despite being a VC, if you can't identify and act against them, then it clearly shows you are working as a VC as per a political agenda. He is a Trinamool appointee and that's why not doing anything," said BJP national secretary Siddharth Nath Singh. Talking to the media, Das said: "I am hurt. It is not right to say such things about a vice chancellor. I don't work politically. My aim is to do the best for the university. "I was appointed as a vice chancellor during the Left Front regime, so it is not right to point under which regime I have been appointed. The governor (K.N. Tripathi) appoints the vice chancellor. It is not right to bring politics here." Meanwhile, state BJP president Dilip Ghosh asserted that if the party was in power in the state, then they would have dragged the anti-nationals out of the campus, "by the collar, be it a student, teacher or staff". Das, however, maintained his stand of doing things according to the rules and regulations of the university. "I don't agree with the view (of Ghosh)," Das said. Jerusalem, Feb 22 : Israel and the US started a joint exercise on Sunday focusing on defence against the threat of ballistic missiles, the Israeli army said. The US European Command and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) commenced the exercise known as Juniper Cobra 16 in an eighth of a series of biennial exercises between the two countries since 2001, an IDF spokesperson said. Overall 1,700 military men and civil contractors are expected to take part in the exercise, which is set to end on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported. "This exercise is part of a planned training schedule that seeks to enhance interoperability between the militaries in the context of exercising defensive capabilities," an IDF statement said. Commander of the Aerial Defence Division, Brigadier General Zvika Haimovich, said the drill is a "significant milestone" in Israeli-US defence cooperation. Although military officials say the drill is not related to any current developments, the US has recently implemented sanctions against Iran over its ballistic missile program, shortly after lifting sanctions over Tehran's nuclear program upon a deal reached in July 2015. Israel is currently at the process of finalising a ten-year memorandum of understanding with the US regarding defence assistance. As one of the largest US aid recipient, Israel receives around $3 billion annually in defence aid from Washington. Whereas both Israel and the US officials stress the strong security-related cooperation, diplomatic relations have been strained in recent years. Most of the tensions have surrounded the different approaches towards Iran's nuclear deal which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vocally objected, calling it a "historic mistake". The US government has also recently deplored Israel for its policies towards the Palestinians in the occupied territories in the West Bank, and for a wave of right-wing legislation against left-wing organisations. Rio De Janeiro, Feb 22 : Rafael Nadal has been eliminated from the Rio Open in the semifinals. Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas defeated the former world number one by two sets to one, and will now meet Argentine Guido Pello for the title, Xinhua news agency reported. After Nadal took the first set 6-7, Cuevas stormed back with set wins of 7-6 and 6-4 to progress in a contest that lasted just under three-and-a-half hours. The South American used the force of his serve to put Nadal on the backfoot. In the end, it proved too strong, with Nadal committing more errors than his opponent. It is the second successive tournament in which Nadal has fallen at the semifinal stage, having done the same at the Buenos Aires ATP 250 last week. Ramallah, Feb 22 : The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met US Secretary of State John Kerry in Amman and told him the Palestinian leadership was working with the international community to hold an international peace conference to find a 5+1 formula and end the conflict with Israel. The meeting on Sunday discussed the latest developments "in depth and detail", Xinhua quoted Abbas' spokesperson, Nabil Abu Rudeinah as saying. Abu Rudeinah said that Abbas stressed the Palestinian leadership's efforts to "go to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to condemn settlement expansion and end it." He added that the president addressed the efforts to form national consensus government to unify the Palestinian land and people, with regards to the latest round of talks between Abbas's Fatah party and Islamic Hamas movement in Doha. Abbas wants Kerry to talk to the Israelis and help release the striking prisoner Mohamed Al-Qiq, who has been on a hunger strike for 90 days protesting administrative detention, and to release bodies of Palestinians withheld by Israeli authorities, said Abu Rudeinah. Kerry said the Obama administration will continue to exert its efforts till the last moment to maintain the two-states solution in order to achieve stability and security in the region. The Palestinian presidency welcomed statements by French Foreign Minister Lauren Fabius in which he said his country would resume efforts to organise an international conference to "rescue the two-states solution." Fabius said shall this initiative fail, "we must undertake our responsibility and recognise the Palestinian state." Israel rejected Fabius' statements, saying it was an ultimatum that Palestinians would use to fail the talks. The Israeli public radio reported that a senior US official said that direct negotiations between Palestinians and Israel are the best way to reach a mutual agreement. The last round of peace talks stopped in April 2014, after nine months of meetings mediated by the US. A wave of unrest broke out between Palestinians and Israel since last October, killing 180 Palestinians, according to the PNA health ministry, and over 30 Israelis. New Delhi : Title: Understanding the Founding Fathers - An Enquiry into the Indian Republic's Beginnings; Author: Rajmohan Gandhi; Publisher: Aleph Book Company; Pages: 160; Price: Rs.299 Political leaders are never fated to be left in peace, especially if they are among those involved in ensuring a country's independence or charting its future course. Decades hence, there will still be critics questioning their capabilities, motivations, and achievements in tones ranging from mild criticism to angry polemic, or believing others, usually their favourites, could have done better. India's founding fathers are no exception. In the Indian context, these could entail the prospects that could have ensued if Vallabhbhai Patel had been free India's first prime minister instead of Jawaharlal Nehru, or if Subhas Chandra Bose had stayed in India during World War and led the freedom struggle and/or independent India. Then how about if B.R. Ambedkar had not left Nehru's cabinet, or going back a bit, the leadership of a united India had been given to Mohammed Ali Jinnah? But as author Rajmohan Gandhi observes, "these questions may usually be dismissed as being purely hypothetical but a related question makes practical sense. Are our present-day discontents of recent origin or connected to the beginnings of the Indian republic? Were crucial mistakes made in the 1947-50 period?" It is an attempt to answer these questions that led to this work whose small size does not reflect its weighty and reasoned erudition but he admits its aims were first more limited - "merely wanting to address sweeping criticisms of (Mahatma) Gandhi and Nehru levelled by two interesting men - a swami from Gujarat and a professor from America", both of who he only came to know about in early 2015. Swami Sachidanand of Gujarat blames Mahatma Gandhi, for weakening India by his espousal of 'ahimsa', leading to the ignominious defeat to the Chinese in 1962 , as well as the Hindu community, by failing to understanding "two things: the value of the sword, and the danger from Islam. On the other, American 'Marxist' scholar Perry Anderson, in "The Indian Ideology" (2014), charges the Mahatma with being "anti-Muslim, that he forced Pakistan on an unwilling Jinnah, that he helped fashion a Hindu state where Muslims would remain subordinate, a state which had enslaved the people of Kashmir", and prescribes Indians banish Gandhi, Nehru and Patel and others and "all they represent". With "the Swami and the Professor were in essence cancelling each other's charges against Gandhi, a reply would merely require quoting each to the other" but the author, despite a part of him encouraging this response, holds the issue is greater - for there are are many Hindus who believe or led to believe what the Swami thinks contentions, and likewise, many Muslims in both countries about the stand most lately expressed by Anderson, "and if facts and reasons could clarify a few minds, an effort to supply them might be worthwhile". He begins with his rebuttals of both Sachidanand and Anderson, by extensively citing their criticism and inferences and countering it through Mahatma's recorded writings, statements and actions - and simple logic. The next chapter does the same for Nehru and the fourth deals with Jinnah, Bose and Ambedkar, who have all been praised by Anderson, laying out a tantalising premise of whether they could have "joined hands to give India and Pakistan an alternative history, free of Partition and its killings and perhaps free also of the injustices and inequalities that have scarred the subcontinent?" It is a thought-provoking work that the author, a grandson of the Mahatma, has penned and despite his relationship, he is quite balanced and freely acknowledges his grandfather's shortcomings and mistakes. And there is something new that most of us will find, though it may not be very salutary, eg. What ex-INA men ended up doing. But the real value of this book is that icons are humans and not infallible or beyond debate, and issues of disagreements, or any perceived dishonours, can be discussed peacefully and logically, without sending oneself into paroxysms of rage and needing coercive action or bans to assuage. (22.02.2016 - Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in) Cairo, Feb 22 : The Syrian government has condemned the terrorist attacks that hit the Shia district of Sayyidah Zaynab, on the outskirts of Damascus and the Al Zahraa district in Homs, north of Damascus, with at least 120 dead. According to a statement released on Sunday, Syrian Prime Minister Wael al Halqi said these attacks seek to "boost the morale of the collapsed terrorist groups especially after the great victories that the Syrian Army is achieving." The explosions were "attempts to obstruct the efforts of some countries to establish security and stability in Syria," Efe news agency quoted him as saying. The prime minister held Turkey and some Arab governments responsible for the "cowardly explosions", though he did not specify which governments he was referring to. He underlined that Syria insists on defeating terrorism, restoring security and stability in its territory and achieving national reconciliation. Al Halqi expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the blasts and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The Islamic State (IS) on Sunday claimed responsibility for the six bombing attacks in the Syrian cities of Homs and Damascus. Four attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 62 people and injured 180 in the Sayyidah Zaynab district, according to figures from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Moreover, according to the same source, a twin car bombing in the central district of Al Zahraa, in Homs, caused the death of 57 people. The majority of inhabitants in the Sayyidah Zaynab district are of the Alawite sect, a Shia sect to which President Bashar al-Assad belongs. According to the data from the UN, in nearly five years of war 260,000 people have lost their lives in Syria and more than 12 million Syrians, including 5,500,000 children, need immediate humanitarian assistance. Lucknow, Feb 22 : At least eleven people, five of them women, were killed and eight others injured when a jeep collided head-on with a truck in Jhansi, police said on Monday. The accident occurred late Sunday night when the jeep loaded with passengers was coming on the wrong side of the road and rammed into the truck. Senior Superintendent of Police Sabharaj told IANS that the accident happened at the Gwalior highway. Five people were killed on the spot while six others died in the hospital. New Delhi, Feb 22 : Two contiguous north Kashmir villages, Kunan and Poshpora, became part of Jammu and Kashmir's complex tale of misery on the night of February 23, 1991. But it also got caught in the vortice of allegations and counter-claims so common to many events in the state. On that night, troops of 4 Rajputana Rifles had cordoned off the twin villages for carrying out a search operation to locate militants there. The militants were never found, but the Valley raged the next morning with allegations that the army personnel had raped 32 women. The Army and state authorities denied the allegations. A team of the Press Council of India, led by journalist B.G. Verghese, which had been asked to investigate said in its report that the "Kunan rape story on close examination turns out to be a massive hoax, orchestrated by militant groups and their sympathizers and mentors in Kashmir and abroad as part of a sustained and cleverly contrived strategy of psychological warfare." The report came under massive criticism from human rights organisations and others, both national and international for having sought to whitewash the incident. The villages are still fighting for justice in different courts of the state. Now, five Kashmiri women have taken up the incident to pen down a book titled "Do you Remember Kunan-Poshpora?" (Zubaan Books; pp : 180; Rs.395) The book talks about reopening the case and documents the legal struggle faced by the survivors. The five authors are Samreen Mushtaq, Ifrah Butt, Essar Batool, Natasha Rather and Munaza Rashid. In 2013, a group of 50 women, consisting of teachers, students, journalists, human rights workers, lawyers, and other professionals filed a public interest litigation (PIL) before the Jammu and Kashmir High Court seeking to reopen the Kunan Poshpora case. "The aim behind filing the PIL was to make the Indian Army answerable and to disclose their real identity in Kashmir. The book came later as part of the battle that the survivors of Kunan Poshpora are fighting and so that we don't forget the allegations of the rapes of Kashmiri women," co-author Essar Batool told IANS in an email interview from Srinagar. Although the high court rejected the petition after three hearings, the legal battle was restated with a series of fresh petitions. "The cover-ups, distortions in the case by the state and the humiliation of the survivors is enough reason to bring forth this case into the public domain to show how the armed forces enjoy complete freedom and are allowed to roam around freely. It is this freedom that we are challenging," Batool added. The book was officially released at the Jaipur Literature Festival last month. It focuses on the torture of the women from the villages, some 130 km northwest of Srinagar city. The book has been divided into seven chapters: "Kashmiri Women and Resilience", "Sexual Violence and Impunity in Kashmir", "The Night in Kunan Poshpora", "Life in Kunan Poshpora", "Inquiries and Impunities", "People Who Remember" and "The Legal Battle". Batool said they had taken up the Kunan Poshpora case because "it is one of the biggest incidents in the history of sexual violence in probably the whole of south Asia," adding she was inspired when a group of Manipuri women protested naked outside an army facility in Imphal more than a decade ago daring the soldiers to rape them too. Asked, about the most difficult part to recount while writing the book, Batool said: "Having the survivors recount the horrors of that night has always been hard, because talking about it would send them back to that horrific night." She said though they had to travel long distances to Kunan Poshpora and the Kupwara court, the hardest part was to include everything and not leave even an ounce of evidence out. "This is the documentation of the bravery of the women and men of Kunan Poshpora, of their strength, she said. Co-author Samreen Mushtaq said it had been a struggle to document all of that "to change the stereotype of their being victims to telling the world that they are fighters" . The writers argue the book is not fiction, but based on truth and was written irrespective of people's opinion. "Honestly we did not write the book for acceptance. Truth is spoken not keeping in mind whether or not people will accept it. Truth should be said especially when the other side has been propagating lies for years together. And when you are speaking the truth, confidence comes naturally," Mushtaq said. "People who have been part of cover ups and distortion of facts should worry about how they will sound," Batool said. "As women, we know how the threat of rape feels, but it is a patriarchal notion that women should not talk about rape since we have attached honour to women. It is this patriarchal notion that has been taken advantage of by the armed forces to use rape as a tool of punishment and reprisal, she added. "The shame," Batool said, "is for the perpetrators of rape not for the victims or for those who write about it or speak against it." (Shamshad Ali can be contacted at shamshad.a@ians.in) Chennai, Feb 22 : Lakhs of devotees took a dip in the Mahamaham tank in Kumbakonam on Monday on the occasion of Mahamaham festival celebrated once in 12 years. Part of Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu, Kumbakonam is a famous temple town about 300 km from here. The festival began on February 13 with flag hoisting in various temples in Kumbakonam. According to officials, over three lakh people had a dip in the tank on Monday. Around 40 lakh people have taken a dip in the temple tank since February 13, officials said. According to legend, holy rivers like Ganges, Yamuna, Saraswati, Sarayu, Godavari, Mahanadhi, Narmada, Pavoshnl and Cauvery once approached Lord Shiva and said that they have to wash off the sins left by humans taking a dip in them. Hearing their plea Lord Shiva told them to take a dip in the Mahamaham tank to wash off the sins left by the humans, states Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department. The belief is that on this day, taking a dip in Mahamaham tank where there will be a confluence of all the holy rivers, would absolve humans of all their sins. The tank has 20 wells named after Indian rivers. Before taking a dip in the Mahamaham tank, devotees should have a dip in the Cauvery river. Since the holy dips are performed in the Cauvery river and the Mahamaham tank the festival is also known as Maha Kumbh Mela. Chandigarh, Feb 22 : Fresh firing took place on Monday in Haryana's Sonipat district as Jats demanding job quotas blocked the Delhi-Ambala highway, hours after traffic on it was restored. Meanwhile, the death toll in the nearly 10 days of violence was put at 16. Police sources said the Jat demonstrators fought pitched battles with soldiers by hurling stones and bricks near Ladsoli village, 55 km from New Delhi. The army fired at the Jats, leaving a few injured, the sources said, after they blocked the National Highway-1 again. Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma meanwhile said that the Haryana violence had left 16 people dead. He said the cabinet discussed the latest situation in the state. The army also took control of the Munak canal in Sonipat district earlier in the morning. The canal supplies water supply to Delhi, and the supply of water resumed partially to the national capital. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal thanked the army for its intervention. "Thank u army, thank u centre for securing Munak canal. Great relief for Delhi," he tweeted. Rohtak and some other places remained tense due to fresh incidents on Monday. Police sources said Jats continued to block roads and railway tracks at some places on Monday. The NH-10 (Delhi-Hisar) was still blocked at Sampla town, 25 km from Rohtak town. Former chief minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda was stopped by security forces at the Tikri border (between Delhi and Rohtak) on Monday while proceeding towards strife-torn Rohtak town. The violence affected areas in the state were meanwhile limping back to normalcy. Curfew in Rohtak town was relaxed for an hour. Curfew was lifted in Hisar and Hansi towns, officials said. Soldiers and paramilitary troopers along with police and district authorities continued to patrol the NH-1 and other roads to ensure that the Jat protestors did not return. Thousands of people and vehicles were stranded on NH-1 as the Jats laid siege to the highway in Sonipat and Panipat districts for three days, cutting off road connectivity to Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh. Railway officials said restoration of train traffic on the Delhi-Ambala and Delhi-Bathinda sections could take some more time as the damaged tracks have to be repaired. The demonstrators had uprooted railway tracks at various places. Nearly 900 trains were cancelled in the region due to the Jat agitation. The protests somewhat abated after Haryana's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party announced in Delhi on Sunday that Jats will get reservation in jobs, police officials said. In some places, however, Jat youths continued the blockades saying they won't budge till they see "action" by the Haryana government. Jat leaders have appealed for an end to the agitation. Hundreds of shops have been vandalised and set on fire in Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, Kalanaur and other places. A number of government and private buildings and vehicles were also set on fire in the past four days as mobs went on the rampage in over 10 districts in Haryana. The state government had to requisition the army and para-military forces to contain the situation. However, the violent protests continued and even spread to other areas of the state. Agartala, Feb 22 : The much awaited first commercial freight train arrived in Tripura on Monday from Assam amid rousing welcome, ending an old demand for broad gauge railway connectivity between Tripura and the rest of India. In presence of thousands of cheering people, besides Tripura Transport Minister Manik Dey and senior officials of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the freight train with 21 wagons arrived at the Jirania railway station, 12 km from here. In his brief deliberations at Jirania railway station, Dey said: "If such goods trains are operated on a regular basis by the NFR, the availability of foodgrains, transport fuels, essentials and other commodities would increase and prices would be reasonable." "Railway connectivity is crucial for land-locked Tripura. We expect that the NFR would soon run regular passenger trains between Tripura and the rest of India as the broad gauge railway track is ready to use," the minister added. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Saturday flagged off in Silchar the Poorvottar Sampark Kranti Express, a weekly train connecting Silchar in southern Assam with New Delhi and two commercial freight trains to Agartala (Jirania) in Tripura and Jiribam in Manipur bringing the two northeastern states on the broad gauge railway map of India. The express train will run between New Delhi and Silchar, southern Assam's main commercial city, via Guwahati, New Coochbehar and Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. Earlier on February 1, the Silchar-Sealdah Kanchanjunga Express began operations, meeting a long-standing demand of the people to link southern Assam with the country's mainland. Assam's Barak Valley was brought on the broad gauge rail map early last year. And a regular passenger train service between Silchar and Guwahati started on November 21 last year. The 437-km Lumding-Silchar and Badarpur-Agartala gauge conversion work was sanctioned in 1996. It was declared a national project in 2004, thereby ensuring uninterrupted funding from the central government's general budget. The project was hit by insurgency from 2006 to 2009 and works could only gain speed after that turbulent period. The Lumding-Silchar line is the lifeline for southern Assam, known as Barak Valley, and the mountainous states of Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram. These states are heavily dependent on this railway line for supply of foodgrain, fertilisers, petroleum products, construction materials and other commodities. This railway connectivity is the lifeline for millions in Tripura, western Manipur and Mizoram besides southern Assam, comprising four important districts. Lumding is an important railway junction in Assam and falls under Guwahati-Dibrugarh broad-gauge section. In the first phase, the 210-km Lumding-Silchar gauge conversion project was completed early last year. In the second phase, the 227-km Badarpur-Agartala gauge conversion was undertaken. It was scheduled to be completed in March but was completed three months earlier. With the completion of gauge conversion work right up to Agartala, the Tripura capital was connected with the country's railway network through Guwahati with a distance of about 600 km. New Delhi, Feb 22 : The government said on Monday it is prepared for a discussion in parliament on all burning issues, including the JNU row, the Jat agitation for quotas and the unrest in Hyderabad university following the suicide of a Dalit student. "Several parties want discussion on issues such as reservations, JNU and Hyderabad University. We are prepared for it," Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu told reporters after an all-party meeting ahead of the budget session of parliament that begins on Tuesday. Urging the opposition parties to cooperate in running parliament smoothly, Naidu said everyone would have an opportunity to raise issues but discussion should take place according to rules. There should be debate, but without disruption, said the minister. Naidu said Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill and real estate bill were key reform legislation that need to be passed in the budget session. He said the government has been trying consistently to make parliament function smoothly, as reflected in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting last week with leaders of political parties. All parties had said that the house should function normally so that legislative bills could be passed, Naidu said. Smaller parties complained that they do not get opportunity to raise their issues if there is tussle between larger parties, he said. The government was also keen on discussion on issues that generated heat in the last few weeks, such as the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) controversy. "We want a detailed discussion on JNU. People should know what really happened there, the cause and the consequence of the act," he said. The minister said there will be 32 items of business in the forthcoming session, including the GST bill. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said that Congress would extend its support to the bills based on their merit. Running parliament was the responsibility of the government and the opposition could not be blamed on the issue, Azad said. He said Congress would raise issues concerning terrorist attack on Pathankot airbase on January 2, JNU, and Hyderabad University. Referring to the violence at Patiala House Court where JNU students' union leader Kanhaiya Kumar was produced on the charge of sedition, Azad said the government was not able to prevent the violence. He said generations of Congressmen have been making sacrifices for the country and the party does not need lessons from the BJP in patriotism. Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the government has not accepted the party's demands on the GST bill. Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury accused the government of "continuously spoiling the atmosphere in the country". Yechury said the government should fix time for discussion on all important issues. The JNU has been on the boil after a police crackdown on students accused of shouting anti-India slogans. There has also been unrest and violence arising out of demonstrations in Haryana by members of the Jat community to demand reservations in education and jobs. Earlier, Hyderabad Central University had erupted into protests against alleged harassment of Dalit students following the suicide on January 17 of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula. Among those present in the meeting were Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav, and Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay. London, Feb 22 : Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood's pregnant wife Sally Humphreys has returned home here from the band's tour in Brazil due to fears she could contract the Zika virus. "My wife @sallywood has not been 'sent home' from the @rollingstones tour! Our twins come first and we decided the Zika virus and excessive flying was too dangerous for them," Wood tweeted. The guitarist also posted a naked photograph of his pregnant 38-year-old wife and an image of a drawing he did of his significant other with their twins along with the words "my little stars" written on the artwork. He added the caption: "Our baby girls are growing beautifully thank you for the love! (my drawing)" The band has been staying in Rio de Janeiro for their "AmArica Latina OlA Tour", and performed in the Brazilian city last week. The rockers have three further gigs in Brazil before moving onto Peru, Colombia and finally Mexico, where the 13-date tour will come to an end on March 17. Wood and Humphreys' twins will be their first children together. He has four kids from previous relationships. New Delhi, Feb 22 : Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, here on a fence-mending mission, asserted on Monday that the new Constitution of the Himalayan nation was a dynamic document providing inclusivity to all sections of the Nepali society. Assuring once again the disgruntled sections in Nepal -- particularly the Madhesi parties of Nepal's southern Terai region -- about the government having an open mind towards their grievances, if any, Oli said: "We are ready to listen and ready to address if there are any genuine problems." Oli, who arrived here on Friday on a six-day visit -- the first state visit by a prime minister from the Himalayan nation since 2011, declared that he has succeeded in clearing up "all misunderstandings" with New Delhi about the alleged discriminatory character of the new statute. "The main mission of my visit was to clear misunderstandings that surfaced in the past few months and to take back our relations to the same level of enthusiasm when (Indian Prime Minister Narendra) Modiji visited Nepal in August 2014," said Oli. The visiting Nepali premier was delivering the 21st Sapru House Lecture at the Indian Council of World Affairs here. Present on the occasion, among others, were Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa. Oli, who is making his first foreign visit after the Himalayan nation adopted a new Constitution in September last year, said India and Nepal shared a lot in common and their relations were beyond formalities. Nepal, he said, was keen to share in the economic progress achieved by India and wanted to lend impetus to the development of its abundant water resources through India's participation. "We are working on hydro projects with combined capacity of 7,000 MW and their quick and successful completion can be a gateway to Nepal's economic prosperity," Oli said, adding that a just-inaugurated power line would initially provide 80 MW electricity to energy-starved Nepal but within the next two years it would provide up to 600 MW of power. The two countries inaugurated a power transmission line between Muzaffarpur in Bihar and Dhalkebar in Nepal during Oli's visit here. Oli also thanked India for all the support it provided to Nepal over the years for developmental work in various fields, and specially for the spontaneous support after the April 2015 earthquake that claimed 8,800 lives and destroyed property worth crores of rupees. "The support and solidarity shown by our friends from India turns the heads of Nepalese people," he said, adding that "we equally appreciate the support of India in our reconstruction drive". Referring to the contentious issue of the new Constitution and its alleged discriminatory character vis-a-vis the Madhesis and the indigenous groups of the Nepal Terai, Oli said "some of the issues have already been addressed and some others are still being addressed". On January 23, the Nepal parliament approved two amendments to the then four-month-old Constitution in an effort to address the agitating Madhesis' demands for proportionate representation and allocation of seats in parliament on the basis of population. The Madhesi agitation, that continued for almost six months, claimed more than 55 lives in violent protests which erupted following the adoption of the new Constitution on September 20 last year. Crucial entry points from India to Nepal were blocked by the agitators leading to shortage of essential supplies and medicines in the land-locked Himalayan nation. Nepal blamed the Indian establishment for instigating the trouble, a charge New Delhi firmly and constantly denied. Oli said the constitutional amendments were brought within a short span of time and it proved that his government was very flexible and wanted to address genuine demands. "It proves that the Constitution is dynamic, can be changed, amended according to demands," he said. Referring to India nudging Nepal to address concerns of sections of its people concerning the Constitution, Oli said: "The government of Nepal and people of Nepal are ready to address the genuine concerns and we understand the sensitivities of our neighbours. We are always addressing these." External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is also ICWA vice president, described India-Nepal relations as historic and characterised by emotional bonds rather than geographical proximity. Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Kamal Thapa, who also addressed the gathering, said the main purpose of Prime Minister Oli's visit was to clear the air of mistrust and misunderstanding that had overshadowed bilateral ties in the past few months. "The air of mistrust and misunderstanding has been fully cleared... the relations have come back to normal," he said, adding that it was a new phase in India-Nepal relations. New Delhi : New Delhi, Feb 22 IANS) The Supreme Court on Monday reserved its verdict on the petitions challenging Arunachal Pradesh Governor J.P. Rajkhowa's decision to advance the assembly session and direct it to take up a resolution for the speaker's removal first, saying it would put the clock back if it found he had overstepped his jurisdiction. Governor Rajkhowa had advanced to December 16, 2015, the session that was earlier scheduled to meet on January 14, in the wake of dissident activities in the northeastern border state. He had directed that the resolution for the removal of Speaker Nabam Rebia be taken up as item number one and the party composition in the house remain unaltered. Reserving its verdict, the constitution bench of Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, Justice Dipak Misra, Justice Madan B. Lokur, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh and Justice N.V. Ramana said that if they come to conclusion that the governor had exceeded his jurisdiction in exercise of his discretionary powers, then it would put the clock back to the situation prior to December 16. Its stand came as senior counsel T.R.Andhyarijuna, appearing for Rajkhowa, said that if the court comes to the conclusion that the governor could not have advanced the assembly session and directed it to take up the removal of speaker first, then it could quash that decision only and not the recommendation for imposition of president's rule. His response came as Justice Lokur asked that if the governor's exercise of discretion goes but does the promulgation of the president's rule go too. As Andhyarijuna said "No", Justice Khehar said: "Why so. Whatever happens from December 16 (holding of the advanced assembly session) onward all goes except the disqualification of 14 MLAs which is a separate matter before the (Gauhati) high court." In an observation, the court said that "this is a defection which nobody can recognise under the constitution". At the outset, senior counsel Fali Nariman urged the court to hear their fresh plea as how could a governor, who is party to the matter being heard by the court, swear in the new chief minister on Friday while the governor's counsel had told the court that he wants to make some comments. Nariman told the court that two and half hours later, the president's rule was revoked and at a few hours hence, Rajkhowa swore in Kalikho Pul as new chief minister. Justice Khehar, presiding over the bench, said that this would be enlarging the scope of the hearing which has been already going on for so long and would lead to a hotchpotch situation. "We have to compartmentalise it," he said. He told senior counsel Nariman and Kapil Sibal that they would deal with the issues before it in a "piecemeal" manner and they must have "confidence" in the court. Both Nariman and Sibal told the court that it (court) would take its time to pronounce the judgment and in the meantime, they (the opposition) would "purchase" the MLAs and create two-third majority for themselves. But the court said that if they held that the governor has discretionary powers, then all that has happened is in place, "but if we decide that governor has no discretion then everything will go". "Clock will be set back. Somebody should know," said the bench. But as Sibal argued that "if dissolution (of the assembly) happens", then the court can't "put the clock back", the court reassured him. "Why, it can happen (clock will be put back), absolutely it will happen," said Justice Khehar, holding the court was capable of dealing with any situation and could not be confronted with fait accompli. As Andhyarijuna told the court not to go that far as it would land the court in political arena, Justice Ghosh said: "We don't know politics. We know law only." Justice Khehar said that at one stage, the bench had considered the option of concluding the hearing and pronounce the operative order with the reasoned judgment coming in due course, "but we decided otherwise because even though issues before the court have come from Arunachal Pradesh, it will affect every state". Mumbai, Feb 22 : Actor Aditya Roy Kapur, who was last seen in "Fitoor", says he wants to have more releases as he feels happy when he is on the set. Ask Aditya why he is not doing too many films and he told IANS: "Its not a matter of being choosy as an actor but a matter of liking the right script. Like any other actor I want to be part of good projects. I want to have more releases and work more. I am happiest when I am on the sets." Aditya received appreciation for his role in Abhishek Kapoor's "Fitoor", a film that also featured Katrina Kaif and Tabu. The actor will now be seen with Shraddha Kapoor in 'Ok Janu' which is based on live-in relationships. When asked about his take on live-in relationships, Aditya said: "As long as it works well for the couple its fine and It's a cool to be part of this film." "OK Janu" is a remake of the Tamil super hit "OK Kanmani". The original, which was helmed by Mani Ratnam, featured Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menon in lead. Tehran, Feb 22 : A senior Iranian military official on Monday warned the BBC against interfering in the country's upcoming elections, urging the foreign ministry to react immediately. Masoud Jazayeri, deputy chief of staff of Iran's Armed Forces, was responding to alleged recent attempts by the BBC to persuade Iranians not to vote for certain candidates running for the Assembly of Experts elections slated for February 26, Xinhua news agency reported. "The foreign ministry's silence on the British interference in our country's internal affairs raises doubts," Jazayeri said, urging the ministry to show "decisive and proportional" reaction to the British government and its embassy in Iran because of what he described as BBC's "brazen interference" in the country's domestic issues. Iran's Assembly of Experts is a deliberative body of Islamic theologians or Mujtahids, elected for eight-year terms, and charged with electing and removing the Supreme Leader of Iran and supervising his activities. Persian-language satellite channels of the Voice of America and the BBC are regarded as the voice of the opposition groups by Iranian officials. The Islamic republic has banned Iranians from establishing any link with these channels. Panaji, Feb 22 : Stepping up protests against the upcoming Defexpo 2016, the Federation of Rainbow Warriors, a collective of NGOs, on Monday said the international event organised by the defence ministry should not be hosted at the eco-sensitive Quitol plateau in Goa. The collective show of strength came after a recent comment by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar that first information reports would be filed against those opposing the defence expo which is due to start on March 28. "These plateau lands have the highest eco-sensitivity and no activities except grazing, farming and forestry can be allowed on this plateau," Abhijit Prabhudesai, general secretary of the federation, told reporters on Monday. "The plateau is the best recharge area in the country with unbelievable water retention due to the highly porous ore-rich laterite surface, which must be maintained in pristine condition to preserve the extremely sensitive water regime of the region," he said. Traditionally held in the national capital, the expo will be held in Goa this year because a new convention centre is being built at Pragati Maidan. However, the Defexpo 2016, the ninth in the series of biennial land, naval and internal homeland security systems exhibitions organised by the ministry, has attracted opposition from the BJP-led government's political opponents as well as a section of the civil society over the allocation of six lakh square metres of land in the coastal village in Betul, 45 km from Panaji, to the ministry for the event. Parsekar and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, a former chief minister of Goa, have however said land was only being handed over to the defence ministry on a temporary basis and the event would benefit local entrepreneurs and service providers. After the Congress and NGOs staged a protest at the venue on February 15, Parsekar said protesters would be dealt with sternly. "If anyone creates hurdles in hosting of the defence expo, the state government will have to file FIR against the person. We will not tolerate this high-handedness," Parsekar told reporters on February 19. On allegations by the federation about the possibility of land grab of the Quitol plateau by the defence ministry in the guise of organising the expo, Parsekar said the land would be formally handed over to the ministry only for four days for the event. Mumbai, Feb 22 : Airline major Jet Airways said on Monday it will expand its operations to Bangkok with the launch of new daily flights from its hubs in Mumbai and Delhi. "By adding more capacity to this key destination from our hubs in Mumbai and Delhi, we aim to provide easy connectivity with convenient schedules linking to our wider domestic network," said Gaurang Shetty, senior vice-president-commercial, Jet Airways. According to the company, it will launch a third daily frequency from Mumbai to Bangkok and second daily service from Delhi to Bangkok from March 27. New Delhi, Feb 22 : The Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) on Monday said it was "seriously concerned" over what it said was harassment by police of journalists covering the JNU story. It said it was also worried over the attacks on journalists "even while doing their duty in the courts covering such incidents. "Not only this, we are getting reports about journalists who were students of JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University) in years gone by being targeted. "While our Media Ethics Committee is looking into some cases, our executive at its meeting on February 19 has taken note of such trends," a DUJ statement said. Unruly lawyers attacked journalists in the Patiala House Court here during the hearing in a sedition case involving JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar. New Delhi, Feb 22 : JNU Vice Chancellor M. Jagadesh Kumar on Monday assured the varsity teachers association that the administration would not allow police inside the campus area. "The VC has said that he will respond to the points put forward in the meeting tomorrow (on Tuesday). He also assured that police will not enter the campus," said JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) general secretary Bikramaditya Choudhary, after a meeting in which teachers put forward five demands including not allowing police inside the campus. The others were removal of registrar, reconstitution of the committee to investigate the matter, dropping all charges of sedition and criminal conspiracy against students and release of JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar on unconditional bail. The developments came after five students accused of sedition surfaced in the campus last night. After their appearance, there was strong speculation that police may come to arrest them. The five - Umar Khalid, Anant Prakash Narayan, Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and Anirban Bhattacharya - returned to the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus on Sunday night. They had disappeared from the JNU campus after the February 9 event that was held to mark the anniversaries of executions of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front co-founder Maqbool Bhat. JNU has been on the boil over the arrest of Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges following the February 9 event. New Delhi, Feb 22 : India is the only country that the US is supporting as a emerging global defence leader, US Ambassador Richard Verma, who is of Indian-origin, said on Monday. "We are engaged in cooperation here in India that is not only unprecedented for this relationship but is qualitatively different than those we share with any other country in the region, or the world," Verma said while delivering a lecture on "Indo-US strategic partnership: Present status and future trends" organised by the Indian Association of Foreign Affairs Correpondents (IAFAC). "Here in India we are focused on helping Indian forces develop the capabilities and platforms that will allow them to fulfill India's stated goal of becoming a leading power in the region and beyond," he said. Stating that for the US, this partnership was unique, Verma said: "There is no other country in the world that we are supporting as an emerging global defence leader. We have overhauled our approach to defense licensing to India with a presumption of approval for the vast majority of even the most sensitive platforms." According to the ambassador, who is one of only three Indian-origin envoys posted in New Delhi, the US's offers to provide Indian forces with Apache attack helicopters - the most advanced helicopter in the US inventory - Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and M777 howitzers are akin to Washington's defence relationships with its closest NATO allies. "Never in our history have we actively supported the indigenous development of an aircraft carrier program in another country. Yet, we are doing so today - the joint Aircraft Carrier Technology Working Group met here in India this past week," he said. "In the future, I am sure we will soon see US and Indian aircraft carriers operating side-by-side in the region and beyond to maintain the freedom of the seas for all nations." Verma said the US was also eager to partner with India on solutions to its pressing need for modern fighter aircraft. "We are also mindful that India does not simply want to purchase fighters but intends to establish a production line here in India that will provide for the maintenance and supply of its air force. I am hopeful that US companies and technology will play a central role in an arrangement that would see US-designed fighters built here in India in response to India's requirements," he stated. According to the ambassador, India's leadership is crucial to the Asia-Pacific region. "There is no place where India's leadership is needed more sorely that in the Asia-Pacific region," he said, adding that the region was experiencing change at a furious pace with the emergence of new democracies, territorial disputes, the effects of climate change and profound questions over the governance of the commons. Verma stated that American diplomacy in the region demonstrated that "we are here to stay in our efforts to preserve and enhance a stable and diversified security order in which countries pursue their national objectives peacefully and in accordance with international law and shared norms and principles". Stating that India the US could not do this alone, he said: "We look to India to continue to move beyond its historical reservations to seize this moment, to reassert its leadership role in the region in our shared efforts to promote the peaceful resolution of disputes, an open economic order, and a liberal political order that promotes peace and human dignity, based on human rights and the rule of law". According to Verma, it is critical for India to take its rightful place on the world stage. "It is an absolute necessity that the world's largest democracy, and one day soon the world's most populous country, make its voice heard in the international issues in this increasingly complicated and interconnected 21st century," he said. According to the ambassador, the US was committed to ensuring that India not only has a seat at the table, but that it also has the political stature to act as a global leader, through Washington's support for India's role in a reformed UN Security Council and interest in joining Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). As for the future of the India-US relationship, he said that the threat of international terror remains a defining challenge for both our countries. He said the US's counter-terrorism partnership with India will remain a central tenant of the cooperation between the two countries, "sharing sophisticated intelligence, collectively training our special operators in more advanced joint exercises, and ensuring we are both working together to counter the messages of violent extremists". "Improving economic security is also something we can tackle together," Verma stated. Kolkata, Feb 22 : West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress on Monday purportedly turned down a demand from the opposition parties for a discussion on the Jawaharlal Nehru University row in the budget session of the assembly beginning on February 25. Opposition lawmakers present at an all-party meeting convened by Speaker Biman Banerjee ahead of the brief three-day session said that when Congress lawmaker Asit Mitra and the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) suggested a discussion on the raging issue, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Partha Chatterjee opposed the demand saying the issue did not involve West Bengal. Mitra also sought a discussion on the Jadavpur University happenings where vice chancellor Suranjan Das has come under fire from the BJP for refusing to file any police complaint against students who raised pro-Afzal Guru slogans on the campus. Mitra pointed out that the assembly had discussed the intolerance issue in its previous session. Leader of Opposition and Communist Party of India-Marxist politburo member Surjya Kanta Mishra proposed the duration of the session be extended by a day to hold a full-fledged discussion on the JNU and Jadavpur issues. However, the government side did not yield. The Congress and the CPI-M led Left Front have been repeatedly questioning the silence of the Trinamool on the JNU controversy. Trinamool MP Sougata Roy, who backed Jadavpur vice chancellor Suranjan Das's stand, was censured by his party. The vote on account budget for the poll-bound state would be presented at 3 p.m. on February 26. On February 25, the session would start with the address by Governor K.N. Tripathi. Discussion on the governor's address would be held in the first half of February 26. The budget discussions would take place on February 27. New Delhi, Feb 22 : US Ambassador to India Richard Verma on Monday reiterated that Washington's decision to sell F-16 combat aircraft to Pakistan was to help it fight terrorism. "Our security partnership with Pakistan was made clear," Verma said while answering questions after delivering a lecture on "Indo-US strategic partnership: Present status and future trends" "The tools that were provided were to address a specific counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency threat," he said. The Barack Obama administration's decision to sell eight F-16 combat aircraft to Pakistan earlier this month had riled the Indian establishment. The external affairs ministry said in a statement that India was "disappointed" at the decision of the US to notify the sale of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan. "We disagree with their rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism. The record of the last many years in this regard speaks for itself," it added. Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar also summoned Verma and put across India's concerns candidly. On Monday, Verma also said that the relationship that the US has with India stood on its own. Varanasi, Feb 22 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday in his parliamentary constituency, where he visited the Saint Ravidas' temple and presenting medals to meritorious students at the BHU convocation ceremony and asked youth to take pride in India's rich heritage and culture. Amid tight security, he had reached the Hindu holy town late on Sunday and spent the night at the DLW guest house at Dereka. He was earlier scheduled to come to Varanasi on Monday morning. He left Dereka at around 10.15 a.m. in a chopper and soon after landing at the helipad in the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, drove straight to the Ravidas temple in Seer Govardhanpuri which is also considered birthplace of the 16th-century saint. The prime minister spent some 30 minutes here and was closeted at the sanctum sanctorum where he sat on the ground and paid obeisance to the saint who is venerated in large parts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Owing to tight security, a saint of the sect was prevented from entering the temple while Modi was there, leading to loud protests from his followers. Flanked by BHU Chancellor Karan Singh and union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani, Modi attended the convocation ceremony at BHU where he gave away medals to 32 meritorious students. Urging the youth to take pride in the rich heritage and culture of India as they move out of colleges and begin their journey in various careers, he narrated how yoga had existed through ages but when Indians took pride in it, the United Nations accepted a proposal for the International Yoga Day which was celebrated in 192 countries of the world. He also urged students not to treat 'dikshant' (convocation) ceremonies as 'shikshant' (end of education) and said that in fact it was the beginning of a real life. Modi urged the students who were passing out, that apart than spreading the good word about BHU, through noble deeds, the students should also try and give their best to the country and inspire others. "You should have the motivation and the ability to realize your dreams, that's the real test and a game changer," he told the gathering of students amid applause. Adding that inquisitiveness always added to development, the prime minister also urged the students to ensure that their willingness to learn more and more should never be allowed to die. "One should have the ability to rough it out, on the basis of knowledge, even in face of adversities and be assured every such person will make it big," he said. Modi also disclosed that he had politely declined to accept a honorary doctorate offered by the BHU as he did not consider himself worthy of it. "Being in BHU itself is a big achievement," he said, adding that the love and faith bestowed on him by Varanasi had indebted him for his lifetime. In Monday's convocation, a total of 11,620 degrees were distributed. Kolkata/Guwahati, Feb 22 : For the third consecutive day, train services were disrupted as activists of the Greater Cooch Behar People's Association (GCPA) squatted on railway tracks at the New Cooch Behar station on Monday demanding statehood for Cooch Behar region in northern West Bengal. In Guwahati, an NFR official said at least 57 trains were cancelled and 16 diverted on Monday in view of the Jat agitation, and two rail blockades -- one by Adivasis in Assam's Kokrajhar district demanding ST status, and the second in Cooch Behar. A number of long distance trains were cancelled, short terminated or stranded for hours due to the agitation, as GCPA activists lay siege to the tracks demanding C category state or union territory status for Cooch Behar and seeking dialogue with union home ministry officials to resolve the issue. Movement of all up trains have been stalled in various stations of northern West Bengal, according to an official of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). Local passenger train services were suspended. Meanwhile, GCPA chief Bangshi Badan Barman declared that the agitation would continue. Benoy Thakur, a 29-year-old ailing passenger travelling to Kishanganj by the Kanchanjunga Express, died on Sunday due to lack of medical attention after his train was delayed by over 10 hours. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Sunday had appealed to the squatters to let the trains move unhindered. The Eastern Railway said it has cancelled four trains on Tuesday -- 15959 Up Howrah-Dibrugarh Kamrup Express, 12345 Up Howrah-Guwahati Saraighat Express, 13141 Up Sealdah-New Alipurduar Teesta Torsa Express and 13147 Up Sealdah-New Cooch Behar Uttarbanga Express. In Guwahati, NFR chief public relations officer (CPRO) Pranav Jyoti Sharma said long route trains were diverted through the Bongaigaon-Alipurduar-Siliguri-New Jalpaiguri route. Hundreds of people under the banner of Adivasi National Convention Committee (ANCC) staged a rail blockade at the Kokrajhar railway station on Monday, leading to disruption of train movement in the region. The blockade in Kokrajhar, however, ended in the afternoon. "The blockade at Kokrajhar ended on Monday afternoon but the blockade at Cooch Behar is continuing. Train movement has been severely affected and we have been diverting long route trains through other routes without touching Cooch Behar," said an NFR official. "Security personnel have been deployed in and around the Kokrajhar station to prevent untoward incidents," he said. Riyadh, Feb 22 : Syria's opposition on Monday began talks in the Saudi Arabian capital ahead of United Nations mediated peace talks in Geneva, media close to the opposition reported. The reports said the talks were expected to centre on the necessary conditions for a ceasefire allowing the resumption of humanitarian aid to besieged areas of Syria. As many as 13.5 million Syrians in need of aid, including six million children, according to the Red Cross. Fighting has intensified in Syria during recent weeks and a Friday deadline for a truce was not observed. A ceasefire and the resumption of aid deliveries has become a de facto precondition for substantive peace talks to start on a future government for Syria. UN special envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura 3 February announced a "temporary pause" in peace talks in Geneva after just three days. Analysts said there were no tangible results achieved amid still wide disagreement between President Bashar Al Assad's government and the opposition, exacerbated by airstrikes and a wide military offensive by Syrian troops and their allies. Russia and the US are jointly chairing the latest round of peace talks which were due to resume in Geneva on February 25, a date De Mistura called "unrealistic" in an interview on Friday with a Swedish daily. More than 250,000 Syrians have been killed in the five-year-long conflict. Some 11 million others have been forced from their homes, of whom four million have fled abroad - including growing numbers who are making the dangerous journey to Europe. Berlin, Feb 23 : Dortmund defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos has been ruled out for three weeks following his injury, the "BVB" confirmed in an official statement on Monday. According to Dortmund's club doctor Markus Braun, the Greece international sustained an adductor injury which keeps him sidelined for the next three weeks. The 27-year-old defender suffered the injury in Sunday's 1-0 away victory over Bayer Leverkusen. He had to be replaced by Neven Subotic in the 77th minute as he was unable to continue, Xinhua news agency reported. Borussia Dortmund visit FC Porto in UEFA Europa League's second leg of the last 32 on Thursday before they host relegation threatened Hoffenheim in the 23rd round of Bundesliga on Feb. 28. Thomas Tuchel's men sit on the 2nd place of the Bundesliga standings. They sit eight-point adrift of front-runners Bayern Munich. Los Angeles, Feb 23 : Oscar winning actor Eddie Redmayne thinks his wife Hannah Bagshawe is a "wonder" for the way she supports him and his career. "She is an absolute wonder. Because the work I do is all encompassing, when I am prepping for it she is a massive part of that," Redmayne told Daily Telegraph magazine, reports femalefirst.co.uk. His wife has been by his side throughout award season and the "Theory of Everything" actor appreciates her support. "It is so lovely to do it as a team," he said. Bagshawe, 34, is an expert in antiques and gave up working for a prestigious dealer and set out on her own so that she could be available to travel with her spouse at the drop of a hat, which he is thrilled by. "Working for her old boss, it used to complicate things if we had to go to LA for the day; it is wonderful she can now travel all the time," he said. The couple announced last month that they are expecting their first child in June and the "Danish Girl" star is now preparing for his new role as a parent and will be "taking some time out" from movies after a busy and successful period. He said: "I'm looking forward to the breather to take it all in." People selling buy-to-let properties or other property owners could clock up financial penalties due to seismic changes to the capital gains tax payment rules, tax expert Imogen Lea (pictured) from Clarke Willmott LLP has warned. From April 6, anyone who sells a residential property giving rise to a capital gain on which CGT is payable, will be required to make a digital return to HMRC and to pay an estimate of the CGT due within 30 days from the sale completing. People can no longer keep the money in their hands for up to 22 months after selling the property. Lea said: This is a very big change and could easily catch people out. Interest on the unpaid tax and other financial penalties will be due if the rules are not followed. The risk of such a tight turnaround is people being unaware of the changes and failing to comply. They need to be aware of the vastly reduced time limits and to be ready to make the return and estimate the CGT due. CGT computations are not always straightforward which could mean that if people are not prepared, they might not be able to collate the information necessary to make the CGT calculation in time. The changes potentially affect owners of holiday homes, buy-to-let properties, main residences which have been let out at some point, owners of homes with grounds in excess of half a hectare, and owners of houses which have been partly used for business purposes. The changes do not apply on the sale of a persons main residence. Lea added: Gains are not always straightforward to calculate if an owner has made improvements to the property the cost of these will be deductible from the capital gain, but if there have been numerous improvements over many years it may be challenging for the client to find all the supporting documentation. She urged property owners to start compiling the required information and to think about the CGT position as soon as the property goes on the market. Salaries for UK property professionals have continued to rise at an average increase of 7.1% in 2016 but there is still a gender pay gap, according to the latest survey, with men earning 7,000 a year more than women. The survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Macdonald & Company shows that male property professionals earn 57,509 a year compared to their female counterparts on 45,689. It means that the gender pay gap has closed slightly from 27% last year to 25.9% in 2016, the discrepancy is evident across all age groups and is most acute for those aged 18 to 22 where the difference in average salary is 28.7%. The report also says that competition for talent continues with the average salary increase awarded to respondents who moved employer in the last year reached 16.2%, while the average increase received by respondents under 30 jumped by 12%. Bonuses awarded to entry level candidates jumped by 79% this year and employees at this level are also most likely to move job and of those who indicated they are likely to look to change roles this year 35% are relatively inexperienced, compared to 19% last year. The fact that 64% of respondents reported a rise in salary will offer cold comfort to the many women in the sector, especially those at entry level, who are once again confronted with a significant gender pay gap. The industry must urgently take action to create a more balanced workforce that attracts the best talent if it wants to remain competitive, said RICS equalities manager Justine Wallis-Leggett. We can achieve this by introducing inclusive working practices such as flexible working. These are key to employee engagement, and in an increasingly competitive market, employers cannot afford to create working environments that only serve the needs of a small majority of the workforce, she added. She pointed out that RICS has launched an Inclusive Employer Quality Mark which asks employers to put inclusivity at the heart of what they do, and aims to support them in sharing best practice. We would urge all firms to put their money where their mouth is by signing up. Until there is a true commitment to change within the sector, we will continue to see results like these and the subsequent drift of talent away from our sector, Wallis-Leggett explained. Looking at the picture across the UK, those working in greater London continue to earn, on average, the most at 65,050 and command a premium of 20.8% over the South East and 52.2% over Ireland. The majority of the rest of the UK have indicated only a slight growth in average annual salaries, with the greatest growth seen in Scotland with a rise of 2% and the Midlands up 1%. RICS qualifications continue to show their merit with a FRICS earning 69,885 in comparison to a non RICS counterpart at 43,905, while those with a RICS part qualification secured the highest average salary increase up 5,198 from 37,837 to 43,035, a rise of 13.7%. StrataCore is focused on expanding our reach in many geographic areas, including Canada. We are looking forward to offering a superior suite of solutions to our clients in Canada. StrataCore recently signed an agreement with one of Canada's largest ISPs to deliver high quality Internet and voice services across Canada. This agreement adds approximately 860,000 Kilometers of fiber across Canada and into the US, as well as +1,300 peering connections to ensure that Internet traffic arrives at the appropriate destination faster, and with greater integrity. StrataCore is committed to adding strategic provider partners to their portfolio in order to help deliver best-in-class services within an optimum timeline for clients looking to expand their reach into Canada. About StrataCore: StrataCore is the premier Data Center, IT Infrastructure, Network Connectivity, and Cloud Services agent in the Pacific Northwest. We partner with the industrys top service providers to save you time and money - while maximizing business results. We offer unbiased, custom solutions while maintaining a clear view of the competitive landscape to optimize contract terms and pricing. Our market intelligence, tools, and detailed vendor selection process provides clients with the necessary insight to make informed IT decisions. For more information, visit http://www.stratacore.com/. The Republic of Tea's Coconut Water Pineapple Iced Tea The Republic of Tea, leading purveyor of premium teas and herbs, introduces its Coconut Water Iced Tea collection with all-new Mango Coconut Water Iced Tea, Pineapple Coconut Water Iced Tea and Matcha Coconut Water Iced Tea blends. Created with a blend of coconut water, green rooibos herbal tea, and tropical fruits or Matcha green tea powder, these caffeine-free iced teas offer a refreshing taste of vacation no matter the locale. Great for parties or for everyday sipping, Coconut Water Iced Tea tins include eight unbleached, biodegradable pouches, each perfectly sized to steep one quart of refreshing iced tea. Mango Coconut Water Iced Tea Created with a coconut water base, this caffeine free green rooibos blend has the light and refreshingly sweet flavors of the tropics with juicy mango. Steep and stay refreshed all day long while sipping glass after glass. Pineapple Coconut Water Iced Tea With a refreshing burst of pineapple, this coconut water iced tea has all the flavors of a vacation right in your glass. Each pouch steeps one quart of caffeine free green rooibos iced tea for easy steeping. Great for parties or everyday sipping. Matcha Coconut Water Iced Tea Blending the fine Matcha powder of premium Japanese green tea leaves with a coconut water base, this energizing iced tea imparts a satisfying umami flavor with each sip. The Republic of Teas new Coconut Water Iced Teas will retail for $7.99. Pineapple and Mango flavors are available for purchase now and Matcha Coconut Water Iced Tea are available mid-March at specialty and natural retailers nationwide and at http://www.republicoftea.com. ### About The Republic of Tea: The Republic of Tea enriches peoples lives through its premium teas, education and innovation, as it emphasizes a Sip by Sip Rather Than Gulp by Gulp lifestyle. Founded in 1992, The Republic of Tea sparked a specialty tea revolution. Today the brand offers an unequaled selection of the highest-quality teas, herbal blends, books and nature-inspired sip ware, available exclusively at specialty retailers throughout the U.S. Further, The Republic of Tea is mindful of how its actions impact the greater community and actively supports worthy organizations like Action Against Hunger, The Ethical Tea Partnership, The Prostate Cancer Foundation, Xerces Society and The Whole Planet Foundation. Certifications include Demeter USA Certified Biodynamic, Fair Trade certification, Gluten-Free certification, Non-GMO Project verification, OU Kosher certification, Rainforest Alliance certification and USDA Organic certification. For more information, please visit http://www.REPUBLICofTEA.com or call 1.800.298.4832. Follow The Republic of Tea on Twitter at twitter.com/republicoftea and Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RepublicofTea. Contact Information: Claire Storrs, Minister of Enlightenment, claire(at)republicoftea(dot)com 5 Hamilton Landing, Suite 100, Novato, CA 94949 ~ Tel 415.382.3400 ~ Fax 415.382.3401 ~ http://www.REPUBLICofTEA.com The National Insurance Restoration Council (NIRC) certifies Bullseye General Contracting as a certified Platinum Preferred Contractor. The expert crews at Bullseye General Contracting provide roof repair, roof replacement, emergency storm restoration services. The NIRC is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that protects residential and commercial property owners throughout the nation by providing education, tools, and a certified network of vetted contractor to property owners affected by storm damage. We specialize in helping our customers through the process of dealing with insurance companies, and the NIRC is a highly esteemed accreditation to have. The NIRC is a major advocate for improved legislation. People make jokes all the time about keeping a roof over your head, but for our licensed, professional team of roofing experts, it's our promise to our valued clients. We keep up to date on zoning laws, building permit requirements and homeowners association guidelines, so property owners can be sure to get the job done right the first time on time and within budget, says Shane Bullis, CEO and founder of Bullseye General Contracting. The NIRC monitors and tracks case law to improve the insurance restoration industry for construction companies, contractors and residential and commercial property owners affected by storm damage. The NIRC vets and certifies contractors through a screening process with independent third party Global Risk Management Solutions. Certified NIRC contractors carry a strict code of professional conduct and educate property owners about the insurance restoration process. The NIRC prestigious certification and stringent vetting protocol has set the industry standard for contractor screening and consumer protection throughout the nation. The NIRCs stringent application process for vendor membership only brings in the best to our organization. Bullseye General Contracting is a highly reputable roofing company, and were proud to to welcome this company to the NIRC," says Joe Radcliff, CEO of National Insurance Restoration Council. With over 40 years of experience, Bullseye General Contracting helps property owners with storm damage repairs throughout Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wisconsin including roofing, siding, gutters. About the National Insurance Restoration Council Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, the National Insurance Restoration Council (NIRC) is a non-profit organization devoted to protecting and educating property owners and restoration contractors when dealing with insurance claims. The NIRC acts as the principal advocate for improved legislation and case law to protect consumers and contractors when dealing with insurance claims throughout the nation. The NIRC serves the common interest of insurance restoration contractors and protects consumers from unethical contractors. Vetted and certified NIRC certified contractors adhere to a strict code of professional conduct, educate property owners about the insurance restoration process, and give back to communities in storm damaged areas. NIRC certified contractors go through an extensive background check to become members of the Diamond Standard code of business. The NIRC as a self-regulated entity and cooperates with the Department of Insurance (DOI) and other regulatory authorities throughout the United States to improve the ethics of the industry through education and high standards. Learn more at http://www.NIRC4Change.org. About Bullseye General Contracting Bullseye General Contracting understands how important it is to have peace of mind when faced with storm damage repairs. We understand that a roof is the most important feature of your home. It's the first line of defense against the elements. Bullseye uses the finest roofing products and craftsmanship to ensure total quality satisfaction. Bullseye offers military and senior citizen discounts. Bullseye is proudly accredited with an A rating with the Better Business Bureau; proud member of the Public Insurance Adjusters Association and Platinum Preferred Contractor with the National Insurance Restoration Council. For more information, visit http://www.bullseyegc.net. Media Inquiries: Vera Anderson Elev8 Consulting Group Ph: 386.243.5388 Web: http://www.elev8cg.com ### ZOG Digital, a leading digital marketing company, announced the opening of its new headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. Since its launch in 2011, ZOG Digital has experienced consistent growth delivering exceptional results for brands including the Pep Boys, Hotwire, Gallo Wines, Kitchen Aid and PF Chang's. ZOG Digital's new custom-built 20,000 square foot facility accommodates its growing staff and the demand for its digital marketing expertise. More than doubling its current footprint, the company's new offices includes client innovation centers, an abundance of amenities for employees and space for continued development. The state-of-the-art facility was designed alongside its vision for the future of the advertising industry and to embody ZOG Digitals unique company culture boasting a coffee bar, workout facility, game room and even a putting green. "Our new workspace was designed around our passions for digital marketing and the creativity of our team," said Jeffrey Herzog, CEO and President of ZOG Digital. "The space allows us to be more impactful for our clients and provide the exceptional results that have become synonymous with our brand as we continue to expand." ZOG Digital has been consistently recognized for being one of the Best Places to Work in the Valley. For two years running, ZOG Digital has also been recognized as one of the fastest growing private companies in America, ranked by Inc. 5000, and the number one Internet Marketing Company by Ranking Arizona. ZOG Digital's new address is: 11201 N. Tatum Blvd, Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85028 All of ZOG Digitals phone numbers and fax numbers will remain the same. About ZOG Digital ZOG Digital is an award-winning digital marketing and technology company. ZOG Digital delivers targeted content visibility for leading brands through search marketing, social media marketing and paid media. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, client partners include Pep Boys, Panasonic, Hotwire, Allstate, Capital One, National Geographic and Wyndham Vacation Rentals. For more information visit zogdigital.com. On January 28, Upimium uploaded a video to their YouTube Channel titled Smartphone and Tablet Modernization for HighJump WMS. The video demonstrates Upimiums HighJump Modernization solution that transforms HighJumps text-based interface running on Georgia SoftWorks Telnet Server into modern touch-based interface for smartphone and tablet. At Upimium, we innovated add-ons to extend and enrich HighJump WMS capability, said Upimium of their video. Videos in our YouTube channel illustrate how HighJump WMS customers can quickly enable their warehouse operations with smartphone and tablet devices using Upimiums mobility solution. The Georgia SoftWorks Telnet Server for Windows, SSH Server for Windows and client applications are industrial quality software designed for superior operation in demanding mobile RF Terminal Environments, such as warehousing, making it an excellent match for the solutions that HighJump and Upimium provides. Upimium's innovative mobility solution helps customers to extend their existing supply chain and warehouse management system to a broader range of modern mobile devices, with minimal impact to current operation and system functionality. Georgia SoftWorks is a software development company that develops industrial quality software designed for the most rigorous commercial environments. GSW has gained its worldwide recognition from the development of the GSW Telnet Server for Windows and SSH Server for Windows. They have end users and resellers on every continent (except Antarctica) and operate in a variety of industries throughout the world. About Georgia SoftWorks: Established in 1991, Georgia SoftWorks is a privately held software development company recognized for creating high performance data communications, system and telecommunications applications. Georgia SoftWorks has obtained a worldwide presence with its industrial SSH/Telnet Server for Microsoft Windows. GSW's long-term commitment to SSH/Telnet has led to the pioneering of major features such as Session Shadowing, Session Monitoring, Graceful Termination, Automatic Logon, Logon Scripting and more recently Team Services technology which allows mobile device users to transfer, swap, share and recover mobile device sessions. GSW has also provided the very first SSH Server to provide Digital Certificate Authentication with Internet Information Server (IIS) like certificate to user account mapping. This includes One-to-one and Many-to-one mapping methods and also support certificate trust lists (CTL). About Upimium: Uimium is an Australian-based consulting company who specializes in designing, implementing and supporting Supply Chain and Warehousing solutions to help customers optimizing operation for efficiency. Their team has over 20 years of experience in supply chain operation optimization and software implementation. They partner with industry leading solution providers to assist clients gaining competitive advantages. CIGNEX Datamatics social intranet DEEP combines the traditional functions of a company intranet with enterprise social capabilities to create a seamless collaboration environment which fuels team collaboration and innovation. CIGNEX Datamatics, a Silicon Valley, pure-play, Open Source consulting company will be hosting a webinar on Transforming your Intranet into a Digital Hub of Collaboration & Innovation for US on March 1, 2016, 10:00 AM, PST and for UK & India on March 8, 11:00 AM BST & 4:30 PM IST respectively. The webinar will showcase how an intranet can be transformed into a social hub which can engage employees by driving conversation, participation and sharing among individuals and groups. The static one-way communication vehicle of the standard corporate intranet cannot address employee disengagement which is one of the biggest challenges faced by organizations today. There is an urgent need for enterprises to embrace digital engagement platforms that drive increased employee engagement and collaboration while measuring the level of participation. In this webinar, we will demonstrate how CIGNEX Datamatics Digital Employee Engagement Platform (DEEP) http://www.cignex.com/platform/digital-employee-engagement-platform combines the best of traditional Intranet features like documents/content sharing, department work space with the modern social network features like instant messaging, organic sharing of ideas through posting, liking & commenting to make your corporate intranet a thriving digital hub that significantly improves employee engagement. CIGNEX Datamatics social intranet DEEP is the latest evolution in virtual collaboration, and a great solution to many day-to-day business problems. It combines the traditional functions of a company intranet with enterprise social capabilities to create a seamless collaboration environment which fuels team collaboration and innovation. said Harish Ramachandran, Founder & VP - Strategic Business, CIGNEX Datamatics. For more information and to register, visit http://www.cignex.com/event/transforming-your-intranet-digital-hub-collaboration-innovation-us. The event will also be recorded and available for on-demand viewing. About CIGNEX Datamatics (http://www.cignex.com): CIGNEX Datamatics, a subsidiary of Datamatics Global Services Ltd., is a Silicon Valley based, global, pure-play, Open Source consulting company offering enterprise-grade solutions, platforms, products and services for Systems of Engagement and Insight. Since 2000, CIGNEX Datamatics has been Making Open Source Work using open standards platforms and tools that integrate with existing systems to achieve unparalleled results and leveraging its Adopt-Open-Elevate execution framework to mitigate any risk. Find out more; please visit us on the web @ http://www.cignex.com For more information, please contact: Rahul Nair Sr. Executive, Marketing CIGNEX Datamatics, Inc. Email: rahul.nair@cignex.com Phone: +079 67010345 Our intention is to proactively deliver precise content to our loyal audiences and individuals based on their needs and wants," Alexi H. Khajavi, Sr. Vice President. Today Hotel Management, dedicated to travel and lodging, launches strategic changes on website, print magazine and newsletter. For us, this is a comprehensive new strategy that will elevate the reader experience, as well as an internal investment in audience analytics, said Alexi H. Khajavi, Sr. Vice President, our intention is to proactively deliver precise content to our loyal audiences and individuals based on their needs and wants. Specific changes will include an innovative layout of the magazines cover and interiors. The website will boast a responsive design with high-impact advertising units and user-friendly navigation across all digital platforms. Additionally, the HOTEL MANAGEMENT newsletters will have comprehensive and meaningful formats that will continue to deliver the brands relatable attributes. The objective has always been to keep the readership abreast of the latest trends, strategies and tactics, said Steve Kurtz, Chief Digital Officer at Questex, recently appointed from Garnnett Media, The new strategy comes as part of our desire to provide content in a powerful manner while delivering resourceful industry news. HOTEL MANAGEMENT Magazine, established in 1875 is the leading provider of hospitality industry news, analysis, trends, finance, business, design and people for hotel-motel management. About Questex Hospitality + Travel Questex LLC, headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts, with offices worldwide, is the worlds largest multimedia organization dedicated to travel and lodging. Questex drives revenue, productivity and value-creation for these related industries through strategic investment and deal-making forums, powerful lead-generation tools, interactive online business solutions, world-class events and industry-leading publications: HOTEL MANAGEMENT Magazine, email newsletters, and their online sites, hotelmanagement.net, hoteldesignmagazine.com, and ihifhotelmanagement.net. Questex Hospitality Group, a division of Questex LLC, operates a variety of market-leading events throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific region, including the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) Summit Series: the International Hotel Investment Forum, held annually in Berlin; North America Hotel Investment Conference (NATHIC); Mediterranean Resort & Hotel Real Estate Forum in Madrid (MR&H); Russia & CIS Hotel Investment Conference (RHIC); Turkey & Neighbours Hotel Investment Conference (CATHIC); and Asia Pacific Hotel Investment Conference (APHIC). # # # FinTech Sandbox, a nonprofit that helps FinTech startups access data and build great products, today announced that Experian, the leading global information services company, will make its business credit data available to Sandbox residents. By leveraging Experians business data, residents will be able to further their innovation process to create new services for the financial services industry. FinTech Sandbox facilitates free access to financial data and infrastructure for highly qualified FinTech startups. FinTech Sandbox takes no fees and requires no equity from startups that participate. Instead, residents are expected to collaborate with each other in order to share learning and promote advances that benefit the entire FinTech ecosystem. The six-month program includes: A robust set of data feeds and APIs from a wide array of data partners Cloud hosting from industry-leading infrastructure partners Learning, networking and collaboration opportunities in a dynamic FinTech community We are very excited to work with Experian, said Jean Donnelly, Executive Director of FinTech Sandbox. Experian is often named one of the most innovative and forward thinking companies in the world, so its no surprise to see them supporting innovation among FinTech startups. New startups in the FinTech community have helped create an explosion of innovation in the financial services sector, and Experian is happy to be part of it, said Mark Dinicola, senior director of strategic alliances for Experian. At Experian, we are committed to supporting small businesses, promoting innovation and leveraging business insight for the benefit of our clients and the industry. Our relationship with FinTech Sandbox gives us the chance to participate in the innovation process and help inspire small business success. About Experians Business Information Services Experians Business Information Services is a leader in providing data and predictive insights to organizations, helping them mitigate risk and improve profitability. The companys business database provides comprehensive, third-party-verified information on virtually all U.S. companies, with the industrys most extensive data on the broad spectrum of small and midsize businesses. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology and superior data-compilation techniques, Experian provides market-leading tools that proactively support the entire credit life cycle, enabling our clients to find new customers, process new applications, manage customer relationships and collect on delinquent accounts. About Experian We are the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to our clients around the world. We help businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. We also help people to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft. In 2015, we were named by Forbes magazine as one of the Worlds Most Innovative Companies. We employ approximately 17,000 people in 37 countries and our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended March 31, 2015, was US$4.8 billion. To find out more about our company, please visit http://www.experianplc.com or watch our documentary, Inside Experian. About FinTech Sandbox FinTech Sandbox is a Boston-based nonprofit founded to promote financial technology innovation globally by providing free access to critical data and resources to FinTech entrepreneurs and startups. Sponsors include Fidelity Investments, F-Prime Capital, Thomson Reuters, Silicon Valley Bank, Amazon Web Services, Intel, SIX Financial Information, Goodwin Procter, and .406 Ventures. For more information, please visit http://www.FinTechsandbox.org and https://twitter.com/FinTechSandbox. Experian and the Experian marks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Experian Information Solutions, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. DentalWorks, with an extensive network of locations, has added another dental practice to their network DentalWorks of Northville. Dr. Lucio Persichetti, DDS, DentalWorks of Northvilles lead dentist, is excited about the opportunity to practice at this brand new location that boasts of a modern, state-of-the-art technology in a large, spacious facility. Dr. Persichetti and team will offer the highest level of dental care possible at DentalWorks of Northville in a convenient, efficient and caring manner while focusing on the people of the Northville community. Being a dentist and having the opportunity to give people the smile theyve dreamed about has always been my passion, Dr. Persichetti stated. To celebrate their grand opening, Dr. Persichetti and staff will be offering new patients a Free Sonic Toothbrush*. Patients can also receive Free Exam and X-Rays.** The new facility will be honored with a ribbon cutting with the Township Supervisor of Northville on Wednesday, February 24th from 5 7 pm. Residents of Northville are welcome to share in the event by touring the new facilities and enjoying light refreshments. DentalWorks of Northville will open its doors to patients on Thursday, February 25th. The office is located at: 39833 Traditions Drive Northville, Michigan 48168. *Free toothbrush with completion of comprehensive exam, cleaning and X-rays. Children 12 and under receive an age-appropriate toothbrush. Free toothbrushes are limited to first 100 new patients. Limit one per household (up to $179 value). Offer expires 3/25/2016. See practice for details. May not be combined with any other offer. ** Free Exam and X-Rays are a limited time new patient offer valid only for appointments completed on or before 6/30/2016. May not be combined with Dental HMO, PPO, other discounts or any other offer (a $192 value). DentalWorks is one of the nations largest networks of dental practices delivering great care and providing progressive treatment options at reasonable prices. DentalWorks affiliated dentists are preferred providers with many major dental insurance plans. For those without insurance, ask us about our Discount Plan, which provides access to discounts on a wide variety of dental care needs. To learn more visit http://www.dentalworks.com or http://www.mydentalworks.com/Northville. Dr. Smith & Associates (Northville), P.C. For more information, contact: Cris Burns DentalOne Partners Communications Manager 972-755-0811 ReputationDefender, the world's largest online reputation management company, has today announced an expansion of its UK operations with the unveiling of plans to open up two new offices in Madrid, Spain and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. ReputationDefender, has recently seen demand increase for its reputation management services from clients across the EMEA region, fuelling the necessity to have a dedicated reputation advisory service in these countries. Based in the Liverpool office, ReputationDefender Head of Sales for EMEA, Tony McChrystal commented The opening of our new offices in Madrid and Dubai comes in response to the significant increase in foreign enquiries we received in 2015. With this dedicated in-country resource, we now have the capabilities and man power to manage Spanish and Arabic enquiries. With the prolific nature of the right to be forgotten, individuals across Europe have been focusing on their personal brand online. Cleaning it up and making sure it is a positive reflection of who they are, not being marred by negative stories or images has become a priority. Coupled with the immense level of personal information publicly available online, individuals suffering from adverse search results are looking more to reputation management companies like us for guidance on how they can portray a positive and accurate image across the internet. We are excited at the future opportunities the expansion will bring, it will provide a great boost to ReputationDefender. About ReputationDefender Headquartered in Silicon Valley, USA, ReputationDefender founded in 2006 to give individuals and businesses the power to manage their digital privacy and online reputations. In today's connected world, the services of brand management companies such as ReputationDefender are becoming more popular. Organisations and individuals may have developed a trusted name and valuable brand only to have it negated online by one negative story. ReputationDefender also works with clients to build and improve their social media presence by creating quality content and online interaction. The company continues to pioneer patented solutions that safeguard and remove personal data from the Internet, monitor and respond to online reviews, build a positive and accurate Web presence for clients, and help businesses proactively engage customers. For more information about ReputationDefender please visit http://uk.reputationdefender.com Jumio, Inc., the fast growing online and mobile credentials authentication company, announced Jumios Netverify feature in Mercator Advisory Group recent research report, Mobile Account Opening: Adjusting to a New Normal. The report, written by analyst Alex Johnson, discusses new trends in mobile account opening transactions within the financial industry. Financial institutions are increasingly looking for more efficient but secure ways to adapt to todays on-the-go consumers who are heavily reliant on mobile devices, said Stephen Stuut, CEO, Jumio. Jumios technology is solving this critical need for the banking sector to quickly authenticate consumers identifies for a variety of transactional processes, a growing space that is acknowledged by Mercator in its recent report. Jumio has become the ID authentication standard in industries such as financial services, travel, e-gaming, retail and the sharing economy. Utilizing proprietary computer vision technology, the company helps businesses meet KYC (know your customer), ID verification requirements and fraud reduction goals by authenticating and extracting data from driver licenses, passports or other government issued IDs. Jumios products improve the consumer experience by providing an in-app, real-time authentication process for transactions such as international mobile boarding pass issuance, new bank account opening, money transfer and more. An excerpt of the report follows. To purchase the full report, please visit: https://www.mercatoradvisorygroup.com/Reports/Mobile-Account-Opening--Adjusting-to-a-New-Normal/ Jumio is a global provider of ID scanning and authentication solutions to large companies in industries ranging from financial services to online gaming. The companys Netverify product enables the capture of an identity document (it currently supports documents issued by over 130 countries), prefilling of the application, and authentication of the ID. The companys Fastfill product provides only prefilling. Jumios approach to authentication is to combine an automated analysis of the data on the ID (looking for inconsistencies between the printed data and the data encoded in the bar code) along with other document elements and a manual evaluation by a Jumio document examiner. Authentications may be rejected solely based on the automated evaluation, but every approved ID also receives a manual check to ensure the highest level of quality. The turnaround time for the full authentication process ranges between 90 and 120 seconds although in most use cases, the customer continues the process while the authentication runs in the background. Jumio also provides the option to capture an image of the applicants face and match it against the picture on the ID to ensure that the individual presenting the ID is the person featured on it. This selfie capability is certainly future looking (and well aligned with Millennials current habits) although it is not relied upon as a primary driver of the authentication decision by most banks today. Netverify can be deployed through an SDK in native mobile apps or through desktop and mobile Web browsers. The product also supports the ability to capture trailing documents like utility bills or bank statements, which may be needed for other steps in the account opening process. Source: Mercator Advisory Group, Inc., Mobile Account Opening: Adjusting to a New Normal, January, 2016. Today, the mobile channel contributes a small trickle of new accounts for most banks. Within a few years, it will be a flood, comments Alex Johnson, Director, Credit Advisory Service at Mercator Advisory Group and the author of the research report. Changing consumer behaviors suggest an important role for mobile account opening moving forward, the question is when and how financial institutions should respond. About Jumio Jumio is a leading identity management and credentials company that helps businesses reduce fraud and increase revenue while providing a fast, seamless customer experience. The company utilizes proprietary computer vision technology to reduce customer sign-up and checkout friction and verify credentials issued from over 120 countries in real-time web and mobile transactions. Jumios products are leveraged by a wide range of clients; from the leading internet companies to start-ups, Fortune 500 and FTSE 350 organizations in the financial services, sharing economy, retail, travel and online gaming sectors. Jumio is backed by top tier investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Citi Ventures and Facebook Co-Founder Eduardo Saverin. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Jumio operates globally, with offices in the US and Europe, and has been the recipient of numerous awards for innovation from leading industry associations. For more information, visit http://www.jumio.com/ Melanie Notkin, founder and CEO of Savvy Auntie, the multiplatform lifestyle brand for aunts and godmothers, has revealed the SAVVY AUNTIE COOLEST TOY AWARDS - TOY FAIR 2016. While Notkin has announced an annual list of coolest toy awards at the holiday season since 2009, for the first time, Notkin has added a preview list of coolest toys discovered at Toy Fair. Toy Fair NY (February 13-16, 2016) is produced by the Toy Industry Association. While many toy marketers and toy lists focus on primary caregivers, Notkin created the Savvy Auntie Coolest Toy Awards to give aunts and all secondary caregivers the toy-savvy they need to make the best gift choices for the children in their lives. Savvy Aunties may be secondary caregivers, but they are primary gift givers. The inaugural list of SAVVY AUNTIE COOLEST TOY AWARDS - TOY FAIR 2016 offers savvy gift-givers the opportunity to get a head start on knowing which toys the children in their lives will be coveting when the toys are available later in 2016. Notkin looked for toys that are fresh and innovative, and as the award suggests, cool. Her awardees list includes toys from the largest toy makers like Mattel and Spin Master, to startups like the crowd-funded iBesties. The awardees feature some of the 2016 trends in play, including: coding; robotics; latest technology; makers; blind bag surprises; and girl empowerment. Gift-givers will also spot nostalgic toys modernized for Generation Z on the list. The 2016 winners are also listed at http://SavvyAuntie.com SAVVY AUNTIE COOLEST TOYS AWARDS TOY FAIR 2016 Ages 3+ Fisher-Price: Think & Learn Code-A-Pillar - Fall 2016 Why Savvy Auntie loves it: Like reading and counting, coding is now becoming part of preschooler learning and development. Fisher-Price has developed a seamless way to help the youngest children learn how to code, while also helping their new buddy navigate the playroom! Imagine the satisfaction on a childs face when he or she realizes they are in control of how their Code-a-Pillar moves! From Fisher-Price: The Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar is a caterpillar that encourages experimentation while developing coding, sequencing and critical thinking skills. Preschoolers can arrange Code-A-Pillars easy-to-connect segments in endless combinations to send Code-a-Pillar on his path: forward, left, right, or even wait for a couple seconds before moving again. Kids can configure the segments in such a way that the Code-A-Pillar can reach targets they set up throughout the room. When kids connect the segments to make Code-A-Pillar move -thats sequencing! When they figure out a sequence that will create a path for Code-A-Pillar to reach a target, thats programming (and problem solving, too)! Its all codingand its all fun! Includes 8 light-up segments, motorized head segment with lights, sounds and blinking eyes, and 2 targets. 4 AA batteries required. Additional segment add-ons sold separately. A companion app will expand on the learning & fun with the Code-a-Pillar facing new challenges the child has to plan & sequence and gets to overt learning like counting & patterning. MSRP: $49.99 Wicked Cool Toys: Cabbage Patch Kids So Real Baby - Fall 2016 Why Savvy Auntie loves it: There are a few techno-driven baby dolls comings to market in 2016, but the Cabbage Patch Kids Baby So Real is really special. Wicked Cool Toys has teamed up with Seebo, an innovative technology company, to develop a baby doll that needs a childs attention to feed her, make her feel better when shes sick, sooth her when she cries, put her to bed when shes tired, and play with her when she awakens. The bond between this baby doll and its mommy or daddy, along with seeing the child develop nurturing skills and empathy, will be wonderful to watch. From Wicked Cool Toys: Cabbage Patch Kids (CPK) Baby So Real allows you to enjoy one of the most magical and interactive experiences in the baby doll category. These life-like babies combine traditional play patterns with groundbreaking technology. Baby So Reals interactive sweet baby sounds and random reactions are designed to surprise and delight. With your touch, Baby So Real comes to life with beautifully animated LCD eyes that open, close and look around. Loaded with realistic features that encourage interactive nurturing play, Baby So Real has sensors for peek-a-boo and tickle play feeding from a special bottle, burping, diaper changing, and rocking to sleep. If your baby should develop a fever, you can calm those red cheeks by administering TLC from a magical spoon. Just like the original Cabbage Patch Kids, Baby So Real is soft and cuddly with removable clothes. And for advanced play, Baby So Real has its own free app that allows your phone or tablet to simulate a baby monitor. The online mode allows you to see the virtual nursery where you can play with your baby, feed, diaper burp and administer TLC. You can also play games, watch video clips and earn baby points for additional virtual accessories and new features. Baby So Real comes with a fully removable outfit and diaper, a special interactive bottle and medicine spoon, birth certificate and adoption papers and a free baby monitor style app for additional virtual play. MSRP $99.99 Ages 4+ Wonder Forge: Disney Imagicademy Storymation Studio: Fall 2016 Why Savvy Auntie loves it: Wonder Forge has a knack for developing games that are truly original and innovative, while helping develop the preschool and young student mind. Storymation Studio, the stop motion movie kit, stops us in our tracks (no pun intended!) when we saw it at Toy Fair. While Wonder Forge released a version of the toy in 2015, the second generation coming later this year allows for much more flexibility and creativity for kids - and a lower price-point. While it comes with Disney characters, were sure kids will add their own favorite toy mini figures, or create their own movie characters with cardboard and markers. The app even allows for a title image so kids can introduce their movies. From Wonder Forge: Its a stop motion movie kit for children! Kids get creative with a collection of Disney characters, backgrounds, clay, and costume molds! With the free, easy-to-use Storymation Studio animation app, children will be making their own animated masterpieces inspired by their favorite Disney films! MSRP $19.99 Ages 5+ Spin Master: Hatchimal -: Fall 2016 This one is a secret! Lucky Savvy Auntie got a sneak peek at Toy Fair and weve promised to keep it a surprise! Wait until you see the magic and enthralling experience hatching from Spin Master this fall. MSRP $59.99 Ages 6+ Mattel: DC Super Hero Girls Action Dolls - Spring 2016 Why Savvy Auntie loves it: We almost want to say: What took so long? The DC Super Hero Girls are absolutely beautiful and diverse, muscular and powerful. Any gift giver will be a super hero for giving any one or all of these action hero fashion dolls to a child. Let them create their own heros journey! From Mattel: Inspired by a new interpretation of iconic DC Comics characters in an all new high school setting, who are learning to hone their super powers, girls can explore their own inner heroes with this assortment of dolls designed to lead to Super Hero fun. Fashions include elements from original DC Comics Super Heroes while accessories highlight the characters super powers. Articulation allows for lots of action and Super Hero poses. MSRP $19.99 Mattel: Barbie Hello Dreamhouse - Fall 2016 Why Savvy Auntie loves it: Theres no question that Savvy Auntie loves a Barbie Dreamhouse. And while we gave the latest Barbie Dreamhouse a Savvy Auntie Coolest Toy Award in 2015, this smart house, is beyond our wildest imaginations. Sure, its a high priced luxury pad at nearly $300, but the technology driving this dream of a playhouse is like nothing weve seen before. From Mattel: Go high-tech with the worlds first smart dollhouse -Barbie Hello Dreamhouse! This two-story home has innovative features designed for a modern girl and reflective of the next wave of innovation in the home. Floor sensors recognize where Barbie and her friends are in the house. Embedded speech recognition allows you to control elements of the house, including the slide and elevator. An accompanying app allows further customization. Through a combination of voice commands and embedded switches, kids can imagine, customize, and control their house play. MSRP: $299 iBesties: iBesties Middle School Moguls - Now Why Savvy Auntie loves it: There are a number of cool dolls coming in 2016, but iBesties, a Kickstarter funded toy, is one of the coolest weve seen. iBesties Middle School Moguls is designed to empower any girl to become a leader. From McKenna the Business Boss to Sunny the Coding Queen, with three more iBesties available, each doll inspires leadership and/or STEAM development. They each come with a book with vocabulary words like CEO and Mergers and Acquisitions. But its not all business. Savvy Auntie loves is that each doll comes with fabulous hair and fashions that many FashioNiecetas adore, so it combines girl empowerment with a classic play pattern. From iBesties: These middle-schoolers are the new girls at Mogul Academy an unconventional school run by eccentric billionaire business woman Sherry Rocketsmeller. Each with their own unique talents, the girls find themselves in a high-tech, faced-paced, world of adventure as they work to build businesses, friendships and unforgettable fun! The Middle School Moguls are as diverse as the girls who love them. Distinct in culture, personality and talents, they come from backgrounds that include blended families, bi-racial families, military families and single-parent households. The girls are smart, fun and talented, yet not at all perfect. In fact, thats what makes them such good friends, they can all be real with each other and they always help each other out. Its the combination of all their unique (and sometimes random) personalities that make them the talk of Mogul Academy! $40.00 Ages 8+ WowWee: CHiP - Fall 2016 Why Savvy Auntie loves it: This robot dog is so lovable and loving, youll probably forget hes not a real dog. CHiP is the puppy children are wishing for if they arent able to have a real dog as a pet. Plus, hes easier to take care of then the real thing. Hell even find his bed to go to sleep and recharge so hes ready for the next day of play. From WowWee: CHiP (Canine Home Intelligent Pet) is the ultimate AI Robotic Dog. Based on new Mechatronics, the latest in a combination of wireless technology, telecommunications engineering and a suite of advanced sensors, CHiP is truly the latest and greatest in robotic pets. CHiP recognizes its master and responds to commands using the included SmartBand, a sleek, rechargeable wearable controller. Also, CHiP plays fetch and fun games with the SmartBall, interacting in all the ways a real dog would. CHiP even knows when its time to head to its special SmartBed and recharge. With a 360-degree system of play thats physical, digital and tactile, with an intuitive, evolving app, CHiP is a welcome addition to todays connected home and fun for all ages. MSRP: $199 Moose Toys: SelfieMic - Fall 2016 Why Savvy Auntie loves it: Some tech toys are so high-tech, theres a long learning curve before kids can get to play. The SelfieMic is so simple and fun, combining all the trends kids and teens are into: selfies; lip syncing; social sharing; and the maker trend that its an easy gift choice. From Moose Toys: Combining the love of Selfies with the popular past time of singing karaoke, the SelfieMic allows kids to become a pop star and create their own music videos right from their smartphone. The SelfieMic is a selfie stick with a working karaoke microphone, ear piece, and music app. Kids can record their own voice or lip sync to over three million songs, creating music videos which they can share with their friends! The SelfieMics voice and video effects make anyone sound and look like a star. MSRP: $24.99 Ages 9+ Innovation First: Vex IQ Robotics Construction Set - Now Why Savvy Auntie loves it: Construction paired with robots is a hot trend and Vex is one of the leaders with its latest Vex IQ Construction set. While a high price-point, its endless in its play and learning value. Children can build the models and also build their own robotic creations from the parts. Vex is releasing smaller sets this summer, at under $20, so kids can decide if Vex IQ is the right choice for them before a larger investment. From Innovation First: The VEX IQ Robotics Construction Kit is loaded with advanced robotics technology, including a brain with 12 self-configuring input/output ports, as well as 750+ pieces that include four smart motors, one color sensor, one bumper switch sensor, one touch LED sensor, and built in rotational sensors on the motors. This technology is accessible enough to jump right in and snap these robots together using the intuitive, tool-less pieces. Follow simple step by step instructions to build your first robot, and then take advantage of the unmatched versatility of the VEX IQ system to build anything you can imagine! It comes with a video game style remote control with a rechargeable lithium ion battery, and with two programming software options - Modkit for VEX or ROBOTC, as well as VEX IQ Curriculum that is free for all users. MSRP: $299 ### About Savvy Auntie Founded by Melanie Notkin, Savvy Auntie is the multiplatform lifestyle brand that empowers and engages aunts, serving the PANK Professional Aunt No Kids - demographic discovered and coined by Notkin, and heralded by fabulous kid-loving women everywhere as a modern celebration of Aunthood. Notkin launched SavvyAuntie.com in 2008 and it remains the first and only resource and online community for this demographic. The brand also includes a popular and engaged social media following, Aunties Day - a national day founded by Notkin to honor aunts and godmothers each fourth Sunday in July, and Melanie Notkins national bestseller: Savvy Auntie: The Ultimate Guide for Cool Aunts, Great-Aunts, Godmothers and all Women Who Love Kids (Morrow 2011). As a lifestyle expert, toy expert and a taste-maker for childrens trends, Notkin appears on TV and as a spokesperson for brands. About PANKs Savvy Auntie attracts PANKs, or Professional Aunts No Kids, the term Notkin coined in 2008 for the growing demographic of female consumers who are not moms, by circumstance or choice, and have a special bond with a child in their life. According to the 2012 joint-study entitled: The Power of the PANK, by Savvy Auntie and Weber Shandwick, there are 23 million PANKs in North America. PANKs spend $9 billion each year on nieces and nephews, baseline just one child per PANK. A whopping 76% of PANKs spend over $500 per niece and nephew, per year. For additional information on the Savvy Auntie Coolest Toy Awards or press / on-air and talent inquiries: Press(at)SavvyAuntie(dot)com. 43434517_BusinessolverLOGO.jpg Businessolver, a leading SaaS-based benefits administration technology provider, completed a successful 2015 with significant business momentum Businessolver(R), a leading SaaS-based benefits administration technology provider, completed a successful 2015 with significant business momentum, fueled by accelerating client wins, new product capabilities related to Affordable Care Act ("ACA") reporting and geographic expansion, supported by key hires. The company also showcased its thought leadership activities through its multi-city Vision 20/15 Tour, which provided industry leading content on employee benefits technology and other HR trends. 2015 Highlights Continued its multi-year track record of generating average annual revenue growth of approximately 35 percent combined with strong profitability, and further solidified its position as an industry leader. Supported on average more than 25,000 unique users per day to choose their medical and other benefit elections during the open enrollment period in the fourth quarter of 2015, an increase of 25 percent from the previous year. Grew its employee base approximately 30 percent, with over 550 full-time employees as of December 31, 2015. Launched the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Compliance Suite(SM) and was one of the first vendors approved by the Internal Revenue Service to transmit data electronically on behalf of clients. Client Expansion Businessolver's client roster saw impressive, high-profile additions in several sectors including, but not limited to: retail, technology, publishing, healthcare, education and financial services. These additions included a 30,000 employee restaurant hospitality company, a 5,000 employee online social networking company and an 8,000 employee digital marketing and content provider. "Our company mission is clear: grow our business and delight our clients. I'm proud to say that we accomplished both of these objectives in 2015, building further trust with our current clients and adding many new impressive companies to the fold," said Jon Shanahan, President and CEO of Businessolver. Leading ACA Solutions Provider Employers' growing anxieties over the looming 2016 ACA requirements drove increased interest in Businessolver's new integrated ACA Compliance Suite introduced in 2015. The software helps both large and small employers comply with new healthcare mandates and includes status tracking and reporting features that collect required data, all delivered in a streamlined, plain-language format. Underscoring the increasing interest in the complexities of ACA compliance as well as Businessolver's sector leadership, over 2,000 participants attended a Businessolver and Employee Benefit News ("EBN")-sponsored webinar in September that addressed ACA issues. New Partnerships Over the past year, Businessolver strengthened its market position with the addition of several strategic HR technology partners. Most recently, Businessolver announced a strategic partnership with employee communications and engagement leader Guidespark to further the ease and understanding of benefits selection for employees. Through this partnership, Businessolver will embed Guidespark's video content and engagement platform directly within Businessolver's SaaS-based benefits administration platform. Additionally, Businessolver bolstered its partnership with eHealth, the nation's first and largest private health insurance exchange, to provide health insurance options for employees not eligible for employer-sponsored coverage and an alternative for those who are COBRA-eligible. In addition to the partnerships with Guidespark and eHealth, Businessolver expanded its strategic alliance with Cornerstone OnDemand and joined Ultimate Software's UltiPro Developer Network (UDN). Businessolver expects further announcements in 2016 regarding future partnerships to extend the reach of its benefits technology platform. Industry Thought Leadership Businessolver spotlighted its industry-leading knowledge and expertise about employee benefits technology administration and trends during its multi-city Vision 20/15 Tour. At the well-attended events, HR professionals received first-hand information about trends in benefits, technology and human resources. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage with influential and forward-thinking voices in leadership, personal development and the insurance industry as well as network and share best practices with other HR peers. The tour was sponsored by Businessolver in conjunction with Discovery Benefits, Voya Financial and Transamerica. The company will be kicking off its Vision 20/16 Tour in April 2016. Increased Operational and Market Reach Businessolver continues to augment its talent base both in Des Moines and Denver. Dave Moore, a five-year veteran of Businessolver, was appointed Vice President of North American Sales to lead the company's rapid expansion of its salesforce. In the past year, the company has more than doubled its salesforce and solidified its commitment to a national coast-to-coast presence with the addition of personnel in key markets including New England, Southern California, Florida, Ohio and Tennessee. Supporting this expansion is the addition of Sue Boland-Harter as Vice President of Solutions and Exchanges, with 20 years of benefits experience she will manage the company's innovative private exchange strategies. Looking Ahead Businessolver started the year off in a position of strength and is poised to hold that position throughout the year. "Over the course of 2016, we will not be taking our foot off the pedal, we'll be announcing several strategic initiatives both related to our product offerings, new philanthropic efforts with the Businessolver Foundation and further expansion of our offices in Des Moines and Denver. We're planning further expansion geographically, with an emphasis on the east coast," said Shanahan. "In the coming year, we will demonstrate growth with purpose, and continue to differentiate ourselves with a technology with heart approach to our stakeholders." ### About Businessolver Businessolver is a leading benefits administration technology provider combining configurable SaaS technology with a high-touch service model to deliver a powerful benefits technology solution. The company's benefits administration solution automates complex processes associated with benefits management, including enrollment and eligibility, billing and financial reporting, as well as benefits reporting and analytics. The company also offers solutions beyond typical benefits administration, including ACA compliance and private exchange solutions. Over seven million employees, retirees, COBRA participants and their covered dependents now rely on Businessolver technology and services to manage, their benefits. For more information please contact: Sam Randall Edelman Public Relations Email: Sam.Randall(at)edelman.com Phone: 312.240.2771